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This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Tips for Better High School Senior Portraits, Pentax Full Frame DSLR Coming this Spring, It's Time to Reinvent the Wedding, Free Photo Plus Expo Pass from Red River Paper- all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - Petapixel reports: New Pentax Full Frame DSLR Teaser Site Says Camera Coming in Spring 2016: "Ricoh has put up a new teaser page for its upcoming full frame Pentax DSLR. Back in February 2015, Ricoh announced that the camera would arrive by the end of the year. It looks like that date got pushed back a bit, as the website now says the debut will happen in Spring of 2016."

In other news, "Reports State Canon Working on a New 24-70mm f2.8 L IS Lens." The Phoblographer reports: "Canon's lineup of lenses currently includes both a 24-70mm f4 L IS and a 24-70mm f2.8 L USM-but no f2.8 version with IS built in. There were rumors being passed about this for a while now due to a patent, but Canon Rumors and Photo Rumors are saying that it's a very strong possibility that we may see one in the near future. With Tamron, Tokina and Nikon all having their own version, it just makes sense."

Story #1 - "5 Tips for High School Senior Portraits"

Personally, I really like shooting high school senior portraits. I learn stuff from these kids. The ideas they bring to the photo shoot help me become a better photographer. And in return, I can help capture this important moment in their life. Here are five tips to help you get the best shots possible.

  • Find the right location
  • Insist on wardrobe options
  • Get your lighting act together
  • Help them with posing
  • Capture a variety of poses

bridal-poker-chip.jpg

Story #2 - Reinvent the Wedding

You may have noticed a new tab on The Digital Story nav bar labeled Weddings. What's up with that? Well, I've stepped back and had a close look at wedding photography. And this new site, Reinvent the Wedding is a refreshed approach to capturing the pinnacle of social events. I discuss the details in today's second feature story.

Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Creating Black-and-White Landscape Photos with Lightroom with Taz Tally.

You can watch Taz in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Taz's movies, plus every other title in the library.

Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

Virtual Camera Club News

A Word from SizzlPix

The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

Note from Red River Paper - Red River Paper is proud to be exhibiting at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo, October 22-24, at the Javits Center in New York City, and we hope to see you there. Look for them in booth 1158. And if you don't have a Expo pass yet, you can get one for free from RRP.

Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Download the Show

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (37 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Sony Alpha a7S II, Custom White Balance, Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 for M4/3, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Hands On - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Weekly Update - "The Mitakon Speedmaster 25mm f/0.95 Lens: "An ultra-fast prime lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 50mm for the MFT system. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it perfect for low light conditions without flash. The lens weighs 0.51 pounds and is 2.5 inches long. Despite the light weight, the optic incorporates 11 elements in 9 groups, including 1 Extra-low dispersion element, 4 Extra-high Refractive Index elements, and 2 High Refractive index elements. Also, 11 aperture blades."

Note however, that the manufacturer warns that this optic is not compatible with the Olympus E-PL6, E-PL5, E-PM2, and OM-D E-M5 Mark I (Mark II is compatible). Set price is $395 from the manufacturer's site with free shipping, which should start in late October.

sony-a7s-2-front.jpg

In other news, "Sony Alpha a7S II records 4K internally, shoots up to ISO 409,600." DP Review reports: "Sony has introduced the Alpha 7S II, a second iteration of its video-centric Alpha 7S. The a7S II adds a wealth of videography features, including the ability to record 4K footage internally with full pixel read-out. Its full-frame 12MP sensor features an expanded ISO range of 50 up to 409,600 (100-102,400 native). Sony's in-body 5-axis image stabilization has also been added, introduced with the Sony a7 II." Other features include:

  • 2.36m-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
  • 3.0" 1,228,800-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
  • Up to 5 fps Shooting and ISO 409600
  • Fast Intelligent AF, 169 AF Points
  • Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC

The price has gone up $500 from the previous model to $2,999 for body only. It's scheduled for release on Sept. 17, 2015.

Story #1 - "Custom White Balance"

Because I've started streaming images from the camera to my iPad for immediate review and posting, color accuracy has become even more important than before. I review some of my tips for capturing the best color possible in-camera.

Story #2 - Hands On with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II

I've had the camera in hand for a week now, and it is a different experience compared to the original E-M10. Aside from the enhanced feature set that I discussed earlier, the physical interaction has changed considerably. Here's what jumped out at me.

  • Right side grip makes it easier to shoot with one hand.
  • Mode dial is now on the right side. I don't see an advantage to that.
  • Fn3 function button added to the left side.
  • Power on switch now on top deck, left side.
  • Raised shutter release button is more comfortable, but it's also easier to accidentally change the exposure compensation.
  • Playback button moved to the lower right of the back panel.
  • Battery remains the same size and with good life.
  • Overall looks a bit more stylish.
  • Frame rate refresh needs to be set to High in the Mark II for an equivalent experience.
  • Flash popup lever is now part of the power switch.
  • The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is available now for $649.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Lightroom CC Essential Training (2015) with Chris Orwig.

    You can watch Chris in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Chris' movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Story #4 - Rocky Nook Evangelist Program

    You can read all about the new program on the Evangelist landing page. Highlights include: early access to eBooks and 5 free print books per year. Plus other goodies such as T-Shirts and coupons. What you need to bring to the table is an online community to share your reviews with. If you have that, then take a look at this cool new program.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    A Word from SizzlPix

    The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

    SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return your SizzlPix for a full refund!

    Idea from Red River Paper - Do you know a Scrapbooker? Red River Paper has a page dedicated to those who love making scrapbooks, including a link to their Scrapbooker's sampler for only $14.99.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Canon's 250-million-pixel imaging sensor, C-Clamps 'n Things, The Reciprocal Rule of Shutter Speeds - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Canon Develops 250-Megapixel Sensor" Photography Blog reports: "Canon is developing an APS-H-size CMOS sensor incorporating approximately 250 million pixels. With CMOS imagers, increases in pixel counts result in increased signal volume, which can cause such problems as signal delays and slight discrepancies in timing. The new Canon-developed CMOS sensor, however, despite its exceptionally high pixel count, achieves an ultra-high signal readout speed of 1.25 billion pixels per second, made possible through such advancements as circuit miniaturization and enhanced signal-processing technology."

    And then Amateur Photographer adds on: "Canon Europe is developing a 250-million-pixel imaging sensor designed to be capable of distinguishing the lettering on the side of a plane around 11 miles (18km) away."

    In other news, Amateur Photographer posts: "Olympus Japan suspends sales of OM-D E-M10 Mark II" - Olympus Japan has suspended sales of its new OM-D E-M10 Mark II owing to an apparent glitch with the lens mount when using plastic-mount lenses. Olympus Europe has yet to respond to a request for comment and Amateur Photographer will publish an official statement when one becomes available.

    Story #1 - The Reciprocal Rule of Shutter Speeds

    I read an article about the reciprocal rule on The Photoblographer, and I thought it would be a good idea to cover that ground here too. Because image stabilization has become so effective, we don't cover the reciprocal rule as much as we used to. But I still find myself in many situations without IS, such as shooting with the Olympus Air. Plus, applying this rule with image stabilization helps ensure sharp images. The basics go like this (as posted on The Photoblographer):

    • In order to achieve a stable image that is devoid of camera shake, you must shoot at a shutter speed that is the reciprocal of the minimum of the field of view.
    • What does that mean? If you're using a 100mm lens on a full frame 35mm sensor/film body, then you need to shoot at at least 1/100th to produce an image that contains no camera shake when shooting handheld.
    • If you're shooting with a 100mm lens on an APS-C sensor that has a 1.5x crop factor, then you need to shoot at 1/150th at a minimum. Here, the crop factor is taking into consideration.
    • If you're shooting with a 100mm lens on an APS-C sensor that has a 1.6x crop factor, then you need to shoot at 1/160th at a minimum. Here the crop factor is also taken into consideration.
    • Micro Four Thirds shooters need to shoot with a 100mm lens at a minimum of 1/200th because of the crop factor.

    I talk about this in today's first feature story.

    c-clamps-in-things.jpg

    Story #2 - "C-Clamps and Things"

    Since I've been shooting with the Olympus Air A01, I've been digging around in my box of c-clamps that I typically use for my various flash rigs. Doing so has had me thinking how much fun it is to rig up shooting and lighting contraptions. I talk a bit about this in today's second feature.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Exploring Photography: Exposure and Dynamic Range with Ben Long.

    You can watch Ben in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Ben's movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    A Word from SizzlPix

    The 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix is the upgrade now in general release on all orders, so you can display your best photography in sizes from 18-inches to 6-feet with resolution and realism one expects only from the small screens on handheld phones and pads. SizzlPix clients say, contrary to expectation, resolution seems to increase as their photos grow larger!

    SizzlPix invites photographers to order a print from the assembly-line plants, and a 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix from the same image. Compare them side by side. They've never ONCE had a client declare they liked the mass-produced print better. If yours is the first, you may return their SizzlPix for a full refund!

    Idea from Red River Paper

    Do you know a Scrapbooker? Red River Paper has a page dedicated to those who love making scrapbooks, including a link to their Scrapbooker's sampler for only $14.99.

    Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - A new 528-page guide by Darrell Young and James Johnson cover every feature of this superb mirrorless camera by Olympus. You can get 40 percent off the eBook price by using discount code: omdm540 at www.rockynook.com.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (37 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Is the U.S. Ready for the Canon EOS M3?, Be Kind to DSLR Shooters, 39 MP Jpegs with the Sigma DP1 Quattro, Is Apple the Most Important Camera Company? - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Thinking Outside the Square: Support for Landscape and Portrait Formats on Instagram" Instagram reports: "Today, we're excited to announce that -- in addition to square posts -- you can now share photos and videos in both portrait and landscape orientation on Instagram. Square format has been and always will be part of who we are. That said, the visual story you're trying to tell should always come first, and we want to make it simple and fun for you to share moments just the way you want to. It turns out that nearly one in five photos or videos people post aren't in the square format, and we know that it hasn't been easy to share this type of content on Instagram."

    instagram-horizontal.jpg

    In other news, PetaPixel posts: The One Thing Apple Understands is Photography - "Photos and video are the currency of social media. The iPhone prints this currency. There are better smartphone cameras, but not a better ecosystem. And if the rumors are true, the iPhone 6s will continue to trailblaze with a 12MP camera, 4K video, and who knows what other behind-the-scenes improvements to its processing algorithm.

    Traditional camera manufacturers can try to evolve, but they are at a distinct disadvantage by not being Internet-enabled devices. Imagine if your Nikon or Canon point and shoot could run Instagram and wirelessly connect to the Internet. Would a material percentage of 2014's 1.5 billion smartphone purchasers choose these dedicated cameras? Very possibly enough to alter the downward growth trajectory."

    Story #1 - Is the U.S. Ready for the Canon EOS M3?

    Earlier this year, when Canon released the EOS M3 mirrorless camera in Europe and Asia, some wondered why not a worldwide rollout including the United States? Well, in October, that changes. The EOS M3 is coming to the U.S. Now the question is, is the U.S. ready for the M3? I explore this topic in the first feature of today's show.

    Story #2 - "39 MP Jpegs with the Sigma DP1 Quattro"

    I've been testing the Sigma DP1 Quattro that has a 28mm equivalent with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, 9 blades, and 9 elements in 8 groups. The DP1 features a 14-bit, 19.6 MP X3 APS-C Foveon sensor that captures its information using a three-layer design. This is a different approach than the mosaic Bayer filter other cameras use to interpolate the color. And when I look at the processed RAW files from the DP Quattros, I do notice a film-like difference in color and gradation.

    Because of the 3-layer Foveon design, you can create 39.3 MP Jpegs at a crazy resolution of 7680 x 5120. If you want to capture in RAW, then the DP1 allows in-camera processing to make 39.3 MP Jpegs from those RAW files. I explain more in today's second feature story.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Up and Running with Google Photos with Nick Brazzi.

    You can watch Nick in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Nick's movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Story #4 - Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II - A new 528-page guide by Darrell Young and James Johnson cover every feature of this superb mirrorless camera by Olympus. You can get 40 percent off the eBook price by using discount code: omdm540 at www.rockynook.com.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    Notice from Red River Paper - For years, 60lb. Pecos River Gloss has been your best choice for glossy inkjet printable card stock. Its smooth glossy surface and plain paper back make it uniquely suited for printing greeting, note, and thank you cards.

    Due to issues with the source paper mill - base stock and coating inconsistency - we have chosen to discontinue 60lb. Pecos River Gloss. We feel you deserve the best in terms of quality and consistency. Therefore, the current stock of 60lb. Pecos River Gloss will be the last available.

    Because 60lb. Pecos River Gloss is such an important product, a replacement is on the way.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: The Inside Scoop on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, Eye-Fi for WiFi Cameras? Apple RAW Update - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Modulo Camera Promises Unlimited Dynamic Range" The Photography Blog reports: "The new solution, developed by MIT researchers, gets around the limited well capacity of conventional sensors by resetting the sensor capacitors whenever the 'well' gets full, and uses an inverse modulo algorithm to calculate how much light the reset sensors took in. This algorithm recovers a much larger dynamic range. For example, if a certain camera sensor can record eight bits of information, then when those eight bits are filled, the capacitor will be reset to zero. The number of resets is recovered by the algorithm, which then calculates the relative brightness of each area of the photo. Interested readers are encouraged to visit the project's website and read the technical paper published by the researchers."

    In other news, the Phoblographer posts: Reports of Sony's New APS-C E Mount Camera Boast 4K 30fps Stills - "The Sony A6000 is a great camera, but apparently there is something coming that won't succeed the camera but instead live above it as the company's flagship APS-C E mount camera. Mirrorless Rumors states even more beyond what they were telling us, and this time around these reports claim that the camera will have a 2.8 million dot EVF and many more video-centric features. Besides mic input support, the camera is said to have a 30 fps 4K photo mode similar to what Panasonic offers with their latest cameras. Plus, even more video-centric features will be added according to what the reports state."

    e-m10-mark2-top.jpg

    Story #1 - The Inside Scoop on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

    Olympus has upgraded both the interior and exterior of the very popular OM-D E-M10. The new model still retains the 16MP Four Thirds sensor and very compact body. Beyond that, however, the dials and body have been upgraded with premium components. And under the hood, we see better image stabilization and more versatile movie options. Here's an overview of the improvements.

    How is it different than the original?

    • Upgraded image stabilization: 3-axis to 5-axis, 4 EV compared to 3.5 EV (the E-M5 Mark II has 5 EV steps).
    • Added electronic shutter to complement the mechanical shutter.
    • 8.5 fps sequencial shooting compared to 8 fps.
    • Upgraded EVF to 2,360K dots with OLED compared to 1,440K dots in previous model.
    • Full HD upgrade to 60P/50P/30P/25P/24P from straight 30P.
    • Two new Art Filters bringing the total to 14.
    • New AF Targeting Pad.
    • Improved time lapse movie mode to output to 4K, compared to HD previously.
    • Added Keystone Compensation like on the E-M1 and E-M5 Mark II

    Fairly Incredible Feat of Technology

    Olympus was able to squeeze 5-axis image stabilization into a super compact body while still keeping the popup flash. I think the flash is important, not only for spontaneous fill light, but to serve as the wireless controller for off-camera lighting.

    Additionally, the sequential frame rate is now a very respectable 8.5 fps. And Olympus has added the clever AF Targeting Pad that allows you to use the LCD to control AF functionality.

    What the E-M10 Mark II Doesn't Have

    The new model doesn't include weather sealing or 40MP High Rez Shot. Also, movie recording is staying at HD - no 4K video. But the price tag is also $649 compared to more than a thousand for its big brothers. In my estimation, that's a lot of camera for the money.

    Story #2 - "Even if You Have WiFi, Eye-Fi Can be Useful"

    Here's why I sometimes use Eye-Fi cards in my cameras that have built-in WiFi. You can read more about this by visiting c't Digital Photography Magazine.

    Story #3 - Apple adds support for 6 new cameras in its latest Digital Camera RAW update (via Imaging-Resource.com)

    Apple has released the latest version of Digital Camera RAW for OS X Yosemite, adding support for half a dozen cameras. The 6.06 update now supports RAW photos from the following cameras:

    • Canon PowerShot G3 X
    • Leica Q (Typ 116)
    • Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8
    • Sony Alpha A7R II
    • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II
    • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV

    The update can be downloaded by visiting the 'Update' tab in the Mac App Store.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    New Article from Red River Paper - Epson SureColor P800 Reviewed. The Epson SureColor P800 became available in June, 2015. It is the successor to the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. The P800 is a 17" wide professional and prosumer level photo and fine art inkjet printer featuring nine individual ink cartridges with the "UltraChrome HD" pigment ink system. Like the venerable UltraChrome K3 system, the new inkset uses five color ink cartridges along with three black ones.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (28 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: 10 Pro Posing Tips from Roberto Valenzuela, Is Now the Time to Buy the Panasonic GM5?, Hair light Hair Light, Epson SureColor P800 Reviewed - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Nikon P900 Review" (Phenomenal zoom range from 24mm wide-angle to 2000mm super-telephoto). Imaging Resource reports: "All told, this camera is simply a great value. Yes, it has obvious limitations and trade-offs that accompany any long-zoom fixed lens camera as of this writing, but it does enough well at this price to warrant the "great value" seal from us here at IR. If you're shooting wildlife or similar outdoor subject matter and need the best zoom range currently offered in an all-in-one package at a great price, this is the best option out there and certainly earns a Dave's Pick.."

    In other news, PetaPixel asks: "Is Shooting 4K Resolution Worth It for Web Video?" "So if you're producing web video, you may actually be better served by a superior 1080p camera this time," Linus concludes, "because lenses, encoding settings, codecs, sensor size, and sensor quality all impact the finished product." However, not everyone necessarily agrees with what he has to say about the matter.

    posing-tips.jpg

    Story #1 - 10 Posing Tips from Roberto Valenzuela

    I sat in on Roberto's class at Photoshop World in Las Vegas. And I have some wonderful posing tips to share with you from his session.

    • Don't fight the body.
    • Don't move limbs past their threshold.
    • Do a plane check. What does the camera see first.
    • Eyes looking away allow the viewer to enjoy the photo easier.
    • Straighten the spine right before taking the shot - 5 second rule.
    • Fingers need to be pointing the same way.
    • Keep your energy up, so they will have energy.
    • Right angles are strength, oblique angles are elegant.
    • Make a fist, then relax it. Use the relaxed fingers for the pose.
    • Elbows pointing down, not toward the camera.

    If you want more detail about these tips, check out his "Perfect Posing" article in the Summer edition of c't Digital Photography Magazine

    Story #2 - "Is Now the Time to Buy a Panasonic GM5?" -

    There's been a $200 price drop on the Panasonic Lumix GM5 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera with 12-32mm Lens, bringing the kit price down to $698. The 12-32mm Mega OIS zoom is worth $350 by itself. Just to refresh, here are the highlight features of this camera:

    • 16MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
    • 3.0" 921k-Dot LCD and 1,166k-Dot EVF
    • Full HD 1080p Video at 60 fps
    • Contrast-Detection Autofocus
    • Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity
    • Highly Compact Magnesium Alloy Body
    • External Flash Hot Shoe & Included Flash

    In all honesty, it's one of the nice super compacts you can buy. DPReview gave it a Silver Award. And being able to use your interchangeable MFT lenses with it... nice combo. I discuss in today's first feature story.

    Story #3 - Are You Lighting the Hair as Well as the Face?

    When we're shooting portraits, most photographers take great care with creating a flattering light on the subject's face. But I've learned over the years that adding light to the hair really makes these images pop. Here are some of my favorite techniques.

    Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Black and White with Lightroom and Photoshop with Bryan O'Neil Hughes.

    You can watch Bryan in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Bryan's movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    New Article from Red River Paper - Epson SureColor P800 Reviewed. The Epson SureColor P800 became available in June, 2015. It is the successor to the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. The P800 is a 17" wide professional and prosumer level photo and fine art inkjet printer featuring nine individual ink cartridges with the "UltraChrome HD" pigment ink system. Like the venerable UltraChrome K3 system, the new inkset uses five color ink cartridges along with three black ones.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (29 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Golden Age of Cameras, Senior Portraits at Taco Bell, Perfect Browse 9.5, Sigma 24mm f/1.4 prime - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "This app is the nightmare of wedding photographers brought to life". Imaging Resource reports: "Wedding photographers might want to look away. A new app called Ceremony is looking to crowdsource wedding photography using guests and their smartphones. Available for download on iOS and Android, Ceremony allows couples to set up a dedicated event in the app and invite guests to join via an email or custom URL."

    In other news, PetaPixel reports: "Photographer Shoots High Schooler's Senior Portraits at Taco Bell - Missouri-based photographer Brendan Batchelor recently received a strange photo shoot request: a high school senior named Brittany Nicole Creech wanted to shoot senior portraits at a local Taco Bell. In addition to being published across the Web and being shared thousands of times on social media, Creech also succeeded in getting Taco Bell's attention. If Creech does end up with a successful career in modeling or acting, she has photographer Brendan Batchelor and a set of Taco Bell senior portraits to thank!

    Story #1 - "The Golden Age of Cameras" -

    I just read a fun post at The Online Photographer titled, I Love Today's Cameras. I thought the author, Mike Johnston, made some terrific points. And in a lot of ways, I agree with him. So, are we in the golden age of cameras? I talk about that in today's first segment.

    Story #2 - Perfect Browse 9.5 by OnOne Software

    We worked with Perfect Browse at our Moving from Aperture workshop. It's fantastic as a front end to Lightroom, or just about any photo editing app. Here's why we liked it so much.

    sigma-24mm-front-web.jpg

    Story #3 - The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Prime (for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma)

    Sigma continues its appealing hot streak in the Art lens category with the 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM ($849). This hefty hunk of glass weighs in at 1.46 pounds and is 3.55″ long. Mounts are available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma. We tested the Canon version on a full frame 5D Mark II.

    Aside from its remarkable f/1.4 maximum aperture (no easy feat with a 24mm), the Sigma features 9 aperture blades, fast autofocusing, 15 elements in 11 groups, and a 77mm front filter thread. The build is solid with a well-damped manual focusing ring, which has real-time override. The AF/MF switch is on the left side of the barrel. Kit includes deluxe case, lens hood, and front and back caps. I talk about my first impressions in the second story of today's podcast.

    Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Video for Photographers 01: Filmmaking Essentials with Eduardo Angel.

    You can watch Eduardo in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Eduardo movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    Update from SizzlPix - Our product improvement to 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix has brought on cost increases requiring our raising prices for the first time since launching SizzlPix over 5 years ago.

    TDS listeners can avoid the new prices by selecting favorite images and ordering over the next few weeks, ahead of the announcement. All the benefits and warranties remain, including free mini samples on request, no payment requested until their image is approved by our engineers for 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix quality, and even no payment at all until February 2016 with PayPal credit, plus our full guarantee of satisfaction.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show - MP3 Version

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (33 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: Arca Swiss Love, Olympus Air First Impressions, Ringo Starr Publishes a Book of Photos - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Seeing the unseeable: Fujifilm releases infrared version of its flagship X-T1 camera". Imaging Resource reports: "Fujifilm has thrown the photography world a curveball. Today, the Japanese photography company introduced an infrared version of its flagship X-T1 mirrorless camera, the X-T1 IR.

    Similar in every other regard to its sibling, the X-T1 IR's sensor captures different light from the electromagnetic spectrum, including ultraviolet, infrared, and visible. Specifically, Fujifilm states it captures between 380nm to 1,000nm, much more than the human eye (approximately 390 and 700nm) or other sensors are capable of capturing.

    In other news... "Ringo Starr Talks to Conan About His Photos During the Beatles Years" PetaPixel reports: "Earlier this year, former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr made an appearance on Conan O'Brien's late night talk show. One of the subjects discussed during the interview was Starr's new photo book, titled Photograph, which contains rare and unseen photos captured by Ringo during his childhood, his years in The Beatles, and beyond. In the 2.5-minute clip above, Ringo shares about a few of the photos in the book, which will be released on September 21st for $35."

    arca-swiss-setup.jpg

    Story #1 - "Arca Swiss Love" -

    I now have Arca Swiss compatible heads on all of my tripods. For my sticks that didn't originally ship with these plates, I've replaced the heads with Joby Ballhead X ($59) that has panning adjustment in addition to the bullhead itself. My latest tripod, the Induro Grand Turismo ships with an Arca Swiss compatible head that's absolutely wonderful.

    Then, for added convenience, many of my cameras have Arca plate type grips, so I don't even have to attach a QR plate to mount the camera. For my DSLRs, I use the Joby UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate ($35), so I can slide the camera into the tripod mount at any time. For the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, I use the Olympus External Metal Grip ECG-2 ($149) that is totally Arca Swiss compatible. I explain the details of this approach in today's first feature story.

    olympus-air-iphone-5s.jpg

    Story #2 - The Olympus Air A01 First Impressions - I've just spent the afternoon playing with the new Olympus Air 16MP MFT smartphone camera. And I have to say, it's a blast. Highlight features include:

    • Terrific image quality
    • Accepts the entire MFT lens catalog
    • Up to 1/16,000 second shutter speed at 10 frames per second
    • Fast connectivity and good realtime performance with my iPhone 5S
    • Excellent mounting system, very comfortable to hold
    • Tripod socket and wrist strap included
    • Nice selection of iOS apps available with lots of features
    • Feels like a real camera
    • Reasonable $299 price tag

    There are a few compromises because of the super compact size. There's no sensor based stabilization, but you can use optical stabilization with Panasonic lenses. And you don't get the state of the art electronic sensor cleaning that you do with other Olympus cameras.

    But I have to say, those compromises seem small compared to what you do get with this incredible little camera. More on this in the second feature of today's show.

    Story #3 - From the Screening Room - Photoshop CC Essential Training (2015) with Julieanne Kost.

    You can watch Julieanne in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Julieanne's movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show - MP3 Version

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: 5 Must Have Micro Four Thirds Lenses, Dropbox for Photographers, Shooting 4K Video for Still Images, Tips for a Gallery Showing - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "Flickr brings back Pro account option" DP Review reports: "With the return of new Pro subscriptions, Flickr has rolled out a few new features. Pro accounts now include 'improved stats' and a revamped interface for viewing analytics, ad-free viewing of your own and others' photos and a 20% discount on Adobe Creative Cloud's Photography plan for yearly subscribers (annual Pro plans only). However, new Pro plans no longer come with unlimited storage, as new subscribers are subject to the same 1TB cap applied to free accounts.

    Flickr Pro is offered for to those who currently don't have a Pro plan for $5.99/month or $49.99/year. So what happens to existing paid Flickr accounts? Flickr's 'ad-free' plan subscribers will be upgraded automatically to Pro status at no extra cost. Existing Pro members will also be upgraded, keeping their current pricing for two years and their unlimited photo storage. "

    In other news... "Shooting 4K Video for Still Photographs: A Quick Test" PetaPixel reports: "At 30 frames a second, I had a lot to choose from. I imported the clip into FCP X. I put the clip in the browser window and expanded it to full screen. I could shuttle through and also go frame by frame using the right or left arrows. Once I had the frame I wanted I chose to "share" as a still image. You have the option of a TIFF or JPEG. I chose JPEG and imported it into Aperture to do some final tweaking and cropping."

    lens-trio.jpg

    Story #1 - "5 Must Have Micro Four Thirds Lenses" -

    One of the most common emails that appears in my inbox is inquiring about the best lens to adorn a new Micro Four Thirds camera. Here are my five favorites.

    I discuss each of these lenses in the first feature of today's show.

    Story #2 - The How to Sell Your Fine-Art Prints: A Primer. Here are a few things to think about:

    • Pricing Your Prints: Gallery owners agree... You can always raise prices, but you can never lower them. In addition to pricing their work too high before they're established, emerging artists make the mistake of issuing editions that are too large.
    • What Does "Limited Edition" Really Mean? Twenty years ago, an edition of less than 20 prints was rare; now galleries rarely sell work by a photographer who prints in editions of more than ten. Collectors expect that the photographic prints they acquire remain scarce so they hold their value.
    • What to Expect from the Photographer/Gallery Relationship Who pays for production, promotion, shipping? What exactly does "exclusivity" or "consignment" mean? "A written document is essential," insists noted photography consultant Mary Virginia Swanson.
    • The Growing Market for Fine-Art Videos Technological developments are helping collectors get comfortable with the idea of purchasing video-based art. Buying video works no longer means committing to the installation of a bulky television or finding the space for a projector; video art and multimedia can now be displayed seamlessly on slim monitors hung cleanly on a wall.

    Story #3 - Dropbox for Photographers

    The thing I like so much about Dropbox is that I can use it for practically anything on any device. I have shared folders set up with TWiP, Rocky Nook, c't Digital Photography, and my own team. Every image that hits my iPad or iPhone is instantly archived in Dropbox and displayed in Carousel. And that includes all of the stuff that travels via WiFi from my OM-Ds and X-20 cameras.

    Plus there is the Flashback feature, shared photo albums, comments, and more. So you can imagine how excited I was to finally get to record a lynda title especially for photographers using Dropbox.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    The Ultimate Lens Guide by c't Digital Photography is now available for download. This 65 page eBook features in-depth tests of more than 20 optics in the 50mm, telezoom, and macro categories. By using discount code: CTGUIDE120 you can get 20 percent off for a sale price of $7.99 through the end of the month.

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom - August 7-8 - Now that Aperture will no longer be developed, many photographers are contemplating their next move. In this software workshop, we'll explore the two leading contenders: Photos (part of the Yosemite Update) and Adobe Lightroom. By the time we conclude, you'll have a much clearer idea about your photo management future. Two full days plus breakfast and lunch - all included for just $495.

    SizzlPix puts a new spin on printed photography

    Here's a interesting article that leads off with: "As ultra-high-definition TVs and computer monitors are replacing high-definition screens on the market, a new Davis-based company called SizzlPix is taking this new technology into the realm of print photography." It's a good background piece on SizzlPix.

    New Printer Article

    Article from Red River Paper: Epson Pro 3880 vs. Epson SureColor P800. The Epson SureColor P800 is the direct replacement to the Pro 3880. Both are 17" wide desktop printers using nine inks to produce professional quality photography, fine art, and graphic design prints. The two printers are very closely related and share most of the same features.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show - MP3 Version

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (32 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

    This week on The Digital Story Photography Podcast: "The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, Cool Apple Watch App for Photographers, The Ultimate Lens Guide" - all of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

    Weekly Update - "The Apple Watch Can Be Used as a Live View Remote for the Olympus Air". Petapixel reports: "If you're the early adopter type and are looking into owning both the Apple Watch and the Olympus Air, here's some good news for you: the two gadgets can be combined into one functional camera system. A new app allows the Apple Watch to be used as the live view display and control interface for Olympus' unusual camera."

    In other news... "Five Cameras That Can Shoot Great JPEGs" The Phoblographer reports: "No matter what your needs are, these five cameras shoot incredible JPEGs.

    • Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
    • Fujifilm XT-10
    • Canon G1X Mark II
    • Sony A7
    • Samsung NX500
    panasonic-gx8.jpg

    Story #1 - "The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8" -

    Panasonic announced the Lumix DMC-GX8 that provides the first 20.3 MP sensor (5184 x 3888) in a micro four thirds camera. Other highlights include:

    • Tilting 2.36m-Dot 0.77x OLED EVF
    • 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
    • 4K UHD Video Recording at 30/24 fps
    • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
    • 10 fps Shooting with AF-S and ISO 25600
    • DFD AF System, 4K Photo Modes
    • In-Camera Image Stabilization, Dual I.S.
    • A mechanical focal plane shutter enables a fast maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec., as well as a top flash sync speed of 1/250 sec. An electronic shutter function also avails a top shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. to better enable working in bright conditions and with wider aperture settings.
    • Built-in jack for external mic
    • 5.2 x 3.1 x 2.5" and weighs just over a pound.
    • Scheduled for release on Aug 16, 2015 for $1,197

    I discuss the importance of this camera in the first segment of today's show.

    Story #2 - The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art Lens will ship by the end of July for $999. Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma bodies, this wide angle Art lens features:

    • Aperture Range: f/2 to 16
    • FLD & Special Low Dispersion Elements
    • Two Aspherical Elements
    • Super Multi-Layer Coating
    • Hyper Sonic AF Motor
    • Internal Focus; Manual Focus Override
    • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
    • Thermally Stable Composite Material
    • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

    Story #3 - The Ultimate Lens Guide by c't Digital Photography is now available for download. This 65 page eBook features in-depth tests of more than 20 optics in the 50mm, telezoom, and macro categories. By using discount code: CTGUIDE120 you can get 20 percent off for a sale price of $7.99 through the end of the month.

    Story #4 - From the Screening Room - Photoshop CC for Photographers: Camera Raw 9 Fundamentals with Chris Orwig.

    You can watch Chris in action by visiting the TDS Screening Room at lynda.com. While you're there, you can start your 7 day free trial to watch all of Chris' movies, plus every other title in the library.

    Virtual Camera Club News

    Fall Color with Safari West: October 23-25, 2015 - Sonoma County has rolling hills covered in vineyards, beautiful trees, and gorgeous blue skies. What a prefect place to shoot Fall color and bolster your landscape library. But there's more. We include environmental portraiture with a professional model, and an exclusive African wildlife photo adventure at Safari West, led by a professional photographer, plus a few surprises. This is our longest running workshop of the season, and for good reason. Two full days plus pre-workshop reception, breakfast and lunch, excellent swag, professional model, private Safari West adventure with a pro photographer guide - all included for just $599.

    Moving from Aperture to Photos or Lightroom - August 7-8 - Now that Aperture will no longer be developed, many photographers are contemplating their next move. In this software workshop, we'll explore the two leading contenders: Photos (part of the Yosemite Update) and Adobe Lightroom. By the time we conclude, you'll have a much clearer idea about your photo management future. Two full days plus breakfast and lunch - all included for just $495.

    SizzlPix puts a new spin on printed photography

    Here's a interesting article that leads off with: "As ultra-high-definition TVs and computer monitors are replacing high-definition screens on the market, a new Davis-based company called SizzlPix is taking this new technology into the realm of print photography." It's a good background piece on SizzlPix.

    New Printer Review Article

    Article from Red River Paper: Epson Pro 3880 vs. Epson SureColor P800. The Epson SureColor P800 is the direct replacement to the Pro 3880. Both are 17" wide desktop printers using nine inks to produce professional quality photography, fine art, and graphic design prints. The two printers are very closely related and share most of the same features.

    Thanks to everyone who recently reviewed the TDS Podcast in iTunes!

    BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

    Download the Show - MP3 Version

    In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (26 minutes - MP3 version). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

    More Ways to Participate

    Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

    Podcast Sponsors

    lynda.com - Learn lighting, portraiture, Photoshop skills, and more from expert-taught videos at lynda.com/thedigitalstory.

    Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

    SizzlPix! - New 5k Ultra High Definition SizzlPix output for your photography. You've never seen your imagery look so good. SizzlPix.com.

    Want to Comment on this Post?

    You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.