SelectiveFocus
Latest
Lytro shuts down its multi-focus photo sharing platform (updated)
Remember Lytro's cool, but kinda gimmicky "light-field" photography? It let you take pictures without a defined focus point and post them on a special online platform, where users could click on which part they wanted to be sharp. It never caught on with consumers, and Lytro discontinued its pricey Illum camera (above) and switched gears to video and VR. Up until recently, though, users could still post the interactive "living pictures," but Lytro has announced that as of November 30th, the platform (pictures.lytro.com) has been killed.
Leaked ad explains why HTC's putting a 'Duo Camera' in its new One
Ever since a leaked image showed off dual cameras on HTC's next One (aka the M8), the rumor mill has been trying to figure out what they're for, exactly. Now, an ad leaked to GSM Arena from Australian carrier Telstra appears to have removed all mystery. First off, the phone is referred to as the "All New HTC One (M8)," likely to distinguish it from the last model. As for the "Duo Camera," it'll bring improved low-light capabilities and let you select the focus of a shot after it's been taken -- as predicted. You'll also be able to highlight significant areas of a shot, soften the background and add 3D effects. Another big reveal is the 5-inch, full HD, scratch-resistant screen (a step up from the last One's 4.7-inch display), along with dual "BoomSound" speakers. Finally, the latest Sense 6.0 version will let you double tap the screen to turn on the phone and swipe to access apps and social info. The ad looks like the real McCoy, but if you're still capable of any skepticism, all will be revealed in exactly two weeks.
Lensbaby Edge 80 Optic brings a slice of tilt-shift to your life (sample photos)
C'mon, admit it -- if you won one of many lotteries, you'd be purchasing a legitimate tilt-shift lens right after picking up a new Ferrari and buying a chocolate factory. Given that said scenario is highly unlikely to pan out, Lensbaby is stepping in to make the letdown a bit easier to stomach. The Edge 80 Optic is the latest in the outfit's growing Optic Swap system, which is compatible with the Composer Pro, Composer, Muse, Scout and Control Freak, and it's capable of transforming those bodies into "a tilt lens that delivers a slice of sharp focus through an image that falls off to a soft blur." There's a 12-blade adjustable aperture (f/2.8 through f/22), and when not shifted, it's fully capable of taking flat (read: standard) photographs. As the name implies, there's an 80mm focal length, but macro lovers should be aware that you'll need at least 17-inches to focus on your subject(s).We've been toying with one on our D3S over the past few days, and it certainly does what it says; moreover, it's far easier to justify at just $300. (For those unaware, dedicated T-S lenses can easily top $1,500.) And if you're already invested in the Optic Swap system, it makes even more sense. Granted, it takes some work to compose a shot. You'll need to rely on manual mode, and you'll need to tweak your ISO to match your desired aperture and available light. Leaving the ISO too high while using f/2.8 in broad daylight will result in white captures, while not boosting the ISO enough after dark will leave your shot murdered out. Once you've got your settings right, though, the lens couldn't be easier to operate, and the shift + lock mechanism is as smooth as butter. We threw together a gallery of our favorites taken recently in Hawaii and French Polynesia, so dive in below to see if this piece of kit is deserving of your attention.
