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Some Canon Rebel T6s and T6i cameras have defective sensors
Canon has acknowledged that a number of Rebel T6s and T6i DSLRs, which were introduced in February, are being affected by a major issue with the sensor. This matter came to light a few days ago, when LensRentals, a site focused on lending gear for cash, found some of its rental units had what appeared to be dusty or oily sensors. As it turns out, though, a more meticulous inspection by the firm revealed a much bigger problem. The sensors couldn't be cleaned because these microscopic spots (pictured below) couldn't be removed with a simple, traditional cleaning -- they're underneath a layer of glass, making them virtually permanent.
Pentax's top DSLR uses image stabilization to reduce noise
Given the moribund DSLR market, Ricoh wasn't about to mess around with the follow-up to its popular Pentax flagship, the K-3. Sure enough, the K-3 II retains the weather-proof body, fast 8.3 fps shooting speed and high-quality 24.4-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor of the last model, while getting some enticing new tweaks. First and foremost is the so-called Pixel Shift feature which uses in-body shake reduction to sample pixels four times, significantly reducing noise at low-light levels. While the feature only works for static subjects, it should be ideal for astrophotography and other applications.
Manfrotto turns your iPad into a giant DSLR remote
Manfrotto isn't just content with making tripods and backpacks for your camera -- it wants to improve the camera itself. The gear designer has unveiled the Digital Director, an adapter that turns your iPad into a remote controller for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. It's not wireless like its biggest rival, the CamRanger, but it still gives you a giant viewfinder and control over virtually every facet of your shot, from the aperture to manual focusing. Think of it as a conventional remote control app that doesn't require lugging a full-fledged computer to your photo shoots. Be ready to pay for that portability, however. The Digital Director will cost $500 when it ships in June, so it's clearly meant more for pro work than augmenting your hobbyist photography.
Nikon is making its high-end DSLRs much better at video
Nikon's best DSLRs will soon be able to record sharper video, making them much more useful for videographers. The Japanese company says its D4s, D810 and D750 full-frame DSLRs will get "greater support for recording high-definition, uncompressed data" to external recorders via the HDMI port. In addition, you'll be able to send start/stop commands to supported video recorders and edit video more efficiently, presumably via the addition of timecode or other metadata. There's no word on exact video specifications or whether RAW output would be supported, but the company promised to reveal more at NAB tomorrow (the firmware is due this summer). Considering that Nikon was the first to put video on a DSLR, we're glad it's not treating it like the ugly stepchild anymore.
Nikon's latest lightweight DSLR is the D7200
Over the past few weeks, Nikon has introduced two DSLRs: the D5500 and D810A. And it doesn't look like the company plans to slow down its rollout of new cameras. Now, Nikon is introducing the D7200, a successor to the relatively popular D7100, which was introduced back in 2013. The D7200 is the latest to be introduced to the Nikon's line of lightweight DSLR, packing a 24.2-megapixel DX CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, an EXPEED 4 image processing chip, a 51-point autofocus system and a 3.2-inch fixed LCD. Video-wise, the D7200 can shoot 1080p at up to 60 fps, albeit in the 1.3 crop mode; in DX mode, meanwhile, the options are 24, 25 and 30 fps. It's also the first Nikon DSLR to have both WiFi and NFC, which should make it extremely easy for people to share their images wirelessly.
Nikon's D810A DSLR is designed for shooting stars
If you think that astrophotography is just slapping a camera onto a telescope, Nikon wants to expand your horizons with its latest DSLR. The D810A is a special version of its full-frame sensor D810 aimed squarely at the starshooting and scientific set. In fact, Nikon goes so far as to say that it's "not recommended for general photography" thanks to a modified infrared filter that may distort colors on regular shots. However, the IR tweaks help it "capture the brilliant red hues of diffuse nebulae and constellations" thanks to optimization in the so-called H-alpha spectrum, according to the company.
Canon's 5Ds and 5Ds R have whopping 50.6-megapixel sensors
Yes, dear readers, the rumors are true: Canon has two new flagship DSLR cameras. Enter the 5Ds and 5Ds R, each packing a massive 50.6-megapixel full-frame sensor -- which, at first glance, is clearly the specification that stands out the most. But there's more to these beasts, naturally, starting with a Dual DIGIC 6 image processor inside, plus a 3.2-inch fixed LCD (same as on the 5D Mark III), 61-point autofocus, cropped shooting mode and an overhauled chassis that's designed to minimize camera shake as well as improve stability. What's more, both cameras have a built-in time lapse feature, up to 5 fps high-speed, continuous shooting and a revamped intelligent view finder that can cover nearly 100 percent of the field of view -- similar to the one found on the recently released 7D Mark II. Meanwhile, a freshly implemented lock and lag setting lets you control the timing between the mirror (which is now motor-driven) and the shutter, allowing the cameras to offer interval options of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 2 seconds.
Canon's Rebel T6s and T6i DSLRs tout WiFi and advanced controls
Despite the rise of mirrorless cameras, Canon has been relatively cautious updating its Rebel DSLR line. The last big upgrade was the T5i from two years ago, and even that was considered more of a refresh than a revamp. Well, the series is finally getting an overhaul -- and in some cases, it might be enough to make you skip more expensive shooters. Both the new Rebel T6i and T6s (above) carry sharper 24.2-megapixel sensors and DIGIC 6 processors that let them pull off feats that are both welcome and, frankly, a little overdue. They now have EOS-70D-like fast autofocusing embedded in the pixels themselves and (new to Canon) color tone detection. You'll also be glad to know that the Rebel range is finally getting built-in WiFi for photo transfers, and you can pair with Android phones or accessories over NFC.
Pentax is finally getting a full-frame DSLR
Pentax has fallen off the DSLR radar of late, unless you're looking for a medium-format camera or a hot pink K-series model. Parent company Ricoh has just pricked up the ears of the brand's many fans, however, with long-awaited news of its first ever full-frame K-mount Pentax DSLR. All we know so far is roughly what it looks like (the prototype is shown above), that it'll work with Pentax's DA APS-C lenses using image cropping, and that it'll pack a full-frame 35mm sensor. The cropping part is unfortunate, since enthusiasts would want a full-frame Pentax camera for the extra resolution and depth-of-field. Some DA lenses may already be compatible without cropping, however, and we'd hope that Ricoh is also working on new full-frame DA lenses.
This is a slow-mo look at how a DSLR's shutter works
It's always cool learning how stuff works. Case in point: cameras. More specifically, digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) pictograph boxes. The chaps over at YouTube channel The Slow Mo Guys have taken their trademark ultra-high-speed camerawork and, well, pointed it at a camera. The result? Seeing what a shutter looks like moving at 1/8000 of a second compared to 1/1000 of a second. Host Gavin Free achieves this, like the rest of the team's pretty rad videos, by shooting at 10,000 frames per-second with a Phantom Flex and then slowing it down for playback. The video below isn't the channel's most impressive clip, but it's perhaps the one with the most useful knowledge. After all, how often will you watch the result of chugging a gallon of milk as opposed to seeing just what happens when you snap a picture? Exactly.
Nikon's D5500 is its newest mid-range DSLR
It's been a while since Nikon introduced its D5300 DSLR, so what better time to upgrade that model than during CES 2015? Meet the Nikon D5500, the company's new DSLR, geared toward people who, perhaps, have just started to get into photography. Having said that, the D5500 is no slouch, and should have no trouble appealing to prosumers as well. Nikon's D5500 features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor without an optical low-pass filter, aka OLPF, which is great for producing high-quality, sharper images. To tie it all together, there's a 3.2-inch, adjustable LCD touchscreen on the back -- an upgrade from the D5300. Nikon says the D5500 can handle up to 820 shots per charge with 60 percent flash usage, or 3200 without any at all. While it may look very similar to the D5300 from the outside, the D5500 is a definite improvement over its predecessor. It'll be available for $900 next month (body-only), and you'll have the option to choose between the traditional black hue or a spicier red.
Lumera lets you post high-res snapshots on Instagram with one click
You are done (DONE!) taking selfies with a phone like some plebeian -- you only take DSLR selfies now, even though it's a pain transferring photos using a camera without built-in WiFi. A camera attachment called Lumera wants to solve that problem by giving you a way to upload high-res snapshots to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with a single click. To integrate the WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy device with a DSLR, you need to attach it via the tripod screw and plug it into the camera's mini-USB port. So long as you define the social networks of your choice on its accompanying app, you won't have to take out your phone to upload pics anymore. The app itself is pretty useful, though: it can stream whatever the camera's viewfinder is looking at, set timelapses and access the DSLR's settings remotely.
Samsung's free DSLR trade-in promo comes to LA today
After a successful first run in New York City earlier this year, Samsung is now taking its free camera-swap program to the West Coast. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you'll have a chance to trade in your DSLR, so long as it's fully functional, for either a Samsung NX30 or NX Mini -- both of which are two of the South Korean company's newest cameras. Compared to the previous event in The Big Apple, Samsung has now included the NX Mini as part of the promotion, giving an option to people who prefer something a little more compact. Today's Ditch Day will be taking place at Hollywood & Highland Center, from 10AM to 7PM PT; supplies are limited however, so be sure you get there as early as possible. For those interested, details on the trade-in criteria can be found below, and you can check out the rest of the terms and conditions right here.
The 7D Mark II is Canon's best DSLR without a full-frame sensor
The wait is over. Canon's long-anticipated EOS 7D Mark II is here, shipping in November for $1,799, without a lens. With a price tag that high, you'd think it'd be safe to assume that the company's consumer flagship sports a full-frame sensor. It does not. It does, however, represent an enormous step up from the original model -- the Mark II includes just about every feature a pro photographer (and video shooter) could hope for, excluding a 35mm sensor, of course, and integrated WiFi. Instead, there's a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which, despite a similar spec, is an improvement over what you'll get with the 70D. You can also take advantage of a new 51,200 top ISO and a 10 fps continuous shooting mode (at full resolution, of course), powered by the dual DIGIC 6 processors.
Nikon's mid-range D750 DSLR acts pricier than it actually is
I first cut my teeth on a Nikon D40, but I've spent the past few years picking the up basics of photography with a handful of Canon SLRs. I'm not great by any stretch, but I've got just enough experience under my belt that I'm itching to trade in my more basic gear for something with a bit more oomph... which makes me the sort of person Nikon had in mind when it started putting together its new D750. We've covered the basics here, but let's dig a little more into what it's like to use the thing.
Nikon's full frame D750 packs a tilting LCD and WiFi for pros on the go
Rumors of the full frame Nikon D750 have been floating around for a little over a month now, and where there's smoke there's usually a fire. To wit: Nikon just officially pulled back the curtain on its latest SLR, and it packs quite a bit of oomph into a body that's only $2299. The D750's foundation is awfully solid with its 24-megapixel FX format CMOS sensor, an Expeed 4 image processor (the same one seen in bodies like the much pricier D810), a more light-sensitive 51-point autofocus system, and an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12,800. Oh, and did I mention it packs better battery life and some carbon fiber trim to keep the weight down? What might really put the D750 over the top for some of you, though, are some of the firsts that it boasts.
Pentax's latest DSLR has glowing LEDs to tell you what mode it's in
If you're intimidated by most DSLRs with all their knobs and buttons, you might want to take a look at Ricoh Imaging's Pentax K-S1, a new mid-range camera that's just one of many shooters the company's releasing this year. It packs in plenty of performance -- a 20-megapixel sensor and sky-high sensitivity of ISO 51200 -- along with an interface that's more reminiscent of a smartphone than a camera. According to Ricoh, the K-S1 "eliminates many of the complexities of a DSLR" with a friendlier "flat field" user interface that should be easy to navigate due to the luminous 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD, back-lit selection dial and four-way buttons. There are also various built-in LEDs that light up when certain features are in use. For example, the mode dial will glow green when it's toggled to take still shots and it'll glow red if it's in video mode, as you can see in the video after the break.
Fujin is a vacuum cleaner for your DSLR
There you are, happily reviewing photos from your recent getaway to Maui, when you notice your pics have been adorned with a smattering of little black dots; your DSLR's got some grit on its sensor. Rather than whipping out the compressed air and Q-tip, however, you could dredge you camera's internals using an interesting little gizmo from the Japanese company IPP. It's called the Fujin, which literally means "blowing sand," and it works just like a vacuum cleaner. Screw this bad boy on your Canon shooter in place of the lens and it'll suck the dirt and dust right up -- according to the manufacturer, at least. Don't give up on your sensor cleaning solution just yet though, this $34 accessory isn't available in the US.
Samsung will give you a new camera for your aging DSLR, for one day only
If you like free stuff, you're gonna want to make your way to Times Square on Wednesday, June 4th. Samsung's hosting a "Ditch Day" event from noon to 6PM, letting you trade in a digital SLR (any DSLR) for a brand-new NX30 mirrorless camera, "while supplies last." Samsung reps were unable to confirm the number of cams on hand, so if you want the best chance of getting $1,000 worth of free loot, you might want to queue up early. Alternatively, if you can't get your hands on a DSLR worth "ditching," you'll still be able to walk away with a coupon for 50 bucks off a Samsung cam, such as the NX Mini or Galaxy Camera 2, both of which will be on hand for you to try out at the event in NYC. Update: The event will take place at 42-43 Broadway Plaza in Times Square beginning at noon. According to Samsung's official terms and conditions, only 250 cameras will be on hand. Additionally, Samsung's provided more information regarding which DSLRs qualify for the trade-in, which you'll find below.
Nikon to replace some defective 'dust spot' D600s with brand new cameras
After offering up several solutions to a sensor spotting problem on its full-frame D600 DSLR -- with limited success -- Nikon has now said that it will replace any defective cameras that can't be repaired. When reports of the oil and dust spots first cropped up, Nikon suggested that photographers clean the sensors themselves or send them for cleaning under warranty. However, when some users found that the shutter was ejecting difficult-to-clean oil on the sensor, it began to offer free shutter mechanism replacements. Recently, some owners also reported that they were sent brand new Nikon D600s and even newer D610's instead of a repair. Nikon has now admitted as much in a letter of apology, and said it will continue to repair or replace the model as needed, even out of warranty. It may also explain why it brought the very similar D610 to market so quickly.
