Innholdsfortegnelse for 28-nov-15 i Amateur Photographer

Scanography is a way of capturing three-dimensional objects using a flatbed scanner and, because scanners have been designed to replicate documents, it’s possible to achieve incredibly close focus on your object. There is a twist, though: despite the close focusing, scanners don’t require a great depth of field, as they’re only designed to scan flat items. Consequently, the only parts of the scanned object that remain sharp are the points in contact with the glass plate. Scanners create their own light, so there’s no need to worry about illumination since the scanner head produces a soft and even light as it passes across your chosen object. Scanography can produce some beautifully detailed results, so why not give it a go? 1 Make sure the surface is clean, otherwise you’ll end…

Moorsview exhibition This exhibition, at the Joe Cornish galleries in Northallerton, showcases the wide range of photographic opportunities that the North York Moors and coastline have to offer. It includes images by renowned local photographers Lizzie Shepherd, Richard and Janet Burdon, Karl Holtby, Dave Mead, John Clifton and John Potter. Until 19 December, www.joecornishgallery.co.uk Cathedrals Express Running from London Paddington to Bath, and back, this steam-hauled train offers the potential for some fantastic photo opportunities. Find yourself a picturesque spot along the route as it travels through the Cotswolds. 29 November, www.steamdreams.co.uk Sony Awards There’s still time left to enter the Open section of the Sony World Photography Awards. Aimed at enthusiasts, and with 10 different categories to choose from, the judges are looking for your…

When we think of our must-have accessories, we naturally imagine popular kit such as tripods, heads, filters and flashguns. There’s no getting away from the fact that for many, these are essential accessories that have become invaluable in helping to achieve the desired shot. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Wander into a camera shop with its walls covered in accessories of all shapes and sizes, and the huge volume of kit designed to help a photographer in their pursuit of a great shot becomes quickly apparent. Which is exactly why, when you ask a number of photographers which accessory they can’t live without, the answer isn’t ever as obvious as you’d expect it to be. Lurking deep inside most photographers’ camera bags are lesser-known pieces of kit…

‘I’M NOT someone who pines for the days of film, but I’m so glad I learned that way,’ says Andy. ‘If I’m using Lightroom and producing a mono conversion, I know what the red slider will do because I have such a strong understanding of what a red filter will do on the front of a film camera. I learnt it all back in the day and it became instinct. Seeing the images come up in the developer tray certainly cemented my love of photography. Working with film involves so many of your senses. You have your fingers in the chemistry and you can smell it. The more senses that are involved in a process, the more it sinks into your psyche. I’m absolutely delighted I had my photography training…

Behind the standard 50mm, the 35mm lens is probably the second most common fixed focal length for full-frame camera users. Just about every camera brand makes its own, and I suspect that most photographers who want one already have one – or at least have their eye on one. There's a range of maximum apertures to choose from and optics provided in just about every mount in existence. Tamron's other new fixed focal length, the SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD, stands out because it offers a slightly alternative angle of view to those available elsewhere, so it naturally finds itself in a unique position and almost without direct competition. This 35mm f/1.8 model, though, sits in an already busy market and will have to rely on other charms to…

At a glance 50.6-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor ISO 100-6,400 (expandable 50-12,800) 61-point autofocus 5fps continuous shooting Full HD video at 30, 25 and 24fps Price £3,200 (body only) BASED on the proven EOS 5D Mark III body design, the EOS 5DS R more than doubles the resolution compared to previous Canon models and trumps both the 36MP Nikon D810 and the 42.4MP Sony Alpha 7R II. Two versions of the same camera are available – the EOS 5DS includes an optical low-pass filter to minimise possible image artefacts, while on the EOS 5DS R its effects are cancelled to give maximum detail. It's great to see Canon offering the choice, but in our side-by-side testing we preferred the EOS 5DS R. With a rugged weather-sealed body and a comprehensive set…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized sensor ISO 100-25,600 (standard), ISO 51,200-102,400 (b&w settings) 3.2in, 1.23-million-dot fixed TFT LCD screen 52-point Advanced Multi-Cam 3500 II AF system Price £850 (body only) NIKON'S D7100 was already a highly specified enthusiast DSLR, but the D7200 is an even more appealing DX-format flagship. The latest Expeed 4 processor enables 6fps burst shooting for up to 27 raw files or100 JPEGs, the autofocus system has increased sensitivity in very low light, and full HD video recording is available at up to 50/60p. Aside from partnering Wi-Fi with NFC and adding a Flat Picture Control, the camera continues much the same as the D7100, with a weather and dust-resistant magnesium-alloy body and polycarbonate front. While quite large and heavy, it's still comfortable to hold, with an…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C CMOS sensor Canon EF-M mount 4.2fps continuous shooting Tilting touchscreen ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600) Full HD video at 30, 25 and 24fps Price £430 (body only) CANON has been rather slow in responding to the trend towards mirrorless compact system cameras, and the EOS M3 is its first that aims to cater for the needs of enthusiast photographers who want a smaller, but equally capable alternative to a DSLR. There's actually a lot to like here – the M3 is compact, well-made and handles well, and Canon's new 24.2-million-pixel CMOS sensor gives excellent image quality in a wide range of situations. Autofocus speed was the Achilles heel of previous EOS M models, but it's much-improved due to the sensor's new Hybrid CMOS AF…

At a glance 16.3-million-pixel, APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder 3in, 920,000-dot tilting LCD New 77-area AF system ISO 200-6,400 (raw), 200-51,200 (JPEG) Price £500 (body only) FUJIFILM scored one of the hits of last year with its X-T1 premium compact system camera, a DSLR-style model with lots of external controls. With the X-T10 it has tried to repeat the formula in a smaller, cheaper package, and by and large it has succeeded. Indeed, the X-T10 includes most of the core technology of its big brother, with the same sensor, processor and tilting LCD screen. It even débuts a new, much more advanced 77-area autofocus system that's been retrospectively added to the X-T1 via a firmware update. The result is an impressively capable camera for the price. With…

At a glance 20.8-million-pixel CX-format CMOS sensor Nikon 1 mount 4K video 3in, 1.04-million-dot tilting LCD touchscreen ISO 160-12,800 Wi-Fi and NFC enabled Price £260 (body only) Not yet tested REPRESENTING the latest step in Nikon's beginner-focused J series of CSCs, the 1 J5 appears to be a far more serious proposition than previous models. In contrast to its more streamlined, minimally styled forebears, it benefits from a secondary command dial and a physical grip, while its new retro finish has a leather-like covering for better purchase. Nikon has also made significant improvements on the inside, with a 1in, 20.8MP back-illuminated sensor and an updated Expeed 5A processing engine on board, together with the ability to capture video in 4K, albeit only at 15p. Full HD recording to 50/60p is…

At a glance 16-million-pixel, Four Thirds MOS sensor Measures just 106.5x64.6x33.3mm Weighs 266g with battery and card Built-in Wi-Fi ISO 100-25,600 (expanded) 3in, 1.04-million-dot tilting LCD touchscreen Price £341 (with 12-32mm kit lens) WITH an LCD screen than can be swung up above its top-plate to face the front, the Lumix DMC-GF7 is one of a slew of recent models hoping to tempt casual users, who are used to capturing selfies, into more considered photography. On the inside, Panasonic has a 16MP Four Thirds sensor, while the hybrid electronic/ manual shutter allows not only for silent shooting but also impressively high shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000sec. Joining these is Wi-Fi, 5.8fps burst shooting, full HD video recording with stereo sound, and a generous helping of Creative Control modes such…

At a glance 12.2-million-pixel full-frame sensor 2.36-million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF 3in, 1.23-million-dot articulated LCD 4K video recording 5-axis image stabilisation ISO 100-102,400 (ISO 50-409,600 expanded) Price £2,500 (body only) ALTHOUGH the refinements made to the Sony Alpha 7S II might not seem as revolutionary as those made to the Alpha 7R II, the Alpha 7S II naturally progresses from where the Alpha 7S left off. Key improvements include the addition of 5-axis in-body-stabilisation system, a newly designed shutter that's approved to 500,000 cycles and a 2.36-million-dot resolution EVF that's identical to that found on the Alpha 7R II. Videographers are well catered for with a plethora of professional video functions. There is the option to record 4K internally without pixel binning and the introduction of S-Log3 gamma is designed…

At a glance 20.2-million-pixel, 1in sensor 28-84mm equivalent f/2-4.9 lens Optical image stabilisation Shutter speeds 30-1/2,000sec + bulb ISO 125-12,800 3in, 1.04-million-dot fixed touchscreen Price £400 Not yet tested MARRYING a 20.2MP, back-illuminated 1in sensor with a diminutive minimal body, the PowerShot G9 X appears intent on elevating the standard of image quality above what would ordinarily be suggested by a camera of its size. Its 28-84mm (equivalent) f/2-4.9 lens is optically stabilised, while the DIGIC 6 processor supports full HD recording up to 50/60p and a respectable 6fps burst rate. Wi-Fi and NFC are also built in. At just 30.8mm thick, the camera is eminently pocketable and it's particularly handsome in its two-tone brown/silver finish, although a black option is also available. With only four buttons on the rear…

At a glance 16-million-pixel, 1/2.3in sensor 25-100mm f/2-4.9 4x optical zoom 3in, 460,000-dot LCD screen Full HD 1,920x1,080 video ISO 100-6,400 Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS Price £282 OLYMPUS'S TG line has traditionally offered some of the toughest bodies in the waterproof compact category, while also producing very attractive images that are among the best in this class. The introduction of raw shooting – a rarity on waterproof models – only strengthens the TG-4 in this respect. It works in tandem with the camera's 16MP, 1/2.3in back-illuminated sensor, which is fronted by a 25-100mm (equivalent) f/2-4.9 optic. The camera's tough credentials match those of the TG-3 it replaces, with waterproofing down to15m, shockproofing to a height of 2.1m and freezeproofing down to -10°C. There's also full HD video, an underwater HDR…

At a glance 16.2-million-pixel, APS-C CMOS sensor 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens Ricoh GR Engine V Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity ISO 100-25,600 3in, 1.23-million-dot TFT LCD Price £530 Not yet tested ANNOUNCED two years after its GR predecessor, the GR II serves as a gentle upgrade over that model, carrying over the same 16.2MP APS-C sensor, 28mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens and GR Engine V processor, and most of the rest of its specifications. The most significant update is the inclusion of Wi-Fi and NFC, which allows users to quickly share their images without the hassle of cables. The auto white balance system is also said to have been tweaked to improve its accuracy. Following its purchase of Pentax back in 2011, Ricoh has also gifted the camera with the Color Temperature…

At a glance 42.4-million-pixel, full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens Wi-Fi and NFC enabled ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to ISO 50-102,400) 3in, 1.29-million-dot LCD screen Price £2,600 Not yet tested ARRIVING four months after the sensational Leica Q (Typ 116), the RX1R II looks set to challenge its rivals in the full-frame compact camera market by introducing a compelling set of cutting-edge features. Just like the original RX1 and RX1R, the RX1R II sports a fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss Sonnar T* lens behind which lies a 42.4-million pixel, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. This teams up with a Bionz X image processor to deliver an ISO range of 50-102,400. The most interesting new feature is the RX1R II's optical variable low-pass filter. It's…

EY Huset by Dmitri Popov Sony Alpha 6000, 50mm, 1/200sec at f/8, ISO 100 This week's picture, of the EY Huset building – one of the tallest in Denmark – comes from photographer and AP reader Dmitri Popov. Looking through Dmitri's work it's clear that he's part of a number of emerging architectural photographers who favour detail, graphic arrangements, colour and clean bright light. ‘After a week of rain we finally had a sunny day in Aarhus [Denmark's second largest city],' says Dmitri. ‘I seized the opportunity to take out my new Sony Alpha 6000 with an E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS kit lens attached. I took a few photos of EY Huset's glass facade against the blue sky. Of all the images from the set, I decided that this…

In this overhead scene from Getty photographer Noah Seelam, we find ourselves suspended above the busy hands of Indian potter Chelimila Veera Swamy. Chelimila was photographed making earthen pots, or ‘diyas', that would then be used at the Diwali festival on the outskirts of Hyderabad in India, which took place earlier this month. Diwali is a five-day festival of lights observed on the15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika (October/ November). Many people in the UK celebrate Diwali each year. Diyas, which are lit and placed around the home, are in heavy demand during the Diwali festival, which marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. More specifically, the festival commemorates Hindu god Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and his…

A UK photographer who began his career shooting punk bands such as The Clash, has won the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize with a restaged version of his 2008 entry. David Stewart beat nearly 5,000 entries with an image called ‘Five Girls 2014', a portrait of his daughter and her friends. The portrait, which mirrors a photo Stewart took of the girls seven years ago, earned the photographer the £12,000 top prize. Stewart said: ‘I have always had a fascination with the way people interact or, in this case, fail to interact, which inspired this photograph… While the girls are physically very close, and their style and clothing highlight their membership of the same peer group, there is an element of distance between them.' In the first version of the…

At a glance 12.2MP, full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor ISO 100-102,400, (standard), 50-409,600 (expanded) 169 contrast-detection AF points 5-axis optical image stabilisation 4K video (100Mbps) £2,500 (body only) For and against Astonishing ISO range (expandable to 50-409,600) Supports 14-bit uncompressed raw format Superb 5-axis image stabilisation system Records 4K movie footage internally Pixel count is low for still photography Battery stamina (310 shots using viewfinder) Lacks touchscreen functionality Where in the range Sony Alpha 7 II Price £1,245 (body only) The Alpha 7 II features a 24.3MP full-frame sensor with 5-axis image stabilisation and a Fast Hybrid autofocus system with 117 phase-detection AF points. Sony Alpha 7R II Price £2,600 (body only) Sony’s flagship CSC boasts a 42.4MP full-frame CMOS sensor, an ISO range up to 102,400 and a 399-point phase-detection…

Focus peaking Focus peaking reveals in-focus edges on the rear display. It’s a function you’ll want to take advantage of when the camera is used with manual-focus lenses. It can be set up to any custom function button on the body. Autofocus assist beam In low-light situations the bright orange AF assist beam provides illumination to help acquire focus on a subject. The spread of light from this high-intensity beam is impressive and there’s the option to switch it off altogether. Exposure compensation This can be adjusted by ±3EV using the dial on the body or by up to ±5EV when you head into the main menu or use the (Fn) button at the rear to enter the quick menu. Robust lens mount The strength and rigidity of the Alpha…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C sensor Canon EF lens mount 19-point AF system DIGIC 6 image processor ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600) 5fps continuous shooting Price £495 (body only) LAUNCHED alongside the EOS 760D, the Canon EOS 750D brings the majority of that camera's specifications down to a slightly more attractive price point by sacrificing a handful of enthusiast-oriented niceties, such as its top-plate LCD and rear control dial. It's a significant upgrade over the previous EOS 700D, with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 19-point all-cross-type AF system, and Wi-Fi and NFC technologies joining the touch-sensitive and fully articulated 3in LCD. Thanks to the latest Hybrid CMOS AF III system, focusing in live view is exemplary – something that's helped by the ability to key the point of focus through…

At a glance 20.1MP, APS-C CMOS sensor Pentax K mount ISO 100-51,200 5.4fps continuous shooting In-body image stabilisation 3in, 921,000-dot articulated LCD screen Price £440 (body only) IN TERMS of value for money, it's difficult to beat the Pentax K-S2. It goes head-to-head with the Nikon D5500 and Canon EOS 760D in the ultra-competitive mid-range DSLR bracket, but includes a whole range of features you'd normally expect to find on more expensive models. It has two control dials rather than one, is sealed against dust and moisture, and uses a large bright glass pentaprism viewfinder (as opposed to the pentamirror type). In addition, it has in-body image stabilisation that works with any lens, and Pentax's unique anti-aliasing simulator. These features combine to make it probably the most pleasant DSLR in…

At a glance 18-million-pixel, APS-C CMOS sensor DIGIC 6 image processor 49-point Hybrid CMOS AF II system 3in, 1.04-million-dot tilt touchscreen ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600) Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC Price £309 (body only) Not yet tested WITH the EOS M10, Canon has revisited the ground covered by its original mirrorless model, the EOS M, but made a range of improvements that aim to address that camera's most obvious shortcomings. The18-million-pixel CMOS sensor stays the same, and includes on-chip phase detection for autofocus. However, the rest of the AF system has been updated, and Canon claims it's 2.4x faster than the M's. The second big improvement is the rear touchscreen, which now tilts upwards and forwards for selfies - 2015's ‘must-have' feature. Canon's touch interface is excellent, which is…

At a glance 24-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor 4.4-million-dot ‘EyeRes’ EVF Leica L mount 11fps continuous shooting ISO 50-50,000 4K video at 30fps Price £5,050 (body only) Not yet tested LEICA isn't the most predictable of camera manufacturers, and its first full-frame compact system camera bucks expectations after the traditionally styled Leica Q compact. It's a DSLR-styled camera whose 4.4-million-dot ‘EyeRes' viewfinder is easily the best EVF we've yet seen. Based around the same lens mount as last year's APS-C Leica T, the SL uses a 24-million-pixel full-frame sensor that has no optical low-pass filter for maximum resolution. Almost any Leica lens ever made can be used via mount adapters. With Leica's Maestro II processor on board, it's something of a speed demon too, capable of11fps continuous shooting with focus and…

At a glance 16.1-million-pixel Four Thirds sensor 40-million-pixel, high-resolution composite mode ISO 100-25,600 (expanded) 3in, 1.04-million-dot articulated LCD touchscreen 1/8000sec maximum shutter speed Price £870 (body only) OLYMPUS hit the jackpot with its original OM-D E-M5, thanks to its winning combination of excellent image quality, compact size and retro good looks. The Mark II version keeps the same16.1-million-pixel Four Thirds MOS sensor, but improves in practically every other way imaginable. The headline feature is a 40-million-pixel multi-shot mode. This can give superb images, but requires a tripod and only really works with static subjects. It's made possible by a more precise (and more effective) 5-axis in-body image-stabilisation system, and a refined, super-quiet low-vibration shutter. Both the viewfinder and screen get significant improvements, with a larger, higher resolution 2.36-milion-dot OLED EVF…

At a glance 16-million-pixel, Live MOS sensor Micro Four Thirds lens mount 8fps continuous shooting 4K movie and 4K photo functions ISO 100-25,600 (expanded) 3in, 1.04-million-dot touchscreen Price £500 (body only) ONE of only a handful of CSCs to sport 4K capture, the Lumix DMC-G7 appears as something of a slimmed-down GH4, particularly as it inherits that model's 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder and 1,728-zone multi-pattern metering system. It uses a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, and burst rate is a respectable 8fps. Furthermore, in addition to recording 4K video, 4K Photo mode allows 8MP images to be extracted from 30fps footage. There's also a full HD alternative, while a 49-point contrast-detect AF system, 3in articulated touchscreen and Wi-Fi round off the highlight specs. The G7 adopts a decidedly angular design, with…

At a glance 24.3-million-pixel, full-frame sensor 1,200-zone metering system 0.5in, 2.4-million-dot EVF 117 phase-detection AF points, 25 contrast-detection AF points ISO 50-25,600 (expanded) Price £1,240 (body only) SONY has spent the past year or so updating its Alpha 7 models, and it's the Alpha 7 II that arguably holds the widest appeal. Its 24.3MP sensor places it on a par with many full-frame DSLRs, while at around half the price of the Alpha 7S II and Alpha 7R II it's by far the most accessible. Key changes from the original include a new 5-axis in-body image-stabilisation system, which promises a 4.5-stop shutter-speed advantage, together with a redesigned body and a broadening of the video options. The 24.3MP CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor have remained, although updated AF algorithms promise…

At a glance 20.2-million-pixel, 1in BSI CMOS sensor 24-600mm equivalent f/2.8-5.6 lens ISO 125-12,800 1.62-million-dot tilting touchscreen Dustproof and splashproof construction 5.9fps continuous shooting Price £750 CANON'S PowerShot G3 X is a bridge camera that uses a 1in sensor for improved image quality and, with its 25x 24-600mm equivalent lens, has the longest zoom in its class. The trade-off is a relatively slow maximum aperture of f/2.8-5.6, but image quality is really very impressive. Unfortunately, the G3 X ends up being less than the sum of its parts, due to Canon's decision not to include a built-in electronic viewfinder. This makes using the long lens something of a trial, and while the camera works much better with the optional EVFDC1 attached, it adds £200 to the price. Sadly, the G3…

At a glance 12.1-million-pixel, 1/2.3in High Sensitivity MOS sensor Leica 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 DC Vario-Elmar lens 0.2in, 1.16-million-dot live viewfinder ISO 80-6,400 3in, 1.04-million-dot TFT LCD (100% field of view) Price £265 WITH strong competition from other camera manufacturers, Panasonic's travel-friendly TZ line of superzoom compacts may have lost some of its sparkle in recent years. But the TZ70 justifies its place at the table with a well-rounded set of core specs and a handful of additional niceties such as an EVF, raw capture and an intervalometer for timelapse recording. Panasonic has dropped the sensor's pixel count from 18.1MP to 12.1MP, which should bode well when shooting in low light, but it has increased the EVF's resolution to an impressive 1.16 million dots. Given that most of its peers fail to…

At a glance 19.6-million-pixel, APS-C Foveon X3 Quattro sensor 21mm (equivalent) f/4 lens ISO 100-6,400 3.5fps shooting 9-point AF 3in, 920,000-dot 4:3 LCD screen Price £749 SIGMA has a long history of making compact cameras with APS-C sensors and fixed prime lenses, but the dp0 Quattro is its most unconventional yet. Like previous models it's based around Sigma's unique Foveon sensor, which records colour using three stacked layers of silicon that are sensitive to blue, green and red light (conventional sensors use coloured dyes over the light-sensitive pixels). This gives exceptional detail and fine colour gradation at low ISOs, but the disadvantage is poor image quality at settings of ISO 1,600 and above. The lens is a fixed 14mm f/4 that gives a 21mm equivalent wideangle view. It's physically huge,…

At a glance 20.2-million-pixel, 1in Exmor RS CMOS sensor Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8 lens 4K video and super-slow motion (1,000fps) Bionz X processor ISO 100-12,800 (expanded to ISO 64) Price £1,170 WITH a new 20.2-million-pixel, 1in stacked CMOS sensor and 24-200mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II takes all the best bits from the first-generation camera and then goes one step further. Images produced by the 20.2-million pixel sensor look great, with lots of highlight and shadow detail. The zoom range should cover the needs of most photographers, and the f/2.8 aperture is very handy in low light. Build wise, the RX10 II is, in many regards, like using an entry-level DSLR. It has lots of the buttons and dials, including an exposure-compensation dial and aperture…

FERNANDO Guerra from Lisbon, Portugal, has been named overall winner of the Arcaid Images Architectural Photography Award 2015 with an image of a building in Ecublens, Switzerland (above). Fernando's image came top in the Buildings in Use category. The Arcaid Images Photography Award aims to highlight the skills and creativity of the specialist contemporary architectural photographer. Entrants were challenged to look beyond the architecture and ‘consider the merits of the photography for composition, sense of place, atmosphere and use of scale'. The contest aims to translate ‘the sophistication of architecture into readable and understandable two dimensions – to explain and extol the character, detail and environment of the [architectural] project'. Photographers were asked to submit pictures in four categories: Exteriors, Interiors, Sense of Place and Buildings in Use. Organisers added:…

Iceland: An Uneasy Calm By Tim Rudman, OAS Books, £55, hardcover, 132 pages, ISBN 978-0-99330-531-3 IN AP 15 September, we took an in-depth look into master photographer and printer Tim Rudman's engrossing and evocative take on landscapes. His latest work, collected in this volume, focuses on his journey through Iceland to capture the ghostly landscapes and ‘uneasy calm' of the region. It's the visual silence of the images that's the real appeal. The minimalist landscapes feel bereft of human presence and life. Tim's exquisite toning further emphasises the photographs, making them appear almost as if outside of time – as though they could have been dug up from the earth, or perhaps even the soil of an alien planet. This is a real masterwork in landscape photography, printing and composition.…

Nicky Nunn from Enfield in north London is the winner of our black & white round of APOY 2015. Nicky takes home a Sigma dp3 Quattro camera and LVF-01 LCD viewfinder. For the new dp3 Quattro, Sigma has redesigned every aspect of the camera, including the sensor, engine, lens and body. While retaining its textural expression, the updated Foveon direct image sensor produces images that are colourful, rich, deep and faithful. Unique among image sensors, the Foveon is similar to traditional colour film in that its multiple layers capture all the information that visible light transmits. Along with Sigma's proprietary image-processing technology, this sensor produces incredible resolution, precise gradation, strong colour with realism and a 3D feel. The camera body offers a balanced shape, layout and weight distribution. Its robust…

THE ALPHA 7S II features a long list of impressive video specs, which is to be expected from a camera that will find its way into the hands of serious videographers. A key development is its ability to record 4K (3,840x2,160-pixel) movies internally rather than to an external recorder, which adds unwanted bulk to a camera set-up. The Alpha 7S II records its 4K internally using full-frame readout without line skipping, to produce the highest-quality 4K footage possible. The XAVC S files are minimised in size using Long GOP data compression before being saved in the widely compatible MPEG-4/H.264 format. There's more on offer too, not least the120fps full HD recording option that's ideal for those who'd like to create 4x/5x slow-motion movies in post-production. To view some of our…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C CMOS sensor Canon EF lens mount 19-point AF system DIGIC 6 image processor ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600) 5fps continuous shooting Price £650 (body only) ONE OF twin updates to the EOS 700D, the EOS 760D is the first triple-digit EOS model to have a top-plate LCD and a control dial on the rear, providing a shooting experience more akin to its enthusiast models. Like the EOS 750D, it employs a 24.2MP CMOS sensor and the19-point system from the EOS 70D, with each point of the cross type for enhanced sensitivity. The inclusion of Wi-Fi, a new 7,560-pixel metering sensor and the latest Hybrid CMOS AF III to provide autofocus in both live view and video recording, also sweeten the deal. The combination of…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, DX-format CMOS sensor 3.2in, 1.04-million-dot TFT vari-angle LCD touchscreen 39 AF points, including nine cross-type ISO 100-25,600 5 frames per second shooting Price £540 (body only) A QUICK comparison of the Nikon D5500's specs with those of its D5300 predecessor doesn't reveal many differences, with the new camera constructed around the same 24.2MP APS-C sensor. However, Nikon has integrated touchscreen control to the 3.2in, 1.04-million-dot articulating LCD and added Flat Picture Control for easier video post-production, but GPS has been omitted. Despite a smaller and lighter body than the D5300, the D5500's grip is pleasingly more substantial. Physical controls are kept to a minimum, although the ability to select options through the touchscreen is useful, particularly as it's as responsive as expected. The viewfinder is reasonably…

At a glance 16.3-million-pixel, APS-C sensor Fujifilm X mount 256-zone metering system 5.6fps burst mode ISO 200-6,400 (expandable to ISO 100-25,600) 3in, 920,000-dot tilt-type LCD screen Price £350 (with 16-50mm lens) THE X-A2 may opt for a similar retro style to its more advanced Fujifilm siblings, but it differentiates itself in a number of key areas to appeal more to budget-conscious users upgrading from compacts and smartphones. It eschews the company's X-Trans CMOS sensor, employing a more conventional16.3MP Bayer sensor in its place, while the 3in display can be tilted through a 175° angle to facilitate group and self-portraits. There's a hotshoe and built-in Wi-Fi, but no viewfinder. Despite its lightweight plastic body, the X-A2 is still finished to a high standard. Handling, however, is a mixed affair, with the…

At a glance Shoots only in monochrome 24-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor ISO 320-25,000 3in, 921,600-dot fixed LCD Leica M mount Price £5,750 (body only) ARRIVING three years after Leica's original M Monochrom rangefinder, the M Monochrom (Typ 246) inherits the same 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor as that employed by the Leica M-P (Typ 240) – just without its colour filter array. It's a significant jump from the18MP CCD found inside the original Monochrom M, enabling full HD video and live view. The camera's updated Maestro processor is also claimed to be three times faster, while the M mount makes the camera compatible with decades' worth of high-quality lenses. At 680g without a lens the camera is decidedly weighty, due to a body crafted from die-cast magnesium-alloy with brass top and…

At a glance 16.1-million-pixel, Four Thirds sensor 8.5fps burst shooting mode 5-axis image stabilisation 3in, 1.04-million-dot tilting LCD ISO 100-25,600 (expanded) Built-in Wi-Fi Price £550 (body only) OLYMPUS'S fifth digital OM-D model marries the portable form of the OM-D E-M10 with some of the more recent developments seen inside the more senior EM-5 II and EM-1 offerings. The 16.1MP sensor and TruePic VII processor have both been left alone, but the camera sports a higher-resolution 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder. It also gains improved video functionality and a 5-axis image-stabilisaton system. An electronic shutter permits not only silent shutter operation but also shutter speeds of up to 1/16,000sec, while 8.5fps burst shooting, Wi-Fi, full HD video, and a whole suite of capture and processing effects nicely round off the spec sheet. The…

At a glance 20.3-million-pixel Live MOS sensor 3in, 1.04-million-dot OLED touchscreen 4K video recording In-body image stabilisation ISO 100-25,600 (expanded) 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF Price £920 (body only) ONE OF the advantages of mirrorless cameras is the range of form factors they can be made in, and Panasonic has exploited this more than anyone else. With its chunky, rangefinder-style design, the GX8 is an enthusiast-oriented camera with a huge feature set. It features a large corner-mounted 2.36-million-dot EVF that tilts upwards by 90°, and a fully articulated 3in touchscreen. Four-axis in-body stabilisation works with any lens, and an electronic shutter option allows silent shooting at up to 1/16,000sec. The new 20.3MP sensor offers the highest resolution of any Micro Four Thirds camera to date, and brings other improvements in image quality…

At a glance 42.4-million-pixel, full-frame sensor 0.5in, 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF 399 phase-detection AF points 5fps continuous shooting ISO 100-25,600 (ISO 50-102,400 expanded) 4K video (100Mbps) Price £2,600 (body only) SECOND in Sony's updated Alpha 7 range is the high-resolution Alpha 7R II model – and it's a monster. Built around a 42.4MP BSI CMOS sensor, it's narrowly pipped by the Canon EOS 5DS twins in terms of resolution, but makes up for it in other ways. On-chip phase-detection elements contribute to a hugely sophisticated AF system that covers most of the frame. Impressively it works with both adapted Alpha DSLR lenses and Canon EF lenses using the latest Metabones Smart Adapters. Inside the redesigned body is 5-axis image stabilisation that works with all lenses, and is very effective in real-world…

At a glance 20.2-million-pixel, 1in CMOS sensor 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF 3in, 1.04-million-dot TFT LCD 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens ISO 125-12,800 Price £630 Not yet tested LAST year Canon launched the G7 X compact as a direct competitor to Sony's popular RX100 series. The G5 X is essentially a beefed-up version, with the same 20.2 MP, 1in sensor and 24-100mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens. However, it's had a radical design overhaul, adding a centrally mounted electronic viewfinder, fully articulated touchscreen, and additional external controls. As such, it's a direct competitor to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III, that should appeal to photographers frustrated by the small and fiddly buttons and dials found on most compact cameras. The viewfinder is a decently sized 2.36-million-dot unit, with a pop-up flash at the front of the…

At a glance 24.2-million-pixel, full-frame CMOS sensor Leica Summilux-M 28mm f/1.7 Asph lens 10fps continuous shooting 3.68-million-dot EVF ISO 100-50,000 3in, 1.04-million-dot touchscreen Price £2,900 WITH a price tag of £2,900, the Leica Q is the most expensive compact camera on the market. But with its 24.2MP full-frame sensor, image-stabilised Summilux 28mm f/1.7 lens, and 3.68M dot viewfinder, it's also arguably the best. With its chunky body, analogue controls and Leica's signature rounded edges, the Q draws heavily on the company's M rangefinders for its design inspiration. It has analogue dials to set shutter speed and aperture, and a beautifully damped focus ring that feels just like using an old manual lens. But it's all electronic really, which allows the Q to offer fast and silent autofocus too. In fact,…

At a glance 12.1-million-pixel, 1/2.3in High Sensitivity MOS sensor Leica 25-600mm f/2.8 DC Vario-Elmarit lens ISO 100-6,400 3in, 1.04-million-dot vari-angle LCD 12fps continuous shooting Price £500 OF ALL the major camera manufacturers, Panasonic has made the greatest effort to integrate 4K video recording across its range. The FZ330 is the company's first bridge-style superzoom recipient. The successor to the popular FZ200, the camera maintains the same 12.1MP 1/2.3in sensor and 25-600mm (equivalent) lens, whose constant f/2.8 aperture is noteworthy. But the Venus processing engine has been updated and Panasonic's DFD (Depth from Defocus) technology has also been thrown in to hasten focusing speeds. As with the FZ200, manual control over exposure has been partnered with raw shooting, while the body has been furnished with a1.44-million-dot OLED EVF and a fully…

At a glance 18.2-million-pixel, 1/2.3in Exmor R BSI-CMOS sensor 5-axis image stabilisation Bionz X processor Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-720mm (equivalent) T* f/3.5-6.4 lens ISO 80-3,200 638,400-dot OLED EVF Price £310 SONY'S HX series of travel compacts are strong challengers to Panasonic's TZ line, and the HX90V arrives not only better specified than the previous HX60V but decidedly more compact too. Its most significant improvements are a pop-up OLED viewfinder, together with a display that can be tilted 180° to face the front. The camera's 24-720mm (equivalent) f/3.5-6.4 lens has also been equipped with a control ring, for functions such as manual focus, zoom and aperture. Being significantly slimmer than previous models, the HX90V is truly pocketable. This is despite its pronounced grip, which improves handling and stability. The camera's viewfinder assists…

At a glance 20.1-million-pixel, 1in Exmor RS CMOS sensor Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens Bionz X processor ISO 125-12,800 (expanded to ISO 80/100) 4K video and super-slow motion (1,000fps) Price £815 SONY'S Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 series of compacts has been hugely successful, with the cameras' high performance belying their diminutive proportions. And while the mark IV iteration doesn't deviate too greatly from the path set out by its predecessors – it looks almost identical to the RX100 III and maintains the same 20.1-million-pixel resolution and 24-70mm (equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens – it débuts a stacked Exmor RS sensor with a revised constitution that allows 16fps burst shooting and 4K/UHD video recording, among other things. Indeed, video seems to be a strong focus with the RX100 IV, with the S-Log2 gamma…