Innholdsfortegnelse for 14/06/2022 i Amateur Photographer

Raw photo-editing has evolved rapidly over the past few years. Raw software has always been necessary for ‘processing’ our raw files – as in making initial rudimentary changes to enhance tones, crop and sharpen, and so on. But these days even the term ‘raw processor’ seems a bit outdated, because raw editors now offer so much more than just image file handling. Not only can we make all those initial changes to process the image, we can also take advantage of selection tools powered by artificial intelligence, precise luminosity masks, intelligent resolution-boosting commands and noise-fixing tools so good you never again have to worry about shooting at upwards of ISO 6400. It’s not just Adobe software that leads the way here. Although Lightroom and Camera Raw are still excellent choices…

When we make the decision to shoot and edit in raw, we’re effectively committing to a small amount of extra work (and disk space) in exchange for potentially greater image quality. When it comes to unlocking this quality, raw editors can pull detail out of the tonal extremes, correct white balance and much more. But there may be an extra level of quality that we didn’t even know was attainable. This is where DxO PureRaw comes in. DxO PureRaw is designed to wring the maximum amount of quality out of your raw files before you even begin editing them. The company has a long history of developing imaging tools with an emphasis on fixing optical flaws. Every combination of camera and lens has inherent flaws, and PureRaw’s job is to…

Such a Cad It was interesting to read the story of Process Supplies in AP 17 May. I remember it well while working in High Holborn in the 1990s. I did my own processing back then and so made use of it for consumables on numerous occasions. Tony Kemplen’s article on the Kiev 35A also brought back memories as I owned one of the original Minox 35’s when they were first launched, purchased luckily from Mr Cad in Croydon. Being an active biker at the time, space was a priority and the Minox due to its size and quality was a perfect fit for panniers. However its control of exposure soon gave cause for concern and it was returned by Mr Cad to the importers for recertification. On return it…

THE RICOH GR IIIx is a well-positioned niche alternative to smartphones and big cameras, offering a wonderful mix of the two. I feel there is enough here to compel smartphone users considering a ‘real’ camera, and experienced photographers who want a ‘proper’ photographic tool in their pocket. If I’m going to bother using a camera instead of my smartphone, first and foremost it needs to deliver excellent image quality in any kind of light. This has been achieved in the GR IIIx thanks to its 24MP APS-C sensor, DNG raw capture and sharp 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens. GR III owners can rest assured that the lens quality is as good in the GR IIIx, with sharp detail from centre to edges. And with that longer focal length, focus fall-off control…

Lenses Interchangeable lenses come in a huge array of types for shooting different kinds of subjects IN GENERAL, the easiest way to expand the kinds of pictures you can take is by buying different types of lenses. For example, telephoto lenses let you zoom in on distant subjects, while macro lenses enable close-ups of small objects. Large-aperture lenses allow you to isolate subjects against blurred backgrounds, or shoot in low light without having to raise the ISO too high. Meanwhile, all-in-one superzooms cover a wide range of subjects, but usually with rather lower optical quality. OUR GUIDE TO THE SUFFIXES USED BY LENS MANUFACTURERS AF Nikon AF lenses driven from camera AF-S Nikon lenses with Silent Wave Motor AF-P Nikon lenses with stepper motors AL Pentax lenses with aspheric elements…

SIGMA has revealed its new 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C wideangle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, with a zoom range that makes it suitable for a range of subjects such as landscapes, architecture and interiors. The 16-28mm f/2.8 is designed to complement the similarly compact 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | C, and together, the two lenses weigh in at well under a kilogram. The 16-28mm f/2.8 measures 77.2mm in diameter, 100.6mm in length, and weighs 450g. The only physical controls are the zoom and focus rings and an AF/MF switch – there’s no aperture ring or AF hold button. Both zooming and focusing are internal. Optically, the lens employs 16 elements in 11 groups, including five ‘F’ Low Dispersion glass (FLD) and four aspherical elements. Together, these aim…

Trevor Stuurman: Life Through the Lens Until 2 July 2022, Doyle Wham, 91A Rivington Street, London. See doylewham.com for opening times. Now showing at the UK’s first gallery dedicated exclusively to African photographers, Doyle Wham’s inaugural exhibition of Trevor Stuurman’s work showcases some fantastic portraiture that is a must-see if you can get to it. Trevor Stuurman’s name might not be as big here as it is in his home country of South Africa, but he’s photographed some extremely high-profile names, including Barack Obama, Naomi Campbell and Beyoncé. All of that and he’s only 29. To get you in the mood, it’s highly recommended that you take a look at trevorstuurman.com. Here you’ll find highly stylised and bold stand-out work that can’t fail to capture your attention. If this is…

When was the club founded? Seventy years ago this month! And we are continuing to follow the intention of our founder, Fred Veal FRPS, FRSA, to encourage good friendship through photography. What does your club offer new members? This month new members and old are in for a treat as we celebrate our 70th anniversary with special events including a gala dinner, a photo shoot at the Haydock races, a visit to a photography exhibition at the Tate Liverpool, and a relaxing Sunday afternoon BBQ. Describe a typical club meeting We meet every Monday at 8pm apart from bank holidays. Once a month we invite an independent judge along for our club competition. Members can enter one image into each of the three sections – open DPI, open Print and…

The new Ricoh GR IIIx joins a niche family of unobtrusive compact cameras designed to capture decisive moments, attributes that are particularly suited to street photography and everyday life. Since its introduction in 1996, the GR series has evolved over numerous iterations from its pre-digital days all the way into its current tiny digital form. Now, treading totally new ground, the 24MP APS-C sensor GR IIIx sits side by side with the virtually identical Ricoh GR III, but it offers a 40mm equivalent f/2.8 lens. In Ricoh GR tradition, the GR III has a wide 28mm f/2.8 lens with an angle of view akin to your smartphone’s primary camera. The GR IIIx’s new focal length is closer to a normal lens. In other words, the GR III captures what you…

Fujifilm’s double-digit X-T series has been one of its most successful lines. The X-T20 features a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor that provides an ISO 100-51,200 range, 325-point hybrid AF system, 14fps continuous shooting using its electronic shutter (8fps mechanical) as well as custom AF-C modes to enhance focus tracking of moving subjects. Other key specs include a tilting 3in, 1.04-million dot touchscreen, 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF, 4K UHD video at 30fps for up to ten minutes, a 2.5mm remote/mic port, and 350-shot battery life. What we said ‘Those who’d like to preserve a high level of detail for large prints won’t be disappointed by the sensor’s performance’ ‘It’s a camera that’ll endure the occasional knock and bump along the way’ ‘It makes the X-T10 feel sluggish and somewhat dated…

THE ROYAL Photographic Society (RPS) has announced a groundbreaking photo exhibition, Portraits of Care, which was shot by residents and staff at three Bristol care homes. During spring 2022, the RPS worked with three Bristol care homes – through workshops and tutorials led by photographer Colin Moody – to help care staff to create unique portraits of the older people in their care, while reflecting on their memories of Queen Elizabeth II. The resulting 47 portraits are on display at the RPS in Bristol. Following the exhibition, the portraits will be displayed at the care homes and will then be presented to the participating individuals and their families. Those involved in the project included residents Jules Challen and June Donovan and care staff Michelle Mills, Carly Moore, Marcia Ellington, Naomi…

Raw files contain all the ‘raw’ data your camera sensor is capable of recording. By contrast, in JPEG format the image is processed in-camera and any extraneous information discarded. As such, the raw file isn’t so much a single image as a range of image choices, and we get to choose which version we want. We can set a white balance after the fact, or pull detail out of shadows and highlights with far greater headroom than JPEGs. Because raw files are essentially impossible to open and alter, any changes we make are saved as extra data alongside the file. This not only means we can change any edit at any time, but also makes it easy to copy edits between photos.…

PhotoLab is DxO’s flagship raw editor. As well as offering automated raw processing features just like PureRaw (in the Elite edition), PhotoLab also gives you a host of powerful editing tools similar to those found in Lightroom or Capture One. As such, while PureRaw is ideal for those who already use other editors, PhotoLab is a good choice for those looking for an all-in-one raw editor. Note that if you already own PhotoLab Elite edition then there’s really no need to get PureRaw, as PhotoLab has the same features and more.…

Write to the Editor at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk and include your full postal address. Please don’t send letters in the post as there is no one in the office to receive them. Replies are from the Editor unless otherwise stated Film musings Despite having owned several digital cameras, my heart still belongs to my (now battered) old Olympus OM1n. I still consider its design an absolute work of art. I bought mine at a Comet store for £115 in December of 1982. When I got it home I just couldn’t put it down. When I went to bed that same night I placed the camera on my bedside cabinet and – to my wife’s great annoyance – I switched on the light a couple of times just to look at the camera.…

Selected from 64,823 photographs and open format entries, by 4,066 photographers from 130 countries, once again the winning images of World Press Photo are awe-inspiring, inspirational and, at times, devastating. The world’s best photojournalism and documentary photography this year included regional winners as well as global ones for the first time ever. Also new this year is the ‘Open Format’, which encourages entrants to use a range of storytelling mediums, but which keeps the main visual content as stills photography. Global winners were selected from the regional winners, with six regions as part of the contest: Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, South America and Southeast Asia and Oceania. This approach was intended to address the imbalance of representation from certain regions – for example in 2021, just 7%…

USB power It might have a modest 200-shot battery life, but the GR IIIx can be charged on-the-go via its USB-C port, through which the battery is charged via the supplied mains charger. Lens ring cap Rather than offer a control like manual focus, the lens ring is functionless. The lens ring cap can be removed to house an optional 75mm Tele-Conversion lens or for users to personalise their GR IIIx by replacing the cap with a different colour version. Touchscreen The fixed 1.04m-dot touchscreen is very responsive and offers a wide range of control including touch focus and menu navigation. Having used the camera for months, a tilting LCD tops my GR IIIx wish list. Hotshoe Optional accessories can be attached via the hotshoe, including a thumb grip (which…

Lee Price I bought my Fujifilm X-T20 in late 2017 to replace my Sony A5000. As a beginner photographer I wanted to get off Auto mode and while the Sony produced great images, the controls felt counter-intuitive. The manual controls and delightful retro look of the X-T20 immediately appealed. Coupled with three lenses – the brilliant XF 18-55mm kit lens, the XF 70-300mm and a Samyang 12mm f/2 – the camera does all I ask of it. The APS-C sensor punches well above its weight, delivering excellent image quality and faithful colours. Some cameras make you want to get out there and take photos and the X-T20 is one of them. Its compact size is ideal for travelling and I like how unobtrusive it is for street photography. One negative…