Panasonic has announced a Firmware update 2.5 that introduces several enhancements introduced in Lumix G series cameras since the GH4 was originally introduced.Post FocusPost Focus is a special function that enables users to select an in-focus point after shooting. It has already been integrated in new LUMIX cameras such as the GX8. This feature allows you to change the perspective for greater photographic expression or to choose the best in-focus shot for macro shooting.4K PHOTO (4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst)With 4K PHOTO mode there are three dedicated modes – 4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst – are all now available on LUMIX GH4*. The addition of these modes further enhances the usability of 4K PHOTO to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30p.External Flash BurstA new feature supporting consecutive shooting with flash burst is available with an external flash that is capable of continuous emission. This includes the following Panasonic models:
- Flash Burst Compatible Models
* Discontinued models are compatible but have some restrictions due to slower charge speeds
The firmware will be available at the end of March 2016 from the following link:DOWNLOAD HERE
On a whim I set up the Swarovski scope to its lowest magnification at 30X. The camera was the Panasonic Lumix GH4 set at ISO 1600, and 1/60 sec shutter. The image when clicked on is the full frame from the camera 4680 X 3072 pixels. The adjustments made to the raw file are: highlight recovery of -29, white balance adjusted to 5700 Kelvin (to taste), noise reduction using Topaz Denoise version 6. A a touch of contrast and clarity to finish. All this in the hope the weather stays good and I can get a few images of Jupiter this weekend. I did not use a remote shutter release but will for the Jupiter images.
One week left for registrations to this once in a lifetime adventure. Best photo opportunities at an incredible price that can't be matched..June 11 - June 23, 2016This is a double adventure, Namibia alone, Botswana alone or both.The Namib Desert may well be the world's oldest desert. The Namib-Naukluft Park includes five main regions: Namib, Sandvis, Naukluft, Sesriem and Sossusvlei. The apricot-colored dunes at Sossusvlei are beautiful and photographic opportunities for landscapes abound. Herds of mountain zebra, gemsbok and springbok roam the area.Botswana is undoubtedly Southern Africa’s most prestigious safari destination where the landscape has an abundance of wildlife. From islands of and waterways of the Okavango Delta to the open savannah and woodlands of the Chobe National Park, Botswana is a nature and wildlife photographers heaven.During this exclusive photo safari we will explore and photograph the stunning African wildlife of Botswana. From the endangered Wild Dogs to Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Elephants and many deer, antelope, and birds we will have opportunities like no other.Our camps and lodges have been picked to maximize your experience where you will ride in vehicles with a single row assigned to each photographer.In-field photography instruction will be provided and during our down time we will conduct photo-critique sessions.
Next the strobes were adjusted to full power providing 8 additional stops of light. The ISO was adjusted to increase sensitivity by two stops while the aperture of the lens was kept at a constant f/2.0 for all the exposures. Each filter was tested for color cast only.
In this next image the Info Panel shows RGB values from the lower third of the image. Values are R=187, G=203, B=222
Next the image was white balanced in Lightroom WB to 8600 Kelvin and tint +43. Compensated for the color of the board and the lights the calculated readings are 7900 Kelvin and a +35 Tint adjustment.
In this next image the Info Panel shows RGB values from the lower third of the image. Values are R=209, G=220, B=212
Next the image was white balanced in Lightroom WB to 5750 Kelvin and tint +52. Compensated for the color of the board and the lights the calculated readings are 5050 Kelvin and a +44 Tint adjustment.
In this next image the Info Panel shows RGB values from the lower third of the image. Values are R=211, G=214, B=219
Next the image was white balanced in Lightroom WB to 5800 Kelvin and tint +13. Compensated for the color of the board and the lights the calculated readings are 5000 Kelvin and a +5 Tint adjustment.
Come and celebrate the wildlife of Africa, India and the USA by joining me on one or more of my photo tours and workshops. The photo opportunities are exceptional as are the locations. Each location is picked to give you the best experience.Namibia and Botswana - 2016Yellowstone and The Grand Tetons - 2016India - 2017Namibia and Botswana - 2017Iceland - 2017Tanzania - 2017
November 7 - 20, 2016This is an all inclusive trip - your international round trip airfare from JFK - New York, Newark, NJ or Atlanta is included.Myanmar formally Burma is one of those rare unspoiled locations photographic allure. The people exude warmth and their hospitality is is exceptional. The land has a certain magical feel and a place that you will definitely want to come back to.Our itinerary includes Yangon and its famous Pagodas, Mandalay, the ancient city of Bagan the land of over one thousand temples, Mount Popa and Inle Lake, where we will photograph local fishermen and local markets.. Each location has been selected to maximize photographic opportunities.
A 4 day 3 night photo workshop that includes lodging and site feesMid Spring in Cape Cod is a multi faceted photo opportunity with truly spectacular scenics and some wildlife. The tourists have not crowded the roads and traffic is not a nightmare. This very special workshop is for all levels of photographers from beginner to advanced. The Cape provides some of the most incredible landscapes and seascapes and the light during spring is exceptional. We will explore and photograph the Cape's classic sea shore, sand dunes, light houses and some wildlife (including migratory birds). We will determine schedules and locations based on weather forecasts, tides and sunrise/sunset times. We may even explore the opportunity to do some night photography.
If you’ve been listening to TWIP over the years you probably know how we feel about the relatively slow pace of innovation in the “mirrored” camera space… also known as the dSLR.
Topaz releases DeNoise 6, an updated version of their excellent noise reduction software, complete with new features. As always, the update is free to anyone who already owns DeNoise. And for those who don’t own it, DeNoise 6 will be on sale ($30 off!) from February 24th – March 20th. Please use the coupon code "NOISEFREE" with you can take advantage of the discounted price of $49.99 (regularly $79.99).
Plans for the 2016 September Iceland photo tour and workshop have been finalized. Exceptional fall colors and if luck prevails, the Aurora Borealis will make this trip exceptional.From the western peninsulas of Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes to the exquisite south coast including the exquisite black sand beaches and icebergs in Jökulsárlón and surrounding areas this trip is designed for all levels of photographers. This trip is limited to a maximum 10 participants.All Iceland photo tours and workshops for the past 4 years were fully subscribed within a few days so please register as soon as possible.
There are many great opportunities for some exceptional color in Cape Cod. This next image is an outhouse at a farm. A favorite location we always visit during my "Light of Cape Cod" workshops that I will be posting in the next few days.
Low tide coincidental with the sunset in the flats are another set of my favorite locations.
With the way the low cloud bank was forming I did not expect much of a sunset. There were some interesting cloud formations and a lovely warm glow on the horizon.
As photographers we know never to leave after the sun sets - you never know what the skies might do. Staying pays off:
After dumping 12 plus inches of heavy wet snow Lexi was done and the skies opened up briefly. Some beautiful light on the tops of the trees forced me to stop shoveling and grab my camera for a few shots. Sure was nice to take a break from shoveling.
Last week at the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife festival I had the opportunity to briefly try out a pre-production unit. The lens was one of the first pre-production units and a lot has changed since it's manufacture. The final units will be way better in image quality, performance and handling. With that said, I will say I was truly impressed with the way the lens performed.The Leica 100-400mm is an f/4-6.3 telephoto zoom lens that gives the equivalent of 200-800mm in 35mm equivalence.The lens has a lockable zoom pull feature, so you can pull the end of the zoom to set the zoom position, or when it is locked, you need to rotate the zoom ring to vary the focal length. The lens has Power Optical Image Stabilization, and high-speed 240fps AF drive, which makes it incredibly fast in focusing performance. It is also, splash and dust proof.A feature I found most useful was the lens collar and foot that also rotates all the lens function switches. This allows you to easily access these in any orientation, landscape or portrait.In thumbnail view, hover over the thumbnail to see the focal length and exposure details. To see a larger rendition of this slide show please 