Latest Updates from LYTRO

The Lytro Light Field camera is still captivating audiences around the world, and naturally Australia is no exception. 

One thing we really like about the LYTRO company is their constant drive to improve the system, with yet another desktop software update available today. It's pretty great when you can experience the latest technology on offer without the need to upgrade the hardware huh?

This December 4th update allows users to utilize "Perspective Shift" and "Living Filters" in their light field images. 

Perspective Shift allows Lytro users to interactively change the point of view in a light field photo after it has been taken. Just like all Lytro images, both the photographer and the viewer can play with the perspective without the need for special software once the feature has been applied and shared. Pictures come to life and become an involved experience for the audience - it makes for a really neat way to tell your story.

So what about Living Filters? These allow the photographer to show off their creative flair and compose their art in even more ways to excite the audience. Lytro users will be able to apply one of nine interactive filters, including Film Noir, Crayon, and Carnival, to their living pictures to change the look of the picture based on light field depth.

These filters work on new shots as well as light field photos previously taken before the software update - woo hoo!

Check out a sample below, and see the Lytro Blog to update your desktop software today. 

Read More

Lytro: Now with Manual Control and Ren's Visit

As you would be aware from our excitement over the last little while, the amazing Lytro light field camera is now being sold by us in Australia and it is about to get even better.

If you have recently purchased your very own Lytro, you would be wise to install the latest firmware release. Why? Well, afterwards, manual control will be yours.

The latest firmware allows control over Shutter Speed, ISO Sensitivity, Neutral Density (ND) Filter and the Auto Exposure (AE) Lock. This gives you a whole new playing field for getting the most out of this revolutionary device.

The Lytro Blog has all the details, so get reading!

In other Lytro news, we were lucky enough for the creator, Ren Ng, to visit our Sydney store in Canterbury. Here he is with some of our cheerful staff (touch the photo to refocus like magic):

Read More

Firmware Update for Fuji X-Pro1 and Fujinon XF Lenses

Never fear, the latest Fuji X-Pro1 firmware is here!

This is actually a significant development for X-Pro1 users and it would give you a rather huge upgrade in overall camera performance should you download it.

Now, a complaint of the initial Fuji X-Pro1 firmware was the apparent slowness of the system especially with start-up time and more importantly the autofocus. This firmware update once installed on the X-Pro1 and Fujinon XF lenses corrects this and much more, as explained in Fujifilm’s Press Release:

Sample Image from the X-Pro1

Improved Auto Focus¹ Speed

Auto Focus mode will offer faster focussing in challenging lighting conditions where light is low or bright. Focus distance has also been improved, allowing you to capture a great shot closer to the subject without switching to Macro mode.

Improved Manual Focus Performance

When turning the focus ring, the speed of the image coming into focus has been greatly improved. It is also much easier to focus when adjusting the focus ring using the electronic viewfinder or the LCD panel on the back of the camera, always displaying the image closer to full aperture with minimum depth of field.

Additional 3x Magnification for Checking Focus

An extra 3x magnification is now available with the new firmware, adding to the existing 10x magnification focus check on the X-Pro1. It is now also possible to find the optimum focus point when viewing the entire screen.

Improved Writing / Processing Speed

The new firmware provides improved writing speed to a memory card. At maximum speed the X-Pro1 can now write to a memory card twice as fast².

Improved Playback Speed

Image playback now takes less than one second after pressing the image playback button.

Additional Feature

The ISO setting now includes Auto (6400).

This is sure to make your shooting experience just that little bit smoother and more satisfying, while giving you the focusing speed and low light capability that camera deserves.

Users: For best results, update the firmware on both the camera and the Fujinon XF lenses at the same time.
Head on over to Fuji's support page for further information and the download.

Read More