Members can share the same Story with Facebook’s new Group Stories
Facebook Group members can now view and share Group Stories. Unlike the Stories for an individual user, the new tool lets members contribute to the same Group Story. The tool launches globally today with new options for emoji reactions to the Story and tools for administrators to manage Group Stories.
Tumblr bans nudity to create ‘a safe place for creative expression’
Tumblr will soon no longer allow images with adult content. Beginning on December 17, Tumblr will ban images containing nudity, with a few exceptions. The firm says the change is one that's designed to help more creators feel comfortable sharing on the platform, but says the change won't happen overnight.
Full-frame mirrorless cameras just made their Hollywood debut with this thriller
The Possession of Hannah Grace isn't just a thriller -- it's also the first Hollywood feature film to be shot completely with a full-frame mirrorless camera. The film was shot with several Sony a7S II bodies and Hawk 65 anamorphic lenses. Here's a behind-the-scenes look at how the movie was made.
Ride the rails and share your stories with Amtrak’s new social media residency
Amtrak is looking for travel fans with a knack for telling stories on social media. The new Amtrak social media residency program wants amateur travelers to share photos, video, and written content from aboard long-distance trips for the new #AmtrakTakeMeThere campaign. Applications are now open online.
Photography News: Tiffen launches portable LED, COOPH designs heated photo vest
In this week's photography news, Tiffen launches their first LED in the portable, robust Lowel light line. Instagram gains more accessibility features for the visually impaired. Shutterstock launches high-end video Selects. And this odd photo vest has a built-in heater controlled via smartphone.
Instagram’s new Close Friends List lets you decide who should see your Story
Have a story to share, but don't want to send it to everyone? Instagram now has a close friends list that will allow users to share stories with only the users included on that list. Friends will see a green icon inside the story if included on that list, however. The update is rolling out today.
Capture One 12 launches ‘near-instantaneous’ masking tool in new interface
Capture One 12 is here -- and includes new tools as well as an interface update. The latest version adds and enhances masking tools, including a new luminosity mask. The interface also gets a refresh designed to be easier on the eyes and Fujifilm Film Simulation compatibility.
Like them or not, YouTube Stories just expanded to more channels
YouTube Stories are exiting testing. Beginning today, November 29, the feature will be available to channels with more than 10,000 subscribers. The launch comes with a comment tool and updates based on feedback. YouTube Stories can be recorded from the YouTube app and will stick around for seven days.
What are the biggest color trends in photography? Study suggests these bold hues
What are the hottest colors in photography? The Shutterstock 2019 Color Trends report highlights three bold hues, as well as the most popular colors in a number of different countries. Here's what Shutterstock data has to say about the colors that are most likely to get downloads in 2019.
DJI’s tiny Osmo Pocket puts smooth gimbal stabilization in the palm of your hand
Meet the DJI Osmo Pocket, DJI's smallest gimbal camera yet. The handheld device captures 4K/60 fps video with some of the same tracking modes found in DJI's drones, all in a device that weighs less than 5 ounces. Accessories like a waterproof case and mount could expand the camera's possibilities.
Facebook’s local news tool just went live in 400 cities, alerts could be next
Facebook now has a section dedicated to local news in more than 400 cities. Called Today In, the feature aggregates news as well as events, school announcements, and group discussions. Facebook is also launching tests for a new Local Alert feature designed for government Pages and first responders.
Code suggests Facebook is working on a comment keyword mute tool
Reverse engineering the Facebook app has uncovered a potential feature that would allow users to mute specific keywords on comments. The feature hasn't yet been confirmed but could be an option Facebook is testing for personal profiles, according to what one reverse engineer found.
PowerDirector, PhotoDirector aim to balance advanced tools with easy editing
CyberLink's latest photo- and video-editing programs combine professional-level tools with a simple user interface, as well as more subscription options. PowerDirector adds new Chroma key tools and multicam sync features, while PhotoDirector gains tethered shooting and Content Aware tools.
To capture nature’s insanity, this storm chaser built his own 16K camera rig
Sure, 16K cinema cameras don't exist -- but that doesn't mean you can't make your own. Storm chaser and producer Martin Lisius recently captured a 16K time-lapse film, compiling sequences of stunning supercell storms. Here's how he designed a custom rig and shot and edited the film in 16K.
Photography News: Olloclip’s latest bring front and rear lenses to new iPhones
In this week's photography news, see Olloclip's latest accessory for the newest iPhones, find out just how many lenses Nikon has now manufactured, and which Tamron lenses gained compatibility with the Nikon Z system. You can also dig into the latest updates from Google Photos and VSCO.
DJI’s Ronin-S just got more capable with slew of new accessories
Need a longer battery life for the DJI Ronin-S, or perhaps a built-in screen or GPS? DJI has got you covered with a handful of new accessories for the company's one-hand gimbal. The accessories expand the mounting options, expand battery life, allow follow focus with manual lenses, and more.
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S review
The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S shows the potential for Nikon's new mirrorless Z-mount with excellent sharp-ness. However, its emphasis on image quality means it is actually larger and heavier (and considerably more expensive) than the comparable F-Mount DSLR lens. So is it worth it?
Facebook removes one-click comment test after users call the tool ‘dystopian’
A faster way to comment on posts sounds innocent enough, but when a Facebook test of the feature appeared on a story about a shooting, users weren't happy. The tool attempted to suggest one-click comments. Facebook has now disabled the test for a comment tool after the algorithms suggested auto comments on sensitive topics.
Time alerts put the brakes on Facebook consumption, are rolling out now
Just how much time do you spend scrolling through the Facebook feed? Facebook will now tell you. The new features also include daily alerts that tell users when they've spent too much time on the social networks and an option to temporarily snooze notifications. The tools are rolling out now after an August announcement.
Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED review
There’s no such thing as a perfect lens, but the Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED comes incredibly close. The original 105mm f/1.4 delivers exceptional quality mixing beautiful bokeh and sharp subjects. The lens’ bulky size, however, means photographers will want to be conservative on the shutter speed.
Instagram purges fake followers, likes, and comments generated from other apps
Instagram looking a little more authentic? You can thank machine learning. A new tool is helping Instagram spot followers, likes and comments generated from third-party apps. Those fake interactions are now being removed, and users that shared information with those apps should reset their passwords.
Photography news: Best spot for fall photos, new firmware from Fuji and Nikon
Where's the best spot to take fall photos? Michigan, according to social media and a Nikon contest. The results and more in this week's photography news, including significant firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T3, X-H1 and GFX 50S, and a new tool for Final Cut Pro X users.
Build a wish list and shop videos with Instagram’s latest shopping update
Eyeing a product on Instagram? Now there are more ways to shop from the social network. Instagram just rolled out options to save products in a collection. Users can also now shop from videos and can soon visit a redesigned brand Shop page containing all the shared products from the company.
Alpha Female: Sony awards five women grants to support artisan diversity
Women can face several challenges to launching a photography career -- Sony's latest initiative aims to help propel women in the industry forward. Sony recently announced the winners of the Alpha Female program, awarding five women grants, new gear, and a mentorship with another female photographer.
Edit portraits with A.I. and adjust focus in the new ON1 Photo RAW 2019 editor
ON1 Photo RAW 2019 now has a dedicated tab for portraits that recognizes faces to help with retouching. The update also brings a new focus stacking tool, enhancements to layers, improvements to local adjustments, and updates to the user interface. A new A.I.-powered local adjustment tool is also coming.
Golf ball-sized Lume Cube Air is a pocketable LED for photos and video
Off-camera lighting for smartphones and GoPros just got even smaller. Meet the Lume Cube Air, a smaller portable LED light designed for photos and videos. Weighing about two ounces and about the size a golf ball, the smaller LED light also brings a budget-friendly choice for mobile lighting accessories.
Full frame or 4K for less than $1K? These 4 older cameras still have a lot to offer
Looking for a great camera deal? Sometimes, you might be better off buying one that's a few years -- last generation's professional models may not cost much more than today's entry-level models. Even if it's no longer best in class, it may outpace that budget camera you are looking at.
Pinterest brings followed content front and center with full-width Pin format
Want to see Pinterest recommendations, or just Pins from followed users? Now Pinners can choose with a Pinterest Following feed update.
Flickr just expanded Pro tools — but free users may have to delete some photos
If you have more than 1,000 photos on a free Flickr account, you might want to start determining which ones to delete now. Flickr announced several changes following an acquisition by SmugMug earlier this year, including more tools for Pro users, but limiting free account users to 1,000 images or videos.
Nikon Z7 review
Nikon’s long awaited full-frame mirrorless cameras are here, and the Z7 is the new flagship model. Combining company firsts like in-body stabilization with classic Nikon ergonomics, the Z7 achieves a bar high. But is it enough to stand up to the company's DSLR pedigree -- or compete with the likes of Sony?
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S review
If you're fine with f/4, Nikon's first zoom lens for its full-frame mirrorless Z system will impress you with sharp, colorful images and smooth autofocus performance. The Z 24-70mm f/4 S offers a useful focal length range and, at $1,000, it's a high-quality lens that won't completely break the bank.
Olloclip’s latest smartphone lenses appease the budget-minded and pixel peepers
Olloclip just launched both its cheapest lens yet and its most advanced -- and no, they're not the same lens. The Olloclip Pro lenses offer the highest image quality yet from the company, while the new Intro series starts at $20 for a two-in-one lens combo or $40 with the clip attachment.
Nikon D3400 vs. Canon T6: What’s the best budget DSLR?
The Nikon D3400 and the Canon T6 have nearly identical prices -- but the list of features is far from identical. So which sub-$500 camera has the most to offer? We put to two together in a Nikon D3400 vs. Canon T6 mash-up to determine a winner -- and what other cameras you should also consider.
Nikon Z7 vs. Nikon D850: Comparing two 46-megapixel full-frame cameras
Nikon's new full-frame mirrorless is here -- but can it dethrone the company's powerful D850 DSLR? Picking a winner between these two cameras is not easy, as each outshines the other in particular circumstances. Find out which in the Nikon Z7 vs. Nikon D850 comparison.