Camera
Kickstarter: Compact Reveni Labs Spot Meter uses unique two-eye aiming method
While digital photography is popular, film photography still has a dedicated following and beginner film photographers are popping up regularly. New products for analog photographers are popping up regularly to meet experienced and novice film photographers’ needs. Reveni Labs has launched a new Kickstarter campaign, which was funded within two hours, to deliver an extremely compact spot meter to film photographers.
A spot meter is a light meter designed to precisely measure only a small portion of the image area. Photographers can use a spot meter to check metering in different areas of the frame, especially one with a wide range of brightness, and make an informed decision about the exposure.
The Reveni Labs Spot Meter being used by creator Matt Bechberger. An electronics engineer, inventor and self-professed film camera nerd, Bechberger started Reveni Labs in March 2020 when launching the Reveni Labs Light Meter on Kickstarter. A few months later, he quit his job to run Reveni Labs full time. |
Vintage spot meters can be challenging to find, and new spot meters can be expensive. Reveni Labs hopes to ‘find the middle ground with its spot meter to provide a spot meter that meets the needs of modern film camera users, with a lower price point and relevant feature set.’ To Reveni Labs, there are three major issues with the currently-available spot meters: They’re large and heavy, they’re complex, and they are expensive.
To help solve these issues, the Reveni Labs Spot Meter is very small and lightweight. It weighs 1.25 oz. (about 35g). The Spot Meter is 2.8″ (71mm) long, 1.2″ (30.5mm) wide, and 1.5″ (38mm) in height.
The Reveni Labs Spot Meter is also designed to be easy to use. It has a two-eye aiming method, features simple controls and an easy-to-use menu, and offers straightforward modes, including aperture or shutter priority modes. Further, the Spot Meter includes a bright internal OLED display.
The external design (left) of the Reveni Labs Spot Meter. On the right, you can see the internal display. Image credit: Reveni Labs on Kickstarter |
The Spot Meter has a shutter speed range of 1 hour to 1/8,000s in one-stop increments. The aperture range is F0.7 to F1024, also in one-stop increments. The ISO range is 1-12,800. Reveni Labs states that the EV range is 2-20 in 0.1EV increments (at ISO 100). The spot meter is about a 1.5° (6″/15cm) circle at 20′ (6m).
On the top of the Reveni Labs Spot Meter are four buttons: right and left directional buttons, a menu/compare button, and the power/sample button. Beneath the sensing lens on the front of the spot meter is the battery compartment, which holds a pair of LR44 alkaline batteries to power the device. Through the viewing lens at the back, you see the OLED display, which shows shutter speed, current state, EV value, ISO, rounding remainder, aperture, and driving value arrow surrounding the central aiming reticle.
Reveni Labs Spot Meter optical design. Image credit: Reveni Labs on Kickstarter |
The Reveni Labs Spot Meter utilizes a two-eye aiming method. One eye views the data in the spot meter while the other eye surveys the subject area. There is a close-focus rear lens in front of the OLED display inside the meter to allow the user to focus on the scene and display simultaneously. The internal components are aligned on a central axis.
This design is significantly different from a more typical spot meter. A traditional spot meter uses a viewing lens and requires the user to view the scene solely through the spot meter, closing their second eye. The Reveni Labs Spot Meter doesn’t have a viewing lens; the inside is just a dark screen, which is why it’s a binocular vision spot meter and why it’s possible for it to be so compact. You can see how the Reveni Labs Spot Meter varies from a typical spot meter in the hands-on video below, published by Mat Marrash.
You can see another review of the device from Todd Korol in his video below.
The Reveni Labs Spot Meter looks like an exciting product for film photographers. If you would like to back the project, you can do so for $225 CAD, which is a little under $180 USD at current currency conversion rates. The Reveni Labs Spot Meter comes with the meter, a neck lanyard, storage pouch and four LR44 batteries. Shipping is expected to commence in August. For more information and to back the project, visit Kickstarter.
Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators. Still, as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.
Camera
This Leica-branded waterproof jacket costs $1,000 and it doesn't even have the red button
Photo: Shackelton |
It’s no secret that the Leica name demands steep prices. That holds true whether the gear in question is a camera or not, as is evident by a new collaboration between Lond-based performance apparel and guided expedition brand Shackelton and Leica Camera. The Frank Hurley Field Jacket was developed with Leica Camera and expedition photographer Levison Wood. The jacket’s name references the Australian photographer and adventurer, a member of the infamous Shackelton Expedition. As we would expect with the Leica name attached, it comes with a hefty $955 price tag.
Shackelton says waterproofing was the main focus when designing and testing this technical hardshell. As a result, it promises a fully waterproof design thanks to three-layer fabric and Aquaguard zippers to keep water out of pockets. It is interesting, though, that they skipped over well-known (and trusted) GORE-TEX materials for the shell, especially given the price tag. The Arc’Teryx or Norrøna offerings with Gore-Tex Pro certainly seem to make more sense for the price.
Image: Shackelton |
Of course, this isn’t the first time Leica has teamed up with a clothing company to create a jacket. Back in October, a collaboration between apparel brand Aether and Leica was announced, offering photographer-friendly details like pockets for camera batteries and SD card holders. It is also the second time Shackelton has collaborated with Leica. Interestingly enough, both jackets notably lack the red Leica circle, which seems like it should bring the price down at least a little.
Like the Aether jacket, the Frank Hurley Field Jacket offers features specific to photographers, but it is more focused on cold and wet weather in this case. That includes insulated battery pockets to protect battery life when working in cold conditions and a memory card case pocket. There are large cargo pockets with double folds for security and protection. A dedicated pocket also has a branded lens cloth on a retracting lanyard.
Image: Shackelton |
The Aether jacket was a limited edition and sold out pretty quickly, but the Shackelton Frank Hurley Field Jacket seems to be a more permanent offering. If you’re gearing up for a polar expedition of your own (or a trip down the streets of London), it can be yours for $955 from the Shackelton website.
Camera
Nikon's updating the P1000 with one important tweak
Photo: Nikon |
Nikon has announced an updated (albeit minimally) version of its P1000 24-3000mm equiv. superzoom compact. The Coolpix P1100 gains a USB-C socket, updated Bluetooth and a handful of relatively minor changes over the now-discontinued P1000.
When Nikon released the Coolpix P1000 in 2018, it offered something no other bridge camera did or has since: 125x optical zoom. That was well beyond the previous high water mark of 83x optical zoom in the Coolpix P900. The 125x zoom delivered an equivalent focal length of 24-3000mm from the camera’s 16MP Type 1/2.3 (6.2 x 4.7mm). It was bulky as a result of that lens, but the extensive reach made it a versatile choice for certain applications (though mainly for photographing the moon).
The P1100 provides the same reach as the P1000, making it feasible to take photos of the moon.
Photo: Nikon |
There was speculation that Nikon discontinued the P1000 because it wasn’t selling enough models due to smartphone competition. However, Nikon says that wasn’t the case, and it was selling enough units to make it worth continuing production, hence the new model. Zoom reach is one of the areas smartphones struggle to compete with, so it makes sense that the longest-zoom compact might remain comfortable in its niche.
Unfortunately, for fans of the P1000, the upgrades are minimal. The main focus of the P1100 is a USB-C port to meet the 2022 law that requires electronic devices sold in the EU to have the newer connector type.
Photo: Nikon |
In addition to the port, though, there are a few other small upgrades. Most notably is that it modernized the camera’s connectivity, moving to WPA3-SAE Wi-Fi for greater security and Bluetooth 5.1. The P1100 also enables Fn button operation from the ML-L7 Bluetooth remote, which the P1000 did not.
A change in CIPA’s stabilization standard sees the P1100’s rating drop to 4.0 stops of correction vs. the P1000’s 5.0 stops, despite the performance being identical. The flash’s guide number drops from 16 to 12m. Nikon added a new Fireworks Show Scene Mode and Long Exposure NR.
The P1100 will be available in late February for $1099; this is $100 more than the 2018 launch price of the P1000 but a match for the increased list price it gained mid-lifespan.
REACH FOR THE STARS: NIKON RELEASES THE COOLPIX P1100 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY 125X OPTICAL ZOOM
The Compact Camera That Sets the Gold Standard for Super Zooms
MELVILLE, NY (February 4, 2025) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the COOLPIX P1100, a compact digital camera that features an incredible 125x optical super-telephoto zoom, with creative features that help users create amazing photos and videos from the most extreme distances.
The COOLPIX P1100 is a compact digital camera and offers further improvements in usability and connectivity. The COOLPIX P1100 covers a vast range of focal lengths beginning at the wide-angle 24mm equivalent, extending to the super-telephoto 3000mm 1 equivalent. If that is not enough, the P1100 is capable of going even farther, with up to a 250x 2 zoom when Dynamic Fine Zoom is enabled.
The COOLPIX P1100 makes it easy to enjoy the world of super-telephoto shooting with the ability to capture dynamic images of subjects that are difficult approach, including birds and celestial bodies. The camera features Dual Detect Optical VR, which achieves a level of vibration reduction equivalent to 4.0 stops 3 at the center of the frame, effectively suppressing camera shake when handheld shooting. The P1100 is also able to capture 4K UHD/30p and superlapse movie recordings, helping the user make creative videos of nature and
the night sky.
Further enhancements include a selectable AF-area mode in Bird-Watching Mode, and the same functions that can be assigned to the camera’s Fn button can now be assigned to the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on the optional ML-L7 Remote Control 4 . What’s more, a Fireworks option has been added to [Multiple exp. Lighten] scene mode. This function reduces instances of blown-out highlights that often occur when shooting long exposures, making it easier to capture impressively clear scenes of fireworks displays in which the brightness of the foreground or
the background differs.
Primary Features of the COOLPIX P1100
- Incredible 125x optical zoom for super-telephoto performance up to a 24-3000mm equivalent.
- Super ED and ED lens elements provide superior chromatic aberration compensation and deliver outstanding rendering capabilities across the entire zoom range, even with super-telephoto shooting.
- Dual Detect Optical VR accurately suppresses the effects of camera shake with super-telephoto handheld shooting. This enables the capture of sharp and clear images of birds, celestial bodies, and other distant subjects at dynamic angles of view.
- Bird-Watching and Moon modes can be accessed directly using the mode dial.
Support for 4K UHD/30p movie recording lets users beautifully record subjects with the power of super-telephoto 3000mm equivalent. Frames from movies recorded in 4K UHD format can also be saved as still images. - Massive zoom, small size: Despite coverage of focal lengths up to 3000mm equivalent, the camera weighs only approx. 3.1 lbs. (1,410g), allowing users to enjoy super-telephoto shooting more comfortably than with DSLR and mirrorless camera systems.
Additional Features of the COOLPIX P1100:
- The camera is equipped with a focus mode selector that can be used to change the focus mode even after it has been acquired, along with a control ring that enables the adjustment of settings such as white balance and manual focus.
- Optional accessory ML-L7 Remote Control connects to the COOLPIX P1100 via Bluetooth®︎, and the same functions that can be assigned to the camera’s Fn button can be assigned to the remote.
- A 3.2in. TFT LCD Vari-angle monitor with a wide-viewing angle makes it easy to compose handheld or on a tripod.
Compatible with Nikon’s exclusive RAW (.NRW) format. - COOLPIX Picture Control 5 , which can be used to make adjustments in accordance with the subject, shooting situations and intentions.
- Capability to record superlapse and time-lapse movies.
- Support for Clean HDMI output 6 , which cleans the information display from the
- image output to an external monitor during recording.
- The ability to set long-exposure noise reduction to [Auto] or [Off].
- Adoption of a USB Type-C input/output connector.
- Compatible with the optional DF-M1 Dot Sight that facilitates image composition during telephoto shooting.
Price and Availability
The new Nikon COOLPIX P1100 will be available in late February 2025 for a suggested retail price of $1,099.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the large collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
Nikon Coolpix P1100 specifications
Price | |
---|---|
MSRP | $1,099 |
Body type | |
Body type | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor | |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
Image ratio w:h | 4:3 |
Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
Processor | Nikon Expeed |
Color space | sRGB |
Color filter array | Primary color filter |
Image | |
ISO | Auto, 100-6400 |
White balance presets | 5 |
Custom white balance | Yes |
Image stabilization | Optical |
CIPA image stabilization rating | 4 stop(s) |
Uncompressed format | RAW |
File format |
|
Optics & Focus | |
Focal length (equiv.) | 24–3000 mm |
Optical zoom | 125× |
Maximum aperture | F2.8–8 |
Autofocus |
|
Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
Manual focus | Yes |
Normal focus range | 30 cm (11.81″) |
Macro focus range | 1 cm (0.39″) |
Screen / viewfinder | |
Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3.2″ |
Screen dots | 921,000 |
Touch screen | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes |
Viewfinder type | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | 99% |
Viewfinder resolution | 2,359,000 |
Photography features | |
Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Exposure modes |
|
Scene modes |
|
Built-in flash | Yes |
Flash range | 12.00 m (at Auto ISO) |
External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
Drive modes |
|
Continuous drive | 7.0 fps |
Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
Metering modes |
|
Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
AE Bracketing | ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps) |
WB Bracketing | No |
Videography features | |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Modes |
|
Microphone | Stereo |
Speaker | Mono |
Storage | |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support) |
Connectivity | |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
USB charging | Yes |
HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
Microphone port | Yes |
Headphone port | No |
Wireless | Built-In |
Wireless notes | 802.11b/g + Bluetooth 5.1 |
Remote control | Yes (via smartphone, Bluetooth remote, wired remote) |
Physical | |
Environmentally sealed | No |
Battery | Battery Pack |
Battery description | EN-EL20a lithium-ion battery and charger |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 250 |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 1410 g (3.11 lb / 49.74 oz) |
Dimensions | 146 x 119 x 181 mm (5.75 x 4.69 x 7.13″) |
Other features | |
Orientation sensor | Yes |
Timelapse recording | Yes |
GPS | None |
Camera
Super-bright, kinda wide: Nikon adds 35mm F1.2 to its Z-mount lineup
Image: Nikon |
Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S, the latest in its lineup of full-frame fast primes. It’s an interesting option for photographers who want shallow depth of field, but still want to capture the environment around a subject – something that’s not as easy with the company’s 50mm and 85mm F1.2 options.
The 35mm F1.2 is made up of 17 elements in 15 groups, with three ED elements, three aspherical elements, and one aspherical ED element. The lens also has a variety of coatings to prevent ghosting and flares, but while its body does have dust and moisture sealing, there’s no fluorine coating on the front element to repel moisture or oils.
Nikon says that such a wide, fast prime would not have been possible for F-mount
The lens uses stepping motors for its autofocus system, and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3m (11.8″). For controls, it has a clickless control ring and a matched pair of function buttons meaning they can be reached whether portrait or landscape shooting. As is expected for a fast full-frame lens, it’s relatively large, weighing 1060g and using an 82mm filter.
The company is pitching the lens at people who shoot weddings, events and fashion, as well as video, but we won’t be surprised if it finds an audience with enthusiasts as well. Wide-angle lenses with apertures this fast are relatively uncommon, which lets you get distinctive-looking photos with them. You can see a few examples in the sample gallery we shot using a pre-production lens.
Nikon says that such a wide, fast prime would not have been possible with its longer, narrower F-mount.
The Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S will be available later this month and will retail at $2,799.
REDEFINE THE ART OF STORYTELLING: NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR ® Z 35MM F/1.2 S, A FAST WIDE-ANGLE PRIME LENS FOR NIKON Z MOUNT MIRRORLESS CAMERAS
Environmental Portrait Lens Provides Outstanding Optical Performance and Smooth, Beautiful Bokeh
MELVILLE, NY (February 4, 2025) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the highly anticipated release of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S, a medium wide-angle prime lens with an impressively fast f/1.2 maximum aperture for professional photographers and filmmakers.
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is Nikon’s latest S-Line lens, a series synonymous with outstanding optical performance and handling. The lens emphasizes the main subjects with soft and beautiful bokeh, a dramatic shallow depth-of-field, and the realistic expression of textures. This classic wide-angle prime lens allows for a creative use of the environment to tell a deeper story that meaningfully connects with the viewer.
“Our latest f/1.2 lens truly demonstrates the power of Nikon’s optical expertise, creating a lens that helps the user to portray more of the environment within a single, beautiful frame,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The NIKKOR Z line of lenses continues to expand as we now offer more than 40 impressive optical solutions for Nikon Z Series users.”
The optical characteristics of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S are finely tuned to create the perfect combination of sharpness and atmosphere. Soft, delicate organic textures, such as skin and hair, are rendered with a natural authenticity, while reflective objects like jewelry are sharp and free of distracting color aberrations. The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a must-have lens for those shooting events, weddings, fashion, as well as for cinematography.
Sharing a similar design concept to the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S and the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, the new lens offers superior rendering capabilities as well as depiction of the scene with a sense of depth, even with its wide angle of view. The optical design includes three ED glass elements and one aspherical ED element, enabling effective reduction of false color aberrations. In addition, the application of Nikon’s proprietary Meso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat, and ARNEO Coat minimize ghosting and flare and provide outstanding optical performance.
Primary Features of the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
- Enables unique imaging styles through the combination of high resolving power achieved by superior optical performance, smooth and beautiful bokeh that takes full advantage of the shallow depth-of-field at f/1.2, and 35mm angle of view.
- Achieves a sense of depth with smooth bokeh that transitions gently as it moves away from the focal plane.
- A lens structure with symmetry in front of and behind the aperture realizes outstanding optical performance.
- Three ED glass elements and one aspherical ED glass elements enable effective correction of various lens aberrations.
- Adoption of Meso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat effectively reduces ghosting and flares for clear rendering even in tough lighting conditions.
- Adoption of a multi-focusing system1 that uses stepping motors (STMs) realizes fast and accurate AF drive for both still images and video.
- Features a design optimized for video, including a clickless control ring, silent focusing and stable exposure, and suppressed focus breathing to effectively reduces shifts to the angle of view when focusing.
- Two convenient L-Fn buttons, to which a wide variety of functions can be assigned, enable smooth adjustment of settings, even during vertical shooting.
- Superior dust and drip-resistant performance2 is ensured by sealing various parts of the lens, including movable parts of the lens barrel.
Price and Availability
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S lens will be available in late February 2025 for a suggested retail price of $2,799.95*3. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
*1 Multiple AF drive units work together to control the position of multiple focus lens groups with great precision for superior image formation performance regardless of shooting distance.
*2 Thorough dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
*3 SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Nikon Nikkor Z 35mm F1.2 S Specifications
Principal specifications | |
---|---|
Lens type | Prime lens |
Max Format size | 35mm FF |
Focal length | 35 mm |
Image stabilization | No |
Lens mount | Nikon Z |
Aperture | |
Maximum aperture | F1.2 |
Minimum aperture | F16 |
Aperture ring | No |
Number of diaphragm blades | 11 |
Optics | |
Elements | 17 |
Groups | 15 |
Special elements / coatings | 3 ED, 3 aspherical, 1 aspherical ED, meso-amorphous coating, areno coating, nano crystal coating |
Focus | |
Minimum focus | 0.30 m (11.81″) |
Maximum magnification | 0.2× |
Autofocus | Yes |
Motor type | Stepper motor |
Focus method | Internal |
Distance scale | No |
DoF scale | No |
Physical | |
Weight | 1060 g (2.34 lb) |
Diameter | 90 mm (3.54″) |
Length | 150 mm (5.91″) |
Sealing | Yes |
Filter thread | 82 mm |
Hood supplied | Yes |
-
Solar Energy3 years ago
DLR testing the use of molten salt in a solar power plant in Portugal
-
Camera1 year ago
DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro: which compact drone is best?
-
world news1 year ago
Gulf, France aid Gaza, Russia evacuates citizens
-
Indian Defense3 years ago
Israeli Radar Company Signs MoU To Cooperate With India’s Alpha Design Technologies
-
Camera1 year ago
Sony a9 III: what you need to know
-
Solar Energy1 year ago
Glencore eyes options on battery recycling project
-
Camera4 years ago
Charles ‘Chuck’ Geschke, co-founder of Adobe and inventor of the PDF, dies at 81
-
world news1 year ago
Strong majority of Americans support Israel-Hamas hostage deal