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Watch a craftsman build a large format camera from scratch

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And when we say from scratch, we are not kidding. This isn’t just ordering a bunch of components online and bolting them all together. Other than the lens and a few hinges, every piece on this camera is hand made. Right down to the perfectly hand ground glass.

The camera is the wonderful creation of very talented camera builder, Dieter Schneider. Whether you want to build your own camera or not, it’s a fascinating video to watch. The attention to detail, and ridiculously accurate workmanship is remarkable.

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Internet-connected camera owner panics after it starts following and talking to her

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It’s like something out of a sci-fi horror movie. Internet connected cameras following you, all by themselves, as you move around the room. Not only following you, though, but actually speaking to you. According to RTL, though, that’s exactly what happened to Netherlands based IP camera owner, Rilana Hamer.

She’d purchased the camera from local retailer Action, to be able to keep an eye on her puppy while away from the house. Quite a logical reason to get one, especially with how little such cameras cost today. One day, though, she got the fright of her life when it actually heard it whisper the words “Bonjour Madame”.

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Google Clips puts AI inside a camera to pick the best moments to take a snap

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We’ve all been hearing about AI tech that wants to tell us how good our shots are. Apple recently bought out Regaind to help critique our images. Adobe included something simialr in the newest version of Photoshop Elements 2018. Software solutions so far simply look at the thousands of shots you’ve already made. Google wants to cut out the middleman and put this functionality into the camera.

Google’s new “Clips” camera has quite a few bits missing. It has no LCD, and only one button, a shutter button. Although this button is entirely optional. You see, the camera has AI built into it that uses machine learning to recognise and learn faces. It then seeks out interesting moments to capture all by itself. A little creepy, but also pretty cool.

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5 things to consider before buying a new camera

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I’m in the market for a new camera. Here are 5 things I am considering before I make a purchase.

I have been a very happy Sony customer for the last 2+ years. My A7R continues to serve me well. I am inching closer to an upgrade. I know the A7RII is an awesome camera. I’ve read the reviews. There are photographers I follow and respect that rave about it. I’ve held it in my hands and it feels good. And there’s the recently rumored A7RIII.

However, I must also consider the “surround” that goes with a new camera body. Especially when a new camera body means an increase in megapixels. Higher megapixels come with a cost. I think we photographers often fail to consider the ripples of a new camera body.

There is more to the decision than just the camera body. That’s what prompted me to write this post. So let’s go.

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Canon are bringing out a modular camera system

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The idea of a modular camera isn’t all that new. And I don’t just mean being able to bolt on a microphone or a lens. Pretty much all of RED’s cameras are modular. You buy a “brain” and then you get all the associated bits and attachments to actually be able to shoot with it.

Now it looks like Canon are getting in on the modular action, although in a different sector of the market. In this short interview at IBC2017, Cinema5D talk with Marcel Hess from Canon Germany. They ask about some odd looking devices contained within a glass cabinet. It turns out that it’s a rather intriguing new camera. Well, parts of one.

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The first fully analogue Instax camera is coming but it’s not made by Fuji

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Thanks to companies like Fujifilm and Impossible, instant photos are well and truly back, and they’re here to stay. While the Polaroid concept has always been quite popular, Fuji’s range of Instax cameras & films have proven to be extremely successful. Many photographers I know have one. For behind the scenes snaps, or just fun shots while doing things with friends, they love them.

Now, Lomography want in on some of that action. They’ve just announced the new LomoInstant. A fully analogue instant camera designed specifically for use with Fuji Instax instant film. The first fully analogue camera of its type that accepts Instax film.

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Happy Anniversary, EOS

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Whether you pronounce it “EE-os” (as in the Greek goddess of dawn) or prefer the three-syllable “E-O-S” (as in Electro-Optical System), Canon’s EOS system of automatic-focus cameras and lenses has been with us for thirty years now (March being the actual anniversary), and — I suppose this might fall into the category of “how time flies when you’re having fun” — I’m happy to say I’ve been “with EOS,” both film and digital, for 29 of those thirty years.

Not to the exclusion of other makes, mind you, for when it comes to (at least film) cameras, I am a man of many loves. But this little ramble has to do with my EOS (mostly film) cameras.

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Watch acetone fumes make this camera melt like butter

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We’ve seen cameras tortured and destroyed in all kinds of ways: shot, smashed, and even chewed by ants. But it slowly melting due to the acetone fumes is somehow more… elegant.

The guys from YouTube channel Amazing Timelapse exposed a plastic Konica film camera to harsh acetone fumes. It turns out, the camera can’t survive them for very long, and it starts melting like the butter. It’s not as harsh as shooting or smashing. I can say it’s even oddly satisfying to watch.

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Add bling to your Leica with sterling silver shutter release buttons

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Do you personalize your camera? A custom-made strap, a sticker, or a soft shutter release button? Well, in case you want to give your Leica M a personal touch and add some bling, Bashert Jewelry has announced quite a fancy set of soft shutter release buttons. They are made of sterling silver, and they’ll make your Leica M personalized, shiny and classy. And yes, even more expensive.

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