Wildlife In The Landscape Assignment Winner Robert Henderson

Congratulations to Robert Henderson for winning the Wildlife In The Landscape Assignment with the image, “Mother Leopard on the Watch.” See more of Henderson’s work at www.outdoorphotographer.com/author/biobob52/.

View the winning image and a selection of submissions in the gallery below. And be sure to check out our current photography assignment here and enter your best shots!

[See image gallery at www.outdoorphotographer.com]

The post Wildlife In The Landscape Assignment Winner Robert Henderson appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/30w4dlB

Read More

Behind The Shot: Family Portrait

Photo By Don Martin

I moved to Viera, Florida, five years ago from Palm Coast, Florida. I had only recently taken up photography, and my efforts to date had concentrated on landscape, travel and long-exposure night photography. I had never even given any thought to wildlife photography. Within a short period, I learned that the Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands, also known as the Viera Wetlands, were only a mile from where I was living.

The Viera Wetlands are located between the Moccasin Island Tract of the River Lakes Conservation Area and the Brevard Zoo, and are popular among birders, photographers and eco-tourists. Natural Resources Management Department staff assisted by members of the Viera Wetlands Volunteer Program provide land management for this 200-acre constructed wetland system belonging to Brevard County Utility Services. The wetlands consist of four shallow, manmade marshes surrounding a deep lake with earthen berms that allow visitors access throughout the site. Pedestrians, vehicles and bicyclists share the berm road.

On this day, deep into the wetlands, I had set up my tripod on a berm within view of two great blue heron nests that I had been watching and photographing for several months. I was almost at eye level with this nest with no obstructions between my camera and the great blue family. One heron had been flying in regularly to bring new material to reinforce the nest and expand its size. I knew that periodically a heron chick would poke its little head up and that there were a total of three chicks, though I had never seen them clearly all at the same time.

After about two hours with almost no interesting photographs taken, I could see one of the herons out of the corner of my eye flying in with a branch in its beak. Just as the landing was occurring, the three chicks simultaneously raised from their nest to see what all the commotion was. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing: the male, female and all three chicks lined up perfectly for a portrait. I couldn’t help but recall the agony of trying to have family portraits taken as a kid.

Shooting in manual mode, I had my lens aperture as wide open as possible to minimize any distracting background and maximize the light. I always photograph birds at shutter speeds of 1/1600 or 1/2000 sec. to minimize any movement of the birds’ wings and use auto ISO. Photographing in the late morning with plenty of light and the aperture wide open, I know the ISO will be in an acceptable range. I use single-point continuous focus and usually pre-focus on the head of one of the adult herons in the nest. When I see movement, I activate my AF and allow the camera to continuously focus on the subject. 

See more of Don Martin’s photography on Instagram @capt.donmartin.

Nikon D810, Tamron SP 150-600mm, f/5-6.3 Di VC USD at 460mm, Sirui N-2204X tripod, Acratech GP ballhead, Really Right Stuff L-bracket. Exposure: 1/2000 sec., ƒ/6.3, ISO 200.

The post Behind The Shot: Family Portrait appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/3a3cVem

Read More

Guardians Of The Grassland

“Prairie rats.” “A nuisance to farmers, ranchers, developers.” “Overpopulated.” Does the prairie dog really deserve this reputation?

A prairie dog takes a strong stance on its burrow. This prairie dog’s colony was relocated out of the way of development in Fort Collins, Colorado.

These fluffy, charismatic animals play a complex and important role in the prairie ecosystem by providing food and creating unique habitat in the Great Plains of North America. Prairie dogs are a “keystone” species—one that is essential to the structure and function of an ecosystem. Without it, the ecosystem would most likely fail. Due to agriculture, ranching and urban expansion, about 98 percent of the prairie dog’s habitat, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, has been destroyed.

I moved west from Cleveland, Ohio, to Fort Collins, Colorado, to study ecosystem science and sustainability at Colorado State University. I discovered prairie dogs shortly after moving to Colorado and became completely fascinated by these creatures. I learned about the animosity toward them and decided to use photography to tell the story of the threats facing prairie dogs. I have spent hours in prairie dog colonies and assisted with a prairie dog relocation from a real estate development in Fort Collins to Cathy Fromme Natural Area. Here’s some of what I’ve learned.

A prairie dog takes a break from grazing to check out his surroundings at Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Prairie Dogs: A Keystone Species

More than 150 other species rely on prairie dogs in some way for food and shelter, including the endangered black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, swift foxes, bison and mountain plovers.

The black-footed ferret, for example, is North America’s most endangered mammal. If prairie dogs are not protected, the charismatic and mysterious black-footed ferret will not survive because prairie dogs are the foundation of its diet. Prairie dogs are also a main component of the diet of the regal ferruginous hawk. These birds are “sit and wait” predators, patiently waiting outside of a prairie dog burrow to catch their next meal.

Over 150 species rely in some way on the prairie dog. Clockwise from top left: Horned lark, white-tailed jackrabbit, burrowing owl and pronghorn.

The petite yet powerful burrowing owl is another species that depends on prairie dogs, occupying prairie dog burrows to raise their young and returning to the same prairie dog colony year after year.

Swift foxes, the smallest wild dog in North America, weighing in at 5 pounds, prefer living in prairie dog towns because they provide a source of food and housing. Swift foxes will remodel old prairie dog burrows to make them suitable for raising their family. Swift fox populations are declining rapidly due to destruction of short-grass prairie habitat. Since prairie dogs and swift foxes share the same backyard, if prairie dog populations decline, so will the swift fox.

The majestic bison and other hooved mammals like pronghorn are attracted to prairie dog colonies because of the more nutritious grasses and forage that grow within the colonies versus outside of the colonies. Cattle also are attracted to the forage and grasses that grow on prairie dog colonies. Contrary to the misconception that prairie dogs eat all the grass and forage, prairie dogs and cattle only compete for grass during drought years. Otherwise, cattle and prairie dogs happily co-exist.

A Coral Reef In A Sea Of Grass

The interconnection between prairie dogs and the other wildlife of the Great Plains is not widely understood, and the undeserved reputation of prairie dogs as nuisance animals is hard to change.

Prairie dog eating grass at Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Prairie dogs create unique islands in a sea of grass, which attracts many species of wildlife. Grassland birds, like horned larks and meadowlarks, have been in decline due to destruction of suitable habitat, which includes prairie dog colonies. Some birds, like mountain plovers, need open grasslands for nesting, and prairie dog colonies provide the perfect spot. If prairie dogs are protected, millions of songbirds will have a better chance of survival because of the unique habitat prairie dogs create.

The Relocation Alternative For Prairie Dogs

Agriculture and ranching are important livelihoods in the Great Plains, but consideration should be given to a balance between agriculture and conservation. Urban expansion is rapidly pushing into the plains, especially in growing states like Colorado. Most prairie dogs are exterminated through methods like gassing, poisoning or being buried alive, and these methods have extremely low success rates. Typically, the next day after gassing or poisoning, most of the prairie dogs are still alive and suffering from exposure to toxins.

Two prairie dogs stand outside of their burrow surrounded by traps placed by the Humane Society of the United States’ Prairie Dog Coalition for relocation.

A much more successful alternative to extermination is relocation. Prairie dogs are trapped in live cages by professional biologists like the Humane Society’s Prairie Dog Coalition and released into a natural area or onto private land. Relocation keeps prairie dogs on the landscape in urban areas, and many people who live near prairie dogs enjoy watching them demonstrate their natural behavior—69 percent of Colorado residents polled were in favor of federal and state agencies establishing strict protections for prairie dogs on public land.

Urban prairie dog colonies are important for connecting people to wildlife and nature. Their colonies attract numerous interesting wildlife species that people enjoy watching. Children experience the prairie through visits to natural areas with their classmates or their families, which can give them an appreciation and greater understanding of the natural world. If prairie dogs were not in urban areas, residents would not get to view such a variety of wildlife, like burrowing owls and raptors, in their backyards.

A prairie dog relocator from the Humane Society of the United States’ Prairie Dog Coalition holds a prairie dog right before it is released into its new burrow at Cathy Fromme Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. This colony was moved out of the way of development in downtown Fort Collins.

Prairie Dog Society

Prairie dogs have remarkably complex social behavior and underground burrow systems and more varied communication than many people realize.

Their burrows provide protection against predators and weather. These small animals excavate different burrows for various activities, much like how humans use different rooms in their homes. Nursery burrows are used for the rearing of young, and burrows for sleeping contain one or two nest chambers packed with dry grass.

Their communication systems are also quite sophisticated, reflecting the ability to identify different predators and assess their threat level. When a predator is spotted, prairie dogs run to the nearest hole and then begin to give a loud, repetitious antipredator call to warn the others of a possible threat. Sonograms (graphical displays of sound) of the prairie dog antipredator calls indicate variations of duration, harshness, harmonics and number of syllables. A study conducted on Gunnison’s prairie dogs found that they have different alarm calls for different types of predators (coyotes, black-footed ferret, hawks), showing that they have the ability to recognize visual differences and communicate them within the colony.

A prairie dog does a “jump-yip” at Colina Mariposa Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

The American Serengeti

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Great Plains were teeming with wildlife. It was referred to as the American Serengeti, where millions of bison roamed along with wild horses, wolves, coyotes, foxes—and millions of prairie dogs. The largest recorded prairie dog colony was in Texas and was 25,000 square miles, roughly the size of West Virginia. It was estimated to have nearly 400 million prairie dogs! Today large colonies are nearly non-existent because of the fragmentation of the landscape. The average prairie dog colony spans less than half a square mile.

An important step to conserve what is left of the wild ecosystem of the Great Plains is to protect the prairie dog. All of the associated species will have a better chance of survival if we can maintain a functioning ecosystem—with the help of the prairie dogs—for future generations.

---

See more of Emma Balunek’s work at emmabalunek.com and on Instagram @emmabalunek.

The post Guardians Of The Grassland appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Featured Stories – Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/3a2VdaD

Read More

Guardians Of The Grassland

“Prairie rats.” “A nuisance to farmers, ranchers, developers.” “Overpopulated.” Does the prairie dog really deserve this reputation?

A prairie dog takes a strong stance on its burrow. This prairie dog’s colony was relocated out of the way of development in Fort Collins, Colorado.

These fluffy, charismatic animals play a complex and important role in the prairie ecosystem by providing food and creating unique habitat in the Great Plains of North America. Prairie dogs are a “keystone” species—one that is essential to the structure and function of an ecosystem. Without it, the ecosystem would most likely fail. Due to agriculture, ranching and urban expansion, about 98 percent of the prairie dog’s habitat, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, has been destroyed.

I moved west from Cleveland, Ohio, to Fort Collins, Colorado, to study ecosystem science and sustainability at Colorado State University. I discovered prairie dogs shortly after moving to Colorado and became completely fascinated by these creatures. I learned about the animosity toward them and decided to use photography to tell the story of the threats facing prairie dogs. I have spent hours in prairie dog colonies and assisted with a prairie dog relocation from a real estate development in Fort Collins to Cathy Fromme Natural Area. Here’s some of what I’ve learned.

A prairie dog takes a break from grazing to check out his surroundings at Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Prairie Dogs: A Keystone Species

More than 150 other species rely on prairie dogs in some way for food and shelter, including the endangered black-footed ferret, burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, swift foxes, bison and mountain plovers.

The black-footed ferret, for example, is North America’s most endangered mammal. If prairie dogs are not protected, the charismatic and mysterious black-footed ferret will not survive because prairie dogs are the foundation of its diet. Prairie dogs are also a main component of the diet of the regal ferruginous hawk. These birds are “sit and wait” predators, patiently waiting outside of a prairie dog burrow to catch their next meal.

Over 150 species rely in some way on the prairie dog. Clockwise from top left: Horned lark, white-tailed jackrabbit, burrowing owl and pronghorn.

The petite yet powerful burrowing owl is another species that depends on prairie dogs, occupying prairie dog burrows to raise their young and returning to the same prairie dog colony year after year.

Swift foxes, the smallest wild dog in North America, weighing in at 5 pounds, prefer living in prairie dog towns because they provide a source of food and housing. Swift foxes will remodel old prairie dog burrows to make them suitable for raising their family. Swift fox populations are declining rapidly due to destruction of short-grass prairie habitat. Since prairie dogs and swift foxes share the same backyard, if prairie dog populations decline, so will the swift fox.

The majestic bison and other hooved mammals like pronghorn are attracted to prairie dog colonies because of the more nutritious grasses and forage that grow within the colonies versus outside of the colonies. Cattle also are attracted to the forage and grasses that grow on prairie dog colonies. Contrary to the misconception that prairie dogs eat all the grass and forage, prairie dogs and cattle only compete for grass during drought years. Otherwise, cattle and prairie dogs happily co-exist.

A Coral Reef In A Sea Of Grass

The interconnection between prairie dogs and the other wildlife of the Great Plains is not widely understood, and the undeserved reputation of prairie dogs as nuisance animals is hard to change.

Prairie dog eating grass at Coyote Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Prairie dogs create unique islands in a sea of grass, which attracts many species of wildlife. Grassland birds, like horned larks and meadowlarks, have been in decline due to destruction of suitable habitat, which includes prairie dog colonies. Some birds, like mountain plovers, need open grasslands for nesting, and prairie dog colonies provide the perfect spot. If prairie dogs are protected, millions of songbirds will have a better chance of survival because of the unique habitat prairie dogs create.

The Relocation Alternative For Prairie Dogs

Agriculture and ranching are important livelihoods in the Great Plains, but consideration should be given to a balance between agriculture and conservation. Urban expansion is rapidly pushing into the plains, especially in growing states like Colorado. Most prairie dogs are exterminated through methods like gassing, poisoning or being buried alive, and these methods have extremely low success rates. Typically, the next day after gassing or poisoning, most of the prairie dogs are still alive and suffering from exposure to toxins.

Two prairie dogs stand outside of their burrow surrounded by traps placed by the Humane Society of the United States’ Prairie Dog Coalition for relocation.

A much more successful alternative to extermination is relocation. Prairie dogs are trapped in live cages by professional biologists like the Humane Society’s Prairie Dog Coalition and released into a natural area or onto private land. Relocation keeps prairie dogs on the landscape in urban areas, and many people who live near prairie dogs enjoy watching them demonstrate their natural behavior—69 percent of Colorado residents polled were in favor of federal and state agencies establishing strict protections for prairie dogs on public land.

Urban prairie dog colonies are important for connecting people to wildlife and nature. Their colonies attract numerous interesting wildlife species that people enjoy watching. Children experience the prairie through visits to natural areas with their classmates or their families, which can give them an appreciation and greater understanding of the natural world. If prairie dogs were not in urban areas, residents would not get to view such a variety of wildlife, like burrowing owls and raptors, in their backyards.

A prairie dog relocator from the Humane Society of the United States’ Prairie Dog Coalition holds a prairie dog right before it is released into its new burrow at Cathy Fromme Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado. This colony was moved out of the way of development in downtown Fort Collins.

Prairie Dog Society

Prairie dogs have remarkably complex social behavior and underground burrow systems and more varied communication than many people realize.

Their burrows provide protection against predators and weather. These small animals excavate different burrows for various activities, much like how humans use different rooms in their homes. Nursery burrows are used for the rearing of young, and burrows for sleeping contain one or two nest chambers packed with dry grass.

Their communication systems are also quite sophisticated, reflecting the ability to identify different predators and assess their threat level. When a predator is spotted, prairie dogs run to the nearest hole and then begin to give a loud, repetitious antipredator call to warn the others of a possible threat. Sonograms (graphical displays of sound) of the prairie dog antipredator calls indicate variations of duration, harshness, harmonics and number of syllables. A study conducted on Gunnison’s prairie dogs found that they have different alarm calls for different types of predators (coyotes, black-footed ferret, hawks), showing that they have the ability to recognize visual differences and communicate them within the colony.

A prairie dog does a “jump-yip” at Colina Mariposa Natural Area in Fort Collins, Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

The American Serengeti

One hundred and fifty years ago, the Great Plains were teeming with wildlife. It was referred to as the American Serengeti, where millions of bison roamed along with wild horses, wolves, coyotes, foxes—and millions of prairie dogs. The largest recorded prairie dog colony was in Texas and was 25,000 square miles, roughly the size of West Virginia. It was estimated to have nearly 400 million prairie dogs! Today large colonies are nearly non-existent because of the fragmentation of the landscape. The average prairie dog colony spans less than half a square mile.

An important step to conserve what is left of the wild ecosystem of the Great Plains is to protect the prairie dog. All of the associated species will have a better chance of survival if we can maintain a functioning ecosystem—with the help of the prairie dogs—for future generations.

---

See more of Emma Balunek’s work at emmabalunek.com and on Instagram @emmabalunek.

The post Guardians Of The Grassland appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/3a2VdaD

Read More

3 Legged Thing Releases Ray And Bucky Travel Tripods

The 3 Legged Thing Ray tripod is the more compact of the two new models, but both the Ray and Bucky are designed to fold down to a very portable size for travel.

3 Legged Thing, the premium British tripod maker with a playful personality, today announced two new models in its “Legends” line, the Ray and Bucky. Both tripods are constructed of 8-layer carbon fiber and anodized magnesium alloy. A review sample of the Ray was sent to us, and though very lightweight, the construction, sturdiness and ease of use are all top-notch.

The Ray “Earth Bronze” color option shown in its packable collapsed state.

The Ray is the more compact of the two new models and is an ideal size for photographers who want to keep their gear to a minimum in the field. It collapses down to a folded length of 14 inches and weighs just 2.8 pounds. Fully extended it can reach a height of 51.1 inches, or 54.4 inches when using the optional AirHed Vu ball head, and can support a payload of up to 66 pounds.

The Ray fully extended.

If you want a taller maximum height, the Bucky can extend to 70.6 inches (74.5 with the AirHed Vu). Bucky weighs in at 3.4 pounds and can also support up to 66 pounds. Its folded length is 16.1 inches.

The Bucky with legs splayed and center column removed for low-to-the-ground shooting.

Both the Ray and Bucky have 5-section legs with twist locks. The Ray has a 2-section center column and the Bucky has a 3-section center column, each with a weight anchor at the base. The center columns can also be reversed or removed entirely. Both tripods also feature multiple leg angles for stability in uneven terrain and to get as low to the ground as 4.1 inches for the Ray and 4.3 inches for the Bucky. Controls and locks on both tripods are generously sized to make them easy to use even when wearing bulky gloves.

Detail of the Bucky’s leg latches and twist locks.

The legs can be completely detached and substituted with the company’s optional Vanz “tripod footwear” ($69) to convert the tripod for tabletop use. Remove the tabletop feet of Vanz footwear to reveal a spiked end which you can attach to the tripod’s legs for extra stability in wet soil, sand or snow. You can also remove a single leg and use it with the center column to convert to a monopod.

The Ray in the Metallic Slate Grey color option with Vanz footwear attached for table-top use.

The Ray is priced at $329 for the legs only, or $429 in a kit including the AirHed Vu ball head which is similarly well-crafted with premium materials and features a vice-style plate release that’s quick to use and very secure. Bucky is priced at $399 for the legs only or $499 with AirHed Vu. Two color options are offered: Earth Bronze with Ocean Blue head, or Metallic Slate Grey. We think they’re a great value considering the premium materials and construction.

The optional AirHed Vu ball head in the Metallic Slate Grey color.

For more details, contact: 3leggedthing.com.

The post 3 Legged Thing Releases Ray And Bucky Travel Tripods appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/3i8lZRY

Read More

Olympus Introduces OM-D E-M10 Mark IV And M.Zuiko 100-400mm Zoom

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is priced at $699 for the body only, or in a kit with the ultra-compact M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens (pictured) for $799.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV announced today is a great starter camera, especially for wildlife and sports photography with the benefit of the Micro Four Thirds system’s 2x lens magnification. Priced at just $699, the camera can capture at speeds up to 8.7 fps with its mechanical shutter, or 15 fps using electronic shutter, ample for wildlife and sports. Pair it with the new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS lens also introduced today and priced at $1,499 and you have the equivalent of a 200-800mm zoom range in compact, lightweight system for under $2,200—a great value for photographers who have been priced out of super-tele lens and camera combos from other systems.

Top view of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.

As an entry-level model, the camera isn’t as sophisticated as the upper-tier Olympus OM-D cameras, but it does have a lot to offer. The 20-megapixel OM-D E-M10 Mark IV includes an in-body, 5-axis image stabilization system capable of up to 4.5 stops of correction. It also employs the same moving subject detection algorithm and face/eye detection capabilities found in the OM-D line’s flagship models. In addition to stills, the camera is also able to record 4K video.

Back view of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV.

The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS lens pairs nicely with the new camera or any of the OM-D system cameras with a very light, compact design: it’s just 8 inches in length and weighs under 2.5 pounds. It’s also compatible with M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, for an equivalent focal length range of up to 1600mm on the tele end. The lens maintains a minimum focusing distance of 4 feet 3 inches throughout the zoom range; that gets interesting in terms of magnification when shooting wildlife at the long end of the range, especially when used with the 2x teleconverter.

Side view of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS lens.

The compact size of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS lens makes it easy to hand hold for a telephoto zoom.

Both the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS will be available in September. For more details, see the press releases below.

###

 THE OLYMPUS OM-D® E-M10 MARK IV

Capture Important Moments with Advanced Features in this Compact, Interchangeable Lens Camera Body

Center Valley, PA, August 4, 2020 – Olympus introduces the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, a compact, lightweight interchangeable, Micro Four Thirds® camera body designed for the beginner, yet packed with versatile features common in mid-level camera products—offering ease-of-use and incredible portability in a classic body design that is lighter than ever before. For a limited time (through November 1, 2020), purchase a new OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and receive a free starter kit, consisting of an Olympus camera bag, extra BLS-50 battery and 32GB SD card (starter kit valued at $99.99).

The award-winning Olympus OM-D series has a reputation for delivering flawless, professional-quality images and video to photographers of all levels, and the E-M10 Mark IV does not disappoint. This entry-point mirrorless camera is designed to allow the user to grow with it; its powerful image sensor and image-processing engine are packed with technology to deliver a wealth of versatile shooting features; perfect for the enthusiastic beginner photographer, who values quality, yet demands results. This model also features a high-definition electronic viewfinder for optimal quality while shooting in bright outdoor or backlit conditions, and an improved grip with a secure hold for superb ergonomics and comfortable control. The compact, lightweight design is equipped with in-body 5-axis image stabilizationi featuring up to 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensationii, and a new 20 Megapixel Live MOS sensor. Combined, the two deliver high-quality photos and videos with minimal blur in any scene, including night photography and telephoto shooting.

Bring It Everywhere

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is lighter than any previous model, at approximately 0.85 pounds. Even when paired with the M.Zuiko® Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens, the kit is just over a pound (approximately 1.05 pounds), about the size of a standard bottle of wateriii, making it incredibly portable. A deep grip provides an ergonomic, comfortable and secure feel. Easy USB charging enables in-camera charging, using a power bank – convenient when on the go. This body is also wireless radio wave external flash compatible.

Perfect Photos – Every Time

Capture blur-free photos even in dark locations, thanks to improved in-body 5-axis image stabilization, providing 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation. Expect consistent in-focus subjects with improved autofocus tracking precision. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the same moving subject detection algorithm available in the high-end OM-D E-M1X. Using Face/Eye Detection autofocus, a feature recently introduced on the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, the OM- D E-M10 Mark IV captures beautiful portraits with more accurate face detection and tracking, even when viewing the face from the side or when partially hidden. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has the same 20M image sensor and high-performance TruePic VIII image processing engine available on Olympus high-end models, and now available on the E-M10 Mark IV. Never miss a fast action shot with its maximum 15 frames-per-second high-speed sequential shooting.

A first for the OM-D series, this model is equipped with a flip-down LCD monitor and dedicated selfie mode, making it easy and fun to take high-quality selfies using one hand. The camera supports high-angle and low-angle shooting, so photos and videos turn out exactly as imagined.

Additionally, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV features a high-definition electronic viewfinder, making it easier than ever to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

Unleash Creative Potential.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV allows users to choose from 28 Scene Modes, ranging anywhere from Portrait to Fireworks, and Sport to Macro, with many other options in between, allowing optimization of settings for the best results in virtually any scenario. 16 Art Filters, such as Vintage, Soft Focus and Instant Film offer the user the creative expression of their choice. Enjoy advanced techniques easily with Advanced Photo (AP) mode — an easy-to-navigate menu walks the user through features, such as High Dynamic Range (HDR), Live Composite, Live Time, Multiple Exposure and Focus Bracketing. Record beautiful 4K hand-held video even while walking, thanks to the powerful 5-axis image stabilization. Extract and save still images from the 4K videos. 4K video can be recorded without switching to video mode. Silent mode mutes shutter sounds during shooting, which is convenient for locations where sounds are not appropriate such as during recitals, concerts or weddings.

Expandable System Grows with the User

Olympus offers wide selection of Olympus M.Zuiko interchangeable lenses, from compact zoom lenses to single–focal-length lenses in a wide variety of focal lengths to meet the needs of any photographer. Choose the lens that best suits the subject. Traveling to a national park? Capture amazing wide landscapes with the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8 lens. Or get perfect shots of a new puppy with beautiful bokeh using an M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f1.8 lens. As the user’s photography skills and interests develop, this system is the perfect tool to grow with them. Wanting to explore macro photography, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f3.5 macro lens will be perfect.

Share and Post with Ease

Built-in Wi-Fi® easily and intuitively pairs with a smart device for remote shooting, wireless uploading and fast sharing. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV supports an always-on connection using Bluetooth®, allowing the user the ability to play back or import images, even when the camera is not in hand. This built-in, stable connection antenna is the same one used in the OM-D high-end models. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® built into the camera body, the dedicated smartphone app Olympus OI.Share® can be used to easily and instantly import recorded photos and videos to a smartphone or for posting on social media. The Camera “How To” guide is also available in the app for learning shooting methods and techniques on the go.

Pricing, Configurations Availability & Specifications

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Body (Silver/Black); $699.99 (U.S.)/$999.99 (CAD)

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV EZ Kit Body (Silver/Black) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZiv lens; $799.99 (U.S.)/$1,049.99 (CAD)

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV will be available for pre-order at participating local authorized retailers, or at www.getolympus.com, and will begin shipping on September 25, 2020. For detailed product specifications visit https://www.getolympus.com/digitalcameras/omd/e-m10-mark-iv.html

Take advantage of a special launch offer by purchasing a new OM-D E-M10 Mark IV before November 1, 2020; receive an Olympus starter kit, including an Olympus camera bag, extra BLS-50 battery and 32GB SD card (starter kit valued at $99.99).

###

 THE OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO® _DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS LENS

A Superior Compact, Lightweight Super telephoto Zoom Lens Offering 200-800mm Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)

Center Valley, PA, August 4, 2020 – Olympus® is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens, an ultra-compact, lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens that covers a broad telephoto focal length of 200-800mm equivalent1 and is compliant with the Micro Four Thirds® System standard. This lens features the same dustproof and splashproof performance as the M.Zuiko PRO lens series, and when paired with the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20, delivers up to 1600mm equivalent1 super telephoto shooting. This lens offers superior autofocus performance, even handheld, and in-lens image stabilization for the optimal shooting experience.

Compact, Lightweight Design

Despite being a 200-800mm equivalent super telephoto zoom lens, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens is compact and lightweight, with a length of 205.7 mm, a weight of 1,120 g6 and a filter diameter of 72 mm. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens is capable of 200-800mm equivalent1 telephoto shooting on its own, which can be further extended when paired with the optional (sold separately) M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14 or the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20, for up to 1600mm equivalent1, making it possible to zoom in close on subjects that are difficult to approach, such as birds and wildlife, and delivering flattening effects for shooting that is unique to a super telephoto lens. The closest focusing distance across the entire zoom range is 1.3m and the maximum image magnification is 0.57×1, allowing superb telemacro performance when photographing small subjects such as insects and flowers. Focus Stacking2 is also supported. This feature captures multiple shots at different focal positions and automatically composites a single photo with a large depth of field that is in focus from the foreground to background.

Superb Performance

The optical system of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens features a combination of four ED lenses3 for suppressing color bleeding, two Super HR lenses4, and two HR lenses5 for bright, clear depictive performance to the edges of the image across the entire zoom range. ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) Coating is used to reduce ghosting and flaring, for clear image quality, even in poor, backlit conditions. Extensive hermetic sealing on the entire lens barrel delivers the same high level of dustproof and splashproof performance as the M.Zuiko PRO series for peace of mind when shooting in any environment.

Superior Autofocus

A rear focus system is employed to drive this lightweight focusing lens, for fast, high-precision autofocus performance. This lens is also equipped with four functional switches, designed to support handheld shooting, including a Focus Limiter switch for AF operation selection, ranging between three levels, according to the focusing distance, allowing for quick focusing and comfortable shooting, even in the super telephoto range. In-lens image stabilization on/off delivers stable handheld super telephoto shooting, an AF/MF switch and a zoom locking switch.

Pricing, Availability & Specifications

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400 f5.0-6.3 IS lens will be available for $1,499.99 (U.S.)/$2,199.99 (CAD). To pre-order, visit a participating local authorized retailer, or www.getolympus.com. Shipping will begin September 8, 2020. Please visit the website for detailed product specifications: https://www.getolympus.com/lenses/m-zuiko-digital-ed-100-400mm-f5-0-6-3-is.html.

###

The post Olympus Introduces OM-D E-M10 Mark IV And M.Zuiko 100-400mm Zoom appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/31mNErm

Read More

Photo Of The Day By Rebecca Wilks

Photo By Rebecca Wilks

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Watson Moonset” by Rebecca Wilks. Location: Watson Lake, Prescott, Arizona.

“I planned this one for the better part of a year, and it was well worth the hike in the dark in sub-freezing temperatures,” explains Wilks.

Photo of the Day is chosen from various OP galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and the OP Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the OP website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

The post Photo Of The Day By Rebecca Wilks appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

from Outdoor Photographer https://ift.tt/3fwPk6Z

Read More