There’s a movie night, and there’s THE movie night. We all know someone who does it better than the rest of the gang, whether it’s because they have a big couch, warmest home, or best snacks. JK, let’s be real: it’s because they have the best toys. Help improve movie night for everyone with a guide to the best 4K, surround sound, and streaming devices this season.
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Entertainment is serious business. 4K TVs, media streaming devices, and surround sound are all here to make movie night, your best movie night.
Supermoon 2016 is coming, people! Grab your tripods. Charge your batteries. On November 14, the moon will appear fourteen percent bigger and thirteen percent brighter than it has since 1948. The last time human eyes feasted upon such a glorious sight, Harry S. Truman was president of the United States.
Here’s what happens: sometimes, the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up (think the dramatic climax of Disney’s Hercules). This is called a ‘syzygy.’ When they line up with the perigee side of the Moon, that’s called a perigee-syzygy. A P-syzygy causes the Moon to appear bigger and brighter. While Super
moons aren’t necessarily rare, this super-duper Moon is the largest in a generation.
If you’re planning to photograph the super-ist Supermoon of 2016, here are a few tips to consider.
The Right Gear Matters
There are a lot of articles on Moon photography, and they all stress equipment. In addition to your DSLR, you’ll need a telephoto lens, a shutter release cable (if you have one – otherwise a timer will do), and a tripod. Ideally, you want a 500mm telephoto lens or upwards. If you don’t have one in your collection, think about renting it for the day. Your pictures will thank you.
Eliminate Shake
The Moon moves pretty quickly across the sky, so choose a fast shutter speed to catch it without blur. You may need to adjust your tripod multiple times throughout the night as well. To eliminate shake, use a shutter release cable to take a picture from your tripod. Turn off image stabilization. (It sounds counter intuitive – we know, but the shutter release cable will offset the shake usually caused when you press the button manually.)
Get Some Perspective
Some photographers recommend getting out of the city to get the best shot of the Moon, but consider staying in! Shooting the Moon above a grand cityscape illustrates its scale. A big Moon is a big Moon, but a big Moon rising over New York City skyscrapers is a super Moon.
We’re wishing you clear skies and a warm Fall night this November 14. Stay tuned for some Supermoon shots from our videographer, and click here for some products that help you get the best view!
Computers are tough. Unless you know what to look for, the endless specifications start to read like a bunch of gibberish dipped in plastic. That’s why we broke it down into easy basics: operating system, speed and storage capabilities. Focus on this holy trinity of computer functionality, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Operating System
An Operating System (OS) provides the user interface to manage computer hardware and software resources. For years, this basically meant Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. However, Chrome OS, the Operating system designed by Google, is making a dent in the market with the app-savvy Chromebook.
While there isn’t a ‘best’ operating system, there are ‘better’ ones depending on what you want to use the laptop for. Windows is by far the most popular, and therefore grants access to more programs, games, etc. than any other system. The latest version is Windows 10, and the most common is still Windows 7. It’s tempting to jump at a Windows 10 processor, but 7 isn’t out of the running. Consider that the 10 collects more data than its predecessors, and therefore has more privacy concerns. It also kills off a lot of legacy apps like Windows Media Center and Windows Photo Viewer that some diehards prefer. That said, others argue that Windows 10 maintains the feel of classic Windows 7 (something Microsoft changed with Windows 8), but with faster performance. It also works across platforms with Universal apps. So, when you buy an app, you buy it once for phone, tablet, PC.
Microsoft Windows 10 does away with a lot of legacy apps from Windows 7 and before.
Mac, meanwhile, offers the less flexible Mac OS X. To put it simply, everything is made for Windows operating systems, and Mac OS X isn’t compatible with all applications – games especially. However, Macs have far fewer viruses and require less maintenance than Windows systems. Mac also boasts a better reputation with artists. Designers often prefer their superior selection of design applications, since software companies target Mac for design-related tools.
Chrome OS primarily supports web applications. It’s for people who spend most of their time on the internet. If you use web-centric services like Gmail and Google Docs, an inexpensive Chromebook will suit you fine. However, if you play games that require Adobe Flash, then you’re outa luck. Rumor has it that Chromebooks will eventually run as many as a million Android apps, and it currently offers thousands through the web store.
Chromebooks are inexpensive alternatives to Mac and PC.
Speed
Speed matters. Whether it’s better workflow or whirlwind browsing, speed lets you do more. RAM is fast, short term memory. Unlike a hard drive, RAM doesn’t store data after the computer shuts down. Instead, it lets you open programs and folders quickly. The more RAM, the more programs you’re able to open without your computer slowing to a crawl. Most everyday machines use between 4 and 16 gigabytes of RAM, though users who prefer memory-intensive applications may want up to 64 gigabits. The bottom line: speed matters more for gamers, designers, and video editors. It matters less for casual users.
Storage
Long term memory is stored in the hard drive. A hard drive is made of disk platters positioned around a spindle that reads and writes data. Capacity ranges anywhere 320 gigabytes to 6.0 terabytes. For a primary system, get at least 750 gigabytes; more if you plan to store tons of music and movies on the hard drive. It’s important to note that storage capacity of a hard drive does not affect speed. You could have a gazillion gigabytes of hard drive space, but without enough gigabytes of RAM, you’re gonna crawl.
Solid state drives give traditional hard drives a run for their money.
However, for fast long term memory, there is a second option: SSD. Solid-state drives cost more per gigabyte than hard drives, but for good reason. Also known as flash drives, SSDs use integrated circuits to store media on flash chips. They aren’t mechanical, and so contain no moving parts to break or tire like conventional hard drives. With SSDs, users can enjoy faster boot times. However, they also have a finite number of write cycles, and thus a set life expectancy.
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Whether it’s a computer for you or a gift for someone else, honing in on operating system, speed and storage capabilities will help make sense of crazy-overwhelming machine specifications. In terms of system, Macs are great for designers, Chromebooks for heavy internet users, and PCs for gamers. While speed matters for everyone, a computer with more RAM is necessary for gamers or heavy multitaskers who use tons of applications at once. For storage, any primary system needs at least 750 gigabytes. For users who like to store a lot of information (files, music, movies) directly on the hard drive, consider terabyte systems.
Not everybody celebrates Christmas. At Focus, many of us identify as latke-frying non-Christmas-tree-havers. However, we are also New Yorkers, and Christmas in New York will find you. Heck, Christmas almost anywhere will find you. Whether for family, co-workers, or friends, you will inevitably shove at least one Christmas gift under someone’s tree this year. And no matter how well you plan, some gifts have a way of sneaking back around tinsel time. So, in honor of the fast approaching holiday season, we present the ten Christmas gifts you buy every year.
1. A Newfangled Computer for Someone Younger and Hipper than You
Your niece/child/step-child/cousin deserves the best, but you don’t know anything about computers—and that’s ok! Check out our Buying Guide for easy, step-by-step instructions on how to pick a computer that suits their needs.
2. A ‘Techie’ Gift for Dad, Who is Suspiciously Hard to Buy For
Your father is not a man of hobbies; he’s a man of action. Ties just don’t do it for him. Instead, try a Pocket Size Pico Projector. Weighing in at .4 lbs, it’s highly portable and deeply practical. Your dad can use it to give presentations at work, share pictures, or watch movies at home. It’s an entertainment sneak attack!
3. A Point-and-Shoot for Someone with a Budding Interest in Photography
Point-and-shoot cameras get flak from professionals and hobbyists, but they’re actually pretty high-quality nowadays. Perfect for that friend or relative with a budding (read: new) interest in photography, portable point-and-shoots are a great way to practice framing.
4. A Pair of Noise Cancelling Headphones to Drown Out the World
Life is hard sometimes. Filter through the white noise with a Sony Bluetooth and Noise Canceling Headset. Hear only what you want to hear with technology that reduces ambient noise from the outside.
5. A Really Nice Mirrorless that You Planned to Buy on Black Friday, But Ended Up Paying Full Price for Because You Were Still in a Turkey Coma that Morning
Every. Single. Year. It’s okay. Mirrorless Cameras are really good this season, as in, good enough to buy the day after Black Friday (Leftovers Saturday) – or really any day until Christmas. Check out the Sony a6500, a high end hobbyist flagship camera with 5-axis stabilization, live view shooting mode, and a super-speedy LSI chip.
6. A Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker for a Pool Party Next August
Summer isn’t so far off, you tell yourself through a hot chocolate haze. A summertime gift like the waterproof and shockproof Boombotix Boombot Pro Wireless Bluetooth Speaker is a great way to metaphorically heat up (or cool off, depending on your perspective) while you await the seasonal shift.
7. A Drone for Breathtaking Ariel Shots and Spying
Drones are expensive. This is not a ‘we’ve been dating for six months’ kind of gift. This is an ‘I’m trying to impress my new step-child’ or ‘my partner of ten years deserves something spectacular’ kind of gift. The Autel Robotics X-Star Drone features a 4K Ultra HD camera hitched onto a removable 3-axis gimbal to record superb video and/or spy on your neighbors.
8. An XPlaystation Box Console to Improve Your Aim
There’s always a friend who could use a break from reality. Focus carries both Xbox and Playstation gaming systems, so you can give the gift of better first-person shooting.
9. An Action Camera, Which You Thoroughly Researched Beforehand
Fine, so you didn’t actually research it that thoroughly. Action Cams are still pretty new, and you’re not totally sure about the differences between them. Lucky for you, an Olympus TG Tracker Bundle covers all the bases.
10. A Karaoke Machine that Will Save Christmas
It doesn’t matter your religious affiliation, a good karaoke machine will save Christmas. Your Christmas. Your neighbor’s Christmas. Your partner’s Christmas. Jewish Christmas. Hindu Christmas. Christmas Christmas. Try the Emerson Karaoke System. It comes with a built-screen, so you never have to make eye contact with each other.
Sensor shortages can’t slow Sony down. While the Kumamoto earthquake temporarily closed electronics manufacturing sites in Japan, Sony still managed to release the new Α6500 in a blaze of glory. We met with Sony representatives in a super-secret bunker (Focus Camera conference room) to discuss some of the finer details of this high-end hobbyist’s Mirrorless. From us to you: the Sony Α6500 camera is no A9, but it’s still pretty sweet.
5-Axis Image Stabilization
For the first time ever in a Sony APS-C sensor camera, the A6500 features 5-axis image stabilization that fits right inside its small body. Even in challenging lighting, image stabilization provides a shutter speed advantage to better utilize the powerful CMOS sensor. Meanwhile, the shake compensation lets you work with a variety of lenses. To frame and focus your image, simply half press the shutter button to monitor image stabilization accurately—even when attached to a lens without built-in shake compensation.
Touchscreen Autofocus Operation
Touchscreen is the new kid on the block, and everybody wants a piece of him. Many cameras feature full touchscreen LCD displays, but Sony opted for a hybrid system instead. Touchscreen autofocus locks onto moving subjects in half a second, while the 425 phase detection AF points and High-density Tracking AF Technology substantially improve detection and tracking. However, the rest of the controls rest beside the touchscreen rather than within it, which makes for an easier, more ergonomic performance.
Professional Video Capabilities
Slow motion, quick motion, regular motion—the A6500 has all the motions. The touchscreen autofocus helps you shift smoothly in video, and offers adjustable AF points and sensitivity tracking. Use the popular Super 35mm format to shoot in 4K, and enjoy full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 6K of information. That’s two more Ks! You can also pull 8 MP and 2 MP stills from 4K and Full HD respectively.
LSI Chip
“If the processor is a two lane highway, the LSI chip turns it into a six lane highway,” says the Sony representative in our super-secret bunker meeting. It transmits information rapidly, which makes for an impressive ISO sensitivity range (100-51200) with low noise. While other cameras typically struggle to deliver clearer images in low light, the LSI ensures sharper photographs. It also provides an expanded buffer depth to enhance continuous shooting times.
The Sony Α6500 camera completes the Sony 6000 line. Perfect for advanced hobbyists, this Mirrorless adapts the usability of the a7 II series for a tighter price point.
Public, Private, Secret at the International Center of Photography
There’s a lot to look forward to this Fall—and it doesn’t all rhyme with “umpkin ice.” From now till the colder months, New York City boasts a wide array of spectacular photography exhibitions. From a pioneering Staten Island native with a live-in lady friend to an enterprising French archaeologist with a penchant for holy sites, photographers and their work span the gamut of time and place; exploring themes like intimacy, community, and displacement with bold intuition and skill. Whether it’s a window into domestic life or fleeting snapshots of a winning goal, there’s something for everyone this time of year.
1. Zoe Leonard: In the Wake at Hauser & Wirth townhouse 13 September – 22 October 2016
London, 2016 by Zoe Leonard
Merging sculpture and photography, In the Wake features work by New York artist Zoe Leonard. It traces trauma across generations, starting with snapshots of her family after WWII. With a myriad of cameras, formats, and printing processes, Leonard explores themes of dissonance and displacement, where the “family snapshot can be understood as a form of self-representation and a mode of describing and sharing lived experience.”
2. In Conversation: The Photographs of Alice Austen and Christine Osinski at Alice Austen House 18 September – 23 December 2016
A self portrait, 1897 by Alice Austen & Boy on Bicycle from the 1980s by Christine Osinski
Separated by time, Alice Austen and Christine Osinki nevertheless share distinct similarities when it comes to subject matter and approach. Born to a wealthy family on Staten Island in 1866, Austen was a pioneering female photographer who captured life as she knew it in the ‘forgotten borough.’ When Christine Osinki moved to Staten Island from Soho more than 100 years later, she described it as “remote [with] its own unique character—clearly a working class sensibility.” Yet both Austen and Osinki managed to capture the island’s uncanny otherness; illuminating a place that lands squarely between New York City and the rest of suburban America.
3. Diane Arbus: In the Beginning at The Met 12 July – 27 November 2016
Girl with a pointy hood and white schoolbag at the curb, N.Y.C., 1957 by Diane Arbus
With more than two-thirds of the exhibition never published, In the Beginning is a rare look at the early style and approach of one of the most influential artists in 20th century photography. “Arbus’s early photographs are wonderfully rich in achievement,” says Jeff Rosenheim, Curator in Charge of the Department of Photographs at the Met, “and perhaps as quietly riveting and ultimately controversial as the iconic images for which she is so widely known.” Focusing on the first seven years of her career, the images explore the evolution of her legendary boldness, intimacy, and perceived artlessness.
4. Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History at the Brooklyn Museum 15 July 2016 – 8 January 2017
Serena, 2004 by Bob Martin
Featuring photographs from 1843 to present day, A Photographic History explores the unique role of sports photography within the larger photography canon. Whether it’s the quick capture of fleeting moments or unique points of view, sports photography pushes the limits of what an image can do.
5. Faith and Photography: Auguste Salzmann in the Holy Land at The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 852, The Howard Gilman Gallery 12 September 2016 – 5 February 2017
Damascus Gate, 1856 by Auguste Salzmann
While largely unknown, Auguste Salzmann (1824–1872) boasts an impressive creative opus. Academic painter, archaeologist, and photographer, he traveled from Paris to Jerusalem to verify his religious faith through the dutiful documentation of holy sites. The result is “one of the most enigmatic bodies of work of the 19th century.” Three dozen rare salted paper prints hang on display from his 1856 album, Jerusalem: A Study and Photographic Reproduction of the Monuments of the Holy City.
6. Public, Private, Secret at the International Center of Photography 23 June 2016 – 8 January 2017
Public, Private, Secret at the International Center of Photography
As the premiere exhibition for ICP’s new Bowery location, Public, Private, Secret explores the idea of privacy in the digital age. Thought-provoking and wide ranging, it features works from contemporary artists as well as real-time images and videos from various social media sources. With a non-hierarchical arrangement, the exhibit resets boundaries while exploring the ties between self-identity and public visibility.
Photokina is like Comic Con for the photography world, a place for darkroom nerds, professionals, and industry insiders to pour over new releases. (Okay, so it’s technically a trade show, but a fun one that takes place in a charming German city.) Of course we all wanted to go, but someone has to keep the lights on in this place. So, we sent John Heller, our resident insider and hobbyist photographer, to get the deets on everything from the Olympus PEN E-PL8 to local Colognian architecture.
Photokina takes place every other year in Cologne, Germany. “It was what I expected,” says Heller, “and I thought they did a good job putting it together. What exceeded my expectations was the city of Cologne itself.” With beautiful river ways, huge swaths of greenery, and stunning cityscapes, Cologne is nothing if not picturesque – perfect for photography enthusiasts. “There were so many things to take pictures of. The city has an artsy feel to it and there is history everywhere,” says Heller. “To stand next to structures built during the time of the Roman Empire, and then the mixture of bars and restaurants all around – I think it’s the perfect city to host this event.”
The Hohenzollern Bridge, Photo by John Heller
As for the event itself, Sony and Olympus released some exciting new products. “Many in the photography world are saying that the Sony A99 Mark II is what the Canon 5D Mark IV wanted to be and what it should have been,” explains Heller. “It’s a pretty bold statement, but I can’t say I disagree.”
However, many (us included) were disappointed that Sony didn’t announce the A9, the rumored successor of the Sony A7. It wasn’t a huge surprise, considering that the Kumamoto earthquake forced Japanese sensor manufacturers to shut down their factories earlier this year; causing a massive camera shortage across brands. “I think the rest of 2016 will be in large part dedicated to making sure there are enough products available for the demand of the holiday season,” says Heller. “So, the innovators will probably be releasing the models we’ve really all been waiting for in 2017.”
The Olympus E-M1 Mark II and the E-PL8 Pen also caused a stir. “The E-PL8 at $650 is very intriguing,” says Heller. Beautifully designed, it combines traditional camera aesthetics with a compact frame and digital precision. The E-M1 Mark II is also Olympus’ first camera to offer 4K video, with a supreme image stabilization feature to boot. “Between these two new cameras and their two new lenses, they probably split the “best in show” award with Sony if you ask me,” says Heller. (And we did.)
Photokina 2016 Booths, Photo by John Heller
And then there were the booths. Part gallery, part Apple Genius Bar, Photokina booths are a spectacular sight. Unsurprisingly, of the 983 exhibitors, “the best booths were from the big guns in the photography world,” says Heller. “Actually for me, it’s a toss-up between Sony & Panasonic for best booth. I think they both did an equally exceptional job keeping visitors to their booths engaged with their demonstrations and artisans from all over the world giving speeches. Perhaps, it came down to me being a little home sick,” he explains. “I didn’t catch the artisan’s name, but he was exhibiting his photos of NYC and the ones of the Brooklyn Bridge made me want to stay in the Panasonic booth a little longer and listen to his presentation.”
We’re glad to have John Heller back in Brooklyn, and look forward to another year of awesome photography innovations!
Astronomers, rejoice! Celestron is back with more telescopes than you can shake a stick at – but not more than you can put a tripod on. We’ve got thirteen new telescopes. Thirteen. That sounds like a lot, but really, there are thirteen sweet variations between two new mounts. We’re gonna give you a rundown on these two beauties to help clarify your options.
CGEM II Mount
The CGEM mount has a new brother, the CGEM II. Bold, secure, vibration free, it’s ideal for carrying Celestron’s higher-end SCT optical tubes. Not only is it capable of holding 40 lbs., but the ergonomically friendly design with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs make for fast polar alignment. Meanwhile, innovative features like ‘All-Star’ let you chose any bright star, and the software calculates polar alignment for you. Astroimagers will enjoy the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) feature, which trains the electronics to speed up and slow down appropriately while the mount retains the PEC recordings. The CGEM II even lets you track past the Meridian uninterrupted, while the 40,000 object-database makes it an excellent bridge between the Advanced Series and CGE Series.
CGEM II 800 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
CGX Equatorial Mount
Designed for both visual pursuits and astroimaging, CGX Equatorial Telescopes feature an all-new, sturdier design with quicker dampening time. Celestron calls it the “Equatorial backbone to support a wide range of telescopes.” With an increased load capacity of 55 lbs., these mounts include a heavy duty belt-drive system that minimizes backlash for smoother motor operation under the weight. Connect directly to PC with the USB 2.0 port, or use it for All-new NexStar+ hand control. Meanwhile, the ergonomic carry handle make it easy to pick up and transport.
Celestron CGX Equatorial 1100 HD Telescope
As a rule, the CGX Equatorial telescopes are a tad (read: 500-1K) more expensive than the CGEM II, and they bear greater load capacity. Both are excellent additions to the Celestron family, so if you’re in the market for a new telescope, they’re worth a look!
There’s a lot happening in camera land. Apart from the standard weather of pixel rain and hot-shoe flash lightning, Nikon, Sigma, and Olympus are all releasing new products. It’s mirrorless cameras, lenses and action cams galore!
Nikon
Nikon is getting in on the action camera game. With three new models, the KeyMission series lets you tell more of your story by recording multiple directions simultaneously. Even the smallest model, the KeyMission 80 Action Camera still packs a punch. Waterproof and shockproof, its ergonomic design features a designated selfie camera on the back. The next level up, the KeyMission 170, gives you an epic 170 degree first person view with which to record 4K ultra HD videos, still images, and time-lapse sequences. For a full rotation, the KeyMission 360 provides a fully immersive 360 degree experience to share on a smartphone.
The KeyMission 360 gives you 360 degrees of storytelling potential.
Sigma
Sigma offers a whole slew of new lenses, from artsy bokeh to lightweight telephotos. The 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art is a large aperture medium telephoto lens that comes in both Canon and Nikon mounts. With a rounded 9 blade diaphragm, it delivers beautiful bokeh with minimal aberration thanks to super multi-layer coating. Meanwhile, the 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is a lightweight, tough telephoto with a magnesium alloy barrel. With Canon and Nikon mounts, it boats an optical stabilizer and tripod socket for photographers that prefer to use hyper-telephoto lenses with a monopod or tripod. For an ultra-wide zoom, try the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens in Canon or Nikon mounts. With f/4 brightness throughout the zoom, it’s one stop brighter than conventional lenses.
The Sigma 500mm f4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens (Nikon Mount) comes with a base for monopods.
Olympus
Olympus is all about the E-M1 Mark II. While it doesn’t officially launch until November 2, Olympus set us up a list of features, including 37% longer battery life, 4k and C4K video, and 1/32,000 max shutter speed. They’re also releasing a handful of other mirrorless cameras, including the PEN E-PL8 Mirrorless Digital in white, black, and brown. With built-in Wi-Fi, 180 degree tilt touch LCD monitor, and 3-axis image stabilization, the PEN E-PL8 combines stunning, traditional design with the latest digital amenities.
While not officially ready for preorder, the E-M1 Mark II pictures look amazing!
Olympus also introduced new M.Zuiko lenses, like the ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO, which features an ultra-sharp high speed AF mechanism and 50mm focal length. With a 35mm equivalent focal length, the ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is the only professional high magnification zoom to cover 24-200mm focal range. For exquisite detail, try the M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens with close focus capability and strong magnification. Meanwhile, the FL-900R Electronic Camera Flash covers a wide range of focal lengths with an electronic zoom head.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. An HDR image typically combines three photos of the same scene at different shutter speeds to create a bright, medium, and dark version of the photo. Then, a software process combines the three photos to enhance shadows and highlights.
Shooting HDR with the 5D Mark II
Go into Menu, and select AEB.
Select three exposures. For our purposes, we chose -2, 0, and 2. Hit Ok.
Take a picture. The timer counts down to fire off a round of three pictures: a bright one, a dark one, and a medium one.
Combine these pictures in a program like Lightroom.
Using Light Room
Select all three, and then go to Photo Merge ->HDR.
Light Room creates a preview of the new image. Allow it to Auto Align and Auto Tune.
Look at your Deghost Amounts. In this case, the water changes from shot to shot. Go through your options to see which one you like best. We went with Low.
Light Room creates your new image.
Play with the Levels until you find a balance that you like.
Go the Lens Correction below Levels, and chose a slight vignette.
Export the image.
HDR lets you capture all the details of an image without sacrificing one element over another.
Professional Video Capabilities
