بلاگ

  • Sheep, Trees and Puppies – The Weekly Light Stalking Community Update

    Sheep, Trees and Puppies – The Weekly Light Stalking Community Update

    [ad_1]

    Welcome to our weekly community wrapup.  It’s been another cracker on the Light Stalking forums with some wonderful photography. Both discuss produced. 

     Let’s start with the photo of the week.

     This one,  judged by Federico,  is a dip touch of some art by Patrick.  you can read about Federico’s logic for his judgment decisions over here.  And well done, Patrick.

     Don’t forget to join in this Weekly Photography Challenge with the theme of nighttime reflections.  You can join in here.  Amazing to think that this is our 759th weekly photography challenge on the forums!

     You also don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to submit one of your mobile photography shots to our ongoing Monday Mobile Challenge.  The rules are that you must have taken the image and edited, all on a mobile device of any sort.  This really stretches your creativity with a bit of restriction.  Join in here.

     There’s also the opportunity to join in the community photo story challenge, which is an ongoing callout for community members to tell a story with several of their photographs.  This is more of a deep dive into a project scenario where you need to take several images at least.  It’s great to see what people are coming up with, as it’s sparking a lot of creativity.  join here.

     And also, here are a few of the photos from this week that I just thought needed to be shared even more because I just thought they were great.

     You know when Elin Laxdal starts a thread on Light Stalking, there is going to be some exceptional photography in it.  This week was no exception, with Elin sharing some images of livestock that she had taken during the week.  You can join in the conversation here.

     One of the most photographed objects in the world is the famous Wanaka tree in New Zealand.  And I think this shot by Rob Eyers is a very solid attempt at a very well-photographed image.  Well done, Rob.

     If any of you have been around the four of the very long, then you will almost certainly know Patrick and, by extension, Patrick’s puppy.  I love seeing this little guy come across my feed, either on Light Stalking or even on Instagram, so I thought I’d include him in the collection here.

    Member LightAndShadow has been experimenting with a bit of black-and-white treatment with his images,  but I specifically thought this one stood out for the very obvious draw on the eye of those three flowers.  I thought this one deserved to be called out.  We are discussing it over in this thread. https://lightstalking.us/forums/topic/mallow-wood-and-stone/

     I also thought this was a very interesting image –  it looks like a pretty standard shot of a rough day at a Lighthouse until you spot the dark figure in the mid-ground going out into the surf, at which point I feel the image becomes quite terrifying.  If emotional response to an image is the measure of a success, as many people say then I think this one achieved that quite well.  Well done DavidC.

     If you’d like to join in with the shenanigans, our members, feel free to come and join us on the forums.  We’d love to see you there, and we are quite a friendly bunch.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Nauticam Announces Housing for Nikon Z5 II

    Nauticam Announces Housing for Nikon Z5 II

    [ad_1]

    Nauticam has unveiled their NA-Z5II housing for the new Nikon Z5 II, the second iteration of the Japanese company’s entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera. The Z5 II features a 24MP backside-illuminated sensor paired with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 7 processing engine, promising class-leading low-light performance and 11fps continuous shooting with the manual shutter (up from just 4.5fps on the Z5). On the video side, the Z5 II can shoot both 4K/30p and Full HD/120p with no crop.

    Designed to accommodate both Z-mount lenses and F-mount lenses (via the FTZ/FTZ II adapter), Nauticam’s housing features important controls ergonomically positioned next to the integrated handles. As you’d expect, there’s full compatibility with Nauticam’s extensive range of water-contact optics, such as the FCP-1, WWL-C, SMC-3, CMC-2, and MFO-3. Both optical and electrical flash triggering options are available, while the M16 port allows the installation of an HDMI bulkhead for use with monitor/recorders such as the Atomos Ninja V or monitors such as the new Nauticam T7 HD UltraBright.

    The NA-Z5II is priced at $3,800 and can be pre-ordered now from retailers such as Backscatter.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRODUCT INFORMATION

    INTRODUCING NA-Z5II

    The Nikon Z5II Camera

    The Nikon Z5II, a refinement of its predecessor, boasts enhanced processing speed, subject recognition autofocus, and exceptional low-light performance. Equipped with a full-frame FX-format 24.5MP BSI CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z5II delivers remarkable image quality.

    The AI-driven autofocus, derived from the Z9 and enhanced by deep learning technology, now employs sophisticated Subject Detection for nine distinct subject types. This ensures precise focus and tracking, even in challenging lighting conditions.

    The EXPEED 7 processor also enables Pre-Release Capture, a feature that captures up to one second prior to shutter release at an impressive 30 frames per second. This allows photographers to capture the precise moment and avoid missed shots.

    In addition to its impressive imaging capabilities, the Z5II has been enhanced to deliver exceptional video recording performance. It supports UHD 4K video recording at up to 60 fps and Full HD recording at up to 120 fps, enabling videographers to capture dynamic and immersive footage.

    Key Features

    • 24.5MP Full-frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • EXPEED 7 Image Processor
    • N-RAW (12 bit), H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit)
    • Full HD 120p for Slow Motion Video
    • Up to 30 fps JPEG Shooting
    • Class-leading autofocus detection down to –10EV
    • Automatic detection of 9 subjects
    • 7.5 stops of built-inimage stabilization
    • 2 SD Memory Card Slots

    THE NA-Z5II HOUSING

    The NA-Z5II underwater housing upholds Nauticam’s dedication to innovation. Essential controls are conveniently accessible via ergonomic handles, facilitating an efficient setup that optimizes time spent in the water and minimizes time spent on rig maintenance. The N120 port system accommodates both Nikon Z Mount and legacy F Mount lenses via the FTZ/FTZ II adapter. Nauticam’s extensive range of ports and in-house corrective optics complement the NA-Z5II’s capabilities. When equipped with an accessory vacuum valve, the integrated vacuum check and leak detection system provides continuous updates on the housing’s watertight integrity. A vacuum system reset switch, located beneath the tray, eliminates the necessity to open the back of the housing during lens or port changes. The optional NA-Z5II LCD window for Full Frame viewfinders enables the utilization of Nauticam Full Frame viewfinders for enhanced viewing. The NA-Z5II is capable of supporting additional mounting with 1/4-20, M10, and M5 holes on the top for monitors and lighting, while the bottom accepts the 25218 Tripod Mounting Ball set. The NA-Z5II is ready for customization to meet your specific shooting requirements.


    Nikon F-Mount & Z-Mount Lens Support

    The Nauticam NA-Z5II is designed to accomodate both Z-Mount and F-Mount lenses. With the new compact design of the NA-Z5II housing, there are newly released zoom and focus gears that will drive off the main zoom/focus knob on the housing. There is also the 22225 N120 FTZ Adapter ER 25 with Knob which will allow you to use previous generation Z-Mount zoom and focus gear along with F-Mount lenses and their corresponding gears. For complete compatibility details, you can view the NA-Z6III/Z5II Port Chart.


    Premium Professional Optics

    Nauticam’s professional water-contact optics deliver the highest underwater image quality. The FCP, WACP, and WWL lines enhance wide-angle, while the MFO and SMC offer exceptional macro and super macro capabilities. The EMWL allows you to shoot macro, wide-angle, or combine the styles for unique images.

    Mission Control

    In true Nauticam fashion, essential controls are placed as close to the handles as possible, making these housings the most intuitive and user-friendly available. Our engineers strategically position controls where they’re needed most, rather than simply near the corresponding buttons on the camera. Dials feature rubberized finger grooves, and levers are designed for smooth operation.


    Integrated Vacuum Check & Leak Detection Electronics

    The Nauticam vacuum check and leak detection system is shipped with NA-Z50II as standard equipment. Combined with an optional accessory vacuum valve (PN 25625), this monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur. The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.


    Flash Triggering

    Flash triggering on the Nikon Z5Il in the NA-Z5II is available via either optical or electrical triggering.

    Optical Triggering

    • 26350 Flash Trigger for Nikon (Compatible with NA-D5/D500/D850)
    • 26352 Manual Flash trigger for Nikon II (for Z6III)
    • 26601 HSS TTL Converter for Nikon (NA-Z8/Z9/Z6III)

    Electrical Triggering

    • 25013 M14 Nikonos 5-Pin bulkhead with hotshoe connection and 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor

    WHAT’S IN THE BOX

    • NA-Z5II Housing
    • N120 Port Cap
    • 2x Optical Bulkhead Caps
    • 2x Handles with mounting balls and 2x handle brackets
    • Pre-installed Leak Detection & Moisture Alarm with CR-2032 Battery
    • Spare Main Houisng O-ring, O-ring remover and Nauticam Lubricant
    • Set of Allen Keys
    • Manual Instruction Card
    • Padded Housing Bag and Shoulder Strap


    RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

    • 25218 Mounting Ball Set for Tripod (for NA-A9/A7RIII/BMPCC/XT3)
    • 25221 M10 strobe mounting ball for housing
    • 25224 M10 strobe mounting ball for housing (with hole for using lanyard)
    • 25228 M5 strobe mounting ball for housing
    • 25625 M16 Vacuum Valve II (Pushbutton Release)
    • 28130 Hand Strap for 28113
    • 28123 Pair of handles – size S (10mm closer to housing)
    • 25413 27cm lanyard with 2 snap hooks
    • NA-Z5II LCD window for Nauticam Full Frame viewfinder
    • 32212 Nauticam Full Frame Straight Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1
    • 32214 Nauticam Full Frame Angle Viewfinder 40 / 0.8:1
    • 87213 Reverse Angled Viewfinder for EMWL 40 / 0.8:1
    • 87214 Reverse Straight Viewfinder for EMWL 40 / 0.8:1


    SURFACE USB-PD POWER BANK

    • 26325 USB-C Bulkhead with USB-C Connector
    • 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325


    HDMI OUTPUT

    Required accessories for HDMI 1.4 Cable System

    • 25033 Standard HDMI bulkhead with M16 thread
    • 26326 M24-M16 Adaptor for use with 26325 *instead of existing 25081
    • 25076 HDMI (D-D) Cable in 200mm Length for NA-XT2/XH1/A6400 (for internal connection from HDMI bulkhead to camera)

    Compatible Monitor Options

    • 16612 Nauticam 7” T7  UW ULTRAHD Monitor  (HDMI 1.4 input, excl. cables) 25047 HDMI (D-D) cable in 800mm length (for connection between HDMI bulkheads) *25047 is Required for use with 16612 monitor housing
    • 17927 NA-Shinobi II Housing for Atomos Shinobi II 5.2″ Monitor with HDMI 1.4 input *17927 includes 25033, 25038, 25100
    • 17922 Nauticam Atomos Ninja V Housing for Atomos Ninja 5 4kp60 4:2:2 10-bit recorder/monitor/player (excl. HDMI 2.0 cable)
    • 25082 HDMI 1.4 Cable for Ninja V housing in 0.75m Length (for connection from Ninja V housing to HDMI bulkhead) *25082 is Required for use with 17922 monitor. 


    MONITOR/TRIPOD MOUNTING SYSTEM

    • 17951 Nauticam Atomos Shogun housing mounting system
    • 17952 Nauticam Monitor Housing Mounting Adaptor
    • 17954 Tripod plate for NA-A7S and NA-GH4
    • 17960 Universal Quadra-Pod Plate for Nauticam Housings
    • 17961 Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount System (compatible with 16612/17927/17922 etc.)
    • 25218 Mounting Ball Set for Tripod (for NA-A9/A7RIII/BMPCC/XT3)


    WET LENSES

    Macro

    • 81202 Super Macro Convertor 2 (4x Magnification)
    • 81203 Super Macro Convertor 3 (2.3x Magnification)
    • 81301 Compact Macro Convertor 1 (CMC-1, 4.5x Magnification)
    • 81302 Compact Macro Convertor 2 (CMC-2, 2.8X Magnification)
    • 81501 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 1
    • 81503 Mid-range Focus Optimizer 3

    Wide-angle

    • 83202 Wet Wide Lens 1B (WWL-1B) 130 deg. FOV with compatible 28mm lenses (incl. float collar)
    • 83203 Wet Wide Lens Compact (WWL-C) 130 Deg. FOV with Compatible 24mm Lenses (incl. float collar)
    • 85204 Wide Angle Conversion Port – 2 (WACP-2) 140 Deg. FOV with Compatible 14mm Lenes (incl. float collar)
    • 85205 N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port Compact (WACP-C)
    • 85206 N120/N100 0.36x Wide Angle Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar and Interchangeable Port Mounting Ring – (WACP-1B)
    • 85207 N120/N100 Fisheye Conversion Port with Integrated Float Collar (FCP) 170 Deg. FOV with Compatible 28mm Lenses

    Macro to wide-angle

    • 87302 EMWL Set #2 (incl. focusing unit #2, 150mm relay lens and 3 objective lenses)
    • 87202 EMWL Focusing Unit #2 (for Canon FF 100mm & APS-C 60mm)
    • 87211 EMWL 150mm Relay Lens
    • 87212 EMWL Angled Relay Lens
    • 87221 EMWL 60° Objective Lens
    • 87222 EMWL 100° Objective Lens
    • 87223 EMWL 130° Objective Lens
    • 87226 EMWL 160° Objective Lens


    WET LENS ACCESSORIES

    • 25101 M67 flip diopter holder for M67 macro ports
    • 25108 M67 Double Flip Holder for M67 Macro Ports
    • 83250 M67 to Bayonet Converter II
    • 83214 Bayonet Mount Adaptor for SMC/CMC
    • 87501 Flip Holder for EMWL
    • 87512 Shade for 130° Objective Lens
    • 87513 Shade for 100° Objective Lens
    • 87519 Shade for 160° Objective Lens
    • 87518 Strobe Mounting Brackets for EMWL Relay Lens



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Diminishing Returns? I Don’t Think So.

    Diminishing Returns? I Don’t Think So.

    [ad_1]

    I came home from Zambia with a small handful of images I love. Maybe eight. The jury is still out. But a couple of them I really love. The rest are just meh, a collection of sketch images that don’t make me lean in or quicken my heart. Far from failures, they’re what it takes to get me to the good stuff. Between game drives last week, I found myself telling one of my guests that I was experiencing something like “diminishing returns.”

    But that’s not it. Sure, the returns are fewer, but they’re also much better. I’m using a different metric than I once did, measuring my best work in single or low double digits instead of the bigger numbers, hoping I’d come home from a trip with many more workable photographs.

    These days, I don’t want workable. I want WOW. I want wonder.

    These latest images might not be your wow, but they are mine. That’s what I’m aiming for, and if I hit that target, then the returns aren’t diminished at all.

    But there’s something else I’ve noticed. The longer I do this, the more I get a sense of what works and does not work for me, the more I know what gives me that “Hell, yes!” response to the photographs I best love, the more I am willing to leave the camera in my lap and give myself over to the wonder. Or to pick up the camera—photographs be damned—and let it pull me closer to that same awe but relax into the watching, into absorbing the light, the moment, and the wild thing that has allowed me to share its space.

    There is nothing diminishing about wonder. Or being in the moment and letting it pull you above the fray of your daily life and the din of the endlessly chattering monkey brain.

    I’ve noticed something else. This freedom to simply watch, with no expectation that what I’m looking at might become a photograph, often becomes exactly that: a photograph. More times than I can count, the camera has revealed something that I didn’t know about myself. It has proven me wrong so many times. And from that comes curiosity and exploration, and often, the kind of new perspective that leads to new work.

    “I don’t like baboons,” I’ve said so many times. Nasty little buggers. And yet this time, my camera showed me backlit baboons, and I let my gaze linger a little longer, finding myself first questioning my prejudices, then succumbing to the wonder.

    I said the same thing about hyenas (evil critters!) until I saw a mother tending her cub so tenderly that I fell in love. Watch a white-backed vulture for long and you’ll find all kinds of things to fully draw your interest, if not your emotions. And don’t even get me started on hippos, but somehow I found myself eye-level at a hippo pool, having the time of my life—and from the looks of it, so was the hippo!

    It’s not just wildlife, either. The camera has this amazing way of showing us everyday things in new ways, if we let it. I woke on one of the eternal flights home, somewhere between my connections in Nairobi and Frankfurt to the light of dawn painting red squares on the cabin wall, pairing as best it could with the blue of unlit clouds, and it took my breath away.

    What’s that quote? Life is not in how many breaths we take but how many moments take our breath away? Perhaps the same could be said of photographs: it’s not how many moments we capture, but how many moments captivate us.

    I may make fewer photographs than I once did, but there’s nothing at all diminishing in the evolution of my craft. With or without it in my hand, the camera has amplified my life, extending the briefest of moments into years of enjoyment. I’m guessing it has done the same for you. More than trophies, the best of them are a collection of silent whispers: “Remember when? Wasn’t that…incredible?” They allow us to drop an anchor, of sorts, into the fast-flowing current of time, to hold ourselves within it for much longer than our forward-looking minds seem to do on their own.

    We learn young to look ever-forward, but as time pulls us along and so much of our life is converted to memories, the ability to hold still within that tidal pull of time becomes more important. Not to always be looking back, but to have a present imbued with the flavour of all that we’ve lived. These things don’t pass us by; they accumulate. More so when we have a net to catch them with. The camera has helped me widen that net and tighten the spaces between the holes. Maybe it’s the net itself. I wonder at smaller things now than I once did, and where there is wonder, there’s a chance at not only a photograph, but a life.

    For the Love of the Photograph,
    David

    Do you photograph wildlife? My publisher has had a lapse in judgment and is letting me write another book, this time about photographing wild things. Before I get too deep into it, if you photograph wildlife, would you be willing to answer a couple of questions? Take the time and I’ll draw three names for a signed copy of the book when it comes out. Click here to take the quick survey.



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Ikelite Releases Canon EOS R10 Kits

    Ikelite Releases Canon EOS R10 Kits

    [ad_1]

    200DLM/D Underwater Housing for Canon EOS R10 with 18-45mm Lens Deluxe Version Complete Kit

     

    Canon’s first mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors, announced in 2022, were the EOS R7 and R10. Bundled with the RF-S 18–45mm f/4.5–6.3 IS STM lens for $1,100, the R10 is an excellent all-around package offering great value for money. You get 24 megapixels, Dual Pixel AF, 15fps burst shooting with the mechanical shutter, and 4K/30p oversampled uncropped video.

    Now Ikelite has made it even easier to jump in the water with this camera/lens combo and start shooting. Their new housing kit includes everything you need: 200DLM/D housing; dome port, zoom gear, and anti-reflection ring for the RF-S 18–45mm f/4.5–6.3; Dual Tray with Dual Handles; Trigger Extensions; Vacuum System; and a set of spare O-rings. The only thing you need to add is the camera and lens themselves. (Incidentally, Ikelite also sells a full version of the kit that actually includes the camera and lens.)

    The housing kit set up for the Canon EOS R10 with RF-S 18–45mm lens is priced at $1,795, while the housing kit including the Canon EOS R10 and RF-S 18–45mm lens costs $2,895.

    200DLM/D Underwater Housing and Canon EOS R10 Camera Deluxe Version Complete Kit



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 20 WordPress Video Plugins and Players to Add Engagement

    20 WordPress Video Plugins and Players to Add Engagement

    [ad_1]

    Do you want to increase engagement and the amount of time visitors spend on your website? That’s where a WordPress video player can help. You can increase engagement by adding a video player plugin to your WordPress website. Not only does this reflect well on your brand, but it also helps your SEO ranking.  

    WordPress lets you add embedded video out of the box, but you can make the process easier and create a better user experience with a plugin.

    Adding a stylish WordPress video player plugin lets visitors engage with the content on your website. Video plugins are full-featured, customizable, and easy to integrate into your website. 

    Elite Video PlayerElite Video PlayerElite Video Player

    The Best WordPress Video Plugins and Players on CodeCanyon

    Discover CodeCanyon’s extensive library of the best video WordPress plugins ever created. With a cheap one-time payment, you can purchase one of these high-quality WordPress plugins and give your website viewers a more interactive experience.

    Take a look at these trending WordPress video players from CodeCanyon.  

    Bestselling WordPress Video Plugins and Players

    WordPress Video Gallery Plugins

    Here are the top-rated WordPress video gallery plugins that are available for you to download on CodeCanyon.

    1. Essential Grid Gallery WordPress Plugin

    Essential Grid Gallery WordPress Plugin

    With the Essential Grid Gallery WordPress Plugin, you can add both photo galleries and video galleries. Include galleries built with other popular plugins, link to video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and create gorgeous grid-based galleries.

    Additional features:

    • layout options
    • skins
    • skin editor
    • import/export
    • video tutorials

    2. The Grid: Responsive WordPress Grid Plugin

    The Grid - Responsive WordPress Grid Plugin

    With The Grid, you can create endless layouts and grids for your videos. The plugin also includes a touch slider (also known as a carousel) for mobile, and WooCommerce support so you can use powerful, responsive video to help sell your products.

    Additional features:

    • premium support
    • skin builder
    • custom post type support
    • social stream support
    • touch slider

    3. Slider Revolution Responsive WordPress Plugin

    slider revolutionslider revolutionslider revolution

    This plugin has over 400,000 sales! This is one of the most complete video gallery plugins on CodeCanyon. The main hero section is where this plugin shines. You can see in the image above just how visually appealing you can make your hero section. You are given full customization with this plugin. 

    Here are a few notable features for this video gallery plugin:

    • 2,000+ elements object library
    • 20+ powerful add-ons included
    • special fx templates included
    • premade layer groups

    4. RoyalSlider: Touch-Enabled jQuery Image Gallery

    royalsliderroyalsliderroyalslider

    RoyalSlider will make your videos look great on your website. The plugin is mobile-friendly and will allow you to add custom slideshows and CSS3 banner rotators with images, videos, or HTML content. What sets this plugin apart from the rest are the 12 visually appealing transition effects. This plugin has over 30,000 sales!

    Here are a few notable features for RoyalSlider:

    • touch swipe navigation support for iOS and Android
    • smart lazy-loading
    • SEO-optimized
    • YouTube and Vimeo videos in slide
    • HTML blocks with custom effects

    5. Media Grid: WordPress Responsive Portfolio

    Media Grid WordPress Responsive Portfolio

    The Media Grid: WordPress Responsive Portfolio plugin lets you build bespoke, fully customisable grids of images, video, and other media using a simple drag-and-drop interface. It also has a dynamic grid mode, letting you create video grids in moments.

    Features:

    • visual grid builder
    • dynamic grids
    • fill grids with existing posts
    • lightbox
    • item attributes

    6. Go Portfolio

    Go Portfolio - WordPress Responsive PortfolioGo Portfolio - WordPress Responsive PortfolioGo Portfolio - WordPress Responsive Portfolio

    If you are going to be creating a portfolio, showcase, or teaser, then this is the plugin for you. You can create portfolios by creating new custom post types with images, audio, or video thumbnails. This plugin will give you numerous customization options for creating your portfolio. 

    Here are the key features of Go Portfolio:

    • Visual Composer compatible
    • two filtering types
    • four default styles
    • unlimited portfolios
    • responsive grid layout

    7. Ultimate Layouts for WPBakery Page Builder

    Ultimate Layouts for WP Bakery Page Builder

    The Ultimate Layouts plugin will help you create a layout for video and other media if you’re using the WPBakery page builder plugin.

    It’s responsive, integrates with YouTube, and lets you build unlimited layouts using the WPBakery page builder, so you don’t have to switch to an unfamiliar interface. Display grids, lists, and carousels with ease.

    Features:

    • 70+ layouts and design builder
    • WooCommerce compatible
    • supports custom post types and custom taxonomies
    • integrates with AdSense for video advertising

    WordPress Video Enhancement and Effects Plugins

    1. Elite Video Player

    Elite Video Player

    The Elite Video Player plugin is a fully customisable advertising video player that supports advertising on the most popular video channels such as YouTube and Vimeo. 

    Import videos, channels, or playlists and play using the default YouTube player or add custom controls. As well as YouTube and Vimeo, you can play self-hosted video or video hosted on Dropbox or Amazon S3.

    Features:

    • advertising pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll
    • Google Analytics: see which of your videos are most popular
    • sticky mode to keep videos visible
    • lightbox, responsive, and full-screen modes

    2. Ultimate Video Player 

    Ultimate Video Player

    If you want to enhance your videos with features such as subtitles in multiple languages, downloads, and adjustable playback speed, the Ultimate Video Player plugin is for you.

    It boasts a wide range of features including advertising, cue points, live streaming, and more.

    Features:

    • advertising pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll, or via popups
    • links to YouTube and Vimeo
    • stream local video
    • private or password-protected video
    • information windows and subtitle options

    3. Diamond Flipbook

    Diamond Flipbook

    Ever thought about including videos in a flipbook? The Diamond Flipbook plugin lets you do that. Create a dynamic flipbook from your content and media, and include video too. Videos will be overlaid on the flipbook in the background.

    Features:

    • PDF support
    • multiple file upload
    • JavaScript-based and iOS-compatible
    • reverse flipbooks for right-to-left languages
    • insert flipbook via shortcode, template, or lightbox.

    4. HTML5 Video Player

    HTML5 Video Player plugin

    If you’re not happy with the default YouTube player, the HTML5 Video Player plugin will provide you with a customisable player that’s designed to display your video in high quality. It supports YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted video, and it’s fully responsive.

    Additional features:

    • Google Analytics
    • customisable colour scheme
    • categories
    • two skins
    • downloading and sharing

    5. Video Player and Fullscreen Video Background 

    Video Player  Fullscreen Video Background

    This HTML5 Video Player is ideal if you want a video player which will support YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted videos. The plugin can be used as a full-screen video background for your website. The video will cover the entire screen without any black stripes.

    Other features of this player include: 

    • lightweight JSON file of about 256KB
    • use the plugin as a fixed-width or full-width video player
    • use the parameters to set the border width and colour

    6. iPanorama 360°: Virtual Tour Builder for WordPress

    iPanorama 360° - Virtual Tour Builder for WordPressiPanorama 360° - Virtual Tour Builder for WordPressiPanorama 360° - Virtual Tour Builder for WordPress

    With the iPanorama 360° plugin, you can create video walkthroughs with labels and signs. This one is great for holiday lets or property sales.

    Here are a few notable features for iPanorama 360°:

    • three scene types: cube, sphere, and cylinder
    • hotspots: allow you to mark different areas that you want to point out
    • virtual tour: travel from one scene to another by clicking on special hotspots
    • tooltip system: the plugin has a built-in powerful tooltip system
    • thumbnails: let people see a quick snapshot of your scene

    WordPress Video Lightbox Plugins

    1. ModuloBox Lightbox Plugin

    ModuloBox Lightbox Plugin

    ModuloBox is a beautiful, easy-to-use lightbox plugin that makes it simple to create a fully functional slideshow in a popup. Built with plain JavaScript, it offers the best performance and advanced features to show off your media.

    Some features include: 

    • create responsive galleries of HTML5 videos or embed videos from YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, or Wistia
    • display external websites from a simple URL—for example a Google Map
    • supports gestures: drag and swipe to navigate through items, pinch to zoom, etc.

    2. Revolution Lightbox

    Revolution Lightbox plugin

    Revolution Lightbox is another plugin that lets you add video to a lightbox. It also supports images, Google Maps, and HTML content, giving you maximum flexibility. The lightbox is customizable, so you can adapt it to suit your theme.

    Features:

    • runs on all major browsers and mobile devices
    • coded for high performance
    • add playlists
    • add links for each lightbox item
    • optional thumbnails and description window

    Interactive Video Plugins for WordPress

    1. Image Map Pro

    image map proimage map proimage map pro

    Image Map Pro comes with many of the standard map features such as adding text and images to maps. However, this plugin offers so much more. The plugin has its own rich web app! This allows you to easily create a wide selection of custom image maps, pins, and shapes to use on your website.

    Here are a few key features for this interactive video WordPress plugin:

    • 50+ maps of countries and continents 
    • custom polygon shapes
    • over 600 high-quality FontAwesome icons
    • advanced back-end editor

    Video Automation Plugins for WordPress

    1. WordPress Video Robot

    WordPress Video Robot plugin

    Manually embedding videos into your site takes time. The WordPress Video Robot plugin automates this process for you. It’ll take the search terms you give it and automatically add relevant videos to your site. The videos don’t even need to be from your own channel.

    Additional features:

    • migration tools
    • fully automated
    • no duplicate videos
    • content restriction

    2. Smart Product Viewer 

    Smart Product Viewer

    If you have an online store and you want to display your products with full 360º animation, this plugin is ideal. Your customers will be able to see your products from all angles, with smooth animation all the way around.

    The plugin’s features include: 

    • easy shortcode and widget integration
    • fullscreen lightbox
    • spin and animate on page scroll
    • drag-and-drop images manager
    • simple mouse interaction
    • support for touch devices

    3. WooCommerce Product Video: Featured Video

    woocommerce product video - featured videowoocommerce product video - featured videowoocommerce product video - featured video

    This plugin will easily let you add YouTube videos, Vimeo videos, Dailymotion videos, and self-hosted videos on your WooCommerce site. The videos come with a full range of customization options. Included are even several embedding options such as playback volume, full-screen button, and video controls display.

    Here are a few notable features for this plugin:

    • support for YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, self-hosted, and MP4 videos
    • videos on single product and category pages
    • enable and disable video option in the shop or on a single product page
    • shop video auto-play functionality

    4. Video Gallery WordPress Plugin

    video gallery wordpress pluginvideo gallery wordpress pluginvideo gallery wordpress plugin

    This video gallery plugin is feature-rich. You will be able to create professional-looking galleries within minutes with this plugin. It’s easy to install and even comes with a shortcode generator. If you are looking for a quick solution for your next video automation plugin, this is the right choice for you. 

    Here is what you can expect from the Video Gallery WordPress Plugin:

    • five skins + skin generator
    • iPhone/iPad compatible
    • extensive admin panel 
    • subtitle support
    • shortcode generator

    Discover Even More High-Quality WordPress Video Plugins

    The plugins listed above all do something slightly different, or give a variation on a different functionality such as lightboxes or galleries. The best one for your site will depend on your needs: do you want to pull in videos automatically, for example? Are you hosting videos locally? Do you want enhanced video playback controls?

    In this article, we covered many of the best video WordPress video plugins available on CodeCanyon. However, you may have very specific requirements for your video plugins, and the ones mentioned in this article may not be what you are looking for. To help you further with your search, we have even more top video WordPress plugins that you can check out in the articles below:

    Install a WordPress Video Plugin and Player Now! 

    On CodeCanyon, you will find stylish and interactive WordPress video plugins that will help you show great content on your website! 

    The various features and styling options allow you to integrate an eye-catching and fully functional player for your media that can fit your website’s theme. 

    Also feel free to check out the thousands of premium WordPress plugins available, as well as the best-selling, trending WordPress plugins of the year.

    Bestselling WordPress Video Plugins and Players

    The following articles and tutorials should help in your quest to find the most suitable plugins for your needs.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Grab Some Free Design Resources From Envato Elements

    [ad_1]

    Envato Elements is coming soon, and to celebrate, we’re offering some fantastic freebies. You can grab some handcrafted fonts, a professional brochure template, a coffee branding mockup, a set of elegant logos, and a massive set of watercolor brushes and textures. All you have to do is visit Envato Elements, enter your email address, and download your free files.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Extremophiles Discovered at Depths Beyond 30,000 Feet for the First Time

    Extremophiles Discovered at Depths Beyond 30,000 Feet for the First Time

    [ad_1]

    By Ian Bongso-Seldrup, July 31, 2025 @ 10:30 PM (EST)
    Source: BBC

    Macellicephaloides grandicirra, a species of polychaete worm known for its white, spiky appearance

     

    A Chinese-led research team has captured images of life at depths of more than 30,000 feet—over 9.5 kilometers—for the first time. During an expedition to the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench and the western Aleutian Trench in the bathyscaphe Fendouzhe, the scientists discovered fields of tube worms, beds of mollusks, and mats of bacteria. Previously, the deepest marine vertebrate life captured on film was a snailfish swimming in a trench at 27,350 feet (8,336 meters) off the Japanese coast in 2023.

    “It’s exciting—especially for a deep-sea scientist—to go to a place that human beings have not explored,” one of the lead researchers, Dr Xiaotong Peng, told BBC News. “It’s a great opportunity to discover new things. And what we saw was quite amazing.” The expedition explored trenches at depths of between 19,000 feet (5,800 meters) and 31,276 feet (9,533 meters), covering a distance of around 1,500 miles. Their work has just been published in the journal Nature.

    In the absence of sunlight, the “chemosynthetic” organisms surviving at such depths get their energy from hydrogen sulfide and methane seeping out of cracks in the Earth’s crust. The researchers are aiming to understand how these animals convert these chemicals into energy—and also how they adapt to life under such extreme pressure.

     

    Beds of mollusks feeding off the chemicals seeping from the seabed

     

    Dense colonies of tube worms up to a foot long

     

    Composite image of the Fendouzhe submersible in a deep ocean trench created by the scientific team

     

    The bathyscaphe Fendouzhe, or Striver, pictured being transported (upside down) aboard its mother ship. The deep-submergence vehicle is designed to reach depths of more than 10,000 meters



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Luke Copping – A Photo Editor

    [ad_1]

    The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own.  I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before.  In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find.  Please DO NOT send me your work.  I do not take submissions.

    Today’s featured artist:  Luke Copping

    Chef Redbeard is a personal project that came out of the recent creative connection between me and Jeremy VanAntwerp (AKA Chef Red Beard), a chef with a background in both fine dining and deeply rooted comfort food. Jeremy runs a private dining experience where small groups of guests are served directly in his kitchen studio. It’s an intimate setting—no separation between the cooking and the people he’s feeding. The meals are multi-course, seasonal, and often tailored especially for his guests’ unique tastes and needs. It’s less about spectacle, more about connection.

    What drew me to document Jeremy’s process wasn’t just the food—it was the atmosphere around it. The space is calm, focused, and quiet. There’s no rush, no chaos. Just the steady rhythm of someone who’s deeply at home in their work. This project captures that mindset. It’s about the collaboration between Jeremy and his customers, the repetition of the kitchen, and the intensity that builds as the event night approaches.

    The series uses both still photography and motion to show the experience from different angles. I wasn’t interested in stylized food shots or polished plating. I wanted to photograph what happens: crisp edges as they come out of the pan, the way honey drips from a biscuit and ingredients being handled with purpose.

    This project isn’t about trends or restaurants. It’s about one chef, his space, and how he has decided to step away from the traditional restaurant model and explore something more intentional and personal.

    To see more of this project, click here

    Instagram

    Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.

    Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.

    As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.

    Instagram



    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 15 Best HTML5 and JavaScript Video Players (+5 Best Free Players)

    15 Best HTML5 and JavaScript Video Players (+5 Best Free Players)

    [ad_1]

    Are you in need of a high-quality HTML5 video player plugin for your website? Are you having trouble finding a video player that delivers an exceptional user experience?

    CodeCanyon offers a wide range of HTML5 and JavaScript video players that can easily be installed on your website. 

    Modern Video Gallery PlayerModern Video Gallery PlayerModern Video Gallery Player
    Modern Video Player is one of the many high-quality HTML5 and JavaScript plugins available on CodeCanyon.

    Much of today’s online content is consumed through video and images. This makes it incredibly important for you to offer your website content in video format through a high-quality video player. By purchasing one of the many affordable plugins available on CodeCanyon, you will get a modern-looking web player that works with many video formats and can even display your images in a slideshow. 

    The Best HTML5 and JavaScript Video Players on CodeCanyon

    Discover the best HTML5 and JavaScript video plugins ever created on CodeCanyon. With a cheap one-time payment, you can purchase any of these high-quality video players. 

    Here are a few of the best HTML5 and JavaScript video players available on CodeCanyon for 2021:

    best selling HTML5 and JavaScript video players best selling HTML5 and JavaScript video players best selling HTML5 and JavaScript video players
    Don’t miss out on some of the best-selling HTML5 and JavaScript video players on CodeCanyon.

    These feature-rich HTML5 and JavaScript video players will give your website visitors the best viewing experience possible. With the premium video players offered on CodeCanyon, you can take advantage of:

    • advanced video player controls
    • fully responsive players
    • song and video statistics
    • social sharing

    Head on over to CodeCanyon and find the right video player plugin for your website!

    Top 15 HTML5 and JavaScript Video Players (From CodeCanyon for 2021)

    1. Elite Video Player

    Elite Video Player is a stellar HTML5 video player that can handle just about anything you throw its way:

    • self-hosted MP4
    • YouTube
    • Vimeo
    • Dropbox
    • Amazon S3
    • Google Drive

    Show your videos with style—across all browsers and devices—with this fully customizable HTML5 video player.

    Elite VideoElite VideoElite Video

    Features also include:

    • lightbox, responsive, and fullscreen modes
    • YouTube channel and playlist support
    • select player and scrollbar effects
    • resizable height and width
    • and many more options

    One of the more unique and appealing features the Elite Video Player brings to the screen is the ability to add pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll video and popup ads. A WordPress version is also available.

    2. Modern Video Gallery Player

    Modern Video Gallery PlayerModern Video Gallery PlayerModern Video Gallery Player

    This video player supports a wide variety of embeddable media: from HTML5 video to YouTube playlists, Vimeo videos, and much more. This highly customizable video player has many features that make this a must-have if you need to display videos on your site. 

    Here are a few of the plugin’s notable features:

    • desktop, mobile, and tablet support 
    • responsive layouts
    • highly customizable with HTML and CSS
    • SVG icons

    3. HTML5 Video & Youtube Background

     HTML5 Video HTML5 Video HTML5 Video

    Need a clean and simple JavaScript video background player that you can customize for your website? You can play a single video in a loop, loop multiple videos, or have a mixed playlist of videos and images. 

    Here are a few features of this plugin:

    • responsive or fixed size layouts
    • basic video player controls
    • optional built-in skip intro feature 
    • optional keyboard navigation

    4. Revolution Multimedia Gallery

    Revolution GalleryRevolution GalleryRevolution Gallery

    Revolution Multimedia Gallery is a responsive gallery that runs on all major browsers and mobile devices. It uses object-oriented code and the latest CSS3 techniques, making this a very well-built JavaScript video player and gallery. 

    Here’s what you can expect from Revolution Multimedia Gallery:

    • responsive layout
    • responsive, fixed, fluid width, and fullscreen modes
    • includes two skins
    • optional deep linking

    5. Ultimate Video Player

    This HTML5 video player includes all the basics you’ll need for a cutting-edge player—without losing those users that are using outdated browsers.

    The Ultimate Video Player can play videos on the latest mobile browser or an old desktop computer using IE8 with its Flash fallback feature.

    Ultimate Video playerUltimate Video playerUltimate Video player

    It’s also:

    “Packed with a huge amount of features like responsive layout, multiple playlists, external API, optional deeplinking, flexible skin, embed & share, Facebook share etc…”—Ultimate Video Player

    Set up playlists, provide a video download button, and much, much more with the Ultimate Video Player (also comes as a WordPress plugin).

    6. Ultimate Video Player With YouTube and Vimeo

    Ultimate video playerUltimate video playerUltimate video player

    Ultimate Video Player is a powerful responsive video player with the right side or bottom gallery that supports most popular video platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and more. This player is compatible with all modern browsers. 

    Ultimate Video Player is the perfect player to build a platform with an intuitive user experience and mobile compatibility.

    Fantastic and fast assistance. Problems solved in a short time. Absolutely recommended! — step54 

    7. Video Player Lite

    Video Player Lite is a responsive and mobile-friendly player that supports all kinds of media and playback options. You have the ability to show panoramas, virtual reality, YouTube, and Vimeo videos. It also comes with lots of customization options. 

    Video player liteVideo player liteVideo player lite

    Notable features include:

    • video aspect ratio control
    • live preview
    • theater mode 
    • password-protected content 
    • and many more

    8. Universal Video Player

    Universal Video playerUniversal Video playerUniversal Video player

    Universal Video Player is another HTML5 video player that’s worth your attention.

    Not only does it come with many features included in other video players, but it also includes a few extras that set it apart.

    Stand-out features include:

    • Google Analytics tracking
    • playlist search
    • categories
    • shuffle mode

    Like some other HTML5 video players, it includes YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted video support, a customizable color scheme, and an option to download videos.

    The Universal Video Player is a nice solution, and can even automatically retrieve video thumbnails, titles, and descriptions from YouTube servers. A WordPress plugin version is available.

    9. HTML5 Video Player With Playlist & Multiple Skins

    The HTML5 Video Player With Playlist & Multiple Skins (also available as a WordPress plugin) offers side and bottom playlists and six different skins to match your website.

    Unlike many other HTML5 video players, this gem also supports .webm video files in addition to the standard .mp4 video format.

    HTML5 Video Player with PlaylistHTML5 Video Player with PlaylistHTML5 Video Player with Playlist

    You’ll also find:

    • optional video descriptions with HTML and CSS support
    • support for both single and multiple instances
    • auto-hide for playback controls
    • click listener
    • and more

    HTML5 Video Player with Playlist & Multiple Skins is a good HTML5 video player for playlists, complete with definable preview images for both videos and playlists.

    10. HTML5 Video Player & FullScreen Video Background

    The HTML5 Video Player not only makes a great HTML5 video player, but also includes the ability to set full-screen video backgrounds.

    Do you need a video player in your web dev toolbelt? This is what you’re looking for.

    HTML5 Video PlayerHTML5 Video PlayerHTML5 Video Player

    This has many helpful features, including:

    • fallback image for mobile devices that don’t support full-screen video backgrounds
    • 30+ JavaScript-controllable options: player controls, playback, design, etc.
    • supports YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted videos
    • navigation positioning
    • texture over video
    • and more!

    HTML5 Video Player is a welcome addition to any web developer’s toolbox—it also comes in a WordPress plugin version!

    11. HTML5 Blue Video Player

    HTML5 Blue Video PlayerHTML5 Blue Video PlayerHTML5 Blue Video Player

    This HTML5 video player has a simple and sleek design. You can place the playlist menu anywhere around the video player, giving you the flexibility to choose how it will look on your website. 

    Here are a few notable features for this video player:

    • embed and social share buttons
    • logo overlay on videos
    • touch-enabled
    • Flash fallback for older browsers

    Download the HTML5 Blue Video Player now!

    12. Stellar Video Player

    Stellar Video PlayerStellar Video PlayerStellar Video Player

    Stellar Video Player is a premium, multi-purpose video player that supports YouTube videos, Vimeo videos, self-hosted MP4 videos, Google Drive videos, and much more!

    Here is what you can expect from this video player:

    • fully customizable and responsive
    • lightbox mode
    • sticky mode
    • social sharing

    Here is what users are saying about the Stellar Video Player

    “Great product! Easy to setup and use!”—Tomcat253

    13. HTML5 Video Player With Multiple Skins

    HTML5 Video Player with Multiple SkinsHTML5 Video Player with Multiple SkinsHTML5 Video Player with Multiple Skins

    Html5 Video Player With Multiple Skins is a lightweight and responsive player that will only take a small amount of space on the server. This player allows you to embed .mp4 video files and .webm for browsers which don’t have MP4 support.

    Other features include:

    • mobile compatible
    • multiple skins
    • full-screen mode

    14. Revolution Video Player With Bottom Playlist

    Revolution playerRevolution playerRevolution player

    Revolution Video Player with Bottom Playlist is a powerful and responsive player which you can use to play YouTube, Vimeo, and Self-Hosted video files. You only need the video ID for YouTube and Vimeo. You can also share your video player on Facebook and Twitter.

    It is also a highly customizable player that allows users to change appearance as per their own choice.

    • wide range of parameters for customizing the player
    • highly responsive with full-screen function

    15. 360 Video Player Premium

    360 video player360 video player360 video player

    360 Video Player is perfect for responsive web designs, and it also looks good on retina displays. The player allows full-screen view and is compatible with all major browsers, including IE EDGE.

    Other notable features include:

    • iPhone / iPad compatible 
    • CSS powered skins 
    • ads support
    • video gallery API

    5 Free HTML5 & JavaScript Video Player Plugins for Download in 2021

    The premium HTML5 and JavaScript video players available on CodeCanyon will certainly give you the most up-to-date and advanced features available, which will greatly improve the user experience. 

    However, you may be on a budget and still need to add a high-quality video player to your website. To help you with your video player needs, I’ve collected five of the best HTML5 and JavaScript video players you can download for free.

    1. Video.js

    Video.jsVideo.jsVideo.js

    Video.js supports HTML5 video and modern streaming formats such as YouTube and Vimeo. The player can be styled with CSS to fit your website’s theme.

    2. Plyr

    This JavaScript video player is a simple, accessible, and customizable player for video and audio. The player comes with a minimal and responsive design and can work for all types of websites. 

    3. jPlayer

    jPlayer is an open-source media library written in JavaScript. The plugin is completely customizable and skinnable using HTML and CSS and is very lightweight.

    J playerJ playerJ player

    4. MediaElement.js

    MediaElement.js is a simple and easy-to-install plugin that can display today’s standard video formats. All the basic video player controls come with this JavaScript video player.

    5. Kaltura HTML5

    This HTML5 video player supports both HTML5 and Flash with the same configuration. The player is fully responsive and can be viewed on tablets and mobile devices. 

    Discover More Great HTML5 & JavaScript Video Players for 2021

    The HTML5 & JavaScript video players mentioned above are some of the best options that you can implement on your website in 2021.

    However, these video players may not have the exact functions or design that you are looking for. If none of the premium HTML5 and JavaScript video players mentioned in this article seem to work for your website, then be sure to check out our other articles, which contain many more high-quality HTML5 and JavaScript video players for you to download:

    Add a Premium HTML5 and JavaScript Video Player to Your Website Now!

    If you are in need of a video player that has a sleek design and is fully functional, then head on over to CodeCanyon.

    The video players available will give you complete control over the design and features offered in your web players on your website. Ultimately, this will lead to a better user experience for your particular audience.

    In addition to all the high-quality HTML5 and JavaScript video players on CodeCanyon, you can browse through thousands of other high-quality plugins and scripts for your website. You’ll find everything from social media to marketing plugins and scripts in CodeCanyon’s massive premium library. 

    Find the right HTML5 and JavaScript plugin or script for your website today!

    This post has been updated with contributions from Esther Vaati. Esther is a software developer and writer for Envato Tuts+.

    [ad_2]

    Source link