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Posts Tagged ‘prototype’

New York Times unveils prototype system aimed at inspiring confidence in photojournalism

10 May

Misinformation is a big issue online, especially with how quickly false stories are shared. The New York Times R&D team has worked with the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) on a prototype system ‘exploring tools to give readers transparency into the source and veracity of news visuals.’ If a picture is worth a thousand words, the picture must be verifiably truthful to its viewers.

As CAI points out, it used to be a given that a ‘photograph never lies.’ However, that hasn’t been true for a long time. It’s easy for an image to be manipulated and tell a story far from the truth. It’s hard to tell fact from fiction, and a fake or doctored image can make the rounds so quickly that you see it many times on your feed before you ever see the original image. That is if you ever see the real image at all. A study by Adobe found that there’s a lack of trust in images and that people are concerned about seeing doctored content. The study also found that photographers are concerned with image theft and plagiarism.

The NYT R&T team shows their ‘secure sourcing’ prototype visualization.

For photographers, it’s not just about the honesty of an image, it’s about credit. Someone can screengrab a photographer’s image and spread it around the web before the photographer ever has the opportunity to demand the financial compensation they deserve. After the image has been seen all over the internet, the value of their work has already been irreparably damaged. Santiago Lyon, Head of Advocacy & Education at CAI, writes, ‘Regardless of source, images are plucked out of the traditional and social media streams, quickly screen-grabbed, sometimes altered, posted and reposted extensively online, usually without payment or acknowledgment and often lacking the original contextual information that might help us identify the source, frame our interpretation. and add to our understanding.’

Scott Lowenstein of NYT R&D says, ‘The more people are able to understand the true origin of their media, the less room there is for ‘fake news’ and other deceitful information. Allowing everyone to provide and access media origins will protect against manipulated, deceptive, or out-of-context online media.’

Along with Adobe and Twitter, The New York Times Co. is a founding member of the CAI. The CAI and its partners ‘are working to develop an open industry standard that will allow for more confidence in the authenticity of photographs (and then video and other file types). We are creating a community of trust, to help viewers know if they can believe what they see.’ To this end, the new prototype outlines a ‘secure sourcing’ workflow, which will preserve metadata with secure signatures at each step as an image is captured, edited in Adobe Photoshop, and published. As an image is published, links to an original image will be attached and signed by a social media platform.

Photograph by Niko Koppel for the NYT R&D project, integrated with CAI Content Credentials.

Lyon writes, ‘This important work demonstrates how a well-respected news outlet like the NYT is experimenting with CAI technology, giving us a hint of what’s possible at scale. This aligns with our goal of displaying a CAI logo next to images published in traditional or social media that gives the consumer more information about the provenance of the imagery, such as where and when it was first created and how it might have been altered or edited.’

Lyon continues, ‘This will bolster trust in content among both consumers and capture partners (such as Qualcomm and Truepic), editing partners (in this case, our colleagues at Adobe Photoshop), and publishers, such as the New York Times and others.’

Eventually, the hope is that CAI logos can be placed next to images on traditional publishing and social media platforms, inspiring confidence in the provenance of images and explaining how an image was edited before being published. Ideally, viewers would be able to click on the CAI logo and find out about the image creator and see all the edits that have been made.

For the initiative and the NYT R&D prototype to work, widespread adoption is necessary. The overall distrust in the news and images will require considerable work to improve. Reliable, secure, and accessible records of image creation and edits will go a long way toward inspiring confidence in images.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe shows off prototype version of its Content Authenticity tool and ecosystem

21 Oct

In addition to its Lightroom and Photoshop updates, adobe has also revealed a prototype of its Content Authenticity Prototype, a key new tool that will play a key role in Adobe’s Content Authenticity Initiative first unveiled a year ago at Adobe MAX 2019.

A screenshot from the video showing the ‘Content Credentials’ toolset in the beta version of Adobe Photoshop.

As the above video demonstrates, the new opt-in tool provides a way for photojournalists, artists and other creatives to cyptographically sign and embed editing and attribution information to images that have been adjusted or altered in Photoshop (and presumably other Adobe programs). Creators can choose to include as little or as much data as they would like and export that information with the image(s).

A screenshot from the header video showing what information will be embedded with the edited image upon export from Photoshop.

When the image(s) are uploaded to websites with CAI compatibility, viewers will be able to see exactly who captured the image, what edits were made, what assets were used and more. Adobe is even launching a dedicated site (verify.contentauthenticity.org) that will serve as an original database of sorts to see every detail of every change made and asset used.

The verify.contentauthenticity.org website will break down the signed metadata for each asset used.

Currently, the prototype will only be available to a select group of beta testers. Eventually, we can expect the tool to roll out to the masses, but even then, adoption will come to be the greatest barrier to Adobe’s efforts to keep authenticity at the forefront of digital content creation.

Adobe says it’s working with ‘The New York Times Company, Twitter, Inc., Microsoft, BBC, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Truepic, WITNESS, CBC and many others,’ but it’s honest about what it will take to get the masses to adopt such attribution technology as the norm:

‘We believe attribution will create a virtuous cycle. The more creators distribute content with proper attribution, the more consumers will expect and use that information to make judgement calls, thus minimizing the influence of bad actors and deceptive content. Ultimately, a holistic solution that includes attribution, detection and education to provide a common and shared understanding of objective facts is essential to help us make more thoughtful decisions when consuming media. Today is a huge leap forward for the CAI, but this is just the beginning.’

While the companies Adobe is already working with are certainly leaders in their respective spheres, there are plenty of other agencies and organizations that will need to hop onboard the CAI train to truly make this a ubiquitous standard that’s the rule instead of the exception. Media empire Gannett, for example, would be a great opportunity, as the company owns over 90 daily newspapers, nearly 1,000 weekly newspapers and almost two dozen television stations. Getty, AP and others are obvious candidates as well.

You can keep up with the latest CAI developments on the Adobe Blog and the Content Authenticity website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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SanDisk reveals 8TB SSD prototype and Ultra Dual Drive Luxe 1TB flash drive

09 Jan

SanDisk has introduced a sleek new flash drive that features an appealing metal body and a very practical dual-connector design. The new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe thumb drive will arrive later this year, offering users a large storage capacity in a small form factor.

As its name suggests, the Luxe drive features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it possible to use the drive with the majority of newer smartphones, tablets and laptops on the market. In addition to its high level of durability due to the metal build, SanDisk’s new drive has a slot for attaching the device to a keychain or securing it within a bag using a lanyard.

According to Engadget, SanDisk will release this model toward the end of 2020; the price hasn’t been revealed at this time.

In addition to the upcoming flash drive, SanDisk also showcased a prototype portable SSD with a massive 8TB capacity capable of 20Gbps transfer speeds. According to Engadget, the drive is slightly larger than the SanDisk Extreme External SSDs, though it’s still small enough to stuff in a pocket.

Though it would be the highest capacity portable SSD if it were to come to market, it only exists as a prototype at this time. It’s unclear when SanDisk anticipates launching the product and how much it will cost, though it’s likely to be quite expensive. The company’s existing 2TB Extreme Portable SSD model costs $ 270, for comparison.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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OnePlus teases prototype smartphone with disappearing rear camera

03 Jan

OnePlus is expected to display its Concept One prototype smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. At this point there are no plans to put the Concept One into production, instead, the device is meant to showcase OnePlus innovation in mobile device tech.

Ahead of the show the company has already posted a teaser video on Twitter, showing an ‘invisible’ rear camera that can be hidden under the glass rear panel. According to OnePlus ‘color-shifting glass technology’ is used to achieve the effect.

The team at Wired already had the chance to have a closer look at the technology and reports OnePlus is using the same technology found in sunroofs to control the transparency of the glass panel. When inactive the camera is hidden under tinted glass. When the camera is in use, the tint can be adjusted via an electrical signal and the camera and lenses become visible behind the panel.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Oppo demonstrates its under-display front camera in prototype devices

13 Dec

Back in June Chinese smartphone maker OPPO announced a device with an under-display front camera at MWC Shanghai. This allows for the design of display without a ‘notch’ or front camera ‘pinhole’ but also means that incoming light has to first travel through the display before it hits the camera lens.

To make this possible the display section above the camera is made of a highly-transparent material and comes with a redesigned pixel structure that is optimized for the transmittance of light. In addition, the camera comes with a bigger than usual sensor to further make up for any loss of light and white balance and HDR algorithms have been customized to reduce the transparent display’s impact.

This week, Oppo now finally shared prototypes of devices with the new in-display camera with press and media and thanks to a Twitter post by David Imel from Android Authority we can see the new design fully in action.

The new under-display camera system is hardly visible on the front of the device and only becomes slightly visible when viewing the phone at certain angles. Of course, it’s way too early to make any judgments on image quality but in terms of usability, the new system appears to work just like any other smartphone front camera.

Just like their rear counterparts, front cameras have taken huge steps forward in terms of image quality over the last couple of years or so. However, manufacturers have not only been focused on image output but also the integration into the device. We’ve seen notches and pinholes as well as motorized pop-up and flip-up front cameras. If Oppo’s concept catches on 2020 might well be the year of the under-display front camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Aputure’s new LS 600d prototype LED light offers 600W output

18 Sep

Filmmaking gear company Aputure revealed a prototype version of its upcoming LS 600d LED light at IBC 2019 over the weekend, introducing consumers to a model with an exceptionally bright output at 600W. The light is described as the next step up from Aputure’s 300d II model.

In addition to being shorter and wider than the LS C300II model, which Aputure says makes this model better suited for shooting in tight areas, the LS 600d light’s low-RPM fan is quieter than that of the 300d II despite the greater output.

The model has a 720W draw, while its companion controller can be run off a 48V DC input or four 310W V-mount batteries. Assuming the unit is run off batteries, Adorama reports the LS 600d can run non-stop for up to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The light features a Bowens-style mount, as well, for use with light modifiers and other attachments.

Cinema5D reports that the Aputure LS 600d likewise features three built-in effects: paparazzi, strobe, and lightning. The prototype version of the battery and control box will be slimmed down in the final production version of the device, according to Cinema5D, which reports that Aputure hopes to cut the size in half.

The Aputure LS 600d should be available to purchase in or around February 2020.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Unreleased Sony 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS FE lens prototype appears on auction website

05 Jun

Last month, a rumor surfaced that Sony has a new ‘wildlife/sports’ lens announcement scheduled for the first week of June. Following that leak, a new Sony 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS FE lens prototype appeared for sale on Yahoo! Japan’s auction website for 20,000 JPY ($ 185 USD). A number of images were included with the auction, which detailed the lens as ‘junk / for parts.’

The auction went live on June 1 and ended at a price of 31,500 JPY ($ 291 USD) on June 2. The prototype’s origins remain a mystery; the product was listed as slightly disassembled with ‘unconfirmed’ functionality. No box or accessories were included with the product, fueling speculation that the prototype was either stolen or found discarded.

The lens visibly contains Sony branding, as well as the model info stamped into the housing. The company hasn’t commented on the auction, which is still visible on Yahoo! Japan, but no longer open to bidding. It’s unclear whether the prototype was sold or the auction was cancelled. At this time, the lens doesn’t officially exist.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Multi Turret rotating prototype mounts three lenses on a single camera

13 Apr

The folks at Newsshooter recently published a demonstration of Multi Turret, a rotating mount that enables camera operators to quickly toggle between three different lenses. The Multi Turret originates from cinematographer Ian Kerr CSC, according to Newsshooter, and was showcased at NAB 2019.

Multi Turret is currently in the prototype stage; versions have been created that are compatible with the Sony FS7 Mk2, A7S/R, Venice, and other alpha-mount cameras. According to a website dedicated to the Multi Turret, future models compatible with Arri and Red cameras are expected ‘shortly.’

The prototype demonstrated to Newsshooter supports three Canon EF lenses, but other versions that support PL, K, F, and other mounts ‘are likely also possible,’ according to the Multi Turret site. Switching between lenses only requires the camera operator to rotate the mount, which repositions a different lens in front of the camera.

According to Kerr, who has registered the design with the USPTO, Multi Turret enables users to:

  • Switch quickly between lenses (prime or lightweight zoom) without an assistant, lens case or incurring the wrath of a director who won’t wait for a conventional lens change.
  • Select from multiple focal lengths while still using primes and the depth of field/ low-light capabilities they provide.
  • Select from a wider range of field of views (and speeds) than any zoom can provide. An example would be mounting 14mm, 35mm and 135mm high-speed lenses.
  • The length, weight and centre of gravity of the system is reduced compared to larger ratio zoom lenses. Great for shooting in cars or handheld.
  • The Multi Turret allows for the conversion of lens mount types and camera mount types. For example, you could mount a PL mount lens, and EF lens and an F mount lenses on the same turret and switch rapidly between them.
  • Love that unique visual “swing” effect that occurs when you switch between lenses.
  • Customize your lens package for the scene you’re shooting. Wildlife at night? All long primes! In-car work? A short zoom, a 20mm and a 35mm or whatever you prefer. Throw a Swing/ Tilt or Lens Baby in the mix!

Multi Turret is only a prototype at this time and therefore is not available commercially. Anyone interested in knowing more about the prototype and what lead to its creation can check out the team’s Multi Turret Manifesto.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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LensRentals constructs a C-4 Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyperfisheye Prototype lens

20 Feb

Lensrentals is known for its in-depth teardowns of the latest and greatest camera gear, but not everything has to be about destruction. For a change of pace, Lensrentals has decided to build a lens rather than destroy it.

In particular, Roger and his team have shared the above video and an accompanying blog post highlighting the construction of the the widest fisheye lens in existence, the C-4 Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyperfisheye Prototype.

Photos kindly provided by Lensrentals

Much like the 1970s Nikkor 6mm f/2.8 fisheye lens, the C-4 Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyperfisheye Prototype is so wide that it can actually see behind itself. It takes it a step further though; Instead of the 220-degree field of view of the Nikkor lens, the C-4 Optics fisheye, of which only two have been made, has a 270-degree field of view. Not only is it wider though, it’s also sharper and has less distortion and vignetting.

An individual element is stacked on top of another during the construction of the lens.

The entire construction is a doozy from beginning to end, with individual elements costing as much as $ 5,000, but as always Lensrentals manages to get it down with impeccable results. The final result is an unusual-looking lens that has legs and a backplate to help support the massive hunk of glass and metal.

For those of you who are curious, a smaller Sony camera (A7xxx) fits nicely protected within the legs,’ says Roger in his blog post. ‘For larger cameras the bottom platform can be removed, the legs extended or removed, and various apparatus (rods, follow focus, aperture control, etc.) mounted directly to the cheese plate.’

Roger notes the lens won’t be available to rent, so don’t get your hopes up. To see the full build and soak up the details, head over to Lensrentals.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sharp reveals 8K Micro Four Thirds camera prototype at CES 2019

10 Jan

Sharp made a surprising announcement during CES 2019 this week: it’s developing an 8K Micro Four Thirds camera, currently referred to as the ‘8K Video Camera.’ YouTuber Kinotika published a short hands-on video (above) with the prototype camera, but details are slim at this time. Sharp reportedly told CES attendees that it will reveal the model’s official specs in Q2, possibly at NAB 2019.

According to Kinotika citing Sharp employees at CES, the 8K Video Camera will support 8K video recording at 30fps in H.265 codec. The model, at least at this point in the development process, is also expected to offer a single UHS-II SD card slot, sensor stabilization, and a large 5-inch flip-out display.

Sharp reportedly stated that it is working on a 60fps recording option for a lower resolution, possibly 1080p. Other features present on the prototype include a full-size HDMI port, audio-in, USB-C, a microphone input, and a headphone jack. Assuming nothing changes by the time an official announcement takes place, the ‘8K Video Camera’ will have a sub-$ 5,000 price.

Unfortunately, the prototype wasn’t functional and additional details aren’t available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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