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Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

DJI announces the Ronin 4D, the world’s first 4-axis cinema camera with 8K/75p recording, Raw capture, LiDAR AF and more

20 Oct

DJI has kicked off its string of announcements with the Ronin 4D, a new—and arguably revolutionary—cinema camera system that combines a cinema camera with four-axis image stabilization, LiDAR focusing and wireless transmission to create the ultimate all-in-one shooting experience.

The DJI Ronin 4D attempts to create an ‘integrated cinematography solution,’ in DJI’s own words. At the heart of the Ronin 4D is CineCore 3.0, a proprietary chipset DJI is calling ‘its most powerful cinematic imaging platform to date.’ According to DJI, this system can capture internal 8K Raw video ‘with precise color reproduction, advanced assistive functions with a high-performance AI engine, and multi-link monitoring and control with low-latency image processing.’

To pair with the new chipset is a pair of new full-frame (36mm × 24mm) Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera systems, available in 8K and 6K versions. Both the X9–8K and X9–6K will be able to record Apple ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW, as well as your standard H.264 codec. The Zenmuse X9–8K tops out at 8K/75fps while the X9–6K tops out at 6K/60fps with the option to get 120 fps footage at 4K resolution.

Zenmuse X9 cameras feature interchangeable lens mounts, but will be available at launch with options for its proprietary DL mount and Leica M mount lens systems. DJI says it should also work, at least in theory, with ‘other mounts with short-flange focal distances,’ but doesn’t elaborate on whether or not it will be offering any other interchangeable mounts at this time.

The sensor inside the X9–8K and X9–6K offers dual-native gain and can capture ‘over 14 stops of dynamic range.’ There are also nine built-in physical ND filters that can be adjusted from ND2 to ND512 for times when you need to reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor. Footage captured with the new Zenmuse X9 camera systems will be processed by DJI’s Cinema Color System, which it says ‘delivers natural skin tones and enables effortless tonal consistency across a project when using different cinema cameras.’

A comprehensive list of recording specs for the Zenmuse X9-8K camera system.

Moving onto the four-axis gimbal, DJI says the Ronin 4D ‘has been designed with an innovative industry-first active Z-axis to eliminate vertical camera shake effectively.’ DJI has also taken inspiration from its drone lineup to add a set of downward-facing ToF sensors, as well as forward and downward dual-visual sensors, a built-in IMU and a barometer to achieve the best stabilization possible.

The Ronin 4D will feature three different autofocus modes: manual focus, autofocus and a new Automated Manual Focus (AMF) mode. The latter two modes use the onboard LiDAR Range Finder, which casts over 43,200 points as far as 10M (33ft) to locate and track subjects in situations where traditional AF might not work due to the lack of light. The unique AMF mode will track subjects and turn the focus wheel during recording, with the option for the camera operator to jump in and manually pull focus when needed. To help in manual focus and AMF modes, there will be LiDAR Waveform available on the monitor to help cinematographers ‘locate focus points and pull focus with extreme precision.’

Once again taking inspiration from its line of drones, DJI has developed an all-new O3 Pro transmission technology that can output 1080p/60fpsd video to remote monitors via the 4D Video Transmitter. DJI says the transmission range is roughly 20,000 feet and notes the video feed is AES 256-bit encrypted for end-to-end privacy. The system uses 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands, as well as the DFS frequency band, which DJI says ‘significantly improv[es] stability and anti-interference performance, even in crowded signal environments and locations that feature complex architectural structures.’

While third-party monitors can be used, DJI is also offering a new 7” wireless monitor with 1,500 nits of brightness and a built-in gyro that effectively turns the monitor into a motion controller for the Ronin 4D camera system. The High-Bright Remote Monitor includes an integrated microSD card slot for 1080p/60fps proxy recording and connects with a slew of accessories, including the Ronin 4D Hand Grips, DJI Master Wheels, DJI Force Pro and the new DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus. Multiple monitors can be used at once and customized independently to fit the production’s needs.

Video can be recorded to media three different ways: to SSD over USB-C, to CFexpress Type-B cards via the internal card slot and directly to DJI’s proprietary PROSSD 1TB SSD, which DJI claims ‘delivers the best performance and highest stability for internal recording at maximum resolution and frame rate.’ The Ronin 4D has built-in microphones capable of recording two-channel 24-bit audio, but also has two 3.5mm ports on the body as well as the option to add two XLR ports via the Expansion Plate for further input options.

The Ronin 4D uses the same TB50 Intelligent Battery used by DJI’s Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, which offers up to 2.5 hours of shooting time. Below is the full launch event video:

The 6K version of the DJI Ronin 4D will be available for $ 7,199 in December 2021. It will includes the main body, a Zenmuse X9–6K gimbal camera, a LiDAR Range Finder, a High-Bright Main Monitor, Hand Grips, a Top Handle, TB50 Intelligent Battery and a carrying case. The 8K version of the DJI Ronin 4D will be available for $ 11,499 ‘at a later date’ and will include the Zenmuse X9–8K Gimbal Camera as well as a PROSSD 1TB. The 4D Video Transmitter, High-Bright Remote Monitor and DJI PROSSD 1TB will also be available to purchase separately.

You can find out more about the DJI Ronin 4D on DJI’s website and download sample footage on DJi’s dedicated download page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: a Retro Review of Sony’s 24-year-old Mavica FD5 camera, which used floppy discs for storage

04 Oct

Gordon Laing has shared another episode of Retro Reviews, this time reviewing the 24-year-old Sony Mavica FD5, one of Sony’s earliest digital cameras that recorded cameras directly to 3.5” floppy discs.

The Mavica FD5 was released in 1997 and retailed for around $ 600. While not the first Mavica camera, it was the first digital Mavica camera. As Gordon explains in the 13-minute video, the selling point of the FD5 was its use of the ubiquitous 3.5” floppy disc as a storage medium. Whereas most other digital cameras in the mid-to-late 1990s either used built-in storage or more expensive (and sometimes proprietary) storage solutions, Sony opted to go for a solution that didn’t require most consumers to go out and purchase additional hardware.

Naturally, this solution made for a rather large, square-shaped camera. But, aside from its brick-like ergonomics [insert Sony ergonomics joke here], Gordon suggests the camera is fairly intuitive and straightforward due to its almost entirely auto nature (the only adjustable setting was exposure compensation +/- 1.5EV in .5EV increments). However, there are a few user experience quirks, such as the camera displaying only the numbers of images captured, not how many remain until your 1.4MB of storage is used up.

Below is a collection of sample photographs captured by Gordon with the Mavica FD5, used with his permission:

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At the heart of the FD5 was a CCD sensor that was carried over from Sony’s line of digital video cameras and offered a whopping .3MP (640 x 480 pixels) of resolution. Gordon notes the camera applies rather aggressive JPEG compression to the images in order to fit 20–40 60KB photographs onto a single 3.5” 1.4MP floppy disc. The fixed focal length lens on the FD5 is a 47mm equivalent with a slider on the front of the camera for activating a macro lens that popped in front of the main lens.

The FD5 uses Sony’s FP-530 batteries, which were rated for up to 500 shots per charge. However, reviewing images and keeping the rear LCD display on for extended periods of time dramatically cuts into that shot count.

As always, Gordon’s video coincides with a written Retro Review of the camera, which you can read over on CameraLabs. You can find more of his Retro Reviews on Gordon’s DinoBytes YouTube channel and find his other photography work on his camera review website, CameraLabs.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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TTartisan teases its first AF lens, a 32mm F2.8 for multiple full-frame, APS-C camera systems

30 Sep

TTartisan has announced it will soon release a 32mm F2.8, its first autofocus lens. Very little information about the lens is revealed, aside from the mount options, which will include Canon RF, Canon EOS M, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Sony E mount camera systems.

As it stands, this particular focal length is going up against quite a bit of competition in nearly every lens mount it’ll be offered in. The F2.8 aperture isn’t exactly inspiring, so its selling point across all lens mounts will likely be its price point, which hasn’t yet been announced.

We’ll share another article when the lens and its more detailed specifications are released.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Camera Lens: Convex or Concave Explained

20 Sep

The photographic lens is what creates the optical magic of bringing a subjects image to focus on to the image plane (that is the image sensor or the photographic film at the back of the camera). It refracts the lights rays, condenses them, and brings them to focus. The photographic lens is responsible for all the magic that happens inside Continue Reading
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iPad Camera Quality Bad: Solutions for Blurry iPad Photos

20 Sep

Your iPad is one of many convenient small devices that is always on you and thanks to the integrated cameras is a great tool to take photos and videos on the move. Unfortunately, iPads are notorious for producing blurry images, which can also be caused by other factors. If you own an iPad and have always asked yourself how to Continue Reading
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What Camera Lens is Closest to the Human Eye?

19 Sep

The human eye has several camera-like features. As a photographer, you would want to know the various parameters like focal length, aperture, and megapixels of the eye, which are the typical parameters of any digital camera. Many famous photographers use the eye equivalent focal length to capture most of their images. Why do many photographers prefer to choose this focal Continue Reading
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Xiaomi’s new 11T Pro offers 120W charging, 108MP camera module and more

15 Sep

Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi has announced the 11T and 11T Pro, the first two devices in a new lineup from the company that sits just below its Mi 11 and Mi 11 Pro devices in both price and features.

Xiaomi 11T Pro

The new Xiaomi 11T Pro is powered by a Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, compared to the 888+ used in the Mi 11 Pro. The front features 6.67” flat 120Hz AMOLED display (1080 x 2400 pixels) that’s capable of 1,000 nits peak brightness and can display HDR10+ content. The device runs on MIUI 12.5, which is based on Android 11.

On the rear of the camera is a triple camera array, headlined by a 1/1.52″ 108MP sensor (0.7µm, 9–1 pixel binning) that’s likely Samsung’s ISOCELL HM2, based on the specifications. In front of that sensor is a 26mm (equiv) F1.8 lens. The other two cameras onboard are an 8MP ultrawide module with a 120-degree field of view and a 5MP telephoto/macro lens with a 50mm (equiv.) focal length. None of the cameras have optical image stabilization, unfortunately, which the more expensive Mi 11 lineup features.

Video capabilities include 8K30p recording as well as 4K60p and 1080p recording at up to 960 fps. HDR10+ recording is possible and a gyro-based electronic image stabilization (EIS) should keep footage at least somewhat stable at 4K resolution and below (no EIS on 8K recording). The ‘punch hole’ selfie camera on the front of the device uses a 16MP 1/3.06″ sensor with 1.0µm pixels. In addition to 16MP stills, it also offers 1080p recording at 30fps.

In addition to 5G connectivity, the device features Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6), Bluetooth 5.2, GPS and NFC support. A single USB-C port on the bottom of the device supports 120W charging, which can power the device’s 5000mAh Li-Po battery to 72% in 10 minutes and 100% in 17 minutes, according to Oppo. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor can be used to unlock the device in addition to the usual passcode locks.

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is expected to ship later this month in black, blue and white colorways and start at €650 (~$ 770) for the 128GB/8GB RAM model while the 256GB/12GB RAM model retails for €750 (885).

Xiaomi 11T

The Xiaomi 11T is practically identical to the more powerful 11T Pro, with the only noticeable specification difference being the chipset inside. Instead of the Snapdragon 888 5G used in the 11T Pro, the 11T uses a custom Dimensity 1200-Ultra chipset. This less powerful chipset means you won’t be getting 8K video capabilities with the 11T, as it tops out with 4K60p recording. All other camera-related specifications remain the same.

The only other difference we noted is that the fast charging on the 11T is limited to 67W instead of 120W, which means you’ll be able to get to 100% battery in 36 minutes instead of the 17 minutes on the 11T Pro. It’s worth noting though that fast charging will wear down the battery’s life span faster, so the slower charging speeds might actually be more beneficial in the end.

The Xiaomi 11T Pro is available in black, blue and white colorways and starts at €650 (~$ 770) for the 128GB/8GB RAM model while the 256GB/12GB RAM model retails for €750 (885). The 11T will start at €500 (~$ 590) for the 128GB/8GB RAM model. Both models are expected to ship to much of Europe by the end of the month and are avialable to purchase through authorized Ziaomi retailers, including AliExpress, Amazon, Goboo and Mi.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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How to Use the Canon Camera Connect App (in 2021)

30 Aug

The post How to Use the Canon Camera Connect App (in 2021) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.

how to use the Canon Camera Connect app in 2021

In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about using the Canon Camera Connect app, including:

  • How to connect your camera to the app
  • The ins and outs of the app interface
  • What the app can do for you as a photographer

So if you’re struggling to get your camera connected to the app, or you simply want to know how you can use the app to revolutionize your photography, then you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s jump right in.

Step 1: Check for compatibility and download the app

Canon Camera Connect is a free app available for download on Android and iOS devices. To get started, head to the Play Store or the App Store and hit Install.

The app is compatible with a broad range of Canon digital cameras, including:

  • Over a dozen Canon PowerShot models
  • Plenty of Canon DSLRs, including the 5D Mark IV, the 6D Mark II, and the Rebel SL3
  • Canon’s mirrorless lineup, including the EOS RP, the EOS R, the EOS R5, and the EOS R6

If you’re not sure whether your camera is compatible with the Canon Camera Connect app, you can check the full compatibility specs here, though bear in mind that the compatibility list hasn’t been updated to include Canon’s latest camera models. Alternatively, you can download the app and search for your camera:

selecting your camera

Step 2: Connect your camera to the app

The specifics of this step will vary depending on your camera model. Fortunately, the Canon Camera Connect app offers startup instructions that take into account these variations.

In the app, select Easy Connection Guide:

activating the Easy Connection Guide

Then hit Connect another camera/camcorder:

picking your camera in the Canon Camera Connect app

Next, search for your camera model:

searching for your camera model

Depending on your camera’s capabilities, you may have the option to connect via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. Canon recommends Bluetooth for the best connection, but any of the three options should work.

selecting your connection method

Finally, head through the setup instructions.

By the time you’ve finished, your camera should be paired with the app and ready to go.

follow the instructions to connect your camera

Step 3: Explore the interface of the Canon Camera Connect App

After you have successfully connected your phone to your camera, head back to the app home page. The menu is minimal and pretty straightforward.

the Canon Camera Connect app interface

While the app offers several functions – including the ability to automatically download photos from your camera to your phone – you’ll generally stick to the top two options:

  • Images on camera
  • Remote live view shooting

Let’s take a look at each of these items in turn:

Images on camera

viewing images on your camera via the app

Selecting Images on camera will show you a gallery of all the images on your connected camera (i.e., on the camera’s memory card), sorted by the date they were taken.

images on the camera

To open an image, simply tap it with your finger. You’ll see it displayed large.

viewing a camera image

At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find several useful options, including Info (which lets you view camera settings for the file), Rating (which lets you give your file a rating between one and five stars), Import (which lets you download the file to your phone), and Delete (in case you want to erase the image from your camera on the spot).

Remote live view shooting

selecting the remote live view shooting option

Selecting Remote live view shooting will give you a live camera feed on your phone. Hit the big circle at the bottom of the screen to fire the camera shutter.

viewing a live view feed

You can make adjustments to settings, too; for instance, from your phone, you can change the point of focus, the shutter speed, the aperture, the ISO, the white balance, the AF area mode, and more.

When to use the app for amazing results

Now that you’re familiar with the Canon Camera Connect app basics, let’s discuss some common situations where the app can help your photography, starting with:

1. Photographing landscapes without a dedicated remote trigger

When shooting landscapes, it’s best to avoid using the shutter button to take photos. After all, most landscape photography occurs at slow shutter speeds, where the action of pressing the shutter button can introduce unwanted blur.

So what do you do?

Well, most landscape shooters rely on one of two options: They either carry a remote trigger, or they use the camera self-timer.

Unfortunately, both these methods come with significant drawbacks. It’s easy to forget a remote trigger at home, plus it requires batteries of its own, and it introduces yet another element of uncertainty into a camera setup. And the camera self-timer fails when you’re trying to photograph moving objects, such as a wave coming in on the beach; thanks to the delay, you rarely end up with the result you envision.

Enter the Canon Camera Connect app, which lets you fire your camera remotely, straight from your phone. You don’t need to carry anything extra (except for a smartphone, of course, but these days, who doesn’t?). And you don’t have to worry about self-timer delays.

2. Photographing from odd angles

If you’re the type of photographer who shoots from down low, up high, or any other uncomfortable positions, you’re going to love the Camera Connect app.

Simply turn on the remote live view shooting option, then position your camera without hurting your neck or scraping your elbows.

Preview the composition and exposure through your smartphone feed, then take your photo.

3. Doing street photography from the hip

In street photography, the goal often is to shoot without being noticed by your subject.

This has led street photographers to develop various techniques for shooting inconspicuously, including shooting from the hip, which involves blindly firing your camera without looking through the viewfinder.

Unfortunately, shooting from the hip, while discreet, results in very few keepers – unless you preview images through the Camera Connect app first.

In other words:

Set up your shots the way you normally would, with your camera held below eye level. But hold your phone in one hand and surreptitiously check the remote feed for framing information. That way, you can ensure your compositions look good before firing the shutter button, and your keeper rate will immediately skyrocket.

Make sense?

4. Product photography from a distance

If you like to shoot products (or any still life subjects, really) with studio lighting, you probably spend a lot of time walking to your lights, then back to your camera, then back to the lights, and back to your camera, and so on.

It may not seem like a lot, and if you’re just starting out, it probably isn’t. But over time, moving back and forth between camera and lights can become frustrating, and you’ll wish you had some way to simplify the process – such as the Canon Camera Connect app.

With the app, you can preview images and fire off test shots while standing next to your lights, then simply reach over and make adjustments to your light settings without needing to journey to your camera and back.

How to use the Canon Camera Connect app: final words

Well, there you have it:

How (and why) to use the Canon Camera Connect app. Hopefully, you can now confidently connect your camera to the app – and use it to improve your photography workflow!

Canon Camera Connect app

The post How to Use the Canon Camera Connect App (in 2021) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.


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Camera Lens Universality Guide: What Works and What Doesn’t?

21 Aug

Lens mounts are an integral part of understanding whether or not a lens will work with your camera system. Most often we are not given that choice because entry-level cameras come bundled with a kit lens. However, once we want to go beyond a kit lens and want to buy an extra lens comes the inevitable question – will this Continue Reading
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The ZV-E10, Sony’s First Interchangeable-Lens Vlog Camera, Will Ship on the 24th

20 Aug

The post The ZV-E10, Sony’s First Interchangeable-Lens Vlog Camera, Will Ship on the 24th appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

The Sony ZV-E10 will ship on August 24th

Next week, Sony will release its distinctive new vlogging camera, the ZV-E10, which features a compact build, APS-C image quality, and interchangeable lenses.

Sony’s new camera is “designed from the ground up for vlogging and vloggers,” and aims to provide content creators with a blend of beginner-friendliness, top-notch video, and compactness for a uniquely effective shooting experience. 

While Sony already offers a vlogging camera, the ZV-1, the ZV-E10 aims to keep the best of the former model while improving upon it in a number of ways. Most notably, the ZV-1 is a fixed-lens camera, while the ZV-E10 is compatible with Sony’s range of E-mount glass. The ZV-E10 also outperforms the ZV-1 in terms of image quality, thanks to its powerful APS-C, 24 MP sensor.

And when it comes to video, the ZV-E10 brings the goods. You get 4K/24p shooting with no crop and no pixel binning (4K/30p with a crop factor), not to mention 1080p up to 120 fps, mic and headphone jacks, an excellent inbuilt mic, S-Log recording, and top-notch autofocus. Plus, the high-resolution LCD swivels to the side, so you can preview your video while vlogging:

The Sony ZV-E10 vlogging camera

Sony has even packed in several video-focused features designed for vloggers and other video beginners, such as a “Background Defocus” option, which instantly widens the lens aperture for a beautiful background blur effect. You also get a “Product Showcase Setting,” which tells the camera to focus on products rather than faces.

In other words, if you’re a beginner vlogger, you can get started with pro-looking videos from the get-go. 

The ZV-E10 will also perform well as a beginner stills (or hybrid) camera. The 24 MP sensor comes straight from the highly regarded a6100 and works alongside Sony’s class-leading Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking. You can expect an impressive 11 frames-per-second continuous shooting, plus touchscreen autofocusing – making the ZV-E10 an excellent option for action photography, fast-paced walkaround shooting, and more.

The ZV-E10 will begin shipping on August 24th, though it is currently available for preorder. Prices start at $ 698 USD (body only), though you can also grab the ZV-E10 as part of a camera-lens kit.

If you’re a vlogger or a content-creation beginner and you’re looking for a standout option, the ZV-E10 is not only a powerful camera, but also very reasonably priced. Sony’s first interchangeable-lens vlogging model is bound to be a hit – so grab it next week!

Now over to you:

What do you think of the ZV-E10? Are you impressed? Would you buy it? Or is it missing features you’d like to see in a vlogging camera? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Credit: All images courtesy of Sony.

The post The ZV-E10, Sony’s First Interchangeable-Lens Vlog Camera, Will Ship on the 24th appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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