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Posts Tagged ‘Concept’

Vivo shows off award-winning concept smartphone with removable pop-up camera

15 Oct

As the comments under yesterday’s iPhone 12 articles can attest to, there are still consumers who don’t appreciate seeing a notch at the top of their mobile devices. To rid the world of large notches, some companies have shrunk the front-facing to the size of a ‘hole punch’ design; others have managed to hide it almost entirely beneath the display. But electronics manufacturer Vivo is determined to take an entirely different approach, if its new Red Dot Award-winning IFEA concept smartphone is anything to go by.

Based on the renderings provided by Vivo, this concept smartphone would feature not only a pop-up camera — something other manufacturers have already done — but one that can be removed and used independently of the phone. Again, this is a concept phone, so it’s very possible we’ll never see a real-world device with this camera setup, but even at the concept stage, it doesn’t take much to see how poorly such a design could turn out, despite the obvious benefits.

Such a design would not only clear the main screen from any notches or holes, but also make it possible to hold or mount the camera array in any direction. This would mean you could always use the higher-res camera modules within the array and also open up the possibility of using your phone’s screen as a live view display when taking photos. There’s also the possibility you could attach the camera array to additional accessories, such as flash modules, battery packs or even wearable accessories, not unlike the dozens of GoPro mounts you can purchase.

Of course, all of that becomes irrelevant and incredibly expensive if you manage to lose the detachable camera array — something that seems all too likely given the size of of the array shown in the mockups.

The renderings also show off a triple-camera array on the back of the smartphone, with specs suggesting there could be a 64MP camera module with a 15mm-26mm focal length range.

Only time will tell whether or not we see an actual device from Vivo that uses this technology, but for now it’s a concept and little more.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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MFT ‘Alice’ concept camera promises smartphone AI with interchangeable lenses

24 Sep

A team of engineers, data scientists and content creators have come together to produce a camera that it says marries the quality of Micro Four Thirds with the artificial intelligence of a smartphone to ‘change and challenge the concept of the digital camera for the next decade’. Alice is a camera that uses a MFT sensor and lens mount, and which is controlled by a smartphone app.

Similar to Sony’s QX10 camera announced back in 2013, Alice has no screen of its own, but uses a clamp on the rear to allow users to attach their phone for adjusting settings, previewing and reviewing images. The camera and phone will communicate using a 5GHz wireless connection while its creators say AI and computational drivers will offer ‘new capabilities and techniques for autofocusing, autoexposure, colour science and more.’

The idea was born out of an experience where a smartphone took a much better picture of a campfire scene on the beach than a professional photographer using a professional camera could manage. The project intends to combine the sort of image processing we see in smartphones with the technical quality achievable with the Micro Four Thirds system. The team behind the Alice Camera says the main camera manufacturers are losing ground to smartphones because they have failed to innovate and to introduce significant changes to their technology over the last ten years. This has left ‘content creators’ in an endless search for the perfect camera. The team conducted interviews will 1000 photographers and videographers to hear their gripes so that they could ensure the Alice Camera addresses them.

The app that controls the camera will allow your phone to be mounted with its screen facing the rear for normal control, or facing towards the back of the camera with a portion of the screen showing for selfies and vlogging. A Micro SD card will be used for storage and images can be transferred immediately for editing on the phone before posting online. The camera will be able to record 4K video at 30p or FHD at 60p, and will be able to stream live using the phone’s network connection.

Obviously a render of how the camera is expected to look in selfie/vlogging mode

The sensor chosen has only 11 million pixels, but those 4.63um pixels are claimed to offer better low light performance as well as an extended dynamic range.

The camera is still at the prototype stage at the moment, but pre-orders are being taken before an Indiegogo campaign begins next month. The full price of the Alice Camera will be £750 body only, but early birds and Indiegogo users will be able to pre-order at £450 and £550 with a deposit of £50. The finished camera is expected to be delivered in March 2021. For more information see the Alice Camera website.

And of course, with adapters, most full-frame and APS-C lenses will fit the MFT mount

Product Information:

Alice camera

Alice Camera™ is an AI-accelerated computational camera being built in Britain from the ground up for content creators. An interchangeable lens camera with a dedicated AI-chip that elevates machine learning and pushes the boundaries of what a camera can do. Alice is in concept prototype stage and will be available on Indiegogo in Autumn 2020.

Alice is a compact and low-profile camera which can be mounted onto the back of almost any standard smartphone. An ergonomic handle enables better hand placement and stability whilst capturing your scenes.

Alice uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, the most flexible and compact interchangeable lens system around, with over 50 professional-quality lenses available. Attach an adapter to use lenses with different mounts too!

Alice’s Micro Four Thirds sensor excels in low light conditions and allows you to capture high-quality 4K video with no crop. Large pixel sizes and an innovative Quad Bayer structure enable exceptionally low noise and high dynamic range.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming photography in the 2020s like digital technology did back in the 1990s. Alice has been designed from the ground up to harness AI and computational photography for modern content creators, offering you new capabilities and techniques for autofocusing, autoexposure, colour science and more.

The Alice Camera native app will provide you with a familiar smartphone user interface and experience. It will be easy to use and navigate with touchscreen interface and customisation. The camera system and firmware will improve with future software updates through our app.

We want to give creatives as much control as possible. We will be providing open-source software access to Alice allowing you to deeply customise your creative process, encouraging collaboration and software development. Regular software updates means Alice will stay up-to-date with the latest computational photography technology and features.

Fast wireless data transfer between camera and phone gives you a seamless real-time viewfinder on your smartphone. Instantly share your content to social media and live stream directly to your favourite platform. A selfie screen will appear when you turn your phone around so that you can view yourself at all times. Alice will even work when your phone is not attached. You can set up across the room and have your phone in your hand and content will still stream. Double whammy!

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon is crowdfunding its monocular-style PowerShot Zoom concept camera in Japan

15 Sep

Last year, at CP+ 2019, Canon showed off a number of concept cameras with new and unusual designs. While some of those concepts are still just that, at least one more is well on its way into the consumer market — in Japan, at least.

The Canon PowerShot Zoom is a monocular-style point-and-shoot that’s being crowdfunded on Makuake, not unlike the approach Canon took with its Ivy Rec camera. Inside the almost cartoon-looking design is a 12.1-megapixel 1/3” CMOS sensor that works alongside a DIGIC 8 processor to capture stills and record Full HD video at 1080p.

In front of the sensor is a zoom lens that can toggle between 100mm and 400mm (full-frame equivalent) focal lengths. You can also double that to an 800mm (full-frame equivalent) focal length when combined with the camera’s digital zoom.¹ The device features built-in image stabilization, Canon’s Face AF technology, a USB-C port for charging and a microSDXC card slot.

The camera features three buttons on the top: power, menu and zoom, as well as three on the bottom: a dial, a capture button for stills and a capture button for video. Photos and video can be transferred via the microSD card or wirelessly when paired with Canon’s accompanying smartphone app.

The PowerShot Zoom is currently being crowdfunded in Japan through Majuake. The campaign has already raised over $ 280,000, far surpassing its initial goal. Japanese backers are able to secure the first units for around $ 300.

There’s no mention of whether or not the PowerShot Zoom will become available outside the Japanese market at this time.

¹Canon had previously said it hoped to have intermediary focal lengths during zoom, but it appears that feature isn’t available at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Sony countdown timer teases a ‘new concept’ set to be announced next week

08 Sep

Prepare your calendars (and your wallets), because Sony has unveiled a countdown for its next product, a ‘new concept’ that’s due to be announced within the next week.

While a still image of the countdown was first shared on the Sony Japan website, the official Sony Camera YouTube channel has since created a countdown video, embedded below, that points to an announcement being made at 9pm EDT / 6pm PDT on September 14.

No further information is being shared at this time about what exactly is being announced, but you can set a reminder on the Youtube countdown to be notified in advance of the virtual event.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Vivo’s latest concept phone comes with ‘gimbal-like’ main camera stabilization

29 Feb

Chinese smartphone maker Vivo uses its APEX line of concept phones to showcase the latest mobile technologies and has just presented its latest version, the 5G-enabled APEX 2020 which puts a lot of focus on the cameras and display.

The first highlight is a 16MP periscopic tele camera on the back which, according to Vivo, offers an optical zoom range of 5x to 7.5x, more than the currently longest smartphone teles.

It’s not quite clear at this point how the ‘optical’ zoom is achieved but it’s fair to assume computational imaging methods will be used to achieve the upper end of the reach. In any case, performance should at least be on at least a similar level as the Huawei P30 Pro or Oppo Reno 10x Zoom which both offer a 5x optical tele lens.

Despite the impressive zoom reach the camera module is only 6.2mm thick, allowing for a slim design and only minimal camera hump.

The main main camera comes with a 48MP Quad-Bayer sensor and a stabilization system that goes way beyond what we’re seeing on current phones. The entire camera appears to be hinged in a gimbal-like structure that is capable of counteracting much more severe device motion than conventional systems. Vivo claims the new system extends the stabilization angle by 200 percent and says the design was inspired by the eyeballs of a chameleon, which freely rotates in its socket, allowing the animal to observe its prey.

The 16MP camera at the front works in similar was as we’ve already seen from Oppo and Xiaomi, and is hidden under the display which turns transparent as soon as the shutter is triggered, allowing incoming light to hit the lens. The area right above the camera also features six times larger display pixels to allow for better light transmittance. Like on the main camera, 4-in-1 pixel-binning is used to decrease image noise and increase dynamic range.

The camera also has the ability to remove passers-by in the background in real time and a ‘Voice Tracking Auto-Focus’. The latter uses audio data from the microphones and visual data from the camera to ‘focus’ audio recording on a scene’s main subject, minimizing background sounds, similar to Samsung’s ‘Zoom-in Mic’.

Other features include a ‘120-degree FullView Edgeless Display’ which measures 6.45 inches and offers a 2,330 x 1,080 resolution in its AMOLED panel which wraps around both edges at 120 degrees. This means bezels are invisible when the device is viewed form the front. There’s also Vivo’s third-generation Screen SoundCasting technology, which casts sound through the screen, eliminating the need for speaker holes and allowing for better environmental protection.

As it is appropriate for a showscase device such as the APEX, the 2020 version is powered by Qualcomm’s top-tier chipset Snapdragon 865 and runs the latest Android version 10.

We won’t find out how the APEX 2020 performs given it is unlikely to ever hit the market in its current form, but we hope some of the features of the concept phone, especially the camera elements, will make it to one of Vivo’s production devices in the near future.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

20 Jan

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

Recently, I was given 2 new K&F Concept Carbon tripods to test out.

Founded in 2011, K&F Concept is not a new player in the photographic industry, but they have wasted no time forging a name for themselves into a very niche market. Like most things coming out of China, their products are well designed, innovative and offer great value, so I was excited to get my hands on these tripods.

The TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod

First up is the K&F Concept TC2834L Explorer Series carbon tripod with a CL40 ball head.

At a glance:

Material: Carbon Fiber
Net Weight: 1440g
Max Height: 1500mm
Height without Central Axis: 1235mm
Min Height: 430mm
Max load: 15kg
Price: $ 299.99 (at the time of writing)

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

First thoughts

The tripod comes in a really nice carry bag with all the necessary Allen keys to maintain it. There are also a set of three screw spikes in the accessory bag that I wasn’t expecting.

My first thoughts were correct, and these were to replace the rubber grips on each leg for those times when you need a little more traction. Simply screw off the rubber pads and screw in the spikes. It’s super easy and a very nice addition that you won’t get with many other tripods.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Locking system

K&F Concept has used twist-leg locks to reduce weight and folded size rather than the more traditional lever lock. Aside from the weight and size, the other advantage of the twist legs is their slick design. I have always found that levers tend to snag on the straps of my camera bag when trying to remove the tripod. Whilst, not a huge inconvenience, it generally results in me having a little wrestle with my camera bag.

With the twist-lock, you eliminate this issue.

The primary leg join is a very unique and innovative design that allows the photographer to get the camera as close to the ground as possible. You simply pull the red leaver out and tilt the legs up to one of the other two notches before pushing it back in to securely lock the legs in place.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

One of the most notable aspects of the TC2834L is the lack of center column attached to the tripod. Instead, this comes as a separate section that needs to be screwed onto the tripod when needed. Whilst this achieves its goal of a more compact size tripod, it does mean an extra piece to carry as the column doesn’t attach to the tripod (something that would have been nice to be able to do).

However, I haven’t found this to be a huge problem as the standard height of the tripod is 1235mm, which is more than an adequate hight. Plus, generally having a center column raised on a tripod, is not a great idea as it can mean camera shake through any sort of movement.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

The tripod is made up of four carbon fiber sections to keep the weight to a minimum and keep it to a compact height.

I never use this, so actually not having the center column means less weight to carry.

After feeling how light the tripod is, I was a little concerned that it may struggle to support a camera and a 70-200mm lens in anything less than perfect conditions.

Thankfully, I was proved wrong. It proved to be very steady and held up as well as any other travel tripod I have used even in blustery conditions.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Ball head

Sold separately to the tripod, the KF-LC40 ball head may just be the best ball head I have ever used! Beautifully designed for ease of use, the ball head has a slick feel.

It uses the Arca Swiss locking system, which is great as this has now become the universally preferred locking method. This means all your old accessories and L-brackets will work seamlessly with this ball head.

The cleverly designed locking lever is placed a little behind the nodal point, making it much easier to adjust when a camera is attached. It does make the ball head a little bigger, but it’s not an issue, and it allows extra space for more substantial support in the ball head.

However, it’s important to remember that the ball head is sold separately.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This is a fantastic sturdy, lightweight, pro-level compact tripod that is a joy to use and even easier to carry.

With a price of just $ 299.99 (remember, ball head sold separately) and 30 days, no-questions-asked return policy, there isn’t much to not love about this tripod.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Lightweight Travel Tripod

Next up is the TC2634 (Blue) carbon fiber lightweight travel tripod;

At a glance:

Material: Carbon Fiber
Net Weight: 3.7 pounds
Max Height: 1500mm
Min Height: 430mm
Max load: 15kg
Price: $ 182.28

First thoughts

Like its bigger brother, this tripod also comes in a nice bag with all the same accessories. However, no spikes this time.

It’s amazingly lightweight and compact but still incredibly sturdy. This all makes this tripod perfect for a travel photographer.

You could easily carry this tripod around with you all day without any problem. This is a huge benefit for someone like me who leaves the hotel very early in the morning and ends up having to carry their tripod all day.

This tripod also has a great little trick up its sleeve. One of the legs detaches to become a stand-alone monopod. Just unscrew the ball head and attach the newly removed leg, and you are ready to shoot.

Monopods are great for busy cities and festivals, so it’s nice to have one as easily accessible as this is.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Locking system

Like the TC2834L, the TC2634 uses a twist leg lock, which is great for all the reasons mentioned above. But what this tripod does differently is its 180-degree locking system that makes the tripod even smaller when packed away. It is a little fiddly to get the ball head in the correct spot to make sure all the legs lock closed to be as compact as possible, but you get used to the method after a few uses. This makes the folded up tripod just 430 mm in height!

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Tripod size

Given the compact size of this tripod, you could be mistaken for thinking it is going to be pretty small and not sturdy. This is certainly not the case. Whilst it is not as sturdy as the larger TC2834L, it held up fantastically well in all conditions except a fairly fast flowing river where there was some noticeable shake.

However, I expected that, as this tripod is not designed for that purpose. You can’t have super compact and lightweight without some sacrifices. To help avoid any shake issues, the center column has a hook that can be weighted down to add extra stability.

With the 180-degree leg locking system, it means you can get your camera as low to the floor as you wish. The camera will be upside down, but that’s nothing a rotate tool won’t fix in post-production.

k&f-concept-carbon-tripods

Ball head

This is a very sturdy and well-designed Arca Swiss 360-degree ball head. It’s a little smaller than I would normally like, but this doesn’t affect performance in any way. Unlike the previous tripod, the ball head is included with this tripod, making this an even more attractive option.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Verdict

This tripod is quite a lot smaller than what I normally work with, so I was a little skeptical beforehand. But it turned out to be great, and I really enjoy using it. So much so that I will be adding it to my own photography kit.

It’s a great option for a city break and offers more than enough support for the DSLR or mirrorless systems.

Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test

Overall

I have had my existing tripod for almost 15 years, and I never thought that I would replace it with anything other than just a newer model when it was time.

But having tested these tripods, I must confess that I am now using them instead of my existing tripod.

Note: The author was given these tripods and ball heads free of charge to test and was offered no incentives. This review is an unbiased opinion of his experience in using the products provided.

The post Review: 2 K&F Concept Carbon Tripods Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

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Gear review: 3 K&F Concept Camera Bags Put To The Test

16 Jan

The post Gear review: 3 K&F Concept Camera Bags Put To The Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

In this gear review, I have tested out 3 different types of K&F Concept camera bags so you can see their differences and whether they would suit your needs.

Regardless of which camera you have or whether you are a professional or amateur, a good camera bag is one of the essential purchases that you need to make. After all, it is what will carry your expensive equipment around and keep it safe and dry.

However, it is also essential that your camera bag is comfortable to wear. There’s nothing worse than carrying all that weight on your back for hours on end and being uncomfortable.

Over time as you buy more camera equipment, your camera bag will need to change. Or you may need different types of bags for different scenarios. But what should you buy first? With so many different types of bags out there, the choice is endless.

K&F-concept-camera-bags

The three K&F Concept camera bags

1. Travel Sling Bag

The first of the three K&F Concept camera bags is the K&F camera sling backpack. This pack is the perfect unassuming, easy-to-carry backpack for those who don’t own a lot of camera equipment.

The sling bag easily and securely holds a DSLR and two lenses in a padded and removable inner bag.

One of the great things about this sling bag is you can remove the inner bag to use the bag as a normal backpack. Or you can remove the bag whilst shooting to have quick and easy access to your lenses. That way, you don’t have to open and close the bag constantly.

The sling bag has enough additional space to hold a 13” laptop and any other little bits you may have, such as memory cards, lenses cleaners, and phone as well as a water bottle holder on the side.

Measuring at just 41 x 27 x 13cm, the bag is small and compact enough to have on your back in those busy situations like events and festivals where a big bag would be cumbersome. It is also made of waterproof and anti-wrinkle nylon with double stitching for added durability and shock/vibration absorbing inner padding. So this lightweight bag (just 0.8kg net weight) will keep your expensive equipment safe whatever you get up to.

Who’s this for?

This bag is ideal for a photographer with only a small amount of kit who wants to travel light, but safe in the knowledge their equipment will be protected and secure.

At the time of writing, this bag is priced at $ 39.99, making it an ideal bag for a first-time buyer who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a camera bag. But it will also benefit those who may want an additional smaller bag to support their bigger day-to-day bag.

K&F-concept-camera-bags

2. Fashion Outdoor Backpack

The first thing I noticed about this K&F fashion camera backpack is that it doesn’t look like a camera bag. This is great for two reasons; firstly, it looks great and is useful in those situations where you may want to look a little smarter in your appearance – for example, at a wedding. But more importantly, because it doesn’t draw attention to the fact that you have thousands of dollars of camera equipment on your back.

Split into two main areas, the bottom of the bag has 10mm padded dividers with enough space to hold a large DSLR and 3 lenses – easily accessible from the back and side – while the top section of the bag has sufficient room to hold personal items such as a 13” laptop.

The exterior of the backpack has a side-mounted tripod strap and enough storage to hold all your extra bits and pieces.

Another great thing about this pack is the side access that allows you to take out your camera equipment without having to take the bag off.

The exterior is scratch, tear and water-resistant, but you also get a rain/dust cover for more severe weather conditions. The breathable air-mesh back and shoulder straps make this bag incredibly comfortable to carry all day even when you have it fully loaded.

Who’s this for?

This bag is great for the photographer who has a few lenses and sometimes carries a tripod with them. However, it is also for someone who doesn’t want to shout out to the world that they have camera equipment with them. Anyone traveling in some parts of the world could benefit from a bag such as this.

K&F-concept-camera-bags

3. Large DSLR Camera backpack

Number three of the K&F Concept camera bags is the K&F large DSLR backpack, which is the biggest bag in the range.

With sufficient room (25 liters) for two large DSLR bodies, five to six lenses, and flash, it will serve anyone from the serious hobbyist to professionals.

With enough pockets to hold your filters, batteries and memory cards and a back-mounted tripod holder, this pack has enough room for even those with lots of equipment. It can be opened fully from the back but also has easy access at the top of the bag for those times when you need more discreet and quick access to your camera.

The K&F Concept large DSLR backpack comes with a range of shock and vibration separators that, like the other bags, can be arranged perfectly to snuggly and safely fit all your gear. Made from quality splash and tear-resistant nylon with its unique stitching and tension technology, it ensures load-bearing areas won’t rip or become frayed.

One of the most important elements of a bag this size is that it has to be comfortable to wear for long periods. The back and straps of this bag are breathable and padded. When used with the chest and hip straps, it can help reduce the weight on your shoulders. This pack also comes with the rain/dust cover as well.

Who’s this for?

Whilst clearly designed with professionals in mind, this backpack would also make a great bag for any level photographer. It gives you plenty of room for when you expand your equipment.

K&F-concept-camera-bags

Conclusion

I have never been one to promote buying lots of equipment or accessories; however, camera bags are a vital part of my set up. I have a few different sized bags for various scenarios. Because sometimes it’s not feasible to carry a big backpack with me.

These 3 K&F Concept camera bags are a good example of a set that would serve a photographer well throughout their photography journey. The great thing is that you’ll probably end up re-using your bags for years to come.

Note: The author was given these K&F Concept camera bags free of charge to test and was offered no incentives. This review is an unbiased opinion of his experience in using the products provided.

What is your favorite camera bag/pack? Have you tried any of these packs? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

The post Gear review: 3 K&F Concept Camera Bags Put To The Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

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Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

12 Jan

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

Canon has been showing a small range of concept cameras for a couple of years now at various shows. One of them, the clip-on Canon IVY REC actually became a reality, following a crowdfunding campaign. The company doesn’t say too much about these concepts officially, but uses shows like CES to get feedback and gauge interest in these unconventional products aimed at a younger, more active, less enthusiast marketplace.

At this years’ CES show in Las Vegas we took a look at Canon’s current range of concept cameras. Click through for more details.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

First up is a pair of ‘wearable’ cameras. A dual-lens model (shown here with a blank plate where the lenses would be: it’s about the same size as a large divers or GPS watch) that would feature twin medium-wide and medium-tele focal lengths, similar to options provided by many modern smartphones. The camera can be attached to whatever you want: from your wrist like a watch, to the strap of a backpack, or even some existing structure (Canon suggests a tent).

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

The second of the two models features a 180-degree lens, making it suitable for capturing point-of-view video and stills of activities like snowboarding or skateboarding. The idea with both cameras is to ‘free’ the user from bulky equipment, straps or the need for additional camera supports. Or to avoid handling (and risking the safety of) your phone.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

The second concept is a single camera with a modular lens system capable of tele, wide and closeup imaging. It’s hard to tell scale from this photograph but the camera is about 13 cm (5″) long. As such, like the other concepts, it’s reasonable to assume a smartphone-sized sensor.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

This rough working prototype demonstrates the basic concept. In its normal configuration, the lens module is unfolded from the body like the blade of a pocket knife, in which position it offers a wide-angle field of view. Note the joins in the middle of the ‘blade’ section: they’re key to the camera’s other functions…

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

With the first lens module removed (they’re attached via magnets) the lens is converted into an extreme macro, capable of very closeup imaging.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

And with both removable lens modules unclipped, the lens becomes a telephoto.

Of all the concept cameras being displayed by Canon at CES, this one seems the least practical for casual photographers, but for remote use or evolved into some kind of home security solution, it could work.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

This is a camera we’ve seen before, but last time we clapped eyes on it it was at a much earlier stage of development. This is a compact, variable telephoto stills / video camera which puts extreme telephoto performance literally in your pocket. The user can switch from 100mm, 200mm and 400mm equivalent focal lengths using the zoom button, and images are captured with a full press of the larger pill-shaped button in the middle of the control cluster.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

An electronic viewfinder serves for image composition and menu browsing. The knurled ring underneath the finder is diopter correction.

We’re told that this model is pretty close to being finalized. Working samples exist, and it may become a shipping product relatively soon.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

This is another concept camera that we’ve seen before, and has been developed to the point where it appears to work as intended. This is an ‘Intelligent Capture’ AI camera, designed to automatically track human subjects and shoot images without human interaction. The ‘ICC’ can be controlled by voice, and intelligently captures ‘good scenes’ and sends only the most interesting shots to your smartphone, via an app. I can’t vouch for that last bit, but it certainly does seem to do a good job of identifying and moving to track faces.

Anyone remember the Sony Party-Shot from ten years ago? It’s a similar concept.

Canon shows off new concept cameras at CES 2020

The final concept camera is one about which we know very little: it’s an augmented reality device intended to be worn around your neck. Presumably this is a ‘life vlogging’ camera for active photographers and fans of extreme sports. Though who knows, it could also have applications for first responders if it’s tough enough.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test

25 Sep

The post Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

I have always been an advocate of carrying as little camera equipment as possible. In fact, most people are surprised to hear how little I carry with me on any trip. Besides the obvious weight to carry, it also means more things to lose or have stolen. But whilst carrying less is always better, there are some things that I simply can’t live without. Filters are one of the sets of accessories that I always take with me as they are essential for my photography. So when given four new K&F Concept filters recently, I was very excited to put them to the test.

k&f-concept-filters-put-to-the-test

Why should you use filters?

As advanced as digital cameras are these days, they still occasionally need some help to capture photos the way you want. Often the big issue in photography is light. Too much of it, not enough, too harsh, in the wrong place…if only you could control outdoor light like in a studio.

Filters can help a photographer control light in varied circumstances. There are lots of filters that all fill different objectives. Two of the most common filters are neutral density filters and polarizing filters.

Polarizing filters

Polarizing filters help to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces. For example, if you are photographing water or through glass, they can help ensure you keep reflections to a minimum. In addition to this, they also help to boost the saturation in images (especially blues and greens). So, they are very useful for photographing things like waterfalls.

Neutral Density filters

Neutral Density filters help to reduce the amount of light that enters the camera. This allows you to select a slower shutter speed to create motion blur (when photographing water during the day or moving clouds). However, even in day to day photography, you may sometimes find ND filters useful to help avoid overexposure at wide apertures.

k&f-concept-filters-put-to-the-test

Square filters vs screw-on filters

There are two types of filters these days – square filters and screw-on filters.

Square filters are either square or rectangle and attach to a holder attached to your camera. As the name suggests, screw-on filters screw onto your lens directly.

There are pros and cons for using both. Historically, I have always used square filters, so this was a good test to see how I get on with using screw-on filters instead.

Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test

The filters tested

The four filters tested for this article are:

77mm ND8-ND128 Variable Neutral Density ND Filter Nano Coated
77mm Variable ND2-ND32 Neutral Density and Circular Polarizing Filter Coated
77mm Circular Polarizers Filter, K&F Concept 77MM Circular Polarizer Filter HD 18 Layer Super Slim Multi-Coated CPL Lens Filter
77mm ND2-ND32 Variable Neutral Density ND Filter Nano Coated

Packaging

My first impression of the filters was of the beautiful and secure packaging they arrive in. They come in a hard cardboard box with the filter itself placed in a hard plastic case inside the cardboard box. The filter is further protected inside the plastic box wrapped in a plastic bag and placed on a piece of foam. The plastic box that they come in makes them really easy to get in out to use when needed as the lid flips open. The circular polarizing filter comes in a slightly different plastic box which twists open but is still secure inside due to some rubber ridges. This stops the filter rattling around the case.

I will need to stick some small stickers on the plastic boxes and write the filter on them to make them easier to find – something that is currently lacking on the plastic boxes. Other than that, the packing is very impressive.

k&f-concept-filters-put-to-the-test

Build and ease of use

The frames of all of the filters, except the circular polarizer filter, are made from an aluminum alloy (the polarizer filter has extra-tough magnalium). Even though they are very slim in design, they certainly feel rigid with no real bending even when forced.

The glass itself on all the filters is coated optical glass (to help reduce reflections) that is waterproof and scratch-resistant.

k&f-concept-filters-put-to-the-test

Performance

Overall, all of the filters performed very well. As someone who has always used square filters, I was skeptical about the quality and how they would affect the image. I deliberately headed out during early afternoon as I wanted to test these filters in harsh light. Below are the images taken using these filters.

Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test

Circular Polarizer Filters

I conducted the first test with the circular polarizer. Below are two images taken from the same place only seconds apart. The image on the left was with no filter. In the image on the right, you can see how the reflection from the water has been removed using the K&F Polarizer Filter. In addition, you can see a boost in the blue in the sky a little. There is a very slight vignette on the top left corner, but this is so minor that it can easily be removed in post-production.

Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test

ND2-ND32 Neutral Density

I conducted the next tests with the two ND filters. Both filters easily screwed in and were subsequently easy to remove with no jamming at all. Both filters performed very well with no color casting or vignetting. I also didn’t come across the X cross-issue that might sometimes occur with variable ND filters.

From the left: ND2, ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32

ND8-ND128 Neutral Density

The thing that I found so useful with these variable filters is the ease of transporting them and the amount of space saved in my camera bag. To be able to carry two ND filters that cover such a wide range is definitely something I feel is worth including in my camera bag.

From the left: ND8, ND16, ND32, ND64, ND128

ND2-ND32 Neutral Density and Circular Polarizing

The final filter tested was the ND filter with the circular polarizing filter. Whilst I was really impressed with the other filters, this is the one that I really found useful. Normally in a situation like this, I screw on my circular polarizing filter, then screw in my filter holder ring, put the holder on, and add the filters I need before I’m ready to shoot.

This filter does all of that. You can see below how using the filter gives you a longer shutter speed to achieve smooth water, and also removes much of the reflection as well. This helps bring out the details on the river bed.

No filter on the left, ND16, ND32

Conclusion

As mentioned, I have always been skeptical of using circular or screw-in filters. However, I am thoroughly impressed with the K&F Concept filters I tested out. The image quality is superb and the added benefit of just using one filter and adjusting the gradient without having to stack filters is really useful.

The thing that really impressed me about these filters is how premium they look, feel, and perform. In fact, I did not notice any difference between these K&F Concept filters and my very expensive current square filters.

Another huge benefit of these filters is the cost. For example, at the time of writing the 5-stop variable ND and CPL filter is priced at $ 89.99. In other words, you are getting six filters for that price. Individually purchasing good quality filters will be a lot more expensive. This will obviously help anyone starting out and wanting to build their accessories up without spending a small fortune. I, for one, will be adding these filters to my collection.

Note: The author was given the K&F Concept filters free of charge to test out. But he is not paid or affiliated with K&F Concept and his review is honest and unbiased and based his personal experience of using the products.

The post Gear Review: 4 New K&F Concept Filters Put to the Test appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Kav Dadfar.

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Video: A BTS look at how Fujifilm’s GFX 100 was brought to life, from concept to reality

12 Jun

In September 2018, Fujifilm made the official announcements that it was working on a 100-megapixel medium format mirrorless camera—the Fujifilm GFX 100. Since then, we’ve had exclusive hands-on time with the behemoth, published our first-impression video review and shared pre-production photo samples.

We’re yet to get our hands on a fully-reviewable version of the GFX 100, but to tide you over in the meantime, we’re sharing a little documentary from Cinema5D that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the development process of Fujifilm’s latest medium-format mirrorless camera system.

A screenshot from the mini-doc showing how the IBIS is pieced together in the factory.

Titled ‘Birth of a Camera: Fujifilm GFX 100,’ this 17-minute video is part one of a two-part series that takes an exclusive inside look at the development process of the GFX 100. Throughout the video, Cinema5D co-founder Johnnie Behiri travels to various Fujifilm locations in Japan to talk with the executives, engineers and designers that had a part in bringing the GFX 100 to life.

The video addresses how the development process took place, from the initial conception to the final mock-up. Little by little, Behiri follows the vague chronological timeline of the creation process, from talking with the initial Fujifilm ‘CLAY’ designers who sketched up the original form of the camera to the engineers who created countless mock-ups to ensure the required components could fit inside the frame of the camera.

A screenshot from the mini-doc that shows how testing is done on the face-detection autofocus.

It’s a bit of a long watch, but well worth it if you have some free time over your lunch break or before bed.

Behiri notes in the accompanying blog post for this video that while Fujifilm does run a paid banner campaign on its website, the project was initiated and its production costs entirely self-funded by Cinema5D.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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