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Posts Tagged ‘functionality’

Eye-Fi releases Mac software to extend SD card functionality past End of Life date

11 Aug

Eye-Fi was on the receiving end of some serious backlash after announcing the September 15, 2016 End of Life (EOL) date for its X2 and earlier generation SD cards. The company cited security concerns for cards released before March 2015, advising owners that it was very important they ‘cease using these products no later than’ the EOL date. Customers weren’t happy about this, and many vowed to avoid Eye-Fi products altogether in the future, prompting a new announcement from Eye-Fi: it has developed a new software utility that will keep the cards operational past the EOL date.

The new software utility is called ‘Eye-Fi X2 Utility,’ and customers can download a Mac version of it now. The company hasn’t committed to creating a Windows version of the utility, but states that it is ‘exploring the feasibility’ of doing so. Though the utility allows images to be transferred to a desktop computer, it doesn’t have all the features of Eye-Fi Center and Eye-Fi View, and requires all Eye-Fi software to be uninstalled from the computer before the new utility can be installed.

Furthermore, Eye-Fi warns that it doesn’t offer any warranties or help desk support for the utility, and that the new software is  ‘a one-time release.’

In a post today, Eye-Fi listed the following utility features:

X2 Utility Highlights

  • Support for Pro X2 and all earlier generation products with the “Eye-Fi” branding as well as 3rd party branded cards from SanDisk and Visioneer
  • Activation and set-up of cards to transfer images to a PC or Mac via an infrastructure or direct network connection
  • Transferred images will be saved to a directory of users choosing but will be organized in a date based chronological order
  • Eye-Fi Center software must be un-installed from the PC or Mac prior to installation of the X2U
  • X2U will NOT integrate with Eye-Fi View nor Eyefi Cloud service: it will be limited to desktop transfer only

The company also issued the following advisory:

Today we are releasing the X2U on the Mac (OS X) platform. We will provide an updated notice if and when the X2U becomes available on Windows, and cannot guarantee such availability before the end of August and prior to the shutdown of Eye-Fi Center and Eye-Fi View.

The Mac version of the X2 Utility can be downloaded here.

Via: Eye-Fi

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica improves Q functionality with firmware 2.0

27 Jul

Leica’s Q compact camera has been given a functionality boost with a firmware update that adds the option to shoot Raw-only, and extends the longest shutter speed from 30 seconds to 120 seconds. Firmware version 2.0 makes a number of changes to the way the full-frame 24MP camera operates adding some new features and fixing issues that made handling difficult in some cases.

The AF system functionality has been changed to allow different sized AF selection areas, while at the same time correcting an ability to focus on subjects outside the picture area when shooting in the cropped modes. Face detection also now reverts to multi-area AF when no face is detected in the scene. A useful new feature automatically switches the camera to use the rear LCD to display image review and menu navigation when the EVF is being used – for viewfinder photographers who prefer to see their images and menus in a larger format. Additionally, now user profiles can be accessed via the rather under-utilized Function button.

Leica Q owners can download the new firmware via the Leica website.

Press release: 

Leica releases firmware update 2.0 for Leica Q

Leica has released firmware update 2.0 for the Leica Q, bringing numerous new features to the highly successful full-frame compact camera. The update is available to download now from the Leica web site.

Leica works continuously in close collaboration with Leica photographers on the development and optimisation of its products, and, as a result, a number of enhancements in this latest firmware update have been based on specific customer recommendations and suggestions.

The first of several improvements, DNG format can now be selected as a separate option in addition to JPG and DNG + JPG, allowing photographers to save space on their memory card.

An optimised EVF mode makes navigation even easier than before. With this firmware update, a press of the Menu or Play button now allows the user to switch straight to menu control / picture assessment on the LCD screen.

The shutter speed range has been expanded and now includes speeds of up to 120 seconds.

‘User Profile’ is now directly selectable via the FN button, facilitating quick and easy access to all functions stored in a particular user profile.

The spirit level display has also been improved, remaining visible when the shutter release is pressed.

Three optimised autofocus functions bring further creative freedom:

  • The 1-field autofocus metering area can now be selected in three different sizes: small, medium and large.
  • AF motion in digital zoom mode for focal lengths of 35mm and 50mm has been limited to avoid focusing on objects outside the zoom range.
  • Face Detection has also been optimised: if no face is detected, AF now automatically reverts to multi-field autofocus mode.

Furthermore, a fourth information screen has been added, with the option to display the lower bar separately. The touch-controlled magnification function in playback mode has been revised, whereby double-tapping calls up the maximum enlargement or reduces the image back to original size.

Other new additions include a countdown display for long exposures / noise reduction, three modes available for the thumbwheel (Off/Auto/Exp. Comp.) and deactivation (Mode Lock) of the video button, if required. A change to WiFi password setting now allows the characters to remain visible when entered, and flash-unit compatibility has been extended to support the Leica SF 40 and SF 64.

Leica Q owners can download the firmware update from the Leica web site, or visit their local Leica Store or Leica Customer Care in the UK, for a complimentary firmware update service.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic to launch Lumix DMC-CM10 without phone functionality

20 Jan

Panasonic has announced that the next version of its Lumix DMC-CM1 smartphone will dispense with its phone functionality to concentrate on being a camera. The Lumix DMC-CM10 will initially only be available in Japan, and is very much the same as the original DMC-CM1, but while it will run on the Android 5.0 operating system it will not be equipped to make phone calls. It will, however, be equipped with LTE communication facilities, and will be able to send text messages and send and receive data via telephone networks with an appropriate SIM card in place. Panasonic will provide its own network access for users as part of its Wonderlink service, where CM1 and CM10 owners can get 3GB a month with 150Mbps download speeds for 1480 yen/£9/$ 12.50. 

The camera appears to have the same lens and sensor as the DMC-CM1, and exactly the same body and features. It will be available from 25 February in silver and only 500 will be made per month. While the price isn’t clear yet it appears from the Panasonic store in Japan that it will be around 100,000 yen/£600/$ 850. 

For more information see the Panasonic Japan website. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram adds video functionality with image-stabilization

21 Jun

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Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, announced today that the app has been updated to include video capture, including a digital image-stabilization feature. While video clips are limited to only 15 seconds in total, multiple clips can be captured by pressing and holding the record icon, releasing the icon to pause and then recording additional scenes until the 15 second limit has been reached. Click through for more details on connect.dpreview.com.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ACD Systems releases ACDSee Photo Editor 6 with new Raw functionality

18 Mar

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ACD Systems has released ACDSee Photo Editor 6, the company’s photo editing software for enthusiasts. Among the highlights in version 6 are support for Raw files as non-destructive object layers and Lighting and Contrast Enhancement (LCE) technology that promises to improve the quality of poorly lit photos. Selective color editing tools have also been added. The software is available at a retail price of $ 49.99.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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