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Posts Tagged ‘IBIS’

New Sony a1 firmware update (version 1.10) addresses EVF and IBIS issues some users were experiencing

29 Jun

Sony has released a firmware update for its a1 camera that addresses, amongst other things, in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and electronic viewfinder (EVF) blackout issues some users have been experiencing.

Before getting to the new details of the version 1.10 firmware update for the Sony a1, let’s look at what led to the EVF and IBIS issue being discovered.

Last month, photographer and DPReview forum member Jamieson Dean (f1point4andbethere) shared in a post on our Sony E-mount forum that he was having issues with the IBIS in his then-new Sony a1. In the video demonstration (embedded below) he shared in the post, Dean shows how his Sony a1 unit would delay the activation of the IBIS mechanism with both Sony and third-party lenses.

In replies to Dean’s original forum post, other photographers chimed in and said they too had been experiencing IBIS issues with their respective a1 units, while others also noted there was an issue with the EVF of their a1 units blacking out at times. Eventually, Dean was able to get in contact with Sony to replace his a1, but the new unit had the same IBIS problem. In fact, as visible in the below comparison video, the problem was even more pronounced in the replacement a1.

‘I don’t believe my usage of the camera is outlandish,’ said Dean in a follow-up post. ‘I have had this issue with both my original A1 as well as the replacement that Sony gave me […] It occurs with all non-stabilized lenses, and happens roughly 50% of the time for me during normal use.’

Now, over a month later, it seems Sony has addressed EVF and IBIS issues, even if it hasn’t specifically addressed the latter in its firmware update changelog:

  • Improves overall AF performance and stability
  • Improves operability when using the Remote Camera Tool app Note: Make sure you have updated the Remote Camera Tool app to the most recent version
  • Improves eye sensor detection performance with strong light sources, such as sunlight [this is believed to be the issue behind the EVF blackout problem]
  • Improves operational stability when using the Imaging Edge Mobile apps
  • Improves operational stability when using the SEL100400GM, SEL200600G, or SEL600F40GM lens
  • Improves the overall stability of the camera

As visible in a new video from Dean, the 1.10 firmware update fixes the lag previously seen in both of Dean’s a1 camera units. Dean says ‘the ibis is flawless now’ and notes ‘it’s working at least on par with [his] a7 III now’ in new forum posts made today.

Regardless of whether or not you were experiencing any of these issues, firmware version 1.10 for the Sony a1 appears to be substantial from a reliability and usability standpoint, so be sure to download it using the link below.

Download firmware version 1.10 for Sony a1

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic Unveils the GH5 II, With Wireless Live Streaming and Improved IBIS

28 May

The post Panasonic Unveils the GH5 II, With Wireless Live Streaming and Improved IBIS appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II released

Panasonic has announced its latest Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera: The Lumix GH5 II, an update to the much-loved GH5, which debuted back in 2017.

While the GH5 II retains many of the capabilities that made the GH5 such a praiseworthy camera, it also features several upgrades – particularly to its videography and streaming options, though also for action photography, low-light photography, and more.

Let’s take a closer look.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: What does it offer?

The Lumix GH5 II is a Micro Four Thirds camera combining significant photography and videography capabilities; as such, it should appeal to both enthusiast and professional hybrid shooters, though it can certainly perform well as a standalone photography or videography option.

Here are the key features that are identical (or nearly identical) to those on the GH5:

  • The GH5 II packs the same build as the GH5, including solid construction and weather resistance. The GH5 II is perfect for the outdoor photographer or videographer, though heavier than hobbyist alternatives.
  • The sensor is the 20 MP MFT technology used in the GH5, but Panasonic has added a new anti-reflective coating for better backlit shooting.
  • Like the GH5, the GH5 II features dual SD card slots, useful for professionals who require redundancy in their work.
  • 12 frames-per-second continuous shooting (in AF-S) and 9 frames-per-second continuous shooting (in AF-C) promise decent action performance.
  • The electronic viewfinder remains a respectable 3.68M dots.

And here’s what you get from the GH5 II over the GH5:

  • 10-bit 4:2:0 DCI 4K/60p; pre-installed V-Log L for improved dynamic range; simultaneous external 10-bit 4:2:2 4K and internal 10-bit 4:2:0 4K recording.
  • The GH5 II supports wireless live streaming. As Panasonic explains, with the GH5 II, “high-quality live streaming is possible with minimum equipment – only the camera and a smartphone are required…in either an indoor or outdoor environment.”
  • Improved autofocus performance. Panasonic claims that the GH5 II “features high-speed and high-precision AF” that “detects eyes and faces at a 2x faster recognition-cycle speed than the GH5.” The camera also packs “enhanced AF-C, which…enables users to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects.”
  • An improved buffer for action photography (108+ RAWs, 999+ JPEGs).
  • 6.5 stops of in-body image stabilization versus the 5 stops of IBIS on the GH5 – a small but useful upgrade for low-light photography (and handheld videography).
  • (Slightly) increased resolution on the fully articulating touchscreen, though with a subtle decrease in size.

On the whole, upgrades for photographers are relatively minor. If you’re primarily a stills shooter, these enhancements probably won’t justify shelling out for the GH5 II over the GH5 (and you may be better off considering a different Panasonic camera).

But for hybrid shooters and videographers requiring top-notch recording and/or streaming capabilities, the GH5 II is certainly an appealing package.

Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: Price and release date

You can preorder the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II for a reasonable $ 1699 USD ($ 2299 when bundled with the Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens). Orders will begin shipping in late June.

So if the GH5 II’s new features appeal to you, I highly recommend you check it out (though you should also keep an eye out for news regarding the just-announced Lumix GH6).

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II? Are you disappointed by the lack of upgrades? Or pleased by what the GH5 II does include? Would you consider buying it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Panasonic Unveils the GH5 II, With Wireless Live Streaming and Improved IBIS appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Fujifilm Announces the Mirrorless X-S10, With 20 FPS and IBIS

19 Oct

The post Fujifilm Announces the Mirrorless X-S10, With 20 FPS and IBIS appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Fujifilm X-S10 announcement

Last month, we were fortunate enough to get a major camera announcement from Sony: the a7C, a compact-yet-full-frame option designed for vloggers, hybrid shooters, and anyone looking to gain top-notch image quality in a smaller body.

But now it’s Fujifilm’s turn to offer a camera guaranteed to impress vloggers, hybrid shooters, and more.

Just last week, Fujifilm announced the X-S10, an APS-C mirrorless model that combines a compact design with standard Fujifilm performance, while also sporting impressive video capabilities, continuous shooting speeds, and in-body image stabilization.

The X-S10 will feature a 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor, which is in line with Fujifilm’s current flagship options (the X-T3 and X-T4) and will undoubtedly perform well. You also get a decent viewfinder (2.36M-dot) which, while not quite as high resolution as the new X-T4, should satisfy most photographers.

And the 3” rear LCD is fully articulating, for anyone looking to shoot at awkward angles or do some inconspicuous photography from the hip.

Fujifilm promises lightning-fast autofocus, claiming that the X-S10 is adept at “achieving focus in as fast as 0.02 seconds in some cases, even at -7.0 EV.” And the X-S10 is also “equipped with high-precision Tracking AF for moving subjects and Face-Eye AF function to track a subject’s face and eyes.”

When it comes to continuous shooting speeds, Fujifilm has never been a company to let its customers down. The X-S10 continues this trend, featuring a walloping 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting speed when using the electronic shutter (though this drops to 8 frames per second when working with the mechanical shutter).

And as for image stabilization:

Fujifilm found a way to keep the IBIS down to a reasonable size, stating that the “camera’s IBIS mechanism is approximately 30% smaller in volume and weight than the previous, similar X series model” (here, Fujifilm is referring to the X-T4). This means that Fujifilm was able to successfully slip its IBIS technology into the X-S10, which is a huge deal, especially for photographers who frequently find themselves in low light situations. The handholding boost provided by a bit of IBIS can be the difference between sharp and blurred images.

Finally, we have the X-S10’s video capabilities to consider. While there’s no 4K/60p recording, you do get a respectable 4K/30p. Combine this with the image stabilization and the fully-articulating screen (discussed above) and you have yourself a useful little camera for vloggers and video hobbyists.

So if you’re a vlogger, a hybrid shooter, or simply a photographer looking for a compact mirrorless option, consider the Fujifilm X-S10.

The camera will begin shipping toward the end of November for $ 1000 USD (body only), $ 1400 USD (with an 18-55 f/2.8-4 kit lens), and $ 1500 USD (with a 16-80mm f/4 kit lens). But you can preorder your copy right here.

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Fujifilm X-S10? Would you rather have the Fujifilm X-S10 or the Sony a7C? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Fujifilm Announces the Mirrorless X-S10, With 20 FPS and IBIS appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Rumor: Canon’s next mirrorless camera could have 45MP sensor with IBIS and possible 8K/30p video

29 Jan

Yesterday, Canon Rumors posted an interesting list of rumored specifications for a Canon mirrorless camera it believes will be called the EOS R5. Today, additional details have emerged, painting a picture of what would be an impressive mirrorless camera if the rumored specifications hold true.

According to Canon Rumors’ report, which was created with information shared via multiple, unrelated anonymous sources, the camera could feature a 45-megapixel sensor with in-body image stabilization and still frame rates up to 20 frames per second. Specifically, Canon Rumors claims the IBIS will offer five stops of image stabilization on its own and up to 7–8 stops when used with in-lens stabilization as well. The still frame rates are still up in the air, as the sources are apparently offering conflicting information, but it appears as though it could be 14 fps and 20 fps for mechanical and electronic shutter, respectively.

According to Canon Rumors, the camera will offer 4K video at 120 fps and could offer 8K Raw at up to 30 fps, although it is noted that the 4K / 120 fps could be a crop mode to control heat and the 8K Raw could refer to a special timelapse mode in the camera.

Those specs are enticing, but it’s the rumored video features that are really interesting. According to Canon Rumors, the camera could offer 4K video at 120 fps and could offer 8K Raw at up to 30 fps, although it is noted that the 4K / 120 fps could be a crop mode to control heat and the 8K Raw could refer to a special timelapse mode in the camera.

Other details rumored include the addition of a scroll wheel, the removal of the touchbar, a larger-capacity battery that looks similar to the LP-E6/N batteries currently used by Canon, and an announcement date ‘ahead of CP+ next month.’

Canon users have long been asking for an R-series camera body worthy of Canon’s growing lineup of RF-mount lenses and if these rumors indeed come to fruition, it’s safe to say there won’t be much room left to complain. However, these specifications are just that: a rumor, so there’s also the possibility these are little more than hearsay or misleading fragments cobbled together from multiple other rumors.

In light of these rumored specifications, let us take a second to ask you, the reader, how you would like to see Canon evolve its R-series lineup going forward?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Fujifilm X-T4 to be Announced in Early February (With IBIS)

22 Jan

The post The Fujifilm X-T4 to be Announced in Early February (With IBIS) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

 

fujifilm-x-t4-to-be-announced

It might come as a bit of a surprise, but it looks like we’re getting a Fujifilm X-T3 successor earlier than expected:

The Fujifilm X-T4.

(While the “X-T4” moniker isn’t official, we’re definitely talking about a successor to the X-T3.)

According to Fuji Rumors, the X-T4 will drop in March, with an official announcement on February 4th. This breaks the common two-year upgrade cycle that Fujifilm generally follows; the Fujifilm X-T3 was released in late September 2018, and the Fujifilm X-T2 was released just over two years prior, in early September 2016.

It’s possible that this faster upgrade indicates only minor changes between the two cameras. But I find this unlikely, given the high expectations Fujifilm has created for itself after producing the phenomenal X-T3.

So while the details are sparse, let’s talk about what we know (or suspect) will be present in the Fujifilm X-T4.

First, the most persistent rumor addresses what might be the biggest complaint regarding the X-T3:

In-body image stabilization.

The Fujifilm X-T4 will have IBIS, according to Fuji Rumors. To date, the only Fujifilm camera with IBIS is the Fujifilm X-H1, which sacrificed a compact build in order to include the IBIS tech. Hold the Fujifilm X-H1 and you get a DSLR-like experience, compared to the compact, travel-ready build of the X-T3.

Fortunately, it seems that we won’t see a Fujifilm X-H1 build for the X-T4. Instead, Fuji engineers have likely compacted the IBIS tech, so the X-T4 will feature IBIS will little-to-no increase of size.

As for other Fujifilm X-T4 features, while nothing has been confirmed, we can predict a modest upgrade in resolution (perhaps from the current 26 MP to a 28 MP or even 30 MP sensor). And we can expect at least equivalent continuous shooting speeds (30 fps with 1.25x crop, 20 fps with the electronic shutter uncropped, 11 fps with the mechanical shutter) to the X-T3, as well as dual card slots, impressive autofocus, and (maybe) a fully-articulating touchscreen.

There’s also a possibility of 6K/60p video, which would be a clear step up from the 4K/60p offered by the X-T3.

Regardless, we don’t have long to wait.

So keep your eye out for further updates on the X-T4, which is bound to be an incredible addition to Fujifilm’s already-formidable APS-C mirrorless lineup.

The post The Fujifilm X-T4 to be Announced in Early February (With IBIS) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More

23 Sep

The post Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More

The Canon 1D X Mark III may be the last of its kind, but it won’t go down without a fight.

Information has leaked regarding the Canon flagship camera, predicting a 2020 release. This follows on the heels of Nikon’s D6 announcement and its claim that the D6 will be Nikon’s “most advanced DSLR to date.”

The Canon 1D X series and the Nikon D6 series have been longtime competitors, aimed at professional photographers in need of rugged, high-performing camera bodies. Hence, it’s no surprise that the 1D X Mark III should come out in 2020, most likely in time for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The leak also suggests that the Canon 1D X Mark III will have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a feature traditionally offered by mirrorless models but kept out of DSLRs. This will be appreciated by low-light shooters who need to eke out every bit of stability they can get.

The Canon 1D X Mark III is also said to feature significantly increased resolution “for an EOS-1 series camera.” Note that Canon’s EOS-1 line is short on resolution but high on autofocus capabilities and shooting speed, which explains why the 1D X Mark II tops out at 20.2 megapixels, despite its ‘flagship’ label.

What would count as significant?

My guess would be a jump in the 4-megapixel range, to put the 1D X Mark III at 24 megapixels. But it could be less, considering the low bar for 1D X resolution.

Apparently, the Canon flagship will also include 6K video (without a crop) and an upgraded DIGIC processor, as well as dual CFExpress card slots.

As of now, the 1D X Mark III is looking on par with the Nikon D6, which is rumored to drop in 2020.

Both cameras will undoubtedly be pricey; the Canon 1D X Mark II retails at $ 5500 USD, and the Nikon D5 sits at nearly $ 6000.

But for the professional action photographer, the cameras will undoubtedly be worth the cost.

Are you looking forward to the Canon 1D X Mark III announcement? What specs are you hoping to see? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Canon patent application sheds more light on its upcoming IBIS technology

17 Sep

Rumors about Canon’s much-anticipated in-body stabilization (IBIS) are a dime a dozen, but a recent patent application from Canon dives into more detail than we’ve seen before, further lending credence to the rumors the technology could make it into Canon’s next R-series camera body.

First discovered by Canon News, Japan patent application 2019-152785 details how in-body stabilization technology can be improved by more accurately moving and positioning the sensor along its axes. According to the patent, Canon plans to do this through the use of a magnetic circuit known as the Halbach array.

An illustration from the patent showing how in-lens stabilization would work alongside the in-body stabilization to achieve optimal results.

The Halbach array, believed to have first been discovered by John C. Mallinson in 1973, is a collection of magnets that is particularly arranged so that one side of the magnetic field is magnified while the opposite side is effectively canceled out. Halbach arrays have multiple uses ranging from something as simple as a refrigerator magnet to something as intricate as a particle accelerator (where it’s used to focus particle accelerator beams).

Canon’s implementation, however, would use Halbach arrays to ensure that when a correction is applied to one axis, it won’t negatively affect another axis. Particularly, Canon’s patent application details how it would use a Halbach array on the vertical (y-axis) stabilization unit to ensure that the horizontal correction (x-axis) isn’t skewed when applying y-axis corrections.

A pair of illustrations from the patent showing how the Halbach array would be positioned.

The patent application also explains how the IBIS would work hand-in-hand with in-lens stabilization units to create the most effective stabilization possible. Specifically, the patent says the in-lens stabilization would account for corrections on the XY planes (2-axis stabilization) while the in-body stabilization would be able to account for shake on XY-theta planes (3-axis stabilization with vertical, horizontal and roll compensation). Similarly, gyro units within both the lens and camera would work alongside one another to account for angular corrections so the image stabilization element in the lens could be adjusted in coordination with the image sensor to most accurately correct the optical axis.

Below is a brief illustration of XY-theta alignment at work:

It’s unknown, of course, if this particular patent application will be used down the road in a future IBIS arrangement, but it is one of the more detailed patents we’ve come across from Canon regarding the technology. Based on this particular patent application, it would be a 5-axis IBIS unit, similar to those found in Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ibis Switzerland hotels offer social media pros to manage guests’ Instagram accounts

05 Dec

Ibis hotels in Switzerland are offering guests a new service called Social Media Sitter. With this, customers can use “Instagram professionals” provided by the hotel to manage their Instagram profile while on vacation, enabling guests to “enjoy the city without a smartphone in front of the face,” the company explains on its website.

The Social Media Sitter service is now available at Ibis hotels in Zurich and Geneva. The company lists several “Instagram professionals” on its site who specialize in categories that include fashion, travel, beauty, culture, art, and more.

The Instagram sitter shares “the best posts” on the guest’s profile, though it’s unclear how the service works. Presumably the Social Media Sitter is provided with the customer’s username and password; the company’s video suggests the sitter will follow the guests to capture candid shots and will manage the account’s comments and likes on the user’s behalf.

It’s unclear whether Ibis plans to launch its Social Media Sitter option at its other hotels. The new service appears popular, though, as Ibis’s Geneva and Zurich locations both show their Instagram professionals having been fully booked each weekend throughout November.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm developing 100MP medium format with phase detection and IBIS

27 Sep

Fujifilm has said it is developing a 100MP GFX medium format camera that will include both phase detection autofocus and in-body image stabilization. The 4K-capable camera will sell for around $ 10,000.

The development was announced at the company’s press conference at the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany, alongside the unveiling of the 50MP GFX 50R model.

A mockup on display at the event shows it to resemble a dual-grip variant of the existing GFX 50S model but without the protruding hump at the back of the body.

No details beyond these headline specs were made available but the company said the camera would be available in 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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