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Posts Tagged ‘nextgeneration’

Oppo shows off its next-generation optical zoom camera module with 85-135mm equivalent focal length

20 Aug

Oppo has announced (translated) it’s latest camera technology, a next-generation periscope zoom camera that features improved optics, a new sensor and updated image processing algorithms.

The new camera module features an 85mm to 135mm full-frame-equivalent focal length with an aperture range of F3.3 through F4.4. To achieve this, the module uses seven elements in three groups with the two rear-most groups being the ones that move for zooming and focusing.

In addition to new optics, the camera module uses a new 32MP quad-bayer-like sensor. Both the movement of the lenses and image processing will be powered by the custom-designed 16-bit image processing chip inside the module.

Sample images from the new camera module captured with the wide angle (left), equivalent 85mm focal length (center) and equivalent 135mm focal length (right).

If we’re to assume this would be used in a smartphone with a 26mm main camera — such as the Oppo Reno 10x zoom — this new camera would offer a 3.3x to 5.2x optical zoom and presumably feature the same ‘hybrid zoom’ up to 10.4x. Even though the multiplication factor is roughly the same as that found on the Reno 10x zoom, Oppo says its new hybrid zoom technology improves image quality, as can be seen in these example images (older ‘hybrid zoom’ images on the left, new technology on the right):

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There’s no mention of when we could see this new camera tech, nor what phone it might be in, but as noted by GSM Arena, details of a forthcoming Oppo phone believed to be the Reno 10x zoom successor were revealed last month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony teases its next-generation Quad-Bayer smartphone sensor

09 Nov

The people at Sony’s image sensor division have posted a teaser video for an upcoming new smartphone image sensor, the IMX686, on the Chinese social media site Weibo. The new chip is the successor to the IMX586, which was one of the first 48MP Quad-Bayer sensors and has been deployed in several high-end smartphones.

Sony does not reveal the sensor resolution or other specifications in the video but based on rumors about phones that will supposedly use the sensor GSM Arena estimates it to be between 60 and 64MP.

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The video reveals that the new sensor will be released in 2020 and shows a selection of still images captured in a variety of light conditions. The images are not full size, so it’s hard to make any judgements about image detail or noise, but they do look quite impressive in terms of exposure and dynamic range.

Given no phone is using the new sensor yet, Sony has used a prototype board connected to a computer to capture the samples. Have a look at the gallery above and check out the full video over on Weibo.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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LEE100 is a next-generation filter holder with a modular design for easier operation

19 Mar

LEE Filters has announced the LEE100 filter holder, a next-generation filter holder that improves upon the design and interface of its predecessors to help improve the experience of working with photography filters.

Made from injection-moulded composite materials, the holder is both rigid and lightweight. Like its predecessor, the LEE100 filter holder relies on a spring release for easy one-hand operation when an adapter ring is mounted to a specific lens. This release can be used in three different settings to accompany different shooting needs: neutral, half lock and full lock.

The neutral setting keeps the filter holder attached to lenses, but allows it to both rotate freely and detach itself in the event the filter holder gets hit, so the camera and lens doesn’t fall to the ground as well. Half lock keeps the filter holder secured onto the adapter ring, but allows for easy rotation of the ring to better account for the horizon and other elements. The full lock setting keeps everything locked in place so the filter holder will neither rotate nor detach from the adapter ring until it is unscrewed and released.

New on the LEE100 filter holder are modular filter guide blocks that come in one, two and three-slot configurations. Unlike previous versions of LEE’s filter holders that required screws to hold the guides in place, the LEE100 features snap-in guides that can be quickly changed without the need to carry around a screwdriver. The guides themselves are also tapered now, which not only lends to a more streamlined aesthetic, but also improves the resistance, which helps to better keep the filters in place when making adjustments.

LEE says up to three filters can be used before any vignetting is visible. All of LEE’s 100mm filters can be used in the new holder as well as the new LEE100 Polarizer.

The LEE100 filter holder is available at as a single unit and in various kit arrangements. Alone, the LEE100 filter holder is available at B&H for $ 96. The Deluxe kit, which includes the LEE100 filter holder, LEE100 Polariser, Big Stopper, LEE 0.6 ND medium grad, LEE 0.9 ND hard grad, LEE 1.2 ND medium grad, 50ml ClearLEE filter wash and ClearLEE filter cloth, is available at B&H for $ 739.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Light and Sony team up to make the next-generation of multi-camera smartphones

22 Feb

Light, the computational imaging company behind the L16 camera, has announced it’s partnering with Sony Semiconductor Solutions ‘to jointly work on development and marketing of multi-image sensor solutions.’

According to a press release shared today, the two companies have signed an agreement that ‘allows Light to use and recommend to its customers and partners, Sony’s image sensors built in Light’s computational imaging solutions and reference designs.’

Simply put, the agreement means Light will combine its experience and intellectual property in the world of multi-camera designs and computational photography with Sony’s imaging sensors to build future devices. Specifically, the press release mentions the partnership will help ‘to create new multi-camera applications and solutions beginning with the introduction of smartphones containing four or more cameras.’

Light previously announced its intentions of bringing its multi-camera technology to smartphones, going so far as to show off various concepts and prototypes it’s developed that include between five and nine camera modules.

Bradley Lauterbach, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Design at Light, also said back in December 2017, ‘one manufacturer is already at work on a Light-enabled phone, and more are in the works.’ It’s unknown if Lauterbach was referencing Sony, but whoever the manufacturer was, it appears clear now Sony will be the company behind the sensors.

Press release:

Light Announces Joint Development with Sony Semiconductors Solutions Corporation of Multi-Image Sensor Solutions Reference Designs

Focused on Multi-Camera Applications for Smartphones with Four or more Cameras

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Light, the leader in advanced computational imaging announces the agreement with Sony Semiconductor Solutions, the leader in the Image Sensor industry to jointly work on development and marketing of multi-image sensor solutions.

The agreement allows Light to use and recommend to its customers and partners, Sony’s image sensors built in Light’s computational imaging solutions and reference designs. These new reference designs combine Light’s multi-camera technology together with Sony’s image sensors to create new multi-camera applications and solutions beginning with the introduction of smartphones containing four or more cameras.

“Sony is the recognized quality and market share leader in image sensors and we are thrilled to partner with them,” said Dave Grannan, CEO and co-founder, Light. “We are entering an entirely new era of intelligent imaging applications that will transform smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and security systems. With Sony’s world-class image sensors, we can introduce new innovations in the multi-camera imaging space.”

“We are excited to be working with Light and driving multi-sensor-based products and solutions into the market,” said Hank Ochi, president of Component Solutions Business Division, Sony Electronics Inc. “Light and its technology are transforming how devices see the world. This new partnership will allow us to work together to evolve and speed up the design of today’s multi-image sensor enabled connected devices. Starting today, our jointly developed reference designs will help our smartphone OEMs to quickly and easily enhance the imaging capability of multi-camera enabled smartphones.”

For more information, please visit https://light.co/.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 brings next-generation GPS to familiar rugged compact

06 Jan

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Olympus has updated its rugged compact lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-870, a modest update to last year’s model offering next-generation GPS and a brighter, higher-resolution screen. Still sporting a 16MP BSI CMOS chip and a 21-105mm equivalent zoom, the TG-870 provides a 920k-dot 180 degree flip-up LCD that claims to be 1.1x brighter than its predecessor’s screen. While the Wi-Fi features are unchanged the GPS feature has enhanced, claiming positioning in under 10 seconds. Also new to this model is Live Composite mode as well as low light Nightscape Movie and Nightscape Mode options.

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will be offered in April 2016 for $ 279.99. 


Press release:

ACTION FROM EVERY ANGLE: THE NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH® TG-870

Bright 180-Degree Tilting LCD, Ultra Wide-Angle 5x Zoom Lens, Built-in Wi-Fi®, Next-Generation GPS and Expanded Shooting Capabilities with Nighttime Live Composite in a Compact, Rugged Camera 

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 5, 2016 — Olympus adds to the versatility and creativity of its renowned Stylus Tough lineup with the new Stylus Tough TG-870, a premium rugged camera built to capture high-quality photos and video in the most challenging situations. This compact, take-anywhere camera is packed with features, including a class-leading ultra wide-angle 21mm (equivalent) lens with 5x optical zoom, allowing users the ability to effortlessly frame everything from dramatic landscapes to group shots. Together with its high-resolution 180-degree tilting LCD monitor, customizable front button, Sportcam Modes with full HD 1080/60p video, built-in Wi-Fi, next-generation GPS, and an ever-expanding wealth of expressive features, the Stylus Tough TG-870 is ready to capture stunning images anytime, in any environment.

In the tradition of the Olympus Tough series of rugged compact cameras, the Stylus Tough TG-870 is built to withstand extreme conditions: the camera is waterproof to depths of 50 feet (15 m), freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 m), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kgf) and dustproof. The 21mm–105mm (35mm equivalent) f3.5–5.7 zoom lens is the widest lens in the rugged compact category, perfect for ultra-wide group selfie shots. The TruePic™ VII image processor, the same found in Olympus’s award-winning OM-D series of interchangeable lens cameras, is paired with a 16.0 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor to capture incredibly clear images with sharp details and true-to-life colors, even underwater.

The Stylus Tough TG-870’s 180-degree tilting 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD monitor has double the resolution and is 1.1x brighter than that of its predecessor, enabling the user to see more detail while shooting outdoors or underwater. The customizable button on the front of the camera can be programmed for several functions, including shutter release, video recording, monitor boost, LED assist and Super Macro Mode. The TG-870 also detects the orientation in which it’s being held to assist the user in capturing the perfect selfie, point-of-view action video or over-under shot.

The free Olympus Image Share app synchronizes a user’s iOS or Android mobile device with the Stylus Tough TG-870 via the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi, enabling instant image and movie transfers and direct uploading to websites and social media. A live view of the camera’s lens appears on the smart device display. Users can control the camera remotely by touching the smart device display as if it were the camera itself. The next-generation GPS boasts fast positioning in under 10 seconds via three satellite systems and helps users track precisely where they are in the world. The Olympus Image Track (OI.Track) smartphone app allows users to update the camera’s GPS assist data and transfer GPS logs and images from the camera to a smartphone for simplified viewing and management. 

An impressive variety of shooting modes and 13 Art Filters, including 6 new filters (Vintage, Key Line, Watercolor, Light Tone, Cross Process and Gentle Sepia), help the user capture distinctive images. The Stylus Tough TG-870 is equipped with nighttime Live Composite Mode, which automatically combines the brightest areas of multiple images taken with interval shooting for dramatic photos of cityscapes, star trails and light painting. Sportcam Mode puts four video options right at the user’s fingertips. With 60p Movie, the camera captures full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps), with 720/60p and 480/60p options also available. With High-Speed Movie, the Stylus Tough TG-870 can record slow-motion video at 120 fps at 854×480 (16:9) or 640×480 (4:3) resolution, or 240 fps at 640×360 (16:9) or 480×360 (4:3) resolution. Time Lapse Movie compresses hours of action into a short movie, and Sport Burst allows photographers to capture sequential images with a shutter interval of 0.05 to 60 seconds. For video capture after dark, camera settings are automatically optimized for low light with Nightscape Movie or Nightscape Mode.

The Stylus Tough TG-870’s rugged construction can be further reinforced with the CSCH-124 Silicone Jacket, which shields the camera from surface damage. The CSCH-123 Tough Sport Holder supports hands-free photography and video recording, allowing users to attach the camera to backpack straps or a chest harness during intensive activities like rock climbing or snowboarding. The PT-057 Underwater Case or Housing lets users dive deeper, increasing the camera’s underwater capability to 147 feet (45 m), and the elective UFL-3 Underwater Strobe Flash facilitates genuine underwater flash photography. A second tripod base plate on the camera offers the added benefit of vertical mounting, and the F-5AC compact high-capacity AC adapter reduces charging time, getting users back to the action faster. 

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will be available in April 2016 in Gunmetal Metallic, Metallic Green and Pure White for $ 279.99 (US) and $ 329.99 (CA).

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 279
Body type
Body type Ultracompact
Body material Aluminum
Sensor
Max resolution 4608 x 3456
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor TruePic VII
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 125-6400 (expands to 12800)
White balance presets 6
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 21–105 mm
Optical zoom 5×
Maximum aperture F3.5 – F5.7
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus No
Normal focus range 10 cm (3.94)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes (Display tilts upward 180 degrees)
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 4 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • ePortrait
  • Landscape
  • Interval shooting
  • Live composite
  • Handheld star light
  • Night scene
  • Night + portrait
  • Sport
  • Indoor
  • Sunset
  • Fireworks
  • Cuisine
  • Documents
  • Beach & snow
  • Underwater snapshot
  • Underwater wide
  • Underwater macro
  • Backlight HDR
  • Self portrait
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 4.00 m (at ISO 1600)
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, redeye reduction, fill flash, off, LED illuminator
Drive modes
  • Program
  • iAuto
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1280 x 720 (60p), 640 x 480 (60p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes 5-axis (optical+digital) image stabilization
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage included 37MB
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes (waterproof to 15m/50ft, crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F)
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Li-50B lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300
Weight (inc. batteries) 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
Dimensions 113 x 64 x 28 mm (4.45 x 2.52 x 1.1)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS BuiltIn

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony Semiconductor site gives glimpse of next-generation sensors

18 Apr

A 20MP Four Thirds sensor and a Stacked CMOS design for enthusiast compacts are likely to be just two of the sensors we can expect to see in cameras over the coming months. Sony’s semiconductor division has made these products public with the creation of a new website, which lists some of the chips it offers to potential buyers. Alongside many familiar-sounding sensors are examples we’ve yet to see in any cameras. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon releases beta version of next-generation Capture NX software

25 Feb

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Nikon has released a beta version of an update to its Capture NX software, a product which has been relatively stagnant in recent years. Capture NX-D is the first version of Nikon’s Raw converter to be made since previous developer Nik Software was bought by Google in 2012. The software features a new user interface, batch conversion and a non-destructive workflow that saves adjustments in sidecar files alongside the original image. Find out how to try Capture NX-D for yourself.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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