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Posts Tagged ‘Nokia’

HMD Global unveils Nokia 9 PureView with penta-camera setup, Lightroom CC support

26 Feb

HMD Global has unveiled the much-anticipated Nokia 9 PureView smartphone at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and the new device surely looks as if it had the potential to revolutionize mobile photography.

The main camera on the back features a total of five Zeiss-branded lenses which all come with an equivalent focal length of 28mm, an F1.8 aperture and a 12MP image sensors. Three of the latter are monochrome, two are RGB sensors. A sixth module captures additional depth information of the scene.

So, despite the number of lenses, the Nokia does not offer any ultra-wide-angle or tele capabilities. Instead the Snapdragon 845 chipset and a dedicated image processing chip combine image data captured simultaneously by all five 12MP camera to process single color or monochrome images with better detail and dynamic range than would be possible with conventional methods. In certain situations the camera adds frame stacking into the mix to record even more image information of a scene. Nokia claims the 9 PureView can record dynamic range of up to 12.4 stops which would put it on par with some DSLRs.

Thanks to the number of lenses and the additional time-of-flight depth camera the Nokia is also capable of creating much more detailed depth-maps than most other current high-end phones (1200 layers of depth data vs 10). This should allow for much better and more realistic results when using background blurring portrait and other simulated bokeh modes. The depth information is stored within the image file, allowing for post-capture bokeh editing in Google Photos.

Other interesting image features include a tripod detection. The device can detect when it is mounted on a tripod or supported in some other way and uses longer shutter speeds of up to ten seconds in low light. In addition Raw files include image data captured by all five cameras and Nokia worked with Adobe to include Raw support for the 9 PureView in the mobile version of Adobe Lightroom.

In video mode the phone can record 4K footage at 30 frames per second and the front-facing camera features an F1.8 lens and 20MP Tetracell sensor which uses pixel-binning in low light to output 5MP images with low noise. A dual-tone LED flash is on board as well.

The Nokia 9 PureView will come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB expandable storage at a quite affordable price point of $ 699. The bad news is that Nokia says the device will have a limited production run and become unavailable once stock is depleted. No word on how many units will be produced, though.

The Nokia 9 PureView isn’t for those who were hoping for super-wide-angles, long tele-zooms and seamless zooming on a smartphone. However, the multi-camera setup could be a step into the future of smartphone image quality. We’ll have to wait and see until we get a production device into our hands.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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A Nokia 9 PureView promo video has been leaked showing off its 5 camera arrangement

02 Jan

We’ve seen rumors of a new Nokia smartphone with a penta-lens camera setup floating around the Internet since last September. Now these rumors have been all but confirmed and it looks like we are pretty close to an official launch of the device.

Website mysmartprice.com has published what looks like a promotional video for the as yet unannounced device. In addition “professional leaker” Evan Blass posted an image of the new device on his Twitter account. In the video the device is called the Nokia 9 PureView and can be seen with the rumored penta-lens camera on the back.

According to the video, the camera captures five images simultaneously when the shutter is pressed. This results in more light being captured than on conventional cameras and therefore produces better-than-usual low light capabilities. Images can also be refocused after capture, but there is no talk about zoom performance.

The new Nokia will allegedly also come with a 5.99-inch “PureDisplay” that supports the HDR10 standard and features an in-display fingerprint reader. The device will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and 6GB of RAM. 128GB of built-in storage are on board as well.

While general specs are pretty much in line with other current high-end smartphones, the upcoming Nokia’s camera definitely will stand out from the crowd when the phone is made official. This could happen pretty soon and we’d expect the Nokia 9 PureView to be announced at the Mobile World Congress in February at the latest.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia allegedly working on 5-camera smartphone

08 Sep
Image: Device Specifications

We recently learned that HMD Global, the current owners of the Nokia smartphone brand, regained the rights to use the iconic Nokia PureView moniker which used to differentiate Nokia phones with outstanding camera capabilities, including the 808 PureView and Lumia 1020 PureView.

If rumors are true, it looks like HMD Global might soon launch a new smartphone that is truly worthy of the PureView badge. A leaked photo has surfaced that appears to show a Nokia smartphone with five cameras on the back, arranged in a circular shape.

If the information and photo are genuine, it looks like mobile photographers will have something to look forward to in the near future

Apparently the photo was taken during a small-scale production run at an unknown location in April 2018. A first test batch was produced in December 2017. On the back of the device we can see the Nokia, Zeiss and Android One logos and the five cameras which could include super-wide-angle, telephoto, black-and-white and depth-sensing modules in addition to the main camera. There are also an LED flash and an autofocus sensor.

As usual, we should take this kind of rumor with a pinch of salt, but if the information and photo are genuine, it looks like mobile photographers will have something to look forward to in the near future.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia 8 update adds new Pro Camera mode with manual controls

05 Jun

Last week, HMD Global released a software update for the Nokia 8 smartphone that added a new Pro Camera mode. The mode, which resembles the camera controls offered on older Nokia handsets, gives users manual control over five camera functions: shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus, and exposure.

The Nokia 8 Android handset features dual rear 13MP cameras with Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, PDAF and a dual tone flash. The handset supports 4K video recording with 360-degree audio. With the newly added Pro Camera mode, users can view the changes each manual adjustment makes to the final image in real time.

The update is currently rolling out globally.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia 8 Sirocco features 2x optical zoom and Carl Zeiss optics

26 Feb

HMD Global has today launched the Nokia 8 Sirocco. The Sirocco is the new top-end model in the Nokia line-up and comes with a range of improvements over the original Nokia 8 which was only unveiled to the public in September 2017.

The most important change has arguably taken place in the camera module. Where the old model combined an RGB with a monochrome sensor in its dual-camera setup, the Sirocco comes with a secondary tele-lens instead. The main camera features a 12 MP sensor with 1.4 µm pixel size and an F1.75 aperture. The tele lens offers a 2x optical zoom and has a 13MP pixel count and smaller 1.0 µm pixels. At F2.6 the aperture is slower as well.

Dual-pixel AF is on board, too, and, as before, the camera optics have been co-developed in cooperation with Carl Zeiss.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco is built for rough conditions. Its front and back are 95% covered by durable Gorilla Glass 5 and HMD Global says the metal body, which is hand-milled from stainless steel, is a lot tougher than its aluminum counter parts. The device is also water and dust resistant (IP67 certified).

Like the original 8, the Sirocoo is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chipset and 6GB of RAM. 128GB of storage can be expanded via a microSD slot. The display has grown from 5.3″ to 5.5″ and uses now AMOLED technology rather than IPS, but the QHD resolution has remained unchanged.

The Nokia 8 Sirocco will be available in Europe from April for 750 Euros (approximately USD 920). Pricing for other regions has not been announced yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia pulls the plug on the Ozo VR camera, will lay off up to 310 employees

12 Oct

Nokia Technologies has announced that it will be reducing its investments in VR due to “slower-than-expected development of the VR market,” and this means putting an end to its Ozo VR camera. While Nokia will fulfill its commitments to customers who have already purchased the camera, the company explains that it will not develop future versions of Ozo.

Nokia revealed the change of plans in a statement yesterday, in which the company also detailed a business restructuring plan that includes laying off up to 310 employees—a significant percentage of Nokia Technologies’ 1,090 worker base. These layoffs will primarily happen in the US, UK and Finland, and are part of a shift towards “digital health and brand and technology licensing.”

Presently, the Ozo+ camera is still listed as available in Nokia’s online store for $ 25,000 USD.

Press Release

Nokia focuses on patent, brand and technology licensing and targets faster growth in digital health with sharpened strategy for Nokia Technologies

Press Release

  • Increased focus on digital health and brand and technology licensing balanced with optimized investments in virtual reality
  • Planned changes expected to impact Nokia Technologies employees mainly in Finland, the US and the UK
  • Nokia’s successful patent licensing business is not in scope of planned changes

October 10, 2017

Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced plans to sharpen the focus of Nokia Technologies on digital health, and accelerate growth in that market, while optimizing investments in virtual reality (VR). Nokia Technologies will also focus on growing brand and technology licensing while leaving its successful patent licensing business untouched.

The shift deepens Nokia’s commitment to fully leverage its digital health portfolio acquired through the purchase of Withings in 2016. Through a more focused, more agile digital health business, Nokia aims to have larger impact with consumers and the medical community.

In digital media, the slower-than-expected development of the VR market means that Nokia Technologies plans to reduce investments and focus more on technology licensing opportunities. The unit aims to halt development of further versions of the OZO VR camera and hardware, while maintaining commitments to existing customers.

The potential reductions are expected to affect up to 310 of the roughly 1090 employees in Nokia Technologies, mainly in Finland, the US and the UK. To start the process, Nokia today has invited employee representatives of Nokia Technologies in Finland to cooperation negotiations.

“Nokia Technologies is at a point where, with the right focus and investments, we can meaningfully grow our footprint in the digital health market, and we must seize that opportunity,” said Gregory Lee, president of Nokia Technologies. “While necessary, the changes will also affect our employees, and as a responsible company we are committed to providing the needed support to those affected.”

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia 8 flagship phone features 13MP dual-cam with Zeiss optics

17 Aug

HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia smartphone brand, has launched its long-anticipated Nokia 8 flagship. With a 5.3″ QHD IPS display covered in 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 64 or 128GB storage options the Android device comes with high-end specification all-around and has a lot to offer in the camera department as well.

HMD says the rear cameras has been developed in collaboration with Zeiss but has not revealed any further detail. The unit features a 13MP RGB sensor with 1.12µm pixels, F2.0 aperture and optical image stabilization with a secondary 13MP monochrome sensor. As usual with this kind of system, image data from both sensor is combined for more detail, lower noise levels and better dynamic range. However, there is no word of a background-blurring portrait mode like it can be found on most dual-cam equipped devices.

There is also a dual-tone LED-flash and the in video mode the camera is capable of recording footage in 4K resolution. The front camera comes with a 13MP sensor and F2.0 aperture.

An interesting camera feature is the so-called “Bothie” mode which allows you to take pictures or record video with front and rear cameras at the same time. We’ve seen this function before on LG and Samsung phones but Nokia adds the ability to live-stream to Facebook or Youtube in this mode.

All the Nokia 8’s components are wrapped up in an IP54 rated aluminum uni-body which will be available in Gloss Blue, Tempered Blue, Steel, and Polished Copper. In Europe the Nokia 8 will cost you €599 (approximately $ 700). No information on availability in the US has been released yet.

Key specifications:

  • Dual-cam with 13MP RGB/Mono sensors, 1,12 um pixel size
  • OIS in the main module
  • F2.0 aperture
  • PDAF + laser AF
  • 13MP / F2.0 front camera with display-flash function
  • Dual-tone flash
  • 5,3” IPS LCD QHD 2.560 x 1.440 display, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
  • 4GB RAM, 64/128GB storage
  • microSD support up to 256GB
  • Android Nougat 7.1.1
  • 3090 mAh battery with Qualcomm quick charge
  • Splashproof body with IP54 rating

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia is teaming up with Zeiss to deliver the “ultimate imaging experience”

10 Jul

Nokia’s 808 and Lumia 1020 are still regarded by some as the best camera smartphones ever made. The devices’ outstanding image quality was the result of a collaboration between the Finnish handset-maker and lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss. But things have changed a lot since the 808 was launched in 2012, and HMD Global now has the exclusive rights to Nokia’s brand name.

Fortunately, it seems we are going to see Nokia smartphones with a Zeiss badge once again in the near future.

HMD Global and Zeiss have announced a partnership to deliver the “ultimate imaging experience possible on a smartphone” and set “new imaging standards within the smartphone industry.”

“Collaborating with ZEISS is an important part of our commitment to always deliver the very best experience for our customers,” says Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global. “Our fans want more than a great smartphone camera, they want a complete imaging experience that doesn’t just set the standard but redefines it. Our fans expect it and, together with ZEISS, we’re delivering it—co-developed imaging excellence for all.”

This year HMD Global has already launched the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and Nokia 6 smartphones, which are aimed at the entry-level and mid-range segments of the market—we have not seen a high-end model yet.

It appears the Zeiss lenses and imaging technologies will be reserved for the upcoming Nokia 9 flagship. If the rumors are true, we should see a 13MP dual-camera in the 9.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia Lumia 1020 used as microscope in low-cost DNA sequencer

20 Jan

The Nokia Lumia 1020 was launched back in 2013, but with its large 41MP sensor and innovative down-scaling algorithms is by many still regarded as one of the best smartphone cameras today. 

Now, a team of researchers from the University of California, Sweden’s Stockholm University and Uppsala University has used exactly that camera to design a smartphone-based low-cost DNA sequencer and molecular analyzer. A $ 500 3D-printed attachment turns the Lumia camera into a microscope that can then be used by health workers in developing nations and remote locations to find genetic mutations that cause diseases without analyzing samples in a lab. Usually, the equipment needed for this task costs tens of thousands of dollars. 

When testing, tissue samples are placed in a small container. The Lumia and optical attachment are then used to record multi-color fluorescence and bright-field images. The captured image data is fed into an algorithm for analysis in order to find any possible mutations. The teams says the design can detect even a small amount of cancer cells or other genetic mutations within a large amount of normal cells. 

Given the Lumia 1020 has been out of production for quite some time it’s good news that the optical attachment can be adapted to work with more recent smartphone models. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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HMD Global releases Nokia 6 Android smartphone

11 Jan

HMD Global, the Finnish company that acquired the exclusive Nokia brand licensing rights for mobile phones in late 2016, has released its first model under the legendary Nokia moniker. The Nokia 6 is best described as an upper mid-range device with an unibody that is machined from a solid block of 6000 series aluminum and would not look out of place on a top-end smartphone. 

Images can be viewed and displayed on the 5.5” Full-HD IPS LCD display with 2.5D Gorilla Glass and the Android 7 Nougat OS is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 4GB of RAM.  The device also features 64GB of expandable storage and dual amplifiers in combination with Dolby’s Atmos surround technology should be capable of delivering excellent sound.

Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global said: “We have set ourselves a mission to deliver the best possible smartphone experience, with a beautiful premium design touch, to everyone, at every price point. By building on true Nokia phone hallmarks of leading design and materials, an obsessive focus on the latest technology and solving real-life issues, we believe we have a unique proposition for consumers. The Nokia 6 marks the first step on our journey, with more to come in 2017.”

In the camera department the Nokia 6 packs a 16MP camera with 1.0 µm pixel size, F2.0 aperture and phase detection AF. The 8MP unit at the front also has an F2.0 aperture and at 1.12 µm slightly larger pixels. Both cameras can record 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

The Nokia 6 will, at least to start with, be exclusively available through JD.com in China and set you back approximately $ 245. On paper at least, the Nokia 6 looks like a very solid device at an attractive price point and a good first step for re-establishing the Nokia brand in the marketplace. That said, we are still hoping to see Nokia’s rumored camera super-phone revealed at MWC at the end of February. 

Press Release:

HMD Global launches first smartphone, the Nokia 6 in China

  • Nokia 6 will be available exclusively in China through JD.com. Available in early 2017, Nokia 6 is 1699 CNY
  • New design philosophy embraces much-loved Nokia phone hallmarks of quality, superior craftsmanship and relentless focus on the consumer experience
  • Nokia 6 marks the first step for the Nokia brand into Android smartphones with more to come in H1 2017

Espoo, Finland – 8 January 2017: After securing the exclusive Nokia brand licensing rights in mobile phones in late 2016, HMD Global Oy (“HMD”) is proud to announce the launch of its Nokia 6 smartphone in China. The Nokia 6 marks the first step in HMD’s ambition to set a new standard in design, material quality and manufacturing innovation across every tier of its products by building on the hallmarks of a true Nokia phone experience. The device, which is designed explicitly with the needs of users in mind, combines quality and in-built durability to deliver a real-life premium smartphone experience at a price point for the highly aspirational Chinese consumer.

The decision by HMD to launch its first Android smartphone into China is a reflection of the desire to meet the real world needs of consumers in different markets around the world. With over 552 million smartphone users in China in 2016, a figure that is predicted to grow to more than 593 million users by 20171, it is a strategically important market where premium design and quality is highly valued by consumers.

With the arrival of Nokia 6, consumers will see superior craftsmanship and design quality in action. It takes 55 minutes to machine a single Nokia 6 from a solid block of 6000 series aluminium. It then receives two separate anodising processes, taking over ten hours to complete, with each phone being polished no less than five times. The end result is an aluminium unibody with the highest level of visual and structural quality.

Delivering quality to the core, the Nokia 6 display has a bright hybrid in-cell 5.5” screen with full HD resolution and incredible colour reproduction wrapped in 2.5D Gorilla Glass. The display stack is laminated together with a polarizer layer enabling excellent sunlight readability and slim form. The build is completed with the latest generation Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 430 processor with X6 LTE modem designed for excellent battery life and superior graphics performance.

The Nokia 6 has 4GB RAM and 64GB storage with which to run the latest version of Android Nougat and is packed with entertainment to bring to life the latest that Android has to offer. The dual amplifiers deliver a 6dB louder sound than a regular amp, giving higher voice, deeper bass and unmatched clarity. Dolby Atmos creates powerful, moving audio that seems to flow all around users. The Nokia 6 packs a 16MP phase detection auto focus rear camera for sharp detailed pictures, and an 8MP front camera. The f/2.0 aperture lenses and exclusive camera UI with automatic scene detection make it easy to take great shots every time.

Arto Nummela, CEO, HMD Global said: “Just a short while ago we announced the launch of HMD Global. From the outset we have stated that we intend to move with speed to establish a position as a player in the smartphone category and create products that truly meet consumer needs. The Nokia 6 is a result of listening to our consumers who desire a beautifully crafted handset with exceptional durability, entertainment and display features.

Our ambition is to deliver a premium product, which meets consumer needs at every price point, in every market. We start today, with our premium, high quality Nokia 6; built to deliver a fantastic core user experience for Chinese consumers. We look forward to unveiling further products in the first half of this year.”

Nestor Xu, Vice President Greater China, HMD Global said: “China is the largest and most competitive smartphone market in the world. It is no coincidence that we have chosen to bring our first Android device to China with a long-term partner. JD.com is known for its upwardly mobile customer base and it has for many years believed in the Nokia brand and sold millions of our products to Chinese customers. Launching our first smartphone device, in such a strategically important market, with JD.com a trusted online retailer marks a signal of intent.”

Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global said: “We have set ourselves a mission to deliver the best possible smartphone experience, with a beautiful premium design touch, to everyone, at every price point. By building on true Nokia phone hallmarks of leading design and materials, an obsessive focus on the latest technology and solving real-life issues, we believe we have a unique proposition for consumers. The Nokia 6 marks the first step on our journey, with more to come in 2017.”

Shengli Hu, President of 3C Business Unit, JD.com, said: “The Nokia 6 marks a new milestone for the iconic brand, and JD.com is proud to work with HMD on this exclusive launch in China. Our 200 million active consumers come to JD.com to shop for guaranteed high-quality products from the world’s leading brands, and we are proud to provide a trusted outlet for them to reconnect with Nokia phones.”

Nokia 6 will debut exclusively through JD.com in early 2017 in China. Competitively priced for the aspirational smartphone user, the Nokia 6 is 1699 CNY at JD.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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