Sony has announced a small but significant update to the Sony Software Development Kit (SDK). This update allows users to craft custom imaging solutions using Sony cameras.
The new camera automation software SDK has been created with product photographers in mind and is designed to streamline a product photography imaging workflow using Sony cameras. Sony writes, ‘It’s especially useful for large e-commerce businesses, allowing them to simplify, speed up and standardize product photography.’
This streamlining is achieved by the SDK enabling ‘virtually every facet’ of the camera and lens to be automated and controlled. This includes automation and control over white balance, image resolution, compression options, zoom, focus and video triggering. Multi-camera support is included, meaning that it will be easier than ever to capture 360° interactive product shots, for example.
The SDK is the first to support full-frame multi-camera control, allowing for multi-angle image capture. It has also gained macOS compatibility, which Sony states is the most-used operating system in the product photography industry. The SDK is also compatible with Windows and Linux. The SDK also launches alongside a Sony team and website prepared to offer support. Further, Sony states that bespoke apps are possible.
Yasuo Baba, Director of Digital Imaging for Sony Europe BV, said of the SDK, ‘This is a key part of Sony’s long-term vision. Sony’s Alpha range are the world’s most trusted mirrorless cameras, and this new move helps to back this up with the best software and the best support.’ Baba continues, ‘By doing this, we aim to make it easier and quicker for companies in e-commerce, and other B2B sectors, to automate every part of the image creation process.’
Many high-end Sony mirrorless cameras are supported by the SDK, including the A9 II, A7R IV, A7 III, A7C and the RX0 series. While a niche SDK, it should prove very useful for some photographers and allow for a streamlined, more efficient workflow. It will also be interesting to see what sort of creative uses enterprising photographers come up with for the new SDK.
This is not Sony’s first major SDK release of 2020. In February, the company released a remote control SDK kit. This SDK allows key camera controls and still image data to be captured via remote access, which Sony stated at the time is of interest to industries including security, entertainment and ‘many others’.
A lot of great things can be created when a platform is opened to development, so it’s nice to see Sony developing new software development kits for its cameras. If you’d like to learn more about the latest SDK, click here.
Online shopping is the wave of the future. Already, e-retail sales account for 14.1% of all retail sales around the globe. That’s expected to grow to 22%. Every online retailer from small businesses to global giants face the same challenge — how to get customers to buy a product they can’t see. That’s where compelling, true-to-life product photography comes in. Continue Reading
The post Product Photography 101: The Complete Guide To Perfect Product Photos appeared first on Photodoto.
Fujitsu Limited announced last week that Canon Inc. has ordered a new supercomputer. The purchase signals that Canon is progressing with its plans to develop products without the need for prototypes, thereby reducing development costs and increasing development efficiency.
The system Canon ordered includes a Fujitsu Supercomputer PRIMEHPC FX1000 unit. Canon has previously used Fujitsu PRIMEHPC FX10 and PRIMEHPC FX100 supercomputer systems. The new FX1000 unit includes class-leading technology from Fugaku, the world’s fastest supercomputer. Fugaku, a petascale supercomputer, was jointly developed by RIKEN and Fujitsu starting in 2014. Fugaku is scheduled to begin operation next year. When tested in June, it became the fastest supercomputer in the world. Fugaku has an expected theoretical computational performance of 648.8 teraflops.
Fujitsu Limited also announced that upon its completion, the supercomputer headed to Canon will play a critical role in Canon’s ‘no-prototype’ product development plans. The supercomputer will allow for ‘enhanced capabilities and scope of applicability of analysis in Canon’s product development process.’ Fujitsu and Canon anticipate the supercomputer to begin operations during the first half of 2021.
Sample image of a simulation created using an existing supercomputer. This is a simulation of a Canon inkjet printer being dropped while in its packaging. With the new FX1000, Canon will be able to perform much more complicated simulations of impacts and much more. Image credit: Canon.
Canon’s ‘no-prototype’ initiative applies to the development of numerous products, including cameras. Canon is utilizing 3D CAD data in ‘analytical simulations to evaluate multiple facets of proposed products, including functionality, as well as ease of manufacturing.’ The PRIMEHPC FX1000 system, which includes 192 nodes, will allow Canon to produce larger scale analyses and simulations, including simulations with over 100 million total elements. The new system will also Canon to produce analyses of simulated airflow and electromagnetic waves.
In its coverage of this announcement, PetaPixel speculates that Canon is working hard to catch up to the fast and furious development cycle of Sony and its mirrorless cameras and that a new supercomputer can speed up Canon’s development cycles.
Fujitsu PRIMEHPC supercomputer have numerous applications, including aiding in establishing a product development and manufacturing cycle that isn’t reliant upon prototypes. Image credit: Fujitsu
It stands to reason that if Canon can quickly simulate many iterations of a product it is developing rather than need to construct real-world prototypes, the revision process will be quicker. Further, leveraging a class-leading supercomputer may allow for deep analyses of products that may have otherwise taken Canon far too long or been outright impossible.
Ultimately, how the FX1000 supercomputer system will impact Canon’s product development cycles remains to be seen. The system should be operational in the first half of 2021, but of course, the development cycle of something like a new camera is quite lengthy.
Canon UK has confirmed it will be hosting a livestream event for what it calls its ‘biggest product launch yet.
According to the microsite on Canon UK’s website, the ‘Reimagine’ event will take place at 14:00 CEST on July 9. In addition to the vague ‘product launch’ teaser, Canon Ambassadors and experts will also be hosting a Q&A during the event to talk about ‘Canon’s latest additions to its product range.’
The sign-up form, which appears as a pop-up dialog box on Canon UK’s microsite for the event.
The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, where Canon suggests it will be taking questions from the live comments feed. You can sign up to be notified of the event on Canon UK’s microsite.
The post How to Make a DIY Lightbox for Product Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Bond.
There is a lot of photography that you can do indoors, and product photography is one such example of this. If you’re keen to try this out yourself in order to get the best results, making a DIY lightbox will elevate the quality of your photography. Creating a lightbox is simple, and you only need some basic supplies to do it. In this article, you’ll find out about two possible methods.
A lightbox is ideal for still life photography
What is a lightbox?
A lightbox is a box you place your product in, and fill it with light to photograph that product. A lightbox aims to avoid shadows when you photograph your main subject. If you light the scene from all directions, you’ll not see shadows.
How do you achieve this?
You’ll need light coming into your DIY lightbox to your subject from all directions. You can achieve this by bouncing light around the box, and also from light sources shining through and into the box. In the majority of cases, light sources shine into the box from the outside. However, you’ll also see a box that uses reflected light to achieve the same result.
The light source
The light source you use will depend on what you have available. It’s possible to use strong spotlights to create the light for your DIY lightbox.
Using strobes triggered remotely is a better option, however, these emit a strong burst of light that will light up everything in your lightbox. When using a strobe, it’s even more important to soften the light by bouncing it.
A light source like an off-camera flash will be needed.
The shoot-thru DIY lightbox
This is the classic form for a lightbox. In this method, you’ll be creating windows in a cardboard box and then covering those with paper. In effect, you’re creating softbox-like panels around the outside of your box.
Equipment you’ll need
Cardboard box – A decent size cardboard box. One that has sides larger than an A4 piece of paper is ideal.
Three pieces of white paper – These need to be large enough to cover one side of the cardboard box.
One larger piece of paper – This is needed once the box is complete. It’s attached within the box to create an infinity curve.
Scissors – Needed to cut holes in the side of your box.
Tape – You’ll need some tape to stick everything together!
This box shows the holes cut in the side, and two panels of white paper have been added.
How to make the box
Turn the box on it’s side, and cut off the top flaps.
Cut out “windows” on the left, right and top of the box. Leave the back of the box alone.
Use the paper to cover over the holes you have created, and tape the paper to the box.
Now tape the larger piece of paper to the back of the box, and allow it to curve down to the floor of the box.
Your lightbox is now ready to use, just use your light sources to shine through the paper panels on the side of the box.
An image produced using a DIY lightbox.
Making a reflector DIY lightbox
This is an alternative and is arguably even easier to make. The results are similar, but you’ll need to make a larger box. The increased size can be an advantage as it will allow you to photograph those larger objects.
Equipment needed
Foamboard – You’ll need four of these. Three for the sides, and one for the roof. The size used in this example is 90cm by 60cm.
Tape – Use the tape to stick the boards together. This should be the wider variety of tape, used to tape boxes together.
Scissors – to cut the tape as needed
A sheet of paper – A long sheet of paper to form the backdrop behind the object you’ll photograph. This paper will usually be white. The paper should be comparable in size to the foamboards.
Foam board stuck together with tape. They fold up like a concertina for storage.
How to make the box
Line up three of the foamboards. They should be placed together with the shortest side facing each other.
Leave a gap between each board, this should be between half and one centimeter.
Use the tape to stick the boxes together. The gap will now allow you to fold the boards in on each other.
Flip the boards over, and put the tape on the other side. This will reinforce the whole structure.
Now, take the three boards and stand them up in a horseshoe-like shape.
Tape the sheet of white paper to the backboard, and run it down to the ground. Ensure there is a curve where it meets the ground.
Place the final foamboard over this structure, it will act as the roof.
Your lightbox is now ready. Place your light sources within the structure, so light bounces around the box.
This lightbox is now ready for use, with the foam roof attached.
How to use your new DIY Lightbox
Now that your lightbox is ready, you’ll want to put it to good use. When photographing with it, ensure that your main subject is not too large. There should be a few centimeters clearance around your object, so when you focus on it, the background is your backdrop.
Good objects to photograph are still-life objects like ceramics, or perhaps a homemade quilting product! Lightboxes can also be ideal for food, though you’ll likely need to replace the backdrop paper afterward.
This shows two ceramics vases lit using the reflector DIY lightbox.
The backdrop paper
The default color for your backdrop paper is going to be white. White looks clean, and you’ll also be able to post-process your image more easily, potentially cutting it out and putting it in a new image.
The next best backdrop to use is black. The neutrality of black can work well for a minimalist feel. Then beyond that, you can experiment with any color you feel compliments the product you happen to be photographing.
A black background is another option for this type of photography.
Get started with your still-life photography!
A still-life project is a perfect thing to do when you’re stuck indoors; however, getting the materials may require a trip to the shops for most.
Have you tried your hand at making photography equipment before? If so, what have you made, and how did it benefit your photography? Did you ever try making a DIY lightbox of your own? If you’ve got examples of photographs taken with a lightbox, we’d love to see them! As always, leave your thoughts and photos in the comments section below.
The post How to Make a DIY Lightbox for Product Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Bond.
Sony has issued a product advisory for select SD cards in three of its SD card lineups, stating video captured with these cards could become corrupted without warning.
The product advisory, posted last Friday, says cards in Sony’s SF-M series, Tough SF-M series and Tough SD-G series are affected by an issue wherein ‘data on [the affected cards] may be damaged or data may not be recorded correction when shooting video on a camera in the video speed class mode.’ No further information is provided on what exactly is causing the problem, but Sony says it’s offering replacement cards through March 31, 2022 for SD cards currently under warranty.
Sony provides the below illustrations to help you deduce whether or not your card is affected by the issue, but you can tell at a quick glance by looking for a little star on the back of left-hand corner of the card — if you have a star, your card isn’t affected.
Sony: ‘To check whether your [SF-M] card is affected, look for a star mark and an alphanumeric on the lower corner on the back of the card. If your card has NO star mark and has an alphanumeric beginning with TV, your card is affected by this issue. (If your card has an alphanumeric beginning with TR, your card is not affected by this issue.)
Sony: ‘To check whether your card is affected, look for a star mark on the lower left corner on the back of the card. If your card has NO star mark, your card is affected by this issue.’
Sony: ‘[Affected SF-M Tough] cards can be identified by the presence of V60, R:277MB/s, and W:150MB/s on the card frontside. To check whether your card is affected, look for a star mark on the lower left corner on the back of the card. If your card has NO star mark, your card is affected by this issue.’
If your card is one of the affected units, Sony requests you call their support line (239–768–7669) or connect with a representative through its online chat support. Sony specifically requests you not contact the retailer you purchased your card from. Dan Carr of Shuttermuse says he’s been through the process and was required to provide the following information when you speak with a representative:
SD card model number
SD card serial number
Date of purchase
Place of purchase
Shipping and contact information
You can read the full advisory on Sony’s support page.
Tamron has issued a product advisory noting that select units of its 70–180mm F2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) lens for Sony E-mount cameras were shipped without proper calibration of the internal floating optics, which could result in decreased image quality.
The internal floating optics are designed to correct for chromatic aberration when properly calibrated, but according to Tamron’s notice, ‘some lenses have already been shipped out without the value being optimized.’ Tamron says affected units that have shipped will be inspected and adjusted or exchanged for entirely new units.
Tamron doesn’t specifically say what set of serial numbers are potentially affected, but they have set up a dedicated website for entering your unit’s serial number to verify whether your unit is affected. Above is a graphic on where you can locate the serial number of your lens.
Tamron ends the notice saying it ‘sincerely apologize(s) to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience this issue may cause […] We appreciate your continued support for our products.’
Canon has announced it will be hosting a Virtual Press Conference at 1pm on April 20, 2020 ‘to unveil the company’s new professional imaging products and technologies.’
The press release, embedded below, doesn’t specifically say what products Canon has in store, but does say they will be ‘broadcast and cinema products’ that ‘[align] with the current and growing needs of the respective industries such as 4K UHD and HDR, as well as evolving technologies.’
In the meantime, you can spend your days in quarantine staring at the countdown timer on Canon’s website.
Canon U.S.A to Host Virtual Press Conference for New Professional Imaging Products and Technologies
MELVILLE, N.Y., March 30, 2020 –– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that they will be hosting a Virtual Press Conference to unveil the company’s new professional imaging products and technologies. The Virtual Press Conference, which will be streamed on the Canon U.S.A. website at usa.canon.com/VPC2020, is scheduled to air on Monday, April 20, 2020, at 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PT.
“As Canon continues to monitor the global response surrounding the spread of COVID-19, the effects of which have impacted every aspect of our lives, we would like to thank everyone for their understanding and ongoing support during this challenging time,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president, and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc “The road ahead is long and filled with uncertainty, but when the broadcast and cinema industries are ready to resume ‘normal’ activities, Canon wants them to know we will be there to continue to support professionals with new products and technologies that meet their needs.”
The new Canon broadcast and cinema products featured during the Virtual Press Conference are aligned with the current and growing needs of the respective industries such as 4K UHD and HDR, as well as evolving technologies.
For more information and the latest updates, please visit usa.canon.com/VPC2020 and follow us on Twitter at @CanonUSAprovideo and Instagram @canonusaprovideo.
Like many photographers stuck at home due to the coronavirus, Chris and Jordan need a creative outlet. Let’s see what happens when they try to re-create bad product photography from a kids’ toy.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.
Introduction
The concept
The original Marble Run box
Product shots
Can Chris pass for a 12 year-old?
The results
Want more?
Photos from this episode
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Fujifilm will be livestreaming its X Summit 2020, which is taking place in London tomorrow at 8pm GMT / 3pm EST / noon PST, with panel discussions and maybe even a product announcement.
DPReview’s own Barney Britton will be on the panel, along with senior management from Fujifilm and pro photographers, which will make for an interesting discussion.
The livestream can be watched on Fujifilm’s website or on YouTube.
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