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Posts Tagged ‘Reach’

Gudsen updates Moza Slypod Pro electric monopod arm with longer reach, better battery

16 Apr

Gimbal manufacturer Gudsen has updated its Moza Slypod electronic monopod, adding a longer extension, faster motion and better battery life. The Moza Slypod Pro is essentially a motor-driven monopod that allows videographers to create smooth slider and jib-style camera movements using automatically extending telescopic tubes.

The Slypod Pro can be controlled via the Moza App to extend the telescopic tubes at a given pace to allow mounted cameras to slide across the scene, towards or away from the subject, or to raise or lower the shooting angle. In this new version the range of movement has been increased, allowing a shift from start to finish of up to 53cm/21in, and the speed at which the camera can be moved has been increased to 40mm per second. A further improvement over the previous models is the 4 hour battery life, which can be supplemented with USB power via an external battery pack.

Made of carbon fiber, to keep the weight down, at 1460g it is still heavier than the previous Slypod and Slypod E due to the extra extension, and probably the bigger battery. It can support kit of up to 2kg for horizontal movement and 6kg when being asked to move vertically.

The Slypod can be linked to the Moza Aircross 2 gimbal to allow both devices to be controlled from the same app when the gimbal is mounted on the Slypod, allowing the camera to move in many more directions at the same time.

The Slypod Pro stores at 650mm and extends to a maximum of 1180mm, and comes with an Arca Swiss type mount instead of the Manfrotto mount used on the original Slypod and the E version. The company is launching the Pro version via a Kickstarter campaign that exceeded its very modest funding goal almost immediately. The campaign is offering the Slypod Pro for $ 459, with an estimated shipping date of May 2021. For more information see the Moza Slypod Kickstarter campaign page or the Gudsen Moza website.

Press release

MOZA Announces Launch of Slypod Pro – World’s First Electronically Adjustable Monopod

Imaging solutions experts MOZA, just announced the launch of Slypod Pro – an innovative electronically adjustable monopod for phone and camera photography. This impressive new monopod combines an electric slider & jib arm that lets users capture amazing photos at any angle and with smooth transition effects. Now, there is an affordable way for anyone to achieve professional results easier than ever. Slypod Pro is available now live on Kickstarter. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mozaslypodpro/moza-slypod-pro-do-wonders

This impressive new device is more than just a monopod. It’s a 3-in-1 monopod that combines an electronic slider & fully adjustable jib arm that lets users capture amazing photos at any angle and with smooth transition effects. As the world’s first electronic height adjustable monopod, Slypod Pro can be controlled with just one hand. Its motorized slider is internally geared and silky smooth, and extends out 530mm for a total length of 1460mm. It provides rock-steady support for perfectly smooth motion shots and compelling video.

With Slypod Pro, there are no more lost moments. The slider and jib arm can be placed at any angle and camera position. Previously impossible angles become easy to achieve for photos that come to life from new creative perspectives. Users can find the perfect shot by extending the slider in and out for compelling video and high camera angles.

Slypod Pro Redefines motion control when combined with the MOZA Master App other MOZA’s products such as the MOZA AirCross 2 gimbal to capture dynamic motion footage, and seamless cinematic shots with perfect stability.

“Collapsible monopods are a great option when it’s impractical to carry a bulky tripod. Combined with extensions and jib arms, they allow users to capture stable images at a variety of camera angles. At MOZA, our goal with Slypod Pro was to create the ultimate monopod, one that combines the smoothness of an electronic slider with a versatile jib arm for greater control and creativity. Fully electronic, Slypod can be operated with just one hand, or remotely by app. It gives users the features normally found in high-end photography gear, in a compact, portable and affordable option. Slypod Pro redefines the monopod so that you save time, streamline the photo process, and never, ever miss a shot.” Terry Guan, Founder Of MOZA

Sometimes the best photos happen without being behind the camera so the included MOZA Master APP works with smartphone to enable total control of the monopod to operate the motorized slider, perform precise movements at variable speeds and pre-program movements so users can concentrate on creativity instead of setup.

This full-featured monopod is durable and strong but made for portability. With a rigid carbon fiber body, and tri-legged support stand, it works on any surface. When it’s time to leave the studio and capture location shots, or during travel, the monopod collapses to a compact size that is lightweight, easy to carry and fits in a backpack.

SlyPod Pro supports most of the mainstream entry-level or pro-level photo and video cameras and other camera accessories for versatility and professional results and is available now on Kickstarter with special pricing for early adopters. To learn more visit the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mozaslypodpro/moza-slypod-pro-do-wonders


Note/disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project before backing it. Pledges to crowdfunding campaigns are not pre-orders. DPReview does not have a relationship with this, or any such campaign, and we publicize only projects that appear legitimate, and which we consider will be of genuine interest to our readers. You can read more about the safeguards Kickstarter has in place on its ‘Trust & Safety’ page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon’s new ML-100, ML-105 industrial cameras can reach ISO 4.5 million

05 Nov

Canon has announced the release of the ML-100 and ML-105 Multipurpose Cameras, a pair of industrial-use cameras that offer extremely low light imaging capabilities in small, modular form factors.

Both the ML-100 and ML-105 use a next-generation 19um 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor. The sensor can capture Full HD (1080p) with a subject illumination of less than 0.0005 lux when set to their maximum 75dB gain setting (equivalent to roughly 4.5M ISO).

ML-100 ML-105

The two units are differentiated by lens mounts and video output configurations, resulting in four individual models. The ML-100 uses a CoaXpress terminal that produces 12-bit Raw video with a ‘region of interest’ feature that can bump up the frame rate to 164 frames per second at 720p. The ML-105 uses a 3G/HD-SDI video terminal and is capable of TCC 4:2:2 10-bit output powered by Canon’s Digic DV4 image processor. The two versions can be ordered with either an EF or M58 mount.

Although Canon doesn’t specifically mention it, these cameras appear to be, at least in spirit, the successors to its industrial-use ME20F-SH camera, which currently retails for around $ 20K.

The M58 mount version of the ML-100 multi-purpose camera is set to be released at the end of December 2020, while the three other models are scheduled for an April 2021 release date. No pricing information has been shared at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram clarifies its algorithmic feed doesn’t limit post reach, despite viral claims

24 Jan

Instagram has released a statement clarifying a viral image that claims only 7% of a user’s followers can see content they share on the platform. Images of the clickbait claim have been making their rounds on the platform for months, usually with the header, ‘This is a test.’

A collection of posts with the hashtag #thisisatest that can be found when searching Instagram

According to a series of tweets from the company, Instagram hasn’t made any recent changes to its feed algorithm and doesn’t hide any posts from users.

Instagram addressed the claim in multiple tweets yesterday, stating that its users will see all posts from all accounts they follow, assuming they “keep scrolling” long enough.

Instagram replaced its chronological feed with one sorted by an algorithm in 2016. Since that time, Instagram users see content presented based on a number of factors, including how often they engage with a particular account and how often they check their feed. Some users have been confused by this change, which can make it appear that posts by some accounts are missing from the feed.

In March 2018, the company announced that it would tweak its algorithm based on this feedback so that newer posts were more likely to show up near the top of the feed.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung wants to dethrone Sony, reach #1 in the global image sensor market

17 Mar

According to a new report out of South Korea, Samsung is increasing production of its ISOCELL image sensors at its Hwasung, South Korea location in a bid to clinch the #1 spot in image sensors worldwide.

However, this feat is definitely easier said than done. Current market leader Sony has a comfortable advantage over its South Korean rival, and certainly won’t go down without a fight. In the lucrative smartphone segment alone, Sony currently has a 46 percent market share versus Samsung’s much smaller 19 percent.

That said, technologically at least, Samsung is well-placed to take on the challenge. Its latest Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S9/S9 Plus devices all come with innovative imaging technologies and offer excellent camera performance built on Samsung’s own sensor technology.

The company rebranded its image sensor range as Isocell in June 2017. Since then, Samsung has not only expanded its high-end sensor offerings, it also designed low-cost image sensor modules that are easy to implement into devices by other manufacturers. Several of those, for example Xiaomi and Meizu, are already using Samsung image sensors.

However, market leadership cannot be achieved with smartphones alone. Samsung is also planning to grow in the automotive space where CMOS sensors are increasingly used in the autonomous vehicle space and for other applications. In this segment, Samsung will face stiff competition from the likes of Bosch and Continental.

Whoever ends up ruling the image sensor market, a large company like Samsung challenging Sony’s quasi-monopoly for image sensors can only be good news for consumers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Got Reach? Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 G2 sample gallery

24 Oct

Tamron’s newly updated SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 G2 telephoto lens is weather sealed and sports a number of upgrades, including improved image quality over its previous iteration. The real question is how does it hold up in the real-world? We took the lens to the streets – and to the roof deck – to get a feel for its performance in this sample image gallery.  

See our Tamron 150-600mm F5-6.3 G2
real-world sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pokédrone Go: Micro-Drone Augments Reach for Pokémon Players

20 Jul

[ By WebUrbanist in Gaming & Computing & Technology. ]

pokeman mini drone game

Pokémon Go has hit the ground running, breaking game release records and getting people out of the house and onto city streets. This new drone promises to take the game even further, allowing aerial access to hard-to-reach spots. Designed by TRNDlabs, the Pokédrone lets users slot their smartphone into a controller, then steer the small drone to the target location, extending reach in real life.

The tiny four-prop toy addresses a persistent problem with game: sometimes the spots players need to get to (or at least: get a phone-connected camera to) IRL are located above water or in the middle of roads, either hard or dangerous to reach. Its creators promise it will make the tagline of the game a reality and let you “catch ’em all.”

pokedrones

This design solution release comes amidst an onslaught of press around the game, from stories of player-related accidents and muggings to uplifting tales of people getting out and meeting strangers on the streets.

flying drone capture

Relying on data from Ingress, the Pokémon game is still a work in progress, but supplemental projects like the drone above may prove helpful in fixing its problems and filling in its gaps.

trndlabs-2652-SKEYE-nano-drone-FPV-DIECUT01-aw-v3-OL

It is hard to say whether Pokémon-as-such will retain its popularity over time, but so far it seems to have broken down the wall between console gaming, mobile games and urban exploration. As such, it is opening a (virtual, real and metaphorical) door for similar interactive technologies aiming to gain ground.

pokeman joe

Who knows, maybe the next iteration of the game (Poké-Man Joe?) will let users seek out other players and digitally “capture” them by conversing or swapping data, a kind of meta-Pokémon as it were aimed at generating not just urban but human interaction.

Meanwhile, the game is already helping people rediscover their civic surroundings, getting them to engage with architecture, parks, plazas, monuments and memorials in new and compelling ways (at least when they glance up from their screens).

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[ By WebUrbanist in Gaming & Computing & Technology. ]

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Affordable reach: Ricoh announces Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens

09 Jun

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Ricoh Imaging has announced the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens. The new version builds in some new features and sheds some weight compared to the company’s previous 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR lens, but at the expense of a slightly smaller maximum aperture range.

Namely, this new lens features a pulse motor (PLM) and adopts a ‘rear-focus’ system – both of these changes result in faster autofocus acquisition times (8.3x at wide angle and 1.7x at telephoto), as well as quieter overall autofocus performance when compared to its predecessor. Ricoh also claims that, when the lens is mounted on the new K-70 DSLR, a new autofocus algorithm ensures greater precision and faster operation with dimly lit subjects.

The lens is 10% lighter than the old 55-300mm, is fully weather-sealed and focuses down to 0.95m/3.1ft Rounding out the key specs and changes is an electromagnetic diaphragm control system, which, according to Ricoh, will provide smoother aperture control during video recording.

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens will retail for $ 399.95/£399.99 when it becomes available – Ricoh will make an availability announcement in July.


Press release:

Ricoh Imaging announces compact, lightweight and weather-resistant HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens

Advanced-design telephoto zoom lens delivers high-speed, quiet autofocus and outstanding optical performance in an extremely portable package

DENVER, Colo. June 8, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, this new, weather-resistant 5.5X telephoto zoom lens provides enhanced autofocus (AF) and outstanding optical performance in a compact and lightweight package.

The lens provides effective focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm when mounted on a PENTAX APS-C format digital SLR, including the new PENTAX K-70 announced today (see separate news release). Its design enables quiet, high-speed AF operation in still-image shooting, as well as smooth and quiet AF tracking operation during video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.

PENTAX HD (high-definition) coated optics deliver sharp, bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (0.95 meters) to further expand the range of photographic applications. With a fully retractable design, the lens measures only 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) long when retracted, and weighs less than one pound (442 grams), making it easy to carry around, even for casual shooting.

Fully weather-sealed, this lens is a durable and dependable companion for outdoor shooting—even in rain, snow or other wet conditions—when used with any of the many weather-resistant PENTAX DSLRs, such as the new K-70.

| Pricing and Availability |

Availability of the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens will be announced in early July. When available, it can be purchased at www.ricohimaging.com for $ 399.95, as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.

Main Features

1. High-speed AF operation

With the adoption of a rear-focus system, the lens is almost 10 percent lighter than the PENTAX’s previous 55-300m lens—the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED WR. By driving this focusing lens using a pulse motor (PLM), which is directly linked to a lead screw, this zoom lens also operates faster — approximately 8.3 times at its wide-angle end and approximately 1.7 times at its telephoto end —and quieter than its predecessor. When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body (also announced today), it assures smoother, faster AF operation with dimly lit subjects, thanks to an improved AF algorithm that exchanges AF data between the camera body and the lens with greater precision. Operability of its power-assisted focus system during manual-focus operation has also been improved. Since its distance ring is designed to accurately detect the angle of rotation and swiftly react to a change of angle, this zoom lens can shift its focusing lens smoothly in response to distance ring operation.

2. Quiet AF operation and electromagnetic diaphragm control, perfect for video recording

This is the first K-mount lens to feature an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.* When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR or other compatible camera body, it assures smooth, high-precision aperture control during video recording. This state-of-the-art system shifts the aperture setting automatically and smoothly to result in more natural, true-to-life videos, even when the brightness level of the subject changes drastically, such as a live theater performance or a sunlight- streaked forest scene, or with active subjects such as athletes and animals. Coupled with the PLM mechanism, the system also assures smooth AF tracking operation and exposure control, while minimizing the intrusion of focus- and aperture-shift noises during video recording.

* NOTE: This lens’ KAF4 mount is compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. In order to use this lens, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version (except for the PENTAX K-70). Cameras compatible with this system are: K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

3. High-quality images, with a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (0.95 meters)

With focal lengths from 84.5mm to 460mm (in the 35mm format), this telephoto zoom lens provides approximately 5.5-times zoom coverage from medium- to super-telephoto ranges. Its 14-element, 11- group optics include an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical element to effectively minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations, while delivering high-resolution, finely detailed images with rich contrast from the image’s center to its edges and minimal color bleeding at any focal length setting. In addition to a short minimal focusing distance of 0.95 meters, made possible by the rear-focus system, the lens barrel has also been designed to be free of extension during AF operation.

4. Compact telephoto zoom lens

Thanks to its retractable structure, the lens is only 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) long and weighs less than one pound (442 grams).

5. Weather-resistant construction

The lens features dependable, weather-resistant construction with 11 sealed parts to effectively prevent the intrusion of water into the lens interior. When paired with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the result is a durable, dependable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings.

6. HD Coating to optimize image description

The lens is treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD (high definition) Coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this PENTAX-original coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions.

7. Other features

?Quick-Shift Focus System allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation, even when the camera’s AF system is in operation.

?SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease.

?Rounded diaphragm with nine blades to produce a smooth, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect. Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 55–300 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Pentax KAF3
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.5–6.3
Minimum aperture F22–32
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Rounded blades
Optics
Elements 14
Groups 11
Special elements / coatings ED elements + HD and SP coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.95 m (37.4)
Maximum magnification 0.3×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter No
Physical
Weight 471 g (1.04 lb)
Diameter 77 mm (3.01)
Length 89 mm (3.5)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Filter thread 58.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code PH-RBK58
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Why You May be Failing to Reach Your Potential as a Photographer

03 Jun

There are a number of reasons why someone might not succeed at reaching their full potential, more than I can cover in this article, so please feel free to add to this list by telling us what obstacles get in your way. If you have solutions to someone else’s problem, feel free to offer up some advice, and help out a fellow photographer.

reach-photography-potential

What does it mean to reach one’s potential?

Reaching your potential can be a bit arbitrary as everyone has different ideas of what success means. In order to simplify this article a little, let’s make a couple of assumptions to define the photographer we are talking about.

Assumption #1 – The photographer in question is someone who wants to improve their work through the long haul. This photographer may or may not want to become a professional, but they do want to look back on their portfolio and be proud of what they have accomplished.

Assumption #2 – For the sake of this article things out of the control of our make believe photographer – i.e. financial situation, health, and social/family aspects of life – are not the cause of their failure to reach their potential.

What then, are the obstacles that may be holding you back?

Lack of confidence

Think about learning a new skill. At the beginning you’ll most likely have a low level of confidence, but this is off-set by a high level of excitement to try something new. As time goes on though, that newness wears off and you’re left feeling like you’ve gotten yourself in over your head – does that sound familiar?

reach-photography-potential-2

With photography there is so much information available on the web, so many people to compare yourself to, so many clubs to join, and so many things to buy, that it can become overwhelming for you to figure out the right path to take forward.

This frustration can lead to confusion, or even doubt over the decisions you’ve made, making this a common question, “Did I buy the right lens/tripod/software?”.

The simplest advice that can be given in this situation is to try to block out the distractions around you. Try to focus on your own improvement, and benchmark your current photography against what you did last month, or last year. This will help showcase your personal triumphs, allowing you to stay confident in your progress.

Lack of Motivation

If there’s one thing that will stop you from reaching your potential, it’s lack of motivation. Photography requires a lot of time and energy. You have to plan shoots, find subjects, work with models or nature, often travel to a location – a lot goes into photography.

reach-photography-potential-4

To compound this, motivation will often peak when something is new, but as you visit the same location a few times, use the new lens repeatedly, or master the new technique you read about, the level of motivation you get from these things starts to wane.

In order to avoid stalling out due to lack of motivation, one thing you can do is to keep trying new things. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in themed challenges, like those here on dPS weekly. Another option would be to join a local photography club, or even an online community, to allow you to meet other photographers and share ideas.

Not investing in the right gear

You probably know that gear alone can’t make you a better photographer, but the wrong gear can certainly hold you back.

reach-photography-potential-3

Trying to cut corners on cheap tripods, poor quality bags, or inferior lens filters, will do more harm than good. One could argue that poor quality gear will actually hurt your photography, more than high quality gear will improve it. So invest wisely, but be careful not to fall into the next hurdle.

Relying on gear to carry you

As mentioned above, some investment is necessary in order to set yourself up for success. However, too much reliance on the gear you buy will only hold you back. Thinking that upgrading to full frame will improve your photography is not the right reason to buy a new $ 2,000 dollar camera.

When it comes to investing in new gear there are two questions you should ask yourself:

  1. What is the driving force behind your desire to upgrade?
  2. How will the desired upgrade fill a need in a way that your current gear cannot?

Hopefully by answering these questions you’ll be able to find out whether or not the gear that you’re inquiring about is a want or a need, and how big of an impact it will have on the photographs you produce.

What else stops you from achieving your potential?

Let us know in the comments what hurdles you face as a photographer. What stops you from achieving your potential, and maybe we as a community can help you find ways to tackle that challenge.


Editor’s Note: This is one of a series of articles this week that are Open for Discussion. We want to get the conversation going, hear your voice and opinions, and talk about some possibly controversial topics in photography.

Let’s get it started here – do you agree or disagree with the points in the article above? Do you have any others to add? Give us your thoughts below, and watch for more discussion topics each day this week.

See all the recent discussion topics here:

  • 7 Commonly Accepted Photography Beliefs Debunked
  • Is HDR dead? Some dPS Writer’s Thoughts on this Controversial Topic
  • How to Find your Personal Photographic Style

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The post Why You May be Failing to Reach Your Potential as a Photographer by John Davenport appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III puts emphasis on lens reach and video capabilities

29 Mar

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Sony has unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III, surpassing the zoom range of its predecessor with a 24-600mm equiv. F2.4-4 lens. The camera uses the same 1″-type stacked CMOS sensor which produces 20MP stills as well as 4K/UHD video, and does not replace the RX10 II, which continues in Sony’s lineup.

The RX10 III’s sizable lens makes room for aperture, focus and zoom rings, as well as a focus hold button. The camera offers an XGA OLED EVF with 2.36 million dots, as well as a tilting LCD. The body is dust and moisture resistant. Sony claims that its SteadyShot stabilization system offers up to 4.5 stops of benefit.  

The Cyber-shot RX10 III’s lens features eight ED glass elements, including two ED aspherical and one Super ED glass elements. A SteadyShot stabilization system provides up to 4.5 stops of benefit, according to Sony.

An updated shutter provides a fast read-out ‘anti-distortion’ electronic shutter up to 1/32,000sec as well as a silent shooting mode. Wi-Fi and NFC have also come along for the ride.

Movie capabilities

Like the RX10 II, the RX10 III features a solid video specification; offering 4K video from 1.7X oversampled, full pixel readout (without binning). The camera alsio offers the video-centric Picture Profile modes that give fine-grained control over the camera’s tonal and color responses, and include the very flat S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma curves. Like the RX10 II, the III includes both a mic input socket for using an external mic and a headphone jack for monitoring that recorded audio. 

It also offers the high frame rate ‘HFR’ videos modes that capture footage at up to 960 fps (albeit at reduced resolutions) and then play it back as 1080p/24.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III will sell for around $ 1500, a $ 200 premium over the existing RX10 II.


Press Release:

Sony’s New Cyber-shot RX10 III Camera Brings Extended Zoom Capability to Acclaimed RX Line

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar. 29, 2016 – Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer – has today announced an exciting new addition to its acclaimed Cyber-shot RX lineup, the high-zoom RX10 III camera.

Featuring a newly-developed 25x super-telephoto zoom lens with an extensive focal range of 24-600mm1, the new RX10 III camera is able to produce high-quality content at a variety of focal lengths and camera settings that would require three or more large, heavy and expensive lenses for an interchangeable lens camera user. It’s an outstanding choice for a shooting anything from landscapes to distant wildlife and everything in between.

The RX10 III high zoom camera is equipped with a 1.0 type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor with DRAM chip and advanced signal processing, along with a powerful BIONZ X™ image processor. These components work together to ensure the highest possible image quality throughout the entire zoom range of the 24-600mm lens. Additionally, they are responsible for a variety of standout professional-caliber features including 40x super slow motion video capture at up to 960 fps, an ultra-fast Anti-Distortion Shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 second, high resolution 4K movie shooting and more.

“By pairing the convenience of an ultra-telephoto lens with our innovative stacked CMOS image sensor design, we’ve created a whole new image experience unlike anything else in market today,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics. “The new RX10 III offers a true ‘all in one’ package that will appeal to a wide range of amateur, hobbyist and professional photographers and videographers.”

New ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm F2.4 – F4 Lens

The impressive 24-600mm ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* lens on the Cyber-shot RX10 III camera features a large maximum aperture of F2.4 – F4.0, helping it achieve outstanding image quality throughout the entire zoom range, all the way up to ultra-telephoto. This differentiates it from many other high-zoom lenses that often struggle with light-gathering at longer focal lengths. The aperture unit itself has nine blades that are designed to create a near perfect circle in the F2.4 – F11 range, enabling shooters to create content with beautiful bokeh, where the subject stands out against a softly defocused background.

In total, the extended zoom lens features eight ED glass elements including one super ED glass element, five ED glass elements and two ED aspherical lenses, which all work together to minimize chromatic aberration and deliver high-contrast, ultra-sharp image quality. It also has ZEISS® T* Coating for minimizing flare and ghosting and delivering accurate, faithful color reproduction.

The new lens has built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization that helps to reduce camera shake and image blur, in particular when shooting at longer focal lengths. When active, the OSS is equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed approximately 4.5 stops3 faster than the current setting of the camera.

Additionally, with a minimum focusing distance of 72 cm (2.36 ft) and 0.49x maximum magnification at a fully extended 600mm, the new lens is capable of producing amazingly detailed tele-macro images.

High Quality Image Detail

The RX10 III features a back-illuminated 20.1 MP 1.0-type stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine that allow the camera to achieves a wide sensitivity range of ISO 644 – ISO 12800 and produce images with exceptionally low noise, even at higher sensitivity settings.

Additionally, the rear of the sensor has a DRAM chip that allows it to read and process large volumes of data exceptionally fast, enabling the camera to shoot super slow motion video at up to 960 fps. The powerful DRAM chip also allows the RX10 III to shoot continuously at up to 14fps with minimal blackout.

With shutter speeds as fast as 1/32000 second, the electronic shutter on the RX10 III minimizes image distortion at faster shutter speeds. It also offers silent shooting at all settings and speeds, ensuring all content can be captured quietly without disrupting the subject, a powerful feature when combined with the wide-ranging zoom lens.

High Quality 4K Movie Recording

The new RX10III model becomes the latest and most versatile Cyber-shot RX camera to offer the advantages of 4K (QFHD 3840×2160) movie recording thanks to its far-reaching 24-600mm lens, which gives videographers the luxury of shooting high quality 4K video from extreme distances.

In 4K video mode, the RX10 III camera utilizes full pixel readout without pixel binning, capturing approximately 1.7x more information than is required for 4K movie output to enhance image detail and minimize moiré and jaggies. It achieves these high-quality results through use of the XAVC S codec, which records video at a high data rate of up to 100 Mbps during 4K recording and up to 50 Mbps during full HD recording5.

The new camera also has a variety of other professional caliber video features including Picture Profile, S-Log2/S-Gamut, Gamma Display Assist, Time Code and more, as well as input for external microphone and output for headphone monitoring.

Super Slow Motion Video Recording

The new RX10 III also possesses the ability to record super slow-motion video at up to 40x slower than the standard rate, allowing users to capture and replay fleeting moments of action with incredible detail, resolution and clarity.

In “HFR” (high frame rate) setting, it offers the option to choose among 960fps, 480fps and 240 fps frame rates and among 60p, 30p and 24p playback formats6,7 with the option to use the movie record button as a ‘start trigger’ to begin recording once button is pressed or ‘end trigger’ to record footage up until the button is pressed.

High Speed Autofocus

The new RX10III camera is equipped with an impressive autofocus system with spatial object detection, allowing the camera to detect and predict motion of a subject before the shutter button is pressed, This helps the camera achieve an incredibly fast and efficient AF response when the shutter is halfway pressed, enabling it to lock on to a subject in as little as 0.09 seconds8. This is a yet another compelling technology, especially when paired with a versatile, highly capable 25x zoom lens with a range up to 600mm.

Ergonomics and Design

Aesthetically, the new RX10 III features a number of upgrades compared to existing RX10 models including triple lens rings for focus, zoom and aperture for direct, precise control. The hand grip shape has also been optimized for the new high-magnification, large-aperture lens to enhance stability when holding the camera at eye level. There is a new focus hold button on the lens barrel as well, allowing the focus to be easily locked on a subject while the shooter reframes the image.

The new model features a high-contrast XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ with approximately 2.35 million dots of resolution, ensuring true-to-life image preview and playback functionality. The camera is also dust and moisture resistant and both Wi-Fi® and NFC™ compatible, with the ability and can access Sony’s growing range of PlayMemories Camera Applications. Learn more at www.sony.net/pmca. A dedicated LCJ-RXJ soft carrying case will also be available for the new camera.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III extended zoom camera will be available this May for about $ 1,500 US and $ 2,000 CA, respectively. The new cameras and all compatible accessories will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America. 

Notes to Editors:

1. 35mm equivalent focal length
2. Approx. effective megapixels
3. CIPA standard, pitch/yaw directions, at 600mm (35mm equivalent,Telephoto)
4. Both ISO 64 and ISO 80 are expandable ISO range
5. A class 10 or higher SDXC/SDHC memory card is required for movie recording in XAVC S format. UHS-I (U3) SDHC/SDXC card is required for 100Mbps recording
6. Sound cannot be recorded when shooting slow motion. An SDXC memory card of Class 10 or higher is required.
7. In NTSC
8. CIPA standard, internal measurement, at 24mm (35mm equivalent, Wide), EV8.2, Program Auto, AF area: Centre, with NTSC mode

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III specifications

Price
MSRP $ 1499
Body type
Body type SLR-like (bridge)
Body material Magnesium alloy, composite
Sensor
Max resolution 5472 x 3648
Other resolutions 4864 x 3648, 5472 x 3080, 3648 x 3648, 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2592, 3648 x 2056, 2544 x 2544, 2736 x 1824, 2592 x 1944, 2720 x 1528, 1920 x 1920, 640 x 480
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
Sensor size 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
Sensor size notes Stacked CMOS sensor
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor Bionz X
Color space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 125 – 12800 (expands to 64-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 64
Boosted ISO (maximum) 25600
White balance presets 9
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Extra fine, standard, fine
File format
  • JPEG (DCF 2.0, EXIF 2.3)
  • Raw (Sony ARW 2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 24–600 mm
Optical zoom 25×
Maximum aperture F2.4 – F4.0
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4X)
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 3 cm (1.18)
Macro focus range 3 cm (1.18)
Number of focus points 25
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,228,800
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.7×
Viewfinder resolution 2,359,296
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/32000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Auto
  • Program auto
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • Sports Action
  • Macro
  • Landscape
  • Sunset
  • Night Scene
  • Handheld Twilight
  • Night Portrait
  • Anti Motion Blur
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 10.80 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash Yes (Multi-interface shoe)
Flash modes Auto, fill-flash, slow sync, rear sync, off
Drive modes
  • Single-shot
  • Continuous
  • Speed priority continuous
  • Self-timer
  • AE/WB/DRO Bracketing (single, continuous)
Continuous drive 14.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, continuous)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Resolutions 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p) ,1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Format MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Videography notes High speed modes at 240, 480, 960 fps
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI with 4K still and uncompressed HDMI output)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description NP-FW50 lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 420
Weight (inc. batteries) 1051 g (2.32 lb / 37.07 oz)
Dimensions 133 x 94 x 127 mm (5.24 x 3.7 x 5)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording No
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Open Source Homes: 6 Free Plans Put High-End Design in Reach

21 Jan

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

free open source houseboat

Rendering luxury-class house designs accessible to the public is just part of the beauty of Paperhouses, an endeavor to raise the quality of free house plans and and explore the potentials for architecture to be as open as technology can be. As with Wikihouse, anyone is welcome to download and begin construction on any of the uploaded homes without paying an architect fee.

open source houseboat system

The latest submission to Paperhouses is a houseboat by Carl Turner Architects composed of prefab parts and design to move freely in narrow urban waterways and allow for expansion in ever-more-crowded European capitals.

open source modular house

As with other homes in the database, this one is intended to be flexible, able to be adapted to different conditions and clients. While intended to float, the modular construction allows the design to be built on land with equal ease while an adjustable pallet of colors and materials allow it to be individualized by each builder or owner.

open winter cold house

open house private sky

open house urban context

Our Private Sky by Florian Busch Architects is part of the same initiative but approaches modularity through the idea of privacy and views. The primary focus of the structure is upward, while variable windows can be added, moved or removed depending upon its context.

open source modular blocks

open source free plan

open house plan layout

The Module House by Tatiana Bilbao is based on series of same-sized blocks that can be arranged and oriented depending on the layout of a site and desired directions relative to the sun, featuring concrete walls and cantilevers to balance daylight and shade.

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Open Source Homes 6 Free Plans Put High End Design In Reach

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