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Posts Tagged ‘Screen’

Which Green Screen for Video Conferencing?

18 Dec

Oh, dear! You just remembered you have a Zoom call in 5 minutes! Thankfully, you remembered in time, but unfortunately, your house is a mess. With everyone home so much lately, the cleanliness of your house has slowly backslid until somehow a certain amount of clutter has become the norm. But, piles of laundry and toys scattered across the floor Continue Reading

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Olympus’s new E-M10 IV has a selfie-friendly screen and 20MP sensor

05 Aug

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Olympus has introduced the fourth generation of its entry-level OM-D mirrorless camera: the E-M10 Mark IV. While it gains a new 20MP sensor and TruePic VIII processor, the main changes compared to its predecessor relate to taking selfies. The camera’s flip-down display and on-screen buttons make taking photos of yourself incredibly easy.

Olympus has also updated the camera’s continuous autofocus system (to keep it from wandering onto other subjects) and has given it much-needed support for USB charging.

The rest of the features on the E-M10 IV are mostly unchanged. It still has built-in 5-axis image stabilization, an OLED electronic viewfinder, a host of scene modes and Art Filters, and 4K/30p video capture.

The E-M10 Mark IV will be available in your choice of black or silver. It will be priced at $ 699 for the body and $ 799 when bundled with the compact 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens. From now until November 1st, buyers in the US and Canada will get a camera bag, extra battery and a 32GB memory card included at no charge.

Press release

THE OLYMPUS OM-D® E-M10 MARK IV

Capture Important Moments with Advanced Features in this Compact, Interchangeable Lens Camera Body

Center Valley, PA, August 4, 2020 – Olympus introduces the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, a compact, lightweight interchangeable, Micro Four Thirds® camera body designed for the beginner, yet packed with versatile features common in mid-level camera products—offering ease-of-use and incredible portability in a classic body design that is lighter than ever before. For a limited time (through November 1, 2020), purchase a new OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and receive a free starter kit, consisting of an Olympus camera bag, extra BLS-50 battery and 32GB SD card (starter kit valued at $ 99.99).

The award-winning Olympus OM-D series has a reputation for delivering flawless, professional-quality images and video to photographers of all levels, and the E-M10 Mark IV does not disappoint. This entry-point mirrorless camera is designed to allow the user to grow with it; its powerful image sensor and image-processing engine are packed with technology to deliver a wealth of versatile shooting features; perfect for the enthusiastic beginner photographer, who values quality, yet demands results. This model also features a high-definition electronic viewfinder for optimal quality while shooting in bright outdoor or backlit conditions, and an improved grip with a secure hold for superb ergonomics and comfortable control. The compact, lightweight design is equipped with in-body 5-axis image stabilization[i] featuring up to 4.5 shutter speed steps[ii] of compensation , and a new 20 Megapixel Live MOS sensor. Combined, the two

deliver high-quality photos and videos with minimal blur in any scene, including night photography and telephoto shooting.

Bring It Everywhere

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is lighter than any previous model, at approximately 0.85 pounds. Even when paired with the M.Zuiko® Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens, the kit is just over a pound (approximately 1.05 pounds), about the size of a standard bottle of water[iii], making it incredibly portable. A deep grip provides an ergonomic, comfortable and secure feel. Easy USB charging enables in-camera charging, using a power bank – convenient when on the go. This body is also wireless radio wave external flash compatible.

Perfect Photos – Every Time

Capture blur-free photos even in dark locations, thanks to improved in-body 5-axis image stabilization, providing 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation. Expect consistent in-focus subjects with improved autofocus tracking precision. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV uses the same moving subject detection algorithm available in the high-end OM-D E-M1X. Using Face/Eye Detection autofocus, a feature recently introduced on the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV captures beautiful portraits with more accurate face detection and tracking, even when viewing the face from the side or when partially hidden. The OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has the same 20M image sensor and high-performance TruePic VIII image processing engine available on Olympus high-end models, and now available on the E-M10 Mark IV. Never miss a fast action shot with its maximum 15 frames-per-second high-speed sequential shooting.

A first for the OM-D series, this model is equipped with a flip-down LCD monitor and dedicated selfie mode, making it easy and fun to take high-quality selfies using one hand. The camera supports high-angle and low-angle shooting, so photos and videos turn out exactly as imagined. Additionally, the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV features a high-definition electronic viewfinder, making it easier than ever to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

Unleash Creative Potential.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV allows users to choose from 28 Scene Modes, ranging anywhere from Portrait to Fireworks, and Sport to Macro, with many other options in between, allowing optimization of settings for the best results in virtually any scenario. 16 Art Filters, such as Vintage, Soft Focus and Instant Film offer the user the creative expression of their choice. Enjoy advanced techniques easily with Advanced Photo (AP) mode — an easy-to-navigate menu walks the user through features, such as High Dynamic Range (HDR), Live Composite, Live Time, Multiple Exposure and Focus Bracketing. Record beautiful 4K hand-held video even while walking, thanks to the powerful 5-axis image stabilization. Extract and save still images from the 4K videos. 4K video can be recorded without switching to video mode. Silent mode mutes shutter sounds during shooting, which is convenient for locations where sounds are not appropriate such as during recitals, concerts or weddings.

Expandable System Grows with the User

Olympus offers wide selection of Olympus M.Zuiko interchangeable lenses, from compact zoom lenses to single–focal-length lenses in a wide variety of focal lengths to meet the needs of any photographer. Choose the lens that best suits the subject. Traveling to a national park? Capture amazing wide landscapes with the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8 lens. Or get perfect shots of a new puppy with beautiful bokeh using an M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f1.8 lens. As the user’s photography skills and interests develop, this system is the perfect tool to grow with them. Wanting to explore macro photography, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f3.5 macro lens will be perfect.

Share and Post with Ease

Built-in Wi-Fi® easily and intuitively pairs with a smart device for remote shooting, wireless uploading and fast sharing. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV supports an always-on connection using Bluetooth , allowing the user the ability to play back or import images, even when the camera is not in hand. This built-in, stable connection antenna is the same one used in the OM-D high-end models. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® built into the camera body, the dedicated smartphone app Olympus OI.Share® can be used to easily and instantly import recorded photos and videos to a smartphone or for posting on social media. The Camera “How To” guide is also available in the app for learning shooting methods and techniques on the go.

Pricing, Configurations Availability & Specifications

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Body (Silver/Black); $ 699.99 (U.S.)/$ 999.99 (CAD)
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV EZ Kit Body (Silver/Black) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5- 5.6 EZ[iv] lens; $ 799.99 (U.S.)/$ 1,049.99 (CAD)

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV will be available for pre-order at participating local authorized retailers, or at www.getolympus.com, and will begin shipping on September 25, 2020. For detailed product specifications visit https://www.getolympus.com/digitalcameras/omd/e-m10-mark-iv.html .

Take advantage of a special launch offer by purchasing a new OM-D E-M10 Mark IV before November 1, 2020; receive an Olympus starter kit, including an Olympus camera bag, extra BLS- 50 battery and 32GB SD card (starter kit valued at $ 99.99).

i) Compared with the previous model Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

ii) M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ at a focal distance of f=42mm (35mm equivalent: f=84mm), conforms to CIPA standards, when corrected on 2 axes (yaw and pitch)

iii) Approx. 476 g when paired with M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (CIPA standard compliant, including bundled battery and memory card, no eyecup)

iv) The silver camera bodies come with a silver lens, and the black camera body comes with a black lens.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV specifications

Price
MSRP $ 699 (body only), $ 799 (w/14-42mm lens)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Composite, metal
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 22 megapixels
Sensor size Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor TruePic VIII
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 100
Boosted ISO (maximum) 25600
White balance presets 6
Custom white balance Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
CIPA image stabilization rating 4.5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Super fine, fine, normal
File format
  • JPEG
  • Raw (Olympus ORF, 12-bit lossless)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 121
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier 2×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.62× (0.31× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • e-Portrait
  • Landscape + Portrait
  • Night + Portrait
  • Children
  • Night scene
  • Sport
  • Hand-held Starlight
  • Fireworks
  • Light trails
  • Sports
  • Panning
  • Landscape
  • Sunset
  • Beach & Snow
  • Backlight HDR
  • Candlelight
  • Silent
  • Macro
  • Nature Macro
  • Documents
  • Multi Focus Shot
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 7.20 m (at ISO 200)
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes Redeye, fill-in, off, redeye slow-sync (1st-curtain), slow sync (1st-curtain), slow sync (2nd-curtain), manual
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Single anti-shock
  • Silent
  • Sequential high
  • Silent sequential high
  • Sequential low
  • Anti-shock sequential low
  • Silent sequential low
  • 12 sec self-timer
  • 2 sec self-timer
  • Custom self-timer (regular/anti-shock)
Continuous drive 15.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Highlight-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±5 (3, 5 frames at 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Built-in
Battery description BLS-50 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 360
Weight (inc. batteries) 383 g (0.84 lb / 13.51 oz)
Dimensions 122 x 84 x 49 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.93)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lenovo unveils 21.5″ Smart Frame wall screen for displaying digital images and artwork

08 Jan

Lenovo has introduced a new product for displaying albums of digital images as art in one’s home or office. Called the Smart Frame, this new connected 21.5-inch display is designed to look like a large picture frame, blending in with one’s existing decor to showcase the user’s own images or a selection of licensed artwork stored in the cloud.

The Lenovo Smart Frame is designed for use with the company’s snap-on mounting system, which enables the user to rotate the image from portrait to landscape modes for displaying different types of images and artwork. Buyers are given the option of choosing different frame materials and colors to match their existing decor.

A built-in color tone sensor monitors the ambient lighting in the room where the Smart Frame is mounted and automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness for what Lenovo claims is ‘a more natural and aesthetic viewing experience.’ The display has an anti-glare matte finish for a realistic, viewable experience during daylight hours.

According to Lenovo, the Smart Frame uses an AI to curate the user’s own photo album, selecting the highest quality images to create digital collages that show multiple photos at once. As well, the device comes with a companion app that offers access to hundreds of pieces of artwork.

Lenovo plans to launch the Smart Frame in North America in August with a starting price of $ 400.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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LG’s G8X ThinQ Dual Screen might just be a killer feature ahead of its time

17 Nov

The LG G8X ThinQ is the South Korean brand’s latest high-end smartphone and was launched at IFA in September. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 top-of-the-line chipset and features a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with FullHD+ resolution, 6GB RAM and an under-display fingerprint reader.

On the camera side of things the new model relies on similar hardware as previous LG devices but has to make do without the dedicated tele lens that could be found on the G8 ThinQ. The X-model’s dual-camera setup combines a primary camera using a 12MP 1/2.55″ sensor and F1.8 27mm equivalent lens with an ultra-wide camera that offers a 13MP resolution, F2.4 aperture and 16mm equivalent field of view. The primary camera also features OIS and PDAF.

The device’s standout feature is an attachable dual-screen case, though. It allows you to double the overall screen size and resolution, similar to other recent dual-screen devices, such as the Huawei Mate X or Samsung Galaxy Fold.

We’ve had the chance to use the LG G8X ThinQ with Dual-Screen accessory for a few weeks now. Read on to find out what the Dual Screen has to offer for mobile photographers.

The Dual Screen accessory

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The G8X ThinQ’s dual-screen solution is different from other dual-screen devices in that the secondary screen can be removed when not needed. This means you have a very visible border between the two displays, but you can also leave the secondary display at home when not needed – which is a good thing as it adds quite a bit of bulk and weight.

The secondary display is embedded into a case that the G8X can be inserted in, and connects to via its USB-C port. This means you need an accessory dongle for connecting a USB-cable when the Dual Screen is attached. This is not a major issue but, like any small accessory item, the dongle is quite easily lost if you’re not careful. The G8X is capable of wireless charging as well, though.

There’s no need to open the case to check the time or to see if you have any new notifications

The Dual Screen case does not have its own battery and instead draws power from the phone’s. LG claims the Dual Screen increases power consumption, depending on use, by between 20 and 30 percent, which is line with our experience.

The secondary display itself is the same P-OLED type, size and resolution as the primary one and we also found the color rendering to be identical. The hinges of the case allow for 360-degree movement, and at the front there’s a 2.1″ monochrome OLED cover display that shows app notifications as well as time and date. This means there’s no need to open the case to check the time or to see if you have any new notifications.

The rear portion of the case comes with a cutout, allowing you to use the phone’s camera while it’s in the case.

Dual-Screen controls

Once the Dual Screen is connected a control button appears on the right edge of the main display. A tap opens up the controls which let you swap the content of the two screens or turn the secondary display off.

The Dual Screen has its own app drawer and you can place app shortcuts and widgets on it in exactly the same way as the main display. In the Dual Screen settings you can adjust brightness of the secondary display (or set it to be the same as the main screen), turn off the cover display and Dual Screen control button, and set an app to open when the Dual Screen is turned on among other options.

Multi-tasking

Multi-tasking is the Dual Screen’s main purpose. For example, you can watch a video on one display while writing and sending a message on the other, or use Google Maps for navigation at a holiday destination while browsing a travel app.

In terms of use for imaging purposes, the options are (still) slightly limited. You could have the camera or an image editing app on one screen while browsing Instagram or another image sharing app on the other, but overall workflow efficiency gains are fairly small. At this point the Dual Screen is mostly about convenience: you can continue your Whatsapp-chat while preparing an Instagram-upload or editing an image.

Mirror Mode in the Camera app

App support for the Dual Screen is currently still quite limited but fortunately the LG Camera is one of the few apps that makes use of the secondary screen. With the Dual Screen attached you can turn on Mirror Mode. As the name suggests, it mirrors the camera’s preview image on the secondary display.

Combined with the ability to angle the latter any way you like, this feature can be really handy when shooting overhead or at low height, just like a tilting display on a regular camera. You can also use the secondary screen like a waist-level viewfinder which is particularly helpful for holding the device in a stable fashion when recording video.

It’s worth noting though that the mirrored display only comes with a shutter/video button. For all other controls you’ll still have to go back to the main screen. You can however swap the display content using the Dual Screen controls.

Wide Mode

Wide-view expands an app across both screens, offering an overall display size of 12.8 inches. This can be great for reading websites, viewing images and watching video but in many cases, especially when consuming multi-media content, the 15mm combined bezel between the two screens somewhat limits the experience.

The fact that the feature currently only works with websites viewed in the Chrome browser is another downside. Still, Wide Mode can be useful for viewing websites in desktop mode or on those occasions when additional real estate increases usability, for example when viewing and navigating a map.

Extended View

In Extended View mode an app is divided into two screens. Unfortunately this feature is currently only supported by two apps – the LG Gallery and the Naver Whale browser – but LG says it is expecting support to be expanded to additional apps in the future.

In the Gallery app you can tap on the Dual Screen button to expand the view. This allows you to browse thumbnails on one screen and open the full image on the other. You can zoom into the full image as well as share or delete it in this viewing mode. However, if you want to add a memo or edit, you’ll have to go back to the main screen, so the Dual Screen’s added value is somewhat limited in this instance.

LG’s Naver Whale is a web browser and allows you to view websites in Wide Mode, just like Chrome. However, it also lets you open links on the secondary screen by double-tapping them. This can be useful when browsing shopping websites for example, when you don’t have to jump back and forth between your list of search results and product pages. You simply keep the list open on one screen and open product pages on the other.

In a similar manner, when browsing Instagram or equivalent sites you can keep a user’s profile page open on the main screen and open individual posts on the secondary display. All this has to happen in the browser, though.

Virtual Game Pad and Keyboard

This Dual Screen use case is arguably the one that LG has implemented best so far. The Dual Screen can be used to display a virtual gaming pad. Android recognizes the app as connected bluetooth hardware which makes it compatible with any game that supports this kind of hardware. The pad is also customizable.

We’re no gamers but after a few trial runs on Asphalt 9 it’s fair to say the pad works quite well. A hardware pad is arguably a better option, but this virtual implementation isn’t far off.

The LG keyboard offers a very similar function. You can display a soft-keyboard on the main screen while having the app you are writing in, for example Gmail or Instagram, open on the secondary screen. The keys are larger than they’d be on a usual split-screen style keyboard and allow for more comfortable typing. We would not recommend it for writing your next novel but shorter pieces of text are absolutely manageable in this setup.

Conclusion

LG is a smartphone manufacturer who does not shy away from risky development decisions. Some years ago the company introduced a modular system with its G5 model which was very innovative but ultimately proved commercially unsuccessful. It was also among the first to introduce ultra-wide angle cameras to smartphone photography which today are pretty much ubiquitous.

The Dual Screen follows in this tradition but at the current stage it’s still too soon to say if it will go the way of the G5 modules or become a success like the ultra-wide camera. It’s fair to say that for the latter to happen more apps will probably need to support the secondary screen.

The most useful feature for photographers is Mirror Mode in the camera app which helps when shooting at awkward angles

Right now it provides the most obvious benefits to those users who like to multi-task, letting you work in two apps at the same time. The ability to consume content across two screens or separate app controls from the main screen are great but unfortunately only work with a very limited number of apps. Currently, the most useful feature for photographers is Mirror Mode in the camera app which helps when shooting at awkward angles.

For everybody else, and especially those who write a lot on their smartphones, the virtual keyboard on its own might be an argument to purchase a G8X ThinQ with Dual Screen. If that doesn’t quite convince you yet it’s probably a good idea to wait and see if the Dual Screen will get more support from app developers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm X-Pro3 review: living in the moment, not a screen in sight

12 Nov

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Silver Award

85%
Overall score

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 is a 26 megapixel mirrorless interchangeable lens camera built around a clever optical / electronic viewfinder and designed to look like a classic rangefinder.

This, the third iteration of Fujifilm’s first X-mount camera gains titanium top and base plates but the most noteworthy feature is an LCD panel that faces the back of the camera and needs to be flipped down to use it. The viewfinder and rear screen are the main distinctions between this and the similarly-specced X-T3.

A low-resolution status panel on the back of the camera speaks to the underlying ethos of the camera, which we’ll look into in more detail on the next page.

Key Specifications

  • 26MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor
  • Optical/Electronic hybrid viewfinder
  • Fold down rear LCD
  • Rear-facing Memory LCD status panel
  • Titanium top/bottom plates
  • 4K video at up to 30p, 200Mbps
  • 11 Film Simulation modes, now with ‘Classic Neg’

The X-Pro3 is available in painted black version with a list price of $ 1799 or with the silver or black hardened, coated surface for $ 1999.


What’s new and how it compares

The X-Pro3 looks a lot like its predecessors except for one major change.

Read more

Body and controls

A new titanium top plate, rear ‘sub monitor’ and hidden flip-out LCD round out the major body updates.

Read more

First impressions

Photo editor Dan Bracaglia took a pre-production X-Pro3 on holiday to Northern California. Here are his thoughts on the hidden rear screen.

Read more

Image quality

The X-Pro3 offers the excellent image quality and attractive processing options we saw in the X-T3. It also gains an in-camera HDR mode.

Read more

Autofocus

The X-Pro3’s autofocus is highly capable but requires more user input than the best of its peers.

Read more

Video

Despite its old-skool stills ethos, the X-Pro3 can shoot some impressive video footage.

Read more

Shooting with the X-Pro3

The X-Pro3’s design pushes you to shoot with the optical finder or with the camera at waist level. We found both methods to be limiting and engaging to different degrees.

Read more

Conclusion

The X-Pro3 is an intentionally divisive camera, but one we think will hold a certain appeal for some photographers.

Read more

Sample gallery

The X-Pro3 gains the ‘Classic Negative’ film stimulation. Check out examples of it and more in our hardy samples gallery.

See more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus announces PEN E-PL10 with a flip-down screen

19 Oct

In addition to the release of its E-M5 Mark III camera, Olympus has also announced the launch of the PEN E-PL10, a new Micro Four Thirds camera for the Japanese and Chinese markets.

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is visually indistinguishable to the PEN E-PL9 both in the front and the rear of the camera. Like the PEN E-PL9, the E-PL10’s 3″ 1040k-dot touchscreen screen now flips down (instead of up) for easy video recording and selfies.

Internally, the camera doesn’t look much different either compared to its predecessor. It features what we believe to be the same 16.1 Megapixel Live MOS sensor found inside the PEN E-PL9, as well as the same TruePic VIII image processor, 3-axis image stabilization (CIPA-rated for up to 3.5 stops of compensation) and contrast detection autofocus system. It also features the same 8.6 fps burst rate and 4K capture at up to 30 fps.

Olympus has added a new ‘Fine Tune’ option to adjust how strong the Art Filter effects are when applied to images.

On the connectivity front, the E-PL10 features a Micro USB port and Micro HDMI port on the side of the camera, as well as built-in 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for pairing with the Olympus Image Share app.

As with the PEN E-PL9, the E-PL10 will be available as body-only and a pair of kits. The first kit includes the M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ‘EZ’ power zoom lens while the second ‘Double Zoom Kit’ also includes the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F4-5.6 R lens. Available colors include black, brown and white. Pricing isn’t yet available, but the PEN E-PL10 is destined for the Japan and China markets in late November 2019.

Press Release:

Transform Your Photography While Embracing Creativity With the Olympus PEN E-PL10

A Compact and Sophisticated Interchangeable Lens Camera That You Can Take Everywhere

Olympus Corporation (President: Yasuo Takeuchi) is pleased to announce the newest micro Four Thirds System standard interchangeable lens camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL10, scheduled to go on sale in late November 2019. This model features a simple, sophisticated design packed with a wide array of expressive shooting functions. The compact, lightweight body is equipped with in-body image stabilization and a flip-downLCD monitor along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy even for beginner interchangeable lens camera users to enjoy capturing and sharing creative, expressive photographs.

Main Features

– Blur-free high image quality in various scenes, such as night scenes, telephoto shooting, and video recording

– Flip-down LCD monitor for shooting at any angle and useful Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly transfer photos from the camera to a smartphone

– Enjoy a wealth of creative expressions using Art Filters and interchangeable lenses

– A compact, lightweight body with a simple sophisticated design that matches your style

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is equipped with in-body image stabilization and offers blur-free high image quality with a simple touch operation. It is packed with features that expand creative expressions, such as selfie, Art Filter for impressive, artistic finishes, and compatibility with various interchangeable lenses. By using the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® in conjunction with the Olympus Image Share (OI.Share) smartphone app, the camera easily connects to a smartphone to transfer images and share them on social media. Tutorial videos are also available to learn shooting techniques using OI.Share, making it the perfect interchangeable lens camera for the beginner photographer. Packing versatile features for a rich array of photographic expressions in a simple, sophisticated, compact design, this is a model that you can take everywhere.

Olympus interchangeable lens camera systems’ biggest advantage is their amazing mobility thanks to the compact, lightweight camera system, including lenses. The combination of a high-resolution, high-performance lens lineup and powerful image stabilization results in sharp, high- quality photos and videos in a variety of scenes.

Main Features Details

Blur-free high image quality in various scenes, such as night scenes, telephoto shooting, and video recording

This model is equipped with in-body image stabilization, powerfully suppressing camera shake, which tends to occur when shooting at night, in dim indoor scenes, while shooting video and when using a telephoto lens. It also features TruePic VIII, the same image processor found in Olympus’ professional models, for clear images with minimal noise, even in low-light scenes. The combination of in-body image stabilization and TruePic VIII provides blur-free images.

Flip-down monitor for shooting at any angle and useful Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly transfer photos from the camera to a smartphone

Flip-down LCD monitor

Simply touch the subject shown on the LCD monitor to simultaneously focus and activate the shutter (Touch AF Shutter). When the monitor is flipped down, it automatically switches the camera to Selfie mode for easy self-portrait shooting. You can also select e-Portrait for brighter, smoother skin, or switch to movie recording with a simple touch operation. Changing the angle of the LCD monitor also makes it possible to shoot from various perspectives.

Easy connection to a smartphone

Use the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® and the Olympus Image Share (OI.Share) app to easily connect the camera and smartphone to import images and share on social media. By using the Share Order function, selected photos or videos on the camera will be automatically transferred to your smartphone once the camera is turned off. OI.Share also provides a Camera How To guide, containing tutorial videos of shooting techniques and a Digital Guidebook packed with other useful shooting tips.

Enjoy a wealth of creative expressions using Art Filters and interchangeable lenses

Art Filter

With 16 Art Filter options, you can capture creative photos with simple controls. Use the new Fine Tune option to adjust the level of Art Filter effects while checking the results on the screen to create a photo as you wish.

AP (Advanced Photo) mode

AP mode provides shooting functions that generally require advanced photography techniques with simple operations. Anyone can easily shoot a multi-exposure photo by just overlapping two images in Multi Exposure, and shoot light trails of stars or automobile lamps without the risk of overexposure in Live Composite. Silent mode, which mutes shutter and operation sounds, is now possible in P, A, S and M modes as well as AP mode.

Versatile interchangeable lenses

A versatile lineup of compact, lightweight, high-performance interchangeable lenses are available, including bright, single-focal-length lenses as well as macro lenses to achieve beautiful defocusing effects. You can choose the perfect lens depending on the subject to dramatically expand the possibilities of photographic expression.

A compact, lightweight body with a simple sophisticated design that matches your style

The E-PL10 is available in white, black, and brown. Each details of the colors of leather-feel materials and surface finish are carefully selected for exquisite texturing. This model is designed for a simple, harmonious look that is easy to match with any style. When paired with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ standard kit lens, it is highly portable, and is lighter than a 500 ml bottle of water.

Other Features

1. Supports high image quality 4K video and the ability to extract still images from videos

2. Maximum 8.6 fps high-speed sequential shooting so you never miss a photo opportunity

3. SCN (Scene) mode lets you capture images exactly as you imagine simply by choosing a shooting theme

4. AUTO mode for capturing beautiful photos simply by pressing the shutter release button, and leaving all the necessary adjustment to the camera.

?Separately Available Accessories

Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B, Genuine Leather Shoulder Strap, CSS-S109LL II, and Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL (now on sale)

These genuine leather accessories are designed to protect the camera and enhance its design. Available in white, black, brown, and light brown, so they are easy to match with any style.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha 5G will pack a 108MP camera and wrap-around ‘Surround Screen’

25 Sep

Xiaomi has officially introduced its Mi Mix Alpha, a 5G concept phone featuring a ‘true’ bezel-free experience. The phone has a massive 180.6% screen-to-body ratio, meaning the display wraps around the edges of the phone and covers the majority of the device’s rear panel. Similarly impressive is the device’s 108MP camera with its 12032 x 9024 pixel resolution.

Xiaomi teased the Mi Mix Alpha’s existence in early August at its Future Image Technology Communications Conference in Beijing. At the time, the company said it would be the first company to pack Samsung’s 108MP ISOCELL sensor into a smartphone, though it didn’t provide any other details at the time.

During its latest event today, Xiaomi introduced the camera that packs that sensor, its new Mix Mix Alpha with Surround Screen. This phone features aerospace titanium, a single power button on the top, pressure-sensitive sides, and a fingerprint sensor hidden underneath the display.

The Mi Mix Alpha is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ chipset alongside 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. Joining the 108MP sensor is a secondary rear 12MP telephoto camera with dual PD focus and 2x optical zoom. The phone doesn’t feature a traditional front ‘selfie’ camera due also having a display on the back of the handset — the rear camera is, technically speaking, a front camera as well.

Xiaomi describes the Mi Mix Alpha as a ‘5G concept smartphone.’ According to Engadget, the company plans to produce a small number of units for sale in China at 19,999 yuan (approx. $ 2800 / €2,550) starting in December, but the company’s broader plans for the model, including international availability, are unclear at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Report: The next GoPro will shoot 4K 120fps video, offer screen, light and mic accessories

16 Aug

Photo Rumors, citing sources based in China, is reporting a number of specs for the next generation of GoPro action cameras and has a set of purported images of the unreleased device.

According to Photo Rumors’ information, the action camera — expected to be called the GoPro Hero 8 — will be announced in September 2019.

The updated action camera is said to feature a new design with an optional housing that features cold-shoe mounts on the top and side for attaching accessories. Photo Rumors specifically mentions microphone, LED light and screen accessories. The leaked renderings show off the LED light and screen accessory, the latter of which appears to have a USB-C port on the side of it.

In terms of specs, Photo Rumors is reporting the action camera will be able to shoot 4K video at 120 fps and Full HD at 480 fps, all powered by a 12-megapixel sensor and GoPro-designed GP2 chipset. It’s also said the camera will feature an improved lens design for better image quality.

As with all rumors, the specifications should be taken with a grain of salt, but the renderings look identical to past product images from GoPro and the specifications do align with the incremental improvements GoPro has made over the years to its action camera lineup.


Image credits: Image via Photo Rumors, used with permission

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm teases new Instax camera with LCD screen ahead of June 12 launch event

29 May

Fujifilm has announced the upcoming launch of a new Instax camera model. Full details about the new instant camera won’t be released until June 12, but the company did tease one key feature in the below tweet on May 27: the inclusion of a small LCD. The new Instax model will be ‘perfect for the new age,’ Fujifilm’s tweet states.

The ‘new era’ of Instax cameras will include multiple ‘very special features,’ Fujifilm teased in its tweet, one of which is the LCD. The new model will include the same instant color printing capability found on other Instax models, but it’s unclear what new features Fujifilm plans to include.

The current Instax product line features more than a dozen models, including the relatively new Square SQ20 instant ‘hybrid’ digital camera, which features an LCD for previewing images before printing.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Sony RX0 II offers internal 4K/30p recording, improved Eye AF and a flip-up LCD screen

27 Mar

Sony has announced the RXO II, an ultra-compact camera that packs a lot of tech and specs into tiny device that’s roughly the size of a GoPro camera.

At the heart of the second-generation device is a 1″-type Exmor RS CMOS sensor, powered by Sony’s BIONZ X image processing engine that features a sensitivity range of ISO 80-12800. The camera uses a 15.3-megapixel crop from a 20MP sensor.

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In front of the sensor is a ZEISS Tessar T* 24mm-equivalent F4.0 fixed wide-angle lens that has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm. The device measures 59mm x 40.5mm x 35mm and weighs just 132g. Its ruggedized frame keeps the internals waterproof down to 10m (32.7ft), shockproof up to 2m (6.5ft), crushproof up to 200KG of force and rustproof.

One of the most interesting additions is an updated LCD screen that tilts upward 180-degrees, downward 90-degrees and even works underwater. This addition will be a welcomed addition for vloggers and the selfie-obsessed, but it should also prove useful when trying to get footage in hard-to-reach situations.

The RX0 II features internal 4K/30p internal recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. Sony says ‘by oversampling this data, the appearance of moiré and jaggies is reduced to deliver smooth, high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.’ The camera also features high frame rate filming at up to 1,000 frames per second, uncompressed 4K HDMI output and simultaneous proxy movie recording. The RX0 II includes Picture Profile, S-Log2 and Time Code / User Bit functions for maximum post-production latitude.

On the photography front, the RX0 II includes an anti-distortion shutter up to 1/32,000th of a second and a maximum burst speed of 16 fps. Sony has improved the color reproduction from the original RX0 and included an optional Soft Skin Effect that can be used when taking portraits to help minimize blemishes.

Below is a sample gallery of images provided by Sony:

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Sony has also improved the Eye AF functionality of the RX0 II. Like the firmware version 5.0 update for the Sony a9, the RX0 II will now lock-on to the eye of a subject when the shutter is half-pressed.

Up to five RX0 II cameras can be synced together and controlled wirelessly using Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app. If five cameras isn’t enough an upcoming access point, due for a Summer 2019 release, will be able to control between five and fifty cameras at once. The RX0 II is also compatible with the Camera Control Box CCB-WD1, which is able to control up to 100 cameras.

The RX0 II will ship in April 2019 and be available at authorized Sony retailers for $ 700 / CAN$ 900.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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