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DJI announces the Ronin 4D, the world’s first 4-axis cinema camera with 8K/75p recording, Raw capture, LiDAR AF and more

20 Oct

DJI has kicked off its string of announcements with the Ronin 4D, a new—and arguably revolutionary—cinema camera system that combines a cinema camera with four-axis image stabilization, LiDAR focusing and wireless transmission to create the ultimate all-in-one shooting experience.

The DJI Ronin 4D attempts to create an ‘integrated cinematography solution,’ in DJI’s own words. At the heart of the Ronin 4D is CineCore 3.0, a proprietary chipset DJI is calling ‘its most powerful cinematic imaging platform to date.’ According to DJI, this system can capture internal 8K Raw video ‘with precise color reproduction, advanced assistive functions with a high-performance AI engine, and multi-link monitoring and control with low-latency image processing.’

To pair with the new chipset is a pair of new full-frame (36mm × 24mm) Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera systems, available in 8K and 6K versions. Both the X9–8K and X9–6K will be able to record Apple ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW, as well as your standard H.264 codec. The Zenmuse X9–8K tops out at 8K/75fps while the X9–6K tops out at 6K/60fps with the option to get 120 fps footage at 4K resolution.

Zenmuse X9 cameras feature interchangeable lens mounts, but will be available at launch with options for its proprietary DL mount and Leica M mount lens systems. DJI says it should also work, at least in theory, with ‘other mounts with short-flange focal distances,’ but doesn’t elaborate on whether or not it will be offering any other interchangeable mounts at this time.

The sensor inside the X9–8K and X9–6K offers dual-native gain and can capture ‘over 14 stops of dynamic range.’ There are also nine built-in physical ND filters that can be adjusted from ND2 to ND512 for times when you need to reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor. Footage captured with the new Zenmuse X9 camera systems will be processed by DJI’s Cinema Color System, which it says ‘delivers natural skin tones and enables effortless tonal consistency across a project when using different cinema cameras.’

A comprehensive list of recording specs for the Zenmuse X9-8K camera system.

Moving onto the four-axis gimbal, DJI says the Ronin 4D ‘has been designed with an innovative industry-first active Z-axis to eliminate vertical camera shake effectively.’ DJI has also taken inspiration from its drone lineup to add a set of downward-facing ToF sensors, as well as forward and downward dual-visual sensors, a built-in IMU and a barometer to achieve the best stabilization possible.

The Ronin 4D will feature three different autofocus modes: manual focus, autofocus and a new Automated Manual Focus (AMF) mode. The latter two modes use the onboard LiDAR Range Finder, which casts over 43,200 points as far as 10M (33ft) to locate and track subjects in situations where traditional AF might not work due to the lack of light. The unique AMF mode will track subjects and turn the focus wheel during recording, with the option for the camera operator to jump in and manually pull focus when needed. To help in manual focus and AMF modes, there will be LiDAR Waveform available on the monitor to help cinematographers ‘locate focus points and pull focus with extreme precision.’

Once again taking inspiration from its line of drones, DJI has developed an all-new O3 Pro transmission technology that can output 1080p/60fpsd video to remote monitors via the 4D Video Transmitter. DJI says the transmission range is roughly 20,000 feet and notes the video feed is AES 256-bit encrypted for end-to-end privacy. The system uses 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz bands, as well as the DFS frequency band, which DJI says ‘significantly improv[es] stability and anti-interference performance, even in crowded signal environments and locations that feature complex architectural structures.’

While third-party monitors can be used, DJI is also offering a new 7” wireless monitor with 1,500 nits of brightness and a built-in gyro that effectively turns the monitor into a motion controller for the Ronin 4D camera system. The High-Bright Remote Monitor includes an integrated microSD card slot for 1080p/60fps proxy recording and connects with a slew of accessories, including the Ronin 4D Hand Grips, DJI Master Wheels, DJI Force Pro and the new DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus. Multiple monitors can be used at once and customized independently to fit the production’s needs.

Video can be recorded to media three different ways: to SSD over USB-C, to CFexpress Type-B cards via the internal card slot and directly to DJI’s proprietary PROSSD 1TB SSD, which DJI claims ‘delivers the best performance and highest stability for internal recording at maximum resolution and frame rate.’ The Ronin 4D has built-in microphones capable of recording two-channel 24-bit audio, but also has two 3.5mm ports on the body as well as the option to add two XLR ports via the Expansion Plate for further input options.

The Ronin 4D uses the same TB50 Intelligent Battery used by DJI’s Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, which offers up to 2.5 hours of shooting time. Below is the full launch event video:

The 6K version of the DJI Ronin 4D will be available for $ 7,199 in December 2021. It will includes the main body, a Zenmuse X9–6K gimbal camera, a LiDAR Range Finder, a High-Bright Main Monitor, Hand Grips, a Top Handle, TB50 Intelligent Battery and a carrying case. The 8K version of the DJI Ronin 4D will be available for $ 11,499 ‘at a later date’ and will include the Zenmuse X9–8K Gimbal Camera as well as a PROSSD 1TB. The 4D Video Transmitter, High-Bright Remote Monitor and DJI PROSSD 1TB will also be available to purchase separately.

You can find out more about the DJI Ronin 4D on DJI’s website and download sample footage on DJi’s dedicated download page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Incredible video showcases world’s first 8K VR drone footage of Iceland’s Mt. Fagradalsfjall volcano

02 May

Incredible new footage, captured with an 8K Insta360 Pro 2 mounted to the bottom of a DJI drone, shows the Mt. Fagradalsfjall volcano in Geldingadalur, Iceland as it continues to erupt. The immersive visuals were captured by Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson, founder of Arctic Images, and drone pilot Arnar Þór Þórsson in collaboration with Perlan Museum, ‘which hosts a state-of-the-art 8K planetarium and other exhibitions on Iceland’s geographic wonders.’

The Mt. Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted for the first time in roughly 800 years back on March 19, 2021. Since then, it’s been spewing lava from its fissures, making for incredible visuals that have brought photographers from around the world to see the geological phenomenon. We’ve already seen a number of incredible videos captured with drones flying over the active volcano, but none of which allow you to control what you’re seeing. Until now, that is.

While YouTube limits playback to 4K, the footage was recorded in 8K using an Insta360 Pro 2 attached to the bottom of a DJI Matrice 600 drone. According to Insta360’s blog post detailing the creation of this video, the drone and camera flew over lava that reached reached temperatures as high as 1240°C degrees (2264°F). Despite the intense heat, which we’ve already seen is capable of melting drones, both the Insta360 Pro 2 and DJI Matrice 600 survived the flight.

For the best viewing experience, make sure you’re using a browser that supports YouTube’s VR content and have plenty of bandwidth to stream the video at full resolution. Another option, if you have one on hand, is to use a VR headset to really immerse yourself in the footage.

Image credit: Photos provided by Insta360

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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The World’s First Completely AI-Powered Photo Editor Will Debut Before the Year Is Out

26 Oct

The post The World’s First Completely AI-Powered Photo Editor Will Debut Before the Year Is Out appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Skylum’s Luminar AI, billed as “the first image editor fully powered by artificial intelligence,” will come available before the year is out.

Luminar AI is the world's first completely AI-powered photo editor

Already, the image editor has created controversy among photographers thanks to its automated, AI-based approach to image editing, with some claiming that Luminar AI’s easy, no-experience-necessary approach is problematic – or even cheating.

And while we don’t know exactly how the program works, Skylum has released several videos showing off some of Luminar AI’s standout features.

Highlights include:

Composition AI, which automatically straightens your images and suggests cropping based on compositional guidelines and feedback from professional photographers
Face AI and Skin AI, which automatically retouch your subjects’ faces for improved teeth, lips, skin, and much more
Sky AI, which allows you to instantly swap skies while automatically adjusting for changes in lighting and color
Atmosphere AI, which lets you enhance your images with weather effects (such as haze, steam, drizzle, fog, and mist)

To see some of these AI effects in action, check out Skylum’s latest video:

While Luminar AI will be offered as a standalone editing program, Skylum’s most up-to-date software, Luminar 4, already packs some AI-based features (including a popular sky-replacement option). But Luminar AI promises to take AI editing to the next level, opening up advanced post-processing effects to a much larger audience.

Will Luminar AI do everything for you?

It doesn’t seem like it. As Skylum explains, you have to make creative choices; Luminar AI will do a lot of editing work for you, but you’ll remain at the helm.

As for the Luminar AI release:

The date is currently unknown, but Skylum promises a “holiday season” release. I’d expect an early December debut, though mid-December or late November certainly isn’t out of the question.

In terms of price, you can currently preorder Luminar AI for a discounted rate:

$ 74 USD for a standard copy of Luminar AI, or $ 139 USD to download both Luminar AI and Luminar 4.

So if Luminar AI’s simple approach to editing appeals to you, make sure you take a look while the discount still lasts! You can view the software here.

Now over to you:

What do you think about Luminar AI? Do you like the idea of AI-based editing? Or does it feel like cheating? And will you purchase the program? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post The World’s First Completely AI-Powered Photo Editor Will Debut Before the Year Is Out appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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MIT and UMass researchers develop world’s first flat ultra-wide-angle fisheye lens

21 Sep

Researchers with the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and MIT have developed a new type of fisheye lens that is flat and crafted from a single piece of glass. The lens is round, according to the researchers, and it is capable of capturing sharp 180-degree panoramas. This is the first flat fisheye lens made from a single piece of glass, which measures 1mm thick.

Ordinary spherical fisheye lenses are made from multiple pieces of glass designed to bend the light in such a way that it produces circular wide-angle images. The newly developed flat lens instead captures wide-angle panoramas by utilizing ‘tiny structures’ that scatter light in place of the curved glass elements in more costly spherical fisheye lenses.

The version of the lense introduced by the researchers is made for infrared photography, but the team says that it could be modified for use as a regular visible spectrum lens, as well. The flat design is ultimately more compact and less expensive to produce than spherical multi-element lenses.

The researchers envision a variety of uses for their lens design beyond interchangeable lenses. The thin, flat nature of the design would make it possible to implement the fisheye into smartphones, for example, eliminating the need to use a third-party lens add-on. Similar implementation could be used with laptops, VR headsets and even devices like medical imaging equipment.

MIT associate professor Juejun Hu, one of the researchers on the project, explained:

This design comes as somewhat of a surprise, because some have thought it would be impossible to make a metalens with an ultra-wide-field view. The fact that this can actually realize fisheye images is completely outside expectation. This isn’t just light-bending — it’s mind-bending.

Metalens refers to a flat lens that has tiny structures for focusing light. While wide-angle metalenses aren’t new, the researchers note that a single piece of glass without any extra optics have been limited to 60-degrees. The newly published study details how the team got around these restrictions to develop an ultra-wide-angle lens capable of capturing 180-degree panoramas without extra components.

This 180-degree fisheye metalens features a single piece of transparent glass made from calcium fluoride with a lead telluride film on one side. A pattern of ‘optical structures’ called meta-atoms was carved into the film using lithographic techniques, the result of which were many ‘nanoscale geometries’ used to bend the light in specific, precise ways.

The carved structures can introduce phase delays into the scattering of the light — depending on their shape — to imitate the natural phase delays produced by the curved glass elements in spherical fisheye lenses. The light passes from the carved structures on the back of the lens through an optical aperture on the front of the lens.

Study co-author Mikhail Shalaginov said:

When light comes in through this aperture, it will refract at the first surface of the glass, and then will get angularly dispersed. The light will then hit different parts of the backside, from different and yet continuous angles. As long as you design the back side properly, you can be sure to achieve high-quality imaging across the entire panoramic view.

The study was partially funded by DARPA through its EXTREME program, which tasks experts with developing optical tools ‘to enable new functionality and/or vastly improve size, weight, and power characteristics of traditional optical systems.’ The agency goes on to explain that EXTREME will ‘explore this optical design space and aims to understand the trade-offs, and harness the possibilities, afforded’ by Engineered Optical Materials (EnMats).

Via: MIT

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Sony announces world’s first CFExpress Type A cards and card reader

30 Jul

While the Sony a7S III rightly received most of the attention yesterday, Sony also announced it’s releasing the world’s first CFExpress Type A memory card and reader.

These new CFExpress Type A Tough cards offer max read and write speeds of 800MB/s and 700MB/s, respectively, and come in 80GB and 160GB capacities. While these cards will work in other cameras that offer CFExpress Type A slots, these are clearly designed to go hand-in-hand with Sony’s a7S III, which features dual hybrid card slots that can take UHS-II SD cards or CFExpress Type A cards.

New cards mean you’ll need a new way to get data off the cards, so Sony has also unveiled a USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C card reader that also accepts both SD cards and CFExpress Type A cards. The reader can transfer data at up to 10Gbps, which should leave more than enough overhead for even the fastest UHS-II SD cards as well as the new CFExpress Type A cards.

Both the CFExpress Type A Tough cards and SD/CFExpress Type A card reader are available to pre-order today. The 80GB (Adorama, B&H) and 160GB (Adorama, B&H) cards cost $ 200 and $ 400, respectively, while the card reader costs $ 120 (Adorama, B&H).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Sony’s new ‘Intelligent Vision Sensor’ is the world’s first to feature on-chip AI processing

20 May

Sony has shared the details of its new sensor array that it claims is the world’s first to feature artificial intelligence (AI) directly onboard the chipset.

Before diving into the details, it’s worth noting this sensor has been produced with industrial applications in mind, but as tends to be the case with much of Sony’s other sensor technologies, it’s not difficult to imagine seeing these AI-powered technologies in Sony’s smartphone and possibly even mirrorless camera sensors down the road.

With that out of the way, let’s dive into the details. The IMX500 is a 12.3MP (4056 × 3040 pixels) backside-illuminated 1/2.3” sensor capable of 4K/60p video capture that features a new stacked design that puts the pixel chip atop the logic chip. The stacked design means the data captured from the pixel chip can immediately be parsed via Sony’s AI processing directly on the logic chip.

Processing in the sensor not only removes the need for external hardware, it also means only the relevant data needs to be output, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be communicated to the cloud, reducing bandwidth and increasing speed. Sony says the new sensor can capture and process the image within 3.1 milliseconds when using the MobileNet V1 image analysis model.

IMX500 (left), IMX501 (right).

In addition to faster, real-time object-tracking and processing, this setup also allows the system to export either image data and information or information alone. The ability to export the AI-derived information alone adds an additional layer of security that could be added to scenes where privacy is critical.

Illustration from Sony showing how the data output format can be customized to meet various needs.

Again, Sony specifically mentions retail and industrial equipment use-cases for this new sensor technology, so it’s not likely we’ll be seeing this in consumer camera tech anytime soon.

The IMX500 (bare chip model) is expected to start shipping in April 2020 for 10,000 JPY (~$ 94), while the IMX501 (packaged product model) is expected to start shipping in June 2020 for 20,000 JPY (~$ 188).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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NONS SL42 is the world’s first instant SLR with a M42 mount

21 Feb

A new Kickstarter campaign is seeking funds for NONS SL42, the first instant camera to feature an interchangeable M42 lens mount and support for Instax Mini instant film. The camera can be used with ‘hundreds of classic M42 lenses,’ according to the team behind the project, which explains that pairing an M42 lens with Instax film results in a round image frame.

NONS SL42 is an SLR camera that took more than a year to develop, according to the campaign. In addition to Instax instant film support, the SL42 features an adjustable aperture, manual focus, a hot shoe, shutter speed control and support for multiple exposures. The device is powered by two AA batteries.

The Kickstarter campaign is offering the NONS SL42 instant camera for pledges of at least $ 1,550 HK / $ 200 USD. Backers also have other pledge options, such as the camera bundled with film for around $ 219, bundled with a lens for around $ 232 and bundled with film and a lens for around $ 258. Shipping to backers is expected to start in August 2020, assuming the campaign is successful.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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MSI Creator 17 is the world’s first laptop with a Mini LED HDR 1000 display

15 Jan

In late December and again during CES 2020, MSI introduced a laptop designed specifically for graphics professionals: the MSI Creator 17 (not the be confused with the company’s Creator 17M model). This is the world’s first laptop to feature a Mini LED display that meets the HDR 1000 standard, making it ideal for photographers, filmmakers and others who work in visual professions.

Though the MSI Creator 17 isn’t yet available and hasn’t been fully detailed at this time, the company did discuss its new display technology in detail during CES. According to MSI, the Creator 17 features a 4K 17in display with 1,000 nits brightness, 240 local dimming zones and Mini LED backlighting.

Mini LED display technology has thus far only been offered in select television models, but it is expected to expand into the smartphone and laptop markets in coming years. The MSI Creator 17’s display offers 100% DCI-P3 coverage, plus MSI says that its display is ‘immune to burn-in problems.’

A simulated graphic from MSI showing the advantages of Mini LED technology.

Among other things, MSI says buyers can expect ‘close-to-real color accuracy’ from the laptop’s 4K display, as well as the power efficiency and thinness that come with the technology. Most of the Creator 17 specifications have not been revealed at this time, but MSI did reveal that its new model will feature a USB-C port for powering up to 8K displays and the fastest UHS-III SD card reader currently available on the market.

Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Sigma fp gallery: photos from the world’s smallest full-frame camera

08 Nov

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The Sigma fp claims the title of ‘world’s smallest full-frame camera,’ offering a 24.6MP sensor in a svelte body that’s not much bigger than your standard compact camera. It’s equipped with plenty of features to keep a serious videographer happy, but we’re also interested in its still photo quality. Take a look at our first shots with Sigma’s surprising little full-framer.

See our Sigma fp sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Slideshow: Agora presents The World’s Best Photos of #Water2019

30 Oct

The World’s Best Photos of #Water2019

Agora, a free-to-use social photo app consists of a global community with over 3.5 million users from 193 countries. Every week, its users participate in an international photography contest that revolves around one of 52 annual hashtags representing universal themes. The #Water2019 contest drew almost 17,000 entries and was narrowed down to 49 finalists. From there, users, along with guest judge Victor de Valles (@victordevalles), voted on the overall winning image.

‘Tides,’ captured by British photographer Lee Mumford (@leemumford8) was selected as the winner and received a $ 1,000 cash prize. ‘Truth be told, this was such a hard decision as the quality of the Top 50 was so much higher than expected, but there can only be one winner! I have chosen @leemumford8’s shot…because of its super original composition which I just love, its use of the water as its principal element and its perfect balance and mixture of colors that make it so aesthetic,’ said de Valles.

When using Agora, you start out with a few credits. Each photo uploaded counts for one credit. Users can gain a credit every 8 hours by watching a sponsored ad and receive 10 more for referring new users. Credits can be purchased through the app store as well. Every week, users can enter competitions for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 25,000, photo gear, and other life-changing experiences.

Tides

WINNING PHOTO: Tides by Lee Mumford (United Kingdom)

About the photo: Lee Mumford has been living and working in Hong Kong for the past couple of years. His journey into photography started at a young age, where he learnt how to develop his own rolls of film and print his own images in the darkroom. His passion grew after he fulfilled his dream to become an airline pilot, enabling him to travel the world with his camera.

‘Tides’ was captured in Mona Vale, Sydney – one of the many rock pools on the eastern coast of Australia, with a Mavic 2 Pro drone.