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Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

DPReview TV: Why electronic image stabilization works better on your GoPro than your camera

21 Nov

Have you ever looked at your smartphone or GoPro and said, “I wish my camera could stabilize an image like that?!” Chris explains the limits of electronic image stabilization, and why your camera probably can’t stabilize like that.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • What is electronic stabilization?
  • The effect of shutter speed
  • The effect of rolling shutter
  • The effect of frame rate
  • Conclusion

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rode announces VideoMic NTG, a ‘hybrid’ microphone with ‘broadcast-quality’ sound

21 Nov

Rode has announced the VideoMic NTG, a new microphone it’s calling ‘the most versatile VideoMic ever.”

As the name alludes to, the VideoMic NTG is a ‘hybrid microphone’ that takes technology from Rode’s line of NTG broadcast shotgun microphones and condenses it down into a more compact VideoMic form factor atop Rode’s Rycote Lyre suspension platform.

The VideoMic NTG features a supercardioid polar pattern, uncolored sound and a ‘very flat’ frequency response, making it ideal for a wide-range of uses. Onboard, there’s a switchable high-pass filter (at 75Hz or 150Hz), a -20dB pad for recording louder sound sources and a safety channel that records a separate channel at -20dB in case the main channel clips with louder sounds.

The 3.5mm output automatically switches between TRS and TRRS ‘to accommodate both cameras (TRS) and mobile devices (TRRS)’ so there’s no need for additional adapters. The VideoMic NTG also features USB audio output for recording directly to a computer, tablet or smartphone without the need for any sort of pre-amp.

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As has been the case with Rode’s most recent VideoMic devices, the VideoMic NTG features an auto-power function that automatically turns the microphone on and off when the camera it’s attached to is powered on and off; it also houses a lithium-ion battery that is charged via the onboard USB-C port. Rode says the microphone can be charged from empty to full in two hours and can be used continuously for more than 30 hours, according to Rode.

The VideoMic NTG comes with a foam windshield, Rode’s ‘SC10’ 3.5mm cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The VideoMic NTG is available to pre-order starting today for $ 249 (Adorama, B&H). No specific shipping timeframe is given.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple’s Smart Battery Cases for iPhone 11 models feature a dedicated camera button

21 Nov

Apple has announced its new Smart Battery Cases for its latest iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max devices, and hidden within them is a little surprise. Each of the Smart Battery Cases features a dedicated camera button that launches the Camera app.

According to the product description, the dedicated camera button will launch the Camera app regardless of whether the iPhone is locked or unlocked. ‘A quick press of the button takes a photo and a longer press captures a QuickTake video,’ reads the description.

A close-up look at the dedicated camera button, located on the right-hand side of the case when looking at the screen of the iPhone.

This marks the first time any dedicated camera button has been found on a first-party case or battery case from Apple and further amplifies Apple’s emphasis on photography with its latest devices.

The Smart Battery Cases cost $ 129 for all iPhone 11 models and come in three colors: Black, White and Pink Sand. They are available to order now through Apple’s online store, physical Apple Stores and authorized Apple retailers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Security firm warns Android camera vulnerability lets hackers spy on phone owners

21 Nov

Security analyst firm Checkmarx has detailed the discovery of an Android security issue that enables hackers to access a smartphone’s camera app, existing videos and images, audio from the microphone and location information pulled from EXIF data. Though the issue has been fixed on Google and Samsung phones, it remains in many camera apps from other vendors

The security researchers first analyzed the Google Camera app included on the Pixel smartphones. Upon discovering the security vulnerability, which involves ‘manipulating specific actions and intents,’ they found the same issue could be exploited in the Samsung Camera app included in its various smartphone models.

The vulnerability is extensive, according to the researchers. Hackers can access the camera app, use it to capture videos and photos even if the display is turned off or a call is in progress and access content saved to the phone. In addition to accessing the images, hackers could pull the location information from image metadata and use that to locate the handset’s owner.

The exploit introduces a number of privacy issues for users; attackers could use the video recording functionality to record a phone call, for example, and could retrieve sensitive images from the user’s phone for blackmail purposes.

According to Checkmarx, Google confirmed that the issue isn’t limited to the Pixel phones and that it is working with its Android partners ‘to coordinate disclosure.’ Both Google and Samsung released fixes for the security issue in their respective camera apps before Checkmarx published its report. It’s unclear how many phones from other vendors may still be vulnerable to the exploit, however.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma rumored to be ‘actively working on’ RF-mount lens road map for 2020 announcement

21 Nov

According to a report from Canon Rumors, Sigma is ‘actively working on an RF-mount lens roadmap’ and is expected to announce its plans sometime in ‘early 2020.’

Canon Rumors’ report, which comes from an unnamed source, goes on to say that distributors have received early information regarding Sigma’s plans, but no specific information regarding potential lenses or launch dates was divulged.

Canon Rumors only ranked this rumor a ‘[CR2]’ (with [CR1] being very unlikely to happen and [CR3] being most likely to happen), so while it’s down the middle in validity it’s worth taking with a grain of salt. Still though, Canon Rumors suspects the announcement would be made ahead of CP+ in February if it were to be made at all.

Sigma offers nearly all of its EF-mount Global Vision Lenses for Nikon’s F-mount as well, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if this purported lens roadmap from Sigma would also apply to Nikon’s Z-mount cameras too, considering the similarities in mount designs. However, much like the roadmap itself, this is purely speculation.

We have contacted Sigma for a comment and will update this article accordingly if we hear back.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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FiLMiC launches Firstlight, a stills camera app with Raw capture, live analytics and more

21 Nov

FiLMiC, the company best known for its FiLMiC Pro video camera app with features for professionals, has branched in the still photography market with the launch of Firstlight. With FiLMiC Firstlight, iPhone owners get access to more features than offered on the stock camera app, including support for TIF and DNG Raw formats, anamorphic adapter support, the ability to embed copyright info and more.

FiLMiC announced the availability of Firstlight v1.0 on November 12. The company has included the live analytics feature from FiLMiC Pro in its new still photography app, as well as adaptive film grain, custom film simulations, an RGB Histogram, an Auto Exposure (AE) mode, tap/swipe-based focus and exposure controls, a lens selector and vignette.

FiLMiC boasts a number of ‘professional camera tools,’ including grid overlays, a burst mode, flash and timer, expanded shadow details, the ability to select either HEIC or JPG formats, multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9, 3:2, 1:1, 5:4), HDR controls on the latest iPhone models, and Bluetooth support for ‘most’ camera shutter remote controls.

In addition to the free version of the app, FiLMiC gives users the option of paying for access to premium features, making it possible to configure the burst mode, adjust the vignette, apply film grain, use an anamorphic adapter, use a custom function button, configure the exposure and focus controls, and more.

The app is free to download from the iOS App Store now. The premium features can be unlocked via either a $ 0.99 monthly subscription or a $ 7.99 annual subscription.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olloclip releases new lens and clip system with iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S10 support

20 Nov

Mobile photography company Olloclip has released a new lens and clip system that includes support for the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10e smartphone models.

Olloclip is offering its new system with the Olloclip StartPack, MacroProPack and ElitePack, a trio of kits offering various lens bundles with the customer’s choice of clip. As well, the company has launched a new Pocket Telephoto 2X Essential lens, relaunched the Macro 10X Essential lens, and updated its Starter Kit to include the Pivot Grip stabilizer, an ultra-light tripod and the BSR Bluetooth Shutter Release.

With this new lens system, according to Olloclip, any of the lenses can be used with any clip, including a new one that’ll be released in December for the iPhone 7 through the iPhone 8 Plus models.

The Olloclip ElitePack retails for $ 129.99; it includes the applicable clip for the Samsung Galaxy S10 or iPhone 11 model, as well as the Pocket Telephoto 2X Essential lens and the two-in-one Fisheye / 15X Macro Essential lens. The Olloclip StartPack, meanwhile, retails for $ 79.99 and the MacroProPack starts at $ 199.99, each respectively offering Start lens models and various macro lenses.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung code hints at 8K video for Galaxy S11 smartphone

20 Nov

The team at XDA Developers has been doing its thing again and discovered several hints at new camera features, that are likely to make an appearance on the Galaxy S11 next spring, while digging into the code of the latest version of the Samsung camera app.

Among the hidden software features there are special modes called Director’s View, Single Take Photo and Night Hyperlapse as well as vertical panoramas, custom filters, and more.

Most potential S11 buyers will likely be more interested in the hints at 8K video, though. There is evidence that suggests the upcoming Samsung flagship will be capable of recording 8K footage at 30 frames per second.

We’ve already heard rumors about Xiaomi working on an 8K smartphone and Samsung’s top-end chipsets have supported 8K video for a while now. The same is expected from Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 865 chipset, so it’s unlikely the new Samsung will be the only 8K-enabled phone in 2020.

The APK-code also reaffirmed the use of a 108MP Samsung ISOCELL sensor in the primary camera which had been rumored previously. We’ve already seen some devices launched with this sensor, for example the Xiaomi Mi Note 10 Pro, so the S11 launching with the same sensor, or an improved variant, would not be much of a surprise.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon PowerShot G7 X III review: the compact camera that lets you broadcast to the world

20 Nov

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Silver Award

81%
Overall score
Jump to conclusion

The Canon PowerShot G7 X III is the third in a series of 1″-type sensor compacts aimed at smartphone camera upgraders and enthusiast photographers looking for a small second camera. Its core photography features – notably its fast 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens – are very similar to the G7 X II that preceded it, but Canon has given the Mark III a new Stacked CMOS sensor and Digic 8 processor that together promise better image quality and performance.

The biggest changes in the G7 X Mark III are to its suite of video features, which now includes the option to live stream video: a useful feature for vloggers. Resolution has been bumped up to 4K, with 30p available out of the box and 24p coming via a future firmware update.

Key Specifications:

  • 20MP 1″-type Stacked CMOS sensor
  • 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens
  • Built-in 3-stop ND filter
  • Touchscreen tilts up 180° and down 90°
  • 8 fps burst shooting with autofocus, 30 fps Raw burst mode
  • 4K/30p and 1080/60p video recording
  • Microphone socket
  • Live YouTube streaming support built-in
  • Vertical video capture
  • 1080/120p slow motion video (with no audio or autofocus)
  • Wi-Fi + Bluetooth wireless connectivity
  • USB 3.1 (with USB-C connector) for data transfer and charging
  • 235 shot battery life per CIPA standard

Aside from the lens, the majority of the features highlighted above are new, so the Mark III isn’t just a small upgrade, even if it’s hard to differentiate cosmetically from its predecessor.

The G7 X Mark III is priced at $ 749 and comes in silver/black and black finishes.

What’s new and how it compares

The G7 X III has a new sensor, new processor and a first for a compact camera: live video streaming.

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Body, controls and handling

The design of the G7 X III has barely changed compared to its predecessor, and that’s not a bad thing.

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Image quality

While its lens isn’t the sharpest, the G7 X III’s image quality is still very good.

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Autofocus and video

The G7 X III is good, but not great, in terms of both autofocus and video quality.

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Conclusion

Find out if the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is the right camera for you.

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Sample gallery

View over 100 photos taken with the G7 X III to evaluate its image quality with your own eyes.

Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro can power two 6K displays, including Pro Display XDRs

20 Nov

Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro is a major step up in terms of specifications and performance compared to its smaller predecessors. While we already know many of the specifications fo the computer, Apple has posted the support document for the new computer unveiling a nice surprise for photographers and videographers who want to make the most of the new hardware.

In the support document for the new 16-inch MacBook Pro Apple has revealed that its new laptop can be used to power up to two 6K displays, including Apple’s own Pro Display XDR. According to the support document, the new 16-inch MacBook Pro can be used in the following configurations:

  • Two 6K displays with resolutions of 6016 x 3384 at 60Hz
  • Two 5K displays with resolutions of 5120 x 2880 at 60Hz
  • Four 4K displays with resolutions of 4096 x 2304 at 60Hz
  • One 5K display at 5120 x 2880 at 60Hz and up to three 4K displays at 4096 x 2304 at 60Hz

So, in addition to more robust 4K and 5K display options, the new 6K support means two of Apple’s Pro Display XDR can be used at full resolution with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro. If it sounds like an intense operation, Apple assures users it is, clarifying that in order to maximize display performance with multiple monitors, users should plug a single monitor into each side of the laptop, as there’s only one bus for each set of Thunderbolt 3 on the side of the laptop. This will spread out the workload and result in better performance. Below is an excerpt from the support document:

‘Your MacBook Pro has two busses for its four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Each pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports (on the left and right sides of your Mac) are different busses. Whenever possible, connect your displays to different busses to maximize performance. Don’t connect more than two displays to either bus. If you connect a 6K, 5K, or multi-cable 4K display, use a different bus for each of the displays.’

Using some back-of-the-napkin math, such a setup with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro and two Apple Pro Display XDR units would cost at least $ 12,795, if we are to assume the base 16-inch MacBook Pro computer and the base Pro Display XDR units with the first-party VESA mounts.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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