360Photography

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  • Samsung Exynos 980 chipset supports 108MP images, 4K video at 120 fps

    Samsung has launched its latest top-end chipset for mobile devices which will likely make an appearance in the brand’s next-generation Galaxy S and Note series smartphones. The Exynos 980’s headline features are a built-in 5G modem and plenty of processing power, but the new chip also has lots on offer for mobile photographers and creators.

    The chipset supports image resolutions up to 108MP which means it’s ready for use with the next generation of high-resolution Quad-Bayer-like sensors. The image signal processor supports up to five sensors and can simultaneously process the output from three, allowing for advanced image-merging and other computational imaging methods.

    There is also a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) which is specially designed to run artificial intelligence tasks. On the camera side of things, this is used for scene and object detection and subsequent optimization of camera parameters.

    Exynos 980 powered mobile devices will also be able to encode and decode 4K video at 120 frames per second (fps). Support for HDR10+ with dynamic mapping should result in better color rendering in video clips.

    There’s no definitive timeline for when this chipset will be released, but it’s safe to say Samsung’s future smartphones will likely be the first to showcase it.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Facebook expands Face Recognition photo scanning, makes feature opt-in for new users

    Facebook will no longer scan uploaded images for users’ faces by default, according to The Verge. The change will apply to new users who receive the Face Recognition setting as Facebook rolls it out globally over the next several weeks. The Face Recognition feature, which was first introduced in late 2017, will not be turned on unless the user chooses to enable it.

    The facial recognition feature works by scanning images for users’ faces and alerting them about these images even if they’re not tagged in them. Users who receive one of these alerts can choose to tag themselves in the image, ignore it, or report the image when applicable.

    In an update on the technology following the outcome of its federal appeal in August, Facebook has revealed that the facial recognition feature is rolling out to all users, but that they’ll need to manually enable it if they want the platform to scan other users’ images for their face. A notice in the user’s News Feed will alert that user when the feature becomes available on their account.

    Users will be able to find the Face Recognition feature in their account’s Settings menu. Facebook users who currently have Face Recognition on their accounts can find instructions on disabling it here.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Cinema5D goes hands-on with the Canon EOS C500 Mark II

    We’ve already shared the basic specs and details of Canon’s new EOS C500 Mark II cinema camera, but our friends over at Cinema5D have gotten their hands on a unit and shared a ten-minute overview of the new full-frame cinema system.

    Throughout the 11-minute video, Cinema5D takes a look at the overall unit, as well as the extension units, which make the camera even more modular and capable without the need for third-party solutions. Other details not given in Canon’s original press release are also mentioned and we even get a closer look at how the user-changeable mount system works.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony announces Xperia 5 with triple-cam setup, Eye AF and 6.1″ 21:9 CinemaWide display

    Sony has announced the Xperia 5, the latest addition to its flagship smartphone lineup. The new phone brings technology from Sony’s Xperia 1 smartphone and puts them in a slightly more manageable size.

    The Xperia 5 features a 21:9 CinemaWide 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with BT.2020 color accuracy. The screen uses technologies from Sony’s Bravia TV systems to help bring High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies to its latest smartphone. Another neat feature of the Xperia 5 is a new Creator mode, a feature inspired by Sony’s Master Series TV systems that adds 10-bit tonal gradation (8 bit display with 2 bit software smoothing) to the display, which makes it possible to support the ITU-R BT.2020 color space in addition to CDI-P3 and Illuminant D65.

    Sony has also added Dolby Atmos surround sound technology to add ‘breathtaking realism’ to audio coming from the device, whether you’re using headphones or the built-in stereo speakers on the Xperia 5.

    On the imaging front, the Xperia 5 uses a triple-camera setup with 12-megapixel sensors behind each of the three lenses: a 16mm, a 26mm and a 52mm (35mm equivalent). Sony doesn’t mention the apertures of the 16mm and 52mm lens but notes the main 26mm lens features an F1.6 aperture that works alongside the Dual Photo Diode image sensor with 1.5?m pixel pitch for better low-light capabilities. The imaging system uses a Sony Bionz X image processor for mobile as well as Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to get the most from the camera unit.

    Sony has also brought its Eye AF technology to the Xperia 5, as well as continuous burst shooting up to 10 frames per second with Auto Focus and Auto Exposure calculations taking place at up to 30 frames per second.

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    Other features include Corning Gorilla Glass 6 on both the front and back of the device, USB PD charging, a 3140mAh battery, IP68/IP65 water resistance and Sony’s ‘smart connectivity’ function that uses Neural Network Libraries to analyze Wi-Fi and LTE signals to know when to switch from one to the other for optimal connectivity.

    The Xperia 5 will be available in the United States at various retailers starting November 2019 for a retail price of $ 799 and will ship with Android 9 Pie. For more information, visit Sony’s product page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Yuneec introduces new gimbal-stabilized 4K Mantis G drone

    On the first day of the annual InterDrone conference in Las Vegas, Yuneec has introduced its latest quadcopter. Aimed specifically at consumers, the Mantis G was created for those wanting to enhance their social media profiles with HD (high-definition) and 4K aerial video or imagery captured from a unique perspective.

    The portable and foldable Mantis G weighs one pound, making it ideal for travelers capturing imagery on the fly. It features a gimbal-stabilized camera that can record video up to 4K at 30 frames per second. Photos can be taken on the 13-megapixel camera in either JPG or DNG format.

    The Mantis G measures at 10.5 inches, without the propellers, and is being marketed as ‘the perfect upgrade to your Instagram story.’

    A maximum 33-minute flight time makes it the longest in its class. The drone can land automatically and be folded up within seconds so consumers can head off to their next adventure. Seamless social media integration allows users to instantly share their media on their social channels.

    In the spirit of enabling consumers to capture professional-grade imagery with a creative twist, Yuneec has equipped the Mantis G with Waypoint Mode, which allows users to plot out a specific flight path for the drone, and the Visual Tracking feature that ensures the drone follows its designated target everywhere. For racing enthusiasts, the Mantis G can reach speeds up to 44 miles per hour.

    The Mantis G can be controlled with a smartphone, via the controller that is included with the drone, or by voice control. Yuneec has modified its Pilot App to accept new voice commands from flyers. Modified antenna design and redundant frequencies (2.4 and 5 GHz), coupled with the new Smart Streaming feature, guarantee stable communication and signal transmission between the drone and controller.

    One notable selling feature on the Mantis G from Yuneec is that any video, photo, or telemetry data will not be transferred or contained on any external servers. Recently, leading manufacturer DJI has released statements denying accusations of doing the same with their consumer data. The Mantis G was developed on open source PX4 code. No Fly Zones surrounding international airports have been integrated into the software, preventing unsafe and illegal flights. GPS and IPS sensors allow it to be flown both indoors and outdoors, making it that much for versatile for content creators.

    The Mantis G retails for $ 699 and can be ordered here.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Tamron firmware update adds support for Nikon’s FTZ adapter to three of its lenses

    Tamron has released firmware updates for three of its F mount lenses to add support for Nikon’s FTZ adapter.

    Back in November 2018, Tamron announced firmware updates (1, 2) for half a dozen lenses that added support for Nikon’s F to Z mount adapter. Now, three additional lenses gain support: the Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016), 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD (Model A034) and 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035).

    No additional changes are mentioned in the firmware update, but regardless of whether or not you have a Nikon Z6 or Z7 camera, it’s probably in your best interest to download and install the firmware updates via Tamron’s TAP-in Utility, which works with the Tamron TAP-in console to update compatible Tamron lenses.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The Shuttercase 2.0 is an iPhone camera case with battery grip, mechanical shutter button

    Last year Shuttercase unsuccessfully attempted to collect funding for the original Shuttercase iPhone camera case. Now the company is back with a redesigned version that is called Shuttercase 2.0 and already available for purchase.

    The Shuttercase 2.0 is aimed at iPhone photographers and movie makers who prefer the handling of a traditional camera over smartphone ergonomics for image and video capture. The case comes with a mechanical shutter button and a replaceable camera handle with a leatherette effect cover. The handle also contains a 3000mAh battery. In addition the case offers a mount for all current Moment smartphone lenses.

    The modular design – lens mount, camera handle with battery, leatherette cover and thumb rest are all removable – allows you to use the battery pack when taking pictures with your iPhone and removing it and other components and leaving them at home for normal smartphone use. It also sets the Shuttercase apart from competitors such as the Pictar camera grip or battery packs from Mophie and others.

    The Shuttercase 2.0 with Moment lens mount is now available for several iPhone models on the Shuttercase website for $ 78.99. An additional battery pack will set you back $ 28.99.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Filmtypes website makes emulsion comparison easy for analogue shooters

    When getting into film photography it can be very difficult to find out not only what films are available but also the differences between them and what they are designed to do. Austrian photography enthusiast Dominik Sobe has built a website that lists available emulsions, shows a collection of images shot on that particular film and links to reviews on other sites.

    Almost 50 films are listed and can be filtered by brand, contrast, grain type and speed rating

    Filmtypes automatically draws in images from Flickr that are tagged with the film they were shot with and displays them on the landing page for that film, while offering a short description of the film’s characteristics, its origins and the formats in which it can be bought.

    The landing page for each film pulls in images from Flickr that use the tag of that film, so users can see for themselves the characteristics of that emulsion

    At the moment just under 50 films are included, and users can filter the list by contrast, color/B&W, manufacturer, speed and grain type to whittle the list down to specific requirements. Of course, there is also a link to buy the resulting film.

    The site is still young and Sobe says he will continue to add new films but already it is very useful. If you are into film photography go take a look and maybe suggest a favorite film that hasn’t made the list yet.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • National Geographic will shutter its ‘Your Shot’ photography platform in October

    Following a report late last month from Variety that claimed Disney layoffs would impact National Geographic, NatGeo has officially shuttered its ‘Your Shot’ platform. The announcement was made on the National Geographic website’s ‘Your Shot’ page, where a new notice advises photographers that the program will now take place through the company’s ‘Your Shot’ feed on Instagram.

    The National Geographic ‘Your Shot’ platform was a photo community that offered photographers advice from experts, as well as assignments, the opportunity to get one’s work featured on digital and print platforms, and to engage with the wider community of photographers.

    According to the notice on the National Geographic website (above), the ‘Your Shot’ platform will be shuttered on October 31, after which point all of the assignments, promotions, and engagement opportunities will be discontinued. Photographers will be able to find the continued version of the platform on the National Geographic Instagram Your Shot account.

    Though the message suggests that the ‘Your Shot’ program will continue with assignments on Instagram, both the National Geographic website and the company’s Instagram account lack details on how the process will proceed beyond October 31. Users of the current ‘Your Photo’ platform will soon receive the ability to download their images from the community before it closes next month.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 di USD sample gallery

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    We’ve been shooting around with the new Tamron SP 35mm F1.4, a lens the brand recently referred to as its “finest ever,” and we can see why. Image quality appears to be excellent with good sharpness from corner to corner – even wide open – and well-controlled chromatic aberration and ghosting. Sunstars and bokeh are also pleasing, but we’ll leave that for you to decide.

    This fast prime is also reasonably compact for a 35mm F1.4, even when coupled with the Nikon FTZ adapter and mounted on a Z7. AF speeds using said combo were also plenty fast/precise. Have a look for yourself.

    See our Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)