You don’t need to buy the latest and greatest camera to take amazing photos. Our newly updated ‘best camera bargains’ buying guide highlights some slightly older cameras that are still worth your consideration.
Category: Uncategorized
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Insta360 Titan 11K 360-degree cinematic camera now available to purchase
In January, Insta360 unveiled Titan, an 11K 360-degree cinematic camera featuring eight lenses with Micro Four Thirds sensors. The camera is designed for VR video production, offering shooting modes ranging from 5.3K/120fps through 11K/30fps with 10-bit color. The model is now available to order from Insta360.
Titan offers a number of high-end features for professional productions, including an integrated 9-axis gyro with FlowState stabilization for smooth shots without a gimbal. Insta360 boasts that its Titan camera offers superior low-light performance, color depth, and clarity compared to ‘conventional’ VR cameras.
The 360-degree camera produces stitched 2D videos at up to 10,560 x 5280 pixels and 3D stitched videos at up to 9600 x 9600 pixels. Stitched 2D images are processed at 10,560 x 5280 and stitched 3D images at 10,560 x 10,560 pixels in JPEG and DNG formats.
Titan supports capturing in-camera HDR images, 10 continuous burst shots, and time-lapses in addition to single shot images. The model offers multiple exposure modes (auto, manual, etc.), 12 stops exposure range, ISO 100 – 6400, and records data to nine full-size SD cards.
When the camera was announced in January, interested customers could reserve a unit with a $ 150 deposit. Titan is now available to directly purchase from Insta360 bundled with the Farsight live monitoring device for $ 14,999 USD; there’s also a bundle that includes memory cards with Titan and Farsight for $ 15,339 USD.
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Sony a9 ‘real-time tracking’ update makes it the highest scoring camera in its class
We were already impressed with the Sony a9 when we reviewed it, giving it a score that put it on par with its two very capable rivals, the Nikon D5 and the Canon EOS-1DX II. In April this year, nearly two years after the camera’s launch, Sony introduced a significant firmware update that largely revamped the autofocus system of the camera, adding a new ‘real-time tracking’ AF mode that works seamlessly with face and eye detection. Sony also updated face and eye detection algorithms by using machine learning to understand human subjects and features more accurately.
90%Overall scoreRead our reviewWe’ve spent some time shooting with the updated a9 in a variety of situations, and have previously written and in-depth look into what the new AF system brings. After further testing, we’ve re-scored the a9 with the boosted autofocus in mind, and it brings the score up to 90% (from 89%). This makes the a9 the highest-scoring camera in its class, out-ranking the Nikon D5 and Canon EOS-1D X II.
The increased score reflects the precision of the updated a9’s subject tracking system, as well as its ease-of-use that makes it valuable for nearly all types of photography. Click ‘Read our review’ above to jump to our full review (originally published in 2017), and read on for a description of the new real-time tracking mode, with some examples and videos of the system in use.
Real-time tracking in use
‘Real-time tracking’ refers to the ability of the a9 (and a6400) to understand the subject you initiated focus on, and track it in three dimensions, much like 3D Tracking on Nikon DSLRs, and the respective subject tracking modes on various mirrorless cameras. What sets the a9’s system apart are both its performance (we found it to reliable enough to be useful for portrait, event, candid, sports and even landscape photography), and its ease-of-use.
To pick a target, you can simply reframe your composition to place your AF point over your subject, half-press the shutter, and real-time tracking will collect color, brightness, pattern, distance, face and eye information about your subject so it can use it to keep track of your subject.
It’s robust enough that it will even, again reliably, switch in and out of Eye AF as necessary if a face or eye is detected on the subject you are tracking, as you can see in the video above.* Collectively, this means you can concentrate on the composition and the moment. There is no longer a need to focus (pun intended) on keeping your AF point over your subject, which for years has constrained composition and made it difficult to maintain focus on erratic subjects.
In practice, the system excels. While many professional sports photographers that know their sport, and can anticipate the action, have successfully used Single Point or Zone AF for years, real-time tracking can help both the amateur and the pro achieve potentially better results. First, it frees up the photographer to compose freely, as composition is no longer constrained by having to keep an AF point over the subject. But perhaps more importantly, not having to keep a fixed AF point or zone over a fast moving subject is a boon when it comes to fast, erratic subjects shot using long telephoto lenses, where framing is increasingly difficult. The sequences below were shot with the 600mm F4 GM lens at a soccer match (click on any thumbnail to launch the gallery):
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Unpredictable motion combined with a 600mm focal length makes it difficult to keep a fixed AF area over your subject. Here, real-time tracking tracked our players even as others passed in front of them, switching in and out of Eye AF, and reverting to generic subject tracking, as necessary so as to not lose the original subject. Photos by Barney BrittonAnd below, despite erratic motion, changing directions, and nearby similarly-dressed players, the camera tracks the original player in both instances. In the first sequence we targeted the player in red (Everton); in the second, the player in silver (Ivan). Only one or two shots in the sequence are slightly misfocused.
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Away from sports and burst photography, we found the performance of Sony’s ‘real-time tracking’ to be beneficial for even more stationary subjects, as it frees you up to try different poses and framings quickly, as we’ve done below.
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Most of the 20 shots above were captured in under 19 seconds, without ever letting off the AF-ON button. The camera never lost our model, and the seamless transitioning between Eye AF and general subject tracking allowed the AF system to remain on our subject throughout the series. By not having to think about focus, you can work faster, and come home with a greater variety of images to choose from.
*This video demonstrates ‘real-time tracking’ on the a6400, but the principle is the same on the a9.
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Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM sample gallery
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Canon’s RF mount is still in its infancy, but that’s not stopping the brand from flexing some muscle and releasing the ultra-fast, ultra-pricey 85mm F1.2L – a lens that arguably doesn’t yet have a sensible camera to attach it to. Nonetheless, as you can see from our sample gallery, it offers jaw-dropping performance.
See our Canon RF 85mm F1.2L
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LAANC to be made available to recreational drone pilots later this month
In mid-May, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clamped down on recreational drone operators by issuing a notice that prohibited them from flying in controlled airspace plus other restricted airports. While not legally binding, the message was clear: hobbyist pilots were now expected to be in compliance with the rules and regulations laid out in 14 CFR 107. The hiccup? Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which provides near real-time authorization to fly in controlled airspace, is only available for those in possession of Part 107 certification.
The FAA is fixing this conundrum by expanding LAANC to recreational users on July 23rd. The announcement was made in a recent webinar by Kevin Morris, an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA. Also mentioned was an important caveat, relayed from an FAA official: ‘Section 349 hobby flights cannot exceed UAS Facility Maps limitations. If you want to fly outside UASFM limits (200’ in a 100’, or in a 0’ grid), you still have to fly under Part 107.’
Before LAANC, a collaboration between the FAA and drone industry was introduced to Part 107-certified commercial operators in October 2018, obtaining a waiver to fly in controlled airspace could take up to 90 days. LAANC automates the application and approval process by providing access in near real-time with 600 participating airports. A list of approved UAS service suppliers can be found here.
Before the expansion becomes official, the FAA is hosting a free webinar, ‘What is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC)?,’ on July 18th at 4:00 pm, Eastern Time.
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Negative Supply launches Kickstarter for Film Carrier MK1, a 35mm camera scanning system
A company called Negative Supply has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a 35mm film holder for camera scanning called MK1. The product exists in two components, the Film Carrier MK1 and the Pro Mount MK1, the latter of which is an optional weighted base with adjustable feet. According to the team behind the device, Film Carrier MK1 can be used to scan an entire roll of 35mm film in around 5 minutes.
Film Carrier MK1 boasts full 35mm frame scanning, meaning each scan includes the border of the image area. Each frame is ‘forced flat’ via the product’s ‘unique channel technology,’ according to Negative Supply, the result being ’near zero distortion.’
The film carrier has a simple mechanical design that requires the user to load the roll into the device, then manually advance it frame-by-frame by turning an advance wheel. The film emulsion doesn’t come into contact with the film carrier, which only touches the edges of the film where the sprocket holes are located. The design is rounded out with a ‘light shroud’ that protects against ambient light intrusion.
According to Negative Supply, it spent months testing the MK1 design and is ready to bring it to market. The Kickstarter campaign is offering backers a single Film Carrier MK1 35mm scanner for pledges of at least $ 249 USD and the Film Carrier MK1 with Pro Mount MK1 for $ 399 USD or more. Both options are expected to start shipping to backers in September.
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.
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Modular 5K Octopus Camera supports swapping in different sensor modules
Octopus Cinema has introduced Octopus Camera, an open source, upgradable, programmable and mostly-modular prototype cinema camera powered by Linux. The model features a replaceable image sensor, enabling users to toggle 4K and 5K sensor modules with both color and monochrome options.
View this post on InstagramBig hand small cinema camera… . . #smallcamera
The Octopus Camera rig features an Intel NUC processing board that can be removed and upgraded by the user when newer hardware becomes available. This modular functionality extends to the camera’s sensor; the model supports multiple imaging modules from XIMEA, including native monochrome, full-frame, 35mm and global shutter.
According to Octopus Cinema, the camera’s out-of-the-box functionality will include 4K lossless compressed 12-bit raw footage in CinemaDNG format, but there will also be a higher bitrate 900Mbit 10-bit HEVC option. Users with other needs will be able to add other recording formats from third-party libraries using an SDK.
The camera measures 110 x 110 x 110mm (4.3 x 4.3 x 4.3in) and weighs 900g (1.98lbs). The model has a CNC milled aluminum chassis and a glass white finish. Imaging and processing specs pertain to the sensor modules and Intel board included in the camera.
View this post on InstagramPreview of the prototype touchscreen interface for the OCTOPUSCAMERA . . #userinterface #userinterfacedesign #cameraapp #uidesign
The device is powered by an 8-core Intel i7-8650U CPU and features 16GB of RAM upgradable to 32GB, two HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, SATA III, and it is capable of write speeds up to 350MB/s. When used with a 5K full-frame imaging module, the rig can shoot at up to 5K 48fps 10-bit HEVC or 12-bit lossy raw video.
The company hasn’t provided any information on pricing or availability, stating only that Octopus Camera will arrive in summer 2020.
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Canon is using Indiegogo to crowdfund the IVY REC, a ‘Clippable, Go Anywhere Camera’
Earlier this year, at CP+ 2019, Canon showed off a collection of creative concept cameras it has been developing behind-the-scenes for quite some time. Now, Canon has taken the first steps to bring at least one of these cameras to market in the form of an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.
The first of the concept cameras Canon is hoping to make a reality is the IVY REC, a ‘clippable, go anywhere camera’ that appears to be an ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera that’s about the size of a USB flash drive and features a built-in carabiner.
Currently, the Indiegogo campaign page is nothing more than a landing page where you can sign up to receive more information on the camera and updates on when the campaign will go live. According to the campaign page, the IVY REC features a 13-megapixel 1/3-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording 1080 / 60p video.
Note what appears to be a standard 1/4-20 tripod thread beneath the lens of the IVY REC. Canon says the IVY REC is lightweight, shockproof and waterproof1. The ultra-compact camera also features wireless connectivity via the CanonMini Cam App, which will turn your smartphone into a live view display and allow for wireless transfer of photos and video. Canon also says the square clip section of the camera can double as a primitive viewfinder.
A single dial appears to be the only menu interface on the camera itself, meaning any minute adjustments will need to be done using the accompanying smartphone app. At first view, both the camera and the crowdfunding campaign appear extremely out of character for Canon, but in a previous interview with DPReview at CP+ 2019, Canon executives noted the company is determined ‘to capture as many customers as [it] can’ and expressed the belief that ‘there’s a new genre of capturing: a new casual capturing market,’ of sorts that has ‘potential for new developments.’ Sure, Canon has the resources to go out and built this concept for the mass market, but a crowdfunding campaign is a simple solution to gauging the public’s interest without investing any additional capital into the concepts.
There’s no pricing information or details on when the crowdfunding campaign will go live, but the landing page does note ‘early birds’ will receive upwards of 30% off the retail price. You can sign up to receive updates and see the information for yourself on the campaign’s landing page.
1Up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m (3.3ft)
Update (July 1, 2019): A previous version of this article compared the IVY REC to Google’s Clips camera. It has been updated to remove the comparison, considering the IVY REC isn’t so much a lifelogging camera as it is a specialized point-and-shoot camera.
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Trump lifts ban on US companies that prevented them selling to Huawei
President Trump has said U.S. companies that sell components to Chinese tech firm Huawei will be allowed to continue to do so.
In remarks at a press conference during the G20 summit in Japan, Trump said that he had told the Chinese leader Xi Jinping that Huawei would be allowed to buy U.S. goods once again. ‘We send and we sell to Huawei and tremendous amount of product that goes into the things that they make, and I said that we would keep selling that product’ the president said in answer to a question from the press.
Further remarks suggested the change had been in part due to pressure from U.S. suppliers who were banned from selling their goods to Huawei rather than any material difference in Trump’s position regarding national security concerns around the tech giant’s relationship with the Chinese government. Trump said that the U.S. companies were ‘not exactly happy that they couldn’t sell.’
President Trump has appeared to soften his tone on Chinese communications giant Huawei, suggesting that he would allow the company to once again purchase U.S. technology https://t.co/4YNJCyKLTg pic.twitter.com/jr45f40ghP
— CNN International (@cnni) June 29, 2019
It isn’t clear at this stage what this means or whether all those previously trading with Huawei will be able to begin doing so again. Trump implied that it was ‘Silicon Valley’ firms that he was referring to, and said of the products ‘it’s very complex, by the way, highly scientific.’ This doesn’t really allow us to determine whether the ban is lifted on all the products sold from the U.S. to Huawei or whether he is referring to physical components or software—such as the Android operating system.
The Huawei affair comes against a background of growing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, as President Trump imposed import duties on a range of Chinese products in a move he claimed was to protect U.S. industry and to counter the country’s ‘unfair’ trade deal with the Chinese. In May Trump also banned all U.S. businesses from dealing with Huawei as the company was deemed too close to the Chinese government and a security threat. It isn’t clear what has changed to reduce the threat level of the company’s activities, or whether the change of mood is more to do with internal pressure on the U.S. government from domestic firms losing business because of the ban. More will be revealed.
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Sony announces a new RX100 III Video Creator Kit with grip, SD card and additional battery
Sony has announced its new RX100 III Video Creator Kit, a product bundle that combines the RX100 III with Sony’s VCT-SGR1 grip, a 64GB SD card and an additional NP-BX1 battery.
Like most video creator kits, the RX100 III Video Creator Kit is designed to be an all-in-one solution for creators looking to get their foot in the door with a simple Full HD video setup.
At the heart of the RX100 III is Sony’s Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor, capable of recording 50Mbps 1080 / 60p video through the F1.8-2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm lens. Combine those specs with the 3-inch tilting screen and the ability to control both image capture and zoom with the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip and you have yourself a solid vlogging setup.
Sony says the RX100 III Video Creator Kit will retail for $ 799.99 and will begin shipping July 2019. However, the kit is currently available to pre-order at Adorama for $ 798 and is listed as available at B&H for $ 699.99.
Press release:
Sony Launches RX100 III Video Creator Kit
The RX100 III Video Creator Kit Provides the Perfect Video Setup for the Run-and-Gun Creator
SAN DIEGO — July 1, 2019 — Sony Electronics, Inc. today introduced a powerful new tool for vloggers and video creators with the launch of the RX100 III Video Creator Kit. Based around the award-winning compact camera, the Cyber-shot RX100 III, the Video Creator Kit provides an all-in-one kit for video creators.
The Kit features the RX1000 III, with a 180º tiltable LCD screen, 1” Exmor R sensor, BIONZ X processor and 24-70mm F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Lens. The bundle also includes an innovative remote grip that doubles as a mini tripod, a 64GB SD Memory Card and an extra NP-BX1 battery to keep you shooting longer. The RX100 III’s video creator kit has everything you need to take your content on the move.
“Empowering creators is critically important to Sony,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics.“We want to make it as easy as possible for them to realize their vision, to capture content in new and different ways.”Manowitz added, “An excellent all-in-one solution, the new Video Creator Kit is a convenient tool that will encourage many aspiring creators to go out and shoot.”
Fast, Sharp Lens
The DSC-RX100 III sports a fast, sharp F1.8-2.8 Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 24-70mm zoom. With such a versatile range of perspectives between wide-angle and medium-telephoto, it’s perfect for all kinds of videography with beautifully defocused, high-bokeh backgrounds. A premium multi-layered T* coating also dramatically reduces ghost and flare caused by light reflection.
Full HD Video Recording
The DSC-RX100 III records HD movies in the XAVC S format and saves files as MP4, allowing for extensive record times. With 50Mbps Full HD (1920×1080) up to 60p high-quality video recording, XAVC S* enables beautiful video recording with minimal compression noise even in scenes with a lot of movement. The RX100 III also records in AVCHD and easily shareable MP4 HD video.
Versatile Shooting Grip
For the ultimate creative freedom, the RX100 III Video Creator Kit includes the VCT-SGR1 Shooting Grip, which allows control of capture and zoom functions directly from the grip and integrates with the RX100 III for ease of use and dynamic filming styles. The ergonomic design is comfortable for both left- and right-handed use, and the pop-out legs convert it into a mini-tripod.
Innovative Design
With a fully-tiltable 3” (1,229K dots) Xtra Fine™ LCD Display it’s possible to check and monitor composition and settings during the entire shoot, thanks to the ability to flip the screen 180º to face the subject, perfect for selfie-style shooting of both still images and video. WhiteMagic™ technology dramatically increases on-screen visibility in bright daylight. The large display delivers brilliant-quality still images and movies while enabling easy focusing operation.
The pop-up EVF viewfinder features an OLED Tru-Finder with a ZEISS T* coating, designed to dramatically reduce reflections that can interfere with composing and viewing stills and videos.
Performance and Image Quality
The backside illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, advanced BIONZ X processor and fast-F1.8-2.8 aperture lens combine to allow for incredible speed and low light versatility for stills as well as beautiful HD video.
The RX100 III features a large 1.0” Exmor R® CMOS image sensor. The back-illuminated technology doubles light sensitivity — a great help when shooting in dimly lit environments. Enjoy reduced noise in your videos and photos, even when capturing night landscapes or indoor scenes.
Full HD Video Capture
The RX100 III captures video in HD in the XAVC S format, allowing full HD recording at a data rate of 50 mbps with low compression, resulting in excellent video quality. The RX100 III can also capture 120fps at 720p, and a dual-video-recording capability allows the camera to record in XAVC S/AVCHD along with MP4 files.
The RX100 also features Intelligent Active Mode, which uses Sony’s frame rate analysis technology and 5-axis image stabilization to dramatically reduce the effects of camera shake when capturing video.
Connections and Sharing
Connect the RX100 III to an external monitor/recorder via HDMI® simultaneously for a bigger view of what you’re recording. The shooting info display can be turned off for an even cleaner view and to capture uncompressed video at much higher bitrates (depending on external recorder and settings). Frame rates include 24p, 60p and 60i.
Connectivity with smartphones for One-touch sharing/One-touch remote has been simplified with Wi-Fi®/NFC control. Easily and instantly transfer videos and photos to your smartphone for sharing with friends and family on social media. In addition, the camera can be controlled remotely using the free Imaging Edge app giving you greater creative freedom.
Pricing and Availability
The RX100 III Video Creator Kit will begin shipping in July 2019 for approximately $ 799.99. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Exclusive stories and exciting content shot with the RX100 III can be found at alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony’s Alpha™ brand.
Images taken with the RX100 III can be found at the Sony Photo Gallery and footage from the camera at the Sony Camera Channel on YouTube. For detailed product information, please visit Sony’s Compact Camera information page.