Category: Uncategorized

  • Leica Q2 boasts 47.3MP sensor, 4K video and weather-sealing

    Leica has introduced the Q2, updating its predecessor with a higher resolution full-frame sensor, splash and dust resistance on par with the SL’s and an updated OLED viewfinder. The Q2 offers a 47.3MP full-frame sensor capable of DCI and UHD 4K video recording, and sticks with the stabilized 28mm F1.7 offered on the first Q.

    The built-in viewfinder has been upgraded from a field-sequential LCD to an OLED panel with 3.68M dots. The Q2 is the same size as the Q but boasts the same IP52 weather-resistance rating as the SL, with a new internal structure to support weather sealing. The camera’s controls have been somewhat simplified, and drive mode options have been removed from the power switch.

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    The Q2 continues to offer 35mm and 50mm in-camera crop functions, along with a new 75mm mode. Wi-Fi connectivity is now offered alongside Bluetooth Low Energy, a handy means of connecting camera to smartphone without constant re-pairing. The Q2 also uses a higher-capacity battery than the Q, bumping it up to 370 shots per charge.

    The Leica Q2 begins shipping today for $ 4995.

    Leica Q2: The Highly Anticipated Sequel to a Modern Milestone from Leica Camera

    Achieve unparalleled photographic results in the most accessible way with Leica’s latest innovation

    March 7, 2019 – Leica Camera raises the bar with the introduction of the Leica Q2 camera. Keeping consumer feedback top of mind following the immensely successful Leica Q, the Leica Q2 offers photographers expanded creative freedom via unprecedented imaging quality, added weather protection, an upgraded viewfinder, supremely precise autofocus and more. The Leica Q2 is the quintessential tool for available light photography, rain or shine, that promises to carry the torch of its predecessor forward to new heights and possibilities without making sacrifices.

    Superior Imaging Quality Meets Unmatched Versatility
    As with any Leica Camera, exceptional image quality reigns supreme, allowing photographers to consistently capture show-stopping imagery. The new Leica Q2’s full frame sensor is the highest resolution sensor in its class at 47.3 megapixels, offering users more resolution than the original Leica Q, and captures both impeccably detailed still pictures and 4K video. Together with its Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, the Q2 ensures all-around exceptional imaging performance. This top-tier Leica optic guarantees optimum picture quality with exquisite bokeh characteristics in even the most difficult lighting scenarios.

    With its high resolving power matched to its high-resolution sensor, the Leica Q2 goes beyond the conventional use cases of a 28 mm focal length via its built-in crop functions for equivalent focal lengths of 35 mm, 50 mm, and the newly available 75 mm – bringing with it more possibilities in the world of portraiture and close-up work. Thanks to the software design ingenuity of Leica engineers, when shooting cropped DNG files the full sensor image is still recorded, allowing photographers to undo or change the crop after the fact.

    The Leica Q2 also adds 4K UHD and Cine4K video recording to its arsenal of features, with myriad frame rate options across 4K and 1080p, giving users impressive video recording from such a large sensor on the go to document memories or record short films.

    Exceptional Quality and User Handling
    The design of the Leica Q2 carries forward the Leica tradition of reduction to the essentials. The ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are employed in its construction. The distinctive thumb rest of the new Leica Q2 and the sophisticated diamond pattern of its leather trim ensure optimum grip and highlight the symbiosis of function and form.

    Also new is the camera’s uniquely intuitive handling concept, following refined design language cues established from its brethren in the Leica M10 and Leica CL families – such as the single-stage On/Off switch, simplified three-button interface on the rear of the camera and programmable button within the thumb wheel dial. A new highlight of the Leica Q2 layout is the push-button diopter compensation dial on the back of the camera that locks and prevents accidental changes to the user’s desired setting. Every refinement, both large and small, pushes Leica’s design forward without losing sight of the core philosophy of the camera.

    Following in-tune with impeccably intuitive user handling, in combination with the Leica FOTOS App, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module makes it possible to quickly and easily share pictures and video via social media. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) enables a permanent connection to be established between camera and smartphone, making it possible for user to remotely wake the camera and connect any time when in range.

    Make It Your Own With Accessories
    A comprehensive and stylish range of optional accessories is also available for the Leica Q2. These include matching camera protector cases and carrying straps in premium-quality classic black and brown leather, and more vibrant versions in red and pink. The elegant new ‘Ettas’ line of soft, coated canvas pouches for various Leica camera models will also be launched at the same time as the Leica Q2. The pouches will initially be available in midnight blue, stone gray and red colorways, with more still to come. The accessory selection also includes technical equipment for the Leica Q2 such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units, the SF C1 remote flash control unit and an additional add-on thumb rest and handgrip. All accessories are functionally designed for easy handling, perfectly matching the quality and design of the camera and are manufactured from only the finest materials to ensure reliability for a lifetime of use.

    An exhibition of Leica Q2 photography is on view at the Elga Wimmer Gallery in New York City for a limited engagement of 24-hours on March 7th featuring the works of Hiram Garcia, President of Production of Seven Bucks Production and film/television producer. The series, titled ‘Behind the Seen’, is a diverse collection of images that strive to highlight the beauty and intrigue of the movie industry and marks Garcia’s debut photographic gallery exhibition. Garcia’s ‘Behind the Seen’ is the first and only exhibition worldwide shot exclusively on the new Leica Q2 camera.

    The Leica Q2 is on sale beginning today at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers. The camera will be sold in black paint finish for $ 4,995.

    Leica Q2 specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 4995
    Body type
    Body type Large sensor compact
    Body material Magnesium alloy
    Sensor
    Max resolution 8368 x 5584
    Other resolutions 28mm: 6000 x 4000, 4272 x 2848 | 35mm: 6704 x 4472, 4800 x 3200, 3424 x 2288 | 50mm: 4688 x 3128, 3360 x 2240, 2400 x 1600 | 75mm: 3136 x 2096, 2240 x 1496, 1600 x 1072
    Image ratio w:h 3:2
    Effective pixels 47 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 50 megapixels
    Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
    Sensor type CMOS
    Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB
    Color filter array Primary color filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 50-50000
    White balance presets 5
    Custom white balance Yes
    Image stabilization Optical
    Uncompressed format RAW
    File format
    • JPEG
    • DNG
    Optics & Focus
    Focal length (equiv.) 28 mm
    Optical zoom 1×
    Maximum aperture F1.7
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Selective single-point
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Touch
    • Live View
    Digital zoom Yes (1.2x (35mm equiv), 1.5x (50mm equiv), 2x (75mm))
    Manual focus Yes
    Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81)
    Macro focus range 17 cm (6.69)
    Number of focus points 49
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Fixed
    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 0.76×
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
    Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/40000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Program
    • Aperture priority
    • Shutter priority
    • Manual
    Scene modes
    • Sport
    • Portrait
    • Landscape
    • Night portrait
    • Snow/beach
    • Fireworks
    • Candlelight
    • Sunset
    • Digiscoping
    • Miniature effect
    • Panorama
    Built-in flash No
    External flash Yes (via hotshoe)
    Flash X sync speed 1/2000 sec
    Continuous drive 20.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
    Videography features
    Resolutions 4K/30/24p, 1080/120/60/30/24p
    Format MPEG-4
    Microphone Stereo
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Connectivity
    USB charging No
    HDMI No
    Wireless Built-In
    Wireless notes WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy
    Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed Yes (IP52 rated)
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description BP-SCL4
    Battery Life (CIPA) 370
    Weight (inc. batteries) 718 g (1.58 lb / 25.33 oz)
    Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62)
    Other features
    Timelapse recording Yes
    GPS None

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Android TV ‘Photos’ feature disabled after bug reveals hundreds of user accounts

    Following reports of a bug on Twitter, Google has temporarily disabled the Photos feature on Android TV. The decision was made in light of complaints from some Android TV users who say hundreds of strangers appeared under the platform’s ‘Linked Accounts’ menu. Though those users’ photos weren’t accessible, impacted Android TV owners could view their names and profile pictures.

    The issue was first reported by Android Police, which points to a video shared by Twitter user ‘Prashanth.’ In the video, hundreds of Google Photos accounts are listed under the Google Home app’s Ambient Mode, which allows users to display a feed of their Google Photos images on an Android TV or Chromecast.

    As part of the Ambient Mode feature, Google makes (made) it possible to enable displaying images from other Google Photos users by linking their accounts. This feature was intended to be used with other known users — friends and family, for example — but this surprise bug had apparently linked hundreds of unknown accounts.

    Android Police has identified complaints related to the Vu LED TV 55SU134, which has Android TV built-in, as well as another related to the iFFalcon 32F2A Android TV from a TCL subsidiary. Prashanth told the site that he wasn’t able to replicate the bug on a Xiaomi Mi Box 3 running Android 8 Oreo; the Vu TV was still running the older Android 7 software.

    The problem may only impact older hardware that hasn’t received the latest security updates.

    Though he was able to view users’ names and profile pictures under Linked Accounts and the Ambient Mode feature, Prashanth did say in a tweet that wasn’t able to view the other users’ actual Google Photos images. Google is expected to bring back the feature with a bug fix in the future.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Repair site ifixit gives us a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 cameras

    Galaxy S10 triple-camera, image: ifixit

    Gadget repair site ifixit has torn down the new Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10e smartphones, allowing us to get a closer look at the devices camera modules.

    The S10 comes with the same main triple-camera as the S10+, featuring a 12MP primary module with 1/2.55″ sensor, 26mm equivalent focal length and a variable f/1.5-2.4 aperture. A 12MP tele lens comes with a 52mm equivalent focal length and F2.4 aperture lens in front of a 1/3.6″ sensor and the 16MP super-wide-angle has an equoivalent focal length of 12mm. S10e has to make do without the tele lens.

    Galaxy S10 fron and main cameras (left) next to the equivalent S10e components, image: ifixit

    In the teardown we get a close look at the triple-module which is encased in a yellow ABS or nylon plastic frame. Both tele and main camera come with optical image stabilization. ifixit says any further teardown of the camera components would have been too destructive but an X-ray image of the tele-camera shows the sensor and OIS electromagnets.

    If you are thinking about repairing your S10 – camera or other components – yourself, you should probably think twice. ifixit gave the S10 a fairly low 3/10 repairability score. The good news is that a single Phillips driver takes care of all the screws and many components are modular and can be replaced independently but the charging port soldered to the main board and battery replacement is quite difficult.

    X-ray of the Galaxy S10 tele-camera, image: ifixit

    The ifixit team also says that glued-down glass at both front and back of the device increases the risk of breakage and makes any repairs more difficult to start with. Head over to ifixit.com for the full report.


    Images used with permission from ifixit

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Watch out Profoto, the Godox V1 round head flash is just around the corner

    At Photokina 2018, Godox revealed plans to release a round head speedlight designed to compete with the Profoto A1. That product, the Godox V1, has finally arrived under Adorama’s Flashpoint brand and is expected to launch under the Godox name through B&H Photo soon.

    The Flashpoint Zoom Li-On X R2 / Godox V1 features a round zoom head with both automatic and manual zoom control, a magnetic head rim for light modifiers, backlit matrix LCD, support for 330-degree rotation and 120-degree tilt, and a guide number of 92 ft / 28 meters at ISO 100 (50mm). The model’s removable Li-ion polymer battery can power up to 650 full-power flashes per charge with a full-power recycle time of less than 1.5 seconds.

    Photographers can use the Godox V1 as an on-camera standalone TTL flash and as a ‘wireless command center’ for the company’s other monolights and speedlights. As well, the new model is fully compatible with the Canon E-TTL system with support for EXIF inscription, HSS, flash value lock, and exposure compensation.

    When used as a master, the Godox V1 is able to control four wireless groups, and as a slave, this flash supports both intelligent and regular optical modes.

    Other features include the promise of a ‘stable’ color temperature held at 5600±200K across the full power range, HSS shutter speeds up to 1/8000s, front and rear curtain sync, laser AF assist lamp, SMD LED modelling lamp, and the inclusion of multi-purpose buttons.

    The Godox V1 is currently listed as pre-release by Adorama. Neither price or availability date are provided, though it is expected to be cheaper than the Profoto A1.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Yongnuo shares more details about its upcoming YN450 Android-powered mirrorless camera

    Last October, Yongnuo teased the impending launch of a 16-megapixel Android-based mirrorless camera it called the YN450. Since then, not much has been heard about the device, but Yongnuo made an appearance at CP+ and brought along the unreleased device to show off in more detail.

    In the video above, Cinema5D takes a closer look at the unreleased device to see just what Yongnuo has managed to pack inside the YN450 and what their goal is with the unique device.

    The camera uses a 4/3 sensor and relies on a Canon EF mount for lenses. It’s powered by Android 7.1, features an 8-core Qualcomm processor and includes a 5-inch 1080p multi-touch display. The secret weapon, however, is an integrated 4G SIM card slot that will ensure the camera is as connected as a smartphone would be, with Wi-Fi and GPS to boot.

    Based on the current information available, the camera will have 32GB of internal memory as well as a MicroSD card slot. However, Cinema5D believes that slot could be limited to 32GB cards and won’t support SDXC cards.

    In addition to 16MP stills, the camera will shoot 4K/30p video, but details on the codec and other information are still unannounced. There’s also a front-facing 8MP camera that’s hidden next to the display. The device will feature a removable 4,00 may battery that’s said to power the camera for up to 4 hours of continuous use.


    Photos by Cinema5D shared with permission

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Leica Q2 first impressions review

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    The Leica Q2 is a fixed-lens, full-frame camera sporting a new 47.3MP sensor and a sharp, stabilized 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens. It’s styled like a traditional Leica M rangefinder and replaces the hugely popular original Leica Q (Typ 116), launched in 2015.

    The Q2 looks essentially the same as its predecessor, but under the hood notable improvements have been made including the addition of weather-sealing, better battery life, a new processor and an improved electronic viewfinder. Sensor resolution has also nearly doubled.

    Key Specifications:

    • 47.3MP full-frame sensor
    • 28mm F1.7 Summilux stabilized lens
    • 3.68MP OLED EVF with 0.76x magnification
    • 3″ fixed touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots
    • Fast autofocus and smoothly damped manual focus ring
    • Native ISO range of 50-50,000
    • 4K video capture
    • Leaf shutter up to 1/2000 sec
    • E-shutter up to 1/40,000 sec
    • IP52 rated dust and water resistant
    • Magnesium-alloy body
    • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • Improved battery life

    While the Q2 will replace the original Q in Leica’s lineup, the Leica Q-P – a stealthy version of the Leica Q – will remain available for some time, according to the brand. The Leica Q2 ships March 7th for $ 4995.

    Raw photo processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw.
    ISO 250 | 1/80 sec | F2.8

    What’s new and how it compares

    The Q2 and original Q look pretty similar, but there are a lot of upgrades under the hood. Here’s the nitty gritty.

    Read more

    Body and controls

    How’s it feel in hand? How’s the new electronic viewfinder? Find out here.

    Read more

    First impressions

    We’ve been shooting around with the Leica Q2 – here are our initial thoughts based on that time.

    Read more

    Sample gallery

    Puppies and landscapes and portraits, oh my! Check out our full sample image gallery for out-of-camera JPEGs and Raw conversions.

    Read more

    Specifications

    You’re a gear nerd, we get it. Here’s where you’ll find all the juicy details about the Q2 listed out.

    Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon EOS RP added to studio test scene comparison, sample gallery updated

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    The Canon EOS RP is an impressively small camera considering the large full-frame sensor inside. That sensor gives you 26MP of resolution, and is closely related to the unit in Canon’s existing EOS 6D II DSLR. We’ve had it out and about for some sunshine and soul music in Seattle, and have also put it in front of our test scene to see what it can do. Take a peek through our updated sample gallery and around our studio scene to see how Canon’s new baby full framer fares.

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Behind the scenes at CP+

    Over the past few days we’ve been sharing news and interesting products from the annual CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan. However, there’s also a lot that goes on behind the scenes at a show like CP+. We’ve put together a short video that lets you join us here – at least in a virtual sense.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Dubble Film teams with film producer Revelog, renames products, tweaks price, and more

    Film company Dubble Film has ended its partnership with KONO!, the German pre-exposed film producer, and instead teamed up with Revelog, the company has announced. Under the new partnership, Dubble Film has changed some of its product names, increased the number of exposures per film roll, lowered the cost per photo, and more.

    Going forward, Dubble Film will sell its Moonstruck film under the new name Apollo, Monsoon under the name Pacific and Sunstroke under the name Solar. The company’s Jelly and Bubblegum film names remain unchanged, however. The new product names decrease confusion between the ‘Monsoon’ and ‘Moonstruck’ options and eliminate the negative association that comes with ‘Sunstroke.’

    Below are a few sample images from Dubble Film’s various film stocks:

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    Additionally, each film roll now features 36 exposures instead of 24, and though prices have increased, the overall cost-per-photo is lower than before. The new 36-exposure rolls are priced at £12 / $ 15.35 per roll compared to the previous £10.50 / $ 13.87, which works out to a per-photo price of £0.33 / $ 0.43 versus the previous approx. £0.42 / $ 0.55 cost.

    According to Dubble Film founder Adam Scott, via Kosmo Foto, the new film products have better tint under the Revelog partnership. The previous Dubble Film from KONO! inventory is currently being sold at a discounted £8 / $ 10.53 rate by Analogue Wonderland.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Researchers launch Colourise.sg, a free web app that colorizes B&W images using AI

    Engineers with GovTech Singapore’s Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Division have launched a website called Colourise.sg that uses deep learning AI to colorize black and white images. The website doesn’t require any technical skills from the user and is free to use. Colorized results are delivered in seconds and, more often than not, are very realistic.

    The project was detailed by software engineer Preston Lim, who explained that Colourise.sg was trained specifically to colorize historical black and white Singaporean photos. This differs from some competing AI-based colorizers, Algorithmia being one given example, which are often trained using an image dataset called ImageNet.

    “Singapore.” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Picture Collection, The New York Public Library (left), colourised photo by Colourise.sg (right)

    The tool remains an excellent option for colorizing images outside of a Singaporean context, however. There are limitations to the tool, primarily that users aren’t able to specify the original color of image elements, meaning the final colorized image may be realistic, but not reflect the scene’s true colors.

    According to the team behind Colourise.sg, the colorizer works best with high-resolution images featuring humans and natural scenery. The system is capable of colorizing images that contain objects it can identify based on the dataset used to train it. In photos that contain objects the AI can’t recognize, the results may include unrealistic colors as the system must simply use its best guess.

    Several excellent examples of Colourise.sg’s capabilities are provided on Medium.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)