360Photography

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  • Obscura 2 app updates interface, adds new histogram visualizer and keyboard shortcuts

    Obscura 2, an iOS camera app developed by Ben McCarthy, has released an update that adds a histogram visualizer, iPad keyboard shortcuts, a redesigned image viewer and more.

    The most obvious change in the updated is the new image viewer interface. Now, the various settings, controls and filters are organized into card-style dialogs within the interface. While this does take up more real estate for each setting, it provides a cleaner look and helps to compartmentalize the various settings.

    The new histogram integration provides real-time exposure data by overlaying bars on the bottom of the the the app, behind the buttons. It’s nice the histogram is subtle, but it’d be nice to have an option to change the color/opacity on the bars, because the dark grey on black can sometimes be difficult to see.

    On iPads, the update adds keyboard shortcuts for taking photos, switching between camera and library modes, applying filters, and navigating through photos that have been captured. Sure, the iPad isn’t a camera-first device in any sense, but it’s nice to see McCarthy add this sort of functionality.

    Overall, it’s a solid update with a cleaner UI and a number of functional improvements. Obscura 2 is available on the iOS App Store for $ 4.99.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: UV light brings out the ethereal colors of everyday objects

    The Weird Lens Museum seems not only to be interested in odd lenses, but also unusual light sources for still life set-ups. Curator Mathieu Stern has published a video showing experimental work with off-visible-spectrum specialist Pierre Luis Ferrer in which they use a handheld UV light to illuminate fruit and everyday objects, making for strange, ethereal patterns and colors.

    The inside of a kiwi seen with ultraviolet light.

    With the lights off in the studio only the UV light is used on the subjects, which causes some materials to glow in a spectacular way. Different substances react to UV light and can glow in a range of colors, as seen in the kiwi example above.

    UV lights don’t cost more than $ 10-20 for handheld varieties, so head to your nearest hardware store (or favorite online store) and pick one up to see what interesting results you end up with. Remember to pick up a pair of protective UV glasses though to keep your eyes safe; UV flashlights are a relatively weak source of UV light, but it’s better to play it safe, especially when it comes to your eyes.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm issues minor firmware update for its X-T3 mirrorless camera

    Fujifilm has announced a minor firmware update for its X-T3 mirrorless camera.

    Firmware version 2.10 adds the ability to record video files over 4GB in size as a single file. With the new firmware, the file is recorded as a single file so long as the memory card being used is 64GB or larger. If a 32GB card or smaller is used, the filming will continue without interruption, but the files will be separated as the X-T3 has previously done.

    The firmware also addresses unspecific ‘defects’ throughout the camera.

    To download firmware version 2.10 for the Fujifilm X-T3, head over to Fufjifilm’s download page. More details on how to install the firmware can be found there as well.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Some MacBook Pro owners report speaker damage due to Adobe Premiere Pro audio bug

    Some MacBook Pro owners have reported experiencing physical damage to their laptop speakers while using Adobe Premiere Pro. Based on existing reports, the bug appears to impact both Premiere Pro CC 12.0.1 and 12.0.2 users, but the consequences of the problem may ultimately fall on Apple’s side, as software shouldn’t be able to physically damage hardware speakers.

    According to online reports, the problem impacts the new MacBook Pro models and arises while users are editing audio settings. One impacted user reported using Adobe Premiere 2019 and, while adjusting settings, being blasted with ‘a loud distorted noise that hurt even my ears.’

    The noise allegedly caused the MacBook Pro’s speakers to become ‘unusable.’ Due to the number of components that must be replaced when repairing the damaged speakers, one 2018 MacBook Pro user was quoted a $ 600 repair fee by an Apple Store Genius Bar in Canada.

    The Premiere Pro audio bug has been experienced by at least one user while wearing headphones, but they weren’t damaged as a result, according to the user. Adobe allegedly instructed one user to disable the MacBook Pro’s microphone within Premiere Pro under the ‘Preferences > Audio Hardware > Default Input’ menu, but some users report experiencing the audio issue even after troubleshooting.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Atomos Ninja V, Inferno recorders will support 4K 10-bit 422 HDR with Panasonic’s Lumix S1

    Atomos has announced its Ninja V and Inferno monitor/recorders will support 4k (3840×2160) 10-bit 422 HDR from the Panasonic Lumix S1 when it starts shipping.

    Atomos says recording via HDMI to a Ninja V or Inferno will allow direct recording to Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs at up to 4K30 in the HLG HDR format. Using metadata transferred over the HDMI cable, the Atomos recorders can correctly display the HLG signal which provides an instant and accurate HDR image for monitoring purposes.

    In Atomos own words, ‘The metadata triggers auto-setup of the Atomos recorders, and the same data is written into the ProRes or DNx file for instant playout to compatible HDR televisions and monitors, or upload to YouTube.‘

    Atomos also addresses Panasonic’s upcoming support for 10-bit 422 HDMI output in V-Log gamma in a future paid firmware update saying the Atomos recorders will be able to record this format and that it’s working hand-in-hand with Panasonic to ensure full support and additional features will be supported when the firmware is launched.

    The Atomos Ninja V and Inferno are available from authorized retailers for $ 695 and $ 1,295, respectively.

    Press release:

    Atomos Ninja V offers 4K 10-bit 422 HDR recording with the Panasonic Lumix S1

    February 4th, 2019: Atomos is delighted to announce that as soon as it ships, the new Panasonic LUMIX S1 full-frame mirrorless camera will immediately be able to record 4k (3840×2160) 10-bit 422 HDR footage to the Atomos Ninja V and Inferno monitor/recorders. Recording over HDMI to one of these Atomos recorders will allow recording direct to Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs at up to 4kp30 in the HLG HDR format. HDR metadata passed over HDMI from the Panasonic LUMIX S1 to the Ninja V or Inferno allows the HLG signal to be correctly displayed, giving the users an instant and accurate HDR image they can expose and trust. The metadata triggers auto-setup of the Atomos recorders, and the same data is written into the ProRes or DNx file for instant playout to compatible HDR televisions and monitors, or upload to YouTube.

    Panasonic will also add 10-bit 422 HDMI output in V-Log gamma via a paid firmware update to the camera in the future. This version of the gamma curve will be the full V-Log, rather than the V-Log L variant found on the GH5 and GH5S. Atomos will record this and are working with Panasonic to fully support the additional options that the upcoming firmware will bring.

    The Panasonic LUMIX S1 is the latest in a growing number of large sensor mirrorless cameras to support 4k 10-bit 422 recording via HDMI. The increased image quality brings greater flexibility in post-production for better HDR or SDR images. Stepping up to 10-bit offers greater accuracy with billions of color combinations. This is massively beneficial when utilising computer processing for finishing. Typically, users will see smoother color gradients, eliminating the commonly seen banding in areas with gradual tone change such as blue skies. Recording to an Atomos recorder perfectly preserves this information in the ultimate way possible, combining Panasonic and Atomos technology.

    The Panasonic LUMIX S1 has an ergonomic body design that is perfectly partnered with the 5″ Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor/recorder. The Ninja V weighs 360g and sits perfectly on top of the camera. When the two are used together they balance well in the hand, forming an easy to operate camera setup that rivals some traditional cinema cameras.

    High bright 1000nit or 1500nit monitoring

    Seeing the built-in screen of all mirrorless cameras is difficult in bright conditions. The Ninja V screen has 1000nit of brightness when in SDR mode, allowing it to be used effectively, even when outside. The Ninja Inferno and Shogun Inferno each offer an incredible 1500nit brightness and are well suited to productions where a larger 7” screen is required.

    Why external recording makes sense

    External recording via HDMI from mirrorless cameras is perfect for users wanting to get the best possible image quality from cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX S1. Until this year users needed to invest in a high-end cinema camera costing ten of thousands of dollars to get a larger than Super35 sized sensor that offered 4K 10-bit 422 recording. Now, with the advent of cameras like the LUMIX S1 combined with the Ninja V, users can have access to just that but at amazing price points – in this case less than $ 2500 US MSRP for the LUMIX S1 body and $ 695 MSRP for the Ninja V.

    In addition, by moving recording to an external Atomos recorder like the Ninja V, mirrorless cameras are freed of many of their key video limitations. Record time limits are lifted and easy-to-edit Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs recorded, instead of harder to edit H.264 or H.265. When recording video with the Panasonic LUMIX S1 and Ninja V you can shoot to the new generation of Atomos AtomX SSDmini drives or Atomos Master Caddy II drives. These are developed with leading brands and offer high speed and high reliability in a compact metal chassis at a highly affordable cost per GB.

    The Atomos Ninja V, Ninja Inferno and Shogun Inferno are available now from all Atomos approved resellers. To see a full range of AtomX accessories visit: https://www.atomos.com/accessories

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Samsung patents zoom camera in an S-Pen stylus

    Samsung has recently been granted a camera-related patent, but not for technology used in the camera of a smartphone. Instead the patent, which was originally filed back in February of 2017, is for an S-Pen stylus with a built-in zoom camera.

    The document is titled ‘Electronic pen device having optical zoom’ and describes an S-Pen that comes with an optical system embedded towards the upper end. Four lens elements are aligned in front of an image sensor. The optical system is connected to a communications module which transmits the captured image data back to the host device. There is also a control key which could adjust the zoom factor or trigger other functions.

    Image: Patently Mobile

    In the technical drawing above you can see the the four main components of the system: optical system, image sensor, control key, and controller. The image also suggests the camera S-Pen could come with a future Galaxy Note smartphone but the patent text says the pen could also be used with laptops and computer displays.

    As usual there is no way of knowing if or when the technology will make it into a production device but the capability to take zoom pictures with your S-Pen while leaving the device in your pocket seems like an interesting idea.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The VEER 18 is a packable bag with inflatable camera protection that’s currently on Kickstarter

    Bag makers Wandrd have returned to Kickstarter and this time they’ve launched a campaign for the VEER 18L packable bag with inflatable back panel and camera cube. The idea is simple. Typically packable bags lack protection and structure, making them uncomfortable to carry and not ideal for packing sensitive technology, such as cameras or laptops.

    The VEER 18L solves these issues by using an inflatable back panel and camera cube which can, when deflated, be packed down to very small dimensions but turn the bag into a proper camera bag when filled with air.

    As the name suggests, the VEER 18L has a volume of 18 litres. The largest camera the camera cube can hold is a Canon 5D type body with a 24-70mm lens attached. You can fit a bigger camera or a camera with battery pack but then the lens has to be stored in a different place. The bag is also large enough for a Mavic Pro sized drone. A water bottle sleeve is on board as well.

    The bag is made from weather resistant materials but is not fully waterproof, so it will withstand light rain but not a fall into a river. you are good but don’t dunk it in a river.

    The VEER 18L weighs only 383g (12.8oz) and packs down into a very small package, making it ideal for carrying in a bigger bag and use as a day bag.

    You can reserve a VEER 18 with inflatable back panel by pledging $ 79 on Kickstarter. The version with camera cube will set you back $ 118. Delivery is scheduled for August 2019.

    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)

  • Chinese satellite captures image showing both Earth and the Moon’s far side

    China’s Longjiang-2 satellite has captured an incredible image featuring both the far side of the Moon and Earth in the background. The data was received by the Netherlands’ Dwingeloo Radio Telescope from an amateur radio transceiver built by a team at China’s Harbin University of Technology.

    The satellite first provided the team with partial images of the Moon and Earth back in October, but then was inactive to avoid interfering with China’s Chang’e 4 Lunar mission. The satellite resumed activity on January 19 and captured a time-lapse, including one featuring the Moon’s far side and Earth, on February 3.

    According to the team’s initial report, the images have been color corrected by radio amateurs. A team shared an uncorrected version of the image on Twitter, seen above.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Google removes 29 malicious Android camera apps from Play Store

    Google has removed 29 malicious camera apps from the Google Play Store according to security company Trend Micro. Researchers identified 29 Android camera apps, many of them ‘beauty apps,’ that compromised user security, including presenting full-screen malicious advertisements when the user’s phone was unlocked and potentially keeping user images on remote servers.

    Of the 29 apps, 11 were downloaded more than 100,000 times, and of those instances, three were downloaded more than 1,000,000 times. The three removed apps with the highest download numbers were Pro Camera Beauty, Cartoon Art Photo, and Emoji Camera. Other removed apps include Art Editor, Super Camera, Art Effects for Photo, Art Effect, Prizma Photo Effect, and Pixture.

    According to Trend Micro, some of the apps took steps to conceal their malicious nature, as well as hiding its icon so that users would struggle to uninstall it. “A user downloading one of these apps will not immediately suspect that there is anything amiss, until they decide to delete the app,” the company explained in its report.

    Though it can be difficult to determine whether an app is malicious, users are advised to review existing user reviews before downloading for any warnings from others about potential security issues.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)