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Large format macro: a crazy wet plate photography experiment

15 Mar

Austrian wet plate photographer Markus Hofstaetter is back with another crazy large format photography experiment. This time, he decided to find a way to shoot macro photos on a large format wet plate camera. To do this, he actually had to stack two wet plate cameras front to back, bellows fully extended.

Markus documented the whole experiment on his blog, and shares a behind-the-scenes ‘Making Of’ look at the shoot in the video above. His subject was a little snowdrop from his garden, with a simple tin-foil background for some pretty bokeh. But getting any sort of magnification with a large format camera is no easy feat. He needed a lot of distance between his film plane and the little flower.

That’s why he decided to ‘connect’ two large format wet plate cameras together, giving him enough extension to magnify the flower onto an 18x24cm plate.

Here’s a diagram that shows the difference between your standard “full-frame” size, a 10x12cm plate, and an 18x24cm plate (left) and that same diagram overlaid on the final plate:

The next problem he faced was getting enough light. The farther the plate is from the subject, the more light he needs—the plate has an ISO value of about 0.5—and he was pretty far away from his subject. The trick to solving this problem, says Markus, is using fresh chemicals and a LOT of artificial light.

“Freshly mixed chemicals are more sensitive to light,” he tells DPReview. “If I had used older chemicals, I’m not sure if this macro shot would have been possible.” Add to that two flashes of 7,000W of light, and you’ve got JUST enough exposure to make this work.

Mix all of this together and here’s what you get. Scroll to the very end to see the final image:

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Definitely check out the whole Making Of video at the top if you want to see how this shot came together. Markus goes into more detail, revealing interesting tidbits about the lens he used, his lighting setup, and lets you tag along for the entire developing process as well.

And if you like his work, don’t forget to visit his website, check out his blog, and give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram. His quirky experiments—several of which we’ve featured on DPReview—might just get your creative juices flowing, too.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Teardown video shows how the Galaxy S9 variable aperture works

15 Mar

The YouTube channel JerryRigEverything recently tore down (or rather tore apart…) the new Samsung Galaxy S9, giving us the closest look at yet at the new smartphone’s camera hardware. So if the still images in the iFixit teardown weren’t quite interesting enough for you, this might just do the trick.

The camera teardown is about one minute and a half long, running from the 3:30 mark until about 5:00. In that time, we get to see the Optical Image Stabilization system demoed and torn open to reveal the magnets inside:

Then, we get really close look at one of the phone’s most intriguing features: the variable aperture. It turns out the system works using a little lever on the side of the housing. So when the phone senses that there is enough light to justify it, it’ll flip this switch electronically and switch from it’s world’s-brightest F1.5 setting to F2.4.

Here’s a very close look at that switch in action:

You can check out the full teardown in the video at the top. And stay tuned, because we’ll be bringing you a full smartphone camera review of the Samsung Galaxy S9 just as soon as we can put a unit through its paces.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Vivo’s AI-powered ‘Super-HDR’ tech takes on Google’s HDR+

15 Mar

Google’s HDR+ mode is widely regarded as the current benchmark for computational imaging on smartphones, but Chinese manufacturer Vivo wants to unseat the champion. Earlier today, Vivo announced its AI-powered Super HDR feature—a direct competitor to the Google system found in Pixel devices.

Super HDR is designed to improve HDR performance while keeping a natural and “unprocessed” look. To achieve this, the system captures 12 exposures (Google uses 9) and merges them into a composite image, allowing for a fine control over image processing.

Additionally, AI-powered scene detection algorithms identify different elements of a scene—for example: people, the sky, the clouds, rocks, trees, etc.—and adjust exposure for each of them individually. According to Vivo, the end result looks more natural than most images that use the simpler tone-mapping technique.

Looking at the provided sample images, the system appears to be doing an impressive job. That said, these kind of marketing images have to be swallowed with a pinch of salt; we’ll see what the system is really capable of when it’s available in a production device we can test.

Speaking of which, as of now, we don’t know which device Super HDR will be shipping on first, but there is a chance it might be implemented on the upcoming Vivo V9, which is expected to be announced on March 22nd. The V9 is currently rumored to feature a Snapdragon 660 chipset and 12+8MP dual-camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: 360° 8K timelapse of the aurora borealis during a lunar eclipse

15 Mar

Photographer William Briscoe captured this spectacular 360° 8K timelapse on January 31st near Fairbanks, Alaska. He shared the video on his YouTube channel and Facebook page a few weeks ago, alongside this description:

Here is a 360 video of the Lunar Eclipse, Alaska style, which I filmed on January 31st near Fairbanks. Lady Aurora, being the Diva she is, just couldn’t let the moon have all the attention that night, so she made a nice showing as well.

If you have VR glasses of some sort, by all means slap them on! If not, simply drag the video around until you spot the moon, then watch as it disappears and becomes a black disk by about 30 seconds in, allowing the aurora to cover it entirely for the duration of the eclipse.

The full video is only a minute and ten seconds long, but that doesn’t mean it was easy to shoot. Responding to a comment on YouTube, Briscoe revealed that it was -31°F (-35°C) out that night, so just getting his 360° rig (a custom-built array of numerous 35mm DSLRs) to work was a challenge.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Novoflex’s new TrioPod PRO75 modular tripod can handle ‘immense load’

15 Mar

Novoflex has announced an expansion of its TrioPod tripod product line with the launch of the TrioPod PRO75 model. This is a high-capacity advanced spider tripod, according to Novoflex, which claims that the PRO75 model can be used “for even the heaviest photo and video equipment.”

Novoflex explains that its new PRO75 tripod is constructed with 8-layered carbon fiber legs alongside reinforced components. Buyers have a choice between three or four-section carbon fiber legs, as well as a pair of mini legs. The PRO75 model also supports existing TrioPod legs.

The PRO base by itself will run you over $ 880 USD.

The TrioPod PRO75 model can support a maximum load of 65kg / 143lbs and has a total of seven leg lock positions at 23-, 43-, 45-, 65-, 87-, 155-, and 180-degrees. The tripod is made with a high level of versatility in mind, offering support for most 75mm accessories and both 1/4″ and 3/8″ connections, a removable base plate for using a leveling ball, and a self-locking geared center column.

Of course, all of these capabilities are going to cost you a pretty penny. The TrioPod PRO75 base alone, without legs, costs a whopping $ 885.28. Add 3-section carbon fibre legs (plus 2 mini legs) to the kit and you’re looking at $ 1,476.64, while a set of 4-section legs by themselves will run you $ 663.52.

To find out more about the TrioPod PRO75 lineup or order some bits and pieces for yourself, head over to the Novoflex website.

Press Release

Introducing the NOVOFLEX TrioPod PRO75

The new Modular Tripod of choice for discerning professionals looking for the sturdiest, modular support solution.

For almost four years, the NOVOFLEX TrioPod tripod collection has been lauded as the most innovative tripod system on the market. The Product Innovation Team at NOVOFLEX is proud to announce the expansion of this tripod series with a modular, high-capacity tripod system, the TrioPod PRO75.

Exceptionally stable and modular with immense load capacity.

The basis for the all-new TrioPod PRO75 is the advanced tripod spider, which offers exceptional stability and immense load capacity. Thanks to the reinforced design of the individual components and new 8-layered carbon fiber legs, this modular tripod can be used for even the heaviest photo and video equipment.

The system can be purchased with 3 or 4 section carbon fiber legs plus two mini legs for maximum versatility.

In addition to the recommended new tripod legs C3930 and C3940, existing TrioPod legs can also be used with the new TrioPod PRO75 as well. With the optionally available carbon leg extensions, a total height of 79 in./2.0 m is possible. Short 2-segment carbon fiber legs C2820 are also available allowing you to achieve completely new perspectives and are even compatible with the existing TrioPod and QuadroPod Systems.

Features

Maximum Load Capacity – 143 lbs/65 kg – Maximum holding capacity for maximum protection.

Removable Base Plate – A new feature of the tripod spider is the removable base plate that easily be detached and replaced with the optional leveling ball (MBAL-PRO75) or a geared center column (TRIO-CC-PRO75).

Unmatched Versatility – To build your tripod to meet the needs of any job the PRO75 can fit most 75mm accessories, even from other manufacturers. The optional leveling ball (MBAL-PRO75) can also be used with any other tripod you may have with a ¼” & 3/8” connection.

Self-Locking Geared Center Column – The innovative 3/8” studs on both ends of the geared center column provide an extra measure of security and compatibility by taking the load off the ¼” threads. The column itself can be adjusted by 19 in./48 cm.

7 Leg Lock Positions for Any Situation – For shoots on level surfaces, the TrioPod PRO75 spider allows the legs to be set at 23°, 45°, 65°, and 87°. Should you find yourself in a more confined space, a further locking position of 155° enables you to support the tripod against vertical surfaces. Particularly innovative is a new 43° angle that allows the tripod to flip upside down quickly for ground-level work, eliminating the need to reverse the center column and/or tripod head. For easy packaging, the legs can also be folded up at 180°.

Ground Level Work

Easy Packaging

The TrioPod PRO75 is available in two kits:

  • TRIOPROC3930 – consisting of TrioPod PRO75 tripod spider, (3x) C3930 3-segment carbon fiber legs, (2x) A1010 mini-legs, a tripod bag and multi-tool.

  • TRIOPROC3940 – consisting of TrioPod PRO75 tripod spider, (3x) C3940 4-segment carbon fiber legs, (2x) A1010 mini-legs, a tripod bag and multi-tool.

The two QLEG-A1010 mini-legs that are part of the kits can be screwed into the accessory thread creating limitless possibilities: Add one leg to smooth your workflow by attaching your camera bag, keeping your tripod weighted and giving you quick access to your equipment. Alternatively, replace two legs to create a “leaning pod” and achieve a new variety of creative perspectives for your boundless imagination.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google explains the tech behind the Pixel 2’s Motion Photos feature

15 Mar

Apple was the first mobile manufacturer to popularize still/video hybrid files with its Live Photos that were introduced on the iPhone 6s. Google then launched the Motion Stills app to improve and stabilize Apple’s Live Photos, and ported the system to the Android world soon after.

For the new Motion Photos feature on its latest Pixel 2 devices Google built on Motion Stills, improving the technology by using advanced stabilization that combines the devices’ soft and hardware capabilities. As before, Motion Photos captures a full-res JPEG with an embedded 3 second video clip every time you hit the shutter.

However, on the Pixel 2, the video clip also contains motion metadata that is derived from the gyroscope and optical image stabilization sensors.

This data is used to optimize trimming and stabilization of the motion photo and, combined with software based visual tracking, the new approach approach aligns the background more precisely than we’ve seen in the previous Motion Stills system (which was purely software-based). As before, the final results can be shared with friends or on the web as video files or GIFs.

If you are interested in more technical details of the Motion Photos feature, head over to the Google Research Blog. A gallery of Motion Photo files is available here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm GFX 50S firmware update adds Focus Bracketing and 35mm Format Mode

14 Mar

Earlier today, Fujifilm released firmware version 3.0 for its GFX 50S medium-format camera. And with the update come two new features: Focus Bracketing and 35mm Format Mode.

Focus Bracketing enables focus distance bracketing for up to 999 frames, shifting the focal location with each shutter activation at a scale from 1 to 10. The new 35mm Format Mode, meanwhile, results in the camera using the central 36 x 24mm portion of the sensor, producing 30.5MP Raw and JPEG images.

“When using 35mm format adapters,” the company explains in its changelog, “it will be easier to adjust the image size to 35mm format image circle lenses by changing the setting.”

The GFX 50S v3.0 firmware update can be downloaded now from Fujifilm’s website. Additionally, Fujifilm has also released a compatibility update for the H Mount Adapter G accessory.

Update Notes

GFX 50S Camera Body Firmware Update Ver.3.00

Addition of “Focus Bracketing”

The update will enable the photographer to shoot focus distance bracketing up to 999 frames. When the photographer start shooting, the focal location is shifted with each activation of the shutter by the step of focus shift set from 1 to 10.

Addition of “35mm Format Mode”

The update will enable the photographer to shoot central 36.0mm x 24.0mm (30.5M) cropped images as both JPEG and RAW files. When using 35mm format adapters, it will be easier to adjust the image size to 35mm format image circle lenses by changing the setting.

H MOUNT ADAPTER G” new firmware

The firmware update will expand the compatibility for the “H MOUNT ADAPTER G” accessory. Regarding the compatibility of lenses and accessories with H MOUNT ADAPTER G, refer to this URL.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei shares P20 triple-cam teaser videos

14 Mar

We are getting close to the launch of Huawei’s upcoming flagship P20 smartphone on the 27th of March, and thanks to a number of leaks we’re already fairly certain that the new device will come with triple cam setup, offering a total resolution of 40MP and a 5x optical/digital hybrid zoom.

Now Huawai itself has started teasing the new model with a couple of videos on its YouTube channel.

The first one, called “See Brighter” (above), teases the smartphone’s low-light capabilities. It features a “pro” photographers with a DSLR and huge assortment of lighting gear next to a P20 user who is happily snapping away in the same lighting conditions without any additional equipment.

The second video (below) is titled “See Closer”, hinting at the P20’s zoom capabilities. It follows the same scheme as the first clip, showing a DSLR-photographer shooting with a selection of heavy prime and zoom lenses, next to a smartphone user with triple-cam-equipped Huawei P20.

If the teasers are anything to go by, the P20 could combine a “regular” RGB image sensor with a high-resolution monochrome chip for improved low-light performance and digital zooming, and another RGB sensor with a longer lens for optical zooming. And if Huawei’s engineers can manage to merge image data captured by all three sensors in an efficient way, the P20 could be the mobile camera to beat in 2018.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google just made the tech behind its ‘portrait mode’ open source

14 Mar

Semantic image segmentation is the task of categorizing every pixel in an image and assigning it a semantic label, such as “road”, “sky”, “person” or “dog”. And now, Google has released its latest image segmentation model as open source, making it available to any developers whose apps could benefit from the technology.

The function can be used in many ways. One recent application in the world of smartphones is the portrait mode on Google’s latest Pixel 2 devices. Here, semantic image segmentation is used to help separate objects in the foreground from the image background. However, you could also imagine applications for optimizing auto exposure or color settings.

This kind of pixel-precise labeling requires a higher localization accuracy than other object recognition technologies, but can also deliver higher-quality results. The good news is that Google has now released its latest image segmentation model, DeepLab-v3+, as open source, making it available to any developers who might want to bake it into their own applications.

Modern semantic image segmentation systems built on top of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have reached accuracy levels that were hard to imagine even five years ago, thanks to advances in methods, hardware, and datasets. We hope that publicly sharing our system with the community will make it easier for other groups in academia and industry to reproduce and further improve upon state-of-art systems, train models on new datasets, and envision new applications for this technology.

If you are interested in finding out more about DeepLab-v3+, head over to the Google Research Blog for more details.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon CEO: ‘we will go on the offensive… in the mirrorless camera market’

14 Mar
Presentation chart from Canon’s Corporate Strategy Conference, indicating its goal to seize 50% of the interchangeable-lens camera market.

There it is, clear as day. One week after a Canon executive said in an interview that Canon is finally willing to cannibalize DSLR sales to invest in mirrorless, Canon CEO Fujio Mitarai has made an even more definitive statement during his presentation at the company’s Corporate Strategy Conference on March 6th.

A summary of Mr. Fujito’s speech can be found in this PDF, but the relevant paragraph—in which he’s talking of growing markets Canon will become more involved in—is quoted in full below (emphasis added):

Within existing businesses, there are market areas that are growing, such as color devices in MFDs and laser printers, and mirrorless in cameras. In these segments, by launching differentiated products that only we can provide, we will stimulate the market, grow our sales, and secure additional market share.

For example, in our core camera business, in addition to our overwhelming share of the DSLR market, we will go on the offensive and work to expand our sales in the mirrorless camera market, which is exhibiting remarkable growth. This will allow us to reach our goal of 50% market share of the entire interchangeable-lens camera market.

50% market share “of the entire interchangeable-lens camera market” is no small goal, and the declaration that Canon will “go on the offensive” to expand sales in the mirrorless market lends some official credence to rumors of full-frame mirrorless prototypes. It also makes this prediction by a Sony executive feel all the more prescient.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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