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ON1 unveils ON1 Portrait AI, new ON1 Photo Mobile features and ON1 Photo RAW 2021

23 Sep

ON1 has unveiled new updates for its suite of software, including major upgrades to ON1 Photo RAW and new features in ON1 Photo Mobile. ON1 has also announced the all-new ON1 Portrait AI, which is available as a standalone application and as a plug-in for Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Corel Paintshop Pro, Apple Photos and Capture One (at a later date).

ON1 Portrait AI uses machine learning to locate and evaluate each face in portrait photos to retouch and process them without the need for manual adjustments. Dan Harlacher, VP of Product for ON1, describes ON1 Portrait AI as follows, ‘This product was created to solve the main problem portrait photographers face, spending way too much time editing individual portraits or entire shoots.’ Harlacher continues, ‘…ON1 Portrait AI is incredibly fast at getting through an entire shoot…’

The new software classifies individual faces in the frame, adds ‘realistic retouching’ to the skin, eyes and mouth without the use of global retouching. The software also includes other tools for manual skin retouching. Tools include frequency separation, skin shine reduction, blemish removal, face shape sculpting, eye and teeth whitening and more.

ON1 Photo RAW Mobile for iOS, iPadOS and Android devices includes new masking features, allowing users to make specific localized adjustments and effects. As part of the new masking functionality, ON1 Photo RAW Mobile includes ON1’s Perfect Brush. The brush includes edge detection features and allows the user to create a precise mask with just their finger. The new masking tools also support the Apple Pencil and Android Stylus. Further, local adjustments in ON1 Photo RAW Mobile utilize ON1’s proprietary raw processing engine.

The mobile version of ON1 Photo RAW includes new effects and filters, such as the Dynamic Contrast filter, which ON1 states is the ‘gold standard for amazing clarity and detail.’ Additional new filters include Curves, Glow and HDR Look. Organization and workflow are improved with the new update as well thanks to new built-in ways to search and sort photos within the app.

ON1 Photo RAW for mobile is available on the App Store and Google Play. Image credit: ON1

ON1’s president, Craig Keudell, says, ‘ON1 Photo RAW Mobile has been significantly enhanced in a short amount of time and there is more on the way. The addition of creative masking tools and filters helps make it a photography tool everyone will want to use.’

ON1’s autumn lineup is rounded out by ON1 Photo RAW 2021, ON1’s flagship raw photo editor. ON1 Photo RAW 2021 is available for macOS and Windows and includes pro-grade photo organization, raw processing, nondestructive editing, a layers-based workflow and more.

A key new feature in ON1 Photo RAW 2021 is the integration of ON1 Portrait AI. In addition to the new portrait retouching functionality, ON1 Photo RAW 2021 makes it easier for users to organize their images with a new Smart Organize mode. This feature makes it easier than ever before to identify image duplicates, locate groups of photos from the same day or location and the mode can even identify similar images. ON1 states that it is the ‘perfect solution for those who want to speed up their culling, improve organization, or even save on storage space.’

In terms of performing localized editing, ON1 Photo RAW Mobile is not the only new ON1 software with new features. ON1 Photo RAW 2021 includes a color range selection tool that integrates edge detection from ON1’s Perfect Brush to create flexible gradient masks. You can create color-sensitive gradient masks, which should allow for easier local editing when working with skies behind subjects such as trees and buildings.

Photo RAW 2021 also includes new custom brush shapes. You can select between hard-edge shapes, making it simpler to paint straight edges or opt for more organic brush shapes and textures, which will allow you to paint on something like snow or grass. Further, a new non-destructive healing brush has been added to help remove distracting elements from your images such as dust spots, cables and people from the scene. The new healing brush includes a content-aware mode and a clone stamp mode.

A new full-screen preview mode has been added to the software, allowing the user to view an image without any distracting user interface elements on the screen. When in the full-screen mode, you can still utilize some tools, such as brush tools. There is also a new Quick Slideshow mode so you can show off your images in a full-screen display.

When ingesting images, ON1 Photo RAW 2021 includes new camera-based presets. This means you can set specific editing presets for individual camera models and even individual serial numbers. ON1 says this feature is helpful for users with custom camera profiles or with cameras that have been converted to infrared.

ON1 Photo RAW 2021 includes new local and global adjustment features. Image credit: ON1

In terms of global photo editing tools, ON1 Photo RAW 2021 includes a new Color Replacement filter. It is precisely what it sounds like, meaning that you can select a color in your image and adjust it. For example, you can select the color of a subject’s eyes to change them, change the color of flowers in a scene and much more.

When it launches this October, ON1 Photo RAW 2021 will also add a new method to batch process HDR and panoramic photos, introduce color fill layers, present a refined user interface and add new camera and lens support.

ON1 Portrait AI is available now at a special introductory price of $ 59.99 (regularly $ 79.99). A free trial download of Portrait AI is available. When ON1 Photo RAW 2021 launches in October, ON1 Portrait AI will be integrated into the new software. For existing ON1 Photo RAW owners, you can preorder ON1 Photo RAW 2021 for $ 79.99. When you preorder, you will also receive the standalone and plug-in versions of ON1 Portrait AI. New users must pay $ 129.99 for ON1 Photo RAW 2021. Earlier this year, ON1 introduced a subscription service as well, ON1 Photo RAW 360, which includes all the new products mentioned in this article and is available as low as $ 7.99 per month. For more information, head to ON1’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Curated film subscription service launched by Analogue Wonderland

22 Sep

Online film retailer Analogue Wonderland has started a new curated film subscription service for those who enjoy trying different emulsions. The Analogue Wonderbox service promises to deliver six different 35mm films every two months so subscribers can expand their experience of unusual as well as regular emulsion types and brands.

Covering both color and black and white rolls, the service will offer negative and positive films, and users can expect extra goodies in the packages including offers on processing, merchandise and other free gifts. The idea of the service is to introduce film photographers to different emulsions but particularly to give those new to film, and those coming back to it, a taste of what is available.

The company says each week subscribers will be sent information on one of the films, with an explanation of what to expect from it as well as hints on getting the most from it. All subscribers will get the same films each time so they can discuss their results and post examples of their work. Each month the company will hold a competition for pictures shot on one of the films in the subscription pack.

Analogue Wonderland says that although some films will be cheaper than others the total value of each pack will add up to, or exceed, the cost of the service, and that the goodies, learning and community will make it even better value. There are over 100 films to get through, with a wide range of looks to be explored.

The subscription costs £50 (approx. $ 65) every two months, with shipping included for those in the UK. Shipping to Europe and the USA costs £12 (approx. $ 15). For more information see the Analogue Wonderland website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony a7C sample gallery updated, with more shots from compact 28-60mm kit lens

22 Sep

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Sony’s a7C is a really compact full-frame camera – especially when paired with the new FE 28-60mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens. We’ve been doing plenty of shooting with the combo and have updated our gallery to show you just what you can expect.

Check out our gallery of sample images

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron is extending the closure of two factories through the end of 2020 due to ‘decreased demand’

22 Sep

Tamron Japan has published a statement [machine-translated] on its website noting that two of its three main factories will remain closed through the end of 2020 due to the ‘decrease in global demand due to the worldwide spread of the [novel] coronavirus.’\

This closure extension affects Tamron’s Hirosaki and Namioka factories, which were originally set to open back up on October 1. These facilities, located in Japan’s Aomori prefecture, are two of Tamron’s ‘mother plants.’ Each of these three plants play a role in the lens development process: the Hirosaki plant handles metal processing, assembly and repairs; the Namioka plant processes the lens elements; and the Owani plant molds the plastic components.1

Tamron says ‘the global market has not yet recovered, and in consideration of the uncertainty of the market environment in the future, we will continue to extend the partial closure of the domestic Aomori factory until the end of the year.’ Tamron notes business will continue during these closures, but it could ‘cause inconvenience and inconvenience to our business partners.’

If you’re interested in finding out more about the production process, Tamron Japan has an interesting online factory tour that walks through the steps it takes to manufacture a lens.

1 Tamron Japan

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pixelmator Photo update adds AI-powered image upscaling tool, ML Super Resolution

22 Sep

Pixelmator, makers of the photo editing application Pixelmator Photo, has released Pixelmator Photo version 1.4. The new update includes ML Super Resolution, a new tool designed to enlarge low-resolution photos with a single tap. ML Super Resolution utilizes machine learning (hence the ‘ML’ in the name) and the processing power available in Apple iPad devices to enlarge photos, illustrations, paintings and designs while preserving and enhancing details, edges and textures.

ML Super Resolution was designed for the newly released iPad Air and was presented during Apple’s ‘Time Flies’ event last week. The app is powered by the new A14 Bionic chip and Pixelmator states that it is the first AI-powered image enlargement tool available on a mobile device.

To enlarge images, ML Super Resolution ‘creates a layered representation of the image that is over 100 channels deep, detecting features such as edges, patterns, textures, gradients, and colors.’ After this, the channels are upscaled individually and combined back into a single image. Pixelmator states that the process ‘requires up to 62 thousand times more processing power than traditional approaches,’ something that Pixelmator states is only possible on iPad thanks to recent advancements in iPad performance and the dedicated processor in the Apple Neural Engine.

Tomas Andrijauskas, lead developer of Pixelmator Photo, says, ‘The processing power of iPad has advanced in leaps and bounds over the last few years. With these advances, it is now possible to open up workflows that simply were not available in the past. One such workflow is using machine learning techniques to enlarge photos while retaining sharpness and enhancing intricate details.’

Pixelmator Photo 1.4 includes ML Super Resolution, a new AI-powered image upscaling feature. Image credit: Pixelmator

Of being able to show Pixelmator’s work during an Apple event, Andrijauskas continues, ‘Our team consists of 20 people and is based in a tiny Baltic country. So it is an incredible honor to be recognized by a company as respected and influential as Apple. It also shows that if you work hard to create powerful, beautiful, and easy-to-use products, your work will be recognized, no matter your location or size.’

In addition to the new ML Super Resolution tool, Pixelmator Photo version 1.4 includes a new split-screen view of original and edited images and support for the Apple Pencil’s double-tap gesture.

Pixelmator Photo 1.4 also includes a new before/after comparison tool. Image credit: Pixelmator

If you’d like to learn more about Pixelmator Photo and its RAW editing tools, check out the overview video below and head to the Pixelmator Photo website.

Pixelmator Photo 1.4 is available now from the App Store as a free update for existing users or for $ 7.99 USD for new customers. Pixelmator Photo requires iOS 11 or later and a compatible iPad device. A list of compatible devices can be found on the App Store product page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MIT and UMass researchers develop world’s first flat ultra-wide-angle fisheye lens

21 Sep

Researchers with the University of Massachusetts at Lowell and MIT have developed a new type of fisheye lens that is flat and crafted from a single piece of glass. The lens is round, according to the researchers, and it is capable of capturing sharp 180-degree panoramas. This is the first flat fisheye lens made from a single piece of glass, which measures 1mm thick.

Ordinary spherical fisheye lenses are made from multiple pieces of glass designed to bend the light in such a way that it produces circular wide-angle images. The newly developed flat lens instead captures wide-angle panoramas by utilizing ‘tiny structures’ that scatter light in place of the curved glass elements in more costly spherical fisheye lenses.

The version of the lense introduced by the researchers is made for infrared photography, but the team says that it could be modified for use as a regular visible spectrum lens, as well. The flat design is ultimately more compact and less expensive to produce than spherical multi-element lenses.

The researchers envision a variety of uses for their lens design beyond interchangeable lenses. The thin, flat nature of the design would make it possible to implement the fisheye into smartphones, for example, eliminating the need to use a third-party lens add-on. Similar implementation could be used with laptops, VR headsets and even devices like medical imaging equipment.

MIT associate professor Juejun Hu, one of the researchers on the project, explained:

This design comes as somewhat of a surprise, because some have thought it would be impossible to make a metalens with an ultra-wide-field view. The fact that this can actually realize fisheye images is completely outside expectation. This isn’t just light-bending — it’s mind-bending.

Metalens refers to a flat lens that has tiny structures for focusing light. While wide-angle metalenses aren’t new, the researchers note that a single piece of glass without any extra optics have been limited to 60-degrees. The newly published study details how the team got around these restrictions to develop an ultra-wide-angle lens capable of capturing 180-degree panoramas without extra components.

This 180-degree fisheye metalens features a single piece of transparent glass made from calcium fluoride with a lead telluride film on one side. A pattern of ‘optical structures’ called meta-atoms was carved into the film using lithographic techniques, the result of which were many ‘nanoscale geometries’ used to bend the light in specific, precise ways.

The carved structures can introduce phase delays into the scattering of the light — depending on their shape — to imitate the natural phase delays produced by the curved glass elements in spherical fisheye lenses. The light passes from the carved structures on the back of the lens through an optical aperture on the front of the lens.

Study co-author Mikhail Shalaginov said:

When light comes in through this aperture, it will refract at the first surface of the glass, and then will get angularly dispersed. The light will then hit different parts of the backside, from different and yet continuous angles. As long as you design the back side properly, you can be sure to achieve high-quality imaging across the entire panoramic view.

The study was partially funded by DARPA through its EXTREME program, which tasks experts with developing optical tools ‘to enable new functionality and/or vastly improve size, weight, and power characteristics of traditional optical systems.’ The agency goes on to explain that EXTREME will ‘explore this optical design space and aims to understand the trade-offs, and harness the possibilities, afforded’ by Engineered Optical Materials (EnMats).

Via: MIT

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe’s teases a new Sensei-powered Sky Replacement tool coming soon to Photoshop

21 Sep

Today, Adobe published a sneak peek video of its latest Sensei-powered feature coming soon to Photoshop, Sky Replacement.

Similar to the AI-powered sky replacement feature found in Skylum’s Luminar 4 editing program, Adobe’s new feature uses its Sensei AI to determine the foreground from the sky in an image and automatically masks the sky overlay to blend in seamlessly. While Photoshop will offer its own selection of presets, it’s also possible to import your own image of the sky.

Note how even the small details at the top of the structure are preserved and properly masked.

In addition to automatically masking out the sky, the Sky Replacement feature will also automatically tone the foreground of the image based on the color temperature of the sky being shown in the frame. As you can see around the two-minute mark of the above video, using a cooler part of the sunset in an image will result in a cooler foreground while using the warmer part of the sunset will give the foreground a warm, orange glow.

In addition to the automatic adjustments, there are also multiple parameters you can tweak yourself to ensure the sky looks exactly how you’d like. When you’re happy with the results, Photoshop will automatically create new layers for the masks and adjustments so you can further refine the image as you see fit.

Adobe doesn’t specify when we can expect to see this new feature in Photoshop.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS goes to the track

21 Sep

The Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS offers an equivalent focal length range of 200-800mm, making it perfect for casual wildlife and motorsports photography. Relative compact, lightweight and weather-sealed, the 100-400mm also offers powerful image stabilization, which works with the 5-axis in-body system used in current Olympus mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

We took the 100-400mm and an OM-D E-M1 Mark III to the Pacific Raceway here in Washington State recently, to see how it performs.

Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS sample images

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This is sponsored content, created with the support of Amazon and Olympus. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samyang has released its own lens simulator web app

21 Sep

Optics manufacturer Samyang has released a new lens simulator web app that allows you to see how certain lenses will affect the look of a scene based on sensor size and lens settings.

The web app creates a simulated scene using a cutout portrait of a woman as well as three backgrounds. By changing the sensor size, focal length, aperture and distance, the scene will adjust to show a simulated representation of what the image would like like when the shutter is pressed.

The web app is somewhat rudimentary, but its simulated representations do a good job of showing photography newcomers how crop factors, focal lengths, apertures and the subject’s distance from the lens can impact the look of an image. Samyang also includes an option to select on of its lenses to use as a preset of sorts to see what a given Samyang (also sold under the Rokinon/Bowen brands) lens will produce.

Both Canon and Nikon have lens simulators of their own, so this isn’t exactly an original idea, but it’s yet another option you can try out.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS gallery updated with Raws

20 Sep

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The Olympus 100-400mm F5-6.3 offers Micro Four Thirds shooters a whole lot of reach in a hand-holdable lens. We’ve been putting its versatile zoom range to use ever since it was announced last month, and have updated our initial sample gallery with even more images – including Raw conversions. Take a peek at what it can do.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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