360Photography

Category: Uncategorized

  • Prynt Pocket, a pocket-sized photo printer for iPhone, is now available

    Prynt, the company that launched a phone case/printer through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter in 2015, has released its next-generation mobile printer, the Prynt Pocket. With Prynt Pocket, users can print a photo directly from their iPhone by inserting the handset into the printer, then snapping a photo. The related Prynt app also offers an augmented reality feature that plays a video within the physical photo print.

    Prynt Pocket utilizes Zink inkless photo paper and has a removable paper cartridge that holds up to ten sheets at a time. Once Pocket is attached to an iPhone, users can snap a photo and then make edits using the Prynt app, including adding stickers and text, and adjusting the lighting. The printer takes about half a minute to produce a photo.

    Unlike some competing instant cameras and mini printers, the Prynt app also leverages augmented reality to give users something a bit more modern and technical: 10-second looping videos that play when a Prynt photo is viewed using the company’s mobile app. The (optional) video is recorded when the photo is taken and is uploaded to the cloud, where it is then utilized whenever someone views the photo with the Prynt AR app feature. 

    Prynt Pocket is available from Prynt’s website now for $ 149.99. A 40-pack of photo paper retails for $ 19.99.

    Press Release:

    Meet the Prynt Pocket — The Device that Transforms your Phone into the Smallest and Coolest Instant Camera

    Now small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, Prynt’s second generation device is the easiest way to print and share life’s everyday moments while on-the-go

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA — (Marketwired) — 05/23/17 — Prynt, the company leading a new era of instant photography, today announced Prynt Pocket, a device that transforms your phone into the smallest and coolest instant camera. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, Prynt Pocket attaches directly to your phone, and lets you capture, print and share life’s everyday moments — from spontaneous to special occasions — while on-the-go. The Prynt Pocket also has innovative video capabilities for next-gen storytelling, giving you the option to embed augmented reality videos into your photos and bring them to life in a Harry Potter-like way. Check out the video.

    The phone in our pocket serves as our camera, photo album, and the way we share our lives digitally. But with the thousands of photos stored on our phones, there’s never been an easy way to print those photos, so they become lost in our phones and rarely looked at again. Prynt is changing this and giving everyone — from teens and millennials to young parents — the ability to turn their phone into an instant camera. Printing photos from your phone is now just as instant and exciting as posting a photo on Instagram or Snapchat.

    “We are thrilled to bring Prynt Pocket to market after the success we have had with the Prynt Case,” said Clément Perrot, co-founder and CEO of Prynt. “There is nothing cooler than being able to print a photo straight from your phone, and when you add in the augmented reality video feature, that takes photo sharing to a whole new level. By turning a phone into an instant camera, everyone gets to experience the shared enjoyment of reliving fun and spontaneous moments through a printed photo.”

    Using Prynt Pocket is easy. Simply attach it to your phone and you’re ready to print. Once you’ve taken a photo, you have the option to record a 10-second video that will be hidden within that photo. Before printing, the Prynt app enables you to edit and enhance your photo with fun, creative filters, text and memes. Then, whoever has a physical copy, can use the Prynt app to scan the photo and watch it come to life. Whether a marriage proposal, surprise announcement or selfie video, Prynt Pocket adds magic to any moment.

    The ultra-portable Prynt Pocket, Prynt comes in three colors — cool grey, graphite and mint — making it a fashion-forward accessory that fits any lifestyle. It uses inkless paper for vibrant, long-lasting, tear and smudge resistant photos. The paper has adhesive backing so you can peel and stick your photos anywhere — whether on an inspiration board, scrapbook or your desk at work. Through the Prynt app, users can also share their photos and video creations across all social channels, as well as print their favorite Instagram, Snapchat, etc. pictures directly from their phone.

    Prynt Pocket is now available for purchase on www.prynt.co/, Amazon.com and UrbanOutfitters.com for $ 149. In early June, it will also be available at Best Buy, with additional retailers to be introduced. Prynt Pocket is compatible with the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone SE, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5, and will be available for Android later this year.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The DJI Spark is a $500 HD mini drone

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    DJI unveiled the Spark mini drone this morning, an entry-level product aimed at casual users and enthusiasts. It is capable of 1080p HD video capture, features a 2-axis gimbal and uses a 1/2.3-inch 12MP CMOS sensor.

    The size of a soda can, the unit weighs just 300 g. Despite its small footprint, Spark can fly up to 50 kph, offers a 100 m range (when controlled by a smart device) and has a 16 min flight time. Other highlights include multiple sensors for accident avoidance, gesture control, micro-USB charging and DJI’s Intelligent Flight modes. The unit can be controlled via hand gestures alone, a smart device or a controller.

    A neat new feature called QuickShot shoots one minute of footage and automatically edits it down to 10 secs for sharing on social media. When using the Quickshot feature, Spark offers 4 different automatic flight patterns. One of them, called ‘Helix,’ sends the drone spiraling upward away from you. Spark also features a new panorama mode and a ShallowFocus mode.

    It comes in five colors including: Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow. An accessory package will also be sold alongside the Spark which includes a physical controller, extra battery, propeller guards and a charging hub for $ 200.

    Both will be available June 15th. You can pre-order here.

    Press Release

    DJI Launches Spark, The Easy And Fun Camera Drone For Everyone

    The Company’s First Mini Drone Lets You Capture Special Moments From The Air Just By Moving Your Hands

    DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, Wednesday launched Spark, an easy-to-use, fun-to-fly mini camera drone that lifts off from the palm of your hand to capture and share the special moments in your life on the go.

    Thanks to DJI’s powerful technology, Spark is the first drone that users can control by hand gestures alone, successfully removing the barriers between you and your camera in the sky. Even if you’ve never flown a drone before, flying Spark is easy because the only remote controller you’ll need is your hand.

    When Spark takes off from your hand, it automatically enters Gesture Mode. This features new advanced gesture controls like PalmControl, which lets users control Spark with hand movements.[1] In Gesture Mode, you can also send Spark up and away from you, take a selfie, and call it back with just your hands.

    “Controlling a camera drone with hand movements alone is a major step towards making aerial technology an intuitive part of everyone’s daily life, from work and adventure to moments with friends and family,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Spark’s revolutionary new interface lets you effortlessly extend your point of view to the air, making it easier than ever to capture and share the world from new perspectives.”

    Spark has been designed to be the perfect lifestyle accessory you can take anywhere. It fits easily in almost any bag and weighs just 10.6 ounces (300 grams) – less than a can of soda. Spark is ready to launch within seconds whenever inspiration strikes and can be operated by a remote controller, a mobile device, or hand gestures alone. Spark will be available in five different colors: Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow.

    Visually Smart, Incredibly Intuitive

    Spark comes with new and exciting flight options that empower you to effortlessly capture and share your memorable moments. The new QuickShot Intelligent Flight Mode makes creating professional videos fun and easy. Select a QuickShot, and Spark will fly along a preset flight path while recording a short video and tracking a subject along the way.

    Four QuickShots are available: Rocket, sending Spark straight up into the air with the camera pointed down; Dronie, flying up and away from your subject; Circle, rotating around the subject; and Helix, spiraling away from a subject as it flies upward. For each QuickShot, Spark will automatically create a 10-second video from your flight that is ready to share on social media, where everyone can see your special moments.

    Previously introduced Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly and ActiveTrack can also be found on Spark. Developed based on DJI’s vision technology, a new TapFly sub mode called Coordinate allows Spark to fly to a location you tap on your mobile device screen. TapFly’s Direction Mode lets you keep flying in the direction you tap on the screen. Using ActiveTrack, Spark will automatically recognize and track an object you choose, keeping it at the center of the frame for perfect shots of objects in motion. Whether you are using TapFly or tracking a subject, Spark’s 3D Sensing System will actively sense obstacles in front of the aircraft.

    With the remote controller accessory, operators can switch to Sport Mode and unleash Spark’s speed potential of up to 31 mph (50 kph). Sport Mode sets the gimbal to first-person view (FPV) by default, so the camera moves with you as you fly. Spark will also be compatible with DJI Goggles for an immersive FPV flight experience.

    Shoot Like a Pro

    Spark houses an impressive camera with a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that captures 12 megapixel photos and shoots stabilized HD 1080p videos. Spark’s 2-axis mechanical gimbal and UltraSmooth technology dramatically reduce shake and rolling shutter effect to capture cinematic shots effortlessly.

    Spark includes many previous DJI drone shooting modes with two new additions: Pano and ShallowFocus. In Pano Mode, the camera creates horizontal or vertical panoramas by automatically adjusting its gimbal and heading, taking a series of pictures and stitching them together. ShallowFocus allows you to put part of a picture into sharp focus while the rest of the image is softened, creating photographs with a shallow depth of field. An array of filters and automatic editing templates available in the DJI GO 4 app enables creators to quickly edit videos and share them directly to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

    Fly with Safety, Accuracy, and Precision

    Spark’s FlightAutonomy system consists of the main camera, a downward-facing vision system, a forward-facing 3D Sensing System, dual-band GPS and GLONASS, a high-precision inertial measurement unit, and 24 powerful computing cores. These features allow Spark to hover accurately with vision system assistance at up to 98 feet (30 meters) and sense obstacles from up to 16 ft (5 m) away.

    Like all recent DJI drones, Spark can return to its home point automatically with a sufficient GPS signal. While using the remote controller, if the battery gets too low, connection is lost, or the operator presses the Return to Home (RTH) button, Spark flies back to the preset home point while sensing obstacles in its path. Spark also integrates DJI’s GEO System or NFZ geofencing to provide you with up-to-date guidance on areas where flight may be limited by regulations or raise safety or security concerns – helping you fly safely and responsibly.

    For optimal performance, Spark is powered by a high-energy density LiPo battery and has a maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes. When flying with the remote controller accessory, Spark allows for 720p real-time video transmission from up to 1.2 miles (2 km) away.[2]

    Price and Availability

    The US retail price of a DJI Spark, including an aircraft, a battery, a USB charger and three pairs of propellers, is $ 499 USD. The Spark Fly More Combo includes an aircraft, two batteries, four pairs of propellers, a remote controller, propeller guards, a charging hub, a shoulder bag and all necessary cables, with a US retail price of $ 699 USD. Pricing and availability of other accessories for Spark will be announced at a later date.

    Spark will be available for pre-order at store.dji.com, four DJI Flagship Stores, and authorized dealers. Spark pre-orders will start shipping in mid-June. Color options and Fly More Combo availability may vary at different sales channels.

    DJI Care for Spark

    DJI Care Refresh for Spark, a new one-year coverage plan, will enable Spark customers to obtain up to two full replacements that are new or equivalent to new, for a small additional charge. DJI Care Refresh for Spark is currently available in select countries, including China, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, 28 European Union countries, and Australia.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Ricoh announces WG-50 rugged compact with 5x zoom, built-in macro lights

    Ricoh has introduced a new rugged compact camera – the WG-50 – which replaces the WG-30. The WG-50 offers a 28-140mm equiv. F3.5-5.5 lens. The WG-50 uses a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and is capable of recording Full HD video at 30 fps. It is waterproof for two hours at a depth of 14m/45ft, and can cope with being dropped from a height of 1.6m/5ft, will operate at temperatures as low as -10°C/+14F and can withstand 100kg/220lbs of force.

    As with Ricoh’s other recent rugged cameras, the WG-50 has an array of six LEDs around the lens that can be used to assist macro shooting, selfies and when using the 2MP digital microscope mode.

    The camera will go on sale at the end of June in a choice of orange or black, and will cost $ 279/£249. For more information see the Ricoh website.

    Press release

    RICOH COMPANY, LTD and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. announced the launch of the RICOH WG-50 digital compact camera.

    This new model features a compact, lightweight body design, delivering exceptional waterproof and shockproof performance.

    Developed as a standard-class waterproof digital compact camera, the RICOH WG-50 provides dependable performance and outstanding operability in demanding outdoor conditions. The WG-50 is waterproof to a depth of 14 metres, shockproof against falls from a height of 1.6 metres, and freeze-proof to temperatures as low as -10°C. It also provides a range of features to facilitate all types of still-image and movie shooting, including approximately 16.0 effective megapixels and Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) movie recording capability. It also comes equipped with an outdoor friendly LCD screen on the brightness can be instantly adjusted to the lighting levels in a particular shooting situation.

    The RICOH WG-50 features a range of optional camera-mounting accessories allowing the user to fix the camera securely on a bicycle or watercraft. Using the camera’s creative shooting functions, such as interval shooting and Full HD movie recording, the user can capture unique images seen from a very different angle or viewpoint.

    RRP £249.99
    Availability: End June 2017
    Colours: Orange or Black

    Main Features

    1. Heavy-duty construction allowing underwater shooting down to 14 metres, for up to two hours of continuous operation (equivalent to IPX 8 or JIS Class 8). The RICOH WG-50 is also shockproof against falls from a height of 1.6 metres,* dustproof (equivalent to IPX 6 or JIS Class 6), freeze-proof to temperatures as low as -10°C, and crushproof against weights up to 100kgf (kilogram force). ** Thanks to this heavy-duty construction, the camera performs superbly and dependably even in difficult and demanding outdoor conditions.
    * Measured under RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards — from a height of 1.6 metres, onto a surface of 5cm-thick plywood — conforming to Method 516.5-Shock of the MIL-Standard 810F
    ** Measured under RICOH IMAGING-original testing standards

    2. Exceptional image quality
    The WG-50 comes equipped with a back illuminated CMOS image sensor, which delivers excellent high-sensitivity and low-noise characteristics and high-speed readout of image data signals. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine, this image sensor delivers a top sensitivity of ISO 6400 and super-high-resolution images with approximately 16.0 effective megapixels. This model also provides advanced image processing functions, made possible by the latest super-resolution technology, to assure sharp, clear, high-resolution images. It also offers such innovative features as Hand-held Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same night-time scene from which it produces a single, blur-free composite image. Some advanced features have also been added to this model to facilitate and upgrade scenic photography. For example, white-balance optimisation in the Landscape shooting mode reproduces brilliant greens of trees.

    3. 5X optical zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle coverage
    The WG-50 features a high-performance, five-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approx. 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format) to accommodate a wide range of scenes and subjects, including sweeping landscapes. It also provides other convenient shooting functions, such as a macro mode to capture dramatic close-up images from a minimum focusing distance of a mere one centimetre; an Intelligent Zoom function to extend the zoom range to approximately 36 times (equivalent to 1008mm in the 35mm format) without compromising image quality and ideal for superior telephoto photography; and an interval shooting mode, which comes in handy for fixed-point observation.

    4. Underwater shooting mode
    Specifically designed for underwater photography, the Underwater and Underwater Movie shooting modes are programmed to optimise colour and contrast, based on the data of images actually captured under the water. These modes deliver sharp, true-to-life images by enhancing shades of red which are lost in underwater photography, while effectively compensating for the loss of contrast caused by the diffusion of light in water. During Underwater mode, the Flash Off + Flash On option, allows the user to consecutively capture two images — with a single shutter release — one without flash and another with flash.

    5. Six Macro Lights to assist close-up shooting, and a Self-Portrait Assist mode
    Ideally positioned around the circumference of the lens barrel for macro shooting, six LED Macro Lights allow the WG-50 to provide bright, uniform illumination on a subject when the Digital Microscope mode is selected.*** Using these Macro Lights, the user can clearly see a magnified view of the microscopic world on the camera’s LCD screen, normally undetectable by the naked eye, to effortlessly capture eye-catching, close-up images. In order to minimize camera shake and subject shake, the Instant Illumination Enhance function allows for the use of a higher shutter speed by automatically raising the discharge level of the Macro Lights at the moment of shutter release. The Macro Lights also provide other useful functions, such as a Self-Portrait Assist mode, which uses the blink of an LED lamp to check if the subject’s face has been safely captured within the picture frame, and the LED Lighting mode, which uses the Macro Lights as a lighting device in the dark.
    *** When this mode is selected, the image size is fixed at 2.0 megapixels (at 16:9 proportions).

    6. Full HD movie recording for extended shooting of high-quality movies
    The WG-50 provides Full HD movie recording employing the H.264 recording format. Users can capture high-quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels, 16:9 proportions) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. To add some creative touches to movie recording, it also features a high-speed camera function**** for slow-motion playback of captured movie clips, and an interval movie function. A micro-HDMI terminal (Type D) is also provided on the camera body for simultaneous output of Full HD movie clips and sound to external audio-visual devices.
    **** When this function is selected, the recorded size is fixed at 1280 x 720 pixels.

    7. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent blurred images in all applications
    (1) Pixel Track SR mechanism
    When recording still images, this advanced shake-reduction mechanism effectively compensates for camera shake by digitally processing affected images.

    (2) Digital SR mode
    When the camera detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, this mode automatically raises the sensitivity up to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed and effectively minimise the adverse effect of camera shake and subject shake when dealing with poor lighting conditions.

    (3) Movie SR mode
    During movie recording, this mode effectively compensates for the misalignment of images caused by camera shake through the use of exclusive software to produce beautiful, blur-free movie clips.

    8. 2.7 inch LCD screen with Outdoor View Setting mode
    The WG-50 comes equipped 2.7 inch LCD screen with horizontally extended 16:9 proportions and approximately 230,000 dots. The screen’s AR (Anti-Reflection) coating minimises annoying glare and reflections to deliver a sharp, clear on-screen image even in sunshine during outdoor shooting. It also comes equipped with such convenient features as the Outdoor View Setting mode, which easily sets the optimal screen brightness level for a given lighting situation.

    9. Other features

    • A range of WG-series mount accessories (optional) for a range of shooting situations
    • Two remote control receptors (one in front and another in the back) to widen signal coverage
    • Macro stand (included) to maintain a minimum focusing distance of one centimetre to the subject during extended observation and shooting of macro images
    • High-speed Face Detection function to capture as many as 32 faces in focus in approximately 0.03 seconds (minimum); Smile Capture function to automatically release the shutter when the subject’s smile is detected
    • Outdoor friendly Style Watch function to display the time on the LCD monitor, using an extended push of the OK button when the camera’s power is turned off
    • Delay-free, push-button start of the playback mode, using an extended push of the playback button
    • Auto Picture mode to automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode from 16 different scene modes
    • A choice of 12 digital filters
    • Pet detection function to automatically detect the face of a cat or dog

    Ricoh WG-50 specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 279/£249
    Body type
    Body type Compact
    Body material Composite
    Sensor
    Max resolution 4608 x 3456
    Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 16:9
    Effective pixels 16 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels
    Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
    Sensor type BSI-CMOS
    Color space sRGB
    Color filter array Primary color filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 125-6400
    White balance presets 6
    Custom white balance Yes
    Image stabilization Digital only
    Uncompressed format No
    JPEG quality levels Fine, normal, basic
    File format
    • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
    Optics & Focus
    Focal length (equiv.) 28–140 mm
    Optical zoom 5×
    Maximum aperture F3.5–5.5
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Tracking
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Face Detection
    • Live View
    Autofocus assist lamp Yes
    Digital zoom Yes (7.2X)
    Manual focus Yes
    Normal focus range 50 cm (19.69″)
    Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
    Number of focus points 9
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Fixed
    Screen size 2.7″
    Screen dots 230,000
    Touch screen No
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type None
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 4 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Auto
    • Program
    Scene modes
    • HDR
    • Handheld Night Snap
    • Movie
    • High Speed Movie
    • Digital Microscope
    • Landscape
    • Flower
    • Portrait
    • Underwater
    • Underwater Movie
    • Interval Shot
    • Interval Movie
    • Surf & Snow
    • Kids
    • Pet
    • Sport
    • Night Scene
    • Night Scene Portrait
    • Fireworks
    • Food
    • Digital SR
    • Report
    • Green
    Built-in flash Yes
    Flash range 5.50 m (at Auto ISO)
    External flash No
    Flash modes On, off
    Drive modes
    • Single
    • Self-timer
    • Continuous
    • Burst
    • Remote control
    • Auto Bracketing
    Continuous drive 8.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, remote)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    AE Bracketing ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
    Videography features
    Format MPEG-4, H.264
    Modes
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1280 x 720 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1280 x 720 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1280 x 720 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
    Microphone Stereo
    Speaker Mono
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
    Connectivity
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
    Microphone port No
    Headphone port No
    Remote control Yes (Wireless)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed Yes
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description D-LI92 lithium-ion battery & charger
    Battery Life (CIPA) 300
    Weight (inc. batteries) 193 g (0.43 lb / 6.81 oz)
    Dimensions 123 x 62 x 30 mm (4.84 x 2.44 x 1.18″)
    Other features
    Orientation sensor Yes
    Timelapse recording Yes
    GPS None

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Formula for LomoChrome Purple 400 film reworked

    LomoChrome Purple 400 –  first announced in 2013 – has been reformulated and should now have improved sensitivity at ISO 400, a more refined grain and better rendering of red hues. Inspired by classic infrared film, it uses C41 processing, making it an accessible way for analog shooters to try their hands at this style of photography.

    Are these improvements to LomoChrome Purple 400 related to an overall increase in market demand for film? It’s hard to say. The good new is Purple 400 is now better than ever and will still shift your blues to green, greens to purple and yellows to pink.

    Read more on Lomography.com

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Garmin announces the VIRB 360, a 5.7K waterproof 360-cam

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    Garmin is entering the 360-camera market with the introduction of the VIRB 360, a dual camera device capable of 5.7K (30p) immersive video and 15MP spherical still images. Unlike most other 360-cameras, the VIRB 360 is completely waterproof. It also features a bevy of sensors, including GPS – information from which can be overlayed directly into 360-video in post.

    The camera will launch with a free mobile app and desktop software for editing, stabilizing and sharing 360 photos and video. There does not appear to be any in-camera stabilization, though users can stabilize their 5.7K footage in post, resulting in 4K 360 footage. The camera also has live streaming capability and footage should be compatible with all VR headsets currently on the market.

    Available in June, the suggested retail price is $ 799.99, putting the VIRB 360 at a substantially higher price point than other consumer 360 cameras.

    Press Release

    Introducing the VIRB® 360: An immersive 360-degree 5.7K camera experience from Garmin®

    OLATHE, Kan./May 24, 2017/Business Wire – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the versatile VIRB 360, a compact, rugged and fully spherical 360-degree camera. The waterproof1 VIRB 360 is an easy-to-use camera that captures impressive high-quality video up to 5.7K/30fps, with four built-in microphones to ensure everything sounds as good as it looks in any direction. Whether users are kayaking down river rapids or mountain biking through rough terrain, the VIRB 360’s 4K Spherical Stabilization2 makes every video smooth and steady.

    With the VIRB 360, users capture video with automatic in-camera stitching up to 4K/30fps. Videos are easily uploaded for editing or sharing instantaneously. Taking advantage of its built-in GPS and numerous other sensors, the VIRB 360 provides owners with customizable G-Metrix™ data overlays in a captivating 360-degree augmented reality3 setting.

    “The VIRB 360 lets you relive personal experiences and share them with your friends – from a different point of view, every single time,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “VIRB 360 owners will no longer need to worry about trying to capture the perfect angle or setting up the perfect shot. The camera’s easy-to-use feature set will make even the most inexperienced users look like experts.”

    Garmin offers a free downloadable VIRB Mobile app and desktop software to edit, stabilize, share and add data overlays to any VIRB 360 video content – features that make the VIRB 360 easier to use than most other 360 cameras. Boasting conveniently simple one-touch button controls, the VIRB 360 also incorporates helpful voice control4 options to start and stop recordings, snap photos and more. And to make the most of “in-the-moment” experiences, the VIRB 360 features livestream5 capabilities to post to YouTube™ or Facebook Live with a compatible smartphone or tablet.

    The VIRB 360 offers a rechargeable, one-hour battery life while recording. Even more impressive, whether it’s a family event or a rigorous journey, the VIRB 360 is built to withstand overheating and wet conditions. Beyond video, the VIRB 360 can take stitched-in-camera, 360-degree, 15 megapixel spherical photos. Photo modes include single capture, burst shooting, and time lapse. Additionally, the camera is equipped with a sunlight-readable display for users to identify battery life, storage capacity and video modes. The VIRB 360 supports Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ANT+™, and NFC (one-tap connection with Android™ devices) connectivity.

    Offering a wealth of flexibility and range, the VIRB 360 is compatible with industry-leading virtual reality headsets and live playback through the free VIRB Mobile app. What’s more, the camera is compatible with Apple® and Android devices, and comes with its own unique tripod/handgrip. The VIRB 360 uses replaceable microSD memory6 cards of up to 128GB (sold separately).

    The Garmin VIRB 360 has a suggested retail price of $ 799.99 and is expected to be available in June. For more information, visit Garmin.com/VIRB360.

    The Garmin VIRB 360 is the latest from the consumer automotive and camera segment of Garmin, the leading worldwide provider of portable navigation devices for automobiles, motorcycles and trucks. The company’s user-friendly navigation and action camera solutions have innovative features that provide time- and fuel-saving benefits to meet the demands of everyday driving and outdoor living.

    For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation, advancements with camera solutions, wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

    1See Garmin.com/waterrating.
    2Stabillization is applied using VIRB Mobile app or VIRB Edit desktop software and is only available for videos stitched in camera.
    3Augmented reality overlays require mobile or desktop VIRB app before sharing.
    4Voice control available for English (US, UK), French, Italian, German, Spanish, Swedish, Japanese, and Mandarin.
    5Live streaming only available on compatible Apple devices.
    6See Garmin.com/VIRBcards for compatibility.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM sample gallery

    With the FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM lens, Sony is seeking to fill a super-telephoto gap in its lens lineup with the announcement of the a9 sports camera. It may not have the fast aperture of competitors’ telephoto primes, but the zoom range is versatile, and the lens looks to be very sharp with pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, plus it comes with a very close focusing distance to boot.

    We’ll be updating our gallery with more sports oriented samples on Sony’s a9 as we begin fully testing that camera, so stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy some horses jumping and scenes from the El Capitan State Beach outside of Santa Barbara, CA.

    Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM gallery

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Kodak EKTRA ‘camera first’ smartphone now available in US

    The Kodak EKTRA, the company’s ‘camera first’ smartphone, is now available to purchase in the United States. The Android smartphone, which was first announced in October 2016, features a 21MP camera and a design reminiscent of point-and-shoot cameras. The handset has been available to purchase in Europe for a handful of months, and now US consumers can buy the model unlocked with support for GSM mobile networks for $ 399.99 USD.

    Coinciding with the launch is software update version 2.009.00/_A for the smartphone,  which Kodak says it is zeroing in on requests from its ‘photo-enthusiast’ customers. The update brings improved autofocus performance, better color saturation and white balance, and the addition of raw image support, among other things.

    The full software changelog:

    • Enhanced single handed camera functionality; when the camera app is enabled the Android touch buttons are now disabled to avoid an accidental press when using the camera with one hand
    • Added RAW file support in manual mode; shooting in RAW records all the data from the sensor enabling more sophisticated image processing options
    • Improved auto focus making in quicker and more accurate
    • Improved Face Detection performance for better portrait photos
    • Optimisations to the Auto White Balance and colour saturation
    • Improvements to shutter speed performance
    • New option to disable Auto Scene Detection in smart auto mode
    • New shutter effect to provide visual indication of when a picture is taken
    • Enhanced low light performance
    • Optimisations to the noise reduction algorithm from ISO 100-6400
    • Introduces a new ‘How To’ camera tutorial on the new functionality

    Via: BusinessWire

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The new Surface Pro: new processors, boosted battery life and more

    Microsoft’s Surface Pro (they’ve dropped the numbering scheme) looks impressive. In an interview with The Verge, Microsoft’s head of Surface, Panos Panay, claims there are about 800 new custom parts in the Surface Pro.

    Battery life is up from 9 to 13.5 hours, it’s got the latest Kaby Lake processors, there are promised sleep/wake improvements (an issue that plagued many Surface Pro 4 users), and the device just looks and feels nicer with more rounded edges as well as a barely visible vent.

    The Core i5 now joins the m3 in being fanless (the high-end i7 still has a fan). The new hinge allows the Surface Pro to lie almost completely flat at 165 degrees, which Microsoft calls Studio Mode (after the Surface Studio). This’ll make it easier to use with the Surface Dial.

    The Surface Pen gets a sizable update as well: it now has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection (only with the Surface Pro) for better shading and inking accuracy. Perhaps even more important is that it’s more responsive because of a reduction in minimum activation force. Though this time around, it’s a separate purchase.

    There’s still no USB-C, and only one USB port (this accessory will help photographers import SD cards to an external drive without a hub, utilizing the Surface’s micro SD port). A new LTE option should be great for those one the go, though a release date for that feature hasn’t been announced.

    The new Surface Pro is available for pre-order today starting at $ 799, with the Type Cover coming in at $ 129 and Surface Pen coming in at $ 99. Shipping starts June 15th.

    Via: The Verge and Microsoft

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Join us on Facebook Live to talk about the Sony a9

    Join us on Facebook Live for a first look at the new Sony a9!

    The new Sony a9 landed in our office a few days ago, and we’ve been using it non-stop. Join editors Rishi Sanyal and Carey Rose on Facebook Live to see what they think of it so far, as well as to ask them any questions you might have. 

    Date: Wednesday, May 23

    Time: 9:30 AM Pacific (12:30 PM Eastern, 16:30 UTC, 17:30 BST, 18:30 CEST)

    Visit our Facebook page to watch live or ask questions about the a9

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Makers of the Panono 108MP 360-degree camera filing for bankruptcy

    German media reports that the founders of the company behind the Panono 360-degree ball camera have filed for insolvency proceedings at a court in Berlin, Germany. Unfortunately this means it’s very unlikely that the backers of the original crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo will ever receive their camera. 

    The small number of buyers who purchased a Panono through retail channels after the Indiegogo campaign could be affected as well. At this point it is unknown if the the Panono servers, which power the automatic stitching of the Panono’s 360-degree images, will remain functional for the foreseeable future.  

    Initially things had gone well for the German start-up. The Indiegogo campaign generated 1.25 million dollars in 2013. However, it soon became obvious that the team had miscalculated the development time for the camera which back then only existed in prototype form.

    The final product was due to ship in 2014 but instead there was only a second prototype in February 2015. A few months later first shipments were announced, but not to the project backers. Instead the cameras went to retail customers who paid a considerably higher prices. It appears at this point the company had already run out of money and was hoping to generate additional funds for mass production and eventual shipping to project backers. 

    Now it seems this plan has not worked out either and remaining funds have dried up. We had the chance to test both a prototype and final product of the Panono camera and were quite impressed by the technology. 360-degree cameras are now much more widely available than in 2013 but none of the affordable models offer the Panono’s 108MP resolution and image detail. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)