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Chinese optics company Venus caused a stir when it announced a 12mm F2.8 lens with claims of almost zero rectilinear distortion. The lens is comparably small in its super wide-angle class, and its claims of little barrel distortion are pretty tantalizing. Senior DPR contributor Damien Demolder spent some time getting to know it – check out his images below.
See our Venus Laowa 12mm F2.8
sample gallery
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Canon has introduced an update for its EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR that corrects a color issue when using flash, and improves the camera’s performance when the company’s new tele-converters are in use.
Firmware version 1.0.3 fixes an issue that created different color temperatures in flash output according to the metering mode in use at the time, and makes communication between camera and lens more reliable with the EF1.4x III and EF2x III tele-converters. The company says an additional fix corrects the way the level gauge is displayed when the camera is held in portrait orientation with the grip below the lens.
For more information visit the Canon website.
Manufacturer’s release notes
Firmware Version 1.0.3 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:
1. Corrects a phenomenon in which the color of images varies depending on the metering mode selected during flash shooting.
2. Improves the reliability of communication when using the EF1.4X III or EF2X III extender.
3. Corrects the level display when the camera is held in the vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward.
4. Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function with EOS Utility 3.
Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.2 or earlier. If your camera’s firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
When updating the firmware of your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware.
The firmware update takes approximately 4 minutes.
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The PogoCam is tiny personal camera that attaches magnetically to eyewear with a proprietary track called PogoTrack. At 10.9 x 12.5 x 42.8 millimeters, according to its makers it is the currently smallest wearable camera. A proprietary electronic architecture allows for high levels of miniaturization and low power requirements while maintaining comparable image quality, storage capacity and performance to competing products.
The camera comes with a 5 MP sensor and can capture and store 100 still images or up to two minutes of 720p HD video at 30 frames per second before you have to download data to a mobile device, using a cable or Bluetooth connection, and charge the battery. The makers of the device claim that image quality is comparable to a smartphone. However, looking at the PogoCam’s specification this would most likely be a low-end smartphone.
The camera is water-resistant and recharges in approximately 30 minutes. While attached to the spectacle frames it can be moved backwards towards the wearer’s ears when not in use. It can also be removed quickly to store in a pocket. The PogoCam will retail from $ 129 after its official launch on March 30, 2017 and come with a free pair of non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack for initial buyers on the PogoTec website. It seems the PogoCam’s main advantage over the recently announced Snapchat Spectacles is its ability to work with a variety of eyewear frames. That said, we’ll have to wait and see how many frames with the PogoTrack feature consumers will be able to choose from.
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Press Release:
ROANOKE, Va., Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — PogoTec today announced the invention of PogoCam™, the world’s smallest wearable camera that attaches to fashionable eyewear. Unlike that of Snap Spectacles which has its camera integrated into one style of eyewear, PogoCam, is easily attachable and detachable to a wide variety of frame styles.
“We are experiencing a turning point that will make hand-held photography cumbersome and obsolete,” said Ron Blum, Founder, President and CEO of PogoTec. “Our eyewear solution goes beyond the capabilities of Snap’s Spectacle product with a more advanced camera that takes still images as well as HD video, attaches easily to many frame styles with or without prescription lenses and matches the fashion style of the user. It’s a tiny, easy-to-use camera designed for everyone. It removes the user from the confines of a viewfinder, allowing people to enjoy and pay attention to the event while capturing it. The user can easily share their images or video with friends and family.”
PogoCam utilizes a proprietary new electronic architecture that allows the highest level of miniaturization with lower power requirements than competitive cameras for the same level of high image resolution, memory capacity and performance. Multiple patent applications have been filed. PogoCam was designed for the mass market at large – those who require prescription eyeglasses and those who do not require prescription eyeglasses. PogoCam’s extremely small size allows it to be worn without distracting from the fashion look of eyewear. Weighing less than two dimes and measuring only 10.9 x 12.5 x 42.8 millimeters, PogoCam attaches magnetically to eyewear having a proprietary track called PogoTrack™. PogoCam allows a user to capture a number of images taken by a typical user during the course of a day. PogoCam allows people to “look and shoot” up to 100 photographs or two minutes of continuous HD video with audio (or 12 ten second clips). When in use, the camera displays a visible courtesy light that blinks allowing those being photographed to know. When not in use or if in an environment where photography is discouraged, it can be slid back on the track or easily removed. PogoCam’s accompanying patent pending mobile app includes auto centering, auto alignment and image rotation – eliminating the need for a camera viewfinder by automating certain post processing adjustments normally required for manual cameras. The image quality is comparable to that of one’s smartphone.
Eyewear with PogoTrack is designed to serve as a universal platform for a wide range of future electronic wearable devices over and beyond the PogoCam camera. Additional potential compatible wearables would, by example only, include an alertness monitor to prevent drivers from falling asleep and a UV meter to prevent sunburn by alerting users when exposed to damaging rays.
PogoTec will be demonstrating and showcasing PogoCam, along with its eyewear partners and a large number of compatible frame styles for prescription eyewear and non-prescription sunglasses, at the ShowStoppers media event in Las Vegas during the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show on Thursday, January 5.
“This is the first practical, high-quality wearable camera for the mass market capable of being worn socially that allows people to experience the moment and at the same time take photos or video with audio,” added Blum. “This is all accomplished while wearing eyewear in the fashion style of their choosing. Just “look and shoot”, the camera and app do the rest of the work for you. Further, our proprietary architecture ensures that PogoCam will remain the smallest wearable camera when comparing image quality, memory, power requirements and performance.”
“Eyeglasses are arguably the world’s oldest, most successful wearable technology,” added Richard Clompus, OD, FAAO, who is VP of Communication and Consumer Interaction for PogoTec. “PogoCam upgrades this wearable platform with the ability to capture visual memories without the intrusion of holding a camera or looking through a view screen. We look forward to introducing additional capabilities and enhancing the value of PogoTrack as a platform for wearable technology.”
In addition to the current offering, PogoTec is exploring options to adapt PogoCam for use in such industries as construction, public safety, industrial, security and medical applications.
About PogoCam
PogoCam was designed for the mass market and is easy to use. It comes equipped with a five megapixel sensor providing quality photos or video comparable to a smartphone. PogoCam is capable of capturing in excess of what a typical user would take per day. PogoCam can capture and store 100 still photographs or up to two minutes of 720p HD video at 30 frames/second with full audio (12 10-second clips) before having to be downloaded and charged. The camera is activated by pressing a single button and images are uploaded to a mobile device. PogoCam’s camera function is focus free with auto- white balance making it easy for the user to capture high quality images and video. Depending upon the accessory case, the images can be downloaded with a wired connection or with Bluetooth to a smartphone. The camera is resistant to water and perspiration and recharges in approximately 30 minutes. PogoCam is designed to attach magnetically to frames having PogoTrack technology. While attached, PogoCam can be moved along the length of the track – allowing the user to bring it forward only when in use. The camera can be attached and removed easily with one hand without removing the frames, allowing it to be stored in a pocket or purse when not recording images.
Distribution
PogoCam and PogoTrack plans to be available at thousands of consumer locations in 2017, including eye care offices and optical shops in the U.S. PogoCam and well-known branded non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack will be bundled for sale on the PogoCam ecommerce site, www.PogoCam.com and www.Amazon.com. Prescription eyewear with PogoTrack also plans to be available from optical shops and eye care offices in 2017. PogoTec’s channel partners for optical shops, eye care offices, mass market and specialty retail will be announced at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in January 2017. Additional channel partners are being added for 2018 and beyond.
Pricing and Availability
PogoCam will retail for $ 129.00 and up depending upon the model purchased. PogoCam will be officially launched on March 30, 2017at the International Vision Expo East Conference in NYC. When purchasing a PogoCam on PogoTec’s ecommerce site, PogoCam.com, initial customers purchasing PogoCam will receive a free pair of branded non-prescription sunglasses with PogoTrack.
About PogoTec
PogoTec™, Inc is a privately owned company incorporated in Delaware. Its core initiative is to enable electronic wearable devices with a special focus on eyewear. PogoTec’s product offerings consist of; PogoTrack: a proprietary attachment means for attaching electronic wearable devices to eyewear while maintaining the fashion look of eyewear and PogoCam: the world’s smallest look and shoot camera attachable to eyewear. PogoTec’s management team and Board of Directors have extensive experience in creating and commercializing innovation. PogoTec has been extremely diligent in protecting its intellectual property and has numerous patent applications filed around the world. For more information about PogoTec, please visit www.PogoTec.com.
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Google has updated its interactive Earth Timelapse feature with better imagery and several years of new data. The massive update added petabytes of new data and brings it up to the current year.
Detailing the update in a blog post, Google says updated images are sharper ‘with truer colors and fewer distracting artifacts.’ Earth Timelapse was introduced in 2013 and includes images recorded as early as 1984.
Basically, Google’s Earth Timelapse presents users with 33 interactive images of the entire planet, but creating those images was a feat – Google says it sifted through 3 quadrillion pixels to maximize image quality. The final product represents 25,000,000 overlapping global image tiles that users can zoom in, zoom out, play and replay to their heart’s content.
Check it out for yourself and see how the world has changed over the past three decades.
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Fujifilm has released its much anticipated new firmware for the X-T2 that enables tethered shooting with the forthcoming Tethered Shooting Plug-in Pro application, but has added a number of other fixes and a new feature.
Fujifilm X-T2 users will now be able to set up a function button to lock all the body buttons of the camera so that they don’t get pressed by accident during shooting. Users can determine which button they want to use for this purpose via the custom settings menu.
As with previous updates for the X-T1 and X-Pro2 this new firmware fixes an AF reliability issue when using the longer end of the XF 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR and a problem that meant that Nissin’s i40 flash unit wouldn’t fire.
Further fixes include issues around exposure in very specific conditions, connectivity and the high speed burst mode when used with flash.
For more information see the Fujifilm website.
Manufacturer’s release notes
Detail of the update
The firmware update Ver.1.10 from Ver.1.00 incorporates the following issues:
1.Tether shooting is available by USB connection.
One of the application software below is required to use the tether shooting function.
[How to set the PC shooting]
Before connecting your camera to a computer, set the PC SHOOT MODE of the CONNECTION SETTING in the SET UP menu to USB AUTO.
*If the USB AUTO is selected, the camera mode will automatically change to tether shooting mode when the camera is connected to a computer via a USB cable.
*If the USB FIXED is selected, the camera always work as tether shooting mode. Therefore, the camera doesn’t work as normal shooting mode when the USB cable is not connected.
*1: “FUJIFILM Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO” will be available from Adobe Add-ons website.
The launch of the Mac version is scheduled for release around the end of November 2016, and the Windows version is scheduled for release around the beginning of December 2016.
*Separately, you need to purchase Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 6 / CC.
*2:”FUJIFILM Tether Shooting Plug-in” is available from Adobe Add-ons website. X-T2 will be supported with Ver.1.3 upgrade.
For Mac
For Windows
*Separately, you need to purchase Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 6 / CC.
*3: You need to purchase the HS-V5 and download the latest version from the site below to upgrade it.
2. Lock function during shooting mode is added. The update will let users prevent from the unexpected dial/button operation.
[How to set]
First, select the function you wish to lock in BUTTON/DIAL SETTING>LOCK>FUNCTION SELECTION” in the Setup Menu. And then, select the function in BUTTON/DIAL SETTING>LOCK>LOCK SETTING>SELECTED FUNCTION” in the Setup Menu.
*Select “ALL FUNCTION” to lock all the buttons and dials. This lock function can be allocated to a function button.
3. The shutter speed will be displayed in a preview image with the setting of SHUTTER AE OFF, ISO AUTO and Aperture-Priority.
4. The phenomenon is fixed that overexposure could happen with the setting of AF-C mode, AF-C PRIORITY SELECTION and FACE DETECTION ON.
5. The phenomenon is fixed that AF function doesn’t work well in the tele-photo area with XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.
6. The phenomenon is fixed that hung-up could happen when carrying out SELECT FROM NETWORK LIST of MANUAL SETUP in PC AUTO SAVE SETTING.
7. The phenomena is fixed that CH HIGH SPEED BURST (continuous high speed) doesn’t work well with fixed exposure and fixed amount of flash luminescence (TTL-L or flash M mode) while used with FUJIFILM Shoe Mount Flash (excluding EF-X8)
8. The phenomenon is fixed that Flash i40 made by Nissin for FUJIFILM doesn’t fire.
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Grip Gear, maker of the handheld smartphone stabilizer IndieSolo, has launched the Movie Maker: a portable, electronically driven slider built for smartphones, action cams and compact cameras.
Powered by AAA batteries or a separate power bank via USB, the Movie Maker includes a rail, motorized head and a clamp to accommodate most smartphones. Eight speeds can be utilized, as slow as 6mm/min up to 300mm/min to create slow motion, time-lapse or real-time stabilized panning shots.
Upon reaching the end of the track, the Movie Maker will automatically bounce back and move in the opposite direction. The motorized head can also be used separately from the rail to pan 360-degrees for panorama. It’s all designed to pack away into a compact kit that can fit into a camera bag or backpack.
The Movie Maker is available now on Amazon for a list price of $ 130.
Press release
<GripGear. 31 Oct. 2016. For immediate release. > Smartphone movie tool kit company, Grip Gear has upped the ante in video production with the launch of Movie Maker: a set of miniature production tools that puts all the equipment a movie company might use to make a major Hollywood production into a tiny package that will help turn a smartphone into a full-blown movie making resource.
As smartphones become more and more capable, they are becoming one of the most important tools for creating video content for both brands and individuals. By 2019 video will account for almost 80 percent of all consumer Internet traffic. Even now, Facebook experiences 8 billion video views per day. But as video proliferates, standing out from the crowd becomes an increasing challenge.
The Movie Maker helps video makers move up into a new realm of production quality and creativity with gadgets like an 8-speed electronic tracking slider, a 360º panoramic function and suction cups to hold your phone in impossible positions for the most amazing shots.
Co-founder Rhys Bradley said: “As a former grip in the film industry, I’ve long had a vision of creating a film set experience in a smaller format for smartphones and other small cams. With the Movie Maker, smartphone users can now create beautiful movie quality footage that used to take massive pieces of expensive film making equipment with a set of highly portable tools that can fit in a camera bag!”
Co-founder Dean Tzembelikos said: “After 3 years of development and meticulous attention to detail and quality we are proud to launch the Movie Maker. It will enhance the video making experience and bring out the creative juices in everyone. This is a genuine breakthrough in putting movie making into the everyone’s hands”
The Movie Maker will shortly be available on Amazon as well as at www.gripgear.com and cost USD $ 129.
Technical information:
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YI is a China-based company that has already made its mark in the action cam market, earning a recommendation in our recent roundup. But it clearly has ambitions beyond this and has announced its entry into the consumer-level compact ILC market.
We were lucky enough to get our hands on the YI M1, the company’s first ever mirrorless camera. YI has attempted to capitalize on an already well-established camera mount, but decided to put a new spin on it in the form of an almost entirely touchscreen-based user interface.
YI tells us its name refers to ‘young innovators,’ so its no surprise its target demographic is a group that is looking to move on from their smart phone based camera, but perhaps isn’t ready or interested in, taking the plunge into the realm of a traditional DSLR or mirrorless platform.
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| The YI M1 features an all-metal lens mount and a 20MP CMOS sensor. |
The YI M1 is built around a Sony-designed 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor that boasts Raw capability in the form of DNG output files and the ability to shoot 4K/30P video. As with its action cameras, YI publicly lists where its key components come from and the Sony IMX269 instantly suggests good things about the camera’s potential.
The big news is the all-touchscreen interface (the body only has two physical buttons), which aims to give a simple, more smartphone-like user experience. However, the company doesn’t treat these users as undemanding, just because they don’t want a conventional camera.
The camera comes with either the 12-40mm zoom, the 42.5mm prime or a kit that features both the prime and the zoom, a camera strap, USB charging brick and a Micro-USB cable. While the camera sports a hot shoe for an external flash, the current kit doesn’t have a flash included.
The two lens choices that come in the kit were a bit of surprise for us, and in a very good way. It’s not too often that a camera company decides to include a prime lens and a zoom in an ILC starter kit, but that’s just what YI has done. There’s a macro-capable 42.5mm F1.8 prime as well as a more conventional 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 zoom in the box, both equipped with image stabilization, since the body itself does not offer any.
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| The 42.5mm F1.8 prime lens can be seen on the left and the 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 can be seen on the right. The focus ring on the 42.5mm prime doesn’t actually move – it’s just for show although the camera does allow for ‘manual focus’ via the touchscreen. |
The lenses are constructed of a mostly plastic body and are extremely lightweight. I definitely wouldn’t suggest getting them wet, as they don’t appear to have any sort of weather-sealing. The lens mounts are made of a plastic composite material.
Oddly, the 42.5mm prime doesn’t offer true manual focus – the ‘focus ring’ is purely cosmetic. You are able to adjust the focus with an up and down arrow via the touchscreen interface. In any case offering a prime lens, particularly a portrait-friendly 85mm equivalent one, is a really nice touch and is sure to please folks moving from a fixed-lens smartphone to an ILC platform.
Being that this camera is on the MFT platform, YI claims that it will be compatible with more than 50 other lens options. We’ve tried several Panasonic and Olympus MFT lenses and they all seem to work great, so that’s very promising.
The YI M1 offers five JPEG shooting modes: a high contrast black and white mode, a standard black and white mode, portrait, vivid, and lastly a standard shooting mode. Unfortunately you currently aren’t able to shoot Raw + JPEG, so you will have to decide which format you would like to shoot in before heading out with the camera.
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In terms of autofocus the YI M1 has an 81-point contrast detect AF system with touch to focus and touch shutter. It also offers face detection and both AF-S and AF-C shooting modes. It’s also important to note that the AF also lacks any sort of subject tracking outside of face detection.
Autofocus is possible during video capture; AF-C is automatically enabled while shooting video. Unfortunately, the YI lacks a dedicated AF control switch, which makes switching AF shooting modes a bit difficult. Novices coming to the YI may find they’ll need to pay more attention to their autofocus point placement than they did with their smartphone.
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The M1 has several video shooting modes- the highlight of which is its ability to shoot in 4K/30P. It also offers 2K/30P, Full HD 1080 and 720 at 60, 30 and 24P. Autofocus is available while shooting video in the form of single point AF-C, but if you’re using the 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens you will also have the ability to use manual focus with focus peaking, which can definitely come in handy because the autofocus is fairly slow to lock focus while in video mode.
The YI M1 is available in three different kits. It will cost $ 499 USD for the kit with the standard zoom lens (12-40mm F3.5-5.6) and $ 599 USD for the kit that comes with the 42.5mm F1.8 prime. If you wish to purchase the camera and both the zoom and the prime lens it will set you back $ 699 USD. It will be offered in two colors; Ice Silver and Storm Black.
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If putting your gorgeous retro-styled camera on an ugly, modern tripod just bums you out, filter maker Cokin has a solution. They’ve worked with Slik to produce the Riviera Classic, a tripod designed to match your rangefinder-esque mirrorless camera with vintage touches like a wooden tightening handle and faux-leather leg section covers. The whole thing comes with a handsome carrying pouch. No word yet on pricing or availability.
Press release
Modern tripod for retro cameras. And vice versa.
PARIS—November 24, 2016—Cokin is proud to announce the first tripod to adopt the look of current retro cameras.
Inspired by old camera design, Riviera Classic is the only tripod to combine leather and wood elegancy with aluminum sturdiness in a timeless design.
Incredibly stable and extremely stylish, with metal tightening dials similar to those found on antique manual cameras, Riviera Classic is the tripod that was missing to affirm the neo retro look of current cameras. Although traditional in its approach, Riviera Classic provides nevertheless all the features of a modern tripod: telescopic sections, inversible central column, multi-actions head, ergonomic wooden tightening handle, unlockable angles etc.
Made of Iroko wood, known for its exceptional durability, and hand crafted by Atelier Farol at La Rochelle, France, the Riviera Classic handle has been designed to provide optimal control. Over time, and upon usage, the wood patina will make it even more unique.
Covered with a material similar to that found on premium camera bodies, the Riviera Classic leather-inspired sections are both elegant and delightful to handle. Once opened, they reveal the brilliance of brushed aluminum, contrasting with the tripod body. Each section ends with a high density nonslip rubber cap insuring the best support on all types of field.
Every details have been carefully thought, right down to the tightening dials of the Riviera Classic, inspired by the ones found on retro cameras. Made of knurled aluminum, they offer an excellent grasp in order to precisely adjust sections and central column.
We have brought the same care in the making of the soft pouch that comes with Riviera Classic, made of leather-inspired and hessian fabric. The cord is robust and comfortable, to carry it anywhere, with style.
It was very natural that Cokin collaborated with Slik to develop Riviera Classic. Founded in 1948, Slik is renowned for its unique know-how in long lasting tripods making.
Named after its founder Jean Coquin, a famous french photographer of the 70’s, Cokin is the inventor of the innovative Creative Filters System (adaptor ring + filter-holder + filters), the most popular filter system in the world.
Technical specifications:
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VideoLan has launched VLC 360, a new version of the media player that supports 360-degree videos and images. The current release is a technical preview; all of its features are slated for inclusion with the final VLC 3.0 release across all platforms. VLC 360 Technical Preview is currently only available for macOS 10.10 or later and Windows 7 or later.
VideoLan teamed up with Giroptic to introduce these new features, which include the ability to play 360-degree video and photos, display 360 content with ‘Zoom,’ ‘Little Planet,’ and ‘Reverse Little Planet’ modes, and control content using both a mouse and keyboard. Future mobile versions of VLC with 360 will also support control using a phone’s built-in sensors.
VLC’s makers plan to release future versions of its software with 360-degree features for Xbox One, iOS, and Android. As well, VideoLan says the media player ‘will probably support’ virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and Google Daydream View starting next year. VideoLan is also working on 3D audio playback support.
Via: VideoLan
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If you think your smartphone photos and other digital images look a little bland straight out of camera, you now have one more app at your disposal to give them more of a film-like appearance. London-based app maker RNI has launched its new Colibri app. Colibri is essentially an image filter app for the iPhone, albeit a slightly special one. The filter algorithms behind the app use machine learning and its makers say Colibri has been fed some of the ‘finest slide film scans’ to create its range of filter options.
Colobri’s ‘more color, less editing’ tagline indicates that the app is not meant to be an all-purpose editor but instead puts a focus on enhancing the image’s color and tonal properties to simulate a slide-film look. That said, there are cropping and rotation tools available and you can adjust the intensity of your filters, brightness and contrast using a range of sliders.
Of course it’s all a matter of taste, but some the image samples on the RNI website look quite promising. So, if you like this type of effect, Colibri might be well worth its download price of $ 1. If you like this type of film simulation apps but would prefer a little bit more control over the conversion process, you could also have a look at the Filmborn app we reported on recently.