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Archive for May, 2017

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM sample gallery

17 May

The photographic ‘holy-trinity’ is an oft-described concept for the professional wedding, event and sports photographer. You have three cameras dangling from three straps around your body (and hopefully a chiropractor to help you with the aftereffects). These include cameras strapped to a 16-35mm (ish) F2.8 lens, a 24-70mm F2.8 and a 70-200mm F2.8 to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

With the new a9, Sony is aiming at the high-end sports photographer market, so their new FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM is a natural next step to appeal to the wide-angle enthusiasts within that crowd. See how it stacks up in our preliminary samples gallery.

See our Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM gallery

All images are processed through Adobe Camera Raw using a near-final build of that software where applicable for the new Sony a9 camera. Sharpness and noise reduction settings are left to default, the Adobe Standard color profile was used, and minor adjustments were made to white balance, highlights, shadows, whites and blacks. Due to bandwidth constraints, only JPEG images processed using the above settings are available at this time. Raw images will be coming shortly.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ship & Swim: Mobile Cargo Container Pool & On-Demand Hot Tub for Homes

17 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

More stable and versatile than a typical temporary above-ground pool and less likely to tank your home real estate value than a built-in one, this modular plug-and-play swimming pool is the best of both worlds.

Developed by Canadian company Modpools, these converted shipping containers measure 8 by 20 feet (or 8 by 40), can be used year-round and can be converted for use as a hot tub on demand (via a segmenting module).

Using the relatively light but sturdy shape of the container as a framework, these pools can be lifted and loaded onto trucks and trains (just like any other inter-modal unit). They can also be plugged in and set to go in minutes, then rearranged on a lot should a resident decide to expand their existing home or reconfigure their yard.

Historically, having a carved-out backyard pool has been known to actually reduce real estate values, leading many homeowners to fill theirs in before putting a house up for sale. With this solution, the pool can simply be relocated to a new residence or resold and used somewhere else.

Currently priced around $ 27,000 they don’t come cheap, but offer correspondingly more flexibility — the twice-as-long 40-footer is also not much more expensive at $ 35,000 for those with the space.

The pools come with bonus technology features, too, like the ability to control the lighting and heating remotely, letting users crank up the warmth while on the way home to take a swim in the pool or a soak in the hot tub.

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[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Initial sample images from the new Olympus TG-5

17 May

We had a little bit of time to try out the new Olympus Tough TG-5 prior to its launch, in and around the waters of Seattle. As the weather improves, we’ll look to update this gallery with additional underwater samples and a range of samples from various lighting conditions. For now, wet your whistle with these.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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New Olympus TG-5 improves ‘toughness’, brings new sensor and tracking functionality

17 May

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Olympus has announced its latest ‘tough’ camera, the TG-5. It’s the follow-up to the TG-4, one of our favorite rugged cameras, and features a new sensor and processor, advanced tracking capabilities, 4K video capture, Wi-Fi and more.

Where the TG-4 used a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, the TG-5 has dropped to 12MP, in order to improve image quality (according to the company). It uses the same TruePic VIII processor found in the E-M1 Mark II. The 25-100mm equiv. F2-4.9 lens is mostly the same, although Olympus has added dual panel glass to prevent ‘foggy’ due to rapid changes in temperature. The lens can still focus down to 1cm/0.4in in its ‘microscope’ mode. 

The body has been strengthened. It’s now hermetically sealed and its waterproof rating is now 15m/50ft. It can survive a drop from 2.1m/7ft or having 100kg/220kg of force applied to it. It’s also freezeproof to -14C/+14F and dustproof. The design of the zoom controller is now more traditional, though in initial use we found that even a grain of sand can cause it to stick. A control dial has been added to the top of the camera, as well. 

The TG-5 inherits quite a few features from Olympus’ TG Tracker action camera, with the ability to log location, temperature, pressure and direction with the flip of a switch. The recorded info can be viewed in the O.I. Share app via maps and charts.

Video-wise, the TG-5 can capture UHD 4K video at 30p or go ‘high speed’ at 120 fps when shooting Full HD movies.

A number of accessories are available, including waterproof tele and fisheye conversion lenses, an LED Light Guide and flash diffuser and an underwater housing that functions down to 45m/147ft.

The TG-5 will be available in June for $ 449. You can choose from an easy-to-find-when-it’s-at-the-bottom-of-the-ocean red or a slick-looking black.


Sample Gallery

We’ve put together an initial gallery of photos from the TG-5. More to come soon!

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Press Release:

OLYMPUS AND ADVENTURISTS CONQUER THE OUTDOORS WITH THE NEW TOUGH TG-5

High-Speed f2.0 Lens, High-Speed BSI CMOS Image Sensor and the Latest TruePic VIII Image Processor Deliver High-Quality Images in a Rugged Design

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 17, 2017 — Olympus builds on the outdoor shooting and tracking capabilities of the Tough product family with the new Tough TG-5, a compact digital camera designed to capture outstanding images in the most challenging conditions. The Tough TG-5 combines its high-speed f2.0 lens with advanced technologies, including a new high-performance backlit 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor, Olympus’ latest high-speed TruePic VIII Image Processor and a Field Sensor System that records movement and environmental data. With the Tough TG-5, users are able to tell immersive stories using brilliant videos, stills and data captured from their extreme adventures.

The new Olympus Tough® TG-5 touts the widely praised bright f2.0 lens found on previous premium Tough models. Boasting a wide-angle 25mm to a telephoto 100mm (35mm equivalent) focal length, this lens works in concert with the new high-speed backlit CMOS image sensor and the dual quad core TruePic VIII Image Processor to deliver the highest image quality of any Tough model to date.

The built-in Field Sensor System, consisting of a GPS sensor, manometer, compass and temperature sensor, records movement and environmental data independently or in conjunction with still images or videos. Data logs can be simultaneously displayed with images and videos using the Olympus® Image Track app, enhancing the experience of reliving and sharing outdoor adventures.

The Tough TG-5 excels in extreme conditions. In addition to being waterproof to 50 feet (15 meters), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 meters), freezeproof down to 14°F (-10°C) and dustproof, the camera now includes Anti-Fog Lens Cover Glass. This allows the Tough TG-5 to capture amazing action shots on the slopes, underwater and in other uniquely challenging environments where other cameras can’t perform.

New video functions include 4K Movie to capture Ultra HD video at four times the resolution of Full HD, allowing users to record beautiful scenery in amazing detail. Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie lets users easily capture stunning slow-motion, and 4K Time Lapse automatically creates short videos of long periods of time.

Pricing and Availability

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5 will be available in red and black beginning in June 2017 with an estimated street price of $ 449.99 USD and $ 579.99 CAD. For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: getolympus.com/digitalcameras/tough/tg-5.html. 

Main Features

1) High-speed f2.0 lens, new high-performance BSI CMOS image sensor and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII Image Processor deliver high-quality images in all lighting conditions.
The high-speed lens works in concert with the image sensor and processor for a powerful synergy resulting in improved high-quality images, even in low light or underwater.
 
a) High-performance BSI CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII Image Processor
The Tough TG-5 features a high-speed f2.0 lens, a newly developed high-sensitivity, high-speed backlit 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII Image Processor used in the Olympus flagship OM-D E-M1® Mark II camera. The new technology produces better image quality at standard and higher sensitivity ranges. The processor is capable of more complex calculations to improve resolution in low-contrast areas, especially when shooting at low ISO sensitivity. A maximum ISO sensitivity of 12800 and RAW capture are also available, covering a wide range of shooting situations.
 
b) High-speed f2.0 lens with a 25–100mm focal length (35mm equivalent)
The bright f2.0 lens supports faster shutter speeds when shooting underwater or in other challenging conditions to capture fast-moving subjects with minimal blurring. Superb Olympus optical technology is incorporated into the lens, including DSA (Dual Super Aspherical), HD (High Dispersion) and HR (High Refractive Index) lenses to deliver high-quality images while reducing aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.

2. Field Sensor System adds tracking data to images and videos for reliving the moment.
The Tough TG-5’s Field Sensor System consists of built-in sensors, including GPS, a compass, a temperature sensor and a manometer for altitude or depth. Tracking data may be recorded simultaneously with images and video or independently using the camera’s Data Log Mode. Tracking data may be viewed on the camera’s monitor or on a smart device. Users are able to press the INFO button to display current real-time data, even when the camera is turned off. Using the Olympus Image Track app to simultaneously display images, videos, and tracking information, lets users tell the story behind their shots.

a) Field Sensor System

  • GPS: The built-in GPS utilizes GLONASS and QZSS satellite systems in order to precisely calculate latitude and longitude. The GPS Assist function significantly reduces the amount of time required for initial GPS signal acquisition.
  • Manometer: Altitude and water depth are calculated based on atmospheric pressure and water pressure information.
  • Temperature Sensor: This sensor measures both air and water temperature, and is shielded from the effects of heat generated inside the camera.
  • Compass: The compass measures the direction in which the camera lens is pointed.

b) Olympus Image Track App
Pairing the camera and a smartphone with the TG-5’s built-in Wi-Fi® enables the simultaneous display of images, video, and tracking information, delivering a unique way to relive users’ experiences. A data overlay can be applied to images or video for posting adventures to social media. The resizing of images and videos is also available with the app.

Reliable Tough performance: waterproof to depths of 50 feet (15 meters), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 meters), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force), freezeproof down to 14°F (-10°C), dustproof and Anti-Fog Lens Cover Glass.

Hermetically sealed construction provides waterproof performance for worry-free shooting underwater. This sealing also provides superb dustproof performance so that users can feel comfortable using the camera in dusty and dirty environments. The Tough TG-5’s shockproof performance is made possible via its floating construction that suspends key components inside the housing of the camera, enabling the camera to clear drop tests of up to 7 feet. The Tough TG-5’s robust construction also withstands loads of up to 220 pounds of force. Reliable operation is assured down to 14°F, making it possible to use the camera in cold environments where other digital devices may fail. In addition, the Tough TG-5 features Dual Pane Protective Cover Glass over the lens, preventing condensation caused by sudden changes in ambient temperature.

Video functions now include 4K Movie and Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie.
The Tough TG-5’s 4K Movie makes it possible to shoot Ultra HD video at four times the resolution of Full HD video, ideal for recording beautiful scenery in amazing detail. Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie is also included to capture split-second moments with playback in stunning slow motion.

Other Features

1) Variable Macro System easily captures microscopic subjects.
The Tough TG-5 is equipped with four macro modes with a maximum shooting
magnification of 7x for capturing microscopic subjects difficult to see with the naked eye. Accessories such as the LG-1 LED Light Guide and the FD-1 Flash Diffuser expand shooting possibilities by enabling proper illumination of macro subjects.

a) Four Specialized Macro Modes

  • Microscope Mode: This mode allows users to shoot subjects as close as 1cm from the end of the lens and use the optical zoom to enlarge and shoot subjects. This feature is perfect for shooting insects, the veins in a leaf, snowflake crystals and other details in nature that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
  • Microscope Control Mode: This mode uses a combination of optical and digital zoom to magnify and capture microscopic subjects. Users are able to magnify a subject that is only 1mm in size up to a maximum of approximately 44.4mm when displayed on the rear LCD monitor. In addition to switching the magnification factor with the zoom lever, the arrow pad may be used to switch between 1x, 2x and 4x with the press of a single button as if changing the objective lens on a real microscope.
  • Focus Stacking Mode: Depth of field typically becomes shallow in macro shooting. Focus Stacking Mode automatically captures eight different shots while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. Then, the focused areas are extracted and merged so that a full resolution image with large depth of field is created.
  • Focus Bracketing Mode: This function captures up to 30 images while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. Users can select the amount of focus shift and number of shots in three levels. Focus Bracketing Mode is convenient for focusing on low-contrast subjects such as flower petals that consist of a single color.

2. Superb controls allow for smooth shooting even in rugged environments.

The Tough TG-5’s grip’s shape and thickness have been improved to provide for a more secure hold, and the camera’s controls may be easily operated even while wearing gloves. A new control dial helps users easily adjust shooting settings such as exposure compensation. An Accessory Lock has been added to the front of the camera to secure Tough system accessories, including Tough converter lenses and the LG-1 LED Light Guide. Movie Modes are now readily accessible via the primary Mode Dial, and a variety of shooting settings may be registered to the two Custom Modes for instant use. Together, these features make the Tough TG-5 easy to use in any environment.

  • Four Underwater Modes allow users to easily capture beautiful underwater photos.
  • Grid Display assists users with composition.
  • Focus Peaking and MF Assist aids in manual focusing.
  • Zero-lag Pro Capture Mode enables users to capture precise moments, even if they happen prior to fully depressing the shutter.
  • Nighttime Live Composite Mode is ideal for shooting fireworks and star trails.
  • HDR shooting delivers a rich range of tonal expressions by merging multiple images.
  • The Olympus Image Share aApp allows for remote shooting and wireless sharing via a connected smart device.
  • 14 unique Art Filters enable enhanced creativity.

System Accessories

There is an extensive lineup of system accessories available for the Tough TG-5 for expanded photographic applications.

  1. Waterproof Converter Lenses (Sold separately)

With Tough converter lenses, users can enjoy different angles of view while maintaining the brightness of the camera lens. Attach the FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter lens to enjoy shooting with fisheye effects with an ultra-wide 130° angle field of view. Attach the TCON-T01 Teleconverter lens to shoot at a telephoto 170mm focal length (35mm equivalent). Both lenses are waterproof and may be attached and removed underwater. The CLA-T01 Adapter is required to use these lenses. Users may also attach the bundled LC-40.5 lens cap and the PRF-D40.5 PRO Protection Filter (sold separately) to the CLA-T01.

  1. Macro Lighting Accessories (Sold separately)

The LG-1 LED Light Guide uses the camera’s built-in LED light to evenly illuminate subject up to the closest focusing distance of 1cm for superb macro shooting. The FD-1 Flash Diffuser evenly diffuses the light of the camera’s built-in flash. This helps reduce subject blur and camera shake that tends to occur during macro shooting in low-light situations, and enables the use of lower ISO sensitivity. It also makes it possible to darken the background all subjects to better stand out in photos. Both lighting accessories enable users to easily obtain creative macro shots that rival those of an interchangeable lens camera.

  1. Underwater Housing (New, sold separately)

The PT-058 Underwater Housing is waterproof down to 147 feet (45 meters), and features black coating on the front of the body to prevent unwanted reflections. This housing enables use of the Control Dial for exposure compensation while underwater. There is a wide range of accessories available, including the UFL-3 External Flash for dual-unit underwater flash photography. The external PTWC-01 Underwater Wide Converter Lens and PTMC-01 Underwater Macro Converter Lens may also be used with this underwater case.

Other Accessories

  1. Silicone Jacket, CSCH-126 (New, sold separately)

This customized silicone jacket protects the surface of the camera body from scratches and improves grip performance so that users can hold the camera more securely. The LG-1 LED Light Guide and FD-1 Flash Diffuser may be used with the silicone jacket attached to the camera.

  1. Mesh Camera Case, CSCH-121 (Sold separately)

This case is made of silicone rubber and features a mesh design that makes it easy for water to drain to keep the camera dry. Because this case contains no metal parts (including the carabineer), users don’t have to worry about rust.

  1. Sport Holder, CSCH-123 (Sold separately)

This holder secures your camera to a backpack or belt horizontally or vertically and can

be easily removed with a single hand. This accessory makes it possible to capture POV video and includes a carabineer and spiral cord to prevent the camera from falling.

Olympus TG-5 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 449
Body type
Body type Compact
Body material Metal
Sensor
Max resolution 4000 x 3000
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 12 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor TruePic VIII
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-12800
Boosted ISO (minimum) 100
Boosted ISO (maximum) 12800
White balance presets 8
Custom white balance Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization Optical
Image stabilization notes Up to 2.5 stops
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Super fine, fine, normal, basic
File format
  • Exif (v2.3)
  • Raw (Olympus ORF)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 25–100 mm
Optical zoom 4×
Maximum aperture F2–4.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (2X-4X)
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 10 cm (3.94)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39)
Number of focus points 25
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3
Screen dots 460,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 4 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Auto
  • Program
  • Aperture Priority
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • e-Portrait
  • Landscape
  • Portrait +Landscape
  • Hand-held Starlight*
  • Nightscape
  • Portrait + Nightscape
  • Children
  • Sport
  • Candlelight
  • Sunset
  • Fireworks
  • Beach & Snow
  • Panorama
  • Live Composite
  • Backlight HDR
Built-in flash Yes
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, redeye slow sync, fill, manual, off
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
  • Pro Capture
Continuous drive 20.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1280 x 720 @ 120p / 25 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1280 x 720 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1280 x 720 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description LI-92B lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 340
Weight (inc. batteries) 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)
Dimensions 113 x 66 x 32 mm (4.45 x 2.6 x 1.26)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS Built-in
GPS notes GPS, compass, manometer, thermometer

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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HTC launches U11 flagship smartphone

17 May

Taiwanese manufacturer HTC today launched it latest flagship smartphone, the HTC U11. The new model’s stand-out features is called Edge Sense. It lets you squeeze the phone’s edge in order to execute specific actions, for example take a picture.

The main camera specification looks similar to the HTC 10 but the 12MP BSI CMOS sensor with 1.4 micron pixel size has been updated. Light is captured through a fast F1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization is available as well. The camera also features a dual-LED flash and 4K video recording. In video mode the U11 offers 3D audio recording which is powered by 4 microphones. The front camera comes with a 16MP sensor and F2.0 aperture. 

Images can be composed and viewed on a 5.5-inch QHD Super LCD 5 display that is covered with Gorilla Glass 5 for protection. The Android 7.1 OS is powered by a Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM. 64GB of on-board storage are expandable via a microSD-slot. The U11 comes with a 3,000 mAh battery, which supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 as well as a power saving mode. Unfortunately the new HTC has to make do without a 3.5mm headset jack, though. 

All the technology is wrapped up in a body with a reflecting glass back and IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. The new device will be available in Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, and Solar Red worldwide from May 2017. In Europe the U11 will set you back €749 (US$ 825). No pricing information for the US has been released yet.

Key specifications:

  • 12MP BSI CMOS sensor with 1.4?m pixel
  • F1.7 aperture
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
  • Dual LED flash
  • 4K video recording with Hi-Res audio and 3D audio recording
  • Pro mode with manual control, 32 sec. long exposure, and RAW format support
  • Slow motion video (1080P@120 fps)
  • 16MP/F2.0 front camera
  • 5.5-inch QHD Super LCD display
  • Snapdragon 835 chipset
  • 4GB RAM / 64GB storage

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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HTC U11 takes top spot in DxOMark Mobile ranking

17 May

With an overall score of 90, the newly announced HTC U11 is the highest-rated smartphone camera ever tested by DxO and has taken the top-spot in the DxOMark Mobile ranking from the Google Pixel. 

The U11 scores impressively well across all categories and in particular offers very low noise levels and a fast autofocus. The testers also found the U11 images to have a pleasing look, with good color rendering. Outdoor scenes show vibrant colors and tones, good detail and very low noise. Flash exposures are very even across the frame and feature good detail preservation and color rendering.

The DxOMark team were also impressed by the HTC’s efficient optical image stabilization system, although it can occasionally leave some residual evidence of motion. You can read the full report on DxOMark.com. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Alpa Silex unit offers electronic control of Canon and Nikon lenses on digital medium-format backs

17 May

Swiss camera and adapter manufacturer Alpa has introduced a new device that allows Nikon and Canon users to mount some of their lenses on digital medium format backs and have access to aperture controls. The Alpa Silex control unit works with the company’s 12 series bodies and brings aperture control to electronically operated lenses from Canon and Nikon, as well as Contax, Hasselblad and Rollei. All Canon EF lenses can be controlled but only Nikon E lenses, with electromagnetic diaphragm mechanisms, will work.

With a Silex in place compatible lenses can be used to record images on a wide range of digital medium format backs. The A12 cameras accept digital backs of a variety of ages, so users don’t necessarily need the latest, and the image area will depend on the size of the sensor used and the covering circle of the lens. 

The Silex not only allows aperture adjustments but also AF control in most Hasselblad H, Canon EF and Nikon E lenses, and web access means the device can be handled remotely over a server.

Initially presented at Photokina 2016 the Alpa Silex is available now for $ 3600/CHF3355. For more information see the Alpa website.

Press release

The control unit ALPA Silex is a brand new, central element of ALPA’s extended modular photographic system. Photographers and soon even videographers will be able to combine ALPA cameras with digital backs of various manufacturers and lenses from Canon, Contax, Hasselblad, Nikon or Rollei. A variety of functions and operating modes are available to the user.

Handy and flexible – Silex is the Swiss pocket knife of the control units. Under this claim, ALPA presented the product at the Photokina 2016. The name Silex itself, however, goes much further back: it reminds us of the material for the all-purpose tools of the stone-age. ALPA Silex is the new all-purpose tool in the ALPA system. It can be used to convert any model of the classic ALPA-12 series into an electronic camera.

The basis for the development of ALPA Silex is the ALPA 12 FPS, introduced at Photokina 2012, with electronically controlled focal plane shutter. The integrated controller was separated as a standalone module and all functions except for the slot shutter were taken over. All known digital components from Hasselblad, Phase One / Leaf and Sinar can be synchronized and the electromechanical diaphragms of Canon EF, Contax, Hasselblad H, Nikon E and Rollei can be controlled. The leaf shutter in Hasselblad HC / HCD (up to 1/800s, “orange” line even up to 1/1000s) and Rollei 6000 (up to 1/500s) can be used, as well as the focus control of many of the lenses from Canon, Hasselblad H and Nikon E. The integrated web server allows remote control in networks without software installation. The future support of Sinar eShutter systems is already prepared.

Together with existing camera models from ALPA, the photographer can use a vast number of third party lenses and, depending on the available image circle, also perform shifts (shifting and stitching). In the future, our back-end adapters will also make it possible to use ALPA cameras for video recording in conjunction with the corresponding digital backs.

Available now:

  • The control unit ALPA Silex,
  • The electronic lens adapter (ELA),
  • As well as the ALPA lens module Hasselblad fix (HAF).
  • Also, immediately available for download is the latest firmware version 4.03, which makes all new functions of ALPA Silex also available for the ALPA 12 FPS. Free as always – as an investment in the ALPA system is sustainable and the term ‘planned obsolescence’ is alien to ALPA. Even if the environment changes, an ALPA will persist.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Waterbird demos world’s first bendable Multi-Slider

17 May

Photo Gear News has a hands-on video of Waterbird systems’ Multi-Slider, which the company touts as a world’s first. The slider can easily go from linear to curved, and users can make fine adjustments to the curve using an allen wrench. Each segment of the track has a tripod mount in order to keep things stable.

An included motor moves the camera smoothly along the track, while a controller lets the photographer define the positions, speed and acceleration for camera movement. The controller can also be controlled remotely from a mobile device.

The Multi-Slider comes in three sizes: 80cm, 120cm and 150cm, and Waterbird can produce custom sizes, as well.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram gets Snapchat-style face filters and the transformation is practically complete

17 May

One update after another has given Instagram, the Facebook-owned image sharing app, a look that resembles Snapchat. And here we are, the day we knew was coming: the day that silly augmented reality filters arrive on Instagram. Instagram version 10.21 for iOS and Android enables a set of eight face filters for the front and rear cameras. The ability to adorn photos with hashtag ‘stickers’ is new as well. Like it or not, it’s just a matter of time before you see someone wearing adorable bunny ears in your Instagram feed.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony releases machine vision sensor capable of 1000 fps object tracking

17 May

Sony has released a new machine vision CMOS sensor, and though it’s destined for assembly lines and robots, it’s still interesting to us. Like the chip in the RX100 V, the IMX382 is a stacked, backside-illuminated chip capable of 1000 fps imaging. And, like that sensor, its stacked design includes signal processing circuitry in the chip. Unlike the RX100 V’s sensor, though, the 1.27MP IMX382 conducts video processing and subject recognition in parallel, so that it outputs both a ‘viewing’ stream and a ‘sensing’ stream simultaneously.

The sensing processing uses color and brightness information obtained from the sensor, enabling incredibly fast subject identification and tracking at 1000 fps. You can see what that looks like in the video below:

At a little over 1 megapixel this sensor is not destined for a smartphone or camera. And of course those applications get more complicated since they also have to re-focus a lens to keep up with a moving subject, but it’s interesting to see what levels of recognition and tracking possible when you bring signal processing to the chip itself.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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