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Posts Tagged ‘Announces’

Cactus announces flash transceiver firmware upgrade to support wireless cross-brand TTL

25 Mar

Cactus has announced a series of brand-specific firmware updates for its V6 II and V6 IIs triggers that will add TTL functions alongside their cross-brand HSS support.

The triggers are already capable of high speed sync across systems, as well as remote control over flash power and zoom. The upcoming firmware updates will add the ability to support automatic TTL exposure across brands as well. The first firmware releases will support Sigma, Fujifilm and Sony, with support for Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax following one-by-one.

For more information on the Cactus V6 II triggers and compatible flashes check out the company’s website, and for more information on the upcoming firmware releases, see the press release below.

Press Release:

X-TTL TTL without Boundaries! Cactus launches FREE firmware upgrades on the V6 II and V6 IIs to support wireless cross-brand TTL.

Hong Kong, March 24, 24, 2017 – Just nine months since the release of the Cactus V6 II and Cactus V6 IIs, Cactus is now launching a series of brand-specific firmware upgrades to transform the cross-brand HSS flash triggers to one that also supports crosscross-brand wireless TTL. The new X-TTL firmware versions, apart from supporting cross-brand high-speed sync (HSS/FP), remote power and zoom control of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sigma flashes all at the same time1, NOW support automatic TTL exposure in the same cross-brand environment, both on-camera and off-camera.2

The first wave of firmware releases will be for Sigma Sony and Fujifilm. Other camera systems, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax, will follow one by one as we complete system integration on the V6 II. All these X-TTL firmware versions are free of charge for V6 II / V6 IIs users. The new firmware is system-specific so users simply choose the corresponding system when updating with the Cactus Firmware Updater. Once installed, the V6 II / V6 IIs is transformed into a cross-brand wireless TTL flash trigger.

This unique function gives photographers an unprecedented flexibility. The need for matching flashes with the same camera system for on and off-camera TTL flash photography is over – TTL without boundaries.

Cross-brand TTL

The X-TTL firmware allows users to have wireless TTL automatic exposure with camera and flash that runs on the same system, such as a Canon camera triggering a Canon flash, and one that runs on different systems, such as a Sigma camera triggering a Nikon system flash.

Similar to the cross-brand HSS firmware on the V6 II, the supported flash systems for wireless cross-brand TTL include Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and flash that runs on the same camera system.

Two unique Exposure Locks

Cactus is unveiling a brand new approach in using TTL metering. Over the past, professionals who love the convenience from TTL metering often have to suffer inconsistency in lighting outputs, making post processing a pain. In view of this Cactus devised two types of Exposure Locks.

1. Flash Compensate: Store a desired flash exposure that will automatically adjust according to changes in camera settings. Gone is the ever-changing flash exposures between each TTL metering.

2. Flash Power Lock: Lock flash power output after a desired TTL exposure is achieved. Perfect for consistency in repeat shooting. Wireless TTL functions

The X-TTL firmware will also support advanced TTL functions on the Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs, such as first and second (rear) curtain sync, on-camera TTL, group TTL metering and TTL lighting ratios3.

New support for Sigma

We are delighted to offer firmware support for Sigma cameras and flashes. This includes remote power control, remote zoom control, wireless High-speed Sync, and wireless TTL with Sigma’s SA-TTL flashes. The same cross-brand support is also available on the Sigma X-TTL firmware. Cactus expresses appreciation to SIGMA CORPORATION for their immense support in our development for Sigma system firmware.

Fujifilm TTL and HSS

With the introduction of Fujifilm new flash system launched on the EF-X500, Highspeed Sync (HSS/FP) is finally available. Besides adopting the new HSS platform, the upcoming Fujifilm X-TTL firmware also extends support for wireless TTL to Fujifilm flashes as well as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Panasonic flashes. Fujifilm X-TTL Firmware release date will be announced on our website.

V6 IIs with Sony TTL

Existing Sony V6 IIs users already has a system-specific transceiver unit, and the upcoming Sony X-TTL firmware adds wireless TTL support for Sony flashes and other system flashes when paired with the Cactus V6 II. Sony X-TTL Firmware release date will be announced on our website.

Features at a glance

1. Cross-brand wireless manual power and zoom control with HSS/FP support of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony flashes;2

2. Cross-brand wireless TTL of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma and Sony flashes;2

3. Cross-brand group TTL metering is extended to use in a cross-brand setup;3

4. TTL Ratios output adjustments can be done directly on the V6 II (TX);3

5. Two Exposure Locks offer consistency with the convenience of wireless TTL.

6. Works seamlessly with Cactus RF60X to support HSS, TTL, remote power and zoom control.

Price and Availability

System-specific X-TTL firmware versions are free of charge. Download the Cactus Firmware Updater4 and select the corresponding system firmware to install the X-TTL firmware on the Cactus V6 II and V6 IIs.

After launching the initial three systems, i.e., Sigma, Fujifilm and Sony, Cactus will continue to launch X-TTL firmware for the remaining camera systems. Stay up to date for the latest releases on X-TTL’s microsite: https://www.cactusimage.com/special/X-TTL/

1 With the exception of Pentax and Sony system flashes due to special timing requirements so they must be paired with a Pentax and Sony camera respectively in order to support HSS.

2 Only Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic system flashes support cross-brand TTL.

3 This function may not be supported on all the camera systems.

4 Cactus Firmware Updater version 3.01 or later will better facilitate firmware selection. To be released soon!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Drobo announces ‘easiest and fastest ever’ 5-bay NAS storage with 5N2

23 Mar

Digital storage solutions company Drobo has updated its 5N desktop network attached device with a new version that it claims is easier to use and faster than any previous NAS it has produced. An upgraded processor makes the Drobo 5N2 twice as fast as the previous model, and it comes equipped with a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports so two units can be connected for additional capacity and safety via what Drobo calls Adaptive Link Bonding.

The 5-bay device can accept up to 64TB total capacity and allows users to add and switch drives at any time. The 5N2 is happy to accept spinning and solid state storage, and can accommodate both varieties at the same time. One of the benefits of the company’s BeyondRaid system is that disk capacities don’t have to match and users can top-up the system using empty bays and can upgrade existing individual disks to higher capacities when needed. As the unit doesn’t use trays or carriers new disks simply slot in.

Drobo says the 5N2 is aimed at home networks, media professionals and small businesses and that up to 250 user accounts can be created. The device takes only ten minutes to set up and account holders can use a range of Apps to access data remotely and via smartphones and tablets. Read and write speeds are said to average around 190-197MB/s.

The Drobo 5N2 is available now and costs $ 499/€599/£518 with a pair of Ethernet cables. For more information see the Drobo website.

Press Release

Drobo Launches Next Era of Storage Solutions with the 5N2 NAS

The Drobo 5N2 brings a revolutionary storage solution for the connected home or small office environment

Today, Drobo is launching the revolutionary 5N2, the fastest 5 Bay Drobo NAS with expanded functionality that includes the advanced technology features of Drobo’s enterprise level products. The 5N2 is built with Drobo’s patented BeyondRAID™ technology to meet the demanding data storage requirements of connected home users, media professionals and small businesses. The 5N2 has an impressive list of customer centric, industry-leading features such as:

  • Two, One Gigabit Ethernet ports for unparalleled performance
  • Upgraded processor for increased speed and throughput
  • DroboDR, the Simplest to use Disaster Recovery (DR) solution available
  • 2x Performance boost over the original 5N with port-bonding enabled
  • Two Year Warranty
  • DroboApps for turn-key applications and file management support

Designed From the Ground up for Connected Homes and SMBs

The 5N2 is perfect for the connected home and Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) who want a simple, safe, and smart storage solution. The 5N2 has secure remote access and enterprise level DroboDR functionality. The 5N2 also includes access to DroboApps, which extends the functionality of Drobo NAS devices. Applications such as DroboAccess (private cloud solution) and DroboPix (mobile pictures and video management) allow users both privacy and security of their data on a Drobo they own — unlike public cloud solutions.

“The team at Drobo is working hard to deliver on the commitments we have made to customers, partners and ourselves,” said Mihir Shah, CEO of Drobo. “Our customers have been asking for our enterprise level technology in our 5 bay NAS products and the 5N2 delivers just that, at a cost effective price. We strive to be the storage company that is laser focused on our customer’s requirements.”

Superior Performance With Disaster Recovery

The 5N2 is the fastest 5 bay network attached Drobo ever. This allows for superior performance for data intensive applications that most connected homes and small businesses have. To ensure data is safe, the 5N2 also comes with the DroboDR software solution developed by Drobo. With DroboDR, users can set up a pair of 5N2s to make an

offsite copy of data. DroboDR is simple to setup and manage and replicates data to another 5N2, ensuring availability in case of disaster. Furthermore, the remote 5N2 stores all user account information, resulting in a quick and painless recovery with a single click in the Drobo Dashboard. The Drobo 5N2 also comes with an internal battery that protects against data loss during a power outage.

Customer Driven Focus

The 5N2 is the 7th new product introduced after the company underwent an acquisition and management change in 2015. Drobo is committed to introducing innovative products that preserve simplicity and customer confidence. The 5N2 includes a two-year warranty to extend peace of mind for users.

The 5N2 is the easiest to use NAS on the market today with automation usually reserved for more expensive solutions. This ease of use is what customers expect from Drobo’s award-winning focus on simplicity. This is evident in Drobo’s unique features such as:

Internal battery back-up for zero data loss during a power outage
Expandability with any size disk
Award winning ease of use setup and management dashboard
mSATA cache for speedy access to frequently used data
Ability to mix and match any size HDD’s and SSD’s

Price and Customer Loyalty Program

The Drobo 5N2 is available today at an MSRP of $ 499 USD through www.drobostore.com and select channel partners.

Drobo is offering Drobo FS and 5N customers a $ 50 USD discount when they purchase a new Drobo 5N2 through www.drobostore.com.

US customers will also receive a limited edition GelaSkin if purchased on the US Drobo Store. The limited edition GelaSkin offer and $ 50 rebate are valid until April 4th, 2017 or while supplies last.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces 135mm F1.8 DG will cost $1400, arrive in May

18 Mar

Sigma has revealed pricing and availability for the 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens it unveiled just prior to CP+: it will ship to customers in May at a cost of $ 1400. 

Sigma says the lens is designed to meet the needs of high-resolution sensors of 50MP or higher. Offering a dust and splash-proof construction, it uses 9 aperture blades and a hypersonic (ring-type ultrasonic) focus motor. 

Take a look at our hands on with the 135mm F1.8 Art and Sigma’s other new lenses from CP+ last month.

Press release

Sigma Announces 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens Pricing and Availability

Sigma’s highly-anticipated telephoto prime lens, designed for shooting events and studio/location portraiture, begins shipping in May 2017 for a retail price of $ 1399.00USD

New York, NY – March 17, 2017 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, announced today that its 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens will begin shipping in May 2017 for a retail price of $ 1399.00 USD. Making its public debut at the 2017 CP+ Camera + Photo Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan in February 2017, the 135mm F1.8 Art lens enters the market as Sigma’s new premiere mid-range telephoto prime lens, touting outstanding sharpness and great IQ from edge to edge. Ideal for events such as concerts, weddings, indoor sports, conferences and press events, the 1.8 F-stop delivers greater “shallow depth of field” and isolation of subjects. The outstanding compression effect makes it equally as powerful for up-close and full-length portraits. Its new large Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) delivers ample torque to the focusing group for outstanding speed, ensuring exceptionally stable performance even at lower speeds and allowing for fast autofocus photography.

The all-new Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm for enhanced high-speed shooting.

Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens Features and Benefits:

> Superior optical performance

Optimal image quality for ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs: This lens offers top performance from the center to the edges of the image thanks to the signature floating system of the lens focus mechanism. By minimizing distortion, the lens delivers impeccable image quality without the need for digital adjustment during image processing.
Ideal for portraits requiring a dramatic bokeh effect: Delivering a stunning compression effect, even when positioned fairly close to the subject, the telephoto ring allows photographers to achieve a variety of dramatic perspectives. This effect truly shines in both close-up and full-length portraits, making composition easy. The large F1.8 diameter allows for more creative control over light and paired with the nine-blade rounded diaphragm produce a desired creamy bokeh effect.

> Fast and nimble autofocus photography

The large HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) delivers ample torque to the focusing group for outstanding speed, ensuring exceptionally stable performance even at lower speeds. Along with the optimized AF algorithm, this feature delivers fast autofocus photography. In addition, the focus limiter makes AF highly responsive to distance from the subject for even more nimble performance.

> Fast AF with full-time manual override (the operation of full-time MF may vary based on mount type)

> Compatible with Sigma Mount Converter MC-11

> Mount with dust- and splash-proof construction

> Nikon electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism included

> Available Sigma USB Dock makes updating firmware and customization possible

> Available Mount Conversion Service allows use with another camera body

> Rounded diaphragm for desired bokeh look

> Designed to minimize flare and ghosting

> High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount

> Crafted in Aizu, Japan with each lens individually tested with Sigma’s own MTF measuring system “A1”

> Lens barrel is engraved with the year of release

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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PDN announces its 30 emerging photographers of 2017

08 Mar

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PDN has announced its annual list of 30 emerging photographers to watch, chosen from a pool of almost 300 photographers. To qualify, photographers must have been working professionally for five or less years. Among the photographers included in the list PDN Senior Editor Conor Risch sees themes that reinforce the importance of finding meaningful personal work, and the value of creative problem solving to keep clients coming back. 

Take a look above at a few of our favorite images from these emerging photographers, and visit PDN’s 30 2017 site to see the full list.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cinetics announces new Lynx camera slider and motion control system

07 Mar

Cinetics has announced Lynx, its next generation camera slider and motion control system for photographers and filmmakers. It claims that Lynx is designed to set up and use quickly and easily, incorporates advanced motor control for very precise camera slides, pans, and tilts, and also allows users to program and operate the system through a mobile app.

The company is turning to Kickstarter for preorders, following successful Kickstarter campaigns for other products.

Lynx will be available in three kits: a Base Slider kit, which allows for manual moves, a Motorized Slider kit, which adds a slider motor and controller, and a Three Axis Slider kit, which adds motorized pan and tilt head.

A $ 499 Kickstarter pledge will secure you the Basic Slider Kit, a $ 999 pledge will get you the Motorized slider kit, and a $ 1499 pledge put you in line for the full Three Axis Slider kit. Final non-Kickstarter pricing was not announced.

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Press Release

Cinetics Announces Lynx: Camera Slider and Multi Axis Motor Control System That Masters Timelapse and Video Moves

Fourth Kickstarter Campaign Offers World Class Motion Control System Made Possible by Feedback and Support from Engaged Customer Base

Austin, TX. – March 07, 2017 – Cinetics, designers and manufacturers of lightweight and portable cinematic systems for videographers and filmmakers, is adding a next generation product to its arsenal of motion control, dolly, and tripod systems for photographers, filmmakers and videographers. Lynx™ is an ultra-smooth camera slider and multi axis motor control system that masters the art of timelapse and is capable of making precision video moves. Following the overwhelming success and community support of three previous Kickstarter campaigns, Cinetics will once again turn to Kickstarter for preorders of Lynx and offer its loyal community of photographers, filmmakers, and videographers a discount on the new system.

“Lynx is our 4th motion control project, and it’s our very best. It’s a compact camera slider built with input from an amazingly engaged customer base,” explains Justin Jensen, founder of Cinetics. “It’s a ready-to-run, three axis motion control kit that sets up quick and easily, is strong, fast and quiet, and can be driven by a mobile app. We are confident that Lynx will consistently perform as well as other, more expensive, compact motion control systems on the market.

Lynx is manufactured using the finest materials and incorporates the latest in motor control technology to enable precise, quick and quiet slides, pans and tilts. A beautifully-designed mobile app allows easy and intuitive remote system control while its joystick design and accelerometer controls take live camera movement to an entirely new level. Lynx is designed for fast and easy set up, can run preset programs or be configured creatively to perform complex moves for incredible cinematic results.

Lynx is available in three primary kits: Base Slider, Motorized Slider and Three Axis Slider.

The Lynx Base Slider allows users to create manual video moves. The motor control can be added to the slider at any time.

The Lynx Motorized Slider kit includes the manual slider plus the slider motor and controller for a complete linear motion control system.

The Lynx Three Axis Slider includes the complete Lynx motorized slider and motorized pan and tilt head.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Smithsonian.com announces annual photo contest finalists

05 Mar

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Smithsonian.com, a publication of the Smithsonian Institution, has announced the finalists of its 14th annual photo contest.

Over 48,000 photos were submitted by photographers representing 146 countries and territories, with ten finalists selected in each of the following categories: The Natural World, Travel, Sustainable Travel, People, Mobile, The American Experience, and Altered Images.

Voting is currently open for the Readers’ Choice award, which will be announced alongside the Grand Prize and category winners on March 28. Click through the slides above to see a few of our favorite images, and head over to Smithsonian.com to see all the finalists and vote for the Readers’ Choice winner.

Surreal: A man bikes by an octopus statue at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock City, Nevada.

Alina Rudya, Berlin, Germany

Category: Mobile

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Take Me Away Deer! Since ancient times, the Nenets have led a nomadic life. Reindeer harnessed to sleds is the most reliable form of transport on the tundra, and the people of the North make use of their navigational abilities. In severe conditions, such as a blinding snow storm, deer are not only loyal companions, but sometimes the only hope for survival.

Tamil Nureev, Noviy Urengoy, Russia

Category: Travel

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

The Longing of an Opera Artist: Mdm Tai, a Chinese opera artist for the past forty odd years, thinks of her children while preparing for her performance. She, like most of the opera artists, is away for months traveling to one place to another, far away from her home. The Chinese opera is a custom that is slowly being diminished, taken over by modern performances. It is worth seeing and it is with hope that, through images, the custom will be sustained for future generations.

Nick Ng, Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

Category: People

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Swamp Raccoon: While I was looking for alligators at a swamp in Louisiana, this beautiful little creature wandered out of the murky waters right into the morning light.

Kim Aikawa, Santa Rosa, California

Category: Natural World

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Prom Night

Trinja Henrickson, Ludington, Michigan

Category: The American Experience

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Turtle-Back Ride: The thing that draws me to the ocean the most is that I never know what I’m going to come across on any given day. I count myself extremely fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to capture this image.

Michael B. Hardie, Hawaii

Category: Natural World

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Firewalking: Firewalking is the act of walking barefoot over burning charcoal. In Ha Giang, a mountain province in northern Vietnam bordered by China, the Pa Then ethnic group observes this practice to wish for prosperity in the new year.

Binh Duong, Hanoi, Vietnam

Category: Travel

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Break Time: Break time during a street theater festival known as FITECA. Periphery of Lima, Peru.

Sharon Castellanos, Cusco, Peru

Category: People

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Last Dance: A couple dances in the backyard of a home in the West Village neighborhood of Detroit.

Amy Sacka, Detroit, Michigan

Category: The American Experience

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest
 
The Bear Odd Couple: My wife and I were visiting Cabárceno Natural Park with our kids when we realized that dozens of bears were just in front of us. I got the camera and my 70-200mm and took almost two hundred pictures. Then I saw this bear odd couple that seemed to be upset with each other but together. It reminded me of “The Odd Couple” movie with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.
 
Alfonso Dominguez, Laguna De Duero, Spain
 
Category: Altered Image

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Brown-Eyed Beauty: Sustainable travel is travel that does not have a negative impact on the environment and ideally would not only protect the environment, but also provide opportunities for local communities. I see visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda as sustainable travel because the visits support the local community while protecting the endangered gorillas. Tourists can pay to visit families of these magnificent animals for one hour a day, up to eight trekkers at a time. Over time, the gorillas have habituated to people and are tolerant of their visitors. The rangers dedicate their lives to protecting the gorillas, and you can clearly see that they love their job. Porters are hired from the local community to help the trekkers through the jungle. The porters are rotated on a regular basis so that more people in the community can work. This way, the local community receives a benefit and poaching of the gorillas is less likely. This photo was taken during our one-hour visit with the Mubare Gorilla Family Group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, Uganda. After about one and a half hours of trekking through the forest, we were fortunate to be able to watch these magnificent animals up close. This photo is of a female gorilla enjoying a midday meal. There are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas left on Earth.

Lynda Hanwella, San Francisco, California

Category: Sustainable Travel

14th annual Smithsonian.com photo contest

Noon: Shot in Poly Plaza, Beijing, China

Jian Wang, Beijing, China

Category: Mobile

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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OPPO announces dual-cam 5x optical zoom technology for smartphones

27 Feb

OPPO is not showing any new smartphone models at the Mobile World Congress but, as teased last week, the Chinese company has announced 5x Dual Camera Zoom system for smartphones. The system uses a periscope-style design and fits into a module that is only 5.7mm tall. Light is diverted through a prism and into the dual-camera’s telephoto lens which is arranged at  a 90-degree angle to the accompanying wide-angle. By shifting the path of the entering light Oppo is able to achieve a 3x optical zoom which is combined with a proprietary image fusion technology for digital zoom. The end results is a total 5x lossless zoom factor. 

At longer focal lengths camera shake becomes more of a limiting factor which is why OPPO has also integrated optical image stabilization into the system. Both the prism and tele lens can sense vibrations and compensate for them in real time. The mechanism dynamically adjusts its angle at increments of 0.0025 degree and OPPO promises 40 percent better performance than previous OIS generations for stable shots even at the 5x zoom setting. 

OPPO has not provided any information on sensor sizes and apertures, which would be critical to the image quality of the system, but nonetheless the technology looks like a very innovative approach to zooming on smartphones and we are looking forward to seeing it implemented in a device.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei announces P10 and P10 Plus with ‘Leica-style’ portrait mode

27 Feb

Huawei has launched its latest flagship smartphone duo at the Mobile World Congress today, the P10 and P10 Plus. The new models come with a refreshed design that features 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass 5, an all-metal backplate with a sandblasted finish and Huawei’s hyper-diamond cut on the edges. Both devices come in a range of colors including new green and blue options.

With a dual-camera that combines a 12MP color sensor with a 20MP monochrome chip the specification of the Leica-designed camera in the Huawei P10 is the same as in the Mate 9. Both lenses have an F2.2 aperture and the color variant also features optical image stabilization. As before, color and monochrome image information is combined for better image detail, higher dynamic range and lower noise levels in the Huawei P10 images. There is also a laser-assisted autofocus, two-tone LED flash and 4K video recording.

New on the camera is the ‘Leica-style’ portrait mode that uses 3D face detection and applies a combination of fake bokeh and adjustable illumination and ‘beautification’ effects to your portrait subjects. It works on both the main camera and the 8MP front camera that comes with an F1.9 aperture. The front camera can also automatically adjust the framing for individual or group selfies.

Images can be viewed and framed on a 5.1″ IPS display with 1080p resolution and the Android 7.0 operating system is powered by Huawei’s HiSilicon Kirin 960 octa-core chipset and 4GB of RAM. 64GB of internal storage can be expanded via a microSD slot. Compared to the P9 the battery size has increased from 3,000 to 3,200 mAh and fast charging is supported as well. The Huawei P10 will launch in March in Europe and many other regions at 649 Euros (approximately $ 685). Unfortunately US comsumer will have to wait a little longer for the new device.

The P10 Plus comes with a very similar design to the P10 but ups the display specification to 5.5″ and Quad-HD resolution. Like the P10 it is powered by the Kirin 960 chip, but in addition to the 4GB RAM/64GB storage version you can opt for a 6GB/128GB variant. In addition the P10 plus comes with slightly faster F1.8 apertures in the lenses of the dual-camera and a larger 3,750 mAh battery. The 64GB option will be priced at 699 Euros ($ 740), the 128GB model will set you back 799 Euros ($ 845).

Huawei P10 key specifictions:

  • Leica-branded dual-camera with 12MP color and 20MP monochrome sensors
  • F2.2 aperture
  • OIS on the color sensor
  • 27mm equivalent focal length
  • On-sensor phase detection and laser-assisted AF
  • Daal-tone LED flash
  • 4K video
  • 8MP front camera with F1.9 aperture
  • Manual camera control
  • 5.1″ IPS display with 1080p resolution
  • Android 7.0
  • HiSilicon Kirin 960 octa-core chipset
  • 4GB RAM and 64GB storage
  • microSD support up to 256GB
  • 3200 mAh battery
  • Stereo speakers
  • Fingerprint reader

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei announces Honor VR 360-degree camera

24 Feb

VR is widely viewed as the ‘next big thing’ and everybody wants their piece of the pie. Chinese manufacturer Huawei is no exception and at an event in Beijing the company has announced the release of a clip-on 360-degree camera for smartphones. It will be developed by Insta360 and marketed under Huawei’s sub-brand as the Honor VR Camera.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Huawei to grow the global community of 360-degree and VR creators,” said JK Liu, founder and CEO of Insta360. “Like us, Huawei is committed to reinventing photography, and they believe in our products as the best way to introduce users to the future of the camera.”

Technical specifications are scarce at the moment but we know the camera offers 3K photography and seamless livestreaming. As part of the partnership, Insta360 also developed an app for capturing, sharing and livestreaming 360-degree content.

Looking at the specs and images it is fair to assume the Honor VR camera will be based on the brand new Insta360 Air for Android camera, which comes with an F2.4 aperture, 3008 x 1504 photo resolution and 2560 x 1280 video at 30 frames per seconds. Like the Honor VR it connects to Android smartphones via a USB micro or Type-C connector. We have just received an Insta360 Air, so look out for a review soon. The Huawei VR should be available ‘soon,’ we expect to hear more detail at Mobile World Congress which starts on Sunday. 

Ming Zhao, president of Honor Huawei Business Unit, holds up an Honor VR Camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cosina announces development of three Voigtlander E-mount lenses

24 Feb
From left to right: Nokton classic 35mm F1.4, Nokton 40mm F1.2, Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2.

Cosina has announced the development of three manual focus Voigtländer prime lenses for Sony E-mount: the MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm F2 Aspherical, the Classic Nokton 35mm F1.4, and NOKTON 40mm F1.2 Aspherical. All three lenses offer complete E-mount support and will transmit EXIF data, will work with in-body image stabilization and allow automatic magnification when focusing.

Originally announced at Photokina 2016, the Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2 is one of the brightest Macro lenses for full-frame, and offers a reproduction ratio of 1:2. The Classic Nokton 35mm F1.4 is a redesign of the M-mount version, with optimization for the Sony’s sensor. Finally, the Nokton 40mm F1.2 is the fastest 40mm for full-frame format, and will be one of the fastest E-mount lenses available.

Pricing and release dates for all three lenses are currently unavailable.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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