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Posts Tagged ‘brings’

Firmware upgrade brings features from Olympus’s E-M1X to the E-M1 Mark II

19 Jun

Olympus has released a major firmware update for its nearly three-year-old OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Many of the additions come straight from the company’s flagship E-M1X, so now you can have a camera that shares many of the same features but in a much smaller package.

The most significant features include:

  • Autofocus
    • Autofocus algorithms from the E-M1X improves performance tracking moving subjects and makes S-AF more accurate
    • Group 25-point AF mode added; Center priority mode sticks to center focus point and will use surrounding points if subject moves ‘vigorously’
    • ‘Active use’ of PDAF improves performance when shooting video
    • Camera can now focus down to -6EV when using an F1.2 lens
  • Image quality
    • A new ‘Detail Priority’ mode reduces noise (at the expense of burst speed) at low ISOs in JPEGs
    • High ISO performance has been improved by 1/3-stop, according to Olympus
    • ISO 100 (Low) added
    • Anti-flicker mode added
  • Other
    • OM-Log400 added for more flexibility for color grading in video
    • Menus/playback mode can be entered while camera is writing to a memory card
    • Focus Stacking now offers choice of 3-15 shots
    • New Instant Film Art Filter
    • Support for USB Raw Data Edit with Olympus Workspace (see below)
    • Support for new MC-20 teleconverter

You can see the full list of changes in the press release further down this page.

The E-M1X has also received a firmware bump to v1.1, with the only new features being support for the MC-20 teleconverter and USB Raw Data Edit.

Finally, Olympus has updated its Workspace software to version 1.1. The big new feature is the ability to edit Raw images over USB, with the camera doing the processing. Other updates include Focus Stacking from images taken in Focus Bracketing mode and the ability to create Live Composite images.

Press Release

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES FIRMWARE UPGRADES ENHANCING AUTOFOCUS PERFORMANCE AND IMAGE QUALITY

Version 3.0 for the OM-D® E-M1 Mark II, Version 1.1 for the OM-D E-M1X and Version 1.1 for Olympus® Workspace

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce availability of the latest firmware upgrade for two interchangeable lens cameras, Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. Additionally, Firmware Version 1.1 is now available for Olympus Workspace. OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 3.0 adds high-precision autofocus (AF) performance and the high image quality currently available on Olympus’ newest OM-D, the E-M1X. Specifically designed for the professional models in the OM-D series, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X, this new firmware provides feature enhancements for photographers who require portability and smooth operation of the camera when shooting.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 3.0: Main Features

Advanced AF Performance

This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1X algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement in sports, etc., C-AF Center Priority delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects and sudden subject movement. AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from the On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor also improves AF performance while shooting video.

Newest AutoFocus Features

Group 25-point has been added to AF Target, and is effective for photographing birds and other small subjects. C-AF Center Priority is now available, and repeatedly autofocuses with priority on the center point in Group 5-point, Group 9-point, and Group 25-point. If AF is not possible in the center point, the peripheral points in the group area assists, which is effective for subjects that move around quickly. In addition, C-AF+MF1 is included which allows users to instantly switch to MF by turning the focus ring while in C-AF for fine tuning the focus.

Low Light Limit Update

The AF low light limit when an f/1.2 lens is attached is -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF), enabling high precision focusing in both dark scenes and for low-contrast subjects.

Improved Image Quality

Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity[1], making it possible to reduce noise while shooting with low ISO settings. Compared with OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3, noise that occurs when shooting at high ISO sensitivity is improved approximately 1/3 of a step.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit[2] is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II TruePic™ VIII image processor.

Enhanced Operability

  • Anti-flicker shooting added to prevent unstable exposure, particularly when sequential shooting indoors.
  • OM-Log400 movie-exclusive picture mode added, allowing the user to shoot movies without loss of details in shadows or highlight blowouts, delivery greater freedom over video creativity through color grading.
  • Frame Rate Priority added to Live View Boost/On2 display, displaying images at a comfortable brightness, even in especially dark locations, such as under a starlit sky without lowering the frame rate.
  • From 3 to 15 shots can be selected in Focus Stacking and guide lines have been added to the shooting area
  • Quick image selection added
  • Setting changes and playback display while writing to card now possible, facilitating quick operation.
  • Instant Film added to Art Filter
  • ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) added

OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 1.1? Main Features

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.

Olympus Workspace Image Editing Software Version 1.1: Main Features

Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing[3]

Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, t is possible to composite up to 999 images in Olympus Workspace.

Lighten Composite added

Lighten Composite is now supported by Olympus Workspace, making it possible to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit has been added for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer, using the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.

Function Support Chart

? reflects the functions that have been upgraded with the firmware.

Feature

E-M1X Ver. 1.1

E-M1 mark II Ver. 3.0

AF Group Target 25-point

Already available

?

Custom AF Target

Already available

–

C-AF Center Priority

Already available

?

C-AF Center Start

Already available

?

C-AF+MF

Already available

?

Intelligent Subject Detection AF

Already available

–

Anti-flicker shooting

Already available

?

OM-Log 400

Already available

?

ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent)

Already available

?

Frame Rate Priority on Live View Boost/On2

Already available

?

Focus Stacking: Select from 3 to 15 images

Already available

?

Focus Stacking: Guide line display

Already available

?

Art Filter: Instant Film

Already available

?

Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority)

Already available

?

Setting changes and playback display while writing to card

Already available

?

Quick image selection

Already available

?

USB RAW Data Edit

?

?

Live ND shooting

Already available

–

Handheld High Res Shot

Already available

–

High-speed shooting: 120 fps (1920×1080/ MOV)

Already available

–

Bluetooth® connection

Already available

–

UHS-II compatible dual card slots

Already available

–

GPS® / Field Sensor System

Already available

–

USB power supply/battery charging

Already available

–

Multi Selector

Already available

–

Please visit the following URL for access to Olympus software and Digital Camera Updater: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/software

Pricing and Availability

Firmware Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Firmware Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Firmware Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace are available at no charge as an ongoing value demonstrating Olympus’ commitment to continuous product improvements.

[1] May affect the number of sequential shots in normal sequential shooting priority modes.

[2] This new function makes RAW processing much faster by using the TruePic VIII image processor on the camera via USB connection. Olympus Workspace and the supported camera must both be updated with required firmware. The available editing options from Olympus Workspace are limited to RAW editing options that can be handled internally in the camera. Compatible models are OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and images are saved in JPEG format.

[3] Images must be shot with a lens that supports Focus Stacking.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Skylum Luminar 3.1.1 update brings speed improvements and new features

12 Jun

Skylum has updated its photo editing software Luminar to version 3.1.1, bringing improvements and new features to both the Windows and Mac versions of the application. The company says the new version of its software improves navigation on Windows and Mac by enabling users to right-click on an image and go straight to the folder in which it is stored.

For Windows users, right-clicking on an image also now presents the option to view other images that were taken on the same day. Skylum presents these two features as a way to easily find other content that may be related to a current project, such as other images taken during the same photo shoot.

For Mac users, Luminar version 3.1.1 can create albums faster and now supports changing the software’s language independent of the operating system’s settings. Both the Windows and Mac versions of the software have received launch time improvements, as well, drastically reducing the software’s startup time.

Luminar version 3.1.1 is available now. Windows users can find the update by clicking ‘Help > Check for update’ in the top toolbar; Mac users can update by clicking ‘Check for updates’ in the Luminar 3 menu option in the system’s top bar.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Affinity Photo 1.7 brings hardware acceleration, HDR support and more

07 Jun

Software company Serif has released version 1.7 of its Affinity Photo editing application and the update brings a performance boost, HDR support and a range of new tools.

On Mac computers end-to-end Metal compute acceleration takes advantage of Apple’s discrete GPU, resulting in a 10x speed increase for all raster layer and brush operations. In addition the software now also supports multiple GPUs, both internal and external variants, allowing for even better performance.

Serif says hardware acceleration will soon be available for PC users as well but the Windows version already benefits from the app’s rewritten memory management system, which provides 3x or 4x speed improvements for many tasks on Windows computers. Dial and Pen support for Microsoft Surface devices has also been upgraded, offering new ways to interact with the apps.

Support for HDR / EDR displays is another important update in version 1.7, allowing photographers to see more detail in raw files.

There are also an improved iPad UI, a rewritten brush engine with new multi-brushes, a faster raw processing engine with better noise reduction, a new demosaicing algorithm and an updated batch processing system.

If you want to try the software yourself Affinity Photo can be downloaded for $ 39.99 for the desktop version and $ 15.99 for the iPad version. Existing users can install the update free of charge.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google brings its impressive camera tech to new mid-range 3A, 3A XL smartphones

08 May

Google has unveiled the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, a pair of mid-range phones that put the best parts of its flagship devices—namely the cameras—into more wallet-friendly packages.

Announced today at Google I/O, the phones feature 5.6″ and 6″ 1080p OLED displays (respectively), Snapdragon 670 processors, 4GB RAM, 12.2-megapixel rear cameras and 64GB of storage. Both units have USB-C charging (no wireless charging), fingerprint readers, 3.5mm headphone jacks and Google’s Active Edge technology, which summons ‘Hey Google’ with a quick squeeze of the phone.

The two new devices look similar to Google’s more powerful Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices, but come in slightly taller, feature a downward-facing bottom speaker and feature a spot on the top for the 3.5mm headphone jack. There’s no notch on either phone.

Diving into the camera details, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL use the same award-winning main rear camera found inside the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, with a 12.2MP Sony IMX363 1/2.55″ (1.4?m pixels) dual-pixel sensor and an F1.8 lens (76-degree FOV, 28mm equiv.). Missing is the 19mm equiv. wide-angle ‘group selfie’ front camera found on the original Pixel 3 phones, but this is mitigated by the wider FOV (84-degree FOV, 24mm equiv.) of the traditional 8MP F2.0 (1.12?m pixels) front-facing camera on the 3a. All the smarts packed into the Pixel 3 camera, like Night Sight, Super-Res Zoom, and learning-based Portrait Mode, are all available on the new devices.

Video capabilities remain the same, with a maximum specification of 4K/30p, and steadycam-like footage thanks to a combination of optical and electronic stabilization.

What’s powering the cameras inside the 3a and 3a XL differs, for obvious cost-cutting reasons. Rather than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and Adreno 630, the Pixel 3a and 3a XL use the older, less powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 and Adreno 615. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL also lack Google’s custom Pixel Visual Core processor, meaning all image processing is done on just the CPU and GPU.

The Pixel 3A and 3A XL are available in black, white and a new color Google calls ‘purple-ish’ for $ 399 / £399 and $ 479 / £469, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS R firmware update 1.2.0 brings eye-detection AF to Servo mode

19 Apr

On April 18, Canon released firmware version 1.2.0 for its EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera, adding eye-detection AF and small AF frame size support for Servo AF when shooting still images. In addition, both AF options are available while shooting videos regardless of the camera’s Movie Servo AF setting, according to Canon.

As with the version 1.1.0 firmware update released in February, the new 1.2.0 update is fairly small. Joining the new AF support are fixes for the following bugs: incorrectly displayed electronic level in the EVF, improperly rotated info displayed in the EVF, and an issue with updating the WFT-E7 firmware.

The version 1.2.0 update is available to download from Canon’s Support website.

The full changelog is below:

Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

Eye-detection AF

  • Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
  • Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.

Small AF Frame Size

  • Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
  • Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.

[Bug Fixes]

  • Under certain conditions the electronic level displayed in the electronic viewfinder did not display properly.
  • Under certain conditions information displayed in the electronic viewfinder was not properly rotated.
  • Under certain conditions updating the firmware for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E7 was not possible.

This firmware update is for cameras equipped with firmware up to Version 1.1.0. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.2.0, this update is unnecessary. When updating the firmware of your camera, please first review the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware.

The firmware update takes approximately 6 minutes.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google’s Photobooth brings automated selfie-shooting to the Pixel 3

19 Apr

Capturing a group selfie can be a daunting task. Someone is always looking the wrong way or unhappy with their facial expression in the shot, usually resulting in a large number of unusable shots in your camera roll. Google has now developed a clever piece of AI software for its Pixel phones that should make things much easier and reduce the image waste on your device.

Photobooth is a new shutter-free mode in the Pixel 3 Camera app. With the mode activated you hit the shutter once and the camera will automatically capture a shot when the camera is stable and all subjects have good facial expressions and their eyes open.

via GIPHY

Unlike face, smile and blink detection features of the past Photobooth does not simply rely on the shape and specific features of the human face. Smartphone processing power allows for better autonomous control of the capture process by the device. Photobooth is capable of identifying five expressions: smiles, sticking your tongue out, kisses, duck face, puffed out cheeks, and a look of surprise.

The Google engineers trained a neural network to identify these expressions in real time. After pressing the shutter button every preview frame is analyzed, looking for one of the expressions mentioned above and checking for camera shake.

In the camera app a white bar that expands and shrinks indicates how photogenic the preview scene is deemed by the algorithm, so users have some idea when the camera is likely to trigger the capture.

Some of the technology has been ported from one of Google’s now terminated hardware projects, the Clips lifelogging camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases 3.0 firmware for X-T3, brings improved AF for both stills and video

18 Apr

Fujifilm has released firmware version 3.00 for its X-T3 camera system, bringing with it improved face/eye detection, improved autofocus (AF) performance and basic bug fixes.

Firmware version 3.00, preceded by version 2.10, has an improved AF algorithm for both video and stills that detects distant faces more accurately than before. Fujifilm says the feature has been ‘enhanced by approximately 30%’ but doesn’t clarify whether that improvement is in accuracy, speed or some combination of the two. AF tracking is also more accurate, especially when objects come between the camera and the subject, and a new Face Select function has been added to provide priority autofocus on particular subjects when there are multiple faces in the frame.

Fujifilm has also added a new Double Tap Setting and Touch Function that can be turned on within the Touch Screen Setting menu. Other improvements include a new focus frame when the eye detection setting is turned on, improvement of AF/AE are tracking when using the EVF, an update to how the Flicker Reduction mode is labelled and multiple bug fixes.

For more information and to download the firmware, head over to Fujifilm’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Parrot Anafi Thermal drone brings FLIR camera, lighter weight and higher price

16 Apr

Drone company Parrot has announced Anafi Thermal, an updated version of the Anafi folding quadcopter it launched last year. The new Parrot Anafi Thermal features a 4K HDR camera with a 21MP Sony sensor alongside a FLIR Lepton thermal sensor, enabling operators to capture both RGB and thermal images. The drone can be used with the Pix4DModel app to generate 3D images from the thermal data.

The newly added FLIR camera features a 160 x 120 resolution and the ability to detect a temperature range from 14F / -10C to 752F / 400C. The thermal sensor is embedded with the 4K RGB camera on a three-axis stabilized gimbal. Drone operators can use the thermal camera and FreeFlight 6 app to detect heat loss and isolate subjects, according to Parrot, making the drone useful for industrial use and rescue missions.

The aforementioned FreeFlight 6 app can be used to merge both RGB and thermal images; ‘visual representations’ of temperature contrasts and thermal leaks are superimposed on the final image. The cameras also offer 3x digital zoom.

The Anafi Thermal drone weighs 315g / 11.1oz, which is 10 grams lighter than the 2018 model. The quadcopter can handle wind speeds up to 50km/h / 31mph and it has a top flight speed of 55km/h / 34mph. Operators can utilize three batteries that offer a cumulative flight time of 78 minutes (26 minutes per battery); the power cells support recharging from any source using USB-C.

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The companion Parrot Skycontroller 3 remote control operates over WiFi with a range of 2km / 1.2mi. Built-in sensors enable the drone to operate on autopilot. Operators can set flight parameters that include altitude, geofences, and custom FlightPlan routes.

The Parrot Anafi Thermal drone will be available starting in May. According to The Verge, this model will have a $ 1,900 price tag, which is substantially higher than the non-thermal model’s $ 700 cost.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Skylum’s new Luminar Flex plugin brings AI features to Adobe apps, Photos on Mac

04 Apr

Skylum has announced Luminar Flex, a new plugin that enables photographers to leverage Luminar’s features while using editing software from other companies. Luminar Flex joins Luminar 3 to offer the company’s AI-powered features, including Accent AI and AI Sky Enhancer, as well as Looks, Foliage Enhancer, Details Enhancer and more.

In addition to offering the Luminar array of AI-powered features, the Luminar Flex plugin also brings Workspaces, the collections of filters designed for different types of photography. Skylum has introduced a new set of Workspaces specifically for Flex users, including Drone & Aerial, Film Lab, Expert, Black & White, Image Aware, Intensify, Relight and Color and Portrait.

The Luminar Flex plugin supports Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, and Photos for macOS.

For Lightroom users, Luminar Flex brings support for Layers and Blending modes, enabling users to apply filters to layers, and both filters and textures to blending modes. Luminar Flex supports Smart Objects in Photoshop, as well. Ultimately, Skylum says it recommends Luminar Flex to photographers who want access to Luminar’s features as part of their existing workflow rather than transitioning to Luminar 3.

Skylum has given Luminar Flex its own development roadmap separate from the existing Luminar product. Both existing Luminar 3 and Luminar 2018 product owners will get Luminar Flex for free in their accounts starting April 4. For everyone else, the new plugin costs $ 59 / €59 / £54.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple Final Cut Pro X 10.4.6 update brings detect and convert feature for older media files

26 Mar

Apple has pushed out Final Cut Pro X update (version 10.4.6), that adds the ability to automatically detect and convert any legacy media files that will not be compatible with future versions of macOS, as well as numerous bug fixes and improved features.

Last year, Apple began warning its users that older video formats and codecs relying on QuickTime 7 would no longer be supported by future macOS releases due to the 64-bit transition. Though legacy media files remain compatible with macOS Mojave, updating a Mac system beyond Mojave in the future could prove problematic for filmmakers who have content in older formats.

In a note about this potential issue on its website, Apple warns users to convert their incompatible media files before upgrading to the next major macOS version after Mojave. The newly released Final Cut Pro X 10.4.6 simplifies this requirement by detecting and converting these files into a format that will remain compatible with macOS in the future.

In version 10.4.6, Final Cut Pro users who open a library or import content will see a window listing any incompatible media files the software found. Users can immediately convert these files by clicking ‘Convert’ in the window. Copies of the converted content are created in Apple ProRes format and stored in the library’s media storage location. Existing clips in the library are then relinked to the converted files.

There’s an exception for Motion projects, however, with Apple warning that Final Cut Pro won’t detect incompatible media files in these projects. Instead, users will need to open the project in Motion, after which point a message will appear warning if any incompatible media is present. In that case, the user would need to convert it using QuickTime Player or Compressor.

Media conversion aside, Final Cut Pro X version 10.4.6 brings several relatively minor bug fixes and improved reliability when sharing videos directly to YouTube.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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