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Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

Canon announces its new CR-S700R ‘Robotic Camera System’

10 Jan

Canon has introduced the CR-S700R, a ‘Robotic Camera System’ that allows operators to wirelessly zoom, pan, tilt and roll select EOS cameras for composing and capturing still image photography.

The system, which Canon suggests is designed for ‘sports photography and news media,’ pairs with the CR-G100 camera controller and works alongside Canon’s CR-A100 Camera Remote Application to ‘to control multiple cameras from a PC, display live-view images and remotely trigger a camera or simultaneously shoot with multiple cameras.’

No measurements are given, but based on the images, it’s clear this machine is large, as it manages to make an EOS 1-series body and 70–200mm F2.8 lens look small when attached. Canon says the system can follow ‘high-speed subjects and features a turning radius of up to 260mm.’

Canon IP camera controller CR-G100

At the time, the system only supports the 1D X Mark II and 1DX Mark III cameras when used with the following lenses:

  • EF 11–24mm F4L USM
  • EF 16–35mm F2.8L III USM
  • EF 24–70mm F2.8L II USM
  • EF 70–200mm F2.8L IS II USM
  • EF 24–105mm F4L IS II USM
  • EF 100–400mm F4.5–5.6L IS II USM

Based on the sole screenshot of the Camera Remote Application CR-A100 Canon has provided, it appears as though operators will be able to control over a dozen cameras at once, with the ability to edit nearly every setting the camera has to offer. There are even preset buttons, suggesting it’ll be possible to remotely capture multiple pre-composed shots with the click of a button.

While Canon surely expects other use-cases, the CR-S700R looks like the perfect system to use during this year’s 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Remote cameras are consistently used during Olympic events and having the ability to reposition and remotely control every aspect of the camera seems like a no-brainer for sports photographers and news agencies who want to get the best shots possible.

The Robotic Camera System CR-S700R and the Camera Remote Application CR-A100 are scheduled to be available ‘from mid-February 2020,’ according to Canon.

Press release:

Canon Introduces The CR-S700R Robotic Camera System Enabling The Remote Operation Of Select EOS Cameras And Lenses*

MELVILLE, NY, January 6, 2020 – Sports photography and news media require the use of remote photography extensively to capture still images from various viewpoints or angles that may not be achieved with conventional photography methods. Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solution, today announced the release of the Canon Robotic Camera System CR-S700R, a remote-control system for still image shooting. This system was developed to meet the needs of professional photographers to operate cameras remotely to shoot still images for the media and further represents Canon’s continued commitment to deliver convenient solutions.

The Canon Robotic Camera System CR-S700R revolves around a remote pan head that can be used to remotely control and shoot still images using a compatible EOS camera and lens*. This system includes a small and lightweight gateway box: the IP camera controller CR-G100. The CR-A100 Camera Remote Application (sold separately) enables users to control multiple cameras from a PC, display live-view images, and remotely trigger a camera or simultaneously shoot with multiple cameras.

Bring New Viewpoints for Professional Press and Sports Photographers
By using a center-type mechanism that rotates around a central axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, the remote pan head can perform operations such as zooming, panning, tilting, and rolling of the attached camera in a small footprint with minimal shifting of weight and balance. The remote-control solution can be ideal to follow high-speed subjects and features a turning radius of up to 260mm. The focus on still image capture has made it possible to achieve a more compact and lightweight design, while the IP camera controller CR-G100 helps eliminate complicated and bulky wired connections, meaning one person can operate multiple cameras. The PC software (licensed with the Robotic Camera System CR-S700R) is also available separately to control a camera using the IP camera controller CR-G100, streamlining the workflow of still image shooting at the news site.

Availability
The Robotic Camera System CR-S700R and the Camera Remote Application CR-A100 are scheduled to be available from mid-February 2020**. For more information, please contact your local Canon pro-market representative or regional sales manager.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

* Compatible cameras are the EOS-1D X Mark II and EOS-1D X Mark III. Compatible interchangeable lenses are EF 11-24mm F4L USM, EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM, EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM, EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM, and EF 100-400mm F4.5 -5.6L IS II USM.

** Availability and specification are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Insta360 One R is a super-versatile action/360 camera system

08 Jan

After teasing a modular action/360 camera system last week Insta360 has officially launched the ONE R at CES in Las Vegas today.

The One R consists of a ‘CPU’ with built-in miniature touchscreen and a battery pack which can be combined with one of three camera/lens units:

  • A 360-degree camera that records at 5.7K resolution
  • A GoPro style action camera with 16.4mm equivalent focal length that can record 4K footage at 60fps and 1080p video at up to 200 fps.
  • A wide-angle module with 1-inch sensor and 14.4mm equivalent focal length that records 5.3K footage at 30fps , 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps. This module was developed with the help of camera company Leica.

All three modules can record in Raw format and make use of Insta360’s FlowState stabilization, which has been improved for use in low light, as well as H.265 video encoding. They are attached to the CPU and battery ‘lego-style’ via connector pins. Depending on use case the touchscreen can face forward or backwards and installed in the included mounting bracket any of the combos is fully waterproof down to 5m.

The 360-degree module can be used with lens protection filters which are, like we’ve already seen with selfie-sticks in previous Insta360 models, automatically removed from the footage by software.

The touchscreen can be used for framing or image/video review and alternatively lets you adjust a range of settings including manual exposure parameters. Most special features are provided through the mobile app or desktop application, however.

One R users have the choice of letting the app create shareable clips automatically, or dive deep into the controls and edit footage manually.

The Auto Frame feature automatically frames 360 content using AI-powered image recognition and tracking technology. It lets you pick from a selection of pre-framed shots and all you need to do is trim and export the clips you like best.

In addition you can create automatically reframed hyperlapses which works best with video of a few minutes in length walking outside in a varied environment. You can choose the landmarks you want to include from a menu or let the app decide for you.

A new AI-powered tracking algorithm lets track a subject in your 360-degree video either in the app when editing, or in real time by locking onto a target at the start of recording.

In addition Insta360 has improved the app over previous versions by implementing editing via WiFi without downloading footage to your mobile device, and background downloading which lets you continue working in the app while video files are being transferred.

First impressions

We’ve had a chance to play with the new hardware and app before launch and the package looks pretty impressive, especially when considering we were using a pre-production unit.

Video output quality is not quite there yet (which is why Insta360 has asked us to not post any samples) but the build quality of the hardware looks excellent and gives the system a premium look and feel. Swapping camera modules is easy and fast and despite the small size of the built-in display it allows for easy modification of settings and changing of modes, thanks to a responsive touchscreen.

The updated mobile app comes with an abundance of features and modes and should cater to anyone, from casual users who want automatically generated highlight-clips delivered to their phone, to advanced videographers who know how to reframe their 360-degree and edit action cam footage manually.

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If the Insta 360 One R will be able to deliver on image quality it’s an extremely attractive option for any creative video maker. It offers the resolution of a high-end action camera and the versatility and ability to reframe clips after shooting that you can only get from a 360-degree camera at a price point that is very close to high-end action cameras.

Those who want the dynamic range and low light performance of a 1-inch sensor have the option to further expand the system with the optionally available 1-inch module, offering one of the currently most versatile consumer video solutions available.

The Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition includes the Dual-Lens 360 Mod and 4K Wide Angle Mod and will set you back $ 479.99. The Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition comes standard with the premium 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod and retails for $ 549.99. The Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition comes with CPU, battery and 4K action cam and is $ 299.99. More information is available at Insta360.com.

Press Release:

Insta360 ONE R Is an Adaptive Action Cam Co-Engineered with Leica

AI-powered Auto Frame makes editing 360 video easy.

Innovative camera maker Insta360 today announced ONE R, an adaptive action cam whose unique interchangeable-lens design enables 360-degree capture, standard 4K wide-angle capture, and use of a groundbreaking 5.3K 1-inch sensor — all with a single device.

The concept is simple — one battery, one processor and a selection of quick-swapping lens Mods. In an instant, ONE R transforms from a dual-lens 360 shooter to a standard action cam. ONE R currently offers three ways to shoot with three available lens Mods — the Dual-Lens 360 Mod, the 4K Wide-Angle Mod and the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica.

The 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod achieves the best performance ever in an action camera, combining a 1-inch sensor with the legendary optical expertise of Leica and 5.3K resolution — in a compact, rugged body backed by Insta360’s signature FlowState stabilization.

ONE R is available to order today via Insta360.com and select retailers worldwide, including Best Buy.

The right tool for every job.

ONE R is designed to give creators, athletes and adventurers a single tool that can adapt to any shoot.

In terms of creative freedom, nothing beats a dual-lens 360 camera. It unlocks the ability to reframe shots after the fact, ensures that users never miss the action, and enables unique techniques such as drone-like aerial angles. But for scenes in which action is concentrated in one direction, a reframed shot from a 360 camera still doesn’t achieve the same level of quality and resolution as a specialized single-lens shooter.

These two camera formats have unique strengths and tradeoffs — just as telephoto and wide-angle setups on an SLR camera have equal but opposite strengths. The only way to take advantage of both formats is with an easy, efficient way to switch from one to the other on the fly. ONE R is just that.

Best quality ever in an action cam.

ONE R redefines what’s possible with an action cam. Each of its three available Mods unlock breakthrough imaging and quality.

Dual-Lens 360 Mod: This Mod supports 5.7K capture on two lenses that cover every direction at once. It enables a real-time 360-degree preview on ONE R’s touchscreen, while innovations like Color Plus, HDR video and Night Shot achieve the best color accuracy and low-light performance in any consumer 360 camera.

4K Wide Angle Mod: Ready for 4K@60fps, this Mod captures crisp, vibrant, stabilized action and supports up to 8x slow mo. Its reversible design lets you flip the touchscreen from back to front in a snap — perfect for getting real-time feedback when filming yourself.

1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica: This Mod achieves a level of quality never before seen in an action cam. The 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod uses a best-in-class 1-inch sensor to capture brilliant 5.3K video and 19MP photos even in complex lighting conditions. Premium performance in a device that’s ready to go anywhere — the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod is a game-changer.

Leica worked closely with Insta360 on the optical engineering and industrial design of the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod, and contributed its unmatched expertise in image quality and color reproduction.

Smooth moves. Even in the dark.

The ONE R uses a fully upgraded FlowState stabilization algorithm to achieve gimbal-like stabilization whether you’re shooting in 360 or with a standard wide angle. Using a smart scene-detection algorithm, ONE R outclasses the competition with stabilization that holds steady even in low-light scenes.

Waterproof whenever.

ONE R is IPX8 waterproof to depths of 5 meters (16.4 feet) straight out of the box. For those who want to go deeper, a Dive Case enables descents of up to 60 meters (197 feet).

Voice control.

Voice control lets you control ONE R with a few simple commands. If ONE R is mounted on a helmet or out of reach, just give it a shout.

Auto Frame changes the game.

The best thing about shooting 360 video is that you capture an infinite number of possible angles and edits. The worst thing about shooting 360 video is that you capture an infinite number of possible angles and edits. If only there were some kind of artificial intelligence that could analyze a scene in every direction at once to find the most interesting moments and angles.

Enter Auto Frame. Insta360 has developed its own computer vision algorithm to identify the best parts of any 360 video and recommend them to creators. There’s still plenty of choice, but the ONE R app’s Auto Frame feature helps you quickly narrow down the shots worth considering and does the reframing for you.

Deep Track.

AI-powered computer vision also enables ONE R’s mind-blowing tracking capabilities. When editing 360 video, creators can simply select a subject to follow with a tap. The ONE R app will automatically keep it locked in center-frame. Even if a subject is obscured by an obstacle, ONE R’s algorithm will remember it and start tracking again as soon as it reappears.

And if you don’t want to wait for post-production to choose your subject, you can also use Deep Track in real time. ONE R’s unique “Point to Track” feature lets you lock onto a subject with the voice prompt “Mark that!”. The next time you connect to your camera, you’ll get an automatically reframed shot that follows your chosen subject — it’s like having a cameraman with you wherever you go.

No drone. No problem.

ONE R brings back Insta360’s endlessly fun and versatile Invisible Selfie Stick feature. Easily capture aerial angles and video-game-style third-person views by making your camera grip invisible. Invisible Selfie Stick is only supported when using the Dual-Lens 360 Mod.

Low light. Done right.

ONE R offers a range of both hardware and software upgrades to achieve best-in-class low-light performance. New Night Shot mode captures low-light photos that pop, while automatic de-noising preserves detail in low-light video.

ONE R also supports HDR modes for both photos and video, and creators can take advantage of Color Plus to do an automatic, one-touch color grade that brings out brighter, more vibrant hues.

When it comes to color reproduction and low-light performance, the 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica is in a class of its own. Its 1-Inch sensor brings out highlights and shadows in vivid detail. Vloggers will be tempted to leave the rest of their kit at home.

Sounds good.

Every ONE R build comes standard with two onboard mics and an automatic wind-reduction algorithm that achieves great sound straight off the camera. However, its USB Type-C port and top-mounted Accessory Shoe also allow for easy third-party 3.5mm mic connection.

Infinite possibilities.

The ONE R app comes with a range of new editing features designed to help creators take advantage of all its capabilities. The TimeShift hyperlapse effect popularized by ONE X can now be completed with a couple taps, and a new pose-detection algorithm lets creators instantly identify and extract every frame of a clip in which they strike a similar posture — enabling mind-bending stop-motion effects that used to take hours of work.

New Starlapse mode automatically calibrates exposure settings to capture stunning time-lapses of the night sky — creators just pick a time and a place and hit record. The ONE series’ signature Bullet Time effect has also been upgraded with a smart horizon-leveling algorithm.

FlashCut auto-editing.

FlashCut is the ONE R app’s content-aware editing algorithm. First, it finds shots based on a theme set by the creator — like food, travel or pets. Then it combines them on beat into a stylish edit. FlashCut can filter and combine footage captured by any ONE R build — 360 or standard.

More Mods.

ONE R doesn’t stop at three Mods. Its unique design enables a huge range of efficient add-ons and upgrades. The standard Battery Base can be swapped for a double-size Boosted Battery Base for extended shooting.

Meanwhile, Insta360 today also announced the groundbreaking Insta360 ONE R Aerial Edition, which offers a specialized mounting system to make supported drones completely invisible and captures an unobstructed, airborne 360-degree view.

An Edition for every mission.

ONE R is all about choice. Creators can purchase exactly the combination of gear that suits their needs. However, Insta360 also offers a range of prepackaged Editions that give creators everything they need to get started with some of the most powerful combinations of Mods.

Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition brings together two great ways to shoot — the Dual-Lens 360 Mod and 4K Wide Angle Mod — in one convenient package for $ 479.99 USD; Insta360 ONE R 1-Inch Edition comes standard with the premium 1-Inch Wide Angle Mod co-engineered with Leica, and retails for $ 549.99 USD; and Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition offers creators all they need to enjoy the versatile 4K Wide Angle Mod for $ 299.99 USD.

More details on ONE R can be found at Insta360.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple’s new ‘Fire and Ice’ video shows off the iPhone 11 Pro’s camera capabilities

08 Jan

Apple has published seven videos in its ‘Experiments’ series, including four episodes and four behind-the-scenes videos. Each video is intended to show what’s possible with ‘an iPhone, simple materials, and boundless creativity,’ according to the company. The latest video involves effects created by fire and ice; past examples include water and colorful objects.

The methods used to create Apple’s newest Experiments videos are fairly simple and reproducible at home, including the use of dry ice, what appears to be isopropyl alcohol in a glass jug, a wire mesh covered in lint and caught on fire, a red hot piece of metal placed on dark paper and more. The majority of the shots were captured by hand.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The results are in: the most important camera of the 2010s readers’ poll

06 Jan

Poll results: most important cameras of the decade

The end of a decade is a time for reflection, renewal and lots of ‘best of the decade’ articles. So why not join in the fun? ‘Time is a flat circle,’ after all (we can either thank Nietzsche or True Detective for that quote depending on who you ask). In that spirit, we shared our picks for the most important cameras of the past ten years and asked our readers to choose theirs. Here are the results of that poll.

Runner-up: Apple iPhone 4

The iPhone 4 technically came in third, but the margin between it and the second place runner-up was slim enough to call it a tie. It has certainly earned its place in history – we think it was the first iPhone that truly made a dedicated camera optional. DPR readers agree that it was a landmark camera of the 2010s.

Image credit: Gabriele Barni

Runner-up: Nikon D850

Over the past ten years we’ve been lucky enough to use many excellent cameras, but few have left a lasting impression like the D850. It’s well over two years old at this point but we still consider it one of the best DSLRs ever built. DPR readers no doubt also appreciate its well-rounded feature set, excellent ergonomics and Raw image capture that rivals medium-format results. If that’s not a best-of-the-decade-worthy camera then we don’t know what is.

Winner: Sony a7/R

So which camera did DPR readers crown the most important of the decade? The full-frame mirrorless cameras that started it all: the Sony a7 and a7R. Both cameras were far from perfect when they made their debut in 2013, but there’s no denying the influence that they’ve had on the industry as a whole since then.

And that’s a wrap on the decade! Thanks to all who voted – let’s do it all again in ten years.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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PowerVision to launch PowerEgg X AI camera for drones at CES

05 Jan

PowerVision, a California-based robotics company, will launch its latest product, the PowerEgg X, at next week’s CES 2020 conference and trade show. The compact, egg-shaped device has multiple uses. It can operate as an autonomous personal AI camera, a handheld 3-axis AI camera, or as a drone. The PowerEgg X was created to fill a consumer demand for an all-in-one versatile and affordable camera that allows users to instantly share content, according to PowerVision.

The PowerEgg X took over 3 years to create, involved over 300 engineers, and 100 technology patents. The device weighs 522 grams (1.15 pounds) and measures at 165x100x100 mm (6.5×3.9×3.9 inches). Its 4K/60p camera has 1/2.8 inch CMOS 12MP sensor with a 78.4º field of view. It boasts facial recognition along with deep learning features that track and recall subjects, even if they’ve left the field view, plus it responds to hand gestures. In handheld mode, the device transforms into a 3-axis gimbal that produces stabilized UHD images with a battery life of up to 3.5 hours.

In drone mode, the PowerEgg X can fly up to 30 minutes in 19-24 mph winds. It features obstacle avoidance, precise landing, and comes with a waterproof case and landing pad allowing it to take off and land in the water. PowerVision claims it can fly in the rain, a first for the drone industry. Another is the ability for users to narrate in real-time by using their mobile phone’s microphone or a wireless earphone. Its proprietary SyncVoice technology automatically synchronizes with pictures, ‘effectively ending silent-aerial photography.’

“‘Innovate the Future’ is our mission and innovation is in our DNA,” said Wally Zheng, Founder and CEO of PowerVision. “Three years in development, PowerEgg X pulls together the technology consumers are seeking and puts it in a small, elegant egg shape. With smart-image recognition tracking, image mechanical stabilization, and simple video-editing tools, it is easy for anyone to shoot material as if they were a professional-grade videographer. By creating a multi-purpose device, PowerVision has reduced the user’s total purchase cost, storage requirement, increased ease-of-use, and giving the user unprecedented convenience.”

Starting at $ 899, the PowerEgg X will be available for purchase on PowerVision’s site along with other approved retailers including BestBuy, B&H Photo and Amazon on January 7th. Those attending the annual CES 2020 show can view it at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the South Hall, booth #26415, from January 7th – 10th.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Oppo patent shows camera module that pops out of the side of a smartphone

04 Jan

Smartphone manufacturers have come up with a variety of solutions to maximize the screen surface to size ration on smartphones, including hole-punch front cameras, camera notches and pop-up mechanisms of various kinds.

In a patent filing found in the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration) database Oppo is now adding a new variant: the sideways pop-out front camera.

In the reference images, we can see a motorized camera module placed on the right-hand side of the phone on roughly the same height as the rear camera. The power button is located on the same side of the phone while volume rockers and SIM-tray can be found on the left. The speaker and USB-C connectors are at the bottom.

As usual, there is no way of knowing if this idea ever makes it into an actual production device but it’s good to see manufacturers are looking into new ways of optimizing space in the thin bodies of modern smartphones.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know

04 Jan

The post 5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

bird-photography-camera-settings-tips

If you want to capture amazing bird photos, you absolutely need to master your camera settings.

Because camera settings determine whether your bird photos look blurry or sharp, well-exposed or lacking details.

In other words, your camera settings can be the difference between a great photo and a mediocre photo.

Which is why this article is dedicated to giving you the five camera settings that every bird photographer should know.

That way, you’ll never struggle to choose the correct camera settings again.

Let’s get started.

5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know

1. Use Aperture Priority or Manual mode to set your exposure

First things first:

If you want to create beautiful bird photos, you have to make sure they’re well-exposed. This means that you need the right aperture and right shutter speed to create a bright, detailed photo.

How do you ensure that you capture a well-exposed bird photo?

You use Aperture Priority or Manual mode.

bird-photography-camera-settings-tips

Both of these modes are available via the Mode Dial on most cameras. Aperture Priority is the easier mode to use: It allows you to choose an aperture, while your camera selects a shutter speed based on its evaluation of the ambient light.

Manual mode forces you to choose both an aperture and a shutter speed. However, the camera viewfinder displays a bar that shows whether your choices will result in underexposure, overexposure, or an exposure that’s just right. If you use Manual mode, then you must carefully observe this bar to determine the best aperture and shutter speed for each photo.

If you’re a beginner, or if you’re shooting fast-paced scenes, Aperture Priority is generally the best choice. You can dial in a wide aperture (usually between f/5.6 and f/7.1), then allow your camera to choose a shutter speed. If the shutter speed is too low (more on that later!), then you can raise the ISO to compensate.

Manual mode is a bit trickier to use and takes some getting used to. Once you feel confident in your exposure skills, Manual mode might be the way to go. Manual mode is also a good choice if the background is changing rapidly, but the light on the bird remains the same (such as when you’re photographing a bird in flight). In such a situation, Manual mode will prevent the camera meter from changing your shutter speed in response to the changing background.

Here’s the bottom line:

To get a perfect exposure, you need to take control of your camera settings. And that starts by choosing a camera mode.

Both Aperture Priority and Manual will work. Start with Aperture Priority and, if you like, you can always work up to using Manual.

2. Use back-button focus to capture tack-sharp photos

Back-button focus is one of my favorite camera features because it’s just so amazingly useful.

Here’s why:

Back-button autofocus allows you to control your camera’s focus via a button on the camera’s back (sometimes labeled AF-ON). Rather than pressing the shutter button halfway to focus, then the rest of the way to capture a shot, back-button focus allows you to separate these two functions.

The shutter button is used for taking pictures.

And the AF-ON button is used for focusing.

This is invaluable if you want to focus and recompose, then track a moving subject, then focus and recompose again.

(You’ll want to make sure you’ve set your autofocus mode to AI-Servo, also known as AF-C.)

You see, if you press and hold the AF-ON button, it activates the continuous autofocus, which will track a moving subject.

But once you let go of the AF-ON button, the autofocus locks in place. Now the autofocus acts like one-shot AF, which locks focus and stays focused.

So if you come upon a bird that’s moving, you can track it via back-button focus. But as soon as the bird stops moving, you can let go of the AF-ON button, and test out different compositions, knowing that the focus won’t change.

The ibis in the photo below was moving along the water’s edge, but then stopped so I could grab this photo. I focused on the eye, but then reframed (a perfect situation for back-button focus!).

bird-photography-camera-settings-tips

Cool, right?

Plus, if you accidentally let go of the shutter button, you don’t have to deal with refocusing. Back-button focus stays locked in place.

That’s the power of back-button focus!

To set up back-button autofocus does take a bit of fiddling with camera settings, which is beyond the scope of this article. So take a look in your camera’s manual (or do a bit of Googling!). It’s worth it, I promise.

3. Use continuous shooting to nail the action shots

Bird photography often gives you the opportunity to capture amazing action shots. Photos of birds flying through the air, birds diving into the water, birds capturing fish.

But here’s the thing:

It’s easy to miss the action if you’re not prepared.

After all, birds move fast.

That’s why continuous shooting comes in handy.

Pretty much all cameras have a continuous shooting mode, these days. Continuous shooting allows you to fire off a burst of photos, generally between 5 frames per second and 15 frames per second.

So whenever you go out to do bird photography, switch your shooting mode to continuous shooting.

And then, when the action heats up, start shooting burst rather than single shots.

That’s what I did for this little blue heron shot. When the bird began to hunt, I started shooting in bursts, so I could be sure to get sharp shots with the beak near the water!

5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know

Will you get a lot of throwaway images? Sure.

But you’ll also have a much better chance of getting the perfect image. So it’s undoubtedly worth it!

You do want to be careful, however, because your camera’s buffer can fill up quickly. When that happens, you won’t be able to shoot bursts until the camera has processed some of the images.

Just be mindful of your camera’s buffer.

And you’ll get some shots of a lifetime.

4. Choose a shutter speed of at least 1/500s (and probably faster)

If you want to capture sharp bird photos, then you have to use a fast shutter speed.

Because the shutter speed is what determines whether you freeze the scene, or whether it turns into one unpleasant blur.

Now, there is no one ideal shutter speed. If the bird in your scene is stationary, you’ll need a much slower shutter speed than if the bird in your scene is flapping its wings wildly.

But I can give you some recommendations that should ensure you get sharp bird photos, consistently.

First, if you’re shooting a motionless bird (for instance, a bird that’s sleeping or standing still), I recommend using a shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second. This is to compensate for the length of your lens because longer lenses result in more potential for camera shake.

bird-photography-camera-settings-tips

Second, if you’re shooting a bird that’s moving at a slow to medium speed, around 1/1000th of a second is a good choice. This will freeze the movement, but won’t force you to crank up the ISO to compensate for underexposure.

Third, if you’re shooting a fast-moving bird, you should choose a shutter speed of at least 1/2000th. If the bird is flying at high speeds, then 1/2500th, 1/3200th, or even 1/4000th is a good choice. Birds move fast, and you don’t want to end up with a blurry shot because your shutter speed was a hair too slow.

5. Use the lowest ISO you can afford for noise-free photos

In bird photography, shutter speed and ISO tend to balance one another out.

If you choose a slower shutter speed, you don’t need a high ISO; if you choose a high ISO, you don’t need a slow shutter speed.

Now, ISO comes with a big downside: The higher the ISO, the more noise you’ll get in your photos. And noise is pretty much always bad.

On the other hand, a high ISO increases the brightness of your photos, which allows you to use a lightning-fast shutter speed without worry.

5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know

So what do you do? How do you choose your ISO?

I recommend you start by determining an acceptable shutter speed. Use the guidelines in the previous tip if you’re struggling.

Then push your ISO up until you’ve reached your determined shutter speed – but don’t go any higher than you have to.

Because here’s the thing:

It’s better to get a noisy image than a blurry image. But the holy grail of photography is achieving sharp photos without noise.

So keep your ISO to a minimum.

And you’ll get the best possible shot.

5 camera settings every bird photographer should know: Conclusion

bird-photography-camera-settings-tips

Choosing the best settings for bird photography may seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.

Just remember the five camera settings that I’ve shared.

And you’ll be capturing amazing photos in no time!

If you have any other tips on bird photography camera settings, please share with us in the comments below, along with any photos you’d like to share.

The post 5 Camera Settings Every Bird Photographer Should Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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OnePlus teases prototype smartphone with disappearing rear camera

03 Jan

OnePlus is expected to display its Concept One prototype smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. At this point there are no plans to put the Concept One into production, instead, the device is meant to showcase OnePlus innovation in mobile device tech.

Ahead of the show the company has already posted a teaser video on Twitter, showing an ‘invisible’ rear camera that can be hidden under the glass rear panel. According to OnePlus ‘color-shifting glass technology’ is used to achieve the effect.

The team at Wired already had the chance to have a closer look at the technology and reports OnePlus is using the same technology found in sunroofs to control the transparency of the glass panel. When inactive the camera is hidden under tinted glass. When the camera is in use, the tint can be adjusted via an electrical signal and the camera and lenses become visible behind the panel.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DIY large format camera ‘Bertha’ shoots massive 1.1 x 1.1-meter slides

03 Jan

The Branco Ottico team in Italy has showcased ‘Bertha,’ a giant large format camera that can be used to capture 1.1 x 1.1m (3.6ft) slides. A report about the camera’s creation, as well as some images of the assembly process, were recently shared over at DIY Photography. The team explains that Berta is designed to ‘create unique works’ using the ROBA APPOSTA inversion kit chemical process created by Branco Ottico.

Bertha features a modular aluminum frame, a bellows draft measuring around 4m (13.12ft) in length and a 1000mm F6.3 lens. The camera can be used to capture portraits in macro mode, according to the team, which says they also have a mobile darkroom for capturing portraits outdoors. The team will tune the camera in early 2020, then take it and the mobile darkroom on a tour to capture portraits of people on the road.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Insta360 teases a combined action, 360-degree, drone and 1-inch camera

03 Jan

Insta360, the company behind consumer 360-degree cameras, such as the Insta360 Go or One X, as well as professional models like the Pro 2, has posted a teaser video hinting at the launch of some kind of multi-purpose or modular camera on the 7th of January.

In the video footage of several electronics items being shredded in a blender is interspersed with various action-cam and drone-filmed scenes and viewers can read the sentence ‘our next camera combines an action-cam, a 360 cam, a drone, a 1-inch cam into one.’

It appears the company is close to launching a camera that is capable of providing the functionality of a GoPro-style action cam, presumably a consumer-level 360-cam like the One X, and a camera with 1″ sensor, like the Sony RX0. And presumably this camera or modular camera system can be used for aerial filming in conjunction with a drone.

This sounds like quite a unique concept that, depending on pricing, accessory compatibility and other factors, has the potential to appeal to a very wide range of customers. We’ll know more on the 7th of January when the new product is scheduled to launch.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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