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Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

Xiaomi establishing dedicated camera team

15 May

Many smartphones use camera hard and software components that are provided by third-party suppliers, but those components can only get you to a certain point. If manufacturers want to squeeze the maximum image quality out these third-party camera systems, an in-house camera team is indispensable.

It appears Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has just come to this realization. A leaked internal email from CEO Lei Jun shares details about the creation of an in-house camera department.

With most important smartphone components, such as displays and chipsets being largely indistinguishable between devices, the camera remains the major differentiator in an ultra-competitive market. The new team at Xiaomi should be able to improve camera performance noticeably compared to existing devices.

This is good news, especially when considering the company’s latest dual-cam model Mi Mix 2S is already doing very well in the camera department, scoring 97 points overall and 101 for Photo performance at DxOMark.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google Lens will soon be available in several Android camera apps

13 May

Google’s AI-based image recognition system Google Lens will be making its way into stock camera apps, the company revealed during its I/O 2018 conference this week. The tool— which identifies objects, landmarks, and more in the images you capture with your phone—was first revealed last year, later launching for the maker’s own Pixel smartphones and then on Android and iOS in general.

For now, Google Lens is only available through the Google Photos app, but that will be changing in coming months. The company plans to launch Google Lens in stock mobile camera apps starting with its own Pixel handsets; other Android smartphone models will get support later on. According to The Verge, a total of 10 models will offer Google Lens in their stock camera apps.

Joining the expansion announcement are three new Google Lens features: smart text selection, style match, and real-time functionality for instant results.

With smart text selection, Google Lens is able to identify words within images and find relevant information—such as retrieving data on a food dish after the user captures an image of its name in a menu or other document. Style match, meanwhile, is a feature for finding objects similar to ones captured in an image, such as related outfits or home decor.

Finally, all of this information will be made available at a faster pace thanks to real-time functionality. With this addition, Google Lens finds and provides information proactively based on items in the user’s environment that are captured as they point their phone’s camera around.

Google says these features will start rolling out in the next few weeks.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Yongnuo YN43 is a Four Thirds smartphone clip-on camera with Canon lens mount

12 May

Yesterday, affordable photography accessory maker Yongnuo unveiled a 60mm F2 macro lens, and they’ve also taken the wraps off a YN43 camera module, a clip-on camera for smartphones in the spirit of Sony’s QX-cameras, the Olympus Air, DxO One, and the Kodak PixPro models.

Unfortunately, at this point there are no specifications available on the site. Looking at the images and model name it’s fair to assume the device will feature a Four Thirds sensor. Curiously the lens mount appears to be of the Canon variant, though. On the product images we can see a Yongnuo 14mm F2.8 wide angle lens for Canon mounted to the module. The choice of lens mount is likely due to the fact that Yongnuo only makes lenses for Canon and Nikon, but no Micro Four Thirds glass.

The camera is pictured with an Apple iPhone and an app is already available in the App Store which suggests it will definitely work with Apple devices, but one would assume it’ll be compatible with at least the most popular Android phones as well.

With its unusual sensor/lens mount combination the YN43 looks like a slightly odd product to put it mildly. It also doesn’t bode well that all the similar products mentioned above have disappeared from the market and the built-in cameras in smartphones have improved drastically, almost nullifying the need for bulky clip-on modules.

That said, Yongnuo is known for its budget pricing and while no price information is available yet for the YN43 we’d expect it to be quite affordable. This could make it worth a closer look to anyone who has a few Canon lenses lying around and likes tinkering with photo equipment.

We’ll let you know as soon as more information and specs become available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Camera Basics – Two Video Tutorials to Help You Master Your Camera Settings

12 May

Okay so you’ve got a new camera and want to learn some camera basics, these two video tutorials will give you a hand. Or perhaps you’ve been shooting for a while and want to get off Auto mode – this applies to you as well.

Camera Basics

In this first video, Peter McKinnon explains the three parts of the exposure triangle in an easy to understand format.

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Understanding Exposure

Next, in this second video, Tony Northrup demonstrates the basics of exposure and how the elements of the exposure triangle work together.

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One thing he explains well is how adjusting just one of the three parts of the exposure triangle doesn’t make the photo darker or brighter when using one of the auto or semi-automatic modes.

Tony encourages you to watch his demonstration and then set up a similar arrangement in your home and try the experiments yourself. This is a great way to learn so that you can really see the results of changing the various settings and understand how they work.

The post Camera Basics – Two Video Tutorials to Help You Master Your Camera Settings appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Panasonic Lumix TS7/FT7 is first rugged compact camera to have built-in EVF

11 May

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Panasonic has announced its Lumix DC-TS7 (FT7 outside of North America) which is the first waterproof/rugged compact to have an electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is 0.2″ in size and has an resolution equivalent to 1.17 million dots and a magnification of 0.45x equivalent. Obviously, you won’t be able to use the EVF if you have a scuba mask on, but for shooting in bright light on land it could come in handy. There’s also a 3″ non-touch LCD available for composing and reviewing your photos.

The TS7 has a 20.4MP, 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor and an F3.3-5.9, 28-128mm equiv. lens. It’s able to go 31m/102ft underwater, can take a fall from 2m/6.6ft and can withstand 100kg / 220lb of crushing force. It’s also freezeproof to -10C / +14F.

You’ll find a 49-point contrast-detect AF system on the TS7, and Panasonic claims that it can track a moving subject at 5 fps. The camera can capture UHD 4K video at 24p and 30p as well as 1080/60p. There’s a 120 fps mode, but only at 720p resolution. Naturally, the TS7 supports Panasonic’s 4K Photo feature, which allows for ‘Post Focus’ and 8MP still extraction. Wi-Fi (but not Bluetooth) is built in, and battery life is CIPA-rated at 30 shots per charge.

The TS7 will be available this summer for $ 449. Available colors include blue, orange and black.

Press Release:

New LUMIX TS7 with LVF, Wi-Fi® and 4K Video and 4K Photo

Featuring Waterproof, Rugged Design Camera for Outdoor Imaging

Newark, NJ (May 11, 2018) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce the 20.4-megapixel LUMIX TS7, the rugged new LUMIX TS Series camera geared exclusively for outdoor use. This tough, lightweight camera is waterproof to 102ft., dustproof, shockproof to 6.6ft., freeze proof to 14 degrees F and pressure resistant to 220lbf for exceptional imaging in virtually any and all locations and conditions.

The LUMIX TS7 features a 28mm wide angle 4.6x optical zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) and includes a new 0.2-in, 1,170K-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) to easily capture subjects even under strong sunlight or with backlighting. A 3.0-in rear LCD monitor delivers highest-in-class 1,040K-dot resolution for approximately 100% field of view.

For video, the LUMIX TS7 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p/ 24p in MP4. Taking full advantage of 4K technology, outdoor photographers will enjoy 4K PHOTO to capture perfect moments at 30 fps and save 8-megapixel, high-resolution photos. The LUMIX TS7 also includes the LUMIX Post Focus feature, which enables users to modify focus after capturing the image.

A newly integrated 20.4-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and the camera’s advanced imaging engine enables high-speed, high-sensitivity image recording to generate high-speed burst shooting at 10 fps* in high picture quality. The LUMIX TS7 also provides Light Speed AF to capture the most fleeting shooting opportunities, ideal for outdoor adventures like diving, snorkeling, surfing, climbing, skiing and snowboarding.

The LUMIX TS7 ensures flexible shooting with built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity for fast, easy image sharing, also integrating a variety of special effects’ options — Creative Control, Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot and High-Speed Video —adding creativity and fun to outdoor imaging. Beginning photographers will like the popular LUMIX Shooting Assist function iA (Intelligent Auto) mode to help shoot sharp, memorable photos and video. Plus, the camera’s built-in LED Photo Light function illuminates the subject to help compose the shot even if the camera function is not activated.

Other new LUMIX TS7 features include:

1. Airtight, all-seasons design
Thanks to a minimum aperture area, rubber padding and reinforced glass inside the camera, the LUMIX TS7 features an airtight body to withstand water immersion, dust and sand. A reinforced body case performs flawlessly at depths up to 102 ft with water pressure resistance up to 220lbf. The durable TS7 can absorb drops to hard surfaces from up to 6.6ft in accordance with the “MIL-STD 810F Method 516.5-Shock” test standard. And in cold weather, all components including the lens unit can endure temperatures up to 14 degrees F. Specifically designed for active outdoor imaging, the LUMIX TS7 includes a compass and altimeter, all of which makes the all-seasons LUMIX TS7 the perfect camera for photos and video when fishing and camping in the spring; diving, snorkeling and surfing in summer; traversing mountains in autumn; and skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

2. New LVF (Live View Finder) and high-resolution rear monitor
The LUMIX TS7 integrates a new 0.2-inch, 1,170K-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder) to make it easier to capture subjects under strong sunlight or in backlighting and reduce power consumption in harsh conditions. Both the sensor and LVF are in a 4:3 aspect ratio, and the 3.0-in tempered-glass rear LCD monitor in a 3:2 aspect ratio, delivers highest-in-class 1,040K-dot resolution for an approximately 100% field of view. Image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is instantly switched with a dedicated button.

3. 4K imaging with 4K video and 4K PHOTO
The LUMIX TS7 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K videos in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4* in addition to Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos in MP4 (MPEG-4 / H.264) format with practical full-time AF.

With 4K video and 4K PHOTO, photographers can choose and extract single images from 30 fps video frames to save as 8-megapixel equivalent resolution photos. Three exclusive LUMIX functions integrated into the TS7 make it easy; 4K Burst Shooting, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. 4K Burst Shooting provides consecutive shooting at 30 fps,** which can be used like photo burst shooting. The LUMIX TS7 includes the LUMIX Post Focus function to select in-focus areas after shooting — a helpful feature in situations like macro shooting where severe focusing is required, or for changing expression by changing the subject in focus.

The camera’s 4.6x optical zoom with POWER O.I.S. is also available in video recording to suppress hand shake, and an Auto Wind Cut function blocks most of the noise created by background wind. High Speed Video feature enables recording in HD (1280×720) at 120 fps/100 fps, and Time Lapse /Stop Motion Animation functions are also available.

4. 20.4-megapixel High Sensitivity MOS Sensor
The 20.4-megapixel LUMIX TS7 integrates a High Sensitivity MOS sensor to deliver highest-in-class resolution. And its high-speed response achieves burst shooting at 10 fps* in full resolution with a mechanical shutter, 5 fps with continuous AF. Auto focusing is quick and accurate with its Light Speed AF. The LUMIX TS7 incorporates a high-quality 28mm wide-angle LUMIX lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm equivalent: 28-128mm) in folded optics. Thanks to LUMIX Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is included in the LUMIX TS7, which virtually extends the zoom ratio to 9.1x equivalent, maintaining picture quality even when combined with the digital zoom.

5. Other
• Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n) Connectivity
The LUMIX TS7 integrates Wi-Fi® connectivity for flexible shooting and instant image sharing with easy operation. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with Panasonic Image App for iOS/Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. GPS geotag can also be added on the photos after shooting.

• AC/USB Charging
The camera’s rechargeable battery can be charged via AC or USB.

• Creative Control
The LUMIX TS7 is equipped with Creative Controls for 22 filter effects – Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color and Sunshine. Creative Controls let users shoot and review filter effects, which can also be used for video recording.***

With the Creative Panorama, users can shoot a horizontal/vertical panoramic image by overlaying consecutive shots with filter effects like Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Bleach Bypass, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter and One Point Color.

• LED Photo Light illuminates the subject even while the camera function is not activated.

• SDXC UHS-I Memory Card Compatibility
The LUMIX TS7 complies with SDXC UHS-I Memory Card for high-speed 4K video.

*Max.11 images.
**Max.29 min 59 sec.
***Not all filters can be used in video recording.

•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The LUMIX TS7 will be available in early summer 2018 in blue, orange and black with an MSRP of $ 449.99.

Panasonic Lumix DC-TS7/FT7 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 449
Body type
Body type Compact
Body material Metal/composite
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor Venus Engine
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
Boosted ISO (maximum) 6400
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
JPEG quality levels Fine, standard
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 28–128 mm
Optical zoom 4.6×
Maximum aperture F3.3–5.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81)
Macro focus range 5 cm (1.97)
Number of focus points 49
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 2.53×
Viewfinder resolution 1,170,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 4 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/1300 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/16000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Intelligent Auto
  • Program
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Clear Portrait
  • Silky Skin
  • Backlit Softness
  • Clear in Backlight
  • Relaxing Tone
  • Distinct Scenery
  • Bright Blue Sky
  • Romantic Sunset Glow
  • Vivid Sunset Glow
  • Glistening Water
  • Clear Nightscape
  • Cool Night Sky
  • Warm Glowing Nightscape
  • Glittering Illuminations
  • Handheld Night Shot
  • Clear Night Portrait
  • Soft Image of a Flower
  • Appetizing Food
  • Cute Dessert
  • Freeze Animal Motion
  • Monochrome
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 5.60 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Continuous drive 10.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs x 3 images)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Mono
Speaker Stereo
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (microHDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Durability Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery Built-in
Battery description DMW-BCM13PP lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300
Weight (inc. batteries) 319 g (0.70 lb / 11.25 oz)
Dimensions 117 x 76 x 37 mm (4.61 x 2.99 x 1.46)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Yongnuo YN43 is a Micro Four Thirds smartphone clip-on camera with Canon lens mount

11 May

Yesterday, affordable photography accessory maker Yongnuo unveiled a 60mm F2 macro lens, and they’ve also taken the wraps off a YN43 camera module, a clip-on camera for smartphones in the spirit of Sony’s QX-cameras, the Olympus Air, DxO One, and the Kodak PixPro models.

Unfortunately, at this point there are no specifications available on the site. Looking at the images and model name it’s fair to assume the device will feature a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Curiously the lens mount appears to be of the Canon variant, though. On the product images we can see a Yongnuo 14mm F2.8 wide angle lens for Canon mounted to the module. The choice of lens mount is likely due to the fact that Yongnuo only makes lenses for Canon and Nikon, but no Micro Four Thirds glass.

The camera is pictured with an Apple iPhone and an app is already available in the App Store which suggests it will definitely work with Apple devices, but one would assume it’ll be compatible with at least the most popular Android phones as well.

With its unusual sensor/lens mount combination the YN43 looks like a slightly odd product to put it mildly. It also doesn’t bode well that all the similar products mentioned above have disappeared from the market and the built-in cameras in smartphones have improved drastically, almost nullifying the need for bulky clip-on modules.

That said, Yongnuo is known for its budget pricing and while no price information is available yet for the YN43 we’d expect it to be quite affordable. This could make it worth a closer look to anyone who has a few Canon lenses lying around and likes tinkering with photo equipment.

We’ll let you know as soon as more information and specs become available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Buying guide update: The Sony a7 III is the best camera you can buy for under $2000

09 May

The Sony a7 III impressed us in our recent in-depth review, and now that it has a final score we’ve revisited our collection of buying guides to reflect our final conclusions about the camera. The a7 III’s combination of solid image quality, versatile autofocus and impressive 4K video quality make it extremely competitive, and for those reasons we’ve selected it both as our top choice for shooting people and events, and our overall top pick under $ 2000.

Read our updated buying guide: Best Cameras for People and Events

Read our updated buying guide: Best Cameras Under $ 2000

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sharp’s new AQUOS R2 smartphone comes with a dedicated video camera

08 May

Sharp probably isn’t the first brand that springs to mind when thinking about high-end smartphones, but over the years the Japanese manufacturer has released a few quirky devices. The newly announced AQUOS R2 falls squarely into that category, being the only smartphone—as far as we are aware—that comes with a dedicated video camera.

The new Sharp comes with a dual-camera setup on the back (so far, so normal) but instead of using it for improved low-light image quality or zoom capabilities, the AQUOS R2 reserves a 16.3MP unit exclusively for video recording. Stills capture, meanwhile, is performed by the 22.6MP camera on board.

The video module records 4K footage with an ultra-wide angle lens that features a 135° field of view. Electronic video stabilization reduces the viewing angle somewhat, but the camera still produces a nice cinematic look, as you can see in the sample video below.

An AI-powered function automatically captures still images during video recording, and on the front there is a 16.3MP front-facing sensor for selfies and video-calls.

All other specs are truly flagship smartphone worthy. The device features a 6.0-inch “notched” display with 19:9 aspect ratio and 1440 x 3040 pixels resolution, the OS and apps are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset and 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage can be expanded up to 400GB via a microSD card slot, and all components are wrapped up in a IPX5/IPX8/IP6X body.

If it delivers in terms of image quality, with its super-wide-angle video camera, the AQUOS R2 can be an interesting option for vloggers and other amateur video shooters.

The LG G6 and V30 are, at least currently, pretty much the only other native super-wide smartphone camera options out there, but the image quality of the super-wide camera lags noticeably behind the main module. We’ll be curious to see how the AQUOS R2 stacks up.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phase One iXM 100MP aerial camera uses world’s first BSI medium format sensor

05 May

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The Industrial arm of Danish camera manufacturer Phase One has launched an aerial camera that uses the world’s first backlit medium format sensor. It’s called the iXM 100MP, and it’s almost certainly the first camera to use this sensor from Sony that we told you about back in November.

The iXM 100MP is part of a new iXM system of cameras and lenses designed to be used attached to drones or manned aircraft. A 50-megapixel version, the iXM 50MP, has also been launched, but the iXM 100MP uses backside illumination to boost the light sensitivity of the sensor and to improve its dynamic range.

The two cameras use 4:3 ratio sensors measuring 33x44mm, and both offer XQD storage as well as HDMI-out to allow realtime preview. USB-C and 10G Ethernet ports provide the means to connect directly to on-board storage and control in larger craft, to synchronize an array of cameras for 3D capture, and to speed up mapping work.

The system incorporates four new lenses designed specifically to work with these sensors. The RSM range use leaf-shutters with a shortest opening of 1/2500sec, and which can work at a rate of three frames per second. The shutters are guaranteed for 500,000 actuations, and the lenses have been designed to operate at a wide range of temperatures and altitudes without loss of quality.

Two of the news lenses—a 35mm and an 80mm—have fixed focus, while a further 80mm and a 150mm use motorized focus with focusing determined either before the flight or in the air using a remote control. The focusing versions are aimed at those carrying out structural inspections at different distances rather than those mapping from a constant height.

Here’s a quick first look at the iXM Camera Series:

The iXM cameras and their RSM lenses are expected to ship in June 2018, with lenses costing $ 10,000/€8000 and the cameras priced at $ 40,000/€32,000 (iXM 100MP) and $ 21,000/€17,000 (iXM 50MP). While the price of these models might put them beyond the range of most photographers, it is worth getting excited about the prospect of a 100MP BSI sensor entering the regular still photography market sometime soon. Fingers crossed.

For more information on the iXM range see the Phase One Industrial website.

Press release

Phase One Industrial Innovates UAV-based Aerial Imagery – Launches iXM Metric Cameras and Motorized Lenses

Phase One Industrial today launched the iXM series: a breakthrough aerial camera platform driven by the world’s fastest medium-format imaging sensor. Engineered for UAV-imaging missions, the iXM 100MP is a high-productivity metric camera with a range of high-resolution lenses. The iXM is ready for integration with a wide
range of UAV platforms, including Phase One’s DJI Matrice 600 Pro solution.

The iXM 100MP metric camera incorporates the first medium-format sensor with backside-illumination technology, enabling high light sensitivity and extended dynamic range. Fast, highly responsive, robust, and weatherproof (IP53 compliant), the iXM 100MP delivers superior quality aerial imaging and flexible operation to satisfy diverse mapping, surveying, and inspection applications.

Also today, Phase One announced four new specially developed RSM lenses – with focal lengths ranging from 35mm to 150mm – to seamlessly fit the new sensor’s 3.76?m pixel size and 33×44 mm frame size, ensuring image sharpness across the entire FOV. The lenses are available with either fixed-focus or motorized-focus functionality.

The fixed-focus 35mm and 80mm lenses provide superior image radiometric quality, high ground resolution, and large coverage – perfect for surveying applications.

The motorized-focus 80mm and 150mm lenses are ideal for a wide range of inspection applications, including electricity poles, wind turbines, bridges, and other private-sector or government structures.

Motorized-focused lenses, having no external moving parts, enable a number of new uses for inspection applications where the focusing distance can be predefined based on flight planning, or by the operator, using a wireless remote control. With the motorized lens, the camera captures sharp and highly detailed images of multi-distance or 3D objects.

The cameras’ RSM lenses incorporate a new leaf-shutter technology, which supports 3 fps capture – with a speed of 1/2500 sec – while guaranteeing 500,000 actuations. The lenses are thermally stable to ensure consistent focus over a wide range of temperatures and flight altitudes. With optics designed to exploit the full benefits of the new sensor technology, the lenses provide with greater productivity, flexibility, and reliability, offering superb image quality.

The new iXM platform adds XQD high-speed storage technology to handle the sensor’s extremely fast frame rate. Also on all cameras, HDMI output from actual exposure provides UAV operators simple and outage-free feedback of actual view, exposures, and camera status in overlays. In addition, the new platform includes USB-C and 10G Ethernet for versatility of connectivity to large UAVs and aircraft.

For complete technical specifications, please see http://industrial.phaseone.com/landing/The_New_iXM_Series.aspx

“Working with our UAV partners, we see a fast-growing market driven by great potential for time and cost savings over traditional inspection and surveying methods,” said Dov Kalinski, General Manager of Phase One Industrial. “With its new technology, design, and capabilities, the iXM 100MP promises to help start a new era in inspection missions with UAVs. Phase One Industrial continues to push technical boundaries to equip drones and larger UAVs with superior imaging technology – engineering advanced systems, cameras, and software – to help achieve that potential.”

Availability and Pricing

The iXM 100MP and iXM 50MP metric cameras are available today for advance order – from Phase One Industrial partners worldwide – with delivery in June 2018.

Pricing for the:

  • iXM 100 MP camera: 32,000 Euro/40,000 USD
  • iXM 50 MP camera: 17,000 Euro/21,000 USD
  • Lenses: 8,000 Euro/10,000 USD

For more information regarding purchase options and partner locations, please contact us at: https://industrial.phaseone.com/Contact.aspx

About Phase One Industrial

Phase One Industrial is a division of Phase One A/S that researches, develops, and manufactures specialized industrial camera systems and imaging software solutions. The company focuses on specific applications such as aerial mapping and surveying, ground and aerial inspection, agriculture, machine vision and homeland security.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: This DIY ‘$10,000 selfie stick’ holds a cinema camera and boom mic

04 May

Filmmaker, photographer, and self-professed coffee addict Peter McKinnon has created his own rendition of the infamous selfie stick… on steroids. Meet the $ 10,000 Selfie Stick. This fun, gimmicky DIY creation is McKinnon’s upgrade from the much-maligned (and for a time ubiquitous) pole used to hold a smartphone for self-portrait purposes.

In his video of the project, McKinnon heads to the local hardware store where he purchases bolts and other hardware, as well as a pair of goalie sticks for hockey. The sticks are combined together using tape, and the bolts are used to mount a $ 6,000 cinema camera and $ 400 boom mic (and three Canadian flags) onto the sticks.

The end result? A massive, heavy “selfie stick” that outshines anything you can get off the shelf, but has absolutely no practical use.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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