Camera « 360Photography

RSS

Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

CIPA’s November numbers show the digital camera market’s continuing decline

11 Jan

Graph: CIPA

The Japanese Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) has released its numbers for November 2017, and they don’t make for pleasant reading. In short: the downward trend in the digital camera market continues, with only 2,166,788 DSC units shipped in November 2017, or approximately 17% percent lower than the previous year.

Looking back further is even more depressing: almost an entire million more units were shipped in the same month in 2015.

The situation looks very similar when looking at interchangeable lens cameras separately. With just over one million shipped, the total in November is approximately 20% lower than the same month of the two previous years.

Due to smartphones taking over as the go-to imaging device for casual users, the market for digital cameras with built-in lenses has been plummeting for a while. At 1,163,523 units shipped, this market segment has now, at least in terms of shipments, almost shrunk to the same level as the interchangeable lens bracket.

The year-on-year decrease for November is not as dramatic for DSLRs and system cameras, but compared to two years ago, the number of cameras with built-in lenses that have been shipped has been cut almost in half.

Graph: CIPA

Barring earthquakes and other natural disasters in the camera manufacturing regions, November tends to be one of the stronger month in camera retail, making this report all the more disappointing. Let’s hope the December numbers provide some reason for optimism when they arrive next month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

ACE Eyewear are social-media connected camera sunglasses

11 Jan

If you are the kind of person who likes friends and social networks to ‘participate’ in what’s going on in your life in real-time, the ACE Eyewear camera sunglasses might just be what you’ve been waiting for. These glasses allow for hands-free recording and live-streaming of video from your own point of view, all for a reservation fee of $ 100 (the total final cost of the shipping glasses is unclear).

The glasses feature an 8MP camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens, which also allows you to record video at just under Full-HD resolution (1792 x 1168) and 24 frames per second. When connected through a smartphone’s Wi-Fi hot spot, the ACE can live-stream your video footage to Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

A button at the top of the glasses starts recording and a built-in microphone takes care of the sound.

Thanks to a Dual Core MIPS 1.2GHz processor, power consumption during recording is low, allowing for up to 90 minutes of HD video recording or 40 minutes of live-streaming in addition to an 80-hour standby battery life. There is also 4GB of built-in memory, and files are managed via an accompanying app. All this technology fits into a pair of glasses that weighs only 50g (1.76oz) and comes with an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance.

So far smartglasses have not really caught on with consumers, but the ACE Eyewear’s low price and ability to stream to multiple networks give it an advantage over most competitors, and might make it more appealing to a larger audience.

You can find more information and pre-order a pair for yourself on the Ace Eyewear website. Delivery is planned for summer 2018.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

ACE Eyewear are $100 social-media connected camera sunglasses

11 Jan

A button at the top of the glasses starts recording and a built-in microphone takes care of the sound.

You can find more information and pre-order a pair for yourself on the Ace Eyewear website. Delivery is planned for summer 2018.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

Sony Xperia XA2 and XA 2 Ultra put high-end camera tech in mid-range phones

10 Jan

Most mobile manufacturers tend to unveil new flagship smartphones at or around MWC in February or IFA in September, but occasionally interesting mid-rangers pop up at CES as well. That’s the case with the Sony Xperia XA2 and XA2 Ultra devices, which were just launched this morning at the Las Vegas show.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 630 chipset and sporting 1080p Full-HD displays, the new devices fit squarely in the mid-range bracket of the market, and yet they boast a lot of camera technology from the Japanese manufacturer’s high-end Xperia XZ flagship models, making them an appealing option for mobile photographers who can do without the most powerful processor or highest screen resolution.

Both models feature 1/2.3-inch 23MP Exmor RS sensors in the rear camera. The imager chip is coupled with an F2.0 aperture and the camera offers a 24mm equivalent focal length, phase detection autofocus, LED flash and 4K video recording. There’s also a 120 fps slow-motion mode; however, XA2 users will have to make do without the XZ models’ unique 1000 fps ultra-slow-motion feature. In typical Sony fashion, optical image stabilization has been omitted as well.

While the main cameras are identical on the standard XA2 and the Ultra model, there is a difference at the front. The XA2 features an 8MP camera with a 120° field of view, while the Ultra model features an additional stabilized 16MP camera with a 80° field of view, allowing users to easily switch between solo and group selfies. Other differences between the two models are pretty much limited to screen size (5.3-inch on the XA2 vs 6-inch on the Ultra) and battery (3200 mAh on the XA2 vs 3500 mAh on the Ultra).

The XA2 models will be available from February, and will retail at 350 Euros (~$ 420 USD) for the standard XA2 and 450 Euros (~$ 535 USD) for the Ultra—no word yet on official US pricing. To find out more about these phones or check out some image samples shot with the XA2 and XA2 Ultra, visit the Sony website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

Ricoh courts developers with plug-in program for the Theta V 360 camera

10 Jan

DPReview Ricoh Theta V hands-on photo. Credit: Jeff Keller.

Ricoh has just announced a so-called Partner Program for the 360° Ricoh Theta V. Taking advantage of the fact that the Theta V runs the Android operating system, Ricoh is setting up a program that will allow developers to create plug-ins specifically tailored to the camera.

The idea is actually kind of brilliant, as DPReview’s own Dale Baskin explains:

This is interesting because most consumer-grade 360° cameras really don’t do anything unique. What makes them useful is the software (which is why I really liked the Rylo). I think Ricoh is smart to open their platform up to developers as someone may come up with a really interesting feature that could potentially drive sales of the hardware.

What we’re not clear on is to what degree developers will be able to create features from scratch, given that Ricoh uses the word “plug-in” to describe what they’ll be creating. The Partner Program graphic Ricoh released isn’t much help in that department either:

“Based on the Android operating system, the RICOH THETA V provides a user-friendly way for third-parties to not only create apps and software that extend and enhance the capabilities of 360-degree imaging but also new features and functionality for the camera itself,” reads Ricoh’s announcement. “These can include customized capabilities that enhance the RICOH THETA V’s use for specialty applications and in vertical markets.”

The first step is to give developers access to the Theta V API and SDK. And once the apps and plug-ins start flowing, Ricoh will make them available for download through “an online RICOH THETA V partner marketplace where plug-ins can be uploaded and shared.”

We consider this a step in the right direction for Ricoh, and a good reason to keep an eye on the Theta V in the weeks and months to come. The Partner Program is set to launch in Spring of 2018, at which point Ricoh hopes the Theta V will become “a constantly evolving product.”

Press Release

Ricoh announces Plug-in Partner Program for RICOH THETA V

Launching spring 2018, initiative includes an online marketplace where third parties can upload and share their Android-based plug-ins for the popular consumer 360-degree camera

LAS VEGAS (CES 2018, South Plaza, Booth #64704), January 8, 2018 – Ricoh today announced the RICOH THETA V Partner Program, which will launch in spring 2018.

The new program will support third-party developers interested in creating their own Android™-based plug-ins for the RICOH THETA V, the top-of-the-line Ricoh 360-degree camera capable of capturing fully-spherical photos and 4K video. The program will be featured at CES 2018, where attendees will be able to get a hands on experience creating their own plug-in, resulting in the creation of a new feature for the RICOH THETA V camera.

Based on the Android operating system, the RICOH THETA V provides a user-friendly way for third-parties to not only create apps and software that extend and enhance the capabilities of 360-degree imaging but also new features and functionality for the camera itself. These can include customized capabilities that enhance the RICOH THETA V’s use for specialty applications and in vertical markets. As part of the program, Ricoh is making available the RICOH THETA V’s application program interface (API) and software development kit (SDK) and will provide tools and guidance to support plug-in development. It will also open an online RICOH THETA V partner marketplace, where plug-ins can be uploaded and shared.

A unique plug-in preinstalled in the RICOH THETA V enables “Remote Playback,”^*1 which makes it possible, using a compatible wireless display adapter, to mirror playback of 360-degree still images and video data stored on the camera on a large screen monitor.

“By opening the platform for application development, we are enabling the RICOH THETA V to be a constantly evolving product. For this reason, we are very excited about the new partner program,” said Wataru Ohtani, Corporate Associate Vice President and General Manager of Smart Vision Business Group, Ricoh Company Ltd. “The RICOH THETA V Plug-in Partner Program will enable third-party companies and developers to create custom features and services. Our goal is for consumers and businesses alike to benefit from RICOH THETA V and to become a standard platform for the 360-degree imagery.”

When launched in 2013, the RICOH THETA was the world’s first 360-degree^*2, single-shot camera, enabling users to express themselves in new and unique ways. 360-degree still photos and videos redefined photography by giving the viewer the ability to control what he or she sees in a scene. In addition, the resulting 360-degree images were easily shared with others, allowing them to virtually experience a scene as if they were there.

Today, the RICOH THETA cameras are being used for a broad range of consumer and business applications, ranging from documenting vacation memories to photojournalism, law enforcement, real estate listings and virtual tours, and much more.

*1. Other devices are required, including the separate wireless display adapter.
*2. In the consumer products category, a camera capable of capturing fully spherical scenes surrounding the user in one shot. (as of October, 2013 investigated by Ricoh)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

Review – Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

10 Jan

I love to hike. I love to head out into the backcountry, and I regularly take my camera gear with me. Funnily enough, my first article here on dPS discussed just this fact. So it seems rather fitting that I got to review the Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag.

The opportunity to review the bag was also timely because I’m currently in the market for a new backpack and had been looking at several brands before the arrival of this Shimoda pack.

Review - Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The view from my hike. I love this area of Ontario, Canada.

The Shimoda Explore 40 pack is designed to be used as a daypack. It’s not meant to be used for weeklong treks into the wilderness with your camera gear.

If you’re looking for a pack to suit those needs, Shimoda makes the Explore 60 which more resembles a trekking bag. It’s similar to my 55 L Vaude Bag but it’s designed to hold camera gear whereas my Vaude bag was designed solely to carry backpacking gear. That doesn’t mean I haven’t adapted the bag to carry my camera gear, but it’s nice to have something designed specifically for photographers.

Here’s the complete Shimoda Explore 40 kit.

The Material

Here’s a close up of the material. It’s smooth, not rough like my other bags.

The first thing I noticed about the pack was the material. It is distinctly different from the material of my other bags. I took the Shimoda Explore 40 out of the packaging and was surprised by the feel and texture. It’s a smoother surface that is deceptive at first.

I am used to a bag that has a sort of canvas type material that feels rough like an old tent. At first touch, I was a bit sceptical about the durability of this material. I needed time to get used to the differences. The material is, in fact, double-resin coated nylon. It does not feel like the material of my Vaude hiking pack or my Lowepro Backpack.

I tested it in my kitchen sink. The water easily beaded on the material and rolled off without soaking through. The zippers are also water-resistant. The Explore 40 does not come with a rain cover, though. Most of the time you won’t need one but to be on the safe side, there’s plenty of room to pack a generic rain cover, just in case.

Here’s a close-up of the zippers with leather pulls. You’ll notice they are heavy-duty, not likely to break.

The Structure

The Shimoda Explore 40 is very well constructed of a heavy-duty material and also comes with a reinforced frame. Shimoda has inserted aluminum rods into the frame of the pack to help it maintain its shape and durability. I like the structure of the bag and how truly sturdy it feels.

The Core Units

I packed the core unit just to see how everything fit. Later, I changed the configuration for my hike as I didn’t take my extension tubes or the flash components.

The Shimoda Explore 40 is designed for lighter travel. It comes with two small core units as well as a medium sized one. The units are strong and durable. The dividers are easy to use and configure to the needs of your camera gear. I was able to remove pieces and reposition them quickly and easily without the Velcro becoming stuck to the sides and annoying me.

The camera gear is quite safe within the core units. They are designed to protect the gear and cushion items from the bumps and bangs that often occur when out on the trail. On my hike, I slipped down a rocky section of the trail and landed at the bottom of a steep hill. My gear was safe and secure within the core unit.

This is the interior of the small core unit.

The two smaller core units come with a very basic strap that allows you to turn the unit into a shoulder bag for carrying around one or two lenses and a camera body. But the strap isn’t designed for all day walking through a city.

I could see the bag possibly digging into my shoulder if I were to use it to peruse a city with my camera for 8 hours. The unit is designed more for quick jaunts around the campsite or for short walks.

The inserts are very sturdy and I found the tapered edges made it easier to configure the unit for my camera gear.

Storage within the Bag

Here’s a shot of the front compartment. I stuffed a trail guide in here.

The Shimoda Explore 40 is designed to hold more than just camera gear. I was able to pack food items as well as a water bottle. If need be the Explore 40 is equipped to carry a water bladder and hose. For this trip, I chose to take a small mug and water purifying drops, so I didn’t test out the water bladder compartment.

The bag comes equipped with tons of pockets. I was able to store my lunch, extra socks, my phone, a map, a rain cover, mug, and extra mittens within the pack. There was certainly room for more gear inside the pack.

The outer straps allow you to attach items to the exterior of the pack. You could choose to carry a small tent at the bottom of the bag.

The bag is pretty spacious when opened.

The bag also comes equipped with a sleeve in which you can fit a 13” laptop. The padding of the back panel would protect the laptop from any bumps or bangs that might cause possible damage to the gear.

The Shoulder Straps

The pack comes with several different adjustable should heights. I put the bag on the smallest setting. To give you an idea I am 165cm (5’5″) tall.

The pack fit nicely on my torso at the smallest setting. The hip belt rested just above my hip bones, and the adjustable straps allowed me to set the shoulders comfortably so that I felt no strain and carried the majority of the weight on my waist.

The last thing you want is a bag that places most of the stress on your shoulders, and by the end of the day, you’re regretting your decision to take your gear.

There are four different settings for the height of the torso.

My one complaint about the strap configuration has to do with the chest strap. It comes across the front and helps to keep the shoulder straps in place. This takes some strain off the top of the shoulders.

The issue is pretty much based on anatomy. The bag is designed as a unisex item. It does not take into consideration the female chest. Many women’s bags are designed so that this strap sits above the bust. I was able to slide the strap up somewhat but not enough to keep it from resting on the bust.

It’s a minor complaint that only female photographers will struggle to overcome. Believe me, we are used to this. It would be nice one day for someone to take the risk and design a camera bag specifically for the shape of a woman (hint, hint, Shimoda).

The bag sits comfortably on the body, even when you’re wearing a thick sweater.

Accessing Camera Gear

The Explore 40 comes equipped with both side and rear access to your camera gear. For my test hike, I used the medium core unit and tested out the rear access. It was easy to get to my camera and to switch lenses when needed.

The core unit easily held my 5D Mark III, a 70-200mm, a 16- 35mm and a 50mm prime lens. The side access works quite well also. At home, I inserted the small core unit and stuffed the bag with towels to hold it in place. It was easy to sling the bag sideways and remove my 70-200mm while it was attached to my camera body.

In Conclusion

Overall the bag is beautifully designed. I tested it on the Bruce Trail. It was a cold and rainy day. I completed a 15km hike over rough terrain. The design of the bag ensured it fit snuggly to my body. I didn’t ever feel burdened by the gear I was carrying.

The hard frame of the core unit did slightly dig into my lower back, but I was able to make a few adjustments to the straps and solved the issue. Over time I can see myself breaking some of the plastic clips, but this is pretty common in most bags. I have replaced the clips on my Vaude trekking bag on several occasions.

At the start of the trail with the Shimoda Explore 40 pack.

I wouldn’t use the Shimoda Explore 40 for long overnight hikes. The shoulder straps are not designed to carry the weight of camera gear plus all of the items necessary for a backcountry trip. Shimoda recommends their Explore 60 for those types of activities.

After looking on their website I discovered that they also offer a carry-on unit for planes as well as several accessory packs that can help make packing your gear easier to manage. I’ll be honest, I’m considering the carry-on the unit. The core units fit into this bag, so it’s easy to transfer items from carry-on to your pack once you arrive at your destination. I like this feature an awful lot. It would have helped me out a great deal last year during my trips.

The straps are comfortable and durable but definitely designed as a daypack. I’m told the Explore 60 has much heftier straps for longer hikes.

See the bag overview in this video:
?

Shimoda recently completely a Kickstarter campaign. Check them out and see what you think of their products.

The post Review – Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag by Erin Fitzgibbon appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School

Comments Off

Posted in Photography

Sony announces Camera Control Box CCB-WD1 for wired RX0 control

09 Jan

The wired control accessory that Sony promised for the RX0 has arrived, as well as PlayMemories Mobile app update to enable more wireless control options. The CCB-WD1 Camera Control Box allows for more precise synchronization of multi-camera setups ideal for VR capture, and can be used to create effects like ‘bullet time.’

The Camera Control Box offers Video Sync for frame-by-frame synchronization between cameras, as well as Time Code sync. Computers running Windows 7/8.1/10 and Macs running OS X 10.11/10.12-10.13 can connect to the Control Box via a web browser where cameras can be named and monitored, and settings can be adjusted. Filenames can be modified to include the camera name which should help streamline post-processing workflow and avoid overwritten files. Multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and Camera Control Boxes allow for up to 100 units in total.

The PlayMemories Mobile v6.2 update allows ‘up to 50’ RX0 units to be controlled wirelessly by way of a router. The new app version also provides a list view of all connected cameras, the ability to simultaneously turn all cameras on and off via Bluetooth, and the ability to control cameras by group.

PlayMemories Mobile 6.2 will be released on January 30th. Camera Control Box pre-sales start January 9th at 11am PT, and it will sell for $ 700.

Press Release

Sony Announces New Expanded Multi-View Shooting Capabilities for the Compact RX0 Camera

New Wired and Wireless Multi-Camera Solutions Enable More Flexibility and Creativity

LAS VEGAS, Jan 8, 2018 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today announced new wired and wireless multi-camera solutions for the versatile RX0 that enable more flexibility, creativity and operability for today’s creators.

The RX0, introduced late this past fall, brings the advanced imaging quality of Sony’s acclaimed RX camera lineup to a robust, waterproof¹, ultra-compact body measuring approximately 2 3/8 in. x 1.5/8 in x 1 3/16 in (WxHxD)² and weighing just 3.9 oz³. The miniature dimensions and all-around versatility of the new camera make it a powerful tool when used either as a single unit or when combined together with additional RX0 cameras in multi-angle, multi-view shooting situations. For flexible mounting options in tight spaces, the camera features a complete symmetrical lens position and an image flip function, adding to its wide range of creative potential.

The compact RX0 camera offers two different types of solutions for multiple camera shooting and control, including a wired solution for precisely accurate camera synchronization and control, and a wireless solution for added convenience and flexibility.

New RX0 Wired Multi-View Shooting with Camera Control Box

Sony has announced a new accessory Camera Control Box (model CCB-WD1) that connects to the RX0⁴ and enables PC control with web browser⁵ via wired IP (internet protocol) connection. By converting control signal to IP, camera settings can be reliably controlled⁶ from a single PC from any location. A wired connection also allows for much seamless control and synchronization of multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and Camera Control Boxes – up to 100 units⁷ in total – enabling creators to produce high quality movie effects like “bullet-time” or virtual reality, or to shoot high profile events from unique angles.

When using multiple pairs of RX0 cameras and camera control boxes, settings of all connected cameras can be changed simultaneously, and can be triggered to all start/stop recording at the same time. Additionally, a video sync function is also available, allowing frame timing to be synchronized between all connected cameras. This reduces any time gaps between cameras and supports the process of stitching multiple images together to create special effects.

Files can also be transferred directly to the connected PC⁸, with the ability to assign and change file names to avoid any confusion when dealing with multiple cameras. In total, up to 100⁷ separate RX0 cameras and CCB-WD1 Camera Control Boxes can be linked together for a live-view multi-camera feed. Additionally, via Camera Control Box, shooting settings and modes for all connected cameras can be easily programmed by the user.

The new CCB-WD1 Camera Control Box will ship next month for about $ 700 US or $ 900 CA.

Improved Wireless Multi-View Shooting with New PlayMemories™ Mobile Application

Sony’s latest version 6.2 of its PlayMemories Mobile application expands the multi-camera control capabilities when paired with the RX0⁴. With the new version of the mobile application, users will be able to link their smartphone or tablet to up to 50 RX0 cameras via an access point⁹ to control them simultaneously¹⁰. In addition to the current ability to change key camera settings, all connected cameras can be turned ON/OFF together¹¹, and users have the ability to control and shoot by separately assigned camera ‘groups’.

The new PlayMemories Mobile application version 6.2 will be available this month.

1. Compliant with JIS/IEC protection levels (based on Sony tests). Shooting in depths of up to 10 meters (33 ft) is possible for up to 60 minutes (JIS: Japan Industrial Standards; IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission). Depending on usage conditions and circumstances, no guarantee is made regarding damage to, malfunction of, or waterproof performance of this camera

2. Approximate dimensions

3. Approximate weight with battery and media included

4. System software update for RX0 (scheduled in January 2018) is required

5. Recommended computer environment
OS: Windows 7/Windows 8.1/Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.11/macOS 10.12-10.13
Web browser: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari

6. Use only in a network environment with security measures

7. Depending on the specifications of the equipment to be used, the number of devices that can be connected will change. Up to 100 units connection have been tested (based on Sony tests)

8. Up to 4 GB per file can be transferred

9. Depending on the specifications of the access point, smartphone, tablet to be used, the radio wave environment of the installation location, the number of devices that can be connected will change. Up to 50 units connection have been tested (based on Sony tests)

10. Use only on Wi-Fi connection with security measures

11. Bluetooth connection required. Depending on the specifications of smartphone, tablet to be used, the number of devices that can be controlled will change.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

Insta360 unveils new, 4K capable Nano S 360-degree camera for iPhone

09 Jan

Insta360 is a company known for its affordable, consumer 360-degree camera dongles. The Insta360 One and Air are its current models for iPhone and Android, respectively, but the camera started out with the iPhone-only Nano in 2016. For CES, Insta360 has now launched an upgraded Nano S that keeps the original model’s form factor, so accessories can still be used, but comes with upgraded interior components.

Compared to the original Nano, video capture has been bumped from 3K to 4K resolution and stills are now captured at a whopping 20MP, a nice step up from the previous 4.6MP stills. In addition, you can now choose between a matte black and silver version.

The Nano S doesn’t just provide higher resolution recording, though, it also comes with a couple of new features. MultiView Shooting allows you to output conventional video footage with two or three camera angles, and 360-degree Video Chat gives any recipient a live 360-degree spherical view of the caller’s location, even without using the Insta360 app, the caller simply needs to share a link.

A foldable stand for easy video calls or 360-degree selfies comes included in the package.

The Insta 360 Nano S is available order now for $ 240. To learn more, head over to the Insta360 website or check out the intro video above.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

DJI announces Osmo 2 Mobile smartphone camera gimbal

08 Jan

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4971836392″,”galleryId”:”4971836392″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

DJI has announced the Osmo Mobile 2, an updated version of its popular Osmo Mobile camera gimbal for smartphones. Though visually similar to the original model, the Osmo Mobile 2 adds some useful new features along with a more attractive price point.

The biggest change most users will notice right away is that the Osmo 2 Mobile no longer uses interchangeable batteries. DJI claims the new built-in battery will provide enough power for up to 15 hours of filming, which is probably more than most peoples’ arms will endure over the course of a day. Additionally, a new USB port enables the phone to charge off the internal battery while in use, preventing battery drain while filming, and can also be used as a power bank to charge other electronics.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the new Osmo Mobile 2 is a lower price: it will retail for $ 129, significantly less than the $ 299 price point of the original model

The new model also supports shooting in portrait orientation – perfect for people who want to create content that will primarily be consumed on mobile devices. It also includes a 1/4″ universal screw mount, making it possible to mount the Osmo Mobile 2 on a tripod or attach other accessories.

In addition to existing software features like ActiveTrack and time-lapse modes, DJI has added a hyper-lapse feature, as well as a zoom slider on the handle that will allow users to simulate the effects of a dolly zoom.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the new Osmo Mobile 2 is a lower price: it will retail for $ 129, significantly less than the $ 299 price point of the original model. It will be available for pre-order exclusively at Apple.com beginning on January 23, and directly from DJI and other authorized resellers beginning in early February.

If you’re attending CES 2018 in Las Vegas and want to try the Osmo 2 Mobile in person, DJI will be offering free daily ‘rentals’ of the device to attendees.

Press release:

DJI Reveals New Handheld Camera Stabilizers At CES 2018

A Redesigned Osmo Mobile 2 Turns Smartphones Into Smart Steadycams and Ronin-S Becomes DJI’s First Single-Handed Stabilizer for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

January 7, 2018 – DJI, the world’s leader in creative camera technology, introduced two new handheld camera stabilizers at CES 2018 – Osmo Mobile 2 and Ronin-S. Built for smartphones, DSLRs, and mirrorless camera systems, they give consumers, professional videographers and photographers new tools to capture smooth, steady videos and stunning photos wherever they go.

Osmo Mobile 2: The handheld smartphone camera stabilizer from DJI, redesigned for the storyteller in all of us. Using a lightweight design that supports portrait orientation, with simpler controls with cinematic zoom, a longer battery life for more filming, and intelligent features to help you share a professional-looking story wherever you go.
Ronin-S: DJI’s first single-handed stabilizer for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras. Built for efficient setup and ease of use with a compact form and dedicated buttons to control camera settings and precise positioning, plus intelligent features for advanced shooting modes all designed to help bring a steady shot to any set.

“With the introduction of these two stabilizers, DJI now offers gimbal technology to help unlock the creative storyteller in everyone no matter what camera they’re using,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Osmo Mobile 2 offers the best in smartphone stabilization at an affordable price, and Ronin-S brings the quality of DJI’s professional gimbal technology to a new form factor that is perfect for run-and-gun filming using your favorite DSLR or mirrorless camera system.”

Osmo Mobile 2 – Redesigned for the Storyteller in All of Us

Osmo Mobile 2 is a smartphone camera stabilizer that captures smooth videos and high-definition panoramas with cinematic movement and incredible ease. DJI’s industry-leading three-axis gimbal technology cancels out movement in three directions so your video stays steady even if your hands shake or wobble, while DJI’s built in SmoothTrack technology detects and compensates for your movement of the camera to ensure a smooth cinematic shot every time.

Designed to be lightweight and portable, Osmo Mobile 2 is made from high-strength modified nylon and features a folding design that makes it perfect for all-day use. The two-way mobile clamp lets you easily pivot between landscape and portrait orientation so that you can chose the most engaging full-screen format for your audience. In addition, a 1/4” universal screw mount ensures compatibility with your favorite photography accessories, making Osmo Mobile 2 more versatile than ever.

Simpler controls let you use your phone’s camera like a professional camera with integrated settings for ISO, shutter speed and more. A new zoom slider lets you completely operate your smartphone camera from the handle and you can even produce dolly zoom, a visual effect usually created only on professional film sets.

A more powerful built-in battery system lets you film for up to 15 hours, over three times longer than the original Osmo Mobile’s battery. The new USB port enables phone charging during use and serves as a power bank for charging other electronics while on the go.

Smart software in the DJI GO mobile app unlocks intelligent photo and video features that help you create professional-looking content automatically. Videographers can use modes including ActiveTrack to automatically follow of subjects in motion, Motion Timelapse with up to five different camera positions, Hyperlapse to create dramatic time-lapse videos with the camera in motion, or stream live to popular social platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Photographers can expand their creativity with options such as Panorama, Long Exposure and LightTrail modes.

Ronin-S – Bring a Steady Shot to Any Set

Ronin-S is DJI’s first single-handed stabilizer for DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. Available in two frame sizes for either camera type, DJI’s powerful three-axis gimbal technology delivers smooth, shake-free video and crisp photos, adding a cinematic and professional look to your work.

Powerful high-torque motors support the most popular camera and lens combinations including the Canon 5D, Panasonic GH and Sony Alpha systems. Its stabilization system compensates for zoom lenses with higher magnification ratios and an external zooming barrel, while its advanced stabilization algorithms work with both in-camera and in-lens optical stabilization technology.

Capturing stabilized video has never been easier because Ronin-S was designed for easy setup and use. A new Push mode lets you adjust the pan and tilt axis by hand while the Ronin-S is powered on and axis locks speed up the setup process so you can spend more time filming and less time prepping your gear. Ronin-S has a comfortable, ergonomic curved design that helps capture smooth cinematic movements from upright to underslung positions without obstructing the camera’s display. Ronin-S also features DJI’s intelligent battery technology that can be hot-swapped during operation for extended shoots.*

Dedicated control buttons for the camera and gimbal let you toggle between SmoothTrack settings, record and stop the camera, and the high-precision joystick changes the camera position to help frame your shot perfectly. A new Sport mode allows for fast movements with tight and quick subject following speed.

Harness intelligent shooting modes on Ronin-S through the DJI Ronin mobile app to create complex camera moves automatically like Panorama, Hyperlapse, Track and CamAnchor that lets you designate specific camera positions in a scene and rotate between them on demand. Directly customize SmoothTrack settings with dedicated controls for responsiveness of each axis. Camera settings can be directly adjusted as well.**

Ronin-S is compatible with a variety of DJI Pro Accessories to capture any scene and expand your creative freedom on set or location. Supported accessories include a Focus Control Center consisting of a focusing dial and a screen allowing advanced gimbal and focus control without a mobile device, a vehicle mount solution, DJI Master Force, DJI Master Wheels, an external focus motor, and a cheese plate adapter so you can use your favorite third-party accessories. A dual-handle support will also be available for when an added level of comfort and stability is required.

Price and Availability

Osmo Mobile 2 retails for $ 129 USD and will be available exclusively for pre-order at Apple.com on January 23, 2018. Starting in early February, it will also be available at store.dji.com, DJI Flagship Stores, and DJI Authorized Retailers, with additional availability later in February at Apple Stores in select regions worldwide. For more information on all the new features and capabilities of Osmo Mobile 2, please visit www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-2.

Ronin-S will be available in the second quarter of 2018 from dji.com, DJI Flagship Stores, DJI Authorized Retail Stores, and DJI Resellers worldwide***. Pricing will be announced prior to availability. Additional information on Ronin-S can be found at www.dji.com/ronin-s.

?Osmo Shield for Osmo Mobile

Osmo Shield is a coverage plan that extends the warranty of any Osmo series product by one additional year, including accidental hardware damage coverage, that covers up to one free replacement and provides repair solutions for two years. Osmo Shield is currently available in select countries, including China, the United States, and Canada.

Photos and Videos Available for Download

Osmo Mobile 2 photos: http://bit.ly/2CGwrPf

Ronin-S photos: http://bit.ly/2lXk4E8

DJI at CES 2018

Visit the DJI booth at CES to see the new Osmo Mobile 2 and Ronin-S, and experience the entire DJI product portfolio of camera drones and image stabilization systems. Onsite activities and promotion for CES attendees at the DJI booth include:

Rent an Osmo Mobile 2 for free each day
Compete in DJI’s daily flight simulator challenge to win a DJI Spark Fly More Combo
Register to enter a daily raffle for Ronin-S and receive a $ 100 USD discount coupon

DJI’s main booth is located in the Las Vegas Convention Center South Hall, Level 2, booth #26002. Drone flight demos will also take place at DJI’s booth in the Central Hall, booth #14710T.

*Can be utilized with dual-handheld accessory as well

**For supported camera models

***The Ronin-S products shown at CES 2018 are prototypes and the final specs and features may vary

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

Comments Off

Posted in Uncategorized

4 Great Pieces of Camera Equipment to Help You Get Creative

08 Jan

A great way to broaden your horizons in photography is to try out something new. In some cases, that will be a different technique, and in others, this will be using new gear. In this article, you will see four different kinds of camera equipment to help you get creative.

The obvious new gear for you as a photographer is a new lens. But there are other options though, and these will be explored in this article. Of course, it’s not the best idea to get new equipment until you have thoroughly mastered what you already own. But there comes a time when further growth needs some investment. Luckily there are options for all budgets, and there are so many items to explore.

4 Great Pieces of Camera Equipment to Help You Get Creative

The tripod is my number one pick for camera equipment to get creative.

1 – Is the tripod the best camera equipment to get creative?

What the best purchase you’ll ever make as a photographer? If you were to say a tripod you’d not be far off, as bang for your buck this is the best value piece of equipment you can buy. Once you have learned to properly master the various techniques that a tripod opens up for you, it will be a permanent fixture in your bag.

With such an important item it’s worth spending a little more money to get good quality one, and it’s still great value for the creativity this will then offer. So what kind of photographic opportunities does having a tripod open up?

For this photo, I used an ND1000 filter, which allowed long enough exposure to capture motion in the sky.

Self-portrait – If you want professional level portraits, ditch the selfie stick and use a tripod. This will allow you to join group photos with your friends. Setting the camera on a tripod, and using the camera’s self-timer will allow you to put yourself in the frame.
Bracketing your photos – This means setting your camera up to take three or more photos in rapid fire. These photos will usually be one exposure value apart, so typically -1, 0 and +1 EV. This will allow you to experiment with HDR photography or the more advanced skill of digital blending.
Long exposure – Any kind of long exposure needs a good quality tripod. There are so many options available to you once you are exposing for one second or longer. Long exposure is the subject of multiple articles, examples of the types of photographs you can take are; Infrared, Astro-photography, light painting and long exposures of moving water.
A light stand – A tripod can double as a light stand when using strobes. Using off-camera flash is great for portrait photography, so this is yet another use for a tripod.

2 – Light up your world

A strobe combined with a radio trigger is a great creative tool.

As photography is the art of using light to create images, so the strobe is a very good piece of camera equipment to help you be creative. Take care to make sure the strobe is compatible with your camera, the wrong brand can fry the electronics in your camera.

If you are wishing for the best value you can look at the second-hand market, as getting more than one strobe will give you many more options. The title here is lighting gear, as a strobe on its own won’t give you maximum creativity. The purchase of radio triggers and receivers, for doing off-camera flash is also a great idea.

The use of color gels in this photo adds more interest to this portrait.

Tips for using flash

Enhance those details – Use a strobe (speedlight) to light a surface such as bank notes, or a brick wall. With the light coming in from the side you will get a lot more texture and detail in your photo.
Throw shadows – Use your strobe to throw scary shadows, for the night is dark and full of terrors! Alternatively, you could make a heart shape from a ring, by placing it on a book.
See the world in color – The addition of color gels to the front of your flash can make for some nice creative photography. How about experimenting with complementary (opposite) colors? This can work nicely for portrait photos, or you can use the gels to color a background wall.
Studio level photos – This is an entire genre and whether you’re interested in portrait photos, or still life photography you could do a lot worse than checking out the strobist.

Do you want something to go with your lighting gear that’s travel size? The Rogue Flashbender is a great off-camera lighting accessory that works both as a soft-box, and as a snoot.

3 – Get that creative filter on

There are so many filters to choose from, and they are among the most affordable pieces of camera gear.

Prior to Instagram adding a filter to your photo meant adding something to the front of your lens. This is really camera gear to get creative with. Let’s take a look at some of the most important lens filters you can use in photography.

Circular Polarizing Filter – This is often referred to as a CPL. This has the effect of polarizing the light, so only light from one direction enters the camera. This can be used to either enhance reflections or eliminate them from reflective surfaces such as water. The CPL will also give color images more punch, and on cloudy days you can adjust the filter by rotating it and see the clouds pop out of the frame.
Neutral Density Filters – As above, these are commonly referred to in shorthand as ND filters. They have the effect of reducing the amount of light coming into the camera. This is useful when you wish to use a large aperture on a bright sunny day. The filters come in gradients, typically ND2, ND4, and ND8. ND2 is the weakest of these filters. At the more extreme end of the scale are filters like the ND110, or even the ND1000 (10-stops). These more extreme filters are used by landscape photographers for daytime long exposures.
Graduated filters – The most common of these are the graduated ND filters, used by landscape photographers to balance the light across the frame. The next most common in this category are sunset filters, that color half the sky in a specific color such as orange or red.
The best of the rest – Black and white film photographers will often use red, orange, or yellow filters to enhance the contrast in their scene. Another popular type of filter is the starburst, that makes light sources appear like stars.

Infrared photography can be great fun to experiment with.

4 – Specialist camera equipment

In addition to the above, there is some very good niche specific camera equipment to get creative with. These will allow you to take outstanding images, with the effect produced in camera.

The Pixelstick – This is a great tool for light painting that will take your photos to a different level. This allows you to fully control the light that’s emitted, and even program in your own patterns. The cheaper variant is to use a glow stick, or fairy lights attached to a stick. The ability to fully program the light source though makes the pixelstick a creative beast.
A glass ball – A personal favorite of mine is the glass ball. This can be used for refraction photography and could be referred to as an external lens optic that you carry around with you. If you think of this as a lens, it’s, without a doubt, the cheapest lens you’ll ever buy. Those that want to learn more can read my previous article on this, or perhaps follow the links in my bio below.
The dripkit – Have you ever tried your hand and water drop photography? If you haven’t you really should, it’s a ton of fun. The next level up here is the dripkit, which allows you to control every aspect of these types of photo. With the dripkit, you can now create some out of this world splash photography. Truly this is a camera equipment accessory to get creative.

This photo of Boston was taken through a glass ball.

Which gear is most interesting to you?

There are so many choices when it comes to camera equipment to help you get creative. The choice of gear you use is down to personal taste.

Here at dPS, we would love to hear your experiences. Have you tried any of the above pieces of equipment? Is there any other gear you’ve used that’s not mentioned here, something that really took your photography in a new direction? Let’s hear from you whether you’ve already tried any of these, or if you are thinking about taking the plunge.

This photo was taken in a single frame. The strobe was used to throw a self-portrait shadow on the wall. The tripod was used as this is a long exposure, also freeing me up to both light paint, and be in the frame. Finally, the light painting was produced using a pixelstick.

The post 4 Great Pieces of Camera Equipment to Help You Get Creative by Simon Bond appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School

Comments Off

Posted in Photography

360Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

CIPA’s November numbers show the digital camera market’s continuing decline

ACE Eyewear are social-media connected camera sunglasses

ACE Eyewear are $100 social-media connected camera sunglasses

Sony Xperia XA2 and XA 2 Ultra put high-end camera tech in mid-range phones

Ricoh courts developers with plug-in program for the Theta V 360 camera

Ricoh announces Plug-in Partner Program for RICOH THETA V

Review – Shimoda Explore 40 Camera Adventure Bag

The Material

The Structure

The Core Units

Storage within the Bag

The Shoulder Straps

Accessing Camera Gear

In Conclusion

Sony announces Camera Control Box CCB-WD1 for wired RX0 control

Sony Announces New Expanded Multi-View Shooting Capabilities for the Compact RX0 Camera

Insta360 unveils new, 4K capable Nano S 360-degree camera for iPhone

DJI announces Osmo 2 Mobile smartphone camera gimbal

DJI Reveals New Handheld Camera Stabilizers At CES 2018

4 Great Pieces of Camera Equipment to Help You Get Creative

1 – Is the tripod the best camera equipment to get creative?

2 – Light up your world

Tips for using flash

3 – Get that creative filter on

4 – Specialist camera equipment

Which gear is most interesting to you?

Pages

Archives

Categories