360Photography

Tag: conventional

  • X-tra promises a fresh take on the conventional camera battery with its innovative offering

    Camera batteries are difficult to get excited about, but they are a critical part of any camera kit. Sure, they come in different shapes and sizes, but they’re basically all functionally identical. A new Kickstarter project hopes to change this by improving upon the conventional camera battery. The X-tra battery promises increased capacity, improved usability, and quite simply, a better user experience for photographers and videographers on the go.

    For many photographers, particularly those using mirrorless cameras with smaller batteries and larger power consumption, it’s a foregone conclusion that you need to carry extra batteries. Keeping your charged and empty batteries organized and swapping out batteries is an inconvenience. The X-tra battery aims to reduce the hassle by delivering an increased capacity of 3,700 mAh, including a built-in charge level indicator, reducing the time it takes to swap out batteries and allowing for easy recharging, even while shooting. The 3,700 mAh capacity is about twice that of a Canon LP-E6 battery.

    X-tra battery diagram and physical features

    To use the X-tra battery, you must remove the battery slot door on your camera, as the X-tra battery is larger than standard batteries. The tradeoff here is that you get an extra area to grip your camera, plus you have access to the X-tra battery’s quick-release system. Of course, it’s possible that the overhanging portion of the battery will impact your ability to use existing tripod plates and other accessories. To remove the X-tra battery, you simply push in and it slides out. To install a new X-tra battery, just pop into place.

    To check the capacity of the X-tra battery, you press and hold the button on the bottom of the battery. There are four illuminated indicators, signaling the level of charge remaining in the battery. This is great if you want to check an X-tra battery’s life without inserting it into your camera and check the remaining battery life. If you need to power your camera for an extended period, such as when shooting timelapse video, you can use the X-tra’s included USB-C port.

    The X-tra battery includes many features not found in traditional camera batteries.

    There is also an included X-tra Charging Case. This case allows you to quickly charge the X-tra battery via USB-C. Further, when you put an X-tra battery inside this case, you can use the battery as a power bank.

    Given its design, the X-tra is not universally compatible with all cameras. You can view the full compatibility below. As you can see, the X-tra will work with numerous Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras, including both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. The team will update the final compatibility list before the campaign ends in a little under a month.

    Current X-tra compatibility chart. Click to enlarge.

    The X-tra has already eclipsed its Kickstarter campaign goals. The product is expected to begin shipping in March 2021. As of writing, you can pledge $ 99 USD to receive an X-tra and the charging case. $ 188 will net you an additional battery and case. Additional combos are also available to backers. The planned MSRP for the X-tra is $ 145 per battery/case combo. For more information and to make your own pledge, visit the X-tra Kickstarter campaign.

    Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Toshiba unveils world’s first 14TB conventional magnetic hard drive

    Toshiba has unveiled what it claims is the first ever Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) Hard Drive (HDD) with a massive 14TB capacity. This drive, which is billed as a model for enterprise use, boasts nine disks and a helium-sealed design, 3.5in form factor, 7200rpm speed, and a 6Gbit/s SATA interface.

    Toshiba announced the new drive, which is part of the new MG07ACA series, last week alongside a smaller 12TB 8-disk model. Both hard drives boast a lower operating power profile than the previously launched MG06ACA series, according to Toshiba, as well as better storage density.

    The 14TB drive in particular offers a greater than 50% improvement in power efficiency versus the 10TB MG06ACA version. Conventional magnetic recording drives such as these are faster than similar models that use shingled magnetic recording tech.

    Talking about the new MG07ACA series, IDC’s HDD Research VP John Rydning said:

    Toshiba’s new helium-sealed enterprise HDD is the world’s first 14TB of storage capacity using conventional rather than shingled magnetic recording technology, giving enterprise customers the highest capacity HDD available in the market today for existing server and storage system architectures.

    Consumers interested in this new enterprise series will need to contact Toshiba directly for purchase information, but as 4K and even 8K video becomes standard, ultra-high capacity enterprise drives like this might not be limited to traditional ‘enterprise’ users for long…

    Press Release

    Toshiba Launches World’s First 14TB HDD with Conventional Magnetic Recording

    The 14TB models use an innovative 9-disk, helium-sealed design to deliver massive capacity that fits into standard 3.5 inch SATA drive bays

    Irvine, CA – December 7, 2017 – Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation today announced the launch of the MG07ACA Series, the world’s first enterprise 14TB Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) HDD. Using a 9-disk, helium-sealed design, the new MG07ACA Series provides the power-efficient capacity and storage density needed by cloud-scale and enterprise storage solution providers to achieve their TCO objectives.

    “We have raised the bar with the new MG07ACA Series 9-disk helium-sealed design,” said Akitoshi Iwata, Vice President of Storage Products Division, Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage Corporation. “By utilizing an innovative design, we continue to improve the benefits that high-capacity disk storage can deliver to our broad global customer base.”

    The MG07ACA Series features both 14TB 9-disk and 12TB 8-disk models. The helium-sealed 3.5-inch mechanical design realizes better storage density and a lower HDD operating power profile than the previous MG06ACA Series for optimal TCO in cloud-scale infrastructures. The series also utilizes Toshiba Group’s laser welding technology to ensure the helium remains securely sealed inside the drive enclosure. The drives support a SATA 6Gbit/s interface and 7,200rpm access performance. The 9-disk 14TB models achieve a 40% increase in maximum capacity over previous MG06ACA 10TB models. Additionally, the 14TB models improve power efficiency by over 50% (W/GB).

    “Toshiba’s first helium-sealed nearline drive intercepts the market at a class-leading 14 TB capacity with CMR,” said John Chen, industry analyst at Trend Focus. “Its early time-to-market for this capacity positions the company well to meet the storage needs of large hyperscale and cloud companies. Additionally, the company’s choice of a 9-disk platform paves the way to achieving higher capacities in future product generations.”

    “While enterprise server and storage customers realize that shingled magnetic recording (SMR) technology can improve HDD capacity, the adoption of SMR HDD products into server and storage systems is a transition that will take several years,” said John Rydning, Research Vice President for hard disk drives at IDC. “Toshiba’s new helium-sealed enterprise HDD is the world’s first 14TB of storage capacity using conventional rather than shingled magnetic recording technology, giving enterprise customers the highest capacity HDD available in the market today for existing server and storage system architectures.”

    Sample deliveries of MG07ACA Series drives to customers sequentially begin today. For more information on our full line of HDD storage products, please visit: https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/us/product/storage-products/enterprise-hdd/mg07acaxxx.html.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Leica CL brings built-in viewfinder, conventional control layout to L lineup

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    Leica has just released the CL, the forth in its series of APS-C L-mount cameras. While it shares a name with a camera released in the mid-70s, the new CL is a thoroughly modern ILC, with a 24MP sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting and 4K/30p video capture.

    Compared to the TL2, the CL offer more conventional handling, including twin exposure dials, physical buttons for menu and playback, and a 4-way controller. It also features a high-resolution 2.36 million-dot EVF built in. Despite the more traditional ergonomics, the CL’s rear LCD is touch-sensitive, and supports swipe gestures for image navigation and mode switching.

    The CL is being launched alongside a new Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8. At just 20.5mm/0.8in in length, Leica calls the “smallest wide-angle APS-C pancake lens currently available in the market.”

    Pricing for the CL and the new 18mm follows below:

    • Body only, black anodized finish : $ 2,795.00
    • Leica CL Prime Kit with 18 mm : $ 3,795.00
    • Leica CL Vario Kit with 18-56 mm : $ 3,995.00
    • Elmarit-TL 18 F2.8 ASPH, black / silver anodized : $ 1,295.00

    Press release

    Leica Camera Unveils Expansion of its APS-C System with the New Leica CL and Smallest Wide-Angle APS-C Lens

    The new mirrorless camera and lens unite innovation, ease of use and compact design for exceptional visual storytelling

    November 21, 2017- Leica Camera unveils the latest addition to its APS-C system with the Leica CL, a new camera that boasts an exceptional balance of state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and intuitive, classic design to make it the ideal everyday companion, a perfect fit for all types of photography. With stunning image quality – even in low-light scenarios – new electronic viewfinder technology and superb video capabilities, the Leica CL is the ultimate tool to capture everyday moments, all customizable to the photographer’s style. Available on its own or in two new camera-and-lens kit options, the Leica CL makes it simple to incorporate the art of photography into one’s daily life.

    Alongside the Leica CL, the iconic photography brand is further diversifying the APS-C system’s portfolio of lenses by introducing the Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH., the smallest-in-class wide-angle lens with supreme imaging performance.

    Evolution of the Leica APS-C system portfolio
    With the launch of the Leica CL, the Leica APS-C System now encompasses two remarkable camera models, the Leica CL and the Leica TL2. In technical terms, the two cameras are equals, but retain stark differences in regards to their design and handling. The Leica CL reflects the traditions of Leica with its iconic industrial design, classic physical button controls and dials, while the Leica TL2 embodies a futuristic look, featuring a touchscreen and full-body aluminium. Coupled with the extensive portfolio of lenses, the Leica CL and Leica TL2 make for a formidable system portfolio offering an array of specialized and distinct photographic experiences.

    Introducing the Leica CL
    The Leica CL is rooted in Leica’s legacy, calling upon the brand’s heritage look with modern technical features. The instinctual and convenient design of the camera features a user-friendly handling concept, providing for an exceptionally intuitive tool whose compact size and light weight allow for maximum mobility. All essential controls are located on its top plate with just two dials for setting the aperture, shutter speed, ISO value, exposure compensation and shooting mode, for quick and intuitive handling. Keeping convenience at the forefront, all relevant shooting information is viewable on the small LCD screen atop the camera, instantly providing settings and exposure parameters at a glance.

    Another outstanding feature of the Leica CL is its built-in electronic viewfinder. With EyeRes® technology developed by Leica specifically for this camera, the viewfinder enables a top-tier viewing experience. Most notable among a number of advantages of the built-in EVF, is the ability to preview the brightness and color of the final image before the shutter release is fully depressed, allowing photographers to always be in control over the composition and exposure.

    Alongside an impeccable view of your subjects, the Leica CL offers best-in-class image quality. In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus system with 49 AF points guarantee brilliant photographs in all situations, including low-light scenes. In addition to being an impressive still-picture camera, the Leica CL also captures striking video at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

    Keeping connectivity as a top priority, the Leica CL is equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module allowing photographers to quickly and easily share their stunning photos and videos by email or on social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. The remote function of the app also provides the capability for mobile devices to be used as an off-camera remote viewfinder, allowing control of exposure parameters, including when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

    Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras, offering unparalleled creative flexibility and making the Leica CL one of the most versatile cameras in the Leica portfolio.

    New Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
    To complement the Leica APS-C system, Leica is expanding the impressive TL lens portfolio with a ground-breaking new lens. Compact and lightweight, the new Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. holds the title as the smallest wide-angle APS-C pancake lens currently available in the market. When mounted to the Leica CL, the camera and prime lens are small enough to fit into a coat pocket or small handbag – providing incredible images everywhere you go. Despite being just 20.5mm (less than one inch) in total length, the lens sacrifices nothing, providing the unrivalled imaging performance all Leica lenses are known for. Travel photography is easy with this light and dynamic lens, especially when paired with the Leica CL.

    As a whole, the Leica APS-C System portfolio of lenses offer exceptionally high picture quality and infinite opportunities for creative photography. In addition to the Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH., the selection of lenses currently includes three zoom lenses (Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11-23 mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55-135 mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH.) as well as three prime lenses (Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH., Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH.).

    All bundled up
    To make the stunning new Leica CL more easily accessible to both new and current Leica fans looking to make their first step into the APS-C system, the Leica CL will be offered in two bundle options alongside an accompanying lens. The “Prime Kit” will include the new Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH lens, while the “Vario Kit” option includes the Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, allowing photographers to get into this new camera and growing system with a lens that best suits their photography style in an easy-to-grab kit.

    Availability
    The Leica CL and Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH will both be available from Leica stores, boutiques and dealers at the end of November. The Leica CL body, in black anodized finish, will be $ 2,795.00 while the Prime and Vario Kits will be $ 3,795.00 and $ 3,995.00 respectively. The new Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH, in black or silver anodized finish, will be $ 1,295.00.

    Leica CL specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 2795 (body only), $ 3795 (w/18mm lens), $ 3995 (w/18-56mm lens)
    Body type
    Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Body material Magnesium alloy
    Sensor
    Max resolution 6014 x 4014
    Image ratio w:h 3:2
    Effective pixels 24 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
    Sensor size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
    Sensor type CMOS
    Processor Maestro II
    Color space sRGB
    Color filter array Primary color filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 100-50000
    White balance presets 5
    Custom white balance Yes (2 slots)
    Image stabilization No
    Uncompressed format RAW
    File format
    • JPEG
    • Raw (DNG)
    Optics & Focus
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Selective single-point
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Touch
    • Face Detection
    • Live View
    Autofocus assist lamp Yes
    Number of focus points 49
    Lens mount Leica L
    Focal length multiplier 1.5×
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Fixed
    Screen size 3″
    Screen dots 1,040,000
    Touch screen Yes
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type Electronic
    Viewfinder coverage 100%
    Viewfinder magnification 0.74× (0.49× 35mm equiv.)
    Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
    Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/25000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Program
    • Aperture priority
    • Shutter priority
    • Manual
    Scene modes
    • sport
    • portrait
    • landscape
    • night portrait
    • snow/beach
    • fireworks
    • candlelight
    • sunset
    • digiscoping
    • miniature
    • panorama
    • HDR
    Built-in flash No
    External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
    Flash X sync speed 1/180 sec
    Drive modes
    • Single
    • Continuous low/med/high
    • Interval
    • Exposure bracketing
    Continuous drive 10.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
    Videography features
    Format MPEG-4, H.264
    Modes
    • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
    • 1280 x 720 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
    Microphone Stereo
    Speaker Mono
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
    Connectivity
    HDMI No
    Microphone port No
    Headphone port No
    Wireless Built-In
    Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
    Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed No
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description BP-DC12 lithium ion battery & charger
    Battery Life (CIPA) 220
    Weight (inc. batteries) 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
    Dimensions 131 x 78 x 45 mm (5.16 x 3.07 x 1.77″)
    Other features
    Orientation sensor Yes
    Timelapse recording Yes
    GPS None

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • New glassless ‘metalens’ is 100,000X thinner than conventional optics

    A team at Harvard University has designed a ‘metalens’, around 100,000 times thinner than an equivalent glass lens. Constructed from titanium dioxide ‘nanofins’, the lens is a mere 600 nanometers thick, and can focus features smaller than the wavelength of the light it is imaging, thanks to its very high numerical aperture that allows it to focus light into a spot smaller than the wavelength of light being imaged. Senior author Federico Capasso and his fellow researchers successfully imaged structures 400nm in size, which is on the order of the bluest light in the visible spectrum. That suggests the tech is essentially diffraction-limited: resolving small structures as well as one ever theoretically could using visible light.

    An electron microscopic view of the titanium dioxide metamaterial lens, created by engineers at Harvard University. These TiO2 towers are only 600nm in length, yet can image features traditional microscopes require lenses 6cm in length – 100,000 longer – to image. And apparently do so 30% better.

    John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences/Harvard University

    This is the first planar lens that works in the visible spectrum. The nanofins (shown above) are constructed using similar lithographic processes used to fabricate computer chips, and mounted on a thin layer of transparent quartz. The fins are made of titanium dioxide because it is clear, and interacts strongly with visible light. Each fin is angled and positioned so that the ensemble effectively bends light just as the curved surface of a lens would. Different focus can be achieved simply by changing the size, spacing and orientation of the pillars – it’s just a matter of doing the computer simulations and calculations to dial in the proper design. Different materials can be used to target different wavelengths of light: previously, the team has used silicon to focus infrared light, for example.

    The practical potential of lenses made from these so-called ‘metamaterials’ are almost infinite, considering the drastic reductions in size and weight that the technology makes possible. A planar surface saves considerable space and volume compared to the typical curved surfaces traditional lenses necessitate. Furthermore, the non-reliance on a perfectly curved spherical or aspherical surface means images can be relatively aberration-free. And the nanostructures themselves can be manufactured with incredible precision, and in a cost-effective way as well, due to the compatibility with traditional microprocessor chip foundries.

    Currently, these lenses can’t handle full-color imaging because of the very narrow band of wavelengths that can currently be imaged with any particular TiO2 arrangement. However, the team hopes to broaden the wavelengths over which the technology works in the future. This might allow for small yet very high numerical aperture, aberration-free imaging in cameras and cell phones.

    But even without spectral broadening advances, the potential applications are very exciting. Obvious applications include microscopy and medical instruments, where structures larger than the wavelength of light are more the exception than the rule. But another potentially huge application is display technology – particularly virtual/augmented reality and wearable optics in general, where the size and weight of today’s headsets is a major obstacle to mass adoption. Display technology actually utilizes narrow wavelength R, G, and B primaries, mixing them in just the right ratios to trick your eye/brain into perceiving the intended color. Small, flat lenses that can focus these primary colors with very high precision, aberration-free, might just open up a world of high-resolution and practical VR devices.

    Source: phys.org

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm unveils X-A1: an entry-level mirrorless with a conventional sensor

    X-A1_Black_Front_High_angle_16-50mm.png

    Fujifilm has announced the X-A1, its most basic X-mount mirrorless camera yet. The X-A1 shares a body with the X-M1 but is based around a 16MP sensor with a conventional, Bayer color filter array, rather than the X-Trans design used in the other X-series models. The X-A1 retains the 920k-dot tilting LCD and Wi-Fi offered by the X-M1, and is being launched with an MSRP of $ 599 with the XC 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens – $ 100 cheaper than the X-M1 cost at its launch. The company has also announced the Fujinon XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS – a relatively small, lightweight telezoom that would pair well with either the X-A1 or X-M1.

    News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lytro meeting suggests Apple looking beyond conventional photography

    Lytro_stacked.png

    Steve Jobs met Lytro founder Ren Ng to discuss the photographic aspects of Apple products, according to a new book about the company. Details are understandably sparse but, according to Adam Lashinsky’s book ‘Inside Apple,’ Jobs asked Ng to prepare a list of three things he’d like Lytro to do with Apple. If nothing else, the story is interesting as it suggests Jobs was as excited by the Lytro and its effect on photography as the rest of the tech community has been. It also suggests Apple’s approach to mobile photography might overlap with Lytro’s aim of creating something fun, shareable and engaging, rather than attempting to replace conventional photography. Such an approach would certainly be in keeping with Apple’s ‘disruptive’ approach to technology. (from 9-to-5Mac) [Updated with response from Lytro]

    News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)