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Posts Tagged ‘Features’

Report: Adobe Photoshop CC for iPad is missing key features according to beta testers

18 Oct

Late last year, Adobe promised the future arrival of ‘real Photoshop’ for the iPad, something consumers expected would be a desktop-class offering able to compete with Affinity Photo and other apps already available on Apple’s tablets. The Photoshop for iPad app entered private beta testing in late August ahead of its public launch and now details are starting to roll in from testers.

According to Bloomberg News, some Photoshop on iPad beta testers are reporting a lack of key features they had thought would be available in the app. Some of these missing or stunted features are said to involve core aspects of the software, including raw editing, layer styles, filters, smart objects, the pen tool and parts of mask creation.

One tester claimed the beta version of the app is ‘inferior’ to Affinity Photo and Procreate, two apps available on the iPad.

A promotional photo currently on Apple’s website showing off a demo version of Adobe Photoshop CC, which still reads ‘Coming to iPad in 2019.’

Adobe’s Creative Cloud chief product officer Scott Belsky told Bloomberg that the final version of the software will include more features, which are being added close to launch because the company must work with Apple in order to bring the software to iPadOS. Instead of packing as many features as possible into the software before launch, Adobe told Bloomberg that its engineers focused on features they believed would be most desired by iPad users.

Users can expect the ability to sync their work with the desktop version of Photoshop using Creative Cloud, plus there will be support at launch for all Photoshop files and non-destructive editing. As well, users can expect ‘entirely new tools’ that revolve around native iPad features, namely the Apple Pencil and touchscreen.

Adobe says that it will continue to expand iPad on Photoshop’s abilities over time following its launch in the coming months.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram is rolling out new privacy features for third-party app authorizations

17 Oct

A number of third-party services allow users to link their Instagram accounts in order to access certain features, such as photo printing services that enable customers to directly order prints of their Instagram images. Going forward, Instagram is offering its users more control over these authorizations, including which services are connected and when they were authorized.

Instagram detailed the new control on its press blog this week, explaining that users can now pull up a list of third-party services that are actively authorized on one’s Instagram account by tapping Settings > Security > Apps and Websites.

The menu now displays ‘Active’ authorizations given to third-party services, including the name of the app, the date the link was authorized, direct links to the privacy policies for these linked services, and the ability to terminate the authorization by tapping a ‘Remove’ button.

Beyond that, Instagram has also launched a new authorization screen that appears in the Instagram app when third-party services request info from the user’s account. This screen shows the name of the third-party service, which profile information it is requesting, and what kind of data it wants access to. Instagram users will need to manually authorize or cancel the request.

According to Instagram, users will see these new features rolling out ‘gradually’ over the next six months.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Luminar 4 available for pre-order, comes with new AI features and revamped UI

16 Oct

Skylum software has been teasing the release of its Luminar 4 image editing package for quite some time now, we’ve seen previews of a number of machine-learning tool, including the AI Skin Enhancer and Portrait Enhancer filters, the AI Sky Replacement filter and the AI Structure filter which selectively enhances textures and detail in images.

Now the company has announced Luminar 4 will be shipping on November 18, 2019. Apart from the tools mentioned above the new version comes with a refreshed user interface and updated workflow. Luminar says the new software will make for a shorter learning process and ‘While the software incorporates complex tools, they’re completely customizable and easy to use, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned professional.’

In the user interface filters are now called ‘tools’ and are organized into six tabs:

  • Tools: Basic tools, including Crop, Transform and Erase.
  • Essentials: Everything for basic Color and Tone Correction.
  • Creative: Photo processing tools for enhancing images creatively, including AI Sky Replacement.
  • Portrait: Tools oriented for processing portraits, including AI Skin Enhancer and Portrait Enhancer.
  • Pro: More complex tools for advanced photo processing.
  • Deprecated: Tools left for compatibility of presets that have been created within earlier versions of Luminar.

Luminar 4 is available as a standalone application but also works as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic and Photoshop Elements, as well as Apple Photos for macOS and Aperture.

The new software will be released on November 18 and set you back $ 89 for the full version or $ 69 for an upgrade. If you pre-order before the 18th you get the full version for $ 10 less and receive a one-year plan to SmugMug as a bonus. More information is available on the Skylum website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photoshop Elements 2020 Released With New AI Features and Guided Edits

10 Oct

The post Photoshop Elements 2020 Released With New AI Features and Guided Edits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

adobe-photoshop-elements

Adobe has just released its latest iteration of Photoshop Elements: Photoshop Elements 2020, which debuts alongside Premiere Elements 2020.

Now, Photoshop Elements has always been geared toward beginner and amateur photographers, and this year’s release is no exception. Adobe has included new features that ensure it’s easier than ever to produce stunning edits.

Included among these exciting features is Adobe Sensei AI technology, which will drive Photoshop Elements automation. While Sensei AI technology isn’t new, this time it’ll be used to bring photographers options such as:

  • B&W Selection
  • Pattern Brush
  • Painterly
  • Depth of Field

In all four of these cases, Sensei AI is the driver behind easy-yet-powerful edits. B&W Selection allows you to quickly isolate elements from your photos and portray them in color, while giving the background a black and white look. Depth of Field takes a relatively sharp background and gives it a beautiful blur, making your main subjects pop.

And that’s not all. In addition to these new AI-powered options, Photoshop Elements promises a new black and white editing experience with its Colorization feature. Colorization takes a black and white photo and gives it realistic colors (or, as Adobe promises, you can use Colorization to “give new life to an existing color photo”).

Photoshop Elements also offers a one-click selection of your subjects for easy manipulation, as well as a skin-smoothing effect. And let’s not forget the two brand-new guided edits, which are designed to make post-processing accessible to everyone, as the software walks you through the process of creating patterns or making unwanted items vanish from the frame.

Adobe Photoshop Elements isn’t for everyone. Experienced photographers will likely prefer to work with Photoshop CC or Lightroom, both of which pack some real editing power. But for those who are just getting started with photo editing, Photoshop Elements offers a level of accessibility that its more serious counterparts lack. And the guided edits are a great feature for those wanting to learn while editing.

You can purchase Adobe Photoshop Elements as a standalone piece of software for $ 99.99 USD, or you can get it alongside Adobe Premiere for $ 149.99 USD.

The post Photoshop Elements 2020 Released With New AI Features and Guided Edits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Sony a9 II has a refined design and more pro-oriented features

03 Oct

Sony has introduced the a9 II, which adds a host of features for the working professional, along with a refined design largely borrowed from the a7R IV.

The sports-oriented a9 II uses the same full-frame 24MP sensor as its predecessor, though its faster Bionz X processor improves AF speed and precision, along with EVF display response. It retains the same 693-point on-sensor PDAF system as the a9, but with new algorithms that improve subject tracking. The camera can still shoot at 20 fps with no blackout using the electronic shutter, and the burst speed using the mechanical shutter has risen to 10 fps. There’s also a new anti-flicker system when using the mechanical shutter, making it much more usable under artificial light.

The biggest changes on the a9 II are targeted toward those who make a living taking photographs and need to deliver large numbers of them quickly

The a9 II has a larger grip than its predecessor, with improved weather-sealing around ports and doors similar to that of the a7R IV. The rear control dial now sits on the top plate, the EV comp button has a lock and the AF-On button and joystick are a bit larger. Battery life has gone up – and the camera can be powered over its USB 3.2 Type C port – and both SD card slots now support UHS-II speeds.

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The a9 II has a slightly improved in-body IS system, which can reduce shake by an additional 1/2-stop, while its 3.76M-dot EVF, tilting LCD and oversampled 4K video capture remain unchanged (meaning 8-bit and no Log modes).

The biggest changes on the a9 II are targeted toward those who make a living taking photographs and need to deliver large numbers of them quickly. Some of the new features include Gigabit Ethernet, 5GHz (802.11ac) Wi-Fi, background FTP transfer and voice memos. The camera can store up to ten sets of both FTP and camera settings, which is helpful when sharing the a9 II with multiple photographers.

The a9 II will be available in November for $ 4500. The a9 will continue to be sold as a more accessible model – at least for now.

Press release

Sony Electronics Introduces the Alpha 9 II with Enhanced Connectivity and Workflow for Professional Sports Photographers and Photojournalists

New Alpha 9 II Combines Alpha 9’s Unrivaled Speed with New Functionality to Match the Needs of Professionals

SAN DIEGO — October 3, 2019 — Sony Electronics today announced Alpha 9 II (model ILCE-9M2). The latest model from Sony’s acclaimed line-up of ? (Alpha) full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the new model has been created to support working professionals in the fields of sports photography and photojournalism.

The new Alpha 9 II builds on the impressive legacy of the original Alpha 9, maintaining groundbreaking speed performance, including blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with Auto Focus and Auto Exposure tracking at 60 calculations per second.

Updates include significantly enhanced connectivity and file delivery, continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with mechanical shutter, and evolved AF performance with newly optimized algorithms, re-designed build to enhance durability and operability.

“The voice of our customers is absolutely critical to Sony – we are always listening,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Products and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The Alpha 9 II is the direct result of our work with agency, sports and news photographers since the launch of the original Alpha 9. We have added connectivity and network capabilities that drastically improve the professional workflow, while also making enhancements to design, interface and processing power that complete the user experience. Complemented by our extremely versatile E-mount system – with 55 native lenses introduced at this point including super-telephoto 600mm and 400mm G Master™ series lenses – this new camera is a tool unlike any other for professionals, whether in the field or on the field.”

Raising the Bar for Built-in Connectivity in the Professional’s Workflow

The Alpha 9 II includes a built-in 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling gigabit communication for high-speed, stable data transfer operations. Additionally, File Transfer over SSL or TLS encryption (FTPS) is supported for increased data security and PC remote (tether) shooting performance is improved, with decreased release time lag and reduced live view screen delay when using the ‘Remote Camera Tool’ desktop application. The speed of the camera’s built-in wireless LAN functionality has also been increased, adding a stable and fast 5 GHz (IEEE 802.11ac) band, in addition to the 2.4 GHz provided in the Alpha 9. IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are all supported.

Designed to improve the speed of news agencies’ workflow, the Alpha 9 II features a new Voice Memo function that allows spoken information to be attached to images in the form of voice memos that can be replayed when the images are reviewed. The voice data can also be included with images sent to an editor, giving them important information needed for effective editing. Alternatively, a field photographer can also use the ‘Transfer & Tagging add-on’ “Imaging Edge™” application to transfer voice tags with the images to their mobile device and have the voice memos automatically converted to text and added to the JPEG images in the form of IPTC metadata. All of this can be done automatically or manually selected by the photographer.

By combining wireless voice/image transfer and automatic voice-to-text conversion with the ability to auto-transfer images with attached voice memos via FTP, it is possible to shoot and transfer the results to an FTP server without ever having to operate a smartphone. FTP settings within the app can also be sent to a camera via Bluetooth®, allowing for a faster workflow.

The Platinum Standard for Speed and Auto Focus Performance

The new Alpha 9 II shares the same acclaimed 35mm full-frame stacked 24.2 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with integral memory as the original Alpha 9, giving it the same unmatched speed performance and outstanding image quality. The new model can shoot continuously and completely silently at 20 fps for up to 361 JPEG images or 239 compressed RAW images, with no viewfinder blackout allowing the photographer to follow the subject and action with no interruption to the EVF during picture taking. For times when mechanical shutter is preferred or required, the new Alpha 9 II has been improved to shoot at up to 10 fps, about 2x the speed of the Alpha 9.

The camera is able to function while continuously calculating Auto Focus and Auto Exposure at up to 60 times per second, with newly optimized AF algorithms that provide notably enhanced AF precision and performance, ensuring that even the most erratic subject motion that is associated with sports are captured with high precision. Also useful for sporting events, the camera now offers an anti-flicker shooting mode that automatically detects and adjusts for the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting to maximize image quality.

The advanced focusing system in the new Alpha 9 II is far beyond the capabilities of any professional camera. Comprised of 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the image area, as well as 425 contrast AF points, the Fast Hybrid Auto Focus system achieves extremely fast and accurate performance, ensuring all fast-moving subjects are accurately captured. Additional notable focusing capabilities include Real-time Eye AF with right eye / left eye selection, Real-time Eye AF for animal augmented with a new algorithm, Real-Time Eye AF for movie, Real-time Tracking, selectable focus frame color, Touch Pad focus point control while using the viewfinder and more. AF can also now continuously track even if continuous shooting is greater than F16, providing further accuracy for shots that require slower shutter speeds. ?

Refined Build and Operability

  • Upgraded BIONZ X™ image processing engine gains maximum benefit from the sensor’s fast readout speed; processor works with front-end LSI to enhance speed in AF/AE detection, image processing, face detection and accuracy, and more
  • Upgraded dust and moisture resistant design to meet the needs of professionals in even the most challenging outdoor conditions; stronger sealing provided at all body seams as well as the battery compartment cover and media slot
  • Latest developed image-processing algorithm reduces noise in the medium-to-high sensitivity range while improving subjective resolution and image quality
  • 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization system that provides a shutter speed advantage of 5.5 steps
  • Improved grip configuration for even greater comfort and sure hold; compatible with Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip
  • Improved button design and feel; increased diameter and feedback of the ‘AF-ON’ button; a refined multi-selector joystick design; an exposure compensation dial lock button; and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial
  • Redesigned shutter mechanism to suppress even the slightest movement that can cause image blur; tested for durability in excess of 500,000 shutter cycles
  • USB Type-C™ connector that supports fast USB 3.2 Gen 1 data transfer
  • Dual media slots that are both compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards, allowing higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds
  • Digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe), enabling the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected directly to the MI Shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings

Pricing and Availability

The new Alpha 9 II will be available in November 2019 priced at approximately $ 4,500 US and $ 6,000 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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These are the best new photo features you’ll find in iOS and iPadOS 13.1

26 Sep

Following the launch of its new iPhone 11 models and updated iPad, Apple has released iOS 13 and iPadOS 13, its latest mobile operating systems. Although iOS 13 was released last week, iOS 13.1 was only released yesterday and due to it being a substantial upgrade in terms of features and stability, we held off until now to post this overview.

Summarized below are the new tools, features and functionality iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 bring to a lengthy list of iOS devices that support the latest operating systems.

Update Photos app

One of the first things you’ll notice with iPad and iOS 13 is the updated Photos app. Now, there’s a dedicated ‘Photos’ tab at the bottom of the app that splits your images up into ‘Years,’ ‘Months,’ ‘Days’ and ‘All Photos.’ You can tap on the individual timeframes or pinch in/out to expand and compress accordingly.

It’s not a massive change, but it should simplify the process of finding older images if you know the rough timeframe they were captured.

New photo editing tools

Along with the new organization within the Photos app is an improved user interface and new editing tools.

First and foremost, the interface for editing images has improved dramatically. Rather than the multiple layers of dials that were vaguely worded and unusually categorized, the editing interface now uses dedicated sections, each of which has individual adjustments displayed as circular tiles that can easily be swiped through and individually adjusted. Below is a list, in order, of the editing tools at hand:

  • Auto
  • Exposure
  • Brilliance
  • Highlights
  • Shadows
  • Contrast
  • Brightness
  • Black Point
  • Saturation
  • Vibrance
  • Warmth
  • tint
  • Sharpness
  • Definition
  • Noise Reduction
  • Vignette

Portrait Mode photos have also had a bit of an update. You can now control the intensity of the light on Portrait Mode photos and with newer devices, there’s a Portrait Mode option called High-Key Light Mono.

Video editing in Photos

Another major improvement in iOS 13 is the ability to edit video. You can now crop, make image adjustments and even add filters to videos directly within the Photos app. Previously, video edits required third-party apps, which was anything but intuitive.

New Shortcuts/Automations

Apple has also added new functionality to its Shortcuts app called Automations. These are individual macros of sorts that can be used to trigger certain behaviors on your phone. The uses are seemingly endless, but a few notable examples include the ability to ‘change’ the default camera app, trigger the camera to open when you get a certain location or even upload your latest photos and videos to a backup location of your choice when you connect to your home Wi-Fi.

Shortcuts and Automations are more directed towards power users who want the most from their phones, but Federico Viticci of MacStories has a wonderful rundown as part of his annual iOS and iPadOS 13 review to will help to get you started if it’s something you want to dive into.

Desktop-class browsing

As Apple demonstrated during its keynote, the iPad will now appear to websites as a standard computer rather than a mobile device. While this is overarching across the entire web, one area this could greatly benefit photographers is in regards to an online portfolio and photo blogging. Now, in iPadOS 13 you can use sites such as Squarespace, WordPress and other portfolio and blogging platforms as you would with a desktop computer.

Previously, it was possible to visit the likes of Squarespace and WordPress, but a lot of functionality was greatly limited or downright unattainable due to websites only recognizing the iPad, even the ‘Pro’ models, as mobile devices. Rene Ritchie of iMore has a great rundown on what the new functionality means.

External storage

As we addressed back with iPadOS 13 was first announced at WWDC in May 2019, one of the most significant additions is the ability to use external hard drives natively within the iPadOS 13 Files app. It’s now possible to import, export and transfer images and other content from USB thumb drives, external SSDs and other storage means.

It’ll be up to the developers of third-party applications to make the most of it (we’re looking at you, Adobe), but having the option at all is a much-welcomed addition.

Supported devices

Below is a list of iPhone and iPod Touch models that support iOS 13:

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • iPhone 11 Pro
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone XS Max
  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 8 Plus
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone 6s
  • iPhone SE
  • iPod touch 7th generation

Below is a list of iPad models that support iPadOS 13:

  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2nd generation
  • 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st generation
  • 11-inch iPad Pro
  • 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • 9.7-inch iPad Pro
  • iPad 6th generation
  • iPad 5th generation
  • iPad Air 3
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad mini 5
  • iPad mini 4

Wrapping up

In conclusion, iOS 13 is well worth downloading if your device is supported. Even if you have iOS 13 installed, make sure you update to iOS 13.1 which should be available now as an over-the-air update, as it irons out a lot of issues found in the first public version of iOS 13.

If you have an extended period of time on your hands and want to see nearly every new feature Apple has added to iOS 13, Jeff Benjamin of 9to5Mac has created this comprehensive video below:

Likewise for iPadOS 13:

If there’s a tip or trick you find that’s not mentioned in this list, let us know and we might add it. We would also love to see what Shortcuts and Automations you come up with for your photo workflow.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Monogram’s new Creative Console features magnetic, customizable control modules

18 Sep

Monogram — formerly Palette Gear — has launched a new Kickstarter campaign for Creative Console, a product it describes as a ‘modular productivity tool’ designed specifically for creative professionals, including photographers and artists. The Monogram Creative Console is 40-percent thinner than the console offered by Palette Gear, the previous incarnation of the company now known as Monogram.

The Creative Console is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, offering USB-C connectivity and native support for a number of popular applications. The console’s modular components can be configured to suit each user’s needs. Compared to the previous model, Monogram’s new product offers 50% greater functionality despite the smaller size. The company says each console module supports up to 135 functions.

The console revolves around the ‘core’ module, which packs an ARM Cortex-M processor, 1.54″ 240 x 240 display, the USB-C connector, two mechanical keys, and a redesigned power management circuit.

The remaining four modules include a Pressure Sensitive disc, Dial Module with three dials, Slider Module with three sliders and the Essential Keys Module with three tactile mechanical switches. All of the modules feature neodymium magnetic connectors and micro spring-loaded electrical contacts.

For past Palette Gear customers, the existing Palette Arcade-style Button, Multi-function Dial and High-sensitivity Slider are backward compatible with Monogram Creative Console. Natively supported software includes Adobe’s software suite, as well as VLC, Chrome, Spotify and select other applications.

The company has exceeded its Kickstarter funding goal and is offering various pledge options for backers, including a Traveller Console for $ 339 CAD and a Studio Console for $ 457 CAD. Assuming everything goes according to plan, Monogram expects to start shipping rewards to backers in February 2020.

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)

 
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PocketWizard ‘E Release’ $10 firmware upgrade boosts range, features and reliability

16 Sep

PocketWizard customers who own the company’s Plus III and/or Plus IV wireless triggers now have the option of upgrading to its new ‘E Release’ firmware. The software update brings a number of notable improvements, including increased range, improved reliability when sending and receiving signals, a Quad Zone Channels increase from 16 to 32, and 80 new Channels for use with Long Range Mode.

The range for both supported PocketWizard models running E Release firmware is doubled for triggering remote cameras and flashes; it is increased to up to 5 miles when used with radios in Long Range Mode.

Though the firmware is only available for the Plus III and Plus IV (FCC frequency) models at this time, PocketWizard says it plans to release the software update for its MultiMAX II, FlexTT5 for Nikon, FlexTT6 for Canon, and PowerMC2 models in the future. The E Release is available for units purchased in North America and South America; it cannot be used with CE frequency units.

Below is a video shared by PocketWizard showing how photographer Michael Heeney was able to capture a rock climber from four diffrent perspectives thanks in part to the upgraded firmware:

PocketWizard warns on its website that the firmware can only work with other radios that have also been upgraded with the E Release firmware. Upgraded PocketWizards can be downgraded back to the company’s legacy firmware for use with radios that aren’t running the new software.

Customers who want to upgrade will need to purchase a $ 9.99 USD E Release firmware license for each radio. PocketWizard customers who purchased one of the supported models from an authorized dealer in the US or Canada after September 1, 2019, can download the E Release firmware for free.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google Camera app 7.0 leak reveals new Pixel 4 camera features

16 Sep

A leaked version of the Google Camera app 7.0, which will likely be installed on the upcoming Google Pixel 4 device, has made its way into the hands of the people at XDA Developers who have analyzed the code and found a bunch of new camera features to look forward to.

The new camera will likely come with a motion blur mode that lets you capture moving subjects in the foreground and blur the background to emphasize the impression of motion and speed. The feature, which should come in handy at racing or sports events, will likely be called Motion Mode.

A section of code inside the Google Camera 7.0 app that hints at the upcoming Motion Mode.

The app source code also suggests that the computational photography feature Night Sight will be improved on the Google Pixel 4, likely with the previously leaked astrophotography mode. The Night Sight feature will also be sped up by making use of zero shutter lag technology and for astrophotography Google will be using the chipset’s integrated GPU to accelerate segmentation of the sky as well as identifying and brightening stars.

References to Live HDR and HDRNet in the code hint at HDR rendering in the preview image and it also looks like the the Pixel 4 will come with an audio zoom feature, similar to what Apple has implemented on the iPhone 11 and what LG and HTC have been using for some time now. The feature allows the phone to focus its microphones on a major audio source when zooming the camera.

Code from within the Google Camera 7.0 app that references Live HDR settings, as well as mesh warp settings, presumably used in conjunction with depth data.

Other sections in the source code indicate that the Pixel 4 and other compatible Pixel devices will support saving depth data as a Dynamic Depth Format (DDF) file which should allow for re-focusing and other depth modifications in any app that supports the format.

Further improvements could include an updated version of the Photobooth feature which was introduced with the Pixel 3 and automatically takes photos when it detects smiles or funny faces in the frame, integration of an augmented reality measurement app into the Camera app, and a ‘rewind’ feature, the exact function of which is as yet unknown.

Google Pixel have traditionally been at the forefront of mobile imaging and it looks like the Pixel 4 will be no different. We’ll know more in October when the new device is expected to launch.

Image credits: Screenshots used with permission from XDA Developers

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode

13 Sep

The post The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode

Apple has just announced three new iPhones: the iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

And, as usual, these iPhones come with new cameras and new camera technology.

But will these new smartphones be enticing for photographers? And if you’re looking to purchase a new smartphone, should you grab an iPhone 11 Pro?

Read on to find out.

The iPhone 11 Pro Camera

First things first:

While Apple has announced three new iPhones, the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone 11 Max are basically identical, save for the screen size. Hence, both the 11 Pro and the 11 Pro Max have the same camera specs:

Three cameras.

An improved front-facing camera.

Deep Fusion technology.

Let’s take a closer look:

iPhone 11 Pro: a three-camera setup

The three-camera design is Apple’s first foray beyond their (now standard) 2-camera setup. The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a telephoto lens (52mm equivalent), a wide-angle lens (26mm equivalent), and an ultra-wide-angle lens (13mm equivalent). The new camera (the ultra-wide-angle) should make it possible to capture sweeping landscape shots, or simply to gain a wider field of view when doing group portraits and event photography.

The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode

While the wide and telephoto lenses incorporate optical image stabilization, the ultra-wide-angle lens does not. This shouldn’t be a huge problem, because camera shake is less apparent in wider lenses. But it’s nice to have a bit of image stabilization, especially for night shots.

And speaking of night photography:

Apple has finally added a Night Mode to the smartphone camera lineup. This will supposedly increase detail in night photos, making it possible to produce less noisy images in near darkness. Given the poor performance of iPhones at night, this is a feature that Apple phones have sorely needed.

The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode

Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see whether the iPhone 11 Pro’s regular shooting mode will have improved low light capabilities. I’m not holding my breath, however. The iPhone XS’s low light performance is dismal in low light compared to competitors such as the Google Pixel 3, and there are no indications of a significantly improved sensor on the iPhone 11 Pro.

While the iPhone 11 Pro rear cameras all sit at 12 megapixels, the front-facing camera will see an upgrade from 8 megapixels (in the XS) to 12 megapixels. The lens has also been widened. I don’t recommend using the front-facing camera for serious photography, but it’ll be nice to take some higher resolution selfies and wider selfie-group shots.

The iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 is the successor to Apple’s cheaper iPhone XR.

Fortunately, it offers a notable camera upgrade: from a single wide-angle lens, the iPhone 11 now features both a wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lens setup.

It also includes Night Mode, which will make shooting in low light (hopefully) easier.

Deep Fusion technology

The most intriguing aspect of the new iPhone cameras is the promise of a Deep Fusion technology. This should work on all the new iPhones, including the iPhone 11.

While this feature won’t be rolled out until after the iPhones are released (in a software update), Apple claims that this new technology will allow your iPhone to capture nine images at once, process them, and create a final image that’s optimized for detail, noise, and dynamic range.

If the feature is as impressive as Apple claims, then we have a lot to look forward to.

The iPhone 11 Pro: Should you purchase it?

If you’re a serious smartphone photographer, you’re going to want the iPhone 11 Pro over the iPhone 11. No question. It offers the additional telephoto camera, which you’ll appreciate if you ever want to shoot portraits or street photos.

The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode

But how does the iPhone 11 Pro stack up against its competition?

Personally, I would wait to grab the iPhone 11 Pro until you see what Google comes out with this fall. The iPhone 11 Pro, with its triple cameras and promise of Deep Fusion technology, is appealing. But Apple is currently behind Google in terms of low-light capabilities. And you don’t want to buy a new smartphone, only to wish you had waited just a bit longer for the Pixel 4.

The iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max are available for preorder starting this Friday, September 13th.

What do you think of Apple’s new smartphone cameras? Will you be purchasing an iPhone 11 or an iPhone 11 Pro, or will you wait to see the Google Pixel 4? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post The iPhone 11 Pro Features a New Triple Lens and Night Mode appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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