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Posts Tagged ‘Features’

Wacom’s new $3,499 tablet features a 15.6″ 4K display, i7 Quad-Core processor

08 Sep

Graphics tablet manufacturer Wacom has announced the MobileStudio Pro 16, its latest pro-level graphics tablet.

The 15.6” tablet is powered by a dedicated 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7-8559U Quad-Core processor and Nvidia Quadra P1000 4GB GDDR5 GPU. It comes with a 512GB SSD and has 16GB of RAM. Together, these power a 3840 x 2160 UHD IPS display with 85% Adobe RGB gamut coverage that can run Windows 10 as a standalone device and works with Windows and macOS computers when attached.

The etched glass surface is designed to provide resistance similar to writing on a paper when used with the included Wacom Pro Pen 2, which is four times more sensitive with 8192 levels of pressure.

The MobileStudio Pro 16 features three Thunderbolt 3 ports but also includes Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity if you want to keep wires to a minimum. Wacom has also included two cameras: a 5-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, as well as a combo audio jack.

Other features include application-specific ExpressKeys, Radial Menus, a fingerprint sensor, multi-touch support and a stand so the tablet can be angled for more comfortable viewing and drawing. Wacom’s even included a built-in SD card reader for quickly transferring media to your computer through the Thunderbolt 3 port. The 4630 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated for 5.5 hours of operation.

The MobileStudio Pro 16 is currently available to pre-order from Adorama and B&H for $ 3,499.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony Announces New Compact Camera With Amazing Features

01 Aug

The post Sony Announces New Compact Camera With Amazing Features appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Are you searching for a pocket-sized camera that packs a big punch?

Look no further than the just-announced Sony Cybershot RX100 VII, which is an all-around amazing camera, from its small size to its impressive zoom to its powerful optics.

First, take a look at its lengthy zoom lens, which goes from 24mm to 200mm in moments. This is perfect for capturing wider landscapes, then zooming in to emphasize a few compelling details.

The Sony RX100 VII also promises stellar image quality, with a ZEISS lens and a 20.1-megapixel sensor.

But where the Sony RX100 VII really shines is in the thick of the action. The RX100 VII shoots at 20 frames-per-second, which is far faster than most competitors on the market. And the autofocus is especially notable, with 357 AF points.

Sony-RX100-VII

If you’ve worked with mirrorless or DSLR cameras before, then you’ll appreciate the electronic viewfinder on the RX100 VII. This is useful for shooting in bright conditions, or when you’re struggling to see the (touchscreen!) LCD.

Oh, and did I mention the 4K video capabilities? If you want a camera that will get you good images and beautiful videos while remaining nicely compact, the RX100 VII may be the way to go.

Who is the Sony RX100 VII for?

The RX100 VII should appeal to a few groups of people.

First, the RX100 VII is a good camera for beginner photographers looking to buy something a bit more long-term, but who doesn’t want to deal with the complexities or price of a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

And for those of you who have been using your smartphones as a primary camera, the RX100 VII will take your photos up a notch – without requiring much in the way of advanced settings or know-how.

Finally, the Sony RX100 VII is ideal for more serious photographers who want a second, more portable camera body. If you often get frustrated carrying around a DSLR or mirrorless camera/lens combo while traveling, then the Sony RX100 VII may be exactly what you need.

Are you excited about the release of the Sony RX100 VII? What is your favorite new feature? Let me know in the comments!

You may also find the following helpful:

  • Which Crop Sensor Sony a6000 Series Camera Should You Buy?
  • Hands-On with the new Sony RX100 VI Compact Camera
  • Why This Pro is (sort of) Switching from Canon to Sony
  • Sony a6300 Mirrorless Camera – Thoughts and Field Test

The post Sony Announces New Compact Camera With Amazing Features appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Firmware upgrade brings features from Olympus’s E-M1X to the E-M1 Mark II

19 Jun

Olympus has released a major firmware update for its nearly three-year-old OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Many of the additions come straight from the company’s flagship E-M1X, so now you can have a camera that shares many of the same features but in a much smaller package.

The most significant features include:

  • Autofocus
    • Autofocus algorithms from the E-M1X improves performance tracking moving subjects and makes S-AF more accurate
    • Group 25-point AF mode added; Center priority mode sticks to center focus point and will use surrounding points if subject moves ‘vigorously’
    • ‘Active use’ of PDAF improves performance when shooting video
    • Camera can now focus down to -6EV when using an F1.2 lens
  • Image quality
    • A new ‘Detail Priority’ mode reduces noise (at the expense of burst speed) at low ISOs in JPEGs
    • High ISO performance has been improved by 1/3-stop, according to Olympus
    • ISO 100 (Low) added
    • Anti-flicker mode added
  • Other
    • OM-Log400 added for more flexibility for color grading in video
    • Menus/playback mode can be entered while camera is writing to a memory card
    • Focus Stacking now offers choice of 3-15 shots
    • New Instant Film Art Filter
    • Support for USB Raw Data Edit with Olympus Workspace (see below)
    • Support for new MC-20 teleconverter

You can see the full list of changes in the press release further down this page.

The E-M1X has also received a firmware bump to v1.1, with the only new features being support for the MC-20 teleconverter and USB Raw Data Edit.

Finally, Olympus has updated its Workspace software to version 1.1. The big new feature is the ability to edit Raw images over USB, with the camera doing the processing. Other updates include Focus Stacking from images taken in Focus Bracketing mode and the ability to create Live Composite images.

Press Release

OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES FIRMWARE UPGRADES ENHANCING AUTOFOCUS PERFORMANCE AND IMAGE QUALITY

Version 3.0 for the OM-D® E-M1 Mark II, Version 1.1 for the OM-D E-M1X and Version 1.1 for Olympus® Workspace

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce availability of the latest firmware upgrade for two interchangeable lens cameras, Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. Additionally, Firmware Version 1.1 is now available for Olympus Workspace. OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 3.0 adds high-precision autofocus (AF) performance and the high image quality currently available on Olympus’ newest OM-D, the E-M1X. Specifically designed for the professional models in the OM-D series, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X, this new firmware provides feature enhancements for photographers who require portability and smooth operation of the camera when shooting.

OM-D E-M1 Mark II Firmware Version 3.0: Main Features

Advanced AF Performance

This upgrade utilizes the OM-D E-M1X algorithm, which was developed based on the shooting needs of the professional photographer. With the goal of achieving performance that responds to demanding shooting conditions, such as fast movement in sports, etc., C-AF Center Priority delivers high-precision tracking of moving subjects and sudden subject movement. AF precision for still subjects when using S-AF is improved for various subjects compared to OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3. Active use of information from the On-chip Phase Detection AF sensor also improves AF performance while shooting video.

Newest AutoFocus Features

Group 25-point has been added to AF Target, and is effective for photographing birds and other small subjects. C-AF Center Priority is now available, and repeatedly autofocuses with priority on the center point in Group 5-point, Group 9-point, and Group 25-point. If AF is not possible in the center point, the peripheral points in the group area assists, which is effective for subjects that move around quickly. In addition, C-AF+MF1 is included which allows users to instantly switch to MF by turning the focus ring while in C-AF for fine tuning the focus.

Low Light Limit Update

The AF low light limit when an f/1.2 lens is attached is -6.0 EV (ISO 100 equivalent for S-AF), enabling high precision focusing in both dark scenes and for low-contrast subjects.

Improved Image Quality

Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority) has been added for higher resolution when shooting at low ISO sensitivity[1], making it possible to reduce noise while shooting with low ISO settings. Compared with OM-D E-M1 Mark II firmware Version 2.3, noise that occurs when shooting at high ISO sensitivity is improved approximately 1/3 of a step.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit[2] is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II TruePic™ VIII image processor.

Enhanced Operability

  • Anti-flicker shooting added to prevent unstable exposure, particularly when sequential shooting indoors.
  • OM-Log400 movie-exclusive picture mode added, allowing the user to shoot movies without loss of details in shadows or highlight blowouts, delivery greater freedom over video creativity through color grading.
  • Frame Rate Priority added to Live View Boost/On2 display, displaying images at a comfortable brightness, even in especially dark locations, such as under a starlit sky without lowering the frame rate.
  • From 3 to 15 shots can be selected in Focus Stacking and guide lines have been added to the shooting area
  • Quick image selection added
  • Setting changes and playback display while writing to card now possible, facilitating quick operation.
  • Instant Film added to Art Filter
  • ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent) added

OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 1.1? Main Features

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit is now supported for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer to use the power of the OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.

Olympus Workspace Image Editing Software Version 1.1: Main Features

Focus Stacking added for compositing images shot in Focus Bracketing[3]

Previously, when using Focus Stacking on a computer, it was necessary to use commercially available third party software to composite images. Now, t is possible to composite up to 999 images in Olympus Workspace.

Lighten Composite added

Lighten Composite is now supported by Olympus Workspace, making it possible to create images similar to Live Composite on the camera. Darken Composite has also been added.

Support for New Functions in Olympus Workspace

USB RAW Data Edit has been added for much faster RAW processing in Olympus Workspace by connecting the camera to a computer, using the power of the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M1X TruePic VIII image processor.

Function Support Chart

? reflects the functions that have been upgraded with the firmware.

Feature

E-M1X Ver. 1.1

E-M1 mark II Ver. 3.0

AF Group Target 25-point

Already available

?

Custom AF Target

Already available

–

C-AF Center Priority

Already available

?

C-AF Center Start

Already available

?

C-AF+MF

Already available

?

Intelligent Subject Detection AF

Already available

–

Anti-flicker shooting

Already available

?

OM-Log 400

Already available

?

ISO L100 (ISO 100 equivalent)

Already available

?

Frame Rate Priority on Live View Boost/On2

Already available

?

Focus Stacking: Select from 3 to 15 images

Already available

?

Focus Stacking: Guide line display

Already available

?

Art Filter: Instant Film

Already available

?

Low ISO Processing (Detail Priority)

Already available

?

Setting changes and playback display while writing to card

Already available

?

Quick image selection

Already available

?

USB RAW Data Edit

?

?

Live ND shooting

Already available

–

Handheld High Res Shot

Already available

–

High-speed shooting: 120 fps (1920×1080/ MOV)

Already available

–

Bluetooth® connection

Already available

–

UHS-II compatible dual card slots

Already available

–

GPS® / Field Sensor System

Already available

–

USB power supply/battery charging

Already available

–

Multi Selector

Already available

–

Please visit the following URL for access to Olympus software and Digital Camera Updater: https://www.getolympus.com/us/en/software

Pricing and Availability

Firmware Version 3.0 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, Firmware Version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Firmware Version 1.1 for Olympus Workspace are available at no charge as an ongoing value demonstrating Olympus’ commitment to continuous product improvements.

[1] May affect the number of sequential shots in normal sequential shooting priority modes.

[2] This new function makes RAW processing much faster by using the TruePic VIII image processor on the camera via USB connection. Olympus Workspace and the supported camera must both be updated with required firmware. The available editing options from Olympus Workspace are limited to RAW editing options that can be handled internally in the camera. Compatible models are OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and images are saved in JPEG format.

[3] Images must be shot with a lens that supports Focus Stacking.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Skylum Luminar 3.1.1 update brings speed improvements and new features

12 Jun

Skylum has updated its photo editing software Luminar to version 3.1.1, bringing improvements and new features to both the Windows and Mac versions of the application. The company says the new version of its software improves navigation on Windows and Mac by enabling users to right-click on an image and go straight to the folder in which it is stored.

For Windows users, right-clicking on an image also now presents the option to view other images that were taken on the same day. Skylum presents these two features as a way to easily find other content that may be related to a current project, such as other images taken during the same photo shoot.

For Mac users, Luminar version 3.1.1 can create albums faster and now supports changing the software’s language independent of the operating system’s settings. Both the Windows and Mac versions of the software have received launch time improvements, as well, drastically reducing the software’s startup time.

Luminar version 3.1.1 is available now. Windows users can find the update by clicking ‘Help > Check for update’ in the top toolbar; Mac users can update by clicking ‘Check for updates’ in the Luminar 3 menu option in the system’s top bar.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple announces new photo features and tools in iOS 13, macOS and iPadOS updates

04 Jun

Today, at its World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2019, Apple unveiled a collection of new photo-oriented features and tools inside its upcoming iOS 13 and macOS operating systems, as well as its new iPadOS, a spin-off of iOS designed specifically to utilize the larger, more powerful tablets from Apple.

Below we’ve rounded up and summarized the best photo-related features from each of the three operating systems. Additional details will be added over time as we gather more information and details.

iOS 13

The main feature changes in iOS 13 are new and improved features inside the Camera and Photos applications.

On the Camera app front, Apple has added a new Portrait Mode setting it calls High Key Mono. As its name suggests, the new AI-powered filter will create a high key black and white image when captured with Portrait Mode in the Camera app.

A collection of Portrait Mode images showing the five different lighting filters available.

Also new to Portrait Mode is the ability to adjust the intensity of the lighting. Apple says its new feature is designed to simulate the light source moving closer to or further away from the subject and even accounts for the higher intensity light being softer, as would be the case with a physical light source. And like before, each adjustment is made individually to images using AI to achieve the most accurate results.

Screenshots provided by Apple showing the ‘Years,’ ‘Months’ and ‘Days’ tabs, respectively.

Moving onto the Photos app on iOS, Apple has switched up the interface a little to add a new tab at the bottom that will automatically sort images into ‘Years,’ ‘Months,’ ‘Days’ and ‘All Photos.’ In addition to the new ‘Pinch’ gesture that can be used to zoom in and out of large numbers of photos, these tabs make it easier to chronological sort through images and the tabs are even contextual, so if, say, it’s your child’s birthday and their information is in your phone, the ‘Year’ tab will show photos of your child on the thumbnails of each year.

Another UI change in the Photos app is in the photo editing section. The interface now uses buttons, akin to what you see in Instagram and other third-party photo editing applications. Apple has also added the ability to edit video directly in the Photos app, just as you would photos. Now, videos can be rotated, adjusted and have filters added to them just as you would with a still image.

You can read more about iOS 13 on Apple’s dedicated preview page.

iPadOS

You might’ve noticed the lack of any mention of the iPad. That’s because Apple has finally given the iPad an operating system of its own, iPadOS. Unsurprisingly, the operating system is effectively a more powerful version of iOS, complete with a number of features photographers around the world have been asking for.

First up is support for external drives. Now, the Files app supports browsing, editing, sorting and transferring content from hard drives, solid state drives, USB drives, SD cards and even direct import from cameras. We haven’t found any additional details, but Apple CEO Tim Cook specifically mentioned the ability to import images directly into Lightroom CC from an SD card or connected camera, bypassing the need to first import images into your Camera Roll.

The first iteration of iPadOS also brings the aforementioned changes found in the iOS 13 version of the Camera and Photos apps.

Apple has also managed to further decrease the response time when using the Apple Pencil with an iPad. Apple already leads the industry with a 20ms response time, but in iPadOS that’s been further reduced to 9ms, thanks to improved algorithms.

You can read more about iPadOS on Apple’s dedicated preview page.

macOS Catalina

The newest version of Apple’s desktop operating system, macOS, has strayed from the desert theme and has officially been deemed macOS Catalina. Of all the changes, one change, in particular, stands out for photographers—Sidecar.

Until now, it’s required third-party hardware and software to use your iPad as a secondary display for your macOS computer. Now, the functionality is baked directly into macOS Catalina via Sidecar.

Sidecar works both wired and wirelessly, and supports the Apple Pencil, effectively turning your iPad into a dedicated drawing tablet that’s connected directly to your macOS computer. Sidecar will support gesture inputs and will display various Touch Bar functions on the bottom of the iPad display, even if you don’t have the Touch Bar MacBook Pro.

Apple has shared a list of supported apps, which include Affinity Photo, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Cinema 4D, Final Cut Pro, Maya and others. However, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One and other photo-related apps are noticeably absent from the list for the time being.

A list of apps Apple has specifically mentioned as supported by Sidecar for the time being.

By adding this functionality, Apple has more or less pulled the rug out from underneath third-party software and hardware options including Astropad and Duet Display. However, until iPadOS and macOS Catalina are available for public use, third-party options are the only means of using your iPad as a secondary display.

You can read more about macOS Catalina on Apple’s dedicated preview page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony releases promotional videos to highlight Xperia 1 pro-oriented video features

02 Jun

The Sony Xperia 1 was announced back in February but has become available to buy in the shops only this week. It’s Sony’s first triple-camera phone and comes with a range of enticing imaging features, including a 21:9 OLED display with 4K resolution, 4K HDR video as well as ultra-wide and tele-cameras.

In order to highlight the camera’s video capabilities Sony has now released several promotional videos, explaining some of the more advanced new features.

Cinema Pro is a set of features aimed at mobile videographers. Users can choose from a range of color presets and footage can be recorded at a cine-compatible 24 frames per second and 21:9 aspect ratio. You can also shoot with any of three lenses and select manual shutter speeds.

Optical Steady Shot is another highlighted video feature. It combines electronic and optical image stabilization for smooth and shake-free footage. The results in the sample clip below look pretty impressive but we have seen similar results on other high-end devices. That said, Sony claims the Xperia 1 comes closest to ‘cinema-grade’ results.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic S1 firmware update delivers advanced video features

01 Jun

Panasonic has announced an upcoming firmware upgrade for its Lumix DC-S1 full-frame mirrorless camera. Officially referred to as DMW-SFU2, the upgrade adds a number of high-end video features and capabilities, many of which are similar to those found in the company’s GH5 series of cameras, which have often been class-leading when it comes to video.

Most prominent is the addition of Panasonic’s V-Log gamma profile, which promises to deliver 14+ stops of dynamic range. Notably, this is not the truncated V-Log L profile found on the GH-series, which capture a bit less dynamic range due to their smaller sensors. Rather, it’s the same gamma profile used by the company’s VariCam cinema cameras, which should allow the S1 to deliver the same look as VariCam models using the same V-Gamut color space.

Additionally, the upgrade adds 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/30p internal recording, 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/60p recording using an external recorder via HDMI, and 48 kHz/24-bit or 96 kHz/24-bit audio when used with Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 adapter.

Videographers will be excited to hear that Panasonic is also adding very useful tools like a waveform monitor and in-camera LUTs, which can be used when shooting in V-Log to approximate the look of graded output.

Who should consider this upgrade? If you’re primarily a stills-shooter, or even a video-shooter who mostly shoots casually, it’s possible that none of these new features will be important to you. However, if you’re a serious video shooter who understands the advantages of Log video, or who needs to match footage with other pro video cameras from Panasonic, this is probably an upgrade you’ll want to consider.

The DMW-SFU2 software key will be available in July at a cost of $ 199 in the US, €199 in Europe and £179 in the UK. Panasonic US says the update will be made available free to any existing S1 owners that have registered their camera, and for anyone who buys an S1 before July 31st. In Europe (including the UK) the offer runs until the end of September.

Panasonic to Release the Upgrade Firmware Key DMW-SFU2 for LUMIX S1 in July 2019 to Expand Its Video Performance

Newark, NJ (May 31, 2019) – Panasonic has announced that the company will release an Upgrade Firmware Key DMW-SFU2 for the full-frame mirrorless camera LUMIX S1 in July 2019. This paid software program will further expand the video performance of the LUMIX S1 for advanced video recording. As announced separately, the new LUMIX S1H features 14+ stops of full V-Log, which is equivalent to the V-Log of high-end cinema cameras such as the Cinema VariCam. The user can experience the 14+ stops of V-Log on the LUMIX S1 with the firmware update program provided by the Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2, prior to the release of the LUMIX S1H.

Functions available with the upgrade program are as follows.

  • 14+ stops of V-Log recording
  • World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K MOV 30p/25p*1 internal video recording*2
  • World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50p*1 HDMI output*2
  • V-Log and V-Gamut compatible with Cinema VariCam Look
  • In-camera LUT (Look Up Table) application enabling playback of V-Log while or after recording (LUT Display with Custom Function)
  • A WFM (Waveform Monitor) displays brightness level while recording
  • High-res 48-kHz/24-bit or 96-kHz/24-bit sound can be recorded in MOV using the XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1

The Upgrade Software Key DMW-SFU2 will go on sale in July 2019.

*1 PAL area only

*2 For a full-frame digital still camera as of May 31, 2019.

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Asus Zenbook Pro Duo features a secondary 4K touch-display

28 May

With an Intel i9 processor, up to 32GB RAM and an Nvidia RTX2060 GPU the latest model the Zenbook Duo Pro’s spec sheet makes for some impressive reading. However, the device’s real highlight is the secondary 4K touch-display that sits above the keyboard.

The ScreenPad Plus as Asus calls it, measures 14″ and comes with a 32:9 aspect ratio and 3840×1100 resolution. Asus says the IPS display offers a 178-degree angle of view.

This is potentially a very useful feature for photographers, video editors and other content creators who can display the editing window on the main screen and use the secondary display for tool bars, time-lines, thumbnail previews and similar items. Image retouchers can display a zoomed-in section on the smaller display while showing the full image on the big screen.

The package also includes an Asus Pen as well as a palm rest. Next to the keyboard you find the trackpad that can be turned into a numeric pad.

The main 4K OLED display is also of the touch-variant, measures 15.4″ and is capable of displaying 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut.

Alternatively to the an 8-core 2.4Ghz 9th Gen Intel Core i9-9980HK processor you can choose a 6-core2.6Ghz Intel Core i7-9750H. RAM options range from 8 to 32GB. There’s also an Nvidia GeForce RTX2060 GPUwith 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage.

Connectivity options include a full sized HDMI output for external displays, a Thunderbolt 3 Type-C USB socket and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB sockets as well as 3.5mm audio jack. At 2.5kg (5.51lbs) the Zenbook Pro Duo is not the lightest but the secondary screen should make more than up for the weight if you are image or video editing on the road.

No information on pricing or availability has been released yet but the ZenBook Pro Duo is expected to be released at some point during Q3 2019. More information is available on the Asus website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Asus ZenFone 6 features rotating camera module

17 May

Asus has revealed its latest its latest high-end device, the ZenFone 6, and the new model comes with quite a unique design feature: a rotating camera module. This means there is no requirement for a front camera (and therefore no display notch), as the main module can simply be rotated to point towards the front.

It also means you get rear camera image quality when taking selfie images or recording selfie videos, which could be a real bonus for some users. The rotation angle of the module can be adjusted via the camera app, so the feature is also useful for capturing subjects that are located further down or higher up.

Asus says the camera module housing is made with Liquidmetal technology that is 4x stronger than stainless steel but lighter. It has been tested for 100,000 actuations and closes automatically when a drop is detected. In addition, the rotation mechanism can be used to automate panorama panning or to help with motion tracking to keep your subject in frame.

Inside the rotating module Asus has implemented a 48MP Sony IMX586 Quad-Bayer sensor that produces 12MP image output for a wide dynamic range and low noise. It is combined with an F1.8 aperture lens. There is also a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 125-degree field of view but, likely due to space constraints, no tele.

In video mode the camera can record 4K videos at 60fps with electronic image stabilization and like most recent high-end devices, the Asus also comes with a multi-frame-based night mode that offers better image quality in very low light.

Images can be viewed and composed on a 6.4” IPS LCD that covers 92% of the front. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 855 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM. Up to 256GB of storage is available and storage can be expandable via a microSD card. The 5,000mAh battery should provide plenty of usage time.

The ZenFone 6 will first be available in Europe for €500 (approximately $ 560). No information on pricing and availability in other regions has been released yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung patents wraparound phone display with unique photography features

30 Apr

Dutch website Let’s Go Digital has uncovered a Samsung patent that details a wraparound mobile phone display. Unlike the company’s folding phone, this recently approved patent shows a flexible display that wraps from the front of the phone up over the top and down partially across the back. Among other uses, the rear display could be used to provide an image preview to the photo’s subjects.

An illustration from the patent showing how the secondary display can be used to help the subject see themself in the frame.

The patent describes multiple potential uses for the rear display, including as a camera preview. A translation of the section describing this potential use reads:

For example, at operation 1620, the electronic device may confirm to the user that he wants to selfie. When the self-portrait mode is selected, the control unit of the electronic device can activate the rear display provided in the same direction as the direction in which the camera is mounted. The preview image generated in operation 1660 may be displayed through the activated rear display.

Who needs a high-resolution front-facing camera when a secondary display can turn the main camera unit into a selfie cam?

Though the idea of a dual-display smartphone isn’t new, Samsung’s method — using a flexible OLED panel for a seamless wraparound screen — is unique. Of note, this arrangement could enable users to capture selfies using the device’s superior rear camera in lieu of the front-facing camera.

As with any patent, it’s possible Samsung may never bring a device featuring this technology to market.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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