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Panasonic Lumix DC-G95/G90 features a 20MP sensor, weather-resistant body and built-in V-LogL

06 Apr

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Panasonic has introduced the Lumix DC-G95 (known as the G90 in some regions), which sits just above the G85 (G80) that was introduced in 2016. The G95 offers mostly minor updates to its predecessor, including a higher resolution 20MP LiveMOS sensor, updated design, built-in V-LogL and a headphone socket.

The G95 is a larger camera than the G85, with a beefier grip and dedicated ISO, white balance and exposure compensation buttons. It has the same OLED EVF as the G85, and its fully articulating 3″ LCD has received a bump in resolution to 1.24M dots.

The other changes of note related to video. The G95 is the first non-GH Panasonic camera to have V-LogL built-in. The company has also added a headphone socket to go alongside the mic socket. The mic socket has been moved further up on the side of the camera, to keep it out of the way of the rotating LCD.

Video capture specs are similar. The G95 captures 4K UHD video at 30p or 24p, albeit with a 1.25x crop. A Full HD high speed mode has been added, with a top frame rate of 120 fps.

The G95 (G90) will include the Lumix G 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens for $ 1199/£1079. In some regions, body-only and bundles with the 14-140mm lens will be available. Shipments will begin in May.

Press Release

Panasonic Announces New Rugged-Design Hybrid Mirrorless Camera Built for High Picture Quality

LUMIX G95 Featuring 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 and 4K Video Technology

Newark, NJ (April 5, 2019) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce a rugged-design Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX G95, that features high mobility for field use and a host of functions and technologies for both photo and video.

The camera’s high-picture quality and 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without low-pass filter attain maximum performance with both lens and Venus Engine to render natural, high-precision images. The 5-axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) 2 effectively suppresses blurring to enable a 5-stop slower shutter speed*1 by combining the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) to take full advantage of both stabilization systems. Users will enjoy blur-free photo and video shooting in both wide angle and telephoto, even in low-light situations.

The Contrast AF System features DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and excels in both speed and accuracy by exchanging digital signals between camera and lens at a maximum of 240 fps*2, resulting in ultra-fast auto-focusing of approximately 0.07 sec*3. Burst shooting performance is also improved to achieve 9 fps (AFS/MF) / 6 fps (AFC) up to 600 (JPEG) / 30 (RAW) images or more. A variety of AF functions, including Face/Eye Detection AF, Pinpoint AF, One-shot AF and advanced Low Light AF enhance usability to comply with wide-ranging shooting situations.

External components of the LUMIX G95 have additionally been redesigned to enhance intuitive one-hand operation and quickly responds to the photographer’s intention. It integrates an OLED LVF (Live View Finder) with 2360K-dot high resolution in approximately 1.48x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent) magnification capability. The free-angle large 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor with approximately 1240K-dot resolution provides a touch control system, making shooting at high and low angles easier.

A host of advanced video functions make the LUMIX G95 a true hybrid camera. In addition to 4K video recording capability in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in MP4, it handles real-time image output to an external monitor/recorder via HDMI, while also recording video. High Speed Video lets users record slow motion video in Full HD at 120 fps (1/4x), 90 fps (1/3x) and 60 fps (1/2x). What’s more, 4:2:0 / 8-bit log recording is available with the pre-installed V-Log L. The 3.5mm microphone jack and newly added headphone socket accommodate sophisticated sound recording needs.

With LUMIX 4K PHOTO users can capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8-megapixel equivalent resolution to save as high-resolution images. Auto Marking and Sequence Composition are included in addition to Post Focus, Focus Stacking, Light Composition and 4K Live Cropping to help make 4K PHOTO more creative and easier to use.

The LUMIX G95 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and easily share images instantly. Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) compatibility enables constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption.

The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the users’ convenience. The Battery Grip DMW-BGG1 (sold separately) empowers comfortable, longer-time shooting.

*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.]

*2 Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses.

*3 In AFS, at wide-end with H-FSA14140 (CIPA).

  1. High image quality with real-life detail and Dual I.S. 2

The LUMIX G95 lets users shoot vibrant, true-to-life high-quality images with excellent resolution, high contrast and impressive color reproduction. The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without low-pass filter enables maximum lens performance, and the Venus Engine renders natural, high-precision images. An optimum gradation setting, according to the characteristics of the sensor, provides a wide dynamic range for smoother gradation. Tuned Three-dimensional Color Control detects hue, saturation and brightness, and applies optimal control according to the value of each factor. This achieves rich color reproduction from dark to bright parts of the image, which especially improves the expression of skies, human skin and more. A Tuned Multi Process NR boasts high noise identification accuracy and preserves details even after the noise reduction process. This results in natural textures and precise detail, especially in middle-to-high sensitivity image recording. The combination of Digital Live MOS Sensor and the Venus Engine achieves clear image rendering with minimum noise, even in low-lit situations and at max. ISO 25600.

The LUMIX G95 incorporates 5-axis Dual I.S. (Image Stabilizer) 2 which boasts even more powerful and effective blurring suppression to allow the use of a 5-stop slower shutter speed. The combination an O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) and B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer, 5-axis) compensates for larger movements which were conventionally uncontrollable. Both O.I.S. and B.I.S. are finely controlled based on information detected by a high-precision gyrosensor, and are highly beneficial in wide angle, telephoto, and adverse situations, such as night or one-handed shooting.

The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 works for both photo and motion picture recording, including 4K video. Panasonic LUMIX G series DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) Cameras offer a wide variety of digital, interchangeable lenses, most of which will comply with the 5-axis Dual I.S. in the LUMIX G95.*2 The B.I.S. compensates for camera movement even when a lens without O.I.S. is used.

*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FS14140 is used.

*2 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2 works when attaching the lens that complies with it.

  1. High-speed AF to capture those unmissable moments

The DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology*1 in LUMIX G95 calculates distance to the subject by evaluating several images with different sharpness levels while consulting the data of optical characteristics of the current lens in a moment. As a result, the LUMIX G95 achieves high-speed AF of approximately 0.07 sec*2 and high-speed burst shooting at 9 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC) to capture fast-moving subjects just in-focus.

Furthermore, the Venus Engine in the LUMIX G95 is more capable of tracking moving subjects, and it prevents out-of-focus shots even when the subject is moving quickly, or when an obstacle cuts in front of the subject. Newly added AF Sensitivity mode lets the user set the tracking sensitivity according to the shooting situation.

The LUMIX G95 incorporates Face / Eye Detection AF to automatically set focus on the eye of a human face to capture stunning portraits with crisp focus.. With Pinpoint AF, users can magnify the target area for more precise focus. The Low Light AF enables focusing on the subject more precisely, even without an AF assist lamp, thanks to the newly adopted algorithm optimized for low-light, low-contrast situations. It is effective in extremely low-lit situations down to -4EV, as dark as under moon light. A total of 49 focus detection areas enable more flexible composition, together with the Custom Multi AF mode, with which users can freely select the blocks to focus on. Focus peaking is also available for precision manual focusing.

*1 Contrast AF with DFD Technology works only with Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lenses.

*2 In AFS, at wide-end with H-FSA14140 (CIPA).

  1. Perfect mobility with careful design and control – optimized for handheld field use

The LUMIX G95 has been redesigned externally for intuitive one-hand operation that quickly responds to the photographer’s intention. Three newly-added buttons located in line on the top let the user adjust exposure, ISO and white balance. Buttons on the back are positioned centering on the wheel dial to provide quick access to the target item in both shooting and playback. The front/rear dual dial system with dial operation switch enables direct setting. The grip is also redesigned for a more stable and comfortable hold.

To withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX G95 boasts a rugged design with a front structure composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front frame. Seals at every joint, dial and button also make the camera splash/dust-resistant*.

The LUMIX G95 has a large LVF (Live View Finder) with a high-magnification ratio of approximately 1.48x / 0.74x (35mm camera equivalent). The high-precision, high-speed OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display features 2,360K-dot high resolution and 100% field of view. Adoption of OLED for the LVF achieves high-speed response with a minimum time lag of less than 0.01 second, as well as 10,000:1 high contrast for exceptional visibility. With an eyepoint of approximately 20mm, it offers high visibility with comfort for users wearing glasses. It is always sharp and clear from the center all the way to the corners.

Adopting a static-type touch control system, the large 3.0-inch LCD rear monitor with 1240K-dot high resolution features free-angle shooting. It tilts up and down by approximately 250-degrees, which makes shooting at either high or low angles even easier.

The LUMIX G95 features an electromagnetic drive in the shutter unit. The shock caused by shutter diaphragm movement is dramatically reduced and the shutter sound is minimized. This enables users to release the mechanical shutter even in situations where they previously had to use the electronic shutter.

*Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

  1. 4K capability brings evolution to videography

Taking advantage of the high-speed signal readout capability of the sensor and high-speed signal processing, the LUMIX G95 is capable of recording 4K video*1*2. Despite its high performance, it boasts superior energy efficiency and size remains compact for high mobility. The LUMIX G95 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution 4K video in 3840×2160 at 30p or 24p in addition to the full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p videos with practical full-time AF.

As a camera from Panasonic that has continually exceeded the limits of video performance in digital cameras, a host of functions are available on the LUMIX G95. The High Speed Video lets users record slow motion video in Full HD at 120 fps (1/4x), 90 fps(1/3x) and 60 fps (1/2x).

The LUMIX G95 is also capable of real-time image output to the external monitor in 4:2:2 / 8-bit*3 via an optional micro HDMI cable while simultaneously recording video. Users can choose to output only recording content or content with the setting menus individually, depending on the display.

The V-Log L is pre-installed in the LUMIX G95. Log recording offers exceptional flexibility as well as a wider dynamic range for color grading in the post-production process, and V-LogL features log characteristics with 12 stops of dynamic range.

In addition to the 3.5mm microphone jack for high-quality audio recording using an external microphone, such as Panasonic External Stereo/Shotgun Microphone DMW-MS2, a headphone socket is newly added for sound output.

Thanks to 4K technology, users can engage 4K PHOTO to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30 fps by extracting the frame with the best timing from a 4K burst file to save as a 8-megapixel equivalent photo. Choosing the best shot out of hundreds of frames recorded in 4K PHOTO is now easier with the newly added Auto Marking function. Auto Marking lets you jump to the nearest frame where differences are obvious between consecutive frames to minimize the time it would otherwise take to choose the best shot. Sequence Composition makes it possible to create a stromotion image by synthesizing multiple images shot at a fixed frame with 4K PHOTO. A unique image reflecting the subject’s motion can easily be produced in-camera without needing a special retouching process. Plus, the LUMIX G95 enables 4K Live Cropping in video recording that realizes stable panning or zooming in video recording. In panning shots, the user can simply set the viewing angle to start and end for smooth panning without using any special equipment, such as a slider. In zooming, you can set the after-zoomed viewing angle first, so that the subject is perfectly framed. Thanks to digital operation, zooming imagery is smooth because it does not physically move the zoom lens.

*1 About motion picture recording / 4K Photo recording

– Use a card with SD Speed Class with “Class 4” or higher when recording motion pictures.

– Use a card with SD Speed Class with “UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)” when recording motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K] or [4K PHOTO].

(SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.)

– MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [FHD/30p] [FHD] [HD]: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB or 30 minutes in length, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately.

– MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K]:

Motion picture file will be recorded and played back in separate files in the following cases.(You can continue recording without interruption.)

– When using an SDHC memory card: If the file exceeds 4 GB

– When using an SDXC memory card: If the continuous recording time exceeds 3 hours and 4 minutes or If the file exceeds 96 GB

  • The maximum available continuous recording- When the ambient temperature is high or continuous recording is performed, the camera may stop the recording to protect itself. Wait until the camera cools down.

*2 For [4K] video output, use an HDMI cable that has the HDMI logo on it, and that is described as”4K compatible”.

*3 4:2:0 8-bit recording on an SD Memory Card.

  1. A variety of features to enhance photographic experience

?Post Focus / Focus Stacking

The LUMIX G95 also comes with a Post Focus function to select the in-focus area even after shooting. This is helpful in situations like macro shooting where strict focusing is required or for changing expressions by changing the focused subject. This function was developed by combining the high-speed, high-precision DFD (Depth From Defocus) auto focus technology and 4K technology. The Focus Stacking function enables users to adjust the depth of field after shooting by combining multiple images shot with the Post Focus function in the camera. Users do not need to focus strictly while shooting as they can obtain the image with the defocus level that they want or pan-focus the image by simply selecting the focus area after shooting. This is beneficial when shooting macro shots of insects, small accessories, and more.

?L.Monochrome D in Photo Style

L.Monochrome D mode is newly added to Photo Style, making it possible to shoot dynamic monochrome photos with emphasized highlights and shadows while preserving the details. All three monochrome modes – Monochrome, L.Monochrome and L.Monochrome D – allow the user to adjust the grain effect between High/Standard/Low for more creative monochrome photo shooting.

?Exposure / WB / Focus / Aperture Bracket

In LUMIX G95, Focus Bracket and Aperture Bracket are additions to conventional Exposure Bracket and WB Brackets for users to choose their best shots later. In Focus Bracket, a maximum of 999 images can be shot with different focus points. The Aperture Bracket lets users have multiple shots with different depth of field.

?Live View Composite Recording

The camera releases the shutter at designated intervals of exposure time and synthesizes the parts with high luminosity to produce a single picture. While the total brightness of each consecutive image is accumulated in bulb shooting, only the target subject and the bright parts of an image are detected, and the user can synthesize them carefully while seeing the photo in live view. This is useful for capturing shots of fireworks or stars in the night sky where the background needs no gain-increase.

  1. Other features

?Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n)

The LUMIX G95 integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® connectivity to offer a more flexible shooting experience and easily share images instantly. Once the camera is connected to a smartphone or tablet installed with Panasonic’s dedicated application software the Panasonic Image App for iOS / Android, users can shoot, browse and share images remotely. Compatibility with Bluetooth 4.2 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone/tablet with minimum power consumption. This enables the camera to activate by simply using a smartphone/tablet or to add a GPS geotag on the photos automatically.

?AC/USB Power Charging

The camera’s battery can be recharged either via AC or USB according to the user’s convenience.

?Power Saving LVF

The LUMIX G95 newly incorporates a power-saving function. To preserve power, the camera automatically enters sleep mode in designated time (selectable among 1/2/3/5/10 seconds) after detecting the eye is off the eye sensor. Users can quickly go back into shooting mode with a half-press of the shutter button. A long battery life of approximately 900* images per battery charge is achieved by this Power Saving LVF.

* Under the test conditions specified by Panasonic based on CIPA standard. When the time to get in the sleep mode is set to 3 sec.

?Battery Grip DMW-BGG1 (sold separately)

The LUMIX G95 is compatible with the newly introduced Battery Grip DMW-BGG1.*1 By using two batteries, one in the camera and the other in the grip, the DMW-BGG1 extends battery life for longer-time shooting. It also makes gripping more comfortable even in vertical angle shooting. The DMW-BGG1 perfectly matches the camera, boasting a rugged, splash/dust-resistant*2 design.

*1 A battery pack is included in DMW-BGG1.

*2 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

The Lumix G95 will be available at valued channel partners in May for $ 1199.99

Panasonic Lumix G95 (G90) specifications

Price
MSRP £899 (body only), $ 1199/£899 (w/12-60 lens), £1259 (w/14-140 lens)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 22 megapixels
Sensor size Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Venus Engine
Color space Primary color space
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 100
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes IS system works together with stabilized lenses to improve shake reduction
CIPA image stabilization rating 5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal
File format
  • JPEG (Exif 2.31)
  • Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Number of focus points 49
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier 2×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,240,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 1.48× (0.74× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/16000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter Priority
  • Aperture Priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 6.40 m (at ISO 100)
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • 4K Photo
  • Post Focus
  • Interval
  • Self-timer
Continuous drive 9.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs x 3 shots)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, AVCHD
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging Yes (can be charged from external power banks)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2
Remote control Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 290
Weight (inc. batteries) 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
Dimensions 130 x 94 x 77 mm (5.12 x 3.7 x 3.03)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Skylum’s new Luminar Flex plugin brings AI features to Adobe apps, Photos on Mac

04 Apr

Skylum has announced Luminar Flex, a new plugin that enables photographers to leverage Luminar’s features while using editing software from other companies. Luminar Flex joins Luminar 3 to offer the company’s AI-powered features, including Accent AI and AI Sky Enhancer, as well as Looks, Foliage Enhancer, Details Enhancer and more.

In addition to offering the Luminar array of AI-powered features, the Luminar Flex plugin also brings Workspaces, the collections of filters designed for different types of photography. Skylum has introduced a new set of Workspaces specifically for Flex users, including Drone & Aerial, Film Lab, Expert, Black & White, Image Aware, Intensify, Relight and Color and Portrait.

The Luminar Flex plugin supports Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, and Photos for macOS.

For Lightroom users, Luminar Flex brings support for Layers and Blending modes, enabling users to apply filters to layers, and both filters and textures to blending modes. Luminar Flex supports Smart Objects in Photoshop, as well. Ultimately, Skylum says it recommends Luminar Flex to photographers who want access to Luminar’s features as part of their existing workflow rather than transitioning to Luminar 3.

Skylum has given Luminar Flex its own development roadmap separate from the existing Luminar product. Both existing Luminar 3 and Luminar 2018 product owners will get Luminar Flex for free in their accounts starting April 4. For everyone else, the new plugin costs $ 59 / €59 / £54.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei P30 Pro features super-wide-angle, 5x optical zoom and ISO 409,600

27 Mar

One year after launching the P20, Huawei has announced its new P-series high-end smartphone models: the P30 and P30 Pro. As usual, the Chinese manufacturer is at the forefront of smartphone camera development and the P30 Pro in particular has some real innovation to offer in the camera department.

The top-of-the-line device comes with a triple-camera setup (Huawei calls it a quad-camera, counting the time-of-flight (ToF) sensor), covering a focal length range that has previously been unheard of on a smartphone. The primary camera features a 1/1.7 40MP quad sensor that puts out 10MP images. The optically stabilized lens comes with an 27mm-equivalent focal length and F1.6 aperture. If you want to go wider there is also a 20MP 16mm-equivalent super-wide-angle option but the P30 Pro’s real highlight is the stabilized 5x (125mm-equivalent) periscope-style tele-camera with folded optics.

Huawei P30 Pro

The concept is very similar to OPPO’s prototype zoom system and allows for a much longer reach than would be possible with a conventional lens in a thin smartphone body. In addition Huawei also uses clever software algorithms to further enhance the P30 Pro’s zoom performance. In combination with a super resolution algorithm which merges several RAW frames into one high-resolution image that is then cropped to produce a zoomed image, a maximum zoom factor of 50x can be reached.

During the presentation Huawei CEO Richard Yu also put a lot of emphasis on the the camera´s low light capability, claiming a maximum ISO of 409,600 and the capability to capture well-exposed images in near darkness (1 Lux). This is made possible through the use of an RYYB sensor in the primary camera. According to Huawei the chip is 40 percent more light sensitive than a conventional RGB sensor. Combined with OIS and a fast F1.6 aperture the new Huawei should be one of the best performing smartphone cameras in low light we have seen.

There is also an improved portrait mode that creates a background-blurring bokeh effect. A first depth-map is created using data from the super-wide and primary cameras. It is then refined with the help of the ToF-laser that can precisely measure subject distance in all ligh conditions. Other imaging innovations include adaptive frame rates in video mode – the camera shoots at 60fps in bright light and with camera motion and reduces to 30fps in lower light or when the camera is held still – and HDR video recording on the front camera.

Other key specs include a Kirin 980 chipset, 8GB RAM, a 6.47-inch display with minimal bezels and FHD+ resolution as well as a 4,200mAh battery with fast charging. The Huawei P30 Pro is available from today but unfortunately isn’t quite a bargain. Pricing ranges from 999 ($ 1130) Euros for the 128GB version. You’ll have to invest 1249 Euros ($ 1410) for the 512GB top-of-the-range model.

Huawei P30 Pro key camera specifications:

  • Triple-camera setup
  • Primary: 40MP, 1/1.7-inch quad sensor; F1.6 aperture, OIS, 27mm-equivalent
  • Tele: 8MP sensor, folded optics with F3.4 aperture, OIS, 125mm-equivalent
  • Super-wide: 20MP, F2.2 aperture, 16mm-equivalent
  • PDAF/Time-of-flight (ToF) autofocus
  • LED flash
  • 32MP front camera, 26mm equivalent, F2 aperture, HDR video
Huawei P30

The P30 is the Pro version’s mode affordable cousin. In the camera department it lacks the 5x optical zoom and comes with a similar camera setup to last year’s Mate 20 Pro. The primary camera uses the same sensor as the Pro but has to make do without an OIS system. The super-wide comes with a lower 16MP resolution and the conventional tele ‘only’ offers an 80mm equivalent focal length.

Other differences include a smaller 6.1-inch OLED display and a lower capacity 3650 mAh battery. The Huawei P30 comes with 6>GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and will set you back 799 Euros ($ 900).

Huawei P30 key camera specifications:

  • Triple-camera setup
  • Primary: 40MP, 1/1.7-inch quad sensor; F1.8 aperture, 27mm-equivalent
  • Tele: 8MP sensor, F2.4 aperture, OIS, 80mm-equivalent
  • Super-wide: 16MP sensor, F2.2-aperture, 16mm-equivalent
  • PDAF/Time-of-flight (ToF) autofocus
  • LED flash

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon USA unveils RAISE, an online photo platform with AI-powered features

02 Mar

Canon USA has launched RAISE, its first online photo community. The platform offers photographers a destination for storing their images, which are organized using Canon’s artificial intelligence engine. Users have the option to create Collections for privately sharing images with others outside of the community, and they can browse other users’ images via a personalized feed.

RAISE’s most notable feature is its AI-powered organization, which includes auto-tagging images with the subject, category, color, style, composition, and emotion. Canon designed the platform for more than just uploading images, however, with Canon USA President Kazuto Ogawa explaining, ‘Creativity is born from community – from collaboration with like-minded individuals. With RAISE, we are building that community for photographers.’

Photographers have the option of publicly sharing their work with the RAISE community. Images can be uploaded in high-resolution JPEG format, and starting in March, Canon will release a RAISE plugin for Adobe Lightroom Classic CC. The company says its users retain ownership of images uploaded to the platform.

Canon is showcasing RAISE at the Wedding Portrait & Photography Show in Las Vegas through March 1, 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Lomogon 32mm F2.5 lens features perfectly round apertures on a rotating wheel

22 Feb

Lomography has launched the Lomogon 32mm F2.5, a compact lens with full frame sensor coverage and a unique wheel of aperture stops that protrudes from the barrel.

Fitted with the Lomogon Circular Aperture Disk the lens uses a series of five round holes cut into a disk of metal as its aperture control. The toothed disk sticks out from the lens and is turned by the user to drop the desired hole behind the front element – a bit like Waterhouse stops from the 1850s. The holes in this disk correspond to F2.5, F4, F5.6, F8 and F11 – and each is completely round as they aren’t created by an iris.

The Lomogon uses 6 coated elements in 6 groups, has a 62mm filter thread and a closest focus distance of 0.4m. Developed with Russian manufacturer Zenit and built in China, Lomography says the Lomogon uses ‘the finest glass optics’ and is assembled by hand. The result, according to the company, is high micro-contrast and ‘enhanced colors’. It will be available in Nikon F and Canon EF mounts, and adapters can be used for other camera fittings.

Technical Specifications

  • Focal Length: 32 mm
  • Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.5
  • Regular Apertures: dial aperture stops, f/2.5, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11
  • Image Circle: 44 mm
  • Field of View: 68 degrees
  • Lens Mounting Profile: Canon EF and Nikon F
  • Electronic Contacts: No
  • Closest Focusing Distance: 0.4 m
  • Focusing Mechanism: Helicoid
  • Filter Thread: 62 mm

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If all goes well the Lomogon will begin shipping in November 2019 and will have a retail price of $ 499. During the Kickstarter campaign though, it can be had for as little as $ 299.
For more information see the Lomogon Kickstarter page.


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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Picktorial photo editor for macOS gets 4.0 update with new DAM and workflow features

21 Feb

Non-destructive macOS photo editor Picktorial has been updated to version 4.0, which is free for customers who purchased version 3.50. Picktorial 4 brings new workflow and digital asset management (DAM) features, including its own index — a move to shed its reliance on macOS Spotlight — as well as an updated search function with advanced search fields that aren’t supported by Spotlight.

With the new search capabilities, Picktorial 4 users can find content globally or within specific folders using filters like capture date, rating, IPTC metadata, tags, and more. The software’s DAM also received a number of other changes, including jpeg+raw image stack support, a new image browser with two layout options, batch exporting and editing, support for albums, smart albums, and quick albums, plus the option to sort images in the browser based on rating, name, capture date, and more.

Joining the DAM changes are new workflow features, including automatic adaption to Apple’s color scheme for a uniform appearance, a new viewer that displays an image’s focus point, support for dual-layer jpegs that save all editing info within the image file, automatic NAS and connected external drive syncing for seamless remote access to projects, and support for high-resolution images up to 100MP.

Picktorial 4 is free for existing version 3.5 customers, but some features, including unlimited adjustment layers and batch editing, are only available to Picktorial Premium customers. The plan is offered for $ 9.99/month or $ 4.99/month for an annual subscription. Customers also have a $ 69.99 perpetual license option that includes a year of free maintenance updates. Existing customers have the option to subscribe for $ 39.99/year until February 28.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Luminar update brings improved performance and new features

19 Feb

Skylum Software has announced an update to its Luminar image editing software. Version 3.0.2 comes with new features as well as improvements in performance and stability.

The latter includes faster import of images and folders to the catalog and faster launch times on the Windows platform as well as faster image moving between external and internal drives and better imports of native Luminar files for Apple Mac computers.

On both platforms the software now offers a new ‘Locate Folder’ command, allowing users to find misplaced or moved folders on their system. There are also new dedicated toolbar buttons for Gallery and Single Image views.

New features for Windows users include nested folders, offline file alerts and new shortcut keys for several functions. On a Mac you can now enjoy automated database backups, new preferences for cache, catalog and backup and Aurora HDR integration among other new functions.

The new version also comes with an updated list of supported cameras to which the following models have been added:

  • Nikon: D3500, P1000, Z6, Z7
  • Panasonic: Lumix DC-LX100 II
  • Fujifilm: GFX 50R, X-T3
  • Sony: RX100VA, RX100VI, DSC-HX99, DSC-HX95
  • Leica: M10-D, M10-P, D-Lux 7

A full list of supported cameras is available on the Luminar website. Luminar is available as a 30-day free trial. A full license will set you back $ 69 and allows you to install the software on five machines in your household. More information is available on skylum.com/.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Olympus E-M1X video features review

02 Feb

Chris and Jordan recently reviewed the Olympus E-M1X as a camera for still photography. Now they’re back with a whole episode about its video features. Watch to find out where this camera really excels – as well as a couple places where there’s room to grow.

Get new episodes of DPReview TV every week by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

  • Introduction
  • Cinema 4K capture
  • 1080p quality
  • Time-lapse
  • Flat and OM-Log profiles
  • Menus
  • Video autofocus
  • Image stabilization
  • Body design
  • Microphone and pre-amp
  • Wrap-up

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Olympus E-MX1 video features review

02 Feb

Chris and Jordan recently reviewed the Olympus E-M1X as a camera for still photography. Now they’re back with a whole episode about its video features. Watch to find out where this camera really excels – as well as a couple places where there’s room to grow.

Get new episodes of DPReview TV every week by subscribing to our YouTube channel!

  • Introduction
  • Cinema 4K capture
  • 1080p quality
  • Time-lapse
  • Flat and OM-Log profiles
  • Menus
  • Video autofocus
  • Image stabilization
  • Body design
  • Microphone and pre-amp
  • Wrap-up

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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How to Edit Landscape and Nature Photos with the Lightroom Gradient Tool and Range Mask Features

05 Jan

The post How to Edit Landscape and Nature Photos with the Lightroom Gradient Tool and Range Mask Features appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

Lightroom has always had a rich set of tools to allow photographers to get the most out of their images. However, until recently the ability to edit landscape and nature photos was a bit lacking.

While, global adjustments, like changing white balance and exposure have always worked great in Lightroom, fine-tuning edits can be problematic. Recent updates have seen incredible improvements to the Filter tools in Lightroom. An added tweak called Range Mask makes all the difference for photographers who need complete control over the precise implementation of their edits.

Lightroom Gradient Tool and Range Mask

The three most common ways to edit specific parts of an image in Lightroom are through the use of the Graduated Filter, Radial Filter, and Adjustment Brush. If you want to smooth the skin on your portraits, increase the saturation of your skies, or change the color cast of your clouds these tools can be just the ticket. But what if you have a tree that sticks up into the sky or an uneven horizon dotted with buildings and power lines?

The usefulness of the filter tools is somewhat restricting when you want to limit your edits to particular sub-parts of a picture. Until recently the Auto-Mask option was the best way to confine your edits to certain colors or locations within an image. Landscape and nature photos are especially tricky because of the uneven edges and jagged borders that exist between sections of the photo that need editing. However, the Range Mask option solves almost all of these issues with ease.

How it works

To illustrate this, I’m going to walk you through the editing process of the following image. My brother Andy took it while he was on a tour of the swamps in Louisiana, USA, with his family last summer. The initial image has a nice composition but feels dull and uninteresting, which is a far cry from the real experience.

Adjusting White Balance with a Graduated Filter

One change to punch things up is altering the white balance of the sky to bring out the bright blues and make the image more vibrant.

The first step is to click over to the Graduated Filter panel. Dial in a white balance that skews more towards the cooler end of the spectrum and reduce the exposure just a bit. Next, click and drag from top to bottom on the image to put the filter in place.

The sky is now a rich blue, however, a big problem becomes evident: the color cast of the trees has changed too. This result is not what I want. Clicking the Show Selected Mask Overlay button in the bottom left corner under your image reveals that the graduated filter has been applied to everything including the trees as well as the sky.

Fine-tuning the Graduated Filter using the Range Mask

Fine-tuning a tool such as the Graduated Filter, used to involve a series of steps. These steps included brushing out the mask in places you didn’t want it in combination with the auto-mask feature. It worked, but results were often a little sketchy. They also required a great deal of tweaking and fine-tuning. That’s not to say the brush option is useless-far from it! I have an example later in this article that shows how useful it can be.

However, all this has changed in recent versions of Lightroom. You can now use the Range Mask to apply any of the three filter tools to specific parts of an image based on lightness or color similarity.

The default value for Range Mask is Off, but with one of your Filter adjustments selected you can then choose to enable Range Mask for Color, Luminance or Depth.

  • Color applies the filter to specific parts of the image based on how similar they are to color values that you select.
  • Luminance applies the filter to specific parts of the image based on how light or dark those parts are.
  • Depth works only with cameras that record depth information and applies the filter to specific parts of the image based on how close or how far away they are. Some mobile phones have this feature but most traditional cameras do not, so Depth will often be disabled unless you are editing images taken with certain mobile phones.

Range Mask – Color

For this image, I’m going to use the Color option, though Luminance works great in many nature and landscape photos as well.

With Color selected, you can either click and drag on your image to select a range of colors or can click multiple points by shift+clicking. This selection is where the mask gets applied. I find that shift+clicking generally works better, although your mileage may vary depending on your editing goals and the type of picture you are working with.

You can click up to five spots on the image to refine your color selection. Use the slider in the Range Mask panel to fine-tune things further. This slider hones the edges of your Range Mask. If you find that the border between the edited and unedited portions of your image is a bit stark, adjusting the Amount slider will help mitigate this issue.

The result of this one Gradient Filter, along with the Range Mask, is an image that is already much improved from the original.

Looking at a 100% crop of a portion of the image reveals just how precisely the Gradient Filter has been applied thanks to the Range Mask. Here is a portion from the top-right of the original unedited image.

Here is the same portion with the Gradient Filter applied, using the Range Mask to apply the Filter to only selected color ranges. In this case, the color of the sky.

Notice how precisely the edits were applied, and how intricate the edges around the tree leaves are. This illustrates why the Range Mask option is so useful for landscape and nature photos. There are many tricky edges and small parts of the image that can take a very long time to fix without it.

Range Mask – Luminance

Another way to use the Range Mask is with the Luminance option. This option only applies the mask to the brightest or the darkest portions of the Gradient, or other Filter, that’s applied.

The overall idea here is the same, but the implementation is a tad different. Instead of selecting colors where you want the Range Mask applied, you use the Range sliders to concentrate the mask on the lightest, darkest or mid-range parts. One of the most useful things here is the Show Luminance Mask box which gives you a real-time preview of where your mask application. This helps you as you are adjusting the sliders.

Here’s an image I shot while hiking in the mountains near Seattle. It’s not bad, but a few edits would help improve the picture. Edits may help it look a little closer to how it appeared when my wife and I were tromping around in the wilderness that day with my cousin.

I want to bring out the color in the foreground trees in this image. A Graduated Filter with Luminance Range Mask is perfect in this scenario because the edits can be applied just to the darker portions of the image. With the filter in place and the mask tweaked to be applied only to the darker parts, I can ensure my edits are going to show up just where I want them to by checking the Show Luminance Mask option.

Fine-tuning using Brush

As demonstrated above, the Range Mask is extremely useful for nature and landscape photographers. It applies the Graduated Filter to just the right portions of the image and not the entire picture evenly. If you want to customize your Graduated Filter further, click the Brush option (not the Brush Adjustment Tool) and proceed to add to, or erase, the Filter wherever you want.

In this case, I’d like to remove the Graduated Filter from the lake in the foreground. Even though I can tell from my Luminance Mask overlay that it’s not being applied too heavily to that area, removing all traces of it with the brush will help me get the exact picture I want.

The end result is a photo with much warmer green tones in the trees and a lake that reflects the blue sky above, which is just the look I was aiming for.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these examples give you an idea of how powerful the combination of Graduated Filters and Range Masks are for nature and landscape photographers. I’m always eager to hear from the DPS community. Have you found this particular tool useful? Are there any other tips you’d like to share about using the Lightroom Gradient Tool and Range Mask? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

The post How to Edit Landscape and Nature Photos with the Lightroom Gradient Tool and Range Mask Features appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.


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