RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Issues’

Google promises software fix for Pixel 3 image saving issues

25 Oct

It’s not unusual to see one or two software bugs on a newly released smartphone, but it looks like some Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL units are infected with a particularly nasty camera-related problem. Many early adopters have reported a bug that occasionally prevents photos from saving after capture in the camera app.

The technical details behind the problem are not quite clear, but looking at discussions on Reddit appears older Pixel phones, and even Nexus devices, have had similar issues in the past.

The good news is that Google is now reacting and addressing the issue. A spokesperson talked to Android Police and provided the following statement:

“We will be rolling out a software update in the coming weeks to address the rare case of a photo not properly saving.”

The company has also confirmed that the bug will not only be fixed on the latest Pixel 3 devices but also on older Google Pixel 1 and 2 generation phones that are affected.

Even if it only happens rarely, a lost photo in an important moment is every photographer’s nightmare. So it’s good to see Google’s is taking steps to fix the issue across all affected models.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Google promises software fix for Pixel 3 image saving issues

Posted in Uncategorized

 

FAA issues warning to drone pilots in hurricane areas

12 Oct

The FAA, the agency that regulates airspace in the United States, has issued a warning to drone operators as a reminder not to interfere with emergency operations in areas affected by Hurricane Michael.

Drones are frequently used during disasters for tasks such as search and rescue or damage assessment, but this work is performed by trained professionals and volunteers, and is tightly coordinated by emergency agencies to avoid possible interference with low flying aircraft involved in the disaster response.

Fines for interfering with emergency operations may exceed $ 20,000, but more importantly, flying a drone in an affected area could impact emergency operations at a critical time. Pilots who wish to contribute to recovery efforts are encouraged to do so through volunteer organizations that work directly with the local incident commander.

Although most drone pilots will know to avoid interference with emergency operations, this is a friendly reminder not to be that person who inevitably ends up on the evening news for flying their drone directly into a disaster zone.

Here’s the official warning from the FAA for those who want details:

Hurricane Michael: Information for Drone Operators

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is warning drone owners and operators that they will be subject to significant fines that may exceed $ 20,000 if they interfere with emergency response operations in the areas affected by Hurricane Michael.

Many aircraft that are conducting life-saving missions and other critical response and recovery efforts are likely to be flying at low altitudes over areas affected by the storm. Flying a drone without authorization in or near the disaster area may unintentionally disrupt rescue operations and violate federal, state, or local laws and ordinances, even if a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is not in place. Allow first responders to save lives and property without interference.

Government agencies with an FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) or flying under Part 107, as well as private sector Part 107 drone operators who want to support response and recovery operations, are strongly encouraged to coordinate their activities with the local incident commander responsible for the area in which they want to operate.

If drone operators need to fly in controlled airspace or a disaster TFR to support the response and recovery, operators must contact the FAA’s System Operations Support Center (SOSC) by emailing 9-ATOR-HQ-SOSC@faa.gov the information they need to authorize access to the airspace. Coordination with the SOSC may also include a requirement that a drone operator obtain support from the appropriate incident commander.

Here’s the information the FAA may require:

  • the unmanned aircraft type
  • a PDF copy of a current FAA COA
  • the pilot’s Part 107 certificate number
  • details about the proposed flight (date, time, location, altitude, direction and distance to the nearest airport, and latitude/longitude)
  • nature of the event (fire, law enforcement, local/national disaster, missing person) and the pilot’s qualification information.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on FAA issues warning to drone pilots in hurricane areas

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Tamron issues warning about Nikon Z7 compatibility

06 Oct

Tamron has issued a warning to its customers that some of the company’s Nikon F-mount lenses do not work with the new Nikon Z7 and FTZ adapter. Saying only that ‘issues’ have been discovered, Tamron promises that it is investigating, and will provide further compatibility updates once a solution has been found.

Meanwhile, Sigma has confirmed to DPReview that its Nikon F-mount lenses should work without limitation on the new Z7 and Z6 using Nikon’s FTZ adapter.

Read Tamron’s full statement

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Tamron issues warning about Nikon Z7 compatibility

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Fujifilm X-T3 firmware update fixes distortion, memory card lock issues

20 Sep

Fujifilm released a firmware upgrade (v1.01) for its X-T3 mirrorless camera that addresses issues with distortion compensation when using the electronic shutter in continuous high shooting mode. A bug where the mechanical lock on SD cards was ignored has also been fixed, along with unspecified ‘slight defects’.

The update can be downloaded here.

Read our Fujifilm X-T3 First Impressions Review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Fujifilm X-T3 firmware update fixes distortion, memory card lock issues

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Apple launches service program for MacBooks affected by keyboard issues, offers free repairs

25 Jun
RawPixel/Unsplash

Apple has launched a new service program for select MacBook and MacBook Pros potentially affected by a keyboard issue that results in sticky, unresponsive keys and repeated characters when typing.

The service program comes after three separate class action lawsuits were filed against the Cupertino company for issues related to MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards.

In a statement provided to 9to5Mac by an Apple spokesperson, the program ‘covers a small percentage of keyboards in certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models which may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors: letters or characters that repeat unexpectedly or don’t appear when pressed or keys that feel “sticky” or aren’t responding in a consistent manner.’

If believe your MacBook or MacBook Pro is being affected by the above issues, the first step is to check whether or not your model is part of the service program. To do this, go into the Apple (?) menu in the upper-left-hand corner of your Mac and select ‘About This Mac.’ Below are the eligible models:

  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)

If your MacBook or MacBook Pro is one of the above models and is experiencing keyboard issues, the next step is to set up the repair process. You can have the repair done at an Apple authorized service provider, make an appointment at an Apple retail store, or mail in your computer to Apple’s repair center.

Before any repairs are made, Apple will verify whether anything needs to be fixed. If it does, Apple will ‘service [the] eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge.’ The repairs will consist of either replacing the affected keys or potentially replacing the keyboard as a whole if required.

You can find more details on how to get your device repaired by going to Apple’s documentation page detailing the service program.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Apple launches service program for MacBooks affected by keyboard issues, offers free repairs

Posted in Uncategorized

 

US Navy confirms: Combat camera units will be eliminated over budget issues

13 Feb

The U.S. Navy has confirmed that it will eliminate a pair of combat camera (COMCAM) units. Confirmation was given by the Pentagon’s Navy spokesperson Lt. Lauren Chatmas to the Navy Times, which reported last week about the Navy’s plans to eliminate the units by October 1st.

The U.S. Navy has two COMCAM units, one called Expeditionary Combat Camera, the other called Fleet Combat Camera. Both units will be eliminated because of budget constraints, according to Chatmas’s statement:

…difficult decisions were made in order to ensure the resourcing of critical mission areas that support Navy’s expeditionary operations. Other expeditionary mission areas took precedence over COMCAM. Therefore, as an overall cost savings measure, the decision was made to provide this capability to the fleet from the existing Navy Public Affairs Support Element command.

Sources expanded on that statement to Navy Times, claiming that COMCAM budget cuts in fiscal year 2017 decreased funding by 60%, and was joined by a declining workload. Officials reportedly decided to eliminate the COMCAM units entirely when working out the fiscal year 2019 budget, having failed in 2017 to consolidate the two units into a single COMCAM unit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on US Navy confirms: Combat camera units will be eliminated over budget issues

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Apple apologizes for iPhone performance issues, offers discount on battery replacement

29 Dec

In a “letter to our customers” posted on its website, Apple took a more active stance in the iPhone slowdown ‘scandal’ that has been making headlines over the past week. The company once again explained why it was reducing performance on older iPhone models, but the letter went a step further, apologizing to customers for the lack of transparency and offering a few potential solutions to placate angry iPhone users.

The letter first describes how batteries age, and explains that the company changed its power management system to reduce “unexpected shutdowns” on iPhone 6 and SE models last year. (Apple did the same with iPhone 7 models recently).

In response to negative feedback from customers (and perhaps lawsuits) Apple will be reducing the price of replacement batteries by $ 50 (to $ 29) for out-of-warranty iPhones. Furthermore, the company plans to release an iOS update that will, “give users more visibility into the health of their iPhone’s battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance.”

The battery replacement program will begin in January and run throughout 2018. More information will be posted soon on apple.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Apple apologizes for iPhone performance issues, offers discount on battery replacement

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Tether Tools reveals it used an image without permission, issues public statement and apology

23 Dec

Tether Tools CEO Josh Simons has preemptively apologized for the company’s use of an image without the permission of the photographer who took it. In a letter published on December 14, Simons explained that an image used as a placeholder in concept mockups for the company’s redesigned website accidentally went live on the final site.

Explaining the process that led to this image’s accidental use, Simmons wrote in his letter:

One concept used behind-the-scenes candid images of photographers using Tether Tools’ gear. Behind the Scene Instagram images, similar to what you would see here @tethertools were added For Placement Only (FPO) during the design phase, to show an example of the type of photos that could be rotating regularly on an embedded Instagram API feed. This API mock-up, which included a customer’s Instagram BTS photo, was placed near the footer of one page in the proposed layout.

Over the course of time, through various layouts and edits the design was approved but embedding the Instagram API on this page was overlooked by the web design team. At launch the new website had close to 1,400 pages and finalizing this element on this page was missed. The use of the image was accidental and simply an oversight. The photo was never used in any other way, not in advertising campaigns or print materials, nor to promote any specific product.

Simons says Tether Tools was alerted to the image’s presence by a third-party, and that the company has since removed the image and contacted the photographer. The photographer, who is said to be a Tether Tools customer, has been compensated for the image’s use and was given an apology for the mistake.

In a statement to Fstoppers, Tether Tools said, “Both parties are satisfied and most of all we are gratified by the nature in which everything was handled.”

Via: Fstoppers

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Tether Tools reveals it used an image without permission, issues public statement and apology

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Google rolls out ‘Saturated’ mode to address Pixel 2 XL display issues

10 Nov

The Google Pixel 2 might sport one of the best smartphone cameras around, but when it comes to the display—particularly on the larger XL—model, Google has had nothing but trouble. Reports of everything from burn-in, to blue tint off-axis, to ‘dull’ colors have left the tech giant playing catch up, and today it finally … well… caught up. Or at least it tried.

A promised software update released on Tuesday (and rolling out to all users by the end of the week) addresses the issue of burn-in with some minor tweaks, and adds three total color saturation modes under the phone’s Display settings to hopefully quiet down the complaints about ‘dull’ colors.

Here’s a quick summary of the update in Google’s own words:

This update includes some of the enhancements we posted about on October 26, such as the new Saturated color mode for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, a fix for the faint clicking noise heard in some Pixel 2s, and other bug and security updates. As we mentioned in our deeper dive, this update also brings planned UI changes which extend the life of the OLED display, including a fade out of the navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen and an update to maximum brightness.

According to Android Central, the updated saturation settings come in three flavors: Natural, Boosted, and Saturated. Natural should provide the most accurate color reproduction; Boosted takes the place of the “Vivid Colors” setting previously available, which boosted saturation by 10%; and, finally, Saturated will put the display in an “unmanaged configuration” that will make colors “more saturated and vibrant, but less accurate,” according to Google’s deep dive on the topic.

Unfortunately, this mode throws away one of the most important things about Android Oreo: color management. In ‘Saturated’ mode, all apps, images and video will first render to sRGB (for now) and then be stretched to the display’s wider color gamut.

This will make for inaccurate colors across the two devices, but there is hope for us color nerds. As Seang Chau, VP of Engineering at Google, says in his blog post: due to color management under the hood in the new OS, “an Android app developer can now make use of the wider Display P3 color gamut precisely for a wider range of colors. Google apps will take advantage of wide colors in the future.” We’re hoping this means that future apps will render either to P3 or straight to a display profile provided by Google, which would allow for saturated colors when appropriate, but not at the cost of accuracy.

Finally, no comment was made on the poor viewing angle of the XL model that introduces a strong blue-tint off-axis (see picture above of the Pixel 2 XL vs the original XL). This can make photos with warmer tones look even more desaturated by shifting toward blue. But while Google was able to address some of its display complaints this week, this seems like a hardware problem that will be difficult to fix via software.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Google rolls out ‘Saturated’ mode to address Pixel 2 XL display issues

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Panasonic issues promised GH5 firmware update with a host of unexpected extras

30 Aug

Panasonic has revealed the full extent of its planned feature-boosting firmware update. In addition to the enhancements announced at the camera’s launch, it will also add a range of extra features and performance improvements not previously expected. The update is free and will be available at ‘the end of September.’

The firmware update gives access to the full range of features set out at the camera’s launch as well as making some changes in response to user feedback.

As originally promised, the update adds the following features:

  • 400Mbps All-I compression options in 4K (200Mbps in 1080)*
  • Higher resolution 4:3 video capture for shooting with anamorphic lenses
  • Hybrid Log Gamma shooting mode (HDR TV-ready Log shooting)

Further to these, the company has also added these features:

  • More responsive autofocus, especially in 24p video shooting
  • USB-based tethered shooting option with free Mac/Win software
  • Additional Stabilization mode steadier hand-held video
  • Improvements to 6K and 4K Photo modes*
  • Additional wireless function
  • Bug fixes and minor feature tweaks

The features marked * are the first time a manufacturer has recommended the use of V60 and V90 speed class cards, as their testing suggests even the fastest U3 cards can result in pauses and dropped recording.

We got our hands on an early version of the firmware, and we’ve updated our full GH5 review with an in-depth look at all of the changes.

For more details about these changes, see our breakdown of the f/w V2.0 features

Press Release

GH5 Firmware Update Version 2.0

Exceptional New Enhancements, Performance and Functionality

Newark, NJ (August 30, 2017) Panasonic today announced the new firmware update Verion.2.0 for DC-GH5 to further enhance its performance. Many enhancements were previously planned but additional modifications were suggested by end users that specialize in both photography and cinematography. This updates is an exceptional upgrade in camera performance to satisfy professional GH5 users.

The new firmware includes following upgrades:

1. Compatibility with “LUMIX Tether” PC software

This new firmware enables GH5 tethered shooting via USB, using “LUMIX Tether” PC software. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets you view the image on a large PC screen while shooting, which is helpful in commercial photoshoots of portraits, products and so on, where continuous confirmation is required. You can use [6K PHOTO] [4K PHOTO] and start and stop video recording with the tethered shooting. It is also possible to choose the folder to save the image files in the PC.

2. Improved auto focus performance

-Auto focus performance for subjects with low contrast in photo shooting is improved.

-Tracking auto focus performance in video recording is improved.

-The customized AF area can be continuously displayed in [Multi AF] and [Custom Multi AF] during live-view.

-The AF area in [Multi AF] can be moved to the other edge (side, top or bottom) when it reaches one edge.

-The start point of AF lock can be set on the live view screen in advance in [AF Tracking].

-The AF area can be moved while the shutter button is half-pressed or while recording in [Burst Mode], [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO].

3. Improved performance in [6K PHOTO] and [4K PHOTO]

-The waiting time to start the next burst shooting sequence after [6K Burst] and [4K Burst] is shortened to less than half the time.

-[Loop Rec] is available in [6K PHOTO]

•Use of Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90 is recommended for [Loop Rec] of [6K PHOTO].

4. An additional ALL-Intra Video Recording mode

-4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra video recording mode is added to 4K/FHD video recording.

•Use of SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 60 or higher is recommended for 4K ALL-Intra video recording. Operation is confirmed with Panasonic SD Memory Card with Video Speed Class 90.??

New 4:2:2,10-bit ALL-Intra Recording Mode

Item

System Frequency

Size

Frame Rate

Bit Rate

YUV/bit

Image Compression

C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4096×2160

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/30p

3840×2160

29.97p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

3840×2160

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/60p

1920×1080

59.94p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/30p

1920×1080

29.97p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p

1920×1080

23.98p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/25p

50.00Hz

(PAL)

3840×2160

25.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/50p

1920×1080

50.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/25p

1920×1080

25.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

C4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4096×2160

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/ALL-I/400M/24p

3840×2160

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

FHD/ALL-I/200M/24p

1920×1080

24.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

5. 4K HDR video recording

-[HLG] (Hybrid Log Gamma) is added to [Photo Style]. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a mode to reproduce both the brightest and darkest part in an image, making it look just as human eyes see. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in [Photo Style].

-A low-bit-rate recording mode 4K HEVC for HLG was added. This enables playback on AV equipment compatible with the HEVC compression format, such as Panasonic 4K HDR TVs.

6.Enhancement of the Anamorphic video recording mode

-High-Resolution Anamorphic mode, which enables video recording in 18-mega effective pixels, is added. *Recorded in HEVC

New High-Resolution Anamorphic Mode

*1 “High Resolution Anamorphic Mode” records motion picture with an aspect ratio suited for an anamorphic lens,4:3. The effective picture size for this mode is equivalent to the number of pixels produced by 6K (approx. 6,000 (horizontal) x 3,000 (vertical)) images (approx. 18 megapixels).

Item

System Frequency

Size

Frame Rate

Bit Rate

YUV/bit

Image Compression

6K/A/200M/30p*2

59.94Hz

(NTSC)

4992×3744

29.97p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

6K/A/200M/24p*2

4992×3744

23.98p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/30p

3328×2496

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

4K/A/400M/24p

3328×2496

23.98p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

6K/A/200M/25p*2

50.00Hz

(PAL)

4992×3744

25.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/25p

3328×2496

25.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

ALL-Intra

6K/A/200M/24p*2

24.00Hz

(CINEMA)

4992×3744

24.00p

200 Mbps

4:2:0/10 bit

Long GOP

4K/A/400M/24p

3328×2496

24.00p

400 Mbps

4:2:2/10 bit

All-Intra

*2 High resolution Anamorphic mode

-[Anamorphic Desqueeze Display] was added, which lets you view an enlarged image in Cinescope size while recording with 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

-[Video Guide Line] is added to display the image in a variety of aspects, such as 2.39:1, 2.35:1, 16:9, and 1:1 while recording video. This can be used not only in Anamorphic mode but also in other video recording modes.

7.Enhancement of Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer)

-[I.S. Lock(video)] is added. This powerfully compensates for handshake when the viewing angle is fixed.

-A new handshake correction mode is added, which provides optimum correction when using 2.0x and 1.33x Anamorphic lens.

8.Correction of white balance setting

-When the K (Kelvin) value was changed after adjusting the color temperature with 2-axis white balance compensation, the setting was reset. This bug has been fixed.

9.Improved usability of Time Lapse Shot

-The time to finish shooting and the number of recordable pictures are displayed on the stand-by screen.

10.Improved usability of Power Save LVF

-Power Save LVF can now be used during all stand-by display options.

11.Wireless functions

-The Bluetooth Remote Control function can be used with Image App, which will also be updated at the same timing with the GH5 firmware release.

-If the camera has not completed image transmission when it is turned off, it restarts transmission when it is turned on with the [Auto Transfer] function.

12.Other improvements

-A rating function using a Fn button is available in Playback Zoom and Multi Playback.

-The following functions can be assigned to Fn buttons – [Constant Preview] [6K/4K PHOTO Bulk Saving] [Min. Shtr Speed] [RAW Processing] [Rec/Playback Switch] [Destination Slot] and [Mic Level Adj.].

-The DISP.Button can be locked.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was not able to be reset. This bug has been fixed.

-In Relay Rec, there were cases where the video file number was reset after formatting the SD Memory Card. This bug has been fixed.

-In Backup Rec, there were cases where the file number was not reset even after applying resetting. This bug has been fixed.

-The image quality when applying the following settings is improved: Extended low ISO, [i.Dynamic] (Intelligent D-range Control) and Highlight Shadow.

The new DC-GH5 firmware Version 2.0 is scheduled to be released at the end of September 2017 at the following LUMIX Customer Support website.

LUMIX DC-GH5 Firmware Ver.2.0

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

  • “6K PHOTO” is a high-speed burst shooting function that cuts a still image out of a 4:3 or 3:2 video footage with 18-megapixel (approx. 6000 x 3000 effective pixel count) that the 6K image manages.
  • Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Panasonic issues promised GH5 firmware update with a host of unexpected extras

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »