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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Duchess of Cambridge launches photo competition to document lockdown life in the UK

08 May

The Duchess of Cambridge has launched a photography competition in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery to document stories of human kindness and suffering during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in Britain. A keen and very capable amateur photographer herself, the Duchess says that she hopes the competition will showcase life under the lockdown and tell stories of how the inhabitants of the UK were affected.

The contest, called Hold Still, will culminate in an online exhibition of 100 of the best images entered. Though not categories as such, the themes of Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal and Acts of Kindness have been suggested, and Kate expects to see images depicting harrowing stories, stories of sadness as well as uplifting stories that show how the population has come together to help each other.

The competition will be judged by the Duchess herself along with the Director of the UK’s National Portrait Gallery, Dr Nicholas Cullinan as well as members of the gallery team. Entry to the competition is free and you can one images along with a short explanation of what the picture is about. The Gallery says ‘Images must involve people, and can be captured on phones or cameras. Each image will be assessed on the emotion and experience it conveys rather than its photographic quality or technical expertise.’ The images must also have been taken in the UK.

The Duchess of Cambridge is a patron of the National Portrait Gallery as well as being patron of the Royal Photographic Society. She has become recognised for her touching pictures of her children, and is known to be a Canon DSLR and Powershot user, and has taken lessons from a well-known UK press photographer. She recently released images taken as part of a project to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Holocaust.

The competition is open now, and closes on 18th June 2020. You can find more information and submit your entry on the National Portrait Gallery website.

Press information

Why is the project called ‘Hold Still’?

Today our society had been told to isolate, to stay inside, not to travel unnecessarily or go out unless vital –to hold still to protect our helpers and heroes.And while many people’s lives are on hold, there are some that work harder than ever, and others that endure the upheaval of hardship and loss.

Through this project we hope to record these experiences, holding still to capture moments in time.

So for both those whose lives have been forced to slowdown and those working at a hectic pace, we hope this project will provide an opportunity to record our personal experience through one still image. And that by bringing together these individual moments we can create a collective portrait of lockdown reflecting resilience and bravery, humour and sadness, creativity and kindness and tragedy and hope.

‘Hold Still’ is a portrait of our nation as we pause for the good of others, and a celebration of those who have continued so we can stay safe.

What are the three themes?

  • Helpers and Heroes
  • Acts of Kindness
  • Your New Normal

These have been suggested to help entrants think about what they may like to photograph.

Please note these themes are not categories that entrants will specifically enter but are intended as inspiration for the content and will be in the minds of the panel when they are selecting the final 100.

What are the entry dates?

Entry opens on 7 May 2020 and the closing date 17.00 on 18 June 2020

Are there any restrictions on who can enter?

The project is about recording the experience of people in the United Kingdom so we would like the photograph to have been taken in the United Kingdom.

There is no age restriction, and the project is open to adults and children alike. However, when submitting an image, entrants will need to confirm that the image is their own work and is not defamatory and does not infringe any UK laws (see Terms & Conditions for full details) and that anyone under the age of 18 has the consent of a parent/guardian to enter. Consent will also be needed for any sitter who is identifiable in the photograph (for those under 18 from a parent/guardian).

We will ask entrants to follow current social distancing rules when taking part.

How do I enter my photograph?

Visit www.npg.org.uk/holdstill, complete the entry form and upload your image, along with a short title telling the story of the photograph.

How many images can I upload?

You can upload one digital image.

Any format restrictions on entries?

What are the requirements for the image that I upload?

Each image must be saved as a JPG/JPEG and be smaller than 3 MB.

How many photos will end up in the final selection?

The final selection will be 100 photographs.

What other requirements will be needed?

If your image is part of the 100 selected, you will be required to complete a form to provide information about yourself and the image.

Will there be a cap to the total number of entries to the project?

There will be no cap on the total number of entries to the project.

Who will be making the selection?

The selection will be made by a panel including members of the National Portrait Gallery team, The Duchess of Cambridge and Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Dr Nicholas Cullinan.

When will the selection be on view?

The selection will be available to view as a ‘virtual’ exhibition on the Gallery’s website in August 2020. Following this ‘virtual exhibition’ we hope to show the images across the country later in the year although we are unable to confirm details at this point due to the current restrictions.

Can I send in my application by post?

All submissions must be made online via the website.

I would like to take a picture via an app of someone I miss who is based in another country, is this allowed?

Yes, this allowed as the picture is taken in the United Kingdom.

What will you do with my personal information?

Please see terms and conditions. All personal data given will be held securely by the Gallery and only be used to administer your entry. It may be used for internal research/statistical purposes. It will not be passed to any third parties apart from the project partners for administration of the project.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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British Museum launches revamped online collections database early with 1.9M images

30 Apr

On Tuesday, April 28, the British Museum announced that it is the latest institution to make digitized images of its various collections available for free online. The ‘revamped’ online collections database now contains 1.9 million images that are offered to the public under the restrictive Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, which allows for non-commercial use with attribution.

According to the announcement tweet from British Museum, its team expedited the release of this new online database so that the public can browse the museum’s collections while in quarantine at home. The launch follows similar big digitized collections launches from institutions like Paris Musées and The Smithsonian.

This revamp simplifies things for public users who are no longer required to register in order to use the images. Going forward, anyone can browse the online collections database and download any of the 1.9 million images for non-commercial use with attribution. Each image is scanned at a high-resolution; the online viewer enables users to zoom in on objects to view fine details.

According to the British Museum, this collection features two million years’ worth of history that spans six continents. The museum digitized nearly 4.5 million objects, making it the largest online collection of its kind. British Museum explains that its revamped interface not only provides access to these images for free but also makes it easier for the public to find the specific items they’re looking for.

The online collections are vast, including everything from ancient Egyptian sculptures to Assyrian artifacts, Greek objects, Iranian jewelry, artwork from the Roman Empire and much more. Viewers can sort through the content based on collection galleries, as well as searches using museum numbers, persons, places and keywords.

This launch is a welcomed addition to the growing body of digitized artifacts and other works made available to the general public online. However, the release isn’t without criticism. Unlike The Smithsonian and Paris Musées, both of which released their online collections with Creative Common 0 licenses, the British Museum’s collection is made available under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.

Author and activist Coro Doctorow highlighted some of the concerns related to this in a recent tweet thread, pointing out, among other things, that UK law states that copyrights can only subsist in cases where the work is ‘original in the sense that it is the author’s own ‘intellectual creation.” Among other things, the nation’s copyright law [PDF, page 3] notes that it’s ‘unlikely that what is merely a retouched, digitised image of an older work can be considered as ‘original.”

Critics have also pointed out that Wikimedia Commons only allows images that aren’t ‘subject to copyright restrictions which would prevent them being used by anyone, anytime, for any purpose,’ meaning the British Museum’s digitized collections can’t be included in the Commons catalog.

Despite these concerns, the revamped database is a step in the right direction. The British Museum has been commended for the effort it put into this launch — not just for the high-resolution images and scans of the content, but also the number of tools and information the museum provides for each listing.

The database includes the name(s) of the original excavator who discovered the items, where the object was found, the materials it is made from, the technique used to craft it, its size and weight, its present condition, where it was acquired, its registration number and more. The collection is available here.

Via: ianVisits

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Raspberry Pi launches 12.3MP interchangeable lens camera module for its Pi computers

30 Apr

What if I told you that for just $ 50, you could have yourself a fully-customizable interchangeable lens camera capable of shooting 12.3MP stills and capturing 4K/30p video? You’d probably tell me to kick dirt, but the truth is that’s now a possibility thanks to Raspberry Pi’s new ILC camera module and accompanying lenses, which start at just $ 25.

‘There has always been a big overlap between Raspberry Pi hackers and camera hackers,’ reads the Raspberry Pi blog post announcing the setup. ‘Even back in 2012, people (okay, substantially Dave Hunt) were finding interesting ways to squeeze more functionality out of DSLR cameras using their Raspberry Pi computers.’

The full kit currently available from Raspberry Pi.

Since 2013, Raspberry Pi has released a few different camera modules: the original 5MP camera board based around the OmniVision OV5647 sensor, a Pi NoIR board for infrared photography and a follow-up camera board that used the Sony IMX219 8MP sensor (this unit replaced Raspberry Pi’s 5MP camera board, which has the distinction of being just two other products the company has ever officially discontinued).

Despite selling more than 1.7 million units of the 8MP camera boards to date, the Raspberry Pi team wasn’t content with the limitations put in place by fixed-focus camera modules with small sensors and poor performance. Enter the new Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera.

This new module is build around the Type 1/2.3” (7.9mm diagonal) Sony IMX477 backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that features 1.55?m pixels (double that of the IMX219 found in the 8MP camera board). In front of the sensor is a C and CS lens mount with adjustable back-focus, a mount most commonly used on 8mm, 16mm cameras, closed-circuit security cameras and other industrial-focused systems. It even features a built-in 1/4”-20 tripod mount for supporting the system.

While any off-the-shelf C- and CS-mount lenses will work with the new sensor, Raspberry Pi has announced it will be working with its official retail partners to carry a pair of lenses: a 6mm CS-mount lens and a 16mm C-mount lens for $ 25 and $ 50, respectively. There’s always the option of 3D printing and purchasing third-party adapters to create wild combinations, such as this monster, shown below, built around the Canon 70–200mm F2.8 IS II lens.

The possibilities are nearly endless.

The High Quality Camera is compatible with ‘almost all’ Raspberry Pi models, starting with the original Raspberry Pi 1. The only exception are a number of early Raspberry Pi Zero boards that lack the connector. Raspberry Pi has compiled accompanying support documentation on the product page, including a ‘Getting Started’ guide. There’s also ‘The Official Raspberry Pi Camera Guide’ that’s available to download for free as a PDF or buy in physical form on the Raspberry Pi Press Store for £10.

The Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera, which will remain in production until at least January 2027 per Raspberry Pi’s obsolescence statement, is available starting today for $ 50 on the Raspberry Pi website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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OmniVision launches the OV64B, a 64MP smartphone sensor with 0.7 micron pixels

28 Apr

Mobile sensor manufacturer OmniVision has announced the OV64B, a 1/2” sensor it claims is the ‘world’s first 0.7-micron 64-megapixel image sensor’ that’s destined for ultra-thin flagship smartphones.

The 1/2” sensor is built on OmniVision’s PureCel Plus-S stacked die technology and a four-cell color filter array (CFA) with on-chip hardware for re-mosaic. In addition to 64MP (9248 x 6944 pixel) stills, the sensor can also output 16MP images with what OmniVision claims is 4x the sensitivity thanks to near-pixel binning that yields images with a sensitivity equivalent to sensors with 1.4-micron pixels. Omnivision also notes 2X digital crop zoom modes are also supported at 16MP.

In terms of video, the OV64B is capable of recording 8K video at up to 30 frames per second (fps) 4K video at up to 60 fps and 4K video with electronic image stabilization (EIS) at up to 30 fps. It can achieve slow-mo capture at up to 240 fps at 1080p and 480 fps at 720p as well, with other output options including 64MP still capture at up to 15 fps and 16MP still capture at up to 30 fps with four-cell pixel binning.

The last notable feature is the sensor’s 2×2 microlens phase detection autofocus (ML-PDAF) that OmniVision claims improves autofocus accuracy, particularly in low-light situations.

No specific information is given in regards to what smartphone manufacturers may use this sensor in their devices, but OmniVision says the first smaple units should ship out to prospective clients in May 2020. It’s also no coincidence that the OV64B has specifications that align almost perfectly with the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 chipset, which is being used in flagship Android devices around the world.

You can find out more information on the OV64B on OmniVision’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phase One Industrial launches 280MP dual-lens aerial system with four-band capture

30 Mar
This isn’t your everyday camera setup

Phase One Industrial has announced the release of the iXM-RS 280F, a new 280-megapixel large-format aerial photogrammetric system.

The dual-lens metric camera system is mounted onto Phase One Industrial’s DSM400 gyro mount and uses a pair of 90mm lenses to capture incredibly detailed images for commercial purposes. In addition to capturing RGB images, Phase One is also offering an additional configuration that will simultaneously capture both RGB and near-infrared (NIR) images at the same time. This simultaneous capture requires yet another camera that will use a 50mm lens for capturing the four-band (R, G, B, NIR) imagery, which can be output distortion-free and color corrected in JPEG or TIFF formats.

Sales are currently live, but the ‘full solution’ pricing, which includes the iXM-RS 280F large format camera, Applanix GNSS/IMU receiver (POS AV series), Somag gyro-stabilized mount (DSM 400), Phase One iX Controller and iX Flight Management software, starts at $ 455,000.

Press release:

Phase One Industrial Redefines Large Format Aerial Imaging Launches 280MP Aerial Solution

Challenges Status Quo with Imaging Precision, Flexibility and Affordability

COPENHAGEN – Phase One Industrial, a pioneer in digital imaging excellence, today launched the 280MP Aerial Solution – a large format aerial photogrammetric system, with an image coverage width of more than 20,000 pixels – enabling unprecedented high quality aerial survey productivity. Compact and lightweight, this new aerial mapping solution can reduce operating costs and produce better returns on investment than today’s traditional large format systems.

The Phase One Industrial 280MP Aerial Solution is a large format camera system that easily integrates with DSM400 gyro-stabilized mount creating a compact and lightweight system for use in a wide range of aircraft. At its heart, the iXM-RS 280F is a dual lens metric camera, with 90mm lenses for capturing RGB information, providing precision imaging. Adding a near infrared (NIR) camera generates a 4-band configuration, most useful in agriculture & forestry and pipeline monitoring missions.

The iXM-RS280F camera generates a central projection image from two 150MP nadir images with equal ground resolution. The cameras’ backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor supports very high dynamic range at 83dB. Its high light sensitivity provides superb image quality in challenging low light conditions, enabling operators to take advantage of more flight hours per day and more flight days per year.

Dov Kalinski, General Manager of Phase One Industrial said, “Our 280MP Aerial Solution is a bold and innovative approach to solving customers’ demands for affordable and reliable aerial mapping performance. Previously, opportunities in the aerial mapping business were restricted due to high cost of equipment and limited aircraft options. While pioneering superior image quality, Phase One Industrial is creating more profitable possibilities in this exciting and important market.”

The Phase One Industrial 280MP Aerial Solution

The Phase One Industrial 280MP Aerial Solution consists of an iXM-RS 280F large format camera, Applanix GNSS/IMU receiver (POS AV series), Somag gyro-stabilized mount (DSM 400), Phase One iX Controller and iX Flight Management software. It is unprecedented in its image quality, operational flexibility, reliability and affordability.

Availability and Pricing

The iXM-RS 280F camera and 280MP Aerial Solution may be ordered from Phase One Industrial partners worldwide starting now.

Full Solution pricing (with Applanix POS AV 310 and Somag DSM 400) starts at USD 455,000.

For more information, please visit: https://industrial.phaseone.com/Aerial_System_280MP_System.aspx

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Loupedeck Launches Loupedeck Profile Creator for Creative Professionals

30 Mar

The post Loupedeck Launches Loupedeck Profile Creator for Creative Professionals appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Loupedeck Launches Loupedeck Profile Creator for Creative Professionals

The Loupedeck Creative Tool is designed to do one thing:

Make your software workflow easier and faster than ever before.

The Loupedeck CT is a console-type tool, one that allows you to program different actions into its many buttons and dials. While it can technically be used to enhance any application, you’ll be especially impressed by its integration with photo editing software.

For instance, when working in Photoshop, you can use the Loupedeck CT wheel to zoom in and out of images, one button to activate the lasso tool, and another button to create a mask. You can use a small dial to change brush size, a button to select the color picker tool, and yet another button to select the brush.

With the Loupedeck CT in hand, editing speed will advance to a whole new level, as you fluidly edit one image after another by tapping buttons, adjusting dials, and spinning the main wheel. No longer do you have to hunt for keyboard shortcuts or waste time searching for menu options.

loupedeck creative tool

Instead, the Loupedeck CT will get the job done.

But Loupedeck has taken their Creative Tool a step further.

As of last week, you can now use the Loupedeck Profile Creator to generate Custom Profiles for different software applications.

Loupedeck explains in their press release:

The new Loupedeck Profile Creator will enable users…to program custom actions and adjustments using shortcuts, keys, delays, macros, text, links, run application, and mouse movements.

Even better, the Profile Creator is easy to use and can be grasped by an absolute beginner.

In other words, you can create Loupedeck “presets” for different editing applications. You might create one Custom Profile for Lightroom and another for Photoshop.

That way, as soon as you open up your editing program, you know exactly what to do, and you can customize the Loupedeck CT to fit your particular workflow.

Now, while casual photo editors might not find the Loupedeck CT appealing, this tool is ideal for anyone who does frequent editing. It’ll allow you to streamline your photography workflow so that you can cut down on editing time and focus on doing what you love:

Taking pictures.

You can purchase the Loupedeck Creative Tool for $ 549 USD.

The post Loupedeck Launches Loupedeck Profile Creator for Creative Professionals appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Lomography launches new high-contrast, ISO 8 panchromatic 35mm film stock

30 Mar

Lomography has announced the impending release of Fantôme Kino B&W ISO 8, a new high-contrast black and white 35mm film stock.

The panchromatic film is cut from a roll of German cinematic production film, according to Lomography, who calls it a ‘monochrome masterpiece [that] evokes the theatre in your everyday.’ As the ISO speed in the film name suggests, this isn’t exactly a high-speed film. So, to help you figure out how best to use it in nearly any 35mm camera system, Lomography has provided this handy exposure and development guide.

Below are a few sample photos provided by Lomography:

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The film is set to start shipping in June 2020, according to Lomography. You can pre-order it now for 20% off, in a 5-pack ($ 35.60) or 10-pack ($ 71.20). Lomography is also offering ten photographers the chance to test the film before it launches publicly. All that’s required to be considered is to fill out this Google Form.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei launches P40 series with Leica-badged cameras and up to 10x optical zoom

27 Mar

Chinese manufacturer Huawei has today launched the latest generation of its camera-centric high-end P-series. The P40, P40 Pro and P40 Pro+ share the Kirin 990 5G chipset and the large 1/1.28-inch image sensor in the main camera but otherwise differ slightly in a range of areas.

The Huawei P40 Pro+

Large main camera sensor

Like for previous Huawei high-end phones, the camera assembly of the P40 series has been developed in cooperation with German camera makers Leica. The P40 offers a triple-camera setup with ultra-wide and conventional 3x tele cameras.

The P40 Pro camera cluster

The P40 Pro features the same main camera with 50MP Quad-Bayer sensor, OIS and fast F1.9 aperture lens, but adds a more powerful ultra-wide with a 1/1.54″ 40MP sensor and a periscope style tele-camera that offers 5x optical magnification and, in combination with super-resolution algorithms, a maximum zoom factor of 50. A time-of-flight (ToF) sensor for depth-sensing in bokeh mode and improved autofocus performance is on board as well.

10x optical zoom on the P40 Pro+

The P40 Pro+ tops the Pro version by replacing the 5x tele with not one but two tele lenses: similar to the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro a 3x conventional tele is used for closer distances. If you want to zoom in further a 10x optical periscope-style variant that supports up to 100x digital zoom takes over. The 10x lens reflects light five times to achieve its long focal length. AI algorithms use data from the ultra-wide camera and zoom lenses to optimize still image and video stabilization.

The main camera sensor in all three models is Huawei’s largest smartphone image sensor to date and uses pixel binning for increased dynamic range and low light performance. The new Octa PD AutoFocus offers focus capability on all pixels and the HUAWEI XD Fusion Engine is combining image data form all sensors to smoothen zoom operation and achieve optimized image quality at intermediate zoom settings.

Color temperature sensor

In addition the camera features a new multi-spectrum color temperature sensor and AI-powered white balance algorithms which, according to Huawei, improve color accuracy by 45 percent. AI methods are also deployed to optimize portrait skin tones and textures.

New camera software features include a function that chooses the frames from a Moving Picture and AI Remove Passersby and AI Remove Reflection which can eliminate unwanted subjects and glare in your images respectively.

Ultra-wide video with real-time bokeh

Bu default the P40 Pro and P40 Pro+ use their ultra-wide cameras for video shooting. The 18mm focal length should be ideal for cinematic shots and the large 1/1.54-inch sensor offers a 3:2 aspect ratio. Fusion Technology supports 16-in-1 pixel binning in video mode which enables shooting at up to ISO51200 with a wide dynamic range and 7680fps ultra slow-motion video capture.

Video mode also supports real-time bokeh effects and zooming using the tele camera. In addition, the camera is capable of producing 4K timelapses and directional audio zoom lets you focus the microphones on a specific subject in a scene.

Plenty of power and apps from Huawei’s AppGallery

All new models are powered by Huawei’s latest top-end chipset Kirin 990 5G which features 5G band support and 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 Plus technology with 2,400Mbps peak theoretical transmission speed. The Pro+ also comes with 40W wireless charging.

Like last year’s Mate 30 series, the P40 models do not come with Google apps, such as Gmail, Maps or the Play Store. Instead, apps can be downloaded from Huawei’s own AppGallery. The company says the gallery is working with global developers to expand the app selection on offer but for now, many users will see the lack of Google app as a major drawback.

Premium design and 90Hz OLED display

All the high-end tech is wrapped up in glass-covered bodies on the P40 and P40 Pro. The Pro+ comes with a nano-tech ceramic back panel for an even more premium look and feel. The Pro and Pro+ models also come with a curved edge 90Hz FullHD+ OLED display that features extremely thin bezels and an in-screen fingerprint reader.

P40 colors

Pricing and availability:

Owning a P40 series model won’t come at a bargain price. The basic P40 with 6GM RAM and 128GB of built-in memory will set you back 799 Euros (approximately $ 880). The P40 Pro with 8GB of RAM and 256GB built-in storage is 999 Euros (approximately $ 1100) and the top-end P40 Pro+ with 8GB/256GB is a hefty 1399 Euros (approximately $ 1540). Bigger-storage variants are available for each model but Huawei has not released pricing information for those yet. Currently, no further information on geographical availability has been provided either.

Press Release:

HUAWEI P40 Series Marks the Age of Visionary Photography

Housing Huawei’s largest CMOS sensor yet, the HUAWEI P40 Series delivers all-day Super Definition photography with powerful cameras, high performance 5G and cutting-edge design

26 March 2020 – Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) today announced the HUAWEI P40 Pro+, HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40, the new HUAWEI P40 Series flagship smartphones featuring cutting-edge designs with ground-breaking camera innovations that radically expand mobile photography and video capture possibilities.

The HUAWEI P40 Series continues the series’ heritage of imaging excellence. The large 1/1.28-inch sensor has a binned pixel size measuring 2.44?m to massively boost light intake for enhanced low-light performance, while a new periscope design realises 10x true optical zoom. The HUAWEI P40 Series is powered by Kirin 990 5G and supports high-speed 5G and Wi-Fi 6 Plus. The advanced hardware is embedded in a beautiful and compact enclosure featuring the HUAWEI Quad-curve Overflow Display that delivers outstanding fluidity and responsiveness.

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG, “The HUAWEI P Series has always been about innovative aesthetics and making premium imaging hardware accessible, representing the very best of industrial design and technology. With an outstanding sensor, camera systems that we co-engineered with Leica, powerful chipset and HUAWEI XD Fusion Engine, the HUAWEI P40 Series exemplifies our focus and offers an all-day Super Definition experience to help consumers realise their creative vision.”

Unprecedented design

The HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ are equipped with the HUAWEI Quad-curve Overflow Display. Inspired by the art of motion, the display takes on a curved edge on all four sides, creating a shape that is reminiscent of water on the cusp of overflowing from the rim of a filled cup. The super narrow bezels and streamlined round corners ensure an ergonomic hold and a near borderless look, while an enhanced in-screen fingerprint reader offers 30 percent faster biometric authentication.

Available in three glossy glass finishes – Ice White, Deep Sea Blue and Black – and two innovative refractive matte glass finishes – Blush Gold and Silver Frost, the HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 exude classical elegance from every angle. HUAWEI P40 Pro+ features an exquisite nano-tech ceramic back panel that is kilned and polished to ensure it stands the test of time with incredible durability and timeless style. This unique design comes in two iconic colours: Ceramic White and Ceramic Black.

All-day Super Definition photography

Embedded in the HUAWEI P40 Series is the advanced Ultra Vision Leica camera system, available in triple-camera, quad-camera and penta-camera configurations. The HUAWEI P40 delivers outstanding photographic results with ultra wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The HUAWEI P40 Pro features an evolution of the Leica Quad Camera with a more powerful Ultra Wide Cine Camera and ToF Camera alongside 50x SuperSensing Zoom. The HUAWEI P40 Pro+ lets consumers see the unprecedented with the SuperZoom Array, which supports 10x true optical zoom and 100x maximum digital zoom.

The HUAWEI Ultra Vision Sensor included in the full HUAWEI P40 Series is Huawei’s largest CMOS sensor to date. Measuring 1/1.28 inches diagonally, it supports pixel binning to achieve a pixel size of 2.44?m and Full Pixel Octa PD AutoFocus for high-speed focus at any time of day, while the HUAWEI XD Fusion Engine integrates and processes data from multiple cameras to generate a comprehensive improvement in picture quality.

HUAWEI P40 Pro brings faraway subjects up close with 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and 50x maximum digital zoom. For the first time ever, the 5x Optical Telephoto Camera in the HUAWEI P40 Pro includes a RYYB colour filter array to boost light intake and improve quality of zoomed shots. HUAWEI P40 Pro+ has a 100x SuperZoom Array with a new periscope design that reflects light five times, extending the light path by 178 percent to support 10x true optical zoom. The optically stabilised Ultra Vision Wide Camera and SuperZoom Array work in tandem with AI to realise Triple OIS+AIS for vastly improved photo and video stabilisation.

Skin tone and texture are faithfully reproduced by a new Multi-spectrum Colour Temperature Sensor and AI AWB algorithm that boost colour accuracy by 45 percent. Deep learning algorithms provide real-time portrait optimisations that enhance lighting and detail. HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ have a 32MP AF Camera and IR Depth Camera that support autofocus and Bokeh reproduction to deliver the same outstanding portrait effects that are signature to Huawei devices, as well as IR Face Unlock for device unlock even in low light conditions. HUAWEI P40 Series also introduces HUAWEI Golden Snap, which includes AI Best Moment, a new smart photography feature that chooses the best frames from a Moving Picture. AI Remove Passersby and AI Remove Reflection can do away with unwanted subjects and glare from the frame, allowing users to easily enhance their images after the fact.

A powerful pocket-sized video camera

The 40MP Ultra Wide Cine Camera in HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+ has a focal length that is equivalent to 18mm and a 1/1.54-inch sensor supporting the 3:2 aspect ratio. SedecimPixel Fusion Technology is built into this camera to support 16-in-1 pixel binning, producing super pixels that measure 4.48?m to boost light sensitivity up to ISO51200 and enable 7680fps Ultra Slow-Motion video capture.

HUAWEI P40 Series supports real-time Bokeh effects for videos. Similar to the results of a wide aperture lens, this feature adds progressive Bokeh to help highlight the main subject of the footage. The telephoto camera can capture high quality zoom footage as well as 4K time-lapse videos. Directional Audio Zoom, available on HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+, allows users to zoom in on an audio source and amplify its sound at the same time.

An all-connected 5G powerhouse

The HUAWEI P40 Series is powered by Kirin 990 5G to deliver integrated 5G connectivity with the most comprehensive 5G band support, robust AI performance and power efficiency. Display responsiveness and gaming experience are taken to the next level by the upgraded graphics rendering engine making the most of the 90Hz panel on the HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI P40 Pro+. The 160MHz Wi-Fi 6 Plus technology featured in the full line-up offers high-speed connectivity with support for 2,400Mbps peak theoretical transmission speed. The industry-leading 40W Wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge is available on the HUAWEI P40 Pro+ for fast and convenient charging. The chipset is given the thermal headroom to deliver exceptional performance by the advanced cooling systems, including the bespoke 4-in-1 SuperCool system in the HUAWEI P40 Pro+.

The EMUI 10.1 operating system introduces a host of new features that enable a richer, more seamless AI life. HUAWEI MeeTime[1] supports 1080p Full HD video call on Huawei smartphones, tablets and the HUAWEI Vision TV and delivers clear picture quality even in low light or weak signal conditions. Users can also share their phone screen with the other party during the video call and mark-up notes to quickly share thoughts.

Huawei Share facilitates high-speed file transfer between the smartphone and other devices such as tablets and PCs. With Huawei Share on the HUAWEI P40 Series, consumers can stream music to a smart speaker, initiate screen projection and connect to Wi-Fi by tapping the device[2] they want to connect to with their phone. New functionality added to the Multi-screen Collaboration allows users to easily answer video or voice calls hands-free directly through the PC, and open files and hyperlinks on the smartphone with native PC applications for enhanced productivity.

Working in close collaboration with global developers, Huawei offers a wide range of global and local apps on AppGallery, Huawei’s official app marketplace. Users can also enjoy a rich library of quality entertainment media on HUAWEI Video, HUAWEI Music and HUAWEI Reader, with new additions from top content providers being added on a continuous basis.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Oppo launches Find X2 Pro with periscope tele and calibrated 120Hz display

07 Mar

The Chinese smartphone maker Oppo isn’t as well known in the western world as rivals Huawei or Xiaomi, but the brand is renowned for its camera-centric approach to smartphone design and has been responsible for quite a number of innovations in mobile imaging. For example, Oppo introduced swiveling camera modules in its N-series, the first sensor-based image stabilization system on a smartphone and the first periscope-style 5x zoom on a smartphone.

Now, the company has launched its latest flagship, the Oppo Find 2X Pro, and, at least on paper, the new model has everything it needs to take on the flagship competition from Apple, Samsung, Huawei and other more established rivals.

The below video is the entire launch presentation from Oppo:

Triple camera with ultra-wide and 5x tele

The Find X2 Pro comes with a triple camera setup, that covers focal lengths from a 16.5mm ultra-wide-angle to a 5x tele with a whopping 129mm equivalent lens, making it one of the most versatile mobile cameras in the market.

The primary camera uses a 48MP Sony IMX689 Quad-Bayer sensor that produces 12MP output files. At 1/1.4″ it’s almost as large as the main sensor in the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro (1/1.33″) and larger than those of the Huawei Mate 30 Pro (1/1.7″) and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (1/2.55″). In combination with the fast F1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization this should make for very decent low light performance.

The 5x tele camera offers more reach than most rivals in the high-end bracket of the market and is only matched by the Huawei P30 Pro and Oppo’s own Reno 10x Zoom. The 1/3.4″ sensor size in this camera is in line with other high-end tele cameras. OIS is on board on this module as well but with an F3 aperture zooming in low light conditions is likely not recommended. The tele module uses image fusion and other computational methods to achieve a 10x ‘hybrid zoom’ and offers a 60x maximum zoom factor.

Like the primary module, the ultra-wide uses a 48MP Quad-Bayer sensor albeit a smaller model. Still, at 1/2″ it’s one of the currently largest sensors in an ultra-wide and only topped by the 1/1.54″ sensor in the Mate 30 Pro. The F2.2 aperture is not the fastest we have seen but in line with most rivals.

In addition, the Find X2 Pro is the first smartphone to offer a PDAF system with 100 percent focus pixels and comes with a dedicated night mode that works on all three camera modules.

4K HDR video

On the video side of things, the new Oppo comes with an upgraded image stabilization algorithm that works on both the ultra-wide and primary cameras. Unlike on some recent flagships, there’s no 8K video but the Oppo can record 4K footage at 60fps and is one of the very few devices to support HDR video.

Top-end processing power

Non-camera specifications and features are all worthy of a true flagship as well. The new device is powered by Qualcomm’s brand new top-end chipset Snapdragon 865 which supports UFS 3.0 for fast read and write speeds, as well as 5G connectivity and uses OPPO Smart 5G technology to navigate between 4G, 5G, and WiFi network environments.

The 4260mAh battery supports SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging which, according to Oppo, can deliver a full charge in only 38 minutes.

120Hz color-calibrated AMOLED display

Images can be viewed and other content consumed on a color-calibrated 120Hz QHD+ AMOLED display with a whopping 3168 x 1440 pixels. Oppo says the new screen offers, ultra-low screen reflectivity and improves smoothness as well as operation feedback, thanks to a 240Hz high touch sampling rate. To deliver adequate audio output, the Find X2 Pro comes with dual speakers and Dolby Atmos which can automatically adjust to applications, such as music playback, movie watching or gaming.

Flagship pricing

As you would expect, this innovative tech comes at a price. The Find X2 Pro with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage will set you back 1,199 EUR in Europe (approximately $ 1,355). If that sounds a little bit rich for your taste Oppo also offers the Find X2 at 999 EUR (approximately $ 1,130). It comes with the same chipset and display as the Pro version but only 256GB of internal storage and a very slightly smaller battery.

In the camera, the primary and ultra-wide are the same as for the Pro but the tele lens is a more conventional variant that offers a ‘5x hybrid’ zoom factor. Oppo has not provided much detail on this camera yet but presumably, the reach is achieved using a 2x or 3x lens in combination with super-resolution and image fusion algorithms.

Both devices will be available globally in the coming months.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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JOBY launches new lineup of accessories for mobile content creators

03 Mar

JOBY has launched a new line of accessories for mobile content creators, including products for the latest Pixel and iPhone smartphones. The lineup features six new products, including variants for different mobile phone models, with prices ranging from $ 40 to $ 200.

The most notable of the new products is the GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit, a bundle that includes three products: the Beamo Mini LED with Bluetooth control, GorillaPod Mobile Rig and Wavo Mobile microphone. The kit includes a GripTight PRO 2 smartphone mount for shooting in portrait and landscape modes. The bundle is available now for $ 200.

The Beamo Mini LED, a compact and portable 1,000 lumens LED light, is available as a standalone accessory for $ 69.95; it includes double cold shoe mounts, plus it is rugged and waterproof. Joining this is the Beamo LED, which is brighter with 1,500 lumens and more expensive at $ 89.95.

Likewise, creators can order the Wavo Mobile, a portable, lightweight microphone designed for use with mirrorless cameras and smartphones. This model features a cold shoe mount, Rycote shock mount and included TRS and TRRS cables. The model is available now for $ 39.95. Joining the Wavo Mobile is the Wavo, a model with a wider frequency response, larger size and more durable construction. This model is available now for $ 79.95.

Finally, JOBY’s new lineup features StandPoint, a smartphone case with three built-in tripod legs connected with a hinge. When not in use, these legs can be folded into the case; when needed, the user can unfold them to prop up the phone for filming or quickly capturing shots. The model is available for the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro for $ 39.95 each.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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