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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Microsoft launches ARM-powered Studio Pro X, updates Surface Pro 7 with USB-C

03 Oct

Today, Microsoft released the details on its two new Surface Pro 2-in-1 PCs, the Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Pro X. The new devices might look similar on the outside, but take quite different approaches to mobile computing on the inside.

Surface Pro 7

The Surface Pro 7 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor on the, well, surface. Aside from the jump to USB-C (finally), the Surface Pro 7 is identical to the Surface Pro 6, including the 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display (2,736 x 1,824, 267 ppi), Surface Type Keyboard and Surface Pen.

After years of Microsoft using its proprietary Surface Connector, the Surface Pro lineup now gets USB-C. It’s not Thunderbolt 3, but it’s a welcomed change nonetheless. Other ports include USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect and a Micro SD port.

Internally, the Surface Pro 7 is powered by Intel’s 10th generation processors with a number of options ranging from dual-core 1.2G GHz i3 processors to quad-core 1.3 GHz i7 processors. The Surface Pro 7 can max out with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, but the base model will include just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

On the wireless side of things, the Surface Pro 7 will include 802.11ax Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Microsoft claims a runtime of up to 10.5 hours on a single charge, although a specific Wh rating was not given for the battery.

The Surface Pro 7 starts at $ 749 for the base model—$ 150 less than the base level price for the Surface Pro 6. It’s available for pre-order today in black and silver and will ship starting October 22, 2019.

Surface Pro X

Microsoft is switching things up a bit with the Surface Pro X. Unlike the Surface Pro 7, which relies on Intel processors, the new Surface Pro X will use a custom ARM-based processor.

Microsoft says the processor is a co-developed version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx processor called the Surface SQ1. Microsoft says the 7-watt processor can get upwards of ‘three times more performance per watt than the [Intel-driven] Surface Pro 6.’ Microsoft says the GPU inside the Surface Pro X was also co-developed with Qualcomm.

Other benefits of using an ARM-based processor is that the Surface Pro X will support LTE connectivity, offer up to 13 hours of battery life and will offer fast charging (0-80 percent with just an hour charge).

The device itself looks very similar to its Intel counterparts on the outside, with a few notable exceptions. Rather than a 12-inch PixelSense display, the Surface Pro X will offer a 13-inch display. The edges and corners of the Surface Pro X have also been rounded off compared to the Surface Pro 7.

The Surface Pro X is just 5.3mm at its thinnest point and weighs only 762g (1.68lbs). Microsoft says the Surface Pro X will run a full-fledged version of Windows 10, unlike the toned-down version the ARM-powered Surface RT used.

The Surface Pro X is available to pre-order today for $ 999 and will arrive at retailers on November 5th.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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SmallHD launches Vision Series, Cine Series 4K HDR monitors for professionals

01 Oct

SmallHD has introduced new monitors in its Vision Series and Cine Series product lines, the latter of which already existed with the Cine 7 monitor. The new models come in larger 13in, 17in and 24in sizes, offering 4K HDR quality and support for SmallHD’s proprietary tools alongside a roster of features designed for professional creators.

The expanded Cine Series brings the new Cine 13, Cine 17, and Cine 24 monitors with edge-lit LED panels, offering professionals daylight-viewable displays with 1,000 and 2,500 nits brightness options, 100% DCI P3 wide color gamut, and four independent 12G-SDI inputs. SmallHD describes its new Cine offerings as ‘ruggedly built.’

Joining the expanded Cine Series is the new Vision Series 4K HDR monitors offered in the same size options, but with a ‘True HDR’ viewing experience made possible by 2,000+ zones in the local dimming array and a 1000000:1 contrast ratio. These monitors feature 114% DCI P3 coverage and likewise include four independent 12G-SDI inputs.

Both models include a ‘full suite of exposure tools’ related to 4K and HDR cinematography, according to the company. Both models have been introduced on the SmallHD website under a ‘Small4K’ brand name; the company says it will release the models in the first quarter of 2020, but hasn’t provided any pricing information at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Profoto Launches Two Amazing Lights for Smartphone Photographers

20 Sep

The post Profoto Launches Two Amazing Lights for Smartphone Photographers appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Profoto Launches Two Amazing Lights for Smartphone Photographers

If you’re a smartphone photographer, then you’ve probably struggled to deal with indoor lighting. After all, smartphones don’t come with a high-quality flash; it’s easy to get noisy images when shooting indoors.

Until now.

Because Profoto has just released two lights made specifically for the smartphone: The Profoto C1 and the Profoto C1 Plus.

What are the C1 and C1 Plus?

The two items are billed as Profoto’s “very first studio lights for smartphones.” They’re small, orb-shaped lights, and they’re compact enough that you can take them anywhere without much hassle.

According to Profoto:

The light the C1 product range delivers is natural looking and beautiful with a soft, gentle fall-off…[F]rom now on you will always have natural-looking, beautiful light with you.

Note that the C1 Plus is both more expensive and more advanced than the C1. The C1 Plus includes a greater power output (4300 lumens versus 1600 lumens). The C1 Plus also includes a thread mount, so you can screw the light onto a stand and shoot with both hands. And the C1 Plus features better battery life than the C1.

Both the C1 and the C1 Plus offer rechargeable batteries. They also include multiple modes for increased flexibility: a continuous shooting mode and a flash mode. To use the Profoto lights, you can pair them with your smartphone via the special Profoto Camera app. Then you can take photos that are synced with the Profoto flash.

The Profoto C1 costs $ 299, while the Profoto C1 Plus costs $ 499.

But just who are these lights for?

If you like to use your smartphone on the fly, without any preparation, then I’d recommend against the Profoto C1. Despite its small size, you probably don’t want to carry the flash with you constantly. But if you’re the type of shooter who often shoots in low-light situations or prefers to capture more carefully considered shots, then the Profoto C1 could be exactly what you need.

If the Profoto C1 captures your attention, then you should also check out another product: The Godox R1, which was announced a few hours after the C1/C1 Plus announcement. The Godox light is similar to the C1 and C1 Plus, though it offers slightly different lighting options. For those hoping to purchase the Godox R1, keep an eye out for a release date!

Would you use either of these lights? what are your thoughts? Share with us in the comments!

The post Profoto Launches Two Amazing Lights for Smartphone Photographers appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Profoto launches C1, C1 Plus mini studio lights for smartphones

19 Sep

Profoto has unveiled a small studio light that was designed specifically for smartphone use. The Profoto C1 and C1 Plus are small enough to fit in a pocket, retaining the same portability of smartphones while offering more advanced lighting capabilities than what is offered by the average phone flash.

The Profoto C1 and C1 Plus both feature rounded designs, as well as automatic flash power and exposure alongside a manual control option. The lights are designed to wirelessly connect with the user’s smartphone using Bluetooth, after which point they work in tandem with the Profoto camera app.

Both models feature a Li-Polymer battery that recharges in two hours using USB-C. The fully charged battery can power up to 2,000 full-power flashes, also offering 30 minutes of continuous light for the C1 and 40 minutes of continuous light for the C1 Plus. Both models produce ‘close to daylight’ colors with a color rendering index >90.

The Profoto C1 model has a max 1600 lumens and 800 lux flash output, four warm and three cool LEDs for color temperatures ranging from 3000-6500K, and inner reflectors under the integrated dome diffuser for producing ‘natural shadows.’ When used as a modeling light, the model offers max 280 lumens / 140 lux and CRI 90-98.

The C1 Plus is more advanced, offering a max flash output of 4300 lumens and 1700 lux, a click-on magnetic mount for using light-shaping accessories, a 1/4″-20 thread for mounting the light, and compatibility with all of Profoto’s AirTTL remotes. When used as a modeling light, this model offers max 280 lumens / 140 lux and CRI 90-98. Both the C1 and C1 Plus feature manual capture buttons on the lights.

The Profoto C1 and C1 Plus lights are available to order from a number of retailers, including B&H Photo and Adorama, for $ 299 and $ 499, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma launches its ‘Classic’ Art cine lens line, announces development of PL to L mount adapter

11 Sep

Sigma has announced a new line of cinema lenses, a new collection of Art Prime PL mount lenses with Cooke Optics’ /I Technology communication protocol and the development of a Sigma-made PL mount to L mount converter.

As it previewed back in July 2019, Sigma has launched its new line of ‘Classic’ Art prime lenses for cinematography. These new lenses are identical in design to its standard Cine prime lens collection, but feature different lens coatings to help re-create the aesthetic of lenses from the 1950s and 70s. The video example below, provided by Sigma, helps to show off the more ‘classic’ look:

Despite the identical optical design to the standard Cine primes, these new lenses feature slightly slow T-stops due to the different coatings. These new lenses also feature Cooke Optics’ /i Technology, which allows the lens metadata to be directly recorded to the camera with every frame, even as it changes mid-scene.

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For better or worse, these lenses aren’t sold individually and are instead sold as a single ten-lens kit. So unless you’re a rental company or a happen to have six figures sitting around burning a hole in your pocket, these are probably out of reach for most film sets. The lenses will be available with the PL mount and ship by the end of 2019.

Speaking of Cooke Optics’ /i technology, Sigma’s existing Cine prime lens collection has been updated to include the additional metadata. The lenses will be sold separately from the previous version of Sigma’s Cine lenses, but not all hope is lost for those with the original version of the lenses. Sigma says:

‘For SIGMA customers who have already purchased a SIGMA PL mount lens, a new service to turn their lenses into /i technology compatible ones is under consideration.’

Lastly, Sigma has announced that it’s working on the MC-31, a PL mount to L mount adapter that can be used to mount PL cine lenses on Sigma’s own fp camera system and other L mount camera systems. Sigma doesn’t specify any information regarding pricing or availability for the MC-31 adapter.

State-of-the-art resolution meets the classic “look”

SIGMA CINE LENS welcomes a new series “FF Classic Prime Line” to the lineup. With cutting-edge technology, SIGMA’s new “Classic Art Prime” offers unrivaled expression for artists.

The SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of “FF Classic Prime Line” as a new series in the SIGMA CINE LENS.

FF High Speed Prime Line has been offering the highest resolving power in its class, that is compatible with 8K shooting with large format sensors while achieving an outstanding compact design. Based on this product line, the FF Classic Prime Line incorporates more non-coated optical elements to achieve unrivaled expression.

It retains the high-resolution capability that SIGMA CINE LENS is well known for, and offers a unique combination of low contrast and artistic flare/ghost in the image. As with all other lenses from the FF High Speed Prime Line, it creates beautiful bokeh effects to improve creativity.

FF Classic Prime Line has implemented newly developed coatings on the glass elements and offers consistent T value across the lineup (14mm and 135mm at T3.2 and the rest of the lenses at T2.5). This will greatly contribute to the effective workflow in postproduction. Furthermore, it is compatible with the communication protocol of Cooke “/i Technology”, thus an ideal tool for shooting and editing with the latest technology, such as VFX. A special coating is implemented on the front and rear elements so that the lens durability is ensured as with all other cine lenses from SIGMA.

“Classic Art Prime” is a new solution from SIGMA that is required for the most advanced technology for classical expression. The “look” that FF Classic Prime Line can offer will enable cinematographers to explore new possibilities in movie creation.
From September 13th to 17th, SIGMA is going to display this new product at the IBC 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

SIGMA CINE LENS “Art Prime” Launch

A new /i Technology-compatible PL mount lens in the FF High Speed Prime Line

SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the launch of a new Art Prime PL mount lens that supports Cooke Optics’ /i Technology communication protocol in a latest addition to the SIGMA CINE LENS family for filmmaking in the FF High Speed Prime Line.

Optimized for large-format camera systems and 8K shooting, the FF High Speed Prime Line lenses deliver stunning image quality in a compact construction. A new addition to this prime lens lineup comes with electronic contacts that supports Cooke’s /i Technology communication protocol for Art Prime PL mount lenses.

By using an /i Technology-compatible cine lens with a cine camera that supports the same protocol, users can see and record lens metadata such as focus distance, focal length, and aperture. This helps streamline compositing in the post-production process. This is particularly suitable for the latest forms of filmmaking, such as VFX, that call for detailed shooting data.

Prototypes of this /i Technology-compatible FF High Speed Prime lens were used for shooting “Top Gun: Maverick”, scheduled to be released in 2020, showing that the new lens is already in commercial applications.

For SIGMA customers who have already purchased a SIGMA PL mount lens, a new service to turn their lenses /i Technology-compatible is under consideration.

A production version of this new product will be on display at IBC 2019, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 13 to 17, 2019.

PL-L Mount Converter

Development of SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-31 announced

SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce its development of SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-31, a converter that allows PL mount lenses to be used on L-Mount cameras.

By using SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-31, users can use PL mount cine lenses, which are widely used in the filmmaking industry, on the SIGMA fp and other L-Mount cameras.

A production version of this new product will be on display at IBC 2019, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 13 to 17, 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Huawei Kirin 990 mobile chipset launches with improved image signal processor

10 Sep

Last week Samsung announced its new top end mobile chipset Exynos 980 with a range of new imaging capabilities. Now it’s rival Huawei’s turn. At its press conference at the IFA trade show in Berlin the Chinese company revealed its new system-on-a-chip (SoC) that will likely power upcoming high-end Huawei devices, including the Mate 30 Pro which is expected to launch on September 19th.

Like for the the Exynos, one of the Huawei’s Kirin 990 chipset’s new stand-out features is the integration of 5G modem. Huawei says the Kirin 990 will provide peak download speeds of 2.3 Gbit/s and upload of 1.25 Gbit/s.

Of course there’s also an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that will be tasked will all sorts of AI-applications and Huawei says the new chipset will be more energy-efficient and deliver more power for mobile gaming aficionados.

Mobile photographers will be more interested in the new Image Signal Processor ISO 5.0, though. The company says it’s 15 percent more powerful than its predecessor for faster image and video processing, and also comes with ‘professional-level’ hardware noise reduction. In addition, real-time video post-processing and rendering is based on AI segmentation and is capable of adjusting color parameters frame by frame for optimized video color.

We should find out in just over a week how the new chipset performs in an actual device.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Spiffy Gear launches Lumee wearable cinematic bi-color, RGB LED light strips

07 Sep

Spiffy Gear has launched a new wearable LED light called Lumee that features a ‘slap bracelet’ design with magnets for attaching it to metal surfaces. The light is splash-proof, rechargeable, and offered in two varieties: an RGB model and a CRI 95, 2700-6500K bi-color model. Both are described as cine-grade with run times of up to 1 hour at full power and up to 4 hours at low power.

The Lumee lights from Spiffy Gear can ‘snap’ onto poles, straps, wrists, and other similar places like an old school snap bracelet. As well, the light is shipped with magnetic mounting discs for attaching the light to other surfaces. In addition to running off battery power, Lumee can be used while it is running off an external battery or charger.

The RGB version of Lumee offers five light effects: Police Fire, TV, Fireworks and Breathing. The bi-color version of Lumee also offers light effects, though they’re different due to the absence of colored LEDs: Explosion, Candle, Breathing, Stroboscopic and Red Carpet.

Both versions of Lumee are available from Spiffy Gear now for $ 45 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sandmarc launches hybrid ND/polarization filters for smartphone cameras

31 Aug

On smartphones, the effects of many photographic filters can be fairly easily simulated by apps but if you are more of an old-school photographer who also likes to shoot with a phone, Sandmarc’s new premium line of polarized ND filters for smartphone photography and video recording might just be what you have been waiting for.

The accessory maker’s new models combine neutral density and polarizing functionality in one hybrid filter and are manufactured using multi-coated and anti-reflective glass for accurate color transmission. An aluminum frame should provide toughness.

The filters can be attached to Sandmarc’s iPhone lenses or directly to the smartphone using the included clip. They are compatible with most recent high-end models from Apple, Samsung, Huawei and other manufacturers and come with an inner diameter of 40.6mm and an outer diameter of 55mm.

The set includes polarized ND16, ND32 and ND64 filters and be pre-ordered now for $ 129.99 on the Sandmarc website where you’ll also find more information including a full list of compatible devices.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samyang launches AF 18mm F2.8 FE lens for Sony full-frame cameras

30 Aug

Samyang has listed a new AF 18mm F2.8 FE lens as available for pre-order. The model has appeared on the Samyang website and Adorama, offering photographers an ‘ultra-compact’ lens with a 100-degree field of view (FOV) for Sony full-frame cameras. The lens weighs 145g (5.1oz), features 9 elements in 8 groups, 7 diaphragm blades, 58mm filter size, F2.8 to F22 aperture and 0.09x maximum magnification.

The Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE lens features a stepless motor and is constructed from a ‘glass-strengthened composite material,’ according to the company, which offers a combination of durability and reduced weight. The lens’ glass is ‘ultra multicoated’ for what Samyang describes as high sharpness, contrast and clarity with minimal distortion.

Below is a sample gallery of images provided by Samyang:

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The lens’ motor can focus to a distance as close as 25cm (9.8in). The company bills the model as suitable for shooting interiors, as well as architecture, landscapes, and other environments in which a lightweight wide-angle lens would be useful. The Samyang AF 18mm F2.8 FE lens is available to pre-order for $ 399 USD; the shipping date is unclear at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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