RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘releases’

Canon releases major firmware update for its EOS R6, minor update for the EOS R5

11 Sep

Canon has released a firmware update (version 1.1.1) for its EOS R6 mirrorless camera that brings with it a number of improvements previously given to the EOS R5 via a version 1.1 firmware update late last month. Additionally, Canon has released a small bug-fix update for the EOS R5 as well.

Starting with more substantial improvements to the EOS R6, firmware version 1.1.1 claims to improve the total recording time on the EOS R6. No specific performance increase metrics are given beyond saying the limit has been ‘improved,’ but we plan to put it to the test to find out.

Other major fixes in the firmware include improved in-lens image stabilization when shooting ‘certain’ RF lenses during movie recording and improved connectivity during FTP transmission. Smaller fixes include improved support with the RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens and a number of menu fixes. You can download firmware version 1.1.1 for the Canon EOS R6 below:

Firmware version 1.1.1 for the EOS R6

Firmware version 1.1.1 for the EOS R5 is less substantial than the EOS R6 update, but is still worth mentioning and updating to if you’re an EOS R5 owner. The only changes include the same lens compatibility improvements for the RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens as found in the EOS R6 firmware update. Specifically, Canon notes the following changes:

  1. When the RF100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens is attached, an image stabilization effect of approximately six stops* is achieved through collaborative control with the in-lens image stabilization. *Focal length 500mm, Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards.
  2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the IS capabilities may be degraded when performing continuous shooting in cases where the RF100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens is attached to the EOS R5 running firmware version 1.1.0.

You can download firmware version 1.1.1 for the Canon EOS R5 below:

Firmware version 1.1.1 for the EOS R5

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon releases major firmware update for its EOS R6, minor update for the EOS R5

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon releases 1.2 firmware update for 1DX Mark III, bringing improved AF, connectivity and more

28 Aug

In addition to the EOS R5 1.1 firmware update, Canon has also released firmware version 1.2 for the Canon 1D X Mark III. The new firmware improves a number of features and addresses a handful of bug fixes for Canon’s flagship DSLR.

Specifically, Canon says firmware version 1.2 improves face and eye recognition autofocus (AF) at greater distances, improves FTP connectivity during transmission and improves Wi-Fi connectivity when using the Canon EFT-E9 Wireless File Transmitter.

Canon has also improved the experience when using the Browser Remote and addressed a number of ‘phenomenons’ — AKA bugs — that can occur during viewfinder shooting when specific settings are selected. You can see a full list of the bug fixes in the changelog below.

Firmware version 1.2.0 for the Canon 1DX Mark III is available to download from Canon’s product page.

Changelog:

Firmware Version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

  • Enhancements when using Browser Remote:
    • The image list displayed will be refreshed automatically on the browser.
    • On the shooting screen of the browser, you can set the movie resolution and a high frame rate.
    • On the shooting screen of the browser, you can change the movie shooting mode.
    • On the shooting screen of the browser, Live View will be displayed as soon as you select the movie shooting button.
  • Enhances Auto Focus (AF) for improved face and eye recognition at greater distances.
  • Fixes a phenomenon that may occur during viewfinder shooting, in which the shutter may not be released or the camera may not operate in the following settings:
    • In One-Shot AF mode, when the AF Area Selection Mode is set as Zone AF, Large Zone AF or Automatic Selection AF.
    • In AI Servo AF, when direct AF point selection is made using the smart controller.
    • When the Register/Recall Shooting Function is assigned to the AE Lock button, in the Custom Controls.
  • Connectivity during FTP transmission has been improved.
  • Improves Wi-Fi connectivity when using the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E9.
  • Fixes a phenomenon, in which the card access time may take longer when using certain CFexpress cards.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon releases 1.2 firmware update for 1DX Mark III, bringing improved AF, connectivity and more

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Olympus releases its OM-D Webcam Beta for macOS computers

27 Aug

Olympus has announced the macOS version of its OM-D Webcam Beta utility is now available. Like the Windows version, released back in June, the macOS version enables select OM-D cameras to be used as webcams with compatible videoconferencing and streaming software over USB.

The utility is free to download from Olympus’ website. Once installed, the process is as simple as plugging one of the compatible Olympus cameras and selecting the OM-D Webcam Beta as an input in the conferencing or streaming program of your choosing. Below is the limited list of compatible cameras:

  • OM-D E-M1X
  • OM-D E-M1 Mark III
  • OM-D E-M1 Mark II
  • OM-D E-M1
  • OM-D E-M5 Mark II

Olympus notes the utility won’t capture audio from your camera, so plan on having another microphone nearby (or just use your computer’s built-in microphone). Olympus also says streaming quality will be lower if there isn’t a memory card inside the camera.

We have contacted Olympus to see if any other cameras will be compatible in the future. You can find out more information and download the utility on Olympus’ website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Olympus releases its OM-D Webcam Beta for macOS computers

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Ricoh releases Silver Edition version of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR, three D FA* lenses

27 Aug

Ricoh has announced the limited release of a Silver edition of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR as well as, for the first time ever, silver versions of its D FA* lenses.

The limited-edition camera is identical to its black counterpart, complete with a 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor, Safox 12 autofocus system with 33 AF points and a maximum ISO of 819,200. The only difference is the paint scheme, which is silver with contrasting parts, including a black shutter release and hot shoe.

In addition to the camera, Ricoh is also releasing Silver edition versions of three lenses: the HD Pentax-D FA* 70–200mm F2.8, 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4. Like the camera, these lenses are identical to their black counterparts, but unlike the camera, just 600 units for each model will be produced.

This isn’t the first time Ricoh has released Silver editions of their gear. In March 2010, the Pentax K-7 Limited Silver camera was released and, more recently, the Pentax K-1 Limited Silver was released in September 2017.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for $ 2100. The lenses will also be released in September with prices ranging from $ 1200–2100. All Silver Edition cameras and lenses will come with specially designed product boxes.

Press release:

Ricoh announces Silver Edition of PENTAX K-1 Mark II, plus three HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

PARSIPPANY, NJ, August 26, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition, a special silver-colored version of its digital single-lens reflex (SLR) flagship model. Ricoh is also releasing for the first time silver versions of its D FA? series lenses, with high-grade silver coating that is especially well suited to the top-of-the-line PENTAX optics.

The camera will be available in a limited quantity of 1,000 units worldwide, and the three lenses— HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4—will be available worldwide in limited quantities of 600 units for each model. These lenses join the silver-edition PENTAX full-frame lenses currently available: SMC PENTAX FA 31mm F1.8 LTD, SMC PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 LTD and SMC PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 LTD.

The limited-edition silver models of the camera and lenses are coveted by PENTAX photographers worldwide. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera sports contrasting black parts–a shutter release button and hot shoe—to provide a handsome complementary color and enable it to be color coordinated whether used with traditional black or the special silver-colored lenses.

Previously issued limited-edition cameras include the PENTAX K-7 Limited Silver (March 2010) and the PENTAX K-1 Limited Silver (September 2017).

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 2099.95. The HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses will be available in September with prices ranging from $ 1199.95 – $ 2099.95. Both the camera and lenses can be purchased at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets.

Main features of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition

  • ? The camera body and detachable battery grip feature a high-grade, fine-textured silver coating, with an exclusive silver SR badge placed on the front of the body.

  • ? The camera’s shutter release button and hot shoe, as well as the battery grip’s shutter release button, feature black parts, so the camera is coordinated with either black or silver lenses.

  • ? Each camera has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0001000, to further support its exclusivity.

  • ? Two exclusive batteries are included in a product package to simultaneously power both the camera body and the battery grip.

  • This special camera and its accessories come in a specially-designed product box.

  • The camera body comes with the latest firmware version pre-installed.

Main features of the HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

  • The lenses’ high-grade silver coating complements their use with silver-edition camera bodies.
  • Each lens has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0000600, to further support its exclusivity.
  • The lenses come in a specially-designed product box.

NOTE: The features and specifications of this camera body and lenses are identical to those of standard models, except for the camera firmware

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Ricoh releases Silver Edition version of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR, three D FA* lenses

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon releases FW 1.1 for EOS R5, with bug fixes and improvements to video shooting time

27 Aug

Canon has released firmware 1.1 for the EOS R5. Alongside a flurry of minor bug fixes, the new firmware also promises to improve video shooting times. We’ve had the new firmware for a few days, and prepared a test.

Check out Jordan’s take on the new firmware in the video, above, and see below for Canon’s official description of the changes in FW 1.1 and a link to download it.

Download firmware 1.1.0 for the Canon EOS R5 (Canon USA)

Press release:

Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

  • Useful messaging is now displayed when [HDMI display?Camera+External monitor] and [Overheat control: on] settings are enabled.
  • When using certain RF lenses for movie shooting, the in-lens image stabilization mechanism has been improved.
  • Fixes a phenomenon in which the “Slow Synchro” setting screen is not accurately displayed, when the language is set to English.
  • Fixes a typo displayed on the communication setting screen, when the language is set to Korean.
  • Connectivity during FTP transmission has been improved.
  • Fixes a phenomenon, in which the card access time may take longer, when using certain CF express cards.
  • Temperature detection and shooting time control in video shooting have been improved. In addition, the total shooting time when the short-time recording and power-on/off are performed repeatedly at room temperature is improved.
  • The phenomenon in which the movie recording time available is not correctly displayed when the Date/Time/Zone is not set has been corrected.

*The firmware scheduled for release in early September will incorporate the following improvements for the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM.
-Supports 6-stop image stabilization. (CIPA-compliant)
-Improves IS capabilities when performing continuous shooting under specific conditions.

Firmware Version 1.1.0 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.0. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon releases FW 1.1 for EOS R5, with bug fixes and improvements to video shooting time

Posted in Uncategorized

 

DJI releases its newest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 4

26 Aug

DJI has unveiled its latest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 4 (OM4). Like its predecessors, the OM4 is an ultra-compact three-axis gimbal for keeping your smartphone footage as stable as possible, with a few other unique features baked in.

Visually, the OM4 isn’t much different than its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 3 (OM3). It is a light grey instead of a darker grey, but aside from the joystick, trigger and grip being a bit more rubberized, the body of the gimbal remains largely unchanged.

The only functional difference is a new mounting system that uses magnets to hold the phone in place. Whereas the OM3 had a built-in clamp, the OM4 has a clamp that can be removed and kept on a smartphone, then snapped back into place when the gimbal is needed. There’s even a small sticker-style mounting bracket that can be semi-permanently attached to a smartphone for even faster operation.

The OM4 works alongside the DJI Mimo app to enable multiple shooting modes, including an improved ActiveTrack 3.0, Gesture Control and pre-programmed movements and modes. Three of the new pre-programmed modes include Dynamic Zoom, Spin Mode and a ‘Clone Me’ panorama mode.

Dynamic Zoom is effectively a digital dolly zoom feature, that allows you to move away from the subject while the DJI Mimo app automatically zooms in, or move in as the app zooms out. Spin mode is an Inception-inspired mode that makes it possible to rotate the smartphone for a spinning effect (although it’s not posisble to do a full 360-degree spin). The ‘Clone Me’ panorama feature is another new mode that will wait between shots of a panorama so you can move into place and be ‘cloned’ in the final image.

Even if you don’t want to use the DJI Mimo app, the OM4 can also control basic camera functions with the stock iOS camera app when connected via Bluetooth.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 4 is available to order from the DJI Store and authorized retailers for $ 149. It comes with a wrist strap, grip tripod and storage pouch.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DJI releases its newest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 4

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon releases firmware updates for the EOS R and 7 RF lenses

12 Aug

Canon has released new firmware updates for its EOS R camera and a handful of its RF-mount lenses. The updates bring support for Canon’s latest lenses to the EOS R and improve compatibility between the in-lens stabilization and in-body stabilization of the EOS R5 and R6 with RF-mount lenses.

Firmware version 1.7.0 for the Canon EOS R adds support for Canon’s RF 600mm F11 STM, 800mm F11 STM, RF 1.4x teleconverter, RF 2x teleconverter and the new LP-E6NH Battery Pack. No further bug fixes were addressed in this firmware update, but Canon does say the using the EOS R’s multifunction bar in playback mode has been improved.

Canon has also released updated firmware for seven of its IS-capable RF-mount lenses so they will better work alongside the sensor-shift image stabilization inside Canon’s new R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras. Below are the lenses getting the new update:

  • RF 15–35mm f/2.8L IS USM
  • RF 24–70mm f/2.8L IS USM
  • RF 24–105mm f/4–7.1 IS STM
  • RF 24–105mm f/4L IS USM
  • RF 24–240mm f/4–6.3 IS USM
  • RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM
  • RF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM

You can download firmware version 1.70 for the EOS R and all of the lens firmware updates from Canon Canada’s website, as the Canon USA website is still down due to a recent hack.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon releases firmware updates for the EOS R and 7 RF lenses

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikon releases beta Webcam Utility for Windows with support for select DSLR, mirrorless cameras

08 Aug

Today, Nikon has announced the release of a beta version of its Webcam Utility software for numerous Nikon DSLR and Z series mirrorless cameras.

Similar to the webcam utility software released by Canon, Nikon and others, Nikon’s Webcam Utility makes it possible to use the live view from your camera as a webcam feed for use with video conferencing programs such as Skype and Zoom, as well as livestreaming production programs such as OBS Studio.

For now, Nikon’s Webcam Utility is available only for computers running 64-bit versions of Windows 10. Below are the Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras currently supported:

  • Z7
  • Z6
  • Z5
  • Z50
  • D6
  • D850
  • D780
  • D500
  • D7500
  • D5600

Being this is a beta (version 0.9.0 — not even a version 1.0 product), don’t be surprised if you come across a bug every once in a while. You can find out more information and download the beta Webcam Utility for free from Nikon’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikon releases beta Webcam Utility for Windows with support for select DSLR, mirrorless cameras

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Atomos releases full Ninja V firmware update for recording 5.9K 12-bit ProRes Raw with Panasonic S1H

08 Aug

Atomos has announced the full firmware update for its Ninja V monitor/recorder that enables 5.9K ProRes Raw video capture from a Panasonic S1H.

It’s been just one week since the pre-release beta firmware was released alongside Panasonic’s S1H 2.1 firmware update, but the full version is up and ready to go. The full firmware update enables Ninja V units to record 12-bit ProRes Raw video over HDMI at up to 5.9K/29.97p in full-frame, or 4K/59.94p in Super35. Also new is a 3.5K Super35 Anamorphic 4:3 RAW mode that makes it easier to record footage shot on anamorphic lenses.

To accompany the new recording options, Panasonic has released a new LUT that can be downloaded for free on its website. The Atomos Ninja V firmware update (AtomOS 10.52) can be downloaded from the Ninja V product page, under the ‘Support’ tab.

AtomOS 10.52 press release:

Atomos releases full free Ninja V update to enable 5.9K Apple ProRes RAW recording for the Panasonic LUMIX S1H

August 7, Melbourne, Australia: Atomos is thrilled to announce the dream of ultra-high resolution RAW video from a full-frame mirrorless camera is now a reality. Last week Atomos launched a Pre-Release Beta for Ninja V users to try out on their Panasonic LUMIX S1H. Today Atomos announces the full firmware update for the Ninja V.

From today Ninja V & Panasonic LUMIX S1H users will be able to record:

Simply stunning 12-bit RAW

The Ninja V captures the unprocessed highly detailed 12-bit RAW signal files directly from the full frame sensor of the S1H over HDMI at up to 5.9K/29.97p in Full-frame, or 4K/59.94p in Super35. These unprocessed files are extremely clean, preserving the maximum dynamic range, color accuracy and every detail from the S1H. The resulting ProRes RAW files allow for greater creativity in post-production with perfect skin tones and easily matched colors, ideal for both HDR and SDR (Rec.709) workflows.

Anamorphic RAW

More and more cinematographers are now choosing to shoot with anamorphic lenses and the Ninja V and S1H combination caters to them with the new 3.5K Super35 Anamorphic 4:3 RAW mode. An even bigger world of cinematic opportunities opens up as the Ninja V and S1H can now be used as an A-camera or smaller B-camera on an anamorphic RAW production.

Improved color pipeline

LUMIX S1H ProRes RAW files recorded to the Ninja V can now benefit from an improved color pipeline in Apple Final Cut Pro X. Panasonic have published a new LUT based workflow that allows the enhanced potential of ProRes RAW files captured from the LUMIX S1H to be realised in the NLE software.

Ninja V advantage

The Ninja V allows users to accurately monitor the RAW signal on its daylight-viewable 5” 1000nit brightness HDR screen. Setup is simple when the camera is attached with perfectly tuned color settings applied automatically. Users can then view the RAW image accurately in HDR in a choice of HLG and PQ (HDR10) formats. The Ninja V offers touchscreen access to tools like waveforms, 1-1 magnification and focus peaking, allowing them to perfect their RAW video. The Ninja V then records the ProRes RAW data onto a removable AtomX SSDmini or other SSD drive. When shooting is complete the drive is removed and connected to a computer via USB for immediate offload and editing.

ProRes RAW the new standard

In addition to their ground-breaking combination of flexibility and performance, Apple ProRes RAW files are smaller than other RAW files – simplifying and accelerating file transfer, media management, and archiving. Even with the new higher 5.9K resolution, ProRes RAW files from the S1H can easily be edited on most modern Macs. ProRes RAW is fully supported in Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro along with a collection of other apps including ASSIMILATE SCRATCH, Colorfront, FilmLight Baselight and Grass Valley Edius.

This is available immediately; Ninja V users can download the free AtomOS update for their monitor-recorder directly from the Atomos website.

Over the past few months Atomos has created a series of content pieces with the Ninja V and Panasonic LUMIX S1H, from test footage, to setting up your Ninja V and S1H with PhotoJoseph, to hearing from creators like Stuart Morgan and Krzysztof Sieniawski and their experiences with the great combo of Ninja V & S1H. Please see recent examples below.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Atomos releases full Ninja V firmware update for recording 5.9K 12-bit ProRes Raw with Panasonic S1H

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Unsplash releases massive open-source image dataset with 2M high-quality photos

07 Aug

Unsplash, a website that enables anyone to share high-quality images under a Creative Commons Zero license, has announced the release of what it says is the ‘most complete high-quality open image dataset ever.’ The dataset contains more than 2,000,000 images, according to Unsplash, which sourced the images from more than 200,000 photographers around the world.

An image dataset is a collection of images that can be downloaded as a full batch; they contain relevant details, such as EXIF data, location information and more. In this case, Unsplash says that its dataset includes data on AI- and community-generated keywords for the images, landmark details when relevant, image categories and subcategories, download stats, the number of image views, groupings of images, user-generated collections and ‘keyword-image conversions in search results.’

All data included with the dataset is anonymized and private, with the only exception being attribution to photographers. Unsplash says that it sourced the data from ‘hundreds of millions [of] searches across a nearly unlimited number of uses and contexts.’

The ‘complete’ nature of this dataset distinguishes it from other open-source image datasets, which Unsplash notes often have various issues, such as relying on mass image labeling from third-parties, the use of low-quality images, size limitations and other issues that may limit their usefulness.

In its present form, the dataset is 16GB in size, but Unsplash says that it will continue updating the dataset with additional images and fields as its online library grows.

The dataset is available to download from a dedicated portal on the Unsplash website, where two download options are available: the full high-quality 16GB dataset, which is offered only for non-commercial use, and a ‘Lite’ version that is only 550MB and available for both non-commercial and commercial use.

The full dataset contains more than 2,000,000 images, 5,000,000 keywords and 250,000,000 searches. The ‘Lite’ data is limited to 25,000 images and keywords, as well as 1,000,000 searches. Whereas the Lite dataset is available for anyone to download, the full dataset requires users to request permission to download.

The company requires certain details from the user as part of their request, including name, email and the intended use of the data. In addition to the dedicated download website, Unsplash has published the related documentation on Github.

Unsplash remains as controversial as it is popular. The website has been integrated into a number of services, including Adobe, Trello, Wix, Medium, Facebook and thousands of other platforms. The service is distinguished from other free photo platforms by the high-quality nature of the images available to the public under a CC0 license, making them available for non-commercial and commercial use.

Professional photographers have criticized the platform as undermining the profession and photographers who contribute images as devaluing their work, among other things. Back in 2017, Unsplash founder Mikael Cho attempted to address these concerns in a blog post, stating, ‘We didn’t start Unsplash to reinvent an industry. We started Unsplash because we thought it might be useful.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Unsplash releases massive open-source image dataset with 2M high-quality photos

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »