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Posts Tagged ‘releases’

ZY Optics releases ultra-fast 50mm F0.95 ‘Speedmaster’ lens for Canon EF mount

16 Jul

Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has announced the release of its new Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm F0.95 manual lens for Canon EF-mount cameras.

The lens might be similar in specs to its mirrorless counterparts (Canon RF, Nikon Z and Sony FE) released back in 2019, but ZY Optics says the lens has a different optical design featuring 12 elements in 6 groups, including one high-refractive element and five ultra-low dispersion elements.

The lens is constructed of metal, features an eleven-blade aperture diaphragm (F0.95-F16), uses an 82mm front filter thread and has a 65cm (2.13’) minimum focusing distance. It measures in at 89mm (3.5”) diameter and 122mm (4.8”) long, weighing 1.5kg (3.3lbs).

Below is a sample gallery of images provided by ZY Optics:

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The Mitakon Speedmaster 50mm F0.95 lens for Canon EF cameras is available now on the ZY Optics online shop for $ 799.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon releases EOS R5 with 45MP sensor, 8K video capture and next-gen Dual Pixel AF

12 Jul

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We’ve known that the EOS R5 has been coming for a while, and today Canon has made it official. The R5’s most notable features – its sensor, in-body IS system and 8K video capture – demonstrate that Canon isn’t trying to make just another mirrorless camera: the company is trying to evolve it.

The R5 uses an all-new, Canon-designed 45MP full-frame sensor, along with the DIGIC X processor found on the EOS-1D X III. This combination allows for the fast readout and data processing horsepower required to pull off many of the R5’s standout features.

The R5 uses an all-new, Canon-designed 45MP full-frame sensor, along with the DIGIC X processor found on the EOS-1D X III

The SLR-style design features a large electronic viewfinder with 0.76x magnification and 5.76 million dots, as well as a fully articulating 2.1M-dot LCD. The M-Fn bar from the EOS R is gone, replaced instead with a conventional joystick and AF-On button. Build quality is similar to that of the EOS 5D IV, meaning that it’s rugged and weather-sealed, though not to 1D standards. The camera has a USB Type C socket (with 3.1 Gen2 speeds) along with CFexpress and SD card slots.

Some of the highlights of the R5 include its in-body image stabilizer, which can reduce shake by up to eight stops when paired with some RF lenses. The camera uses Canon’s second generation Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which offers 100% coverage and 1053 auto-selectable points. Using deep learning, the camera is able to acquire and track both people and animals.

It can capture 8K/30p video for up to 30 minutes, with your choice of Raw or H.265 output

The R5 can shoot bursts at 20 fps with continuous focus using electronic shutter and 12 fps with its mechanical shutter. Buffer memory is plentiful, especially if you’re using a CFexpress card. The camera can shoot 10-bit HEIF images in addition to Raw and JPEG.

The R5’s video specs are, well, stunning. It can capture 8K/30p video for up to 30 minutes, with your choice of Raw or H.265 output. If that’s too much for you, it also captures 4K/120p footage or it can output its 8K footage as oversampled 4K/30p. The camera can internally record 10-bit 4:2:2 footage using C-Log or HDR PQ. As one would expect, both mic and headphone jacks are available.

The EOS R5 has dual-band (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz) Wi-Fi built-in, along with Bluetooth. The camera can transfer images over FTP/SFTP as they are taken.

Battery life is rated at 320 shots/charge using the LCD and 220 shots with the EVF running at 120 fps (using the default rate of 60 fps gives you 330 shots). If you need more battery life, the $ 349 BG-R10 grip will double those numbers. There’s also a Wireless File Transmitter grip, which adds an Ethernet jack and enhanced multi-camera linked shooting. It’s priced at $ 999.

The EOS R5 will be ship in late July for $ 3899 body-only and $ 4999 bundled with the RF 24-105mm F4L lens.

Read our first impressions of the camera in our Canon EOS R5 initial review

Take a closer look in our Canon EOS R5 hands-on

Press release

THE SECRET IS OUT: CANON OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES THE CANON EOS R5 AND R6, THE COMPANY’S MOST ADVANCED FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS EVER

The Company is Also Announcing Four RF Lenses, Two RF Lens Extenders, and a PRO Printer

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 9, 2020 – With anticipation at a fever pitch, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to introduce the company’s next generation of full-frame mirrorless cameras – the EOS R5 and EOS R6. These groundbreaking cameras are the result of many years of collecting and listening to feedback from Canon users and are sure to meet the needs and demands of a variety of creators. The EOS R5 is a camera designed for professional applications featuring a new 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and uncropped 8K video recording up to 29.97 fps. The EOS R6 is geared towards advanced amateurs featuring a 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and 4K video recording up to 59.94 fps. The addition of the EOS R5 and the EOS R6 cameras within the EOS R series lineup further solidifies Canon’s commitment to providing the equipment needed for users to bring their content to the next level.

Canon is also introducing four RF lenses and two RF lens extenders: The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, Canon RF600mm F11 IS STM, Canon RF800mm F11 IS STM, and RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lenses. All four new lenses were designed to meet the ever-expanding demands of the skilled creatives who capture amazing imagery using EOS R series cameras, including the new EOS R5 and EOS R6. In addition to the lenses, there are two new RF lens extenders, a 1.4x and a 2x model, allowing for users to take their compatible RF lens focal lengths even farther, and a 13-inch professional printer, the imagePROGRAF PRO-300, to bring photos to life through the power of print.

“For all of the Canon research and development team members who worked tirelessly on the production of these new products, today marks the culmination of a long journey. For those people looking for the next great tools to work with to expand their creative possibilities, the door is now wide open,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “The industry has asked for new products that can push their levels of creativity to new heights, and we are confident that the EOS R5 and EOS R6, alongside the new lenses, lens extenders, and the pro printer, will fulfill those needs and more.”

Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6
Both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras have the ability to capture the action of a variety of fast-moving subjects with impressive accuracy and speed. When using the mechanical shutter, each can shoot up to 12 fps and up to 20 fps when using the completely silent shutter. Both cameras are the first to be outfitted with Canon’s advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II which utilizes up to approximately100 percent coverage of the AF area and EOS iTR AF X incorporating AF tracking algorithms using deep learning technology and enhanced readout speed of the CMOS sensor and processing speed thanks to the DIGIC X image processor. The 1,053 automatically selected AF Zones are made even more potent by the ability to detect the human eye, face or head as well as the eye, face or body of animals such as dogs, cats and even birds. Adding to the feature set is the 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilizer, having coordinated control with Optical Image Stabilizer in IS equipped RF lenses. This provides up to 8 stops of shake correction, a feature that many creators have long asked for from Canon. Both the EOS R5 and R6 cameras come with a new LP-E6NH battery with a higher capacity than the previous model.

As the new flagship model in the EOS R series lineup, the EOS R5 camera has features that pack a punch for a variety of users who create both still and video content. It has a powerful 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and is driven by the speedy DIGIC X image processor, giving wide dynamic range as well as boasting an ISO range of 100-51,200 that is expandable up to 102,400. In a camera full of eye-popping features, one that really stands out is the ability to record uncropped 8K RAW internal video recording up to 29.97 fps and 8K internal video recording up to 29.97 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). The camera can also record 4K internal video recording up to 119.88 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log (H.265)/4:2:2 10-bit HDR PQ (H.265). External recording in 4K is also available up to 59.94 fps. When in DCI modes, the 8K and 4K video recording is uncropped and Dual Pixel CMOS AF II is available in all 8K and 4K recording modes. Additional features of the EOS R5 camera include:

  • Dual-card slots: 1x CFexpress and 1x SD UHS-II
  • Built-in 0.5-inch OLED EVF with approximately 5.76 million dots and a 119.88 fps refresh rate
  • 3.2-inch 2.1 million dots vari-angle LCD touch screen
  • 5GHz/2.4GHz Built-in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth Technology with the ability to utilize the image.canon application, as well as optional WFT-R10A wireless file transmitter with Ethernet support
  • Enhanced operating controls such as rear-dial, multi-controller • The ability to voice tag photos and videos
  • Weather, drip and dust sealing on par with the EOS 5D series

The EOS R6 camera is well-equipped with a host of new features to push the limits of creativity for imaging enthusiasts. The combination of the EOS-1D X Mark III based 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the DIGIC X image processor produces an ISO range of 100-102,400 and is expandable to 204,800. Internal video recording at 4K is capable up to 59.94 fps or 1080p up to 119.88 fps in 10 bit 4:2:2 Canon Log(H.265) or HDR PQ(H.265). The camera also features a built-in 0.5-inch OLED EVF with approximately 3.69 million dots and a 119.88 fps refresh ratevi. Additional features of the EOS R6 camera include:

  • Dual UHS-II SD card slots
  • 3-inch 1.62 million dots vari-angle LCD touch screen
  • 2.4GHz Built-in Wi-Fi®vii and Bluetooth Technologyviii with the ability to utilize the image.canon application
  • Enhanced operating controls such as rear-dial, multi-controller
  • Weather, drip and dust sealing on par with the EOS 6D series

Battery Accessory
The optional BG-R10 battery grip accessory will be available for both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. The BG-R10 accommodates up to two batteries and is compatible with the new LP-E6NH, LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries. The convenient BG-R10 grip accessory can also improve handling for users while capturing portrait photography.

Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
The Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is a high-performance and versatile super-telephoto zoom lens that will find its way into the bags of many photographers. The compact and lightweight lens features optical image stabilization of up to five stops* of shake correction with three different IS modes, including standard, panning and during exposure only. Two Nano USM motors are at the heart of this lens and provide users with high-speed, smooth and quiet auto focus with a minimum focusing distance of three feet. Additional features of the Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM include:

  • Rotation-Type zoom ring and torque adjustment allows for precision control and feel
  • Customizable control ring that enables photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Canon L-Series grade dust and weather-resistant construction with a fluorine coating
  • Lens hood with side window allows specialty filters to be adjusted even while Lens Hood is attached
  • Compatible with the new 1.4x and 2x RF lens extenders (from 300 to 500mm focal length)

Canon RF600mm and 800mm F11 IS STM
The Canon RF600mm and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses are the first fixed focal length super-telephoto RF lenses and are incredibly compact and lightweight. The portability of the new lenses is made even greater due to the ability for the lens barrel to retract and lock in place when the lenses are stowed away and not in use. Diffractive Optics technology helps to reduce the necessary number of lenses and greatly diminish the cost of the lenses, making them affordable for a broader group of photographers. Additional features of the Canon RF600mm and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses include:

  • Lightweight – the RF600mm weighs approximately 2.05lb and the RF800mm weighs approximately 2.78lb, respectively
  • Compact size, RF600mm measures approximately 7.85inch and RF800mm with measures approximately 11.09inch when retracted, respectively
  • Fixed f/11 aperture
  • Optical image stabilization of five stops* for the RF600mm and four stops* for the RF800mm of Shake Correction
  • Lead screw-type STM enables smooth auto focusing for still-image and video shooting
  • Customizable control ring that allows photographers to adjust exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Compatible with the new 1.4x and 2x RF lens extenders

Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM
The third RF85mm lens in the RF lineup, the Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM is compact and lightweight, featuring a bright f/2 aperture helping to capture images that have exceptional bokeh. The lens features a maximum magnification of 0.5x and a minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet, providing users with macro-photography capability. Additional features of the Canon RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM include:

  • Optical Image Stabilization with up to five stops* of Shake Correction
  • Hybrid IS compensates for angular and shift camera shake during macro photography
  • Control Ring for Direct Setting Changes.
  • 12-pin Communication System
  • Nine blade Circular Aperture

RF Lens Extenders
Lens extenders have long been a practical and useful tool for a variety of photographers. That story continues with the introduction of the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x. The new lens extenders inherit the same high image quality, precision AF and reliability, such as being drip and dustproof, of EF lens extenders. When used in combination with the newly-released compatible lenses, the capturing range can be dramatically increased, providing consumers with additional use cases for their existing RF lenses.

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Completing the lineup of professional printer options from 13 inches through 60 inches, Canon also unveiled today the new 13-inch Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Inkjet Printer along with a new Premium Fine Art Rough paper. Providing an improved workflow and high-quality output within a smaller footprint compared to previous models, this new printer excels at professional printing performance. Combined with the new Premium Fine Art Rough paper that features a textured surface to express the depth of an image, the printer along with the paper and new EOS R5 or EOS R6 camera introduces a new powerhouse professional imaging trio that meets creators’ demands.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS R5 full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 3899.00 for the body only and $ 4999.00 for the R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens kit**.

The EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available at the end of August for an estimated retail price of $ 2499.00 for the body only, $ 2.899.00 for the R6 and RF 24-105 F4-7.1 IS STM lens kit or $ 3,599.00 for the R6 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens kit**.

The BG-R10 battery grip accessory and WFT-R10A are both scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 349.99 and $ 999.99**, respectively.

The RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is scheduled to be available in September 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 2,699.00. The RF600mm F11 IS STM and RF800mm F11 IS STM lenses are scheduled to be available at the end of July 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 699.99 and $ 899.99, respectively. The RF85mm F2 MACRO IS STM lens is scheduled to be available in October 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 599.99 **.

The RF Extender 1.4x and 2x are scheduled to be available at the end of July for an estimated retail price of $ 499.99 and $ 599.99** each.

The imagePROGRAF PRO-300 Printer will be available later in July for a suggested retail price of $ 899.99. Premium Fine Art Rough paper will also be available later in July for a suggested retail price of $ 44.99 for Letter size, $ 109.99 for 13” x 19” inches and $ 169.99, 17” x 22” inches**.

For more information please visit, www.usa.canon.com/virtualproductlaunch

** Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Canon EOS R5 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 3899 (body only), $ 4999 (w/24-105mm F4 lens)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 8192 x 5464
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 45 megapixels
Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Digic X
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Yes, 100-51200 (expands to 102400)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 50
Boosted ISO (maximum) 102400
White balance presets 8
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes Works with lens-based IS systems for maximum shake reduction
CIPA image stabilization rating 8 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
  • Raw (Canon CR3)
  • HEIF (10-bit)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 1053
Lens mount Canon RF
Focal length multiplier 1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3.2
Screen dots 2,100,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.76×
Viewfinder resolution 5,760,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • High-speed Continuous
  • Low-speed Continuous
Continuous drive 20.0 fps
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
  • Partial
Exposure compensation 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Modes
  • 8192 x 4320 @ 30p / 1,300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 8192 x 4320 @ 24p / 1,300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 8192 x 4320 @ 23.98p / 1,300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 7680 x 4320 @ 30p / 1,300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p / 1,300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 120p / 1,880 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 940 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 24p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 1,880 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 940 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 470 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types CFexpress and SD (UHS-II) slots
Connectivity
USB USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 GBit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11ac (dual-band) + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description LP-E6NH lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 320
Weight (inc. batteries) 738 g (1.63 lb / 26.03 oz)
Dimensions 138 x 98 x 88 mm (5.43 x 3.84 x 3.46)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus releases Windows 10 webcam utility beta for five of its OM-D cameras

02 Jul

In addition to its new lens and updated roadmap, Olympus has also released OM-D Webcam Beta, a utility program for Windows 10 computers that turns compatible Olympus OM-D cameras into webcams.

Following in the footsteps of Canon and Fujifilm, this new utility works on Windows 10 computers (both 32 bit and 64 bit) and is compatible with five Olympus OM-D cameras: the E-M1X, E-M1, E-M1 Mark II, E-M1 Mark III and the E-M5 Mark II. As with similar utilities, the process is as simple as downloading the free software, plugging in an OM-D camera via the appropriate USB cable and turning the camera on.

Once all of this is finished, the plugged-in camera should be available as an image input option in video conferencing software such as Skype and Zoom.

This is a beta, so keep that in mind if you come across any bugs or issues. You can find the download link and further instructions on Olympus’ support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics releases the Laowa 9mm F5.6 rectilinear lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras

30 Jun

Venus Optics has announced the release of the Laowa 9mm F5.6 FF RL, a lens that takes the title of the world’s widest rectilinear lens for full-frame camera systems.

The lens features a 135-degree angle of view and is constructed of 14 elements in 10 groups, including two extra-low dispersion elements. It isn’t one of Venus Optics’ ‘Zero-D’ lenses, but it features ‘very low’ distortion, which makes it a solid option for landscape, architecture and real estate photography.

A comparison photo showing the difference between a 15mm and 9mm focal length on a full-frame sensor.

In addition to the ultra-wide field of view, the lens also features an incredibly short minimum focusing distance — just 12cm (4.72”) and uses a five-blade aperture diaphragm. The lens measures 60mm (2.4”) in both length and diameter and weighs just 350g (12oz).

Below are a few sample images from Venus Optics:

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The Laowa 9mm F5.6 FF RL is available in Leica M, Sony FE, Nikon Z and L-mount. This marks the first time Venus Optics has designed a lens for Leica M-mount and to celebrate the occasion, Venus Optics is releasing the M-mount version in black and silver varieties. the Leica M-mount version costs $ 900, while the Sony FE, Nikon Z and L-mount versions costs $ 800.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases minor firmware updates for seven of its XC, XF lenses

11 Jun

Fujifilm has released minor firmware updates for seven of its Fujinon XC and XF lenses.

The company doesn’t elaborate on what exactly was fixed in each of the firmware updates other than a ‘fix of minor bugs.’ Still, for the sake of keeping up to date and preventing any of these unmentioned ‘minor bugs’ from affecting your workflow, it’s well worth it to download the update(s) and apply them to your Fujinon lenses.

Below is a list of each of the lenses and a link to their respective firmware updates:

  • XF 10–24mm F4 — firmware version 1.13
  • XC 15–45mm F3.5–5.6 — firmware version 1.03
  • XC 16–50mm F3.5–5.6 OIS II — firmware version 1.12
  • XF 18–55mm F2.8–4 — firmware version 3.23
  • XF 18–135mm F3.5–5.6 — firmware version 1.12
  • XC 50–230mm F4.5–6.7 OIS II — firmware version 1.11
  • XF80mm F2.8 — firmware version 1.12

Instructions on how to install the new firmware are listed on each of the download links above.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GoPro releases GoPro Labs, a beta update that adds experimental features to your HERO8 Black

06 Jun

GoPro has announced the release of GoPro Labs, a new program that allows GoPro HERO8 Black owners to sign up as beta testers to test out experimental features that haven’t yet made their way into final products. In GoPro’s own words, ‘Think of GoPro Labs as an insider look at innovative features our top engineers are playing with.’

The first release of GoPro Labs includes a pair of features that were first developed via internal [hackathons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackathons: ReelSteady GO optimization and QR Codes for camera control.

Earlier this year, GoPro acquired ReelSteady, a team of FPV drone operators and visual effects experts that have developed some of the most advanced stabilization and image correction software out there for GoPro cameras. Nothing has come from the acquisition as of this time, but the ReelSteady GO optimization in the GoPro Labs firmware update will allow GoPro HERO8 Black owners to optimize the in-camera rolling shutter correction to better work with ReelSteady’s post-production software.

Below is an example video from ReelSteady showing their image stabilization technology at work:

The QR Codes for camera control in the GoPro Labs firmware update is exactly what it sounds like. By creating custom QR codes with embedded commands, GoPro HERO8 Black owners can add new functions to their action cam without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Below are a few examples of features you can tweak via QR code:

  • Wake-up timer for remote start capture
  • Save favorite modes as a visual preset/QR code Motion detection start/stop — only capture video when something is happening
  • Speed detection start/stop — use GPS to determine your speed and automatically start capture at a defined speed
  • Camera scripting — e.g. shoot a time-lapse of a construction site but only during daylight hours (and many other detailed camera controls)
  • Personalize your GoPro with owner information Larger chapters for fewer files when taking long video captures — e.g. 4GB chapters will increase to 12GB.

GoPro has created and shared ten pre-built command QR codes with variables, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also create your own using GoPro’s list of action commands and settings commands. Additional support can be found on the GoPro Labs community within the GoPro forums.

To show off what’s capable with the new functionality, GoPro showed how the QR code camera control feature was used by GoPro Technical Fellow (and creator of the QR code feature), David Newman, worked alongside Northrup Grumman Corp. to capture the launch of a resupply mission to the International Space Station. Since the GoPro’s had to be set 72 hours in advance and not touched, he teamed up with his daughter to trigger each camera with a QR code before securing them to the launch pad. As the below video attests to, the results worked perfectly, despite none of the action cams having external power or displays.

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GoPro rocks. Raw video. Raw audio. Straight from the camera. Just some simple cuts. That’s a wrap! #gopro #antares #northropgrumman #iss #rocket #nofilter #okaymaybetherewasaNDfilter

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GoPro says these features could one day be unveiled alongside a new camera, but also notes there’s a chance ‘these features may never make it to a camera release.’

If you happen to have a GoPro HERO8 Black on hand, you can read through the installation instructions and download the GoPro Labs firmware update on GoPro’s website. Below is a great rundown of the new features from YouTuber DC Rainmaker:

If you end up creating anything interesting with the GoPro Labs firmware, let us know in the comments below or contact us via our feedback form!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases Windows-only app for turning your X series, GFX System cameras into a webcam

27 May

Following in the footsteps of Canon, Fujifilm has released a Windows-only program for turning your Fujifilm camera system into a webcam.

Fujifilm X Webcam, as it’s being called, makes it possible to turn nine different Fujifilm X Series and GFX System digital cameras into webcams for use with video conferencing software such as Skype and Zoom. We previously shared how you can do this through more convoluted means, but this first-party program should make it easier and guarantee better integration with the supported Fujifilm systems, including the GFX100, GFX 50S, GFX 50R, X-H1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, X-T2, X-T3 and X-T4.

Much like Canon’s webcam software, Fujifilm’s is Windows-only for now, so macOS users will still have to use third-party means of accomplishing this. You can download Fujifilm X Webcam for free on Fujifilm’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samyang releases updated ‘MK2’ versions of its popular 14mm F2.8, 85mm F1.4 lenses

26 May

Samyang, which is also sold under the brand name Rokinon, has released updated versions of two of its best-selling lenses: the MF 14mm F2.8 MK2 and the MF 85mm F1.4 MK2.

The updated manual focus lenses feature the same optical designs as their respective predecessors but add new features to provide a more seamless and robust user experience. In particular, both lenses now have weather-sealing, an updated focus ring for better grip and a switch for de-clicking the aperture without the need to tear it apart. The 14mm F2.8 MK2 also has a new focus lock switch for ensuring the focus doesn’t get bumped out of place during operation.

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Both lenses are available for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon M and MFT mount camera systems. As of writing this article, no pricing information is available for the lenses and no online retailer appears to have a product page up. We have contacted Samyang for additional information and will update accordingly when we receive a response.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Capture One releases Nikon-specific version, also adds improved clone and healing brushes

18 May

Earlier this month, Capture One teased a variety of new features in an upcoming free update to Capture One 20. Today, this free update has been released to all existing Capture One 20 users. Further, Capture One has released a new dedicated version of their software specifically for Nikon users, Capture One for Nikon.

The new Nikon version of Capture One follows the same pattern as existing Fujifilm and Sony versions, meaning that the software will only work with files from Nikon cameras. Profiles for each supported Nikon camera have been specifically built for Capture One by the software team in Denmark using an exhaustive lab-based process. Further, the Vivid, Neutral, Standard, Landscape and Monochrome profiles in Nikon’s cameras are supported, allowing Capture One for Nikon to match the colors you see on your camera.

The list of supported Nikon cameras is exhaustive and includes the company’s DSLR and mirrorless Z cameras. Many cameras also support tethered capture. You can view the full list of supported cameras and features by clicking here.

Returning to the newly-released update for all versions of Capture One 20, we were previously shown the new heal and clone brushes plus an improved before/after viewer. The revised healing and clone brushes now create dedicated healing and clone layers, respectively, and utilize more intelligent source point technology. You can also now utilize as many source points per layer as you desire with no discernible impact on performance.

With respect to the before/after view, users can now click a button in the toolbar to select from new before/after view modes. This is a much simpler and more streamlined process than in prior versions of Capture One and can be used across multiple images at varying zoom levels.

Capture One has released additional videos showing off these new features, which you can view below:

Another new feature that was not shown off during Capture One’s livestream in early May is an improved Lightroom Catalog Import tool. The tool now allows for importing files located on disconnected drives. Capture One will automatically import the files once the drive has been connected. Further, when importing a Lightroom catalog, some basic image adjustments and catalog structure can be imported into Capture One 20. To see how this works, refer to a new video tutorial from Capture One below.

The update to Capture One 20 is available now at no cost for all existing users. If you don’t own Capture One 20 and would like to try it, there is a free trial available on Capture One’s website.

Capture One 20 is available both as a subscription and as a lifetime license. An annual subscription is $ 180 USD and a lifetime license for new users is $ 299 USD. For a full pricing breakdown and to view additional bundles, click here. Further, there is an ongoing promotion for new purchasers, allowing for 12-month access to SmugMug Portfolio or Power plans, depending on their selected product.

Capture One for Nikon can be purchased for $ 9.99 USD per month, $ 99 per year or as a perpetual license for $ 129.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases minor firmware updates for its X100V, X-A7 camera systems

12 May

Fujifilm has released a pair of (mostly) minor firmware updates for its X100V and X-A7 camera systems.

We say ‘mostly’ minor because the X100V firmware update does bring a welcomed feature for users who’ve been experiencing overheating issues. In addition to general bug fixes, firmware version 1.10 (previously 1.00) adds a new ‘Auto Power Off Temp setting in the Power Management sub-menu that will automatically turn off the camera if it overheats, something that can when shooting ‘in a continuous manner.’

In the changelog, Fujifilm writes:

‘We would recommend use of the new option when the X100V is used in a continuous manner (such as with continuous video shooting) and so on and a user may feel the grip become noticeably hot.’

Firmware version 1.20 (previously 1.10) for the X-A7 is even more minor, with the only changes being new compatibility with Fujifilm’s Instax Mini link printer and various ‘minor bug’ fixes.

You can download firmware version 1.10 for the X100V and firmware version 1.20 for the X-A7 on Fujifilm’s respective product support pages.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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