RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Resolution’

High resolution Sony a7R IV pixel shift images added to studio scene, sample gallery updated

24 Sep

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0635778599″,”galleryId”:”0635778599″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

One of the eye-catching features of the Sony a7R IV is its 16-image pixel-shift mode. This shoots four images centered around one position then shifts the sensor half a pixel sideways and takes another four, then another half pixel… until it’s taken 16 images. These 16 images can be turned into 240 megapixel images.

We’ve added pixel-shift images to our studio scene at several different ISO settings, along with a couple of real-world examples to our sample gallery showing both the 4-image demosaicing mode as well as the high-res 16-image mode. Just for good measure, we’ve added more standard images to the gallery as well.

Studio Scene

$ (document).ready(function() { ImageComparisonWidget({“containerId”:”reviewImageComparisonWidget-52074786″,”widgetId”:715,”initialStateId”:4752}) })

Image Processing

We’ve processed the images in the studio scene using PixelShift2DNG, because it allows us to use our standard Adode Camera Raw processing to maximize comparability with other cameras in the scene.

It should be noted that Imaging Edge has a setting called ‘Px Shift Multi Shoot. Correction,’ adjustable in eleven steps between 0 and 1, that smooths some of the stair-stepping and chequerboard errors that can appear in the image. The shots in our test scene effectively have this set to 0.

Before making this decision, we compared this output with the results from Sony’s own Image Edge software. We’ve created a rollover that compares the PixelShift2DNG result to the Imaging Edge output with sharpening, noise reduction and Px Shift Correction minimized, and to the default Imaging Edge result.

DNG -> ACR Imaging Edge Modified Imaging Edge Defaults

We’ve uploaded the Image Edge-combined ‘ARQ’ files to the studio scene, but you can download the combined DNGs here:

16-image files merged using PixelShift2DNG
  • ISO 100
  • ISO 6400
  • ISO 51200
  • ISO 102400

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on High resolution Sony a7R IV pixel shift images added to studio scene, sample gallery updated

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More

23 Sep

The post Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More

The Canon 1D X Mark III may be the last of its kind, but it won’t go down without a fight.

Information has leaked regarding the Canon flagship camera, predicting a 2020 release. This follows on the heels of Nikon’s D6 announcement and its claim that the D6 will be Nikon’s “most advanced DSLR to date.”

The Canon 1D X series and the Nikon D6 series have been longtime competitors, aimed at professional photographers in need of rugged, high-performing camera bodies. Hence, it’s no surprise that the 1D X Mark III should come out in 2020, most likely in time for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The leak also suggests that the Canon 1D X Mark III will have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a feature traditionally offered by mirrorless models but kept out of DSLRs. This will be appreciated by low-light shooters who need to eke out every bit of stability they can get.

The Canon 1D X Mark III is also said to feature significantly increased resolution “for an EOS-1 series camera.” Note that Canon’s EOS-1 line is short on resolution but high on autofocus capabilities and shooting speed, which explains why the 1D X Mark II tops out at 20.2 megapixels, despite its ‘flagship’ label.

What would count as significant?

My guess would be a jump in the 4-megapixel range, to put the 1D X Mark III at 24 megapixels. But it could be less, considering the low bar for 1D X resolution.

Apparently, the Canon flagship will also include 6K video (without a crop) and an upgraded DIGIC processor, as well as dual CFExpress card slots.

As of now, the 1D X Mark III is looking on par with the Nikon D6, which is rumored to drop in 2020.

Both cameras will undoubtedly be pricey; the Canon 1D X Mark II retails at $ 5500 USD, and the Nikon D5 sits at nearly $ 6000.

But for the professional action photographer, the cameras will undoubtedly be worth the cost.

Are you looking forward to the Canon 1D X Mark III announcement? What specs are you hoping to see? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Canon 1D X Mark III: Includes IBIS, Increased Resolution, and More

Posted in Photography

 

Video: Google’s Super Resolution algorithm explained in three minutes

30 May

Space constraints in the thin bodies of modern smartphones mean camera engineers are limited in terms of the size of image sensors they can use in their designs. Manufacturers have therefore been pushing computational imaging methods in order to improve the quality of their devices’ image output.

Google’s Super Resolution algorithm is one such method. It involves shooting a burst of raw photos every time the shutter is pressed and takes advantage of the user’s natural hand-shake, even if it is ever so slight. The pixel-level differences between each of the frames in the burst can be used to merge several images of the burst into an output file with optimized detail at each pixel location.

An illustration that shows how multiple frames are aligned to create the final image.

Google uses the Super Resolution in the Night Sight feature and Super-Res zoom of the Pixel 3 devices and has previously published an in-depth article about it on its blog . Our own Rishi Sanyal has also had a close look at the technology and the features it has been implemented in.

A visual representation of the steps used to create the final image from a burst of Raw input images.

Now Google has published the above video that provides a great overview of the the technology in just over three minutes.

‘This approach, which includes no explicit demosaicing step, serves to both increase image resolution and boost signal to noise ratio,’ write the Google researchers in the paper the video is based on. ‘Our algorithm is robust to challenging scene conditions: local motion, occlusion, or scene changes. It runs at 100 milliseconds per 12-megapixel RAW input burst frame on mass-produced mobile phones.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Video: Google’s Super Resolution algorithm explained in three minutes

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Image Resolution Explained – Seeing the Big Picture

28 May

The post Image Resolution Explained – Seeing the Big Picture appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Herb Paynter.

The very first thing you must understand about photography is that it is totally based on illusion; you choose to believe what you perceive. This concept didn’t originate with photography’s pixels and dots; it is the very basis for human sight. Your brain chooses to believe something to be true well beyond what your eyes can verify or recognize to be true. The very word “resolution” gives light to this concept. The resolving power of a lens is its ability to distinguish small elements of detail. This same issue is true concerning the human eye and its perception of images on a computer screen and the printed page. Each of these “interpretations” relies on a mechanism to carry out an illusion. The eye’s mechanism is rods and cones, cameras use photo receptors, computer screens use pixels, and printing machines use spots and halftone dots. The degree to which each device succeeds in their illusionary quest is dependent upon the resolution of the mechanism and the resolving power of the device.

Each system requires two elements – a transmitter and a receiver. Just as a magic trick requires both a salesman (the magician) and a customer (the viewer), each “visual” process requires a good presenter and a willing observer. The common phrases, “seeing is believing,” and “perception is reality,” pretty much define the benchmark of success. Now let’s get image resolution explained and show you where it’s is most effectively used.

Image resolution

There comes a finite distance when viewing any image where your eye can no longer distinguish individual colors. Beyond that point, your brain must sell the idea that detail indeed exists beyond that point of distinction. The detail you see when viewing an object at close range continues to be perceived long after that object is too far away to verify that detail. There are limitations to the normal resolving power of the human eye with “normal” defined as 20-20 vision.

In the image reproduction process, delivering an image with excess resolution becomes useless when the result of that extra resolution has no purpose. Thus, the gauge of all visual resolution must ultimately be framed by resolving capabilities of the human eye. Producing more image resolution than the eye can perceive doesn’t increase the detail or improve the definition, it just creates bigger files.

While you feel more confident when you pass massive amounts of pixels on to your printer, your printer doesn’t appreciate the excess. It throws all those extra pixels away. More ain’t better; it’s just more.

Dots, Pixels, Lines, and Spots

Beware of the numbers game that is played by manufacturers in the imaging industry. There is ample misinformation and misused terminology floating around that causes significant confusion about imaging resolution. Allow me to clarify some very foggy air beginning with terminology.

DPI (Dots per inch)

The term DPI is probably the most misconstrued acronym in the digital imaging world as it is loosely cast about in digital imaging and applied to just about every device. DPI, or dots per inch, is a reference to printing device’s resolution and describes the dots and spots that each technology uses in various combinations to simulate “tones.” Dots are neither pixels nor halftone dots. We’d all be a bit better off not using this term as it has little practical application.

PPI (pixels per inch)

The basic structure of every digital image is the pixel. Pixels are the square blocks of tones and colors that you see when images are enlarged on computer screens (see the Eye illustration below). The measure of those pixels (typically in a linear inch) determines an image’s resolution and should always be addressed as PPI, or pixels per inch. This setting is affected by the Image Size dialog box in editing software. The higher the number of pixels in an inch, the higher the image resolution. Scanners, digital cameras, and paint programs all use the PPI terminology.

Of all the resolution terms in the industry, this is one that deserves top billing. While the rest of the terms need to be recognized, rarely will they have to enter the conversation.

When viewed in imaging software, these squares are referred to as pixels and should be defined in values of pixels per inch (PPI). This particular dialog defines the size of the “Eye” picture in this article. Internet images are defined by pixel count and concern the linear measurement of horizontal pixels in the image.

LPI (lines per inch)

LPI refers to the halftone dot structure used by laser printers and the offset printing process to simulate the continuous tones of photographic images. LPI refers to the number of “lines” of halftone dots used by various printing processes. “Lines” is a throwback reference to the days when actual lines were etched in glass plates to interpret photographic tones in early printing processes.

This LPI number is specific to the printing industry. Lower numbers refer to larger, more visible halftone dots (newspapers) while higher numbers refer to much smaller and less visible dots (magazines and artwork). I’ll get into the numbers later.

Spots and SPI (spots per inch)

A spot is a rarely used term that refers to both inkjet and imagesetter processes. With inkjet, it is the measure of micro-droplets of ink sprayed during the inkjet printing process. SPI, or spots per inch is a User-Selectable issue concerning the resolution choices when using some inkjet printers. Higher SPI also affects the quality of the printing process by slowing the speed at which the paper is fed through the printer. The spot “marking” size of both plate and imagesetters determines the quality of the shape of halftone dots produced and only applies to high-end lithographers and service bureaus.

Device real-world requirements for optimal resolution

Now we’ll look at each device’s real-world requirements for optimal resolution. How much is too little and how much is too much? The answers require a bit of explanation because there are some variables involved in the projects and the printing devices. First I’ll clarify some misconceptions about digital camera files, then I’ll address three specific printing technologies and give you some concrete examples.

Digital Cameras

The most common reference to camera resolution relates to the camera’s image sensor. These sensors contain a grid of cells called photosites, each cell measuring the light value (in lumens) striking it during an exposure. The actual number of cells contained in an image sensor varies depending on the camera model. When the number of horizontal cells gets multiplied by the number of vertical cells on the sensor, the “size” of the sensor is defined. The Nikon D500 sensor measures 4,288 x 2,848, or 12,212,224 pixels, making it a 12.3 mega (million) pixel camera.

The individual cells in the image sensor are covered by either a red, green, or blue filter called a Bayer array. Each cell records the filtered light, converting the combined values into individual pixel colors.

These pixels can produce any number of different size pictures for various purposes. Each printing process requires a different number of pixels per inch (PPI) to deliver optimal quality prints at a given size. This is because the technology used for each type of printing is different. For example, high-quality inkjet printers spray liquid inks onto paper using very small nozzles (usually 1440 spots per inch).

Laser printers

Most laser printers are either 600 or 1200 dpi devices meaning that a solid line printed horizontally will be composed of either 600 or 1200 dots. Type is printed using all these dots while halftone images can be effectively reproduced from 220-300 pixel-per-inch (PPI) images.

Inside these laser printers is a raster image processor (RIP) that generates halftone dots from square pixels. The value of each image pixel gets transposed into a halftone cell. The formula for exchanging this grid of square pixels into a diagonal pattern of variable-size dots goes way beyond explanation in this article, but it’s kind of like magic.

Laser printers simulate gray tones using the halftoning process provided by the printer’s RIP.

Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers use totally different technology to translate color pixels into printed images. Tiny spray nozzles distribute ink to specific parts of the image to deliver their version of the imaging illusion. The resolution (PPI) required to deliver accurate inkjet images differs from laser printers. This is because they do not use the geometric mechanism of halftone cells but instead, spray microscopic amounts of each ink to precise locations as determined by the pixel values.

Inkjet printers require significantly fewer pixels per inch (PPI) than laser printers to carry the illusion. Typically 150-200 PPI is quite sufficient.

Lithographic printing

Offset printing includes newspapers, magazines, and brochures. Each requires a slightly different lines-per-inch (LPI) pattern of dots. Newspapers are typically 85 LPI, magazines are 150 LPI, and high-end brochures and other collateral material require up to 200 LPI resolution.

Each line screen value is produced by a different PPI formula. While all these types of printing can be produced from 300 PPI files, all that resolution is certainly not required and is technically overkill. Even those high-end brochures technically don’t require this much resolution, but the early-adopted myth of 2xLPI persists yet today. The actual requirement for all high-end printing is only 1.4xLPI. Any more resolution simply gets discarded by the platesetter’s RIP.

In this calculation, newspapers (85LPI) need only 120 PPI, magazines require only 212 PPI, and even the best quality print is ideally produced with just 283 PPI.

In case you’re thinking that this is splitting hairs and irrelevant, consider this… using the 1.4 rule totally meets the mathematical requirement and saves a whopping 50% of the file size in storage real estate and transfer time.

I fully expect to hear some pushback about these numbers, but science and math don’t lie. Phobias about resolution are long entrenched, respected, and expected. However, in the end, it really doesn’t matter that much.

No-nos

There are two unforgivable sins in preparing your images for proper resolution. Low-res and up-res.

Low-res

The biggest sin of all is sending files to the printer/publisher with too little resolution.

That is a certain formula for poor results and shows up in the form of soft detail and bitmapped edges caused by normal sharpening.

Every form of print technology requires a minimum of pixels to produce fully-detailed and sharp images. So do not shortchange your project in this respect.

Remember, size your images for the final appearance and assign the PPI at that final size. If you want to see an 8”x10” image appear in print, make sure you address the issue of PPI in the Image Size dialog and before you save the file.

Monitor the Image Size dialog carefully when you make changes. Resample an image while watching the Image Size figure at the top of the dialog. Try to never let it increase. You can get away with a small increase but do so only when necessary.

Up-res

Make it a rule never to increase your image size as it is a sure-fire recipe for disaster. You can’t create detail; you can only destroy it. Whatever size file (pixel count) you begin with is the largest pixel count you should print unless you’re okay with soft images.

Pixels are not rubber, and you cannot stretch them to a larger size without sacrificing the sharpness of the image. Your digital camera most likely provides you with ample original pixels to print most projects, try to stay within that original ratio.

You can increase the image size, but you can’t increase its detail. Every time you enlarge an image, you distort the pixels. So if you want to print sharp images, don’t enlarge them!

The major advantage to maintaining higher resolution files for an archive is that if an image ever needs to be cropped or enlarged, that extra resolution will undoubtedly come in handy.

It remains standard operating procedure in the printing industry to send all files to the printer with 300 PPI resolution. Cloud services, backup systems, and storage media sales folks certainly want you to continue the 300 PPI trend and rent more parking space on their sites.

Final thought

Make it your goal to make the best of this visual illusion called photography. Your camera, your computer, and your printer provide all the tools you need to perform your magic with great success. Enjoy.

 

The post Image Resolution Explained – Seeing the Big Picture appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Herb Paynter.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Image Resolution Explained – Seeing the Big Picture

Posted in Photography

 

Almalence compares Google’s Super Resolution Zoom to its own Super Sensor solution

05 Feb

Optical zoom lenses with 2x or even 3x magnification factor are one of the the latest trends on high-end smartphones. However, you don’t necessarily need a dedicated lens to achieve better zoom results than you get from a standard digital zoom.

In the world of computational photographer one solution to getting around optical zoom is to combine a multitude of frames to capture as much detail as possible and apply some clever processing algorithms. While not nearly as clear as optical zoom — yet — these methods result in final images that aren’t far off an optical system. One such example is Google’s Super Resolution Zoom on the Pixel 3 smartphone. Through this method, the Pixel 3 can produce image detail far superior to a simple digital zoom.

But Google isn’t the only company working on this. Computational imaging company Almalence also provides imaging software solutions to mobile device and camera makers with a similar solution called SuperSensor, and it’s shown off just how capable its system is.

On its blog Almalence has compared Google’s Super Resolution to its own Super Sensor technology by installing the latter on a Google Pixel 3 and capturing a couple of test scenes.

The company’s conclusion is that Google’s Super Resolution Zoom ‘reveals some details that are indistinguishable in the normal image,’ but ‘it’s still not the best of what super resolution can achieve.’

In the 100% crops above you can see Google’s system is doing a much better job at magnifying the text in the book that served as a test subject. However, at closer inspection you’ll also see that the characters in the text is better preserved in the image captured by the Almalence system, despite an overall softer appearance.

In the original article you can find another comparison scene and all samples for download at original size, so you can form your own opinions about the performance of the two systems. In any case it’s good to see how far purely software-based systems have come when compared to a simple digital zoom. Combining such systems with optical zoom lenses should open up completely now possibilities on mobile devices.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Almalence compares Google’s Super Resolution Zoom to its own Super Sensor solution

Posted in Uncategorized

 

GoPro Fusion beta firmware brings resolution bump and 24fps recording

18 Jan

GoPro has announced a major beta firmware update for its Fusion 360-degree camera. With the new firmware the camera gets a resolution bump from 5.2 to 5.8 video (5.6K when stitched) and the new resolution also supports 24fps frame rates, making it easier to incorporate the Fusion into TV and film production processes.

In addition the gets a new 5.6K/24fps time lapse video mode and RAW photo support for night and time lapse modes with intervals of 5 seconds or longer.

The Fusion Studio and Adobe Premiere and After Effects plug-ins have been revamped as well. Fusion Studio v1.4 gets 5.6K exports for the new higher resolution 24fps mode and a range of updated controls and options. GoPro’s VR plug-ins have been updated for use with Adobe Premiere CC 2019 and Adobe After Effects CC 2019.

A full list of new features can be found on the GoPro website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on GoPro Fusion beta firmware brings resolution bump and 24fps recording

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Rylo software update increases video resolution from 4K to 5.8K

09 Nov

The Rylo is a consumer-grade 360-degree camera that allows you to capture 360-degree video and later select a region of the image from which to create a standard 16:9 HD video. In our review of the device we found the concept to work pretty well but had one point of criticism: the camera’s 4K resolution wasn’t quite enough to create standard video with good detail.

Thanks to a software update this pain point should now be at least mitigated. Starting today, Rylo owners can download a new software version that increases camera video resolution from 4K to 5.8K, just edging out the Insta360 One X, one of the Rylo’s closest rivals which offers a 5.7K resolution.

To apply the update the camera needs to be connected to an iOS or Android device. In the mobile app you then get the option to update. In addition to the increased resolution Rylo now also offers a desktop app that comes with the same editing tools and features as the mobile variant but lets you create your videos on a large screen.

More information is available on the Rylo website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Rylo software update increases video resolution from 4K to 5.8K

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikon Z 6 is a lower resolution, less expensive Z 7

23 Aug

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0398537088″,”galleryId”:”0398537088″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

The Nikon Z 6 is a 24MP full frame mirrorless camera that uses Nikon’s new ‘Z’ mount. It is a faster, lower-resolution sister model to the high-end Z 7.

While the Nikon Z 7 may garner the most attention, the cheaper Z 6 may actually prove the more impactful of the two cameras, since it’ll be within reach of a larger number of photographers. And, since it captures oversampled video without a crop, it might be a more logical choice for video shooters than the higher-resolution Z 7.

Where the Z 7 is the mirrorless equivalent to the D850, the Z 6 is more like a D750

It carries over many features from the Z 7, from its body to EVF to many of its video specs, but uses a lower resolution sensor with fewer PDAF points. Where the Z 7 could be seen as the mirrorless equivalent to the D850, the Z 6 is more like a D750.

The Z 6 uses a ‘Nikon-designed’ full-frame 24.5MP BSI-CMOS sensor and has a total of 273 PDAF points (compared to 45.7MP and 493 points on the Z 7, respectively). It has a native ISO range spanning from ISO 100 to 51,200, missing out on the Z 7’s ISO 64 mode.

The lower resolution sensor allows the Z 6 to capture oversampled 4K video

The camera’s fastest burst rate is 12 fps (with exposure locked after the first frame), compared to 9 fps on the Z 7. This drops to 9 fps in 14-bit Raw mode.

The lower resolution sensor allows the Z 6 to capture oversampled 4K video, something that the Z 7 can only do in Super 35/DX-crop mode. If you can survive on 24 Megapixels for stills, the Z 6 could prove to be the better of the two cameras in terms of video quality.

The Z 6 will be available in late November – two months after the Z 7 – and will be available with the 24-70mm F4 S lens or body-only. The Z6 will cost $ 1995 body-only or $ 2599 with the 24-70mm F4 lens.

Press Release

NIKON INTRODUCES THE NEW NIKON Z MOUNT SYSTEM, AND RELEASES TWO FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS: THE NIKON Z 7 AND NIKON Z 6

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame (Nikon FX–format) Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount to enable the next generation of ultimate optical performance.

Mirrorless Reinvented

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.951. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter “Z” represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.

Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.

Z 7, Z 6 Product Overview

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built-in focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6.

The high-resolution Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64–25600. In combination with NIKKOR Z lenses, the camera achieves an outstanding level of sharpness and detail, all the way to the edges of the image.

The versatile Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with 24.5 effective megapixels, and supports the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100–51200. With superior performance at high ISO sensitivities and full-frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout, the Z 6 responds to a variety of needs, such as shooting in dimly lit environments and high-quality movie recording.

These two models combine legendary Nikon reliability and a familiar interface with the benefits of a mirrorless, including rapid FPS, hybrid AF, silent shooting and advanced multimedia capabilities.

Primary Features of the Z 7 and Z 6

  1. Equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels

A backside illumination CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter, with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, has been adopted for both the Z 7 and the Z 6. The Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports ISO 64–25600 range of standard sensitivities (reduction to the equivalent of ISO 32 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 102400 is also possible). The Z 6 has an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels, and supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100–51200 (additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800).

  1. A fast and accurate hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the imaging area

The Z 7 has 493 focus points2 and the Z 6 has 273 focus points2, enabling broad coverage of approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically. This hybrid AF system uses an algorithm optimized for the FX-format sensor, to automatically switches between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing to achieve focus. Newly-designed NIKKOR Z lenses take full advantage of this system, providing faster, quieter and with increased AF accuracy than previously possible for both still images and videos.

  1. The new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear imaging, and new functions that support creativity

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with the new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. Employing the superior resolving power of NIKKOR Z and NIKKOR F mount lenses, subjects are rendered more sharply than ever before. Noise is also effectively reduced.

Additionally, a mid-range sharpening option has been added to Picture Control sharpness parameters. This option, along with existing sharpening and clarity parameters, allows users to make various textures within the screen sharper or softer, for both still images and video3. The cameras also offer 20 options of Creative Picture Control, supporting creative imaging expression. The effect level is adjustable from 0 to 100.

  1. An electronic viewfinder that utilizes Nikon’s superior optical and image-processing technologies to offer a clear and natural view

The electronic viewfinder adopted for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and easy to use, comparable to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder for which an approximately 3690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100% and 0.8×, respectively, as well as an approximately 37.0° diagonal viewing angle. It draws on Nikon’s superior optical technologies and image-processing technologies, ensuring a clear and comfortable view, with reduced aberration and minimum eyestrain, even during extended shoots. Furthermore, a fluorine coat that effectively repels dirt has been applied to the eyepiece protection window. In addition, the <i> menu can be displayed in the electronic viewfinder, allowing users to quickly view and adjust a variety of shooting settings, including ISO sensitivity, AF-area mode, and Picture Control, all while looking through the viewfinder.

  1. An ergonomic design unique to Nikon that enables intuitive and familiar operation

The Z 7 and Z 6 have inherited the superior operability that Nikon has cultivated over the years through its development of cameras. The bodies are compact, while boasting a firm grip that is easy to hold, and the sub-selector and buttons such as AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation are all placed so that they can be operated swiftly and easily. Additionally, a display panel has been placed on the top plate of the camera, where information about settings can be displayed, similar to high-end digital SLR camera models.

  1. Video functions such as 10-bit N-Log that enables wide dynamic range, and timecoding that respond to professional needs

The Z 7 and Z 6 support recording of not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX-based video format, but also Full-HD/120p movies. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible, using the full-pixel readout4. Additionally, Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can be used with 4K UHD and Full-HD movie recording. Nikon’s original N-Log color profile can also be used with 10-bit5 HDMI output. The N-Log setting utilizes extensive color depth and twelve-stop, 1,300% dynamic range to record a wealth of tone information from highlights and shadows for more effective color grading. Timecode support makes synchronizing video and sound from multiple devices easier. Additionally, the control ring built into NIKKOR Z lenses can be used to quietly and smoothly adjust settings such as aperture and exposure compensation.

  1. Nikon’s first6 in-camera vibration reduction with approx. 5.0-stop7 effectiveness

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR). The VR unit provides compensation for movement along five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed up to approximately 5.0 stops6. This function can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, with the Mount Adapter FTZ (sold separately)8.

  1. Other features
  • Same level of strength and durability, as well as dust- and drip- resistance, as the Nikon D850, offered in a compact body
  • A 3.2-in., approximately 2100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD monitor, with a tilting mechanism
  • Silent photography function eliminates shake and noise caused by shutter release,
  • Peaking stack image function9 enables confirmation of the area in focus after shooting using focus shift, which is convenient for focus stacking10
  • High-speed continuous shooting (extended)11 at approximately 9 fps (Z 7) and 12 fps (Z 6) captures fast motion
  • Interval timer photography that makes 8K (Z 7) time-lapse movie creation10 possible
  • An extended low-light metering range12 allows users to easily capture scenes such as the transition from sunset to starry night sky, using aperture-priority auto exposure
  • Built-in Wi-Fi® for direct connection to a smart device using SnapBridge
  • Built-in Wi-Fi® makes the transfer of images and movies to a computer possible
  • Support for existing digital SLR camera accessories such as the EN-EL15/a/b batteries, WT-7/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter (available separately) for transferring images and movies at high speed over a wired or wireless LAN, and radio-controlled/optical controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, which makes flexible multi-flash photography possible

Development of the MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack

The MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack that is currently in development will hold two EN-EL15b, effectively increasing the number of shots possible and/or movie recording time by approximately 1.8×. It will provide the same level of dust and drip resistance as the Z 7 and Z 6, and will support USB charging using the EH-7P Charging AC Adapter. Information regarding the release of this product will be announced at a later date.

Price and Availability

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $ 3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $ 1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $ 2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit. For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

  1. Within interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras and Advanced Cameras with Interchangeable Lens.
  2. With FX (36×24) image area and single-point AF enabled.
  3. Mid-range sharpness adjustment is only possible at “High quality” movie setting.
  4. DX-based movie format with the Z 7.
  5. Simultaneous recording of 4K UHD movies with 10-bit output to the camera’s memory card is not possible.
  6. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.
  7. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards (using the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position)
  8. The level of compensation achieved when a NIKKOR F mount lens is used is not as high as that of a NIKKOR Z lens
  9. Can only be confirmed using the camera with which focus shift was performed.
  10. Third-party software is required.
  11. Continuous H (extended) in 12-bit RAW, JPEG, or TIFF format.
  12. With interval timer shooting or time-lapse movie recording with silent photography and exposure smoothing enabled.

Nikon Z 6 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 1995 (body only), $ 2599 (w/24-70 F4 lens)
Body type
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6048 x 4024
Other resolutions 3936 x 2624 (DX crop), 4016 x 4016 (1:1), 6048 x 3400 (16:9)
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 5:4, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 25 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 28 megapixels
Sensor size Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Expeed 6
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 50
Boosted ISO (maximum) 204800
White balance presets 12
Custom white balance Yes (6 slots)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes 5-axis
CIPA image stabilization rating 5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal, basic
File format
  • JPEG
  • Raw (NEF, 12 or 14-bit)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 273
Lens mount Nikon Z
Focal length multiplier 1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
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 0.8×
Viewfinder resolution 3,690,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Continuous drive 12.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Highlight-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 144 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types XQD card
Connectivity
USB USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11ac + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (via MC-DC2 or smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description EN-EL15b lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 330
Weight (inc. batteries) 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz)
Dimensions 134 x 101 x 68 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.68″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikon Z 6 is a lower resolution, less expensive Z 7

Posted in Uncategorized

 

A Quick Primer On Resolution and Photo Scanning

08 Aug

When you are setting out to digitize your collection of old photos and film, scanning resolution is an important attribute to consider. This number is crucial when you are thinking of printing your scanned images rather than just viewing them on a screen. Since most people, at some point or the other, will want to create memorable keepsakes – framed Continue Reading

The post A Quick Primer On Resolution and Photo Scanning appeared first on Photodoto.


Photodoto

 
Comments Off on A Quick Primer On Resolution and Photo Scanning

Posted in Photography

 

Here’s how to create a super resolution photo with any camera

25 Apr
This is a super resolution image, creating by combining four photos in Photoshop.

We recently tested out the Pentax K-1 II’s new hand-held Pixel Shift mode which combines four images to create a ‘super resolution’ file in-camera with better detail, dynamic range and lower noise. Sadly, it also results in some unwanted processing artifacts.

But you can also create a super resolution photo without using Dynamic Pixel Shift by shooting a series of handheld images and combining them in Photoshop. Super resolution works essentially by sampling a scene multiple times with slight shifts in framing, which allows details to be localized with sub-pixel precision (since shifts are unlikely to be perfect multiples of one pixel). The result is a file with improved resolution, less noise, more dynamic range but no artifacts. The best part is you can do this with the camera of your choosing. For the sake of this example, we did it with the Pentax K-1 II.

$ (document).ready(function() { ImageComparisonWidget({“containerId”:”reviewImageComparisonWidget-10980295″,”widgetId”:603,”initialStateId”:null}) })

Following a simple step-by-step Photoshop recipe (listed below), we created a super resolution file stacking four images – the same number used by Dynamic Pixel Shift – and one stacking 20 images, just for fun. We down-sampled the files to the original resolution (36MP). Right off the bat, the difference between our four image stack and a standalone Raw file is like night and day.

Similarly, the difference$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4014–1567822084”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4014); }); }) between our 4 image stack and Dynamic Pixel Shift mode is also substantial. Areas where Dynamic Pixel Shift displays artifacts$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4010-939092746”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4010); }); }) look clean in our 4-stack. This is observable throughout our sample scene$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4011–1901282620”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4011); }); }). Interestingly, the difference between the 4 image and 20 image super resolution examples is less noticeable$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4012–1917693503”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4012); }); }). While there is some advantage$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4013–396364473”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4013); }); }) to stacking more images, returns are diminishing.

You’ll notice we’ve included two versions of our 4-stack and 20-stack: Median and Average, which refer to the stacking method used in Photoshop (described in detail below). Overall, the median method handles ghosting from moving objects$ (document).ready(function() { $ (“#icl-4015-104250703”).click(function() { ImageComparisonWidgetLink(4015); }); }) better than the averaging method.

Methodology

There are numerous tutorials providing instructions for creating a super resolution image in Photoshop – this one by Ian Norman on PetaPixel is among our favorites. Distilled down to its simplest terms, there are four easy steps:

  1. Bring all images into Photoshop as a stack of layers
  2. Resize the image to 200% width and 200% height using ‘Nearest Neighbor’
  3. Auto align all the layers
  4. Average the layers by setting each layer’s opacity to 1/layer number (the 1st layer will be 1/1 so 100% opacity, the 2nd layer will be 1/2 so 50% opacity, and the 4th layer will be 1/4 or 25% opacity, and so on).
  5. Sharpen the image using a Radius setting of 2, and a suitable Amount setting (we used 200% for the 4 image stack and 300% for the 20 image stack – the more images you stack the more amenable the composite will be to aggressive sharpening)

Alternatively, for the fourth step you can convert all layers to a ‘Smart Object’ and change the stacking mode to ‘Median’. This can help deal with ghosting from movement in your final image, but can also take longer to process.

Finally, you can resize the final output by 50% width and height (we prefer Bicubic resampling for this step) to get the shot back to its original resolution, but with far more detail and cleaner output. Or, you can opt to save the high-resolution file if you print big, but just keep in mind that for a 36MP camera, that’s a 144MP file. You can always re-upscale a super resolution file you’ve shrunk, and if you use the ‘Preserve Details 2.0’ resampling method in Photoshop to do so, the results are often impressive and hard to distinguish from the higher resolution super resolution file.

Takeaway

You don’t need any particularly special camera to generate images that look like they were taken with a higher resolution, larger sensor camera. Just use the technique outlined here or in Ian’s article.

And if you’re shooting landscapes and cityscapes, you likely already have multiple photos of the same composition captured with changing light. Chances are that due to the wind, natural vibrations, etc., the shots have at least some sub-pixel movement between them (you can always gently nudge your camera between exposures to ensure there’s at least some shift). So why not go back through your library and take advantage of super resolution?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Here’s how to create a super resolution photo with any camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »