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Posts Tagged ‘Uses’

YouTuber uses AI to turn historic 1911 New York trip footage into colorized 4K/60p video

26 Feb

In 1911, Swedish company Svenska Biografteatern captured footage of a trip to New York, resulting in more than eight minutes of video that, in its original form, is quite low resolution with a low frame rate.

Various efforts over the years have attempted to improve the resolution, frame rate, colors and other details with different results, but one of the best edits thus far comes from Denis Shiryaev, who recently shared the edited video on Reddit.

According to the video’s description, as well as a comment left by Shiryaev on Reddit, the project involved four neural networks, including DeOldify. In all, the various neural networks managed to increase the framerate to 60 fps, increase the resolution to 4K, bump up sharpness and even colorize. This is one of multiple videos Shiryaev has upscaled and improved; other examples include a video from the Apollo mission and ‘Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat’ from 1896.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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NASA astronaut Jessica Meir uses Nikon D5 to snap two space selfies

31 Jan

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir caught the public’s attention over the weekend when she published two selfies captured during a spacewalk using a Nikon D5 camera. Meir has shared a number of images from the International Space Station since her arrival in September 2019, though few were as impressive as her full-body selfie captured as a reflection in ISS solar panels.

Meir shared the images on January 26, tagging them with the #SundaySelfie hashtag. One is a traditional shot of her face while the other image is a full-body shot of Meir in her spacesuit as seen reflected in some solar panels. The Earth is visible as a bright band of light behind her, as are bits and pieces of the space station.

As for the camera, Meir explains that she used a Nikon D5 camera with a 28mm lens and special protective housing that enables the camera to operate in space. NASA ordered a total of 53 unmodified Nikon D5 DSLRs from the camera company in 2017 with the intention of using them for recording ISS activities, as well as vehicular activities and astronaut training.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GANPaint Studio uses neural network to ‘paint’ new elements into images

24 Jan

A team of researchers with IBM Research, MIT CSAIL and MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab has launched a new online tool called GANPaint Studio that utilizes a GAN neural network and semantic brushes to ‘draw’ entirely new elements into existing images. In the case of this particular tool, the elements include grass, clouds, brick, doors, trees, sky and domes.

Unedited before image.

As demonstrated in the images above and below, GANPaint Studio is more of a fun demonstration rather than a serious tool for modifying images. The input images are stripped down to a very low resolution when uploaded; the resulting images are clearly edited, though the neural network is capable of some surprisingly realistic edits.

After adding grass, trees and clouds.

In addition to drawing elements into the images, the tool also features an eraser icon that, when clicked, enables the user to erase elements from the input image. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a demonstration of a neural network capable of producing realistic elements in an image using a basic ‘drawing’ tool.

In March 2019, for example, NVIDIA Research demonstrated a similar tool it calls GauGAN to generate a photorealistic image from a series of crudely painted marks, each mark made to represent types of elements like water, trees and sky. NVIDIA has published a sizeable body of research on AI and its potential for generating photorealistic images.

As for GANPaint Studio, anyone can access the photo editor here; it comes populated with a selection of preloaded images, but users also have the option of uploading their own image. While using the tool, we found that the images need to be at a fairly low resolution, such as 800 x 500, for the editor to successfully upload the input image.

The MIT and IBM researchers have made their research on the project publicly available [Note: This is a 48MB PDF].

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kessler Mag Max 3A adapter uses ordinary power tool batteries to charge cameras

17 Jan

Kessler, a company that specializes in accessories for filmmakers, has launched a new product called the Mag Max 3A, an adapter that works with select DeWalt power tool batteries for charging cameras, smartphones and certain other equipment. The adapter can be used with the DeWalt 20v Max and 60/20V Flex Volt models.

The adapter is quite unusual, but it’s easy to see how some users may benefit from this arrangement. Power tool batteries are available at most hardware stores, are fairly affordable, compact and something many people already own.

Kessler explains the reason it launched this product, saying, ‘The Mag Max 3A was developed to fill a void in the market for an inexpensive battery solution with a readily available common battery that can be found in almost every country in the world and at most hardware stores.’

The company selected DeWalt batteries for its adapter due to the brand’s popularity in a variety of industries, according to Kessler, including filmmakers and audio recordists.

The Mag Max 3A adapter is capable of powering DSLR and mirrorless cameras, Kessler’s motion control systems, LED accessory lights, monitors and other common gear that draw up to 3 amps of power. The device is made from high-grade aluminum, includes multiple 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 mounts, embedded neodymium magnets, as well as optional accessories that include a gold mount stud kit, V-lock kit and belt clip.

The Mag Max 3A adapter is available from Kessler now for $ 250, though it is currently discounted to $ 200. The DeWalt Flex Volt battery costs around $ 129 from most retailers, meanwhile, and the DeWalt 20V Max battery costs around $ 189.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MIT project uses camera and AI to ‘record’ hidden objects using the shadows they cast

10 Dec

Researchers with MIT’s Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have published a study detailing the use of cameras and artificial intelligence to recreate hidden actions based only on the shadows they cast. The method produces fairly low-quality results at this time but may be refined for future computational photography purposes that include helping self-driving cars ‘see’ hidden objects in their environment.

Shadows can reveal the presence of things a person may not be able to directly see; in the most obvious example, someone could, for example, perceive that a person is standing around a nearby corner because of the shadow they cast on the sidewalk. Though humans can perceive the movement of objects using their shadows, we cannot determine their colors and may not be able to determine their shape.

The newly detailed MIT AI can, however, recreate videos that include hints about an object’s color and shape based on the shadows it produces. As demonstrated in the video above, the AI was surprisingly capable of recreating the movement and general shape of hands and forearms in motion out of view of the camera. As well, the algorithm generated a video of hands moving large blocks and a small ball, recreating part of each object’s color.

This is the latest example of researchers combining cameras and artificial intelligence to produce seemingly magical results. This past summer, for example, experts with Facebook Research and the University of Washington unveiled an algorithm that can generate ‘living’ animations from individual still images.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photographer uses drone with thermal camera to find missing 6-year-old boy

24 Oct

Photographer Steve Fines helped save the life of a 6-year-old boy who went missing last week on a subfreezing night in Sherburne County, Minnesota.

A group of roughly 600 people showed up to search for Ethan and his dog. As temperatures dropped below 30ºF that evening, the situation became increasingly dire. ‘I heard about the search at 8:00 pm and arrived on site about 9:00 pm,’ Fines tells DPReview. He arrived carrying his DJI m210RTK v2 drone equipped with an XT2 dual thermal camera.

An annotated image shared by Fine showing the location of Ethan and his dog being rescued.

Since Fines uses the drone for business purposes, he already had 10-12 sets of batteries charged and ready to go. ‘I went to the command center and introduced myself. They asked me not to fly until the state police helicopter left the area, which happened about 10:30 pm,’ Fines told us. He also emphasized how important it is for drone operators to yield the right of way to helicopters and other emergency response efforts. Interfering with these critical operations is against the law and can result in fines upwards of $ 20,000. Drone operators need to coordinate with local authorities first before getting involved.

Once Fines received clearance for takeoff, he said ‘I quickly started flying and it was by using a programmed flight path that I could efficiently cover a lot of ground. After quite a few false positives – otters, deer, bear – at 1:40 am, I spotted the six-year-old and his dog. By 1:50 am, a ground rescue team made it to his location and I watched them pick him up on the thermal monitor.’

While Fines has received a lion’s share of the credit from local news station KARE 11 for the success of the rescue, he took to social media and gave thanks to the coordinated efforts led by the County Sheriff along with the hundreds of volunteers that helped guide him in the right direction.

This thermal image shows a stream of volunteers walking a path to find missing 6-year-old Ethan.

While I was running the camera that found him […] I only knew in which direction to look because volunteers on the ground had found a footprint that pointed me in the right direction. I knew which areas had already been searched because of the excellent coordination of the Sherburne County Sheriff. I had other volunteers running radios to coordinate ground search parties – the people moving across really rough ground to find him. There were 600 of us that found Ethan that night.

Below is a video from KARE 11 showing more behind-the-scenes footage of the rescue and a thank you from Ethan:

You can check out more of Fines’ work via his website and follow Fines Aerial Imaging on Facebook and Instagram.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Axibo camera slider system uses AI to track faces and objects

21 Sep

Axibo Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Axibo, an AI-powered camera slider system with tilt and pan functionalities. The company bills Axibo as a more affordable and simplified professional alternative to existing robotic camera systems. The product features an integrated 6 + 1 AI core CPU, powering its ability to learn faces and track ‘just about any object.’

Axibo is claimed to be the first AI-powered camera slider on the market. The device supports shooting in a variety of modes, including simple to 3-axis multi-point complex time-lapses, face tracking while sliding back and forth, and more.

The system supports payloads up to 20lbs (slider) to 24lbs (Pan & Tilt unit), speeds up to 1m/s (slide) and 300 deg/s (pan/tilt), and it supports voice control. Features include USB-C compatibility, HDMI-in, power for the mounted camera, and a universal app for controlling the device.

The 1m (3.2ft) slider is made from carbon fiber, supports angled and vertical motion, and including dual 1/4″-20 mounts on both ends. The Axibo slider can be used without the companion Axibo Z1 Pan & Tilt unit when applicable. The slider is joined by the companion Axibo controller, which includes WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HMDI, axis inputs for camera control, and a Sony NP-F dual battery receiver.

The aforementioned Pan & Tilt unit features an intreated 4MP camera for 40fps face and object tracking, support for operating in inverted mode, modular mounting options (including support for tripods), and aluminum construction.

The Axibo camera slider system is being offered through Kickstarter, where backers who pledge at least $ 1,192 CAD are offered the slider, controller, z friction mount and cable package. Other pledge options include the Pan & Tilt unit for pledges of at least $ 1,315 CAD and both the slider and Pan & Tilt unit for pledges of at $ 2,105 CAD. Shipments to backers is estimated to start in April 2020

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Emojivision uses computational photography to turn your photos into emojis

04 Sep

A free new camera app for iOS called Emojivision allows you to capture images composed entirely of emoji. The app was created by Gabriel O’Flaherty-Chan, according to TechCrunch, which reports that Emojivision uses computational photography to break an image down into its core color palette, then rebuilds it using similarly colored emoji in near-real-time.

The app can be used to take any image, as with the native camera app, and also to apply the emoji filters to existing images located in the phone’s camera roll. The app is free, but enthusiastic users can pay $ 2.79 USD to get additional emoji packs. For developers, the Emojivision project is located with technical details on GitHub.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Unreal Engine’s Project Spotlight uses LED walls for real-time in-camera visual effects

24 Aug

Epic Games has showcased Project Spotlight, an Unreal Engine-powered way to capture real-time visual effects in-camera. The company has detailed the work in a new video showing off the system, including its ability to track the camera’s position in space in real-time for a realistic and customizable background.

Rather than filming in front of a blue or green screen for post-production later on, the Project Spotlight system enables filmmakers to shoot in front of LED walls showing the virtual environment in real-time. Creators can digitally manipulate this 3D virtual scene when necessary and the LED walls adjust the on-set lighting for realistic ambient light.

‘No matter what the project is,’ Lux Machina chief technology officer Philip Galler said, ‘creatives always want to see the closest representation to the final product as early on in the creative process [as possible].’

Experts featured in the video explain that because the virtual environment can be adjusted in real-time, the project saves critical time that may otherwise be wasted waiting for changes. As well, people from different departments can work together to determine how the virtual world is portrayed.

The technology was demonstrated at SIGGRAPH 2019 by Epic Games in partnership with Magnopus, Lux Machina, Quixel, Profile Studios, DP Matt Workman and ARRI. Future plans for the system are unclear at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System uses ‘Effect Wands’ to create in-camera image effects

19 Jun

Lensbaby has launched pre-orders for its new OMNI Creative Filter System, a kit featuring a screw-on Filter Ring for existing lenses, as well as Effect Wands that magnetically attach to the ring in front of the lens. Each Effect Wand is designed to create in-camera photo effects similar to app filters, but with a greater level of control and repeatability.

The OMNI Creative Filter System is available with 58mm and 77mm Filter Ring options, both of which include step-down rings for use with different existing lenses. The system currently features three Effect Wands: Crystal Seahorse, Rainbow Film, and Stretch Glass. Two magnetic mounts, each capable of holding two Effect Wands each, are included with the kit.

The magnetic mounts attach to the Filter Ring, then the Effect Wands attach to the magnetic mounts. The wands can be repositioned by sliding them around the Filter Ring. According to Lensbaby, the kit is designed to work with the majority of prime and zoom lenses, including both auto and manual focus models, plus the company’s own Velvet 56/85 and Burnside 35 lenses.

Below are a collection of sample images captured with in-camera effects from the wands:

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Each Effect Wand creates is own unique effects, including rainbows, light streaks, reflections and flares. The complete OMNI Creative Filter System is available to pre-order from Lensbaby for $ 99.95 USD. The product is currently listed as ‘backordered’ with no clear shipping dates.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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