Tag: Video

  • Video: Watch this cannon shoot (and destroy) a Canon at 264mph in a tornado projectile test

    A compact camera reached speeds of 264 miles per hour during a test to demonstrate the dangers presented by normal domestic objects flying around during tornado. And no, it didn’t survive.

    The test was carried out by storm-footage stock library owner Martin Lisius with the help of a pneumatic cannon housed at the National Wind Institute’s Debris Impact Facility in Texas Tech University. The unit usually studies what happens when large lumps of wood caught in storm winds strike building materials, but for this test Lisius wanted to show what happens when smaller more common objects get picked up and thrown around.

    A Canon Sureshot 60 Zoom, known as the Autoboy Juno in Japan, was loaded into the cannon and when fired reached speeds of 264mph before meeting a messy end against a concrete wall. According to Lisius, the shape and relative density of the film camera helped it travel much faster than the researchers expected.

    The twenty four year-old camera, which could only manage 1fps in its highest drive setting, was filmed at 240fps as it met the wall. Even with that frame rate though it is hard to see exactly what happened on impact. I’m certain the research was useful for something, but even if it wasn’t it makes interesting viewing. To see other videos of things hitting other things at high speed see the National Wind Institute’s Debris Impact web pages.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Leica Q2 overview

    Though it’s a bit impractical for most photographers, the Leica Q2 is nevertheless a camera that will draw a lot of attention thanks to its good looks and street-shooter-friendly features. Take a quick look at what’s new and drool-worthy on the second-generation Q.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? [video]

    The post The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

    In this video by Art of Photography, he gives us a first look at the testing of the new Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras.

    This is a preproduction look at the camera, so all images are jpegs coming straight out of the camera with no editing done at all. All noise reduction features were switched off in the camera to show how good the noise reduction features of these cameras are too.

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    S1: 24mp, S1R: 47mp big still images
    If you are a fan of Panasonic Lumix cameras, you’ll feel at home using both these cameras. Dual IS

    The video focuses on:

    Image quality

    outstanding. Color rendition and contrast are great. Worked well with portraits, still life, low light.

    Autofocus

    Autofocus is an area Panasonic has struggled with over the years, but this is one of their best autofocus systems. Uses contrast detection autofocus. Very usable in most situations. Additional processing layer for Autofocus. This is the technology that drives or defines what they call AI Autofocus. Defines object recognition, animal recognition, face recognition etc. detection. So while the Autofocus is not perfect, the way the technology works means that Panasonic can work on improving Autofocus and update them as Firmware.

    Shooting video

    Low light performance and Panasonic dual IS image stabilisation

    Best image stabilisation used on any camera. Great for low light situations – Low light performance is one of the best features of this camera. It performs beautifully right up to 12800 ISO. Low noise even with the noise reduction features switched off.

    Pixel Shifting

    Pixel Shifting feature takes 8 images and shifts the sensor around so you end up with a really high resolution image of up to 180mp. In reality, this feature is only limited to still life shooting. If anything moves around in the image it doesn’t work well. So may not work well for landscapes where there is any wind or trees moving. This may be something that Panasonic can work on to fine-tune.

    Ergonomics

    The cameras are quite large but very easy to use. They are lighter than the Leica SL. When using all day it does become heavy. This can work well when hand-holding for video because the camera doesn’t shake as much. If you are a photographer who wants to travel light, these cameras may not be for you.

    It is a very quiet camera, even using the mechanical shutter.

    Is this the perfect Panasonic camera?

    While this camera is amazing it still has a couple of weak points, mainly the Autofocus system and the Pixel Shift technology.

    Also, the fast continuous shooting mode uses 6K film shooting that you can then take stills from. This means you can only use jpegs, which for many photographers is not ideal.

    However, overall, both the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R are are very exciting cameras.

     

    Pixel Shift High Resolution images of the Panasonic S1R at work

    In this video by Adorama, see the Pixel Shift technology of these cameras at work.

     

    You may also find the following articles interesting:

    Gear Review: The Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera

    Canon EOS RP Full-frame Camera – Why Some People Won’t be Buying this Camera

    Fujifilm X-T3 versus Fujifilm X-H1: The Best Mirrorless Camera for You?

    The 19 Most Popular Compact System and Mirrorless Cameras with Our Readers

    Sony a6300 Mirrorless Camera – Thoughts and Field Test

    DSLR vs Mirrorless: Guide to help you decide which is right for you?

    The (Almost) Perfect Autofocus of the Sony a7R III: a Hands-On Review

    The post The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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  • Leica Q2 boasts 47.3MP sensor, 4K video and weather-sealing

    Leica has introduced the Q2, updating its predecessor with a higher resolution full-frame sensor, splash and dust resistance on par with the SL’s and an updated OLED viewfinder. The Q2 offers a 47.3MP full-frame sensor capable of DCI and UHD 4K video recording, and sticks with the stabilized 28mm F1.7 offered on the first Q.

    The built-in viewfinder has been upgraded from a field-sequential LCD to an OLED panel with 3.68M dots. The Q2 is the same size as the Q but boasts the same IP52 weather-resistance rating as the SL, with a new internal structure to support weather sealing. The camera’s controls have been somewhat simplified, and drive mode options have been removed from the power switch.

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    The Q2 continues to offer 35mm and 50mm in-camera crop functions, along with a new 75mm mode. Wi-Fi connectivity is now offered alongside Bluetooth Low Energy, a handy means of connecting camera to smartphone without constant re-pairing. The Q2 also uses a higher-capacity battery than the Q, bumping it up to 370 shots per charge.

    The Leica Q2 begins shipping today for $ 4995.

    Leica Q2: The Highly Anticipated Sequel to a Modern Milestone from Leica Camera

    Achieve unparalleled photographic results in the most accessible way with Leica’s latest innovation

    March 7, 2019 – Leica Camera raises the bar with the introduction of the Leica Q2 camera. Keeping consumer feedback top of mind following the immensely successful Leica Q, the Leica Q2 offers photographers expanded creative freedom via unprecedented imaging quality, added weather protection, an upgraded viewfinder, supremely precise autofocus and more. The Leica Q2 is the quintessential tool for available light photography, rain or shine, that promises to carry the torch of its predecessor forward to new heights and possibilities without making sacrifices.

    Superior Imaging Quality Meets Unmatched Versatility
    As with any Leica Camera, exceptional image quality reigns supreme, allowing photographers to consistently capture show-stopping imagery. The new Leica Q2’s full frame sensor is the highest resolution sensor in its class at 47.3 megapixels, offering users more resolution than the original Leica Q, and captures both impeccably detailed still pictures and 4K video. Together with its Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens, the Q2 ensures all-around exceptional imaging performance. This top-tier Leica optic guarantees optimum picture quality with exquisite bokeh characteristics in even the most difficult lighting scenarios.

    With its high resolving power matched to its high-resolution sensor, the Leica Q2 goes beyond the conventional use cases of a 28 mm focal length via its built-in crop functions for equivalent focal lengths of 35 mm, 50 mm, and the newly available 75 mm – bringing with it more possibilities in the world of portraiture and close-up work. Thanks to the software design ingenuity of Leica engineers, when shooting cropped DNG files the full sensor image is still recorded, allowing photographers to undo or change the crop after the fact.

    The Leica Q2 also adds 4K UHD and Cine4K video recording to its arsenal of features, with myriad frame rate options across 4K and 1080p, giving users impressive video recording from such a large sensor on the go to document memories or record short films.

    Exceptional Quality and User Handling
    The design of the Leica Q2 carries forward the Leica tradition of reduction to the essentials. The ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are employed in its construction. The distinctive thumb rest of the new Leica Q2 and the sophisticated diamond pattern of its leather trim ensure optimum grip and highlight the symbiosis of function and form.

    Also new is the camera’s uniquely intuitive handling concept, following refined design language cues established from its brethren in the Leica M10 and Leica CL families – such as the single-stage On/Off switch, simplified three-button interface on the rear of the camera and programmable button within the thumb wheel dial. A new highlight of the Leica Q2 layout is the push-button diopter compensation dial on the back of the camera that locks and prevents accidental changes to the user’s desired setting. Every refinement, both large and small, pushes Leica’s design forward without losing sight of the core philosophy of the camera.

    Following in-tune with impeccably intuitive user handling, in combination with the Leica FOTOS App, the camera’s integrated Wi-Fi module makes it possible to quickly and easily share pictures and video via social media. Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) enables a permanent connection to be established between camera and smartphone, making it possible for user to remotely wake the camera and connect any time when in range.

    Make It Your Own With Accessories
    A comprehensive and stylish range of optional accessories is also available for the Leica Q2. These include matching camera protector cases and carrying straps in premium-quality classic black and brown leather, and more vibrant versions in red and pink. The elegant new ‘Ettas’ line of soft, coated canvas pouches for various Leica camera models will also be launched at the same time as the Leica Q2. The pouches will initially be available in midnight blue, stone gray and red colorways, with more still to come. The accessory selection also includes technical equipment for the Leica Q2 such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units, the SF C1 remote flash control unit and an additional add-on thumb rest and handgrip. All accessories are functionally designed for easy handling, perfectly matching the quality and design of the camera and are manufactured from only the finest materials to ensure reliability for a lifetime of use.

    An exhibition of Leica Q2 photography is on view at the Elga Wimmer Gallery in New York City for a limited engagement of 24-hours on March 7th featuring the works of Hiram Garcia, President of Production of Seven Bucks Production and film/television producer. The series, titled ‘Behind the Seen’, is a diverse collection of images that strive to highlight the beauty and intrigue of the movie industry and marks Garcia’s debut photographic gallery exhibition. Garcia’s ‘Behind the Seen’ is the first and only exhibition worldwide shot exclusively on the new Leica Q2 camera.

    The Leica Q2 is on sale beginning today at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers. The camera will be sold in black paint finish for $ 4,995.

    Leica Q2 specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 4995
    Body type
    Body type Large sensor compact
    Body material Magnesium alloy
    Sensor
    Max resolution 8368 x 5584
    Other resolutions 28mm: 6000 x 4000, 4272 x 2848 | 35mm: 6704 x 4472, 4800 x 3200, 3424 x 2288 | 50mm: 4688 x 3128, 3360 x 2240, 2400 x 1600 | 75mm: 3136 x 2096, 2240 x 1496, 1600 x 1072
    Image ratio w:h 3:2
    Effective pixels 47 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 50 megapixels
    Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
    Sensor type CMOS
    Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB, ECI RGB
    Color filter array Primary color filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 50-50000
    White balance presets 5
    Custom white balance Yes
    Image stabilization Optical
    Uncompressed format RAW
    File format
    • JPEG
    • DNG
    Optics & Focus
    Focal length (equiv.) 28 mm
    Optical zoom 1×
    Maximum aperture F1.7
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Selective single-point
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Touch
    • Live View
    Digital zoom Yes (1.2x (35mm equiv), 1.5x (50mm equiv), 2x (75mm))
    Manual focus Yes
    Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81)
    Macro focus range 17 cm (6.69)
    Number of focus points 49
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Fixed
    Screen size 3
    Screen dots 1,040,000
    Touch screen Yes
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type Electronic
    Viewfinder coverage 100%
    Viewfinder magnification 0.76×
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
    Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/40000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Program
    • Aperture priority
    • Shutter priority
    • Manual
    Scene modes
    • Sport
    • Portrait
    • Landscape
    • Night portrait
    • Snow/beach
    • Fireworks
    • Candlelight
    • Sunset
    • Digiscoping
    • Miniature effect
    • Panorama
    Built-in flash No
    External flash Yes (via hotshoe)
    Flash X sync speed 1/2000 sec
    Continuous drive 20.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
    Videography features
    Resolutions 4K/30/24p, 1080/120/60/30/24p
    Format MPEG-4
    Microphone Stereo
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Connectivity
    USB charging No
    HDMI No
    Wireless Built-In
    Wireless notes WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy
    Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed Yes (IP52 rated)
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description BP-SCL4
    Battery Life (CIPA) 370
    Weight (inc. batteries) 718 g (1.58 lb / 25.33 oz)
    Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62)
    Other features
    Timelapse recording Yes
    GPS None

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Behind the scenes at CP+

    Over the past few days we’ve been sharing news and interesting products from the annual CP+ trade show in Yokohama, Japan. However, there’s also a lot that goes on behind the scenes at a show like CP+. We’ve put together a short video that lets you join us here – at least in a virtual sense.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • How to Care for Your Beloved Camera [video]

    The post How to Care for Your Beloved Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

    In another great video from our friends over at COOPH, they show you how to care for your beloved camera to keep her/him in great working order.

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    Here’s how to care for your beloved camera

    1. Proper cleaning

    1. Use a blow brush to take off bigger particles and process both sides of the lens.
    2. Add finish with a lens cleaning cloth.
    3. Apply a cleaning solution to a cotton bud and clean the contact points.
    4. Use a rocket blower to clean the camera sensor. Tilt your camera down and blow.
    5. Still not clean enough? Put your camera into cleaning mode for a self-clean.
    6. Take out your Gel Stamp and gently stamp the sensor. To clean the gel stamp, use a piece of sticky tape.
    7. Lightly push the gel stamp onto the sticky tape, and the dust will transfer to the tape.
    8. Finish the job using sensor wipes.
    9. Shoot a long exposure against a white background, and when doing so, move the camera in a circular motion.
    10. Then check the image on a big screen to ensure the camera lens and sensor are clean.

    2. Lens Swapping

    No matter how good your jacket, never change lenses in the rain. Jump in your car and take a pit stop. Change the lens then.

    3. The UV Filter

    The UV Filter protects your camera from UV light and helps to avoid scratches on your lens when you are shooting wildlife in your home…

    4. The Hand Strap

    Buckle up so you don’t drop it. Carry it in your hand. Don’t use it like a yo-yo as you walk.

    5. The Lens Hood

    Not the type you wear. A lens hood gives the camera a safety guard for in case you bump the camera.

    6. The Dry Bag.

    Ziplock bags, along with some Dry Silica packs, make a perfect DIY Dry Bag. Airtight and condensation-proof.

    7. The Dust Blocker

    Shower Caps are perfect for dust protection and Sahara Safe!

     

    So, be good to your better half and clean them.

     

    You may also find the following articles helpful:

    How to Clean Your Tripod and Make it Like New

    How to Clean Your Photography Gear and Keep it in Good Shape

    How to Spring Clean Your Memory Cards

    How to Clean Your Camera Sensor in 3 Easy Steps

    How to Take Care of Your Camera in Cold Weather

    The post How to Care for Your Beloved Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


    Digital Photography School

  • Open source image editing program digiKam now has video support, new export tools and more

    digiKam is an open-source photo management application that runs on Linux, Windows, and MacOS platforms and comes with tools for importing, managing, editing, and sharing photos and raw files.

    Now version 6.0.0 of digiKam has been released after a 2-year development phase and comes with a heap of new features and improvements.

    The biggest news is that the software can now also handle video files, offering many of the importing, sharing and editing functions that are also available for still image. Videos can also be played back without the need for an external player.

    In addition import/export web-service tools are now available across all modules in digiKam – LightTable, Image editor and Showfoto. The same is true for other tools, such as metadata and geolocation editors, allowing for a more seamless user experience.

    There are also new tools to export your images directly to Pinterest as well as the Microsoft OneDrive and Box cloud storage services, and the Raw engine has been updated to process images from a long list of new cameras and smartphone.

    In addition to the new features the digiKam team says it has been able to clean the applications code in order to simplify application compilation, packaging and maintenance for the future.

    For a full list of new features and supported cameras, download links and more detail about the work that has gone into the update, head over to the digiKam website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: first impressions of the Canon EOS RP

    Got a couple of minutes? Then you have all the time you need to learn about Canon’s second full-frame mirrorless camera body. Technical Editor Richard Butler has been able to do some shooting with the camera and gives a full rundown of its feature set – and explains why it’s a compelling option for someone stepping into full-frame for the first time.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Samsung confirms 4K video on Galaxy S10 front camera

    We already know plenty about the main cameras of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 devices. Now, more detail has been revealed about the front camera and it looks like manufacturers have clearly started putting more emphasis on the selfie shooter than was previously the case.

    According to a teaser video posted on Samsung’s Vietnamese Youtube channel, the Galaxy S10 front camera will be capable of recording 4K video. We also know from previous leaks that the front-facing camera will shoot 10MP still images and feature optical image stabilization and dual-pixel autofocus. A secondary camera module is reserved for depth-sensing. This means a huge step up from the simple fixed-focus modules that can still be found on the front of many devices.

    A couple of additional teaser videos also reveal that the S10 phones will not have a display notch and come with in-display fingerprint readers as well as reverse wireless charging. The new S10 series will be unveiled on February 20.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • How to Shoot Long Exposure Seascape Photography [video]

    The post How to Shoot Long Exposure Seascape Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

    In this video by Landscape Photography IQ, Tom Mackie shares some great tips on how to shoot long exposure seascape photography.

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    Firstly, seaspray and salt cover everything! So bring optical wipes or spray to clean your lenses and filters.

    Things to consider:

    • Think about your composition. Are there leading lines that you can use?
    • What direction is the wind going, and how is that affecting the movement of the clouds?
    • What are the tides like?
    • How quickly is the light changing?

    Camera settings:

    • You may need to use a polarizer, with a graduated ND filter over the sky.
    • Put ISO at the lowest setting (64 or 100 ISO).
    • Stop down to your aperture to around f/14 max (depending on the amount of foreground and background you want in focus). Further than that softens the image through diffraction.
    • Play with different exposure times for varied effects. Try 30seconds or 60seconds.

    You may also find the following articles helpful:

    Step-by-step Guide to Long Exposure Photography

    Recommended Gear for Doing Long Exposure Photography at Twilight and Dusk

    How to Avoid Blurry Long Exposure Images with Proper Tripod Setup

    How to Choose the Correct ND Filter for Your Desired Long Exposure Photography Effects

    Long Exposure Photography 101 – How to Create the Shot

    Long Exposure Photography 201 – How to Edit a Long Exposure Seascape

    A Guide to Shooting Long Exposure Landscape Photos

    The post How to Shoot Long Exposure Seascape Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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