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Posts Tagged ‘Video’

Video: How Nikon tests its D850 DSLR against the elements

16 Aug

If you’re sensitive to gore, you might want to turn your head. Nikon Asia has published a video on its YouTube channel that dives into the brutal depths the company goes to in order to test the ruggedness of its DSLR cameras — specifically the Nikon D850.

In the two-minute video, Nikon ambassadors and workers detail the amount of thought, research and methods that go into practically testing how its cameras will handle tough environments. Although there are plenty of automated tests going on, this particular video, titled ‘True Reliability’ takes a look at the more hands-on testing.

Specifically, the video shows how Nikon tests its cameras in dusty conditions, wet environments and extreme temperatures, all well beyond what you could reasonably expect from even the most challenging shoots. There’s even a few drop tests in there for good measure.

It’s not as long or in-depth a look as we would like, but it goes to show how few stones are left unturned when checking for resiliency in Nikon cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: 5 DIY photography storage ‘hacks’

11 Aug

Storing camera gear seems to be a never-ending battle. Whether you want to admit to having too little space or too much gear, it almost always holds true that there are better ways to keep your gear organized.

Ted Forbes of The Art of Photography has created a short video on DIY storage hacks for cameras and lenses. The video’s title suggests Forbes mentions six different methods in 90 seconds, but based on the numbers he provides, there are actually only five suggestions, considering hack number four seems to be skipped.

Numbers aside, Forbes uses wine racks, a lazy susan, and even pantry spice organizers as methods for camera gear organization. You could argue some of the hacks are common sense (shelves are a pretty obvious choice, I would think), but the video is still worth a quick watch.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon’s 3rd teaser video showcases the ‘Body’ of its upcoming full-frame mirrorless camera

09 Aug

Nikon has released the third teaser for its upcoming full-frame mirrorless camera. Following up on Travel of Light and Mount, the third teaser is called ‘Body: The Evolution of Nikon Quality.’

The video opens up with a few shots of cameras from Nikon’s past as a narrator says ‘all the expertise Nikon has acquired over the past 100 years has been poured into this camera.’ Of course, ‘this camera’ refers to the impending full-frame mirrorless system set to be announced on August 23rd.

A slightly-brightened screenshot from Nikon’s teaser video

After multiple detail shots of older Nikon cameras, the video teases yet another outline of the yet-to-be-seen mirrorless camera. The shot appears almost identical to that seen in the ‘Mount’ teaser video, but this time there seems to be an unrecognizable lens attached to the camera.

A screenshot from Nikon’s ‘Mount’ teaser video — note the absence of the Nikon branding on the viewfinder bump, something we now have a glimpse of in the ‘Body’ teaser.

The teaser also shows Nikon branding on the front of the viewfinder bump, a detail missing from past teaser videos.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Compact Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers 40x zoom lens and 4K video

31 Jul

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Canon’s new PowerShot SX740 HS is an ultra-compact long-zoom camera that replaces the SX730. As with that camera, it features a 24-960mm equivalent F3.3-6.9 lens, 20MP 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor and flip-up LCD.

The SX740 gains Canon’s latest processor (Digic 8), which brings with it UHD 4K video capture and 7.4 fps burst shooting with continuous AF. The camera also features Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth, with the latter providing the ability to automatically transfer images to both mobile and desktop devices.

The PowerShot SX740 HS will be available in August, in silver or black, at a list price of $ 399.


Canon PowerShot SX740 HS specifications

Price
MSRP $ 399
Body type
Body type Ultracompact
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 21 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 20 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor Digic 8
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-3200
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
JPEG quality levels Super fine, fine
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 24–960 mm
Optical zoom 40×
Maximum aperture F3.3–6.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 5 cm (1.97)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3
Screen dots 922,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 15 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/3200 sec
Exposure modes
  • Auto
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 5.00 m
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, on, slow synchro, off
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
Continuous drive 10.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom self-timer)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description NB-13L lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 265
Weight (inc. batteries) 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
Dimensions 110 x 64 x 40 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.57)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes (up to 4K)
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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SiOnyx Aurora camera shoots color video even by moonlight

27 Jul

US-based night vision tech company SiOnyx has introduced an action cam that it claims can shoot color footage and stills in the dark as well as in normal daylight conditions. The Aurora uses infrared technology and a specially developed sensor with large pixels to shoot in conditions as dim as 0.001lux.

SiOnxy says the camera’s performance compares to night vision optics that cost ‘tens of thousands of dollars’ and that this is the first time such night-vision capabilities have been available to the consumer.

The Aurora uses a 1in sensor with 0.9 million large pixels that are created using what the company describes as a proprietary laser process. The process creates ‘the ultimate light-trapping pixels’ that have increased quantum efficiency and so avoid excessive noise and restricted dynamic range while producing images 10x brighter than a standard CMOS sensor. The sensor design is based on military-grade IR sensors that the company usually makes only for the defence market.

The Aurora can produce viewable images even in what would appear to the human eye to be darkness

The pixels have extended sensitivity to light between 850 and 940nm in the near-infrared area of the spectrum, and a maximum ANSI of 820,000 – and so can produce viewable images even in what would appear to the human eye to be darkness. The camera can also shoot still images (albeit it obviously at a very low resolution), as well as timelapse sequences and 720p video.

The camera is also fitted with GPS, an accelerometer and a compass for adventurers, and can be used underwater for 30 minutes to a depth of 3ft.

The Aurora will cost $ 799. For more information see the SiOnxy website.

Press release

SiOnyx Announces World’s First Day/Night Action Camera For Consumer Market, Turns Night Into Full-Color Daylight

Aurora Features OLED Display, Ip67-Grade Waterproofing and AR-Compatibility; Compass, GPS & WiFi Built-In With iOS and Android Apps, Retails at $ 799

SiOnyxTM (Beverly, MA), a leader in infrared imaging technology – today announced the official launch for the SiOnyx AuroraTM, the only HD action video camera with true day and night color imaging. SiOnyx Aurora is just under 8 ounces and sized to fit comfortably in one hand for easy operation.

Available in August direct from SiOnyx at sionyx.com at a retail price of $ 799, Aurora is based on the SiOnyx Ultra Low Light technology that is protected by more than 40 patents and until now was only available in the highest-end night vision optics costing tens of thousands of dollars. This identical technology has now been cost-reduced for use in Aurora and other upcoming devices from SiOnyx and its partners.

SiOnyx has developed a new semiconductor process that dramatically enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based imaging. Its ultra low-light technology enables richly-defined color images and video during the day and twilight, combined with unmatched high-resolution viewing in near total darkness. Sample videos as well as images may be found at www.sionyx.com

Through the free companion apps on iOSTM and Android®, you can review your experiences in real-time or control the Aurora directly from your phone. Designed for an active outdoor lifestyle, Aurora is also fully certified with an IP67 waterproof rating.

Aurora offers transformative night video for a wide range of uses including boating, hunting, fishing, nature watching, emergency response and other activities where clear night-vision is of importance. A removable neck strap allows you to keep it accessible on any adventure. Aurora uses GPS combined with an accelerometer and compass to accurately guide your way, day or night.

“Outdoor enthusiasts play day and night; capturing those adventures doesn’t need to stop when the sun goes down,” said Stephen Saylor, President and CEO of SiOnyx. “Aurora’s unique Ultra Low Light technology enables night video that people will swear was taken in full daylight.”

About SiOnyx:

Founded in 2006 by Professor Eric Mazur and Dr. James Carey of Harvard University, SiOnyxTM has commercialized a patented semiconductor process that dramatically enhances the sensitivity of silicon-based photonics. SiOnyx’s platform represents a significant breakthrough in the development of smaller, lower cost, high-performing photonic devices in applications ranging from simple light detection to advanced digital imaging and more. The company markets its low-light technology under the XQETM family of CMOS images sensors and has also entered the consumer electronics market with the launch of the Aurora day/night action camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon teases mirrorless with video and microsite

23 Jul

Nikon has posted a cinematic new teaser video featuring what appears to be its forthcoming mirrorless camera. The minute-and-a-half long video appears on a ‘special events’ page with the tagline ‘In Pursuit of Light’ and a promise of more content to come.

Check out Nikon’s new microsite

The first part of the video seems to be a cinematic representation of light hitting a sensor, but the last few seconds give a glimpse of the shadowy outline of a camera on a tripod. To save you the trouble, below are a couple of screengrabs from the video with brightness boosted.

There’s not much to glean from these few seconds, but from the profile view the camera clearly looks mirrorless. That’s not a surprise, considering that the industry executives we spoke to at CP+ all told us that full-frame mirrorless from the major traditional manufacturers would become the norm very soon.

What do you think?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The HumanEyes Vuze XR shoots both 360° and 180° (3D) video

20 Jul

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HumanEyes Technology has announced the Vuze XR camera, a product the company describes as a ‘dual camera’ since it can be used for two distinctly different applications.

The Vuze XR captures standard 360° spherical video in 5.7K resolution. Like the Rylo Camera or the GoPro Fusion, it appears to provide editing tools that will allow users to create 16:9 videos from the 360° footage or zoom out to a ‘tiny planet’ view, allowing for a lot of creative choices to be made after video is recorded.

By flipping both of its cameras outward, the Vuze XR transforms into a camera that captures 180° stereoscopic video similar to the Lucid VR or Yi Horizon VR180 camera, providing an immersive 3D experience to viewers when used with VR goggles.

While the Vuze XR doesn’t appear to break significant ground in either area, it presents an interesting option for 360°/VR content creators. Instead of having to purchase and carry two separate cameras, each of which may require different software and workflows, the Vuze XR promises to wrap both capabilities into a single camera.

Additionally, the camera will support live streaming to social media, which may make it an attractive choice for activities such as travel where you want to keep things light but retain the flexibility to share your adventure in different ways.

HumanEyes did not provide a specific release date, but says the Vuze XR will be available in the coming months at a price in the ‘$ 400 range’.

HUMANEYES TECHNOLOGIES DEBUTS THE VUZE XR DUAL CAMERA, GIVING ANYONE THE POWER TO CREATE AND SHARE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES IN 360° (2D) OR VR180 (3D)

With the touch of a button, the Vuze XR transforms from a 360° camera to a VR180 camera, enabling content creators to spontaneously tell any story, from every angle.

NEW YORK CITY, July 19, 2018 – Consumers and prosumers alike will be able to capture and share engaging content, life’s adventures and memorable moments in stunning 360° (2D) or stereoscopic VR180 (3D), all from one innovative device.

HumanEyes Technologies today announced its upcoming Vuze XR Camera, designed to capture, create and share both high-resolution photos and full motion video, in either 5.7K 360° or VR180 formats.

Available in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Vuze XR Camera will transform storytelling by providing the visual dynamics of a full 360° camera, and with a single click, convert to an immersive VR180 format. The unique dual-camera design is portable, simple-to-use and seamlessly combines two advanced capture systems into one pocketable device, giving content creators, social media enthusiasts, world travelers, adventure seekers, families and creators of all types the power and convenience to record or share live to mobile phones, computers and VR headsets alike.

The Vuze XR Camera allows users to:

  • Capture and share full 360° or immersive VR180 video or photos.
  • “Click” between standard 360° mode (when the camera is closed) and 3D VR180 mode (when the camera is open).
  • Enjoy industry leading, high-resolution, 5.7K video.
  • Live stream to popular social media channels.

“The Vuze XR Camera is a must have for anyone with a story or special moment to share, from consumers to prosumers. With powerful 360° and VR180 5.7K camera technology built in, along with instant sharing and a live streaming mode, anyone can enjoy the freedom of shooting their story, the way they want,” said Shahar Bin-Nun, CEO of HumanEyes Technologies. “One camera can now live stream in 360° from a concert, take immersive VR180 pictures of the band, and record your friends singing along to edit and share the full experience later. We’re giving users the freedom to spontaneously shoot content from all angles, or only a few, and we can’t wait to see what’s created with it.”

The Vuze XR Camera is the latest innovation from the company’s award-winning VR camera line, which includes the Vuze and Vuze+ VR cameras, the first cost effective 3D-360° VR camera solutions has made content creation accessible to anyone.

The Vuze XR Camera will be available for purchase in the $ 400 price range. Additional camera details, specifications and pricing will be available in the coming months. To see the Vuze XR Camera in action and register to be the first to hear more, visit VuzeXR.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: How phase detection autofocus works

19 Jul

Have you ever wondered how your DSLR’s autofocus works? Wonder no more! YouTuber ZY Productions has created a succinct video that details how phase detection autofocus (PDAF) systems work inside DSLR cameras.

As noted in the video, the phase detection autofocus mentioned in this video applies specifically to DSLRs, since it relies on a dedicated autofocus sensor and a translucent section of a DSLR’s mirror to achieve focus — components you won’t find inside a mirrorless camera.

The exact type of autofocus system depends entirely on what camera you have. Newer DSLRs have robust autofocus systems, with more image coverage and more cross-type focus points — the importance of which is documented in the video — while older cameras might not have as much coverage or as many cross-type focus points (if any at all).

Regardless of what DSLR you use and how capable its autofocus system is, knowing how your camera’s autofocus works and what its shortcomings are should help you to overcome any issues and limitations you come across.

If you’d like a more robust explanation, Photography Life has a great article explaining the process in more detail.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Pro lighting at hardware store prices

10 Jul

Everyone knows that good lighting is important when shooting video, but professional video lights can be prohibitively expensive. In this video, our friends over at ShareGrid demonstrate how to get professional looking results using inexpensive equipment available at any hardware store, including work lights, poster board and even a shower curtain.

Want some tips on getting pro quality sound as well? Our recent DPReview TV episode covers the basics of getting high quality, low cost sound.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: 6 in-camera video transitions in 120 seconds

06 Jul

Whether you’re filming a camera review or working on your latest vlog, one of the easiest ways to take your video to the next level is to have clever transitions. To help you do just that, Rachel and Daniel of Mango Street have created a video showcasing six in-camera video transitions you can do with little more than a bit of planning.

The video summarizes six different methods in just 120 seconds: through the door, back in shot, whip tilt up and down, below ground, strafe blocking and prism wipe. Each method is detailed with a how-to shot and and a final result shot to show both how to get it done and what the final result looks like.

At the end of the video, all of the techniques are put together to create a seamless flow of footage using all six methods. It’s a short, simple video that manages to pack a punch in just under two minutes.

As noted by Mango Street in the description of the video, don’t forget, ‘focus on the story first. Transitions should only serve to enhance your story.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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