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Posts Tagged ‘Video’

Firmware update: Olympus E-M1X gets bird AF along with Raw video

17 Nov

Olympus has announced a firmware update that will enhance the capabilities of its flagship E-M1X sports camera. Some of the features will be cascaded down to the E-M1 III, E-M1 II and E-M5 III.

Exclusive to the E-M1X is ‘Bird detection AF’, which expands the camera’s AI-trained subject recognition system. Bird AF will focus on the eyes of birds, or their bodies if the eye isn’t visible. This subject-aware AF can be used in conjunction with the camera’s Pro Capture pre-buffering mode, to increase your chances of getting the perfect birding shot.

Both the E-M1X and E-M1 III will gain the ability to output Raw video data streams that can be encoded as ProRes RAW if the cameras are connected to an Atomos Ninja V external recorder. The output is 12-bit with Olympus saying it allows ‘exposure adjustment,’ which we’re hoping means the resulting ProRes RAW footage will be compatible with a full range of post-shot adjustments.

These two cameras will also gain a ‘Focus Indicator Display’ mode that provides a focus guide, based on phase-detection distance information, when manually focusing.

In addition, the E-M1X, E-M1 III, E-M1 II and E-M5 III will all receive an update to improve the image stabilization performance while shooting video. The company explicitly mentions panning, which suggests it will be better at distinguishing between accidental and intentional camera movement. Finally, the firmware will provide all four cameras with the ability to use focus-stacking mode with the new 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens.

Press release

FIRMWARE VERSION 2.0 FOR THE OLYMPUS OM-D® E-M1X

Introducing Bird Detection for Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus

Center Valley, PA, November 17, 2020 – Olympus is pleased to announce the latest firmware upgrade for the Olympus OM-D E-M1X mirrorless camera, Version 2.0. Scheduled for release on December 2, 2020, this new version of firmware adds Bird Detection to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, an AI-based deep learning technology. With this new function, the camera automatically prioritizes detection of a bird’s eye, for focusing and tracking, so the photographer can concentrate on composing images and capturing the moment. The new firmware also includes various functional improvements, such as RAW video data output to support professional video production. Additional firmware upgrades are available for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, E-M1 Mark II and E-M5 Mark III. All available updates can be accessed at: https://getolympus.com/firmware.

OM-D E-M1X Firmware Version 2.0 with Bird Detection

Bird detection has been added to Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus, and can recognize a variety of birds of all sizes. When using this version of firmware, the camera focuses primarily on the bird’s eye and switches to detect and track the bird’s head or body if its eye is not detected. This feature performs well even in birds’ natural habitats, where trees, plants and other obstructions tend to come between photographer and subject, allowing the photographer to concentrate on framing. This functionality can be used in conjunction with Pro Capture, which is also a popular feature for photographing birds. Pro Capture mode virtually eliminates shutter lag and reaction time by recording sequential frames before the shutter release is pressed fully, and ensures the camera never misses decisive moments, as when a bird takes flight or captures its prey. Birds are detected across the entire AF coverage area when shooting with all M.Zuiko® Digital lenses, inclusive of super telephoto zoom lenses. The functionality works even at the periphery of the screen, offering a greater level of freedom for framing.

RAW Video Data Output to the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder

4K 30P/25P/24P and Cinema 4K 24P video recorded on the OM-D E-M1X can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder, enabling advanced professional video production post-processing tasks, such as adjusting exposure and color grading of recorded footage. The latest firmware for the Atomos Ninja V HDR Monitor Recorder will be required to enable this support. The firmware can be accessed here: https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v .

Focus Stacking Support for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO Lens

With this firmware, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO supports in-camera Focus Stacking, bringing the total to 11[i] compatible lenses.

Improved Video Image Stabilization Performance

The video image stabilization algorithm has been updated for natural recording with minimal shake, even when panning.

Supports Focus Indicator Display

This feature makes it possible to quickly check the focusing direction and approximate focus position during manual focusing.

OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and OM-D E-M5 Mark III Firmware Upgrades

Firmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, Version 3.4 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and Version 1.3 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark III will be released simultaneously with firmware Version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X on December 2, 2020. Visit the following website for further details: https://getolympus.com/firmware.

Firmware Upgrade Compatibility Table

E-M1X

Firmware Ver.2.0

E-M1 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.2

E-M1 Mark II Firmware Ver.3.4

E-M5 Mark III Firmware Ver.1.3

1. Bird detection

Yes

 No

No

No

2. RAW video data output

Yes

Yes

No

No

3. Lens that supports Focus Stacking added

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

4. Improved video image stabilization

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

5. Supports focus indicator display

Yes

Yes

No

No

Pricing, Configurations, Availability & Specifications

Olympus Firmware Upgrade Version 2.0, along with the other firmware upgrade versions mentioned here within are available free of charge on the Olympus website beginning on December 2, 2020.

[i] OM-D E-M1X Focus Stacking compatible lenses:

M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO / ED 30mm F3.5 Macro / ED 60mm F2.8 Macro /

ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO / ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO / ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO /

ED 12-45mm F4.0 PRO / ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO / ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO /

ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS / ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Astrophotographer creates stunning global map of Mars

17 Nov

Astrophotographer Jean-Luc Dauvergne spent six nights this fall capturing images of Mars. Dauvergne used the 1.06m telescope of Pic du Midi observatory in the French Pyrenees to capture his photos, which he has since used to create a global map of Mars.

In addition to the six nights Dauvergne spent at the observatory, he told PetaPixel that it took him an additional 10 days to process the images. He says that Pic du Midi ‘is one of the best places in the world for planetary imaging.’

The 1m telescope has a 17,000mm focal length and was originally installed in 1963 to help NASA with its Apollo missions. Dauvergne says that ‘it’s still one of the best [telescopes] in the world to study planetary surfaces in the visible part of the spectrum.’ He’s used the telescope to create what he says is the best global map of Mars shot from Earth’s surface.

Dauvergne photographed Mars this October and November due to the Mars opposition. This event happens roughly every 26 months. This year, the opposition itself occurred on October 13. You can learn much more about the Mars opposition by clicking here. Dauvergne picked a great place for his observations and the Pic du Midi Observatory has an interesting history with observing Mars.

Image credit: Jean-Luc Dauvergne. Click to enlarge.

The Pic du Midi observatory is located 9,439′ (2,877m) above sea level at the top of the Pic du midi de Bigorre mountain. The Pic Du Midi Observatory is part of the Midi-Pyrenees Observatory, which includes additional research stations in France. Construction of the observatory began on the mountaintop all the way back in 1878, although costs slowed progression significantly. In 1908, an 8m dome with a mechanical equatorial reflector was built. Interestingly, this reflector was used to observe Mars and discredit the theory that there were canals on its surface.

When NASA funded the building of the 1m telescope in 1963, the telescope was used to photograph the surface of the Moon. In 1965, the telescope was then used by astronomers Pierre and Janine Connes to analyze Mars and Venus. Their work helped inform James Lovelock, a scientist in California, to theorize that these planets didn’t support life.

The observatory includes a 2m telescope as well, which was built in 1980. It’s the largest telescope in France. There’s also a 0.6m telescope which has been used by amateur astronomers since the early 80s. In total, the Pic du Midi Observatory includes four telescopes. With the aid of these telescopes, the discovery of nine minor planets are credited to the Pic du Midi Observatory.

If you’d like to see more from Jean-Luc Dauvergne, check out his Twitter and YouTube channel. On YouTube, he has additional videos of Mars from his observations at Pic du Midi.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: David Chan is the ‘Camera Guardian’ in Hong Kong

06 Nov

Hong Kong camera shop owner David Chan has spent the last 60 years collecting vintage camera gear and amassing an impressive collection of vintage photographic equipment. South China Morning Post visited Chan and interviewed him about his impressive collection.

The short film, ‘The Camera Guardian’, was filmed by Chris Chang. Its title is apt, as David Chan views himself as less of a collector and more of a guardian. He is working to preserve vintage camera gear, rather than cultivating a personal collection.

Chan owns David Chan Co., where he has sold cameras since the 1960s. There are some cameras that have come into his shop that he doesn’t want to sell, thus his collection has grown. He enjoys showing off his cameras and helping a new generation of photographers come to learn about and appreciate vintage camera craftsmanship. Any shutterbug would certainly be in gear heaven in Chan’s shop.

David Chan in his Hong Kong camera shop

Chan says, ‘Cameras are complicated to make. Cameras are luxury items.’ Some of his vintage lenses even contain radioactive elements that current regulations ensure are no longer found in modern camera equipment. But without the radioactive elements, Chan believes some newer lenses have lost their ‘flavor.’ He continues, ‘Modern lenses can’t produce the unique texture that vintage lenses could.’

Of digital cameras, Chan argues that while digital is more convenient, some character has been lost. Chan’s passion for photography is readily apparent. When passersby stop to look through the shop windows at the cameras, Chan invites them in and is eager to share his knowledge with visitors.

With respect to his own photography skills, Chan laughingly says, ‘I’m not a good photographer. Photography is an art. But I cherish cameras as works of art. Holding a camera in my hand makes me very happy. Pressing the shutter and listening to the sound also makes me so happy. Having spent so much time around cameras, does Chan have a favorite camera? He loves European cameras, such as ones from Zeiss, Voigtlander and Leica.

(Via Reddit)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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US Navy shares photos, video from the Blue Angels’ farewell flight for its Legacy Hornet jets

06 Nov

The United States Navy Blue Angels have flown their last flight with their F/A-18A/B/C/D ‘Legacy’ Hornet aircrafts, which are being fazed out for the new F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. To commemorate the farewell flight of the 34-year-old planes, the U.S. Navy has released cockpit video and an array of images.

The final flight occurred yesterday, November 4, over the Hornet’s hometown of Pensacola, Florida, just as the sun was setting on the Florida coastline. Over the winter, the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team will enter its training period with 18 new F/A-18E/F jets that have been specifically modified for use by the Blue Angels, before showing off the new, larger ‘Super Hornets’ next year at its first show in Pensacola. The Drive has a fantastic deep dive into the modifications the U.S. Navy is making to the new Super Hornets for those of you interested in learning more.

An illustration showing the flight path of the Blue Angels’ final flight in the Legacy Hornet jets.

Below is a gallery of images from the final demonstration with the Legacy Hornet squadron, provided by the U.S. Navy:

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The Blue Angels demonstration team is a popular attraction for photographers at airshows around the world, with their incredible coordination, dizzying moves and near-flawless execution. You can read more about the U.S. Navy’s shift to the Super Hornet on Navy Times.

Image credits: Photos courtesy of the United States Navy.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware v1.1.1 makes the Canon R6’s video much more usable

05 Nov

Alongside DPReviewTV’s re-assessment of the Canon EOS R6, we conducted some simple side-by-side testing of the latest firmware, in comparison to the original version. Our original tests showed that the R6 would deliver the promised amount of recording time in fairly challenging conditions, but that it would then struggle to recover.

Over the following weeks, diligent testing by users revealed Canon was factoring-in the initial temperature of the camera when determining how long to let it record for, but then was calculating recovery times without much consideration of internal or ambient temperature. This meant that the camera would take a long time to recover its recording capability and there was nothing you could do to speed up the process.

This could all be side-stepped if your shooting allows the use of an external recorder, but this somewhat undermines the convenience of the R6 as a stills-and-video tool.

Key takeaways:

  • The new firmware allows the EOS R6 to record for longer periods
  • An EOS R6 will require less cool-down time than before to recover recording times
  • Ambient temperature is likely to play a more significant role in recovery times

At the time of release, Canon’s description of this firmware update was:

  • Temperature detection and shooting time control in video shooting have been improved. In addition, the total shooting time when the short-time recording and power-on/off are performed repeatedly at room temperature is improved.

Our more recent testing supports this claim. A camera running firmware v1.1.1 was able to record for longer and, most critically, recover recording time faster than the example running firmware v1.0.

This makes the R6 a much more usable camera for stop/start video capture.

Of course the downside of the camera taking ambient and internal temperature into account to a greater degree is that its behavior is now more temperature sensitive and hence less predictable. However, this is much more consistent with how most other cameras work.

Testing two R6’s side-by-side, one with the previous firmware, one with the latest.

The original firmware was very dependable: you’d tend to get 40 minutes of 4K/24, 25 or 30p, as promised, but with dependably long recovery times. This meant that you were much more likely to hit that 40 minute limit than with other cameras that, on paper, promised less recording time (because they’d do a better job of recovering between clips).

With the latest firmware, in moderate and room-temperature shooting at least, the R6 is much better at recovering, which means you hit the temperature limit much less readily, particularly if you shoot clips of video and have some time between each one.

The R6 is generally a more usable camera for anyone shooting sequences of multi-minute clips

However, given we’re experiencing an early cold snap in Seattle, we can’t comment on how the camera will do when the summer comes.

Of course none of this is much help for, say, wedding photographers, for whom it may not be possible to turn a camera off for several minutes between clips, but it means the R6 is a much more usable camera for anyone shooting sequences of multi-minute clips.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Top Best Photo and Video Tools for Beginners

05 Nov

The importance of post-processing and editing in photos and videos cannot be overemphasized. For every great photograph, great view, lighting, and aesthetics, there is a precise amount of effort that was put in place to achieve that result that has become a focus of all eyes. A bulk of these efforts come into play in the post-processing aspect, editing in Continue Reading

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DJI’s Mavic Mini 2 now has 4K/30p video, Raw photos, OcuSync 2.0 and more

05 Nov

DJI has unveiled the DJI Mavic Mini 2, a second-generation compact drone that keeps the same look as its predecessor while improving performance in key areas.

On the outside, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 looks almost indistinguishable from the Mavic Mini. It features the same 249g weight (1g under the 250g weight limit that requires you to register the drone with the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)), the same white livery and the same fold-up design that makes is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Inside, however, the drone has received a number of updates, both in hardware and software. At the heart of the camera onboard the Mavic Mini 2 is a 1/2.3-inch sensor that can capture 12-megapixel photos and 4K/30p video at 100Mbps. In addition to the new 4K video capabilities, the Mavic Mini 2 can also capture Raw photos—something the Mavic Mini wasn’t capable of. When shooting video in 1080p, users can now zoom in 2x with lossless quality and 4x via digital zoom.

The Mavic Mini 2 now has DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology, which increases transmission range by 150% compared to the Mavic Mini for a maximum line-of-sight range of 10km (6.2m). Upgraded motors in the Mavic Mini also improve the flight time, acceleration, top speed and wind resistance (capable of withstanding winds up to 38.6kmph (24mph).

No new sensors have been added, but that means the Mavic Mini 2 retains the basic vision and positioning sensors on the bottom of the device to help map out the terrain for the assisted landing function. Likewise, DJI’s array of safety features, including geofencing, Return to Home and Altitude lock are present.

The Mavic Mini 2 comes with a number of pre-programmed shooting modes for quick setting changes that make it easier to track subjects and apply movements with minimal user input. Below are the descriptions for each of the pre-programmed shooting modes:

  • QuickShots: Pre-programmed movements and image capture modes.
    • Dronie: DJI Mini 2 flies backward and upward, with the camera tracking your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Helix: DJI Mini 2 flies upward and away, spiraling around your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Rocket: DJI Mini 2 flies straight up into the air with the camera pointing downward following your subject. Set a height limit of 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 ft.
    • Circle: DJI Mini 2 will circle around your subject at a constant altitude and distance.
    • Boomerang: DJI Mini 2 flies a boomerang-like oval flight path around your subject, starting and stopping video in the same place.
  • Panoramas: Capture a wider perspective with select pano modes.
    • Sphere: DJI Mini 2 automatically captures twenty-six images and stitches them together for a crystal-clear image.
    • 180°: Captures seven photos for sweeping landscape images.
    • Wide-Angle: Captures a wide 3×3 image consisting of nine images.
  • Image modes: Different photo modes for different scenarios.
    • AEB Triple Shot: Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) takes three images of varying exposure and merges them for a vivid image. This can be edited further to bring out a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image in post-processing.
    • Timed Shots: Give yourself a few extra seconds before taking that photo with timed shots.

Additional accessories available for the Mavic Mini 2 include a 360-degree propeller guard, a DJI mini bag, a charging display case, a DIY creative kit for customizing the look of the Mavic Mini and a snap adapter for attaching an LED screen to the top of the drone.

The DJI Mavic Mini 2 surrounded by its optional accessories.

The basic DJI Mavic Mini 2 drone is available to purchase from the DJI online store and authorized DJI retailers for $ 449 while the Fly More Combo, which includes the Mavic Mini 2, three batteries, a charging hub, a carrying case and a remote control for $ 599. You can read our full review as well:

DJI Mavic Mini 2 Review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Meet Calypso, the predecessor to Nikon’s iconic underwater Nikonos cameras

03 Nov

A customer at Camera West in California recently traded in an interesting piece of photographic history, the Calypso underwater camera. The 35mm film camera was the first of its kind that didn’t need housing to be used underwater.

The Calypso was the brainchild of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau and Belgian engineer Jean de Wouters. The Calypso was released in 1961 as the first 35mm underwater camera which could be used without housing. Cousteau wanted a small, simple camera you could use on land and underwater without any fuss.

When the Calypso launched, there were a trio of available lenses. Two of the lenses were manufactured by SOM Berthiot, 28mm and 35mm prime lenses. A third lens, a 45mm prime, was manufactured by Angenieux. In the video below, the Calypso is shown with the SOM Berthiot 35mm F3.5 lens. The knob on the left side of the lens barrel is used for focusing and the knob on the right controls the aperture.

The camera includes a distinct shutter design. When firing the shutter, the camera simultaneously winds the film. Since the camera is always ready to fire, there’s a shutter release lock on the top of the camera. The original camera strap is included and as you can see above, there is a built-in mechanism in the links to open the camera for loading film.

The camera’s construction is quite simple. Camera components are in the top portion of the body and the lower area is primarily a shell. The camera is constructed from an alloy and is coated in black enamel. Each component includes water sealing and the grip is faux sealskin. The camera’s top shutter speed is 1/1000s and it does include a port for using a flash.

To construct the camera, you put the two camera body components together and then mount the lens. Each lens includes a notch, allowing you to tell when the lens is fully mounted and sealed against water. At the time of its launch, the Calypso was rated to for use up to 200′ (60m) underwater.

The Calypso camera, as seen in Camera West’s video above. Click to enlarge.

In 1962, Nikon took over the production of the Calypso camera, rebranding it as the iconic Nikonos underwater 35mm camera. This was not Nikon’s first foray with underwater photography, as the Japanese company had already developed an underwater housing for the Nikon S2 camera in 1956. After teaming up with the Calypso’s original manufacturer, La Spirotechnique, the redeveloped Nikonos was released. Interestingly, in Nikon’s history of the Nikonos, Nikon says the camera was water pressure-resistant down to 50m rather than 60m, and the shutter speed topped out at 1/500s.

Ultimately, Nikon released three Nikonos cameras built upon the legacy of the Calypso, with the Nikonos III releasing in 1975. Nikon then went back to the drawing board and designed a full original Nikonos IV-A. This camera was released in 1980 and included new features such as a TTL exposure meter, aperture-priority AE control, an electronically controlled shutter, hinged open-and-close camera back and improved usability. The Nikonos V came next and was sold for 17 years before its discontinuation in October 2001. Nikon also released an autofocus underwater camera, the Nikonos RS AF, which could be used at depths of up to 100m. You can learn more about all the Nikonos cameras by clicking here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Weird lens guru turns $20 Carl Zeiss projector lens into a swirly-bokeh camera lens

26 Oct

Weird lens guru Mathieu Stern is back at it with a new video that shows images captured with two $ 20 Carl Zeiss projector lenses he converted into camera lenses.

As with many of Stern’s DIY projector lens projects, both of these lenses — a 120mm F1.9 and a 105mm F1.9 — lack any way to focus and don’t have any adjustable aperture. While the adjustable aperture isn’t quite so easy to address, the video briefly shows how he uses an M65 Helicoid ring adapter to give manual focus abilities to the lens. Although not shown in the video, Stern then uses an M65 to Sony E-mount adapter to use the custom lens to his Sony camera.

The resulting imagery captured with the lenses produces pronounced ‘swirly’ bokeh and gives a very sharp separation between the subject and the background. It’s not going to win any resolution or edge-to-edge sharpness contests, but considering you can pick up similar projector lenses for around $ 20 or so online and a set of adapters for your camera for roughly $ 50 or so, it’s a cheap way to get some unique shots.

Stern has a full list of the components he used in the video’s description on YouTube. You can find more of his work on his YouTube channel and website, which also features his always-growing ‘Weird Lens Museum.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: iFixit is currently showing a live iPhone 12 teardown

24 Oct

If you’re wondering what all Apple managed to pack inside its iPhone 12, repair site iFixit is currently hosting a live teardown of one of Apple’s latest smartphone on its YouTube channel.

The review started at roughly 1:20pm ET, but it’s still going on and is available to watch from the beginning if you’d prefer to take it all in. If iFixit comes across any interesting surprises, we’ll summarize them in an update to this article.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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