There are lots of new products vying for attention at CP+ 2016, including Sony’s a6300 and new GM series lenses for its full-frame mirrorless cameras. And they are getting plenty of attention from show attendees, especially those eager to try out the FE 85mm F1.4 GM’s portrait capabilities. We took another look at the a6300 and the GM lenses on display at the buzzing Sony booth in Yokohama.
See all of our CP+ 2016 coverage
It’s all well and good to imagine what Nikon’s trio of 1″-type sensor compacts might be like based on spec, but there’s nothing like getting them in your hands. See what the buzz is all about – straight from the show floor of CP+ in Yokohama, Japan.
See all of our coverage from CP+ 2016
Don’t have time to read through our rather tech-y hands-on overview of the Canon EOS 80D? We’ve put together a quick primer video on the camera’s features and changes to bring you up to speed. Lend us your ears for a mere 106 seconds and we’ll tell you what you need to know…
Read our Canon EOS 80D hands-on overview
Professional photographers and shutterbugs alike were excited when Nikon Corporation launched in January 2016 the Nikon D5 (the most advanced professional DSLR to date), as well as the Nikon D500 (which replaced the D300S, Nikon’s previous DX-format flagship DSLR). Let’s take a deeper look at each of the new Nikon cameras. Nikon D5: Setting New Benchmarks for Speed, Accuracy, and Continue Reading
The post Nikon D5 and D500 Review: Exceptional Image and Video Quality appeared first on Photodoto.
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Sony has announced a 22.5MP Exmor RS imaging sensor for smartphones. The new stacked 1/2.6″ CMOS sensor, called IMX318, is smaller than most used by current smartphones and includes on-chip processing for AF and video image stabilization. Sony has used pixels measuring 1.0µm, allowing for a smaller sensor with higher resolution to be included in likewise slimmer mobile devices. For comparison, this sensor is 20% smaller than the 1/2.3″ chip commonly used in smartphones.
Like many current smartphone sensors, the IMX318 uses phase-detection AF elements combined with contrast-detection to create ‘hybrid AF,’ and the company claims AF reporting 0.03 seconds. According to Sony, IMX318 has such an efficient data interface that pixels can be read at 30 fps from across the entire surface. This allows the company to use the whole 22.5MP resolution for video recording – although the footage is scaled to 4K – and full resolution stills to be captured during video shooting. HD movies can be recorded at up to 120 fps, and 720p footage at 240 fps.
While this sensor is most suitable for the smartphone market, the technology could soon move into larger sensors for compact, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. IMX318 will go on sale in May, according to Sony, at a price of ¥2000/$ 17.50/£12.30 per unit. For more information see the Sony website. Below, you can see the sensor’s image stabilization system in action.
Press release:
Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) is announcing the commercialization of a new Exmor RS™ image sensor for smartphones and other devices that require increasingly better cameras and thinner form factors. The IMX318 is a type 1/2.6 stacked CMOS image sensor with 22.5 effective megapixels, and it boasts a more compact size, greater image quality, and higher performance. This new Exmor RS is the industry’s first*1 to be equipped with built-in high-speed hybrid autofocus (“AF”), as fast as 0.03 seconds*2, and built-in 3-axis electronic image stabilization technology for video. Sony aims to begin shipments for this new CMOS image sensor in May, 2016.
*1: According to Sony research (as of February 16, 2016)
*2: The time it takes to bring the picture into focus when the distance from the sensor surface to the subject is reduced from 2m to 2cm, given high-light conditions (2,000lux or higher).
The IMX318 boasts a stacked structure and the industry’s smallest unit pixels, which measure 1.0?m (micrometers) in size. With this, the image sensor achieves a compact, type 1/2.6 size suitable for inclusion into smartphones, while still realizing a high resolution of 22.5 effective megapixels, among the top in the industry. This new image sensor not only boasts enhanced resolution, but it also matches its predecessor in image quality despite the IMX318’s smaller size and unit pixels (IMX230 predecessor model: type 1/2.4 sensor with 1.12?m unit pixel size). Additionally, Sony has succeeded in equipping the IMX318 with cutting-edge digital imaging features, namely high speed built-in hybrid AF and 3-axis electronic image stabilization for video, a first*1 for the industry. With this image sensor, the user can capture image stills of those decisive moments reliably in high quality, as well as high resolution video without fear of blur.
Main Features
1. The industry’s smallest unit pixel size at 1.0?m, achieving compact size (type 1/2.6) while realizing 22.5 effective megapixels high resolution
As smartphones grow ever thinner, so too are image sensors growing increasingly more compact. In line with this trend, Sony has developed a miniscule 1.0?m pixel sensor that, despite its small size, realizes high image quality. To accomplish this, Sony employed manufacturing technology that improves light utilization efficiency, as well as circuit design technology that eliminates noise, a root cause of deterioration in image quality. With this innovation, Sony has realized an image sensor that delivers high quality images, while also boasting small optical size and a high resolution of 22.5 megapixels. Night shots have long been a weak point for the compact cameras used in smartphones, with the lack of light translating into excessive visual noise. The IMX318 addresses this weakness and realizes beautiful photography in nighttime conditions.
*
No drop in image quality from the IMX230 predecessor model (Left: 1.12?m unit pixel size) to the IMX318 (Right: 1.0?m unit pixel size), despite the latter’s smaller size
2. The industry’s first*1 image sensor with built-in hybrid AF, as fast as 0.03 seconds*2, and 3-axis electronic image stabilization
Hybrid AF
Hybrid AF, which merges image plane phase detection AF with contrast detection AF, has previously been realized through the combination of an image sensor and an application processor. But with the IMX318, Sony has created the industry’s first*1 stacked CMOS image sensor with hybrid AF built into the sensor’s internal signal processor. The IMX318 leverages Sony’s high-speed AF technology that has been honed over many years, boasting an AF as fast as 0.03 seconds*2 (and as fast as 0.017 seconds when shooting video at 60fps). With this power in hand, the user can capture those decisive moments reliably in focus, whether shooting stills or video.
*
When shooting with hybrid AF: 0.03 seconds
(Time required for focusing)
Image plane phase detection AF: Utilizes dedicated image plane phase detection AF pixels embedded throughout the image sensor pixel array.
Contrast AF: Works off the contrast of the subject.
3-axis electronic image stabilization for video
With the IMX318, Sony has also created the industry’s first*1 stacked CMOS image sensor with image stabilization functionality built into its internal signal processor. This sensor leverages the image stabilization technology that Sony has cultivated over its years developing cameras, realizing smooth 4K*3 videos with little camera shake by making effectively use of the signal output obtained from the external 3-axis (pitch, yaw, and roll) gyro sensor*4. Sony’s unique image stabilization technology incorporated into the IMX318 corrects not only camera shake, but also lens distortion, making for more beautiful videos. Furthermore, because image stabilization is achieved by processing within the hardware of the image sensor, less power is used than when it is accomplished by software processing in the external application processor. Since it enables smooth video shooting, this image sensor is suited for incorporation into not only smartphones, but also a variety of other products that tend to generate substantial camera shake, such as aerial drones used for image capture.
*3: QFHD (3840 x 2160)
*4: Gyro sensor: instrument that determines angular velocity through inertia.
3. 4K and high frame rate video recording, through high-speed communications leveraging the latest MIPI specifications
Sony elected to adopt the MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) Alliance’s latest C-PHY 1.0/D-PHY 1.2 specifications for this image sensor’s interface. With this interface, the IMX318 is able to achieve more power efficient and faster data transmission from the image sensor to the application processor. As a result, even at the high resolution of 22.5 megapixels, transmission is realized for all pixels at 30fps. This enables seamless switching between high resolution video and still image photography, realizing the best of both worlds. Since the image sensor can transmit greater-than-4K resolution images for all pixels to the application processor, the user can capture 22.5 megapixel still images even while in the middle of recording video in 4K*3 at 30fps
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Olympus Japan has announced the Stylus SH-3, a relatively minor update to the SH-2 model introduced last March. The SH-3 offers 4K video at a paltry 15 fps and gains a half dozen new Art Filters. Otherwise, it features the same 16MP BSI CMOS sensor as the SH-2, as well as its predecessor’s 25-600mm equivalent F3.0-6.9 24x optical zoom lens, 5-axis image stabilization and night scene capture mode.
The Stylus SH-3 will be available in Silver and Black in Japan on February 26 for just under ¥40,000 (~$ 350). It’s unclear whether there are any plans to release the camera outside of Japan.
| Body type | |
|---|---|
| Body type | Compact |
| Body material | Aluminum alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VII |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 125-6400 |
| White balance presets | 4 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis (yaw, pitch, roll, up/down, left/right) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 25–600 mm |
| Optical zoom | 24× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.0 – F6.9 |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4x) |
| Manual focus | No |
| Normal focus range | 10 cm (3.94″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 460,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 8.30 m (at ISO 3200) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye reduction, fill-in, off |
| Continuous drive | 11.5 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 (15 fps), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | H.264 |
| Videography notes | High speed: 120 fps (1280 x 720), 240 fps (432 x 324) |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD, SDHC, SDXC, Internal Memory |
| Storage included | 37MB |
| 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 with smartphone app |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LI-92B lithium-ion battery & USB charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 271 g (0.60 lb / 9.56 oz) |
| Dimensions | 109 x 63 x 42 mm (4.29 x 2.48 x 1.65″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Video has previously been one of the great weaknesses of Fujifilm’s X-Trans cameras but that’s all changed with the X-Pro2. We’ve shot our test scene, pounded the streets of New York and captured all the visual clichés we could, to show you what the X-Pro2 can do
The X-Pro2’s headline video specs are broadly unchanged compared to previous models but the quality has moved forwards dramatically. It’s still not going to be the first choice for professional use but it’s now more than competitive amongst its 1080-shooting peers. Add in the ability to apply Film Simulations to your shooting and video becomes another storytelling tool in the camera’s arsenal.
Click here to read more about the Fujifilm X-Pro2’s video quality, handling and behavior
Earlier today Sony introduced its new a6300 APS-C mirrorless camera, an update to the very popular a6000 model. DPReview’s Richard Butler was at the event in person and had a chance to get some hands-on time with the new body. In this video he gives us a quick look at Sony’s new crop-sensor flagship camera.
For more information about the Sony a6300, as well as full specifications, have a look at our news story.
Nikon has released a 4K UHD sample video recorded with the newly unveiled D500 DSLR. The Nikon D500 and full-frame D5 are the first Nikons to offer support 4K UHD capture at 3840 x 2160 at 30p/25p/24p. Open the clip above in YouTube, select 2160p and throw it into full-screen mode for the full effect – though you might want to proceed with caution if heights make you queasy.
Learn more about the Nikon D5 and D500
A team at Sony has custom designed and 3D-printed a rig that mounts onto a tripod and can hold 12 Xperia Z5 Compact smartphones, making it possible to record 4K video simultaneously for immersive video. Stitched together in post production, the clips create some impressive 48K 360-degree footage. To test and demonstrate the setup, Sony recorded various winter sports scenes at the Rise Ski & Snowboard Festival in Les Deux Alpes. Read more