Parrot has announced an intriguing new drone called the Parrot Anafi AI, which it claims is the first 'robotic' 4G UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
The Anafi AI has a few unusual features, including that 4G connectivity – which Parrot says helps the drone maintain a connection behind obstacles – and a unique design.
Rather than a basking shark, Parrot says the Anafi AI takes inspiration from the eyes of insects, which provide 360-degree vision without needing a smattering of sensors all over their body (which is the usual approach on most drones).
Instead, either side of the Anafi AI's new 48MP camera are stereo cameras that look in the direction that you're shooting and claim to offer 360-degree obstacle detection. The 48MP camera is mounted on a three-axis gimbal, which allows it to look upwards and downwards at 90 degrees.
The other intriguing aspect of Parrot's new drone is its claims of being a "robotic platform", which refers to its open source nature. Using Parrot's new 'Air SDK', developers can put their own code and software directly on the drone, creating unique 'missions' that tap into all of its sensors and autopilot software.
Naturally, this means the Parrot Anafi AI is very much designed for professionals who are looking to do aerial mapping and photogrammetry, which is the process of creating 3D maps. Parrot says the benefit of using 4G is that pilots will be able to send their images directly to the cloud via an encrypted connection, rather than having to involve their computer.
While the drone isn't really designed for consumers, the Anafi AI does promise to open photogrammetry up to non-specialist fliers – and bring promising versatility, thanks to that open source software.
Flying colors
The original Parrot Anafi was a folding consumer drone, but for the past few years Parrot has focused exclusively on the professional drone space.
With a 48MP camera that can shoot 4K/60p video in HDR 10, take survey-grade stills, and claims to offer six-axis image stabilization (three-axis mechanical and three-axis electronic), the Anafi AI is a potentially interesting drone, so it's a shame that there's no consumer-facing version.
Still, it brings some interesting ideas that could yet make the move across into the consumer space. One is that 4G connectivity – while it brings its own limitations, such as not being available in remote areas, Parrot claims it's far more robust than traditional radio links and means the drone can be operated from any distance (assuming you have the qualifications and permission to do so).
Parrot says the Anafi AI won't need any kind of special subscription or contract, with pilots able to use any SIM card that's capable of sending data. And if your signal isn't great, Parrot says its software will quickly optimize the definition and frame-rate to your network quality.
So far, there's no pricing or release date for the Parrot Anafi AI, but it'll apparently be available in the "second half of 2021". Considering the Parrot Anafi USA, its previous enterprise drone, costs around $7,000 (about £5,060 / AU$9,330), it'll likely be a little pricier than the likes of the rumored DJI Mini SE.
DJI ban: what it means for drone fans and the future of DJI
from TechRadar: Photography & video capture news https://ift.tt/2UhQwpu
via IFTTT
The new Nikon Zfc proves that classic camera brands still have one big superpower that trumps megapixels, image quality or specs: nostalgia.
With a photographic history that stretches back to the late 1940s and through the golden age of film cameras, Nikon sits on almost unlimited reserves of heritage – and it's mined those archives again with the stunning new Nikon Zfc.
The Zfc is a modern reimagining of the Nikon FM2 SLR from 1982 (see further down), a much-loved film camera that is fully deserving of its classic status. But however well executed, the retro styling trick has been pulled off before by Fujifilm and Olympus – and on paper, the Nikon Zfc is still a bit lacking compared to its rivals.
It's important not to get too specs-obsessed with cameras like the Nikon Zfc. After all, it's a mid-range mirrorless camera aimed at beginners, or Nikon fans who want a fun companion for street or travel snapping.
The Zfc isn't exactly underpowered either – it's effectively a Nikon Z50 in different clothes, which means you get the combo of the same 20.9MP DX sensor and Expeed 6 processor, plus some newer tricks like Eye AF in both video and stills.
But the main drawback with the Zfc is its lens options. Despite the arrival of two new lenses with Nikon's new camera, the number of native options for Z-series cameras with DX sensors (in other words, the Zfc and Z50) still effectively stands at just three.
This could improve in the future, but Nikon's priority remains full-frame Z-series cameras and lenses – and that means the Zfc is unlikely to ever offer the versatility or affordability of its main rivals.
Glass completion
Nikon is keen to stress that the Nikon Zfc's lens options actually stands at several hundred, when you factor in the ability to adapt older F-mount lenses using the optional FTZ adaptor ($249 / £269 / AU$429) or using its full-frame Z-mount glass.
(Image credit: Nikon)
And that's a fair point – if you do have older Nikon lenses that you're looking to use on a retro mirrorless camera, there's no doubt the Zfc is a fantastic new option. But for everyone outside that niche, the greater appeal will be using modern glass with the latest autofocus powers.
This is possible with lenses like the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE, which has been designed to match the Zfc. It gives you a 42mm equivalent focal length on the Zfc (due to its cropped DX sensor), making it ideal for portraits and video.
But right now, your prime options beyond that, like the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, come with full-frame price tags. And wide-angle glass for shooting things like landscapes is non-existent, because that needs native DX lenses.
(Image credit: Nikon)
To be fair, prospective owners of the Nikon Zfc probably aren't looking to amass a huge collection of lenses. And it's possible some might see buying full-frame glass as an investment for the future, so they can use the same lenses when they upgrade to a full-frame body like the Nikon Z6 II further down the line.
But for hobbyist shooters who want a retro mirrorless body as their main camera – which is surely Nikon's main target audience – the Zfc simply can't compete with the versatility of its rivals from Fujifilm and Olympus. And this is where Nikon's late arrival to the throwback fancy dress party becomes important.
The Zfc isn't the first time Nikon's made a retro digital camera. Back in 2013, it launched the Nikon Df (below), a full-frame DSLR with throwback styling. The Nikon 1 J5, from the ill-fated and now-discontinued Nikon 1 series, also flirted with retro flourishes in 2015.
But perhaps burned by those earlier experiments, this is the first time Nikon has embraced vintage looks on a modern mirrorless camera. And the problem is its main rivals, Fujifilm and Olympus, have been partying in this stylish, wood-paneled retro bar for years.
(Image credit: Nikon)
The Fujifilm X-series, which includes cameras like the Fujifilm X-S10 and Fujifilm X-T4 with the same-size sensor as the Nikon Zfc, has steadily grown in popularity over the last decade. This means it has a collection of 32 native lenses, and a range of stylish camera bodies – all inspired by old Fujica cameras from the 1980s – for different types of photographer.
And even though the Olympus cameras division was sold to an investment fund last year, cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV continue to be affordable, retro-flavored options for beginners or anyone looking for a travel-friendly body. A big part of this appeal is, again, lenses – because the Micro Four Thirds system was simultaneously built by two manufacturers (Panasonic and Olympus) over many years, the lens choices are unrivaled.
The Fujifilm X-T30 (left) and Nikon Zfc (right) have similar retro styles based on both companys' film heritage.(Image credit: Nikon / Fujifilm)
For both Fujifilm and Olympus, this means their Nikon Zfc equivalents mostly have two lens options at every focal length – a compact, affordable one, and a brighter, larger one for bokeh fans. This is important, because buying a camera is as much about choosing the right lenses, as much as the body itself.
Choice is good
It's not just a question of lenses, either. Because Fujifilm doesn't have a full-frame camera lineup to push photographers towards, it's able to go all-out on APS-C models like the Fujifilm X-S10.
The X-S10 ($999 / £949 / AU$1,699, body-only) has almost the same price tag as the Nikon Zfc, but comes with the major bonus of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), a feature that's handy for both stills and video shooting, and a large grip for balancing longer lenses. The latter means it's a slightly different proposition to the Zfc, but the X-S10 similarly offers modern mirrorless shooting power with an old-school dials and controls.
(Image credit: Nikon)
None of this is makes the Nikon Zfc a case of style over substance at all, and we need to test it fully before giving our final verdict. But the lens situation and strength of well-established rivals in this space are certainly hurdles for it to overcome before it attracts non-Nikon fans.
On the other hand, it's brilliant to see more choice in affordable cameras below the many full-frame choices out there. Canon, Nikon, Sony and Panasonic have all understandably focused on full-frame cameras in recent years, as the enthusiast market has shrunk. And we had feared that Nikon had abandoned the DX-format part of its Z-series, with only the Nikon Z50 arriving in the past two years.
But the Nikon Zfc is a marker of its intent to grow in the space. And the Zfc's design is a classic that will attract both those who remember mechanical simplicity of SLRs like the Nikon FM2, and others who simply admire its distinct personality. We're looking forward to giving the Nikon Zfc a full test out in the field – and seeing more of them out in the wild, too.
Canon has expanded their RF-mount lens lineup with another wide-angle zoom lens, the compact and light RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM. A sibling lens of sorts to the earlier RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS zoom, the new 14-35mm lens offers the broadest zoom range so far in an RF-mount wide-angle lens as well as providing a smaller, lighter footprint thanks to is f/4 aperture. Weighing in at just 1.2lbs (544g), the compact RF 14-35mm f/4L lens measures just shy of four inches (9.9cm) in length and a little over three inches in diameter (3.3 in /... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/3hjLwJ6
via IFTTT
The Nikon Zfc has officially arrived in all its retro glory, with the mirrorless camera sporting a vintage design that harks back to the glory days of Nikon film cameras during the 1980s.
A compact, beginner-friendly camera that's effectively a redesigned version of the current Nikon Z50, the Nikon Zfc adopts similar looks to rivals like the Fujifilm X-T30 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV – and if you're a fan of that look, the Zfc could well be a strong rival to those cameras.
Nikon's mirrorless cameras have largely been full-frame affairs, such as the Nikon Z6 II, which are aimed at experienced hobbyists or professionals. But, like the Nikon Z50, the Nikon Zfc is a more accessible affair, using a smaller DX-format sensor (Nikon's name for APS-C sensors) that makes it compact and relatively affordable.
Beneath its retro skin – which Nikon says is inspired by the Nikon FM2 SLR from 1982 – the Nikon Zfc is almost identical to the current Nikon Z50, offering the same 20.9MP DX sensor, Expeed 6 processor and autofocus performance.
But there are a few key differences too. The Nikon Zfc gets a vari-angle touchscreen, which differs from the tilt-only display seen on the Z50, and will be ideal for vlogging. The new camera also has a USB-C port for charging on the go, plus a range of dedicated control dials, including ones for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation.
(Image credit: Nikon)
To celebrate the Zfc's vintage looks, Nikon is also releasing two new lenses with similar retro styling. The Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Silver Edition is, as the name suggests, a restyled version of the existing Z-series kit lens, which we've found to be an excellent companion for the Nikon Z50.
There's also a new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens aimed at street photographers, which again is inspired by lenses from the Nikon FM2 era. This offers an equivalent 42mm focal length in full-frame terms, making it a strong candidate for portrait and still-life shooting too.
That's the in-a-nutshell summary of the Nikon Zfc, but what other features does it have, and how much will it cost? Here's everything we know about the exciting new mirrorless camera…
Nikon Zfc release date and price
The Nikon Zfc will be available to buy from late July in a variety of bundles. If you just want to buy the camera body-only, it'll cost $959 / £899 (around AU$1,655), but you can also buy it with different lenses, or in a lens kit with both wide-angle and telephoto zooms.
The ideal kit for street photographers will likely be the Nikon Zfc with the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime lens, which together will cost $1,199 / £1,129 (or around AU$2,075). If you'd rather go for the Zfc with the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, that kit will set you back $1,099 / £1,039 (about AU$1,910).
The Nikon Zfc with Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Silver Edition(Image credit: Nikon)
Finally, those who are starting from scratch and want maximum versatility will have the option of buying the Nikon Zfc with both the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and a Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for £1,249 (around $1,740, AU$2,300).
That pricing compares pretty favorably to the Nikon Zfc's closest rivals – the Nikon Z50, which will remain on sale, is now available for slightly less than its original body-only launch price of $850 / £849 AU$1,399, while the older Fujifilm X-T30 (which looks very similar to the Nikon Zfc), currently costs $799 / £849 / AU$1,059.
The Nikon Zfc is, then, in the mix for the title of best camera under $1,000 and best beginner camera. We haven't yet spent enough time with the camera to judge where it deserves to be placed in those lists, but here's how it's shaping up on paper…
Nikon Zfc design
For those with a penchant for vintage film cameras, it's hard not to be charmed by the Nikon Zfc's design. It's inspired by the Nikon FM2 (below), a classic film camera from 1982 that the camera giant calls "a pivotal product in Nikon's history".
That's not hyperbole either – the Nikon FM2 inherited the genes of Nikon's classic F series (starting in 1959) but packaged them in a small, tough and compact body. It was a triumph of simplicity, featuring a fully mechanical shutter mechanism that was capable of fast 1/4000th of a second speeds.
Naturally, the Nikon Zfc features slightly more modern specs (see below), but the design means it offers a slightly different shooting experience to the otherwise similar Nikon Z50.
(Image credit: Nikon)
The Nikon Zfc's top plate features three dials (shutter speed, exposure compensation and ISO), and a small window that displays the aperture.
Like Fujifilm's X-series, this gives you a more manual shooting experience, and it also means the Zfc is the first Nikon Z-series camera that supports exposure compensation in 'Auto' mode, so you'll quickly be able to create effects like silhouettes by underexposing, without leaving the comfort of 'auto' mode.
(Image credit: Nikon)
Alongside those dials, the Zfc also features a couple of smaller touches that are nods to the Nikon FM2. The electronic viewfinder has a circular eyepiece (unlike the more modern rectangular one on the Nikon Z50), while the logo on the front is straight from Nikon's 1970s-80s era.
While it lacks advanced weather sealing, which means you'll want to be careful about using the camera in the rain, the Zfc's magnesium alloy body should also ensure that it's tough enough to withstand some bangs and knocks.
The Nikon Zfc is a mid-range mirrorless camera that has almost identical specs to the Nikon Z50, which arrived in October 2019.
While that might seem slightly disappointing, considering camera tech has moved on a fair bit in the last 18 months, the Zfc's specs remain very competitive at its price point – and we also remain fans of the Nikon Z50, aside from its dearth of native lenses (more on that later).
The Nikon Zfc is powered by a combination of a 20.9MP DX sensor and Nikon's Expeed 6 processor. While the latter is current, pricier Nikon mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z6 II use dual Expeed 6 chips to support faster burst shooting and more powerful video features.
(Image credit: Nikon)
The Nikon Zfc certainly isn't a slouch in these departments, though, offering a maximum of 11fps continuous shooting and the ability to shoot 4K/30p video without a crop. However, it unfortunately still only accepts UHS-I memory cards, which means your buffer will fill up relatively quickly compared to cameras that accept faster UHS-II cards. If you're after a sports camera, there will likely be better choices than the Nikon Zfc.
Still, that isn't really the Zfc's target market, and as an all-purpose camera for shooting a mix of photos and video it's shaping up well. It has the same 0.39-inch, 2.36 million-dot viewfinder as the Z50 (fairly standard at this price), and Nikon's latest hybrid autofocus system, which serves up Eye-Detection AF for both humans and animals.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Nikon)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Nikon)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Nikon)
Aside from its design, the Nikon Zfc also delivers two main bonuses over the Nikon Z50. Rather than a tilting rear screen, it has a vari-angle display (the first on a Nikon Z-series camera) which rotates around to the front for those who want to shoot video or stills to camera.
The Zfc also has a USB-C port (rather than an older micro USB one), which supports direct charging from external Power Delivery (PD) batteries. This is handy if you're looking to charge it out in the field or when shooting timelapses.
Talking of connectivity, the Nikon Zfc also has a 3.5mm microphone input, so you can plug in an external mic like a Rode VideoMic Go to improve your video sound quality. While the Zfc lacks in-body image stabilization, which is pretty common for a camera of this size, it certainly has the specs needed to make it a decent vlogging companion.
While it is possible to use the Nikon Zfc with older F-mount lenses, via the optional FTZ adaptor, this will add bulk to its design – and the real appeal will be teaming it with newer Z-mount glass.
Unfortunately, the options here remain very limited for the Nikon Zfc, despite the arrival of the new Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE prime. That lens certainly looks promising, but otherwise your only other native lens for DX-format cameras like the Nikon Zfc and Nikon Z50 are the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.
(Image credit: Nikon)
We're expecting Nikon to flesh out its range following the arrival of the Nikon Zfc, with rumors predicting the arrival of a 35mm f/1.8 prime at some point, but it does remain a point of weakness compared to the likes of Fujifilm's X series, which offers a much wider array of native glass and similar retro charm.
Still, if you do have older Nikon F-mount lenses that you're looking to use with a newer mirrorless body, then the Zfc could fit the bill nicely – particularly as it has a retro design to match.
Click here to read our Nikon Z fc PreviewNikon has announced a new Z camera, the Z fc. The Nikon Z fc is a DX-format camera that blends Nikon's latest mirrorless technology with classic Nikon styling and functionality. The Z fc channels the spirit of the Nikon Df DSLR, which blended contemporary imaging with old-school looks. In that same vein, the Nikon Z fc borrows the timeless style of the Nikon FM2 35mm film camera, complete with an old Nikon logo and numerous dials. At its core, the Nikon Z fc is very similar to the Nikon... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/2SxJvjZ
via IFTTT
The Canon EOS R3 has been edging closer to full launch over the past month – and according to rumors, the pro sports mirrorless camera will reveal all on June 29.
The full-frame sports camera was given a 'development announcement' in April and Canon has been slowly teasing more specs, including some new AF-tracking powers for racing cars and motorbikes.
But now Canon Rumors has tipped the EOS R3 for a full announcement on June 29 (for those in the western hemisphere), although that may mean June 30 for some regions.
Along with a rumored launch date for the Canon EOS R3, Canon Rumors has posted the camera's expected specs – including what it claims will be a 30.1MP backside-illuminated sensor.
The EOS R3's resolution is one of the key details that Canon so far hasn't revealed, but 30.1MP certainly makes sense for this kind of camera. That resolution rules out 8K video shooting, but will allow the camera – as Canon has already to announced – to shoot raw photos at 30fps will full AF/AE tracking, along with oversampled 4K video.
One other key detail in the Canon Rumors specs list, which hasn't yet been announced, is the EOS R3 is likely to have a vari-angle touchscreen. This is significant because the R3 is effectively a mirrorless equivalent of the Canon EOS 1D X Mark III DSLR, which has a fixed screen, so this would be a new move for a pro Canon sports camera.
(Image credit: Canon)
The big R3-veal
The Canon EOS R3 is still listed as "coming soon" and a "development announcement" on Canon's homepage, but it certainly seems likely that we'll see a full announcement in the next day or so.
There are still a couple of details that haven't appeared in the rumors and leaks –including details about the electronic viewfinder (a crucial factor for sports photography) and its price tag.
The Canon EOS R3 is a significant camera for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it appears to the camera that Canon is hoping will tempt pro sports photographers to the mirrorless side, with its DSLRs increasingly becoming a legacy technology.
In this sense, its electronic viewfinder is crucial, because Canon has maintained that pro sports photographers has continued to prefer DSLRs because their optical viewfinders have zero lag.
Secondly, the EOS R3 will feature a new sensor that, contrary to recent rumors, is "Canon designed and manufactured", according to a quote given to Fstoppers. This is a big deal in Canon's fight with Sony, whose Sony A1 will likely be one of the EOS R3's main rivals.
Like the Sony A1, the Canon EOS R3 is expected to be a showcase for Canon's latest sports photography tech, like the motor car AF tracking – so while it might not be a camera that most of non-professionals would buy, it could offer a glimpse of the kind of tech that might filter down to more affordable cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6.
As you begin exploring photography, you'll quickly come across the term 'f-stop', otherwise known as the f-number. It's one of those bits of jargon that feels intentionally designed to confuse beginners, but luckily we're here to explain what it is and how to use it in your snapping adventures.
Whether you're using a compact, mirrorless camera, DSLR or even a smartphone, you'll likely see that the f-stop symbol appear on your screen, and even on some lenses. So what exactly is the f-stop?
In purely literal terms, the 'f' stands for 'focal length' and a 'stop' is a unit of light, which refers to either the doubling or halving of the amount of light in your photo. But as that doesn't exactly clear things up, here's a more in-depth explanation of what an f-stop actually is – and how to use it in your photography.
What is an f-stop?
The f-stop is the number a camera (or lens) displays to indicate the size of the lens aperture (see 'F-stop vs aperture' below). Most camera lenses offer a range of f-stops (from large to small aperture), for instance one lens might have f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16 and f/22.
It is not possible to expand beyond a lens's f-stop range. In the previous example, the maximum f-stop (aperture) is f/2.8 and the minimum is f/22. The same aperture might be displayed with a capital or lower case 'f' and with or without a forward slash. For example, f/5.6, F/5.6, f5.6 or F5.6 are all the same thing.
(Image credit: Future)
But why the confusing use of symbols? This is because an f-stop indicates a fraction. For example, f/4 is a quarter, making it larger than f/8 which is an 1/8th. Therefore, the smaller the f-stop number, the larger the aperture.
However, the 'f' in f-stop actually stands for focal length. It's a little complicated, but there is an equation comprising lens focal length and f-stop to work out the physical size of the aperture. This equation is the lens' focal length divided by the diameter of your effective aperture.
F-stop vs aperture: what’s the difference?
The 'aperture' is the opening in your camera lens, that lets light pass through to the camera. On most lenses, the size of this diaphragm, which is formed by aperture blades (and seen as an almost circular hole), can be adjusted by the f-stop number. Some lenses have a fixed aperture, including those in most smartphone cameras.
Consider the human eye. An iris expands to let in more light so we can see more clearly in dark environments, and decreases in size when in bright light so we don't get blinded. The principle of a lens aperture is the same.
(Image credit: Pexels / Anete Lusina)
So, aperture is the opening in the lens, while f-stop indicates the size of lens aperture, as a fraction. In the previous example of an f-stop range, each 'stop' lets in twice as much light as the next. For example, f/2.8 is twice the size of f/4.
Lenses with a large maximum aperture tend to be larger, heavier and more expensive than equivalent ones with smaller openings. But they are desirable for the two main reasons explained in the 'how to use f-stops in your photography' section below.
What do f-stops mean in smartphone cameras?
Except for a couple of oddballs like the Samsung Galaxy S10, smartphone cameras generally have a fixed aperture, which means only one f-stop.
Current smartphone cameras typically have a f-stop of around f/1.8. For phones with multiple cameras, there is usually a slightly different f-stop for each camera, such as f/1.8, f/2.0 and f/2.4, but ultimately each of these has a fixed aperture.
(Image credit: Pexels / Torsten Dettlaff)
Instead of relying on a variable aperture to alter the amount of light and create aperture effects such as depth of field, phones artificially recreate effects like background blur.
For example, a smartphone's portrait mode artificially blurs the background for a shallow focus, mimicking the effect of a lens with a large aperture. This isn't true depth of field, though the effect can be brilliantly convincing.
How to use f-stops in your photography
Using different f-stops (adjusting the aperture size) affects the amount of light entering the camera and therefore the brightness of the image. More light means greater clarity. Other qualities of the picture are affected by your choice of f-stop, namely the amount of your photo that will be in focus – in other words, depth of field.
It's easiest to understand the impact of aperture on depth of field by looking at comparison photos. In the example below, the photo on the left is taken using the maximum f/2.8 aperture for a shallow depth of field – a shallow focus – while the photo on the right minimum is f/11 and provides a large depth of field.
Simply put, you might want to use a large aperture in dark environments to maximize brightness or for an attractive shallow focus in portraits. Conversely, a small aperture is ideal for landscape photography to ensure the entire scene is in sharp focus.
These examples are not rules though – photography is a creative practice, after all, and you can take some great photos by using aperture and f-stops in less common ways, such as shallow focus landscapes.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Pexels / Kelvin Octa)
Image 2 of 3
(Image credit: Pexels / Pixabay)
Image 3 of 3
(Image credit: Pexels / James Wheeler)
These simplified explanations of the impact of aperture are isolated from shutter speed and ISO, the other two pillars of image exposure (brightness).
Besides exposure and depth of field, aperture can introduce other effects. For example, a small aperture can create 'sunstars', while the peak optical performance of a lens with adjustable aperture is typically in the middle of its aperture range.
from TechRadar: Photography & video capture news https://ift.tt/3vWCNBL
via IFTTT
The rumored DJI Mini SE is shaping up to be the ideal drone for anyone who needs an affordable, beginner-friendly aerial camera with automated flying smarts. But is the Mini SE actually a brand-new drone and when might we see it?
Recent leaks from retailers like Walmart have given us a good idea of how the DJI Mini SE is shaping up, despite the fact that there's been no official news from the drone maker yet. Understandably, DJI declined to comment when we asked it about the leaks.
If those leaks are accurate, the DJI Mini SE will be a reworked, cheaper version of the DJI Mavic Mini. The latter is still on sale, but is the predecessor to DJI's current entry-level drone for beginners, the DJI Mini 2.
This means the DJI Mini SE is expected to lack 4K video shooting and DJI's ultra long-range OcuSync 2.0 system, instead maxing out at the 2.7K and a 4km range. But despite this, we can see the DJI Mini SE becoming the drone we regularly recommend to anyone who wants a high-quality drone without spending a fortune. Here's why.
What is the DJI Mini SE? Probably a cheaper, reworked DJI Mavic Mini
When is the DJI Mini SE out? The latest rumors suggest a July 15 launch date
What will the DJI Mini SE? Expect $299 (or around £275 / AU$450)
DJI Mini SE release date and price
The main DJI Mini SE leak to date comes from Walmart, which accidentally published the drone’s product page towards the beginning of June 2021.
A week later images of the placeholder card you’d take to a customer services rep to pick up the drone at Walmart were also posted on Twitter and Reddit.
Walmart really seems keen to start selling the DJI Mini SE.
These leaks suggest the DJI Mini SE will cost $299 – this converts to around £212 / AU$388, but based on the DJI Mavic Mini's pricing it will likely equate to about £275 / AU$450.
That's a solid $70 less than the current DJI Mavic Mini, which was announced in October 2019 at $399 and currently sells at $369. Since then, DJI has released the slightly higher-end DJI Mini 2.
This was announced in November 2020 for $449 / £419 / AU$749, and offers important upgrades including 4K capture, a much longer range and some additional modes.
How long until we see the DJI Mini SE officially announced? While we don't know how trustworthy its source is, DroneXL suggests it'll be launched on July 15. Given the recent major leaks, which traditionally happen close to an event, that certainly seems plausible, but we'll update this page when we hear any official news.
If you were hoping the DJI Mini SE might have all the goodies of the DJI Mini 2 for a lower price, it looks like you’ll be disappointed.
The various Walmart leaks suggest the DJI Mini SE will be much closer to the 2019 DJI Mavic Mini in terms of specs and ability. Judging by what we’ve seen so far, it seems almost identical, bar a few exterior design tweaks.
For example, some visible screws on the rotor arms are gone. And in the promo images at least, some gaps in the folding design may have been filled in.
A leaked of the DJI Mini SE (left) vs the current DJI Mavic Mini (right).(Image credit: Future)
The essentials appear to the same, though. DJI’s Mini SE is an ultra-light 249g drone. That gram under 250g is important as it keeps it in the C0 class in the UK, and means it does not need to be registered in the US.
As ever, you should be aware of the other numerous regulations that apply to all drones, regardless of size, in the country in which you'll fly them. But in many regions, this would still mark the DJI Mini SE as one of the easier drones to fly out of the box.
(Image credit: Future)
The DJI Mini SE will likely have a 12MP camera on a 3-axis stabilizer gimbal and be capable of recording video at 2.7K/30p. This matches the DJI Mavic Mini, although we cannot be sure they use exactly the same lens and sensor. Unhelpfully, there appears to be no information on the actual sensor chip used in the Mavic Mini for comparisons after the Mini SE's launch.
That said, looking at out DJI Mavic Mini review (or our sample footage below) is likely a reasonable way to see what you can expect from the DJI Mini SE's image quality. A lack of 4K capture is the most obvious restriction, as is its maximum 40Mbps bit-rate. This was bumped to 100Mbps on the DJI Mini 2. But otherwise, you can expect the Mini SE's image quality to be very strong for its rumored price point.
The Mini SE's range is likely to be lower than DJI’s mid-range and high-end drones, too. That's because it appears to use the same Wi-Fi based system as the Mavic Mini, resulting in range of 2.5 miles or 4km. It does not have OcuSync 2.0, a DJI wireless tech that sees range increase to 10km.
This may disappoint some, but it fits the DJI Mini SE's likely audience. You might buy one of these as your first 'proper' drone, having tired of the tiny one you bought on a whim that gets blown around by a light breeze. The DJI Mini SE’s flight time is also reportedly 30 minutes, once again matching the Mavic Mini.
So is this just a Mavic Mini with a couple of cosmetic tweaks and a lower price? It might be just this, and a way to consolidate the 'Mini' name as a full range of products.
However, there are a few parts we don’t know about yet. There are mixed reports about the kind of controller the DJI Mini SE will use, for example.
The DJI Mini 2 controller (left) vs the smaller, foldable DJI Mavic Mini controller(Image credit: DJI)
One leak suggests it will have a grey pad that's similar to the DJI Mini 2’s design. This has a clamp to accommodate your phone, to show the video stream from the drone’s camera.
Meanwhile, another leak of the drone's possible packaging suggests the DJI Mini SE will have the older fold-out style controller included with the DJI Mavic Mini. That first leak was an online product page published too soon, the second an in-store card that details what you get in the box. Which is correct? Given the apparent lack of Ocusync 2.0 connectivity on the Mini SE, out money is on the latter.
We also do not yet know if the DJI Mini SE will have the extra software features DJI introduced in the Mini 2: these include raw photo capture, automatic panorama shooting and the 'Boomerang' QuickShot mode. Raw images are probably the addition we’d most like to see, as the DJI Mini 2 shoots fairly low-resolution panoramas and manual capture is still often the best approach.
(Image credit: Future)
DJI Mini SE early verdict
The original DJI Mavic Mini still rides high in our guide to the best beginner drones and, barring any last-minute surprises, there's no obvious reason why the Mini SE won't simply replace it on shelves and in our affections. After all, the Mini SE is only expected to bring some mild cosmetic changes and a lower price tag.
Still, there are good reasons to upgrade to the DJI Mini 2, which can shoot 4K video, has a higher video bit-rate and brings the useful addition of Ocusync 2.0 connectivity. The latter allows the drone to automatically switch between 2.4GHz and 5.8Ghz frequencies, in order to maintain the strongest connection possible, so it's not just about improved range.
One other small factor to consider is the availability of third-party apps like Litchi for the current DJI Mavic Mini. This brings some additional features, like subject-tracking, that aren't available on DJI's smaller drones out of the box. This app still isn't available for the DJI Mini 2, so it seems unlikely it'd be available for the DJI Mini SE for a while.
If this is important to you, it could still be worth looking out for DJI Mavic Mini deals instead, but otherwise the DJI Mini SE is shaping up to be an excellent alternative to affordable new rivals like the FIMI X8 Mini and Hubsan Zino Mini Pro. We'll bring you all of the official news, and our full review, as soon as it touches down in the real world.
Triptych coastal landscapes with Thomas Heaton Photographer Thomas Heaton loves epic landscape photography. He's done his fair share of it. However, his latest video showcases a more intimate, low-key landscape photography shoot along a local coast. It's peaceful and very productive. He thinks intimate landscape photography can be just as rewarding, if not more rewarding, than big expansive landscape journeys. Depth comparison: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 versus RF 70-200mm f/2.8 Over at SLR Lounge, Pye Jirsa compared the Canon... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/3jgL8Oa
via IFTTT
Leica has revealed another limited edition version of its Leica M-10R full-frame rangefinder camera, called the Black Paint edition – but that paint won't stay on its limited edition body forever.
Instead, the high-gloss paint finish will apparently wear over time to reveal the brass underneath, which will "slowly expose itself as you imprint your use on the camera over a long period of time".
This is no doubt a nod back to the days when Leica cameras were used by photojournalists in the 1960s, producing worn, vintage examples that are still highly prized. Still, there's no doubt the camera looks pretty stunning without that promised patina as well.
Aside from this high-gloss finish, the Leica M-10R Black Paint edition is largely identical to the standard model, aside from the omission of the classic red Leica dot.
This means you get a 40MP full-frame sensor in a very compact body, an optical viewfinder with rangefinder focusing and, for those who want to use live view, a fixed 3-inch rear touchscreen with a fairly modest 1.037-million dot resolution.
The Leica M-10R Black Paint edition is undoubtedly a niche camera, and not just because it's limited to 2,000 units and costs a frightening $9,295 / £7,500 / AU$13,900. Like most Leica cameras, it uses entirely manual focus, which will be something of a shock for anyone who's used to relying on autofocus.
The camera's traditional rangefinder focusing works by using a window in the center of the viewfinder, which brings together two 'ghost' images. When those images are lined up perfectly in the window, your shot is in focus. This can take a while to get used to, but it's very precise and brings the added advantage of making the M10-R's lenses nice and small (because they lack autofocus).
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Leica)
Image 2 of 2
(Image credit: Leica)
What about the Leica M11?
Limited edition versions of the M-10R are all well and good, but Leica fans would probably rather hear news about a true Leica M11 successor. So when is that likely to arrive?
According to Leica Rumors, that camera is expected to be announced on 11 November. The reason for the unusually precise date is because the Leica M9 was launched on September 9 2019, which would give that date a similar symmetry.
According to Leica Rumors, the Leica M11 will have a 50MP sensor with a variable resolution for raw shooting, allowing you to switch to 36MP and 15MP if needed. The M11 is also expected to have a USB-C port and a new Visoflex electronic viewfinder, but lack in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
While we can't expect the classic design to change radically, the latest speculation also suggests that the M11 won't have a baseplate, instead going for a similar design to the Leica Q2 where the battery instead just sits flush with the base of the camera for a cleaner look.
In the meantime, though, the M-10R Black Paint edition will have to fill the gap for Leica purists before the rumored M11 arrives – and if you have several thousand to spend on a camera, it remains one of the best of the brand's hand-built, precision instruments and one that should age like a classic Leica, too.
Wow, 500 newsletter issues, the first one dating back to September 16, 1999… That surely takes me back! It's beyond amazing, to see how far the photography world has come in that time. (Ai yi yi, that's almost 22 years ago; can I really be that old? - Don't answer that… :-) That first issue wondered if it might be a "2 megapixel Christmas", referring to the "magical … 2-megapixel resolution barrier" Yeah, a whole two megapixels. - But did you really need it? After all, you could get a nice little 1.3-megapixel camera for only... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/2U3sv5r
via IFTTT
The flash memory giant Lexar has announced that it's developing some of the first SD Express cards, a new format that will apparently triple the speeds of today's UHS-II cards.
The new cards, which will be joined by a new microSD Express equivalent for small devices like drones, are in development but won't arrive until 2022. But despite the delay, it's big news for a next-gen format battle that's been rumbling for a few years.
The new SD Express cards promise to boast a data transfer rates of almost 4GB/s and hit maximum read speeds of 985MB/s. What does that mean in reality? They'll be ideal for today's demanding mirrorless cameras, which shoot 8K video, continuous raw bursts, and 360-degree cameras.
Today's mirrorless cameras already have a next-gen card format called CFexpress, developed by the Compact Flash organization, which is available in three flavors (Types A, B and C). But with SD Express being the response from the SD Association, the organization that controls SD card standards, it seems that another memory card format war is about to kick off.
We have already seen Taiwanese storage manufacturer ADATA announce that it plans to launch SD Express memory cards in the second half of 2021, but the arrival of Lexar really bolsters the momentum of the new format. Its SD Express cards will apparently have capacities up to 512GB, while its microSD cards will top out at 256GB.
The only question now is what cameras and other devices will adopt the new SD Express format. CFexpress has a head-start over its rival format and recent cameras like the Sony A7S III have slots that accept both current UHS-II SD cards and the newer CFexpress Type A cards.
But there's a good chance we will see both new formats co-exist and appear in different types of camera and device, depending on who they're aimed at. Rather than a format war, that could mean a ceasefire that gives photographers and video makers a choice depending on their shooting needs.
(Image credit: Future)
Analysis: who will win?
One of the issues with CFexpress cards has been their considerable cost. Their prices have slowly come down, with sales events like Amazon's recent Prime Day bringing them closer to affordability, but they remain a lot pricier than current SD cards with comparable storage.
We don't yet know how much SD Express cards are going to cost, but it's possible that price will be one area they will look to undercut CFexpress. Both SD Express and CFexpress use similar technologies, with the former using the PCIe 4.0 and NVMe interfaces seen on solid-state drives and CFexpress currently using PCIe 3.0.
However, where they differ is in their physical design and the number of PCIe lanes offered by the various cards. CFexpress cards have tended to go for a more robust, metallic design, which has no doubt added to their high price tags, while SD Express will likely have more in common with today's mass-market SD cards.
This means one possible scenario is that SD Express will be adopted by hobbyist-level cameras, like the ones that currently support UHS-II SD cards, and the various forms of CFexpress will remain the choice of pro photographers, particularly when that format moves up to PCIe 4.0.
One slight issue for SD Express, though, is that it's only backwards compatible with UHS-I cards, rather than the newer UHS-II interface. That could mean that if you have a camera with an SD Express slot, you'd either be able to get lightning-fast speeds with new cards or much slower ones with your current cards.
Whatever happens, it's likely to take a while for hardware for catch up with the new SD Express format – and in the meantime, anyone buying a new, high-end mirrorless camera will likely be buying into CFexpress.
It arrived with plenty of fanfare and a price tag to match, and after almost a year of being available to buy, the Canon EOS R5 continues to impress. Sure, it has heating issues when shooting video, but those specs are stupendous, and the performance is equally impressive.
However, an RRP upwards of AU$6,500 can be prohibitive for many photographers. So the best time to snap up a camera like this is during a big sale, like Amazon Prime Day.
There was a pretty respectable 23% discount on the EOS R5 over the duration of Prime Day 2021... but now it's cheaper still!
Admittedly it's cheaper by only a whole one percent more, but money saved is money saved. Amazon Australia's lowest price for the Canon EOS R5 body has been AU$5,315 in early June, and while this offer doesn't match that, it's only a teensy bit more at AU$5,319. Not bad, eh?
This is currently one of the best prices on the Canon flagship and it's slightly better than what it was during Prime Day. So if you missed out then and really want to get your hands on this, there's a better 24% discount now. A mirrorless marvel that shoots 8K video for a little over AU$5,300 is a great bargain in our books.
If your budget doesn't stretch as far as AU$5,319 and you can do without the video specs of the EOS R5, then the Canon EOS R6 is also still discounted – at the exact price it was during Prime Day.
It's this camera that usually gets picked in our round-ups of best cameras, whether full-frame mirrorless or just any mirrorless, because of its better bang-for-buck value. You get similar performance and specs as the EOS R5 – with 4K video recording of course and a lower resolution sensor – in a more affordable package.
The EOS R6 retails for about AU$4.5K but Amazon's Prime Day offer slashes a very generous 22% off that price.
The cheapest the EOS R6 has been on Amazon is AU$3,374 towards the end of January this year. The price hasn't come close to that since, but if you're really keen on one of the best cameras available to buy right now, 22% off is not a bad bargain. Aussie camera retailer Camera House has the next best price at AU$3,510, but Amazon beats that by a few dollars.
It goes without saying that if you're after some top-notch video capabilities, then you'll need to pick the EOS R5. It's also perfect for those high-resolution shots – whether landscape or wildlife – for very detailed and crisp images.
Needless to say that might be overkill for some users, and that's where the EOS R6 comes in. It's a more sensible option for most photographers and also happens to be a much cheaper alternative to the flagship Canon EOS 1-D X Mark III sports DSLR. It's also better for low-light photography.
They're both excellent cameras in their own right, so take your pick.
A GoPro Hero 9 Black firmware update has finally improved the action camera's frustratingly sluggish touchscreen – and also delivers some new open source tools that could should see it play nice with other tech.
The Hero 9 Black's v1.6 update, which is available to download now via the Quik app, delivers several tweaks, but the main one is that it "improves touchscreen performance in menus and settings".
So does it actually fix the action camera's annoyingly unresponsive screen? Kind of, but not completely. We've updated our camera's firmware, and it's definitely easier to pull down the settings menu. Scrolling through preferences also feels much snappier. But compared to the Hero 8 Black there's still some slight lag in places.
For example, hitting the 'capture settings' box results in a slight hesitation, which can lead you to tap the screen again, when you feel your first prod hasn't registered.
This certainly isn't a deal-breaker, and we did promote the Hero 9 Black to the number one spot in our best action cameras and best GoPros guides after a previous fix made some decent improvements; it's just slightly frustrating that the Hero 8 Black still offers a slightly snappier experience.
Arguably the bigger feature of the Hero 9 Black's firmware update, though, is its compatibility with the new 'Open GoPro' platform, which is a new API (Application Programming Interface) for developers to get their teeth into.
This allows anyone with some coding knowledge to write software that interacts with or controls certain aspects of the GoPro Hero 9 Black. Not everything is available to developers – for example, there's no access to the action cam's video feed – but tinkerers will be able to access the camera's wireless connectivity, video preview, status and SD card transfer.
Right now, this will only be available to the Hero 9 Black, and it's obviously early days for the API. But it does mean that you can expect to see much better integration with other hardware, like smartwatches and bike computers, along with other software.
(Image credit: GoPro)
Analysis: a quietly big deal for GoPro's action cams
This isn't the first time GoPro has flung open the software doors to its action cameras – just over five years ago it announced the GoPro Developer Program, which aimed to let companies create "a seamless user experience between their products and GoPro products".
This led to a few integrations with the likes of BMW, Fisher Price and Polar. But the program slowly fizzled out, so now GoPro has launched Open GoPro to be more, well, open than the previous API, which should mean a lot more creative integrations.
Rather than requiring an official partnership to be set up with GoPro, there is "no application or approval process", and you can see demos or sample code at the Open GoPro site.
The move is the latest step in a strategic shift by GoPro that started with GoPro Labs, which is a platform that lets you try out unreleased beta tools that massively increase the versatility of GoPro's flagship camera.
Back when the Hero 9 Black launched, we argued that it was secretly a big evolution for action cameras, because this new openness could help turn it into a surprisingly versatile Swiss Army Knife of a camera. For example, it could potentially become your webcam, body cam, dash cam or security cam, thanks to new features like wake-up timers for remote start capture.
The new Open GoPro platform should only boost this versatility. GoPro says that Amazfit smartwatches have used it to let you wirelessly control your Hero 9 Black with your smartwatch, while Orqa FPV goggles now let you wirelessly control a GoPro mounted on a drone. We're looking to see more creative tie-ins appear soon, once developers have got their teeth into the new GoPro API.
Panasonic has announced new firmware updates for its Lumix S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras to enhance the functionality of the S1, S1R and S5 cameras. When the latest firmware updates release in July, Panasonic will also release plug-in software to allow users to open HLG photos shot with S series cameras in Adobe Photoshop CC. Looking first at the S1 firmware update, which brings the S1 to version 2.1, it's a somewhat short list of improvements. However, the changes could be a big deal for some users. For S1 users with... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/2TYhpyC
via IFTTT
Last month, we wrote about an article by photographer Zach Sutton wherein he discussed how light placement affects the look of a portrait subject. Sutton also wrote about how to shoot portraits against a white backdrop. In that article for Lensrentals, Sutton admits he didn't give quite enough detail about maintaining exposure levels. In a new article on Lensrentals, Sutton dives deep into controlling light, not just for white clothing against a white, but also for photographing a subject in black clothing in front of a black... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/3gODZCW
via IFTTT
Click to read our Pentax K-3 III Field Test The Pentax K-3 Mark III has been a long time coming. Its predecessor, the K-3 II, was released in 2015. Six years later, and six years is a very long time in the photography industry, the K-3 III is finally here. The K-3 III is a significantly improved camera compared to the K-3 II, there’s no doubt about that, but a lot has changed in six years. Mirrorless cameras have usurped DSLR cameras. Many people still use DSLRs, myself included, but not many new ones come out, especially not flagship APS-C cameras like the... (read more)
from Imaging Resource News Page https://ift.tt/3qgshUK
via IFTTT
Xiaomi is all geared up to launch in India its Smart TV accessory, the Mi TV Webcam that is Google Duo compatible and allows for full-HD video calls.
The webcam from Xiaomi is its first accessory for Mi Smart TV that it first came up with in 2018.
"As clear as life itself! The times may call for social distancing, but we’re doing our best to help bridge the gap ❤," the official MiTV Indian handle tweeted, even as it announced the launch date of the MiTV Webcam in India as June 24, 2021.
The device will basically enable users to make video calls on a big screen. Google Duo being its official compatible calling platform.
Webcam for smart TVs has emerged as a popular product as travel is limited in these lockdown times and video calls help people stay in touch with their near and dear ones, especially over long distances. A few other companies, including OnePlus, have unveiled webcams for their smart TVs.
The Mi TV Webcam will support Full HD (1080p) video streaming and will have a clip for sturdy grip and a camera shutter for privacy. The webcam has to be mounted on the top of the TV with the given clip.
One leakster has it that the MiTV Webcam will include a USB Type-C port, magnetic clip for attachment.
Mi TV Webcam will have 3D noise reduction and far-field microphones.
It is not clear with which models of smart TVs from the Xiaomi stable (Mi and Redmi) will the new TV webcam will be compatible.
The webcam is rumoured to be priced at Rs 2500.
It has been a week of launches for Mi in India. Today it launched, Mi 11 Lite – thinnest and lightest phone of the year. It also unveiled Mi Watch Active Revolve with built-in GPS.
The GoPro Hero 8 Black's best bundle has just plummeted to its lowest price in the Prime Day deals, with a 24% discount bringing its price lower than the action cam's usual standalone price.
Normally costing $377/£329.99, the Hero 8 Black's Retail Bundle – which includes a Shorty tripod, head strap, 32GB microSD Card, two rechargeable Batteries and the action cam itself – is now down to just $279/£249.99, saving you around 24% on its usual price. (Not in the US/UK? Scroll down for the best Amazon Echo Buds prices in your region).
GoPro Hero 8 Black Bundle:$377$279 at Amazon
Save $98 – This is the lowest ever price for the Hero 8 Black's most useful bundle, which includes a tripod, headstrap, 32GB microSD card, and two batteries. All of these accessories are very useful allies for the former flagship, which remains one of the best 4K action cams you can buy.
GoPro Hero 8 Black Bundle:£329.99£249.99 at Amazon
Save £80 – This is the lowest ever price for the Hero 8 Black's most useful bundle, which includes a tripod, headstrap, 32GB microSD card, and two batteries. All of these accessories are very useful allies for the former flagship, which remains one of the best 4K action cams you can buy.
The GoPro Hero 8 Black may have been succeeded by the Hero 9 Black, but it remains one of our favorite action cameras. Its 4K video quality is the equal of its successor's and you get the same class-leading HyperSmooth image stabilization.
The Hero 8 Black was a bigger leap over the Hero 7 Black, thanks to its foldable built-in mount (which means you don't have to fit it into a plastic frame when mounting it to things), a new wind-resistant microphone and some great software features like improved HDR.
The Hero 8 Black's improvements to video bit-rates, raw photos and Full HD live-streaming also make it ideal for anyone who needs a rugged, waterproof b-cam for their vlogging or YouTube setups.
If you need to boost the Hero 8 Black's powers further, it's also handily compatible with GoPro's 'Mod' accessories. These include the Media Mod, which brings a built-in directional mic and 3.5mm microphone port, the Light Mod for boosting the available light in your vlogging videos.
Overall, the Hero 8 Black offers better value than the Hero 9 Black for those who don't need a front-facing screen – and that's particularly the case with this excellent Prime Day deal.
More GoPro Hero 8 Black deals
No matter where you live, you'll find all the lowest prices for the GoPro Hero 8 Black from around the web right here, with offers available in your region.
