Nikon wants you to quit AI and take photos with 'natural intelligence'

Techradar:

The big camera manufacturers have remained pretty quiet about the rise of AI image generators like Midjourney so far, but Nikon has now broken cover, with a campaign that encourages a return to "natural intelligence" in photography.

As spotted by Little Black Book and Petapixel, a clever Nikon Peru campaign shows a succession of stunning real-world photos, on which are superimposed the AI prompts that might have inspired them, had they been AI-generated. 

The campaign, which features the tagline "Don't give up on the real world", has been designed to steal back the photography limelight from AI image generators, which have dominated the headlines this year – even though there are plenty of things the likes of Midjourney and Dall-E still can't do.

An example real-world photo from Nikon's campaign, complete with its mocked-up AI prompt (Image credit: Nikon)

While it's the kind of argument you'd expect to hear from one of the world's biggest camera manufacturers – Nikon still sits third in global camera market share, behind Sony and Canon – it will also strike a chord with traditional photographers.

As Nikon Peru states in its promo video "this obsession with the artificial is making us forget that our world is full of amazing natural places that are often stranger than fiction". 

This AI revolution is seemingly having real-world consequences, with Nikon Peru adding that "millions of people around the world are generating surreal images just by entering a few keywords on a website, which is directly affecting photographers, especially in places with fewer resources". Those places include Latin America, where editorial and advertising photographers are "losing space, work and profits", Nikon adds.

The AI backlash begins

The light-hearted tone of the fake AI prompts (above) in Nikon's campaign mean it doesn't sound too didactic (Image credit: Nikon)

The flipside to Nikon's argument is that AI image generators – particularly those that are trained on photography that's been licensed from creators, like Adobe Firefly – are opening up dramatic landscape 'photography' to new audiences who can't afford to travel to remote places with expensive camera gear.

But Nikon clearly feels that, rather than co-existing with traditional photography, AI image generators could significantly hit the demand for real-world photography, and it's seen this happen already.

However you feel about AI image generation, Nikon's campaign is the first significant backlash from one of the major camera manufacturers – and is a nicely executed one, too. For example, a photo of Iceland's Reynisfjara beach (above) is given the mock AI prompt "a realistic Minecraft cliff at the seashore in winter season".

In another photo, which you can see higher up the page, the Coyote Buttes cliffs in Arizona, USA are described in their AI prompt as "a latte skatepark in the middle of the desert in Mars".

Of course, AI and cameras also aren't necessarily polar opposites – there are several examples of the ways AI is transforming how traditional cameras work, from increasingly smart autofocus to improved image processing. So the future of photography is perhaps one of peaceful co-existence between the two tools, rather than deathmatch between Midjourney and Nikon.  

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It's finally happening: Canon tipped to open up mirrorless cameras to third-party lenses

Techradar:

Sony, Fujfiilm, Nikon, Panasonic and OM-System all share one thing in common that Canon doesn’t – third-party lenses for their mirrorless cameras. And it’s little wonder. In 2023, the likes of Sigma, Tamron and Chinese brands like Laowa make excellent proprietary lens alternatives that are often better value, too. 

If you’re interested in one of Canon’s crop-sensor cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10 – and we wouldn’t blame you because they are two of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners and enthusiasts available – there’s a significant x in the box; limited lens choice. However, that could be about to change. 

According to Canon Rumors, the traditionally closed-off company is about to open its doors to third party lens makers and it looks like Sigma is first in the cue. The collaborative move couldn’t have come sooner. 

(Image credit: Future)

Ending its lens monopoly?

Canon makes some of the best mirrorless cameras, and it is doing a superb job of making excellent lenses, especially for its full-frame mirrorless cameras like the EOS R5. Stand-out optics include the RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM and the latest version of the RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (which is 30% smaller and lighter than equivalents).

However, Canon lenses are costlier than those from every other big brand, even Sony, and what you won’t find when looking for Canon glass are low-cost alternatives. In these challenging economic times, that’s a big strike against Canon, plus we’ve come to expect the better-value likes of Sigma and Tamron to create lenses of similar technical quality to proprietary lenses. 

Canon must have its reasons for remaining closed with a hit on its own lens sales being one possible explanation, but that doesn’t seem to have stopped every other major camera brand from cuddling up with outsiders.  

As for Canon’s superb crop-sensor cameras like the EOS R7 and EOS R10, there’s a real lack of native lenses. At the time of writing, there are more cameras than lenses, with only three low-end RF-S zoom lenses available. We highly recommend the aforementioned cameras, but limited lens choice is a con that we have to highlight, given the huge part that lenses play in the quality of our photos. 

(Image credit: Future)

Catching up to do

Nikon’s mirrorless cameras that are part of its Z-mount have a strikingly similar number of lenses to choose from as Canon. However, Nikon has already partnered with Sigma, and its crop-sensor cameras like the Nikon Z fc already have three Sigma f/1.4 contemporary prime lenses to choose from. 

Sony has been in the mirrorless game way longer than Canon and has 49 full-frame and 23 native crop-sensor lenses, plus an army of third-party makers on board. Panasonic and OM-System share the same micro-four-thirds sensor and offer a lens for every scenario and level. You get the picture – every other brand is one or several steps ahead of Canon. 

Canon needs to open up. Not just to broaden the appeal to its crop-sensor mirrorless cameras, but to allow better value options for its customers. 

(Image credit: Sigma)

Which third party lenses can we expect? 

According to rumors, there are two Canon RF-mount Sigma lenses in the pipeline. Speculation points toward a full-frame 50mm f/1.4 lens, plus a Canon version of Sigma’s existing 17-50mm f/2.8 OS DC for crop-sensor cameras. The latter would pair superbly with the EOS R7.

What’s clear is that in the early adoption days, we’re unlikely to see any overlap between Canon and Sigma RF-mount lenses – potential Sigma lenses will need to bring something new to the table. For Canon’s crop sensor cameras that use RF-S lenses, that’s no hard task. 

Lenses don’t make headlines in the same way that cameras do, but for those of us that seriously use cameras, we know how important lens choice is and this move from Canon is more exciting than the launch of another camera. Let’s hope this rumor proves to be accurate. 

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New Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 could combine the best of Fuji's instant worlds

Techradar:

The latest addition to Fujifilm’s range of Instax cameras has been leaked and it certainly packs the retro charm. The press release, shared by Fuji Rumors, reveals the Fujifilm Instax SQ40, a camera that takes its design cues from the Instax Mini 40 and combines that with the Instax square instant film format that the Instax SQ1 uses. 

Pictures reveal a faux-leather black texture with silver-effect accents on the lens and shutter button. We’re big fans of the Mini 40’s retro charm, while preferring the larger size of the Instax square film, and so the SQ40 delivers the best of both worlds. This could be one of the best instant cameras, even if it won’t be as pocketable as the Mini 40.

The new camera will feature automatic exposure for point-and-shoot simplicity, plus a retractable lens that works like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12: two shooting modes; standard and closeup, and in the off position the lens is fully retracted.

Closeup mode reduces the minimum focal distance so you can squeeze more subjects into your selfies and closeups. For everything else, you can use the standard shooting mode.

Otherwise, details are sparse, but we’ll be sure to give a full picture once we’ve directly received official specifications.

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

Price and release date, and new “Sunset” Square film

The Fujifilm Instax SQ40 has a suggested list price of $149.99 (about £130 / AU$250) and is expected to be available at the end of June 2023.

Alongside the launch of the SQ40, Fujifilm will add a “Sunset” variety of its Square film that features soft color gradients that the company says are “reminiscent of a serene sunset”. 

A regular twin pack (2x10 sheets) of Square color film costs $24.99 / £16.99 / AU$34.95 and is also available with different colored borders including Rainbow, plus a Monochrome version of the film (prices vary).

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Canon PowerShot concept suggests it's preparing to take on Insta360

Techradar:

Canon PowerShot is making an unlikely comeback. First, after years of inactivity, Canon surprised us in May (2023) with a new vlogging compact camera – the Powershot V10. Now it looks like the camera giant was just getting started, and is already showing off a fascinating PowerShot V concept. 

The camera in question was on show at Photo Next Show 2023 last week in Japan, pictured in multiple angles by show attendees and shared via Twitter accounts @wistaria_ and Ichiro Uematsu. 

It's exterior is similar to the PowerShot V10, but this time with twin back-to-back lenses, with the rear lens able to fold out to the front thanks to a hinged design. We’ve seen a design like this before in the Insta360 Evo – an all-in-one 180-degree 3D VR and 360-degree camera and one of the best 360-degree cameras available. 

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(Image credit: wistaria_)

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(Image credit: wistaria_)

Canon and the VR space

We don’t have any technical data for the new PowerShot concept, but based on the pictures it looks like the camera packs twin front and rear-facing fisheye lenses that each have a 180-degree (approximately) field of view; and that a hinge can swivel the rear lens out to the front.

In one configuration, the front and rear-facing fisheye lenses cover 360 degrees, while in a second setup, the rear camera sits alongside the front camera to form a stereoscopic camera that can record 180-degree 3D VR images, à la Insta360 Evo.

Canon is courting the VR space. Last year it launched a twin fisheye lens for 180-degree 3D VR that was primarily partnered with its full-frame mirrorless camera the EOS R5. The two lenses record to the left and right half of the EOS R5’s sensor, making two 4K images one for each eye of a VR headset, taken from the camera’s 8K video resolution.

If the concept camera costs around the same as the V10, we’d be surprised if it has a high-resolution sensor and 8K video recording. It’ll probably be the same 1-in sensor with 4K video as the V10, delivering a Full HD output for each eye. It could feature twin 4K-enabled sensors, but that seems unlikely given the design. 

It would be great if each eye could enjoy 4K video either through a single 8K sensor or twin 4K sensors, but a 3D VR image in Full HD is most likely. Let’s wait and see. 

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(Image credit: Ichiro Uematsu)

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(Image credit: Ichiro Uematsu)

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(Image credit: Ichiro Uematsu)

A new direction for Canon?

Canon’s apparent compact camera strategy makes a lot of sense: do cameras differently. The V10 takes on the Sony ZV-1 as one of the best vlogging cameras with an all-out vlogging design that strikes the right note, even if the technology inside is a little dated. 

And there’s no way that regular point-and-shoot PowerShot compact cameras can compete with today’s smartphones, but a twin fisheye lens camera for mixed reality photos and videos you don’t have to strap to your face like the Apple Vision Pro? That’s a more viable alternative to what smartphones can offer in 2023. 

There have also been rumors via Gizmochina about Canon collaborating with a smartphone manufacturer, too. In May 2022 Xiaomi and Leica announced their long-term partnership for mobile imaging and we’ve seen some mighty impressive Xiaomi cameras ever since, like in the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. 

We don’t know which smartphone giant is cuddling up with Canon, or how that partnership will develop but it would mark a forward-thinking collaborative step for the traditionally closed-off camera giant. 

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Major Adobe Express update brings Firefly Generative AI integration

Techradar:

Adobe Creative Cloud Express – which enables you to design everything from social media posts to fliers – has received a major update in a beta version that chiefly integrates Adobe Firefly Generative AI. 

The desktop and mobile app is designed for users of all skill levels, and is now more versatile than ever, with generative text-to-image and text effects expanding the app’s extensive collection of assets and templates. 

A new-look editor for its multimedia design, photo, and video features can easily integrate Adobe's CC app files from Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and Acrobat to your Express creations, which can now be shared via the cloud for collaborative projects, with changes synced in real-time.

The previous Express update included a content scheduler, and this latest release takes Express to new heights – with Google Bard integration for good measure – rapidly making the all-in-one editor an easy-to-use, comprehensive and fun app for content creators.

A major generative AI boost

Following the integration of Adobe Firefly into Adobe Photoshop, it was inevitable that the generative AI tool would be embedded into Adobe Express content workflows, and it’s a major boost for the all-in-one editor. 

This new beta version of Express gets the same Firefly generative AI text-to-image and text effects tool, although Generative Fill, which was recently introduced in a beta version of Photoshop, will not be part of Express for now.

Express has a catalog of more than 20,000 assets and fonts, all of which can now be personalized using generative text effects. For example, you can type in the visual effect that you’d like, such as pink balloons, for whichever font you're using, and as with text-to-image, the effect is taken and applied from Adobe Stock dataset. 

We're looking forward to having a play with this beta version of Express and sharing our experiences with you soon. 

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(Image credit: Adobe)

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(Image credit: Adobe)

Price and release date 

The latest beta release of Express is available now for free in the desktop version, with the mobile version coming with the full release of Express.

Existing Adobe Creative Cloud members can enjoy the Adobe Express premium plan, with more assets and templates to choose from than the free tier, and subscriptions start at $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$10.99 a month.

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The first DJI Air 3 leaks show it could be the new drone sweet spot

Techradar:

The DJI Air 2S has been a longstanding member of our guide to the best drones, but several leaks have revealed that its DJI Air 3 successor is imminent – and could well be the new sweet spot in DJI's drone range.

A combination of rumored DJI Air 3 specs, plus leaked photos and a video, have started to build a picture of what we can expect from the mid-range drone. And the big news is that it's likely to get a new telephoto lens, similar to the one we saw recently on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.  

The DJI Air 2S currently has just a single camera with a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor. But according to regular DJI leaker @Quadro_News, the DJI Air 3 will add either a 1/1.3-inch mid-telephoto lens with an effective 3x zoom (like the one on the Mavic 3 Pro) or a 1/2-inch telephoto lens with an effective 7x zoom.

Neither of these would be 'zoom' lenses in the technical sense, but their longer focal lengths would offer a handy way to shoot photos and video of distant subjects, particularly ones that you can't legally fly near (eg. groups of people).

DJI Air 3 leaks, as you see pic.twitter.com/yS0ZCK6ZAqMay 24, 2023

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These rumors appear to be backed up some recently leaked images and video (below), which have just appeared courtesy of Deals Drone  and Dronemodelismo.

While not exactly clear or high-resolution, the images show that the drone has a large camera module that has likely been boosted from the one on the Air 2S to make room for that additional lens. 

Adding an extra lens to the DJI Air 3 would also make sense in the context of DJI's current lineup, giving aerial photographers a reason to choose the newer drone over the small and otherwise excellent DJI Mini 3 Pro.

DJI Air 3 in testing. video from Wechat pic.twitter.com/GWrQ5BEdsyMay 24, 2023

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The only other specs leak we've seen for the DJI Air 3 so far is an apparent 30-minute battery life, which would make its flight time almost identical to the DJI Air 2S. With an expected release in "late June or early July 2023", according to Quadro_News, we'll likely see more leaks and details very soon.

The only possible downside to the DJI Air 3's new lens and boosted specs could be a higher price tag, with the rumors pointing towards a price of around 7,500 yuan (which converts to around $1,060 / £860 / AU$1,625). But anyone looking for a compact, all-rounder drone could still see it as the sweet spot in DJI's range.

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Analysis: Better than the Mini 3 Pro?

(Image credit: DJI)

We were big fans of the DJI Air 2S when it landed in April 2021, awarding it a five-star review and putting it at the top of our guide to the best drones you can buy. It's since been pushed down that list by the sub-250g DJI Mini 3 Pro and the DJI Mavic 3, now more polished thanks to some much-needed firmware upgrades.

If the DJI Air 3 brings an extra telephoto lens, alongside other improvements like Ocusync 3.0 Plus transmission and improved high frame-rate video options, it could reclaim that top spot. The Air series has always offered a good middle ground between DJI's Mini range and its Mavic series, which command price tags that are tricky for most amateurs to justify.

We'd like to have seen an improved battery life on the DJI Air 3, but the rumors so far suggest that's unlikely – with one of the leaked photos appearing to back up that theory by showing a stash of spare DJI batteries.

It looks like it'll be well worth waiting until June or July to see what the Air 3 brings, if you've been thinking about buying a new flying camera – not least because of the wave of keenly-priced Air 2S drones on the second-hand market.

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Photoshop’s new AI-powered tricks will fix your biggest mistakes

Techradar:

Adobe Photoshop has been the gold standard in photo editing for over three decades, so it was only a matter of time until it embraced the tricks seen in the best AI art generators – and it's now done just that in the form of a new tool called Generative Fill.

The new tool, which lets you extend images or add objects to them using text prompts, certainly isn't the first AI-powered feature we've seen in Photoshop. Generative Fill is also a user-friendly development of existing Adobe tools, like Content Aware Fill, but it's also one of the most significant new Photoshop features we’ve seen for years.

That’s because it leans on the power of Adobe Firefly, the company’s new generative AI engine, to help you fix big compositional mistakes or completely reinvent an image’s contents. In Adobe’s demos, images in portrait orientation are instantly turned into ones in landscape – with Photoshop simply inventing the sides of the photo based on the original image.

While some of those examples are quite subtle, others have a very obvious art aesthetic. For example, a photo of a corgi is turned into one with very obviously fake bubbles and a van in the background. 

Adobe clearly sees Generative Fill as a tool for both beginners and pros, but the new text-to-image prompt box is certainly a useful touch for those who don’t know Photoshop’s existing tools. You can use this to add small details to an image or completely change its background – in another demo, a deer is moved from its forest background to a city thanks to the prompt ‘wet alley at night’.

Of course, none of this will be new to fans of Midjourney or Dall-E, which have helped spark this year’s boom in text-to-image generation. 

But Adobe is keen to stress that AI tools like Generative Fill model have only been trained on Adobe Stock images, openly-licensed content, and public domain content where the copyright has expired. This means they can be used for commercial use without the threat of class-action lawsuits from artists who claim some AI models have stolen their work.

While Generative Fill is only rolling out to the full Photoshop app in the “second half of 2023”, there are a couple of ways you can try it out now. First, it’s available in Photoshop’s desktop beta app, which you can get by going to the Creative Cloud desktop app, choosing Beta apps in the left sidebar, then installing it from there.

The feature is also available as a module within the web-only Adobe Firefly, which was also recently added to Google Bard. To use Firefly in Bard, you can simply write your image request (for example, 'make an image of a unicorn and a cake at a kid's party') and it'll do the rest. What a time to be alive. 

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Analysis: Photoshop battles its new AI rivals

Some of the effects created by the Firefly-powered Generative Fill are more clearly AI-generated. (Image credit: Adobe)

Like Google, Adobe is a giant incumbent that's under attack from AI upstarts like OpenAI and Midjourney. While Firefly and Photoshop's Generative Fill aren't doing things we haven't seen before, they are doing them in a measured way that sidesteps any copyright issues and helps maintains its reputation.

Photoshop's embrace of generative AI also brings these tools fully into the mainstream. The image editor may not be the dominant force it was before the likes of Canva, Affinity Photo and GIMP arrived to offer more affordable alternatives, but it remains one of the best photo editors around and certainly one of the most widely used.

From Adobe's early demos, it looks like Generative Fill is in its early days and produces mixed results, depending on your tastes. In some images, the effects are subtle and realistic, while in others – particularly images where large parts of entirely AI-generated – the results are clearly AI-generated and may not date very well.

Still, the arrival of Generative AI alongside other new features like the Remove Tool –another development of the Photoshop's existing ability to let you eliminate unwanted objects – is only a good thing for those who aren't familiar with the app's sometimes arcane interface. 

And it's another step towards the AI tools, like DragGAN, that will completely change photography as we know it.        

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