Having drunk people in a crowd or at a public place is usually not be a good idea. While not everyone indulges in brawls when drunk, a crowd of sober persons is definitely lot more preferable. However, it is very hard to individually check out the sobriety of every person in places thronging with people, for instance at train stations.
To solve this problem, researchers at University of Patras are working on developing a new software that can discern whether or not a person is drunk simply through a face-scan. The software makes use of two key calculations which lets it make a reasonably accurate guess. (more…)
We’ve had furtive glances of Sony’s upcoming NEX-6 before, but only in the very clinical space of a government test lab. Apparently, no mere agency can confine it: photography workshop director Vincent Kang has posted a photo of the pre-release mirrorless camera on Weibo for all to see. Posing next to 24mm and 50mm lenses, the NEX-6 looks to be very much the in-between camera we suspected it was, without as much dedicated control as the NEX-7 but still carrying an electronic viewfinder, a pop-up flash and a dedicated function key near the shutter release. The dedicated mode dial is also more conspicuous — there’s no question that Sony wants to free up controls on the back for the future camera’s more experienced target audience. Between the new design and the already known inclusion of WiFi, it’s looking as though the NEX-6 may hit the sweet spot for shooters who want more control than the NEX-5R without sacrificing all its newer features. We just need to wait for official launch details to make it all real.
Nokia is experimenting with graphene-based camera sensors, potentially smaller and cheaper than existing CCD and CMOS systems, that could allow future high-res PureView models to still fit in your pocket. Revealed by a freshly published patent application for “Sensing of Photons,” Nokia’s approach combines multiple layers of photo-sensing graphene that are stacked with color filters, each stack representing a single pixel.
Using three color filters – for red, green, and blue wavelengths – would allow the graphene sensor to build up a normal full-color pixel. It could also be more efficient in low-light than a CMOS approach, as used in current Nokia phones, as a single layer of graphene absorbs just 2.3-percent of passing light.
Meanwhile, the graphene-based system could be more sensitive to light than traditional camera sensors, reflecting light back out through the layers and so getting a second opportunity to register it. That could mean roughly twice the light detection efficiency, Nokia suggests.
The upshot, so the patent application insists, is a camera sensor that’s potentially easier and cheaper to manufacture, smaller and thinner than existing versions, and that also works well as a pre-amplifier for more traditional photocells. Stack the graphene sensor on top of one of those, it’s pointed out, and it will grab extra light/color data without blocking the majority of the light passing through.
Nokia’s PureView technology, as in the 808 PureView, has so far relied on an oversized sensor paired with high-quality optics and software trickery – most notably oversampling, where data from multiple adjacent pixels is combined to make for a more detailed and accurate end image – to work its magic. However, such oversized sensors aren’t particularly compatible with the compact smartphones in demand today; the new flagship Lumia 920 PureView expected to be announced this week is tipped to have a “mere” 8-megapixel sensor, though Nokia’s photography expert insists that doesn’t preclude it from delivering PureView-style magic.
If Nokia can refine and commercialize graphene sensors, however, that could mean big megapixel counts without big devices. Unfortunately there’s no indication of quite how far down the development process Nokia might be, so we’ll probably have to wait a while to see such devices reach the market.
Nokia’s photography expert has struck out at PureView criticisms, apparently taking to task those who doubt the rumored Lumia 920 PureView is eligible to bear the brand. Damian Dinning, who spent five years developing PureView, took to Twitter to give an impromptu lesson in the advanced camera technology and – though he was careful not to reference unannounced Lumias – why an 8-megapixel camera could still deliver PureView-class stills and video.
“As said many times before it’s NOT about the number of pixels but what you do with them” Dinning pointed out, going on to argue that “the future of photography will be about how you use pixels, optics and image processing together.”
Contrary to those suggesting that a PureView Lumia would need considerably more than 8-megapixels in order to qualify, Dinning described the tech as more of a hybridization of multiple factors. “PureView is about blending optics, pixels and image processing in new and different ways to allow you to do things you otherwise cannot” he explained, “NOT a single specific feature or specification.”
The uncertainty around branding is fueled in part because Nokia so far has released only one PureView device, the 41-megapixel 808. That uses its excess of pixels for oversampling – combining data from seven individual dots for each final pixel in a roughly 5-megapixel still – as well as to deliver lossless zooming. The end results are astonishingly good, though the lenses and CMOS sensor required are bulky.
That might be acceptable for a niche photography camera running Symbian, but Nokia needs to keep the Windows Phone 8 Lumia line-up slinky and pocketable. It’s unclear what software magic the company will combine with its supposed 8-megapixel Lumia 920 camera, though the expectation is that it will indeed be more a matter of processing than of the sort of raw oversampling seen on the 808 PureView.
SlashGear is headed off to NYC for Nokia and Microsoft’s Wednesday event, when we’ll see just what the two companies have been working on to launch Windows Phone 8. Catch up with all the rumors and leaks around the event in our wrap-up.
Remember that $2,995 Blackmagic Cinema Camera that shoots full-res 21:9 16:9 video? It’s now hitting shelves, or maybe we should say “a shelf,” because the initial shipment was “rather small,” according to the company. The arrival date was pushed back earlier, and now the 2.5k, 12-bit RAW, sub-four-thirds video camera won’t roll out in volume until the “parts supply ramps up.” Meanwhile, B&H got a handful along with several other dealers, but if you just decided to order one for tomorrow’s shoot, you may wanna cool your ardor — there’s quite a back order to get through, first.
Prepare to get that meta feeling: when we caught up with Samsung for some post-unveil Galaxy Camera play, we thought what better to make the subject of our sample shot gallery than the Android camera itself. So, two Galaxy Cameras in hand (and with a couple of Galaxy Note II units along for the ride) we set out to put the Android snapper through its paces. Read on for sample photos and video of the Galaxy Camera in action.
We’ve not modified or edited the shots, bar the watermark, to give you an idea of what the Galaxy Camera alone is capable of. Still, it’s worth noting that there’s a reasonably comprehensive photo-editing suite onboard by default; you can make basic brightness/contrast style tweaks, crop shots, or fix redeye, or make more noticeable changes such as adding clipart, text and Instagram-style frames, as shown in our hands-on video (also shot using the Galaxy Camera):
As you can see, there’s some focus-hunting when filming close-up, with the Galaxy Camera struggling at times to keep a lock on the subject. In terms of functionality, mind, being able to instantly upload to services like Instagram, all from the camera itself, or indeed send the shot to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or via email, is a real benefit. Moreover, you can set the Galaxy Camera to automatically upload all new shots to the cloud as you take them, perfect for instant sharing.
Samsung has pushed the camera option to the forefront of the TouchWiz interface – by default the icon is first in the homescreen quicklaunch bar – but it might be nice to have a dedicated hardware button to launch it. Otherwise, the 4.77-inch Super LCD touchscreen makes navigation incredibly straightforward, with enough space for clear previews of shooting modes and effects, not to mention easy text entry on the onscreen keyboard. It’s worth noting that some Android apps prefer portrait orientation, whereas the Galaxy Camera is most comfortable in landscape: Instagram is a notable offender, refusing to rotate.
Stills look solid though not outstanding; this is, after all, a point and shoot. Touch-focus makes framing easy, and there’s little lag when you hit the shutter button; we did find that we initially kept tapping the silver onscreen button on the right, thinking more of camera apps on Android phones, but which on the Galaxy Camera actually pulls out the mode menu. Samsung is quick to point out that the camera isn’t running final software yet, so both photo and video output – not to mention things like focus hunting – may be changed by the time it reaches shelves. We’ve more hands-on impressions with the Galaxy Camera here.
Just to reiterate, all of the photos in the gallery are unedited and as they came from the Galaxy Camera itself; the watermarks are the only thing we’ve added. Let us know whether you’re convinced by Samsung’s newest model in the comments.
We were still wearing our winter jackets when Sigma announced its 19mm F2.8 toutin’ (28mm equivalent) DP1 Merrill compact was getting a (pseudo) 46-megapixel sensor overhaul. Now, we finally get word on when we can take the refreshed snapper for a spin: mid-September. If you’re interested in an autumnal upgrade, we hope you’ve been saving, as you’ll need to drop a sturdy $999 for the privilege. Which is fine, just as long as you weren’t putting off the vacation until this arrived.
Samsung’s going all out with its Galaxy Camera accessory lineup. In addition to the cases and Flip Covers we saw at Unpacked earlier this week, the company had some external flashes and professional-looking holsters on hand at its IFA booth, including a grip-mounted adjustable strobe, a ring light set and a sophisticated carrying rig, complete with hinged barn doors to block out unwanted glare. There were also hard covers in multiple dark colors, a handful of soft rubber-looking covers in light colors like aqua and lime green, along with an oversized wireless charging pad mock-up. In typical IFA fashion, booth attendants were unable to provide any information whatsoever, so it’s anyone’s guess what any of these gadgets cost, or if they’ll even make it to market. It’s also unclear whether or not any of the accessories are functional at this point, or simply mock-ups of add-ons under consideration. In the meantime, you can take a closer look in the gallery below.
We’re in Berlin this week at IFA 2012 having a look at the Liquid Image EGO HD – a high definition mountable camera ready to take on the competition with both 12 megapixel photos and 1080p video capture. This device is also able to record video at HD 720p at 60 frames per second if you wish, all of it being stored on a 4GB microSDHC card that fits in the device – and comes with the unit as well, right in the box. You’ll be able to attach this device to basically anything you’ve got with a collection of mounts available from Liquid Image as well – it’s diverse!
This device has the ability to carry up to a 32GB microSDHC card and works with a rechargeable battery rated at 1.5-2 hours of HD video. The unit you buy standard comes with a tripod mount as well as a multi-directional mounting system with a quick release lever so you’ll be able to detach it easily. You’ll be able to attach this camera to your helmet, goggles, a variety of vehicles, and dunk it underwater with a specially fitted waterproof housing.
The standard package has a multi-directional mounting system that works with bikes, boards, cars, and all manner of sporting equipment as well. With the wi-fi connectivity aboard, you’ll be able to connect with smartphones, tablet, and your computer – and no extra wireless module attachment is necessary for live wireless streaming if that’s your style!
The entire device measures in at 1.6 x 1.2 x 2.5 inches and fits in the palm of your hand. You’ll be able to record without fearing destruction by loose tree limbs and debris due to the compact size, and the whole system comes in a variety of colors. Black, blue, yellow, white, and red are out now for right around $179.95 USD – grab one!
The NEX-5R camera features a newly-developed 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor – identical in size to sensors found in traditional DSLR cameras – combined with a powerful BIONZ® processor to assure richly detailed still images and crisp Full HD videos (1080/60p) in all types of lighting conditions. In a first for Sony’s line of interchangeable lens cameras, the new NEX-5R model features “Fast Hybrid AF” autofocus technology, combining phase-detection and …
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