MIT imaging chip creates natural-looking flash photos

MIT imaging chip blends photos with and without flash, keeps detail in noise reduction

Mobile image processing in itself isn’t special when even high dynamic range shooting is virtually instant, at least with NVIDIA’s new Tegras. A new low-power MIT chip, however, may prove its worth by being a jack of all trades that works faster than software. It can apply HDR to photos and videos through near-immediate exposure bracketing, but it can also produce natural-looking flash images by combining the lit photo with an unassisted shot to fill in missing detail. Researchers further claim to have automatic noise reduction that safeguards detail through bilateral filtering, an established technique that uses brightness detection to avoid blurring edges. If you’re wondering whether or not MIT’s work will venture beyond the labs, don’t — the project was financed by contract manufacturing giant Foxconn, and it’s already catching the eye of Microsoft Research. As long as Foxconn maintains interest through to production, pristine mobile photography won’t be limited to a handful of devices.

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Source: MIT

Nikon announces the D7100 DSLR: $1,200, 24MP DX sensor, improved speed and focusing (update: hands-on!)

Nikon announces the D7100 DSLR $1,200, 24MP DX sensor, improved speed and focusing update handson!

Not eager to fork over two grand for Nikon’s full-frame D600? You might take interest with the company’s new D7100, a lightweight DSLR with a brand new DX-format (APS-C) sensor and a handful of other goodies to boot. The 24.1-megapixel cam’s imaging technology follows a now-commonplace industry trend by dropping the optical low-pass filter in favor of enhanced resolution. Naturally, the D7000 successor includes a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 25,600 (Hi 2), along with improved noise reduction for better results in low-light. There’s a D4-like EXPEED 3 processor with support for 6 frames-per-second shooting in any mode, even when capturing 12- or 14-bit RAW images. A unique 1.3x DX crop function boost that rate to 7 fps, however, while capturing a maximum of 15.4-megapixel stills and 1080/60i or 50i video, compared to 1080 30/25/24p in the regular mode. There’s a 3.2-inch 1.229M-dot LCD, an OLED display inside the viewfinder for crisper data readout, and plenty more if you read on!

Gallery: Nikon D7100

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Nikon D7100: A Loaded Intermediate DSLR Might Be Just Right

Over the last year, Nikon has replaced its two bottom DSLRs with the D3200 and D5200 refreshes. The new D7100 is the latest DX format camera bump, replacing the dated D7000 from three years ago. More »

Record-breaking 320-gigapixel panorama of London is a cause for celebration, vertigo

320gigapixel panorama of London

While the Shard might be the new darling of London’s skyline, the BT Tower’s still got a few tricks up its sleeve — such as this record-breaking 320 gigapixel panorama of the English capital. In total 48,640 images, shot with four Canon EOS 7D cameras were stitched together to create this 360 vista. Want a little more perspective? The press info claims that if this were a physical image, it would be almost as large as Buckingham Palace — or in more concrete terms — 60,000 times larger than an average iPhone photo. Of course, what good would a gigapixel image be without a where’s waldo-style hunt? So, UK residents who have a keen eye can try spotting BT’s Buzby mascot for the chance of winning some prizes. Us? We’re just trying to hunt down a cab. Set your sights on the source for big picture.

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BT TOWER BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR PANORAMIC PHOTO
To see the gigapixel image and share your favourite views of London visit: www.btlondon2012.co.uk

An amazing image of London taken from the top of the BT Tower has set a new record for the world’s largest panoramic photo. The image shows a full 360 degree view of London in incredible detail.
The 320 gigapixel image, taken by expert photography firm 360Cities, comprises 48,640 individual frames, using four, state of the art Canon EOS 7D cameras with EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses and Extender EF 2x III teleconverters, provided by Canon. The cameras were driven by high end Rodeon VR Head ST robotic panorama heads, from the Clauss company in Germany. The individual images have been stitched into a single, gigantic panorama over a period of weeks by a powerful Celsius R920 workstation, provided by Fujitsu Technology Solutions Europe.

It is the first time that an image of this magnitude has ever been attempted, and it took several months to create due to the scale of the endeavour. If printed at normal photographic resolution, the BT Tower panorama would be 98 meters across and 24 meters tall, almost as big as Buckingham Palace. In comparison, the last record attempt for a London panorama was 80 gigapixels, taken from Centrepoint in 2010.
The images were taken after the end of London 2012, the first digital Games. Londoners, tourists and those who work in the capital are now being asked to share their favourite views of the capital, as a permanent record of London’s year in the global spotlight.

As the official communications services partner for London 2012, BT played a vital role in ensuring the Games were the most connected ever, with millions of people enjoying sharing their experiences of the sporting and cultural action via social media. BT Tower played its part in the celebration, sharing news of every single medal won, live stats and scores on its giant 360 degree LED screen.
Suzi Williams, director, BT Group Marketing & Brand, said, “The BT Tower is such an iconic London landmark, and became a focus for the capital’s celebrations in 2012, what better way to capture that remarkable year than with a full panoramic photograph taken from its roof. This isn’t just a world record for the BT Tower, it’s for London and the people who live, work in or visit the capital. Take a look, and share your favourite London places and landmarks.”

Steve Hercher, director, 360Cities, said, “We were honoured to be chosen by BT to attempt this world record panorama and make our own contribution to commemorating the wonderful London 2012 Games. So many unknowns and variables had to be addressed in the planning of this unprecedented shoot, really the first of its kind. Software and hardware were pushed to the limits, and rain, wind and other potential stumbling blocks had to be dealt with. Our photography team of Jeffrey Martin, Tom Mills and Holger Schulze did an amazing job and not a single individual frame from the more than 48,000 planned was missed.”

Rainer Fuehres, Head of Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe, said: “The goal of empowering people to take the next step on their personal photographic journeys drives every product we create, and this breath-taking image truly takes this philosophy to the extreme. Since its launch, the EOS 7D has caught the imagination of enthusiasts around the world so we were pleased to support such an exciting and challenging project with a camera that so many people are using to capture their own moments of inspiration.”

Also, our old friend Buzby is hiding in the gigapixel image too. Find him, and you could be one of three winners in our competition. People are selected at random, the first winner will receive an iPad, a year’s free broadband, and a trip to the top of the BT Tower to see the view in person. Second and third place win an iPad. Full terms and conditions, please see http://www.btplc.com/gigapixel/

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Source: BT London 2012

Lytro Light Field Camera: Focusing Not An Issue

Lytro CamerasHate getting out-of-focus images? The Lytro camera lets you shoot first, worry about focusing later.

Sony NEX-3N: The Awesomest Beginner Mirrorless Camera Is Now Smaller and Lighter

We’re big fans of Sony’s line of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Sony Europe just announced NEX-3N, the latest update to the starter NEX camera. We loved last year’s NEX-F3, and, really, we should be elated that Sony has made it considerably smaller and lighter to make it more appealing to entry-level customers. Alas, we’ve got mixed feelings. More »

Sony NEX-3N and Alpha A58 unveiled, heading to Europe this spring

Sony NEX-3N and Alpha A58 unveiled, heading to Europe this spring

Sony’s Alpha A58 and NEX-3N broke cover just a few days ago in rogue press shots, and now the firm’s European branch has made the duo official. With a 16.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, the NEX-3N picks up the banner as the outfit’s entry level mirrorless camera and packs a 3-inch LCD screen that can tilt up to 180 degrees. According to Sony, the NEX-3N is the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor, gently tipping the scales at 269 grams. The shooter sports a pop-up flash, has its ISO notched up 16000, a revamped Bionz processor for noise reduction and even packs support for Sony’s Triluminos display tech. A price tag for the NEX-3N is still MIA, but it’s slated to hit Europe in March.

As for the translucent mirror-toting A58, it features a 20.1-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and a 2.6-inch, 460k-dot LCD with an adjustable angle. If you’d rather not compose shots with the LCD screen, however, the A58 also has an OLED viewfinder. When it comes to video, the device can record 1920×1080 footage in AVCHD. Hirai and Co.’s refreshed Bionz image processing engine makes an appearance in the camera as well. Come April, the A58 will be available in Europe with an as-of-yet unspecified price tag.

Itching for new lenses? Sony’s just dished out details on a trio of new A-mount glass and accessories (with some E-mount peripherals as well) that are headed for a March debut in Europe. For the complete lowdown on the cams, lenses and accessories, hit the jump for the press releases and galleries.

Gallery: Sony NEX-3N

Gallery: Sony A58

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Easy to handle, easy to use: the new NEX-3N by Sony puts pro-quality images in everyone’s reach 20 February 2013

Super-compact interchangeable lens APS-C camera weighs just 210g

  • No-fuss self-portraits with 180° tiltable LCD screen and zoom lever
  • Large Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels and high sensitivity, for detail-packed, low noise photos and Full HD video
  • Beautiful compositions made easy with new Auto Object Framing
  • Light, compact body with pop-up flash
  • Moving up from your fixed lens camera? Travel light with the compact, easy to use NEX-3N E-mount camera with built-in flash – an exciting introduction to the world of interchangeable lens photography by Sony.

Self-portraits have never been simpler with the NEX-3N, thanks to the camera’s easy-to-hold textured grip that fits reassuringly in the hand. The crisp, bright 7.5cm (3.0-type) LCD screen instantly flips through 180 degrees for fuss-free arm’s-length compositions. What’s more, a newly-added zoom lever on the camera body allows smooth, fingertip control of focal length with compatible lenses like the slim, light SELP1650 power zoom. Great for one-handed portrait framing, the zoom lever also adjusts digital zoom if you’re not using a powered lens.

All serious photographers know that great photos start with a great composition. Brand new Auto Object Framing helps you get better-looking, more professional results without effort. The camera judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people or even macro and moving objects – automatically cropping the shot to create more powerful, professionally-framed compositions.

Weighing approximately 210g, the NEX-3N is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a large APS-C sized sensor*. Grabbing more light than the sensor in ordinary compact cameras, it’s the big sensor that’s key to exquisitely detailed photos and sparkling Full HD movies that stand out from the crowd. What’s more, it’s easy to create pro-style background blur effects with your collection of interchangeable E-mount lenses… just like you’d achieve with a bigger, bulkier DSLR camera.

The camera’s large sensor also boosts maximum sensitivity to ISO 16000. It’s complemented by an evolved BIONZ processor that uses the same area-specific noise reduction techniques featured on the acclaimed full-frame α99. Levels of noise reduction and sharpness are individually adjusted for different image areas. Even if you’re shooting in dim light, you’ll enjoy crisp, ultra-low noise handheld shots without needing flash.

The NEX-3N is also the first NEX interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new “TRILUMINOS Colour”. You’ll experience a dramatically expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when videos and still images are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for “TRILUMINOS Display”.

There’s now a range of thirteen high-quality E-mount lenses to realise the immense creative potential of the NEX-3N. Choose from telephoto, zoom, wide angle, macro lenses by Sony and Carl Zeiss to suit any shooting situation. Every model blends superb optical performance with elegant looks to complement your E-mount camera. There’s also a full range of coordinating accessories by Sony, from style-matching carry cases and straps to spare batteries.

The light, compact new NEX-3N interchangeable lens camera from Sony is available in Europe from March 2013.

* Among interchangeable-lens cameras with an APS-C sensor and pop-up flash, as of Feb 2013.

Never miss the moment: the new α58 from Sony

Digital SLT camera with Translucent Mirror Technology

  • Capture fine detail with new 20.1 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • Grab fast-moving action with speedy 8fps* shooting and new Lock-on Autofocus
  • Shoot and view with confidence through new OLED Tru-Finder
  • Compose like a pro with new Auto Object Framing

* In Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode

For life’s spontaneous moments – catch all the split-second excitement with the new α58 interchangeable lens camera from Sony. With Translucent Mirror technology for speedy shooting with fast, accurate autofocus, it’s the must-have choice for grabbing those once-in-a-lifetime picture opportunities. Even if you’re new to interchangeable lens photography, you’ll enjoy image quality that effortlessly exceeds your point-and-shoot compact camera, plus features you’d expect from a far higher-priced DSLR.

At the heart of the α58 is a brand new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with an extremely high resolution of (approx.) 20.1 effective megapixels. It’s teamed with an improved BIONZ image processing engine for exceptionally detailed, low-noise stills and Full HD video, plus an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 16000.

Pick from the choice of 35 interchangeable A-mount lenses (including two tele-converters) and experience flawless images in virtually any lighting conditions, from dimly-lit interiors to atmospheric twilight scenes. Even if you’re shooting handheld, SteadyShot INSIDE keeps pictures crisp and stable, letting you shoot with confidence at slower shutter speeds or higher zoom settings where wobbles are often a worry.

Unlike ordinary DSLR cameras, SLT cameras by Sony use Translucent Mirror technology that directs light onto the main image sensor as well as a separate autofocus sensor. This means that subjects stay sharply focused at all times as you compose scenes with the tilt-angle LCD or through the high-resolution, high-contrast OLED Tru-Finder. And with no moving mirror to slow you down, you’ll enjoy non-stop live image preview during speedy burst shooting or while you’re recording Full HD video.

The α58 is your ideal partner for grabbing the action as it happens – like sports, wildlife or spur-of-the-moment fun with friends and family. Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode brings that decisive moment closer with a high-speed burst of sharp images at 8 frames per second. The high-performance 15-point AF system now features Lock-on Autofocus with speedier, more accurate subject tracking. So now you can capture the athletic grace of a gymnast or animals in the wild with a burst of crisply-focused images, even if your subject’s moving.

Featured on previous models, Auto Portrait Framing has now evolved into even more versatile Auto Object Framing – helping you get better-looking, more professional results without effort. The α58 judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people, even moving objects or macro subjects – tracking, framing and cropping the shot to create powerful, professionally-framed compositions. Thanks to Pixel Super Resolution Technology by Sony, cropped images preserve the same resolution as the original exposure.

Instantly selectable from the mode dial, Picture Effect lets you pick from a palette of 15 artistic ‘in-camera’ treatments, like Toy Camera, Mono and Partial Colour.

Framing, focusing and viewing your shots is a pleasure through the new OLED Tru-Finder. This bright, high resolution electronic viewfinder accurately shows the results of adjusting camera settings in real time. Instantly see the result of adjusting exposure compensation, aperture, ISO, white balance, Picture Effect and other parameters before you shoot… not after. It’s a great way to compose the perfect shot with confidence.

The α58 is the first-ever A-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that offers support for new ‘TRILUMINOS Colour’. You’ll experience a dramatically expanded palette of vivid, ultra-realistic colours when videos and still images are played back on any BRAVIA TV with support for ‘TRILUMINOS Display’.

The new α58 interchangeable lens camera from Sony with Translucent Mirror technology is available from April 2013.

Sony adds three A-mount lenses, new A-mount and E-mount accessories

Full-frame G Lens 70-400mm telephoto zoom; Full-frame Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm F1.4; DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom; compact add-on flash and remote commander

  • New-generation 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II telephoto zoom – with 4x faster autofocus and improved optical performance
  • Full-frame, wide-aperture, single-focal-length Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM – high-end image quality with renowned resolving power and contrast
  • Light, compact, newly-styled DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II standard 3x zoom lens – designed for APS-C cameras
  • HVL-F20M flash – space-saving design with wireless control and bounce flash
  • RM-VPR1 wired remote – easily control shutter release, video start/stop and zoom
  • Sony extends the range of A-mount interchangeable lenses with three new models to satisfy the most demanding enthusiasts and photo professionals.
  • The 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II and Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM lenses complement the impressive imaging capabilities of Sony’s full-frame α99 SLT (Translucent Mirror) camera. The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II is a light, compact 3x zoom that’s an ideal partner for A-mount cameras with APS-C sensors.

They’re joined by a compact new on-camera flash and a wired remote that’s ideal for advanced shooting.

“70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II” telephoto zoom

Sony’s G lens line-up is strengthened for 2013 with the revised 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II. Ideal for capturing wildlife and action-packed sports, the upgraded super-telephoto zoom builds further on the premium performance of its predecessor with enhanced optics and faster, more responsive autofocus. Thanks to a new LSI drive circuit, autofocus speed of the SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) is around four times quicker than before. Teamed with enhanced tracking AF, the upgraded lens is now even more suitable for capturing stills and Full HD video of fast-moving subjects.

While its optical design is carried over from the previous-generation model, the new-generation lens features Sony’s proprietary Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces. Offering around five times the efficiency of conventional anti-reflection coatings, this advanced technology reduces flare and ghosting for exceptionally high-contrast images.

Carl Zeiss “Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM”

The new Planar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM joins the existing Distagon 24mm, Planar 85mm and Sonnar 135mm in the A-mount range of prime length optics by Carl Zeiss. Offering a fixed 50mm focal length and extra-bright F1.4 aperture, the premium lens is an ideal choice for quality-critical portraiture and low-light shooting.

Featuring 8 elements in 5 groups with two aspherical elements, the brand new optical design is optimised for superb results with Sony’s full-frame α99. Exceptional resolving power and contrast at all apertures are teamed with smooth, quiet autofocusing and a rear-focus system that maintains the same lens body length during AF. The dust- and moisture-resistant design extends the appeal of the new lens to a wide range of outdoor shooting applications.

“DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II” zoom

Boasting second-generation styling, this new lens succeeds the popular DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM that was introduced in 2011. The light, compact 3x zoom lens covers a frequently-used range of focal lengths from wide-angle 18mm to standard 55mm (35mm camera equivalent range: 27-82.5mm). While retaining the same smooth AF motor (SAM) as its predecessor, newly-designed rear lens elements suppresses flare and ghost, while mechanical elements have been upgraded for more positive, comfortable operation.

New accessories for Sony cameras and camcorders

The HVL-F20M is a space-saving, easy to carry new flash for Multi Interface Shoe mounted cameras, that’s ideal for brightening up portraits, interiors and dimly-lit scenes. Despite its compact size, it’s packed with pro-style features like wireless control for fuss-free multi flash set-ups, simple bounce operation and Auto White Balance compensation for more accurate, natural-looking white balance. It’s refreshingly easy to use: just raise the flash head to switch on… then turn off again by lowering when the flash isn’t needed.

Compatible with a growing range of ‘α’ A-mount and E-mount, Cyber-shot[TM] and Handycam(R) models that feature the versatile Multi Terminal interface, the RM-VPR1 wired remote commander features handy controls for zoom and video recording start/stop. It also includes a shutter lock function that’s ideal for long-exposure ‘bulb’ shooting with ‘α’ cameras. The remote comes supplied with two cables. One is for use with Multi Terminal-equipped cameras/camcorders, while the other allows simple shutter release with ‘α’ A-mount cameras that only include a REMOTE terminal.

Please see http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/lenses for full details on new lens and accessories.

The new lenses and accessories will start to become available in Europe from March 2013.

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Novo is a modified GoPro Hero3 that accepts C-Mount lenses, won’t be available for sale

Novo is a modified GoPro Hero 3 that accepts CMount lenses, won't be available for sale

Having a hard time coming to grips with the GoPro Hero3’s permanently affixed wide-angle lens? Perhaps an interchangeable optic is within your field of view. The Novo Digital Camera, designed and painstakingly assembled by View Factor, is a Hero3 with a new custom housing, offering compatibility with C-Mount lenses while providing additional functionality, such as exposure control, digital zoom and customizable buttons. Unfortunately, due to the complex assembly, Novo won’t be available for sale. Instead, Radiant Images in Los Angeles will offer the rig as a rental kit, including a variety of lenses and accessories. Pricing and availability has yet to be announced, though we should have a better idea of when you can (temporarily) scoop one of these up “in the next couple weeks.” For now, the mass-market Hero3 will have to do.

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Source: View Factor

What Is an UltraPixel?

Did you hear about the HTC One’s fancy new “UltraPixel Camera”? HTC touts the camera as an end to the “megapixel wars.” UltraPixels! Revolution! And, yes, the technology sounds very promising, but, uh, wait a second, what is an UltraPixel anyway? More »

Olympus Stylus XZ-10

Olympus Stylus XZ 10Olympus has announced that they will be adding to their X-Series of compact cameras with the Stylus XZ-10, which not only brings about the same features of the company’s flagship Stylus XZ-2, but in a more “stealthy” body. While most cameras are capable of handling low-light situations, the Stylus XZ-10 should do better than some of the competition, especially with its f/1.8 lens at its widest. This will allow photographers to snap photos in low-light scenarios without having to resort to using camera flash which usually results in rather harshly lit photos.

On top of that, the Stylus XZ-10 will come with the ability to adjust your camera settings manually, such as its customizable control ring around the lens that allows for manual adjustment of settings such as aperture, exposure, and etc., giving you more control over the shooting, ISO up to 6400, a 12MP backlit CMOS sensor, and with your images processed by the TruePic VI image processor. The Stylus XZ-10 will also be capable of shooting from 26mm at its widest, to 130mm at its longest with a iZuiko Digital 5x optical zoom lens.

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By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Sony A58 Photos Leaked, New Sony NEX-3n Photos Spotted,