The announcement of Blackmagic’s $3000 RAW-shooting Cinema Camera in 2012 caused such a stir that not many could have anticipated a followup model, so soon, that was a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the size. The Pocket Cinema Camera continues forging the path of the upstart high-end video camera.
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Earlier this month, a batch of comments in Android source code hinted that the camera app was about to get a shot in the arm
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You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Filed under: Misc
Nokia may be the first to have delivered RAW photography in a smartphone, but there’s evidence to suggest that Google isn’t too far behind. A month-old batch of code, recently spotted by app developer Josh Brown, reveals that work has been underway on a new Android camera API that could allow smartphones to store uncompressed images alongside JPEG ones, drastically increasing the amount of correction and manipulation that can be accomplished after an image has been captured.
A second snippet from the API suggests that Android may get some level of stock support for modular or external cameras, perhaps like Sony’s QX10 and QX100, although the meaning of the words is slightly ambiguous:
The camera device is removable and has been disconnected from the Android device, or the camera service has shut down the connection due to a higher-priority access request for the camera device.
Ars Technica has pointed out some other potential changes that are buried in the documentation, and rightly suggests that any imaging-related improvements would be a good thing for Android right now. Even with Sony’s Xperia Z1, which contains one of the most powerful sensors currently found in an Android phone, it’s the software that holds things back more than anything else, so extra features in the underlying OS could provide manufacturers with just the nudge they need.
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Google
Via: Ars Technica
Source: Google Git, Josh Brown (Google+)
The latest update to Nokia’s Windows Phone build (which expands upon Microsoft’s GDR3 release), named Black, brings with it some features you may be surprised to learn Nokia handsets didn’t already contain…but here’s a big one for you: It also brings RAW support, not available on any smartphone before.
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If you’ve been paying much attention to Google+, you already know that the social network is doing its damnedest to become the go-to destination for photographers. Accordingly, it’s attracted a number of RAW format enthusiasts — thanks to the ability to store full-size photos — and to make their lives a little better, Google+ is introducing a new RAW-to-JPEG conversion method that offers noticeably better results. Over 70 cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony are supported as of today, and Google says that it’ll add additional models over time. Since Google+ automatically converts RAW photos to JPEG for viewing purposes (while retaining the original), the new conversion method should be readily apparent. You can view the complete list of supported cameras after the break, and as for the improved quality of conversions, go ahead and have a look for yourself. Hopefully your eyes agree with Google’s claim.
If you’ve been lustfully eying the latest DSLR models, you want to give your trusty Canon 7D another look. The popular, but aging semi-pro model has been given the RAW video treatment from Magic Lantern, and the first samples have now been posted (after the break). Maximum resolution still falls short of the much newer 5D Mark III’s full HD at 1,736 x 1,156, but otherwise, the images are improved in every way. The video has a full 14-bit color spectrum, for starters, is completely free of compression noise and has much less (though still some) moire and aliasing. So far, video can only be captured in 2 second bursts, but we saw similar limitations on early Magic Lantern builds for the 5D Mark III, as well — meaning the 7D may finally live up to its beast-like video potential.
Via: EOSHD
Source: Magic Lantern
It may be time to dust off that Canon 50D you purchased back in 2008. The folks behind the Magic Lantern firmware add-on have pulled yet another rabbit out the proverbial hat (or is it lantern?) by enabling RAW video recording on the APS-C-based DSLR. What’s even more impressive is that the 50D lacks video support out of the box, so this new-found functionality is truly magical. This hack comes hot on the heels of the Magic Lantern team coaxing the Canon 5D Mark II / III into capturing 24 fps RAW video. With the firmware add-on installed, the 50D is capable of shooting video up to 1592 x 1062 pixels at 30 fps. There are some caveats, though. First, there’s no audio recording since the camera lacks a microphone input and associated electronics. Second, capturing RAW video requires fast CF cards (at least UDMA 6). Third, we now fully expect to see the 50D skyrocket in value on the used market. Hit the break for a few sample videos.
Via: No Film School
Source: Magic Lantern Forums
Sony’s FS700 has plenty going for it regardless of its 4K potential, not least in terms of its super slow motion shooting up to 240fps at 1080p. Nevertheless, if 4K it has to be, then a new NEX-IFR5 interface unit will be out in June to make full use of the camera’s big sensor and 3G-SDI output. A couple of things to bear in mind: in addition to this $2,500 interface, you’ll need a recorder like the AXS-R5 (around $6,300 plus extra for cards) to store your weighty 4K rushes on, plus you’ll find that shooting in this mode will limit slow-mo to a four-second bust at 120 fps. Read the PR for further detail on using 2K with the IFR5, as that format allows continuous slow-mo and ought to be less brutal on the budget.
It’s no secret that Canon’s 5D Mark III is the go-to DSLR for videographers the world over, but things are about to become a whole lot more interesting. The people behind Magic Lantern have successfully coaxed the 5D Mark III into shooting 24 fps RAW video at resolutions up to 1,920 x 820 pixels using 1000x speed cards. If you’re not familiar with Magic Lantern, it’s an open source firmware add-on that brings additional functionality to Canon EOS cameras. The ability to capture RAW video at 24 fps improves dynamic range and resolution — it also provides extra flexibility during post-production. According to the team at Magic Lantern, more work is required before the feature is ready to be deployed. So until then, you’re invited to follow the via link below and watch the RAW vs. H.264 videos after the break, or if you’re feeling brave, check the source for download locations.
Update: We just received news from Magic Lantern that Canon’s Mark II is now also a go for 24 fps with the new firmware. Nic from the development team said “After some further testing it is clear the older, cheaper Mark II should be able to record at least resolutions of 1880×840 in full-frame mode (with line skipping).”
Via: No Film School
Source: Magic Lantern forums
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