Adobe sneak peak at RAW processing on Tablets

Posted on May 3, 2013 by tiernano

On Episode 94 of The Grid, Tom Hogarty from Adobe previewed RAW image processing on a Tablet, specifically an iPad 2. Now, an iPad 2 is pretty outdated at this stage, but the video shows it making edits to the images fairly quickly and effortlessly. This sounds like an interesting prospect, but I think there is something very missing…

First, he showed (starting around the 17min mark) a demo of a prototype app for the iPad which allows editing of RAW images on the iPad. Now, i have not fully watch this video (its 50+ min long, and I hope to get around to watching it over the weekend) but it looks like the processing is done in “The Cloud”. This is an interesting idea, since you can offload all the processing to a faster machine somewhere, and do not have to worry. If Adobe get faster machines for faster processing in a few months, you get the automatic benefit, or at least in theory you do…

Anyway, with that comes a question: How do you get the image to the Cloud in the first place? My 5D MKII shoots 25MB RAW images. the Demo uses a 5D MKIII, which is about the same size. On an Average HSDPA Connection, you could be talking a Minute (25MB RAW uploading at about 4mbits/s gives 50 seconds) for just one photo… Thats assuming you have a full 4mb/s connection (HSDPA can reach about 6, give or take, and 4G is faster, but still… not everyone will have these speeds).

Also, as a second issue, If you are uploading, editing and working on photos this large, what happens to your bandwidth bill? I get 10Gb of data on my 3G modem at the moment… if there is a lot of data being sent between the Cloud and my device, that can go very quickly…

I do like this idea, do not get me wrong, i just wonder how Adobe will, or even if they can, manage the bandwidth requirements…

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Sigma confirms 18-35mm F1.8 lens

Posted on April 18, 2013 by tiernano

There has been some rumors about a new Sigma Lens, an 18-35mm F1.8. Well, Sigma have confirmed its true. More details are on F-Stoppers here, but the problem that i see, and F-Stoppers have seen also, is that its only for APS-C cameras, not full frame… Up to that point, I was thinking this was going to be my next lens… That detail just put the Kaibosh on it…

 

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Canon Announce EOS T5i, Rebel SL1 and PowerShot SX280 HS

Posted on March 21, 2013 by tiernano

Today, Cannon has announced a couple of new cameras… Well, 3…  first are the 2 above. One is the EOS T5i (the larger of the 2) and the other is the Rebel SL1. So, we start with the SL1.

The SL1 is small. the SL stands for Super LightWeight, only weighing just under 400g, has a 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processor, ISO 100-25,600, and shoots 1080p video at 30 or 24 fps. It looks to shoot using standard Canon EF-S lenses, so any of your existing (EF) kit should work. Cost? $650 body only or $800 with a 18-55mm STM lens and ships in April.

The next camera is the T5i, but based on what Engadget say, its nearly identical to the T4i, expect now has the option of the 18-55mm lens in a kit and has minor body changes… Speaking of Engadget, the photos come from them. Thanks! [Canon unveils EOS T5i and Rebel SL1, the world's smallest DSLR (hands-on) (via Engadget)]

Next is the PowerShot SX280 HS. This is a nice little Point and Shoot camera, small enough to fit in your pocket. Includes a 20X Optical Zoom at 25-500mm f/3.5-6.8. 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, built-in WiFi, a DIGIC 6 processor, 1080/30p and 60p video,ISO 80-6400 and 14 fps Burst shooting, but limited to 7 shots… Odd… Anyway, $330 when it comes out in April.
[Canon announces PowerShot SX280 HS with WiFi, ISO 6400 and 20x lens, we go hands-on Via Engadget]

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CES-2013: Olympus, Nikon, Sony

Posted on January 8, 2013 by tiernano

Lots of CES stuff today, but studying for an exam in the morning, so this will mainly be links… First, Olympus

Olympus sh 50

Olympus SH-50 iHS touts 5-axis video stabilization in a compact, $300 camera (update: hands-on pics) (pictured)

Olympus reveals SZ-15, SZ-16 superzoom cameras with upgraded sensors

Olympus intros upgraded Stylus Tough TG-2, TG-830 and TG-630 rugged cameras

Nikon j3

Next, Nikon:

Nikon unveils J3 and S1, takes 73-point AF and 15 fps stills to entry mirror less cameras (pictured)

Nikon D5200 to reach US photographers in late January for $900

Nikon outs Coolpix S6500 with WiFi, new beauty touch-ups (update: hands-on photos)

Lead sonypj650

Last, but defiantly not least, Sony

Sony Handycam PJ790V and PJ650V get brighter projectors with HDMI input, we go hands-on (pictured)

Sony Handycam TD30V delivers premium feel, 3D shooting for less than a grand (hands-on) 

Sony’s ruggedized Cyber-shot TF1 hits this month for $199, we go hands-on

Sony introduces Balanced Optical SteadyShot for well under a grand with CX430V, PJ430V Handycams (hands-on)

Sony kills off SD camcorders, launches four entry-level Handycams starting at $249 (hands-on)

Sony Cyber-shot WX80 packs WiFi, 10 fps shooting, 12,800 ISO in a $199 point-and-shoot (hands-on)

Sony Cyber-shot H200 features 26x OIS lens, 20.1MP stills for $249 (hands-on)

Sony Cyber-shot W710 and W730 entry-level cameras start at $99, we go hands-on

Sony Handycam CX380 and PJ380 offer boosted specs with less heft, we go hands-on

I did say there was a LOT! 

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CES2013: Samsung launch 6 new Point and Shoot cameras

Posted on January 7, 2013 by tiernano

Wb250f003right anglewhite 1357530727

So, Samsung has announced 6 new point and shoot cameras at CES…

  • the WB250F (pictured): 18X optical zoom, 14.2MP Backside Illumiated CMOS Sensor and 24mm lens
  • WB200F, same hardware, CCD sensor, not CMOS
  • WB800F, 21X optical zoom, 16.3MP BSI CMOS
  • WB30F, 17mm body, 10x optical zoom, 24mm wide angle lens
  • DV150F, Wifi, 2.7″ front facing LCD, 16.2MP CCD sensor, 5X optical and 25mm lens
  • ST150F, 5x optical, 25mm lens, 16.2MP CCD sensor

no word on price or availability… [Samsung launches six new point-and-shoot cameras at CES] 

And since we are on the Topic of Samsung, i have managed to get my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Camera i talked about a while back. It is some hell of a camera, i will give it that much. Any question you want to ask, leave in the comments and i will try reply. Photos of the unboxing are up on Flickr.

 http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8295687442_be8b757d04_n.jpg

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CES-2013: Canon

Posted on January 7, 2013 by tiernano

Its January, which means only one thing… Well, 3 things… 1) Massive credit card bills for Christmas gifts… 2) College exams (final year though! Wahoo!) 3) CES! an this post is about CES!

First we have Canon. Canon have a couple of new cameras announced today. So lets start at the beginning, shall we?

Canon2600

The Canon Powershot A2600 and A1400 Mid range point and shoots, taking over from the A2400 and A1300. A2600, costs $150, 5X 28mm zoom, 16MP CCD, F2.8-5.9 and shoots 720P video. The A1400 which is basically the same as the A1300. Both include some imaging upgrades (Smart Auto) and Eco Upgrades (30% battery increase), but the A1400 has nothing much else… [Canon PowerShot A2600 and A1400 offer modest feature bumps, little incentive to upgrade]

Canon130

Next is the PowerShot ELPH 130IS. Its a high end Point-and-Shoot with built in Wifi, support for Canon CameraWindow (Android and iOS app). Has an 8x optically stabilized lens, DIGIC4 processor and 16MP sensor. about $200, available next month. [Canon PowerShot ELPH130IS beings WiFi to the companies high end point-and-shoot line]

Hr vixiahf g20 hed

Next we have Camcorders. 4 new cameras in the VIXIA range. the HF R42, R40 and R400 all have 53x advanced zoom, DIGIC DV IV image processor and 3.28MP full HD CMOS Sensor. Both the HR40 and HR42 support an app for Android and iOS called CameraAccess, which allows video streaming, sharing and remote control. available in March at $300 (R400), $400 (R40) and $500 (R42). Finally, the new flagship VIXIA HF G20, which has 32GB storage, 10X Optical Zoom, and shot cost about $1100 in February. [Canon's latest VIXIA camcorders stream and share with your mobile device]

Canonpowershotn

Last, but defiantly not least, is the PowerShot N. 1.1 inches deep, 8x 28mm F3-5.9 lens, 12MP CMOS Sensor, 80-6400 ISO, 1080p @ 24fps or 720P at 32FPS. Shoots to MicroSD, and includes Wifi to talk to your Android and iOS device. Costs about $300 and will be available in April. Interesting little device! [Canon reinvents the point-and-shoot with ambidextrous PowerShot N]

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Canon Announce EOS 6D DSLR, and 3 new PowerShots

Posted on September 17, 2012 by tiernano


Canon has unveiled 4 new cameras today. First, the EOS 6D, shown above. Its got a full frame sensor, and is Canon’s smallest, cheapest and lightest Full Frame Camera. It weighs just 690G, 20% lighter than the 5D MKIII, and cost $2099, which is $1400 cheaper than the 5D MKIII, and about 500 quid cheaper than my 5DMKII. It has built in Wifi, and there will be apps for iOS and Android allowing you to change settings, geo-tag (fecking cool!), take and transfer photos to your phone too. Its got a 20.2MP sensor, shoots at 4.5FPS, takes video at 1080P has an ISO up to 102,400. It shots to a single SD Card, and also supports SDHC and SDXC. Available in December for $2099 body only or $2899 with a 24-105mm F4 lens. [Canon Unveils EOS 6D DSLR]


Also announced are the G15, S110 and SX50 HS PowerShot cameras. Quick fire round here!

  • G15, replaces the G12, 28-140mm wide angle F1.8 -2.8 lens, 12MP sensor, shoots RAW and 1080P video, 12,800 max ISO. $500 in October.
  • S110, replaces the S100, 12.1MP lens, ISO 12,800 and F2.0 lens, No GPS, but has Wifi. Can use your iPhone or Android phone for GeoTagging, and also can send photos to the internets using your mobile. Shoots 1080P video at 24FPS, 10FPS photo shooting and available in October for $450.
  • SX50 includes a 24-1200mm (yup, 1200… not a typo) f3.4 to 6.5 lens, includes optical stabilization, 12.1MP sensor, 6400 ISO, and shoots at 10FPS. Also shoots RAW and 1080P Video. Available October for $480.

[Canon adds G15, S110 and SX50 HS to its PowerShot lineup]

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Sony announce new cameras, including 3 full frames

Posted on September 12, 2012 by tiernano


Sony has announced a few new full frame, and not so full frame cameras today. First up is the A99, pictured above. [NOTE: all photos borrowed from the Engadget articles, but hosted locally. I hope that linking back and leaving their logo is enough for attribution…]

So, the A99 has a full frame, 24.3MP sensor, cost about $2800, has an ISO to 102,400, shoots 1080/60P video as well as 24P, 6FPS shooting of photos and has a 921k-dot Xtra Fine twilt-and-swivel LCD. More details, and some extra photos available on the original Engadget article. [Sony reveals the Alpha A99, its first full-frame flagship since 2008's A900 (hands-on)]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next is the Cybershot RX1. It’s a compact digital camera with the same full frame 24.3MP sensor as the A99. It shoots at 5FPS, includes a 35MM F2.0 Zeiss Sonnar T* fixed prime lens, and costs $2800! EEK! Again, more details on the original engadget article. [Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on)]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, Handy cams. The Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam, Sony’s first 35MM HD Video camera. Again, the 24.3MP sensor as the 2 cameras above, compatible with E-Mount lenses and shoots 1080P video at 24 or 60FPS. Also, the NEX-VG30 which has a 16.1MP APS-C sensor. Again, more info on the Engadget site. [Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, but not least, the Sony NEX-6. 16.1MP APS-C sensor, ISO 25,600, 1080/60p video and 10 FPS shooting. It has 802.11B/G Wifi (which is a nice feature) and you can use something called PlayMemories Camera Apps, which could be interesting… So, do I need to say more? [Sony NEX-6 mirrorless cam squeezes in between 5R and 7 with WiFi, EVF and dedicated mode dial (hands-on video)]

So, all in all, looks good… I like the sound of the NEX6. I have an NEX3 at the moment, and it is a very nice camera… The NEX6 could be a replacement…

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Samsung and Nikon Announce Android powered cameras

Posted on August 30, 2012 by tiernano

Samsung Galaxy CameraOk, so last week, Nikon announced their Android powered camera, The Coolpix S800C. It “seemed” interesting, but a couple things got me… for one, it was running Android 2.3.3, which is way too old… and 2, it’s a Nikon, and I am a Canon Guy… J

Nikon Coolpix S800C

But anyway, looked interesting none the less, and the things that interested me about it where the idea that it could have Wifi, GPS and all the good stuff we have in camera phones, but with a better picture experience, etc…

Today, Samsung has announced their camera, the Galaxy Camera (photo at the start of the blog) and this is something I am a lot more interested in.

It is running the latest version of Android, Jelly Bean 4.1, and has both Wi-Fi and 3/4G connectivity, meaning you can take photos and send them online, even if you are out of Wi-Fi coverage! The whole back of the camera is screen, 4.8″ 1280X720 touch screen. Photos are taken on Micro SD, and there is a auto backup feature allowing you to send your photos to “the cloud” while shooting connected. I assume you can tell it to only backup when on Wi-Fi, or on either Wi-Fi or 3g. My current Android and Windows Phones have that feature, so don’t see why it won’t be in here… And, to make things even more interesting, the camera has a Quad Core 1.4Gz processor, ISO of 3200 and an F2.8-5.9 23 – 480mm lens. Pretty damn impressive!

No word on price, but I defiantly think I want one of these! For more info, check the Engadget article.

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Canon Announce EOS-1D C and C500 4K Cinema Cameras

Posted on April 12, 2012 by tiernano

Canon have announced 2 new Cinema cameras today: the Canon EOS-1D C (above to the left) and the Canon C500 (to the right). Both shoot 4K Video with the 1DC shooting 4096X2160 @24FPS to CF card and the C500 having a few more options, including 4096 x 2960 and 3840 x 2160 both at 60FPS. there is also an option to shoot at 4096 x 1080 or 3840 x 1080 at 120FPS! All those shooting options require an external recording device, but there are 2 CF Card slots included, which can be used to shoot 1080P video. There is a lot more info on the Engadget page here, including the press release… Now for the interesting part… the prices… The 1DC is… Are you sitting down? Its $15K… the C500… If you have to ask you cant afford it… Well, the C300 is $16K, and this will be more expensive… price not yet known, but… I know I cant afford it… Both cameras should ship by the end of 2012… If anyone gets their hands on one, leave a comment!

[Update: 2012/04/16] Engadget has posted 2 hands on articles with the EOS C500 and the EOS-1D C.

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