Fujifilm announced the launch of the opulent FUJIFILM X-H1, the performance mirrorless digital camera in the X Series known for its superior image quality created by Fujifilm’s proprietary color reproduction technology.

The X-H1, with a new design, robust and durable body, it incorporates a range of extremely useful features that support shooting in various scenarios demanded by professional photographers and videographers. The X-H1 is the first X Series model to include the latest 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which has a maximum of 5.5 stops as claimed by Fuji. The superior image quality with the memory color will be achieved in the various scenes in addition to easy operation. It is also mounted with the flicker reduction mode which enhances the quality of indoor sports photography.

In addition to the camera’s dust-resistant, water-resistant properties, and the ability to operate in temperatures down to -10°C, the camera also uses a 25% thicker magnesium alloy compared to the X-T2. FUJIFILM has also modified the structure for attaching the mount, resulting in a more compact size and lighter weight body that maintains high precision and strong resistance to impact shock torsion and other sources of deformation.

The Fujifilm XH-1 comes with a 24.3 megapixel (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS III with primary color filter and in-body image stabilisation. It also features video features like 4K which is much standard these days for cameras of this performance.

HP recently announced two new printer series in its digital printing portfolio – the HP PageWide XL 5100 printers and multi function printers that reportedly prints up to 50 percent faster output, enabling technical production providers to grow AEC volume and expand business in color applications; and the HP DesignJet T1700 printers, next-generation 44-inch solutions for CAD and geographic information system (GIS) workgroups to produce highly accurate documents and maps with powerful processing and a new level of security.

HP PageWide XL 5100

According to the company, at speeds up to 20 D/A1-size prints per minute with quick 28-second first page out, the new HP PageWide XL 5100 printers and multifunction printers joins the fastest printer portfolio in the market to equip enterprise print rooms, central reprographic departments and reprographic houses for enhanced mid-volume production in both color and monochrome. The series reportedly delivers technical documents with quick turnaround and low operating costs for architects and engineers, in addition to geographic information system (GIS) maps and point-of-sale (POS) poster applications.

“The debut of new HP PageWide XL printers is another giant leap on the HP journey to offer continued innovation in large format printing for the designers of the future,” said , Mr. Devang Karia, Country Manager-Large Format Design, PPS-GSB, HP Inc. India. “The breakthrough PageWide XL platform with even faster printing speeds will also help our customers move the needle for business with immediate monochrome and color prints delivered from one unique printer.”

According to the company, with more than 5,000 units shipped and 3 billion ft² (300 million m2) printed since the HP PageWide XL printer launch in 2015, more customers are discovering the value the market -leading HP PageWide XL printers bring to businesses across the globe. HP PageWide XL printers do the job of two printers in a single device, providing both monochrome and color prints at breakthrough speeds: the Power of One.

According to the press release, additional benefits of the new series include:

Set a new technical document standard with crisp lines, 2-point text, smooth grayscales, and vibrant color.

Print/scan/copy in monochrome and color with one single device in 50% of the time with a consolidated workflow5.

New advanced functionality for the integrated scanners such as smart background removal.

ISO 11798 certified HP PageWide XL pigment inks provide long-term storage, light/water resistance.6

Help keep data safe—self-encrypting HDD with AES-256, Secure Disk Erase, and IPSec.

The HP PageWide XL portfolio also reportedly features new software solutions for increased productivity. HP SmartStream offers two new modules. According to HP, Document Organizer, enables the user to automatically rename large volumes of files using innovative OCR technology, for significant time savings in job management. Pixel Analysis, provides accurate quotes before printing using the job pixel coverage. HP SmartTracker software is a tool to help users control printing costs and enable reimbursement. New features have also reportedly been introduced for HP HD & SD Pro Scanners to improve operator productivity, image quality and background cleaning capabilities. A new output tray is also said to streamline both the scan and copy workflows.

HP DesignJet T1700

HP DesignJet T1700 printers incorporates new added features that make it the most secure large format workgroup printer available today. The improved security is reportedly designed to help enterprises print CAD and GIS applications while protecting printers and data from unauthorized or malicious access in infrastructure construction, urban planning as well as utilities industries such as oil, water, gas, and electricity.

“Security is a top concern in enterprises today as connected devices and increasingly open office spaces are pervasive. At the same time, data breaches are growing at an alarming pace. In the first half of 2017, the worldwide breach level index was up more than 160%” said Mr. Devang Karia, Country Manager-Large Format Design, PPS-GSB, HP Inc. India. “The HP DesignJet T1700 Printer Series includes unique advanced security technologies designed to keep corporate network printers, their documents and data protected.”

According to the press release, features include a new self-encrypting hard drive on the printer that ensures it is only readable by the printer itself, even if removed from the device. For additional device security, HP Secure Boot ensures BIOS protection, and Whitelisting only allows approved firmware to be installed and run on the device.

With GIS files constantly growing in size with the increase in their complexity and data, the new 44-inch HP DesignJet T1700 printer is said to offer a new, powerful processing architecture using a 500 GB hard disk to smoothly process this information and improve the printing experience of GIS practitioners. The first workgroup large-format printer to embed the Adobe PDF Print Engine, it can also more efficiently handle very heavy files, freeing up PCs in virtually no time to continue working.

The company claims that the HP DesignJet T1700 also brings improved color quality and precision for more accurate maps and renderings, enabling GIS workgroups to make better decisions. A new set of six HP Bright Office Inks with tuned colors profiles and a High Density Printhead deliver bold color and accurate image quality, in addition to more precise colors, including gray and soft tones.

Additionally, HP Click printing software included in this series can be used by everyone on the team to easily print project sets and PDF documents.

Fingerprint id has become a part of our daily lives as most smartphones these days provide this feature. What would happen when cameras start providing the same? Canon has apparently developed a fingerprint ID system that can identify the photographer using the camera or lens. Just as we have multiple user accounts in a desktop or laptop, these cameras can identify the user according to the fingerprint and immediately change their settings to pre-saved ones for each.

Canon Rumors recently reported that a new Canon patent published this month in the US (US20180012061 A1) describes an “electronic apparatus having finger authenticating function.”

According to Canon Rumors “This patent covers fingerprint ID on your cameras and lenses that can control custom functions such as IS, AF and likely anything else you can think of. It also offers the ability to customize the camera and/or lens for multiple users as well as offering a complete lockout of the gear.”

The patent and illustrations describe and show a camera and lens that have a fingerprint ID reader built into them. Here are the camera and lens illustrations found in the patent:

While there’s no guarantee that this one will ever appear in a production camera or lens, and can very well remain a rumor but it is quite fascinating to see camera companies trying out new things and taking inspiration from other things.  

Canon India, recently announced the launch of a Gen-Z version of its retail outlet – Canon Image Square 3.0 in India. Canon claims that the launch makes this a noteworthy milestone in Canon’s India journey because of its transition from an experiential model to an ‘experiential imaging destination’.

The company claims that the Canon Image Square (CIS) 3.0 aims at offering a full-fledged customer experience, with an input to output approach. The idea is to transform retail outlets into a destination, attracting customers to experience a whole new imaging revolution. The objective is to familiarize them with cameras and help them indulge in an extraordinary click-to-print experience with Canon’s new-age technologies and software. Moving beyond just being a product store, CIS 3.0 would reportedly be an ‘imaging store,’ that would allow consumers to make memories and be allured by the magic of photography.

Present at the inauguration, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon India said, “Our retail stores across the country, widely known as the ‘Canon Image Square’ provide a perfect amalgamation of our cutting edge technology and customer centric service. Advancing our Imaging stores to the third version, we have stepped into the new era of retail evolution. We had launched our 1st CIS store in 2010 and over the course of these eight years, CIS has supported the two quintessential pillars of our outreach in the country; Innovation and Customer Delight. Moving forward into our 21st year in the country, this launch is in alignment with our future growth plans; including retail expansion and deeper regional penetration into Tier-II, III and Tier-IV cities. We have opened 250 CIS stores, across 200 cities and we envision to strengthen this outreach further with the 3.0 stores.”

“We take pride in being total solution providers in the imaging arena. Taking our approach ahead, today’s launch will be accompanied with the launch of our new service ‘hdAlbum EZ, which will be available at select CIS stores. This intuitive service would enable our customers to select the best design, creative and layout options for their images, which will be printed as photo albums for them on our flagship product, DreamLabo 5000.”

Sharing his comment, Mr. Eddie Udagawa, Vice President, Consumer Imaging & Information Centre, Canon India said, “We are delighted to expand our retail division with the launch of CIS Version 3.0 which is primarily a one-stop-shop for all photography and imaging enthusiasts that offers interactive consumer engagement. Currently we are revamping and upgrading 30 existing stores to Version 3 by the end of this year. The idea is to transform imaging into an experiential activity that not only captures one’s imagination, but also enhances creativity, while making memories. We look forward to receiving great feedback from our customers and add value to their imaging experience.”

Canon, in its press release also said that various innovative sales and marketing tools like live demonstration of the products, touch and feel experience, trainings and workshops have further helped the customers at CIS stores to make informed purchases and strengthen the brand’s relationship across India. According to the company, the CIS stores consolidate Canon’s position in the imaging industry ensuring a strong foothold that compliments retail expansion plans in India.  

When Apple’s new iMac Pro initially arrives at the stores there was one crazy detail that jumped out at a lot of people, if you choose to include all the optional upgrades, the computer will cost a staggering $13,199. Here’s a closer look at how you get to that price.

Base Price: $4,999

First off, the base configuration of the iMac Pro already costs $4,999. By comparison, the lowest-end Mac Pro you can purchase costs $2,999.

What you get for $4,999 is a 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W processor, 32GB of 2666MHz DDR4 ECC RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics with 8GB of HBM2 memory.

Add $2,400 to Max Out the Processor: $7,399

Instead of a measly 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W processor, you can upgrade to a 2.3GHz 18-core one.

“Up to 18 cores in an iMac,” Apple says. “No, that’s not a typo, You can render images, edit up to 8K video, manipulate photos, create real-time audio effects, or compile your next five-star app, all at lightning speed.”

Add another $2,400 to Max Out the Memory: $9,799

Why settle for 32GB of 2666MHz DDR4 ECC memory when you can have 128GB of RAM? You know, for if you’d like to keep your entire photo shoot open in separate tabs in Photoshop

Add $2,800 to Max Out the Storage: $12,599 Instead of a 1 terabyte SSD, you can quadruple the storage by upgrading to a 4TB one.

“iMac Pro storage is not user accessible,” Apple warns. “If you think you may need more storage capacity in the future, consider upgrading at the time of purchase.”

Add $600 to Max Out the Graphics: $13,199

You can go from a Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics card with 8GB of HBM2 memory to a 16GB Vega 64 for an extra $600.

Final Price: $13,199

Select all the max upgrades above, and your computer will have a ginormous price tag of $13,199.

The Apple Imac pro is designed and configured with the professionals in mind. Not those who edit a few pictures or full HD videos, but for those who do even higher jobs of editing and designing which require a lot of memory, processing power and graphics support. In the current days, high quality cinema cameras are already delivering 8K output which needs to be tamed before they can be edited. The processing power of the new iMac pro is comes from the Intel’s Xeon family which is known to be used for high end video editing and graphics designing, visuals and animation. All the components have been carefully chosen so that the hardware supports the software seamlessly and that at no point of time, the user would feel a lag in performance. Not to mention its ridiculous pricing which makes it not a toy for your daily play. On the other hand professionals who deal with a lot of heavy image/video/graphics files will find the ultimate [pleasure when they render.

GoPro, recently unveiled HERO6 Black, claiming it to be the most powerful and convenient GoPro, yet. Powered by GoPro’s custom-designed GP1 processor, HERO 6 reportedly achieves an entirely new level of performance including stunning 4K at 60fps and 1080p240 video and reportedly the most advanced video stabilization ever achieved in a GoPro. GoPro also launched Fusion, its bar-setting waterproof, mountable 5.2K spherical camera. Additionally, GoPro also reportedly introduced new mounts and accessories plus a new Follow mode for its Karma drone.

GoPro’s founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman, introduced the HERO 6 Black and Fusion cameras to an international audience at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California.

“HERO6’s next-level image quality, video stabilization and three times faster QuikStories performance makes it a powerful storytelling extension of your smartphone,” said Woodman. “It’s never been easier to live it, and then share it… using a GoPro.”

The HERO6 BLACK will be priced at INR 45,000. The camera is said to feature a 4K60 and 1080p240 video packed into a rugged, waterproof, design. The company also claims that the HERO 6 also has dramatically improved dynamic range and low-light performance as well as an added digital zoom.

Developed from the ground up to maximize a GoPro’s capabilities, GP1 reportedly enables twice the video frame rates, improved image quality, dynamic range, low-light performance and dramatically improved video stabilization over previous HERO camera generations. The company also claims that the GP1 automates all of these benefits, allowing users to capture vibrant videos and stunning photos without messing around with complex image settings. GP1 is also said to advance GoPro’s capabilities in computer vision and machine learning, enabling HERO6 to analyze visual scenes and sensor data for improved automated QuikStories.

Nikon has recently announced a new full-frame DSLR camera, the Nikon D850. It’s a 45.7-megapixel full-frame DSLR camera with an FX-format, back-side Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor The D850 is capable of a capture rate of up to 7 frames-per-second (fps) or 9-fps with the optional battery grip and EN-EL18a/b battery, while offering a range of new features requested by Nikon shooters around the world.

The Nikon D850 is aimed as a serious tool for every kind of photographer, and the manufacturer says that it delivers intense clarity and accurate skin tones for portraits, with the added benefit of low-light ability for weddings and events. It is said to be versatile enough to be used for landscapes and fine art where broad dynamic range is critical, for sports that require a high frame rate and decisive AF, or for video creators who want 4K UHD flexibility.

“The Nikon D850 is much more than a camera, rather it’s a statement that Nikon is continuing to listen to customer needs, to innovate for the next 100 years, and bring to market a full-frame DSLR that exceeds the expectations of the professionals that rely on this caliber of camera to make a living,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.

“I have had the pleasure of putting this camera through its paces, and there is nothing like it. The Nikon D850 introduces a whole new generation of photographers to medium format quality; the resolution is out of this world, and the tonality and range are at a level I never thought possible from a DSLR,” said Nikon Ambassador and award-winning wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis.

The Nikon D850 is a combination of resolution, dynamic range, ISO and processing power. Nikon informed that the 45.7-megapixel CMOS sensor forgoes an optical low pass filter (OLPF) to harness the sharpness of NIKKOR lenses, with fidelity, tonality and clarity. This is also Nikon’s first DSLR to incorporate a BSI CMOS sensor, which captures light more efficiently, resulting in a wider dynamic range and low-noise image capture.

The D850 is capable of shooting up to 7 fps at full resolution, with full AF/AE or 9 fps at full resolution with the addition of an optional battery grip (MB-D18) and EN-EL18a/b battery (Buffer approximately 51 frames of 14-bit lossless RAW capture / 170 frames of 12-bit lossless). The D850 offers a wide ISO range from 64-25,600 (Expandable down to ISO 32, up to 102,400). The D850 uses the Nikon D5’s 153-point, Multi-Cam 20K AF system, which features 99 cross type sensors, 15 of which are sensitive to f/8. The camera has EXPEED 5, which Nikon informs is their most powerful engine yet, allowing for fast data readout and swift image processing, improved low light performance, high speed shooting, full-frame 4K UHD video capture and greater power efficiency for longer battery life. The camera has a 3.2-in., high resolution (2359k-dot) touchscreen LCD monitor. The D850 offers the ability to operate with an electronic shutter in Live View. When in this mode, users can shoot in complete silence. The electronic shutter operates at up to 6 fps (AF/AE locked) at full resolution, while an additional mode enables 8.6-megapixel capture in DX image area mode at up to 30 fps.

Like the D5 and D500, the D850 also supports Radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting with the optional SB-5000 Speedlight and WR-A10 and WR-R10 accessories. Users can choose from 3 sizes of RAW files to enhance workflow, including Large (45.4-MP), Medium (25.6-MP) and Small (11.4-MP). Additionally, the D850 lets users batch process RAW files in camera. It gives users up to 1,840 shots at full resolution or approximately 70 minutes of video on a single charge. Users who opt for the additional control and handling benefits of the optional battery grip can expect up to 5140 shots (CIPA standard).

For macro, product and landscape photographers, there is a Focus Shift Photography feature. This feature lets the user automatically shoot up to 300 shots at adjustable focus step intervals to infinity which can be assembled into a focus-stacked image using third party software.

With the optional ES-2 Film Digitizing Adapter and compatible Micro-NIKKOR lens, the camera is said to enable super high-resolution digitising of 35mm slides or negatives and converts them in-camera to positives. The camera is said to have a rugged and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body.

It features built-in Wi-Fi & Bluetooth for connectivity. The D850 features dual memory card slots, XQD for high-speed capture and transfer, as well as readily available SD media.

The D850’s FX BSI CMOS sensor allows 4K UHD output at a full-frame width at 16:9. Creators can also capture Full HD 1080p at up to 120 fps (4x or 5x) for slow-motion video capture. When shooting Full HD or in Live View for stills, focus peaking can be enabled which highlights in-focus subjects in the frame to ensure sharpness. Users can create 4K UHD time-lapse videos in-camera, or can use the built in intervalometer to capture images for an ultra-high resolution 8K time lapse that can be assembled in post for those who want the ultimate in video quality.

The Nikon D850 will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3,299.95, and will be available in September 2017. The MB-D18 Multi Power Battery Pack will have an SRP of $399.95, while the ES-2 film digitalising adapter will have an SRP of $149.95.

Building upon the ever-growing interest in adventure sports and wildlife photography, Sony India recently introduced its new digital camera, the α9 (model ILCE-9). The camera is geared at those interested in adventure sports and wildlife photography.

According to Sony, this is the most technologically advanced, innovative digital camera that Sony has ever created, and they say that the new camera “offers a level of imaging performance that is simply unmatched by any camera ever created – mirrorless, SLR or otherwise.”

We had a chance to get our hands on the camera and try it out, so let’s take a look at what’s new about this camera.

The new mirrorless camera offers many impressive features including high-speed, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps, 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second5and much more. These are made possible by its 35mm full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which enables data speed processing at up to 20x faster than previous Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. This sensor is paired with a brand new, upgraded BIONZ X processing engine and front-end LSI that maximises its overall performance, according to Sony.

Sony prides on the speed of the α9, which is the the outcome of new stacked 24.2 MP Exmor RS image sensor, new BIONZ X processor and front end LSI. Sony informed that the α9 liberates processing power as its new components allow faster AF/AE calculation while also reducing EVF display latency. The processor and front end LSI are responsible for the larger continuous shooting buffer therefore allowing photographers to shoot at a blazing 20 fps with continuous AF/AE tracking for up to 362 JPEG or 241 RAW images. We tried the camera in continuous shooting mode, and it gave us quite an impressive output.

The camera also offers tracking with an uninterrupted view with AF/AE tracking calculation up to 60 times per sec, regardless of shutter release and frame capture. The camera was able to track the live-action we were shooting quite accurately.

It features 693 focal plane phase detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the frame. The Fast Hybrid AF system – pairing the speed and excellent tracking performance of phase detection AF with the precision of contrast AF – achieves approximately 25% faster performance when compared with α7R II, ensuring all fast-moving subjects are captured.

As the camera is aimed at wildlife photographers, it also offers silent and vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec. The electronic shutter in the A9 operates silently, without mechanical noise that can be disruptive when shooting sports, events or wildlife in a quiet environment. Sony said that the fact that the electronic shutter is vibration-free also minimises the likelihood of vibration-induced blur, further contributing to resolution and image quality. The manufacturerer also said that its maximum 1/32000 sec speed exceeds the limits of mechanical systems for vastly expanded exposure freedom as well as the ability to maintain shallow depth of field in bright conditions without having to use ND filters.

The α9 is equipped with an 5-axis image stabilisation system that provides a shutter speed advantage of 5.0 steps.

The camera also shoots 4K (3840x2160p) video recording. It uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 6K of information, oversampling it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. The extremely popular 35mm size recording is also available in the α9.

The camera is available at Sony retail outlets for Rs 3,29,990. We will soon do a full-length review of the camera in our magazine. So, keep reading!

Building upon the ever-growing interest in adventure sports and wildlife photography, Sony India recently introduced its new digital camera, the α9 (model ILCE-9). The camera is geared at those interested in adventure sports and wildlife photography.

According to Sony, this is the most technologically advanced, innovative digital camera that Sony has ever created, and they say that the new camera “offers a level of imaging performance that is simply unmatched by any camera ever created – mirrorless, SLR or otherwise.”

We had a chance to get our hands on the camera and try it out, so let’s take a look at what’s new about this camera.

The new mirrorless camera offers many impressive features including high-speed, blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20fps, 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, a maximum shutter speed of up to 1/32,000 second5and much more. These are made possible by its 35mm full-frame stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, which enables data speed processing at up to 20x faster than previous Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. This sensor is paired with a brand new, upgraded BIONZ X processing engine and front-end LSI that maximises its overall performance, according to Sony.

Sample image

Sony prides on the speed of the α9, which is the the outcome of new stacked 24.2 MP Exmor RS image sensor, new BIONZ X processor and front end LSI. Sony informed that the α9 liberates processing power as its new components allow faster AF/AE calculation while also reducing EVF display latency. The processor and front end LSI are responsible for the larger continuous shooting buffer therefore allowing photographers to shoot at a blazing 20 fps with continuous AF/AE tracking for up to 362 JPEG or 241 RAW images. We tried the camera in continuous shooting mode, and it gave us quite an impressive output.

The camera also offers tracking with an uninterrupted view with AF/AE tracking calculation up to 60 times per sec, regardless of shutter release and frame capture. The camera was able to track the live-action we were shooting quite accurately.

It features 693 focal plane phase detection AF points covering approximately 93% of the frame. The Fast Hybrid AF system – pairing the speed and excellent tracking performance of phase detection AF with the precision of contrast AF – achieves approximately 25% faster performance when compared with α7R II, ensuring all fast-moving subjects are captured.

As the camera is aimed at wildlife photographers, it also offers silent and vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec. The electronic shutter in the A9 operates silently, without mechanical noise that can be disruptive when shooting sports, events or wildlife in a quiet environment. Sony said that the fact that the electronic shutter is vibration-free also minimises the likelihood of vibration-induced blur, further contributing to resolution and image quality. The manufacturerer also said that its maximum 1/32000 sec speed exceeds the limits of mechanical systems for vastly expanded exposure freedom as well as the ability to maintain shallow depth of field in bright conditions without having to use ND filters.

The α9 is equipped with an 5-axis image stabilisation system that provides a shutter speed advantage of 5.0 steps.

The camera also shoots 4K (3840x2160p) video recording. It uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect 6K of information, oversampling it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. The extremely popular 35mm size recording is also available in the α9.

The camera is available at Sony retail outlets for Rs 3,29,990. We will soon do a full-length review of the camera in our magazine. So, keep reading!