Category Archives: news

Panasonic launches full-frame mirrorless camera ‘Lumix BS1H’ in India

Panasonic India recently announced the release of the LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera BS1H, a new full-frame box-style camera. The LUMIX BS1H is a perfect marriage of Panasonic’s most sophisticated technology, combining the cinema-quality visual performance of the LUMIX S1H with the convenience of a box-style design. The camera has a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO and 6K resolution, making it an ideal companion for professional filmmakers, videographers, and digital content creators. The LUMIX BS1H is priced at INR 3,39,990 and is available at all Panasonic brand stores in India.

Speaking about the launch, Fumiyasu Fujimori, Divisional Director, Consumer Sales Division at Panasonic India said, “At Panasonic, we are bullish about introducing consumers to cutting edge technologies through our diverse and future-proof range of products. Keeping the consumer requirement at the core, we have been relentlessly working towards upgrading the experience of our users through innovations, and the new LUMIX BS1H is a step ahead in this direction. With a surge in online content consumption, we have seen a rise in demand for high quality imaging solution to create superior content and LUMIX BS1H will cater to this growing need amongst the professional community and empower them with the best in class technology. Box-style cameras from LUMIX have proved their competency in applications as varied as Augmented Reality and 3D Video Production globally and we are confident that this model will do so in India as well.”

Panasonic’s new LUMIX BS1H is a cutting-edge professional image product intended to meet the needs of cinema, live-streaming, and other multi-camera customers. The LUMIX BS1H promises the best of both worlds for filmmakers looking to customise their setup for higher-end productions, as well as a better continuous recording/streaming camera for live video and other longer-form video productions, with features such as 6K video, multiple recording modes, and high connectivity and mobility. The LUMIX BS1H is capable of providing 6K resolution that delivers smooth and fine video quality, as well as a variety of recording settings that let users to capture spectacular photos in any situations by making the most of the pixels in the full-frame image sensor. The LUMIX BS1H also has heat management, which allows for long-hour use without the need for fast pack-ups during shots.

Mr. Hardeep Sarna, Sales & Marketing Head, Imaging Business Group, Panasonic India added, “With the launch of LUMIX BS1H, we aim to fulfill the demand of the professionals who are on a lookout for new-age innovations which not only meet the varied requirements of videography but also prove to be a long term camera partner. Equipped with features for exceptional video recording, seamless production, options for live streaming, LUMIX BS1H is an extension of innovation in box style cameras in Cinema and is an ideal solution for professionals across business segments. The versatility of this camera is evident in its applications ranging from wedding, documentary making, cinema and OTT platforms to usage on FPV drones and in medical and industrial settings, following the lead of the Lumix BGH1.”

The LUMIX BS1H is a high-definition companion that has capabilities such as HDMI/SDI Output, Genlock IN/OUT, and Timecode IN/OUT. The camera contains Double SD Card Slots, 3.5 Audio (in/out) port, USB 3.1 Type-C, a 3G-SDI (BNC), HDMI Type-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, tally lighting (front/rear), and XLR microphone compatibility to provide customers with outstanding and hassle-free communication. Furthermore, the camera retains Panasonic’s V-Log format and has 14+ stops of V-Log/V-Gamut, allowing users to shoot photos with more than 14 stops of dynamic range in a very wide colour spectrum. The camera also has HDR recording with HLG and RAW Video Data Output (Apple ProRes RAW / Blackmagic RAW), allowing for high-image-quality recording with minimal noise even in low-light conditions like indoors or at night.

Key features:
  • Video Performances with Cinema Quality
  • 24.2MP Full-frame Sensor
  • 6K 24p / 5.9K 30p 10-bit Video Recording
  • C4K/4K 60p/50p 10-bit on APS-C Crop
  • C4K/4K 30p/25p 4:2:2 10-bit Full Frame Recording
  • RAW Video Data Output (ATOMOS Ninja V / Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR)
  • Dual Native ISO
  • 14+ stops of V-Log/V-Gamut
  • ISO range of ISO 100-51200, extendable up to ISO 50 – 204800
  • HFR recording on FHD 120fps along with Sound and AutoFocus


Pursuing Usability in Video Production
  • Ethernet / PoE+ compatible
  • Remote Control upto 12 cameras with LUMIX Tether for Multicam
  • USB/LAN Tethering
  • IP Streaming with PC (RTP/RTSP protocol)
  • Simultaneous HDMI/SDI Output
  • Genlock IN / Timecode IN/OUT


Flexible Expandability
  • Ultra Compact & Lightweight
  • Unlimited Rec Time
  • SDK supported for Industrial usage and integration with customer’s applications.
  • Power Supply Options (AC Adaptor / Battery / PoE+)
  • Multiple Standard Mounts for rigging the camera

World Photography Organisation – Student and Youth Competitions 2022 shortlists announced

The World Photography Organisation recently announced the shortlisted photographers in the Student and Youth competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2022. Winners of Student Photographer of the Year and Youth Photographer of the Year will be announced on 12 April and will go on display as part of the Sony World Photography Awards 2022 exhibition at Somerset House, London.

The Student shortlist showcases series of works by 10 students at leading international higher education institutions. For the 2022 competition, students were invited to submit a series of five to 10 images interpreting the brief Connections. The shortlisted entries have each been chosen for their nuanced and intelligent responses to this brief.

Connections to cultural identity and community are examined by several of the projects, such as The Identity of Holland by Ezra Bohm (The Netherlands, Nederlandse Acedemie voor Beeldcreatie) which focusses on the inhabitants of the Dutch village of Urk, the last people in the Netherlands to still wear traditional dress; Becoming South African by Aidan Murgatroyd (South Africa, Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography) follows the photographer’s journey in search of a greater understanding and sense of connection to his home country after prolonged absences; Theologians by Sergey Pronin (Russian Federation, Docdocdoc School of Modern Photography) captures participants seeking spiritual connection in the summer camp of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University’s Theological faculty; The Butcher by Dennis Mubanga Kabwe (Zambia, Open Window University Zambia) spotlights a local butcher at work in the heart of the market-place; and Cariño by Chris Rosas Vargas (USA, Parsons), a series of sentimental portraits of public spaces in the Bronx and Harlem.

Elsewhere the series explore connections through representations of togetherness as in Tiramisu by Alexander Komenda (Canada, Aalto University, Finland) which depicts Komenda’s playful collaborations with fellow students to help pass the time during the lockdowns; and Disconnected by Oriel Naxhielly Martins (Armenia, ENFO Escuela De Fotografía, Argentina), where the photographer focuses on moments of physical intimacy and the struggle of coping with isolation during the pandemic.

Connections to the past, and to family history were also central to several of the projects including Connections by Sachi Deshmukh (India, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Italy), which juxtaposes past and present through old photographs of her then newly married parents held by their now aged hands and linked together with red thread; Memories of Family by Xu Han (China Mainland, Nanjing University of the Arts) uses close-up abstract images of paint droplets and patterns to explore the photographer’s relationship with family; and Even When We’re Breathing, We’re Moving by Angela Stoll (Australia, University of Wollongong) examines the idea of movement as a passage of time through long-exposure black and white images of a dancer within an abandoned space.

The winner of Student Photographer of the Year 2022 will be selected from the ten students and announced on 12 April. Together with their university, the winner will be awarded Sony digital imaging equipment amounting to a combined total of €30,000. This year’s Student shortlist was judged by Colin Czerwinski, Founder of NOICE Magazine.

The Youth competition shortlist features seven category winners from June to December 2021, who each responded to a different monthly theme. Winner of the June competition, Elijah Baptiste (USA, 15 years old, Composition & Design) photographed his subject blindfolded and shot from below in black and white, emphasising the grace of his pose. Zinuo Shi (China Mainland, 17 years old, Street Photography) captures two women in conversation in a marketplace, while in the foreground the upside-down poster of a model gives a surreal edge to the picture. Emery Sanderson (Canada, 19 years old, Landscape) depicts a serene snowy scene, interrupted only by a solitary figure and the tracks they have left behind. Likewise, Cameron Borg (Australia, 17 years old, Culture & Travel) shows a lone human set against nature, this time a surfer photographed from above in the turbulent swell. Rayhan Mundra’s (USA, 15 years old, Wildlife & Nature) image displays a brown bear in the split-second moment of catching a salmon from a stream. Tri Nguyen (Vietnam, 18 years old, Portraiture) uses a street mirror to create a portrait from two angles, in the glow of the moonlight. Benjamin Joel (USA, 17 years old, Open Call) captured the strength and determination of a national fencing champion.

Youth Photographer of the Year is judged by Hideko Kataoka, Director of Photography at Newsweek Japan. The winner will receive a range of Sony digital imaging equipment to nurture their vision.

The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competition of the Sony World Photography Awards 2022 will be announced on 12 April 2022.

STUDENT & YOUTH COMPETITIONS 2022 SHORTLISTS
STUDENT COMPETITION 2021 SHORTLIST

Aidan Murgatroyd, South Africa
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
Alexander Komenda, Canada
Aalto University, Finland
Angela Stoll, Australia
University of Wollongong
Chris Rosas Vargas, USA
Parsons
Dennis Mubanga Kabwe, Zambia
Open Window University Zambia
Ezra Bohm, The Netherlands
Nederlandse Acedemie voor Beeldcreatie
Oriel Naxhielly Martins, Armenia
ENFO Escuela De Fotografía, Argentina
Sachi Deshmukh, India
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Italy
Sergey Pronin, Russian Federation
Docdocdoc School of Modern Photography
Xu Han, China Mainland
Nanjing University of the Arts

YOUTH COMPETITION 2021 SHORTLIST

COMPOSITION & DESIGN: Elijah Baptiste, USA
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY: Zinuo Shi, China Mainland
LANDSCAPE: Emery Sanderson, Canada
CULTURE & TRAVEL: Cameron Borg, Australia
WILDLIFE & NATURE: Rayhan Mundra, USA
PORTRAITURE: Tri Nguyen, Vietnam
OPEN CALL: Benjamin Joel, USA

IMAGE CREDITS
LEFT TO RIGHT BY ROW:
© Ezra Bohm, The Netherlands, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Cameron Borg, Australia, Category Winner, Youth Competition, Culture & Travel, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Aidan Murgatroyd, South Africa, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Zinuo Shi, China Mainland, Category Winner, Youth Competition, Street Photography, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Oriel Naxhielly Martins, Armenia, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Xu Han, China Mainland, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Tri Nguyen, Vietnam, Category Winner, Youth Competition, Portraiture, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Chris Rosas Vargas, USA, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Elijah Baptiste, USA, Category Winner, Youth Competition, Composition & Design, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Sergey Pronin, Russian Federation, Student Shortlist, Sony World Photography Awards 2022
© Rayhan Mundra’s, USA, Category Winner, Youth Competition, Wildlife & Nature, Sony World Photography Awards 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interview with Ms. Hsiaohua Cheng, Head of Imaging at OnePlus

It has now become a commonplace where smartphone brands are looking to push newer boundaries in imaging and the camera experience that they offer with their smartphones today. OnePlus and Hasselblad collaborated for the 9 series launched in 2021. Although the collaboration didn’t seem to offer much in the beginning, it is now starting to show its potential. Bhavya Desai spoke to Ms. Hsiaohua Cheng, Head of Imaging at OnePlus on their collab and what can the users expect for the future.

When the collaboration with Hasselblad happened (for the 9 and 9 Pro), initially users seemed disappointed. Was it always the idea to build those features in the future updates?

Creating a better camera experience has been a central tenet of OnePlus’ strategy in 2021 and will remain a key focus in the near future. Earlier this year, we inked a strategic partnership with Hasselblad to further improve the OnePlus camera experience over the next three years. Additionally, we also committed an investment of USD $150 million to develop better mobile imaging to build out our mobile imaging capabilities in our ongoing pursuit of delivering the best smartphone camera experience for our users.

Involving meticulous software calibration and multiple hours spent working with the Hasselblad team, the OnePlus 9 Series today, represents OnePlus’ biggest leap forward in terms of camera development and bring to users natural colour calibration, high dynamic range, and keen detail. With the OnePlus 9 Series, we are committed to delivering immediate benefit for OnePlus users, while continuously collaborating over the next three years to further improve the user experience and product quality for the long-term.


The XPan Mode changed the usage of the 9 and 9 Pro and we’ve started seeing the potential of this collaboration now. What else can we expect from this in the future?

Using XPan Mode on the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, users can see the world around them through a unique lens, and we are very excited about how this format is being utilised by our users and photographers around the world. Our partnership will continue to evolve our camera capabilities as we look at providing users with innovative ways of capturing images and storytelling.


Does it limit or make it difficult to offer features in cameras when the hardware is sourced and needs integration with your OS? Thoughts?

As elevating the camera experience is one of OnePlus’ core focus areas, we continue to invest towards camera development and enhancing the image quality. This year, we have established a full-fledged Camera Image Quality Lab at the OnePlus India R&D Centre. This camera IQ lab works on India specific camera requirements for OnePlus devices as well as contributes to the camera image quality tuning requirements for global regions including testing efforts for NA and EU markets. Going forward, we will continue to improve our camera performance through investments and strategic partnerships and push the boundaries of mobile imaging.


What is the overall vision of this collaboration with Hasselblad?

At OnePlus, we have always prioritised a premium user experience over everything else. We began this year through a concerted effort to significantly improve the smartphone camera experience for our users, with the expertise of a truly legendary partner in Hasselblad. Today, the Hasselblad Camera for Mobile, on both the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, represents OnePlus’ biggest leap forward ever in camera quality. Hasselblad’s pursuit of imaging quality and deep aesthetic expertise will be fully integrated into this system, continuing their legacy in imaging in OnePlus phones. The partnership will roll out in numerous phases as we look at resetting the standards for a best-in-class mobile imaging experience.


What does OnePlus aspire to offer to its users with its cameras in the future?

In the coming years, the partnership will continuously develop, starting with software improvements including colour tuning and sensor calibration and extend to other areas in the future. Through close R&D collaboration, OnePlus and Hasselblad will continue to work on developing camera systems for future OnePlus smartphones that are significantly improved.


You have worked on a project which is shot using a 9 Pro in a feature film format. Can you tell us more about that?

While shooting long format content on smartphones is relatively new in the Indian film industry, it is slowly gaining interest, feasibility and being adopted by more and more individuals in the industry. In shooting long format content using the OnePlus 9 Pro, the filmmakers in fact, found that they could incorporate unique perspectives, high dynamic range and create a lot of contrast and authenticity when shooting in a variety of settings, including low-light environments. These features allowed us to bring a fast-paced storyline to life with thrilling sequences for a one-of-a-kind feature film.


Our entire team has been thrilled to attempt this unique project of shooting an entire feature film on the OnePlus 9 Pro guided by his extensive experience. Filming on the OnePlus 9 Pro helped us bring to life the cinematic detail required to capture the essence of the storyline and emotions of the characters. This film truly demonstrates the capabilities of the OnePlus 9 Pro’s cameras, and we hope this serves as an inspiration for our community to embark on their own creative endeavours with their OnePlus devices.


Do projects like these have the anticipated impact. Thoughts?

OnePlus has consistently been recognised as a brand that brings cutting-edge technology and creates unique experiences for its community. As part of our ‘Shot on OnePlus’ efforts, we had earlier created the ‘United by Hope’ documentary to showcase the daily experiences of people from different backgrounds during the pandemic. Following the success of the SOOP documentary, we decided to take this a step further and explore the possibility of making a full-length feature film.

Since we began working on the project, I had envisioned how the final movie would turn out. After we got the footage, I was extremely pleased with how the shots turned out. The OnePlus 9 Pro’s cameras did a great job at producing stunning pictures, especially in low light settings. I believe the cameras were able to rightly capture the essence of the story. In addition to being versatile and user-friendly, OnePlus’ cameras are robust and user-friendly, making it easy even for people with little to no photography and videography experience to capture images and videos without a lot of hassle. As the first Indian “Shot on OnePlus” film, this allowed us to experiment with mobile camera technology and bring to life a wonderful storyline. We have received good feedback on this project and we sincerely hope that it will inspire our user community to follow their creative passions.

What were the features that were used the most while shooting this film?

The OnePlus 9 Pro camera made for a seamless shooting experience by providing hyper-realistic 8k 30 fps, superior HDR video recording, in-built image stabilization, and support for capturing 4K at 120 frames per second. With faster focus speeds and in-built image stabilization, the OnePlus 9 Pro also helped deliver cleaner daytime and nighttime imagery while also providing reduced motion blur with higher dynamic range in shooting videos.

The camera set-up also came with advanced Nightscape Video 2.0, which allowed us to capture bright and detailed videos, even in very dim environments. Coupled with DOL-HDR and the sequences captured with the ultra-wide camera, the camera allowed us to bring every frame to life with captivating contrasts and exciting sequences.

Photography Trends in 2022

Every year it is customary for us to feature an article that highlights the trends and predictions that will might become big in the coming year. This list usually includes a combination of photography styles, products, technology among others that we feel will be used/applied the most in the next year, and with 2022 around the corner there are things that potentially might be some of the biggest trends in 2022. In this article we’ve listed them and if you have read our previous articles then you would know that we usually get most of these things right.


– By Bhavya Desai


Weddings to come back full circle


For the large part of the past two years, we’ve spent most of our time in isolation or in smaller groups. This also meant that most of the celebrations like weddings have been more intimate or in a private setting. And while they have their own place and everyone enjoys that as an experience, it was believed that this will be the trend going forward. Infact I was also completely sold to that idea. But from what we’ve been witnessing in the past few months, weddings are for sure coming back full circle or circus (whatever you like). So get ready for some massive shor sharaba in 2022, which surely is great news for the photographer fraternity.




Short form Content


This will be one of the biggest trends for the year 2022 with more and more users consuming short form content thanks to social media platforms. Creators and photographers will use these platforms to showcase BTS, projects, etc. and if you aren’t one of those who hasn’t started using these features, now would be a good time to start. The potential of providing a sneak peek into your world and amplifying your reach via such content is going to be golden.




Content to be King


While content has always been important, the explosion of creators, social platforms, etc. have also increased the amount of content that is now available for viewing. And more often than not you find a lot of noise rather than meaningful content. But 2022 will be a time that viewers will become more selective when it comes to consuming content, whether still or video. So if you are a photographer or a creator then I would pay double attention to what you create in 2022 since it will be even more important this year.




NFTs in Photography


For certain 2022 will see more photographers/artist try out NFTs in photography. NFTs are Non-Fungible Tokens and I am not certain if they will be around for many years to come, but the sort of success that they recently got, their popularity will surely increase more in 2022. Artists will try their hands at NFTs in 2022 and if they will taste success, then it will plant the seed for the years to come.




Camera and Smartphone brand collabs


We’ve already seen a number of collaborations between camera manufacturers and phone brands. And this is only natural since cameras play such a big part in influencing the buyers’ decision today. But while the both these segments are collaborating since the past few years, the true potential of what they can achieve isn’t there yet. But in 2022, I feel these will start shaping up with great meaning. The phones will start offering superior features, better cameras, better technology, thanks to the results maturing from such collabs that’ve been initiated over the years.




Candids are the Only Thing Now


Everyone knows Candid Photography has been around for a while. It really isn’t a new concept anymore. But what is about to change is the sheer application of that style in 2022. With photography now becoming more personal, candid is the future with lesser application to commercial outlook in weddings. For instance, in wedding photography you’ll now find dedicated photographers only for the bride and only for the groom, probably one only for the families as well. These are uncommon today, but in 2022 you’ll see more of such trends where dedicated candid photographers/videographers will be used with commercial ideas thrown out of the window for a new style of services to evolve.




Drones, drones and more drones


Drones automatically have been qualifying in our list for the past few years and they’ll continue to do so may be for the next few years as well. With technology getting better and better with what drones can achieve, like newer shots, angles, scenes, photographers and creators will continue to use them extensively in 2022, especially with the norms now relaxing slightly towards their applications.




Death of the DSLRs?


I am on the fence with this point honestly. Every time I feel that DSLRs are done, some manufacturer springs in and surprises me with a new product. But honestly, I think now the time has come when DSLRs or at least new products might be done. I don’t see many launches happening for the next few years and the remaining few manufacturers that are still making them might also stick to only a product or two in every few years. But with some of the new products being launched still doing the rounds, you never know what happens.





Affordable Mirrorless Full-Frames


This as a category of cameras will grow exponentially for the next few years to come. Products with great potential have already been launched in the market and from the popularity that they are getting, it is a matter of time when products with better features at a more affordable price will start emerging from all manufacturers.




Plus Size and Dark Models


We are always shooting subjects in Fashion and Commercial Photography who for the longest time were considered to be perfect models. Unfortunately, that system and belief is severely flawed since we’re tuned to like people in a particular body shape and skin colour, but in the last two years these inhibitions are changing and more plus sized and dark skin models are used in global and mainstream campaigns. And this is a stance that is now adopted by some of the biggest brands globally and 2022 will mark an important change in this trend moving forward.




Chip Shortage


Now this really isn’t a trend but an important update on the chip shortages that plagued every industry in 2021. One of the biggest challenges for any industry in 2021 was acquiring microchips that power every smart product. And the camera industry was no different with shortage in supply of products still on-going. In 2022 also most manufacturers will face this challenge, so be ready to see some delays.



So this rounds up the trends that we feel will become big in the year 2022. Do let us know in the comments what you think of them or if there is something that we have missed.



Sony develops world’s first stacked CMOS image sensor technology with 2-layer transistor pixel

Sony has created the world’s first 1 stacked CMOS image sensor technology with 2 Layer Transistor Pixel. Whereas photodiodes and pixel transistors in typical CMOS image sensors share the same substrate, Sony’s innovative technology divides photodiodes and pixel transistors on independent substrate layers. This innovative architecture almost doubles 2 saturation signal level 3 compared to traditional image sensors, broadens dynamic range, and decreases noise, resulting in significantly improved imaging qualities. The pixel structure of the new technology will allow pixels to preserve or improve their present qualities at not only current but also reduced pixel sizes.

Sony made the announcement during the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting, which began on Saturday, December 11, 2021.




A stacked CMOS image sensor is made up of a pixel chip made up of back lit pixels layered atop a logic chip where signal processing circuits are built. Photodiodes for converting light to electrical signals and pixel transistors for regulating the signals are located on the same layer of the pixel chip. Increasing the saturation signal level within form-factor limits is critical for achieving great image quality with a broad dynamic range.

Sony’s new design represents a step forward in stacked CMOS image sensor technology. Sony placed the photodiodes and pixel transistors on separate substrates stacked one on top of the other using its unique stacking process.

In contrast, photodiodes and pixel transistors in traditional stacked CMOS image sensors are located on the same substrate. The novel stacking technique permits the use of topologies that allow for the optimization of the photodiode and pixel transistor layers, doubling the saturation signal level relative to conventional image sensors and, as a result, increasing the dynamic range.


Furthermore, because pixel transistors other than transfer gates (TRG), such as reset transistors (RST), select transistors (SEL), and amp transistors (AMP), occupy a photodiode-free layer, the size of the amp transistors may be expanded. Sony was able to significantly reduce noise in nighttime and other dark-location photos by increasing the size of amp transistors. This new technology’s increased dynamic range and noise reduction will avoid underexposure and overexposure in situations with a mix of bright and dim lighting (e.g., backlit settings) and enable high-quality, low-noise photographs even in low-light (e.g., interior, nighttime) circumstances.

Sony’s 2-Layer Transistor Pixel technology will help to realise increasingly high-quality imagery, such as smartphone pictures.

Researchers have created an ultra-compact camera the size of a salt grain


Princeton University and the University of Washington researchers have created an imaging system the size of a coarse grain of salt. It is based on a metasurface with 1.6 million cylindrical posts and functions similarly to a camera sensor. Each post functions as an optical antenna, receiving light to form the optical wavefront, and then developing a high-quality picture in full colour using AI algorithms. Traditional cameras employ a sophisticated set of plastic and glass lenses to bend light onto a sensor, which transmits impulses electronically. The new method is based on metasurface, which is a thin layer made up of individual microscopic parts designed to refract light in any desired direction.

Returning to the camera, this metasurface, and its cylindrical posts, the novelty lies in designing the right tube design and signal processing method that can create an actual image. Instead of operating like a laser, which created hazy, distorted pictures with a limited field of vision, the metasurface camera was able to record a full-color snapshot. The primary use for this new sort of camera will be medical: robots will be able to perform minimally invasive endoscopy to identify and cure ailments.

Because the metasurface is made of silicon nitride, it can be mass manufactured fast and at a cheaper cost than lenses for ordinary cameras. This is the first time that researchers have adopted a system in which optical technology is used in the front end and neural processing is used in the back end. According to experts, this innovation will pave the way for “totally alternative ways of manufacturing gadgets in the future.”

DJI anmd SkyPixel launches the 2021 SkyPixel Creative Video Contest

To honor another successful year with the SkyPixel community, DJI and SkyPixel, one of the world’s most prominent online aerial photography and videography communities, have announced the 2021 SkyPixel Creative Video Contest. The contest, which has a brand-new 15s Video category, encourages contributions from all sorts of producers, from hobbyists to professional filmmakers from all around the world. FAW-Volkswagen Audi, Canon, and DJI will give contest prizes.

The contest, which runs from October 27 through December 6, 2021, accepts films filmed on portable devices in seven categories: Sports, Travel, Party, Pets and Kids, Creative, Foods, and 15s Video. There are no age restrictions, and participants are free to submit as many pieces of work as they choose. Please see the official contest website at www.skypixel.com/contests/2021video for more information.

Professional film producers, directors, and well-known influences, like Sam Kolder, Aaron Liu, Devin Graham, and Mike Bishop, make up the 2021 judging committee.

SkyPixel and DJI will present 60 awards totaling more than USD 46,000 in cash and gifts. The Grand Prize winner will get a USD 7,500 DJI voucher to go toward any DJI product, a Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera with an RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens Kit, an Audi e-tron 1:18 model vehicle, and other interesting prizes. Winners in each category will win a variety of prizes, including a DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo, a DJI RS 2 Pro Combo, a Canon EOS R5, and an Audi Sport Watch. Additionally, entries chosen by editors and shot on a previous-generation DJI Osmo or Ronin device will get a 5% voucher toward the purchase of a new DJI handheld product.


Submission Details
Submission Start Date: 21:00 (CST) on Oct 27 2021
Submission End Date: 14:00 (CST) on Dec 6, 2021
Award Announcement: Dec 28, 2021


Nikon launches Z9 with only Electronic Shutter and 8k 30p recording capability

Nikon yesterday introduced its latest flagship mirrorless camera, the Z9 for a whopping price of Rs 4,75,995. The camera is the first of its kind which doesn’t feature a mechanical shutter and only features an Electronic Shutter making it the fastest CMOS sensor produced and also that it will have the least amount of rolling shutter due to this feature.


The camera features a 45.7-megapixel sensor and has the capability to shoot 8K video at 30p and up to 20 fps RAW burst shooting capabilities. It’s Nikon’s first camera with a stacked sensor and built-in memory, allowing for extremely rapid readout speeds. Nikon is so confident in the electronic shutter that it has abandoned the mechanical shutter altogether, making the Z9 the first high-end professional camera to do so.


The Z9 sensor (which has the same megapixel count as the Z7 II) enables for flash sync speeds of up to 1/200th of a second, which appears to be the quickest sync speed for an electronic shutter ever. This should also make it particularly resistant to rolling shutter, which is important if the camera is going to be used for sports or action photography. The quicker sensor enables JPEG burst photography at up to 30 frames per second or RAW shots at 20 frames per second. If you’re ready to go down to 11 megapixels, you can capture photographs at 120 fps as well. The Nikon Z, like other stacked sensor cameras, features substantially better buffering, allowing you to shoot up to 1,000 frames at once with JPEG or the new HE (high efficiency) RAW compression techniques.


Nikon’s autofocus (AF) technology is likewise all new, and it makes even greater use of AI algorithms. Like the Canon’s EOS R3, can now monitor a wide range of subjects, including people’s eyes, faces, and bodies, as well as dogs, cats, and birds, aircraft, trains, motorcycles, and bicycles. And, unlike other AI cameras, there’s no need to tell it what you’re shooting – if you set it to “Auto,” the camera will figure it out (or, you can set the subject type manually). It also has a “3D tracking” feature, similar to that found in Nikon DSLRs. 


Nikon’s in-body stabilization mechanism has also been upgraded (which it calls “vibration reduction” or VR). It can now combine in-body and lens stabilization systems for more stable video and less blurry images. However, it will only be available with a few lenses at first, including the Nikkor Z 70-200mm F/2.8, Z MC 105mm F/2.8 VR, and the recently announced Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S.


As Nikon hinted earlier this year, video performance is similarly outstanding. The Z9 will be able to capture 8K at 30p, as well as oversampled 4K 30p from an 8K clip, which should be extremely crisp. It will also be capable of capturing 4K at up to 120 fps if you don’t mind pixel binning or line skipping. To begin, you’ll be able to capture these files at up to 10-bit resolution using H.264 or H.265 long GOP codecs. Furthermore, Nikon provides the extremely handy option of shooting video using ProRes 422 HQ compression, which is considerably easier to edit right out of the camera.


However, things will become much more fascinating later on. Nikon intends to provide a firmware upgrade in the future that will enable 12-bit 8K 60fps capture in a new, proprietary N-RAW format or Apple ProRes RAW HQ capture at 4K/60p. Nikon claims that at “average” conditions, you’ll be able to capture the oversampled 4K/30p for more than two hours. 


The camera features two CFexpress Type B slots (backward compatible with XQD) for maximum video and burst photo capabilities. The new EN-EL18d battery has a capacity of 740 shots per charge with the LCD and 700 shots with the EVF activated. It boasts a 3.69 million dot OLED viewfinder, which probably could’ve been better considering that most cameras now already have this since a longtime. The refresh rate of the EVF is just 60 fps, but Nikon claims that it always provides that speed and never downgrades it regardless of what you’re doing. It has a multi-direction back LCD rather than a completely articulating screen, although it can be tilted up to face you.

Panasonic launches Lumix DC-GH5 II in India

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 was recently released in India. The new mirrorless camera, developed as an improvement to the current Lumix GH5, is geared at videographers searching for a 4K video recording option. It can record C4K or 4K 4:2:0 movies at 60 frames per second (fps) in 10 bits while also permitting simultaneous output of C4K or 4K 4:2:0 10-bit films at 60fps. The Lumix GH5M2 has a 20.3-megapixel sensor with body image stabilisation. The camera also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 body alone costs Rs. 1,69,990 in India, while the GH5M2 L-kit, which includes a 12-60mm lens, costs Rs. 2,14,990. The camera can be purchased in the nation from Panasonic India brand stores.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 comes with the 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor that includes an anti-reflective (AR) coating on top to minimise ghosts and flaring effects. The camera also includes an image processor along with Venus Engine that is claimed to enable 4K60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording and simultaneous 4:2:2 HDMI output. The Lumix GH5M2 also carries a deep learning technology that is claimed to help detect subjects such as humans, fast-moving animals, and birds.

In compared to the Lumix GH5, the Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 is said to have double the recognition cycle speed for identifying eyes and faces. The camera is also said to be capable of distinguishing between eyes, faces, and bodies in real time. The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 also includes a 6-stop slower shutter speed, as well as body IS, which helps capture steady photos even while shooting handheld.

Panasonic has enabled wireless live streaming on the Lumix GH5M2 in addition to wired live streaming through HDMI. It is accessed via the Lumix Sync app, which is available for smartphones. The camera can transmit full-HD video at 60 frames per second using the H.264 codec in the RTMP/ RTMPS protocol. The business has also made available a specific software package called Lumix Webcam Software, which customers may download to enable wired live streaming with the Lumix GH5M2. Through a future firmware upgrade anticipated for the end of 2021, it will also offer wired IP streaming over RTP/ RTSP protocol.

The Panasonic Lumix GH5M2 includes Bluetooth v4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity. The camera also has a 3.0-inch free-angle LCD panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1,840k dots. Touch controls are also available on the LCD panel. Because the Lumix GH5M2 is intended to be an update to the Lumix GH5, it is compatible with the majority of the accessories provided for the prior model. This means you can utilize the Lumix GH5’s XLR Microphone Adapter, Shutter Remote Control, and Battery Grip with the new camera.

The Lumix GH5M2 also sports a dustproof, freeze-proof, and splash-proof design with a magnesium alloy core structure and a complete die-cast front and back frame. The camera’s shutter unit is also said to be robust for up to 200,000 cycles.

On the Lumix GH5M2, Panasonic has included a 2,200mAh battery that can be charged through AC or USB. It may also be charged with USB Power Delivery (PD) chargers. In addition, the camera sports a dual SD memory card slot that supports UHS-II cards.

Nikon India accidently leaks Z9 Promo Video

Nikon India appears to have inadvertently released a promotional film for Nikon’s upcoming Z9 mirrorless camera, confirming previously unknown characteristics. While Nikon has been releasing weekly teaser films (1, 2, 3) for what will be their flagship mirrorless camera (three of the four planned teasers have been disclosed thus far), this one looks to be unique, both in terms of visual style and time (we suspect the fourth teaser video in the series to be released later this week).



This latest leaked video, which has since been removed but re-posted elsewhere, shows three distinct slides, each of which details specs that we have not yet been made aware of. The video notes in the first slide that the Z9 will have the ‘world’s fastest’ scan rate and be capable of shooting at up to 120 frames per second (fps), though there are footnotes to clarify the ‘world’s fastest’ claim and presumably limitations on what kind of capture mode you’ll be able to capture images at 120fps.



According to the second slide in the movie, the Z9 will support 8K/60p recording and will feature a double coating on the optical low-pass filter. This slide also features footnotes: two for the 8K/60p claim and one for the low-pass filter coating, although they’re difficult to see in the video. It’s probable that the 8K/60p capture option will be severely constrained in terms of bitrate, bit-depth, and codec support.


The third graphic shows the previously anticipated ‘Multi-Axis Tilting Monitor,’ as well as the ability to continually take Raw photos at up to 20fps. This slide has no footnotes, which is particularly fascinating given the 20fps Raw capture. The movie also shows off Nikon’s upcoming Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 S lens.

As with any leak, it’s important to take it with a grain of salt. However, given that the video came from the official Nikon India YouTube account and looks to be quite on-brand for Nikon’s previous videos, it’s unlikely to be a forgery. Nikon has another teaser film scheduled for later this week, which may or may not be the finalized version of this advertising video. We’ll simply have to wait and see what happens.