marți, 12 aprilie 2016

Camera video Lytro Cinema filmeaza la 300fps cu un senzor de 755 MP si ofera libertate pentru Post Productie

Lytro Cinema
Firma Lytro ne propune o noua tehnologie inovatoare in domeniul video - camera Lytro Cinema care va oferi creativitate si flexibilitate nelimitata atat in timpul filmarii cat si pentru post productie (editare & efecte).

Cateva detalii:
  • senzor 755 megapixeli - captura RAW;
  • filmare slow-motion la 300fps;
  • ajustare viteza cadre pe secunda (frame rate) si viteza de declansare (shutter) in PostProductie;
  • camera tracking automat;
  • gama dinamica (dynamic range) foarte mare 16EV;
  • focalizare la alegere dupa filmare - inclusiv alegerea diafragmei in PostProductie pentru  modificarea adancimii de camp (Depth of field);
  • inregistrare in format 3D a adancimii de camp (Depth of field) - cu posibilitati de modificare ulterioara a imaginii in PostProductie prin efecte similare ChromaKey (vezi materialul video de mai jos).

Compozitie de tip ChromaKey dar fara folosirea unui background verde/albastru.

Inregistrare in format 3D pentru adancimea de camp (Depth of field) - oarecum similar cu modul in care lucreaza senzorul Xbox Kinect

Light field camera tracking - transferarea informatiilor de la camera reala inclusiv miscare catre camera virtuala folosita pentru adaugarea de efecte care trebuie sincronizate.

Prezentarea oficiala
Pentru inceput camerele Lytro Cinema vor fi disponibile doar pentru inchiriere catre marile studiouri cinematografice - similar cu modul de lucru al firmei Panavision.

Puterea de calcul necesara pentru gestionarea si editarea unui asemenea nivel de date video va fi serioasa. Momentan pot sa ma gandesc la o singura varianta ca si configuratie - cerinte minime de sistem Nvidia Quadro K6000 (24 GB memorie video).

Un exemplu de sistem poate fi cel de mai jos cu patru placi video Quadro K6000(11520 CUDA Cores), 2 procesoare Intel Xeon 2650v2 (2x 8 Cores @ 2.6 GHZ) placa de baza SUPERMICRO MBD-X9DRG-QF-B, 128 GB RAM, 2TB stocare SSD, sursa 1500W Enermax.

Prima aplicatie care va suporta acest tip de material video va fi Nuke urmand ca firma Lytro sa extinda suportul catre alte aplicatii cum ar fi Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Smoke, Fusion si altele.

Din pacate pana acum aparatele foto Lytro nu s-au descurcat prea bine in vanzari si nici in teste. Multe dintre fotografiile realizate sunt destul de soft iar sensibilitatea la lumina slaba lasa de dorit in comparatie cu aparatele foto DSLR sau mirrorless. Au reusit sa ocupe o nisa in domeniul foto deoarece punctul de focalizare al acestor fotografii poate fi ales ulterior declansarii.
Firma Lytro a renuntat la sectorul consumer si nu mai produce aceste camere
Puteti urmari o galerie foto realizata cu aceste aparate foto la adresa:  https://pictures.lytro.com/

Mai jos aveti o imagine realizata cu acest tip de camera. Faceti click pe imagine pentru a schimba punctul de focus (ex. cei doi pinguini), dublu click pentru zoom pe imagine, click & drag pentru schimbarea perspectivei.
Mai multe informatii:https://lytro.com/cinema

Update 21-aprilie - NAB Show
Lytro Cinema at NAB 2016 Las Vegas
Firma Litro a adus noua camera la expozitia tehnica NAB 2016 din Las Vegas. Dupa cum se vede camera are dimensiuni serioase avand racire activa. Vine cu propriul server care transfera datele catre Google Cloud la o viteza de 300GB/s.
Lentila din aceasta camera este 30-250mm cu diafragma constanta F/2. La demonstratia din Las Vegas au reusit sa obtina o diafragma de F/0.3 in post productie (efect adancime de camp DOF).
Rezolutia teoretica a materialului video este de 21MP, aceasta fiind cu mult peste standarul 4K.

-----------------------
Anuntul oficial:

Lytro Brings Revolutionary Light Field Technology to Film and TV Production with Lytro Cinema

  • World’s First Light Field Solution for Cinema Allows Breakthrough Creative Capabilities and Unparalleled Flexibility on Set and in Post-Production
  • First Short Produced with Academy Award Winners Robert Stromberg, DGA and David Stump, ASC in Association with The Virtual Reality Company (VRC) Will Premiere at NAB on April 19
Lytro unlocks a new level of creative freedom and flexibility for filmmakers with the introduction of Lytro Cinema, the world’s first Light Field solution for film and television. The breakthrough capture system enables the complete virtualization of the live action camera -- transforming creative camera controls from fixed on set decisions to computational post-production processes -- and allows for historically impossible shots.
“We are in the early innings of a generational shift from a legacy 2D video world to a 3D volumetric Light Field world,” said Jason Rosenthal, CEO of Lytro. “Lytro Cinema represents an important step in that evolution. We are excited to help usher in a new era of cinema technology that allows for a broader creative palette than has ever existed before.”
Designed for cutting edge visual effects (VFX), Lytro Cinema represents a complete paradigm shift in the integration of live action footage and computer generated (CG) visual effects. The rich dataset captured by the system produces a Light Field master that can be rendered in any format in post-production and enables a whole range of creative possibilities that have never before existed.
“Lytro Cinema defies traditional physics of on-set capture allowing filmmakers to capture shots that have been impossible up until now,” said Jon Karafin, Head of Light Field Video at Lytro. “Because of the rich data set and depth information, we’re able to virtualize creative camera controls, meaning that decisions that have traditionally been made on set, like focus position and depth of field, can now be made computationally. We’re on the cutting edge of what’s possible in film production.”
With Lytro Cinema, every frame of a live action scene becomes a 3D model: every pixel has color and directional and depth properties bringing the control and creative flexibility of computer generated VFX to real world capture. The system opens up new creative avenues for the integration of live action footage and visual effects with capabilities like Light Field Camera Tracking and Lytro Depth Screen -- the ability to accurately key green screens for every object and space in the scene without the need for a green screen.
“Lytro has always been a company thinking about what the future of imaging will be,” said Ted Schilowitz, Futurist at FOX Studios. “There are a lot of companies that have been applying new technologies and finding better ways to create cinematic content, and they are all looking for better ways and better tools to achieve live action highly immersive content. Lytro is focusing on getting a much bigger, better and more sophisticated cinematography-level dataset that can then flow through the VFX pipeline and modernize that world.”
Lytro Cinema represents a step function increase in terms of raw data capture and optical performance:
  • The highest resolution video sensor ever designed, 755 RAW megapixels at up to 300 FPS
  • Up to 16 stops of dynamic range and wide color gamut
  • Integrated high resolution active scanning
By capturing the entire high resolution Light Field, Lytro Cinema is the first system able to produce a Light Field Master. The richest dataset in the history of the medium, the Light Field Master enables creators to render content in multiple formats -- including IMAX®, RealD® and traditional cinema and broadcast at variable frame rates and shutter angles.
Lytro Cinema comprises a camera, server array for storage and processing, which can also be done in the cloud, and software to edit Light Field data. The entire system integrates into existing production and post-production workflows, working in tandem with popular industry standard tools. Watch a video about Lytro Cinema at www.lytro.com/cinema#video.
“Life” the first short produced with Lytro Cinema in association with The Virtual Reality Company (VRC) will premiere at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference on Tuesday, April 19 at 4 p.m. PT at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Room S222. “Life” was directed by Academy Award winner Robert Stromberg, Chief Creative Officer at VRC and shot by David Stump, Chief Imaging Scientist at VRC.
Learn more about Lytro Cinema activities during the 2016 NAB Show and get a behind-the-scenes look on the set of “Life” at www.lytro.com/nab2016.
Lytro Cinema will be available for production in Q3 2016 to exclusive partners on a subscription basis. For more information on Lytro Cinema, visit www.lytro.com/cinema.

joi, 19 noiembrie 2015

Ghid Black Friday pentru aparate foto - DPreview

Site-ul DPreview a postat un ghid detaliat pentru cei care doresc sa cumpere aparate foto in perioada ofertelor de Black Friday.
Pentru informatii generale si explicatii ale detaliilor tehnice  accesati postarea mea mai veche Sfaturi-cum-aleg-un-aparat-foto

Acestea sunt sortate dupa tipul de camera:
si dupa folosinta:
  • Best waterproof cameras
  • Best cameras for social photography (coming soon)
  • Best compact cameras for travel (coming soon)
  • Best digital cameras for kids (coming soon)
Mai jos aveti ghidul din anul 2014:
 

vineri, 14 august 2015

Tutoriale fotografie - Elements of Photography Pro - Amazon Android Giveaway

Elements of Photography Pro - exposure
Daca doriti sa invatati fotografia si tehnicile foto, astazi va sta la dispozitie gratuit o aplicatie cu tutoriale, chestionare (quiz) si alte unelte utile atat pentru incepatori cat si avansati in acest domeniu.
Linkul pentru download este (folositi aplicatia Amazon App Store pentru Android):  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D5XYY4M/ref=mas_fad_tp

Mai jos aveti detalii despre aceasta aplicatie in limba enegleza.

Elements of Photography (EoP) is the most comprehensive app on the marketplace on photography. Instead of boggling down with huge amount of text or long boring videos, EoP uses targeted small chunks of text backed by beautiful full screen HD photos.

Download link (use Amazon App Store for Android) available for today: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5XYY4M/ref=s9_acsd_bw_wf_a_masfad_cdl_19?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=1TH12WMR5GV94KGWPP4E&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2164690722&pf_rd_i=10076151011

joi, 30 iulie 2015

Canon - prima camera ultra sensibila la lumina - ISO 4.000.000

ME20F-SH front
Canon a anuntat un nou corp video capabil de filmare full HD cu un senzor CMOS (36mm Full-Frame) ultra sensibil la lumina, avand o sensibilitate ISO pana la 4.000.000.
In cazul meu sunt obisnuit sa cresc sensibilitatea ISO pana la 6400 si rar 12.800 (Canon 5D MKIII). La un simplu calcul se observa ca la noul senzor castigul de lumina fata de ce am specificat eu este de peste 7-8 Fstops (foarte mult).
Pretul pentru acest corp va fi pe masura - 30.000$.

Mai jos aveti un test video comparativ (senzorul CMOS ultra sensibil vs. modelele actuale CCD) realizat in conditii cu lumina foarte slaba:
  • Calea lactee si stele cazatoare;
  • iluminare de la betisoare aromate;
  • scena exterioara iluminata de luna plina - surpriza mare - arata ca si cum ar fi zi ;)



Acest senzor ultra sensibil a fost anuntat prima data in 2013. Mai jos aveti cateva imagini scoase din materialul video de mai sus.

Anuntul oficial:

Canon's First Ultra-High-Sensitivity Multi-Purpose Camera Features ISO Equivalent Of Over 4,000,000


MELVILLE N.Y., July 30, 2015 - Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today has introduced the Company's first multi-purpose camera, the new ME20F-SH, which delivers exceptionally high sensitivity to capture Full HD video with a minimum subject illumination of less than 0.0005 lux1 (at maximum 75 dB gain setting, equivalent to an ISO sensitivity of over 4,000,000). Nighttime surveillance and security, cinematic production, reality television, and nature/wildlife documentaries are just some of the ME20F-SH's many possible usage applications. With the ability to capture color video in extreme low-light conditions and its simplistic and versatile design, the ME-20F-SH Multi-purpose Camera can be easily incorporated into existing infrastructures and systems to provide high-quality video capture even where subjects might not be seen with the naked eye.
ME20F-SH front
ME20F-SH back
ME20F-SH (front)
ME20F-SH (back)
Canon's new multi-purpose camera employs an enhanced version of the 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor for Full HD video use that was originally developed by the Company in 20132. Its compact, modular body design allows easy custom configurations for diverse usage scenarios. While capturing video in extreme low-light conditions often requires the use of infrared illumination (a technique that only yields video in black and white), the ME20F-SH camera achieves impressive high-sensitivity performance enabling the capture of color Full HD video with reduced noise in low-light conditions without the need for infrared illumination.
Ultra-High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor Enables Color Video Capture in Extreme Low-Light Conditions
The ME20F-SH camera's CMOS sensor has pixels measuring 19 μm square3, which is more than 5.5 times the surface area of the pixels on the CMOS sensor featured in select top-of-the-line interchangeable lens cameras4. Furthermore, the sensor's pixels and readout circuitry make use of Canon proprietary technologies to achieve both reduced noise and exceptionally high sensitivity on subjects with a minimum illumination of less than 0.0005 lux. This multi-purpose camera allows users to discern subjects under even some of the dimmest lighting conditions, such as environments lit by artificial illumination or under a moonless night sky. Furthermore, similar to Canon's Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography cameras, the ME20F-SH camera includes Canon Log and Wide DR, which make possible a wide dynamic range, delivering high-image-quality video results across a range of illumination environments, from low- to brightly lit conditions.
Canon's Diverse Interchangeable EF Lens Lineup Enables Wide Range of Imaging Possibilities
The new ME20F-SH employs the same EF mount (Cinema Lock type) as Canon's SLR cameras and Cinema EOS System-series of professional digital cameras, allowing users to make use of the Company's extensive lineup of interchangeable EF lenses5. By letting users select the ideal lens based on their shooting or application requirements, taking into consideration such factors as angle of view and level of brightness, this multi-purpose camera facilitates a wide spectrum of imaging possibilities.
Supports various standard video-recording interfaces
Employing output-only 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI terminals, Canon's ME20F-SH camera enables users working on location to output video via a single cable to a variety of peripheral equipment, including external recorders and monitors. Equipped with a φ2.5mm stereo mini-jack and a round 8-pin jack for RS-422, the multipurpose camera is capable of connecting with Canon's RC-V100 Remote Controller (released in June 2014; sold separately)6. By allowing users to operate the camera or change settings from a remote location, the camera facilitates video capture from inaccessible locations as well as fixed-point surveillance. Furthermore, a φ3.5mm stereo mini-jack allows the camera to connect with an external microphone, enabling users working on location to output audio and video signals to connected peripheral equipment.
The Canon ME20F-SH is expected to be available in December 2015 at a suggested retail price of $30,000.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico) markets. With approximately $31 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2014† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2015. In 2014, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers' Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the 11th consecutive year. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. In 2014, the Canon Americas Headquarters secured LEED® Gold certification, a recognition for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of high-performance green buildings. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA. For media inquiries, please contact pr@cusa.canon.com.
###
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
1 Compliant with the specification method for CCTV devices (TTR-4602B) issued by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA). Theoretical value based on the following shooting conditions: color, no light accumulation, f/1.2, 30P, 50 IRE
2 For more information, please refer to the press release announced on March 4, 2013, available on the Canon Global website: http://www.canon.com/news/2013/mar04e.html
3 1 μm (micrometer) equals one millionth of a meter
4 19 μm pixel pitch (361 μm2 surface area) compared to 4.88 μm (23.81 μm2) of Nikon D810, 8.4 μm (70.56 μm2) of Sony Alpha ILCE-A7S, and 6.94 μm (48.16 μm2) of Canon EOS-1D X
5 Details regarding supported EF-series interchangeable lenses are scheduled to be made available in mid-December 2015.
6 The RC-V100 requires a firmware update when using the round 8-pin jack for RS-422. Details regarding the firmware are scheduled to be made available in mid-December 2015.
Product name ME20F-SH Multi-purpose Camera
Image sensor 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor (single), effective pixel count: approx. 2.26 million pixels
Minimum subject illumination Less than 0.0005 lux (at maximum 75 dB gain setting, equivalent to an ISO sensitivity of over four million)
Pixel Pitch 19 Microns
Lens mount Canon EF mount (Cinema Lock type)
Optical filters ND filter with two density levels (motorized manual / auto) IR cut filter (motorized manual)
Frame rates 59.94P / 59.94i / 50.00P / 50.00i / 29.97P / 25.00P / 23.98P
Gamma Canon Log, Wide DR, etc.
Video output terminals 3G / HD-SDI BNC jack (output only) Terminal count: 2

1080P / 1080i / 720P
HDMI HDMI connector (output only)
Genlock terminal BNC jack (input only)
Remote terminal φ2.5mm stereo mini-mini-jack (Canon-proprietary protocol)

Round 8-pin jack (for RS-422, Canon-proprietary protocol)
Microphone terminal φ3.5mm stereo mini-jack
AF One-shot AF
Auto-exposure Combined interlocking (iris / gain / ND / shutter)
White balance AWB, color-temperature setting (setting range: 2000 to 15000 degrees Kelvin), natural light, light bulb, Setting A, Setting B
Digital teleconverter 2x, 4x
Power input 4-pin XLR DC11-17V

Terminal block 2-pin jack DC11-17V
Operating temperature 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)
Body dimensions Approx. 4 inches (102mm) (w) x 4.5 inches (116mm) (h) x 4.4 inches (113mm) (d) (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) (body only)
Note: HDMI, the HDMI logo and the High-Definition Multimedia Interface are brands and registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC

marți, 14 iulie 2015

Brevet de inventie pentru un nou senzor de Auto-Focus de la Canon

Brevet de inventie pentru un nou senzor de Auto-Focus de la Canon
A aparut pe internet un brevet de inventie (patent) de la Canon pentru un nou sistem de Auto-Focus mai performant. Acesta foloseste senzorul CMOS prin doua metode - contrast si phase AF (16 sub-pixeli).
Partea cea mai spectaculoasa este legata de capacitatea de microajustari automate in timpul auto-focusului care va duce la o precizie mult mai mare fata de aparatele actuale, in special pentru lentilele cu diafragma mare (F/1.2 - F/2.8). In concluzie nu vor mai fi necesare reglarile fine (microajustari) pentru fiecare corp si fiecare lentila in parte.
Ma astept ca acest sistem sa apara pe noul Canon 5D MK IV (probabil 2016).
Acest lucru este deja rezolvat la Sony (vz. Sony A7RII). In cazul lor auto-focusul se face pe senzorul de captura a imaginii, eliminand astfel erorile tipice pentru DSLR.

joi, 18 iunie 2015

Top superzoom - aparate foto compacte

Nikon Coolpix P900
Un nou top al superzoom-urilor, aparate foto compacte, a fost publicat pe site-ul DPreview. Dupa cum era de asteptat, castigatorul este Nikon Coolpix P900 cu o lentila 24-2000mm (83x zoom optic) f/2.8-6.5 urmat de Canon PowerShot SX60 HS si Pentax XG-1.
Mai multe detalii la urmatoarea adresa:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7192763593/2015-superzoom-camera-roundup
La ce poate folosi aceasta categorie de aparate? Daca aveti o pasiune pentru animalele salbatice si pasari aceasta categorie vi se potriveste de minune.

Multi dintre voi o sa veniti cu intrebarea: Nu este mai bine un DSLR? In acest caz trebuie sa tineti cont de investitia uriasa intr-un DSLR echivalent si greutatea in kg.: 
  • lentila 70-300mm stabilizata pret de la 450$ - depaseste 1kg cu tot cu aparat;  
  • lentila 150-600mm - 2kg fara corp, pret de la 1000$;
  • lentila de 800mm pret de la 6500$ - 4,6 kg;
  • peste distanta focala de 800mm depasim 10.000$ (unele si 50.000$) si sunt raritati - greutate peste 10kg - in cazul aparatelor foto compacte mentionate vorbit de o distanta focala tele de peste 1200mm (echivalent);
  • nu am mai mentionat lentilele normale si wide. 
Evident este un compromis intre calitate, pret si greutate dar care in cele mai multe cazuri (99%) poate fi acceptat usor. Nu uitati ca poate fi un aparat care sa va completeze inventarul foto intr-o zona in care altfel nu ati avea posibilitati financiare.

miercuri, 10 iunie 2015

Surprize mari de la Sony: a7R II, Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II si Sony RX100 IV

Sony a7R II
Sony a anuntat mai multe modele de top atat in gama mirrorless cat si point & shoot:  Sony a7R II, Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II si Sony RX100 IV. Toate aceste noi aparate vor fi capabile de filmare 4k.

Sony a7R II - specificatii:
  • mirrorless cu senzor full-frame;
  • 42,4 MP;
  • sensibilitate ISO maxima extinsa de 102.400;
  • stabilizare a imaginii pe 5 axe (compensare 4,5 f/stops); 
  • sistem AF cu 399 de puncte - mai rapid cu 40% decat modelul vechi;
  • rafala 5fps;
  • un nou shutter garantat pentru 500.000 declansari cu vibratie redusa (jumatate din vibratia prezenta la modelul vechi a7R) si un shutter electronic silentios;
  • filmare 4K XAVC S la 100 Mbps si Full HD la 50 Mbps;
  • conexiune HDMI 4K compatibila cu diverse mijloace de inregistrare externa cum ar fi Atomos Shogun prin codecul 10-bit ProRes sau DNxHR la o rata impresionanta de 880Mbps;
  • corp din magneziu protejat pentru intemperii;
  • pret 3200$
  • mai multe detalii
  • a7RII: insiders information from top Sony engineers 
Un nou adaptor de la Metabones promite ca lentilele pentru Canon vor avea un AF la fel de rapid si pe aparatele foto Sony: http://www.metabones.com/products/details/MB-EF-E-BM4
"It almost feels like Sony has put some R&D dollars into getting Canon users to want to use the A7R II with their Canon lenses." ...interesanta afirmatie >:O

 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II specificatii:
  • point & shoot senzor 1 inch BSI;
  • 20 MP;
  • lentila Zeiss 24-200mm F/2.8;
  • filmare 4K - pana la 29 de minute;
  • filmare super slow-motion pana la 960fps (inca nu stim rezolutia);
  • shutter cu timpi de declansare foarte scurti 1/32.000 sec;
  • rafala 14fps;
  • WiFi si NFC;
  • pret 1300$.


 
Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX100 IV specificatii:
  •  point & shoot senzor 1 inch BSI;
  • 20 MP; 
  • lentila 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8;
  • filmare 4K - 5 minute;
  • filmare super slow-motion pana la 960fps (inca nu stim rezolutia);
  • shutter cu timpi de declansare foarte scurti 1/32.000 sec;
  • pret 1000$. 

Update 9 iulie 2015

Site-ul Dpreview a postat un preview referitor la viteza si precizia auto-focusului (AF) continuu pentru Sony a7R II (inclusiv cu o lentila third-party Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art montura Canon prin intermediul adaptorului de la Metabones) si RX100 IV:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1652088044/sony-an-eye-on-focus?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=features-default&utm_medium=homepage-block&ref=features-default
Rezultatul este demn de bagat in seama si va spun acest lucru in comparatie cu sistemul de focus de la Canon 5D MKIII.