Camera

CheckMag This article offers a beginner-friendly guide to DSLR camera customization, outlining five straightforward steps. It simplifies technical concepts, helping new photographers understand and adjust their camera settings for improved shooting experiences and image quality.

The Xperia 1 VI (and 5 VI) are reportedly on the way as new flagship and sub-flagship Android smartphones respectively with the latest camera tweaks from Sony. They are said to go beyond hardware and into the "in-camera digital signature" tech also headed to flagship DSLRs of the same brand. The new digital signature is intended to counter the potential risks of images made or altered by AI.

Kodak is ready to launch the Super 8, a handheld camera that debuted nearly eight years ago. While the Kodak Super 8 was supposed to cost between US$400 and US$750, Kodak has decided to charge almost US$5,500 while failing to update some of the camera's now outdated hardware.

Apple is planning to continue moving the design of its chips and other internal components in-house, including camera sensors, according to well known Apple insider Mark Gurman. Image sensors are vital not only for the iPhone and iPad lineup, but also for upcoming mixed reality hardware and autonomous-driving systems which the company is working on.

Insta360 has released the Ace and Ace Pro, a pair of action cameras designed to take on DJI and GoPro's best efforts. Not only do the Insta360 Ace and Insta360 Ace Pro contain large camera sensors, but they also have 16:9 viewfinder displays that can be moved about freely.

Insta360 is about to release the Ace and Ace Pro, competitors to the GoPro Hero 12 Black and DJI Osmo Pocket 3. In the meantime, a renowned leaker has revealed various details about both action cameras, including a hands-on look at the Insta360 Ace Pro.

Insta360 has a new action camera in the works. Currently, the company has only confirmed that it will launch a new product on November 21. However, details about an Insta360 Ace Pro have leaked online, which could be joined by a cheaper Insta360 Ace.

Amazon's early Black Friday deals strike again, this time discounting GoPro Hero11 and Hero12 action cameras and creator bundles. The sale puts the GoPro Hero11 Black at as little as US$299, while the GoPro Hero12 Black starts at US$349.

The medium-format Fujifilm GFX 100S is discounted by US$1,600 at Amazon and Best Buy in an early Black Friday deal. The 102 MP backside-illuminated sensor delivers 16bit RAW images and up to 4K video, while the G Mount body has dual card slots and a substantial grip, despite its relatvely compact body.

Samsung has released new updates for its Camera Assistant and Expert RAW apps. Principally aimed at the Galaxy S23 series, the updates are also available for a few other recent flagships. While Camera Assistant 2.0.00.0 introduces several improvements, the latest version of Expert RAW enables an ND Filter mode.

Aqara's latest smart home camera offers great bang for very little buck. For less than US$100, the Aqara Camera E1 boasts a 2k sensor, wide-angle lens, night vision, and is compatible with a range of third-party platforms including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

According to new reports, Honor could be the first Android OEM to launch a smartphone with Omnivision's rumoured 1-inch and 50 MP camera sensor. Allegedly, Honor will also equip the Magic6 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, as well as the Omnivision OV50K.

Opal has released the Tadpole, a webcam that intends to provide excellent audio and image quality while maintaining a compact form factor. Weighing in at just 45 g including a USB Type-C cable, the Opal Tadpole utilises the Sony IMX582, a 48 MP sensor found in various Xiaomi and Samsung smartphones.

To help with asynchronous work, Zoom has added a new feature that allows users to record, edit, and share videos. It seeks to eliminate the need for unnecessary emails or meetings.

CheckMag The wide and ultrawide camera lenses seem to be the default setup for any phone that falls below the flagship tier. Who do we have to thank for this and are there any alternatives? If you aren't looking to spend top tier prices you might be out of luck.

In the course of the Paris Photo Exhibition last week, the cooperation between camera professionals from Hasselblad and smartphone manufacturers Oppo and OnePlus was renewed and taken to a new level. What we can expect in 2024 in terms of mobile photo quality in camera flagships such as the OnePlus 12 or the Oppo Find X7 Pro, but also partly in mid-rangers such as the Reno11 series, has already been hinted at with some sample photos and the keyword "HyperTone".

What was once considered "big" in smartphone terms is now the norm in the industry. But one feature seems to be tied specificially to the size of the screen. If you don't like big phones, don't expect to be on the cutting edge of photography. Long zoom cameras are reserved for those with deep pockets and big hands only.

Moment is primarily known for its smartphone lenses and accessories. With the Long Weekend, the manufacturer is now presenting its first analog 35 mm camera, which offers a 31 mm lens and an integrated flash at an affordable price.

Samsung has outlined full specifications for the ISOCELL GNK, a new 50 MP sensor that builds on the ISOCELL GN1 and GNV. Seemingly, the ISOCELL GNK underpins the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro's primary cameras, rather than customised ISOCELL GN1 or GNV sensors.

The Pixel 8 has now been subjected to DxOMark's usual set of camera analyses. Despite having technically worse cameras than many of its competitors, it still manages to outperform the likes of the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, along with last year's Pixel 7 Pro.

The Sony A9 III claims the title of the world's first full-frame camera with a global shutter. The 24.6 MP stacked CMOS sensor, along with the BIONZ XR image processor, delivers up to 120 FPS blackout-free shooting, and 4K 120 FPS video is possible without crop.

A new Sony A9 III rumour suggests that the upcoming full-frame camera will debut a new sensor with global shutter when it launches. Global shutter would completely eliminate rolling shutter, but may come at the expense of burst speeds or video frame rates. The Sony A9 III is expected to launch on November 7 at a special event Sony has planned in Japan.

The OnePlus 12 may not have received an official release yet, but that has not stopped OnePlus and its executives from teasing the device. Not only has OnePlus confirmed that the OnePlus 12 will feature a custom Sony Lytia camera sensor, but an executive has also shared a few official sample photos at various focal lengths.

Viltrox has just launched the AF 20mm F2.8 FE, a compact ultra-wide lens for full frame Sony E-mount cameras, at an extremely low price of US$158. Featuring a minimum focus distance about 19 cm and a quiet STM focus motor, the lens is purported to be ideal for landscapes as well as close-ups and vlogging.

A number of Tesla owners have taken to Reddit after their front cameras fogged up and stopped working in cold weather, leaving several features, including the US$10,000 FSD Beta, inoperable. Tesla has declined to assist to these customers, despite many of their vehicles being covered under warranty.

GPT has found its way into the smart home with the Camera Genie S, a gadget backed by its maker Psync Labs, Inc to keep watch over domestic life in the smartest way possible. The Genie S is rated to leverage its "innovative generative AI technology" to identify and "preserve" social media-worthy moments as well as surveil a residence around the clock.

According to a new report, Apple will equip its next Pro and Pro Max iPhones with a special lens type. Purportedly, the change is to allow the iPhone 16 Pro to feature Apple's tetra prism telephoto camera, which is currently an iPhone 15 Pro Max exclusive.

Samsung has revealed various AI camera features that are included within One UI 6. Rolling out now to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra, the changes should be available across all eligible Galaxy devices, excluding the latter's new resolution switcher.

Leica has just launched the new M11-P, the first camera ever with the Content Credentials standard integrated, which records encrypted metadata establishing the true origin of captured photos. This ensures proper credit to photographers and transparency about later edits, preventing misuse of photos. As expected, the M11-P differs from the M11 in its omission of the red dot logo, and features a sapphire screen plus 256 GB onboard storage.

Samsung has released a new video demonstrating its new 200 MP 'Zoom Anyplace' camera sensor, which it will showcase alongside a new ISP. The same video hints at the Galaxy S24 series featuring Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset in some degree, too.

Sony has revealed a special even where professionals and enthusiasts will be able to “pick up and experience the latest mirrorless α and lenses,” giving credence to recent rumours of a November launch for the Sony A9 III. Online speculation and rumours point to a fast 33-MP full-frame sensor with the potential for LiDAR AF.

Canon appears to be hitching a ride aboard the nostalgia train, with leaks pointing to early research regarding a retro-inspired body. Canon is reaching into its own film camera history for the design, and has narrowed it down to four possibilities, including the venerable Canon AE-1 and F-1.

A pair of leaked images have appeared on Chinese social network Weibo showing an action camera with a Leica branded lens, prompting speculation over whether this could be Leica’s own action camera or a co-branded one. The lens is a Super Summarit F2.6 with 16 mm equivalent focal length, in front of a 1/1.3 inch sensor. Insta360, with its history of collaboration with Leica, is a likely candidate for a co-branding partner.

DJI has released the Osmo Pocket 3, a compact handheld camera that contains plenty of upgrades over the ageing Pocket 2. Not only does the newer model have superior battery life and faster charging, but it also has a larger camera sensor, an overhauled display and improved object tracking, among other changes.

DJI is hours away from introducing the Osmo Pocket 3, the follow-up to the Pocket 2. In the meantime, two leakers have revealed even more details about the new mini camera, including differences between it and the Pocket 2.

Xiaomi has published initial camera shots taken with the Xiaomi 14, the company's next compact flagship. Not only can the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-backed smartphone capture plenty of detail in varying lighting conditions, even with its 75 mm telephoto camera.

German camera manufacturer Leica expects 2023 to be the strongest year in terms of sales in the company's 150-year history. This is not least due to the popularity of the Leica Q3 and the rising demand for analogue Leica M cameras.

CheckMag Does measuring features differently to the competition make a product better? Is Apple "Thinking Different" or hoping branding will sell more devices? There certainly seems to be some convenient favouritism shown by Apple in regard to the iPhone camera specification.

Reolink has announced that all of its latest accessories "revolutionize" battery-powered home security systems with both solar power and "4K clarity" across the board. The line-up also includes choices of either Wi-Fi- or standalone 4G/LTE-connected cameras, as well as those with pan-tilt form-factors as well as those with integrated spotlights. These potentially never-charge security cameras are available from now.

More details about the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 have emerged online, less than a week before the camera's official release. Not only have various product specifications leaked, but so have unboxing videos of a retail unit and US pricing.

The Google Pixel 8 Pro may have one of the best camera systems around, but it cannot match the might of some of its competitors. In a reversal of last year, Google's latest flagship falls short of its Apple and Huawei equivalents, with there being a small gap between it and its predecessor this year, too.

The launch of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is just a few days away. In the meantime, a renowned leaker of all things DJI has published over two dozen pictures of the Pocket 2 successor, including a hands-on photo showcasing the camera's compact dimensions.

An official teaser released on Weibo has confirmed that the Xiaomi 14 series will feature Leica’s higher end Summilux lenses, and will launch in China later this month. Summilux lenses are known for better low-light performance than Leica’s Summicron lenses, thanks to a wider F/1.4 aperture.

DJI has now confirmed the date of its next launch event. Based on earlier rumours, the device next up for release is the Osmo Pocket 3, a handheld camera with a larger display than its predecessor coupled with improved optics.

The Kickstarter campaign for the I’m Back digital sensor for film cameras went live a few days ago, and met its funding goal in just 17 minutes, raising US$250k in its first three days. Further details of the device’s functioning have been revealed on the main page and FAQ section. The campaign will be live for another 46 days.

The new Hyperlux LP low power image sensors from onsemi are set to bring significant performance improvements in imaging applications like AR/VR headsets, smart home devices, security cameras and video conferencing. They not only extend battery life by up to 40%, but also feature in-built smart features which reduces the load on image processors, making the device simpler, cheaper and more efficient.

A Sony patent filing describes a shutter button that features haptic feedback in the form of vibration when certain actions take place. Sony provided little indication of what it plans to do with the feature in the patent documents, but it could prove quite useful for both photography and videography if sufficient customisation is enabled.

Leica has announced the new ZM 11 mechanical watch, which carries the same iconic design DNA as its cameras, and has a dual-layered dial inspired by the play of light and shadow. The three variants feature a titanium or steel case and a Swiss-made mechanical movement with 60-hour power reserve. It will be available in November, starting at US$6,775.