Lenses • Now You Know

University of Ottawa Researchers Aim to Revolutionize the Lens With “Spaceplate”

2021-06-10
by photoxels

Researchers at uOttawa (University of Ottawa in Canada) have proposed a novel concept that they have dubbed the “spaceplate“ that has the potential to revolutionize how future lenses are designed.

The spaceplate is a nanotechnology-based optical element that manipulates light rays based not on its position, but on its angle. A beam incident on the spaceplate at a particular angle will emerge at that same angle but be transversely translated by a certain length. The result is that spaceplate acts to effectively compress the space required for the light to travel before it hits the image sensor, thus reducing the length of the lens barrel. In the illustration above, the space depicted in yellow has been compressed by the spaceplate, resulting in a much shorter lens.

Adding a spaceplate to an imaging system such as a standard camera with a fixed lens will shorten the camera thickness. Added to a lens, it will shorten the length of the lens barrel (and therefore its weight). An ultrathin monolithic imaging system can be formed by integrating a metalens and a spaceplate directly onto a sensor (thus removing any lens “bump”) on a cellphone.
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Drones • Sony

Sony Launches the Airpeak S1, Enters the Professional Drone Market

2021-06-10
by photoxels

The Airpeak S1 is Sony’s introduction into the professional drone market, and further expands the usability of its full-frame mirrorless Alpha cameras. The Airpeak S1 is billed as “the world’s smallest drone that can be equipped with a full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera.” It incorporates many Sony proprietary technology to allow it to fly at extremely high speeds with very stable wind resistance. Other features include obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing, and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft and flight information.

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Electronics Announces New Airpeak S1 Professional Drone

SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced their first-ever professional drone, the “Airpeak S1”i. An introductory model in the new Airpeak line, the S1 is the world’s smallestii drone that can be equipped with a full-size mirrorless interchangeable-lens Alpha camera, opening up a new world of creative possibilities.

The new drone utilizes a proprietary motor, propeller, control system and sensing technology, allowing it to fly at extremely high speeds with very stable wind resistance. Additionally, the Airpeak S1 features an advanced remote controller that can support the production of high-quality aerial images and freely control the aircraft. It also includes obstacle detection, automatic flight control via sensing and increased safety via cloud management of the aircraft and flight information.

“Sony is excited to launch our new drone business with the Airpeak S1,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Combining an extremely compact size with some of Sony’s most advanced imaging, sensing, AI and robotics technologies, the S1 will allow content creators, storytellers and commercial professionals to capture that which they’ve never been able to capture before.”
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Lenses • Olympus • OM Digital Solutions

Olympus Announces the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO Lens

2021-06-09
by photoxels

OM Digital Solutions Corporation has announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO Lens (for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras) which has a 35mm equivalent of 16-50mm, providing a 3.1x optical zoom with an ultra wide angle to standard focal length coverage. The lens is dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof down to -10°C (14°F). It can also be used for macro shooting with a (max. magnification 0.42x) and a closest focusing distance of 0.23m across the entire zoom range. This is the first lens in the M.Zuiko PRO series to feature a retracting mechanism to ensure a compact size.

NEWS RELEASE

Introducing the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO Lens (35mm Equivalent: 16-50mm), A Compact, Lightweight, High-magnification Zoom Lens Delivering Extremely High Image Quality Across the Entire Range

Tokyo, Japan, June 9, 2021 – OM Digital Solutions Corporation (Representative Director and CEO: Shigemi Sugimoto), is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO lens (35mm equivalent: 16-50mm). This Micro Four Thirds System standard compliant lens covers ultra wide angle 16mm equivalent to standard 50mm equivalent1, delivering superb depictive performance across the entire zoom range. It is scheduled to go on sale on June 25, 2021. This compact, lightweight, high-magnification zoom lens delivers the high image quality expected of the M.Zuiko PRO series, enabling versatile photographic use and opportunities, including dynamic ultra wide-angle landscape photos, snapshots, and videos.
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Cameras • Olympus

Olympus PEN E-P7 Features 20MP, 5-Axis Image Stabilization, Profile Control and Art Filters

2021-06-09
by photoxels

OM Digital Solutions Corporation has announced the Olympus PEN E-P7 compact Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless camera. Main features include a 20MP Live MOS sensor, 5-Axis Image Stabilization for 4.5 stops of compensation, 4K/30P video, LCD display that tilts up 90° and all the way down to face forward for selfies, Multiple Exposure, Live Composite, and a Color/Monochrome Picture Profile. There is no viewfinder.

NEWS RELEASE

Introducing the Olympus PEN E-P7 Interchangeable Lens Camera

A Full Range of Features for Creative Photographic Expression Packed in a Sophisticated PEN Design

Tokyo, Japan, June 9, 2021- OM Digital Solutions Corporation (Representative Director and CEO: Shigemi Sugimoto), is pleased to announce the Olympus PEN E-P7. This Micro Four Thirds System standard interchangeable lens camera features a simple, sophisticated design unique to the Olympus PEN series and is scheduled to go on sale on June 25, 2021. This model is equipped with an array of creative photographic features such as Profile Control for photo finishes that look exactly the way you imagine them, as well as superb basic features such as a 20 Megapixel1 Live MOS sensor and in-body 5-axis Image Stabilization, allowing you to enjoy high quality pictures that make the most of the depictive performance of M.Zuiko Digital lenses.

Main features

  1. A simple, sophisticated design in a beautiful, compact body with great attention to detail.
  2. Equipped with a Profile Control and Art Filters for creative photographic expressions.
  3. The Live MOS sensor, image processor, and in-body 5-axis Image Stabilization make the most of the depictive performance of M.Zuiko Digital lenses.

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Advisories • Fujifilm

Fujifilm Fights Ransomware Attack to One of Its Networks

2021-06-04
by photoxels

Ransomware brought billions of dollars to its syndicates and affiliates (yes, would you believe it: affiliates), and usually big companies are reluctant to reveal that they have fallen victim to an attack. prefering to go into silent negotiation with them. Fujifilm realized such an attack was underway on June 2 and has now publicly confirmed that one of its network is under attack and that it is fighting it and bringing the network, servers, and computers confirmed safe back into operation.

IMPORTANT NEWS

Updated: Unauthorized access to Fujifilm servers

June 4 JST

FUJIFILM Corporation has been carrying out an investigation into possible unauthorized access to its server from outside of the company.

A special Task Force, including external experts, was immediately established, and all networks and servers were shut down to determine the extent and the scale of the issue.

Below is what we have found as of now, as well as the measures that have been taken:

  • We confirmed that the unauthorized access we became aware of in the late evening of June 1, 2021 was a ransomware attack.
  • We also confirmed that the impact of unauthorized access is confined to a specific network in Japan.
  • Starting today, with a clear understanding of the extent of the impact, we have begun to bring the network, servers, and computers confirmed safe back into operation.

We have reported the incident to the relevant government authorities and the police. We will continue to take all necessary measures to serve our customers and business partners in a secure way. We sincerely apologize to our customers and business partners for the inconvenience this has caused.

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