Category: Video / Photo

  • DJI Neo Mini Camera Drone Leak: Smaller Than DJI Mini

    DJI Neo Mini Camera Drone Leak: Smaller Than DJI Mini

    A recent video leak and certification information reveal that DJI’s forthcoming Neo mini camera drone is both smaller and lighter than the DJI Mini. The leaked video showcases the unreleased DJI Neo, while an FCC certification leak suggests that the model is nearing its official launch.

    DJI, a prominent leader in the drone industry, boasts an impressive and expanding range of drones designed for various applications. Several DJI models, such as the DJI Mavic 4 and DJI Osmo Action 5, have leaked but are yet to be officially launched. The new DJI Neo targets users of mini-camera drones. Although the DJI Mini series includes some compact models, the Neo promises to be even smaller and lighter.

    Specifications and Features

    The forthcoming DJI Neo is a professional-grade mini drone, weighing in at approximately 170 grams. Despite its small size, it’s not the smallest on the market—smaller nano drones like the HoverAir X1 weigh just 130 grams. The HoverAir X1 is foldable and self-flying, setting up a competitive landscape for the DJI Neo. The FCC certification confirms the Neo’s name, but technical specifics are sparse. Reports suggest that the DJI Neo houses a 1,435mAh battery, and a recent video by drone tipster OsitaLV showed the drone in action.

    The DJI Neo is speculated to offer up to 15 minutes of flight time, equipped with a smaller battery compared to the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It appears suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring a propeller cage and a single-axis gimbal-stabilized camera. The leaked video did not confirm the drone’s foldability or self-flying capabilities. The model in the video is operated with a classic controller, implying it may not be self-flying.

    Release and Pricing

    DJI has yet to officially announce details about the rumored DJI Neo mini camera drone. However, it is anticipated that the model is close to an official release. Specific pricing and release details are expected to follow soon.

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  • 7Artisans Unveils New Sprite 24-96mm Lens Release

    7Artisans Unveils New Sprite 24-96mm Lens Release

    7Artisans has revealed that its new Sprite series lens will be available starting July 31st. This lens will feature a flexible 24-96mm focal length along with a constant T2.9 aperture, providing photographers with a broad range of creative options.

    Consistent Light Intake

    The constant aperture ensures uniform light collection throughout the entire zoom range. A 24-96mm focal length is considered highly versatile, spanning from wide-angle to medium telephoto. This makes it ideal for shooting various subjects, such as landscapes, portraits, and street photography. The constant aperture guarantees steady light intake across all focal lengths, resulting in uniform image quality.

    Generating Buzz

    Although detailed information about the lens remains scarce, the announcement has generated considerable excitement among photography enthusiasts who are eager to discover more about this upcoming lens.

  • DJI Neo Compact Drone Leaked in Video and Retail Listing with Price

    DJI Neo Compact Drone Leaked in Video and Retail Listing with Price

    DJI appears to be gearing up for several new drone releases. Speculation points to a mid-range Air 3S and a high-end Magic 4 drone. However, DJI might also be preparing to launch something entirely unique – a pocket-sized drone named the Neo.

    Rumors and Leaks

    Whispers of this compact DJI drone began circulating following a post on X (formerly Twitter) by insider @DroneMood. This post included an image of a US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) registration label for the DJI Neo, with the model number DN1A0626. Additionally, the label disclosed the drone’s battery capacity, which is 1435mAh or 10.5Wh.

    DJI Neo FCC Listing

    The post also featured screenshots from a video shared by another X user, @OsitaLV, depicting the drone in use. The video, embedded below, showcases a very small drone with what seems to be a built-in propeller guard.

    Interestingly, the lack of an FPV headset in the leaked video suggests that the Neo could be intended as a ‘hover’ drone, similar to the HoverAir X1, rather than a cinewhoop model. This implies it might be geared towards selfie-style aerial photography and straightforward flight operations.

    Specifications and Price

    Drone expert Weiliang Zhang, based on the battery specs, estimates that the DJI Neo could weigh around 169 grams and may have a flight duration of approximately 15 minutes with a full-axis gimbal.

    Though DJI has not officially announced the Neo, @DroneMood appears to have discovered an early listing for the drone on Walmart.

    The listing indicates that the DJI Neo Fly More Combo, which usually includes additional batteries, a charging hub, and a carrying case, will be priced at $329. This pricing is on par with the HoverAir X1 combo kit, which retails for $399.

    Currently, information about the DJI Neo is scarce. We’ll provide updates as more details emerge.

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  • Russia Slows YouTube Speeds Amidst Ongoing Conflict

    Russia Slows YouTube Speeds Amidst Ongoing Conflict

    Russia is set to significantly throttle YouTube speeds on desktop computers due to Google’s refusal to unblock channels tied to Russian media. This action arises amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations.

    Senior Russian Lawmaker’s Statement

    Alexander Khinshtein, a senior Russian lawmaker, indicated that the speed reduction is a direct result of Google’s failure to upgrade its infrastructure in Russia and its refusal to adhere to Russian content moderation requirements. Khinshtein mentioned that YouTube speeds could decrease by up to 70% next week.

    Roskomnadzor’s Accusations

    Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has also accused Google of neglecting its Russian infrastructure, leading to the bankruptcy of its local subsidiary. This financial strain has impaired Google’s ability to pay for local data center services.

    Google’s decision in March 2022 to block channels associated with Russian state-funded media, citing its policy on violent events, has further strained relations between the two countries. In retaliation, Russia has implemented various measures, including blocking and slowing down other social media platforms.

    Despite these restrictions, many Russians continue to access blocked content via virtual private networks (VPNs).

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  • Sony Delays 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens, Teases New Products

    Sony Delays 85mm f/1.4 GM II Lens, Teases New Products

    Sony has announced a delay for its eagerly awaited 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens, which will now be released in late August instead of late June. While this may be disappointing for many photography enthusiasts, it also suggests the possibility of more product launches from Sony around the same time.

    Potential New Releases

    There are rumors about a successor to the FX9 movie camera and a new FE 24-70mm f/2.0 GM lens being added to Sony's product lineup. However, the FE 24-70mm f/2.0 lens is more likely to be revealed in September.

    α7 Series Update

    Despite the excitement surrounding a new α7 series full-frame camera, reliable sources have clarified that the α7M5 model will not be introduced in 2024.

    Photography enthusiasts will need to wait until the end of August for the 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens and keep an eye out for possible new Sony product announcements.

  • Sharp M Series Laser Projectors Launch at $1,049

    Sharp M Series Laser Projectors Launch at $1,049

    Japanese electronics company Sharp has introduced its new M series projectors. Developed in collaboration with NEC, these projectors are aimed at budget-conscious consumers. The Sharp M series projectors utilize a laser light source and DLP technology, which results in minimal maintenance and an extended lifespan.

    Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) has launched the Shart XP-M421W-W and XP-M401H-W projectors. These new models follow the previous release of the NC603L and NC1503L projectors by Sharp and NEC in 2023. These budget-friendly projectors from Sharp use a laser light source provided by Texas Instruments. By eliminating the need for frequent lamp replacements and filters, the projectors significantly cut down on maintenance expenses.

    Specifications and Features

    The Sharp XP-M421W-W offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the XP-M401H-W comes with a native resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The M401H-W includes HDMI 1.4b and HDCP 1.4 input terminals, whereas the more powerful M421W-W is equipped with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 ports. Apart from these differences, the two models share similar dimensions. Both projectors boast a maximum brightness of 4,000 lumens.

    Eco-Friendly Design

    The new Sharp M series projectors are also designed with sustainability in mind. Featuring an external power supply architecture, these projectors are compact and lightweight. This design results in smaller packaging, thus reducing waste and improving logistic efficiency, according to Sharp. Additionally, the Sharp M series projectors come with an ECO Mode that reduces power consumption and extends the projector’s lifetime to up to 20,000 hours.

    Pricing & Availability

    The XP-M401H-W model is priced starting at $1,049, while the XP-M421W-W model is available for $1,269. These new Sharp M series projectors can be purchased directly from the Sharp website. They are also expected to be available soon through retail channels like Amazon.

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  • Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    In a potential shake-up for the smartphone camera market, Samsung is reportedly preparing to challenge Sony’s long-standing role as the exclusive supplier of image sensors for Apple’s iPhones.

    According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the South Korean tech giant is poised to enter Apple’s privileged supply chain by 2026. They plan to introduce a 1/2.6-inch, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera sensor for the iPhone 18 series.

    Samsung Forms Dedicated Team to Enter Apple’s iPhone Supply Chain

    To accomplish this ambitious goal, Samsung has set up a dedicated team solely focused on meeting Apple’s rigorous standards. This strategic move marks a significant industry shift, as Samsung seeks to diversify its camera sensor business and penetrate the lucrative iPhone market.

    The potential inclusion of Samsung in Apple’s supply chain is anticipated to have extensive implications. It could heighten competition between the two tech giants, fostering innovation and pushing the limits of smartphone camera technology. Moreover, Apple’s decision to diversify its suppliers could lead to cost savings, enabling the company to offer more competitive pricing or reinvest in other product development areas.

    Supplier Diversification and Market Implications

    Although Sony has been a dependable partner for Apple over the years, concerns about supply chain stability and the integration of new camera technologies have reportedly prompted Apple to consider alternative options. Samsung’s advanced imaging capabilities and manufacturing expertise position it as a strong candidate to fill this gap.

    However, becoming an iPhone supplier is no easy feat. Samsung will need to prove its ability to meet Apple’s exacting quality standards, ensure consistent performance, and adhere to strict production timelines. If successful, this partnership could cement Samsung’s status as a global leader in image sensor technology.

    As competition intensifies, consumers can look forward to even more remarkable camera features and capabilities in future smartphones.

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  • Xiaomi and OnePlus Devices Now Support Blackmagic Camera App

    Xiaomi and OnePlus Devices Now Support Blackmagic Camera App

    Blackmagic Design has introduced the Blackmagic Camera app for Android devices. Leveraging the same operating system as their digital film cameras, this app provides Android users with an array of professional tools. Additionally, it supports Blackmagic Cloud, facilitating seamless collaboration with editors and colorists globally.

    Initially, the app was compatible with Pixel and Galaxy devices, including the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, and Galaxy S24 series, as well as the Google Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro, 8, and 8 Pro.

    Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.1 Now on Google Play

    In a recent update, Blackmagic Design has expanded the compatibility of the Blackmagic Camera 1.1 version update for Android. The app now supports Xiaomi and OnePlus devices, including Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 14, OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a.

    The updated version allows users to preview their shots on a larger screen, aiding in precise focus and exposure adjustments. It can also connect to multiple monitors, enabling everyone on set to view the recording. Another new feature is the follow focus control, which lets users shift the focus point of the lens during continuous shooting. This feature can transition focus between three preset points in the foreground or background, directing viewers’ attention to different parts of the image.

    Enhanced Workflow and New Functionalities

    The update also includes support for syncing media directly to Blackmagic Cloud Organizations accounts, allowing users to sync media to personal or company accounts when logging in, thereby accelerating workflows. Other enhancements include the ability to dim the screen while recording, apply noise reduction or sharpening to images, and use 3D LUTs during recording.

    Users can also easily adjust various parameters such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO.

    Key New Features

    The new version introduces several key features:

    • HDMI monitoring
    • 3D LUTs for recording and monitoring
    • Pull focus transition controls
    • Blackmagic Cloud organizations
    • Login account within Blackmagic Cloud
    • Ability to dim screen while recording
    • Optional image noise reduction
    • Optional image sharpening
    • Audio level pop-up
    • Japanese translations
    • Ability to not generate a proxy while recording
    • Save clips to any location including external storage
    • General performance improvements
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  • Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos

    Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos

    Xiaomi has made significant strides with its XiaoAI over the past few years. By August 2021, the company had already registered over 100 million active monthly users. Recently, they have incorporated generative AI features into XiaoAI. The latest version, XiaoAI V6.126, includes an array of new capabilities such as object removal from images and several other enhancements.

    XiaoAI’s New AI Image Editing Features

    The company announced today the addition of AI image editing functionalities to XiaoAI. This includes five distinct features like image background conversion, style conversion, and passerby elimination.

    The image background conversion feature allows users to upload pictures to XiaoAI and modify background elements. This function has been available on older Xiaomi phones, which could change the sky and overall lighting effects of images. However, the latest update promises improved results.

    Another intriguing feature of the new image model is its ability to answer questions based on shared images. According to a company demonstration, the model can generate recipes simply from an image of ingredients. Users can also request recipes that align with specific goals like fat loss.

    Style Conversion and Object Removal

    The latest update also includes the ability to change the style of your photos. Users can select from various styles, including anime.

    Additionally, XiaoAI V6.126 allows for the removal of unwanted people or pedestrians from images, a feature similar to what Google offers on its Pixel devices.

    Furthermore, there is a feature that lets you expand the image to alter the aspect ratio without cropping. This can be seen in the demonstration image provided below.

    Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos
    Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos
    Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos
    Xiaomi’s XiaoAI Suggests Recipes from Ingredient Photos
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  • Fujifilm X-M5: Compact, Affordable Alternative to X100V Launching Soon

    Fujifilm X-M5: Compact, Affordable Alternative to X100V Launching Soon

    A recent leak suggests that the Fujifilm X-M5 camera might hit the market later this year. Positioned as a compact and budget-friendly option compared to the Fujifilm X100VI, the X-M5 serves as an update to the X-M1.

    Latest Rumors and Speculations

    Lately, there has been a surge of rumors about an upcoming Fujifilm camera. Initial speculations pointed to a revival of the X-A camera series as a mid-tier compact APS-C vlogging camera without an EVF. However, a fresher leak now suggests a more premium offering in the form of the X-M5, which is expected to feature the same vintage design as the X100VI. Additionally, the new camera is rumored to have several upgrades over previous models, including improved rangefinder capabilities.

    Potential Features and Specifications

    Previously, it was rumored that an older camera line was being prepped for a comeback as a new vlogging camera with IBIS and similar hardware to the X-S20, which is currently available on some retail platforms. There was also speculation that the X-A8 might succeed the X-A7. Now, the leaks and rumors point towards the imminent release of the Fujifilm X-M5, which is anticipated to be a more powerful model than the X-A series. While specific details about the new model are scarce, it is expected to retain much of the X-M1’s optics while offering a more compact design.

    Expected Hardware Components

    The Fujifilm X-M5 is speculated to feature the same hardware components as the X-S20, including a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and an X Processor 5. This setup could enable up to 20fps in burst mode and 6.2K open-gate video recording at up to 60fps. The model is also expected to include an articulating screen and 7-stop, 5-axis in-body image stabilization.

    The preliminary specs suggest that the X-M5 could be a strong and cost-effective alternative to the X100VI, with potentially better performance. While the exact release date remains unknown, it is anticipated to launch in the last quarter of 2024.

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