Category: Video / Photo

June 26, 2025
Insta360 Flow 2 Leaks: Competitive Pricing Revealed
Key Takeaways
1. Insta360 has launched the Mic Air, which is smaller than DJI’s Mic Mini and priced at $169 on Amazon.
2. A new smartphone camera gimbal, the Flow 2, is set to be released, offering a more affordable option than the Flow 2 Pro.
3. Insider Igor Bogdanov has revealed that the Flow 2 will feature impressive capabilities.
4. Product images of the Flow 2 have been shared, showcasing its design and features.
5. The Flow 2 is expected to be competitively priced and available for order starting today at 13:00 UTC.
Insta360 has just unveiled the Mic Air, which is even tinier than DJI’s Mic Mini (currently priced at $169 on Amazon). But that’s not all; it appears that a new smartphone camera gimbal from the brand is also in the works.
Sneak Peek of New Gimbal
Officially, Insta360 has only given us a little glimpse of what they are planning. Nevertheless, Igor Bogdanov has shared that the company will soon introduce a more affordable version to the Flow 2 Pro. According to the insider, the Insta360 Flow 2 will come with some impressive features.
Flow 2 Product Images
Additionally, Igor Bogdanov has shared several images of the Flow 2, which we’ve included below. Sadly, the launch price is still a mystery. However, Bogdanov suggests that Insta360 is aiming to keep the Flow 2’s price competitive. The Flow 2 is expected to be available for order starting today at 13:00 UTC.
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Tags: Flow 2, Insta360
June 25, 2025
Yaber T1 Pro: 2-in-1 Portable Projector and Lamp for $160
Key Takeaways
1. Preorder Details: The Yaber T1 Pro portable projector is available for preorder at $160, but pricing and availability in other countries are unknown.
2. Size and Weight: The projector is compact, measuring 0.42 x 0.43 x 0.90 inches and weighing 2.76 lbs, making it highly portable.
3. Brightness Limitations: With a brightness rating of 220 ANSI lumens, the projector is best suited for dark environments and may require curtains in brighter settings.
4. Projection Features: It has a projection ratio of 1.18:1, supporting projection sizes from 40 to 120 inches and offering 1080p resolution.
5. Connectivity and Functionality: The T1 Pro includes features like autofocus, keystone correction, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and various ports (HDMI, USB, headphone jack) for versatile connectivity.
Yaber is not exactly a household name, but they have just launched a new portable projector called the T1 Pro. You can preorder it for $160, but there’s no information available about its pricing or availability in other countries. This compact device is only 0.42 x 0.43 x 0.90 inches in size and weighs a mere 2.76 lbs. Nevertheless, there is a notable drawback; its official brightness is rated at 220 ANSI lumens, which is on the lower side.
Brightness and Usage
Yaber claims that this brightness level is okay for use in dark rooms or during nighttime. However, if you plan to use it in brighter spaces during the day, you may need to use curtains to reduce light. The T1 Pro features a projection ratio of 1.18:1, allowing for a projection size that ranges from 40 to 120 inches. In terms of resolution, it offers the standard 1080p, which is what many users expect.
Portability and Features
Thanks to its small size and light weight, this projector is highly portable and perfect for on-the-go use. It can also be folded and includes a built-in gimbal that allows for 180° tilt adjustments. Yaber promotes features like autofocus, keystone correction, smart screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance. The speakers provide a total output of 8 watts, and the operating system allows access to multiple streaming services. It also includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. For connectivity, there’s an HDMI port for external devices, along with USB and a headphone jack. You can find similar portable projectors from different brands on Amazon.
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Tags: portable projector
June 23, 2025
Vera C. Rubin Observatory Captures Stars with 3,200-Megapixel Camera
Key Takeaways
1. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun operations with the world’s largest 3,200-megapixel LSST CCD camera, located in Chile.
2. The project is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy and honors astronomer Dr. Vera C. Rubin.
3. The LSST camera, weighing 2800 kg, captures images with a 64 cm wide focal plane, allowing it to photograph an area equivalent to 45 moons every two seconds.
4. The telescope can quickly change targets in just five seconds using linear motors, and it captures a wide spectrum of light from ultraviolet to near-infrared.
5. The observatory generates 20 TB of imaging data each night, which is processed at multiple global locations before being made public.
The NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory has started its operations with the biggest 3,200-megapixel LSST CCD camera, which is attached to the Simonyi Survey Telescope. This setup is used to capture images of the night sky from Cerro Pachón in Chile.
Funding and Background
This project is financed by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. It carries the name of Dr. Vera C. Rubin, an American astronomer who was instrumental in the development of the dark matter concept.
Camera Specifications
The LSST is about the size of a car and employs a grid of 201 CCD sensors, each featuring 10 micron pixels. Out of these, 189 are dedicated for imaging and the rest for control functions. This setup creates a focal plane that is 64 cm wide, allowing it to capture an area equivalent to that of 45 moons (10 sq. deg.) with every two-second exposure. The focal plane is maintained at a frigid -100 °C (-148 °F) to minimize background noise in the 10 micron pixels.
The camera itself weighs around 2800 kg (6000 lbs) and is attached to the 220-ton Simonyi Survey telescope, which has a total weight of 199,580 kg. An innovative 8.4-meter mirror serves the dual purpose of primary and tertiary mirrors by utilizing two distinct reflective curves. Light bounces between this mirror and a 3.4 m secondary mirror before reaching the LSST camera.
Slewing and Imaging
Thanks to linear motors powered by energy from capacitors, the entire telescope can be slewed to a new target in just five seconds, as the system recaptures energy to halt the telescope’s motion.
In front of the sensors, light travels through three lenses that range from 5.1 ft. (1.57 m) to 27 in. (0.69 m) in size before it reaches six interchangeable filters that measure 75 cm (30 in). This allows the camera to capture light from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared spectrum (320 to 1050 nm). The shutter aperture opens in 0.9 seconds, with an impressive precision of 1/1000th of a second.
Data Handling
To show each 3,200 MP image at a 1-to-1 ratio, a grid of 400 4K monitors is required. Each night, the Rubin Observatory generates a whopping 20 TB of imaging data. This data is sent over fiber optic cables from Chile to several locations, including the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, California, CC-IN2P3 in Lyon, France, and the Iris Network in the UK for processing before it’s made public.
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Tags: dark matter
June 22, 2025
DJI Mini 5 Pro Launch Date Revealed: Biker Finds Prototype Drone
Key Takeaways
1. The rumored launch date for the DJI Mini 5 Pro is August 7, though it has not been officially confirmed.
2. The final design will not include a propeller cage, as indicated by recent leaks.
3. The drone retains DJI’s classic mini-drone style with foldable propellers and new LIDA sensors.
4. The Mini 5 Pro is expected to have a larger battery and may feature a 1-inch camera sensor, although this is unconfirmed.
5. The drone community is eager for more information and confirmation regarding the Mini 5 Pro’s specs and launch.
After a recent assumption about a launch date in September, which would align with the September 2023 launch of its earlier model, drone insider Jasper Ellens has caught the community off guard. He revealed that the release of the DJI Mini 5 Pro is actually set for August 7, which is less than seven weeks away. However, this date has not been officially confirmed, and the leaker himself could not authenticate it, so it’s wise for readers to consider this information carefully.
Design Changes and Features
On a more certain note, it seems the propeller cage will not be part of the final design, based on a recent leak. A fortunate mountain biker managed to record the DJI Mini 5 Pro in action in a park, capturing it without the prototype sticker.
The quality of the zoomed image isn’t the best, but the video and screenshot clearly depict DJI’s classic mini-drone style with foldable propellers, now without a cage. The front design, which was initially revealed last year featuring new LIDA sensors and ventilated motors, is also visible in this leak. Based on FCC certification expected in 2025, this 249-gram mini-drone is anticipated to come with a notably larger battery. There are also whispers of a 1-inch camera sensor, though this remains unconfirmed.
Summary of Specs and Expectations
In summary, while the launch date remains uncertain, the design elements are becoming clearer. The omission of the propeller cage is a significant update, and the enhanced battery and camera features are exciting prospects for drone enthusiasts. As we await further confirmation, the community remains intrigued by what DJI will bring to the table with the Mini 5 Pro.
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Tags: DJI Mini 5 Pro
June 21, 2025
11,787 Drones Break Guinness World Record in Chongqing Sky
Key Takeaways
1. Chongqing is becoming known for its “endless last floors” and aims to be the ‘capital city of drone light shows.’
2. The Glamorous Chongqing drone light show occurs every Saturday and on holidays, with a special show for the city’s 28th anniversary.
3. The drone show features thematic performances that showcase Chongqing’s natural beauty, culture, and urban lifestyle.
4. Organizers face technical challenges like managing varied terrain and ensuring signal synchronization for a smooth performance.
5. The global trend of using drones for events is growing, with the drone show industry expected to reach a valuation of $2.63 billion by 2033.
The city of Chongqing has recently become more well-known on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, especially for its “endless last floors.” Now, it is aiming to be recognized as the ‘capital city of drone light shows.’ On April 19, Chongqing kicked off the Glamorous Chongqing drone light show, which takes place every Saturday and on holidays. However, the Charming Chongqing drone light show, held to mark the 28th anniversary of Chongqing becoming a municipality, stands out the most.
Thematic Performances
The drone show was organized into themes that highlight Chongqing’s natural splendor, culture, urban lifestyle, and vitality. Some of the scenes showcased were City of Mountains and Rivers, Blooming Camellias, and Dynamic Metropolis. While certain scenes were fixed, others were dynamic; one particularly dynamic moment depicted a pod of dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
Technical Challenges
“We had to make adjustments for varied terrain, manage long-distance signal transmission, and synchronize multiple base stations for a seamless show,” said Qin Haiqun, the deputy general manager of Shenzhen Damoda Intelligent Control Technology.
Growing Trend
The use of drones for celebrations, including both government and private events, is becoming a popular trend globally. This practice has spread to every continent, and more companies are striving to take the lead in this market. The drone show industry is predicted to reach a valuation of $2.63 billion by 2033.
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June 21, 2025
Affordable GPS Drone with Touchscreen Controller & Obstacle Avoidance
Key Takeaways
1. The LYZRC L300 Ultra drone starts at $94, with an additional cost for obstacle avoidance and extra batteries.
2. The drone features a 720p lower lens and a 1080p main camera that captures 4K photos, but compromises may exist in camera quality and flight performance.
3. It has a built-in touchscreen on the controller, eliminating the need for a smartphone, but can connect to an app.
4. The drone weighs 356.2 g, exceeding the under 250 g category, and offers a flight time of about 28 minutes with a maximum altitude of 120 m.
5. Buyers should consider the limitations of the L300 Ultra due to its low price, especially compared to more expensive options like DJI drones.
The LYZRC L300 Ultra is a new drone that can be directly imported from Banggood, with prices beginning at about $94, not including shipping and possible import fees. For this entry-level cost, customers get one battery and lack any obstacle avoidance, which can be added separately on top of the drone. If you want the version that includes obstacle avoidance and two batteries, it will cost you $124 – which is still a pretty good deal. However, it’s important to keep in mind that lower prices often mean significant compromises, especially in terms of camera performance and how well the drone flies. To give you an idea, even the simplest DJI drone, the Neo, starts at roughly $200.
Camera Details
On the gimbal, there are two camera sensors: The lower lens can capture at 720p, while the main camera records videos in 1080p and takes photos in 4K. The controller for the L300 Ultra includes a built-in touchscreen, so you don’t need to attach a smartphone. Still, the drone can connect to an app. Based on official specs, this quadcopter weighs 356.2 g (12.6 oz), which means it doesn’t fit into the under 250 g category. The remote control and video transmission can work up to 800 m (2625 ft), but the actual ranges can change a lot due to things like buildings and other barriers. The L300 Ultra claims to have a flight time of around 28 minutes and can reach a maximum height of 120 m (394 ft). With GPS support, it can automatically return to where it took off just by pressing a button.
Final Thoughts
Banggood’s offering of the LYZRC L300 Ultra certainly brings an affordable option to those looking to enter the drone flying world. However, potential buyers should weigh the benefits against the limitations that come with such a price point.
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Tags: Banggood, drone
June 20, 2025
Adobe Launches Project Indigo Camera App with AI Features
Key Takeaways
1. Adobe’s Project Indigo is a new camera app for iPhones that uses advanced multi-frame imaging and AI to create RAW and JPG photos.
2. The app merges up to 32 images into a single 16-bit digital negative, applying adaptive color profiles for SDR and HDR outputs.
3. Project Indigo effectively reduces noise in images by combining pixel values from multiple frames, resulting in clearer photos.
4. It utilizes sensor shift technology to achieve higher resolution images by mimicking natural hand movements during multi-frame capture.
5. The app includes features like slow-shutter mode, AI reflection removal, and zero camera shutter lag, with plans for future updates based on user feedback.
Adobe has launched a new camera app for iPhones called Project Indigo. This app uses advanced multi-frame imaging techniques and artificial intelligence to create both RAW and JPG photos. You can find this research project in the Apple App Store, and it works on iPhones running iOS 18.5 or later (like one available on Amazon).
Multi-Frame Imaging Features
The standout aspect of Project Indigo is its multi-frame imaging. This feature merges up to 32 images captured quickly from the same scene into a single 16-bit digital negative for processing and export. With its AI capabilities, the app applies adaptive color profiles to the digital negative, generating standard dynamic range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR) output files, either as DNGs or JPGs. While the photos from Project Indigo utilize AI-generated color profiles, they aren’t exactly raw sensor images that are completely untouched; however, users can adjust the DNG images and colors in editing software like Adobe Lightroom.
Noise Reduction Capabilities
The image stacking technique is effective for reducing noise, a feature that has been present in Sony Cybershot cameras since the 2010 DSC-TX7 model. Sensor noise tends to be sporadic, and each pixel doesn’t show the same noise level consistently. By combining the values of pixels from multiple frames, much of the sensor noise can be eliminated, leading to clearer images.
Enhanced Resolution
Sensor shift technology has allowed cameras to produce images with higher resolutions than their actual sensor limits by slightly shifting the pixels with each multi-frame capture, then merging them into one high-res image. This has been seen in some DSLRs since at least the 2015 Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Project Indigo takes advantage of natural hand and arm movements to mimic sensor shifting while capturing multi-frame super-resolution images.
The app also includes additional functionalities like slow-shutter mode, AI reflection removal, and zero camera shutter lag. Adobe plans to incorporate features that researchers find beneficial in upcoming updates.
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Tags: Adobe Lightroom
June 18, 2025
Leica Monopan 50 Launch for M6 and Similar Cameras in Germany
Key Takeaways
1. Leica has introduced Monopan 50 film to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Leica I camera.
2. Monopan 50 is a monochrome film with low sensitivity (ISO 50), allowing for finer grain and better performance in bright daylight.
3. The film can capture light wavelengths up to 780 nanometers, enhancing contrast in landscape photography.
4. Ideal use cases for Monopan 50 include landscapes, architecture, and travel scenes, often recommended with color filters.
5. The film will be available on August 21, 2025, priced at $10 per roll.
To mark the 100th year of the Leica I, which helped make 35mm photography popular in 1925, the camera company from Wetzlar has introduced a new film named Monopan 50. As the title indicates, this film is monochrome and has a light sensitivity of ISO 50.
Purpose of Low Sensitivity
The very low sensitivity to light is designed to help create finer grain and also allows for taking pictures in bright daylight using a wider aperture. This helps achieve a shallower depth of field. The Leica Monopan 50 can pick up light wavelengths of up to 780 nanometers, which reaches into the infrared range. This property enhances contrast in landscape photographs, as demonstrated by the sample images shown below.
Ideal Use Cases
Produced in Germany, the Leica Monopan 50 is said to be especially good for capturing landscapes, architecture, and travel scenes. Leica also suggests using it alongside their color filters for best results. It’s not clear if Monopan 50 is a completely new product or simply a re-release of an existing one; DPReview has speculated that it might be similar to Adox HR-50, since the specifications are nearly the same and Adox is known to produce film in Berlin.
Release Information
Leica Monopan 50 is set to be available starting August 21, 2025. The price for the film is $10 per roll, which places it in the mid-range pricing category.
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June 18, 2025
DJI Mini 5 Pro Leaks Reveal New Propeller Guards
Key Takeaways
1. Fresh images of the Mini 5 Pro have been released, showing its design and features.
2. The drone’s propeller guards may or may not be optional accessories.
3. The Mini 5 Pro’s battery capacity is significantly larger than that of the Mini 4 Pro.
4. There is uncertainty about whether the Mini 5 Pro will remain under the 250 g weight category.
5. The anticipated release of the Mini 5 Pro is set for September, generating excitement among drone enthusiasts.
Now, Igor Bogdanov along with Xdrones Studio have released fresh pictures of what they both say is the Mini 5 Pro. Until now, only a blurred photo of the same drone had surfaced. It seems that this new image shows the same prototype as the one introduced earlier this year, based on the design of its obstacle avoidance sensors and its notably large propeller guards.
Uncertainty About Accessories
At this point, it is still not clear if the propeller guards are optional. If they are offered as extra accessories, it could help DJI promote the Mini 5 Pro as a sub-250 g drone like the previous Mini models. On the other hand, it’s hard to believe that the Mini 5 Pro will remain under this weight category, especially considering it sports a battery that is over 75% bigger than the Mini 4 Pro’s, with a capacity of up to 33.5 Wh (7.16V/4,680 mAh). As it stands, DJI is anticipated to launch the Mini 5 Pro in September.
Conclusion and Expectations
Igor Bogdanov and Xdrones Studio’s announcement has stirred excitement among drone enthusiasts. With the new image revealing more details, it seems like the Mini 5 Pro is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to DJI’s lineup. The expected release next month could potentially bring new innovations and features that fans have been waiting for.
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Tags: DJI, drone, Mini 5 Pro
June 17, 2025
OM-5 Mark II: FourThirds Sensor, USB-C, New Menus & CP Button
Key Takeaways
1. The OM-System OM-5 features a 20-MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX processor, similar to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III.
2. Key upgrades include a USB-C port for battery charging, an enlarged handgrip for better ergonomics, and improved menus.
3. A new “CP” button allows quick access to features like Live ND filter, Focus Stacking, and HDR, with customizable options.
4. The camera offers effective sensor stabilization for extended exposure times and retains the same OLED viewfinder, touchscreen, and autofocus system as its predecessor.
5. The OM-5 Mark II is priced at $1,199.99 and available for pre-order, with a kit option including a lens priced at $1,599.
The OM-System OM-5 was first introduced in October 2022, featuring the same sensor as the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III that came out in 2019. This model includes a 20-MP Live MOS sensor in the FourThirds format, which is also found in the new OM-5 Mark II. The TruePic IX processor is the same as well.
Upgrades and Changes
Although there isn’t a substantial enhancement in image quality, the OM-5 has received a number of much-needed upgrades. For starters, the old micro USB port has been swapped for a USB-C port, which now allows for battery charging. The handgrip has been enlarged to provide better ergonomics, and the menus have been upgraded to match the OM-3’s standard, making it easier to operate.
New Features
A notable addition is the “CP” button located on the top panel. By pressing it while rotating the thumbwheel, users can efficiently access features like the Live ND filter, Focus Stacking, HDR, High-Res mode, and Multi-Exposure mode. Users who do not utilize these features can customize the function of the CP button. The sensor stabilization helps achieve sharp images with exposure times extended by up to 7.5 stops without needing a tripod. The 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder, the foldable 3-inch touchscreen, and the 121-point autofocus system remain unchanged from the previous version.
Pricing and Availability
The OM System OM-5 Mark II is currently available for pre-order through the manufacturer’s website starting at the price of $1,199.99, with shipping expected to commence on July 11. The camera comes in silver, beige, or black options. A kit that includes the 12 – 45 mm f/4.0 Pro lens is priced at $1,599. Alternatively, customers can find the older model on Amazon at a 25% discount.
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