Category: Video / Photo

October 9, 2024
Portronics Pico 13 Projector: 3500 Lumens Brightness & 4K Support
Portronics has added a new member to its well-known Pico series of portable projectors with the introduction of the Pico 13. This model succeeds the Pico 12, which was released in November of last year, featuring refined design elements and improved specifications.
Dimensions and Weight
In terms of size, the Pico 13 measures 20 x 24.5 x 10 cm and has a weight of 1.39 kg (3.06 lb), making it easy to carry around. This DLP smart projector uses an LED light source that provides a brightness of up to 3,500 lumens. However, it is important to note that these lumens are not ANSI lumens, so we suggest being cautious about the brightness claims. The projector supports a native output of 1080p at 60 Hz, but details about the type of SoC and the amount of RAM remain unclear. Additionally, there isn’t any information regarding its color space coverage and color accuracy.
Image Quality and Features
The small projector is capable of displaying an image size of up to 120 inches (~305 cm) diagonally. It includes an auto keystone correction feature to simplify the initial setup process, but users will need to manually adjust the sharpness using a focus wheel.
The device runs on an Android 9 operating system, which, despite being somewhat outdated, is said to be compatible with popular OTT services such as Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, YouTube, among others. It comes with 10W built-in speakers, and users can connect external speakers through Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio jack.
Connectivity and Battery Life
This projector includes standard connectivity options such as WiFi (likely Wi-Fi 6), HDMI (the specific version is not mentioned, but it should be 1.4b to support 4K 60 Hz video signals), USB-A, USB-C, and Bluetooth. The internal battery charges through USB-C and is claimed to offer up to 3 hours of continuous playback, which means you could watch a whole movie on one charge. It’s important to remember, though, that using the projector at full brightness will significantly drain the battery.
The Portronics Pico 13 is available for Rs 31,499 (~$375). For a limited time, you can purchase it on Amazon India at an introductory price of Rs 26,999 (~$321).
Tags: Android 9, portable projector, Portronics Pico 13
October 9, 2024
Panasonic Launches World’s Smallest Full-Frame Zoom Lens
At the same time as releasing the Lumix S5D full-frame camera, Panasonic has unveiled a new kit zoom lens, the Lumix S 18 – 40 mm f/4.5 – 6.3. This lens is being praised for its key benefit over older kit zooms in the Lumix lineup: its small size. It has a diameter of just 67.9 millimeters, a length of 40.9 millimeters, and weighs only 155 grams.
Lightweight and Compact
This lens is perfect for the slim Lumix S9 full-frame camera, as the total weight of the camera and lens is merely 641 grams. Panasonic claims that this is the lightest and smallest full-frame zoom lens featuring autofocus. It is also designed to withstand splashes of water, frost down to -10 °C, and dust. Plus, the front of the lens has a special coating to keep dirt at bay.
Unique Focal Length
The focal length is particularly interesting, since at 18 mm, it competes with many ultra-wide fixed focal lengths. Meanwhile, the 40 mm at the longer end represents a trade-off for its compactness, just like the smaller maximum aperture, which is f/4.5 or f/6.3, depending on the focal length. It also boasts a short focus distance of 15 centimeters for added flexibility. The lens design consists of eight lenses arranged in seven groups, which includes three aspherical lenses, two ED lenses, and one UHR element.
Pricing and Release Info
The Panasonic Lumix S 18 – 40 mm f/4.5 – 6.3 is set to be launched in November 2024 with a suggested retail price of $499. Additionally, it will be available as a kit alongside the Lumix S9.
Tags: compact zoom lens, Lumix S 18-40mm, Lumix S5D
October 9, 2024
JMGO PicoFlix: Battery-Powered Gimbal Projector Now Available
JMGO has introduced the PicoFlix 1080p Gimbal Projector to the global market. This model is powered by a battery and is designed with a sturdy aluminum alloy casing, making it ideal for travel and outdoor use.
Bright and Versatile Display
The PicoFlix features an LED light source that delivers brightness of up to 450 ANSI lumens, allowing for images to be projected as large as 180 inches (~457 cm) wide, thanks to its 1.2:1 throw ratio. This DLP projector also boasts a color coverage of 124% of the Rec.709 standard, HDR10 support, and an integrated 10W speaker that is compatible with Dolby Audio. The gimbal design, which is adjustable with a rotating knob, enables the projection angle to be altered by up to 127°, letting users project images onto walls or ceilings. For image enhancement, it includes automatic keystone correction and automatic screen fit features.
Smart Streaming Capabilities
Equipped with Google TV, the JMGO projector offers access to popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, and it supports voice commands through Google Assistant. Furthermore, the built-in 10,000mAh battery enables up to 4.5 hours of video playback in Eco mode and can recharge at 65W via USB-C. The compact device has dimensions of 24 x 8 cm (~9.4 x 3.1 inches) and weighs 1.3 kg (~2.9 lbs). It also comes with various ports, including HDMI 2.1 eARC and USB-A. The retail price for the JMGO PicoFlix Gimbal Projector is $599/€599. However, during the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale on October 9th in select regions, the price is dropped to $479/€479.20.
Conclusion
With its innovative features and portability, the JMGO PicoFlix Gimbal Projector is a great option for those looking for a high-quality projection solution. Whether you’re at home or on the go, this projector aims to deliver a versatile viewing experience.
Tags: JMGO, PicoFlix 1080p Gimbal Projector, portable projector
October 8, 2024
DJI Air 3S Release Date Leaked: Specs and New RC Track Accessory
Leaks about DJI’s upcoming drone have been circulating, although they have become less frequent in the past few weeks. As is often the case, @JasperEllens and @Quadro_News are at the forefront of the latest DJI news, now focusing on the potential of the company to replace the Air 3, which currently retails for $1,239 on Amazon.
New Images and Specs
Following up on previous reports, the duo has shared new promotional images of the Air 3S, which are included below. Additionally, @JasperEllens has provided what seems to be an official specification sheet for the new drone, which is also embedded beneath. To sum it up, this spec sheet covers all essential information such as camera features, maximum flight durations, and total weight.
Enhanced Features
From what we understand, the DJI Air 3S is expected to have a sensitivity of up to 12,800 ISO across its two cameras, an increase from the previous 6,000 found in earlier Air models. Furthermore, DJI has incorporated LiDAR sensors this time to enhance safety during low-light flights. It appears that DJI plans to unveil the Air 3S on October 23, contrary to earlier speculations that pointed to October 15.
Anticipated Launch Event
That being said, it wouldn’t be surprising if DJI organized a new launch event on or around October 15 for the October 23 announcement. Interestingly, it seems the Air 3S will also be compatible with a new accessory known as the RC Track, which Ellens describes as a "tracking beacon to control and let the drone follow you."
Tags: DJI Air 3S, drone leaks, LiDAR sensors
October 8, 2024
DJI Air 3S Leak: Specs of New Dual-Camera Drone Revealed
At this stage, we’ve had the chance to view DJI’s upcoming Air 3S drone from several perspectives. We’ve also seen some in-flight videos of the drone, along with price leaks. Although many specifications were not clear until now, a well-known tipster with a solid track record of DJI leaks has revealed almost all the details about the Air 3S. Some of these details match earlier leaks, making the rumors even more credible. Weighing in at 724 grams, the Air 3S is anticipated to come with a dual-camera setup, which includes a wide-angle and a medium telephoto lens.
Camera Specifications
The wide-angle camera is expected to have a 1-inch CMOS sensor, as previously thought, with a digital zoom ranging from 1 to 2.9x, a 24 mm focal length, an f/1.8 aperture, and a resolution of 50 megapixels. This represents a significant upgrade from the DJI Air 2S (currently priced at $894 on Amazon), which had a 20MP sensor. The telephoto lens is said to feature a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, with a digital zoom of 3x to 9x, a 70 mm focal length, an f/2.8 aperture, and a resolution of 48 MP. Both cameras will provide a dynamic range of up to 14 stops.
Video and Flight Features
According to the latest leak, the video capabilities will include 4K shooting at up to 60fps and slow-motion video at 4K/120fps. The drone will support recording in 10-bit D-log-M and HLG formats, ensuring high-quality footage. Video stabilization is handled by a 3-axis ball anti-shake system.
The Air 3S is expected to have a maximum flight time of 45 minutes, powered by a 4,276 mAh battery, taking previous leaks into consideration. It will also come with 42 GB of internal storage, with MicroSD support for cards up to 512 GB. For obstacle avoidance, the drone is equipped with a LiDAR-based sensor barrier detection system, which is a first for DJI’s non-commercial drones. Previously, DJI included LiDAR sensors in its much pricier Zenmuse L1 and L2 drones, making this a significant advancement for the brand.
Intelligent Flight Modes
The Air 3S will offer various intelligent flight modes, such as Waypoint, QuickShots, MasterShots, FocusTrack, Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 5.0, and Point of Interest 3.0. Additional features will include APAS 5.0, night mode, hyperlapse, slow-motion, SmartPhoto 3.0, and QuickTransfer. Furthermore, it will have a next-gen Return to Home (RTH) system for automated flight return, according to reports.
With all these leaked specifications, the DJI Air 3S is shaping up to be a notable improvement over the DJI Air 2S, with a price point of $1,492, based on earlier reports (this price includes the RC 2 remote controller, in addition to the new RC-N3 remote controller option that comes with the DJI Neo). Now, we just need an official confirmation from DJI, which should be coming soon.
@Quadro_News on X/Twitter
Tags: Air 3S, DJI, drone features
October 8, 2024
DJI Mavic 4 Battery Upgrade Leaked: Mavic 3 Pro Comparison
It is common knowledge that DJI is gearing up to launch the Air 3S after recently unveiling the Neo, which is currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon. New information, however, implies that DJI is also in the process of developing a next-generation series of Mavic drones.
Mavic 4 Developments
To summarize, the Mavic 4 has made appearances in various images over the past few months. Although DJI hasn’t officially acknowledged anything yet, it seems that the company has filed documents for the same drone with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Sadly, the documents from the regulatory body do not specifically mention the Mavic 4 by name.
Model Identification
Instead, DJI has tried to hide the identity of the device they are working on by using model numbers rather than retail names. Nevertheless, the FCC has verified that ‘JV31’ and ‘JV32’ refer to the same device, which also looks like a drone in one sketch. It is likely that these represent ‘Cine’ and ‘Pro’ versions of the Mavic 4, as suggested by leaker Jasper Ellens.
Battery Specifications
Additionally, the FCC has indicated that the Mavic 4 could come equipped with a much larger battery compared to both the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Pro. According to the first image below, both ‘JV31’ and ‘JV32’ have 99.5 Wh batteries (14.76V/6,471 mAh). Therefore, we can expect the Mavic 4 to provide better flight durations than the Mavic 3 or Mavic 3 Pro, which reach maximum times of 46 minutes and 43 minutes, respectively, using a 77 Wh (15.4V/5,000 mAh) battery.
FCC via DroneXL & @jasperellens
Tags: DJI, FCC, Mavic 4
October 4, 2024
DJI Air 3S Leaked Photos Reveal New Drone Launch Date and Price Drop
DJI has launched a couple of new products during the summer. They brought out the Osmo Action 5 Pro and Neo (currently priced at $199 on Amazon) soon after competitors like GoPro and HOVERAir made their own announcements. However, it appears DJI still has more drones to release this year.
Upcoming Drone Release
New leaks indicate that the company is preparing to introduce the Air 3S, a successor to both the Air 2S and Air 3. As previously rumored, the Air 3S will reportedly come with a variety of Fly More Combo accessory packs. It seems that DJI will include not only the new RC-N3 remote controller that was introduced with the Neo but also the RC 2, which can already be set up with several other DJI drones like the Mini 4 Pro.
Pricing and Specifications
According to reports, the launch price for the Air 3S Fly More Combo with an RC 2 remote controller is set at €1,359 (around $1,492). If this is true, it would be €30 (approximately $33) cheaper than the current Air 3. In addition, various insiders have released numerous official device photos, many of which you can see below. While the complete camera specs are still unknown, these images hint at an f/2.4 aperture for the drone’s bottom camera. The last image suggests that the launch date might be October 15, but this has not been confirmed yet.
@MysteryLupin (1) (2), @JasperEllens (1) (2) (3) & @Quadro_News (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
Tags: Air 3S, DJI, Osmo Action 5 Pro
October 4, 2024
Fujifilm X-M5 Budget Compact Camera Launch Expected at October X Summit
Fujifilm is getting ready to unveil its new X-M5 camera, and leaks have been surfacing frequently. The launch is expected in October, and it seems almost certain now. The company has hinted that the compact camera will be revealed this month, especially with the announcement of an X Summit event scheduled for October 14 in Tokyo.
Focus on Design
The X Summit will center on the camera’s design, which is why it will take place at the Clay design studio. From what we have learned about the Fujifilm X-M5, design seems to be a fitting theme, and the new model is likely to be the budget-friendly option that fans anticipated when the X-T50 was introduced (currently priced at $1,399.99 at Best Buy).
Pricing Concerns
Initially, there were whispers and leaks suggesting that the X-M5 would be a more affordable version of the S-X20 (currently at $1,299.95 at Best Buy) with a vintage aesthetic. However, there were later worries that the price of the X-M5 might rise due to the added technical features, especially a fully-articulating "selfie" screen. Earlier rumors also indicated that the compact camera would include in-body image stabilization, which would further increase costs.
Latest Updates
Recently, Fuji Rumors disclosed that the X-M5 will not feature IBIS at launch. This may disappoint some users, but it could result in a lower price point for both Fujifilm and consumers. Additionally, many Fujifilm users have expressed dissatisfaction with IBIS performance on platforms like Reddit, which adds to the ongoing discussion about camera features.
Fujifilm has been actively sharing updates on YouTube, and sources like Fuji Rumors continue to keep fans informed.
Tags: Camera Launch, Fujifilm X-M5, X Summit
October 3, 2024
Hisense C2 4K Laser Projector: 2000 Lumens, 120Hz, JBL Sound
The C2 serves as the starting point for the C2 series, which also features the notably brighter C2 Ultra. Both models share the same technology, utilizing a light system made up of three lasers. This setup is designed to cover the entire BT.2020 color gamut and ensures impressive color accuracy. With a brightness level of 2,000 ANSI lumens, this laser projector boasts a commendable performance, even though traditional models can often reach higher brightness levels. It advertises a contrast ratio of 1,700:1.
Fixed Projection Ratio
Unlike the C2 Ultra, the C2 lacks a zoom lens, which means the projection ratio remains constant at 1.2:1. This allows for image sizes ranging from 65 to 300 inches. The focus adjustment is motorized, and the keystone correction is automatic—features that are quite standard for this price point. The projector achieves 4K resolution through pixel shifting, a method involving the rapid movement of pixels. How this affects the viewing experience will largely depend on the content being viewed and the habits of the viewer. Pixel shifting is a common technology these days, yet it does create a compromise between resolution and refresh rate, which can reach up to 120 Hz at a 2K resolution. One of the HDMI inputs supports ALLM, making it suitable for gaming consoles. Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, and a headphone jack, while the integrated JBL sound system delivers 20 watts of power.
Operating System and Connectivity
The C2 runs on the VIDAA U7.6 operating system and allows for wireless streaming from various service providers via WiFi. An upcoming update will add support for 3D and AirPlay. Currently, the C2 is priced at 1,999 euros (US$2206), making it significantly more affordable compared to the C2 Ultra, which boasts a brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens.
Tags: C2, C2 Ultra, Formovie Theater
October 2, 2024
Fujifilm Rumors: Full-Frame, Micro Four Thirds, or 1-Inch Sensor?
When it was announced that Fujifilm is creating a new camera sensor for its future camera range, there was speculation that it could be an X-Trans-based GFX sensor intended for a fixed lens medium-format camera. However, a recent update from Fuji Rumors has clarified this uncertainty.
New Sensor Size Speculation
The latest information from a reliable Fujifilm insider suggests that the new sensor will be of a “sensor size never used by Fujifilm so far.” This has sparked fresh discussions among fans about the possibility of a full-frame Fujifilm camera. It’s important to note that in a 2018 interview with DPReview, Fujifilm firmly stated its intention to avoid entering the full-frame market.
In that interview, a Fujifilm representative said, “No, never. Because we don’t have that legacy – luckily or unluckily. We don’t see any point in Fujifilm entering that market, particularly since we have good APS-C and medium format systems. If we entered full-frame [our systems] would just start cannibalizing each other. We’re happy to stay with two completely independent systems.”
Limited Future Options
Unless Fujifilm has changed its strategy, which appears unlikely since the company continues to prioritize the APS-C segment, the options for future Fujifilm cameras seem limited. The most logical and popular predictions suggest that the new format could be Micro Four Thirds or a 1-inch sensor. While both possibilities exist, a 1-inch sensor seems to be the more sensible choice.
Fujifilm has justified its avoidance of the full-frame market by expressing a desire to protect its existing medium-format GFX series, and a Micro Four Thirds camera could similarly affect the APS-C lineup. The difference in surface area between a full-frame sensor and a GFX sensor is not vastly different from that between Micro Four Thirds and APS-C.
Production Cost Considerations
Moreover, while a Micro Four Thirds sensor could potentially reduce body size and lower production and retail costs, a 1-inch sensor would offer more significant advantages in terms of size and production expenses, making it a more likely option. Additionally, it would be distinct enough from the X-T and upcoming X-M series, minimizing the risk of competing with those models.
It appears improbable that Fujifilm is developing anything smaller than the 1-inch sensors typically found in models like the Canon PowerShot G7X series and the Sony RX100VII (currently priced at $1,298 on Amazon). However, there is a possibility that Fujifilm could be exploring a more unique sensor, as Fuji Rumors has hinted in its report.
Tags: FUJIFILM, GFX, Micro Four Thirds