Topaz Labs Photo AI version 1.1.9 released



Topaz Labs released Photo AI version 1.1.9 with improved masking and crop tools, an updated blur detection model, and bug fixes:

  • Windows CLI is now accessed via its own executable inside the install directory called tpai.exe
  • Updated AI Engine
  • Fixed Hasselblad A6D camera profile
  • Fixed some Sony camera profiles
  • Fixed some images having incorrect orientations
  • Fixed lens correction after cropping RAW images
  • Fixed lens metadata not being read correctly after processing by some photo managers
  • Fixed metadata sometimes copying to an image’s neighbor
  • Reworded some cropping-related elements
  • Added warning when downscaling images

The Topaz Image Quality Bundle and Topaz Video AI sale is ending today:


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The rumored Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens will be announced on February 7th, 2023 (for Leica L and Sony E mount)


The previously rumored Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art mirrorless lens for Leica L and Sony E mount will be officially announced on February 7th, 2023 – the price is expected to be around $850:

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The global medium format camera market size is expected to grow from $146.5M in 2021 to $181M in 2027


The global medium format camera market size reached $146.5 million in 2021. ResearchAndMarkets.com expects the market to reach $181 million by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.59% during 2021-2027. Additional information (the full report is behind a paywall):

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What else is new?

Tamron Breaks Ground on New Factory Located in Vietnam

Some Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) For Fujifilm Have Defective Wide Infinity Focus

Five Pentax compact 35mm film cameras Ricoh should bring back

Sigma 105mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2.8, 35mm f/1.2, 24mm f/3.5, and 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Firmware Updates Released

Exclusive 10% off for IDS modular grips for Leica M10/M11/film cameras (coupon code included)


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Canon 2022 financial reports are out: “increased unit sales by adding new EOS R series cameras”


Canon released its 2022 fiscal year financial report. Here are the details on the Imaging/Cameras division:

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Canon develops a 1″ 4k CMOS back-illuminated stacked sensor with 24 stops of dynamic range, Panasonic develops Hyperspectral Imaging Technology with the world’s highest sensitivity


Canon develops a 1″ 4k CMOS back-illuminated stacked sensor with 24 stops of dynamic range:

  • The new sensor divides the image into 736 areas and automatically determines the best exposure settings for each area
  • The new sensor realizes a dynamic range of 148 dB—the highest-level performance in the industry among image sensors for monitoring applications. It is capable of image capture at light levels ranging from approximately 0.1 lux to approximately 2,700,000 lux.
  • In order to produce a natural-looking image when capturing images in environments with both bright and dark areas, conventional high-dynamic-range image capture requires taking multiple separate photos under different exposure conditions and then synthesizing them into a single image.


Panasonic develops Hyperspectral Imaging Technology with the world’s highest sensitivity:

  •  Improve sensitivity beyond physical restrictions through data acquisition with thinning out using a special filter randomly transmitting multiple wavelengths of light.
  • Achieves clear images even in indoor illumination (550 lux) through hyperspectral imaging with the world’s highest sensitivity (about 10 times higher than conventional ones).
  • Achieves hyperspectral imaging with color camera-comparable usability by improving frame rates*5 to levels as high as video-rates (over 30 fps) via a uniquely developed algorithm.

For now, the above developments are not designed for the photo industry, but this may change on the future.

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Sony moved 90% of camera production from China to Thailand


Sony moved 90% of camera production from China to Thailand:

  • The Sony Group has transferred the production of cameras sold in Japan, the US, and Europe from China to a factory in Thailand. In principle, factories in China only make products for China.
  • In response to the conflict between the United States and China, the transfer to the U.S. will take precedence, and the transfer to Japan and Europe will also be completed by the end of 2022.
  • The risk of China becoming the core of the global supply chain is increasing due to the intensification of the US-China conflict and the lockdown accompanying the “zero corona” policy. Companies are gearing up to avoid supply chain malfunctions.
  • In 2022, Sony sold about 2.11 million cameras worldwide. Of these, 150,000 are destined for China, with more than 90% being destined for markets other than China, such as Japan, the United States, and Europe. Most of the production has been transferred to Thailand.
  • For camera lenses, the company plans to continue supplying products made in China outside of the country.

Sony Moved 90% of Camera Production From China to Thailand



 
Source: Nikkei, via Digicame-info, SonyAddict

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Benro will soon announce Theta – the world’s first auto-leveling travel tripod



Benro is coming with a new Theta self-leveling tripod that will be listed soon for fundraising on Kickstarter. Additional information and pictures (you can sign up for updates here):

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The upcoming Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens will be priced at $850 (for Leica L and Sony E mount)


The rumored Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art lens will be priced at $850. Here are the leaked specifications:

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Posted in Sigma| Tagged | 3 Comments

For a limited time, Skylum Luminar Neo and all extensions are 20% off


For a limited time, Skylum Luminar Neo and all extensions are 20% off:

Posted in Deals, Skylum| Tagged | 2 Comments