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Aujourd’hui — 9 avril 2025Photo

Panasonic joins the Content Authenticity Initiative

Par : PR admin
9 avril 2025 à 00:17


After Leica, Nikon, Fuji, and Sony, Panasonic also joined the Content Authenticity Initiative:

We are thrilled to welcome Panasonic as a member of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), joining more than 4,500 media and technology companies, non-profits, creators, educators, and many others working together to build trust and transparency in our digital ecosystem.

"By joining the CAI, we are committed to contributing to the ecosystem, ensuring the authenticity of digital content, and fostering an environment of trust and transparency online," said Toshiyuki Tsumura, Business Division Executive of the Imaging Solution Business Division at Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. "This initiative also aligns with our corporate philosophy: Ahead in Innovation, Together in Emotion—Your Trusted Partner for Audio and Imaging Solutions.” (contentauthenticity.org)

The post Panasonic joins the Content Authenticity Initiative appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Google has created a free tool to help you learn studio lighting

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A screenshot of the Google Learning Light Experiment.

Understanding how to control light is one of the more complex parts of learning photography. That's why introductory photography classes typically focus exclusively on ambient light and why there are entire semester-long classes dedicated to lighting. Learning how to manipulate light could get easier now, though, with Google's new Learning Light tool.

Learning Light is part of Google's newly released series of AI "experiments" focused on arts and culture. It combines an AI chatbot with a virtual stage, allowing users to learn about different lighting setups and see them in action. The chatbot, with its delightfully retro LuxeBot3000 name, walks you through eight mini-lessons covering different aspects of lighting, including intensity, color, shape, position, mood and more. There are also four different lessons on the lighting in specific artworks, such as Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

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The chatbot walks you through various aspects of lighting.

The lessons are very quick and straightforward. Instead of allowing open-ended chats, the chatbot provides preset answers for users to select from. In fact, the chat bar is fully disabled during the lessons, so there's not even an opportunity to ask follow-up questions. You can, however, choose to exit the guide at any time and play around, which is where I think the tool could be most useful.

Outside of the guide, you can manually adjust multiple settings for six different lights. Users can control power, angle, penumbra, hue and saturation for each individual light or adjust those settings for groupings of lights. The set starts with a mannequin and plant, but you can also add additional props like a couch, plants, and an old-school TV. You can also change the backdrop from a basic studio setting to real-world options like a restaurant, ski resort, train station and more.

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There's a rather odd selection of props available.

Of course, the tool is far from perfect. The selection of props is quite small and rather strange (I don't know too many photographers who use a busted-up cardboard box, rusted barrel, or two fire hydrants as props). The lights can't change position, either, so you're stuck with the existing positioning. Additionally, since it is focused on stage lighting, it lacks accessories photographers would use to modify the light, like softboxes or beauty dishes.

The chatbot is also rather limited and not extremely helpful. It is only able to make changes to the properties of the available lights or answer very basic questions about lighting. In fact, it seems a bit odd that this is based on Google's 'Gemini' generative AI tech. Given the long list of limitations, it's a bit like watering houseplants with a fire hose. Perhaps that means that more advanced tools and features could come later, but for now, a lot of technology is backing a fairly simple platform.

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Learning Light can walk you through creating a lighting scenario inspired by Nobility in the Evening Cool (Koki nōryō no zu) by Yōshū (Hashimoto) Chikanobu.

Despite its flaws, the Learning Light Experiment has benefits. The simple controls make it very approachable no matter someone's experience level, providing a good introduction to what's possible with lighting. It could also be useful for planning basic lighting scenarios for shoots. Perhaps most important, though, is that it's free. More capable programs for playing around with lighting setups can cost substantially more, such as set.a.light 3D, which costs a minimum of $119 when full-price. That could be a hard sell for beginner photographers, so it is nice to see a free platform, even if it is more limited.

Hier — 8 avril 2025Photo

Fujifilm's retro Instax Mini camera returns with a fresh look

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Photo: Fujifilm

Fujifilm has announced its latest Instax Mini camera, the retro-looking Instax Mini 41. The company says that the new instant camera features a "stylish new look and improved functionality" compared to its predecessor. The Instax Mini 40 came out four years ago, so it is nice to see a refresh. Unfortunately, for anyone hoping for a massive revamp, it's only a subtle update.

The most significant change to the Instax Mini 41 is a fresh look. Unlike the faux leather finish on the Mini 40, the updated camera features a "textured, tactile body" to provide a "secure, ergonomic grip." It also offers a metallic-looking (though not actual metal) finish and orange color accents for a more polished look.

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Fujifilm promises better close-ups thanks to the added parallax correction.

Image: Fujifilm

Beyond its new look, the camera also promises improved close-up images. Given that the viewfinder and close-up lens on Instax cameras aren't perfectly lined up, what you see through the viewfinder isn't exactly what the final composition will be. To address this, Fujifilm added parallax correction, which makes it easier to center subjects. The closeup mode is meant for subjects from 30-50cm (11.8-19.7") and doubles as a selfie mode.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 will be available for purchase by the end of April. Interestingly, Fujifilm did not provide any US pricing for the camera, which is unusual for the company. The camera is currently listed on B&H with the option to sign up for notifications, but no price is listed. Likewise, the listing on the Fujifilm website lacks a price as well. While it didn't say specifically that the lack of a price is a result of uncertainty related to the US tariffs, that could be the cause.

Press release:

A Stylish Update in Instant Photography: Fujifilm Introduces instax mini 41™ Instant Camera

VALHALLA, N.Y., April 7, 2025 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging Division, today announced the introduction of its new instax mini 41™ Instant Camera (“mini 41”). Updated with a stylish new look and improved functionality over its predecessor, instax mini 40™, including advancements in parallax correction and automatic flash control.

“Mini 41 is made for image makers who care about both form and function,” said Bing Liem, division president, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Mini 41 takes everything our consumers loved about mini 40 and levels up with enhanced performance and a modern design update – it’s easy to carry, easy to use, and matches the stylish aesthetic so many of our users bring to their photography.”

Key mini 41 features include:

Automatic Exposure functionality

The Automatic Exposure function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimizing the shutter speed and flash output according to the scene. It allows users to produce high-quality photo prints on-the-spot in a variety of interior or exterior environments.

Close-up Mode with Parallax Correction

Mini 41’s close-up mode features Parallax Correction, which helps center close-up images (including selfies) by adjusting the position of the ‘focus’ mark to the lower left of the frame.

Updated, easily portable design

Building off the classic design elements of its predecessor, the textured, tactile body of mini 41 provides secure, ergonomic grip, and the subtle metallic-like finish and orange color accents add unique design elements to the camera body.

Availability:

Mini 41 joins a fun and versatile lineup of instax™ instant cameras and Smartphone printers. Fujifilm’s instax mini 41™ instant camera will be available for purchase by the end of April 2025.

For more information about instax mini 41™ instant camera, visit https://www.instaxus.com/cameras/instax-mini-41.

Panasonic is the latest camera maker to join the Content Authenticity Initiative

CAI Panasonic
Image: Content Authenticity Initiative

Panasonic has become the latest camera company to become a member of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), joining Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Leica. The organization aims to coordinate the industry's efforts to create transparency around how images were created, using tools like C2PA Content Credentials that certify details about how an image was made and edited – especially useful as generative AI becomes increasingly accessible.

In a blog post on its website, the CAI says Panasonic is "joining more than 4,500 media and technology companies, non-profits, creators, educators" to help "build trust and transparency in our digital ecosystem." The post quotes Toshiyuki Tsumura, Business Division Executive of the Imaging Solution Business Division at Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., who says: "By joining the CAI, we are committed to contributing to the ecosystem, ensuring the authenticity of digital content, and fostering an environment of trust and transparency online."

"We are committed to contributing to the ecosystem, ensuring the authenticity of digital content"

The post doesn't mention any concrete details, like whether this means we'll see content authenticity tools in current or upcoming Lumix cameras. Historically, the matter has been complicated – Fujifilm joined the CAI in early 2024, but in an interview last month, it told us that it was "still developing and investigating how to implement the CAI and the C2PA."

Even brands that have implemented it don't necessarily make the tech available to everyone – some Leica models come with support for Content Credentials unlocked out of the box, but companies like Nikon and Sony have said their authenticity features will mainly be for news agencies. Many of Panasonic's stills cameras are more consumer-oriented, though models like the S1RII are explicitly aimed at professionals and come with features that would mainly be worthwhile for those users. The company is also a big player in the professional video market and makes several cameras specifically aimed at news companies.

However Panasonic chooses to work with the CAI and implement its technologies, this seems like another step forward for content authenticity initiatives. Rebuilding the public's trust in the images they see online will only become more important in the future, and it would be an extremely large task for companies to accomplish alone. Organizations like the CAI help streamline the process and make sure that everyone in the chain has a say, including camera companies, photo editing software companies and technology companies whose platforms will be used to share images.

Fujifilm sold 100 million Instax cameras since 1998, announced a new INSTAX Mini 41 model

Par : PR admin
8 avril 2025 à 16:17



Fujifilm officially announed the previously rumored INSTAX Mini 41 instant film camera:

  • Accepts INSTAX MINI Instant Film
  • 60mm Lens with Selfie Mirror
  • Automatic Exposure and Automatic Flash
  • Adjusts Shutter Speed Automatically
  • Dedicated Selfie/Close-Up Shooting Mode
  • Optical Viewfinder with Target Spot
  • Two AA Batteries

Automatic Exposure functionality

The Automatic Exposure function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, optimizing the shutter speed and flash output according to the scene. It allows users to produce high-quality photo prints on-the-spot in a variety of interior or exterior environments.

Close-up Mode with Parallax Correction

Mini 41’s close-up mode features Parallax Correction, which helps center close-up images (including selfies) by adjusting the position of the ‘focus’ mark to the lower left of the frame.

Updated, easily portable design

Building off the classic design elements of its predecessor, the textured, tactile body of mini 41 provides secure, ergonomic grip, and the subtle metallic-like finish and orange color accents add unique design elements to the camera body.

Fujifilm expected to set another record revenue year for their Instax camera line

Fujifilm to announce a new Instax 41 camera

The post Fujifilm sold 100 million Instax cameras since 1998, announced a new INSTAX Mini 41 model appeared first on Photo Rumors.

We asked the experts: How will the US tariffs affect photography gear prices?

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Photo: Natnan Srisuwan / Moment via Getty Images

There's no ignoring that the latest US tariffs are a hot-button topic right now for Americans who are looking at paying more for products made outside the country. Since the tariffs are so far-reaching, questions are swirling about the impact on the pricing and availability of goods for each industry. That includes the photography and videography industries, since most equipment is made outside of the United States. Unfortunately, things aren't looking great. There's a lot of speculation, but we spoke with experts whose job is to analyze the potential impact.

Product pricing, in general, is a complicated endeavor, even with standard tariffs. It involves many calculations, ranging from tariffs to forecasting future changes in relative currency values. While new tariffs are broadly applied, the rates vary depending on the country. Given that many goods could have individual parts from multiple countries, the situation becomes complex quickly. Additionally, some companies might manufacture certain products in one country while other items in their lineup are made in another, resulting in inconsistent pricing changes across their catalog.

When we look at the three big brands – Canon, Sony and Nikon – all three are based in Japan, but Nikon and Sony have shifted much of their production to Thailand and China. Canon makes some of its more budget-focused equipment in Taiwan, Thailand and China, but it also manufactures some in Japan. Anjali V. Bhatt, the Communications Manager and Research Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE) explained that products from Japan have a tariff rate of 24%, while products manufactured in Thailand face a 36% tariff. "So Canon products made in Japan might actually become more affordable than Nikon or Sony for comparable/substitute products, depending on where the gear is shipped from," she said.

Bhatt went so far as to suggest opting for a lens adapter that allows you to use Canon lenses on Nikon or Sony gear. That way, you could save money on new lenses since Canon lenses may become more affordable compared to Nikon and Sony as a result of where they are produced. Of course, that will only save you money if the Canon version of what you want is made in Japan and the alternatives are made elsewhere. Additionally, given that even Japan is subject to tariffs, Canon won't be immune to pricing changes, either.

"All photography equipment not made in the US...will be more expensive."

The tariffs could also push companies to adjust where they manufacture cameras and lenses. That doesn't necessarily mean coming to the US, though. Since many of these companies have existing ties to Japan, it could simply mean moving production to Japan because of the lower tariffs. "Since Nikon and Sony have extensive production capabilities in Japan as well, it’s possible they reshore production back to Japan, away from Thailand," Bhatt said. "But the bottom line is that all photography equipment not made in the US, which is a significant majority of it, will be more expensive," she explained.

Outside of cameras and lenses, auxiliary equipment like tripods will likely also become more expensive. That's because much of it is produced in countries like China or Vietnam, which "will see even higher tariffs (the estimate for the tariff rate on Chinese products is around 75%; Vietnam has been assigned a 46% tariff)," Bhatt said.

Because of the complexity of import tariffs and wholesale pricing, we likely won't see a 1:1 correlation between tariff rates and price increases. In other words, Chinese products likely won't cost 75% more, Japanese products won't cost 24% more and Thai products won't have a 36% increase. The system is a lot more complicated than that. However, economists agree that there will be price hikes of some amount across the board.

Another piece of fallout from the high tariffs could be availability. "If there's equipment from highly-tariffed nations – like China – the tariffs may make them so uncompetitive that retailers drop the brand altogether rather than importing cameras they won't sell," explained Justin Wolfers, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the University of Michigan. He went on to say that prices may not seem higher immediately. Initially, "it'll just be that buyers find it harder to find a good deal," he said.

"All of this is going to cause a lot of short-term change and turmoil, which will be painful and costly."

Blackmagic Design was the first camera company to specifically announce pricing increases as a result of tariffs. Its prices have changed multiple times over the past two days, with the company explaining that "it’s a bit in flux as developments are happening with the tariffs." Indeed, as we are already seeing, "All of this is going to cause a lot of short-term change and turmoil, which will be painful and costly," Dr. Wolfers said.

Nikon's new Zf firmware update adds bird mode, Imaging Cloud, and more

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Nikon Zf sensor
Photo: Richard Butler

Nikon has announced the 2.0 firmware for its full-frame Zf camera. The update adds a dedicated bird mode to the camera's subject recognition autofocus, support for connecting to the company's Imaging Cloud service and other improvements that will make shooting video and using older, manual-focus lenses more convenient.

The company says the dedicated bird subject detection mode will be quicker and more accurate at detecting and tracking birds than the Auto or Animal modes, especially in complex scenarios like shooting in forests or mountains. While the Zf likely isn't the first camera people reach for when doing wildlife photography – its gripless retro design is better suited to smaller lenses – it's nice that Nikon is making this mode available on the camera regardless.

Nikon Imaging Cloud

Nikon Imaging Cloud lets your camera automatically upload photos to the cloud and download color mode "recipes."

Image: Nikon

Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud is also a nice addition. It allows the camera to automatically upload images when connected to a Wi-Fi network, rather than requiring you to connect it to your phone or a computer to offload your shots. Additionally, you can configure Nikon Imaging Cloud to automatically offload those images to other services, like Dropbox, Google Drive, Lightroom and more. The service can also be used to sync additional color profiles to your camera – the Zf can store nine – and to automatically keep your camera's firmware up-to-date.

The 2.0 update also adds Nikon's 'Hi-Res Zoom' mode for video, which lets you progressively apply a digital crop up to 2x your lens' actual focal length when shooting 1080p. The company says it doesn't introduce any loss in resolution, as the camera is still using a 1080p region of the sensor. However, in other cameras like the Z9, the feature does incur some loss of detail, as you're no longer getting oversampled video. Still, if you want to make your footage look like you're zooming in, you'll at least have the option to do so.

The final big change with the update revolves around using manual-focus lenses. The company has improved the focus magnification feature, letting you quickly exit it by half-pressing the shutter button so you can see your full composition before actually taking the picture. When you're using the display, the maximum magnification has been increased from 200% to 400%. You can now also assign ISO and exposure compensation to the cameras' command dials in the manual shooting mode and manually record your aperture value if you're using a lens that doesn't electronically communicate with the camera.

It's not surprising that features like Hi-Res Zoom, Imaging Cloud and bird subject detection are coming to the Zf. After all, they're included in the just-launched Z5II, which uses very similar internals. However, it's nice to see them come so quickly, so users who bought the more expensive Zf won't have to be envious of Z5II owners. It's also one more step to making the company's lineup more cohesive, with most of its latest-gen cameras getting Imaging Cloud.

The update is available now from Nikon's website.

Press release:

Nikon Releases The Upgraded Firmware Version 2.00 For The Nikon Zf Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

MELVILLE, NY (April 8, 2025) -- Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Zf.

This is the first major firmware update for the Zf since its launch and the next step in the camera’s evolution, adding new functions inherited from the Nikon Z9 flagship camera and full-frame mirrorless model, the Nikon Z6III. Firmware version 2.00 also adds support for Nikon Imaging Cloud, enabling the automatic transfer of images to third-party cloud storage services, automatic camera firmware updates, and access to a wide range of creative Imaging Recipes.

The Zf now incorporates a dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option, providing more powerful detection and tracking performance to enhance bird photography support. In addition, the Hi-Res Zoom function has been added, and functions have been expanded for greater usability when manual-focus lenses are used.

Firmware version 2.00 makes shooting with manual-focus lenses, including vintage lenses, even more enjoyable, with the ability to quickly exit the magnified display simply by half-pressing the shutter-release button and a function that allows users to record the aperture values used when shooting.

Primary Features of Firmware Version 2.00 for the Nikon Zf:

  • Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud enables more creative imaging expression
    Nikon Imaging Cloud is Nikon’s cloud service accessible via computers and smart devices. It hosts the Imaging Recipes color presets, both those recommended by Nikon and those carefully crafted by established creators. Up to nine recipes can be downloaded to the Zf, allowing users to get the look and style of their favorite creators easily. Connection to Nikon Imaging Cloud also facilitates updating the camera firmware without the need for a computer or smart device. Furthermore, the advanced setup enables the automatic transfer of captured images to various third-party cloud storage services when the Zf is connected via Wi-Fi, providing even greater convenience for storing and sharing images captured with the camera.
  • Dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option enhances support for bird photography
    A dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option has been added. It offers better bird-detection and tracking performance than when [Auto] or [Animal] subject-detection is selected. It also ensures quicker, more accurate detection and tracking of birds in various shooting scenarios, such as when complex, high-contrast backgrounds like rocky mountains or forests are in the frame. The [Birds] option satisfies the expectations of those who enjoy photographing birds with a greater ability to detect birds whether in flight, at rest, or characterized by a unique size or visual feature such as a long neck or vibrant colors.
  • Addition of the Hi-Res Zoom function enables zooming even when a prime lens is used
    With firmware version 2.00, users can zoom-in to up to twice the actual focal length with no loss in resolution in full-HD recording*. This enables recording that makes the most of the superior rendering characteristics of prime lenses. Selection from 11 different zoom speeds expands possibilities for imaging expression during video recording, allowing users to achieve the exact look and feel they want. The Hi-Res Zoom function can also be assigned to the Fn ring or control ring on a lens.
  • More convenient functions when shooting with a manual focus lens
    A new function has been added that lets users exit the magnified display by half-pressing the shutter-release button, making shooting with manual focus more convenient. Additionally, in the live view display, the maximum magnification has been increased from the previous 200% to 400%, providing greater convenience when shooting portraits and other situations that require more precise focusing. Furthermore, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity can now be assigned to the main or sub-command dial in manual shooting mode. A new function has also been added that allows users to manually record aperture values to the Exif data when using non-CPU lenses. This enables them to review and appreciate the subtle differences in image results when shooting with different aperture values at or near the maximum aperture.

Nikon will continuously meet users' needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

*AF-area mode is fixed at [Wide-area AF (L)]. The focus point is not displayed. [Electronic VR] in the video recording menu is fixed at [OFF].

À partir d’avant-hierPhoto

BlackMagic Design is blaming its US price jumps on tariffs

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Image: Blackmagic

Almost every news site is flooded with stories about the new tariffs and their impact on individual product categories. Given that so many photography companies manufacture their goods in places other than the United States, several outlets have predicted that the tariffs will impact photography gear. Now, those expectations are becoming a reality, with Blackmagic Design being the first to officially announce price increases because of tariffs.

In a statement provided to DPReview, Blackmagic explained: "In general, it’s a bit in flux as developments are happening with the tariffs, and our team is trying very hard to keep customers informed with updated pricing, so that’s why they may see some changes. Since we have factories in different countries, it causes different price increases, and we are moving production of some products to help lower costs for customers from what we had previously raised them to since the tariffs went into effect. This will take us some time, so customers may continue to see some pricing change, but again, we are working very hard to keep customers informed with updated pricing."

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A screenshot of the Blackmagic website reflecting a $5495 price for the Pyxis 12K camera, taken at 12:42 PM EDT on April 7.

Yesterday, CineD reported that the newly released Blackmagic Pyxis 12K camera went from the launch price of $4995 to $6595 on Blackmagic's website, a 32% increase. CineD included a screenshot of Blackmagic's website reflecting the $6595 price. However, at the time of writing, the website shows $5495 for the camera. While that isn't as substantial an increase as what CineD reported, it is still a bump in price, which no one likes seeing. Since Blackmagic said things are in flux right now, that number could likely continue to change. At the time of writing, the price at B&H is still the original launch price.

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A screenshot of Blackmagic's statement on Facebook about pricing changes.

Blackmagic also posted a statement on Facebook about general US prices for its products. It said that most products in the US have increased because of the tariffs, and that these price changes only impact the US. A quick look at the Blackmagic website shows that the company also increased the price of the Pyxis 6K camera from a launch price of $2995 to $3295, while the Ursa Cine 17K went from $29,995 to $32,995.

DaVinci Resolve's latest version adds more than 100 new features

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Image: Blackmagic

The NAB 2025 show is underway, with plenty of announcements related to broadcasting and filmmaking coming out. Among those was a lengthy livestream from Blackmagic Design that revealed multiple new products and software tools, including the latest version of its video editing platform. Blackmagic calls DaVinci Resolve 20 "a major new update which adds over 100 new features." Unsurprisingly, many of those new features are AI-related and aimed at speeding up and simplifying the editing process.

The updates cover just about every step of the editing process and touch most aspects of the editing program. You can see all of the update details in the press release below, but there are some standout features worth mentioning. First, AI IntelliScript can automatically create timelines based on the original project script. This is done by first creating an automatic transcription of the video files and then uploading the original script text file. DaVinci Resolve chooses the best takes but provides alternative takes in additional tracks so that you can easily review those as well.

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Image: Blackmagic

The company says the IntelliScript doesn't require an exact match to the original script, as similar wording is matched. You can also create a script after the fact by uploading the transcription of the master take and using that as the basis for the timeline. In a similar vein, AI Multicam SmartSwitch promises to automatically switch between multiple camera angles based on the active speaker in each scene.

Also coming to DaVinci Resolve 20 is a tool for animating subtitles. The AI Animated Subtitles feature uses the transcription tool to generate a subtitle track on a timeline, automatically animating them with highlighted text as things are spoken. AI Detect Music Beats will analyze "beat-driven music" and automatically place markers on each beat, making it easier to edit clips to the beat of the music.

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Image: Blackmagic

Blackmagic also announced AI Set Extender, which sounds similar to Adobe Premiere Pro's Generative Extend. Blackmagic didn't provide extensive information on the feature but says it "creates a scene extension to fill an entire frame based on a simple text prompt."

While many of the standout features are AI-related, there are plenty of updates to hands-on tools as well. For example, Blackmagic Cloud support will now offer better collaboration tools. Blackmagic also changed the cut, edit and color pages when working with a vertical timeline or project, aimed at optimizing the vertical viewer without wasted space or needing to constantly zoom.

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Image: Blackmagic

The voiceover palette tool makes it easier to record voiceovers directly into the timeline, providing cue, record and stop controls. Plus, there's quick access to voice isolation and dialogue leveling tools. Blackmagic also added a "full audio mixer with professional loudness metering" to the cut page, allowing users to mix and monitor audio while recording, editing and finishing their content.

“This is a massive update this year, with AI tools and new features that help to speed up every stage of our customer’s workflow” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “By automating tasks that take a long time manually or are tedious, with features such as keyframe editing, voice over palettes, live overwrite and multi-layer compositing tools, our customers are free to spend more time than ever being creative. The new processing code we’ve been rewriting over the last few years is an amazing base to be able to build these new features on. It’s exciting to see how we can provide tools with DaVinci Resolve to help our customers spend more time exploring their creativity.”

You can see a comprehensive list of all the features on the DaVinci Resolve 20 product page, or in the press release below. DaVinci Resolve 20 public beta is now available for download from the Blackmagic Design website. The standard version is free to download, however you'll need DaVinci Resolve Studio 20 for $325 to unlock the advanced editing tools.

Press release:

Blackmagic Design Announces DaVinci Resolve 20

Massive update adds over 100 new features including DaVinci AI tools, keyframe editor, voice over palettes, multi-layer compositing tools plus chroma warp, Magic Mask 2 and more!

NAB 2025, Las Vegas, USA - Friday, April 4, 2025 - Blackmagic Design today announced DaVinci Resolve 20 a major new update which adds over 100 new features and AI tools such as AI IntelliScript, AI Animated Subtitles, AI Multicam SmartSwitch and AI Audio Assistant, as well as keyframe editing, voice over palettes, multi layer compositing tools, new optical flow vector tools and major updates to Magic Mask and depth map. DaVinci Resolve 20 public beta is available for download now from the Blackmagic Design web site.

The DaVinci Resolve 20 will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2025 booth #SL216.

DaVinci Resolve 20 introduces more than 100 new features including powerful AI tools designed to assist customers with all stages of their workflow. Use AI IntelliScript to create timelines based on a text script, AI Animated Subtitles to animate words as they are spoken, and AI Multicam SmartSwitch to assemble a timeline with camera angles based on speaker detection. The cut and edit pages introduce a dedicated keyframe editor and voiceover palettes, and AI Audio Assistant analyzes the timeline audio and intelligently creates a professional audio mix. In Fusion, explore advanced multi layer compositing workflows. The Color Warper now includes Chroma Warp, plus Magic Mask and Depth Map have huge updates.

New features in Blackmagic Cloud include Cloud folders, which lets customers easily share extra clips, images or graphics for a project with other collaborators. All cloud content appears as virtual clips and folders until used in a project, after which it is synced locally. Customers can access large amounts of media while keeping their media pool organized.

Customers can also now review projects in Presentations with clients who don’t have a Blackmagic Cloud account. To activate guest access simply generate a URL link of the Presentation customers want to review and share it with clients. Customers can review clips, make notes on the timeline using markers and even group chat.

Cloud storage has also been updated with an icon view that displays thumbnails of all clips so customers can visually identify them and manage their media. Hovering over thumbnails lets customers scrub through the content for quick media preview. The inspector panel displays camera and clip metadata, as well as production notes.

On the cut, edit and color pages, when a vertical timeline or project is loaded, the page layouts automatically rearrange to optimize working with a vertical viewer. Tools and palettes are moved to ensure that customers have maximum use of the screen without wasted space and without the need to constantly zoom.

The voiceover palette on the cut page records a voice over track during timeline playback. Customers get cue, record, and stop controls, plus quick access to voice isolation and dialogue leveling tools. A dedicated track is added automatically. Customers can load and work with a prompter script and a countdown.

A dedicated keyframe editor in the cut and edit pages allows for finer parameter animation. Use the keyframe curves and parameter modes to edit keyframes and customize animation shape with ease controls. Customers can also use the keyframe tray below the timeline to review and navigate timeline keyframes.

The Text+ tool has been updated to include the layout’s point, text box, circle or path styles giving customers more refined control over the layout of their text graphics. When working with PSD files on a timeline, customers can choose to split the PSD layers in place in order to work with each individual layer.

The MultiText tool creates multiple text layers in one place for greater flexibility. Customers can use the inspector tabs to set individual style parameters within each text layer, including appearance, layout, warping and keyframe animation. The text list lets customers navigate, rearrange, lock, and delete layers.

On the cut page, customers can now drag directly in the viewer to live overwrite a camera angle directly into the timeline. With the sync bin active, or when in multi source mode, customers can drag horizontally to live paint at the playhead, or drag down to turn the angle into a draggable clip.

The cut page now also has a safe trimming mode to prevent crucial edits from being accidentally overwritten. Customers can drag trim points to quickly fill gaps in the timeline. When they reach a cut point, DaVinci Resolve will pause. If they do want to overwrite the edit, just keep dragging to trim the adjacent clip.

A full audio mixer with professional loudness metering has also been added to the cut page. Each channel strip has a left-right pan slider, fader, solo, and mute buttons, plus professional panning, EQ, Dynamics, and FX controls. Now customers can mix and monitor audio while they record, edit and finish their show.

On the edit page, the voiceover tool lets customers record directly into the timeline. There are quick controls to set file name, audio input and destination track. With automatic track selection and customization options like countdown and input monitoring, creating a voice over has never been easier.

On the color page, new chroma warp lets customers intuitively adjust color and saturation with a single motion in the viewer. The stroke control moves colors in one direction, while the point to point mode isolates regions for more precise hue correction. Customers can add pin points to isolate regions customers do not want to affect.

When streaming remotely, customers can choose to display power windows and other overlays on the reference monitor. This is helpful for remote workflows where the grading system is in a separate location from the colorist, or their client, and their local monitor. Customers can also now stream H.265 4:2:2.

Fusion now offers deep image compositing tools, so customers can access the depth data found in deep image EXR files. A range of new nodes allows customers to merge, transform, resize, crop, recolor, and generate holdouts. Render from Fusion’s 3D environment and export deep EXR’s with the Fusion saver node.

Support has also been added for multi-layer images across all nodes. Fusion can read multi-layer EXRs or photoshop files, preview the layers in the viewer, and access and manipulate any layer in any node. Now artists have seamless layer interaction without needing independent renders of a source file.

Vector warp, vector transform, and vector denoise are new optical flow vector tools integrated within Fusion. These tools enable intricate temporal effects by leveraging motion vectors. Utilizing a clip's natural movement for warping and denoising presents a powerful time saving solution for artists.

Fusion’s PanoMap, spherical stabilizer, LatLong patcher, 3D VR camera and the 3D viewers have been updated to support 180-degree angle of view to allow production of immersive content. Customers can also render 3D scenes to VR180 using a spherical camera and Renderer3D for a simplified production process.

The enhanced Dome light is a 3D tool that simulates natural ambient lighting in a 3D scene. It allows the integration of 360 HDRI images for accurate reflections and global illumination. Now customers can create more realistic environments, ensuring their 3D models respond convincingly to light conditions.

Customers can now preview color page clip grades directly in the Fusion page viewer through the MediaOut node. This will give customers a better representation of their final composition and save customers time by not requiring customers to leave the Fusion page every time customers need to review the final look of a clip.

Clip EQ now features 6 bands on the cut, edit and Fairlight pages. This allows for more tonal control at the clip level, and matches the track EQ in the mixer. So now customers can easily copy and paste settings between the clip, track and EQ plug-in for more consistent, flexible and precise control.

Fairlight has two new clip processing options that lets customers adjust a target clip’s audio to match a reference clip’s level or tonal spectrum. EQ match is dynamic and is automatically automated across their clip to maintain a tonal match. Level Matcher lets customers seamlessly intercut clip sections without manual changes.

If customers have a favorite group of plugins that they need to apply together, customers can now build a Chain FX to include them, each with customized settings and saved as presets. Customers can have up to six effects within a chain and also combine Chain FX plugins for longer chains in the channel effects slots.

Fairlight now features per-channel automation mode selection allowing for more flexibility and creative control when mixing their projects. In a single pass customers can now dynamically adjust multiple individual tracks and have some channel automation settings in Snap, some in Latch, and others in Trim.

The AI Set Extender creates a scene extension to fill an entire frame based on a simple text prompt. Highlight the area customers want to extend, and missing regions caused by limited clip angles, blanking and cropping will be auto generated. Customers can even create new backgrounds behind foreground objects.

DaVinci Resolve Studio 20 also introduces powerful new features for Apple Immersive Video on Apple Vision Pro. Filmmakers can effortlessly edit, color grade, mix Spatial Audio, and deliver Apple Immersive Video captured using the new Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera, which is starting to roll out to an initial set of customers. Customers can pre-order URSA Cine Immersive here.

Customers can use AI IntelliScript to automatically generate timelines based on the original project script. AI IntelliScript will match the transcribed audio in media clips to the script and construct a timeline of the best selected takes, with any alternative takes placed on additional tracks for editor review.

AI Dialogue Matcher is a powerful tool that automatically matches the tone, level, and room environment of dialogue. Customers can match audio from two totally different clips for audio consistency. Match dialogue recorded in different environments, on different devices, or on shoots spanning several days.

Automatically adjust a music track’s length to fit a video using AI Music Extender. The audio clip is analyzed and a music edit is extended or shortened to match. Customers get four versions to chose from, visual edit indicators, and the ability to decompose sections. It’s a fast, flexible way to tailor music to visuals.

Keep a viewer’s attention in videos with subtitles that are animated as words are spoken using AI Animated Subtitles. Use the transcription tool to generate a subtitle track on their timeline and then drag the animated Fusion title templates onto the track header to change the appearance and animation style of the text.

In the edit page, AI Multicam SmartSwitch automatically switches multi-cam angles based on the active speaker in a scene. After creating a multi-cam clip, click SmartSwitch in the multi-cam viewer. SmartSwitch analyzes and automatically selects clip angles based on audio, and lip movement in the video.

The revolutionary AI Voice Convert tool applies a pre-generated voice model to an existing voice recording, retaining its inflections, pitch variation, and emotion. Improve their own voice if recorded in a noisy environment, or create perfect ADR using the original actor’s own voice.

DaVinci Resolve’s SuperScale now features 3x and 4x enhanced upscaling, ensuring the highest visual quality of all media in a project, regardless of source resolution. Perfect for working with archival material or stock footage that needs to be matched to the deliverable resolution.

AI Magic Mask has been updated for even more accurate tracking within a single mode. Use points to select people, objects and regions, and paint tools to refine the selection faster than ever. Magic Mask intuitively tracks the motion of a selected area, even around obstructions and in low quality clips.

The AI Depth Map effect has been updated for faster scene analysis and more practical mattes. Quickly isolate foreground characters to make them pop against their environment or apply lens blur to the background of a shot. Customers can refine the resulting matte and isolate specific depths for grading.

AI IntelliCut provides powerful clip-based audio processing, automating time consuming tasks in seconds. Remove silence removes low level or silent areas for a cleaner audio track. Customers can split dialogue into a separate track per speaker for individual mixing and create an ADR list to replace dialogue.

When a timeline has audio elements that are not mixed or balanced, AI Audio Assistant can automatically create a professional audio mix. Audio Assistant organizes tracks, evens out dialogue levels, adjusts sound effects and music to the dialogue track, and automatically creates a mastered final mix.

When editing to the beat, customers can use the AI Detect Music Beats function to analyze audio clips containing beat-driven music and automatically place markers to indicate beats. Customers can use these as visual indicators for cut points, or drag to snap clips to the beat’s markers at the nearest frame.

“This is a massive update this year, with AI tools and new features hat help to speed up every stage of our customer’s workflow” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “By automating tasks that take a long time manually or are tedious, with features such as keyframe editing, voice over palettes, live overwrite and multi-layer compositing tools, our customers are free to spend more time than ever being creative. The new processing code we’ve been rewriting over the last few years is an amazing base to be able to build these new features on. It’s exciting to see how we can provide tools with DaVinci Resolve to help our customers spend more time exploring their creativity”

DaVinci Resolve 20 Features

  • Import Blackmagic Cloud Shared folders to media pool.
  • New optimized UI layouts option for vertical videos on cut, edit and color pages.
  • Voiceover palette with cue, voice tools and teleprompter.
  • Improved keyframing with dedicated curve view and timeline drawer.
  • Text+ paragraph, line wrapping and bounding tools.
  • MultiText tool with layers and easy transform, clip and wrap controls.
  • Live overwrite now supports edit keys and search dial.
  • Mouse drag to live overwrite multi source and sync bin.
  • Trim with safe edit avoids overwriting adjacent clips.
  • Full featured audio mixer added to cut page.
  • Voiceover tool with record and monitor options in edit page.
  • Chroma Color Warper grading.
  • Display viewer overlays for remote monitoring.
  • Stream and monitor H.265 4:2:2 on supported hardware.
  • Deep image compositing toolset.
  • Multi layer pipelining for OpenEXR, PSD and stereoscopic 3D.
  • Vector warping toolset for image patching and cleanup.
  • Fusion support for 180 VR.
  • 3D Scene Dome Light.
  • View color page grade in media out node on Fusion page.
  • Clip EQ now features 6 bands.
  • EQ and Level Matcher processes match tone and clip levels.
  • EQ and Gain now also available as Fairlight FX plugins.
  • Fairlight Chain FX to create and restore frequently chained plugins.
  • Resolve FX AI Set Extender.
  • AI IntelliScript creates timelines with a user provided script.
  • AI Dialogue Matcher matches clip tone, level and reverberance.
  • AI Music Editor automatically edits music to desired length.
  • AI animated subtitles highlights or animates spoken words.
  • AI Multicam SmartSwitch for automatic angle switching.
  • AI Voice Convert with built-in and user trainable models.
  • AI SuperScale now includes 3x and 4x enhanced upscaling.
  • AI Magic Mask v2 with paint brush.
  • AI Resolve FX Depth Map v2.
  • AI IntelliCut to remove silences.
  • AI IntelliCut to checkerboard dialogue by speaker.
  • AI IntelliCut to generate ADR Cues using transcription speaker info.
  • AI Audio Assistant automatically creates a finished mix.
  • AI Detect Music Beats displays and allows beat snapping.

Availability and Price

DaVinci Resolve 20 public beta is available now for download from the Blackmagic Design web site.

Nikon Z5II pre-production sample gallery: a time-tested sensor

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Sample gallery
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This week, Nikon announced the Z5II, its entry-level full-frame camera. It uses a 24MP BSI sensor we've seen in plenty of other cameras, such as the Zf and Z6 II, but that's not a complaint – in the past, it's provided excellent image quality.

We spent a day shooting with a pre-production Z5II. While rainy weather doesn't always make for the best samples, it was just enough to add a bit of ambiance. Do keep in mind that although the samples provide an idea of how the camera performs, they may not exactly reflect the output of a final production model. We'll be looking to get ahold of one of those when they become available, so stay tuned.

See the sample gallery

Here we go: Blackmagic Design increased prices in the US only

Par : PR admin
7 avril 2025 à 15:25



Blackmagic Design officially announced a price increase only for the US as a result of the new Trump tariffs (check the new prices here):

"We wanted to post a quick note on USA prices and the new government tariff changes. Most products in the USA have increased and please check our web site for details. DaVinci Resolve and Blackmagic Cloud prices remain the same. It's also worth noting the price increases only affect the US and prices in other counties are currently unchanged."


Blackmagic just announced a new 12k Pyxis camera (now $4,995, will go up to $6,595) at the 2025 NAB show in Las Vegas (additional information available here, (see all new product announcements from the 2025 NAB show on this page).

How will the new Trump tariffs impact the camera and lens imports to the US?

The post Here we go: Blackmagic Design increased prices in the US only appeared first on Photo Rumors.

New: SG-Image 25mm f/1.8 lens

Par : PR admin
7 avril 2025 à 02:12

SG-Image will soon announce a new 25mm f/1.8 lens (SG-Image lenses are sold at Ali Express and Amazon JP):

  • Ultra-lightweight design
  • Weight: 145g
  • Lens height is only 32mm
  • Four-color: black/red/silver/titanium

Via FujiAddict

The post New: SG-Image 25mm f/1.8 lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Songraw 50mm f/1.2 full-frame AF lens announced (E/Z/L)

Par : PR admin
6 avril 2025 à 18:39



The previously reported Songraw 50mm f/1.2 "Moonlit" full-frame AF lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount is now officially announced at the 2025 NAB show. Here are the details:

  • First Chinese 50mm F1/2 full-frame autofocus mirrorless camera lens
  • For Sony E, Nikon Z, and L mount
  • Aluminum body
  • Weight: 900g/1.98 lbs
  • Two switches: AF/MF and de-click option
  • Lens design: 15 elements in 10 groups, including two aspherical lens elements
  • Aperture diaphragm with 13 blades
  • Minimum focusing distance: 52 cm/20.4 in
  • Filter size: 72mm
  • Shipping will start at the end of April
  • Price between $950 - $1,100
  • SongRaw showcased the lens at NAB 2025, emphasizing its "Moonlit" branding, inspired by its low-light performance



Coming soon: new Songraw 50mm f/1.2 full-frame AF lens

Via cined

The post Songraw 50mm f/1.2 full-frame AF lens announced (E/Z/L) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

B&H Photo and Nextorage NAB specials

Par : PR admin
7 avril 2025 à 02:13



B&H Photo launched a new site with specials for the 2025 NAB show (see all new product announcements from the show on this page).

Nextorage is also running special savings on memory cards (up to $450 off) during the 2025 NAB show, starting from April 5th until April 13th:

Nextorage announced the world’s first VPG800-compliant CFexpress Type A memory cards


Via NikonRumors

The post B&H Photo and Nextorage NAB specials appeared first on Photo Rumors.

RGB: Our April editor's challenge is open for submissions

RGBIV

This photo was taken at a train station in France from the safety of the platform. I was testing out Sony's latest ultra-wide lens, and was very excited that I could get the red bumper posts, the rails, and the parked train all in the shot.

Sony a7C R | FE 16mm F1.8 G | F1.8 | 1/60 sec | ISO 100
Photo: Mitchell Clark

Our April editor's photo challenge is now open for submissions. The theme this month is red, green and blue, and we're looking for photos that utilize all three colors.

Some examples: an apple orchard under a blue sky, a color-coordinated bookshelf, a parrot – anything with a tri-chromatic color palette utilizing the three colors that form the basis of all our digital images. Our favorites will be featured on the DPReview homepage at the end of the month.

This challenge is open to photos taken at any time. The last day for entry will be Saturday, April 12th (GMT).

IMPORTANT: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. Viewers want to know the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!

Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration. Please remember to include a caption or your submission will be deemed ineligible, and we'll ask you to resubmit it.

Visit the challenge page to read the rules and submit your photo

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