OPPO Unveils World’s First “5x Dual-Camera Zoom” For Smartphones at MWC 2017

The world's first perisc­ope-style dual-camera techno­logy for smartp­hones has hit the market­

World's first periscope-style dual camera technology

Barcelona, 27 February 2017 – OPPO, a leader in mobile photography, today gave Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 audiences the first exclusive glimpse of the groundbreaking "5x Dual Camera Zoom" technology, the world's first periscope-style dual-camera technology for smartphones.

The technology offers 5x lossless zoom capability on a smartphone, a breakthrough innovation that sets the bar higher when compared to the 2x zoom functions available in the market today. Users will also enjoy an image stabilization capability like never before while keeping the device thin and sleek.

OPPO worked for almost a year to develop the revolutionary periscope-styled dual-camera technology. Currently, more than 50 patents have been filed for this technology.

Sky Li, OPPO Vice President and Managing Director of International Mobile Business, said, "The '5x Dual Camera Zoom' has opened up yet another realm of possibility in terms of smartphone photography, and is a reflection of our dedication to delivering on what our customers want and need – to take beautiful and clear pictures".

The Innovation behind the "5x Dual-Camera Zoom"

The "5x Dual Camera Zoom" technology was inspired by the idea of a periscope on a submarine. The dual camera utilizes wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and the housing for the telephoto lens uses an innovative periscope-style structure. By shifting the angle of the telephoto lens by 90 degrees, the lens will have the space it needs for a deep zoom. A periscope-style prism then directs the path of the light entering the camera by 90 degrees, and sends the image through the telephoto lens when the user zooms in on a subject or object.

The technology has completely re-designed the current standards of dual-camera solutions that can only achieve a 2x zoom – a feature that still disappoints many of today's demanding mobile users. OPPO strived to achieve a 5x zoom capability that will allow users to fully capture landscapes, portraits and close-ups — all the typical scenarios that are commonly captured in a digital camera.

5x Lossless Zoom and yet Keeping the Smartphone Slim

This new dual-camera setup helps to keep a smartphone thin. The 3x optical zoom, matched with a proprietary image fusion technology for digital zoom, give users the industry's first-ever lossless 5x dual camera zoom. Thanks to the periscope-style construction, the 5x dual camera module is now only 5.7mm thick, which is even 10 percent thinner than a typical 2x optical zoom lens in a smartphone.

State-of-the-art Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) Solution

Groundbreaking OIS Technology

Typically, when the zoom factor increases in capturing an image, even the slightest vibrations can have a dramatic effect on the clarity of the image. The other breakthrough of this "5x Dual Camera Zoom" is the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) solution. Different from other manufacturers who use optical image stabilization on the wide-angle lens, OPPO took a new approach and applied OIS directly to the telephoto lens.

Through the OIS technology, both the prism and telephoto lens intelligently sense vibrations and compensate in real time. The all-new OIS solution can improve the performance of previous generations by 40 percent, and the prism mechanism dynamically adjusts its angle at precise increments of 0.0025o. This technology ensures that images are clear and stable even at full 5x zoom. 

Leading The Smartphone Industry's Trends

"We are definitely putting a stake in the ground in terms of technological breakthroughs for mobile photography. The dual cameras with wide-angled and telephoto lens, together with the periscope-style construction, our image fusion technology and the Optical Image Stabilization, edges mobile photography even closer to what digital cameras are capable of doing. Our 5x Dual-Camera Zoom will again set yet another technological standard that others will emulate," Sky Li added.

Ever since entering the smartphone market, OPPO has had a singular focus on being a leader in mobile photography. OPPO aimed at solving the core demand of every user's photography needs – to capture beautiful and clear pictures.

One of the first breakthroughs was in 2012, when OPPO started the trend of beautification of selfie pictures. OPPO pioneered the concept of pre-installed beautification feature in smartphone cameras. Today, the beautification feature has become a standard configuration on almost every Android phone. OPPO also leads the selfie-imaging photography segment. In 2016, OPPO announced the 'Selfie Expert' F-series, with the flagship F1 Plus model the first device ever to pack a 16 megapixel front camera. In the same year, OPPO worked with Sony to co-develop the customized 1/2.8-inch IMX398 sensor with a big f/1.7 aperture for its R9s model.

OPPO Performing Strongly

OPPO is now the No. 1 smartphone brand in China with 16.8 percent market share, and the world's fourth best-selling smartphone brand, according to IDC. OPPO has rapidly expanded globally, totaling 28 global markets, to date.

In Southeast Asia, OPPO has risen to No. 2 in the region in a very short time period, according to IDC. In India, OPPO's share in the offline market rose from 1.2 percent in 2015 to 10.9 percent, as of December 2016, as reported by research firm GfK.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global technology brand dedicated to providing consumers across the Americas, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and Asia with pioneering products that never fail to inspire and excite. At OPPO we design, manufacture, and promote our own products, combining innovative technology with unique design, to ensure our customers always receive the best.Founded in 2004, OPPO quickly proved itself in the market with its intense obsession to details. Each OPPO product encompasses a carefully selected array of attributes to specifically cater for users, combining impressive features with elegant designs. After entering the mobile phone market in 2008, OPPO quickly expanded into overseas markets a year later. OPPO mobile phones are currently available in over 20 markets, with the brand already registered in 116 countries as of April 2015.  But OPPO doesn't stop there. Using our passion for design and commitment to new technologies, OPPO has made a big impact in the audio-visual mar ket by offering world-renowned, premium Blu-ray players in the United States and across Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.oppo.com/en/.

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Source: OPPO Unveils World's First "5x Dual-Camera Zoom" For Smartphones at MWC 2017

Sony Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra announced

Sony has not had a lot of sales success with its Xperia lineup of Android smartphones, especially outside of Japan. That's not stopping Sony from trying however, as it hopes to win us over with the new devices that are being announced today at Mobile World Congress. So what does Sony have in store for us? Four new phones, two of which we cover in another post. He we focus on the Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra, the successors to the previous Xperia XA and XA Ultra phones that were first released in 2016.

Like their predecessors, the Xperia XA1 has a 5-inch display while the Xperia XA1 Ultra has a big 6-inch screen. Both have edge-to-edge displays, again much like the previous phones, but still have large top and bottom bezels. Both of the Xperia XA1 models also have 23MP rear cameras for people who are serious about their mobile photography. They will also ship with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's take a look at the specs and features for these new Sony phones.

Sony Xperia XA1 design, specs and features

Based on just the press renders, the design of the Xperia XA1 will differ very little from the Xperia XA, with its slim case and display that is almost, but not quite, curved at the edges. The 5-inch display in the new phone will support 720p HD resolutions. Inside, there will be a MediaTek Helio P20 octa-core processor. It will also have 3GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage, with a microSD card slot to add up to 256GB of additional storage. It will also include a 2300mAh battery.

The big stand out feature on the Xperia XA1 is its 23MP rear camera, well above the 13MP camera in the Xperia XA. The camera will include features such as an ISO6400 sensor for low-light photography, a 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens and more. The phone also has an 8MP front-facing camera.

Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra design, specs and features

Like its little brother, the Xperia XA1 Ultra doesn't look that much different in terms of design, compared to the older XA Ultra. The big 6-inch screen supports full HD 1920×1080 resolutions. Inside is the same MediaTek Helio P20 octa-core processor, but this phone will have 4GB of RAM. Sony will release versions with 32GB and 64GB of onboard storage, with a microSD card to add up to 256GB of additional storage. It will also include a larger 2700mAh battery.

The Xperia XA1 Ultra will have the same 23MP rear camera that the smaller XA1 phone has, but the Ultra model is going after the big selfie audience with its huge 16MP front-facing camera. It includes features like Optical Image Stabilization and a front-facing LED flash, along with an ISO6400 sensor for both low-light photography and video. We will have lots more information about both the Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra when we get some hands-on time with both phones.

  Sony Xperia XA1 Sony Xperia XA1 Ultra Display 5-inch HD 720p 6-inch Full HD 1080p (1920×1080) Processor MediaTek Helio P20 Octa Core 64bit (Quad core 2.3GHz + Quad core 1.6GHz) MediaTek Helio P20 Octa Core 64bit (Quad core 2.3GHz + Quad core 1.6GHz) GPU Mali T880 MP2 900MHz Mali T880 MP2 900MHz RAM 3GB 4GB Storage 32GB 32GB and 64GB MicroSD Yes, up to 256GB Yes, up to 256GB Cameras Rear: 23MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, Hybrid Autofocus, 0.6s Quick Launch Low-light photo: ISO6400, 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens, 5x Clear Image Zoom, SteadyShotFront: 8MP1/4″ Exmor R for mobile image sensor, Low-light photo: up to ISO 3200, 23mm wide-angle lens F2.0, Autofocus, SteadyShot Rear: 23MP 1/2.3" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, Hybrid Autofocus, 0.6s Quick Launch and Capture, 24mm wide-angle F2.0 lens, Low-light photo, ISO 6400, Low-light video, ISO 3200, 5x Clear Image Zoom, HDR for photos, SteadyShotFront: 16MP 1/2.6" Exmor RS for mobile image sensor, Low-light photo: ISO 6400, Low-light video: ISO 6400, 23mm wide-angle lens F2.0, Front Facing Flash, OIS, Autofocus Battery 2300mAh 2700mAh Water Resistant No No Connectivity LTE (4G), LTE Cat6/4, GSM GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS HSPA+ (3G) LTE (4G), LTE Cat6/4, GSM GPRS/EDGE (2G), UMTS HSPA+ (3G) Software Android 7.0 Nougat Android 7.0 Nougat Colors White, Black, Pink and Gold White, Black, Pink and Gold Sony Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra pricing and release details

When they go on sale, consumers will be able to purchase the new Xperia XA1 phones in a variety of colors; White, Black, Pink and Gold. The unlocked Xperia XA1 will go on sale first in late April or early May in the US for the price of $299.99. It will be available to purchase at retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, B&H Photo and others. Sony plans to launch the larger Xperia XA1 Ultra sometime in late spring 2017, but it has yet to reveal its price tag. There's no word yet if any US wireless carriers will sell either one of these phones, but don't hold your breath as they have typically bypassed many of Sony's previous phones.

Make sure to stay tuned to Android Authority for more details and impressions of the Sony Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra, along with updates on the release dates and pricing for both phones as they are revealed. In the meantime, what are your first-hand thoughts on these new Xperia XA1 phones? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Source: Sony Xperia XA1 and Xperia XA1 Ultra announced

Using Manual Camera Controls: Improving the Quality and Versatility of Your Photography

In the last several weeks, I have been exploring mobile photography and have striven to offer our readers some advice for editing their own photography and shooting in RAW, and have also made a case for modern smartphones as valuable tools in and of themselves for anyone interested in exploring the art.

I hope to have assisted readers in beginning or continuing their exploration of photography by demonstrating the capabilities of the device(s) already in your pocket and by providing tips for better editing the photos you take.

Missing from this omnibus, of course, is a guide for users who are inexperienced with the actual process of taking photos, whether be it on your smartphone or a dedicated camera. Almost all cameras marketed towards the majority of modern consumers utilize automatic camera modes by default. As of late, Android cameras have furthermore been marked by a move to "auto-HDR" software features, a feature which Google's Pixel line has widely popularized among Android fans following a barrage of (arguably well-deserved) praise that was bestowed upon its camera after release.

Automatic camera modes have significantly improved over time, but any photographer with experience in manual settings will be well aware that a completely automatic camera mode is at best a tool for specific times and places and at worst an attempt to cram a vast array of photographic situations into a one-size-fits-all tool. Thus, an automatic camera mode may ultimately deteriorate the quality of all photos taken for the sake of user simplicity.

The universality of by-default automatic cameras is ultimately a self-fulfilling prophecy, and it is hard to imagine consumers ever incentivizing device and software manufacturers to promote manual photography. The general consumer prefers ease of use and a device that "just works" over something that might require constant adjustments. This is understandable, however, a great number of devices and applications either come with or support manual camera controls.

If you have ever struggled desperately against an automatic camera to produce an accurate or desirable photo, taking the leap into manual photography has the potential to benefit you immensely. It also is typically necessary to shoot in manual mode if one wants to shoot in RAW, something I have previously argued as being a boon to the potential quality of smartphone photography. Hence, I will guide you through how to use manual camera controls so you can improve your photography skill.

Manual Photography Settings

If you have a device available, open up the camera and take a look in the settings or in any other menus presented. Once you find the 'modes' settings (Auto, Panorama, Timelapse, etc.), scan for a "Manual" option or something phrased similarly to that.

As can be seen above, different device manufacturers and their (ahem) diverse collection of Android skins expose manual camera settings with a broad range of usability, utility, and setting names. Thankfully, most choose to go with the default, precise terms normally used in photography: ISO, shutter speed (often shown as a clock or stopwatch), white balance (typically WB), manual focus (usually a dashed square), and manual exposure tweaking (often a box with a + and – inside it). Each different implementation is likely to be dissimilar, however, and some manual settings will forego exposure tweaking or add additional options (like LG's very well-featured manual video settings).

ISO

ISO is first and foremost a product of the International Standards Organization, hence the acronym. ISO is a standardized scale used in the camera industry for measuring a sensor's sensitivity to light. As ISO increases, sensitivity to light also increases, as illustrated in the photo above. The viewfinder of my OnePlus 3T demonstrates the blown highlights produced by increasing the ISO in conditions with lots of light.

As a general rule of utilizing ISO, a lower ISO should always be your goal if you are attempting to produce high-quality photography. While ISO mainly increases sensitivity to light, a consequence of this sensitivity is a significant increase in image noise. This is partially what makes low-light photography much more difficult than photography in conditions with more light, as any automatic camera mode will increase ISO, and thus also noise, in low-light situations. This is intrinsically connected to shutter speed.

Shutter Speed

Innately connected to the goal of ISO manipulation is shutter speed, better understood as the length of light exposure a given image will receive. Shutter speed is measured in fractions of a second, and most cameras will feature an exposure range of 1/8000th of a second to 30 seconds. As with all aspects of manual photography, users will come to discover that each modification of settings results in other changes that may be less desirable.

With exposure length, a very brief exposure is optimal for anything moving, as this will prevent motion blur. However, shorter exposures, like 1/8000 as shown above, mean that the image sensor will receive only a small amount of light. In bright conditions, this is usually optimal and helps to prevent blown highlights while also contributing to less motion blur if there is motion in the frame.

However, it is often impossible to use faster exposures when lighting conditions are darker, and this is where ISO becomes a crucial aspect of photography in low-light. Automatic cameras, for example, will detect low-light environments and subsequently raise ISO in order to keep exposure times as short as possible. Readers may have noted that low-light photos they take are often very noisy and sometimes blurred or generally lacking in fine detail.

When there is little light available to a sensor, it needs to expose for considerably longer to produce a useful image. This is good in principle, but a longer exposure also means more opportunities for a human's shaky hands or a moving subject to introduce considerable blur. Automatic camera modes try to prevent taking a blurry image by aggressively increasing ISO to allow for faster exposures and thus hopefully less blur.

These are all valuable things to keep in mind while dipping one's feet into manual photography. Shutter speed and ISO are by far the main methods through which one controls the appearance of the final product, and it effectively becomes a balancing act between limiting motion blur/image noise and capturing the subject in a manner you intended. The added control of having those settings, however, is absolutely invaluable in an array of situations.

White Balance

White balancing is a process in which a camera will attempt to detect the type of white light largely visible in different environments. This is typically utilized to account for different light sources (fluorescent, incandescent, etc.), as well as different weather types and times of day (overcast, sunny, sunset, etc.). White balance generally focuses on collecting the proper temperature of white light in a scene, which ranges from cold (blue-tinted) to warm (orange or gold-tinted).

This is one setting that is often best left on automatic settings, unless the viewfinder suggests that the automatic white balance is obviously wrong. Of note, RAW images will have to be manually white balanced in post-processing, as RAW shooting will not modify the white balance in-camera.

Manual Focus

Manual focus controls are a more recent and much-appreciated addition to the control suite of manual smartphone photographers. OnePlus features a simple and intuitive circular slider which can be used to accurately set focus manually in lieu of the jumpier and imperfect auto-focus, something which is often exaggerated when trying to take photos of close subjects.

A wonderful feature of the OnePlus camera app, nevertheless, is the ability to select the automatic alternative for any of the four settings that can be controlled, including focus. Manual focus is typically unnecessary, as modern auto-focus methods are typically extremely capable and will rarely falter.

Manual Exposure

While I do not have any sample photos to use from my OnePlus 3T, manual exposure is a small supplement to ISO and shutter speed settings, and it is one of the rarer manual settings one will find in smartphone camera applications. If a combination of shutter speed and ISO produce an unsatisfying image, manual exposure is often offered as a way of tweaking the brightness of an image in-camera. It can quite easily be replaced by simply modifying brightness after taking the photo, but it can sometimes be more efficient to get the image right the first time.

Manual Camera Apps

While auto modes in modern cameras and camera apps have gotten increasingly versatile and intelligent, they are still often akin to using a hammer to kill a fly. Even if manual settings are only adopted while shooting in JPEG, the resultant images will often be much sharper and in control when compared to auto versions of the same scene. There is also something distinctly satisfying about understanding the different features manual cameras offer and applying that knowledge for the production of beautiful images. One could delve very deeply into an exploration of the homogeneous photography modern automatic cameras produce, but that is a rabbit hole we won't dive into today.

Of course, manual photography is simply another tool for the photographer, and it is not intended as an either/or choice for users. Automatic modes simply cannot always cope with the vast number of different situations and individual tastes they will be faced with and forced to conform to. Shooting manually can simply offer an experienced user a more fluid, less fickle method of consistently producing beautiful photography, something that anyone who has dealt with exceedingly stubborn automatic camera modes can likely sympathize with.

Unfortunately, while many manufacturers support manual photography in their stock software, there are still many who do not. Whatever the reason, there are certain cases where users of the shunned devices will be able to download Android camera apps which will offer manual controls. Due to the nature of software and how cameras function, however, certain devices simply will not have the API or kernel support necessary to manually control the devices' cameras.

Nevertheless, I will still recommend a handful of manual photography-enabling apps available through the Google Play Store. My personal favorite, which I used frequently before I purchased my OnePlus 3T, is Manual Camera. This application is minimally designed, but still quite beautiful and functional, and it only costs $3. Camera FV-5 is another highly-rated and functional paid option at $4. Regarding free camera apps with manual settings, I would recommend Open Camera or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, which both feature capable and ad-free camera alternatives to your default app.

Regardless of the application you use, learning to use manual camera settings is a way to both better understand photography and also potentially improve your own photos. As always, the best method of learning these photography-related skills is to simply go and take some pictures while challenging yourself to make use of the manual settings you have at your disposal. You may experience missteps and some ugly pictures initially, but developing an intuitive grasp of manual photography is a reasonably quick process and should not require more than a healthy dose of frustration.

Have you taken any photos lately that you are particularly proud of? Share your work in the comments for a chance to have it featured in an upcoming article featuring XDA reader photography!

Source: Using Manual Camera Controls: Improving the Quality and Versatility of Your Photography

In This Day and Age: Enhancing Your Pro Photography with a Smartphone

February 24, 2017 —

In college, I'd often take the commuter train out of New York City right around rush hour. Countless times, I saw exhausted bridge-and-tunnel folks on their way out of town, wistfully looking out the window of the train as the sun set on the day. Finally freed from work, they were all mentally making plans for the night, the week or the year to come. The window light surrounded their faces so beautifully that whenever I'd ride with a friend, I'd recreate the scene, take out my flip phone and snap a portrait. 

Sometimes the best—and most convenient—camera is the one you have in your hands. No matter how perfect the light and the subject are, if you don't have an easily accessible camera, you're not going to get the shot. That said, my flip phone circa 2004 was definitely not a camera. 

My train portraits were inevitably blurry and pixelated. But in the past year, all that has changed.

Mobile photography today has finally taken the leap. With its vastly improved technology, I find I use the smartphone in my jacket pocket as an extra professional device, furthering our social media reach and filling in for shots when the trusty DSLR couldn't make it out of the bag.

Even a year or two ago, I'd scoff at the prospect of a smartphone being used in any professional setting. The sensor was laughably small, the ability to have any manual control of the camera's settings was nonexistent, and any photos I took on the thing just looked so flat and phone-y—pun totally intended. As apertures continue to get more open, as more apps are developed, as phones can now shoot in RAW and, finally, as Apple's dual-lens technology strives to replicate the depth-of-field of DSLRs, mobile photography finally can be, dare I say, good.

So how can you kill it with a smartphone and actually use it like a pro-level camera? 

Top: DSLR1 Photo Below: Iphone1All photos © Tim Sullivan

While you may be able to tell which photos were taken with a DSLR, those shot with the smartphone aren't falling all that far behind. The top was shot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a 50mm f/1.2 lens, compared to the bottom which was taken using Portrait Mode on the iPhone 7+.

READ THE LIGHTLight is light, and our ability to read it as photographers doesn't change as you change the device in your hand. Too often, phones are used in the most inopportune lighting scenarios that even the greatest DSLR would struggle with. Slow down and use the same rules when taking a photograph as you would in any scenario. Look for the bomb light, try not to confuse the white balance with different light temperatures and use the light, whether hard or soft, to your advantage.

DON'T RELY ON AUTO-EXPOSUREPoint your phone camera at any object and it will figure out some sort of exposure. All smartphone cameras worth their weight have the ability to change exposure. 

Envision the photograph in your head first, rather than simply relying on what the phone screen tells you the shot should look like, and then use manual controls to make your vision of the photo come to life. Often it's as simple as using your finger to slide up or down on the screen. Going a step further, many pro apps are available that will give you complete manual control over your camera.

Top: DSLR2 Below: Iphone2

Similar to the other example, the top image was shot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a 50mm f/1.2 lens, while to the bottom was taken using Portrait Mode on the iPhone 7+.

GET EXCITED ABOUT DEPTH-OF-FIELD TECHNOLOGYWhether it's "Selective Focus" on Samsung Galaxy phones, "Lens Blur" on the Google Pixel or "Portrait Mode" on the iPhone7+, smartphones are beginning to digitally simulate bokeh in order to get a more pro-level look. How do they do it? As far as I can tell, magic sauce. 

The iPhone7+ uses its dual-lens technology in tandem; the awesome 56mm portrait lens photographs the subject, and the 28mm lens photographs and blurs the background. The result is pretty darn legit-looking images. It's not perfect—often a flyaway hair will look a little off, or the Champagne in your glass will be in focus while the glass itself will fade to the background—but when it gets it right, it gets it really right.

Mobile photography comes with its fair share of disadvantages, the biggest of which is the tiny sensor size. These shots are not meant to be blown up to Times Square size and no, I wouldn't replace my DSLR with a camera phone to shoot an entire wedding, but I definitely find myself reaching for my phone to get behind-the-scenes shots and easily shareable images when on the road. If I follow the light, expose the way I envision, slow down, use the depth-of-field technology and edit tastefully, I now have a way of sharing professional images instantly to keep followers interested and surprise clients with a quick shot and edit that looks next level. 

Tim Sullivan is one half of Sullivan & Sullivan, a wedding photography business he runs with his wife, Laura. The Sullivans were named Rf 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography in 2016.

THE EDITING APPS WORTH TRYINGEverything from controlling contrast to split toning is now available, with the fanciest of apps even allowing you to play with the tone curve. Before you settle for simply adding your "Sierra" filter and calling it a day, explore your options and start squashing those highlights yourself.

Filmborn by Mastin LabsMastin has hung its hat on making genuine film emulations for digital photography. You can set your display to shoot Portra or Fuji straight out of your phone's camera. It has powerful editing tools that mimic what is available to film scanners as well as the ability to play with the tone curve.  

VSCOFrom the subtle to the heavy-handed, VSCO filters allow tons of creativity with your images. If I'm hoping to match some of my Lightroom presets to my phone, I turn to VSCO.

ProCamProCam allows you complete control of your camera. From ISO to shutter speed, burst mode to 3D photos, ProCam is a powerful tool to get more than just snapshots.

To read this article in the digital edition, click here.

Related: What It's Like To Shoot A Wedding Entirely on an iPhone

Source: In This Day and Age: Enhancing Your Pro Photography with a Smartphone

Mobile Photography Interview – ‘A Day in the Life of Alexis Rotella’ from Maryland, United States

Welcome to our very exciting interview column on theappwhisperer.com. This section entitled "A Day in the Life of…" is where we take a look at some hugely influential, interesting, newcomers as well as accomplished individuals in the mobile photography and art world… people that we think you will love to learn more about. This is our 127th interview of the series. If you have missed our previous interviews, please go here.

Today we are featuring accomplished mobile photographer, Alexis Rotella and her wonderful art. You will love this!

If you would like to take part in our A Day in the Life interview series, please send an email to myself at Joanne@theappwhisperer.com and I will get back to you.

Alexis Rotella

Contact Details

Facebook

Website

Websitex2

Let's start at the beginning of the day, how does your day start?

I just turned vegan so my day starts off preparing food, e.g., roasting potato slices without salt or oil, making a smoothie, or making a bean soup in the instant pot. While things are cooking, I check out my Facebook Instagram feeds to see what's there to inspire in the way of mobile art as well as haiku poetry and its related forms.

Always on the front burner whether to call my elderly aunt who is blind and navigates with a walker. I'm her part-time caregiver but sometimes it feels like a full-time job because she's always on my mind; I go through the ups and downs of feeling like I'm not doing enough although I have to take care of my own body, mind, spirit. Mobile art helps me cope with things as they are now.

I also check my schedule to see if there are any patients I need to see. I maintain a small acupuncture/nutrition practice in Arnold, Maryland and try not to schedule patients on Mondays.

I went for an early morning walk along the trail near my house with Android for company. I usually don't get much in the way of photos on my familiar walks-birds are too flighty and the backsides of bikers and joggers are usually not that interesting although I never rule anything out entirely.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you like to head out and take photographs early on?

Even when I go to the mailbox I try to remember to take my Android along just in case a murder of crows is overhead or a hawk sitting in a nearby tree. A supply of birds flying or feeding on the ground is always good to have in case a piece of mobile art needs more action or energy. Of course when spring is busting out all over, flowers become a favorite topic to photograph and later turn into mobile art. If I go to a store and happen to see an interesting looking person, I will often ask to take their picture, explain that I'm a digital artist and I'd email them a copy of what I create. Most of the time people are open but sometimes I get a suspicious look and they decline.

Last summer two little girls were dancing in a yard in their ballerina attire and let me take their picture. In the next moment a man was walking with his attractive pit bull and I took its photo as well. I went home and immediately started working on an image with the little girls and the pit bull beside them as protector. I included this image on canvas in a gallery show last July and it was by far the one that got the most attention. In fact, one couple approached saying they wanted to buy itapparently the week before the woman was home alone in her apartment when someone tried to break in. Her pit bull chased them away. The couple were crestfallen when I told them the piece was not for sale at the request of the parents of one of the girls.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

How did the transition from traditional artist to mobile artist develop?

I have to back up a bit and say that I didn't seriously start taking photos until 2007 when I won a haiku contest, the Grand Prize Kusamakura Annual Award where I traveled to Japan for the first time. I took photos with a small Nikon and when I returned, I began working with Adobe Photoshop and was thrilled with some of the effects. I added words to a number of the photos turning them into haiga (art with haiku).

The next year an artist friend from Ohio visited me with her Android. At first I resisted because I was under the impression people were addicted to their smart phones and ignored the people in front of them but within a few days I was at the Verizon store getting my own Android and within a couple of weeks I was having fun with PicSayPro. It didn't take long for my Inner Voice to declare that in order for me to fulfil my life-long dream as an artist an iPad would be necessary. Eight years and three iPads later, I now use an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you like to download new mobile photography and/or art apps regularly?

I've studied with a few on-line teachers and because they suggested certain apps, I downloaded quite a few. When I read about another apps on theappwhisperer or elsewhere, I'm naturally curious because I want to have more tools at my disposable but to be honest, I regularly only use a handful. But just when I think I'm apped out, another one dangles in front of my nose like the proverbial carrot.Temptation abounds.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

What is your preferred platform, Apple IOS, Android, Windows?

I shoot with an Android and use the iPad Pro for creating images.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Would you consider changing platforms and why?

I think my next mobile device will be an iPhone but have to say electromagnetic frequencies are dangerous and I have all sorts of buttons on my Android to mitigate its harmful effects. So if I switch to an iPhone I will also have to invest a hundred or so dollars on the EMF modifiers as well.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

How often do you update your existing apps? What are your current favorites and what features do you look for in a new app?

Every time there's an update, I go for it. There are a couple of apps I use that need updating, like PhotoGene and Laminar. A message from Apple informs me that unless the developers update, they are slowing down the iPad navigation.

iColorama is by far my most used app. That app has changed many lives and could take a hundred years to explore its magic. Teresita, the developer, is always adding new features and brushes. Her new app MetaBrushes is a bit like being in a fun house and I have a lot of practice ahead of me. I like Mextures a lot and Stackables is a necessity for its array of filters. Although I haven't explored Snapseed enough for tweaking, I like PhotoGene for that purpose. I use Procreate somewhat but like many others, I have to spend a day to just watch the videos in order to learn its many features. I recently uploaded Hipstamatic which is a cool app but it's confusing to navigate. I just paid $4.99 for more filters but can't seem to locate them! Two new apps I recently discovered and love are Monovue and Miracam. I'm always looking for grunge apps but wish more would have a masking feature.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Where's your favourite place in the world for a shoot and why?

I love portraits. I have a couple of friends who pose for me when in the area. They let me use props and before my eyes, so many moods are expressed. To be able to spend time with portraits and play with them on the iPad is probably my most precious pastime. If I can couple portraits with flowers so much the better.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Where do you like to upload your photographs to  Flickr, Instagram etc?

I upload to Instagram but for the life of me, Flickr remains an enigma which I hope one day I may be able to figure out. I use Twitter somewhat but Facebook is my tried and true place to share in the various albums I've created according to subject matter. I upload photos to Twitter but not as often.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you use your mobile phone everyday to take images?

Yes. Religiously. If I'm snowed in, for example, I might take a photo of a wall, or a salt shaker, or part of a room. Just when I think a photo is a dud I surprise myself. Never say never is my motto when it comes to a dull boring picture  with all the apps at our fingertips, magic can happen. Never give up. I try to go beyond my comfort zone and explore the wonders that exist all around. The moment I do something unusual, I invite fresh energy into my life which effects my entire day and hopefully touches others as well.

I think back to when I lived in Italy for three years back in the 70's and the photos I took with a cumbersome Nikon  if only I could teletransport myself back to that time with my mobile devices! I have dreams about being in interesting places.  Last night, for example, I missed a bus and found myself in a Polish neighbourhood in Manhattan. I was shooting all sorts of fantastic scenes, people living on their front porches where there was much action in the streets. I was so thrilled shooting away and then woke up feeling a little more than disappointed.

Mobile artists are really storytellers. People have always longed to be fed stories as stories connect us to each other and offer new perspectives. When I work on a piece of mobile art, I most often don't know the story. The original photo is just a cover  each layer is a chapter and the ending is always a surprise. It's important to let go of what we think the story wants to be.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you edit images on your mobile devices or do you prefer to use a desktop or laptop computer?

Everything is created on the iPad Pro. I usually do a little tweaking beforehand with PicSayPro on the Android.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Where do you envisage your mobile photography passion will take you? Have you been involved with exhibitions etc.

In July 2016 I had a one-woman digital art exhibit at a popular café where over 80 of my pieces were hung. The night of the opening, hundreds of people showed up, many of them fascinated with the form. The pieces that sold were the quirkier montages. I sold a good number of prints as well as two that were on acrylic glass. The owner of an upscale restaurant bought one which was a real treat. A jazz musician bought another even though he didn't have a lot of spare cash.

I will have a dozen pieces in an upcoming Melange Exhibit at the Circle Gallery in Annapolis for two weeks in March. And I expect more windows of opportunity will present themselves in the coming year.

There are two main art communities in my area and both are open to digital art. I sell art from my website alexisrotelladesigns (needs serious updating). Last year I sold quite a few pieces to Facebook friends. But my reason for doing mobile art is not to sell, although that's always a reward for my efforts. My art appears regularly in various poetry journals, both on line and hard copy, often in the form of haiga (art with word poem).

I envision my art being showcased in a greater array of magazines and journals as time goes on . Here's an on-line exhibit of my haiga which appeared two years ago, thanks to my poetry colleague Grace Cavalieri:

https://www.google.com/search?q=danmurano.com+alexis+rotella&num=100&safe=off&sa=G&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwjb8sL2ov7RAhXB7SYKHdGjDQ8QsAQIKQ&biw=1024&bih=594

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you also enjoy shooting videos with your mobile phone? If so, what do you do with them? Have you considered uploading them to our Mobile Movies Flickr group?

Again, never say never. It's something on the back burner. Not enough hours in day. I consider myself a beginner in the mobile art field and feel I have so much more to learn. A dozen or so of my mobile art pieces have been featured in banners on various sites such as theappwhisperer, NEMLandscapes, NEMRed, NEMSilence, Flowers are Fabulous, NEMImpossiableHumans, iColorama and others.

For the last 40 years my main focus has been Japanese poetry forms in English. I've published dozens of books and my work has been translated in many languages. I still write every day and recently was nominated Judge for the Ito-en Haiku Grand Prize (English Division) Contest 2017. I've always been prolific, much to the amazement of many of my colleagues. Seldom have I ever experienced dry periods. I consider myself fortunate in that the Muse is my constant companion. By choice, my husband and I have not brought children into the world. My dream in this lifetime is to create art, not babies, although I love being with kids for short periods of time. And around the holidays, I often wonder what it would be like to have adult children visiting with their kids. And as we grow older, I sometimes wonder who will take care of us when we become frail.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Where do you see the future of mobile photography?

Mobile photography is still in its infancy. More galleries will be open to it and it will command prices as high as acrylics, oils or other mediums. People are fascinated with digital art and are flabbergasted when they realize that most of the art arrayed on my walls is all done on a mobile device. We need to educate the public, most people have a mobile device and I think if more adults and kids were aware of what they can do on a phone, they'd feel more empowered and less bored. People often create drama because they need drama, creating art can fulfill that need in a healthy way.

Individuals who think they're not creative are finding they've been disillusioned all these years, especially baby boomers. Here's a poem I wrote back in the seventies  it was my first poem that was first published by East West Journal. It's still circulating the globe like a chain letter and has been included in many anthologies and texts including Dr. Bernie Segal's LOVE MAGIC AND MUDPIES. (takingnote.learningmatters.tv/?p=6751).

Image ©Alexis Rotella

What do you think is the most popular area of mobile photography?

The art of the selfie is big. It's not that taking a selfie is used as an ego trip.  Many people of all ages are exploring themselves in this way. Secondly, I think portraits in general are changing the way we look at the mystery we call the life we're participating in. I love NEMImpossibleHumans for inspiration. We all wear many masks that change from second to second. Digital art portraits help deal with the aging process of myself and others. There comes a time when most of us look in the mirror and see our mother or father waving back. It can be a shocking experience. Being able to accept ourselves at every age is vital to our well being.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Do you think it's country specific, are some nations more clued up?

I see fabulous work from Russia, Italy and all of Europe, England, South America, the Orient and North America. The Netherlands produces some intriguing mobile videos and art.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

If you could select a specification for a mobile smart phone, what features would you select, photographically speaking?

I wish my Android wouldn't turn off just when I need to focus on a flight of birds. I find myself cursing at it a lot but then develop the attitude that if I was meant to capture a certain scene, I would have.. I wish the Apple pencil would work without having to charge it. And I wish the tips of the pencil didn't come loose. I've lost the tip of my pencil and was forced to buy a package of four. When the tip of one's pencil gets lost and swooped up in the vacuum cleaner, it's a 9-11 moment.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

What do you think of myself and theappwhisperer?

You are the greatest mobile photography midwife, giving so many people the chance to shine, to explore, to grow. I echo my late friend, Carolyn Hall Young, in singing your praises. I have to spend more time keeping up with the latest contests and information that you relentlessly post. I haven't really entered any contests  my biggest achievement in the field of mobile art is preparing for my one-woman show in July 2016 where I spent $4,000 printing my work on canvas, metal, and glass.

I encourage everyone to support theappwhisperer  This resource is invaluable and without it, many of us would flounder. Joanne, you are so approachable and helpful. Your heart is immense; you've expanded our horizons tremendously. A deep bow to you and your supporters.

Image ©Alexis Rotella

Donating = Loving = TheAppWhisperer.com

Bringing you (ad-free) TheAppWhisperer.com takes hundreds of hours each month and hundreds of pounds to sustain. If you find any joy and stimulation here, please consider becoming a Supporting Member with a recurring monthly donation of your choosing, or possibly making a one-time donation. This is a not for profit website and one that can only grow with your support.

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Source: Mobile Photography Interview – 'A Day in the Life of Alexis Rotella' from Maryland, United States

Great Shots On The Go

Feb 22, 2017 / Posted by Laura Daly

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Developer: Adobe

Named one of the best photo-editing apps, Lightroom for mobile is a free app from Adobe that enables you to capture, edit and share professional-quality images from your mobile devices. First introduced for mobile in 2014, significant updates in 2016 help mobile photographers capitalized on big innovations in mobile cameras, Android and iOS devices. In 2016, Adobe introduced the first ever end-to-end raw mobile photography workflow, enabling users to capture, edit and share high-quality DNG raw files on Android and iOS devices. Additional updates throughout 2016 included a new editing interface, a pro capture mode, localized adjustments, and full raw support. These updates allow for the ability to change white balance, access the full range of color information, and edit an uncompressed file, giving photographers the tools they need to create amazing shots.
Source: Great Shots On The Go

Enter International Garden Photographer of the Year

Add a Competition

Contributor: NikitaMorrisDates: 20/02/2017 - 31/10/2017

IGPOTY have launched a brand new responsive competition website with all new categories, plus new user areas for photographers to track their accomplishments.

The new categories include 3 new main competition categories, a new photo project and a new special award - Gardens on the Go - specifically for shots taken on mobile phones.

An emphasis has been placed on making the competition experience as accessible as possible.

Gardens on the Go will have a reduced price to enter of just £5 for 4 entries, to encourage anyone, no matter budget or skill level to take part.

Photographers can enter directly from their mobile devices.

Tyrone McGlinchey, Managing Director of IGPOTY said: "The new website is a real step forward for the competition. Our main objectives have been to improve upon accessibility and to ensure continued inspiration.

It's so important we keep encouraging people to connect with plants, gardens and green spaces wherever they are , through whatever camera they use. The ease of use, new categories and a more personalised experience will help the project with its mission in joining together people and gardens through photography."

What's new?

Outdoor Living (Main category):

This category celebrates the way in which we have made green spaces extensions of our own homes. From natural swimming pools and decking, to landscaping and gazebos, judges will be paying close attention to how the photographer has presented the relationship between the organic and the manmade. Importantly, Outdoor Living is about sustainable use of land so special emphasis and attention will be placed on this.

Abstract Views (Main category):

Abstract Views is about tapping into a different side of plants and gardens. It's time to enter a parallel world of artistic expression with limitless possibilities. Judges will be looking for the way in which a special technique elevates the message of that particular green subject.

My Garden Stories (Portfolio only main category):

Big or small, public or private, every garden has a story to tell: it could be a friend's new rockery, a summer pond project or a prestigious show garden. Take the judges on a journey and inspire others with a thought-provoking portfolio of work. This is an opportunity to discover and share the true meaning behind any garden or green project.

Gardens on the Go (Special Award):

Everyone is welcome to join the IGPOTY community, be inspired and take pictures using whatever camera they have. That's why Gardens on the Go is dedicated to mobile photography only. Whether you're just starting off and haven't got a DSLR or a seasoned professional who stepped out without the usual kit, this category celebrates the prevalence of mobile cameras, encourages increased participation and ensures you never again miss out on that perfect shot. So whoever you are, wherever you are and whoever you are with, share those green mobile moments with us.

Still Life (Photo Project)

In the last photo project of the year, you are invited to celebrate plants through the beautiful aesthetic of still life. Elevate the humble winter vegetable or produce a cornucopia of harvest delights. Use the old Dutch masters as your inspiration and create works of art through the lens.

IGPOTY, now in its eleventh year, continues to be the most prestigious competition for garden and plant photography with entries from around the world – open to all ages, amateurs and professionals alike, with a Young Garden Photographer of the Year award for under 17s. The IGPOTY exhibition, tours the UK and worldwide - including Gibraltar, South Tyrol, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands.

For full details about International Garden Photographer of the Year visit www.igpoty.com

Source: Enter International Garden Photographer of the Year

Tips for Processing Your Smartphone Photos

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There's no denying it - mobile photography is better than ever.

Not only are the phones in our pockets more capable of taking stellar photos, but the apps available for editing those photos are second-to-none, allowing photographers of all types to create extraordinary photos.

With the addition of an incredible slate of accessories for phones that run the gamut from tripods to cases to lenses, we have the makings for a very powerful (and convenient) system for taking some pretty great photos.

I use my phone to take photos every single day, and I'm betting most of you do as well.

Given the frequency with which phones are being used for photography, let's have a look at a few things you can do to make your mobile photos shine a little brighter.

Recommended Apps

It's an understatement to say that there are a lot of editing apps available today, with more added to the Google Play and iTunes stores each day.

Sifting through all that can be a daunting task, so I've taken the liberty of choosing two that offer tons of features for all different types of mobile photography.

VSCO

One of the top choices of mobile photographers, VSCO gives you tons of options for enhancing your photos.

Their collection of presets is second to none, ranging from dark and moody black-and-white effects to clean, crisp, and minimal filters.

VSCO also has powerful tools for making adjustments to shadows and highlights, color temperature, contrast, and sharpness. It's camera functions are top-notch as well.

It's a community too. Share your photos with the VSCO community and like those shared by other VSCO users.

Better still, VSCO is free on the iTunes Store and on Google Play.

Snapseed

Another highly popular app is Snapseed.

With 26 tools and features, you can do everything from adjusting the perspective of the shot to working with HDR files to simply adjusting color and contrast.

What's more, Snapseed gives you precise control over the changes you make with easy adjustment tools that are tough to beat.

Crop, rotate, and adjust the white balance on your images for a finely-tuned final result, and even work on RAW DNG files. That's an incredible level of functionality that will have you creating inspired photos in no time!

Get Snapseed on Google Play or iTunes for free.

In the video above, David Cogen of TheUnlockr offers his insights into Snapseed and VSCO, as well as four other excellent apps worth checking out.

I think you'll see that the level of control that these apps offer mobile photographers is something to behold!

Get Inspired - But Don't Copy

One of the simplest things you can do to better your photos is to get inspiration from other photographers.

With the prevalence of online sharing, there's no shortage of incredible photos on platforms like Instagram, Flickr, and PhotographyTalk's own galleries to whet your appetite.

Even better, some photographers add a description of their workflow - the apps they use, the accessories that helped them get the shot, and the specific settings they used to edit the photo - right there in the image description.

Apps like Mextures even give you the ability to check out what other people have done by using the same editing formulas. You can also import that code and modify it to your liking right within the app.

What's important here is to examine photos and talk with other photographers about how they edit their work. Ask questions and be inquisitive, but don't just copy other people's work. Use other people's creativity as a means to inspire your own creativity that results in an aesthetic that's unique to you.

Develop a Workflow

Just like you have a workflow with a "traditional" camera, you should devise a system that works for your smartphone images.

That system will depend on who you are and what your preferences are, as well as the apps you use.

As a general rule of thumb, start out by identifying how you can best capture photos. If that means using your phone's camera, so be it. If that means choosing a camera app to tackle that task, that's fine too.

From there, identify the order in which you process your photos.

For me, I like to put my images through Lightroom Mobile for basic processing like cropping, adjusting the exposure, and managing color effects. From there, I put the image through VSCO to add creative elements like filters and highlight and shadow effects.

For other mobile photographers, the workflow might be as simple as taking the shot and using tools in apps like Instagram to do a very light edit. Yet others might prefer more control over the final product and opt to use something like Mextures to create a final product with light leaks, gritty effects, and layered elements.

The key is to try a few things and figure out what works best for you. It will take some time to get into a workflow, but once you do, that effort will be worth the improved results! Get some ideas for how to perfect your workflow in the video above with Michael Chaize and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Good Smartphone Accessories Make Processing Easier

You can have all the apps you want and the best workflow in the world, but if you don't start the process by taking quality photos with quality gear, you'll face a mountain of unnecessary challenges.

Here's what I mean...

I think we can all agree that smartphone lenses have come a long way in recent years, and they can produce some pretty good results.

But why rely on that lens when you can add a high-quality lens on top of it to get improved clarity and sharpness?

Sirui has a new line of smartphone lenses that expand your ability to get the best shot in-camera, thus making processing the images you take a smoother, quicker process.

Take a look at the image below, which was taken with an iPhone with a 60mm Sirui Portrait Lens attached.

I have to say, I'm more than impressed with the sharpness that the Sirui lens was able to obtain.

What that means for you is that with such a sharp initial photo, you don't have to fiddle around with sharpness in post-processing. That gives you more time to concentrate on other creative aspects of the image, like enhancing the colors, contrasts, adding layered elements, and so forth.

Sirui's lenses were built for sharpness, whether you opt for their 60mm Portrait Lens, the 18mm Wide-Angle Lens, or the 170-degree Fisheye Lens.

What each lens has in common is that the elements are made from German Schott glass for optimum quality and clarity. Additionally, these lenses have several layers of anti-reflection coating, which ensures high levels of light transmission for clear, bright photos.

What's more, Sirui has managed to pack a few additional punches into its line of smartphone lenses: they minimize distortion, have reduced vignetting, and produce accurate colors so your images more closely reflect what you see with your own eyes.

Picking up one of these lenses, you immediately feel quality construction. The lens housings are metal for long-lasting durability. Their bayonet bases fit perfectly with Sirui's adapters and cases as well.

Even better, the smartphone lenses by Sirui are priced aggressively, so you get excellent results without having to spend a ton of money.

If you're serious about improving the quality of your smartphone photos, there's no better way to do so than get your post-processing workflow dialed in. Snag a few editing apps for your phone and outfit it with a Sirui lens, and I'm betting you'll be more than pleased with the results!

Source: Tips for Processing Your Smartphone Photos

OPPO To Unveil New Technology For Mobile Photography At MWC 2017

While its presence at Mobile World Congress is usually rather lowkey since the company don't usually launch a new product at the event, OPPO still have something to show at the upcoming MWC 2017 though. It will come in the form of a new technology for mobile photography.

Naturally, details regarding the technology is still a secret for the time being. Nevertheless, OPPO did released a teaser for it:

Furthermore, OPPO has also stated in the accompanying announcement that the "5x smartphone photography technology" will provide users with the ability to "capture highly detailed images". While these descriptions are rather vague at best, the company seems to be rather confident with the capability of its new mobile photography technology.

We do have one little concern though: will we actually see the new tech on OPPO's future smartphones? If you might be able to recall, the company showed SmartSensor and Super VOOC at MWC 2016 but none of them have actually made their way to OPPO's smartphones till now. So, let's hope that things will be different this time around.

READ MORE

OPPO F1s Goes Official: To Be Launched In Malaysia On 10 August

(Source: OPPO)

Chief Chapree

Syefri "Chapree" Zulkefli is an industry mainstay that has made his bones in the eSports, gaming and tech community for almost a decade.

Source: OPPO To Unveil New Technology For Mobile Photography At MWC 2017

3D Cameras Market - Smartphone Manufacturers Recognizing the Popularity of Mobile Photography

Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2017 -- Global 3D Cameras Market: Overview

3D cameras enable photographers to capture images that create a depth illusion in 2D photographs, enhancing the visual appeal of the photograph. Incorporation of 3D technology in video cameras is, of course, not a novel concept and has been a mainstay in the entertainment industry for many years. 3D videos allow viewers to immerse themselves into the on-screen action much more naturally than with 2D footage. 3D still cameras are a relatively more recent innovation and took much more time to take off commercially, only becoming a commercial hit around the turn of the ongoing decade. However, 3D cameras are now steadily rising in demand.

Stereo camera technology is a popular method of getting 3D still photographs. Stereo 3D cameras work by utilizing two camera lenses instead of the one that defines the current paradigm of cameras. This allows the camera to function like a pair of human eyes and th us provide depth perception to the photo. The global 3D cameras market is primarily propelled by the enhanced visual appeal 3D cameras provide and the rapid rate of innovation in the industry.

Global 3D Cameras Market: Drivers and Restraints

The rising popularity of 3D content is the primary factor propelling the global 3D cameras market. The engaging nature of 3D photography is becoming increasingly commercially lucrative in the modern market, with many publications trying to boost their user reach through the use of 3D photography. This will be a strong factor boosting the demand for 3D cameras in the coming years. The growing demand for 3D TVs is also a major factor driving the demand for 3D cameras.

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The relatively easy incorporation of 3D cameras in smartphones is another factor expected to drive the global 3D cameras ma rket in the coming years. Due to the ease of carrying a smartphone with an advanced camera instead of a bulky and expensive SLR camera, many amateur photographers are starting to choose mobile phones for photography over SLRs. Smartphone manufacturers, recognizing the popularity of mobile photography, are expected to incorporate 3D cameras as a USP in the coming years. The rising popularity of high-end smartphones in the increasingly urbanized economies in Asia Pacific and the Middle East will thus boost the global 3D cameras market significantly. From the point of view of 3D camera manufacturers, smartphones are the cheapest vehicle for 3D cameras to make a commercial impact, which will ensure rising usage of 3D camera technology in smartphone cameras.

The rising use of 3D cameras in home automation and security technologies is also a major factor driving the global 3D cameras market. 3D cameras provide higher precision in security videos, which is naturally a sought-after at tribute. Rise in the demand for 3D scanning is also helpful for the global 3D cameras market.

On the other hand, the major restraint on the global 3D cameras market is the high price of devices that incorporate them. In spite of the growing purchasing power of consumers in developing regions, the 3D cameras market is still largely restricted to developed regions such as North America and Europe. Ongoing technical innovation will help the 3D cameras industry ameliorate this concern, as will efforts by 3D camera manufacturers to expand their distribution network in emerging economies.

Global 3D Cameras Market: Regional and Competitive Dynamics

The global 3D cameras market is dominated at present, as mentioned, by North America and Europe. Major companies in the 3D cameras market, such as Nikon, Canon, GoPro, Kodak, Panasonic, Sony Electronics, and LG all have well-established sales networks in these regions, in addition to advanced R&D facilities. The future of t he 3D cameras market, though, is expected to be dominated by Asia Pacific, as the region contains many dynamic economies that are exhibiting increasing financial clout.

Source: 3D Cameras Market - Smartphone Manufacturers Recognizing the Popularity of Mobile Photography

Photography trends in 2017: Smartphone photography on the rise, UltraHD printing and more

by Jeremy Gray

posted Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 6:00 AM EST

WhiteWall Product Manager Jan-Ole Schmidt has shared some thoughts on the trends he believes will take off during 2017 and beyond.

Smartphone photography is on the rise, says Schmidt, "It is not just the camera in the smartphones that are getting better - accessories and add-ons are being introduced at an incredible pace and with amazing quality. Supplementary gadgets can vastly improve the performance of consumer mobile devices. Modern light gauges and high-end, detachable lenses can create professional quality pictures." At WhiteWall, customers frequently order prints of photos they captured themselves, and with more (and better) photos being captured with smartphones than ever before, mobile photography will become increasingly important. In the spirit of providing access to WhiteWall's renowned printing services to mobile users, the photo lab continues to optimize its website and ordering process for photographers on the go.

In the quest for lighter compact cameras, mirrorless cameras continue to challenge DSLRs for a place in the kits of professional and enthusiast photographers alike. "Photography of the future will rely on lighter cameras, but with more software. This is especially apparent in current compact system cameras," Schmidt says. "High performance technology will soon be pocket-sized, and photo fans can take high-quality pictures without unwieldy equipment. We believe the trend toward printing photos to be hung in homes will continue to grow for the next several years."

What of the prints people will be hanging in their homes? UltraHD photo printing is potentially the next big thing. The new printing process offers a "cool factor." The process involves new printing and software techniques developed by WhiteWall to produce prints with "twice the resolution of conventionally-developed pictures" and vivid colors. To learn more about UltraHD printing, see here.

WhiteWall's Jan-Ole Schmidt thinks UltraHD photo printing could be big in 2017

To learn more about WhiteWall's offerings and products, visit their website. Until February 20, if you use the code "10WW0217," you can save 10 percent on all orders. For orders between US$180 and $300, use the code "15WW0217" to save 15 percent on your order. Using the code "20WW0217" when spending $300 or more saves you 20 percent.

If you'd like to learn about WhiteWall's photo book offerings, which are a relatively new addition to their product line, read our review.

Source: Photography trends in 2017: Smartphone photography on the rise, UltraHD printing and more

Review: Putting a professional camera lens on your iPhone with the ExoLens PRO with optics by ZEISS

The ExoLens PRO system is set to take your photography to new levels thanks to its ZEISS optics. I went hands-on with the impressive wide-angle lens kit to see how the household name would improve my iPhone photography. Follow along after the break for side by side comparisons with and without the lens and how this kit works in real-life use.

One of the exciting parts of the Apple ecosystem for me is extending the technology I carry in my pocket. The quickest way I've been able to do that is by adding an external lens to the phone's already fantastic camera. Wide-angle lenses have been a staple in my iPhone photography toolbox for years now. As a result, I've learned early on that any lens worth its weight will come with a heavy price tag.

The ExoLens PRO system is known to be more expensive than other options on the market, which translates into a higher quality product. For the $200 price, you get the wide-angle ExoLens with optics by ZEISS, the ExoLens Edge Bracket, cleaning cloth, carrying pouch, and lens covers. Each individual piece is as high quality as the last and all feel like something you'd find in your own camera bag.

A big challenge any external lens for mobile phones face is how to mount it to the device. Like many other external iPhone lenses, the ExoLens PRO doesn't work with any cases, or screen protectors. For those that swap out cases often or keep their phone nude this may not be a problem. Included in the wide-angle kit is the non-permanent Edge Bracket mounting system.

The Edge Bracket uses five different liners to help mount the ExoLens onto the iPhone 6 through the iPhone 7. As I use different cases throughout the week, it's nice not having to always have it installed. The mounting system has made me a begrudging fan of the system though.

Penn Theatre

Penn Theatre w/ ExoLens

Plant

Plant w/ ExoLens

On the phone, the Edge Bracket holds strong without any fear that it'll fall off. The lens itself threads into the Edge Bracket, with a precise fit. Once the bracket installs though, pocketing the phone becomes annoying. The Edge Bracket catches the lining of my pockets making it difficult for snap-and-go photography.

I'm a fan of the way the Edge Bracket and ExoLens fit together, but quick mounting has proven difficult for me. For the review I took dozens of photos, both with the lens on and off the bracket. That meant attempting to screw the lens on and finding the space where the lens' threading would grip the bracket's. A few different times I started screwing it in and almost dropped the lens as it hadn't gripped the threading as I assumed.

The ExoLens PRO also includes a cold-shoe mount on the Edge Bracket. I didn't get to test it out, but look forward to adding an external lens or microphone onto it.

Supreme Court

Supreme Court w/ ExoLens

National Mall

National Mall w/ ExoLens

On its own, the lens itself is a beauty to hold. A strong aluminum body makes the lens feel like a weapon in a mobile photographer's arsenal. With its significant weight and ultra clear glass, I was sold on the quality of the lens even before I started taking pictures with it. The heavy weight of the lens took some time to get used to, but after a day of shooting I found the balance with my phone again.

One of the things I did expect to face was at least some level of distortion with the ExoLens PRO system. Alternative lenses I have tried always appeared to have some vignetting occurring. Even with the iPhone 7 Plus' larger lens aperture, the ExoLens PRO had no issues. The closest I did get was J.J. Abrams-equivalent lens flares when facing strong sources of light.

National Air and Space Museum – American Airways plane

National Air and Space Museum – American Airways plane w/ ExoLens

National Air and Space Museum – Apollo 11 Command Module

National Air and Space Museum – Apollo 11 Command Module w/ ExoLens

Outside of the bracket annoyances, I found the ExoLens PRO system to be useful. In most of the images I took, I would never have guessed I took it with an external lens. The lens never changed my photo's colors or caused any visible distortion. I found myself reaching for the lens each time knowing I could get closer to my subjects.

All in all, the ExoLens PRO system is one I recommend. Moving up from cheap alternatives to this feels like night and day. The price can be prohibitively expensive for occasional photographers, but just right for those who want a trusted name in lens optics.

The ExoLens PRO with Optics by ZEISS Wide-Angle Kit is available from Apple's site for $199.95. The included Edge Bracket comes with liners that will mount the iPhone 7, 6/6s, and 6/6s Plus. To get the ExoLens iPhone 7 Plus liner, take a look at ExoLens' site.

Images shared in this post have been compressed for bandwidth consideration, but not altered in any other way. They are presented as they were originally shot using the iPhone 7 Plus with ProCam 4 application.

Source: Review: Putting a professional camera lens on your iPhone with the ExoLens PRO with optics by ZEISS

RTÉ Mojocon swaps Dublin for Galway City

After two years in Dublin, RTÉ Mojocon is heading to Galway city, this year taking place from Thursday 4th – Saturday 6th May.

The international conference on mobile journalism, mobile content creation, mobile photography and new technology will be taking up residence in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway.

And following feedback from previous delegates, RTÉ Mojocon has added an extra day, to create a three-day conference with plenary sessions from successful professionals, workshops with industry experts, a mojo exhibition and all the popular fringe events, including photo-walks, exhibitions and pub crawls.

Among this year's features is a specially chartered Dublin-Galway #Mojotrain complete with 12 mojo trainers for RTÉ Mojocon attendees. The mojo trainers (4 per carriage) will be delivering mojo photography and video tips throughout the journey.

Glen Mulcahy, RTÉ's Head of Innovation and founder and organiser of RTÉ Mojocon said: "In a short time, RTÉ Mojocon has established itself as a major technology conference on the international events calendar and the fact that we have added an extra day in response to delegate demand demonstrates how popular the conference has become.

"Not only do we have broad appeal by attracting top industry storytellers and hosting engaging and informative workshops, but we really look after our delegates. This creates a supportive environment that allows us to learn from each other and I'm sure that the intimate surroundings and unique charm of Galway will help make this year's conference another great success."

RTÉ MojoCon is run on a not-for-profit basis and is designed to be self-funding from ticket sales and sponsorship. Full conference details, including speakers and tickets are available at http://mojocon.rte.ie.

Source: RTÉ Mojocon swaps Dublin for Galway City

The Moment Battery Super Case Focuses on Serious Travel Photography

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