GizBeat

Category: Tech

  • Xiaomi Yi M1 ILC camera still very much alive. Gets a huge new firmware update.

    Xiaomi Yi M1 ILC camera still very much alive. Gets a huge new firmware update.

    There was a massive commotion last year when Xiaomi released their Mi Y1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) with the 4K capable 20MP Sony IMX269. I was hoping there would be a follow up 2nd generation release to the brazen Y1, but the very quick calming down of the initial furor pretty much killed that hope off.

    Until now. Xiaomi has released a huge firmware update to the Mi Y1, which gives a clue that the Xiaomi ILC isn’t dead at all, just taking a quick rest.

    The firmware update to the Mi Y1 addresses a number of problems with the Mi Y1 which plagued its initial release.

    The new firmware update means the MFT camera from Xiaomi isn’t dead at all and that we may see a 2nd iteration in the future.

    The updates include:

    New:
    1. Added exposure control in the mode P/A/S/M for video capture
    2. Added AF/MF control for video capture.
    3. Added RAW+JPG format for still capture
    4. Added still image option in Time Lapse
    5. Added the option to shoot 1-3 images when using the self-timer function with an initial 2 second or 10 second timer settings
    6. Added a histogram in live view mode for both still and video capture
    7. Added new focus viewing modes with improved image quality including: 6x, 8x and 10x magnification in MF mode
    8. Added 2 ways to show the Metering mode in the UI
    9. Added the user guide (Restoring factory settings to view)
    10. Added multiple selection of images for deletion.
    11. Added 2 new options for the display grid
    12. AE algorithm optimization
    13. Master Guide template display logic optimized
    14. Improved AF speed
    Fixed
    • Fixed some known bugs, and improved the overall stability of the system.
    Changed
    • Change the thumbnails on each screen from 9 to 12 images.

    To my eyes, the biggest moves are with video, adding manual exposure control and the addition of tap to focus and manual focus during video. These are huge, as while the Mi Y1 has 4K video capabilities, it was very very basic with limited versatility without these new additions.

    For enthusiasts who like to shoot RAW, but not necessarily always want to develop every photo, the new firmware update allows shooters RAW + jpg, which gives us the flexibility to quickly share JPGs without any fussing, and/or the possibility of advanced editing with the RAWs.

    In a beautiful move by Xiaomi they made the Y1 M1 a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lens mount system. This gives Mi Y1 instantly and natively (no adapters needed) the ability to use any of the big selection of MFT lenses already available. That includes excellent lenses from the likes of Olympus and Panasonic.

  • How much does a camera cost a smartphone manufacturer? New report shows Omnivision as number 2 in the world.

    How much does a camera cost a smartphone manufacturer? New report shows Omnivision as number 2 in the world.

    How much do the cameras in a phone cost the manufacturer? The answer, for the higher-end cameras, is about $8 per module. So, for a typical phone without dual-cameras, about $16. A phone with dual-rear cameras, about (more…)

  • Corephotonics says Apple has stolen their dual-zoom technology

    Corephotonics says Apple has stolen their dual-zoom technology

    Whether it’s suing or being sued Apple can’t seem to stay out of the court room.

    The drama continues as Corephotonics files a patent infringement lawsuit alleging that Apple (more…)

  • Oukitel K5000 has a 5000mAh battery 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

    Oukitel K5000 has a 5000mAh battery 4GB RAM and 64GB storage

    Oukitel, one of my favorite Chinese brands, will soon be releasing the Oukitel K5000. (more…)

  • New Samsung ISOCELL Fast 2L9 and Slim SX7 camera sensors announced

    New Samsung ISOCELL Fast 2L9 and Slim SX7 camera sensors announced

    ISOCELL, whose parent company is Samsung, is releasing two new image sensors — ISOCELL Fast 2L9 and ISOCELL Slim 2×7. (more…)

  • Xiaomi Redmi 5 certification and rumored specs

    Xiaomi Redmi 5 certification and rumored specs

    Images of the upcoming Redmi 5 Plus show it with dual-cameras and an 18:9 display covering a massive portion of the front real estate. (more…)

  • Seagate releases fastest, highest capacity hard drives on the market

    Seagate releases fastest, highest capacity hard drives on the market

    Seagate is releasing “the fastest, highest-capacity and most reliable hard drive for desktop computing available on the market today.” (more…)

  • Pixel 2 officially best phone camera. Steals Apple’s crown.

    Pixel 2 officially best phone camera. Steals Apple’s crown.

    Poor iPhone. They were at the top of the heap for a scant few days before Samsung tied them on DxO. Pixel 2 then came along to smoke them both.

    According to DxO, the Pixel 2 has the best camera of any smartphone, scoring a massive total of 98. For photos, the Pixel 2 came in at 99, and for videos, 96.

    While the Note 8 has a very slight advantage in photos over Pixel 2, the Pixel 2’s massive video score is what puts it up and over. For video, DxO is particularly impressed with Pixel 2’s exposure, quick transitions when lighting changes, autofocus, detail preservation, noise reduction, and stabilization.

    TotalPhotosVideos
    Google Pixel 2989996
    Samsung Note 89410084
    iPhone 8 Plus949689

    For photos, DxO was impressed by Pixel 2’s excellent autofocus, detail retention in dark and light areas, and with handling bright light situations outdoors. Though not mentioned by DxO, I suspect this latter bit is mostly due to HDR+ processing, but what’s important is that it’s effortless and automatic.

    Pixel 2 achieves bokeh through its dual-pixel technology. Dual-pixel technology is a relatively new development in photography where each pixel on the sensor consists of two individual photodiodes, a left and a right. In addition to helping Pixel 2 render software bokeh, the dual-pixel tech is also what gives it its excellent autofocus performance.

  • Apple overtakes Google Pixel in the camera department

    Apple overtakes Google Pixel in the camera department

    In a back and forth battle between Google and Apple, Apple’s latest iPhone X / iPhone 8+ has taken the top spot with a score of 94 at DXOMark, the renowned camera benchmark authority. (more…)

  • GoPro Hero 6 specs, price, release date have been leaked

    GoPro Hero 6 specs, price, release date have been leaked

    What are believed to be the true specs of the GoPro Hero 6 have been leaked by an employee at a Best Buy in Canada.

    According to the images of the box the GoPro Hero 6 will be able to shoot 4K video at 60fps and slow-motion 1080P at 240fps.

    In addition to the video capabilities, it’s also been reported that the GoPro Hero 6 will forsake the Ambrella processor for their custom in-house built GoPro SoC, dubbed “GP1”. Users are hoping this new SoC will give better battery life and higher performance.

    According to leaks, the official news is set to be released on September 28th. The estimated cost of the Hero 6 will be $500 USD.

  • 50 apps with SMS malware found in Play Store. See full app list here.

    50 apps with SMS malware found in Play Store. See full app list here.

    One of the biggest malware outbreaks on Android has just hit users through Google’s own Play Store. (more…)

  • Ultra budget great choice

    Ultra budget great choice

    Ulefone is one of the long runners in the China phone market and they have released an ultra-budget model, the Ulefone S8 Pro.

    This phone has been tested by trusted associates and it’s so good they’ve ordered multiple units to be sold through their local shops.

    Main Features:

    • Display: 5.3 inch, 1280 x 720 Pixel screen
    • CPU: MTK6737 Quad Core 1.3GHz
    • System: Android 7.0
    • RAM + ROM: 2GB RAM + 16GB ROM
    • Camera: 5.0MP front camera + 13.0MP + 5.0MP back cameras
    • Sensor: E-Compass, Gravity Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Touch Sensor
    • SIM Card: dual SIM dual standby. Micro + Micro SIM
    • Feature: GPSA / GPS
    • Bluetooth: 4.0
    • 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
    • 3G: WCDMA 850/900/2100MHz
    • 4G: FDD-LTE 800/900/2100/2600MHz

    Notably, the SoC MT6737, which is a nice step above MT6580 usually included in ultra-budget models. This is SOC includes 4 Cortex-A53 cores at 1.3GHz. These are the same cores as featured in Helio P20, for example, but clocked lower.

    It also includes Android 7.0, a healthy 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a respectable 3000mAh battery, and notably, the display is 5.3″, which makes it a step more compact than typical 5.5″.

    The Ulefone S8 Pro is also Google Certified, which means Ulefone has gone through the rigorous testing process required for certification. Google Certification implies the ROM has been properly coded, all specs are genuine, and that there should be no funky Chinese apps included in the ROM. Good job Ulefone.

    Buy Gold Ulefone S8 Pro

    Buy Black Ulefone S8 Pro

    I’ve tested quite a few Ulefones over the years and they’ve all been very good phones. If you’re looking for an ultra-budget model, the Ulefone S8 is a good bet.