chromaticaberration
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Researchers find a way to fix the purple halo effect in images
While cameras and cutting-edge microscopes have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, the optical technology these kind of products use hasn't really changed since the mid-1700s. Even the highest spec gear relies on compound lenses, which were invented around 1730. Their main function is to bring together different wavelengths of light that otherwise focus in different spots. This corrects what's called "chromatic aberrations," or in other words, the purple halo that appears in images when the wavelengths are focused at different points. The problem is, these lenses are bulky, expensive and not as effective as they could be. But researchers at Harvard have found a solution with its newly-developed "metacorrector".
Sony A77 and A65 firmware update v1.05 peps up your laggy dials, improves autofocus
It's no secret that Sony's A77 and A65 SLT cameras have suffered from noticeable lag when it comes to adjusting exposure settings, among other things. For those irked, you'll be pleased to know that the company has just updated both cameras to firmware version 1.05, claiming it'll "sharpen their responses." Specifically, you'll be noticing faster cold startups shutdowns, quicker response times from the front and rear dials and faster access to images in auto review. That's not all, however, as Sony has also added in-camera shading and chromatic aberration compensation for 11 of its A-mount lenses, which can translate to less time cooking your images in post. Last, but not least, the A77 gets an extra bonus for its autofocus system that improves its abilities in high-contrast environments, while the SAL500F40G 500mm F4 G SSM super-telephoto lens will now focus faster with both shooters. Shutter finger already twitching? Don't delay, you'll find full details in the press release after the break and download information at the source link below. Be sure to let us know how it treats you in the comments.
Samsung's 10 megapixel NV10 reviewed
About three months ago we were graced with a wonderful preview of the new Samsung NV10, and today we came across a review of the digicam that we thought would be a $400 bundle of 10 megapixel joy. However, while we were initially blinded by the slick black aluminum design, the word from PhotographyBlog is that this camera is significantly more form than function. The cam gets knocked for having a pretty slow continuous mode -- clocking in at only three frames per second -- and for just three frames, to boot. It slows even further if you're using a flash: you have to wait a full four seconds until you can take another picture, so forget about taking rapid shots at the local dive bar. What about the image quality? Well, the NV10 didn't do so well in that department either. It "suffered quite badly from chromatic aberration" during test shots, and showed various instances of purple fringing, even in low-contrast situations, which was surprising. Furthermore, there were high levels of noise at ISO 200 and higher, which obviously is, um, not good. Basically, PhotographyBlog liked using the camera, it just didn't like the images that the NV10 took. Ouch.
