Luminar 4.2 released with new “AI Augmented Sky” feature

Skylum launched the new free Luminar 4.2 update ($10 discount with our code “SAR”). There are three BIG improvements you can “live test” on their interactive press release page. Here they are:

1) New AI Augmented Sky

Inside the Creative tab of Luminar 4.2, you’ll find a new tool called AI Augmented Sky. This tool lets artists choose objects from the curated Luminar collection or upload their own, and blend them seamlessly with the photograph’s sky.

Here’s how it works. AI Augmented Sky detects your photo’s sky automatically and then places the chosen element directly into the sky area. Using content-aware technologies, foreground objects are recognized and taken into account, making the object blend naturally with your existing scene. You can drag the new element around the sky for ultimate control, yet retain those realistic qualities.

2) New Portrait tools:

When Luminar 4 launched, we announced some new, groundbreaking tools to help you optimize your portraits. And so far, photographers have loved the enhanced controls and adjustments they can make to their portraits!

With today’s update, we’re introducing a new Face Features Detection Network, which enables us to give you even more accurate and realistic automation when it comes to enhancing portraits. This technology is trained to detect different faces no matter what position, angle or tilt they might be in. It even recognizes those badly lit or partially hidden faces, as well as those with heavy makeup. No matter what the skin color or age of the person, Luminar 4.2 will recognize faces — even if it’s a group photograph. Check out the example below to see the power of the new Face Features Detection Network:

In the AI Skin Enhancement tool, you’ll find a new Shine Removal Technology. It lets you reduce shine on a person’s forehead or cheeks, making for a more evenly-lit portrait. In the example below, you’ll see that this technology restores the skin on the patches of the face where it was hit by excessive light, and automatically generates realistic-looking skin that blends in perfectly.

AI Portrait Enhancer has also received improved slimming capabilities through its Slim Face 2.0 Technology. Prior to today’s update, Slim Face only worked with the lower portion of a person’s face, sometimes making for unrealistic results. As you can see below, with Slim Face 2.0, the tool now recognizes the entire face and makes changes proportionally.

 

3) Improved Relight Scene in AI Sky Replacement

In addition to AI Augmented Sky and the enhancements to our portrait tools, you’ll also see a few other updates in Luminar 4.2.

We’re constantly improving one of our Luminar artists’ most-loved features — AI Sky Replacement. Relight Scene technology improvement lets you retain colors as you originally captured them in-camera. In previous versions, you might have seen a yellow and unrealistic glow on white objects. Improvement of the Relight Scene technology lets you avoid this problem.

You save $10 on the new Luminar 4.2 using our coupon code “SAR” at checkout!

It’s official: Photokina canceled because of the Coronavirus outbreak

After CP+ and NAB also Photokina has been canceled:

Photokina Press Release

The management team of Koelnmesse has decided not to organise any own events on the part of Koelnmesse until the end of June 2020 – including the photokina. This decision is supported by the crisis management team of the City of Cologne, which also recommended in its meeting on 18.03.2020 to cancel the trade fairs during this period of time.

This also happens against the background of the agreement reached on 16.03.2020 between the German federal government and the governments of the German states – laying down common guidelines for dealing with the coronavirus epidemic and explicitly including the general closure of trade fairs and exhibitions. This impairs the planning security for Koelnmesse and the participants of the trade fairs in Cologne far beyond the scope of the current scenarios.

This decision also includes the cancellation of photokina, which was planned for 27 to 30 May 2020. The cancellation is also valid for the Imaging Innovation Conference for 26 May 2020. A new date will be coordinated.

We have also received enquiries from you about health and safety at the trade fair ground. The health of all trade fair participants is our top priority.

Added to this is the uncertainty of numerous customers and the complicated travel situation. Against this background it is currently not possible for us to offer a global business and community platform for the imaging industry in the usual quality.

The next photokina will take place in Cologne 18 to 21 May 2022. The 2022 orientation gives us enough time to design the next photokina according to the needs of the market, our exhibitors and visitors.

All paid tickets will be refunded. Koelnmesse will arrange this centrally in the coming weeks. There is nothing further for you to do.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the photokina team.

Sincerely,

Your photokina team

I think in 2020 all events will be canceled. There is no way out of this until we got a vaccine.

via Fujirumors

New PhotoLab 3.2 announced and save up to 30% on all DxO software!

Today DxO announced the new PhotoLab 3.2 software. Here are the improvements:

– more flexible local adjustment masks
– optimized Repair ToolSAR
– improved PhotoLibrary keyword function
– improved Local Adjustment Palette with two new settings: Duplicate and Rename.
– ability to move automatic masks available for Windows users too

And til March 31 you save up to 30% on all DxO software!!! Check out:

 

New images of the five new Tokina E-mount lenses

Tokina published two more images showing the new lenses. As you know they plan to release those five lenses in 2020:

  1. 35mm f/1.8 Full Frame E-mount
  2. 50mm f/1.8 Full Frame E-mount
  3. 23mm f/1.4 APS-C lens for Sony E
  4. 33mm f/1.4 APS-C lens for Sony E
  5. 56mm f/1.4 APS-C lens for Sony E

Tokina and Viltrox seem to be working together on this. We know Tokina 85mm f/1.8 FE  and Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 FE share the same optical design (article here).

Sony Tidbits…


Sony ViewFinder and Monitor Settings

Note: If you are interested in electric cars check out our new website Electric-fun.com
Irix 45mm T1.5 Cine Lens Review (Lensvid).
Sony 20 mm f1.8 G: prueba de campo (Photolari).
Objectif Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G : tout simplement excellent ! (Lesnumeriques).
Fujifilm X-T4 vs Sony A6600 (ApoTelyt).
How Coronavirus will Impact Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji & Others (MirrorlessRumors).
Outdoor Gear for the Urban Photographer (Explora).

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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Making the case for the Sony A7000

I am laying out the case why Sony should make the A7000. I a doing this because at the moment I have a hard time recommending anyone who wants to buy into a new APS-C system to buy a Sony APS-C camera:

The reasons AGAINST a Sony APS-C camera purchase are:
– Fuji makes much more useable APS-C cameras
– Also Nikon has shown with their Z50 that they can make serious APS-C cameras too
– Fuji offers a broader variety of APS-C cameras including a proper high end camera like the brand new X-T4
– Sony has a limited “native” APS-C lens range. Sony’s argument that you can buy FE lenses is flawed because those lenses are bigger and more expensive than native APS-C lens equivalents

The reasons FOR a Sony APS-C camera purchase are:
– You absolutely need the best AF on the market. But be aware, competitions is really good too and may close the gap soon!
– You are already heavily invested in FE lenses
– You want to have the choice to eventually upgrade to Full Frame and still keep using the already purchased lenses (In that case Fuji is a no go while some might consider the Nikon Z system).

This is why Sony has to make the A7000:
– You have the tech and resources to make the A7000 at relatively low cost. Use the A7 body style and a new 30+ MP sensor!
– The A7000 would justify the existence and further development of high quality lenses like the recently announced 16-55mm f/2.8. Why make such great glass without having a really great camera?
– Another reason is marketing: At the moment Fuji is winning the “image” game: It means they are perceived as innovative, flexible and non conservative. With the A7000 you can show everyone who is the king in the animal kingdom :)

After years of relatively conservative approach it’s time for Sony to “wow” people again with completely “new” gear! I know this year we will get a “solid” A7IV and an expensive and long expected A7sIII (or A7sIV). But why stop here Sony when you can kick the ass with a new A7000, a low entry A5 Full Frame and other new gear we all would love to get?