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When blood sugar levels go high, so does voice pitch, according to a new study. It paves the way for detecting type 2 diabetes or monitoring diabetics’ blood sugars simply by talking into a smartphone and having AI analyze their speech.
Category: Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
Tags: Diabetes, Voice, Artificial Intelligence
The fossil of an extremely unlucky dugong has been uncovered. The old sea cow had a pretty bad day about 20 million years ago when it was eaten by both a crocodile and a shark.
Category: Science
Tags: Fossils, Animals, Animal science, Sharks, University of Zurich
In a show of how far things have come in a few short years, the FAA has grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket after one failed during a powered landing attempt on August 28, 2024 after the successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites. It's the first unsuccessful landing for SpaceX since 2021.
Tamron has announced that it's bringing its full frame 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens to the Nikon Z mount. The lens has previously been available on the Sony E-mount, and when we reviewed it in 2022, the images it produced were surprisingly sharp given its focal range.
The 50-400 uses a linear motor for autofocus and includes Tamron's Vibration Compensation image stabilization. You can also plug it into a computer via an adapter and use it with the company's lens utility, which lets you update its firmware and customize how the lens works.
The lens is made up of 24 elements in 18 groups, and Tamron says its construction is "moisture-resistant." It has a minimum focus distance of 25cm (9.8") at 50mm, which allows for 1:2 reproduction. At 400mm, the minimum focus distance is 1.5m (59.1").
There aren't any other full-frame lenses for Z mount that go from the standard 50mm focal length to such a tight telephoto. There is Nikon's own 28-400mm F4-8 lens, but its extra wide angle coverage puts it in a different category of lens. For many users the extra 22mm will make it a more versatile all-arounder at the expense of a slower apperature on the long end, but the Tamron makes it easier to find the 50mm focal length for those who are devoted to it.
Despite weighing in at a relatively hefty 1,180 g (41.6 oz), the lens doesn't come with a tripod collar. Tamron does sell one separately, but at a price of $91, it may be worth seeing how you fare without it first.
The lens will be available starting September 19th and will retail at $1,299.
$1,299 at B&HPress Release:
Groundbreaking ultra-telephoto zoom starts at 50mm50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) for “Nikon Z mount system”
August 28, 2024, 9pm ET / 6PM PT, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067), a next level ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z mount system full-frame mirrorless cameras on September 19, 2024, at $1299 USD / $1749 CAD.
Presenting compactness that pairs well with Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is an ultra-telephoto zoom lens that covers from the 50mm standard focal length up to 400mm ultra telephoto. This is TAMRON’s challenge to the standard 100-400mm. Featuring an 8x zoom ratio that begins at an unprecedented 50mm (commonly called the “standard” focal length for full-frame cameras), this ultra-telephoto zoom lens is both smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses yet offers a wider angle of view on the wide end for excellent versatility. The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is amazingly compact with a length of just 7.3” (185.8mm) and a light weight of 41.6 oz (1,180g). In addition to its small size, it provides unparalleled high performance at all focal lengths. Despite the very high zoom ratio, superb image quality is delivered across the entire standard to ultra telephoto range through the effective arrangement of special lens elements. Equipped with TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that offers excellent quietness and responsiveness, plus TAMRON's proprietary image stabilization mechanism VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens delivers incomparable versatility for all shooting scenarios.
Telephoto lenses are usually considered tools for photographing distant subjects only, but the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC breaks that rule. It provides up to one-half life-size (1:2) magnification during close focus, so users can enjoy the exciting world of half-macro photography with excellent close-up shooting performance and an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 8.8” (0.25m) at 50mm.
The lens also offers ergonomic features that support comfortable operation, such as an enhanced lens design with improved texture and tactile feel, and a Connector Port for the dedicated TAMRON Lens UtilityTM originally and uniquely developed by TAMRON. In addition, for this 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC, TAMRON Lens Utility offers a "Focus Limiter” function. An optional Arca-Swiss compatible accessory tripod mount is available for convenience when using a tripod. All in all, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is a highly portable, versatile zoom lens that ensures users never miss a shooting opportunity, from the 50mm standard focal length up to the 400mm ultra-telephoto—and even closeups. This is truly a breakthrough product that creates an entirely new category of ultra-telephoto mirrorless zoom lenses, another first for TAMRON.
Product Features 1. Expansive 8x zoom ratio starts at 50mm "standard" and extends to 400mm ultra-telephotoThe TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is a game-changing ultra-telephoto zoom lens with an unprecedented 8x zoom ratio that covers focal lengths from 50mm to 400mm. The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC has an unprecedented wide-end focal length of 50mm, so users can create images that not only capture a subject close up, but also utilize the background. Leveraging the versatility of this revolutionary new lens configuration, users can enjoy shooting a broad range of subjects from landscapes and wild birds to animals, portraits, sports, and small group photos, all with one single compact lens.
2. Absolutely superb image quality across the entire zoom rangeThe optical construction features 24 elements in 18 groups. The generous and effective use of special lens elements, including two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and one Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, thoroughly controls aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. The TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC also features TAMRON's legendary BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating that minimizes ghosting and flares and expresses the minute details of subjects even under backlit conditions. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC delivers clear and crisp images shot after shot.
3. VXD produces high-speed, high-precision AF and excellent focus trackingThe TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC utilizes VXD linear motor focus mechanism. It combines high-level AF speed and precision, enabling fast and accurate focusing from MOD to infinity. The excellent focus tracking performance of moving objects makes it possible to capture sharp images even when shooting wild birds and action sports. Plus, the lens is extremely quiet, so it’s perfectly suited for both still and video shooting in conditions that demand silent operation.
4. Compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens you'll take everywhereBoasting a length of just 7.3” (185.8mm) and a light weight of 41.6 oz (1,180g), the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is extraordinarily compact and easy to carry. Despite covering focal lengths from 50mm to 400mm, this lens is both smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm lenses. It's ideal for those photo explorations when you don't know what you'll encounter. This compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens unlocks your potential to capture brilliant images of the world around you with ease and precision.
5. Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC image stabilizationFor sharp, shake-free images even at 400mm, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is equipped with TAMRON's proprietary VC. This potent image stabilization technology effectively reduces image blurring due to camera shake. Additionally, using AI algorithms, the lens chooses the appropriate compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less.
6. Half-macro photography with 1:2 magnification ratio from 50mm to 70mm focal lengthOpening an exciting new world of photo possibilities, the TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is capable of extremely high performance when shooting close-ups, particularly for an ultra-telephoto zoom lens. You can enjoy shooting with an MOD of 9.8” (0.25m) at 50mm, and half macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at focal lengths from 50mm to 70mm. Moreover, at the 400mm telephoto end, the MOD is 59.1” (1.5m), providing a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 for dynamic shots. This lens allows you to get as close to your subject as you want and increase your photographic expression.
7. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates 8. Additional FeaturesOver the years, Latvian innovator BeTriton has developed some of the most intriguing mobility transformers the world over, starting with its triple-function electric tricycle/motorhome/boat. It was a perfectly inspiring product at the perfect time – mid-2020. After moving that project forward, it introduced a trailer version late last year, reckoning that some dedicated pedalers might prefer to have a camper-boat they could tow with their own ebikes. Now it's back with yet another alternative: an electrified trailer that puts out its own motor power so the cyclist can tow it via a traditional bicycle, no need for an ebike.
Tags: trailers, bike-campers, electric-camper, Caravan, Amphibious, Electric Boats
While an increasing number of people are becoming concerned about microplastic pollution in their drinking water, it's one of those things that the average person can't check for themselves. That could soon change, however, if a new prototype device reaches production.
Category: Science
Tags: University of British Columbia, Microplastic, Water, Pollution, Detection
Following the success of 2021's award-winning Theater ultra-short-throw laser projector, China's Formovie has added a cheaper model called the Cinema Edge. This brighter family member comes packing Google TV with Netflix cooked in.
Category: Home Entertainment, Technology
Tags: Projectors, 4K UHD, Laser TV, home theater, Google TV
The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM is the company's newest 'G Master' lens, replacing its original 85mm F1.4 GM announced in 2016 – one of Sony's three original G Master lenses.
Fast 85mm prime lenses are popular for portraiture because they provide a good balance between perspective, subject isolation and image quality. This gallery features portraits and other photos highlighting the lens' out-of-focus characteristics.
Click to view our Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II sample gallery
Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
Buy now:
$1798 at B&H PhotoSony has announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II lens, its second-generation GM-series portrait lens. It replaces the original 85mm F1.4 GM in Sony's lens lineup.
Notably, the original 85mm F1.4 GM lens was one of Sony's three original GM, or 'G Master', lenses introduced in 2016, alongside the 24-70mm F2.8 GM and 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS. We had the opportunity to interview a Distinguished Engineer in Sony's Lens Design Department when it launched the G Master series, and it's a valuable read for anyone interested in the process and philosophy behind Sony's GM lenses.
The original 24-70mm F2.8 GM and 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lenses were updated in 2022 and 2023, respectively, so with the new 85mm F1.4 GM II, Sony has finally retired all of its original GM-series optics.
According to Sony, the new lens is optimized for both photo and video applications. It measures 107mm (4.2") by 85mm (3.3") wide, slightly smaller than the original's 108x90mm size and 13% smaller by volume. At 642g (22.6oz), it's about 20% lighter than its predecessor. According to Sony, it uses a hybrid metal and "engineering plastic" design for high durability while maintaining a low weight.
Optically, the lens includes two ED (extra-low dispersion) and two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and has an 11-blade circular aperture. It includes Sony's Nano AR II coating to suppress ghosting and flare. The front element has a fluorine coating to resist dust, oil and other contaminants.
Image: SonyOther features include an aperture ring with a Click on/off switch, allowing users to switch between standard 1/3-stop detents or click-less operation for smooth aperture adjustments, and an aperture lock to prevent the ring from accidentally moving between manual aperture selection and the lens' 'A' setting. Two focus hold buttons can maintain focus when pressed and are customizable. Focus can be set to a linear response for precise operation in manual focus mode.
Autofocus is driven by a high-thrust XD linear motor instead of the slower ring-type ultrasonic motor found on its predecessor. Sony claims it will deliver 3x faster AF performance and up to 7x faster subject tracking performance. It also supports continuous shooting at up to 120fps for use with the a9 III.
According to Sony, the lens has minimal focus breathing, a desirable feature when shooting video, and is compatible with the breathing compensation mechanism found on more recent Alpha mirrorless cameras. It includes a 77mm filter thread. Sony says the lens is dust and moisture-resistant.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available beginning in September and has a suggested retail price of $1799.
Buy now:
$1798 at B&H Photo Sony Electronics Announces the Highly Anticipated FE 85mm F1.4 G Master™ II Lightweight Telephoto Portrait LensA Next-Generation Full-Frame E-Mount Lens Offering Significant Resolution, Size, and Autofocus Upgrades
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 28, 2024. Sony Electronics introduces the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II (SEL85F14GM2), a premium lens that delivers high resolution, smooth bokeh, and fast AF (autofocus) in a lightweight and compact body. As a second-generation model, it builds on the optical design of its predecessor and incorporates Sony’s latest G Master™ technologies to enhance overall performance. This is the 76th E-Mount lens and is designed to take full advantage of the features in Sony’s latest Alpha™ series full-frame cameras. As a large-aperture, telephoto prime, this lens is an ideal option for portraiture, wedding, travel, and cinematic video.
“The first-generation 85 mm F1.4 lens was one of three lenses in the initial G Master series launch back in 2016. Since then, our engineers have refined eight years of lens technology to decrease size and increase performance for our new flagship 85 mm,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are excited to introduce this highly anticipated lens for many photographers and cinematographers in our community.”
High Optical Performance and Beautiful BokehThe refined optical design and advanced elements of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II bring together smooth bokeh and enhanced high resolution, making it ideal for portrait photography. The lens offers advanced optics with two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements designed to effectively suppress aberrations. This combination offers corner-to-corner resolution and rendering, resulting in outstanding image quality.
The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II also includes Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology, which effectively subdues flare and ghosting for clear, crisp images. Alongside, the 11-blade circular aperture of this lens produces the beautiful, soft bokeh that G Master lenses are known for.
Fast, Precise Autofocus and Subject TrackingThe AF capabilities of the next generation FE 85mm F1.4 GM II have drastically improved to maximize performance for its use cases like portrait photography and cinematic video. For stills, the AF is up to three times faster[i] compared to the previous model[ii], allowing users to accurately track moving subjects with high speed. In addition, subject tracking performance has improved by as much as seven times[ii]. With these improvements, this is a lens that can enable features on Sony’s latest camera bodies, including continuous shooting of up to 120fps[iii] on the Alpha 9 III.
Lightweight Design Without CompromisesCompared to the original 85mm F1.4 G Master, the weight of this next generation is about 20% lighter [iv] and 13% smaller in volume (approx. 642 grams, 22.7 oz), which is achieved through the latest mechanical technology and optical design. The FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has a filter diameter of φ77 mm (about 3.03 in), diameter of 84.7mm (about 3 3/8.33 in) and length of 107.3mm (about 4 1/4.22 in).
Ideal for Cinematic Content CreationThe large F1.4 aperture and compact size of the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II makes it a fitting lens selection for cinematic movie creation. Internally, the lens has an XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor with internal focusing, quiet AF and linear response MF (manual focus). Focus breathing is minimal, and in-body focus breathing compensation[v] is supported.
Due to the flexibility offered through Sony’s one-mount E-Mount system, this lens can be used across Sony’s latest mirrorless Alpha cameras, as well as cameras in the Sony Cinema Line, including the Sony BURANO.
Designed to Maximize Operability and DurabilityExternally, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II has two customizable focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch to offer flexible operability. There is also an independent aperture ring and Linear Response MF focus control button to provide intuitive control and streamline the creative shooting process.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design[vi] provides additional reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Pricing and AvailabilityThe FE 85mm F1.4 GM II will be available in September 2024 for approximately $1,799.99 USD and $2,499.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.
[i] When used on the Alpha 1. Sony tests.
[ii] Compared to the FE 85MM F1.4 GM. Sony tests
[iii] Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the lens used in the AF-C focus mode. Refer to Sony's lens compatibility support page for details.
[iv] Compared to the FE 85MM F1.4 GM. Sony tests.
[v] Please refer to support page; https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/cscs/function/compatibility.php?area=jp&lang=en&cs_ref=slct_lang&fnc=1001
[vi] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II specifications Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length85 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountSony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF1.4Minimum apertureF16Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements11Groups14Special elements / coatings2 ED elements, 2 XA elementsFocusMinimum focus0.80 m (31.5″)Maximum magnification0.12×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight642 g (1.42 lb)Diameter85 mm (3.35″)Length107 mm (4.21″)The Sony RX100 looked much like any other compact camera of the day, but relating that 10.4-37.1 range to the promised 28-100mm equivalent focal length range revealed a 2.7x crop factor and revealed its superpower.
Photo: Richard Butler
As part of our twenty-fifth anniversary, we're looking back at some of the most significant cameras launched during that period. Today marks twelve years since we reviewed Sony's Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100.
Despite its appearance, the RX100 was one of the most disruptive enthusiast compacts we've ever seen. The Cyber-Shot branding and seemingly featureless black bar-of-soap design rather disguised how radical it was. And, from a keen photographer's perspective, arguably held it back. But, despite our misgivings, it redefined what a compact camera was capable of.
The RX100's small size meant it accompanied me when I'd have left an ILC at home...
Photo: Richard Butler
The RX100 arrived in the midst of something of an enthusiast compact revival. Perhaps helped by the development of processors fast enough to do real-time lens corrections, manufacturers had re-embraced the idea of bright zoom lenses and larger-than-typical Type 1/1.7 (7.6 x 5.7mm) sensors.
The RX100 took a different approach. It didn't have an extensive array of direct controls, and those it did gave little in the way of tactile feedback, meaning it was much happier if you let it make most of the decisions and restricted your input to the pointing and the shooting.
...which means I have photos and memories from situations where I otherwise might not.
Photo: Richard Butler
What it brought was a significantly bigger sensor. We'd first seen a Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) sensor in Nikon's shortlived 1 Series mirrorless cameras, introduced the year before, but the RX100 was the first to squeeze it into a genuinely small body and a fixed-lens format.
Rather than the ambitious but somewhat noisy Aptina example of the early Nikon 1s, the RX100 used a sensor from sister company Sony Semiconductor. This 20MP chip was around 2.7x larger than the Type 1/1.7 sensors that most of its rivals were using, giving the camera a significant image quality benefit over its peers, particularly in good light conditions.
The RX100 could shoot and stitch panoramas pretty effectively, though I seem to remember that this required disengaging Raw shooting. Which, predictably, means I haven't got Raws of many things that happened after I'd captured one.
Photo: Richard Butler
It was far from flawless: even if you didn't try to wrestle too much control from the camera or engage too frequently with the convoluted menu system, the original RX100's JPEG color wasn't always as attractive as its rivals' and the F4.9 maximum aperture at the long end of its 28-100mm equiv zoom undermined its sensor size advantage in low light.
A more useful 24-70mm equiv F1.8-2.8 lens arrived with a later model, along with phase detection autofocus, pop-up viewfinders, BSI, then Stacked CMOS sensors over seven or so iterations, but it's the orignal model that made the biggest splash. Never before had you been able to get so much image quality out of a camera so small.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 sample gallery (now with Raws) Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.Imagine that you're injured on a remote mountain path but have managed to contact emergency rescue. The first to arrive on the scene could be a small humanoid robot wearing a jetpack if Italian research bears fruit.
Category: Robotics, Technology
Tags: Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Humanoid, Robots, Jet+Pack, Jets, Prototype
Rather than send those unwanted Kallax shelving units to landfill once you're done with them, you may soon be able to pocket some extra cash from Ikea. The furniture giant has decided to dip a toe into the used furniture marketplace with a new online platform named Ikea Preowned.
Category: Around The Home, Lifestyle
Tags: IKEA, Furniture, Online Shopping
Three Danish energy tech firms have flung open the doors to the first ever green ammonia plant in the world, in the town of Ramme, Denmark.
Tags: World's First, Clean Energy, Ammonia, Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Manufacturing could be dramatically changed thanks to two new techniques for joining materials created by scientists in Austria. The two methods create super strong bonds at the pore level, eliminating the need for caustic adhesives.
Tags: TU Graz, Glue, Adhesive, 3D Printing, Building and Construction, Ultrasonic
A full DNA computer is a step closer, thanks to a new technology that could store petabytes of data in DNA for thousands or even millions of years. The system can also process data, as demonstrated by solving sudoku puzzles.
Category: Technology
Tags: Data, Data Storage, DNA, North Carolina State University, Information, Computer, Computers
