OPPO, today announced the launch of its high-end flagship smartphone with world-first imaging experiences – OPPO Find X5 series.

OPPO combines breath-taking high-end design with best-in-class technology and camera innovation.

At OPPO INNO Day 2021, OPPO announced MariSilicon X, the dedicated imaging Neural Processing Unit, which overcomes smartphone video capture’s greatest challenge – night-time recording.

Powered by the latest-generation, multicore Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the Find X5 Pro stays cool under pressure and is supercharged to handle the most demanding games and applications. On the outside, it embodies a futuristic design to express a sense of calm and timeless beauty.

With unrivalled night shooting capabilities, the high-end 5G flagship Find X5 Pro builds on the core DNA that makes OPPO a hit with consumers and critics alike.

With a futuristic aesthetic, new ColorOS, world-class performance, ultra-fast connectivity, and a camera system that’s out of this world; Find X5 Pro raises the bar for smartphones.

OPPO have announced a three-year partnership with Hasselblad, the legendary camera manufacturer famous for documenting the lunar surface and attached to astronaut Armstrong’s chest, to co-develop industry-leading camera technologies for OPPO’s flagship Find series.

The two brands will focus on breakthroughs in colour science to create an improved mobile photography experience on Hasselblad Camera for Mobile.

Since the integration of OPPO and OnePlus, research and development resources between the brands have been combined to maximise efficiency and improve user experience. With the imaging advances made in the partnership between OnePlus and Hasselblad, OPPO is excited to elevate the strategic partnership to the corporate level for both the OPPO and OnePlus brands.

“Following the success of OnePlus and Hasselblad’s collaboration in the past year, we are very pleased to see the partnership enter a new stage of development, giving more users around the world a chance to enjoy the legendary Hasselblad mobile imaging experience,” says Pete Lau, Chief Product Officer. “Camera colour performance has always been a focus for OPPO and a part of Hasselblad’s DNA. We are very excited to be able to explore the future of Hasselblad Camera for Mobile together.”

Building top-tier imaging systems capable of delivering a world-class mobile photography experience is a key strategy for OPPO to bring forth a next-generation premium smartphone experience.

Following the launch of OPPO’s first self-developed imaging NPU MariSilicon X, OPPO is further committed to creating a world-class photography experience through its cooperation with Hasselblad.

OPPO and Hasselblad will now work together to further develop advanced imaging solutions through R&D collaboration, which aims to provide users with more natural colours and a more refined imaging experience.

Leveraging Natural Colour Calibration with Hasselblad, OPPO also targets aims to bring the most natural skin tone possible to its portrait photography.

Starting with the software improvements for natural colour tuning, the three-year partnership will further enhance the colour calibration solution and target to establish the new benchmark for smartphone camera colour performance, delivering a consistent natural colour performance for OPPO mobile phones to cover all scenarios and across the entire camera system.

The result of this collaboration, “OPPO | Hasselblad Camera for Mobile”, will be first introduced in the next generation of OPPO’s flagship Find X series in the first quarter of 2022.

Join OPPO and #EmpowerEveryMoment at the global Find X5 Series launch event, to be streamed live on the 25th of February 2022 at 12:00AM NZDT.

The post OPPO to Launch Flagship Find X5 Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

FUJIFILM NZ today adds two exceptional new lenses to its high-performance X-Mount FUJINON range and announces a further three lenses in development for future release.

Bringing with them an astrophotography and high-speed telephoto edge, the XF8-16mmF2.8 and XF200mmF2, designed for use with the X Series range of digital cameras, bring the total current lens lineup to 31 lenses. FUJIFILM NZ X Series specialist Craig Robertson says these new lenses cover an impressive array of focal lengths, enabling shooting opportunities from far away to close-up. “Our astrophotography buffs have been hanging out for the new XF8-16mmF2.8 as it’s perfect for shooting the stars. It’s also a fantastic option for landscape and architecture photography,” he says.

FUJINON XF1.4X Teleconverter (included in FUJINON XF200mmF2 kit)

The ultra wide-angle XF8-16mmF2.8 lens uses an impressive 20 elements in 13 groups resulting in advanced image-resolving performance across the zoom range while maintaining a constant maximum aperture of F2.8. The new XF200mmF2 is a super-fast telephoto lens perfect for sports and wildlife photography with a Focus Pre-set function that allows photographers to quickly capture the action by snapping between pre-set focus positions.

The XF200mmF2 will be available as a kit, paired with the brand new, high performance FUJINON XF1.4X teleconverter that extends the focal length of the lens by 1.4 times. The teleconverter allows the lens to cover a focal length equivalent to 427mm at F2.8. Challenging conditions are a breeze for both the XF8-16mmF2.8 and XF200mmF2 with the barrels sealed to make them resistant to dust, moisture and low temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

FUJINON XF8-16mmF2.8

Continually adding to the versatility of the X Mount lens lineup is a key focal point for FUJIFILM, as it ensures its users are equipped for any and all photography situations.

The latest roadmap also announced globally today covers specifications of three new lenses currently in development, namely a wide-angle compact prime lens, a constant F4 zoom lens, and an Ultra-fast 33mmF1.0 prime lens.

FUJINON XF200mmF2 – shown on Fujifilm X-H1

The FUJINON XF200mmF2 has an indicative price of $9,999 and is due to land in New Zealand in late October 2018. The FUJINON XF8-16mmF2.8 is due late November 2018. Both lenses can be purchased from specialist photographic dealers nationwide.

The post Wildlife to the Stars is Covered w. FUJIFILM appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Budding photographers seeking a step up from smartphone snaps are fixed thanks to FUJIFILM’s latest camera announced globally today.

The brand new fixed-lens XF10, available in New Zealand in August, is a premium, compact camera that packs a picture-quality punch. Including all of the hallmarks of FUJIFILM’s X Series mirrorless system, the XF10 combines simple manual operation with superior image quality and versatile shooting options.

The ultra lightweight and travel-friendly camera weighs in at only 280 grams and sports newly enhanced Bluetooth connectivity to automatically transfer images to a smartphone for social share.

FUJIFILM NZ X Series specialist Craig Robertson says to not let the mirrorless camera’s compact size fool you. “Despite its pocketable size and weight, the XF10’s high quality, fixed FUJINON lens covers a wide range of subjects from landscapes to food photography and flatlays – a perfect companion in our social media age,” says Robertson.

The XF10 is the first X Series mirrorless camera to feature the brand new Square Mode that allows users to switch seamlessly to a 1:1 format with a simple flick on the touchscreen. “Square images have become the standard format on social media networks such as Instagram. With
speedy syncing and Square Mode, professional-looking shots can be transferred and posted on social media in an instant,” says Robertson.

As a fixed-lens camera, eliminating the need to carry extra camera gear, the XF10 has a powerful 18.5mmF2.8 FUJINON lens (equivalent to 28mm on 35mm format) optimised to perfectly match the sensor and ensure images are sharp from centre to edge.

Packed with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor and FUJIFILM’s world-renowned colour reproduction technology, the XF10 produces high quality, high resolution images destined for picture frames and worthy of “Insta fame”. In addition to FUJIFILM’s unique 11 film simulations, the XF10 has 19 advanced photography filters, including two brand new modes for photographers to easily add extra artistic flair to their photos.

The new Rich & Fine mode is perfect for food and tabletop flatlay photography. It results in brighter, more vivid colour at the centre and slight shadow at the corners to emphasise the subject.

The low down:
• Weighs only 280g
• First X Series camera to have updated automatic image transfer and new 1:1 format Square
Mode
• Combines a 24.2 megapixel APS-C with a precision, fixed 18.5mmF2.8 FUJINON lens
• Hosts the 11 famous FUJIFILM film simulation modes and 19 advanced filters (including the new
Rich & Fine and Monochrome [NIR] filters

The FUJIFILM XF10 is available from specialist photographic dealers nationwide from 1st of August 2018.

The post Superior sync & square format shooting w. FujiFilm appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Welcome to the most advanced mirrorless Professional Digital Camera, ever, the X-H1.

FujiFilms flagship X Series model that was initially thought to be the successor to their X-T2 is built for the more astute photographers while remaining to be intuitive enough for beginners to pick up and play with.

The X-H1 is boasting with features to get your snaps in to the highest quality and highest detail possible.

The first notable feature is the inclusion of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). What this means is that you can now say goodbye to those out of focus or blurred photo’s whether you are taking a shot of a moving subject, or you yourself are moving or a bit shaky when taking the pic. It offers up a 5 Axis system, which is visible via a guideline on the camera’s tilt-able touch screen. Image corrections are processed internally at a whopping rate of 10, 000 times per second to ensure that your photo isn’t out of whack.

Being 24.3 MP (MegaPixel) and using a X-Trans CMOS III Sensor the X-H1 has an ISO range from ISO 200-12,800 (which is expandable to ISO 100-51,200).

With standard zooms, to connecting different sized lenses through to an astounding Macro, the ISO dial sets you right for any environment or any form of filtering that you may need.

Novices will usually opt to the Automatic setting, but I encourage those that are going to pick up this camera to widely experiment with the ISO.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1

To the top Right of the X-H1 is an info LCD screen. From your current shooting settings through to how many more images you can take on your standard SD Card having this separate and not cluttering your touch screen or viewfinder is a god-send.

Accompanying the retro styled body the X-H1 comes with a mountable Flash and a mid range Lens.

You can also get a mountable weighted dock, which can store up to two spare batteries.

The X-H1 is a beast and a heavy one. you sure do feel it around your neck weighing in at 673g for the camera only.

Also being capable of video, as most Digital Cameras are, the X-Hi supports true cinema with digital cinema aspect ratio (17:9) and is able to record 4K (3840 x 2160) and DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at a rate of 200 mbps.

Now for 4K recording you will need to have a spare battery on hand if it is a lengthy videoing session and a hefty SD Card to save the large video file. The model that we were given to test out came with the 18-55 Lens. This is optimal for video recording.

FujiFilm have also builtin Slow Motion and High Speed recording and as with your still imagery, you can play with the ISO settings (aswell as additional Menu settings) to get the visual outcome that you want.

This makes the X-H1 a perfect all rounder.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1

For those that have yet to move away from their mobile phones and take up a ‘real’ camera the X-H1 maybe a bit overwhelming at first. But don’t be put off. The X-H1 has alot of functionality to it and is future proofed, meaning that an investment in to one of these bad boys will see you right for years to come.

A solid camera body and perfect spacing between the buttons and the dials, so you don’t need to take your eyes of the snap to look for the right button.

The X-H1 is also a forgiving camera. You do not need to be a Pro when wielding it, but after a time, you will be that professional photographer you had always aspired to be.

Taken with FujiFilm X-H1 (cropped).

Battery life is pretty good. Asides from the expected drain when shooting 4K video, for general photography a single charge can see you right for up to 12 hours. Charging the battery, well that seemed to take a while though. Around 2 to 3 hours, so again you need a spare to hot swap.

The price point for the X-H1 of just over $3K NZD is what you would expect for the one of the top shelf FujiFilm camera’s. But as mentioned, getting in to a X-H1 is an investment and other than the additional cost of perhaps extra batteries and differing lenses the X-H1 is the Digital Camera to rule them all.

The post FujiFilm X-H1 Digital Camera Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Kiwi’s, missing THAT ‘action shot’ will be but a distant memory with FUJIFILM X’s new, elite camera announced today.

The X-H1, has a newly-designed, robust and durable body and incorporates a range of extremely useful features that support shooting in various scenarios demanded by professional photographers and videographers alike, including action-packed sports and activities.

The X-H1 is the latest model in the X Series range of mirrorless cameras, known for its superior image quality created using FUJIFILM’s unique colour reproduction technology. The X-H1 includes an innovative 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system (IBIS) that allows the photographer to shoot tack sharp images while being handheld at very slow shutter speeds.

This model will be a dream-come-true for X Series users who have long desired additional developments to video functions, as the X-H1 includes a total of 20 functional and performance improvements to video recording. The Eterna Film Simulation feature, a new film simulation for outstanding video reproduction, is ideal for shooting movies. This mode simulates the renowned Fujifilm Eterna cinematic film. It creates understated colours with rich shadow tones, detailed highlights and greatly reduces the need for colour grading during post-production.

The X-H1’s new AF (autofocus) algorithms offer enhanced shooting capabilities. Improvements include better AF-C performance while zooming a lens (which provides major benefits when shooting sports and other scenarios in which the subjects move unpredictably), improved low-light autofocus speed and improved accuracy with low contrast subjects.

FUJIFILM is renowned for its stringent examination and testing of every camera that enters production and the X-H1 is no exception. The assembly process includes inspection and adjustment of each individual camera to ensure consistency and reliability, justifying FUJIFILM NZ’s confident and unique 3-year warranty.

“Our customers always praise FUJIFILM’s ability to constructively interpret feedback from both professional and amateur photographers and ensure modifications are made in later models or in regular free firmware updates,” says Craig Robertson, FUJIFILM’s NZ X Series specialist. “A total of 19 modifications were included in the X-H1 based on feedback from photographers for improved operability.”

Not only is the X-H1 compatible with the existing range of 26 FUJINON XF lenses, it can be used with the new range of professional cinema lenses due for release later this year. These include the MKX18-55mm T2.9 and MKX50-135mm T2.9 (scheduled for release in late June 2018). A wide aperture XF 200mm f2 telephoto lens for sports and wildlife photography, and an ultra-wide angle XF 8-16mm f2.8 zoom lens, designed to meet the needs of scenery and landscape photographers will also be introduced later in 2018.

The FUJIFILM X-H1 retails for SRP $3,399 NZD and can be purchased from authorised FUJIFILM dealers nationwide from the 1st of March 2018.

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The latest X-Series camera to join the Fujifilm line-up is the smallest, lightest and most selfie-friendly member of the family yet. Introducing, the stylish, retro-design X-A5!

With a large rear LCD monitor that can rotate 180 degrees and the latest Bluetooth transfer technology, the X-A5 is the camera to have for those who like to aim the camera at themselves as well as the world at large.

The 180-degree rotation of the rear LCD monitor also activates the Eye AF function to create high quality self-portraits with sharp focus on the subject’s eyes. The Portrait Enhancer Mode, offers its popular ability to produce beautiful skin tone – users can select from three levels of skin tone enhancement with touch-screen operation for easy, natural and flattering selfies.

The Bluetooth Low Energy technology has been incorporated for quick, easy and automatic transfer to paired smart-devices, using the free “FUJIFILM Camera Remote” app. The camera is also compatible with FUJIFILM instax SP-3 printer, so users can enjoy the fun of printing and sharing their instant images.

Under the hood, the X-A5 has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor with X-Series’ signature colour reproduction technology. Its class leading energy saving design, means longer battery-life and more shots per charge (450 frames), making it ideal for travelling and photography on the move.

In addition, when combined with the new collapsible FUJINON XC 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens, the X-A5 weighs just 496g, making it the lightest camera-zoom kit lens combination in the X-Series. This lens is the first electric-powered zoom lens for the X Mount and is ideal for clear close-up shots, such as food photography.

For the classic-film-look-lover, the X-A5 offers 11 variations of Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulation Modes. The camera also features 17 variations of Advanced Filters including the new “Fog Remove” and “HDR Art.” The rear LCD monitor also uses the new touch-panel GUI so that you can check the effect of Advanced Filters and Film Simulations.

The X-A5 is the first X-A Series model to feature phase detection pixels, originally developed for the X series’ high-end models. The Intelligent Hybrid AF system focuses twice as fast as previous models, ensuring that you capture those moments more swiftly. The camera outperforms previous models in its scene recognition accuracy in SR+ AUTO mode, colour reproduction performance and “skin tone reproduction” capability, which makes the X-A5 the perfect choice for photographing human subjects.

The X-A5 also offers a High-Speed HD Video function, allowing users to record HD video up to quad speed for slow motion clips. The Multi Focus Mode automatically stacks 4K quality images, whilst cleverly changing the depth of field setting required, not to mention the 4K Burst function of shooting 15 frames per second in 4K image quality.

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Designed to be harmonious from any angle, the exquisite glass loop surface which when turned over reveals a luxurious mirrored effect on the back with seamless flowing lines and intuitive finger-print sensor power button.

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Intel recently informed us here at STG the specifications for the 12- to 18-core processors: Intel Core i9-7920X, Intel Core i9-7940X, Intel Core i9-7960X and the Extreme Edition Intel Core i9-7980XE processors.

Previously announced at Computex 2017, the Intel Core X-series processor family is the most powerful, scalable and accessible high-end desktop platform¹ offered by Intel, designed to deliver the performance needed to meet extreme computing demands for virtual reality (VR), content creation, gaming and overclocking.

The new X-series processor family is the ultimate platform for content creators and gamers. Multitasking becomes extreme mega-tasking with simultaneous, compute-intensive, multithreaded workloads aligned in purpose, powered by up to 18 cores and 36 threads. And, with up to 68 PCIe 3.0 lanes on the platform, people have the ability to expand their systems with fast SSDs, up to four discrete GFX cards and ultrafast Thunderbolt 3 solutions.

Content creators can expect up to 20 percent better performance for VR content creationand up to 30 percent faster 4K video editing over the previous generation. This means less time waiting and more time designing new worlds and experiences. Gamers and enthusiasts will experience up to 30 percent faster extreme mega-tasking for gaming over the previous generation.

The 12-core Intel Core X-series processor will be available starting on August the 28th, 2017 and 14- to 18-core Intel Core X-series processors starting September the 25th, 2017.

The 4- to 10-core Intel Core X-series processors have already released and available at multiple retailers, along with more than 200 Intel X299 Chipset motherboards.

The post Intel’s X Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Xperia X is a confusing device.  The sequel to the Z5 but with a new name and sitting in the middle of the series range between the Xperia X Performance and the Xperia XA, I never quite knew what kind of device I was holding.   It looks high end, it feels high end but it is not quite high end and it is missing some bits that may be minor to some, or major to others.

Aesthetically it is a nice phone.  The edges are more curved than the Z5 but the phone itself is still distinctly square in shape.  It still looks like the Xperia series which aesthetically I have been a fan of for a long time, but thanks to curved edges it does feel nicer in the hand, especially just below the thumb.

Out of the box, the OS looks really nice and sleek, the icons look more curved and the use of colour in the times number immediately popped out to me.  It was only running Marshmallow so this is via settings rather than the android version itself, but still immediately impressed.   Instantly starting some games, I found they ran really well in comparison to the last generation phones too.

What really impressed me was when I put it through my work email, general use test and even with using Pokemon Go more than most would I only had to charge my phone at 4PM.  For a frame of reference my Xperia Z5 Compact and a high end Samsung phone commonly needed recharging between midday and 1PM under heavy Pokemon hunting.  This is despite its relatively small 2620 mAh battery, so somehow through black magic they have made the phone battery or battery use weirdly efficient.

One feature I was very relieved still exists is the fingerprint scanner under the power button, which means when you wake the device you just need to leave your finger there to unlock it.  Though the fingerprint scanner is quite thin, because when you set it up you take so many snap shots of your finger print at different angles I very rarely was asked to try again when unlocking the device, maybe twice in the week.

Added to this is a change to the NFC chips location.  Instead of it being in the back of the phone somewhere in the middle, it is now located on the front in the top left.  With more devices in the world using NFC it is handy being able to tap a corner where it is needed instead of blindly placing the back of your phone against things.

Frustratingly the Xperia X is not waterproof.  Since the launch of the Z1 the waterproofing has been so consistent with the Xperia phones and now it is only available in the premium model, the Xperia X Performance.  This is a major buzz kill for me as it is the main reason I have personally used the Xperia phones over the last three years.  This may not be an issue for some people, but it is definitely a significant cross in the buy column for me.

Ultimately Xperia X is a good phone, not a great phone, but a good phone.  It has plenty of power and battery life and some minor changes both in functionality and how it feels.  Unfortunately for me the removal of waterproofing removes the hook that the Z series phones all had.  The premium model, the X Performance apparently does have waterproofing, but without it these days the X feels so close to a premium device, for a very close to premium price.