Just released: New Topaz Video AI 5.1

Topaz released a new major Video AI 5.1 update (features page here). Just recently I told you that Topaz has completely redone the website for their AI software. Check out the new pages at Photo Ai, Video AI, GigaPixel AI.

Press text:

There are several major changes that we’re excited to announce:

1. Instant Rendering (Experimental)

Video AI now renders previews as soon as you click ‘Play’.

Instant renders make the timeline more interactive and allow you to directly compare models with shorter wait times.

 

 

2. Frame Interpolation for DaVinci Resolve OFX (macOS + Windows)

Access Apollo, Aion, and Chronos directly from DaVinci Resolve. Convert to slow motion at up to 16x interpolation and make use of Resolve’s retiming controls for smooth speed-ramping.

To use Frame Interpolation in Resolve, be sure to follow the guide posted here. 12

3. New multi-GPU options (Video AI Pro)

Video AI now includes two multi-GPU modes. The existing “All GPUs” option now supports NVIDIA cards running TensorRT models, leading to major utilization increases for systems with 2+ NVIDIA cards. This mode is now named “Single video” under “GPU Settings”.

The second mode, “Multiple videos”, optimizes for large export queues when running on systems with multiple GPUs. We’ll have more to share about this Video AI Pro feature when it launches in June.

4. New Welcome Screen

Quickly reopen projects and resume renders using the new Welcome Page. This is a home for recent projects and includes the ability to select favorites for easy access.

5. Preferences UI Refresh

Navigate settings using the new preferences sidebar with expanded categories and new tooltips.

6. Colorspace settings added to Video Input Options

Set custom colorspace, color primaries, color trc, and color range for video inputs with metadata issues.

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Curiosity: Panasonic used Canon and Nikon Stock photo images to promote their new Lumix S9

 

Sometimes marketers can really get it wrong. Using stock images taken with competitor cameras to promote the new Lumix S9 is like admitting that one’s own camera is not up to the task. Credit is due to FukuiAsobiWeb who tweeted a long list of examples: The example I posted above was taken with the Canon EOS 5DsR!

Panasonic Japan has apologized for this, removed the Canon and Nikon images…. but it really should start rethinking its marketing and communication strategy and its position as manager…

Sony Tidbits…


Portrait Photography Lighting: Hard Light vs Soft Light

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Sony RX10 IV: Buy it now or Wait????? (TechToRemember)
Buying Guide for Astrophotography Lenses (Explora).
ULTIMATE TRAVEL CAMERAS? | Fujifilm X100VI vs Leica M11 vs Hasselblad 907X vs Sony A7CR (Benj Haisch)
Patent application for Sigma “17mm F4” “15mm F4” “17mm F2.8” optical system (Asobinet).
Compact SanDisk Desk Drive Offers Big Storage (Explora).
10 Content Trends to Expect in 2024—According to Creators (42West).

Follow our new Youtube channel.
Join our SonyAlphaForum.
I kindly invite you all to follow our Discord channel, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group.

Review of the old Minolta AF 500mm F8 REFLEX on the Sony A7rV

If you do not have $2,999 to spend on the new Sigma 500mm FE and are looking for a cheap alternative that still has autofocus (with limitations) than you should consider to buy the old Minolta AF 500mm F8 REFLEX A-mount lens. You get this lens for under $200 on eBay (Click here).

Kitamura reviewed the performance of this lens on the Sony A7rV using the Sony LA-EA5 autofocus adapter.

Here are some images of the lens that also has a nice drop in filter option:

The unfortunate thing with the AF is that you can only use the center focus point. You can solve this problem by using focus lock:

Read more

Two new Amazon Italy deals: 200 Euro off on the 70-200 GII and 16-35 GM

Amazon Italy offers a couple of hots deals:

There are a ton of new coupon rebates at Amazon Germany:

There are similar deals in other Amazon stores like Amazon UK (on this page), Amazon Italy (on this page), Amazon France (on this page).

Sony Tidbits…


Alpha 6700: 5 Great Video Features with Miguel Quiles

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
Outdoor-Friendly Bags for Landscape Photography (Explora).
Super powers to Sony A6700: all the settings to change to make the most of it! (LightPointInfo).
Patent application for Tamron’s “20-50mm F2.8”, “20-40mm F2.8” and “26-50mm F2.8” optical systems (Asobinet).
Sony BURANO 8K Lab Test: Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude (CineD).
Streaming Setup for Beginners (Explora).
How to Choose the Best Shutter Speed (42West).

Follow our new Youtube channel.
Join our SonyAlphaForum.
I kindly invite you all to follow our Discord channel, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and Twitter to not miss news and rumors

We have our own Facebook camera groups you can join to discuss the upcoming new cameras in detail:
Sony Alpha group. Sony A1 group. Sony A9 series group. Sony A7r series group. Sony A7s series group. Sony A7 series group.

Laowa 10mm FE lens is in high demand…will ship later than expected

Laowa 10mm f/2.8 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Venusoptics, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, WexUK.

Venus Optics just issued the following note:

Dear Valuable Customers,
I hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to you regarding your recent pre-order of the Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens through our website.
First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your enthusiasm and support for this ground-breaking product. It is customers like you who fuel the passion and innovation that drive our brand forward.
We are writing to inform you of an unexpected delay in the shipment of our new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens. Due to the overwhelming response and heated demand, our delivery schedule has been impacted, and we are experiencing a temporary setback in fulfilling orders all at once.
We understand that you have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of your new lens, and we cannot apologize enough for the inconvenience this delay may cause. Please rest assured that we are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the highest quality standards are met, without compromise, even with the increased volume.
We expect to ship your order by [I will have mine in late June, but others will have other information here], and we will continue to provide you with timely updates as they become available.

To show our appreciation for your patience and understanding, we are going to include a Free Laowa gift as a token of our commitment to your satisfaction.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team. Thank you once again for your support and understanding. We are looking forward to seeing the incredible images you will capture with your new lens.
Warm regards,
Kevin Yeung
Sales Director
Laowa by Venus Optics