BMW i8 mirrorless concept car unveiled at CES 2016

BMW i8 mirrorless concept car unveiled at CES 2016

Published on Sun, 10 Jan 2016 81 times viewed

It is reported that BMW has taken the wraps off its i8 mirrorless concept at the Consumer Electronics Show 2016. In the most simple of terms, BMW has taken off the mirrors from the i8 and replaced them with cameras improving the aerodynamics of the c........more

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Source: BMW i8 mirrorless concept car unveiled at CES 2016

Behind The Wheel Of BMW's i8 Mirrorless Concept Car, Eliminating Blind Spots With Cameras At CES 2016

In total, the concept touts a camera monitor system with eight cameras that work together to give drivers a better view. The automaker's project manager pushing the concept estimates that the mirrorless camera system will impact BMW models in the U.S. in 2017.(Photo : Mark Lelinwalla | Tech Times)

BMW has been trying to convince auto regulators to replace mirrors with cameras for a few years now.

Getting behind the wheel of the automaker's i8 mirrorless concept car at the BMW booth just outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, as part of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 experience Thursday morning, and it's easy to understand why BMW is so adamant about getting this done.

From the moment I raised the i8's butterfly doors and plunged into its plush driver's bucket seat with BMW's project manager of camera monitor systems, Philipp Hoffman, beside me, I was blown away at how seamlessly the cameras work together — not to mention, how they're flat out more effective than traditional vehicles' mirrors.

The i8 concept touts eight cameras in total — two on each side (replacing the left and right side mirrors), two in the back, and two more in the front. The rear-view mirror — or what used to be the rear-view mirror — is a camera monitor split into thirds, showing the driver real-time footage from each of the left and right sides and also what's behind him or her.

(Photo : Mark Lelinwalla | Tech Times)

"Please turn the indicator to the left," Hoffman tells me.

As soon as I tugged down on the left-turn signal, the left-third of the monitor, acting as the rear-view mirror, expanded, giving me an extra five degrees of view. Hoffman claims BMW is the only automanufacturer to have that feature.

Altogether, the side cameras on the i8 will give drivers 50 extra degrees of view that we don't have right now with traditional side mirrors on vehicles, helping to eliminate blind spots completely, and possibly avoiding bad accidents.

(Photo : Mark Lelinwalla | Tech Times)

When I threw the car in reverse, the middle of the triple-split camera monitor widened, making sure I received a generous view of everything going on behind me.

"You really have a camera monitor system to replace mirrors here," Hoffman said.

Because the side cameras are more aerodynamic than traditional side mirrors, they give off less drag, allowing the vehicle to perform better on the road. They're also well-equipped to handle the bitter cold of the winter, as Hoffman told Tech Times that the cameras are coated with heated Gorilla Glass.

Although there are still regulation obstacles to overcome for BMW, trying to push for cameras over mirrors, Hoffman projected 2017 as the possible year that the mirrorless camera system could impact the United States. Before that, though, they could impact European BMWs as soon as this year.

© 2016 Tech Times, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: Behind The Wheel Of BMW's i8 Mirrorless Concept Car, Eliminating Blind Spots With Cameras At CES 2016

Samsung Cameras Are a No-Show at CES 2016: Looks Like the End is Nigh

Things definitely aren't looking too hot for you if you're a fan of Samsung's digital cameras. The South Korean company has been showing off many of its latest and greatest products in Las Vegas at CES 2016, but there hasn't been a single mention or appearance of a Samsung camera.For months, there have been rumors swirling around about Samsung killing off its camera business — rumors that Samsung has been mum about (and occasionally denied). But then Samsung began officially pulling out of camera markets… first in Germany, and then in the UK.

There were also crazy reports of Nikon possibly acquiring Samsung's mirrorless technology — rumors that both companies denied and which now are believed to be a completely false hoax.

But if you were holding out hope that Samsung still has big camera plans up its sleeve, then CES 2016 is a big sign that you should probably start letting go of that dream.

Samsung has a shiny 5000-square-foot floor space at the expo, but not a single digital camera is on display. "I think Samsung is now done with their camera business," writes PhotoRumors. "The CES show was pretty much their last chance to show a proof of life."

"Pour one out for Samsung cameras," writes Dan Bracaglia of DPReview, "because at this point, I would not be surprised if it's a thing of the past."

Samsung continues to be completely silent when asked about what's going on with its camera business, and what the future plans are. When questioned by Amateur Photographer, Samsung refused to say whether or not it even still makes cameras.

Image credits: Header illustration based on photo by Televisione Streaming

Source: Samsung Cameras Are a No-Show at CES 2016: Looks Like the End is Nigh

BMW joins the mirrorless car club at CES

BMW reveals the i8 Mirrorless concept at CES 2016, which replaces all its mirrors with cameras. There's also a camera-augmented rearview mirror on the i3.Another item the future promised us is finally arriving: cameras for rearview mirrors. It's coming on the Cadillac CT6, Audi played around with the idea in its Le Mans racers, and Tesla has plans to get in on the action. And now add BMW to that list with the i8 Mirrorless concept revealed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

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In BMW's scheme, three cameras replace the mirrors. One big adjustment from years of automotive convention is the lack of any side glances for the driver. A display in place of the conventional rearview mirror shows a composite wide-angle image. Imminent hazards, such as a vehicle in the blind spot, are shown with yellow warning icons.

Previous mirrorless designs have mounted cameras flush with the body, but the i8 Mirrorless uses wing-like side cameras. They also serve as turn signal indicators. We assume that the narrow profile is more aerodynamic than the housing for a large piece of reflective glass.

Also in BMW's CES bag of tricks is the BMW i3 Extended Rearview Mirror. This uses a rear-facing, roof-mounted camera that overlays images on the conventional interior mirror. But we do have some questions – what happens when the cameras get dirty? Mirrors still work even when partially obscured by dirt. And when will these ideas see production? Stay tuned as we'll follow up with answers from BMW's booth on the CES show floor soon.

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Source: BMW joins the mirrorless car club at CES

BMW i8 Mirrorless concept unveiled at CES

The Consumer Electronics Show continues as BMW has taken the wraps off the i3 Extended Rearview Mirror and i8 Mirrorless concepts.

Starting with the i8 Mirrorless concept, the model's side mirrors have been replaced by two rearview cameras which are mounted on aerodynamically optimized holders. The concept also has a third rearview camera that is located on the upper edge of the rear windscreen.

The images from the three cameras are combined into a single image that is displayed on a high-resolution screen that replaces the traditional rearview mirror.  BMW says the resulting image provides a greater viewing angle than can be obtained from traditional interior and exterior mirrors.

The use of a digital rearview mirror also enables warning signals to be displayed when appropriate.  As an example, the mirror can warn drivers who are about to change lanes that a vehicle is approaching in the intended lane.

Besides introducing the i8 Mirrorless concept, BMW unveiled the i3 Extended Rearview Mirror concept.  The company didn't have much to say about the model but confirmed it has a camera mounted on the roof of the vehicle. Images from the camera are overlaid on the interior mirror to "significantly" extend the driver's field of vision.

Source: BMW i8 Mirrorless concept unveiled at CES

Adorama Releases Guide on New Lens Must-Haves for 2016

An Article Recently Published in Adorama Learning Center Suggests a Selection of New Lenses Photographers Can Use to Enhance Photo-Taking Experience and Translate Their Creative Vision Into Fully Realized Photos

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/16 -- Adorama, one of the world's largest photography, video and audio, imaging, and electronics retailers, recently published a guide in Adorama Learning Center (ALC) for enthusiasts and pros who are looking for second and third lenses for their DSLRs and compact mirrorless cameras.

Writer and ALC contributor Frank Walker notes that photographers need to choose their new lenses carefully, so they can fully realize their creative vision. "Savvy shooters are well aware that the greatest advantage of shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera is the ability to change lenses. It allows [shooters] to pick the precise type of lenses that best suit the type of subjects [they want to shoot] and [their] distinctive style -- everything from fish-eyes and ultra-wide angles to super telephotos, wide-aperture prime lenses for capturing pictorial effects, and anything in-between," he writes.

Walker goes on to suggest an array of lenses that can help photographers expand their shooting range, enhance photo-taking experience, and ultimately, translate their creative vision into fully realized photographs.

A Two-Lens Outfit to Complement the First Lens

Most popularly, the short zoom (also known as a normal or standard zoom) is the first lens photographers buy together with a DSLR. A prime example is the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens offered by all major camera makers with their APS-C-format DSLR starter kits. The 18-55mm and its equivalent lenses are particularly favored because they are compact, lightweight, and affordable. They also provide wide-angle to medium telephoto coverage and a 3X zoom ratio.

To complement the 18-55mm, Walker suggests a two-lens outfit for greater shooting versatility. Moreover, the second lens does not have to be a zoom that complements the normal zoom by extending its focal-length range at the wide-angle or telephoto end.

For Nikon users, Walker recommends the Nikon D3300 two-lens kit, which has a normal zoom DXVR II Nikon 18-55mm f/3.6-5.6 lens, a compact DXVR II Nikon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 telephoto zoom, plus accessories. These specs deliver a non-overlapping zoom range from 18-200mm, covering an equivalent range from 28mm wide angle (suitable for indoor shots and vistas) to 300mm super telephoto (suitable for sports and nature pictures).

Alternatives to First Lens

A popular alternative for photographers who are looking for versatile lenses is to skip the mid-range zoom entirely. Instead, photographers should equip their camera bodies with long-range wide-to-telephoto zoom with macro capability. Lenses that fall under this category include the Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Zoom and the Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro.

The Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Zoom, made for Canon EOS mounts, incorporates double-sided aspheric elements and a thermally stable composite barrel. This lens focuses down to 13.8 inches at all focal lengths. Meanwhile, the Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens, used exclusively by APS-C size SLR cameras, focuses down to 18 inches over the entire zoom range, and provides a macro magnification of 1:3.7 at the 200mm setting.

Experienced shooters who are looking for lenses that cover the full-frame format and provide even greater reach forgo the wide-angle focal lengths and opt for high-performance ultra-telephoto-zoom lenses instead. These lenses are great for shooting in dusty and harsh environments where lens changing can cause sensor contamination.

Canon EOS photographers who are looking for high-performance ultra-telephoto-zoom lenses should consider the Sigma 50-500mm f/4-5.6 APO DG OS HSM, which incorporates an optical stabilizer that delivers a 4-stop advantage in handheld shooting. Other notable features include APO color correction and 4 SLD elements that ensure outstanding image quality.

Ultra-Wide-to-Wide Angle Zoom Lenses for Tight Spaces, Group Photos

Ultra-wide-to-wide-angle zoom lenses are ideal for taking pictures in tight spaces. They work equally well when squeezing large groups of people into a picture. The Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for APS-C-format DSLRs with 16-32mm equivalent coverage is an ideal second lens for Canon EOS users. Another great option is the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.6 DI-II LD Aspherical. This lens is equivalent to a 16-37mm and focuses down to 10 inches at all focal lengths.

Long Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Greater Precision

Long telephoto zoom lenses help photographers capture the heat of the action in situations where getting really close is either impossible or inadvisable (think wildlife and sports photography). The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM works on full-frame DSLRs and delivers the equivalent of a 109mm medium telephoto to a 465mm ultra-telephoto on APS-C format cameras.

The lens' remarkable versatility makes it equally suitable for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography. Furthermore, its image stabilization feature makes it ideal for handheld shooting, as shake-induced blurs are minimized.

Walker also recommends the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD and the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary for photographers who want to shoot great action photography. The Tamron, made for Canon EOS mounts, works with full-frame and APS-C format cameras, and has VC (vibration compensation) image stabilization. This innovative ultra-telephoto lens also has state-of-the-art eBAND (extended bandwidth and angular dependency) coating, which significantly reduces unwanted light reflections that cause flare and ghosting.

The Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, meanwhile, has a new zoom lock with manual override switches, and an upgraded optical stabilizer with an accelerometer for improved horizontal and vertical panning.

For more useful photography-related content, check out Adorama Learning Center and Adorama TV.

ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store

Adorama is more than a camera store -- it is one of the world's largest photography, video, audio, and computer retailers. Serving customers for more than 35 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to become the leading online destination for imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama's vast product offerings include: Adorama Pix (home entertainment, mobile computing, professional video and audio, and in-house photo lab services), Adorama Pro (resources and gear for photographers, filmmakers, production studios, broadcasting/post houses, and recording artists), Adorama Rental Company (pro equipment rental), and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free creative education in online channels such as the popular Adorama TV.

Adorama is noted by Consumer Reports as one of the nation's top five electronics retailers; recognized "Best of the Web" by Forbes.com; listed in the Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.

Visit ADORAMA at www.adorama.com and its Facebook fan page.

Source: Adorama Releases Guide on New Lens Must-Haves for 2016

What Is a DSLR Camera?

Discover what makes a digital SLR camera a DSLR.

Those photographers who have used a basic digital camera know the simplicity with which those devices work. Point. Shoot. Done. Those looking for a higher-quality camera, such as a DSLR camera, know they'll have to sacrifice some of that simplicity to achieve better image quality. Before you begin seeking a more advanced camera though, you'll be well served to answer the question: What is a DSLR camera?

DSLR is short for digital Single Reflex Lens, or digital SLR, camera. A DSLR differs from other types of modern digital cameras in terms of the technology and components used to create the image.

Basic DSLR Design

A DSLR borrows its basic design from SLR 35mm film cameras that dominated the camera market for many decades. The DSLR camera uses a mirror to block the light traveling through the lens from reaching the image sensor, redirecting it toward the viewfinder, where a pentaprism mirror reflects it through the viewfinder window, so you can see it. (In the SLR film camera, the mirror blocked the light from striking the film, rather than the image sensor.)

Feeling confused? Read: What's a Digital Camera

When you press the DSLR's shutter button, the mirror lifts out of the way, allowing the light to reach the image sensor, recording the digital photo. The process of the mirror lifting out of place and then returning to its position, all of which usually occurs in a fraction of a second, may cause a clicking or slapping sound from the mirror's movement. This mode is called the DSLR's Viewfinder mode.

When working in the DSLR's Live View mode, you'll be able to see the scene on the display screen, as the mirror lifts out of the way continuously. However, the DSLR camera works more slowly in Live View mode than it does when using Viewfinder mode. When a DSLR records a movie, it must work in Live View mode.

DSLR Camera Advantages

A DSLR camera offers a host of advantages over other kinds of digital cameras, smartphone cameras, and even film cameras. If you've ever wondered about a DSLR camera versus a point and shoot camera, some of the DSLR camera advantages include:

High Image Quality: DSLR camera makers give these advanced models large image sensors in terms of physical size, which equates to high-end image quality versus other digital cameras with smaller sensors. DSLR cameras also can record in the RAW image format, where the camera's software does not apply any compression, as occurs with the more common JPEG image format and which may cause a slight loss in image quality.

Full Manual Control: As you gain experience as a photographer, you're going to learn more about how light and other factors affect your image results. As you learn more, you will want to have more control over the camera's settings, which is possible with a DSLR camera versus a simple point and shoot camera that works primarily in automatic mode.

Performance and Speed: DSLR cameras work very fast compared to more basic cameras, allowing for faster recovery between shots, minimal shutter lag, and better continuous shot performance, called burst mode.

Interchangeable Lenses: A DSLR camera contains a lens mount, on which you can attach different lenses, which each have different strengths. By changing the lenses, you can change the capability of the camera quite effectively. A fixed lens camera is one where the lens is built into the camera body and cannot be swapped out.

Viewfinder: Few fixed lens digital cameras offer viewfinders, but all DSLR cameras have viewfinders as a part of their original film SLR design. Some photographers prefer viewfinders to framing the scene on a display screen.

What to Know About DSLR Cameras

The Nikon D7200 DSLR camera makes use of interchangeable lenses and has a large image sensor, allowing it to create images of a great quality.

The list of manufacturers who offer DSLR cameras is not very long, led by stalwarts Nikon and Canon. Some camera makers seeking to offer advanced interchangeable lens cameras have chosen to not compete with the top two manufacturers in the DSLR category and have turned their attention to mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (or ILCs).

Read: How Does a Digital Camera Work

A mirrorless ILC offers great image quality and manual controls but in a smaller form factor than the DSLR, because the mirrorless ILC doesn't include the flip-up mirror in the design. As a general rule, mirrorless ILCs can't quite match DSLR cameras in image quality, but they are another option for those seeking advanced cameras.

The best DSLR camera makers are:

Canon DSLR Cameras: Canon's Rebel line of DSLR cameras are especially popular as starter DSLR cameras, and Canon also offers some high-end, professional-level DSLRs.

Nikon DSLR Cameras: Nikon's DSLR cameras appeal to all ranges of photographers, including professionals, just as did the company's high-end film cameras.

Ricoh/Pentax DSLR Cameras: Ricoh now manufactures DSLR cameras under the Pentax brand name, carrying over from Pentax's strong film SLR line of cameras.

Olympus Digital Cameras: Olympus now offers more mirrorless ILCs than DSLRs, but it still has a few older DSLR models available.

Sony Digital Cameras: Sony once offered nearly a dozen DSLR models, but the company has cut back in the past few years, focusing on mirrorless ILCs.

Final Thoughts

While answering the question, what is a DSLR camera, you do need to understand a couple of potential drawbacks to these types of advanced models. First, they're usually more expensive than fixed lens cameras, sometimes quite a bit more expensive. The "extra" costs can be quite high too, as you add lenses, external flash units, tripods, and other components to your budget. And DSLR cameras are large and heavy compared to even the best compact cameras and smartphone cameras, which some people will not like.

But the design of this type of model means a DSLR camera can be used in many different types of photography situations, making it more versatile than a point and shoot camera. And a more basic camera simply cannot match the image quality of a DSLR. The design and performance levels of DSLRs are perfect for those photographers who are looking to create more than a simple snapshot they can share on Twitter.

Source: What Is a DSLR Camera?