Camera
Physicists now understand the multi-spectral qualities of the world’s first color photographs
Jonas Ferdinand Gabriel Lippmann, known as Gabriel Lippmann, accomplished a lot during his 75 years. Born in Luxembourg in 1845, Lippmann, a physicist, was a pioneer of color photography. His method for producing color photographs, which relied upon the interference phenomenon, earned Lippman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1908.
According to a recent paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Lippmann’s color photography technique distorted the colors in a scene. Physicists at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have determined the precise distortion recorded by Lippmann’s photographs. Further, the team has developed a way to reconstruct the original spectrum of light that originally exposed the color plates. The analysis shows, theoretically and experimentally, how the spectrum reflected in a Lippman plate is different from the spectrum that exposed the plate. By combining this analysis with an analysis of the color absorption properties of a plate, the original exposing color spectrum can be recovered using an algorithm.
Compared to a typical digital image sensor and most other photographic techniques, which records red, green and blue, EPFL’s physicists discovered that Lippmann’s approach typically captured 26 to 64 spectral samples in the visible region. Lippmann’s technique relies upon the ‘same interference principles that recently enabled gravitational waves to be detected and which is the foundation of holography and much of modern interferometric imaging.’
Gilles Baechler, a co-author of the new paper published in PNAS, said, ‘These are the earliest multi-spectral light measurements on record so we wondered whether it would be possible to accurately recreate the original light of these historical scenes, but the way the photographs were constructed was very particular so we were also really interested in whether we could create digital copies and understand how the technique worked.’
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| ‘Lippmann photography pipeline. (A) The original power spectrum incident on one spatial location of the plate, made of an emulsion layer on a glass sheet. (B) The silver density throughout that spatial location’s depth is assumed to be proportional to the exposing interference pattern. (C) After exposure, the plate is developed and the silver density is multiplied by a spatial window that models development effects. (D) When the plate is illuminated, the light is partially reflected on each infinitesimal layer of the recorded pattern. These partial waves interfere, creating the reflected wave, which is represented by a complex wavefunction (real part in color and imaginary part in gray). (E) The power spectrum of the reflected wave resembles the original incoming power spectrum.’ Credit: G. Baechler et al./Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2021 |
Lippmann’s color photography process included projecting an image onto a photographic plate, which seems standard so far. However, what separated his technique from others is that the projection went through a glass plate that had been coated with a transparent emulsion of very fine silver halide. The fine-grain resulted in higher resolution and required much longer exposure times, limiting the practicality of Lippmann’s technique. There was also a liquid mercury mirror in contact with the emulsion, so the light went through the emulsion, hit the mirror and then reflected to the emulsion. This causes light to interfere and the pattern of interference exposed the emulsion differently across various depths. This resulted in the exposure being ‘encoded,’ so to speak, in the emulsion in an interference pattern.
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| ‘Self-portrait of Gabriel Lippmann viewed under different illumination. (A) Diffuse illumination. (B) Directed light whose incoming direction is the mirror image of the viewing direction with respect to the plate’s surface.’ Credit: G. Baechler et al./Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2021 |
Upon investigation, although the multi-spectral images reflected from a Lippman plate look accurate to the eye, they are inconsistent, an observation that has never before been documented. ‘We ended up modeling the full process from the multi-spectral image that you capture, all the way to recording it into the photograph. We were able to capture the light reflected back from it and measure how it differed from the original,’ Baechler said.
Baechler continued, ‘With the historic plates there are factors in the process that we just cannot know but because we understood how the light differed, we could create an algorithm to get back the original light that was captured. We were able to study invertibility, that is, given a spectrum produced by a Lippmann photograph we know it is possible to undo the distortions and reconstruct the original input spectrum. When we got our hands dirty and made our own plates using the historical process, we were able to verify that the modeling was correct.’
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| ‘Spectrum recovery. (A) The recovery algorithm is verified using self-made plates. (Left) Photographs of the color checker and of the Lippmann plate of the color checker. (Right) The original (i), measured (ii), and recovered (iii) spectra. (B) The recovery algorithm is applied to two historical plates. (Left) Photographs of the plates. (Right) The measured and recovered spectra.’ Credit: G. Baechler et al./Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 2021 |
It’s interesting enough to investigate Lippmann’s early 20th-century photographic technique using modern tools and science. However, the team believes that revisiting Lippmann’s technique can inspire new technological developments as well. Further, the team has already constructed a prototype of a digital Lippman camera. The team hopes that multi-spectral image synthesis and a multi-spectral camera could have intriguing benefits in the 21st century.
| Photo: GoPro |
Rumors have been swirling for quite some time, but GoPro has finally officially (and quietly) announced an update to the Max 360, its 360-degree action camera. It first released the original GoPro Max 360 in 2019, so it was quite overdue for an update. Unfortunately for fans of the camera, a five-year wait didn’t result in any groundbreaking changes and the updates are very minor. The fact that it shares the exact same name as the previous model is perhaps a hint that there isn’t much new going on.
GoPro’s blog post announcing the news only dedicated two sentences to the actual camera: “The 5.6K spherical camera now comes with a MAX Enduro Battery and an upgraded mounting system, making it compatible with all standard ¼-20 tripod mounts. All for only $349.99 MSRP.” That’s it.
The new Max 360 will feature the folding mounting fingers found on recent GoPro Hero Black cameras and a standard tripod mount. It will also use the larger-capacity Enduro Battery, though GoPro doesn’t provide any details as to the expected battery life. The rest of the hardware, including its 5.6 K resolution, remains the same as the 2019 model.
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Instead of focusing on hardware, GoPro prioritized software changes via the GoPro Quik app. One of the benefits of shooting 360-degree video is greater editing flexibility; indeed, GoPro is leaning on that. The Quik app will offer AI-Powered Object Tracking. You will be able to pick a subject, and then the app will use AI to keep that subject in view and in focus for the entirety of the clip. It should make editing footage from the camera much faster and easier than manually adjusting framing as a subject moves around the 360-degree field of view.
The Quick app will also take advantage of all the data the camera captures to create new camera effects, such as backflips, barrel rolls and more, with only a tap. Plus, you can set your view where you want it using Reframe if you want manual control over the 360-degree footage. Those who prefer desktop editing will also be able to take advantage of the “magic of Reframe” with a new GoPro Reframe plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
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| Photo: GoPro |
“MAX never misses—and that’s why it’s the go-to 360 camera for the world’s most creative athletes, adventurers and content creators. Getting ‘the shot’ has never been this easy,” says GoPro Founder and CEO, Nicholas Woodman. “And with the Quik App’s new 360 editing experience, featuring AI-powered Object Tracking and simplified but powerful editing tools, it’s never been this easy or fun to edit your 360 content into amazing sharable moments.”
GoPro added that more 360-degree editing tools are in the works. “And this is just the beginning,” Woodman adds. “We’re excited to launch powerful new app features on an ongoing basis to keep taking the GoPro 360 experience further and further this year.” Hopefully, that investment in 360 will eventually turn into a truly updated camera, though at least GoPro is catching up with editing tools already available for Insta360 users.
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| Photo: GoPro |
It isn’t clear whether these software updates will benefit existing Max 360 users. Given that the changes are in the GoPro Quik app, it seems likely they will, though GoPro hasn’t specified.
Perhaps the biggest change for the Max 360 is the price. It originally sold for $500. Luckily, GoPro is dropping the price of the 2025 model to $350. It is available for purchase as of today through GoPro’s website.
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| Image: Insta360 |
Insta360 released its highly popular Flow 2 Pro smartphone gimbal a month ago with an impressive list of features and tools. Unfortunately for Android users, though, those features were specific to iPhone users, leaving them unable to take advantage of the powerful stabilizer. Now, though, Insta360 has announced a new accessory, dubbed the AI Tracker, that unlocks the Flow 2 Pro for Android phones.
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The Insta360 AI Tracker uses a dedicated camera to enable tracking no matter the operating system or app.
Image: Insta360 |
Insta360 calls the Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker “the ultimate add-on to take your mobile content to the next level.” The company designed the device to enable support across Android phones along with a greater number of apps. That means that even iPhone users benefit from this little accessory. To accomplish greater compatibility, the AI Tracker features a dedicated camera. It connects to the gimbal using a USB-C connection, allowing it to track subjects independently no matter what phone is attached to it or what app is being used to record.
The AI Tracker relies on Insta360’s AI tracking algorithms. As the product’s name suggests, it uses AI recognition to keep subjects framed, even if there are obstructions or multiple subjects. The AI system also works on cats and dogs. Plus, it enables hand gestures to activate tracking, just like iPhone users have access to on the Flow 2 Pro.
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The Insta360 AI Tracker also features an integrated light with adjustable brightness and color temperature.
Image: Insta360 |
This little accessory also has a built-in LED light, offering three brightness levels and three color temperature settings for greater control over how you light your subject. It is a simple plug-and-play device that can be used without adjusting any settings.
The Flow 2 Pro AI Tracker is available as of February 17. If you already own the Flow 2 Pro, you can purchase the AI tracker as a standalone accessory for $40. If you want to buy the AI tracker with the Flow 2 Pro, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Insta360 says that the AI Tracker Bundle is “soon-to-launch” for $179, though didn’t provide a specific date.
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| Image: DJI |
DJI has announced its latest smartphone gimbal, which is available in two varieties. The Osmo Mobile 7 is the more affordable option for casual users, while DJI designed the Osmo Mobile 7P for pro-level users. Both models are compact and lightweight and offer one-step unfolding, Apple Watch control, an integrated extension rod and a built-in tripod, just like their predecessor. However, there are some noteworthy changes as well.
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| Image: DJI |
Interestingly, DJI did away with the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7, even though it was a new feature on the Osmo Mobile 6. In its place is what appears to be a more simple rocker. DJI kept the side wheel on the Osmo Mobile 7P, however. It promises more cinematic control, offering the ability to adjust focal length, smooth zoom control, and manual focus. Additionally, a long press of the side wheel enables control over the fill light, including brightness and color temperature.
Both models of the new gimbal feature DJI’s seventh-generation three-axis stabilization and ActiveTrack 7.0, which DJI calls its “most advanced tracking technology.” When paired with the DJI Mimo app, the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P will automatically adjust to track subjects, even in crowds or when working with active subjects. It can also detect multiple subjects, allowing users to lock onto one or switch between subjects with a tap.
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The new Multifunctional Module adds a fill light and extra controls.
Image: DJI |
The Osmo Mobile 7P gets the added benefit of the new Multifunctional Module. With this new tool, users can access robust tracking with their phone’s native camera, live streaming apps or another camera app. It attaches to the gimbal with a magnetic clip and enables hand gestures to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking or stop intelligent tracking. Additionally, the Multifunctional Module includes integrated light control, allowing users to change color temperature and brightness. It can also function as a microphone receiver through its USB-C port while providing extra power to your phone.
While the Osmo Mobile 7 doesn’t come with the Multifunctional Module, it is compatible with the new accessory and is available for purchase separately.
Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and 7 promise up to 10 hours of battery life. That is quite the boost from the 6 hours and 24 minutes of battery life promised by the Osmo Mobile 6.
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P are available for purchase starting today for $89 and $149, respectively.
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DJI Delivers Next-Level Intelligent Smartphone Photography with Osmo Mobile 7 Series
New Flagship Phone Gimbal Features Seventh Generation DJI Stabilization Technology and ActiveTrack 7.0 Technology
February 18, 2025 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Osmo Mobile 7 Series. This new generation of phone gimbal takes three-axis stabilization and intelligent tracking to new heights. Both the Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7 feature DJI’s seventh-generation stabilization, ActiveTrack 7.0 technology¹, and a range of intelligent features for capturing cinematic-quality footage on a smartphone.
“From award-winning filmmakers to short-form content creators, DJI continues to expand our ecosystem of creative camera technologies and push the industry forward,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “With the Osmo Mobile 7 Series’ latest advances in intelligent tracking and camera stabilization, capturing beautiful, professional content with a smartphone has never been easier.”
The Osmo Mobile 7P features a more powerful three-axis smartphone stabilizer that maintains the lightweight, portable, and robust tracking capabilities of the Osmo Mobile 6. With the new Multifunctional Module¹, creators can easily track subjects and it includes integrated light control with multiple color temperature and brightness levels. When the Multifunctional Module functions as a microphone receiver, its USB-C port can be connected to your phone to deliver high-quality audio transmission while also providing extra power. It is also easy to set up thanks to the quick one-step unfolding, integrated extension rod, and built-in tripod.
The Osmo Mobile 7 is the lightest gimbal in its class, weighing about 10 ounces (approximately 300 g). Like the Osmo Mobile 7P, it features a compact design and is easy to use, but at a more entry-level price. It also allows for quick unfolding, a built-in tripod, one-step storage, and can support the Multifunctional Module (sold separately).
Power of the Multifunctional Module
The Multifunctional Module allows creators to easily track subjects using their smartphone’s native camera, live streaming apps, and other camera apps. It can accurately maintain focus in a crowd or reacquire a subject if they re-enter the frame after leaving briefly. The module can be easily attached to the gimbal with a simple magnetic clip and controlled using hand gestures1 to take photos, start or stop recording, activate tracking, or adjust a composition.
- Showing your palm to the module starts or stops intelligent tracking.
- Making a “V” gesture takes a photo. It can also start or stop video recording.
- Making a “Double L” gesture with two hands adjusts a subject’s framing.
ActiveTrack 7.0: Smarter Than Ever
When paired with the DJI Mimo app1, the Osmo Mobile 7 Series can use ActiveTrack 7.0. As DJI’s most advanced tracking technology, ActiveTrack 7.0 enables the gimbal to adjust to track subjects and follow their movements automatically, even in a crowded or active environment. Smart Capture allows the gimbal to detect multiple subjects, and users can direct the gimbal to lock onto one subject or switch to a different subject with a simple tap. Smooth tracking enables the gimbal to pinpoint the shooter’s preferred focus accurately and maintains continuous tracking even if the subject is obscured or moving rapidly.
Other Standout Features
- Side Wheel for More Cinematic Control: Creators can adjust the focal length for a more flexible composition and a smoother zoom or switch to a manual focus. Additionally, a long press enables control over the fill light, making it easy to adjust brightness and color temperature, thus simplifying your shooting experience.
- Compatible with Apple Watch1: Using the DJI Mimo app, creators can use their Apple Watch as a smart remote for the gimbal, remotely controlling their shoot and camera feed.
- Up to 10 hours of operational time¹.
Price and Availability
DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Series is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
Osmo Mobile 7P retails for $149.
Osmo Mobile 7 retails for $89.
Accessories available include:
- DJI OM Magnetic Quick-Release Mount
- DJI Mic Mini Transmitter
- DJI OM 7 Series Tracking Kit
- DJI OM Grip Tripod
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for Osmo Mobile 7P and Osmo Mobile 7. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs.
DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to 2 replacements in 1 year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to 4 replacements in 2 years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official warranty, international warranty service and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh.
For more information, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.
1 All data was tested in controlled conditions. Actual experience may vary. For more details, please refer to https://www.dji.com/osmo-mobile-7-series.
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