If you need some help expressing how you feel to your mom for Mother's Day, Snapchat and Facebook are here with some augmented reality help. On Sunday, Snapchat will offer several Mother's Day-themed AR Lenses to help users create photo or video messages for their materfamili ...more
Google's new camera, aptly named Google Camera, has been all the rage since it was released onto Google Play last Friday. The main reason is the amazing Lens Blur feature that adds depth-of-field Lytro effects to photos, without the use of any expensive accessories or extra ha ...more
Facebook may have shamelessly copied Snapchat and its camera effects for faces (as well as its World Lenses), but it might beat its social media competitor to virtual body augmentation. The AI Camera Team at Facebook has developed a method for detecting body poses and separat ...more
The original iterations of the Terminator film franchise have served as the inspiration (via the heads-up display of the T-800) for future augmented reality dreams, so it is fitting that the current crop of AR gives the latest installment in the series a promotional boost. Wi ...more
For photographers, the "plus" in the iPhone Plus models used to mean optical image stabilization, but now that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus both have OIS on board, that "plus" has moved onto something else—the dual-lens camera. Actually, the new dual-lens setup on the iPhone ...more
Although it sounds like a foodie's take on Facebook, what Calabasas, California-based FaceCake actually offers is more about augmented reality fashion marketing rather than food selfies. At the National Retail Federation's Big Show & Expo in New York this week, the company un ...more
Mike from the SubStream's "Film Lab" has some tips regarding video camera lenses. In part one, Mike talks about the basics of lenses, starting with focal length and angle of view. It's a lesson on the analog collections of lenses cinematographers use with their cameras. For p ...more
You can make a great picture effect with just an ordinary shoe box, some paint, a magnifying glass, and a piece of plastic. Try this for a great camera lens trick.
If you have Android KitKat, you're fortunate enough to be able to use the new Google Camera, which has tons of great features, including Photo Sphere, Tiny Planet, Panorama, and Fisheye. With so many photo options and no additional hardware needed, it's hard to not to like thi ...more
For the entirety of its existence, Snapchat has lived on mobile, but in its quest to lead the augmented reality industry, the company is now bringing those mobile AR experiences to desktops. On Friday, Snap introduced Snap Camera, an app for PC and Mac that gives users access ...more
When it comes to filters, Snapchat is no slouch. The chat app's array of effects rivals even the fiercest competition from filter masters like Instagram. Now, the company has a new trick up its sleeve that adds depth to your selfies (and even more new filters), and that featur ...more
The Lens Studio app has become a cornerstone of Snap and its augmented reality technology portfolio by giving developers, creatives, and novices the ability to create augmented reality camera effects for Snapchat. One reason for this is Snap's steady and frequent iteration of ...more
Get wide-angle and fish-eye effect for about $5 with this DIY lens attachment. Expands your camera's viewing angle up to 200 degrees. Great for tight-quarters indoor shots, stunning landscapes, and funny fish-eye photos. Amazing results. For use on photo and video cameras.
Camera shake is often an unwanted effect in photography, when a telephoto lens or long shutter speed has been used for a camera that hasn't been stabilized. The images subject to camera shake appear blurry and smeared, which is often considered an error - though some photograp ...more
Snapchat has released three new augmented reality Lenses that boast uber-accurate face tracking courtesy of the TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X and ARKit. Starting on Friday, professional wrestler-style face paint, a Day of the Dead-inspired mask with gold roses, and a golde ...more
Cosmetics brands have a long love affair with augmented reality, embracing virtual try-on effects as a means to help sell eyeliner, hair color, lipstick, and the like. Now, Camera IQ wants to make it even easier for makeup makers as well as other consumer brands to promote th ...more
After an Instagram creator created a viral sensation last holiday season with the Which Disney camera effect, Disney followed it up with a Sponsored Lens playing a similar roulette with programming from Hulu. Now, Disney is back with a Snapchat Lens that takes its Hulu promot ...more
The prerogative of most fancy, pricey lenses nowadays is ultimate sharpness. However, if you're partial to that soft, out of focus look, you can make your own lenses to achieve this type of effect. DIY Photography posts an in depth guide to making your own lenses (Part 1) and ...more
The new iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max are equipped with some great cameras, but not perfect cameras. The ultra-wide lens is known to cause distortion at the edges of the frame, so people and objects look slightly warped. To compensate for the skewed edges, Apple i ...more
Mobile augmented reality company Snapchat now has a special option for romantic message exchanging this Valentine's Day, a day which, incidentally, happens to be the first one in 116 years where Sweethearts, the original heart-shaped candy, will be unavailable for purchase. T ...more
Just over a month ago, Google made its camera app available to all devices running Android 4.4 and higher. Originally exclusive to Nexus devices, the app got a UI overhaul and a new Lens Blur mode, but lost some features in the transition. A few weeks ago, Google began adding ...more
After adding dual cameras to its camera glasses, Snap is finally taking full advantage of the depth-sensing abilities of newer iPhones as well, extending the use of its new 3D Camera Mode. Rolling out to Snapchat on iPhone X, XS, XR, and new 11-series iPhones this week, 3D Ca ...more
When choosing a camera lens, use a telephoto lens for a zoom or a wide-angle lens for a broader view, which allows photographers to fit more of a subject into a photo. Choose the right lens for a specific photo with the tips in this free instructional video on photography tips ...more
When cleaning a camera lens, use stiff brush to remove the dirt, then wipe lens with a lint-free cloth. Clean camera lenses with the tips in this free instructional video on photography tips from a professional photographer. Be sure to be sage and avoid scratching the camera l ...more
A camera's lens can be plagued with dust particles over time, and without a proper cleaning, your photographs will need a digital manicure before they'll please the eye. If you don't want to turn to Photoshop, then a little lens maintenance will do your photos good. Cleaning a ...more
Have you ever found a camera lens that you forgot you left in the basement or garage? Have you ever been shooting out in the rain and lost track of time? If any of these things have happened to your camera, you may have developed a fungus. Not to worry! It is much easier than ...more
You will get the best images possible if you learn to maintain your camera and keep the lens clean. In this tutorial, learn how to clean the lens of an SLR camera like a professional. With a clean lens you will be able to take crystal clear photos and avoid any blur or unwante ...more
This video shows us the method to protect your lens. This can be done by putting the lens caps. The cap for the part of lens going into the camera can be screwed on to the lens. It stops dust from getting on to the lens surface. The front part of the lens can be protected by a ...more
In this tutorial, we learn how to simulate teleportation w/ film effects & camera tricks. First, take a shot of your actors moving and doing something active. Then, take a shot of the frame without the actors. After this, go frame by frame masking the actors out of each of the ...more
DIY Photography has an interesting tutorial on creating a focusing mechanism/lens for around $4. Combine two PVC pipes of different radiuses with a magnifying glass. Cool project.
Spice up your digital photos with filters and effects. See how with this quick, official guide from HTC. Whether you're entirely new to the HTC Desire Z Google Android cell phone, interested in picking one up, or just out to learn a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to ...more
Spice up your digital photos with filters and effects. See how with this quick, official guide from HTC. Whether you're entirely new to the HTC Desire HD Google Android cell phone, interested in picking one up, or just out to learn a few new tips and tricks, you're certain to ...more
First of all you have to search for a reputed dealer. Then ask him all necessary questions like what sort of lenses shall fit in your camera, what shall be the size of the lens to fit in your camera. If you are going to purchase it online then you have to ask whether the surfa ...more
Professional camera cleaning is expensive and usually more than you need. Follow these simple steps to keep your lenses clear and smudge-free. You Will Need * A blower brush or ear syringe * A camel hair lens brush * A lens cloth or tissue * Lens cleaner Step 1: Brush first U ...more
With iOS 12, your iPhone's Messages app has more features than ever to enhance iMessage and FaceTime. Included in these changes are the new camera effects, which allow users to add fun and unique customizations to their photos and videos with the in-app camera in Messages. Sti ...more
As we get closer to the release of the iPhone 7 this September, more and more details are emerging about the features the new smartphone could have. The well-regarded analyst Ming Chi-Kuo of KGI Securities, who has an uncanny ability to predict new Apple features, has reported ...more
On Tuesday, on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of its AR Camera platform, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerburg revealed at the company's F8 developers conference that the platform will be extended to the company's Instagram and Messenger apps. Users of the In ...more
In iOS 12, Apple included new, Snapchat-like effects and stickers for photos and videos in Messages. While these new options are fun, they're missing something that takes away from the appeal, especially since Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and similar apps already let you do ...more
Apple announced their new iPhones today, and the 7 Plus features two camera lenses on its backside. That could push smartphone photography ahead in a major way. It may also serve as the basis for their foray into virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. HTC Vive Lighthouses. A l ...more
With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend serving as the unofficial start of summer, Pepsi is turning to Instagram to help sell its soft drinks to quench the thirst of beachgoers and BBQers. This week, Pepsi kicked off its #Summergram (yes, with the hashtag symbol) campaign with ...more
Soft focus photography can produce some beautiful images when used properly. It's used a lot in beauty and glamour shots, but can be applied to other types of photos as well. Some digital cameras have pre-programmed settings for soft focus shots, but if you're using a DSLR, yo ...more
In photography, bokeh refers to the blurry or out-of-focus parts of a shot. Bokeh can be good or bad—it all depends on how you use it. There are tons of ways to create a bokeh effect, whether you go the traditional route with lens filters, digital with Photoshop, or even from ...more
Add-on smartphone lenses are nothing new, but they have definitely gotten better as time goes on. Case in point: the Olloclip series of lenses for iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices (the S4 and S5 only at the moment). Their newer 4-in-1 lenses give you fisheye, wide angle, 10 ...more
The Camera tool in After Effects can be used to create or help create all sorts of cool effects. This video will show you how to use it to create some simple 3D text effects for titles. You'll be some other effects and particles as well. Part 1 of 3 - How to Use the Camera in ...more
This interactive Kodak digital camera tutorial takes you through every step necessary to fully familiarize yourself with the Kodak EasyShare V705 Dual Lens digital camera. If you just purchased a Kodak EasyShare V705 Dual Lens digital camera, take this instructional tour and l ...more
For some digital photographers, there is a noted compatibility issue when trying to use a lens which lacks a built-in or internal auto focusing motor. This tutorial shows you a few easy fixes you can use to alleviate this probem for your onw DSLR.
One of the most disappointing experiences ever is when you save all your money for a really expensive gadget—and then break it. Whether it happens the day you buy it, or years later, it's always frustrating. Luckily, there are some really clever DIY ways to fix your busted ge ...more
For the release of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Snapchat and Lionsgate aren't just creating AR experiences to promote the movie, they are giving fans the opportunity to create and share their own AR experiences. On Friday, the promotional partners launched the "Art of W ...more
If you want to engage in macro photography and can't afford a close-up lens, you may be in luck. By using a "G" lens (that is, a lens that does not have a built-in aperture ring) it is possible to reverse the lens and take close-up shots with your camera, without having to buy ...more
This is a video tutorial showing its audience how to relate the information that is displayed on your camera lens to your actual camera. The first step is to grab your camera and begin studying your lens. Next look at the mm reading on your lens and the aperture reading. These ...more
This After Effects tutorial from Andrew Kramer shows you how to create water droplets on the lens with DOF (Depth of Field). Learn about settings for the MR Mercury filter as well. Create water droplets on the lens in After Effects CS3. Click through to watch this video on vid ...more
Now that the holiday weekend is over, there's only one more celebration this year, and that's saying goodbye to 2011 and welcoming 2012 with open arms! For this week's Phone Snap challenge, we'd like to ring in the new year with you and see your best cell phone photo from your ...more
Lens caps are one of those necessary evils that serve a very useful purpose while still creating tons of headaches for users—who hasn't lost at least a few? Sure, you can always buy a holder for it, or just shove it in your pocket, but if you have some LEGOs lying around from ...more
You can get a microscope lens online for five dollars or less. Then, attach it to the camera lens, and you can even take pictures of microscopic images. This tutorial shows you how to add microscopic imaging functionality to your iPhone or iPad.
Shooting good footage with handheld cameras that wiggle, bounce, and fall onto rocks on a regular basis is tough. Sometimes, though, you may want to make it appear as if film that you've shot with tripods and such was actually shot with a handheld, like in some horror films. T ...more
Nick from Greyscale Gorilla demonstrates the proper technique to be able to fly through space and land pixel-perfect on a video in space. It's a difficult concept to learn, but it's how the pros do it.
Want to add an anamorphic lens flare to your digital footage? With Adobe After Effects, Video Copilot Optical Flares and, of course, the help provided by this video guide, it's easy! For step-by-step instructions, and to learn how to add anamorphic lens flares to your own digi ...more
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a pinhole lens for a digital camera. The materials required for this project are: a camera body cap, X-acto knife, black tape, small drill bit, sewing needle and sand paper. Begin by marking the center of the body cap . Then dr ...more
Smudges ruining otherwise perfect pictures? Patrick, from Tekzilla, has a solution for cleaning your camera lenses.
A great way to get picture perfect shots and protect your camera in the process is to use a lens hood. When shooting on your DSLR outdoors, a lens hood will definitely come in handy. In this tutorial, learn how to get the best and most affordable lens cover for your camera and ...more