I watched an interesting scientific programme about AI and object recognition. The AI recognises distribution of pixels and doesn‘t see the way we do. The programme showed, for example, how an AI program easily identified a picture as that of a dog. But an expert fooled around with the pixels in a way that the we couldn’t see any differences but the program then identified it as a trombone.
I use the same back button set up as you but don‘t recompose but leave the center spot on the head.
...wonderful post here.
It is kind of an obvious point but AI and other 'computer-assisted imaging' strategies really are essential for Canon in today's wonderful world of photography, eh?
You've got what Canon is already really really good at: (1) lenses and (2) sensors
Then another obvious Canon strength: (3) the user interface
I think AI and computer-assisted imaging are an important (4) in this 'list'...and Canon needs to be on their game here, too. With eye-focus etc (as well as the free software that enables most modern Canon cameras to function as web-cams) Canon is at or near the top here, too.
I presume CR readers have seen the feature Apple is touting in their very latest (and pricey) iPad Pros, a feature Apple calls 'Center Stage'.
Center Stage works only on the 2021 iPad Pro's front camera, a camera that utilizes a (front) lens that Apple claims has a 120 degree angle of view. Behind this ultra-wide lens is a 12 megapixel sensor. What Apple has done (I think) is realize that (probably for bandwidth reasons) videochat services such as their own Facetime as well as Zoom etc usually only transmit a 1-2 megapixel video signal.
So what Apple did (I think) is use AI to 'recognize' faces. This is all possible because the new M1 chip that resides within the 2021 iPad Pros is the identical chip found in Apple's latest laptops...is 'thisfast'...and is capable of the arithmetic necessary to recognize faces.
So 'normally' what Center Stage does (in a normal video chat with one person sitting a couple of feet or so from the tablet) is use the center 25% or so of the pixels and transmits that signal.
But the lens is ultra-wide...and if the subject gets up and steps back, moves left or right...stands up or bends down...that center 25% of the pixels slowly and smoothly follows that subject, zooms in if necessary...
It really works...and is an example of the sort of thing that Canon needs to out in front on.
Yes I am as aware as most (but not all!) who read and post here that full frame/depth of field/color science/dynamic range etc etc etc are of the utmost import for professional photographers.
But there is no reason that Canon can't innovate in all directions...in fact, to attract (and keep) younger photographers (like my daughters...M users!) in the fold...this kind of innovation is essential.
My wife teaches yoga (in part) from our living room. She has 'kidnapped' my M6 Mk II/EFM 11-22 combo, connected to a Dell XPS 13 via USB-C and Canon's webcam software...as well as a 55" 4K TV...to deliver pretty good content to her students--some of which prefer her classes delivered this way rather than the normal in-person classes (which have now re-started).
We'll be replacing everything but the TV with one of the new iPad Pros that can utilize Center Stage...it really really works for her particular use case--it is as if someone is operating the camera as she goes through the various yoga poses.
All from one device.
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I need help identifying this (rather small) butterfly:
Edit: Sachem?