A digest of last week’s news is a selection of some of the news from week 52 related to the worlds of photography and video, covering multiple topics, always rounded up with a reading suggestion.

Tweet your video from a drone

Twitter has a patent for a drone enabling people to do what could be called as “aerial tweets”. According to the info published, the “unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carries a camera, sends data from the camera, and receives commands. The UAV is connected to a messaging platform. Pictures or video clips received from the UAV are selected and placed in messages broadcast by an account associated with the UAV. Video footage from the camera is live-streamed in a card-type message. Account holders of the messaging platform may control the UAV with commands embedded in messages and directed towards an account associated with the UAV.” The documentation also indicates that the UAV may include a display screen and/or a microphone to provide for telepresence or interview functionality.

The science of camera sensors

With a few typos and explanations that are not always completely accurate, the 13-minute video published by Filmmaker IQ, sponsored by RØDE Microphones, is an amazing journey into the world of camera sensors.

From film emulsion to CCDs and CMOS sensors, the video gives users an introduction to the technology behind the “film” we use in our cameras. In the video, John Hess explains all the processes that go on under the hood when you press “REC”. Check out the fascinating science behind film and electronic camera sensors.

World’s first clear glass ceramic filter

Sigma announced the development of a new type of protective filter, 10 times stronger than conventional filters. The Clear Glass Ceramic filter is made with a special heat treatment that precipitates microcrystals of a mineral called spinel evenly throughout, giving the entire filter consistent strength.

Combining much greater hardness than chemically strengthened glass and greater flexibility than sapphire crystal glass, Clear Glass Ceramic is the ideal material for protective filters, says Sigma. Clear Glass Ceramic is also resistant to cracking due to small scratches or chips. Since the risk of shattering and producing fragments is reduced, it also offers an enhanced level of safety. If you use filters to protect the front element of your lenses, this might be good news for you. Find more about the technology at Sigma’s website.

New Sony A7S Mark II profile

FilmConvert launched the new profile pack for the Sony A7S Mark II during the festive season, so here is a reminder in case you forgot to download it. The Profile Pack is available from FilmConvert’s website. The profile pack works both with FilmConvert Plugins & Standalone.Also available since the middle of December is a new profile for the Sony Rx100 IV camera. Both allow users to, after install, start grading straight away. And as always, the invitation from FilmConvert is up: “Make sure to share your films with us, we’d love to see what you’re working on!”

12 days of eBooks

From Lightroom presets to tips and techniques on portrait photography, travel or action, the collection of eBooks from DPS offer photographers a wide variety of information. The end of year sales is an opportunity to buy them at a special price.
As in previous years, the 12 days of Christmas eBook sales from DPS have gathered interest from people wanting to expand their library of photography eBooks. Now the sales are back, all of them, for the remaining days of the year. It is a unique opportunity, so do check the titles on offer, the special packs available on some eBooks and buy or offer the ones you want. But remember, when the clock strikes 2016 all the deals will vanish.