Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing Engine
June 22, 2009
Nikon is the world leader in digital photo imaging technology. It is recognised worldwide for the new standards and performances it tries to incorporate in its products. It has introduced many award winning compact as well as digital SLR cameras that are ideal gadgets for novices as well as for hard core professionals. Along with the production of cameras, it is also actively involved with the production of camera accessories and new software along with many other electronic gizmos.
The brain of any digital camera is its image processing engine. Now Nikon has also introduced its own image processing engine known as EXPEED. This image processing technology is incorporated in all the Nikon Coolpix and DSLR cameras. It features the basic ideas of the creation and processing of an image. It contains all the necessary technical knowledge of the various technologies that was acquired by Nikon in the course of transition from film based cameras to digital cameras. This technology portrays Nikon's intense passion for digital images.
Unlike the Canon's DIGIC processor or Sony's BIONZ image processing engines, the EXPEED does not deal with specific features or sections. Rather, it relates to Nikon's comprehensive conception in the field of digital image processing. In fact, EXPEED is used as a foundation based on which the other systems are modified to suit a particular model or characteristic. Thus it is evident that the EXPEED image processing engine has a major role to play in Nikon's cameras.
This EXPEED image processing engine controls colour fostering around the outer boundary of the image, noise reduction along with providing smooth tonal effects to the resultant images. It contributes towards improved camera performance, faster response as well as quicker data transfer. As all the internal processing is handled in complete 16-bit colour, this image processing engine caters towards maintaining precision for tonal compression in order to generate realistic colour reproduction in the images.
At times, the lateral chromatic aberration may cause adverse effects to the image. This factor is reduced to a great extent by the EXPEED processor. It adjusts the magnification of each and every colour and aligns it aptly in order to produce optimum quality image with a true-to-life effect. It enables rich and varied blending of colours utilising the wide and dynamic range provided by Nikon's image sensor. Also, it works towards improving the performance speed that includes shooting speed and memory card writing speed. Optimum noise reduction is done at a high ISO sensitivity of ISO 6400. Furthermore, it offers support for high definition television and a Compact Flash memory card.
On the whole, the EXPEED has been developed to greatly improve the signal to noise ratio, render true-to-life looking pictures, excellent image quality, great colour reproduction and amazing performance speed.
Panasonic’s Venus Engine Image Processor
April 22, 2009
The Venus processing Engine is an image processor developed by Panasonic. They are being used in almost all the digital cameras featuring in the Lumix series. Generally image processors work in four stages. Firstly they receive data from the CCD sensors, then they create Y-Colour differences i.e. image processing is done, then JPEG compression is done and lastly the image data is saved. With the introduction of Venus Image Processing Engine series; the latest being Venus Engine HD, Panasonic is claiming faster shutter speeds along with lower energy consumption.
Venus II, is the successor of Venus engine and is known for its enhanced resolution and super fast shutter response, this image processor has been incorporated in its Lumix DMC-FZ7 camera. Now with all the basic properties of Venus II, Panasonic developed the Venus III image processing engine that also provides better noise reduction at high ISO speeds and offers lower power consumption. But it was later discovered that along with noise reduction, some fine image details were are eliminated, thus to overcome this defect of the Venus III; the Venus IV Engine was developed.
The Venus Engine IV claims higher quality images as well as includes accurate tracking and correction of of stabilisation and ISO control. It also provides better noise reduction, preserves the finer image details, a faster shutter response along with great power efficiency. It provides superior quality images by using advanced signal processing that provides blur-free images that are rich in colour and depth. Advanced signal processing is done by adding two more circuits that help in reducing both low frequency as well as chromatic noise. Thus y6ou are sure to get superior quality images even in dimly lit situations. Panasonic has incorporated this advanced image processor in its Lumix DMC LS85 and Lumix DMC TZ6 Digital Cameras.
Next in line of Panasonic's Image Processors is the Venus Engine V; which uses advanced signal processing to generate beautiful images under high sensitivities. Multi-task signal processing is applied to all images for empowering higher performance and faster shooting. This image processor also increases the accuracy of many features such as MEGA Optical Image Stabilisation technique and the Intelligent ISO Control. A lot of energy efficiency improvements have been incorporated in this one, thus it provides better power efficiency. The cameras which come with this feature include the Lumix DMC FX40 and the Lumix DMC FX550 Digital Cameras.
A large scale image processing engine is the Venus Engine HD. It ensures high quality pictures and supports high definition television screen. It can handle dimly-lit subjects as well as fast moving high definition movies very well. It allows you to shoot in 720p AVCHD Lite and performs advanced signal processing for the best quality images and videos. Cameras using this image processor include the Lumix DMC G1 and Lumix DMC TZ7 Digital Cameras.
With the Venus image processor you are sure to get the best quality of images and movies along with the almost nil amount of noise and distortion. It also ensures maximum power consumption.
BIONZ Image Processing Engine – The Brain behind Sony Cameras
April 1, 2009
An image processor is a chip that is in-built into a digital camera. Image processing is a form of signal processing that transforms the image signal into a clear and precise image file. These days digital cameras include a dedicated image processing chips that convert the RAW data obtained from image sensors into a standard image format with the respective colour combinations. Due to these image processors the digital cameras always have an upper hand over conventional film cameras. This is because the image processing is done by special software that can manipulate the image in a number of ways. You can come across a variety of image processors have been introduced by different manufacturers. Like Canon who founded DIGIC III processor and Nikon which uses EXPEED processor, Sony has established the BIONZ Image Processing Engine. This BIONZ Imaging Processor has been incorporated into all Sony's latest compact and professional cameras as well as camcorders.
An image sensor is the heart of any digital camera. Usually CCD sensors were used for small and digital cameras, however these days they are being gradually replaced by CMOS sensors for higher quality and battery life. Sony has instituted the concept of High Definition video with the ClearVid CMOS Sensor. This CMOS sensor features Exmor technology, that enables it to provide higher resolution and better sensitivity with a large dynamic range.
As mentioned earlier, the image processor converts the raw data into a complete image. However the image processing engine is a major deciding factor that determines the clarity and precision with which the conversion is done. To support enhanced details reproduction, Sony's BIONZ Image Processing Engine inculcates a sense of re alism in each and every shot. It renders colours and adds rich texture and depth to convert it as the human eye would be able to view it. It works in conjunction with Exmor CMOS sensor that eliminates noise during the raw data conversion and image processing periods. The image thus reproduced is a realistic one that is rich in colour and detail. In cases where the background is very bright, this image processor suppresses the colour and luminance and noise to deliver a true-to-life photo.
Sony's BIONZ processor has revolutionised the digital camera industry and it unquestionably portrays the quality level of Sony Electronics.
Technology Behind Canon’s ‘DIGIC-III Processor’
November 24, 2008
DIGIC Processing technology was introduced by Canon, which it uses in all its models. This Image processor uses signal processing to augment the picture quality, as well as the image processing speed.
Evolution of DIGIC Processors:-
Canon had set its R&D team to develop a technology that could change the way the images were produced. It was on the lookout for a technique, using which the processing speed, the automatic focus and the image quality could be improved. The outcome was the development of the Digital Imaging Core (DIGIC) technology by Canon.
There is an image sensor in the digital camera, which converts the light that enters the camera through its lens into electrical signals. Now a Digital Image Processor is a technicality that removes the noise from these signals and generates images with natural colours and realistic effects. The DIGIC is an image processor that reduces the false colours and moiré patterns in the pictures and cancels the noise that is generated during long exposures.
The original DIGIC was used on the Canon S1 IS and other cameras. This technology was used to improve the image quality and reduce the processing speed. However, it consisted of three separate chips: a video processing integrated circuit, an image processing integrated circuit, and a camera control integrated circuit.
The DIGIC II; unlike the initial DIGIC, was all about a single chip, thus the design becoming more compact. This new version was enhanced by the addition of a large buffer and faster processing speed. It uses a Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Static RAM (DDR-SDRAM), which improves the start-up time, as well as the Auto-Focus speed. DIGIC II also improves the colour, white balance and sharpness. This technology is used in Canon EOS 400D Digital Camera, Canon EOS 5D Digital Camera, etc.
The DIGIC III processor is the advanced version of the DIGIC II processor. It has all the above mentioned qualities. Additionally, it can extend the battery life, deliver better quality images, and improve the operating speed as well. It also provides for a faster interface to the SD card memory. It also provides Face Detection Technicality, using which it can track about 9 faces in the frame and adjust the exposure, focus and flash, and provide proper lighting effects to produce explicitly realistic images. It also helps in improving the LCD screen resolution.
DIGIC III Processor:-
The circuit board of DIGIC contains a x86 compatible processor, a Datalight ROM-DOS operating system and the image processor. The DIGIC III processor consists of an embedded 32-bit ARM architecture processor.
DIGIC III Image Processor enhances the performance of the digital cameras in the following areas:-
• JPEG Compression or Expansion
• Memory Card Control
• LCD Control
• Video Processing
DIGIC III uses Advanced Noise Reduction Technology, due to which high light sensitivity can be produced. The cameras with higher light sensitivities are capable of capturing images in low light conditions with no loss to image quality and clarity. A higher light sensitivity also ensures faster shutter speed, thus reducing blurs in the images, or in fast moving pictures that refer to sports events or wildlife in action.
DIGIC III Processor has a superior processing speed, accurate auto-focus functionality, a fast camera response and continuous shooting capability. Its rate of operation and accuracy of colour reproduction, enables it to be used in Professional EOS Cameras; the Canon EOS 1000D Digital Camera, Canon S5 IS, etc.
Canon’s DIGIC technology is considered as a revolution in the digital camera industry and it emphatically displays Canon’s leadership in this industry.
