Midjourney AI, the subscription-based image-generator service, has recently released version 5.2, featuring a new zoom-out function that simulates a camera lens’s zooming-out effect. The new feature enhances the original subject of the AI-generated images while expanding their borders, leaving enthusiasts astonished and excited.
This update also includes other improvements such as an overhauled aesthetic system and stronger stylised command. However, the use of image synthesis technology remains highly controversial among some artists due to ethical concerns around the training data and potential misuse of the images.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the new features and controversies surrounding Midjourney AI and its latest release, version 5.2.
New Features and Improvements
Midjourney’s latest release, version 5.2, introduces several new features and improvements. These include a zoom-out function, overhauled aesthetic system, stronger stylised command, and a high variation mode.
The zoom-out feature is particularly noteworthy, as it simulates the effect of zooming out with a camera lens. It expands the borders of the AI-generated image while keeping the original subject centred. This feature only works on images generated within Midjourney. However, it allows users to maintain a central synthesized image while automatically building out a larger scene around it.
In addition to the zoom-out function, Midjourney’s other new features include an overhauled aesthetic system, which enhances the visual quality of generated images, and a stronger stylised command that improves the accuracy of stylized images. The high variation mode provides users with even more creative control over the generated images.
These new features and improvements demonstrate Midjourney’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its AI image synthesis model. The model has already received high praise from enthusiasts and artists alike.
Controversies and Ethical Concerns
The use of image synthesis technology in the creation of art remains a point of ethical controversy among some artists due to the lack of transparency regarding the training data utilized by these systems.
Midjourney has faced criticism for its relatively ill-defined imagery lacking detail, as well as for its training data that utilizes millions of scraped images from the web without artist consultation, credit, or permission. While Midjourney’s recent updates have been impressive, some artists remain wary of the potential consequences of AI-generated imagery.
Despite the excitement over the new features, image synthesis remains highly controversial among some artists. Adobe’s Firefly project is attempting to take a more ethical path forward, but active artist consent is still marginal in the industry.
As AI continues to advance, ethical considerations must be taken into account to ensure that artists, both traditional and synthographer alike, are pleased with the path forward.
Other Information
Users can experiment with the new zoom-out function on the Midjourney Discord server, which allows for the expansion of the borders of AI-generated images while keeping the original subject centred. This feature is a significant technical advancement that allows for the creation of more expansive and detailed scenes without compromising the central subject’s focus.
However, it is important to note that the zoom-out feature cannot select a custom image to expand, and it only works on images generated within Midjourney.
The Midjourney Discord server is an excellent platform for users to explore and experiment with the new features and improvements of version 5.2. As Midjourney continues to push the boundaries of AI-generated imagery, it is essential to address the ethical concerns surrounding image synthesis. The development of more ethical paths forward for this technology can benefit both traditional and synthographer artists.
Overall, Midjourney’s zoom-out feature is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the potential of AI-generated imagery and emphasizes the importance of responsible development and use.