tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19334306668606469452024-03-14T18:49:42.760+11:00PSelect - Selected Photography UpdatesAndrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-85134828008295248862017-04-20T18:00:00.000+10:002017-04-20T18:00:10.728+10:00N&R: Impressive new Sony A9, interesting Pana-Leica ultra-wide and the rather poor Nikon D7500<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRUp8TE-EM0/WPhUtM3HRmI/AAAAAAAAA7U/vxf6IHwqbEoFGao_okFpj-2OPKr7GcyjgCLcB/s1600/SonaA9a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRUp8TE-EM0/WPhUtM3HRmI/AAAAAAAAA7U/vxf6IHwqbEoFGao_okFpj-2OPKr7GcyjgCLcB/s400/SonaA9a2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Nikon</h3>
Nikon have announced the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9743513906/nikon-announces-midrange-d7500-dslr">D7500</a>, which DPReview has compared to the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/9940701740/nikon-d7500-vs-nikon-d500-which-is-better-for-you">D500</a> and the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/3436918000/nikon-d7500-vs-d7200">D7200</a>. Honestly, this is a fail camera for me for just one reason - they've removed the dual slots. So, if you want dual slot redundancy, you're forced to either stick with the D7200, or upgrade to the bigger D500.<br />
<br />
I think it's a shame when a product goes backwards like this. The D500 has enough features in its own right that a D7500 wouldn't have canibilised its sales. This just doesn't make sense, and I think there should be more outcry than there is from respectable sites like <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2885741290/nikon-d7500-what-you-need-to-know">DPReview</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Panasonic</h3>
Panasonic <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5178183561/panasonic-introduces-leica-dg-vario-elmarit-8-18mm-f2-8-4-asph-lens">have announced</a> a co-Leica branded 8-18mm f.28-4 wide angle micro 43 lens. It is a similar size to the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6159105527/hands-on-with-the-panasonic-leica-dg-vario-elmarit-8-18mm-f2-8-4?slide=6">older 7-12mm f4 lens</a>, but can take 67mm filters. Retailing for 1,098USD, it should be an attractive alternative to the older lens if it <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/04/366-project-second-month-thoughts.html">can control flare</a> better.<br />
<br />
Also in Panasonic news, a GH5 firmware with 10-bit internal recording <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6473630611/panasonic-gh5-gets-10-bit-4-2-2-1080-video-in-first-of-promised-firmware-updates">has been released</a>, and they've admitted <a href="https://fstoppers.com/originals/its-official-gh5-has-autofocus-issues-and-panasonic-responds-173294">their video AF sucks</a>. Plus, they have a new <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5888025420/panasonic-updates-travel-zoom-lineup-with-lumix-dc-zs70-tz90">compact superzoom</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sony</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_hAmeP2PCA/WPhZch8QqjI/AAAAAAAAA7w/FrDclnAq10Enj5CcKdBLyzoVlvQ7j0vwgCLcB/s1600/SonyA9b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_hAmeP2PCA/WPhZch8QqjI/AAAAAAAAA7w/FrDclnAq10Enj5CcKdBLyzoVlvQ7j0vwgCLcB/s400/SonyA9b2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An AF joystick selector and dual slots - hallelujah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, the long rumoured A9<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1308959313/the-sony-a9-is-a-24mp-sports-shooting-powerhouse"> has been announced</a> - and it's a serious Nikon D5/Canon 1DX competitor.<br />
<br />
From the press release:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>World’s First full-frame stacked CMOS sensor, 24.2 MP resolution</li>
<li>Blackout-Free Continuous Shooting at up to 20fps for up to 241 RAW/ 362 JPEG images</li>
<li>Silent, Vibration-free shooting at speeds up to 1/32,000 sec</li>
<li>693 point focal plane phase detection AF points with 60 AF/AE tracking calculations per second</li>
<li>Extensive professional features including Ethernet port for file transfer, Dual SD card slots and extended battery life</li>
<li>5-Axis in-body image stabilization with a 5.0 step shutter speed advantage</li>
</ul>
<br />
The thing to bear in mind is that 20fps is achieved via an electronic shutter, using the mechanical shutter brings it down to 5fps. However, Sony claims the new stacked CMOS sensor will remove any rolling shutter effects.<br />
<br />
For me personally, the stand out features are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>AF joystick</li>
<li>Touch screen</li>
<li>Dual Card slots</li>
<li>My Menu (finally)</li>
<li>AF type selection via control wheel (AF-C vs AF-S etc)</li>
<li>Still same <a href="http://camerasize.com/compare/#624,713">basic size and weight as the A7R Mark 2</a></li>
</ul>
<br />
Those first 4 features were severe limitations on the A7R2 (for me) compared to the competition (Canon 5D Mark 3 and Nikon D810).<br />
<br />
On the negative side of the A9 we have:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>No log video (what the hell Sony?)</li>
<li>No control lever on the AF-On button - I always use this to change from back-button focus to Eye-AF.</li>
<li>Still just USB2 - though an ethernet port has been added.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Also not mentioned is if this camera can make use of hot shoe flash AF assist lights.<br />
<br />
You can see a hands-on reviews from <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0029597051/hands-on-with-the-sony-alpha-a9">DPReview</a> and <a href="https://fstoppers.com/originals/hands-newly-announced-sony-a9-my-five-favorite-features-173683">FStoppers</a>.<br />
<br />
Will I get this personally? I'll wait for more in-depth reviews. If I were still shooting events as much as I used to, I would love this. If I wanted to get into weddings, this would also be my camera of choice. As it stands now, I might wait and see if an A9R or A7R Mark III is announced, and what it beings to the table.<br />
<br />
As it stands, this is a very compelling offering from Sony. Even if I don't get it, I'm happy to know, every time I splash out for a new Sony FE-lens, that this camera exists.<br />
<br />
Oh, they also announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3259521271/sony-announces-fe-100-400mm-f4-5-5-6-gm-oss-lens">a 100-400 f5-5.6 lens</a>.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-47079620386512302192017-04-11T18:00:00.000+10:002017-04-11T18:00:21.861+10:00N&R: Canon, Leica, Panasonic Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Cactus and Sekonic<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXBHcrryipA/VxyTi8UBnyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/etNsqgtls5s5FDsTtyATpVY6y0ztv9DIwCPcB/s1600/SonyRX1RII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXBHcrryipA/VxyTi8UBnyI/AAAAAAAAAU4/etNsqgtls5s5FDsTtyATpVY6y0ztv9DIwCPcB/s400/SonyRX1RII.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sony RX1R III may be coming, but will it be worth an upgrade?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Canon</h3>
The 35mm macro lens rumoured last week has been <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3745114345/canon-introduces-ef-s-35mm-f2-8-macro-lens-with-built-in-ring-light">announced</a>, with the most surprising feature being a built-in ring light.<br />
<br />
The next lens rumoured to come from Canon will be <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/the-next-lens-from-canon-nab-announcements/">a 85mm f1.4</a>, with the interesting feature being that it will have image stabilisation.<br />
<br />
Also, if you're a fan of superzooms, the Canon Powershot sx730 with an <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9331111630/canon-s-powershot-sx730-hs-travel-zoom-offers-40x-lens-in-a-very-small-package">equivalent 24-960mm lens has been announced</a>.<br />
<h3>
Leica</h3>
A <a href="https://photorumors.com/2017/04/06/leica-noctilux-m-75mm-f1-25-asph-lens-rumored/">75mm f/1.25</a> lens is rumoured to be coming soon, with no doubt an astronomical price to match.<br />
<h3>
Panasonic</h3>
There is much arguing on the internet about the GH5's continuous auto-focus capabilities when shooting video. FStoppers posted an article <a href="https://fstoppers.com/originals/panasonic-gh5-has-some-major-autofocus-problems-172057">about it</a>, and soon after, another about how <a href="https://fstoppers.com/originals/gh5-owners-choose-teams-over-autofocus-issues-172278">divided the community</a> is.<br />
<br />
It seems the sensible conclusion is the GH5 is an amazing video camera, except for the auto-focus. Which makes sense when you think about it not having on sensor PDAF like recent Canon and Sony cameras.<br />
<br />
If you're thinking about buying a GH5, you may also want to watch <a href="https://fstoppers.com/gear/harsh-fair-review-panasonic-gh5-172534">this video</a>... which identifies both the auto-focus problem, as well as an issue with the image stabilisation when walking without a gimbal.<br />
<h3>
Sigma</h3>
A Sigma Quattro firmware update now brings <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9439233499/firmware-update-brings-dng-support-and-improved-af-speeds-to-sigma-sd-quattro">DNG support</a>, which DPReview considers <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/opinion/9977248883/sigma-shoots-dng-raw">a game changer</a>. To quote DPReview reader <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9439233499/firmware-update-brings-dng-support-and-improved-af-speeds-to-sigma-sd-quattro?comment=7516945729">WesPerry</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I'm sure it's owner will be thrilled.</i></blockquote>
<h3>
Sony</h3>
Rumour has it that Sony will shortly announce <a href="https://photorumors.com/2017/04/10/sony-rx1r-iii-camera-rumors-improved-operations-4k-video-updated-evf/">a new Sony RX1R Mark III</a>. The reported changes are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Better operations</li>
<li>4k video recording capabilities</li>
<li>Improved EVF</li>
</ul>
<br />
Although all these are nice to haves, none of these would be enough to make me consider upgrading from the Mark II. For me to upgrade, the features I'd want to see are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dual SD Card Slots</li>
<li>Joystick for AF Point selection</li>
<li>PDAF making use of an attached flash/trigger to emit AF light</li>
<li>IBIS</li>
</ul>
<br />
I once said I would buy the Mark II if it had an EVF and PDAF - and I put my money where my mouth is. Let's see if Sony can do it again.<br />
<h3>
Tamron</h3>
There are many <a href="https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/04/mtf-lens-tests-of-the-new-tamron-70-200-f2-8-sp-di-vc-usd-g2/">reviewers</a> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/originals/tamron-vs-nikon-which-70-200mm-f28-telephoto-lens-best-money-171839">all at</a> <a href="https://petapixel.com/2017/04/07/review-tamrons-70-200mm-f2-8-good-nikons-1500-less/">once</a> comparing the Tamron 70-200 G2 to the Nikon offering. Definitely worth considering if you're after a 70-200 and want to save some cash.<br />
<h3>
Cactus</h3>
Cactus will, <a href="http://flashhavoc.com/cactus-x-ttl-for-v6-ii-announced/">via a firmware update </a>for their V6 and V6II triggers, allow cross-brand TTL.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br />The new X-TTL firmware versions, apart from supporting cross-brand high-speed sync (HSS/FP), remote power and zoom control of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sigma flashes all at the same time, NOW support automatic TTL exposure in the same cross-brand environment, both exposure on-camera and off-camera.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The first wave of firmware releases will be for Sigma, Sony, and Fujifilm.</i></blockquote>
<div>
I can remember when Cactus were called <a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/10/detailed-cactus-v2s-mod-page.html">Poverty Wizards</a>, and considered an unreliable poor man's Pocket Wizard. Bravo Cactus, bravo. You're now much more interesting than anything from Pocket Wizard recently.</div>
<br />
However, I still have my Pocket Wizards collecting dust in the draw, and I wouldn't consider Cactus. It's just a pain to use any lights without an inbuilt receiver.<br />
<h3>
Sekonic</h3>
Sekonic <a href="http://flashhavoc.com/sekonic-l-858d-u-now-available/">have announced</a> a new light meter capable of measuring HSS flash bursts and graphing flash output and duration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbBzXRhdJNo/WOx9c3aRjSI/AAAAAAAAA5A/OuUzx8wL3P8yD15u-L3NpyjuKR-NIIAxQCLcB/s1600/Sekonic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EbBzXRhdJNo/WOx9c3aRjSI/AAAAAAAAA5A/OuUzx8wL3P8yD15u-L3NpyjuKR-NIIAxQCLcB/s320/Sekonic.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<br />
There will be optional radio transmitter modules for Elinchrom, Phottix, and PocketWizard, as <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/elinchrom-phottix-sekonic-7510">expected</a>. What would really interest me would be a Godox module. Flash Havoc has stated:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Separately both Godox and Sekonic sound positive about the idea, though I don’t know if its even been discussed between them.</i></blockquote>
As I'm not in the process of trying to move all my off camera lights to Godox, I really hope this can happen.Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-66360972509354014352017-04-04T18:00:00.000+10:002017-04-04T18:00:08.815+10:00N&R: It's all about the lenses (Canon, Sigma & Zeiss)Not much this week, except about lenses.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi0JylIUuM0/WOM8cgb9BII/AAAAAAAAA4Q/bMm0zv_pg3EIT9sV4eK8ePxjw9BHoHQhQCLcB/s1600/canonefs3528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gi0JylIUuM0/WOM8cgb9BII/AAAAAAAAA4Q/bMm0zv_pg3EIT9sV4eK8ePxjw9BHoHQhQCLcB/s400/canonefs3528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Canon</h3>
A new Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens has been leaked. From <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/canon-ef-s-35mm-f2-8-macro-is-stm-images-specs-leak-out/">Canon Rumors</a>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lens construction: 10 elements in 10 groups (one glass molded aspherical lens)</li>
<li>Number of aperture blades: seven (circular aperture)</li>
<li>Shortest shooting distance: 0.13 m (working distance 3 cm)</li>
<li>Maximum shooting magnification: 1x</li>
<li>Image stabilization: approximately 4 steps</li>
<li>Filter diameter: 49 mm (with lens hood ES - 27 installed )</li>
<li>Size: 55.8 x 69.2 mm</li>
<li>Weight: Approx. 190 g</li>
<li>Macro light mounted</li>
<li>Hybrid IS</li>
<li>Lead screw type STM</li>
</ul>
<div>
Also rumoured is new <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/crop-factor-change-for-4k-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-included-in-coming-update-more/">video centric firmware</a> for the Canon 5D Mark IV, and the <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/magic-lantern-gets-4k-onto-the-eos-5d-mark-iii/">5D Mark III gets 4K from Magic Lantern</a> (not an April Fool's joke).</div>
<br />
<h3>
Sigma</h3>
The price for the new Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 lens <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1152369797/sigma-100-400mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-contemporary-lens-goes-up-for-preorder">has been announced as $800USD</a> and is available for pre-order. Considerably cheaper and lighter than Nikon and Canon equivalents.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lens Construction: 21 Elements in 15 Groups</li>
<li>Angle of View: 24.4º - 6.2 º</li>
<li>Min to Max Aperture: f/22 - f/5 - 6.3</li>
<li>Max Reproduction Ratio: 1:3.8</li>
<li>Min. Focusing Distance: 5.25' (1.6 m)</li>
<li>Filter Thread: 67mm</li>
<li>Dimensions: 86.4 x 182.3mm/ 3.4 x 7.2in</li>
<li>Weight: 1160 gram / 40.9 ounce</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
Zeiss</h3>
<div>
The first image of the Zeiss Batis 135mm f2.8 has <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-leaked-first-image-new-zeiss-batis-135mm-f2-8-lens/">been leaked</a>. Specs are:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Minimum focus distance: 0.87 m (working distance: 0.74 m)</li>
<li>Maximum shooting magnification: 1: 5.3</li>
<li>In lens stabilization</li>
<li>Filter diameter: 67 mm</li>
<li>Maximum diameter: 98 mm</li>
<li>Focus ring diameter: 81 mm</li>
<li>Weight: 614 g</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Price is expected to be similar to the existing Zeiss Batis 18mm f/1.8 ($1,500 USD).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-33090758420497157982017-03-28T18:00:00.000+11:002017-03-28T18:00:21.330+11:00N&R: Sony, Sigma, Zeiss, Atomos, Fujifilm & Google<h3>
Sony</h3>
An exciting new FE mount camera is rumoured to be coming <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/rumor-recap-small-new-info-soon-announced-new-ff-high-speed-e-mount-camera-sony-a7siii/">from Sony on April 23</a>. <b>SonyAlphaRumors </b>lists the most reliable information as being:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>There will be a new High End E-mount FF camera.</li>
<li>This camera is all about speed: fastest AF of all Sony E-mount cameras, around 20fps, unlimited RAW recording.</li>
<li>Dual SD card.</li>
<li>Bit larger than current A7II camera series.</li>
<li>It has a joystick control on the back.</li>
<li>New FE lenses coming (16-35mm f/2.8 GM and 100-400mm FE G).</li>
</ul>
<div>
It remains to be seen if this is the extension of an existing line, or a brand new line. I just hope and pray that it can use AF-assist lights from flashes and triggers (and that RAW from continuous shooting modes are 14-bit instead of 12-bit).</div>
<h3>
Sigma</h3>
<div>
Pricing for the Sigma 135mm 1.8 has <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5728784255/sigma-announces-135mm-f1-8-dg-will-cost-1400-arrive-in-may">been announced</a> at $1,400 USD, with expected delivery in May.</div>
<h3>
Zeiss</h3>
<div>
If you want a slower, and probably more expensive, 135mm lens... it has been confirmed that the next lens in the Zeiss Batis range (for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras) will <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-yes-new-zeiss-batis-135mm-f2-8-lens/">be a135mm f2.8</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, it should be lighter and smaller as well.</div>
<h3>
Atomos</h3>
<div>
Atomos have announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4007505932/atomos-introduces-ninja-inferno-off-camera-recorder">the Ninja Inferno</a>, a cut down version of the Shogun Inferno. At half the price, you are losing the ability to record RAW, and SDI connections. If you're planning to pair it with a Panasonic Gh5, or a Sony A7S, this makes a good deal of sense.</div>
<h3>
Fujifilm</h3>
<div>
Fujifilm have announced major <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5380614834/major-firmware-updates-coming-for-fujifilm-x-t2-and-x-pro2">new firmware updates</a> for their X-T2 and X-Pro2 cameras. Bravo Fuji, this is the thing I probably admire most about Fuji, even though I feel their cameras aren't for me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Meanwhile, DPReview have released <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/opinion/2341704755/thinking-about-buying-medium-format-read-this-first">a devastating article</a> questioning the actual real life gains you will get from using the new Fujifilm’s GFX 50S (and, by extension, Hasselblad X1D).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This article summed up a lot of my thoughts, as I'd been a doubtful how much gain there is to be gotten from 'crop' medium format ever since seeing <a href="https://luminous-landscape.com/sony-a7rii-review-and-hands-on-report/">the comparison of the Pentax 645Z to the Sony A7R2</a> by Luminous Landscape.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For me, the quality bump you get from going to medium format isn't worth the extra cost, weight, slower AF, etc.</div>
<h3>
Google</h3>
<div>
Google have<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3002172137/google-guetzli-is-an-open-source-jpeg-encoder-that-creates-35-smaller-files"> released an open-source JPEG encoder</a> that claims to produce 35% smaller files without noticeable loss in quality. Just be warned, many claim to see loss in saturation levels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-76891745301047591642017-03-14T18:00:00.000+11:002017-03-14T18:00:08.589+11:00N&R: Olympus, Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds<h3>
Olympus</h3>
In news that would surprise no one, Olympus has <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/9877975278/olympus-brings-down-the-curtain-on-the-four-thirds-system">officially stopped</a> making four third lenses (their previous DSLR system). It's been 6.5 years since they released a camera for it.<br />
<br />
Owners of the lenses can take some comfort that the lenses still work well with their new flagship E-M1 series of cameras via an adapter.<br />
<br />
In other news, Olympus believes that <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3280755350/olympus-working-on-8k-video-on-micro-four-thirds">8K Micro 43</a> cameras are possible:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>General Manager of Olympus Product Planning, Mr. Akira Watanabe, said: “we can assure you that there is no problem in developing sensors at 33 million pixels for filming in 8K. We started the 4/3″ saga with a sensor at 5 Mpx In 2003. Now the same sensor is at 20 Mpx with a much higher image quality especially for the management of electronic noise.”</i></blockquote>
However, one <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3280755350/olympus-working-on-8k-video-on-micro-four-thirds?comment=0583305071">commenter hasn't forgotten</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging's SLR planning department, said in 2009: "Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need"</i></blockquote>
I fall into the latter camp. A 12mp sensor using modern technologies like BSI could kick some serious butt and deliver 4K video. If they had a 43 sensor that could match the old Nikon D700 sensor for noise, DR and resolution*, it would be very hard for anyone to dismiss Micro 43s as a toy camera system.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>* If you were to cut out the shape of a Micro43 sensor from the Sony A7R2, you'd end up with a 11mp sensor. If they could squeeze in a tad more pixels to get 12MP, but with Sony A7R2 dynamic range, you could have a serious little camera.</i><br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-29647843705357876502017-03-07T18:00:00.000+11:002017-03-07T18:00:26.542+11:00N&R: Hasselblad, Phottix and Metz<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to the news below, there has been some rumours of a new Sigma 70-200 sports lens floating around. However, the original source of the news rates that as <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/sigma-to-finally-bring-a-70-200mm-f2-8-dg-os-sport-lens-in-2017-cr2/">a less than 40% accurate rumour</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EM8CWcFQc-o/WL5IE166H-I/AAAAAAAAA3I/pvKA0LAxsukRDbQddqEvE4ZcT3E17CQxQCLcB/s1600/MetzL1000_BC_X_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EM8CWcFQc-o/WL5IE166H-I/AAAAAAAAA3I/pvKA0LAxsukRDbQddqEvE4ZcT3E17CQxQCLcB/s400/MetzL1000_BC_X_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Hasselblad</h3>
Hasselblad have announced a 120mm f3.5 macro/portrait lens for <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5754388909/hasselblad-to-introduce-120mm-macro-for-the-x1d-with-three-more-lenses-to-follow">their mirrorless X1D</a>. Three other lenses are expected soon as well: a 22mm, 65mm and a 35-70mm zoom. With the availability of leaf shutter 35mm and 95mm equivalent lenses, the Hasselblad is far and away the mirrorless medium format camera I would lean for if I was so inclined.<br />
<h3>
Phottix</h3>
Phottix have announced a new version of their manual flash trigger, <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/phottix-ares-ii-8793">the Ares II</a>. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the ability to set a 4 digit pin, making it less likely that another photographer will inadvertently trigger your lights.<br />
<h3>
Metz</h3>
Need a splash-proof video light? Metz has <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/mecalight-l1000-bc-8765">you covered</a>.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-88956918341173490782017-02-28T18:00:00.000+11:002017-02-28T18:00:14.076+11:00N&R: Lots of accessories for SonySeems this week is all about lenses and accessories for Sony from other manufacturers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfo-MNECErc/WLUR9Wdq6yI/AAAAAAAAA2k/m1fmpEUo-TASw3kT0c3KwukZE5tqyb90gCLcB/s1600/voigtlander3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfo-MNECErc/WLUR9Wdq6yI/AAAAAAAAA2k/m1fmpEUo-TASw3kT0c3KwukZE5tqyb90gCLcB/s400/voigtlander3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
CamFi</h3>
<br />
The latest version of CamFi's app will now work <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2752770080/camfi-wireless-camera-controller-now-supports-sony-digital-cameras">with Sony cameras</a> (previously just Canon and Nikon cameras). This will let you do things like adjust settings and get live view, all the things you can already do on a phone use Sony's own app, but not on a pc.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Fuji</h3>
As well as updating their <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2124221082/fujifilm-updates-x-mount-lens-roadmap">lens roadmap</a> for their own X-Mount system, Fuji also surprised everyone by releasing two surprisingly affordable <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0042860113/fujifilm-launches-mk-series-of-cinema-lenses-with-18-55mm-t2-9-and-50-135mm-t2-9">cine lenses in E-Mount</a>. An 18-55 t2.9 and a 50-135 t2.9.<br />
<br />
They will cover just a Super35 image circle, and DPReview has both a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/6535972319/first-look-fujinon-mk18-55mm-t2-9-cine-lens">first look</a> and <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/0434139420/fujinon-mk18-55-t2-9-cine-lens-first-impressions-and-shooting-experience">a video</a>.<br />
<br />
Fuji will later release X-Mount editions, which could show they are also likely to release more video-centric X-Mount cameras soon.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Sony</h3>
Sony have announced what they claim to be the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2238731916/world-s-fastest-sd-cards-hit-299mb-s-write-speed-according-to-sony">world's fastest SD cards</a>, but none of their cameras can yet take advantage of them. However, would be still nice for when you want to extract your images at the end of the day.<br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, the SD Card Association announced the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3198678229/uhs-iii-sd-card-interface-capable-of-624mb-s-bursts-announced">specs for UHS-III</a>, which could theoretically destroy Sony's new cards in terms of performance.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Voigtländer</h3>
Voigtländer announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2396798242/cosina-announces-development-of-three-voigtlander-e-mount-lenses">3 new E-Mount lenses</a>, a Classic Nokton 35mm F1.4, Nokton 40mm F1.2, and Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2. DP Review also did a quick hands on <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4962233673/cp-2017-hands-on-with-new-voigtlander-e-mount-primes">at the CP+ show.</a><br />
<br />
<h3>
Elinchrom</h3>
And, not just for Sony, Elinchrom have announced the replacement for their Ranger RX series, <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/elinchrom-elb-1200-8756">the ELB-1200</a>. Despite using Lithium Ion batteries, the lightest kit will still clock in at a back breaking 6.5kg.<br />
<br />
According to Lighting Rumours:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Elinchrom ELB 1200 is scheduled to become available “mid-2017” at a price yet to be announced. Elinchrom have also indicated that photographers will be able to trade in their old Ranger RX / Free Style packs in return for a discount on a new ELB 1200 purchase.</i></blockquote>
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-1243540515240373332017-02-21T18:00:00.000+11:002017-02-22T11:46:12.255+11:00N&R: Changing formats...I haven't posted one of these summaries in a while. I was planning to until suddenly Canon released a new DSLR, seemingly starting a new line, and I just couldn't bring myself to try to work out what all the Canon lines are. The thought of no longer doing this summary crossed my mind, but instead I am going to try a briefer format. <i>(edit: I failed.</i>)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0AffHonPsw/WKvTBOTE5wI/AAAAAAAAA2A/UJiOAPcZfno7aqdWeS5bGugehX1_R23XACLcB/s1600/Sony100stf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0AffHonPsw/WKvTBOTE5wI/AAAAAAAAA2A/UJiOAPcZfno7aqdWeS5bGugehX1_R23XACLcB/s400/Sony100stf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sony 100mm f2.8STF - For lovers of creamy bokeh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Canon</h3>
Canon have announced a new <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6751279075/canon-eos-rebel-t7i-800d-bring-dual-pixel-af-to-entry-level-series">Rebel T7i / 800D</a>, and an <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6214451473/canon-announces-eos-77d">EOS 77D</a> that will sit between the T7i and the 80D. I know I am a bit like Jon Snow, but I really feel Canon and Nikon have way too many different series in their DSLR lines. DPReview have hands on with both the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4986684422/hands-on-with-the-canon-eos-rebel-t7i-eos-800d">T7i </a>and the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5977643439/hands-on-with-the-canon-eos-77d">77D</a>.<br />
<br />
Despite both having Canon's impressive Dual Pixel AF, neither have 4k Video, leaving the camera video hybrid field all to Panasonic and Sony (and, giving Fuji an opening). An odd choice by Canon, considering their earlier successes there.<br />
<br />
A new remote and kit zoom was also <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2627693698/canon-announces-bluetooth-remote-and-20-smaller-ef-s-18-55mm-f4-5-6-kit-zoom">announced</a>.<br />
<br />
And a new mirrorless camera with optional evf, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2937046154/canon-debuts-eos-m6-mirrorless-with-optional-evf">the M6</a>. I think Canon needs to work on the lens selection more.<br />
<h3>
Pentax</h3>
Pentax announced a new APS-C DSLR which DPReview call compact, and claim: "Ricoh tells us that they were aiming for a camera with a similar size as a competitive mirrorless model, but without sacrificing the experience of using an optical viewfinder."<br />
<br />
However, it's still bigger than mid-range Canons and Nikons, bigger than a Fuji X-T2 and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/Fuji%20-%20http://camerasize.com/compare/#706,520">weighs a good 40%</a> more.<br />
<br />
DPReview: <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0516825567/ricoh-announces-pentax-kp-with-new-shake-reduction-system-and-24mp-sensor">announcement</a> and <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5120223341/hands-on-with-ricohs-compact-pentax-kp">hands-on</a>.<br />
<h3>
Nikon</h3>
Nikon have put the final nail in their 1-inch <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6864148000/nikon-cancels-dl-compact-series-citing-high-development-cost">Nikon DL</a> range.<br />
<h3>
Sigma</h3>
Sigma have, just now, announced 4 new DSLR lenses. Three new lenses are in their Art lens series: 1<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1942581285/sigma-announces-14mm-f1-8-24-70mm-f2-8-and-135mm-f1-8-art-lenses">4mm F1.8, 24-70mm F2.8 and 135mm F1.8 Art lenses</a>. I imagine the 14mm f1.8 could be incredibly popular with astrophotographers.<br />
<br />
Also announced was <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7094553685/sigma-announces-100-400mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-lens">a 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens.</a><br />
<h3>
Sony</h3>
Sony have announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5917677326/sony-announces-100mm-f2-8-g-master-and-fe-85mm-f1-8">two new <i>portrait </i>lenses</a>, a budget friendly 85mm 1.8, and, for lovers of creamy bokeh, a 100mm f2.8 STF G Master. DPReview have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/8335176421/hands-on-with-sony-100mm-f2-8-stf-g-master-and-fe-85mm-f1-8-lenses">a hands-on</a> for both these lenses.<br />
<br />
If you're interested in what the STF lens is all about, <a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/sony/fe-100mm-f2.8-stf-gm-oss-sel100f28gm/review/">Imaging Resource</a> have an informative article on it:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF G has a physical aperture of f/2.8, but exposes like an f/5.6. And when it comes to DOF, it shoots like an f/4, but produces some of the most amazing, creamy bokeh we've ever seen.</i></blockquote>
Sony also have a new <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6486206162/sony-announces-compact-hvl-f45rm-radio-controlled-flash">radio controlled flash</a>.<br />
<h3>
Tamron</h3>
A new <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9035761523/tamron-announces-70-200mm-f2-8-and-10-24mm-f3-5-4-5-updates">70-200 f2.8, and a new 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 lens</a>. Both for Canon and Nikon. See the hands-on <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/5491090479/hands-on-with-tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-and-10-24mm-f3-5-4-5-g2-zooms">here</a>.<br />
<h3>
Adobe</h3>
Adobe have officially retired CS6. <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3633651596/adobe-cs6-has-been-officially-retired">Who knew</a>?<br />
<h3>
Godox</h3>
The <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/godox-tt350s-released-8727">Godox TT350S</a> flash for Sony is now available (with Nikon and Canon to follow). Weighing in at just 200g, it is an impressive 33% lighter than the 300g Nissin i60A. It also contains both a 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver, compatible with the Godox X1 system.<br />
<br />
For me, this could make a pretty capable travel solution. Two TT350S with an X1 trigger would come in at 490g, and offer plenty of redundancy if one part failed.<br />
<br />
For those craving more power, there is also the interesting new <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/godox-witstro-ad200-8602">Godox Witstro AD200</a>. Lighting Rumours got hold of a prototype and posted their <a href="http://www.lightingrumours.com/godox-ad200-1st-impressions-8670">first impressions</a>. Of course, with battery and both fresnel and barebulb heads, you're looking at over 1000g!<br />
<h3>
Irix</h3>
A new 11mm f4 lens for full frame DSLRs <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6871582533/irix-introduces-11mm-super-wideangle-11mm-for-full-frame-dslrs">was announced</a>.<br />
<h3>
Nissin</h3>
Nissin have announced a new <a href="http://www.nissindigital.com/2017/02/new-product-ann-ccf8.html">Nissin Air10s</a> trigger for their Air 1 system. It seems they've listened to <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-problem-with-nissin-air-system-read.html">my stinging criticsm</a>* and their new products will have <a href="http://nissin.lekumo.biz/en/files/Press_Release_Air10s.pdf">user updateable firmware</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Air10s has been equipped with a Micro SD card slot that allows users to update the device easily by themselves. Nissin plans on putting a Micro SD card slot on all future strobes and commanders.</i></blockquote>
<i>* I don't really believe this.</i><br />
<h3>
RawTherapee</h3>
RawTherapee, a freeware raw converter, has <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3324676949/rawtherapee-5-0-released-with-new-tools-faster-performance-and-bug-fixes">a new stable 5.0 release</a>. Reports seem to suggest it is a clunky, but powerful, converter. Available in Linux, Mac and Windows varieties.<br />
<h3>
Triggertrap</h3>
After a failed Kickstarter, Triggertrap are <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4870721367/triggertrap-is-closing-shop">closing their doors</a>. Apps will be available for a while, and if you're an android user, you can use it with <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.dslrremote&hl=en">DSLR Remote</a> (probably the first time Android Triggertrap users had the advantage over their iOS brethren.)<br />
<h3>
Yongnuo</h3>
Yongnuo have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2249280349/yongnuo-yn-85mm-f-1-8-lens-now-available">released their 85mm f1.8 lens</a>, currently in Canon mount, but Nikon soon to follow.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-7901676245214806812017-01-24T17:00:00.000+11:002017-01-24T18:52:53.897+11:00N&R: Leica M10 & Fuji X100FOver the last week, both Fuji and Leica announced new cameras; which is somewhat interesting as, for some inexplicable reasons, a lot of people (Fuji users) like to compare their cameras to Leica.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGUYWL6g4oo/WIWe_Dq7Z-I/AAAAAAAAA0w/ROrwmsMdfIEsPJ9R7DlxsR4YN8msV7faACLcB/s1600/LeicaM10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGUYWL6g4oo/WIWe_Dq7Z-I/AAAAAAAAA0w/ROrwmsMdfIEsPJ9R7DlxsR4YN8msV7faACLcB/s400/LeicaM10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a Fuji</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Fuji</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNan-UTbgco/WIWfKHoSgAI/AAAAAAAAA00/njXBwasRwzctjJ-omK9l6BRl9CaRs3nywCLcB/s1600/FujiX100F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNan-UTbgco/WIWfKHoSgAI/AAAAAAAAA00/njXBwasRwzctjJ-omK9l6BRl9CaRs3nywCLcB/s320/FujiX100F.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a rangefinder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The forth iteration of the X100 line, the X100F <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1772254431/fujifilm-x-t20-arrives-with-new-24mp-sensor-and-4k-video-capture">has been announced</a>. This is interesting enough as the X100, with it's rangefinder styling, would seem to be the camera that started the whole Leica/Fuji comparisons. No doubt aided along by a 'review' by a certain blogger (that never even owned or reportedly used a Leica) involving a bar.<br />
<br />
However, as an ex-X100 owner, I can see little on offer to tempt me back. The <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0513197848/f-for-4th-hands-on-with-fujifilm-x100f?slide=4">joystick control</a> is a definite improvement, but the whole one set of controls for whole stop changes, and separate dials for 1/3rd stops adjustments, remains. This was about the most unergonomic methods of control I've ever used - and I use Sony!<br />
<br />
When I've used a Leica M with the half stops on the physical shutter speed and aperture dials everything was smooth and simple and allows you to focus on photography. Changing shutter speed and aperture with the Fuji required you to move your fingers between <b>four</b> sets of controls and you had to remember which extra dial is for aperture 1/3 stop adjustments and and which is for shutter speed 1/3 stop adjustments. This was about the best method they could have come up with to make you feel disconnected to the camera. You have to look at the physical control to see your whole stop settings, then back to the screen to check your finer adjustments!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Fuji still hasn't updated the soft wide open lens or the potential for <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0513197848/f-for-4th-hands-on-with-fujifilm-x100f?comment=2379234027">dust in the viewfinder</a>.<br />
<br />
Although they come in at 3 times the price, I find the Leica Q and Sony RX1R II much more compelling cameras.<br />
<br />
In other news, Fuji also announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1772254431/fujifilm-x-t20-arrives-with-new-24mp-sensor-and-4k-video-capture">the X-T20</a> and a new weather <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2919368831/fujifilm-expands-weather-resistant-lens-selection-with-xf-50mm-f2-r-wr">resistant 50mm f2 lens</a>. Still, if it's an APS-C only system, I would have thought 55mm is a better length for a lens as it would be closer to the 85mm FF equivalent.<br />
<br />
And, the final bit of Fuji news is the availability of their mirrorless MF camera, the Fuji GFX-50S. It is expected to ship <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6548016142/fujifilm-medium-format-gfx-50s-to-ship-in-late-february-for-6500">in late February with a price-tag of 6,500USD</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Leica</h3>
So, as people seem to love comparing Fuji and Lecia, for about the same price as the medium format Fuji GFX-50S, you could instead purchase <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/8915550991/leica-announces-m10-with-new-sensor-slimmer-design">the new Leica M10</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="326" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wI9hhbbsBt4" width="580"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
When the Leica M Type 240 was announced in 2012, Leica said they would <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/articles/6148955073/leica-m-full-frame-24mp-cmos-rangefinder-with-focus-peaking-live-view-and-1080p-movies">no longer be numbering</a> their cameras as before. From their own press release:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in the Leica product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems.</i></blockquote>
Good job, guys! Comparing the M10 to the Typ 240, it seems the main two points of interest are that they've killed off the video functionality and have managed to slim down the digital M to the same dimensions of the M6 film camera.<br />
<br />
The other great addition, which I maintain should have been in the M8 onwards, is the addition of a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6042007118/leica-boss-hands-on-with-new-leica-m10?slide=5">physical ISO dial</a>.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, when I had the chance to test out and handle a Leica M9 and an M Typ 240, the size difference was noticeable. And honestly, it did make the M9 both look more handsome, and feel better in the hand. The M10 is <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6042007118/leica-boss-hands-on-with-new-leica-m10?slide=4">thinner than either</a>.<br />
<br />
So, once more, a Leica is tempting me. I considered a Leica Monochrome and I nearly pulled the trigger on an M9 and probably would have just done that if it wasn't for an uninterested and unhelpful salesman. So, would I get an M10?<br />
<br />
Probably no. There's still a few things, other than cost, that turn me off.<br />
<br />
Firstly, is the <b>add-on</b> electronic viewfinder. I've tried to focus a 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux with an M9, and it just isn't practical. I even had users telling me I needed to focus bracket if I wanted to make sure I got the shot. So, for a camera where the range finder mechanism is close to useless for extreme wide angle lenses, telephoto lenses, macro lenses and can require somewhat frequent calibration to be accurate, I consider live view an essential feature. Having a hybrid viewfinder a la Fuji X100, would be a brilliant addition.<br />
<br />
Secondly, although having to remove the entire bottom plate to change battery or swap SD cards is just an annoyance, <b>not having dual SD</b> cards slots in a high-end camera is close to unforgivable these days (Sony - I'm looking at you too!).<br />
<br />
Thirdly, I've come to <b>love IBIS</b> cameras a little too much these days. I sometimes found myself preferring my Sony A7R2 over the RX1R2 for just that reason. Admittedly, adding IBIS to a Leica may be considered sacrilege to the existing user base.<br />
<br />
Finally, for the price they are commanding, they really should use <b>a better sensor</b>. If Sony won't give them access to their 42MP BSI sensor from the A7R2, you'd think they could at least get the excellent 36mp sensor used in the Nikon D800 series.<br />
<br />
Another point of interest is the removal of video. Although it may seem an odd feature on a rangefinder, it's removal stinks more of a style choice than one of necessity.<br />
<br />
Still, if you love a real rangefinder camera and are a digital photographer, there is surely nothing else out there that can compete with this.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Leica vs Fuji</h3>
Just something I wanted to touch on is the ridiculous comparison of Fuji and Leica cameras.<br />
<br />
A recent comment from the DP Review forums <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/leica-m10-first-impressions-sample-images?comment=4379183703">struck a chord</a> (for all quotes here, emphasis is mine):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Whenever they review a new Leica the two types of people who respond are<br />1) people who hate Leica and would never buy one so they just troll.<br />2) <b>Fuji owners</b> who somehow have to justify that their cameras are <b>just as good as Leica</b> but are so much cheaper and <b>also troll</b>.</i></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/leica-m10-first-impressions-sample-images?comment=5193123918">Similarly</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Fuji makes some nice cameras, but judging by these forums one would have to conclude that <b>Fuji users are universally insecure, bitter, and poor</b>.</i></blockquote>
One of the <a href="http://disq.us/p/g3082m">earliest examples</a> I can remember of this was from <a href="https://petapixel.com/2013/07/22/review-leica-monochrom-is-not-quite-a-black-and-white-decision/">a review of the original Leica Monochrom</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>My Fuji X100S laughs at this.</i></blockquote>
Which got this <a href="http://disq.us/p/g3082m">well considered reply</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Really? Sounds like you have not used the Leica. While photos from both may look similar at this small web size, a decent sized print would show a dramatic difference. The Leica Monochrom resolves detail more like a medium format camera. It also is a <b>true rangefinder</b>. It also allows the use of the extensive, wonderful line of Leica M glass.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>While the fuji is an excellent camera, the only laughing it would be doing is a <b>nervous, envious laugh</b>. Seriously. I own a Monochrom and and Xpro. I have pixel peeped and printed from both and the Leica is is a class of it's own.</i></blockquote>
Fuji users - your cameras are good, and some are rangefinder styled, but they are <b>not rangefinders</b>. I've owned a Fuji X100, and used a Leica M9, and although they may look a little similar, using them is completely different. The real Leica competitor to the Fuji X100 is the Leica Q. However, if you compare them, other than the cheaper price, it isn't going to be good news for the Fuji.<br />
<br />
If you really want to compare like for like, compare your Fuji to Sony, Panasonic and Olympus. Even comparing to Nikon and Canon makes more sense. Personally, I feel each and everyone of these manufacturers makes good cameras, with pros and cons which can lead you to the one that is right for you.<br />
<br />
And remember, just because you love your camera doesn't mean it loves you back.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-44524908400096534202017-01-10T15:00:00.000+11:002017-01-10T16:10:29.985+11:00N&R: Panasonic launches us into 2017So, the end of 2017 as quiet, but Panasonic brought out the first major release of 2017 with <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4376773710/panasonic-s-flagship-lumix-dc-gh5-officially-launched-hits-store-shelves-in-march">the GH5</a> and extra goodies. Is it a worthy successor to the GH4?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xa3Xs5Pb7GY/WHRjtFosXHI/AAAAAAAAAzg/wVQqqbSuu7EWRg9wDHh6CqoASMF2jqz8ACLcB/s1600/GH5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xa3Xs5Pb7GY/WHRjtFosXHI/AAAAAAAAAzg/wVQqqbSuu7EWRg9wDHh6CqoASMF2jqz8ACLcB/s400/GH5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The first thing to note about the GH5 is that it is larger than the GH4. Not only 5% taller and wider than the GH4, but <a href="http://camerasize.com/compare/#698,525">a significant 30% heavier</a>. This, interestingly enough, makes it even bigger and heavier than <a href="http://camerasize.com/compare/#698,634">the full-frame Sony A7SII</a>, and not far off the smaller full-frame DSLRs.<br />
<br />
There may still be advantages in the lenses used, but this is not a camera for those going to micro 43s for the smaller size.<br />
<br />
I'm onyl going to touch on a few things that stand out about the GH5. The first is the increased colour (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_subsampling#Sampling_systems_and_ratios">4:2:2</a>) that is now captured internally to file. However, if you want to grade from a flat v-log file, you'll still have to part cash for the V-Log profile. As what DPReview said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Panasonic suggests that VLogL is a paid upgrade to insure that only users who know that they need it, and <b>how to use it</b>, have access to the feature...if there's any camera that <b>should</b> include Log gamma out of the box, <b>this is the one</b>. We fear that the pay-to upgrade approach will have the effect of discouraging curious, but less experienced, filmmakers from experimenting with and learning to use this valuable tool.</i></blockquote>
It might be easier to believe Panasonic's intentions, if they weren't including the VLogL profile as pre-order incentive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ36w1I5z3s/WHRodN9NSWI/AAAAAAAAAz0/CXprQKRpzPAKMpEM9IjzIRuAnmf71M9XACLcB/s1600/categoryimage_1960_icon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ36w1I5z3s/WHRodN9NSWI/AAAAAAAAAz0/CXprQKRpzPAKMpEM9IjzIRuAnmf71M9XACLcB/s400/categoryimage_1960_icon1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's as if they don't case users might not get optimal results!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another interesting feature is the dual cards, that actually <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4002659433/close-up-hands-on-with-the-panasonic-lumix-dc-gh5?slide=15">support hot-swapping</a> while recording video. Kudos to Panasonic for releasing their flagship with dual card support, joining Fuji and Olympus and leaving Sony sadly lacking in the premium mirrorless market.<br />
<br />
However, if I was looking for a new video camera, there is one feature that the GH5 lacks comapred to its rivals. That is, phase detect auto-focus. Now, the camera uses Panasonic's reportedly excellent Depth from Defocus for capturing photos of moving subjects, but my understanding is this is for stills only.<br />
<br />
Now, admittedly most professionals would use manual focus for video work, but excellent video autofocus surely <a href="http://www.newsshooter.com/2016/12/01/sony-a6500-touch-autofocus-reviewed-it-does-a-better-job-of-focusing-than-i-can-but-thankfully-it-isnt-infallible/">also has its place</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>New Lenses</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At_FiaDjy6Q/WHRqQRnYCJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/7qG9Hqyul2svWZadrwqexlAL3MOZTgWegCLcB/s1600/PL12-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At_FiaDjy6Q/WHRqQRnYCJI/AAAAAAAAAz8/7qG9Hqyul2svWZadrwqexlAL3MOZTgWegCLcB/s320/PL12-60.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As well as the GH5, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0216061684/panasonic-leica-dg-12-60mm-f2-8-4-lens-moves-from-roadmap-to-reality">a new Leica branded 12-60mm f2.8-4</a> was announced. As well as <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2840690248/panasonic-updates-four-lenses-improving-autofocus-and-image-stabilization">refreshes</a> of:<br />
<br />
LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S.<br />
LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm F2.8 II POWER O.I.S.<br />
LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S.<br />
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 II POWER O.I.S.<br />
<br />
If you have the old 12-35mm or 35-100mm in purple, and wanted them in black - now's your chance. Reportedly now with better stabilisation and autofocus.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The other new camera</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JR9PX-wTYBA/WHRq8JLVPHI/AAAAAAAAA0E/wuYwmm_O2gk_G9NAWDms1mekf93O3NWewCLcB/s1600/GX850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JR9PX-wTYBA/WHRq8JLVPHI/AAAAAAAAA0E/wuYwmm_O2gk_G9NAWDms1mekf93O3NWewCLcB/s320/GX850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Depending on your location, the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9209091085/bringing-tiny-back-panasonic-announces-ultra-small-mirrorless-lumix-dc-gx850-gx800-gf9">GX850/GX800/GF9</a> is also coming to town.<br />
<br />
Sadly, this is reportedly merging the GF and GM lines, meaning we won't see a true successor to the GM5. This means you're losing the hot shoe and view finder (compared with a GM5), and at <a href="http://camerasize.com/compare/#699,570">a larger size and weight</a>.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, you'll get a swivel screen and 4K video. It's impressive just how much tech they've crammed into a camera this small, but I do wish they'd continue with the higher end GM in this range. This is something I'd like to write more about another day. Stil, for me personally, as much as I admire the GH5, this is the camera that shows to me what Micro43s is capable of.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-6021856721218635572016-12-30T13:00:00.000+11:002016-12-30T16:46:16.426+11:00366 Project Month Ten - When life intereferesAs well as a single photo per day in September, I also gave myself a restriction on the use of lenses. For the first ten days I used a standard 55mm prime, the second ten were taken with a telephoto 70-200mm zoom, and the final ten were taken with a wide-angle 16-35mm zoom. One lens that didn’t get a look in was my <b>85mm</b>, so my initial plans for October were to put that through its paces. However, sometimes life gets in the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjQlWT8nsew/WGW0dIl9B5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/TsXVRex9ZkAfw5_jG5h-313ZKeI9tDQhQCLcB/s1600/Day280-20161006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CjQlWT8nsew/WGW0dIl9B5I/AAAAAAAAAxw/TsXVRex9ZkAfw5_jG5h-313ZKeI9tDQhQCLcB/s400/Day280-20161006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
October begins</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noJOJh-NkGw/WGW0P5_iJ9I/AAAAAAAAAxo/ffepzU39HoARZhkayubY99RzaEJ8_7iyACLcB/s1600/Day275-20161001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noJOJh-NkGw/WGW0P5_iJ9I/AAAAAAAAAxo/ffepzU39HoARZhkayubY99RzaEJ8_7iyACLcB/s400/Day275-20161001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember on October 1, just after taking my first photo I was ready to put the camera away; then I suddenly woke up that September has ended. Thirty days had gone so fast. I could now take more than one photo.<br />
<br />
I had a few friends asking about portraits in previous months (since <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/05/366-project4.html">April</a> ended), and after restricting myself to an 85mm it seemed like a good month to try to take some more as it was the mainly what I had in mind when I purchased the lens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5Eu6aHCk0/WGW0XWhy6YI/AAAAAAAAAxs/q4LGhV2GixkNUi965R2IFAGwZIjeCj7nQCLcB/s1600/Day279-20161005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be5Eu6aHCk0/WGW0XWhy6YI/AAAAAAAAAxs/q4LGhV2GixkNUi965R2IFAGwZIjeCj7nQCLcB/s400/Day279-20161005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khVrNCIkSkM/WGW0myxE2-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/EREAlD3CdXUNlkkNrhAmvRmHLhOYI_JiACLcB/s1600/Day283-20161009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-khVrNCIkSkM/WGW0myxE2-I/AAAAAAAAAx0/EREAlD3CdXUNlkkNrhAmvRmHLhOYI_JiACLcB/s400/Day283-20161009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMenD0b2I5s/WGW0tjJaD2I/AAAAAAAAAx4/PHxVq2TDP8kkveM46hBk8tBP4ReuD3olACLcB/s1600/Day287-20161013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMenD0b2I5s/WGW0tjJaD2I/AAAAAAAAAx4/PHxVq2TDP8kkveM46hBk8tBP4ReuD3olACLcB/s400/Day287-20161013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also found out an 85mm lens is close to useless for photographing <b>Melbourne seagulls</b>* if you want a reaction from them. With a 50mm or 35mm, you can normally get close enough to them to get a nice shot of them leaping into the air to get away from the camera. With an 85mm, at the distances where you can still get focus, they just glare at you...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok2TSTe0dQo/WGW00LYrEFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/j6YvifaJklUZPs5WikDAq8TurUAf4jtIwCLcB/s1600/Day286-20161012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok2TSTe0dQo/WGW00LYrEFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/j6YvifaJklUZPs5WikDAq8TurUAf4jtIwCLcB/s400/Day286-20161012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">like a boss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* The seagulls at Niagara Falls weren't even intimidated by having a wide-angle lens just inches away from them. So cocky!</span><br />
<br />
I also came to realise just how damn sharp my 85mm lens is. Below is a photo of the docklands, which may not seem all that interesting at web resolutions, but the detail in the full image is incredible.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYoBvaDmi7Q/WGW1AkL6N6I/AAAAAAAAAyE/txJV6mvknVIyFZTKB6pSxM7UgapkcSmfQCLcB/s1600/Day277-20161003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYoBvaDmi7Q/WGW1AkL6N6I/AAAAAAAAAyE/txJV6mvknVIyFZTKB6pSxM7UgapkcSmfQCLcB/s400/Day277-20161003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full photo at web resolution.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LilB1Gs6euk/WGXqhmq4_HI/AAAAAAAAAy4/VdD_2wegqgssjYBKGFSfxw6vOwQMfFU9QCLcB/s1600/100PercentCrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LilB1Gs6euk/WGXqhmq4_HI/AAAAAAAAAy4/VdD_2wegqgssjYBKGFSfxw6vOwQMfFU9QCLcB/s1600/100PercentCrop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% crop from above photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, halfway through October, something happened to make me give up my plans. My work asked me, with a week’s notice, to go overseas.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Canada</h3>
When I knew I was going to Canada, I did consider to stick to my original plan of only using the 85mm lens. Halfway to Canada, at Hong Kong airport, I decided to keep my options open and continued to use it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrG2FBIJB1s/WGW1LLdIoWI/AAAAAAAAAyI/tT0hxMDQXugnW6Cr2IoysTp_hG71R6itACLcB/s1600/Day291-20161017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrG2FBIJB1s/WGW1LLdIoWI/AAAAAAAAAyI/tT0hxMDQXugnW6Cr2IoysTp_hG71R6itACLcB/s400/Day291-20161017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
However, once I had arrived in Toronto, I wanted to capture more of the scene around me, and that called for a 35mm lens. I’m sure I could have stuck with the 85mm lens, and made it work, but I needed to remember this project was also supposed to be fun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxNV-kPHvOw/WGW1Q1ZSIuI/AAAAAAAAAyM/6yzb7vdSXCAV_WeKbWKLpWp4zZpDYKr_gCLcB/s1600/Day292-20161018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxNV-kPHvOw/WGW1Q1ZSIuI/AAAAAAAAAyM/6yzb7vdSXCAV_WeKbWKLpWp4zZpDYKr_gCLcB/s400/Day292-20161018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken with a 35mm lens,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had read about the <a href="http://www.worldpressphoto.org/">World Press Photo</a> exhibition in Toronto in a throwaway comment on a gear related forum. I made a note that I’d like to see it if I had time, but had no idea where in Toronto it was. After my first day in Canada, I had an hour to kill before dinner with colleagues, and decided to take a walk with camera. Someone recommended a walk that would take me down to the lake. On my walk back I saw a random building that looked really cool so decided to look inside and there, sure enough, was the exhibition I had hoped to see.<br />
<br />
As my 366 project was not my main consideration for my time in Canada, I much preferred taking my little 35mm camera with me – as it is both much smaller and lighter than my 85mm lens and camera combo, and allows photos that can better show the environment I am in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93JRBOFImUQ/WGW1ni57G5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/VeVYpocERUA8rP8u9yfhjt1DJjDjcZ2ZwCLcB/s1600/Day295-20161021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-93JRBOFImUQ/WGW1ni57G5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/VeVYpocERUA8rP8u9yfhjt1DJjDjcZ2ZwCLcB/s400/Day295-20161021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, where I am most glad I broke away with the restriction is during my trip to the Niagara Falls. I only could have gotten the below shot with a wide-angle lens, and I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself as nearly as much there if I had to carry multiple lenses with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSopE_q-2yw/WGW1uxQ8RBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Gc86_zic6z8DGhnVBMNCCMGsvFI6z3-uQCLcB/s1600/Day296-20161022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aSopE_q-2yw/WGW1uxQ8RBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Gc86_zic6z8DGhnVBMNCCMGsvFI6z3-uQCLcB/s400/Day296-20161022.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
However, this didn’t mean I had to abandon the 85mm lens completely, and I managed to get one portrait done in Canada after all. After missing sunset, this photo was taken in a rather dark corner of the same building the World Press Photo exhibition was in. Having the ability to open the lens on a full-frame camera to f1.4 with image stabilisation came in super handy here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmIdSnr-0eU/WGW11s5Ik3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/mM4lYzlm3qsO7tkr2sliIfPtFrKVdn-QwCLcB/s1600/Day298-20161024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmIdSnr-0eU/WGW11s5Ik3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/mM4lYzlm3qsO7tkr2sliIfPtFrKVdn-QwCLcB/s400/Day298-20161024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Time Zone Challenge</h3>
For the spirit of the 366 challenge, I decided that days should be determined by whatever time zone I was in. Departing Canada, my flight left at 1:50am on Tuesday, and would arrive at 5:00am on Wednesday morning in Hong Kong. This gave me less than two hours to get my shot. Luckily, an airport can offer some interesting scenes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t81SUzSMYCs/WGW2YYV6jjI/AAAAAAAAAyk/lWySvxnXQ3Yyvc7HtJTyrZSZ5389g5dHQCLcB/s1600/Day299-20161025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t81SUzSMYCs/WGW2YYV6jjI/AAAAAAAAAyk/lWySvxnXQ3Yyvc7HtJTyrZSZ5389g5dHQCLcB/s400/Day299-20161025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
And so October came to an end, still with me overseas, but now in a similar timezone to Australia at least.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>You can read about my experiences from other months <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/p/366project.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>If you want to follow along in my journey, you can see how my 366 project is progressing on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrew366/">@andrew366</a></i></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-73233571751688511912016-12-29T13:00:00.000+11:002016-12-29T13:00:07.986+11:00366 Project Month Nine - Single Shot SeptemberAfter two months of no set theme, I wanted to challenge myself more in September. With alliteration as my guide, I was trying to decide between <b>Single Shot September</b>, or <b>Stranger September</b>. In the end, I chose the former. The idea being each day I would take one photo, and one photo only. In my mind, I imagined an SD card at the end filled with exactly thirty photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcPRX7lWfVo/WGRMg_mTDPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/pwHy3fI2CV8LsQ6_UkoRbLXvhTEOsw9_wCLcB/s1600/Day269-20160925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcPRX7lWfVo/WGRMg_mTDPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/pwHy3fI2CV8LsQ6_UkoRbLXvhTEOsw9_wCLcB/s400/Day269-20160925.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<h3>
The Beginning</h3>
At the start of the month, this is what I did. I took one photo, then <b>put my camera away</b> for the rest of the day. The first day was an incredibly surreal experience. It is a scene where I would normally fire off a bunch of photos, and possibly look around nearby areas for other opportunities. Instead, putting my camera back into the bag and heading home felt both alien and wrong.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UiMst4IC5U/WGRMnNqGnEI/AAAAAAAAAv0/4_vRq8AqyDcpc7acym-nUAP88nhn-kCggCLcB/s1600/Day245-20160901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2UiMst4IC5U/WGRMnNqGnEI/AAAAAAAAAv0/4_vRq8AqyDcpc7acym-nUAP88nhn-kCggCLcB/s400/Day245-20160901.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one of my Single Shot September series</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The early days were also a bit <b>intense</b>. I would double check almost every setting and image corner before I would gingerly press the shutter, praying nothing would go wrong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2VJH3xFb6k/WGRNHig_EXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/dm_waAFB-IYlsaDCd0yAgcgtML8BJYX2wCLcB/s1600/Day249-20160905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2VJH3xFb6k/WGRNHig_EXI/AAAAAAAAAv4/dm_waAFB-IYlsaDCd0yAgcgtML8BJYX2wCLcB/s400/Day249-20160905.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the photo above, I wandered around and must have put the camera up to my eye for about five different scenes before finally settling on that one. This was day five, and it wasn’t until day twelve that something happened to make me relax a bit more.<br />
<br />
I had lunch and coffee with some friends, and while sitting down over coffee, my friend asked to look at my camera. While I was talking to the other, I heard the shutter fire. The dream of having just thirty images on the SD card at the end of the month just died. Sure, I didn’t use his photo, but it still meant I suddenly relaxed about taking photos after the initial ‘shot of the day’.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Failures</h3>
There were also some definite failures: shots I would have liked to have re-taken if I had the chance. One such shot my mum’s toy poodle, Sebastian. I used a wide open aperture to let in more light (as he is oh so dark) but the resulting depth of field was way too shallow for my liking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PPjqTCPc1g/WGRVbskUyRI/AAAAAAAAAwU/llWRUYjITM8rayQdDzw0CENhaXUFVgFpQCLcB/s1600/20160910-Day254s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PPjqTCPc1g/WGRVbskUyRI/AAAAAAAAAwU/llWRUYjITM8rayQdDzw0CENhaXUFVgFpQCLcB/s320/20160910-Day254s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was also another day where some moss on some rocks intrigued me. I was peering through the viewfinder, trying to find a composition I liked, when one of my friends surprised me by walking past. We decided to go get dinner together, and, maybe due to the extra pressure of knowing he was waiting for me, I rushed to take a shot rather than find a better scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl29COqFNH8/WGRV2yb8f6I/AAAAAAAAAwY/Zn9NtfOF854KgTdROMnx5b4I3tCYD9ZaQCLcB/s1600/Day257-20160913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl29COqFNH8/WGRV2yb8f6I/AAAAAAAAAwY/Zn9NtfOF854KgTdROMnx5b4I3tCYD9ZaQCLcB/s320/Day257-20160913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
But, I consider the ugly ducklings as my biggest failure.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Ugly Ducklings</h3>
September is the start of spring in Australia, and during a walk through the botanical gardens I came across a family of swans. There was a young girl walking behind them, and so I waited for a clear shot. If I hadn’t been doing a ‘single shot September’, I would have taken photos of the little girl with the baby swans, and I think it could have made a great photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GowoQWE5Fmg/WGRWIHqzneI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Xd7wXLvact853Kch5DLcKLpv-6iT8r7AACLcB/s1600/Day261-20160917s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GowoQWE5Fmg/WGRWIHqzneI/AAAAAAAAAwk/Xd7wXLvact853Kch5DLcKLpv-6iT8r7AACLcB/s320/Day261-20160917s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is the photo I ended up posting. After the swans reached the water, I got worried they’d get too far away, and eventually took that rather disappointing photo. I also used the fact I was using a high resolution camera to make a very considerable crop. In fact, it make me think I was kind of cheating in the single shot September idea. Although it was from the first frame I took that day, the crop pretty much changes the picture entirely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pmEr3-Wxc4/WGRWCdthYgI/AAAAAAAAAwg/o-V3ch3mEtsgcIVXLlWbV8F4n0CvQkT1QCLcB/s1600/Day261-20160917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0pmEr3-Wxc4/WGRWCdthYgI/AAAAAAAAAwg/o-V3ch3mEtsgcIVXLlWbV8F4n0CvQkT1QCLcB/s320/Day261-20160917.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No other photo in my 366 collection comes even close to the crop I applied here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<br />Month End Thoughts</h3>
In the end, like any other month with a theme, I also got a lot out of this month. There were often times I would find a scene, and wait for the right moment to get the shot. However, by the end of the month, most of the tension when I came to take a photo had gone, and I felt much more carefree when I hit the shutter.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExFE2boz7gc/WGRWetb45sI/AAAAAAAAAwo/3RlSdhpgfycnxzQ_s0MEa2Vj93M4AwzIwCLcB/s1600/Day270-20160926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExFE2boz7gc/WGRWetb45sI/AAAAAAAAAwo/3RlSdhpgfycnxzQ_s0MEa2Vj93M4AwzIwCLcB/s400/Day270-20160926.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luckily the woman in the bottom right didn't chose that moment to leave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mprADO98_U/WGRW0OLSX1I/AAAAAAAAAww/_OFEO9ipnw4tC-UoQnsYumdGyT_qiPM-ACLcB/s1600/Day267-20160923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0mprADO98_U/WGRW0OLSX1I/AAAAAAAAAww/_OFEO9ipnw4tC-UoQnsYumdGyT_qiPM-ACLcB/s400/Day267-20160923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One thing I have found over this year is just how important <b>timing</b> is. So often seconds make the difference and, I must confess, there has been more than once when I have missed the shot. Although this whole year is great training for this, a month of been forced to take a single shot only is particularly effective.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT2iUltHDaI/WGRXJRj0btI/AAAAAAAAAw4/64PPgzubOYg9CkDOzJ8TXu3TohD8IJ3EgCLcB/s1600/Day273-20160929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT2iUltHDaI/WGRXJRj0btI/AAAAAAAAAw4/64PPgzubOYg9CkDOzJ8TXu3TohD8IJ3EgCLcB/s400/Day273-20160929.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to wait patiently for several minutes until some people filled the gap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>You can read about my experiences from other months <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/p/366project.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>If you want to follow along in my journey, you can see how my 366 project is progressing on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrew366/">@andrew366</a></i></div>
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-35942858346971045292016-12-28T13:00:00.000+11:002016-12-28T13:00:25.878+11:00366 Project Month Eight - An unwelcome surprise!After a month of no set theme in July, I decided to follow the same routine in August. I didn’t feel like forcing myself to follow any set pattern. Little did I know, August had an unwelcome surprise in store for me that nearly led to me failing the project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjGbt1n69go/WGMX3SnY_eI/AAAAAAAAAuo/cqU2-lWWQRwOgjnLrIBr2QL-no7bKCZDwCLcB/s1600/Day214-20160801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjGbt1n69go/WGMX3SnY_eI/AAAAAAAAAuo/cqU2-lWWQRwOgjnLrIBr2QL-no7bKCZDwCLcB/s400/Day214-20160801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>At the start of August, all seemed well. There were some wet days, which actually led to some of the ground reflections I had come to enjoy photographing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJwXTzrchmw/WGMYB6BG0RI/AAAAAAAAAus/NsSF_hzool4j6IDIaNv-_8J21zztGhqRgCLcB/s1600/Day215-20160802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJwXTzrchmw/WGMYB6BG0RI/AAAAAAAAAus/NsSF_hzool4j6IDIaNv-_8J21zztGhqRgCLcB/s320/Day215-20160802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As well as the chance to take some photos where I could attempt, perhaps <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pond%E2%80%94Moonlight">not successfully</a>, to emulate some of the work of the masters that I admire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogKo2HNFIyg/WGMYoN3GbeI/AAAAAAAAAuw/m7qmjnPTGVMs362QeexPjMWGNX6wMErbgCLcB/s1600/Day217-20160804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogKo2HNFIyg/WGMYoN3GbeI/AAAAAAAAAuw/m7qmjnPTGVMs362QeexPjMWGNX6wMErbgCLcB/s320/Day217-20160804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also encountered some situations of taking photos in extreme low light. It's amazing what modern cameras can do nowadays, as I'm quite sure I couldn't have gotten the photo above with a film camera and no tripod.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwFp88Gqtcw/WGMY6RFV5nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/KqIYAA2GY3gf_gOlnb_NZyEw4nevpFrWgCLcB/s1600/Day234-20160821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LwFp88Gqtcw/WGMY6RFV5nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/KqIYAA2GY3gf_gOlnb_NZyEw4nevpFrWgCLcB/s320/Day234-20160821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I also experimented with some styles I’d always found fascinating but had never tried. I don’t think the photo above is anything amazing that I am proud of, but at least I’ve now made some attempt. Now if I see scene I do want to try to capture in a water droplet, I am much better prepared. If not for my project, I am sure I wouldn’t have made the effort to go out in the rain with a remote flash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbICvVhMxhI/WGMaSIyn8FI/AAAAAAAAAvI/fYos4bn919QE5ixaEZJt3cCiwxGREh4YACLcB/s1600/Day232-20160819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XbICvVhMxhI/WGMaSIyn8FI/AAAAAAAAAvI/fYos4bn919QE5ixaEZJt3cCiwxGREh4YACLcB/s320/Day232-20160819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But, on August 26th, disaster struck. It was the final night of the Winter Fireworks at the Docklands, and I had my tripod, cable release and camera all ready to go. Then met up with my friend and started the tram journey to the planned shooting spot. I never made it.<br />
<br />
Halfway there, covered in a cold sweat, I had to depart the tram. I lay on the ground of the tram stop for several minutes, before I could finally get enough energy to make the return trip home. Honestly, If I wasn’t with my friend then, I’m not sure I could have made it back.<br />
<br />
Somehow, I got home, took a shower and climbed into bed. It would be 11pm before I could even think about moving again. 11pm, barely strength to get out of bed, and no photo. I had to think what I could take without moving far from bed. A newly acquired USB, an <a href="http://petapixel.com/2016/07/19/tiny-cheap-amaran-m9-swiss-army-light-youve-waiting/">Aputure AL-M9</a> led light, and we were in business. Thanks to the connectivity of my camera and phone, I could even post-process and post the image on my phone without ever touching my laptop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpsIVn0swcY/WGMZSMdkKdI/AAAAAAAAAu8/fNecBZ-sJpIWXQPcR24lMeCKUOBVlHcEgCLcB/s1600/Day239-20160826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpsIVn0swcY/WGMZSMdkKdI/AAAAAAAAAu8/fNecBZ-sJpIWXQPcR24lMeCKUOBVlHcEgCLcB/s320/Day239-20160826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this lying under a blanket in bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next few days were pretty brutal, but I was at least well enough to at least get out of bed. I even managed to find inspiration for a photo from my restricted diet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-DV8-rZCN4/WGMZgTiPEfI/AAAAAAAAAvA/YkVcx6Wi9iw924wGJoI9pSyx10CFEO8lgCLcB/s1600/Day243-20160830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P-DV8-rZCN4/WGMZgTiPEfI/AAAAAAAAAvA/YkVcx6Wi9iw924wGJoI9pSyx10CFEO8lgCLcB/s320/Day243-20160830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the end, a daily project and illness can coexist, but you better be prepared to be flexible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-ZO8buGyMw/WGMa2eW5GOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/mLO8jFaZw_UeJ0SUcuhdsmmEn4i8s5EZACLcB/s1600/Day231-20160818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-ZO8buGyMw/WGMa2eW5GOI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/mLO8jFaZw_UeJ0SUcuhdsmmEn4i8s5EZACLcB/s320/Day231-20160818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>You can read about my experiences from other months <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/p/366project.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>If you want to follow along in my journey, you can see how my 366 project is progressing on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrew366/">@andrew366</a></i></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-84214830058411601662016-12-08T18:00:00.000+11:002016-12-08T18:00:12.330+11:00N & R: Capture Pro 10, GoPro gimbal and moreThings are still pretty quiet on the news/rumour front, but there are a few small noteworthy items about a new version of <b>Phase One Capture One Pro</b>; <b>GoPro </b>releasing their gimbal as a standalone product; <b>Casio</b> announcing a GoPro competitor designed for low light;<b> Think Tank</b> have a new outlet; <b>Instagram </b>have more comment control features; and <b>Olympus </b>have suspended latest firmware for the <b>EM-1</b> due to bug reports.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<h2>
Capture One Pro 10</h2>
Capture Pro 10 <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4444009671/faster-operation-and-new-sharpening-tools-for-phase-one-capture-one-pro-10">has been released</a>, but without any particular standout features. Reportedly comes with improved speed and efficiency, some new sharpening tools, and some extra cameras and lens profiles.<br />
<br />
Considering how lacking their lens profile selection is compared to Adobe RAW, they really should do more work in this area.<br />
<br />
<h2>
GoPro</h2>
GoPro have had to recall their Karma drone, as well as <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5374310609/gopro-restructuring-effort-will-layoff-200-full-time-employees">lay off 200 staff</a>, but they have now offered the gimbal from the drone as <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0264959091/gopro-karma-grip-gimbal-now-available-as-stand-alone-product">a standalone product</a>.<br />
<h2>
<br />Casio</h2>
If you're after a GoPro alternative that works better in low light, Casio may have an answer for you with their EX-FR110H. Despite the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1395818655/a-shot-in-the-dark-casio-launches-1-9mp-ex-fr110h-for-ultra-low-light-photography">fluff piece on DPReview</a>, people in the comments have shown this is unlikely to challenge a m43 in low light, little less a full frame DSLR.<br />
<h2>
<br />Think Tank</h2>
After a Think Tank bag, but can't afford the price? They now have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6577418081/think-tank-photo-outlet-center-launches-with-discounted-goods">an outlet</a> where you can potentially pick up discounted goods. However, reportedly, this is <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6577418081/think-tank-photo-outlet-center-launches-with-discounted-goods?comment=5913559484">a US only service only</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Instagram</h2>
There are now more <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3915127387/instagram-introduces-comment-control-features">comment controls in Instagram</a>, and the ability to remove users from private accounts without blocking them.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Olympus</h2>
If you have an EM-1, and were considering upgrading your firmware to 4.2, it <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7295931672/olympus-e-m1-owners-report-firmware-4-2-bugs">is advisable to</a> delay. Olympus have suspended firmware 4.2 and are looking into the bugs.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-38050186322725849412016-12-01T18:00:00.000+11:002016-12-01T18:00:17.708+11:00N&R: November is a quiet monthI didn't bother posting updates for the last two weeks, as there wasn't much new worth talking about. It's still the same for the last week, but though I'd better give a quick summary for the rest of November.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<b>Fuji </b>- A new X100F is expected to <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/11/29/the-new-fuji-x100f-camera-rumored-to-be-announced-in-february/">be announced in February</a> next year, and can even see <a href="http://www.fujirumors.com/see-first-image-fujifilm-x100f-low-resolution/">a low-res screen image</a> of it, but is still expected to use <a href="http://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-x100f-will-have-a-23mmf2-lens-according-to-trusted-sources/">the same old 23mm f2 lens</a>.<br />
<b>Nikon </b>- a D5600 has been announced outside of USA, but doesn't s<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1426601517/nikon-d5600-dslr-announced-though-not-in-the-us">eem to offer any compelling features over the D5500</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Elinchrom </b>- Their micro 43's compatible Skyport can now <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0464588574/elinchrom-extends-skyport-radio-transmitter-compatibility-to-panasonic-lumix">work with Panasonic cameras</a> as well as Olympus.<br />
<b>Godox </b>- Godox have announced a small flash for Sony cameras, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7980165808/godox-launches-mini-radio-flash-unit-for-sony-mirrorless-cameras">the TT350S</a>, with an in-built radio trigger.<br />
<br />
So, a very quiet month. Maybe there won't be another update here until January at this rate!Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-57020939141892270162016-11-30T18:00:00.004+11:002016-11-30T18:01:29.478+11:00366 Project Month Seven - Footloose and fancy freeThe end of June was a milestone, I was halfway through my 366 project. But, rather than feeling a sense of pride or accomplishment, I was tired. I felt in a rut, and <b>I wanted to quit</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGNHPWIFSoc/WD54MH1WapI/AAAAAAAAAts/wbvYVa9W74sp8_ZnNxJB3_WJoMqBFgvUgCLcB/s1600/Day201-20160719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGNHPWIFSoc/WD54MH1WapI/AAAAAAAAAts/wbvYVa9W74sp8_ZnNxJB3_WJoMqBFgvUgCLcB/s400/Day201-20160719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I thought by this stage of the project that it would become easier, that I’d be able to spend less time per day dedicated to this task. However, it doesn’t seem to get easier at all. I often find myself outside with camera at the ready; <i>trying </i>to find inspiration. Trying to find something that <b>moves me </b>and I want to share.<br />
<br />
And this is why I feel I needed to continue. I haven’t yet achieved my goal. Not the easily quantifiable goal of taking and sharing 366 photos, but the goal of improving my photography. Although I haven’t made any quantum leaps (that I could identify) in my photography, I have noticed two things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zuWORXOX9ps/WD54eQNRJ9I/AAAAAAAAAtw/cenIoXmTaqY0jwXNuCDFRl9Nfgqb-Se6QCLcB/s1600/Day204-20160722.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zuWORXOX9ps/WD54eQNRJ9I/AAAAAAAAAtw/cenIoXmTaqY0jwXNuCDFRl9Nfgqb-Se6QCLcB/s400/Day204-20160722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Firstly, there are more photos in my July set I’d be happy to have on my wall than in my January set. The second thing is that I’m much less likely to make a technical mistake. I’m more likely to nail exposure and focus than I was in January. A lot of this is just gaining familiarity with my cameras and their strengths and weaknesses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75ExIw8pl4M/WD54t-YkccI/AAAAAAAAAt0/-Ayg7zp6dLsD5uEmZH2Ut5R7IMzK_R61wCLcB/s1600/Day192-20160710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75ExIw8pl4M/WD54t-YkccI/AAAAAAAAAt0/-Ayg7zp6dLsD5uEmZH2Ut5R7IMzK_R61wCLcB/s400/Day192-20160710.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If it weren't for this project, I never would have gone out into the rain and taken this shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, given my mood, I decided to have no theme for July. I just wanted to be <i>footloose and fancy free</i> with no given topic, and no particular camera or lens. Just wanted to try out one of my new lenses a little, and have some fun.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpF_Js295tQ/WD54-fg0L7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/dbQMs7VihUMwf6mXWH3Fnex6ZjXPQ4J7QCLcB/s1600/Day191-20160709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kpF_Js295tQ/WD54-fg0L7I/AAAAAAAAAt4/dbQMs7VihUMwf6mXWH3Fnex6ZjXPQ4J7QCLcB/s400/Day191-20160709.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpaca Energy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>You can read about my experiences from other months <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/p/366project.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>If you want to follow along in my journey, you can see how my 366 project is progressing on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrew366/">@andrew366</a></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-64120830826574511712016-11-10T18:00:00.000+11:002016-11-10T18:00:17.376+11:00N&R: 4 relatively quiet weeksSeems not much has happened in the last 4 weeks: GoPro is in trouble with it's Karma drone; some new lenses from Nikon; uninspired new body from Leica, plus a cute little lens; new macro flash from Olympus; and some issues with the Panasonic G85 and IBIS in video. Plus a new Kickstarter from Spider Holster a new budget lens from Yongnuo.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQaJKW-rtxA/WCP1WtyUuOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/lrhA2O7eW0cNzzhI-0u8OD782Ong5I_1QCLcB/s1600/Nikon70200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQaJKW-rtxA/WCP1WtyUuOI/AAAAAAAAAsw/lrhA2O7eW0cNzzhI-0u8OD782Ong5I_1QCLcB/s400/Nikon70200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 gets an update.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a name='more'></a>GoPro</h2>
<br />
GoPro have had to <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5952833342/grounded-gopro-recalls-karma-drone">recall their Karma</a> drone after reports some units will lose power during operation. Given the <a href="http://petapixel.com/2016/11/01/dji-mavic-vs-gopro-karma-review-says-karma-unquestionably-terrible/">poor reviews</a> the Karma had been getting, I think many may be pleased to be able to get their money back. The bigger question is will GoPro be able to financially survive this setback?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Leica</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfh4SJ9DPTM/WCP1EHr5yYI/AAAAAAAAAss/tcQ2Cnfk0409QfeAPJXJlkUiLbf8-ElGACLcB/s1600/Leica2856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfh4SJ9DPTM/WCP1EHr5yYI/AAAAAAAAAss/tcQ2Cnfk0409QfeAPJXJlkUiLbf8-ElGACLcB/s320/Leica2856.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Leica have released an upgrade to their mirrorless APS-C camera, the Leica T, called <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9601221464/the-leica-tl-is-an-upgraded-leica-t-mirrorless-camera">a Leica TL</a>. Other than vague promises of better AF-C modes and a titanium colour scheme, I'm not sue what is new about this. Given its price puts it in the same territory as the Olympus E-M1 Mark II and the Sony A6500, I think this camera would only be for dedicated Leica fans.<br />
<br />
Much more interesting is they've also announced a new <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3919255023/leica-launches-new-version-of-miniature-summaron-28mm-f5-6-lens-for-the-m-system">Leica M Mount 28mm f5.6 lens</a>. If tiny lenses appeal to you, look no further.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Nikon</h2>
As well as announcing <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6274771226/redesigned-nikon-70-200-f2-8-arrives-with-improved-optics-and-electromagnetic-diaphragm">a new revision of their 70-200mm f2.8</a>, Nikon have announced<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3325753199/nikon-announces-ultra-wide-pc-nikkor-19mm-f4e-ed-tilt-shift-lens"> a new 19mm f4 tilt-shift lens</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Unlike the company's existing PC-E designs, the mechanism for tilt can be rotated independently from the mechanism for shift, allowing the tilt to be set either parallel or perpendicular to the shift.</i></blockquote>
It costs a pretty penny, but I'm sure the 19mm will be of great interest to architectural photographers.<br />
<h2>
<br />Olympus</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F1v4FGRk7SI/WCP4pXHBFOI/AAAAAAAAAtE/EVa3u4a6jqoLpazz06TiHCxiGGXdJFqFgCLcB/s1600/oly_macro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F1v4FGRk7SI/WCP4pXHBFOI/AAAAAAAAAtE/EVa3u4a6jqoLpazz06TiHCxiGGXdJFqFgCLcB/s400/oly_macro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Olympus have announced a macro twin flash <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7968220003/olympus-stf-8-macro-flash-is-first-weatherproof-model-of-its-kind">with weatherproofing</a>. Called the STF-8, it is available for pre-order for $479USD with an expected shipping date of January 2017.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Panasonic</h2>
DP Review have reviewed the Panasonic G85, and given <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80">it their gold award</a>. However, they also reported an issue with IBIS and video. They've reported this in the comments of their article:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br /></i><i>A quick update on the issue surrounding 'jerkiness' or 'stickiness' when panning during video capture with IBIS engage: Panasonic engineers are aware of the issue. I've been in touch with Panasonic USA and they've conveyed your/our concerns to the factory. I'll update when I hear anything more.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>In the mean time, you can use E-stablization (with IBIS switched off) for panned shots, without having to worry about any 'stickiness.' Just note that there is a slight crop factor (you can see an example of it on the Video & Features page of the review).</i></blockquote>
It is an otherwise very capable little camera, so hopefully it is something they can fix with just a firmware update.<br />
<h2>
Spider Holster</h2>
<div>
If you're a fan of Spider Holster and accessories, they have a new product on Kickstarter called the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spiderholster/spiderlight-holster/">SpiderLight Holster</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It seems to be a smaller version of their professional holster, but unlike the BlackWidow which is also designed for lighter cameras, it is still made of metal and, as a possible result, is smaller.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I found frustrating to lean was, back in June, they also had a campaign for <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spiderholster/the-spiderlight-hand-strap">a smaller version of their hand strap</a>, but for mirrorless cameras. I would have been all over that if I'd been made aware. They new hand strap is available for pre-order on B&H.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want to get your hands on the SpiderLight Holster sooner, there are 7 days left in the campaign.</div>
<h2>
Yongnuo</h2>
If you're a fan of cheap lenses, Yongnuo will soon release <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5604560763/yongnuo-shows-off-100mm-f2-lens-with-mount-and-body-design-for-canon-eos">a 100mm f2 for Canon</a>, with a Nikon version expected in future. The lens is expected to sell for $170USD.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-3051231585124289632016-10-13T18:00:00.000+11:002016-11-10T15:01:16.394+11:00N&R: It's all about Sony again...Almost immediately after last week's post, the Sony A6500 and RX100V were announced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-nBIIzsLxI/V_8XSIPvkCI/AAAAAAAAArg/NQTqm2TQyuUHUcyXk7jza2Dqj68fMgcgACLcB/s1600/SonyA6500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-nBIIzsLxI/V_8XSIPvkCI/AAAAAAAAArg/NQTqm2TQyuUHUcyXk7jza2Dqj68fMgcgACLcB/s320/SonyA6500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had a wish list of 5 things I was hoping for in order to make the A6500 a buy on my list, did they deliver?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h2>
Sony A6500: Wish List vs Reality</h2>
<br />
<b>Wish 1: Dual-card slots</b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>No dice.</b></span> Considering the Fuji X-T2 and Olympus E-M1II have addressed this, Sony is really lagging.<br />
<br />
<b>Wish 2: Touch screen/AF joystick selector</b><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Delivered!</b></span> I'm actually pleasantly surprised by this, and didn't really expect it. Unfortunately, it is touch screen only, but is still a huge step in the right direction. This is the first high-end Sony mirrorless camera to give some kind of direct control to adjust focus (you can also use it like a relative track-pad to move focus-point around while the viewfinder is up to your eye).<br />
<br />
<b>Wish 3: Loseless RAW</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><b>No dice.</b></span> Poor show Sony, poor show. You have one of the best sensors, but aren't letting users get the very best from it.<br />
<br />
<b>Wish 4: Better handling of 4K video overheating</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #999999;">Unknown.</span></b> However, I would think IBIS would make is worse rather than better.<br />
<br />
<b>Wish 5: Second dial on front</b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>No dice.</b></span> Seriously Sony, why? This is your high-end APS-C camera, give it at least as many dials as the NEX-7.<br />
<br />
<b>Will I buy?</b><br />
So, I only got 1 of my 5 wishes, but it's a big one. Will I buy this camera? Definitely not at launch, but I have strongly recommended my friend who was going to get an A6300 to pick this up instead. The touch-screen and IBIS give it a huge advantage in my mind. It's definitely on my radar, and I might write more about it later.<br />
<br />
<b>Links</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DqcPyeHsPhI" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2453723213/sony-takes-the-wraps-off-of-its-alpha-a6500">Announcement</a><br />
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2220614606/hands-on-and-in-depth-with-the-sony-a6500">DPReview hands on</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Sony RX100V</h2>
So, after the A6500 wows us with a touch screen, maybe the RX100V can add one too and take away the big advantage Canon G7X II has! Nope?<b> Sony, what the ever loving f#@% is wrong with you?!</b><br />
<br />
Sure, you've added damn impressive PDAF and better video specs, but a touch-screen would be a huge incentive to upgrade for users of older RX100 cameras. From DPReview (emphasis mine):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The ability to use phase-detection autofocus while recording 4K video is a benefit, since it reduces the risk of the camera missing focus and having to hunt (and ruining your clips in the process). <b>Sadly, without a touchscreen it's not nearly as useful as it could be</b>.</i></blockquote>
Perhaps one of the more interesting things is that Sony have announced <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4462707161/hands-on-with-the-sony-cyber-shot-rx100-v?slide=8">an underwater housing</a> that is compatible with <b>all</b> RX100 cameras. For me, this would make the RX100 a serious challenger to the Nikon AW1 series, as both have same size sensor with similar limited lens choice for underwater shots.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4559729196/sony-announces-cyber-shot-rx100-mark-v">Announcement</a><br />
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4462707161/hands-on-with-the-sony-cyber-shot-rx100-v">DPReview hands on</a><br />
<a href="https://www.dpreview.com/samples/2431885296/sony-rx100-mark-v-real-world-samples">DPReview Real World Sample Gallery</a><br />
<br />
<h2>
Other Sony News</h2>
Reportedly, <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/new-menu-layout-coming-a7ii-camera-series/">a new menu layout is coming</a> to all Sony A7II series cameras. Considering all that Sony could do <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/03/everything-wrong-with-sony-a7r-ii.html">with a new firmware</a>, a new menu layout seems underwhelming.<br />
<br />
Also, Sigma have mentioned in <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sigma-ceo-kazuto-yamaki-confirms-in-video-interview-they-have-a-sony-fe-lens-roadmap/">an interview</a> they are considering making native FE lenses.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Voigtlander</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQPn90Vibjg/V_8d28QPNGI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AD8nDDGkOOkTQI7bC0e5mTbNJYNbkVpqQCLcB/s1600/Voigtlander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AQPn90Vibjg/V_8d28QPNGI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AD8nDDGkOOkTQI7bC0e5mTbNJYNbkVpqQCLcB/s400/Voigtlander.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Voigtlander have an M-Mount, an FE-mount and a Nikon AI-S mount lens <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6373141028/voigtlander-shows-off-three-new-lenses-including-65mm-f2-macro-for-e-mount">in development</a>. The 50mm f3.5 m-mount looks funky.<br />
<br />
I will be travelling for new few weeks - so apologies if I miss some weeks keeping you, gentle reader, up do date with news and rumours.<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-22629784279192235662016-10-06T18:00:00.000+11:002016-10-06T18:00:10.031+11:00N&R: Sony A6500 with 5-axis stabilisation rumoured to be coming soonWell, the big rumour this week is that Sony is about to announce the A6500, which is supposedly an A6300 but with 5-axis IBIS, and the RX 100V.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U78BADI6-Q8/V_XfvEBYSdI/AAAAAAAAArI/k28In_jUY744sxPklJrmgsztxlz2RlmBACLcB/s1600/GitzoSystematic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U78BADI6-Q8/V_XfvEBYSdI/AAAAAAAAArI/k28In_jUY744sxPklJrmgsztxlz2RlmBACLcB/s320/GitzoSystematic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gitzo are releasing new legs in their high-end Systematic range.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h2>
Sony</h2>
<br />
So, according <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-will-announce-a6500-rx100m5/">to rumour</a>, Sony will soon announce an <b>A6500</b> APS-C mirrorless camera. The main extra feature being reported as 5-axis IBIS.<br />
<br />
If true, it could be a nice smaller companion to the those with A7 full frame bodies, but this is what other features I'd like to see before I'd consider buying:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dual-card slots (Sony needs to keep up with Olympus and Fuji in this regard);</li>
<li>Touch screen AND/OR a AF point select joystick;</li>
<li>Lossless RAW;</li>
<li>Better handling of 4K video overheating; and</li>
<li>Second dial on front.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Sony, if you can do all this and keep size/weight similar to A6300 (a big ask, I'm sure), you may have a buyer in me. if this rumour is true, it will be expected to sell alongside the A6300, not as a replacement.<br />
<br />
No word on what the RX100V brings.<br />
<h2>
Gitzo</h2>
Gitzo have announced new tripod legs in <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0188165220/gitzo-updates-systematic-tripod-range-with-new-materials-big-feet-and-easy-link-sockets">their Systematioc range</a>, which is their top of the line series designed for heaviest and largest cameras.<br />
<h2>
Google Pixel</h2>
If you're after the best phone camera, and trust DxO rankings, then the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6751123439/google-pixel-phones">new Google Pixel</a> just may be for you. According to DPReview:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>DxO has already tested the Pixel camera before its launch and with a score of 89 the Google device is the best smartphone ever tested. It takes the top position in the DxOMark rankings ahead of such illustrious competition as the new iPhone 7, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the HTC 10...</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The DxO testers were impressed by the great detail and low noise levels across all light situations. They also found exposure to be spot on and the autofocus to be very accurate, both in still in video mode. You can read the full report on <a href="https://www.dxomark.com/Mobiles/Pixel-smartphone-camera-review-At-the-top">DxOMark.com</a>.</i></blockquote>
<h2>
Lensbaby</h2>
Lensbaby have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5724374829/three-s-company-lensbaby-launches-trio-28-for-mirrorless-cameras">announced a new lens</a>, the <b>Lensbaby Trio 28mm f3.5</b>, designed for mirrorless systems (Sony E, Fuji X and Micro 43s). With a twist of the lens, you can have access to three different effects: Twist, Velvet, and Sweet. It is expected to retail for $280USD.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-26183098452699299282016-09-29T18:00:00.000+10:002016-09-29T18:00:37.554+10:00N&R: Nikon 1 not dead?Recently, there was speculation that Nikon <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/08/news-and-rumors-canon-fuji-nikon.html">has stopped development of the Nikon 1</a> series of mirrorless cameras. Nikon has <a href="http://nikonrumors.com/tag/nikon-1-is-not-dead/">explicitly denied this</a>, and there's <a href="http://nikonrumors.com/2016/09/26/more-new-lens-patents-designed-for-1-sensor.aspx/">a bunch of lens patents</a> to back up this claim.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Phottix has announced a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7977228811/phottix-introduces-canon-rt-version-of-its-battery-powered-indra500-ttl-studio-flash-head">Canon RT compatible version of its Indra 500 TTL</a> studio flash head.<br />
<br />
Other than that, a quiet week.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-47037778808839761322016-09-22T18:00:00.000+10:002016-09-22T18:00:04.909+10:00N&R: Photokina with new cameras and lenses from Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Sony, Tokina and Voigtlander.This week is all about Photokina, so lets look at a recap of all the new cameras and lenses announced in the last few days;my word there's a lot of them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aMujJrkAj14/V-IqbjjVe9I/AAAAAAAAAqE/FTmdiz_nof0SkjB1cc5imTFy0mqcxNq4ACLcB/s1600/FujiX50sTop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aMujJrkAj14/V-IqbjjVe9I/AAAAAAAAAqE/FTmdiz_nof0SkjB1cc5imTFy0mqcxNq4ACLcB/s400/FujiX50sTop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuji enters the mirrorless medium format arena.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2>
Fuji</h2>
As already rumoured, Fuji are entering the medium format world with <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/8411827820/fujfilm-announces-development-gfx-50s-medium-format-digital">their GFX 50s medium format</a> mirrorless camera. DPReview have released <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9742476304/fujifilm-goes-medium-format-with-the-gfx-50s-here-s-what-you-need-to-know">a short summary</a> of the new camera, as well as their own <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0310515510/photokina-2016-hands-on-with-fujifilm-gfx-50s">hands on experience</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wLsb3oj5rw/V-IqqTEhnLI/AAAAAAAAAqI/clyXPU2oveYHUI9YXB25wS4Vw1wFsmKLwCLcB/s1600/FujiGFX50s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1wLsb3oj5rw/V-IqqTEhnLI/AAAAAAAAAqI/clyXPU2oveYHUI9YXB25wS4Vw1wFsmKLwCLcB/s320/FujiGFX50s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Fuji are claiming the sensor is a brand new one designed by Fujifilm. This raises some eyebrows, as it seems to have the same specs as the Sony produced sensor found in the Pentax 645Z and the main rival to the Fuji, the Hasselblad X1D. The sensor uses a bayer pattern, and not X-Trans. My guess is that Fuji have simply tweaked the Sony sensor and claimed it as their own.<br />
<br />
Compared to the X1D, the camera has a more DSLR like appearance, especially when the optional EVF is attached (which is included with the camera at no cost). It will be released with 3 lenses, a 63mm f2.8 (equiv. 50mm f2.2), 120mm f4 macro (equiv. 95mm f3.2) and a wide angle 32-64mm f4 zoom (equiv. 25-50mm f3.2), with three more lenses to follow.<br />
<br />
To me, this makes much more sense than the Hasselblad initial offering, with Fuji offering choices from 25mm to 95mm equivalent, but Hasselblad only offering 35mm and 70mm equivalent. Unfortunately, the Fuji lenses do not appear to have leaf shutters, so I'm unsure what the sync speed will be.<br />
<br />
On the plus side, the kit (which includes the 63mm f2.8) is expected to sell for well under $10,000 USD which is more competitive than Hasselblad.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Olympus</h2>
As with Fuji, everything from Olympus was already leaked well in advance.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To08oskaOdk/V-IqzCRDt8I/AAAAAAAAAqM/C3gw7KGZ_8I0GYZWIte8JZDB1JpQ7ZG6QCLcB/s1600/OlympusEM1II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-To08oskaOdk/V-IqzCRDt8I/AAAAAAAAAqM/C3gw7KGZ_8I0GYZWIte8JZDB1JpQ7ZG6QCLcB/s400/OlympusEM1II.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top and front look exactly the same as the E-M1 Mark I.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As expected, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9740173952/olympus-announces-e-m1-mark-ii-development">they pre-announced</a> the E-M1 Mark II, and DPReview got <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5553611541/photokina-2016-hands-on-with-olympus-om-d-e-m1-ii">some hands-on time</a> with it.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>New in the E-M1 II is a fully articulating rear LCD screen (the E-M1's screen was a simpler tilting design). Olympus tells us that this kind of articulation is more popular with videographers, which makes sense.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>The E-M1 II offers a very impressive 4K video specification, boasting up to 236mbps data throughput. From our brief use, the revamped image stabilization system provides uncannily stable video footage, too.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i>Twin SD card slots allow for multiple configurations, including overflow (where one card simply acts as a spare) backup, and mixed-media recording. On shoots which involve both video and stills capture we suspect that a lot of photographers will record video to one card and stills to the other. The E-M1 II supports the latest UHS-II SD format.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><i> If there is one word that sums up the E-M1 II it's 'speed'. The autofocus system has been completely redesigned, with 121 cross-type AF on-sensor phase detection points. One of the camera's two quad-core processors is dedicated to AF, which enables the E-M1 to shoot at up to 18fps at full-resolution, with continuous autofocus.</i></blockquote>
It sounds like a very impressive iteration on the original E-M1, but weighing in at 574g, it is approaching full frame Sonys in weight.<br />
<br />
The E-PL8 was <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5269482118/olympus-announces-pen-e-pl8-entry-level-mirrorless">also announced</a>, but seems really, and totally, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympus-pen-e-pl8-first-impressions-review">boring</a>.<br />
<br />
Of more interest to most will be <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5877052166/olympus-announces-25mm-f1-2-pro-12-100mm-f4-is-pro-30mm-f3-5-macro-lenses">the new lenses</a>, where DPReview provided galleries for the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/samples/4774502912/pinnacle-prime-olympus-ed-25mm-f1-2-pro-samples-gallery">25mm f1.2</a> and the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/samples/9126056017/misers-macro-olympus-30mm-f3-5-macro-sample-gallery">30mm f3.5 macro</a>, and got hands on with the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1665854003/photokina-2016-meet-the-new-olympus-12-100mm-f4-0-is-pro">12-100 f4 pro</a>. All three are pretty interesting lenses in their own right (the macro offers 1.25 magnification), but the prospective prices of the pro lenses (1,200USD for the 25mm, and 1,300USD for the 12-100 f4) may put them out of reach of many.<br />
<br />
Also announced was the FL-900R flash, which is interesting mostly because it is <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7344318330/olympus-announces-weather-sealed-fl-900r-flash">is weather sealed</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhCGitEUago/V-IrRuxWVWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/Pls0vEIMRVcOHwXk80gIs-slZiH2NELbQCLcB/s1600/ElinchromOlympus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhCGitEUago/V-IrRuxWVWI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/Pls0vEIMRVcOHwXk80gIs-slZiH2NELbQCLcB/s400/ElinchromOlympus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to try this monstrosity on a Panasonic GM5.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Elinchrom have also announced they will release a <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/announced-elinchrom-skyport-plus-hs-for-olympus/">Skyport Plus HS for Olympus</a>, which I would expect to work with Panasonic and Leica bodies as well. But please confirm that before you buy!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Panasonic</h2>
Just as Olympus pre-announced the E-M1 Mark II, Panasonic <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2982677053/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh5-with-4k-60p-under-development">have pre-announced the GH5</a>. There's not much announced that wasn't already leaked, but they did have one <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0512474361/here-s-the-new-panasonic-lumix-dmc-gh5">on display</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzxhyLATAAg/V-IroTVWRDI/AAAAAAAAAqY/NAxUFEPPAYkEzPUoms7d9oEfyk9cF8XXQCLcB/s1600/Image_GH5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzxhyLATAAg/V-IroTVWRDI/AAAAAAAAAqY/NAxUFEPPAYkEzPUoms7d9oEfyk9cF8XXQCLcB/s320/Image_GH5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Also announced was <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0242348371/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-offers-weather-sealing-updated-is-system-larger-viewfinder">the Panasonic G80/G85</a>, which appears to be the successor to the G7. DPReview got <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3393180242/hands-on-with-the-panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85">their hands on one</a>, and released <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-first-impressions-review">a first impressions review</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvDMqPnd7-Y/V-IrxNvk_fI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ADYhJwOWGY0wn1oTwdn4hDT2PbSQwIu0gCLcB/s1600/PansonicG80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lvDMqPnd7-Y/V-IrxNvk_fI/AAAAAAAAAqc/ADYhJwOWGY0wn1oTwdn4hDT2PbSQwIu0gCLcB/s400/PansonicG80.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The rear screen is the same 1040k-dot unit touch LCD that is used in the G7, and it features the same vari-angle hinge too. The viewfinder is also the same 2360k OLED but Panasonic has increased the magnification from 0.7x to 0.74x to make the view feel a bit bigger – which it does.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Lumix DMC-G85 uses a 16MP Live MOS sensor that operates without a low-pass filter in the same way that the GX85 does. Panasonic has included the new Dual IS 2 5-axis in-body image stabilization system in this camera and claims it compensates for 5-stops. The system in the GX85 only claims 4-stops.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lde374DSg-s" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />
Although I personally prefer the range finder styling of the GX80, the G80 offers a much better viewfinder and weather sealing. Although disappointing to see no headphone jack and no V-Log, it is a very compelling hybrid camera.<br />
<br />
Also announced was <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4771151721/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx10-gains-1-sensor-and-fast-24-72mm-equiv-lens">the LX10 compact camera</a>, but it seems to be a bit <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-lx10-lx15-first-impressions-review">underwhelming</a>.<br />
<br />
PocketWizard is also <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2643580279/pocketwizard-introduces-flextt5-ttl-radio-system-for-panasonic">introducing a Flex TT5 for Panasonic</a>, but be aware it will only work with the GH4 and two specific flash units at launch. No word if it will ever work with Olympus bodies.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sigma</h2>
The lens many have waited for, the Sigma 85mm f1.4 ART, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5823614167/sigma-adds-lenses-to-its-global-vision-line">is finally here</a>. Along for the ride is a 12-24mm f4 ART and a 500mm f4 monster sports lens. DPReview got <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4375319680/hands-on-with-sigma-s-latest-lenses">their hands on them</a>, but don't have much to report on yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRqI2KD-DMw/V-Ir7YUrLCI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Y64hKHSqdBQr8J2Ow4TvTpimQcKrhZnjgCLcB/s1600/Sigma85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BRqI2KD-DMw/V-Ir7YUrLCI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Y64hKHSqdBQr8J2Ow4TvTpimQcKrhZnjgCLcB/s320/Sigma85.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The 85mm is a very substantial lens, featuring 14 elements in 12 groups. No word has been given on weight, yet, but at 126mm long and with a diameter of 95mm, it makes quite an impression. The lens will initially be available for Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, with the Nikon version including electronic aperture control.</i></blockquote>
Those hoping for a cheaper alternative to the Nikon f1.4 might be in for a shock.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sony</h2>
I wrote before about the <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/08/news-and-rumors-canon-fuji-nikon.html">difference of opinion between Sony Alpha Rumors and Photo Rumors</a>, and Sony Alpha Rumors has been proven right; the Sony A99 Mark II <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/5855300360/sony-announces-42mp-a99-mark-ii-with-5-axis-stabilization">has been announced</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EuLpBNb-g/V-IsBgQjZ-I/AAAAAAAAAqk/KYy09o3tefYg_cZ8XtGtzifw0lwHDbx7gCLcB/s1600/SonyA99II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EuLpBNb-g/V-IsBgQjZ-I/AAAAAAAAAqk/KYy09o3tefYg_cZ8XtGtzifw0lwHDbx7gCLcB/s400/SonyA99II.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It has obviously acquired <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7984409517/photokina-2016-hands-on-with-sony-a99-ii">a lot of tech</a> from the Sony A7RII, including the 42mp sensor and 5-axis IBIS. Interestingly, it still has the mirror and dedicated PDAF sensor with 79 AF points (15 cross type), but also makes use of the 399 on-sensor PDAF points.<br />
<br />
Where the a99II differs to the a7RII is the ability to shoot up to 12fps, with a buffer able to hold 54 raws! Also mentioned is the ability to shoot 4k video with no pixel binning, but I am unclear is this is available in FF mode or only Super35 mode as per A7RII.<br />
<br />
As for the whole sordid Photo Rumors vs Sony Alpha Rumors affair, I think that may warrant its own blog post. But, in the meantime, Sony alpha mount users rejoice!<br />
<br />
And, to match news from Panasonic and Olympus about new flash triggers, <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-and-profoto-announce-collaboration-and-first-interoperable-product-for-serious-photographers/">Profoto and Sony</a> have announced a collaboration to produce Sony compatible Air remote. Profoto, please get Sony to send the AF signal to the flash when using PDAF with their PDAF mirrorless cameras!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Tokina</h2>
In more good news for Sony users, Tokina have released a teaser for <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/tokina-fe-roadmap-discloses-a-new-super-wide-fast-wide-and-a-zoom-autofocus-lens/">3 new autofocus Sony FE lenses</a>.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Super Wide FE autofocus lens (release 2017)</li>
<li>Fast wide FE autofocus lens (release 2017)</li>
<li>Zoom FE autofocus lens (release 2018)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
Voigtlander</h2>
The Sony lenses keep coming, with Voigtlander announcing <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/voigtlander-announces-the-new-65mm-f2-macro-apo-lanthar-fe-lens/">a new 65mm f2 macro lens for FE mount</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Metz</h2>
Metz have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2544620978/metz-mecablitz-m400-flash-unveiled-at-photokina">unveiled their previously teased flash</a>, but I fail to see what this offers over the widely available Nissin i40.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Profoto</h2>
On the far end of the spectrum, Profoto have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6320893257/minimum-flash-duration-of-1-63-000sec-makes-the-profoto-d2-the-fastest-ttl-monolight-in-the-world">released a new monolight</a> which has an incredibly short output duration.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Profoto D2 studio flash heads have a shortest output duration of 1/63,000sec, can run at a rate of 20 bursts per second and can sync with camera shutter speeds as short as 1/8000sec.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-42478183183238361212016-09-15T18:00:00.000+10:002016-09-15T18:00:21.670+10:00N&R: Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, Samyang, Sony, Tokina, Venus Optics, Zeiss and Think Tank.This week we look at the Canon EOS-M5 release, rumours about Panasonic and Olympus, new lenses for Samyang, Tokina, Venus Optics and Zeiss, and a new roller bag from Think Tank.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx0kqIgYyS4/V9pL1Brt-BI/AAAAAAAAApM/HhX8Lry9ec48ewhSdwBRF8oGnW5Kt7VTwCLcB/s1600/EOSM5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kx0kqIgYyS4/V9pL1Brt-BI/AAAAAAAAApM/HhX8Lry9ec48ewhSdwBRF8oGnW5Kt7VTwCLcB/s400/EOSM5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first serious mirrorless from Canon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h2>
Canon</h2>
<br />
Canon have announced their latest mirrorless camera, <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/4053664391/canon-eos-m5-elevates-enthusiast-appeal-with-24mp-dual-pixel-af-sensor-and-built-in-evf">the Canon EOS M5</a>. DP Review have given their first impressions, and <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-m5-first-impressions-review">it sounds very solid</a>. It contains Canon's highly regarded dual pixel AF, as well as a high resolution viewfinder.<br />
<br />
I recently had a friend ask for camera advice, where they initially asked about the Canon M10. I advised against it, and suggested other cameras such as the Panasonic GX85 and Sony a6300. However, she was disappointed as she didn't want to hear about anything except Canon as, for her, 'Canon have the most natural colours'. For people like her, who probably won't ever look past the kit lens, I think this will make a fabulous camera (she doesn't need 4k which this camera also lacks vs its rivals).<br />
<br />
For me, it does sound like it will be quite a nice camera, but Canon are severely lacking on the lens front for their mirrorless option. They need some bright primes. If I were Canon, I'd look at producing a 22mm f1.8 and 55mm f1.8 as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the DPReview have finished <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-eos-5d-mark-iv">their review of the Canon 5D Mark IV</a>, and unsurprisingly have given it their gold award.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>With the EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon has further refined its semi-professional full frame all-rounder. With a solid build and improved weather sealing, faster burst speed, increased resolution, increased dynamic range, updated autofocus system and Dual Pixel live view functionality, the Mark IV will be as much camera as many people need, even if it doesn't revolutionize the 5D-line the way its predecessors have.</i></blockquote>
<h2>
Olympus/Panasonic</h2>
Full specs of the <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-full-olympus-lens-specs-leaked/">new lenses from Olympus</a> (25mm f1.2, 12-100mm f4 and 30mm f/3.5 macro) have been released, as well as specs on <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-full-olympus-e-pl8-fl-900r-panasonic-lx10-specs/">the e-pl8, fl-900r and the Pansonic lx10</a> (which sounds like a Sony RX100 competitor).<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, rumour has it that the Pansonic 12-35mm f2.8 and 35-100mm f2.8 lenses are <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft4-panasonic-will-launch-new-updated-version-12-35-35-100-x-lenses/">due for updated versions</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Samyang</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0KlOMwc9bU/V9pPLwIsGiI/AAAAAAAAApU/L9Zxnl1o0E8NQovTQ4_AfCYpdehP4ANNgCLcB/s1600/Samyang_Introduces_Premium_Lens_Lineup_Sep122016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0KlOMwc9bU/V9pPLwIsGiI/AAAAAAAAApU/L9Zxnl1o0E8NQovTQ4_AfCYpdehP4ANNgCLcB/s320/Samyang_Introduces_Premium_Lens_Lineup_Sep122016.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Samyang has announced a new premium lens range, all manual focus, starting with <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9107343366/samyang-premium-mf-lens-range">an 85mm f/1.2 and a 14mm f/2.4</a>. The 14mm will be produced for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony E mounts. However, the 85mm f/1.2 has only been announced for Canon so far. It's possible that only Canon's lens mount allows for an 85mm lens with such a wide aperture.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sony</h2>
Sony has announced the already rumoured 18-110 f4 cine lens for APS-C and Super35 E-mount cameras. What has surprised some is that it is costed at a higher price than its full frame sibling, though others point out it is probably due to the addition fully manual mechanical zoom.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Tokina</h2>
As rumoured before, Tokina <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1534592044/tokina-launches-new-firin-mirrorless-lens-series-with-20mm-f-2-0-fe-mf">have announced their 20mm f/2 Sony E mount lens</a>. It can communicate focal length and aperture to the camera body.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Venus Optics</h2>
Venus Optics have also <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/0593933507/venus-optics-unveils-laowa-7-5mm-f2-for-mft-and-15mm-f2-fe-zero-d">unveiled two wide lenses</a>, a 7.5mm f/2 for Micro 43s, and a 15mm f/2 for Sony FE.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Zeiss</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpjQx-1pxI/V9pRCg6IZ-I/AAAAAAAAApc/binFaABscQI4l01ug5ZI9fBvk561pt73ACLcB/s1600/zeiss_body.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOpjQx-1pxI/V9pRCg6IZ-I/AAAAAAAAApc/binFaABscQI4l01ug5ZI9fBvk561pt73ACLcB/s400/zeiss_body.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The lenses keep coming, with Zeiss <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7918718493/zeiss-adds-super-wide-and-tele-options-to-milvus-line">announcing new Milvus lenses </a>for Nikon and Canon mount. These lenses are screaming out for a body with Canon or Nikon mount, but an EVF and decent manual focus assist tools (the closest offering at moment is to use a Sony A7 camera with adapter).<br />
<br />
I still think Nikon made a huge mistake in not offering the Nikon DF with an excellent ground glass manual focus screen.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Think Tank</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u4qUeq0ErQ/V9pSPtoG7XI/AAAAAAAAApg/EE2TrnObp_0jaBkZxXwS0FWqADrqX58AwCLcB/s1600/Airport-Advantage-web-1600_0024_Background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u4qUeq0ErQ/V9pSPtoG7XI/AAAAAAAAApg/EE2TrnObp_0jaBkZxXwS0FWqADrqX58AwCLcB/s400/Airport-Advantage-web-1600_0024_Background.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Think Tank <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/8604940631/think-tank-airport-helipak-for-3dr-solo-and-airport-advantage-bags-now-available">have announced</a> a new rolling bag, <a href="https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/airport-series/products/airport-advantage">the Airport Advantage</a>. The most exciting thing about this bag is, for me, the low weight of 2.7kg. As much as I love the Think Tank <a href="https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/airport-series/products/airport-airstream">Airport Airstream</a>, its 4.1kg takes up too much of your weight allowance on international flights.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-39401393728056161692016-09-08T18:00:00.000+10:002016-09-08T18:00:01.063+10:00News and Rumours: Apple, Canon, Fuji, Hasselblad, Leica, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Zeiss, Metz and FlashQIn this week summary:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The long awaited <b>iPhone 7 Plus</b> gets announced with dual cameras.</li>
<li>Stylised images of the new <b>Canon EOS-M5</b> are leaked.</li>
<li><b>Fuji </b>announces monochrome instax film.</li>
<li><b>Hasselblad</b> will soon announce another medium format mirrorless lens.</li>
<li><b>Leica </b>announce a new 6mm macro lens for their TL mirrorless camera.</li>
<li>The three new lenses from <b>Olympus </b>have leaked images.</li>
<li>More information on the <b>Panasonic </b>G80/G85 cameras.</li>
<li><b>Sigma </b>announce a new series of Cine lenses.</li>
<li><b>Sony </b>will also soon announce a new cine lens.</li>
<li><b>Tamron </b>announces the previously leaked 15-600mm G2 lens.</li>
<li>Leaked images of three new Milvus lenses coming from <b>Zeiss</b>.</li>
<li><b>Metz </b>is teasing a new, smaller flash.</li>
<li>The <b>FlashQ </b>Q20 small flash should is expected to be released in Q4 this year.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LexqfsKf8k/V9EIUleyfhI/AAAAAAAAAnc/uBFfqreOK00QMn0_VIAtroneF_SMdlMPwCLcB/s1600/Q20_PB01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LexqfsKf8k/V9EIUleyfhI/AAAAAAAAAnc/uBFfqreOK00QMn0_VIAtroneF_SMdlMPwCLcB/s400/Q20_PB01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You read it here first: the LightPix Q20 is expected to arrive this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h2>
Apple</h2>
Apple have announced the new iPhone 7 Plus will feature dual cameras. Unlike the Huawei P9, which feature one colour sensor and one b&w sensor, the iPhone 7 features two different focal lengths. According to <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2897312617/apple-unveils-iphone-7-and-dual-cam-iphone-7-plus">DPReview</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The larger iPhone 7 Plus model's camera comes with all the iPhone 7 features but adds a second camera module. Next to the standard 28mm module is a 56mm tele-lens with its own 12MP sensor, and this dual cam implementation is predominantly used for zooming... The camera's second headline feature is a shallow-depth-of-field simulation as we've seen it on several other devices before.</i></blockquote>
What if you want to dual lens feature in the smaller iPhone 7? No luck.<br />
<h2>
Canon</h2>
Images of the new Canon EOS-M5 <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/is-this-the-canon-eos-m5/">have been leaked</a>, but appear to have gone through a Photoshop art filter. This will be the first mirrorless camera from Canon to have an integrated EVF.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB-oCN0TF0c/V9EIDJXx3gI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uduVGH1v7qkx9OYo0RGpIsNzETuelZdJwCLcB/s1600/eosm5sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB-oCN0TF0c/V9EIDJXx3gI/AAAAAAAAAnY/uduVGH1v7qkx9OYo0RGpIsNzETuelZdJwCLcB/s320/eosm5sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
Fuji</h2>
Fuji have <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/2449731571/fujifilm-to-sell-monochrome-instax-mini-film">announced monocrhom Instax film</a>. I think this is really cool and I feel tempted to play with an Instax camera/printer for first time. It is expected to be for sale from October.<br />
<h2>
Hasselblad</h2>
Hasselblad are <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/09/06/new-hasselblad-xcd-30mm-medium-format-mirrorless-lens-to-be-announced-at-photokina/">expected to announce</a> a 30mm lens for their mirrorless X1D at Photokina.<br />
<h2>
Leica</h2>
Leica <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/8041911106/leica-adds-60mm-f2-8-macro-to-tl-lens-lineup">have announced</a> a 60mm f2.9 lens for their APS-C mirrorless camera. Some question the $3,000 price-tag since it is <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/panasonic-patent-proves-designed-leica-sl-90-280mm-full-frame-lens/">possibly designed and manufactured</a> by Panasonic.<br />
<h2>
Olympus</h2>
Images (low res) <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-leaked-first-images-three-new-olympus-lenses/">have been leaked</a> of the three new lenses coming from Olympus - showing that 43 Rumors were <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/09/news-and-rumours-canon-fuji-olympus.html">more accurate</a> than Photo Rumors.<br />
<h2>
Panasonic</h2>
Some <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft4-first-info-g8x-camera/">possible information</a> about the new camera from Panasonic:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It isn’t an entry level G7/G70 – it’s a step up<br />Weathersealing and next level Dual IS are the main feature improvements.<br />4:2:2 8bit recording on SD card!</i></blockquote>
<h2>
Sigma</h2>
Sigma <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/9634970491/sigma-gets-into-the-cinema-lens-game-with-ef-and-e-mount-zooms">have announced</a> a new series of Cine lens for Canon EF, Sony E and PL Mount.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rldhTFAByK8/V9ELnwlTxKI/AAAAAAAAAnw/EQreINMN6y0qPrQOlNz4ji_yaWJ0_xqxACLcB/s1600/SigmaCine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rldhTFAByK8/V9ELnwlTxKI/AAAAAAAAAnw/EQreINMN6y0qPrQOlNz4ji_yaWJ0_xqxACLcB/s400/SigmaCine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
According to DPReview:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Sigma Cine Lenses are weatherproof and designed with an emphasis on optical performance and making the most of high-resolution sensors. An 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2 for the Super 35 format (and APS-C bodies) will be the first introduced. All lenses will be introduced in EF- and E-mounts, with PL versions coming later for each except the 24-35mm T2.2 FF.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Pricing isn't given at this time; Sigma says the first lenses will be available near the end of 2016 starting with Japan and the US.</i></blockquote>
However, considering these seem to be existing ART lenses in Cine housing, it'll be interesting to see how well they deal with issues like focus-breathing.<br />
<br />
Of much more interest to photographers will be something DP Review user <b>Boeing skipper</b> picked up on:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The cine 85 T1.5 has 14 elements in 12 groups, compared to Sigma's EX 85 f1.4 which has 11 elements in 7 groups.<br /><b>Looks like the Sigma's 85 f1.4 Art is finally coming</b>.</i></blockquote>
<h2>
Sony</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK68WLqouPo/V9EM1lbOc7I/AAAAAAAAAoA/eAju8_DXXCcJEjtllntd50TJodINJ3HvwCLcB/s1600/Sony-E-mount-18-110mm-G-lens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AK68WLqouPo/V9EM1lbOc7I/AAAAAAAAAoA/eAju8_DXXCcJEjtllntd50TJodINJ3HvwCLcB/s320/Sony-E-mount-18-110mm-G-lens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sony <a href="http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-leaked-first-image-new-sony-18-110mm-f4-0-g-lens/">will soon announce</a> an 18-110mm f4 APS-C lens for E-mount. This should be a much more useful range than the existing FE PZ 28-135mm for Super 35 cameras.<br />
<h2>
Tamron</h2>
Tamron has announced the <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6044873650/tamron-announces-2nd-generation-sp-150-600mm-di-vc-usd-g2">previously leaked 150-600mm Di VC G2 lens</a>, as well as <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1288769210/tamron-announces-new-1-4x-and-2x-teleconverters">new 1.4X and 2X teleconverters</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Zeiss</h2>
Images <a href="http://petapixel.com/2016/09/06/three-new-zeiss-lenses-leaked-15mm-f2-8-18mm-f2-8-135mm-f2/">have been leaked</a> of three new Milvus lenses from Zeiss (which are available in Canon and Nikon mount). The new lenses are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Zeiss Milvus 15mm f/2.8</li>
<li>Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.8</li>
<li>Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2</li>
</ul>
<br />
I still think manual focus lenses make much more sense for Sony A mount considering the manual focus assist aids given by EVF, and the sub-par focus screens in modern DSLR for manually focusing lenses.<br />
<h2>
Metz</h2>
Metz has <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/09/05/metz-has-a-teaser-for-a-new-flash/">a teaser</a> for a new flash which is supposedly 30% smaller than previous models. Hearing this made me think about the FlashQ Q20.<br />
<h2>
FlashQ</h2>
Back in 2014, the people behind the FlashQ triggers tried to bring their new Q20 flash to production via <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/flashq-q20-a-handy-flash-reinvented#/">Indiegogo</a>, but failed to reach their goal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_S7Nas3C8o/V9EPYmrg2dI/AAAAAAAAAoM/qQiNN8AS2YAzw5pc1SNO1umH4PNz-nF8wCLcB/s1600/20150302020011-Q20_PB11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_S7Nas3C8o/V9EPYmrg2dI/AAAAAAAAAoM/qQiNN8AS2YAzw5pc1SNO1umH4PNz-nF8wCLcB/s400/20150302020011-Q20_PB11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been very interested in a flash this size with a built in radio receiver, so I've been waiting patiently ever since for them to bring this to market. I've now been told they're still in development but planned to launch in 2016 Q4.<br />
<br />
Personally, the form factor seems much more portable the the Nissin i40, which is stored in its L shape, and doesn't include a radio receiver.<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-38817680854796247822016-09-01T18:00:00.000+10:002016-09-01T18:00:29.954+10:00News and Rumours: Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Tamron, Tokina and Venus OpticsIn this week's summary:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>DPReview looks more in depth at the <b>Canon 5D Mark IV</b>'s new features;</li>
<li>Rumours of the next camera in the <b>Fuji</b> X100 line emerge;</li>
<li>As well as two new cameras and lenses, maybe we can also expect a new flash from <b>Olympus</b>;</li>
<li>First specs of the <b>Pansonic GH5</b> become available;</li>
<li><b>Sony</b> releases another new lens without a prior peep on the rumours sites;</li>
<li><b>Tamron</b> is rumoured to soon announce an update to their 150-600mm lens;</li>
<li><b>Tokina</b> is reported to soon announce a new manual focus lens in Sony FE mount; and</li>
<li><b>Venus Optics</b> releases a teaser indicating they too, will soon announce a new Sony E mount lens.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kY-8sou6F4/V8e8XiQNONI/AAAAAAAAAls/0EZpbASvCCsRZT3jrhhhdgA2UsTSfYDjQCLcB/s1600/Sony50mmMacro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kY-8sou6F4/V8e8XiQNONI/AAAAAAAAAls/0EZpbASvCCsRZT3jrhhhdgA2UsTSfYDjQCLcB/s1600/Sony50mmMacro.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At last, Sony FE gets a 50mm lens!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<h2>
Canon</h2>
DPReview has put up some various articles on the new 5D Mark IV, including <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3672064065/canon-eos-5d-iv-what-you-need-to-know">a nice summary of main new features</a>. They've also reported that the dynamic range of the new sensor is a <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/3229755227/canon-5d-mark-iv-brings-dramatic-dynamic-range-improvements-to-the-5d-line">dramatic improvement</a>, but the mircoadjustment of the dual RAW feature <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1177471835/testing-image-microadjust-on-the-canon-5d-mark-iv">doesn't offer much practical benefit</a>.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The Canon 5D Mark IV, like the 1D X II, represents a significant step forward for Canon with respect to dynamic range. We can confidently say these cameras bring the massive improvement many Canon shooters had wished for in this department.</i></blockquote>
<br />
On the more negative side for video shooters, they've also reported the camera suffers from <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/7057004492/don-t-get-ahead-of-yourself-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-rolling-shutter-test">significant rolling shutter</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br />Much of the initial concern about the EOS 5D Mark IV's video has been about its substantial 1.64x crop (relative to the full width of the sensor, 1.74x compared to the 3:2 region) and its use of the inefficient Motion JPEG compression system (which limits the ability to use SD cards with any dependability).</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>However, upon shooting with the camera we found it to have significant rolling shutter.</i></blockquote>
Given how good the dual-pixel AF is reported to be for video, it's a real shame the camera has so many other short-comings when it comes to video. I think they've missed a golden opportunity to win back users who have gone to Panasonic and Sony cameras for their video needs.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Fuji</h2>
A replacement for the Fujifilm X100T is expected in 2017, and <a href="http://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilm-x100t-successor-will-called-fujifilm-x100f/">will be called the Fujifilm X100F</a> (X100, X100S<i>econd</i>, X100T<i>hird</i>, X100F<i>outh</i>, X100F<i>ifth</i>... oh damn.)<br />
<br />
The only known spec seems to be it will use the same X-TransIII sensor as the X-T2.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Olympus</h2>
In addition to what <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/08/news-and-rumours-canon-fuji-panasonic.html">was reported last week</a>, Photo Rumors <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/08/30/updated-list-of-expected-olympus-products-to-be-announced-for-photokina-in-the-next-few-weeks/">is also reporting</a> that Olympus will announce the E-PL8, and more surprisingly two new flashes at Photokina: the FL-900R flash (to replace the current FL-600R) and a STF-8 twin macro flash set. They also only reported two lenses will be released (one being the 35mm macro), whereas 43 Rumors reported three will be announced (a 25mm f1.2 and a 12-120mm f4).<br />
<br />
<h2>
Panasonic</h2>
43 Rumors has reported the <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-first-images-new-panasonic-gh5-full-specs/">first GH5 leaked specs</a> from a trusted source:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>20mp, </i><i>4k 4:2:2 10bit… </i><i>Dual SD slots… </i><i>no crop 4k…. </i><i>4k photo stills 60fps, </i><i>6k photo mode at 30fps (what the heck that means is unclear to me)</i><i>ISO 1 stop better…</i></blockquote>
I was actually hoping for a 12mp sensor, which would of course also mean no crop 4K video.<br />
<br />
However, again PhotoRumors is in disagreement with 43 Rumors, as they report the camera will offer <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/08/31/panasonic-at-photokina-2016/">6K or 8K video</a>.<br />
<br />
An LX100 successor called the LX15 <a href="http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-panasonic-will-announce-lx15-photokina/">is also expected to be announced</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Sony</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVePyjlpCA/V8e9S_RSH1I/AAAAAAAAAlw/oC3Eocc1CwoAGJ_2KH6af7ZX4efHtVWLgCLcB/s1600/Sony50mmMacro2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7LVePyjlpCA/V8e9S_RSH1I/AAAAAAAAAlw/oC3Eocc1CwoAGJ_2KH6af7ZX4efHtVWLgCLcB/s400/Sony50mmMacro2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sony <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/1499900501/sony-introduces-fe-50mm-f2-8-macro">has announced a new 50mm f2.8 macro</a>, weighing in at a svelte 236g, and expected to retail for $500USD. Offering 1:1 magnification and a minimum aperture of f16 (which may not be as closed down as some may like for a macro lens).<br />
<br />
What is more surprising about this lens is, like the recent Sony Zeiss 50mm f1.4 before it, there was no leak or rumour at all. As I wrote about <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/2016/08/news-and-rumors-canon-fuji-nikon.html">last month</a>, there is a conflict of opinion whether or not Sony will release another a-mount camera, with Photo Rumors and Sony Alpha Rumors at odds. The lack of leaks on Sony part makes it seems to add weight to the possibility Sony are sitting tightly on that product, except how does SAR then know about it?<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see which way it goes.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Tamron</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Z70Yds9MY/V8e_F4P4eVI/AAAAAAAAAmA/0iwcBP3Da8M0YnL82jGLDbbGI4BosLulwCLcB/s1600/Tamron-SP-150-600mm-f5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-G2-lens-550x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Z70Yds9MY/V8e_F4P4eVI/AAAAAAAAAmA/0iwcBP3Da8M0YnL82jGLDbbGI4BosLulwCLcB/s400/Tamron-SP-150-600mm-f5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-G2-lens-550x349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tamrom <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/08/31/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-di-vc-usd-g2-lens-to-be-announced-for-photokina/">are expected to announce</a> a new iteration of their 150-600mm f5-f6.3 lens at Photokina. What is new about the lens is unknown. It will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts.<br />
<br />
The Sony mount will forgo vibration reduction, due to the bodies having IBIS. However, given IBIS is regarded as being less helpful at longer distances, this might be a bit of a blow for Sony users.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Tokina</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--InqFbj3dmE/V8e_ySDOH5I/AAAAAAAAAmM/GEq5BTX75WoKihpN0_KBEyGxGpN8SAdwQCLcB/s1600/Tokina-FiRIN-20mm-f2-FE-MF-full-frame-manual-focus-E-mount-lens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--InqFbj3dmE/V8e_ySDOH5I/AAAAAAAAAmM/GEq5BTX75WoKihpN0_KBEyGxGpN8SAdwQCLcB/s320/Tokina-FiRIN-20mm-f2-FE-MF-full-frame-manual-focus-E-mount-lens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tokina will reportedly announce a new manual focus lens, called the FiRIN 20mm F2 FE MF, for Sony FE mount <a href="http://photorumors.com/2016/08/25/tokina-firin-20mm-f2-fe-mf-lens-leaked-in-japan/">prior to Photokina</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Venus Optics</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONb-kW-D1-M/V8fAV2gEY2I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/5jRtjMfEgn42F1UEgBj0Z3lsFznVqY_qQCLcB/s1600/Venus-Optics-teaser-for-new-Laowa-lens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONb-kW-D1-M/V8fAV2gEY2I/AAAAAAAAAmQ/5jRtjMfEgn42F1UEgBj0Z3lsFznVqY_qQCLcB/s400/Venus-Optics-teaser-for-new-Laowa-lens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Venus Optics are also expected to announce a native E mount lens at Photokina (based on the teaser above, where the E in Native Surprise has been emphasised).<br />
<br />
Given Venus Optics have released lenses with an FE Mount before, it will be interesting to see if it's an auto-focus lens, or one that can communicate aperture etc to the camera body. More likely, it will just be a manual focus lens with a flange distance too short to be available for anything than Sony mount.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1933430666860646945.post-3725009164138903052016-08-31T21:00:00.000+10:002016-08-31T21:00:17.359+10:00366 Project Month Six - Back to Sony<h3>
Back to Sony</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J6cjLAo1QE/V8a1kBowivI/AAAAAAAAAko/pYmh3dddFhQmH-owNJiTV0we7lCZMY2twCLcB/s1600/Day173-20160621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_J6cjLAo1QE/V8a1kBowivI/AAAAAAAAAko/pYmh3dddFhQmH-owNJiTV0we7lCZMY2twCLcB/s400/Day173-20160621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
On Wednesday June 1, I put away the little Panasonic GM5 I had been using exclusively in May, and brought out the Sony RX1RII. I was expecting a little period of adjustment to deal with the different controls, but what really blew me away was the moment I put the viewfinder of the RX1RII up to my eye.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>It was like a whole new world, so bright and revealing so much more detail. As much as I love the GM5 for what it can do for the size, the viewfinder really isn’t up to par with what else is available.<br />
<br />
The picture I took that night I had also recently taken with the GM5. I had decided not to publish the GM5 picture, as I wanted to try again with a camera with a wider dynamic range.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLCUSoPu6Ro/V8a1rRfA5-I/AAAAAAAAAks/_LrWtTz0nd4WYADmxXWJwseWlM95KkEfACLcB/s1600/Day153-20160601jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLCUSoPu6Ro/V8a1rRfA5-I/AAAAAAAAAks/_LrWtTz0nd4WYADmxXWJwseWlM95KkEfACLcB/s320/Day153-20160601jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Using the Sony over the Panasonic, I was able to pull more detail from both the highlights and shadows. However, unless you’re comparing both images side by side, or printing out large, there probably isn’t the difference you’d want to see considering the difference in cost of these two cameras.<br />
<br />
Even entry level cameras are capable of capturing amazing images, and I feel you really are spending on diminishing returns to go the high-end camera market.<br />
<h3>
Japan</h3>
In June, I also made a trip to Japan, and really only took the Sony RX1RII with me. I did also take the GM5 with me, but largely as a backup.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dt745SdHOEo/V8a12jMMLiI/AAAAAAAAAkw/M6BrkVQvPCsepkD62Hp9zSe20Ku1tDTLQCLcB/s1600/Day162-20160610large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dt745SdHOEo/V8a12jMMLiI/AAAAAAAAAkw/M6BrkVQvPCsepkD62Hp9zSe20Ku1tDTLQCLcB/s400/Day162-20160610large.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger size possible with Instagram, but still a lot of detail missing compared to the full size image.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As in March, I found the RX1RII an excellent holiday camera. There were times I wished I could zoom in, but generally on holiday it’s good to have a relatively wide lens that can capture more of the environment. Even when doing portraits of my friends there, the Sony performed beautifully.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzZR1oT7n0Y/V8a2OPswBXI/AAAAAAAAAk0/moiab9n-vEoYYbJC4gsdwR_RytUFqGdAgCLcB/s1600/Day163-20160611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzZR1oT7n0Y/V8a2OPswBXI/AAAAAAAAAk0/moiab9n-vEoYYbJC4gsdwR_RytUFqGdAgCLcB/s320/Day163-20160611.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: not a portrait.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Your favourites may not coincide with crowd favourites</h3>
I know I have said this before, but often the images you like won’t necessarily get the best response from your audience.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CW6g2PBl5s/V8a2bkPQ9eI/AAAAAAAAAk4/qrJrFIuKsB8vUcXzNxQerBzp4pjr_UNtACLcB/s1600/Day155-20160603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CW6g2PBl5s/V8a2bkPQ9eI/AAAAAAAAAk4/qrJrFIuKsB8vUcXzNxQerBzp4pjr_UNtACLcB/s320/Day155-20160603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I as in a rush to go pack my bags and get ready to go to the airport, I quickly went out and took the above photo. I consider it more of a quick snapshot, using <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh">bokeh</a> as a crutch to simplify the background, but the response was quite positive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBBCxB698CE/V8a2u6Xv4XI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Qn7JTk_5YloKLqHfty4kJ91LHoosBD3jQCLcB/s1600/Day159-20160607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBBCxB698CE/V8a2u6Xv4XI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Qn7JTk_5YloKLqHfty4kJ91LHoosBD3jQCLcB/s400/Day159-20160607.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, I really loved the look of this photo from a Japanese castle, but it didn’t get much response on Instagram. Maybe it just reminded me of a <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bleach+hollow&tbm=isch">Bleach Hollow</a> mask.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<i>You can read about my experiences from other months <a href="http://pselect.blogspot.com/p/366project.html">here</a>.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i>If you want to follow along in my journey, you can see how my 366 project is progressing on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrew366/">@andrew366</a></i></div>
</div>
Andrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05739604972233495493noreply@blogger.com0