Thursday 25 February 2016

News and Rumour Thursday: Micro 43s, Nikon, Nissin, Sigma and Tamron

In this weeks summary:
  • Micro 43s: A new lens from Panasonic.
  • Nikon: 3 new 1-inch sensor compacts (with PDAF).
  • Nissin: New additions to their Nissin Air System.
  • Samsung: “officially discontinued manufacturing of cameras”
  • Sigma: New lenses and new mirrorless cameras.
  • Tamron: New lenses and a USB dock.

Micro 43s


Could have been a bit interesting if f/4 constant aperture - but it wasn't.

Nikon


"One of the features that may set the DLs apart from the other 1"-type cameras is its Hybrid AF system, which combines 105 phase-detect with 171 contrast-detect points. This allows the camera to shoot at 20 fps with continuous autofocus, which is, by far, best-in-class (spec-wise). If you can live with single AF, then the DLs can shoot even faster: 60 fps."

I still think releasing 3 different DL cameras at once is a bit odd. The one which would be most interesting to me would be the Nikon DL24-85 but, unfortunately, there is no EVF other than an optional one that takes up your hot-shoe.

Nissin


Nissin have announced a new i60A flash, which seems like a slightly larger version of the i40 but with a built in wireless receiver compatible with their Nissin Air 1 transmitter.

Also announced is the Nissin Air R receiver, which means that Nissin now have a pretty complete wireless system; supporting tll, hss and, with the new receiver, compatibility with studio strobes (see PC port on image above) and branded ttl flashes.

The other pretty cool thing I like about the Air R receiver is the little kick stand on it - so it's possible to throw a flash on there and stand up on floor, table etc.

It's interesting that the Nissin Air System doesn't seem to have gotten much love, when it seems a reasonable contender with Phottix's Odin and Mitros system. But, perhaps they might have an ace up their sleeves. Lighting Rumours posted the initial press release way after pretty much every other site, but they might be living up to their name and have a small scoop after all.

“We need to clarify the rumours in the internet regarding to the N.A.S. (Nissin Air System): N.A.S. WILL BE AVAILABLE for Canon/ Nikon/ Sony/ Fujifilm/ Four Third, which means you may cross system to use the i60A flash unit with the help of Commander Air 1.”


It seems they will be releasing an Air 1 controller for Four Thirds and Fuji. This would be the first radio ttl option for Micro 43s I am aware of. Finally non-Sony mirrorless users get some love.

The only thing I don't like is that I assume the i60 will retain the cube like pouch of the i40 (it sits in its pouch in the inverted L shape) unlike every other flash out there. This makes the i40/i60 awkward to carry around, and less chance it will just slip into a lens spot in your bag like other flashes.

Samsung


Really sucks for those who invested into the system.

Sigma


Sigma have released some interesting stuff. Seems odd that they can release a lens for mirrorless cameras, but you can't use it on their own mirrorless camera. Still, probably a better idea than going with a whole new mount. Maybe they should have gone into partnership with Samsung for the NX mount. Or, with their knowledge of lens mounts, made it so it can take adapters for Nikon and Canon lenses. I'm sure many would be more willing to give Foveon a go if they can use their existing lenses.

It's even more frustrating to Foveon lovers in that, on paper, the 30mm f/1.4 sounds like a pretty sweet lens. If I was looking at getting a Sony A6300, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 would be near top of my list of lenses to get with it.

Meanwhile, as interesting as the 50-100 f/1.8 is, it's essentially the same weight, and nearly same size, as a Canikon 70-200 f/2.8. I just don't know why this combo of an APS-C camera and lens would be of appeal. I'd prefer to see them do a quality 35-85mm f/2.8 for full frame cameras.

Tamron


It'll be interesting to see what the quality of the 85mm f/1.8 is like, but I think the idea of a stabilised 85mm makes a lot of sense. I really like the direction Tamron is taking with their lenses and, if I was still into DSLRs, I'd be giving them every bit as much attention as the Sigma ART series of lenses.


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