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Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd release date

Mar 082016

Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd release date

Tamron started to manufacture prime lenses which is exciting. Before Tamron only have macro lenses at 90mm and 180mm, but since they released the Tamron 35mm f/1.8 and Tamron 45mm f/1.8 as well.

The 85mm is one of the most popular lens, especially for portrait photographers. Many people still waiting for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 art but the Sigma 50 100m f/1.8 Art arrived instead. Many people still want their 85mm f/1.4. Now comes the Tamron but this lens is ‘only’ f/1.8 but stabilized. This lens is part of the new design, it is a well built metal lens for Full frame cameras.

The minimum focusing distance is 0.8m which results in 1:7.2 magnification. The filter size is 67mm. The weight of the lens is 700g. The lens has a rather complex design for a prime lens with 13/9 lens elements including two low dispersion elements, one of which is an X glass.

The lens has sealing against dust and moisture.

Tamron Tap in console

Similarly to Sigma’s USB dock, Tamron uses the new Tap-in console

Optical qualities

According to the MTF curve it is a very fine lens. Compare to the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 the MTF chart is much better.

There are two lines one for contrast (30 l/mm) one for resolution (10 l/mm). If the lines placed more upwards and more horizontal this shows better performance.

Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd specs

Item: Tamron f/1.8 di VC USD
Model: F016
Focal length: 85mm
Compatible: Full frame
Lens elements: 13/9
Weight: 700g / 1.54 pounds (Canon) the Nikon version is lighter 660g (23.3 oz.)
Dimensions: 84.8 x 91.3mm / 3.34 x 3.59″

Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd release date

The lens will be available at the end of March 2016.

Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd price

The initial price of the new Tamron sp 85mm 1.8 di vc usd is 749 USD.

Sigma MC11 lens adapter

Sigma, Sony No Responses »

Mar 072016

Sigma MC11 lens adapter

This new adapter allows Sigma Canon mount or Sigma Sigma mount (SA) lenses to adapt on Sony FE mount cameras. We can use such lenses as the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art or the popular Sigma 150-600mm lenses on Sony full frame cameras with autofocus. According to several sources the combination works fairly well, even with Sony’s newest af technology. Autofocus and autoaperture maintained. An integrated led shows compatibility with the adapter.

Sigma MC11 lens adapter price

The initial price of the adapter is 249 USD. Obviously it is not a mass product.

Sigma MC11 lens adapter release date

The adapter is expected to be available at the end of March 2016.

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 art

lenses, Sigma No Responses »

Feb 232016

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 art

Introduction

Sigma produce a new lens which will be very interesting for many especially portrait photographers. Everybody waited for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art and the lens which will come is the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 Art. It is an unprecedented lens. Earlier Sigma has a 50-150mm f/2.8 lens but this lens is brighter.

Focal length

Sigma earlier made several big success which such interesting bright zoom lenses for example the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8mm art. The 50-100mm is classical portrait range, which allows the photographer to frame the subject as he/she want.

Specs

Exotic lens elements: the lens has 4 interesting lens elements: 1 SLD and 3 FLD elements, it is quite interesting for such a lens, when the concurrence only throw 1 Ed elements maximum in their similar prime lenses.

The lens has totally 21 lens elements in 16 groups, which I would say a complex design.

Filter size is 82mm.

Weight: 52.6 oz. / 1.49 kg

Dimensions: 3.7 x 6.7″ / 9.4 x 17 cm

Minimum focusing distance: 37.4″ / 0.95 m

Price

The initial price of the lens is 1100 USD.

Pentax K-1 release date review specs price

Cameras, Pentax, Photography No Responses »

Feb 232016

Pentax K-1 release date review specs

New Pentax full frame camera

Pentax company (Ricoh) reached a new milestone. They will release a new Full frame camera the first full frame Pentax in this digital era. In an age when all photo websites most popular phrase is mirrorless it is a bold move from Pentax. The new camera has many interesting features, seems Pentax puts everything in this camera which he can.

Sensor

First it has a state-of-the-art 36.2 MP Sony sensor. This is one of the best you can get in any camera. Some reviews compare it to Middle format sensors and conclude this sensor is very good even against middle format sensors.

In camera stabilizer

The camera has a 5 axis, 5 stops CIPA rated in camera stabilizer which means you can use it with any lenses attached to the camera. No other FF cameras has this in-camera stabilizer, other manufacturers like to charge extra for their stabilized lenses.

Tilting LCD panel

The camera has an interesting looking back LCD panel which tilts in many directions. Four brackets holding the monitor. This also can be very useful in many situations.

Astro tracer and super resolution mode

The camera Astro tracer mode which uses the in built GPS modul to compensate star trails in long exposure. The camera also has a super resolution mode which combines multiple frames to have the best possible resolution of the final image.

The new Full frame Dslr also has an extensive waterproofing against dust and moisture. These are the basics but there are some interesting technologies as well in the camera.

Connectivity

The camera has built in Wifi and mic jack as well for videos.

Pentax K-1 specs

Release date

The release date of the camera is 2016. (expected in April)

___________________________________

Price

The initial price of the Pentax K-1 is 1899 USD.

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Lens mount

The camera has a Pentax K mount. Most Pentax lenses can be used with the camera, most of them in Dx mode, there are few new lenses, but in the future the goal I think to sell many lenses.

_____________________________________

Sensor

Sensor size

The camera has a 36 x 24 mm Fx format CMOS sensor.

Crop factor

The crop factor is 1.0x.

Crop mode

The cameras has a crop mode for DX lenses. The camera automatically select crop mode with Dx lenses, but can be used them in FX mode as well.

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Image processing engine

The cameras has a Prime IV image processing engine.

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ISO range

The Pentax K-1 iso range is from 100-204,800

Metering

Center-weighted, evaluative and spot metering.

Matrix or center-weighted metering: No more detailed information yet.

__________________________________________

Exposure compensation

The camera has an exposure compensation of +-5EV, which is a wide range to play with.

Flash exposure compensation

From -2EV to +1 Ev

Flash synch speed

The camera has no built in flash. The fastest flash synch speed is 1/200s.

Exposure bracketing

No info yet.

______________________________________________

Picture parameters

Resolution

The camera highest resolution is 7360 x 4912 pixel

Other picture sizes

No info yet about the other picture sizes.

File format

The camera can make pictures in DNG, Jpg and Raw format. Videos can be recorded in MOV and mp4 format.

Picture qualities

There are no info yet about the different picture qualities.

_______________________________________________

Autofocus parameters

Pentax SAFOX 12 AF autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 33 focus points (including 25 cross-type sensors).

-3 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)

Autofocus type

Pentax SAFOX 12 AF

Autofocus points

The camera has 33 autofocus points totally, out of which 25 all cross-type autofocus sensors.

Autofocus sensitivity

There are three f/2.8 sensitive sensors and the af can be used from as dark as -3EV

_____________________________________________

Camera physical parameters

Camera weight: The camera weight is 32.6 oz / 924 g.

Camera dimensions : The camera size is 5.4 x 4.3 x 3.4″ / 136.5 x 110.0 x 85.5 mm.

Card slots: Dual Sd card slots

___________________________________

Camera appearance

Color

The camera has a black color.

Used materials

The camera mostly made of metal and hard plastic.

Quality

The build quality of the camera is very good. Everything is tightly assembled, the grip is comfortable.

Ergonomics

The buttons are properly placed, each function is easily accessed, the camera has a premium feel.

_______________________________________

Viewfinder Type

As a Dslr camera, the camera has an optical viewfinder.

Viewfinder Magnification

The camera has a 0.7x sized bright optical viewfinder.

Viewfinder coverage

The viewfinder coverage is 100%.

_________________________________________

Flash

The camera has No built in flash unit, but there is a possibility to connect external flashes as well.

Guide number
No built in flash

Flash modes

No info yet about the flash modes.

Flash hot shoe

ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts

_________________________________________________

Back LCD monitor

The camera has a 1040k pixel moving LCD monitor.

Monitor type

The camera has a 3.2″ sized tilt LCD monitor with many possible tilting directions, tilting upwards 90°, downwards 44°, each side 35°.

Touchscreen

No info yet if the camera has a touchscreen.

_______________________________________________

Body construction

The camera made from Magnesium alloy shell, which makes the camera quite durable. The camera feels tightly assembled, and has a quality feel.

Camera dials

The camera has two control dials, which helps to quick settings of the camera. Most entry level cameras (like Nikon d3xxx and Nikon d3xxx cameras) only usually has one dial.

Memory cards

The camera has two memory card slots.

The camera accepts Sdhc, Sdxc memory cards.

______________________________________________________

Shutter lifespan

There is no information about the shutter lifespan, usually 150,000 actuations or more for such cameras are the designed level, but no warranty on that one.

Shutter sound

No info yet about the shutter sound.

Burst mode

The camera can make 4.5 frames per second in burst mode in Full resolution, in Dx mode 6 frames. The max number of frames are the following:

No info yet
_______________________________________

HDR

The camera can make HDR images in camera.

______________________________________

Timelapse mode

The camera can make timelapse videos in camera.

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Live view

The camera has a live view feature, which means a camera can be used with the back LCD in the same manner, as we would use a compact camera. In live view the viewfinder obviously not usable.

Lens servo Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)
Manual focus (M)

AF-area modes

No info yet about the af area modes

________________________________

Video

Matrix metering
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor

File format: Mov, Mp4

1920 x 1080/ 59.94/50/30/24 fps

___________________________________________

White balance modes

The camera has a following white balance modes: Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Fluorescent (White), Manual, Multi Auto WB, Shade, Tungsten

Kelvin white balance

No info yet.

Pre set white balance modes

No info yet.

___________________________________________

Scene modes

The camera has plenty of scene modes to choose from: Night, landscape, portrait, snow, sport, beach high key, low key.
Auto (auto; auto [flash off]), scene (portrait, landscape, child, sports, close up, night portrait, night landscape, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, pet portrait, candlelight, blossom, autumn colors, food, silhouette, high key, low key), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M),

________________________________________

User defined settings

No info about user definied settings yet.

______________________________________________________

High iso performance

___________________________________________________

Supplied accessories

It may different in different countries.

___________________________________________________

Operating conditions

Temperature

According to Pentax the camera can be used between -10 and 40 degree Celsius or (14 104 Fahrenheit).

Humidity

No info yet about the humidity levels allowed.

________________________________________________________

Languages

No info about the languages yet.

Pentax K-1 release date

The camera will be released in 2016. Expected 5th of April 2016.

Pentax K-1 price

The price of the new Pentax K-1 is 1899 USD which is quite competitive, say only the 36.2 MP sensor in it.

Camera market share in 2016

Mirrorless, Photography No Responses »

Feb 112016

Camera market share in 2016

Which manufacturer sells the most cameras ? You can check it here. The datas from Japan from the website BCNrankings.jp covering approximately 2/3rd of the retail in Japan. So it is only the situation in Japan.

Camera market share 2016 in Japan

Dslr cameras		Mirrorless cameras
Canon	56.2 %	Olympus	34.5 %
Nikon	36.7 %	Sony	24.8 %
Ricoh (Pentax)	6.7 %	Canon	13.6 %

Interesting the Olympus sells more mirrorless cameras than Sony in Japan, even more interesting that the earlier year 2015 was an other way. Other interesting thing the Canon who only has 3 mirrorless cameras to date came to the third position.

Interchangeable lens		Cameras with fixed lens
Canon	24.1 %	Canon	30.5 %
Nikon	15.2 %	Nikon	21 %
Sigma	13.5 %	Casio	14.8 %

Here the interesting thing is how close Sigma to Nikon regarding lens selling. The difference is only 1.7% between the two manufacturer. Casio is also a surprise for me how good is their selling in Japan regarding cameras with fixed lenses.

Camera market share 2015 in Japan

Dslr cameras		Mirrorless cameras
Canon	54.7 %	Sony	34.3 %
Nikon	39.1 %	Olympus	22.3 %
Ricoh (Pentax)	4.5 %	Panasonic	11.9 %

Interchangeable lens		Cameras with fixed lens
Canon	21.2 %	Canon	28.7 %
Nikon	15.2 %	Nikon	15.3 %
Sigma	13.3 %	Casio	15.2 %

The most interesting question is not covered here, how the Dslr fare against mirrorless ? There were some info that in Japan they sell more mirrorless than Dslr but in the world I think is the other way around. The market share for mirrorless is around 45% in Japan, but most interesting markets like in the US it is only around 5-10%. The trends is increasing sell of Mirrorless cameras. Of course it won’t tell the whole story as most Dslr owners doesn’t upgrade every year, and many Dslr owner own a mirrorless as well.

There is one more category like video cameras, here Panasonic leads the sales in Japan before Sony.

Panasonic 100-400 release date review specs

Panasonic No Responses »

Feb 112016

Panasonic 100-400 release date review specs

A new Super telephoto lens is coming from Panasonic. It is a long awaited lens, until now there was not really a good lens for bird/wildlife photography in the Micro 4/3 system. There were several 100-300 zooms from Panasonic and Olympus but this is not so exciting especially for birders.

Official name

It is funny it is called Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 f/4.5-6.3 Asph, what is funny I call it Panasonic. The lens has one UED, two ED and 1 Aspherical lens element. The minimum focusing distance is 1.3m which translates to 0.25x magnification.

Focal length

If you think 400mm and mostly use Aps-C cameras, perhaps not so excited about 400mm. But if you compare it Aps-C, on a 4/3 camera it is more like a 500mm. I don’t say on a Full frame camera, it is lot less, not exciting at all, at least for me. If you compare Aps-C I guess most people use out there, on a Micro 4/3 camera, all lenses has an extra 25% reach. To be totally precise the depth of field is more because of the smaller sensor. So it is more like an 500mm f/5.6, which is much more exciting. And it is under 1kg / 2 lbs, and only 17cm, or approximately 6″.

The lens has a stabilizer and it is possible to use with cameras stabilizers as well which means we can have Dual stabilizer with a proper camera attached to this lens.

Panasonic 100-400 competition

The Micro 4/3 compatition is the also new Olympus 300mm f/4 prime, which is also more like a 375mm f/4. At first for me seems more interersting than a zoom, if we add a 1.4x teleconverter in it as well which will be a 420mm f/5.6. The zoom is more versatile, the prime usually has more brightness and optical quality. But we don’t know yet either lens optical quality. The advantage of the Panasonic that it is small, especially if compare to Canon and Nikon, but I don’t expect it to better for a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4 on either system (but if Canon continues winter sleeping regarding sensor technology, their super expensive primes will have a very nice resale value, at least until everybody switch to Nikon or mirrorless). If you shoot from a tripod, no matter. You can put a Sigma 150-600 or a Tamron 150-600mm and you shooting at a whopping 750mm (on Aps-C) on paper at least, but without autofocus.

Panasonic 100-400 price

The initial price of the new super telephoto lens is 1800 USD. I wouldn’t call it cheap.

Video promo

It is not an official promo, I think even better.

Sony G master lenses

Sony No Responses »

Feb 102016

Sony G master lenses

Sony has started a new series of lenses called Sony G master lenses. Before Sony was often criticized because the lack of lens lineup to their high quality mirrorless cameras, often used by professionals as well. The first three lenses of this G Master series are the

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

(initial 2200 USD, 9 blade iris)

Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM

(initial price 1400 USD, ring ultrasonic af, 11 blade iris)

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS

(compatible teleconverters, 11 blade iris, two focusing groups, no price yet)
lenses, which was announced recently. For the last lens Sony also will release a 1.4x and 2x teleconverter as well. The price of the 70-200m and the teleconverters are not yet decided.

All three lenses are fit the Pro requirements regarding focal length, and aperture. These are the focal length and aperture mostly preferred by wedding or portrait photographers.

According to Sony these lenses designed with 4K video in mind. According to offical people they build these lenses for eternity, which means very durable build. The lenses designed with high resolution and great bokeh. 50 l/mm was mentioned as a standard for these lenses which is quite high.

What is interesting that all three lenses has different autofocus drives. The first one has Direct drive supersonic af motor (SSM), the 85mm has a ring type ultrasonic drive, while the third one has a dual drive, where both the front and the rear group is moving for focusing, the first group is moving by a ring ultrasonic motor the rear with a Dual linear motor. All lenses has sealing against dust and moisture. The two telephoto lens has 11 blade aperture, which is not usual, the 24-70mm has 9 blade aperture. The 70-200mm has a floating optics which is usually used in macro lenses and a first in Sony land. The minimum focus distance of the 70-200m is less than 1m (0.96mm / 3.15′).

Sample photos with the new GM series lenses

Sony Europe official announcement

Three new models including 24-70mm F2.8 Zoom, 85mm F1.4 Prime and 70-200mm F2.8 Zoom deliver unrivalled imaging experiences

Sony today introduced their flagship G Master™ brand of interchangeable lenses. The new brand includes three new E-mount full frame lenses including a 24-70mm constant F2.8 standard zoom, an 85mm F1.4 prime and a 70-200mm constant F2.8 telephoto zoom. Representing the ultimate blend of high resolution and beautiful bokeh, the new lenses feature Sony’s innovative optical element technology, design and calibration. This allows them to produce still image and video content with a level of detail and expression that has never before been possible.

“The new G Master brand represents the finest and most impressive group of lenses that Sony has ever brought to market,” said Yosuke Aoki, Vice President, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “With our knowledge of what the future will bring for digital imaging, we have designed these lenses and can ensure that the G Master brand will inspire and ‘wow’ photographers and videographers for years to come.”

New FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Standard Zoom Lens

Featuring some of the most advanced lens technologies in the market today, the new FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM (model SEL2470GM) is the ultimate choice for those seeking the highest possible optical performance for portrait, travel and event photography or even simple everyday shooting[i].

The new lens is built with three aspherical elements including a newly developed, extremely precise XA (extreme aspherical) element that reduces aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire zoom range and aperture range, as well as from corner to corner of all image files. Additionally, an ED (Extra-low-Dispersion) glass element and Super ED glass element keep chromatic aberration to a minimum while maximising resolution and bokeh without any unnatural colouration.

The lens features a 9-bladed aperture that maintains a near circular shape at all settings and is coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress reflections and ensure spectacular contrast and clarity.

The new FE24-70mm F2.8 GM lens has a direct drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) focusing system that works with incredible efficiency thanks to a new set of algorithms that position the lens elements quickly and accurately. The motor is smooth and quiet, making it an ideal choice for shooting both still images as well as movies.

To maximise usability, the lens is dust and moisture resistant and features a compact, streamlined design that includes AF/MF switch as well as focus hold, zoom lock and hood release buttons.

Two new matching filters for the FE24-70mm F2.8 GM lens have also been introduced, including the VF-82MP MC protector and VF-82CPAM Circular PL filter.

New FE 85mm F1.4 GM Telephoto Prime Lens

Designed as the ultimate portrait lens, the long-awaited new FE 85mm F1.4 GM telephoto prime lens (model SEL85F14GM) strikes a perfect balance between resolution and bokeh in a compact package.

The lens features a new XA (extreme aspherical) element as well as three ED glass elements that work together to ensure that the in-focus areas are captured in extremely high resolution while the surrounding out-of-focus areas dissolve smoothly into a beautiful soft backdrop. It has a circular aperture with 11 blades – the most ever used in an α lens – that ensures bokeh is smooth and visually appealing. Externally, the new model has Sony’s original Nano AR Coating, which is of particular importance in a portrait lens as it reduces flare and ghosting, even with backlit subjects or similarly challenging lighting conditions.

For accurate autofocusing, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM lens includes a ring drive SSM motor system that provides ample power and speed to drive the lens’ large, heavy focus group. It’s also equipped with two position sensors to support flawless focus control of the large, heavy lens elements.

This new professional portrait lens is dust and moisture resistant and also has an aperture ring with on/off switchable click stops that can be adjusted based on whether a user is shooting still images or movies. It also has an AF / MF switch and a focus hold button[ii].

New FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Telephoto Zoom

Covering the frequently used 70-200mm focal range, the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS telephoto zoom lens (model SEL70200GM) offers extremely high rendering, AF performance and image stabilisation, making it a versatile choice for shooting wildlife, sports, weddings and a variety of other events and locationsi.

The new flagship telephoto zoom model delivers extraordinary sharpness and clarity throughout the entirety of its zoom range thanks to its three advanced lens elements including XA, Super ED and ED glass components, as well as its Nano AR coating.

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens features a floating focusing system – implemented in an α zoom lens for the first time – that contributes to an impressive minimum focusing distance of merely 0.96m and ensures AF performance is optimised during both still and video shooting. The lens includes a SSM (Super Sonic Motor) plus dual linear motors that work together to move large lens elements quickly – a task that requires a high level of drive control and ensures focus accuracy. The new model also has built in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilisation for capturing sharp, blur-free subjects at all focal lengths and a rotating tripod mount that allows the camera to be quickly removed from a connected tripod as needed.

The new 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens is dust and moisture resistant with an additional fluorine coating added to the front lens. It also has a focus hold button as well as a focal range limiter.

Sony has also announced new compact 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters – models SEL14TC and SEL20TC respectively – that offer even greater reach while maintaining the overall streamlined design and feel of the 70-200mm lens[iii].

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Standard Zoom and 85mm F1.4 GM Telephoto prime lenses will be available in Europe in March 2016 priced at approximately €2,400 (SEL2470GM) and €2,000 (SEL85F14GM).

The new 70-200mm F2.8 GM Telephoto Zoom Lens and its compatible 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters will be available in Europe in May 2016 with pricing still to be confirmed.

For more information, please contact your local PR manager or:

David Edwards, Corporate Communications, Sony Europe

david.edwards@eu.sony.com / +44 (0)1932 817 022

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $68 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

[i]A software update may be required to provide compatibility of lenses with some cameras. See the Sony support site www.esupport.sony.com for additional details.

[ii] Limitations apply to AF operation when shooting movies with certain camera bodies. A software update may be required to provide AF compatibility ofFE 85mm F1.4 GM with some cameras during movie shooting. See the Sony support site for lens/body compatibility details.

[iii]SEL70200GM is the only compatible lens at the time of announcement

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $68 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

Olympus PEN F release date price specs

Cameras, Olympus No Responses »

Jan 292016

Olympus PEN F release date specs review price

A new Micro 4/3 camera is coming, the Olympus Pen F. Earlier there was a camera produced with the same name in the 60’s. It is a retro looking (retro feeling) camera, with a 20 Megapixel Micro 4/3 sensor, 5 axis in camera image stabilizer, and a unique high res mode where the camera combine 8 images together to form a final 50 Megapixel image. The camera also has a 2.36M dot Oled viewfinder as well. The camera has a black and a silver version.

The stabilizer claimed to give 5 stops gain compare to normal handheld shooting. The fastest shutter speed of the camera is 1/8000s, and 1/16000s with electronic shutter, which is pretty fast.

The creative filters (black and white, colored) has a pronounced function, there is a dedicated dial for them in front of the camera. Apart from black and white filters there are color filters for 12 colors with 11 different adjustable levels as well.

OLYMPUS PEN F specification

Camera name: OLYMPUS PEN F
Camera dimensions: 125 x 72 x 37 mm / 4.92 x 2.83 x 1.46 ”
Camera weight: 427g / 15.06 oz.
Viewfinder: the camera has an OLED 2.36M dots viewfinder
LCD: the LCD is fully articulated in any direction 3″size with 1.04 Million dots
Lenses: the Camera can be ordered with the M. ZUIKO digital 17mm f/1.8 or with the M.Zuiko digital ED 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 EZ lenses.
Video quality and resolution: HD at 60 frames per second, 77 Mbps
In built flash: No
Microphone socket: No
Burst mode (afs/afc) 10/5 fps
high res mode 50Mp image from 8 frames: yes

Those who want mic jack and waterproofing the Olympus O-MD E-M5 II is other choice, which share many of the features with the PEN F but has a 16 MP sensor.

OLYMPUS PEN F accessories

There is an optional ECG-4 grip for the camera for better handholding.

OLYMPUS PEN F price

The initial price of the Olympus PEN F is 1200 USD.

OLYMPUS PEN F release date

The PEN F will be available from February 2016.

Fujifilm 100-400 release date price specs

Fujifilm, Super telephoto No Responses »

Jan 262016

Fujifilm 100-400 release date price specs

(1900 USD, f/5.6, 1.375 kg / 3 lbs)

Introduction

Fujifilm announced the new Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 supertelephoto lens. Originally the lens was planned for 2015 I think.

Such lenses used in bird/wildlife or outdoor sports photography. The lens has 5 (!) ED and 1 Super Ed elements, 5 stops stabilizer, and 1.75m minimum focusing distance, which results in 0.19x magnification. The lens has 2 linear focusing motor for better faster focusing.

This lens was on a roadmap of Fujfilm long ago. The 1.375 kg (3.03 lbs) weight is good for such a lens, but nothing extraordinary. The lens has 21 elements in 14 groups which is rather a complex design. The lens is compatible with Fujifilm’s 1.4x converter which makes the lens an 560mm f/8 lens. Autofocus is supported at this combination as well according to Fujifilm. The lens has a sealing for waterproofing at 12 different places. If you buy this lens, must check the compatibility with camera bodies at Fujfilm home page.

The initial price of the lens is 1900 USD.

Official name

Fujifilm XF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS

R means

the lens has a dedicated aperture ring which can be stopped down in 1/3 stops, but not mechanically, as with older manual focus lenses, only by electronically turning the aperture setting on the camera

LM means

linear motor used by Fujifilm, it is not an ultrasonic motor like the ones in Canon and Nikon but a quiet mechanism and has good speed, according to early reviews it is nearly silent on this lens.

OIS means

optical image stabilizer

Fujifilm 100-400 f4.5 5.6 specs

Item	Fujinon XF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6
Mount:	Fujifilm X mount
Filter size:	82 mm
Lens elements / groups:	21 elements / 14 groups
Exotic Lens elements:	5 ED and 1 Super Ed elements
Weight:	1.375 kg (3.03 lbs. )
Dimensions:	95 x 211 mm (3.73 x 8.29 ” )
Close focus distance:	1.75 m (6′)
Magnification:	0.19 x
Autofocus:	yes twin linear motors
Stabilizer:	yes, claimed 5 stops by the manufacturer
Front element rotates:	No info yet
Front element extends:	yes
Moving barrel elements during focusing:	No info yet
Focus preset modes:	No
Switches:	Manual focus autofocus stabilizer on off, focus limiter 5m – infinity, automatic or manual aperture and focus lock
Lens Mount:	Fujifilm X-mount
Format:	No info yet
Magnification:	0.19x
Reproduction ratio:	1:5
Aperture blades:	9 rounded diaphragm blades
Distance scale:	No
Focal length:	100-400 mm
Max Aperture:	f/5.6
Min Aperture:	f/22
Angle of view:	16.2-4.1 degrees (Aps-C)
Zoom lock:	yes
FTM (Manual focus override):	yes
FF equivalent focal length:	213-583mm
Distance scale:	No
Dof scale:	No
Focus limiter:	yes
Tripod mount ring:	yes
Lens hood:	yes
Accessories:	yes, lens caps lens hood, tripod mount
Compatible teleconverters:	yes, the 1.4x Fuji
Coating:	Fluorine coating to repel dust and fingerprints
Weather sealing:	yes 13 sealing at 12 points
Tilt / shift:	No
Price:	1900 USD

Competition / rivals

Canon and Nikon produce super sharp telephotos for bird/wildlife photography with extemely fast focus, but not for the Fujifilm system. The Tamron 150-600 and Sigma 150-600 lenses are also interesting, but not for Fuji I think. I think this lens is more aimed for Fuji shooters, not for pro wildlife photographers but the many exotic elements makes me curious about it’s performance. The stabilizer is very good according to the review linked below. This is a real fun lens, the possible additional reach with the 1.4x teleconverter makes it even more fun in good light.

Bjorn Moerman review of the Fujifilm 100-400

Tokina 14-20mm f2 release date specs review

lenses, Tokina No Responses »

Jan 022016

Tokina 14-20mm f2

A new DX Tokina lens is coming. I really love the idea of Tokina. I recently thought about what kind of wide angle lens I would like to have. I thought about a 16mm fast prime (f/1.4-f/2) on Dx. My favorite wide angle focal length is 16mm (24mm on Full frame), but such good fast prime lenses not really exists,
or usually costs a house and a car mortgaged.

The fast f/2 aperture is unique on such a lens. Shallow dof in many case can be the problem in low light, wide aperture photography. Only the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 is similar in some ways, but the Tokina is wider, which means more usable. I am not a big fun of 18mm, but the Sigma is so good that even adjust my style worth it.

But now here is a Tokina which is almost a new 16mm fast prime but with a little more range. If this lens will be sharp wide open, can be a hot seller. I tell you as I told about the Tamron 150-600mm.

Such lenses are a trend nowadays, zooms with narrow range, bright aperture, but prime-like quality, you can think about the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8, Sigma 20-35m f2 Art, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art or perhaps this lens.

Tokina 14-20 f2 lens construction

There are 13 lens elements in 11 groups, I would say a complicated design but there are lenses with 20 glass elements out there as well.

The second highly precise plastic asperical element has special coating to reduce flare. The two extra low dispersion lens elements at the back part of the lens corrects different aberrations.

Tokina 14-20 f2 specification

Mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F
Max aperture: f/2
Min aperture f/22
Filter size: 82mm
Format: Aps-C
Angle of view: 91.68° – 71.78°
Minimum focus distance: 28cm / 1′
Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups
Weight: 725g / 25.57 oz.
Hood supplied: yes
Hood: BH823
Coating: Multilayer film coating
Magnification: 1: 8.36
No of aperture blades: 9
Internal focusing: yes
Length: 106mm
Max diameter: 89mm
Dof scale: No info yet
Distance scale: yes

The datas for the Nikon mount version of the lens

For those who don’t know Tokina Kenko they make very fine lenses for different mounts in high quality. The build quality of the Tokina lenses are reasurring. Optically also some lenses are superb. For example the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is still the best ultra wide angle lens available for Aps-C either Canon or Nikon mount.

Tokina 14-20 f2 competition

There is no such lens yet. There are many ultrawide angle, there are many bright lens, but no such bright ultrawide angle lens yet. The biggest rival is the Tokina 11-16 mm f/2.8 interestingly. It is wider but 1 stop slower. The f/2 aperture makes this lens unique, which gives possibilities which was not exist before. Not just for stills/landscape shooting but more for low light action. The double speed can result a useful photo or in case of enough light sharper photo or using lower iso values.

Other interesting thing can be the background isolation which gives a special feel to the photographs. This is where the Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 Art lens showed the possibility.

Tokina 14-20 f2 release date

The release date is according to the official website “immediate release” which means the new lens can hit the shelves of photoraphy stores soon.

Tokina 14-20 f2 price

The price of the Tokina 14-20 f2 is not yet announced.

Canon 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6

Canon news, Photography No Responses »

Dec 082015

Canon 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6

Seems a long slower telephoto zoom from Canon is coming. This I suppose will be a direct competitor of the Tamron 150-600mm and Sigma 150-600mm lenses. Other usual approach of Canon to make an other super expensive something, like the 200-400mm f/4. According to Egami, Canon has filed a patent for the new telephoto. Together with this 200-600mm there is a patent for a 60-600mm f/4.5-5,6 and a Cinema version of the 50-1000mm f/4.5-7.2 lens on a Super 35mm format (Cinema EOS camcorders).

Canon 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 specification

Focal length:

200-600mm it is very interesting, 600mm with an f/5.6 brightness, the Tamron and the Sigma both only f/6.3. On the other hand the lens needs to be bigger to achieve that(and heavier as well). The Tamron and the Sigma has 95mm and 105mm filter size respectively. The f/5.6 brightness means 107mm front element if I guess right (600/5.6). If it will be sharp at long end it will be a serious optics.

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Optical design:

Seems the optical design is quite complex, many lenses in many groups. If I count well more than 20 lens elements in 6-7 groups.

Build quality:

This is one area where can save some weight, or cut back specs. Can be a plastic lens, which is ok, or a metal with “L” quality. In case of high pro standards it won’t be a light lens. Fluorite is used to reduce weight but it is very expensive.

Exotic glass:

To keep the price low I guess no fluorite element, but some Ed elements I think needed to achieve the proper performance.

Weight:

Such a lens is easily can be 3kg, or more but would be preferable max 2kg for good portabilility.

Size:

With such parameters it will be a huge lens, with a 107mm front element, I guess can be 105mm as well. I assume the lens will be bigger during zooming, like the Sigma or the Tamron, otherwise it would be enormously huge.

Canon 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 price

This is a real question. Nikon also produced their 200-500mm lens, against the Tamron 150-600mm and the Sigma 150-600mm lenses. The Nikon is slightly more expensive (1400 USD) than the Sigma or the Tamron (1070 USD) I guess the Canon will be more expensive as well.

Canon 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 release date

No release date yet, only a patent for a lens, but there is an optical formula for it. It take some time to produce the lens, can be several months or years. If it will be the high end-high price lens, I guess more time is needed.

Firware update for Nikon d750 and Nikon d4s cameras

Firmware, Nikon No Responses »

Dec 072015

Firware updates for Nikon d750 and Nikon d4s cameras

There is a firmware update for the above mentioned Nikon Dslr cameras. These firmware updates cure many minor problems.

Nikon d4s

C 1.30 version

Changes compare to the earlier version :
• An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.
Note:
• Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
• Choose an option other than Auto for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU when 640x 424; 30p or 640x 424; 25p is selected for Movie settings > Frame size/frame rate in the SHOOTING MENU.
• Fixed the following issues:
– In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
– About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
– Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
– Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the SHOOTING MENU.
– In portrait orientation, the monitor would not show the focus point in the correct location if 5:4 (30×24) was selected for Choose image area.

Nikon d750

C 1.10 version before C 1.02 version

• An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.
Note:Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
• Fixed the following issues:
– The brightness of the live view photography display would not change when a command dial was rotated to adjust exposure compensation with On (Auto reset) selected for b Metering/exposure > b3 Easy exposure compensation > Easy exposure compensation in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU.
– Although the preview button would stop the lens down to maximum aperture when assigned the Preview role, the maximum aperture indicator would not appear in the monitor.
– In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
– About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
– The shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity displayed in the monitor during movie live view would differ from values in the final movie file.
– Part of the focus point would disappear if the user zoomed in while the framing grid was displayed.
– Volume could sometimes not be adjusted if movies were played with indicators hidden during full-frame playback (None (image only)).
– Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
– Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU.
– If On was selected for Exposure smoothing during interval timer photography, every frame after the first would be overexposed.
– File numbers were not assigned in the proper sequence.
– The focus point would not be displayed in the correct location in the monitor.
– In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > Location data > Position display.
– In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > AF fine-tune > List saved values display.
– In some regions, nothing would be displayed when Conformity marking was selected in the SETUP MENU.
• Some help text has been changed.
• Optimal vibration reduction is now available with vibration reduction lenses.

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