Fuji brings it’s beautiful sensors to a medium format camera – should the mere mortals get excited?

gfx_front_63mm gfx_sideleft_63mm_evf

Since June Fujifilm’s been rumored to have a “medium format killer” in the works set to change the game and now we’ve finally got a look in their Photokina announcement. The new Fuji GFX 50S is a sub $10,000 camera that will bring great image quality on a budget comparatively to other medium format options available at the moment. The first in a new GFX line of medium format camera’s with the GFX 50S slated for early next year.  Using a new Fujifilm G sensor that’s sized up to 43.8×32.9mm in 51.4 megapixel resolution you’ll be needing more hard drives to store your photos. Defaults for the sensor will be a 4:3 aspect ratio but can be set to other formats. Being mirrorless another option for shooters is a removable viewfinder allowing the user to choose to use the viewfinder when needed or the back screen. The GFX 50S will be weather and dust sealed, to what degree they did not specify, giving it the durability for outdoor shots. As Fuji the camera should deliver great image quality for professionals shooting commercial, fashion, or landscapes. gfx_front_evf2untitled-1

For the new G Mount system Fuji has released a new set of lenses to go with the camera. As follows we’ve got a set of 5 primes covering the field, one being macro, and a standard zoom so far. The Fuji GFX 50S is expected to ship 2017 alongside their 63mm, 120mm, and 32-64mm lenses.

  • Ultra-wide “GF23mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format) Coming mid 2017
  • Wide “GF45mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format) Coming late 2017
  • Standard prime “GF63mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format) Coming early 2017
  • Fast aperture mid-telephoto “GF110mmF2 R LM WR” (equivalent to 87mm in 35mm format) Coming mid 2017
  • Mid-telephoto macro 1:0.5 “GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR” (equivalent to 95mm in 35mm format) Coming early 2017
  • Wide-angle standard zoom “GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 25-51mm in 35mm format) Coming early 2017

untitled-2As for those pixel peepers out there they’ve released a sample image showing how much detail the sensorcan pull from an image. With the new CMOS sensor putting out 51.4MP files it’s hard to complain looking at the photo zoomed in this far.

With the announcement of the FX 50S Fuji released a few videos of development and testing to watch. Development of Professional-use Mirrorless Camera System “GFX”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggikv6m8FNsGFX challenges with Hiroshi Nonamihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhAkirFH-QGFX challenges with Satoshi Minakawahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wvnA4iO6s

GoPro Karma Drone - $799 DJI Killer? & New GoPro Hero5

GoPro has finally announced the much teased and anticipated drone - Called the Karma it offers a very portable system that includes a drone and a handheld stabilizer all in a very portable package.GoPro Promotional Video for Karmahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjNjcrQZtd8Here is what GoPro is saying about the Karma -Karma is so much more than a drone. It captures amazingly smooth GoPro footage in the air, handheld, and mounted to your favorite gear. Compact and ultra portable, the Karma Drone folds to fit into its own lightweight case. The game-style controller with an integrated touch display makes Karma easy and fun to fly. The included camera stabilizer can be removed from the drone and attached to the included Karma Grip for ultra steady professional-looking handheld and gear-mounted footage. Hollywood-caliber stabilization in a backpack you can wear during almost any activity...for $799.Preorder GoPro Karma with GoPro Hero4 Black $???Preorder GoPro Karm with GoPro Hero5 Black $1099.00 GoPro has also announced the new Hero5 GoPro model -screenshot-2016-09-19-10-20-29screenshot-2016-09-19-15-12-20The big changes. . .

  • The cameras themselves are rugged/waterproof. No more need for the cases
  • Voice activated and controlled "GoPro take a photo" GoPro start video" - understands 7 languages.
  • Touchscreen
  • Shoot RAW and WDR (wide dynamic range)
  • Built in GPS
  • Automatic Cloud backup
  • Stabilization built in
  • Compatible with existing cases/mounts
  • Price drop!!

Excited?  $399 available in early October.Preorder from B&H Photo Sun, Oct 2 3pmAlso a new GoPro Hero Session - the little square GoProscreenshot-2016-09-19-15-15-49

  • Supports 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p Video
  • Capture 10MP Photos at 30 fps
  • Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens
  • Waterproof to 33'

Preorder the new GoPro Hero Session $299.99The GoPro Hero5 Promo videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FR4NB7_viU 

Just Announced! The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

ef-hr-ef70-300-side-hires In a bit of Pre-Photokina news Canon announces an update to the aged Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. The 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 IS II USM is a nice addition as it’s predecessor came out in 2005. It’s needed a bit of an update comparatively to the newer EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM and a full frame option to fill a mid range selection in the lens ecosystem. Featuring:Sample Image

  • High-speed autofocus with new Nano USM technology
  • 4 stop image stabilization
  • New lens information display
  • Ultra Low Dispersion element for reducing chromatic aberration   
  • 9 blade aperture construction for better bokeh

Following the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens this is the second lens from Canon using the technology. Nano USM is Canon’s blend of STM technology for quiet operation and smooth autofocus with USM Technology for high-speed autofocus. The best of both worlds and like STM technology you still gain full time manual focus. ef70_300_isiiusm_feature_02Like the Zeiss Batis Lenses announced in April it will include an led display. The LCD will display focusing distance, focal length, and shake amount information. A display mode button lets you switch between these features and background color for visibility. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens will be released November 30th, 2016 for $549.99. Available for pre-order today at Amazon and B&H. As Scott Fautley will be visiting Photokina we will have a bit of hands on video coming soon. Full Specifications:

Lens Mount Canon EF
Focal Length 70-300mm
Lens Construction 17 elements in 12 groups with a UD element
Motor Type Nano Ultrasonic
Focus Adjustment AF with full-time manual
Image Stabilization 4 Stops
Maximum Aperture F/4-5.6
Minimum Aperture F/32-45
Number of Blades 9
Diagonal Angle of View 34° - 8° 15' (with full-frame camera)
Closest Focusing Distance 3.94 ft. / 1.2 m
Maximum Magnification 0.25x
Filter Size 2.6 in. / 67mm diameter
Max. Diameter x Length,Weight Φ3.15 x 5.73 in., approx. 25.04 oz.Φ80 x 145.5mm, approx. 710g
Price $549.99
Pre-order today at Amazon or B&H

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New Commuter Jet Roller & 3DR Solo Drone Backpack

Our friends at Think Tank have just released a new rolling camera bag and a drone backpack.

Jet Roller

airport-advantage-lowresDesigned for traveling on commuter or regional jets, the new Airport Advantage rolling camera bag’s customized interior holds the maximum amount of gear that will fit in overhead bins or under seats. In addition, its ultralight design lets you pack more gear while staying under airlines’ increasingly vigilant weight restrictions.WHAT FITS

  • Gripped DSLR with lens attached, one standard size DSLR with lens attached, plus three to four additional lenses, and 15” laptop
  • Or, two gripped DSLRs with lenses detached plus three to four lenses
  • Or, two Mirrorless bodies with lots of lenses

Learn More/Purchase from Thinktank (receive free gear with your orders and free shipping.)

Airport Helipak for 3DR Solo

helipak_for_3dr_soloYou can now carry your 3DR Solo, 15” laptop, controller, GoPros, charger, spare rotors, extra batteries, jacket, tools, and more in a robust and yet lightweight new backpack, the Airport Helipak for 3DR Solo.  Unlike rigid hard cases that lack extra carrying capacity and comfort, this new backpack is designed for 3DR drone enthusiasts who want to be able to carry all of their gear with them all the time.  As always, with my special partnership with Think Tank you will receive free gear with your orders and free shipping.https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/airport-series-backpacks/products/airport-helipak-for-3dr-solo?rfsn=140333.2f0f8

Canon 5D Mark IV - Official

Click for My Full Review of the Canon 5D Mark IV

Below is my earlier video based on specs.The Canon 5D Mark IV has been announced and after all the leaks the most surprising bit of info is how soon it will actually be released - in just two short weeks. Preorder NOW if you want this camera in the first few months as it will likely sell out.

Order from B&H Photo 

The Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5D Mark IV Specs

  • 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
  • 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
  • DCI 4K Video at 30 fps; 8.8MP Still Grab
  • 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
  • Native ISO 32000, Expanded to ISO 102400
  • Dual Pixel RAW; AF Area Select Button
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • 7 fps Shooting; CF & SD Card Slots
  • Built-In GPS and Wi-Fi with NFC

Canon 5D Mark IV - What you need to know

One of the most anticipated and recently leaked cameras has been officially announced.  The 5D Mark IV follows the widely popular Canon 5D Mark III and looks to offer decent, evolutionary upgrades from its predecessor.

  • 30MP is a good balanced file size that provides plenty of resolution while still offering a responsive 7 frames a second.
  • High ISO of 32,000 with a mention of improved dynamic range - While the 80D, Canon's most recent camera, does offer dynamic range improvements they still appear to be behind the competitors, especially at the higher ISOs - I don't expect to be blown away by the improvements.
  • The LCD is now a touchscreen, this combined with the dual pixel AF will make for very easy video focus and the dual pixel AF is fast enough for use in still shots.  Additionally Movie Servo AF looks to track moving subjects smoothly and capably.  No other DSLR provides such easy and smooth live view focusing.  The LCD is not articulating or even tilting.
  • 4k with a catch - the 5D Mark IV will offer 4k but only at 1.74 crop factor. This means your 24-105 lens becomes a 42mm - 182mm lens, you lose the wide angle.  To be fair the very popular Panasonic GH4, which has been my go to camera for 4K for the last 18 months, offers 4k ONLY at a 2x crop factor BUT and here is the BUT- panasonic offers loads of lenses that make sense at that crop factor, Canon does not.  Also Sony's a7SII and A7RII around the same price point offer full frame 4K (no crop) with additional features the 5D Mark IV is missing (More about that in the Canon 5D Mark IV vs Sony A7R2 / A7S2 post)
  • The photo AF system borrows from the top of the line Canon 1DX Mark II which offers fantastic, mind blowingly fast focus and accuracy.   This is all good.
  • WIF and NFC- Finally. There was some worry that you would need a secondary device but they have included connectivity and remote control (hopefully as good as the 80D - you can focus, switch to MF and start and stop video) AND GPS is included too.  Time to finally sell my GP-E2
  • Dual Pixel RAW - I can't yet tell if this is going to be a gimmick or actually useful- When this feature is enabled you can shift focus slightly using Canon provided software Think of this like an after the fact micro focus adjustment.  as it currently will only work with the DPP software this might be more gimmick but I could certainly see fixing minor focus errors on critical pictures - a few other caveats  - your file size doubles and your frame rate and buffer will slow.
  • Still uses CF and SD card slots - great if you didn't want to buy new expensive cards like CFast or XQD but one of the major complaints about the 5D Mark III was the bottleneck provided by the SD card slot, even with the fastest card in there the write speed to the SD card slot is slow enough to slow the whole camera down - this looks to be true with the 5D Mark IV too.
  • Body styling and button placement is identical to the 5D Mark III with a slight change to the joystick.

Screenshot 2016-08-25 06.35.34Bottom line - the Canon 5D Mark IV offers some noticeable improvements over the 5D Mark III and will represent a decent upgrade for many still photographers and those hybrid shooters who are desperate for easy 4k video should be happy.   It is, however, a crowded market and Sony's year old A7RII may still be a better buy for those that want more serious 4K features - S-Log, focus peaking and better dynamic range. Preorder links - I do think this camera will sell well early on and be difficult to get in the first few weeks, maybe months if you do not preorder now.

  

$2600 Sony 70-200 and new 50mm f/1.4

Sony has introduced a new full-frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA prime lens for their E-mount camera system.Additionally, Sony has released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system. 

Full-frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA

Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA LensKeeping track of Sony's 50mm-ish lenses?  We now have this 50mm f/1.4 (retailed $1500), 55mm f/1.8 (so sharp and $998) and the newish Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens ($248.00)The new one does offer on lens aperture control and like the 85 G master f/1.4 I expect this to be very sharp even wide open. Interestingly that 55mm is VERY sharp wide open too and cheaper and lighter.   And finally the newish budget friendly 50mm f/1.8 that I personally haven't tested but also hear that most opinions are positive.   Which would you pick and why?Pricing and Availability – FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens. Teleconverters and Wireless Lighting Control SystemSony has also released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system.  All products were introduced earlier this year.The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens takes its place as the flagship telephoto zoom in the Sony lens lineup. Featuring built in Optical Stead Shot (OSS) and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range-  This lens will ship this July for a retail price of $2,600 US and $3,300 CA.SEL7020GM_ADesigned exclusively to fit the 70-200mm F2.8 G Master lens, the new 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters (models SEL14TC and SEL20TC) will both be sold for the same retail price of about $550 US and $700 CA, and will ship this July.SEL14TC_B SEL20TC_B More info and Official Press release belowSony Releases Full-Frame FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Prime LensA quintessential wide-aperture 50mm “normal” lens, the new ZEISS® Planar F1.4 offers high resolution, high-contrast and overall exceptional performance SAN DIEGO, July 11, 2016Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced a new full-frame lens for their E-mount camera system, the Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA (model SEL50F14Z).This 50mm prime lens features a large F1.4 maximum aperture that offers impressive contrast and outstanding resolution that are hallmarks of the ZEISS® brand.  It produces these consistently strong qualities throughout the entirety of the frame – from center to corner – and at all aperture settings, even while shooting wide open at F1.4. The cutting edge optical structure includes high-precision AA (Advanced Aspherical) and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that reduce spherical and chromatic aberration, as well as a ZEISS® T* Coating that minimizes flare and ghosting creating the classic ZEISS® clarity. Additionally, its Planar design ensures minimal distortion.The large F1.4 maximum aperture of the FE 50mm F1.4ZA lens provides a level of brightness and speed that are advantageous for dimly lit indoor shots, night scenes, and portraits, while its 11-bladed circular aperture allows for stunning “bokeh”, or background defocus, in images.  The lens also features an aperture ring with an adjustable ON/OFF switch, an AF/MF focus mode switch, and a dust and moisture resistant design¹, further increasing its functionality.The new lens is also equipped with a ring drive SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) system, which allows it to efficiently lock focus with speed, precision and in near silence, making it particularly useful for shooting movies.Pricing and Availability – FE 50mm F1.4 ZA LensThe new FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens will ship this July for a retail price of $1,500 US and $1,950 CA.  The new FE interchangeable lens will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.Pricing and Availability – New FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens. Teleconverters and Wireless Lighting Control SystemToday, Sony has also released pricing and ship timing for the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters plus their new wireless lighting control system.  All products were introduced earlier this year.One of the most eagerly anticipated lenses of the year, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens takes its place as the flagship telephoto zoom in the Sony lens lineup. Featuring built in Optical Stead Shot (OSS) and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range, the lens will be an ideal fit for nature, sports, travel, fashion, beauty and wedding photographers.  This lens will ship this July for a retail price of $2,600 US and $3,300 CA.Designed exclusively to fit the 70-200mm F2.8 G Master lens, the new 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters (models SEL14TC and SEL20TC) will both be sold for the same retail price of about $550 US and $700 CA, and will ship this July.The versatile new wireless flash and control system – comprised of the FA-WRC1M wireless radio commander and the FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver – was designed to meet the growing demands of professional Sony photographers.  With a maximum range of 30m (approx.. 98 feet) and the ability to control a maximum of 15 separate flash units in 5 different groups, it offers a flexible wireless flash shooting experience with exceptional performance.The FA-WRC1M commander will be sold for about $350 US and $480 CA.  The FA-WRR1 receiver will be sold for about $200 US and $280 CA.  Both products will ship this August.The new lenses, teleconverters and wireless lighting system will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.   Direct links to their product home pages on sony.com can be found below:

o   SEL14TC 1.4x teleconvertero   SEL20TC 2.0x teleconverter

     

Is there a corner sharpness issue with adapted Super Wide-Angle lenses on Sony A7 Bodies?

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxtoKmHQwOA[/embed]In the above video - Scott investigates into the reported issue of corner sharpness when using adapted super wide-angle lenses on Sony A7 series cameras.Full res - uncompressed images can be downloaded below:Sony ImagesCanon Images.All images were shot RAW (uncompressed on the Sony). No processing done whatsoever in lightroom, standard sharpening added when exporting for screen.

Samyang Announces 2 Auto-Focus Lenses for Sony FE Mount!

Photocredit (http://www.syopt.com)Samyang (Also branded Rokinon, Vivitar, Bower etc) are a brand that we really like, they've been delivering optically fantastic lenses at incredible prices with one large tradeoff - they've always been manual focus.The current 14mm is our pick for "Best Budget Lens for Stars"  see our review hereNow Samyang has announced two Full Frame Sony E Mount lenses - an Ultra Wide-Angle 14mm F2.8 and a 50mm F1.4.We're very excited about these lenses, if they've managed to produce lenses that have good auto-focus on Sony bodies, with the existing high level of optical quality AND keep the prices reasonable - these are going fly off the shelves.Below is the full press release - we of course are hopign to get our hands on one to test for you.Press Release from Samyang's website"May 3rd, 2016, Seoul, Korea – The global optics brand, Samyang Optics (http://www.samyanglensglobal.com) today announced the long-awaited launch of two autofocus lenses: 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 lenses for Sony E mount Mirrorless cameras with full frame sensor size. The new 14mm and 50mm are the widest and brightest lenses in their classand offer superb quality images to photographers. This launching expands the boundaries of Samyang Optics photo lens line-up from manual focus only, to now include autofocus lenses. Optimised Optical Design as Full Frame Mirrorless Camera LensBoth 14mm F2.8 ED AS IF UMC and 50mm F1.4 AS IF UMC are specifically designed to work in harmony with full frame mirrorless cameras in Sony E mount. The flow of light is devised based on the uniqueness of the distance from glass to sensor in mirrorless cameras to create optimal performance. Along with portability of mirrorless lenses, the 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 are compatible with full frame sensors to deliver the wideness and sharpnessof image to photographers.The 67mm filter diameter brings the maximum amount of light into the lens to create the best work of light in photography. The 14mm F2.8 is the widest angle available in the market and the F1.4 of 50mm and F2.8 of 14mm apertures are by far the brightest of full frame mirrorless lenses, offeringa beautiful bokeh effect and the best quality images under various exposure conditions.Based on Samyang Optics’ exceptional optical technology, aspherical lenses have been included in both lenses to minimise aberration and unnecessary light dispersion, delivering high resolution from the centre to the corners of the image.AF Performance and Ergonomic Design Based on Class-Leading TechnologyThese new products will be the first autofocus lenses in over 40 years of Samyang’s class-leading core optics technologies. Samyang has captured the essence of world leading image technology with their manual focus lenses and reinterpreted it into autofocus lenses. Photographers now can enjoy the prime manual lens image quality and autofocus lens. These new 14mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4 are compatible with both phase detect and contrast detect sensors to operate fast and accurate focus detection.The 67mm filter diameter is also the result of years of R&D for best handling, by adding stability to the photo-taking experience. Also the minimal and sleek design and metal-housing solidify the build quality with the internal focus system.These two new autofocus lenses from Samyang Optics will be exhibited at the Photo & Imaging 2016Show in Seoul, South Korea. The lenses will be globally available from July 2016. Further details, pricing and availability will follow.More information will be released soon onSamyang Optics official website (http://www.samyanglensglobal.com), Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/samyanglensglobal) andInstagram (http://www.instagram.com /samyanglensglobal)."

Photo Mish Mash 95 - Attacked By Bears

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