New Photo Assignment - Framing (Composition)

In last week's photo crtique we announced our next assignment- Assignment #5 - Framing, using elements in your composition to draw the viewers eye to your subject(s).Submit your Files by Sunday 9/21 at 12am EST for possible inclusion in the critique.You MUST include your name and DPR5 in the filename of the image: suggested Firstname_DPR5_whateveryouwant.JPGRAW files are also acceptable.Upload Files through dbinbox.comThe embedded video below is queued to the discussion of the new assignment.Episode 3 of my Think Before You Click series gives you some quick pointers

Nikon D750 Specs Leaked

Screenshot 2014-09-11 10.11.23 Canon's 7D Mark II isn't the only new DSLR that we will hear about in the next few days. Nikon has a new FX (Full Frame) camera coming - official announcement may be tonight.

  • Nikon D750 24.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • Tiltable 3.2-inch RGB monitor with approximately 1.2 million pixels
  • Weather sealed
  • New, improved mirror / shutter mechanism
  • AF system with 51 focus areas
  • RGB sensor with approx. 91,000 pixels and light-weighted metering option
  • 6.5/FPS
  • ISO 100-12,800 (expandable to 50-51200)
  • Effects Modes
  • Improved Picture Control
  • Full-HD video with 1080p at 24/25/30/50 / 60p
  • Improved functionality while filming
  • Integrated stereo microphone
  • Exposure preview and aperture control in Live View mode
  • Built-in Wi-Fi Professional Wireless communication via UT-1 and WT-5

The standout features for me - Tiltable LCD, exposure preview AND aperture control in Live View. Nikon's lack of exposure simulation has never been a deal breaker but is certainly a hassle in some shooting situations, that coupled with the buggy aperture control during live view/video and you can end up frustrated.  Looks like Nikon has addressed that head on. Rumored price - $2500 - $2700 for body only.   The grass always looks greener on the other side! As a Canon user I see some pretty green grass in Nikon's fields and I hope we hear something credible about the 5D Mark IV before the end of the year.  

Canon 7D Mark II - Specs and Announcement Date

Canon_7D_Mark_IIScreenshot 2014-09-13 08.22.40No articulating screen :(Looks familiarThe first leaked picture and detailed specs of the Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera. It is likely that we will have the official announcement on Monday(9/15) or Tuesday(9/16)

  • Rugged magnesium alloy body
  • Dust proof
  • 20.2 MP CMOS sensor
  • Dual-pixel CMOS AF
  • New 65-point AF, all points cross-type
  • ITR EOS AF
  • Continuous shooting: 10 frames per second
  • Dual DIGIC6
  • Max ISO: 16,000.
  • RGB+IR new 150,000-pixel metering sensor
  • Video full HD 60 p
  • Built-in GPS
  • Interval timer
  • Bulb timer

Via Digicame-infoQuick Thoughts -  Overall the camera looks very similar in form factor to the original Canon 7D. Dust Proof bullet probably represents weatherproof in general, not just dust. The 20,2 MP sensor is same size as the 70D but I suspect that it is an upgraded sensor with better performance in low light, it better be!  65 points of AF - serious coverage across the frame, this will be an excellent sports and wildlife camera, especially birds in flight. We finally get full 1080p at 60fps.   The big question in my mind is with no touchscreen how will the dual-pixel CMOS AF work, or at last I am curious to see how Canon markets that.  With Dual Pixel AF on the the 70D it was all about creating cinematic focus moments simply by touching the screen.  Finally - it is bundled in the photo with the 18-135 STM. UPDATE: The 24-105 has been announced now too. I wondered if this was real and apparently it is!Canon_24-105_IS_STM

EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Specs:

  • One UD lens and two glass mold aspherical lens
  • AF and smooth quiet by stepping motor
  • Full-time manual focus
  • Camera shake compensation effect of the four stages
  • Maximum magnification is 0.3x

Will that full-time manual focus be different than the FTM we get on existing STM lenses?  The Lens configuration is similar, one US and two glass model aspherical lenses, to the 18-135 STM so I don't expect IQ to be very different.AND. . .24mm EF-S  - Pancake (needs a nickname)Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake

  • 24mm and 38mm effective focal length
  • 1 piece using high-precision glass molded aspherical lens (just one?)
  • full-time manual focus (Like all STM lenses or real FTM?)
  • shortest shooting distance is 0.16 M (40mm offers 0.3 M)
  • maximum magnification is 0.27X
  • 22.8 mm thickness Weight 125g (Almost identical to 40mm f/2.8 EF)

EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM and EF 24-105mm f/ 3.5-5.6 IS STM lenses to be announced with the 7D MarkIII'd love to know your thoughts. Leave a comment below.  

Photo Mish Mash Ep 30 - Awkward Form Factor

This week we talk about iCloud confusion and the leaked photos, my continued Canon 70D woes, a sony lens mount for your cell phone, shutter life expectancy, Instagram’s my favorite and why is the 50mm f/1.8 such a popular lens when it has such poor MTF charts. Now I wish I had said during the podcast WTF is a MTF chart??

Aug 22 - Mirrorless Round Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Usr3LoAh5X4More thoughts on the Panasonic GH4, Diptychs Photo Assignment, Monkey vs Man Copyright Issues, 7D Mark II announced in a month and won't have Wifi, Polaroid takes a stab at the action cam market with the cube and we discuss camera insurance policies and answer a pile of great reader questions.

Sony a5100 Announced - Serious Power in Lightweight Package

Sony has announced a new camera in their mirror-less line up, the a5100. I loved the a6000 (watch my video review of the a6000 here) and this camera takes the same sensor and focusing system and crams it into a smaller and lighter body that includes a touchscreen. Honestly I haven't always been a fan of Sony's cameras but this line (a5000, a6000 and now a5100) that has now replaced the NEX series offers excellent image quality, performance and feature set.  Headline features of the Sony a5100

  • Fast focus with 179 AF points
  • 6 FPS with focus (Sony a6000 offers 11FPS)
  • 24MP APS-C sensor (many mirrorless cameras are using a smaller sensor, 4/3, and in low light the Sony offers noticeable better images)
  • Easy Wifi Connectivity - In all my testing the Sonys still offers some of the best wifi sharing
  • Full HD 1080/24/60P video up to 50MB/s - The a6000 is limited to 28MB/s video
  • Small and Lightweight package- 2oz lighter than the a6000 and a little smaller! I was shocked at how lightweight the a6000 was and the a5100 is smaller and a little lighter.
  • TOUCHSCREEN - One of my complaints regarding the a6000 was no touchscreen.
The Sony a6000 costs $100 more and offers an EVF, a flash hot shoe for external flashes and mics, 11 FPS (vs 6FPS in the a5100) in a slightly larger and heavier package.
Available September 2 for $698 with 16-50 power zoom or $548 body only. Preorder from Amazon | Preorder from B&H Uses e-mount lenses. I recommend picking it up with the sony 35mm f/1.8 lens - 6 Reasons you should own a prime lens like the 35mm f/1.8 Full review and hands on soon.

August 14th - Monkey Selfie

Listen: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/photo-mish-mash/id909428017General Audio link to Subscribe to Photo Mish MashMore thoughts on the Panasonic GH4, Diptychs Photo Assignment, Monkey vs Man Copyright Issues, 7D Mark II announced in a month and won't have Wifi, Polaroid takes a stab at the action cam market with the cube and we discuss camera insurance policies and answer a pile of great reader questions.

6 Reasons You Should Own a Prime Lens

Yes the video is just 5 reasons but in this post you get a bonus 6th reason you should own a prime lens. Watch, read and let me know your thoughts on prime lenses in the comments below.

What is a prime lens?

A prime lens has a fixed focal length; it doesn’t zoom. Why would you want a lens that doesn't zoom? 5 Reasons below!

What are the advantages of prime lenses?

  1. Prime lenses often offer very wide maximum apertures, ideal for isolating your subjects from the background and capturing beautiful bokeh(background out of focus).

Screenshot 2014-07-06 12.18.09

  1. Those wide apertures also allow you to maximizing the light entering your camera. Keep your aperture wide and you can then keep your shutter speed higher or your ISO lower. This makes prime lenses a good choice for low light photography.

Screenshot 2014-06-30 14.56.12

  1. Because of their smaller and simpler construction, prime lenses have fewer moving parts which means less distortion and better quality images than your typical zoom lenses.
  1. Reasons 1 through 3 means you get a better value for your money as primes are often hundreds of dollars cheaper than zoom lenses.
  1. They are often smaller and lighter compared to typical zoom lenses - making primes a great choice when you want to travel light.

Screenshot 2014-07-06 12.28.47BONUS REASON

  1. Forcing yourself to use a prime encourages you to move to achieve the frame you want, as opposed to the lazy zoom in out and approach and moving and thinking critically about your framing is a good habit to build as a photographer.

Let me know in the comments your favorite prime lens and your favorite reason(s) for attaching a prime lens to your camera.I have recommended prime lenses for Canon and Nikon and 5 tips for sharper images

Nikon D810 - High Resolution Full Frame Camera

The Nikon D810 was announced in the wee hours of the morning.Screenshot 2014-06-26 12.54.10Screenshot 2014-06-26 12.54.20


A few highlights of the upgrade include the absence of a Optical Low Pass Filter (we talk about this in our podcast out tomorrow), No 4K video - I think this hints that Canon won't be offering 4K in their next 5D or 7D either. But it does offer a split live view display that allows zoom and zebra highlights for video and stills respectively. That feels like a nice touch and I would like to see more Gh4 like video features offered in these cameras. If you have good Nikon glass and you want all the resolution of a medium format camera in a smaller more portable package (As compared to a medium format) this would be your camera!Body Only cost: $3,296.95 Pre-oder from B&H - Shipping Mid JulyAlso being sold in a film maker's kit cost: $4,996.95Screenshot 2014-06-26 13.01.48

About the Nikon D810

  • 36.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
  • No Optical Low Pass Filter
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processor
  • 3.2" 1,229k-Dot LCD Monitor
  • Full HD 1080p Video at 60/30/24 fps
  • Continuous Shooting to 5 fps in FX Mode
  • Expandable Sensitivity to ISO 51200
  • Multi-CAM 3500FX AF Sensor w/ 51 Points
  • Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
  • External Mic and Headphone Inputs

 The Nikon D810 DSLR Camera takes its place as the high resolution option in the Nikon DSLR lineup. It features a 36.3MP FX-format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter for particularly sharp and detailed still imaging. With the addition of the EXPEED 4 Image Processor, performance speed is increased compared to the EXPEED 3 and noise is effectively reduced throughout the ISO range. Continuous shooting speed in FX format is 5 fps and in DX format hits a maximum of 7 fps. In addition, the full HD video capabilities of the D810 have been upgraded to include 1080p capture at 24, 30 and 60 fps. Also, the improved efficiency of the processor enables up to 1200 shots on one battery charge and 40 minutes of video recording. Low light performance has been upgraded thanks to a wide native ISO sensitivity range that runs from 64 to 12,800 and can be expanded from 32 to 51,200.The advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor offers 51 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors and Group Area AF enables five AF sensors to be used as one group. This is useful when shooting subjects that cannot be tracked easily by one AF point due to lighting conditions.As a camera optimized for video capture, the D810 features recording in both FX and DX formats including simultaneous recording to memory cards and an external recorder as well as recording 60p output to an external recorder. The ISO range for video has also been expanded to run from ISO 64 to 12,800 and expand to 51,200. Automatic ISO adjustment in manual mode enables smooth exposure transitions. A built-in stereo microphone is supported as are jacks for an external mic and headphones. A selectable audio frequency range provides exacting control over sound recording.A 3.2" LCD with 1,229K-dot resolution provides playback viewing and live view, and improved coatings on the optical viewfinder components provide brighter images and more accurate colors. Live View function now includes split screen display zoom for stills, and zebra highlighting display in video mode. Full aperture metering during live view for still shooting is supported.Interval and time-lapse shooting feature exposure smoothing, and the maximum number of images per sequence is now 9,999. Improved Picture Control settings now offer Flat Picture Control to enable maximum dynamic range and color adjustments in post-production.The D810 utilizes dual media slots for both Compact Flash and SD cards, and it provides a built-in flash with i-TTL metering as well as a hot shoe mount. A larger grip enables comfortable control for extended shooting, and a secondary "i" button has been added to back panel for faster access to important settings.36.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor without an Optical Low Pass FilterNikon's highest resolution sensor is housed in the D810, and by omitting the Optical Low Pass Filter, the sensor provides superior sharpness and detail. The sensor boasts fast channel readout, wide dynamic range, rich tones and improved imaging at high sensitivities.EXPEED 4 Image ProcessorThe EXPEED 4 processor provides 30% faster performance over the EXPEED 3 as well improved low noise imaging throughout the ISO range. Support for 1080p video capture at 60 fps is featured and the processor's increased efficiency enables up to 1200 still shots and 40 minutes of video recording per charge.Native ISO Range of 64 to 12,800The improved ISO range compared to the D800 enables more effective low light imaging, and the ISO can be expanded from 32 to 51,200.Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX Auto Focus SensorVersatile AF Modes of 9, 21, and 51 points and 3D tracking enable fast, precise auto focus control. AF sensitivity down to -2 EV is effective in low light and 15 cross-type sensors are compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses with open aperture of f/5.6 or faster. Eleven central focus points work with an open aperture of f/8. Improvements include upgraded 'lock-on', expanded 'store by orientation,' and more options for AF mode restrictions.Group Area AFGroup Area AF enhances subject detection and tracking in challenging lighting conditions or when shooting comparatively small subjects against a high-contrast background by grouping and monitoring 5 individual AF points. The 5-point AF area can be shifted across the 51-point array as your composition changes.RAW Size SAccelerate your workflow with Nikon's RAW Size S file format which delivers 12-bit uncompressed Nikon NEF files that enable faster image transfer and smoother post-production.Continuous ShootingIn FX mode, the D810 can shoot up to 5 fps, and in DX mode it can capture up to 7 fps when utilizing the MB-D12 battery grip with AA batteries.Reduced Vibration for Sharper ImagingThe D810's shutter/mirror box architecture and electronic front-curtain feature improve overall image clarity. The shutter/mirror mechanism reduces image shake for a steady viewfinder image with minimal blackout during high-speed shooting. When activated, the electronic front-curtain shutter reduces the risk of blur in even subtle details by minimizing internal vibrations during exposure.Quiet Continuous ModeA redesigned Sequencer/Balancer Mechanism enables Quiet Continuous Mode for near silent sequential shooting.Picture ControlIn addition to standard, neutral, vivid, monochrome, portrait and landscape, image control options have been expanded to include Flat Picture Control which is geared for shooting in RAW modes and for video capture when adjustments will be made in post-production. Also, a clarity option has been added to all Picture Control settings and better control over Picture Control is enabled by fine 0.25 steps.Full HD 1080p Video Capture in 60/30/24 fpsVideo recording is supported in both FX and DX formats with an ISO range from 64 to 12,800 and expandable to 51, 200. Simultaneous recording to memory cards and to an external recorder is now supported. Auto ISO adjustment is possible in manual mode for smooth exposure transitions. Nikon's 3D noise reduction reduces random noise, distortion, and flicker when filming at high sensitivities. Zebra mode on the camera monitor shows you exactly where highlights are. A built-in stereo microphone as well as jacks for external microphone and headphones are provided. You can fine-tune audio levels in isolation both before and during recording and select the sound range (wide/voice).3.2" LCD Monitor with 1,229k-dot ResolutionA high resolution LCD provides detailed playback viewing and live view capture with color balance and brightness control. A split screen display zoom for still shooting lets you compare two enlarged points in the image for sharpness and exposure.Optical ViewfinderImproved coatings on the optical components render brighter and more accurate color, and the Organic EL information display makes it easier to make adjustments under bright/dim conditions.Interval Timer/Time-Lapse ShootingExposure smoothing is supported in time-lapse and interval shooting modes and the number of recordable images has been increased to 9,999.FlashBoth a built-in flash and hot shoe mount are supported with i-TTL metering.CF and SD Card SlotsTwo card slots are supported for versatile image storage and smoother workflow. One CF card slot for high-speed UDMA 7 cards, and one SD card slot for high-speed, high-capacity SDXC and UHS-I cards allow you to use one card as back-up or place still images on one card and video on the other or RAW on one and JPEG on the other.Form FactorA deeper hand grip improves handling, and a secondary "i" button has been added for easier access to important settings. A durable magnesium alloy body with extensive weather and dust sealing ensure the D810 is moisture- and dust-resistant.

Canon 10-18 vs Tokina 11-16 vs Canon 10-22

Battle of the WIDES! Canon 10-18 vs Tokina 11-16 vs Canon 10-22

Canon 10-18 f/4.5-5.6 IS STM

Pros of the 10-18

  • small, lightweight(weighs less than the kit lens) and cheap, $299!
  • Great quality- seriously impressed with how well it handles chromatic aberration (better than the others) and is sharp (though the differences between all is very slight)
  • Image stabilization for handholding seriously low shutter speeds
  • STM - absolutely smooth and silent video and full time manual focus* - half press of shutter required for manually turning the ring to have any effect.  If live view is on focus ring is always active.
  • Close focus abilities - almost macro like!

Cons of the 10-18

  • Slow (small maximum aperture) f/4.5 at 10mm and as soon as you zoom you hit f/5 and then f/5.6 shortly before 18mm
  • No distance indicator - very hard to manually focus in low light (bad for starry sky photos)

Tokia 11-16 f/2.8 DX II

Pros of the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 DX II

  • Constant f/2.8
  • Built like a tank and includes a lens hood
  • Distance indicator
  • Will mount on a full frame camera!

Cons of the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 DX II

  • Chromatic aberration very noticeable at wide apertures.
  • Vingetting also present at wide apertures - also present in other lenses but not quite to the same degree gone by f/5.6
  • I am not a fan of the big ring pull switch for AF/MF.
  • 77mm filter size - getting expensive

Canon 10-22 USM f/3.5-4.5

Pros of the Canon 10-22 USM

  • Big range for wide angle lens.
  • USM with full time manual focus
  • Distance indicator
  • Good build quality

Cons of the Canon 10-22 USM

  • What does it offer that the Canon and Tokina doesn’t?

Sigma 8-16 f/4.5-5.6 HSM (not reviewed in this video)

Pros

  • Extremely wide with 8mm
  • HSM for smooth and fast focus

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No filters - lens bulges like fisheye

Photo Assignment #3 - Show Motion & How-to Panning

We are nearing the end of photo assignment #3 (this was announced a few podcasts ago)- Your task is to show motion, but no flowing water. Assignment #3 is due by 12pm EDT 6/30/14 - paste a link to your flickr/500px as a comment or watch for the call on Facebook. We recently had a brainstorming session on Facebook with some of the options including panning with cars (or planes) in the example below, people walking, kids running and oh so much more - be creative, think outside the box :) Screenshot 2014-06-25 11.29.22 Panning is one way to show motion and I thought I would give you some quick tips.Panning is the act of moving your camera with a subject - see example above.  The trick is to find the right shutter speed that blurs the background but still lets you get your subject in sharp focus. It will take practice and your keeper rate when shooting panning shots is going to go down.

  1. Set your camera on the fastest burst rate you have available.  The more shots you take in a panning series the more likely you will get one that works.
  2. Set your shutter speed (see table below) and determine your exposure. Avoid situations where your exposure is going to change greatly over the pan- if it is consider using Auto ISO.
  3. Pre focus on the spot your subject will be passing through, you can wait and focus on slower moving subjects but anything moving faster than a brisk walk is going to give you fewer chances for focus AND a good series of shots.
  4. Determine the point of your subject you will track and use one of your focus points as a guide to keep your camera aimed at the same location. Eyes are great point for tracking, or a wheel - keep your target small!
  5. Start(anticipate and start moving before your subject enters the frame) and end your pan in one smooth motion while shooting a burst of images. - This smooth motion increases your chances of getting a sharp shot.  As you move try to minimize your movement, just twist on your hips keeping everything else steady.
  6. Don't trust your LCD- Your subject can look in focus on that small screen- zoom all the way in and check at your point of focus.

 Screenshot 2014-06-25 11.41.42 Got more tips for panning shots? Leave them in the comments below.  This isn't the ONLY way to show motion - just one that I shared a few tips on.

Sony a6000 Review & Sample Images

Full video review of the Sony a6000 with 16-50 lens.I also have a speed review of the a6000 I spent two week with the Sony a6000 (I rented to review) and found it to be an excellent little camera.  Emphasis on excellent and little.  There are other mirrorless cameras of similar size and weight but the Sony really is one of the lightest and with that little kit lens,or other small prime, is easily pocketable in a jacket pocket.Buy the Sony a6000 from B&H

$9.99 for Photoshop/Lightroom - Announcements from Adobe.

A handful of big photo announcements came out of Adobe's presentation on Wednesday. - See all my Adobe related announcement updates yesterday

    1. Lightroom mobile is now available on iPhones (as well as iPads) and allows editing, star rating and flagging of your Lightroom Catalog. Any changes you make to images on any device- phone, tablet, desktop- are synced to all other devices.  I have previously demoed the Lightroom mobile editing. No word or mention of any Android development for these apps.Screenshot 2014-06-18 14.11.44
    2. The $9.99/mo deal is here to stay - You get Photoshop and Lightroom CC - which means as updates happen you get them, along with 2GB of online storage (this is down from the 20GB offered in the more expensive packages) If you are currently paying for the more expensive plan you can downgrade at no penalty.Screenshot 2014-06-19 08.21.46
    3. The focus masking features which we talked about in last week's podcast looks nifty and useful.Screenshot 2014-06-18 13.44.11
    4. Adobe has released a new app for the iPad - Photoshop Mix. Call it an image manipulation tool, not quite an editor though it does offer some neat compositing and layer like abilities.  It is free and is capable of syncing with Lightroom collections as well as your camera roll.  Get Photoshop Mix from iTunes

    Photo Jun 19, 8 38 03 AMPhoto Jun 19, 8 39 54 AM

    Tamron 16-300 Review with Samples and Video

    Full video and image samples below.Summary: An impressive range with little image quality loss vs the kit lens from Canon (and Nikon) but increased chromatic aberration and limited maximum aperture across the range. Those valuing convenience above image quality may want to consider this lens. A nice bonus of great image stabilization (VS) and macro like capabilities make this a fun lens for travel and family snapshots. Just be warned that in low light you will need that VS at the longer focal lengths.

    Tamron 16-300 Tested on a Canon 70D

    Tamron 16-300 Pros:

    • Huge range- no one else offers 16mm to 300mm and does it better than many of the 18-200 lenses currently on the market.
    • Decent image quality
    • Good Vibration control
    • Macro capabilities - it is not a macro lens but does let you get close and coupled with the VC you can get good handheld shots
    • Focus sound is near silent similar to the STM lenses but. .

    Tamron 16-300 Cons:

    • Focus was slower than STM lenses and more likely to get confused.
    • Increased chromatic aberration (purple/magenta fringe seen at the edge of high contrast areas) common in lenses like this and cheaper lens
    • Slow apertures  - meaning as you zoom you will find that you need lots of light or will have a very slow shutter speed to compare. At 100mm the 16-300 maximum aperture is f/5.6. The 70-300 IS USM offers f/4.5. at 200mm the Tamron has hit f/6.3 and the 70-300 provides f/5.
    • Zooming presents uneven friction (sticky spots as you rotate the lens) these seemed to decrease during testing but I worry long term about lens creep - the lens zooming as it hangs by your side.

    Support my work and reviews - Buy the Tamron 16-300 from B&H $629.00Tamron 16-300 Image Samples (watch the video for more comparisons)See the tree on the hill? Rollover to see that at 300mm, Serious Zoom![himage]Tamron 16-300 at 16mmTamron 16-300 at 300mm[/himage]Way up on the hill is a small rock outcrop - rollover the image to see 300mm view- No cropping, no moving[himage]16mm with the Tamron 16mm-300mm300mm with the Tamron 16mm-300mm[/himage]Rollover to see the difference between 18mm(Canon 18mm with the 18-135 STM) and 16mm(Tamron 16-300)[himage]Canon 18-135 STM at 18mmTamron 16-300 at 16mm[/himage] Screenshot 2014-06-17 17.54.21Screenshot 2014-06-17 17.53.44 5349_300 mm1-200 sec at f - 6.3ISO 12505352_300 mm1-200 sec at f - 6.3ISO 25005366_300 mm1-250 sec at f - 6.3ISO 8005450_300 mm1-800 sec at f - 6.3ISO 3205491_57 mm1-1250 sec at f - 5.0ISO 3205500_50 mm1-200 sec at f - 5.0ISO 6405483_200 mm1-200 sec at f - 6.3ISO 320A portrait at 300mm f/7.1 Support my work and reviews - Buy the Tamron 16-300 from B&H $629.00

    Panasonic FZ1000 super zoom

    4k video in a P&S with 16x zoom for less than $1000!

    Panasonic has announced the FZ1000 super zoom- aimed squarely at the Sony RX 10- the FZ1000 offers 25mm - 400mm range(200mm more than the RX10). Inside a 1" sensor that provides up to 4k video! Neat features like a customizable control in the lens ring, focus peaking and camera RAW development provide a do it all camera in a seriously portable package. Offered at a price almost $400 less than the Sony RX 10. A standard mic jack allows a videographer to easily capture audio with a variety of external mics - making this a very portable video recording package.panasonic fz1000 

    A few highlights of the FZ1000

    • 4K video
    • Ability to pull 8MP still images from 4k Video - effectively allowing you to shoot at 50fps
    • 120FPS Full HD for super slo mo footage
    • variable speed zoom
    • Custom mode on dial
    • Output to 4K compatible TVs via HDMI
    • Timelapse options
    • Shadow and Highlights control

    Hands-on with the FZ1000

    4k Video from the Panasonic FZ1000Preorder the Panasonic FZ1000 from B&H

    Panasonic FZ10000 vs the Sony RX 10

    Camera Panasonic FZ1000 Sony RX10
    Range 25-400mm f/2.8 - 4 24-200mm f/2.8
    Sensor 1" High Sensitivity MOS Sensor BSI-CMOS
    MP 20 megapixels 20 megapixels
    Continuous Drive 12 FPS (50FPS)* 10 fps
    Max Video Resolution 4K QFHD (3840 x 2160) 1920 x 1080
    Screen 3" 920k 3" 1.2 M
    EVF 2.36M OLED 1.44M
    Connection WIFI & NFC WIFI & NFC
    Price $897.99 (preorder on B&H) $1298.00 (buy on B&H)

    Panasonic FZ1000 FAQ:

    Q: The camera is capable of 50 FPS!?A: In camera processing allows 8MP screen grabs from video to create still images.  This video runs at 50fps so in effect, yes, this camera is capable of 50fs at 8MP.Q: How does the price compare to the Sony RX10A: Almost $400 cheaper!Q: When will the FZ1000 be available?A: Shipping at the end of July.Q How much zoom?A: 16x total. Remember to calculate zoom you divide the maximum(400) by the minimum(25) to get your range.Q: maximum ISO?A: 25,600Q: How does the Panasonic FZ1000 compare to the Sony RX 10?A: See the chart above!Q: How is the macro capabilities?A: 3cm or 1inch close focusing at the wide end of the range should provide decent macro capabilities.Q: Can the Panasonic FZ1000 record for more than 29minutes at a time?A: No - this is a limit imposed by European tax lawQ: Other video modes are offered in the FZ1000?A: 1080 and 720 as well as full HD at 120FPS for super slow mo footage.Pop up flashLens hood3" articulated screenThe Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 Digital Camera is a bridge-style point-and-shoot camera featuring a large 20.1MP 1" High Sensitivity MOS sensor to enable high-resolution 4K QFHD video recording and rich still shooting up to 50 fps. The image sensor affords notable sensitivity, to an expandable ISO 25600, with a high signal-to-noise ratio for a cleaner image quality with reduced image noise. Designed for effective hybrid photo and video recording performance, the 4K output can also be used to permit in-camera 8MP screen grabs from video files for simplified multimedia output.Preorder the Panasonic FZ1000 from B&H

    Canon 10-18 Wide Angle Lens - Review

    Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens review (Part I)

    Part II will include comparisons vs Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 and Canon 10-22.Pros:Lightweight - 8.47 oz (240 g) & Compact (weighs just slightly more than the 18-55 and is shorter)Sharp with good colors, contrast and low to no Chromatic aberrationImage stabilization lets you shoot at SLOW shutter speeds (I handheld for 1 second with success)STM - smooth and silent autofocus during video with the Canon T4i, T5i and 70DCost -at $299 easy entry to exploring wide angle photographyCons:Widest aperture f/4.5 and you only have that at 10mm- Could be challenging in lower light and in situations where you want to isolate your subject/blur the background.Overall a great little lens and an excellent option for real estate, wide scenic landscapes and anyone that want's to explore wide angle photography. The 10-18 is $299 and shipping now from B&H. This is $300 cheaper than Canon's 10-22 f/3.5- f/4.5 and offers the same sharpness in a smaller and lighter package with Image Stabilization (IS) and Silent Stepper Motor (STM) for smooth and silent autofocus.  Image stabilization seems good- with static subjects you can go to very low shutter speeds due to the wide angle AND the inclusion of image stabilization.Canon's manual (download below) confirms that this is the smart IS built into the 10-18 and offers automatic recognition of when you are panning.Screenshot 2014-06-11 13.01.40 Screenshot 2014-06-11 13.01.31

    Canon 10-18 review - Part II - Video Compare vs Tokina 11-16 and Canon 10-22

    Additional suggested videos

     Download the Canon 10-18 Manual (PDF) My income depends on your purchases through my links- Buy the 10-18 from B&H 
    Three image panorama using 10-18 at 10mm

    Canon 10-18 Wide Angle Lens - Early Thoughts

    I have had the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens in my hand for 18 hours- I can say the following-It is sharp, light and affordable. A great option for real estate, landscapes and anyone that want's to explore wide angle photography. The 10-18 is $299 and shipping now from B&H. This is $300 cheaper than Canon's 10-22 f/2.5- f/4.5 and offers the same sharpness in a smaller and lighter package with Image Stabilization (IS) and Silent Stepper Motor (STM) for smooth and silent autofocus.  Image stabilization seems good- with static subjects you can go to very low shutter speeds due to the wide angle AND the inclusion of image stabilization. 10mm using the 10-1814mm using the 10-1818mm using the 10-1818mm using the 18-135 STMDownsides- Maximum aperture of f/4.5 at 10mm can be limiting - in both light and creative control. It is difficult to creatively blur the background when you are limited to a maximum of f/4.510mm at f/4.5 - focusing at the near focus limit gives you some background blur.A few more images -10mm18mm5103_10 mm1-40 sec at f - 4.5ISO 160I will have a video with some early thoughts up soon.