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A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Camera (2021 Edition)

16 Aug

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Camera (2021 Edition) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremie Schatz.

a beginner's guide to buying a camera

Are you searching for your first real camera? Do you want to know what to look for and how to choose?

In 2021, you have plenty of options, but talk of megapixels, mirrorless technology, viewfinder type, and other technical terms can get very confusing, very fast. That’s why, in this camera buying guide for beginners, I’m going to break it all down for you.

Specifically, I’m going to cover the different types of cameras and the key features to look for, plus I’m also going to share some simple tips for getting the right model for your needs.

Let’s dive right in.

Price

camera with money

Brace yourself: High-quality photography equipment often requires a significant investment.

All cameras cost money, and sometimes lots of it – so determining your budget is a good place to start.

In my experience, the easiest approach to camera budgeting is to come up with a narrow price window. If you think you want to spend under $ 1,000 USD, you’ll be overwhelmed with choices, but if you aim for the $ 800-$ 1,000 range, your options will be much more manageable.

While you’re mulling over your camera budget, consider what other accessories you may need or want. Don’t blow your entire budget on a camera body with no lens. And depending on the type of photography you plan to do, you may want to acquire a tripod, external flash, extra batteries, and memory cards.

Types of cameras

Now that you’ve (hopefully) determined your budget, it’s time to figure out which camera type is right for you.

Generally speaking, you have four main options:

  1. Point-and-shoot cameras
  2. Bridge cameras
  3. DSLRs
  4. Mirrorless cameras

many cameras in a group

Point-and-shoot cameras are compact and convenient. In general, they’re designed for beginners, and they feature automatic modes for easy, no-knowledge-required photography. Unfortunately, the lenses are built in and non-interchangeable, though they usually cover a wide zoom range. Quality-wise, point-and-shoots run the gamut from cheap and uninspiring to pro-level compacts.

Bridge cameras take the point-and-shoot concept and kick it into high gear; while bridge cameras don’t offer interchangeable lenses, they do offer more control over camera settings, along with larger grips, improved ergonomics, and more rugged bodies.

DSLRs are the classic, fancy-looking cameras with all the buttons and big lenses. Lower-end DSLRs offer good image quality and give users a ton of control, while higher-end DSLRs include an array of advanced features, such as lightning-fast continuous shooting, complex autofocus tracking, and an ultra-rugged frame. You’ll find a mind-boggling assortment of lenses and flashes, as well as a myriad of other gadgets for all sorts of creative effects.

Mirrorless systems are all the rage these days, packing the features of DSLRs into smaller bodies. They offer a great compromise of quality and versatility, and thanks to advances in mirrorless sensor technology, many photographers view mirrorless as the future.

Of course, at the end of the day, none of these camera types are obviously best – rather, they’re good for different users and different types of photography. Choosing a camera type is about recognizing what you want to photograph and how you want to photograph it, rather than grabbing the option with the flashiest features.

So if you’re after an ultra-compact model designed for beginners, I’d suggest picking a point-and-shoot camera, especially if you don’t ever plan on moving past the basics. On the other hand, if your goal is to do serious photography, an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera is probably best; these cameras offer excellent image quality at a reasonable price.

Of course, if money is no object, you might consider purchasing a high-level DSLR or mirrorless camera, though these models mainly distinguish themselves in terms of high-level features that you may not have much use for, so think long and hard before you spend thousands on a body like the Sony a7R IV.

Sensor

Once you’ve picked the perfect camera type, you’ll need to understand how to compare different sensors, which vary in three key ways:

  1. Size
  2. Resolution (megapixels)
  3. High-ISO capabilities

Let’s take a closer look at each characteristic in turn:

Sensor size

buying a camera with a sensor

The bigger the sensor, the better the image quality (all else being equal). For this reason, big sensors tend to be pricey, and they also tend to make their way into the hands of professionals rather than beginners.

In fact, the largest consumer sensors are known as full frame and are the size of a 35mm film negative. But the majority of cameras on the market pack sensors smaller than full frame; these are usually referred to as cropped, or APS-C. Then there are smaller sensors still, known as Four Thirds, and even smaller sensors (though once you get below Four Thirds, you’ll be looking exclusively at compact and bridge cameras).

If capturing sharp, clean images is your main goal, then I’d recommend purchasing a Four Thirds sensor at the very least (and I’d urge you to consider APS-C and even budget full-frame options). That said, larger sensors do correspond to larger camera bodies, so a smaller sensor is a tradeoff worth considering, especially if you plan to travel frequently or you like the idea of carrying a camera around in your pocket.

Note that larger sensors often offer more megapixels, the importance of which I discuss in the next section:

Resolution (megapixels)

These days, high-megapixel cameras are all the rage. You have cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and the Nikon Z7 II packing 45 megapixels, the Sony a7R IV reaching to a whopping 61 megapixels, and talk of an 80+ megapixel model from Canon.

But what do all those megapixels get you? Two things: big prints and cropping latitude.

In other words, a 61 MP camera will let you produce gigantic prints with tons of detail, or it will let you crop in on your subject for a magnified view.

Unfortunately, higher megapixel counts do come with several significant drawbacks. For one, more megapixels tend to reduce high-ISO capabilities so that you’ll capture noisy, messy images in low light. Also, resolution is directly correlated with file size, so you’ll fill up your memory cards and computer hard drive much quicker with a high-resolution camera.

Before you go out and buy that 40+ megapixel camera, ask yourself: do I really need that many megapixels? Sometimes it pays to skimp!

camera memory card

High-megapixel cameras come at a price: they eat up storage on your memory cards and hard drive.

High-ISO capabilities

Some cameras can shoot at ISO 3200, ISO 6400, and beyond without producing significant noise, whereas others struggle to produce usable images past ISO 800.

Here, the difference is partly a function of size, where larger sensors offer better low-light performance, but also a function of sensor technology, where certain sensor types (often found in the most expensive cameras) outperform others.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to determine a camera’s high-ISO capabilities from its specification sheet alone, so it’s important to read hands-on reviews before purchasing any particular model, especially if low-light photography interests you.

Lens quality (and lens selection)

A sensor is only as good as the lens you put in front of it. If your lens is blurry, then you could have the best sensor in the world, but your photos will turn out blurry, too.

If you’re aiming to purchase a point-and-shoot or bridge camera, compare the zoom range of different models. Ask yourself: How much zoom do I need? Some lenses cover huge ranges and can therefore handle many genres of photography from landscapes to birds and everything in between. Other lenses feature more limited zoom ranges, which might be fine or might become an issue, depending on your interests.

camera lens

With DSLRs and mirrorless models, you must purchase at least one lens – otherwise, your camera can’t capture photos. Fortunately, the lens options are nearly endless, and there are lenses for pretty much every photographic genre, from portraits to street to wildlife and beyond. Many cameras are offered as kits that come with the camera body and lens. These “kit” lenses are usually lower quality but can certainly produce good results.

Some lenses are more expensive than others, based on several main factors: they let in a lot of light, for one, and they produce very sharp, undistorted images. They also might feature longer focal lengths or large zoom ranges and are often built to more exacting and durable standards.

Really, choosing the perfect lens is often as hard as choosing the perfect camera. As a beginner, though, it often makes sense to start with a kit lens, spend time developing your photographic interests, and then upgrade to more specialized lenses as needed.

Additional key features

Up until this point, I’ve focused on the camera essentials – the characteristics that you should always think about before picking a camera.

But there are plenty of additional features worth considering, depending on the genres that interest you. In this section, I’ll highlight a few of the big ones, starting with:

Autofocus and drive speeds

If you want to photograph action – sports, wildlife, or birds – then you need a camera with advanced autofocus and high continuous shooting speeds.

Look for models that feature complex tracking algorithms (e.g., human or animal eye AF). Also look for 10+ frames per second, as well as a deep (50+ frames) buffer.

Durability

Some cameras are built to last, whereas others struggle to handle a light rain.

If you plan to shoot most of your photos indoors, durability may not matter to you. But if you’ll be capturing landscapes, wildlife, sports, or even outdoor events, the more weather-sealed your camera, the better.

Ergonomics and handling

Some cameras are comfortable to hold plus they’re easy to operate, thanks to helpful features such as fully articulating screens, touch functionality, and autofocus joysticks.

man with a camera pointed upward

For each camera you consider, make sure to look carefully at the specification list. If there’s a feature you desperately want – such as a fully articulating touchscreen – make sure you grab a camera that includes it!

Other

Here’s a long list of other features worth considering:

  • Wireless connectivity
  • Built-in flash
  • Hot shoe (for an external flash)
  • Dual memory card slots
  • Image stabilization
  • RAW file support
  • Video capabilities (HD, 4K, etc.)
  • External microphone support
  • Shooting modes (for creative effects)
  • Battery life
  • Weight

Guide to buying a camera: final words

Buying a digital camera can be intimidating, and it often feels like the choices never end. Hopefully, this article has offered you some clarity – and you’re now ready to make your first camera purchase.

Also, it’s important to remember: While camera choice does matter, pretty much every model out there is capable of great shots. So don’t stress too much!

camera silhouette at sunset

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Camera (2021 Edition) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremie Schatz.


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Ricoh releases Silver Edition version of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR, three D FA* lenses

27 Aug

Ricoh has announced the limited release of a Silver edition of its Pentax K-1 Mark II DSLR as well as, for the first time ever, silver versions of its D FA* lenses.

The limited-edition camera is identical to its black counterpart, complete with a 36MP full-frame CMOS sensor, Safox 12 autofocus system with 33 AF points and a maximum ISO of 819,200. The only difference is the paint scheme, which is silver with contrasting parts, including a black shutter release and hot shoe.

In addition to the camera, Ricoh is also releasing Silver edition versions of three lenses: the HD Pentax-D FA* 70–200mm F2.8, 50mm F1.4 and 85mm F1.4. Like the camera, these lenses are identical to their black counterparts, but unlike the camera, just 600 units for each model will be produced.

This isn’t the first time Ricoh has released Silver editions of their gear. In March 2010, the Pentax K-7 Limited Silver camera was released and, more recently, the Pentax K-1 Limited Silver was released in September 2017.

The Pentax K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for $ 2100. The lenses will also be released in September with prices ranging from $ 1200–2100. All Silver Edition cameras and lenses will come with specially designed product boxes.

Press release:

Ricoh announces Silver Edition of PENTAX K-1 Mark II, plus three HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

PARSIPPANY, NJ, August 26, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition, a special silver-colored version of its digital single-lens reflex (SLR) flagship model. Ricoh is also releasing for the first time silver versions of its D FA? series lenses, with high-grade silver coating that is especially well suited to the top-of-the-line PENTAX optics.

The camera will be available in a limited quantity of 1,000 units worldwide, and the three lenses— HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4—will be available worldwide in limited quantities of 600 units for each model. These lenses join the silver-edition PENTAX full-frame lenses currently available: SMC PENTAX FA 31mm F1.8 LTD, SMC PENTAX FA 43mm F1.9 LTD and SMC PENTAX FA 77mm F1.8 LTD.

The limited-edition silver models of the camera and lenses are coveted by PENTAX photographers worldwide. The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera sports contrasting black parts–a shutter release button and hot shoe—to provide a handsome complementary color and enable it to be color coordinated whether used with traditional black or the special silver-colored lenses.

Previously issued limited-edition cameras include the PENTAX K-7 Limited Silver (March 2010) and the PENTAX K-1 Limited Silver (September 2017).

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition camera body will be available in September for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 2099.95. The HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses will be available in September with prices ranging from $ 1199.95 – $ 2099.95. Both the camera and lenses can be purchased at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets.

Main features of the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Silver Edition

  • ? The camera body and detachable battery grip feature a high-grade, fine-textured silver coating, with an exclusive silver SR badge placed on the front of the body.

  • ? The camera’s shutter release button and hot shoe, as well as the battery grip’s shutter release button, feature black parts, so the camera is coordinated with either black or silver lenses.

  • ? Each camera has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0001000, to further support its exclusivity.

  • ? Two exclusive batteries are included in a product package to simultaneously power both the camera body and the battery grip.

  • This special camera and its accessories come in a specially-designed product box.

  • The camera body comes with the latest firmware version pre-installed.

Main features of the HD PENTAX-D FA? Silver Edition lenses

  • The lenses’ high-grade silver coating complements their use with silver-edition camera bodies.
  • Each lens has been given a unique serial number, from 0000001 to 0000600, to further support its exclusivity.
  • The lenses come in a specially-designed product box.

NOTE: The features and specifications of this camera body and lenses are identical to those of standard models, except for the camera firmware

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad updates firmware for X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, announces two new accessories

31 Jul

Hasselblad has announced a firmware update for its X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, as well as introduced two new accessories for its 907X Special Edition camera.

Firmware update 1.3.0 for the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition offers two main updates. First, it’s now possible to quickly set ISO and white balance by touch on the live view screen. Second, Hasselblad says it’s improved the charge time of its 3,400mAh batteries by 20% when using the supplied charger.

The update also adds support for the 907X Special Edition camera’s new accessories: a control grip and optical viewfinder. The 907X Special Edition Control Grip mounts to the underside of the camera. It offers a scrolling wheel, joystick, shutter button and four other customizable buttons for changing settings, capturing images and reviewing media without having to use the touchscreen.

Inspired by the Hasselblad SWC viewfinder, the new 907X Special Edition Optical Viewfinder (OVF) mounts to the camera via a cold shoe adapter and offers internal markings for composing images with Hasselblad’s XCD 21mm, 30mm and 45mm lenses. There’s also a center cross that can be used to simulate the location of an autofocus point.

You can download firmware update 1.3.0 for the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition on Hasselblad’s website. The 907X Special Edition Control Grip and Optical Viewfinder are available to pre-order on Hasselblad’s website for $ 969 and $ 629, respectively. The first units are expected to ship by the end of August.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh launches ‘Street Edition’ version of its GR III with new paint and custom accessories

11 Jun

Ricoh Imaging has announced the release of the GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit, a limited edition camera package that includes a new look and exclusive accessories.

The updated look gives the GR III a textured metallic grey paint job that Ricoh claims was chosen ‘to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city.’ Also new in this limited edition camera is the orange-yellow lens barrel ring that Ricoh says is ‘reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.’

Beyond the new paint job, the Ricoh GR III Street Edition comes with a detachable viewfinder with the same metallic grey finish (the standard version of this finder retails for $ 250), as well as a genuine- leather hand strap, the latter of which has an orange-yellow stopper meant to match the lens barrel ring. When turned off, the camera will also display a street-view image as well as a specialized product logo.

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Internally, the new Street Edition version of the GR III is identical to its less-colorful counterpart, complete with the 24MP APS-C sensor, the 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens and the hybrid autofocus system.

However, this camera will include Ricoh’s new ‘Full Press Snap’ feature, which allows users to pre-define a focal point and have the lens immediately snap focus to that point upon fully depressing the shutter and/or tapping the back LCD display. Ricoh notes this feature will be available on the standard GR III via a firmware update after the release of this limited edition camera, but no specific timeframe is mentioned.

The Ricoh GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit is limited to 3500 units worldwide and is set to launch mid-July for $ 1199/£1099. If you don’t care for the entire kit or miss out on the limited-run, don’t fret — this coming autumn, standalone GR III Street Edition units will be available (no pricing information has been shared at this time).

Press release:

Ricoh launches RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

Limited-quantity package featuring high-end digital compact camera with a stylish metallic gray body and exclusive accessories

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 10, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit. Available in a limited quantity of 3,500 units worldwide, the kit combines the RICOH GR III camera body, finished in a metallic gray color, with a compact, detachable viewfinder and a genuine-leather hand strap, both designed exclusively for this package.

Offering the same high image quality as the standard RICOH GR III, the small, lightweight camera body has been treated with a metallic gray finish designed to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city. The finish features an elegantly grained texture that is smooth in appearance but helps improve camera grip. It’s accentuated with an orange-yellow lens barrel ring, reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.

In addition to the camera, the kit includes a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle of view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street and will be available in the standard GR III via a firmware update that is scheduled for release later this year.

The RICOH GR III Street Edition, a high-grade digital compact camera that doesn’t include the viewfinder and the strap, is also scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2020.

Pricing and Availability

The RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit will be available mid-July at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com as well as at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1199.95.

Main Features of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

The camera body has been treated with an attractive metallic gray finish that designed to appeal to a street photographer, symbolizing the asphalt pavement in the city. It’s also accentuated with an orange-yellow ring encircling the lens barrel. The exterior finish features an elegantly grained texture created by repeatedly spraying droplets of a coating material onto the camera body. Although smooth in appearance, this special paint also helps improve camera hold.

The camera comes with a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish, and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle-of-view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring, to enhance the product image.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel positioned on the camera’s back panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully depressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen positioned on the camera’s back panel, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street.

* This feature can be added to the standard GR III model by installing function expansion firmware, which is scheduled to be released after the time of the camera’s launch.

When the camera’s power is turned off, the camera displays an original termination screen consisting of the specially designed product logo and a street-view image that symbolizes the camera’s “street snapshot” concept.

Notes:

• The camera’s other specifications are identical with those of the standard GR III model.

• The design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cosina announces ‘Stills Edition’ version of its Nokton 40mm F1.2 lens for Sony E-mount

02 Jun

Cosina has announced the upcoming release of its latest ‘Stills Edition’ (SE) lens, the Voigtlander Nokton 40mm F1.2 SE lens for Sony E-mount camera systems.

The manual 40mm F1.2 SE lens is nearly identical to its non-SE version. It’s constructed of eight elements in six groups, features an aperture range of F1.2 – F22, has a 55-degree field of view and uses a ten-blade aperture diaphragm. The SE version also features the same built-in encoder for metadata and distance, which works alongside Sony’s in-body image stabilization to offer the best results.

As with other lenses in the SE series, the only notable difference compared to the non-SE version is a slightly changed external design, different groves on the rings and the removal of the aperture de-click button. Below are a few sample photos from Cosina, captured with the lens (the images feature borders and aren’t high-res):

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The lens weighs 340g (12oz), has a 58mm front filter thread and comes with a lens hood. Cosina’s website says the lens will be released on June 24 at a suggested retail price of 100,000 yen (~$ 930).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica launches M10-P ‘Ghost Edition’ and new Summilux-M 90mm F1.5 ASPH lens

13 Dec

Leica has teamed up with New York-based horology company HODINKEE to launch the Leica M10-P ‘Ghost Edition’ camera styled after the vintage timepiece owned by Ben Clymer, founder and CEO of HODINKEE. The ‘Ghost Edition’ version of the M10-P includes a Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 ASPH lens with the same style.

The natural wear and tear on a wristwatch bezel results in a ‘ghosting’ aesthetic that inspired the M10-P ‘Ghost Edition’ design, according to Leica. This special edition camera doesn’t feature the company’s iconic red dot logo; its body and included lens sport a matte gray finish alongside silver and white accents. Gray cowhide leather and white enamel-filled engravings round out the ghosted aesthetic.

The Leica M10-P ‘Ghost Edition’ retains the same specs as the regular model. Leica is limiting this special edition to 250 camera sets globally with availability starting today. Each set features a serial number, a certificate of authenticity and a gray rope strap with black leather accents. The set is priced at $ 14,995 through HODINKEE.

Joining the special edition camera set is Leica’s new Summilux-M 90mm F1.5, an extremely fast telephoto prime lens designed for portrait photography. Leica describes this new lens, which has the longest focal length in the Summilux-M lineup, as offering ‘a breathtakingly shallow depth of field.’

The Summilux-M 90mm F1.5 lens features eight elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements made from specialized glass and a floating lens element. The company says that its lens design nearly eliminates the distortion and vignetting associated with fast lenses and that the lens hood helps cut down on reflections and unwanted light.

Leica customers familiar with the Noctilux-M 50mm F0.95 ASPH lens will find the new offering very similar in terms of design, build and depth of field, according to the company. The Summilux-M 90mm F1.5 ASPH lens is now available from Leica’s stores, boutiques and dealers for $ 12,995. The lens can be used with the Leica SL and SL2 cameras using the M-Adapter L.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica CL ‘Edition Paul Smith’ brings a unique colorful style to 900 limited-edition sets

15 Nov

Leica is back with another special edition product, this one featuring its Leica CL model launched in collaboration with British designer Paul Smith. The new Leica CL ‘Edition Paul Smith’ model’s tech specs are identical to that of the regular production model. Unique to the special edition, however, are ‘one-of-a-kind’ design elements inspired by Smith’s work.

According to Leica, this is the second special edition camera launched in collaboration with Smith. The designer’s handwriting is used as the font for the phrase ‘Look and see’ located on the back of the special edition camera, joining a ‘bold blue’ top plate and the use of ‘vibrant accent colors’ on the top buttons.

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Rounding out the special design is a large eye illustration on the viewfinder and stripes along the camera’s bottom edge. Leica has limited the production of its Edition Paul Smith variant to 900 sets globally; they’re shipped with the Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 ASPH lens and a neon rope strap featuring both Leica and Smith branding.

The Leica CL ‘Edition Paul Smith’ set can be purchased from Paul Smith retailers, Leica Stores, and Boutiques for $ 3,995 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lomography launches preorders for Berlin Kino B&W 2019 Edition film

11 Oct

Lomography has released its new Berlin Kino B&W Formula 2019 35mm ISO 400 film product. The new model follows the company’s previously released Berlin Kino Film, which it described as being inspired by the New German Cinema movement. The new film, Lomography says, offers photographers ‘an upgrade in their freedom of creative choice, no matter if they shoot with 35mm or 120 format.’

The most notable aspect of Lomography’s ‘refined’ Berlin Kino formula is its ability to offer ‘huge amounts of photographic details’ in heavily shadowed and bright environments, the company explains. The film has an ISO 400 native sensitivity but can be pushed to 800, 1600, or 3200 without compromising detail levels or tonal range, according to Lomography.

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The 2019 Edition of Lomography’s Berlin Kino B&W film can be preordered for $ 8.90 USD per roll or in a 5-roll bundle for $ 44.50 USD. The company currently estimates that its new film will start shipping next month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica’s latest special edition is an ‘urban camouflage’ Leica CL with a matching strap

20 Jun

Leica has teamed up with French-Italian photographer and art collector, Jean Pigozzi to release a special-edition version of its Leica CL camera system.

The camera, officially named the Leica CL ‘Urban Jungle by Jean Pigozzi,’ features the same internals as the standard Leica CL, including the 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor. The outside, however, features an urban camouflage print on its black leather wrap, a custom grey rope camera strap, and the words ‘URBAN JUNGLE’ etched alongside Pigozzi’s signature on the rear of the camera underneath the LCD display.

The special edition kit also comes paired with the Leica Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 ASPH lens, which is neatly tucked alongside the camera body and custom strap in ‘an elegant presentation box.’ This is Leica’s second collaboration with Pigozzi, the first being the Leica Sofort ‘Limoland’ camera released in 2017.

Only 150 Leica CL ‘Urban Jungle by Jean Pigozzi’ will be made and shipping will start June 25, 2019. You can get your hands on a kit at Leica Stores and Boutiques for $ 3,950. Alternatively, you can buy the standard black Leica CL kit, get yourself a silver Sharpie, scribble a little bit on the leather wrapping and save yourself approximately $ 750.

Press release:

Leica Releases Limited Edition Camera Inspired by the Aesthetic of the Concrete Jungle

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” pairs unparalleled imaging quality with a unique camouflage design

June 19, 2019 – The visually-captivating LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” is the newest special edition release of the Leica CL compact system camera presented by Leica Camera. Created in collaboration with French-Italian photographer, entrepreneur and art collector Jean Pigozzi, this eye-catching camera features a striking urban camouflage pattern on its leather covering, with an accompanying gray rope strap. Just as the Leica CL strikes a balance between traditional controls and contemporary design, Pigozzi’s thoughtful design language takes the functional pattern of camouflage and elevates it with a high-fashion and ultramodern aesthetic.

“With this design,” Pigozzi shares, “I wanted to do something completely different and create something is unique from all the other cameras around. To bring the urban aesthetic to life, I tried to visualize the structures of a big city like New York to replicate what I define as an ‘Urban Jungle.”

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” sports the same top-level performance, intuitive handling and exceptional image quality as the standard production Leica CL. A few highlights include the built-in EyeRes® electronic viewfinder that enables users to preview the final image before the picture is taken, high-resolution image quality that performs exceptionally well in low light, and a supremely fast and accurate autofocus; all of which are packaged efficiently into a compact system camera that travels effortlessly to any urban jungle the world over. The special edition set is complete with a Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, lovingly packaged together with the camera in an elegant presentation box. With a focal length ideal for everyday travel and street photography, the Elmarit-TL lens helps this set bring the urban spirit to life.

Pigozzi’s latest design is his sophomore collaboration with Leica Camera, following the Leica Sofort “Limoland” by Jean Pigozzi in 2017, which sported vibrant, colorful graphics of “Mr Limo,” the logo of Pigozzi’s LimoLand fashion label.

The LEICA CL “URBAN JUNGLE by JEAN PIGOZZI” is limited to 150 sets worldwide and will be on sale for $ 3,950 beginning June 25, exclusively available at Leica Stores and Boutiques.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica, Lenny Kravitz produce limited edition ‘Drifter’ M Monochrom with snakeskin finish

24 May

Rock star and keen photographer Lenny Kravitz has produced another limited edition camera in partnership with Leica Germany, this time with a rock ‘n’ roll feel—and a snakeskin covering.

The Drifter is a Leica M Monochrom kit that comes with Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH lenses and a case to carry them. All the items in the kit are finished with a sepia brown paint and the camera and strap use a synthetic snakeskin that is designed to reflect Kravitz’s wardrobe.

Leica says the result is an ‘attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring,’ with Kravitz adding ‘I’m a drifter […] That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.’

Other than the finish the camera is a standard M Monochrom, but will also feature untreated brass on the hotshoe rails, the thumb wheel, the shutter button and the soft-release button to lend it a stylish vintage look over time.

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This is the second limited edition M camera Lenny Kravitz has been involved with, coming up with the design for the Correspondent version of the M-P in 2015 in memory of his reporter father. The Drifter kit will be limited to only 125 globally, and will cost $ 23,950 / £20,500. Kravitz’s accompanying “Drifter” photo exhibition is currently being showcased at the Leica Gallery in Wetzlar, Germany. For more information see the Leica website.

Press release:

One for the road: new limited-edition Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is Lenny Kravitz’s ode to touring

Leica Camera AG and Kravitz Design have collaborated on a camera built for rock n’ roll nomads who can be found on either side of the lens. The look of the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ has been created by Grammy-winning musician, actor and artist Lenny Kravitz, who is no stranger to bold style and individual expression. The result is an attention-commanding and soulful Leica camera made for global touring. The name is inspired by how Kravitz sees himself, “I’m a drifter. That has been my life since I was 15-years-old; I’m always on the road.”

This limited edition camera is designed with an eye-catching ‘synthetic python’ snakeskin covering, made from premium-quality vegan leather which looks straight out of the rockstar’s wardrobe. Kravitz was made aware of this synthetic material by his close friend, fashion designer and animal rights activist Stella McCartney, who uses it for many of her own creations. The matching carrying strap made of woven fabric is coated with the same vegan leather as the camera. The camera’s monochrom body is luxuriously retro in special sepia brown paint, and the hotshoe, thumb wheel, shutter and soft-release buttons are made from untreated brass, which will allow a stylish vintage look to develop over time.

Two state-of-the-art lenses are included, both finished in sepia brown; a Leica Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH, and an APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH. In a departure from the standard production model, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 features a built-in extendable lens hood to match the design of its 75mm counterpart.

This camera demands five-star accommodation; a smart brown leather-like ‘Drifter Traveller’ bag, two pouches and cases for both lenses are included, so your kit is always protected.

Lenny Kravitz was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1964 to an Afro-American mother and a Ukrainian-Jewish father. He is not only a world-famous musician, songwriter, producer and actor but also an accomplished photographer. As a musician, Kravitz is a multi-instrumentalist who uses analogue recording technology to underline the retro-character of his songs. As a visual artist, he has enjoyed success with his design studio, Kravitz Design, and has also become an accomplished photographer publishing ‘Flash’, a book of his black-and-white photographs in 2015. “I love the quality of the Leica’s monochrom system’ says Kravitz, “it’s exquisite. I tend to see things in black-and-white. It looks more real to me, and timeless.”

This is the second time Lenny and his design team have collaborated with Leica on a limited-edition masterpiece. In 2015, he was inspired by the life of his father, a Vietnam War reporter and TV news producer, to create the ‘Correspondent’, a vintage-look Leica M-P. This time, Lenny has looked within himself and authored a design which reflects the lifestyle of a cosmopolitan artist and travelling musician stopping to capture his or her unique experiences.

With production limited to 125 units globally, the Leica M Monochrom ‘Drifter’ is incredibly exclusive and highly collectable; RRP is £20,500.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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