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Archive for February, 2020

Hands-on with the Fujifilm X-T4

27 Feb

Hands on with the Fujifilm X-T4

Long-rumored, much-anticipated and inevitably leaked, the Fujifilm X-T4 has finally landed. Although it shares a lot with the existing X-T3 (which we’re told will continue to be sold alongside the X-T4), the new camera brings with some major changes, most notably in-body image stabilization and an all-new, larger battery. But smaller updates abound, at least one of which have the potential to be added to the X-T3 via firmware. So, let’s take a closer look.

Stabilizer

Alright, let’s get the major update out of the way first. Without a major increase in size over the X-T3, the X-T4 incorporates a sensor-shift image stabilizer that’s good for up to 6.5 stops of shake reduction with 18 of Fujifilm’s current total of 29 lenses. We’re told the remaining lenses will all be stabilized to a minimum of five stops.

This comes down to the image circle each lens projects. Most XF lenses, particularly the early ones, simply weren’t designed to project an oversized image circle for stabilization in the first place. And a smaller image circle means you simply can’t move the sensor as far before a degradation in image quality. In these instances, five stops is honestly pretty impressive.

New shutter mechanism

The X-T4 also comes with a new shutter mechanism, which unlocks burst speeds of 15 fps with full autofocus and autoexposure. (Like the X-T3, it can also do up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter, and 30 fps with the electronic shutter and a 1.25x crop.) This new shutter is rated to 300,000 actuations, comes with new ‘shock absorption’ hardware, and we must say, is impressively quiet.

Behind that shutter and mounted to the new stabilizer is the familiar 26MP X-Trans sensor that’s currently in the X-T3 and X-T30 (and the new X100V), and we expect image quality to be broadly similar (meaning, very good).

Updated ergonomics for video

While most of the headline video capabilities from the X-T3 carry over, the addition of stabilization makes the X-T4 a much more compelling ‘run-and-gun’ video camera. As such, Fujifilm has tweaked the ergonomics a bit: there’s now a dedicated Still / Movie switch under the shutter speed dial where the metering options used to live. In this view you can also see that the customizable rear command dial is more pronounced and a more rounded, protruding AF ON button makes an appearance.

Speaking of AF ON, Fujifilm has told us that the X-T4 uses an entirely new subject tracking algorithm that incorporates color information as well as the object’s shape to improve tracking ‘stickiness.’ We’ll take a closer look in our full review, but our initial impressions are that the X-T4’s tracking is vastly improved over the (already quite good) X-T3’s. We hope that latter camera will get a firmware update with this new version, and given Fujifilm’s track record of firmware updates, we’re optimistic.

Also, that pattern on the rear screen isn’t shattered glass, we promise. It’s…

The fully articulating screen

…a (somewhat plasticky) leatherette pattern on a new, fully articulating screen mechanism. It sits flush with the rear of the camera, so you have to dig your thumb into the depressed area on the right side to flip it out. In this view, you can also see that Fujifilm has retained both the 8-way AF joystick and the customizable four-way controller on the rear of the camera.

The fully articulating screen

As you would expect, the screen flips out to the side and can rotate forward 180 degrees for vlogging and down 90 degrees for shooting from high angles. It’s a familiar design seen on many competing cameras, unlike the less-traditional two-axis tilt design of the X-T3.

To an extent this is key to the whole camera. The X-T3’s screen is arguably a better choice for stills shooting, in that it stays in line with the camera’s lens and supports both landscape and portrait shooting. The X-T4’s screen arrangement is the preferred style for video shooting.

Drive dial controls

The drive dial has seen some minor tweaks, with the ‘HDR’ function now easily accessible, and of course the ‘Movie’ mode that was on the far left of the X-T3’s dial is absent.

Just to the right is a new eyecup, which we’ve been told has been updated to be ‘40% more rigid’ and stay in place more reliably than the previous one.

Total top-plate controls

Here’s a full view of the X-T4’s top plate controls. It’s worth mentioning that the customizable function button on the top plate has been shifted forward, between the power switch and the exposure compensation dial, rather than being crammed next to the shutter speed dial.

The grip has been tweaked to be a little bit deeper and more comfortable to use with larger lenses.

Ports

Moving to the left side of the camera, we can see that Fujifilm has done some tweaking regarding the ports of the X-T4. Gone is the rigid removable port door of the X-T3, with soft rubberized doors taking its place. We’re a bit disappointed by the loss of the dedicated headphone port: like the X-T200, X-A7 and X-T30, users must now use a USB-C to headphone dongle. At least there’s one included in the box.

Card slots

On the other side of the camera are two UHS-II compatible card slots hidden behind a removable door. This is also where you’ll find the serial number of the camera as well as the stamp for its country of manufacture, which may vary, camera to camera.

Battery

The X-T4 is the first Fujifilm camera in quite some time to use a new battery design. This one is dubbed NP-W235, and is CIPA rated to 600 shots when using the camera’s ‘economy’ mode and 500 shots in ‘normal.’ This is a good boost over the X-T3’s rating of 390 shots with the NP-W126S battery.

Getting a grip

The X-T4 also has contacts for the optional VG-XT4 battery grip, for those of you who simply must have a battery grip. Just like the grip on the X-T3 and X-T2, this new grip will hold two batteries, giving you a total of three (including the one in the camera) when it’s utilized. It also includes a dedicated, on-board headphone socket if you don’t like ‘dongle life’, and with a USB PD rated charger, you can charge all three batteries over the camera’s USB-C port.

Hands on with the Fujifilm X-T4

There you have it: Fujifilm’s newest 26MP, 4K-shooting, image-stabilized camera. Is it everything you hoped for and more? Or were you just hoping for more? We see it as a minor-ish update (or even a potential branching of the lineup) that will have a big impact for an audience clamoring for IBIS. And if you don’t need IBIS, we’re pleased that the slightly smaller and still supremely capable X-T3 will continue to be sold alongside it.

Let us know what you make of the new camera in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS R5 Is Being Developed, But Don’t Forget About the R1

27 Feb

The post Canon EOS R5 Is Being Developed, But Don’t Forget About the R1 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

news-canon-eos-r5-development

The Canon EOS R5 hasn’t yet hit the shelves, but the rumors keep coming regarding Canon’s full-frame mirrorless line.

Rumors which promise something even more exciting (for those of us who can be patient, that is!).

Now, the Canon EOS R5 is plenty thrilling in its own right. It was officially announced by Canon earlier this month and is positioned to correct a number of the much-criticized flaws of the Canon EOS R and EOS RP, Canon’s two major full-frame mirrorless offerings.

In particular, the R5 promises to feature some form of in-body image stabilization, which is considered by many to be a defining aspect of mirrorless technology.

The R5 will also offer dual card slots, 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting with the electronic shutter (this drops to 12 frames per second with the mechanical shutter), and an incredible 8K video recording capability. The R5 is rumored to begin shipping sometime this July.

Canon is calling the R5 its “most advanced full-frame mirrorless camera ever,” and they’re undoubtedly right, though some might claim the EOS R/RP duo set a low bar.

That said, Canon seems determined to push their mirrorless lineups to greater heights. According to Canon Rumors, the R5 is “definitely not the ‘professional’ EOS R mirrorless camera” that Canon is developing, in reference to an action-focused mirrorless camera teased by Canon, one that would potentially rival the Sony a9 Mark II, as well as the Nikon D6 and the Canon 1D X Mark III.

Canon Rumors states that the “professional” camera, dubbed the “EOS R1,” should appear in 2021, and suggests that there may be a reveal in the final months of 2020.

In a sense, this Canon EOS R1 is only interesting as a marvel of innovation. We all want to see Canon push its mirrorless development to the next level (though advanced features do have a tendency to trickle down to lower models). But the EOS R1 will almost certainly be prohibitively expensive, and it won’t be the type of camera the average photographer wants or needs. Instead, it’ll be like its potential competitors, the 1D X Mark III, and the D6: interesting in concept, but relevant only for a niche audience.

The EOS R5, on the other hand, may be positioned much like the Canon 5D Mark IV. The 5D Mark IV is an impressive camera, and while it’s not Canon’s “true” professional option, it’s a body used by plenty of professionals. Many of these photographers hoped to see an upgrade in the form of the Canon EOS R and were disappointed by its lack of IBIS and single card slot.

So maybe, with the EOS R5, Canon will finally produce what was hoped for over a year ago.

What do you think? Are you excited about the EOS R5? How about the R1? If so, why? Let me know in the comments!

The post Canon EOS R5 Is Being Developed, But Don’t Forget About the R1 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Canon shows off EOS R5, RF 100-500mm lens under glass at WPPI

27 Feb

Canon EOS R5 at WPPI

The upcoming Canon EOS R5 was on display at the company’s booth at the 2020 WPPI Expo in Las Vegas, so we stopped by (and nudged our way past other attendees as politely as possible) to get a closer look. The representatives present at the booth couldn’t provide any details beyond the development announcement; “what’s been published is all we know,” was the common refrain. In case you missed it, here’s what we know:

  • Newly designed CMOS sensor (we’re guessing ~40MP)
  • In-camera image stabilization
  • 20 fps continuous shooting (silent shutter)
  • 12 fps continuous shooting (mechanical shutter)
  • 8K video capture
  • Twin card slots

Still, we took some photos to get a better idea of what Canon’s done ergonomically to its upcoming full-frame mirrorless model.

We can see right away that the grip is deeply sculpted, with an almost-certainly customizable function button near the lens mount. Just behind the ‘EOS R5 DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENT’ label there’s another port door that’s hard to see, but may conceal a socket for a remote release or wireless transmitter.

Card slots

Here down the side of the camera we can see the card slot door. Again, all we know is that there are dual slots behind there; but the advertised provision of 8K capture means that they’ll need to be speedy, even with a good compression algorithm. Dual-type slots on the EOS 5D Mark IV could be a hint here; perhaps we’ll see one SD slot and one CFExpress slot. Or maybe just dual UHS-II SD card slots. Time will tell.

Top panel

On the top right of the camera, we can see what looks to be an identical control layout to the existing EOS R. The same status panel, and the same Mode + Dial combo for changing your exposure modes. Do you prefer this way of working, or do you long for an old-fashioned mode dial like Canon put on the lower-end RP? Let us know in the comments.

On/Off switch

On the opposite side of the camera is the on/off switch, similar in size to those on the EOS R and RP, but there’s a bit more of a protrusion near the back, perhaps for easier operation with your thumb. That also looks to be a polycarbonate panel surrounding the flash hot shoe, which is likely a ‘window’ for the camera’s wireless connectivity antennas.

Rear plate controls

Apologies for quality of this image, but the camera was nearly up against the back of the display, and there was no visibility from back there – so we have to make do with this top-down angle.

First of all, in the place of the EOS R’s touchbar is a traditional AF joystick and better-placed AF-ON button. Just underneath that is a dedicated ‘magnify’ button for checking focus, along with ‘INFO’ and a ‘Q’ button for pulling up the on-screen quick menu.

Underneath this is a thumb-dial surrounding a ‘SET’ button; this is a familiar setup from many of the company’s DSLRs, and is making its first RF-mount appearance here. No surprise, the screen looks to have the same swivel-out and rotate design as the R and RP, but next to the ‘Menu’ button on the top left is a dedicated ‘RATE’ button, which is accompanied by a microphone. It could be that the R5 lets you attach audio clips to your images using this control.

Rounding out controls on the back of the camera are the traditional ‘Star’ and ‘Focus Selection’ buttons on the top right.

Ports

Again, given the nature of the display, this is the best view of the ports I can get you – but everything is legible, at least. So we know that there will be microphone and headphone ports, a remote port, and a USB (likely type-C) port and HDMI output. You can also get a clearer view of the port cover on the bottom-front of the camera.

It looks like there may be enough distance from the screen hinge to the mic and headphone ports that they won’t get in the way of each other, so fingers crossed on that.

Let’s take a look at the RF 100-500mm lens, also under development.

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L

In amongst the EOS R5 announcement was the teasing of ‘nine RF lenses’ coming later this year, including the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM on the right side of this image. For comparison, it’s sitting next to an existing EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II; the 100-500mm is a little chunkier, but of course, you’d need a teleconverter on the 100-400mm lens to get the same reach and that would add bulk of its own.

Canon RF 100-500mm controls

Here we can see the ‘smooth / tight’ ring the new RF 100-500mm shares with the EF 100-400mm. This basically sets the resistance of the zoom mechanism, depending on your preferences, or if you just want to eliminate zoom creep when you’re not actively shooting. We can also see the AF/MF switch and a focus limiter option.

Canon RF 100-500mm controls

Way down there, we can see the rest of the switches on the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L, which include a stabilizer on/off switch and a ‘stabilizer mode’ option, giving users an option to bias the stabilizer depending on whether you want absolute stability or if you’re doing panning.

Canon EOS R5 at WPPI

And there you have it – Canon’s upcoming high-end, full-frame mirrorless camera, under glass. We’re hoping to learn more soon, but in the meantime what are you most excited for about this camera? Would you consider getting one yourself? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini 11 features an ‘Automatic Exposure’ mode and dedicated ‘Selfie Mode’

27 Feb

Although not nearly as exciting as its new X-T4 camera, Fujifilm has also announced the Instax Mini 11, its latest-generation instant film camera.

The Instax Mini 11 looks very similar to its predecessor, the Mini 9 (don’t ask where 10 went), but it’s received a subtle facelift. Specifically, the camera is more rounded than before and uses a material around the lens that’s different from the material used in the rest of the camera body. The shutter button and the button used to extend the lens now have dimples as well, presumably to make it easier to locate the buttons by feel when shooting.

Aside from the slight design change, Fujifilm has also added an Automatic Exposure mode that adjusts the shutter speed and flash output based on the ambient lighting environment. Previously, the only option was to choose from a selection of presets that were changed by twisting a ring around the lens.

Fujifilm has also added a new Selfie Mode that, according to Fujifilm, ‘makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.’ A small convex mirror on the front of the camera makes composing selfies a bit easier as well (this has been on previous-generation Instax Mini cameras).

The Mini 11 also comes in different color options: Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The Instax Mini 11 is set to ship in mid-March with an MSRP of $ 69.95. In addition to the new camera, Fujifilm has also unveiled two new Instax film varieties: Instax Mini Blue Marble film and Instax Square White Marble film.

{pressrelease}

Fujifilm Unveils Its next Generation Instant Camera: The New Instax Mini 11 Is Here!

Valhalla, N.Y., February 25, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of INSTAX® Mini 11 (Mini 11), the latest innovation in its long line of popular INSTAX instant cameras and Smartphone printers.

The INSTAX® Mini 11 has been designed for optimal portability along with a fresh, trendy look. Available in five new colors, the Mini 11 boasts the following new features and benefits:

Automatic Exposure function for better pictures day or night

The “Automatic Exposure” function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, and optimizes the shutter speed and flash output according to the condition. It allows even novice INSTAX® users to take photos that are automatically properly exposed regardless of conditions, producing high-quality instant photo prints on the spot.

Selfie Mode for quick and easy selfies

Users can activate the Selfie Mode, perfect for taking selfies and close-up shots, by simply pulling out the front end edge of the lens after powering the camera on. This makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.

Custom, interchangeable shutter buttons for style and personalization

The Mini 11 comes with two replaceable and stylish shutter button stickers; a fun and easy way to change the button’s look and to personalize the camera.

Updated design with attention to detail

Mini 11’s rounder, softer, modern look is a direct homage to its Mini 9 predecessor. Contrasting design elements on the Mini 11 are achieved by using a different material around the lens from the rest of the camera body. The Mini 11 is available in five pastel, pale-tone colors – Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, and Lilac Purple.

Also accompanying the launch of this exciting new instant camera are two new INSTAX instant film varieties; INSTAX® Mini Blue Marble film and INSTAX® Square White Marble film. Both have marble-patterned print frames transforming everyday photos into unique, fun keepsakes.

Fujifilm’s INSTAX® Mini 11 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 69.95 USD ($ 89.99 CDN) and is expected to be available for purchase mid-March, 2020.

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Smithsonian launches Open Access with 2.8 million public domain images

27 Feb

The world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian, has unveiled Open Access, a new portal to more than 2.8 million 2D and 3D images. The Smithsonian refers to Open Access as a ‘vast and diverse digital resource’ for the public, one that contains images of historic artifacts, classic paintings and some of the world’s oldest photographs.

The images are free to browse and download, marking the first time the Smithsonian has offered a resource like this. The content was sourced from all 19 Smithsonian museums, as well as its research centers and other facilities. Because these images are all in the public domain, the Smithsonian notes that anyone can use them for ‘just about anything,’ including printing them and putting them on other products.

Another 200,000 images will be added to the collection throughout 2020, according to the institution, which plans to add even more in the future as it continues to digitize its vast collection. Though other institutions around the world have started sharing digitized versions of their content, the size and scope of the Smithsonian’s new digital cache is described as ‘unprecedented.’

King’s College London expert Simon Tanner who served as an advisor for the initiative said:

The sheer scale of this interdisciplinary dataset is astonishing. It opens up a much wider scope of content that crosses science and culture, space and time, in a way that no other collection out there has done, or could possibly even do. This is a staggering contribution to human knowledge.

All 2.8 million 2D and 3D images are listed under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nik Collection 2.5 update adds new color film emulations and Affinity Photo support

27 Feb

DxO has released an update for its Nik Collection 2.5 standalone app and plugin, bringing with it new film stock emulations and updated support.

Nik Collection 2.5, which DxO is teasing as the ‘Legendary Color Films Revival,’ brings along five new film stock emulations: Agfa Precisa 100, Fuji FP100C, Fuji Instax, Fuji Provia 400X and Lomo RedScale 100. In addition to the new film stocks, the update also adds support for the latest version of Serif’s Affinity Photo editing program, which we covered earlier today.

The 2.5 update works with Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, DxO PhotoLab 2 Essential Edition, Affinity Photo 1.8 and as a standlone app. It’s available for free to all current owners and is available to purchase for $ 149. The collection includes Analog Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro, Dfine, HDR Efex Pro, Viveza, Silver Efex Pro, Sharpener Pro and DxO PhotoLab.


Author’s note: The unaffiliated coupon code ‘GET-15-NOW’ should get you 15-percent off the collection, based on a pop-up that was shown to me on the DxO website while looking at the details of this update.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The latest LEGO Collectable Minifigure series includes a UAV operator complete with drone, controller and battle wound

27 Feb

At the Toy Fair in New York City, LEGO unveiled its latest collection of minifigures, consisting of 16 themed characters, each of which has costumes and props to boot.

The collection, which is the 20th of its kind since LEGO started the series back in 2010, features a number of fun and playful characters, but one in particular stands out—a drone pilot. One of the collectable minifigs is an enthusiastic drone pilot that comes complete with a LEGO drone, a LEGO controller and even a bandage on their face to suggest they’ve been nicked by the propellors of the drone.

The drone operator minifig, along with the other 15 characters, is set to start shipping April 19, 2020 for $ 4.99.


Image credits: Photos by The Brothers Brick, used with permission

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sirui announces 50mm F1.8 anamorphic lens for mirrorless cameras set for April release

26 Feb

Budget-conscious filmmakers looking for an anamorphic lens will finally be able to stop cropping the top and bottom of their movie frames next month when the Sirui 50mm F1.8 1.33x anamorphic lens will begin shipping through distributors outside of the initial Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns. The company has already shipped to many of its backers, but the Coronavirus has created delays that have set the general release back to April.

The lens, which enables 2.4:1 aspect ratio shooting, is available in mounts for Sony-E, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds, and will retail for around $ 700 / £660. Designed to cover APS-C sized sensors the lens offers a field of view that equates to a 37.5mm lens, according to Sirui, as the optics increase the horizontal angle of coverage by 33%.

The compact lens is only 106.6mm (4.2in) long and has a maximum diameter of 69.2mm (2.72in), while weighing 560g (1.23lbs). It has a 10-bladed iris with openings covering F1.8-16 and the closest focus distance is 0.85m (33.5in).

For more information see the Sirui website

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Welcome to the new DPReview analog forum!

26 Feb

DPReview.com has long been a place for all things, well, digital photography-related. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t love film too.

In recent years, as film photography and traditional processes have been enjoying something of a resurgence, we’ve been working to expand our coverage. As part of that effort, we’re pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated forum for discussion of film photography and all things analog.

We’d like this forum to be a place where both seasoned film shooters and first-timers can feel at home

Partnering with us on this launch is Hamish Gill, founder of 35mmc.com, one of our favorite sites and the Internet’s premiere destination for analog coverage.

As well as the new forum, our partnership with Hamish and 35mmc will also mean more film-related content on DPReview. So dust off that old Yashica that smells like 30 years of cigarette smoke, dig through the back of your freezer for those long expired rolls of Portra, hunt down some fresh batteries and get ready to feel the analog love.

You can find the new forum here, and we’d love you to get involved by starting threads, asking questions, and sharing tips and advice with fellow analog fanatics.

Visit our new film photography forum


Please note: We’d like this forum to be a place where both seasoned film shooters and first-timers can feel at home. While threads will be moderated according to established DPReview guidelines, please note that we will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to any behavior which does not reflect our community values.

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