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Posts Tagged ‘Autofocus’

PSA: Apple warns that high-powered motorcycles can damage autofocus, image stabilization in iPhones

13 Sep

Apple has published a new support document on its website warning users that cameras on their iPhone devices can be damaged when attached to high-powered motorcycles due to the ‘high amplitude vibrations’ of their engines.

In the document, Apple specifically points to the optical image stabilization (OIS) and closed-loop autofocus (AF) technologies inside its latest iPhone device and notes both of these are susceptible to performance degradation over time when exposed to the ‘extended high-amplitude vibrations,’ such as those put through the device when it’s attached, via a mount, to a motorcycle. Specifically, Apple notes the OIS systems inside the iPhone 6 Plus and later and the AF systems in the iPhone XS and later are the modules affected by these issues.

‘High-power or high-volume motorcycle engines generate intense high-amplitude vibrations, which are transmitted through the chassis and handlebars,’ says Apple. ‘It is not recommended to attach your iPhone to motorcycles with high-power or high-volume engines due to the amplitude of the vibration in certain frequency ranges that they generate.’

Even smaller motorized vehicles, ‘such as mopeds and scooters,’ can lead to problems, despite ‘comparatively lower-amplitude vibrations,’ according to Apple. To lessen the risk of damage on these devices, Apple suggests using a vibration dampening mount and ‘avoid regular use for prolonged periods.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z9 Rumors: 45 MP, “Stunning” Autofocus, and a 2021 Release

13 Aug

The post Nikon Z9 Rumors: 45 MP, “Stunning” Autofocus, and a 2021 Release appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

the Nikon Z9 rumors: 45 MP, "stunning" autofocus, and a 2021 release

The Nikon Z9, Nikon’s not-yet-debuted flagship mirrorless camera, will offer a host of powerful features, according to the often-reliable Nikon Rumors.

While Nikon itself has previously revealed several promising Z9 specifications, including 8K video, a stacked CMOS sensor, and a new processor, the company has stopped short of providing a detailed feature set.

Enter Nikon Rumors, a website that has revealed several lists of rumored Z9 features over the last year – the most recent of which painted a relatively full picture of the camera that will soon take its place at the top of the Nikon mirrorless ladder.

First, NR revealed a “confirmed” resolution for the Z9: 45 megapixels, on par with both the Nikon D850 and the Z7/Z7 II, as well as the Canon EOS R5. This should provide plenty of pixels for cropping sports (and wildlife) photos, and will also satisfy resolution-hungry landscape photographers who require 30+ megapixels for large prints.

Previously, the Z9 was rumored to feature a 30 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode. Fresh information, however, suggests 120 frames-per-second shooting “in a lower res file size” – a speed far beyond anything Nikon (or any major camera company) has offered thus far.

But for action photographers, speed is only half the story; without top-notch autofocus, any camera will fall short, no matter its continuous shooting. Fortunately, the Nikon Z9 is poised to overtake even the D6, Nikon’s current flagship DSLR, in autofocus capabilities. According to Nikon Rumors, the Z9 packs “‘stunning’ AF tracking (better than the D6),” including “car autofocus, in addition to animal and people AF.”

Ergonomics will also be exceptional. NR promises a slew of “new menu features to tweak and match your shooting style,” along with an “improved articulated screen that even works in portrait mode.” There will be a D6-style integrated vertical grip, dual card slots, and a 5.76M-dot (or more) electronic viewfinder.

In other words: This is a no-holds-barred camera from Nikon, one that combines the latest and greatest mirrorless technology with the ruggedness and reliability of a flagship DSLR.

Of course, a top-notch camera like the Z9 will undoubtedly come with an exorbitant price tag (Nikon Rumors suggests $ 6000+ USD). But for those who can afford it, the Z9 may soon be the most powerful camera on the mirrorless market.

What about the Z9 release date?

Rumors suggest a September or October announcement (which is generally followed by product shipping within a few weeks). NR is cautious, however, noting that, “because of part shortage, the waiting time for the Z9 is expected to be very long.”

Regardless, the Z9 should be available for purchase before the end of 2021 – so if you’re in need of a best-in-class action camera, keep an eye out!

Now over to you:

What do you think of these Nikon Z9 rumors? Do you plan to buy the Z9? Are there any specific features you’d like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Nikon Z9 Rumors: 45 MP, “Stunning” Autofocus, and a 2021 Release appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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One-Shot vs AI-Servo: Which Autofocus Setting Should You Use?

10 Aug

The post One-Shot vs AI-Servo: Which Autofocus Setting Should You Use? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by James Brandon.

One-Shot vs AI-Servo

If you’re just getting familiar with your camera autofocus settings, you’ve likely encountered the big question:

Should you shoot with One-Shot AF? Or should you use AI-Servo AF? (Some cameras also offer a third option, called AI Focus, but it doesn’t work well and so I recommend you ignore it completely.)

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer, because One-Shot and AI-Servo are both useful depending on the type of photos you shoot.

So in this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about these two autofocus modes. And by the time you’re done, you’ll know which option is right for you and how you can use it for amazing images.

Let’s dive right in, starting with the basics:

What is One-Shot AF?

One-Shot AF is the most commonly used autofocus method and is likely the default setting on your camera. (Note: On many non-Canon cameras, it’s known as AF-S.)

When you half-press your shutter button, the camera sets focus once (hence the term “one-shot”) and holds that focus until the picture is taken.

As you can imagine, this is hugely helpful if you want to focus then recompose. You can focus on one subject, then maintain focus while adjusting your composition to include other elements. For instance, if you’re photographing a tree next to a fountain, you could set focus on the tree, then freely move your camera toward the fountain to create the best possible composition – while the focus stays locked on the tree.

On the other hand, One-Shot AF isn’t so great if you’re trying to track moving subjects. Lock focus on a biker riding toward you, and the focus will remain locked on the original spot, even as the biker zooms forward. Pretty soon, your subject will be out of focus, and you’ll be forced to lock focus again and again as the biker changes position.

baby in a basket with One-Shot autofocus

For this photo of my week-old son, I used One-Shot AF. I half-pressed the shutter to focus on his body, then adjusted my composition while keeping the focus locked.

What is AI-Servo AF?

AI-Servo AF tracks moving subjects. You half-press the shutter button to tell your lens to start focusing – then, if the area under your point of focus changes, your lens refocuses continuously until you take the photo.

(On non-Canon cameras, this autofocus mode is often known as AF-C.)

AI-Servo is perfect for scenes with moving subjects. Bringing back the biker example from above, if you placed your AF point over the biker and half-pressed the shutter button as she rode forward, the autofocus would do its best to keep the biker in focus.

Unfortunately, AI-Servo isn’t flawless; sometimes, if your subject is moving quickly, the focus will lag behind and you’ll end up with slightly out-of-focus images. Or if your subject moves out from under your autofocus point (and you’re not using some form of broad AF tracking), the AF will focus on the background instead.

But AI-Servo is certainly better for moving subjects than One-Shot AF, which consistently focuses behind the subject.

Make sense?

planes taking off with AI-Servo autofocus

For this shot of two Blue Angels taking off, I used AI-Servo; otherwise, I would’ve failed to track these two jets as they moved.

When should you use One-Shot AF?

One-Shot AF is the way to go when focusing on still subjects, such as landscapes, still lifes, some portraits (assuming your subject isn’t jumping around, running, or dancing), and flowers. Here’s a more complete list of genres that rely heavily on One-Shot autofocus:

  • Landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Cityscape photography
  • Still life photography
  • Macro photography
  • Food photography

Of course, there will be times when you’ll want to switch over to AI-Servo AF – for instance, if your macro scene includes a fast-moving dragonfly – but for the most part, you can use this list to guide your decisions.

And here’s a list of genres that use One-Shot AF some of the time:

  • Portrait photography
  • Street photography

For portrait photography, you must consider the type of photos you’re taking. Will you be doing a fast-paced portrait session with a lot of movement? Or will your subject be sitting or standing in place? For still subjects, One-Shot AF is a good idea, but for moving subjects, go with AI-Servo.

As for street photography, some shooters use One-Shot AF to prefocus at specific points then wait until a subject walks into the scene. Other photographers use AI-Servo AF constantly and snap images as people move toward them. It all depends on your style!

When should you use AI-Servo AF?

Use AI-Servo AF whenever your subject is moving (especially if you’re working with a shallow depth of field).

So if you’re shooting sports players in action, birds in flight, or cars on the move, you should definitely use AI-Servo nearly all the time.

Here’s a list of photography genres that rely heavily on AI-Servo autofocus:

  • Bird photography
  • Wildlife photography
  • Sports photography
  • Car photography
  • Wedding/event photography
  • Underwater photography

If you’re photographing birds, for instance, unless you see an obvious reason to switch to One-Shot AF, I’d recommend you set your camera to AI-Servo AF and keep it there.

Which autofocus mode is best?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, such a question has no real answer. In some situations, One-Shot AF is the best option, but in other situations, you’ll want to use AI-Servo AF.

In fact, there are even times when manual focus is the better bet. If you’re doing high magnification macro photography or you’re shooting in the dark, your lens will likely fail to autofocus, so manual focus will be your only good option.

I do have a personal recommendation, though, and it’s what I use for most of my photos:

Use AI-Servo…

…but not with the normal half-press focusing method.

You see, most cameras let you set your focus via a button on the back of your camera, which gives rise to a technique called back-button focusing.

When used with AI-Servo AF, back-button focusing gives you the best of both worlds. Here’s how it works:

Start by programming a button on the back of your camera to autofocus when pressed (and make sure AI-Servo is activated). Then, when you hold down the special back button, your camera will focus continuously, just as if you half-pressed the shutter button.

When you let go of the back button, focusing will lock. You can recompose all you like, you can take shots with the shutter button, etc., without worrying about losing focus as you shift your AF point.

So if you have a biker riding toward you, simply keep the back AF button held down. Then, if the biker stops and you want to position them in the corner of the frame, you can let go of the back button and change your composition – while your focus remains locked in place.

Thanks to its versatility, I use back-button AF 90% of the time. It’ll save you plenty of headache trying to switch back and forth between AI-Servo AF and One-Shot AF!

One-Shot vs AI-Servo: final words

Hopefully, you now know whether to use One-Shot AF or AI-Servo (and you’ve hopefully also been inspired to try out back-button focus). Learn to master your camera’s autofocus capabilities, and you’ll be unstoppable!

Now over to you:

What do you think of these two focusing modes? Which do you plan to use in your photography? Do you think you’ll try back-button focusing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post One-Shot vs AI-Servo: Which Autofocus Setting Should You Use? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by James Brandon.


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How to Avoid Blurry Photos by Choosing the Right Autofocus Mode

05 Jan

The post How to Avoid Blurry Photos by Choosing the Right Autofocus Mode appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Lynford Morton.

autofocus mode

Sometimes the light is perfect, the moment is right, but when you get home, you find that your photo is blurry. Arrgh!

Why are your pictures blurry? One obvious reason is that your camera isn’t focused properly.

You see, while today’s cameras and lenses can help you quickly take sharp images in a wide variety of situations, you must first choose the right autofocus mode.

So here are some questions to help you diagnose any blurry-photo situations – so you can choose the correct autofocus settings, consistently!

autofocus modes

Are you using the auto-area autofocus mode or the single-point autofocus mode?

Who gets to decide your focus points?

That’s what you’re deciding when you choose between the auto-area AF mode versus the single-point AF mode.

With an auto-area autofocus mode, your camera decides what it should use as your focal point. It usually decides based on what looks most prominent in the viewfinder or is closest to the camera.

Is this a bad thing?

Well, it can work if your subject is obvious and there are no potential distractions. But what do you do when you’re trying to focus on a smaller subject within the frame?

For more control, you choose a single point autofocus setting.

The single-point mode allows you to choose your specific autofocus point (check your camera’s manual if you aren’t sure how to do this).

After all, only you, not your camera, know where your subject is – and where you want to position it within your composition.

(Also, note that your camera offers several additional AF area modes – but it’s a good idea to start by choosing between the auto-area mode and the single-point mode.)

Is your subject moving?

Most DSLR cameras give you four basic options for autofocus settings: single, continuous, auto, and manual.

To help you choose the right option, ask yourself, “Is my subject moving?”

Then, based on your answer, read the relevant advice below:

No, my subject is not moving

purple orchid close-up

If your subject is not moving, choose “AF-S” on your camera (though this mode is referred to as “One Shot” on Canon cameras).

AF-S acquires and locks the focus as soon as you half-press the shutter button. If your subject stays at the exact same distance from the camera, your photo will be in focus (and you’ll be able to keep taking photos and can expect them to be in focus, too). If your subject moves, then your photos will be blurry.

In other words:

Your subject has to be stationary for AF-S to work. In fact, the shutter won’t fire if your subject is moving and your lens can’t acquire focus.

AF-S also allows you to recompose. Let’s say the autofocus point is in the center of the frame, but you want your subject positioned close to the edge. As long as you maintain a half-press on your shutter button, the focus will remain sharp on your subject.

Then you can move the camera slightly left or right, positioning your subject away from the center of the frame.

Yes, my subject is moving

tricolored heron

If your subject is moving, use continuous autofocus (“AF-C” on most cameras, though Canon calls it “AI Servo”).

With this mode, you can place your autofocus point over your subject, and the focus continues to adjust while you press the shutter button. This keeps your subject in focus as it moves.

For example, if someone is riding a bicycle, you can place the AF point on your subject and half-press the shutter button. As long as you’re half-pressing the shutter, the autofocus will adjust continuously, keeping your subject in focus as they move.

When you’re ready to take the photo, depress the shutter completely, and the camera will fire a sharp, in-focus image.

No, my subject isn’t moving, but it might

dog playing in the grass autofocus mode

A third option merges the functionality of the single autofocus and continuous autofocus modes. This hybrid mode (“AF-A” for Nikon or “AI Focus” for Canon) works differently depending on your camera.

However, AF-A always involves some sort of automatic switching between AF-S and AF-C modes, based on whether your camera perceives a moving subject or an unmoving subject.

With AF-A activated, you can focus on an unmoving subject exactly as if you are working in AF-S. But as soon as the subject moves, your camera will switch to AF-C and begin tracking.

Make sense?

For some photographers, this is the best of both worlds and allows you to deal with erratic subjects that repeatedly move and then stop suddenly (i.e., birds). However, you’ll often lose the ability to focus and recompose, because your camera may attempt to refocus based on the position of its autofocus point – so make sure to bear that in mind.

My autofocus just isn’t getting it right

You always have the option of turning off the autofocus function and choosing the manual focus setting.

When should you do this?

Well, if your camera is having trouble detecting your focus point, it might be more efficient to focus the camera yourself.

Note that you can turn off your autofocus on accident. So every now and then, when your camera can’t seem to focus, and you don’t hear the motor searching back and forth, check to see if you selected manual focus without meaning to. This can happen more frequently than you might think!

Other issues to consider

What if you set up your autofocus properly and the lens still won’t focus?

I’d recommend you consider these solutions:

  • You might be too close. Try backing away. If you are too near your subject, the camera may not be able to focus properly.
  • Your subject might not have enough contrast. Your image needs to have some contrast for most autofocus systems to work. If you try to photograph a solid sheet of white or any single-colored wall, most autofocus systems will struggle. Why? Cameras use differences in colors and tones to determine their focus. If a camera can’t find any contrast, it can’t focus.
  • You might have an extremely shallow depth of field. In this case, your autofocus is working, but the depth of field is so shallow, it’s hard to tell that your subject is in focus.
  • You have camera shake. When you depress the shutter, you move the camera. If the shutter speed is too slow, the camera picks up that movement, and it gives you a blurry photo. Make sure your shutter speed is faster than the equivalent of your focal length. For instance, if you are zoomed out to 100mm, your shutter speed should be 1/100s or faster to avoid camera shake.
  • You have motion blur. If your subject is moving quickly and your shutter speed is too slow, the photo will end up blurry – so make sure you’re using a fast-enough shutter speed to freeze all motion in the scene.

Choosing the right autofocus mode: Conclusion

Why are your pictures blurry?

If the answer is related to your autofocus mode, your fix could be as simple as choosing the right settings.

And to prevent any future blurry photos, make sure you use the process I’ve laid out above.

Do you have any other autofocus tips or tricks you’d like to share? Please do so in the comments below!

The post How to Avoid Blurry Photos by Choosing the Right Autofocus Mode appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Lynford Morton.


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DPReview TV: How set up Sony’s ‘Real-Time’ autofocus tracking

26 Dec

Did Santa leave a new Sony camera in your Christmas stocking? If so, your first step should be to enable Sony’s ‘real-time’ autofocus tracking. In this video, we show you how to set up this useful feature.

These instructions should work for the Sony a6100, a6400, a6600, RX100 VII, RX10 IV, a7R IV, a9, and a9 II.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • Tracking in Auto mode
  • Tracking modes
  • Animal eye-AF
  • Conclusion

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MonsterAdapter’s new LA-KE1 adapter brings autofocus, aperture control to Pentax K-mount lenses on Sony E-mount cameras

25 Nov

MonsterAdapter, a relatively new player in the lens adapter game, has revealed the details of the LA-KE1, a new adapter that will make it possible to mount Pentax K-mount glass to Sony E-mount mirrorless camera systems.

There isn’t much information available about MonsterAdapter. The company’s Facebook page, which appears to be its only online presence, was created on May 20, 2020, when the company announced the development of the LA-EA4r, a modified version of Sony’s LA-EA4 adapter that expanded functionality and support. MonsterAdapters has since released another adapter, the LA-VE1, which makes it possible to adapt Minolta Vectis V-mount lenses to Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Now, the company is promoting its forthcoming LA-KE1, which it claims is the ‘first of its kind in the world.’ The adapter offers full autofocus, aperture control and EXIF data transfer for Pentax K-mount lenses (KAF, KAF2, KAF3 and KAF4) to Sony E-mount cameras. The adapter uses a pair of motors for turning the screw-drive autofocus in older K-mount lenses.

This not only brings the ability to shoot with Pentax lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, but also enables many of Sony’s AI-assisted focusing modes to be used with the Pentax lenses, new and old. MonsterAdapter says the exact functionality will vary depending on what camera you’re using — noting a more powerful camera likely means more features — but both Human and Animal Eye-AF focus modes should be able to work on adapted glass.

MonsterAdapter also notes that due to the limits of screw-drive lenses, this adapter is best suited for still photographs—not video. In addition to the images of the prototype adapter in this article, SonyAlphaRumors has also shared a hands-on video demonstration of it in action:

No price is given for the LA-KE1 adapter, but it is set to ‘hit the market within this year,’ according to the company’s announcement post. You can keep up with the latest news on MonsterAdapter’s Facebook page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm releases major 4.00 firmware update for X-T3, bringing dramatic autofocus improvements

29 Oct

As it said it would at the beginning of October, Fujifilm has released a firmware update for its XT3 camera that it claims will dramatically improve autofocus performance.

Firmware version 4.00 for the XT-3 claims to triple the autofocus speed from 0.06 seconds down to 0.02 seconds, bringing it in line with the autofocus speed of the newer X-T4. The algorithm that predicts the location of subjects has also been improved, according tot he changelog.

Overall autofocus tracking performance has been doubled (compared to firmware version 3.30), with faster and more accurate subject acquisition. Both Eye AF and Face Tracking have also been given a performance boost with this firmware, doubling the tracking speed according to Fujifilm.

As noted in its initial announcement, this firmware also allows for autofocus performance down to -7 EV when using the new Fujifilm XF 50mm F1 and adds a focus limited option for pre-determining specific focus ranges.

Although much less exciting, the Fujifilm X-H1 has also received a firmware update (version 2.11) that addresses minor bugs.

You can download and find out more information about firmware version 4.00 for the Fujifilm X-T3 and firmware version 2.11 for the Fujifilm X-H1 on Fujifilm’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo announces new 35mm F2 autofocus lens for full-frame Sony cameras

24 Oct
Don’t ask why Yongnuo decided to showcase a full-frame E-mount lens on an APS-C camera body…our guess is as good as yours.

Chinese accessory and lens manufacturer Yongnuo has announced the release of a new 35mm F2 autofocus lens for full-frame Sony cameras.

The new lens is constructed of nine elements in eight groups, including one low-dispersion element and one aspherical element. The lens also features what Yongnuo calls a ‘nano-multilayer coating,’ but doesn’t specify what elements this coating is applied to.

The 35mm F2 has an aperture range of F2-F16, uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and has a minimum focusing distance of ‘about’ 35cm (13.7”). Its autofocus is driven by a digitally-controlled stepping motor (DSM) and an onboard USB-C port will allow for firmware updates, should Yongnuo release any to improve function or compatibility.

A diagram of the lens’ optical construction.

While constructed mostly of plastic, the lens features metal bayonet mounts and uses gold-plated contacts, which transmit, in addition to data for autofocus and aperture control, EXIF data. Also present is a switch for turning on and off autofocus, as well as a Function (Fn) button that can be customized to perform a certain action or bring up a certain menu.

There’s no word on when exactly the lens will go live or how much it will retail for, but you can keep an eye out on Yongnuo’s online shop and Amazon shop.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The new Canon EOS M50 Mark II brings autofocus and video refinements

14 Oct

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Canon has just announced the EOS M50 Mark II, a relatively minor update to one of its most popular mirrorless models. The M50 Mark II shares the same 24MP APS-C sensor with its predecessor, and the same Digic 8 image processor. The Dual Pixel autofocus system has been updated to allow for eye tracking in both stills and video, and users can now capture vertical video and stream to YouTube Live over a smartphone internet connection.

The rest of the camera’s specs are largely unchanged. Video tops out at 4K/24p with a heavy 1.5x crop, and autofocus in 4K is contrast-detect only. Full HD comes with Dual Pixel autofocus, and you can capture slow-motion up to 120p. On the stills side, a new electronic shutter option is available and burst speeds top out at 7.4fps with continuous autofocus. The camera is CIPA-rated to capture 305 images on a charge, but of course, you can expect much more in general use.

The EOS M50 Mark II will be available in late November 2020 for $ 599 USD body-only, $ 699 USD as a kit with the 15-45mm F3.5-6.3, and $ 929 USD as a kit with the 15-45mm and 55-200mm F4.5-6.3 lenses.

Press release:

Improved eye autofocus paired with new video and streaming functions make the new Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera a strong imaging tool for content creators and imaging storytellers

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2020 –– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the EOS M50 Mark II Interchangeable Lens Camera, the successor to the #1 selling mirrorless camera in the U.S. market – the EOS M50*. An all-in-one product for content creators with improved video features and autofocus capabilities, the EOS M50 Mark II is the latest, high-quality digital imaging camera in the notable EOS lineup.

“Our customer base includes future content creators and imaging storytellers; it’s in our best interest to continuously provide high-quality products that are easy to use in the creative world of photography and video content creation, as well as streaming,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Canon U.S.A., Inc. Imaging Technologies & Communications Group. “The EOS M50 Mark II continues to pave the way for photography and video enthusiasts to experience a lightweight interchangeable lens camera with many similar features as our full-frame professional mirrorless cameras.”

For the family who strives for high-quality output when capturing their precious moments or for the budding social media creator, the added and improved capabilities of the EOS M50 Mark II camera make the upgrade to an ILC extremely appealing. The new features include:

  • Improved autofocus including eye autofocus for stills and video
  • Vertical video shooting support
  • Vari-angle touchscreen LCD with newly added tap video record button and movie self-timer for better vlogging experience
  • High quality webcam capability, when used with compatible services, with the free EOS Webcam Utility software or Clean HDMI output
  • Wireless YouTube Live streaming capability**
  • The ability to tap the screen to auto focus on your subject while looking through the EVF, helping to control who the main focus of the image is

The EOS M50 Mark II camera is inclusive of many of the beloved features of its predecessor. Overall, the EOS M50 Mark II is a well-balanced package deal for those interested in both still photography and videography – including those with sparks of social media content creation, thanks to the 4K UHD 24p. Providing a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor and built in Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® technology, as well as access to image.canon cloud service for better workflow, the EOS M50 Mark II camera remains compact and a lightweight addition to your carry bag.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II camera is scheduled to be available in Late November 2020 at an estimated retail price of $ 599.99 – body only, $ 699.99 for the camera body plus EF-M 15-45mm lens kit and $ 929.99 for the camera body plus EF-M 15-45mm and EF-M55-200mm double zoom lens kit.

* Source: The NPD Group, Inc. U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Mirrorless Detachable Lens Cameras, Based on camera family unit sales, Jan. 2020 – Aug. 2020 combined.

** The live streaming service available with this product is for live streaming on YouTube only. To use live streaming, you need to have an active YouTube account and an image.canon account. Please be aware that YouTube may change, stop, or terminate its services, including live streaming, at any time without notice. In accordance with YouTube’s “Restrictions on live streaming” users must have a minimum of 1,000 channel subscribers in order to live stream from a mobile device (including camera products with live streaming capability). For up-to-date information from YouTube on restrictions, please visit https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2853834?hl=en. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third party product or service, including live streaming.

Canon EOS M50 II specifications

Price
MSRP $ 599 (body only), $ 699 (w/15-45mm lens), $ 929 (w/15-45 and 55-200mm lenses)
Body type
Body type SLR-style mirrorless
Body material Composite
Sensor
Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 26 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Digic 8
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
Boosted ISO (maximum) 51200
White balance presets 7
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
  • Raw (Canon CR3 14-bit)
  • C-Raw (Canon .CR3)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 143
Lens mount Canon EF-M
Focal length multiplier 1.6×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 5.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash Yes
Flash modes Evaluative (face priority), Evaluative, Average
Flash X sync speed 1/200 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
Continuous drive 10.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 120 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 120p / 52 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1280 x 720 @ 60p / 26 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC slot (UHS-I compatible)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging No
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description LP-E12 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 305
Weight (inc. batteries) 387 g (0.85 lb / 13.65 oz)
Dimensions 116 x 88 x 59 mm (4.57 x 3.46 x 2.32)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic firmware brings 5K recording to S1R, updated autofocus to S1, S1R, S1H

05 Sep

Alongside its latest camera, the S5, Panasonic has announced a promised firmware update for its existing S-series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. Of greatest significance to the greatest number of users is likely to be enhanced autofocus performance for the S1, S1R and S1H, whether shooting in stills or video. This means the addition of head-detection, so you’re less likely to lose focus on your subject should they turn away momentarily. There’s also the promise of less overall hunting for a better viewfinder experience for shooting stills, and better footage when shooting video.

Speaking of video, the S1R gets a bespoke update, and will be able to capture 5K video. The press release is light on details, so that’s all we really know, but it’s a welcome update nonetheless.

Panasonic says the firmware update will arrive by the end of 2020, and we have to say, we’re pleased to see significant updates making their way into the company’s existing cameras.

Press release:

Panasonic Releases Firmware Update Programs for the LUMIX S1R, S1H and S1

Newark, NJ – (September 2, 2020) – Panasonic has announced that they will be releasing firmware update programs for the LUMIX Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras S1R, S1H and S1 to enhance functions and usability by the end of 2020.

The new firmware enables the S1R to record 5K video, making the most of its high-resolution image sensor. Also, LUMIX’s state-of-the-art AF technology and performance of the new LUMIX S5 will also be available on the S1R, S1H and S1. The upgraded AF notably excels in detection of human and its movement. In addition to the eye, face, body the head is also separately recognized by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking the subject person even if he/she moves quickly, turns his/her back to the camera, tilts his/her head or moves far away from the camera. On the other hand, improvements to the DFD technology has enhanced AFC, which also enables users to keep tracking small or fast-moving subjects to capture them in crisp focus. Users can take these advantages in both photo shooting and video recording.

Panasonic further addresses technology development and its achievement shall be applied not only to the new products but also to those already released via firmware update.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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