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DPReview TV: With new firmware, Nikon Z6 and Z7 autofocus gets closer to 3D AF tracking

12 Mar

Editor’s note: We have updated our reviews of both the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7, including scoring, to reflect both cameras’ performance using the new firmware.

Nikon recently announced firmware update 3.0 for its Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras. Most notably, it includes AF system improvements that designed to replicate Nikon’s class-leading 3D-tracking mode for DSLRs. We put it to the test to see how well it works.

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

Introduction
The new tracking interface
Animal-detect autofocus
Eye detect performance
Other improvements
Conclusion

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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A closer look into the latest financial reports from Canon, Nikon and Sony

15 Nov

It’s no surprise the camera market is in a decline, earmarked by continuously-decreasing unit sales, revenue and operating income. It seems as though no company is safe from the impact of both smartphones and the general decline in demand for DSLRs, but while the numbers are indeed in a freefall, the reality is the actual macro-level outlook is far more nuanced than catchy headlines alone can tell.

To take a more overhead view of the camera industry, we’re dug into the industry-wide numbers from CIPA and broken down the most recent results from Canon, Nikon and Sony to compare them year-over-year (Y/Y) to see how things are shaping up.

CIPA

CIPA provides an overarching view of how the camera industry is doing through the participation of nearly a dozen camera companies that report their production and unit shipments to CIPA on a monthly basis. Since we’re only looking at the last two quarters from Canon, Nikon and Sony, we’re only going to dive into the numbers for the corresponding months of CIPA’s data.

CIPA’s September graph showing interchangeable lens camera unit sales over the past three years.

From April 2019 to September 2019 (the latest statistical data CIPA has made available), CIPA reports 8M total digital camera shipments: 4.4 million interchangeable lens cameras and 3.6 million cameras with built-in or fixed lenses. This is an overall decrease of 22-percent Y/Y with a 23-percent decrease for interchangeable lens cameras and a 20-percent decrease in cameras with built-in or fixed lenses.

CIPA’s September graph showing interchangeable lens unit sales over the past three years.

These decreases are concerning, but still less dramatic than the Y/Y change from 2017 to 2018. This change could be due to a few factors, but the most obvious one is that both Canon and Nikon introduced their full-frame mirrorless systems in late 2018, which likely helped to slow down the declining market as consumers hopped onboard the newer systems. However, it’s clear from the following numbers that neither Canon nor Nikon saw their full-frame mirrorless options replace the declining sales of DSLRs as both companies might ultimately be hoping.

Canon

For its FY2019 Q2 and Q3 numbers, Canon reported 2.06 million unit sales for interchangeable lens cameras and 1.36 million compact camera sales during its FY2019 second and third quarters, a decrease of 16-percent and 13-percent respectively Y/Y for the same time period.

A breakdown from Canon’s Q3 financial presentation that highlights the units sold in Q3 as well as the net sales and operating income of its Imaging Systems division.

This 16-percent decrease is less than the industry-wide 22% decrease as noted in CIPA’s data, but these two quarters last year were before Canon’s EOS R (and EOS RP) was announced and it’s possible that DSLR sales were depressed in expectation of the new cameras being around the corner. So, while the numbers are better than the market in general, with all of the development and marketing that went into making its new RF-series gear, it’s merely softened the blow rather than boost unit sales.

In regards to finances, Canon has reported ¥394B ($ 3.6M) in revenue and ¥23B in operating profit over the past two quarters, a decrease of 19-percent and 59-percent, respectively. It’s worth noting the drop also includes the loss of revenue and profit from the broadcasting and cinema gear that was included in last year’s numbers and has since been moved elsewhere within Canon’s business structure.

A breakdown of the net sales and operating income of Canon’s respective business divisions for its third quarter.

Throughout its presentation for investors, Canon specifically references the ‘deterioration of [the] macro-environment,’ which is more or less investor spin for the camera market is in decline—a fact backed up by CIPA numbers, as well as numbers from other camera manufacturers during the same time period. Canon also echos the sentiment that you’ll see in Nikon and Sony’s report below, saying there is ‘intensifying price competition.’ Interestingly though, Canon isn’t downgrading its forecast for the remainder of the year—something Nikon has done for two straight quarters now as you’ll see below.

Canon also notes that it’s working to lower inventory before the end of FY2019. Based on numbers provided, Canon has ¥157B worth of inventory as of the end of FY2019 Q3; less than it had this time last year (¥174B), but still higher than previous FY2019 quarters.

A breakdown from Canon’s Q3 financial presentation that discloses current inventory levels compared to previous quarters and last year.

Something always worth keeping in mind is that Canon’s Imaging Systems business accounts for a relatively small percentage of its overall income. Based on the numbers from FY2018, Canon’s Imaging Systems division represents 25-percent of its overall revenue and 37-percent of its operating profit.

Also, Canon’s FY2019 numbers are skewed when looked at Y/Y, as it moved its broadcasting equipment and cinema-use video cameras from its Imaging System division to its Industry & Others division.

Nikon

Moving onto Nikon, the numbers don’t get any prettier. In its most recent financial statements covering the past two quarters, Nikon says it sold 800K interchangeable lens cameras, 1.3M interchangeable lenses and 500K compact cameras. These numbers are down 25-percent, 21-percent and 41-percent Y/Y, respectively.

Revenue, Operating income and unit sales broken down in Nikon’s Q2 financial presentation.

In its financial presentation for investors, Nikon has updated its forecast for how many units it expects to ship this coming fiscal year, as well as the number of units it expects the digital camera market as a whole to bear. Nikon believes it will sell 1.5M interchangeable lens cameras, 2.5 million interchangeable lenses and 900K compact cameras, down 100K units across the board compared to its previous forecast from August 2019 and down 28-percent Y/Y.

Comparing Nikon’s numbers to Canon show the situation is more dire for Nikon. Canon’s EOS R and EOS RP haven’t done as well as Canon expected, but Canon is forecasting unit sales to drop 17-percent Y/Y whereas Nikon’s forecasting nearly double that at 28-percent. This means Canon is expecting a decline less than the market as a whole according to CIPA’s numbers whereas Nikon is six percentage points worse than what CIPA is reporting.

A chart from Nikon’s Q2 financial presentation that breaks down the sales of its ILCs, interchangeable lenses and compact camera unit sales.

In addition to unit sales, Nikon’s revenue and operating income aren’t cheery either. Over the first half of its FY2020, Nikon reported 119B yen in revenue and an operating profit of just 2B yen. Compared to the first half of its FY2019, those numbers are a 21-percent and 85-percent decrease, respectively.

Much like Canon with its RF-series, the cost Nikon has sunk into its Z-mount system and accompanying lenses has likely contributed to the massive decrease in operating profit. It’s not cheap to develop new systems and lenses, especially considering the amount of capital required to get new factories and fabrication up and running at full scale.

A chart from Nikon’s Q2 financial presentation showing revenue, operating income and unit sales figures compared to last year, as well as the forecast for the remainder of this fiscal year.

Nikon specifically calls out its Imaging Products Business in the presentation, saying it was the only division that wasn’t ‘mostly in line’ with its estimates. The materials specifically say the camera market ‘has deteriorated further as market shrinkage accelerates and competition intensifies.’ It also cites the increased cost of its Z-mount system lineup expansion as ‘a burden’ to its operating profit and notes it overestimated the sales forecast of its Z-series cameras.

For a company that’s stated in the past that its Z-series is more or less the future of the company, continually low numbers isn’t the best look, especially considering how much Nikon relies on its camera division compared to the likes of Canon and Sony. Nikon goes so far as to say it hopes to ‘fundamentally transform’ its Imaging Products Business to ‘generate enough profits to justify [the Imaging Products Business] existence as a business unit.’

Sony

Of all the financial results we look at, Sony’s has consistently been one of the most challenging to gain details insights on. Due to how they structure their business segments, we can’t really delve into the figures in detail as we can with Canon and Nikon. However, Sony didn’t specifically mention anything too positive or negative about its camera division, which hints that there wasn’t anything too notable about its latest quarters.

A breakdown of sales and operating income for Sony’s Electronics Products & Solutions division. This division includes Sony’s camera sales, as well as mobile devices, televisions and other electronics.

According to Sony’s current Q2 and Q3 reports, its Electronics Products & Solutions EP&S segment — which includes digital cameras amongst other electronic products — pulled in 977.4B yen in revenue and 66.5B yen in operating profit. This is a decrease of 13-percent and an increase of 35-percent Y/Y, respectively. Sony doesn’t elaborate much on the sales of camera gear, aside from saying that overall unit sales have decreased year over year.

A breakdown in sales and operating income for Sony’s Imaging & Sensing Solutions division, which is responsible for the manufacturing of its imaging sensors.

Moving onto Sony’s Imaging & Sensing Solutions (I&SS) segment, which is a separate — but related — business responsible for making its image sensors, the latest reports put its cumulative Q2 and Q3 earnings at 541B yen and 126B yen. This is an increase of 18-percent and 64-percent, respectively. Sony says a ‘significance increase in sales of image sensors for mobile products,’ mostly due to smartphone manufacturers now putting multiple camera units in their devices, as the main reason for such dramatic growth Y/Y in both revenue and operating profit

Conclusion

All in all, there’s plenty to take away from the latest numbers and results. The digital camera market continues to shrink and although full-frame mirrorless cameras from Canon and Nikon are somewhat picking up the slack in sales, they’re not entirely mitigating the decrease in DSLR shipments—especially for Nikon.

Furthermore, the cost of research and development (not to mention marketing and promotional material) that goes into launching cameras and lenses with new mounts has dramatically impacted the operating profits of the imaging divisions. As Canon and Nikon continue to pump money into their newer systems, operating profit will likely stay low until economy of scales kicks in and the new fabrication components are paid off. But declining DSLR and compact sales without corresponding growth in the mirrorless market isn’t going to make the transitions any easier to get through.

The market appears to be dropping at a slower rate than it has in past years, but it’s still not great news. At what point it will stabilize remains to be seen, but with an Olympic year next year and more mirrorless developments in the works across the entire industry, it’ll likely be a while until we find out.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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A closer look at the Huawei P30 Pro, a quad-camera smartphone with plenty of power

28 Mar

Hands-on with the Huawei P30 Pro

Huawei has launched the P30 Pro a new Android smartphone powered by a Kirin 980 chipset and 8GB of RAM — and we’ve gotten our hands on it for a closer look.

Images, which are captured on an impressive quad-camera array, can be viewed and composed on a 6.47-inch FHD+ OLED display with very thin bezels, keeping the overall dimensions of the IP68-certified device at bay. The large 4,200mAh battery packed inside should provide plenty of run time and comes with quick charging. The P30 Pro also features reverse wireless charging and an in-display fingerprint reader.

As impressive as all the specs are though, it’s the camera that has caught all of the attention, and rightly so — it’s packing a lot of camera tech into a considerably small package. Click through the gallery to dig through the details of the device and its imaging capabilities. In the coming days we’ll have a sample images and a follow-up article on the details of its photographic capabilities.

Quad-camera

The P30 Pro comes with three camera modules and a single time-of-flight (ToF) laser sensor — Huawei counts the ToF sensor when calling it a quad-camera. The ToF-sensor is used to measure subject distance for better AF performance and more precise depth maps in bokeh mode. The primary camera features a 1/1.7-inch 40MP sensor that puts out 10MP images.

The lens is optically stabilized and features a fast F1.6 aperture. The equivalent focal length is 27mm. The primary module is accompanied by a 20MP 16mm-equivalent super-wide-angle (not stabilized, F2.2) and a 125mm equivalent 8MP tele with folded optics, OIS and F3.4 aperture.

Folded optics

OPPO has been teasing a similar concept for a couple of years now but with the P30 Pro Huawei is the first manufacturer to bring folded optics in a smartphone to market. The system allows to squeeze a much longer zoom reach into a thin smartphone body than would be possible with a conventional lens design.

Like with OPPO, the image sensor is placed vertically in the phone and the optical axis of the lens runs across the phone body instead of outwards. A mirror is used to reflect incoming light into the lens and onto the sensor at the right angle. This allows for a 125mm equivalent focal length – more than any other current smartphone and approximately a 5x zoom factor over the primary camera. With the help of clever software this can be expanded to a whopping 50x magnification.

Field-of-view fusion

The Huawei does not only rely on innovative hardware for zooming, however. Computational imaging methods play an important role as well. Field-of-view fusion combines the optical zoom with super-resolution algorithms that stack multiple frames for increased levels of detail.

The system intelligently adapts to the zoom factor selected by the user. Up to a 3x zoom factor it only uses super-resolution on the primary camera. At zoom factors between 3x and 5x an image is captured with the tele lens for best possible detail. The areas around the edges of the 5x frame are then filled in using image data recorded with the primary camera. Detail in those areas is improved by reconstructing textures and fine detail using a deep learning algorithm.

This is quite impressive as white balance, focus and other camera parameters have to be in perfect sync for good results. At a 5x zoom factor only the tele camera is used. For even longer reach super-resolution is applied to the tele camera for a maximum 50x zoom factor.

Low light capabilities

The image sensor in the primary camera is of the RYYB type and according to Huawei offers 40 percent better light sensitivity than a conventional RGB sensor. A fast F1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, which is an industry-first for a sensor of this size in a smartphone, also allow for better light gathering in dim conditions. Huawei says in default mode the camera is capable of delivering good exposures at extremely low light levels of 1 lux and can reach astronomic equivalent ISO values of 409,600.

Improved bokeh mode

Like virtually all high-end smartphones these days the P30 Pro comes with a background-blurring portrait mode. Huawei’s camera engineers have implemented a couple of solutions that should provide better than usual results, however.

Super-resolution is used on the primary camera to capture good detail at a 2x zoom factor, providing a field of view that is more suitable to portraiture than the primary camera’s native 27mm.

An initial depth map of the scene is then generated using data from the primary and super-wide-angle cameras. The ToF-sensor, which can precisely measure subject distance in all light conditions, is then used to refine the depth map, providing better subject isolation and blur gradient and therefore a more realistic overall result.

Video improvements

There’s no 4k video recording at 60fps available on the P30 Pro but the device comes with a range of improvements for its video mode. Huawei says image stabilization has been improved significantly, making the phone usable as an action-cam replacement. Video capture in low light has been improved as well, with the P30 Pro achieving good video exposure at candle light.

There are a couple of other new video features as well. On the main camera adaptive frame rates have been implemented to ensure good sharpness and smooth footage in all conditions In bright light and when the device´s gyro detects camera motion footage is recorded at 60fps. In lower light, when longer shutter speeds are required, and/or the device is held in a very stable fashion, frame rates drop to 30 fps. We’ve previously seen a similar feature on the Google Pixel 3.

Additionally the 32MP front camera is capable of recording HDR video. Currently Apple’s iPhone XS Max is the only other device with this feature. The P30 Pro front camera used a quad-sensor and a single-frame HDR effect is achieved by using different exposures on different pixels on the sensor.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Repair site ifixit gives us a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 cameras

08 Mar

Galaxy S10 triple-camera, image: ifixit

Gadget repair site ifixit has torn down the new Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10e smartphones, allowing us to get a closer look at the devices camera modules.

The S10 comes with the same main triple-camera as the S10+, featuring a 12MP primary module with 1/2.55″ sensor, 26mm equivalent focal length and a variable f/1.5-2.4 aperture. A 12MP tele lens comes with a 52mm equivalent focal length and F2.4 aperture lens in front of a 1/3.6″ sensor and the 16MP super-wide-angle has an equoivalent focal length of 12mm. S10e has to make do without the tele lens.

Galaxy S10 fron and main cameras (left) next to the equivalent S10e components, image: ifixit

In the teardown we get a close look at the triple-module which is encased in a yellow ABS or nylon plastic frame. Both tele and main camera come with optical image stabilization. ifixit says any further teardown of the camera components would have been too destructive but an X-ray image of the tele-camera shows the sensor and OIS electromagnets.

If you are thinking about repairing your S10 – camera or other components – yourself, you should probably think twice. ifixit gave the S10 a fairly low 3/10 repairability score. The good news is that a single Phillips driver takes care of all the screws and many components are modular and can be replaced independently but the charging port soldered to the main board and battery replacement is quite difficult.

X-ray of the Galaxy S10 tele-camera, image: ifixit

The ifixit team also says that glued-down glass at both front and back of the device increases the risk of breakage and makes any repairs more difficult to start with. Head over to ifixit.com for the full report.

Images used with permission from ifixit

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera- A Closer Look

22 Feb

The Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera is the successor to the 70d with several nice improvements. This is a dSLR that has great features to showcase and provide enthusiasts a perfect platform to begin with. It is an ideal mid-range photography and video-making camera. Let us find out in detail what this small monster packs inside… Specifications of Canon EOS Continue Reading

The post Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera- A Closer Look appeared first on Photodoto.

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The progenitors of GFX: A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format concepts

19 Feb

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

At Dubai’s recent Gulf Photo Plus event, Fujifilm gave us a good look at a couple of its forthcoming products, and also allowed us a peek back in time, into the design of existing GFX cameras.

What you’re about to see is a collection of mockups of concept GFX designs, dating from before the launch of the GFX 50S and 50R. Some of these mockups appear very familiar, some less so. Click through to take a closer look.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

First up is the camera that got most of the X-Summit audience talking – the very earliest concept mockup for what became the original GFX 50S. As you can see, there are a lot of similarities to the camera that eventually shipped in 2017.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Top-mounted dials, a central pentaprism-style EVF, lots of controls, a nice big sticky-outy grip…

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

But in fact, the camera is fully modular. The EVF and grip are optional accessories to the core body of the camera, which consists of the mount, sensor and controls for the key exposure parameters.

Fujifilm’s representatives confirmed that the ‘Omega’ concept was directly inspired by Hasselblad’s iconic 500-series square format film cameras. Note the distinctive annular shutter speed dial, positioned around the lens mount itself.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

As originally envisaged, the Omega had a direct control for aspect ratio, and unusual ‘roller’ style controls, rather than the final GFX’s more conventional dials.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Here are the three main modules – a grip component, the main body of the camera, and a removable EVF. The spirit of the Omega lives on in the design of the GFX 50S’s viewfinder, which can be removed to make a slightly smaller, lighter camera.

The main reason why this even more modular design never saw it to production is simple – the shutter mechanism for such a large sensor was simply too large for the concept. That doesn’t mean we’ll never see a modular GFX, but we might have to wait for global shutters to become a practical reality first.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Next up is ‘Gamma’, a design which takes a lot of cues from contemporary XT-series APS-C format cameras.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Essentially a scaled-up XT, the Gamma would have offered a larger sensor, in a body very familiar to Fujifilm’s existing APS-C shooters.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

It’s unclear why this design didn’t make it beyond the concept stage, but it’s possible that Fujifilm wanted to draw a cleaner line between the APS-C lineup and the (inevitably) more expensive GFX range. Also, notice that there’s no room for a top-plate display screen in this design.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

A second, unnamed XT-style concept removes the exposure compensation dial and combines shutter speed and ISO into a single (arguably still unnecessary) dial, reducing the amount of bulk on the right hand side of the body. Again, there’s no top-plate mounted status screen either.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Of the two XT-style concepts, this is my personal favorite. The narrower body and simple control layout, with such a large grip is lovely to handle.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

Finally, a glimpse at what the eventual GFX 50R could have been. This is an early concept mockup for a rangefinder-style GFX, but minus the viewfinder. As such, the ‘SP-X’ actually resembles a cross between the X-Pro 2 and the X70 and XF10 compacts.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

From the rear, the angular SP-X looks fairly familiar – sub-dial ISO control notwithstanding – but with this concept, Fujifilm’s design team wanted to experiment with a rear screen that truly blended in to the back of the camera. You can’t really tell in this shot, but…

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

…the screen is designed so that when the camera is held in a shooting position, it reversed against the camera.

A closer look at Fujifilm’s medium format GFX concepts

To use the screen, it must be folded out, which suits waist-level shooting and image review (but in this position, not much more than that). It’s not clear whether Fujifilm envisaged a more complex reversing hinge for the final design, but either way – this is definitely the most conceptual of the concepts. Still though, put put an EVF in there and I might be interested.

What do you think? As always, let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and future Z-mount lenses

24 Aug

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

The higher resolution Z 7 might be getting most of the attention, but Nikon’s new Z 6 also has a lot going for it. We’re at the launch of the Z system in Tokyo, where we took a closer look at the Z 6 and three forthcoming ‘S-line’ lenses.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Cosmetically the Z 6 is virtually identical to the higher-resolution Z 7, and even internally, they have an awful lot in common (I’d recommend you start here, if you want to get a feel for the general feature set of both cameras) None of the key differences between the Z 6 and Z 7 are noticeable until you really start digging through their respective menu systems.

As such, like the Z 7 the Z 6 is a comfortable, nicely-sized mirrorless ILC with a good, deep grip and in terms of its general design and operation it has a lot in common with the established D800-series DSLRs – at least until it comes to the autofocus modes. Here, the Z 6 is shown with its ‘kit’ zoom, the collapsible 24-70mm F4, attached.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

The unusually subtle name plate on the lower right of the Z 6’s front is the only indication that this is the lower-priced model in Nikon’s brand new Z lineup.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

You’d need an electron microscope to really tell the difference, but this is what 24MP looks like, compared to the 47-ish MP of the more expensive Z7. If the Z7 is sort of a mirrorless D850, the Z 6 is sort of a mirrorless D750. Sort of, because there’s a lot more going on inside the Z 6 than the bare resolution drop compared to the Z 7 might suggest.

If you want to compare it to any camera, actually, the Sony a7 III is probably a more sensible point of comparison.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Compared to the Z 7, the Z 6 is faster, for one thing – and by a decent margin. Whereas the Z 7 tops out at 9fps (AE locked, no live view) the Z 6 – which shares the same Expeed 6 processor, but has less data to move around – can manage up to 12fps.

Sadly there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this life (that’s an expression I just came up with) and Nikon hasn’t bestowed the same 493-point PDAF system on the Z 6 that you’ll find in the more expensive Z 7. Instead, the Z 6 offers 273 PDAF points, covering the same 90% vertical and horizontal frame coverage.

The Z 6’s autofocus should be slightly more sensitive in low light than the Z 7, and we suspect that the Z 6 might ultimately have a slight edge over the Z 7 when it comes to outright AF speed, but that’s something we’ll have to wait for reviewable cameras to really test. In a quick, thoroughly unscientific test against the Z 7 at Nikon’s touch and try session in Tokyo, I couldn’t detect a noticeable difference in AF responsiveness between the two cameras with the 24-70mm F4 attached.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

This is a Z 7, not a Z 6 (although you’d be forgiven for not noticing) pictured in what Nikon hopes will become its natural environment – a professional video rig. Since both of the new Z-series cameras are hybrid designs, they’re equally comfortable (in more than one sense of the term) shooting video as they are stills.

Both cameras offer 4K and HD video, but the Z 6 could turn out to be the more compelling of the two new models for serious videography. That’s because (like the Sony a7 III) it offers 4K footage based on full pixel readout with no crop, whereas the higher-resolution Z7 can only do this in its cropped Super 35 / DX format mode. In theory, this should result in cleaner, more detailed video. So if you’re primarily interested in shooting video (or you’re a ‘bit of both’ shooter that can live with 24MP stills) the Z 6 might be the better purchase, when it becomes available in the next few weeks.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

It always warms my heart to see things cut in half, and at the Tokyo launch event Nikon did not disappoint. Here’s a Z 6/7 with a 24-70mm F4, sitting above a D850 with a 24-70mm F2.8 VR. Nikon is cheating a bit by putting an F2.8 zoom alongside an F4, but hopefully you get the point – both Z-series cameras are significantly smaller (and about 26% lighter) than the D850.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Here’s a closer look at one of the most impressive features of both the Z 6 and Z 7, their 3.69-dot EVF, which as you can see, is accompanied by an optical assembly that makes the D850’s finder assembly look pretty simple by comparison. Nikon could easily have skimped on the Z 6’s finder compared to the more expensive Z 7, but we’re pleased to see that this didn’t happen.

The viewfinder experience from both cameras really is lovely. After a couple of days shooting with a Z 7, I actually had trouble going back to the (excellent) optical finder of the D850, which feels cool and even a little unsharp by comparison.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Nikon has promised a dedicated grip for the Z 6/7, which was on show (in the form of this rough 3D printed mockup) in Tokyo. Details are still TBD, but we assume that Nikon will at least add a rubberized coating before it becomes officially available to buy.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Also not quite ready for primetime are three forthcoming S-series lenses (from left to right) the 24-70mm F2.8, 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ and 14-30mm F4. (Sorry about the limited depth of field in this shot, I was trying to isolate the Noct, and then forgot to get a proper group shot before moving on. It’s been a long day.)

As you can hopefully tell, though, the Noct is massive and the 24-70mm F2.8 – while not quite as enormous – looks like it will also be a pretty beefy lens when it’s released next year, dwarfing the compact 24-70mm F4 kit lens. The 14-30mm (shown mounted on a Z 7) on the other hand is fairly compact, which we know is one of the technical advantages of a very short flange-back distance.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

A closeup of the rather natty ‘Noct’ script and display screen on the forthcoming 58mm F0.95, which we’re told can be customized to show information such as depth of field, shooting aperture and focus distance.

The Noct is a manual focus lens, and this shot shows off its very broad, textured focus ring. We couldn’t pick this mockup up (or indeed any of them) to judge build quality or ergonomics, but we can’t wait to get our hands on a working sample.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Moving to the rear of the lens reveals a chunky tripod collar, to support the presumably substantial weight of the F/0.95 lens.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Here’s a closer look at the control layout of the 24-70mm F2.8, showing its display screen, Disp button (which we assume toggles between display modes) and a customizable L-Fn button. A full list of functions that can be assigned to the button is listed in our First Impressions Review of the Z 7.

A closer look at Nikon’s new Z 6 and roadmap ‘S’ lenses

Compared to the 24-70mm F2.8 and 58mm F0.95, the 14-30mm F4 looks positively tiny. Cosmetically, it shares a lot of the same design accents of the 35mm, 50mm and 24-70mm lenses announced alongside the Z 6. Details of all three forthcoming lenses are in short supply, but we’ll share more when we have more to share.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Latest Nikon mirrorless teaser gives a closer look at body and lens mount

02 Aug

Nikon has published a new 30 second teaser video about its upcoming mirrorless system, which will be announced on August 23rd. As with most teasers there aren’t many details here (though there’s a nice tour of classic Nikon bodies), but at the end we get a good look at the DSLR-style design of the camera (complete with what looks like a very D850-style handgrip) and its new mount.

Of some possible significance is the fact that the D/SLR bodies featured in this latest teaser video are all professional models…

Given all of the ‘coming soon’ placeholders on Nikon’s website, it’s safe to assume that more videos are forthcoming. What do you make of the latest teaser? Let us know in the comments.

Read DPReview reader’s wish list for Nikon’s new mirrorless

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Video: A closer look at NiSi’s new F3 cinema prime lenses

12 Apr

One of the most surprising announcements from NAB this year came from filter maker NiSi, who decided to release a set of cinema prime lenses. No, that’s not a typo. And Cinema 5D’s Nino Leitner was at NAB to see the lenses in person and ask the NiSi rep some questions about the lineup.

The NiSi F3 Cinema Prime lenses cover focal lengths from 25 to 100mm—25mm T2.1, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.0, and 100mm T2.0—and give video shooters yet another set of relatively affordable options in a market that is quickly becoming crowded. So the main question Leitner asked was: what makes these special?

The answer is two fold. First, Nisi boasts of the artistic properties of the lenses, which produce flaring with “a lot of character” while maintaining great center resolution. And second, the lenses feature an interchangeable mount; users can swap between Sony E, Canon EF, and PL mounts using a set of standard Allen keys that can be ordered alongside the lenses.

To learn more about these lenses, watch the full video above or check out our launch coverage here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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A closer look at the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN for Micro Four Thirds

12 Jan

We’ve got a pair of Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN lenses in the office: one for Micro Four Thirds and the other for Sony E-mount. In this article we have some impressions of the MFT version, as well as some other lenses in this class worth considering.

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The 16mm F1.4 acts as a 32mm equivalent lens on the Micro Four Thirds platform. It’s an interesting focal length to end up with: not quite 28mm equiv., which many people would consider the gateway to wide-angle, but also noticeably wider than the near-normal of 35mm equiv. I didn’t expect it to make any difference but found myself constantly fighting against too much stuff creeping into the edges of the frame in a way that I don’t with a 35mm.

In terms of handling, I felt the 16mm worked best when mounted on the larger Micro Four Thirds camera that feature prominent hand grips: its comparatively long length feeling a little unbalanced on the smaller, rangefinder-style boxes, though it’s light enough that it doesn’t end up feeling too front-heavy. The lens’s only control point is a large by-wire focusing ring. It’s a little under-damped for my tastes, rotating fairly freely but it was effective on the few occasions I ended up having to manual focus (turns out LED Christmas lights and autofocus do not always play nicely with one-another).

Optically, I was pretty impressed with the lens, the F1.4 (F2.8 35mm-equivalent) aperture gave me plenty of control over depth-of-field and sufficient light for low-light work. Sharpness seems good if not necessarily stellar and with what appears to be pretty good cross-frame consistency, until you reach the extreme corners. As you’d expect, the performance gets better if you stop down a couple of notches. The 16mm is pretty resistant to flare, even when given significant provocation, with good levels of contrast maintained even in contre jour images with veiling flare.

Autofocus was snappy to the degree that I didn’t ever really have to think about it. Only the aforementioned Hybrid AF/LED Christmas light mismatch caused me to even give it a second thought. It’s fast and quiet to the degree that you just don’t notice it, and can concentrate on composing your shot instead.

Alternatives

My impression is that the Sigma is sharper, two thirds of a stop faster and comparably priced to the Olympus 17mm F1.8. However, I don’t think it’s quite as easy a win as that makes it sound. The Olympus is significantly smaller and features the lovely snap-back manual focus clutch and linear manual focus system (faux-cus by wire, perhaps?), both of which are definite bonuses. So, while I’d find it hard to choose between the two, I probably wouldn’t rush out to replace a 17mm if I had one, not least because I personally prefer the narrower angle-of-view that the extra 1mm brings.

1mm in the opposite direction is the Panasonic 15mm F1.7. It usually retails for around $ 100 more than the Sigma, despite being rated as half a stop slower. Again it’s smaller than the Sigma, meaning it handles better on a smaller camera body. Similarly, the 15mm offers a neat operational advantage over the DN, at least for Panasonic shooters: the lovely Leica M lens style front aperture ring (worth the extra $ 100 on its own, in my opinion and well worth lobbying Olympus for firmware support for, if you’re on that side of the system). Optical performance is perhaps a step up from the Sigma, leaving the 16mm F1.4 DN DC as an attractive extra option for Micro Four Thirds but not an absolute must-have, from my perspective.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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