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Posts Tagged ‘Issues’

New Sony a1 firmware update (version 1.10) addresses EVF and IBIS issues some users were experiencing

29 Jun

Sony has released a firmware update for its a1 camera that addresses, amongst other things, in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and electronic viewfinder (EVF) blackout issues some users have been experiencing.

Before getting to the new details of the version 1.10 firmware update for the Sony a1, let’s look at what led to the EVF and IBIS issue being discovered.

Last month, photographer and DPReview forum member Jamieson Dean (f1point4andbethere) shared in a post on our Sony E-mount forum that he was having issues with the IBIS in his then-new Sony a1. In the video demonstration (embedded below) he shared in the post, Dean shows how his Sony a1 unit would delay the activation of the IBIS mechanism with both Sony and third-party lenses.

In replies to Dean’s original forum post, other photographers chimed in and said they too had been experiencing IBIS issues with their respective a1 units, while others also noted there was an issue with the EVF of their a1 units blacking out at times. Eventually, Dean was able to get in contact with Sony to replace his a1, but the new unit had the same IBIS problem. In fact, as visible in the below comparison video, the problem was even more pronounced in the replacement a1.

‘I don’t believe my usage of the camera is outlandish,’ said Dean in a follow-up post. ‘I have had this issue with both my original A1 as well as the replacement that Sony gave me […] It occurs with all non-stabilized lenses, and happens roughly 50% of the time for me during normal use.’

Now, over a month later, it seems Sony has addressed EVF and IBIS issues, even if it hasn’t specifically addressed the latter in its firmware update changelog:

  • Improves overall AF performance and stability
  • Improves operability when using the Remote Camera Tool app Note: Make sure you have updated the Remote Camera Tool app to the most recent version
  • Improves eye sensor detection performance with strong light sources, such as sunlight [this is believed to be the issue behind the EVF blackout problem]
  • Improves operational stability when using the Imaging Edge Mobile apps
  • Improves operational stability when using the SEL100400GM, SEL200600G, or SEL600F40GM lens
  • Improves the overall stability of the camera

As visible in a new video from Dean, the 1.10 firmware update fixes the lag previously seen in both of Dean’s a1 camera units. Dean says ‘the ibis is flawless now’ and notes ‘it’s working at least on par with [his] a7 III now’ in new forum posts made today.

Regardless of whether or not you were experiencing any of these issues, firmware version 1.10 for the Sony a1 appears to be substantial from a reliability and usability standpoint, so be sure to download it using the link below.

Download firmware version 1.10 for Sony a1

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon issues ‘media alert’ clarifying overheating concerns of its EOS R5, R6 cameras

15 Jul

This morning, Canon sent out a ‘media alert’ to press to clarify overheating concerns regarding its new EOS R5 and R6 cameras. In it, Canon reiterates estimated shooting time limits, explains why it opted to add an internal fan and shares a few tips on how to keep the heat down when shooting 4K and 8K video.

Canon starts off the notice laying out the steps it’s taken to ‘manage the potential for overheating’ in its EOS R5 and EOS R6 camera. Two bullet points in the notice read:

  • Magnesium alloy was used in the body to dissipate heat away from internal components
  • An “overheat control” function [is included] to reduce heat generation when the camera is in standby.

Canon addresses the lack of a fan — such as the one found on Panasonic’s S1H camera — saying it decided to not include a fan within the body of the camera to maintain the ‘compact size, lightweight construction and weather resistance’ of the EOS R5 and EOS R6.

Both the EOS R5 and EOS R6 will display an estimated time it expects to be able to record based on the recording mode and current camera temperature, but in addition to the on-camera information, Canon has also shared a more detailed breakdown of roughly how much time you can expect both cameras to be able to record based on resolution, frame rate and shooting mode (click for full resolution):

Canon has also shared a small chart showing the estimated time you can expect to wait before recording after the camera overheats:

As for what you can do to help minimize the time it takes for the EOS R5 and EOS R6 to overheat, Canon shared the following bullet list:

Set Overheat Control function to “ON” (default). When the overheat control function is enabled, the movie size and frame rate are automatically changed while the camera is in standby mode to suppress the rise of the internal temperature Between recordings, it is recommended to turn off the camera Position the camera out of direct sunlight Use an external fan to dissipate heat

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Notice: Tamron issues product advisory for its 70-180mm F2.8 Sony E-mount lens

10 Jun

Tamron has issued a product advisory noting that select units of its 70–180mm F2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) lens for Sony E-mount cameras were shipped without proper calibration of the internal floating optics, which could result in decreased image quality.

The internal floating optics are designed to correct for chromatic aberration when properly calibrated, but according to Tamron’s notice, ‘some lenses have already been shipped out without the value being optimized.’ Tamron says affected units that have shipped will be inspected and adjusted or exchanged for entirely new units.

Tamron doesn’t specifically say what set of serial numbers are potentially affected, but they have set up a dedicated website for entering your unit’s serial number to verify whether your unit is affected. Above is a graphic on where you can locate the serial number of your lens.

Tamron ends the notice saying it ‘sincerely apologize(s) to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience this issue may cause […] We appreciate your continued support for our products.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Several Canon 1D X Mark III users are reporting issues with the OVF freezing in burst mode

11 Mar

A number of Canon 1D X Mark III owners have reported issues with Canon’s flagship DSLR, wherein the camera appears to lock up and fall asleep while shooting in continuous mode.

First reported nearly three weeks ago in the DPReview forums, users have noticed their 1D X Mark III cameras seizing up after a few shots, making the camera unusable for a few seconds until it appears to reset. DPReview reader Hamilton Pytluk made what we believe to be the first mention of the issue when he had the following to say (emphasis his) in the Canon EOS-1D forums:

“My only gripe so far [with the 1D X Mark III] has been what I believe to be a buffer “issue” when shooting through the OVF, which seemingly puts the camera to sleep after taking a series of shots (as few as 5 in my usage) and de-pressing the shutter (if you keep it half-pressed, it’ll stay “awake”). Everything shuts down — I can’t even open the menu — until the write (red) light stops flickering.”

DPReview forum member PrestoPhotographer responded to Pytluk’s post confirming they too were affected by this issue:

‘I have the same issue with the viewfinder ‘sleeping’. Incredibly frustrating when shooting soccer or any fast-moving sport. I’m sending mine back as it’s currently not usable for me. I’ve noticed the card access light going off randomly amongst some other bizarre things as well. I’m set up for an eventual exchange but no clue when they’ll get more stock.’

Pytluk responded with the following YouTube video, showing exactly what both users described: after ten shots in continuous mode, the digital markings on the optical viewfinder (OVF) went blank and shut off until the camera caught back up, at which point the shutter could be released again.

Follow-up posts in the thread confirmed this issue occurred regardless of whether or not a memory card was inside the camera.

We experienced a similar issue with a pre-production camera earlier this year, but have not replicated the problem with two production samples of the EOS-1D X Mark III currently undergoing testing at DPReview. We have contacted Canon for comment and will update this article if we receive a response. If you’ve noticed this issue on your 1D X Mark III unit, leave us a message in the comments below.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon delays its D6 DSLR until May 2020, due to supplier issues caused by COVID-19

10 Mar

Nikon USA has announced it is delaying the release of its new D6 DSLR due to issues caused by COVID-19.

In a short announcement on its website, embedded below, Nikon USA says the D6 has been delayed ‘As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19.’ Nikon says the new release timeframe is May 2020 and notes it ‘announce the new release date once it has been determined.’

This delay will further push the release date closer to the 2020 Olympics, which is set to take place in Tokyo from July 24 through August 9. However, as coronavirus cases and mortalities due to the virus ramp up, the likelihood of the Olympics being delayed or downright canceled increases as well.

Apology and Notice of Delay in the Release of the Nikon D6 Digital SLR Camera

MELVILLE, NY – Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

As a result of delays in the procurement of parts and components from a third-party cooperating company due to measures implemented in response to the spread of COVID-19, the release of the new Nikon D6 digital SLR camera, originally planned for March 2020, will be delayed. We sincerely apologize to our customers and all those concerned for any inconvenience this may cause.

We are now planning to release the Nikon D6 in May 2020 and will announce the new release date once it has been determined.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and do our utmost to deliver this new camera as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter.


About Nikon?

Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Some Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone reviewers report multiple camera issues

02 Mar

The Galaxy S20 Ultra, the highest-end model in Samsung’s newly unveiled S20 smartphone family, features multiple cameras, including a 108MP sensor, forming what the company refers to as a ‘groundbreaking’ mobile camera system. The phone is only available for preorder at this time, but a number of units have been shipped to tech reviewers, some of whom are reporting various camera issues ranging from autofocus problems to excessive skin smoothing.

The Verge and PC Mag are among the reviewers to describe some issues with the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s camera system, including times where it hunts for autofocus, sometimes failing to lock on to the subject. As well, the camera is said to excessively soften skin and faces, producing a heavily processed appearance. PC Mag in particular reports that the Ultra’s 100x zoom ‘isn’t that usable’ due to producing a tight and shaky picture with focus issues.

Android Central‘s Hayato Huseman shared a video recorded with the Ultra, which shows it struggling to focus for around the first five seconds of the recording:

In response to complaints, Samsung told The Verge that as part of its effort to ‘optimize performance to deliver the best experience,’ it is ‘working on a future update to improve the camera experience’ offered by the S20 Ultra. That statement is quite vague, however, raising questions over whether these problems will be fixed before the phone arrives for consumers.

Michael Fisher of Mr. Mobile argued in a recent tweet thread that S20 Ultra reviews should proceed despite the promised update because, among other things, Samsung didn’t specify what its update will fix and when it will be made available. He also points out that the S20 Ultra is quite expensive (it costs $ 1400) and that ‘consumers deserve to know whether it’s worth that premium.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina issues compatibility notice for Nikon Z owners using its F-mount lenses via adapter

23 Jan

Tokina has published a compatibility noticed for Nikon Z-series owners, regarding a few issues the company came across while ‘thoroughly’ testing the functionality of its F-mount lenses when used on Z-series cameras with Nikon’s FTZ adapter.

The notice highlights four lenses that can’t use autofocus with Nikon’s FTZ adapter and one lens that has slightly slower autofocus when used with the adapter.

The four lenses without autofocus functionality are the Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S, Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D, Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye and Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye. When put in manual focus mode, however, all of these lenses will work without issue, according to Tokina.

Tokina notes its opera 50mm F1.4 FF lens works when autofocus is on, but notes that when ‘Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower.’

Compatibility notice:

Tokina Compatibility Notice for Nikon Z-Series Mirrorless Camera Owners

Thank you for using Tokina products.

We have thoroughly tested all current Tokina interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount) with the Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera using the Nikon mount adapter FTZ.

The results confirm that current Tokina lens models showed no issues in general operations with the following exceptions:

Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 FF Issue: Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower. Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S Issue: AF communication error. However, the lens will operate normally in manual focus mode.

Please, note that due to mount adapter FTZ specifications, the following Tokina lenses do not AF but will operate in manual focus mode:

Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye

For any question about compatibility of Tokina interchangeable lenses with Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera contact us via contact form.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon issues firmware update to fix front-focusing issues for RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses

09 Jan

A month after the first reports came out that a number of RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses were having issues with front-focusing, Canon has released a firmware update to address the issue.

As promised two weeks ago, firmware version 1.0.6 fixes the issue wherein certain units would focus in front of the active AF point, especially at longer focal lengths. The firmware changelog reads:

‘Fixed a phenomenon when performing AF shooting to capture a subject at close-range with the focus distance approximately set to the Tele-end (200mm), the image may become slightly front-focused.’

Firmware version 1.0.6 is available to download for both macOS and Windows computers. If your lens already has firmware version 1.0.6 installed, there’s no need to update. You can check your lens’ firmware in your camera’s menu system.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon users are reporting front-focusing issues with the RF 70-200mm F2.8

14 Dec

Update: Canon has offered the following official response: “Canon has become aware of this phenomenon, which occurs when focusing on a close subject at 200mm,
and is preparing a firmware update that will be released as quickly as possible.”

Canon may have an issue on its hands as multiple users of its new RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lens report that it misses focus when used at the closest minimum distance. A thread on our forums as well as posts on Fred Miranda state that when used at the longer focal lengths, and with subjects at the closest focusing point, the lens focuses in front of the area under the AF point in use.

DPReview forum member pokesfan posted some tests which he says demonstrate that the lens focuses about 3cm in front of the active AF point when uses at the closest focusing distance while at the 200mm setting.

Tests carried out by users report the fault is most pronounced at the longer ends of the focal range and that it gradually reduces as the lens is brought back to the 70mm setting. More distant subjects also avoid any issues, as it seems to happen only close up.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 is said by owners to be exceptional in every other situation, but this will be something that needs attention. Forum member pokesfan says that his lens was sent to Canon to be checked and the service engineers claimed there was nothing wrong with it.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony issues service advisory for its 16-35mm F2.8 GM lens

18 Nov

Sony has issued a service advisory for a select number of 16-35mm F2.8 G Master lenses after it was revealed some units are causing Sony full-frame cameras to stop working when the lens is attached.

According to the advisory, select Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM lenses cause the camera to stop working when attached and prevent the camera’s screen from turning on. The advisory notes lenses between serial numbers 1800502 and 1823192 are those in the danger zone, so to speak.

If your lens’ serial number is within that range, Sony has a tool on the service advisory page (translated) that will let you enter the serial number to see if your specific lens is affected by this recall. In the event it is, Sony says it will inspect and repair it free of charge through March 31, 2023.

The form on Sony’s service advisory page that allows you to input your serial number to confirm whether or not your lens is affected.

We have contacted Sony to clarify what regions this service advisory is limited to as well as additional information about the returns process for affected lenses.

Update (November 18, 2019): Updated the introduction paragraph to clarify what issues the affected lenses cause and updated both the headline and article to note the service advisory isn’t limited to the Japan region.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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