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Posts Tagged ‘zoom’

Tamron Announces an Eye-Catching Travel Zoom, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony

02 Oct

The post Tamron Announces an Eye-Catching Travel Zoom, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Tamron announces the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 zoom lens

Tamron has unveiled a uniquely versatile zoom lens, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount cameras.

Perfect for travel and other on-the-go photographers, the lens features an impressive focal length range, spanning from wide-angle (35mm) through standard (50mm) to telephoto (150mm) focal lengths. At the wide end, capture beautiful landscapes, architectural scenes, and environmental portraits; in the middle, shoot tighter landscapes, portraits, and street scenes; toward the end, capture headshots, architectural details, and even the occasional bird or animal.

But the most impressive feature of the Tamron 35-150mm lens is not its focal length, but its aperture range:

f/2 at 35mm, narrowing to f/2.8 by 150mm, in what Tamron is billing as the “world’s first mirrorless zoom lens with a maximum wide-open aperture of f/2.”

It feels groundbreaking. Even versatile f/2.8 zooms are hard to come by, yet Tamron’s 35-100mm takes this a step farther, guaranteeing tremendous low-light performance at the wide end (and a respectable low-light performance at 150mm, too). And Tamron promises another wide-aperture benefit: “enhanced, beautiful bokeh…even on the wide-angle end of the lens’s focal range.”

Image quality will be top-notch, according to Tamron, “[t]hanks to the latest optical design featuring four LD (Low Dispersion) and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements optimally arranged.” Expect outstanding sharpness at every focal length, both in the image center and in the corners, ideal for detailed landscape photography, architectural photography, and even commercial work.

Tamron is pushing the 35-150mm as a “travel zoom,” and the wide maximum aperture and versatile zoom range ensures that the lens will satisfy even the most demanding of travel shooters. It’s compact, too, especially for an f/2.8 (and f/2) lens, and Tamron’s VXD focusing motor offers fast focusing, useful for those travel photographers who enjoy photographing action – or for sports and action photographers more generally.

Unfortunately, a pro-level, all-in-one zoom lens doesn’t come cheap, though the $ 1899 USD price tag is reasonable given the outstanding feature set. The lens is currently available for preorder, and you can expect a ship date toward the end of October, though Tamron does note that, “[d]ue to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.” 

Regardless, if you’re interested in a powerful zoom lens for travel photography, landscape photography, and so much more, check out the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8.

Now over to you:

What do you think of this new lens from Tamron? And what do you think of the price? Will you consider purchasing it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Tamron Announces an Eye-Catching Travel Zoom, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Sony appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Tamron Launches Gorgeous 18-300mm Zoom for Fujifilm (and Sony)

23 Jul

The post Tamron Launches Gorgeous 18-300mm Zoom for Fujifilm (and Sony) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Tamron launches 18-300mm zoom for Fujifilm and Sony

Earlier this week, Tamron unveiled the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, an all-in-one lens designed for both Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

While Tamron has spent several years perfecting mirrorless lenses for the Sony E-mount, the company has not yet launched glass for Fujifilm users. The announcement hints at a new direction for Tamron; assuming the X-mount version is sufficiently popular, you can expect future Fujifilm-compatible lenses, a major win for Fujifilm’s dedicated fanbase.

The lens itself draws on Tamron’s experience with flexible zooms and will sit alongside products such as the 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6. According to Tamron, the 18-300mm “is the world’s first all-in-one zoom lens for Sony and Fujifilm APS-C mirrorless cameras featuring a 16.6x zoom ratio,” and indeed, the zoom range is remarkable. At 18mm, you can capture landscapes, wide street shots, and architectural shots. And at 300mm, you can photograph tight telephoto landscapes and even some birds, thanks to a near-500mm field of view (with the crop factor applied). Then there are the midrange focal lengths, and you can use these for portrait photography, sports photography, and much more.

If you enjoy capturing the occasional close-up shot of insects or flowers, then you’ll love the 18-300mm’s close-focusing capabilities. You can shoot at up to 1:2 magnification, perfect for casual macro photography (and you’ll even be able to capture an abstract close-up or two for variety).

Tamron also promises “extremely fast and precise autofocus – the highest level in its class.” As you can imagine, this is a big deal for fast-paced travel and street shooting, not to mention bird and wildlife photography. Users will need to be content with a relatively narrow maximum aperture (f/6.3 on the long end, f/3.5 on the wide end), but the Vibration Compensation should offset this problem somewhat when shooting in low light.

Of course, when purchasing a lens, a lot hinges on optical quality, and superzooms are notoriously finicky – though Tamron promises “high-resolution performance” and “high image quality that is among the best of all all-in-one zoom lenses.” Bottom line, the 18-300mm is bound to work for photographers aiming to keep their backpack lightweight and minimalistic. For the right shooter, this lens could genuinely replace an entire bag of glass, saving on space, money, and more.

So if you like the sound of a convenient superzoom and you’re a Fujifilm or Sony user, keep an eye out for the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3. While the price hasn’t yet been revealed, bank on a Fall 2021 release date and prepare for some fun photoshoots!

Now over to you:

What do you think about the Tamron 18-300mm? Is it a lens you’d be interested in? What would you use it for? Share your thoughts (and images) in the comments below!

The post Tamron Launches Gorgeous 18-300mm Zoom for Fujifilm (and Sony) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Tamron Announces the 150-500mm, a Portable Zoom for Sony Mirrorless

23 Apr

The post Tamron Announces the 150-500mm, a Portable Zoom for Sony Mirrorless appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Tamron announces the 150-500mm, a portable zoom for Sony

Earlier this week, Tamron unveiled the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Sony E-mount cameras, a lens that will offer significant power, versatility, and affordability to Sony users.

The 150-500mm f/5-6.7 is Tamron’s “first ultra-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that reaches the 500mm focal length.” But despite the super-telephoto range, the 150-500mm is surprisingly compact. At 500mm, the lens reaches 11.1 in (28 cm), and when retracted to 150mm, it clocks in at a portable 8.3 in (21 cm) for a travel-ready package.

While the f/6.7 maximum aperture may frustrate professionals, enthusiast sports, wildlife, and bird photographers will love the opportunity to get up close and personal without splurging on Sony’s $ 2000 USD 200-600mm lens. At 150mm to 300mm, you can capture wider photos of your subject; zoomed in to 400mm and 500mm, you can grab crisp detail shots and wildlife portraits. 

And though the Tamron 150-500mm will work just fine on Sony full-frame cameras, when mounted on an APS-C camera – such as the Sony a6600 – the lens delivers a whopping 225-750mm range, perfect for photographers seeking to shoot small, skittish subjects such as birds.

Of course, image quality remains to be seen, but Tamron confidently claims that the 150-500mm packs “amazing high image quality,” boasting “exceptionally high resolving power across the entire image.” 

As for autofocus, the 150-500mm “provides high speed, high precision, and excellent quietness,” thanks to Tamron’s VXD focusing technology. 

Sure, a wider maximum aperture would be useful, especially for low-light wildlife and sports photography. But wider apertures come with eye-watering costs, plus Tamron has added Vibration Compensation (VC), which ensures sharp images even when shooting handheld in limited light.

While the Tamron 150-500mm doesn’t come cheap, it’s not pricey, either (relatively speaking). You can preorder the lens for just $ 1399 USD, though expect to receive your copy after June 10th (also, Tamron notes that “the release date or product supply schedule could change” due to COVID-related problems).

So if you’re an enthusiast photographer in need of a super-telephoto zoom, I highly recommend you check out the Tamron 150-500mm.

Now over to you:

What do you think of this new lens from Tamron? Will you be interested in purchasing it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post Tamron Announces the 150-500mm, a Portable Zoom for Sony Mirrorless appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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$20 film camera challenge: Minolta Riva Zoom 90EX – Dan Bracaglia

13 Nov

Intro – the challenge

Our ‘$ 20 film camera challenge’ is partly an acknowledgment that the universe is well-stocked with affordable analog cameras, and you don’t necessarily need to spend an arm and a leg on something trendy to get great shots. But it’s also a fun excuse to reassess the cool and often quirky camera designs of the not-too-distant past.

The rules are simple: Find a film camera for under $ 20, shoot a roll or two with it, and describe the experience. Film and developing costs do not count toward the $ 20, otherwise you’d have no money left to spend. But shipping and/or tax do count.

In our very first challenge, DPR writer Aaron Gold ended up falling in love with the surprisingly feature-rich Minolta Maxxum 5. In the second edition, DPR editor Dan Bracaglia pulls the trigger on another Minolta camera…

Read the first installment of the $ 20 film camera challenge here

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Dan Bracaglia and the Minolta Riva Zoom 90EX

The hunt

I’ve been considering purchasing an inexpensive 35mm pocket zoom camera for some time now – something I can toss in my bike frame bag and bring along on adventures. As a kid, I remember shooting with our family’s Olympus Stylus Zoom and recall enjoying the experience and the photographs immensely. And so I figured the $ 20 film camera challenge was the perfect excuse to take to eBay and do a little shopping.

I also picked up an Olympus Stylus Zoom 105, as a sort of consolation if the Minolta didn’t work

The camera industry pumped out a ton of these autofocus-enabled ‘compact’ zoom cameras during the 1990’s. And I had no shortage of well-priced options from every major manufacturer. I’d never shot with a Minolta compact camera before, only an SLR, but a recent, glowing article about the Minolta Riva 110 over on 35mmc.com had me intrigued.

Priced at $ 15, the Minolta Riva 90EX (aka Minolta Freedom 9T) was my camera of choice.

I couldn’t find a Riva 110 for under $ 20, despite a strong desire for as much zoom as possible, but did I track down the a slightly-older Minolta Riva Zoom 90EX, priced to fit the rules of the challenge. Note: The North American version (which I picked up) is called the ‘Freedom Zoom 9T,’ which doesn’t sound as cool, so we’re going with Riva 90EX.

It had originally been listed at $ 20, but was subsequently lowered to $ 15 with free shipping. The seller noted it was in mint condition, minus a cracked hinge on the film door, which they were confident was a non-issue. I figured ‘what the heck’ and bought it for the asking price. Grand total: $ 16.52.

Full disclosure: I also picked up an Olympus Stylus Zoom 105, as a sort of consolation if the Minolta didn’t work. That one I splurged on and spent $ 49.10 with tax and shipping.

The ‘pick’

The Riva 90EX has a nice selection of features including a double exposure mode, landscape mode and even a continuous drive mode.

The Riva 90EX debuted in the early 90’s at a time when the ‘compact’ AF zoom camera market was blowing up and brands were churning out new models, with each generation offering more and more reach.

A mostly automatic camera, the Riva 90EX is built around a 35-90mm F3.5-5.7 lens and includes a nice selection of modes and features, some more useful than others. For instance, ‘Landscape mode’ locks focus at infinity and disengages the flash, something I found useful when shooting street photos on a sunny day toward the tele-end of the focal length. There’s also also a double exposure mode and even a continuous drive mode which, from my testing (without film), shoots at a zippy 1 fps.

In use

You ain’t a beauty but hey, you’re alright.

Upon unboxing my new/old Minolta Riva Freedom 90EX, I popped the film door to see how weak the cracked hinge really was: it fell off in my hands, with only the date cable keeping it attached.

“The first time the date imprint function was ever actually useful,” I thought as I grabbed some gaffers tape.

After loading in a battery I checked to make sure the flash, zoom and shutter worked, and all seemed to be functioning as intended. I then went to set the date on the back because why the heck not? It’s there. Much to my dismay, the year only goes until 2019, something that is actually mentioned in the instructions. Was Minolta foreshadowing a lack of faith and/or the ultimate demise of their camera business all the way back in the early 90s?

Upon unboxing the Minolta Riva Freedom 90EX, I popped the film door to see how weak the cracked hinge really was: it fell off in my hands

In-hand, the Riva 90EX feels large and plasticky, in fact I’d go as far as to say it’s much larger in life than the product photos suggest. But the 1990’s bloat also means there’s lots to hold on to and it’s quite comfortable to grip. The shutter button is nice and clicky, but the zoom toggle has almost no tactile response, which I found odd. The top of the camera offers a nice big (for the era) LCD with setting info. Annoyingly, some settings are saved when the camera is turned off, others are not.

‘Landscape mode’ conveniently sets focus at infinity and disables the flash. Annoyingly though the camera doesn’t save the mode selection when you turn it off and back on again.

I really enjoyed carrying this camera around. Its lightweight design made it easy to sling over a shoulder and its fat grip made it unlikely to slip from hand, though the bloated size meant it just barely fit in my bike frame bag.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by its functionality in most shooting scenarios. The little bit of control over the flash, i.e. the ability to turn it off (which can be done independently of ‘Landscape mode’) is much appreciated. And though I didn’t try to shoot any double exposures, it’s certainly a feature I might enjoy messing around with when the moment strikes.

Was Minolta foreshadowing a lack of faith and/or the ultimate demise of their camera business all the way back in the 90s?

The camera offers one central AF point, so focus-and-recompose is the name of the game. I found AF acquisition speed to actually be quite good, given the era. In operation it unsurprisingly sounds like an early 90’s camera, which is to say, it’s noisy. If you’ve ever sharpened a Ticonderoga (pencil) in an electric pencil sharpener, that’s what this camera sounds like when the film is advancing. The zoom action is also audible, though the zoom speed is pretty quick.

There’s really not much else to say about the Riva 90EX; it’s a $ 16 chunk-monster of a camera with just enough controls and some pleasant features to make me happy. And one I enjoyed bringing along on adventures, thanks to its functionality and low cost of replacement, should chaos ensue (I drop it). But how are the photos?

The photos

About a quarter of my images have a pronounced circular flare, a possible sign that optical coatings somewhere in the lens may have degraded.

The Riva 90EX is certainly capable of solid image quality, but my copy has one obvious and unfortunate issue/defect: substantial circular flaring when shooting at the wide end of the focal range. I shot a grand total of 50 images and roughly 1 in 4 shots have this issue. Sure, it looks cool and artsy for some of the more abstract images, but it’s just flat-out annoying in others.

At first I thought the flaring was a result of the flash, but it also appears in images shot in bright sunlight where the flash was disabled. Could a lens hood fix this? Possibly, but it also may just be the result of lens coating degradation. That’s the bad, now for the good:

At the wide end I’d call the lens satisfyingly sharp and at the tele, acceptably sharp; not bad for $ 16

I was pleasantly surprised with the rest of the images, though Kodak Gold 400 seems a bit greener than I remember (I mostly corrected this in Lightroom). The autofocus system proved fairly reliable; very few of my shots had missed focused. The metering also seemed pretty good, especially given some of the more dynamically complex scenes I shot. At the wide end I’d call the lens satisfyingly sharp and at the tele, acceptably sharp; not bad for $ 16.

The takeaway

I really like the versatility of the camera’s 38-90mm focal range, especially for street shooting. I also appreciate the camera’s design, handling and features. But persistent flaring when shooting the wide end of the focal length is a deal-breaker.

Ultimately, I suspected I would love this style of camera, especially the versatility of the focal range, and my time with the Riva 90EX confirmed my suspicions. I’ve long been both a fan of both digital pocket zooms as well as compact 35mm cameras (but with fixed focal lengths), and this feels like a natural category of camera to now explore.

Plus, the sheer number of 90’s pocket zooms available for cheap means you too can explore it, without breaking the bank. Of course, the next model I’ll be trying is my new Olympus Stylus Zoom 105. Here’s hoping for flare-free shooting!

The lens on the Riva 90EX is satisfyingly sharp at the wide end.

Who’s going to take the $ 20 film camera challenge next?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Canon PowerShot Zoom fits in your pocket and zooms to 400mm

14 Oct

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Canon has just released the details on the PowerShot Zoom, an extremely compact digital monocular. Users can view scenes through an electronic viewfinder at switchable 100mm or 400mm focal lengths, and then digitally zoom to 800mm (all 35mm-equivalent).

Of course, a modest sensor and aperture make it possible to cram all that reach into your pocket, and the Zoom has a 1/3″ sensor capable of taking 12MP JPEG images (no Raw capture is supported) or 1080/30p video through the F5.6-6.3 lens. The ISO ranges from 100 to 3200, and we’d expect the Zoom to be best-suited for daytime use with plenty of light. There’s also optical image stabilization and AF tracking with face detection, and the Zoom will focus down to 1m (3.28ft) at 100mm and 4.5m (14.76ft) at 400mm.

Sample images

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Given the stills and video specs, it’s not surprising that Canon is pitching the Zoom mostly as a ‘viewer,’ allowing users up-close and personal looks at wildlife, sports matches, live music or general travel use. However, a familiar PowerShot user interface and wireless connectivity do make it easy to send supertelephoto images to your phone for quick sharing. You can also save them to a MicroSD card.

On its built-in USB-C chargeable battery, the PowerShot Zoom will run for around 70 minutes as a viewer and capture around 150 images before running out of power. Movie clips top out at 9:59 before needing to restart a new clip. The PowerShot Zoom comes with no claims of environmental sealing.

The PowerShot Zoom will be available in November 2020 for $ 299 USD.

Press release:

Canon debuts the company’s first-ever, Compact Telephoto Monocular, the PowerShot ZOOM

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2020 –– Hiking, birdwatching and nature gazing, consumers are embracing the beauty of the outdoors this season and beyond. With this in mind, it is important to have a convenient and intuitive imaging tool to explore the world. Developed to showcase an impressive telephoto reach in a user friendly, compact design, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today launches the PowerShot ZOOM, the company’s first telephoto monocular.

The lightweight telephoto monocular sports 100mm, 400mm and 800mm telephoto viewing capability1 with a one-touch switch, and is equipped with impressive instant zoom capability to help users view distant subjects. Additionally, the monocular can capture images and videos to a micro SD card, and by pairing it with a compatible smart device2 and the Canon Camera Connect app3, these files can easily be downloaded. This pairing feature transforms the PowerShot ZOOM monocular into a friendly companion to compatible smartphones for viewing and capturing super-telephoto scenes.

“In today’s ever-changing world, consumers are looking for intuitive and portable imaging tools to view telephoto scenes up close and with ease,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Built for those users who enjoy outdoor activities, the PowerShot ZOOM monocular delivers a small, compact viewer with a long focal length. We are eager to see how consumers use this tool and the convenience it will add to their daily lives.”

In addition to its zoom capability, compact size and ability to pair with compatible smartphones, the PowerShot ZOOM telephoto monocular also features:

  • Auto focus when viewing through the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and recording images and video with face tracking
  • Optical Image Stabilization for shake correction
  • 39 inches, 2.36 million dots EVF
  • 12-megapixel still-image capture
  • Full HD video capture up to 30p (29.97)
  • Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® connection with the Canon Camera Connect app and use of compatible mobile devices2
  • Live view and download of photos and videos with the use of the Canon Camera Connect app3
  • USB C terminal for charging and supplying power
  • Micro SD memory card slot

???Price & Availability

???????Available in white, the Canon PowerShot ZOOM compact telephoto monocular is scheduled to be available in late November 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 299.99*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

*Availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 35mm film equivalent focal length. Both 100mm and 400mm uses optical lens and 800mm uses 2x digital zoom.

2 Compatible with iOS® versions 12.4/13.7, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 6.0/7.0/7.1/8.0/8.1/9.0/10. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app.

3 This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app. Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad 3rd gen. or later, iPod Touch 5th gen.or later) equipped with Bluetooth® version 4.1 or later and the Camera Connect App Ver. 2.7.10. This application is not guaranteed to operate on all listed devices, even if minimum requirements are met.

Canon PowerShot Zoom specifications

Price
MSRP $ 299
Body type
Body type Compact
Sensor
Max resolution 4000 x 3000
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 12 megapixels
Sensor size 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Image
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 100–400 mm
Optical zoom 4×
Maximum aperture F5.6–6.3
Digital zoom Yes (2x)
Normal focus range 100 cm (39.37″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD No
Viewfinder type Electronic
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Storage
Storage types MicroSD
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless Built-In
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Built-in
Battery description 800 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 150
Weight (inc. batteries) 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
Dimensions 33 x 51 x 103 mm (1.31 x 2 x 4.06″)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with the the Canon PowerShot Zoom

14 Oct

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

From clunky concept mockup to final shipping product, the Canon PowerShot Zoom has been a long time coming. We first saw an early working sample at the CP+ show in Japan, last February. Back then it was a boxy, colorful camera with a simple button-driven interface, which evolved over the course of a year into a slimmer, subtler and much more rounded design, last seen at CES 2020. The final product looks a lot like that last concept, but with some subtle changes.

Read on to learn more about this unusual camera.

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

The PowerShot Zoom is a 12MP compact camera, which can capture stills (JPEG only) and video (Full HD up to 30p.)

Where the last working concept of what is now called the PowerShot Zoom featured five buttons, all on the top, the final shipping camera (Canon is calling it a ‘monocular’) simplifies the top layout even further to just three buttons, none of which is a shutter control. The lozenge-shaped button is the zoom toggle, and sits perilously close to the power and menu buttons. I say ‘perilously’ because with your eye to the finder, they’re so close together that it’s easy to accidentally press the wrong one. Ask me how I know.

The Zoom can be used one-handed, but is more stable (and a little more usable) with two.

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

The shutter and movie-record buttons are positioned below the EVF, adjacent to a diopter control. Unusually (but logically) the shutter button is labeled ‘PHOTO’. The shutter button can be half-pressed to focus, and takes a picture when fully depressed. The shutter is electronic, and a brief flash of the outline around the EVF image is your only indication that a picture has been taken.

In use, I’ve found it easiest to use these controls with the thumb of my right hand (which holds the camera), with my left hand reserved for toggling the zoom control on the top of the camera.

The controls themselves are adequate, but the control interface (when you need to use it) is hard to get used to. When I unpacked the PowerShot Zoom for the first time I was really hoping that the diopter wheel was a control wheel, but sadly not. Menus are navigated and options selected using the buttons alone. The hardest thing is setting the date – I challenge anyone to do it without turning the camera off accidentally at least a couple of times (I did it five times, but perhaps I’m unusually stupid).

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

At the heart of the PowerShot Zoom is a 12MP 1/3in sensor, behind a 2-position zoom lens, which can be used at either 100mm or 400mm (equivalent). Early concepts included an intermediate 200mm position, but in the end Canon went with a simple 100/400mm toggle.

The lens is pretty complex, being made up of no fewer than 11 elements in eight groups, but there’s no specialty glass or aspherical elements. It is optically stabilized, and while Canon does not quote a figure for the exact amount of stabilization, it was easily capable of steadying compositions at 400mm on a very windy day here in Seattle.

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

Slightly surprisingly, the PowerShot Zoom records pictures and videos to a physical memory card. I rummaged around in my drawers for this fairly old 8GB Micro SD (good for almost 1,000 images according to the camera’s info display). Using the Canon Camera Connect app, images can be downloaded to a smart device and edited, shared or saved to your camera roll.

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

The battery, however, is non-removable, and is charged over USB C (a cable is included). The 800 mAh battery is good for 150 images (CIPA). A full charge from empty takes just under two hours.

Hands-on with the Canon PowerShot Zoom

Despite its tiny size, the PowerShot Zoom features a decent electronic viewfinder, featuring 2.36 million dots and an automatic switch to turn off the display when you take the camera away from your eye. The view is crisp and clear, but in common with a lot of cheaper compact cameras, the preview image doesn’t always match the final picture once you’re able to get it off the camera and take a closer look. Typically, I’ve found that captured images lack a little of the ‘bite’ of the preview image in the EVF.

100mm

When you first turn on the PowerShot Zoom, the lens is set to 100mm (equivalent). While technically this is the ‘wide’ setting, 100mm is still pretty long, and the minimum focus of 1m (3.3 ft) precludes closeup work. There is no macro setting, either.

400mm

Image quality at 400mm is slightly lower than it is at 100mm, but when shooting distant objects, as always, air quality and thermal haze can also be a factor when it comes to sharpness. At 400mm minimum focus is 4.5m (14.6 ft)

Autofocus performance is pretty good with decent light, but prone to hunting in lower light levels. You have two AF modes: face detection + tracking (a sensible default, which works reliably well for most subjects) and single point AF as an option. Continuous AF can also be toggled on/off.

800mm (digital zoom)

Like all digital zoom options, the Zoom’s ‘800mm’ setting is handy, but not great from a critical image quality point of view. It’s basically just a crop, upsized in-camera to 12MP. Convenient (and good enough for sharing over a text message or on Facebook) but nothing special.

Final thoughts

With an MSRP of $ 299, the PowerShot Zoom falls outside of the realm of ‘impulse buy’ for most people, but there are some definite use-cases. I can see it being a hit among birders, for example, and for casual documentation of garden wildlife. Similarly, if package cruises ever become a thing again, I can imagine a pocketable 400mm lens being pretty handy for taking pictures of penguins on melting ice sheets etc., from the comfort of a 7-story high floating hotel.

The still image quality of the PowerShot Zoom is no match for a more conventional camera, or even for a smartphone, but that’s really not the point. What it offers is a telephoto lens in a small, lightweight and hand-holdable form factor. No current smartphone can offer true telephoto without a digital zoom, making the PowerShot Zoom a powerful companion for anyone who regularly wants to share images of (for example) birds, boats or aircraft without the need for bulky, expensive gear.

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Sony announces tiny FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 full-frame zoom

17 Sep

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Sony has just announced the FE 28-60mm F4-6.3 collapsible kit zoom, a lens its calling “the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens.” It weighs in at just 167g (5.9oz) and measures 45mm (1.8″) long in its retracted setting. Meant to be a go-to everyday lens for the photographer that wants to travel light, Sony claims a degree of dust and moisture resistance, and a reasonable max magnification ratio of 0.16x will add to its versatility.

The new 28-60mm accepts 40.5mm filters and uses a linear AF motor to keep up with Sony’s latest AF tracking technology. It also includes three aspherical elements, with Sony promising high resolution corner-to-corner; we’ve been shooting it on an a7R IV to see what it’s capable of.

The FE 28-60mm is slated to be available on its own in early 2021 for $ 499. It will also be available as a kit with the a7C in late October 2020, for $ 2099.

Preliminary sample gallery

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Press release:

Sony Electronics Introduces Alpha 7C Camera and Zoom Lens, the World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Full-frame Camera System

New HVL-F28RM Compact Flash is also Announced

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 14, 2020 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. announced several additions to an already impressive imaging lineup — the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 (model SEL2860) zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash.

The Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest[ii] full-frame body with uncompromising performance, featuring advanced AF (autofocus), high-resolution 4K video[iii] capabilities and more. When paired with the world’s smallest and lightest[iv] FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens, this versatile combination delivers an experience unlike any other, maximizing portability and versatility without sacrificing any of the power of full-frame imaging. The HVL-F28RM flash allows users to broaden their photo expressions with outstanding compactness, and an intelligent light intensity control linked to camera face detection[v].

“We are committed to creating the best tools possible, based on the needs of our customers,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

…

New FE 28-60mm F4-5.6: The World’s Smallest and Lightest[iv] Full-frame Zoom Lens with High Image Quality

The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest[iv] form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance that achieves the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. Optimal arrangement of the three aspherical lens elements effectively suppresses aberrations throughout the zoom range and realizes high resolution from corner to corner. A minimum focus distance of 0.99 foot (0.3m) (wide-angle) to 1.48 feet (0.45m) (telephoto) delivers close-up capability, making it perfect for everyday use or vlogging with a gimbal or grip.

At 5.9oz (167g) and 2.6 inches dia. x 1.8 inches length (66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm length), along with its mechanical and optimal optical design that features a retracting structure, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 achieves unrivaled compactness and lightness, allowing users to easily carry it all the time. From everyday shooting to scenery, portraits and travel, it’s the ideal lens for any type of on-the-go shooting in a wide variety of environments. When combined with the Alpha 7C, the combination achieves uncompromising full-frame performance with the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system[i]. Even with its compact size and light weight, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is dust and moisture resistant[xxii] and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots, enabling users to easily capture a wide variety of content from regular movie shooting to comfortable vlogging.

…

Pricing and Availability

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in early 2021 and will be sold for approximately $ 499.99 USD and $ 649.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

A new kit featuring the Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will also be available in late October and will be sold for approximately $ 2,099.99 USD and $ 2,699.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera, lens and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony ? – Alpha.

[i] An Alpha 7C with an FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens mounted. Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras, in combination with an interchangeable zoom lens. As of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

[ii] Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital cameras with optical in-body image stabilization mechanism, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

[iii] A Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card is required for XAVC S format movie recording. UHS speed class 3 or higher is required for 100 Mbps recording.

[iv] Among interchangeable zoom lenses for 35mm full-frame format digital camera bodies, as of Sept. 2020. Sony survey.

[v] This function is only compatible with Alpha 7C as of Sept. 2020

[xxii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water resistant.

Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 28–60 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4–5.6
Minimum aperture F22–32
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Optics
Elements 8
Groups 7
Special elements / coatings 3 aspherical elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.30 m (11.81″)
Maximum magnification 0.16×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Full time manual No
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 167 g (0.37 lb)
Diameter 67 mm (2.64″)
Length 45 mm (1.77″)
Materials Composite
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Filter thread 40.5 mm
Hood supplied No

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Canon is crowdfunding its monocular-style PowerShot Zoom concept camera in Japan

15 Sep

Last year, at CP+ 2019, Canon showed off a number of concept cameras with new and unusual designs. While some of those concepts are still just that, at least one more is well on its way into the consumer market — in Japan, at least.

The Canon PowerShot Zoom is a monocular-style point-and-shoot that’s being crowdfunded on Makuake, not unlike the approach Canon took with its Ivy Rec camera. Inside the almost cartoon-looking design is a 12.1-megapixel 1/3” CMOS sensor that works alongside a DIGIC 8 processor to capture stills and record Full HD video at 1080p.

In front of the sensor is a zoom lens that can toggle between 100mm and 400mm (full-frame equivalent) focal lengths. You can also double that to an 800mm (full-frame equivalent) focal length when combined with the camera’s digital zoom.1 The device features built-in image stabilization, Canon’s Face AF technology, a USB-C port for charging and a microSDXC card slot.

The camera features three buttons on the top: power, menu and zoom, as well as three on the bottom: a dial, a capture button for stills and a capture button for video. Photos and video can be transferred via the microSD card or wirelessly when paired with Canon’s accompanying smartphone app.

The PowerShot Zoom is currently being crowdfunded in Japan through Majuake. The campaign has already raised over $ 280,000, far surpassing its initial goal. Japanese backers are able to secure the first units for around $ 300.

There’s no mention of whether or not the PowerShot Zoom will become available outside the Japanese market at this time.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

1Canon had previously said it hoped to have intermediary focal lengths during zoom, but it appears that feature isn’t available at this time.

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Oppo shows off its next-generation optical zoom camera module with 85-135mm equivalent focal length

20 Aug

Oppo has announced (translated) it’s latest camera technology, a next-generation periscope zoom camera that features improved optics, a new sensor and updated image processing algorithms.

The new camera module features an 85mm to 135mm full-frame-equivalent focal length with an aperture range of F3.3 through F4.4. To achieve this, the module uses seven elements in three groups with the two rear-most groups being the ones that move for zooming and focusing.

In addition to new optics, the camera module uses a new 32MP quad-bayer-like sensor. Both the movement of the lenses and image processing will be powered by the custom-designed 16-bit image processing chip inside the module.

Sample images from the new camera module captured with the wide angle (left), equivalent 85mm focal length (center) and equivalent 135mm focal length (right).

If we’re to assume this would be used in a smartphone with a 26mm main camera — such as the Oppo Reno 10x zoom — this new camera would offer a 3.3x to 5.2x optical zoom and presumably feature the same ‘hybrid zoom’ up to 10.4x. Even though the multiplication factor is roughly the same as that found on the Reno 10x zoom, Oppo says its new hybrid zoom technology improves image quality, as can be seen in these example images (older ‘hybrid zoom’ images on the left, new technology on the right):

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There’s no mention of when we could see this new camera tech, nor what phone it might be in, but as noted by GSM Arena, details of a forthcoming Oppo phone believed to be the Reno 10x zoom successor were revealed last month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI’s new Mavic Air 2 firmware update allows for 4x zoom, 4K hyperlapse, and more

14 Aug

A few days ago, DJI released firmware update for the Mavic Air 2 that gives users new capabilities. Coming in at 178.3MB, V01.00.0340 is the first major update since the consumer–grade drone started shipping a little over 3 months ago. It offers up digital zoom, a new hyperlapse resolution, improved obstacle avoidance, and more.

‘We are so excited to bring a unique zooming function to the Mavic Air 2 along with 4K hyperlapse. The zooming feature will help creators add a dynamic perspective to the scene, establish shots and so much more while the 4K hyperlapse offers high-quality content in a manageable format. The Mavic Air 2 continues to be one of the most versatile and capable drones to ever take to the skies,’ says Patrick Santucci, DJI’s Senior Communications Manager.

DPReview recently covered issues encountered when testing out the Mavic Air 2’s 8K hyperlapse feature. So it’s exciting that the drone manufacturer has now made it possible to record 4K hyperlapse clips. Users now have the ability to pause a hyperlapse and then resume recording as well. The number of waypoints you can select when pre-planning a flight has increased to 45 and there is added support for Task Library.

Mavic Air 2 users can now digitally zoom in on a subject. 4K Zoom mode supports 2x digital zoom up to 4K/30p.

Mavic Air 2 users can now digitally zoom in on a subject. 4K Zoom mode supports 2x digital zoom up to 4K/30p. 2x digital zoom is also possible up to 2.7K/60p while full 4x digital zoom is possible up to 1080p/60p in video mode. You can also press the ‘Fn’ button on the remote while using the dial to gradually zoom in and out.

With Obstacle Avoidance, you now have the ability to either bypass obstacles, brake in front of them, or you can turn it off entirely. The option to disable sideways flight is also available. Since the Mavic Air 2 does not have obstacle avoidance sensors on either side of the aircraft (only on the front, back, and bottom), this feature is useful for beginners or those wishing to fly in a straight line, forwards or backwards.

It’s easy to update the firmware within the DJI Fly app.

There are a few other improvements not mentioned above. To install the update, open up the DJI Fly app. You can also use the DJI Assistant 2 desktop app on your computer. At the top right–hand corner, you’ll see three dots. Click on that icon. From the top navigation bar, select ‘About.’ From there it will show you your latest firmware. Select ‘Check for Updates.’ You’ll need a full battery as it can take 10 minutes to install the latest firmware. Full release notes as follows:

• ZOOM – 4K Zoom 2x digital zoom 30/25/24 fps. 2.7 Zoom 2x 60/50/48/30/25/24 and 1080P 4x 60/50/48/30/25/24 in video mode.
• Added Safety Flight Mode. The aircraft avoids obstacles automatically and will not respond to commands to fly left or right.
• Optimized FPV mode for gimbal.
• Optimized hyperlapse. Pause shooting during hyperlapse, increased the number of waypoints to 45, and added support for Task Library.
• Optimized Sports Mode.
• Optimized ActiveTrack when tracking vehicles at low altitude.

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