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How Joe Biden’s drone light show came together — and what it could mean for the industry

12 Nov
A composite of two of the formations seen in the drone show Saturday, following the announcement that Joe Biden was projected to become the next president of the United States.

This past Saturday, major news outlets announced former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate and senator Kamala Harris as the projected winners of the 2020 presidential election. Biden and Harris addressed the world later that evening with speeches that concluded with a drone and fireworks light show.

The drone show especially excited many in the rapidly-growing industry, after years of negative media coverage and concerns about overregulation. Numerous unconfirmed sightings of drones near airports and aircraft, in addition to rulemaking proposed for Remote ID, reportedly set to be decided by year’s end, are a clear indicator that drones continue to be controversial.

That’s why it’s such a big deal that a formation of drones was used on Saturday night, so close to two people about to become among the most powerful (and most closely-guarded) in the world. After a bit of sleuthing, we were able to confirm that the company responsible for the light show was Verge Aero, based in Pennsylvania.

‘This event is certainly a first on many fronts,’ Nils Thorjussen, Verge Aero’s CEO, tells DPReview. ‘While I’m unable discuss the event in detail, there were many unique challenges we’ve never faced before, as you can imagine.’

Drone light shows have been around for several years, but they don’t come cheap. It takes anywhere from fifty to tens of thousands of drones to form illuminated shapes in the sky, and when the cost of setup, plus travel and accommodation for a staff of trained professionals is factored in, they’re typically very expensive.

Mass light shows with hundreds of drones might be beyond the means of most of us, but, says Thorjussen, ‘we’re developing the tools to make drone light shows more accessible.’

He predicts that ‘soon enough, as with other technologies in the past, they’ll become more affordable and mainstream.’ Good news for an industry that all too often is on the wrong side of the headlines.

To learn more about all the components that go into a drone light show, head over to Verge Aero’s blog.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google is killing off free unlimited storage in Google Photos next year

12 Nov

Google has announced that it is ending its unlimited free photo and video storage through Google Photos. On June 1, 2021, users will be capped at 15 GB of free ‘high quality’ photo storage per account. This change will take place alongside additional changes with Google Drive’s storage programs, including counting Google Workspace documents and spreadsheets against the same cap, per The Verge. Google will also begin deleting data from inactive accounts (accounts that haven’t logged in for at least two years).

While it’s unfortunate, if not understandable, that Google will be changing its storage policy, the company has given users plenty of time to determine if they are willing to pay for additional storage beyond the 15 GB cap or find photo storage solutions elsewhere. Further, any photos and documents you upload before June 1, 2021, will not count against the 15 GB cap. The cap will come into effect with files uploaded after this date. Additionally, it is worth noting that the existing storage is only unlimited for ‘high quality’ files, not ‘original quality’ files. Google has long been compressing photos and videos as part of its unlimited storage program.

Image credit: Google

As The Verge points out, the change takes away one of the best features of Google Photos. The website wrote an article in 2015 about the significance of Google Photos and how important the service’s storage solution proved to be.

Looking ahead to next June, how will Google Photos look relative to its primary competition with its 15 GB cap? As of now, Apple’s iCloud service offers only 5GB of free storage, so Google will maintain its advantage there. Google also claims that upwards of 80 percent of users won’t hit the new 15 GB cap for three years. For heavy users, a new alert system will help you stay aware of your free storage limit. Google offers a ‘personalized estimate’ to help users determine how long their storage will prove sufficient.

To help save space, Google Photos will incorporate tools allowing users to easily find and delete blurry and dark images. Image credit: Google

Google Photos will include new storage management tools, such as one that helps you locate photos you likely don’t want to keep long term. Google states, ‘This tool will help you review the memories you want to keep while also surfacing shots you might prefer to delete, like dark or blurry photos or large videos.’ Perhaps Google’s machine learning will come into play here as well, letting you find and delete more specific images.

If you own a Google Pixel smartphone and currently store images in ‘high quality’, today’s announcement doesn’t impact you. Google says that ‘Photos and videos uploaded in High quality from [Pixel 1-5 devices] will continue to be exempt from this change, even after June 1, 2021.’

For users needing more than 15 GB of storage, Google will be heavily pushing its Google One membership. Image credit: Google

If you want to continue to use Google Photos for your photo/video backup needs and need more than 15 GB, plans through Google One will start at $ 1.99 USD per month for 100 GB of storage plus additional benefits

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Profoto’s new $299 OCF Adapter makes it possible to mount OCF light modifiers to A-series speedlights

11 Nov

Profoto has announced the release of the OCF Adapter, a new adapter that makes it possible to use all of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools with any of its A-series flash units.

Image credit: Profoto

The OCF Adapter looks similar to many other speedlight to speedring adapters: it has a coldshoe mount for securely attaching a Profoto A-series flash and a mounting point for any of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools, which the head of the flash fits into. Profoto has over a dozen OCF light shaping tools, including the OCF Magnum Reflector, a 24” OCF Beauty Dish, an array of OCF Grids and plenty of OCF Gel attachments.

The unit isn’t necessarily small (120mm (4.7”) wide, 280mm (11”) tall and 90mm (3.5) deep), but it’s certainly a more compact solution than carrying around a larger monolight when an A-series flash will get the job done with an OCF light shaping tool. Below is a hands-on with the OCF Adapter by Adorama:

Being Profoto, it shouldn’t come as a surprise the OCF Adapter isn’t cheap. The 750g (1.65lb) piece of plastic and metal will set you back $ 299 (Adorama, B&H). For a little context, Godox/Flashpoint’s Profoto A1 knock-off can be purchased, with accessories, for $ 229 (Godox at B&H, Flashpoint at Adorama).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica introduces 47 Megapixel Q2 Monochrom for $6000

11 Nov

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Leica has introduced the Q2 Monochrom, a black and white version of the Q2 – a team favorite here at DPReview. It features a designed-for-monochrome full-frame 47MP sensor that Leica claims should capture 2 additional stops of dynamic range over the Bayer version (13EV vs 11EV). The maximum ISO is 100,000, up from 50,000 on the Q2.

The Q2 Monochrom uses the same stabilized 28mm F1.7 ASPH lens as the Q2. It shares the same 3.68MP OLED EVF and touchscreen display, as well. The body is more discreet than the Q2, with a matte black and leatherette finish and no red dot. The magnesium alloy body is built as well as you’d expect from Leica and carries an IP52 rating for weather-proofing.

The camera has one-button cropping to 35, 50 and 75mm, with a drop in resolution with as you go. For those who want the unique look of black and white video, the Q2 Monochrom can capture both DCI and UHD 4K at up to 30p.

The Q2 Monochrom is available now for $ 5995.

Read our Q2 Monochrom initial review

View our pre-production sample galleryPress release

Leica Q2 Monochrom: A New Level of Dedication to Black & White Photography

Leica Camera continues to demonstrate its commitment to the art of black and white photography with the introduction of the first-ever full frame compact camera with a monochrome sensor

November 10th, 2020 – Leica Camera makes unprecedented strides in its commitment to black and white photography with the launch of the Leica Q2 Monochrom, a new addition to the much beloved Leica Q line and the greater Leica Monochrom family. With a newly developed, full-frame monochrome sensor, a fast Leica Summilux 28 mm f/1.7 ASPH. prime lens, quick and precise autofocusing, protective weather sealing and OLED viewfinder technology, the Q2 Monochrom encompasses the outstanding performance and features of its popular Leica Q2 brethren in a model focused solely on the art of black and white photography – delivering unprecedented image quality and creative focus.

Black and white photography is an unrivalled art form. Memorializing more than just the decisive moment – black and white photographs evoke the emotion and the essence of unforgettable and irreplaceable moments. The new Leica Q2 Monochrom is the newest chapter in the Leica Monochrom story, offering photographers the experience of making black and white photographs through the lens of a full-frame, compact camera dedicated to black and white photography in its purest form.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom features a newly developed 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor based on its sibling model, though in line with its Leica Monochrom forebears the sensor has seen the purposeful omission of the color filter array to give it added light gathering potential and increased sharpness in true black and white. With a maximum ISO climbing higher – up to 100,000 – the Q2 Monochrom can see and capture immense detail and tonality in settings that have barely enough light even for the human eye. The end result is a compact camera that while expanding the Monochrom offerings from Leica, and bringing another black and white imaging stalwart to the family, also yields the most accessibility to this acclaimed formula of black and white perfection – for use in any and all situations the user may want to create monochromatic wonder.

The autofocus system locks on in less than 0.15 seconds and makes it one of the fastest cameras in its class. Ongoing improvements to the processor from the Maestro family have enabled an impressive 10 frames per second burst shooting rate at even full resolution that ensures the truly wonderful moments in life will never be missed. The range of creative options has also been expanded by the new video capabilities with 4K resolution. Brilliant, black-and-white video recordings can be made in 3840 x 2160 resolution and frame rates of 30 or 24 fps or, alternatively, in the familiar full-HD 1080p format with 120, 60, 30 or 24 fps – all with manual creative control at the fingertips of the user.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom’s ‘Made in Germany’ seal of quality guarantees that only the finest and most resilient materials are used in its construction. The camera’s classically textured leatherette ensures an optimal interplay of form and functionality – with matte black paint, grey and white engravings, elegant ”MONOCHROM” lettering on the top and the omission of the red Leica logo for unobtrusive shooting. The unique, intuitive operating concept of the Leica Q2 has been maintained, helping newcomers and existing owners alike feel at home right away through its ease-of-use. The menu has been streamlined and adapted even further to the special features of a monochrome camera. All color settings have been omitted and the menu has only been supplemented with settings for toning black-and-white images (blue, sepia, selenium).

A range of premium leather accessories are also available for the Leica Q2 Monochrom, including camera protector cases, carrying straps, bags and wrist straps in a variety of different colors. Additional technical equipment accessories pair perfectly with the new camera such as the Leica SF 40, SF 60 flash units, the SF C1 remote flash control unit, an additional thumb rest and a new handgrip that perfectly matches the body. Three new E49 color filters in yellow, green and orange, for direct contrast control right from the lens of the camera, are available for purchase as well. And when on the go, the Leica FOTOS app keeps the photographer connected to the Q2 Monochrom for mobile sharing and uploading their black and white creations.

The Leica Q2 Monochrom is available for order at Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers for $ 5,995 starting today.

Leica Q2 Monochrom specifications

Price
MSRP $ 5995
Body type
Body type Large sensor compact
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 8368 x 5584
Image ratio w:h 3:2
Effective pixels 47 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 50 megapixels
Sensor size Full frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Color filter array None
Image
ISO Auto, 100-100000
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format RAW
File format
  • JPEG
  • DNG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 28 mm
Optical zoom 1×
Maximum aperture F1.7
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Digital zoom Yes (1.2x (35mm equiv), 1.5x (50mm equiv), 2x (75mm))
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range 17 cm (6.69″)
Number of focus points 49
Focal length multiplier 1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.76×
Viewfinder resolution 3,686,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/40000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hotshoe)
Flash X sync speed 1/500 sec
Continuous drive 20.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 4096 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported)
Connectivity
USB charging No
HDMI No
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes (IP52 rated)
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description BP-SCL4
Battery Life (CIPA) 350
Weight (inc. batteries) 734 g (1.62 lb / 25.89 oz)
Dimensions 130 x 80 x 92 mm (5.12 x 3.15 x 3.62″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica Q2 Monochrom sample gallery

11 Nov

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Leica’s black-and-white-only variant of the Q2 has just arrived, and what better time to shoot monochrome than late fall? Take a look at some samples captured with a pre-production Q2 Monochrom, including some Raw conversions that highlight the camera’s outstanding flexibility for post-processing.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Step aside, Intel: Apple shows off its first Macs powered by its new M1 chipset

11 Nov

Apple today unveiled its first Mac computers powered by its new M1 chipset, ushering in a new era for Apple hardware as it leaves behind Intel in favor of its own silicon.

Apple M1 Chipset

Behind all of the new computers Apple showcased at today’s event is its new M1 chipset, the first chip designed specifically for Mac. Unlike past Mac computers, which required multiple chips from multiple suppliers, Apple’s new M1 chip puts all of them into a single system on a chip (SoC) design. This includes the CPU, GPU, I/O, security and memory.

The new chip uses a 5nm process, which helps to fit more than 16 billion transistors onto the M1. The M1 features eight cores—four high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores—that work together to provide better performance with lower power consumption. Apple claims the new M1 chip offers 2x the total CPU and GPU performance of the leading commercially-available PC chip and matches the peak CPU/GPU performance of the same chip using just 25% and 33% of the power, respectively.

One of the greatest advantages of the SoC design is the ability to use unified memory. Now, with the unified memory architecture (UMA), the M1 allows all of the individual technologies inside the M1 to access the same data without having to copy it between multiple memory pools. This should open up plenty of memory bandwidth for improved performance across the board. Apple specifically notes both video and image processing will see a major performance boost with the M1 chip compared to similar Intel-powered computers.

Apple also claims 15x the machine-learning performance compared to its previous-generation Intel-powered computers with the ability to perform up to 11 trillion operations per second.

Of course, one of the main benefits of Apple’s new silicon is battery performance. As we’ll detail below, the new M1 chip enables up to 17 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video playback on the new MacBook Pro 13”, while the new MacBook Air offers up to 15 hours and 18 hours of web browsing and video playback, respectively.

With the brain out of the way, let’s get onto the new machines using it.

The New MacBook Air

The new MacBook Air may look like its predecessors, but beneath the unibody frame is Apple’s new M1 chip, making it the first Apple computer with Apple silicon packed inside. Thanks to the new M1 chip inside, Apple says the new MacBook Air is 3.5 times faster than its Intel-powered predecessor, with 5x faster graphics performance and 9x better machine learning performance.

The new MacBook Air comes with a 13.3” retina display with P3 wide color gamut support, up to 16GB of memory and up to 2TB of storage. Other features include two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, a 720p FaceTime HD camera (really, Apple?) and Touch ID.

Apple claims the new MacBook Air can power up to 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of video playback on its 50Wh LiPo battery. It comes with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter for charging.

The new MacBook Air starts at $ 999 with the standard M1 chip, 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. There’s also a version of the new MacBook Air that starts at $ 1249 and offers an M1 chip with an 8-core GPU over the standard seven-core GPU; this upgraded version also starts with 512GB of SSD storage over the 256GB of the $ 999 MacBook Air. A full-maxed-out MacBook Air with the upgraded M1 chip, 16GB RAM and 2TB of SSD storage will set you back $ 2,050.

Mac Mini

Much like the new MacBook Air, the new Mac Mini looks identical to its Intel-powered predecessor on the outside but packs Apple’s new M1 chip on the inside.

Apple didn’t lay out the exact specifications of the M1 chip inside the new Mac Mini, opting instead to compare it to its Intel-power predecessor. Based on that comparison, Apple says the new Mac Mini offers 3x faster processing performance, 6x faster graphics performance and 15x faster machine learning performance, all while consuming 60% less energy.

Features include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 and Gigabit Ethernet.Ports include two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. When using the thunderbolt 3 port, you can drive Apple’s Pro Display XDR at a full 6K resolution in addition to a secondary 4K display.

The new Mac Minis start at $ 699 ($ 100 less than the previous generation), which includes the eight-core M1 chip, 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. A maxed-out model, complete with 16GB RAM and 2TB of SSD storage will set you back $ 1,500.

13″ MacBook Pro

The third and final computer to receive the M1 treatment today is the new 13″ MacBook Pro. As with the two previous computers, there is effectively zero external differences between this computer and its Intel-powered predecessors. Inside, though, it’s a different story.

As with the Mac Mini, Apple refrains from spouting the frequencies of the new M1 chip inside the 13″ MacBook Pro, opting instead to gauge its performance based on its Intel-powered predecessor. Based on that, Apple claims the new 13″ MacBook Pro offers 2.8x faster processor performance, 5x the graphics performance and 11x the machine learning performance. Unlike the new MacBook Air, which relies exclusively on passive cooling, the new 13″ MacBook Pro keeps its fans, which means you should be able to push the performance of the M1 chip even further when battery life isn’t an issue.

Speaking of battery life, Apple says the new 12″ MacBook Pro offers up to 17 hours of web browsing and 20 hours of video playback on a single charge—that’s roughly 10 hours more than Apple’s previous Intel-powered MacBook Pros.

Other specifications include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Touch ID, a 720p FaceTime camera (again, really, Apple?), P3 wide color gamut support and an upgraded three-microphone array. Ports include two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Like the Mac Mini, the new 13″ MacBook Pro can power Apple’s Pro Display XDR at its full 6k resolution.

The new 13″ MacBook Pro starts at $ 1,300 with the eight-core M1 chip, 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. A maxed-out model with 16GB RAM and 2TB of SSD storage will set you back $ 2,300.

It’s worth noting that both the Mac Mini and 13″ MacBook Pro can still be purchased with Intel processors, if you’re not ready to make the jump to Apple silicon yet. The MacBook Air, however, is now exclusively powered by Apple’s M1 SoC.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands on: Leica Q2 Monochrom

11 Nov

Hands-on with the Leica Q2 Monochrom

It was perhaps only a matter of time before Leica made a monochrome-only version of its popular Q2, and here it is! The Q2 Monochrom is a stealthy, niche camera aimed at black and white enthusiasts, and we’ve had one in our hands for a few days. Read on for all the details.

Newly-developed 47MP mono sensor

Contrary to some of the opinions occasionally posted in comments, making a dedicated monochromatic sensor is not a simple matter of just removing the color filter layer. While the base silicon of the Q2M’s sensor is the same as the conventional Q2, Leica has redesigned the microlens array, to account for the different thickness of the optical stack.

More resolution, more sensitivity

The removal of the color filter layer means that the Q2M’s sensor captures pure detail, without any need for interpolation (basically, the clever process by which neighboring RGB values get turned into a single full-colored pixel).

It also makes the sensor more efficient from a light-gathering point of view, since no light is lost to any color filters (the Q2M’s maximum ISO is 100,000 compared to 50,000 from the conventional Q2), and results in a claimed ~2EV improvement in terms of low light image quality and dynamic range, but it’s unlikely to be that simple (we’d expect a benefit of more like +1EV) and it’s something we want to test that as soon as possible.

And before you suggest it, yes, dedicated mono cameras are more than just a gimmick.

Same 28mm F1.7 lens

The Leica Q2M uses the same 11-element Summilux Asph 28mm F1.7 as its predecessors, and Leica assures us that while the lens has been around for a while, it’s more than capable of meeting the resolution potential of the monochrome sensor. If you’ve ever used a Q or Q2 you’ll know the deal here, but this is a fixed lens, with a large focusing tab, and an easy-to-use switch to move the lens into a close-focus range. While the Q2M’s autofocus performance is very good, this is also one of the best manual focusing experiences (despite actually being ‘focus by wire’) that you’ll find on a modern camera.

Q2-style ergonomics, per FW 2.0

You’ve probably already got the message, but functionally, the Q2 Monochrom really is just a Q2 with a modified sensor. That means it shares the same control layout (updated over the original Q) with a touch-sensitive rear LCD. One thing to note is that the Q2M launches with the same features that were added to the Q2 in FW 2.0. That’s things like a redesigned menu system including a ‘quick touch’ interface and the addition of exposure control in video.

Like the Q2, the Q2M is dust and moisture-sealed, and is IP 52 rated.

3.68M-dot OLED viewfinder

One of the biggest upgrades in the Q2 compared to the original Q was in the viewfinder, which moved away from the field-sequential technology used previously, in favor of OLED. While the 3.68M-dot panel (with 0.76X magnification) in the Q2 and now the Q2M is fairly standard for high-end cameras at this point, it’s still a great experience, offering a crisp, contrasty and detailed view. One small disappointment remains: there’s almost no eye-relief and the optically flat glass panel can create distracting reflections in some conditions.

BP-SCL4 Battery

The Q2 Monochrom’s BP-SCL4 battery is the same as the Q2 and should give comparable battery life. The BP-SCL4 is rated for 350 shots (CIPA) and in normal use, we’ve found that you can expect at least this many, and usually more images per charge, provided you stick to stills capture.

The small door on the opposite side of the baseplate (lower in this image) conceals a single SD card slot. The Q2M can be used with standard SD cards and faster UHS-II versions, but there’s no performance benefit to using UHS-II.

Summing up

And that’s it, really. The Q2 Monochrom is exactly what it sounds like: a monochrome version of the Q2. The only major difference is the modified sensor, but you’ll probably also have noticed that there is no color anywhere on the camera either. There’s no red dot on the front, and all markings are shades of gray on black. As such, the Q2M is one of the most discreet cameras around, almost as discreet as the taped-up M6 shown on the left in the image above.

The Q2 Monochrom will begin shipping immediately, at an MSRP of $ 5,995.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This $95 lens attachment turns the world around you into a globe using a little glass marble

11 Nov

We’ve come across a number of weird lenses and lens accessories over the years, but the Soratama from Zenjix certainly stands out from the crowd, for better or worse.

The lens attachment features a 72mm filter thread and is designed to go in front of nearly any lens you can find step down/up rings for. It uses a single sheet of glass with what is effectively a clear marble to turn the world around you into a little globe of sorts.

These globe-style shots aren’t new, per se, but unlike photos that use larger glass orbs, this attachment is smaller and means your hand won’t be in the image. We can’t attest to image quality, but the above video shows what kind of shots are possible with the Soratama. There are multiple versions of the Soratama being sold on eBay, starting around $ 95 with shipping.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pergear releases $165 12mm F2 lens for APS-C mirrorless camera systems

11 Nov

Budget photo accessory manufacturer Pergear has announced the release of its new 12mm F2 wide-angle APS-C lens for Fujifilm X mount, Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, Nikon Z mount and Sony E-mount camera systems.

The new manual-focus lens is constructed of 12 elements in 9 groups, including two aspherical and two high-refractive elements. The 12mm focal length offers a full-frame equivalent of 18mm on Fujifilm X mount, Nikon Z mount and Sony E mount cameras and 19mm on MFT mount cameras.

The lens features an aperture range of F2 through F22, a ten-blade aperture diaphragm and a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (.66ft). It measures in at 66mm (2.6”) diameter and 59.5mm (2.34”) long, and weighs only 300g (.66lbs).

The lens costs $ 165 for all mount options (Fuji X, MFT, Nikon Z and Sony E) and comes with front and rear lens caps, a lens bag and a mini air blower.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Leica Q2 Monochrom review

10 Nov

Our team at DPReview TV wanted a monochrome version of the Leica Q2 and they got it. Is this a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’? Nope. As Chris explains in our hands-on review, the Q2 might just be his new favorite camera.

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

  • Introduction
  • Stavely
  • Design
  • Displays
  • Dynamic range
  • In-camera crops
  • Nanton
  • Aperture weirdness
  • Toning
  • Fort MacLeod
  • EVF flare
  • High ISO performance
  • Internal reflections
  • Porcupine Hills
  • Durability
  • Video performance
  • Monochrome sensor vs. Bayer sensor
  • Who's it for?
  • Busted!

Sample gallery from this episode

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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