360Photography

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  • Hands-on with Nikon’s latest kit at Photokina

    AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED

    Nikon’s stand at Photokina is split fairly equally between displays of its DSLRs and demonstrations of its new KeyMission 360, 170 and 80 cameras. We took a look at everything they had to offer, starting with the Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED. It’s as big as it is beautiful. At 106mm long and 95mm across, it’s quite a handful. That said, it didn’t feel disproportionate when mounted on a D5, despite its 985 g (2.17 lbs) weight.

    AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED

    The ‘E’ in the lens’ name means it offers an electromagnetic diaphragm. This not only operates faster than apertures operated by mechanical coupling, which is ideal when shooting at high frame rates, but also means many recent Nikon cameras can control the aperture even when they’re in live view mode, which is great news for video shooters.

    Nikon D3400

    Also on show is Nikon’s D3400, the company’s latest entry-level DSLR. It looks a lot like the D3300 and shares many of its specifications, with it still being built around a 24MP APS-C sensor. Without AA filter, in this instance.

    Nikon D3400

    The big news with the D3400 is the inclusion of Bluetooth Low Energy, which it uses to stay constantly connected to a smartphone. The iOS version of the SnapBridge app is now available, to which the camera can upload images automatically. The camera also includes a significantly boosted battery life (1200 shots per charge), but some of this will stem from the use of a less powerful built-in flash.

    KeyMission 360

    Originally announced back at CES in January, the KeyMission 360 is about to become available. Nikon says the two >180 degree lenses that combine to give 360 degree coverage are one of the aspects of the company’s expertise that it can bring to the sector.

    KeyMission 360

    From the top, it’s apparent just how small the camera is. In part the lenses have to be mounted close to one another in order for them to provide an overlapping field of view.

    KeyMission 170

    A slightly more conventional action cam, the KeyMission 170 offers a wide-angle lens that provides the field of view that the name implies. Rather than needing a special housing, the camera is itself already waterproof and shockproof, though an additional accessory is available to allow the 170 to be submerged to much greater depths.

    KeyMission 170

    The KeyMission 170 includes a standard tripod thread but Nikon says it will offer an accessory to adapt this so the camera can be used with common mounts designed for GoPro cameras.

    KeyMission 80

    They KeyMission 80 is a wearable style camera with a (you guessed it) 80 degree field of view, and is designed to be used in a vertical orientation. On the front is a 12MP 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor that’s capable of 1080/30p video – no 4K here.

    KeyMission 80

    On the back there’s a rear-facing 4.9MP selfie camera and a 1.75″ touchscreen. The whole camera is waterproof to about 1m/3.2ft, shockproof to 1.8m/6 ft and freezeproof to 14 F/-10 degrees C.

    Whither the DLs?

    Despite looking high and low, we couldn’t find any sign of the much-anticipated DL compacts. Prototypes are not yet available, we were told. We’re still looking forward to them, though, and are hoping there’ll be more news at Photo Plus Expo next month.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • SanDisk 1TB SDXC card prototype unveiled at Photokina

    Western Digital has introduced the first ever 1TB SDXC card, doing so under its recently acquired SanDisk brand. Though the card will not be available on the market anytime soon, the prototype does serve to highlight the next level in SD card capacity. This isn’t the first time SanDisk has unveiled a high-capacity prototype at Photokina; in 2014, the company unveiled its then-prototype for a 512GB SDXC card.

    ‘Just a few short years ago the idea of a 1TB capacity point in an SD card seemed so futuristic – it’s amazing that we’re now at the point where it’s becoming a reality,” said Stargate Studios CEO Sam Nicholson. ‘…High-capacity cards allow us to capture more without interruption, streamlining our workflow, and eliminating the worry that we may miss a moment because we have to stop to swap out cards.’

    Though Western Digital is showcasing the prototype at Photokina, it has not stated when it anticipates the card being available commercially, nor what consumers can expect to pay.

    Via: SanDisk

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Polaroid puts Snap Touch digital instant camera on display

    Polaroid licensee C&A Marketing is showing an upgraded version of its original Polaroid Snap digital instant camera. The Polaroid Snap Touch adds a 3.5″ LCD touchscreen on the back of the camera for easier framing and control of the menus and settings. Images are captured on a new and improved 13 MP CMOS sensor and the new model is capable of recording 1080p Full-HD video. Images and video footage are saved on a microSD card up to 128GB in size. 

    Remote connectivity through Bluetooth to the Polaroid Print app for iOS or Android allows for printing from other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and the app also offers editing functions including a range of filters and digital stickers. 

    As before, at the heart of the camera there is an integrated printer that uses using ZINK Zero Ink Printing Technology, allowing for 2×3” prints in under a minute. Up to ten images can be queued, so that you can keep shooting while printing is still in progress. Selfie shooters will appreciate the self-timer and a pop-up selfie mirror for easy framing.  The Polaroid Snap Touch is available in several colors and can now be preordered for $ 179.99. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8 ‘Blue Ring’ lenses

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    Phase One is showing off two new ‘Blue Ring’ lenses at this year’s Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany. We visited the Phase One booth earlier and got our hands on them.

    First up is the new 150mm LS F2.8 IF, which offers a focal length equivalent to 64mm on full-frame, making it a useful portrait prime. At first glance this is an enormous lens, but a lot of its apparent size is actually the detachable hood.

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    F2.8 is fast for a medium-format lens, which should ensure nice shallow depth of field when used wide-open for portraits. Here’s a view straight down the front of the lens. See what we mean about that big hood?

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    With the hood removed, the 150mm becomes a good deal smaller. The new lens can synchronize with flash at shutter speeds of up to 1/1000sec and can focus as close as 100cm/3.2ft. It uses 8 elements in 7 groups and accepts 105mm screw-in filters. It could be yours for only $ 6990/€5990.

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    Next up is the 45mm LS F3.5, which Phase One tells us will offer extremely good edge-to-edge sharpness, even wide-open. Aimed at landscape photographers, the 45mm (and indeed the 150mm) offers a simple auto/manual focus clutch switch. Shifting to manual focus is as easy as pulling the focus ring towards the camera.

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    Like the 150mm, the 45mm features a leaf shutter inside the lens itself, and it can synchronize with flash at shutter speeds of up to 1/1600sec. Construction comprises 10 elements in 7 groups.

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    Equivalent to a 28mm field of view on full-frame, the new 45mm F3.5 has a closest focusing distance of 55cm/1.8ft. It is available now for $ 5990/€5290.

    Hands-on with Phase One 45mm F3.5 and 150mm F2.8

    This is Lau Norgaard, VP of R&D at Phase One. He’s pretty pleased with his new lenses – what do you think? Let us know in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The new Lumix DMC-G85/G80 sits somewhere between the GX8 and the G7. It provides a much more advanced user experience and more rugged magnesium body than the G7 but without the 20MP resolution of the GX8. While the shape is very much like the G7 the build is significantly more solid and the grip feels more substantial. Panasonic has weather- and dust-proofed the body and introduced a new shutter unit that reduces shutter shock in mechanical mode and which offers an electronic first curtain mode for the first time.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The rear screen is the same 1040k-dot unit touch LCD that is used in the G7, and it features the same vari-angle hinge too. The viewfinder is also the same 2360k OLED but Panasonic has increased the magnification from 0.7x to 0.74x to make the view feel a bit bigger – which it does. The eye relief is also increased from 17.5mm to 20mm, to help glasses wearers. The layout of the back of the camera is much in the style of the G7, GX8 and the GH4, so will be familiar to those already using the Lumix system.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The top plate is pretty standard Lumix fare, with the dual control wheels on either side of the grip that can be customized for a range of preferences and activities. The head houses a built-in flash unit that can be used as an active or silent commander with the company’s wireless flash system.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The dial on the left of the top plate provides access to some of the drive functions of the camera. The high drive mode allows shooting at up to 9fps for 200 JPEGs or 40 Raw files, and the 4K symbol indicates where we find the 4K Photo modes. The new icon of a flower and a mountain is the Post Focus setting that now doubles as a focus stacking mode.

    The camera shoots a 4K clip running the focus from the closest to the farthest point in the scene, and in Post Focus the user can choose which part of the scene they’d like to be in focus. The same clip can be used to create a focus stack of either all the clips or clips just covering a particular range within the scene – so you can have full control of what is in and out of focus. The mode is only good for static subjects though. An addition to all the 4K modes is Bulk Save – which simply saves all the frames from any 4K Photo/Post Focus clip as 8MP JPEG files on the memory card.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The base features the battery chamber with an additional cover that suggests that a mains power adapter will be available to run the camera from a household supply. The battery used to power the G85 is the same DMW-BLC12E 1200mAh unit that is used in the GX8. The contacts on show here are designed to connect with the optional battery grip DMW-BGG1.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The Lumix DMC-G85 uses a 16MP Live MOS sensor that operates without a low-pass filter in the same way that the GX85 does. Panasonic has included the new Dual IS 2 5-axis in-body image stabilization system in this camera and claims it compensates for 5-stops. The system in the GX85 only claims 4-stops. The new system can combine with in-lens Mega OIS when it is available to alter the principle source of stabilization between the body and the lens according to the type of shake it expects from the focal length in use. The camera’s 4K video features are much the same as the G7’s but now include unlimited recording outside the EU and 60p/30p recording in PAL areas.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    Weather-sealed covers on the side of the camera reveal a micro HDMI port along with USB, microphone and a cabled remote release socket. There is no headphone socket unfortunately, but now we can stream to an HDMI monitor while recording 4:2:2 to the memory card. On the other side of the camera you’ll find the SD card slot – which has moved from the battery compartment so that it can be accessed when the grip is attached.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The grip provides duplicates of the top plate dials for adjusting apertures and shutter speeds, designed to feel just like their counterparts as well as to perform the same tasks. Even the exposure compensation button has made the trip, while a back-button offers AF/AE lock.

    Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix G85

    The optional grip DMW-BGG1 adds considerable bulk to the G85, making it much taller than the GH4, but it also makes the camera much more comfortable to hold in the upright position. It houses an extra battery that can be accessed automatically when the body battery is exhausted or when the user switches between the cells via the menu system.

    Panasonic claims that a new economy mode allows the usual expected 320 shots per charge to be extended to up to 900 shots by reducing the amount of time displays are on. The economy mode shuts off the rear screen during shooting and works most effectively for those who use the viewfinder.

    Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 First Impression Review

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sigma adds the 85mm F1.4 Art, 12-24mm Art, 500mm F4 Sport lenses to its Global Vision line

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    Sigma has announced three new full-frame lenses for its Global Vision Line. The long-rumored and long-awaited 85mm F1.4 Art, the 12-24mm F4 Art, and the 500 F4 DG OS HSM Sport.

    The 85mm F1.4 Art has been designed with resolution and bokeh in mind. A stronger HSM AF motor produces 1.3x the torque of the previous setup hopes to improve autofocus speed as well. The lens will be available in late October at a price $ 1199.

    The Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art is a new ultra-wide-angle zoom. It too features the stronger AF module, and also features the largest aspherical glass mold in the industry, which helps produce minimal distortion, flare and ghosting. The lens will be available in late October for $ 1599.

    The Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport uses lightweight materials like carbon fiber and magnesium alloy and features a dust and splash resistant construction. In Nikon mount it features a brand-new electronic diaphragm. The Sigma 500mm F4 Sport lens, in Canon and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October. The Nikon mount will be available in late November. The 500mm F4 will retail for $ 5999.

    Press Release:

    Sigma Adds the 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lenses to Its Global Vision Line

    Outstanding optical performance, ultra-wide zoom range, and versatile flagship sports lens headline the Sigma line-up at Photokina 2016

    Cologne, Germany – September 19, 2016 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading camera, DSLR lens, flash and accessories manufacturer, unveiled its new 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Global Vision lenses at the Photokina 2016 event (hall 4.2, stands B020, B028 and C029).

    “We are thrilled to announce three state-of-the-art additions to the Global Vision line. The Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art has been a highly requested lens and we are very confident those customers who have been waiting for us to deliver this lens will be more than pleased with the superior optical performance and zero compromise,” states Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “In addition, the re-engineered 12-24mm F4 and highly competitive 500mm F4 Sport lens both embody the world-class performance our Global Vision lenses are known for. We look forward to seeing the incredible images our customers will create using these new Sigma lenses.”

    Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art – The Ultimate Portrait Lens
    Delivering the ultimate in creative expression, the new Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens is engineered to support the highest resolution sensors on the market with an exceptional degree of sharpness. The high-performance optical system is purpose-built by Sigma R&D to produce the attractive bokeh effect sought after by discerning photographers. The lens’ advanced architecture features two SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements and one glass element with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and refraction. A re-engineered AF system brings 1.3X the torque of its predecessor, while other features such as a full-time manual focus override have been added, which can be controlled when the focus ring is rotated, even during continuous AF.

    The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

    The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens will be available in late October and retails for a recommended street price of $ 1199.00 USD.

    Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom for the Era of Ultra-High Resolution Digital Cameras
    Boasting the renowned Global Vision image quality from center to edge, the new Sigma 12-24mm F4 features the largest aspherical glass mold in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide angle zoom with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Encompassing the long history of Sigma wide angle lens development expertise, the new 12-24mm F4 performance highlights include constant F4 brightness and the brand new Sigma AF system with 1.3X torque boost. The 12-24mm F4 features lens elements made with FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to calcium fluorite in performance. Combined with an optimized power distribution, the result is outstanding image quality from center to edges. With a minimum focus distance of 9.4 inches at 24mm, photographers can compose incredible close-up shots with expansive backgrounds.

    The all new Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

    The Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art lens will be available in late October and retails for a recommended street price of $ 1599.00 USD.

    Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lens – Pro Fast-Aperture Prime Super Telephoto
    The flagship Sigma super telephoto 500mm F4 Sport lens incorporates the very latest in Sigma optical technology and innovation. Designed for the professional sports and wildlife shooter, the ultra-durable lens features magnesium alloy components, a carbon fiber hood, a water and oil resistant front element, and is dust and splash proof. The 500mm F4 features a drop-in rear filter slot for polarizers, UV and other critical filters. To help prevent damage during shooting and maintenance, the lens is also compatible with the exclusive SIGMA Protector LPT-11 (sold separately).

    The lens incorporates two FLD and one SLD glass elements, while the optimized power distribution helps minimize spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration. The optical system also effectively minimizes transverse chromatic aberration, which can affect the edges of the shots taken in the telephoto range. In addition, image quality remains exceptional when the lens is used with a Sigma Telephoto Converter (sold separately).

    Other key performance features include Sigma’s two-mode Optical Stabilizer for enhanced performance when shooting handheld for still subjects or panning and tracking for moving subjects. There is also a customizable AF “return” function for setting the focus position of one’s choice and returning to that preset distance.

    The all new Sigma 500mm F4 supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

    The Sigma 500mm F4 Sport lens, in Canon and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October. The Nikon mount will be available in late November. The 500mm F4 will retail for a recommended street price of $ 5999.00 USD.

    All Sigma Global Vision lenses, including the new 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art, and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Global Vision lenses, can be updated with the latest lens firmware from a workstation or laptop using the Sigma Optimization Pro software and Sigma USB Dock (sold separately).

    Tested for Optimum Performance

    Sigma lenses are born of well thought-out design concepts, exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and manufacturing, and advanced lens performance testing and evaluation. To this end, Sigma has developed its own A1 proprietary MTF (modulation transfer function) measuring system using 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensors. Even the most elusive high-frequency details are within the scope of Sigma’s quality control inspections. Every Global Vision lens is A1 tested, analyzed and approved before leaving the factory, ensuring maximum performance out of the box.

    For more information on Sigma’s industry leading testing, please visit http://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2012/a1-mtf-testing-for-new-sigma-lenses/.

    About Sigma Corporation
    Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, Sigma has been devoted the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning camera lenses, DSLR cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan.

    In 2012, the company introduced the Sigma Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sport. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony and Sigma, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last.

    Sigma continues its tradition of imaging excellence with the mirrorless sd Quattro, sd Quattro H and the compact dp Quattro camera line. Leveraging the ultra-high resolution Foveon sensor, the Sigma Quattro cameras are designed to produce the highest quality image with every shot.

    For information about Sigma, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com or follow the company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Metz mecablitz M400 flash unveiled at Photokina

    As promised earlier this month, Metz has launched a new flash at Photokina, the Metz mecablitz M400. This model is the flagship for the company’s new line of compact flash devices; it is more than 30-percent smaller than ‘traditional flash units,’ says Metz. Despite its compact size, the M400 is said to offer high-performance for all varieties of photographers and videographers.

    The mecablitz M400 flash offers Auto TTL mode, an adjustable LED video light, a max guide number of 40 (ISO 100), a 24-105mm motor zoom function, a 12mm integrated wide-angle diffuser and a completely pivotable reflector including a removable reflector card. The flash also includes an integrated OLED display with what Metz says is a simplified user interface for viewing and adjusting settings.

    The flash is available in variants for Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Pentax and Olympus/Panasonic/Leica cameras. Though the M400 is currently listed on Metz’s website, pricing and availability information hasn’t yet been provided.

    Via: Metz

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm goes medium format: What you need to know about the GFX 50S

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    Forget full-frame, Fujifilm is diving head first into the world of digital medium format and we’re frankly pretty excited. The GFX 50S will make use of a 51.4MP CMOS sensor and X-Processor Pro imaging processor. In terms of surface area, the sensor is 43.8 × 32.9mm or about 4 times the size of sensors used in the company’s APS-C cameras (and 1.7x larger than a full-frame sensor.) And if 51.4MP sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same pixel count as the Pentax 645Z and Hasselbled X1D (though Fujifilm says their sensor is newly developed.)

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    The GFX 50S is a mirrorless camera and the body itself looks a bit like a jumbo-sized XT-2. Set to launch in early 2017, several accessories will be available including a pretty cool clip-on accessory EVF ‘prism’ that can be tilted and rotated once affixed.

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    Other accessories include a vertical battery grip, which adds an additional shutter release for use in the vertical orientation, control wheel and additional power. Like the camera, the grip is weather and dust-sealed by design. The camera is also freezeproof down to 14°F. Though we’ve yet to hold it, Fujifilm claims the GFX 50S is much lighter than traditional digital medium format cameras and also a good bit smaller. 

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    The GFX 50S’ default aspect ratio is 4:3, however the camera can be set to shoot in a variety of other aspect ratios including: 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17. 

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    New sensor size, new lens mount: The GFX 50S uses Fujifilm’s new G-Mount, which has a flange distance of 26.7mm. When the camera launches (sometime in early 2017), three G-Mount lenses will be available. The GF 63mm F2.8 WR, shown above, is one of them. It offers a 50mm equiv. field-of-view (due to a 0.79x crop factor). There’s a possibility Fujifilm will kit that lens with the camera body and according to Fujifilm reps, that kit should cost ‘well under $ 10,000.’

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    Also in early 2017, Fujifilm will be releasing a GF 32-64mm F4 LM WR wide to normal zoom with about a 25-50mm equiv. field-of-view. Like the 63mm F2.8 WR (and actually all G mount lenses) the 32-64mm is weather-resistant.

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    The third lens to ship around the same time as the camera is the GF 120mm F4 Macro R LM OIS WR lens (bottom, left of center). It offers a 95mm equiv. field-of-view and optical image stabilization.

    It’s obviously no small task launching an entirely new system with new lens mount. But as far as glass is concerned for the GFX 50S, a normal fast prime, wide to normal zoom and a macro lens feels like a good start. And there are other lenses that will be coming later in the year, more on that on the next page…

    Meet the digital medium format Fujifilm GFX 50S

    In mid 2017, Fujifilm hopes to ship the GF 23mm F4 R LM WR and GF 110mm F2 R LM WR lenses. The former offers an 18mm equiv. field-of-view and the latter an 87mm equiv. Also, in late 2017, the company will release the GF 45mm F2.8 R WR lens with a 35mm equiv. field-of-view.

    That’s all we’ve got for now. We’ll update this article with more information and images once available. But for now, what do you think, is the Fujifilm GFX 50S a camera you’d buy?

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm working on square format Instax camera and film

    Fujifilm has announced that it’s developing a 1:1 format instant film and accompanying Instax camera for release in spring of 2017. The film itself will measure 85.6mm x 72mm, while the image itself will measure a square 62x62mm. That’s the extent of the information released at this point, though Fujifilm has created a teaser page for Instax Square.

    Press release

    New Square Format for instax Series
    A new format that drastically enhances the potential of photographic expression of instax

    PHOTOKINA 2016, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 19, 2016—FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is pleased to announce that its next generation format “instax SQUARE format film” and “instax SQUARE camera” are currently under development.

    With its 1:1 aspect ratio, square format photography is ideal for both portraits and landscapes, and has long been the format of choice for users enhancing their artistic expression. In recent times, the popularity of square format has increased to such an extent that it has become the de facto standard of smartphone cameras and timeline photos on social media platforms.

    Fujifilm believes that the instax square format has the potential to drastically evolve the role and presence of instant photography. By adding this new format to the existing mini and wide, a new dimension will be added to the wealth of possibilities of instax photographic expression, users will have a wider choice, and instax cameras and films will be able to respond to a broader range of photographic subjects and situations than ever before.

    In addition to the new square format film, a new camera which is able to fully express the attractions of square format photos is also under development. Further details are available at the below website.

    instax SQUARE Special content (http://instax.com/square/)

    Availability:
    Spring 2017

    Features:
    “instax SQUARE format film”:
    Image size: Height 62mm x Width 62mm
    Photo size: Height 85.6mm x Width 72mm
    “instax SQUARE format camera”: TBD

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony announces alpha 99 Mark II

    Sony has announced the a99 II, a 42MP A mount SLT camera to mark the tenth anniversary of the alpha series. It features 5-axis image stabilization and 4K photo with no binning.

    The camera will be capable of shooting at 12 frames per second with AF/AE tracking. It has 79 AF points on its dedicated PDAF sensor, which work in conjunction with 399 on-sensor PDAF points.

    Kimio Maki VP of Digital Imaging Group said: the market is changing. The move is towards an increased proportion of enthusiast photographers, he said. These customers demand sensitivity, resolution and speed.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)