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  • Newly enthused: hands on with the Canon EOS 80D

    Announcing the Canon EOS 80D

    Canon has announced the EOS 80D, the successor to very capable EOS 70D that, notably, introduced Dual Pixel autofocus. The 80D brings some marked improvements to Canon’s mid-market, enthusiast line, including a new 45-point AF module and updated Dual Pixel AF.

    Body-wise, the 80D remains very similar to the 70D, which means a polycarbonate exterior with water and dust resistance. A few things have changed: the Q and Playback buttons on the back have shrunk, a headphone socket has been added, the remote port has been moved downward, and the stereo microphones have been relocated from the top of the camera (near the hot shoe) to the front, with wider separation (note the four small holes just left of the EOS 80D logo). Furthermore, the 80D now has a mirror vibration control system similar to the 5DS and 7D Mark II.

    Dual Pixel AF

    Possibly the most noteworthy improvement is that it’s the first time Canon has delivered continuous autofocus (AI Servo) in still live view shooting from a Dual Pixel AF camera, and only the second time Canon offers continuous AF in live view for stills at all. Last time we saw it was in the the Rebel T6s (EOS 760D), which offers continuous AF in both stills and movie mode from its ‘Hybrid CMOS III’ sensor. However, its implementation is far from ideal, with significant hunting from Hybrid AF’s reliance on contrast-detect AF in addition to phase-detect AF. (Only some of the imaging pixels on the T6s are masked for phase detection, rather than having split PDAF-capable pixels across the entire sensor.)

    Our brief time with the 80D, on the other hand, left us very impressed. You can select your subject by tapping on it, and then as long as you keep the shutter half-depressed, the camera will quickly track your subject in all three dimensions to keep it in focus – no matter where it moves to within the frame. This means your subject tends to already be in focus when you’re ready to take your shot and depress the shutter button. The camera even continues to focus in continuous drive at 5 fps.

    Oddly, the much higher-end Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, skimps on this feature, only offering single AF in Live View. Previous iterations of Dual Pixel AF in the 70D and 7D Mark II also did not offer continuous AF.

    Metering sensor

    The 80D gains the same 7560 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor that we first saw in the Rebel T6s and T6i (EOS 760D and 750D). It’s essentially a low resolution image sensor: a marked improvement over the 63-zone dual layer sensor in the 70D, promising more accurate metering through scene analysis.

    In addition to metering, this sensor is also used to give the camera a degree of human subject awareness. Skin tones can be detected – and then tracked (in continuous AF mode) – to aid the AF system in finding and focusing on a human subject. Our initial, informal testing leads us to believe this isn’t nearly as reliable as ‘proper’ face detection – which the 1DX II, and the 80D itself in Live View, offer.

    The camera doesn’t offer Canon’s ‘Intelligent Tracking and Recognition’ (iTR) system, that uses the metering sensor as well as distance information to track subjects around the frame. For reliable continuous AF, you’ll want to stick to a single point and try to manually follow your subject.

    The metering sensor brings another important benefit: it monitors the characteristics of the scene illumination, not only trying to interpret an appropriate white balance for the scene but also checking for flickering in the light source. If flicker is detected, the camera can delay its shooting during continuous drive such that it always shoots at the brightest point during the light’s flicker cycle; helping to give more consistent results.

    New 45-point AF module

    The 80D has received a new autofocus module. It’s a big step up from the EOS 70D, now offering 45 AF points – a considerable upgrade from the 19 AF points on the older model. All of these are cross-type, sensitive to both horizontal and vertical detail, giving all points the ability to focus in challenging, low light and low contrast (including backlit) situations. 27 points remain cross-type even when using a lens/teleconverter combination that has a F8 maximum aperture (ideal for birding and wildlife). Impressive.

    The central AF point is rated as working down as far as -3EV in Single AF (One-Shot), which should mean the camera remains usable in extremely dark situations. It’s also a dual cross-type, high precision sensor with F2.8 and faster lenses, which brings enhanced accuracy to focus – particularly important when dealing with the shallow depth-of-field associated with fast primes.

    Wi-Fi/NFC/GPS

    The EOS 70D already included Wi-Fi but the 80D extends the capability by adding NFC (near-field communication). This simplifies the pairing process for Android devices and also provides compatibility with Canon’s Connect Station storage/viewing unit.

    The 80D also gains built-in GPS, which adds the ability to capture location data at the point of capture. This can be hugely useful when it comes to managing your files afterwards, as you have an additional, meaningful data point associated with your images, without the need to manually tag or keyword the files.

    Video improvements

    The EOS 80D gains some significant upgrades when it comes to movie shooting. The most obvious change is the addition of 1080/60p video (and 50p for PAL shooters). In addition, the camera gains a headphone socket for audio monitoring while recording. Importantly, the mic and headphone sockets are angled for good reason: you can swing the articulating LCD and angle it upward or downward without it running into connected audio components. This allows videographers to make full use of the articulating screen while filming.

    Add to this little changes like the movement of the built-in mics to the front of the body, rather than the haunches of the hot shoe, and the 80D shows signs that a lot of thought has been put into video.

    Sadly there’s no C-Log gamma option (a very flat tone curve useful for color grading), no focus peaking or zebra warnings and no ‘clean’ HDMI output for external recording, making clear this isn’t intended for video professionals. However, the maximum ISO setting has received a boost and, much like the 1D X II, the combination of touchscreen and Dual Pixel AF should make it easier for non-pros to get good results.

    New kit zoom with Nano USM

    Alongside the EOS 80D, Canon has announced a new version of its 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM makes use of a new type of focus motor that Canon is branding ‘Nano USM.’ The company declined to give any further detail about the technology behind the actuator but said that it’s able to offer the speed of a ring-type USM motor but is as quiet and smooth as the existing STM (stepper motor) designs.

    Canon says the latest version will be 2.5x faster to focus than the existing STM version at the wide-angle end of the range and 4.3x faster at the long end of the zoom. We were very impressed in our own informal tests: the lens is able to ‘snap’ into focus almost instantaneously, even from extreme defocus. The Nano USM design is likely to be used on other lenses in future but can only be applied on lenses with single, light focus elements.

    The lens’ stabilization is rated a 4 stops by CIPA standards.

    PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter

    Furthering the video capabilities of the 80D+18-135mm USM combination is the PZ-E1 zoom motor. It’s a clip-on unit that allows the 18-135mm to be zoomed in a controlled manner for video shooting. The PZ-E1 offers two zoom speed modes (high and low), both of which then offer variable zoom speed.

    In fast mode the drive can take between 2.4 and 14 seconds to zoom from one extreme of the lens to the other, or 9.5-14 seconds in slow mode. This zoom can be controlled via Wi-Fi app or the desktop-based Smart Utility, as well as the on-body controls.

    We really like Canon’s approach in offering the PZ-E1 as a separate unit. It means that stills-only shooters don’t end up having to buy a heavier, more expensive lens for a feature they don’t want but, at a list price of $ 150, videographers don’t have to spend too much to gain smooth zooming.

    Canon says other lenses will be made compatible with the drive unit in future.

    DM-E1 shotgun mic

    Canon has also announced a hot-shoe-mounted shotgun microphone. It’s compatible with pretty much any camera that has a 3.5mm (1/8″) socket. There’s nothing camera or brand-specific about it, but it’s interesting that Canon has decided to start offering video-specific accessories. The DM-E1 will set you back around $ 250.

    Summary

    Canon’s ‘##D’ series cameras have generally been fairly subtle and progressive evolutions, compared to the previous models (with the exception of the lower-priced 60D, but that appears to have been a temporary blip), and the 80D follows this pattern. Almost every aspect of the latest camera has been upgraded, most of which try to make image-taking faster and more consistent. The AF module has significantly advanced from the 70D, particularly for wildlife photographers that will appreciate expansive F8 focusing. Dual Pixel AF has been upgraded to allow continuous live view AF in still shooting that is competitive with some of the best mirrorless cameras. In fact, face detection and subject tracking are so good in live view that those looking for an easy way to shoot human subjects might even opt to shoot in live view rather than through the viewfinder.

    We suspect, though, that the biggest impact might be felt by those users who want to shoot video. The bump-up to offering 1080/60p is useful, either for capturing fast motion or giving a bit of a slow-mo option, but it’s the addition of a headphone socket and the optional power zoom adapter that should make it easier-than-ever to shoot in-camera footage (at the expense of some tools more experienced videographers might expect). And Dual Pixel AF remains one of the most compelling video AF solutions to date.

    Combine all this with the advantages of an optical viewfinder and thoughtful ergonomics, and you have a solid addition to the ‘##D’ line.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • First shots: Pentax K-1 pre-production sample gallery

    After being introduced to the long-awaited Pentax K-1, staff contributors Jordan Stead and Sam Spencer took a quick stroll with the K-1 and a handful of lenses: the recently announced 15-30mm, the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm. As an added bonus, and to our delight, we found the 70mm F2.4’s image circle covers full-frame, so we snapped some samples with it as well. Take a look to see what this pre-production 36MP contender is capable of.

    Take a look at our Pentax K-1 pre-production real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Special K? Pentax K-1 First Impressions Review

    After years of promises and months of teasing, Ricoh has finally unveiled the Pentax K-1, a 36.4MP full-frame DSLR built around the K lens mount. It becomes the only conventional DSLR to offer a full frame sensor with image stabilization.

    The camera is extensively sealed and features magnesium alloy construction. But despite its range-topping status and high-end build, it has a relatively low list price of $ 1799.

    Pentax K-1 Key Specifications

    • 36.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter
    • 5-axis image stabilization rated to 5 stops by CIPA standard testing
    • 100% pentaprism viewfinder with 0.7x magnification
    • 33-point AF system (25 cross-type)
    • Extensive weather-sealing
    • 1/200 sec flash sync speed
    • 14-bit Raw recording (DNG or PEF)
    • AA filter simulation
    • Multi-shot Pixel Shift Resolution mode
    • Built-in GPS with electro-magnetic compass and Astrotracer function
    • 4.4 fps continuous shooting (6.5 fps in APS-C crop mode)
    • Wi-Fi
    • 1080/30p video

    Sensor-shift cleverness

    As this list of spec highlights should make clear, the K-1 makes the most of its moveable sensor. As well as the image stabilization, which is rated to an impressive 5 stops, the camera offers a host of other clever features. These include anti-aliasing filter simulation which vibrates the sensor during exposure to intentionally blur high frequency detail across multiple pixels, to avoid moiré. Then there’s the Pixel Shift Resolution mode that increases color resolution by shooting four consecutive images with the sensor moved by one pixel – effectively canceling the Bayer color filter array and lowering noise by image averaging.

    The other sensor-shift modes are also clever: the K-1 includes Horizon Correction, which rotates the sensor if you hold the camera slightly off-level, and the Astrotracer system that uses the sensor’s movement to cancel-out the effect of the Earth’s rotation when taking images of stars (something it can calculate using its GPS).

    Upgraded AF and metering

    The sensor at the heart of the SAFOX 12 AF module. It gives 33 AF points in all, 25 of which are cross type and three of which offer greater accuracy when paired with bright lenses.

    The camera gets a new AF module (called SAFOX 12) which features 33 focus points, 25 of which are cross type. The central three of these offer higher precision when used with F2.8 or faster lenses and they continue to focus down as far as -3EV.

    An 86,000-pixel RGB metering sensor acts to offer 77-segment metering but also aids the camera’s autofocus system, enabling scene analysis and subject detection to yield accurate exposures and automatically select the correct AF point to stay on your subject (subject tracking) when using continuous AF.

    Core competence

    Overall, though, it’s not the clever use of the sensor that most stands out about the K-1, it’s Ricoh’s obvious focus on the core photographic capabilities. There’s a reason we chose to list the viewfinder size so far up the list of specifications – it’s because we think it’s something users coming from existing Pentax cameras will most appreciate. Sure, there are multiple exposure modes and time lapse options, but the things that most jumped out are the high resolution sensor, the well positioned dials, the large viewfinder and image stabilization – the core things that help you to get better images. Speaking of core things: some may bemoan the omission of a dedicated AF point control, though the four way controller can be re-purposed for this.

    Which isn’t to say the K-1 is entirely without the occasional flourish. Aside from clever sensor shift modes (that some – particularly landscape – photographers will surely come to love), the most obvious of these is its ‘Cross-Tilt’ LCD. The Cross-Tilt mechanism takes a tilting LCD cradle and mounts it on four legs that slide along a cross-shaped series of slots, allowing the screen to extend outwards and move in a complex manner, before the screen itself is tilted up/down.

    The K-1’s Cross-Tilt LCD system has all the elegance of two deck chairs mating, but it provides a useful range of articulation.

    Mounted to the back of the LCD are four white LEDs that can be used to shed light on the rear controls. Another LED, whose behavior can be set independently, shines a light on the lens mount for easier alignment when swapping lenses in the dark. The camera’s card bay and remote release port are also illuminated by LEDs.

    For the most part, though, the camera’s focus is very much toward a traditional approach to still photography. Video capture tops-out at 1080/30p (which can also be encoded as 60i, if you prefer), which is a long way from cutting edge, but we very much doubt that Ricoh has would-be film makers in mind with this model.

    Still shooters are likely to appreciate the camera’s Smart Function system, which adds a third command dial to the top right corner of the camera and a further control to define its function. The three dials give direct control over three of the camera’s parameters with the ability to customize one of them without going anywhere near a menu.

    Pricing

    And how much does Ricoh want for this twin-dial, weather-sealed, magnesium alloy, image-stabilized full frame camera? The list price is a fiercely competitive $ 1799, body only. To put that in perspective, that’s $ 200 lower than the launch price of Nikon’s more basic D610 and $ 300 less than what Canon originally expected for the EOS 6D, meaning there’s only a $ 100 premium over the list price of Sony’s image-stabilized a7 II.

    This is a very similar pattern we’ve seen from Ricoh before, with the company’s models often including higher-end features (twin control dials, prism viewfinders and weather sealing) at a lower price than you’d need to spend to get them from one of the other DSLR makers.

    Lens lineup

    At present, Pentax offers a mixture of full-frame compatible lenses, including a handful of screw-drive FA prime lenses from the film-era and the much-loved 31, 43 and 77mm FA Limiteds from the late ’90s/early 2000s. However, the company is already starting to flesh-out a range of more modern ‘D FA’ zooms, including a 15-30mm F2.8, a 24-70mm F2.8 (both suspiciously reminiscent of certain current Tamron-branded zooms) a 70-200mm F2.8 and an 150-400mm F4.5-5.6. For now, though, those looking for modern, fast-focusing primes will be disappointed.

    But that isn’t the whole story, of course. Part of the reason for all the interest in a full-frame Pentax is the vast collection of K-mount lenses that exist around the world. The K-1 lets you use the aperture rings on these lenses and can give a focus confirmation beep with the central AF point, even with manual focus lenses. When you mount an older, manual lens the K-1 prompts you to manually specify the focal length so that the image stabilization can be tuned appropriately.

     Review History
    17 Feb 2016 First Impression Review based on Pre-Production camera running Firmware 0.3

    If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

    Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

    We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X, Y, and Z and ideally A, B, and C.

    This article is Copyright 1998 – 2016 and may NOT in part or in whole be reproduced in any electronic or printed medium without prior permission from the author.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • A closer look: Iconasys Product Photography Turntable

    You may have noticed a new feature in our camera reviews lately – an interactive, 360-degree view. With selectable hot spots, the 360-view gives our readers a closer look at a camera’s notable body features. We’ve been excited to roll them out in reviews like the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II, and now you can take a look at how we put them together using the Iconasys 360 Product Photography Turntable. Peek behind the scenes and see how it works, and give us your feedback on the new feature in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • FlatCam prototype eliminates lens using pinhole-like sensor mask

     

    A team of researchers at Rice University are developing a thin, lensless camera called FlatCam, which replaces the traditional lens with a grid-like coded mask essentially made of multiple pinholes positioned directly over the sensor. From there, raw data from the camera – which looks nothing like an actual image – is sent to a computer where an algorithm demultiplexes the raw sensor measurements to reconstruct a photo.

    FlatCam was developed by Richard Baraniuk and Ashok Veeraraghavan, and while it isn’t likely to replace traditional cameras, FlatCam could find use in a variety of applications where present imaging technology isn’t suitable. Due to its lensless design, FlatCam is thinner than a dime and can be ‘fabricated like microchips,’ decreasing costs.

    Offering an example of possible future applications, Baraniuk explained, ‘We can make curved cameras, or wallpaper that’s actually a camera. You can have a camera on your credit card or a camera in an ultrathin tablet computer.’ The team’s paper details more potential applications, including surveillance, foldable cameras and wearable devices. They’ve even created a couple of video clips using the prototype camera.

    In its present form, FlatCam produces 512 x 512 pixel images; however, the team expects better algorithms and improved manufacturing will one day result in higher resolutions. One of the salient issues mentioned in the paper surrounds noise: a linear demultiplexing system invariably adds noise from all the mathematical operations, with higher spatial frequencies experiencing even more ‘noise amplification’ that ultimately limits resolving ability. These are issues the researchers are actively working on.

    The researchers recently talked about FlatCam on NPR’s All Things Considered; the episode can be streamed here.

    Via: Rice University

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony develops 22MP smartphone sensor with on-chip AF processing and video IS

    Sony has announced a 22.5MP Exmor RS imaging sensor for smartphones. The new stacked 1/2.6″ CMOS sensor, called IMX318, is smaller than most used by current smartphones and includes on-chip processing for AF and video image stabilization. Sony has used pixels measuring 1.0µm, allowing for a smaller sensor with higher resolution to be included in likewise slimmer mobile devices. For comparison, this sensor is 20% smaller than the 1/2.3″ chip commonly used in smartphones.

    Like many current smartphone sensors, the IMX318 uses phase-detection AF elements combined with contrast-detection to create ‘hybrid AF,’ and the company claims AF reporting 0.03 seconds. According to Sony, IMX318 has such an efficient data interface that pixels can be read at 30 fps from across the entire surface. This allows the company to use the whole 22.5MP resolution for video recording – although the footage is scaled to 4K – and full resolution stills to be captured during video shooting. HD movies can be recorded at up to 120 fps, and 720p footage at 240 fps.

    While this sensor is most suitable for the smartphone market, the technology could soon move into larger sensors for compact, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. IMX318 will go on sale in May, according to Sony, at a price of ¥2000/$ 17.50/£12.30 per unit. For more information see the Sony website. Below, you can see the sensor’s image stabilization system in action. 

    Press release:

    Sony Announces a New Type 1/2.6 22.5 Megapixel Exmor RS™, the Industry’s First*1 Stacked CMOS Image Sensor with Built-in Hybrid Autofocus and 3-Axis Electronic Image Stabilization

    Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) is announcing the commercialization of a new Exmor RS™ image sensor for smartphones and other devices that require increasingly better cameras and thinner form factors. The IMX318 is a type 1/2.6 stacked CMOS image sensor with 22.5 effective megapixels, and it boasts a more compact size, greater image quality, and higher performance. This new Exmor RS is the industry’s first*1 to be equipped with built-in high-speed hybrid autofocus (“AF”), as fast as 0.03 seconds*2, and built-in 3-axis electronic image stabilization technology for video. Sony aims to begin shipments for this new CMOS image sensor in May, 2016.

    *1: According to Sony research (as of February 16, 2016)
    *2: The time it takes to bring the picture into focus when the distance from the sensor surface to the subject is reduced from 2m to 2cm, given high-light conditions (2,000lux or higher).

    The IMX318 boasts a stacked structure and the industry’s smallest unit pixels, which measure 1.0?m (micrometers) in size. With this, the image sensor achieves a compact, type 1/2.6 size suitable for inclusion into smartphones, while still realizing a high resolution of 22.5 effective megapixels, among the top in the industry. This new image sensor not only boasts enhanced resolution, but it also matches its predecessor in image quality despite the IMX318’s smaller size and unit pixels (IMX230 predecessor model: type 1/2.4 sensor with 1.12?m unit pixel size). Additionally, Sony has succeeded in equipping the IMX318 with cutting-edge digital imaging features, namely high speed built-in hybrid AF and 3-axis electronic image stabilization for video, a first*1 for the industry. With this image sensor, the user can capture image stills of those decisive moments reliably in high quality, as well as high resolution video without fear of blur.

    Main Features

    1. The industry’s smallest unit pixel size at 1.0?m, achieving compact size (type 1/2.6) while realizing 22.5 effective megapixels high resolution

    As smartphones grow ever thinner, so too are image sensors growing increasingly more compact. In line with this trend, Sony has developed a miniscule 1.0?m pixel sensor that, despite its small size, realizes high image quality. To accomplish this, Sony employed manufacturing technology that improves light utilization efficiency, as well as circuit design technology that eliminates noise, a root cause of deterioration in image quality. With this innovation, Sony has realized an image sensor that delivers high quality images, while also boasting small optical size and a high resolution of 22.5 megapixels. Night shots have long been a weak point for the compact cameras used in smartphones, with the lack of light translating into excessive visual noise. The IMX318 addresses this weakness and realizes beautiful photography in nighttime conditions.
    *
    No drop in image quality from the IMX230 predecessor model (Left: 1.12?m unit pixel size) to the IMX318 (Right: 1.0?m unit pixel size), despite the latter’s smaller size

    2. The industry’s first*1 image sensor with built-in hybrid AF, as fast as 0.03 seconds*2, and 3-axis electronic image stabilization

    Hybrid AF
    Hybrid AF, which merges image plane phase detection AF with contrast detection AF, has previously been realized through the combination of an image sensor and an application processor. But with the IMX318, Sony has created the industry’s first*1 stacked CMOS image sensor with hybrid AF built into the sensor’s internal signal processor. The IMX318 leverages Sony’s high-speed AF technology that has been honed over many years, boasting an AF as fast as 0.03 seconds*2 (and as fast as 0.017 seconds when shooting video at 60fps). With this power in hand, the user can capture those decisive moments reliably in focus, whether shooting stills or video.
    *
    When shooting with hybrid AF: 0.03 seconds
    (Time required for focusing)
    Image plane phase detection AF: Utilizes dedicated image plane phase detection AF pixels embedded throughout the image sensor pixel array.
    Contrast AF: Works off the contrast of the subject.

    3-axis electronic image stabilization for video
    With the IMX318, Sony has also created the industry’s first*1 stacked CMOS image sensor with image stabilization functionality built into its internal signal processor. This sensor leverages the image stabilization technology that Sony has cultivated over its years developing cameras, realizing smooth 4K*3 videos with little camera shake by making effectively use of the signal output obtained from the external 3-axis (pitch, yaw, and roll) gyro sensor*4. Sony’s unique image stabilization technology incorporated into the IMX318 corrects not only camera shake, but also lens distortion, making for more beautiful videos. Furthermore, because image stabilization is achieved by processing within the hardware of the image sensor, less power is used than when it is accomplished by software processing in the external application processor. Since it enables smooth video shooting, this image sensor is suited for incorporation into not only smartphones, but also a variety of other products that tend to generate substantial camera shake, such as aerial drones used for image capture.

    *3: QFHD (3840 x 2160)
    *4: Gyro sensor: instrument that determines angular velocity through inertia.

    3. 4K and high frame rate video recording, through high-speed communications leveraging the latest MIPI specifications

    Sony elected to adopt the MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface) Alliance’s latest C-PHY 1.0/D-PHY 1.2 specifications for this image sensor’s interface. With this interface, the IMX318 is able to achieve more power efficient and faster data transmission from the image sensor to the application processor. As a result, even at the high resolution of 22.5 megapixels, transmission is realized for all pixels at 30fps. This enables seamless switching between high resolution video and still image photography, realizing the best of both worlds. Since the image sensor can transmit greater-than-4K resolution images for all pixels to the application processor, the user can capture 22.5 megapixel still images even while in the middle of recording video in 4K*3 at 30fps

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • ZY Optics launches improved Speedmaster F0.95 35mm lens, claiming 30% better resolution

    The new model (right) is smaller and lighter than the original version of the lens (left)

    The Shenyang Zhongyi Optical & Electronic Company Limited has introduced an updated version of its super-fast 35mm lens for APS-C-sensor cameras that it claims has better resolution and reduced chromatic aberrations. The manual focus Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm F0.95 II is also smaller and lighter than the original model, with a length of 60mm instead of 82mm, a filter thread of 55mm instead of 58mm and a weight of 460g/1.06lb compared to 680g/1.5lb.

    The latest version uses a new optical design that features 11 elements in 8 groups, and includes a single extra-low dispersion element, two extra-high refractive index elements, and three elements made in high-refractive glass. The company says the new design produces 30% more resolution via better overall sharpness and reduced chromatic aberrations. Performance wide open is also greatly improved, ZY Optics says.

    A click-less aperture ring makes the lens suitable for video recording, so it is a shame the Micro Four Thirds system isn’t supported in the initial offering. Fuji X, Sony E and EOS-M camera system owners will be provided for though.

    The lens costs $ 599, and you can learn more on the ZY Optics website.

    Press release:

    ZY Optics releases the improved Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II for Sony E / Fuji X / EOS-M cameras

    Shenyang China, Feb 14, 2016 – Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released an improved version of their first f/0.95 lens, Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II. The mark II verison features a drastic improvement of sharpness, better control of chromatic abberations and much compact size. The new version comes with a Fuji X / Sony E / EOS-M mount and is able to cover the image circle of APS-C sized sensors.

    Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II is a ultra-fast prime lens which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of around 53mm in APS-C cameras. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it extremely convenient to shoot at a low light conditions without flash. The new optical design incorporates a 11 elements in 8 groups structure, including 1pc of Extralow disperson elements, 2 pcs of Extra-high Refractive Index elements and 3pcs of High Refractive Index elements. This structure effectively improved the image resolution by 30% compared to the previous version from corners to corners. This also controls the chromatic abberations very well and deliver excellent image sharpness even at f/0.95.

    The new Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 is light and compact. The total weight is reduced from 680g to 460g, making it an ideal companion for the compact mirrorless cameras. Manual focus design and a click-less, silent aperture ring promote smooth handling and are especially well-suited to video applications. The lens is built in metallic enclosure with additional protective process and finest finishing, which gives extra durability and aesthetic.

    Pricing & Availability
    Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 is now available to purchase at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at our official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). The Recommended Retail price is USD 599.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Surrealism and intimacy: fine art portraiture with Fritz Liedtke

    Professional photographer Fritz Liedtke’s work spans the worlds of film and digital, from editorial and commercial work to fine art. A native of Edmonds, WA, Liedtke became fascinated with the creative possibilities and surrealism presented by modifying the focal plane of 4×5 cameras in high school and college. In this presentation, Liedtke guides us through a recent project titled ‘Astra Velum’ (Veil of Stars), wherein he focused on photographing individuals whose faces were peppered with freckles.

    ‘I wanted to try to create something beautiful out of something that many people see as blemishes,’ Liedke says. Of course, not everyone feels that way about their freckles, but throughout his project, Liedtke noticed that many people he put in front of his camera didn’t necessarily feel like they fit in with the overall concept of American ‘beauty culture,’ with its focus (pun intended) on near-flawlessness.

    Liedtke takes us through his post-processing and printing techniques, as well as guiding messages for those looking to start out on a personal project of their own. Keep your eyes open for interesting people to photograph, set goals for yourself, and perhaps most importantly, ‘don’t be afraid,’ Liedtke says. ‘Most people will be flattered that you want to photograph them.’

    Watch more talks, panels and demonstrations

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Picasa will be phased out in favor of Google Photos

    Last year, Google rolled out a stand-alone Photos app with unlimited storage, stirring up rumors that its photo editing application Picasa’s days were numbered. Sure enough, in a statement on Friday Google announced that Picasa will be phased to make way for Google Photos, detailing what it hopes will be a more uniform photo experience. The change will take place ‘over the coming months.’

    Google said in a statement, ‘We believe we can create a much better experience by focusing on one service that provides more functionality and works across mobile and desktop, rather than divide our efforts across two different products.’ To that end, Picasa users with web albums should log into Google Photos, at which point all the content will automatically be available in Photos.

    Users who aren’t interested in switching to Google Photos will be given a ‘new place’ to view, download and delete Picasa Web Albums, without the organization, creation and editing tools. Further details on where users will access their Picasa content aren’t provided.

    Support for the Picasa desktop app will end March 15. The Picasa Web Album changes will being rolling out on May 1.

    Via: Google Picasa Blog

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DxOMark Mobile report: Sony Xperia M5

    In terms of processing power, look and feel the Sony Xperia M5 is categorized below Sony’s Xperia Z flagship line of smartphones. However, like the Z-models it’s dustproof, waterproof and has a lot to offer in the photography department. The rear camera offers a 21.5MP Sony Exmor sensor with on-chip phase detection combined with an F2.2. lens, as well as 4K video recording. Scoring 79 in DxOMark’s Mobile testing, it sets the bar as the best mid-range device in DxO’s rankings – on par with previous-generation flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S5.

    Read DxOMark’s Sony Xperia M5 report

    See the full report on DxOMark Mobile

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)