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5 Reasons You Should Use Mirrorless in 2020

10 Mar

The post 5 Reasons You Should Use Mirrorless in 2020 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Are you struggling to decide between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras? Do you want to know which is best for your needs? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’m going to give you the main reasons you may want to use mirrorless in 2020 over DSLRs.

And, if at the end of this article, some (or all) of those reasons speak to you, then mirrorless is probably the way to go.

If not, then I recommend you stick with DSLRs, because they really can produce amazing images.

Make sense?

Let’s get started.

1. Mirrorless cameras offer a live exposure preview

For me, this is the absolute best thing about mirrorless photography and the main reason why I bought my first mirrorless body.

You see, on a DSLR, when you look through the viewfinder, you see the actual scene before you (through your camera’s lens).

But if you look through the electronic viewfinder of mirrorless cameras, then you don’t see the scene in real life. Instead, you get a feed from the camera’s sensor, which incorporates exposure information.

See the area where you look through on the camera below? There’s a small OLED or LCD screen, which allows you to see a preview of the shot.

The feed isn’t perfect. It doesn’t always show you an accurate representation of the final image, especially if you’re shooting long exposure with changing light.

But it’s really, really good. And it’s extremely useful for those situations where you need to capture shots on the fly, because you have an immediate understanding of where your camera’s exposure is and where it needs to be. Just a few twists of your camera’s dial and – voila! – you’ve got a good exposure.

Note that there are also downsides to using these electronic viewfinders. They vary a lot in terms of quality, and even the best EVFs are nowhere near optical (DSLR) viewfinders in terms of clarity.

Plus, there will be some situations where you’ll want to work without exposure simulation, and this often means diving into your camera’s menu in order to figure out how to turn the feature off.

But if you’re the type of person who wants to know the resulting exposure before you hit the shutter button, then mirrorless is a great choice.

2. You can fit a mirrorless body in your pocket

I’m serious.

With some of the smaller mirrorless cameras, you can mount the lens on the body and stick it in your pocket, no problem.

You do need to use a small lens, but it’s still pretty impressive, and it’s another reason to use mirrorless in 2020.

In other words:

Mirrorless cameras tend to be much smaller than their DSLR counterparts.

In fact, the small size was considered the original groundbreaking advantage of mirrorless, and is still pretty great, even though DSLRs like the Canon SL3 and Nikon D3500 are really quite small.

That’s why mirrorless cameras are great for travel and casual shooting. Plus, you can take them into events without anybody noticing you’ve got a high-powered camera. This is also key for street photography, where you generally want to avoid attention.

Oh, and if you really want to take the small form factor to the next level, check out Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses. Their compact size will blow you away.

Here’s an example of the size variation you can find with mirrorless bodies, from the large Olympus OM-D E-M1X, all the way down to the compact E-M10 Mark III:

3. You can see in black and white as you shoot

Another reason to use mirrorless in 2020 is black and white photography. If you’ve ever wanted to shoot in black and white, but you felt it’d be too hard a medium to master…

…get a mirrorless camera.

Because if you use a mirrorless body with a viewfinder, you’ll be able to program it to display in black and white.

And, as long as you’ve got the viewfinder to your eye, you’ll see in black and white.

This means that you have an immediate boost in your black and white potential. Instead of struggling to see in black and white (which is half the battle of the b&w genre), you’ll be able to understand the black and white medium straight out of the gate.

You’ll see how different colors are rendered in black and white. You’ll see how black and white photos change as the light changes.

And you’ll become a much better black and white photographer.

In fact, even if you switch back to a DSLR, you’ll retain your black and white skills. Because your understanding of black and white will exist on a much deeper level.

Cool, right?

4. Mirrorless cameras offer true silent shooting modes

If you’re a street photographer or an event photographer, then I’m guessing that you’d love the opportunity to shoot without making a sound.

It prevents you from disturbing the silence in a wedding ceremony. And it prevents people from noticing that you’re photographing them on the streets.

Now, DSLRs often offer silent shooting modes.

But if you’ve ever tried one of these, they’re just…bad.

Sure, they make things quieter than the “thunk, thunk, thunk” you get from normal shooting. But they still leave the shutter quite audible, and I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable using them in a quiet room.

Enter mirrorless silent modes.

See, mirrorless cameras generally offer two broad types of shooting:

Shooting with the mechanical shutter (which is what causes the loud noise you get from a DSLR).
And shooting with the electronic shutter.

Fortunately, shooting with an electronic shutter is literally silent. You can hit the shutter button and no one (probably not even you) will hear it.

It’s perfect for street photography, and it’s amazing for event photography.

So that once you’ve used a true silent shutter, you’ll struggle to ever go back to a DSLR!

5. Mirrorless cameras come with all sorts of cool bonus features

When I got my first mirrorless camera, here’s one of the things I was most excited about:

The extra features that came with it. This is another reason to use mirrorless in 2020.

Sure, I was happy with the smaller size and the live preview, and those were the main reasons that I bought it in the first place.

But the extra features…

…well, I couldn’t wait to try them out.

I’m talking about things like focus peaking, which allows you to see, in advance, which areas of your shot are going to be in focus. It’s not perfect, but it gives you an approximation of the necessary depth of field, plus it’s just really cool.

I’m also talking about the manual focusing guide, which lets you select an autofocus point, then tells you when you’ve nailed it with manual focus.

This last feature has been a huge help for ensuring I get my point of focus right; it acts as a check on my manual focusing in landscape, architectural, and macro photography.

Now, not all mirrorless cameras offer these features. And there are some bonuses, such as Olympus’s Pro Capture option, that you’ll only find in a select few mirrorless bodies.

(Pro Capture, by the way, causes the camera to start firing at up to 60 frames per second when you press the shutter button halfway down, but then saves around a dozen shots from before you finally hit the shutter button, as well as dozens of frames after you hit the shutter.)

So before you buy a DSLR, check out the features hidden in different mirrorless camera menus. I bet there are some awesome ones that are worth a look.

5 Reasons You Should Use a Mirrorless in 2020: Conclusion

Now that you’ve finished this article, you should know all about mirrorless cameras, and whether you should think about purchasing one.

Because here’s the thing:

Mirrorless systems aren’t for everyone. There are reasons to use mirrorless in 2020, and there are reasons to shoot with DSLRs (and there are even reasons to shoot film!).

Now I’d like to know your opinion:

Why do you shoot mirrorless? Are there any reasons for shooting mirrorless that I missed? And if you shoot with a DSLR, why? Let us know in the comments!

The post 5 Reasons You Should Use Mirrorless in 2020 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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

10 Mar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Nikon?

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

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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UK’s ‘The Photography Show’ has been postponed due to COVID-19, is still on course for a 2020 show

10 Mar

The organizers behind The Photography Show and The Video Show, have announced the event is being postponed due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 (the coronavirus). Originally set to take place from March 14 through March 17 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, the event will now take place at a later time in 2020, if all goes according to plan.

In the statement shared on The Photography Show website, organizers say they have ‘taken the extremely difficult decision to postpone The Photography Show & The Video Show until later in the year, when we will be able to deliver the show you deserve.’

The organizers note any current ticket-holders will be able to use their tickets for the future event, whenever the dates are established. In the event attendees aren’t able to attend at the future date, they will have the option to receive a refund, including any ‘Extras’ purchased alongside the main ticket.

According to The Photography Show website, over 300 brands and 32,000 visitors show up annually to see the latest products and attend over 270 talks, demos and galleries over the course of the four-day show. Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, Rode, Sony, and Westcott are just a few of the featured exhibitors who are planning to attend the event. The organizers say they will ‘aim to keep the programme the same where possible, subject to speakers being available for the new dates [and] hope that the exhibitor list will remain much the same.’

You can visit The Photography Show’s website to view more details.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Tokina reveals updated 2020 lens roadmap with new lenses for DSLR, mirrorless cameras

07 Mar

Tokina, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary and had planned to reveal this information at CP+, has announced its latest 2020 lens development roadmap, showing a number of new lenses it plans to release in 2020 for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

The announcement, seen above, is split into four different sections, based on the lens mounts the forthcoming lenses are destined for. First up is the atx-i lineup for Canon EF- and Nikon F-mount camera systems. In addition to the previously-announced 11–16mm F2.8 CF and 100mm F2.8 CF Macro lenses, Tokina also teases an upcoming 11–20mm F2.8 CF lens due out in Summer 2020 for Canon and Nikon APS-C DSLR camera.

Moving onto Tokina’s atx-m series, the updated roadmap shows off three new APS-C lenses for Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount camera systems: a 23mm F1.4, 33mm F1.4 and 56mm F1.4. The E-mount version of these lenses (denoted by an ‘E’ after the lens name) are set for a Summer 2020 release, while the X-mount versions (denoted by an ‘X’ after the lens name) aren’t due out until Autumn 2020.

Tokina also highlights three atx-m series lenses for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. In addition to the 85mm F1.8 FE, which is currently available for $ 499 (Adorama, B&H), Tokina also highlights a 35mm F1.8 FE and 50mm F1.8 FE lens, both of which are due out in Autumn 2020.

It’s unconfirmed at this time, but it’s worth noting these lenses do bear a striking resemblance in looks and specs to a number of Viltrox lenses that have already been announced (and delayed).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020

06 Mar

The post 5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 Feature Graphic

In recent years, mirrorless cameras have come to dominate much of the photography market. So much so that, if you’re a DSLR shooter, you may feel like you’re lagging behind. You may feel like you’re using old, antiquated equipment. You may start saving up for that brand-new mirrorless kit. But should you still use a DSLR in 2020?

Here’s the thing:

While mirrorless cameras may be all the rage these days, there’s a lot to be said for DSLRs.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 – Nikon D6

And while there are a lot of benefits to going mirrorless, for some photographers, mirrorless bodies and lenses would be an unnecessary step sideways.

Or, even worse, a step backward.

That’s what this article is all about. I’m going to give you five reasons why you might want to still use a DSLR in 2020.

And you’ll come away knowing whether a DSLR still makes sense for your shooting needs, even in this increasingly mirrorless age.

1. DSLRs are much easier to work with in low light

If you’ve spent some time reading about DSLRs versus mirrorless cameras, then you’ll be familiar with the optical viewfinder and electronic viewfinder comparisons.

On the one hand, optical viewfinders are much clearer than electronic viewfinders, and they feel more real.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 — This Nikon DSLR features an optical viewfinder, which gives you a crisp and lifelike view through the lens.

On the other hand, electronic viewfinders give you a live preview of your image before you even take it, one that allows you to assess exposure from the moment you put the camera up to your eye. You also get other cool benefits, such as focus peaking (where you can see in-focus areas through the viewfinder), as well as the ability to “see” in black and white.

But there’s another key optical viewfinder benefit:

They look way better in low light.

When you’re shooting in darker situations, looking through an optical viewfinder is very similar to looking with your naked eye.

But looking through an electronic viewfinder is like looking through an old, poor-quality display. There’s noise everywhere, and this makes it tough to tell whether you’ve nailed focus and exposure.

Of course, it’s possible to look past these flaws, and you can still shoot mirrorless in low light. But it’s frustrating to look through a viewfinder and see a poor-quality image, so if you’re a frequent low-light shooter, you might want to consider sticking with a DSLR instead.

Now, EVFs are improving all the time, and there may reach a point in the future where the quality in low light comes close to that of OVFs. But right now, OVFs are dominating EVFs in the low-light arena.

2. You can shoot all day with a DSLR on a single battery

Another reason to still use a DSLR in 2020 is that DSLRs have much longer-lasting batteries compared to mirrorless cameras.

And if you’re the type of photographer who likes to shoot all day without stopping, or someone who goes into areas without access to electricity for days on end, you’re going to struggle with a mirrorless body.

Most mirrorless bodies are rated at around 250-400 shots, though you can get a substantial amount of additional life out of them if you make an effort to conserve battery. Even so, mirrorless battery life pales in comparison to DSLRs, which frequently feature capabilities from around 800 shots to 1500 shots and beyond.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 – Nikon D850 — This Nikon D850 has a battery life of 1840 high-resolution shots, which is much more than that of mirrorless competitors.

When I got my first mirrorless camera, I thought I was ready to handle the limited battery life. In a sense, I was: I had three original batteries, plus two chargers.

But even if you have the batteries to last a day or two, it’s frustrating to have to remember to charge them after every shoot. It’s also frustrating to change batteries during shoots, especially when working in the freezing cold or in bad weather.

So if battery life is a big deal to you, then you may want to stick with your DSLR.

3. DSLRs feel much better in your hand

I’ve used a number of mirrorless cameras, and I’ve also used a number of DSLRs.

And the DSLRs are far, far better when it comes to ergonomics.

You see, mirrorless cameras are much more compact than DSLRs on average. But in order to achieve the smaller form-factor, manufacturers have flattened body grips.

Sure, there are some mirrorless cameras that retain a DSLR-like feel, but many of the mid-level options from Sony and Fujifilm, not to mention the entry-level, no-viewfinder cameras from most manufacturers, have very limited grips.

And this makes them very tough to use for street photographers (who often shoot one-handed), as well as casual walkaround photographers. Plus, anyone who holds a camera for hours on end wants it to feel comfortable, not just usable.

In a lot of cases, mirrorless bodies just…aren’t.

Check out this DSLR, which shows the extent to which a deep body grip defines its shape:

So before you grab a new mirrorless body, make sure to head into your local camera shop and actually try it out. Hold it in your hand.

And ask yourself:

How would I feel after hours in the field?

If the answer is something along the lines of “Not good,” then you may want to still use your DSLR in 2020.

4. DSLRs allow you to comfortably view the scene with both eyes open

I’ve already talked about the difference between electronic viewfinders and optical viewfinders.

But there’s a practical consequence that comes with using an electronic viewfinder that I haven’t mentioned:

It’s tough to shoot with both eyes open.

Now, if you’re a landscape or portrait photographer, you may think this is silly. Why would you ever need to use both eyes while shooting?

But if you’re an action photographer, someone who shoots sports or even street photos, then you may like to shoot with both eyes open. This allows you to anticipate movement. It allows you to see what’s going to move into the frame before it happens.

And it can really take your images to the next level.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to use both eyes when shooting mirrorless. This is because there’s a feeling of disconnect between the electronic viewfinder and the optical viewfinder. Plus, even the best EVFs have some kind of lag; while this may be irrelevant if using one eye to shoot, it creates a level of disjointedness when working with both eyes.

This is one of the reasons why, by the way, plenty of sports photographers are still opting for a camera like the Nikon D5/6 or the Canon 1D X Mark II/III over mirrorless options like the Sony a9 II or the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. While the latter two cameras offer incredible specs, it’s just too difficult to use them with both eyes open.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 - Canon EOS 1D X Mark III — The Canon 1D X Mark III is a sought-after sports camera by professionals.

5. DSLRs offer a better lens selection

Here’s your final reason to still use a DSLR in 2020 over mirrorless:

The lens selection.

Now, there are plenty of great lenses for mirrorless systems. But the range just isn’t as expansive as the DSLR lens lineup that’s offered by Canon or Nikon.

Fortunately, there are adapters that allow you to use DSLR lenses on mirrorless bodies. But these can cost a substantial amount of money, and for some lineups, they’re just not ideal.

Some shooters won’t care about the limited lens offerings; if you’re a portrait photographer, for instance, you’ll probably be just fine with the lens lineup offered by any of the major mirrorless manufacturers. This is because portrait-type lenses are often developed first, as part of a “standard” prime and zoom series.

But if you photograph with more specialized equipment – a set of super-telephoto lenses, for instance, or a long macro lens – you’ll struggle to get the glass you need to really capture your images.

Note, also that switching from a Canon DSLR to a mirrorless system like Fujifilm, will cost a significant sum of money. You’ll need to buy a mirrorless camera, yes, but you’ll also need to replace your entire lens lineup. And while you can sell your DSLR lenses on the used market, they likely won’t get you close to the cash you need for a well-rounded Fuji system.

So make sure you keep this in mind before switching to mirrorless.

5 Reasons you should still use a DSLR in 2020: Conclusion

Now that you’ve finished this article, you know all about the five key reasons you should still use a DSLR in 2020 over a mirrorless camera.

And you should have a sense of whether a DSLR makes sense for your needs.

5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 - Canon Rebel T7i

Now I’d like to know:

Do you shoot mirrorless or with a DSLR? And why? Share your reasons in the comments below!

The post 5 Reasons You Should Still Use a DSLR in 2020 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

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The Sigma fp will get new features, functionality in major 2.0 firmware update due out ‘Summer 2020’

03 Mar

Sigma has announced it will be publishing a major firmware update for the Sigma fp in ‘Summer 2020’ that will bring along a number of new features and functionality.

According to the announcement, the update will add CinemaDNG 120/100 fps (FHD 8-bit) shooting, cinemagraph functionality, still capture during live view and movie shooting in Cine mode, HDR shooting, a Director’s Viewfinder recording function and Sigma’s software development kit (SDK), which should open up a realm of possibilities for developers to access certain functions of the camera.

In the meantime, Sigma says it’s also developing firmware version 1.02 (the latest firmware currently available for the Sigma fp is version 1.01), which will correct card errors when using specific SD cards and adds in-camera lens aberration correction processing. Firmware version 1.02 will be released on March 18, 2020, according to Sigma.

The current version 1.01 firmware and future firmware releases can be downloaded from the Sigma fp support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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ON1 announces upcoming Android, iOS mobile app set to ship ‘in the first half of 2020’

29 Feb

ON1 has announced it’s currently working on ON1 Photo Mobile 2020, a mobile app for Android and iOS that will be able to both capture and edit Raw images. The app will also sync with ON1 Photo RAW for desktop computers, with the ability to view, edit and sync images across devices.

Not much information is given on the teaser page, but from what information is available, it seems the app is part mobile camera app, part editing tool, with many features taken from ON1 Photo RAW. ON1 says the capture component of ON1 Photo Mobile 2020 will offer ‘pro-level controls you are familiar with on your interchangeable-lens camera’ and ‘is packed full of advanced features.’

As for editing on-the-go, ON1 says the app will offer ‘ the same power as […] in ON1 Photo RAW.’ Specifically, ON1 mentions the ability to enhance shadows, remove distractions, lighten/darken areas ‘and more.’ Put in more parallel terms, it sounds like ON1 Photo Mobile 2020 will offer highlight/shadow controls as well as a healing brush-style tool. Presets and local adjustments will also be available within the app.

The app will also sync with ON1 Photo RAW on your computer to ‘push edits […] back to ON1 Photo Mobile using ON1 Sync,’ a process that provides ‘a complete, open, photo editing and organizing system,’ according to ON1

ON1 says ‘ON1 Photo Mobile 2020 will be available in the first half of 2020’ for Android and iOS devices. No pricing information has been given at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Organizers say Photokina 2020 is still set to go according to schedule, despite growing COVID-19 concerns

29 Feb

This week, representatives from Koelnmesse, the organization behind Photokina 2020, sat down for a press conference in Cologne, Germany to address, amongst other details, concerns surrounding whether or not Photokina 2020 will take place as cases of COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe.

At the press conference, Koelnmesse Vice President, Christoph Werner, said ‘At this time, there is no reason to halt a large-scale event like [Photokina 2020],’ according to translated text from DC Watch. This statement was made even after consulting with the World Health Organization (WHO), the German Federal Ministry of Health and local authorities, according to Werner.

‘At this time, there is no reason to halt a large-scale event like [Photokina 2020]’

Kai Hillebrand, Chairman of the German Association of Photography, further elaborated at the press conference, saying ‘As long as the health authorities do not announce that trade fairs should be stopped in Europe, [the decision to participate] will be at the discretion of the exhibitors.’

In mid-September, well before the rise of the COVID-19 virus, Leica, Nikon and Olympus were confirmed to have dropped out of the tradeshow. Three months later, on December 6, Photokina confirmed Canon, Panasonic and Sony would be present for the 2020 event. No more than ten days later it was confirmed by PetaPixel that Fujifilm, too, would be absent from the show.

Between the departure of four major brands and the ongoing Coronavirus concerns, it doesn’t look promising for the Photokina 2020, despite being three months out. That said, until further notice, it seems as though everything is still set to go according to schedule, even as WHO raises the global risk of COVID-19 from ‘high’ to ‘very high’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Meyer Optik Görlitz will return once again, this time at Photokina 2020

29 Feb

OPC OPTICS announced on Tuesday that it will revive the Meyer Optik Görlitz brand it acquired in late 2018 with a debut at Photokina 2020 in Germany later this year. The company will bring half a dozen new lenses with it, including the Trioplan 100, Trioplan 50, Trioplan 35, Primoplan 75, Primoplan 58 and the Lydith 30.

The Meyer Optik Görlitz saga is a long one. The brand returned from the dead in 2014 when it was acquired by Net SE, which revived the lenses by using Kickstarter campaigns. Fast-forward to 2018 and Net SE was revealed to be insolvent; Kickstarter backers didn’t get their lenses and weren’t able to get refunds, either.

That led to the brand’s acquisition by OPC Optics in late 2018, something that soon resulted in a frustrating revelation: Meyer Optik Görlitz Nocturnus and Somnium lenses produced under Net SE were modified versions of Chinese and Russian lenses. OPC Optics disclosed the findings, saying that it would temporarily discontinue both of those ranges.

In the company’s most recent announcement this week, OPC Optics Managing Director Timo Heinze discussed the upcoming Photokina plans and the lenses that will premiere there, saying:

‘All lenses are completely developed and manufactured in Germany with the utmost care and attention to detail. The exclusive image design features of Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses enable the user to stand out from the crowd with an individual image language. We are proud of the high-quality realization of our product developments, but even more proud of all the impressive and unique results that photographers have created so far and will create with the new versions of Meyer Optik Görlitz’s lenses.’

Each lens will be presented at Photokina 2020 alongside 10 large format prints captured with the product. As of the latest report, the trade show is still set to go and will take place in Cologne, Germany, from May 27 to May 30.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Slideshow: Here are the 2020 World Press Photo nominees

26 Feb

Slideshow: Here are the 2020 World Press Photo nominees

Today, the World Press Photo Foundation announced the nominees for its 63rd annual contest. 4,282 photographers from 125 countries entered 73,996 images for consideration as either singles or stories across 8 categories. The nominees are 44 professional photographers based in 24 countries: Algeria, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Peru, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

17 photography professionals, chaired by Lekgetho Makola, made up the jury. Protests, political uprisings, and environmental issues were especially prevalent this past year as reflected in the nominations. In 2019, a new category was introduced: the World Press Photo Story of the Year.

The three nominees for the World Press Photo Story of the Year are:

‘Hong Kong Unrest’
Nicolas Asfouri (Denmark), Agence France-Presse
‘Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Crash Site’
Mulugeta Ayene (Ethiopia), Associated Press
‘Kho, the Genesis of a Revolt’
Romain Laurendeau (France)

The jury shortlisted six nominees for World Press Photo of the Year:

‘Relative Mourns Flight ET 302 Crash Victim’
Mulugeta Ayene (Ethiopia), Associated Press
‘Clash with the Police During Anti-Government Demonstration’
Farouk Batiche (Algeria), Deutsche Presse-Agentur
‘Straight Voice’
Yasuyoshi Chiba (Japan), Agence France-Presse
‘Awakening’
Tomek Kaczor (Poland), for Gazeta Wyborcza
‘Injured Kurdish Fighter Receives Hospital Visit’
Ivor Prickett (Ireland), for The New York Times
‘Nothing Personal – the Back Office of War’
Nikita Teryoshin (Russia)

The jury also nominated 3 single images and 3 stories across all eight categories: Contemporary Issues, General News, Environment, Nature, Long-Term Projects, Portraits, Spot News, and Sports. Winners will be announced at the Awards Show taking place on April 16th in Amsterdam. The World Press Photo Festival, featuring meetups and workshops, will follow on the 17th – 18th.

Starting April 18th, prize-winning entries will be exhibited throughout the year in 120 cities spanning 50 countries. The series of events is expected to draw at least 5 million people. A full calendar can be viewed here. For more information, visit www.worldpressphoto.org or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Injured Kurdish Fighter Receives Hospital Visit’ by Ivor Prickett (Ireland), for The New York Times

Caption: Ahmed Ibrahim (18), a badly burned SDF fighter, is visited by his girlfriend at a hospital in Al-Hasakah, Syria, on 20 October. She had at first been reluctant to enter the room, as she was horrified by his injuries, but a nurse persuaded her to go in to hold Ahmed’s hand and have a short conversation.

Story: By early 2019, the territory held by the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria had reduced to a four-square-kilometer patch in the southeast, centered on the village of Baghuz. The IS retreat from northern Syria had been under the onslaught of the combined militias of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and supported by an international coalition of primarily US troops.

As IS drew back, tens of thousands of people emerged from the enclave, many of them the wives and children of foreign IS fighters. Numerous IS fighters themselves surrendered or were captured. The Kurds were left with the conundrum of what to do with so many prisoners, many of them under 18 and orphaned or separated from their families. Then, at the beginning of October, US president Donald Trump ordered US troops out of northern Syria.

On 9 October, Turkey—which had long seen Kurdish forces on its border as a security threat, given the decades-long Kurdish insurgency against Turkey—invaded northern Syria, aiming to end Kurdish control over the territory. As Kurdish forces refocused their attention on a new opponent, the fate of the many thousands of prisoners grew even more uncertain.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Relative Mourns Flight ET 302 Crash Victim’ by Mulugeta Ayene (Ethiopia), Associated Press

Caption: A relative of a victim of the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302 throws dirt in her face as she grieves at the crash site of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302, outside Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 14 March 2019.

Story: On 10 March, Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302, a Boeing 737 MAX, disappeared from the radar six minutes after take-off from Addis Ababa airport and crashed into a field, killing all 157 people on board. The impact was so great that both engines were buried in a crater 10 meters deep, and any human remains were almost impossible to identify.

On 14 November, eight months after the crash, the site of the impact was covered and the unidentified remains of victims buried in rows of identical coffins. Comparisons were made with the crash of a Lion Air aircraft, also a 737 MAX, 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta in October 2018. Countries across the world, initially with the exception of the US, grounded the 737 MAX.

First reports showed that pilots had been unable to prevent the plane repeatedly nosediving, despite following procedures recommended by Boeing. It appeared that in both cases pilots were struggling to deal with an automated safety system designed to prevent stalling, which was repeatedly pushing the nose of the plane down. It seemed that the system was being activated, possibly due to a faulty sensor, even though nothing was wrong.

It later emerged that American Airlines pilots had confronted Boeing about potential safety issues with the MAX. Boeing had resisted their calls but promised a software fix, which had not been done by the time Flight ET302 crashed. Planes remained grounded into 2020.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Clash with the Police During an Anti-Government Demonstration’ by Farouk Batiche (Algeria), Deutsche Presse-Agentur

Caption: Students scuffle with riot police during an anti-government demonstration in Algiers, Algeria, on 21 May.

Story: Algeria had been embroiled in protests since February. Initially, protests had been aimed at ousting long-time president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, an 81-year-old veteran of Algeria’s independence struggle who had been in ill-health and not seen in public for some time. Bouteflika resigned in April, handing over to a military-backed caretaker government, but demonstrations continued.

Protesters demanded the cancellation of the presidential elections set to take place on 4 July and a return to civilian democracy. They also called for the departure of government officials associated with the Bouteflika administration, including the interim president and prime minister. Protests continued into 2020 without successful resolution.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Straight Voice’ by Yasuyoshi Chiba (Japan), Agence France-Presse

Caption: A young man, illuminated by mobile phones, recites a poem while protestors chant slogans calling for civilian rule, during a blackout in Khartoum, Sudan, on 19 June.

Story: Protests had begun in the eastern city of Atbara in December 2018, reportedly against the tripling of the price of bread, but then broadened in focus and had spread rapidly throughout the country. By April 2019, protesters were staging a sit-in close to army headquarters in the capital Khartoum, and demanding an end to the 30-year rule of dictator Omar al-Bashir.

On 11 April, al-Bashir was removed from office in a military coup, and a transitional military government was established. Protests continued, calling for power to be handed to civilian groups. On 3 June, government forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. Scores of people were killed and many more subject to further violence. Three days later the African Union suspended Sudan, in the midst of widespread international condemnation of the attack.

The authorities sought to defuse protests by imposing blackouts, and shutting down the internet. Protesters communicated by text message, word of mouth and using megaphones, and resistance to military rule continued. Despite another severe crackdown on 30 June, the pro-democracy movement was eventually successful in signing a power-sharing agreement with the military, on 17 August.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Awakening’ by Tomek Kaczor (Poland), for Du?y Format, Gazeta Wyborcza

Caption: A 15-year-old Armenian girl who has recently woken from catatonic state brought on by Resignation Syndrome, sits in a wheelchair, flanked by her parents, in a refugee reception center in Podkowa Le?na, Poland.

Story: Resignation Syndrome (RS) renders patients passive, immobile, mute, unable to eat and drink, incontinent and unresponsive to physical stimulus. It affects psychologically traumatized children in the midst of lengthy asylum processes, and seems most common in Roma and Yazidi children as well as those from the Balkans.

It was first noted in the late 1990s, and was thought to be confined to Sweden, though cases have since been reported in the offshore refugee detention center run by the Australian government in Nauru. Remission and gradual return to normal function occurs after life circumstances improve. The Armenian girl succumbed to RS while her family were trying for asylum in Sweden, but recovered eight months later after they had been deported to Poland.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee: ‘Nothing Personal – the Back Office of War’ by Nikita Teryoshin (Russia)

Caption: A businessman locks away a pair of anti-tank grenade launchers at the end of an exhibition day, at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 18 February.

Story: IDEX is the biggest defense exhibition and conference in the Middle East, and one of the biggest arms trade-fairs in the world. No official attendance figures are released, but according to UAE state media the event drew 1,200 global defence specialists, 1,300 exhibitors and more than 105,000 visitors.

Attendees include defense ministers, military chiefs of staff and key government decision-makers, who interact in conference halls, social events and back-office meetings. War is staged in an artificial environment where mannequins and screen images take the place of real people, and with outdoor demonstrations and daily choreographed battle displays on water.

2020 World Press Photo Story of the Year Nominee: ‘Hong Kong Unrest’ by Nicolas Asfouri (Denmark), Agence France-Presse

Caption: A man holds a poster in Shatin, Hong Kong, as people gather to sing a protest song, on 11 September 2019.

Story: Protests began to be held in Hong Kong at the end of March in response to government proposals to amend existing legislation and allow extradition to mainland China. Anti-government demonstrations gathered momentum over the following weeks as pro-democracy groups united, with students playing a large role in protests and in human-chain rallies.

On 12 June, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered around the Legislative Council building ahead of a debate on the extradition laws, and met with violent opposition from police. Protests continued to escalate, both in frequency and size, as did police counter-measures. The authorities banned the wearing of face masks, and at a demonstration on 1 October, the day marking the 70th anniversary of the declaration of the People’s Republic of China, police fired live ammunition at protesters for the first time.

After initially proposing postponements and amendments to legislation, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam eventually announced that she would withdraw the bill. This was done on 23 October, but protesters’ demands had broadened to include implementation of genuine universal suffrage and release of arrested protestors, and unrest continued into 2020.

2020 World Press Photo Story of the Year Nominee: ‘Hong Kong Unrest’ by Nicolas Asfouri (Denmark), Agence France-Presse

Caption: Students cross a road to school after participating in a human-chain rally, in Hong Kong, on 12 September 2019.

2020 World Press Photo Story of the Year Nominee: ‘Hong Kong Unrest’ by Nicolas Asfouri (Denmark), Agence France-Presse

Caption: A woman holds up an umbrella (a symbol of protest) during protests in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong, on 1 October 2019.

2020 World Press Photo Story of the Year Nominee: ‘Kho, the Genesis of a Revolt’ by Romain Laurendeau (France)

Caption: An old man sits on a staircase in Bab el-Oued, Algiers, Algeria, on 31 May 2014.

Story: Young people make up more than half of Algeria’s population, and according to a UNESCO report 72% of people under 30 in Algeria are unemployed. Pivotal moments in Algerian history, such as the ‘Black October’ revolt of 1988, have had angry youth at their core. Black October was harshly suppressed—more than 500 people were killed in five days—and was followed by a ‘black decade’ of violence and unrest. Thirty years on, the effects of that decade are still present. In a traumatized country, high unemployment leads to boredom and frustration in everyday life and many young people feel disassociated from the state and its institutions.

In neglected working-class neighbourhoods such as Bab el-Oued in Algiers, young people often seek refuge in diki—private places that are ‘bubbles of freedom’ away from the gaze of society and from conservative social values. But the sense of community and solidarity is often not enough to erase the trials of poor living conditions. In February 2019, thousands of young people from working-class neighbourhoods again took to the streets in what became a nationwide challenge to the reign of long-time president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Kho (the word means ‘brother’ in colloquial North-African Arabic) is about the genesis of a revolt. It is the story of the deep unease of youth, who, by daring to challenge authority, inspired the rest of the population to join their action, giving birth to the largest protest movement in Algeria in decades.

2020 World Press Photo Story of the Year Nominee: ‘Kho, the Genesis of a Revolt’ by Romain Laurendeau (France)

Caption: Football fans sing during a championship match in the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, Algeria, on 22 December 2015.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee, Nature Singles: ‘Roadrunner Approaching the Border Wall’ by Alejandro Prieto (Mexico)

Caption: A greater roadrunner approaches the border wall at Naco, Arizona, USA on 28 April.

Story: The wall along the US border with Mexico, championed by US president Donald Trump, will run through one of the most biologically rich and diverse regions of North America, disrupting animal corridors, their habitats and access to water and food. More than 1,000 km of the 3,100 km-long border is closed by such barricades, with the president proposing a further 800 km by early 2021. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has warned that the impermeable barrier, associated human activity, and all-night bright lights could negatively impact 23 endangered and at-risk species.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee, Contemporary Issues Singles: ‘Hitler’s Birthday / Easter Weekend’ by Mark Peterson (United States), Redux Images for New York

Caption: Members of the white supremacist group Shield Wall Network celebrate Hitler’s birthday, on Lake Dardanelle, Arkansas, USA, on 20 April.

Story: Right-wing extremist activity has grown in the US over the past decade, according to a study published by Washington-based think-tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The study points to the rise in internet and social media use by far-right groups, connections between local and international groups, and political developments in the US as major contributing factors.

Although the rise began before Donald Trump began campaigning for the US presidency, the study suggests that individuals have been energized by his election. In September, US Homeland Security named white supremacy a leading terrorist threat. FBI director Christopher Wray later told the House Judiciary Committee that far-right activity posed a steady threat of violence to the US.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee, Sports Singles: ‘Liverpool Champions League Victory Parade’ by Oli Scarff (United Kingdom), Agence France-Presse

Caption: A trophy-shaped balloon floats over the crowd in Liverpool, England, as football fans line the streets on 2 June during the open-top bus parade celebrating Liverpool’s win against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Champions League final.

Story: Some 750,000 fans turned out for the parade, according to Merseyside Police. The 2-0 win at the Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain, the day before, delivered the first trophy for Liverpool since winning the English Football League Cup in 2012, and the first win in seven finals for coach Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool last won the UEFA Champions League in 2005.

2020 World Press Photo of the Year Nominee, Environment Singles: Battling the Marsh Fire by Noah Berger (United States), for Associated Press

Caption: Firefighters battle the Marsh Complex Fire, near the town of Brentwood, California, USA on 3 August.

Story: The Marsh Complex Fire began near Marsh Creek Road in Contra Costa County on 3 August and burned until 7 August, laying waste to more than 300 hectares of land. Roughly 81,000 hectares (200,000 acres) burned state-wide in California in 2019, compared with 765,000 in 2018, and 525,000 in 2017. California usually has a fire season in the fall, when strong winds blow across forests and brushland that has dried out from summer heat and not yet experienced winter rains.

Many scientists attributed the early fires to the climate crisis, saying that a warmer atmosphere means that the vegetation is drying out more than it did a century ago. Old, faulty equipment belonging to the state’s largest electricity companies has also been blamed for sparking fires in windy weather. President Donald Trump accused the Californian state government of bad forest management, saying that was the cause of the fires.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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