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The Sony a7 III and Fujifilm X-T4 aren’t cameras we would normally compare head-to-head. Yet, they’re two of the most popular enthusiast models available today. Watch Chris and Jordan duke it out over which one is best.
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The post Canon to Drop Its EOS M Lineup in Favor of Crop-Sensor EOS R Cameras appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Bad news for Canon EOS M fans:
The Canon EOS M lineup, which includes popular models such as the EOS M50 and the EOS M6 Mark II, may soon be no more.
This comes from Canon Rumors, which reports that “two sources…suggested that 2021 will be the last year of the EOS M lineup.”
Over the better part of the last decade, Canon has developed two mirrorless camera lines:
The dedicated APS-C EOS M series, and the full-frame EOS R series.
But while sibling APS-C and full-frame cameras are nothing new, the EF-M mount is incompatible with the RF mount, forcing Canon to produce two independent sets of lenses. And as the EOS R series continues to soar in popularity, it seems that Canon has decided to throw all of its resources into expanding the RF-mount cameras and lenses while leaving the EOS M lineup behind.
Of course, this doesn’t mean Canon will stop selling its EOS M models; the EOS M50 Mark II was only announced this past fall, and EOS M cameras are, by all accounts, performing well. But I wouldn’t hold out hope for any additional EOS M cameras or lenses. According to Canon Rumors, “the EOS M50 Mark II was a ‘stop-gap for a couple of future RF-mount APS-C cameras’” – which implies that the M50 Mark II will be the last of the EOS M cameras, and that Canon will try to channel its APS-C demand into new RF-mount models.
Rumors of an APS-C EOS R7 have abounded for months now, but the crop-sensor RF-mount models discussed by Canon Rumors are likely entirely different, catering to beginner photographers, walkaround shooters, and vloggers. Canon Rumors also reports that “there will not be RF-S lenses for APS-C EOS R cameras.” Instead, “future lens design will ‘fill the void of no dedicated APS-C lenses.’”
In other words, you can expect a handful of full-frame lenses that will also appeal to APS-C shooters – in the form of lightweight, kit RF lenses – rather than lenses designed solely for APS-C R bodies.
Personally, I welcome this move away from the EOS M series, as it gives APS-C shooters the opportunity to work with higher-end RF glass while allowing Canon to focus its resources on a single camera lineup. But I can also understand the frustration that EOS M users will undoubtedly feel as Canon lets a successful camera series fade away.
Now over to you:
What are your thoughts about the end of the EOS M lineup? Are you happy? Frustrated? Worried? Do you think Canon will end production of its EOS M cameras anytime soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Canon to Drop Its EOS M Lineup in Favor of Crop-Sensor EOS R Cameras appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
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Viltrox has released its new 85mm F1.8 STM autofocus prime lens for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless camera systems.
The autofocus lens is constructed of 10 elements in 7 groups, including five ‘short wave length and high transparency’ elements and one low-dispersion element. Viltrox claims the lens, which uses a stepping motor (STM) to drive the autofocus elements, features full autofocus support, including compatibility with Nikon’s Eye-AF technology. Other features include an aperture range of F1.8–16, a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, an 80cm (31.5″) minimum focusing distance and a 72mm front-filter thread.
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Viltrox has also included an onboard micro USB port for updating the lens’ firmware. The lens measures in at 92mm (3.62″) long, 80mm (3.15″) in diameter and weighs 540g (1.2lbs).
The lens is currently available to purchase on Amazon for $ 399. That’s $ 300 less than the MSRP of Nikon’s own Nikkor Z 85mm F1.8 S lens.
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Tamron has introduced the 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens for Sony APS-C bodies. The lens has a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 25.5-105mm and uses the company’s ‘Vibration Compensation’ image stabilizer (no word on its performance).
The 17-70 F2.8 has a total of 16 elements, including one hybrid aspherical and two glass-molded aspherical elements. The focus unit is driving by a ‘Rapid eXtra-silent stepping drive’ (RXD) stepper motor.
The minimum focus distance is 19cm (7.5″) and the maximum magnification is 0.21x. The lens is 12cm (4.7″) long and weighs in at 524g (1.2lbs). It’s weather-sealed, and its front element has a fluorine coating to repel water and oil.
The 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD will be available in mid-January for $ 799.
Press release
17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A[2] VC RXD (Model B070)
December 2, 2020, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070), a high-speed standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras on January 14, 2021 at approximately $ 799. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.
The new 17-70mm F2.8 is Tamron’s first high-speed zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C size sensors. It features a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire 4.1x zoom ratio covering a focal length of 17-70mm (a full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm) ideal for everyday use, and superb optical performance. It is a small, lightweight lens that is also equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to minimize camera shake. This VC mechanism leverages AI technology when shooting video.
[1] Among interchangeable F2.8 standard zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of November 2020: Tamron)
2 Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
The lens features Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating and a Ø67mm filter size – the same as the Tamron series of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Compatible with many of the features that Sony builds into its cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, the lens is the ideal everyday zoom for a multitude of situations. It is a highly practical lens that enables photographers to attain high image quality while enjoying the benefits of the large F2.8 aperture.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
World’s first high-speed standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras with the focal length range of 17-70mm 4.1x zoom ratio
The Model B070 has a focal length range of 17-70mm, equivalent to 25.5-105mm on full-frame cameras. It is the first F2.8 high-speed zoom lens in the world for APS-C mirrorless cameras to achieve a 4.1x zoom ratio.
Outstanding optical performance
The optical construction of the new 17-70mm F2.8 features 16 elements in 12 groups. Two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements and one hybrid aspherical lens element are precisely arranged to maintain high-resolution performance from edge to edge.
Upgraded VC effective in combination with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, leveraging AI for video shooting
The 17-70mm F2.8 features Tamron’s proprietary VC mechanism. Additional sophisticated algorithms optimized for this model and a dedicated, independently operating MPU all combine to superbly compensate for vibration. This feature is available when the lens is used with cameras with or without in-body image stabilization. When shooting video, by leveraging AI technology, image stabilization performance improves compared to conventional models.
Close focusing?MOD is just 7.5” at the wide-angle end
The 17-70mm F2.8 zoom focuses close, down to 7.5” MOD (Minimum Object Distance). This is far superior to the performance achieved by conventional high-speed zoom lenses for APS-C cameras. In addition, the 15.4” MOD at the 70mm telephoto end ensures good close-range shooting performance allowing photographers to enjoy compelling close-up shots.
A highly portable compact design
The 17-70mm F2.8 zoom measures a scant 4.7” in length and 74.6mm in maximum diameter and weighs only 18.5 oz. The lens also maintains the same small Ø67mm filter size of each lens in the Tamron mirrorless lens line-up. This is remarkable for a lens with built-in VC image stabilization. When used with Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, this zoom is nicely balanced and provides a comfortable user experience.
The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet and perfect for video use
Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection
Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF
SPECIFICATIONS
|
Model |
B070 |
|---|---|
|
Focal Length |
17-70mm (for APS-C frame mirrorless format) |
|
Maximum Aperture |
F2.8 |
|
Angle of View (diagonal) |
79° 55′-23° 00′?(for APS-C frame mirrorless format) |
|
Optical Construction |
16 elements in 12 groups |
|
Minimum Object Distance |
7.5“ (WIDE), 15.4“ (TELE) |
|
Maximum Magnification Ratio |
1:4.8 (WIDE) / 1:5.2 (TELE) |
|
Filter Size |
Ø67mm |
|
Maximum Diameter |
Ø74.6mm |
|
Length* |
4.7“ |
|
Weight |
18.5 oz |
|
Aperture Blades |
9 (circular diaphragm)** |
|
Minimum Aperture |
F22 |
|
Standard Accessories |
Flower-shaped hood, Lens caps |
|
Compatible Mounts |
Sony E-mount |
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
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Chinese manufacturer Yongnuo appears to be working on a modular mirrorless camera. Per Lighting Rumours, Yongnuo has filed a patent for a device combining a ‘mobile terminal’ and an external lens assembly.
The mobile terminal appears to be similar to a smartphone in its shape and form factor. The device has a large display and a central, exposed image sensor. There aren’t specifics about the sensor, but it’s worth considering that Yongnuo joined the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) System Standard in February of this year. Further, the company’s Android-powered mirrorless camera, the YN450, includes a 16MP 4/3 image sensor.
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| On the left you can see a mobile terminal and to the right is the external lens apparatus. The patent outlines how the terminal, which includes a large display and an image sensor, attaches to the external lens element. |
The external lens assembly appears to incorporate a lens mount although it’s unclear what kind of lens mount, a grip and a locking mechanism. Lighting Rumours speculates that you may be able to use the mobile terminal as a standalone phone device, provided that Yongnuo supplies a cap to cover the exposed image sensor when it is not attached to the external lens assembly. Further, the patent illustration shows a retractable zoom lens but mentions possible prime lenses and lenses with image stabilization.
Originally filed by Shenzen Yongnuo Photographic Equipment Co., Ltd. in April and published last month, the patent also outlines why a modular device would be advantageous. It argues that the lenses built into smartphones lack the performance and versatility users demand, which has given rise to external lens solutions. However, Yongnuo claims that these external lens solutions come up short. The patent claims that external lenses can be impractical, flimsy, and not offer high-quality performance. In order to deal with these issues, Yongnuo’s new system, including the external lens assembly and mobile terminal, are more convenient to use, fit together precisely, and offer superior performance.
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Of course, companies file patents regularly and many patents never result in a commercially viable product. That may be the case here as well, but it’s certainly an interesting patent. It’s clear what such a product may offer over a traditional smartphone camera design, but it’s not necessarily obvious what such a product offers users relative to a standalone compact camera.
In terms of new products, in case you missed it, Yongnuo announced a new full-frame autofocus lens for Sony mirrorless cameras in late October. You can learn more about the new lens and Yongnuo’s other products, such as flashes, triggers and more, by visiting Yongnuo USA.
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If you’re interested in another modular camera concept, you can refer to a modular Fujifilm GFX concept Fujifilm showed off last year. It’s quite a different take on a modular camera than what Yongnuo’s patent shows.
(Via Lighting Rumours)
You don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a camera that’s designed for videography. We took a look at the field and selected the Panasonic S1H and GH5 as the best cameras for serious videographers.
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MonsterAdapter, a relatively new player in the lens adapter game, has revealed the details of the LA-KE1, a new adapter that will make it possible to mount Pentax K-mount glass to Sony E-mount mirrorless camera systems.
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There isn’t much information available about MonsterAdapter. The company’s Facebook page, which appears to be its only online presence, was created on May 20, 2020, when the company announced the development of the LA-EA4r, a modified version of Sony’s LA-EA4 adapter that expanded functionality and support. MonsterAdapters has since released another adapter, the LA-VE1, which makes it possible to adapt Minolta Vectis V-mount lenses to Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
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Now, the company is promoting its forthcoming LA-KE1, which it claims is the ‘first of its kind in the world.’ The adapter offers full autofocus, aperture control and EXIF data transfer for Pentax K-mount lenses (KAF, KAF2, KAF3 and KAF4) to Sony E-mount cameras. The adapter uses a pair of motors for turning the screw-drive autofocus in older K-mount lenses.
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This not only brings the ability to shoot with Pentax lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, but also enables many of Sony’s AI-assisted focusing modes to be used with the Pentax lenses, new and old. MonsterAdapter says the exact functionality will vary depending on what camera you’re using — noting a more powerful camera likely means more features — but both Human and Animal Eye-AF focus modes should be able to work on adapted glass.
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MonsterAdapter also notes that due to the limits of screw-drive lenses, this adapter is best suited for still photographs—not video. In addition to the images of the prototype adapter in this article, SonyAlphaRumors has also shared a hands-on video demonstration of it in action:
No price is given for the LA-KE1 adapter, but it is set to ‘hit the market within this year,’ according to the company’s announcement post. You can keep up with the latest news on MonsterAdapter’s Facebook page.
The post Canon Has at Least 7 New RF-Mount Cameras in the Works appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Canon is rumored to have seven new RF-mount cameras in the works, including an APS-C model, a high-megapixel model, a niche professional model, and an inexpensive model that will cost less than $ 1000 USD.
This latest round of Canon information comes from Canon Rumors, who explains that they “have attempted to piece together what is coming for the RF-mount camera lineup,” and that the information stems from “multiple known and anonymous sources.”
These new bodies will presumably debut over 2021 and 2022, and Canon Rumors specifically asserts that we will not see any new cameras drop in the last few months of this year. Instead, the EOS R camera lineup will begin to heat up in the first half of 2021; that’s when we can start looking forward to a new batch of powerful Canon models.
So what, specifically, can we expect?
First, there are a few cameras that have been rumored for months, if not longer:
There are also two RF-mount cinema cameras on the docket: the Cinema EOS C90 and the Cinema EOS C50. Both of these bodies are designed for videographers but use RF-mount lenses.
Canon Rumors also reports several additional upcoming models, including an “entry-level camera to replace the EOS RP,” which “will be cheaper than the current EOS RP camera body.” Since the EOS RP is currently $ 999 USD, you can expect a sub-$ 1000 USD price tag (and potentially one that’s several hundred dollars lower!). Note that this will still be a full-frame model, so if you’re looking to break into the full-frame mirrorless world but have balked at the prices thus far, this EOS RP replacement could be exactly what you’re after.
Finally, Canon Rumors predicts a model above the future sub-$ 1000 camera but below the EOS R6 in price (so somewhere in the $ 800 USD to $ 2500 USD range). Note that the Canon EOS R currently slots between the EOS RP and EOS R6, but Canon Rumors claims that the new camera is not a direct EOS R replacement.
Regardless, we’ve got quite a lot to look forward to over the next couple of years (not to mention Canon’s RF lens lineup, which should grow substantially). So keep an eye out for further news on these Canon RF-mount cameras.
Now over to you:
Which of these RF-mount camera models are you most looking forward to? Are there any that you’d love to own? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The post Canon Has at Least 7 New RF-Mount Cameras in the Works appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
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Canon has released a barrage of firmware updates for a number of its mirrorless cameras and a single RF lens, bringing new and improved features, as well as the usual bug fixes. None of the updates offer major improvements in autofocus or other areas, but they all take care of a few ‘phenomena’ and offer support for newer Canon lenses.
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We’ll go ahead and get the most minor firmware update out of the way first. The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM lens has received a version 1.0.5 firmware update that ‘Reduces image noise when performing high sensitivity shooting with the RF50mm F1.2 L USM lens attached to the EOS C70 camera.’ How exactly a firmware update for a lens addresses noise issues is a bit intriguing, but it never hurts to have the latest update anyway. You can download firmware version 1.0.5 for the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM lens on Canon’s website.
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We’ve grouped these two updates together, because they offer the exact same changes, according to Canon’s changelog. Firmware version 1.6.0 for the EOS RP and firmware version 1.8.0 for the EOS R improves color balance when shooting with the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM lens and adds support for Canon’s newer RF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lenses. You can download firmware version 1.6.0 for the EOS RP and firmware version 1.8.0 for the EOS R on Canon’s respective product pages.
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As with the EOS RP and R firmware updates, the latest updates for Canon’s EOS R5 and R6 cameras are identical to one another based on the changelogs. Firmware version 1.2.0 for both cameras addresses the following changes and improvements:
You can download firmware version 1.2.0 for the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras on Canon’s respective product pages.
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Lastly, Canon has updated its flagship DSLR, the EOS 1D X Mark III. Firmware version 1.3.0 addresses the following changes and improvements:
You can download firmware version 1.3.0 for the EOS 1D X Mark III on Canon’s product page.