Tag: Cameras

The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? [video]

The post The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

In this video by Art of Photography, he gives us a first look at the testing of the new Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras.

This is a preproduction look at the camera, so all images are jpegs coming straight out of the camera with no editing done at all. All noise reduction features were switched off in the camera to show how good the noise reduction features of these cameras are too.

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S1: 24mp, S1R: 47mp big still images
If you are a fan of Panasonic Lumix cameras, you’ll feel at home using both these cameras. Dual IS

The video focuses on:

Image quality

outstanding. Color rendition and contrast are great. Worked well with portraits, still life, low light.

Autofocus

Autofocus is an area Panasonic has struggled with over the years, but this is one of their best autofocus systems. Uses contrast detection autofocus. Very usable in most situations. Additional processing layer for Autofocus. This is the technology that drives or defines what they call AI Autofocus. Defines object recognition, animal recognition, face recognition etc. detection. So while the Autofocus is not perfect, the way the technology works means that Panasonic can work on improving Autofocus and update them as Firmware.

Shooting video

Low light performance and Panasonic dual IS image stabilisation

Best image stabilisation used on any camera. Great for low light situations – Low light performance is one of the best features of this camera. It performs beautifully right up to 12800 ISO. Low noise even with the noise reduction features switched off.

Pixel Shifting

Pixel Shifting feature takes 8 images and shifts the sensor around so you end up with a really high resolution image of up to 180mp. In reality, this feature is only limited to still life shooting. If anything moves around in the image it doesn’t work well. So may not work well for landscapes where there is any wind or trees moving. This may be something that Panasonic can work on to fine-tune.

Ergonomics

The cameras are quite large but very easy to use. They are lighter than the Leica SL. When using all day it does become heavy. This can work well when hand-holding for video because the camera doesn’t shake as much. If you are a photographer who wants to travel light, these cameras may not be for you.

It is a very quiet camera, even using the mechanical shutter.

Is this the perfect Panasonic camera?

While this camera is amazing it still has a couple of weak points, mainly the Autofocus system and the Pixel Shift technology.

Also, the fast continuous shooting mode uses 6K film shooting that you can then take stills from. This means you can only use jpegs, which for many photographers is not ideal.

However, overall, both the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R are are very exciting cameras.

Pixel Shift High Resolution images of the Panasonic S1R at work

In this video by Adorama, see the Pixel Shift technology of these cameras at work.

You may also find the following articles interesting:

Gear Review: The Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera

Canon EOS RP Full-frame Camera – Why Some People Won’t be Buying this Camera

Fujifilm X-T3 versus Fujifilm X-H1: The Best Mirrorless Camera for You?

The 19 Most Popular Compact System and Mirrorless Cameras with Our Readers

Sony a6300 Mirrorless Camera – Thoughts and Field Test

DSLR vs Mirrorless: Guide to help you decide which is right for you?

The (Almost) Perfect Autofocus of the Sony a7R III: a Hands-On Review

The post The New Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R – Could these Full-frame Mirrorless Cameras be Cameras of the Year? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

Digital Photography School

March 8, 2019
Repair site ifixit gives us a closer look at the Samsung Galaxy S10 cameras

Galaxy S10 triple-camera, image: ifixit

Gadget repair site ifixit has torn down the new Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10e smartphones, allowing us to get a closer look at the devices camera modules.

The S10 comes with the same main triple-camera as the S10+, featuring a 12MP primary module with 1/2.55″ sensor, 26mm equivalent focal length and a variable f/1.5-2.4 aperture. A 12MP tele lens comes with a 52mm equivalent focal length and F2.4 aperture lens in front of a 1/3.6″ sensor and the 16MP super-wide-angle has an equoivalent focal length of 12mm. S10e has to make do without the tele lens.

Galaxy S10 fron and main cameras (left) next to the equivalent S10e components, image: ifixit

In the teardown we get a close look at the triple-module which is encased in a yellow ABS or nylon plastic frame. Both tele and main camera come with optical image stabilization. ifixit says any further teardown of the camera components would have been too destructive but an X-ray image of the tele-camera shows the sensor and OIS electromagnets.

If you are thinking about repairing your S10 – camera or other components – yourself, you should probably think twice. ifixit gave the S10 a fairly low 3/10 repairability score. The good news is that a single Phillips driver takes care of all the screws and many components are modular and can be replaced independently but the charging port soldered to the main board and battery replacement is quite difficult.

X-ray of the Galaxy S10 tele-camera, image: ifixit

The ifixit team also says that glued-down glass at both front and back of the device increases the risk of breakage and makes any repairs more difficult to start with. Head over to ifixit.com for the full report.

Images used with permission from ifixit

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

March 8, 2019
Meike announces an 85mm F1.8 lens for Sony E-mount cameras

Meike has announced the MK 85mm F1.8 lens, a manual focus lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras.

The lens is constructed of nine elements in six groups and features a nine-blade aperture diaphragm. It features a 67mm filter thread and a field of view of 28.5 degrees.

Meike has shared a few sample photos on its product page (shown under the ‘Photo samples’ tab towards the bottom of the page), but they’re not full-resolution and it’s not clear what Sony E-mount camera they were shot with.¹

The lens is currently listed on Amazon, but pricing and availability aren’t yet mentioned.

¹We try to share sample photos in our articles when provided, but Meike inexplicably decided to provide their sample images as one long image, which measures 790 x 16,187 pixels.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

March 6, 2019
CP+ 2019: Canon shows concept cameras and limited-edition gold EOS RP

Canon concept cameras and limited-edition silver EOS RP

Canon has been working on a small range of concept cameras for a little while now, and following last year’s display of various mockups, this year the company has been demonstrating some working models, which may or may not be developed into real, shipping cameras.

First up is a digital camera designed for kids. This is a non-working example, but it’s easy to grasp the basic idea. It’s a colorful, simple camera with a tunnel-type optical viewfinder and simplified controls.

Canon concept cameras and limited-edition silver EOS RP

Rather than conventional exposure modes and complicated controls, Canon envisions kids interacting with the camera via ‘missions’, designed to help them created images based around simple themes, like emojis, colors, or (cat?) feelings. We’re showing the pink version here, but the camera might be available in several different color variations.

‘Smart’ camera

Next up is a ‘smart’ camera, designed to automatically select and focus on subjects without any user interaction. This particular model is a working camera, set up on Canon’s booth. The housing is motorized, allowing the lens to be directed up and down, and around in any direction, through 360 degrees.

‘Smart’ camera

As I was setting up my camera to grab a shot, it locked on to my face. Which I must admit was a bit disconcerting. Does anyone remember the Kodak Party Shot? This is a similar kind of thing, except it can capture video, and it actually works. I don’t know who the lady is at lower-left, by the way, but I hope she’s not driving.

Telephoto camera

This is a working prototype of a lightweight telephoto zoom camera, which in its current form allows the users to switch between a 100 and 400mm equivalent field of view, at the press of a button.

Telephoto camera

Perhaps intended to provide a means of capturing the action from the stands of a sports stadium or concert arena, we’re told that the simple 100/400mm toggle is provisional – Canon is working on a stepless zoom to allow for the use of intermediate focal lengths.

Telephoto camera

Canon is also working on miniaturizing the concept, and although these are just mockups, we’re told that they’re closer to the ideal size of the camera, if it ends up being developed for commercial release. Notice what looks like an Apple Lightning connector on the pink mockup, reminiscent of the short-lived DxO One.

Outdoor action camera

Finally, here’s a concept for a colorful outdoor action camera, based around a fixed wideangle lens. The square cutout is both a simple framing device, and (as shown here) a means of hanging the camera from, or attaching it to things. The flat panel on the front of the camera is removable, and held on by a magnet.

Outdoor action camera

Canon is showing off a range of representative swappable panels, which might be swapped in for quick customization.

Outdoor action camera

A simple control dial allows the camera to be switched between modes.

Gold EOS RP

Next up is the very real, very working, and definitely shipping limited edition gold EOS RP. Sadly this color variant will only be available in limited numbers, in Japan. We say ‘sadly’ because it’s actually quite handsome.

Gold EOS RP

And in fact, strictly speaking it’s more of a champagne finish. If you remember the old film-era EOS 50 / Elan II it’s rather similar, with the control dials picked out against the warmer body finish in bright, neutral silver. Sadly if you want one, you’ll probably need to fly to Japan to get it – and be quick, because there are only 5,000 in existence.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

March 1, 2019

Ricoh announces rugged WG-6 and industrial-strength G900 cameras

The WG-6 is Ricoh’s latest ‘top-of-the-line’ waterproof camera, offering a 20MP, 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor, 28-140mm F3.5-5.5 lens and a built-in macro ring light. The WG-6 is waterproof to 20m/65ft, shockproof from 2.1m/6.5ft and functional down to -10°C/+14°F.

The WG-6 has a built-in GPS and electronic compass, a 3″ (non-touch) LCD, remote control receivers on the front and back and a USB-C socket. It’s also capable of capturing 4K/30 video. The WG-6 does not have optical image stabilization, and wireless connectivity is only available by using optional FlashAir SD cards.

The camera will be on the market shortly for $ 399. Available colors include orange and black.

The G900 is a more rugged version of the WG-6 and is designed for industrial applications. In addition to being water, dust, and drop-resistant, it’s also crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf and chemical-resistant (to which ones, we do not know).

It also adds text and voice memos, password protection and barcode scanning. The G900 has a whopping 6.5GB of internal memory, as well.

The G900 will be priced at $ 799.

Press Release

Ricoh Imaging introduces top-of-the-line model in its WG series of ultra-rugged digital compact cameras

Waterproof, shockproof RICOH WG-6 camera packs 20 megapixels and 4K-resolution video functionality in a small and durable package

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH WG-6, a compact, waterproof and shockproof digital camera that produces super high-resolution photos and 4K video. Equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage and a large, wide-frame LCD monitor, the new, top-of-the- line model in the rugged WG series makes it easy to capture a range of images – from eye- catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes – in the most extreme conditions.

The RICOH WG-6 adds a host of newly designed features including a multi-application ring light ideal for macro-photography and the most dependable waterproof body in WG-series history, capable of shooting to a depth of 65 feet, for up to two continuous hours. The WG-6 body is shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.5 feet and operational in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels and a high-performance imaging engine, the RICOH WG-6 delivers super-high-resolution still images and 4K-resolution video clips. In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, it features a new Movie SR+ mode to assure high-quality shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.

A six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. This feature also allows the photographer to choose specific LEDs to illuminate a subject more three- dimensionally and emphasize its delicate contours.

Additional outdoor-friendly features include a GPS module to record position data and travel log data onto captured images; an electronic compass; and the innovative Handheld Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same nighttime scene and produces a single blur-free composite image of them.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH WG-6 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 399.95.

Ricoh Imaging announces heavy-duty industrial digital camera ideal for construction, civil engineering and disaster relief

Resistant to water, dust, shock and chemicals, the new RICOH G900 produces high- resolution images in the most challenging conditions

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH G900, a heavy-duty, compact digital camera designed for capturing high- quality images and 4K video in demanding industrial environments. Waterproof, dustproof, shock- and chemical-resistant, the G900 is optimized for use in challenging conditions subject to water, rain, dust and dirt, and in industries such as construction, civil engineering, disaster relief and healthcare.

The successor to the RICOH G800, the RICOH G900 offers a new, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels that captures high-resolution images even in low-light conditions. It features a 5X optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm format), and a six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens that allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography.

Approximately 26 percent more compact than its predecessor, the rugged RICOH G900 is waterproof to a depth of 65 feet for up to two hours of continuous operation, and its enhanced shock-resistant body is capable of withstanding a fall from 6.5 feet.

The camera offers an array of features designed to facilitate shooting in industrial environments, including an advanced GPS system and an electronic compass that records accurate position and direction data; easily accessible controls; a comfortable, contoured grip; and the wide neck strap of its predecessor, which enables two-point, cross-shoulder suspension to make the RICOH G900 easy to carry and handle at worksites.

The RICOH G900’s unique, enhanced camera memo function mode greatly reduces the workload needed for post-shooting data management. Previously created text or audio can be easily attached to a captured image, and reference images such as plans or blueprints can be browsed on the camera’s 3-inch LCD monitor. A transparency guide allows the user to recall a previously captured image on the monitor to compare images side-by-side and measure progress of work that has been completed. Additional features include a barcode scanning function, password- protected camera lock, 6.5GB of built-in memory and an electronic level.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH G900 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 799.95.

Ricoh WG-6 / G900 specifications

	Ricoh WG-6	Ricoh G900
Price
MSRP	$ 399	$ 799
Body type
Body type	Compact
Body material	Composite
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Digital only
Uncompressed format	No
File format	JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28–140 mm
Optical zoom	5×
Maximum aperture	F3.5–5.5
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Center Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (8.1X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range	1 cm (0.39″)
Number of focus points	9
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	4 sec	1/4 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program
Scene modes	Auto Picture Program HDR Handheld Night Snap Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Landscape Flower Portrait Underwater Underwater Movie Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Kids Pet Sport Night Scene Fireworks Digital SR Report Green Depth of field composition	Auto Picture Program HDR Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Digital SR Report watermark Firefighting Skew Correct Text Zoom Macro Haze removal Depth of field composition
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	5.50 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Flash on, flash off
Drive modes	One-shot Self-timer Continuous Burst M continuous S continuous Remote control Auto bracketing
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage included	27MB	6.5GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless notes	Supports FlashAir SD cards
Remote control	Yes (Receivers on front and back)	Yes
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Durability	Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	340
Weight (inc. batteries)	246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)	247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
Dimensions	118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Built-in
GPS notes	Includes e-Compass

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 23, 2019

Samsung Galaxy Fold comes with foldable display and six cameras

Samsung wasted no time unveiling the Galaxy Fold at its Unpacked event today – a foldable device with a 4.6″ display when folded, and 7.3″ display when unfolded. The device contains a total of six cameras – three on the back, two inside and one front-facing camera.

The company’s live presentation includes few camera details – but we’ve preliminarily gathered the following specs for the cameras included on the Galaxy Fold below (subject to change):

	Location	Full-frame equiv. FOV	Aperture	Autofocus	Optical Image Stabilization
12MP ‘main’ camera	Rear	27mm	F1.5 / F2.4	Dual-Pixel	Yes
12MP telephoto	Rear	52mm	F2.4	Phase-Detect	Yes
16MP wide-angle (fixed-focus)	Rear	12mm	F2.2	No	No
10MP selfie camera	Inside	26mm	F1.9	Dual-Pixel	No
8MP RGB depth-sensing camera	Inside	22mm	F2.2	Autofocus (unspecified)	No
10MP selfie camera	Front	26mm	F1.9	Dual-Pixel	No

Other technical specs known at this point are that it will offer 12GB of RAM, and uses two batteries for a 4380mAh combined capacity.

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Multi-tasking is a big focus of the device, and Samsung demonstrated the device’s ability to maintain continuity within an app as you switch between displays, as well as its ability to run three apps on the larger screen simultaneously.

Black, silver, green or blue color choices with personalized hinge color options will be offered. The Galaxy Fold will start at a steep $ 1980.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 21, 2019

Camera Rescue aims to save 100,000 analog cameras for future generations

Finland-based organization Camera Rescue has rescued 46,000 analog cameras and it plans to more than double that number by 2020. Cameraville recently interviewed the organization’s Juho Leppänen to discuss the mission, as well as the unique challenges they face.

Camera Rescue launched in 2018 with the mission of preserving analog cameras for future generations. The organization finds used film photography gear and puts it through what it calls a ‘camera rescue process,’ which includes testing and, when necessary, repairing the devices. Rescued cameras are then sold through KameraStore.com.

The organization’s core team member Juho Leppänen discussed Camera Rescue’s mission and work in a 10 minute video from Cameraville, including the technical issues the team has to overcome. A lack of technicians capable of repairing these cameras remains a problem, though the team is addressing that problem by training a new generation of repair technicians.

“We took all the guys we could find that have the experience [and] they’ve been teaching newer guys,” Leppänen explained.

Beyond the organization’s own work, Leppänen details technical issues facing the analog photography market. “If we want new cameras, we need a new mechanical shutter,” according to Leppänen, who also pointed toward aging scanning technology that must be updated.

“Most of the scanners that are around are based on Windows XP,” which is no longer supported, Leppänen said. Though new scanners could be developed, cost remains an issue, with Leppänen explaining that it may cost €3 million just to produce the first batch of new scanning technologies.

The analog photography industry also requires new automated film development machines and an overall low barrier, in terms of difficulty and cost, for new photographers to get started. “If we want new people to come to film,” Leppänen explained, “we need to make the first roll very easy, and to make the first roll easy, it needs to be cheap.”

Additional videos about Camera Rescue, as well as the team’s history, can be found on Cameraville’s blog.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 19, 2019
Panasonic announces new Lumix TZ95, FZ1000 II cameras

Panasonic has announced it’s adding two new zoom cameras to its Lumix lineup: the Lumix TZ95 compact camera and the Lumix FZ1000 II bridge camera.

Lumix TZ95

First up is the Lumix TZ95, the latest camera in Panasonic’s Travel Zoom (TZ) series. At the heart of the TZ95 is a 20.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor. Beyond stills, the TZ95 can capture 4K30p video. In front of the sensor is an optically stabilized 24mm (35mm equivalent) Leica lens with 30x optical zoom, giving it a maximum focal length of 720mm (35mm equivalent).

The TZ95 can capture Raw photos and features a maximum burst rate of 10 frames per second (fps). On the rear of the camera is a three-inch 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen and a 2,330k-dot equivalent Live View Finder (LVF).

Panasonic’s signature 4K Photo mode makes an appearance in the TZ95 and adds a new Auto Marking feature that makes it easy to pick out individual frames within a 4K video file.

The TZ95 includes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connecting to and transferring images to smartphones or tablets and tagging the GPS location information within images.

Panasonic says the TZ95 can capture approximately 380 shots per charge and in the event the battery does die, USB charging is possible.

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The Panasonic Lumix TZ95 will be available at the end of April 2019 in black and silver for £399.99 (UK) / €449.99 (Ireland).

Lumix FZ1000

The new Lumix FZ1000 II features a 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor behind a 16x optical zoom Leica lens with a 25-400mm (35mm equivalent) focal length range and F/2.8-4.0 aperture range. The lens features Panasonic’s 5-axis hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.+) with a Level Shot function that automatically detects horizontal lines within an image and keeps it level while shooting.

In addition to stills at up to 12fps, the FZ1000 II can capture 4K30p video in the MP4 format at 100Mb/s with the option for 120fps recording at 1080p. Like the TZ95, the FZ1000 II features Panasonic’s 4K Photo mode with the new Auto Marking feature.

The rear of the camera features an articulating three-inch 1.24m-dot touchscreen as well as an OLED 0.39-inch 2.36m-dot EVF.

The FZ1000 II includes built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connection to mobile devices. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is rated for 440 shots per charge when working with the rear LCD and 290 shots when using the EVF (430 shots per charge when using the EVF in the ‘eco’ setting, which limited it to 30fps).

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The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II will be available at the end of March 2019 for £769.99 (UK) / €849.99 (Ireland) / $ 897.99 USD.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

February 18, 2019
Best Vlogging Cameras for 2019

The post Best Vlogging Cameras for 2019 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.

What’s the best vlogging camera for 2019? That’s a tough question to answer given the wide variety of cameras on the market. In this article, I’ll talk about traditional vlogging camera rigs. I’ll also introduce three non-traditional cameras that also serve as modern vlogging options. Which is the best for you? Read on for some ideas, and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Traditional vlogging cameras

Before we go any further, let’s define vlogging as a video blog. The traditional way to film a vlog is to point the camera at oneself, while also inserting B-roll (supplemental footage). Thus, most modern vloggers need a camera that allows them to film themselves, and also gather alternative shots.

Popular vloggers such as Casey Neistat and Peter McKinnon use traditional vlogging tools: a DSLR camera with a wide angle lens and shotgun mic, all attached to a Gorilla Pod. This is a tried and true vlogging rig, but it can also be modernized or made simpler by switching out the camera. Mirrorless cameras such as the Panasonic GH5 and Sony a6400 offer a slightly smaller footprint while also giving you a flip screen to monitor yourself. Or you can opt for even smaller point and shoot cameras such as the ever-popular Canon G7X or Sony RX100.

Modern vlogging cameras

While the traditional vlogging cameras mentioned above are still ubiquitous among vloggers, there are newer, more modern cameras worth considering. Here are three fairly new cameras that might fit the role as best vlogging camera of 2019.

Contender #1: GoPro Hero 7 Black

GoPros are traditionally known as action cameras. However, many people use GoPros for everyday usage, including vlogging. This actually makes a lot of sense given GoPro’s tiny footprint, and its wide-angle lens that is perfect for capturing the first-person perspective. The brand new GoPro Hero 7 Black also adds several new features that work in a vlogger’s favor.

HyperSmooth and Timewarp

First, HyperSmooth. GoPro claims gimbal-like stabilization when HyperSmooth is in use, and it’s hard to argue. When shooting in HyperSmooth, bumpy footage is nearly completely eliminated. This means you can walk, run, drive, or perform just about any movement and get buttery smooth video. You can also shoot at up to 4K 60 frames-per-second with HyperSmooth enabled. Second, Timewarp. This is basically a timelapse video with HyperSmooth applied, resulting in a stabilized moving timelapse. It’s perfect for shooting B-roll and transitional scenes for a vlog or video.

Vastly Improved Sound

GoPros have always had atrocious sound quality. For a long time, this was due to the fact that GoPros had to be put into a plastic cage to become waterproof. All of this changed with the Hero 5, which was the first GoPro camera to be waterproof without the cage. The Hero 7 Black is also waterproof without a cage, and it adds much-improved sound. There are now 3 microphones dispersed throughout the camera, and they do a pretty good job at picking up voices. The Hero 7 Black is still without a built-in microphone jack, but if you really need one, GoPro sells a (rather ridiculous and expensive) mic jack adapter.

Contender #2: DJI Osmo Pocket

Brand new to the camera world is the DJI Osmo Pocket. Made by the same manufacturers of DJI drones, the Osmo Pocket employs nearly the same camera found on the Mavic Pro drone. The camera has just a 1/2.3-inch sensor with a f/2.0 aperture. It can shoot at up to 4K/60fps at 100 Mbps. It can even shoot 12-megapixel photos. Best of all, the camera comes mounted on a 3-axis gimbal so that you can record buttery smooth footage.

There are a host of other features worth mentioning about the Osmo Pocket. But two features in particular that relate to vlogging are FPV and Active Track. FPV allows you to quickly reorient the camera to face yourself, while Active Track is intelligent in-camera tracking. Both of these features are incredibly handy for vlogging. And just in case the Osmo Pocket screen is too small for you, you can also plug in your phone for a much bigger touchscreen interface.

Two Downsides

There are two major downsides to the Osmo Pocket as they relate to vlogging. The first is that the built-in sound quality is bad. No matter what side of the camera you’re on, it doesn’t pick up voices very well, especially if you’re filming in a noisy area. Currently, there are also no adapters or ways to install a microphone to enhance the sound. The second downside is the Osmo Pocket’s fixed 24mm camera lens. While 24mm is great for taking more cinematic footage without distortion, it’s not the best focal length for vlogging. You have to hold your arm out pretty far to get yourself in the frame, and even further if you have a buddy.

Contender #3: Modern Smartphone

A third camera to consider using to vlog is any modern day smartphone. Phones today are jam-packed with impressive camera specs with both front and rear-facing cameras. Many phones such as flagship Apple and Samsung phones also have in-camera stabilization, and the ability to shoot 4K video. They also have superior built-in sound since they are still phones, after all. You can also purchase a few accessories to take your smartphone photography and videography a step further. Investing in a smartphone gimbal gives you added stability, while Moment lenses increase image sharpness and offer wider angles.

The only real downside to using your phone to vlog is that you can’t use your phone to do other tasks while filming. Smartphone videos can also take up tremendous space on your phone, eating into your storage.

In Conclusion

So what is the best vlogging camera? It comes down to your shooting preferences. Personally, I find myself oscillating between the GoPro Hero 7 Black and my Samsung Galaxy S8 with a fisheye Moment Lens. These two cameras are so compact and easy to take anywhere, and they have been great for spontaneous vlogging.

If you’re looking for the best vlogging camera in 2019 and beyond, the good news is that you have lots of options. You can opt for tried and true DSLR or point-and-shoot rigs. Or you can look at modern, super compact options such as the GoPro Hero 7 Black or DJI Osmo Pocket. Or you can use the camera you have on you – a modern-day smartphone – and buy a few extra accessories to make your phone a pretty awesome vlogging rig. The choice is yours!

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You may also find this articles helpful:

Essential Tools for Making Videos on Your Mirrorless Camera

Equipment List for Making Better Smartphone Videos

The post Best Vlogging Cameras for 2019 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Suzi Pratt.

Digital Photography School

February 13, 2019
Nikon’s ‘Trade up to Z’ program offering additional discount for traded-in cameras

Nikon has announced a new incentive for its trade-in program that offers additional discounts on its Z6 and Z7 full frame mirrorless cameras if consumers hand over their operating interchangeable lens cameras (ILC).

From now through Sunday, March 31, 2019, consumers who hand over a working ILC to Nikon will receive an additional $ 200 off the Nikon Z6 and $ 400 off the Nikon Z7 on top of the trade-in value of their camera. The deal is honored regardless of the age or brand being turned in, so long as it’s functioning, and the discounts also apply to Nikon’s various kits that include the Z6 and Z7 cameras.

Nikon also mentions its FTZ Mount Adapter is also $ 100 off when purchasing it in tandem with a Z6 or Z7 camera.

For more information on the program and to get started on the trade-in process, head over to Nikon’s ‘Trade up to Z’ page.

NIKON INC. ANNOUNCES “TRADE UP TO Z” CAMERA TRADE-IN PROGRAM

Add an Additional $ 400 (for Nikon Z 7) or $ 200 (for Nikon Z 6) to Your Interchangeable Lens Camera’s Trade-In Value Towards the Purchase of a New Nikon Z Series Camera at Participating Nikon Authorized Dealers

MELVILLE, NY (January 25, 2019) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced a new trade-in program that makes it easier than ever to upgrade to the revolutionary new Nikon Z Series full-frame mirrorless camera system.

Starting on Sunday, January 27, 2019, consumers can trade in their operating interchangeable lens camera for a new, cutting-edge Nikon Z Series camera and get $ 400 towards a Nikon Z 7 or $ 200 towards a Nikon Z 6 in addition to their camera’s trade-in value, regardless of camera brand. What’s more, consumers can save an additional $ 100 on the Mount Adapter FTZ when purchased together with a new Nikon Z 6 or Z 7.* This limited-time trade-in program ends March 31, 2019. For more information about the Trade Up to Z Program, including full terms and conditions, please visit nikonusa.com/ztradeup.

Built around the next-generation Z Mount, the acclaimed Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras achieve a new era in optical performance for Nikon. These full-frame mirrorless cameras are equipped with FX-format BSI CMOS image sensors for outstanding image quality, fast hybrid AF, 5-axis in-body stabilization, an exceptionally clear Quad VGA Electronic Viewfinder and amazing video features. Combined with the growing line of high-performance Z NIKKOR lenses, the Nikon Z Series empowers users to pursue their creative vision without limits.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the new Nikon Z Series full-frame mirrorless camera system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

January 28, 2019