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Posts Tagged ‘October’

The Sony a7 IV Will Launch in October With a 33 MP Sensor

29 Aug

The post The Sony a7 IV Will Launch in October With a 33 MP Sensor appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

the Sony a7 IV will launch in October with a 33 MP sensor

The long-awaited Sony a7 IV will likely debut in October, boasting a brand-new sensor, improved in-body image stabilization, and more.

This comes from Sony Alpha Rumors, who recently reported on an a7 IV announcement delay; thanks to a chip shortage, the a7 IV’s original September 2021 announcement date has been pushed to October. Unfortunately, the shortage will affect a7 IV availability, and you can expect “that supplies will be limited during the first months” of a7 IV shipments.

While few a7 IV specs have been released – and none have been unveiled directly by Sony – Sony Alpha Rumors has managed to paint a picture of the upcoming camera. Most notably, the a7 IV will include a new 33 MP sensor, not a redesign of the standard 24 MP sensor found in the a7 III. This will offer users enhanced cropping and printing capabilities over previous a7 models, and will undoubtedly appeal to the “do-everything” camera crowd, who require a camera that can handle action, detail work (e.g., landscapes, product photography), and more.

A 33 MP sensor would also push the a7 IV past the 30 MP Canon EOS R and far beyond the 20 MP EOS R6. Sony Alpha Rumors claims that “Sony’s goal with the a7 IV is to really fight back with Canon,” and that you can expect the new camera “to be more than an ‘updated’ Sony a7 III.”

What else will the a7 IV offer? The new camera will feature slightly improved in-body image stabilization over its predecessor (5.5 stops versus 5 stops). And older rumors hint at an updated electronic viewfinder – 3.69M-dot resolution versus the a7 III’s 2.36M dots. While the a7 III’s EVF was respectable for its time, a resolution boost is certainly in order, though no doubt some Sony fans will wish for a 5.76M-dot viewfinder to match the a7R IV and the Canon EOS R5.

And you can also expect 4K/60p video, “top-notch” autofocus and image quality, plus improved sensor readout speeds.

As for the price: Back in late 2020, Sony Alpha Rumors suggested a $ 2499 USD tag – $ 500 USD more than the a7 III at the time of launch, yes, but given Sony’s aims for the a7 line, the price seems plausible.

Regardless, if you’ve been waiting for the a7 IV, it won’t be long now. So keep an eye out for the official announcement!

Now over to you:

What do you think of the rumored a7 IV specifications? Are you pleased? Frustrated? What do you hope to see in an a7 IV? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post The Sony a7 IV Will Launch in October With a 33 MP Sensor appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Zeiss will raise the prices of all its lenses in the US on October 1

27 Aug

Zeiss has announced it will be increasing the price of its lenses in the United States starting October 1, 2021.

According to a graphic, embedded below and shared by Leica Rumors, lenses in the Batis and Loxia lines will increase by $ 50 per unit, while the Milvus (ZE & ZF.2) and ZM lenses will increase by $ 75 and $ 100 per unit, respectively. Zeiss’ T* UIV and POL filters will increase by 10% each.

If you’re already in the market for one, you might want to pick one up within the next month. Otherwise, count on shelling out a little more cash to get your hands on the Zeiss lens of your choosing.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CIPA’s October report shows camera market has mostly recovered from its COVID-19 downturn

03 Dec
Top: Panasonic S1 (left) Canon EOS R (right) Bottom: Sony a7 III (left), Nikon Z6 (right)

It’s been a rather tumultuous year for camera sales atop a market already in decline, but the latest report from Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) shows the market is back in business and nearly recovered from the COVID-19 downturn.

CIPA, an industry association that aggregates shipment and sales information from the leading camera manufacturers, has shared its October numbers, which show the September recovery of shipments wasn’t a fluke. According to the October report, total digital camera sales – which include both fixed-lens cameras and interchangeable lens cameras – saw a total of 1.13 million units shipped. That’s still 22.8% fewer units shipped compared to October 2019, but that’s a far better shipment rate than the past six months, which have seen shipments hover around 50% of what they were in 2019 in the same months.

A line graph showing the month-by-month shipment numbers of digital cameras — including compact, fixed-lens, DSLR and mirrorless — for the past three years. Click to enlarge.

And the numbers look even better for interchangeable lens cameras. CIPA’s report says a total of 754K units were shipped, a decrease of just 13.6% compared to October 2019. Despite shipping fewer units, the monetary value of those shipments is up half a percentage point year-over-year (YoY) as well, showing the cameras being sold are more expensive models.

Interestingly, the increase in value from those shipments can be attributed only to mirrorless cameras. Globally, the monetary value of DSLR sales is down 22% YoY for October, aligned with overall unit shipments, while the monetary value of mirrorless shipments is up 11.9% YoY for October. In other words, the average revenue from global DSLR sales has more or less stayed the same while increasing for mirrorless camera sales. This backs up statements from multiple manufacturers – most notably Canon and Nikon in their investor reports – that higher-end, full-frame mirrorless models are selling better and will be the focus of their product lines.

A line graph showing the month-by-month shipment numbers of interchangeable lens cameras for the past three years. Click to enlarge.

The October report also confirms DSLR camera sales are on a far faster decline than mirrorless cameras, at least in most regions. Global DSLR shipments were at 338K units, down 21% YoY for October, while mirrorless camera shipments were 416K units, down just 6.4% YoY for October.

Where it gets interesting is when you look at shipments by region. The increase in monetary value of mirrorless camera shipments comes almost entirely down to China, which saw a 53.8% increase in value YoY for October. Also, Europe stands as an outlier in the DSLR market; according to CIPA’s report, while DSLR sales are down in volume and value to the United States, they’re only slightly down in volume and up substantially (30.5% YoY for October) in Europe. This could simply be due to the stock being sent to the respective regions (budget DSLRs vs higher-end DSLRs), but it’s an interesting discrepancy nonetheless.

A full breakdown of production and shipments of cameras aggregated by CIPA. Click to enlarge and click here for the PDF version.

The ratio between DSLR and mirrorless shipments to different region varies quite a bit as well. In Europe, DSLR and mirrorless shipments in terms of volume are roughly even, but in terms of value, mirrorless is nearly double. The United States, on the other hand, saw roughly 35K more DSLRs shipped to its shores compared to mirrorless cameras, but mirrorless still has double the value of those DSLRs.

It remains to be seen if volume and value return to their 2019 numbers over the holiday seasons, but things are looking up for an industry that’s seen a devastating decline.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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dPS Roundup: The Best Photos of October

15 Nov

The post dPS Roundup: The Best Photos of October appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Welcome to a new segment we like to call “dPS Roundup: The Best Photos of the Month,” which is exactly what it sounds like:

We share a handful of some fantastic photographs that you have submitted to our weekly challenge!

Don’t know what our weekly challenge is? You can find the current challenge, as well as all of our previous challenges, right here. Feel free to work your way back through the archive and try them all!

Our themes for October were Minimalism, Iconic, Bicycle, Silhouette, and Grey (if you missed them, you can still post a photo).

So let’s take a look at the best photos of the month!

A stunning photograph from our #dPSMinimalism challenge comes from Chris Roe. What is minimalism as applied to a photograph? Well, it’s subjective, I guess. But it’s generally described as such:

Minimalist photography is a form of photography that is distinguished by extreme, austere simplicity. It emphasizes spareness and focuses solely on the smallest number of objects in the composition process.”

dps photo of the month minimalism
dPS Minimalism | Photo by © Chris Roe

Iconic was our second theme for October. Again, that subjective phrase comes into play; I guess things can be iconic for different reasons to different people! There were some amazing images, but this is one that jumped out at us by Peter. Maybe because it’s “our city” #dPSIconic – Flinders Street Station.

dps photo of the month iconic
dPS Iconic | Photo by © Peter/Cdatar

I may have chosen the #dPSBicycle theme as I had just picked up my new bicycle (an attempt to regain some fitness!) and was (and still am!) inspired! We had some fantastic images submitted for this theme, but the one we’ve chosen for the round-up is from Stamatis Iliadakis and combines some great aspects: leading lines, slow shutter, and “silly walks!” (if you know, you know). Well done, Stamatis!

dps photo of the month bicycle
dPS Bicycle | Photo by © Stamatis Iliadakis

This stunning photograph for our #dPSSilhouette theme is by Piotr Plaskon, and was a stand-out for me! If you want to try silhouette photography but you’re not sure how, take a look at this post to get some tips.

dps photo of the month silhouette
dPS Silhouette | Photo by © Piotr Plaskon

Our last challenge for the month of October was #dPSGrey, and our stand-out photo comes from Paula Gallagher Brown in our Facebook group (join, it’s fun!). Well done, Paula!

dps photo of the month grey
dPS Grey | Photo by © Paula Gallagher Brown

There are so many well-thought-out, perfectly photographed images every week! Thank you for joining in the weekly challenge, and we hope to see your photographs up here for November!

The post dPS Roundup: The Best Photos of October appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.


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Report: Zeiss’ full-frame Android-powered ZX1 camera to be released on October 29, cost $6K

26 Oct

Three weeks ago, the long-awaited Zeiss ZX1 camera reappeared for pre-order on B&H Photo after months and months of silence regarding the availability of the Android-powered mirrorless camera. While B&H has since pulled its listing, a new report from Nokishita claims the camera will be available on October 29 with an MSRP of $ 6,000/€6,000 (the same price B&H had it listed for).

When B&H listed the Zeiss ZX1 for pre-order earlier this month, we contacted both B&H and Zeiss on the matter, but both passed on the opportunity to comment on the matter. Sometime between then and now, the pre-order option on B&H was removed with no further information on when we might see more. That is, until Nokishita published the above tweet earlier this morning.

We have contacted Zeiss for confirmation and will update this article accordingly if we receive a response. While we wait to hear more about the camera, you can check out our hands-on with it back at CP+ 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II to Launch on October 14th

02 Oct

The post Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II to Launch on October 14th appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Nikon Z6 Z7 II launch

Almost exactly two years after the launch of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless system, it’s time for an update:

The Z6 II and the Z7 II, officially launching on October 14th.

If you want to know precisely when the new models will be announced, you can view a countdown on the Nikon USA website, here.

Nikon Z6 Z7 II launch

Unfortunately, Nikon didn’t release any product specifications or extra information to go along with the announcement, other than the title, “The Next Chapter.” But Nikon Rumors has been publishing on Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II specifications for months, which is why we know a lot more about these two cameras than you might expect.

First, as is now clear from the titles, the Z6 II and the Z7 II will offer enhancements on the existing Z6 and Z7 models, Nikon’s first two mirrorless cameras. Both the Z6 and Z7 debuted back in late 2018 to general praise, which means that the Z6 II and the Z7 II, regardless of any major upgrades or innovations, should be formidable cameras.

In fact, it’s looking like Nikon will take a relatively laid-back approach to these successor models.

Nikon Rumors reports that the new cameras will be an “incremental update to the current Z6/Z7 models;” they’ll feature the same sensors as their predecessors (24 MP and 45.7 MP, respectively), the same electronic viewfinder resolution (3.69M-dot), and similar designs.

On the other hand, the Z6 II and the Z7 II should come with plenty of useful upgrades, including:

  • Dual card slots
  • 4K/60p video capabilities
  • Next-level autofocus
  • Enhanced continuous shooting capabilities (with a larger buffer and speedier shooting)

Interestingly, Nikon Rumors also claims that the Z6 II will be “the last Nikon camera with a 24 MP sensor.” Assuming this rumor is correct, it begs the question: Where does Nikon plan to go after this? Perhaps we’ll see a shift to 26 MP sensors, 30 MP sensors, or even a drop back to 20 MP sensors, but I have a hard time believing the change will be any more drastic.

After all, there are several reasons that camera manufacturers stick with lower megapixel counts on some of their cameras (despite their ability to manufacturer 50+ megapixel sensors). For instance, a 45 MP camera will struggle to go toe-to-toe with a 24 MP camera in low light, which is why we’re still getting a 12 MP sensor on the Sony a7S III and a 20 MP sensor on the Canon 1D X Mark III.

Like the Nikon Z6 and Z7, you can expect that the Z6 II and Z7 II will cater to professionals and other experienced photographers. So if you’re interested in a top-notch full-frame camera, one with dual card slots and plenty of other great features, then take a look at these new models!

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II? Were you hoping for more significant upgrades? Or are you looking forward to these new models? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II to Launch on October 14th appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro for E- and L-mount arrives in October

01 Oct

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Sigma has unveiled an all-new 105mm F2.8 macro lens, which will provide 1:1 reproduction and will be offered for E-mount and L-mount mirrorless cameras. It features a new optical formula comprising 17 elements in 12 groups, including one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element.

The 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro features a 14cm (5.5″) working distance, an aperture ring that functions either clicked or de-clicked, and a three-zone focus limiting switch. The lens is dust- and splash-proof, and the L-mount version is compatible with Sigma’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

The Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens will ship in late October for $ 800.

View our sample gallery

Press release

Sigma Announces the 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro | Art Lens, Redefining Mirrorless Macro Performance

  • Life-sized magnification (1:1) short tele macro for full-frame mirrorless
  • Dust and Splash-proof construction
  • Completely new optical formula for exceptional sharpness and pleasing bokeh
  • Hypersonic Motor optimized for both contrast and phase detection autofocus
  • Clicked and de-clicked aperture ring with Aperture Ring Lock Switch
  • Focus Limiter switch for macro, portrait, or full range autofocus
  • Available in L-Mount and Sony E-Mount
  • MSRP: $ 799
  • Anticipated Shipping Date: Late October 2020

Ronkonkoma, NY – September 30, 2020 – The SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro | Art lens is the first prime macro lens designed by Sigma exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras, as the DG DN in the name indicates. Announced today by Sigma Corporation, this lens offers 1:1 magnification (life-sized) at a 5.5-inch working distance with internal focusing, and it is available in Sony E-Mount and L-Mount formats.

Exceptional focal plane sharpness with minimal aberration is achieved through a new optical formula featuring 17 elements in 12 groups with one SLD element. The lens design also features excellent peripheral brightness for pleasing bokeh, complemented by nine rounded aperture blades. The L-Mount version of the 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro | Art lens is compatible with the SIGMA Teleconverter TC-1411 and TC-2011, increasing the maximum magnification to 1.4:1 and 2:1, respectively.

“In order to capture the minute details of small subjects, macro lenses must meet an extremely high standard of optical precision, and the new SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro | Art lens truly delivers,” says Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of Sigma Corporation of America. “Whether you are shooting images of flowers, insects or just interesting objects around the house, the sharpness, bokeh quality and practical functionality of this lens will exceed the expectations of professionals and hobbyists alike.”

The Hypersonic Motor delivers smooth, quiet, confident autofocus in both close-up and portrait-distance settings, and the three-zone focus limiter switch allows for even swifter response when focusing exclusively in either the macro or more distant range.

The Sigma Art line has been consistently redefining both imaging excellence and satisfying handfeel, and this new lens continues that journey. The dust and splash-proof design, aluminum and TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) construction, a brass bayonet mount, plus well-damped switches and rings demonstrate the level of build quality that the Art name represents. The Aperture Ring can be clicked or de-clicked by flick of a switch, and the lens also includes an Aperture Ring Lock Switch function. Additional benefits include a programmable AFL button on the lens barrel, and compatibility with face and eye-detection autofocus.

The lens will begin shipping late October 2020. / MSRP: $ 799

Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 105 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount L-Mount, Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 12
Special elements / coatings 1 super-low-dispersion element, Super Multi-layer coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.30 m (11.81)
Maximum magnification 1×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 715 g (1.58 lb)
Diameter 74 mm (2.91)
Length 134 mm (5.28)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 62 mm
Hood supplied Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II coming October 14

29 Sep

Nikon has announced, via a countdown on its website, it will be launching its next-generation full-frame mirrorless cameras on October 14.

Absolutely no information is given about the Z7 II and Z6 II cameras aside from their respective names, which eschew Nikon’s usual ’S’ naming scheme for the more Canon-esque ‘Mark II’ versions.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date on the latest developments from Nikon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rumor: The Olympus E-M5 III to be launched October 17th, use same 20MP sensor as E-M1 II

24 Sep

According to the most recent report from 4/3 Rumors, Olympus’ next camera, presumed to be the E-M5 III, will be announced on October 17, 2019, and feature the same 20-megapixel sensor that’s inside the E-M1 II.

In its report, 4/3 Rumors breaks down the summary of the rumored information it’s received thus far saying with ’99 percent’ certainty that the announcement will be made on October 17, 2019, and with ’80 percent’ certainty, the new camera will feature the same 20MP 121 cross-type phase-detection sensor as the E-M1 II.

The report also states with ’90 percent’ certainty the new camera will come with a new processor that should, in theory, result in better image quality despite using the same sensor. Other details in the report say with ’60 percent’ certainty that the camera will have a ‘lighter, more plasticky but still weather-sealed body’ and use the same BLS-50 battery also used by the Olympus PEN and E-M10 cameras.

If this information does end up holding true, the E-M5 III is shaping up to be an incremental improvement rather than a revolutionary advancement.


Update (September 23, 2019): Corrected to reflect the 20MP sensor the rumored E-M5 III will be based on is in fact the E-M1 II, not the E-M5 II.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GoPro is teasing its upcoming action cam, 360º camera set for an October 1st announcement

23 Sep
This screenshot from the teaser video appears to show off what we presume will be the GoPro HERO8 Black.

GoPro has posted a new teaser on its website showing off a few renderings and clips from what we believe to be its next-generation action cams.

Earlier this month we saw leaked product images, but this is the first official info we’ve seen regarding the impending launch. The announcement reads ‘This is Action’ and notes October 1, 2019, which we presume will be the official announcement. Below is the teaser in its entirety:

Two distinct devices appear to shown in the footage, as noted in the above screenshots, which echoes leaked information and images that in addition to a GoPro HERO8, GoPro will also reveal the GoPro Max, a second-generation 360º cameras that will be the successor to the GoPro Fusion.

A screenshot depicting what we assume, based on leaked images, will be the GoPro Fusion successor, the GoPro Max.

GoPro has also posted a video to YouTube where a livestream will take place for the announcement of what’s anticipated to be two new devices.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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