Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Friday, 19 September 2014

	Digital Photography Review Newsletter Friday, 19 September 2014 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers
Welcome to the 527th Digital Photography Review newsletter. It may have been a comparatively quiet Photokina but there's been plenty to write about and plenty, as a keen photographer, to get excited about. The once-traditional deluge of commoditized compacts was missing but in its place were a smattering of more distinctive models. There's a there's a lot to be said for the concept of quality over quantity, and I'd argue that keen photographers are the main beneficiaries of the death of the conventional compact. This concentration on DPR-reader-friendly cameras meant we were able to focus on the latest releases in a decent amount of depth. If you've not been able to keep track of the show this week, then I think you'll find something to interest you. And if you haven't, I hope this newsletter will draw your attention to a facet of our coverage that you missed, first time 'round. Richard Photokina 2014 coverage The history and reputation of the Photokina show in Cologne, Germany means that, even in these challenging times for the camera industry, it remains a key opportunity to announce and promote your most prestigious models. And sure enough we've seen the launch of long-awaited high-end DSLRs, refreshes of stylish flagships and complete range refreshes from some of the most famous names in the industry. Click here to explore our coverage of the show and its announcements. Canon EOS 7D Mark II and PowerShot G7 X Canon made two of the show's biggest announcements: a completely reworked flagship APS-C DSLR and the first serious competitor to Sony's previously unopposed RX100 series. The EOS 7D Mark II doesn't receive much of a megapixel hike but it gains much more sophisticated autofocus system, both for stills and movie shooting. It may look pretty similar but expectations have changed considerably in the past five years, so it'll be interesting to see whether the Mark II can find the same sort of market that its predecessor did. Click here to read more about what's new. Meanwhile, at the smaller end of the spectrum, the PowerShot G7 X is arguably Canon's most promising-looking compact since the appearance of the large-sensor G1 X. A familiar-sounding 20MP 1"-type sensor and bright 24-100mm equivalent lens should be enough to make it interesting, but the addition of a touch screen and a surprisingly high degree of external control are just as much part of its appeal. Click here to find out more. Panasonic Lumix DMC GM5 and LX100 Panasonic has also been giving some thought to the high-end compact market and, contrary to the rumors, hasn't chosen to go down the 1" route. Instead the LX100 combines classic styling and a fast 24-75mm equivalent zoom with a Four Thirds sized sensor. Although its name invokes the likes of the LX7, its specifications look more like those of Canon's G1 X II and its controls more closely resemble those of the Fujifilm X100. The design, though, is pure Panasonic DMC-LC1 which is to say: seriously classy. Click here to see what we mean. And, rather overwhelmed in the rest of the launches, Panasonic has also given its GM series a welcome update with the launch of the GM5. We'd be been pleased to see it gain a proper rear control dial but Panasonic's decision to squeeze an electronic viewfinder in, as well, is likely to broaden the appeal of one of the smallest Micro Four Thirds models. Click here to find out more. Samsung NX1 Another potentially overshadowed camera was Samsung's NX1. To call it ambitious would be an understatement: a 28MP back-side illuminated APS-C sensor (by far the largest we've ever seen) would be impressive enough, but to wrap it in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body and get it to shoot at 15 frames per second suggests a degree of intent. The company is also expanding its lens range into similarly serious territory by announcing a 50-150mm F2.8 lens to accompany its existing 16-50mm F2-2.8 high-grade normal zoom. The NX1's video specs (it shoots DCI 4K and UHD 4K) are similarly impressive, so it'll be interesting to see whether it lives up to its promise. It may not have grabbed as much attention as the EOS 7D II this week, but will this be the camera that we remember from Photokina 2014, when we look back in five years time? Click here to read more about the Samsung NX1. Big changes at Leica It's an unusual year at Photokina where Leica is the brand announcing the most new models, but that may be what just happened. The latest Leicas include special editions of the M, re-branded versions of existing modes: the X2 becoming the X-E and some remarkably Panasonic-esque releases: the D-Lux bears all the hallmarks of the two companies' ongoing collaboration. None of this undermines the appearance of a newfound vigor, though. In amongst the launches are the totally new Leica X, which adds an F1.7 lens to the X-series formula of an APS-C camera with a fixed lens, along with the complete refresh of the Summarit range of entry-level M-mount lenses. Click here to read about some of Leica's many announcements. Richard GearShop update - a message from the team Two new cameras are available for pre-order now through GearShop. First, the new Nikon D750 brings full frame shooting within more comfortable reach, fitting a FF sensor into a smaller body. It is also the first Nikon DSLR to offer built-in Wi-Fi, along with uncompressed video, and an improved version of the 512-point AF system found in the D810 and D4s Also in the pre-order lineup is the new Fujifilm X1ooT. A hot item at Photokina, the X100T marries retro styling with the sophisticated yet accessible controls that classic shooters crave. Its bright lens and responsive handling, in addition to its new hybrid viewfinder, offers high performance and a fresh take on the digital rangefinder. Until next week - the GearShop Team
News updates Photokina 2014 Video: The Fujifilm X100T Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 5:10:00 PM GMT In our latest from-the-show-floor video, we visit the Fujifilm booth at Photokina 2014 to learn more about the Fujifilm X100T, the newest member of the company's ultra-premium compact camera family. See video Read full story → Photokina 2014: Ricoh stand report Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 3:02:00 PM GMT Behind Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand is the Ricoh booth, the most colorful we've seen thus far. It's not the design of the booth that's colorful. Rather, it's the dozens of color combinations available for the company's DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. The waterfall in front was pretty cool, too. Take the tour. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands on with new Tamron lenses - including 15-30mm F2.8 Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 2:57:00 PM GMT We caught up with Tamron at Photokina 2014 to get a peek at the new 15-30mm F2.8 ultra-wide angle zoom. It's designed to cover a full frame sensor and was shown to us in a late prototype form, though its official launch date is unconfirmed. We also got some hands-on time with the manufacturer's latest all-in-one zoom lenses as well as the always-impressively-huge 150-600mm F5-6.3. Read more Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands on with Sigma's new 150-600mm telezooms Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 1:52:00 PM GMT The stars of Sigma's booth at this years Photokina were two new telezoom lenses - 'C' and 'S' versions of a 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM aimed at enthusiasts and sports / wildlife professionals, respectively. The company was also showing off its new 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM 'C' for APS-C DSLRs. We headed to the company's stand on our final day at the show, and got our hands on the new gear (except the stuff behind glass). Click through to see more. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Polaroid Socialmatic combines camera, printer and Android OS Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 1:12:28 PM GMT The Polaroid Socialmatic was first announced a while ago but is still in development and expected to ship sometime later this year. However, at the Polaroid stand in Hall 5.2 Photokina visitors can already get their hands on a few prototypes and play with the unique device. The Socialmatic combines a 14MP camera, an Android smart device and a Polaroid Zero Ink technology printer. Click through to read more. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Sneak peek at upcoming Fujifilm XF lenses Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 11:31:00 AM GMT Fujifilm announced two cameras on the runup to Photokina - the X100T and X30. But the company is also showing off mockups of several new lenses, slated for release next year. We sat down with senior executives from Fujifilm earlier today, and got our hands on the samples. Click through to take a look at what's in store. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Olympus stand report Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 8:51:00 AM GMT The Olympus booth was relatively quiet compared to the madhouses at Nikon and Canons' stands, which made it easier to get up close and personal with the company's new lenses. We also took a look at some of their recent cameras, and have a few cutaways, as well. Read more. Read full story → Photokina 2014 interview: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 8:31:17 AM GMT In this video from Photokina, Panasonic's Matt Frazer walks us through the features of the new Lumix DMC-LX100 compact camera. Matt also explains Panasonic's use of a multi-aspect four thirds sensor, discusses lens design and manufacture, and explains the camera's 4K video capabilities. See video Read full story → Photokina 2014: Nikon stand report (updated) Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 8:18:00 AM GMT We swung by Nikon's Photokina 2014 stand to see the new D750 in action and investigate what else the company has in store for show attendees. The booth itself is a bit less flashy than some of the competitions, and distinctly lacking in cars and ladies wearing sequins, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't make an impression. Click through to read more.  Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands-on with RED's Epic Dragon Published on Thursday, September 18, 2014 7:26:00 AM GMT How does the idea of capturing 100 19MP Raw files per second sound? That's what RED's latest camera, the RED Dragon can do, courtesy of its 6K video capture mode. Fully modular, the RED Dragon can be adapted to accept a multitude of lens mounts, and although intended for professional movie shooting, its still image quality is seriously impressive too. We got a quick tour of RED's latest magic machines at the company's stand.  Read full story → Size matters: Hands-on with Canon PowerShot G7 X Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 11:01:00 PM GMT Canon has been busy - its latest high-end compact, the PowerShot G7 X slots in beneath the G1 X Mark II, and offers a 20MP 1'-type sensor, 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 zoom lens and a host of other enthusiast-friendly features. We spoke to Canon recently and got access to a pre-production G7 X. Click through for a hands-on tour of the new camera.  Read full story → Interview: Canon's Chuck Westfall Discusses the 7D Mark II Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 10:15:00 PM GMT Join us for a video interview with Canon's Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor at Canon U.S.A.'s Professional Engineering and Solutions Division, in which he talks us through some of the features of the new EOS 7D Mark II DSLR, introduced this week at Photokina.  Read full story → Relonch brings APS-C image sensor to the iPhone Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 8:50:00 PM GMT The Relonch camera combines an APS-C sensor with an extremely simple UI and attaches to your iPhone, using your phone for display, image processing, storage, and sharing. A bright F2.0 lens ensures low-light performance. At an output resolution of only 1MP, it's a niche product, but the concept is exciting. Click through to learn more. Read full story → Canon EOS 7D Mark II beta image samples Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 5:30:34 PM GMT We got a chance to shoot with a pre-release beta of Canon's EOS 7D Mark II, so we grabbed it. We have prepared a 23 image gallery from a Canon event running at the Photokina show in Cologne. Although the image quality hasn't been entirely finalized, this should give some first impressions of what that camera can do. We've included a sequence of 10fps shooting. Click through for more details. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Samsung stand report Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 4:16:00 PM GMT Samsung's hall is a far cry from the over-the-top extravaganza that is its CES booth. There are big tables for every camera it produces, usually paired with smartphones. In fact, it felt like their stand was as much about mobile devices as it was with cameras. The camera that everyone was playing with was the NX1, and we took a look at that as well as a 300mm telephoto prime concept. Click through to read more. Read full story → Creative Live hosts six days of free online photography classes Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 3:23:20 PM GMT Creative Live is currently hosting Photo Week - six days of free photography classes. The event is ongoing through September 20th, and the interactive classes will be taught by professionals from various parts of the industry on a range of topics such as light painting, wedding and GoPro photography. Read more Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands on with Leica's S & M (it's not what you think) Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 12:44:00 PM GMT Leica announced two new M-series rangefinders at this year's Photokina, in addition to the Digital M-P released last month. The German company also unveiled a new medium-format S, which as well as high-resolution stills can capture 4K video. Naturally, we headed over to the Leica booth to get our grubby hands all over the new cameras. Click through to see more.  Read full story → Photokina 2014: Sony stand report Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 12:05:00 PM GMT It's the second day of the photography industry's biggest tradeshow and we paid a visit to the Sony booth. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Alpha QX1 'lens-style camera' paired with a gigantic 70-200mm lens, Sony did not disappoint us. We also got our hands on a pair of new lenses. Take a look around Sony's Photokina 2014 stand with us. Read more Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands-on with Leica X and X-E Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 11:24:00 AM GMT Leica released two new X-series cameras at Photokina this year - the X and X-E. The X-E is an update to the X-2, and the 'X' is the flagship model. The Leica X features a 35mm equivalent F1.7 lens - answering the long-standing request from X-1 and X-2 owners for a faster lens. Click through to see (and learn) more.   Read full story → Photokina 2014: Panasonic stand report Published on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 11:22:00 AM GMT Panasonic announced some exciting products at Photokina, including the DMC-LX100 premium compact, tiny DMC-GM5 Micro Four Thirds ILC, and top secret CM1 smartphone/camera hybrid. Let's take a walk through the Panasonic booth. Click to read more. Read full story → Nikon D750: What you need to know Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 10:24:00 PM GMT The D750 is Nikon's latest full-frame DSLR, and sits between the D610 and D810 in the company's FX format lineup. With specifications in common with both cameras, the D750 may be of interest to anyone considering stepping up to full-frame from one of Nikon's APS-C format models. As well as our detailed first impressions review we've prepared a quick 'cheat sheet', telling you everything you need to know about the new camera. Click through to read more. Read full story → Video preview of the Canon Powershot G7 X Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 9:02:00 PM GMT If posts to our news articles and forums are any indication, one of the most exciting announcements from Photokina is the Canon G7 X, a genuinely pocketable camera with a large 1”-type sensor. In this video DPReview’s Richard Butler takes us through a preview of the G7 X and gives us an idea of what to expect from it. Read full story → Updated Leica X (Typ 113) APS-C compact boasts F1.7 lens Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 6:41:00 PM GMT Leica has announced a new X-series camera with an F1.7 lens. The Leica X (Typ 113) continues to use a 16MP APS-C sensor and offer a 35mm equivalent lens but now with a considerably faster aperture than the F2.8 of its forebear. The existing X2 model will essentially live on as the Leica X-E. The Typ 113 will cost around $2,295/£1,550. Read full story → Leica introduces D-Lux 24-75mm equiv compact with Four Thirds sensor Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 6:15:00 PM GMT Leica has announced the D-Lux (Typ 109), a compact camera with a 24-75mm equivalent, F1.7-2.8 zoom and a Four Thirds sensor. If those specifications sound familiar, it's probably because they're shared with the Panasonic LX100. The D-Lux will be available in November. A license for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is included. Read full story → Leica announces the Leica M Edition 60 to honor sixty years of M rangefinders Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 6:10:00 PM GMT It’s hard to believe, but Leica’s line of M rangefinders, which started with the M3 in 1954, has been around for 60 years. In celebration, Leica has announced the commemorative Leica M Edition 60 and matching Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens. Unlike other M digital models, the M Edition 60 lacks one significant feature: an LCD screen. Read full story → Leica replaces 'affordable' Summarit-M range with F2.4 lenses Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 6:08:00 PM GMT Leica has announced a complete replacement of its Summarit-M range with a family of F2.4 lenses. As before the Summarit-M range will comprise 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm focal lengths. The 35mm will be the first Summarit to include an aspheric lens element. The 75mm and 90mm will be available this month, with the other two following in October. All four lenses will be available in a choice of black or anodized silver finish. Read full story → Zeiss introduces Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 ZM lens Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 3:21:00 PM GMT Zeiss has announced its a Distagon T* 35mm F1.4 ZM lens for Leica M-mount bodies. The company describes the lens as being for professional reportage photography and points out that the wide maximum aperture 'ensures the photographer is independent from the ISO limitations of his camera.' The 35mm F1.4 ZM will be available in black or silver for a recommended price of €1679.84 or $2290 exc taxes. Read full story → Olympus shows 'Open Platform' Micro Four Thirds camera module Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 2:44:28 PM GMT Olympus is using Photokina to show a prototype 'Open Platform' camera module. Developed with the MIT Media Lab, the module is a Micro Four Thirds compatible unit that can be controlled from a smart device. Like Sony's QX series, the Olympus has its own shutter button but it also offers a hotshoe an is built around a more open software platform to allow developers to create apps to control it. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Canon stand report Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 12:34:00 PM GMT Canon's Photokina stand is popular as always. The company is eager to show off its EOS 7D Mark II to Photokina attendees, and the public in turn turned out to give the camera a try judging by the crowds at the booth. We took our turn handling the 7D II and checked out the booth. Click through to see more. Read full story → Photokina 2014: Fujifilm stand report Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 12:18:00 PM GMT Fujifilm's giant green stand in Hall 4 at Koelnmesse is a place to get your hands on cameras, look at printer and film output and, of course, take pictures of models standing in front of expensive cars. Our stand report has a look at what's new with Fujifilm and has some fun photos, as well. Click through to read more.  Read full story → Photokina 2014: Hands-on with the Fujifilm X100T Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 11:38:00 AM GMT We're here at Photokina in Germany, and one camera many people were eager to get their hands on was the the new Fujifilm X100T. As part of our tour of the company's stand (more like a ballroom), we got our mitts on Fujifilm's latest ultra-premium compact. Click through to see more.  Read full story → Phase One announces Capture One Pro 8 Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 8:00:00 AM GMT Phase One has announced the release of Capture One Pro 8, the latest version of its Raw conversion and photo editing software. Capture One Pro 8 highlights include new adjustment tools such as local white balance, clone and heal repair layers to remove unwanted objects, and a film grain tool to mimic film stocks and add realistic grain to images. Read full story → DPReview in Cologne: We're at Photokina! Published on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 7:31:00 AM GMT The DPReview team (well, some of it) is in Cologne Germany for this year's Photokina trade show. Photokina is the biggest show in our industry, and happens every two years. This year we've seen a number of major products released from all of the biggest names including Canon, Nikon and Sony. The show opens in a few minutes, and we'll be here, reporting from the show floor and getting our hands on the new gear. Click through for a link to our full show coverage. Read full story → Panasonic announces Lumix DMC-CM1 smartphone with 1-inch sensor Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 5:19:23 PM GMT Panasonic has announced a smartphone with a 1 inch sensor. The Lumix DMC-CM1 comes with the largest imaging sensor we have seen on a smartphone - its 1-inch 20MP chip matching the sensors in premium compact cameras such as Sony's RX100 and Nikon's 1 series, being multiple times larger than the 1/3-inch sensors that are common on more conventional smartphones. The large sensor is coupled with an F2.8 Leica lens that offers an equivalent focal length of 28mm. Click through for more details.  Read full story → Sony rolls out Zeiss FE 16-35mm F4 wide angle zoom and HVL-F32M flash Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 2:45:00 PM GMT Sony has announced the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS for its E-mount interchangeable lens cameras, as well as the HVL-F32M flash and XLR-K2M XLR audio adaptor kit. The 16-35mm is the fifth full-frame zoom for Sony's Alpha 7 series. Read more Read full story → The wait is over: Canon EOS 7D Mark II First Impressions Review Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Enthusiast photographers have been waiting in agony for a replacement to the Canon EOS 7D for five years. Their wishes have finally been granted - and in a big way - with the arrival of the EOS 7D Mark II. With a new sensor, improved AF system, faster image processor, and Full HD video, we think that it was worth the wait. For a lot more on the 7D II, read our detailed First Impressions Review. Read full story → Upsizing: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 First Impressions Review Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic's LX-series of compact cameras have been favorites of both customers and reviewers alike for many years. Photographers who have been waiting for a more enthusiast-slanted LX can finally get out their wallets, because the Lumix DMC-LX100 is here. Find out what we thought about what sounds like the ultimate enthusiast compact camera in our First Impressions Review. Read on. Read full story → Bring on the competition: Canon PowerShot G7 X First Impressions Review Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT For the last two years, the only enthusiast compact with a large sensor you could buy says 'Sony' on the front. Finally, at Photokina 2014, we get some competition from Canon. The PowerShot G7 X uses what is likely the same 20MP sensor as the Sony RX100 III but offers a longer lens, flip-up touchscreen LCD, and arguably better controls. For all the details on this exciting new camera, head on over to our First Impressions Review. Read full story → Hands-on with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 borrows the styling of the fashion conscious GM1, but adds enough additional control to give it broader appeal. So while it's still a smart, diminutive thing, Panasonic has found room for a viewfinder, control dial and hotshoe. We look at the two cameras side by side and examine the changes that've been made at the petite end of the Micro Four Thirds range. Read full story → Canon announces long-awaited EOS 7D Mark II Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Canon has made the EOS 7D Mark II official, headlining its Photokina announcements. The 7D II features a 20.2MP APS-C sensor, increased from the 7D's 18MP. It also presents an upgrade over its predecessor in autofocus specification with next-generation Dual Pixel AF, 65 all cross-type points, as well as a faster 10 fps burst shooting rate. Read more Read full story → Canon unveils PowerShot G7 X with 1"-type sensor Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Canon has announced the PowerShot G7 X, the company's first compact to feature a 1"-type sensor. It boasts a seemingly familiar 20.2MP BSI CMOS chip, coupled with a DIGIC 6 processor and a 24-100mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens. The G7 X is also equipped with a touchscreen, a 31-point AF system, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Read more Read full story → Panasonic reveals Lumix DMC-LX100 with Four Thirds sensor Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic has announced the latest member of its enthusiast compact LX-series, the Lumix DMC-LX100. Where its LX7 predecessor used a 1/1.7" sensor, the LX100 leapfrogs into the Four Thirds sensor class, with 16MP chip and a 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens. It supports 4K video recording at 30p, and also provides Wi-Fi with NFC for faster pairing with a mobile device. Read more Read full story → Panasonic unveils Lumix DMC-GM5 with EVF Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic introduces the second member of its diminutive GM-series: the Lumix DMC-GM5. The GM5 offers a 16MP Four Thirds sensor in a point-and-shoot sized camera body equipped with a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Following on the consumer-focused Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1, the GM5 provides some enthusiast touches like a built-in 1.2m dot equivalent EVF and hot shoe. Read more Read full story → Canon introduces EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM, EF 24-105mm and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 lenses Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT In addition to its compact camera and EOS 7D Mark II launch at Photokina, Canon unveils three new lenses. The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM, EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM announced today target different types of photographers. Read full story → Panasonic introduces GM-sized Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 and 14mm F2.5 II Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Topping off its Photokina 2014 announcements, Panasonic announces two lenses designed to fit the dimensions and style of its GM-series cameras. The Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S. is a truly compact telephoto zoom covering a range equivalent to 70-200mm. Also announced is the 14mm F2.5 II ASPH, a version of an existing lens but with revised graphics (equivalent to 28mm). Read more Read full story → Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 firmware brings tethering and 4K Photo mode Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic has announced a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4, adding tethered shooting and modes to make it easier to take still images from 4K video. The update introduces 4K Photo Mode, which automatically sets shooting parameters optimized for stills. Read more Read full story → Canon announces PowerShot SX60 HS with 65x zoom Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Canon has announced the 65x superzoom PowerShot SX60 HS, offering a 16.1MP CMOS sensor and a lens covering a 21-1365mm equivalent range. It's equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC, 1080/60p HD video and an articulated 3" LCD with 922k-dot resolution. Read more Read full story → Canon introduces social-oriented PowerShot N2 Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Canon has introduced the latest in its uniquely-shaped series of socially inclined PowerShots. The square-shaped PowerShot N2 is equipped with a 16.1MP CMOS sensor, 28-224mm equiv lens, and Wi-Fi with NFC, and wireless sharing is facilitated by Mobile Device Connect button. Read more Read full story → Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 firmware update enables 4K Photo Mode Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic has announced a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-FZ1000. Like its big sibling the Lumix GH4, the FZ1000 will gain a 4K Photo Mode, which automatically sets shooting parameters optimized for stills and allows 4K capture in a variety of aspect ratios. Read more Read full story → Panasonic announces work on 30mm f2.8 stabilized macro lens for Micro Four Thirds Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 12:00:00 PM GMT Panasonic has announced it is developing a 30mm f/2.8 Macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. The lens will be compatible with the latest generation 240 frame-per-second autofocus and will include image stabilization. No further details of specification, price or time-scale have yet been provided. Read full story → NX-t generation? Samsung NX1 First Impressions Review Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 10:00:00 AM GMT Samsung is no stranger to trying something new, and it's really swung for the fences with the NX1 enthusiast mirrorless camera. With a DSLR-style body, a revolutionary sensor, exciting AF system, and more bells and whistles than one could ever need, the NX1 looks like a serious contender. We spent some time with the NX1 and have some first impressions to share. Read'em. Read full story → Samsung NX1 debuts with APS-C backside-illuminated CMOS Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 10:00:00 AM GMT Samsung has introduced the pro-oriented NX1 mirrorless camera for Photokina 2014, boasting the first-ever APS-C sized BSI-CMOS sensor. The weather-sealed 28.2MP NX1 also offers a sophisticated hybrid autofocus system with 205 phase-detect points covering 90% of the frame. Other high-end features include 15 fps burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi, and a 2.36M dot OLED EVF. Read more Read full story → Samsung announces premium NX 50-150mm F2.8 OIS Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 10:00:00 AM GMT Samsung adds another 'S' series lens to its premium lineup, the NX 50-150mm F2.8 OIS. It's weather-sealed to resist dust and splashes, and covers a range equivalent to 77-231mm on Samsung's APS-C NX cameras. With 20 elements in 13 groups, it offers built-in stabilization and an i-Function button as part of Samsung's user interface. Read more Read full story → Olympus unveils weather-resistant M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 7:01:00 AM GMT Olympus has announced the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F2.8 Pro lens. Built to withstand the elements, this dust, splash and freezeproof telephoto zoom covers a range equivalent to 80-300mm. Also announced is a 1.4x teleconverter, which when used with the 40-150mm boosts the equivalent telephoto reach to 420mm. Read more Read full story → Olympus announces E-M1 firmware version 2.0 and silver body version Published on Monday, September 15, 2014 7:01:00 AM GMT Olympus celebrates the start of Photokina with the announcement of a major firmware update for the OM-D E-M1 that enables tethered shooting, in-camera 'digital shift' keystone composition, and the E-M10's Live Composite mode. Also announced is the availability of a silver version of the previously only-available-in-black E-M1. Read more Read full story → Sigma announces liquid-repellent filters and clear glass protectors Published on Saturday, September 13, 2014 1:33:36 AM GMT Optical manufacturer Sigma has expanded its portfolio of lens filters with the introduction of four new models, three of which feature water and oil repellent coatings. The new coatings have been applied to the company's ultra violet and circular polariser filters, as well as a new clear-glass protector. Read more Read full story → Blackmagic Design introduces PL Mount options for Production Camera 4K and Cinema Camera Published on Saturday, September 13, 2014 12:09:00 AM GMT Blackmagic Design has announced the addition of two new PL mount options to its line of professional motion picture cameras. The Production Camera 4K and Cinema Camera are now available with a PL mount, complementing existing EF and passive Micro Four Thirds models. Read more Read full story → Sigma announces dp1 Quattro and LVF-01 loupe Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 5:50:00 PM GMT Sigma has announced that the dp1 Quattro, a large-sensor compact that will be available from mid-October. The dp1 Quattro marries a 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens to the latest generation of Sigma's Foveon technology. The dp1 Quattro joins the 40mm equivalent dp2 Quattro in the company's lineup, with the promise of a 75mm equivalent dp3 Quattro to follow. Read more Read full story → Sony unveils FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS cinema lens Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 7:01:00 AM GMT Sony has unveiled another full-frame compatible lens for its E-mount, the FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS. With an emphasis on its capabilities in video production, it offers three separate control rings for zoom, focus and aperture. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant and uses a Super Sonic Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocus and iris control. Read more Read full story → Tamron develops full-frame 15-30 f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom with vibration correction Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 6:00:00 AM GMT Tamron has announced the development of its new SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD ultra-wide zoom lens. This full-frame lens is the first in its class to offer image stabilization according to Tamron. The lens has an ultrasonic focusing motor, 'eBAND' and fluorine coatings, and a 9-blade diaphragm. The lens will be available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony mounts and will be displayed at Photokina next week.  Read full story → Sigma announces 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM 'C' Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 5:00:00 AM GMT Sigma has announced a new superzoom lens for APS-C format DSLRs. The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM takes its place in the company's 'Contemporary' linep, offering a focal range equivalent to 27-450mm. The new lens will be available next month for $579 in Sigma, Nikon, Canon Pentax and Sony mounts - the latter two will not feature OS optical image stabilization. Read more  Read full story → Sigma announces two 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM zooms Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 5:00:00 AM GMT Sigma has announced a pair of new telezoom lenses. Both described as the '150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM' one carries Sigma's 'Contemporary' branding and one is positioned in its 'Sport' lineup. The sports version is dust and splash-proof, while both lenses boast new versions of Sigma's optical image stabilization system. Under the hood though, their construction is significantly different. Read more  Read full story → Special FX: Nikon D750 First impressions review Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 4:01:00 AM GMT The D750 is Nikon's latest FX format camera, which borrows features from the D810 and marries them with a 24MP sensor, offering a faster frame-rate than any non-professional full-frame Nikon DSLR. Aimed squarely at enthusiasts and full-frame upgraders the D750 boasts a comprehensive video and still photography specification which includes a tilting rear LCD screen and (on paper) an improved version of the 51-point AF system found in the D810. We've been using a pre-production camera for a few days - click through for our first impressions.  Read full story → Fast and full-frame: Nikon announces 24MP Nikon D750 Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon has released the enthusiast-focused D750, a 24MP full-frame DSLR which sits between the D610 and D810 in the company's lineup. The D750 offers an improved version of the 51-point AF system from the D810, a 6.5fps maximum frame-rate, plus built-in Wi-Fi and a vari-angle LCD. Video features are lifted directly from the D810 and include 1080/60p recording and full manual exposure control. Read more Read full story → Nikon announces AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon has launched the AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED for FX and DX format Nikon cameras. It updates the existing AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8, which lacked an internal focus motor for use with entry-level Nikon DSLRs. Using 13 elements in 11 groups, it features a Nano Crystal Coat and offers a minimum focus distance of 0.2m. The AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED will be available in September for $799.95. Read more Read full story → Nikon announces SB-500 Speedlight for stills and video Published on Friday, September 12, 2014 4:01:00 AM GMT Nikon rounds out its Photokina announcements with the SB-500 Speedlight, a compact flash with a built-in LED for use while recording video. With coverage for a 24mm lens on an FX camera or a 16mm lens on DX, the SB-500 has a guide number of 24m at ISO 100. Read more Read full story →
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