Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS announced (Canon EOS M System)

Samyang MF 85mm F/1.8
View Post

Samyang (aka Rokinon, and other brand names) announce the Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS lens for mirrorless camera systems, Canon EOS M included. The Samyang 85mm f/1.8 will be available in September 2018.

Press release:

Samyang unveils the MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C crop sensors

Samyang Optics launches a new manual-focus lens for mirrorless shooters: The MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is designed for use with APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras in the following mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon M, and Micro-Four-Thirds. It is competitively priced and light-weight. This medium telephoto lens inherits the renowned image quality of Samyang’s manual focus series and also boasts beautiful out of focus bokeh and availability for a variety of cameras.

Ideal portrait lens, with a fast, bright maximum aperture

This manual-focus 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens is a medium telephoto lens, with a similar angle of-view to a 135mm lens when compared to full-frame cameras. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is designed with 9 lens elements in 7 groups and it delivers high resolution from the centre to the corners of the image. A high-refractive and an extra-low dispersion element, along with Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) help minimise chromatic aberrations and deliver clear, vibrant images. This lens is ideal for portraits, with beautiful bokeh from its floating-element system. Its low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field are especially useful features.

Wide range of uses, with crystal-clear resolution

The compact and light-weight design offers the portability and comfort needed for a long day’s shooting. This lens would be the ideal choice for keen photographers who want to capture everyday moments in high-resolution. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS has a host of features including its outstanding optical performance. Its wide range of uses include portraits and other close-ups such as food, as well as landscapes and many other situations.

More fun with Manual Focus lenses

The MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens is perfect for shooters who want to have more involvement and express their own characteristics through their images. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS weighs in at just over 300g and measures approximately 8cm long (without the hood and lens caps). Photographers can expect superb, emotional and unique images from this compact companion.

 

Here are the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 full frame mirrorless cameras (officially announced)

Nikon Z6
View Post

After many leaks and a series of teaser videos, Nikon eventually announced the company’s first full frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6.

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95 for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95 SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95 SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95 SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit.

Hands-on and first impression reviews:

Nikon Z7 first impression review at Photography Blog. Nikon Z lenses hands-on at DPReview. Nikon Z7 first impression review at DPReview. Hands-on by CameraLabs.

You will soon be able to preorder the new Nikon FF MILCs:

Nikon Z6: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon   –   Nikon Z7: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon






Nikon press release:

Nikon Introduces the New Nikon Z Mount System, and Releases Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras: the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame (Nikon FX–format) Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount to enable the next generation of ultimate optical performance.

Mirrorless Reinvented

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.951. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter “Z” represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.

Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Leica announces the Leica M10-P, a $8000 Rangefinder Camera That Let You “go unnoticed”

Leica M10-p
View Post

At a glance:

  • 24MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Leica Maestro II Image Processor
  • Optical 0.73x-Magnification Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
  • ISO 100-50000, up to 5-fps Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Redesigned Shutter, Built-In Level Gauge
  • Stills-Only Operation
  • Built-In ISO Dial & Frame Line Selector
  • Weather-Resistant Brass Construction

Leica announced the Leica M10-P. The Leica M10-P is a rangefinder camera with a 24MP full frame sensor. On the product page Leica touts the Leica M10-P as the camera to “go unnoticed in the street”, which sounds just a little weird given this is a $8000 camera that’s easy to recognise as a Leica.

If you have 8 grands to spend, you can get the Leica M10-P (two color options) at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon.

Leica press release:

LEICA M10-P: A NEW LEVEL OF UNDERSTATEMENT

With the Leica M10-P, Leica Camera AG presents a further model in the Leica rangefinder camera segment. Based on the M10, the M10-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica M rangefinder system and, in details, focuses on the characteristic core features that are particularly appreciated by M-Photographers. Exceptionally discreet and concentrating entirely on the most essential camera functions, the Leica M10-P embodies the essence of the M-Philosophy and raises the traditional understatement of the M-Series to a new and even higher level.

The outstanding features of the Leica M10-P are the extremely low noise level of its shutter and the quietest shutter release of all M-Cameras ever built. This makes it the first digital M-Camera that is even more discreet than its analogue predecessors. The discreet sound of its almost inaudible shutter release makes it the ideal tool for capturing authentic photographs from the heart of life itself – especially in situations where peace and quiet are essential. The design of the Leica M10-P is as discreetly unobtrusive and minimalist as the way of working it supports. The camera has no Leica red dot logo on the front and features only discreet Leica lettering on its top plate. Its hot shoe cover in metal merges seamlessly into the design of the top plate.

With its handling concept, the Leica M10-P fulfils everything that discerning photographers expect from a Leica M and, in this traditional concentration on essential functions, follows the lead of all past and present Leica M-Cameras. A new addition is a touch-function that enables faster checking of the plane of focus in Live-View and Review mode, more convenient browsing in Review mode and faster access to all the most important functions. The M10-P also has an integrated levelling aid that enables perfect orientation of the camera and avoids the need for laborious corrections in postprocessing.

All other features, functions, construction materials and the finishing of the Leica M10-P correspond to the same high standards as those of its sister model, the Leica M10.

The Leica M10-P is available from today and is offered in a choice of black chrome and silver chrome finishes.

This Music Video Was Originally Shot on a Canon EOS 550D

Canon Eos 550d
View Post

Ynon Lan is a director and animator living in New York City. In his work he enjoys combining photography, videography and different animation techniques in inventive ways. We featured several of his works in the past.

Today we feature the music video for Hit Radio Tune by The Academics. Ynon made the video using shots made with a Canon EOS 550D. Ynon shot the lead singer of the band performing the song and also made street shots in NYC. The footage was then rotoscoped frame by frame and animated based on the original shots. Everything was shot handheld, so the animation has a distinct notion of the camera movements from the original footage even though it’s drawn by hand. He also tracked the original shots in After Effects, and added the colorful geometric shapes you see in the background.

And here is the video.

What to say? If you have a creative mind you can do amazing things with an entry level camera (of several years ago).

You can follow Ynon Lan on Instagram, Vimeo, or you can visit his website. Below you can see a “making of video” of the music video.

More Mirrorless War Predictions (Fuji just a niche, Nikon underdog, Canon and Sony the big players)

Magic Lantern Mirrorless
View Post

Tony & Chelsea Northrup posted a 30min video where they analyse possible mirrorless market scenarios after Canon and Nikon will have released their upcoming full frame mirrorless cameras.

They say:

Nikon and Canon seem to be releasing full-frame cameras, and that changes EVERYTHING. Sony has had no competition for full frame mirrorless, can they survive a head-on fight against the two biggest camera makers? How will Panasonic, Olympus, and Fujifilm fare? And is Pentax even in the fight?

They are arguing that the battle will be between Sony and Canon, and they see Nikon as the underdog and Fuji occupying a niche (because Fuji has no full frame MILCs). For sure no other company has a technological advantage in the mirrorless field like Sony has. I’m a bit sceptical about Fuji occupying just a nice, since I believe their MILCs (and lens ecosystem) are state of the art. According to Northrups, Fujifilm will end up in the 4th place, after Sony, Canon and Nikon. Micro 4/3 as well as Pentax will disappear or count very little in the future.

[via Fuji Rumors]

Canon Gets 4 EISA Awards for EOS 6D Mark II, EOS M50, EF 85mm f/1.4, and Speedlite 470EX-AI

Eisa Awards
View Post
Press release:

Canon Awarded Four Prestigious 2018 EISA Awards

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Wednesday 15 August 2018 – Canon is honoured to have been awarded four prestigious accolades from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) showcasing the breadth of Canon’s unrivalled camera, lens and accessory line-up.

  • EOS 6D Mark II named ‘EISA DSLR Camera 2018-2019’
  • EOS M50 named ‘EISA Best Buy camera 2018-2019’
  • EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM awarded the ‘EISA DSLR prime lens 2018-2019’
  • Speedlite 470EX-AI flash awarded the ‘EISA photo innovation 2018-2019’

Voted by an esteemed panel of judges, consisting of editors from 53 internationally-respected consumer electronics magazines across 23 European countries – as well as Australia, India, Canada and the USA – EISA celebrates technology products that combine the most advanced expertise and desirable features in their class.

Lee Bonniface, Marketing Director, Canon Europe said, “We constantly strive to produce the highest quality products that enable photographers of all levels to perfect their craft. The desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history, so to receive four prestigious awards by EISA is acknowledgement of Canon’s relentless focus on unrivalled image quality.”

In recognition of Canon’s award-winning products, the EISA judging panel delivered the following citations:

EISA DSLR Camera 2018-2019: Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a compact but powerful DSLR for the enthusiast photographer. The 26.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor work together to provide excellent image quality, even in low-light scenarios. The camera combines a fast and reliable 45-point autofocus system with Canon’s impressive Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system that is used for live view and video shooting. The Vari-Angle touchscreen – a first for Canon’s full frame cameras – makes it easy to frame the subject and to operate the camera menu.

Discover more here: https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-6d-mark-ii/

EISA Best Buy camera 2018-2019: Canon EOS M50
This small, light and affordable mirrorless camera delivers the same image quality as its larger siblings. Thanks to the 24.1 megapixel APS-C sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, it can capture both high-quality still images and 4K video. The Vari-Angle touchscreen makes it easy to frame your subject from any angle – whether high, low, ‘selfie’ or vlog – with a simple tap-to-focus. The improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF allows for fast, accurate, and precise focusing across up to 88% of the imaging area in both photos and Full HD movies. With the built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth you can easily transfer images to a mobile device and share them on social media.

Discover more here: https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-m50/

EISA DSLR Prime Lens 2018-2019: Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM
This unique lens combines built-in image stabilisation with a very large aperture. This combination makes it possible to take handheld pictures in very low-light situations. The lens is built for professional work, with weather sealing and fast and accurate autofocus. The sharpness is improved compared to previous 85mm lenses from Canon, while blurred backgrounds are rendered very attractively. It’s a perfect choice for portrait and wedding photographers who are shooting with high-resolution full frame DSLRs.

Discover more here: https://www.canon.co.uk/lenses/ef-85mm-f-1-4-l-is-usm-lens/

EISA photo innovation 2018-2019: Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI
This Speedlite flashgun makes the life of the photographer much easier by taking the guesswork out of bounced flash. The 470EX-AI automatically fires a series of pre-flashes to determine how light can be bounced from a ceiling or wall, and rotates the flash head into the correct position to provide soft and flattering light. Alternatively, the photographer can also manually position the flash head, and the unit will maintain this position even if the camera is rotated. With full E-TTL control, the flash will automatically fire at the right intensity to give perfectly exposed images.

Discover more here: https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/speedlite-flash-470ex-ai/

Note to Editors:

About EISA: The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is comprised of 53 special interest magazines from 25 countries across the globe. Internationally known for the European EISA awards, it represents the largest editorial collaboration in the world for consumer electronics. EISA has been celebrating the very best products in the industry for over 35 years.