Nikon Announced the Nikon Z f Retro-looking MILC

Nikon Z F
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Nijkon announced the Nikon Z f, a retro-looking full-frame mirrorless camera.

The new Nikon Z f will be available in mid- October 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1999.95* for the body only, with the retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE for an SRP of $2239.95*, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for an SRP of $2599.95*. The additional color options will be available as body-only for an SRP of $2099.95* exclusively from the Nikon Store.

At a glance:

  • 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
  • EXPEED 7 Image Processor
  • UHD 4K 30p Video and Full HD 120p Video
  • AF Subject Recognition with 3D Tracking
  • 5-Axis In-Body Vibration Reduction
  • Focus-Point Stabilization
  • 3.2″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen
  • 96MP High-Res Mode

Pre-order the Nikon Z f at B&H Photo | Adorama

Nikon press release:

THE NIKON Z f: INNOVATION THAT DRIVES CREATIVITY

The Nikon Z f is the Beautiful Convergence of Groundbreaking Technology + Iconic Design

Today Nikon announced the release of the Z f, a full-frame mirrorless camera that harmonizes a timeless aesthetic with the best of Nikon’s next-gen camera technology, derived directly from the acclaimed Z 8 and flagship Z 9. At first glance, the Z f is a definitive statement in functional design that ignites the desire to craft an image. Looking closer, it’s a veritable powerhouse of modern performance fueled by the EXPEED 7 processing engine that enables an enhanced AF system, impressive speed and astounding low-light capability. The new processing power also adds incredible new features such as pixel-shift shooting, the most advanced in-body stabilization of any Z series camera, plus the addition of a dedicated monochrome mode.

“It’s exciting to see the leaps in innovation that propelled the Z 9 trickling down, making the latest technology and features more accessible than ever before inside the Z f, a camera which is a beautiful marriage of form and function,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The Z f is more than a means to simply capturing an image; using the camera is an experience unto itself, one which not only sparks creativity, but also elevates the user’s intent with its advanced performance and feature set.”

Technology Forward
The Z f is equipped with the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, enhancing response time, burst speed and AF performance, while adding new features to create an entirely new category of Z series full-frame mirrorless. The 24.5-megapixel full frame BSI CMOS sensor effortlessly captures stunning colors and incredible definition with minimal noise and stellar dynamic range, even in challenging light. This well-balanced sensor is paired with an AF system that offers 3-D Tracking plus subject detection developed with Deep Learning technology, detecting and locking on to 9 different types of subjects. Similar to the Nikon Z 8, the camera finds people, dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes. It can even detect the world’s smallest1 size of a face in the frame — approx. 3% of the frame’s longest side. The AF system uses 299 AF points in Auto Area AF, covering 96% of the horizontal axis of the frame, making it easy to lock on and track a subject, even near the edge of the viewfinder. When the inspiration hits to go fully manual, the Z f uses Eye/Face-Detection in MF mode, recognizing the eye and allowing users to magnify the area on the screen to nail critical focus.

With the additional processing power, the Z f achieves 5-axis in-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization equivalent to an 8.0-stop2 increase in shutter speed, the best among Nikon Z series cameras. The Z f is also the world’s first camera3 to support focus-point VR4, which minimizes blurring at the focus point rather than the center of the frame, even when subject is positioned near the edge of the viewfinder. The camera is also capable of high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 14 frames per second, or up to 30 frames per second5, when High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30) is set. To ensure no shot is missed, the camera is also capable of using the Pre-Release function to start recording before the shutter is fully pressed.6  What’s more, the additional processing power in combination with the BSI sensor improves low-light performance, raising the standard ISO range from 100 to 64,000. In challenging light, even fine details and textures come out sharp and clear with rich saturation, while mid-tones, where noise tends to increase, come out much cleaner than before.

For those who want the ultimate in fidelity while reducing moiré, false colors and noise for immersive depth, the Z f is the first Nikon camera capable of pixel-shift shooting7 to create images up to 96 megapixels. Ideal for landscape, architecture and commercial artists, the system works by subtly shifting the image sensor position when capturing between 4, 8, 16 or 32 RAW (NEF) files, acquiring more accurate color information and massive resolution.

Forever Iconic
The heart of the Z f is “fusion”- an idea embedded in the name while paying homage to important models through Nikon’s history. It represents the fusion of past, present and future. With an iconic exterior design reminiscent of the FM2, the Z f links Nikon’s heritage of innovation and precision craftsmanship. The magnesium-alloy body is durable and features a glossy finish, which is adorned with a classic Nikon logo.  The characters on the mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO and exposure compensation are all etched, and provide the user with satisfying tactile response, while the feel of the shutter-release button was given meticulous consideration.

Black and white capture is an ageless medium, one that lets the user see a different perspective and explore the principles of light in new ways. The Z f includes a physical switch to engage a dedicated B&W photo mode, which enables multiple monochromatic Picture Controls. In addition to the sharp, dynamic and higher-contrast “Monochrome” mode in Picture Control, the new “Flat Monochrome” mode reproduces tones with a smooth gradation from shadow to light, rich in mid-tones for a warm, soft impression. The new “Deep Tone Monochrome” mode expresses high-contrast and highlights by bringing more emphasis to dark tones, keeping mid-tones dark and with fewer blocked shadows.

nikon z f

Primary features of the Z f

  • Full-frame 24.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor combined with the new EXPEED 7 Processing engine for amazing fidelity and image quality paired with stellar processing power.
  • Excellent AF tracking capability with 3D-tracking mode for photographers and dedicated Subject-tracking AF in video mode.
  • With up to 299 points in Auto-area AF, the range of coverage and number of focus points used in Auto-area AF mode have been increased for better focus acquisition performance with distant or moving subjects.
  • The first full-frame Z-series mirrorless camera to be equipped with a vari-angle touchscreen
  • Starlight view mode boosts display brightness for users to visually confirm composition in extremely dark scenes. It also achieves sharp focus with the low-light limit extendable down to -10 EV.8
  • Video frame rates and resolutions up to 4K UHD 30 oversampled from 6K,9 as well as 4KUHD 60P (DX-mode) and 1080/120P with recording times up to 125 minutes.10
  • The first Nikon camera to feature video recording in shutter-priority auto mode, letting the user select the shutter speed, while the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO.
  • In-camera, 10-bit H.265 recording, allowing users to record full-scale video directly to the camera without the need for an external recorder.
  • The first Z-series camera to support Touch Fn for adjustment of camera settings while framing pictures in the viewfinder. The user is now able to move the focus point via the LCD screen while looking through the viewfinder.
  • Supports the merging of NEF (RAW) images shot with pixel shift shooting to create a highly detailed image up to 96 megapixels.
  • Fast shooting, with up 14 fps bursts plus High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30), which achieves high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps. Pre-Release Capture is also available, buffering the images before the shutter is fully depressed.
  • Advanced features for dedicated portrait photographers include the skin softening function and a portrait impression balance function for users to better achieve the portraits they intended. Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control is a new setting that better captures details of the subject’s complexion.
  • Equipped with two memory card slots, one compatible with widely available UHS II SD cards and the other compatible with Micro SD cards.
  • Rugged and reliable construction, with magnesium alloy on the front and top covers, for maximum durability with minimal weight. The camera is engineered with high dust- and drip-resistance,11 effective sealing on the exterior cover joints, shutter-release button and vari-angle mechanism. Additionally, an electro-conductive coat that keeps the surface clean from dust and a fluorine coat that makes for easier cleaning.

In addition to the basic black body, the Z f lets users express their own style through six different color options. These premium exteriors render the embossed artificial leather sections of the camera — covering the grip and all around to the rear of the folding camera monitor — in three rich, expressive standard colors (Indigo Blue, Sepia Brown, Bordeaux Red) and three deep, warm natural colors (Sunset Orange, Moss Green, Stone Gray), rendered with individually matching surface textures. These colors will be sold in limited quantity and will be sold exclusively through the Nikon Store.

Price and Availability
The new Nikon Z f will be available in mid- October 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1999.95* for the body only, with the retro-styled NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2.0 SE for an SRP of $2239.95*, or with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm F/4 S lens for an SRP of $2599.95*. The additional color options will be available as body-only for an SRP of $2099.95* exclusively from the Nikon Store. Nikon is working with SmallRig to develop a custom grip bracket, which will be available at a later date.  For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.

Canon Announces the Company’s First Set of RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses

RF-Mount Cinema
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Canon press release:

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 12, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the introduction of the company’s first RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses for the Cinema EOS System. The new lenses combine high optical performance for 4K and 8K shooting, cinema-style operability, and RF mount communications. The first set of seven RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses is only the beginning. Canon plans to swiftly expand the lineup of RF-mount-compatible video production equipment to meet the needs of professional video production of such content as movies, TV, and commercials.

The seven Canon CN-R lenses, with focal lengths and T stops of 14mm T3.1, 20mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.3, 85mm T1.3, and 135mm T2.2, are compatible with the two existing RF-Mount Canon Cinema Cameras, the EOS C70 and EOS R5 C. These lenses will allow for RF mount protocol transmission, and just like the EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses, operators can control magnification, chromatic aberration correction, peripheral light correction, and a dual-pixel focus guide via camera body operations. In addition, the new lenses also feature lens distortion correction. These features support efficient video production during on-location recording and post-production workflow.

The new lenses are able to achieve high optical performance suitable for use with 4K and 8K cameras by optimally positioning large-diameter aspherical lens elements and lens elements with anomalous dispersion glass. Their compatibility with the full-frame large-format sensor, bright T stop values1, and 11-blade iris helps produce a shallow depth of field for subjects, natural round blurring, and soft image expressions. In addition, unified Cinema EOS color balance throughout the series helps provide consistent color, even when changing lenses.

Designed with an ideal level of ring torque, the new lenses allow for the precise and smooth adjustments often needed during cinema productions. Thanks to a unified design across the series, including the gear position of the operation ring, the diameter of the lens, and the rotation angle (operation angle), lenses can be effortlessly swapped in and out without the need to adjust matte boxes or external focus accessories for each lens. A new coarse surface near the mount provides a comfortable and ergonomic fit in the user’s hand, allowing the lens to be held securely without gripping the operation ring when attaching and detaching different lenses.

Pricing and Availability

The seven new Canon RF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses estimated retail pricing and scheduled availability* are as follows:
 

ProductPricing*Availability*
CN-R14mm T3.1 L F$4,220.00Late February 2024
CN-R20mm T1.5 L F$4,220.00Late March 2024
CN-R24mm T1.5 L F$4,220.00Late January 2024
CN-R35mm T1.5 L F$3,950.00Late January 2024
CN-R50mm T1.3 L F$3,950.00Late January 2024
CN-R85mm T1.3 L F$3,950.00Late January 2024
CN-R135mm T2.2 L F$3,950.00Late April 2024

DxO announces landmark moment for Nik Collection with version 6.3

Nik Collection
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Download the new Nik Collection 6.3 here, trial version available.

Press release:

DxO announces landmark moment for Nik Collection with version 6.3

It is a big day for Nik Collection. Today’s release of the world’s favorite set of photo-editing plugins for Photoshop and Lightroom Classic marks the culmination of a six-year project to entirely rebuild the software inherited from Google in 2017. Available now, version 6.3 is faster and more reliable than ever before, and features comprehensive updates to Nik Sharpener and Nik HDR Efex.

Nik Collection Completely Redesigned by DxO Labs

In October 2017 DxO Labs acquired the Nik Collection from Google. Six years later, the huge task of re- authoring is complete, with every line of code rewritten for the latest technology. The release of Nik Collection 6.3, the suite is fully compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Apple Silicon, it works harmoniously within Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, DxO PhotoLab, and Affinity Photo, and is faster and more reliable than ever before.

“We are hugely proud of this achievement. With this work complete, we can now focus solely on adding exciting new features and technology. Our talented engineers are committed to making Nik Collection the indispensable creative companion to every passionate photographer’s workflow.” (Jérôme Ménière, CEO of DxO Labs)

The new editions of Nik Sharpener and Nik HDR Efex include a host of updates making them more powerful and easier to use. Both feature a new interface with a clearer, cleaner look that matches the other Nik Collection plugins. Also, you can now choose where sliders for local adjustments appear on-screen: controls can be either kept in a sidebar to tidy the image area, or overlaid in traditional style.

And as with Nik Collection 6.3’s other plugins, the U PointTM technology in Nik HDR Efex and Nik Sharpener now features: NEW Control Lines add flexibility when making broad adjustments, letting you harness the power of Control Points

  • NEW Control Lines add flexibility when making broad adjustments, letting you harness the power of Control Points when sharpening across linear gradients
  • NEW Control Point diffusion lets you regulate the strength and style of sharpening adjustments more easily
  • NEW Control Points and Control Lines can now be inverted, giving you huge flexibility when sharpening specific areas of an image
  • NEW Color Selectivity sliders allow Control Point and Control Line editing to be tied to specific colors and tones in an image
  • NEW Renamable Local Adjustments let you stay on top of complex edits, and local adjustments can now be saved as Presets, giving you quick access to frequently used sharpening recipes.
  • NEW Call on any of your last 15 Nik Collection edits and apply them with a single click
  • NEW Presets can now be searched for by name, so you can instantly find your favorite edits
  • NEW HiDPI & Multiscreen support lets you work with all screen configurations
  • NEW Affinity Photo is now automatically detected as part of installation.

Canon, Reuters And Starling Lab Are Developing Image Authentication Technology

Canon Firmware Updates Viltrox Eos R7 Eos R10 Reuters Canon Cameras Europe Canon Eos R1 Eos R Rf 14-35mm Olympic Games Ef-mount Rudy Winston
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Canon press release:

Reuters new proof of concept employs authentication system to securely capture, store and verify photographs

TOKYO, August 31, 2023—Thomson Reuters, a global content and technology company, Canon Inc., and Canon Europe Ltd., a world-leading provider of imaging and information technology solutions, and Starling Lab, an academic research lab based at Stanford and USC innovating with the latest cryptographic methods and decentralized web protocols, announced today the completion of a pilot program demonstrating how news organizations could certify the authenticity of an image and ease concerns about content’s legitimacy.

In collaboration with Canon, global news organization Reuters proved its ability to embed trust into a photograph from its source by preserving a picture’s data provenance chain of integrity – the image’s metadata – from the point of capture to publication. Reuters also successfully integrated Starling Lab’s authentication framework into its picture desk workflow. One of the first practical news-gathering applications of the technology, this pilot comes at a time when consumers are increasingly worried about their ability to distinguish between real and fake news on the internet, and recent advancements in generative AI technologies which are making it easier for anyone to create visuals to deceive or misinform viewers.

“Trust in news is critical. However, recent technological advancements in image generation and manipulation are causing more people to question what is real, and what is not. Reuters continues to explore new technologies to guarantee that the content we deliver to the world be factual and trusted,” said Rickey Rogers, Global Editor, Reuters Pictures. “Our collaboration with Canon demonstrates the potential for new technology in image verification to increase consumers’ confidence that what they see is genuine. We look forward to sharing the encouraging findings from the project with our customers and applying them to protect our photojournalism. Our goal is to remain one of the most trusted global news sources.”

The pilot project saw Reuters photojournalist Violeta Santos Moura capture pictures using a prototype Canon camera that digitally assigns each photograph and its corresponding time, date and location with a unique identifier (hash value) and then cryptographically signs them to establish a root of trust for their authenticity. The photos are then registered into a public blockchain and updated after each modification by the Reuters pictures desk. This process continues until the photo is distributed with its metadata, edit history and blockchain registration embedded in the photograph using the new C2PA standard. To verify the picture’s authenticity, news customers can compare its unique identifier (hash value) on the public ledger.

“Many photojournalists rely on Canon technologies. We understand the role that images play in society and recognize the importance of preserving image authenticity”, said Richard Shepherd, Product Marketing and Marketing Strategy Senior Manager, Canon Europe Ltd. “Working as part of the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), Canon wants to take meaningful measures to protect image outputs that serve the news community worldwide.”

The Canon EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM ×1.4 Might Get Discontinued Soon

EF 200-400mm
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The Canon EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM ×1.4 might be on its way to be discontinued, Asians sources suggest.

The Canon EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM ×1.4 might get replaced by the RF 100-500mm f/4 IS, some sources claim. The RF 100-500mm might get announced in Q4 2023, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

The EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM ×1.4 is not that old for this class of lenses, it was released in 2013.

[via asobinet]

Canon Interview: Opening RF Mount To Others, Retro Camera, New Lenses

Canon Firmware Updates Viltrox Eos R7 Eos R10 Reuters Canon Cameras Europe Canon Eos R1 Eos R Rf 14-35mm Olympic Games Ef-mount Rudy Winston
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During Photo & Imaging show in Shanghai, Canon executives gave interviews.

Here are some machine translated excerpts.

What are the advantages of Canon lenses?

  • Canon has an extremely well-developed research and development environment that contributes to the development of better camera and lens products. Specifically, we have three large environments: first, design, second, test, and third, production.
  • First of all, in terms of design, we have built our own optical design system and a very good simulation system, which allows us to design highly accurate camera and lens products in a relatively short time.
  • In addition, in the inspection and production environment, we have built Canon’s own thorough inspection system and production system. Since the technology in this field is becoming more and more mature, each product is carefully polished and specially processed according to the needs of the final realization, so Canon’s products are of high quality and high performance.

Other companies have released their lens roadmaps, but does Canon have plans to release similar roadmaps?

  • Canon currently has no plans to announce future lens roadmaps. The reason is that we always want to be able to surprise our consumers.
  • Being able to announce the roadmap in advance gives customers a predictable way of knowing that some of these lenses will come in the future. However, Canon wants to surprise customers.

RF-S lenses are still relatively few at this stage. Will more RF-S lenses be released? Is there a lens roadmap for the Tokyo head office?

  • I am very sorry that I cannot introduce it here because it is related to concrete future product planning.
  • However, it is certain that we will consider further enhancement of RF-S lenses in the future.

Are there any plans for Canon to open up the RF mount, and if so, after Canon has basically completed building the RF lens family?

  • As always, I cannot answer specific future research and development plans at this time.
  • Although still limited to a few companies, Canon has already opened up the RF mount to third-party lens manufacturers through licensing.
  • If we receive a request for an open mount from a third-party lens manufacturer, we will consider whether to license it according to Canon’s own business plan and strategy.
  • In fact, we are in contact with several third-party lens companies in this regard.
  • We separate whether or not to open the RF door to third parties and whether or not Canon’s own product line is complete.

Canon has a lot of bodies that go down in history, do you have any plans or ideas to release a retro camera? 

  • In conclusion, I can’t say yes or no, but you are right that some consumers prefer some of the best-selling models in the past, their design and appearance.

  • Also, you can see that we have listened to the voices and requests of our customers and made improvements to our EOS body, whether it be appearance or operability. It is very important to me that there is a consumer base that wants a retro body, but unfortunately I have no more information to share.

There is more at asobinet.com. Check it out.