Competition News: Sony FX3 FF Camera with Cinematic Look for Creators

sony fx3
View Post

Sony released a new camera, the Sony FX3, a light and compact cinema camera with a full-frame imaging sensor.

Sony FX3 at a glance:

  • 10.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Exmor R Sensor
  • UHD 4K up to 120 | 1080p up to 240
  • Compact Form for Cage-Free Operation
  • 10-Bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I,16-Bit Raw Output
  • S-Cinetone/S-Log3/HLG, 15+ Stops DR
  • Detachable 2 x XLR/TRS Adapter Handle
  • Phase Detection AF/Face Tracking/Eye AF
  • 80 to 409,600 Expanded ISO Range
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SDXC Card Slots

Preorder are available at $3,898: B&H Photo | Adorama. Worldwide preorders (not all might have it in stock): [shoplist 65441]. A presentation with real world images at Explora.

Sony press release:

The Most Compact and Lightweight Cinema Line Camera and First Choice for Creators Who Strive for New Cinematic Freedom

FX3 Product Highlights:

  • 10.2 megapixel[i] full-frame back-illuminated CMOS Exmor R™ sensor and BIONZ XR™ image processing engine
  • Ultra-high sensitivity with ISO expandable to 409,600 for very low light conditions and 15+ stops of dynamic range[ii]
  • S-Cinetone™ look profile which is inspired by the digital cinema camera VENICE’s colour science, also used in FX9 and FX6 Cinema Line cameras, and records up to 4K 120p[iii]
  • Compact and lightweight body design with high operability for hand-held shooting, gimbal and drone-mounted work
  • Multi-thread (1/4-20 UNC) body makes it easy to mount accessories
  • Detachable XLR handle unit with two of XLR/TRS audio input
  • “Active Mode” image stabilisation[iv] supports handheld movie shooting
  • Fast Hybrid Auto Focus, Touch Tracking (real-time tracking) and Real-time Eye AF, also used in other Alpha™ cameras
  • Uninterrupted 4K 60p recording (Continued)[v] by Effective heat dissipation and built-in cooling fan

Sony today officially announced the FX3 (model ILME-FX3) camera that combines the best of Sony’s industry-leading digital cinema technology with advanced imaging features from Alpha™ mirrorless cameras to create the ultimate cinematic look.

As the latest addition to Sony’s Cinema Line, the FX3 delivers a cinematic look and professional operability and reliability all in one device that answers the needs of young creators who are looking for new ways to express their creative vision. The new model provides outstanding image quality and usability for small scale and one-person shooting. The FX3 boasts first-class focus performance, optical image stabilisation, handheld shooting design and advanced heat dissipation for extended recording times. All this in a compact, lightweight body that provides the performance and mobility to meet the growing demands of today’s content creators.

“The FX3 was designed to turn creative vision into reality,” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “It allows creators to bring their visual expression into the world of cinema through immersive content. We will continue to support the world’s creators through Sony’s Cinema Line Series.”

  • sony fx3

Cinematic Look

The FX3 flaunts Sony’s industry-leading image sensor technology to achieve high processing speeds and outstanding image quality. The full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor full-frame 10.2 megapixel(approx. effective) count for movie recording (and 12.1 effective megapixels for stills) and the BIONZ XR image processing engine team up to ensure high sensitivity with low noise. The standard ISO range is 80 to 102,400 (expandable to 409,600 when shooting a movie), and dynamic range is an impressively wide 15+ stops[ii].

In response to a growing need for more expressive depth, the FX3, along with FX9 and FX6 Cinema Line cameras, allows users to create a cinematic look without post-production using S-Cinetone. Based on the colour science inspired by Sony’s flagship VENICE camera, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones, plus soft colours and smooth highlights that are essential to cinematic look.

Create movies with in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second[iii]. Extraordinarily smooth slow-motion imagery[vi] (up to 5x) at QFHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with autofocus provides new expressive capability.

Click here to open the rest of the article

The Camera Industry 2010-2020 – A Big Decline And It Won’t Recover Any Time Soon

camera industry
View Post

No secret that the camera industry is not going through a stellar moment. Now it seems it’s worse than expected.

LensVid is not new to camera market analysis, Now they published their extensive look at the camera industry in the last 10 years and how the big fall happened. They also make some predictions about the future, and it looks grim as the past.

We recommend you read LensVid’s extensive article to get the story. For those who want it quick, have a look at the infographic below. The used data comes from the Camera, and Image Products Association (CIPA).

Venus Optics Releases Laowa RF 11mm f/4.5 FF RL For Canon EOS R

Laowa RF 11mm
View Post

Another third party lens joins the Canon EOS R party. Venus Optics released the Laowa RF 11mm f/4.5 FF RL lens for the RF mount.

The Laowa RF 11mm f/4.5 FF RL sells at $699 and is available at Venus Optics. Along with the 11mm, they also released the Nikon Z mount version of the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO. There are a lot of interesting Laowa lenses for Canon cameras.

Specifications Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL

Focal Length11mm
Max. Aperturef/4.5
Min. Aperturef/22
Angle of View126°
Format CompatibilityFull Frame
Lens Structure14 elements in 10 groups
Aperture Blades5
Min. Focusing Distance7.4” (19cm)
Max. Magnification0.1x
Filter Thread62mm
Dimensions⌀ 63.5mm x 58mm
Weight254g (8.9 oz.)
MountsLeica M, L mount, Sony FE, Nikon Z, Canon RF

Press release:

Venus Optics announces the add of Canon RF mount for Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL lens
and Nikon Z mount for Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO

(FF = Full Frame, RL = Rectilinear)

Anhui China, 19 Feb, 2021 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, now offers more variants to 2 popular Laowa lenses. Added Canon RF mount for the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL lens (Full Frame) and Nikon Z mount for Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2x Ultra-Macro APO (APS-C). Offering Canon Full-frame (R, RP, R5 & R6) users an exceptional ultra-wide experience and the high magnification power on Nikon APS-C body (Z50).

Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL

Laowa 11mm F4.5 FF RL is an extremely compact rectilinear(RL) wide-angle lens for full-frame (FF) mirrorless cameras. The remarkable 126° angle of view with 19cm minimum focus distance can be found in this 6.3cm(2.5 inches) long and 254g(8.9oz) lens. It allows you to capture the stunning landscape, precious travel moments and beautiful cityscape without any burden. The lens also includes 2 aspherical elements and 3 extra-low dispersion elements to guarantee the sharpness, suppress chromatic aberrations and distortion to the minimum.

Conveniently a 62mm filter can be screwed onto the lens directly, or a 100mm-wide filters can be used. The 5-bladed aperture able to create a clean and appealing stunning 10-point sunstars.

Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL is now available in Leica M, Sony FE, Nikon Z, Canon RF and L mount. MSRP in US is US$799(Leica M) and US$699(other mounts).

Click here to open the rest of the article

Camera Predictions 2021: Canon EOS R1, Sony a7IV, Panasonic GH6, and what else?

camera predictions 2021 canon eos 7d
View Post

Curious about camera predictions 2021? Not a rumor post but an educated guess about what cameras we might see getting released in 2021.

The camera prediction 2021 comes from Dan Watson. The 15 minutes video below looks at rumored cameras that might get released in 2021. Can’t say for the others, but the Canon EOS R1 is indeed rumored to be released in 2021 (“R1” is a moniker invented by the community, not an official Canon denomination). Other cameras Dan discusses are the Sony a7 IV, the Panasonic GH6, and more “crazy awesome cameras we should see announced in 2021“. Enjoy.

We expect some new gear from Canon in 2021. Here is a possible RF mount lens roadmap and here we have a list of all Canon cameras rumored to get released in 2021. And if someone told you the EOS M system is going to die please have a look here. All our Canon and camera rumors are listed here.

What are your camera predictions for 2021?

Canon Releases Photo Culling App With Artificial Intelligence (iOS only so far)

photo culling
View Post

Canon has released an app for the most indecisive photographers out there: the new Canon Photo Culling app. 

Currently available on Apple iOS, the Canon Photo Culling app uses Canon’s new AI known as PHIL (Photography Intelligence Learning) to help determine your best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. The app will also suggest deleting duplicative photos. Whether you’re looking to trim down your photo gallery to save precious space on your phone or just trying to find the best of the best, Canon’s Photo Culling app will make your photo management a better experience.

Available for download via the App Store, the Photo Culling app has two subscription options: $2.99 per month or $14.99 for the year, each with a three-day trial. For more information, please visit, usa.canon.com/photo-culling-app.

Canon press release:

Need a Digital Photo Assistant? Canon U.S.A. has you Covered with the Company’s First-Ever Photo Culling App

Canon Also Publicly Debuts “PHIL,” the Company’s Computer-Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine

MELVILLE, NY, February 11, 2021– According to a recent report from Keypoint Intelligence, 1.4 trillion photos were taken worldwide in 2020 and 7.4 trillion images were stored1. With these staggering numbers, it could be overwhelming for the average consumer to decide what photos are best to keep and store. Delivering expert photo advice in the form of an app, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces its Photo Culling app. Compatible with iOS devices2, this brand-new app helps determine a user’s best photos based on scores against four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes, using Canon’s Computer Vision Artificial Intelligence Engine known as “PHIL” (abbreviated for Photography Intelligence Learning) 3. Additionally, the app will suggest deleting duplicative photos, making it easy for the consumer to free up space on their smartphone.

“In today’s ever-changing and overwhelming world, where thousands of photos are captured and stored in a person’s smartphone, consumers need an expert, reliable and intuitive photo tool to help them decide the best photos based on years of trusted knowledge and technology,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon U.S.A.’s new Photo Culling App is the answer and we are proud to see how the company’s Computer Vision technology within this app can assist consumers with finding and keeping their best photos of their fondest moments.”

The Photo Culling app features two culling options:

  • Whole Culling: Determines the best photos based on the absolute best scores against the four models: sharpness, noise, emotions and closed eyes. If the score is over the threshold the user sets, the photo is considered to be the best. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions.
  • Similar Culling: Determines the best photos based on score comparison among a similar group of photos. The highest-scoring photos within the group are considered the best photos. A second photo may also be selected as the second-best photo within the group. The remaining images would be suggested as deletions. The app is also able to find similar photos and group them together. For example, If a user selects 10 photos of a dog and 10 photos of a sunset, it will break the photos into two groups and find the best photo of each; one of the dog and one of the sunset.

In addition to its culling options, the Photo Culling app also features:

  • Photo Counts and Storage: Shows the number of photos a user has as well as the amount of phone storage on the Home Screen
  • Event Album: Categorizing and placing photos in albums on the Home Screen. These are dynamic albums based on events/date throughout the year and the app will pull events that have a large number of photos and suggest the user review these photos to delete and save space
  • Features in the Setting Screens: Displaying the number of photos deleted, the current subscription plan (see details below), option for notifications, parameter setting for each score against sharpness, noise, emotion and closed eyes. Users also can adjust these settings, such as changing how much of an impact noise has on a photo versus closed eyes4
  • Dark and Light Mode Settings Screen Option: Displays screens either as a dark or light mode option

Canon Unveils New Speedlite Trasmitter Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2)

canon ST-E3-RT
View Post

Canon released a new Speedlite transmitter, the Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2).

At a glance:

  • Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization
  • 5 Groups or 15 Speedlites, Range: 98.4′
  • 8 Custom Functions, 3 Personal Function
  • LCD Information Panel, Backlit Controls

Preorders for the Canon ST-E3-RT (version 2) are available at $299 at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Canon press release:

Canon updates its popular Speedlite Transmitter, with the new ST-E3-RT(Ver.2)

London, UK, 04 February 2021 – Canon Europe today announces the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) – an update of the popular ST-E3-RT transmitter. Enabling wireless flash synchronisation and multiple control of Speedlites – positioned up to 30m away – this new transmitter gives professionals greater creative freedom in both a studio and natural environment. It supports key features of the recently introduced Speedlite EL-1 and also enables new capabilities when using previously launched RT Speedlites – including wireless (radio) second-curtain synchronisation.

Other new features of the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) include support for the Speedlite EL-1’s low-power 1/8192 micro flash, and for photographers who use manual flash, the transmitter boasts a new FE Memory mode.

High-quality, flexible capture

Through introducing radio wireless transmission and second-curtain synchronisation, the ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) releases the flash at the end of a long exposure. As a result, it helps photographers produce natural looking images when capturing moving subjects. The ST-E3-RT(Ver.2) offers this feature as a new wireless option, giving users flexibility in a range of shooting scenarios.

When shooting with a large aperture and/or high ISO speed, the flash level can often overpower the subject and scene. This forces the photographer to change settings or set up, ultimately losing the look they desired. When partnered with the Speedlite EL-1, the transmitter’s 1/8192 micro flash adds beautifully subtle nuances of light without disrupting the atmosphere and ambient light reflected on set. This feature is perfect for fashion and portrait photographers looking to capture scenes with a natural atmosphere.

Building on the original transmitter’s flexible qualities, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) supports FE Memory – offering a quicker and more convenient manual flash set up. Alleviating the need for multiple test shots, professionals now have the option to perform an initial shot in E-TTL mode, capturing the E-TTL flash settings. Users can then switch the Speedlites to manual flash to allow for manual adjustments where needed – all whilst retaining the original E-TTL settings.

Maximising product life span

Canon Europe plans to offer a chargeable service update for existing ST-E3-RT users to include the new additional features and capabilities of the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2). Further information and dates of this service update will be announced later.