Zeiss Set To Launch New Zeiss Ventum Lens Series For FF Mirrorless (EDIT: it’s not!)

Zeiss Ventum
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EDIT: it seems the Zeiss Ventum lenses will not be for mirrorless systems but for drones or surveillance. My bet is for drones since “Ventum” in Latin means “wind”.

Mirrorless Rumors leaked an image of what seems to be a lens of a new lens line-up by Zeiss, the Ventum lens series.

According to rumors, the Ventum lenses will be for full frame mirrorless system, i.e. for Nikon’s Z and EOS R systems.

Stay tuned.

What To Expect From Canon In 2019

Canon Rumors Color Calibration
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Canon announced their mirrorless system, two models are on the market. What’s next for the Japanese industry giant?

Predictions about Canon’s agenda have become quite difficult since the company is pretty secretive. However, some predictions can be made.

In general, Canon will focus on updating product lines and launching new ones, like the ZV-123 instant camera with built-in printer.

Three new PowerShot G series cameras might be announced. We expect the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, PowerShot G5 X Mark II and PowerShot G9 X Mark III to get announced within 2019. Stuff leaked about the PowerShot G7 X Mark III, almost nothing about the other two cameras.

The Canon EOS 80D and EOS 7D Mark II are also ready to be replaced. Rumor has it that Canon may launch one new camera to replace both the EOS 80D and the 7D Mark II. The replacement for the EOS 80D appears to be more likely to be announced this year, we are less confident about the EOS 7D Mark III. Some new Rebels are most likely also on Canon’s agenda. Finally, new Cinema gear and camcorders can be expected to be launched in 2019. We do not think Canon will announced the replacement for the EOS -1D X Mark II in 2019.

A new EOS R model is possible in 2019, although rumors suggest Canon will not announce a new EOS R model. If they do, it will be a high resolution EOS R camera. There are also six new RF lenses Canon already announced they will develop. These six new RR lenses might well be announced in 2019.

And the EOS M system? A new EOS M model is possible in 2019, though we didn’t get any hints so far.

Stay tuned.

Source: Canon Rumors

Next Canon EOS R Firmware Update Coming April 2019

Canon Eos R Firmware Update
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Canon released an advisory about the next firmware update for the Canon EOS R.

The new firmware for EOS R (version 1.2.0) will be available on Canon website from middle of April, 2019.  

Firmware version 1.2.0 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes. 
Enhancements:
1. ​Eye-detection AF 
– Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
– Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.
2. Small AF Frame Size
– Supports Servo AF when shooting still images.
– Now available when shooting movies regardless of “Movie Servo AF” setting.

Fixes:
​1. Under certain conditions the electronic level displayed in the electronic viewfinder did not display properly.
2. Under certain conditions information displayed in the electronic viewfinder was not properly rotated.
3. Under certain conditions updating the firmware for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E7 was not possible.

Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF Review (on Canon EOS R)

Samyang MF 85mm
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De.Light Photo reviewed the Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF, a manual lens for the Canon EOS R system.

From his conclusion:

After first mixed feelings: I am pretty excited about the lens. In terms of the results you get from this lens: it is just wow!!! Very decent images, excellent image quality – if you know how to use the lens. And in terms of useability (nice buttery manual focusing) and weather sealing it is really remarkable.

For whom is this lens for?

– It is made for owners of the R-Mount cameras – but the EF version will show similar results.

– Everybody who likes a lightweight high performance lens.

– When to take the RF Mount version instead of the EF mount? This is a very good question. For my taste: if you have decided to got with the R-Mount and/or you do discontinue with EF Mount: go for it. It is lighter and easier to handle.

– It is more a lens for enthusiasts, for people who like to shoot manual focus.

– But manual focus is so much fun to use on the Canon mirrorless cameras….

But the lens has a bit of weaknesses too:

– It is not native RF: I guess a lens designed for the 54mm bajonett diameter and the short flange distance can be even smaller and lighter

– I miss an EXIF chip – this would be even better

– The minimum focal distance: the 1.1m minimum focal distance is a sad thing. There announcement to bring this value down to 1 m will make it a bit better. I would prefer it much shorter, even shorter than the usual 85 mm…

– Not a real weakness but a wish to the designers @ Samyang: instead of a color mark please but something you can feel that you can mount the lens on the body without looking at it….

But if I look at the lens at a glance:  I give the lens a highly recommended!!!


De.Light Photo’s review of the Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 RF comes wth a huge set of sample photos.

Nikon Believes Mirrorless Will Catch Up With DSLRs But The Issue Is EVF Lag

Nikon Z 6
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In an interview with DPReview, Nikon execs share their thoughts about the company’s Z 6 and Z 7 cameras and about the state of the mirrorless nation.

As far as I know Nikon is the first company clearly and directly addressing the fact that EVFs (Electronic View Finder) still suck compared to an optical viewfinder.

From the interview (emphasis mine):

Question: How do you think the market for full frame mirrorless will evolve?

Answer: In terms of hardware, it is likely that mirrorless will catch up with DSLR. But one thing that is a challenge is the time lag of electronic viewfinders. Even though we have a great mirrorless [solution], we cannot beat the optical viewfinder.

For really high-level professional photographers at sports events and so on, I believe that the DSLR will survive. I think there will be a synergy between DSLR and mirrorless, so we can expand the market moving forward.

[…] we’re really trying to be the best and provide the ultimate performance of the viewfinder. The view through the viewfinder should be as natural as possible. To achieve that goal we did two things – we focused on the optics, and also on image processing.

Read the interview at DPReview…

Nikon Z mirrorless system:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

Deal: Canon EOS R at $1815, EOS R with RF 24-105mm f/4L IS at $2599 (import model)

Canon Eos R With Aps-c
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Canon EOS R at a glance:

Seller einfinityshop4 (99.7% positive ratings) has two good deals on the Canon EOS R.

Please note: this is an import model, 1 year US seller warranty applies. Import models are legally imported from another country through channels other than the maker’s official distribution system.