What I would like to see released in 2024
Manufacturers are often accused of not listening to customers when it comes to introducing new features but I’m sure it’s complicated to strike a balance between what’s achievable and their users’ wishes. Nevertheless, it’s still odd that we haven’t seen some features that would appear to be easy to add, such as those via software or firmware updates. So, here’s a list of some firmware or software (via the maker’s app) features that I would like to see added to cameras this year: Auto aperture series selection, where the photographer can program the camera to select and capture a series across a range of aperture settings. The camera must alter…
Sigma announces world’s first F1.8 zoom for full-frame 35mm cameras: SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art
Lens maker Sigma has announced the SIGMA 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art, the world’s first F1.8 high-speed zoom lens for full-frame 35mm mirrorless cameras (narrowly beating the much more expensive Canon RF 28-70mm F2.0L USM for the EOS R series). The new top-of-the-range Art series lens will be available in two versions to fit Sony E-mount and Leica SL-mount cameras. The new lens weighs 960g and features 18 elements in 15 groups (5 SLD, 3 aspherical elements). It adopts both inner zooming and internal focusing. There are many benefits to this, but one that’s not often mentioned in marketing material is that the design makes it more durable than lenses…
Fujifilm Fujinon GF20-35mm F4 R WR specs
Technical Data Manufacturer Fujifilm – Fujinon Model Fujinon GF20-35mm F4 R WR (equivalent to 16-28mm in 35mm format) Web www.fujifilm-x.com Elements/construction 14 elements in 10 groups Angle of view 108° to 76° (diagonal) Max aperture F4 Min aperture F22 Min focus distance 0.35 m (13.8″) Mount G mount Filter size 82mm Length 112.5 mm (4 in.) Diameter 88.5 mm (3.5 in.) Weight 725 g (25.6 oz) Price £2349 inc VAT ($2,499) Read our review here. Check stock and prices of the Fujifilm Fujinon GF20-35mm F4 R WR at the following retailers: WEX Photo (UK)| Park Cameras (UK) | MPB Used (UK) B&H Photo (US) | Adorama (US) | KEH…
Review: Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2
Samsung’s highly portable T7 Shield SSD with USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) promises high transfer speeds in a robust housing, Kevin Carter takes a look. What is it? This small, highly portable bus-powered NVMe SSD with a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) with read/write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively, is almost twice as fast as SATA-based SSDs (and 10x that of HDDs). As such it is ideal for photographers and occasional videographers. It’s also a rugged (IP65 rated) drive that’s ideal for replacing any old hard-disk drive for sharing across multiple devices, such as direct-to cameras (mainly but not limited to the newer Panasonic, Sony and…
Fujifilm GFX100S II announced with several important features from flagship GFX100 II
Fujifilm has announced the FUJIFILM GFX100S II, the update to the 100MP GFX100S and has several features from the ‘flagship’ GFX100 II, including I believe the same microlens structure. This is said to improve image quality at the periphery and AF accuracy out towards the edges of the frame. The redesigned sensor has a new IOS 80 base, which is claimed to offer lower noise and a wider dynamic range than the GFX100S. The FUJIFILM GFX100S II will be available in the UK from 17 June 2024 from authorised Fujifilm retailers, the FUJIFILM House of Photography in London or the Fujifilm online store at https://eshop.fujifilm-x.com/uk at a suggested retail price…
Canon announces development of the EOS R1 flagship with deep learning technology promising improved image quality
Canon has announced that the ‘flagship’ Canon EOS R1 is under development. While that’s not surprising, what is telling from the rather scant details is that AI will feature heavily. Reading between the lines I expect to see noise reduction improved over the camera’s internal processing by the bundled DPP software, in effect locking out other parametric editors such as Capture One and Lightroom from accessing the data and ultimately the promised noise reduction improvements. Not only is this to add value to the camera and system by leveraging the software side, but we will likely be choosing our camera systems based on software enhancements in the future. I wouldn’t…
Hasselblad announces wide angle XCD 25mm F2.5 V lens
Hasselblad has announced a new ultra-wide (20mm equivalent) lens, the Hasselblad XCD 25mm f/2.5 V for the mirrorless X system cameras. The XCD 2,5/25V features IF (internal focusing) using a linear stepping motor and adopts an optical construction of thirteen elements in ten groups, including four aspherical elements and three ED elements. Hasselblad say it has been designed to meet the requirements of 100-megapixel sensors. The filter size is 72mm. The new XCD 2,5/25V lens is priced at £3,559.00 / $3,699 USD / 4,199 EUR and is available online and at selected retail stores worldwide. More information can be found on their website. Previous lens makers for Hasselblad have included…
Review: Samsung T9 Portable SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
Samsung’s flagship T9 SSD with USB-C (3.2 Gen 2×2) promises high transfer speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s, not that far off from TB3/4 SSDs, Kevin Carter takes a look. What is it? Housed in a wonderfully tactile and equally practical black silicone rubber housing, the Samsung T9 is aimed at all types of content makers. Particularly though, with its high transfer speeds from a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gb/s) connector, this bus-powered NVMe SSD looks highly attractive for photographers and occasional videographers. The Samsung T9 is a small, highly portable and robust drive that’s ideal for sharing across several devices, such as typical laptop-to-desktop (short to long-term storage)…
Megadap announces Canon EF to Nikon Z AF Adapter EFTZ21
Megadap, an innovative and independent manufacturer of AF adapters for mirrorless cameras, has recently announced a new Canon EF to Nikon Z AF Adapter, the EFTZ21. Priced at $299 and available now, the new EFTZ21 is compatible with both FF and APS-C (DX) format cameras, including the Nikon ZF, ZFC, Z30, Z50, Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z6 ii, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z7 ii, Z8, and Z9 cameras. The new adapter can be purchased online directly from the manufacturer’s site. Press release: Hong Kong, 19th April 2024 – Megadap, an innovative manufacturer specializing in camera lens accessories, is proud to announce the launch of its new Canon EF Lens…
Sony announces a compact large aperture wide-angle G series zoom FE 16-25mm F2.8 G
Sony has announced a new compact, large aperture wide-angle G series zoom the Sony FE 16-25mm F2.8 G aimed at both stills photographers and video/filmmakers. The filter thread size is just 67mm and it looks like it’s an IF design (with no extending lens barrels) so it should be capable of taking a decent matte box or filter holder and a raft of filters. 67mm is just at the limit (minimum) of most matte box systems. This is the second lens to follow this short-zoom style, after the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G” announced in February 2024 and uses the same size filter thread. Will a third, say a 50-100mm…
