As widely leaked over the internet in the run up to the official product announcement, Sony has duly announced the 24-megapixel full-frame A99 and RX1 as well as the 16-megapixel NEX-6 models, but, interestingly, the firm has announced the development of a Zeiss 1,4/50mm ZA SSM. Details are scant but the new lens adopts ultrasonic focusing (SSM) and a 72mm filter thread. According to the press release, the new 50mm will be available in the Spring of 2013.
B&H Photo (New York)
Sony A99 body $2,798 (available on or after 11th Feb, 2013)
For more information, please visit www.sony.com.
Profoto has announced the new Pro 4 battery pack with flash durations down to 1/25,000 sec, fast recycling (30 flashes per second) and an 11-stop range. The B4 can be connected to the mains and used as a studio generator, although the battery can be fully charged within 45 minutes, the firm claim.
Backlit controls are a welcome addition as is the LED panel for each head which can show flash duration as an option. Price and availability has not yet been confirmed.
For more information please visit Profoto.
Images have surfaced on the net of an alleged full frame (35mm) compact, the RX1 featuring a Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 2/35 with manual aperture ring and a $3000 ticket. Although the camera is sure to appeal (to wealthy enthusiasts), it lacks an EVF* and doesn't appear to have interchangeable lenses. Be that as it may this is an interesting development and hopefully an indication of things to come.
The same site also has images of the NEX-6 and full-frame video-orientated A99. I'm not going to speculate on the individual camera's specification, the anticipated launch date is the 12th September so you will know soon enough.
*It could be an option given the unusual design of the hotshoe. (Update a source revealed it has both an EVF and OVF as options).
NEX-6 APS-C
No SteadyShot Inside (there's room in the mount for a full-frame sensor, but Sony don't want do add it just yet.)
Sony's full-frame camera comes of age, the A99. With a 24-megapixel sensor, Sony don't want to compete head-on with their best customer (Nikon) but must be fairly confident arch-rival Canon isn't about to unleash a high-resolution EOS 1Ds X... or are they?
Dual SD, with one Memory Stick option but no XQD surprisingly.
No surprises here, it has the expected tilt and swivel LCD.
Sony finally ditches the proprietary Minolta hotshoe.
Carl Zeiss are to announce a new high-performance Distagon T* (not Planar) type 1,4/55 manual focus lens (above) , "this lens is the first model of a new product family designed for demanding users. Thanks to a newly developed optical design, this lens is superior to conventional full-frame lenses, and it achieves with powerful full-frame, full-format cameras an image performance that until now has only been seen with medium-format systems. The first prototype of this new range will celebrate its world debut at photokina. The family of lenses is expected to be on the market in the second half of 2013 for EF bayonet (ZE) and F bayonet (ZF.2)."
The new lens type is reminiscent of an AF design (note the lack of a distance scale and new rubber focusing ring) but Zeiss has stated the new lens will be manual focus and is sure to be the first in a new range of ultra high performance lenses (the current range is already high performance). The Distagon design is unusual in this focal length, so far we can only guess the reasons for this, but the 82mm front filter diameter indicates vignetting may be very low.
Zeiss will also debut a new fast ZM lens (to fit Leica M bodies) as well provide an insight into a new range of autofocus lenses for mirrorless cameras.
For more information please visit www.zeiss.de.
Adorama are listing the Leica S2 as 'no longer available', presumably as the replacement Leica S3 is being readied for for Photokina later this month (18th-23rd September).
As expected, Fuji has officially announced the X-E1, packing the same 16-megapixel X-Trans CMOS as the original X-Pro1 but in a smaller lighter body. There's no hybrid viewfinder - no real loss in my opinion* - it has instead a new 2.36million dot OLED which Fuji describe as 'top-class'. The camera is launched with the new fast kit lens (not a budget offering) 18-55mm f/2.8-4.0 image stabilized zoom and 14mm f/2.8. This is the camera Olympus should of launched in my opinion, although I do rate the OM-D E-M5 (and its sensor) very highly, particularly for discrete use and visual note-taking. X-Pro1 sales will plummet in light of this (the X-E1 is smaller, lighter, cheaper, has a more detailed EVF and uses the same sensor), so what will the X-Pro2 bring other than a higher resolution sensor (I expect to see 24-megapixels in the next iteration)? The X-E1 looks like a serious contender to the Sony NEX-5 /7 offerings and Olympus OMD E-M5, that is providing Fuji has improved the handling and operation and assisted Adobe with the RAW file decoding. That might just be too much to ask for, we'll see.
*Especially if you intend to use it with longer lenses.
The full press release can be read here (UK version). The US release can be found here.
Glass maker Hoya has announced a new range of UV & IR cut filters, offering a front filter thread for stacking which the firm says is not 'found in a combination UV-IR filter', presumably they mean a rival make*. The firm continues to add, 'another benefit to using the UV-IR filter is that it can also reduce the effects of atmospheric haze to a greater degree than would be found with a standard UV filter. This means that sharper images with more depth and finer, richer color gradations are possible when utilizing the filter's effects in your photography. This combination filter is a convenient option for those who seek a clearer and sharper image when captured outdoors, while getting the benefits of two filters in one.'
Features
Blocks UV Rays below 390nm
Blocks Infra-Red (IR) Rays above 700mn
Transmits only light in the visible spectrum
Helps generate higher quality images with clearer and sharper definition
The range is available now, starting at £85 for the 49mm. Check prices at Amazon (you may have to page down).
* The equivalent B+W 486 UV/IR cut filter has a large retaining ring and only a narrow thread to hold a lens cap.
Read our review of the Fuji full spectrum camera (here)
Images have surfaced on the net of what purports to be a new model to complement the Fuji X-Pro1. The new model, apparently called the X-E1 lacks the hybrid viewfinder of the original but appears to retain an EVF. That makes sense as the hybrid optical viewfinder will be somewhat restricted with some lenses (ultra wide and long focal length lenses). The EVF on the other hand will be able to cover these while reducing the camera's complexity (and cost, let's hope). I like the look of this, the clean lines of the body are a big improvement over the X-Pro-1 but I'm not hopeful Fuji will have improved the layout of the rear controls or the menu, but you never know.
Also available in chrome, and shown with the image stabilised 18-55mm f/2.8-4 zoom. The two openings by the hotshoe are almost certainly that of a stereo mic, and it also appears to have a pop-up flash.
We've recently had a chance to look at the wide-gamut 30-inch SpectraView Reference monitor (also known as the MultiSync PA301 with SpectraView II in North America). The SpectraView Reference monitors are outstanding choices for the professional photographer, but so too are the MultiSync offerings. We will be posting a review here explaining the differences between them and the European MultiSync PA301 version.
Tokina's updated AT-X Pro DX II 11-16mm f/2.8 has started shipping in Nikon mount (it's the hardest to design for and is usually the first). It's intended for APS-C format cameras and as it is the equivalent of a 17-24mm this lens is a favorite with photojournalists for both stills and video. This new lens has improved coatings and is said to include a new silent focusing AF motor (though take that with a grain of salt, if previous claims are anything to go by).
Olympus has today issued a statement saying it intends to continue to support the DSLR based (retrofocus) Four Thirds lenses with a new body, presumably aimed at semi-professionals like the E-5 and E-3 before it. Although this statement is understandably brief, reading between the lines, I think we'll see a departure from the current E-5 body (some kind of hybrid mirrorless camera, perhaps).
Press Release
Olympus working on new body for top-pro lenses
Akira Watenabe, manager of Olympus Imaging's SLR planning department, confirmed today that the company is definitely working on a body to deliver the focusing performance expected by users of the Top Pro (aka Super High Grade) lens series like the ground breaking 90-250mm f2.8 fixed aperture zoom.
Watenabe has been delighted with the success of the OM-D which has pushed the boundaries of performance for system cameras but acknowledged that it did not deliver with the legacy high end lenses from the E-System. Whilst further information wasn't forthcoming, he was keen to emphasise that Olympus is actively developing a solution and will announce more details in due course.
PocketWizard, the popular (industry standard) brand of wireless flash trigger products, has today announced a cashback promotion on a select number of accessories. For one month starting today, Wednesday 15th August customers purchasing any of the following PocketWizard products, from authorised UK resellers, will be entitled to claim up to £20 cash back by redemption of a voucher and valid proof of purchase.
MiniTT1 - £15 Cash Back
FlexTT5 - £20 Cash Back
AC3 ZoneController - £5 Cash Back
Promotion ends Saturday 15th September 2012
For more information please visit here.
Fujifilm has announced an official guide to the Fuji X-Pro1 as an app for the iPad (requires iOS 5.0 or later). It can be downloaded (here) for free.
Via Fuji rumors
Please read our review of the X-Pro1 here;
L-758 Series Promotion
For a limited time only, Sekonic will be offering a FREE Sekonic Exposure Profile Target worth £124.99 Inc VAT with any meter purchased from the L-758 Series. The offer applies to UK sourced meters only, and runs from the 1st August and will be available whilst stocks last. In addition all UK light-meters now come with a 5 year warranty. To register your please follow the link (here).
I've had the new 24mm f/2.8 IS lens in for about a week or so and have decided to give a few first impressions prior to a in-depth review (maybe not here, on this site, as lens reviewing is time consuming). At $849 or £749 (inc 20-percent VAT) this new lens and its sibling, the similarly priced 28mm f/2.8 IS, is not inexpensive*. Indeed, it is nearly twice the price of the old version. But that could be offset by the optical quality, or imaging aesthetic.
The beauty of this lens, of course, is the Image Stabilization (IS) option, which allowed this critically sharp image at f/8 using a handheld shutter-speed of just 1/40sec, lower than I would normally like even when using a 24mm wide-angle. The picture was taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mk III at ISO1250.
I'll reserve judgement on the optical quality for now until I've taken more images and performed my usual tests. Although this is pure speculation on my part, I don't think this lens was made for the EOS 5D Mk II or MK III (or the EOS 1D series either). Are we going to see a smaller, lighter, cheaper full-frame body in the near future? I think so.
* Also, bear in mind that the lens is delivered without a lens hood nor a soft case.
From Left: The Green Legacy - Daniel Townsend by Joe Bullock © Joe Bullock – National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project; The Coffee Shop Experience – Jessica Collins by Lucas Seidenfaden © Lucas Seidenfaden – National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project
The NPG in association with BT and the University of East London has today announced what promises to be an intriguing exhibition of 65 new photographs of East Londoners, documenting the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their communities. The exhibtion titled ROAD TO 2012: FACING EAST is to open at Four Corners, Bethnal Green on 9 August 2012 until 9 September 2012. Admission is free.
ROAD TO 2012: FACING EAST
A London 2012 Festival Project
In partnership with BT and the University of East London
Four Corners, 121 Roman Road, Bethnal Green E2 0QN
9 August until 9 September 2012 Admission Free www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
An exhibition of 65 new photographs of East Londoners that document the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their communities is to open at Four Corners, Bethnal Green on 9 August 2012.
Using a range of photographic styles and techniques, fine art and photography students from the University of East London have created Facing East, an exhibition resulting from a twelve-week project which focused on themes or groups of sitters in the build-up to London 2012. These include local Games volunteers, people working for the Green Legacy in the Lee Valley, commuters, swimming club members, coffee shop baristas, landlords renting out their rooms, locals on Hackney Marshes and allotment owners.
As well as curating and staging the exhibition under the guidance of National Portrait Gallery staff, the students developed their practice over a ten-week course of master classes and critique sessions led by internationally renowned photographers Anderson & Low, Jillian Edelstein, Brian Griffin, Emma Hardy, Nadav Kander and Bettina von Zwehl.
Over the last three years, these photographers have been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery as part of the National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 Cultural Olympiad project. Their own work can be seen in Road to 2012: Aiming High at the National Portrait Gallery, London, until 23 September, as part of the London 2012 Festival.
Liz Smith, Director of Participation and Learning, National Portrait Gallery, London, says: ‘The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to have collaborated with students from the University of East London. Their documentary portraiture provides a thought-provoking insight into local communities during the build up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and adds texture and vibrancy to the overall Road to 2012 project.’
Professor Catherine Harper, Dean of the School of Arts & Digital Industries, University of East London, says:
‘This project has given the students a wonderful opportunity to explore contemporary photography and hone their professional skills through working alongside the truly inspirational Road to 2012 photographers.’
Sarah Dimmock, student, University of East London, says: ‘Being part of the Road to 2012 project has been a great privilege and I feel honoured to have met some of the worlds’ greatest photographers. It‘s been an unbelievable journey.’
Road to 2012: Facing East is part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.
The exhibition can be seen at Four Corners, an organisation committed to promoting artistic participation and inspiring work that wouldn’t otherwise happen. London’s centre for film and photography, it enables people to achieve their potential through their unique facilities.
EXHIBITION
Road to 2012: Facing East
Four Corners, 121 Roman Road E2 0QN
10.00-18.00 Mon-Sat, Admission Free
Tube: Bethnal Green
WEBSITE
www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
I have a Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster, a superb flash and ambient-meter, which has a built-in radio transmitter for triggering PocketWizard (Plus and MultiMax and PW partner) enabled flashguns or strobes. I use it with Plus II's attached to various flashguns and a Profoto Pro-B2 1200, though that has now been replaced by the Pro-B3 AirS (which, can be bought with the PocketWizard receiver module built-in as well as Profoto Air wireless syncing as the Pro-B3 AirS/R. Bought in the UK (or Europe), the Sekonic L-758DR will come supplied with the RT-32CE or in the US with the RT-32FCC region specific transmitter**. However, I've recently only discovered Sekonic make an "all-region" module, the $69.95 RT-32N.
This can be used in any FCC or CE certified L-758 series or even the relatively affordable (and equally outstanding) L-358 model. Unfortunately, if traveling with a CE or FCC meter you can't swap them for an FCC or CE transmitter respectively, the only options are to rent or buy a new meter. That was until now. If you buy the RT-32N (and sell on the old transmitter) you can use it in any FCC or CE certified Sekonic meter and use it anywhere. The moral of the story is to buy the L-758D* and then upgrade it, or if you're in the market to add the transmitter to a L358 or L758Cine make sure you buy the RT-32N.
*Note the new pricier $149.95 RT-32CTL (press release available here) is to allow triggering with the PocketWizard FlexTT5, ST4 and MC2 using the ControlTL system as well as the Plus and MultiMax series but are not all-region. **According to the PR, new L-758DR models will start shipping with the RT-32CTL.
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