DxOMark posts video AF comparison between Canon EOS 70D and Sony SLT-A77

I'm not going to reveal the outcome, please visit the site here.

Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 for Alpha going back tomorrow

I have been using the Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 with the SLT-A99 for the past week or so for review in one of the magazines I contribute to. It's going back tomorrow, so if there any readers who would like to ask me questions about it, feel free.

Think Tank TurnStyle 20 sling-bag initial impressions

I'm reviewing the above bag for one of the magazines I contribute to, and I thought I would share some initial impressions. Firstly, it's one of the best sling bags I've seen and it has become a firm favorite of mine which will likely replace my Lens Taxi as my most used pack. However, there are couple of shortcomings.

The first is the overly petite haul loop; it's so thin and weedy* I can't trust it when the bag is full of heavy gear. It would be almost better if it didn't have one (it may be an idea to cut it off - it would also make it impossible for some to grab it from behind). Second, the rear pouch is supposed to take a iPad. It does, but if you have a case for it (I have a very slim Hard Candy case for protection) it won't fit. The TurnStyle 20 easily holds my current review kit: Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 T*, SLT-A99, X-Pro1 and Zeiss Touit 2,8/12 T* and XF-55-200mm f/3.5-4.8R LM OIS., but there's not much room for anything else.

You can buy the TurnStyle 20 direct, here. (Actually this link takes to the range of TurnStyle models).

* This is most unlike Think Tank, their gear is usually close to indestructible

Olympus reveal new 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom, pro E-M1 body

Olympus has revealed the long rumored E-M1 and 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom. It sounds like the E-M1 uses the same excellent panel as the VF-4 (for the PEN E-P5). Prices start at £1299.99 for the body only, £1499.99 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens kit and £1949.99 for a kit that includes the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens.

While the E-M1 seems like a good step up from the E-M5 and PEN E-P5 (both sitting on my desk right now) for stills. the limited 1080/30p video (with a max 24Mbps bit rate) will not give Panasonic GH-3 users any cause for concern, even with the 5-Axis IBIS (which is one of the best for handheld video). Olympus really need to offer 60/50/30/25/24p and IPB and All-I compression and MOV (H.264), MP4 and AVCHD formats. Lets also hope the focus peaking isn't like that found on the E-P5 (it's okay, but nothing like that on the Sony A-99).

ThinkTank Photo unwrap Apple carry cases

ThinkTank Photo, one my favorite camera bag maker's has announced a range of cases, desigbned specifically for Apple iPads and MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops up to the 15-inch model.

For more information, please visit here.

DxOMark compares Nikon and Canon 500mm and 600mm f/4 super-telephoto lenses

DxOMark has published their first comparison between Canon and Nikon telephoto lenses. In the article they compare the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR with the latest Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, and new Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM for the Alpha SLTs. As a bonus, they've also included a head to head with Nikon's premier super-telephoto the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR and the Canon equivalent EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM.

To read the article please visit the DxOMark site.

Nikon D5 and Canon EOS 1DX S DSLRs to feature optional EVFs?

With the introduction of the Leica M sporting both an optical (actually coupled rangefinder) and the option to fit a EVF that works very well together, and with rival Sony offering electronic finders in their SLT cameras, what can Nikon and Canon do with future pro oriented models? Easy, should on-sensor phase detection AF (such as that found on the new Canon EOS 70D) become fast and reliable enough I can think of several solutions. But the one that appeals to me most is a return to the interchangeable finders of their film-era cameras. While the maker's primary concern will be the ingress of dust, how difficult could it be to offer a single body with the option of optical and electronic finders?

The reflex mirror and focusing screen could be retained for the optical (pentaprism) finder and finder based PDAF systems*, and be simply locked up when the electronic finder is attached. You wouldn't be able to switch seamlessly as you can with the Leica M, but that's inherent with the CRF design (and ocular occupying one corner), however it would instantly quash detractors of either system and allow the user to choose the appropriate finder for the job in hand. It's not a new idea, I've been thinking about this for a while but was reminded recently when using my Nikon F5 and again when reviewing the new Hasselblad H5D (pictured above) for a magazine. I've not seen this mentioned anywhere else in print or online, and don't like to make such thoughts generally known on the net, so remember where you read it first.

UPDATE:

* The pedants among you will know that the finder-based PDAF systems are for the most part based in the mirror-box (and use a secondary silvered mirror slung below the main reflex mirror to direct the light to the AF sensor). But it's common to call it a viewfinder based system, as that's how the user perceives it.

Nikon Nikkor 60mm f2.8 D or G version?

If you're a Nikon macro photographer and are looking to buy a 60mm, you have a dilemma. The latest AF-S Nikkor 60mm f2.8G is a fine performer optically and can achieve 1:1 without extension tubes, just like the earlier "AF-D" type version. However, the earlier iteration is preferred by those who want to combine it with the various Nikon PK11A, PK12, PK13, PN11 extension tubes for magnifications greater than 1:1- the latest "G" type model has no aperture ring for manual control. The AF Macro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D (pictured above) is no longer made and while it is very hard to find it is still available new as a "grey import" from Adorama at $429. 

It begs the question, do Nikon realize the shortcomings of not upgrading their extension tubes? With lenses achieving 1:1 already (without the extension tubes) they think there're no need.  It was understandable before, with the lens coupling used on "D" series lenses, but now as the roll-out of AF-S type lenses is well underway there's really no excuse.

Amazon UK have 5 in stock as of the day of posting (6th June) at £354.

Fuji X-E1 and X-Pro1 savings when buying additional XF lenses

Fuji are slashing prices on lenses for the X-E1 and X-Pro1 at $200-$300 a lens. See the B&H site here for details. Click on "Savings Available" A 2% "reward" is also being offered.

Details of the savings for the X-Pro1 can be found here.

DxOMark test score for Sigma 35mm f1.4 released

DxOMark has published their test results on the new Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG HSM. Tested on the Canon EOS 5D MK III for the time being (with more camera bodies to be tested) DxOMark concludes the new Sigma outperforms the Carl Zeiss 35mm f1.4 and Canon's own aging 35mm 1.4L. Data on the new Nikkor 35mm f1.4 AFS will likely follow when the Nikon mount version of the Sigma becomes available.

To read the review please follow the link here.

Nikon D600 kit special at B&H this weekend

B&H Photo are selling the D600 complete with the 24-85VR for just $1,996.95 for this weekend only (it must be some kind of over stock). The deal includes an Oben monopod, 32GB Sandisk SDHC card, Lowepro Rezo 170AW and off-brand spare battery.

Please click here to buy (note this site receives a small commission on sales, but at no additional cost to you).

Fuji X-Pro1 lens offer

Fuji UK has announced an enticing offer on the X-Pro1, if you buy one with a lens, you will receive either a 18mm or 35mm for free. Terms and conditions apply of course* (the offer runs through to the end of December 2012), please see here for details.

*If you're a UK or ROI resident, the only online dealer supporting this promotion is Amazon UK.

Canon EOS 6D available this weekend in UK

Canon UK have just announced this morning that the eagerly awaited full-frame EOS 6D will be available at retailers this weekend.


Two kit versions will also be available:
EOS 6D + EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM £2,519.99
EOS 6D + EF 40mm STM £1,959.99

The cameras will be available through Jessops, and Wex. Amazon are not listing it at the time of posting.

Cyber-Monday deals at Adorama

Available for today only from Adorama:

Canon EOS 5D Mk III c/w 25-105mm L $3,899 (saving $400)

Sony Alpha DSLR SLT A77 c/w 18-135mm $1398 (saving $300)

Sigma DP Merrill $849 (saving $150)

Fuji X-Pro 1 body $1399 (was $1699)

Nikon D5200 announced, no new DX lenses

Nikon UK invited journalists to see the 24-megapixel D5200 yesterday in London but despite it being a well-balanced DSLR spec-wise (it includes the AF system from the D7000) it's no D300s replacement and nor were there signs of any new DX lenses. My guess is we will see a D7000 replacement that will also appeal to those looking to upgrade from the D300s (i.e. it will have a metal outer shell, 8fps or thereabouts and adopt the same 24MP sensor . What AF system it will have is anyone's guess). But for now the D5200 isn't it.
The body only price is £720, Eur 900 (and probably a lot cheaper in the US). It will be available during September.

Press release:

Sony Alpha A99 shipping at WEX

One of the most eagerly anticipated cameras of the year (and there have been many) is started to ship in the UK. WEX (Warehouse Express) has the bodies in stock at £2299 (inc VAT). Please click here to buy.

Nikon announces lightweight 70-200mm f4 with 5-stop VR

Announced today at £1,172 (inc VAT at 20%) the new 850 g (30.0 oz) Nikon 70-200mm f/4 sounds attractive*. Not only is it light (relatively) the optical performance sounds equally promising; it has 20 elements in total three ED and one HRI (High Refractive Index) element to reduce field curvature and spherical aberration. Nikon also claim the new VR module is the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed five stops faster. According to Nikon UK, the new lens will start shipping at the end of November.
* the current 70-200mm f/2.8 weighs 1,540 g (3.4 lb.), while the Canon 70-200f4L IS weighs 760g (26.8 oz)
Readers can pre-order from B&H Photo (click here) for $1,399. Please note, the image above shows the tripod ring, which is an $224 optional extra.

Press release:

Nikon announces Nikon 1 V2

After some speculation, and shunning the original body design (which I liked save for the controls) Nikon has announced the Nikon 1 V2. Notice the new layout and control dials on the top plate. While not pretty (there is little real Nikon DNA in this*), the new model features a 1-inch type 14.2 resolution sensor, ISO 160-6400, an EVF and 15fps bursts. It sounds promising but it remains to be seen if it can equal or outperform the superb 1-inch type sensor in the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 compact.

The Nikon 1 V2 10-30mm Kit will retail at £799.99 / Eur 999.00. Sales start 31st January 2013.

*Like the Coolpix cameras the Nikon V1 models are sub-contracted (even if the factory says 'Nikon' on the gate).

Press release:

Reuters Picture Agency rolls out The Wider Image app for iPad

Reuters picture agency has introduced an intriguing new app for the iPad that not only is updated daily with new pictures and stories from around the world but it's the only one of its kind I know that can organized to display the images and stories by photographer. It includes a bio of each and you can follow them on their assignments as they file their photos throughout the week. The app is free to download (click here to download from the App Store).

Fore more information please visit The Wider Image site.

Nikon D4 in stock at B&H Photo

The Nikon D4 has been back-ordered for ages but is now in stock at B&H Photo at $5,996.95, please click here to buy.