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.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II in stock at Jessops

UK retailer Jessops has the new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II in stock at £2,299 (inc VAT at 20-percent) (click here to buy). It's considerably more expensive than the previous version which although has its detractors, I personally think has an outstanding drawing style which I prefer to rival offerings. Canon says the new lens "vastly outperforms that of the previous model". It remains to be seen just how good a performer optically this new lens is, with real world use, but the MTF charts look encouraging at both ends of the range.

There's no fluorite glass used unfortunately, although it has a new configuration using UD and super UD glass in its construction. Another significant reason for the hike in the price is due to the improved reliability and durability. According to Canon, it has been designed to handle tougher use and to maintain the image quality over a longer lifespan than the previous iteration. Digital photographers take many more images, and so a lens has to be able to accommodate this change in usage. I also happen to think Canon will adapt this particular lens for their Cinema EOS range, or pehaps beleive that it will be more commonly adopted in its present form. Either way, it appears to be a promising addition.

International readers can buy from B&H Photo (they ship worldwide) for just $2,299 (click here to buy)

Canon announces EOS-1D X firmware update allowing AF at f8

After a number of internet rumblings and with Nikon already offering the capability with the Nikon D4, the AF capability of the EOS-1 D X has been expanded to include lens combinations with an effective maximum aperture of f/8. Previously, it was limited to f/5.6 presumably due to accuracy concerns. The new capability is especially good news for those using the 600mm f/4 with Canon 2x converters (such as the current Extender EF 2.0x III) , before the announcement of the new firmware (v1.1.1) the 600mm f/4 could only be used with the 1.4x converter. Now all that's needed is another update to alllow the use of the 800mm f/5.6 with the 2x converter (they have an effective maximum aperture of f/11).

Press release:

 
Performance redefined - Canon enables auto focus at f/8 for the EOS-1D X with new Firmware 1.1.1
 

United Kingdom, Republic Of Ireland, 18th October 2012 - Canon today announces a new firmware update for its acclaimed EOS-1D X professional digital SLR is now available, offering new functionality and improved performance to professional photographers. Developed in response to direct feedback from photographers around the world, Firmware v1.1.1 improves the scope and performance of the AF function and introduces minor fixes to offer professional photographers the ability to capture stunning images more easily in all conditions.
 
New functionality; enhanced performance
During AI Servo AF shooting in low light,  viewfinder information is now illuminated, with the AF points blinking intermittently in red, allowing them to be easily confirmed whilst shooting, without affecting the metering of the scene.
 
Getting closer to the action is also even easier, with the firmware update allowing photographers to use extenders to increase the focal length of their super telephoto lenses, whilst maintaining the use of AF to capture a crisp, clear shot. Enabling the utilisation of telephoto zoom L series lenses plus extender, the centre AF point (one cross-type with four supporting points) can now be used to auto focus at a maximum aperture of f/8.
 
The firmware update v 1.1.1 is released for cameras with current firmware up to v 1.0.6. Firmware update v 1.1.1 is available to download now from: http://software.canon-europe.com
 
Canon EOS-1D X Firmware v1.1.1 – new features:
• Auto focus with f/8
• Illuminated AF points and viewfinder information in AI Servo AF mode
 
Canon EOS-1D X Firmware v1.1.1– fixes:
• Corrects a phenomenon where the metering value of the AE sensor becomes abnormal, affecting the final image
• Corrects a phenomenon where Error 70 may occur during AEB shooting
• Corrects a phenomenon where the firmware of the lenses cannot be updated normally
• Minor corrections to Arabic menu
 

Gitzo Ocean Systematic Tripods available

As an architecture and interior photographer (as well as a lens and camera reviewer) a tripod is an essential item and I'm always looking for the ideal model. I like Gitzo tripods but having just one isn't really an option; they're not versatile enough to cover the multitude of likely situations encountered. Like lenses you really need to have several (see here for an article about how to select the most appropriate Gitzo), so I was pleasantly surprised to See Gitzo introduce an Ocean version of the new Systematic models. These are a vast improvement on the originals and the Ocean version using steel instead of mag-alloy and improved leg joint seals promises to be their most rugged yet. I like the 4-series best, they have substantially larger leg tubes than the 3-series, while offering more load carrying capability without having the bulk and weight of the larger diameter tubing of the 5-series. I hope to have one of the new models soon for testing.

Nikon D600 in stock at Jessops

The D600 must be the quickest to market of any camera from Nikon that I can recall (and I can remember way back to when they launched the FM then FE back in the late 70's). I didn't get chance to see this at launch but it's significantly smaller than the D800 and packing the same resolution sensor as last years top-of-the-range D3X the D600 is the first full-frame model to resemble the film cameras in size. I think this will be the 'game changer' for the company rather than the D800 (as good as that camera is, the file size is really only going to appeal to enthusiasts and professionals).

The body is available from Jessops at £1734.95 inc VAT (not as cheap as the US can buy them, but then we've always been at a disadvantage). The vertical grip (MB-D14) can be bought for £249 (please click here for the Jessops link).

Hasselblad announce Lunar mirrorless model

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Photokina this year, and happened upon the Hasselblad stand. Having already reported briefly on H5D I thought I would take a quick look at it but the main interest on the stand was the previously rumored mirrorless 'Lunar' camera mock-ups. They were generally poor quality, though there must have been close to a dozen on show. The camera is being hotly debated for being not only "ugly'", but for being based on a Sony NEX-7, and with a grossly inflated price of 5,000 Euros. I can confirm that is all of those things, but what interested me particularly was the Carl Zeiss 12mm f/2.8 Distagon on the front of the model above.

Nikon keep promise on Nikon D600 delivery

Nikon don't have the best track record when it comes to delivery times, but it seems they've kept to their word with the new 24-megapixel D600. Amazon UK have it in stock at £1,886 (click here), body only (and there are some listed as low as £1,600, though I don't know the retailers' reputation) . I'll try update this with other retailers throughout the day.

Adorama in the US have stock at $2,096.95, with free shipping (click here).