Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens Announced, Priced $1,798

Sony has announced the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II, an updated version of its popular portrait lens. This second-generation G Master lens features improved optical performance, delivering exceptional sharpness and smooth bokeh.

With an f/1.4 aperture, the lens excels in low-light conditions and offers beautiful subject-background separation. The redesigned optics include XA (extreme aspherical) elements to minimize aberrations and enhance image quality. Additionally, Sony has improved the autofocus speed and precision, making it more suitable for fast-moving subjects in both photography and videography. Weighing less than its predecessor, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II offers premium performance in a more compact and lightweight build.

This new lens costs $1,798, first available for pre-order at B&HAdorama. Continue reading “Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens Announced, Priced $1,798”

Best Compact Cameras in 2024

Compact cameras continue to hold a special place for enthusiasts and professionals alike. These pocket-sized powerhouses offer the perfect blend of portability and performance, making them ideal for capturing stunning shots on the go. As we are in 2024, the compact camera market is brimming with exciting new offerings that cater to a wide range of photography needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best compact cameras of 2024, highlighting their key features, strengths, and weaknesses.

Capture the perfect moments without the bulk—discover the best compact cameras of 2024.

With advancements in technology, compact cameras now offer high-quality images in a portable package. This guide will help you navigate through the top compact cameras available in 2024, catering to various needs and budgets.

Continue reading “Best Compact Cameras in 2024”

Best selling cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera

Here are the best-selling new cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera Japan:

  1. Nikon Z8
  2. Nikon Zf
  3. Sony α7C II
  4. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  5. Sony α7RV
  6. Sony α7IV
  7. Fujifilm X-T5
  8. Ricoh GR IIIx
  9. Sony α6700
  10. Canon EOS R8
  11. OM System OM-1
  12. Fujifilm X-H2
  13. Fujifilm X-T30 II
  14. Ricoh GR III
  15. Nikon Z fc
  16. Fujifilm X-S10
  17. Sony ZV-E10
  18. Leica Q3
  19. Canon EOS R10
  20. Sony ZV-E1

Via MAP Camera

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens Announced, Priced $1,09

Sony has just officially announced the new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens. It is a versatile mid-range zoom lens built for everyday mobility Bringing a bright, wide maximum aperture to an easy-to-carry form factor. Coming in at just 440 grams (just under 1 pound), this lens covers the most popular focal lengths for everyday shooting in a chassis 92mm (3.6″) long.

Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens costs $1,098, first available for pre-order at B&H and Adorama.

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens Specs

  • Focal Length: 24 to 50mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Lens Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Angle of View: 84° to 47°
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.1″ / 18 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.33x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions (ø x L): 2.9 x 3.6″ / 74.8 x 92.3 mm
  • Weight: 1 lb / 440 g
  • Full press text here.

Sony claims that they’ve made no compromises with the lens. It has an 11-blade circular aperture, uses ED and aspherical elements, and has twin linear motors for responsive and quiet focusing. Sony says that the lens can keep up with the 120 fps burst mode of its flagship a9 III.

The lens has focus, zoom, and aperture rings; the latter can be “de-clicked” for video shooting. There’s also a focus hold button, whose function can be customized. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant (but not 100%, Sony points out), and the front element has a fluorine coating to fight off water and oil.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 24-50mm F2.8 G will begin shipping in May 2024 for approximately $1,099.99 USD. Pre-orders live at B&H , Adorama.

Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order

Sigma has just officially announced two new lenses for Sony E and Leica L mounts: Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens and Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens. Both the lenses are now available for pre-order at  B&HAdorama. Continue reading “Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order”

Zeiss announces six new Cine E-mount Lenses

Zeiss announced six new Cine E-mount lenses you can preorder at B&Hphoto.

About the Zeiss Nano Prime 6 Lens Set – E Mount

ZEISS Nano Primes are cinema lenses designed for modern full frame mirrorless cameras – initially available for Sony E-mount. Lenses for everyone looking for highest performance and cinematic look in a small package. The six focal lengths all feature a consistent high speed of T1.5, come with a small and robust real cine lens housing with professional cine ergonomics and have an interchangeable mount.

Nano Primes are lenses for all cinematographers. No matter if up-and-coming or seasoned DP. For all budgets. No matter if small or big. For all projects. No matter if for commercials, documentaries, or music videos, for series, independent or features films. Lenses that check all the boxes when it comes to look, ergonomics, size and weight or lens data workflow. Lenses that you can afford. Lenses that won‘t let you down.​

​ZEISS Nano Primes are the go-to lenses for everyday: True Cinema. For All.​

Comprehensive Focal Range
Featuring focal lengths of 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm, Nano Primes offer a comprehensive range, delivering versatile angles of view from wide-angle to telephoto. This makes them the preferred choice for a broad spectrum of cinematic requirements.

Covering Cinematic Full-Frame
Leveraging full-frame sensors enhances visual depth and character. Nano Primes are designed to accommodate these larger sensors, providing cinematographers of all levels – from aspiring to seasoned professionals – the ability to create images abundant in volume and personality.

Cinematic Look in Every Shot
The high speed of the Nano Primes, coupled with their close focus capability, achieves a mesmerizing shallow depth-of-field, even in wide-angle shots. With a maximum aperture of T1.5 and a rounded 12-blade iris, these lenses produce an exquisite bokeh, allowing the creation of authentic cinematic visuals. Providing a versatile and subtle sharpness reminiscent of Supreme Primes, they serve as an excellent choice for B-Cam and C-Cam, or as a cost-effective alternative.

Full Cine Ergonomics in a Small Package
Nano Primes showcase exceptional precision and durability. With a compact design housing a 95mm compendium ring and an 86mm screw-in filter thread, these lenses seamlessly integrate with gimbals and drones. The uniform positioning of focus and iris rings simplifies lens changes, complemented by easy-to-read calibrated scales, a fluid 280° focus rotation, and a precise 90° iris ring rotation for meticulous control.

Tested for Harsh Conditions
Made for challenging conditions such as cold and rain, Nano Primes undergo rigorous testing to guarantee unparalleled durability in the most demanding filming environments. Nano Primes stand as the reliable choice for everyday lenses.

Interchangeable Mount
The Nano Primes are equipped for seamless mount exchange, facilitated by the trusted ZEISS IMS (Interchangeable Mount System). Featuring user-adjustable back focus through shims, these lenses guarantee precise scales, even with entry-level cameras that typically exhibit higher mount mechanics tolerances.

Electronic Interface for Real-Time Lens Data
The Nano Primes come with an integrated electronic interface on the mount, enabling real-time transmission of metadata, including focal length, focus distance, and aperture, directly to the camera. Additional lens data, covering distortion and vignetting, is accessible within the ZEISS CinCraft ecosystem. This information proves valuable for post-production (CinCraft Mapper) and is compatible with the newly introduced CinCraft Scenario camera tracking system.

Used and Maintained Around the Globe
Hand-assembled and meticulously engraved with individually calibrated scales, ZEISS Nano Prime lenses prioritize serviceability from the early stages of development. ZEISS has established a robust global service network in recent years, with authorized service stations providing maintenance to factory standards in the US, Europe, and Asia.

Sony a1 & a7S III Firmware Updates Officially Announced

In addition to the Sony a9 III (B&H /Adorama ) & FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens (B&H/Adorama ), Sony also announced the new firmware updates for firmware updates for a1 & a7S III cameras.

Press Release:

Firmware Updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III Models

In addition to the release of Alpha 9 III, Sony has announced new firmware updates for the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7S III full-frame mirrorless cameras xvii. The new software will provide both models with some of Sony’s latest imaging technologies including the highly requested Focus Breathing Compensation feature, IPTC and FTP workflow enhancement, and C2PA format support. The firmware will also update the Alpha 1 with Relay Playback, and the Alpha 7S III with DCI 4K 24.00P shooting format. The camera software update will be available in Spring 2024.

Sony a1 body: $6,498 at (AmazonB&HAdorama).

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Best Lenses for Sony a1 | Best Memory Cards for Sony a1 | Sony Lens Abbreviations and Meanings

Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens Announced, Price $5,998

In addition to the Sony a9 III (B&H Photo Video/Adorama), Sony today also announced the new Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens, The US price is $5,998 and it will be released on February 23, 2024. Now the new Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is available for pre-order.

Pre-order links:

Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens: $5,998 at  Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama 

Sony a9 III: $5,998 at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama 

Key Features

  • Full-Frame | Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Lightweight, Fast Telephoto Prime
  • Dual XD Linear Motor AF System
  • Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
  • Super ED & ED Elements, Nano AR Coating
  • Weather-Sealed Magnesium-Alloy Design
  • Rounded 11-Blade Diaphragm

Continue reading “Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens Announced, Price $5,998”

Sony a9 III Officially Announced, Price $5,998

Sony officially announced the new Sony a9 III equipped with the world’s first full-frame global shutter image sensor. The US price is $5,998 and it will be released on February 23, 2024.

Pre-order link:

Sony a9 III: $5,998 at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama 

Key Features

  • 24.6MP Full-Frame Global Shutter Sensor
  • Up to 120 fps Cont. Shooting with AF/AE
  • Pre-Capture Function; Speed Boost Button
  • Flash Sync at up to 1/80,000 Sec.
  • 4K 120p 10-bit Video; S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
  • 759-Point Phase-Detect AF with Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Continue reading “Sony a9 III Officially Announced, Price $5,998”

Sony a7R V Firmware Ver.2.01 & a6700 Firmware Ver.1.02 Released

Sony released the new firmware update version 2.01 for Sony a7R V and firmware version 1.02 for a6700 camera. You can follow the links below to download the new firmware updates.

Sony a7R V Firmware Version 2.01

  • Fixes an issue where JPEG files could not be enlarged and played
  • Fixes an issue where the power may not turn on or turn off even if the Power switch is used
  • Fixes an issue where the Switch V/H AF Area feature may not work correctly
  • Fixes a Creators’ App issue where the Auto Time Correction and Auto Area Adjustment features may turn off
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Benefits and Improvements

Sony a6700 Firmware Version 1.02

Benefits and Improvements

  • Fixes an issue where some movie metadata (Shutter SpeedApertureISO, etc.) may not be recorded
  • Fixes an issue where JPEG files could not be enlarged and played
  • Fixes an issue where the Switch V/H AF Area feature may not work correctly
  • Fixes a Creators’ App issue where the Auto Time Correction and Auto Area Adjustment features may turn off
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

The new Sony a7R V mirrorless camera is now in stock and shipping at major US stores: $3,898 at B&HAmazonAdorama.

Sony a7R V Vs. Canon EOS R5 Vs. Sony a7R IV Specs Comparison

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