AstrHori 18mm f/8 2X Probe Macro Lens Announced

AstrHori 18mm f/8 2X Probe Macro Lens: Amazon

AstrHori Introduces the First APS-C 2X Macro Probe Lens — 18mmF8
Let everyone realize creative, macro photography.

AstrHori announces the APS-C 18mm f/8 2x Macro Probe Lens for Sony E, Fuji X, Canon RF, EF, Nikon Z and more mounts.
The lens will be officially launched on May 29th on Amazon, AliExpress, independent stations and other platforms.
The lens is now on sale for an impressively-low price of just USD 719, EUR 999, JPY 119,599, GBP 879, MXN 14,369, CAD 989.

Following the launch of the 28mmF13 2X macro probe lens, the 18mmF8 2X macro macro probe lens is launched. I don’t know if there will be a 28mmF13 second-generation lens, let us look forward to it. Continue reading “AstrHori 18mm f/8 2X Probe Macro Lens Announced”

New “Fujifilm XApp” Smartphone App for the GFX / X Series Digital Cameras

Fujifilm announced the launch of “Fujifilm XApp”, a new app for use with the GFX / X Series of digital cameras. The app will be released for download on May 25, 2023.

FUJIFILM already has a camera remote app on the market, but some were complaining about limited functionality including connectivity issues between their FUJIFILM cameras and smart devices.

The new XApp is addressing exactly those issues. FUJIFILM is advertising the new XApp with seamless, quicker connectivity.

The second new feature of the XApp is that you can transfer images while the camera is still recording or even when it is completely powered off. The App also comes with a new high-contrast design in black and white for better visibility. When you connect your camera via Bluetooth, you have a live view function and can control start/stop recording next to your camera settings, like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

Fujifilm X-S10 Body: $1,299: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujifilm X-S10 Body: $999 at AmazonB&HAdorama

Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5: $799 at B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Continue reading “New “Fujifilm XApp” Smartphone App for the GFX / X Series Digital Cameras”

Leica Q3 Price, Specs, Release Date Announced

Leica has announced the Q3, price tag $59995, a full-frame compact camera with a fast Summilux lens and Triple-Resolution Technology.  Check availability at AdoramaB&HPhoto and Amazon.

Leica Q3 features a newly developed BSI-CMOS sensor with a resolution of either 60MP, 36MP or 18MP. The Leica Q3 uses the entire size of the sensor when shooting at each resolution, with a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 on up to 100,000.

The Triple-Resolution sensor is paired with Leica’s latest Maestro Series processor. The new Leica camera also boasts a hybrid AF system with both phase detection and contrast autofocus.

Not traditionally known for video, Leica has also given the Q3 some powerful tools for filmmakers. The camera can record C8K and 8K video at up to 30p, C4K and 4K video at up to 60p and Full HD at up to 120p. The Leica Q3 records both MP4 and MOV files and uses the h.264, h.265 and Apple ProRes codecs.

On the front of the Leica Q3 is a fast Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH fixed lens, which allows you to focus on subjects from as close as 17cm thanks to an integrated macro mode. The lens also allows users to zoom digitally to focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm. What’s more, it incorporates Leica Perspective Control and Leica Dynamic Range to finesse your images.

Other features include a tilting 3-inch, 1.843k-dot touchscreen and a 5.760k-dot EVF. In continuous shooting mode you can shoot at up to 15fps, while the Leica Q3’s electronic shutter allows for shutter speeds as fast as 1/16,000sec.

Leica Q3 Key specifications:

  • 60MP full-frame sensor
  • 28mm F1.7 Summilux stabilized lens
  • Crops to 35, 50, 70 and 90mm (39, 19, 8 and 6MP)
  • 5.76M dot OLED EVF with 0.79x magnification
  • 3″ tilt touchscreen LCD with 1.8 million dots
  • Native ISO range of 50-100,000
  • Hybrid autofocus (PDAF + contrast AF with DFD)
  • 8K video capture in UHD or DCI ratios up to 30p (H.265)
  • Apple ProRes 422HQ support for 1080p video capture up to 60p
  • AI-assisted perspective control and dynamic range tools for JPEG mode
  • IP52-rated dust and water resistant
  • USB-C and micro-HDMI ports
  • Wireless charging via optional hand grip add-on
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Press text on DCN.

Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm F3.5 R WR Lens Officially Announced, Available for Pre-Order

Fujifilm has just officially announced the new mid-range  camera and XF 8mm F3.5 Lens at X Summit BKK 2023 (see live blog here). The Fujifilm X-S20 will be available from the end of June 2023 priced at $1299 while the XF 8mm f/3.5 will be available for $799 at the same time.

Fujifilm X-S10 Body: $1,299: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujifilm X-S10 Body: $999 at AmazonB&HAdorama

Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5: $799 at B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Continue reading “Fujifilm X-S20 and XF 8mm F3.5 R WR Lens Officially Announced, Available for Pre-Order”

Fujifilm X-S20 & XF 8mm f/3.5 Announcement Live At Fujifilm X Summit

Fujifilm has updated its range of mirrorless cameras with the introduction of the Fujifilm X-S20. Plus, a new Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 lens has been announced.

Fujifilm X-S20: B&H Photo / Amazon
Fujinon XF8mm f/3.5: B&H Photo / Amazon

Features on the Fujifilm X-S20, announced at the Fujifilm X Summit, include a 26MP X-Trans 4 sensor, X Processor 5, and 7-stop, 5-axis IBIS which improves on the X-S10. 750 shots will be possible per charge with the NP-W235. Video is captured at 6.2K as well as 4K and Full HD with a new VLOG option available on the mode dial so you can quickly access video functions.

An XF 8mm f/3.5 lens has also been announced and it’s the widest lens currently available in the Fujifilm X-mount. It gives a 112-degree angle of view that’s the same as most smartphones produce and has a 12mm effective focal length. The XF 8mm f/3.5 weighs 215g and measures just 52.8mm. 62mm filters fit the lens.

Price & Availability: The Fujifilm X-S20 will be available from the end of June 2023 priced at $1299 while the XF 8mm f/3.5 will be available for $799 at the same time.

Continue reading “Fujifilm X-S20 & XF 8mm f/3.5 Announcement Live At Fujifilm X Summit”

Canon EOS R100 Camera & RF 28mm F2.8 STM Pancake Lens Announced

Canon has introduced an entry-level EOS R100 camera to its EOS R range along with a small and light RF 28mm f/2.8 STM lens. The US price for Canon EOS R100 body is $479, now available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon. The US price for Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM lens is $299, now available for pre-order at  B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon. Both EOS R100 and RF 28mm f/2.8 STM lens will be released in July 2023.

The Canon EOS R 100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera featuring a 24.1 megapixel, APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF while the RF 28mm f/1.8 STM is a compact and lightweight full-frame RF prime pancake lens. Continue reading “Canon EOS R100 Camera & RF 28mm F2.8 STM Pancake Lens Announced”

Officially Announced: New Sony ZV-1 II Vlogging Camera

Sony has announced the ZV-1 Mark II vlogging compact camera built around a 20MP Type 1 (13.2 x 8.8mm) Stacked CMOS sensor and an 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens. The US price for ZV-1 II is $899, you can check pre-order options at B&H Photo/Amazon/Adorama. The release date for Sony ZV-1 II is in June 2023.

Sony ZV-1 II Key Features:

  • For Vloggers and Content Creators
  • 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Wide-Angle 18-50mm-Equiv. f/1.8-4 Lens
  • UHD 4K30p Video w/ HLG & S-Log3/2 Gammas
  • 3″ Side Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
  • Intuitive Touch Focus & Exposure Control
  • Real-Time Tracking & Eye AF
  • Bokeh Switch & Face Priority AE
  • Cinematic Vlog Setting, S&Q Shoot Mode
  • Product Showcase Setting

Continue reading “Officially Announced: New Sony ZV-1 II Vlogging Camera”

Nikon Z8 Pre-orders Now Open

Nikon has updated its Z series mirrorless camera range with the smaller and lightweight Nikon Z8. Nikon Z8 is the perfect companion to the Nikon Z 9 and is a great successor to the D850.  The new Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera is now available for pre-order at major US stores.

Nikon Z8 body: $3,996.95 at B&HAdoramaAmazon.

Nikon Z8 with 24-120mm f/4 Lens: $4,896.95 at B&HAdorama.

The Nikon Z8 will start shipping on May 25th, 2023, for a retail price of $3,999. If you want the optional battery grip to extend battery life and make it feel more like the Z9, that starts shipping in May for $349.

Continue reading “Nikon Z8 Pre-orders Now Open”

Sony Released FY2022 Consolidated Financial Results

Sony released their latest FY2022 consolidated financial results. Here is the information related to their camera business:

  • FY22 sales were 2 trillion 476.0 billion yen, mainly due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, despite a decrease in TV sales.
  • Operating income was 179.5 billion yen primarily due to the impact of decreased television sales.
  • For FY23, we expect sales to be 2 trillion 380 billion yen, operating income to be 180 billion yen, and adjusted OIBDA to be 280 billion yen.
  • In FY22, despite the severe business environment, we were able to achieve profit almost in line with the initial plan for the entire segment by strengthening operations and thoroughly controlling costs.
  • As for end-of-fiscal-year inventory, we were able to further narrow down our January plan mainly in televisions, and we were able to finish at a level almost on par with the end of FY21, excluding the impact of exchange rates.
  • In FY23, we anticipate risks such as a more-severe economic slowdown, so we have lowered our sales forecast year-on-year.
    As for operating income, we expect to maintain the level of the previous fiscal year by reducing fixed costs in televisions and
    smartphones, which are experiencing a particularly severe business environment.
  • Demand continues to be trending well for digital cameras, and, primarily through the introduction of competitive products, we plan to maximize profit opportunities.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with Triple Camera System Announced

DJI has just officially announced the new DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone. This flagship drone adds a third lens to the system, with a 70mm f/2.8 medium telephoto, enhancing your creative possibilities with more control of how much you capture of a subject and their surroundings.

It is now available for pre-order at B&HPhoto | Adorama | Amazon. Additional information can be found at 42west | Explora.

Key features of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone:

  • 4/3 CMOS sensor
  • 1/1.3-inch CMOS medium tele camera
  • ½-inch CMOS tele camera
  • Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
  • 15km HD video transmission
  • Tr-camera Apple ProRes support
  • 5.1/50fps video
  • 10-bit D-log

Continue reading “DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with Triple Camera System Announced”