Leica M11-D Officially Announced, Priced $9,395, Available for Pre-Order

Leica revealed the M11-D, a screen-less version of 2022’s M11, a 60-megapixel M-mount digital rangefinder camera. 

The company says the lack of a display will help users focus on “the elementary aspects of pictorial design such as composition, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.”

Underneath the display-less back plate, though, the M11-D is still a modern digital camera. It has a 60MP sensor, with enough cache to shoot five full-resolution images per second, 256GB of internal storage, and the ability to use UHS-II SD cards up to 2TB in size. The camera also includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that you can use to connect it to a smartphone, and USB-C for data transfer and charging.

Leica M11-D camera is $9395 and available at Adorama | B&HPhoto.

Key Features

  • The Leica M11-D Digital Camera Body is a formidable addition to the M-mount series, blending the art of classic photography with digital technology. The M11-D brings Leica back to basics with minimal modern controls whilst maintaining a powerful full-frame BSI CMOS sensor. The Maestro III engine powers impressive Triple Resolution Technology, capable of capturing stunning 60/36/18MP images.
  • Compact digital rangefinder system camera without display
  • Iconic, unobtrusive, no-logo design
  • Made in Germany
  • Seamlessly connect to Leica FOTOS
  • 256 GB internal memory
  • USB-C-port Certified “Made for iPhone and iPad”
  • New ISO Dial design on back of camera
  • Lighter aluminum top plate and scratch-resistant finish
  • Based off of M11-P with 60 MP Triple-Resolution Sensor & Maestro III Processor (60 / 36 / 18 MP)
  • Supports Leica Content Credentials
  • Compatible with Leica Visoflex 2 for Live View
  • Customizable controls & advanced connectivity via Leica FOTOS App:
Continue reading “Leica M11-D Officially Announced, Priced $9,395, Available for Pre-Order”

Leica SL3 Mirrorless Full-Frame System Camera Now Available

Leica Camera has announced the launch of the long-awaited mirrorless, full-frame SL3; an update to their already impressive SL2. The US price is $6,995 and it is now available for pre-order at B&HAdorama.

In 2015, Leica Camera introduced the SL-System, uniquely combining the two worlds of photography and videography. From the beginning, Leica has focused on partnering with its users and the photographic community to ensure that their products achieve exceptional standards. The result is a system which meets the highest requirements in image quality, manufacturing quality, and ease of handling. Now, the long-established company presents the next generation of the mirrorless full-frame system: the Leica SL3.

The rigorous demands of professional photographers have long served as a benchmark and inspiration for the development of the system, in particular the Leica SL3.The result is an extremely versatile camera, offering unprecedented image quality in both photography and videography. The SL3 combines state-of-the-art technology, extraordinary design, and masterly manufacturing quality – more compact, lighter, and even more user-friendly than its preceding model. The new functions of the Leica SL3 are based on an ongoing dialogue with professionals, which is highly valued and cultivated by the company in the ever-changing world of photography.

At the core of the Leica SL3, you can find the BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which is safely protected in a solid all-metal body with elegant leather. To meet a variety of photographic requirements, the sensor records raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP. In each case, the full sensor surface is used. Together with the dynamic range expanded to 15 f-stops and the impressive ISO range from 50 to 100,000, the SL3 delivers remarkably detailed images in outstanding quality – in all light conditions. With phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (Object Detection AF), and contrast recognition (Contrast Detection AF), the innovative autofocus system of the SL3 combines the strengths of three technologies to create razor-sharp pictures even in dim light. In addition, intelligent subject recognition supports the photography of dynamic scenes. Continue reading “Leica SL3 Mirrorless Full-Frame System Camera Now Available”

Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens for L-Mount Announced

Panasonic has just officially announced the smallest and lightest zoom lens for full-frame L-mount mirrorless cameras: Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens. The US price is $897.99, and it is now available for pre-order at B&HPhotoAdorama. Shipping is scheduled to start at the end of April 2024.

With an impressive zoom range and exceptional portability, the Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens serves as an ideal complement to your full-frame L-mount mirrorless camera setup. Notably, it stands out as the inaugural wide-to-tele zoom lens to join the S-series lineup, offering a broad focal length spectrum that eliminates the need for multiple lenses when capturing both portraits and landscapes.

Despite its remarkable capabilities, this lens maintains a remarkably compact and lightweight design, weighing just approximately 413g. Representing the first wide-to-tele zoom lens in our esteemed S series, it delivers not only high resolution and exceptional photographic performance but also breathtaking bokeh. Moreover, the lens facilitates close-up photography from a minimal distance of merely 3cm from the lens tip.

Enhancing its appeal further, the lens features high-speed, high-precision autofocus functionality that operates silently. Additionally, its compatibility with 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (Image Stabilizer) technology ensures effective compensation for blurring in various shooting scenarios, empowering photographers to focus on capturing their subjects with confidence. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens for L-Mount Announced”

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

A new set of rumored Panasonic S1 II/ S1 IIx specifications have been leaked online. According to the specs sheet, both Panasonic full frame camera feature 6K 120 and 4k/120 video recording, a new Venus image processing engine, Dual I.S. image stabilisation, a double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards, and a triaxial tilt LCD screen.

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

  • 34MP stacked sensor
  • Slim, sealed magnesium body
  • Built-in Fan (no overheating in direct sunlight at 50º C)
  • Built-in ND filter
  • Video: 6k 120, 4k 120 no crop
  • Improved IBIS
  • Improved autofocus with AI chip
  • Improved battery life
  • Improved dynamic range for video and photo.
  • Improved low-light performance
  • Price around $3,000
  • No AA filter

The current Panasonic S1 (AmazonB&HAdorama)

Read more Panasonic Mirrorless and Panasonic Rumors.

Also join the Mirrorless Camera Users Facebook Group to share your Panasonic photography.

New Firmware Updates Announced for Panasonic S5II And S5IIX

Panasonic has announced a new firmware update program for its LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras to enhance performance and usability.

The S5II Firmware Version 2.2 / S5IIX Firmware Version 1.3 will improve/update:

  • AF-Point Scope function – AF-Point Scope function to magnify the focus position during AF has been added.
  • High-Resolution Mode – The shutter speed at high-resolution mode can now be set to max. 8 seconds with the long exposure noise reduction applied. Thanks to the image stabilizer, [Handheld High-Res] mode has been added to enable recording pictures with higher resolution even without using a tripod.
  • Improved MF Assist – It is now possible to magnify the full-screen mode display in MF Assist up to approx. 20x allowing more precise MF.

The firmware program will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Hot Deal: Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D Lens for $649

Hot Deal!!! Today, B&H launched a great deal on Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens for only $649! This is $200 cheaper than regular, available for Canon RFNikon ZSony E and Leica L mounts.

  • Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens–$200 Off
Key Features
  • Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
  • Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
  • Two Aspherical Elements
  • Rectilinear Design, Low Distortion
  • Frog Eye Dust & Water-Repellent Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
  • Manual Aperture Ring Can Be De-Clicked
  • 5-Blade Diaphragm

Venus Optics lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H.

Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Lens Announced

Leica announces M11 Monochrom, a 60-megapixel camera built for black and white photography.

The M11 Monochrom is a digital rangefinder sporting a 60-megapixel full-frame backside-illuminated monochromatic image sensor. This is the same resolution as the standard color Leica M11 camera, and the M11 Monochrom also features the same multi-resolution functionality, allowing users to swap between 18, 36, and 60-megapixel resolution, complete with varying crop factors (sort of like swapping between different prime lenses).

The M11 Monochrom will be available from today at a price of $9195. Check availability at Adorama | B&H | Amazon.

Continue reading “Leica M11 Monochrom and Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH Lens Announced”

Panasonic Lumix S1H II Leaked Specs, Coming in April?

It’s been a long time since we talked about the Panasonic Lumix S1H II. The Panasonic Lumix S1H II is causing a lot of excitement in the camera world with rumors of its imminent launch and leaked specs.

Camera enthusiasts are looking forward to the arrival of the Lumix S1H II, believed to be the successor to Panasonic’s highly acclaimed Lumix S1H camera. It is said that the S1H II could be announced in April, with leaked specs revealing some really impressive specs.

Panasonic has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best hybrid cameras on the market, with the Lumix GH6 and the original S1H two of the most popular options for content creators. The S1H is particularly loved by filmmakers for its outstanding video capabilities, including 6K resolution, 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, V-Log / V-Gamut, and an impressive 14 stops of dynamic range. Although primarily designed for video, the S1H also takes great photos thanks to its 24 MP sensor.

Panasonic Lumix S1H mirrorless camera is now in stock and shipping in the US: $3,997.99 at Adorama | B&H Photo | Amazon.

With the recent success of the Lumix S5 II and S5 IIx, it’s no surprise that Panasonic is looking to incorporate some of the latest and greatest technologies into its other cameras. The new autofocus and tracking system in particular has received a lot of praise from critics, and the Lumix S1H II is likely to be one of the first cameras to receive this upgrade. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S1H II Leaked Specs, Coming in April?”

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Announced

Along with the new Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX, Panasonic also announced a new S-series lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro. The compact, lightweight full-frame lens joins two existing “budget” lenses in the LUMIX S system, the LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro lens will be available by the end of March for $799.99.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens: $797.99 at B&HAdorama.

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Features

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO Lens is well-suited for everything from landscapes and cityscapes to street scenes and architecture. An excellent choice for travel photography and everyday shooting, this full-frame lens delivers beautiful images across the entire zoom range and is a great choice for still photography, vlogs, and other video content.

  • Compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Minimum focusing distance of just 5.9″ throughout zoom range for working with close-up subjects.
  • Micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change and professional quality video.
  • Optimized for video, an advanced optical design minimizes focus breathing when changing focal lengths.
  • Lens design includes one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element.
  • Dust and splash-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, plus a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing.
  • Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces a New Compact and Lightweight Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with Macro Capability

Las Vegas, NV (January 4, 2023) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new cost-effective ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO based on the L-Mount system. The LUMIX S Series offers three budget-friendly lenses including the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO (S-R1428), LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) and LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300) to cover 14mm ultra wide-angle to 300mm telephoto. All of these lenses achieve high optical performance and stunning mobility fit to LUMIX S5 series cameras for both photo and video.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is comprised of 14 lens elements in 10 groups including one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, one aspherical lens, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of aspherical lenses realizes both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh. The three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. Despite its compact size and approximately 345g of light weight, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO boasts 0.25 (at 14mm) – 0.5x (at 28mm) macro capability. Taking advantage of the minimum focusing distance of 0.15m at entire zoom range, it can be used for close-up shots with beautiful bokeh. It is suitable for versatile situations including sweeping landscape shots in ultra-wide-angle of view.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision AF system with the sensor drive at max 240 fps.

For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. Focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees to enable intended focus operation¹. The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional quality video can be recorded.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO and LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens feature a common overall length and position of control parts to provide practical advantages in use. The weight and the center of the gravity of these lenses is similar, making it easy to exchange lenses quickly with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant² design withstands use under harsh conditions even at -10° Celsius for high mobility. A fluorine coating is applied to the front lens element to secure water/oil-repellency. An ND/PL filter with 77mm diameter can be attached.

Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers.
The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO will be available at valued channel partners for $799.99 at the end of March.

Notes

¹ The maximum sensitivity differs by camera model, up to 1080 degrees on S5II, S5IIX and BS1H (as of January 2023).
² Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

• L-Mount is a trademark or registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced

The new Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX mirrorless cameras are now officially announced. The new Panasonic cameras add phase detection autofocus to its 24MP CMOS sensor and uses the L mount shared with Leica and Sigma.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced”