This Friday, I had the chance to test the new Nikon Z50 II in my favorite testing lab – the Prague Zoo. What I liked (and didn’t like) about this camera will be detailed in my upcoming field review. However, for now, here’s a short teaser shot taken at an extremely high ISO of 28,800. And apart from the usual photo theme challenge at the end of our news, I have a different kind of challenge for you. Can you identify the species of pigeon? structurally colored Feathers – in the following photo?
Recent Announcements
- Arterlab Similar 35mm F1.4: Does the word “similar” in the name refer to the Leica lens it is attempting to emulate? You become the judge. This new $530 lens from ArterLab is definitely a good value (original). leica summilux-m 35mm f/1.4 Cost $4,095). Like the Leica lens, it has 7 elements and 10 aperture blades in 5 groups. Interestingly, the same lets you focus 0.2 meters closer to your subject than the DSLR (with a minimum focus distance of 0.8 meters). The lens barrel is CNC machined from a block of aluminum. The 200g lens accepts 43mm filters. You can choose between black or silver finish.
- DJI Matrice 4 Series (4T and 4E): While this drone may be a bit much for the average user, it’s interesting to see just how much these little flying devices can do today. Matrice 4 is primarily for emergency response teams, geospatial surveys, construction, mining, conservation research, etc. In addition to the three standard lenses, the drone can also carry an infrared thermal camera, laser range finder, or NIR auxiliary light. The Matrice 4 is capable of recognizing certain animal species, avoiding high voltage power lines, flying at night, and more. This advanced device retails for $4,799 (Matrix 4E) or $7,299 (Matrix 4T).
- Satechi Mac Mini M4 Stand and Hub with SSD Attachment: This new accessory, unveiled at CES, solves some of the problems with the otherwise excellent Mac mini M4. When Apple designed the Mac Mini, they didn’t want to include an obnoxious thing like a power button. Satechi solves this with a beautiful slot that lets you turn on the device without picking it up. From a functional standpoint, the real highlight is the ability to expand the Mac Mini’s storage by up to 4TB of SSD (M.2 2230/2242/2260/2280), which can be mounted inside the hub. Two USB-A ports, an additional USB-A 2.0 port, and an SD card reader are also useful. All this in a design that perfectly matches the stylish look of the Mac Mini M4. It will be available in mid-February for $99.
rumor factory
Is Om System riding the old wave?
Until now, OM Systems has stayed away from the vintage design spirit that is popular today. However, it’s hard to ignore the commercial success of cameras like the Fujifilm What about Ohm system? They could have turned to OM3 and OM4.
Both film cameras were introduced in the early 1980s and competed with the best cameras of the time. The fully mechanical OM 3 was similar in nature to Nikon’s FM2, and the OM 4 was more in competition with the Nikon F3 with its innovative “Multi Spot” metering system. The design of these iconic models is said to be the foundation of the upcoming OM System cameras. On the technical side, the new camera is expected to be similar (or identical) to the current OM-1 II.
through 4/3 Rumors
Zoom, a rumored OM system with long reach
New rumors suggest a faster mid-range telephoto zoom from the OM system. However, since the company already has the 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO, we should expect something different. 4/3 According to rumors, the long end may be extended by 200 mm. If the maximum aperture remains at f/2.8, OM system users will have a very versatile lens in their hands. Pairing it with a 1.4x teleconverter will increase the reach to an impressive 280mm at f/4, making it an excellent choice for wildlife photography.
through 4/3 Rumors
Yashica City: Reminds us of what we (don’t) like about point-and-shoot cameras
With the rise of smartphones, classic point-and-shoot cameras met the same fate as trilobites, dinosaurs, and the Mauritius dodo bird. The reason? They offered very little that smartphones couldn’t do as well! Still, there’s been a recent TikTok trend for buying old compact cameras, and some companies are responding. For example, Yashica is expected to announce a camera called “City”, whose sensor is so small that even a phone can defeat it. (For reference, it’s supposed to have a 4.7 x 3.5 mm sensor; by comparison, the iPhone 16’s 8.2 x 6.1 mm sensor has three times the area.) I’d stick to point-and-shoots if they offered something unique in comparison. I am not against. For a phone, but it doesn’t look attractive at all.
through DPReview
Good deals and new sales
B&H Photo is currently running its traditional winter trade-in The sale, this time, focuses on Canon cameras and lenses. If you’re planning to upgrade your current (working) gear, you can not only get the value of your equipment by trading it in at B&H, but also get a bonus of up to $400 on the purchase of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Can and select. Lens. Here is a list of eligible items you can choose from:
- Canon EOS R5 Mark II was $4,300, now $3,900
- Canon EOS R5 Mark II with 24-105mm f/4 was $5,400, now $5,000
- Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM was $2,100, now $1,900
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM was $2,100, now $1,900
- Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM was $2,800, now $2,600
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM was $2,100, now $1,900
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS was $2,600, now $2,400
- Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM $2,300, now $2,100
- Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM was $2,500, now $2,300
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM was $2,600, now $2,400
Comment: recently, report has come out SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II memory cards (64GB, 128GB and 256GB V60) may have compatibility issues with the EOS R5 Mark II. If you have these cards and you plan to use them with a new camera, Contact SanDisk Regarding warranty replacement.
The Apple Mac Mini, as the name suggests, is actually a small desktop computer – smaller than most laptops. Of course, you’ll need peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but I can easily imagine carrying this around when traveling between your home and your office. Today, the previous version with the M2 or M2 Pro chip is available at a very attractive price. Also, with the previous generation Satechi Stand and HubWhich allows you to add up to 4TB of SSD storage (see above), you don’t have to pay a lot for higher storage versions.
- apple mac mini (M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Was $1,900, now $1,500
- apple mac mini (M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Was $1,300, now $1,000
- apple mac mini (M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) Was $800, now $530
- apple mac mini (M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Was $1,700, now $1,450
- apple mac mini (M2 Pro, 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Was $1,500, now $1,300
Other pages of interest
The Nikon Z9 is a camera that can survive relatively rough treatment, as I have inadvertently verified several times in practice. As part of the upcoming Artemis III mission, Z9 will also prove its ability to survive on the lunar surface. You can read earlier about the tests of the protective “spacesuit” for this camera siteAnd if you get a chance to travel Nikon’s booth at CES Over the past few days in Los Angeles, you could see it for yourself. The purpose of the thermal blanket is to protect the camera from dust and extreme temperature changes in the Moon’s atmosphere.
Come to think of it, I once borrowed a Nikon D5 through Nikon Professional Service (NPS). The camera had just returned from the Dakar Rally with Marian Chitka, and it was still covered in sand when I got it. I can’t help but think that a lunar blanket would be just as useful on Earth! Marion and his team are currently photographing this year’s edition of the same grueling rally. You can read an interview about the experience of photographing the Dakar Rally and see Marion’s great photos on it. megapixel website,
Yesterday, somewhat humorously, I had a debate with a friend about what it means to shoot or edit photos as a professional photographer. Does a professional press different buttons on the camera? Do they use secret “professional” slider combinations and techniques in their editing software that amateurs don’t have access to? Or do they feel more stressed during the shoot, knowing their family could starve if they don’t get the shot? To be honest, we have not reached any definite answer. However, what I am almost certain about is that What is Tim Lamon going through? Taking a unique shot is something that no ordinary hobbyist will ever be able to afford.
Photo Theme Challenge, Week #84
last week’s topic was of metaland you can see the results in this threadThanks everyone for your presentations! This week’s topic is closer to homeand you can submit your results in this thread Until Saturday, January 18, 2024!
week #83 results
This photo by Peter Kearse shows the metal skeleton of the ING building under construction:
I love unusual views and beautiful light.
Next we have a photo from rjbfoto that features some very cool metallic leading lines:
Rjbofoto says this photo shows the famous tram number 28 in Lisbon – nice work.
Finally, a pair of interesting metallurgical photos by Andrew Gusev (first photo) and Darin Marcus (second photo). Can you believe that these are two different photographers taking pictures of two completely different subjects? Very interesting work!
Thanks to everyone for submitting their photos to the challenge, and we look forward to seeing more photos next week closer to home Subject.
