I don’t suppose I’ve ever felt so nervous mountaineering as I did this week. The rationale wasn’t actually the thirty meters of air under my ft as I held on the rope, photographing climbers beneath me. The shiver working down my backbone had extra to do with the digicam I used to be capturing with and the truth that I used to be chargeable for it “with my life.” I’ve to confess, I breathed an enormous sigh of reduction once I lastly rappelled again to the bottom with the Leica SL3 nonetheless safely in my arms. You’ll quickly be capable to learn my full ideas on capturing with this uncommon digicam. For now, let me share one photograph from yesterday’s climb—and naturally, the most recent information from the world of pictures.
Current Bulletins
- DJI Mic 3: Compact (solely 16g for the transmitter) wi-fi microphones not just for DJI cameras. Cameras inside DJI ecosystem could be linked straight and not using a receiver, whereas different cameras or cell phones use a 3.5mm audio cable or USB-C adapter. An enormous leap ahead in comparison with earlier DJI mics is the flexibility to attach as much as 4 transmitters and eight receivers concurrently. In different phrases, as much as 4 audio sources could be recorded concurrently on a complete of 8 cameras. Options embody 32-bit float audio recording, 32GB inside storage, and built-in timecode. Battery life with charging case: as much as 28 hours. Value for the usual equipment (2 transmitters + 1 receiver + case): $329.
- AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Round Fisheye Lens: A completely guide 340g full-frame lens with an enormous 220-degree angle of view, producing closely distorted round photos with black edges. Inside its steel barrel sits an optical design of 10 parts in 8 teams (together with 4 Excessive Refractive and a pair of Low Dispersion). As a completely guide lens, it has no digital contacts for metadata switch. Its 8-blade aperture is managed by a clicked ring. The minimal focusing distance is simply 0.08m—just some milimeters from the entrance factor. Filters will not be supported. Out there for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L mount. Value: $299.
- ProGrade Digital 16TB PG10 USB4: The present PG10 sequence, which beforehand included SSDs with capacities of 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB, now has an enormous 16GB sibling. Max learn/write speeds: 2500 MB/s (sustained write: 2000 MB/s). An influence-sensing LED confirms the drive is receiving the required 15W. Refresh Professional software program permits well being monitoring, efficiency restoration, and firmware updates. That is in all probability overkill for many photographers, however when you’re recording RAW movies in 8K, no drive is sufficiently big. Nonetheless, the value of this SSD can be massive: $3,000.
The Rumor Mill
Nikon Zr: Nikon’s first video-oriented digicam?
Rumors counsel that we may see an enormous announcement from Nikon as quickly as September 10. Since buying RED and releasing their first video-oriented lens, the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, Nikon has been poised to supply their first true video-centric digicam. (Earlier this 12 months, RED cameras adopted the Nikon Z mount. A pleasant improvement, however RED cameras are nonetheless extremely specialised, costly instruments, all developed earlier than the merger.)
The rumored Nikon digicam is claimed to be primarily based on the Z6 III, however solely borrowing its sensor. Anticipate a brick-shaped design, with out pentaprism or EVF, and with a big rear LCD—someplace between a RED and a Nikon Z30.
By way of Nikon Rumors
Leica M11-V: Focusing nonetheless in query
Rumors a few Leica M11 variant with an digital viewfinder as an alternative of a conventional rangefinder have been floating round for a while. The most recent rumors counsel that the “V” model is not going to have the rangefinder window. As a substitute, the focusing patch probably must be simulated electronically. The body selector lever, which is claimed to have “twin performance for the viewfinder,” may play a task on this. Another choice for focusing is, in fact, to make use of focus peaking to enlarge a part of the sphere in all the viewfinder (as with the Leica Q3, for instance). Nonetheless, each options appear to me to be a step backward in comparison with the time-tested rangefinder methodology. I’m curious to see what resolution will finally change into the ultimate one.
By way of Leica Rumors
New Zoom from China: Small vary, massive pace
An unnamed Chinese language lens maker is reportedly making ready a really uncommon lens: a 35-50mm zoom with a continuing f/1.4 aperture. Not essentially the most spectacular zoom vary, however the pace is extraordinary. In reality, it may not even be a “actual” zoom—extra like two lenses (35mm and 50mm) packed into one physique. The mysterious producer is probably going Viltrox, a brand new member of the L-Mount Alliance since September 1st. And rumors even counsel it’s going to have autofocus.
By way of Photograph Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
B&H is at present working Labor Day offers. What caught my eye?
From the reminiscence card world, some reductions on Sony’s TOUGH sequence. Though they aren’t the quickest or least expensive playing cards in the marketplace, I’ve not heard any experiences that will solid doubt on their reliability and sturdiness. So plainly they are surely “robust.”
SD
CFexpress Sort B
Samsung SSDs additionally take pleasure in a stable status for reliability. In fact, there are quicker choices (see above), however few drives obtain as many five-star critiques.
And after a summer time of “pictures days,” perhaps it’s time for some “labor days” on the modifying desk. A great mouse and keyboard could make lengthy hours on the laptop much more fulfilling. Most of my writing and photograph modifying occurs with the Logitech MX Keys S Wi-fi Keyboard (was $130, now $120) and Logitech MX Grasp 3S Wi-fi Mouse (was $120, now $110).
Different Pages of Curiosity
Nikon has launched a significant firmware replace for the Z6 III. Among the many many fixes and enhancements, two stand out to me. First, topic recognition for autofocus has been refined: “birds” at the moment are a separate class from the broader “animals.” I count on this can additional enhance each pace and reliability for wildlife shooters. Second, the Auto Seize perform (beforehand unique to the Z8 and Z9) has now grow to be obtainable for the primary time in a extra reasonably priced digicam. In spite of everything, not everybody needs to go away a digicam value greater than $5,000 unattended. You’ll find the total checklist of enhancements on Nikon USA’s web site or Nikon Europe’s YouTube channel.
The winners of the distinguished Wildlife Photographer of the 12 months 2025 competitors received’t be introduced till October 14. Nonetheless, you may preview a number of 15 photos from the 61st version now. One putting shot seems to indicate a wasp perched on a stem, however a better look reveals it to be a flying potter wasp carrying a captured caterpillar to feed its younger. One other highly effective picture, by acclaimed photographer Marina Cano, reveals three younger cheetahs practising a hunt on a Günther’s dik-dik. My private favourite is an almost monochrome {photograph} of an Arctic wolf pack, inserting you proper “Contained in the Pack.” If the exhibition tour accompanying the competition comes close to you, I extremely advocate a go to.
Final week, I learn an enchanting article a few man named Janek Bednařík, who fulfilled a lifelong dream—flying with geese. He raised his flock from eggs, changing into their bearded adoptive mom, spending practically each second with them till they grew unbiased and joined wild geese. The geese discovered lots from him, however maybe he discovered much more from them. The article was accompanied by charming pictures, and I knew I needed to share the story of this uncommon man with you. By coincidence, I met Janek in individual yesterday, close to the rocks the place I used to be climbing. What began as an opportunity encounter is popping into one thing greater than only a hyperlink to his web site, husopas.cz. I received’t spoil the small print simply but, however belief me, you’ll wish to keep tuned.
Photograph Theme Problem, Week #118
Final week’s theme was two colours, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is avenue, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, September 6, 2025!
Week #117 Outcomes
Let’s try a number of the pictures we obtained for the “two colours” theme, beginning with PRG Lagarde’s photograph:
The colour mixture could be very putting and practically complementary.
Robert’s photograph:
Now the colours have come a bit nearer collectively, and so they’re emphasised by the cool sample.
Mauro70’s photograph:
Lastly, the colours coalesce and we’ve solely a slight variation of shade and hue.
Thanks everybody for submitting their images within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the avenue theme.