Some previous pictures “guidelines” are laborious to kill. That was obvious to me yesterday afternoon after I went out cross-country snowboarding (relatively foolishly carrying a full digital camera backpack, my Z9, and my tripod alongside). The rule in query? Not capturing into the solar! As I took the photograph under, a lady walked as much as me and requested what I may probably be photographing. She wasn’t a photographer, however she actually knew the age-old rule about by no means capturing into the solar. However with trendy lens coatings, I discover that capturing into the solar can result in beautiful silhouettes and moody pictures. So to kick off this week’s pictures information, I go away you with the photograph under.
Latest Bulletins
- Leica SL3-S: At first look, the most important distinction in comparison with the present SL3 is the worth, which is $1,700 much less! However what else is completely different? Probably the most important technical change underneath the hood is the BSI CMOS sensor with a decision of 24.6MP (in comparison with 60.3MP within the SL3). This ends in twice the utmost ISO (as much as 200,000) and twice the continual capturing velocity (30 FPS). Sadly, this velocity can solely be achieved with the digital shutter – needless to say the sensor is just not stacked – and 12-bit RAW. When you choose 14-bit RAW, you’ll need to make do with a relatively sluggish 5 FPS, which is sort of underwhelming for the worth in in the present day’s market. As for video, the SL3-S can internally report at as much as 4K/30fps in 10-bit RAW on the full width of the sensor. From a design perspective, the SL3-S has a extra stealthy look than the unique SL3; the daring white LEICA brand has been changed with a refined black one. Its journalistic nature is additional emphasised by the flexibility to activate C2PA content material authentication. The value is $5,295.
- DJI Flip: One other DJI drone with a weight underneath 250g. This weight restrict is essential for anybody who needs to keep away from the hassles and rules related to heavier classes. Regardless of its light-weight design, this drone includes a stable digital camera mounted on a three-axis gimbal and outfitted with a 48MP 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor. It may report video at as much as 4K at 100 FPS. For stills, it helps each JPG and DNG (RAW) codecs. Video fans will recognize the 10-bit D-Log M coloration mode. Its progressive propeller guards (helpful when flying close to individuals) hold the drone within the air for as much as 31 minutes. Value-wise, the Flip hovers between the entry-level Neo and the sub-250g flagship, the DJI Mini 4 Professional. Relying on equipment, the worth ranges from $439 to $779.
- TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8: A 210g APS-C lens (35mm full-frame equal) designed for cameras with Fuji X, Sony E, and Nikon Z mounts. Its all-metal physique comprises 11 parts in 9 teams (1 high-index, 2 extra-low dispersion). Autofocus is powered by an STM motor with a minimal focusing distance of 0.3m. Firmware updates are dealt with by way of a USB-C port constructed into the rear lens cap. The value is $127.
- 7Artisans 18mm f/5.6: This totally handbook, 146g lens is an ultra-wide choice masking full body. It matches cameras with Leica L, Sony E, or Nikon Z mounts. The lens measures simply 25mm in size (plus the mount). The all-metal barrel has a 49mm filter thread, and the optical design consists of 7 parts in 5 teams (2 aspherical, 1 low dispersion). The fastened aperture design presents a single f/5.6 setting – an uncommon limitation that retains the worth to a mere $89.
- Voigtlander NOKTON 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical: This quick, full-frame lens isn’t precisely new. Its Leica M-mount model debuted in December 2023, adopted by the Sony E-mount variant a yr later. The most recent addition now brings compatibility with Nikon Z-mount cameras. Whereas the lens is handbook focus, it nonetheless communicates with the digital camera, enabling EXIF information switch, IBIS help, and focusing aids like focus peaking. In comparison with the M-mount model, the minimal focusing distance has considerably decreased (from 0.5m to 0.28m), the filter thread dimension has elevated (from 43mm to 52mm), and the burden has gone up barely (from 330g to 360g). Nevertheless, the important thing optical design of 10 parts in 8 teams stays unchanged. The value is predicted to be round $750.
The Rumor Mill
Laowa Probe zoom anticipated: A 2x macro lens with a protracted nostril and a variety
Through the years, Laowa has established itself as a producer of distinctive and unique macro lenses. For instance, the 15mm f/4 tremendous extensive angle macro lens, or the 24mm T8 2x Probe macro lens, the entrance of which may be submerged underwater. Now evidently Laowa is getting ready to launch a mix of each lenses – with some added extras – someday in April-June 2025.
The lens is predicted to supply three choices for capturing angles: direct, periscope, and 35 diploma tilt. (It’s not but clear whether or not these angles shall be coated by a single lens or a trio, like in the present model.) Rumors counsel that the waterproof entrance of the lens, together with its 2x macro functionality, shall be inherited from the prevailing Probe lens. However maybe probably the most intriguing characteristic of the upcoming lens shall be its variable focal size, anticipated to vary from 15mm to 35mm.
By way of Picture Rumors
Panasonic Lumix S1R II: The poor man’s Leica SL3?
In keeping with L-Rumors, evidently the successor to the five-year-old Lumix S1R may very well be introduced someday earlier than the CP+ present (earlier than February twenty seventh). For now, virtually nothing is thought in regards to the digital camera – though it’s anticipated to share the identical 60.3MP sensor because the Leica SL3. Apparently, Panasonic has formally registered three new digital camera fashions in Asia. And since Panasonic cameras typically are available pairs, we may additionally see a lower-resolution sibling, the Lumix S1H II, as early as the primary half of 2025.
By way of L-Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
Nikon has put lots of their cameras and lenses on sale for January (largely, however not all, mirrorless gear). Beneath are the cameras and lenses which you could at the moment discover at B&H at better-than-usual costs.
Digicam and lens kits
Cameras
- Nikon Z9 was $5,497, now $4,997
- Nikon Z8 was $3,997, now $3,397
- Nikon Z7 II was $2,997, now $1,997
- Nikon Z6 II was $1,997, now $1,497
- Nikon Z6 III was $2,497, now $2,197
- Nikon Z5 was $1,397, now $997
- Nikon Zf was $1,997, now $1,797
Lenses
- Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S was $6,497, now $5,497
- Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4E FL ED VR was $12,297, now $8,697
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S was $15,497, now $13,997
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S was $4,797, now $3,797
- Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR was $3,597, now $3,297
- Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S was $13,997, now $12,997
- Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S was $3,247, now $2,797
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S was $2,697, now $2,297
- Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro was $1,047, now $847
- Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED was $2,097, now $1,897
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S was $2,697, now $2,197
- Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 was $1,247, now $1,047
- Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR was $1,297, now $997
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was $2,397, now $1,997
- Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 was $1,197, now $897
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S was $847, now $697
- Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S was $2,497, now $1,997
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S was $1,347, now $1,147
- Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 was $1,197, now $997
Different Pages of Curiosity
The cones in our eyes are tailored to understand the world round them in wavelengths of sunshine from 380 nm to 760 nm. Nevertheless, the light-sensing cells in digital camera sensors haven’t any such limitation – with modification, they are often made to seize photos within the infrared or UV mild vary. And what do such pictures or movies seem like? Let your self be impressed by the winners of the Kolari competitors – Life in one other mild.
The Andromeda Galaxy is a mere 2.5 million lightyears away from Earth. In cosmic phrases, that’s in regards to the distance from your own home to the closest grocery retailer. It’s no shock, then, that its angular dimension on the evening sky is six occasions the obvious diameter of the total Moon (although a lot dimmer). The Hubble Telescope has been used to seize the Andromeda Galaxy by a sew of greater than 600 photos. It took NASA 10 years to seize and assemble this beautiful mosaic, which comprises over 200 million stars. Now you may see it for your self, and, in case you like, obtain it in resolutions as much as 42,208 x 9,870 pixels. On my sluggish Web connection, downloading this 203MB picture took virtually so long as capturing it – but it surely was value each second.
Maybe the alternative of the Hubble Area Telescope (HST) is the Nikon 14.3mm f/4 Fisheye. This one-off, extremely specialised lens is designed for bigger IMAX 360-degree 70mm movie cameras, although may be tailored for 35mm SLRs. However be ready – behind the huge entrance component, which resembles the attention of a deep-sea squid, your digital camera (and doubtless your head) received’t be very seen. You possibly can see the lens in individual on the Leica Retailer in Lisse, the Netherlands, or learn extra particulars on their web site. Although if you wish to purchase it, you’ll want a spare $250,000.
Picture Theme Problem, Week #85
Final week’s theme was near house, and you’ll see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is macro, and you’ll submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, January 25, 2024!
Week #84 Outcomes
Let’s try a few of the photographs we acquired for the “near house” theme, beginning with Tom Pazol’s photograph:
A really moody and ominous picture taken from the roof of his house!
Subsequent, we’ve got DL84’s photograph of an attractive forest close by:
Nice work, and a spot I’d actually like to reside!
Subsequent is a close-up photograph from Andrew Gusew exhibiting that macro and intimate panorama pictures may be taken virtually anyplace:
Lastly, we’ve got an important photograph of a Black Redstart by PRG Lagarde. It might break a few of the basic “guidelines” of hen pictures however is however efficient due to the attention-grabbing story being proven within the photograph!
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the macro theme.