My plan for later this month had been to check two completely different Leica cameras at a climbing occasion. Nonetheless, there may be an previous and smart climber’s saying: “By no means connect two Leicas to at least one harness!” So, I made a decision as a substitute to check one of many cameras at a much less adventurous – although no much less fascinating – occasion. Right here, the worst that might occur was that I might fall into deep mud on the fringe of a pond with the Leica Q3. I used to be keen to take that danger, so now I can current the primary photograph from a sequence I’m planning. You’ll quickly hear my first impressions of this digicam, however for now, let’s transfer to the information from the previous week.
Latest Bulletins
- Insta360 Antigravity A1: Among the many many slogans within the official promo video, this one caught my ear: “You’re not piloting your drone, you’re flying.” That feeling comes from the 360 diploma view from the twin cameras, mixed with “Imaginative and prescient Goggles” that allow you to see wherever you flip your head. Navigation is managed in an modern manner, by tilting the complete Grip controller. Why would you desire a 360-degree digicam on a drone? Past the traditional 360 methods, just like the Little Prince-style tiny planet, you achieve the flexibility to decide on any angle of view in post-production. The official launch is deliberate for January 2026. The value has not but been introduced.
- Meike AF 24mm f/1.4 MIX: A full-frame autofocus lens for Nikon Z, Sony E, and L mount. The optical design of this 556g lens options 15 components in 12 teams. Sony’s counterpart focuses even nearer (0.24m vs 0.28m), accepts smaller 67mm filters, and weighs noticeably much less at 445g. An analogous Sigma lens is barely lighter nonetheless. The largest distinction, nonetheless, is worth: $589 for the Meike. By comparability, Sony’s model at present sells for $1,498, and Sigma’s L-mount for $879.
- Yashica Metropolis 300: A really compact point-and-shoot digicam (183 grams) that follows within the footsteps of the Metropolis 100 and Metropolis 200 fashions, however guarantees considerably improved picture high quality. That expectation is backed by some key upgrades: a 50MP sensor (up from 13MP), in-body picture stabilization, RAW capturing, and a 24mm equal f/1.8 autofocus lens (beforehand only a fixed-focus zoom). The sensor measurement is a small 1/1.56″ kind (4.2x crop issue). Worth is HK$3,280 (round $420).
The Rumor Mill
Bokeh King and Journey King
That’s the royal standing of two rumored Sigma lenses, with an anticipated announcement in late August or September. So, what lenses are we speaking about? The “Bokeh King” could possibly be a Sigma 135mm f/1.4, whereas the “Journey King” could possibly be a Sigma 20-200mm zoom.
In each circumstances, Sigma could be breaking new floor. The one portrait lens to ever supply comparable specs as a Sigma 135mm f/1.4 was the cumbersome, heavy, and guide focus Mitakon Speedmaster 135mm f/1.4. Amongst at present produced lenses, the closest contenders are the Nikon 135mm f/1.8 S Plena and the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM.
The Sigma 20-200mm, then again, might enchantment to a large viewers. At 20mm you’re already huge sufficient for many landscapes, whereas 200mm reaches additional than the overwhelming majority of ordinary zooms. The closest parallels is perhaps the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G or Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6, however each lenses finish properly earlier than the 200mm mark. A zoom this bold gained’t be particularly quick, however the precise specs stay to be seen.
Through Sony Alpha Rumors
Hasselblad X2D II announcement set for August twenty sixth
This medium format digicam has been talked about for a while. As is usually the case, there may be numerous hustle and bustle behind the scenes earlier than the official launch, and a few sellers are so excited that they can not hold the key below wraps. This time, the leak got here from the Slovak retailer fotovideoshop.sk. The shock wasn’t in regards to the digicam itself, however in regards to the lens anticipated to launch alongside it: a Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 (about 28-80mm full-frame equal). The retailer shortly pulled the itemizing, however as soon as the arrow leaves the bow, it’s gone.
Through Photograph Rumors
Nikon rumored to launch a Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Model II
A 24-70mm f/2.8 II: one of many solely lenses not talked about in Spencer’s article Which Lenses Does Nikon Z Nonetheless Want, and it’s rumored to be introduced later this month! Maybe there’s one thing poetic about that, the impossibility of predicting the long run. Nonetheless, additionally it is noteworthy that Nikon is perhaps changing their current Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S so quickly, despite the fact that it’s extensively thought-about a really robust lens. What might justify a brand new model? Maybe making it smaller and lighter, or making it an inside zoom? Perhaps including PZ or different video options? Or maybe it won’t be a conventional 24-70mm f/2.8 in any respect and may need a distinct focal size or aperture. The reply stays to be seen, however in keeping with rumors, chances are you’ll want to attend lower than two weeks for the reply.
Through Nikon Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
B&H Photograph is at present working an enormous summer season trade-in sale, this time specializing in Sony gear. In case you’re trying to improve your present gear, you may commerce it in at B&H to not solely get the worth of your gear, but in addition obtain as much as $1,500 off in extra credit score ($1,000 bonus + as much as $500 sale) in the direction of the acquisition of chosen Sony cameras and lenses. Right here’s the relevant gear:
Cameras
- Sony ZV-E1 (was $2,398, now $2,098)
- Sony a7CR (was $3,198, now $2,898)
- Sony FX6 (was $6,498, now $5,798)
- Sony a7C II (was $2,398, now $2,198)
- Sony a9 III (was $6,398, now $5,898)
- Sony a1 (was $5,898, now $5,398)
- Sony a7R V (was $4,198, now $3,198)
- Sony a7S III (was $3,798, now $3,498)
- Sony FX3A (was $4,098, now $3,798)
- Sony a7 IV (was $2,698, now $2,398)
Lenses
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (was $2,448, now $2,148)
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II (was $2,498, now $2,198)
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II (was $2,998, now $2,698)
- Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS (was $6,498, now $6,198)
Bundles
And in case you’re not a Sony shooter, the ongoing Deal Zones at present have financial savings on tripods, backpacks, and extra.
Different Pages of Curiosity
DJI might be finest recognized for its drones and motion cameras, so it’s no surprise that many have been shocked when it ventured into the manufacturing of robotic vacuum cleaners! You gained’t discover the vacuum listed on DJI’s official web site simply but, however you may see the ROMO in motion on this video. If tightening rules and hefty fines have made you nervous about flying your drone outdoor, vacuuming could possibly be a secure and undeniably helpful different, albeit much less productive for images (most likely).
The historical past of the Pirelli calendar goes again to the early Sixties. What started as a seemingly strange promotional merchandise has since turn into each a coveted collector’s piece and a prestigious photographic fee. Through the years, Pirelli has enlisted a number of the largest names in images—Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Steve McCurry, and Helmut Newton, to call only a few. The 52nd version, for 2026, will probably be entrusted to Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø. An article in El País presents a behind-the-scenes take a look at how such a calendar is made. As a enjoyable truth, Czech supermodel Eva Herzigová already appeared within the Pirelli calendar thirty years in the past and can return this yr, portrayed as a water nymph submerged in an enormous aquarium.
Earlier than you dive into our personal inspiration pool with this week’s Photograph Theme Problem, I like to recommend looking on the successful pictures from the AAP Black & White Pictures Awards. The very best equilibrium between kind and content material, and thus probably the most votes from the jury, went to the dreamlike {photograph} ‘Steadiness’ by Dutch photographer Astrid Verhoef. The thematic vary of the 25 award-winning works may be very broad, from panorama and wildlife to conventional portrait images.
Photograph Theme Problem, Week #115
Final week’s theme was clouds, and you’ll see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody in your submissions! This week’s theme is main traces, and you’ll submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, August 23, 2054!
Week #115 Outcomes
For the “clouds” theme, I knew we’d get numerous landscapes, and I wasn’t dissatisfied. Let’s examine just a few of them out, beginning with Mauro70’s photograph of Laghi di Bellavista within the Italian western Alps:
Though the mountain scene and the reflection have numerous visible influence right here, the fluffy clouds properly complement the acuteness of the rocky shore.
Subsequent, now we have rjbfoto’s Lofoten Islands photograph:
Right here, the silhouette of the island takes a supporting function to the superb cloud formation on the prime. I additionally love the distinction between the underside left nook and the nebulous feeling within the distance.
Lastly, we’ve obtained one from new member rmcasa, additionally of Lofoten!
rmcasa’s photograph may be very robust and vibrant within the foreground, with an clearly intentionally framed formation of rocks. And the ocean splash provides strategy to a a lot greater splash of cloud within the sky that enhances the little wave. Very good photograph!
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the main traces theme.