Drone Tutorials

Panasonic S1 II Introduced, Nikon ZR Rumors

May 19, 2025
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By the point you’re studying this letter, I’ll be far-off. However this isn’t a farewell – simply the other. As we converse, I’m photographing excessive up within the Ecuadorian Andes on the western slopes of the Pichincha volcano. My plans for the approaching weeks are something however modest. Along with capturing and looking for inspiration for future articles, I’ll be testing some new gear and filming a number of On-line Workshops with some fascinating photographers. I received’t reveal the names or subjects simply but, leaving it as a shock. Within the meantime, let’s check out what’s already on the market. Right here’s a fast roundup of final week’s pictures information.

Hooded Mountain-tanager_Ecuador__LVP0908-DxO_DeepPRIME 3
Hooded Mountain Tanager (Buthraupis montana), Ecuador. This mountain tanager is without doubt one of the most placing species that may be photographed at altitudes round 3,000 meters. NIKON Z 9 + VR 500mm f/4E @ 500mm, ISO 900, 1/640, f/6.3

Latest Bulletins

  • Panasonic Lumix S1 II(and E model): Just a few months after introducing the 44.3MP Lumix S1R II, Panasonic has now introduced its sibling, the S1 II! This full-frame digital camera includes a 24.1MP partially stacked CMOS sensor, and the specs remind me quite a lot of the Nikon Z6 III. The 24 megapixel sensor and excessive readout velocity (3.5 instances quicker than the Lumix S5 II) are the primary variations in comparison with the 45-megapixel “R” variant. The brand new sensor allows quicker steady capturing (as much as 70 FPS with the digital shutter), pre-burst seize as much as 1.5 seconds, and video recording as much as 4K at 120p or 5.8K at 60p. The “E” model (does “E” stand for economic system?) has the identical decision however makes use of a slower, standard sensor. Which means a drop in efficiency, but in addition a drop in value. Panasonic has set pricing at $3,198 for the Lumix S1 II and $2,499 for the Lumix S1 IIE.
  • Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8: Panasonic already gives the same lens: the S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8. Whereas the brand new model is shorter on the lengthy finish, it’s additionally 391g lighter, 40mm shorter, and takes smaller, 77mm filters as an alternative of 82mm ones. Most notably, it prices about half the value. Along with its compact dimension and engaging value, the 24-60mm lens provides a operate button and a customizable focus ring that may be set to regulate publicity compensation, aperture, and extra. Its minimal focusing distance of 0.19m (0.3x magnification) can also be spectacular for a quick commonplace zoom. The lens can be out there on the finish of June for $898.
  • DJI Mavic 4 Professional: A drone designed for skilled picture and video functions. This Hasselblad on wings, like its predecessor, is supplied with three cameras. The principle digital camera includes a 28mm equal lens with a variable aperture starting from f/2 to f/11, paired with a 4/3 CMOS 100MP sensor providing 15.5 stops of dynamic vary and able to recording 6K/60fps HDR movies. The second and third cameras, with 70mm and 168mm lenses, characteristic 1/1.3″ and 1/1.5″ sensors with resolutions of 48MP and 50MP. Each provide an f/2.8 aperture and 4K/60fps HDR video seize. Probably the most vital options is the brand new 360° Infinity Gimbal, enabling 70° upward pictures and full 360° rotation. New, extra light-sensitive sensors (0.1 Lux) enhance security and navigation in low-light or nighttime situations. The drone’s batteries can hold this 1063-gram gadget airborne for as much as 51 minutes. Pricing will depend on the chosen equipment: beginning at $2,699 for the usual model, $3,549 for the Fly Extra Combo, and as much as $4,649 for the 512GB Creator Combo.

The Rumor Mill

Canon EOS R7 Mark II: A child R1?

Again within the DSLR period, when Canon’s flagship was the heavy-duty EOS-1D X, photographers had the choice to succeed in for its smaller sibling – the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. Nikon adopted the same sample, with the APS-C Nikon D500 performing as a light-weight counterpart to the full-frame Nikon D5. Issues are rather less clear within the mirrorless world, with Nikon’s Z50 II and Canon’s EOS R7 each being nice cameras however not completely pro-grade. However the rumored EOS R7 Mark II could change that someday this 12 months.

Though the article on Canon Rumors feels extra like a manifestation of wishful considering, there are indicators that the Canon EOS R7 Mark II might be a considerably extra superior digital camera than the present first era. One quote sums up the authors’s hopes fairly properly: “The EOS R7 Mark II will doubtlessly be one thing like a child EOS R1 with an APS-C sensor.”

The sensor will little doubt be the star of the present. Wildlife photographers – arguably probably the most keen group for this digital camera – would like to see a stacked sensor with excessive readout speeds whereas retaining the present 32.5MP decision (or related) of the EOS R7. That might enable for prime digital shutter framerates with out the dreaded rolling shutter points.

One other space the place the unique R7 left loads of room for enchancment was the buffer depth. It might even be helpful to have not less than one of many slots for quick CFexpress kind B playing cards. Mix all of that with the autofocus tech from the R5 Mark II, and even the R1, and also you’d have a severely compelling wildlife digital camera in your palms.

The one query is how a lot a digital camera like that might price, and whether or not there’s a large enough market to justify making it. That’s most likely one of many key the reason why a real D500 successor nonetheless hasn’t materialized (though the Z50 II will get pretty shut).

Through Canon Rumors

The Rumored Offspring of RED and Nikon

Ever since Nikon introduced RED beneath its wing, the picture and video group has been speculating about what the long run would possibly maintain. The primary outcomes of this partnership have principally been software-based – issues like RED N-Log LUTs. The primary tangible signal that Nikon is taking video severely surfaced just lately within the type of the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens RED cameras geared up with a Nikon Z-mount.

However what everybody’s actually ready for is a brand new digital camera that might merge the experience of each manufacturers, and it could be arriving as quickly because the second half of this 12 months. Its title is rumored to be the Nikon Zr or Nikon ZR (R for RED). Nikon is often wonderful at retaining upcoming merchandise beneath wraps, so the define of this digital camera remains to be relatively blurry.

Nonetheless, rumors counsel it’s going to characteristic a brick-shaped design, one thing RED customers are already accustomed to. In accordance with Nikon Rumors, there received’t be a pentaprism and even an EVF, nevertheless it ought to boast a really giant LCD display screen. By way of format, suppose one thing between the present RED cameras, Sony FX3, and Nikon Z30. Naturally, it’s additionally presupposed to inherit a justifiable share of options and tech from RED, whose cinema digital camera experience is plain. As for the sensor, the brand new digital camera will reportedly be constructed across the acquainted semi-stacked sensor from the Z6 III.

Through Nikon Rumors

Good Offers and New Gross sales

The extremely rated WANDRD line of digital camera baggage is on sale this week, with lots of their merchandise getting a hefty 20-68% low cost. These are nonetheless costly baggage, however this sale makes them look very aggressive in comparison with different high-end corporations like Peak Design and F-Cease Gear. Right here’s a variety on B&H:

  • 68% off: Small, medium, and huge Cross-Physique bag (was $80-100, now $25-32)
  • 50% off: 45 Liter Transit Journey backpack (was $330, now $165)
  • 50% off: 35 Liter Transit Journey backpack (was $300, now $150)
  • 30% off: PRVKE backpack in 21, 31, and 41 liters, with and with out the “pictures bundle” of a digital camera dice, waist belt, and accent straps (was $220-364, now $153-255)
  • 30% off: PRVKE Lite roll-top backpack (was $240, now $167)
  • 20% off: Stratus 18 Liter backpack (was $230, now $183)
  • 30% off: ROGUE 9 Liter Sling bag (was $160, now $111)
  • 30% off: ROGUE 6 Liter Sling bag (was $140, now $97)
  • 20% off: 3.5 Liter Tech bag (was $64, now $51)
  • The entire baggage aside from the Cross-Physique bag and the Stratus backpack additionally get the identical sale on Amazon: 45L Transit, 35L Transit, PRVKE backpack, PRVKE Lite, 9L Sling, 6L Sling, and 3.5L Tech bag.

Nikon’s spring gross sales nonetheless have somewhat little bit of air beneath the feathers, however not for lengthy. The next cameras and lenses both match or beat their earlier all-time lowest costs. Beginning with cameras:

And lenses:

Different Pages of Curiosity

A (not-yet-public) documentary referred to as The Stringer has claimed that well-known documentary photographer Nick Ut shouldn’t be the photographer behind the historic picture Napalm Lady. Most photographers are clearly siding with Ut, and the Related Press has absolutely backed him after an exhaustive means of gathering proof – so has Phan Thi Kim Phuc, who was the woman within the picture and who has stated for many years that Ut took her to a hospital after capturing the picture. However, this week, World Press Picture has controversially modified the credit score on this picture to “Unknown.” Is that this a black mark on World Press Picture?

Is movie making a comeback? Actually on the planet of huge film productions, it’s. The 2 most up-to-date Greatest Image winners, Anora and Oppenheimer, have been each captured on movie. Now it’s been confirmed that Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey can be absolutely shot on movie as properly, particularly 65mm iMax movie (in truth, it will likely be the primary film absolutely shot on this format). This development actually has grown, so possibly take this as some inspiration to mud off your outdated Minolta and convey it out for a spin.

In otherworldly information, have you ever ever been lucky sufficient to {photograph} the Aurora Borealis? In that case, you might have one thing in widespread with the Martian rover Perseverance. Earlier this week, NASA launched the first-ever {photograph} of the Aurora ever captured from a special planet (though any alien photographers off within the galaxy could dispute that declare). Although it’s somewhat on the grainy aspect, it’s nonetheless wonderful to see that one of the lovely sights on Earth may be considered throughout the cosmos, too.

Picture Theme Problem, Week #102

Final week’s theme was wildflowers, and you’ll see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is solar within the body, and you’ll submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, Could 24, 2024!

Week #101 Outcomes

Let’s try a few of the pictures we acquired for the “wildflowers” theme, beginning with Danny’s picture:

The a number of rising blooms right here emphasizes the primary and tallest flower!

Mauro70’s picture:

I like how there may be only a trace of out-of-focus poppies on the high.

Frederic Dantzer’s picture:

The darkish black-green background accentuates this flower’s good yellow.

Thanks everybody for submitting their photographs within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the solar within the body theme.

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