Sony a9 III Officially Announced, Price $5,998

Sony officially announced the new Sony a9 III equipped with the world’s first full-frame global shutter image sensor. The US price is $5,998 and it will be released on February 23, 2024.

Pre-order link:

Sony a9 III: $5,998 at Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama 

Key Features

  • 24.6MP Full-Frame Global Shutter Sensor
  • Up to 120 fps Cont. Shooting with AF/AE
  • Pre-Capture Function; Speed Boost Button
  • Flash Sync at up to 1/80,000 Sec.
  • 4K 120p 10-bit Video; S-Log3 & S-Cinetone
  • 759-Point Phase-Detect AF with Tracking
  • 8-Stop 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
  • 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD
  • Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

Continue reading “Sony a9 III Officially Announced, Price $5,998”

Canon RF-S 10-18mm f4.5-6.3, RF 24-105mm f2.8, RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 Announced

Canon officially announced three new RF-mount lenses: RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z, RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lenses. Shipping is scheduled to start in December, 2023.

  • RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM Z Lens – US Price – $2,999 – Pre-order at B&HAdorama/Amazon
  • RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens – US Price – $1,899 – Pre-order at B&HAdorama/Amazon
  • RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens – US Price – $329 – Pre-order at B&HAdorama/Amazon

RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Key Features

  • APS-C | f/4.5-6.3 to f/32
  • 16-29mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • STM Stepping AF Motor
  • 7-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • One Aspherical Element, Two UD Elements

RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two Nano USM Motors
  • 11-Blade Diaphragm
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 Aspherical Elements, 4 UD Elements
  • SSC, ASC & Fluorine Coating

RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/6.3-9 to f/54
  • Nano USM Motor
  • Focus/Control Ring & Two L-Fn Buttons
  • Optical Image Stabilizer
  • 3 UD Elements
  • Super Spectra Coating

Continue reading “Canon RF-S 10-18mm f4.5-6.3, RF 24-105mm f2.8, RF 200-800mm f6.3-9 Announced”

Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens Images and Specs

Here are the leaked images and specs for the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens. The telephoto optic is rumored to be announced soon (November 2nd, 2023). The focus is USM driven and comes with a tripod ring and a black lens hood.

This highly anticipated Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens appears to be USM-driven, promising fast and accurate autofocus performance. One of its distinctive features is its “white lens” design, which aligns with previous speculations. While it bears a resemblance to Canon’s L series lenses at first glance, it lacks the iconic red ring and rubber cover on the focus ring, giving it a unique “non-L” appearance.

With an impressive focal range reaching 800mm at the telephoto end, the lens doesn’t compromise on portability, as it seems manageable in size. It’s worth noting that the design may have incorporated DO (Diffractive Optics) elements to reduce its bulk and weight, making it a versatile choice for photographers seeking a long-range zoom lens without the need for teleconverters. The pricing is speculated to be around $2,000/€2,500, making it an enticing option for wildlife and sports photographers looking to capture distant subjects in stunning quality. Continue reading “Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens Images and Specs”

Sony a7R V Firmware Ver.2.01 & a6700 Firmware Ver.1.02 Released

Sony released the new firmware update version 2.01 for Sony a7R V and firmware version 1.02 for a6700 camera. You can follow the links below to download the new firmware updates.

Sony a7R V Firmware Version 2.01

  • Fixes an issue where JPEG files could not be enlarged and played
  • Fixes an issue where the power may not turn on or turn off even if the Power switch is used
  • Fixes an issue where the Switch V/H AF Area feature may not work correctly
  • Fixes a Creators’ App issue where the Auto Time Correction and Auto Area Adjustment features may turn off
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

Benefits and Improvements

Sony a6700 Firmware Version 1.02

Benefits and Improvements

  • Fixes an issue where some movie metadata (Shutter SpeedApertureISO, etc.) may not be recorded
  • Fixes an issue where JPEG files could not be enlarged and played
  • Fixes an issue where the Switch V/H AF Area feature may not work correctly
  • Fixes a Creators’ App issue where the Auto Time Correction and Auto Area Adjustment features may turn off
  • Improves the operational stability of the camera

The new Sony a7R V mirrorless camera is now in stock and shipping at major US stores: $3,898 at B&HAmazonAdorama.

Sony a7R V Vs. Canon EOS R5 Vs. Sony a7R IV Specs Comparison

Stay tuned with us and read more Sony Rumors here.

Also join the Sony Camera Users Facebook Group to share your Sony photography.

Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 & Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Lenses Announced

Leica officially announced the new Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH and Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Lenses. Now the new Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH Lens is available for pre-order at B&HAdorama.

Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens: $2,495 at B&HAdorama.

Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH Lens: $5,495 at B&HAdorama.

Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
  • Fast Ultra-Wide Zoom
  • Three Aspherical Elements
  • Multi-Layer & Aqua-Dura Coatings
  • Dust and Moisture-Resistant Design
  • Fixed Metal Lens Hood

Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/2 to f/22
  • Dual Synchro Drive AF Motor
  • Fast Ultra-Wide Prime
  • Three Aspherical Elements

Press Release: Continue reading “Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 14-24mm f/2.8 & Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 Lenses Announced”

New Firmware Updates Announced for Panasonic S5II And S5IIX

Panasonic has announced a new firmware update program for its LUMIX S5II and S5IIX cameras to enhance performance and usability.

The S5II Firmware Version 2.2 / S5IIX Firmware Version 1.3 will improve/update:

  • AF-Point Scope function – AF-Point Scope function to magnify the focus position during AF has been added.
  • High-Resolution Mode – The shutter speed at high-resolution mode can now be set to max. 8 seconds with the long exposure noise reduction applied. Thanks to the image stabilizer, [Handheld High-Res] mode has been added to enable recording pictures with higher resolution even without using a tripod.
  • Improved MF Assist – It is now possible to magnify the full-screen mode display in MF Assist up to approx. 20x allowing more precise MF.

The firmware program will be available to download free of charge from the LUMIX Global Customer Support website.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Nikon launches Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens

Nikon has expanded its S-Line lens lineup with the introduction of the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. The Nikkor Z 600mm F/6.3 VR S arrives in late October 2023 for a suggested retail price of $4,796.95. First available for pre-order at B&HAdorama and Amazon.

NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Key Features

  • SR and ED glass control aberrations and colour fringing.
  • Nano Crystal Coat counters ghosting and flare for superb clarity.
  • Near silent AF
  • Up to 6-stop VR image stabilisation
  • Rubber gaskets keep dust, dirt, and moisture away
  • Nikon’s fluorine coating makes the front element easy to clean
  • Functions can be assigned to the L-Fn buttons and the silent control ring
  • Memory-set button
  • AF and VR are available while using Z teleconverters.
  • Weighs 1470g

NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Overview

Measuring just 11 inches in length and weighing only 1,390g / 3lbs, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is aimed at wildlife, motorsport and aviation photographers. Nikon was able to achieve the new super-telephoto lens’ diminutive size thanks to a Phase Fresnel element in its optical construction. The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is the second PF lens in the Z series, joining the Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S.

Overall, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is comprised of 21 elements in 14 groups, which includes two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and one short-wavelength refractive (SR) element to keep chromatic aberration at bay.

The new Nikon lens also provides six stops of VR and offers a minimum focusing distance of 4m.

Other features include a DX Crop Mode for getting even closer to your subjects and assignable L-Fn buttons for quick access to features like subject tracking, AF Lock or image playback.

The Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S uses 95mm threaded circular filters and is compatible with Nikon’s teleconverters. It also boasts a fluorine coating and a nano crystal coating for stopping dust and flare, respectively.

Full press text can be found here.

Canon RF 10-20mm F/4L IS STM Lens Officially Announced

Canon has expanded its L-series range with the Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM wide angle zoom lens.

The new Canon RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM is an ultra-wide zoom lens that’s priced at $2,299 and will be available from late October. First available for pre-order at B&HAdorama.

Key Features

  • Aspherical, Super UD, and UD lens elements (including one Aspherical UD element)
  • Dustproof and waterproof
  • SWC (on 2 lens surfaces) and ASC (Air Sphere Coating)
  • STM motor and full-time manual focus capability

Continue reading “Canon RF 10-20mm F/4L IS STM Lens Officially Announced”

Announced: Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 DI III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Model A057) for Nikon Z-mount is now officially announced.  The US price is $1,599 and it will be released on October 31, 2023. The new Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is available for pre-order. Check out the links from major stores below.

Pre-order link:

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Nikon Z: $1,599 B&HAdorama.

Key Features

  • Ultra-telephoto zoom with comfortable, intuitive operation
  • Uncompromised pursuit of high optical performance in a compact body
  • High-speed, high-precision AF means youfll never miss a photo opportunity
  • VC image stabilization facilitates shooting handheld at the ultra-telephoto position
  • Lens Mount: Nikon Z Mount
  • Lens Format: Full Frame
  • Zoom Focal Length: 150-500mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/5.0-6.7
  • Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom

Continue reading “Announced: Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 DI III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount”

Venus Optics Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF Lens Officially Announced

The Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF lens from Venus Optics is now officially announced. The APS-c format ultra-wide angle zoom lens will be available for Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Canon EF-M mounts.

The 8-16mm lens offers an ultra-wide perspective of 82.8°-120.9°, making it perfect for various photography genres such as landscape photography, architectural marvels, and wide-angle portraits. Content creators can also utilize the lens to create a unique perspective for their vlogs. Priced at only 549 USD, this lens is also an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore the world of ultra-wide photography at an affordable price level.

Venus Optics lenses are sold at Adorama and B&H.

Here are the details: Continue reading “Venus Optics Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF Lens Officially Announced”