Best Nikon Z Lenses for Portrait Photography

When it comes to portrait photography, having the right lens is just as important as having the right camera. For Nikon Z-series mirrorless camera users, there are a variety of lenses that offer exceptional performance for capturing stunning portraits. From fast primes that deliver creamy background blur to versatile zoom lenses with outstanding image quality, Nikon’s Z-mount lens lineup offers something for every portrait photographer. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Nikon Z lenses for portrait photography, detailing their unique features and how they excel in capturing striking, beautiful portraits. Continue reading “Best Nikon Z Lenses for Portrait Photography”

Nikon’s New NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Superzoom Lens

The Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR is a high-magnification zoom lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths, from 28mm to 400mm. Users will appreciate the versatility and powerful capabilities of the 14.2× zoom.

The Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR is available at a  suggested retail price of $1,299. You can pre-order this lens at B&HPhoto / Adorama/Amazon. See Additional information and Sample photos. Continue reading “Nikon’s New NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Superzoom Lens”

Nikon Unveils Major Firmware Update For The Z 9

Nikon unveils firmware version 5.00, a notable update for the full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z 9 camera. This is a major firmware update version 5.0.0 for the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera.  The latest update brings several fixes to the video and stills options of the camera. See below for details. Continue reading “Nikon Unveils Major Firmware Update For The Z 9”

Leica SL3 Mirrorless Full-Frame System Camera Now Available

Leica Camera has announced the launch of the long-awaited mirrorless, full-frame SL3; an update to their already impressive SL2. The US price is $6,995 and it is now available for pre-order at B&HAdorama.

In 2015, Leica Camera introduced the SL-System, uniquely combining the two worlds of photography and videography. From the beginning, Leica has focused on partnering with its users and the photographic community to ensure that their products achieve exceptional standards. The result is a system which meets the highest requirements in image quality, manufacturing quality, and ease of handling. Now, the long-established company presents the next generation of the mirrorless full-frame system: the Leica SL3.

The rigorous demands of professional photographers have long served as a benchmark and inspiration for the development of the system, in particular the Leica SL3.The result is an extremely versatile camera, offering unprecedented image quality in both photography and videography. The SL3 combines state-of-the-art technology, extraordinary design, and masterly manufacturing quality – more compact, lighter, and even more user-friendly than its preceding model. The new functions of the Leica SL3 are based on an ongoing dialogue with professionals, which is highly valued and cultivated by the company in the ever-changing world of photography.

At the core of the Leica SL3, you can find the BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which is safely protected in a solid all-metal body with elegant leather. To meet a variety of photographic requirements, the sensor records raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36 or 18 MP. In each case, the full sensor surface is used. Together with the dynamic range expanded to 15 f-stops and the impressive ISO range from 50 to 100,000, the SL3 delivers remarkably detailed images in outstanding quality – in all light conditions. With phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (Object Detection AF), and contrast recognition (Contrast Detection AF), the innovative autofocus system of the SL3 combines the strengths of three technologies to create razor-sharp pictures even in dim light. In addition, intelligent subject recognition supports the photography of dynamic scenes. Continue reading “Leica SL3 Mirrorless Full-Frame System Camera Now Available”

Best selling cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera

Here are the best-selling new cameras for 2023 at MAP Camera Japan:

  1. Nikon Z8
  2. Nikon Zf
  3. Sony α7C II
  4. Canon EOS R6 Mark II
  5. Sony α7RV
  6. Sony α7IV
  7. Fujifilm X-T5
  8. Ricoh GR IIIx
  9. Sony α6700
  10. Canon EOS R8
  11. OM System OM-1
  12. Fujifilm X-H2
  13. Fujifilm X-T30 II
  14. Ricoh GR III
  15. Nikon Z fc
  16. Fujifilm X-S10
  17. Sony ZV-E10
  18. Leica Q3
  19. Canon EOS R10
  20. Sony ZV-E1

Via MAP Camera

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens Announced, Priced $1,09

Sony has just officially announced the new Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens. It is a versatile mid-range zoom lens built for everyday mobility Bringing a bright, wide maximum aperture to an easy-to-carry form factor. Coming in at just 440 grams (just under 1 pound), this lens covers the most popular focal lengths for everyday shooting in a chassis 92mm (3.6″) long.

Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G lens costs $1,098, first available for pre-order at B&H and Adorama.

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G Lens Specs

  • Focal Length: 24 to 50mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Lens Mount: Sony E
  • Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
  • Angle of View: 84° to 47°
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 7.1″ / 18 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.33x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 13 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 11
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • Filter Size: 67 mm (Front)
  • Dimensions (ø x L): 2.9 x 3.6″ / 74.8 x 92.3 mm
  • Weight: 1 lb / 440 g
  • Full press text here.

Sony claims that they’ve made no compromises with the lens. It has an 11-blade circular aperture, uses ED and aspherical elements, and has twin linear motors for responsive and quiet focusing. Sony says that the lens can keep up with the 120 fps burst mode of its flagship a9 III.

The lens has focus, zoom, and aperture rings; the latter can be “de-clicked” for video shooting. There’s also a focus hold button, whose function can be customized. The lens is dust and moisture-resistant (but not 100%, Sony points out), and the front element has a fluorine coating to fight off water and oil.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 24-50mm F2.8 G will begin shipping in May 2024 for approximately $1,099.99 USD. Pre-orders live at B&H , Adorama.

Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order

Sigma has just officially announced two new lenses for Sony E and Leica L mounts: Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports lens and Sigma 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens. Both the lenses are now available for pre-order at  B&HAdorama. Continue reading “Sigma 500mm F5.6 DG DN OS Sports and 15mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Announced, Available for Pre-Order”

Nikon Announces Firmware Version 2.00 For Nikon Z8 Full-FrameMirrorless Camera

Nikon has introduced an upgraded firmware version 2.00, which is designed to enhance the shooting experience for users of the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera.

The new firmware is the Z 8’s first major update since its launch, offering users a significant improvement to their shooting – whether that be of images or video –thanks to the inclusion of cutting-edge functions also found in the Nikon Z 9 and the Nikon Z f.

Nikon Z8 is the perfect companion to the Nikon Z 9 and is a great successor to the D850. The Z8 offers the majority of the same features but in a smaller body. Inside the camera are the same 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor that sit in the Z9. This enables the Nikon Z8 to record in-camera 12-bit raw video at up to 8.3K at 60p or 4.1K at 120p.

Nikon Z8 body: $3,996.95 at B&HAdoramaAmazon.

Nikon Z8 with 24-120mm f/4 Lens: $4,896.95 at B&HAdorama. Continue reading “Nikon Announces Firmware Version 2.00 For Nikon Z8 Full-FrameMirrorless Camera”

A New List of Rumored Nikon Z6 III Specifications

According to latest Nikon rumors, here is the new specs list of upcoming Nikon Z6 III full frame mirrorless camera.

The rumored specifications for the upcoming Nikon Z6 III look pretty impressive. The Z6 III leaps forward with 6K 60fps NRAW video recording, providing filmmakers with ultra-high resolution and frame rate options.

Nikon Z6 III will be officially announced in next few weeks. Here are the new list of the Rumored Nikon Z6 III Specifications: Continue reading “A New List of Rumored Nikon Z6 III Specifications”

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

A new set of rumored Panasonic S1 II/ S1 IIx specifications have been leaked online. According to the specs sheet, both Panasonic full frame camera feature 6K 120 and 4k/120 video recording, a new Venus image processing engine, Dual I.S. image stabilisation, a double slot for XQD memory cards and SD memory cards, and a triaxial tilt LCD screen.

Panasonic S1 II / S1 IIx Rumored Specifications

  • 34MP stacked sensor
  • Slim, sealed magnesium body
  • Built-in Fan (no overheating in direct sunlight at 50º C)
  • Built-in ND filter
  • Video: 6k 120, 4k 120 no crop
  • Improved IBIS
  • Improved autofocus with AI chip
  • Improved battery life
  • Improved dynamic range for video and photo.
  • Improved low-light performance
  • Price around $3,000
  • No AA filter

The current Panasonic S1 (AmazonB&HAdorama)

Read more Panasonic Mirrorless and Panasonic Rumors.

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