Leica Rumors spotted this new teaser from Leica on their website. It is for a new Mini M camera–or at least that is the codeword. Right now, the Leica M-E is essentially known as the more affordable M product, but basically has the same sensor as the old M9 and M9-P did. The new Leica M though is quite astonishing according to DXOMark as the sensor outdoes the new Canon 5D Mk III.
Something that many Leica fans have been asking for for a long time is a digital version of the Leica CL. It was the camera that I was trained on and it was beautiful in every way. But if Leica creates this digital version then they will be answering the calls of many a photographer. Additionally, their prices have come down in the recent years on their camera bodies but their lens prices keep going up.
What do you think this new Mini M could be? Do you also think that we’ll see a new X3?
Today, Olympus is announcing the brand new EP5 that has been highly rumored for a while. It’s been quite some time since the flagship Pen camera received an update but that update was well worth the wait. First off the camera has the same sensor as the OMD EM5 but boasts a couple of differences that in some ways make it better than the OMD. The focusing is faster, it sports focus peaking for manual focus users, and has Wifi built in for starters. But otherwise, it has an aluminum body, no weather sealing, a flip up LCD screen with barely any external screws to the entire build, and an interesting new design layout.
Tech Specs and more images are after the jump. But also be sure to check out our first impressions and our comparison to the Olympus OMD EM5.
Editor’s Note: The EP5 is available body only for $999.99 in black, silver and white or with the 17mm f1.8 and new VF-4 viewfinder for $1,449.00 in black or silver.
[click to continue…]
David Hobby found a brand new type of umbrella from B2Pro lighting. I’m a big personal fan of 7 foot parabolic umbrella with a silver interior to bring out some wonderful specular highlights on a subject, but this umbrella is totally different. The interior consists of RGB photo sites which are said to work better with digital sensors. The description specifically states that it is designed for digital CCD sensors–and the only professional grade cameras with CCDs anymore are medium format.
While it does seem logical, I’m not sure that it is really viable. Anyone going for this umbrella will also probably spend time in Lightroom or Photoshop, and that can nullify nearly any major effects if you have a working knowledge of color theory. Additionally, personally like using umbrellas and Pocket Wizards with my X Pro 1–which has an X Trans Sensor that randomizes the RGB pattern.
We’d be interested in testing the unit overall though–but B2Pro has quite the mountain to climb against the likes of Westcott and others.
Ready for more than you could possibly really need from a sensor? Aptina released details on their new AR1411HS sensor which they’re boasting has some great low light capabilities and can shoot 14MP resolution images at up to 80 frames per second (fps). It can also shoot 4K video at 60fps, in either the Quad HD (3840H x 2160V) or the wider Digital Cinema 4K format (4096H x 2160V). Plus it can shoot 1080p video mode at 120fps. And while recording the video, the sensor can also capture full resolution 14MP still images without interrupting the flow.
Since it is a 1 inch sensor, we’re sure that we’ll see it in a Nikon 1 series camera sooner or later–or it might end up in that Polaroid Mirrorless Camera that will probably never hit the market.
Via DPreview
Get ready videographers, Canon is prepping something big. The company has developed a new full frame sensor specifically for video use. According to their press release,
“CMOS sensor features pixels measuring 19 microns square in size, which is more than 7.5-times the surface area of the pixels on the CMOS sensor incorporated in Canon’s top-of-the-line EOS-1D X and other digital SLR cameras. In addition, the sensor’s pixels and readout circuitry employ new technologies that reduce noise, which tends to increase as pixel size increases. Thanks to these technologies, the sensor facilitates the shooting of clearly visible video images even in dimly lit environments with as little as 0.03 lux of illumination, or approximately the brightness of a crescent moon—a level of brightness in which it is difficult for the naked eye to perceive objects.”
Canon successfully captured video with the sensor while filming a meteor shower and when recording video in a room lit only by one candle. The video is still very pre-production stage but it’s awesome to know that they’re making progress.
Via /R/Photography
Best. Product Advisory Statement. Ever.
According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon is issuing a product advisory statement on the D600 Dust/Oil issue (check out our review). To catch everyone up to speed, many users were reporting on Dust and Oil getting onto the camera’s sensor. Nikon’s official statement goes something like:
“To users of the Nikon D600 digital SLR camera
Some users have indicated the appearance of multiple granular dust spots in images captured with the Nikon D600 digital-SLR camera. These granular dust spots are reflections of internal dust generated with camera operation, or external dust particles that have found their way into the camera, either, or both of which, have adhered to the camera’s low-pass filter.
While the structure and concept of digital-SLR cameras makes the complete elimination of these dust spots very difficult, it has come to our attention that, in some rare cases, they may be reflected noticeably in images. Therefore, Nikon is informing users of a service to reduce this issue.
Resolution
As a first step, please follow the guidance from the User’s Manual (pages 301-305) related to the “Clean Image Sensor” function and manual cleaning using a blower. If these measures do not remove all dust particles and you are still experiencing problems, then please consult your nearest Nikon service center. They will keep your camera, examine it thoroughly, and service it as needed.”
It’s quite interesting that a company is essentially saying, “Clean your goddamned sensor before bitching in forums you jackass” but we honestly have to agree. For those of you that know nothing about camera maintenance, we’ve got you covered. You can check out these resources:
- Improving Your Camera’s Autofocus
- How to Check for Dust on Your Sensor (and a video on cleaning here)
