Do you typically really feel anxious about how dynamic and stuffed with change the world round us is? It might be reassuring to know that there are locations on our planet the place time strikes at a unique tempo. Like some caves in southern Europe. Olms (Proteus anguinus) are cave-dwelling salamanders whose lifespan could be over 100 years. However in that point, they might not expertise very a lot. One specimen was discovered by scientists after greater than seven years with out transferring. In all probability received a bit dreamy. However let’s return from the timelessness of darkish caves to the hectic world of images information.
Latest Bulletins
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Artwork: The second technology of Sigma’s commonplace, quick zoom is smaller and lighter than its predecessor (735g in comparison with 835g). The lens provides a further programmable button (making two complete), together with a brand new de-clickable aperture ring. Sigma says that the brand new motor ought to drive the autofocus as much as thrice quicker than its predecessor. There’s additionally a brand new 19-element/15-group optical development (with a whopping 6 low dispersion, 2 particular low dispersion, and 5 aspherical parts). The lens’s magnification has additionally improved barely to a most of 1:2.7. The lens can be bought for Sony E and Leica L mounts for $1,199 (the unique model is at present discounted to $989).
- The Fujifilm X Summit introduced 4 anticipated new releases, evenly break up between APS-C and medium format. Fuji’s X-series household grew with a slimmed-down model of the flagship X-T5, the X-T50 ($1400), and a brand new package lens, the Fuji XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 ($700). In the meantime, the GFX collection has up to date its second-in-line digicam, the GFX 100S, with a GFX 100S II priced at $4,999. The brand new digicam, with its superior AF options and 100MP sensor, continues to be inexpensive than different producers’ full-frame flagships. Fuji has additionally sailed into the world of wildlife and sports activities images – beforehand a privilege of smaller sensors – with the medium format Fuji GF 500mm f/5.6 OIS lens ($3499).
- Canon EOS R1: This week, Canon lastly introduced the event of its first flagship digicam for the EOS R system, the EOS R1. Though some early specs appeared on the Adorama web site, these have been later retracted. Adorama mentioned that these have been placeholder specs, and so they weren’t in touch with Canon concerning the true specs of the EOS R1. Every thing we all know thus far about this long-awaited digicam is summarized by Spencer in his publish, Canon EOS R1 Growth Introduced.
- Viltrox AF 40mm F2.5: A light-weight (180 g) and compact (ø 68 x L 55.9 mm; 52 mm filter measurement) full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount, with an angle of view near the human eye’s perspective. The AF is pushed by an STM stepper motor and helps topic recognition. The minimal focusing distance is 0.34m. The lens development incorporates 10 parts in 6 teams (together with 1 ED, 3 excessive refractive index, 1 aspherical lens). The value is $158. For comparability, the unique Nikon Z 40mm f/2 different sells for $227.
The Rumor Mill
Canon EOS R5 Mark II rumored specs
On the Youtube channel of wildlife photographer Jan Wegener, you’ll be able to hear a number of phrases concerning the just-announced R1. Nonetheless, rather more time is devoted to a different extremely anticipated digicam, the EOS R5 Mark II. The brand new rumor means that the digicam can have a really quick readout pace, even surpassing that of the EOS R3. The R5 II also needs to have pre-release burst and a extra versatile tilting display screen. I’m undecided if I consider the following rumor, nevertheless it’s mentioned that the R5 II will retain a mechanical shutter that may deal with as much as 30 FPS. Lastly, from the EOS R3, it may inherit Sensible Controller and Eye Management AF.
By way of Jan Wegener and Canon Rumors
Panasonic is about to launch a brand new full-frame digicam
“Vlogging” cameras grew to become a brand new class a number of years in the past, however they have been principally small-sensor compacts. Now not. A number of APS-C and full-frame cameras already match into this class, and evidently Panasonic is about to launch one other with the rumored Lumix S9. Based mostly on the leaked picture, I might evaluate the look of the digicam to the Leica Q collection. Nonetheless, not like the Leica Q, it is going to have interchangeable lenses and, in fact, a way more inexpensive worth – anticipated to be below $1,700.
By way of L Rumors
A brand new viewfinder for a brand new Leica
Final week, I mentioned one of many greatest modifications that’s reportedly within the works for future Leica rangefinder cameras. Beginning with the M12, the normal rangefinder ought to be changed by a sensible hybrid rangefinder. This may mix the traditional rangefinder expertise with some great benefits of an EVF, much like the Fuji X100 digicam. In keeping with some new visualizations, focusing might be completed both in the identical means as with the present Leica M (by aligning two photos inside an outlined area) or through focus peaking.
By way of Leica Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
Competitors is a superb factor, particularly for us photographers. There are a variety of carbon tripods in the marketplace nowadays, together with some Chinese language-made tripods at a really “aluminum worth.” Conventional producers have needed to reply. On this case, we’re seeing good reductions from Italian manufacturers Gitzo and Manfrotto.
- Gitzo GT5543LS Systematic Sequence 5 (was $1,420, now $1,135) – Tremendous secure and tremendous sturdy. Safely helps all the things you placed on it. Hikers, look elsewhere.
- Gitzo GT4543LS Systematic Sequence 4 (was $1,280, now $1,000)
- Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Sequence 3 (was $1,172, now $940) – That is my private selection inside Systematic household. The Sequence 3 intersects portability and sufficient power even for lengthy telephoto lenses.
- Gitzo GT3542 Mountaineer Sequence 3 (was $1,347, now $1,100) – Related power to the earlier tripod. For individuals who desire a middle column.
- Gitzo GIGT2545T Traveler Sequence 2 (was $630, now $500) – Good stability of weight, power and top. It might probably additionally help zoom telephotos corresponding to 180-600mm, particularly when you maintain the middle column low.
- Gitzo GIGT1545T Traveler Sequence 1 (was $530, now $425) – A light-weight journey choice to hold on hikes. Nonetheless lots sturdy when you follow typical focal lengths and don’t shoot in overly windy circumstances.
- Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4 (was $600, now $450) – Very sturdy, but comparatively light-weight. Permits the middle column to be mounted horizontally.
- Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 (was $500, now $375) – Identical however with one much less part per leg.
- Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (was $450, now $340) – Smaller sibling of MT055. Nonetheless enough load capability, nice portability, middle column could be swing it into horizontal place. Its predecessor has served me for over 15 years.
- Manfrotto MT190CXPRO3 (was $475, now $300) – Identical however with one much less leg part.
Different Pages of Curiosity
Fujifilm is getting concerned within the battle in opposition to disinformation and faux information by becoming a member of two organizations, the Coalition for Content material Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the Content material Authenticity Initiative (CAI). They’re planning so as to add a brand new characteristic to each the X and GFX cameras that can confirm the authenticity of the pictures taken.
The GDT Nature Photographer of the Yr has been going for over 50 years now. You’ll be able to try its web site to see the superb pictures that gained within the 2024 contest in seven totally different classes.
By way of numbers and biomass, home animals are way more quite a few than wild ones. No surprise they’ve their very own images competitors. See the finalists of the 2024 Comedy Pet Images Awards.
After the latest photo voltaic eclipse, our sky has grow to be the stage for an additional area present. Our residence star has been very lively in latest weeks, sending clouds of charged particles and magnetic fields in direction of Earth. This has led to probably the most highly effective photo voltaic storms to achieve Earth in 20 years. This led to a number of the strongest auroras in a century, even at latitudes the place they don’t usually happen. For extra on this, try NASA’s web site.
Picture Theme Problem, Week #50
Final week’s theme was clouds, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is clean, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, Could 25, 2024!
Week #49 Outcomes
Let’s try a number of the pictures we acquired for the “clouds” theme, the place we’ll see many alternative methods of emphasizing clouds in a composition.
First, PRG Lagarde despatched us this picture:
On this shot, we see a fantastic distinction between the diffuse and nebulous form of clouds in opposition to the sharp precision of glass. Not solely does it emphasize the clouds, which additionally type an attention-grabbing sample, nevertheless it provides a really attention-grabbing tackle the constructing.
Subsequent, let’s try DL84’s picture:
This time, we now have a unique type of texture to distinction in opposition to the clouds: the sharp, outlined options of the mountain. Furthermore, the extraordinary and dramatic mild provides a secondary distinction in opposition to the smooth nature of the cloud.
In vidmarko’s picture, we see one thing a bit totally different:
This time, there are not any different bodily objects to distinction in opposition to the clouds! As a substitute, the orange monochromatic feeling together with intense mild and outlined textures present clouds standing alone, which actually isn’t simple to do.
Lastly, let’s see Mark Fulton’s picture:
After experiencing the drama of clouds of their depth in opposition to the sharpness of mountains and glass, and at last all by themselves, we return to a way of internal calm offered right here. True, there are a number of clouds within the sky, however what’s much more attention-grabbing is the bottom. We see fog, the fallen cloud that has lastly come to greet us in its most delicate type.
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the clean theme.