On Thursday, whereas looking by way of my archives for some photographs for an upcoming article, I got here throughout a sequence of photographs that introduced again recollections of fantastic moments spent in nature. This time it was Costa Rica. One photograph specifically made me smile once more in any case these years—a shot of a Frigatebird, the scary pirate of the tropical seas, fleeing from a small songbird, the Tropical Kingbird. It jogged my memory a little bit of the previous story of David and Goliath.
Current Bulletins
- Yashica Metropolis 100: A compact digital camera (220g) with a mysterious CMOS sensor decision that may be adjusted from 5MP to 72MP (native might be 13MP). The sensor diagonal might be 5.867mm (kind 1/3.0). From this we will deduce that the producer’s claimed zoom focal size vary of three.45mm – 10.5mm (f/1.6 – 2.8) is equal to about 26 – 78mm on full-frame cameras. The minimal focusing distance is 0.5m. Yashica claims that the digital camera is able to taking pictures video at as much as 5K/30fps or 4K/60fps. The two.8-inch show may be flipped-up 180 levels. The digital camera has a built-in microphone and speaker, and might hook up with a smartphone through Wi-Fi. JPG photographs and MP4 movies are recorded on a microSD card. Out there from February for $209.
- Nextorage NX-B3AE: CFexpress Sort B reminiscence playing cards with assured VPG400 video efficiency. They are going to be out there in 500GB ($200), 1TB ($400), and 2TB ($715) capacities. That includes a PCIe®4.0×2, NVMe 1.4 interface, the producer claims learn and write speeds of as much as 3,900MB/s and three,600MB/s.
- Lexar ARMOR GOLD: UHS-II normal SDXC reminiscence playing cards with capacities of 128GB ($55) and 256GB ($115). Their pace class ranking is U3 V60 (minimal write speeds are assured to not drop beneath 60MB/s). Most claimed learn and write speeds are 280MB/s and 205MB/s. Their fundamental promoting level, nevertheless, is their stainless-steel building and ensuing sturdiness (strain resistance of as much as 370N, IP68 ranking, drops from 16.4′).
- Group Group Skilled SDXC UHS-II U3 V90: The most important of the sequence comes with a capability of 2TB and the best pace class U3 V90 (min. write pace 90MB/s). In line with the producer, it helps 8K and 4K videography. Most claimed learn and write speeds are 300MB/s and 260MB/s. The cardboard’s design is dustproof and waterproof (IP67), X-ray resistant and its impression and shock resistance attain navy grade. Value will not be but recognized.
The Rumor Mill
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2? Possibly this February!
Considerably unusually, the rumor concerning the long-awaited Nikon Z 35mm f/1.2 didn’t seem on Nikon Rumors, however in a “crystal ball” devoted to Canon. This lens has been on the Nikon roadmap for a very long time and is the final unrevealed yellow dot on it. Simply when it seemed like it might lastly be introduced, a 35mm lens with an aperture of f/1.4 has unexpectedly seen the sunshine of day. Whereas this lens definitely has an attention-grabbing character, it isn’t the “S” class lens that many have been ready for. In line with Canon Rumors, the wait may very well be over as early as this month at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan.
Through Canon Rumors
Pentax Okay-3 Mark III would possibly get a successor
After the just lately discontinued APS-C mannequin Pentax Okay-3 Mark III, a noticeable hole has been left in Pentax’s DSLR lineup. A yawning chasm now exists between the entry-level Pentax KF and the full-frame Pentax Okay-1 II, linked solely by a tiny bridge within the type of the Pentax Okay-3 III Monochrome. The unique Okay-3 Mark III continues to be out there, however solely as a restock. Nonetheless, based on an article on Pentax Rumors, it seems like followers of the model can hope for a successor. Japanese photographer Kimio Tanaka, who has confirmed to be a dependable supply of knowledge previously, wrote in his put up on X: “Except their boss RICOH out of the blue adjustments its thoughts, a ‘severe and attention-grabbing’ SLR digital camera to be introduced within the not-too-distant future.”
Through Pentax Rumors
PowerShot V: Canon’s new line of compact cameras
The present “G” sequence, which has been round since 2000, is anticipated to be discontinued by mid-2025. As an alternative, Canon will introduce a brand new line referred to as the PowerShot V. The digital camera’s design stays a thriller for now, with solely an AI-generated picture from a Canon supply providing a glimpse of what it would seem like. As for specs, the dimensions of the CMOS sensor continues to be unknown, however its decision is anticipated to be the usual 24MP. The lens will most likely have an attention-grabbing focal size of 16-50mm (35mm equal). The three-inch display (about 1 million dots) is alleged to have a 170-degree viewing angle. The PowerShot V is anticipated to help 4K video (H.265; C-Log3 / HDR PQ). When will this new mannequin be unveiled? Presumably as early as summer time 2025.
Through Canon Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
Final evening, as my pal and I sat by the flickering fireplace within the fire, we received to speaking about lenses. Naturally, the query got here up: “If you happen to may have solely 4 lenses, no matter price, which of them would you select?” To make it more difficult, we allowed ourselves just one zoom within the choice. So, how did it prove? Right here’s my last alternative:
- Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S (was $1,047, now $947): A large sufficient lens for many landscapes. The quick f/1.8 aperture is ideal for nightscapes or taking pictures in dense forests. A hidden benefit of this lens is its 0.2m minimal focusing distance, which works nice for wide-angle close-ups.
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S (was $847, now $697): A first-rate thirty-five needed to be on my checklist. If Nikon ever releases the long-awaited 35mm f/1.2, I would purchase it, however till then, I’d be completely pleased with the f/1.8 model. That is my favourite focal size for documentary-style taking pictures—not too huge, not too tight. Extensive open, it gives good topic separation whereas nonetheless capturing sufficient of the encircling context.
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (was $2,697, now $2,297): My path to this lens was considerably roundabout, as I initially thought of the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 (was $2,797, now $2,597) and the Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 Macro (was $1,047, now $847). Nonetheless, I ultimately admitted—begrudgingly—that I wouldn’t use a portrait or macro lens usually sufficient. The sensible alternative was the 100-400mm, which neatly bridges the hole between the wide-angle and lengthy telephoto lens. As much as round 300mm, it’s impressively sharp and even has respectable “macro” capabilities.
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (was $15,497, now $13,997): I briefly thought of the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC (was $13,997, now $12,997), however for hen pictures, 600mm is just the higher alternative—particularly with the 100-400mm protecting the shorter focal lengths. This was the simplest determination of all of them—there’s merely nothing higher.
Different Pages of Curiosity
After President Donald Trump, the White Home additionally unveiled an official portrait of First Girl Melania Trump. The black and white picture was taken within the Yellow Oval Room by Belgian photographer Régine Mahaux, who has labored with the Trump household for greater than 20 years. On the BBC web site, you possibly can learn an article entitled Decoding Melania Trump’s new official portrait to see what consultants mentioned concerning the picture.
Charming British photographer Frankie Adamson has received The Society of Photographers’ Photographer of the Yr 2024 competitors along with her tough picture of hyenas consuming a hippo. Along with this gorgeous photograph, I like to recommend you try the profitable photographs in every class, of which there have been 28 in the whole competitors.
Just like the hyenas within the earlier hyperlink, American-born photographer Piper Mackay’s profitable sequence within the Journey Photographer of the Yr 2024 competitors was shot in Kenya. Within the case of her lovely monochrome infrared pictures, I utterly agree with the jury’s remark: “So many photographs as we speak are over-saturated, over-processed and even AI-generated. A ‘much less is extra’ method is usually far more practical.”
Picture Theme Problem, Week #87
Final week’s theme was portrait, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is mountains, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, February 8, 2024!
Week #86 Outcomes
Let’s try among the photographs we acquired for the “portrait” theme, beginning with rjbfoto’s photograph:
We see right here a face with loads of expression that leaves us questioning what is going on off digital camera.
Subsequent we’ve PRG Lagarde’s photograph:
The emotion from the music efficiency is apparent!
Lastly, we’ve vidmarko’s photograph:
vidmarko’s shot reveals a contented and carefree second very effectively with a background that simply provides a touch of the setting.
Thanks everybody for submitting their photographs within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the mountains theme.