Two photographers are taking footage of a powerful grizzly bear. All of a sudden, the bear stands up, snarls, growls ominously, and begins chasing them. The 2 guys drop their gear and run for his or her lives. After a number of seconds, the primary photographer yells to the opposite, “We’re not quick sufficient! He’s going to catch us!” The second photographer, with out slowing down, yells over his shoulder, “Effectively, it’s sufficient for me to run away from you!” This joke went via my thoughts once I was photographing a spectacled bear in Peru, however thankfully, he’s (principally) a good-natured vegetarian.
This week within the images world was mild-mannered as effectively. Not numerous main bulletins, though we did get some fascinating rumors. Right here’s what it is advisable know from the week!
Current Bulletins
- RØDE Wi-fi GO (Gen 3): The Wi-fi GO are versatile microphones which might be appropriate with a variety of gadgets (the receiver options USB-C and a 3.5mm TRRS output). They promise a clear sign at ranges as much as 260 meters. A notable improve is the 32 GB of on-board storage (for over 40 hours of audio backup). The brand new model additionally options 32-bit float audio, so the danger of clipping loud sounds is drastically lowered, and even quiet recordings are simpler to recuperate in post-production. Different new options embrace clever GainAssist and a handy charging and journey case, the Cost Case+. The Wi-fi GO microphones can be found in a vibrant number of 14 colours for $299, or $388 for the set that features the Cost Case+.
- New SSDs from Lexar and SanDisk: The Lexar SL300 USB 3.2 Gen 2 SSD gives strong worth, whereas the SanDisk Excessive PRO USB4 gives blazing quick learn and write speeds and elevated sturdiness. When it comes to numbers, the Lexar delivers learn and write speeds of round 1050 MB/s. By comparability, the Thunderbolt 4-compatible SanDisk is sort of 4 instances sooner, reaching as much as 3800 MB/s. Each SSDs are rated to resist drops of as much as 2 meters (6.6′), however solely the SanDisk comes with IP65 certification, providing first rate water resistance as effectively. And the worth distinction? The 2TB Lexar is priced at $120, whereas the 2TB SanDisk prices $290. SanDisk additionally gives a 4TB model for $450.
- DxO launched new optics modules: With 957 newly added digital camera and lens mixtures, DxO software program customers now have entry to a complete of 99,163 modules. This week, the module database has been expanded to incorporate 4 cameras from Fujifilm, Leica, Panasonic and Sony, in addition to 12 lenses, primarily from Viltrox, but additionally from Tamron, Laowa, and Panasonic. These modules are utilized by functions akin to DxO PureRAW for efficient noise discount and lens correction of RAW recordsdata.
The Rumor Mill
SIGMA CEO Kazuto Yamaki teases a brand new SIGMA lens and talks images, music, and design
That is the title of an interview on the Sigma UK YouTube channel. In the event you don’t have time to look at the entire thing, skip to the sixteenth minute the place Kazuto Yamaki describes the decision-making course of behind which lenses Sigma chooses to fabricate. A couple of minutes later, he reveals which lens from the previous decade he considers to be probably the most groundbreaking innovation that modified the imaging trade. However for those who’re like me, you’re most likely most interested by what lenses Sigma will announce within the close to future. On the twenty seventh minute and also you’ll hear Yamaki say this: “telephoto lens that has by no means existed earlier than” … “sports activities photographers and wildlife photographers is perhaps very excited in regards to the lens.” And now I gained’t be capable of sleep. What lens may or not it’s? For now, we will solely guess.
Through Sigma UK on YouTube
Leica Firmware Updates
Leica cameras, together with the M11 (and its derivatives), D-Lux 8, Q3, Q343, SL3, and SL2 will quickly obtain new firmware updates. Of those, the SL3 and Q3 are anticipated to see probably the most enhancements. Don’t anticipate something revolutionary. As a substitute, these updates will carry small however welcome evolutionary enhancements. They focus totally on the consumer interface, improved integration with the Leica Fotos app, assist for sure exterior gadgets akin to RØDE wi-fi microphones, and higher total efficiency. For a complete record of the anticipated adjustments, go to the hyperlink under.
Through Leica Rumors
A Nikon AF-D mirrorless adapter?
Rumors are swirling round a long-awaited product from Nikon, specifically, an FTZ adapter that has autofocus compatibility with Nikon’s older AF-D lenses! Lengthy-time Nikon shooters might respect with the ability to use their outdated lenses with autofocus once more. Even higher, it could open up extra price range lens choices for Nikon Z shooters, such because the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D that may be purchased used for lower than $300.
Through Nikon Rumors
Panasonic S1H II: A Christmas Shock?
A publish by @camerainsider on X teases with the transient message, “Panasonic Lumix announcement coming subsequent week.” May the rumored digital camera be the long-awaited successor to the Panasonic S1H? This (not solely) video-centric digital camera was launched over 5 years in the past and is definitely due for an improve. Scorching rumors from earlier this 12 months even speculated that, just like the Leica M11 and Q3, the S1H II may characteristic a 60MP sensor. Personally, I wouldn’t guess on it, however who is aware of? Perhaps we are going to get a pleasant shock earlier than Christmas.
Through Photograph Rumors
Good Offers and New Gross sales
It’s nonetheless a great time of 12 months for giant gross sales, a minimum of for an additional week or so. These stand out to me most of all:
- RODE Wi-fi GO II was $299, now $229: Simply because a successor to those wi-fi microphones has simply been introduced doesn’t make them a foul selection. Particularly when you think about the $70 value distinction.
- Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM was $2,899, now $2,399: Arguably the very best Canon wildlife lens that gained’t break the financial institution – now $500 off
- Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Artwork was $799, now $639: Sure, this is among the lenses about which Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki mentioned, “It modified the imaging trade.” Right here is our overview.
- Gitzo GT2545T Sequence 2 Traveler Tripod with Heart Ball Head & GM2542 Monopod was $950, now $550: Tripod or monopod? Get each for lower than the worth of a tripod alone.
- Fotopro E6 Eagle Sequence Tripod Package was $1,199, now $549: Tripod and gimbal head combo designed primarily for telephoto lenses. Other than the worth, the built-in leveling base and the comparatively low weight are price mentioning.
- f-stop TILOPA 50L DuraDiamond Journey & Journey Digicam Backpack Bundle was $500, now $400: Obtainable in black, crimson and inexperienced. Worth contains a big PRO ICU insert.
- Lexar 256GB Skilled CFexpress Sort B DIAMOND Sequence 2-Pack (was $750, now $380): Some very quick playing cards at an affordable value. If you’re in search of a card with actually huge capability, the Angelbird 2TB AV Professional MK2 (was $960, now $510) gives strong velocity and bottomless capability. For SD playing cards, I’d advocate these Lexar 128GB Skilled 2000x UHS-II SDXC 2-Pack (was $330, now $180).
- Freehands Males’s Stretch Thinsulate Gloves was $40, now $28
Different Pages of Curiosity
In the event you’re accustomed to utilizing a grid or different guides in your digital camera’s viewfinder, and also you personal Canon’s R50, R10m or R7, you might be interested by a brand new firmware improve that provides the Cropping Information characteristic to your digital camera. This instrument is designed to simplify framing in portrait images, particularly for company and faculty portraits, serving to you obtain constant and repeatable outcomes with ease. Nonetheless, this replace prices $120 and may solely be put in by a licensed service middle. For extra info, go to the Canon USA web site.
Famed American photojournalist William Eugene Smith as soon as mentioned that he “by no means made any image, good or dangerous, with out paying for it in emotional turmoil.” Be ready to your personal emotional turmoil once you check out the gorgeous however heartbreaking portfolios that acquired monetary assist from the W. Eugene Smith Fund this 12 months. And what did the photographer, whose identify is behind the fund, as soon as say about himself? “I’m a compassionate cynic, but I imagine I’m one of the affirmative photographers round. I’ve tried to let the reality be my prejudice. It has taken a lot sweat. It has been price it.”
To emotionally stability this choice, I imagine the very best pictures from the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Contest will carry the corners of your mouth and provides them simply the precise moon-bent form. Do not forget that laughter not solely heals, however in contrast to many widespread medicines, it additionally cures. And on prime of that, it’s utterly free.
Whereas looking the Audubon Journal web site, I got here throughout an fascinating article by photographer Daniel Dietrich. Though it was printed seven years in the past, it stays related – particularly now within the winter, when each little bit of vitality expended may be vital for wildlife. The article, Why Nearer Is Not All the time Higher When Photographing Birds, is unquestionably price a learn.
Photograph Theme Problem, Week #80
Final week’s theme was rain, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thanks to everybody to your submissions! This week’s theme is window, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, December 21, 2024!
Week #79 Outcomes
Let’s try a number of the photographs we acquired for the “rain” theme, beginning with jweber’s picture:
The rain superbly provides a component of the story to this picture, displaying a brand new facet of the lifetime of terns.
Subsequent, now we have PRG Lagarde’s picture:
Though you’ll be able to’t speedy see the raindrops, the rain provides an immense quantity of ambiance, creating the basic cinematic moist pavement look.
Lastly, we’ve received a really good one from Frederic Dantzer’s:
This time, the rain on the clear floor actually exhibits the wetness of the scene exterior another way than raindrops would, and moreover now we have a pleasant crimson spotlight amongst the in any other case boring colours. Good!
Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the window theme.