Photoxels

Deals • Software & Apps • Sponsored Post

Save 85% On Luminar Ultimate Photography Bundle

2023-03-16

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST

Luminar is offering a limited-time offer on their Ultimate Photography Bundle. From presets to textures, to e-books and courses, this bundle has it all. The bundle includes a selection of creative content produced by the Skylum team as well as high-quality products from their partners.

The Ultimate Photography Bundle is worth US $1000, but for a limited time, you can purchase it at a heavily discounted price – 85% off – for new users and current owners of Luminar Neo.

Ultimate Photography Bundle includes:
❯ Luminar Neo Lifetime license (available for new Neo users only)
❯ Luminar X Membership 1 year subscription (available for new Neo users only)
❯ 125 LUTs, Skies, Presets, and Overlays for Luminar, Photoshop, and Lightroom
❯ Full Editing Course on landscape photography from Albert Dros
❯ Portrait Fundamentals from Darlene Hildebrandt
❯ Drone Cinematography Crash Course from Stewart and Alina Carrol
❯ Luminar Neo Ultimate Editing Handbook by Rene Ledrado
❯ Creative content from Mathew Browne and Rene Ledrado

Price:
❯ New users who don’t have Neo – 149$ instead of $1019 (85% discount)
❯ Owners who have Neo (the bundle won’t include a Neo license) – 99$ instead of $820 (save 87%)

Coupon Code:
For an additional discount, use coupon code PHOTOXELS.

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST

Accessories • Cameras • Sony

Sony Augments the HX99 With QD Laser’s RETISSA NEOVIEWER Viewfinder to Assist Photographers With Visual Impairments

2023-03-14

by photoxels

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Electronics Launches a New Retinal Projection Camera Kit, DSC-HX99 RNV Kit

Sony’s imaging technology supports “With My Eyes,” a project to assist people with visual impairments

SAN DIEGO, CA – March 13, 2023 – Today, Sony Electronics announces the DSC-HX99RNV kit, a new retinal projection camera kit that helps people with visual impairments see to capture the world around them. This kit consists of Sony’s DSC-HX99 compact camera and QD Laser’s RETISSA NEOVIEWERⁱ, a viewfinder that uses laser retinal projection technology. Together, Sony and QD Laser are offering a new experience with focus-free retinal projection, allowing people with low vision a new, sharper way to view and photograph the world.

“We continue to leverage creativity and technology to enhance the accessibility of our products, services and experiences. The Retina Projection Camera kit is a step in our commitment to a future that empowers all types of creators,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Sony welcomes the opportunity to use our digital imaging technology in this new and innovative way.”
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Cameras • Fujifilm

Fujifilm INSTAX MINI 12 Adds Parallax Correction in Close Up Mode and Automatic Flash Control

2023-03-02

by photoxels

Two years after the INSTAX MINI 11, Fujifilm has updated its popular film instant camera with the INSTAX MINI 12. Even though Fujifilm claims a new “airy, cloud-like, and almost inflated design/look,” the overall form and shape basically remains the same, which is not a bad thing.

The INSTAX MINI 12 adds parallax correction capabilities, automatic flash control and a multi-function twist lens. The Parallax Correction feature aligns the viewfinder with the lens in Close-Up Mode to minimize object shifts. Automatic flash control optimizes image quality in bright or low light situations. The lens now twists to power on/off the camera and to conveniently access the Close-Up Mode.

A free, downloadable INSTAX UP! Smartphone App allows you to digitally scan, import, organize, and store your INSTAX photos in one place, regardless of which INSTAX instant film, camera or printer product you use. You can scan your INSTAX photos and store them digitally in one place, organize them by category/list views, share thems via social media or text, and import photos from other INSTAX Apps (the INSTAX MINI LINK App or the INSTAX LINK WIDE App) into the INSTAX Up! App.

The FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 12 instant camera will be available in Blossom Pink, Mint Green, Clay White, Lilac Purple, and Pastel Blue in or around mid-March, 2023 at a MSRP of $79.95 USD and $99.99 CAD.

PRESS RELEASE

Fujifilm Brings the Joy and Creativity With its New INSTAX MINI 12™ Instant Camera

Company Also Unveils INSTAX UP!™ Smartphone App

VALHALLA, N.Y. – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Imaging Division, announced today the introduction of its INSTAX MINI 12 Instant Camera (MINI 12). Following in the footsteps of the popular INSTAX MINI 11™ Instant Camera (MINI 11) launched in 2020, MINI 12 brings a new look and enhanced features for instant photographers, including parallax correction capabilities, automatic flash control, and a convenient multi-function twist lens.

With an airy, cloud-like, and almost “inflated” design/look, MINI 12 carries over the main features of MINI 11, including Close-Up Mode and Auto Exposure adjustment capabilities, but also adds the new Parallax Correction feature, in which the camera’s viewfinder aligns with the lens when using Close-Up Mode, minimizing object shifts, to produce a centered photo. MINI 12 also features automatic flash control, which optimizes image quality in bright or low light situations. The lens structure is designed to provide intuitive steps both for powering the camera on/off and for accessing the popular Close-Up Mode with a simple twist of the lens.

“The INSTAX MINI 12 instant camera features a unique new design and a variety of appealing new color options,” said Bing Liem, president, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “It includes many of our consumers’ favorite features from the prior MINI 11 model, along with some new advancements that are sure to enhance our users’ photographic experience. We’re always impressed with the incredible creativity of our consumers, and we can’t wait to see what they create with the MINI 12!”
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Cameras • Canon

Canon Adds Entry-Level R50 (APS-C) and R8 (Full-Frame) Mirrorless Cameras

2023-02-08

by photoxels

Canon has added two new mirrorless cameras to its R Series lineup: the 24.2MP APS-C EOS R50 and the 24.2MP Full-frame EOS R8. They both feature a 2.36M-dot EVF and a 3-in. 1.62M-dot vari-angle (fully articulated) LCD screen. The EOS R50 records 4K/30P video for 1 hour, shoots continuously at 15fps (e-shutter) and costs US $679.99. For an extra US $819 (for US $1,499), you can upgrade to the EOS R8 with a 24.2MP full-frame sensor, 4K/60p video for 2 hours of shooting, and Continuous Shooting at 40fps (e-shutter).

PRESS RELEASE

Canon Adds EOS R50 and EOS R8 to the Growing EOS R Mirrorless Camera System

Plus, Image Story Telling Through R-Mount Lenses Is Ramped Up With Additions of the New RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM and RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lenses

MELVILLE, NY, February 7, 2023 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of the new EOS R50 camera body, ideal for entry level users, and the EOS R8, an extremely compact, full-frame camera aimed at advanced amateur photo and video enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice performance. Additionally, two new RF-Mount lenses are being introduced to the ever-growing R-mount lens lineup.

EOS R50

Canon EOS R50

Compact, lightweight and ideal for those looking to step up their video quality, the EOS R50 provides an impressive movie-shooting experience thanks to the APS-C sensor, with 4K video, uncropped 4K capture (at all frame rates), and outstanding Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology. With the addition of whole area tracking, subject detection, and movie-prerecording, difficult photo and movie opportunities can be easier to capture with a 24.2-million-pixel, APS-C sized image sensor. In addition, the EOS R50 is equipped with an eye-level electronic viewfinder to help achieve shot steadiness and ease viewing in bright sunlight conditions. A great camera for those who are looking to lean into interchangeable lenses, the EOS R50 camera can capture travel adventures, family portraits, sports, wildlife and even help a small business with marketing imagery. For those who are budding content creators, the EOS R50 will be available later in 2023 as part of a Content Creator Kit – packaged with a microphone, lens and grip. Overall, the EOS R50 is truly a jack of all content creation trades.

“The first time I picked up the EOS R50, I noticed how light it was. When I saw the footage, I wondered how the quality can be so good when it’s this lightweight in my hand. My mind was blown!” Bianca Matisse Taylor – Content creator and blogger

EOS R8

Canon EOS R8

The EOS R8 — affordable and functional — is a full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at the up-and-coming video or photo enthusiast. This camera comes with class-leading autofocus while still extremely capable for everyday and general photography use. Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and DIGIC X image processor, the EOS R8 is optimal for full-frame RF lenses — allowing enhanced wide-angle field of views when compared to APS-C sensor cameras. Extremely lightweight and compact, the EOS R8 shoots up to 6-fps with 1^st-curtain Electronic shutter, and up to 40-fps with full electronic. For users who’ve already explored interchangeable lens cameras but haven’t yet broken into mirrorless, the EOS R8 should be the camera that takes them over the threshold to capture events, weddings, still life, travel and pets.

“My work is a lot about movement and not missing a beat with the fast shutter on the EOS R8 is so important to me as an artist.” Jasper Soloff – Photographer and Director
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NIKKOR Z 85MM F/1.2 S & NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8

Lenses • Nikon

Nikon Adds NIKKOR Z 85MM F/1.2 S Prime Lens and NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens

2023-02-07

by photoxels

FLAWLESS & FLATTERING: THE NEW NIKKOR Z 85MM F/1.2 S PRIME LENS

Nikon Also Announces the Ultra Slim and Lightweight NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens

MISSISSAUGA, ON, February 6, 2023 – Today, Nikon Canada Inc. has announced the highly anticipated NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, a professional-level ultra-fast prime lens that exemplifies the powerful potential of the Nikon Z Mount for those capturing stills or video footage, whether it be studio head shots, weddings, events, high fashion, b-roll, close ups and more. This 85mm portrait lens with an incredibly fast f/1.2 aperture delivers the ultimate in image quality for the most discerning clients, plus the benefits of a flattering, compressing focal length that dissolves the background into a beautiful and intoxicating bokeh. Nikon has also released the slimmest and lightest full-frame NIKKOR lens ever created¹, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 “pancake” lens. This new ultra-compact lens is made for creators, offering versatility for capturing all kinds of content from street style and landscapes to everyday casual snaps.

NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S: Beautiful Bokeh and Precise AF
The view from this premium S line lens is nothing short of captivating. Ultra-high-resolution and intense sharpness renders skin texture and hair realistically, with a striking yet gradual depth of field and abundant light gathering ability that only a lens with a wide f/1.2 aperture could offer. Focus on the eyes creates a deep human connection between the viewer and the subject, with three-dimensional rendering that portrays a heightened level of emotion and depth.

What makes the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens extraordinary isn’t immediately apparent; the outstanding optical performance goes beyond the impressive sharpness to create a truly unique optic, with special emphasis given to the distinct character of the bokeh and out-of-focus area. The background blur is soft and natural, while the transition from the plane of focus is subtle and gradual. Wide open, the depth is utterly astounding, and even when stopping down it’s downright dreamy and opulent with smooth and circular bokeh that drives attention to the subject to create a glamourous appearance that’s desirable for fashion, boudoir and brides.

Similar to the coveted NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 NOCT, the optical construction includes 11 rounded diaphragm blades, which work together with the fast aperture to melt away point light sources into round and soft circles. Additionally, the use of ED glass suppresses colour fringing, while the position of lens elements is carefully considered to eliminate any kind of “onion-ring” characteristics.

The new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S benefits from Nikon’s advanced multi-focusing system for enhanced optical performance at close distances as well as rapid AF performance that enables precise accuracy even with the razor-thin depth of field at f/1.2. This is the precision that helps to capture what’s most important; from a model’s dynamic poses, a couple’s fleeting emotional embrace, or intricate event details. To achieve this level of performance, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S’s multi-focusing system consists of two stepping (STM) motors to coordinate positioning of two focusing lens groups simultaneously. These small-diameter, high-torque STM’s in the AF mechanism ensure outstandingly quiet, fast, and accurate operation.

Additional Features of the new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

A Nikon first, f/1.2 aperture on an 85mm lens, provides shallow depth of field, gorgeous bokeh and amazing light gathering capability.
A minimum focusing distance of only 2.8ft / 0.85m lets you get close to subjects for immaculate details.
Embrace shooting with challenging backlight thanks to a Nano Crystal Coat that suppresses ghosting and flare.
Videographers will appreciate the quiet operational sound and fast AF afforded by the STM motors, the minimized focus breathing² as well as the support for manual linear focusing on select cameras.
The independent control ring and an additional L-Fn button are fully customizable.
The optical formula consists of 15 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements and one ED element. The ED lens effectively reduces chromatic aberration while the aspherical lens reduces spherical aberration, distortion, and other aberrations.
The lens is constructed of durable magnesium alloy, while superior dust and drip-resistance is ensured by sealing in various areas including movable parts of the lens barrel and mount.³

The NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8: A Premium Pancake for Every-Day Carry
The new NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is a super-thin wide angle prime for Z series mirrorless cameras, and it’s Nikon’s slimmest and lightest full-frame AF lens ever. Despite its small size, the lens packs a tremendous punch with superior sharpness and beautiful blurred backgrounds with a fast f/2.8 aperture. This is the first NIKKOR Z lens to be slender and light enough to be considered a true “pancake”, with a total length of less than one inch (23.5mm) and a weight of approximately 4.5oz (125g).

The new NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is so small and lightweight, it’s easy to take anywhere to capture photos and video with maximum impact. Whether shooting street photography, travel vlogs or landscape shots in a unique location, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 has you covered as the perfect companion wherever the journey may lead.

Additional Features of the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8

The slimness and lightness are achieved thanks to the adoption of an All-element focusing system, as well as three aspherical lens elements.
When mounted on a DX-format camera, the focal length becomes 39mm (equivalent), similar to a standard angle lens.
A minimum focus distance of approx. eight inches (0.2m) lets users to get close to their subjects.
Use of an STM motor enables a highly accurate AF drive.
Functions such as aperture and exposure compensation can be assigned to the control ring.
Includes a new lens cap and a lens hood that has been specially designed to be slim and work with 52mm filters. (filters sold separately)
The lens is fitted with a durable metal mount, and the body is designed carefully considering dust- and drip-resistant performance enabling it to be taken anywhere with greater confidence.

Price and availability:
The new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S will be available in late March 2023 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $3,799.95*, the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 will be available in late March for $679.95* MSRP. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikon.ca
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