Photoxels

Olympus Releases Firmware Updates for E-M1X (Ver.1.3), E-M1 III (Ver.1.1), E-M1 II (Ver.3.3), E-M5 III (Ver.1.2) and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO (Ver.1.4)

2020-08-06

Olympus has published a number of firmware updates to enable support for the new M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS lens.

E-M1X (Ver.1.3):

Possible to use in-camera focus stacking mode with “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS”.
Image stabilization performance when using “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” has been improved.
- Roll compensation is available with the image stabilization function of the body, along with the pitch and yaw image stabilization function of the lens.
- The “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” is not compatible with 5-axis Sync IS

E-M1 III (Ver.1.1):

Possible to use in-camera focus stacking mode with “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS”.

E-M1 II (Ver.3.3):

Possible to use in-camera focus stacking mode with “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS”.
Image stabilization performance when using “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” has been improved.
- Roll compensation is available with the image stabilization function of the body, along with the pitch and yaw image stabilization function of the lens.
- The “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” is not compatible with 5-axis Sync IS

E-M5 III (Ver.1.2):

Possible to use in-camera focus stacking mode with “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS”.
Image stabilization performance when using “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” has been improved.
- Roll compensation is available with the image stabilization function of the body, along with the pitch and yaw image stabilization function of the lens.
- The “M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS” is not compatible with 5-axis Sync IS

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO (Ver.1.4):

Enhanced stability of AF operation when shooting video.

Download Olympus E-System Firmware Updates

Nikon • Software & Apps

Nikon Webcam Utility Beta Ver. 0.9.0 Now Available for Download

2020-08-06

by photoxels

Back in July, when Nikon introduced the Z 50, it promised to also release a Webcam Utility to enable the Z 50 and other Z series mirrorless cameras to be used as a webcam for live streaming.

Today, it published the Nikon Webcam Utility Beta Ver. 0.9.0, currently available only for Windows OS.

Webcam Utility lets a Nikon Z mirrorles camera (or compatible DSLR) be used as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB. The camera will then function as a webcam when “Webcam Utility” is selected as an external camera in a web conferencing app.

Download the Nikon Webcam Utility Beta Ver. 0.9.0
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Lenses • Sigma

Sigma Introduces the 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Lens for E-Mount and L-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

2020-08-06

by photoxels

PRESS RELEASE

SIGMA announces 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras

SIGMA Canada introduces the new SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras made by Sony (E-mount), Leica, Panasonic and SIGMA (L-Mount). This lens marks a new chapter of the Art line F1.4 lenses for the mirrorless age. With a large-aperture, unparalleled optical performance and high-speed AF, the compact design strikes the perfect balance on modern mirrorless full-frame camera bodies.

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art

The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art combines a clear and delicate rendering performance, which is requisite for portrait photography, with beautiful, rich bokeh effects only possible with lenses such as a large-diameter F1.4, at a level that will satisfy both professional and advanced amateur photographers. The focal length of 85mm and significant bokeh effect at F1.4 brightness allow the users’ subjects to stand out in a complementary fashion, which is one of the essences of taking portrait photography, so users can enjoy it to the fullest.

In addition to the fast and consistent AF response, the mirrorless-exclusive design of the 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art has realized a lightweight and compact lens body that defies convention. The small body is packed with a range of functionality, including a dust- and splash-proof structure, supported by an excellent build quality. The 85mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is SIGMA’s new “ultimate portrait lens” for the mirrorless age. With it, SIGMA proposes a whole new world of possibilities provided by this “85mm F1.4 lens for everyday use,” thanks to the unprecedented level of portability, free from size- or weight-related limitations.
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Canon • Reviews on the Web

Gerald Undone: Sony A7S III Review

2020-08-05

by photoxels

Following up on his excellent Canon EOS R5/R6 review, it would be remiss of us not to also publish Gerald Undone’s Sony A7S III Review.

He titles it “The SONY a7S III: A Technical MASTERPIECE!” and if you want to know why the A7S III gets his highest recommendation, check out the video below.

Canon • Reviews on the Web

Gerald Undone: Canon EOS R5/R6 Review

2020-08-05

by photoxels

Gerald Undone has published his review of the Canon EOS R5 and R6.

Canon Rumors says that this is probably “one of the best review online ever” — and we agree! We hope Canon (marketing) is listening.

After watching this video review, there just is no point for anyone else doing another review of the video capabilities of the EOS R5/R6. There is just no point.

via Canon Rumors

Lenses • Nikon

Nikon Makes a Correction to its NIKKOR Z Lens Roadmap (July 21, 2020), Changes Micro 60mm to Micro 50mm

2020-08-05

by photoxels

Nikon has made a slight correction to its NIKKOR Z Lens Roadmap (July 21, 2020), changing the Micro 60mm lens to a Micro 50mm lens.

Everything else remains the same.

via Nikon Rumors

OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS

Lenses • Olympus

Olympus Delivers the M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS

2020-08-04

by photoxels

The long-awaited Olympus M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS (200-800mm equivalent) lens has finally arrived — as promised by Olympus. This is also probably the last Olympus-branded lens from the company. From January 2021 on, if there is another ZUIKO lens released, it will most probably not be Olympus-branded, but stands on its own ZUIKO® brand.

The M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS is a super telephoto lens and has a 200-800mm 35mm equivalent focal length. A 2x Teleconverter MC-20 is also available which brings the max focal length up to 1600mm equivalent. One of the major advantage of the Micro Four-Thirds over APS-C and full-frame systems is the incredibly compact size and lightweight design. The M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS is dust- and splash-proof, and paired with a weather-proof Olympus OM-D E series camera, they make a perfect combo for handheld sports and wildlife photography.

PRESS RELEASE

INTRODUCING THE OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS LENS

A Superior Compact, Lightweight Super telephoto Zoom Lens Offering 200-800mm Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)

Center Valley, PA, August 4, 2020 – Olympus® is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5.0-6.3 IS lens, an ultra-compact, lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens that covers a broad telephoto focal length of 200-800mm equivalent¹ and is compliant with the Micro Four Thirds® System standard. This lens features the same dustproof and splashproof performance as the M.Zuiko PRO lens series, and when paired with the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20, delivers up to 1600mm equivalent¹ super telephoto shooting. This lens offers superior autofocus performance, even handheld, and in-lens image stabilization for the optimal shooting experience.
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Cameras • Olympus

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Now Features a Flip-Down LCD That Faces Forward

2020-08-04

by photoxels

Olympus has announced the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV mirrorless camera, probably the last Olympus-branded OM-D mirrorless camera from the company. From January 2021 on, if there is another OM-D camera released, it will most probably not be Olympus-branded, but stands on its own OM brand.

The OM-D E-M10 IV is an entry-level Micro Four-Thirds model targeted to those who want an easy route to upgrade from their smart phone camera to an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera. It is beautifully-designed, extremely compact and lightweight.

It improves on the E-M10 III with a new 20MP sensor, 5-axis IBIS (On-Body Image Stabilizer) with 4.5 stops compensation, improved AF Tracking (apparently using the same moving subject detection algorithm as in their flagship OM-D E-M1X), a 3.0-in. 1040k-dot Tilt Touch LCD monitor that flips down to face forward, dedicated selfie mode, USB charging, and a redesigned deeper grip.

With the beginner in mind, the OM-D E-M10 IV features Advanced Photo (AP) mode, 28 Scene Modes, 16 Art Filters, High Dynamic Range (HDR), Live Composite, Live Time, Multiple Exposure and Focus Bracketing.

Other features include a 2.36M-dot EVF, Time Lapse, Continuous Shooting at up to 15 fps, built-in flash, and Silent mode.

Though the E-M10 IV offers 4K/30p video, it is primarily a stills photography camera and you wouldn’t want to buy it for vlogging or use it as a webcam.

As a promotion (through November 1, 2020), Olympus is throwing in a free Starter Kit comprised of a small case, an 32GB SD card and an extra battery.

PRESS RELEASE

THE OLYMPUS OM-D® E-M10 MARK IV

Capture Important Moments with Advanced Features in this Compact, Interchangeable Lens Camera Body

Center Valley, PA, August 4, 2020 – Olympus introduces the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, a compact, lightweight interchangeable, Micro Four Thirds® camera body designed for the beginner, yet packed with versatile features common in mid-level camera products offering ease-of-use and incredible portability in a classic body design that is lighter than ever before. For a limited time (through November 1, 2020), purchase a new OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and receive a free starter kit, consisting of an Olympus camera bag, extra BLS-50 battery and 32GB SD card (starter kit valued at $99.99).

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The award-winning Olympus OM-D series has a reputation for delivering flawless, professional-quality images and video to photographers of all levels, and the E-M10 Mark IV does not disappoint. This entry-point mirrorless camera is designed to allow the user to grow with it; its powerful image sensor and image-processing engine are packed with technology to deliver a wealth of versatile shooting features; perfect for the enthusiastic beginner photographer, who values quality, yet demands results. This model also features a high-definition electronic viewfinder for optimal quality while shooting in bright outdoor or backlit conditions, and an improved grip with a secure hold for superb ergonomics and comfortable control. The compact, lightweight design is equipped with in-body 5-axis image stabilization featuring up to 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation, and a new 20 Megapixel Live MOS sensor. Combined, the two deliver high-quality photos and videos with minimal blur in any scene, including night photography and telephoto shooting.
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