Sony DSC-HX99 Discontinued

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 18, 2023


The Sony DSC-HX99 has been marked as discontinued overseas. You can still find the Sony DSC-HX99 at retailers so if you want to purchase one new now is the time before they run out.

Sony DSC-HX99: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

via asobinet

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7Artisans AF Lenses Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 18, 2023


Third-party lens manufacturers have been releasing AF lenses for X/E/Z mount pretty rapidly and now 7Artisans will be joining them hopefully with some unique lenses. According to weibo the first 7Artisans AF lens is already being tested by select photographers. 7Artisans lenses are available through Pergear on their Amazon storefront.

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More VILTROX AF 20mm f/2.8 Photos and Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 17, 2023

The Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 should be announced soon. We have had the specs for a while, but now it looks like they are starting to get stock images together for a launch.

VILTROX AF 20mm F2.8

  • 8 groups 10 elements
  • 7 aperture blades
  • Minimum shooting distance 0.19m
  • Filter diameter 52mm
  • Size 64.9×59.6mm
  • stepping motor drive
  • 189g
  • Sony E・Fuji X・Nikon Z
  • Officially announced for Sony E in early October
  • 899 yuan

via Weibo

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Sony Camera Vibration Patent

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 16, 2023

A patent from Sony was found that appears to communicate the status of the camera to the user using vibrations. This could be a useful technology, but I think most would prefer dials with useful markings on them that communicate the information over vibrations.

overview

    • [Publication number] P2023150183
    • [Release date] 2023-10-16
    • [Name of the invention] Imaging device
    • [Application date] 2022-03-31
    • [Applicant]
      [Identification number] 000002185
      [Name] Sony Group Corporation
    • [ Background Art]
      In an imaging device such as a camera, an image sensor is placed inside the housing, and an optical image of a subject captured by an optical system such as a lens is photoelectrically converted in the image sensor to generate an image or video. be done.
    • [0003]
      Such an imaging device is provided with various operating parts such as a shutter button and a mode switching knob, and is configured such that a vibration device disposed inside vibrates when a predetermined operating part is operated. (For example, see Patent Document 1).
    • [0004]
      In an imaging device equipped with a vibration device, when the operator operates a predetermined operation unit, such as a shutter button, the vibration device vibrates, thereby giving the operator a feeling of operation when operating the operation unit. It is possible to recognize this by the vibrations transmitted to the fingers.
    • [0006]
      By the way, in an imaging apparatus equipped with a vibrating device as described above, it is desirable that the operator be able to obtain a high operational sensation when a predetermined operating section is operated and the vibrating device vibrates.
    • [0007]
      In order for such an operator to obtain a high operational sensation, it is necessary that the vibrations generated in the vibration device be reliably and well transmitted to the operator’s fingers. In particular, when a camera is provided with a vibration device, the camera is heavier than a mobile phone or the like, and there is a risk that vibrations generated in the vibration device will be attenuated and not accurately transmitted to the operator.
    • [0008]
      Therefore, an object of the imaging apparatus of the present technology is to ensure that vibrations generated in a vibration device are transmitted reliably and favorably to the fingers of an operator operating the vibration device.
    • [Means for Solving the Problem]
      [0009]
      An imaging device according to the present technology includes a housing configured by connecting a plurality of cabinets in which an imaging element is disposed, and a housing that vibrates during a predetermined operation. A part of the cabinet is located inside a grip part held by an operator, and the vibration device is attached to the cabinet inside the grip part.
    • [0010]
      As a result, the vibration device attached to the cabinet inside the grip portion vibrates during a predetermined operation.

via asobinet

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OL: Samyang 12mm f/2 AF – An Obvious Choice For Budget Conscious Photographers

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 15, 2023


Samyang 12mm f/2: B&H Photo / Amazon

Optical Limits published its full Samyang AF 12mm f/2 FE review here which you can read in full or you can check out the excerpt below:

The Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E strikes a nice balance between quality and pricing. The border/corner performance is just Okay at f/2 – which isn’t ideal for astrophotography despite the lens being marketed for this purpose. The heavy vignetting also requires quite some auto-correction at this setting. However, the image quality sharpens up nicely at f/2.8 already, and it’s pretty darn good between f/4 to f/5.6. The native lateral CAs are somewhat on the high side, but auto-correction can do its magic here without losses. It doesn’t have much to work on with respect to image distortions – these are quite low. Flare can be a bit of a problem in difficult scenes, so don’t forget to use the provided lens hood. The bokeh is rather rough, unfortunately. Sun stars are nicely rendered, though.

It’s a rather low-budget lens, but you won’t really notice this when picking up the lens. It’s very lightweight, yet it feels solid, and the texture of the rubberized, focus ring is also quite nice. Additionally, it also features decent weather sealing, including a sealed rear element for extra protection. The AF is pretty snappy and quiet.

The Samyang AF 12mm f/2 E may not be the best ultra-wide angle lens in its class, but if you are on a budget, it is a viable choice.

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OL: Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE Review – Avoid If Using Above 24MP

By Louis Ferreira | Published: October 15, 2023


Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Samyang Lens Station:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Optical Limits published its full Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE review here which you can read in full or you can check out the excerpt below:

The Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE has its merits, but its resolution characteristic is, overall, sub-standard. This is especially true at the wide end, where the outer image field is just not sharp enough to compete with the big boys. Sure, it’s not terrible when stopping down, but what is the point of buying a f/2.8 lens then? It’s actually very good in the middle range, whereas the quality at 70mm is also not that hot again. This may still be OK on 24-megapixel sensors, but beyond that, it’s just not good enough. This is a bit unfortunate because the lens handles the secondary aspects rather well. The RAW image distortions are on a sane level, and the RAW vignetting is better than average. The quality of the bokeh is also quite good for a standard zoom lens. Lateral and axial CAs are a bit on the high side, though.

The mechanical quality of the Samyang lens is excellent (other than the poor lens hood) and on par with the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 ART, for example. However, it is also way too heavy for what it is. The AF speed is very fast (on modern Sony bodies). The mechanical quality is one thing, but QA is another one… As you may have concluded, we are not overly impressed – overall, the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is just too heavy and too flawed.

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