Sony a7III vs Nikon Z5 vs Fujifilm X-T4


Today Nikon released their Z5 camera, which is an incredibly affordable mirrorless full-frame camera, but it does have some shortcomings as you can see above. The only detail that is hidden in all the specs is that Nikon is using a slow readout sensor that is bad for video and electronic shutter.

Nikon has made some interesting choices with this camera and I think it will sell very well as an entry-level camera for Nikon, but is cheap full-frame more desirable than quality APS-C? Sony could probably push down the price of the Sony a7III to compete with the Nikon Z5, but the Sony a7III is a full-featured mirrorless camera with world-class AF.

The Fujifilm X-T4 is their current flagship camera and I am using it for comparison with the Nikon Z5 simply because some Full Frame snobs think that APS-C can’t compete with Full Frame cameras. It is a little more expensive, but if you want a matching price point you could get a Fujifilm X-T3 or X-T30 even.

Fujifilm and Sony both haven’t refreshed their entry-level cameras in a while now. Fujifilm should release an updated Fujifilm X-T40 and X-E4 soon, while the Sony a7III is getting pretty old and it will likely be replaced with a Sony a7IV soon too. The biggest question about the future models going forward is how will COVID-19 and any future inflation or taxes influence release dates and price points.

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Sony a7III: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Nikon Z5: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujifilm X-T4: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-T3: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Fujifilm X-T30: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 Now Available at B&H Photo and Adorama


Amazon was the first to list the Voigtlander SE 35mm f/1.2, but you can now preorder at B&H Photo or Adorama if you prefer.

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Sony Announces HDC-P31, a Multi-Purpose Point of View System Camera with Enhanced Remote Features and Advanced HDR Workflows


Sony Announces HDC-P31, a Multi-Purpose Point of View System Camera with Enhanced Remote Features and Advanced HDR Workflows
Sony Electronics’ latest camera, the HDC-P31, is a point of view (POV) system camera with remote functionality and 1080/60p HDR capability that complements the company’s versatile lineup of box and portable system camera options. As the demand to streamline media production workflows increases, the model’s remote menu setting and status monitoring minimize the time and personnel needed on-site during a production, since POV cameras are often mounted in inaccessible or hard to reach locations or used on a crane, rail or robotics system. The flexible and lightweight HDC-P31 is ideal for studio, faith and rental applications, and sports production. Read More »

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Review Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL: Worlds Wides Ultra-Wide-Angle Rectilinear Lens For Full-Frame Cameras

Richard Wong released his Laowa 9mm f/5.6mm review and man is it wide. Below is a summary of his review:

  • Super close focus distance
  • At f/5.6 to f/8 focused on 1m everything is in focus so you can vlog with it easily.
  • No OIS, but if your camera has IBIS it should be able to stabilize wide well enough
  • Worlds wides ultra-wide-angle rectilinear lens for full-frame cameras
  • Laowa will have an 11mm f/4.5 and 40mm f/4 lens that will be the same lens mounts
  • This lens might be too wide because it’s beyond anything you have experienced
  • Normally he knows the view angle, but not with this lens
  • Just tilting up or down slightly can dramatically change the composition or even stepping forward or back
  • The lens is so wide that it makes his Nikon ultra-wide-angle look standard
  • Can focus down to 0.1m
  • No indicator for how to line the lens up with the body
  • Image sharpness pretty good at f/5.6 gets better by f/8
  • By f/16 the center gets a little softer
  • The corners are soft at f/5.6, but it improves a little at f/8, but they are sharpest at f/16
  • Distortion isn’t bad past 1m
  • f/5.6 no Sunstar in the photo, but it is there by f/8 through f/22
  • If you go beyond f/8 you get kind of a double sunstar
  • Color fringing is well-controlled shooting right into the sun
  • You can get some ghosting shooting into the sun
  • Vynyetting is quite noticeable even stopped down
  • They could make the lens quite a bit bigger if they want to reduce vynyetting
  • Ghosting is quite easy and the corners aren’t the sharpest, but it doesn’t stop him from having a lot of fun taking photos with this lens
  • It’s such a fun lens that you will overlook the flaws because before this lens you couldn’t shoot this wide without using a fisheye and defishing is which would reduce the quality more than this 9mm lens
  • Image quality isn’t perfect, but it makes shooting wide easy
  • Laowa always wants to create something different and very unique

Laowa 9mm f/5.6 FF RL: Venus Optics / B&H Photo / Amazon

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Sony Electronics Announces Expanded Capability of Camera Remote Software Development Kit (SDK) for Third Party Developers


SAN DIEGOJuly 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. has announced an updated version 1.01 for their Camera Remote Software Development Kit, expanding the functionality and versatility of the SDK for developers and integrators.

Sony, the industry leader in both full-frame and mirrorless cameras, has released the SDK based on extensive interest in their camera lineup from commercial customers since this February, and has been further expanding the solution since its launch.

The new SDK Version 1.01 allows for improved functionality with professional drone applications thanks to the addition of Linuxi compatibility. Additionally, the new software will increase remote control capabilities over camera settings.  New functions, which are appealing to the workflow for a wide variety of professional and commercial industries including security, entertainment and many others, include:

  • Ability to set Focus Magnifier Setting
  • Utilize expanded Focus Area setting when using AF Area Positionii
  • Zoom will be adjustable through Zoom Type Status, Zoom Scale, and Zoom Bar Information functions
  • Operate detailed White Balance (WB) settings including: Custom WB, AutoWB (AWB) Lock, Biaxial Fine Tuning and Picture Effect.
  • Control Media Format, Flash, and interval shooting
  • Adjustable frame rate or file format for video shooting

“The voice of our customers is critical to every aspect of our imaging business,” said Neal Manowitz, Deputy President of Sony Imaging Products and Solutions Americas for Sony Electronics.  “We will continue to evolve our SDK to meet the growing demands of our commercial clients, ultimately allowing them to capture, measure and create in ways they never could before.”

Rand Knight, Senior Advisor for Visual Intelligence, an industry-leading software and sensor technology company that utilizes drones to provide accurate geometric measurement data for bridges, towers and many other structures, said “The ability to leverage remote direct control of the Sony a7R IV has completely changed our business. The efficiencies that can be leveraged with the Linux-based SDK not only save time and processing power, but they allow for precise and repeatable results that can be employed for highly-accurate 3D models.”

Tabb Firchau, Founder and President of Freefly Systems, a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced camera movement systems for aerial cinematography, added “With SDK Version 1.01, the ability to remotely control all of these additional camera settings makes a huge difference to our filmmaking customers. From thousands of feet away, they can perfectly dial in their shot to match the look and feel of the project, minimizing stress and demands on post production.”

Support for Sony’s SDK is also being expanded to Canada, due to launch from July 16th.  SDK Version 1.01 is available now and can be downloaded HERE.

About Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Corporation (Japan), one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

Notes:
The new SDK Version 1.01 is compatible with 64bit (ARMv8) of Linux and will become compatible with 32bit (ARMv7) this summer. SDK is also conveniently compatible with Windows 8.1 / 10 systems.
ii Excludes Tracking Autofocus
* Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Meike MK-A6600 Pro Battery Grip For Sony a6600


Meike makes good affordable grips for Sony cameras and I have never once had an issue with mine for the Sony a7RIII. Meike’s grip for the Sony a6600 looks to have very similar features to mine with:

  • Use high-quality rubber, comfort to hold
  • Use 2.4GHz wireless channel and FSK signal mode can more effectively ensure speed, distance and stability.
  • Vertical shooting function, the best choice for portrait photography
  • Suitable for Sony A6600 Camera
  • 2pcs NP-FZ100 Lithium batteries can be put into the grip, the max distance for remote control can reach to about 100m.

You can get the Meike MK-A6600 Pro Battery Grip For Sony a6600 from Amazon

Sony a6600: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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