Nitecore NFZ100 3rd Party Smart Z Battery

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 11, 2019

 

NITECORE NFZ100 (Coming Soon): B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

The NITECORE NFZ100 is the first smart camera battery managed with a mobile app. Developed by NITECORE, it is specially designed for Sony camera users and compatible with Sony α7 III, α7R III, α9 (ILCE-9).

In NNERGY, an iOS/Android app in your smartphone, you can check the real-time information of the current working status of your smart batteries, including
Battery Health, Power Remaining, Battery Voltage, Charge Cycles, Estimated Time to FULL/EMPTY, and Activation Date.

The NFZ100 is available with the Storage Mode. After the Storage Mode is activated, your battery will be automatically discharged to 70% after it is left unused for 10 days as it is the ideal storage status to be kept for a prolonged time. The firmware of the battery can be OTA upgraded in NNERGY to gain compatibility withthe latest Sony camera models. The power balance circuit is able to balance the working status of each cell to maximize the lifespan of the battery.

The high capacity of 2,280mAh enables approx. 500 photos taken in each charge cycle. It is equipped with multiple battery safeguards including Overcharge
Protection, Over-discharge Protection, Overcurrent Protection, Overvoltage Protection and Short-circuit Protection. The proper size of the battery shell also fits the battery slot of Sony cameras perfectly.

via Photorumors

Posted in Accessories, Sony a7III, Sony a7RIII, Sony a7RIV, Sony a7SIII, Sony a9, Sony a9II| Tagged , , | Leave a comment

ECM-B1M Digital Audio Shotgun Microphone Review

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 11, 2019

CameraLabs posted an interesting demo fo the ECM-B1M Digital Audio Shotgun Microphone and it has a lot of recording options that you can use to maximize your audio quality. The performance is actually pretty good for is size and price, but I would like to see some additional coverage. At this time the Sony a7RIV is the only camera with the necessary pinout to use the ECM-B1M.

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Sony a7RIV: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sony VG-C4EM grip: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
XLR-K3M Mic Input: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
ECM-B1M Digital Audio Shotgun Microphone:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Lens Rentals: Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM Tear Down

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 10, 2019


Lens Rentals has a Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM fail while it was in a clients hands, so when they received it back they decided to disassemble it to see what they found. This is the same lens that set records in their MTF testing so I’m sure it’s a popular one. Below are excerpts from the larger article with photos which you can see here:

  • The filter ring is well-engineered for cheap replacement in the even that the filter ring get dented and is heald in place with screws and slots that take a 1/8th turn to disengage.
  • The front also has a thick gasket, but they found out the back was the way to take the lens apart not from the front when they got to the gasket
  • The back has good weather sealing, but Lens Rentals has already had issues with dust inside multiple lenses
  • When they got the lens open they determined it was laid out logically and modularly, plus the build quality was robust
  • The focusing groups have a long travel distance that allows for precision and reduces aberrations
  • The first issue they found when disassembling the lense was that the front element of the front focusing group seemed to be poking up a little bit on one side, which could cause the lens to malfunction
  • The aperture blades are nice and smoothly circular
  • There is more weather sealing inside the lens beyond the front and back
  • When disassembling a lens everything has to be put back exactly where it came from so Lens rentals generally has to mark a lot, but the 135mm is assembled with these markings in place
  • The front element had the light shield pushed out of place in the end
  • The light shield caused a millimeter of tilt where 0.1mm would have been catastrophic
  • They were unable to fix the lens in this instance because it would take the removal of all the glue from the element and the repotting of the front element to fix
  • This was a one-off but other lenses have had dust issues
  • This is nothing to be concerned about and the failure was a wtf is happening kind of moment
  • This is a well-made lens with IS built like a tank and a robust magnesium alloy barrel that has lots of long thick screws holding it all together with nothing flimsy to be seen
  • The electromagnetic focusing motor is improved over the design a few years ago and is now built like a tank
  • Lots of care was taken engineering this lens and it shows from the layout to the materials used
  • The optical design is also well built too.

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Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

 

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Amateur Photographer: Sony a7RIV Interview – New IBIS Algorithm, BSI, Megapixel Limits, and More

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 9, 2019


Amateur Photographer interviewed Ben Pilling the Technical Marketing Manager for Sony’s Alpha 7R IV camera. Below are excerpts from the interview

  • Sony won’t talk about if full-frame is maxed out without losing dynamic range, but do mention they can still work on their BSI to improve sensors, which could be used to add more pixels to full-frame later
  • The Sony a7RII was the first camera to have BSI and they have improved BSI performance since then so that dynamic range isn’t compromised with low light
  • 10fpscontinues shooting with 61MP is also impressive, but people would like to see more so that’s an area they can improve
  • IBIS uses a new algorithm and software tailored for the a7RIV
  • There is a new low-vibration shutter too that is cushioned against the camera’s magnesium alloy body
  • Both make it easier to fully utilize the a7RIV’s 61MP
  • Sony will run a lot of hands-on events so that they can try the a7RIV
  • Sony will continue producing all their R cameras
  • The screen only tilts up and down at this time because they are trying to keep the camera compact and Sony prioritizes the design of the screen along the optical axis
  • The new external mic was designed to make the a7RIV fit more consumers needs
  •  If there is a market for an f/1.2 lens Sony will certainly consider making some

via amateurphotographer

Sony a7 News, Rumors, and Collaboration
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Sony a7RIV: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Photographer’s Guide to the Sony a6400: Getting the Most from Sony’s Advanced Mirrorless Camera

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 9, 2019


The Photographer’s Guide to the Sony a6400: Getting the Most from Sony’s Advanced Mirrorless Camera is available on Amazon for those looking for help with their Sony a6400 or as a gift. It is currently only available digitally, but it paperback will be available soon.

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Sony a6400: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Book Description
With this book, author Alexander S. White provides users of the a6400 with a manual covering all aspects of the camera’s operation. Using a tutorial-like approach, the book shows beginning and intermediate photographers how to accomplish things with the a6400, and explains when and why to use the camera’s many features.

The book provides details about the camera’s shooting modes as well as its menu options for shooting, playback, setup, video, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and special effects. The book covers the a6400’s ability to use its touch screen for focusing and enlarging images in some situations, its upgraded autofocus system, which includes automatic focusing on the eyes of humans or animals, and the camera’s wide range of options for assigning its control buttons, dial, and wheel to carry out photographic functions.

The book includes more than 450 color photographs that illustrate the camera’s controls, display screens, and menus. The images include photographs taken using the a6400’s Scene mode, with settings optimized for subjects such as landscapes, sunsets, portraits, and action shots; and its Creative Style and Picture Effect menu options, with settings that alter the appearance of images. Read More »

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Sony RX100VIII/RX100VII Lensmate Quick Change Filter Adapter Kit

By Louis Ferreira | Published: August 8, 2019

Many are using the latest Sony RX100 cameras for vlogging and photography, but to get the correct frame rate for filming you will need an ND filter during most days. That’s where the Lensmate Quick Change Filter Adapter Kit comes in. DC.Watch confirmed that the Lensmate Quick Change Filter Adapter Kit for RX100VI will fit the RX100VII so feel free to give one a try.

The Lensmate Quick Change Filter Adapter Kit attaches to the front of the RX100 with 3M dual-sided adhesive film that will hold the 52mm adapter securely, but come off without leaving a residue. There is no vignetting at any focal length and you can even stack a UV and ND filter or even use 2 ND filters. The use of a low profile polarizing filter is also possible with no vignetting

You can find 52mm filters and the Lensmate Quick Change Filter Adapter Kit on Amazon

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Sony RX100VIII: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

 

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