Modified Sony a7 Removes EVF


Yang Jingchao over at camgle posted a project that they have been working on to remove the viewfinder from a Sony a7, which is really impressive. It looks like phase two of this project will include a hot shoe from later posts, so this might be a thread worth following if you’re into extreme camera modification.

Below you can see just a few images of the project, but there are many more in the main thread if you want to dive into the details here.

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Sony RX10 Mark IV Reviews and Samples

The Sony RX10 Mark IV is a very capable camera and it improves on the Mark III in almost every way. For most photographers, the ability to track moving subjects accurately will probably be the most useful, but the ability to shoot 24fps is also very useful when trying to capture the right moment. When the Sony RX10 Mark IV ships later this month we should see a lot more reviews, but until then Gordan Laing’s review above is probably the best around, but make sure you have plenty of time to watch it all.

fstoppers – First Hands-On Impressions

cameralabs – Sony RX10 Mark IV review

imaging-resource – Sony RX10 Mark IV First Shots

ephotozine – Sample Photos

dpreview – Sample Gallery

Sony RX10 Mark IV: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical First Reviews and Availability


The Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens for E-mount is now available on Amazon and the first reviews are starting to show up.

Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens technical specifications: Read More »

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Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE Lens Launched


Samyang Optics is pleased to announce the release of their fourth autofocus lens: AF 35mm f/1.4 FE. The bright f/1.4 aperture and absolute resolution turn every moment into artwork. This lens now expands Samyang’s autofocus lens line-up to four which includes three existing autofocus lenses, AF 14mm f/2.8 FE, AF 35mm f/2.8 FE and AF 50mm f/1.4 FE.

Aim High, Create Artwork
This new AF 35mm f/1.4 FE works in harmony with full-frame mirrorless cameras in Sony E mount such as Sony α7 or α9 series. It is designed to appeal to enthusiasts and professionals who are ready to take the next step up in photography. It is the excellent companion to create artworks from everyday moments, while the tiny AF 35mm f/2.8 FE released in June of this year is the perfect partner for everyday photographers.

High Performance beyond Expectation
Absolute resolution across the entire image field is the key feature of Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE. The lens includes 11 elements in 9 groups and features 2 aspherical lenses and 2 high-refractive lenses, plus Ultra Multi Coating. The optical design minimises various aberrations and unnecessary light dispersion to deliver outstanding resolution. Fast, precise and quiet autofocus performance meets Samyang’s exceptional optical technology to capture any moments clearly. The bright F1.4 secures fast shutter speed and creates shallow depth of focus images in wide-standard angle of view. The new 35mm f/1.4 lens is ideal for professional photography including low-light events, landscapes and portraits with expressive characteristics.

Available from November 2017

Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 FE, a lens for photographers aiming high in photography, will be available globally from November and will carry a suggested retail price of £599.00 inc VAT.

Via ephotozine

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ON1 Photo RAW 2018 With New HDR, Pano Stitching, Masking and More

ON1 Photo RAW 2018 final will be available at the end of October but for now, you can download the 2018 beta with a 30-day free trial:

  • New update includes HDR module, Pano module, tons of updates in masking (Luminosity mask, luminosity zone masks, global mask adjustments, color range masks and more) – in one app!
  • Versions or virtual copies
  • New user interface
  • New color brushes
  • ON1 Photo for Mobile

ON1 Photo RAW 2018 will be updated and enhanced in many areas. Key new features will include the following:

  • ON1 HDR – Create stunning HDR photos that merge all tonality from a bracket of photos in a fraction of the time (test results have shown up to seven times faster than other HDR apps).  Automatically aligns photos and removes ghosting from motion between exposures. Includes full non-destructive editing with natural results and can be turned up to 11 for a surreal look.
  • Pano Stitching – Combine multiple photos into a single panoramic or matrix photo. Automatically aligns photos, even if they are not shot on a tripod, and blends them together seamlessly. An option to embed panoramic metadata for Facebook panning is also available.
  • Global Mask Editing Tools – These include new mask Density and Feather sliders to allow for changing the density or opacity of masks as well as blur masks for softening.
  • Luminosity Mask Updates – Adjust the levels of a mask to increase the contrast or brightness as well as set a tonal window to only affect a certain zone.  These updates allow users to target just the area they want, based on the photo.
  • Color Range Masks – Create a mask from a color range selection.
  • Blur and Chisel Mask Tools – In ON1 Effects, the Blur and Chisel mask tools are now included. The blur tool is perfect for softening or feathering a mask selectively. The Chisel tool lets the user push or pull the edge selectively, to remove halos. All of these new masking options are re-editable and non-destructive.
  • Versions — Versions are virtual copies of the same photo. Each version created can include non-destructive settings, including crop, retouching and adjustments. Versions work just like any other photo without taking up more space on your computer. 
  • Updated UI — Clean and modern UI where your photo is the center of attention. Custom name filters and layers to easier keep track of work. Also select your own UI accent color.
  • Paint with Color Brush — Painting with color can be a solid color, perfect for skin smoothing and making annotation layers, or paint with just the color and leave the underlying luminosity in place to change the color of objects like eyes.
  • Selectively Add or Remove Noise — Brush away noise in areas like skies or add noise for an artistic effect.
  • ON1 Photo for Mobile — Take the best shots with you on the go with the free ON1 Photo for Mobile app. It’s a great way to share portfolios. It can also sync new photos taken on phones back to the desktop so those photos are ready for editing.
  • Additional Camera & Lens Support — Added support for the Nikon D850, Olympus EM-10 III and Panasonic DMC-G85, plus a ton of new lenses.

Additional information in the press release: Read More »

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Save $150 on Sony 50mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro

A surprising deal on the on the Sony 50mm f/2.8 1:1 Macro at Amazon. If you don’t currently own a Macro lens for E-mount this one is worth picking up. This is my third 50mm E-mount lens and I rarely do Macro work, but I greatly prefer 1:1 Macro lenses over 1:2 lenses. Grab one before they are completely sold out even if you have to wait a little for delivery.

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