Metabones lV Update 0.53

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 5, 2016

Metabones Smart Adapter IV
Firmware update V0.53 for EF-E Smart Adapter MARK IV and EF-E Speed Booster ULTRA

Benefits and improvements:

  • Easier user interface to select between Green and Advanced mode using Metabones App, with separate settings for newer cameras and older cameras (except Mark I/II/III and original Speed Booster).
  • Fix operation of Kenko Pro300 DGX (green dot) stacked on EF Extender III.
  • Option to park focus to infinity upon shutdown to shorten its length for storage (except Mark I/II/III and original Speed Booster). Some lenses may disregard this setting but never park focus, and most of these are internal focus lenses which do not require parking. STM lenses always observe the option setting.
  • Shortened shutdown time for IS lenses.
  • Option to close down the aperture or leave it where it is when camera shuts down (except Mark I/II/III and original Speed Booster).
  • Option to let camera body decide whether OIS, IBIS or a combination thereof shall be selected (except Mark I/II/III and original Speed Booster).
  • AF accuracy improvement for subjects near infinity.
  • Fixed autocrop of Sigma 50-100/1.8 DC HSM Art 016.
  • Stability improvement.
  • Fixed issue with Tamron VC USD where autofocus may occasionally become inoperative.

This Firmware is For
Metabones Smart Adapter IV (EF-E Smart Adapter) MARK IV
Metabones EF-E Speed Booster ULTRA 0.71x

FIRMWARE DOWNLOAD LINKS:
Metabones EF-E Smart Adapter Mark IV: MAC | WIN

 

Posted in Accessories, Firmware updates, Third party lenses| Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Will Sony Buy Nikon?

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 4, 2016

nikon-sony-logo

No… At least it wouldn’t be a smart business move on Sony’s behalf. Nikon and Canon have been circling the toilet slowly for years now and everyone knows it. Canon is a lot bigger turd so it will take longer to flush, but beyond their names neither company adds any value to Sony’s portfolio. While the names have value the companies haven’t produced anything of value in sometime now and it’s why I am not overly interested in covering them. I love photography, but I am also a high technology buff that has toyed with the latest and greatest for 30+ years now. If Canon or Nikon had anything compelling I would own it and know how to use it proficiently. It’s only a matter of time before these companies fail and the likes of Sony and Fuji take over unless they change their ways.

I am not a big fan of rumors, beyond maybe holding back on an impulsive purchase, because it is incredibly easy to speculate about the world and everyone has an opinion. I would rather be second and more correct than first and half right, which is why I work with Nikonrumors/Photorumors/Leicarumors/Pentaxrumors. Rumors need to be legitimate/solid before they are reported otherwise they are just conjecture and anyone can do that. Actually I can think of a hand full of sites that report a lot of conjecture, which have very active comment sections because conjecture drives dialog, but this isn’t healthy for the camera market. It’s best to stick to the facts and maybe some light conjecture based on a lot of experience, but beyond that the wild speculation needs to stop. I don’t see a rumor about Sony buying Nikon helping anyone except the person creating the rumor.

Based on NikonRumors

Posted in Editorial| 4 Comments

DPReview Finished Their Sony RX100 V Review

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 3, 2016

sonyrx100vdpr

DPReview finished their review of the Sony RX100 V and I’m a bit surprised it only received a Silver Award. The Sony RX100 series has always been amazing for it’s size. I’m of the opinion that they were a bit unfair about it’s short comings e.g. “Not so good for Sports photographers who will want a longer zoom lens…” who is shooting sports with a pocket camera? Read More »

Posted in Sony RX100| Tagged | 1 Comment

The Techart Pro Adapter is Now Available at B&H Photo

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 3, 2016

_DSF3705
The availability of the Techart Pro adapter just got better now that B&H Photo has them in stock. Amazon also has better distributors now if you prefer to shop with them, but if you have even one piece of M glass you should think about picking this great adapter up. A few months ago I published an expansive compatibility list and review if you’re curious if you’re curious about the adapter.

Posted in Sony a7 II, Sony a7R II, Sony a7S II| Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Sony Released New a6500 Marketing Videos

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 2, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJDdRc8qbHA

Sony produced some videos to show off the features of the new Sony a6500. Many think the a6500 simply fixes the problems with the a6300, but it’s in line with the release schedule that we previously shared, so it’s probably accurate to call it an incremental upgrade than anything else. I think many camera manufactures are focusing on speed with the current generation of cameras being released.

Sony a6500
B&H Photo/Amazon/Adorama

 

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Sony 2016 Q2 Financial Report

By Louis Ferreira | Published: November 1, 2016

sonyfinq2
Imaging Products & Solutions (IP&S)
sonyfinq22

The IP&S segment includes the Still and Video Cameras as well as Other categories. Still and Video Cameras includes interchangeable lens cameras, compact digital cameras, consumer video cameras and video cameras for broadcast; Other includes display products such as projectors and medical equipment. Due to certain changes in Sony’s organizational structure, sales and operating revenue and operating income (loss) of the IP&S segment of the comparable prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Sales decreased 25.2% year-on-year (a 14% decrease on a constant currency basis) to 135.4 billion yen (1,340 million U.S. dollars). This significant decrease in sales was mainly due to lower sales of Still and Video Cameras, primarily reflecting a contraction of the market and the difficulty of procuring components due to the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes, as well as the impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by an improvement in the product mix of Still and Video Cameras, reflecting a shift to high value-added models.

Operating income decreased 8.2 billion yen year-on-year to 14.9 billion yen (147 million U.S. dollars). This significant decrease was mainly due to the impact of the above-mentioned decrease in sales and the negative impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by such factors as the above-mentioned improvement in product mix and a reduction of fixed costs. During the current quarter, there was a 9.5 billion yen negative impact from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

You can read the full report here

 

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