Sony RX100 VII is latest version of premium compact camera

Sony’s RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1-megapixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor, working with a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-200 mm f/2.8-4.5 zoom lens.

The camera offers 357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. In addition, thanks to a newly optimized lens drive control, what’s claimed to be the world’s fastest (0.02 sec) AF acquisition time is realized. A “major leap” in AF/AE tracking performance during continuous shooting means the camera performs AF/AE calculations up to 60 times per second, says the company, and captures fast moving action at 20fps with AF/AE tracking.

Also touted is blackout-free shooting for a completely live view, even when continuous shooting at 20 fps, the same as the Alpha 9, Sony explains. The camera also debuts a new drive mode, Single Burst Shooting, for capturing high-speed shots at up to 90 fps in JPEG/RAW format utilizing the anti-distortion shutter. Single Burst Shooting allows the photographer to frame fast moving action and shoot as if taking a single shot, but the camera will actually deliver seven still images taken at 90fps, 60fps or 30fps, so the user can select the perfect moment.

The RX100 VII introduces advanced Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF capabilities. Real-time Tracking is said to utilize Sony’s latest algorithm, including artificial intelligence-based object recognition to ensure subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. Real-time Eye AF, the latest version of Sony’s Eye AF technology, employs A.I.-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time. This results in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF, claims the company, for both humans and animals.

The camera weighs approximately 302 g and measures 102 x 58 x 43 mm.

Video? Lots going on here.

There’s 4K in-body movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning in high bit rate XAVCS; Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF; 4K Active SteadyShot that is said to be 8x more effective than 4K Standard SteadyShot; 3.5 mm microphone input; Hybrid Log-Gamma (HDR) / S-Gamut3.Cine / S-Log3, S-Gamut3 / S-Log3; compatibility with Movie Edit add-on from the Imaging Edge app for movie stabilization and editing; vertical-position data recording; Interval Shooting for time-lapse videos; Super Slow Motion recording at up to 960 fps; and a 180-degree flip screen.

Sony will also be introducing a Shooting Grip Kit.

The Sony RX100 VII will ship in August and sell for approximately $1,600.

Sony 7R IV boasts 61-megapixel sensor

Sony has announced the latest addition to its Alpha 7R series full-frame mirrorless camera line-up, the 7R IV, and the megapixel race is on once again.

The camera features a newly developed full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61-megapixels, the world’s first of its kind, says the company. The new sensor’s back-illuminated structure and effective noise reduction techniques are said to combine to deliver extremely low-noise and high-sensitivity performance. The camera also boasts a 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights, and utilizes algorithms from many of the latest Alpha cameras to maintain outstanding colour reproduction, according to Sony.

This camera is equipped with a 5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a shutter speed advantage of 5.5-steps, notes Sony. Additionally, the shutter unit assembly has been redesigned to further reduce movement that may cause blur.

The 7R IV also includes Sony’s highest resolution viewfinder ever, a 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder EVF. About 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the 7R III, this new viewfinder provides an extremely accurate, true-to-life depiction of the scene being framed, Sony claims. The display quality can be set to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ mode, and to either 60 fps or 120 fps refresh rate to best match the subject and shooting conditions.

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera is said to precisely shift the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 963.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 240.8 million pixel (19008 x 12672 pixels) image using Sony’s “Imaging Edge” desktop application.

The camera can shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fps with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to approximately seven seconds in full-frame, full-resolution mode (JPEG / RAW), and approx. three times as long in APS-C crop mode delivering 26.2-megapixel images.

The upgraded focusing system consists of 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 74 percent of the image area. There are also 425 contrast AF points that add extra precision and reliability for low light and other situations best served by contrast AF. The higher AF sensor density and refined tracking algorithms of the new camera produce a notable improvement in tracking performance, says Sony, allowing complex subject motion and sudden subject movements to be reliably tracked with greater precision than ever.

The 7R IV also supports Real-time Eye AF, which employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye location data in real-time, locking and maintaining focus on the subject’s eye with extreme precision, according to the company. This is available for both animal and human subjects, with either animal or human Eye AF mode selectable depending on the shooting situation. Real-time Tracking is available as well, which utilizes a newly developed subject recognition algorithm to “ensure the ultimate subject tracking and persistence of the focusing system,” Sony claims. There is also an anti-flicker shooting mode, which automatically detects the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting in a shooting environment.

The new model includes wireless LAN functionality to support the conventional 2.4 GHz band, as well as a high-speed 5 GHz band for faster, more stable data transfer. Wireless PC remote connectivity (wireless tethering shooting) is also available, a first for Sony cameras.

In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi and wireless PC connectivity, the camera is equipped with a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.2 Gen 1) USB Type-C connector that supports extremely fast wired data transmission, with almost doubled data transfer speed achieved in combination with Sony’s Imaging Edge software (compared to the 7R III). It also supports FTP data transfer with background transfer capability, allowing photographers to send images to a specified FTP remote server while they are still shooting or reviewing images.

To support an efficient, high-speed, connected professional workflow, Sony has announced version 2.0 of its “Imaging Edge” desktop applications (‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’). The ’Remote’ application allows users to control cameras and monitor live shooting on their PC screen; the ‘Viewer‘ application is used to preview, rate and select photos from large libraries; and the ’Edit‘ application can develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery.

To maximize convenience in image transfer, when utilizing the latest version of Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile app, the camera can transfer images to a connected smartphone even if the camera’s power is set to OFF.

The 7R IV offers 4K (3840×2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the image sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35 mm mode. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available to maximize colour grading flexibility, with S-Log 3 offering a total of 14-stops of dynamic range. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) is also available to support an Instant HDR workflow.

For video autofocus, the camera utilizes a refined Fast Hybrid AF system that achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during video shooting – even if an object temporarily moves in front of the intended subject, says Sony. The camera also includes Touch Tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing the user to touch the screen on their intended subject for instant acquisition.

The 7R IV debuts Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony’s cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not. Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected.

Another video feature is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe (MI Shoe), allowing a direct, digital connection from the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for clear, low-noise and high-quality audio recording. Interval shooting for creating time-lapse videos is available, as well as full HD recording at up to 120 fps, Slow and Quick Motion functions and more.

The camera features upgraded dust and moisture resistance, with additional sealing provided at all body seams, battery compartment cover and media slots. The camera is built with an extremely lightweight and durable magnesium alloy and also has an upgraded six screw, extra-firm lens mount.

Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip for greater comfort and a more sure hold within the hand; an increase in the diameter and feedback for the ‘AF-ON’ button; a new multi-selector joystick design for improvised control; an exposure compensation dial lock button; and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial. The camera also includes two UHS-II compatible media slots.

Camera setting registration is expanded. Now, almost all camera settings can be saved to, and read from, an inserted memory card. Up to 10 combinations can be saved to any individual card and loaded into any camera body of the same model.

Battery life has been improved with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 still images per change using LCD monitor, or 530 images with EVF. The new optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries, and the optional Multi Battery Adaptor (NPA-MQZ1K) can hold up to four Z batteries. The body can also be powered via the USB connector.

The Sony Alpha 7R IV will ship in September for approximately $4,500.

Sigma fp said to be world’s smallest, lightest full-frame mirrorless camera

Well this was unexpected, but a delightful surprise. Sigma has announced the fp, which it claims is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless digital camera. The camera incorporates a full-frame Bayer sensor with 24.6-effective-megapixels in a compact body.

The company touts it as an “open and liberal system,” allowing you to pair the camera with lenses and accessories, whether from Sigma or other brands, using a variety of attachments.

Dimensions are 112.6×69.9×45.3 mm and body weight is 370g (without battery and card). It employs a back-illuminated sensor. The body is covered on the front and back with die-cast aluminum alloy and features a signature heat sink structure and sealing on 42 points for a dust- and splash-proof structure.

The fp has an electronic shutter, so it’s quiet. Maximum frame rate is 18 fps.

In addition to a number of different colour modes, the camera has a “Teal and Orange” mode, inspired by the colour grading technique commonly used in Hollywood films. Each mode has a slider that enables adjustment of the strength of the effects to apply.

The fp is the first Sishgma camera to employ a tone curve adjustment function in addition to “Fill Light,” a special adjustment function of Photo Pro, and they are both available in-camera. It also has “Tone” and “Colour” buttons for a quick access to each of the tone control and colour mode menus.

The Auto HDR function takes multiple pictures of different exposures (3 frames for still photography and 2 frames for video) at once, which can then be merged into a single picture or video with a great dynamic range. The Cinemagraph function achieves a hybrid between still photography and video in the form of animated GIFs in which parts of a still image keep moving. Note the Auto HDR function in the Cine mode and the Cinemagraph function are to become available via a firmware update scheduled at a later date.

The fp uses the L-Mount from the L-Mount Alliance (Leica and Panasonic). With the MC-21 converter, non-L-Mount lenses can be used.

The fp supports 12-bit CinemaDNG external recording and offers 4K UHD/24fps recording. It also supports All-I recording which is optimal for editing H.264 compressed videos.

For video output, it uses USB3.1 (Gen1). Note, the feature of playing CinemaDNG footages in-camera is to become available via firmware update scheduled at a later date.

Going from stills to cine is done with the flip of a switch. Each mode comes with a specially designed operation system and displays.

The camera weighs 422 g (including battery and SD card).

Availability and price are to be announced.

Leica V-Lux 5 arrives

With the Leica V-Lux 5 features a zoom lens and a newly developed, larger sensor, OLED electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated touchscreen panel, fast autofocus and a high continuous-shooting rate, plus exposure modes like Focus Stacking and Post-focusing. There’s also an app for connectivity features.

The camera offers a 20-megapixel, 1-inch sensor, Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 9.1-146 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. lens (equivalent to 25-400 mm), maximum sensitivity of ISO 12800 and an integrated optical image stabilizer.

Its newly developed electronic viewfinder brings a higher contrast ratio and improved colour depth, notes the company, while simultaneously consuming less power.

Leica says the camera takes only about 0.1 seconds to focus sharply on a subject, and delivers a burst rate of up to 12 fps. Face Recognition and 4K Burst Mode are also available.

The camera captures video in 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) at frame rates of 24, 25 or 30 frames per second, or full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 60 frames per second.

The V-Lux 5 is the first model in the line that can be used with the Leica FOTOS App. After establishing a Bluetooth connection between the camera and an iOS or Android smartphone, the app can be used to change settings and remotely control the camera. Photos and videos can be quickly and easily transferred for post-processing or sharing in social networks. The app can also export GPS positioning data from the smartphone to the camera. The camera can be recharged via USB.

The Leica V-Lux 5 is available now.

Leica calls M-E “entry level” camera

Leica says its M-E model is specifically designed to get newcomers into the M system. Mind you, the company also says quantities are limited, so get ‘em while you can (okay, Leica didn’t quite say it that way, but you get the drift).

The Leica M-E, or Typ 240 as it’s also called, is characterized by its iconic design and the familiar high quality of its construction and finish. Its compact body is sealed against dust and water spray and features real leather trim. The top deck and the baseplate are finished in an anthracite-gray lacquer especially developed for the Leica M-E. As with other M-Cameras, thanks to the M-Bayonet mount, it is fully compatible with almost every Leica M lens ever built.

The camera offers a resolution of 24-megapixels and a CMOS sensor, an ISO sensitivity range up to 6400, and a 2 GB buffer memory.

Video recording is full-HD form (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a choice of 24, 25, or 30 frames per second.

The Leica M-E will be on sale beginning July 25.

Two PowerShot G-Series Canons are upgrades

G7X

Canon has introduced the PowerShot G7 X III and G5 X Mark II cameras, the two sharing many features:

DIGIC 8 imaging processor; 20.1-megapixel 1.0-inch stacked CMOS sensor; 4K up to 30p, Full HD up to 60p, FHD up to 120p, HDR, high frame rate movie with no crop; high-speed continuous shooting at a maximum of 20 fps; highest ISO speed in the PowerShot category with a maximum of 12,800; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity; and USB-C charge power supply.

G5X

Canon touts the G7 X III as the next-generation vlogging camera. It features live-streaming to YouTube capability via a wireless connection. It also offers vertical video support (now ain’t that somethin’!) and an optical 4.2x lens. It also features a microphone jack.

The G5 X Mark II is a lighter, compact and premium point and shoot camera that touts a new pop-up EVF, touch and drag AF and new optical 5x lens, plus a new panoramic shot feature.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X III and the PowerShot G5 X Mark II are expected to be available in August.

Hasselblad unveils new camera, lens; teases new back, body

X1D II 50C

Following up on its X1D-50c mirrorless medium-format digital camera, Hasselblad has announced the evolutionary X1D II 50C, and has unveiled the XCD 35-75 mm f/3.5-4.5 lens as well as Phocus Mobile 2. In addition, the company has revealed it’s working on the CFV II 50C digital back and 907X camera body, both future products.

The X1D II 50C is said to offer enhanced electronics in a package smaller than most full frame DSLRs, with 50-megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm) for capturing images with “superb” tonality, “outstanding” colour depth and a dynamic range of 14 stops. With Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) technology integrated into the camera’s system, the company claims exceptional, true-to-life tones are delivered that match what the human eye sees.

The camera sports a graphite grey exterior and a smooth handling experience with ergo­nomic grip.

Output is 16-bit RAW images and full resolution JPEGs.

The upgraded.electronic platform includes a higher resolution 3.6-inch touch display, a higher resolution enhanced OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a high magnification of 0.87x.

The X1D II 50C’s live view features a faster refresh rate, reduced shutter lag and black out time between frames, an improved continuous capture rate. Further refinements have been made to improve the camera’s handling experience, including the ability to access the menu system when looking in the EVF.

XCD35-75 on X1D II 50C

Hasselblad’s post production solutions now include the new Phocus Mobile 2. Connected via USB-C and Wi-Fi, photographers can transfer RAW and full JPEG files directly from the X1D II 50C and edit RAW images on their iPad Pro or iPad Air while out on the field. Phocus.Mobile 2 also supports full image export, tethered shooting and direct.camera control.

The company says the ninth addition to the X System lens range, the XCD 35-75 mm f/3.5-4.5 lens delivers the same image quality from edge-to-edge as the XCD prime lenses. Its.internal focusing keeps the lens’ dimensions constant, delivers quick autofocus and additionally keeps the overall weight down. the lens features an integral central lens shutter, offering exposure times from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synch throughout.

CFVII 907X

Looking down the road a bit, Hasselblad is developing a modernized CFV II 50C digital back and new 907X camera body.

The CFV II 50C digital back, which will have a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor, will enable use with most V System cameras made from 1957 onwards in addition to third party technical or view cameras. The back will feature a tilt screen with full touch support and Hasselblad’s user interface for settings, image review, and menu navigation. Users of previous CFV digital backs will appreciate a new fully-integrated battery, the same used on the X System, which will reduce overall size and with the option to recharge in-camera via the USB-C port.

Hasselblad’s smallest medium-format camera body, the 907X, offers the classic waist-level shooting style of the V System enabled by the CFV II 50C’s tilt screen. With the 907X, the photographer will gain access to all of the X System Lenses in addition to a range of Hasselblad optics via adapters, including the H System, V System, and XPan lenses. In addition, the 907X will enable compatibility with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses. Planned accessories include the 907X Control Grip and 907X External Optical Viewfinder.

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C has an expected retail availability in July, the 35-75 mm zoom in October, and the Phocus.Mobile 2 can be downloaded free of charge by Hasselblad users starting in July.

The CFV II 50C and 907X availability will be announced later in the year.

Fujifilm unveils unique hybrid camera

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay hybrid camera incorporates both instant print and digital technologies, including sound recording. The instant camera features a rear LCD screen, integrated filters and frames, smartphone printing, and remote shooting capabilities.

The camera is the smallest, most lightweight Instax camera yet still manages to house a rear 2.7-inch colour LCD screen where users can view and select favourite images before printing, as well as personalize their settings via the easy-to-use menus. Users can also select between six fun filters and up to 30 frame options.

But about the sound … You can capture up to 10 seconds of audio to accompany any selected image. When selected, the sound data is converted to a QR code and printed directly onto the corner of the instant film image. Scan the QR code with a smartphone and hear the recording.

The “Direct Print” function converts the camera into a smartphone printer. Connect it via Bluetooth to a smartphone via the app and print any image saved in a smartphone.

As well, using the app, users can release the camera’s shutter remotely through their smartphone.

Using standard Instax Mini instant print film, the camera features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and can print approximately 100 prints on a full charge.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is scheduled to be available in a couple of days, in either Stone White, Elegant Black or Blush Gold, at a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Panasonic unveils 6K video S1H camera

The newest addition to the Lumix S series, the S1H, is another mirrorless camera with a full-frame image sensor, but this one is touted as the world’s first camera capable of video recording at 6K/24p. It’s due to arrive this fall.

Maximizing the use of the pixels in the full-frame image sensor, the S1H achieves 6K/24p (3:2 aspect ratio) or 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio) video recording. Panasonic also says it is the world’s first full-frame digital interchangeable lens system camera to enable 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K video recording. It accommodates a variety of recording formats like 4:3 Anamorphic mode. It can also be used to create 4K videos with higher image quality or to crop images in 4K.

The camera features V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, virtually the same as the Panasonic Cinema VariCam. The company says the colour and texture of human skin are faithfully reproduced. Designed under consistent colour management, the S1H’s recorded footage is compatible with V-Log footage recorded by VariCam or the GH5/GH5S.

The S1H is designed especially for film production, says Panasonic.

Fujifilm GFX100 here at end of June

Fujifilm teased us with its announcement last year and has now officially unveiled it, the flagship GFX100 mirrorless digital camera, incorporating a newly-developed 102 megapixel, 55 mm diagonal image sensor. That’s right, a “medium-format” camera that’s physically about the same size as current full-format cameras, an image sensor larger than the 35 mm (full-frame) format.

The camera features a 102-megapixel back-side illuminated sensor (BSI), in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and on-board phase detection hybrid auto-focus (AF) with near 100 percent coverage. The GFX100 is equipped with Fujifilm’s colour reproduction technology and film simulations.

That large sensor offers 4K, 30p video recording capability (4:2:2 10-bit).

And that sensor is paired with the company’s X-Processor 4 processing engine, a combination said to create a combination capable of outputting 16-bit images with “amazing” colour fidelity, rich shadow detail, and “incredible” dynamic range. Its back-illuminated structure is said to promote crisp image quality by bringing the exposure plane in extremely close proximity to the colour filter array, with claimed ultra-low noise levels and a native ISO of ISO 100.

The built-in 5-axis image stabilization offers up to 5.5-stop image stabilization. The entire shutter unit is suspended with four springs to minimize the effect of shutter shock.

Phase detection pixels – 3.76 million of them – are utilized across the sensor, achieving AF speed improvement of up to 210 percent over the conventional contrast AF system used in GFX 50R.

The GFX100 has weather sealing in 95 locations across the camera body and detachable EVF.

The camera’s core imaging unit, consisting of the lens mount, image stabilization mechanism and image sensor, has been structured completely separate from the main body panels. This “double-structure” is designed to ensure a high level of precision and robustness while minimizing resolution degradation caused by external stress to the body, says the company. To maximize usability, the GFX100 incorporates a vertical grip.

The combination of the newly-developed image sensor and the fourth-generation X-Processor 4 processing engine means the camera supports 16-bit RAW capture. The camera also features the newly-developed “Smooth Skin Effect” function, which automatically smooths the skin tone of the subjects, as is often performed in portraiture. Fujifilm notes this allows the photographer to skip a portion of post-processing work.

The Fujifilm GFX100 body will be available in late June at a suggested retail price of $13,299.99.