The Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens is now officially announced and available for pre-order

• Pre-orders: Adorama | B&H Photo | Koch Foto | WEX Photo
• Watch the livestream here
• Additional information
• Sample photos
• Full coverage at PentaxRumors:

Pentax 17 film camera additional information

Pentax 17 film camera officially announced, available for pre-order

Overview:

New PENTAX 17 compact film camera. The PENTAX 17 is a half-frame camera, capturing two 17mm x 24mm pictures within in a single 35mmformat (36mm x 24mm) film frame. It produces vertical-format pictures, with similar ratios to those captured by smartphones.

In addition to the distinctive image quality created only by a film camera, the design of the PENTAX 17 incorporates manual operations unique to film photography — a selectable zone-focus system, manual film winding, manual film advance lever, and exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity adjustments, each With their own dials. It has a retro-inspired design, with the top and bottom covers made of a solid but lightweight magnesium alloy to optimize the camera body’s rigidity.

The PENTAX 17 features a newly developed 25mm F3.5 lens (equivalent to a 37mm lens in the 35mm format). The lens is treated with HD (High Definition) coating to optimize clarity and sharpness. The optical viewfinder features an Albada-type bright frame finder and has a close-up visual field compensation frame to help compose close-up images more easily. The camera has seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications and scenarios. It automatically adjusts exposure settings based on lighting data collected by its metering sensor. It is an ideal model not only for film camera enthusiasts who have enjoyed film photography for years, but also for photographers who are excited about trying film photography for the first time

Features:

• Half-size format: Two 17mm x24mm pictures are captured within a single 35mm frame (36mm x 24mm)
• Manual camera operation unique to film cameras
• Newly developed lens combines time-proven optics and the latest lens coating technology
• Zone-focus system to switch the in-focus area via simple selection of zone marks
• Bright optical viewfinder for real-time confirmation of a subject image
• Seven shooting modes to accommodate different applications
• High-quality body with meticulous attention to every detail
• A wide selection of ISO film speeds (50, 100, 125, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200)
• Note holder on the back cover, into which the end of the film package can be inserted for an at-a-glance confirmation of the film in use
• Three strap lugs to accommodate horizontal and vertical camera suspensions, to best suit the
  user’s shooting style
• Compatibility with the optional CS-205 Cable Switch, which comes in handy for extended-exposure photography in the Bulb shooting mod

The post Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens is now officially announced appeared first on Photo Rumors.

From Gizmodo:

"The U.S. government sued Adobe on Monday for allegedly “trapping” customers in its default, most lucrative subscription plan. In a complaint, the Department of Justice (DOJ) writes that Adobe locks customers into a year-long agreement that’s not effectively disclosed as such, and “ambushing” users with hefty hidden fees when they try to cancel."

More on ftc.gov: "Adobe used hidden fee to trap people into paying for subscription plans".

Case description:

This will put a smile on many readers!

The post US government sues Adobe for “trapping” customers appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Images: Ricoh

Ricoh has revealed the Pentax 17, the half-frame film compact with a manual focus fixed prime lens.

The Pentax 17 has a 25mm F3.5 lens which works out at 37mm equivalent, and derives its name from the horizontal width of the 17 x 25mm frames it captures. The company says the vertical format makes it similar to images shot by smartphones.

It has a manual focus lens that can be set to one of six preset distances, from 0.25m to infinity, indicated with icons on the top of the lens. The company says the lens is based on the design of 1994's Pentax Espio Mini and features three elements in three groups. It features a leaf shutter that gives a circular aperture shape all the way from F3.5 to F16, and gives a shutter speed range from 1/350 sec to 4 seconds, and offers a Bulb mode for longer exposures.

Image: Ricoh

The company says its targeting a younger audience who enjoy the experience of shooting film and will appreciate the cost-savings of shooting two exposures on each 36 x 24mm frame. The 17 will also provide the certainty of a full warranty with good availability of spare parts, which second-hand cameras lack. It will come with a one year warranty and, in the US at least, the option of a second year of coverage.

The camera features magnesium alloy construction and uses a standard CR2 lithium battery to power its flash, light meter and viewfinder indicators.

The 17 will be available from late June 2024 at a cost of $499.95.

Pentax 17 Specifications

The new Pentax 17 film camera is already listed online in Germany and is available for order. The full details can be found at PentaxRumors: (the official announcement is today at 4 pm):

Pentax 17 film camera listed online, available for pre-order

Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens leaked online hours before the official announcement

Via PentaxRumors

The post Pentax 17 film camera listed online, available for pre-order appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens leaked online hours before the official announcement (the official announcement is today at 4 pm):

Rioch registered the “17” trademark for the upcoming Pentax film camera

The Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens will be officially announced next week (June 18th)

Via PentaxRumors

The post Pentax 17 half-frame film camera with 25mm f/3.5 lens leaked online hours before the official announcement appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Nikon Z6 III camera is now officially announced and available for pre-order (see full coverage at NikonRumors):

• US: Adorama | B&H Photo | Amazon | Paul’s Photo | Service Photo
• DE: Foto Erhardt | Foto Koch | Calumet
• UK: WEX Photo | Park Cameras
• CA: Camera Canada

Key specs of the Nikon Z6III:

• K/60p Internal N-RAW video recording
• Oversampled 4K UHD, 4K/120p, Full HD/240p slow motion
• AF detection down to -10EV
• EVF 5760k-dot resolution
• ISO sensitivity range of 100-64000, with extended range up to Hi 1.7 (equivalent to ISO 204800).
• 8 stops of built-in image stabilization
• Flip Out Screen
• Shipping starts in late June
• Nikon Z6 III features
• Z6III: tool for photo and video
• Z6III review
• List of Nikon Z6 III events
• Nikon Z6 III YouTube videos
• Nikon Z6 II vs. Nikon Z6 III specifications comparison
• SmallRig released new cage kits for Nikon Z6 III cameras, including a "Night Eagle" version
• The one and only original Nikon Z6 III accessory announced today - the MB-N14 power battery pack
• In German: Die neue Nikon Z6III ist da
• Join the Nikon ℤ6 III Facebook Group
• Sample Photo
• Press release
• Additional pictures:

Overview:

At the heart of the Z6III is Nikon’s first partially-stacked 24.5MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor. This powerful combination offers advanced multi-subject detection autofocus inherited from Nikon’s flagship models, extraordinary low-light focus detection and a blazing fast electronic shutter capable of continuous shooting up to 120 fps. A bright, high-resolution, wide color gamut EVF supports comfortable viewing even with fast frame rates. Video features include 6K/60p internal RAW and Full HD/240p capture for 10X slow motion.

Features:

• Video: 6K/60p Internal N-RAW video recording + oversampled 4K UHD, 4K/120p, Full HD/240p slow motion, Hi-Res Zoom up to 2x digital zoom during HD recording, 1.4x during 4K recording, line-in audio, professional monitoring tools and more.
• Autofocus Detection: AF detection down to -10EV, with sophisticated multi-subject recognition, enhanced by Nikon’s Deep Learning technology. AF is approx. 20% faster than the Z6II and accurate detection of human faces as small as ~3% of the frame.
• Best in class EVF: Class-leading* max brightness of 4000 nits gives a clear, vibrant view even in very bright conditions; 5760k-dot resolution and premium viewfinder optics mean clear detailed viewing; 120 fps maximum refresh rate gives natural, lifelike motion even when shooting fast action; and an expanded color gamut equivalent to DCI-P3 ensures more accurate reproduction of delicate tones
• Vibration reduction: 8 stops** of built in image stabilization with Focus Point VR.
• Wide ISO range: ISO sensitivity range of 100-64000, with extended range up to Hi 1.7 (equivalent to ISO 204800).
• Flexible Picture Control: Get the look you want–create your desired color profile in NX Studio and upload it as a Custom Picture Control directly to your Z6III

Join the Nikon ℤ6 III Facebook Group

The post Nikon Z6 III camera officially announced with a partially-stacked CMOS sensor appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Nikon Z6III is the company's third-generation full-frame mirrorless camera, bringing a faster 24MP sensor that boosts the autofocus and video capabilities of this stills/video hybrid.

Key specifications

• 24MP "Partially Stacked" CMOS sensor
• 14fps with mech shutter, 20fps e-shutter up to 1000 Raw files
• Up to 60fps JPEG in full resolution, 120fps with APS-C crop
• In-body image stabilization rated at up to 8.0 stops
• 5.76M dot EVF with high brightness and wide color gamut
• Fully articulated 3.2" 2.1M dot rear screen
• 6K/60p N-Raw video, 6K/30p ProRes Raw
• 5.4K/60p H.265 video
• Pre-burst capture, pixel-shift high-res mode

The Nikon Z6III will be available from late June at a price of $2500. This is a $500 increase over the previous Z6 models but brings it into line with the likes of Canon's EOS R6 II and Sony's a7 IV, with which it directly competes.

Index:

• What's new?
• How it compares
• Body and controls
• Initial impressions
• Sample gallery
• Specifications
• Press release

What's new

24MP "Partially Stacked" CMOS sensor

Nikon's image of the Z6III's sensor, showing the extensive readout circuitry above and below the sensor. Image: Nikon

The sensor at the heart of the Z6III is responsible for much of what the new camera brings. Nikon uses the term "Partially Stacked" to suggest it has some of the performance benefits of the Stacked CMOS chips it uses in its Z8 and Z9 models, but without the associated cost.

Nikon hasn't given us precise detail but it appears the readout and analog-to-digital conversion circuitry around the edge of the chip is built-up, allowing it to be both more sophisticated and closer to the pixels themselves, delivering faster readout.

The result is that the camera can read out its sensor fast enough to deliver full-width 6K video at up to 60p in N-Raw mode and a flash sync speed of 1/60 sec. This means it must be able to read the entire sensor in less than 1/60 sec. This is around the same speed as the Canon EOS R6 II, but in 14-bit sensor readout mode, rather than 12-bit. It can shoot full-res JPEGs (presumably from 12-bit readout) at up to 50fps.

However, that maximum sync speed of 1/60th is around a quarter of the speed of true Stacked CMOS sensors and not a vast leap forward from the previous generation of sensors. It should improve AF performance and video capabilities but won't deliver the blisteringly fast performance of the likes of the Z8.

Improved AF

Along with the faster sensor, the Z6III also gains the autofocus improvements seen in Nikon's recent models, including 3D Tracking and subject recognition. The company says AF is up to 20% faster than it was in the Z6 II, and that the performance is comparable with the Z8 and Z9.

On top of this, the camera can focus at down to –10EV without you having to engage the Starlight AF mode (though it's worth noting that this figure is predicated on an F1.2 lens being attached). It also gains most the subject recognition modes from the Zf, though lacks the dedicated bird detection mode that the Z8 and Z9 have recently gained.

These all reflect a significant improvement over the Z6 II. The 3D Tracking system resembles those on Nikon's DSLRs: pick an AF point and the camera will follow whatever's under that point when you hold the shutter half depressed or the AF-On button. As soon as you release it reverts to your previously chosen position. Unlike the Z6 II's system you don't need to press a button to cancel tracking and it doesn't revert to the center.

But as well as this increased ease-of-use, the interface controls a much more effective and reliable tracking system that's much less likely to lock onto the wrong thing or just lose it completely (which was not uncommon, especially in movie mode, on the previous generation of cameras). Add to this the camera's ability to recognize a series of subjects near your chosen AF point and the Z6 III should be much quicker and easier to work with than previous mid-level Nikons.

Video

The faster sensor sees the Z6III's video capabilities gain a significant upgrade, compared with its predecessor. It's too soon for Nikon's purchase of cinema camera maker RED to have played into this camera's development, but it relieves any uncertainty around the inclusion of onboard capture of both N-Raw and ProRes Raw video formats.

All of the codecs offer both UHD 4K and a higher-resolution capture mode, all of which use the full width of the sensor. The Raw modes offer 6K or 4K capture, while the gamma-encoded modes (ProRes 422, H.265, H.264) offer 5.4K or 4K recording.

Like the Z8, the Z6III includes shooting aids such as waveforms, zebras and focus peaking.

The Z6III also becomes the first Nikon to accept a line-level input over its mic socket. It's also compatible with Atomos' AirGlu, a Bluetooth-based Timecode sync system.

Additional functions

The Z6III also gains all the other functions that have been added to Nikon cameras since the launch of the Z6 II, including pre-burst capabilities and multi-shot high resolution modes.

It also has the image stabilization system that centers its correction on your chosen AF point. This is particularly valuable if you're focused in the corners of wide-angle shots, where the required pitch and yaw correction is significantly different from that needed at the center of the image.

In addition, like the Zf, the Z6III can use its subject recognition system even if you're in manual focus mode. This means that engaging magnified live view will punch in on your subject's eye, as you check focus, rather than you having to navigate around the scene to find it.

Finally, the Z6III will be compatible with a "Flexible Color" tool that will be added to Nikon's NX Studio software, which provides an enhanced set of color tools for creating custom Picture Control color modes to install on the camera.

Cloud access

The Z6III will be the first Nikon camera to use the Nikon Imaging Cloud service. This will fulfill a series of functions. At its most basic it'll be a service to which images can be uploaded and then sent on to other storage and social media services (rather than the camera itself having to know how to connect to multiple services).

It'll also be a source for "Imaging Recipes," which are camera settings intended for taking specific types of image, created with the help of Nikon's sponsored creators. There will also be "Cloud Picture Controls" presets that can be downloaded. This service isn't available yet, so we won't be able to assess its usefulness until it is.

How it compares

The $500 price hike brings the Nikon directly into line with the MSRPs of its two most comparable competitors: Sony's a7 IV and Canon's EOS R6 II. All three cameras are highly capable stills and video machines with strong AF systems. We've included the more expensive Panasonic DC-S5II X here because its video capabilities and price are closer to those of the Nikon.

What the table can't capture is the subtle differences in performance between these models, which is increasingly what it comes down to, in this most competitive of classes. Our early impressions are that the Z6III matches the Canon and Sony in terms of autofocus tracking performance and usability, wheres the Panasonic lags a little and the Z6 II feels like it's left significantly behind.

Likewise the new Nikon and the Canon stand ahead in terms of video performance, as they offer faster video capture with less rolling shutter, especially compared with the rather slow Sony. We'll need to shoot the Nikon more to know whether it can outdo the Canon's video AF, which isn't the most dependable.

The stills stabilization figures do nothing to convey the smoothness of video stabilization, either, with the Panasonic doing particularly well in this regard. Increasingly, choice and availability of lenses will be the critical deciding factor for a lot of people.

Body and handling

The Z6III looks, at first glance, a lot like the existing Z6 and Z7 models, with a familiar low-height camera with significant hand grip and viewfinder hump extending from it. But if you put them side-by-side you find that the Z6III is a very different body, even if it uses the same styling cues.

It's a larger camera than its predecessors and heavier. However, it's much closer in size to them than it is to the Z8. It's wider and thicker but maintains a solid, comfortable grip. The button positions are essentially unchanged, compared to the previous cameras, with twin function buttons on the front and an AF joystick on that back.

Viewfinder

The Z6III is a larger, heavier body than its predecessor, but the controls are essentially the same. The Playback and drive mode buttons have been swapped, but that's the most significant change. There's also a button on the top plate to illuminate the settings panel.

The Z6III becomes the first Z-series camera to move beyond the 3.69M dot panels used so far. It sees a jump to 5.76M dots but, more importantly, also gains a significant brightness boost. The panel can go as bright at 4000nits and can cover the DCI P3 gamut required for HLG.

You'll need to manually push it to its brightest setting to get this full brightness but it means the camera can represent true HDR capture when shooting in HEIF mode, and generally give a viewfinder that differs less in brightness, relative to the real world. It can be run at up to 120fps.

Articulated rear screen

The Z6III becomes the first mid-range Nikon to gain a fully-articulated screen, rather than the tilting panels that the previous models have had. It's a 3.2" LCD panel with 2.1M dots.

The hinge is very close to the camera's (full-sized) HDMI port and only a little in front of the mic and headphone sockets, so expect it to be a little awkward to use if you've got a lot of things plugged into the side of the body.

Battery

The Z6III uses the same EN-EL15c battery as its predecessor, and is rated as delivering a similar number of images. In standard mode it is rated to give 390 shots per charge if used via the rear LCD, and 360 shots through the viewfinder. Move into power saving mode and these numbers increase to 410 and 380 shots per charge, respectively.

As always, these numbers tend to significantly under-represent the number of shots most people will achieve. Getting twice the rated figure isn't unusual, and more if you shoot a lot of images as bursts.

A battery grip with vertical controls and space for two, hot-swappable, batteries has been created. The MB-N14, which will be available in summer 2024, has been designed so that it's backward compatible with the Z6 II and Z7 II. This grip displaces the internal battery, meaning you end up with two batteries in total. It has its own USB-C socket for charging the batteries even with the grip detached.

Initial impressions

By Richard Butler

The Z6III closely resembles the Z6 II (and Z7 II, pictured), but is slightly deeper, and has a larger top-plate settings panel.

The dullest possible reaction to the Z6III would be to take a quick look and conclude it's all about video. Because, while there are plenty of video improvements, the Z6III is also a much better stills camera than we've seen from the company at this level. After the rather subtle refresh of the Z6 II, the III represents a much more significant step forward.

Admittedly, the video improvements are easier to spot. Internal Raw video, a full-sized HDMI socket, that fully-articulating LCD, waveforms, full-sensor 4K and 6K/60p: these collectively move Nikon from bringing up the rear of this class to arguably leading it. It's striking that this mainstream class of cameras now offers the kinds of capabilities you'd previously have found only in dedicated video cameras like Panasonic's GH series.

Part of this feature set has trickled down from capabilities developed for the Z9 but a lot of it comes from the new, faster sensor. And that faster sensor is a benefit to stills shooters, too.

The faster shooting rates are the most obvious sign of this, but the autofocus is also improved. The addition of 3D Tracking and Subject Recognition make the system more powerful and quicker to use, but according to Nikon the faster readout also means the Z6III will outperform the Zf, which has the same processor and interface.

But the improvements for photographers go beyond the performance boost: the higher-resolution viewfinder that can more closely match the brightness of the real world, and can better preview HDR shooting is a major benefit for photographers. Then there's the addition of options such as pre-burst capture and the multi-shot high-res mode, for those who find them useful.

The Z6III doesn't (at launch, anyway), have the standalone 'Bird' detection mode that has been added to the Z8 and Z9, but it can detect them in its Animal mode. Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S with Z TC-1.4 | ISO 1250 | F7.1 | 1/640 Photo: Richard Butler

And for every photographer disappointed about the move to a fully articulating rear screen, there may be another who appreciates this as being the only camera in this class to have a top-plate settings display. Nikon has made the camera a little larger but it hasn't spoiled the ergonomics that we've always rather liked.

It's interesting to look back ten years to the launch of Nikon's D750 DSLR, a camera that seemed to offer everything a keen enthusiast photographer would want. Image quality hasn't improved radically since that point: we'd expect the Z6III's high ISO performance to be a little better, as the D750 pre-dates dual-gain chips, but it won't be a radical difference. But everything else is unrecognizably better. Modern lenses are sharper and more consistent, autofocus is quicker, more precise and easier to get the most out of, the Z6III is more compact yet will merrily outperform the D750's pro-sports contemporary, the D4S, in speed and AF while showing less viewfinder blackout. And that's before we even consider what happens when you press the red REC button.

It would absolutely be possible to take this photo using a Nikon D750, with enough practice and patience, but the Z6III makes it significantly easier. Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S with Z TC-1.4 | ISO 450 | F8.0 | 1/500 Photo: Richard Butler

I'll admit that, having seen how much Nikon had squeezed out of the existing sensor with the Zf, I thought the Z6 III might simply be a repackaged version of that camera, especially as Panasonic's S5 II twins also continue to rely on that same chip. But the Z6III is much more ambitious, and something that brings Nikon into serious contention in terms of both specs and performance, in what's probably the most competitive sector of the market.

Pre-production sample gallery

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.

All images taken using a pre-production Z6III, from which we can only publish the out-of-camera JPEGs.

The latest Nikon Z6 III rumors:

More Nikon Z6 III leaks

Petapixel leaks the Nikon Z6 III camera 4k/120p video capabilities in YouTube hashtags, calls it “best Nikon for video”

Nikon Z6 II vs. Nikon Z6 III side-by-side comparisons

Here is the full Z6 III leak from Nikon China

One more: the Nikon Z6 III camera box

Here are the Nikon Z6 III camera pre-order links (please support our sponsors):

• US: Adorama | B&H Photo | Amazon | Paul’s Photo | Service Photo
• DE: Foto Erhardt | Foto Koch | Calumet
• UK: WEX Photo
• CA: Camera Canada

The post The latest Nikon Z6 III rumors appeared first on Photo Rumors.

From NikonRumors:

"The Nikon Z6 III is rumored to have a stacked sensor (or partially stacked?) from Sony. That same sensor is expected to be used in the upcoming Sony a7S IV, rumored to be announced later this year. I was told that Nikon got a special and exclusive contract with Sony and only Nikon and Sony will use this specific sensor. Nikon had to buy a lot of them in order for Sony to agree on exclusivity. This explains the rumored high price of the Z6 III."

Join the Nikon ℤ6 III Facebook Group

The post The Nikon Z6 III is rumored to have a stacked sensor (or partially stacked) that is expected to be in the upcoming Sony A7S IV appeared first on Photo Rumors.

7Artisans is teasing a new 35mm f/1.7 lens for Leica M-mount to be announced on June 18th:

7Artisans already has several different lenses for Leica M-mount (check also their Amazon store).

The post 7Artisans is teasing a new 35mm f/1.7 lens for Leica M-mount to be announced on June 18th appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new SIRUI Sniper lenses will start shipping on June 19th (check Amazon and B&H Photo):

The new Thypoch Eureka 50mm f/2 lens for Leica M-mount is now shipping and is currently in stock:

The post Starting to ship: the new SIRUI Sniper and Thypoch Eureka lenses appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Sigma has no plans to release full-frame lenses for Canon RF-mount

Additional coverage of the new Canon RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens for Apple Vision Pro

Petapixel leaks the Nikon Z6 III camera 4k/120p video capabilities in YouTube hashtags, calls it “best Nikon for video”

The Leica M11-D camera has been delayed again

Panasonic GH7 to Have Special Auto Focus Features

Pentax books

Additional information on the upcoming Pentax film camera

Canon Patents For Inner Zoom 15-60mm F2.8 and 22-80mm F2.8 Found

Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 Firmware V1.1.6 Released

MAP Camera May Sales Rankings – Fujifilm X100VI is Back Ontop And X-T5 Makes The List

The post What else is new? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Mr. Ding released a brass limited edition of their 35mm f/1.8 full-frame lens for Leica M-mount:

The lens already exists in silver and black - see the details here:

Announced: Mr.Ding 35mm f/1.8 full-frame lens for Leica M-mount

The post Mr. Ding released a brass limited edition of their 35mm f/1.8 full-frame lens for Leica M-mount appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The first DJI Mavic 4 rumors are already circulating online for a potential August 1st official announcement:

Public beta tester left his #mavic4 on the streets to be caught on video by a bystander. We see a air 3 like design but with a larger camera we recognize from the Mavic 3 pro. Could this be the widely desired 1 inch? I'll take a long shot: August 1st pic.twitter.com/OikebTGbMK

— Jasper Ellens | X27 (@JasperEllens) June 12, 2024

The post First DJI Mavic 4 rumors appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Nikon D1 was the first DSLR developed in-house by a camera maker and the first to generate JPEGs internally. Photo: Phil Askey

In 1999, you could already buy an F-mount DSLR: Kodak had been selling modified Nikon SLRs since the DCS100 in 1991. But at the turn of the century, its prime offering was still a rather inelegant combination of a Nikon F5 film camera and a bolted-on digital imaging unit called the Kodak Professional DCS-620.

The camera Nikon revealed on June 15th 1999 was arguably the first ground, up digital SLR: still borrowing heavily from the F5 and F100 film models, but clearly designed as a coherent whole. Everything was crammed into a conventional two-grip professional body of the kind that's still made today.

The D1 had a recommended retail price of $5,500, body only, meaning it cost around half as much as the DCS-620. And its APS-C CCD boasted 2.62 megapixels, to the Kodak's 1.99MP. It was also the first DSLR to natively shoot JPEG: another feature that, for better or worse, is still recognizable.

DPReview founder Phil Askey got his hands on an early sample around three months after this announcement, but his (and the site's) move from Singapore to London caused a significant, and understandable, delay in the review.

By the time he was able to complete his write-up, the Nikon had serious competition, not from Kodak but from Canon's $3000 EOS D30 with its 3.2MP CMOS sensor and single grip design, and from the Fujifilm S1 Pro, which was another Frankencamera, grafted into Nikon N60/F60 body but promising 6.13MP images from its 3.07MP Super CCD sensor, at a cost of $4000.

Even before these players entered the market, Phil noted in his review that he'd spoken to Kodak employees who seemed "blasé" about the threat that the D1 represented. Quarter of a century later and Kodak's only presence in photography is via companies licensing its name.

Even in the light of the new contenders released since its launch, DPReview considered the D1, with its "ultra-fast AF," to be "the digital tool for professional photographers." After we'd explained the impact of the APS-C sensor on full-frame lenses.

Read our original Nikon D1 review

Nikon D1 sample gallery

SwitchLens is a new project listed for funding on Kickstarter that turns any smartphone into a Micro Four Thirds camera. Here are the specs:

• 21MP
• 4K/120fps
• Autofocus
• Switchable MFT lenses
• HDR
• Wi-Fi Connect
• iOS & Android phone

Additional information:

What’s new on Kickstarter?

The post New on Kickstarter: SwitchLens turns any smartphone into a Micro Four Thirds camera appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here are the latest Nikon Z6 III camera leaks:

Here is the full Z6 III leak from Nikon China

Nikon Z6 II vs. Nikon Z6 III side by side comparisons

Here is the first leaked pictures of the Nikon Z6 III camera

Petapixel leaks the Nikon Z6 III camera 4k/120p video capabilities in YouTube hashtags, calls it “best Nikon for video”

The post More Nikon Z6 III leaks appeared first on Photo Rumors.

A new Panasonic Lumix S1H II camera is rumored to be announced in Q4 of 2024. Previous rumors suggested that the next Panasonic Lumix S camera will have a 6oMP sensor similar to the Leica M11/Leica Q3 models. This information now makes complete sense after the Leica SL3 camera announcement:

Leica SL3 camera officially announced, available for pre-order

Both Leica and Panasonic to announce new L-mount cameras in the next few months

Update: Panasonic now has two registered but not yet announced cameras

The post New Panasonic Lumix S1H II camera is rumored to be announced in Q4 of 2024 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Today Cosina announced two new Voigtlander lenses:

Voigtlander NOKTON 75mm f/1.5 Aspherical lens for Sony E-mount:

• Check for pre-order listing
• Product page with sample images
• Shipping will start in July 2024

Voigtlander COLOR-SKOPAR 50mm f/2.2 VM lens for Leica M-mount:

• Check for pre-order listing
• Product page with sample images
• Shipping will start in July 2024

Additional pictures and videos:

The post Voigtlander announced two new lenses: NOKTON 75mm f/1.5 (E-mount) and COLOR-SKOPAR 50mm f/2.2 (M-mount) appeared first on Photo Rumors.