Zeiss is denying the latest reports of the company exiting the photography business. I will believe it once they announce a new photography lens.

Flashback: Zeiss has still not announced any new photography lenses in 3 years

For those of you who believe Zeiss is still working on new photography lenses, I have only one word to say to you “Olympus” – they denied for a very long time the rumors until they made it official:

I told you so: Olympus to exit/sell camera business

Zeiss has not announced any new photography lenses in 4 years now:

Flashback: Zeiss has still not announced any new photography lenses in 3 years

The post Zeiss is denying reports of the company exiting the photography business appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The previously rumored Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens for Sony E and Leica L mount is now officially announced:

• Pre-orders: B&H | WEX | Erhardt | Calumet
• Sample photos (more available here and here)
• Press release
• Product page
• World’s fastest full-frame 14mm lens
• Optimized for astrophotography
• Key features and related videos:

• 14mm focal length
• f1.4 maximum aperture
• Made for full-frame, also compatible with crop sensor
• Manual focus lock switch
• Rear filter holder
• Thorough aberration correction
• Aperture ring with click and declick Options
• Quick and quiet autofocus
• 1170g / 2.58lbs
• 19 elements in 15 groups

The post Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens for Sony E and Leica L mount officially announced appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Hasselblad announced a new X2D 100C lightweight portrait kit that includes the X2D 100C camera and XCD 1.9/80 + XCD 4/45P lenses. The price is $13,049.

Additional information:

INTRODUCING THE HASSELBLAD X2D 100C LIGHTWEIGHT PORTRAIT KIT, UNLEASHING THE POWER OF STORYTELLING THROUGH PORTRAITS

The Hasselblad X2D 100C Lightweight Portrait Kit features two exceptional lenses, the XCD 1,9/80 and XCD 4/45P, providing photographers with a comprehensive set of professional tools specifically designed to capture compelling portraits.

CREATE PORTRAITS THAT TELL A STORY

Designed to empower photographers to create portraits that truly tell a captivating story, the Portrait Kit includes Hasselblad’s flagship mirrorless medium format camera, the X2D 100C, along with two outstanding lenses, the XCD 1,9/80 and XCD 4/45P. With the combined power of the X2D 100C and the versatility of these lenses, photographers gain access to a wide range of portrait shooting options in various scenarios, allowing them to capture powerful, narrative-driven imagery.

UNFOLDING A NEW CHAPTER OF IMAGING X2D 100C

With the Hasselblad X2D 100C Lightweight Portrait Kit, photographers are introduced to a new era of imaging possibilities. At the heart of this extraordinary kit lies the X2D 100C, boasting a remarkable 100-megapixel medium format BSI CMOS sensor. This sensor, combined with the innovative Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), ensures that skin tones are faithfully reproduced, mirroring the way the human eye perceives them in both RAW and JPG photos. With 16-bit colour depth, photographers have expanded flexibility in post-processing, enabling them to push the boundaries of their creativity.

To capture crisp and steady handheld portraits, the X2D 100C features 5-axis 7-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This powerful stabilization system compensates for camera shake, allowing photographers to confidently shoot in low light conditions or at slow shutter speeds, resulting in sharp and detailed images.

The X2D 100C takes autofocus to new heights with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) technology. This advanced autofocus system delivers swift and precise focusing at the press of a button, ensuring that every portrait is perfectly captured, even in dynamic shooting situations.

To accommodate the storage needs of professional photographers, the X2D 100C is equipped with a built-in 1TB SSD, providing ample space to store over 4600 RAW photos. This generous storage capacity empowers photographers to capture high-speed, large-batch, and high-quality portrait sessions without the worry of running out of storage space.

Both lenses included in the kit, the XCD 1,9/80 and XCD 4/45P, feature an integral central shutter, offering exposure times ranging from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronization. This versatility allows photographers to explore their creativity even in challenging mixed-lighting scenarios, seamlessly blending artificial flash and natural daylight to achieve stunning portraits.

WIDE-APERTURE PORTRAIT XCD 1,9/80

The XCD 1,9/80 lens is a medium format wide-aperture autofocus lens that is designed to produce breathtaking results that center resolution and color accuracy. Crafted with an advanced and intricate optical design, coupled with creative calibration technologies, the XCD 1,9/80 lens delivers exceptional optical performance, ensuring stunning image quality even at its widest aperture of f/1.9.

The XCD 1,9/80 lens excels at creating a mesmerizing bokeh effect, creating graceful and smooth transitions between the sharp areas in focus and the softly blurred periphery. Additionally, when used with the X2D 100C camera, it unlocks the full potential of the 100-megapixel sensor, striking the perfect balance between sharp, in-focus areas and beautifully rendered bokeh.

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS WITH EFFORTLESS GRACE XCD 4/45P

Complementing the XCD 1,9/80, the XCD 4/45P is an ultra-lightweight and compact medium format autofocus lens is specifically designed for capturing portraits in narrow spaces. With its 36mm equivalency, this lens offers flexibility in composition and enables the inclusion of contextual elements, adding depth and narrative to portrait photography. Despite its compact size and weight[1], the XCD 4/45P boasts an exceptional optical design comprising seven elements in nine groups, including two aspherical elements. The result is state-of-the-art optical performance within compact dimensions, enabling the X2D 100C to capture breathtakingly high-quality imagery.

The Hasselblad X2D 100C Lightweight Portrait Kit has an MSRP of EUR €13,489 including sales tax and USD $13,049 excluding sales tax. It is now available to order immediately.

The post Hasselblad announced a new X2D 100C lightweight portrait kit appeared first on Photo Rumors.

DxO released 1,454 new Optics Modules with corrections for the Nikon Z8, Sony ZV-E1, DJI’s latest drones, and several popular lenses.

The performance of supported lenses/cameras can be boosted by processing RAW files with DxO software:

• DxO PhotoLab
• DxO PureRAW
• DxO FilmPack
• DxO ViewPoint
• DxO NikCollection

Additional information:

The post DxO adds 1,454 new Optics Modules with corrections for the Nikon Z8, Sony ZV-E1, DJI’s latest drones, and several popular lenses appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Irix announced two new full-frame lenses for Sony E-mount: Irix 15mm f/2.4 and Irix 150mm macro 1:1. Check availability and pricing at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H.

Additional information:

Irix informs about two, new, full-frame lenses for the Sony E mount

June 7th, 2023 – New Irix lenses are redesigned versions of older constructions for DSLR cameras that have already won the recognition of many professionals and photography enthusiasts. First of all, because of its unique features, excellent workmanship, and image quality. The latest versions, designed for Sony mirrorless cameras, are even more improved design, with the newly added aperture ring and lens housing.

Both lenses are characterized by a solid construction (Dragonfly finish version). The body is made of magnesium aluminum alloy combined with a high-quality composite. This ensures durability and resistance to weather conditions with relatively low weight. Dust and moisture resistance mean the possibility of confidently using those lenses outdoors, even in harsh weather conditions.

Also, both of the lenses are equipped with the “Click / Declick” switch – a feature now available on Irix photographic lenses for the Sony system. It allows one to choose between gradual and smooth iris ring operations.

The first new lens is Irix 15mm f/2.4 for Sony – a great tool for landscape photographers who want to experiment with perspective and create unique shots. What’s more, this lens is also great for astrophotography, or architecture photographers.

Key features of Irix 15mm:

• Exceptional image quality across the frame, including corners
• Sony E mount
• Full Frame lens
• Front filter mount
• Fast aperture f/2.4
• Distortion not exceeding 2%
• Two aperture ring modes
• Full communication of the lens with the camera (possibility of using semi-automatic modes)
• Easy and precise focusing ring
• Focus lock ring

The second new lens is Irix 150mm macro 1:1 for Sony. It’s a powerful tool for macro photography enthusiasts. Packed with advanced technologies, this lens offers unparalleled image quality and precision, allowing you to capture the finest details with pinpoint sharpness.

Key features of Irix 150mm:

• Fast f/2.8 aperture
• 1:1 reproduction scale
• Sony E mount
• Full Frame lens
• Stunning bokeh effect
• Construction resistant to all weather conditions
• Full communication of the lens with the camera (possibility of using semi-automatic modes)
• Two aperture ring modes
• Perfectly sharp image
• Tripod mount included
• Zero distortion: 0.1%

The post Irix announced two new full-frame lenses for Sony E-mount: 15mm f/2.4 and 150mm macro 1:1 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Leica Q3 vs. Q2 low light comparisons

Leica acknowledges a batch of Leica M6 cameras was shipped with faulty pressure plates

Ricoh China announced supply shortage of GR cameras, all GR models out of stock at Adorama and B&H

The Pentax 645Z medium format camera is out of production

DXO: Sony a7RV Sensor Score

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

A new gun-style camera setup from StockCam is coming soon on Indiegogo and promises to “add excitement and ritual to every shot“:

“Introducing StockCam, the revolutionary gun-style camera cage designed specifically for photographers who demand stability, comfort, and an enjoyable shooting experience. Perfect for outdoor shooting, military photography, and long-duration sessions, STOCKCAM is compatible with all camera brands and models.”

Additional information (check also StockCam website):

Also new on Indiegogo: MIOPS CAPSULE PRO versatile motorized pan and tilt head (check also the online store).

What’s new on Kickstarter?

The post Coming soon: new StockCam gun-style camera accessory that will “add excitement and ritual to every shot” appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Chroma announced a new Six:17 medium format camera system:

“The Six:17 is a unique 6×17 medium format camera system, which can be used as both a zone focus handheld system and a tripod-mounted flexible setup with an interchangeable ground glass, that allows for each frame on a roll to be focussed/composed individually. Like the other cameras in the Six: range, the Six:17 uses magnetic interchangeable lens cones for true creative flexibility. It also has an integrated darkslide, meaning that the lens can be swapped mid-roll. There is also an optional fresnel, for increased brightness on the ground glass. Weighing only 412g (without lens), the Six:17 is a compact, lightweight, solution for medium format panoramic photography.”

The post Chroma announced a new Six:17 medium format camera system appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Phoblographer found more reports online that Zeiss has existed the photography industry – something I wrote about a year ago:

Flashback: Zeiss has still not announced any new photography lenses in 3 years

The latest source is a forum discussion at Fred Miranda:

“I just received confirmation today from the Zeiss Australian distributor, that Zeiss has exited the stills lens business: Batis, Loxia etc and even their filter range has been discontinued. End of an era.”

Zeiss lenses are still available for sale at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H.

The Zeiss ZX1 camera was also discontinued a few months ago:

RIP Zeiss ZX1: the 37.4MP $6,000 full-frame fixed lens camera nobody wanted

Zeiss is building its first factory in China

The post More reports that Zeiss has existed the photography industry appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Foveon sensor is still in full-force development according to a recent interview with Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki and the company has no plans on giving up on that project:

“No fp-sized Foveon-powered camera: Yamaki-san also revealed that the Foveon sensor needs a very powerful processor, which also requires a lot of power. So in order to make this technology usable, SIGMA will need to couple this with a large and powerful battery, which in return will make the camera a lot larger than the current fp form factor. We can only remain optimistic and hope that this sensor will be incorporated into a camera sometime in the future! (source: Cined)

The post Sigma interview with CEO Kazuto Yamaki: Foveon update, fp camera-to-cloud and more appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The VIltrox online store is teasing the previously reported Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO XF lens for Fujifilm X-mount:

“27mm Pro Flagship F1.2 Super Super Super Aperture
Autofocus Lens
COMING SOON”

Viltrox 2023 lens roadmap: new 16mm f/1.8, 28mm f/1.8, 75mm f/1.2, and 27mm f/1.2 lenses

Via FujiAddict

The post New Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 PRO XF lens is coming soon appeared first on Photo Rumors.

→ New Shimoda Action X v2 camera backpacks released.

→ Think Tank Photo announced new SpeedTop magnetic lid backpacks.

→ Delkin released new CFexpress Type B memory cards.

→ Here are the latest Fujifilm news and releases:

Camera Market Interview With President of Fujifilm Holdings Teiichi Goto

FUJIFILM XApp (Android / iOS) Ver.1.02 Released

Notice Regarding Supply of Fujinon Lens XF8mmF3.5 R WR

Notice Regarding Supply of Mirrorless Digital Camera FUJIFILM X-S20

Fujifilm GFX Firmware Bug Update: GFX50SII Fixed Waiting For GFX100S

FUJIFILM X RAW Studio and FUJIFILM X Acquire Updated

Fujifilm Repair Fee Revision

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

CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association in Japan) published their latest camera production data (orange: 2023, black: 2022, blue: 2021):

April 2023 CIPA numbers by ZoetMB

In April, Mirrorless and Compact shipments were the highest of the calendar year so far.   DSLR shipments were higher than January or February, but lower than March.

CIPA predicted 5.72 million DSLR and Mirrorless bodies and 9.39 million lenses for calendar 2023.   We’re predicting 4.6m-5.8m bodies.   That’s a substantial increase over last month’s prediction of 4.2-5.3 million.

That compares to:

• 2022: 5.927 million bodies (+10.8%), 9.7 million lenses (+1.6%).
• 2021: 5.348 million bodies (+0.75%), 9.55 million lenses (+6.1%)
• 2020: 5.308 million bodies (-37.3%), 9 million lenses (-36.6%)
• 2019: 8.462 million bodies (-21.4%), 14.2 million lenses (-21.1%)
• 2018: 10.76 million bodies (-7.9%), 18 million lenses (-6.4%)
• 2017: 11.68 million bodies (+0.6%) 19.22 million lenses (+0.156%)
• 2016: 11.61 million bodies (-11.1%), 19.19 million lenses (-11.6%)
• 2015: 13.06 million bodies (-5.6%), 21.7 million lenses (-5.2%)
• 2014: 13.84 million bodies (-19.2%), 22.9 million lenses (-14.2%)
• 2013: 17.13 million bodies (-15%), 26.7 million lenses (-12.2%)
• 2012: 20.16 million bodies (+28.5%), 30.4 million lenses (+16.9%)
• 2011: 15.69 million bodies (+21.7%), 26.0 million lenses (+19.9%)
• 2010: 12.89 million bodies (+30%), 21.69 million lenses (+34.7%)
• 2009: 9.91 million bodies (+2.2%), 16.1 million lenses (+2.5%)
• 2008: 9.7 million bodies (+17.4%), 15.7 million lenses (+25.6%)
• 2007: 8.26 million bodies, 12.5 million lenses

April 2023:  Units & Shipped Value:

(All comparisons to YTD 2022)

DSLR Units : 344,049 –47% YTD
DSLR Shipped Value: ¥15.67 billion –41% YTD

Mirrorless Units: 1.201m +28% YTD
Mirrorless Shipped Value: ¥145.6 billion +28% YTD

Compact Units: 511,296 -12% YTD
Compact Shipped Value: ¥20.447 billion +20% YTD

Lenses for smaller than 35mm Units: 1.31 million -12% YTD
Lenses for smaller than 35mm Shipped Value: ¥23.96 billion -1% YTD

Lenses for 35mm and larger Units: 1.32million -5% YTD
Lenses for 35mm and larger Shipped Value: ¥100.7 billion +10% YTD

Cumulative 2023 Mirrorless unit share (of Mirrorless + DSLR): 77.7% (was 58.9% YTD 2022)
Cumulative 2023 Mirrorless Shipped Value share: 90.3% (was 80.9% YTD 2022)

The ratio of lenses shipped to bodies shipped is 1.7 for YTD 2023.  It was 1.82 for YTD 2022.

Full-year 2023 Geographic Share: (Asia doesn’t include China or Japan)

DSLR:
Units: China 10.1%, Asia 08.1%, Japan 3.6%, Europe 43.6%, Americas 32.6%, Other 1.9%
Shipped Value: China 17.5%, Asia 11.8%, Japan 4.8%, Europe 35.5%, Americas 28.6%, Other 1.7%

Mirrorless:
Units: China 24.7%, Asia 17.8%, Japan 12.4%, Europe 20.2%, Americas 20.7%, Other 4.2%
Shipped Value: China 27.4%, Asia 18.7%, Japan 10.4%, Europe 18.5%, Americas 20.2%, Other 4.7%

Compacts:
Units: China 11.7%, Asia 14.4%, Japan 24.9%, Europe 26.3%, Americas 19.0%, Other 3.8%
Shipped Value: China 14.5%, Asia 15.4%, Japan 17.5%, Europe 27.4%, Americas 21.5%, Other 3.8%

Lenses:
Units: China 18.3%, Asia 13.9%, Japan 11.8%, Europe 26.2%, Americas 26.0%, Other 3.8%
Shipped Value: China 20.3%, Asia 15.3%, Japan 10.7%, Europe 24.8%, Americas 24.7%, Other 4.3%

List of participating CIPA companies can be found here.

Via NikonRumors

The post The latest CIPA numbers for April 2023 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The new 2023 5DayDeal Video Creators Bundle will be open for sale from June 8-13, 223. The corresponding 5DayDeal $10,000+ Prelaunch Giveaway is already live online. Stay tuned for updates and additional information.

Here is the prize list:

The post 5DayDeal is back with a new giveaway appeared first on Photo Rumors.

→ Topaz Labs released Photo AI version 1.3.7 with the following changes (currently $40 off until June 16th):

• Removed legacy models setting from preferences
• Autopilot can now recommend the older Sharpen Lens Blur model again
• Remove Noise v2 models have dropped their beta tag and are now recommended by default by Autopilot
• Added Nvidia GPU models for Remove Noise v2 models
• Changed close image shortcut to be Ctrl+W instead of Ctrl+F4 on Windows
• Selecting Custom aspect ratio will now automatically unlock the aspect ratio while cropping
• Fixed issue where only half of face would be recovered in some cases
• Fixed Close Image shortcut only being able to close one image on Windows

→ Skylum released Luminar Neo version 1.10.0 with the following changes (save up to 75% when upgrading Luminar Neo):

• Quality improvement for UpscaleAI, as well as improvements for other Extensions, including NoiselessAI and SupersharpAI.
• Support for Sony ZV-E1 and Sony FX30 cameras.
• New tooltips to help you better understand each tool.
• Purchasing new creative assets directly in the Extras tab.
• Performance and stability improvements.
• A faster and more convenient editing experience thanks to bug fixes.

→ Adobe is offering 50% off Creative Cloud for the first 3 months starting June 3 and running through June 9 (this promotion is limited to the United States and Canada only).

The post New versions released: Topaz Photo AI 1.3.7 and Luminar Neo 1.10.0 appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The TRANSIT Travel Line by WANDRD raised $323,667 of a $30,000 goal by 1,311 backers with 12 days to go (check also the official WANDRD website).

The TRANSIT Travel Line includes four main products – the TRANSIT Travel Backpack, which comes in two sizes; the TRANSIT Carry-On Roller, the WANDRD Tote Backpack, and the Travel Wallet. All of these products were designed to work together to create a kick-ass travel experience from the moment you start packing your trip.

Micro Clutch from Peak Design raised $1,077,801 of a $50,000 goal by 9,046 backers with 5 days to go (check also the official Peak Design website).

The Micro Clutch is a low-profile hand strap alternative that strips away unnecessary bulk without sacrificing a secure, comfortable grip for mirrorless shooters. Designed to accommodate either 2 or 4 finger body grip with full access to camera controls, the Micro Clutch features an adjustable Hypalon strap with silicon padding. Micro Clutch can be quickly installed via an anodized base plate yet easily adjusted for instant access to the camera’s battery door.

The SPINN self-adhesive protective gear wrapper raised $99,558 of $10,177 goal by 1,128 backers with 7 days to go.

Additional information is available here.

Thronmax Space mic kit for professional-quality audio raised $44,692 of $15,000 goal by 295 backers with 13 days to go.

Specs: 2.4GHz Wireless Technology | Omnidirectional Microphones | Environmental Noise Cancellation | 8+ Hours Of Battery Life | Compact Design.

The Benro Theta self-leveling intelligent modular tripod that raised $2.45M on Kickstarter is now available for pre-order with a $200 discount

The post What’s new on Kickstarter? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Canon started a new major rebate program in the US (use promo code CANONSAVEBIG).
At Adorama, the Canon rebates can be found here (use promo code CAJUNEDEAL).

16 different Tamron lenses have an instant rebate this month.

The post New Canon and Tamron rebates in the US appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Sony announced new 960GB and 1920GB (!) CFexpress Type A TOUGH memory cards:

• 1920GB Storage Capacity
• PCIe 3.0 x1 Bus
• Max Read Speed: 800 MB/s
• Max Write Speed: 700 MB/s
• Min Sustained Write Speed: 200 MB/s
• Rigidity Tested to 150 N
• Withstands Drops up to 24.6′
• IP57 Rated
• Withstands Extreme Temperatures
• File Rescue Recover & Media Scan Utility

The post Sony announced new 960GB and 1920GB (!) CFexpress Type A TOUGH memory cards appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Hasselblad released a major firmware update version 2.0.0 for the X2D 100C medium format camera ($8,199) with multiple new features, including a live histogram, new crop modes, focus bracketing, focus peaking, and touch AF:

New Hasselblad X2D 100C lightweight field kit announced

Announced: Hasselblad X2D 100C medium format camera and XCD 38mm f/2.5, 55mm f/2.5, and 90mm f/2.5 V lenses

The post Hasselblad released a major firmware update version 2.0.0 for the X2D 100C camera appeared first on Photo Rumors.