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Vue lecture

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DJI's new Mini wireless lav mics only weigh 10g each

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
DJI-mic-mini-transmitters-case
Image: DJI

DJI has announced the Mic Mini, a wireless lavalier microphone kit. The 'Mini' part of the name refers to the omnidirectional microphones themselves, which weigh only 10g and are small enough that they shouldn't be a huge distraction when clipped to someone's shirt or collar.

In addition to the built-in clip, you can use a magnet to mount the microphone transmitter pack to your talent, though that will add a slight bit of weight. The included windscreens will also make the microphone more noticeable but will cut down on wind noise.

Dji-mic-mini-shirt-clip

The microphone / transmitter pack is really quite small.

Image: DJI

DJI says the microphones have two levels of built-in noise cancelation. The first is meant for "quiet indoor settings" with constant noises like AC or fans. The second level is more aggressive and is meant for noisier outdoor environments. It also has an automatic limiting feature to prevent clipping if there's a sudden loud noise, and you can control microphone gain via a five-step knob on the receiver pack.

According to the company, the microphones can connect to the receiver at a distance of up to 400m (just under 1/4 mile), though that's obviously assuming ideal conditions. The microphone's battery should last up to 11.5 hours on a charge, with the receiver lasting up to 10.5 hours, though popping each in the charging case for five minutes can net you up to an extra hour of use. DJI says the battery in the charging case can fully charge the system around 3.6 times.

There are quite a few options for getting audio out of the system. The receiver has a 3.5mm output jack that you can use to connect to a camera with the included TRS cable. The microphone pack can also directly connect to your phone via Bluetooth, and cameras that support DJI's OsmoAudio system, such as the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3, without going through the receiver. If you pair the microphone to your phone, you can also use it to record an audio track that'll automatically be synced with the footage from DJI's Neo drone.

The Mic Mini comes in several configurations. You can get two microphones, a receiver, a USB-C phone adapter, and a charging case to hold it all for $170, or a single transmitter and receiver for $89. If you opt for that option, you can add on to it later – the microphones are available a la carte for $59, and the charging case is $49.

DJI-Mic-Mini-charging-pack

The charging case charges each component and stores the phone adapter.

Image: DJI

There are also versions of the kits that come with a Lightning adapter for older iPhones, which cost $19 more than their USB-C counterparts. If you get a bundle without the charging case, they come with a charging dock powered by USB-C for the microphone transmitter packs.

There are a few downsides to the Mic Mini versus DJI's higher-end Mic 2 system. It doesn't support 32-bit float recording, which can pretty much entirely eliminate clipping, and the Mini mic packs don't support external lavalier mics or internal recording. The trade-off, of course, is that they're less than half the weight of the ones for the Mic 2 and are substantially less noticeable when clipped to someone's shirt.

There are other differences as well. The Mic 2 has 'Intelligent' noise cancelation that doesn't require you to pick which level you need manually, and its transmitter lets you change settings without having to be connected to an app. However, the larger system, which costs $219, has substantially less range and shorter battery life. Those trade-offs likely won't be deal breakers if you need the extra capabilities, but they're worth keeping in mind.

The Mic Mini is available today from DJI and other retailers.

$169 at B&H
$169 at Amazon
$169 at DJI

Press Release:

DJI Expands OsmoAudio™ Offerings with DJI Mic Mini, the New Mini Wireless Microphone

Weighing just 10g, DJI Mic Mini delivers powerful performance in an ultra-light body, allowing content creators to carry less and capture more

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announced DJI Mic Mini. This ultralight, compact, wireless microphone offers powerful performance for content creators. DJI’s latest microphone offering, DJI Mic Mini is a fantastic starter microphone, boasting an ultra-long battery life and a notably stable transmission of high-quality audio with entry-level pricing.

“DJI Mic Mini packs unbelievable sound into an incredibly compact, extremely light package, bringing the high quality audio expected from DJI in a mini microphone at a modest price of $169,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “Content creators can count on capturing remarkably dynamic, crystal-clear sound, no matter the environment, and will enjoy the wearability and utility of DJI Mic Mini. DJI continues to serve the wide audience of creators with the highest level of innovative tools, from providing filmmakers with Emmy-winning Inspire drone technology and the Ronin cinematography ecosystem to today’s launch, bringing premium audio capture to all levels of content creators.”

Light, Portable, and Easy-to-Use with Efficient Operation and Production Features

Weighing only 10g1 - less than half the weight of DJI Mic 2 - DJI Mic Mini is discreet and comfortable, with multiple ways to wear that won’t weigh down collars or stretch-thin T-shirts, ensuring a clean on-camera appearance. Wearers can clip it on a shirt, attach it to clothing with magnets, or wear it on a lanyard.

Quality features are packed into DJI Mic Mini to help content creators make the richest, most detailed sound possible, keeping in mind post-production needs as well. With two-level noise canceling technology1, content creators need not worry about recording in loud environments such as crowded halls or outdoor events. The basic is perfect for quiet indoor settings, reducing fan, air conditioning, and reverb noises while preserving vocal clarity, while the strong level cuts ambient noise and focuses on vocals in noisy settings. DJI Mic Mini’s windscreens also significantly lower wind noise, providing clean sound capture in outdoor venues.

Automatic limiting lowers the volume if the audio input is too high, efficiently preventing clipping that causes distortion1. Creators can also adjust the gain quickly using the dial on the receiver, cycling through five level options to control the input of the captured sound.

The innovative design of the all-in-one charging case conveniently keeps all items together, neatly storing two transmitters, one receiver, mobile phone adapters, and windscreens—making DJI Mic Mini super portable and easy to carry or store.

Capture Detail-Rich, Reliable Audio

Despite its miniature form factor, DJI Mic Mini doesn’t skimp on sound quality1. It features omnidirectional audio recording. The receiver can pair with two transmitters at once, making it possible to record from multiple sources without sacrificing detail. This ensures that the audio captured maintains a consistently high quality.

With dual channel recording (Mono and Stereo), creators can separate the audio from the two transmitters, or combine it into a single track, providing creative flexibility and control. The DJI Mimo App offers a safety track, recording at a volume six dB lower than the main track, providing a fail-safe for audio issues like clipping and distortion and ensuring the audio captured is usable, even if the live performance had fluctuating volumes.

Audio can be transmitted up to 400 meters1, and with DJI Mic Mini's powerful anti-interference capabilities, the recording remains stable and high quality even in bustling outdoor environments like a busy street or crowded event.

For the content creator on the road capturing longer-form content like podcasts or livestreams, a fully charged DJI Mic Mini case provides 48 hours1 of extended use and can provide one hour of use after a quick five-minute charge. The receiver and transmitter are fully charged in approximately 100 and 90 minutes1, respectively, avoiding any lengthy delays between recording sessions.

Also, the transmitter will automatically enter sleep mode when it doesn't detect a signal from the receiver, saving power and alleviating creators of the need to keep powering the mic on and off. Finally, the DJI Mimo app can be used to set an automatic power off after a designated period of time, preventing a drained battery and allowing creators to preserve more power for their creativity.

Premium Wireless Recording Thanks to OsmoAudio™ and Direct Connections with DJI Products and Smartphones

DJI’s OsmoAudio™ ecosystem ensures premium sound capture, and the DJI Mic Mini transmitter can connect directly with the Osmo Action 5 Pro, Osmo Action 4, or Osmo Pocket 3 without a receiver, simplifying the creator workflow.

DJI Mic Mini also conveniently connects directly to smartphones via Bluetooth, no receiver required, so anyone with a smartphone can capture audio recordings with third-party filming apps1.

Creators can connect the DJI Fly app to the DJI Neo drone and DJI Mic Mini via Bluetooth to record audio and overlay it with their aerial footage. The app allows creators to eliminate propeller noise, merge audio tracks with footage, and ensure excellent sound even when shooting low-altitude vlogs.

Use of DJI Mic Mini is extremely versatile, with multi-device compatibility for creators using cameras, smartphones, computers, or tablets to record content1. When connected to a camera via the Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), it supports synchronized power on/off with the camera. When connected to a smartphone, it allows for external playback without unplugging and can be charged by the smartphone. When the receiver connects to a smartphone and then to a power source via the USB-C port, both devices can be simultaneously charged during use.

Price and Availability

DJI Mic Mini is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

The DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) retails for $169, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, two DJI Mic Mini Transmitters (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Charging Case, DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic Mini USB-C Charging Cable, four DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, two DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnets, and a DJI Mic Mini Carrying Pouch.

The DJI Mic Mini (1 TX + 1 RX) retails for $89, and includes a DJI Mic Mini Receiver, a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black), a DJI Mic Mini Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic Mini Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), two DJI Mic Mini Windscreens, a DJI Mic Mini Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Mini Compact Carrying Pouch, a DJI Mic Mini Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic Mini Transmitter Charging Dock.

The DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Infinity Black) and DJI Mic Mini Transmitter (Arctic White) can also be purchased separately at $59 each. The DJI Mic Mini Charging Case retails at $49.

1. All data was measured using a production model in a controlled environment. For more information, please refer to our official website.

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Tamron's 70-180mm F2.8 G2 gets 120fps support – but only in some modes

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
person-shooting-with-tamron-70-180mm
Image: Tamron

Tamron has announced a firmware update for its 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens, which adds support for the Sony a9 III's 120fps mode. However, unlike many first-party Sony lenses, Tamron only supports shooting at 120fps in the single AF, direct manual focus, or manual focus modes. It does not support doing it in continuous autofocus.

Realistically, this limits its usefulness; there likely aren't many situations where you'd need to capture images at extremely high speed but not need autofocus tracking. However, if you do run into one, this lens can now support it. We've seen this restriction before: it's present on several Sigma lenses.

The firmware update does bring some AF-C improvements. The company says its autofocus while zooming should also be improved.

The update can be downloaded and installed using Tamron's lens utility.

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On this day: Sigma SD9 reviewed, showing revolutionary Foveon sensor

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sigma SD9

The Sigma SD9 was announced in February 2002, just days after Foveon had revealed the X3 technology for which it would become known. Not only was it the first X3 camera, it was also Sigma's first digital camera, following on from a history of making film SLRs.

And, while we've seen alternatives and variations of the Bayer color filter pattern, the SD9 represented one of the most concerted attempts to offer a totally different way of capturing color in digital photography. As part of DPReview.com's 25th anniversary, we look back at one of the most radical cameras we've yet tested.

3.4 x 3 = ?

The Foveon X3 works on a completely different principle to most imaging sensors. The majority of digital cameras place color filters in front of each photodiode so that each receives only specific colors of light, letting it measure how much of that color is present. This has two downsides: firstly it means that a lot of light is absorbed by the color filter and is not then available to the camera. More critically, though, it means that different colors are captured at different locations, and the chroma resolution of a sensor is much lower than the pixel count would imply. The colors of light that were lost to filtering need to be interpolated from neighboring pixels, which softens the image by sharing information across pixels and creates more opportunities for aliasing.

The X3 sensor works very differently: it doesn't use any color filters and instead essentially stacks three photodiodes on top of one another. Different colors of light can penetrate silicon to different depths, so color information can be derived based on how many photons reach the different depths within the sensor. There are downsides to this approach, too: the sensors are complex to fabricate and it's hard to match the pixel counts of the much simpler conventional designs. Also, you need a lot of light to ensure that enough penetrates into the lower layers of silicon, to correctly assess the color and keep noise under control.

Read our original Sigma SD9 review

The SD9 had 3.4 million pixels, with three photodiodes at each pixel, giving full color at every location from its approximately APS-C sensor (∼21x14mm). A direct contemporary, Canon's D60, had 6 million pixels, but with more standard Bayer color filter meaning that although they had a higher nominal resolution, in practice they were softer and couldn't match the Sigma's pixel-level performance. In his original review, Phil concluded that the two cameras were capturing comparable levels of detail overall.

Sigma SD9 CR123A battery Sigma SD9 AA battery drawer
The SD9 had two battery systems, one to power the systems you'd find on a film SLR, a second to power the digital side of the camera.

On the physical side of things, Sigma had clearly adapted one of its existing SLR designs, with separate batteries, with one set powering the camera's metering system, autofocus drive and viewfinder displays, while a tray of AA batteries powered the digital side of the camera. 2003's follow-up SD10 used only a single set of batteries, with a dedicated Li-Ion approach being adopted by 2006's SD14.

Despite being Sigma's first attempt at a digital camera it had some thoughtful touches such as an RGB histogram that updated to reflect the zoomed-in area you were reviewing, in playback mode.

The review also includes Foveon's marketing illustrations that suggest the three different layers of silicon capture blue, green and red light at the different layers. This isn't strictly true: only red photons will reach down to the lowest levels, but some get absorbed higher up. The middle layer therefore collects some red and most of the green light, with the upper layer collecting some red, some green and all the blue light. This means that the contribution of each color has to derived, with the noisiest 'red' channel factored into all the other color information.

The SD9 wasn't able to do these calculations, so the camera output Raw files that could be processed using the company's Sigma Photo Pro software. And even on its first outing, Phil recognized that lower light levels represented a significant challenge. But he also recognized the level of innovation that had gone into the camera.

Still promising

Twenty two years later, Sigma now owns Foveon and its X3 technology and says it's is working on a full-frame variant of the design. We're hoping that advances in sensor design and fabrication, along with a larger surface area to capture more light will deliver something more of the original promise of the X3 concept.

With pixel counts now far exceeding those required for most applications, the pressure for Sigma to match the latest Bayer sensors pixel-for-pixel is reduced. And if that results in a low-ISO camera that produces pixel-level perfect images, then perhaps there will still be a market for that.

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On this day: Sigma SD9 reviewed, showing revolutionary Foveon sensor

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sigma SD9

The Sigma SD9 was announced in February 2002, just days after Foveon had revealed the X3 technology for which it would become known. Not only was it the first X3 camera, it was also Sigma's first digital camera, following on from a history of making film SLRs.

And, while we've seen alternatives and variations of the Bayer color filter pattern, the SD9 represented one of the most concerted attempts to offer a totally different way of capturing color in digital photography. As part of DPReview.com's 25th anniversary, we look back at one of the most radical cameras we've yet tested.

3.4 x 3 = ?

The Foveon X3 works on a completely different principle to most imaging sensors. The majority of digital cameras place color filters in front of each photodiode so that each receives only specific colors of light, letting it measure how much of that color is present. This has two downsides: firstly it means that a lot of light is absorbed by the color filter and is not then available to the camera. More critically, though, it means that different colors are captured at different locations, and the chroma resolution of a sensor is much lower than the pixel count would imply. The colors of light that were lost to filtering need to be interpolated from neighboring pixels, which softens the image by sharing information across pixels and creates more opportunities for aliasing.

The X3 sensor works very differently: it doesn't use any color filters and instead essentially stacks three photodiodes on top of one another. Different colors of light can penetrate silicon to different depths, so color information can be derived based on how many photons reach the different depths within the sensor. There are downsides to this approach, too: the sensors are complex to fabricate and it's hard to match the pixel counts of the much simpler conventional designs. Also, you need a lot of light to ensure that enough penetrates into the lower layers of silicon, to correctly assess the color and keep noise under control.

Read our original Sigma SD9 review

The SD9 had 3.4 million pixels, with three photodiodes at each pixel, giving full color at every location from its approximately APS-C sensor (∼21x14mm). A direct contemporary, Canon's D60, had 6 million pixels, but with more standard Bayer color filter meaning that although they had a higher nominal resolution, in practice they were softer and couldn't match the Sigma's pixel-level performance. In his original review, Phil concluded that the two cameras were capturing comparable levels of detail overall.

Sigma SD9 CR123A battery Sigma SD9 AA battery drawer
The SD9 had two battery systems, one to power the systems you'd find on a film SLR, a second to power the digital side of the camera.

On the physical side of things, Sigma had clearly adapted one of its existing SLR designs, with separate batteries, with one set powering the camera's metering system, autofocus drive and viewfinder displays, while a tray of AA batteries powered the digital side of the camera. 2003's follow-up SD10 used only a single set of batteries, with a dedicated Li-Ion approach being adopted by 2006's SD14.

Despite being Sigma's first attempt at a digital camera it had some thoughtful touches such as an RGB histogram that updated to reflect the zoomed-in area you were reviewing, in playback mode.

The review also includes Foveon's marketing illustrations that suggest the three different layers of silicon capture blue, green and red light at the different layers. This isn't strictly true: only red photons will reach down to the lowest levels, but some get absorbed higher up. The middle layer therefore collects some red and most of the green light, with the upper layer collected some red, some green and all the blue light. This means that the contibution of each color has to derived, with the noisiest 'red' channel factored into all the other color information.

The SD9 wasn't able to do these calculations, so the camera output Raw files that could be processed using the company's Sigma Photo Pro software. And even on its first outing, Phil recognized that lower light levels represented a significant challenge. But he also recognized the level of innovation that had gone into the camera.

Still promising

Twenty two years later, Sigma now owns Foveon and its X3 technology and says it's is working on a full-frame varient of the design. We're hoping that advances in sensor design and fabrication, along with a larger surface area to capture more light will deliver something more of the original promise of the X3 concept.

With pixel counts now far exceeding those required for most applications, the pressure for Sigma to match the latest Bayer sensors pixel-for-pixel is reduced. And if that results in a low-ISO camera that produces pixel-level perfect images, then perhaps there will still be a market for that.

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DPReview pop-up shop: Gear up with DPReview apparel and accessories

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
DPreview-logo-t-shirt-and-black-Say-Cheese-baseball-cap

Just in time for the holidays, we’re excited to announce the launch of our DPReview Pop-up Shop, featuring limited edition items from our 25th Anniversary collection designed to fuel your passion for photography. In addition to goods with the DPReview logo, we’re also featuring items designed to show your love for photography.

What’s in the store? You can choose from the DPReview logo with apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts and baseball caps. Of course, to honor DPReview’s early history, it's all designed in dark mode with a black background.

Visit the DPReview Pop-up Shop

If you’re a camera nerd – and we include ourselves in that group – head over and take a look.

If you’re not feeling nerdy enough to want DPReview-branded swag, we've also designed products with photo-friendly slogans like ‘Say Cheese’, ‘Photo Department’, and ‘I ♥ Bokeh’.

Sample gallery
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Products from our 25th Anniversary Pop-up Shop.

The pop-up Shop will be available for a limited time. It will disappear on January 31st, so if you want to order something for yourself or your favorite camera enthusiast, head on over and browse the collection.

Why a Pop-up Shop?

Readers have been asking us about DPReview swag for years, so we decided to do something about it. So, if you’re one of those who’s emailed or messaged us asking where to find things like DPReview shirts, now is your chance.

Of course, when you buy our gear, you’re supporting DPReview and our mission to bring you the best online information and reviews about digital cameras.

Additional details

All items in the DPReview Pop-up Shop include free worldwide shipping.

If you have specific questions about products or ordering, you can contact store@gearpatrol.com for assistance.

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The latest/updated big list of Black Friday photo deals

✇Photo Rumors
Par : PR admin


Here are the latest/updated big list of Black Friday photo deals:

Stores:

B&H Photo
Adorama
Amazon
Moment
Paul's Photo
Service Photo

DE:

Erhardt
Koch 
Koster
Calumet

UK:

Park Cameras
WEX Photo

CA:

Camera Canada

 Cameras/Lenses:

Nikon
Sony
Fuji
Leica
Panasonic
Canon
Ricoh/Pentax
OM System
Voiglander
Zeiss
Sigma
Tamron
Tokina
Rokinon
Samyang
TTartisan
Thypoch
7Artisans
Viltrox
Laowa
SLR Magic
Meike
Sirui
Funleader
Astrhori
BrightinStar
DZOFilm
GoPro

 Accessories:

SmallRig
Ulanzi
Pergear
Heipi
Unistellar

Bags:

Wandrd
GuraGear
ThinkTank
PeakDesign
Oberwerth
Vi Vante

Lighting:

Profoto
Hobolite
Godox

 Editing:

Topaz
Luminar
ON1
DxO
Adobe
Capture One
CleverPhotographer
Matt Granger
Tutorials

Memory:

Nextorage (B&H)
SanDisk
Lexar
ProGrade

Others:

Insta360
Apple
FieldMade
KEH
Kolari Vision
Lifepixel
Alphagvrd
Rocky Nook

.    
Topaz Labs


Adorama (up to 5x bonus points)


B&H Holiday Savings | B&H Camera/Lens  Deals | Other


Canon


Nikon


Sony


Panasonic


OM System


FujiFilm


Pentax | Ricoh


Sigma


Lensbaby


Siuri


Tamron


Skylum Luminar | Luminar Mobile | Aperty


ON1 Photo RAW 2025 apps and plugins up to 50% with code BLACKFRIDAY


Picture Correct photo ebooks


Foto Erhardt


Calumet


WEX Photo


SanDisk


Nextorage (also at B&H Photo)


Lexar


GoPro


Apple


7Artisans @ Amazon


7Artisans


Viltrox


Godox


FieldMade


Adobe


DxO


Think Tank Photo


PeakDesign


Wandrd


Gura Gear: 20% off all products


Venus Optics Laowa lenses - 25% off


Ulanzi Black Friday


Insta360 deals


Meike lenses


Brightin Star


Astrhori


DZOFilm


Kolari Vision


Pergear


Funleader


Rocky Nook books sale: get 40% off with code PhotoRumors or NikonRumors




Thypoch lens deals (use code RUMORS for free shipping)

The post The latest/updated big list of Black Friday photo deals appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Join us shooting portraits in New York with Sony's newest, fastest zoom

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

Our recent trip to New York to shoot the Sony a1 II at the Colts vs. Jets game included some downtime, giving us a chance to get some samples with the new Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

The High Line is a former elevated railway that runs up Manhattan's west side, now acting as a ribbon park through the city. Its relaxed atmosphere and mixture of New Yorkers and tourists have made it one of editor Richard Butler's favorite places to grab portraits.

Follow us as we hit the High Line with Sony's latest, fastest zoom, to capture the images in our recent sample gallery.

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 pre-production sample gallery

All images taken with a pre-production lens and processed using Adobe Camera Raw with no distortion or vignetting correction applied.

Sample gallery
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New Cheecar 25mm f/1.7 lens

✇Photo Rumors
Par : PR admin


There is another new lens coming from China: Cheecar 25mm f/1.7. Here are the details:

  • APS-C lens
  • Weight: 150g
  • Size: 26.8mm
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.2m
  • Brass mount
  • For E/RF/Z/X/MFT/EOS-M

More Cheecar lenses can be found here. Cheecar lenses are sold on eBay.

Cheecar to announce a new 100mm f/2.8 full-frame 2x macro lens (R/EF/Z/E/L)

The post New Cheecar 25mm f/1.7 lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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Announcing the December Editors' Photo Challenge: 'Happy Holidays'

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Three-small-snow-covered-trees-decorated-wtih-holiday-lights

Canon EOS 20D and 17-40mm F4 L lens | ISO 100 | 3.2 sec | F4

Photo: Dale Baskin

The theme for our December Editors' photo challenge is 'Happy Holidays'.

Show us what the holiday season looks like through your lens. Whether it’s colorful lights, dazzling decorations, festive gatherings, or just a cozy moment, we want to see your best holiday-inspired photos.

For this challenge, submit one or more photos that embody this month's theme. Each person can enter up to two photos.

How it works

DPReview editors will review every photo you submit to an Editors' Challenge. We'll publish our favorites in a gallery on the DPReview homepage at the end of the month.

Submissions will open on Sunday, December 1st, and you have until Saturday, December 7 (GMT) to submit entries. User voting will begin once submissions close and will help inform DPReview Editors' picks, but will not select them. They are one factor in our evaluation. Visit the December Editors' Challenge page to see the full details.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out some of the other open and upcoming challenges hosted by members of the DPReview community. Or, see some of the great photos from recently completed photo challenges.

Open challenges:

Upcoming challenges:

Click here to see the December challenge details

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Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens is also coming for Nikon Z-mount, but not for Fuji X-mount

✇Photo Rumors
Par : PR admin


Given the conflicting and wrong information circulating online, I contacted Viltrox directly and asked them about their 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens coming for other mounts. This is the response I got:

“Fuji X mount? I haven’t heard anything about Fujifilm X mount, but Nikon Z mount will be launched in the future, though the timeline is uncertain.”

The E-mount version of the lens is currently available at Amazon, B&H Photo, Pergear, and Viltrox store.

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens for Sony E-mount is now available for pre-order

Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB and 35mm f/1.7 lenses coming to Nikon Z-mount

BLACK FRIDAY

The post Viltrox 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens is also coming for Nikon Z-mount, but not for Fuji X-mount appeared first on Photo Rumors.

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In case you missed it: we shot an NFL game with Sony's new a1 II

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

�This week, we published our initial review of Sony's latest flagship, the a1 II. As part of the camera's launch event, editor Richard Butler was able to use the camera to shoot part of an American football game. Video director Mykim Dang went along with him to capture the experience, and the result is a very entertaining video that also covers the basic specs and features of the a1 II.

You can see full-resolution versions of some of the images Richard captured, along with a series of portraits he took while in New York City, in our sample gallery.

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Accessory Roundup: outdoor camera bags, beautiful card readers, and more

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Card-Reader-Streamcase-microphones-outdoor-pack
Images: Angelbird, 3 Legged Thing, Peak Design

Happy weekend, everyone! It's been a busy week here at DPReview, covering the launch of the Sony a1 II, but we've still found some accessories worth taking a look at. But first, as always, let's check out the deals.

It's almost time

Next week, the US is celebrating Thanksgiving, which is shortly followed by the traditional shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many brands have already started their sales, so there's plenty of discounts to be had. Next week we'll be putting out an article rounding up some of the best prices on our favorite gear, so stay tuned for that.

Nikon Z6-3-floating-on-yellow-background
Photo: Richard Butler

In the meantime, Nikon's at it with the sales again. The company's latest full-frame camera, the Z6III, can be had for $200 off. When we reviewed it earlier this year, we were impressed by its versatility and capability for shooting both stills and videos.

$2,296 at B&H
$2,296 at Adorama
$2,296 at Amazon
Nikon-Z7ii
Photo: Dan Bracaglia

What's that? You're not impressed by a mere $200 off? Fair enough. You can still get the Nikon Z8 for $500 off list, but the real jaw-dropper is the Nikon Z7 II, which is available for a full $1,000 off MSRP. It's a decidedly last-gen camera at this point and doesn't feature the company's latest autofocus tech that impressed us so much in the Z8 and Z6III, but if you're looking for a high-res full-frame camera to shoot landscapes with, it's hard to imagine that you'll find something better for $2,000.

$1,996 at B&H
$1,996 at Amazon
$1,996 at Adorama

Get outdoors

Peak-Design-Outdoor-Packs-16x9
Image: Peak Design

A few months ago, Peak Design announced a new lineup of outdoor-focused camera bags, made of durable, weather-resistant materials and designed to be comfortable to wear on long excursions through varied terrain while carrying the gear you need to get the perfect landscape shot.

Previously, the bags – two backpacks and two slings – were available to preorder on Kickstarter, but they're now available to buy via normal retail channels. If you want to learn more about the bags, be sure to check out our full article on them here.

Peak Design Outdoor Pack

25L $250 at Amazon
45L $330 at Amazon
Buy at B&H

Peak Design Outdoor Sling

2L $59 at Amazon
7L $89 at Amazon
Buy at B&H

Beautiful card readers

Angelbird-card-reader-pkt

Red is CFexpress type A, blue is SD, and yellow is CFexpress type B.

Image: Angelbird

Angelbird, a company best known for its SSDs and memory cards, has released a new lineup of card readers called the PKT series. As the "pocket" name implies, they're meant to be carried around; the USB-C port on them is recessed to reduce wear and tear, the card slot has a cover to prevent dust or lint from building up in them and they have a write protection switch that can help prevent accidental data deletion or formating.

There are three models: one for SD cards, which can transfer data at 5 Gbps, and CFexpress type A and B models, which both run at 20Gbps through a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 connection.

The PKT readers certainly aren't cheap – each one costs around $100 – but they sure do look nice. They're made out of aluminum, which you can get engraved with custom text for no extra cost, and each one features a distinctive splash of color so you can tell which reader you're grabbing at a glance. They also include a three-year warranty and a 32 cm (12.6") USB 4 cable.

SD reader
$99 at Amazon
$99 at B&H
CFexpress type A reader
$99 at Amazon
$99 at B&H
CFexpress type B reader
$99 at Amazon
$99 at B&H

Rig out your iPhone 16

PolarPro-Litechaser-16

PolarPro's iPhone case lets you add accessories without having to use an entire cage

Image: PolarPro

Filter and camera accessory company PolarPro has updated its 'LiteChaser' iPhone case lineup to support Apple's latest phones and add even more attachment options, including a set of effects lenses that can be used with your phone's main camera.

There are a few case options; the base one lets you attach filters and lenses and comes with a removable grip with two 1/4-20 threads and a cover that can flip down to protect your phone's cameras, while the 'ProCase' includes all that plus a cold-shoe mount that you can use to add even more mounting points to your phone. For those who like using their phone without a case, there's an easily removable 'EXO' backplate that attaches via MagSafe and gives you a slot to add filters and lenses.

The company sells a variety of specially made filters for the system, including a 2-5 variable ND, a black mist filter, and a circular polarizer, as well as an adapter that lets you use standard 67mm screw-on filters. The filters it made for the iPhone 15 version of the case are also forward-compatible, so you can still use them if you've upgraded your phone.

3 Legged Microphone

str3amcase-case
Image: 3 Legged Thing

3 Legged Thing's latest product isn't a tripod or other apparatus to mount a camera; instead, it's a set of clip-on lavalier microphones that you can use to record – you guessed it – three people at once. The company pitches the system, called the 'Str3amcase' towards content creators and videographers doing interviews, livestreams, or vlogs.

The kit comes with two transmission modules and one receiver module, which can also pull double-duty as a microphone, though given the lack of onboard recording you'll have to find a way to discretely run a cable off it. If you don't need to record a third person, you can clip it to a camera's shoe mount instead of a collar and use its 3.5mm jack to output audio. You can also connect it to a phone via USB-C.

The transmission modules have their own clips, but can also be magnetically attached to things as well. If you'd rather not use the built-in microphones, you can also attach a lavalier to them via a 3.5mm jack.

The two transmitter modules and receiver module nestle into a charging case that's powered via USB-C.

$130 at 3 Legged Thing

Click to read last week's accessory roundup

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The Best cameras under $1000 in 2024

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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roundup-best-cameras-under-1000-590 1
Updated Nov 22, 2024

$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.

At this price point, your main options will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or enthusiast-tier compact cameras with a built-in lens. Compact cameras offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but – despite having sensors that are around 60% larger – likely won't offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones.

Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.

It's worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will stick with the basic 'kit' zoom that comes with the camera, so it's worth checking whether a good selection of lenses is available (at a price you're willing to spend) before deciding which brand's system to buy into.

Our recommendations:

Best camera under $1000: Canon EOS R10

24MP Dual Pixel APS-C CMOS sensor | 4K/30p video (60p with crop) | 15fps shooting (23fps with e-shutter)

canon eosr10
Photo: Shaminder Dulai

What we like:

  • Capable stills and video camera
  • Simple, effective AF in stills
  • Relatively easy-to-use

What we don't:

  • Video autofocus is less effective than stills
  • Mediocre battery life
  • Few sensible RF lens choices
The Canon EOS R10 is a 24MP mid-level APS-C mirrorless camera for stills and video shooting.

There are a few things that earn it the top place of this list. The first is its stand-out usability, with dual top-plate dials for controlling exposure settings and a joystick to control its very capable autofocus system. It also has a decent selection of lenses; third parties like Sigma have stepped in to round-out the selection of primes and higher-end zoom lenses available for it, meaning you've got a lot of good options if you want to move beyond the kit lens that came with it.

The R10 has a powerful AF tracking system with subject recognition that makes it especially good at focusing on people, animals and vehicles. We found it both easy to use and effective. 15fps shooting with the mechanical shutter is good, though the buffer is limited.
"The EOS R10 is an approachable, capable option for stills and video"
The R10 has a relatively small body but finds room for two command dials. Most key settings can be accessed through the Q menu, making it easy to access the camera's core functions.
The R10 can shoot 4K video at up to 60p with a crop, or 30p using its full sensor width. The footage isn't the most detailed but, as in stills mode, there's the option to shoot footage for HDR TVs. Autofocus isn't as dependable as it is in stills mode.

With the EOS R10 Canon has re-created the capability and usability of its popular Rebel series DSLRs in its RF mirrorless lens mount. Now that there's a wider variety of lenses available for it, it's an excellent pick for those looking to get into photography.

Read our Canon EOS R10 review

See Canon EOS R10 studio scene

Sample gallery
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The other options

While we much prefer the higher level of control that the EOS R10 provides, the less expensive Canon EOS R50 may also be worth a look if you're extremely budget-conscious but still want to stay in the Canon ecosystem. It has fewer control points – most notably, it misses out on the EOS R10's joystick – and it loses out on features such as 4K/60p video capture and an articulating display, but it's still pretty capable.

We don't recommend the cheaper still EOS R100. It's based on a previous generation of technology, so it's slower and has less sophisticated autofocus.

The better performer: Nikon Z50II

20.9MP APS-C sensor | Subject recognition AF | Full-width 4K video up to 30p

Nikon-z50ii
Photo courtesy Nikon

What we like:

  • Twin top-plate control dials
  • Simple tracking AF w/ subject recognition
  • Strong video specs

What we don't:

  • No sensor stabilization
  • Weak battery life
  • Limited zoom lens selection
The Nikon Z50II is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera, built around a 21MP CMOS sensor. It features Nikon's '3D tracking' autofocus system, and can recognize nine subject types.

The Z50II makes a case for being the best pick for beginners, thanks to a simple and effective AF system with automatic subject detection. However, while plenty of prime lenses are available, Nikon appears to be blocking bright zooms from third-party makers, limiting your upgrade options compared with its rivals.

It has a solid grip, twin top-plate control dials, and a wide variety of customizable buttons, including one that, by default, controls color mode. Focusing is handled using the touchscreen or four-way controller.
The Z50II delivers on the basics without breaking the bank.
The Z50II can shoot full-width UHD 4K at 30fps, but requires a 1.5x crop to hit 60fps. It has video-focused features like a tally light, waveform monitoring, N-Log, and headphone and microphone jacks.
The Z50II looks like a solid camera, with several features from Nikon's higher-end cameras. The lack of a stabilized sensor could be frustrating when shooting video, and the limited lens selection could hurt the camera's ability to grow with you as a photographer.

Read our Nikon 50II Initial Review

Sample gallery
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What about the Z fc?

Nikon's Z fc is a stylish camera based on the original Z50, which means it has the same sensor as the Z50II. We like it a lot, but the autofocus on the Z50II is such a marked improvement that it's hard to recommend picking up a Z fc at this point – you can read our full comparison between the two cameras here. If you have a strong attachment to the Z fc's aesthetics, your best option is probably holding-off for a bit to see if Nikon updates the Z fc. If that's not an option, see if you can get it on sale or used.

The affordable kit: Sony a6100

24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture

sony a6100

The Sony a6100 offers a lot of power in a compact, well-priced body. The 16-50mm power zoom isn't the best, though.

Photo: Richard Butler

What we like:

  • Excellent autofocus system
  • 4K/30p video recording
  • Tilting touchscreen LCD

What we don't:

  • Less robust build quality
  • Rolling shutter 'jello effect' present in 4K video
  • Crop when recording 4K/30p video
The Sony a6100 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera. It has a compact body and a 24MP sensor.

It was a very capable and affordable camera when it was launched several years ago, offering some of the best autofocus around and a wide selection of lenses. The latter part is still an advantage, but many competitors' autofocus systems are now on par with, or even more capable than, the a6100's. However, it's still worth considering if you want to get both a camera body and a decent lens for under $1,000.

The a6100 is the most basic model in the a6000-series and doesn't feel quite as robust as its step-up siblings. It offers a lower-resolution electronic viewfinder, and twin control dials that are both thumb-operated. Its touchscreen flips upward 180-degrees for easy selfie framing and vlogging.
It also uses Sony's old menu system, which can be a chore to work with.
"The a6100's autofocus can effortlessly track whatever you point it at"
Sony's autofocus system has been trained to recognize people and pets as subjects, and will follow them flawlessly throughout the frame. Coupled with the ability to touch the screen to place a focus point, it's a system that will serve beginner users very well, whatever they're shooting.
The a6100 makes it easy to record 4K footage or slow-motion 1080 video. There's a socket to connect an external mic but no way to connect headphones for monitoring. It can be set up for tap-to-track autofocus in video, too. There's significant 'jello-effect' distortion in the 4K footage though, especially in 24p mode.
The a6100 is a good entry-level camera with a very powerful, easy-to-use autofocus system. We're not huge fans of the kit zoom and the interface isn't especially welcoming, but with a few settings changes, it can help you get excellent shots, easily.

Read our Sony a6100 review

See the Sony a6100 studio scene

Sample gallery
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Best compact camera under $1000: Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 Va

20MP 1" Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-70mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens | 4K video capture

sony dscrx100m5a
The RX100 VA can deliver excellent image quality, backed up by good autofocus

What we like:

  • Excellent photo quality
  • Very good AF for a compact
  • 24 fps burst shooting with deep buffer

What we don't:

  • Interface and controls can be overwhelming
  • No touchscreen
  • Limited battery life

The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 VA is an updated RX100 V with the same 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor, fast 24-70mm equiv. lens, hybrid AF system, clever popular viewfinder and excellent 4K video quality. The 'VA' adds a larger buffer, new metering, white balance and AF modes, an improved EVF refresh rate and more.

Sony essentially created this class of cameras with the original RX100 model. A large sensor gives image quality that's still a match for a good smartphone but with the benefit of an actual zoom lens. The Stacked CMOS sensor and a built-in viewfinder add to the cost but also create a very powerful camera.

"Offers the best combination of photo and video quality, autofocus and speed of any compact camera"
Handling and ergonomics are the RX100 series' weak point, and they're most enjoyable when used as point-and-shoots in auto modes. But nothing else offers this combination of photo and video quality, speed and compactness, and the viewfinder makes it useable in a wide range of circumstances.

The RX100 VII is also worth a look. It's more expensive, and its lens is slower, taking away some of the low light performance, but it offers a much longer zoom, giving still more benefit over a smartphone.

Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V review

See the Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 V studio scene

Sample gallery
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Best camera for content creation: Fujifilm X-M5

26MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor | Fully articulated 3" LCD | 6.2K 3:2 video up to 30p

fujifilm-xm5

What we like:

  • Great JPEG colors with dedicated dial
  • Solid selection of vlogging features and UI
  • Good level of direct control

What we don't:

  • No viewfinder
  • AF tracking performance isn't the strongest
  • Unstabilized sensor
The Fujifilm X-M5 is based around an APS-C 26MP X-Trans sensor, and equipped with AI-powered subject detection autofocus.

It's aimed at creators taking pictures and video for the web, with a suite of vlogging features meant to let you shoot video that's ready to upload as soon as you transfer it to your phone and a dial that lets you easily switch between 'Film Simulations,' Fujifilm's much-loved color modes. It also has the full suite of stills features from larger, more expensive models – minus a viewfinder – and its X-mount lens mount also gives you access to the most complete range of APS-C lenses, no matter where your photography or content creation journey takes you.

Fujifilm's autofocus can recognize and accurately track several subject types, but overall its autofocus isn't as swift or reliable as its rivals and its general subject tracking isn't as dependable.
The X-M5's stills mode is among the most competent in vlogging-focused cameras
It has two top-plate control dials and a focus control joystick, but no four-way controller. It also features the company's film simulation dial for controlling the color profile.
The X-M5 can shoot up to 6.2K open-gate footage, which can be cropped for sharing on multiple platforms. Many of its video modes, such as 4K 60p, lighter-weight 4K LP mode, and electronic stabilization modes, come with a substantial crop.
Our initial impressions of the X-M5 are that it's a capable camera for its size and price but that its non-stabilized sensor and last-gen autofocus tracking may be an issue for its target audience.

Read our Fujifilm X-M5 initial review

Sample gallery
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What if I only vlog?

If you plan to shoot more videos than photos, you may want to consider the Sony ZV-E10 II. Its lack of a mechanical shutter makes it worse for photography, but its autofocus tracking performance in video sets it apart from the X-M5. It also has video-centric features like a front tally light and included wind sock, and it can shoot 4K 60fps without having to crop in too tightly on the frame.

Click here to read the ZV-E10 II review

Sony also makes a compact vlogging camera called the ZV-1 II. It gives up a lot compared to the ZV-E10 II: it has a much smaller Type-1 sensor, no 10-bit video, no 4K 60fps, and, obviously, no ability to switch out lenses. In return, you get built-in ND filters, which will help if you're shooting in direct sunlight, and a built-in lens, which means that you're getting a complete package for under $1,000. Still, it's hard to recommend when cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 exist and when many phones rival it in vlogging capabilities.

Click here to read our Best Cameras for Vlogging buying guide

Why you should trust us

This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.

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Sony FE 28-70mm F2 sample gallery

✇News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample gallery
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Earlier this week, Sony announced its FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens, its first constant F2 zoom. The company promised "prime levels of performance" and said the lens doesn't rely on software corrections.

Our sample gallery shows how the lens performs in general use as a portrait lens and contains a few samples designed to show how it renders sun stars and its vignetting performance throughout its aperture range. There are also some shots designed to show off how it renders bokeh when wide open at F2.

A note on processing: our standard procedure for lens galleries is to export the JPEGs using Capture One, as it gives us more control over how lens corrections are applied than Adobe Camera Raw. However, we shot this gallery with the just-announced Sony a1 II, which currently isn't supported in Capture One, so we reverted to processing these images using ACR. We've worked to use settings similar to our standard C1 recipe. No correction for vignetting or distortion was applied.

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