When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Image: 7artisans
7artisans has announced the AF 35mm F1.8, a wide-angle full-frame prime for Sony E mount. While it's not the cheapest or smallest autofocus lens of its type for the system, it's reasonably priced and has some nice quality-of-life features that more budget options don't.
The lens is made of 11 elements in 8 groups, with two aspherical lenses, two high-refractive elements and one ED element. It has an 11-bladed aperture, and a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (15.7").
Its body is made of metal, which likely contributes to it being relatively heavy at 426g. The lens can take 62mm filters, and is 94mm (3.7") long. Its autofocus system is driven by a stepper motor.
As for the features, it has a clickless aperture ring, an auto/manual focus switch and a customizable function button. There's also a USB-C port on the bottom for firmware updates.
This month, we’re celebrating the camera that’s always with you: the smartphone. As we all know, sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you. Wow us with the best images captured on a phone or tablet, and show us how small sensors can tell big stories, anywhere, anytime.
Photos can be submitted between Sunday, September 7, and Saturday, September 13 (GMT). The challenge is open to photos captured at any time.
Important: Images MUST include a title and a caption of at least 25 words to be eligible. We need to be able to share the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!
Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration as soon as the challenge opens.
As usual, Nikon and Canon will again announce their new products one day apart – a tradition that has been ongoing for decades. Here are the latest rumored specifications of the upcoming Nikon Zr and Canon EOS C50 video-oriented/cinema full-frame cameras:
Dclife posted a Canon teaser for what appears to be a new RF 85mm f/1.4L VCM lens that is rumored to be announced on September 9th, together with the Canon EOS C50 camera:
Canon already has four RF L VCM lenses, and a fifth 85mm lens makes sense:
Whether you're looking to capture daily life, start a new hobby or hoping to build a professional career, choosing the right camera is an important first step. Cameras come in various sizes and formats, but compacts, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are three of the most common options. Those choices can feel confusing if you're relatively new to the photography world, though.
Each type of camera provides a different balance between convenience, image quality and creative control. Understanding those differences will help you narrow down which device might best match your needs.
Compact cameras
Compact cameras are very small. Photo: Richard Butler
As the name suggests, compact cameras (or compacts) are small, easy-to-carry devices. They feature integrated lenses that can't be changed out, saving you from spending additional money on lenses. Some compacts offer a zoom lens, whereas others use a fixed focal length with no zoom capabilities.
Compact cameras are often called point-and-shoots, too. This is because many are designed to be very simple to use with fully automated settings. However, there are also more premium, advanced compact models that still offer some creative control, so not all are meant for casual users.
Unfortunately, compact cameras aren't as prevalent as they used to be, as smartphones have largely replaced them. As a result, there are limited new models available. There have been some releases in the past year, but they are typically quite pricey for casual users. Many of the newer models are designed for vlogging with more video-centric features that aren't great for pure photographers. Alternatively, you can still find older compacts second-hand, though there are some risks with buying aging cameras.
Who are compact cameras best for?
Because of their simple operation and limited need for additional accessories, compact cameras are great for casual photographers who want something other than their phone to make photographs. The small size also makes them ideal for travel use, since you can easily fit them in a jacket pocket or small purse.
However, compact cameras aren’t just for beginners. A basic point-and-shoot can be a fun outlet for those who already have advanced, technical gear. Plus, there are premium compact models, including a medium-format camera with a larger sensor. Experienced photographers who simply like the idea of a convenient camera with an integrated lens may also enjoy these compact devices.
DSLRs
Image: Nikon
Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) are probably the most widely recognized digital interchangeable lens cameras (ILC). Unlike compact cameras, DSLRs don't use an integrated lens, so you'll need to buy one separately (or as a kit with the camera). This adds cost, but also adds flexibility and creative control, as you can choose the lens(es) that allow you to achieve the look you're after.
The other key component of DSLRs is a mirror that directs light from the lens into an optical viewfinder. That style of viewfinder gives you a real-time, direct through-the-lens view. It also results in longer battery life since the viewfinder isn't a display that uses up power. The mirror mechanism adds bulk, however.
While DSLRs are still widely used, they are past their heyday. For the last five years, major brands have been entirely focused on mirrorless technology for both cameras and lenses. Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2020. Additionally, Sigma hasn't released a new lens for DSLRs since 2018 and recently changed its lens naming strategy to ditch the label that was used to identify its mirrorless lenses. Only Pentax remains committed to the DSLR format at this time.
Who are DSLR cameras best for?
Because DSLRs represent older technology, they are available at relatively affordable prices. The same is true for DSLR lenses. As a result, they are a popular choice for beginners looking to buy their first dedicated camera. Some professionals also opt for DSLRs because you can get a lot of image quality for the price at this point.
Investing in a DSLR today will leave you with outdated technology right out of the gate.
However, it would be wise to consider carefully if you want to invest in a DSLR system right now because they are end-of-life systems. They are well supported for now, but investing in a DSLR today will leave you with outdated technology right out of the gate. After all, even entry-level mirrorless cameras offer much more reliable autofocus and advanced features. New features, firmware updates and compatible accessories will also be increasingly rare for DSLRs.
Additionally, it's important to remember that you're also investing in lenses. While there are adapters that allow you to use DSLR lenses on mirrorless bodies, this adds additional bulk and can reduce the functionality of some lenses. Plus, mirrorless lenses are significantly improved over DSLR lenses, so you'll also be missing out on the latest advancements in lens technology as well.
Mirrorless cameras
Photo: Richard Butler
Mirrorless cameras are the more modern take on the interchangeable lens format. They ditch the bulky mirror mechanism found in DSLRs, allowing for a more compact, lighter body. The sacrifice, for some, is that they use an electronic viewfinder (EVF), instead of an optical one. EVFs consume more power, and there may also be a subtle lag in low light conditions (though it's rare for that to be noticeable for most users).
Since mirrorless cameras are newer than DSLRs, they offer more recent technology. That includes faster and more advanced autofocus with subject detection and tracking, faster burst shooting rates and real-time exposure simulation. They also provide better video capabilities.
Who are mirrorless cameras best for?
Mirrorless cameras are available for just about every need and preference. There are entry-level beginner models, video-centric options and high-end, professional-grade mirrorless cameras. In short, mirrorless cameras are best for anyone who wants an interchangeable lens camera for the flexibility and creative control. They are also ideal for those who need relatively compact camera bodies, advanced autofocus or greater video capabilities.
The best camera is the one that fits your needs
When shopping for a new camera, you'll hear a lot about what the best cameras are. At the end of the day, though, the best camera for you is entirely dependent on your particular needs and how you plan to use it. Each of the formats above has pros and cons and is suitable for different situations. Be sure to consider what you want to get out of the camera and what the most important features are before narrowing in on one particular device.
The video clip is from Laowa. It demonstrates switching between distant and nearby objects; considering practical usage scenarios, this should be faster. According to Laowa, among the AF200 prototypes they are currently manufacturing, the EF version boasts the fastest autofocus speed, followed by the Z mount, while the E-mount version is the slowest. However, they did not disclose the camera bodies used in their testing, so this statement should be treated as indicative only.
Mount Versions
The confirmed versions at present are: EF, E, Z. The GFX version is likely also on the roadmap, though it will follow somewhat later. When asked whether the GFX version would feature autofocus, Laowa did not give a direct answer, but it may well be included. No F-mount. A user inquired whether an L-mount version would be produced. Laowa responded that they ‘have the capability to do so,’ but noted they had enquired about L-mount licensing, with the licensing fees appearing to be quite substantial. However, the EF-mount version can be used on L-mount bodies via an adapter. They are considering releasing a manual focus PL-mount version in the future. The aperture ring on this lens can be switched between stepped and stepless operation. This should be welcome news for users who shoot both stills and moving images.
Filters and Extenders
The E and Z versions retain space for rear filters. The EF does not, presumably due to insufficient space. Laowa has not designed dedicated extenders for it, but they indicate that using genuine Canon extenders may be worth trying.
Colors
There are currently no plans for a white lens barrel, though (third-party manufacturers) may offer protective films or “skins”.
There is also the possibility of a new DJI mirrorless camera, but those rumors have been circulating for over 6 years now without any substantial leak or proof:
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Image: Nikon
Nikon has temporarily suspended its Nikon Authenticity Service program, which provided Z6III owners with the ability to sign their images with C2PA Content Credentials. In a notification, the company says it "confirmed that an issue has been identified in the Nikon Authenticity Service," and that "the service has been temporarily suspended while we work diligently to resolve the issue."
While the company didn't specify what the issue was, it seems likely it's related to a discovery made by DPReview forum member Horshack, who got the camera to sign an image it hadn't exactly taken by using the Multiple Exposure function. Yesterday, Nikon told DPReview it was investigating that issue.
The Z6III's ability to create these Content Credentials, which theoretically help prove that a photo was authentically taken with a camera and keep a record of edits made to it, was a headline feature of the Z6III's v2.0 firmware update. However, the company did tell users that it was being released as a beta, so it's not necessarily surprising that there have been a few bugs.
In its news post, Nikon promises to provide an update "as soon as the corrective measures are complete," and apologizes for any inconvenience.
Special thanks to Horshack for alerting us to Nikon's news post.
It takes a lot these days to make a music video or visualizer stand out, but that's exactly what Deftones and UK-based artist and researcher Edd Carr were able to do. The video for Cut Hands, seen above, was created with more than 2100 hand-printed cyanotypes, an analog process that required a massive undertaking by Carr. We were curious how Carr tackled this project and what led him to use an analog process for the video, and he was gracious enough to chat with us about his work.
Carr began by photographing landscapes with a DSLR and editing them extensively in Lightroom, but eventually realized something was missing. "I would go out, focus on the live view screen to get a perfect composition, then come back, and focus on the digital edit in Lightroom," he explained. That process left him feeling completely disconnected from the natural world he was trying to document.
Around the same time, Carr started reading about radical ecology and was drawn to the idea of using analog processes to feel more connected to the physical world. Since then, Carr has been deeply involved in analog photography, including alternative processes like cyanotypes, because of the feeling of connection that he gets from the tactile.
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that results in striking blue-toned images. The technique involves coating paper with a light-sensitive solution of potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate, which is yellowish green when initially brushed on. To make an image, you expose the coated paper to UV light (typically sunlight) and rinse it to reveal the final image. It's a very hands-on process that aligns closely with Carr’s desire for a physical connection to his art.
Image: Edd Carr
As an artist who focuses on nature, working in analog adds another layer of connection as well. "From an ecological perspective, analog processes allow me to incorporate natural elements into my work, and connect the living landscape to the themes of my pieces," Carr explained. To that end, sometimes he develops his film in plants or buries it in soil. "I try to give voice to the land through my work," he said.
While analog is central to Carr's work, digital is also a significant component. For the music video and his other animation work, the projects begin as digital cuts based on stock footage. They are then translated to analog to create the imagery, and back to digital for the final animation.
Carr explained that creating the imagery for the Deftones project was a painstaking process. Sourcing the stock footage was just step one. "Then [I] compile it in a way to create a narrative, and also for the visuals to flow through techniques such as match cutting (matching similar shapes, such as the snake’s eyes and the eclipse), or matching movements," he said. "It is sort of like making a sculpture from found objects."
Image: Edd Carr
Once Carr makes the digital video, he splits it into individual frames, usually at 12 frames per second. "This means I end up with a stream of digital still images, comprising the entire video – in this case over 2,100 images," he explained.
After establishing the narrative digitally, Carr begins the process of transforming each frame into a cyanotype. For some of Carr's work, he uses a DLP projector to expose the cyanotype. The bulb has a trace amount of UV, and it allows him to project the image onto the paper without first printing a digital negative. However, exposures take a lot longer, so it isn't feasible for animation projects with lots of prints.
For high-volume projects like the Deftones video, Carr first creates digital negatives for each frame. Since he was dealing with so many images, he opted to make contact sheets with between 9 and 16 images per A4 sheet. Each sheet then produces roughly one second of footage.
Image: Edd Carr
Once the negatives are ready and paper is coated, he uses an artificial UV LED light to expose the prints. The artificial light allows him to fully control exposure, which enables more consistent prints. "If they aren’t consistent, you get a lot of flashing, due to the variance in exposure," he explained. "Indeed, you can see some in this Deftones video, even with controlled UV."
The sheer number of prints in an animation project like the Deftones video makes the process daunting. "The volume of prints is always a challenge, especially in a commercial context, as you often have tight deadlines to meet," Carr explained. For the Deftones video, he was making 100 prints a day, which he says was incredibly intense. He explained that he would coat the cyanotypes in batches of eight, print two rounds, wash and dry and then print again. He said it resulted in printing for 12 hours a day, which was a very physical process.
Sample gallery
This widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.
After the cyanotypes are created, Carr scans each frame back in, does some editing and drops them back into the video editor. He said that, in theory, it should play smoothly, but there are often one or two frames missing or out of order. Finding those frames and getting them back into place is a time-consuming process. He says he spent more than 12 hours a day editing, and said it was "a bit brain melting."
Carr says he wanted to channel the rock music video aesthetic he grew up with in the '90s, both in subject matter and the visual effects. The look that results from the cyanotype animation leans into that grunge look, thanks to scratches, folds, paper texture and other imperfections coming through. Carr said the unpredictability is one of the things he enjoys most about analog processes. "It is one of the reasons I love analogue; a thumbprint of mine may make its way into the animation unexpectedly, or a certain scratch or fold in the paper may give an additional exciting texture to an otherwise typical image," he said. "I can’t imagine losing this in digital, or artificially adding it with AI."
New OM System and Panasonic Lumix price increases are coming to the US as a result of the Trump’s tariffs:
OM System price increase coming in early October
Panasonic Lumix price increase coming on September 28th
If you are planning on purchasing new gear, now would be a good time to do so, since I expect more price increases to be coming in the coming weeks/months:
Thanks to Adobe, content creators and video editors will soon have access to another editing app on their phones. The company has announced that it is bringing Premiere, its computer-based video editing software, to iPhones for free.
Premiere Pro is a widely used video editing platform that offers an extensive list of advanced features suitable for professionals. Adobe says it reimagined Premiere for mobile, promising pro-level control without pro-level complexity. It describes the app as "intuitive and uncluttered." As an added benefit, unlike many other popular mobile-based video editing apps, Premiere for iPhone won't add watermarks or feature ads.
Adobe says the app allows users to start an edit on their phone and finish on the desktop version of Premiere Pro. Alternatively, it supports export directly to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram and more. It can even automatically resize videos for each specific platform, promising to keep the main content in the frame.
Despite the streamlined UI, Premiere on iPhone will still offer familiar features for those who use the desktop version. That includes a multi-track timeline and dynamic audio waveforms. It also supports automatic captions with stylized subtitles, unlimited layers, support for 4K HDR and more.
Additionally, the Premiere iPhone app offers Generative Sound Effects, which allows users to create sound effects using a text prompt and their own voice. The app also features an AI-powered tool to record voiceovers that Adobe promises will be clear even when recording in noisy environments.
Images: Adobe
Adobe Firefly is built into the app for AI-generated assets, and users will also have access to millions of free Adobe Stock assets. The app will also enable Adobe Fonts and Lightroom presets. Creatives will be able to easily find, create and add music, sound effects, photos, text, graphics and videos to their content.
Adobe stated that the Premiere iPhone app is free. Users will only need to pay if they want to use generative credits or cloud storage.
The Adobe Premiere iPhone app will be available at the end of September, but you can pre-order it now in the App Store. The Android version is in development, so hopefully Android users don't have long to wait for access.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
Sample gallery
This widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.
We're working on the studio test scene of the Hasselblad X2D II 100C and will be working towards a full review in the coming weeks. But, in the meantime, thought we'd add a couple of high ISO and low-light images shot after the camera's launch to our sample gallery.
As before all the JPEGs include a brightness map that allows more convincing rendering of bright tones and highlights on HDR displays. The versions presented in our gallery system have had the brightness maps discarded, so you'll need to download the JPEG listed next to the word "Original" on the right of the page, and view on a compatible device.
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.
Connexion
