Sony has announced plans for new firmware updates (though the wait is long):
Sony Electronics Announces New Firmware Updates to Cinema Line Cameras
Plans Include Updates to Cinema Line Cameras: FX30, FX3 and FX6
SAN DIEGO – Jan. 17, 2024 – Sony Electronics announces upcoming updates for the FX6, FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras at the BSC Expo 2024 in London, exhibiting its extensive range of filmmaking technology. The new firmware updates showcase Sony’s commitment to its cinema line.
The ILME-FX6 ver.5.0 firmware update is expected from May 2024 or later and will include:
The firmware update for FX3 and FX30 is expected from September 2024 or later and will include:
The firmware updates will be available free of charge starting in May 2024 for the FX6 ver.5.0 and the FX30/FX3 updates will be available starting in about September 2024.
DJI has announced a new wireless mic system:
DJI Mic 2: Elevating Professional Audio Recording Excellence
with Unparalleled Quality, User-Centric Design, and Exceptional Stability
Jan 17, 2024 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today announced the launch of the new DJI Mic 2, setting a new benchmark in audio recording solutions. With DJI Mic 2, creators can expect an exceptional experience, marked by high-quality recording functions, user-friendly designs, and remarkable stability.
"DJI Mic 2 represents a leap forward in audio recording technology. We've combined high-quality recording functions, user-friendly designs, and noteworthy stability to empower content creators with the tools they need to capture extraordinary audio, no matter where their creativity takes them," said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI.
Pro Audio Recording Functions in Pocket-Size
At the heart of DJI Mic 2 lies the promise of capturing brilliance in different sounds. It's equipped with omnidirectional recording capabilities, thoughtfully optimized for vocal clarity, ensuring that the audio content of users shines in various scenarios. Whether content creators are producing engaging vlogs, conducting insightful interviews, or recording in diverse environments, DJI Mic 2 guarantees that their audio is of high quality.
DJI Mic 2 also features intelligent noise-canceling technology1, a game-changer for content creators working in bustling urban areas or crowded rooms. This innovative feature effectively reduces environmental noise, delivering clear vocals and uninterrupted audio recordings. Regarding windy or fast-moving scenarios, DJI Mic 2 has included windscreen to lower wind noise, ensuring clean sound capture in windy outdoor scenarios.
As an added layer of protection for the user's audio, DJI Mic 2 offers the Safety Track feature. It allows content creators to record a second track at -6dB alongside the primary audio track, safeguarding against unexpected audio level spikes. Even in the midst of audibly complicated environments such as rock concerts, DJI Mic 2 delivers balanced results with remarkable ease.
User-Friendly Design for a Seamless and Intuitive Experience
DJI Mic 2 is not just developed with technical advancement, but also designed with users in mind. Its sleek and smart aesthetic is elevated by a premium metal charging case that not only has a minimalistic appearance but also offers a newly added locking latch, which provides a secure and reliable solution to prevent accidental drops for peace of mind during use.
To suit the style and preferences of different users, DJI Mic 2 is available in two transmitter colors: Shadow Black and Pearl White2. Shadow Black adds a discreet, high-tech appearance to the Mic 2 setup, while Pearl White offers an elegant alternative for those seeking a light-tone colorway.
When it comes to getting started, DJI Mic 2 simplifies the process. The system is ready to use anytime, anywhere. Users can just open the charging case, and DJI Mic 2 will then spring to life, automatically pairing the receiver and transmitters while charging them. Additionally, DJI Mic 2 can be seamlessly connected to DJI Osmo Action 4, DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and smartphone devices3 via Bluetooth, while also offering hassle-free compatibility with various recording devices through USB-C, Lightning Adapters, as well as 3.5mm TRS analog output.
DJI Mic 2 also puts control at the fingertips of the user with its effortless touchscreen operation. A 1.1-inch OLED touchscreen paired with a precision dial provides quick access to critical information. Content creators will be able to adjust volume, gain, brightness, and more with ease, achieving the optimal audio setup smoothly.
With magnetic attachment for quick concealment, the transmitters feature a user-friendly clip-on design that simplifies the process of attaching them to clothing. DJI Mic 2 even offers dual-channel recording, allowing content creators to capture audio from two sources simultaneously, simplifying multi-source recording and enhancing efficiency during post-production.
To further expand the creative horizons of the user, DJI offers practical accessories4 such as the DJI Lavalier Mic and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case.
Stability and Reliability in Every Recording
Stability is a hallmark of DJI Mic 2, ensuring that the audio recordings of the user are consistently outstanding. DJI Mic 2 is equipped with 8GB of internal storage per transmitter, offering up to 14 hours of uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio recording5. This ensures that content creators can record for extended periods without worrying about storage constraints.
DJI Mic 2 stands out significantly due to its cutting-edge 32-bit float internal recording6 capability. This feature not only delivers high-quality recording but also adapts seamlessly to complex sound environments, capturing nuances of sounds, from quiet whispers to booming decibel levels. This level of flexibility provides greater reliability in erratic noise scenarios and offers more options for post-production fine-tuning.
When it comes to range and battery life, DJI Mic 2 shines. It offers an impressive maximum audio transmission range of up to 250 meters7 (820 ft.) in open, unobstructed environments without interference. This range caters to common scenarios such as live streaming, studio recording, and outdoor recording. Plus, each transmitter and receiver has a remarkable 6-hour operating time8, which can be extended to a generous 18 hours with the charging case, making it perfect for extended content creation sessions.
Price and Availability
The DJI Mic 2 is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
The DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) retails for $349, and includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, two DJI Mic 2 Transmitters (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Charging Case, DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), two DJI Mic 2 Windscreens, two DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnets, a DJI Mic USB-C Charging Cable and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Bag.
The DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) retails for $219, and includes a DJI Mic 2 Receiver, a DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), a DJI Mic 2 Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Type-C), a DJI Mic 2 Mobile Phone Adapter (Lightning), a DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, a DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, a DJI Mic Splitter Charging Cable, and a DJI Mic 2 Carrying Pouch. The DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black) and DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Pearl White) can also be purchased separately at $99 each. The DJI Lavalier Mic retails at $39 and DJI Mic 2 Charging Case retails at $69.
Orders
Get the DJI Mic 2 at B&H or Adorama.
Footnotes:
1. Intelligent noise canceling of DJI Mic 2 cannot be enabled when the transmitter is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Both the DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) combo and the DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) combo come with transmitter(s) in Shadow Black. DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Pearl White) is sold separately.
3. The transmitter needs to be worked with third-party video recording software when connected to smartphones via Bluetooth. For more details on compatibility, refer to the product page on the official DJI website.
4. Sold Separately.
5. Each transmitter has 8 GB of internal storage to store up to 14 hours of uncompressed 48kHz 24-bit audio.
6. Internal recording of DJI Mic 2 cannot be used when the transmitter is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
7. Measured with FCC compliance in an unobstructed environment without interference (160 m under CE). This data is for reference only. Actual transmission distance may vary depending on the environment.
8. Tested with both transmitters connected to the receiver, without backup recording, and the receiver connected to a camera with the Camera Audio Cable (3.5mm TRS).
Check out the tiny X nano S Touchscreen TTL Wireless Flash Trigger that Godox just introduced — order it at B&H.
From Think Tank Photo:
Designed for the photographer who has a lighter kit and wants a smaller less bulky bag, the BackLight Sprint is a slim, lightweight backpack that is ideal for hiking or treks around town.
Despite its slim profile, the pack will hold a standard-sized camera body and the trifecta of zoom lenses. A minimal but plush harness systems provides comfortable, all-day carry and two large side pockets each fit a 32 oz Nalgene water bottle or can be used to carry a tripod.
KEY FEATURES:
Check out the new compact Backlight Sprint Backpack at Think Tank Photo.
The background is a significant percentage of most wildlife (and people) images, and the sky often provides a good background option, even when it is white. Clouds make the sky white, and clouds make the light soft, wrapping around the subject and taming the shadows.
White clouds also cause the camera's auto exposure to calculate for a dark result. I prefer to use a manual exposure with auto ISO when photographing wildlife. These settings permit rapid shutter speed changes to accommodate the animal, with the camera taking care of the proper image brightness with its ISO selection. The sheep was also white, and positive exposure compensation was managing this issue when mountains were in the background.
The white sky background opportunity developed suddenly enough that I chose to get the shot vs. risking missing it while changing a second camera setting. Fortunately, the Canon EOS R5 RAW image did not have a problem with the +1.6 stops of post-processing adjustment.
When the background is white (or black, or any other solid color), the background can easily be extended on the sides of the image void of subject details. In this case, a canvas size increase to the left and top in the matching color would provide space for creativity, including adding words.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Just posted: Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.
This lens fills a void in the Canon lineup. I intend to add sample photos to this review.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
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Just posted: Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens Review.
Note that the review still needs sample photos added. Wildlife has been uncooperative, but I didn't want to hold back the rest of the review for that matter.
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Rent the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens Review.
This lens is another high-performing member of the Canon L-series.
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For infrequent, casual underwater photography, it is challenging justify the cost, carry and storage size and weight, and maintenance of an underwater housing for your DSLR or mirrorless camera, especially when the phone already in your pocket is said to be "waterproof".
When reading your smartphone's specifications, you may learn that it (such as an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max) is "Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant3 — Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529"
But, you always follow the footnotes, and 3 teaches you that the:
"iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty." [Apple]
As you know, "water resistant" is not "waterproof". This footnote suggests that getting an underwater housing to protect the expensive phone is a smart move, and a phone in a relatively compact underwater housing is a great option for the infrequent, casual underwater photography goal.
Now, AquaTech teamed with Joby to create a new underwater phone housing to meet this need. From Joby:
JOBY SeaPal
The Premium Waterproof Phone Case that Unleashes Your Creativity Underwater
JOBY – the reference brand for content creator gear that empowers creators and helps uplift their creativity announces the launch of the JOBY SeaPal: a premium waterproof phone case designed in partnership with AquaTech that takes content creation to new levels, unlocking new creative possibilities to produce stunning footage in and around water.
JOBY has always focused on uplifting the potential of content creators who dream big, supporting their creative journey with a product ecosystem that simplifies content production, making it faster and better while having fun. The launch of the JOBY SeaPal waterproof phone case marks the introduction of an additional creative playground for expert creators, combining JOBY’s deep understanding of the content creators’ needs with AquaTech’s technical know-how of ocean photography for guaranteed reliability.
Fully compatible with iPhone 12/13/14/15 and Samsung Galaxy S22/S23, JOBY SeaPal is the safest ecosystem for smartphone content creation, dedicated to surfers looking to capture epic, wave-riding shots, creators who want to share the beauty of coral reefs or mobile travel vloggers engaged in water activities such as kitesurfing, jet skiing, snowboarding or waterpark adventures. Additionally, JOBY SeaPal is the perfect companion for expert creators on the go who don’t have space to carry bulky, waterproof camera casings or want a quicker alternative to an action camera.
Designed by AquaTech to ensure waterproof, shockproof and dustproof capabilities, JOBY SeaPal allows creators to trust their phones are fully enclosed and protected at all times without fear of damage.
The new JOBY SeaPal collection not only includes the phone case (case depth rated to 10m / 33ft with glass lens port), but also a Bluetooth shutter grip, and a quick release split water dome port with cover, that enables the creation of breathtaking content both above and beneath the water’s surface.
Above water, the clear soft membrane means users can maintain full control of their phones, allowing full navigation of the screen as normal. Below the water surface, the Bluetooth Shutter Grip establishes a connection with the phone to ensure that no action shots are missed.
With JOBY SeaPal, JOBY and AquaTech have created a reliable and versatile ecosystem that empowers mobile content creators to deliver exceptional content whilst enjoying their journey out in the water.
The JOBY SeaPal Collection consists of:
SeaPal Waterproof Case - $239.95 / £219.99
SeaPal 6" Dome - $199.95 / £169.99 [a great option for split under/over water shots]
SeaPal Bluetooth Shutter Grip - $159.95 / £139.99
SeaPal GoMount - $17.95 / £15.99
SeaPal 6" Dome Cover - $19.95 / £16.99
SeaPal Sports Leash - $19.95 / £16.99
The JOBY SeaPal Waterproof Case for Smartphone is in stock at B&H.
What is the best underwater smartphone case? The JOBY SeaPal Waterproof Case for Smartphone is a great option. A low end option is the AquaTech AxisGO, and a high end option is the SeaLife SportDiver Underwater Housing for Smartphones.
This buck had a doe locked down during the rut. We named her "Dosi" doe (as in dosido, the dance move). The name seemed fitting as she was the object of his desire and frequently leaped to a new location with the buck following close behind.
As I said before, the Canon EOS R5 and RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens combination was the perfect choice for photographing white-tailed deer in the Shenandoah National Park woods.
The 400mm focal length permitted close enough working distances to avoid obstructions, and that focal length combined with the f/2.8 aperture blurred the abundant foreground and background distractions.
In this composition, I took advantage of the obstructions to create a frame for the buck, which was unusually cooperative for a couple of minutes, posing in the sunlight.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Image quality, distortion, flare, and vignetting test results are now available on the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens page.
Here are some comparisons to get you started:
Compared to the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens (at f/4)
Order the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
Image quality, distortion, flare, and vignetting test results are now available on the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens page.
Note that 1485mm is the longest focal length I have enough working distance and a small enough chart to test. Thus, the 2x results were captured a bit short of the lens's capability.
I'll share the wide-open aperture comparisons. Consider also comparing the lenses at the shared widest aperture.
Compared to the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens
Please share!
Order the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Lensrentals just shared their annual top rented photo and video products of the year lists.
Canon and Sony dominate the lists.
Now go rent something, a great option for trying new gear or for getting otherwise unaffordable gear to use for a short duration.
Just posted: Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review.
Another great Sigma lens option.
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.
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From Capture One:
Express is coming to an end
We're constantly working to improve our tools for you. And to give you the best creative and collaborative experience, we need to focus on our main products. This means that starting January 30, 2024, Capture One Express will no longer be available.
You’ll be able to use Express until January 30, and all your images and edits will also be available until this date.
Starting January 30, you won’t be able to download or use Express from our website. Also, you can’t activate any Express license keys after January 30, even though you downloaded the license key before this date.
We’ll end all support for Express after January 30.
You can easily transfer your images and edits from Express to Pro. Just open your Express Catalog in Pro and keep creating.
You have three options:
a. Export your edits to TIFF, JPEG, or other formats.
b. Export your RAW files with or without adjustment metadata by choosing Export Originals.
c. Access Finder (macOS) or File Explorer (Windows) and extract them manually.
Get Capture One at B&H.
Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens page.
Here are some comparisons (discern between the different camera resolutions):
Compared to the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens
Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.
Canon EOS R5 C firmware update version 1.0.6.1 is available for download (Canon USA).
Firmware Version 1.0.6.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R5 C at B&H.
Canon EOS C500 Mark II firmware update version 1.0.9.1 is available for download (Canon USA).
Firmware Version 1.0.9.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Canon EOS C300 Mark III firmware update version 1.0.7.1 is available for download (Canon USA).
Firmware Version 1.0.7.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Canon EOS C70 firmware update version 1.0.8.1 is available for download (Canon USA).
Firmware Version 1.0.8.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements: