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Pentax's full-frame K-1 Mark II has a ridiculous ISO range
Pentax has unveiled the 36.4-megapixel K-1 Mark II DSLR, the successor to its first full-frame, the K-1. The new model hasn't changed much, apart from one outstanding new feature. Thanks to a new "accelerator unit" for its Prime IV image processor, the K1 II can do noise reduction much quicker, allowing you to shoot at up to 819,200 native ISO.
Red's new flagship camera is the $80,000 Monstro 8K VV
RED's cinema cameras are too expensive for most of us, but they do push the state-of-the-art, making future cameras you can afford better. A case in point is RED's latest sensor called the Monstro 8K VV (Vista Vision). The bombastic name aside, it packs impressive specs. The sensor is 40.96 x 21.6 mm, which is slightly wider and slightly shorter than 35mm full-frame, handles 35.4-megapixel stills and 8K, 60 fps video, features 17+ claimed stops of dynamic range, and shoots at higher ISOs with lower noise than the last model.
Nikon is making a full-frame mirrorless camera
To say Nikon has been conservative with mirrorless cameras would be an understatement. While most of its rivals have embraced mirrorless (even a cautious company like Canon takes them seriously), Nikon's efforts have been timid at best -- the 1 series is closer to point-and-shoots in spirit than a DSLR replacement. Thankfully, it's mending its ways. In an interview with Xitek, company R&D manager Tetsuro Goto says that any new Nikon mirrorless camera "must" be full-frame. Given that the firm's president has already said that a mirrorless camera is in the works, it's clear that this upcoming model will come with a giant sensor.
Sony is building a full-frame digital camera for pro filmmakers
If you've ever shot video with a full-frame DSLR, you know how alluring it can be -- that large sensor can be perfect for low-light shots and soft backgrounds. However, pro cinematographers have generally had to "settle" for Super 35mm and smaller sizes, even when using top-tier 8K cameras. Sony doesn't think pros should have to compromise, though. It's developing a brand new CineAlta camera (not pictured) with a 36mm x 24mm sensor -- its first full-frame sensor for a high-end movie camera, in fact. The company isn't divulging all the cam's capabilities just yet, but it is setting some expectations beyond the "exceptional" image quality.
24 hours with Sony's A9 full-frame mirrorless camera
Sony has one clear goal with its A9 full-frame flagship camera: to make professional photographers forget about their DSLRs. These are high expectations, sure, but the company's new mirrorless shooter seems to tick all the right boxes in terms of specs. The A9 focuses on speed, not so much resolution, which makes sense, considering that Sony's going after people who do sports photography in particular. You'll find a 24.2-megapixel 35mm sensor, 20fps continuous shooting, 1/32,000 shutter speed and a ridiculous 693-point phase detection autofocus that covers 93 percent of your frame. None of this would work without the latest Bionz X processor, though, which Sony claims handles data 20 times faster than previous models.
Sony hopes its full-frame A9 makes pros forget about DSLRs
Sony held an event in New York City today, where it unveiled its new flagship full-frame camera, the A9. This mirrorless shooter, which the company is pegging as a DSLR killer, is geared toward professional photographers -- especially those who shoot sports and other fast-paced environments. The A9 features a 24.2-megapixel 35mm sensor, a new Bionz X processor, an insane AF system with 693 phase detection points (93 percent frame coverage) and built-in 5 axis image stabilization. Given its target audience, the A9 is naturally all about speed, so you'll find a blackout-free, 20fps continuous shooting mode and 1/32,000 shutter speed. Sony says it is its fastest digital camera to date.
24 hours with Sony's A99 II full-frame camera
With high-end mirrorless cameras such as the A7S II and A7R II, it's easy to forget that Sony also makes full-frame DSLR-like shooters. Its latest one, the A99 II, is set to arrive later this month for $3,200 body-only. That gets you a massive 42.2-megapixel sensor, max ISO of 102,400, 12-fps continuous shooting and, unlike the original A99, in-camera 5-axis image stabilization. While I've only been using it for a day or so, I can tell you the camera shows a lot of promise -- which isn't surprising given its sensor type and price.
Sony's A7 II camera gets a faster and more accurate autofocus
The Sony A7 II is one of the best mirrorless cameras available right now, although it isn't perfect. After trying it out earlier this year, one of our main issues with the full-frame shooter was its autofocus performance, which was at times slow and unreliable. But Sony has an update coming soon that, along with bringing a new feature, promises to fix some of these woes. In addition to activating the phase detection AF on the A7 II, the company's also turning on support for uncompressed 14-bit RAW image capture -- something that already exists in models such as the A7S II, A7R II and RX1R II. You can grab the refreshed firmware, version 2.0, on November 18th from Sony's support website.
Leica's SL full-frame camera features an impressive high-res EVF
Fresh off of its Q release this past summer, Leica is back with another full-frame camera: the SL Typ-601. The new shooter, which Leica says is geared toward professional photographers, comes with a 24-megapixel CMOS sensor, Maestro II processor, an ISO range of up to 50,000, WiFi for remote access and image sharing and a weather-sealed body. Leica's latest SL also features an 11 fps continuous shooting mode and max mechanical shutter speeds of 1/8,000 -- the company says an electronic option will be available at a later point. Video-wise, you'll have access to both 1080p and 4K (3,840 x 2,160), with the latter capable of handling 24 and 30 fps. While the SL is stacked with all of the aforementioned specs, Leica wants people to focus on the new, round 4.4-megapixel (60 fps) electric viewfinder; it is the highest resolution EVF on the market, according to the German manufacturer.
Sony's RX1R II full-frame camera stuffs 42MP into a small body
As far as compact cameras go, Sony is undeniably the best at making them. But in case that RX100 IV point-and-shoot wasn't good enough for you, the company is now introducing the RX1R II, a full-frame pocket-sized shooter with a 42.4-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor. If you're keeping tabs at home, then you'd know that's similar to the one featured in the recently announced A7R II mirrorless camera. Another highlight of the second-gen RX1R is its retractable, 2.4-million-dot XGA OLED viewfinder, as well as what Sony's calling the "world's first" optical variable low-pass filter -- which you can turn on or off based on the sharpness strength you want on certain images. The fixed lens, meanwhile, is a 35mm (f2.0) ZEISS Sonnar T*. What you won't find here is 4K video recording. Instead, you have the option to shoot up to 1080p at 24, 30 and 60 fps, while the ISO is set at a maximum of 102,400 when expanded. Like what you see? Then be ready to have your jaw drop, as the RX1R II will cost a wallet-clinching $3,300 when it hits stores in November.
Shooting in the dark with Sony's A7S II full-frame camera
Sony's marketing team may be reaching with its claims that the A7S II can turn night into day. But it isn't far off. The company's new full-frame mirrorless camera, announced last month, boasts an insane 409,600 ISO range -- making it the perfect companion for shooting your darkest moments. Compared to the original model, which also came with those night-friendly features, the A7S II sports the same 12.2-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor as its predecessor. Now, here's where things get interesting: Sony has added in-camera 5-axis image stabilization and internal 4K UHD recording at 24 and 30 fps. In addition to this, it also supports uncompressed 14-bit RAW files, up to 5 fps continuous shooting and photo-sharing via WiFi or NFC. The best part about it is that these high-end specs are all crammed inside a palm-sized body.
The Leica Q is a compact and stylish full-frame camera
Leica's been relatively quiet since Photokina 2014, where it revealed a full set of cameras for every different budget and taste. Today, though, the German manufacturer is stepping out of the shadows and introducing the Leica Q, a beautiful small camera with some powerful attributes. It features a 24-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor, an ISO range of up to 50,000, a 3-inch, 1.04 million-dot LCD screen, NFC, WiFi and 1080p video-recording at 30 or 60 fps. Leica says the sensor powering the Q was custom built for it, designed to work perfectly in conjunction with the Summilux 28mm f/1.7 fixed lens. Like with most of the company's cameras, however, you'll have to break the bank to own one of these. The Leica Q is available now for a cool $4,250 -- which, if it helps, does include a free copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.
Leica's latest rangefinder camera is both speedier and stealthier
Digital rangefinder cameras may look like retro fashion items, but they're genuinely handy for pros -- they're good for moments when you need quality without carrying a big, conspicuous DSLR. To that end, Leica has just launched the M-P, a new addition to the M series that's more about serious work than style. You're still getting a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor in a relatively small body, but the buffer memory has doubled to a hefty 2GB; the camera should almost always keep up with your rapid-fire photography. There's also a new selection lever that shows you framing for common focal lengths in the viewfinder, and an anti-reflective coating on the scratch-resistant sapphire LCD will help you review your snaps in bright sunlight.
Nikon's new D4S DSLR improves speed and focusing, adds ISO settings up to 409,600
The Nikon D4S has been teased, displayed in a plastic case and now, it's official -- and we even got to play with it. There's a substantial list of what hasn't changed (the same 16.2-megapixel image size, to begin with), but if you're a high-level photographer already in possession of a D4 (or perhaps even a D3S), you'll be more interested in those differences. Firstly, while the sensor will offer the same sized images, but it's a newly developed piece of hardware, with a focus on better noise reduction. ISO now ranges from 100 - 25600, with its Hi4 setting cranking that up to a mind-boggling 409600. If you're currently handling a D4, you can also expect to see substantial noise reduction: the D4S' ISO 1600 will be comparable to the D4's ISO 800 setting. Nikon's new DSLR also delivers changes to to the auto-focus system for both photos and video. Behind the lens, there's improvements to both the tracking system and the algorithms that govern how the D4S focuses. A new Group AF mode tracks five separate points, meaning that a moving subject (and even a moving photographer) should pose less of a threat to crisp imaging. On video, (where you can now capture uncompressed 1080p resolution at 60 frames) tracking has been bumped up to 11 frames per second on full auto-focus and exposure. Hopefully fixing one of our major issues with the D4, the new model also comes with a more substantial battery pack, up from 2,000mAh to 2,500mAh. The new unit actually weighs more, but reductions on the D4S' body means it adds just seven ounces, total, over 2012's D4. Expect the camera to land on March 6th, and prepare your bank account for the hit: it's expected to retail for $6,500. We've got some early impressions and details on some minor hardware changes, including more substantial grips, right after the jump.
Nikon's latest teaser for its retro DSLR shows the camera, however briefly (video)
Frustrated that Nikon's teaser videos for its retro full-frame DSLR have shown precious little of the camera you're supposed to be lusting after? You can relax now. In the company's fifth and final clip (after the break), there are a few fleeting glimpses of the design in question. The body carries a few traces of the F3 film camera's looks, including a mode dial with shutter speeds. Nikon is still mum on what's inside that vintage frame, although it has already said that it will reveal all on November 5th -- impatient photographers won't have to wait much longer.
Nikon teases retro full-frame DSLR in new ad campaign
Nikon could be the latest camera company to turn out a retro-style DSLR in what appears to be a new "Pure Photography" ad campaign. In the first of five teaser videos, a photographer is seen snapping pics of the Scottish countryside. Though the camera is never seen, the audience can clearly hear the sound of that iconic shutter clicking, indicating that Nikon's latest might follow the footsteps of Fujifilm and Panasonic in going the retro route. Speculations abound that it'll be in the style of the old F3 film cameras, feature a full-frame FX sensor, an EVF/OVF hybrid viewfinder and will be one of a few Nikon cameras to not have video capabilities on board. Nikon Rumors goes a step further, stating that it'll be called the Nikon DF, and that the DF stands for "Digital Fusion." It also spotted what appears to be Nikon's 50mm f/1.8G lens in the video, which lends credence to the rumors. While we can't confirm such theories, camera buffs can take a peek at the teaser after the break to suss out any additional clues.
Sony Alpha 7 and 7R: the full-frame mirrorless ILC is finally here (update: hands-on photos!)
Photo junkies, brace yourselves for some very big news. Sony has finally announced its much-anticipated (and leaked) mirrorless camera, debuting not one, but two feature-packed models. The $1,700 Alpha 7, which is positioned as a step-up cam for APS-C interchangeable-lens camera owners, includes a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. The $2,300 Alpha 7R, for its part, will be of particular interest to professionals -- that flagship model packs a 36.3-megapixel sensor without a low-pass filter. Both cameras ship with a new BIONZ X processor, enabling 14-bit RAW, a 25,600 top ISO, improved area-specific noise reduction, upgraded detail reproduction and diffraction-reduction technology that helps eliminate the blurriness you may experience when shooting at higher apertures. Despite their gigantic sensors, both the Alpha 7 and 7R (Sony's dropping NEX from the branding here) include a footprint not much larger than other models in the company's mirrorless lineup. Externally, the duo is identical, with resolution representing the chief differentiator here. They use the same E-mount that you'll find on existing cameras and lenses, but you'll need to upgrade your glass to take full advantage of the new sensor. You can also use existing optics, either with significant cropping or some heavy vignetting, but if you're investing in either camera, it's definitely worth boosting your lens collection, too. Join us past the break for a closer look at Sony's exciting new Alphas. Update: We've got some hands-on pics delivered all the way from Hong Kong. Enjoy!
Sony's full-frame A7 cameras pose for clearer leaked shots
We caught a glimpse of Sony's A7 camera series just a day ago, but the low-resolution image didn't exactly show much. Thankfully, Digicam Info has just posted two leaked press shots that reveal considerably more of the full-frame mirrorless shooters. The images support rumors of a built-in viewfinder and point to options of both a Zeiss-branded 35mm f/2.8 prime lens (above) and a 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom (after the break). Unfortunately, there's no photos from other angles to provide further clues. However, Sony Alpha Rumors now claims that the A7r's 36-megapixel sensor will omit the usual antialiasing filter for the sake of preserving detail, much like the Nikon D800E. If you still crave more info, you may not have long to wait -- Sony Japan has been teasing a camera launch on October 16th, which suggests that we could get the full scoop on the A7 in a matter of hours.
Sony A7 reportedly pictured in blurry screengrab, teases viewfinder
Remember that full-frame mirrorless shooter Sony's expected to release? Sony Alpha Rumors claims to have found an (admittedly low resolution) image of the fabled camera. The blurry shot shows a little more than half of the rumored camera's face, teasing undefined outlines of the device's control wheels, as well as a protruding bump that could hide an traditional viewfinder. The rig looks a bit like a mash up between Sony's A900 and the mirrorless NEX-7, borrowing elements from both designs. The camera is rumored to launch later this month, and is expected to come in 24- and 36-megapixel variants (respectively called the A7 and A7r). Check out the source link below for more rumors and speculation.
Sony's new RX100MII and RX1R high-end point-and-shoots leaked in press images
Sony's rumored to be unveiling two new point-and-shoots later this month, but a pair of leaked press shots at least spoil how both cameras are going to look. First up, the RX100MII, rumored to pack an updated 20-megapixel sensor and Zeiss lens as well as tilt-screen and WiFi connectivity, has a relatively simple face dominated by that aforementioned Carl Zeiss glass. Meanwhile, the RX1R, a refresh of Sony's full-frame RX1, arrives with a new focus settings dial and hot-shoe fitting all visible in its initial press shot reveal. We're sure Sony will fill us in on all the remaining details soon.
