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Pentax's new KP DSLR shoots in incredibly low light
Pentax has released the KP, weatherproof, compact DSLR with five-axis body stabilization, extreme low-light-sensitivity and a pretty off-beat design. The standout feature is a ridiculously high 819,000 ISO, a setting that would let you shoot with almost no light. That puts it ahead of every other camera, except perhaps Sony's Alpha A7II S. In fact, the Pentax KP, like most other cameras nowadays, likely uses a new Sony sensor -- so don't be surprised to see other new APS-C models with that kind of capability soon.
An AI camera failed to capture the magic of CES
Relonch wanted me to fall in love with photography again this CES. But its camera is so radically different from everything I've used before that I struggled to put my faith in its promise. The company is based in Palo Alto, California, and its pitch is simple, if very Silicon Valley: a camera as a service. You hand in your old shooter (yes, really) and in return you get the 291, a unique, leather-bound DLSR-shaped camera. It has an APS-C sensor; a fixed, 45mm-equivalent lens; an electronic viewfinder; a shutter key; and, importantly, a 4G radio inside. The 291 uses that radio to send raw files to Relonch's servers. Once they're there, AI scans through your shots and picks the best ones. To do this, it identifies the individual elements in the photos using computer vision and judges your composition. It'll then process the raws, individually lighting and coloring elements before applying its own crop and sending them back as JPEGs. You receive a batch of photos each morning, which is key to Relonch's business model. The idea is you choose the photos you love as part of your morning ritual, which reminds you to take your camera out again and keep snapping. The 291 itself is free. The photos are sent to you as small, watermarked files, and you have the option to keep them, which grants access to the full-size file (as large as 20 megapixels, depending on how the AI has decided to crop it). Each photo you keep costs $1, and you start your account with the market value of the camera you handed in as credit. Oh, and if you decide you want to pick a photo at a later date, you can always go back and buy it. Likewise, if you don't like the 291, you can hand it back in exchange for your old camera. That financial proposition is what intrigues me most. Over the past five years I've spent $3,000 or so on various cameras and lenses. I've probably processed and kept maybe 300 photos, outside of work. (Of course, there are another 30,000 or so that are gathering digital dust on various SD cards and hard drives.)
Nikon's D5600 midrange DSLR hits the US this month for $800
Nikon revealed its D5600 camera back in November, but it didn't share any pricing or availability details. Today, however, it announced that the midrange DSLR, which includes an 18-55mm AF-P DX Nikkor lens, will arrive in the US later this month for $800. Compared to the D500, Nikon focused on connectivity improvements with the new model, adding support for Bluetooth and NFC. Additionally, the 3.2-inch touchscreen features functions like cropping and a frame-advance bar.
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.
Nikon's D5600 is a minor update with a focus on connectivity
If you're holding out for a replacement for Nikon's mid-range D5500 DSLR, you may be disappointed with the latest model. The D5600 is a very minor refresh that is obviously intended to act as a stop-gap until an all-new version comes along. Nikon added new wireless capability via NFC and Bluetooth, which gives you a constant connection to your smartphone via the not-very-beloved SnapBridge app. It's also got new options for the 3.2-inch touchscreen, including cropping and a frame-advance bar.
Sony's A99 II promises fast focus in a full-frame camera
It's been four years since Sony last introduced a flagship-class full-frame camera, but it's finally back with more. Sony is launching the A99 II, a 42.4-megapixel pro cam that incorporates many of the upgrades you've seen in recent Alpha DSLRs and mirrorless models... and then some. To start, it promises to be an autofocusing champ. This is the first full-frame Alpha to use 4D Focus tech, delivering a hybrid autofocusing system that melds 79 dedicated phase detection points with 399 focal plane phase detection points. Between this and the lack of a moving mirror, Sony is promising "full-time" autofocus that can track fast-moving objects -- important when you can shoot up to a brisk 12 frames per second (8FPS in live view).
A first look at Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV
The long-awaited EOS 5D Mark IV is getting ready to hit retailers later this month. And, as expected, it is a worthy successor to one of Canon's most popular DSLRs, the 5D Mark III. At least based on specs. It features a massive 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, a Digic 6+ processor and, perhaps most importantly, 4K video at 23.98, 24, 25 and 30 fps. Additionally, the 5D Mark IV comes with a 61-point autofocus system, an ISO range of 100-32,000 a built-in digital lens optimizer, NFC and WiFi. We had the chance to check it out for the first time at an event in New York City and, not surprisingly, it looks nearly identical to its predecessor.
Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4-megapixel sensor and 4K video
The moment Canon fans have anxiously waited for is here. Today, the company finally took the wraps off of its EOS 5D Mark IV, a DSLR geared toward photographers and videographers alike. For starters, the highly anticipated flagship camera features a brand new 30.4-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor and Digic 6+ processor. It also brings 4K video capability at 23.98, 24, 25 and 30 fps, as well as a 61-point autofocus system, built-in digital lens optimizer, NFC, WiFi and an ISO range of 100-32,000. All told, that's a big step up from the previous model, the EOS 5D Mark III -- one of the most beloved DSLRs out there.
Nikon's D3400 DSLR is made for aspiring photographers
Not everyone can handle cameras like Nikon's flagship D5, which are designed with professional photographers in mind. But, for those who want a less advanced DSLR, the Japanese manufacturer has others such as its new D3400. This entry-level shooter features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (DX-format) alongside the Expeed 4 processor, which Nikon claims brings improved auto white balance performance and better image quality in low-light scenarios. The D3400 also boasts an ISO range of 100-25,600, 11-point autofocus system, 5-fps continuous shooting and 1080p video at up to 60 fps. These are the sort of specs you'd expect from beginner DSLRs, but the lack of 4K recording will be a downside for some people.
Canon's new entry-level DSLR is good enough for its target audience
As meaningful as professional cameras like the EOS-1DX Mark II are to Canon's business, the company knows it has to dominate the beginner market as well. Now, with the new $500 EOS Rebel T6, Canon has designed a DSLR that sits alongside the T6s and T6i -- two of its most popular entry-level shooters. Not counting the aging T5, the T6 is the cheapest DSLR in Canon's lineup. And while its specs won't blow your mind, they should be decent enough for most aspiring photographers.
Canon's EOS Rebel T6 DSLR is geared toward beginners
Only a few weeks after the announcement of its EOS 80D and G7 X Mark II, Canon's now launching the EOS Rebel T6, a successor to the T5. This new camera (known as the EOS 1300D in Europe) joins the company's current (and popular) line of entry-level and mid-tier DSLRs, like the T6s and T6i. The Rebel T6's spec sheet is a moderate one: 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, Digic 4+ image processor, a high ISO of 12,800 and 3-fps continuous shooting. Video-wise, you can record 1080p videos at 24, 25 and 30 fps, or 720p at 50 and 60 fps.
The Pentax K-1 is its first full-frame DSLR
Pentax has finally filled a big hole in its lineup with the K-1, its first full-frame DSLR. The camera arrives a year after Pentax first revealed a full-frame prototype, and considerably later than parent Ricoh's ETA of late 2015. The K-1 appears to be a solid first attempt at a full-frame camera, however, especially considering its $1,799 price -- less than most other full-frame models from Canon, Sony and Nikon. That sum will get you a weather-resistant, dustproof magnesium body with a 36.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, top sensitivity of a 204,800 ISO and 4.4 fps maximum shooting speed.
Canon's EOS 80D DSLR is designed for the semi-pro crowd
Today, Canon isn't just announcing a fresh set of PowerShot point-and-shoots. The manufacturer has also introduced the EOS 80D, a DSLR geared toward advanced amateurs and semi-professionals. This new camera, which replaces the 70D from 2013, features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 6 processor, 45-point all-cross-type autofocus (plus dual-pixel system), 7 fps continuous shooting and a native ISO range of up to 16,000 (25,600 and 52,000 on high modes).
EOS-1D X Mark II: Canon's flagship DSLR goes 4K
There's no doubt Nikon stole CES 2016, thanks to the D5, D500 and KeyMission 360 announcements. But rival Canon seems to have saved its best for after the show. Today, it's introducing the EOS-1D X Mark II, a highly anticipated successor to the company's flagship DSLR from 2012. Since this is Canon's top-of-the-line model for photographers, major upgrades can be found across the board. The second-generation 1D X sports a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6+ processors, up to 51,200 native ISO (409,600 expanded) and a 14 fps continuous shooting mode (16 fps with mirror lock-up).
Nikon launches the D500 DSLR with 'smart connectivity'
Nikon's has neglected its smaller DX-sensor DSLR lineup of late, but it just changed all that in one fell swoop by launching the D500 DSLR. The 20.9-megapixel camera has "advanced smart device capability," meaning that Nikon wants it to play well with your smartphone and other gadgets. Though packing a smaller, APS-C-sized sensor than the new flagship FX-sensor D5, it has the same Expeed 5 processor and rapid 153-point AF system. That gives it a lively 10fps shooting speed, with up to 200 shots in RAW mode. The D500 has a 100-51,200 ISO range that's expandable to a ridiculous 50-1,640,000 ISO equivalent, and like the D5, there's a brand new tiltable touchscreen.
Nikon announces the D5, its new flagship DSLR camera
Three years after the D4 was born, Nikon's now introducing the highly anticipated successor to its flagship DSLR: the D5. Nikon says the camera is built for speed and accuracy, featuring an insane 153-point AF system, to help cover an extremely wide focus area. Inside, there's a full-frame 20.8-megapixel sensor, a 12 fps continuous shooting mode and a freshly designed EXPEED 5 image processor -- which the company claims is capable of creating "true to life masterpieces."
Sony's entry-level Alpha A68 has '4D focus' for low light
Sony just reminded us that it makes more than mirrorless and compact cameras by launching the Alpha A68, an A-mount model with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor. As with Sony's APS-C Alpha A77 II and full-frame A99 models, it uses a hybrid electronic OLED viewfinder with 100 percent coverage and "faithful color reproduction," according to Sony. That's complimented by a 2.7-inch TFT LCD that tilts 135 degrees up and 55 degrees downwards. The killer feature is the translucent mirror, which allows for what Sony calls "4D Focus" -- a 79-point phase-detection AF that works continuously at up to 8fps, even in low-light.
Add-on promises to stabilize video from nearly any camera
It's possible to stabilize your phone videos through Hyperlapse, and dedicated video editors can smooth out other shaky clips with enough time and effort. But what if you want a simple way to eliminate jitters no matter which camera you're using? SteadXP believes it can help. It's crowdfunding a namesake device that brings three-axis video stabilization to virtually any camera, whether it's an action cam, a DSLR or a pro-grade cinema cam. While many of these shooters have some kind of stabilization, SteadXP's device uses motion tracking with after-the-fact software analysis to deliver the kind of graceful, movie-like stabilization that would normally require a gimbal or steadicam.
DJI unveils custom aerial Micro Four Thirds camera
Drone manufacturer DJI has announced its response to news that GoPro is working on a UAV. DJI announced two new cameras for its own flagship drone, the Inspire 1. Dubbed the Zenmuse X5 and X5R, respectively, these cameras are the first aerial cameras to hit the market featuring Micro Four Thirds sensors. Each camera captures 16MP stills and up to 4K/30fps video. Additionally, the X5R is capable of capturing images and video (including lossless 4K CinemaDNG) on either an onboard microSD card or a 512GB SSD mounted just above the gimbal. What's more, each 0.75-pound camera body accommodates four interchangeable lenses (ranging from 12mm to 17mm). The pilot can even adjust the aperture and focus of the lenses from the ground while the Inspire 1 is in flight.
Gnarbox puts a video editing suite in your back pocket
Gnarbox is a modern solution to a modern problem. Right now, if you're shooting video outdoors, you'll either need your laptop with you, or (more likely) have to wait until you get back to base to make an edit. By which time, the moment has gone, and your footage risks ending up stockpiled on a memory card or hard drive. Gnarbox tackles this issue by bundling a WiFi hard drive with a quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, a dedicated GPU, about seven hours battery life and a comprehensive mobile app. With just the paperback-sized device and a phone you can make decent edits, even with 4K video, and share them right after the wave/ride/moment.
