Product Review: Sigma fp

By Ellis Vener
April 2020 issue Tech

The full-frame 24.6-megapixel, 4K UHD-capable Sigma fp caused a stir when it was introduced last year. Measuring slightly less than 4.5x2.75x1.785 inches and weighing a scant 13 ounces, the camera is packed with a lot of image-making power. Part of that power is its compatibility with a vast array of excellent glass. The fp uses L-mount lenses, of which there are 47 at the time of this writing. An optional Sigma MC-21 adapter allows photographers to use a wide range of Canon EF-mount lenses as... Continue Reading >

First look: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

March 2020 issue Tech

User feedback led the design decisions Canon made while developing its new flagship professional DSLR, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Its predecessor, the EOS-1D X Mark II, served as one of the most reliable workhorses of the industry, and Canon engineers listened to photographers to learn what would make it even better.A new 20.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor features a freshly designed high-detail, low-pass filter and a new DIGIC X image processor. The native ISO range covers ISO 100 to... Continue Reading >

Review: Sony RX100 VII compact camera

By Ellis Vener
March 2020 issue Tech

The seventh iteration of Sony’s RX100 series is a capable carry-anywhere camera. It boasts an excellent built-in Zeiss zoom lens and surprisingly good high ISO performance for a 1-inch (diagonal) sensor camera. If it weren’t for some limitations that do not directly relate to image quality, it would be more than qualified for many professional assignments.© Courtesy SonyFor still photographers the best features of the camera include its size, long zoom lens, sensor quality, autofocus... Continue Reading >

Product highlight: Hasselblad X1D II 50C

February 2020 issue Tech

In its first generation, the Hasselblad X1D 50C offered a mirrorless medium-format design in a compact, lightweight build. With the X1D II 50C, you get true-to-life tones that reflect what the human eye sees, 16-bit raw image capture as well as full-resolution JPEGs captured with a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor, and an upgraded electronic platform. Improvements include a 2.36 million-dot touch display and enhanced OLED electronic viewfinder with higher resolution and faster live view refresh rate.... Continue Reading >

Fujifilm X-Pro3: A durable partner

January 2020 issue Tech

Beyond its distinctive looks, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 rangefinder has one of the most durable camera bodies in Fujifilm history. In addition to the standard black model, titanium top and base plate models are available in two color variations—Dura Black and Dura Silver (pictured)—with Duratect surface-hardening technology for additional toughness and premium finish.The 180-degree tilt and touch screen has a mini display that, when closed, shows only essential settings to remove distractions.... Continue Reading >

World’s smallest full-frame mirrorless camera: Sigma FP

By Joan Sherwood
December 2019 issue Tech

The new Sigma fp is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless digital camera. The design provides portability, performance, scalability, and seamless function.Sized at 4.43x2.75x1.78 inches, the camera body houses a back-illuminated 35mm full-frame Bayer sensor that captures 24.6 effective megapixels. The electronic shutter enables quiet shooting without any shutter shake.Three new lenses have been released for the fp’s L-mount: the 35mm F1.2 DG DN Art ($1,499), the... Continue Reading >

Product highlight: Sony Alpha 7R IV

October 2019 issue Tech

The real story about the new Sony Alpha 7R IV is the amount of innovation that’s gone into it. To start, it has a 61-megapixel back-illuminated full-frame image sensor backed up by Sony’s latest Bionz X image processor. It can even deliver 10-frame-per-second full-frame shooting with full AF/AE tracking.The autofocus system combines 567 focal-plane phase-detection points and 425 contrast AF points for low light, where contrast detection works best. Tracking features include real-time Eye... Continue Reading >

Camera review: Nikon Z 7

By Ellis Vener
July 2019 issue Tech

It’s the whole package that distinguishes the Nikon Z 7—the combination of high image quality and an enjoyable user experience. It’s not perfect, but it’s darn close to everything a mirrorless camera should be: user-friendly in almost all aspects and versatile.Nikon wants Nikon DSLR and film camera users to feel at home with the Z 7 while also inviting new customers through the camera’s ease of use, ergonomics, responsiveness, and style. BODYMirrorless cameras can be smaller and... Continue Reading >

Nikon releases firmware update for Z 6 and Z 7 cameras

By Ellis Vener
5.17.2019 Tech

Nikon announced a major firmware update centered around autofocus performance in Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras. The firmware adds eye-tracking autofocus for still photography, improved low-light autofocus capability for still and video photography, and enables auto-exposure subject tracking in the continuous high-speed (extended) frame rate mode.Eye tracking in still photographyWith a Z 6 or Z 7 in auto-area AF mode and photographing in either AF-S or AF-C mode, the camera now can automatically... Continue Reading >