Canon has officially launched two new, pro-level R-series mirrorless cameras: the 24-megapixel EOS R1 with its high speed performance and the 45-megapixel, high resolution EOS R5 Mark II. Not surprisingly, the R1 with its 40fps burst shooting will appeal to sports photographers and photojournalists—hence its built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Of course, we expect to see this camera in action at the Olympics in Paris this summer.

Still, the R5 Mark II is no slouch when it comes to performance with a burst rate of up to 30fps, even when pushing those hefty 45 megapixel files. The R5 Mark II is slightly smaller and one pound lighter than the R1 and costs $2,000 less ($4,299vs. $6,299 for the R1).

At the same time, both cameras offer many of the same features including the new Digital Accelerator processing system designed for high speed readout of large amounts of data. Autofocus capabilities have been improved with the new Dual Pixel Intelligent AF, which takes the full body of a person into account—not just the eyes or face/head—and locks more securely into the subject.

With either camera you’ll benefit from improved eye control technology, action priority (to choose from a trio of sports: basketball, volleyball and soccer) and the ability to prioritize specific people in a frame. The R1 also features Cross Type AF for more sensitive assessment especially when vertical and horizontal lines are present in the frame.

The two cameras’ similarities extend to most video features as well with one major exception: the EOS R1 is capable of recording 4K/60p (with a crop) while, as expected, the higher resolution EOS R5 II offers up to 8K/60p. Canon has also added a full HDMI connector along with Cinema EOS video quality capabilities, and, importantly 2K proxy files to streamline your workflow.

There are plenty more features and functions for these cameras on the Canon site (usa.canon.com) for additional details about these cameras.

The Canon EOS R1’s is “expected to be available” this fall for $6,299; the Canon EOS R5 Mark II’s estimated availability this August for $4,299.

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

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The recently announced Nikon Z6III full-frame mirrorless camera gets a major boost in performance and takes on a resemblance to its higher end (and more expensive) siblings, the Nikon Z8 and Z9, with the addition of several new features. Still and video capture both benefit from the updates, cementing its role as a hybrid camera. At the same time, Nikon revealed the company’s new complimentary cloud service. Nikon Imaging Cloud will offer some interesting connectivity features as well as downloadable Picture Control presets to add to the camera.

Changes to the new model can be found in the Z6III’s unique 24-megapixel sensor, the world’s first partially stacked CMOS sensor. Along with the camera’s EXPEED 7 processing engine (the same processer used in the Z8 and Z9 models), this newly designed sensor is responsible for the Z6III’s speedier performance and other capabilities. Nikon claims 3.5x faster readout than its Z6II predecessor, 6K internal N-RAW and ProRes Raw video and up to 120 fps pre-release capture. These are just a few of the benefits the camera offers. The AF system and advanced subject detection, the same used in the Z8 and Z9, promises to be an excellent upgrade to this mid-range camera.

Physically, the Z6III weighs 1.67 pounds with battery and memory card. More importantly, it takes its weather sealing from the Nikon Z8 for extra protection from dust and moisture. New to the Z6III are an exceptionally bright EVF and a fully-articulated 3.2 inch LCD versus the usual tilt screen. The Z6III is also equipped with a full complement of ports, including a full-size HDMI connection. Dual card slots house Cfexpress Type B, XQD and UHS-II compliant SDHC or SDXC cards.

In addition to the Nikon Imaging Cloud, Nikon has added new capabilities to its NX Studio software for the Z6III. Working with the software’s Color Blender and Color Grading features, users can create their own custom presets and upload them to the camera as Custom Picture Controls.

Nikon also announced the MG-N14 Power Battery Pack, which is equipped with an integrated shutter button. The pack can hold two EN-EL15c batteries. For more information about the camera and pack, visit NikonUSA.com

The Nikon Z6III is scheduled to ship at the end of June for the MSRPN OF $2,500 (body only) or $3,100 with the NIKKOR 24-70mm f/4 lens. The MB-N14 Power Battery Pack is slated for release this summer for $360.

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

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Canon announced the development of a new full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R1. According to Canon, it’s designed to be the “flagship” model of the EOS R System which signals that the R1 will surpass its R-siblings in features and performance, as well as the solid build and durability pro’s demand.

Current technical information and specs are limited but Canon is emphasizing the R1’s performance thanks, in part, to the new DIGIC Accelerator processor. Combined with the current DIGIC X processor, deep learning technology and a new CMOS sensor, Canon promises high speed processing of “large volumes of data” along with faster, more accurate Auto Focus capabilities. For example, the R1’s subject tracking has been improved even when multiple subjects intersect a frame, a scenario common in sports photography. Also helpful for sports photographer is the AF Action Priority function to help choose and follow unpredictable action.

Canon hasn’t announced a launch date or anticipated ship date other than possibly in 2024. But keep a lookout to see the R1 in the wild this July during the Paris Summer Olympics. It’s no surprise that Canon teased us with a little R1 info right before one of this year’s biggest sporting event in the world.

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at check out to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

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The latest retro-style mirrorless from Fujifilm, the compact X100VI, generated a real buzz throughout the photo community as soon as it was announced. Its predecessor, the X100V, was extremely popular and initial reactions to the new model seem to indicate that the new model’s popularity will likely exceed that of the previous iteration.

Physically similar to the four-year old model, the gen VI version, with its 35mm (35mm-equivalent) F2 fixed lens, is nicely compact measuring 5.03 x 2.94 x 2.17 inches and weighing 18.37 ounces. You’ll still find Fuji’s retro-style dials atop the camera body that are part of the camera’s appeal.

The new model has been updated with a 40 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) sensor and a 4-stop ND filter. Importantly, Fujifilm has added 5-axis in-body image stabilization with a 6-stop range of compensation. It’s also the first X100 series camera to offer 6.2K/30p video, including tracking AF.

Subject recognition has been improved with a wide variety of tracking capabilities including animals, birds, vehicles (trains, planes, automobiles). Of course, the camera is equipped with human and eye-detection tracking as well.

Not surprisingly, the X100VI offers a full range of film simulation modes and adds a few additional options, such as Reala Ace, Eterna Bleach Bypass and Nostalgic Neg, with a total of 14.

The X100VI utilizes Adobe’s Frame.io, a feature that allows users to shoot directly to the cloud-based system, making images accessible to others in real time. This can come in handy for sending images via Wi-Fi to a colleague for editing without having to wait to return to the studio to process photos. Naturally, the camera also works in conjunction with an app and iPhone.

You’ll also experience faster processing times and shutter speeds from 15 minutes-1/4,000 seconds and 11fps continuous shooting with the mechanical shutter. The X100VI’s electronic shutter provides shutter speeds from 15 minutes-180,000 seconds with continuous shutter speeds of up to 20fps (albeit with a 1.29x crop).

This little camera is perfect for street shooting but will also come in handy for documentary style capture for weddings and events. It’s small, inconspicuous (and not intimidating) and nimble enough for spontaneous shots.

Shipping now, the Fujifilm X100VI sells for $1,599. For more information go to: Fujifilm-x.com

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It’s been a couple years since the OM-1 was announced, and a recent update moves the new OM-1 Mark II into the coveted flagship spot of the OM System (formerly known as Olympus) line of Micro Four Thirds cameras. This 20-megapixel camera utilizes a stacked sensor, and with up to 8.5 stops of image stabilization, is at home under low-light conditions. And, with its IP53 rating, this camera doesn’t shy away from the elements thanks to its weather sealing.

Like its predecessor, the OM-1 Mark II provides a broad and deep feature set including both handheld (50mp) and tripod-based (80mp) high-resolution capture, HDR, live composite, focus stacking and live composite, and multiple subject tracking options. The new model features improved autofocus including a new human option for subject detection and tracking. Continuous shooting speeds top out at up to 120 fps with the OM-1 Mark II equipped with a bigger buffer. In-camera ND filter options are a bonus, especially with the addition of a live graduated neutral density feature.

Capable of shooting up to 4K/60p video, the camera has also added vertical video for social media. Slow and high-speed modes add even more versatility and videographers will appreciate the camera’s focus peaking, zebra pattern, time code, and live view output via HDMI.

The camera is relatively compact, measuring 5.3 x 3.6 x 2.9 inches and weighs about 1.31 pounds. The OM-1 Mark II is equipped with dual UHS-II SD card slots along with a remote control connector, micro HDMI, microphone and headphone jacks, and can be charged via USB.

While OM System is targeting outdoor and wildlife/nature photographers, this camera offers lots of features for every type of photographer. The OM-1 Mark II is slated to ship at the end of February for $2,400.

[Read: A Photo Education Supreme: WPPI 2024 Educator Highlights]

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Sony’s latest announcement has certainly caused a stir among photographers. The Sony a9 III’s global shutter may be at the top of the list for many, but there’s a lot more going on in this incredibly fast third generation full-frame camera. 

Built around a 24-megapixel full-frame Exmor RS CMOS sensor, the a9 III’s global shutter—which reads all pixels at the same time—promises to eliminate rolling shutter and any distortion when photographing movement. Banding should be a thing of the past as well. 

More than just the elimination of anomalies, the global shutter also allows for continuous shooting speeds of up to 120 frames per second, with AF/AE and no camera blackout. And the a9 III’s shutter can capture images up to 1/80,000 sec (1/16,000 sec during burst shooting). Flash sync isn’t limited to the typical 1/200^th or 1/250^th sec either and when paired with a compatible Sony flash (HVL-F60RM2 or HVL-F46RM), users can sync with the maximum shutter speed. 

With its 24-megapixel sensor, the a9 III can’t capture 8K video but 4K 60p videos with 6K oversampling are possible. Also, the a9 III is the first in the series capable of recording 4K at 120p (without cropping). 

Those are just the basics of what appears to be another groundbreaking camera from Sony. But the company didn’t stop there. 

Announced at the same time, the 300mm G Master f/2.8 lens is the perfect companion for the a9 III with its ability to track subjects at up to 120fps. Better yet, the lens is incredibly lightweight for its class weighing only about 3.24 pounds (without the tripod foot). 

Both the camera and lens are available for pre-order now and are slated to start shipping in February 2024. 

Price: 

Sony a9 III: $6,000 

Sony 300mm G Master f/2.8 lens: $6,000 

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Sony has started the usual late summer/early fall, get-ready-for-camera-announcements series by announcing two new compact, full-frame mirrorless cameras and a new high-end lens.  

Both cameras—the a7C II and the a7C R—are similar in design, and like the original a7C, are compact and lightweight (two features that are sure to appeal to photographers who want to streamline their gear or want an easy-to-carry camera for travel or street photography). The 33-megapixel a7C II measures 4.88 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches (w x h x d) and weighs approximately 18.1 ounces. Similarly, the 61-megapixel a7C R (R = resolution) has almost exactly the same size and weight specs. 

While the EVF and LCD aren’t the highest resolution—an issue many had with the original a7C—the EVF is brighter, and the LCD gets a slight bump in resolution, so there’s at least a little improvement. IBIS has improved, too, up to 7 stops. 

In addition to similar physical specifications and design, the two new cameras utilize Sony’s latest BIONZ XR processor, the same as the Sony a7R. Along with the processing power, both cameras also take advantage of Sony’s excellent AI subject detection which includes people, animals as well as birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes. Like the new APS-C a6700, the a7C II and a7C R can target people even when their eyes/faces aren’t visible thanks to the camera’s ability to recognize human poses to identify people.  

Video options have been updated since the original a7C was introduced. In addition to 4K/60p (over sampled from 7K and 6K for the a7C II and a7C R, respectively), users have access to S-Log 3 for 14+ steps of dynamic range as well as user upload-able LUTs and Sony’s signature S-Cinetone. If you’re a solo shooter, you’ll love the camera’s AI-based Auto Framing. Essentially, this feature follows your subject and automatically adjusts the frame to keep the subject centered (albeit cropped) giving the visual impression that you have an extra camera operator. I’ve used it on the Sony a6700 and it works perfectly. It’s also handy for streaming or online demos. Tap on an object via the Creators’ App on your smart device, and the focus will move away from you and onto the object you’re demonstrating. 

If the a7C R’s 61 megapixels is too much for some shoots, there are smaller sized Raw formats to choose from. Or, if you need to go in the other direction, check out the multi-shot feature that expertly combines 16 shots for a 240+ megapixel file. You’ll need to process it using Sony’s Imaging Edge software though. 

These cameras are a good step forward for the a7C line and will be available this fall for $2,200 for the a7C II and $3,000 for the a7C R.  

Before we sign off, we have to say, we’re even more excited about the new wide-angle lens announced along with the two cameras—the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II. This full-frame G Master zoom features a new optical design that delivers high resolution throughout the zoom range. Look for a minimum shooting distance of 0.22mm along with speedy performance, quiet operation, and minimal focus breathing. And, at 4.4 inches in length and 1.21 pounds, it’s really compelling. Available this fall for about $2,300. 

For more information about the new cameras and zoom lens: www.sony.com. 

Camera 101

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Sony just announced several new products including the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II lens, the a6700—its latest APS-C mirrorless camera—and the Sony ECM-M1 Compact Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone. All three should be available in August but we got a sneak peek to share with you ahead of shipping.  

Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II 

Most photographers (at least those we know) are more likely to upgrade their cameras before they replace a lens, especially one of their workhorse staples like the 70-200mm zoom. But it looks like Sony made updates on this new model that might entice some to change that behavior. 

Although not the top of the list when it comes to the update, size and weight is always a concern so it’s important to note that the lens is more compact and lighter than its predecessor. It weighs about 1.75 pounds and measures 3 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches (when the zoom is not extended).  

Autofocus performance has been improved with about a 20% increase in speed thanks to the new AF system which includes four XD linear motors. The lens will track while zooming, and if you’re looking for some super-telephoto reach, you can add a x1.4 or x2.0 teleconverter. 

Wedding photographers will especially appreciate this lens’ macro capabilities when shooting details of décor, bridal dresses, etc. The new lens brings the minimum focusing distance to 3.5 inches (at 70mm) and adds an impressive maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout the zoom range, so you can easily capture those detail shots without switching lenses. A special macro focus limiter in the lens body helps lock in the shot quickly and efficiently. 

For more technical details, head over to electronics.sony.com. The lens is slated to ship in August for $1,700. 

Sony a6700 

The follow up to Sony’s popular APS-C a6600, the new model has gotten a boost with features from the a7R V, the FX30 and the ZV1 including a back-side illuminated sensor and a dedicated AI Processor. The latter is responsible for improved Real Time Recognition AF which helps detect humans by more than just faces. This “human pose estimation” takes into account such elements as hands, feet, etc. to focus in on people.  

Five-axis in-body image stabilization is available, and for videographers, there’s AI-based auto-framing that, when enabled, helps select what the camera thinks is a more visually pleasing composition—tracking a recognized subject or one that you select. You can use this feature to pan as well. It’s an interesting feature if you’re willing to let the camera make decisions for you. It’s worth trying in different scenarios to get a sense of how it works.  

Lots of other features—for both still and video—(some of which comes from its full-frame siblings) make this camera enticing for anyone who wants a compact APS-C camera. But check out the full specs on the Sony site for some potential drawbacks like single SD card slot and no external output.  

The camera will be available body-only or in two kits in August starting at $1,400 (body only). 

Sony ECM-M1 Compact Camera-Mount Digital Shotgun Microphone 

Videographers take note: This little accessory is convenient to use on compatible cameras via the Multi Interface Shoe since this cable-less connection directly provides power and the audio signal goes straight to the camera. (The mic will also work with analog interfaces by flipping a switch.) 

Perhaps the most notable feature is the ECM-M1’s eight audio recording modes—a first in shotgun microphones, according to Sony. Thanks to its new mode dial, the microphone is easy to use. Lots of other cool audio tech is involved so head over to electronics.sony.com to get the full scoop. 

The ECM-M1 is scheduled to ship in August for $350. 

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Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 

Good news for Nikon Z shooters! Nikon has added two new lenses to its Z-series line: the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 and the Z 180-800mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. While the latter is best left to wildlife and sports photographers, we think that the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 model looks like a solid lightweight alternative to its more established Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S sibling—at about half the price. The new lens comes in at $1,250 vs the 70-200mm’s $2,397.  

Granted, the 70-180mm lens doesn’t have VR (one of the reasons for the difference in price and size, of course) but given its slimmed down build, does it need VR? Probably not. At 1.5 pounds the new 70-180mm is about half the weight of the larger lens and loses a few inches along the way: the lens body measures 3.3″ x 6” vs. the larger lens’ 3.6″ x 8.7″. And since all full-frame Z models feature in-camera VR, handholding a zoom lens isn’t a problem. 

Other features of note include a customizable control ring and a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (at 70mm) so you can easily capture portraits as well as bridal decor details without switching lenses. The Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available mid-July. 

Nikonusa.com 

Tether Tools  

And from the company that enhances your tethering experience, Tether Tools has announced version 5 of its Smart Shooter tethering capture software and is available as a standalone app for a wide variety of cameras (check the site for compatibility) from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm. A Lightroom Classic plug-in, which has been updated, is also available for Nikon, Sony and now, Fujifilm. 

If you’re a product photographer or working in 3D, you’ll love the ability to shoot with up to 10 cameras with the new version 5—a real time saver when capturing different angles without having to move the cameras around the set. And you can photograph or scan a QR code to add data to files. But perhaps one of the features that’s really appealing is “SmartSave” which gives you the ability to automatically save files to multiple locations simultaneously. And you can write custom scripts to further speed up your workflow.  

Available for Mac and PC, prices start at $100 for one camera; add another $100 for each additional camera. All in all, Smart Shooter 5 sounds like a valuable and efficient tethering tool, so you may want to head over to the Tether Tools site and download a free trial to check it out. 

Tethertools.com 

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Rumors swirled as Nikon posted a tantalizing teaser and enthusiasts formed a dedicated Facebook group prior to this morning’s reveal of the Nikon Z8. Positioned—at least in body size and price—between the Z7 and the flagship Z9, the new model has most of the same specs and performance as its higher end sibling for about $1,500 less ($4,000 vs. $5,500). Is this a mini-me of the Z9? Or is it a faster, updated mirrorless version of the D850? Maybe a little bit of both, but given its almost identical specs, we’ll go with the former, for now. 

[Read: Two Nikon Z-Series FX Prime Lenses]

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the Nikon Z8 is smaller than both the Z9 and the D850. At 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 inches, the Z8 cuts the camera’s size about 30% compared to the Z9 and 15% compared to the D850. As anyone who has lugged around a large camera knows, this is a significant reduction in size. 

Like the Z9, the Z8 is built around a 45-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor with a wide range of AF modes and subject detection subjects, including a new dedicated airplane option. Shooting speeds are the same at 20fps for RAW files (up to 120fps in JPEG only) with pre-release capture. HEIF is now available in the Z8, and both offer 5-axis sensor shift vibration reduction. And the list goes on and on, but given so many identical specs, we can expect the same excellent image quality and overall performance from the Z8. 

Similarities continue on the video side as well, with the ability to capture footage in N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes 422 HQ, among others. With the Nikon Z8, videographers are now able to capture up to 90 minutes of footage in 8K UHD (4K UHD remains limited to 2 hours and 5 minutes, which is still very respectable). And video can be recorded internally to the Z8’s dual card slots. While the Z9 is equipped with dual CFexpress Type B slots, the Z8 uses one CFexpress Type B/XQD and one SD card. Videographers might long for the Z9’s dual CFexpress cards though. 

The Nikon Z8’s USB-C ports are a welcome addition for communication and especially for power support. But, not surprisingly due to the Z8’s size, the battery is smaller (EN-EL15 series vs. the EN-EL18 series). You’ll get fewer shots per charge, of course, but it’s worth the trade-off for a more compact body. And you’re likely to far exceed any CIPA ratings of the battery. 

Nikon has posted a launch video and will be sharing user experiences online at www.nikonusa.com. Check out the videos as well as the rest of the Z8’s specs. I’m already checking my bank account for when the Nikon Z8 is available on May 25 (you can pre-order now). 

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