FUJIFILM Corporation has unveiled yet another mirrorless camera and lens in a global announcement proving the 85-year veteran remains at the cutting edge of photographic technology.

Hot on the heels of the company’s highly successful X-T3 launch, the brand new, highly anticipated FUJIFILM X-T30 mirrorless digital camera will be available for sale on New Zealand shores from March 20th 2019.

Pitched as a powerful companion for any photographer – beginners through to the enthusiast – it’s the latest addition to the X Series range of cameras, renowned for outstanding image quality, proprietary colour reproduction technology and intuitive dial-based handling.

“We’re calling this powerful little unit the ‘all-rounder’. It will appeal to a broad range of users from enthusiast photographers to first time beginners,” says Craig Robertson, professional photographer and FUJIFILM’s NZ X Series specialist.

“Photographers won’t outgrow the X-T30 as they enhance their skills. It will always deliver premium quality pictures and video captured with ease, regardless of experience.”

The X-T30 is equipped with a host of new functions offering outstanding performance, utilising the 4th Generation image sensor and processor with 26.1 megapixel resolution and fast high-performance AF.  In addition, phase detection pixels are now across the entire frame (100%).

Other advanced features include a joystick for shifting focus points easily, a new intuitive touch-screen panel with improved response, and an improved body design that offers better holding stability to ensure comfortable shooting even with larger lenses.

“Fujifilm cameras are known the world over for being lighter and more compact without compromising quality. The X-T30 is no different and we’re proud to say gone are the days of lugging heavy DSLR gear around,” says Craig.

An improved algorithm delivers even more advanced AF-tracking performance. This includes enhanced accuracy in face / eye detection and the introduction of a Face Select function to provide priority auto-focus on a selected subject.

The evolution of AF performance is available with both still photos and during video filming. Improved exposure stability during face / eye AF and face recognition in the AF-C (continuous AF) mode adds to ease of use. Video performance itself has also been enhanced, offering high-resolution audio recording and smooth 4K/30P video recording.

Coupled with the launch of the X-T30, FUJIFILM will add to its X Series line-up of interchangeable lenses with the release of the new FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WRto compliment the other compact prime lenses. Also available in New Zealand from March 20^th 2019, this lens features a focal length equivalent to 24mm (in the 35mm format) and has a maximum aperture of F2.8.

“The XF16mmF2.8 lens is small and lightweight. Its inner focusing system is fast and quiet and is perfect for travel and landscape photographers,” says Craig.

“It’s also weather and dust resistant, and operates in temperatures as low as -10°C making it versatile for a range of conditions.”

The FUJINON XF16mmF2.8 R WR lens in black (and silver from April) has an indicative price of $699 NZD. The FUJIFILM X-T30 has an indicative price of $1,649 (body only) and will be available in black, silver and charcoal silver. Both can be purchased from authorised FUJIFILM dealers nationwide from March 20th 2019.

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Sony announced has announced to us an exciting new addition to its E-mount mirrorless camera lineup – the α6400 (model ILCE-6400).

The α6400 brings many of Sony’s most advanced technologies from their acclaimed full-frame lineup to a compact, lightweight APS-C camera.  The speedy new camera boasts the world’s fastesti autofocus (AF) acquisition of 0.02 seconds, while also introducing the new advanced “Real-time Eye AF” and ”Real-time Tracking” capabilities.  Also included are high-speed shooting at up to 11 fpsiv with AF/AE tracking, a new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine that produces excellent image quality, 4Kvi video recording, a fully 180-degree tiltable LCD touch screen and much more, making it the ultimate tool for all types of creators ranging from professionals to everyday vloggers.

“The α6400 represents another important step in the growth of Sony’s overall interchangeable lens camera lineup,” said Neal Manowitz, vice president of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics.  “By bringing so many of our latest and most advanced technologies from full-frame cameras to a brand new APS-C model, we are giving today’s creators more options than ever to realise their vision.”

The impressive autofocus system on the new α6400 inherits many technologies from Sony’s newest line-up of full-frame cameras including the α9, α7R III and α7 III models.  The new camera features 425 phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points that are placed densely over the entire image area, covering approximately 84% of the image area.  This high-speed, high-performance tracking AF system is paired with a new-generation BIONZ X image processing engine that together allow the camera to acquire focus in as little as 0.02 seconds and maintain subject lock extremely effectively, ensuring even the fastest moving subjects can be tracked and captured with ease.

The α6400 introduces advanced “Real-time Eye AF,” the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology.  This exciting new capability employs artificial intelligence based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time, resulting in improved accuracy, speed and tracking performance of Eye AF. In all autofocus modes, the camera now automatically detects the eyes of the subject and activates Eye AF with a half press of the shutter button, and when in AF-C or AF-A mode, the preferred eye (left or right) of your subject can be selected as the focus point.  Choices include Auto / Right Eye / Left Eye, and a Switch Right / Left Eye function is able to be assigned to a custom function as well.  This exciting new technology completely frees the photographer to focus solely on composition with full trust that focus will be tack sharp on the subject’s eye.  Eye AF support for animals will be added in summer 2019 via a system software update, ideal for wildlife photographers.

Also debuting on the α6400 is Sony’s newly developed “Real-time Tracking.”  This mode utilises Sony’s latest algorithm including artificial intelligence (AI) based object recognition and processes color, subject distance (depth), pattern (brightness) as spatial information to ensure that all subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy.  Additionally, when photographing or videographing humans or animals, face and eye position information is recognized by AI and the subject’s eye is monitored in real time with extremely high tracking precision.  This can be activated by a simple half press of the shutter button[viii], or can be assigned to a custom function as well.

In terms of overall shooting speeds, the new camera can shoot at up to 11 fps with full AF/AE tracking while utilizing the mechanical shutter, and up to 8 fpsv with full AF/AE tracking while silent shooting.  It can shoot at each of these speeds for up to 116 frames JPEG Standard / 46 frames RAW compressed, greatly increasing the chances of capturing the perfect moment.

Sony’s new α6400 is equipped with a 24.2 MP APS-C sized image sensor with that is paired with an upgraded BIONZ X processor to deliver incredible advancements in image quality and colour reproduction in all types of shooting conditions. StandardISO ranges up to ISO 32000 for both still and movie, and is expandable up to ISO 102400 for still images, with excellent noise reduction at medium and high sensitivities.

The camera also inherits many of the image processing algorithms from Sony’s newest full-frame cameras, greatly suppressing noise while preserving resolution and improving texture depiction.

The versatile α6400 is an exceptional video camera, offering  internal 4K (QFHD: 3840 x 2160) movie recording with full pixel readout and no pixel binning to collect about 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.  Focusing during movie shooting is fast and stable thanks to upgraded Fast Hybrid AF technology, which keeps the subject in constant smooth focus no matter the scene, and even if an object crosses in front of the camera.  This advanced AF plus touch focus functionality make it an ideal camera choice for many vloggers and video creators that are regularly creating and uploading content online.

For time-lapse movie creation, the new camera features built-in interval recording that can be set anywhere between 1 and 60 seconds, with a total number of shots from 1 to 9999.  AE tracking sensitivity can be adjusted to “High”, “Mid” or “Low” during interval shooting, allowing for reduced changes in exposure over the shooting interval.

Additionally, for the first time in Sony APS-C mirrorless camera, the new model includes an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile, which supports an Instant HDR workflow, allowing HDR (HLG) compatible TV’s to playback beautiful, true-to-life 4K HDR[x] imagery.  Further, both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, as well as Zebra functionality, Gamma Display assist and proxy recording.  The camera can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow-motion video files in Full HD resolution with AF tracking.

The new camera is designed to offer a high level of functionality and customisation to maximise shooting freedom.  New on the α6400 is a fully 180-degree tiltable, 3.0-type LCD flip screen with 921k-dots of resolution that allows for simple and effective framing of selfie-style shooting for both still and video capture.  Utilising this capability, vloggers will be able to check and monitor composition throughout their entire creative process.  The LCD screen is also equipped with touch functionality, with options for Touch Pad, Touch Focus, Touch Shutter and new Touch Tracking which quickly activates “Real-time Tracking” through the touch screen.

The camera features a high quality XGA OLED Tru-finder viewfinder, extensive customisation with 89 functions that are assignable to 8 custom keys, the new My Dial and My Menu functionality, enhanced overall menu usability, a help screen for menus, star rating for images, and many other features that allow for a seamless shooting experience.  It is also built with a tough magnesium alloy design, is dust and moisture resistant and has an extremely durable shutter that is rated for approximately 200,000 cycles.  It also is capable of seamlessly transferring files to a smartphone or tablet when connected to the brand new Imaging Edge Mobile application.

 The α6400 will be available in New Zealand from February 2019 with pricing still to be confirmed.

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Sony, the leader in full-frame mirrorless cameras and lenses, is increasing its flagship lens line-up to 30, with the introduction of the highly anticipated 24mm F1.4 Prime G Master.

Expertly engineered to deliver best in class performance across all aperture settings, the new FE 24mm F1.4 GM (model SEL24F14GM) utilises Sony’s specialist advanced optical technologies to satisfy the needs of the most demanding photographers. It features a compact and lightweight design with a filter diameter of φ67mm and measures just 75.4mm x 92.4mm, weighing a mere 445g. Meeting the strict standards for G Master status, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM combines the high resolution and beautiful bokeh that are the signature of the G Master series.

Head of Digital Imaging, Sony ANZ, Jun Yoon said, “As the number one full-frame mirrorless range in Australia, Sony is thrilled to be adding the 24mm F1.4 Prime G Master lens to our flagship line-up, which now totals an impressive 30 native lenses and 7 camera bodies. The Alpha full-frame mirrorless system offers an unrivalled range of creative possibilities whether you are a photography enthusiast, professional or video content creator.”

Sony will continue to evolve its lens line-up in order to meet the demands of all types of photographers, videographers and multi-media creators, with a range of different offerings to maximise the power of the innovative α camera line-up.

Realising consistently high resolution across the entire frame, even at F1.4, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM boasts a new optical design comprising 10 groups with 13 elements featuring two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. The incorporation of two XA elements effectively suppresses sagittal flare so that point light sources are accurately reproduced, making the FE 24mm F1.4 GM a compelling proposition for star-scape photographers. Sony’s unique Nano AR Coating is applied to reduce flare and ghosting for impressive clarity, even in landscape shots where the position of the sun is often problematic with a normal lens.

This industry leading performance has been packaged in an extremely compact and lightweight body weighing just 445g. For landscape photographers who often have to walk for long distances to get to the perfect shooting spot, this provides a welcome reduction in the weight that they have carry, an advantage that is further compounded when the FE 24mm F1.4 GM is paired with one of Sony’s award winning α7 / α9 bodies. This lightweight package has been realised in part by the development of a new high power DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) which delivers approximately three times greater thrust than the previous DDSSM, enabling fast response, high positioning accuracy and quiet operation for both stills and movie shooting.

In addition to its landscape and stars-cape shooting abilities, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM also has excellent close up performance of 0.24 metres (0.79ft.) and delivers soft and natural bokeh. As a member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, the new lens features an incredible level of image quality and bokeh. As bokeh quality is directly affected by spherical aberration and axial and lateral chromatic aberration that can also cause colour bleeding, all of these factors are painstakingly controlled at the design and manufacturing stages and each lens is individually tested and adjusted to achieve maximum image quality and bokeh.

Furthermore, the FE 24mm F1.4 GM includes a number of professional controls aiding ease of operation for both stills and movie shooting. An aperture ring allows direct, intuitive aperture control whilst an aperture click switch makes it possible to enable or disable click stops as required. The focus ring features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control, giving the user the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing. The focus hold button is customisable and a focus mode switch makes it possible to quickly select auto or manual focus to match changing shooting conditions.

Availability and pricing for the FE 24mm F1.4 GM will be confirmed shortly.

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Budding photographers seeking a step up from smartphone snaps are fixed thanks to FUJIFILM’s latest camera announced globally today.

The brand new fixed-lens XF10, available in New Zealand in August, is a premium, compact camera that packs a picture-quality punch. Including all of the hallmarks of FUJIFILM’s X Series mirrorless system, the XF10 combines simple manual operation with superior image quality and versatile shooting options.

The ultra lightweight and travel-friendly camera weighs in at only 280 grams and sports newly enhanced Bluetooth connectivity to automatically transfer images to a smartphone for social share.

FUJIFILM NZ X Series specialist Craig Robertson says to not let the mirrorless camera’s compact size fool you. “Despite its pocketable size and weight, the XF10’s high quality, fixed FUJINON lens covers a wide range of subjects from landscapes to food photography and flatlays – a perfect companion in our social media age,” says Robertson.

The XF10 is the first X Series mirrorless camera to feature the brand new Square Mode that allows users to switch seamlessly to a 1:1 format with a simple flick on the touchscreen. “Square images have become the standard format on social media networks such as Instagram. With
speedy syncing and Square Mode, professional-looking shots can be transferred and posted on social media in an instant,” says Robertson.

As a fixed-lens camera, eliminating the need to carry extra camera gear, the XF10 has a powerful 18.5mmF2.8 FUJINON lens (equivalent to 28mm on 35mm format) optimised to perfectly match the sensor and ensure images are sharp from centre to edge.

Packed with a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor and FUJIFILM’s world-renowned colour reproduction technology, the XF10 produces high quality, high resolution images destined for picture frames and worthy of “Insta fame”. In addition to FUJIFILM’s unique 11 film simulations, the XF10 has 19 advanced photography filters, including two brand new modes for photographers to easily add extra artistic flair to their photos.

The new Rich & Fine mode is perfect for food and tabletop flatlay photography. It results in brighter, more vivid colour at the centre and slight shadow at the corners to emphasise the subject.

The low down:
• Weighs only 280g
• First X Series camera to have updated automatic image transfer and new 1:1 format Square
Mode
• Combines a 24.2 megapixel APS-C with a precision, fixed 18.5mmF2.8 FUJINON lens
• Hosts the 11 famous FUJIFILM film simulation modes and 19 advanced filters (including the new
Rich & Fine and Monochrome [NIR] filters

The FUJIFILM XF10 is available from specialist photographic dealers nationwide from 1st of August 2018.

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Close up photographers can now explore and capture even the tiniest details with the release of Fujifilm’s new macro lens. The FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens is now available in New Zealand and joins a massive XF lens line-up bringing the first 1.0x magnification mid-telephoto macro lens for X-Series mirrorless cameras.

The new macro lens achieves high resolving power at the focus point and beautiful bokeh, making it optimal for shooting flowers and insects. Combine this lens with Fujifilm’s unique Film Simulations, such as Velvia, for truly stunning close up photographs. New Zealand X-Series specialist Craig Robertson says the new 80mm lens will be another great addition to the FUJINON line up, already renowned for their outstanding image quality.

“This lens is going to enable people shooting X-Series to be able to take their photography to new levels of detail and create quality, close-up images in true 1 to 1 reproduction,” says Robertson. The FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 features a focal length equivalent to 122mm (on a 35mm format), a maximum aperture of F2.8, and 1.0x magnification factor.

Designed to be versatile and to suit all photography styles, users can shoot on a tripod or hand-held with the help of the Optical Image Stabilizer system suppressing shift shake. The lens also provides fast and silent Auto Focus with a clever system of linear motors. Suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor shooting conditions, the FUJINON XF80mmF2.8 can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C. and is weather and dust resistant.

The exterior design is luxurious yet robust for a premium feel. The aperture and focusing rings have been designed for maximum comfort and usability.
Robertson says there are also more lenses to come, with the recent announcement of the X Mount Lenses roadmap.

“Fujifilm has unveiled the latest development roadmap and with this, details of an ‘Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens’ and a ‘Telephoto Prime Lens’. Fujifilm will continue to expand the lens line to support a wide range of photography styles and requirements,” says Robertson. Robertson notes that photographers shooting with older X-Series cameras will also be able to enjoy the
new lens. “The latest free firmware update ensures previous X-Series models are ready to go with the Auto Focus system of XF80mm as Fujifilm is dedicated to continuing to support our older cameras,” says Robertson.

The new FUJINON XF80mm Macro Lens retails for RRP$1999 (NZD) and is available now from authorised FUJIFILM dealers nationwide.

The post Fujifilm Gets Up Close & Professional appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Whether it’s riding the crashing waves of Piha, climbing the magnificent Aoraki Mt Cook or cycling amongst Rotorua’s Redwoods, thrill-seekers need a camera that is going to be as tough as their conditions and that will never fail to capture amazing photos.

Drumroll please for the Fujifilm X-T2, a compact mirrorless “pocket battle ship” with a whopping 24 megapixels and 4K HD video that can do the hard yards for any adrenaline junkie with a photographer’s streak.

Photographers will find the X-T2 is made of sterner stuff, with a solid magnesium alloy body that is both highly durable and lightweight to ensure it can be taken into any situation. Weather-sealed to keep salt spray and drizzle at bay, and combined with one of Fujifilm’s extensive range of Fujinon XF lenses, the X-T2 will be ever-reliable through each step of the adventure.

For those that might find themselves in a tight spot (whether shooting in a cave or from the passenger seat of a helicopter), the X-T2’s tilting LCD screen can help set up those adventure shots, when looking through the viewfinder isn’t an option.

Fujifilm’s much-loved and well-trusted X-T2 is a must for those that lust for quality imagery that reflects the quality of their adventure.

The post TOUGH CAMERA FOR TOUGH CONDITIONS appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Global electronics brand Panasonic has announced to us here at STG a new flagship Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, the Panasonic LUMIX G9.

This state-of-the-art, high spec camera will delight both sports and wildlife photographers, and anyone else keen to capture the sharpest, brightest images.

Digital Cameras will feature on many Christmas wish-lists, but photographers will have to wait until January 2018 to get their hands on the new LUMIX G9. The expected market price is from around $2,800 NZD (GST inclusive) for the body only to $3,100 NZD (GST inclusive) for the full Kit.

Panasonic’s LUMIX G9 follows in the footsteps of its digital camera predecessor, the LUMIX GH5, which was released earlier this year. At the time, the GH5 was the highest specified Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera and was lauded by professional and amateur photographers around the world.

Now, the LUMIX G9 heralds the arrival of the highest-ever image quality in photographic shooting by elevating resolution, gradation and colour reproduction with its 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without low-pass filter. The addition of a High-Resolution mode also provides 80-megapixel equivalent images in JPEG /RAW formats in the camera.

Other improvements on the previous flagship model include better Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer), making it possible to use a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed. This has been achieved by a more accurate calculation of shake in various shooting conditions, using information from the gyrosensor, image sensor and accelerometer sensor.

The G9’s high-speed, high-precision Auto Focus (AF) with Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology achieves a minimum AF speed of 0.04 sec, which is currently the fastest in the Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera industry. Sports photographers won’t lose their target subject thanks to the G9’s high tracking performance to a subject. The LUMIX G9 also boasts the fastest-in-class 20 fps (AFC) / 60 fps (AFS) in 20.3-megapixel full resolution to capture those unmissable moments. Complying with 6K/4K PHOTO, users can choose the most suitable burst shooting mode in addition to the regular consecutive shooting mode, depending on the situation.

Wildlife photographers will appreciate the G9’s largest-in-class LVF (Live View Finder) with a stunningly high magnification ratio of approx.1.66x / 0.83x (35mm camera equivalent). No blackouts occur even in

high-speed burst shooting. Night mode and an AF Point Scope function are also integrated, and the magnesium alloy full die-cast front and rear frame means the G9 is not only splashproof and dustproof but also freezeproof down to minus 10 degrees centigrade.

The LUMIX G9 is one of Panasonic’s 100-year Anniversary model products. In 2018 Panasonic celebrates its centenary, and has selected key models across the Panasonic range to highlight as Anniversary models.

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