Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2012

 

Sony NEX-VG30 Leak Shows Off New Power Zoom Lens

By

Sony NEX-VG30

Newly leaked images of the upcoming Sony NEX-VG30 show a camera that’s very similar to the current NEX-VG20 model.  However, the most notable difference is the inclusion of a new power zoom lens mounted on the compact APS-C camcorder.

Based on the size of this lens and the past kit lenses for this series, I would presume that this is an 18-200mm kit lens (probably with a f/3.5-5.6 aperture as well).  This could be the breakout features that turns the VG30 into a competent consumer camera.  In my opinion, the manual zoom lens on the prior models was the thing keeping these out of consumers’ hands. [Read more…]

ARRI Unveils “Ready to Shoot” Kits for Blackmagic Cinema Camera

By

ARRI Pro Camera Acessories - Blackmagic Cinema Camera

ARRI has introduced “Ready to Shoot” camera rig kits for the new Blackmagic Cinema Camera.  When Blackmagic unveiled its Cinema Camera at NAB 2012, it was readily apparent that we would need to use some sort of rig to get the most out of the camera.

Now the the Blackmagic Cinema Camera has started shipping (in limited quantities still), ARRI has jumped on the demand for some camera-specific rigs for this little $3000 powerhouse. [Read more…]

Macbook Air as a Mobile Camera?

By

Macbook Air Mobile Camera

If there’s one thing that I can’t help but snicker at, it’s people using iPads and other tablets to grab snapshots in public.  But this shot that shows a concert goer using his Macbook Air to shoot either images or video at a Jay-Z concert is beyond me.

There are of cellphone photographers in the crowd, along with a stable of pro DSLR shooters in front of the gates.  I can only presume that the dude with the Macbook Air spent his savings on his computer and not on the latest iPhone…

[via PetaPixel]

Sony FS700 4K Firmware Update Coming Soon?

By

Sony FS700

When Sony launched the FS700 cinema camera, it teased that it was capable of shooting 4K footage and that such capabilities would be unlocked via a firmware update at some, undisclosed point in the future.

Well, that time may be upon us.  Speaking with a Sony insider at the recent IFA show, EOSHD reports that Sony is prepping to launch the 4K firmware upgrade for the FS700 within a few weeks.  Noting further:

I was told that by Sony insider (not a sales rep) there are two external recorders already on the market that will work with the camera in 4K mode by Aja and Sony. Sony have no plans to restrict 4K output to their own external recorder(s), and that is the first bit of good news…Encouragingly this 4K firmware update is ‘weeks away’ according to Sony, unless that strategy changes or any unforeseen consequences occur. I asked about pricing and I am told it will be similar to the S-LOG upgrade for the Sony F3 which currently retails for £500 + VAT at CVP in the UK. It is just a firmware update.

Given that the FS700 is an $8000 camera, a reasonable price for the 4K firmware upgrade could deliver a stunning 4K camera at a sub-$10k price point – something that no one has really done yet.  (Notwithstanding the lackluster JVC HMQ10.)

[via NoFilmSchool]

New Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L Rumored for Photokina 2012

By

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L

Northlight Images has word that Canon may be introducing an updated version of the EF 400mm f/5.6L lens prior to Photokina 2012. This lens has been around for quite a while and it is relatively affordable for an L-series telephoto lens.  It will be interesting to see whether Canon puts an Image Stabilization system in the new version if the rumors are true and just how much the price will rise over the current version.