Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony NEX-F3 Pic Leaked, Due for Launch in May

By

Sony NEX-F3

Sony Alpha Rumors just published the above image of the upcoming Sony NEX-F3, which is due to replace the excellent Sony NEX-C3.

The new Sony NEX-F3 will sport a 16.1MP image sensor and is rumored to include a 180-degree tilting LCD, along with a built-in flash.  The presence of the AVCHD logo on the above image also suggest 1080p capture (hopefully, it will be AVCHD 2.0 for 60p like the NEX-5N).

The naming scheme is curious given the Sony PMW-F3, which is a PL mount cinema camera and commonly referred to as simply the “F3”.  Likewise, the potential spec-sheet further suggests that the NEX-F3 may outshine the (also excellent) NEX-5N, in which case we can probably expect a summer 2012 replacement for it as well.

For now, the Sony NEX-F3 is rumored to launch in May 2012, alongside the Sony A37, an entry-level DSLR-ish camera with Sony’s translucent mirror technology.

You can expect to hear a lot more about this camera in the coming weeks.  So, stay tuned.

 

Nikon D600 Full Frame Rumors Emerge

By

Nikon D600 Strap

Hot on the heels of a Nikon D400 rumor, Nikon Rumors is at it again with new rumors of a cheaper full-frame model, dubbed the Nikon D600, which would serve in a complementary role the D800 (and perhaps replace the now-lower-priced D700) .  Rumored specifications include a 24MP CMOS sensor, no internal AF motor (akin to entry-level APS-C cameras), and a price point around $1500.

Other rumored specs include:

  • The new camera will be marketed as an entry level full frame camera
  • Auto DX crop mode
  • Dual SD card slots
  • In-camera RAW editor
  • Built in time-lapse functionality
  • There will be no built-in HDR feature
  • Possible integrated GPS
  • New external battery grip

The camera is alleged to make an appearance before Photokina 2012.

Stay tuned for the latest.

Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate 2 Now Available

By

Adobe Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate 2

Adobe Labs just dropped Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate 2.  This is the first time I recall Adobe issuing a second release candidate for a particular update version, which is likely due to bugs reported in the first Release Candidate for 4.1 as noted below.

This update corrects issues reported from the initial Lightroom 4.0 release and Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate.  The Lightroom team would like to thank all of the customers who helped track down the details of these issues.  This update also allows Lightroom to support HDR files and provide new controls to correct for color fringing. This update also adds raw file format support for a number of cameras, including Canon EOS 60Da, Olympus OM-D E-M5, Samsung NX1000 and Sony Alpha NEX-VG20.

Remember, this is a release candidate, which means it has been pretty well tested and Adobe thinks it is ready for full release; however, it’s recommended that you keep production work to a prior version until the official releases drop.  Given some of the problems with the 4.0 release, this release candidate may be a necessary upgrade for some users. Expect the full version update to come soon though.  Release candidates mean that the final versions are just around the corner.

GoPro HERO2 Protune Upgrade

By

GoPro HERO2 Protune

GoPro announced some pretty exciting stuff for the POV market at NAB 2012.  A new firmware upgrade for the GoPro HERO2 called Protune adds 24p and 35Mbps data rate to the HERO2.  In partnership with Technicolor, the new Protune update adds the ability to shoot with a flat Cinestyle developed by Technicolor.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNVcRLMo4Nw&w=640&h=360]

More details in the press release below.
[Read more…]

Yashuhara Nanoha x5 Macro Lens Hands-On

By

Yasuhara Nanoha Macro Lens

The Yashuhara Nanoha x5 macro lens is available for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX cameras.  The 5:1 magnification of this little lens is incredible.  It sports a zoom range that goes from 4x to 5x as well as built-in illumination.  In the video below, you’ll see a little over from NAB 2012, as well as some sample video and photo through the Panasonic GX1. [Read more…]

iSupport iPhone Filmmaking Rig

By

iSupport

The iSupport is a $49 iPhone camera rig, which basically gives you better handling and mounting options.  It can handle a bare iPhone or an iPhone in a case.  It also has a 1/4-20 thread on the bottom for tripod or heavier duty rig mounting.

Check out the video below from NAB 2012 for a closer look.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHnCp3ak6s&w=640&h=360]

 

Varavon Slidecam Lite800 and Lite600

By

Varavon Slidecam Lite

The newest addition to Varavon’s Slidecam lineup are the aptly-named Lite800 and Lite600.  I stopped by the Varavon booth at NAB 2012 to get a closer look at these new sliders.  The sliders are very smooth and a great selection of mounting options.  I’m hoping to get more time with them soon for a more in-depth look.  In the mean time, check out the overview video below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6j8o1aN30&w=640&h=360]

Varavon sliders are available at B&H Photo.

Nikon D400 Book Available for Pre-Order?

By

Nikon D400 Book

Now that we’re through the gauntlet of camera releases over the past few months, I suppose it’s time to fuel the fires for the next round for Summer and Fall 2012.  What could be better to kick up the rumor mill than a book listing for the Nikon D400 on Amazon?

It’s available for pre-order and currently dated for September 2012.

[via Nikon Rumors]