Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon Log Gamma Now Available

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The Canon 5D Mark IV is now available with the Canon Log Gamma upgrade pre-loaded. We saw this back at NAB and knew it was coming soon. Now, it’s here.

Canon Log Gamma gives you “flat images with an improved dynamic range of 800%, or 12 stops. This function makes it easier to match cameras in post-production as well as provides the most latitude and potential for color grading. For monitoring, a View Assist function is available, which allows the use of one of two LUTs for more accurate viewing on the camera’s LCD or an external monitor. The options are for Canon Log 10 to Wide DR that converts the footage to Wide Dynamic Range Gamma or Canon Log 10 to ITU-R BT.709, which converts the image to a more conventional Rec. 709 color space.”

If you want the Canon Log upgrade on an exisiting 5D Mark IV, you’ll have to send your camera in to Canon to receive the update and pay $100 for it. Otherwise, it is available as an option when you order, at a $100 premium over the standard retail version. Check it out here at B&H Photo.

 

Nikon Confirms New Mirrorless Products in Development

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Rumors and signs that Nikon will bring a new mirrorless camera line to market have been swirling for a while now. Now, Nikon has gone on the record with DPReview to confirm that is the case with the following statement:

While details are confidential, we can say that we are currently developing new mirrorless products that build upon Nikon’s strengths, and offer the performance prospective customers expect, including the ultimate optics performance, image-processing technologies, strength and durability, and operation.

This was brought about in response to an interview question suggesting the same. When DPReview asked for clarification and additional info, Nikon delivered the above, more specific response.

While the Nikon 1 series has its fans, it doesn’t evoke the same kind of reverence that Nikon DSLRs do – or in the mirrorless world, Fuji, Sony and Olympus. The Nikon D500 and D810 are spectacular DSLRs. No one really says that about the Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras.

Let’s hope that Nikon (and Canon too, for that matter) will compete at the highest levels in the mirrorless market. Competition yields better products for all of us photographers to enjoy. So far though, Nikon and Canon really aren’t competing in the mirrorless market, which is unfortunate because that is where we are seeing the prosumer and pro markets grow right now.

What’s on your must-have list for a Nikon mirrorless camera?

Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens Unveiled

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Nikon announced its the AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens yesterday. This lens adds the Pulse Stepping Motor to a classic zoom model and is the first FX-compatible lens to offer the AF-P design. The stepping motor found in AF-P lenses reduces the sound of lens operation while recording video and also reduces weight with a more efficient design. [Read more…]

MindShift Gear Launches PhotoCross Camera Sling Bags

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MindShift Gear has launched the rugged PhotoCross sling camera bags. They come in two sizes and colors, Orange Ember and Carbon Grey. The PhotoCross 10 fits an ungripped DSLR and 1-2 lenses, along with a 10″ tablet. The PhotoCross 13 fits an ungripped DSLR 2-4 lenses (including a 70-200mm f/2.8) and some 13″ laptops.

The PhotoCross sling bags feature an integrated waterproof Tarpaulin bottom panel with a body-conforming design, wide shoulder strap and stability wing for a more comfortable fit. A seam-sealed rain cover is included and can handle downpour conditions if you are caught out in it.

The PhotoCross 13 runs $129.99, while the PhotoCross 10 runs $114.99. You can order them direct from MindShift Gear.

Camera Mode Dial T-Shirt

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Check out our new Camera Mode Dial t-shirt, which features a weathered mode dial design. As I’ve said before, I like the Dark Heather color choice for both the color and fabric blend. You can find it here on Amazon.com.

The lens patent drawing shirts are also popular ones. There is a 70-200mm f/2.8 shirt, a 24-70mm f/2.8 shirt and a 50mm f/1.4 shirt. These run a little small, so order a size up if you are unsure or don’t like a tight fit.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Unveiled

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Tamron recently announced the very attractive SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens. It is available in Canon and Nikon mounts and comes in substantially cheaper (at just $1,199) than the first-party options from both manufacturers.

The $1,199 price point would be attractive for a plain 24-70mm f/2.8 iteration; however, the inclusion of Tamron’s Vibration Compensation makes this lens especially enticing. It has a 9-blade diaphragm and Tamron claims a somewhat suspect 5-stops of camera shake reduction. While I have no doubt Tamron’s lens stabilization will perform well (and it is very welcomed on this lens), 5-stops of shake reduction would be an impressive feat.

Nonetheless, the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens ships in August for the Nikon mount. Canon shooters will have to wait until September to get theirs. You can pre-order it now here at B&H Photo.