Along with its new Rugged RAID 4TB Thunderbolt drive, LaCie announced the its less-practical LaCie Mirror portable external drive at CES 2015. [Read more…]
Nikon D4 vs Nikon D4S Shutter Mechanism Comparison Video
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGHoizsGsU4&w=640&h=360]
One of the new “big” features of the Nikon D4S was a new mirror balancer and damping mechanism that reduces bounce during high speed bursts, which the D4S can deliver at 11fps. The comparison is pretty telling of the improvement when compared to the D4 operating at 10fps. You should notice that the D4S mirror bounces less between frames and the distance of the bounce is shorter as well.
Bonus fact: This video was filmed in slow motion on the Nikon 1 V2 at 1200 FPS.
Nikon Pro DSLR (D4?) Patent Diagrams
A couple of recent Nikon patent applications show off some new features and diagrams for pro-level DSLRs. [Read more…]
Sony Bringing Translucent Mirror to NEX-Format Cameras?
If a recent patent application from Sony is any indicator of coming products, it looks like we could see a translucent mirror in future NEX-format cameras.
The obvious benefit of using this design in future NEX cameras is the ability to use a phase-difference autofocus mechanism (as typically found in DSLRs) instead of the slower, less accurate contrast-detection method that so-called “mirrorless” cameras have used to date.
Sony has already forged this technology in current Alpha “DSLR” models – Sony A33 and A55. The rapid live view and video autofocus in the A33 and A55 looks to be a hit among reviewers so far.
Essentially, this patent application presents the A55 in an NEX-5 body. It’s actually a design that should have been pretty easy to see coming. There’s nothing really new that’s not already in the A55 . . . Sony’s just taking out the parts that make it look like a DSLR and presenting it in a smaller package more akin to the NEX cameras we already know. And, it could very well be an Alpha mount camera in a compact shell, which would mean native functionality with Alpha lenses.
While I found the AF speed and accuracy in the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5 to be quite acceptable, taking it up a notch or two wouldn’t hurt at all.
What do you think about this design? Would you be interested in an APS-C camera that is this compact and has DSLR-like AF speed?
[via PhotoRumors]
Canon 5D: Main Mirror Detachment Service Notice
Canon has issued a service notice for the original Canon 5D. This is not for the Canon 5D Mark II.
From Canon:
We have discovered that, in rare instances, the main mirror of some EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras may detach due to deterioration in the strength of the adhesive. Accordingly, we would like to convey the details and our service policy concerning this phenomenon.
We offer our sincerest apologies to those customers who have been inconvenienced by this issue. Canon always strives to provide the highest quality products to our customers and we will spare no effort in our quality management to make sure our customers can use our products with confidence. We hope our efforts will earn your understanding.
Phenomenon
The main mirror of the camera detaches and images cannot be viewed through the viewfinder.
Affected products
EOS 5D Digital SLR cameras whose main mirror has detached.
User Support
We will repair and reinforce the mirror portion of the affected products free of charge. If you own one of the affected products, please contact our Customer Support Center.