Yesterday I was walking with my camera through the beautiful Krkonose mountains on the border of the Czech Republic and Poland. Even the rain could not take away their beauty. I used one of the smallest Nikon Z-mount lenses available to photograph one of Europe’s largest rivers, the Elbe. Specifically, my lens was the new 27mm f/2.8 from TTArtisan, which you can read about below. I will be reviewing the lens soon.
Recent Announcements
- TTArtisan AF 27mm f/2.8: It was the first TTArtisan autofocus lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras (released in October 2022). Now it’s launched for APS-C mirrorless cameras with Nikon Z and Sony E-mount. The big strengths of this pancake lens are its size (3 cm thick) and weight (100g). The AF is driven by a stepping motor with manual focus override. Comes with a rear cap that allows firmware updates (via USB-C). Sells for $159.
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Pro Cine: The DJI Mavic 3 is a three-eyed king. This new drone (available in both Pro and Cine models) has three separate cameras, for equivalent focal lengths of 24mm, 70mm, and 166mm. The main camera – the 24mm equivalent – has the same large Micro Four Thirds sensor as before, while the other two lenses have smaller sensors behind them. The difference between the Pro and Pro Cine versions is that the Cine offers Apple ProRes encoding (4:2:2 HQ, 4:2:2 and 4:2:2 LT) for all three cameras. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone with DJI RC can be pre-ordered for $2,199. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine will retail for $4,799.
The Rumor Mill
Nikon Z8: Are you ready?
Nikon has finally officially confirmed that something big is in the works. On their YouTube channel, Nikon has posted a teaser that hints at a May 10th release date for their long-awaited Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera. As the announcement date approaches, more and more information is leaking out. Below are the rumored specifications from Nikon Rumors. For clarity, I’ve highlighted the specs that are identical to those of the Nikon Z9:
- Sensor: 45.7MP (stacked)
- ISO range: 64-25,600
- 20 fps (120fps in JPEG mode)
- 5-axis in-body stabilizations: 6 stops
- Shutter speed: 1/32000 – 900s
- Electronic shutter only
- Autofocus: 493 AF points
- HEIF 10-bit support
- Video: 8.3k @60p
- 3.2″ tilting LCD screens
- EVF: 3690k-dot OLED
- Memory cards: CFExpress + SD
- Dimensions: 144×118×83mm | 5.6×4.6×3.2in
- Weight: under 1kg
- Price: €4,599 (equivalent to around $5,000)
As you can see, there are a lot of (rumored) parallels. I’m reminded of the Nikon D3 and D700 cameras. There were so many similarities between these cameras that it took a toll on the sales of the more expensive D3. Will history repeat itself? We won’t know for sure for another ten days, but stay tuned.
New standard zoom lens for Canon APS-C cameras
According to information posted on Canon Rumors, users of Canon APS-C cameras could see a new standard zoom lens as early as this year. This information is based on a trio of new patents that Canon has registered. The link between all the patented lenses is their minimum focal length of 15mm (24mm equivalent). This would certainly be a welcome addition to Canon’s APS-C line-up, as existing standard zooms start at 18mm (29mm equivalent).
The three candidates are: the Canon RF-S 15-70mm f/4, the Canon RF-S 15-70mm f/2.8-4, or the Canon RF-S 15-85mm f/2.8-5.6. The relatively wide maximum aperture values indicate higher-end kit lenses. Any of them – or none of them – could make it to production.
Photo Contest Corner
Portrait Photography Collective 2023
- Topic: Portrait
- Fees: £9 to £32 (1 to 6 entries)
- Prize: Prize money will be generated from the entry fee collected. A total of 50% will be split 35% to the winner and 15% to the runner-up.
- Deadline: May 6
- Topic: Animals of all kinds
- Fees: $35.00 for submission set of 5 images. $5.00 for each additional image.
- Prize: Up to 36 images will be selected by the juror for exhibition at Praxis Gallery. One Curator’s Choice and three Honorable Mentions will be awarded and featured in the exhibition, the printed show catalog, and the online exhibit gallery.
- Deadline: May 15
“Black and White” Photography Competition
- Topic: Black and White photos
- Fees: $12 to $36 (1 to 6 entries)
- Prize: Cash Awards up to $10,000 to the Top Three Photographers.
- Deadline: May 7
Good Deals and New Sales
After the discounts on Nikon products that we informed you about last week, you can now also save on Sony products this week. The discounts are mostly around $200 for cameras and $100 for lenses. And what caught my eye in the selection of discounted cameras and lenses?
Cameras
- Sony a7R IVA (was $3,198, now $2,998)
- Sony a7 III (was $1,998, now $1,698)
- Sony a7R IIIA (was $2,198, now $1,998)
- Sony a7 II (was $1,398, now $898)
- Sony a7C (was $1,798, now $1,598)
Lenses
Full-frame zoom lenses
- Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (was $2,998, now $2,898)
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (was $2,198, now $1,998)
- Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G (was $1,198, now $1,098)
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS (was $1,298, now $1,198)
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (was $1,698, now $1,598)
- Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS (was $1,998, now $1,898)
- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G (was $1,998, now $1,898)
- Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM (was $2,498, now $2,398)
Full-frame primes
- Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM (was $1,598, now $1,498)
- Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G (was $898, now $798)
- Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM (was $1,398, now $1,298)
- Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 (was $748, now $648)
- Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM (was $1,998, now $1,898)
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 (was $598, now $548)
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM (was $1,798, now $1,698)
- Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G (was $1,098, now $998)
Other Pages of Interest
Bird feeders around the world are the easiest way to see and photograph species that are otherwise difficult to observe. For inspiration, I’ve provided three links (The Cornell Lab, Audubon, Mangolinkcam) where you can live-stream birds from webcams covering virtually the entire world.
If you’re a fan of old cameras, you should know that the 42nd Leitz Photographica Auction will take place on June 9-10 in Wetzlar, Germany. Several rare cameras will be up for auction, including Leica CL prototypes and cameras used by legendary photographers. The auction will include a Leica M3 used by British photographer John Bulmer, a Leica M2 used by French conceptual artist Sarkis Zabunyan, and other beautiful cameras and lenses. You can see the most interesting items, along with estimated prices, here.
It is no surprise that the tropics are home to venomous species of snakes, frogs, octopuses, centipedes, spiders, insects, and even mammals. But would you believe that there are also venomous bird species? Indeed there are. Two relatively common birds from Papua New Guinea have been found to have a toxin in their feathers similar to the deadly dart frogs of South America. You can read about them here.
Nitpick but Z9 does not have HEIF currently does it? Anyway my guess is Z8 will be closer to $4000 since (as already mentioned below) the Euro price includes VAT. Nikon has been very aggressive with almost all of their Z camera pricing (only exception is the Z7 at launch) and I expect that to continue.
In its day, the “baby-D3” D700 was introduced at 60% of the D3 price. If we believe the rumored price of this Z8, it would be 75% of a Z9. This enters second-hand/refurbished Z9 territory, so it looks like Nikon didn’t want to undercut its flagship too much and priced it at the maximum selling point… Now if you just lose a vertical grip and shooting/video time, this makes some sense.
In this context, I wonder how many Z9 they expect to sell now, since most probably it’ll be refreshed to a Z9II for next year’s summer Olympics.
As a Z5 owner (nice camera) I am looking for something with Nikon’s color science (particularly for landscapes) and ergonomics but that matches the Canon R6 Mk II, Panasonic S5 Mk II and Sony A7 IV for:
1. AF, both stills and video;
2. internal video recording at 10 bit or higher;
3. 4k at 60fps or higher with no crop and oversampling;
4. fully articulating screen (will use camera for stills and video);
5. digital hotshoe;
6. full size HDMI port,
7. around 15 fps w/mechanical shutter,
8. large buffers to make these high fps speeds useful;
9. high resolution mode for pictures and
10. improved EVF Don’t have a huge collection of Nikon lens (about 5)but enough that I don’t want to shift to another brand.
Don’t believe I need to spend $4k-$5K for these features and the competition proves that point. Thus no interest in the Z8.
On a positive note, I am seeing more discounts now (at least on Sony and Canon systems). Can’t tell whether they know what the new Nikon system(s) will offer and want to persuade people to buy now before those new Nikons are released?
$5,000 seems high. Are you accounting for Europe’s VAT?
Especially since the Z9 is not really any more than this now given recent price drops.
However, if the Z8 turns out to be “just” a gripless Z9 there’s going to be a lot of disappointed people who just wanted a Z something at an affordable price (2500-3500 range) BUT with the AF from the Canon R6ii or R8…
I’m really curious to see how Nikon manages to position the Z8 between the Z7 and the Z9. Personally, I don’t expect any improvements in autofocus over the Z9. That would be the kiss of death for Nikon’s flagship camera. I’d say the main selling point will be the smaller size and weight, while keeping the ergonomics and core specs of the Z9. So it will probably be a small Z9 rather than a cheap Z9. We’ll see next week.
I’d be surprised if it’s a near carbon copy of the Z9, just without the grip. Either way, I just sold my two Z6’s in anticipation of this Z8
I would love for it to be a Z9 without the grip, but I’m sure it would cannibalize sales. Unless they priced it equivalently, which would no doubt piss everyone off.
I’ve seen a lot of wishful thinking out of NikonRumors so I’ll remain skeptical until Nikon actually releases the specs.
Better to cannibalise sales of a high-end item with another high-end item than to lose those customers to Sony/Canon.
Yeah, that’s also true. It feels like a lot of people have jumped ship over the years for varying reasons.
True. I think Nikon make more money out of lenses, so to keep everybody in the Z lens family, however they do it, has to be their goal ..
Well, when Nikon Rumors claims that something is confirmed, it’s normally true. I expect the “rumored” Z8 specs are spot on.
Only the pricing might still be unsure since it depends on the country where the leak happened.
If it really is, might as well just buy a refurb or used Z9 for about the same price (assuming the Z8’s going to be $4500)
Well we know it will have the smaller battery, no two CF-Express Card slots, potentially no sensor shield, most likely a function button less … could be that if you are interested in video a lot you might be directed towards the Z 9 as more durable video camera. The Z 8 more like regular photo camera – which would allow to safe space on the housing.