4
Photography News | Issue 60 | photographynews.co.uk
News
Two cameras fromLeica
Leica has launched the S3, a 64-megapixel medium-format camera using a LeicaPro format 45x30mm sensor with a 3:2 ratio. The new unit has a dynamic range of 15EV and a top ISO of 50,000. With a full range of exposure modes, an advanced predictive AF system, 4K video and the ability to shoot at 3fps, the S3 is an advanced camera aimed at the top-end user.
The Leica S3 will be available from spring 2019. Leica has also introduced the CL (left), an APS-C format camera with a body price of £2250. Resolution is 24 megapixels, Wi-Fi is available and an EVF with EyeRes technology are some of its highlights.
uk.leica-camera.com
Panasonic enters the full-framemarket
No sooner had the news of the L-Mount Alliance been released that Panasonic announced its first S Series full-frame mirrorless cameras featuring that lens mount. Two models were launched, the S1 and the S1R, and while no price details were available, they will go on sale in 2019. During the launch presentation, much emphasis was placed on Panasonic’s vision that both cameras were aimed at professional image makers. The 47-megapixel S1R was for ‘ultimate picture creation’, while the 24-megapixel S1 was for the ‘next generation hybrid photo and video creators’. Resolution aside, both models share the same features: three axis tiltable LCD, 100% sealing on all buttons, dials and seams, fast AF with ‘deep learning artificial intelligence’, dual IS, 4K 60P recording, high-speed shutter and two slots for XQD and SD cards. There wasn’t much more detail revealed at the launch. The L-Mount, of course, means that lenses will be available from Leica and Sigma, as well as Panasonic. The latter plans to have three lenses available at launch and a total of ten within a year of the S system launch. The first three are a 50mm f/1.4, 24-105mm and 70-200mm. Leica is introducing eight L-Mount lenses at some point
Zeiss’ full-frame workflow solution
Zeiss has joined the mirrorless full-frame club with the ZX1. This camera offers first-class image quality, as well as on-board image editing and smartphone connectivity. The ZX1 is certainly the most innovative full-frame workflow solutionannouncedat Photokina. “We're exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the Zeiss ZX1,” explains Jörg Schmitz, head of Zeiss’ Consumer Optics business group. “With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow, in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the Zeiss ZX1 offers.” The ZX1 comes complete with an integral autofocus 35mm f/2 Distagon lens, which is perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor
that has been developed in-house by Zeiss. The 4.3in multi-touch display lets you process Raw images directly on the camera using Adobe Lightroom CC and a unique user interface. The 512GB of internal memory has enough space for 6800 Raws (DNG format) or more than 50,000 JPEGs. To share pictures, there is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C. The ZX1 will be available early next year from selected dealers and as yet there’s no guide price. Zeiss also added a new lens to its Batis range. Batis lenses have been developed specifically for Sony full-frame E-mount cameras and the new 40mm f/2 CF lens fills a gap, sitting between the already available 25mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.8. The 40mm f/2 lens is a lightweight, manual focus lens with a minimum focusing distance of 24cm, giving a magnification of 1:3.3. The lens is priced at £1129.99.
Above The 24-megapixel S1 and the 47-megapixel S1R full-frame mirrorless cameras are aimed at professional image makers.
and Sigma will have lenses out too, so the Panasonic S user will have plenty of choice. At Photokina, an S camera was behind glass to visitors. But behind the scenes, PN did get the chance to handle a non-working prototype of the S1R with the 24-105mm standard zoom attached. The combination had a very robust feel, which lives up to Panasonic’s aim that it will appeal to the pro who might be working in
challenging situations. After a few minutes acquaintance and there is no doubt that the camera fits in the hand nicely with a control layout that experienced photographers will appreciate and find their way around easily. Key controls are buttons and dials rather than menu items, so the camera is user-friendly. As you can see from the image, there is a pentaprism bump, just as you would expect to see on a DSLR, but it isn’t needed for a mirrorless camera. Clearly, the designers want DSLR switchers to feel at home. Amid all the noise from Panasonic about the L-Mount alliance, Panasonic also announced the development of a top-end Micro Four Thirds fit wide-angle zoom with a fixed f/1.7 aperture. The DG 10-25mm f/1.7 gives an equivalent 20-50mm in the 35mm format. No price or availability date was released and the only sample of the lens was behind glass so we didn’t get to handle one. However, you won’t be surprised to learn that it was quite a hefty lens for a Micro Four Thirds lens.
zeiss.co.uk
panasonic.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook