Leica released updated firmware for the Leica Q/QP cameras. Version 3.1 is available for download and the update addresses compatibility with Leica’s updated FOTOS app.
Leica SL Product Photo
Leica also released firmware version 3.4 for the Leica SL. Click here to get it.
Sigma MC-11 Product Photo
Sigma also released a series of firmware updates for its Nikon F-mount and Canon EF-mount lenses as well as the Sigma Mount converter MC-11. Click here for more info.
Implicit Tensions: Mapplethorpe Now — British Journal of Photography. An article about the Guggenheim’s year-long exhibit of Mapplethorpe’s work. The exhibit coincides with the 30th anniversary of Mapplethorpe’s death.
A World Silent — The Photographic Journal. A photo essay composed of mostly nude self portraits by half-deaf photographer Jesuuna. The images are an exploration of two months spent in Sweden, in a house that was “quiet and [she] felt completely free”
According to Canon Rumors, Canon filed patents for multiple non-L zoom lenses in RF mount. The lenses include 70-300, 100-400, and 50-250mm focal lengths with max apertures from f/4-5.6. Read Canon Rumors article here.
Techart released a new adapter ring that enables autofocus on Nikon Z cameras with Leica M lenses. The adapter ring enables a Sony Alpha adapter to mount on Nikon cameras. Effectively, you have two adapters between your lens and the Nikon Z body. Read Leica Rumors’ article here.
Nikon Product Photo of COOLPIX P1000 with DF-M1 Dot Sight
The Nikon DF-M1 Dot Sight for the COOLPIX P1000 camera is now available for purchase. The sight enables more accurate acquisition of distant subject, particularly with the P1000’s 3000mm lens.
Nikon is also offering trade in deals on working digital interchangeable lens cameras valued at up to $400. Check here for more info.
Panasonic
L-Rumors reports that Panasonic will announce the S1-S1R on January 31, 2019. The rumored camera specifications include 4K60P video and a 47MP sensor. Read the full article here.
SONY
According to Photo Rumors, a silver version of the recently announced Sony a6400 was spotted in Japan and is listed for sale in that country’s Amazon pages. Read the article here.
Sony announced the a6400 mirrorless camera with APS-C sensor, 24MP and 11 fps shooting. The camera boasts fast autofocus and 425 phase-detection autofocus points. The autofocus system uses Sony’s 4D Focus technology and features eye recognition for both people and animals. MSRP is $899 US. Read more on Sony’s site.
Mike Amos published an article on Photo Basecamp summarizing his tour of the Leica Factory and his conversations there. The article features many photos and offers insight into Leica’s future product plans. Read the article here.
Nikon
Nikon Rumors published predictions for 2019 that include the D6, D760, and an additional compact camera. The article also mentions a new macro lens, and a pair of 400mm and 600mm PF lenses.
Additionally, Chinese manufacturer Kipon released their ELEGANT series of lenses for Nikon Z and Canon R mount cameras. The series includes 24, 35, 50, 75, and 90mm lenses. Read the official announcement here.
Sigma and Tamron released updated firmware for lenses this week. In Sigma’s case the update concerns their 70mm F2.8DG MACRO | ART lens specifically for Sony E-mount. The update corrects an issue witch Clear Image Zoom functionality.
Tamron’s update is for their 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens. It addresses compatibility issues with Canon EOS R and Mount Adapter EF-EOS-R.
Sony released several firmware updates for its Alpha mirrorless camera bodies. The A7III update can be downloaded here. The A7RIII update can be downloaded here. And the A9 update can be downloaded here. The A7 series updates solve a RAW file writing error with SD cards. The A9 update “solves the problem caused by a specific third-party memory card, which would not be recognized by Sony cameras.”
Olympus — 43rumors.com published alleged leaded images of Olympus’s new E-1MX. It appears to be a gripped, pro-body style camera with rumored specifications featuring an 18fps frame rate and a 20MP sensor in addition to improved autofocus features.
Sony — According to an Amateur Photographer interview with Kenji Tanaka, Senior General Manager of Sony’s Digital Imaging Business, the lens mount diameter of a camera is not a significant factor in lens design. He touts the performance of Sony’s 400mm f2.8 as an example that superior performance can be achieved with a smaller diameter mount. He goes on to assert that Sony could make an f1.0 lens, but that it makes little business sense. Read the full article here.
Canon — According to Canon Rumors the next iteration of Canon’s EOS R series of mirrorless cameras will feature five-axis in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS). There is no rumored release date for the next EOS R body. However, there is speculation that Canon is working on a 75MP EOS R body for release in the second half of 2019 with an additional entry-level body seeing the light of day in the first half of the year alongside a possible PowerShot release.
Nikon — Nikon Rumors reports Nikon will release a D760 and discontinue the D610 in the second half of 2019. The new camera will allegedly feature 4K video and have minor control layout changes as well as improved image quality at higher ISO settings and an improved autofocus system.
