CES 2016 Preview: Digital Cameras and Drones

Expect new compacts and camcorders at CES, and maybe a sneak peek at some professional gear.

CES 2016 is shaping up to be an interesting show for the camera industry, but not because of new products—more on those later. But the most intriguing story going into the show is about Samsung's place as a cameramaker—at least for cameras that aren't built into smartphones.

The company's mirrorless NX line has been around since 2010, but a recent spate of rumors and news have left its future in question. The rumor mill started buzzing about Samsung exiting the camera business entirely, and while the company quickly denied it, there have been signs that some sort of shakeup is coming. It has stopped sales of its flagship NX1 in the UK, and is phasing out sales in Germany.

There was a period in November when the various camera rumor sites were all but convinced that Nikon was acquiring Samsung's camera division, but those rumblings have petered out after a denial from Nikon.

I'd be lying if I said I knew what was going to happen with the NX system. My instinct tells me that Samsung is not yet ready to give up on it in the U.S. But it wouldn't be the first time that the company has dropped a system—it used to market rebadged Pentax SLRs under the GX umbrella, before it moved to mirrorless cameras.

But it has been a while since a new camera or lens has come to market. And the pro-grade 300mm telephoto prime that Samsung has been showing off at trade shows since Photokina 2014 has yet to come to market. If you own an NX camera, keep a keen eye on CES announcements. And if you are considering buying an NX camera, it may be worth it to wait until after the show to make that decision.

Cameras and CamcordersAside from that, I expect CES to be CES. Canon has refreshed entry-level models in its compact PowerShot line every year in recent memory, and it would be surprising if that changed in 2016.

Pro photographers can usually ignore CES—announcements of serious gear are pushed back to the Japanese CP+ show in February, with a few crumbs left for WPPI in early March, also in Las Vegas. But this year might be different. Nikon announced development of the D5 last month. I wouldn't be shocked to see it properly unveiled in Las Vegas, but a safer bet is seeing a prototype under glass on the show floor.

Ricoh showed off its perpetually upcoming full-frame Pentax SLR under glass in New York at September's PhotoPlus show. Well, it did for at least a few hours—the display was pulled from the show floor for unknown reasons. The company is promising a release in the spring, so hopefully it will be on display under glass, just as the K-S2 was last year.

Traditional camcorders with long zoom lens and the handycam form factor are dwindling in number, but they're still out there. Like its PowerShot line, Canon has refreshed its Vixia camcorder series every year in recent memory, and Panasonic also seems to be on a yearly schedule with its camcorder series. I wouldn't expect that to change in 2016.

But smaller, GoPro-style action cams are the growing market segment now. They'll be plentiful at CES. We'll probably see a few marquee, name-brand models announced, and undoubtedly there will be countless no-name models on display with budget build and price points.

DronesAnd that can be said for drones as well. Last year I saw a menagerie of models, many of which still haven't materialized as actual products, including the now infamous Zano. And I'd expect to see that again. But this time around the majority will promise 4K video.

I'm not sure if we'll be seeing new models from more reputable manufacturers like 3D Robotics, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. 3D Robotics Solo looks like it's going to stick around for the time being. DJI refreshed its entry-level Phantom line last spring, and has rolled out a camera upgrade for its pro-grade Inspire within the past few months, and Parrot just announced the Bebop 2.

We could see some new gear from Yuneec. Its Q500 would benefit from an update, and while it's pro-level Tornado has been on display before, it's not readily available for sale. When I took it out for a test flight in October the CGO4 camera wasn't on hand.

And there's GoPro. It's promised to deliver its Karma drone in 2016. CES seems like a very natural launchpad to show the aircraft. It'll be interesting to see just what kind of aircraft the GoPro comes up with.

Source: CES 2016 Preview: Digital Cameras and Drones

Satisfying guests in 2016: Be nimble, personal, unique

Smart promotional strategies, further expansion of online grocery options, simpler shopping experiences, operational cost cutting and specialty departments like gluten-free bakeries and seafood departments staffed with fishmongers will be among the major trends in food retailing next year, writes Jeff Campbell, senior vice president at software firm Applied Predictive Technologies. "Year after year, grocers face unpredictable factors that influence business performance," he writes. "In 2016, we expect the rate of change to accelerate."

Source: Satisfying guests in 2016: Be nimble, personal, unique

Fujifilm X-Pro2 leaks

by Jon Mundy 29 December 2015

Images of the follow-up to the much-loved Fujifilm X-Pro1 have leaked onto the internet ahead of an official announcement.

It's been four years since the original Fujifilm X-Pro1 arrived to wow mirrorless camera fans. That's a long time in camera tech.

Now, finally, Fujifilm looks set to announced a follow-up. Fuji Rumours has posted pictures (via Engadget) of what appears to be the Fujifilm X-Pro2.

Despite the long time between releases, the X-Pro2 looks very similar indeed to the X-Pro1, with the same retro design (which felt quite fresh back at the beginning of 2012) and distinctive slanted control cut-away.

However, there are notable improvements that can be spotted here. For one thing, there's a new viewfinder which could well have been carried across from the excellent Fujifilm X100T.

Related: Best cameras 2015

There also appear to have been a few tweaks and additions to the controls, including what seems to be a new joystick.

But we'll likely have to wait for the official unveiling to learn what the new Fujifilm X-Pro2 can actually do. Rumour has it that Fuji will be announcing its new mirrorless camera on January 15, so we shouldn't have too long to wait.

Next, take a look at our TrustedReviews Awards 2015 video:

Source: Fujifilm X-Pro2 leaks

The First Leaked Photos of the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm helped kick off the mirrorless camera revolution back in 2012 by announcing the powerful retro-styled X-Pro1 camera. Now it appears that a follow-up will soon be upon us: the first official photos of the new Fujifilm X-Pro2 have leaked.Fuji Rumors just posted this set of 3 press product photos of the upcoming camera. We see the camera's design with an XF 35mm f/2 lens mounted to the front.

The front of the X-Pro2 can be seen above. Here's the front of the current X-Pro1 for comparison:

Here's the backside of the X-Pro2 followed by the X-Pro1:

X-Pro2 front the back.

X-Pro1 from the back.

As you can see, the physical interface has changed with buttons and placements rearranged a bit.

Finally, here's a comparison of the top:

X-Pro2 from the top.

X-Pro1 from the top.

The camera will reportedly be officially announced on January 15th, 2016. Stay tuned!

Source: The First Leaked Photos of the Fujifilm X-Pro2

Adapted Lens Talk: Readers' Showcase and new forum!

With the ever-growing popularity of using mirrorless cameras with lens adapters, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new forum: Adapted Lens Talk. Thanks to the proposal and volunteer work of its moderator, Tom Caldwell, the forum has taken off dramatically and is full of vintage lens deliciousness.

The forum also features discussions on experiences with different adaptors, focal reducers, strange mounts, and anything else one might run in to when trying to make a non-native piece of glass play nice with their shiny new mirrorless. Enjoy this slideshow of images and commentary generously provided by members of the Adapted Lens Talk forum, all taken with adapted glass. Check it out, and if you've fit grandpa's old lens to your digital camera, be sure to share your shots and experiences!

Source: Adapted Lens Talk: Readers' Showcase and new forum!

Best Products of 2015: Photography

WinnerSony A7R II

We knew, when we first put this camera up to our eye, that it'd be our camera of the year. Version after version, Sony continues to churn out impressive shooters in its A7-series of mirrorless full-frame cameras, but the A7R II, and the technology that Sony managed to cram inside the compact (for a full-frame camera, that is) body, deserves recognition and respect.

Let's start with the 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor; it isn't the highest you can find (that honor goes to Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R), but it's close. What's unique is that it's the world's first back-illuminated full-frame sensor, which is designed to gather more light and, therefore, produce sharper images with more detail. The photos we shot with this camera certainly back up the claim. But the A7R II is also adept at low-light photography, and we had good results up to ISO 64,000; the camera can reach as high as 102,400, which most users will rarely go up to, but, hey, it's there if you need it.

The camera also has 5-axis image stabilization (compensating shakes when handholding the camera, especially in low-light situations) and pro-level 4K movie capture, just to name a few of the many features. Perhaps the most talked-about spec is the ability to autofocus certain Canon lenses, using an adapter. This means existing Canon users could add the A7R II to their camera arsenal, or (gasp!) move over to Sony entirely.

We played with several great interchangeable lens cameras this year (Samsung's NX500, Olympus Air, the aforementioned Canons, Panasonic G7, as well as Sony's A7 II and A7S II to name a few), but the A7R II impressed us with its rich features, fantastic tech, and terrific full-frame videos and photos. Pricey? Yes, but it's an all-around camera that will last a long time. Let's see how Sony tops this one next year.

Runners up Ricoh Theta S

While 360 panoramic photography isn't new, it has never been easy to create. Ricoh's Theta camera changes all that, with just one button press. What makes the Theta cool is that it takes a full spherical picture – almost nothing is lost. The new Theta S improves upon the original with a better sensor, brighter lenses, and an improved app. Watch this space: As virtual reality headsets and Cardboards pick up steam, 360-degree cameras like the Theta S could play a big role in user-created content.

Periscope

As phones have become our always on, readily available cameras, we are taking a slight detour and giving props to Periscope, Twitter's live-streaming app. While Periscope isn't the first to do live broadcasting from a phone, we could argue that it's first to get a mainstream following. Periscope has become a new tool for citizen journalism, and it could change how breaking news is delivered and received.

Source: Best Products of 2015: Photography

Sony Alpha a6000 w/ 2 lenses, 3 64GB SDXC

BuyDig offers the Sony Alpha a6000 24.3-Megapixel Digital Mirrorless Camera Body and Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens, model no. ILCE6000L/B, bundled with the Sony 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens, model no. SEL55210/B, three generic 64GB Class 10 SDXC cards, and six other items, for $696 with free shipping. That's $600 off and the lowest total price we could find. (For further comparison, it's tied with a similar bundle elsewhere that has only one 32GB flash card and no tripod.)

This mirrorless camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, OLED electronic viewfinder, 3" tiltable LCD, up to 11 fps, 1080p movie mode, HDMI, USB, WiFi, NFC compatibility, and Memory Stick Pro Duo/SDXC card compatibility.

Source: Sony Alpha a6000 w/ 2 lenses, 3 64GB SDXC

Best Products of 2015: Photography

WinnerSony A7R II

We knew, when we first put this camera up to our eye, that it'd be our camera of the year. Version after version, Sony continues to churn out impressive shooters in its A7-series of mirrorless full-frame cameras, but the A7R II, and the technology that Sony managed to cram inside the compact (for a full-frame camera, that is) body, deserves recognition and respect.

Let's start with the 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor; it isn't the highest you can find (that honor goes to Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R), but it's close. What's unique is that it's the world's first back-illuminated full-frame sensor, which is designed to gather more light and, therefore, produce sharper images with more detail. The photos we shot with this camera certainly back up the claim. But the A7R II is also adept at low-light photography, and we had good results up to ISO 64,000; the camera can reach as high as 102,400, which most users will rarely go up to, but, hey, it's there if you need it.

The camera also has 5-axis image stabilization (compensating shakes when handholding the camera, especially in low-light situations) and pro-level 4K movie capture, just to name a few of the many features. Perhaps the most talked-about spec is the ability to autofocus certain Canon lenses, using an adapter. This means existing Canon users could add the A7R II to their camera arsenal, or (gasp!) move over to Sony entirely.

We played with several great interchangeable lens cameras this year (Samsung's NX500, Olympus Air, the aforementioned Canons, Panasonic G7, as well as Sony's A7 II and A7S II to name a few), but the A7R II impressed us with its rich features, fantastic tech, and terrific full-frame videos and photos. Pricey? Yes, but it's an all-around camera that will last a long time. Let's see how Sony tops this one next year.

Runners up Ricoh Theta S

While 360 panoramic photography isn't new, it has never been easy to create. Ricoh's Theta camera changes all that, with just one button press. What makes the Theta cool is that it takes a full spherical picture – almost nothing is lost. The new Theta S improves upon the original with a better sensor, brighter lenses, and an improved app. Watch this space: As virtual reality headsets and Cardboards pick up steam, 360-degree cameras like the Theta S could play a big role in user-created content.

Periscope

As phones have become our always on, readily available cameras, we are taking a slight detour and giving props to Periscope, Twitter's live-streaming app. While Periscope isn't the first to do live broadcasting from a phone, we could argue that it's first to get a mainstream following. Periscope has become a new tool for citizen journalism, and it could change how breaking news is delivered and received.

Source: Best Products of 2015: Photography

Samsung denies withdrawal from digital imaging business

Samsung Electronics has denied market speculation that it will withdraw from the digital imaging business and sell its imaging sensor technologies to Japanese camera maker Nikon.

Such speculation has been circulating in the camera industry for a while.

Market expectations have also been that selling the imaging sensors would be much more profitable for the company than selling cameras.

Samsung Electronics, however, claimed that it does not have an official plan to dispose of its digital imaging business division.

"It is true that we have not rolled out any new products since February," said a Samsung Electronics spokesman, 'but we do not have any official plans to withdraw from the camera business. We still have employees working in the division."

A source from the camera industry also revealed a negative view on the speculation."I doubt that Nikon is interested in acquiring Samsung's camera technologies because the Japanese company already has advanced op tical technologies," she said. "Should Nikon seek Samsung's camera business, it could be for diversification of its product portfolio."

Regardless, the speculation has continued to gain credence in the market as Nikon has struggled to compete with Sony in the mirrorless camera market.

Thanks to its advanced imaging sensor technologies, Sony has dominated the global mirrorless camera market in recent years, outperforming Canon and Nikon which have been far less successful in this sector compared to what they have done for the DSLR camera.

Sony has further expanded its presence in the digital imaging sensor business as it acquired the financially troubled Toshiba's image sensor business division.

Speculation started as Samsung stopped rolling out new digital camera products in February. Also, it has since stopped advertising its digital cameras and discontinued sales and marketing in Germany and the U.K.

Samsung's digital camera business has continued to be downsized since 2009 when Samsung Digital Image became a separate company detaching from Samsung Techwin.

The company was later merged by Samsung Electronics and became the electronics giant's digital imaging business division.

Last year, Samsung scaled the division down into a business team under its mobile business division.

During the last five years, Samsung Electronics has tried launching diverse camera products from DSLR cameras to mirrorless and compact models but has failed to compete with the Japanese brands. According to a Samsung Electronics report in 2013, the value of its digital imaging business fell to zero from about 82.6 billion won the year before.

Source: Samsung denies withdrawal from digital imaging business

Rokinon 16mm T2.2 Cine DS

By Jim Fisher

The Rokinon 16mm T2.2 Cine DS ($599) is just one in Rokinon's line of affordably priced manual focus lenses for SLRs and mirorless cameras. As part of the Cine DS series it features a geared design that can be used with a focus pulling system. It covers a very wide field of view, and opens up all the way to t/2.2 for low-light photography and videography. It's a good choice for APS-C SLR owners, and occupies a fairly unique place in the market—none of the major SLR systems offer a comparable autofocus lens for cropped cameras. But if you shoot with a mirrorless camera you may find it to be a bit bulky, as compact options like the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8, the Samsung 16mm f/2.4, and the Sony 16mm f/2.8 are available.

Editors' Note: This review is based on tests performed on the Samyang 16mm F2.0 ED AS UMC CS. Aside from the mechanics and branding, the lenses are optically identical, and we expect similar performance.

DesignThe 16mm measures 3.4 by 3.4 inches (HD) and is a bit hefty at 1.3 pounds. Its size isn't an issue with an SLR, but it may be a bit much for mirrorless systems. It covers a field of view that's equivalent to a 24mm prime on a full-frame camera, although it doesn't offer a big size advantage over the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, which is 3.6 by 3.3 inches and 1.5 pounds.

The barrel is composite plastic, but it's sturdy; the lens doesn't feel cheap in any way. Gears adorn the barrel, so the focus can be adjusted with a focus pulling system. The distance scale, as well as the aperture scale, are printed on both sides of the lens, so the focus operator can sit at either side. There's no rubber cover on the focus ring, as there is with the version of the lens designed for use for still photography, so you may find it a bit uncomfortable to turn by hand. The ring does turn smoothly, with a 180 degree throw to move from the minimum 7.9-inch (0.2-meter) focus distance to infinity. A reversible lens hood is included. The aperture can be adjusted from t/2.2 through t/22; there are no click stops.

Rokinon sells the lens for several camera systems. Owners of Canon, Nikon, and Sony SLRs can find the lens in a native mount, as can mirrorless shooters who use Micro Four Thirds or Sony cameras. It can also be purchased as the Samyang 16mm T2.2 VDSLR ED AS UMC CS II. If you prefer a version of the lens that's better suited for stll capture, conisder instead the Samyang 16mm F2.0 ED AS UMC CS or Rokinon 16mm F2.0 ED AS UMC CS. Each has identical optics.

Image Quality and ConclusionsThe lens is intended for use with APS-C (Super 35) and Four Thirds sensors, but it can mount on full-frame cameras. I used it with the full-frame Nikon D810. The D810 has a DX (APS-C) in-camera crop mode which utilizes the center of its 36-megapixel image sensor to capture 15.4-megapixel photos. But I found that, if you're willing to deal with darkening and softness at the edges of the frame, a slightly wider swath becomes useable. I pulled some acceptable 20-megapixel crops from the full-frame image, an effective field of view that's more like 21mm than 24mm. The image above is an uncropped shot from the D810, showing what you'll see when peering through a full-frame viewfinder.

See How We Test Digital Cameras

I used Imatest to check the sharpness of the lens when paired with the D810 in its APS-C crop mode. At t/2.2 it scores 2,483 lines per picture height on a center-weighted sharpness test, better than the 1,800 lines we like to see in an image. Performance is strong right to the edge of the frame, with only a slight drop in crispness (2,262 lines) when compared with the center.

There's improvement as you stop down. At t/2.8 the lens improves to 2,573 lines. It crosses the 2,600-line mark at t/4 and peaks at t/5.6 (2,659 lines) and t/8 (2,686 lines), before dropping slightly at t/11 (2,639 lines). Diffraction takes its toll on photos at t/16 (2,389 lines) and t/22 (2,221 lines).

Barrel distortion is modest, about 1.4 percent. If you're photographing an image with straight lines or a clear horizon you'll probably notice a slight outward curve. There is some dimming at the edges of the frame. Expect corners to drop about four stops when compared with the center at t/2.2, and about two stops at t/2.8. Beyond that you'll still have to deal with about -1.5EV loss at the corners, which is noticeable, but not terribly distracting. Software tools, like Adobe Lightroom CC, can be used to remove distortion and brighten the corners of the frame if you find either effect distracting.

If you don't mind—or if you prefer—manual focus, the Rokinon 16mm T2.2 Cine DS is a fine choice for an SLR. It's especially well suited for APS-C models, capturing sharp images from edge to edge, even wide open, when paired with a camera like the Canon Rebel or the Nikon DX. But if you're a full-frame user and can deal with the loss of sensor resolution that shooting with a cropped area entails, don't count it out—it won't give you 16mm coverage, but it can crop down to about 21mm nicely. Mirrorless shooters may find that it's a bit big to pair with a compact camera, but it will deliver the true feel of a mechanical focus system that most electronic focusing mirrorless lenses lack, and focusing manually with a magnified view on a rear LCD or electronic viewfinder is a more precise experience than doing so via an optical viewfinder. So if a wide-aperture, manual focus lens appeals to you, this 16mm t/2.2 is an excellent option.

Source: Rokinon 16mm T2.2 Cine DS

Apple Displaces Canon as Top Camera Brand on Flickr in 2015

As it had last year, Yahoo's Flickr has once again revealed the top camera brands used to capture photos uploaded on the website in 2014-2015.

Talking about the top camera brands, we saw Apple displacing Nikon for the second position after Canon last year. This year, the Cupertino-based tech giant has taken the top spot from Canon, and is followed by Nikon, Samsung, Sony, and Fujifilm, in that order.

In terms of the top cameras used to take photos uploaded during 2014-2015, the iPhone and Canon models captured all of the top 10 positions. Apple iPhone 6 was on top rank with 5 percent share, followed by iPhone 5s (4.9 percent), iPhone 5 (4.2 percent), iPhone 4S (3.5 percent), iPhone 4 (2.5 percent), iPhone 6 Plus (2.2 percent), Canon EOS 5D Mark II (1.9 percent), iPhone 5c (1.8 percent), Canon EOS Rebel T3i (1.6 percent), and Canon EOS 5D Mark III (1.5 percent). The first Android device (the Samsung Galaxy S4) is at 11th place.

It was also found out that top 18 camera pairings are between iPhone models, with the top pairing and iPhone 5s and iPhone 6. "The Canon 5D mark II and III is paired frequently with iPhones, and we even see a few Canon and Nikon combinations on the list," said Flickr Data Scientist Bhautik Joshi in company blog post. In 19th place is the iPhone 5 & Canon EOS 5D Mark II pairing, followed by Canon EOS 5D Mark II & Canon EOS 5D Mark III, iPhone 5s & Canon EOS 5D Mark II, iPhone 4S & Canon EOS 5D Mark II and others.

The report adds that in terms of pairings, 12.2 percent photographers on Flickr used a camera phone & Digital SLR camera pairing in 2015, while 12.1 percent used cameraphone & point and shoot; 10 percent used digital SLR & point and shoot, 2.4 percent used cameraphone & mirrorless camera, and the same percentage of photographers used a digital SLR & mirrorless camera pairing.

Download the Gadgets 360 app for Android and iOS to stay up to date with the latest tech news, product reviews, and exclusive deals on the popular mobiles.

Source: Apple Displaces Canon as Top Camera Brand on Flickr in 2015

Sony a7R II and a7S II Firmware Updates Stops 4K Overheating Issues

Sony has quietly released a firmware updates for their flagship mirrorless cameras, the Sony a7R II and Sony a7S II, that seem to solve the overheating issues that many users have experienced when shooting 4K internally on these cameras.

The 3.00 firmware update for the a7R II can be downloaded by clicking here, the 2.00 firmware update for the a7S II can be downloaded by clicking here.

Sony is quite vague about the improvement however, this is their stated main improvement in both firmware update versions:

Improves 4K movie recording time when using the vertical grip (VG-C2EM) or when the APS-C/Super35mm mode is activated

Additionally, they state that it "improves picture quality". What exactly that means remains to be seen. We don't even know if they are referring to video or still picture quality with this statement. There have been numerous reports by users complaining about macro blocking and other issues in the HD mode of the Sony a7R II in particular.

Thanks to cinema5D reader Jonathan Fuentes we know that the 4K overheating issue seems to be resolved after the firmware update. He sent us links to two YouTube videos in which he documented hour-long internal 4K recordings with his a7R II, without the camera ever showing any overheating warning, after performing the firmware update. We expect the a7S II to behave in the same way after the update. (Recording time is limited to 29:59 on all these cameras, but he restarted recording right after the automatic stop.)

We have heard firsthand from Sony engineers before that solving these overheating issues is very hard due to the compact way in which the cameras are built, so we are surprised to see this firmware update. Sony possibly only raised the critical temperature to a higher level, meaning that the camera would only show the warning at higher temperatures now. Jonathan tested his continuous a7R II recording at 70 degree Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), which is normal room temperature – we expect warnings to still show up in warmer conditions. With winter upon us here in Northern hemisphere, maybe our Australian friends can help us out with a test in the sun ;-)

Tags: 4k, a7r ii, A7s II, firmware update, issue, issues, overheating, problem

Under: A7rII, Camera Bodies, Firmware, Firmware Update, NEWS, Sony, Sony A7sII

Source: Sony a7R II and a7S II Firmware Updates Stops 4K Overheating Issues

Here’s How Camera Brands Have Fared on Flickr Over the Past 5 Years

Flickr recently gathered up photo and camera data to review the past year, and now the company is doing some number crunching to reveal major trends in the cameras used by the photographer community.

The graph above shows how the popularity of major camera brands have changed over the past half decade."Point-and-shoot cameras continue to lose share to cameraphones, and SLR has had a 1% per year growth," Flickr found. "Samsung's growth stalled in 2015, while Apple raced to the top as the most-used camera brand on Flickr at the beginning of 2015."

Some people are also ditching their DSLRs for mirrorless cameras, which has been seeing 1%-per-year growth. Here's a chart that shows trends in camera types:

The leaderboard for the most popular cameras of 2015 is dominated by Apple: its phones occupy 8 of the top 20 spots. The Canon 5D Mark II shows up at #7:

Another interesting finding is that a larger percentage of photographers on Flickr use more than one camera brand. Here's a breakdown of popular primary and secondary camera pairings:

The most popular pairing is shooting with Apple and Canon. Interestingly, many photographers also use Canon and Nikon cameras together for their work — the companies may be age-old rivals, but you don't always need to choose between one or the other.

Source: Here's How Camera Brands Have Fared on Flickr Over the Past 5 Years

Cameras of the Year: Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015

The Imaging Resource Camera of the Year Awards Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015

For the enthusiast and professional camera market, it was, in a number of cases, the year of the "Mark II" -- many of the new models in this segment came as upgrades to previous models and built upon or improved a previous camera. Despite the "II" moniker on most our favorites in this category, there's more to these cameras than a simple refresh. Rather, each offers significant and welcomed feature improvements, performance boosts, and all around new features and technologies that culminate with thoroughly impressive, high-performance cameras for serious photographers.

One of the major characteristics of this segment in 2015 was a resurgence, in a way, of the "megapixel race," or at least an emphasis on higher resolution capabilities for stills and/or video. We saw the introduction of the Canon 5DS and 5DS R cameras sporting massive 50-megapixel full-frame sensors. Both Olympus and Pentax, with the E-M5 II and K-3 II, respectively, debuted with innovative and impressive in-camera high-resolution shooting modes. We also saw the Panasonic GX8 come out with the highest resolution Four Thirds sensor yet, and Sony's popular RX10 all-in-one got the Mark II treatment as well, adding in higher-res 4K video capabilities, for instance.

We also saw a number of performance enhancements and improvements. The Nikon D7200 answered a big complaint that we had with the D7100's limited buffer depth. The Sony A7S II, though maintaining its rather low-res full-frame sensor, got a big makeover with a better design, better autofocus, in-camera 4K and 5-axis image stabilization, just to name a few.

So, let's get on with the show. Time to dive into the Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015…

Camera of the Year, Best Enthusiast Zoom: Sony RX10 II

Take a glance at the Sony RX10 II, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a DSLR. Like many long-zoom cameras, the RX10 II's styling certainly reinforces that perception, but underneath its skin this isn't a DSLR, but one seriously impressive fixed-lens enthusiast zoom. While the RX10 II's body and bright 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens are basically unchanged, a brand-new image sensor offers great image quality, boosts performance to a whopping 14 frames per second in Speed Priority Continuous mode, provides for much faster autofocus, and even enables in-camera 4K video capture.

As if that wasn't enough, the RX10 II also offers a really cool function allowing anywhere from a 4x to 40x slow-motion effect from capture rates as high as 1,000 frames per second. We've seen the same feature on the pocket-friendly RX100 IV as well, but take our word for it: The RX10 II's much more far-reaching lens makes it a whole lot more fun to play with! And there's plenty more: A really great viewfinder and tilting LCD for easy framing, while in-camera Wi-Fi / NFC provide intuitive photo sharing. The Sony RX10 II makes a really great argument for ditching your larger-sensored camera and bag full of lenses, and switching to a veritable Swiss army knife of a camera which lets you travel light without sacrificing on zoom reach!

Buy the Sony RX10 II: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Enthusiast Mirrorless:Olympus E-M5 II

The original E-M5 took the photo world by storm in 2012, introducing a cool, retro-inspired yet enthusiast-oriented, high-performance mirrorless camera. With a compact, weather-sealed body and a bunch of neat amenities like in-body image stabilization, not to mention great image quality, the E-M5 was a tough act to follow. Three years in the making, and the Olympus E-M5 Mark II is here, and it's wonderful.

Subtle, yet welcomed design tweaks abound with improved buttons, reconfigured control dials, a brighter and sharper EVF, and a new tilt-swivel LCD -- all while maintaining weather-sealing. Under the hood, things are even more interesting. There's a vastly improved AF system with an 81-area array, faster burst shooting, and better 5-axis I.S.  One very cool new feature is the High Resolution Mode, which moves the sensor slightly throughout an 8-shot burst to produce a massive 40-megapixel JPEG or a 64-megapixel RAW file! The resulting images are simply amazing, with detail that competes with full-frame cameras -- and, dare we say, some medium-format cameras given the right post-processing.

All told, the Olympus E-M5 Mark II continues the legacy of the E-M5 and improves it in a number of areas. Combined with Olympus' impressive and ever-growing collection of fantastic lenses (not to mention a number of other third-party brands as well as Panasonic glass), the Olympus E-M5 Mark II is our favorite for the enthusiast photographer looking to downsize from the DSLR or upgrade from a point-and-shoot.

Buy the E-M5 II body only in silver: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the E-M5 II body only in black: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of Distinction, Enthusiast Mirrorless: Panasonic GX8

The GX7 was a widely popular camera for Panasonic, and for good reason -- great image quality, stylish but robust design and all-around good performance. Now with the updated Panasonic GX8, the new flagship GX model, improves not only the resolution with a higher-res 20MP sensor, but also ups the specs for both AF performance and burst rate.

One of the major new features on the Panasonic GX8 is Dual I.S. The GX7 was, until now, the only Lumix camera with body-based image stabilization. Now, with the GX8, you can take advantage of both optical I.S. and the body-based I.S. simultaneously for improved stabilization. Combined with other niceties like 4K video, 4K Photo, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, and weather-sealed construction, the Panasonic GX8 makes for a very compelling and capable camera.

Buy the GX8 body only in black: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the GX8 body only in black: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Enthusiast DSLR: Nikon D7200

At first glance, the Nikon D7200 almost appears to be a re-branded D7100. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as that camera got plenty of high marks from us. However, there were a few issues -- namely, the limited buffer depth -- that were cause for concern, particularly for those who shoot lots of sports or wildlife. Thankfully, Nikon answered with the D7200 and pumped up the buffer threefold, if not more, thanks to an upgrade to the EXPEED 4 image processor.

The Nikon D7200 maintains a lot of the impressive specs from its predecessor: a high-resolution, 24-megapixel APS-C sensor with no low-pass filter for increased detail; great high-ISO performance; a versatile and flexible AF system; dual SD card slots; and long-lasting battery life.

With a comfortable, rugged, and weather-sealed body, the Nikon D7200 offers a lot of camera for the money. For Nikon shooters looking to upgrade or those serious photographers looking to make a big splash into the DSLR arena, the D7200 is a serious camera worthy of a close look. With excellent image quality and great performance, the Nikon D7200 is our call for the best enthusiast DSLR of 2015.

Buy the D7200 in a kit with 18-140mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the D7200 body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of Distinction, Enthusiast DSLR: Pentax K-3 II

The Pentax K-3 II is a camera with quite a heritage behind it. We've been huge fans of the company's flagship DSLRs since the original K-7 launched all the way back in 2009, and the closely-related K-3 received an Award of Distinction in our 2013 Camera of the Year awards. Now, the K-3 II takes what's mostly the same design as that camera and courts fans of the great outdoors with a couple of key changes. Gone is the popup flash, since enthusiasts and pros aren't typically great fans of on-camera lighting. In its place is a GPS receiver with which to record the location at which each image was captured. Even cooler, it serves double-duty in allowing the K-3 II to freeze star trails in AstroTracer mode as well.

And if you predominantly shoot still life, landscapes or other subjects with little or no subject motion, we've saved the best for last. An uprated image stabilization system now lets the K-3 II boost resolution by capturing several shots in quick succession, giving you even greater per-pixel sharpness whenever you need it. Like its predecessor, the Pentax K-3 II is a really great camera that's packed to the gills with cool features at a very reasonable price!

Buy the Pentax K-3 II body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Low Light Camera: Sony A7S II

The digital camera market has come a very long way in the last decade, but the mighty megapixel has reigned supreme for too much of that time. With the A7S II, Sony takes a different road, fielding a camera whose raison d'être is sensitivity. Like last year's A7S, the Sony A7S II opts for a relatively low -- and yet arguably still sufficient for many purposes -- twelve megapixel sensor with comparatively huge, light-hungry pixels.

Thanks to that decision, the A7S II retains the ability to shoot handheld almost without regard to the ambient lighting conditions. And it's an even better camera than was its predecessor, with more comfortable ergonomics, a new five-axis, in-body image stabilization system and a vastly improved video feature set complete with 4K recording in-camera using the full sensor width. No question about it: If you want to free yourself from flash strobes and off-camera lighting, the Sony A7S II is the camera you need!

Buy the A7S II body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Professional Camera: Canon 5DS/R

If you thought the megapixel war was winding down, think again. The Canon 5DS and 5DS R cameras take full-frame DSLRs to the next level with whopping 50.6 megapixels-worth of resolution. Offered as a pair of models -- one with and one without an optical low-pass filter -- the Canon 5DS pair two of Canon's most niche-market DSLRs, with a focus squarely on high-end, professional users demanding extreme resolving power for landscapes, portraits, nature and architectural subjects.

Housed in a body nearly identical to the 5D Mark III, the "S" models are familiar territory for long-time Canon owners, with comfortable ergonomics and no-nonsense controls. The image quality is simply stunning, with incredible detail especially at lower ISOs. And though high ISO isn't a strong suit of these cameras, their performance in this area is quite decent.

These certainly aren't cameras for everyone or for all subject matter. The high resolution puts more emphasis on technique, especially on nailing your focus to ensure the sharpest photos. Also, their speed and video chops are not as robust as other DSLRs, like the 7D Mark II or 5D Mark III. But, if you want extreme resolution from a Canon EOS camera -- without making the jump to medium format -- the Canon 5DS or the Canon 5DS R is the answer.

Buy the 5DS body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the 5DS R body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Follow the rest of the awards!

Best Zoom & Prime Lenses of 2015

Best Compact, Fixed-lens and Unique Cameras of 2015

Best Entry-level and Intermediate Cameras of 2015

Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015 (current page)

Printers, New Technologies and Best Overall of 2015 (December 21st @ 2pm EDT)

Source: Cameras of the Year: Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015

This is What Happens When a Camera Gets Dropped in Lava

Ever wonder what happens to a camera if you accidentally drop it into a volcano's molten lava? Well, wonder no more, because some poor photographer found out the hard way.

Photographer Amanda Stevens was working at Samy's Camera in Pasadena, California, this past weekend when she came across this Sony Alpha mirrorless camera that had been destroyed by lava damage."They have this and a few other destroyed cameras behind their counter to demonstrate how extended warranties are necessary as a manufacturer isn't going to cover it," Stevens tells PetaPixel.

Other details about the camera's story are scarce, so we can only imagine how the photographer managed to salvage this melted camera from molten lava…

(via Amanda Stevens via Bennyboy1337)

Source: This is What Happens When a Camera Gets Dropped in Lava

Cameras of the Year: Best Entry-level and Intermediate Cameras of 2015

The Imaging Resource Camera of the Year Awards Best Entry-level and Intermediate Cameras of 2015

Entry-level and intermediate cameras have come a long way in the past few years! Their capabilities as well as their overall image quality and build quality have made dramatic leaps, placing the best ones closer in functionality to true "enthusiast-grade" cameras and therefore harder to slot into categories. We added our "intermediate" category this year to try and bridge the gap between "entry-level" and "enthusiast" but the lines can still be somewhat hard to define. (If your favorite camera didn't make the cut in this category, stay tuned for our enthusiast and pro camera winners this Thursday!)

However, it wasn't hard to define our winners in these categories for 2015! There were some truly outstanding cameras, very much deserving of recognition. For any cameras that strike your fancy, make sure to use the links and dive into our full reviews to see how they might fit your personal shooting style. Our Field Tests are a great place to start, as they're written based on real-world shooting.

Camera of the Year, Best Intermediate DSLR: Nikon D5500

The Nikon D5500 is much smaller than typical enthusiast-grade DSLRs, and costs a lot less, but that's where most of the major differences end. Offering excellent image quality and terrific high ISO performance in addition to improved ergonomics and touchscreen functionality, the D5500 has become one of the most popular cameras on our site for good reason!

Our field tester dubbed the Nikon D5500 the "Best indoor sports camera for under $1000" as it can handle both the higher ISO demands as well as the autofocus and burst performance specs needed to perform in that trying arena. Add to this excellent dynamic range, 24 megapixel resolution, fast start-up times and very good battery life, and you're looking at quite a capable DSLR for its $699 body-only price.

Need a reasonably-priced, compact DSLR that can really get the job done? The Nikon D5500 is a great place to begin your search.

Buy the D5500 body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the D5500 kit with the 18-55mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the D5500 kit with the 18-140mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of Distinction, Intermediate DSLR: Canon T6s

The Canon Rebel line has long been a staple in the entry-level DSLR space, receiving high marks for image quality, ease of use, and an all-around good bang for your buck. The newest Canon Rebel T6s goes a bit beyond "entry-level" by adding advanced DSLR features like a top-deck LCD screen and their Control Dial interface on the back. Plus, it also shares the 70D's 19-point AF system, and the highest resolution APS-C sensor ever in a Rebel camera at 24.2MP. All of this is, nevertheless, packed into a classically compact Rebel-sized body. It's small yet comfortable.

Images from the Canon T6s are very detailed, especially at low ISOs, and its high ISO performance is also quite pleasing despite the high-resolution sensor. With a versatile and capable autofocus system, improved Live View focusing features and more enthusiast-level controls, the T6s takes the Rebel series up a notch. Its straightforward functionality is great for an entry-level DSLR shooter, but the Canon T6s also brings over more advanced features and performance from higher-end cameras to satisfy the more experienced photographer as well.

Buy the T6s body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the T6s kit with the 18-135mm STM lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Intermediate Mirrorless:Olympus E-M10 II

We fell in love with the Olympus E-M10 II right from the beginning of our testing, and held that love pretty much throughout both laboratory testing and real world experiences. In a world where some cameras are striving to be tiny, and others are still large out of necessity given their sensor size, the E-M10 II sits snugly in that "just right" spot. And while we loved the original E-M10 from 2014, the E-M10 II simply has better and more logical overall ergonomics and controls.

But that's just the outside…. wait until you see what the insides can do! A quality 16 x 20 inch print at ISO 1600? Check. 5-axis image stabilization? Check. Excellent performance specs and autofocus for its class? Check! Add to this a truckload of features and functionality and you're looking at an amazing little camera with a body-only street price of just $549! As we stated in our conclusion to the E-M10 II, you'll be hard-pressed to find all of that for the money in another camera as of this writing.

Simply put, we fell head over heels for the Olympus E-M10 II.

Buy the E-M10 II body only (Black): Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the E-M10 II body only (Silver): Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the E-M10 II with the 14-42mm EZ lens (Black): Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the E-M10 II with the 14-42mm EZ lens (Silver): Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of Distinction, Intermediate Mirrorless: Fujifilm X-T10

Taking the same imaging pipeline from their flagship Fuji X-T1 enthusiast-grade camera and placing it into a smaller and more affordable body was a terrific move by Fuji! The Fuji X-T10 will only set you back $699 body-only (or just $999 with the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens -- arguably one of the best kit lenses on the market). The $599/$999 price places the X-T10 into the range of many photographers looking to step up their game from smartphone and point-and-shoot photography, but it also gives X-T1 shooters a very capable option as a back-up to their X-T1.

The X-T10 retains quite a bit of what makes the X-T1 special in the way of all the retro-cool buttons and dials, and yet also offers a handy switch to allow beginners to quickly throw the camera into full "auto" mode and let the X-T10 do all the thinking for them. It also sports Fuji's well-regarded film simulation modes, including their latest Classic Chrome setting, which we at IR have enjoyed quite a bit. If you're interested in enthusiast-grade image quality and need to remain below the $1000 price point, the Fuji X-T10 deserves a place at the top of your short list!

Buy the X-T10 body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the X-T10 kit with the 18-55mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the X-T10 kit with the 16-50mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Entry-level Mirrorless:Panasonic GF7

Panasonic has turned the creation of small, high-performing mirrorless cameras into an art and their GF7 is no exception. Especially when paired with its small 12-32mm (24-64mm 35mm equivalent) kit lens, the GF7 is a compact mirrorless wonder. And at $460 for the kit, the GF7 is priced competitively with Sony's A5000 (A5000 vs GF7). For just $50 more, Panasonic gives you smaller size, a higher resolution screen with touch interface, faster shooting, faster startup and a deeper JPEG buffer, among other advantages.

In fact, performance is one of the GF7's trump cards, and we praised its "nimble performance with quick autofocus & fast JPEG burst speeds." How fast? We actually found the GF7 to shoot slightly faster than Panasonic's spec of 10 frames-per-second (in electronic shutter mode)! And image quality was fantastic for the size and price. If you can't tell, the winner for entry-level mirrorless camera of the year was an easy choice!

Buy the GF7 kit with the 12-32mm lens (Black):Amazon | AdoramaBuy the GF7 kit with the 12-32mm lens (Pink):Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of the Year, Best Value: Olympus E-PL6

We loved the Olympus E-PL5 from 2012 and gave it high marks both in the lab and out in the field, and it was an easy choice as a Dave's Pick. The follow-up Olympus E-PL6 is virtually the same camera, with very little changed, and one that was released in 2013 but that didn't make it to US shores until earlier this year. When we learned that it had now been discounted to a price of just $299 with their very good 14-42mm II kit lens, we knew just what to do: award it as the Best Value of 2015!

We discovered this innocently enough, as one of our reviewers had an old friend who was shopping for a capable camera his daughter could use to move beyond the limitations of smartphone photography, but on a modest $300 budget. At first uncertain what direction to go, our reviewer was relieved to find something he could (heartily) recommend at this price. While we didn't get one into our lab for review, we're certain of the imaging pipeline and kit lens as seen in our complete Olympus E-PL5 review, so dive in there for more!

Want a capable ILC to cut your teeth on for just $299? The Olympus E-PL6 is waiting for you.

Buy the E-PL6 kit with the 14-42mm lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Camera of Distinction, Great Value: Pentax K-S2

Over the years, Pentax has built quite a reputation for offering value for money in its cameras, and the Pentax K-S2 is no exception. The company's first DSLR with in-camera Wi-Fi, a retracting kit lens and a tilt-swivel screen, the K-S2 also includes features like go-anywhere weather-sealing, a bright and clear glass pentaprism viewfinder for clearer viewfinder composition and intuitive twin control dials. And at a street price of just US$460, you're simply not going to find another current-gen DSLR with a similar feature-set at anything remotely resembling the same price. But if you're lucky, you might happen on an even more spectacular deal: In the run-up to the recent Black Friday weekend you could pick up a Pentax K-S2 with not one but two weather-sealed lenses, a camera bag and flash card for less than $500. With pricing that aggressive, this camera is a no-brainer to take great photos today and give plenty room to grow!

Buy the K-S2 body only: Amazon | Adorama | B&H PhotoBuy the K-S2 kit with the 18-50mm WR lens: Amazon | Adorama | B&H Photo

Follow the rest of the awards!

Best Zoom & Prime Lenses of 2015

Best Compact, Fixed-lens and Unique Cameras of 2015

Best Entry-level and Intermediate Cameras of 2015 (current page)

Best Enthusiast and Pro Cameras of 2015 (December 17th @ 2pm EDT)

Printers, New Technologies and Best Overall of 2015 (December 21st @ 2pm EDT)

Source: Cameras of the Year: Best Entry-level and Intermediate Cameras of 2015

Sigma’s Biggest Lens Dwarfs its Smallest By Far

Graphic used with permission from Sigma USA

Sigma shared on their blog today a special chart comparing the sizes of all their lenses. The smallest are the lenses designed for mirrorless cameras while the biggest is the company's 200-500mm f2.8 lens.

To celebrate the end of the year, Sigma is also giving away weather resistant circular polarizers in a new contest. The rules can be found here.

Source: Sigma's Biggest Lens Dwarfs its Smallest By Far

Sony A7S II Field Test: Big improvements make their way to Sony’s low-light champ

Sony's A7S blew us away last year with its unique low-res full-frame sensor and impressive high ISO capabilities. Now, with the Sony A7S II, they've updated the camera on multiple fronts: improved processor, internal 4K video, more AF points, five-axis image stabilization, and better ergonomics to name a few. Photographer Jeremy Gray has been spending some quality time with this new Sony full-frame mirrorless camera and a handful of nice Sony glass, and he's now returned with his in-depth Sony A7S II Field Test.

Following the "Mark II" revisions of the A7 and A7R, the A7S II sports a similar and much-improved body design with repositioned controls -- and they allow for tons of user customization. In addition to this improvement, Jeremy comes back from his shooting experience very impressed with the A7S II in other respects. The image quality of the A7S II is outstanding. However, being primarily a landscape photographer, the Sony A7S II's low-resolution felt a bit limiting to him -- especially if you want to make large prints, for example. However, the camera's high ISO performance more than makes up for this downside. Also, the camera now offers internal 4K recording, which results in excellent quality video, and at very little hassle considering the external recorder requirement of the predecessor. 

Sony FE 28mm f/2, f/2, 20s, ISO 6400

The camera does have its downsides, though. While the AF was snappy and quick in most situations, the burst performance hampers its capabilities at capturing certain subjects. Plus, the menu system of the camera can often feel frustrating.

For the full, in-depth report, jump over to our Sony A7S II Field Test. Also, be sure to check out the updated Sony A7S II Gallery Page for big selection of Jeremy's images.

Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS, f/7.1, 1/100s, ISO 320 

Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS at 24mm, f/9, 5s, ISO 50

• Sony A7S II Field Test • Gallery • • Overview • Samples • Performance • Buy Now •
Source: Sony A7S II Field Test: Big improvements make their way to Sony's low-light champ

Samsung patents phones with interchangeable camera modules and lenses

Samsung's latest patent is one of the most intriguing yet. The company is exploring smartphones with interchangeable camera modules. The idea doesn't sound so new when you consider phones like Project Ara let you swap camera modules in and out, but those phones aren't yet available and Samsung is going a huge step further with their implementation.

Their modules would look to allow some very interesting changes, such as adding a zoom lens, or even a mount where you can swap lenses in and out like you would on a mirrorless or DSLR camera.

There's no guarantee Samsung would ever build a phone like this, but if they do then we wouldn't be surprised to see a new generation of the Samsung Galaxy Camera launch with such a feature. It'd be a pretty neat camera for photo enthusiasts who want their shooter to double as a phone, especially if they can get quality sensors and lenses by buying them separately.

But it's just an idea for now, so the most we can do is beg Samsung to act on the patents, and continue daydreaming about the cool stuff this would bring to market. Would you buy one?

[via GalaxyClub]

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Source: Samsung patents phones with interchangeable camera modules and lenses

The Slim Strap by Custom SLR Features a Nifty Quick-Adjust Slider

Over the past 5 years, the San Francisco-based company Custom SLR has successfully launched 5 different camera products that all started with Kickstarter campaigns (the first was the C-Loop in 2010). Now the company has announced its sixth project: the Slim Strap.

It's a minimalist leather camera strap that's geared toward smaller mirrorless and compact cameras, featuring an elegant and durable design and a special quick-adjust slider that makes shooting a breeze.

The compact and lightweight strap is made of real top grain leather on the shoulder pad, the strap connectors, and the thumb loop on the adjustment slider. "As time passes, the leather will conform more to the contours of your shoulder," says Custom SLR. "The older it gets, the better it gets."

The quick-adjust slider system allows you to carry your camera around with it safely tucked against your side, and when you'd like to take a picture, you quickly pull the slider, bring your camera up to your face, and snap away. The system keeps the leather shoulder pad fixed to your shoulder through this whole process.

If you don't need a wide range of motion, you can bring your camera up to your face without pulling the slider at all.

Here's a short video introduction to the Slim Strap:

The Slim Strap is set to hit the market in April 2016 if everything goes according to plan. You can support the project and pre-order a strap with a $30 contribution over on Kickstarter.

Source: The Slim Strap by Custom SLR Features a Nifty Quick-Adjust Slider

4K Photo From Panasonic Makes for Picture Perfect Holidays -- Instagram Celebs Capture All the Action With a Little Help From Adorama

Joining Forces With Adorama, Panasonic Introduces 4K Photo, Taps Into Some of Instagram's Most Followed Handles to Show How Capturing 30 Frames per Second Makes for the Most Insta-Worthy Shots; Shop Panasonic Lumix 4K Mirrorless Cameras Now at Adorama

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2015) - Adorama, one of the world's largest photography, video, audio, imaging and electronics retailers, is teaming up with Panasonic and Instagram celebrities to show photographers why 30 frames are better than one -- all thanks to new 4K camera technology from Panasonic. 4K Photo records 30 frames per second, allowing picture-takers to select the best image after a moment in time is captured. Whether one is a professional photographer or simply assigned to snap photos at the annual holiday gathering, with 30 images recorded rather than just one, it's nearly impossible to miss getting the perfect shot. Plus, with the Panasonic Image App, photographers can wirelessly connect their Lumix camera to a smartphone, apply filters, and share instantly via social media.

"Adorama is a dynamic partner that is on the leading edge of providing its customers with new technology," states Kristin Long, national sales manager at Panasonic US. "I am thrilled to be working with Adorama to help promote our exclusive 4K Photo technology. The holidays are a perfect time to put 4K Photo to use. With so much action happening around the holidays, trying to get everyone together for that picture-perfect moment can be hard, but technology makes this easy!"

Easy as 1, 2, 3, 4K -- Panasonic 4K Photo Takes to Instagram To show off new 4K Photo, ten of Instagram's most influential photographers put Panasonic Lumix 4K mirrorless cameras to the test, and will be posting images to their accounts over the next two weeks using the hashtag #EasyAs1234K. Be sure to follow the hashtag as well as @PanasonicUSA and @Adorama on Instagram to see what these cameras are capable of and to learn more about 4K camera technology.

"I'm just now getting into video, and it's the medium that's exciting me the most for the coming year," says Beth Kirby, @local_milk, of Panasonic's new 4K Photo digital cameras. "As someone who travels extensively and strives to travel very light, to find a camera this light and compact with interchangeable lenses and the ability to film such high quality video is a windfall. A micro 4/3 camera with Wi-Fi capabilities is the perfect camera for a photographer/videographer on the road that's looking to upload photos and videos to Instagram in the moment, while they still feel fresh and relevant. Using the app, I can instantly have my photo on my phone, perform a quick edit, and share it within moments of it happening. It's going to be my go-to Instagram camera from here on out."

"I found the new capabilities of the Panasonic 4K 30 frames per second to be challenging in a good way. I think I was getting too comfortable with shooting still photography, and with the 30 frames per second it made no sense to shoot a plate of salad," My Nguyen of @myhealthydish_ states. "It forced me to get out of my comfort zone of shooting still shots. It challenged me to be more creative and bring actual life to food. It was very interesting to almost think of my next photo as a moving picture and what action shot I wanted to capture in that 30 second frame."

"Capturing that perfect moment in time is truly an art form, but when it happens, it's magic. New 4K Photo from Panasonic brings photographers of all skill levels one step closer to near perfection," comments Lev Peker, chief marketing officer at Adorama. "We're thrilled to be working with some of Instagram's most follow-worthy photographers, and are excited to see the images they were able to create using this new technology. We hope it inspires others to get out there and start shooting, knowing that, with the right equipment, they can bring their visions to life. And what better time to do this than right around the holidays, when everyone is gathered together and picture-taking is at its peak?"

For more information on Panasonic 4K Photo and to shop new Panasonic mirrorless cameras and Panasonic digital point and shoot cameras at Adorama, visit Adorama.com.

ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store Adorama is more than a camera store -- it's one of the world's largest photography, video, audio and computer retailers. Serving customers for more than 35 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for imaging and consumer electronics. Adorama's vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix; resources and gear for photographers, filmmakers, production studios, broadcasting and post houses, and recording artists through Adorama Pro; pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company; and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free creative education in online channels such as the popular Adorama TV.

Adorama is listed as one of the top five electronics retailers by Consumer Reports, "Best of the Web" by Forbes.com, Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.

Visit ADORAMA at www.adorama.com.

Source: 4K Photo From Panasonic Makes for Picture Perfect Holidays -- Instagram Celebs Capture All the Action With a Little Help From Adorama

Five new full-frame lenses for mirrorless cameras emerge

Five new full-frame, manual-focus lenses for mirrorless cameras, including Sony E-mount and Leica M-mount, have been launched by Handevision.

The f/2.4 aperture lenses come in 24mm, 35mm 50mm, 75mm and 90mm versions.

'The compact Iberit lenses are ideally suited for mirrorless cameras,' claims Handevision.

'They are small and fast enough to handle any and all photographic situations…

'During development, particular attention was placed on achieving a lightweight and compact size in order to live up to the guiding principle of mirrorless cameras.'

The lenses can also be used on cameras with APS-C-size imaging sensors, according to Handevision, which says they will be available in Fuji X-mount.

The Iberit 35mm, 50mm and 75mm lenses are due out in January 2016.

The 24mm and 90mm lenses are expected later in 2016.

They will range in price from $480-660.

The Handevision brand was born from a long-term alliance between German lens maker IB/E Optics and Shanghai Transvision Photographic Equipment Co.

The lenses are made in China, based on 'German engineering'.

UK prices were not available at the time of writing.

The launch comes more than two years since Handevision launched the Ibelux 40mm f/0.85 lens.

Press release

Freyung, December 5, 2015

HandeVision releases its new IBERIT full-frame lens series, presenting the puristic lenses with a constant speed of 2.4 and focal lengths of 24, 35, 50, 75 and 90 mm. They come in black and in silver and are initially available for SONY NEX E, Fuji X and Leica M mount systems.

HandeVision became a sensation in May of 2013 when it launched IBELUX f0.85/40mm— the fastest lens for mirrorless DSLM cameras. After almost two years of development, the German-Chinese joint venture is now releasing the new IBERIT lens family for the full frame format.

The compact IBERIT lenses are ideally suited for mirrorless cameras. They are small and fast enough to handle any and all photographic situations. For instance, cropping portraits, or landscape and street photography. All capabilities for image composition and visual imagery can be creatively realized with the manual lenses.

During development, particular attention was placed on achieving a light weight and compact size in order to live up to the guiding principle of mirrorless cameras. IBERIT lenses can be used on cameras with full frame sensors as well as cameras with APS-C sensors.

The design calculated with demand for highest image quality for digital sensors is based on classic constructions. Without autofocus and electronic aperture control also for the version with SONY NEX and FUJI X-mount systems. As a result, the photographer is in complete control when selecting the focus point and thus the original photography experience is preserved compared to autofocus lenses.

Contrary to current trends where more and more plastic is used, the mechanics here are based, just as with the IBELUX f0.85/40mm, on proven quality and rugged and longlasting metal construction with anodized aluminum, brass and stainless steel.

The IBERIT lenses are distinguished by timeless design and high-quality workmanship.

The lenses are based on "German Engineering". Prototypes were developed, assembled and tested in Germany. Series production in Shanghai in accordance with German quality criteria.

The new IBERIT lenses with focal lengths of 35, 50 and 75 mm will be available in specialist shops as of January 2016. The IBERIT 24 and 90 mm lenses will be released later in the year.

The recommended retail price is depending on the version of the model between USD 480 and USD 660. All lenses come with a cover for the front and back of the lens.

Source: Five new full-frame lenses for mirrorless cameras emerge

Apple’s iPhone is Flickr’s Most Popular Camera In 2015

Flickr has released its 2015 year in review and the company has shared details on the most popular devices that have been used to take photos this year.

Number one is Apple's iPhone with 42% of all photos submitted to Flickr being taken on the iPhone, in second place is Canon EOS cameras which make up 27% of photos and third place is Nikon D cameras which make up 16% of all photos submitted to the site.

Fkickr also revealed more details about what types of cameras people have been using to take photos, 39% of all photos submitted were taken on smartphones, 31% were taken on DSLR cameras, 25% on point and shoot cameras and 3% on mirrorless cameras.

Apple's iPhone 6 was the most popular cameras used, followed by the iPhone 5S and then the iPhone 6 Plus. You can find out more details over at Flickr at the link below.

Source Flickr

Filed Under: Apple iPhone, Camera News
Source: Apple's iPhone is Flickr's Most Popular Camera In 2015

Canon should make a digital mirrorless version of its famous AE-1 camera

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In the last few years we've seen a distinct trend in photography: the rise of mirrorless cameras. With fewer moving parts, these cameras are smaller, lighter, and less imposing than their DSLR cousins. They're also quieter and offer faster performance.

Somehow, Canon — which has dominated global camera sales for the last 13 years — has almost completely missed this trend. Global mirrorless camera sales were up 16.5 percent this year, while DSLR sales were down 15 percent. Yet Canon has just one line of mirrorless camera to its name, the Canon EOS M series, and it's done a poor job of cultivating these cameras since their inception in 2012. (For instance, the company has somehow only afforded them a very meager lens lineup for the M series, even though Canon's DSLR lens system is reputable and vast.)

Canon has largely missed another recent trend, too, which is the application of retro film camera stylings on modern camera bodies. Companies like Fujifilm and Olympus have owned this style in the last few years, releasing top quality digital mirrorless cameras that — thanks to brushed metal finishes, metal knobs, and rubber grips — are also easily mistaken for their film camera progenitors.

Those are two big swings-and-misses. But there's a very clear way that Canon could course correct for both: make a digital mirrorless version of the Canon AE-1, one of the (if not the) company's most popular legacy SLR film cameras.

The Canon AE-1 was introduced in 1976 and, for all intents and purposes, it became the camera that most easily pops into the minds of photography enthusiasts when they think of film SLRs. (The AE-1 is also, anecdotally, one of the most popular cameras among high school and college students who are taking their first film photography courses.) Its chrome-and-black design was iconic, and alongside Nikon's F series, it helped inspire similar cameras from companies like Minolta and Olympus.

Popular modern day cameras like the Fujifilm X100T borrow their retro design from the era inspired by the AE-1.

It's this era of photography that companies like Fujifilm are borrowing their designs from, and it's an obvious next step for Canon. Taking the popular AE-1 design and digitizing it would give them a recognizable entry in the mirrorless market (something it definitely doesn't have with the M series, which is widely ignored). It could play off the popularity of similarly-styled mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X100T or X-T1, and it would also open the door wide for more of Canon's legacy designs to follow suit, like the A-1 or the F-1.

Canon is rumored to be making a big push in the mirrorless market in 2016, and it will have a decent presence at CES, so who knows? Maybe the company is already working on a similar idea. What's clear is that Canon needs to do something; the company's profits were down 21 percent in 2015. By making a retrofuture play at the mirrorless market, Canon can right the ship.

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Source: Canon should make a digital mirrorless version of its famous AE-1 camera

Sound advice: Looking for a Bluetooth speaker for TV audio

Q. My mother is becoming somewhat hard of hearing and is having trouble hearing her television. Is it possible to use a Bluetooth speaker placed on a nearby coffee table to provide TV audio?

A. It is possible, but you may experience audio/video sync issues. Some Bluetooth devices work well with each other for video, some don't, and it can change with every firmware update on the devices. If your TV has Bluetooth, see if the manufacturer offers a matching speaker. That should ensure compatibility. If the TV does not have built-in Bluetooth you can add it with an adapter like the $30 MPOW Streambot, then try different speakers to try and get good sync. I would start with an inexpensive speaker as paying more does not guarantee success.

Q. I know you love mirrorless cameras and have recommended the Micro Four Thirds cameras, one of them being the Olympus E-M1. Sony now has their A7 full-frame mirrorless camera with starter lens selling for about the same price. Wouldn't I be bet ter off buying the Sony, given the full-frame sensor?

A. You might be better off with the Sony. I can't say for sure without knowing more about how you will use the camera. If you do a lot of photography in very low light or will be making extremely large prints, the full-frame sensor would be of tremendous benefit. Just know that overall the cameras and lenses are going to be much more expensive, as well as noticeably heavier and bulkier. The huge files take up a lot of space on your memory cards and computer, too. There is no one best camera, just the best tool for a given situation. The reason I am so bullish about the Micro Four Thirds system is the word "system." Besides the inherent advantages of mirrorless in general, with the great variety of camera bodies and lenses from multiple manufacturers I always have the tool I need for any photographic or video situation. The small size and weight of the system makes it more likely I will want to take the equipment with me, an d the cutting-edge cameras combined with the high quality lenses produce fantastic photographs and videos.

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Source: Sound advice: Looking for a Bluetooth speaker for TV audio

The 6 best mirrorless cameras for beginners (2015)

If your smartphone or compact camera is struggling to keep up with your photographic ambitions, it might be time to upgrade. Mirrorless cameras can offer a huge step up in image quality and performance, but choosing the right one can be difficult. Here Gizmag looks at six of the best mirrorless cameras for beginners.

Some of the reasons to make the switch to an interchangeable lens camera are the improvement in image quality and low light performance that a bigger sensor allows, the artistic freedom that different lenses give, and a general boost in photographic performance, including burst shooting and autofocus speed.

However, you'll also want to consider things like increased size and weight, which might limit when you have your camera with you. There's also the learning curve involved in getting used to a new system, how you intend to use the camera, and the cost of additional lenses.

In this guide we'll focus on some of the best beginner mirrorless cameras available, though we'll also be producing a beginner DSLR article for those who don't mind a bigger camera, or already have lenses they want to use. All of the selected cameras come in at around the US$500 mark, have a number of available lenses, and feature articulated screens and built-in Wi-Fi. If you want more detail about each camera, just hit the included links to our more detailed camera-specific articles.

Nikon 1 J5

This little Nikon was released earlier this year and packs a powerful punch into a surprisingly small package. With 20.8-megapixels on a 1-inch-type (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor it can shoot detailed images and will deliver much better image quality than your smartphone, especially in lower light conditions.

The J5 is also no slouch when it comes to speed, it can rattle off 20 frames per second, while a hybrid autofocus system, which combines 105 phase-detection AF points and 171 contrast focus areas, will keep things sharp. It can shoot 4K video, but this is limited to 15 fps, so for most of the time the Full HD 1080p 60 fps option is going to be better.

A tilting 3-inch rear touchscreen makes it easy to compose shots at awkward angles or shoot a selfie, which thanks to built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, could be on Instagram almost as fast as if you'd taken an inferior shot with your phone. The camera itself measures 98.3 x 59.7 x 31.5 mm (3.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in) and weighs 265 g (9.4 oz) before you add a Nikon 1 mount lens. Nikon F lenses can also be used with an adapter.

The Nikon 1 J5 costs US$500 with a 10-30-mm kit lens.

Fujifilm X-A2

The Fujifilm X-A2 is probably the most stylish camera in our selection, but it's not just about its good looks. Inside there's a 16-megapixel APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm) CMOS sensor, which is the same size found in many DSLRs. This allows the camera to perform well in darker situations, and it has a maximum burst speed of 5.6 fps for keeping up with faster action.

Selfie shooters will again be pleased to see the inclusion of a tilting LCD screen which moves upwards 175 degrees, at which point it will also activate an Eye Detection AF mode for focusing on your eyes. Full HD 1080p video recording is also possible at 30 fps and the camera has built-in Wi-Fi.

In addition to those retro looks, the camera, which measures 117 x 67 x 40 mm (4.6 x 2.6 x 1.6 in) and weighs 350g (12.3 oz), has easy access to manual settings, so you can really feel like you are in control. The X-A2 uses the same Fujifilm X mount lenses as the firm's higher-end models.

The Fujifilm X-A2 sells for $500 with an image stabilized 16-55-mm kit lens.

Canon EOS M10

Canon was late to the mirrorless party and its first couple of cameras failed to chime with their intended markets. But the Canon EOS M10 looks like it could be a good entry-level option for beginners who want to keep things simple. The camera packs a large 18-megapixel APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) CMOS sensor to ensure great quality images, but isn't intimidating in the way some other cameras can be, with controls kept to a minimum.

Autofocus is dealt with by a Hybrid CMOS AF II autofocus system, while on the video front the EOS M10 can record Full HD 1080p footage at 30/24 fps. On the rear is a 3-inch touchscreen monitor which can be tilted 180 degrees for awkward (or self obsessed) shooting. Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC are also there for easy sharing and remote control featuring live view.

Measuring 108 x 67 x 35 mm (4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 in), and weighing 301 g (10.6 oz) the camera is smaller and lighter than most mirrorless shooters. It can use Canon EF-M mount lenses, or EF and EF-S lenses using an optional adapter.

A Canon EOS M10 will set you back $450 with a 15-45-mm kit lens.

Panasonic Lumix GF7

The Panasonic GF7 is another novice-friendly mirrorless camera, this time packing a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) MOS sensor which sits between a 1-inch-type and a APS-C size-wise. This allows an ISO range of 200 to 25,600, and the camera boasts burst speed shooting at up to 5.8 fps, and Full HD 1080p video recording at 60/50 fps.

An interesting aspect of the GF7 is how it makes it simple to shoot quality images. For example, there are hands-free selfie modes which can be used in conjunction with the adjustable 3-inch touchscreen. This includes the ability to remotely take a photo by waving a hand in front of your face, two people putting their faces together, or by jumping with a smartphone in your pocket.

Measuring 107 x 65 x 33 mm (4.2 x 2.6 x 1.3 in) and weighing 266 g (9.4 oz) the GF7 also features built in Wi-Fi for easy sharing or remote shooting using the Panasonic Image App. Using the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, there are plenty of lens options available. If you want a camera to match your outfit, the GF7 is available in black, brown and pink.

The Panasonic GF7 comes with a 12-32-mm kit lens for $460.

Olympus E-PL7

As with the Panasonic, the Olympus E-PL7 also features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor and the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The stylish shooter has an ISO range of 200 to 25,600 and is capable of sequential shooting at 8 fps, or 3.5 fps with continuous autofocus. Full HD 1080p video is also possible at 30 fps.

When the camera was released, Olympus described the AF system used in the E-PL7 as its fastest ever. It also packs a three-axis image stabilization system to help reduce the blurs caused by camera shake. While the E-PL7 has the sort of physical access to manual controls which will allows photographers to grow with the camera, it also has a three-inch 1,037K dot touchscreen, which tilts 180 degrees downward.

Measuring 115 x 67 x 38 mm (4.5 x 2.6 x 1.5 in) and weighing 357 g (12.6 oz) the Olympus E-PL7 also features built-in Wi-Fi. This allows for quick sharing, along with remote shooting with Live View on a smartphone running the OI.Share app.

The Olympus E-PL7 will cost around $500 bundled with a 14-42-mm kit lens.

Sony A5100

Sony's entry into this round-up comes in the form of the Sony A5100, a very capable camera which draws on the success of the firm's higher-end models. It uses a large 24.3-megapixel APS-C size (23.5 x 15.6 mm) Exmor CMOS sensor, which is paired with the same BIONZ X image processor seen in the A7 cameras, and a Fast Hybrid AF system which is up there with the best in this category.

The result is a camera which can deliver the goods in almost any situation, while being simple enough not to be overly intimidating. The A5100 has an ISO range of 100–25,600, and shoots at 6 fps in continuous mode with AF tracking, it can also record high quality Full HD 1080p video at 60/50/24 fps.

With a tilting three-inch touchscreen on the rear (yes, it again flips up for selfie shooting) the camera measures 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 in) and weighs 283 g (10 oz). Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC makes wireless transfer and remote control simple and the camera is compatible with the Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps.

The Sony Alpha A5100 can be had for $500 bundled with a 16-50-mm Power Zoom kit lens.

Summing up…

Upgrading from a smartphone or compact camera to a mirrorless shooter isn't a guaranteed way of improving your photographic output (there's the little matter of the operator). However, any of these cameras would offer more creative freedom, and the potential to take better quality images in a wider variety of lighting conditions.

While in their fully automatic modes these cameras will work much like a powerful point-and-shoot, where they come into their own is also allowing photographers to make use of different lenses and camera settings. On that note it's also worth considering what other glass you will want to get with you camera, in addition to the bundled kit lens. Luckily here's Gizmags's guide to buying your next camera lens.

If you're getting your first interchangeable lens camera, we would suggest sticking with a entry-level model like these to make the transition as smooth and simple as possible. However, if you're looking for something more powerful, want features which are missing at this price-point like an electronic viewfinder, or are upgrading from an entry-level camera, keep an eye out for our upcoming round-up of the best high-end mirrorless camera. There's also our mid-range DSLR and high-end DSLR comparisons if you don't mind a camera with extra bulk.

Source: The 6 best mirrorless cameras for beginners (2015)