Canon's new mirrorless shooter misses the mark

9:03 AM. EST February 06, 2016

Given that Canon is a market leader in point and shoots and DSLRs, you'd expect them to dominate the increasingly popular mirrorless middle ground. But despite a couple of forays into the genre, Canon seems to be no closer to a mature mirrorless camera strategy.

Canon designed its EOS M3 ($479.99 MSRP) to fix all that. With roughly the same hardware as a Canon T6i crammed into its tiny body for under $500, on paper the M3 should be a home run. Which is why it's so mystifying that it isn't.

In our time with the camera, we found it to be fraught with unexpected hang ups: its odd design, questionable image quality, and pitiful lens selection mar what should be a sure thing. For some strange reason, the EOS M3 is a lesser camera than the sum of its parts.

Design-wise, the M3 is smaller than Canon's previous crack at a miniature interchangeable lens camera. We found it weirdly bulky and awkward to handle when shooting with it.

The control scheme should be very familiar to Canon shooters, as it mirrors the menu system found in other advanced Canons, like the PowerShot G3 X. On the back, the buttons are uncomfortably cramped together, which makes shooting in manual mode a pain in the neck.

With a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sensor and a 49-point phase-detect autofocus system, the M3 should be a big step up from Canon's point and shoot cameras.

In practice, the camera I used was anything but a dramatic upgrade over any other competing mirrorless camera. Software bugs and hardware limitations plague this model. In short, this camera is fairly frustrating to use if you stray from using the auto modes.

Part of the allure of an interchangeable lens camera is that you can ditch your kit lens for other glass when the opportunity arises. The included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 option is nothing to write home about, though that's par for the course with kit lenses.

Independent of the lens, though, the M3 gives you a little less than what you'd expect for its price point. Shots tend to be grainier than you'd expect — even for an entry-level camera.

And as it is with other Canon cameras, the automatic white balance is hit or miss. While shots in either fluorescent or daylight will look fine, snaps taken in incandescent light can gain the pall of an orange glow over your snaps (of course, it's something that can be fixed in editing).

But one area where the M3 truly shines is autofocus speed. The camera is able to nail capturing subjects quickly with its AF system, and users will appreciate how well focusing works with the touchscreen on the back.

Perhaps the best thing about the M3 is the fact that it blends a lot of the best features of a point-and-shoot with the hardware of a more powerful camera. The M3 has a tilting LCD, onboard NFC, and WiFi like Canon's G-Series point and shoots—but packs the powerful hardware you'd usually find in a DSLR. Though there's no electronic viewfinder on the M3, the 1.04m-dot tilting LCD is a treat to use.

One significant drawback to the M3 is that Canon had to develop new lenses (and a new mount) for their mirrorless camera — meaning you can't access Canon's extensive library of classic lenses without an adapter. Currently, Canon's EF-M lens library consists of a paltry 5 lenses.

The main advantage of mirrorless in recent years has been the blend of quality and convenience, and the Canon EOS M3 is behind its competition in both of these regards.

Picture quality is not this camera's strong point, nowhere near one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market. The unique lens mount means frustration if you've already built up a sizable library of Canon lenses, and the hardware doesn't offer any unique benefits.

If you're looking for a fleshed-out camera that travels well and gives you access to an excellent stable of lenses out of the box, stick with a Micro Four Thirds model. Cameras like the Panasonic GF7, and the Olympus E-PL7 boast similar functionality and picture quality, but the number of lenses you can get is almost overwhelming.

If you wanted a step-up option, you could always seek out an old-model Olympus OM-D E-M10 or the venerable Sony A6000. Additionally, you should check out our list of best cameras under $1,000. Canon seems to finally get what mirrorless is all about, but it'll take better execution for the DSLR king to conquer this market.

For more camera reviews, head to Reviewed.com.

Source: Canon's new mirrorless shooter misses the mark

Sony reveals ultra-fast-focusing Alpha 6300, G Master lenses

At just 0.05 seconds, Sony claims that its new flagship alpha 6300 mirrorless camera has the world's fastest autofocus system and that it offers some of the best 4K video recording quality available in the consumer space.

"With this new model, we've combined the world's fastest and most extensive AF system with a superb image sensor and many of our most advanced imaging and video technologies, creating a package that can far exceed the performance of any DSLR in its class," said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Electronics.

These technologies come at a price -- the α6300 will retail for $1000 without a lens -- but when compared to what the likes of Canon and Nikon are offering in terms of DSLRs in the same price bracket, Sony's latest mirrorless camera represents great value.

As well as an autofocus system that is on a par with a human blink, the device packs in a 24.2 megapixel sensor and can shoot at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus. The ISO dial goes from 100-51200 and a BIONZ X image processor ensures the minimum noise and distortion across this range.

That processor also helps with the camera's video capabilities. The a6300 shoots in super 35mm format 4K and, claims Sony, does so without dropping pixels.

To enhance the new camera and the company's existing mirrorless range's video capabilities, Sony is also bringing a new range of lenses to market. Called the G Master series they have been optimized for both still and moving images.

"The new G Master brand represents the finest and most impressive group of lenses that Sony has ever brought to market," said Manowitz, "With our knowledge of what the future will bring for digital imaging, we have designed these lenses and can ensure that the G Master brand will inspire and 'wow' photographers and videographers for years to come."

G Master prices will start at $1800 for a 85mm F1.4 GM Telephoto prime lens and like the α6300, will be going on sale in the US in March.

Source: Sony reveals ultra-fast-focusing Alpha 6300, G Master lenses

Sony A6300 camera boasts 24MP and 4K video in a mirrorless body

The 24-70 f/2.8 zoom, 85mm f/1.4 prime, and 70-200 f/2.8 zoom are marketed under the "G Master" branding, and are targeted to professional photographers.

Meanwhile, Sony said it is supporting its next-generation 4K UHD recording cameras with a new family of G Master (GM) Series lenses, that are optimized for use with its full-frame cameras, such as the acclaimed A7 Mark II. We had a chance to get up close with one.

Other enhancements to the α6300 include silent shooting functionality, the ability to use AF in focus magnifier mode, expanded flexible spot AF, Eye AF in AF-C mode and more.

Judge to Cosby: You're Not Getting Out of This That EasyOver the last two days, we've heard a bunch of testimony on whether or not this criminal case against Cosby could go on. He said Constand's attorneys signed off on the agreement in 2005. "He stands for too much success", he said of Cosby.

Additionally, the camera body is more dust and moisture resistant, but Sony isn't ready to call it weather-sealed yet. It has a circular aperture with 11 blades - the most ever used in an α lens. Externally, the new model has Sony's original Nano AR Coating, which is of particular importance in a portrait lens as it reduces flare and ghosting, even with backlit subjects or similarly challenging lighting conditions. It also supports S-Gamut for a wider color space.

The A6300 is also capable of 11fps continuous shooting. Two new matching filters for the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens have also been introduced: the VF-82MP MC protector and VF-82CPAM Circular PL filter. The lens includes a SSM (Super Sonic Motor) plus dual linear motors that work together to move large lens elements quickly. That's because all Sony's hardcore E-mount cameras have built-in sensor-shake optical image stabilisation, across five axes - and it does a very good job already. It also has a focus hold button as well as a focal range limiter.

The newly-announced A6300 mirrorless camera is a 4K updated version of Sony's well-liked A6000 HD camera. In Canada, they will be sold for $2,900 CA and $2,400 CA, respectively.

I will 'probably' sue because Ted Cruz cheated in IowaHe added that he understands Trump is "angry" for losing Iowa but said he "told the people of Iowa he thought they were stupid". The big headline Monday night was a poor showing for the candidacy of Donald Trump, who underperformed both in losing to Sen.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 will be available first, in March, for $2,200. Pricing is not yet available for these models.

At a Sony press event in NYC, we got to shoot with the first two lenses on the A7R II.

If you miss a shot with Sony's new mirrorless camera, it's probably your reflexes.

Palestinian gunmen wound 2 Israeli officers and are killedVideo footage shows throngs of police officers weaving through a crowd of Palestinians with a row of police cars' sirens' blaring. A police spokesman sent reporters a photo of a group of officers standing near a pool of blood near the gate.

When it's out in March, the Sony a6300 should cost around the $1500 mark - we'll let you know once Sony confirms an official Australian RRP. It also supports QR code for easy connection to non-NFC smart phones. Sony claims the A6300 will focus approximately twice as fast as its predecessor while shooting movies. See the Sony support site for lens/body compatibility details.

Source: Sony A6300 camera boasts 24MP and 4K video in a mirrorless body

Sony A6300 camera boasts 24MP and 4K video in a mirrorless body

The 24-70 f/2.8 zoom, 85mm f/1.4 prime, and 70-200 f/2.8 zoom are marketed under the "G Master" branding, and are targeted to professional photographers.

Meanwhile, Sony said it is supporting its next-generation 4K UHD recording cameras with a new family of G Master (GM) Series lenses, that are optimized for use with its full-frame cameras, such as the acclaimed A7 Mark II. We had a chance to get up close with one.

Other enhancements to the α6300 include silent shooting functionality, the ability to use AF in focus magnifier mode, expanded flexible spot AF, Eye AF in AF-C mode and more.

Judge to Cosby: You're Not Getting Out of This That EasyOver the last two days, we've heard a bunch of testimony on whether or not this criminal case against Cosby could go on. He said Constand's attorneys signed off on the agreement in 2005. "He stands for too much success", he said of Cosby.

Additionally, the camera body is more dust and moisture resistant, but Sony isn't ready to call it weather-sealed yet. It has a circular aperture with 11 blades - the most ever used in an α lens. Externally, the new model has Sony's original Nano AR Coating, which is of particular importance in a portrait lens as it reduces flare and ghosting, even with backlit subjects or similarly challenging lighting conditions. It also supports S-Gamut for a wider color space.

The A6300 is also capable of 11fps continuous shooting. Two new matching filters for the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens have also been introduced: the VF-82MP MC protector and VF-82CPAM Circular PL filter. The lens includes a SSM (Super Sonic Motor) plus dual linear motors that work together to move large lens elements quickly. That's because all Sony's hardcore E-mount cameras have built-in sensor-shake optical image stabilisation, across five axes - and it does a very good job already. It also has a focus hold button as well as a focal range limiter.

The newly-announced A6300 mirrorless camera is a 4K updated version of Sony's well-liked A6000 HD camera. In Canada, they will be sold for $2,900 CA and $2,400 CA, respectively.

I will 'probably' sue because Ted Cruz cheated in IowaHe added that he understands Trump is "angry" for losing Iowa but said he "told the people of Iowa he thought they were stupid". The big headline Monday night was a poor showing for the candidacy of Donald Trump, who underperformed both in losing to Sen.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 will be available first, in March, for $2,200. Pricing is not yet available for these models.

At a Sony press event in NYC, we got to shoot with the first two lenses on the A7R II.

If you miss a shot with Sony's new mirrorless camera, it's probably your reflexes.

Palestinian gunmen wound 2 Israeli officers and are killedVideo footage shows throngs of police officers weaving through a crowd of Palestinians with a row of police cars' sirens' blaring. A police spokesman sent reporters a photo of a group of officers standing near a pool of blood near the gate.

When it's out in March, the Sony a6300 should cost around the $1500 mark - we'll let you know once Sony confirms an official Australian RRP. It also supports QR code for easy connection to non-NFC smart phones. Sony claims the A6300 will focus approximately twice as fast as its predecessor while shooting movies. See the Sony support site for lens/body compatibility details.

Source: Sony A6300 camera boasts 24MP and 4K video in a mirrorless body

Sony Announces a6300 Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera + G Master FE Lenses; More Info at B&H

Sony Announces a6300 Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera + G Master FE Lenses; More Info at B&H

Photography News: Sony Is Making a Splash This Year With the Unveiling of the a6300 APS-C Mirrorless Camera, With the World's Fastest AF and Internal UHD 4K Video, Along With the G Master Series of Full-Frame E-Mount Glass That Includes an 85mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lEnses, as Well as 1.4x and 2.0x Teleconverters

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - February 03, 2016) - B&H Photo would like to share the announcement of the Sony a6300 Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera and the G Master lens series for full-frame E-mount cameras, including the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, FE 85mm f/1.4 GM, and FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lenses, as well as the FE 1.4x Teleconverter and FE 2.0x Teleconverter.

Sony a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222744-REG/sony_ilce6300_b_alpha_a63000_mirrorless_digital.html

24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor

BIONZ X Image Processor

XGA Tru-Finder 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF

3.0" 921.6k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor

Internal UHD 4K30 & 1080p120 Recording

S-Log3 Gamma and Display Assist Function

Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC

4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points

Up to 11 fps Shooting and ISO 51200

Weather-Sealed Magnesium Alloy Body

The a6300 pushes sensor technology forward by using thinner copper wiring to boost low-light sensitivity to ISO 51200, allowing faster processing speeds of the 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor combination. The sensor is also equipped with an enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system that leverages an incredible 425 phase-detect points with almost 100% coverage for a notably fast AF time of just 0.05 seconds. This 4D FOCUS system is about 7.5x denser than its predecessor, enabling High-density Tracking AF Technology for more precise focusing with moving subjects. Speed ties into continuous shooting as well, with up to 11 fps capture rate with full AF/AE, or 8 fps when live view is active. This AF system is compatible with A-mount lenses when using the LA-EA1 and LA-EA3 adapters. Another addition is silent shooting, which uses a purely electronic shutter to practically silence the camera's operation.

Moving on from stills to the now-almost-standard UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) video specs, we find that the a6300 is very much in line with Sony's latest a7S II in terms of capabilities. This includes the XAVC S format at up to 100 Mbps at 30/25/24p, S-Log3 and S-Log2 gammas with Picture Profile control and Gamma Display Assist, and Full HD 120 fps shooting, along with time code/user bit and the Enhanced Zebra function. One advantage of the a6300 turns out to be the higher-resolution sensor, which makes use of the full 20MP (6000 x 3376) resolution of the Super35mm image area for 2.4x oversampling. The a6300 implements a standard stereo 3.5mm audio input jack for external microphones. Also, the enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system will improve AF speeds by up to two times. And it can output uncompressed UHD 4K footage over HDMI.

Sony a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera kit with 16-50mm Lens 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222773-REG/sony_soa6300bk_alpha_a6300_mirrorless_digital.html

The a6300 camera body has been built using magnesium alloy for enhanced durability, is sealed for weather resistance, and incorporates an upgraded OLED Tru-Finder EVF with a 2.36m-dot XGA resolution, as well as a mode for 120 fps viewing for fast subjects. The lens mount has been reinforced to handle larger, heavier lenses, and the grip and shutter button have a better feel for improved ergonomics. The a6300 will be available for purchase on Wednesday, February 10th as a body only or in a kit with a 16-50mm lens.

On the full-frame front, Sony has just unleashed a new trio of lenses that are the beginning of the high-resolution G Master series. These lenses guarantee exceptional resolution on the latest digital cameras, and feature the latest in optical technology, including XA, or extreme aspherical lens elements that produce sharp, crisp imagery with minimal ghosting and flare. In addition to this, they are built with advanced weather sealing to prevent damage in less than ideal conditions.

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222774-REG/sony_sel2470gm_fe_24_70mm_f_2_8_gm.html

E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format

Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22

One XA Element, Two Aspherical Elements

One ED Element, One Super ED Element

Nano AR Coating

Direct Drive SSM Focus System

Internal Focus Design

Focus Hold Button, AF/MF Switch

Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Nine-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Sure to please professionals and demanding amateurs, Sony has released two constant f/2.8 zoom lenses: the mid-range FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and the classic telephoto FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS. The 24-70mm offers users the workhorse wide-to-short telephoto focal lengths which offer outstanding resolution by including three aspherical glass elements, a newly developed, extremely precise XA element, an ED, and a Super ED element, which minimize aberrations, maximize bokeh, and provide natural colorations. A Nano AR Coating has also been applied to significantly reduce flare and ghosting in strong lighting conditions. It also has a Direct Drive SSM motor for speedy and precise focusing. The 70-200mm perfectly complements the mid-range zoom by continuing the range through the classic telephoto options. It also has a variety of advanced optics in its design, and features excellent close-focusing performance down to 3.1' with 0.25x magnification. This telephoto zoom also has Optical Stead yShot image stabilization to minimize the effects of camera shake, and it has a ring SSM focusing motor for quick and quiet focusing performance. Additionally, it has been designed with many physical switches and buttons for fast operation in the field.

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222776-REG/sony_sel70200gm_fe_70_200mm_f_2_8_gm.html

E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format

Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22

One XA Element, Two Aspherical Elements

Four ED Elements, Two Super ED Elements

Nano AR Coating and Fluorine Coating

Linear SSM Focus System

Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization

Internal Focus, Focus Range Limiter

Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Alongside the two zooms is a classic portrait lens: the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM. The super-fast f/1.4 aperture creates images with exceptionally shallow depth of field, and allows photographers to work in low light. It also has excellent resolution when needed, and features an 11-blade circular aperture for smooth bokeh. This lens has great tactile control for both stills and video, thanks to the use of a physical aperture dial, which can be clicked or de-clicked by flipping a switch on the side of the body. It is equipped with a ring SSM motor for fast AF, and uses a variety of specialized elements, much like the other G Master lenses. The lens is weather sealed for reliable performance in all conditions. The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and FE 85mm f/1.4 GM will be available for purchase on Wednesday, February 10th.

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222775-REG/sony_sel85f14gm_fe_85mm_f_1_4_gm.html

E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format

Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16

One XA Element and Three ED Elements

Nano AR Coating

Linear SSM Focus System

Internal Focus Design

Focus Hold Button, AF/MF Switch

Manual Aperture Ring

Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Another addition to Sony's FE line is a pair of teleconverters, a 1.4x and a 2.0x, which can boost the focal length of the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. These feature the same dust- and moisture-resistant design as the G Master lens, and maintain full communication and AF between the camera body and lens.

B&H Photo Video is an authorized Sony dealer, with the most up-to-date Sony product information, product pricing and promotional offers.

About B&H Photo Video

As the world's largest source of photography, video, audio, and the latest trending technologies, including drones, virtual reality, and 3D Printers, B&H Photo Video is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force, excellent customer service, and fast, reliable shipping. Visitors to the website can access a variety of enlightening articles and educational videos. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 40 years.

Latest Trending Technologies

Virtual Reality: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/360-spherical-virtual-reality-production/ci/29185/N/3705627361

Drones: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/aerial-imaging/ci/27989/N/3765401970

Customers making purchases on the B&H website can now make a split payment with multiple credit cards, a useful feature for those with limited credit on their individual cards. Previously, this method of payment was only available to customers when purchasing by phone or in store.

Many items can now be ordered online and picked up at our NYC Superstore. Add any qualifying items to your shopping cart and select STORE PICKUP. You will then have an opportunity to indicate who will be making the pickup, if it is someone other than yourself. You'll receive an email (up to 45 minutes) after completing your order, indicating that your order is ready for pickup at the B&H SuperStore.

The B and H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational photographic content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists, as well as from photography industry experts. You can even view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world's foremost photographers, and interviews with some of photography's most dynamic characters. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to these videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals.

When you're in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The expo continues all year round in the camera kiosks at B&H. Featuring the newest cameras, the kiosks are manned by manufacturer representatives, who are there to guide you and demonstrate the latest photographic technology. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest photography gear.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/sony_a6300-23e10eccbed3b87887737d549eb56453.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/Sony_24-70mm_Lens_with_hood-e6fbbeac76179e20ae4910392b1d2f36.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/sony_a6300_camera_kit-5f48e21580629f77a69663bac189ab72.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/sony_sel70200gm_fe_70_200mm_f_2_8_gm_1454514360000-52c490265111b45f90f1c32abd9eb392.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/Sony_a6300_Back-fb7efc4819afb1aebac49c21a6724f45.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/Sony_85mm_E-mount-e5e670ca96ce895591d8e5f73929fbf9.jpgImage Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/2/1/11G081040/Images/sony_ilce6300_b_alpha_a63000_mirrorless_digital-33b187ac345 0b349a433d4dfcc21749c.jpg

Source: Sony Announces a6300 Alpha Mirrorless Digital Camera + G Master FE Lenses; More Info at B&H

A Drone You Can Fit in Your Backpack

Like most aircraft, drones are fragile things. Their components have to be both incredibly lightweight and exceedingly complex. And the rotors used on most consumer drones are the biggest failure points, and the main reason these robots should be encased in foam during transportation. This can lead to some unexpectedly annoying logistics, like lugging along a padded case on your hike, in order to avoid bending or snapping off the rotors on your drone.

RELATED: Is Drone Racing the Next Big Thing in Gaming?

So let's not call ProDrone's Byrd a drone with a gimmick, but a robot with a solution. The quadcopter's struts can fold in when it's powered down, so the rotor blades rest flush against the fuselage. That simple design feature allows you to cart the 4.1-pound drone around in a standard backpack. With the struts unfolded, the Byrd functions like a standard quadcopter, capturing footage with an HD camera, a GoPro (supplied by yourself), or a 4K camera, depending on whether you pick the Standard, Advanced, or Premium model. The Standard runs $949, and is available to order now. You'll have to wait until March to step up to the Advanced ($1,059) or Premium ($1,399) versions, but they also gives you some of the best maximum flight times in any consumer drones, at up to 29 minutes per charge.

But the most innovative Byrd is still to come. Sometime in the third quarter of 2016, ProDrone hopes to start selling a version that can mount a standard mirrorless camera or DSLR on the drone's actively stabilized, remote-controllable gimbal. Instead of taking serviceable stills from a GoPro or other video camera, you'd be able to snap aerial shots using stellar cameras with interchangeable lenses. That will include the ability to dive into the camera's settings, even while the drone is hovering more than a mile away. You can also shoot footage remotely, but the real breakthrough here is combining the highest-quality lenses and sensors for still ph otography with the gimbal-mounted freedom of a high-flying drone.

RELATED: The Best Personal Drones to Buy Now

The only caveat here is that, to start, only a select group of cameras will be compatible. According to the manufacturer, there's no easy way to enable full remote control of every mirrorless and DSLR, so its engineers have to tweak the software for individual makes and models. It's focusing on the most popular cameras first, such as Nikon DSLRs and Sony's A7Rii mirrorless units. And if you can't wait until the third quarter, a version with a static mount should be out in Q2. That seems to defeat the point of a drone-attached camera, though, since active gimbals reduce camera shake (and resulting blur), and give you more control over angles without having to pull fancy piloting tricks. The gimbal-mount seems well worth the wait. If and when Byrds take off, it could push the state of the art in drone photography, as well as push competitors to start mounting exi sting cameras on their own robots. And the Byrd will be a drone that not only fits in your backpack, but uses the camera you already love. [Pre-orders and price TBD; prodrone-tech.com]

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Source: A Drone You Can Fit in Your Backpack

Reader's Eye photo for Feb. 1: A snowy scene at UT

Posted: 8:34 a.m.

Mohammad Moniruzzaman used a Fujifilm X100 mirrorless camera to capture this snowy scene from his research lab on the Hill at the University of Tennessee.

"I am originally from Bangladesh and never experienced a real snowfall in my life before I came to Knoxville. ... The thing that fascinates me about snowfall is how quickly it can turn an otherwise mundane/everyday view into a surreal landscape. Few things are more enjoyable than a cup of coffee and a view like this," he said in an email.

See more of his work at www.talkativepictures.com.

Reader's Eye is a weekly feature that highlights amazing photos from our readers.

Reader's Eye photos are selected from uploads to our photo-sharing site: im.knoxnews.com.

Photo galleries:

Reader's Eye 2016

Reader's Eye 2015

Reader's Eye 2014

Reader's Eye 2013

Reader's Eye 2012

Reader's Eye 2011

Reader's Eye 2010

Reader's Eye 2009

Source: Reader's Eye photo for Feb. 1: A snowy scene at UT