Kamlan 28mm f/1.4 Coming to Kickstarter and Future Roadmap

By Louis Ferreira | Published: May 31, 2018

Sainsonic is launching a new lens on Kickstarter the Kamlan 28mm f/1.4, but they also have a roadmap for some future lenses of interest in addition to their already broad range of Kamlan and Zonlai lenses that are available.

Q2 2018
21mm f1.8 APS-C

Q3
50mm f1.1 Mark2

Q4
32mm f1.3 APS-C
15mm f1.8 APS-C

These are some interesting focal lengths and apertures, to say the least, but Machang Optics lenses are relatively affordable so they are a good option for experimentation. Also, cheap Chinese lenses have gotten a lot better in recent years so there is no longer a reason to steer clear of them unless you’re obsessed with perfection.

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Panasonic G9, GH5, and GH5S Firmware Updates Released

By Louis Ferreira | Published: May 30, 2018


You can download the firmware updates for the Panasonic G9, GH5, and GH5S here.

Read More »

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Olympus’ New Multi-Storied Photodiode Sensor

By Louis Ferreira | Published: May 25, 2018


Olympus disclosed information about a new sensor they are working on in a paper Multiband Imaging CMOS Image Sensor with Multi-Storied Photodiode Structure that Image Sensor World stumbled upon:

“We developed a multiband imaging CMOS image sensor (CIS) with a multi-storied photodiode structure, which comprises two photodiode (PD) arrays that capture two different images, visible red, green, and blue (RGB) and near infrared (NIR) images at the same time. The sensor enables us to capture a wide variety of multiband images which is not limited to conventional visible RGB images taken with a Bayer filter or to invisible NIR images. Its wiring layers between two PD arrays can have an optically optimized effect by modifying its material and thickness on the bottom PD array. The incident light angle on the bottom PD depends on the thickness and structure of the wiring and bonding layer, and the structure can act as an optical filter. Its wide-range sensitivity and optimized optical filtering structure enable us to create the images of specific bands of light waves in addition to visible RGB images without designated pixels for IR among same pixel arrays without additional optical components. Our sensor will push the envelope of capturing a wide variety of multiband images.”

Posted in Olympus| 3 Comments

Viltrox EF to MFT Firmware Update 3.0 Released

By Louis Ferreira | Published: May 25, 2018


The Viltrox EF-M2 just received a firmware update that improved AF speed. You can download a copy here.

EF-M2 Version 3.0
Update Date: 2018-05-22
Update as follows:

1. Improved the auto focus speed in Olympus E-M1 and E-M1 II.
2. Improved the compatibility for BlackMagic Design.
3. Improved the stabilization for GH4. In picture mode, please turn off the lens IS when camera idle.

Attention: Please dismount the device when you upgrade.

Posted in 3rd Party Lens, Accessories| Tagged , | 5 Comments

Panasonic G9, GH5, GH5S Firmware Updates Coming May 30th

By Louis Ferreira | Published: May 23, 2018


Panasonic Japan announced some firmware updates coming soon and ephotozine clarified the improvements coming, which you can find below.

Lumix GH5 firmware version 2.3 key points: 

  • Improved AF performance – increased tracking AF performance allowing users to easily follow their subject while recording movies.
  • L.Monochrome D & Grain effect – The new L.monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings – a fantastic addition to the mank black and white options of Lumix cameras.
  • Live view boost – Viewfinder screen and LCD monitor can be displayed brighter than the image recorded, allowing users to check the composition in low light environments.
  • MF assist – More accurate manual focusing for stills or moving images, thanks to up to 20x magnification available in MF assist mode.
  • Night mode – Camera screen displays all information in red, so photographers and subjects are not disturbed by light emission.
  • Like 709 & V-LogL improvements – Like 709, V-Log L and V-Log L View Assist in Photo Style can now be used for still photo shooting and time lapse video. [LUT monitor Display] and [LUT HDMI Display] can be used in playback mode to check the appearance.

Lumix GH5S firmware version 1.1 key points: 

  • Improved AF performance – The autofocus for low light and low contrast shooting has been improved
  • L. Monochrome D & Grain Effect – The new L.monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings – a fantastic addition to the mank black and white options of Lumix cameras.
  • Enhanced sound quality – Sound quality has been improved by optimising the performance of the internal noise cancelling microphone.
  • Better control of video settings – Vector scope can be displayed on the screen while adjusting white balance.

Lumix G9 firmware version 1.1 key points:

  • Improved AF performance – Enhanced tracking AF performance allowing users to easily follow their subject while recording movies.
  • L. Monochrome D & Grain Effect – The new L.monochrome D captures even darker tones and greater contrast, with grain effects available in different strengths for all monochrome settings – a fantastic addition to the mank black and white options of Lumix cameras.
  • Live view boost – Viewfinder screen and LCD monitor can be displayed brighter than the image recorded, allowing users to check the composition in low-light environments and helping to frame their perfect shot.
  • MF assist – More accurate manual focusing for stills or moving images, thanks up to 20x magnification available in MF assist mode.
  • Improved high-resolution mode – Photographers will appreciate the expended aperture range of the G9’s high-resolution mode – from f/8 to f/11, and the improved motion correction.
  • Enhanced sound quality – Sound quality has been improved by optimising the performance of the internal noise cancelling microphone.
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