New Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 II zoom lens coming in mid May!

Two trusted sources confirmed the following info:

  • New Sigma announcement in mid May
  • We will get the redesigned 24-70mm f/2.8 II Full Frame lens for Sony E and Leica L
  • The new lens is more compact, optically sharper, has better color rendition, improved AF performance than it’s predecessor

I have been told that the reason why Sigma is launching a new version is because they want to be able to compete with the excellent Sony 24-70mm GMII. And they also gave me another interesting tidbit: The Sigma 24-70mm is their most popular lens. Sigma wants to keep it that way!

I am working to get some additional details on the pricing and exact release date. Stay tuned!

Now available: New Peak Design Coyote Straps

Peak Design announced the new Coyote straps you can get now at Amazon (hover the product image and click on “Add cart”), Peakdesign and BHphoto.

These are well-known straps with a unique Anchor mount that allows for quick addition/removal of the strap. And it’s not just a new color version: The Coyote leash and strap contain 35 percent recycled nylon. A first step toward a “greener” product range.
The strap is capable of supporting up to 90k, so it is super strong and is designed to distribute the weight around the neck in a way that doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Topazlabs now launched a new website showing off the features of their AI apps

Topaz recently released the brand new Photo Ai 3.0 (click here). Now it has also completely revamped its website so that you can get a better overview of all the features. Take a look at the presentation pages: Photo Ai, Video AI, GigaPixel AI.

One more related news: PetaPixel tested all most known upscalers and claims GigaPixel AI is the best:

Overall, I was most impressed with Gigapixel AI. The results for the low-resolution file are especially excellent, far surpassing my expectations. It produces excellent levels of detail with minimal (or no) additional artifacts, even when going beyond 2x. I also enjoyed the UI of Gigapixel AI more than the other programs. It was clean, modern, and simple to use with an ideal way of seeing the preview of the upscaled images.

Panasonic will announce an “unexpected” new Lumix camera in May!

Finally I got some good news from a trusted source. He told me this:

  • One new Lumix camera will be announced in May
  • It will be a completely “new kind of model”

The source has not yet provided any details about what this camera will be. But certainly do not expect a successor to a current model. We can only speculate that it could be a new fixed-lens camera, a Vlogger model, or perhaps a compact camera with an L FF mount. What do you wish for?

Anyway stay tuned…I might be able to get some more details soon 😉

Just announced: New Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash

The new Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash is now already in Stock at Amazon, BHphoto and Adorama.

Key Features:

  • Color Touchscreen
    Simply swipe or tap to switch between modes or adjust settings swiftly.
  • One-Tap Wireless Sync with X3
    Lux Master can work seamlessly with triggers like X3, XproII and X2T. Pairing with the X3 is a breeze like never before-just tap the wireless sync on the X3 and tap the sync icon on Lux Master, and they’ll synchronize wirelessly in an instant.
  • Supports TTL
    While maintaining its retro-styled appearance, Lux Master offers modern convenience with TTL auto flash, ensuring effortless and accurate flash exposure. Moreover, Lux Master also supports stroboscopic flash, front curtain sync and rear curtain sync, as well as High-Speed Sync.
  • Tiltable Flash Head for Bounce Flash
    Lux Master features a tiltable flash head adjustable from 0 to 90 degrees.
    Valuable replaceable reflectors
    In auto flash mode, simply tap the reflector icon to switch among four reflector types and adjust corresponding parameters such as aperture and ISO.
  • 460 Full Power Flashes
    With its built-in 7.2V 2980mAh lithium battery, Lux Master delivers strong power output, offering up to 460 full-power flashes.
  • Built-in Lithium Battery, Type-C Charging
    Recharging is quick and easy with the USB-C port, with a charging time of approximately 2 hours.

Upcoming: Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF II L-mount lens listed in Australia

The Australian store Georges already listed the upcoming Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF II lens. The price is 728 ASUD which is about 470 USD. The lens comprises 13 elements arranged in 9 groups, featuring 4 extra-low dispersion (ED) glasses and 2 aspherical glasses.

On the stores page you can find some image samples shot with this lens. I guess this means the lens will be announced within days!

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Thanks to the tipster!

Lumix S5II/x firmware update officially released!

You cina now download and install the new firmware!

Benefits:

  1. Compatible with Frame.io Camera to Cloud
    – By connecting the camera to the internet via Wi-Fi, you can upload still images and proxy videos directly to the Frame.io platform.

    * This does not guarantee all of the functions of “Frame.io Camera to Cloud”.
  2. [Proxy Recording] function has been added
    – A proxy video with a low bit rate can also be recorded simultaneously during video recording.
  3. [SH PRE] function has been added
    – [SH PRE] function has been added, which enables recording of images for the set amount of time even between when the shutter button is pressed halfway until it is pressed fully when taking SH burst pictures.
  4. Automatic detection function has been enhanced
    – Tracking and recognition performance of human recognition have been improved.
    – It is possible to set [Target Parts] and detect eyes for [ANIMAL].
    – [CAR] and [MOTORCYCLE] have been added to automatic detection.
  5. Enhancement of Image Stabilizer performance
    – [HIGH] has been added to the E-Stabilization (Video) function, which electronically corrects large shakes when shooting on the move.
    – A perspective distortion correction has been added to correct distortion that tends to occur during video recording when using a wide-angle lens.
  6. Other improvement
    – There were cases where coloring such as reddish-purple occurs under certain conditions when shooting in Live View Composite mode. This phenomenon has been fixed.
    – Improved operational stability.