The Phoblographer

The Phoblographer

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The Phoblographer episodes

  • Do You Think We're Ever Going to See The Canon G1x Mk IV?
    We’re streaming daily on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, and Spotify!
    There is one compact camera that I constantly find myself drooling over. That camera is the Canon G1x Mk III. Somehow or another, Canon made an almost perfect high-end compact camera. But in typical Canon ways of old, they found a way to slap consumers in the face. I look at it all the time on eBay. Many times I’ve almost pulled the trigger, but I haven’t yet. There are a fair amount of solid luxury compact cameras on the market, but if the Canon G1x Mk IV ever comes along, it could wipe the floor with the competition.
    If you’re paying attention, these photos are of the original Canon G1x. Now, imagine this with me, if you will. The Canon G1x Mk IV could be exactly this:
    A 30.3 Megapixel full-frame sensor. The same one in the Canon EOS R and the Canon 5D Mk IV.
    Full weather sealing. The Mk III version has this.
    A joystick
    The large touchscreen that the Mk III version has
    A variant of the pancake Canon 40mm f2.8 lens for the EF mount
    Autofocus that’s on the Canon RF camera lineup
    EVF
    A body style like the Canon Canonet QL-17
    Leaf shutter
    Black, silver and brown, or white color variants.
    Control rings around the lens, on top, and on the back of the camera
    YouTube live capabilities
    Headphone jack and microphone jack
    Hot shoe for flashes
    Do I have your attention yet? I mean, wouldn’t this concept of the Canon G1x Mk IV be the coolest camera ever? Wouldn’t it really stand out from the Fujifilm X100v and the Ricoh GR III? And wouldn’t it also still be different enough from the Sony Rx1r Mk II and the Leica Q2? I’d buy it for sure.
    Canon will most likely not make a rangefinder-style camera though. It’s very rare of them to do that in their history of digital cameras. So even if it’s SLR style, that would be cool. But the Canon G1x Mk IV is a compact camera. And it should really strive to be that way as much as possible. Heck, I wouldn’t even really need a viewfinder necessarily. But a flippy or a tilting screen would be mandatory. I’d have a ton of fun shooting TLR-style with a camera like this.
    Most importantly, this is something that I really would want. It’s evident in sales that folks are sort of burned out on getting the same thing over and over again. So why not try something different? When I used the Hasselblad 907x 50C, I was reminded of how great ergonomics really can be. Tack onto that the styling of a camera. It’s about time Canon embraces this even more. If possible, my romantic idea of the Canon G1x Mk IV would sell very well. Think of the Instagram camera porn you’d see!
    Now, let’s say I’m dreaming a bit too much here. And let’s do an APS-C variant of the Canon G1x Mk IV. It would need to be something similar but with fewer megapixels in the sensor. Canon’s EOS M lineup already feels nice in the hands, but it’s probably about time to retire that camera series. It served its role very well. However, everyone wants a full-frame camera now. And if they’re not reaching for full-frame, the APS-C lineup needs to try much harder. As it is, not a single EOS-M camera is weather sealed and there are no weather-sealed lenses either.
    Canon, I know you read this site very often. Please consider this for the Canon G1x Mk IV.
    5 min
  • Sony, Fujifilm Top the List of the Most Popular Cameras in January 2021
    You guys and gals have been busy adding these popular cameras to your personal collections!
    We’ve made it through the first month of January 2021! Wow, this month has just blown by! There were only a few sales on cameras during January. Still, that didn’t stop you, our readers, from adding new gear to your collections. At the end of every month, we take a quick look at the most popular cameras among our readers. How do we decide which cameras are the most popular? We look at our sales data to see which cameras have sold the most. This month, APS-C cameras seem to be king of the castle. Find out which models of popular cameras have found new homes during January.
    Sony a6100
    In our review, we said:
    “Sony claims that the Sony a6100 features the fastest autofocus system in the world and that the camera can find focus in just 0.02 seconds. I have to say that they may just be right. While the AF system is nowhere near as advanced as the systems found in the a7 III, a7r IV, or the a9 II, this little camera has seriously impressed me. Having autofocus as good as this in a camera at this price point is unheard of.”
    Brett Day – Gear Editor
    Buy now: $748
    Sony a7c
    In our review, we said:
    “This camera spits out really beautiful JPEGs. For the best results, set your color profile to Clear or Deep. In most situations, you’ll really like the JPEG files. With Sony’s own lenses, the images are very saturated.”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $1,798
    Fujifilm X-T200
    In our review, we said:
    “When it comes to JPEGS, nobody does them better than Fujifilm. During the review, I started out shooting RAW files so I could get a feel for them, but after a short while, I switched to JPEG, utilized the film simulations, and never looked back. If you want a camera that you can just pick up, use, and revel in the glory of delicious JPEGs, this may be the camera for you.”
    Brett Day – Gear Editor
    Buy now: $699
    Pro Tip: No matter how much money you spend, you’re going to want to keep your camera nice and clean. If you neglect them, well, these popular cameras (well, any cameras) will give up the ghost. We always recommend that you wipe down your camera every time you go to use it. We also recommend you give it a deeper clean every couple of weeks. You don’t need to spend a fortune on a cleaning kit either. This one has everything you need, and it’s under $15!
    Fujifilm X100V
    In our review, we said:
    “The Fujifilm X100v is the closest thing that we have to a perfect point and shoot on the market. It has great autofocus capabilities, wonderful image quality, weather sealing, a revamped lens, and a simple interface. What more could you need?”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $1,399
    Sony A6000
    In our review, we said:
    “The Sony A6000 hands down has what could arguably be called the best autofocusing system out there. While it isn’t the fastest, it by far is the smartest and the most responsive–putting some DSLRs to shame in our tests for sure.”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $648
    4 min
  • The Sony a9 III Will Have to Make the Sony A1 Look Slow
    Since the Olympics are canceled again, we’re sure the Sony a9 III will be coming next year.
    Last year, the Sony a9 II hit the market. Sony was trying to get it out before the Olympics happened. But because of the global pandemic, the event never occurred. This year, the Olympics don’t seem to be happening again. So Sony has more time to respond to the market. This makes me think that the Sony a9 III is coming next year. So how will Sony one-up themselves after the Sony a1?
    The Sony a9 III will, first off, need to be a speed demon. The Sony a9 II already shoots 20fps at 24MP. The Sony a1 shoots 50MP images at 30 frames a second. Then, my thoughts and predictions are that the Sony a9 III will be a 36MP camera that can shoot 40, 50, or 60 frames a second. Combine that with the awesome autofocus tracking, and you might as well shoot on auto. The work will be incredibly easy for any photographer using their cameras.
    Sony will also need to support their system with more lenses. Sports and wildlife photographers need more of those. Additionally, Sony will also need to do something different. What about a 200-500mm f2.8 lens? Sigma did that many years ago. Alternatively, the idea of another 1200mm prime lens is attractive too! Canon had a 1200mm f5.6 lens that was super expensive and very rare. It took a year to grow the crystal and still stands as a great story to tell.
    But as Sony always tells us, there are tons of rich people who want their cameras too. Those folks don’t know what they’re doing. And with a Sony a9 III, lots more will be possible. Sony, of course, is Minolta. And Minolta had an old 70-200mm beer can lens. Now here’s my logic: The Sony a1 can track and autofocus a lens at f22. If that camera can do that, then the Sony a9 III in the hands of a rich photographer could do well with a new 70-200mm f4 of some sort. In fact, pretty much any camera can do that now.
    Sony surely changed the game and the industry with the Sony a1. And we applaud them. Our industry desperately needs innovation. And more importantly, I think our industry needs those higher prices. One can’t say that the $6,500 price tag attached to the Sony a1 isn’t justified. It surely is. Where are you going to get a camera performance like that? Truthfully, nowhere. And the biggest innovations are coming from Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and in some ways, Leica.
    More importantly, Sony is doing what we believed was coming for a while. They’re all done with the 24MP sensor, hopefully. And the lower end of the cameras is going to shift upward. They’re going to need to move into the 30MP range and make that super fast. That’s also one of the only ways that 8K video will be possible. And we don’t really see that happening with APS-C cameras any time soon.
    We’re excited to see what Sony does with the a9 series. The Sony a9 III needs to be a mighty camera in terms of speed. But something that’s going to confuse customers is the naming. If the Sony a9 was higher than the Sony a7 series, why is the Sony a1 the flagship? And is it possible to have a Sony a1s instead of an a9 III? We’re going to need to see what Sony does here. At the moment, even as a journalist, I’m perplexed with their naming convention.
    4 min
  • A Preference of Old or New: Modern Lenses or Vintage Glass?
    In Pro Camera Reviews, we recently discussed our preferences with vintage glass and modern lenses.
    We’ve often complained about the lack of character in modern camera lenses. Manufacturers engineer the character out of them to make them clinical. While some folks prefer the look of vintage lenses, other photographers like what modern lenses do. Then they just make adjustments in post-production later. And we discussed that in our recent episode of Pro Camera Reviews.
    In This Episode:
    Which Do You Prefer? Modern Lenses or Vintage Glass?
    Last week we had a great discussion about our favorite cameras to use for fun. As great as cameras are though, we all know that they are nothing without lenses. Today, many photographers prefer to use modern lenses on their cameras because of their ability to create blemish-free images, while some photographers prefer to use vintage glass to create unique images. Join us as we talk about our favorite lenses to use on our cameras. We’ll also talk about some of our favorite lenses from the past year.
    On the Next Episode
    Canon R5, Sony a1 or Fujifilm GFX 100s: Which One?: Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm are at the top of the innovation game right now. And we’re going to break down their three top cameras. We’ll weigh them by their lens systems, autofocus, build quality, ease of use, image quality, and talk about their innovations. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on which camera to buy. Yes, they’re all expensive, but let’s be honest; photography is an expensive hobby and profession!
    What Are Speed Boosters? First Impressions of Hasselblad’s XH 0.8 Converter: Most photographers know about teleconverters and what they do. However, fewer photographers know about speed boosters and what they can do. In this episode of Pro Camera Reviews, we will take a quick look at what these converters are, what they do, and their pros and cons. We will also give a first impressions look at the new Hasselblad XH 0.8 converter (speed booster) that allows Hasselblad H lenses to be used on Hasselblad X mount bodies like the X1 D II and the 907X.
    About Pro Camera Reviews
    Pro Camera Reviews happens every Sunday. Sign up to join us! Please Register here.
    Pro Camera Reviews is a web show by the Reviews Team of The Phoblographer. Join them as they candidly discuss the products they’re actively reviewing and the gear they’ve just reviewed. Open Q and A from the audience towards the end of the show. Every Sunday at 7pm EST.
    Please register here.
    If you’re looking for a fun time while staying safe, we strongly recommend that you tune in for Pro Camera Reviews. It’s a weekly show where the staff tackles a couple of issues in the Photo World. They mostly pertain to cameras and lenses, but sometimes things get a bit more serious. This is partly because we still feel that we need to be educators and leaders in this space. Additionally, we also need to be responsible. Episodes are done on Zoom and are recorded. They’re Live Streamed to our Facebook Page, then shared on Flipboard TV and YouTube. We recommend that you subscribe to us on Youtube to keep up.
    4 min
  • This One Way Mirrored Filter Will Help Portrait Photographers
    This mirrored filter is innovative and will help solve some common problems.
    We absolutely love new products that add a new twist on things. We love it even more when somebody takes a product that seemingly can’t be improved upon much more, and they find a way to make their offering stand out from the crowd. This is exactly what the folks at Exelence Brilliance Indesign have done. Their new Kickstarter campaign is for a new, one way mirrored filter that also acts as a polarizer. They have created this to help portrait photographers and videographers get the shots they need and want with ease. This product will surely solve some problems: we just hope it won’t create another. Join us after the break to find out more.
    The new filter, which has been dubbed the R-Filter, is the world’s first patented mirrored camera filter that will work with lenses on DSLR and Mirrorless systems. The idea behind it is simple. The mirrored finish will allow videographers to see how they look while they are standing in front of their camera, and it will allow models to see how they look while they are having their pictures taken. Being a one-way mirror, the filter will not stop you (the photographer) from seeing what is happening. For you, it will just appear that you have a polarizer attached to your lens. That’s honestly pretty genius.
    So far, the new R-Filter will only be available in one size. So if you shoot with anything other than a lens with an 82mm filter thread, you’ll have to use step-up or step-down rings. The filter itself is made from aluminum and will apparently spin smoothly thanks to an inner groove-bearing. The Filter will also improve flaring too, which you will be able to use creatively.
    You Still Need to Be in Control
    As you can see, this filter may well help out quite a few creators. Being able to see yourself in the lens will help videographers who don’t have access to a camera with a flippy screen. Models will be able to see how they look while in front of the camera. However, we have to stress that this does not mean you get to step back as a photographer; you still need to the one in control of the shoot. You’ll still need to be directing and posing. You cannot think your subjects can take control now that they can see their reflection. A filter like this will be a great tool, but you still have your work to do. If you pick one up, definitely use it as an aid, but don’t let it be a replacement for your voice and vision.
    The R-Filter from Exelence Brilliance Indesign will cost just $50 for those that get in on the Kickstarter early. That price will also net you some step rings as well. The expected ship date is June 2021. Head on over to their Kickstarter page for more information.
    3 min
  • Think Tank's New Retrospective 50 Duffel Is an Anti-Camera Bag
    The Retrospective 50 Duffel is an interesting bag, seeing as Thinktank says they’re on the lookout for photographers.
    We love camera bags here at The Phoblographer. In fact, we have one of the largest camera bag review sections out there. So, it’s easy to say that we usually get very excited about new camera bag announcements. Still, an email that arrived at our virtual doorstep this morning stumped us. Think Tank has made some solid camera bags in the past. They pride themselves on studying how photographers work and developing inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs. The Retrospective 50 duffel, though, has members of the team here scratching their heads. We’ll take a closer look at the bag after the break.
    The Retrospective 50 Duffel Specs
    Durable water-repellant (DWR) coating
    Sand-washed 100% cotton canvas
    YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers
    Antique plated metal hardware
    Ribbed nylon webbing
    Full-grain Dakota leather
    3-ply bonded nylon thread
    21.5” W x 13” D (54.7 x 33 cm)
    Capacity: 50 Liters
    Weight: 2.9 lbs. (1.3 kg) including all accessories
    Overall, from the specs, it’s a great sounding bag. I will say this off the bat about the new Think Tank Retrospective 50 Duffel bag: Think Tank does not claim that this is a camera bag. (At least none of the marketing I have seen calls is a camera bag.) I’ll also say that I actually like the way it looks as far as duffel bags go. I love the color scheme. I like the overall styling, the fixtures, and the fact that it is bad-weather friendly. The Retrospective 50 Duffel is even reasonably priced at $149.75. Still, I’m not sure how this bag fits in with their current lineup, which is targeted directly at photographers.
    Who’s It For?
    This is a tough question, really. It’s definitely not for photographers. In fact, it’s an anti-camera bag. If you’re looking for an actual camera bag, you’d be better off looking at the other bags in the retrospective lineup. You can even look at duffel options from WANDRD, Shimoda, and others. Apart from an outer zipper (pictured above) that shows you can store an external hard drive, among other things, the Retrospective 50 Duffel has no place in a photographer’s collection. This is most definitely a bag for those who want a lifestyle bag that will match an existing Retrospective backpack or messenger bag. Still, I suppose you could use it to carry lighting gear. However, this bag is more about everyday life than a day in a photographer’s life.
    So, in summary. For us, this is an odd bag to have been released by Think Tank. They have exclusively made solid camera bags up until this point. The Retrospective 50 duffel is a major outlier here. It looks like a nice bag, don’t get us wrong. Still, we’re not sure why photographers or creators would reach out for this bag. Unless you have a sand-washed Retrospective camera bag and you want an identical set, we just don’t see it. The new Think Tank Retrospective 50 duffel is available now from Amazon for $149.75.
    4 min
  • The Story of the Rare $10,000 Golden Pentax LX Camera
    The Pentax LX was a really cool camera, and it comes in gold!
    We try to find really, really cool things here on The Phoblographer. Our Vintage series is all about that. And the latest search bore quite a bit of fruit. At the same time, it’s also the ultimate paradox. We can all agree that this is a camera you’d never want to bring outside with you. Instead, it would stay in a safe or under some thick glass. But if you know anything about the Pentax LX, you’d wonder why they did this. Another part of your brain might lust for it.
    You see, the Pentax LX isn’t a normal Pentax SLR camera. Part of what made it revolutionary is the weather sealing. The Pentax LX is today hailed as a testament to weather sealing. If you’re looking for a weather-resistant film camera, this is to one to reach for, according to Casual photophile. If you get a really good one, you’ll be fortunate. Canon and Nikon have them too, but not at this price.
    This begins the odd paradox we have. Pentax did the cool thing of creating a special edition. Special edition cameras are always fun and cool. I’ve bought a few over the years. If you want to stand out from the crowd, they’re the way to go. But this special edition Pentax LX is made of gold. According to MIR, it’s an 18 Karat gold with brown lizard leather. It was created to celebrate a sales milestone.
    The Pentax LX is on our list of popular Pentax cameras everyone should own. We stated:
    “Introduced in 1980, the Pentax LX was the company’s top-of-the-line manual focus camera, and was their only attempt at entering the professional 35mm SLR camera market according to camera-wiki.org. Apart from the vast selection of K-mount SMC lenses, it also used a dedicated series of accessories like interchangeable viewfinders and viewfinder screens. Some notable features, as cited by Wikipedia, include manual and aperture priority exposure modes, mirror lock-up, self-timer, depth of field preview, horizontal-running titanium shutter curtains, off-the-film-plane TTL metering, and “Magic Needles” film take-up spool that simplified film loading. The camera body, aside from being smaller and lighter than rivals like Canon New F-1 or Nikon F3, also had water and dust protection. All these features made it one of the finest mechanical 35mm SLR cameras ever made.”
    What we have here from user breguetcamera is just that paradox. It’s the golden Pentax LX with a 50mm f1.2 lens. Better yet, it’s stated to be in nearly perfect condition. That justifies the $10K+ price tag. Granted, we found a few small scratches. But in my opinion, if anyone is literally pixel peeping your camera, you need to tell them to back off.
    If you get this camera, I probably wouldn’t go ahead and use it. Instead, go for another Pentax LX and score a weather-resistant lens too. They’re far cheaper. Going for the gold is part of a treasure hunt. You’re finding something scarce that wasn’t highly made. This is, in some ways, a keepsake to pass down within the family. One day, your spawn might end up on the Antiques Roadshow. They’ll be talking about the camera the same way people do with watches. Your collection could make them a lot of money in some tough financial times.
    All images from the listing by breguetcamera.
    4 min
  • 10 Photography Gifts Under $400 for Your Loved One on Valentine's Day
    Here are some great photography gifts for the special photographer in your life.
    Do you have a special person in your life who happens to be a photographer? If you’re on the hunt for a gift for your loved one Valentine’s Day, you’ve come to the right place. We have rounded up 10 photography gifts any photographer would love. We’ve suggested everything from filters to tripods and camera bags to fun cameras you’ll be able to use together. Jump on past the break to see some hot photography gifts to consider picking up for your loved one this Valentine’s day.
    Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System
    In our review, we said:
    “Modern cameras and lenses can sometimes be too sharp and clinical. They lack the imperfections that sometimes give images unique optical characteristics. As a photographer who occasionally likes to introduce distortions and other lighting effects into my photos for added visual impact, the Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System allows it with ease and without having to juggle between different crystals and prisms in one hand while holding a camera in the other.”
    Buy now small: $99.95
    Buy now large: $99.95
    HY Magnetic Filter Holder System
    In our review, we said:
    “H&Y knocked it out of the park with its K-Series Magnetic Filter Holder System. It marries innovative design with exceptional build quality. It’s a worthy investment for photographers in need of a versatile filter system.”
    Buy now: $185
    Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay
    In our review, we said:
    “For approximately $160, you’re getting solid image quality along with printability in a super small size from the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay. I can’t really find fault with it. It’s a beautiful camera that is simple to use.”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $159
    Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
    In our review, we said:
    “For only a bit less than $130, you’re getting a solid camera. I like it. It’s plain. It’s everything most people will need. I really wish there was an option with full manual controls, but there isn’t. However, if you just want something for fun, the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is the way to go.
    Buy now: $81.99
    Tenba DNA 15 Messenger Bag
    In our review, we said:
    “This bag is just about perfect for those who like to travel light, and the fact that it is TSA compliant is a huge bonus. Photographers who love going on photo walks with a small amount of gear will appreciate how comfortable the bag is, and for those who like to carry larger lenses (think 70-200mm f2.8), like sports or portrait photographers, you’ll appreciate how versatile this bag is.”
    Brett Day – Gear Editor
    Buy now: $139.99
    Don’t forget that books also make great gifts. There are tons of photography books that cover a wide range of topics from street photography to wildlife photography, and portraiture to photography culture. Be sure to consider some of the books here as they too are great photography gifts.
    BAGSMART Camera Backpack
    In our review, we said:
    “This is a fantastic camera bag all around. It can hold a lot of stuff, protect your gear, give you ample yet safe access, and is comfortable enough in most instances. It can also hold a heck of a lot of stuff. Whether you’re hiking or going about your business in the city, the BAGSMART Camera Backpack is a solid choice.”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $59.99
    Datacolor SpyderX Elite
    In our review, we said:
    ““The full calibration doesn’t take very long – in fact I’m very pleased to say this is the fastest Spyder I’ve ever worked with and is true to the company’s claims. It’s a major breath of fresh air.”
    Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
    Buy now: $248.17
    Wacom Intuos Pro Creative Pen Tablet – Small
    In our review, we said:
    “If you have always wanted to have extra control over the edits you make to your images and don’t want to spend a ton of money on a tablet, the Wacom Intuos Pro Small might just be what you’ve been looking for. This tablet is feature-packed for...
    6 min
  • There's A Big Need for Faster Glass on Fujifilm's GFX Cameras
    Current GF lenses for Fujifilm GFX cameras are fantastic, but there’s a serious lack of fast glass, and that needs to be changed.
    We absolutely love Fujifilm GFX cameras. We applaud them for their innovation. What’s not to love? The image quality that comes out of the almost Medium Format sized sensors is brilliant. We also dig the GF mount lenses currently available. However, as great as the lenses are, there’s a big need for fast glass on the platform. Fortunately, IRIX has seen the need for speed, and they have made a new fast prime that we think will be well received. Head on past the break to find out about the new IRIX lens and to see why we think Fujifilm needs to start innovating when it comes to their GF lenses.
    The news about the new IRIX 45mm f1.4 Dragonfly was recently shared by Videomaker. This prime lens for Fujifilm GFX cameras will have an equivalent 35mm focal length of 36mm, and an aperture with the equivalent value of roughly f1.2. In true IRIX fashion, this will be a manual focusing lens. It will also have the same weather sealing we have sung praises about in the past. The lens will have a 9-bladed design and will feature eleven elements in nine groups. IRIX also states that this lens will make full use of the 102 Megapixel sensor found in the Fujifilm GFX 100. The IRIX lens will set you back $1,022, and it is available now.
    This is fantastic news for current owners of Fujifilm GFX cameras. IRIX has shown that it is indeed possible for there to be nice, fast glass on this platform. They’ve also demonstrated that they can keep the size down too. The issue of fast glass, or a lack of it, is not just one that plagues Fujifilm Medium Format cameras. To date, you can count on one hand the number of lenses across multiple Medium Format platforms with aperture speeds faster than f2. At the time of writing this, the fastest Fujifilm branded lens for GFX cameras is the GF110mm f2 R WR. This, of course, is a brilliant lens for portraits, but we have always wanted greater depth of field and more bokeh from GF lenses.
    It’s Time to Step Up, Fujifilm
    We have zero doubt that Fujifilm can create even faster lenses than they already have for their GFX cameras. If they do this, they will likely find that many more photographers will seriously consider making the jump, especially portrait photographers who want to mix Medium Format goodness with beautiful shallow depths of field. If Fujifilm really wants their GFX cameras to become more mainstream, they will have to start innovating in the lens space. They will also have to find a way to bring the size down a tad and include top-tier weather sealing. We’re hoping we see more fast lenses going forward.
    4 min
  • Leica Basically Put Adobe Upright Into Some of Their Cameras
    Some of the Leica M Mount cameras will get the new perspective control.
    If you’re the owner of certain Leica M cameras, you’re getting a surprise soon! Leica is basically putting Adobe Upright into these cameras. They’re calling it perspective control. That less distortion when you mount your 21mm f1.4 Summilux on the camera. Specifically, this is coming to the Leica M10R, Leica M10P, and Leica M10 Monochrom. Why these cameras specifically? It’s all in how it works.
    In a meeting with the Phoblographer, Leica’s reps told us that it’s based on the horizon level. The new firmware update will take information from that and apply it to the photo. Lots of the other M cameras don’t have a horizon level. We asked if it will come to other cameras, and they’re not sure yet. But the cool thing about this is that it will apply to both JPEGs and DNG raws.
    Here’s an important tidbit from Leica’s firmware notes:
    “Perspective Control helps to achieve a generally straighter vertical line and straight horizon, which ensures a natural image effect, specifically in architectural images. The function “Perspective Control” calculates the image section and the required distortion correction based on the actual panning angles of the camera and the lens used. In effect, the camera orientation during recording (determined by internal camera sensors) is the decisive factor and not the lines visible in the image object. The function is therefore unlike automatic perspective control features used for post-editing, which are generally based on the image content.”
    We saw a few examples and thought they were very apparent. This kind of stuff you’d only otherwise get in post-production. Leica also noted that it crops the image a bit, and you lose some resolution. But that’s the same as doing it in post-production. For that reason, it’s probably best to use Perspective Control with the Leica M10 Monochrom and Leica M10R.
    Leica’s notes also state that the camera has to know the focal length. With that said, it’s going to work best if your lens has electronic contacts. But if you have another lens, you’ll enter the number manually.
    Leica and Adobe have worked together for a while. And given their relationship, I’m sure there’s been some help from Adobe here. It’s a nice feature, and a further step than other companies take. What’s more, some cameras do things like add Capture One features inside of them. Of course, those are only for Phase One cameras. But I could see that happening more in the future. A few years ago, we got the addition of clarity to lots of cameras. And that was super exciting. To this day, I still use it with my Fujifilm X Pro 3. Whatever I can do to edit less helps a whole lot. And the perspective control feature will help photographers do just that. More importantly, it will mean you can just focus on shooting.
    Considering who uses Leica cameras, I don’t think everyone will use this. If you’re a travel photographer or a photojournalist, you’ll use it. Ethically speaking, I don’t think that this is against the values of most wires. And if you’re just a passionate hobbyist, it won’t matter. But it’s another tool that you can use. If you own any of these cameras, go give it a shot. You’ll enjoy it.
    4 min

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The Phoblographer champions authenticity in its product reviews and holistically throughout its conversations with photographers.