Nikon is accelerating it's expansion in the professional digital cinema camera market.
By: Nikon 
March 13, 2024 

Tokyo, Japan - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) hereby announces its entry into an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding membership interests of RED.com, LLC (RED) whereby RED will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nikon, pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Mr. James Jannard, its founder, and Mr. Jarred Land, its current President, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions thereunder.
 
Since its establishment in 2005, RED has been at the forefront of digital cinema cameras, introducing industry-defining products such as the original RED ONE 4K to the cutting-edge V-RAPTOR [X] with its proprietary RAW compression technology. RED's contributions to the film industry have not only earned it an Academy Award but have also made it the camera of choice for numerous Hollywood productions, celebrated by directors and cinematographers worldwide for its commitment to innovation and image quality optimized for the highest levels of filmmaking and video production.
 
This agreement was reached as a result of the mutual desires of Nikon and RED to meet the customers’ needs and offer exceptional user experiences that exceed expectations, merging the strengths of both companies. Nikon's expertise in product development, exceptional reliability, and know-how in image processing, as well as optical technology and user interface along with RED’s knowledge in cinema cameras, including unique image compression technology and color science, will enable the development of distinctive products in the professional digital cinema camera market.
 
Nikon will leverage this acquisition to expand the fast-growing professional digital cinema camera market, building on both companies' business foundations and networks, promising an exciting future of product development that will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in film and video production.
 
The new Viltrox 27mm f1.2 comes in Nikon z & Sony E mounts.
By: Mike Sullivan/RaceCanada.ca
February 27, 2024 

Viltrox has a new APS-C auto focus lens now available on their online store. (https://viltroxstore.com/products/viltrox-27mm-f1-2-e-z). The Viltrox 27mm f1.2 comes in Nikon Z and Sony E Mounts.
 
The lens is dubbed a "Large Aperture, Humanist Prime Lens" (whatever a "Humanist" Prime Lens is), intended for portrait, astro, landscape and architecture photography as well as video.
 
The AF 27mm F1.2 Pro lens is the second ultra-large aperture prime lens of the Pro flagship series launched by Viltrox after the AF 75mm F1.2 Pro. Continuing the amazing ultra-high resolution of the Pro series and F1.2 super large aperture for extremely pleasant bokeh. 
 
The Viltrox 27mm f1.2 lens is composed of 15 elements in 11 groups in a full metal body, brass electroplated connectors, with dust sealed rubber sealed loop mount and a USB Type C connector for firm wear updates. The lens weighs 605g for the Nikon and 565g for the Sony.
 
Controls on the lens body include AF/MF switch, on/off switch and focused lock buttons. 
 
It has a quiet STM stepper motor that gives high-speed autofocus, and supports eye AF, animal AF, and other recognition. 
 
It has a stepped aperture ring design
 
In the box:
1. Lens
2. Carrying Pouch
3. Lens Hood
4. Rear Cap
5. Lens Cap
6. User Manual
7. Warranty Card
 
Price from the Viltrox online store is $735.89 CDN / $545.00 US
 
24022702b
 
 
OM SYSTEMS announced the new OM-1 Mark II Micro Four Thrids camera and two new or updated lenses.
By: PR Newswire/B&H Photo
January 30, 2024 

New York, New York - B&H is pleased to introduce the new flagship camera and two lenses to OM SYSTEM's Micro Four Thirds lineup: the OM-1 Mark II camera, an updated M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II wide-angle zoom lens, and a versatile super-telephoto zoom M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens. The OM-1 Mark II's major updates lie in the realm of computational photography, with the introduction of the first Live Graduated ND function, along with a rugged build perfect for outdoor photography. Likewise, the two lenses show OM SYSTEM's commitment to outdoor and nature photography, representing solid optics choices for landscape and wildlife subjects.

OM-1 Mark II
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1806609-REG/om_system_v210040bu000_om_1_mark_ii_camera.html

Key Features

  • 20MP Stacked BSI Live MOS MFT Sensor
  • DCI/UHD 4K 60p 14-Bit Video Recording
  • 10 fps Shooting, 120 fps with E. Shutter
  • Cross Quad Pixel Phase-Detection AF
  • 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3.0" 1.62m-Dot Swivel Touchscreen LCD
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • High-Res Shot, Live ND & Composite Modes
  • IP53 Weather-Sealed & Freezeproof Design
  • Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots

 

The OM-1 Mark II camera is the new flagship model of the brand and feels very representative of OM's identity with its mixture of tech-forward computational imaging features along with a form factor that clearly points to an outdoorsy aesthetic. Some of the core specs are carried over from its predecessor, including the 20MP stacked BSI Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor and the TruePic X processor, to deliver the highest image quality in an OM SYSTEM body to date. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization system has received a slight boost and is now able to compensate for up to 8.5 stops of shake in-camera, while also supporting sync IS to work in conjunction with IS-enabled lenses.

 

One of the biggest updates this Mark II model brings is the addition of the first Live GND (Graduated Neutral Density) function. Much like the Live ND function that's still part of this camera, Live GND takes this digital filter simulation effect and allows you to apply it selectively to portions of the image frame, much like you would with an optical graduated ND filter—and you get to preview the effects of the filter in real time via the EVF or LCD to fine-tune any necessary exposure adjustments.

 

Among other computational modes, the OM-1 Mark II still sports the 80MP Tripod High Res Shot and 50MP Handheld High Res Shot modes, as well as the Live Composite and Focus Stacking modes. Pro Capture mode is supported, too, and an improved buffer now permits recording for approximately 99 frames prior to releasing the shutter, compared to the 70 frames the original OM-1 was able to buffer. In terms of real continuous shooting speeds, the original OM-1 was already arguably too fast, and the Mark II keeps the same top 120 fps shooting speed with fixed AF/AE or 50 fps rate with AF/AE tracking.

 

Another notable improvement over the first gen camera, the OM-1 Mark II also gains enhanced AI Detection AF that offers improved subject recognition for a variety of subject types, including humans, cars, motorcycles, airplanes, birds, and other animals like cats and dogs. Using the tuned processing, subject recognition is more rapid and accurate than before, making it better able to lock onto and follow subjects moving through the scene.

 

The final distinguisher of the OM-1 Mark II is its physical construction; this is a durable, IP53-rated system offering reliable performance in harsh conditions. It's dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof down to 14°F, and ergonomics have been reshaped for better finger grip on dial surfaces. The viewfinder is a 5.76m-dot OLED with 0.83x magnification and anti-fog coating, and the OLED has a 120-fps refresh rate for realistic motion portrayal. 

 

M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm g/5-6.3 IS Super Telephoto Lens
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1806611-REG/om_system_v335930bw000_m_zuiko_digital_ed_150_600mm.html

Key Features

  • Micro Four Thirds System | f/5-6.3
  • 300-1200mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • Sync Image Stabilization
  • Four Super ED Lens Elements
  • Weather-Resistant Construction
  • Fluorine Coating

 

M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II Zoom Lens
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1806612-REG/om_system_v335940bw000_m_zuiko_9_18mm_f4_0_5_6_ii.htm

 

The wider of the two new lenses is the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 II zoom, an 18-36mm-equivalent ultra-wide option prioritizing a small, lightweight package with close-focusing performance. This is a lens that's clearly pointed at the landscape and nature photographer. With a barrel that's retractable to just under 2" long and weighing 5.4 oz, it's an ideal choice for backpacking or hiking while taking in expansive views. It has also been redesigned from its previous Olympus-branded iteration, and features a new color scheme, updated knurling, and includes a new petal-shaped lens hood.

 

At the opposite end of the focal length spectrum is the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS, an impressive 300-1200mm equivalent super-telephoto zoom that's going to be the go-to option for birders and wildlife photographers in the system. This lens measures 10.4" long, weighs 4.6 lb, features its own 7 stop-effective IS system, and is compatible with 5-axis sync IS, to make handheld shooting a real possibility.

 

As one would expect from a super-telephoto, the 150-600mm is IPX1-rated with a splash- and dust-resistant housing that excels in rainy, harsh climates—along with a front fluorine coating to make cleaning the front element a breeze. Regarding handling, shooters can customize the zoom ring torque, lock down the zoom position during travel, and set a Focus Limiter for quicker focusing performance.

 

Learn more about the OM System OM 1 II Camera and Lenses at B&H Explora
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/news/om-system-announces-om-1-mark-ii-camera-9-18mm-and-150-600mm-lenses

 

OM System OM1 Marke II Camera and Lenses - First Look YouTube Video 
https://youtu.be/LNlzCgWA3kQ

 

About B&H Photo Video

As the world's largest source of photography, video, and audio equipment, as well as computers, drones, and home and portable entertainment, B&H is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force and excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 50 years. 

 

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

 

When you're in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The techno-carousel spins all year round at the counters and kiosks at B&H. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest gear.

 
NASA receives multiple physically unmodified Z9 cameras for conducting research and documenting life aboard the International Space Station.
By: Nikon
February 8, 2024 

Tokyo, Japan - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that the Nikon Z 9 was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in January, helping NASA astronauts capture the iconic and breathtaking images of Earth and space in stellar quality and clarity. This is a landmark achievement for the Nikon Z series, as this will be Nikon's first mirrorless camera used by the space station crew.
 
Multiple Z 9 bodies along with an impressive selection of NIKKOR Z lenses have been sent to the orbiting laboratory on the 20th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft, carried on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on January 30th, 2024. The Z 9 uses the latest mirrorless technology and is replacing the current inventory of Nikon D6 and D5 digital SLR cameras on the space station, with the D5 in service since 2017.
 
Since the Apollo 15 mission more than 50 years ago, Nikon cameras and lenses have been used by NASA for space exploration on various missions and the space shuttles. Starting in 1999, Nikon cameras (the Nikon F5) and NIKKOR lenses have been used aboard the orbiting laboratory to aid in scientific research, maintenance, and aiding astronauts capturing the iconic images of Earth, the heavens, and beyond. The gear is used both inside the space station, but also in the unrelenting vacuum of space in a special "blanket" developed by NASA. In 2008, NASA took delivery of the D2XS digital SLR, and in 2013, 38 Nikon D4 digital SLR cameras and 64 NIKKOR lenses were delivered to the space station crew.
 
The Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras launched in 2018, and since then has benefitted from the latest innovation, constant firmware updates and a rapidly expanding line of NIKKOR Z lenses. The Z 9 is Nikon's flagship mirrorless full frame camera, well regarded for its extremely robust build, unwavering reliability for professionals and next generation technology. The Z 9 is the first camera of its type to eliminate a shutter, minimizing moving parts for maximum durability. The cameras used on the orbiting laboratory are physically unmodified, meaning terrestrial consumers have access to the same build quality as the space station crew in space. This is a testament, certifying that Nikon technology and the Z 9 is capable of thriving in the extreme rigors of living in zero gravity and space exploration.
 
While the camera is physically the same, Nikon engineers worked directly with NASA to create a custom dedicated firmware to better serve the astronauts and the environment in space. This includes expanding noise reduction to faster shutters speeds to account for the constant bombardment of cosmic radiation that the crew and gear are subject to about the space station. Additional changes have been made to the file naming sequence, as well as default settings and controls that are optimized for life aboard the orbiting laboratory and when enclosed in the protective covering for exterior missions. Changes have also been made to the in-camera FTP and transfer protocol to simplify the astronaut's workflow, increase efficiency and reduce power consumption when sending images from space to Earth.
 
New Nikon cameras and NIKKOR lenses aboard the space station
As NASA integrates the latest technology of Nikon's mirrorless camera system, a selection of lenses has also been sent to assist astronauts. The shipment consisted of 13 Z 9s, a total of more than 15 NIKKOR Z lenses, including super-telephoto and micro lenses, and 15 FTZ II adapters.

Capture dynamic moments such as sports scenes with high agility and supreme image quality.
By: Sony
November 21, 2023 

San Diego, CaliforniaSony Electronics is pleased to announce the release of the world's lightesti 300mm telephoto prime lens G Master™ (SEL300F28GM), a full-frame α™ (Alpha™) E-mount lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8.

The anticipated FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens has the high depiction performance and high-speed, high-precision AF (autofocus) which are the hallmark of G Master. The lightweight design of approximately 1470gii (excluding tripod mount) and excellent weight balance allow the user to capture sharp, dynamic and decisive moments such as those of fast-moving sports or agile animals with handheld shooting. Paired with the Alpha 9 III full-frame camera that also launched today, high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking up to 120 frames per second is possibleiii. Even subjects with complex and diversified movements can be tracked with high precision. It is an ideal match for lightweight camera bodies by reducing the load on the user, minimizing fatigue during long handheld shooting sessions. It is also compatible with an optional teleconverter, allowing the user to shoot in the telephoto range of up to 600mm (equivalent to 900mm when using with an APS-C camera)iv.

 

"Ever since our announcement of the development of this lens in January of this year, we have received an overwhelming number of positive reactions from photographers around the world who are looking forward to its release," said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics. "By adding this 300mm lens to the already available E-mount 400mm and 600mm super-telephoto prime lenses,it supports a wide range of needs and shooting environments for professional and advanced amateur photographers."

 

Main Features of the FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS

G Master Telephoto Lens that Captures Decisive Moments with High Resolution and Beautiful Bokeh

Incorporating Sony's cutting-edge technology, the G Master's high-resolution performance and beautiful bokeh makes the subject stand out clearly and capture decisive moments such as sports, news reports, events, and wildlife photography. An innovative optical design that includes three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element, effectively placed to suppress chromatic aberration and achieve high resolution and contrast across the entire frame. Outstanding resolution and contrast are maintained right out to the image edges, which also allows for more flexible cropping and editing.

 

The gorgeous, creamy bokeh is a hallmark of the G Master design and ideally complements the lens's 300 mm focal length and F2.8 maximum aperture, allowing the use of narrow depth of field to make subjects stand out from the background. Each lens is individually calibrated during manufacture to optimize bokeh quality and has an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that contributes to smooth rounded bokeh.   

 

High-Performance AF that Captures Dynamic Moments and High-Speed Continuous Shooting with AE/AF Tracking up to 120 Frames per Secondiii

The combination of two latest XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and control algorithms provide high-speed, high-precision, and low-vibration AF performance. When combined with the newly announced Alpha 9 III full-frame camera, high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second is possible. This allows dynamic subjects to be captured without missing a moment's opportunity, even when shooting scenes in which the subject moves quickly, such as sports or animals, or scenes in which the subject moves erratically, such as at competitive events. The high AF performance is demonstrated even when the separately sold teleconverteriii is attached.

 

Exceptional Mobility and Comfortable Operability that Support Professionals in the Field 

Extensive weight reduction measures make FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS the lightest in its classi, at approximately 1470g (excluding tripod mount) and has been designed with consideration to weight balance. The internal lens barrel uses durable magnesium alloy to achieve both high robustness and light weight. The weight is not concentrated at the front of the lens barrel, making it highly stable and allows for agile and accurate panning while shooting. In addition, MODE3vi, which provides enhanced viewfinder stability and optimizes the image stabilization algorithm, allows you to accurately capture dynamic scenes.

 

When used with the Alpha 9 III, the user can assign "preset focus" to the function ring that allows for an instant recall of focus to any pre-determined positionvii. Furthermore, the lens features comfortable operability that supports professional shooting, including focus hold buttons placed in four locations that can be assigned to the favorite functions from the camera body making it ideal for any professional.

 

The FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS has a dust and moisture resistant designviii along with fluorine coating to help prevent dirt and fingerprints to keep up with the needs of professional photographers.

 

Pricing and Availability

The FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS lens will be available for pre-order starting November 8, 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers with shipping starting in February 2024, for a suggested retail price of $5999.99 USD and $8199.99 CAN.

 

For detailed product information, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/all-e-mount/p/sel300f28gm 
A product video for FE 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/DHuPeArd43I 
Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with all the new microphones and Sony's other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α - Alpha brand.

 

About Sony Electronics Inc. 
Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit www.sony.com/press for more information. 

 

Notes
i As of the November 2023 product announcement. Sony survey of interchangeable 300mm F2.8 lenses for full-frame digital cameras.
ii 1470 grams is approximately 51.85 ounces
iii Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous frame rate may be lower in some shooting conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the lens used in AF-C focus modes. Visit Sony's support web page for lens compatibility information.
iv 1.4x SEL14TC and 2x SEL20TC
v Focal length 400mm "FE 400mm F4 GM OSS" / Focal length 600mm "FE 600mm F4 GM OSS"
vi MODE 3 is supported by the latest body software version. Refer to the appropriate support web pages for information on body compatibility.
vii The functions assigned to the function ring vary depending on the camera you are using. Please refer to your camera's help guide for details.
viii Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.