Pro Photo V73 Issue 5

Around eleven years ago a group of international camera journalists were gathered in the sunny forecourt of a central Tokyo office block, enjoying coffee and pastries. The offices belonged to Sony Corporation and we’d all just attended a technical briefing on the brand new Alpha D-SLR system, launched the day before. As I chatted to a senior Sony executive, I happened to glance across the small valley beside the office block to where the skyline was dominated by another high-rise emblazoned with the red Canon logo. The exec followed my gaze and smiled. “That,” he said quietly, “is where we’re going to be eventually”. He didn’t mean the location, of course, but Canon’s number one position in interchangeable lens cameras, then dominated by D-SLRs. If anybody else from any other…

Almost immediately after it announced it was working on a new mirrorless camera system, Nikon launched a D-SLR that’s clearly designed to keep its reflex business ticking over nicely for the time being. The new D850 essentially replaces the hugely popular D810 and will – like the EOS 5D Mark IV for Canon – represent the bulk of Nikon’s D-SLR sales to professionals and enthusiast-level users for the next year or so. Built around a new weather-sealed magnesium alloy bodyshell which no longer has a built-in flash, the D850 employs a Nikon-design, full-35mm back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with a total pixel count of 46.89 million. Nikon is emphasising its involvement in the design of the sensor – its first BSI-type device – but fabrication is likely to be by…

Olympus’s entry-level OM-D mirror-less Micro Four Thirds camera has been a big seller in its Mark I and Mark II versions, representing exceptional value for money in both instances. The new Mark III E-M10 takes things a step further by adding a 4K video recording capability – made possible via the latest-generation ‘TruePic VIII’ processor – an upgraded autofocusing system and slightly faster continuous shooting. On the outside there are bigger control dials and a reshaped handgrip. Video is recorded up to the Ultra HD resolution of 3840x2160 pixels at either 24 fps or 25 fps (PAL standard) with stereo sound. The E-M10 III’s AF system now has a total of 121 focusing points (increased from 81) while continuous shooting is possible at up to 8.6 fps at maximum resolution.…

After a record crop of entries for the 2017 competition, the 2018 Pink Lady® Food Photographer Of The Year awards are now open for entries. There are some new categories and new judges, including Ferran Adria, iconic chef of the oft-voted world’s best restaurant, El Bulli in Spain. The Pink Lady Food Photographer Of The Year awards have had an illustrious and evolving panel since its first year. The range of skills and expertise is extensive, from great photographers, creative directors, food retailers using the finest photography, photography gallery owners, chefs. Past judges have included Antonio Carluccio, Martin Parr, Yotam Ottolenghi, Chris Beetles, Jay Rayner and Donna Hay. This year, for the first time, David Loftus – best known for his photography for Jamie Oliver – will be the chair…

Canon has updated its TS-E line-up of tilt-shift EF mount lenses, introducing a trio of new models which embody a number of improvements to the optical design and the adjustment ranges compared to the existing lenses. The three new TS-E have focal lengths of 50mm, 90mm and 135mm, with the former two being f2.8 speed lenses while the 135mm has a maximum aperture of f4.0. The 135mm model is also a new focal length in the TS-E range, while the new 50mm and 90mm replace earlier models (45mm and 90mm respectively). The existing TS-E 17mm f4.0L and 24mm f3.5L II wide-angles remain available. All three new lenses deliver a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 (i.e. half lifesize) and feature magnesium alloy constructions. The optical constructions have been modernised to incorporate…

Not entirely surprisingly, the rights to the Lexar branding – put up for sale a few months ago by American owner Micron Technology – have been purchased by a Chinese manufacturer of flash memory products. Longsys will begin marketing Lexar-branded products immediately and is expected to significantly expand its presence and activities around the world. Longsys comments “Lexar has built a great brand name and our vision is to make it even greater. Existing customers can rest assured that the innovative solutions and excellent support that they have experienced from Lexar will continue”. Panasonic has delivered its promised upgrade (Version 2.0) for the Lumix GH5 which enables 4K or Full HD video recording with 10-bit 4:2:2 colour and All-Intra compression. The upgrade also allows for tethered shooting via USB using…