We got two big news: First, Chris and Jordan left TheCameraStore to work for Dpreview (Full article here). Second, their first review for Dpreview is for the new Sony A7III:
Sony A7III in USA at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, BestBuy, FocusCamera, BuyDig.
Sony a7III in Europe at Amazon DE, Calumet Germany, Amazon UK, ParkCameras UK, WexUK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, Amazon ES.
Since yesterday the new Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 FE lens can be preordered here:
In the US at BHphoto, BuyDig and Adorama for $799.
in the EU at WexUK, Fotokoch for 829 Euro or 699 pounds.
CameraSize added the new Tamron 28-75mm FE lens on their size comparison database. As you can see the 28-75mm is much more compact than the GM lens. But the trade off is you loose 4mm at the wide end.
The new Tamron lens has the potential to be a hotseller. So let’s see how many of our readers will actually buy it:
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Last week Skylum released the update for Luminar 2018 named “Jupiter”. It includes major new features like Camera and Lens Profiles, Batch Processing and a Free Transform tool to the Windows version.
If you plan to buy Luminar use the coupon code “SAR” you will get $10 off:
– The update is free for all current users of Luminar 2018.
– Current users of Luminar 2017 may upgrade for $49 ($39 with your coupon code);
– New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for $69 ($59 with your coupon code);
Luminar 2018 link: https://macphun.evyy.net/c/60087/320119/3255.
Luminar 2018 link to the Trial page: https://macphun.evyy.net/c/60087/339971/3255
And the big bundle offer is running out on Sunday. What’s included in the offer:
Luminar 2018: the most powerful and technologically advanced photo editor for Mac & Windows (worth $69) – Luminar 2018 is a fast, versatile, and intuitive image editor, which can take your workflow from RAW file to fully finished image without needing to use any other image editor.
The Complete Landscape Photography Guide ebook from Photzy (worth $50) – An outstanding guide written by professional photographer and writer Kent DuFault. This ebook has something for everyone, with 237 pages packed full of information and assignments that will transform your landscape photography.
Aerial Photography & Video with Matt Granger (worth $79) – World-renowned photographer, Matt Granger will share planning, shooting and editing aerial stills and video. Matt will also demonstrate editing with Luminar 2018 on his still aerial images..
Photography Tutorial by Daniel Kordan (worth $29) – Extensive tutorial with a full workflow demonstration by expert landscape photographer Daniel Kordan. This tutorial includes shooting and post-processing images in Luminar 2018.
119 Dramatic & Romantic Sky overlays (worth $29) – This is an amazing addition to your photo editing workflow, and will help give boring skies that ‘wow!’ factor.
Splitsville Presets By Brian Matiash (worth $15) – Add a professional polish to your images with these cool presets.
Also Capture One got a major update with A7III support and Sony Capture Pilot 2.0 support. You get a 10% discount on Capture One 11 (Click here) and Capture One 11 for Sony (Click here) by using our coupon code “AMBSAR“.
Venetian Carnival by Sony 8K Camera UHC-8300
New CIPA March report: System camera shipments down 6% (MirrorlessRumors).
Minolta Rokkor 45mm f/2 Lens Review with Sony a7ii (SonyAlphaForum).
NAB 2018: Manfrotto Pro Light Bags for Videographers and Photographers (Explora).
Bruel&Kjaer Head and Torso Simulator, Type 5138 (Personal View)
Sony Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 Planar T* Review (Dustin Abbott).
ProRes RAW Explained (Cinema5D).
Share your best pictures on our new Instagram SonyAlphaGallery.
Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.
You can now preorder the new Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 FE lens at BHphoto (Click here), BuyDig (Click here) and Adorama (Click here) for $799. Also Amazon will soon have it available for preorder. The price is a steal! Tamron says the lens has the same 24-70mm GM performance for a third of the price!
Tamron also disclosed the full MTF graph which do look very good:
Tamron posted a set of image samples but this one is the only one in full size (Click on it):
Focal length: 75mm
Aperture: F/4
Shutter speed: 1/40sec
ISO: 100
Image size: 6000 × 4000px (69MB)
And here some more image sampleas (not entirely full size):
UPDATE: New FULL size image samples via DCfever:
File size : 20381696 bytes
File date : 2018:04:24 12:25:30
Camera make : SONY
Camera model : ILCE-7RM3
Date/Time : 2018:04:17 15:27:12
Resolution : 7952 x 5304
Flash used : No
Focal length : 71.0mm (35mm equivalent: 71mm)
Exposure time: 0.0031 s (1/320)
Aperture : f/2.8
ISO equiv. : 200
Whitebalance : Auto
Metering Mode: pattern
Exposure : aperture priority (semi-auto)
JPEG Quality : 100
File size : 20185088 bytes
File date : 2018:04:24 12:24:58
Camera make : SONY
Camera model : ILCE-7RM3
Date/Time : 2018:04:18 14:23:43
Resolution : 7952 x 5304
Flash used : No
Focal length : 28.0mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm)
Exposure time: 0.0005 s (1/2000)
Aperture : f/2.8
ISO equiv. : 320
Whitebalance : Auto
Metering Mode: pattern
Exposure : aperture priority (semi-auto)
JPEG Quality : 100
EU preorders at WexUK, Fotokoch
USA preorders (will open soon!): Amazon, Bhphoto, Adorama,
Here is the official new Tamron video:
This is the press text:
Tamron announces the launch of a high-performance, high-speed zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036)
April 27, 2018, Saitama, Japan–Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of a high-speed standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount, 35mm full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036).
This new zoom lens delivers superb optical performance, including both outstanding image quality and beautiful background blur effects (bokeh) only possible with a fast aperture, thanks to a new optical system designed specifically for mirrorless cameras. In addition to shooting portraits with creative, defocused backgrounds, photographers can enjoy dynamic wide-angle expressions like never before thanks to a Minimum Object Distance (MOD) of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle zoom setting. The usefulness and versatility inherent in compact full-frame mirrorless cameras are enhanced by the A036’s compact size and lightweight, measuring only 117.8mm (4.6 in) and weighing 550g (19.4 oz). The Model A036 incorporates an all-new high-speed and precise AF driving system. The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) strikes a balance between speed and silent operation, making it perfect for both video and still image capture. The lens also features Moisture-Resistant Construction that is useful in outdoor photography, plus hydrophobic Fluorine Coating that is highly resistant to fingerprints and dirt. In addition, the Model A036 will fully match with various camera-specific features including the in-camera lens correction and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) system features of Sony cameras, enabling this new zoom to take full advantage of the advanced functions that ensure comfortable user experiences.
Product Information
1. Superb optical performance, including both outstanding image quality and the beautiful background blur effects (bokeh) provided by a fast F/2.8 aperture
The Model A036 features a new design that leverages the advanced image quality of the latest full-frame mirrorless cameras. To balance beautiful bokeh with high image quality, the optical formula (15 elements in 12 groups) includes a special XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element, LD (Low Dispersion) element, GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) element and two hybrid aspherical lens elements in the optimal arrangement to correct aberrations and reduce the overall lens size. The lens also employs Tamron’s BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating that boasts exceptional anti-reflection performance throughout the entire zoom range, even when shooting in backlit conditions. In addition, incorporating the nine-blade circular diaphragm design, the lens will perform in versatile situation, providing beautiful soft portrayal at wide open aperture to a clear and sharp image when stopped down.
2. Comfortably lightweight (550g / 19.4 oz) and compact (117.8mm / 4.6 in)
Extra emphasis was placed on creating a high speed, fast aperture zoom lens in a compact and lightweight design because standard-range zooms are generally the most frequently used. Weighing only 550g (19.4 oz) with a length of just 117.8mm (4.6 in), the A036 enables photographers to enjoy the mobility provided by a compact, lightweight, full-frame mirrorless camera in all situations from casual snapshots to stunning portraits and dramatic landscape photography.
3. Minimum Object Distance (MOD) 0.19m (7.5 in); Working Distance 5.7cm (2.24 in)
The Model A036 breaks from the convention that the MOD of a zoom lens must be fixed throughout the focal range and achieves a MOD of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the 28mm wide-angle end which delivers a maximum image magnification of 1:2.9. The working distance of just 5.7cm (2.24 in) from the front element allows photographers to enjoy close-up shooting that emphasizes the sense of perspective unique to wide angles. At the 75mm telephoto end, the 0.39m (15.3 in) MOD provides an image magnification of 1:4, thereby enabling close-up shooting with a pleasantly blurred background similar to a macro lens.
4. All-new “RXD” stepping motor AF unit is excellently quiet and therefore perfect for video capture
The AF drive incorporates a sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens and an RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit optimized for AF control. This achieves quick and precise AF operation, allowing users to maintain pin-sharp focus on continually moving subjects or when filming video. Additionally, the AF motor is exceedingly quiet, virtually eliminating extraneous AF drive sounds during video recording.
5. Consistent with Tamron’s exciting, ergonomically superb next-generation design
The Model A036 features a mirrorless-oriented design that adheres to Tamron’s new “Human Touch” lens design concept. As signified by the Luminous Gold brand ring, careful attention to detail has produced an optimum shape reflecting the characteristic look of a Tamron-branded lens, whether on its own or attached to a camera body. This design emphasizes consistent brand identity combined with ease of operation.
6. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for weather protection
Environmental seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water-and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance.
7. Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions
Tamron’s new 28-75mm zoom is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to certain mirrorless cameras. This includes the following:
– Fast Hybrid AF
– Eye AF
– Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
– In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
– Camera-based lens unit firmware updates
* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details.
* As of March, 2018.
Sony issued the full 2017 Fiscal year report and there is only good news to share. Engadget sums it up:
Sony’s latest earnings reveal a simple truth: former CEO Kaz Hirai left the company in a relatively good position. In the full year leading up to March 31st, 2018, the company raked in revenue of 8,544 billion yen (roughly $78.1 billion) and operating income, or profit, of 734.9 billion yen (roughly $6.7 billion). The latter figure is a huge improvement over the $2.6 billion it managed to pull in last time. The bump, however, was expected; in the last financial year, Sony’s camera imaging business was rocked by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Now, that crucial division is back at full strength.
This is the Sony statement about the Imaging Business results:
Results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 SAR
Sales increased 76.3 billion yen (13%) year-on-year (a 9% increase on a constant currency basis) to 655.9 billion yen. This significant increase was mainly due to the absence of the impact from the Kumamoto Earthquakes in the previous fiscal year, the impact of foreign exchange rates and an improvement in the product mix of Still and Video Cameras reflecting a shift to high value-added models.
Operating income increased 27.7 billion yen year-on-year to 74.9 billion yen. This significant increase was mainly due to the above-mentioned improvement in product mix, the positive impact of foreign exchange rates and the absence of the impact from the Kumamoto Earthquakes in the previous fiscal year. During the current fiscal year, there was a 11.6 billion yen positive impact from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.Forecast for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2019
Sales and operating income are both expected to be essentially flat year-on-year, primarily due to the expected negative impact of foreign exchange rates being substantially offset by an improvement in the product mix of Still and Video Cameras reflecting a shift to high value-added models.
All good so far. Now give us the new A7sIII and A6700 :)
