Google launches new encoder that reduces JPEG file size by 35%

Google launched a new JPEG encoder named “Guetzli” that reduces JPG files by 35% or offer better image quality at the same file size. These are the images shared by Arstechnica:

Guetzli, according to Google Research, uses a new psychovisual model—called Butteraugli, if you must know—to work out which colours and details to keep, and which to throw away. “Psychovisual” in this case means it’s based on the human visual processing system. The exact details of Butteraugli are buried within hundreds of high-precision constants, which produce a model that “approximates colour perception and visual masking in a more thorough and detailed way” than other encoders.

Download Guetzli here: github.com/google/guetzli/

via Reddit

Fuji GFX vs Hasselblad X1D by Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov from Photographylife is one of my favorite reviewers. And he had the unqique chance to test both new medium format cameras. This is his conclusion:

Based on everything above, I can conclude that for my photography needs, the Fuji GFX 50S is clearly a better choice – it is a very functional camera with excellent ergonomics, superb menu system that gives me plenty of customization options, reliable autofocus, easy to use interface and excellent image quality. The Hasselblad seems to be aimed towards those who need to be able to sync their flashes at fast shutter speeds. It is a much sleeker and lighter camera, with very well-thought out design. But aside from that, I struggle to see how the Hasselblad X1D-50c can take on the Fuji – its minimalistic ergonomic approach, long & annoying blackouts, and overly simplified menu system leaves me wondering if Hasselblad is going to take steps to address these problems via firmware updates (and I am not even sure if those issues can be addressed via firmware). Fuji already has quite a bit of mirrorless experience under its belt, with cameras used by the masses, and it really shows. In my opinion, for most photographers looking at a budget-friendly medium format camera, the GFX 50S is the better choice. However, if I were a portrait photographer and fast flash sync speed was important for my style of shooting (without resorting to HSS tricks), I would definitely take a closer look at the Hasselblad X1D-50c.

One a personal note: I do hope Fuji will soon make a GFX camera that is as small as the Hasselblad!

Check out the pricing and availability:
Fuji GFX at [shopcountry 303958].
Hasselblad X1D at [shopcountry 303959].

The Holga 120N medium format camera is back!

Freestyle Photographic announced that the Holga 120N is back on production! It’s on sale for $39.

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The original Holga 120N camera is coming back! We have found a factory that obtained the old molds that we thought to be destroyed and this camera is available once again! What was thought to be gone forever is back, pre-order today for delivery in early June.

The Holga camera was initially introduced to the Chinese public in 1982 as an inexpensive camera for everyday use.  Shortly after its introduction, it became an underground artistic phenomena.  Using the Holga is an exercise in breaking free from dependence on technology, precision and controllability. The slight softness of the images, vignetting and random light leaks produce dream-like, one-of-a kind images.The Holga’s simple lens lends to images that display vignetting,light leaks and other distortions that have lead to the cult following of the Holga camera.

The Holga 120N is modeled after the original Holga released in 1982.  The latest resurgence of toy cameras stems from the love of the classic black utilitarian camera.

Features:

  • Uses 120 medium format film
  • 2 film masks for either 12- 6×6 cm images or 16- 6×4.5cm images
  • Normal shutter setting 1/100 of a second and bulb shutter setting
  • 2 aperture settings, f/11 for sunny, f/8 for cloudy
  • Hot shoe adapter
  • Standard Tripod Mount
  • Lens cap and strap

New GFX Cambo adapter for the Canon 7mm T-SE and 24mm T-SE lenses

 

Today Cambo announced a new lens adapter to fit Canon lenses to the Fujifilm GFX50s.

The CA-GFX will be the third Canon lens adapter that Cambo have manufactured and marketed for camera movement. Having successfully adapted Canon lenses to the Cambo ACTUS (ACB-CA) and more recently the WIDE series camera (WRES-CA.) It was a natural transition to manufacture the adapter as it gives many photographers the option of using their existing lenses with the latest mirrorless, large sensor, Fujifilm GFX50s (CA-GFX.)

Cambo CA-GFX Adapter

The CA-GFX adapter fits directly to the bayonet of the GFX camera body and the lens aperture is controlled electronically when dialling in the required f-stop. As there is no direct connection between lens and body, there is no data received; aperture, auto-focus or EXIF, from the lens.

Why make this lens adapter?

The Fujifilm GFX50s sensor measures 33x44mm and Canon lenses such as the 17mm T-SE and 24mm T-SE have very large image circles, they will cover the sensor size and will enable the photographer to apply movement.

Cambo CA-GFX for fuji gfx50s

Cambo CA-GFX Adapter

The CA-GFX (Product code: 99070301) is available from your local dealer.

Next Stock of Fuji GFX cameras will ship out on March 30 in Europe

There is still no store in USA and Europe that has the Fuji GFX in Stock (Check: BHphoto, Amazon). The next shipment is due to start on March according to Calumet Germany. I am really surprised to see such a high demand for $6,500 camera. I am now seriously hoping Sony and others will make a medium format camera too. That way price may go down to $4,00 :)

And now some adapter news: Kipon annopunced a total of twenty adpaters for the GFX (Full info here). And this is the video showing the new Fotodiox GFX adapters: