Fuji GFX medium format mirrorless camera announced!

Oh dear Fuji what you did to me today! My wife is leaving me because I am using our life savings for this one: A new GFX medium format camera! Just joking of course. But Fuji really did somethign amazing here. I am sorry to say that it doens’t look that good for Hasselblad anymore. The GFX is cheaper ($10,00 with kit lens) has an interchangeable viewfinder and great controls.

The highlights in short (via Fujirumors):

  • GF lenses can resolve over 100MP
  • GF120mm Macro
  • GF 63mmF2.8 WR
  • GF 32-61mmF4 WR
  • 6 lenses coming
  • 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS Sensor
  • 51.4 MP
  • 1/4000 shutter speed
  • interchangeable Viewfinder + tilting viewfinder
  • tethered shooting
  • shutter speed dial
  • ISO dial
  • joysitck for faster AF selection
  • available early 2017
  • no pricing fixed… but target is with body + 63mm + viewfinder under 10,000 dollar
  • LCD on the top

Join the Fujifilm GFX facebook group now ! And here are the images (Click on them to see the full size version):

This is the official press text:

Valhalla, N.Y., September 19, 2016 – In response to unprecedented interest from professional photographers, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announces the development of the new medium format FUJIFILM GFX mirrorless digital camera system that will deliver unmatched and exceptional image quality. The innovative GFX system will reach a new Fujifilm photographic standard, and support its ongoing commitment to providing the total imaging solution for photographers.

Photographic Excellence and Innovation
Over the course of its proud history that extends over 80 years, Fujifilm has developed
and manufactured photographic films with advanced image resolution, outstanding
color reproduction and tonal qualities to meet the needs of professional photographers as well as photo enthusiasts. Fujifilm offers an extensive range of professional cameras under the consistent philosophy that “a camera is a tool for capturing your creative vision,” and high quality FUJINON lenses are an indispensable part of that commitment. All of the technologies and expertise of Fujifilm have been amassed to develop the new GFX, which uses a medium-format sensor to achieve the highest level of image quality and a completely new type of mirrorless system, and its companion FUJINON GF lenses.

FUJIFILM GFX 50S
The FUJIFILM GFX 50S mirrorless digital camera will feature the new FUJIFILM G Format 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor with an astonishing 51.4MP resolution and six FUJINON GF Lenses that will be introduced sequentially in early 2017.

Professional-use Mirrorless Camera System
As a long-term manufacturer of photographic films and medium-format film cameras,
Fujifilm was always aware of the impact that different formats have on
photographic expressions. Using a larger format gives an ultimate enhancement to a
camera’s ability to capture “texture,” “depth” and “dimension,” which cannot be attained even by substantially increasing the sensor’s pixel count.

Since the launch of the X Series, an increasing number of professional photographers
and photo enthusiasts expressed their desire to achieve the ultimate photographic expression with the X Series’ signature color reproduction. The GFX camera system with the G Format is Fujifilm’s response to their requests.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S 51.4MP sensor can be adapted to various aspect
ratios, including 4:3 (default), 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17, which were available in large and medium format film cameras. The GFX 50S will use the high-performance “X-Processor Pro” imaging processor to provide Fujifilm’s outstanding color and tone reproduction at an extremely high level. The result is the ultimate capability in photographic expressions that only Fujifilm can deliver thanks to its extensive knowledge in film and medium-format cameras.

Revolutionary Design Concept
The FUJIFILM GFX 50S revolutionizes the concept of medium-format cameras, and compared to conventional medium-format digital SLR cameras, the GFX is lighter in weight, and achieves a far more compact form factor. With regards to functionality, the camera follows in the footsteps of the X Series by featuring numerous physical buttons and dials, and is designed with an ergonomic grip, shaped carefully and optimized for the camera body and lenses.

The FUJIFILM GFX 50S will feature a detachable electronic viewfinder, which users can remove when using an external monitor or wanting to make the system even lighter. In addition, an optional adapter makes it possible to fit the EVF at any angle, giving greater freedom in the
choice of shooting angle. Other optional accessories that will be available at launch include the Vertical Battery Grip, which enhances functionality when shooting in the portrait orientation. The camera also supports tethered shooting, which has become an essential part of the professional photographers’ workflow, and will be compatible with various RAW conversion application software.

Newly-developed FUJINON Lenses
The FUJIFILM GFX 50S will use newly-designed FUJINON lenses with a new lens mount for highest performance and image quality.

A new lineup of FUJINON GF lenses, designed specifically for the GFX, supports the
new G Mount. Taking advantage of the mirrorless system’s structure, the G Mount has
the short flange back distance of just 26.7mm to shorten the back focus distance as
much as possible. This prevents vignetting to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness of the
world’s highest level.

The initial lineup will include the following six FUJINON lenses:
1. Standard prime “GF63mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format)
2. Wide-angle standard zoom “GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 25-51mm in
35mm format)
3. Mid-telephoto macro 1:0.5 “GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR” (equivalent to
95mm in 35mm format)
4. Fast aperture mid-telephoto “GF110mmF2 R LM WR” (equivalent to 87mm in 35mm format)
5. Ultra-wide “GF23mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format)
6. Wide “GF45mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format)

Additional Features
The new FUJINON lenses will feature an aperture ring, a popular feature in the X Series, and have a new C (Command) Position on the ring to enable aperture adjustments with the Command Dial on the camera body. Each lens will be dust and weather resistant, built to withstand operation at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius allowing photographers to take them outdoors with confidence in challenging weather conditions.

FUJIFILM GFX 50S Key Features:

  • 51.4MP Medium Format 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor for superior sharpness and

image quality for all professional photographers

  • Can be adapted to various aspect ratios, including 4:3 (default), 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7 and 6:17
  • FUJIFILM “G Mount” with short flange back distance of just 26.7mm
  • “X-Processor Pro” imaging processor
  • Detachable electronic viewfinder
  • Weather and dust resistant; operates as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius

Availability and Pricing
The new FUJIFILM GFX system will be available in early 2017 in the U.S. with pricing to be announced at a later date.

Panasonic releases the G80 and three new Leica MFT lenses. And pre-announces the GH5!

bildschirmfoto-2016-09-19-um-13-41-51

Panasonic announce three “ready” and four “in development” products :)

The three available for preorder now:
G85: BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.
FZ2500: BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.
Lx10: BHphoto. Adorama. Amazon.

But Panasonic also “pre-annoucned” these four:
The Panasonic GH5 will arrive in 2017 with 4K/60fps, 4:2:2, 6K photo
Three new Leica lenses: 8-18mm f/2.8-4.0, 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0, 50-200mm f/2.8-4.0.

And this is a real world image of the new GH5:

Leica announces five new SL Lenses

leica-lens-roadmap

Leica is going to launch five new SL lenses:
Leica Summilux-SL 50mm f/1.4 ASPH (image below)
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH
Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH

via ePhotozine

1000-leica-50mmjpg_1474274282

Leica announces the new “Sofort” Instant camera

Leica announced their “Sofort” Instant camera. Here is the press text via Leica-camera.com:

Leica SOFORT makes photography tangible

Leica Camera AG proudly presents the latest member of its camera family: the Leica SOFORT. The versatile instant picture camera features a unique Leica design and special features, offers quick and easy access to photography and the fascination and unique experience of spontaneous photos that can be seen and shared in seconds. At the same time, Leica brings its photographic expertise and commitment to creativity, ease of handling and quality to the world of Instax instant photography. The creative scope offered by the Leica SOFORT provides opportunities to rediscover instant photography and create small, haptic works of art and lasting memories. It will be celebrating its first public appearance at photokina 2016.

Unique design and more creative capabilities

The Leica SOFORT differs from other instant cameras in a number of essential aspects: the unmistakeable styling and look were developed especially for the camera by the Leica design team, and a choice of colours in orange, white and mint reflect the light-hearted fun and fascination of instant photography.

In automatic mode, the Leica SOFORT takes advantage of available natural light for as long as possible without triggering the integrated flash. This results in pictures with a much more authentic and natural look.

In addition to the modes Automatic, Party & People, Sport & Action, Macro and creative programmes for multiple and time exposures, the Leica Sofort also offers a mode for self-portraits and a self-timer with two different delays. To ensure best results every time, the camera automatically adapts parameters such as the exposure time and aperture to the mode the user selects. Flash triggering can either be left entirely to the automatic flash function of the camera, or users can turn it on or off, depending on the pictures they want to take. To make things easier when shooting self-portraits, the Leica SOFORT also features a rectangular mirror on the front.

With the Leica SOFORT, the focusing distance can be set independently from the selected programme mode. Depending on the standard or long distance setting and the mode chosen, this brings even more creative freedom when shooting with the camera.

Bright colours or black-and-white

In addition to colour film, Leica also offers a monochrome film for users who feel more at home in the world of black-and-white photography. To reflect the nostalgic character of instant photography, the frames of Leica SOFORT photos are kept in a warm shade of cream. Colour and monochrome films will be offered in packs with 10 exposures and colour film will also be available in double packs for 20 pictures. 

Accessories for individualists

A comprehensive range of accessories for both the camera and its pictures is offered for the Leica SOFORT. Safe and simple carrying of the camera is guaranteed by the range of Leica SOFORT Straps in the colours mint, orange and black & white, while classy Leica SOFORT cases are available in the colours black or brown to protect the camera.

Leica Camera also offers a range of colourful and practical options for presenting the pictures: Leica SOFORT Postcards will be offered in sets of three. Each card has a different design and enables the integration of a picture. The Leica SOFORT Photo Presenter can be filled with photos and placed on a flat surface as a decorative object or for presentation of the pictures. For anyone wishing to revel in memories, the Leica SOFORT Photo Album is the classic solution for showing and sharing pictures and keeping them safe.

The Leica SOFORT Storage Boxes in mint/black, white/black and orange/black combinations round off the range of accessories and are the ideal solution for safely storing your favourite pictures. The boxes will be available as sets of three – each set contains all three colour combinations.

Leica SOFORT camera (white, orange or mint)

Available from November 2016

Consumables (available from November 2016)

Colour film (pack with 10 exposures)

Colour film (double pack with 20 exposures)

Monochrome film (pack with 10 exposures)