The Japanese organization CIPA published the full May camera shipment report (PDF file here). And there has been a dramatic camera shipment drop caused mainly by the Kumamoto earthquake damages. As you know the biggest Sony sensor production facility had to stop the production. This affected almost all camera companies as they almost all use Sony sensors.

Sony recently stated that full sensor production capability will be reached in August only. So expect this graph to show even worse numbers the next couple of months :(

With American Independence Day coming up on July 4, a whole nation will be out enjoying fireworks displays this weekend. Fireworks can be gorgeous, evocative spectacles, but they aren’t the easiest subjects to shoot. Many people learn this the hard way.

Fortunately, Matador Network has posted a simple, comprehensive guide to photographing fireworks. Be sure to bring a DSLR, a remote release and a tripod with you this weekend if you’re planning to get a nice shot of firework bursts.

via Epic Presence

Egami spotted a brand newly published Fuji patent describing a new 16-55mm f/2.8 OIS lens.

Ove Bengston got interviewed by the Dpreview crew. Here are some key info:

He believes mirrorless is the future:
Mirrorless systems can be smaller and lighter, and because they have no internal movement they are more durable and they create less vibration so there is less to disturb image quality. Electronic viewfinders will need to get better though and the AF systems will need to improve to catch up with phase detection systems.’

Why the X1D has no phase detection autofocus:
We discussed having phase detection AF points built into the sensor, but Sony was already too far down the road with the sensor development at that stage. We really do want phase detection but we’ll have to wait for the sensor manufacturer.

About the new XCD lenses:
The new XCD lenses are designed and built to the same specification standards that we use for the H series lenses. We have to produce the best that we can and allowing reduced quality just isn’t an option. In fact these have a short back focus which makes it easier to design them to really excellent standards.
Right now though, we have no zooms on the roadmap. Personally I think they will have to be too big, and I want us to concentrate on the best performance and the highest resolution possible.’

The maximum possible sensor size:
The camera isn’t designed to take a larger sensor. If we work with a larger sensor it means we need a bigger body and bigger lenses, and that would defeat the principles of what the X1D is about.

–

Preorders:
The Hasselblad X1D-50c at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.
Hasselblad 90mm F/3.2 XCD Lens for XD1 at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.
Hasselblad 45mm F/3.5 XCD Lens for XD1 at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.

Sony issued two new press releases that will not make E_mount folks particularly happy:

1) The 70-200mm GM lens will ship in September. THat’s a three months delay over the previous June shipment target (Source: Sony Japan).

2) Due the Kumamoto earthquake damages the follwowing mirrorless cameras will have a production shortage:
?7
?7R
?7S
?5100
(Source: Sony Japan).

And while this is completely unofficial it also looks like the Sony product roadmap launch got postponed too. The new A5xxx and RXxxx camera that were rumored to be announced in June are more likely to be introduced this autumn.

Hasselblad is doing a great job answering all the questions on their Facebook page. Here are a couple of Q&A points. The most interesting info is that it’s highly unlikely there will be ever a zoom for the X1D system.

Question: “If I had any one desire with a mirrorless camera, it would be to have an extremely compact normal lens (pancake lens) or compact zoom.”
Hasselblad: “On a shot-term we are introducing a 30 mm wide angle lens already at photokina in September this year. More XCD lenses to come next year. Having zoom will be difficult, as it almost impossible theoretically to develop a zoom lens for such large medium format sensor that is compact and practical for such portable camera. We hope this helps!”

Question: “Is it theoretically possible to get faster shutter speeds in future?”
Hasselblad: “It is, yes.”

Question: “The focus point can be moved anywhere within the viewfinder or is it restricted to a certain amount of points?”
Hasselblad: “This feature is still under development, all details will be presented soon. Stay tuned!”

Question: “will there be a model with the 100mp sensor from the h6?
Hasselblad: “You never know ;)”

Preorders:
The Hasselblad X1D-50c at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.
Hasselblad 90mm F/3.2 XCD Lens for XD1 at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.
Hasselblad 45mm F/3.5 XCD Lens for XD1 at BHphoto, Adorama and Calumet.de.

Nikon issued a second delay statement for their new A900 and B700 cameras:

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation announced delays in the release of new digital cameras and the effects of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes in a press release dated April 20, 2016. The following is an update on the release of the new COOLPIX A900 and B700 compact digital cameras (announced on February 23, 2016).

On April 20, we announced that release of the COOLPIX A900 and B700 would be delayed until July as more time was required for software adjustment. However, due to the effects of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, release of these cameras is now scheduled for October 2016.

We sincerely apologize to our customers, business partners, and all those who have expressed interest in these models for the delays.

This means Kumamoto will delay Nikon’s and probably also Fuji’s, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic camera roadmap by up to 4 months!