The Hasselblad X1D is definitely a great camera with huge “WOW” factor. It’s getting a lot of positive feedback from the press. To counterbalance all that we post that video from Tony Northrup. he certainly likes the camera too but he found some “weak spots” worth to be discussed. Like for example the exaggerated Hasselblad video marketing statement and depth of field myth.

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.

As you may remember Samyang recently launched their first autofocus lenses. The 50mm f/1.4 and 14mm f/2.8 FE lenses. Here is the first unboxing video of the 50mm f/1.4. The lens is set to ship in July in Korea.

Kai from Digitalrev had the lucky chance to test the 101 megapixel Alpa mirrorless camera. But as good (and expensive) as this sounds the camera proved to be quite tricky to use. I guess Fuji’s and Sonys future medium format cameras will be more “useful” than the Alpa.

Dpreview posted their full Leica Q review and writes:

The Leica Q is the most affordable full-frame Leica camera to date. Its 24MP sensor is good though not class-leading, and the fixed 28mm F1.7 Summilux lens is superb. The camera is built beautifully and responds rapidly. With the exception of a few software issues and some troublesome noise banding in pushed Raw files, the Leica Q is an excellent camera that you’ll want to bring along for documenting the world around you.

If you want to save some $ on the Leica Q get it grey imported. It’s $350 off with 3 year US seller warranty [shoplink 301877 ebay]on eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

More grey imported deals:
$700 off and 1 year US seller warranty on the [shoplink 301875 ebay]Sony A7rII by ElectronicsValley on eBay[/shoplink].
$600 off and 1 year US seller warranty on the [shoplink 301876 ebay]Sony A7sII by ElectronicsValley on eBay[/shoplink].

2016 started with Sony and Fuji announcing their new top APS-C mirrorless system camera models. CameraLabs posted the first comparison between the A6300 and X-PRO2 but before you click on the link guess what camera is on the left and what on the right:

Surprised to see that much difference between the two?

My sources told me that the PEN-F is indeed a competitor of the Fuji X-PRO series. Both cameras aim to attract enthusiast photogrpahers who do care about design and usability. So let’s take a closer look the to size comparison made by Camerasize. From my personal taste point of you I do like the PEN-F design more. But the Fuji has some nice tech features I would love to see on a PEN, for example the hybrid viewfinder. But I admit I am a bit a nostalgic of rangefinder cameras :)

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Olympus also announced some other stuff:
Olympus E-M10 Mark II Limited at BHphoto and Adorama.
Olympus CBG-11 PR Premium Leather Camera Bag for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-48 PR Premium Leather Wrapping Cloth for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus ECG-4 External Metal Grip for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CSS-S120L PR Premium Leather Shoulder Strap for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-47B Leather Body Jacket for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.

DxOmark (Click here) tested the new Leica SL sensor and writes:

Although the Leica Q’s sensor performance hinted at the direction Leica was taking, the Leica SL sensor improves on that. Such improvement might be only in some small way, but it is quantifiable. With impressive still capability surpassing that of many high-end DSLRs, and with access to Leica’s huge range of top-drawer optics with a range of optional adapters, the Leica SL is a compelling choice,  particularly for those who already own a number of Leica lenses. The Leica SL is not cheap, but then engineering at this level never is. Compared with the Leica M, there’s not much in it —indeed, it is even cheaper than a newer M-P at $7950, and that’s before taking into account the extra $570 for the Leica Visoflex EVF2. Given the advantages of the built-in viewfinder for focusing, particularly off-center, the SL may even be the better bet.

Leica has done a nice camera but it’s too bulky for my taste and price well…$7,450 at BHphoto. Nope :(