Ming Thein explains why Hasselblad is late with the X1D delivery:

At this point, I’ve been told that a decision has been made to reorganise the production facility to cope with much higher volumes than were initially anticipated (even so, the back order list is expected to extend into early next year). This reorganisation is currently in progress and means delivery of the first cameras is now expected late November. Just passing along what I know.

In the meantime you can check out his latest X1D image samples posted at Hasselblad.com. And here is a new video too:

‘Modern heritage’: the Hasselblad X1D-50c on location in Penang, shot by Ming Thein from Ming Thein on Vimeo.

And here it is the new Sony A6500! Yes folks, 8 months after the A6300 launch Sony alreayd announced a new model. It won’t replace the A6300…Sony did put it on top of the A6xxx line with a whopphy $1399 price tag!

The camera has everything you always wanted on a A6xxx camera: 5axis IBIS, Touchscreen, Long buffer and hopefully no more overheating?

You can preorder the camera on October 10 at BHphoto. And the new RX100m5 again at BHphoto,

A6500 news:
A6500 at Sony.net.
Official press text on SAR.
Image samples at Sony.net Gallery.
A6500 introduction interview by Patrick Murphy Racey on Vimeo.
Sony press event on Periscope by Hugh Brownstone.

Lensbaby announced a lens that actually is a three lens in one! You can swap between the Twist, Velvet, and Sweet effects. The lens can now be preordered for Fuji X, MFT and Sony E-moutn system at BHphoto and Adorama.

Image samples at LensBaby. Video review by Cnet. Review by PCmag.

Press text:

Don’t waste time pulling a lens out of your bag or swapping optics with the Lensbaby Trio 28mm f/3.5 Lens. This pancake-style lens incorporates a rotating front that holds Twist, Velvet, and Sweet optics for selecting different effects at a moment’s notice. The Twist uses a true Petzval design for a sharp center area surrounded by a swirl of twisty bokeh. Velvet has a dreamy central area with a soft focus look along with a soft glow. Sweet creates a sharp spot of focus in the center with a gradual fall-off to blur. And, all of these can be carried without stuffing your bag with a variety of miscellaneous equipment.

Available here for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, the Trio will provide a 42mm equivalent field of view that provides a normal perspective for working in a wide range of shooting conditions. Also, it has a fixed f/3.5 optic that ensures predictable looks in a variety of situations. All of the optics are multi-coated for minimal flare and ghosting and it has a manual focusing ring for focusing anywhere form 8″ to infinity. Additionally, users can attach filters using the front 46mm thread for even more creative control.

Works with APS-C cameras where the normal 42mm perspective that can be used to capture a variety of subjects, including street, portraits, landscapes, and more.

Fixed f/3.5 aperture helps create a predictable effect in a wide range of situations.

Rotating front dial with options for Twist, Velvet, and Sweet effects.

Twist effect uses a true Petzval design for a central area of sharp focus surrounded by a swirl of twisting bokeh. This optic utilizes four glass elements in three groups.

Velvet effect creates a soft focus effect with a dreamy center area with a delicate glow out to the edges.

Sweet effect offers a central spot of sharp focus surrounding by a gradual increase in blur.

Manual focusing ring that allows users to focus anywhere from 8″ to infinity.

Multi-coating minimizes ghosting and flare.

Front filter thread of 46mm

Smartphone cameras are getting better and better eating up the entry level camera business. Today Google announced their new “Pixel” smartphone camera. They name already brings it up to the point: The 12MP camera delivers the best performance on any mobile available yet according to DxOmark testing.

The Pixel is on preorder at Verizon and Google Store.