Andrew Reid

I am excited for this and will want to see what the Huawei P50 Pro is like as the Mate 40 Pro I am using now is incredible for photos. Biggest step has been with the smaller sensors and periscope folded zoom optics though. With the iPhone 12 Pro Max the step to a larger sensor didn't make much difference although it still has a much less capable chip than the P40 / Mate 40 Pro. I think image processing on phones is so good at getting more out of smaller sensors, it does somewhat mask the step to larger physical surface area. Larger sensors can even introduce some compromises in terms optics, with ugly bokeh and poor corners. Eventually I see phones being able to match full frame cameras for dynamic range (some they already are), low light shooting and even get closer in resolution terms but not optics. The look of lenses will have to be simulated with computational photography and depth maps. You can already do this with third party apps and it does work very nicely - pick your lens style (Helios 44-M for example with bokeh swirl, or even an anamorphic) and it applies the fake bokeh very convincingly. We're a while off this being as convincing as a real full frame camera or it working in realtime at 4K/120fps though.

Good deal for stills but no 4K 🙂

GH6 here we come...

Exactly, why should the A1 have a monopoly in this niche. Nikon should invent their own technology and try and compete against it.

Another candidate: Yi M1 https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sdigxiayim11240b&categoryName=cameras-compact-system&superCatName=electronics&title=xiaomi-yi-m1-4k-20m-12-40mm-f3.5-5.6-%2B-42.5mm-f1-b

Close. £275 in UK was cheapest I ever saw one of those for. They are pretty rare though. https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sdigzcae1min4kbob&categoryName=cameras-compact-system&superCatName=electronics&title=z-cam-e1-mini-4k-interchangeable-lens-micro-4-3-(body-only)-b

Just to prove it is actually possible Some more finds... https://www.ebay.de/itm/Panasonic-DC-GX-800-in-schwarz-mft-Kamera-im-guten-Zustand/393096284448?hash=item5b865d4920:g:SzoAAOSw30dgAIBL&mkcid=1&mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&siteid=77&campid=5336727214&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-LUMIX-DMC-GX8-20-3MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Only-/174680815073?mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&siteid=3&campid=5336727214&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1 Only catch is the GX8 4K is a hefty crop from the full width of the 20MP sensor and the GX800 doesn't have manual control in 4K mode. Amazingly good deals though.

4K from a large sensor first arrived for $15,000 with the Canon 1D C. Later, Panasonic democratised it with the GH4. These images are as cinematic as ever today, but can we really go full on socialist 4K? 4K for $400? No - too expensive! How about $200? I went on an eBay hunt to find out. NEW BLOG POST! https://www.eoshd.com/news/4k-for-200-is-it-possible/

Hot tip https://www.ebay.de/itm/SAMSUNG-NX-1000-SPIEGELOSE-SYSTEMCAMERA-OHNE-OPTIK/274673807983?hash=item3ff3d5b26f%3Ag%3ABiUAAOSwZpJgHnYF&LH_BIN=1 20MP Super 35mm sensor for 50 quid Dived deep into the bargain bucket for that one but since I already have my CRAPtastic camera I'll let someone else grab this potato. Maybe as part of the challenge we share our treasure hunt discoveries as we go along? Adds a new dimension to it.

Yup that's how it works 🙂 Bye.

Yeah there's some firmware problem. Working as expected 4K/24p but it seems Nikon has a problem going on in 4K/60p with custom picture profiles. I'll make them aware of it. Meanwhile, going to try a few workarounds.

The SL2-S misses 90% of features that photographers use? And you are stating facts here? LOL The Sigma Fp is not trying to be an A7 III. It is something different and an affordable way to shoot internal RAW 4K from a full frame sensor. The Blackmagic Pocket cameras are an alternative to Super 35 and Micro Four Thirds sensor mirrorless cameras like the GH5, which almost always feature IBIS, a tilt screen and an EVF. It seems Blackmagic agreed with me because in the latest Pocket they added an EVF accessory, a tilt screen and alas no IBIS because they lack the technology to do it. I am not going to bash the Sigma Fp for lacking these things because of what else it offers for the price. If you can name a cheaper AND smaller internal 4K RAW shooting full frame hybrid camera that is as unique, then be my guest... Besides I like Sigma as a company and want more choice beyond what we already have. It is great to have them in the market. Blackmagic I do not like as a company, mainly for the reason that when I last spent nearly 3000 euros on one of their brand new Pocket 6K cameras it arrived with a dirty sensor, a scratched lens mount, marks on the body fresh from the factory clingfilm wrapping and sealed box, show stopping bugs, the worst card / media compatibility on the market, unfinished firmware and a gang of marketing people who flat-out lied afterwards, fobbed me off, dodged the problem and insulted my intelligence by claiming the courier DHL scratched the lens mount through a sealed box and two layers of cardboard plus a lens cap ("Rough handling by the courier"). I simply decided I don't want to have any dealings with Blackmagic any more as a customer, as is my right. You'll be banned soon so I don't care what you think. Another returnee who can't stay away after the first one.

Whatever. It's a $6000 camera. That is Leica and medium format territory. I expect better than a Sony clone for this price. Sure, use the technology available - I am fine with that - but at least be different. For this much money you can get the GFX 100S. Unique selling points: medium format, 100 megapixels, Fuji colour science, very good codec. Or you could get a Leica SL2-S. Beautifully engineered and designed. Or you can just get the Sony A1. Smaller than the Z9 and it actually exists. Why wait 8 months to a year for the same thing in a different shaped body? You keep banging on about me being biased or inconsistent. So don't expect me to be polite in return. There is no bias in pointing out the fact the Sigma Fp has internal RAW recording for $2k from a full frame sensor, as well as being one of the smallest full frame cameras to ever exist, and that there's nothing else like it available on the market for the price. Equally there's no inconsistency in saying the Z9 isn't that unique, doesn't stand out on the market, and comes out a year later than the nearest competitor from Sony, with a vertical grip you can't remove and looks / ergonomics which look more consumer than pro. Just some factual info for you. But then, when did stating facts get me anywhere...

Anyway let's go with this idea, I'll officially start the challenge on the blog at the weekend!

I am sure most of you can afford to put down 50 quid for something and then sell it later for a small profit.

It's pretty comical the extent to which you're misinterpreting what I am saying. I said the D6 styling was far better, much bigger hump but it has smooth flowing clean lines and looks like a real professional workhorse. The EVF hump on the Z9 looks like the 1 Series. This is a $6000+ camera and must be judged as such. If it is just going to cut & paste the A1 specs sheet that is not enough, I'm afraid. Most cameras have Sony manufactured parts in them - the Sigma Fp, Panasonic S1, S1H, SL2-S, A7 III all those have practically the same sensor (which I don't have a problem with). What I would have issues with is if they were all almost identical with no unique selling points or form factors. They are ALL very different. Also some cameras like the X-T4 have exclusivity of sensor. There's no Sony APS-C body with the X-T4 sensor.

And when are Nikon going to stop styling their Z series cameras after their 1 series consumer mirrorless range (RIP) in particular the viewfinder hump from the front. Looking at the D6 next to it, and it's just so much nicer looking and professional.

Well the Leica SL2 brings a unique thing to the table over the Panasonic S1R tech donor. Better 10bit codec, 5K anamorphic, more video features, better EVF optics, not to mention Leica's high-end build quality, superb minimalism, impressive ergonomics, clean German design, sexy looks, that incredible brand - so it is absolutely top of the range and a very different experience to the S1R. Colour science is fantastic but Panasonic ain't bad either. Does the Z9 look anything like an SL2 to you? If the SL2 is a Jaguar E-type then this is your Lexus from 2017. It's perfectly high-end and probably reliable but you know it's very derivative and 'of a type'. An executive saloon camera 🙂 What are you getting your pants into a twist about anyway? It's just my opinion. You have a lot of much more interesting and original tech on the market than the Z9. GFX 100S, 1D X III, SL2, S1H, A1, it is all quite original and unique. This isn't.

Yeah but the treasure hunt, scavenging for cheap but fun stuff is all part of the fun isn't it?

Defintily not including a lens. May include a potato.

Well that much is evident!

sshhhh. Actually you can do better 😉 But no telling

Here's what I think we should do for the next one: - Large sensor challenge for under $150 (minimum size Micro Four Thirds) - Shoot the best possible looking PHOTOGRAPHY or video with it (I am personally happier just to shoot photos for some relaxed fun this time. Video more of a job in current covid infected world) - Use any existing lens you like, bonus points for unusual stuff - Must be new camera you don't already own and under $150 maximum (have fun searching) Winner is: - One who finds best bargain on eBay for under $150 with best image quality and ergonomics, the most interesting, or most imaginative choice - One who takes the best shot with it (just one amazing frame or moment wins it all)

What a load of rubbish the Canon adapter is. Why not just use the Metabones one?

Going to add the 1D X Mark III to the mix as well. Not much to shoot and little colour in Berlin at the moment. Not feeling inspired but will get on with it during the week probably.