lenses

Leica SL2 has power flaw – Until fixed I recommend not using for professional 4K shooting

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I was very excited for the Leica SL2 and bought mine in December 2019. I have been using it ever since and it is every bit as beautifully designed as the previous model, but this time with high-spec 4K video features, IBIS and an anamorphic 5.5K mode. As usual, I paid the full retail price out of my own pocket and didn’t take a camera on loan. This is something I am now regretting because the SL2 has a major show-stopping problem which effects ALL models out there and isn’t isolated to mine. By the time I was sure of the problem, the 14-day window to return my camera to the retailer had lapsed. I then reached out to Leica in Wetzlar to alert them via my contacts at Leitz Cine lenses. UPDATE: Leica has got back to me and the issues are being looked into – the battery grip is one possible solution and there will be an update on the blog this coming week.

Read moreLeica SL2 has power flaw – Until fixed I recommend not using for professional 4K shooting

FIRST LOOK: Techart TZE-01 Sony E to Nikon Z mount adpater

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I have quite a few game-changing Techart adapters but this one takes the biscuit.

Here’s my first look for the autofocus adapter on the Nikon Z6/Z7, which essentially converts the camera into a fully featured Sony E mount body.

In stock now on eBay

Read moreFIRST LOOK: Techart TZE-01 Sony E to Nikon Z mount adpater

Did Leica just veto the Sigma MC-21 Canon EF adapter for L-mount? So much for an alliance!

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Above: The Sigma MC-21 adapter was to give Canon EF lens owners the ability to use their lenses on all L-mount mirrorless cameras including the Panasonic S1

What’s the point of having an alliance around a single lens mount if the adapters and lenses don’t work on every camera?

That’s the big question Panasonic, Leica and Sigma should be asking themselves today.

Read moreDid Leica just veto the Sigma MC-21 Canon EF adapter for L-mount? So much for an alliance!

Canon EOS RP and Fuji X-T30 announced – a Grand Canyon sized gap in 4K technology

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Oh look! It’s time for Canon to roll out their old chips again! The EOS RP has an identical sensor to the 6D Mark II, with a micro-lens array design more suited to mirrorless lenses. Canon openly admit in interviews that the RP cannot even do cropped 4K/30p without overheating. Even the modest bump in frame rate would have necessitated “a larger body design”, they say. Not sure I believe them, but clearly the technology is behind the curve.

Most disappointingly of all, it turns out that the EOS RP lacks Dual Pixel AF in 4K video mode, like the M50, which means it’s a “no-buy” from me and better to stick with the EOS R until the pro body is released, which perhaps, is the intention.

Fuji on the other hand – an even smaller, lighter (380g) and cheaper camera has a full-width 6K sensor readout without overheating and most of the 4K video features of the superb X-T3 for under $900, with F-LOG, 120fps 1080p and bonus 10bit 4:2:2 external output.

There is a GULF between Canon and Fuji in their video technology.

Read moreCanon EOS RP and Fuji X-T30 announced – a Grand Canyon sized gap in 4K technology