We’ve had an eventful last three weeks, and the next one might be too. (Sony and Panasonic announcement rumors abound.) Here’s a recap on what’s been happening at Mike’s Camera and in the biz!
Mirrorless Madness—Canon, Nikon, & Fujifilm, oh my!
Not one, not two, but three major releases in the mirrorless world were announced!
Nikon, in a highly-publicized event, launched the Z series, a completely new full-frame mirrorless system. The Z7 (45.7 MP, 493 AF points, 64–25600 ISO) and Z6 (24.5 MP, 273 AF points, 100–51200 ISO) will be arriving in stores later this month and November (respectively), accompanied by the first three Z mount lenses (the 24–70mm f/4 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, & 50mm f/1.8 S) and the FTZ mount adapter. They also teased a 2019 release of the insanely fast 58mm f/0.95 S Noct…
Canon was hot on their heels, presenting their own completely new full-frame mirrorless system. (Side note: WOW! Two new mounts in as many weeks? That’s outrageous!) The EOS R (30.3 MP, 5655 AF points, 100–40000 ISO), its attendant RF mount lenses (the 24–105mm f/4L IS USM, 50mm f/1.2L IS USM, 28–70mm f/2L USM, & 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS USM), and three different adapters for EF lenses will start shipping in October, with the complete system (as announced so far) out by February of next year. The adapters themselves are unusually exciting, with one version adding a control ring and another adding a slot for a drop-in CPL or variable ND filter.
Canon also demonstrated a continued commitment to their EF and EF-M systems, promising three high-quality, super-fast lenses. The EF-M 32mm F1.4 STM is a fresh new prime for their smaller mirrorless system shipping later this month. Coming out in the same time-frame are the third iterations of two mega-zooms: the EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM.
Finally, Fujifilm announced their eagerly-awated X-T3 and took their mirrorless APS-C camera game to a new level. Beating or matching their flagship (the X-H1) in almost all specs but IBIS, the X-T3 is only the second APS-C camera ever to include a back-side-illuminated sensor. We’ll be seeing them in-store in the next couple weeks.
Double refresh from Tamron & Panasonic
Panasonic announced the update to their popular LX100 premium compact camera, appropriately named the LX100 II. Processing features are massively upgraded and the sensor has been replaced with a new, higher-resolution 17 MP sensor engineered to perform better in low light.
Tamron’s contribution to the flurry of activity was also a v-2—or, rather, a G2. Specifically, the SP 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2! The autofocus is insanely faster than the first version, coatings have been reengineered, and the Canon version will even have a drop-in filter slot. Nice!
Finally: fun.
Polaroid announced the newest member of its analog instant camera family, the OneStep+. It’s got all the great features of the OneStep 2, with a second lens built in (for closer focusing) and access to six fun new modes (double exposure, light painting, noise trigger, self timer, remote trigger, & manual mode) via a Bluetooth connection to any Android or iOS device. The app even includes a photo scanner! Order here now.
Launch parties!
Lots of new cameras = lots of fun for camera lovers! We had great launch events for the Z series, EOS R, and X-T3 thanks to our wonderful reps and enthusiastic customers. There’s still time for a couple of them, too! All events will be held at the local Mike’s Camera store.
- Canon will be in Denver tonight, September 14th, from 6:30–8:30 PM. Click here to register!
- Canon will also be in Colorado Springs tomorrow, September 15th, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Click here to register!
- Fujifilm will be in Sacramento this Tuesday, September 18th, from 2:00–5:00 PM.
- Nikon will be in Dublin this Tuesday, September 18th, from 6:30–8:30 PM. Click here to register!
Want to read more? Click through for more info…
Time for a refresh: Announcing the Panasonic LX100 II
Nikon Mirrorless Launch: Live Coverage
Mirrorless Redefined: Welcome to the world, Z!
Wide-angle excellence, refreshed
Mirrorless “R”evolution: the EOS R system is ready!
Announcing: the Fujifilm X-T3
Rainbows & Bluetooth: Check out the new Polaroid OneStep+
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