Vistek ProPhotoBlog Blackmagic Design announcements from NAB Show It’s only day one at NAB Show and already Blackmagic has made a flurry of new product announcements including a new 12K URSA cinema camera, the latest version of DaVinci Resolve, ATEM switchers and much, much more! Read on below for brief descriptions for each product. URSA Cine 12K The URSA Cine 12K introduces new advanced technologies with “total integration into the post production workflow”. It features a new, large format RGBW 36 x 24mm sensor with larger photo-sites offering up to 16 stops of dynamic range, interchangeabl ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Atomos Ninja Phone & Sun Dragon lights announced Atomos has announced two new products, the Sun Dragon,  a 5-colour HDR LED production strip light and the Ninja Phone, “a 10-bit video co-processor designed for use with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Ninja Phone The Ninja Phone is a small portable unit consisting of a phone case and processing unit that will encodes a connected camera’s HDMI signal to 10-bit ProRes or H.265 allowing the footage to be viewed on a compatible iPhone. View Atomos Ninja Phone Pricing and Availability at Vistek Encoded video is ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro Series gimbals announced The DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro gimbals boast a number of upgrades from their predecessors, the RS3 and RS3 Pro, offering new and improved features such as next-gen vertical shooting, an improved accessory ecosystem, and of course, next-level stabilization. Features and Upgrades The new RS4 and RS4 Pro models offer new and improved features including DJI’s new fourth-generation RS algorithm allowing for smoother transitions and feature an improved vertical shooting mode. RS4: Extended Tilt Arm: The RS4’s tilt arm has been extended by 8 ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Essential Tips for Photographing a Solar Eclipse The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, promises a rare and awe-inspiring spectacle, captivating not only the general public, but also photography enthusiasts keen on photographing a solar eclipse for what might be the first and only time in their lives. For photographers aiming to capture this once in a lifetime event, it is crucial to understand the nuances of capturing solar eclipse images, from selecting the right equipment to safeguarding your eyes and camera. What is a Solar Eclipse? A solar eclipse happens when t ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 for Nikon Z mount announced The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2, is a compact standard zoom lens designed for use with Nikon Z series cameras that offers excellent optical performance and a compact, lightweight design. It features 17 lens elements in 15 groups, including two low dispersion (LD) and Glass Molded Aspherical (GM) elements to control optical aberrations. The lens’s AF drive uses a linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) that Tamron says is fast, highly accurate and quiet. It also features a MOD (Minimum Object Distanc ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Firmware updates available for multiple Sony cameras Sony has released minor firmware updates for the a7R V, a7CR, a7C II, and ZV-E1 cameras that fix issues and offer minor improvements rather than adding any new features. The fixes and improvements included with the firmware updates for each camera are listed below. Sony a7R V Fixes an issue where the camera could restart if many faces were simultaneously recognized at the same time when shooting a movies Fixes an issue where the time code wasn’t always retained after a power restart Fixes an issue where the certain cust ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR super zoom lens announced The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a highly versatile super zoom lens designed to work with Nikon’s Z series full-frame FX format cameras. Featuring a focal length of 28mm – 400mm and a 14.2x zoom range, the lens is ideal for not only capturing wildlife and large-field sporting events but also as a take anywhere travel lens thanks to its ultra lightweight of 725g (1.6lbs) and small size of 14 cm (5.6 in) when retracted. It boasts a minimum focus distance of only 20 cm (7.8 in) when open to its maximum wide-angle pos ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog The new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens has arrived With a bright maximum aperture and a 13-blade rounded diaphragm, the spectacular new Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art lens is designed to deliver superior resolving power throughout the focus range and stunningly natural-looking bokeh – perfect for portraits and just in time for wedding season. As the name suggests, Sigma’s Art lenses are intended for photographers who prize creative expression and built to render the highest levels of artistic quality. The latest addition is no exception, staying true to the legacy of this lin ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Nikon Z 9 firmware version 5.00 released Nikon has announced the release of the latest firmware (version 5.00), which is the fourth major update since the release of the Z 9 camera back in 2021. According to Nikon’s press release, this update will increase usability for sports photography by expanding the Auto Capture and High-Speed Frame Capture+ functions. Portrait photographers should also be happy thanks to the enhanced Skin Softening and Portrait Impression Balance functions, and Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control. Nikon also says that the update offers various improv ..read more

Vistek ProPhotoBlog Nikon acquires RED Digital Cinema In a move that came as a surprise, Nikon has announced the (strategic) acquisition of RED Digital Cinema, allowing Nikon to broaden its horizons into the digital cinema camera market. With the purchase, RED Digital Cinema effectively becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nikon, allowing Nikon to properly enter the cinema camera market, while at the same time leveraging RED’s already stellar reputation in the industry. Until this announcement, Nikon was lagging far behind Sony and Canon in this market segment, due to it not having its own de ..read more