New Nikon Z6 III Firmware, Labor Day Sales

I don’t suppose I’ve ever felt so nervous mountain climbing as I did this week. The purpose wasn’t actually the thirty meters of air beneath my toes as I held on the rope, photographing climbers beneath me. The shiver operating down my backbone had extra to do with the digital camera I used to be taking pictures with and the truth that I used to be accountable for it “with my life.” I’ve to confess, I breathed an enormous sigh of aid after I lastly rappelled again to the bottom with the Leica SL3 nonetheless safely in my fingers. You’ll quickly have the ability to learn my full ideas on taking pictures with this uncommon digital camera. For now, let me share one photograph from yesterday’s climb—and naturally, the most recent information from the world of pictures.

Recent Announcements

• DJI Mic 3: Compact (solely 16g for the transmitter) wi-fi microphones not just for DJI cameras. Cameras inside DJI ecosystem may be linked straight and not using a receiver, whereas different cameras or cellphones use a 3.5mm audio cable or USB-C adapter. A giant leap ahead in comparison with earlier DJI mics is the power to attach as much as 4 transmitters and eight receivers concurrently. In different phrases, as much as 4 audio sources may be recorded concurrently on a complete of 8 cameras. Features embody 32-bit float audio recording, 32GB inner storage, and built-in timecode. Battery life with charging case: as much as 28 hours. Price for the usual equipment (2 transmitters + 1 receiver + case): $329.
• AstrHori 6mm F2.8 Circular Fisheye Lens: A totally handbook 340g full-frame lens with a large 220-degree angle of view, producing closely distorted round photographs with black edges. Inside its steel barrel sits an optical design of 10 parts in 8 teams (together with 4 High Refractive and a pair of Low Dispersion). As a completely handbook lens, it has no digital contacts for metadata switch. Its 8-blade aperture is managed by a clicked ring. The minimal focusing distance is simply 0.08m—just some milimeters from the entrance aspect. Filters aren’t supported. Available for Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, and L mount. Price: $299.
• ProGrade Digital 16TB PG10 USB4: The current PG10 collection, which beforehand included SSDs with capacities of 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB, now has an enormous 16GB sibling. Max learn/write speeds: 2500 MB/s (sustained write: 2000 MB/s). An influence-sensing LED confirms the drive is receiving the required 15W. Refresh Pro software program permits well being monitoring, efficiency restoration, and firmware updates. This might be overkill for many photographers, however should you’re recording RAW movies in 8K, no drive is sufficiently big. However, the worth of this SSD can also be large: $3,000.

The Rumor Mill

Nikon Zr: Nikon’s first video-oriented digital camera?

Rumors recommend that we might see an enormous announcement from Nikon as quickly as September 10. Since buying RED and releasing their first video-oriented lens, the Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ, Nikon has been poised to supply their first true video-centric digital camera. (Earlier this yr, RED cameras adopted the Nikon Z mount. A pleasant growth, however RED cameras are nonetheless extremely specialised, costly instruments, all developed earlier than the merger.)

The rumored Nikon digital camera is alleged to be based mostly on the Z6 III, however solely borrowing its sensor. Expect a brick-shaped design, with out pentaprism or EVF, and with a big rear LCD—someplace between a RED and a Nikon Z30.

Via Nikon Rumors

Leica M11-V: Focusing nonetheless in query

Rumors a few Leica M11 variant with an digital viewfinder as a substitute of a standard rangefinder have been floating round for a while. The newest rumors recommend that the “V” model won’t have the rangefinder window. Instead, the focusing patch probably should be simulated electronically. The body selector lever, which is alleged to have “dual functionality for the viewfinder,” might play a job on this. Another possibility for focusing is, after all, to make use of focus peaking to enlarge a part of the sphere in all the viewfinder (as with the Leica Q3, for instance). However, each alternate options appear to me to be a step backward in comparison with the time-tested rangefinder technique. I’m curious to see what resolution will in the end transform the ultimate one.

Via Leica Rumors

New Zoom from China: Small vary, large pace

An unnamed Chinese lens maker is reportedly making ready a really uncommon lens: a 35-50mm zoom with a continuing f/1.4 aperture. Not probably the most spectacular zoom vary, however the pace is extraordinary. In truth, it may not even be a “real” zoom—extra like two lenses (35mm and 50mm) packed into one physique. The mysterious producer is probably going Viltrox, a brand new member of the L-Mount Alliance since September 1st. And rumors even recommend it should have autofocus.

Via Photo Rumors

Good Deals and New Sales

B&H is at the moment operating Labor Day deals. What caught my eye?

From the reminiscence card world, some reductions on Sony’s TOUGH collection. Although they don’t seem to be the quickest or least expensive playing cards available on the market, I’ve not heard any experiences that will solid doubt on their reliability and sturdiness. So it appears that evidently they are surely “tough.”

SD

CFexpress Type B

Samsung SSDs additionally get pleasure from a stable status for reliability. Of course, there are sooner choices (see above), however few drives obtain as many five-star evaluations.

And after a summer time of “photography days,” possibly it’s time for some “labor days” on the enhancing desk. A very good mouse and keyboard could make lengthy hours on the pc much more pleasing. Most of my writing and photograph enhancing occurs with the Logitech MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard (was $130, now $120) and Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse (was $120, now $110).

Other Pages of Interest

Nikon has launched a significant firmware replace for the Z6 III. Among the various fixes and enhancements, two stand out to me. First, topic recognition for autofocus has been refined: “birds” at the moment are a separate class from the broader “animals.” I anticipate this may additional enhance each pace and reliability for wildlife shooters. Second, the Auto Capture operate (beforehand unique to the Z8 and Z9) has now develop into accessible for the primary time in a extra inexpensive digital camera. After all, not everybody desires to depart a digital camera price greater than $5,000 unattended. You can discover the complete record of enhancements on Nikon USA’s website or Nikon Europe’s YouTube channel.

The winners of the celebrated Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 competitors gained’t be introduced till October 14. However, you’ll be able to preview a selection of 15 images from the 61st edition now. One hanging shot seems to point out a wasp perched on a stem, however a more in-depth look reveals it to be a flying potter wasp carrying a captured caterpillar to feed its younger. Another highly effective picture, by acclaimed photographer Marina Cano, reveals three younger cheetahs working towards a hunt on a Günther’s dik-dik. My private favourite is an almost monochrome {photograph} of an Arctic wolf pack, putting you proper “Inside the Pack.” If the exhibition tour accompanying the competition comes close to you, I extremely advocate a go to.

Last week, I learn a captivating article a few man named Janek Bednařík, who fulfilled a lifelong dream—flying with geese. He raised his flock from eggs, changing into their bearded adoptive mom, spending practically each second with them till they grew impartial and joined wild geese. The geese realized quite a bit from him, however maybe he realized much more from them. The article was accompanied by charming pictures, and I knew I needed to share the story of this uncommon man with you. By coincidence, I met Janek in particular person yesterday, close to the rocks the place I used to be climbing. What began as an opportunity encounter is popping into one thing greater than only a hyperlink to his web site, husopas.cz. I gained’t spoil the main points simply but, however belief me, you’ll wish to keep tuned.

Photo Theme Challenge, Week #118

Last week’s theme was two colours, and you may see the outcomes on this thread. Thank you to everybody on your submissions! This week’s theme is avenue, and you may submit your outcomes on this thread by Saturday, September 6, 2025!

Week #117 Results

Let’s take a look at a few of the pictures we acquired for the “two colors” theme, beginning with PRG Lagarde’s photograph:

The colour mixture may be very hanging and practically complementary.

Robert’s photograph:
Now the colours have come a bit nearer collectively, and so they’re emphasised by the cool sample.

Mauro70’s photograph:
Finally, the colours coalesce and now we have solely a slight variation of shade and hue.

Thanks everybody for submitting their pictures within the problem, and we hope to see extra subsequent week within the avenue theme.