Weekly Digest for November third by way of ninth | Cameras and Images Defined

At the tip of the yr I’ll seemingly be transitioning all of my News/Views right into a single format. This is at the moment deliberate to be accessible solely by subscription, and through a weekly e mail in addition to a personal web site (see finish of this digest for extra on that). Don’t fear, the remainder of the data on my present websites will stay free.

To provide you with an thought of what {that a} weekly digest will appear like, I’ve taken the previous week’s information and constructed it into what this week’s e mail would have regarded like below this new plan. Enjoy.  (p.s. If you are all for probably subscribing, make sure you click here to obtain additional updates as this will get developed.)

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Tariffs Smeriffs. The taxes on new gear could or could not proceed, and should or is probably not what you suppose they’re. 

First, we now have dependable information for precisely how a lot the US collected in new tariff cash within the April to September time-frame: ~8%. Wait, aren’t all of the Trump-stated charges increased? Well, it seems that (a) these do not all the time apply due to all of the again door exceptions (lots of which do not get reported), and (b) the place they have been utilized, firms at each ends have to this point been absorbing a number of the impression. 

Now we’re beginning to see the Holiday season promotions. It appears Nikon’s just about works out to “what our prices were before the tariffs.” The US$999 Z5 is again, for instance. Sure, there’ll seemingly be some “better than pre-tariff” pricing this season, however a lot of that appears to be earlier era product or merchandise prone to be up to date quickly. So, the orange grinch did attempt to steal Christmas, however apparently did not deliver a bag sufficiently big to hold a lot.

Better nonetheless, it now appears that the Supreme Court really would possibly agree with me on the tariff matter: tariffs are taxes and solely Congress has taxing energy (it is a part of that taxation with out illustration factor that produced the Constitution). In this week’s public listening to, just about each justice appeared skeptical of the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which does not point out tariffs, and which was really written to attempt to constrain a President’s energy, not improve it. A Supreme Court choice in favor of the plaintiffs within the case would, nevertheless, have the results of creating yet one more interval of pricing uncertainty for firms. Would they get what they already paid again? Would the administration put in but extra challenges (or extra seemingly, make coverage changes that attempt a special tact to do the identical factor) that may go away the entire tariff ranges nonetheless up within the air?

Stay tuned, as this daytime serial has been renewed for an additional season.

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FIRMWARE

Nikon continues to attempt to catch as much as themselves

Nikon this week up to date firmware for the Z5II and Z50II cameras. Before you get too excited, these weren’t function updates. The main change in each updates was to adapt the Nikon Imaging Cloud wording and messages that seem on the digital camera, in addition to help the higher computerized means Flexible Picture Controls, uh Recipes, are delivered to the cameras. The authentic Nikon Imaging Cloud implementation was actually kludgy, however now the engineers in Tokyo have refined it down to only kludgy. 

While my tongue was in my cheek final paragraph, I’ll say that when you totally perceive and begin utilizing Nikon Imaging Cloud, it may be an actual assist, first in getting your pictures as much as your favourite cloud, and second in getting Nikon issues down into the digital camera (that is Recipes and firmware updates, which might now occur routinely (SETUP > Firmware model > Auto replace > On; see the tip later on this digest). The Z9 era cameras now all appear caught up with Nikon’s newest kludging, uh, developments. Those who purchased a Z5II whereas the free one-year Lightroom deal was energetic ought to completely discover utilizing Nikon Imaging Cloud, because it connects seamlessly to the Adobe cloud. 

The Z50II additionally will get 4 bug fixes, most of which you most likely by no means encountered. I have never.

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ASIAN LENS PARADE

Viltrox 85mm f/2 EVO

The most energetic of the Chinese lens firms in the meanwhile is Viltrox, who this week introduced their 85mm f/2 EVO autofocus lens to the Z-mount (it was beforehand accessible for the Sony FE mount).

This US$275 lens is a light-weight (12.7 ounces, 360g), low-priced various to all the opposite 85mm f/1.8 lenses that at the moment are accessible. But I’m glad they seek advice from it as a portrait lens, as whereas the MTF out to concerning the DX body appears to be like respectable, there is a fairly clear fall off previous that.

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ZR GOES XLR

Tascam CA-XLR2d-N adapter may be ordered

The very first possibility accessible for Nikon’s new digital scorching shoe on the ZR was Nikon’s personal ME-D10 shotgun microphone. Not far behind was Tuscan’s XLR microphone adapter. Note that the Tascam possibility is not a microphone, however relatively a two-line pre-amp that may help and energy XLR microphones (and has a built-in holder for one). 

Canon and Sony variations of this digital scorching shoe adapter have been in the marketplace for a while, in addition to an analog one which plugs into your digital camera’s mic/line enter mini jack. Word is mum in the meanwhile about whether or not this new Nikon model helps 32-bit float or not, however should you’re rigging up a ZR you will need to know that, I feel. Because this week’s information was actually solely that the unit is now accessible to pre-order, we’ve to return to Tascam’s press release, which is imprecise on the topic. B&H is itemizing this new machine at US$599 (the Canon and Sony variations record at US$499 and are at the moment on for US$399 or much less).

Personally, I’m ready for a wi-fi answer, which might be a wi-fi receiver for the new shoe slot, plus one or two wi-fi transmitters that may discuss to it. After all, the ZR is compact. Why are we making an attempt to load it up right into a RED-sized (and weighted) rig?

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Ready Set Mark III

Canon updates their widespread midrange mirrorless digital camera

The massive digital camera information of the week was Canon’s Thursday announcement of the R6 Mark III. The excellent news is there’s quite a bit that is been improved. The unhealthy information is that it now has a listing worth of US$2799, or US$500 over the Mark II. 

So what are these enhancements? First up is that Canon has moved to a 33mp picture sensor, which tops out at 7K/60P open gate for video. Faster readout speeds in comparison with the older mannequin imply much less rolling shutter impacts. The stabilization behind the sensor has been improved by half a cease, to a max of 8.5 stops (CIPA). 

Other massive modifications are the swap to CFexpress+SD slots (as a substitute of twin SD slots), the HDMI connector now goes full dimension, pre-release seize now works in common Release modes, the shutter longevity metric is now doubled to 500k actuations, plus autofocus is now throughout all the sensor space and extra matched to the EOS R1 algorithms and options (together with Register People). On the draw back, the battery life is down from the Mark II. Unchanged are the Rear LCD and EVF stats, in addition to the 12 fps mechanical, 40 fps digital shutter speeds. In one thing solely Canon engineers can clarify, the physique is similar, solely a bunch of bits are simply ever so barely completely different. 

In form of the alternative of Nikon’s dealing with of the ZR’s advertising, Canon is selling the Canon R6 Mark III—which is mostly a nonetheless pictures digital camera with video (e.g. hybrid)—closely for the brand new video options (e.g. 7K open gate recording, oversampled 4K, 4K/120P, Canon Log2, false coloration show, and so on.), regardless of having launched the identical internals just lately within the C50 (a devoted Cinema digital camera). Of course, the C50 is US$3900, so possibly Canon’s simply making an attempt to undercut themselves ;~). 

Canon (R6) and Sony (A7) are on related launch schedules and options in the meanwhile. The Sony A7 V is predicted early subsequent month, and can be on the 33mp level. Nikon and Panasonic have already fired their salvos, and each with the identical 24mp partially stacked picture sensor. So for awhile at the least, it is going to be half the gamers coming to the digital camera battle with 24 caliber and half with 33. 

The query, after all, is whether or not that sensor rely actually issues. For nonetheless pictures, that is a 15% linear decision enhance, which is on the minimal threshold what may be distinguished. Put one other means, it is the distinction between a 20.2″ print and a 23.4″ one. In video, the distinction seems to be oversampled 6K 16:9 on the Nikon and totally sampled 7K open gate on the Canon. Again, in apply, not sufficient distinction to actually matter aside from a only a few.

So it actually comes again all the way down to what it has all the time come all the way down to: Canon UX, Nikon UX, or Sony UX (with a fast look at Panasonic). The new R6 is recognizably an R6. It even quacks like one, to abuse the metaphor. And I’ve actually appreciated the R6 fashions thus far. They are a superb alternative for most individuals, in order for you the Canon type and interface. The R6 is arguably among the best mid-range cameras on the market, and the brand new mannequin has simply gotten some pick-me-ups. 

But realistically, despite the fact that the present Sony A7 IV is lengthy within the tooth, the Nikon Z6III (or ZR) does not go to 11, and the Canon R6 Mark III is now the youngest of the bunch, these are all extraordinarily good cameras that you simply’d must go a protracted method to discover a severe fault with, and I’m undecided you can handle to do this. Thus, you purchase on (1) lens mount; (2) model and UX loyalty; plus (3) worth, in that order. Given that the Nikon is the one one on which you should utilize the others’ lenses on, Nikon wins #1. Given that Canon sells half the cameras out there, they win #2 on sheer numbers alone. Which leaves Sony with #3 in the meanwhile, as the present vacation worth of the A7 IV is US$1999, or US$100 lower than Nikon. 

Sure, you will discover a YouTuber who’ll pronounce one higher than the opposite. At least till they want extra advert income and must pronounce one thing else the brand new winner. Sure, I can discover a function, perform, or efficiency side on any of the three that the opposite two do not (fairly) match. But these are all mid-pack cameras, so that they’re clustered fairly intently. I’m going to stay by my consider lenses first, honor your model loyalty second, and maintain out for actually good pricing if you are going to ignore the primary two. 

So take your decide on the way you need to bias your digital camera buy choice. I’d say we’re proper again to the place we had been on the top of the DSLR wars, solely with Nikon and Sony having swapped market share positions. 

Bonus protection: But what about inside a model? For occasion, R8, R6 Mark III, R5 Mark II, or R1? The R8 is the stripper, the low finish does not have all the pieces and is an throughout fundamental transportation mannequin. You purchase it solely on worth for fundamental performance. The R1 can be simple to determine: it is the highest finish of what Canon is able to doing, and constructed to face up to abuse. You’re not shopping for that mannequin except you might have revenue out of your photographic endeavors and do not thoughts carrying a heavy brick round with you on a regular basis. Which leaves the R5 Mark II. 

At US$1100 extra even after vacation reductions, I suppose you’d have to inform me how 45mp versus 33mp and 8K/60 versus 7K/60 actually advantages you. Sure, there is a increased decision EVF, blackout free view, and eye management focus, however are these price the additional bucks?

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Budget f/1.2

Canon launches the 45mm f/1.2 RF lens

Well, that is a technique of retaining the Chinese from taking on the prime lens territory: introduce an autofocus 45mm f/1.2 lens for US$470. Of course, the opposite means is obstructing them from releasing autofocus lenses within the RF mount through patent threats. 

This new Canon lens is actually making headlines (e.g. “surprisingly fast, shockingly inexpensive” and “Fast apertures don’t always break the bank”). The evaluations will finally trickle in and sure begin altering the narrative. That’s as a result of the printed MTF chart for the lens appears to be like like this:

So we’re ranging from a lower-than-usual distinction on the heart, and at concerning the APS-C corners issues decline quickly to actually poor skill by the corners. Of course, at f/5.6, there is perhaps a totally completely different story, however we do not have that information. Canon is leaning closely on the f/1.2 quantity, so f/1.2 is the place we’ve to start out our distinction, sharpness, and astigmatism evaluation. Astigmatism (stable versus dotted strains) appears seemingly wonderful, however the different two, not a lot. The massive distinction between the ten lppm (black) and 30 (blue) can be indicative of a difficulty, too. Don’t count on to be clearly resolving wonderful element extensive open. It’s unclear what, if something, we would be resolving within the full body corners.

That stated, we have seen MTF charts just like the one above earlier than. In the 1990’s largely. So possibly that is simply an “old school” lens for “old schoolers” who occur to have a “new school” digital camera.

By means of distinction, this is the MTF chart for the Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 S:

Now that the Nikon chart represents some actually good pixel grappling, which I’ve verified in my assessment of the lens. (Note: each Canon and Nikon present theoretical MTF values, not measured ones.)

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Unthreading

dpreview introduces their new fora

I’m largely satisfied that both dpreview employees do not know what makes dpreview into dpreview, or that their new overlords at Gear Patrol are pushing the mistaken selections upon them.

This week dpreview accomplished their transition from the discussion board software program that the unique staff had constructed to an off-the-shelf model from ZenForo. The end result makes it problematic for somebody like me to proceed to submit there. I’ll get to the why on that in a bit, however first I want to jot down about what made dpreview so profitable initially and for a really very long time after (at the least up by way of the Amazon acquisition).  

You all know that I’m all about optimum information seize with regards to pictures (and optimum processing, as properly). It’s a “quality thing.” My lengthy profession in media has proven me time and time once more that high quality data (and commentary) introduced properly wins the sport. We’ve now seen at the least three distinct Internet waves the place some have gone for amount and hype over high quality—the present one is AI-generated content material—and that strategy has merely by no means received. The Googlization of the Internet has additionally been what novelist and tech commentator Cory Doctorow calls enshitification. Platforms decay as they pursue profitability and development the quaint means (by serving themselves earlier than their prospects). 

To a point that is what has occurred at dpreview. Go search for a few of their earlier evaluations of cameras and examine them towards the present brief types they’re utilizing. The stage, breadth, and depth of element is not there. Likewise, the older discussion board postings had been fortified with fixed Vitamin Knowledge by a big group of like-minded people prepared to share their information, together with one of many inventors of CMOS picture sensors (he nonetheless posts in a single discussion board, however far more hardly ever; a degree that can change into related in a second).

People new to something digital picture—of which there have been many—discovered a Fountain of Knowledge once they got here to dpreview, and the wizards that constructed that had been nonetheless round that can assist you type by way of it. Eventually the model wars and their troll armies began watering down issues, and a bunch of us wizards left, at the least briefly. Coupled with by no means fairly getting a deal with on “news”, the decline within the high quality of the evaluations, the necessity to discover extra areas for advertisements and affiliate hyperlinks, and the decline in discussion board submit high quality all made the dpreview of 2020 not so good because the one earlier within the century. 

So let’s discuss concerning the change in discussion board software program. It does a number of issues that make it so I can not spend the time sorting by way of discussion board posts and providing assist. First, there’s the density of knowledge change. On a full web page on my 5K show, I now solely see the titles for 12 discussion board posts in a full top window (and that is with an advert blocker operating). It may be much less if folks write actually lengthy submit titles. I can see about that many extra with a full scroll, then I’ve to start out hitting the Next Page buttons (at the moment 1410 Next Pages within the discussion board I often reply in). So this is a key drawback that dropping the threaded view the outdated discussion board software program had: the density of knowledge is now horrible. The chance that only a few posts get commented on goes up, as nobody goes to need to always maintain clicking buttons after which doom scroll to seek out all of right now’s posts. 

Density of knowledge comes up as an issue in different methods, as properly. I simply clicked on one thread I had been responding in. With the outdated discussion board software program I might see the headings for 50 or extra posts, together with the unique one which set off the thread. Today? I see—once more, that is on a 5K Retina show—simply the unique submit totally. Then to seek out the place I had responded within the thread I’ve to scroll by way of utterly opened posts from others. I need not see these once more of their entirety. Moreover, there’s an already open “reply” space for me taking over area on the backside of the primary web page, however I feel that if I fill something in there, I’m really including to the finish of the thread, not particularly to that location within the thread. So extra wasted area, as a result of since many of the threads I participated in tended to hit the outdated most 150 posts mark: I need not scroll by way of (at the moment) 5 extra screens of this, every with an additional place to submit a reply. 

Finally, dpreview has all the time had the issue of individuals quoting a complete submit of their response to it. In the outdated threaded view, this was not disruptive to information (title) density within the outdated threaded view. In the brand new view, despite the fact that the quoting is routinely minimized to 5 or 6 strains (with Click to Expand taking one other line), that is pushing the per-pageview data density down nonetheless additional. 

The drawback for me is straightforward: the outdated dpreview discussion board design allowed me to shortly scan and discover related issues to answer the place I would assist, whereas the present dpreview discussion board design means I’ve to scroll by way of each expanded submit and (usually) click on by way of a number of pages of these. I haven’t got the time for that. So beginning right now I’m going to cut back my presence on dpreview, most likely to close zero. I do know others who did the identical when the almost-closure occurred a few years in the past. I also needs to level out that, although Reddit additionally has a poor density per web page, I can at the least doom scroll by way of all the r/Nikon in a short time to seek out fascinating posts, click on on one, after which doom scroll by way of a threaded view of the submit and responses. Much much less time losing. 

Thus it is a unhappy day right here in Anticrapville. 

Bonus protection: If you suppose that what I is perhaps on the brink of attempt with my websites is an try at antishitifying, you are now staring on the head of a nail centered on the goal. If I’m going to contemplate persevering with my work at pictures and know-how schooling, I must do higher, not worse. I do not need Doctorow pointing at me for example. 

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No Surprises

Nikon discloses first half 2026 fiscal outcomes

(Reminder, Nikon’s fiscal years begin in April and finish the next March, and the ending date determines the “year”). 

The first half of their fiscal yr confirmed Nikon largely hitting their marks with the Imaging unit, with gross sales being barely up from their forecast in August and revenue completely matching. That’s nonetheless down from final yr’s first half, although unit volumes are up (largely as a consequence of robust Z5II and Z50II gross sales, which have decrease common promoting costs than final yr’s Zf/Z6III binge). Foreign change charges and tariffs additionally had a adverse impression on revenue in comparison with final yr. 

The Imaging group stays the most important part of Nikon, nonetheless with 46% of its gross sales, in addition to being one in all two actually worthwhile divisions within the first half of the yr (the elements enterprise is the opposite).

Nikon now claims to have launched 50 Z System lenses. The quantity is definitely 46, as Nikon apparently is together with teleconverters and the SE variations of the 28/40mm lenses of their rely. But hey, they promised 50, and so they lived as much as it (two quarters late).  

A brand new disclosure was additionally made: EssilorLuxottica, the Italian firm that owns Lenscrafters, Pearl Vision, Sunglass Hut, Oakley, and Ray-Ban, amongst others, now owns 10.5% of Nikon’s inventory (and is allowed to purchase as a lot as 20%). Here’s taking a look at you, child. The future’s so vivid, it now consists of shades.

Bonus protection: Meanwhile, Canon and Fujifilm reported elevated gross sales, although Canon additionally reported hits to their income due a lot of intersecting causes. Something goes to have to offer within the ILC market, although: both we have to see considerably extra general quantity, or additional Fujifilm and Nikon unit quantity development should come on the expense of Canon and/or Sony. 

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Tip of the Week

Yellow dots now showing in Nikon menus

Nikon has been largely quiet about this (most likely as a result of the the place and why has been altering), and I do not at the moment doc this in my books (for a similar cause), however you could now see yellow dots in your menus (Z9 era cameras solely, although not the Z9 ;~):

These occur whenever you’ve acquired a SnapBridge or Nikon Imaging Cloud connection energetic in your digital camera and people companies need to push (or have pushed) one thing all the way down to you. This began with firmware updates (through SnapBridge solely), however now consists of Recipes you may need chosen on the Nikon Imaging Cloud web site for obtain to cameras. 

The dots seem as a stable yellow ● on unselected objects versus a hole black ◦ on chosen objects (why is not it only a black dot?). But should you see ● on a menu merchandise (as with on the SETUP menu tab, above), it signifies that one thing is pending (it might or could not have been downloaded to the digital camera). This brings us to a different new function that Nikon (and I) have been largely quiet about: SETUP > Firmware replace > Auto replace. 

Auto replace means that you can have the digital camera routinely obtain a firmware replace from Nikon Imaging Cloud. Nikon’s documentation is a teeny bit deceptive, as they state that three issues must be true for this to work (1 Nikon Imaging Cloud connection turned on, 2 digital camera turned off, and 3 digital camera powered through USB). Not true. The replace will get seen even when the digital camera is not plugged into USB energy supply and can be downloaded to the digital camera, if doable. It simply will not be put in. Also, Nikon typically forgets of their directions to let you know that there must be a card within the digital camera, as that is the place the replace can be downloaded to.

Previously, the one means you’d know that your digital camera had a pending firmware replace is that you simply went to Nikon’s obtain web site, otherwise you seen a “New firmware is available for your camera” textual content field on the high of SnapBridge. Now your digital camera cannot solely let you know, however even be sure to’re up to date. 

Here are the steps to arrange a Z9 era digital camera (satirically not the Z9 itself; do I’ve to flog Nikon on the shortage of a full set of firmware on the Z9 once more?) to replace firmware routinely:

1. Make positive you’ve got linked your digital camera to Nikon Imaging Cloud: NETWORK > Connect to Nikon Imaging Cloud > ON.
2. Set up the automated replace system: SETUP > Firmware replace > Auto replace > On > [time]. This step determines what time every day the digital camera will do the checking, with 00:00 being midnight. Note that Auto replace could also be scrolled off the Firmware replace display screen if in case you have a firmware replace file already on the cardboard within the digital camera.
3. Make positive that your digital camera is turned off and linked to USB energy.

Personally, I do not like retaining my digital camera linked through a cable to a USB energy supply. First, the digital camera is not in a bag or safe storage whenever you do this. When your cat or canine comes to analyze and knocks your digital camera off your desk…properly, do not blame me. If you overlook it is there and by accident snag the cable, you, too, might pull your digital camera off the desk, so I hope you might have carpet with a thick pad beneath. I observe all of Nikon’s steps aside from USB energy. When I see a yellow dot the following time I pull the digital camera out of its storage, I simply go instantly to SETUP > Firmware replace > Update (from Nikon Imaging Cloud) and carry out the replace.

While I’ve largely written about firmware, above, the identical factor can occur on the PHOTO SHOOTING > Set Picture Control menu should you’ve acquired pending Recipes for obtain. 

Overall, Push-to-Camera is an effective, new factor Nikon is doing. I hope to see them broaden on this and enhance it (e.g. NX Studio wants a Push-to-Nikon-Imaging-Cloud possibility that may additional push to the digital camera as a private Recipe).

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Video of the Week

What did Thom final {photograph} in Botswana?

The following video incorporates stills from my most up-to-date journey:

Cameras and lenses: Z8, Z5II, IR transformed Z7II, 600mm f/6.3 VR S, 28-400mm f/4-8 VR. A bit tip: the 28-400mm f/4-8 does not scorching spot on IR transformed cameras! That’s extremely uncommon for a zoom lens, and makes for a compact equipment with the Z7II. 

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Wrapping Up

And in different information

▶︎ Leica will now promote you the SL3 Reporter, replete with scratch-resistant olive-green end, aramid-fabric armor, and blacked out buttons and dials (however the dot remains to be purple). It’ll solely value you US$500 to bling out your new Leica. Or is that black out? Sure to be on each battle reporter’s Christmas want record.

▶︎ DxO went full replace with new variations of PhotoLab (9.2), PureRAW (5.5), and Nik Collection (8.2). The two most fascinating new options are that (1) PhotoLab can now work straight with Photoshop (ala ACR) and create Smart Objects, the place you may return and alter your demosaic selections, and (2) Nik Collection Analog Efex now has paper texture mixing.

▶︎ Tenba launched the brand new Roadie v2 Spinner 22, a rolling digital camera case that may also be used as a backpack. Though just about each story I’ve seen about this new bag claims “first-ever rolling camera case that converts into a backpack.” Nope. I’m undecided that it was first, however the ThinkTankPhoto Airport Takeoff v2.0 can do this, too (as can a few different ThinkTankPhoto backpacks). The Tenba would possibly be the primary to do this with 4 wheels (spinner) versus two (leaner). Note additionally that the Tenba Roadie is near, however not fairly, overhead compliant (it is a half-inch too massive in two dimensions). At US$500, you will need to pay shut consideration to that should you fly with it, significantly on some International carriers. 

▶︎ In the photographic-adjacent class of video, Atomos launched the Ninja TX GO, a brand new US$799 5″ 6K touchscreen HDMI monitor-recorder claiming to be able to do (in an update) direct adjustment of exposure settings on the camera (Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, and Z CAM are mentioned). This appears to be the “new factor” for external HDMI devices, as the just introduced Portrays LH5C monitor is claiming the same camera control features. So something’s been brewing in the Tokyo labs that everyone seems to agree on. The Ninja TX GO also goes to 1500 nits (500 more than the Nikon ZR) and records to an internal CFexpress Type B card or external SSD drives.

▶︎ And here’s another video tidbit that will produce some head scratching: Sirui this week announced three autofocus, anamorphic, t/1.8 primes (50mm, 75mm, and 100mm), in the new Astra series. These US$999 optics are lightweight, which will help with gimbal work. But here’s the head-scratcher: the new lenses will come in L-mount, FE-mount, and Z-mount. Only the RED Z-mount cameras currently support anamorphic capture. Does this announcement suggest we might also see video squeezing coming to, say, a ZR?

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Congratulations on making it this far. As you can see, this weekly “e-newsletter” style for News/Views can be quite elaborate and lengthy, particularly once I add in video instruction and other items. The fact that it will be sent weekly is part of its benefit: you’re not going to have to scroll all my sites daily to find what I might have written, because you’ve subscribed for everything to come directly to your email InBox as it gets published each week. By putting everything in one spot, in a single format, it also saves me time. 

My current intention is to remove News/Views from all but the zsystemuser.com site (where you’ll still get short, one line news items about the latest Z offerings), remove all ads and affiliate links from my sites, and generate on-going revenue through modest subscription fees that include the weekly News/Commentary newsletter, ongoing video instruction/presentations, monthly hangouts, and more. I call this new thing byThom Max, because I’ll be on maximum while doing it, including going to all the trade shows I can, as well as other events, and covering them for the newsletter, as well.

I’ll have more about byThom Max when I kick it off in 2026. In the meantime, if you’re interested in subscribing, click on right here to obtain updates.