One last Photokina surprise: Zeiss ZX1 full frame camera released

As expected our rumors about this camera were 100% accurate. Zeiss today announced the new ZX1 fixed lens camera and here are some key specs:

37,4 Megapixel Full Frame Sony sensor
35mm f/2.0
No distortion in RAW
4,3 inch Multitouch
Aluminum Body
Adobe Lightroom CC integrated in the camera!

Press text:

ZEISS ZX1: The Camera Concept for the Creative Flow in Photography

First full-frame camera from ZEISS with first-class image quality and the familiar, intuitive image editing and connectivity of a smartphone.

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27.

ZEISS ZX1 – That is the name of the newly developed mirrorless full-frame camera from ZEISS that was presented today in Cologne, Germany. Thanks to the ZEISS lens and a sensor developed in-house at ZEISS, the camera delivers first-class image quality combined with an operational concept and user experience that make the photographer’s jobs-to-be-done as intuitive as on a smartphone.

The ZEISS camera concept is just the first step to opening up a new world of possibilities for ambitious photographers – from taking the shot to editing the image and sharing it on the web.

SHOOT. EDIT. SHARE. – Harmonized hardware, software and optics for a seamless creative process

SHOOT: the ZEISS ZX1 features a newly designed, integrated ZEISS Distagon 35 mm f/2 T* lens with autofocus that has been perfectly matched to the 37.4 megapixel full-frame sensor developed in-house at ZEISS. The interplay between the lens and sensor ensures first-class picture quality with that typical ZEISS look.

EDIT: The ZEISS ZX1 enables photographers to professionally process RAW images directly on the camera thanks to fully integrated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC. Moreover, the ZEISS ZX1’s unique user interface supports the user’s particular workflow without any interruption – providing direct access to the most frequently used functions via a 4.3″ multi-touch display.

SHARE: when the networked full-frame camera is connected, the user can upload selected images directly to the internet – without the intermediate transfer to memory cards or other external devices.
512 GB of internal memory provide sufficient space for approximately 6,800 RAW files (DNG) or over 50,000 JPGs – more than enough to handle photos, even during a longer trip, and giving the photographer the chance to let their creativity flow. Versatile connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure that various peripherals can be connected. Over-the-air software updates keep the camera up to date without requiring a computer connection.

Designed with a passion for detail and a focus on the essentials

The design of the ZEISS ZX1 is characterized by its iconic shape with carefully crafted details. The overall form and reduction to just those elements that are absolutely necessary lay the foundation for an ergonomic camera and ensure easy handling. The symbiosis of hardware and software is exemplified by the newly defined user interface that utilizes the 4.3″ multi-touch display. The slightly bent screen separates the live view from the control elements, making camera operation comfortable and straightforward.

“We know that we exploring new ways and initially addressing a special target group with the ZEISS ZX1. With our concept we are focusing on ambitious, professional creatives who want to produce their photographic experiences quickly and efficiently, and inspire as many people on the Internet as possible. This requires a streamlined workflow in addition to high-end features. This is exactly what the concept of the ZEISS ZX1 offers,” explains Jörg Schmitz, Head of the Consumer Products business group at ZEISS.

ZEISS ZX1 available from early 2019

The ZEISS ZX1 will be available at selected dealers in early 2019. ZEISS will announce the recommended retail price at the start of the official market launch. Starting now, anyone interested in receiving information on exact availability can register at www.zeiss.com/zx1.

ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download
ZEISS ZX1 Image Download

Zeiss also announced the new Batis 40mm f/2.0 lens (info on SonyAlphaRumors.com).

10% off (with $100 cap) on all eBay gear today only!

The eBay super deal is back: Today only you save 10% (with max $100 discount) on all eBay US products and all eBay CA products including all camera/lens gear when using the coupon code “PICKUPTEN” at checkout!

How to redeem your Coupon:
  1. Shop for eligible items. (See below for exclusions).
  2. Pay for your item by 8:00 AM Eastern Time on October 26, 2018
  3. Enter the Coupon code in the redemption code field: PICKUPTEN
Terms & Conditions:
This Coupon is a 10% discount, valid from 8:00 AM ET on October 25, 2018 until 8:00 AM ET on October 26, 2018. No minimum purchase necessary. The Coupon discount is capped at a maximum value of $100. Discount applies to the purchase price (excluding shipping, handling, and taxes) of eligible items on eBay.?com, cafr.ebay.?ca and ebay.?ca. *Eligible items exclude warranties and protection plans, as well as items from the Coins & Paper Money, Gift Cards & Coupons, and Real Estate categories. Coupon must be used within a single transaction (and can include multiple eligible items), while supplies last. Max one redemption per user.

Only eBay users registered on ebay.?com, ebay.?ca and cafr.ebay.?ca, with an address located in the United States, Canada, Latin America or the Caribbean are eligible for the Coupon. Valid only for purchases from ebay.?com, ebay.?ca, and cafr.ebay.?ca. Any unused difference between the discount amount, as shown on the Coupon, and the purchase price of an item(s) in a single transaction (or cart) will be forfeited.

Coupon is subject to U.S. laws, void where prohibited, not redeemable for cash, has no face value, and cannot be combined with any other Coupon, or when paying with PayPal Credit Easy Payments or Gift Cards. eBay may cancel, amend, or revoke the Coupon at any time including in response to fraudulent activity.

Full Panasonic S1-S1R Photokina coverage!


image by Optyczne

So you wnna get a closer look on the new Panasonic S1 gear? Here is the full roundup collected via L-rumors.com:

Panasonic interview:

Cinema5D interviewed Panasonic manager Mike Owen. They tried to spill out some more info but they didn’t get a lot of new info:

We have been assured that, when released, these cameras will have the best possible codec for video recording. Also autofocus for video recording is a priority for Panasonic, so hopefully the new cameras are supposed to have a powerful AF. We are still trying to confirm if the new cameras will have 10-bit internal recording. As soon as we get the official information from Panasonic, we will update the article.

Hands-on reports:

Hands-on impression by CameraJabber:

As yet I don’t know the resolution of the screen or viewfinder. However, Panasonic has said that the resolution of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) will beat the competition. Canon, Sony and Nikon all have EVFs with 3,690,000 dots, so that’s promising news for the S1R.

Hands-on impression by Photographyblog:

The Panasonic S1R/S1 is a physically big camera, and the 50mm f/1.4 is a physically big lens. Panasonic’s new full-frame system is quite a lot bigger than Sony’s and Nikon’s, being more akin to Canon’s in size with regards to both the body and the lens.

All images by Optyczne and used with permission (do not repost them).

What do two of the major youtubers think about the new L-mount alliance?

Hands-on videos:

You can join the new L Full Frame Facebook group if you plan to buy this camera. There you can discuss all features and tests once it’s released!

To readers: While I am working to get some early specs I kindly invite you to stay tuned on L-rumors by subscribing here:
RSS feed: http://www.L-rumors.com/feed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/L-rumors-266550040642592/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lrumors1

Another surprise: Viltrox announces one new autofocus and two manual lenses for Sony and Fuji cameras

The chinese company Viltrox announced  three new lenses. One of them is the 85mm f/1.8 autofocs lens which will be available for Sony E and Fuji X mount cameras. Images via Optyczne.pl.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 STM version for Sony FE (autofocus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 15.58 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: AF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 80 x 92 mm,
Weight: 626 g,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
price: USD 240.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 STM version for Fujifilm X (autofocus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 11.32 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: AF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 80 x 92 mm,
Weight: 636 g,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
price: USD 240.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 85 mm f / 1.8 for Sony FE (manual focus)

construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (1 ED lens)
minimum aperture: f / 16,
field of view: 11.32 degrees,
the minimum focusing distance: 0.8 m,
maximum reproduction ratio: 1: 8,
focusing: MF
the number of apertures: 9,
filter size: 72 mm,
dimensions: 79 x 92 mm,
Weight: 665 g,
HD Nano antireflection coatings,
EXIF data support and electronic iris adjustment,
price: USD 200.

Viltrox PFU RBMH 20 mm f/1.8 dla Sony FE (manual focus)

  • konstrukcja: 12 elementów w 9 grupach (1 soczewka asferyczna, 4 soczewki ED)
  • minimalna przys?ona: f/16,
  • pole widzenia: 56.31 stopnia,
  • minimalna odleg?o?? ostrzenia: 0.25 m,
  • maksymalna skala odwzorowania: 1:8.3,
  • ogniskowanie: MF
  • liczba listków przys?ony: 14,
  • rozmiar filtra: 82 mm,
  • wymiary: 76.8 x 102 mm,
  • waga: 775 g,
  • pow?oki antyodbiciowe HD Nano,
  • brak styków,
  • p?ynna, manualna regulacja przys?ony
  • cena: 280 USD.