The strange delays in camera launches: Canon did not announce new cameras for 12 months, Nikon for 8 months and Sony for 6 months! I do not know what the reason for this is. I can only speculate:

• some kind of component shortage
• The worldwide enthusiasm for compact cameras is creating new demand for some of the existing models (such as Sony A6700 and A7c series). This is forcing companies to postpone new releases
• New European AI regulations (or other regulations?) are forcing manufacturers to adapt their future releases.
• Fujifilm won and we are all forced to buy the X100VI from now on :)

What is your best guess?

Today Sigma Japan issued the following note:

Regarding the “SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art for Sony E-mount” scheduled to be released on May 30, 2024 (Thursday), we received orders that exceeded our expectations and production has been delayed. We are unable to keep up with demand. Therefore, some customers may take some time to receive their products.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers and related parties who are waiting for the product, but we are currently working diligently to produce it, so we ask for your patience.
We appreciate your continued patronage of our company and our products.

Preorder at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FotoErhardt, WexUK.

Two different retailers told me a curious story. The fact that the Fujifilm X100VI is extremely popular, but at the same time not in stock for the next few months, is forcing people to look at possible alternatives. That is why I have been told that the Sony A6700 and Sony A7cII have seen a significant increase in sales.

Fuji’s success is great news for the whole industry. It finally shows that there is some potential to increase camera sales. However, imagine how great it would have been if Sony had launched a new RX1RIII or even a cheaper APS-C RX!

To be honest, most of the companies are asleep on the wheel: Also Nikon and Canon don’t have a true X100VI competitor. I guess this will change soon…maybe even this autumn with new “vintage” or/and “compact” camera releases from the big three?

Image courtesy CameraSize

A reader sent me anonymously those two images of Annie Leibovitz latest work.

Source: Louis Vuitton

CineD visited the Sirui factory to see how the Sniper and Saturn are made.

Today LLano released this unique new Sony battery charger you can preorder on Amazon (Click here).

Key Features:

• Fast Charging: This USB C charger supports 18W output with an adaptive type c fast charger, enabling your camera battery from zero to 100% in less than 1.5 hours, 50% faster than standard chargers. (90% of the camera battery chargers on the market are Micro USB charger 5V. )
• Special Design: Unique camera look appearance (which other brands don’t have).
• Smart LED Display: Clearly shows the charging status of all the batteries, you can identify if the batteries are charging or fully charged at a glance
• Reliable Safety: Provides complete protection (including temperature control, over-voltage, short-circuit, overcharge, and surge protection) for you and your devices.

Shooting Football with Sony’s .HIF files: Tons More Dynamic Range but with a cost… by PM-R

Today deals at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR, Amazon IT, FotoErhardt DE, FotoKoch DE.
TTArtisan 56mm F1.8 review at SonyAlphaBlog.
Nanlite Updates PavoSlim Line with New Sizes and Softboxes (Explora).
How to Optimize Your iPad for Photo Editing (42West).
7 Artisans 50mm F1.4 Tilt-Shift review at SonyAlphaBlog.
2005’s Sony R1 All-in-One Was Late to the Party Yet Ahead of Its Time (PetaPixel).

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