Nikon is launching the Z Series with two cameras, three lenses, and one lens adapter. Many industry watchers believe the move is critical to the Japanese firm’s future, at a time when smartphones have decimated demand for fixed-lens compact digital cameras.Sales of mirror-based DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras have also been weakening.

The New Z Lens Mount

“We have been refining our optical technologies for over 100 years,” Nikon stated at its global launch event. The Z Series features a brand new lens mount that’s designed to “redefine possibilities” and elevate optical performance for Nikon over the coming decades.

“This is the new light that Nikon will use to pioneer the future,” Nikon says. “It is indeed mirrorless reinvented.”

The Z mount uses a large 55mm inner diameter and a 16mm flange focal distance that allow for apertures as fast as f/0.95 and a slim body design. It also opens the door to other lens properties that weren’t previously possible with Nikon’s F mount.

F-mount lenses will be fully compatible with Z mount cameras using the new FTZ Mount Lens Adapter.

Nikon says the new lens mount will also allow its Z mount to be future proof, allowing for cameras with higher and higher resolutions and optics with greater and greater sharpness.

Nikon Z7: A Flagship High-Res Mirrorless Camera

The new Nikon Z7 is Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, featuring high-resolution photography and “revolutionary” autofocus.

The camera features a 45.7-megapixel backside-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor with a native ISO of 64-25,600. It has an EXPEED 6 image processor that supports 9fps continuous shooting.

The Z7 packs a groundbreaking autofocus system that boasts a whopping 493 AF points that cover 90% of the viewfinder area.

The Nikon Z6 is $3,996.95 and available for Pre-order. It will be released on 27th Sept, 2018

Nikon Z6: A High-Speed, Low-Light Powerhouse

The new Nikon Z6 is designed to be an all-around, high-speed, low-light camera. It features a backside-illuminated 24.5-megapixel full-frame sensor with a native ISO range of 100-51200. Backed by an EXPEED 6 image processor, the Z6 can do 12fps continuous shooting.

There’s a 273-point on-sensor phase-detect autofocus system that operate on both shooting stills and videos. Nikon is billing the Nikon Z6 as an all-rounder and it’s aimed at enthusiast photographers, especially existing Nikon photographers. Nikon sees the Nikon Z6 as the mirrorless partner to the Nikon D750 and it’s a natural competitor to the Sony A7 III

The Nikon Z6 is $2,569.95 and will go on sale in late November.

Both cameras feature durable, dust- and drip-resistant builds and a large, firm grip for secure and comfortable holding. On the top of the cameras is a relatively large information display, two dials, a dedicated video recording button, an ISO selection button, and an exposure compensation button next to the shutter button. They also feature a hybrid AF system that uses an algorithm to automatically switch between focal-plane phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF. For the first time, in-camera 5-axis vibration reduction is appearing in a Nikon camera. The system provides 5-stops of compensation and is also compatible with F-mount lenses mounted to the lens adapter.

Check  the complete specs of these cameras [here]

The workshop was presented by ShutterXpose Photography in association with Tamron Kuwait, garnered lot of positive feedback from the participants which was held in the Murjan Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, Kuwait on 18th November 2016 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. A souvenir was released during the event highlighting the activities and achievement of the Photography club over the last 5 years. Tamron and Naser Al-Sayer Communication has been a key associate of Weekenders Photography club and has been supportive through each of the club activities. Tamron Kuwait introduced an exclusive special discount lens offer during the workshop which truly amazed the participant expectation. Mr. Salman Al-Basha, Tamron Kuwait Development Manager spoke on Tamron lens and its active development and new technology included in some of their latest lenses. Mr. Adil Javed, Tamron lens ambassador spoke on his personal experience of using Tamron lenses and how it has helped him at professional front.

The macro photography workshop had an extremely informative morning session followed by a practical demonstration of various techniques with tips on approaching macro subject, composition, and controlling light to get a good macro photograph. Post lunch the participants moved on to the workshop desks where they photographed to their heart’s content the various macro subjects displayed. The participants enjoyed one to one interaction and guidance from the experts. Lumen Store, the main dealers of Elinchrom Lighting and lighting accessories in Kuwait supported the event as lighting associates. At the end of the workshop each participant was handed over certificates. The organizers also had arranged for a raffle draw for the participant.

ShutterXpose organized a second day Outdoor Macro photography session at the amazing farm in Wafra, wherein the Weekenders photography team members and guest participants enjoyed a plethora of macro subjects and further expert guidance with Yuwaraj.

ShutterXpose have been promoting photography through Weekenders Photography club with a vision to promote, educate and inspire peer photographers including amateurs and beginners. The club conducts various photography workshops, seminars and photo tours to their members. Mr. Guru Hegde the club founder was honoured by Tamron as Tamron Mentor for his professionalism and technical expertise in field of Photography.

If you are interested to be a part of Weekenders Photography Club, please send an email to admin@shutterxpose.com

• Introduction to Macro Photography
• How to think like a pro macro photographer
• Key difference between shooting macro and close up
• Various equipment’s and lights used in macro Photography
• Technical details and hands on explanation of each equipment’s
• Controlling sharpness in macro photography – how to avoid blur
• Depth of field in macro photography
• Skills and expertise for taking great shots including techniques on Background, Composition and Magic angle
• Using natural and available light in macro photography
• Working with higher magnifications in macro: what challenges will you face and how to overcome them.
• Using off-camera lighting (flash) in macro photography
• Focus stacking techniques

BRING ALONG:

• Your Camera (DSLR Preferred)
• Macro Lens OR Extension tubes (if you don’t have, we shall share)
• External flash (if your camera does not have pop-up flash)

INCLUDES:

• Buffet Lunch & Refreshments
• A chance to win Raffle coupon by event sponsors
• Certificate presented to all participants at the end of the workshop.

Browse Macro images: 

[foogallery id=”2988″]

However, it’s been a tumultuous time in the world of cameras, with the Kumamoto earthquakes in Japan having a devastating affect not only on its communities, but production lines. Which has meant a quieter show for some manufacturers than previous years.

Here are the best camera and the latest Sigma Lens announcement from Photokina 2016

Canon EOS M5

Canon had already made great announcement of the EOS M5 mirrorless camera to the 5D Mark IV earlier this year. Canon joins the club of mirrorless manufacturers offering hybrid (optical plus sensor shift) stabilization, with 5-axis compensation. It has a far more dSLR-like appearance. This is the first Canon mirrorless to incorporate a built-in electronic viewfinder and a real grip. The touchscreen display tilts down for selfies.Canon plans to ship the body and a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM lens in November for $980 and $1,100, respectively. That new EF-M 18-150mm lens is a compact substitute for the older 18-135mm IS STM, with a longer maximum focal length of 240mm-equivalent, intended as a general-purpose option for the single-lens customer.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The top dog of the G-series gets its much rumoured update. The GH5 goes one better than the GH4 by including “6K Photo” which can extract a still image from the file. There’s also 4K video capture at up to 60fps.

Other than the video focus the camera remains a similar top-end mirrorless model: delivering super-fast autofocus in a body that houses heaps of customisable buttons and controls, along with built-in viewfinder and vari-angle rear touchscreen.

The camera will be out in early 2017, but there’s no official price just yet

Sony A99 Mark II

After more than three years on the market, the Alpha 99 gets its replacement, the aptly named A99 Mark II.

This full-frame SLT (that’s single lens translucent, if you’re wondering) brings together a 42.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, with a new hybrid face detection autofocus – which combines 399 phase detection points on the sensor, paired with 79 phase detection points on a separate sensor that work continuously together.

Add 5-axis image stabilisation, 12fps continuous shooting, 4K video capture with no pixel binning, and Sony has got one mighty fine stills or video capture device on its hands. It’s not cheap though: the A99 II will cost $4,000 body-only when it launches in November.

Nikon KeyMission Action Cameras

Nikon has gone full action camera: with its already-announced KeyMission 360 ($550) being joined by the KeyMission 170 ($430) and KeyMission 80 (£325). That’s the option to choose 360-degree all-around VR capture, an ultra-wide angle 170-degree angle of view, or a less wide 80-degree angle of view. That’s three different products rather than three different options within the one camera, though. Which seems like an odd choice, given the plethora of action cameras already on the market. The clip-on wearable KeyMission cameras are all tough and waterproof, with easy-to-use touchscreen and SnapBridge sharing built-in.

There was no mention of anticipated 2017 kit either. However like Canon, Nikon had earlier announced their top-end full frame D5 and crop sensor D500, along with the recently announced entry level D3400.

Fujifilm GFX 50S

Fujifilm announced a brand new mirrorless medium format camera, complete with brand new GF mount lens system. With a whopping 51.4-megapixels across the sensor’s 43.8 x 32.9mm surface (that’s 1.7x larger than a full-frame DSLR), one of Fujifilm’s goals is to offer high-resolution capture in any number of ratios, from 1:1 through to 3:4 and even 16:9.

In addition to a vari-angle LCD screen for waist-level work, including vertical tilt like on the X-T2, the GFX 50S comes complete with a viewfinder included in the box. But it’s not just any old viewfinder: it can rotate through vertical and horizontal angles – ideal if a still life is setup at an obscure angle, for example.

Available from early 2017, the Fujifilm GFX doesn’t have an official price just yet, but the guess is with a 63mm lens this would be around $9,900

At launch there will be three lenses – 63mm f/2.8, 32-64mm f/4.0 and 120mm f/4.0 – with an additional three set to join the line-up in the year following availability.

GoPro Hero Black and Hero 5 Session

The new GoPro Hero 5 brings some key changes to the ubiquitous action camera, bringing a display to the rear and waterproofing down to 10m without the need for an additional case. Stereo audio is offered, 4k/30fps footage is captured and there’s built-in GPS and voice control. It can also automatically upload content to the cloud while charging. The new GoPro Hero 5 is compatible with all the existing GoPro mounts.

Taking a step down is the Hero 5 Session. This is GoPro’s cube camera, updated with voice control and now offering 4k/30fps capture like the bigger device.

The GoPro Hero 5 costs $455 and the Session is $325.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

With a new 121-point autofocus system, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is all about speed. Its 20.4-megapixel sensor can capture images at up to a whopping 18 frames per second (fps), while its the first Olympus mirrorless camera to add 4K video capture too.

The E-M1 II is splshproof, dustproof and freezeproof, comes with 5-axis image stabilisation, dual SD card slots. Talk about spec-tastic; this looks like Olympus’s best camera to date, which is perfectly timed to take on the likes of the Fujifilm X-T2.

Sigma Lenses

Sigma Corporation unveiled its new 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Global Vision lenses

Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art – The Ultimate Portrait Lens

The new Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens is engineered to support the highest resolution sensors on the market with an exceptional degree of sharpness.

Made up of 14 elements in 12 groups, the lens features not one, but two SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements and one “glass element with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and refraction,” to quote Sigma. All of this together to produce what Sigma calls “attractive bokeh” for the discerning portrait photographer.

They also re-engineered the AF system in this lens, giving it 1.3x the tourque of previous generations, and introduced full-time manual focus override so you can always get a response when you twist the focus ring even in continuous AF.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Nikon mounts feature a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art lens will be available in late October and retails for a recommended street price of $1199.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens

The new 12-24mm f/4 Art lens is an ultra-wide angle zoom designed, like the rest of the art series, to play with the highest resolution cameras you can throw at it.

Featuring the largest aspherical glass mold in the industry, Sigma claims this ultra-wide offers photographers “virtually no distortion, flare, or ghosting”. It also features lens elements made with FLD (F Low Dispersion) glass, which Sigma says is “equivalent to calcium fluorite in performance” resulting in amazing image quality from the center all the way out to the edges of your image.

Like the 85mm before it, the Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art lens will come in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma lens mounts, and will be available late October at a retail price of $1,600.

Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Sigma has released a new flagship telephoto lens the 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM. It’s the first prime telephoto DSLR lens in Sigma’s Sports line, and it plans to set the bar pretty high.

“Designed for the professional sports and wildlife shooter, the ultra-durable lens features magnesium alloy components, a carbon fiber hood, a water and oil resistant front element, and is dust and splash proof,” writes Sigma. “The lens incorporates two FLD and one SLD glass elements, while the optimized power distribution helps minimize spherical aberration and axial chromatic aberration.”

The lens also features an “advanced Optical Stabilizer (OS)” that lets you switch between two modes: #1 for shooting handheld, and #2 for panning and tracking (vertically and horizontally).

The Sigma 500mm f/4 is a beast of a lens that comes with a price tag to match. The lens, which will be available in Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October (November for Nikon) at a price of $6,000.

ShutterXpose & Weekenders Photography club in association with 500px conducted the 4th Annual Photography walk in Salmiya, Kuwait. The Photowalk was well attended by over 60 plus photography enthusiastic from novice to professional with the intention to learn, share and inspire photography. A quick registration and general introduction to event followed by activities kept the participants on the move. The theme of this year 500px Photowalk was “Adventure and Action”, the organizers meticulously worked behind the scene and made sure the participants get to experience a first hand Live Sports events with lots of action, adventure and excitement.

The activities involved the walkathon runners at the forefront, followed by a friendly Basketball game to a Jet-skier zooming the Arabian sea as the photographers try to freeze and finally the icing of the event with Kuwait best BMX riders “The Spark family” mesmerizing both the photographers and audience to daredevil stunts. The organizers made sure each of the participants get to capture their best shots with sharing tips and tricks all along.

The event was well supported by Tamron as Event partners by providing T-shirts to all participants. Red Bull provided the much needed energy drink to keep us flying high with wings all through the event.

Our special thanks to Marina and Kuwait Scientific Centre for the support and the venue.

For images from the event, please click [Here]

We have included actions to capture a basketball game,Jet-Ski roaring the Arabian sea, bicycle riders capturing our spirits, along with goodies from our event partners. No need to be a pro to attend! Grab whatever camera you have (DSLR, mobile phone, point-and-shoot) and join in the fun!

For Enquires contact +965 99584378

Tamron has always been our major support player and is our official Event partner during this event. Redbull Kuwait has been kind to relinquish our thirst and add energy to all participants during the photowalk. All participants would receive goodies on a first come first basis from our event partners and ShutterXpose.

This year’s hashtags to use #PhotoWalkThisWay #Shutterxposewalk #weekenderswalk

Venue: Salmiya (Marina Basketball court)
Date: 17th September, 2016
Photowalk: From Basketball court to Kuwait Scientific Centre
Time: 4:00pm – 6:30pm

Through an innovative photography contest, aimed at talented individuals in Kuwait, to capture ‘The Gardens’ at 360 MALL – Kuwait’s iconic shopping mall owned by Tamdeen Shopping Centers Company, the mall hopes to raise awareness of the benefits of a green environment to visitors.  In Kuwait, 360 MALL was the first place to house Blanc’s creation.

The photo contest is organized by Phoenix Services in collaboration with Tamdeen Group, it’s open to public and will commence on May 10 until 10.00 pm of May 21. The photographs have to be exclusive of ‘The Gardens’ and have to be taken in the most creative manner.

Claudia Lopusinska, Marketing Manager at the mall said, 360 MALL has always offered its valued customers an engaging experience, providing them with more than just shopping and dining. Through this photography activity, we hope to encourage and engage talented residents in Kuwait while also highlighting the benefits of having a green environment around our living and working spaces.

The competition is open to Kuwaitis and Kuwaiti residents above the age of 14 years. Photographers needs to register at contest page and each photographer can submit three photographs. All submissions have to be made before May 21 and the winning entries will be announced during an event on May 28. All terms and conditions are also available onsite and on 360 MALL’s social media platforms.

First prize winner will receive USD 7,000, while the second and third places will receive USD 5,000 and USD 3,000 respectively. The 24 best entries will also have their photographs exhibited in a special exhibition at the 360 MALL.

Over the last couple of years Photography perspective has changed drastically here in Kuwait, there are now many opportunities not only to enter local photo contest but also seminars and workshops from major camera dealers to promote their products and encourage the photographers community in large.

To enter the contest and learn more about the terms and condition and general submission rules, click here