In case you missed it, here are some new photo product releases and updates announced last week: Fujifilm just announced the GF30mm lens for its medium-format GFX system cameras (which also got major firmware updates, as outlined below). From ZEISS comes a trio of new prime cine lenses as Benro introduces the ArcaSmart70, a 70mm Arca-Swiss style plate and smartphone adapter. And this just in from Olympus: A lens roadmap and updates on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO Lens, as well as a free value-add software for many OM-D customers that will allow them to utilize their Olympus camera to enhance their webcam configurations for video streaming.

Fujifilm Announces the Fujinon GF30mm Lens for GFX System Cameras

New for the medium-format GFX mirrorless digital camera system, the Fujinon GF30mm, f/3.5 R WR wide-angle lens provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24mm. The lens is dust- and weather-resistant and features thirteen lens elements in ten groups–including two aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements.

With an internal focusing system, the GF30mm promises speedy yet quiet autofocus. Fujifilm promises minimal focus breathing (0.05 percent), which is a big plus for videographers. Nine sealing points offer protection against dust and other elements and can function in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Weighing 18 ounces and measuring 3.9 inches, with a maximum diameter of 3.3 inches, the lens is designed to balance well when mounted on a GFX system camera.

Price: $1,700 MSRP (scheduled to ship in late July or early August)
fujifilm-x.com

Fujifilm GFX System gets Major Firmware Upgrades

Enhancing both photo and video capabilities of its GFX medium-format mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm has released a series of updates for the GFX 100, GFX 50R and GFX 50S.

Here’s a rundown of some of the key updates for each camera:

GFX 100 (Firmware version 2.0)

· New Film Simulation modes and effects: Classic Neg, Eterna Bleach Bypass, Color Chrome Blue and additional controls of grain effect (size, roughness)

· Improved autofocus performance: low light at -5EV, better accuracy with face/eye detection for portraits of multiple people and focus bracketing auto mode

· Ability to control video recording (start/stop, exposure settings, manual focus adjustments) from compatible Gimbal/Drone using USB communications

· Remotely adjust exposure settings for still images from computer via software that supports some tether-shooting functions

· 4K RAW video data output to Atomos Ninja V

GFX 50R (Firmware version 2.0) and GFX 50S (Firmware version 4.0)

· New Film Simulation modes and effects: Classic Neg, Eterna/Cinema and Smooth Skin Effect

· Improved autofocus performance: Low Light Priority AF-S mode, better accuracy of Face/Eye detection when shooting multiple people in portraits, auto focus bracketing

· Remotely adjust exposure settings for still images from computer via software that supports some tether-shooting functions

For more details and to download the firmware, click on the following links: GFX 100, GFX 50R, GFX 50S

ZEISS Introduces a Trio of Prime Cine Lenses

The latest members of Zeiss’ high end Supreme Prime series of cine lenses, the 18mm T1.5, 40mm T1.5 and the 200mm T2.2, are fast and relatively light in weight.

Like their siblings, these full-frame lenses are designed to cover large-format camera sensors. They are compatible with cameras such as the Sony Venice, ARRI Alexa (Mini) LF and RED Monstro. Additionally, the lenses feature ZEISS eXtended Data metadata technology. This provides important data to the cinematographer including frame-by-frame data on lens vignetting and distortion.

Prices: TBD (The lenses will ship starting in September 2020. Look for a 15mm T1.8 Supreme Prime lens by mid-2021.)
zeiss.com

Benro ArcaSmart70

This combination 70mm Arca-Swiss style plate and smartphone adapter provides a simple but functional alternative when switching from a still camera to a smartphone when you want to record a behind-the-scenes video for clients or social media.

The plate is compatible with most Arca-Swiss style ballheads, 3-way heads and gimbals. To mount a smartphone, just flip up the adapter that surrounds the quick release plate and position the mobile device so its supported by the two vertical stainless steel rods. The adapter also comes with a cold shoe mount for a small LED light or microphone.

Price: $60
benrousa.com

Olympus Unveils OM-D Webcam Beta Software and New Lens Roadmap

This is a free value-add software for many OM-D customers that will allow them to utilize their Olympus camera to enhance their webcam configurations for video streaming. (Right now this release is Windows-only.)

It will be compatible with the OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1, O-MD E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M1 Mark III and the O-MD E-M5 Mark II. (More information is available at GetOlympus Support.

In addition to the webcam software, Olympus also provided a few updates on upcoming M.Zuiko lenses that are in the works, including the long-awaited 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO super telephoto zoom lens, with a estimated scheduled release of Winter 2020.

Lastly, the updated M.Zuiko lens roadmap has been updated with two new lenses: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO and “an unspecified macro lens, and in order to “make super telephoto shooting more convenient” for birding and wildlife photographers, Olympus is adding “Bird Detection” capabilities into the Intelligent Subject Detection Autofocus system on the OM-D E-M1X camera. This update is expected to launch alongside the 150-400mm lens in Winter of 2020.
olympus.com