Rob Kivit Natuurfotografie

Today Topaz Labs released a new version 2.2 of their DeNoise AI software. This update includes a new masking/selective adjustments feature where users can selectively apply or remove noise reduction to certain areas in images. This feature can be found by clicking the "Masking" brush icon near the top of the screen beside the view options. This update also includes the "Low Light Mode" toggle option under the DeNoise AI model to treat severe or difficult-to-remove noise created in low lighting.

There is no additional purchase required for this update for current DeNoise owners current owners can simply visit this webpage and download the update from there.

For new owners, you can purchase Topaz Labs DeNoise AI for $59.99 (regularly $79.99). You can use coupon code RUMORS15 for an additional 15% off. This offer will end on June 12.

Also: the new Topaz Labs Video Enhance AI software that can upscale and enhance videos up to 8k (up to 600%) while preserving video quality for Windows and Mac platforms is now on sale for $199.99 ($100 off) through June 3. You can use coupon code RUMORS15 for an additional 15% off (final price: $169.99).

Nikkei reports that Nikon has laid off 700 workers due to the declining camera business - 500 in Thailand and 200 in Laos. Nikon said: "We are going to aim for the best system to our production", meaning they may reduce their stuff again (thanks for the translation Nakayamahanzaemon):

Nikon Corporation announced on the 28th that it has reduced the total number of employees by 700 at its Southeast Asian factory as part of a structural reform of its imaging business centered on digital cameras. Staged from autumn 2019 to the end of March due to early retirement. The number of people is 500 in Thailand and 200 in Laos, which is about 10% of the employees at each site. (Google translation)

Via Nikkei

Nikon published their financial results for the year ending March 2020 - as you can expect everything is down with some major changes from the previous forecast:

Here are the results for the Imaging Business:

Next is the forecast for the next year ending on March 31, 2021:

Nikon D6 additional coverage:

→ Nikon D6 early impressions and observations by Brad Hill:

It's mostly about the autofocusBut it's also about customization improvementsSports shooters will benefit the MOST from the upgradeIt's heavier than the D5Improved maximum frame rateShorter image black-out timeReduced viewfinder vibration/or "Jerkiness"New "TC" viewfinder icon/displayRevamped iMenuA usable virtual horizon (in the viewfinder)

→ The Sport AF setting guide for the Nikon D6 is out.

DxOMark published a new article on the best lenses for the Nikon D850 camera (see also this and this related blog posts):

Best wide-angle primes for Nikon D850:

Best standard primes for Nikon D850:

Today Nikon made several company announcements, including a new Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2019 to FY2021). Here are some of the points related to Nikon camera business:

The Z-series’ true appeal and full potential will require time to be fully realizedNikon has only just started establishing a lens lineup that will maximize the appeal of the Z-seriesFocus on products of full-frame systems to take hold of the mid and high-end model usersComplete the lineup of Z-mount systemLaunch strategic mid and high-end D-SLR productsEnhance coordination with social media/imaging apps to offer a unique imaging experience that stretches beyond shooting

More slides related to the Imaging Business (click for larger view):

Notice Regarding Cash Dividends: "This is to announce that Nikon Corporation has resolved to submit the payment of dividends as of March 31, 2020 to the 156th Annual General Shareholders' Meeting to be held on June 26, 2020".

For a limited time B&H is running a deal on the latest full version of Capture One Pro 20 - you can get it now for $130 off (price: $169.94, original: $299.94):

Capture One recently announced a new Nikon specific version (more info available here):

There is also a new Capture One Express version for Nikon that is available for free (more info available here):

Samyang has unveiled a new autofocus lens for the RF in the AF 85mm f/1.4 prime lens. The AF 85mm f/1.4 RF appears to be Read more...

Back in April Canon released its EOS webcam utility application for Windows, and now they have released a MacOS version. The EOS Webcam Utility Beta Read more...

The new Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH L-mount lens is now in stock for the first time at:

AdoramaAmazonClassic ConnectionPopFlash

The lens was announced last summer - additional information available here:

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 Asph lens officially announced

The improved I'm Back project that adds a digital back to old film cameras has raised almost $400,000 on Kickstarter (out of the $10,306 goal) and is ending in 4 days. The digital back is compatible with many Nikon F models - here are the details (more information is available here):

Processor: Icatch V39Sensor: Panasonic 34112LCD: 2.0 inchDisplay: 240*RGB*320 LCDVideo format: 4K 3840*2160/30FPS - 1920*1080P/60fps - 1280*720P/120fpsVideo format: MOVPhoto resolution: 14M/10M/8M/otherPhoto format: JPEG and COLOR RAWMemory: Micro SD / Class 10 Max 128GMicrophone/Speaker: Built-inFrequency: 50Hz/60HzPower interface 7.4V - 1ABattery: 7.4v lithium batteryType C - HDMI - TF card - MIC - 3.5mm - Sync cable - 1.5mmSystem requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Windows7, MAC OSX 10.3.6 and aboveMANUAL setting - You frame and choose at what speed to shoot and as well the diaphragm aperture, your camera exposes and I'm Back®35 records.New design - leaner and more ergonomicNew PCBA, exclusively designed for I'm Back®35New software to control the MANUAL exposure function.Output files: RAW and JPEGNew battery with higher performance and durability - i.e. NP F550 / F570New universal cover with aluminum support - You can fit it to 99% of all 35mm analog cameras available on the market in a simple and fast way.Fits Nikon EM/F/FA/FE/FE2/FG/FM/FM2/FM3a/F2/F3 F4/F70/F90x/F100/S2/S3/Nikkormat FTN/EL,

The post Ending this week: “I’m Back” digital back for Nikon film cameras raised $400k on Kickstarter appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

Nikon's current rebates on 27 Nikkor lenses are set to expire on May 31 - see the details at Adorama and B&H:

50mm f/1.4G: $40 off50mm f/1.8G: $20 off58mm f/1.4G: $150 off35mm f/1.8G: $20 off20mm f/1.8G ED: $80 off24mm f/1.4G ED: $200 off24mm f/1.8G ED: $70 off28mm f/1.4E ED: $200 off28mm f/1.8G: $70 off35mm f/1.4G: $150 off35mm f/1.8G ED: $50 off85mm f/1.4G: $150 off85mm f/1.8G: $50 off105mm f/1.4E ED: $200 off10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR: $30 off16-35mm f/4G ED VR: $100 off18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II: $60 off18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR: $70 off28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR: $100 off70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR: $50 off80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR:$200 off200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR: $140 off105mm f/2.8G Micro IF-ED VR: $90 off70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: $200 off24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: $200 off24-70mm f/2.8G ED: $150 off14-24mm f/2.8G ED: $150 off.

 

The post Ending this week: Nikon US lens-only rebates appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

The most asked question currently about the Canon EOS R5 is how much will it cost? Rumors have been mostly fueled by speculation on some Read more...

The new and improved I'm Back project that adds a digital back to film cameras has raised over $400,000 on Kickstarter (out of the $10,306 goal) and is ending in 4 days. The digital back is compatible with several Leica R cameras and many other brands - the full details can be found here:

The first low-cost digital back for your 35mm camera. For those who always wanted to have a "hybrid" camera working with photographic films or in digital mode.

Use your old analog camera, which probably is lost somewhere inside a box or ended-up in your small "personal museum" taking a lot of dust! We're now in the digital era and are ready to give a second life to it with the only low-cost digital back available on the market!

From B&H Photo - new B&H Photography Podcast Leica Photo Challenge:

We are excited to announce the B&H Photography Podcast Leica Photo Challenge! The B&H Photography Podcast continues to be one of the most popular photography podcasts available, and Leica continues to be one of the most sought-after camera manufacturers in the world. To thank our loyal listeners, to reach out to new subscribers, and to inspire some safe creativity during these challenging times, we are excited to bring you this incredible photo contest, in which one lucky listener will receive their very own Leica Q2 Digital Camera!

The post B&H Photography Podcast Leica Photo Challenge appeared first on Leica Rumors.

Today Samyang officially announced the previously leaked MF 14mm f/2.8 UMC II and MF 85mm f/1.4 UMC II full-frame, manual focus lenses that are available also for Nikon F-mount (replacements for the older models). Here is some additional information (check price and availability at Adorama and B&H):

Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 UMC II lens

Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 UMC II lens

Via PhotoRumors

Check the latest deals at Adorama and B&H

The post Announced: Samyang MF 14mm f/2.8 UMC II and MF 85mm f/1.4 UMC II lenses for Nikon F-mount appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

As a part of their Deal Zone B&H has the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens for Nikon F-mount on sale for $999 - this is $500 off or 33% off:

This offer is available only today from B&H exclusively. Previous coverage of this lens can be found here.

The post Deal of the day: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens now $500 off appeared first on Nikon Rumors.

I’ve been at this for 12 years and I have never seen as much hype for a Canon product than we have for the Canon Read more...

Samyang has announced two updated manual focus lenses, the MF 14mm f/2.8 MK2 and the MF 85mm f/1.4 MK2, both of their predecessors were well-reviewed Read more...

→ Behind the scenes with wildlife photographer Roie Galitz (see his guest posts here).

→ FAQ: wide-angle lenses.

→ Classic camera review: Nikon N90.

→ Franzis released a new Photographer's Projects Collection Volume II  (original price: $276, now on sale: $69). The updated version contains the most popular products of the FRANZIS projects software series. You can get 35% off all other Franzis products with the exclusive code NIKONRUMOR-35.