Full-Frame Camera Power Rankings and Photography News
Sony video cameras and the rumored A7S return
The hosts discuss rumors that Sony may revive the A7S series and whether there is a reason for a new model alongside the FX cameras. They compare the A7S III and FX3, noting their shared imaging platform and the FX3’s popularity, and debate whether modern sensors still need to specialize in low-light performance. A global-shutter video camera is raised as one possible direction. They also discuss where the FX5 sensor might fit in Sony’s lineup and why an A7S-style body with an electronic viewfinder could appeal to some shooters.
The conversation moves to the FX5’s further shipping delay. Sony’s Japan website gives the end of October as the expected start of shipping, but the hosts say the number of units and the reason for the delay are unclear. They share their impressions of using the FX5, including its image quality, menus, viewfinder arrangement and stabilization.
Mandler Leica-style lenses
The hosts describe Mandler as a company making M-mount lenses closely modeled on Leica lenses, and compare the prices discussed for Mandler and Leica 50mm f/1.4 lenses. They consider whether the lenses could offer similar rendering for much less, while distinguishing this approach from companies making vintage-inspired or original designs. They discuss how Chinese manufacturers’ optical capabilities have developed and say they would like to try the lenses before judging them.
Final Cut Camera and recent camera products
Final Cut Camera update
The update adds waveform monitoring, support for variable aperture and cinematic video, more ProRes recording options, and easier file transfer. The hosts’ main criticism is that it does not add the iPhone’s tracking feature. They also discuss stabilization, audio features, and the trade-offs between Final Cut Camera and the native camera app.
Insta360 telephoto lens mod
They discuss a 1.5× teleconverter for the Insta360 Luna Ultra, including its potential for additional reach and a concert mode intended to help manage changing stage lighting. They consider the advertised extreme-equivalent focal length misleading because it involves heavy digital cropping.
Yashica and Polaroid announcements
The hosts react to Yashica’s Y16 and other small plastic cameras, discussing their design and concerns about build quality. They then cover a Polaroid model with additional creative controls, including shutter-dragging and double exposures, while noting that experimenting with instant film can be costly because the result is not visible until after the shot.
Viltrox Air lenses for L-Mount
Viltrox is bringing four Air Series primes to L-Mount. The hosts discuss the compact, lightweight, simple lens design and the appeal of small lenses for cameras such as the Lumix S9. They also point to L-Mount as a system with a range of camera and lens options.
Full-frame camera power rankings
The three hosts rank full-frame cameras from ten to one, weighing value, intended users, features and their own experience rather than treating the list as a measure of technical capability alone. Their lists include cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic and Leica. They discuss the Nikon Z8, Sony A7R6, Sony A75, Canon R6 III, Nikon Z5 II, Panasonic S1 II and other models, as well as disagreements over cameras such as the Nikon Z5 IIc, D850, ZF and Sony A7CR.
The hosts then combine their rankings. The Nikon Z8 comes first, followed by the Sony A75 and Canon R6 III. They explain why specialist models such as the Sony A1, A9 III, Canon R1 and Nikon Z9 did not make their lists, focusing on their more specific use cases and the value of more versatile cameras.
Filters, listener questions and an X-Pan bracket
Magnetic ND filters
Jordan describes using Freewell’s magnetic locking filters, which can be stacked and removed by rotating a filter. Chris discusses Maven’s magnetic filters and adapter rings for smaller lenses, including Leica, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji and film-camera lenses. They talk about the systems’ handling and the usefulness of keeping magnetic rings on lenses.
Listener questions: warranties, 8K and exposure modes
The hosts read a camera-shop worker’s account of selling extended warranties, including a case in which a customer returned with a damaged Sigma lens after buying coverage. They then explain that 8K video can provide extra detail for cropping and can be oversampled to produce 4K, while streaming compression and the limited availability of 8K displays reduce its visible benefit for many viewers.
They distinguish automatic mode from program mode: automatic mode may control ISO and adjust settings based on the detected scene, while program mode generally selects an aperture and shutter-speed combination but gives the photographer more control over exposure settings and other choices.
Hasselblad X-Pan and TX-1 bracket
The closing story covers a Mutiny bracket that places the tripod mount in the center of the Hasselblad X-Pan or Fujifilm TX-1 rather than off to the side. The hosts discuss its L-bracket design, vertical mounting, and currently available finishes.
Closing
The hosts say Jordan will miss the next episode while on vacation and mention that Gordon Lang is scheduled to appear. They close the show with thanks to listeners.