Camera Gear News, Lens Terminology, and Tech Support
The Latest in Photography News
The Sony a6700 Charging Controversy
The team dives into the contentious news surrounding the Sony a6700, which ships without a charger or a USB cable. While Sony likely aims to reduce electronic waste and costs, the move sparks debate. Chris and Jordan note that while many enthusiasts have chargers, leaving newcomers without out-of-the-box functionality is frustrating.
Nikon Z8 Strap Lug Concerns
There are growing, albeit unconfirmed, reports regarding Nikon Z8 strap lugs failing. Users and distributors in Europe have allegedly been advised to perform a "tug test." The team discusses whether this is a localized manufacturing defect related to a missing metal backing bracket.
The "Abode" Software Saga
The campaign to create a software suite (jokingly or seriously called "Abode") to rival Adobe has raised significant funds. The hosts remain skeptical about whether a viable, world-class product will materialize by next year.
Understanding Essential Lens Terminology
In the first of a series, the hosts demystify technical terms often used in reviews:
• Bokeh: The subjective quality of out-of-focus areas. They address the common pronunciation debate and concepts like "onion rings" (texture in highlights) and the "cat's eye" effect in corners.
• LOCA (Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration): Characterized by purple, green, or magenta fringing in high-contrast transitions. It is notoriously difficult to correct compared to standard chromatic aberrations.
• Field Curvature: A phenomenon where the plane of focus is not perfectly flat, potentially leading to soft corners even when a subject appears sharp in the center.
• Other Concepts: They briefly cover breathing (the change in field of view while focusing), ghosting, and flare (internal light reflections).
Tech Support & Listener Q&A
"I want to purchase a more heavy duty slash professional R series camera. I won't have to worry about adapters... Do you think this is reasonable?"
- The hosts address a listener looking to upgrade from an M50 to an R100. They advise caution, suggesting that future-proofing through the R-series is wise, but warn that the R100 might be a downgrade in certain features compared to the M50.
- They also discuss the necessity of ultra-wide primes, explaining that they are niche tools perfect for when performance in a portable package is required.