Topaz released new versions of Photo AI, Video AI, and Gigapixel


Topaz Labs released Photo AI version 3.2.0:

  • Three new Sharpen models: Lens Blur v2, Natural, and Refocus
  • Personalized model and strength settings
  • Presets in suggestions
  • Auto-selection added to the controls tab
  • Improved color accuracy for Canon RAW files
  • Performance improvements for preview behavior
  • Allow the Capture One plugin to save a DNG

Topaz Labs released Gigapixel version 7.4.1:

  • Generation 2 of Face Recovery is now available, with two unique face generation options ranging from Realistic to Creative.
  • Gigaprint™ your images. If you are signed up here, you can print your upscales with the Gigaprint™ Beta in the United States with this version of Gigapixel.

Topaz Labs released Video AI version 5.3.1:

  • Control panel updates – this update includes a new Model Discovery system in the right panel, which shows examples of when to use each Enhancement model
  • Timeline updates – Video AI’s timeline now offers much more functionality, with frame-accurate timeline markers and a new system for timeline zoom
  • Fixed a bug where crop settings no longer displayed under resolutions that changed aspect ratio

Now on sale: Adobe CC Photography Plan and Capture One (limited-time offers)

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Nikon Z9 first Impressions by Sravan Kumar



Nikon Z9 first Impressions by Sravan Kumar (website):

Nikon Z 9, I refer in this article as Nikon Z9 or simply Z9 for my convenience, is the first Nikon flagship mirrorless camera.

Though the below are my first impressions after using Z9 for about two weeks, this is still a lengthy post. Please read this in your leisure. This article covers only the photography aspects.

I am a hobbyist bird photographer owned Nikon D90, Nikon D800E and Nikon D500 before buying Nikon Z9. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Sports DG OS HSM is my primary lens for birding and now using it with FTZ Adapter II.

I took all the images posted in this article from my balcony as my current schedules are not permitting me for any birding trip(s). Taking images from the balcony is not easy, poses bigger challenges to auto focus.

You may see more comparisons of Nikon Z9 with Nikon D500 in this article as I was using Nikon D500 as my primary camera for bird photography for over 5 years.

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First rumored Nikon Z50 II camera details *UPDATED*

The current Nikon Z50 model

Here are the first rumored Nikon Z50 II camera details:

  • Updated body design
  • Expeed 7
  • Flippy screen like the Z6 III
  • USB-C
  • Will use the same Nikon EN-EL25 battery
  • Official announcement: soon (before the end of 2024)
  • Same 20.9MP DX-format CMOS sensor as the Z50 (not confirmed yet, hopefully my info is wrong, and they will introduce a new sensor – Fuji for example, is already using a 40MP sensor in their latest X100VI camera)
  • Update: no battery grip will be available for the Z50 II
  • Update: compatible with the new Nikon Imaging Cloud

Surprisingly, we have not seen any significant discounts on the current Nikon Z50 model. My guess is that they will kick in next month. Renewed Nikon Z50 cameras are now selling for $658 on Amazon.

If you have any information on the upcoming Nikon Z50 II camera, you can contact me anonymously here.

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Updated pre-order links for the new Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount


Here are the updated pre-order links for the new Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount:

There are also several third-party tripod mount rings available for the 50-400mm lens:

 

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Officially announced: Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount


The previously rumored Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount is now officially announced and available for pre-order:



 

Additional information on the new lens (you can see the leaked details here):

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The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount is rumored to be announced tomorrow

I mentioned yesterday that we are getting close to a new product announcement. The already leaked Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount is rumored to be officially announced tomorrow. Check for pre-order links at our sponsors:

The details can be found here:

Details of the upcoming Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount leaked online

The same lens already exists for Sony E-mount:

Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens released, available for pre-order for $1,299

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Getting close to a new Nikon product announcement


We are getting closer to another Nikon announcement. Nikon likes to introduce new products in the September/October timeframe – here are a few examples from previous years:

  • Nikon Zf announced September 20, 2023
  • Nikon Z9 announced October 28, 2021
  • Nikon Z6II/Z7II announced October 14, 2020
  • Nikon Z50 announced October 10, 2019
  • Nikon D6 announced on September 4, 2019

Nikkor lens announcements in September-October:

  • Nikkor Z 600MM f/6.3 VR S announced October 11, 2022
  • Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena announced September 27, 2023
  • Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 announced September 20, 2022
  • Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S announced October 28, 2021
  • Nikkor Z 24-120mm Ff/4 S announced October 28, 2021
  • Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR announced October 13, 2021
  • Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 announced September 14, 2021
  • Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S announced September 16, 2020
  • Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S announced September 16, 2020
  • Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR announced October 10, 2019
  • Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR announced October 10, 2019
  • Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct announced October 10, 2019
  • Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S announced September 4, 2019

I already reported that I expect two new cameras and at least one lens to be announced in 2024:

I also received some information about a new special edition Nikon Zf or Zfc camera, but I cannot confirm that yet. It could also be just new leather options for the Zf or Zfc cameras or a collaboration with another company. Stay tuned for updates.

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Manfrotto released a new lithium-ion battery for select Nikon cameras (7V, 2400mAh)




Manfrotto released a new 7V, 2400mAh MKII lithium-ion battery with shock-absorbing silicone construction for select Nikon cameras. The new battery offers a higher 2400mAh capacity compared to the previous model (2000mAh). The original Nikon version offers 2280mAh capacity.

“Extend your shooting time with the ultrahigh capacity 2400mAh Professional Lithium-Ion Battery for Select Nikon Cameras. Compatible with Nikon cameras that use EN-EL15c type batteries, it is designed for use in extreme field conditions. Rated for more than 500 charge and discharge cycles, it has a silicone-injected casing for superior circuit protection, electrical insulation, and protection from drops up to nine feet.”

The new battery is priced at $59.99.

The Manfrotto battery charger is sold separately:


List of compatible Nikon cameras:

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