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CANON EOS R5 C
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Canon EOS R5 C

With just one compact body you can capture 8K video or 45 megapixel photographs. From Canon Cinema EOS the EOS R5 C is a video version of the popular EOS R5 full-frame 35mm mirrorless camera body with a boosted video spec and some important physical differences which make it an 8K video powerhouse.

Canon EOS R5 C: £4,499
The EOS R5 C is available to pre-order just contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294.

Canon EOS R5 C front view
A familiar silhouette from the front, the EOS R5 C is based on the EOS R5 mirrorless camera body.
Enhanced video performance

The EOS R5 C can capture 8K 30fps or 8K 60fps with an external power supply. It can also record oversampled 4K, slow-motion 4K up to 120fps, as well as Full HD. Beyond this range of resolutions and frame rates the camera is capable of recording in a range of professional recording formats: three versions of Cinema RAW light recorded in-camera, XF-AVC, MP4 and RAW output via HDMI to an external recorder.

Active cooling means the EOS R5 C will shoot for long periods without cut off, more on this point below.

When setting up to shoot shooting you can choose to record into profiles which offer greater latitude in post production: Canon Log 3, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) which allows for delivery to SDR and HDR monitors, and PQ a dedicated HDR transfer mode.

When shooting, Cinema EOS tools such as waveform monitoring and false colour views are available to help you get the perfect take.

High resolution 45 megapixel photography & EOS R system features

The sensor, as seen in the incredibly popular Canon EOS R5, captures incredible high definition images with stills burst speeds up to 20fps. Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus delivers accurate and fast subject tracking with reliable Face, Head and Eye tracking, maintaining focus even when your subject turns away from the camera. The Dual Pixel Focus guide even delivers precise focus feedback when manually focusing.
Built in WiFi lets you transfer photographs wirelessly to a phone or computer – without the need for an extra accessory.
The RF lens mount on the EOS R5 C is fully compatible with the growing RF lens range as well as the EF-EOS R mount adaptors which open up the camera to use with the complete EF lens range for Canon DSLR cameras including tilt-shift and super-macro specialist lenses.

The big difference between the EOS R5 and the EOS R5 C

How has Canon done it? How have they added such a strong video recording spec to the EOS R5 C? Why didn’t they bring all this out with the original EOS R5?

The answer to all these questions is Heat, no, not the 1995 impressive but also somewhat impenetrable crime classic. Heat generated by a sensor recording and a processor processing 8K video for extended durations has limited what Canon could previously deliver in a body designed for photography. Heat management is much more critical for video cameras with an always-on sensor constantly demanding processing power compared with a stills camera which is only capturing and processing image information for a fraction of a second.

Canon have handled the heat generated by this video operation by adding an active cooling system (a fan to you and me) which cools a heat sink pulling heat away from the internal operations of the camera. The result is a thicker body behind the LCD and a longer hot-shoe and eyepiece compared to the original EOS R5 body. The right-hand grip is the same dimensions so hand-holding the camera will be just as comfortable as the EOS R5. This physical difference is most notable from a top-down view of the two bodies side by side:

The other change which we think is related to the cooling system is that the sensor has no IBIS stabilisation system, the sensor is static in the body. Canon announced that there is a 5-axis electronic stabilisation which will compliment optical image stabilisation in their IS lenses. Electronic stabilisation uses pixels surrounding the frame as a buffer to compensate for camera movement so can cause some cropping.

In the Cinema EOS lineup this camera is the smallest and lightest and the most like a Canon stills camera making the move to a professional video ecosystem easier for any Canon photographer being asked for more video content. For experienced Cinema EOS users the EOS 5R C offers a body that can deliver both the video performance they expect and a strong option for photography without the need to invest in a second system.

For more information or to pre-order the camera contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 0207 582 3294.

NIKON Z 400MM F2.8 TC VR S
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S

Today, Nikon announces a new full-frame super-telephoto prime lens for the mirrorless Z system. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S with built-in teleconverter features a fast f/2.8 aperture and phenomenal AF performance. The 400mm focal length is a go-to lens for sports, wildlife, and nature photography with versatility out of the box with thanks to the built-in 1.4x extender.

 

The Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S attached to the Nikon Z9 flagship mirrorless camera body.
The Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S attached to the Nikon Z9 flagship mirrorless camera body.
Nikon Z 400mm Build Quality

Built to give photographers every advantage out in the field, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S also boasts an impressively lightweight build, just under 3kg (2950g). The lens is well balanced with the centre of gravity moved towards the rear of the lens improving the handling especially for long-duration use. For sport and wildlife photogrpahy sealing around all moving parts is standard to keep dust and moisture at bay. Controls on the lens are customisable for the perfect setup in any given shooting situation. The lens features a FN function ring to control the aperture in an intuitive way or to modify a custom setting of your choice. A Kensington® Security allows you to secure your lens if it is necessary to leave the lens outside your line-of-sight.

Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S lens detail showing drop in filter, built in teleconverter and memory set button.
Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S lens detail showing drop in filter, built in teleconverter switch and memory set button for pre-programmed focus distances.
Nikon Z 400mm Key Features

Built-in 1.4x teleconverter: a flick of a switch on the right side of the lens is all it takes to engage the teleconverter and extend the reach of this lens to 560 mm.

New AF motor design: The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is the first Z lens to adopt Nikon’s new Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM) focusing system with optical ABS encoder: autofocus is faster and quieter, with spot-on subject acquisition and tracking. Silky Swift VCM focusing system with optical ABS encoder delivers phenomenally fast autofocus with spot-on subject acquisition and tracking.

Optical Vibration Reduction: gives a 5.5-stop advantage even when shooting with the built-in teleconverter activated, Synchro VR is available when this lens is paired with the Z 9.

Meso Amorphous Coating on lens elements: It’s also the first Z lens to feature Nikon’s new Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the highest anti-reflection performance in NIKKOR history. This new coating employs particles smaller than nano particles. Nano coatings had become standard on the best Nikon lenses for the last 10+ years. The Meso Amorphous coating improves control over ghosting and flare. Nano coating was already remarkable so we expect clarity and contrast to be perfect, reducing flare and haze even if shooting scenes with multiple light sources in the frame. This new class-leading anti-reflective coating combats ghosting and flare by eliminating incidental light coming from both diagonal and vertical directions.

Exquisite detail: Nikon’s ED, Super ED, and SR glass elements counter chromatic aberrations. ED stands for Extra-low Dispersion which reduces colour fringing at high-contrast edges. Super ED glass offers and improvement on ED elements Super Extra-low Dispersion. SR glass elements combat blue fringing bringing all wavelengths into a precise point where corrections had previously focused on red-magenta wavelengths.

Weather sealed and robust: sealing around all moving parts keeps dust and moisture at bay, and Nikon’s fluorine coating protects the front element. As a repair centre we must caution that no DSLR lens is completeley waterproof – a rain cover is essential to keep your kit dry when shooting in the rain.

Balanced: the lens’ centre of gravity is towards the rear for more stable operation. The tripod foot allows optimum balance when the lens is attached to a tripod. The foot is useful handle for carrying such a large lens but for a more compact form or when travelling, the foot is removable.

Customisable on-lens controls: functions can be assigned to the FN ring, as well as to the Fn buttons, focus ring, and silent control ring. Save focus distances to the memory-set button.

Drop-in filter slot: add drop in filters such as polarisers and ND filters for more control in challenging lighting situations.

Teleconverter Compatibility: supports use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x this will extend the focal length range even further and can be used in combination with the built-in teleconverter.

Nikon Z 400mm Focal Length Range Chart
Combination400mm400mm with built-in teleconverter deployed
Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens only400mm f/2.8560mm f/4.0
Lens plus Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x560mm f/4.0784mm f/5.6
Lens plus Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x800mm f/5.61120mm f/8.0
Authorised Nikon Service Centre

At Fixation we are proud to be an official repair centre for Nikon in the UK able to service the current DSLR and mirrorless range of camera bodies and lenses. As a repair partner with Nikon for over 30 years we can complete many warranty repairs in-house, our technicians specialise in photographic repair making us the destination for profressional photographers. All our spare parts for repairs are supplied by Nikon to ensure all repairs are completed with genuine Nikon spares.

With the support of our in-house workshop our customers at Fixation know they will always recieve the best technical insights when investing in new equipment.

Find out more about our Nikon repair service and warranty repair services

Canon 2 year warranty
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Canon Warranty increased to 2 Years

From 1st Jan 2022 Canon has increased its standard warranty to two years on all DSLR and mirrorless cameras, lenses and speedlite flash. The manufacturer has backdated the warranty update by two years so this change will affect all purchases made since 01/01/2020.

This update is part of the Canon European Warranty System and not only covers photography equipment such as the EOS R5, R6 and new EOS R3 camera bodies but includes Cinema EOS cameras including the popular Canon EOS C70 camcorder body and CN-E prime cine lenses including the cinematic Sumire primes.

Canon moving ahead of the curve

The new and improved warranty service from Canon is in anticipation of future requirements for manufacturers to provide easier access to repairs and longer availability of spare parts.

Changes in repair requirements for manufacturers are being driven by the “Right to Repair” movements campaigning for EU and UK legal requirements to make more electronic equipment repairable. Significant wins have been made already with rules for household appliances enacted in in summer 2021 and rules for consumer electronics expected next.

Authorised Canon Service Centre for Warranty Repairs

At Fixation we are an official repair centre for Canon EOS cameras, lenses and speedlite flash units. As a repair partner with Canon we can complete many warranty repairs in-house, our technicians specialise in DSLR systems making us the destination for work on the EOS 5D and 1D series as well as any L series EF lens repairs. All our spare parts for repairs are supplied by Canon UK to ensure all repairs are completed with genuine Canon spares.

We are part of the Canon Professional Network and offer CPS service turnaround times to photographers and businesses registered with Canon CPS.

We can forward any Cinema EOS or EOS R system mirrorless cameras and lenses to Canon on behalf of our customers.

Find out more about our Canon repair service and warranty repair services

Nikon Z9 camera
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Nikon Z9

Nikon has launched its new full frame flagship mirrorless camera body: The Z9

The Nikon Z9 combines high resolution, high speed and high performance video in a robust body which exceeds the specification of the flagship DSLR the Nikon D6.

Nikon Z9 the new flagship Nikon digital camera.The Nikon Z9: £5,299

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

High Resolution plus High Speed

The sensor in the Nikon Z9 is a stacked 45.7 megapixel full frame CMOS chip protected with a dual anti-dust coating and a sensor shield which drops down to cover the sensor when the camera is off.

Nikon Z9 features dual CFexpress type B card slots which are back compatible with XQD cards.

For speed the camera can shoot up to 20fps at full resolution RAW to capture over 1000 shots in a continuous burst. That’s over 50 seconds of your finger held down on the shutter button. To facilitate shifting such high-res files at high speed the Z9 has an Expeed7 imaging processor which writes to a Dual CFexpress type B card slot.

If 20fps is not enough you can shoot faster with a compromise in resolution: 30fps is possible at 45 megapixels. An astonishing full frame 120fps is also an option however the resolution is cut to 11 megapixels but it could help you catch a fleeting once in a lifetime moment.

Filing your images fast is also essential for photographers working to a deadline so the Nikon Z9 has Ethernet connection and USB typeC output for high speed file transfer. A USB cable can be connected direct to a mobile phone to help you file images without a laptop – ideal for events where you are always on the move.

Autofocus tracking for ultra high speed shooting

Nikon tracking AF is remarkable and focusing directly on the imaging sensor gives the Z series mirrorless cameras an edge in reliability. The Nikon Z9 offers 9 programmed subjects and can switch between them automatically depending on the scene or can be set to look out for and lock on to a specific subject.

The Nikon AF deep learning algorithm can detect: People, Dogs, Cats, Birds, Motorcycles, Cars, Trains and Aeroplanes. Nikon Eye-AF has been enhanced to lock onto smaller eyes in the frame than ever before to lock on to and track subjects within a scene. If the system loses a lock on an eye it will default to head and torso tracing until it can detect a face again, ideal for tracking subjects with erratic movement such as football, rugby or dance.

Nikon 3D tracking AF program is available in a mirrorless camera for the first time. The Z9 adds 3D subject tracking which uses colour, contrast and subject distance to improve subject acquisition. This flagship feature has been a feature of the D4, D5 and D6 and will be a great asset in the mirrorless Z9.

Video Specifications: 8K recording for hours

The Nikon Z9 has been designed with advanced heat dissipation to allow 8K UHD video at 30p to be recorded for 125 minutes recording in camera.

4K UHD, the current accessible video standard, can be recorded at 120p, 60p or 30p and as there is no frame cropping you can switch between frame rates and maintain the same angle of view for consistent cuts into and out of slow-motion footage.

Video can be recorded in Nikon proprietary N-Log, HLG in 10bit. The Z9 also supports ProRes 422 HQ.

With a firmware update the 8K video potential is further increased to 8k 60p 12bit RAW in-camera.

 

The Nikon Z9: £5,299

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Sony A7 IV image
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Sony A7 IV

Sony has launched a new full camera body in their full frame alpha 7 mirrorless range: The A7 IV.

This body is the successor to the Sony A7 mark III. It boasts a healthy 33 megapixels, high speed shooting, 4k 60p video and Face, Eye and animal AF. The Sony a7 IV is a strong new professional camera from the manufacturer. We’ve picked out some highlights from the spec below, and explore where the A7 IV fits in the alpha mirrorless range. Let us know your thought in the comments.

Sony A7 IV digital camera with vari-angle LCD screen extended
The Sony A7 IV with its variable angle LCD.

The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399
Sony model number ILCE-7M4

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Image Quality 33 megapixels

33 megapixels on a full frame sensor deliver images that can be printed, withstand generous cropping and with excellent sensor technology from Sony can deliver great performances at high ISO for use in low light environments.

The key technology is the Sony Exmor R back-illuminated sensor. Back illumination places the pixel wiring behind the pixel so that the (microscopic) wires do not block the path of light into the sensor this enhances the light-gathering power of each pixel as there is a clear path for the light to enter the sensor.

Not only is the Sensor capable of gathering light better but it is paired with a new Bionz XR imaging processor which delivers outstanding professional image quality even in low light.

Don’t miss a moment – the processing power of the A7 IV Bionz imaging processor facilitates burst shooting rates up to 10 frames per second with fast buffer clearance to capture the action.

The resolution and price point makes the Sony a7 IV an ideal wedding camera as it has the resolution for high quality edits and printing, plus the low light performance needed for covering events, all without the higher cost of more specialist Sony alpha bodies.

Exceptional Autofocus

Mirrorless cameras offer the unique advantage over DSLR bodies that the image focuses on the imaging sensor so that when focus locks on you are guaranteed sharp shots. With real-time Tracking and Eye AF technology with algorithms to identify and lock onto the eyes of humans, animals, and birds the Sony A7 mk4 will track your subject while shooting photos or recording videos.

There are 759 phase detection AF points across the frame.

The fast and accurate autofocus will keep sampling during high speed continuous shooting up to 10 frames per second making it a powerful wildlife camera as it can keep focus on the eyes while the action unfolds. The tracking autofocus also locks on and stays with the subject while recording video, more detail on the video spec below.

A close up of the controls available on the Sony A7 IV top and back covers.
Fast Connectivity: USB type C 3.2 plus Wifi and Bluetooth

Dual high speed memory card slots deliver high speed image transfer with we via the Fixation preferred method: a separate card reader. Also via USB, built in ultrafast WiFi and Bluetooth.

With USB-C gen 3.2 compatibility wired image transfer is super fast straight out of the camera. There is an automatic Bluetooth image backup mode that allows you to save, transfer and share images instantly.

The dual card slot can be used to double the camera’s recording capacity by loading in extra GBs of space. We recommend using the dual slot as a backup which offers you more security in the case of a corrupted memory card.

The Alpha 7 IV connectivity enables live streaming options up to 4K15p or Full HD 60p without the need for a capture card making it a high quality streaming camera whenever you need to go live.

Vital stats for the dual memory card slot:
  • Slot 1 can take CFexpress type A cards, UHS I or UHS II SD cards.
  • Slot 2 is UHS I/II compliant for SD cards only.
Video specifications

The Sony a7 IV has a wide range of features including video and in the roaring twenties that means its a 4k camera. We know that not all 4k is created equal so let’s bust some jargon on the video spec.

Video Resolution

Record 4K video at up to 60p with full pixel readout. No image information is skipped or binned during video recording which delivers a more accurate video file.

Colour bit depth and chroma subsampling

The a7 IV can record in 4:2:2 10 bits. 4.2.2 refers to the amount of colour data recorded, twice as much colour pixel information as 4.2.0. 10 bits refers to the bit depth of each colour recorded offering a wider gamut of colours for increased subtlety in colour variations, this opens the door to producing HDR video content.

These settings may not be apparent straight out of the camera, or when viewed on standard screens, but they offer much greater latitude in post production for example if you were sending work to a colourist for grading. It is also essential for smooth chroma key or green-screen effects as the extra colour information helps create a smooth smooth isolation of your subject.

Picture profiles for Video

S-CINETONE or S-LOG 3 picture profiles offer a cinematic look and ease of editing with all the colour advantages above.

Additional Video features
  • The camera features a digital audio interface to attach professional audio microphones. The built in microphone, as good as it may be, will never replace the clarity of a dedicated mic and a good audio interface gets the best out of the microphone you choose.
  • A heat dissipation structure is built into the camera to prevent overheating during long recording sessions.
  • Breathing compensation is a setting to counter the effect of “breathing” – a slight focal length shift which occurs when moving the focus of some lenses.

The Sony A7 IV body only: £2399
Sony model number ILCE-7M4

Our sales team are taking pre-orders. To put your name down or to talk through more details call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

The new A7 IV in the Sony Alpha mirrorless lineup

Sony have a wide array of camera lines within the world of full frame mirrorless cameras (and even more in its APS-C crop sensor cameras) so you may well wonder – hasn’t there been a mark IV Sony camera before?

You are here! The A7 IV above is the latest Alpha or “a” 7 series camera body. Sony Alpha 7, or a7 cameras are all full frame mirrorless bodies now up to the fourth iteration these combine the best tech with a standard resolution sensor for a good all round photography performance.

The high resolution range A7R is also up to its fourth version. These “R series” cameras focus on the highest pixel count possible to render fine detail for high resolution printing. The current A7R IV has a 61 megapixel sensor and is a popular landscape cameras, it is also used for product, fashion and commercial photography.

For video and extreme low-light the A7S line is up to the third model. These cameras have comparatively low 12 megapixel full frame sensors but get the maximum readout possible from each pixel for superior high ISO performance and high bitrate full frame 4k video; find out about the A7S III.

The A7C is a compact A7 body, if small and light is your main aim the A7C packs A7 tech into a remarkably bijoux package. The A7C is the first of its kind and launched in September 2020.

The a9 and a9 II are full frame high speed camera bodies with features for press and sports photographers such as built in ethernet port for filing images over FTP direct to a picture desk. These cameras have high maximum frame rates and fast autofocus tracking. Find out more here.

Last but by no means least the Sony a1 combines high resolution with high speed for phenomenal 50.1 megapixel images record at 30 frames per second with no blackout in the viewfinder. This considerable chunk of tech is the new Sony flagship camera body which launched in March this year. Find out more about the Sony alpha One.

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