News | Fixation

Jonny Helm News September 14, 2021October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Canon EOS R3

Canon has revealed the full specification of the the highly anticipated EOS R3. A high-speed mirrorless camera built for professional photography that lets you photograph sport, wildlife and news at a remarkable 30fps. To keep up with the high shooting rate the EOS R3 has an improved autofocus engine for enhanced low light AF performance and vehicle tracking in addition to eye, face and body detection AF which will be a great benefit for photographers covering motorsports.

The Canon EOS R3 £5879 including VAT. Latest offers are featured on our sales page.
Our sales team are taking orders call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Canon EOS R3 features

Canon promise speed, reliability and sensitivity from this new digital camera which will be compatible with all RF lenses.

24 megapixel Stacked, back illuminated (BSI), CMOS sensor

The EOS R3 will be the first camera to contain a newly developed stacked full-frame sensor with faster output speeds, combined with a Canon DIGIC X imaging processor, to enable 30fps continuous shooting while retaining full AF/AE tracking and electronic shutter speeds up to 1/64000th second. Back illumination in the sensor offers greater sensitivity with an ISO range of 100 to 102,400 (extendable to 204,800).

AF improvements

Low light improvements will help the EOS R3 lock on in the most challenging lighting: Sensitive to -7.5 EV
Vehicle AF has been added to the Autofocus algorithm in the EOS R3 to help locking on to and tracking vehicles across the frame. Ideal for the motorsport photographer, especially if face and eye tracking modes could pull the focus to the crowds beyond the track.
The AF subject in the frame can be selected based on the camera detecting your eye movement. Change focus area by simply looking to another part of the frame, or at a new subject then half-press the shutter button to lock on to the new subject. The intellegent tracking mode from Canon recognises people, animals and vehicles.

Built-in vertical grip – compatible with the LP-E19 batteries

Canon have positioned the EOS R3 between the flagship EOS 1DX mark III released in February 2020 and the EOS R5 which launched in July 2020. The EOS R3 will be the first Canon EOS R camera to feature built in vertical and horizontal grips seen in the EOS 1D series, it also takes the same LP-E19 battery making it easier for 1DX mark III users to try the new body and switch across.
The body will be dust and weather sealed using methods developed with each iteration of the EOS 1D series however at 1015g with card and battery, the body is significantly lighter than the DSLR equivalent. We picked up a pre-release body at the BPPA hands on event and there is a noticeable reduction in weight compared to the EOS 1DX mark III.

New Digital Hot Shoe

The hot shoe on the Canon EOS R3 looks a little deeper than we are used to seeing. A new array of contacts have been added to enable digital connections with a new microphone the Canon DM-E1D and a new wireless flash transmitter Canon ST-E10 compatible with the EL-1.
The traditional 6 points of flash contact are still present so the EOS R3 will be compatible with all previous Canon flash, third-party speedlights and triggers.

EOS R3 top cover with longer hot shoe (L). Close up from rear showing row of gold contacts within the hot shoe unit (R)

Canon EOS R3 Availability

First shipments are expected in November, our sales team are taking pre-orders call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com.

Pre-order the Canon EOS R3 £5879 including VAT

Jonny Helm News September 2, 2021October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Fujifilm GFX50S II Mirrorless Digital Camera, GF and XF Lenses

The GFX50S II is the latest addition to the GFX Series of mirrorless digital cameras range from Fuji which is equipped with a 51 megapixel medium format sensor. As well as the new camera body Fujifilm adds a GF 35-70mm zoom lens for medium format and two XF lenses for the APS-C Crop sensor X series camera bodies.

For more information or to place an order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Fujifilm GFX50S II

The GFX range from Fujifilm are mirrorless cameras with a sensor larger than those found in many full-frame 35mm DSLR or mirrorless digital cameras. The GFX 50S II has the same tried and tested 51.4 megapixel sensor as it’s predecessor GFX50S with some significant improvements to key features:

The GFX 50S II camera body with a lens attached.

Lighter, weather sealed camera body

The GFX50S II weighs only 900g, the electronic viewfinder is now built into the camera body and weather sealed buttons and controls allow the camera to be used in tough conditions.

5 Axis IBIS image stabilisation

The high resolution sensor sits on a powerful five-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism to smooth out camera shake. The gyro sensor that detects movement has been designed to boost its detection accuracy for precise image stabilization. That provides up to 6.5 stops of anti-shake advantage, when mounted with the FUJINON Lens GF63mmF2.8 R WR and will enhance the ease of using all lenses shooting handheld.

Pixel Shift

For ultra-high resolution the GFX50S II can produce up to 200 megapixel images by combining multiple shots. As well as increasing the available file size, image reproduction or cropping options the combined image processing can help to reduce lens artifacts such as chromatic aberration.

Improved AF

The Focus performance has been improved on the GFX50S II: The image processing and on-sensor phase detection AF runs through the “X-processor 4″ processing engine with an improved algorithm which gives a faster sample rate. The new IBIS stabilizes the during focusing to improve the lock-on speed for more reliable focus results.

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FUJINON Lens GF35-70mm F4.5-5.6 WR

This palm-size GF zoom lens boasts of being the smallest and lightest in the GF zoom series. A compact and lightweight zoom lens, weighing approximately 390g, with outstanding image-resolving performance and focal length range covering from the most frequently-used 35mm in wide angle to the standard 70mm. The lens offers the minimum working distance of 35cm across its zoom range, enabling a close-up shot of a subject approximately 25cm from the front-most element of the lens. This gives the lens the ability to cater to a variety of situations at a preferred angle of view. The lens has a dust- and moisture-resistant construction and can operate at temperatures as low as -10℃ and is unaffected by rain.

FUJINON Lens XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR

The new addition to the line-up of interchangeable XF lenses designed for the X Series of mirrorless digital cameras, known for their outstanding image quality based on Fujifilm’s proprietary colour reproduction technology.

The XF33mmF1.4 is a highly versatile standard prime lens with the focal length equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm film format, making it an essential new-generation lens for all X Mount users. The X Mount format has undergone continuous development in pursuit for advanced image quality. This lens has been designed to support camera sensors of even greater resolution to be developed in the future, offering exceptional image sharpness and advanced image-resolving performance even when wide open. It also offers impressive mobility and is equipped with a silent, fast and highly accurate AF system driven by a linear motor, enabling tack-sharp focus in stills and smooth focusing in video recording. The ruggedized dust- and moisture-resistant design comes in X Mount’s signature portability, weighing approximately 360g and measuring 73.5mm in length and 58mm in filter thread.

FUJINON Lens XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR

The XF23mmF1.4 is a new-generation prime lens, designed with a view to support future camera sensors of even greater resolution, which features a fast and highly-accurate AF in compact, lightweight and ruggedized construction to take advantage of the fully overhauled optical performance in stills, video and all shooting situations. With the highly-versatile wide focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm film format), the lens boasts uncompromising optical performance to deliver incredible sharpness even when wide open at F1.4. It controls camera shake and digital noise in low light, giving users flexibility on when to shoot. Its shallow-depth of field renders the background out-of-focus for creamy bokeh, adding three-dimensional definitions to the main subject. The use of nine aperture blades ensures nearly round shape bokeh effect even around the maximum aperture. The lens is easy to handle despite being a large-aperture prime, weighing approximately 375g and measuring 77.8mm long with the filter thread size of 58mm. The XF23mmF1.4 rewrites the existing benchmark to drive the evolution of the X Series for the next decade and beyond.

Jonny Helm News June 30, 2021October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM Lens

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM is a new L series zoom lens in the Canon RF range, with a little bit extra at the wide angle. The perfect compliment to the mirrorless EOS R system and a nice alternative to heavier f/2.8 zoom lenses.

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS is £1,749 To pre-order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4 L IS USM, left, and a diagram showing the L series dust and moisture seals, right.

Versatile

Ideal for Architecture, Travel and landscape photography this lens adds an extra 2mm on the wide end vs it EF equivalent the EF 16-35mm f4L IS USM. 14mm provides a much wider angle of view than 16mm: 104° Vs 98° angle of view respectively.

Compact constant f4 aperture

It’s not just the extra-wide angle that makes this lens great for travel and every-day shooting. The f4.0 aperture has allowed a much more compact lens design than if this lens had been built as an f/2.8. The optics are smaller which reduces the weight and size of the lens. In case the F4 aperture is not bright enough to keep your shutter speeds high, the RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM has a 5.5 stop image stabilisation system which will give plenty of tolerance for shooting sharp images hand-held. The IS benefits increase to 7 stops when used with an EOS R system camera with IBIS.

Rugged L series design

Canon L lenses are famous in photography and for good reason. They have long set a benchmark for professional reliability and durability. The RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM lens is no different, pictured above is the weather and dust sealing points to keep you lens operating in challenging conditions. The lens also features a lens control ring that can be customised to adjust ISO, aperture or exposure compensation without taking a hand away from the lens.

Our sales team have years of experience helping photographers find the right kit for them. To pre-order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS is £1,749

Jonny Helm News June 30, 2021October 3, 2023 0 Comments

Nikon Z fc

The Nikon Z fc is a mirrorless DX crop-sensor camera built to the dimensions and style of the iconic Nikon FM2 film camera from the early 1980s.
This very nice little camera has launched with a tasty 21 megapixel sensor and full AF tracking capability you would expect from a modern Nikon digital camera including Eye and Animal AF tracking for stills and video.

The Nikon Z fc body-only is £899 sales are expected to start in July. To pre-order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

The Controls

The top cover of the Nikon Z fc has three control dials on the top cover for direct access to exposure compensation, shutter speed and ISO. There is also a display for the aperture read-out and some nifty switches such as on/off, stills / video and an M / A / S / P / Auto selector.
With this array of direct access controls on the top cover and a pedantic mind-set, we reached for some analogue Nikon tech and would contend that the design resembles more a Nikon FE which had exposure compensation and ISO on a separate dial to shutter speed. Have a look at the pictures below and let us know what you think in the comments.

Top cover comparison. Clockwise from top: Nikon Zfc, Nikon FM2n, Nikon FE

Video as well as stills

Despite its heritage look, the Nikon Z fc is a thoroughly modern camera inside with 4k no-crop video recording (the sensor is already a DX crop for stills), higher frame rates for slow-motion, and a wide ISO range of 100-51,200 (extendable to higher levels if needed). There is also a constant focus mode AF-F just for video for smooth tracking of moving subjects during recording.

Lenses and compatibility

All Z series Nikkor lenses are compatible with the Nikon Z fc. Nikon launched two lenses with the Nikon Z fc with some silver retro styling a dedicated DX 16-50mm and a special edition full frame FX 28mm f/2.8 prime lens.
In addition all G series F-mount Nikkor lenses can be used with the Nikon FTZ mount adaptor. The DX cropped sensor may give different results if you are used to shooting full-frame FX format. Full frame lenses on a DX body have a 1.5x crop factor so a 35mm lens will give an angle of view of a 52.5mm lens.

Nikon Z fc exploded view with an F-mount lens and the FTZ mount adaptor

Pre-G lenses such as Nikkor AF-D and manual AF-I lenses are not compatible with the FTZ adaptor.

Vari-angle Rear TFT monitor

The Rear TFT monitor can be set in multiple positions for waist-level, overhead and selfie shooting. It can also be folded to face inwards taking the rear monitor out of the equation for some authentic, distraction free analogue-esque camera operating (it also keeps the screen safe from scratches).

Monitor options for the Nikon Zfc variable angles and closed.

When the screen is set to faces in the same direction as the lens the camera will automatically enter “self-portrait mode” this gives touch control on the screen for shooting or starting / stopping recording.

With the screen front facing the camera automatically enters Self-portrait mode.

SnapBridge Connectivity

The Nikon Z fc is compatible with SnapBridge v2.8 which allows direct transfer of images to the SnapBridge app on Apple and Android devices. There are two SnapBridge options:
• Foreground transfer where images are only transferred while the app is in use
• Background transfer which constantly backs up images and video to a connected device

Our Verdict

For anyone starting out in photography this camera will give you all you need and more. With the accessible, tactile controls for the key settings in photography, the Nikon Z fc may get you out of auto mode faster than starting in other models.

The Nikon Z fc fits a lot of great functions into an attractive, compact design, at a great price. A Nikon digital camera that feels like an FM2 in size will have a huge appeal. We have seen many Nikon analogue cameras through our doors for repairs and servicing and know that the FM2 and FE cameras are well loved by the film community. Analogue style controls are popular already in Nikon with the DSLR Df and outside of Nikon in the popular Fujifilm X system.

A possible drawback is that the camera only sports a DX sensor not the full-frame FX. Lovers of wide-angle photography will have to reach for even wider lenses than they usually would to achieve the angle of view they expect. However DX sensors give an advantage to sport and wildlife photographers who gain extra reach from their long lenses thanks to the crop.

Our sales team have years of experience helping photographers find the right kit for them. If you have any questions or would like to place an order please call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Nikon Z fc Prices and Kits

Nikon Z fc body only – £899
Nikon Z fc kit with Z 28mm f/2.8 SE – £1,129
Nikon Z fc with Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 kit – £1,039

Jonny Helm News June 22, 2021May 29, 2024 0 Comments

BPPA Assignments 2021

Fixation and Canon are proud to sponsor the the British Press Photographers Association annual exhibition Assignments. After a two-year break we are pleased to see Assignments return with an exhibition set for August at the Bargehouse gallery in London.

Stormzy performs at the 2019 BRIT Awards in London. 18 February 2020. © Samir Hussein

Assignments 2021 celebrates the best of British press photography from the BPPA members. Curated by five leading industry figures, this year’s exhibition covers stories from April 2019 and will include a mix of sport, celebrities, royals, protests and global events such as the pandemic as seen through the eyes of the association’s photographers.

The exhibition is an edit of 100 entries printed and framed, filling the Bargehouse London gallery across 4 levels.

Admission Free 11am-6pm daily. 27th August – 5th September

Bargehouse
Oxo Tower Wharf
Bargehouse Street
South Bank
London, SE1 9PH

Assignments 2021 Events Program

Activities and seminars running at the Assignments 2021 Exhibition. Booking is essential.

Hands on | Canon EOS mirrorless sessions

Try the latest gear for yourself. Canon Tech Guru Justin will walk you through the features of the latest EOS R system cameras and lenses.

Friday 27th August
Tuesday 31st August
Wednesday 1st September
Thursday 2nd September

Assignments Seminar | Heathcliffe O’malley and Jack Hill

Tuesday 31st August, 13:00
Join two leading newspaper photographers as they deliver talks about their work over the last two decades.

Assignments Seminar | Marc Aspland

Wednesday 1st September, 13:00
The Times Chief Sports Photographer Marc Aspland talks about how he captures the most important moment of a sporting event creatively. He will also show you the Times Unseen project which often shows images that have never been published and which sometimes shows a different side to the sport.

Assignments Seminar | Dan Kennedy

Celebrity photographer Dan Kennedy shares valuable insights plus tips and tricks on how he creates magazine cover portraits.
Thursday 2nd September, 13:00

Assignments 2021 Curators

Each year different curators are selected from within the news and press industry. This year’s Curators are:

Tom Stoddart Photographer
Olivia Harris Saturday Picture Editor at The Times
Eddie Keogh Sports Photographer
Sarah Lee Photographer
Jane Sherwood News Editor, EMEA for Getty Images

Police officers detain Patsy Stevenson as people gather and protest at a memorial site in Clapham Common Bandstand, following the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, in London. 13 March 2021. © Hannah Mckay — Police officers detain Patsy Stevenson as people gather and protest at a memorial site in Clapham Common Bandstand, following the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard, in London. 13 March 2021.
© Hannah Mckay

Wimbledon display at Fixation

We are displaying some of our favourite BPPA images from past year’s Assignments exhibitions in the Fixation Showroom. It is Wimbledon Championships fortnight so we are displaying some superb Tennis images of Serena Williams, Rafal Nadal, Andy Murray and more.

For us the photographers are the stars of the show so come along to see Wimbledon from the unique perspectives of Lindsey Parnaby, David Levenson, Andy Rain, Heathcliff O’Malley and Facundo Arrizabalaga.
If rain stops play, pop up to see us: Find Us London

Find out more about the BPPA Assignments exhibition and about the BPPA on the BPPA website.

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