Camera Gear Review News (Page 20)
Resolution test results have been added to the Sony Alpha a1 review, a work in progress.
Here are some comparisons:
In these comparisons, more resolution results in higher image quality. There is nothing surprising about that. Also obvious, especially in the Canon comparison, is that the Sony Alpha cameras continue to produce strong moiré or false color.
Again, image quality commentary (and much more) for the Alpha a1 is available in the "Image Quality" section of the review.
Future Sony Lens Testing
Unless strong objections are voice, I will use the Sony Alpha a1 for future Sony Lens testing. While some visualization skills are required to compare against the existing lower resolution Sony Alpha a7R III test results, the difference seems relatively small from a lens comparison perspective.
If you are interested in purchasing my mint a7R III, let me know.
Noise and dynamic range test results have been added to the Sony Alpha a1 review, a work in progress.
Commentary for these results is available in the "Image Quality" section of the review.
The Sony Alpha a1 provides compressed non-lossy RAW file format, but you may not want to use it — at least not immediately.
I stayed up late last night to capture nearly 300 Sony a1 noise and dynamic range test images. The non-lossy compressed RAW file format seemed a no-brainer to reduce the storage requirements (all of our test images are archived). After completing the tests, I attempted to load the images into Capture One, updated yesterday with support for the Alpha a1 affirmed. Troubling was that only a small number of RAW images and the JPG files would import.
I quickly determined that only the uncompressed and lossy compressed RAW images files were importing. As it turns out, Capture One is not yet compatible with the Sony a1 compressed RAW file format, and that's a show-stopper for my hours of work.
The next step was to attempt opening the files in Lightroom. After downloading the latest Adobe updates (Photoshop and Camera RAW updates were available), I attempted to import the test images into Lightroom. This time only the JPG images came in.
According to Adobe, the a1 is supported in Lightroom Classic version 10.2. The problem is, Lightroom 10.1.1 is the latest Lightroom Classic version available. Thus, at this moment, Lightroom does not support the a1 — unless you shoot in JPG format.
The good news is that yesterday's Adobe updates fully support the a1, including the compressed RAW file format, in Bridge and Photoshop. So, Lightroom should also support these files very soon. However, Lightroom is not the image processor we've used on the previous Sony cameras. So, for comparative reasons, Capture One is the required option.
I'm not patient enough to wait for another Capture One update, so tonight will be another late night of tedious camera testing — using the uncompressed RAW file format.
I should note that Sony's Imaging Edge supports the non-lossy compressed format.
The following table shows comparative RAW file sizes for a photo of a standard in-studio setup with a moderately-high amount of detail captured with the referenced camera.
| Model / File Size in MB @ ISO: | (MP) | 100 | 200 | 400 | 800 | 1600 | 3200 | 6400 | 12800 | 25600 | 51200 | 102400 | 204800 |
| Canon EOS-1D X III | (20.1) | 24.7 | 25.2 | 25.4 | 26.0 | 26.9 | 27.8 | 28.9 | 30.3 | 31.9 | 33.7 | 35.9 | 36.3 |
| Canon EOS 5Ds R | (50.6) | 65.2 | 66.4 | 67.6 | 69.8 | 73.0 | 77.2 | 81.9 | 88.4 | ||||
| Canon EOS R5 | (45.0) | 51.6 | 53.1 | 53.6 | 55.6 | 57.7 | 60.1 | 63.0 | 66.4 | 70.5 | 75.1 | 79.5 | |
| Canon EOS R5 CRAW | (45.0) | 28.1 | 29.3 | 29.9 | 31.5 | 33.3 | 35.5 | 36.2 | 35.9 | 36.0 | 36.9 | 37.7 | |
| Canon EOS R6 | (20.1) | 24.1 | 24.7 | 24.9 | 25.6 | 26.4 | 27.3 | 28.4 | 29.8 | 31.4 | 33.3 | 35.5 | 35.9 |
| Canon EOS R6 CRAW | (20.1) | 13.8 | 14.2 | 14.5 | 14.9 | 15.6 | 16.4 | 16.4 | 16.0 | 15.7 | 15.8 | 16.1 | 14.8 |
| Sony a1 Uncomp | (50.1) | 102.2 | 102.2 | 102.1 | 102.1 | 102.2 | 102.5 | 102.4 | 102.6 | 103.4 | 103.4 | 104.4 | |
| Sony a1 Non-Lossy | (50.1) | 64.0 | 64.7 | 65.7 | 67.1 | 69.1 | 71.6 | 74.4 | 78.2 | 80.8 | 96.0 | 93.9 | |
| Sony a1 Lossy | (50.1) | 54.4 | 54.4 | 54.3 | 54.2 | 54.4 | 54.6 | 54.5 | 54.7 | 55.6 | 55.6 | 56.4 | |
| Sony a9 II | (24.2) | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.3 |
| Sony a9 | (24.2) | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.3 |
| Sony a7R IV | (61.0) | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 117.0 | 82.0 | 82.0 | 82.0 | |
| Sony a7R IV CRAW | (61.0) | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | 59.1 | |
| Sony a7R III | (42.4) | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 81.9 | 82.0 | 82.0 | 82.0 | |
| Sony a7R II | (42.4) | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | 82.8 | |
| Sony a7 III | (24.2) | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.2 |
| Sony a7C | (24.2) | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.1 | 47.2 | 47.2 | 47.2 |
RAW file sizes increase with: 1. Resolution 2. Bit Depth (more is better/larger) 3. Detail (noise adds detail, so high ISO file sizes increase) 4. Lack of compression. Memory and disk are cheap – buy more.
At ISO 100, the Sony non-lossy compressed RAW format results in a huge file size reduction. This file is 63% as large as the uncompressed result, and similar in size to Canon's standard non-lossy compressed 50MP EOS 5Ds R RAW files. At the highest (noisiest) ISO settings, the compression savings is significantly reduced.
The lossy compressed file size is, as expected, smaller than the non-lossy compressed file size. However, the difference is small enough at all except the highest few stops of ISO settings that there is little incentive to drop down to the lossy option.
What I can see so far is that the Sony Alpha a1 images look excellent, including from a dynamic range standpoint.
When planning for the Sony a1 arrival, I wanted to know if an L-plate from a previously available camera would fit the a1. Ideally, an L-plate already in my kit. I find L-plates a necessity. New L-plates designs typically reach the market months after new camera models, and the arrival of a new camera model that uses existing plates can result in already available L-plates going out of stock.
My ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket was undoubtedly going to work as well on the a1 as it does on nearly all cameras. Still, the cameras remaining in my kit eventually all get custom Really Right Stuff L-Plates or Kirk L-Brackets.
That answer did not arrive before the a1 arrived, but I immediately and successfully installed the Really Right Stuff Ultralight Plate for Sony a7R IV, a7S III, and a9 II on the a1. I expect that similarly-designed L-plates will also fit nicely.
Stating this optimistically, I'm considerably less certain that the RRS L-Plate Set's wrap-around design will fit the a1's slightly larger grip. The calipers say the a1's grip is a couple of mm larger, including the area appearing to be inside the L-plate set.
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.
You are going to like these results. There are not many 24mm prime lenses this slow, but you can start your comparisons with these two options:
Sigma compared to Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens
Sigma compared to Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens
The Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
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Just posted: Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens Review.
I look forward to reviewing some lenses more than others. My anticipation for this one was high, and I was not disappointed.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H (save $270.00 by buying a 9+ rated used lens) | Adorama (kit with free tripod) | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Review.
Save $50.00 instantly: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is in stock and on sale at Adorama and Amazon USA. B&H is taking orders.
Rent the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.
Comparing the Sigma Lens to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens is a good start.
Here is the Sigma Lens compared to the Tamron 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens.
Here is the Sigma Lens compared to the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Lens. Use your visualization skills to discern between the differing camera resolutions.
And, here is the Sigma Lens compared to the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens.
The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens Review.
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens will be an interesting comparison, but the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens comparison with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens is available now.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Review.
This is a very sharp lens.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens is in stock or available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens page.
Save $50.00 instantly: the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens is in stock and on sale at B&H (used – save an additional $100.00)| Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sony FE 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Review page.
At this point in time, it is surprising that Sony has not introduced a G Master version of this popular focal length and aperture combination. After seeing the results from the ZA 50 f/1.4 lens, sharp realization is that a GM version introduction has low urgency.
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens compared to Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens compared to Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens compared to Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens compared to Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM Lens (an extremely sharp lens)
Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens compared to Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Lens
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens is in stock or available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 have been added to the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review.
These results are outstanding. Compare them to those from any other lens in the class.
Get in line: the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)
Rent the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.
This lens is another high-performing member of the Canon RF lens series.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H and Amazon USA. Adorama expects stock soon.
Rent the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
We knew that the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens was production delayed, with Sony indicating that the estimated ship date was "To be determined."
"To be determined" is obviously vague, and our expectations have been guided by the estimated ship date provided by retailers. Sadly, B&H just moved the expected ship date from Mon, Feb 22nd to Mon, Apr 12.
Amazon USA still has Feb 22nd on their page, but I don't expect that date to hold in light of B&H's updated estimate. Adorama is not guessing.
Remarkably, the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is nearly the same size (and weight) as the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens. Think about the packing space requirement advantage this lens holds.
Upon creating this comparison image for the RF 70-200mm F4 L review, I thought you might find it as interesting as I did.
Along with the Image quality test results shared yesterday, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.
Here are a couple of comparisons to get you started:
Visual Canon 70-200mm Lens Comparison
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens Compared to Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens from a measurements and specs perspective.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and coming soon to B&H and Adorama.
Rent the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.
Following the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens, it is not shocking to see this performance from the RF F4.
Here are some comparisons:
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 compared to F2.8 L IS Lens (F2.8 lens test results from the R5 coming soon)
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 compared to the EF F/4L IS II Lens
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS Lens compared to the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and coming soon to B&H and Adorama.
Rent the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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The Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera Review page is filled with expectations for this flagship camera model.
Expect this camera to be an outstanding performer.
The Sony a1 is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Create a rental reservation for the Sony a1 from Lensrentals.
In preparation for the review, the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens page is loaded with expectations for this lens.
I expect the RF 70-200mm F4 to be as remarkable as its sibling.
Amazon USA has the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens in stock!
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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