Camera
Eight years after being announced, Kodak’s Super 8 movie camera will finally ship in December
| This is the version of the Kodak Super 8 Camera we saw at CES in 2017. |
As reported last week by The Verge, Eastman Kodak’s Motion Picture division – not to be confused with Kodak Alaris, which manufactures 35mm photographic film – will finally release the Kodak Super 8 Camera, a traditional Super 8 movie camera that incorporates modern digital technologies.
To give you an idea of just how long the road to productization has been for the Super 8 Camera, we first saw it at CES in January 2016, the same year that Rio de Janeiro hosted the Summer Olympics, Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar for The Revenant, and Pokémon Go briefly took over the world. To say it missed its anticipated Q4 2016 launch date is an understatement, so you can imagine our surprise to discover it’s finally coming to market eight years later.
We got our first look at the Kodak Super 8 Camera at CES 2016.
The Super 8 Camera is a hybrid of old and new technology. At its heart is a Super 8 movie camera, a format released by Eastman Kodak in 1965. But it also incorporates digital elements that provide a more modern shooting experience and bring audio to your movies.
Most notably, the Super 8 Camera includes a 4″ LCD that can display aspect ratio overlays and audio meters and works by using a split prism to redirect some of the light entering the lens to a digital sensor. We got to try a much older version of the camera at CES 2017, and the live view image was hazy, grainy and difficult to use for judging focus, not wholly inconsistent with the analog Super 8 experience. Hopefully, it’s been improved since then. Movies can be captured at either 18, 24, 25, or 36 frames per second.
Kodak’s sizzle reel for the Super 8 Camera offers a glimpse of the Super 8 film look. While it’s possible to apply film effects to video in post-processing, it’s still difficult to achieve the organic look of real film.
The Super 8 Camera captures audio using a built-in or external microphone. Audio isn’t captured on the film, but to an SD card, allowing you to synchronize sound after your film is processed and scanned. Audio capture is limited to 24 or 25fps shooting.
The camera includes a 6mm F1.2mm C-mount lens, providing approximately 35mm equivalent coverage in full-frame terms. C-mount is compatible with lenses going back many decades, and there are a lot of C-mount lenses out there, many of which can likely be found in your local thrift store.
“The Super 8 Camera is a hybrid of old and new technology. At its heart is a Super 8 movie camera, a format released by Eastman Kodak in 1965.”
Kodak is touting the camera’s ‘Extended Gate’ capture. The Super 8 format captured a 4:3 aspect ratio (1.33:1), but the Super 8 Camera is designed to use a wider area of the film such that each frame is 11% larger than the Super 8 standard in a 1.5:1 aspect ratio (or 3:2 as photographers tend to think about it), which Kodak says is closer to the 16:9 format that has come to dominate playback in the decades since Super 8 was a mainstream format.
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| Kodak’s ‘Extended Gate’ capture uses a wider area of the film, resulting in a frame in the 3:2 aspect ratio that’s 11% larger than the Super 8 standard. |
Interestingly, the original camera we saw in 2016 included a full-sized HDMI and type A and B USB sockets. When we next saw it in 2017, this had morphed into a micro-HDMI and micro-USB socket (for charging), which appears to remain unchanged seven years later.
Kodak provides several film stocks, including three Kodak Vision3 color negative films, Tri-X black and white and Ektachrome color reversal film. Each 15m (50 ft.) film cartridge will set you back $32 ($43 for Ektachrome) but includes processing, scanning, and transfer to the cloud.
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| Kodak Vision3 200T is one of three color negative films to choose from, along with Tri-X and Ektachrome stocks. One 15m (50 ft) cartridge will get you two and a half minutes of footage when shot at 24fps. |
Before taking the plunge, take note: shooting your next project with this camera will cost a pretty penny. At 18fps – a frame rate that will definitely look vintage – you’ll run through an entire film cartridge in just 3 minutes and 20 seconds. Step up to 24fps, and you’ll be down to just two and a half minutes per cartridge.
What may be the biggest surprise about the Super 8 Camera is its price. When it was first shown in 2016, we were told to expect the camera to sell for between $400 and $750. Inflation over the past eight years has been stiff, but that doesn’t explain an MSRP that has jumped to $5495, which includes the camera, a Pelican case, the 6mm F1.2 lens, a pistol grip with trigger, and various accessories.
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| The Super 8 Camera includes a micro-HDMI port and a micro-USB port for charging, the same as the prototype we saw in 2017. |
The price point suggests that Kodak hopes it’ll find favor among commercial users or creative agencies looking to provide something unique to their clients rather than the nostalgia crowd who want to have fun with film. Perhaps a few social media influencers will also pick these up, though no provision is made for shooting vertical video.
Either way, this is a significant cost for a format whose 6.3 x 4.2mm capture region is very similar to the Type 1/2.3 (6.17 x 4.5mm) sensors used in compact cameras. Even with an F1.2 lens, Super 8mm is going to deliver the ’60’s home movie’ look that you might need if you want to make the title sequence of a TV show about wealthy, dysfunctional families.
According to The Verge, Kodak expects the camera to go on sale in limited quantities in the US on December 4, but you’ll need to sign up for a reservation on Kodak’s website. If you were already on the reservation list (you’d be forgiven if you can’t remember at this point) and want to maintain your priority position, you’ll need to sign up again using the new waiting list by midnight Eastern time on November 28.
| Nikon’s continuing to add features to the Z9. |
Nikon’s latest firmware update for the Z9 is all about video, introducing the ability to set a shutter angle instead of a shutter speed among other improvements.
Shutter angle is important for pro videographers who frequently change recording framerates, as shutter angles will remain consistent. For example, if you were recording at 24FPS and switched to 60fps, and your camera only supported setting shutter speed, you’d have to remember to change your shutter speed from 1/48 to 1/120 to make sure your level of motion blur was consistent. If your camera supports shutter angle, though, you could leave it at 180° shutter, and it’d automatically double the shutter speed with the frame rate.
Nikon says the Z9 will support 15 shutter angles between 5.6° (which would result in almost no motion blur) and 360° (which would create the maximum amount of motion blur). You’ll only be able to set it in manual shooting mode.
Nikon also says the 5.10 update will let you change the color of the Z9’s zebra pattern, and customize the transparency and position of the histogram and waveform displays.
Nikon releases the upgraded firmware version 5.10 for the Nikon Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera
Latest Free Firmware Update Adds Shutter Angle and Other Enhancements to Increase Appeal for Filmmakers
MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2024) – Nikon is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 5.10 for its flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z9 (released in December 2021).
Z9 firmware version 5.10 adds features that respond to the needs of professional-level video recording. A new [Shutter mode] has been added, allowing the user to set the shutter angle to one of 15 steps between 5.6° and 360°.* This eliminates the need to select a shutter speed whenever the frame rate is adjusted, allowing users to always achieve optimal motion blur at the desired frame rate.
In addition, users can now change the color of the zebra pattern display, as well as customize the transparency and display position of brightness information displays along with their size, such as the histogram and waveform monitor. These capabilities were incorporated to make video recording easier by allowing the user to confirm appropriate exposure, even when recording high-contrast scenes.
Nikon will continuously meet users’ needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras.
*Shutter angle can only be specified in [M] shooting mode.
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The Nikon Z6III is one of three Nikon bodies to gain support for Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud service.
Photo: Richard Butler |
Nikon has announced that its NX MobileAir app for Android now supports Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud service when used with the Nikon Z9, Z8 and Z6III cameras. Adobe revealed the upcoming integration with Nikon on its Frame.io blog during the Adobe MAX conference back in October.
Frame.io is a cloud-based service that allows teams to collaborate on video and photo projects. It provides a centralized location for uploading and sharing media, real-time project feedback, and integration with other tools.
The latest version of the NX MobileAir app can automatically or manually upload video files from the supported cameras to a user’s Frame.io account, including the ability to filter uploads by file format or ratings if they have been applied.
By providing support through the NX MobileAir app, Nikon is taking a slightly different approach to Frame.io support than companies like Fujifilm and Panasonic, which embed support directly in the camera.
Frame.io has become a popular integration on mirrorless cameras in recent years, particularly among video shooters. More recently, Frame.io gained the ability to automatically upload photos and push them to a user’s Adobe Lightroom account.
There are some constraints to Nikon’s current Frame.io implementation: uploads are limited to video files, and support is limited to the Android version of the NX MobileAir app. The company says a version of the app for iOS with Frame.io support is in the works.
The NX MobileAir app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play store.
Press release:
Nikon’s NX MobileAir mobile app now supports Adobe’s Frame.io Camera to Cloud
NX MobileAir supports video transfer for the first time
MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2024) — Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce that NX MobileAir (Android version*) now supports Frame.io, Adobe’s creative collaboration platform, and its Camera to Cloud service. NX MobileAir, which enhances the efficiency of professionals’ workflow by providing high-speed image delivery without using a computer, will now support video transfer.
This latest version of NX MobileAir will allow users to manually or automatically upload recorded video files to Frame.io, where they can be shared with others for real-time cloud collaboration. Additionally, when selecting video files for upload, they can be filtered by rating and/or file format. Support for Frame.io will provide a more efficient workflow by seamlessly connecting the entire video production process, from recording to final delivery. This feature is especially useful when speed is of the essence, such as with live event social media creation as well as news and sports reporting.
The Frame.io feature will be compatible with the Nikon Z9, Z8, and Z6III mirrorless cameras via the NX MobileAir App. In addition, Nikon will continue to provide software updates to satisfy the needs of those involved in video production and to contribute to the development of imaging culture with the hope of further expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
*Development to add support to the iOS version of the app is currently underway.
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The Panasonic G97 is essentially a G90/G95D with an updated screen and a USB-C socket.
Image: Panasonic |
Panasonic has refreshed two of its more affordable models, creating the G97 from the G90/G91/G95D and the ZS99 (known as the TZ99 in Europe) 30x compact camera from the ZS80D / TZ95D.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G97
The G97 is the more subtle of the two updates. The 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera gets a higher-resolution rear screen and USB-C connector as its main updates.
The USB-C socket still offers only USB 2.0 speeds and can be used for charging the camera but doesn’t provide the ability to power it while in use. It also sees its Bluetooth feature upgraded to v5.0, a dedicated button for smartphone image transfers, a red frame around the screen when recording video and the ability to tag video shot in portrait orientation.
Other than this, the G97 is essentially the same camera as the G90/G91 launched in 2019, and the G95D (which itself was an updated variant of the US-market G95, with a nicer rear screen).
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 / DC-TZ99
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 also gets a USB-C socket…
Image: Panasonic |
The ZS99 (TZ99 outside North America) represents a slightly more significant change. It too sees the addition of a USB-2.0 Type-C socket. However, the other change, relative to the ZS80D (TZ95D) that preceded it is the removal of the electronic viewfinder. Panasonic believes there is a larger audience for whom an EVF isn’t considered essential, compared to those who insist on one.
The previous ZS80D / TZ95D models had already gained the 1.84M dot displays, setting them apart from 2019’s ZS80 and TZ95 models.
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…but loses the rear viewfinder that the ZS80D / TZ95D had. It also loses its Panorama mode.
Image: Panasonic |
It remains a 30x zoom compact with a 20MP Type 1/2.3 (mm) sensor with a 24-720mm equiv lens. It gains the other feature additions made to the G97, but loses the Panorama and Beauty Retouch features of its predecessor.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G97 will be available in mid-to-late February 2025 at a recommended price of $849 in a kit with the 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power OIS lens, a $350 reduction compared with the introductory price of the original DC-G95 in 2019. The Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 will be available from early-to-mid February at a recommended price of $499, a $50 increase over its predecessor.
Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras:
Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99
Newark, N.J. (December 16, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.
The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.
LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera
Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life’s adventures.
Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body
Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*1, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.
With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.
Unmissable Moments in 4K
Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.
Packed with travel-ready features
A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.
Easy image sharing
Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*2 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2024 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.
*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
LUMIX G97: New Compact Hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera
The new LUMIX G97 camera balances high performance and simplicity, giving creators the tools to elevate their photography and video skills.
Superb picture quality
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor, combined with the high-performance Image processor, delivers superb image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Equipped with LUMIX Photo Style feature, users can fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, ensuring every shot matches your creative vision.
The Live View Composite feature is also included, providing the ability to combines multiple exposures in real time to create stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.
Smooth performance
The LUMIX G97’s 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2*1 system ensures unrivalled stability, so your photos and videos remain sharp even in challenging conditions.
With 4K PHOTO capabilities, you can capture bursts of high-resolution photos at 30fps, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The perfect shot from burst footage makes this feature ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Versatile video features
Record in crisp 4K at 30p with no time limitations*2, experiment with slow-motion (max.4x) or quick-motion (max.8x) in FHD, and create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L. Dedicated headphone and microphone jacks ensure total audio control while recording.
Intuitive operation and reliable design
With a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder*3, the LUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions.
The durable dust/splash-resistant*4 construction is ideal for everyday creators looking for a camera that can reliably handle a variety of situations.
Built-in Bluetooth® v5.0 and Wi-Fi make sharing and remote control effortless, while USB Type-C charging adds convenience.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February 2024 for $849.99 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK) at valued channel partners.
*1 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.]
*2 When the ambient temperature is high, the camera may stop the recording. Wait until the camera cools down.
*3 35mm camera equivalent
*4 Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with dust and water
Panasonic Lumix G97 specifications
{ProductSpectsTable: panasonic_dcg97}
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS99 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $499 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Compact |
| Body material | Composite, metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 21 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 6400 |
| White balance presets | 5 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 sots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 24–720 mm |
| Optical zoom | 30× |
| Maximum aperture | F3.3–6.4 |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 50 cm (19.69″) |
| Macro focus range | 3 cm (1.18″) |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,840,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.60 m (with Auto ISO) |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | DMW-BLG10 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 380 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 322 g (0.71 lb / 11.36 oz) |
| Dimensions | 112 x 68 x 43 mm (4.41 x 2.68 x 1.69″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
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