Camera
iFixit gives the new 24″ M1 iMac a proper teardown treatment with a 2/10 repairability score
It’s only been a few weeks since the first shipments of Apple’s new M1-powered 24”iMac hit doorsteps around the globe and iFixit has already shared a detailed teardown that takes an inside look at what Apple has managed to pack inside the ridiculously thin all-in-one desktop computer.
 |
As has become custom with recent iFixit teardowns, we get an X-ray view of the iMac’s insides thanks to Creative Electron. The X-ray images revealed a few things about the iMac before ever tearing it open. First off, the silicon inside the iMac is concentrated almost entirely on the very top and bottom of the device, separated by two large metal plates and the signature Apple logo on the back, which doubles as an RF pass-through.
 |
| It’s unlikely Apple chose this exact thickness on accident… |
Other details iFixit points out before cracking open the case of the 24” M1 iMac is that it its main housing measures exactly two iPads deep and is so thin that it requires the 3.5mm headphone jack to be placed on the side of the computer since the length of a standard 3.5mm audio plug is longer than the depth of the iMac. Another interesting tidbit iFixit noticed is that its model was ‘Made in Thailand,’ which is notable considering iMacs have historically been assembled in China.
 |
To iFixit’s surprise, getting inside the iMac proved to be fairly straightforward. Apple uses a simple adhesive to secure single piece of glass on the front of the device and screws — not glue — are used to hold most of the internal components in place. The lack of the metal ‘chin’ also means all of the internal components, including the iMac’s dual fans, are easy to access, unlike previous Intel iMacs.
 |
| The M1 logic board housed at the bottom of the iMac’s aluminum case. |
The M1 logic board inside the 24” M1 iMac is, unsurprisingly, the smallest ever seen in an iMac. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of upgradability and repairability as there’s no way to increase internal storage or memory./ If you’re wondering what all is soldered to the M1 logic board, iFixit has a detailed reference guide.
 |
| A pair of CR2016 batteries centered inside the iMac’s aluminum case. |
iFixit also discovered that the two circles it saw on the X-ray were indeed coin batteries, believed to be there to protect the NVRAM inside the iMac. What’s interesting though is that it appears Apple chose to use two ultra-thin CR2016 batteries over a single (and more common) CR2032 battery as to make the most of the incredibly limited internal volume. Other discoveries include a modular headphone jack, a sturdy power button, a solid speaker array and the realization that if you ever plan to mount an iMac on a VESA mount, be sure to choose the VESA version from the onset, because there’s no accessing the hinge from the outside.
 |
| There’s no getting inside the power adapter block without destroying it in the process. |
To complete the teardown experience, iFixit also took apart the iMac power brick and the matching Touch ID Magic Keyboard. Overall, iFixit gives the new iMac a repairability score of just 2 out of 10. Despite certain components being more modular, the inability to upgrade the internal storage or memory makes it mostly impossible to upgrade from the inside, even if you get past the sticky adhesive used to hold the glass display on.
You can see more images and read more detailed insights on iFixit’s complete iMac M1 24″ Teardown:
Image credits: All photos by iFixit, used under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.
Sigma has announced the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II, a second-generation, mirrorless-only fast standard zoom lens as part of its Art series of premium optics.
The new lens is a fraction smaller and around 10% lighter than the existing lens. And while a 19 element, 15 group design with 6 fluorite-like FLD elements and 2 SLD elements might sound familiar, the use of five aspheric elements, rather than three, shows it to be a new optical formula.
The new lens, which arrives five years on from the original, uses a “High-Response” linear motor to drive autofocus, rather than the stepper motor that was used before.
Sigma says the sharpness and contrast performance outdoes the existing lens, with a combination of modern design techniques, new glass materials and improved manufacturing capabilities coming together to deliver a lens with less coma and better optical qualities.
The minimum focus distance drops by 1cm to 17cm (6.7″) which also means the maximum reproduction ratio nudges up from 0.34x to 0.37x. It retains its 82mm filter thread diameter.
In terms of handling, the 24-70mm gains a second AFL button, so that one is within reach whether the lens is being held in the portrait or landscape orientation. In addition to its AF/MF switch and zoom lock, the version II adds a switch to lock the aperture ring in or out of the ‘A’ position, and a switch to de-click the ring’s movement.
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art will be available from the end of May at a recommended price of $1,199, representing a $100 increase since the 2019 version’s launch.
We had prepared a sample gallery with the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II but on close examination found the results didn’t reach the quality we expected. We have decided not to publish the results as we do not believe they accurately represent the product’s performance. We hope to get the opportunity to shoot another gallery in the coming days.
SIGMA Announces 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art Lens, an Upgraded Follow-Up to its Popular Standard Zoom for Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
Ronkonkoma, NY – May 16, 2024 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens. This is the second generation of the highly successful SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art. The new lens has undergone a significant evolution, including enhanced optical performance, AF speed and operability, while also achieving a more compact size than the original.
The advancement of optical design has shortened the total optical length, and the lens barrel has been made slimmer by thoroughly downsizing the zoom mechanism. In addition, the lens barrel has been downsized by placing buttons and switches directly on the lens barrel. The weight has been reduced by approximately 10% compared to the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art. By driving the lightweight focus group with the high-thrust HLA, autofocus is significantly swifter than the original version.
6 FLD glass elements, 2 SLD glass elements, and 5 double-sided aspheric lenses are used. Aberrations are highly corrected through advanced optical design made possible by advanced basic technologies in both design and manufacturing, including the use of new glass materials and aspherical lenses with thin walls and high degrees of asphericity. In particular, sagittal coma flare is heavily corrected to achieve MTF characteristics surpassing those of the highly-acclaimed 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art. The high level of flare resistance also results in point images, such as stars, at the periphery of the image being closer to ideal points.
A close-focusing distance of 6.7 inches (17cm) at the wide end at 1:2.7 magnification*1 adds to the versatility of this lens, and the addition of a click/de-click and lockable aperture ring, along with an additional AF-L button for vertical orientation still or video capture, are additional enhancements of this second-generation lens. The zoom lock switch, which disengages when zooming, is inherited from the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art. Manual focus can be switched between Linear and Non-linear response (L-Mount only.) A splash- and dust-resistant structure, plus water and oil-repellent coating on the front element, add to durability.
The new SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens builds on the success and popularity of the original 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, and offers an impressive upgrade with added features and performance in a more compact package that is perfect for working pros in both still and video applications. Offered in Sony E-mount and L-Mount, the lens will be available through authorized retailers in late May 2024 and will sell for $1,199.
A | Art
SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II
A classic, evolved.
- Rendering performance worthy of the flagship name
- Improved portability and expanded feature set
- A wealth of professional functions including high-speed autofocus
Supplied accessories: CASE, LENS HOOD LH878-05, FRONT CAP LCF-82 III, REAR CAP LCR II
Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
Launch date: May 30, 2024
The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is SIGMA’s flagship lens that has evolved significantly from the previous model by incorporating the most advanced technologies available to SIGMA from design to production. Compared to the previous SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art has improved resolving power throughout the entire zoom range, and also benefits from functional enhancements such as the addition of an aperture ring and high-speed AF with a redesigned AF motor, HLA (High-response Linear Actuator). The lens is also approximately 7% smaller and 10% lighter. This 24-70mm F2.8 Art zoom is a versatile and high-performance tool that will help photographers and filmmakers unlock their creative potential.
[Key Features]
1. Rendering performance worthy of the flagship name
The SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is the successor to the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, which is known for its high optical performance, and has further improved resolution throughout the zoom range. The lens has high sharpness throughout the entire image from its maximum aperture, even on high-resolution cameras. Focusing on enhancing its rendering performance, the brightness of F2.8 produces a large, beautiful bokeh effect, and allows users to experience the power of a flagship lens in all types of visual expression. In addition to its advanced close-up capability and resistance to flare and ghosting, the lens is designed to minimize focus breathing.
High optical performance across the entire image and zoom range
The optical design of the lens includes 6 FLD glass elements, 2 SLD glass elements, and 5 aspherical lens elements to thoroughly suppress various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range. In particular, sagittal coma flare has been well controlled to achieve consistently high resolution all the way to the periphery of the image. By also effectively correcting lateral chromatic aberration, high resolution, beautifully rendered images can be achieved, free from color fringing can be achieved.
Incorporating 5 aspherical lenses
The use of 5 high-precision aspherical lenses enables both high optical performance with minimal aberration correction and a compact optical design. The SIGMA’s only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory’s ultra-high-precision aspherical molding technology makes it possible to produce the thin, highly polarized aspherical lenses that are essential for the construction of this lens. This has brought about a higher degree of freedom in optical design.
Excellent close-up capability*2
The lens has excellent close-up capability with a minimum focusing distance of 17cm / 6.7in. at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. This is useful when composing close-up shots of a subject, or when shooting in tight spaces where it is difficult to get a good distance from the subject.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, have been largely eliminated using advanced simulation technology, ensuring the lens renders rich, high-contrast results in all conditions. In addition, Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-layer Coating have been applied to help suppress flare and ghosting to the utmost degree. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
Minimal focus breathing
The lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle-of-view due to focus shift across the entire zoom range is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus pulls when recording video.
2. Improved portability and expanded feature set
The body of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art is approximately 7% smaller in size and 10% lighter in weight than the previous model, while improving usability by adding an aperture ring and two AFL buttons. Despite the reduction in size and added features, the lens maintains SIGMA’s renowned excellent build quality, with the uncompromisingly precise and robust construction expected of a professional photographic tool.
Highly portable lens body
While the number of lens elements used in its construction is the same as that of the previous model, the overall length has been shortened owing to an advanced optical design. In addition, the more efficient mechanical design has resulted in a highly portable lens body with a maximum diameter of 87.8mm / 3.5in., length of 120.2mm / 4.7in., and weight of 745g / 26.3oz.*3
Excellent build quality
Simultaneously focusing on reducing the size and weight of the lens body, the use of metal parts for the zoom extension unit and other parts, as well as the robust internal structure ensure rigidity during use, such as when operating the ring, pressing buttons, and carrying the lens. The design emphasizes the lens’ longevity and reliability as a tool, which cannot be achieved by solely pursuing a compact and lightweight body.
Equipped with an aperture ring
The lens is equipped with an aperture ring as well as an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suitable for various shooing situations.
Equipped with two AFL buttons
The lens is equipped with two AFL buttons*4, to which a range of functions can be assigned via the menu on selected cameras, one more than the previous model. In addition to the side, the additional button has been positioned on the top to facilitate button operation when the camera is held in vertical orientation.
3. A wealth of functions including high-speed autofocus
In addition to high-speed AF with HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art has a full range of features including weather resistance such as a dust and splash resistant structure*5 and water and oil repellent coating, as well as a zoom lock switch. The lens delivers the best possible results in every shooting situation.
Incorporating a linear motor HLA
The lens incorporates a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) for the AF actuator. The high output HLA makes the maximum drive speed more than three times faster than the previous model*6, ensuring responsive AF shooting.
Dust and splash resistant structure and water and oil repellent coating
In addition to a dust and splash resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing users to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.
Equipped with a zoom lock switch at the wide end
The lens is equipped with a zoom lock switch that locks the lens at the wide end and prevents the barrel from extending unintentionally under its own weight. The lock can be released not only by the switch but also via zoom operation, allowing for flexible handling of even impromptu shooting.
Includes petal-type hood with lock
A dedicated petal-shaped hood is supplied. A locking mechanism is provided for secure attachment.
[ Additional Features ]
- Lens construction: 19 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 5 aspherical elements)
- Inner focus system
- Compatible with high-speed autofocus
- HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
- Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
* On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with “ON” or “OFF” in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to “ON” (AUTO). - Supports DMF and AF+MF
- Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
- Nano Porous Coating
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Water- and Oil-Repellent Coating (front element)
- Aperture ring
- Aperture ring click switch
- Aperture ring lock switch
- AFL button (2 buttons)
* Function can be assigned on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. - Focus Mode switch
- Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)
* Function available on supported cameras only. - Dust- and Splash-Resistant Structure
- Petal-type hood with lock LH875-05
- Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
- Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
- Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system
- 11-blade rounded diaphragm
- High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
- Mount Conversion Service available
- “Made in Aizu, Japan” craftsmanship
*1 close-focusing distance of 13.4 inches (34cm) with 1:4 magnification at 70mm
*2 Be extremely careful that the front lens element does not hit the subject when photographing. Remove the lens hood when photographing at the minimum focusing distance at the wide-angle end.
*3 These figures are for L-Mount.
*4 Functions can be assigned on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
*5 The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
*6 Compared by the maximum drive speed of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art with that of the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art (It is different from the actual time for AF to focus).
Tucked away at the bottom of Fujifilm’s GFX 100S II press release is the news that Fujifilm has joined both the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the Content Authentication Initiative (CAI).
The two organizations are, respectively, a group developing the specifications and standards around “content credentials,” the metadata requires to provide proof and traceability of photo and video creation, and a group of companies working to promote the adoption of these credentials as an open standard.
The company says it’s ultimately committed to applying this verification system to its own cameras. Various manufacturers, including Leica, Nikon and Sony are already developing content authentication systems to the C2PA and CAI standard in their cameras.
Additional News:
Membership in C2PA1 and CAI2 and efforts to develop a system to provide context and history for digital media In recent years, it has become an important global objective to work to rebuild trust online by proving the authenticity of photographs, videos and other online content. To further this effort and enable creative and business activities to continue to flourish, Fujifilm has joined two organizations, the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Fujifilm is collaborating with these organizations in their efforts to ensure that the originator of digital content can be verified online through Content Credentials.3 Through its association with C2PA and CAI, Fujifilm will assist efforts to develop a system to provide context and history of digital content by providing valuable information, such as the origin and record of content, to the digital file. Fujifilm is committed to ultimately applying this verification solution to its GFX and X series line-up4.
1 An open, technical standards body addressing the prevalence of misleading information online through the development of technical standards for certifying the source and history (or provenance) of digital content. C2PA is a Joint Development Foundation project that publishes Content Credentials, the digital content verification system and standard.
2 A global community of media and tech companies, NGOs, academics, and others working to promote adoption of an open industry standard for content authenticity and provenance – called Content Credentials.
3 Content Credentials is essentially an “ingredient statement” for digital content that is designed to attach secure tamper-evident metadata to digital content, which can include important information such as the creator’s name, the date an image was created, what tools were used to create an image and any edits that were made along the way.
4 Scheduled to be deployed as needed through firmware updates. (Deployment schedule to be determined).
| Photo: Fujifilm |
Fujifilm has announced the GF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR, a relatively lightweight, compact super-tele prime for its GFX medium format system.
The 500mm delivers a 396mm equivalent angle of view in a lens that’s 247mm (9.4″) long and weighs 1,375g (3.03 lbs). It has built-in image stabilization rated to give up to 6.0EV of correction.
The design features 21 elements in 14 groups, including 5 extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and 2 Super ED elements. It can be used in conjunction with the company’s 1.4x teleconverter to give a 700mm (554mm equiv) angle of view with F8 maximum aperture.
 |
| Photo: Fujifilm |
The lens uses a small internal focus design with a linear motor to make AF speed usefully fast. It has a focus limit switch that restricts focus to the range between 5m (16.4′) and infinity, to speed AF still further. Fujifilm says the lens is suitable for sports and wildlife as well as landscape, street and cityscape photography.
Fujifilm says the lens is designed for the 102MP sensors it uses in its GFX 100 models.
Super Telephoto Powerhouse: Fujifilm Introduces FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
VALHALLA, N.Y., May 16, 2024 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division, today announces the latest lens in its GFX System line of digital camera and lens products – FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR (GF500mm), a super telephoto prime lens designed for photographers who primarily specialize in distant, moving subjects in genres ranging from wildlife and outdoor sports to landscape and street photography. GF500mm can create images up to 500mm (equivalent to 396mm in 35mm format), making it the lens with the longest range in the lineup of GF lenses to date.
“GF500mm is an exciting addition to the GFX System because it combines incredible range with the power of the system’s 102 megapixel sensor,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “GF500mm’s compact, lightweight design and super telephoto focal length enable photographers to create images in impeccable detail they may not have previously dreamed was possible.”
By miniaturizing a typically large and heavy super telephoto lens and achieving high-speed and high precision autofocus, GF500mm enables super telephoto photography in sports, wildlife, and bird photography, where high mobility is required. With incredible image stabilization sensing accuracy and optimal mechanical design, it achieves powerful image stabilization with up to 6.0 stops1 of compensation. Users can comfortably enjoy handheld image making in the challenging super telephoto range, where camera shake is likely to occur.
Product Features:
Telephoto capabilities beyond what the naked eye can see
- By combining GF500mm with the FUJINON Teleconverter GF1.4X TC WR, users can expand the GF500mm’s focal length, achieving a maximum focal length equivalent to 700mm (equivalent to 554mm in 35mm format).
- With a lens construction consisting of 14 groups and 21 elements, including two Super Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses and five ED lenses, GF500mm effectively suppresses chromatic aberration specific to super telephoto lenses and achieves high resolution performance. It accurately depicts a level of detail beyond what the naked eye can see.
Lightweight yet durable design
- In contrast to the usual heft of large format telephoto lenses, GF500mm tips the scales at only 1,375 grams (3.03lbs)2. In addition to its lightweight design, GF500mm’s optimal arrangement of ED lenses and Super ED lenses minimizes chromatic aberration that is likely to occur with miniaturization, enabling GF500mm’s compact size, light weight, and high-resolution performance.
- GF500mm is temperature resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit), and its weather-resistant structure features sealing at 18 points on the lens barrel. Furthermore, the front element of the lens is coated with fluorine, providing water-repellent and anti-smudge capabilities.
Fast, accurate autofocus
- While maintaining high resolution performance, GF500mm adopts an inner focus system that incorporates a small and light focus lens and drives the focus group using a linear motor. This enables a fast and silent autofocus (AF) with a minimum delay of approximately 0.31 seconds3.
- The user’s desired focus can be shifted to a pre-defined location via the Focus Preset button4.
- The GF500mm also features the Focus Limiter function (a setting within the Focus Range Selector), allowing users to restrict the lens’s AF range to shorten AF time when photographing a subject that is generally at least 5 meters (16.4 feet) away.
Pricing and Availability:
FUJINON GF500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is expected to be available in June 2024 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $3,499.95 USD ($4,724.99 CAD).
For more information, please visit https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/gf500mmf56-r-lm-ois- wr/.
1 According to CIPA standards, pitch/yaw direction.
2 Excluding lens cap, hood, and tripod mount.
3 AF speed on the telephoto end, using a CIPA Guideline compliant measurement method and when mounted on the FUJIFILM GFX100 II mirrorless digital camera with Phase Detection AF and High-Performance Mode selected.
4 To operate the “SET button,” “focus control button,” and “focus select switch” on the FUJIFILM GFX50S, it is necessary to update the camera body to version 3.10 or later.
Fujinon GF500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Prime lens |
| Max Format size | Medium Format (645) |
| Focal length | 500 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 6 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm G |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | F32 |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | Rounded blades |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 14 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 Super ED, 5 ED elements |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 2.75 m (108.27″) |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1375 g (3.03 lb) |
| Diameter | 105 mm (4.13″) |
| Length | 247 mm (9.72″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Filter thread | 95 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
-
Solar Energy3 years agoDLR testing the use of molten salt in a solar power plant in Portugal
-
Camera3 years agoCharles ‘Chuck’ Geschke, co-founder of Adobe and inventor of the PDF, dies at 81
-
TOP SCEINCE1 month agoStellar winds of three sun-like stars detected for the first time
-
TOP SCEINCE1 month ago
Brightest gamma-ray burst of all time came from the collapse of a massive star
-
world news1 month ago
Jewish diaspora expresses concern as Iranian drones launch toward Israel
-
TOP SCEINCE1 month ago
Inherited predisposition for higher muscle strength may protect against common morbidities
-
world news6 months ago
Gulf, France aid Gaza, Russia evacuates citizens
-
Camera3 years agoSony a7 IV sample gallery
