Jason’s Newsround: What cameras and lenses do we need to take great photos?

The gear choices available to photography enthusiasts can be overwhelming. Which sensor size, lens type, camera brand, are amongst the most common factors to consider when buying new kit. This week, we look at stories illustrating that it’s possible to take quite different types of photos with your existing kit, or choose less expensive camera gear that competes favourably with more expensive brands.

Getting the medium format look

Photographers typically highlight the advantage of formats smaller than full-frame: more compact cameras and smaller, lighter lenses. But what are the benefits of larger formats, in particular, medium format? In this informative video, Sean Tucker, a British-based photographer and writer, discusses one specific use case: environmental portraits.

These are portraits in which the subject is placed in a natural setting, rather than a studio. The surroundings therefore assume a more prominent place in the composition. Sean makes the case that medium format systems excel in these situations.

Thus, photographers can achieve both a wide field of view and a shallow depth of field. The subject is therefore separated nicely from the background, while a wide swathe of that background is also captured. But, medium format cameras are expensive, large, and heavy. Would it be possible to achieve them same effect with less expensive camera gear?

Sean goes on to demonstrate how photographers can, indeed, achieve this effect without buying a medium format camera/lens set up. The trick is to take a series of photos of the scene, much like a panorama, and then stitch the images together in post. Using cameras with full-frame or APS-C sensors, Sean provides a worked example of the process, as well as showing us what the end-product looks like.

It’s an educational, entertaining and very practical contribution. Many thanks, Sean!

---

Lumix 26mm S f/8.0 Pancake — is Panasonic toying with us?

The recent launch of the Panasonic Lumix S9 compact camera generated quite the hullabaloo. We even devoted a Macfilos editorial to the event. Some of the most pointed barbs were aimed at the unusual pancake lens announced alongside the S9. This single focal length, single aperture offering, lacked autofocus, a filter thread, and even graduated distance markings. It was the ultimate in stripped down, less expensive camera gear. But, it was cheap and cheerful.

Now that some of the hullabaloo has died down, Gordon Laing gives us an objective assessment of this lens. Is it a toy? Is it a joke? What, exactly, is it?

So, what’s his bottom line? Optically, Gordon considers it a solid performer. But, he feels that Panasonic should have incorporated a few more features, even if the resulting lens cost more. Nevertheless, if bought at a deep discount, it could be a fun, lightweight addition to your L-Mount system.

---

Thypoch Eureka retractable 50mm f/2.0 lens for M-Mount

The growth in availability of lenses from China has opened up options for acquiring less expensive camera gear which still delivers the goods. As part of our coverage of Chinese-manufactured lenses, we recently highlighted this fascinating new entrant from Thypoch. The Eureka 50mm f/2.0 is a retractable lens, inspired by a Taylor-Hobson design from the 1950s. It is finally in stock at B&H Cameras in the US ($579) and already flagged as a bestseller.

We have been awaiting a comprehensive review from an experience M-shooter, and here we have one, from Generic Photographer. Andrew Brestansky compares the build quality and performance of the Eureka 50mm to a vintage Summicron of the same design. He puts both lenses through their paces, taking shots under a range of conditions at various apertures.

Unfortunately, the performance of the vintage lens is compromised by its scratched front element. This reinforces the attraction of a brand-new lens, although both lenses can be purchased at a similar price.

But, regardless of the shortcomings of the vintage comparator, Andrew is glowing in his praise of the Thypoch. It is well-built, exceptionally sharp, looks terrific on an M-body, and is well-priced. He looked at both the aluminium and brass versions. The latter is pricier and not available yet.

If you prefer a snappier (but still enthusiastic) assessment, you can have a look here.

At least one member of the Macfilos crew is sorely tempted to raid the piggy-bank to acquire this lens!

---

Colour comparison — Leica versus Lumix

The Leica SL2-S and Lumix S5II cameras both exist comfortably within the L-Mount ecosystem. However, they differ in several significant ways. These include size, ergonomics, menu-systems, and of course, price. But do they differ in the way they render colours?

That was the question one of our favourite L-Mount camera users asked himself recently. Josh Cameron usually shoots with a Lumix S5II, a camera we have covered extensively. However, he recently picked up a used Leica SL2-S, and so was able to directly compare the performance of these two very similar models.

Both cameras employ a 24 megapixel sensor. In fact, some people think that they employ an identical sensor, sourced from Sony. Josh therefore set up a series of anonymised, like-for-like comparison shots using a Lumix S-Pro 24-70mm zoom lens. He then posed the question: ‘Can you tell which ones were taken with the Leica?’

It turns out that it was not possible, based upon a comparison of JPEG images straight out of the camera, with the picture profile of each set to Standard. The same was true looking at RAW/DNG files.

Our detective concluded that there was nothing ‘magic’ about Leica’s colour science. The reasons for buying a Leica rather than a Lumix are many, including build quality, minimalist design, ergonomics, menu system, resale value, reputation, and more. But, it seems, superior colour science is not one of them. This is another example of less expensive camera gear delivering performance comparable with more expensive brands.

---

You will have to wait a bit longer for a Panasonic Lumix S1RII

The current Lumix S1-series cameras are getting a bit long in the tooth. The smaller S-series camera, the S5, was upgraded to the S5II several years ago. But the S1-series has been soldiering on in its original launch format.

So, Lumix-watchers have been expecting an upgrade for some time. Those with inside knowledge believe a new Lumix S1RII will be based upon Leica’s SL3, which was introduced earlier this year. The 47 megapixel sensor of the S1R is likely to be upgraded to a 60 megapixel, multi-resolution sensor.

The Lumix S5II has been a great success for Panasonic. It offers a smaller, but highly featured alternative to the Leica SL2-S. So, an upgraded Lumix S1RII could be an exciting alternative to the superb Leica SL3.

Watch this space! 

---

Want to contribute an article to Macfilos? It’s easy. Just click the “Write for Us” button. We’ll help with the writing and guide you through the process.

---