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The Latest News:
Viltrox’s New Vintage Z2 Folding Flash
credits: Viltrox
Viltrox has introduced the Vintage Z2 TTL on-camera flash, making it the third entry in the retro-style series after the Z1 and Z3 from last year. The Z2 weighs 52 grams, and the foldable design lets the flash head sit a bit higher above the camera when in use to help reduce shadows, then fold down when you are packing it away. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C.
The flash supports both TTL and manual control, and it is being released in versions for Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Canon systems. Manual adjustments are handled through two buttons on top, with five power levels ranging from 1/16 up to full power (1/1). At full output, it delivers 10Ws, so it is clearly meant more for close-range use rather than anything heavy-duty.
It runs on a 420mAh internal battery, which Viltrox says can handle up to 700 full-power flashes on a single charge, with a recharge time of around 70 minutes. Recycle time comes in at about two seconds at full power and there is also a snap-on diffuser included for softer light in close-up shots. The Vintage Z2 is priced at $37.
You can see full details on Viltrox’s website here
Songdian Is Making A MFT Camera And Lens
credits: Songdian
Just over a month after joining the Micro Four Thirds system, Shenzhen Sonida Digital Technology Co. Ltd. (the company behind Songdian cameras) is already hinting at what might come next. Sonida is mostly known for its ultra-budget compact cameras, many of which are inspired by the look of more popular models. The lineup includes everything from X100-style compacts to action cams and instant cameras, often at very low prices. The overall reputation has not exactly been stellar, but despite that, Sonida is now officially part of the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, with OM Digital Solutions openly welcoming the company and suggesting new products are on the way.
At the same time, Songdian announced two new compact cameras, the DC226 Pro and VE228, although neither of them stands out much. They use relatively small sensors, Type 1 and 1/1.4-inch, and follow the same familiar design approach seen in the company’s earlier models. The more interesting part is that Sonida also confirmed it is currently working on a new Micro Four Thirds camera and lens, though that is about as far as the details go for now.
There is no timeline yet, and it is still unclear what direction the company will take, but it does open up some possibilities. Even if Songdian’s current cameras have not impressed more serious photographers, that does not automatically rule out something more interesting within the Micro Four Thirds system. A compact, PEN-style camera could make sense, especially given the company’s tendency to follow popular trends. Another option could be a fixed-lens Micro Four Thirds compact, which is a space that has not seen much attention from OM System or Panasonic in recent years. For now, though, it is all speculation, and it may take some time before anything concrete shows up.
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