Japan’s Olympus on June 24 announced the decision to end its 84-year history of making camera by selling off the camera division. The photo imaging giant has been struggling for years as consumers shift increasingly to sophisticated smartphone cameras for their needs of capturing images "Despite all such efforts, Olympus's Imaging business recorded operating losses for three consecutive fiscal years up to the term ended in March 2020," the company said, adding that it has signed a memo of understanding to transfer the camera division to investment fund Japan Industrial Partners. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of September. The following is part of the announcement: Olympus Corporation ("Olympus") and Japan Industrial Partners, Inc. ("JIP") hereby announce that, today, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding to carveout Olympus’s Imaging business to a new company (“NewCo”) and subsequently transfer its shares to a fund managed, operated or otherwise handled by JIP (the "Transaction"). After the due diligence and further discussions and negotiations, the parties are aiming to sign a legallybinding definitive agreement for the Transaction (the "Definitive Agreement") by September 30, 2020. We will promptly make further announcement if any matters relating to the Transaction that needs further announcement occur. Olympus has implemented measures to cope with the extremely severe digital camera market, due to, amongst others, rapid market shrink caused by the evolution of smartphones; Olympus has improved the cost structure by restructuring the manufacturing bases and focusing on high-value-added interchangeable lenses, aiming to rectify the earning structure to those that may continue generating profit even as sales dwindles. Despite all such efforts, Olympus’s Imaging business recorded operating losses for 3 consecutive fiscal years up to the term ended in March 2020. Under such circumstances, Olympus considers that, by carving-out the Imaging business and by operating the business with JIP, the Imaging business’s corporate structure may become more compact, efficient and agile and it is the most appropriate way to realize its self-sustainable and continuous growth and to bring values to the users of our products as well as our employees working in the Imaging business. Olympus therefore has decided to sign the memorandum of understanding for the Transaction. Although this is a pitiful decision, today, with the rapid development of smartphones, the competition between cameras and smartphones will become increasingly fierce. But in any case, HDRiG will continue to provide professional camera accessories for those who love cameras and photography around the world. Whether it is camera cage accessories or shoulder rig kit, we are always here.

Well-known gimbal stabilizer manufacturer Zhiyun-Tech, recently launched its latest stabilizer-CRANE 3S. Inheriting the advantages of CRANE 3 LAB and Weebill LAB, CRANE 3S has a brand new modular design, which aims for wider application and intuitive control. Inheriting the advantages of CRANE 3 LAB and Weebill LAB, CRANE 3S has a brand new modular design, which aims for wider application and intuitive control. CRANE 3S is constructed with brand new SUPER motors that allow for Max. 6.5kg payload for a wide range of camera setups. Its extension bracket attaches to the angled motor arm, wider compatibility but flexibility. For larger cinema camera combos, users can attach an extension module onto the roll axis for more space, while for smaller DSLR combos, the extension module can be detached for greater portability. Three versions were announced. The CRANE 3S comes with a SmartSling Handle, the CRANE 3S-E with an EasySling Handle, and the nearly fully loaded CRANE 3S PRO includes the SmartSling Handle and multiple other add-ons. On CRANE 3S, the handle is detachable with two options provided: TransMount EasySling Handle and TransMount SmartSling Handle. You can either mount EasySling handle to extend the grip for more comfort upright & underslung operation, or choose to mount SmartSling handle featuring an intuitive control panel and OLED screen, for direct camera & gimbal parameter adjustment, or combine them together! The CRANE 3S features a new battery pack with three 18650 format batteries. This enables it to run up to a claimed 12 hours of use. A DC in power port allows for up to 25.2 volts for direct charging. With larger setups there's a TransMount PowerPlus Battery Pack, which is a compact fast charging power bank that can take six of the 18650 type batteries. Using this extends use to around 18 hours of continuous use. The CRANE 3S has a time-lapse feature, and one of the new add-ons is the Timelapse Master, which enhances the time-lapse feature and allows for a more efficient professional workflow. Timelapse feature of the gimbal is enhanced with TransMount Image Transmission System. Other features that complete the redesign include a new algorithm that ensures increased responsiveness and smoother motion. Also, the motor arm is now angled at 55 degrees, allowing for an even better view of the camera display. The ViaTouch 2.0 app has been enhanced to bridge communication between the gimbal, camera, and monitoring devices. The newly-designed locking system can lock all three axes without noticeable swinging. The modular design comes with double locks for additional safety. A larger lens support has been added to the zoom and focus system. The Zhiyun CRANE 3S is now available for pre-order. There are three options (kits) available: CRANE 3S (with SmartSling Handle) priced at $739 (€849 in Europe) CRANE 3S-E (with EasySling Handle) priced at $649 (€769 in Europe) CRANE 3S Pro (with SmartSling Handle, PowerPlus Battery Pack, Zoom&...

Fujifilm has announced its new premium compact cameras FUJIFILM X100V. This new model features the same 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans BSI CMOS 4 sensor that is used in the X-T3 and X-Pro3 mirrorless bodies. Along with the extra couple of megapixels, this new sensor opens up imaging capabilities quite a bit compared to its predecessor, the X100F. Both sensors are FUJIFILM's trademark X-Trans design, which uses a less conventional pixel array to help reduce moiré and improve color and tonality, but the 26.1MP sensor improves in the speed, sensitivity, and clarity arenas. Coupled with the also-new X-Processor 4, this sensor has a back-illuminated design that improves image clarity when working in low light and helps to reduce apparent noise at higher ISO values. Also, the sensor-processor combination offers continuous shooting up to 11 fps with a mechanical shutter. Supporting DCI and UHD resolutions at up to 30 fps, along with Full HD recording at up to 120 fps, the X100V is by far the most video-capable model of the X100 series. The X100V has been updated to a 3.69m-dot OLED EVF (an optical window finder and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder) and, when flicked away, the optical finder still makes use of some electronic information to help recognize settings and even gain some focusing control with the Electronic Rangefinder function. X100V has a 3.0" 1.62m-dot, tilts touchscreen, which is the same as the X-Pro3's hidden screen. And it removed the D-pad in favor of just the rear joystick. Among some other cosmetic and exterior changes, the most noteworthy update is that this camera is now weather-sealed. However, please note that it is weather-sealed once you add the optional AR-X100 Adapter Ring and an optional 49mm filter, such as the PRF Protective Filter. In addition, the Fujifilm X100V features a new second-generation 23mm f/2.0 lens to ensure that every detail from its X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor is resolved beautifully. Fujifilm has also added two new lenses which are — XC 35mm F2 and GF 45-100mm F4. The XC 35mm is a prime normal-length lens that is designed for APS-C-format FUJIFILM X-mount mirrorless cameras. It provides a 53mm equivalent focal length and a bright f/2 maximum aperture. Source: Fujiflim

Dear Every One, As the year comes to the end and a new year begins, we bring you this wish for inspiration and hope in 2020. Thank you for all your support. Have a Happy New Year and we'll see you in 2020. Best Regards, HDRiG

Nikon announced it’s newly mirrorless camera Z50 in October. The Z 50 is a high functionality ergonomic camera with a 3.2” touch-screen 1040k-dot monitor and an effective pixel count of 20.88 megapixels. Super compact and easy to use, the Z 50 is perfect for travel, family, and everyday carry. The Z 50 features a new CMOS sensor and image-processing engine and comes equipped with one of the first Nikon CMOS sensors that incorporates phase-detection AF and eye-detection AF which can be toggled to have the focus effectively centred to the eye or face of the subject. About vlogging, its ability to record 4K UHD and Full HD 1080p 120 fps slow-motion video provides a variety of creative possibilities, and a 3.5mm mic input allows you to incorporate your favorite microphone. It also equipped with in-built Bluetooth and wi-fi for SnapBridge 2.6, enables users to instantly share their snapshots on social media. Nikon also announced the release of two new lenses to complement the new Z 50, the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR are high-performance zoom lenses.  Equipped with a powerful stepping motor (STM) along with autofocus (AF) enables quiet and accurate AF control with both still-images and movie recordings while the diaphragm mechanism enables stable exposure for continuous shooting. The new Nikon Z50 price at $856.95 USD (body only). With a 16-50mm lens, it is $996.95.The kit including 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lenses is $1196.95. Source: Nikon Europe

The 360 degree camera is the latest trend in the world as it gives you a virtual 360 degree view of anything and everything. But how to choose the best quality camera can be one hell of a task. This list of 360-degree cameras can help you understand your goals. Samsung Gear 360 The Samsung Gear 360 Real aces in capturing 360-degree pictures and videos. It comes with dual lenses, each having 8.4MP resolution and this camera is really quick and easy to use. The device conveniently captures more accurate colors and also gives good images in challenging lights. The Gear 360 boasts of a brilliant 4k resolution, which means you can view every angle of your favorite image with sheer pride and has an IP53 water-resistant rating. Easy to handle and lightweight, the 360 camera also helps you in editing the content with a user-friendly app and upload them directly to your favorite smartphone or site. Ricoh Theta V 360 Spherical Camera Ricoh Theta V 360 Spherical Camera comes with an Omni-directional audio recording functionality that further supports 360-degree audio. The camera has a 4-channel microphone, which supports 360 Degree spatial audio recording. It has a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connection that also has a connection between a camera and phone Wi-Fi. The camera is also ideal for shooting high definition, smooth 360-degree videos of 4k. It includes a new image sensor and processor for improved image quality and allows the camera to produce more realistic 360-degree content. The Theta V is flexible, compact and easy to carry and provides an outstanding shooting experience with its new and spectacular features. LG 360 CAM Reasonable and high on quality, the LG 360 CAM is easy-to-use. The LG 360 Cam is equipped with two 13 MP wide-angle cameras and offers a stunning recording device for anyone who wants to live life fully 360. Images taken with the flexible camera can be uploaded to Google street view and YouTube 360 degree. It also features 2K video recording and 5 Channel surround-sound recording on three microphones for flawless content creation, which users can directly share via their smartphones. In a nutshell, this is the cam for those who want pictures enriched with details. GoPro Fusion If you have got the GoPro Fusion you can capture finest 360 video and photos, recording and so on. With breath-taking 5.2K/30 and 3K/60 spherical video resolutions, avant-garde stitching algorithms and the brand GoPro unbeatable image quality, Fusion truly pushes the limits of what is possible on a mobile device. With Fusion, you can preview and play back shots, create videos and share them on the go. With this action camera, you can immerse yourself in your VR content without stitch lines getting in the way and the device assures you of next-level stabilization that too without a gimbal. Moreover, the Fusion is battle tested and waterproof down to 16ft (5m). Insta360 One X The Insta360 One X can record up to 5.7K resolution 360-degree videos and 18MP of stu...