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It's Black Friday... and I'm Photography mad
Joanne Lewis • 29 November 2019
My Black Friday Photography Crushes - Mirrorless Cameras
It’s Black Friday – and I’m looking at mirrorless cameras to take my photography to the next level, or maybe just get a smaller cheaper mirrorless camera to take on holidays as I never take my full kit and usually end up using my phone.
While I’m looking, I thought I’d share a few that I’ve been looking at in case you’re considering the change too.
And I may even have a little Black Friday offer myself, so read on.
OK, so this one won't be replacing my Nikon kit, but it's an amazing price for a great little camera.
The Fujifilm X-T20 Mirrorless Camera features a 24.3 megapixel CMOS III sensor, meaning that you can capture professional quality images. Paired with an X-Processor Pro, the camera has a large phase detection autofocus area to ensure that you don't miss those important details.
Choose from eight different artistic effects to compliment your images, while the Multiple Exposure function lets you combine two separate subjects into one photo (which is something I can't do in camera on my Nikon)
The Fuji is capable of recording both 4K Ultra HD and Full HD video, the X-T20 uses the X Series' Film Simulation effects to create unique and memorable footage. You can output recorded video to an external monitor using the micro HDMI port and input audio from an external microphone, allowing you to create a professional setup. You can also capture artistic time-lapse photography, with intervals of one second to 24 hours and up to infinity frames.
The X-T20 features a completely silent electronic shutter that can achieve exposures of up to 1/32000th second. As a result, you can shoot images with a shallow depth-of-field with the aperture wide open in bright conditions. This feature isn't necessary for everyone, but I know during a wedding ceremony a silent shutter is invaluable, and as it has no mechanically operated parts, you can capture shots without startling the subject, making it ideal for wildlife photography.
With its LCD vari-angle touchscreen panel, the X-T20 can be used to shoot pictures from a variety of different angles with ease. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for both stills and capturing video footage.
Thanks to built-in WiFi you can shoot remotely using the Fujifilm app from your smartphone or tablet – perfect for capturing group shots or long exposures. The app also lets you transfer, share and upload your images instantly.
The best thing about this current offer at Currys is, customers who purchase a NEW qualifying FUJIFILM Camera or Lens (“Qualifying Product”) between 15th October 2019 and 15th January 2020 (“Promotional Period”) will be eligible to claim a Cashback reward making it even better value for money.
This bundle is three times the cost of the Fuji, but it is cheaper than most retailers are selling the camera body alone for, so it seems like an incredible deal (but please do your own research on the retailer SLR Hut if you decide to buy, as I haven't used them before).
The Sony a7 III Mirrorless Camera offers photographers the best of both worlds. You get a full-frame sensor and professional specs, packed into a compact, travel-friendly body – it's the perfect choice for field work.
At first glance, the a7 III looks very similar to the previous generation alpha 7 from Sony. Look closely, and you'll find an all new chip, expanded ISO range, improved fps shooting, and an enlarged handgrip. At the heart of the alpha 7 III is a back-illuminated 24.2 megapixel full-frame sensor. Take advantage of the improved noise response at high sensitivities and wide dynamic range to capture dramatic RAW images that are perfectly exposed, even in the shadows and highlights. Colours are realistic, so you get natural looking skin tones, while wildlife and landscapes look true-to-life.
The Sony includes High Resolution 4K Movie Shooting with full pixel readout and no pixel binning across full-width of full-frame sensor, and the longest rated battery life of any Mirrorless camera at 710 shots per charge. To take advantage of this extended battery life, there's dual memory card slots too. To the rear, you'll find a tiltable touchscreen for easy menu navigation, a joystick that can be used to control focus points, and plenty of handy new and familiar shortcuts.
Photo opportunities don't usually hang around for long. Supported by the powerful Bionz X processor, you can shoot up to 10 fps to freeze moments of action. It's perfect for subjects that are frequently moving, such as a dance performer, racehorse, or fox in the wild. Improved AF performance means no opportunity is lost. Because you can track moving and unpredictable subjects easily, you can photograph spectacular action or sporting scenes, such as a dramatic rugby tackle on the field, even on an overcast day.
Dim interiors or twilight falling shouldn't stop you shooting. Sony's 5-axis image stabilisation means you can shoot handheld without a tripod up to 5-stops faster. Your images are sharp, and videos are smooth, even when shooting long distances or close-up macro subjects.
The new Nikon Z50 is the first Z series DX-format mirrorless camera, launched at the same time as two completely new compatible Nikkor Z DX zoom lenses. Offering superb image quality, the all-new Nikon Z50 captures perfectly focused photos and 4K movies that are rich in detail, depth, and colour. It is aimed squarely at both stills and video photographers being is a great hybrid option.
The body is equipped with a high resolution 20.9MP DX-format (APS-C) CMOS sensor, bringing the optical advantages of mirrorless into a robust, compact DX body. Features inherited from the acclaimed Nikon Z7 and Z6 cameras include the wide Z-Mount for lenses, and the fast Hybrid-AF autofocus system. The Z50 also features a sharp electronic viewfinder, a tilting touchscreen, and the deep grip that makes Nikon mirrorless cameras comfortable to hold.
Other features include Intelligent Eye-Detection AF, which is ideal for shooting portraits, and up to 11 fps continuous shooting (with AF/AE) for action and sports photography.
Both of the new Z Mount DX lenses are optimised for the superb light-gathering capability of the wide Nikon Z mount. These zoom lenses focus quickly, quietly, and steadily, making them as great for video as they are for stills. This is ideal for videographers as the new body captures high resolution 4K video.
Despite the deeper grip, the body is remarkably compact at just 395g and will appeal to travellers as a lightweight ‘go anywhere’ companion. Approximate measurements demonstrate what a truly compact this is at just 126mm x 93mm x 60mm. The high resolution 3.2 inch screen also provides a welcome touch interface, which is second nature to many now.
“Whether your passion is photography or video, Nikon’s new Z 50 mirrorless system camera offers an exciting blend of creativity and power. Aside from the new NIKKOR Z DX lenses, you get seamless compatibility with all Z mount lenses. And if you have F-mount lenses and accessories in your bag, you can use them too. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Nikon DSLR owner or a first time Nikon user: the Nikon DX mirrorless system gives you plenty of room for growth.” Robert Harmon, Senior Commercial Planning Manager, Nikon UK.
... Don't worry, I haven't forgotten that I promised you some of my own offers - And these are valid for bookings made now or vouchers valid for 12 months. Check out all My Black Friday Offers here.
A picture of Santa and me...
... Buy one, Get one Free*
... a second print using the same photo for free*
... a mounted print of a photo she's created for me*
I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).
You will need: an egg box scissors black and white paint paint brush googly eyes glue (hot glue gun ideally) black felt tip pen string or ribbon for hanging
You will need: an egg box scissors white paint paint brush black felt tip pen or sharpie goggly eyes and glue (optional)
You will need: an egg box scissors Orange (or yellow and red) paint paint brush black felt tip pen or sharpie lollypop stick glue green paper/card for leaf
You will need: an egg box scissors black paint paint brush googly eyes glue Red paper/card for bow-tie White paper/card for shirt and teeth
You will need: an egg box scissors green and black paint (or I used a green egg box for the head) paint brush googly eyes glue black paper/card for hat orange paper/card for hair
