Bob Crum

Phonetographers continue their ardent clamor: Photography is dead! Emails received reveal that many have plumbed the pages of a Merriam-Webster dictionary for words such as deceased, defunct, done and bitten the dust to justify their state of mind. But camera companies - Canon, Nikon, Fuji Film and Olympus - didn't get their memo telling them to go out of business.

Hark, phonetographers! Camera companies, obviously operating in a parallel universe, are continuing to produce new and exciting high-tech cameras and tantalizing lenses for "photographers" and photography enthusiasts! Phonetographers, look at what you're missing.

The most advanced Rebel to date, the exciting new Canon EOS Rebel T8i is equipped with a 24.1mp CMOS APS-C sensor, Digic 8 image processor and ISO range of 100-25600. Designed with intuitive recognition technology, this powerful camera also recognizes and remains locked on your subject with its 45-point all cross-type AF system, EOS iTR AF (Face Detection) during viewfinder shooting and Eye Detection AF during Live View shooting. For vloggers or social media aficionados, the EOS Rebel T8i offers 4K 24p video capability and vertical video support, along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, making it easy to share everything you capture.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a significant feature of the new EOS Rebel T8i: AF button. Those of you who follow this column regularly know that I use 'back button' focus, not the half-depress of the shutter release button to activate autofocus. The "AF" button on the T8i is a dedicated autofocus button, a huge benefit, IMO.

Nikon’s new long-awaited flagship DSLR has finally arrived. The Nikon D6 is equipped with a 20.8-megapixel sensor powered by a new Expeed 6 processor offering burst shooting up to 14 frames per second. Other features include: 105 cross-type autofocus points, ISO range extends from 100-102,400, expandable up to 3.2 million, 4K/30p video recording capabilities, now with focus peaking and MP4 recording and built-in WiFi. Bluetooth and GPS and 14 customizable buttons. (Y'all know how much I love camera buttons!)

Olympus announces OM-D E-M1 Mark III and a new pocket camera, the PEN E-PL10. The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the third iteration of this model equipped with a Micro Four-Thirds 20-megapixel sensor that features a new image processing TruePic IX engine.

Forget worrying about shooting in the rain. Being weatherproof and dustproof is a significant benefit! Rain forest photography anyone?

This M1 Mark III handheld can produce a high-res shot by stitching together 16 photos to create a single 50mp image. Wow! Other features include 121 cross-type autofocus points, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, up to 60fps RAW + JPEG capture and Pro Capture mode records frames right before you fire the shutter. And UHD 4k/30p and DCI 24p video. Awesome!

Why are these dynamic camera companies continuing to produce new and exciting cameras if photography is kaput? Hmm. Perhaps new technology makes photography more exciting than ever? And everyone knows that a dedicated camera can create better photos than any cellphone, right?

Even though it's a micro 4/3 sensor camera, the specs of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III are impressive. If it weren't such a hassle, I'd sell all my Canon gear and buy the new OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera and a couple of lenses. It appears to be the perfect camera for my specialty: Mermaid boudoir photography. However, specs are not always translated to shooting in the field so I need first to try out the camera.

Photo of the week is the Rincon made looking west from Faria County park during the recent king tide. High tide indeed!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net