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SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
Greg Scoblete
Channeling the classic Army Surplus esthetic, the Able Archer Rucksack has modifications for the modern photographer to give them quick access to their gear. The bag is divided into two sections, each with elastics and mesh pockets with access points on both sides of the bag. You can fit two DSLR bodies and up to five lenses, depending on their size. There’s a neoprene-lined compartment with a waterproof zipper that can house laptops up to 17-inches in size. The exterior is water-resistant canvas and the interior is made of nylon. The bag has a passport pocket with a magnetic closure and several mounting points for adding lens pouches.
PRICE: $350
INFO: www.ablearcher.co
This backpack is roomy enough for up to two DSLRs, one of which can have up to a 70-200mm f/2 lens attached. There’s also space for up to eight lenses, a 15-inch laptop and accessories. The outside of the ProTactic 450AW has a tripod attachment point and a padded back. There are a pair of quick access pockets on the side and a turret-loading top hatch plus a removable waistbelt and a built-in rain cover.
PRICE: $250
INFO: www.lowepro.com
The PRVKE may look like it’s lost some vowels along the way, but you won’t have many worries transporting your camera in this water-resistant tarpaulin and ripstop nylon dobby case. The bag affords several access points, including a side pocket and a rolltop clamshell cover. The PRVKE sports a modular, removable camera cube that fits a DSLR and up to six lenses. It includes an FAA-approved laptop sleeve and a shoulder strap that doubles as a camera sling. There’s also a pair of dual-hook cinch straps that offer four connection points for adding more gear. The bag’s back panel has a molded compartment for passports and there’s a rainfly in case the skies open up. The PRVKE’s frame is solid enough to stand upright, even when it’s empty.
PRICE: $270
INFO: www.wandrd.com
The Leather Clifton backpack works just as well as a traditional backpack as it does a camera bag. It has two organizational inserts that can hold a DSLR with lens attached plus up to 4-6 extra lenses. These inserts can be removed completely, freeing room in the bag for storing clothes, books, and up to a 13-inch laptop (the laptop can also fit when the inserts are in place). There’s also a front zippered pocket for pens and small accessories. The Clifton is handcrafted from full-grain Italian leather with air mesh along the back and shoulder straps for comfort.
PRICE: $499
INFO: www.onabags.com
Hewn from American tanned leather, Stock and Barrel’s leather camera bag (which also goes by the more succinct moniker “No. 48”) can house compact DSLRs and mirrorless camera bodies and a lens. It includes a removable padded insert with a divider and uses heavy duty muted nickel hardware. The shoulder strap is adjustable and removable.
PRICE: $445
INFO: http://ift.tt/1JpKcLR
The Case Logic Reflexion ships with an adjustable storage pod that can safely house a camera body plus two lenses. You can remove the pod completely from the bag if you don’t need to carry your camera. The top of the bag has an extra-wide mouth so it’s easy to reach in and grab what you need. There’s a front storage compartment plus a small zippered exterior pocket for keys and other small items, and a pair of water bottle pockets to stave off dehydration. The small version of the bag holds the storage pod snugly. The medium version leaves extra room around the pod for personal items.
PRICE: $50 (small); $70 (medium)
INFO: www.caselogic.com
Not many doctors make house calls these days, but for filmmakers on the road, Tenba’s Cineluxe Collection pops open like a doctor’s bag to give them ready access to their gear wherever they happen to be. These bags have anodized aluminum bars across the top that pop open. The collection is available in rolling cases or carry-on-friendly backpacks of varying sizes. They use new Flex-Core dividers that are rigid yet bendable to accommodate a range of camera and lens combos. Cineluxe bags include a selection of protective padded wraps and pouches that allow other sensitive tech to be stowed alongside the bag’s larger contents. They feature a water-repellent exterior of 840-denier junior ballistic nylon with YKK zippers, a waterproof and sturdy bottom panel, and an interior made of ripstop nylon and soft, brushed tricot. Each bag includes a WeatherWrap rain cover and trolley straps to piggyback onto larger rolling cases. The backpacks have a waist belt, while the rolling case has shock-absorbing wheels.
PRICE: $199-$359
INFO: www.tenba.com
Manfrotto is helping road warriors pack more efficiently with its new three-in-one camera backpack. It can serve as a camera backpack, a laptop backpack and/or a daypack. It has a backside opening to keep gear protected and is roomy enough to hold a DSLR body and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (detached). The bag’s interchangeable dividers can be customized to fit your gear precisely to your needs–they can be folded out of the way or pulled out of the bag entirely if you don’t need to tote your gear. There’s a dedicated compartment for a tablet and a fold-out protector that you can install to keep bag contents dry in the rain. Depending on your tripod, you can also fit it inside the bag in its own pouch. The bag is designed to fit into the overhead bin in an airplane.
PRICE: $160
INFO: www.manfrotto.us
This tiny case is ideal for when you need to transport a body, lens or accessory in a bag that’s not necessarily geared for gear—or if you just want an extra bit of cushioning when you hit the road. The Goblin series includes lens pouches for optics up to a 24-70mm and camera body bags for DSLRs and mirrorless models. The exterior is made from ripstop nylon and a quilted interior provides a small bit of padding. They’re held closed by a cinch cord. They’re available in red, green or blue and, unlike their namesake, don’t appear to be the least bit mischievous.
PRICE: Starting at $13
INFO: www.tamrac.com
The Everyday Messenger 13 is a smaller version of the original Kickstarter sensation (which has since been rechristened the Everyday Messenger 15). The 13 has room for a 13-inch laptop in a dedicated pocket, a full-frame DSLR and up to three lenses in the main compartment. The bag can expand as you stuff more gear in, growing from 6L to 14L in capacity. It has two FlexFold removable interior dividers that can be bent and folded around your gear. The front flap is secured with a MagLatch to quickly and silently open the front flap. The top of the bag has a zippered opening, allowing you access to the bag’s contents without flipping the front flap. The interior pockets are color-coded to help you organize your accessories. There are two Capture Clip attachment points for placing cameras and the bag has a 2-inch padded seatbelt-style strap. The exterior is weather-resistant and the bag comes with a lifetime warranty.
PRICE: $220
INFO: www.peakdesign.com
If you’re expecting stormy weather, Miggo’s aptly named Aqua Backpack meets IPX3 standards for weatherproofing (so it’s splash-proof, but don’t go swimming with it). Large enough for a Canon 5D Mark II, two lenses (70-200 f/2.8 attached and a 24-70mm f/2.8), a flash and a 15-inch laptop, the backpack has two quick access side pockets so you won’t be without your camera when opportunity (or lightning) strikes. The upper reaches of the bag has space for personal items and the lower compartment stores your gear. The two compartments can be joined by opening an internal divider. The Aqua offers a height-adjustable sternum strap and a detachable waist strap for added comfort along with a front tripod holder.
PRICE: $150
INFO: www.mymiggo.com
As the name suggests, the Multi-Mount Holster can be worn in several different ways—over the shoulder, as a backpack, on the front of your chest, as the (ever-stylish) fanny pack, or cinched to either the front or back of another backpack. The stabilizer strap system keeps your bag secured, no matter how you mount it. The shoulder strap loops can also double as attachment points for water bottles or other pouches. The bag is weatherproof and includes a seam-sealed rain cover. There’s an expandable front pocket that’s large enough for a flash or tabletop tripod. The YKK zippers are coated with an anti-corrosion substrate, are easy to open with gloved hands and are less prone to freezing than traditional zippers, according to Mindshift Gear. The bag’s exterior is made from 420D nylon with a water resistance finish. The Multi-Mount Holster 30 is large enough for a full frame DSLR and one standard zoom lens or a gripped body and lens plus a flash in the front pocket.
PRICE: $110
INFO: http://ift.tt/1h92sih
This special-edition version of Domke’s classic satchel features the same RuggedWear weatherproof cotton canvas exterior as the original in a green finish. The canvas is treated with non-solvent waxes that let the fabric breath while keeping inclement weather at bay. The bag ships with a finishing wax so you can restore the original finish at anytime. The bag offers YKK zippers, steel snap hooks and an adjustable leather strap. It’s large enough for a full-frame DSLR plus a lens and has five pockets for storing accessories.
PRICE: $170
INFO: tiffen.com/domke
Bad news, chiropractors. Pelican has refashioned its ultra-durable hard cases in a new Air line of cases that are 40 percent lighter than the original models but haven’t sacrificed their toughness. The Air cases are built from HPX2 resin and are available in six long-form sizes with new sizes rolling out over the next year and a half. Pelican Air cases are available in several configurations including without foam, with custom cubed foam, with padded dividers or with the TrekPak dividing system that uses rigid customizable panels and locking pins to keep gear secure. The 1605, pictured here, is the second largest of the lot.
PRICE: Starting at $135
INFO: www.pelican.com
© BRANDON BURK OF BRANDONBURKPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
We first caught sight of the distinctive new Sightseer at the WPPI Show. The bag allows you to fit up to two DSLR bodies plus up to four lenses and accessories in the removable and customizable internal dividers—all housed behind waterproof zippers. There’s an extra cushion for each divider, so you can stack gear more efficiently if space is at a premium. If you need to tote still more gear, there’s a slider on the strap so you can attach a camera externally along with D-rings that will support extra pouches and small cases. The bag sports a 15-inch laptop sleeve along with a separate zippered compartment on the top of the bag for small accessories or clothing. The bag’s bottom has straps for tripods and/or umbrellas.
PRICE: $775
INFO: www.holdfastgear.com
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Sourced by Time Trap Photography sharing the best photography tips, news and tricks throughout the industry. Time Trap Photography is dedicated to freezing those special moments in life that can be revisited and admired for generations to come. - Shannon Bourque
Please visit our main site for booking availability and rates.
Receive valuable industry knowledge delivered free to your email each day.
SEPTEMBER 01, 2016
By Bob Rose
Several weeks ago, Fujifilm announced the X-T2, an SLR-ish mirrorless camera and the successor to the very competent but slightly aging X-T1 that was introduced over two and a half years ago. That’s a long time in digital camera years and we really didn’t want to wait for September production, so Fujifim was kind enough to let us use a pre-production not-quite-ready-for-primetime model. We always like the opportunity to get a sneak peek and play but with the caveat that camera performance and our observations are based on one early sample.
The most obvious change is the overall image quality improvement that the new 24.3-megapixel APS-C-sized X-Trans CMOS III sensor offers over the older 16-megapixel sensor. As you might expect, in four years Fujifilm made some dramatic improvements in image quality and image processing. And while the JPG’s show great tonality, sharpness and dynamic range, Adobe’s latest Camera Raw 9.61 really opens the full capabilities of the DSF files.
At first glance the XT-2 is almost identical to the XT-1, but it’s all new inside and out, and weather-proofed. Lots of incremental improvements, some of which are actually glaring if you’re trying to use the two different cameras at the same time, but Fujifilm is well known for providing new firmware and features to older cameras so maybe we can expect an upgrade for the XT-1 someday soon.
The list of changes actually is rather extensive but two of the most exciting features as far as we are concerned are the dramatic improvement to focus speed/tracking and the real surprise that the mediocre video we were expecting to stay in the 1K neighborhood actually got bumped up to 4K (29.97P, 25P, 24P and 23.98P). In addition, to support video there’s a Mic input on the body and a headphone jack on the optional VPB-XT2 Vertical Power Booster Grip. Dual SD card slots, supporting UHS-2 are especially handy for both video and still.
Providing a convenient grip with vertical controls the VPB-XT2 gives extended run time holding two NP-W126S batteries internally in addition to one in the body. What’s unique is the “Boost” setting that turbocharges the camera, speeding up focus and reducing shutter lag time.
Much faster operation and better image quality than its predecessor are definitely welcome improvements. More extensive user options especially with respect to focus speed, focus tracking, and a cool little joystick to control focus point don't hurt either.
The articulating 3-inch LCD, more enhanced WiFi control, a built-in intervalometer and extremely competent 4K video round out some of the big plusses for the X-T2.
Although a number of “weaknesses” we experienced no longer exist due to some firmware updates, the refresh rate of the viewfinder and predictive autofocus of very fast moving subjects did not seem to match our expectations. We know there will be some more changes and improvements prior to product release but our sample camera had trouble following and focusing on high speed action (especially across the field of view, not so much approaching or leading away from camera position).
Fujfilm continues to impress by building premium quality digital cameras while still maintaining classic analog designs. The X-T2 is a worthwhile successor to the X-T1 and, with some limitations, a serious camera if you’re looking to lose the weight of a “full-frame” camera and invest in a new system.
The X-T2 ships in September for $1,600 and is available for pre-order now. A kit with the XF18-55mm lens will sell for $1,900.
All images © Bob Rose. Straight from camera JPEG samples.
Sourced by Time Trap Photography sharing the best photography tips, news and tricks throughout the industry. Time Trap Photography is dedicated to freezing those special moments in life that can be revisited and admired for generations to come. - Shannon Bourque
Please visit our main site for booking availability and rates.
Receive valuable industry knowledge delivered free to your email each day.
SEPTEMBER 01, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Canon has a new flagship cinema camera coming to market in January. The EOS C700 sports a new design and a new Super 35mm 4.5K sensor with up to 15 stops of dynamic range when using Canon's Log 2 profile.
You'll record 4K at 4096 x 2160 at up to 60p to a pair of CFast 2.0 cards in Canon's XF-AVC2 codec or in Apple ProRes (10-bit, 422). To record a RAW video file, you’ll need an external recorder. For faster frame rates, the C700 will record 2K ProRes at up to 180 fps. More frame rate/recording quality options will be offered via a firmware upgrade due in March, 2017.
Canon will offer the C700 in both EF and PL mounts. You'll be able to switch mounts and replace the existing sensor for a version with a global shutter at a Canon service facility. The Canon EF mount will support Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, while the PL mount will not.
The EOS C700 is the first Cinema EOS cameras to support anamorphic (2.39:1) shooting with a “de-squeeze” function for monitoring. It also supports the Rec.2020 color space, which is the color space that new 4K TVs will offer in 2017. You'll find internal ND filters good for between 2 and 10 stops of filtration
The EOS C700 and EOS C700 PL are set to arrive in December 2016 for $35,000. Canon will also sell a variant of the C700, the PL GS, that offers a 4K sensor with a global shutter to minimize distortion when filming fast-moving subjects. It will have a stop less dynamic range than the C700 with rolling shutter and won't support Dual Pixel CMOS AF. It's due in January for $37,000.
Canon is updating its hybrid 4K camera as well. The XC15 builds off of last year's XC10 with the inclusion of several "Look" modes that mimic the colors of the EOS Cinema cameras, so operators can mix-and-match them more readily. The XC15 will include an MA-400 microphone adapter to support audio recording with XLR-input mics.
The XC15 uses a 1-inch CMOS sensor for 4K recording up to 30p (8-bit, 422) to CFast 2.0 or SD memory cards. It can capture up to 12 stops of dynamic range using the Canon Log profile. Full HD can be recorded at up to 60p. It has a built-in 10x optical zoom lens (27-273mm) with optical image stabilization.
It ships next month for $3,000.
Sourced by Time Trap Photography sharing the best photography tips, news and tricks throughout the industry. Time Trap Photography is dedicated to freezing those special moments in life that can be revisited and admired for generations to come. - Shannon Bourque
Please visit our main site for booking availability and rates.
Receive valuable industry knowledge delivered free to your email each day.
AUGUST 31, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Premium camera players (think Leica) have been muscling into the smartphone market of late. Now it’s Hasselblad’s turn. The company has just announced an accessory for the Moto Z smartphone line that delivers a 10x optical zoom and RAW (DNG) image capture to the Android phones.
The Hasselblad True Zoom is essentially a mini camera that attaches to the back of a Moto Z phone, similar in spirit, if not in implementation, to what Sony has done with its “lens camera” models.
The major difference is that the True Zoom fits over the entire Motorola phone and gives it a camera-like feel. The True Zoom has a 12-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and a 25-250mm equivalent lens (f/3.5-5.6). Native ISO is 100-3200 and you’ll have a Xenon flash to illuminate your scene. Images are stored to the camera's microSD card and can be automatically be backed up to Google Drive.
The True Zoom will set you back $250 and ships in September.
Sourced by Time Trap Photography sharing the best photography tips, news and tricks throughout the industry. Time Trap Photography is dedicated to freezing those special moments in life that can be revisited and admired for generations to come. - Shannon Bourque
Please visit our main site for booking availability and rates.
Receive valuable industry knowledge delivered free to your email each day.
If you’ve ever considered buying a drone but wanted to hold off until they were optimized for selfies, well, you’re in luck. Drone-maker Yuneec has released a selfie-oriented flying camera dubbed the Breeze, for $500.
JULY 20, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Purveyor of budget-friendly lighting gear Paul C. Buff is launching a pair of new studio flashes with the appropriately catchy name, DigiBee.
These lightweight units will both weigh under 3 pounds and feature a new digital interface and a 400W-equivalent LED modeling light with four modes (on, off, flash power tracking and independent adjustment). They’ll be adjustable over a 7-stop range with a 5600K color temperature.
The lights are compatible with existing Paul C. Buff modifiers and ship with a sync cord. They can also be triggered optically. Wireless control is available using an optional CyberSync transmitter and receiver. If you're the color-coordinating type, the flashes are available in a choice of green, red, blue or black body colors.
The DB400 is a 160 W/s flash with a 0.5 second recycle time and full power flash durations of 1/1450 (measured at t.1). It will set you back $310.
The DB800 delivers an output of 320 W/s with a 1 second recycle time and a flash duration of 1/975 (t.1). It costs $350.
JULY 18, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Phase One is adding a pair of new zoom lenses to its "Blue Ring" family: the Schneider Kreuznach 40-80mm LS f/4.0-5.6 Zoom and Schneider Kreuznach 75-150mm LS f/4.0-5.6 Zoom.
Each lens is compatible with the Phase One XF, Phase One 645DF+ and Mamiya 645DF+ or DF camera systems. They offer a zoom lock function on its barrel designed to maintain focus position while zooming. They also each support flash synchronization up to 1/1600s. The lenses' built-in electronics permit individual focus calibration when used with the Phase One XF Camera System. They're designed by Schneider Kreuznach and produced by Phase One Japan using aerial-grade mechanics.
The 48-80mm stops down to f/32 and has a minimum focusing distance of 1.97 feet. It weighs 4.1 pounds and will retail for $5,900. It is shipping now.
The 75-150mm stops down to f/22 and has a minimum focusing distance of 3.28 feet. It weighs just shy of 4 pounds and will set you back $8,990. It ships in August.
JULY 12, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Last year, Chinese drone maker DJI bought a stake in Swedish medium format camera maker Hasselblad, hinting at a future product partnership. Today, the first fruits of this tie-up were announced. It’s not a brand new product, but the bundling of two existing products: Hasselblad’s A5D aerial medium format camera and DJI’s M600 drone.
Announced at NAB, DJI’s M600 is compatible with the new Ronin-MX gimbal and is equipped with 6 intelligent batteries, the A3 flight controller and DJI’s Lightbridge 2 Professional HD transmission system.
Hasselblad’s compact, aerial A5D camera is available in 40, 50 and 60-megapixel versions. The DJI/Hasselblad bundle will offer the 50-megapixel CMOS version of the A5D and also include a 50mm lens. The camera can deliver 16-bit files with up to 14 stops of dynamic range and is weather-sealed.
Paired up and you've got a potent, if potentially pricey, aerial photography solution. The package will cost $25,999.
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Recommended article from FiveFilters.org: Most Labour MPs in the UK Are Revolting.
JULY 11, 2016
By Greg Scoblete
Sony is adding a new full frame prime lens to its lineup: the Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA (model SEL50F14Z).
With an f/1.4 maximum aperture, this fast prime offers manual aperture control and a dust and moisture-resistant build. It features AA (Advanced Aspherical) and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to combat spherical and chromatic aberration. It also employs Zeiss T* coating to minimizes flare and ghosting.
The 50mm has 11 aperture blades and a Super Sonic wave Motor system for speedy silent focusing.
It ships this month for $1,500
Sony also announced pricing for several previously announced products, including the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens, 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters and its wireless lighting control system.
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS G Master lens will ship this month for $2,600. Both teleconverters, which are built exclusively for the new 70-200mm, also ship this month for $550.
Finally, the new wireless flash and control system –which consists of the FA-WRC1M wireless radio commander and the FA-WRR1 wireless radio receiver – will ship in August. The commander will sell for $350 while the receiver will set you back $200.
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Recommended article from FiveFilters.org: Most Labour MPs in the UK Are Revolting.
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