From Manfrotto:
Spectra is the new family of Manfrotto’s professional LED Lights, designed to meet the needs of demanding videographers and photographers. Spectra LEDs excel in reliability and light quality and stands out from standard LED panels, thanks to their slim and elegant design.
Features:
Models:
SPECTRA 1X1 FT BI-COLOR, FLOOD (Part Number: MLS1X1FT) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 FT is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The illuminance is greater than 1400 LUX at a distance of 1m and the color temperature can be regulated from 3200°K to 5600°K.
SPECTRA 1X1 S, 5600K, FLOOD (Part Number: MLS1X1F) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 F is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The light output is centered at a constant temperature of 5600°K (daylight), with an illuminance of more than 1400 LUX at a distance of 1m.
SPECTRA 1X1 S, 5600K, SPOT (Part Number: MLS1X1S) – Manfrotto Spectra 1X1 S is an extremely versatile LED panel; it provides a beautiful soft light, to match the requirements of demanding filmmakers, videograpers and photographers. The light output is centered at a constant temperature of 5600°K (daylight), with an illuminance of more than 1700 LUX at a distance of 1m.
B&H carries the new Manfrotto Spectra 1x1 LED lights.
Imaging-Resource recently interviewed Go Tokura, Canon's Group Executive for Image Communications / Products Operations. Mr. Tokura was asked directly, "Will we eventually see the M2 in the U.S., or will you wait until the next generation?"
Mr. Tokura replied (via translator), "There are plans for the M2 to arrive in the U.S. However, having said that, I should make clear that that's the decision that is led by the sales groups in each division, so they are the ones who are holding the decision-making responsibility on that."
This news would contradict initial reports that the EOS M2 would only be released in Asian markets.
For more information, check out the rest of the interview on the Imaging-Resource.
Clacton on Sea, United Kingdom – February 27, 2014 – Comodo, a manufacturer of advanced camera stabilization systems, is announcing the release of their newest camera stabilization device, Orbit. Utilizing advanced engineering in mechanical gimbal technology, combined with application of basic physics, Orbit is the first mechanically driven, twin grip gimbal stabilization device of its kind to be introduced to the HDSLR and small camcorder segment of the filmmaking community.
Inspired and designed by award-winning filmmaker, and pioneer of the Single Shot Cinema Shooting Method, Leonard Retel Helmrich, Orbit is the perfect tool for photographers and filmmakers of all levels who want steady and fluid hand-held footage that is easy to capture. Unlike any other stabilization device currently available, Orbit requires no weights, motors, or batteries in its balancing and operation. This results in a simplified, streamlined, and straightforward way for filmmakers and photographers to utilize the tool within production environments without dedicating large amounts of set-up time to its usage.
Commenting on the announcement, Jan Lederman, President of MAC Group noted:
“Providing photographers and filmmakers with the world’s finest image making tools has always been the driving focus of MAC Group. I feel that we’ve taken our commitment to the next level with Orbit. Comodo Orbit brings such a level of ease and simplicity to capturing dynamic footage that we are all very excited to see how filmmakers across the country will use the product when it reaches their hands.”
“For the first time in a very long time, filmmakers will be able to create films without being hindered by the process of creating them.”
Orbit will arrive at a street price of $1,499 and is currently available for pre-order now at select authorized resellers across the USA. Product shipments will begin March 1, 2014.
B&H has the Comodo Orbit Handheld Stabilization Rig available for ordering (shipping in 7-10 days).
From Sigma USA:
LAS VEGAS– Feb. 27, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, will be exhibiting at the Wedding & Portrait Photography International Conference + Expo (WPPI) at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas at booth 521 from March 3-5.
At the booth, Sigma will be showcasing its entire camera and lens product lineup, including several recently announced lenses and accessories from the manufacture’s Global Vision Line like the improved and redesigned 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses, as well as the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | ART lenses and USB Dock.
“We look forward to the opportunity every year to interact with wedding and portraiture shooters at WPPI,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Attendees who stop by our booth will get a first look at some of our new Global Vision products like the 50mm F1.4 and 24-105mm F4 lenses, and learn how Sigma is bringing the most innovative gear to the market.”
Sigma is also pleased to be sponsoring the WPPI University event taking place on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. Two of Sigma’s Pro Photographers, Lindsay Adler and Jennifer Rozenbaum, will share their photography tips and tricks during a speaking session on Friday afternoon, and event attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in our shooting station during the hands-on workshops, and interact and work with Lindsay and Jennifer on their photography skills.
Sigma Corporation of America’s WPPI activities will include:
B&H carries Sigma lenses.
From Nikon:
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Quick-Draw Strap and the Quick-Draw Strap S, two new products developed in cooperation with world-renowned American camera accessory manufacturer, BlackRapid.
Overview:
The Quick-Draw Strap and Quick-Draw Strap S were developed based on quick-draw straps invented by photographer and BlackRapid founder, Ron Henry, and popular throughout the market for their incredible convenience. The straps have been further refined to offer even greater convenience.
Along with the great mobility offered by BlackRapid products through specifications that enable on-the-go shooting with a mechanism that allows the camera to slide diagonally up and down the shoulder strap, a system that utilizes the camera's tripod socket so that the camera hangs upside down for a smooth grip, a shoulder pad that effectively distributes weight for less burden, and an under-arm tether that holds the strap firmly in place, these two new straps offer an even greater sense of security with a safety strap that prevents the camera from falling in the unlikely event the fastener comes loose, and a cover that prevents the carabiner that connects the strap to the camera from scratching the camera body.
The Quick-Draw Strap, with a wider shoulder pad, is suited to use with digital SLR cameras. The Quick-Draw Strap S, with a narrower shoulder pad, is suited to use with Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses and Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras.
B&H carries BlackRapid straps.
From Shutterstock:
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2014 – Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), a leading global provider of commercial digital imagery, recently announced that it has paid over $200 million in royalties to contributors since the company’s founding in 2003. With artists in over 100 countries, the milestone illustrates the dynamic global marketplace the company has built, and its ability to connect more than 55,000 artists to nearly 1 million image buyers around the world. Each time a customer licenses an image from Shutterstock, the contributing artist receives a royalty. More than 100 million images were licensed in 2013.
“This milestone is testament to the quality of content being created by Shutterstock’s contributors,” said Shutterstock’s VP Content Scott Braut. “Businesses of all sizes need images and we’re proud to provide opportunities for photographers, illustrators and videographers to earn money licensing their work through our marketplace.”
Shutterstock currently has over 33 million images and more than 1.5 million high-quality video clips, including a growing 4K video collection available for license. Last year, the company launched Shutterstock Stories: Profiles in Creativity, an artistic grant program that celebrates the work of its contributors. To see the winning entries, visit shutterstock.com/stories.
Image quality, flare, distortion and vignetting test results along with some product photos have been added to the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Review page.
The Tamron 150-600 VC Lens vs. Canon 100-400mm IS Lens comparison is what many of us have been waiting for.
Especially for the price, I think that you are going to be very pleased with the image quality this lens delivers. I hope to have a full review of this lens completed in the near future.
B&H is taking preorders for the Tamron 150-600mm VC Lens.
RØDE has created a short film competition where you could win your share of the $70,000 in prizes seen below.
Enter your email address on the competition page to get started.
B&H carries RØDE microphones and accessories.
eBay (via PhotoVideo4Less - 99.7% Positive feedback) has the Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Flash available for $455.00 with free shipping. Compare at $546.95.
From DxO:
February 26, 2014 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v9.1.3 for Mac and Windows. This upgrade means that DxO Optics Pro 9 now supports the Nikon D3300, the brand’s latest entry-level DSLR, along with the Canon EOS M2. Of note, too, is that DxO Optics Pro v.1.3 also now works with the Panasonic DMC-FZ70 and the Samsung NX1000 and NX1100, thus completing support for the entire hybrid camera range.
Nearly 270 new DxO Optics Modules added
DxO Optics Pro v9.1.3 has been enriched with new DxO Optics Modules: 264 new cameral/lens combinations have been added to the library, which today counts 17,400 available DxO Optics Modules.
Among the new lenses supported is the NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II — the upgraded standard zoom found in most of Nikon’s entry-level DSLR kits, as well as the Samsung NX 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 ED II.
DxO Optics Modules contain all of the information characterizing each camera and lens, thus enabling DxO Optics Pro 9 to automatically correct distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and lens softness with an unrivaled level of quality.
Availability and prices
The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro v9.1.3 for Mac and Windows are immediately available at photo resellers at the following prices:
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro 9.
Nikon Europe has posted several D4S sample pictures to its Flickr account. Each image can be viewed at full resolution for closer inspection.
B&H has the Nikon D4s available for preorder with 2% Rewards.
From Nikon:
Thank you for choosing Nikon for your imaging needs.
Affected Products:
Nikon D600 Digital SLR Cameras
Some users of Nikon’s D600 D-SLR camera have reported the appearance of tiny spots on certain of their images. Not all users have experienced this issue. Nikon has thoroughly evaluated these reports and has determined that these spots are caused by dust particles which may become visible when the camera is used in certain circumstances and/or with certain settings. It is a well-known fact that the presence of dust particles cannot be completely avoided when using a D-SLR camera even after normal sensor cleaning procedures, because of a number of factors including components moving at high speeds when images are taken, the use of interchangeable lenses, and the different environments in which a D-SLR camera may be used. As part of its customer-service commitment, Nikon is providing a customer-service measure to reduce the potential impact of dust particles on images taken by its D600 D-SLR cameras.
The solution: Nikon is making available to all owners of D600 cameras (even if Nikon’s product warranty has expired) this customer-service measure, which includes the inspection, cleaning and replacement of the shutter assembly and related parts of your camera, FREE OF CHARGE as well as the cost of shipping D600 cameras to Nikon and their return to customers. Once again, please understand that regardless of this service, your D600 camera as is the case with all D-SLR cameras, will continue to require normal periodic sensor cleanings.
To have your D600 camera serviced free of charge please follow the steps below:
Just posted: Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Distagon T* Lens Review
This lens was announced with a LOT of hype. It is definitely worthy of such.
From Manfrotto:
055 Series Tripods
Manfrotto is proud to announce the launch of the new 055 collection of highly innovative, practical, precise and quick to use tripods.
The 055 is our best-known and most successful tripod for professional photographers; this latest redesign continues to build on the range’s heritage,
Technical Details
X-PRO 3-Way Head
Manfrotto is proud to announce the launch of the new X-PRO 3-WAY HEAD, designed for photographers who want maximum precision from a compact size.
The new Manfrotto head has been designed to ensure three essential aspects to both the amateur and the profes
Technical Details
B&H carries Manfrotto tripods and heads.
From Nikon:
Dominate the Decisive Moment, Again: The Nikon D4S HD-SLR is the Formidable Fusion of Speed and Accuracy
MELVILLE, NY – Announced today, the new Nikon D4S establishes itself as the premier HD-SLR available to professionals; unrivaled with its combination of incredible speed, accuracy, low-light performance and exceptional image fidelity. Designed for the most demanding photographers and multimedia professionals in the world, the Nikon D4S improves upon the revered D4 to give users enhanced image and video quality, improved autofocus (AF), faster performance during and after capture in addition to an astonishing ISO range.
Nikon’s D series of flagship cameras continues to push the boundaries of professional image quality, speed and features. The newly developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format sensor works in conjunction with the new EXPEED 4 image processing engine to deliver new levels of still and HD video quality and performance. A new Group AF function and overall improvements build upon Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system, while the camera breaks convention with an ISO range that goes to an incredible 409,600 ISO (Hi-4) for maximum versatility in nearly any lighting condition. Overall speed and response is also enhanced, capturing full resolution at an astounding 11 frames-per-second (fps) with auto focus and auto exposure (AE), while benefiting from an overall 30% increase in processing power.
“By announcing the development of the new Nikon D4S earlier this year, Nikon has been able to work openly with professional photographers in the field to hone the cameras’ core capabilities into an unparalleled tool that makes otherwise impossible images a reality,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The challenges of today’s professional multimedia photographer go beyond simply capturing amazing content. After the shutter clicks, the workflow enhancements that the D4S provides will give Nikon users an obvious edge in the stands, the studio, on the sidelines or in the field.”
Extreme Speed and Accuracy Give the Edge in the Field
Whether shooting extreme action sports or elusive wildlife, the Nikon D4S has been engineered to be the ultimate combination of speed and accuracy, giving photographers the power to capture even the fastest moving, unpredictable subjects with confidence and control. The proven Multi-CAM 3500 FX AF sensor module’s thoroughly recalibrated AF algorithms quickly zero in on its intended target— no matter how near, far, or abruptly a subject appears in the frame. Additionally, the D4S includes a new innovative Group AF mode. When selected, this mode utilizes five AF points to provide increased stability while tracking subjects, and enhanced accuracy by reducing instances of background focus. In situations where the background is bright with strong contrasting colors, photographers can now feel more confident, knowing that small, distant and fast-moving objects can be rendered sharper, faster and more frequently. Nikon’s AF Lock-on technology is also upgraded, shortening time in reverting from focus interruptions, such as a referee running into the frame.
Hundredths of a second can make the difference when capturing the decisive shot that graces the front page, the double-truck spread, or the client’s mantel. With this in mind, the Nikon D4S also improves tracking on high-speed continuous shooting at a blazing fast 11 fps, with continuous AF/AE. Because missing the shot is just not an option, Nikon’s EXPEED 4 plays an integral role in the D4S’ seemingly instantaneous response and swift performance, while enhancing energy efficiency. The camera now features a processing time that is a full 30% faster, in addition to a 200-shot buffer (JPEG) at full resolution at the maximum continuous mode.
As a proven flagship for the world’s most demanding photographers, the D4S retains the features that made its predecessor the professional’s choice in the first place. The Nikon D4S HD-SLR aligns 15 cross-type sensors in the center to detect contrast data in both vertical and horizontal planes. In addition to detecting each AF-NIKKOR lens with an aperture of f/5.6 or lower, the camera also utilizes nine cross-type sensors that are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and a teleconverter with a combined aperture value up to f/8, a great advantage to those photographing sports and wildlife from extreme distances.
The Advantage of Superior Image Quality
At the core of the Nikon D4S is a newly developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS Sensor (36 x 23.9mm), engineered to deliver an immersive dynamic range, with exceptionally low noise. This newly developed image sensor works in tandem with the latest generation of Nikon’s powerful image processing engine, dubbed EXPEED 4, to bolster image quality, color and sharpness in both stills and video. The benefits of EXPEED 4 go well beyond high-speed image processing to provide evolved real time noise reduction, along with depth and clarity gradation rendering. The resulting images exhibit a wide tonal range, with true and faithful colors.
Thanks in part to the new EXPEED 4 processing engine, the Nikon D4S now shatters the perception of what’s possible with available light photography, giving users a native ISO range from 100-25,600 expandable from 50 ISO (Lo-1) to a staggering 409,600 ISO (Hi-4). This amazing ISO range rewrites the rulebook for available-light shooting, and is especially useful for professional sports shooters, photojournalists, as well as military and law enforcement agencies. The powerful EXPEED 4 image-processing engine incorporates an entirely new algorithm for even higher ISO noise reduction and color fidelity, resulting in an enhanced overall sharpness and clarity without sacrificing subtle textures and luminous details. The enhanced ISO is also a major advantage for other professionals including wedding and portrait photographers, who can now confidently capture the darkest reception, a candlelit ceremony, or create crisp studio portraits with flawless fidelity.
Other advanced Nikon technologies also contribute to the superior image quality of the Nikon D4S, including a new enhanced standard Picture Control tone curve that gives greater depth and clearer color rendition, especially on skin tones. For additional versatility, users have the ability to toggle Face Detect AF on or off while shooting through the viewfinder, and white balance calculation has been further refined for accuracy, while spot white balance is employed for easier presetting with more options.
Nikon’s exclusive 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering III system returns on the D4S to help capture true-to-life colors while solving the most challenging exposures, from sun-lit snow to stadium lighting. The system works by meticulously analyzing the variables within each scene and recognizing factors such as color and brightness values with unprecedented exactness. This data is then interpreted and compared against the camera’s on-board database to implement various settings, resulting in vibrant images with faithful color reproduction and balanced exposure.
Faster Workflow During and After Capture
While shooting speed and response matter in the moment, workflow speed has become increasingly important in a more competitive landscape. The D4S delivers upon the need for that speed with features that are engineered for today’s professional:
Video Features Fit for the Modern Production Environment
With an increase in potent processing power, the D4S ups the ante when it comes to multimedia workflow and content capture. A versatile tool on location or on set, the D4S offers enhanced video quality and video-friendly features, in a compact and lightweight HD-SLR form factor. In addition to the innovative video attributes from the D4, the D4S offers the following new features:
Pro Grade Construction and Controls
As a flagship camera for professionals, the D4S is engineered to excel in the world’s toughest environments, while giving pros the features needed to get the shot. The shutter has been tested to 400,000 cycles, and the camera chassis is constructed of lightweight and durable magnesium alloy. Additionally, the camera is sealed and gasketed from moisture, dust and electromagnetic interference to resist the elements.
While shooting, users will appreciate a slightly modified control layout and ergonomics for faster and more comfortable shooting. Subtle changes increase grip and comfort, making the camera easier to hold for a wider range of hand sizes and more comfortable during prolonged use. Photographers will also benefit from composing through a bright viewfinder with 100% coverage. The D4S also features a newly designed mirror-moving mechanism, which uniformly and effectively absorbs mirror slap to minimize viewfinder blackout time. Even at 11 fps, this innovation makes it easier to track a fast subject through the optical viewfinder.
The wide and bright high-resolution 921k dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen of the Nikon D4S lets users easily change menu settings, compose and review images. Photographers have the ability to customize the color of the LCD monitor to better match studio monitors or personal preference. Additionally, the LCD monitor retains its auto-brightness function that automatically adjusts the brightness of the monitor to increase visibility and conserve battery life.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D4S HD-SLR will be available March 6, 2014 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $6,499.95.
B&H has the Nikon D4s available for preorder with 2% Rewards.