Canon and Sony News for May 2016 (Page 4)

From the National Geographic YouTube Channel:

German artist Thorsten Brinkmann is a self-proclaimed serial collector. He works primarily with items from resale shops and junkyards, incorporating the found objects into his photography and site-specific installations. Wearing a trash can for a helmet and a fabric scrap for a vest, he is suddenly transformed into a seemingly noble character that mimics the style of paintings done by the old masters. In this short from Walley Films, watch how Brinkmann creates these whimsical self-portraits for his latest show at the Rice University Art Gallery in Houston, Texas.

Due to a trademark issue (with Foveon), Breakthrough Photography has renamed their "X3" to line "X4". While the change means nothing to the quality of the product, it could cause confusion if you were looking for the older product name as it no longer exists.

In regards to the quality of these products, it is very high. Breakthrough Photography X4 ND Filters are what I use. Read the 10 Stop Neutral Density (Black) Filter Review. Then go get creative.

B&H has Breakthrough Photography X4 10-Stop ND Filters in stock.

ISO Noise and resolution test results have been added to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Review page.

Here are some comparisons (initialized at ISO 3200):

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 1D X
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 1D Mark IV
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 5D Mark III
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 5Ds R downsized
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 7D Mark II
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 1D Mark III
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II compared to the 1Ds Mark III

I'll further explain and add commentary to the entire 15 sets (13 samples each) of results soon.

I'm totally loving this camera so far. I have photographed a couple of soccer games (including one under the lights) and a round of prom pictures with the 1D X II and very much look forward to a full sports schedule week ahead of me for further testing.

B&H has the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II available for preorder. Order the Premium Kit ($300 value for no extra cost at the moment).

Retailers with 1D X II Premium Kit In Stock
Canon Store | Adorama | Focus Camera

From Nikon:

Changes from ViewNX-i Version 1.2.0 to 1.2.1

• Added support for the COOLPIX B500 and A300.
• Added support for MP4 movies.
• Added ranges to the sliders in the Adjustments/Metadata palette.
• The sliders in the Adjustments/Metadata palette can now be reset by clicking the mark that indicates the default position.

Download: Nikon ViewNX-i v.1.2.1

• Added support for the COOLPIX B500 and A300.
• Added a View menu to Preferences for a custom grid display.
• Added perspective control to the Straighten tool.
• Sliders now show increments at all times.
• Fixed an issue that caused blurring when Noise Reduction > Better Quality 2013 was applied to NEF (RAW) photos taken with the D610.

Download: Nikon Capture NX-D 1.4.1

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

Watch hours become seconds through the power of timelapse! In this video, Chase from Zacuto explains the fundamental techniques along with several important things to consider when shooting timelapses.

From Nikon:

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that three of its products are recipients of the prestigious TIPA Awards 2016 sponsored by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), a global authority in the photography and imaging industry. The Nikon D5 digital SLR camera has been selected for the Best DSLR Professional/Action awards, the Nikon D500 for the Best APS-C DSLR Expert award, and the SnapBridge app for the Best Imaging Innovation award.

The best photographic and imaging products released between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016 in a number of categories were selected for the TIPA Awards 2016 through voting by editors of prestigious camera and imaging magazines from around the world.

Reasons the Nikon D5 was selected for the Best DSLR Professional/Action awards (summary of TIPA comments)
The EXPEED 5 image-processing engine built into the D5 delivers low noise, the high-speed processing required for 4K UHD video, and high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 12 fps (with AF and AE tracking). Up to 200 14-bit lossless-compression RAW images can be captured with a single burst of continuous shooting. The new Multi-CAM 20K autofocus sensor module is very densely packed with 153 focus points (99 are cross-type sensors positioned in central and peripheral areas) covering a broad area of the frame. What's more, still JPEG images with a pixel count of roughly 8 megapixels can be extracted from 4K UHD movies, the D5 supports the highest standard sensitivity in Nikon history — ISO 102400, and with an AF detection range beginning at just -4 EV, autofocusing on dimly lit and low-contrast subjects is possible.

Reasons the Nikon D500 was selected for the Best APS-C DSLR Expert award (summary of TIPA comments)
Adoption of the new EXPEED 5 image-processing engine and a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor for the D500 has achieved a broad standard sensitivity range — ISO 100–51200, expandable to the equivalent of ISO 1640000 (Hi 5). The D500 delivers high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 10 fps (with AF and AE tracking) for up to 79 shots of 14-bit uncompressed RAW images in a single burst. Along with stills, the D500 supports recording of 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)/30p, full-HD, and time-lapse movies. It is equipped with a 3.2-inch, approximately 2,360K-dot touch screen monitor for viewing and shooting ease. The camera can record to both XQD and SD card slots at the same time, and is compatible with SnapBridge for seamless connection of the camera to a smart device, allowing users to transfer and share images.

Reasons SnapBridge was selected for the Best Imaging Innovation award (summary of TIPA comments)
SnapBridge enables seamless connection of a camera and smart device with an energy-efficient Bluetooth low energy connection. Once installed, SnapBridge enables immediate transfer of images to a smart device from the camera with which up to five smart devices can be paired. Original JPEG images, or smaller 2-MP (full HD) JPEG copies can be automatically transferred to, and stored on, smart devices during shooting. In addition, two types of embedded information, including copyright, shooting information, comments, and logos, can be included. Further, the app supports remote shooting from the smart device, allowing users to frame and preview shots in real time using the smart device screen and, with certain cameras, to operate features such as the self-timer.

B&H has the Nikon D500 and the Nikon D5 (XQD) available for preorder, while the Nikon D5 (CF) is in stock with free expedited shipping.

I drove to the UPS shipping terminal first thing this morning to pick up my 1D X Mark II body just arriving from B&H. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and, with an under-the-lights soccer game on my schedule for this evening, I chose to not wait for the brown truck to arrive late this afternoon (and risk it not arriving in time). Hearing the sound of this camera is always good for a smile and I put it in front of the mic for a first test.

Canon rates the 1D X Mark II buffer depth at up to 170 RAW images, with the highest number requiring a CFast 2.0 Memory Card. CFast cards were a new requirement for my kit and Transcend was anxious for me to try out one of their CFX650 256GB CFast 2.0 Memory Cards (Max. Read/Write Speed: 510/370 MB/s) in this camera. I didn't have to think too long to accept that offer and, while I have yet to use another card in this camera, I can tell you that this one and the 1D X Mark II perform very impressively together.

With the Transcend card installed, the 1D X Mark II captured an incredible 14 frames per second until I got bored holding the shutter release down over 6 minutes later. The 14 fps converts to 840 fpm and, in 6:01.35, I had a VERY impressive 5,068 RAW images on the CFast card. With this card installed, the camera never filled its buffer. And, the sound is, as expected, awesome:

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Burst Mode
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Burst Mode Extended Version (the full 6 minutes)

Here is a burst rate comparison between the 1D X Mark II and several other current or recent models:

Burst Comparison: 80D, 7D Mark II, 1D X Mark II and 1D X

The fine print: the test camera was configured to use ISO 100, a 1/8000 shutter speed (no waiting for the shutter operation), a wide open aperture (no time lost due to aperture blades closing) and manual focus (no focus lock delay). The lens cap remained on (insuring a black file and the smallest file size) and a freshly-formatted fast memory card was loaded. Camera sounds were recorded using a Tascam DR-07mkII Portable Digital Audio Recorder with record levels set to 50% at -12db gain and positioned 1" behind the rear LCD.

Completing the full 1D X review is of course a high priority for me – I'll have much more to share in the near future. Check out the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II page for more information.

B&H has the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II available for preorder.

Retailers with 1D X II Premium Kit In Stock
Adorama | Focus Camera

by Sean Setters

While recently planning a trip to Wichita, KS to visit friends, my goal was to pack as light as possible to avoid checked baggage fees. The trip was not planned with photography being a high priority, however, I wanted to take a decently capable kit with me in case photographic opportunities arose.

On that note, Delta allows one personal item and one carry-on bag for free. My work laptop bag filled the "personal item" allotment. As such, my Lowepro Nova Sport 35L AW became a dual service bag in that it not only carried my camera gear but my clothes as well.

Unfortunately, that led to compromises as I couldn't take as much camera gear as I'm used to having available and I had to be very selective in the clothes that I packed.

Having never been to Wichita, I wasn't quite sure what kinds of photographic opportunities to expect. Therefore, I decided to structure my kit to be as versatile as possible while remaining [relatively] small in footprint.

Clothes aside, here's the gear I packed into the Lowepro Nova Sport 35L AW:

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II with battery grip
• Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
• Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
• Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM
• Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
• Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
• Feisol TT-15 Mini Carbon Fiber Tripod
• BlackRapid RS Sport Extreme
• B+W Circular Polarizer
• Step-Up Rings
• Canon 580EX Flash
• Flash Gels
• Gaffer Tape
• (2) LP-E6 batteries (fully charged)
• Miops Camera Trigger

I choose to bring the 7D II instead of my 5D III because the crop sensor camera allowed me to pack a wide range of focal lengths in a smaller amount of space compared to a full-frame compatible set of lenses (not to mention the weight savings over similarly-capable full-frame lenses). As this wasn't a photo-centric trip, I decided not to pack an LC-E6 battery charger (assuming I wouldn't exhaust two LP-E6s in three days).

Here were my thoughts behind the gear choices:

• The EF-S 10-18 IS STM would fulfill my wide-angle lens needs; the EF-S 55-250 IS STM would cover telephoto needs.
• The EF-S 24 STM and 40 STM pancakes would be perfect for shooting video while adding very little weight/bulk to the kit. The 40mm lens would also fill a gap in my uncovered focal range and could serve as a decent, loosely framed portrait lens with a 64mm full-frame equivalent focal length.
• The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art would serve as my indoor, low-light lens. I anticipated that we would be spending a decent amount of time in our friends' apartment hanging out and catching up (we don't see them often).
• The 580EX flash would allow me to augment the light in a scene if needed. Bounce flash can produce very flattering light in indoor settings (assuming you have neutral-colored walls/ceilings to work with). And with the 7D II's pop-up flash acting as a master flash, I could even use the flash off-camera if needed. Including flash gels would also allow me to change the color of the flash's light to more closely match the ambient.
• I opted to bring the tiny Feisol Mini Tripod so that I'd have some type of support solution in the kit. I envisioned using it for group photos or possibly lightning shots (when combined with the Miops Camera Trigger).

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM proved especially useful on a visit to the Sedgwick County Zoo because of its small size, long focal range and effective IS.

Luckily, we found an abandoned pile of railroad spikes about 20 feet away from a portion of track at a long-abandoned railway station. Without a macro lens at hand, I used the 55-250mm lens to create the image below.

From Photoshelter:

To dig into the world of book publishing, we’ve partnered with the creative book publishing platform Blurb for our latest guide, The Photographer’s Guide to Publishing Photo Books.

Check out exclusive interviews with photographers who have completed book projects through self-publishing and traditional publishing, and share lessons learned along the way.

Inside this guide, you’ll also discover:

• A rundown of reasons to publish
• 10 steps to professional book success
• Different paths to book publishing
• Ideas for selling and marketing your photo book
• Tips to finding a publisher
• And more!

Successful book projects take a clear vision, thorough research, smart decisions, and a lot of work. This guide will inspire you to give your images a whole new shelf life.

Download your copy today!

As has become my habit when setting up a new DSLR, I recorded my setup steps for the recently-received Canon EOS Rebel T6. Following are the 24 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Rebel T6 ready for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery and charger and plug it in. The battery likely comes partially charged, but it is nice to start out with a fully charged battery.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Download the Canon Solution Disk software from Canon's website and install on your computer to get support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, Photostitch and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert the battery (after charging completes – if you can wait that long).
6. Power the camera on.
7. The date and time setup screen will show at startup the first time. Use the Rear Control dial and the Set button to update this information.
8. Insert a memory card (don't forget to format the card via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
9. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
10. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the cameras as follows:
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: "RAW"
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Beep: Disable
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release without card: Disable/off (I highly recommend this setting)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec.
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Peripheral illumination correction: disabled
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness Strength set to "1" (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: ISO Auto: 6400
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Grid display: Grid 1 (3x3)
19. Playback Menu, Tab 2: Histogram disp: RGB (I want to monitor all three color channels for blown or blocked pixels)
20. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto rotate: On/Computer only (this provides the largest playback image size on the camera LCD)
21. Tools Menu, Tab 3: C.Fn I: Exposure: ISO Expansion: On
22. Tools Menu, Tab 3: Long exposure noise reduction: I usually have this option set to "Auto", but my choice varies for the situation.
23. Tools Menu, Tab 3: High ISO speed noise reduction: Off (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add NR sparingly in post)
24. My Menu: Register the following options: Long exposure noise reduction, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Sensor cleaning (Clean manually), Expo.comp./AEB (back up near the top of the list)

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera goes in for a service visit, the camera will be returned in a reset-to-factory state (unless you request otherwise). Your list will ensure that you do not miss an important setting when putting the camera back into service.

More Information

Canon EOS Rebel T6

From MindShift Gear:

SANTA ROSA, CALIF – For outdoor photographers who need quick access to their CF and SD memory cards, MindShift Gear has released the Card-Again wallets. These two simple, lightweight memory card wallets fit easily in your pockets, feature clear windows to identify used versus full cards and cutouts for easy access, and an attachment point to tether to a bag or clothing. The CF Card-Again holds four CF cards. The SD Card-Again holds six SD cards.

Materials

Exterior: The wallets are constructed using 420 high-density nylon, 210D nylon, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread. For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating.

Specifications

CF Card-Again
External Dimensions: 4.3” x 2.5” x 0.5” (11 x 6.3 x 1.3 cm)
(W x H x D)
Weight: 1.0 oz. (28 g)

SD Card-Again
External Dimensions: 4.3” x 2.4” x 0.5” (11 x 6 x 1.2 cm)
(W x H x D)
Weight: 0.9 oz. (25 g)

MindShift Gear has the Card-Again Memory Card Holders in stock.

From MindShift Gear:

Carry Your Camera Outdoors Five Ways with MindShift Gear’s Multi-Mount Holster

SANTA ROSA, CALIF – For outdoor photographers seeking one bag to carry a single DSLR camera on everything from a quick outing to a multi-night trek, MindShift Gear introduces four highly versatile Multi-Mount Holsters. Sized to fit a range of cameras and lenses, each holster offers five key mounting configurations: shoulder, pack/front harness, chest, storage, and belt. In a first for the photo industry, the Multi-Mount Holsters feature a unique backpack mount for multi-day comfort. The holsters feature an innovative “Stabilizer Strap System” that secures the bag in your desired position, distributes weight effectively, and is quickly adjustable.

In keeping with MindShift’s design emphasis on providing protection from stormy weather, wind, snow and dust, the new holsters feature a weather-blocking elements barrier under the zippered lid and a seam-sealed rain cover. The Multi-Mount Holster 30 and 50 sizes feature an expandable front pocket for quick access to photography essentials, such as a Speedlight flash or tabletop tripod.

“The Multi-Mount Holsters include all the accessories needed to personalize your camera carrying method,” said Doug Murdoch, MindShift Gear’s CEO and Lead Designer. “With just a few adjustments, you can quickly switch from carrying it on your waist, back, chest or shoulder.”

Features and Benefits

• Designed for today’s DSLRs with attached quick release or L-bracket
• Integrated multi-mount adjustable strap system tucks away into three dedicated pockets
• Weight bearing shoulder strap features stretch-free neoprene comfort, slip-resistant shoulder pad, lightweight clips, and two-sided length adjustment including one ladderlock
• Front harness weight-bearing pack mount straps feature quick-release SR buckles for instant removal and pivoting lightweight clips that attach to any pack’s shoulder harness with daisy chain webbing
• Lightweight and compact stabilizer waist belt is designed to easily pivot the shoulder bag configuration around over the webbing
• Stabilizer straps, stored in tuck-away pockets, quickly wrap around any backpack shoulder strap and create triangulated stabilization from low and high points on the front end of the bag
• New YKK zippers are coated with an anti-corrosion substrate, providing enamel-finish durability. These zippers are less prone to freezing and much lighter than standard slides. They also pass YKK’s industry-renowned production fastening standard with a static pull test at three angles result in smoother zipping in all conditions.
• Exterior shell is constructed with 420D nylon with Durable Water Resistance finish for long lasting durability and strength
• Front expandable pocket includes organizer pocket, two separate loops for memory card holder and keys, and double sliders
• Domed top creates room for attached camera strap storage
• Comfortable air mesh back panel includes stabilizer waist belt pass-through
• Internal zippered lid pocket for added protection from the elements
• Removable LCD screen protector and adjustable divider(s) for different lens configurations
• Main compartment security loop secures camera to lanyard in exposed environments
• Top grab handle
• Ergonomic zipper pulls are easily gripped with gloves
• Shoulder strap loops double as clip-in point for water bottles, etc.

Gear Capacity

Multi-Mount Holster 10

• Holds one large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and one standard zoom lens or prime
• Holds one compact DSLR (Rebel, 3300 or 5300 series) and one lens
• Compatible Lenses: Prime lens; Kit Lens; 16-85mm (Canon or Nikon) with hood REVERSED; 16-35mm f/2.8 (Sony)

Multi-Mount Holster 20

• Holds one standard-size DSLR (5DM3 or D810) and one standard zoom lens or two primes
• Holds one large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and one standard zoom lens or two primes
• 16-35mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon); 16-35mm f/4 VR with hood EXTENDED (Nikon); 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 17-55mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon)

Multi-Mount Holster 30

• Holds one standard-size DSLR (5DM3 or D810) and one standard zoom lens
• Holds one gripped DSLRs (1Dx or D4s) and one standard zoom lens
• 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon or Nikon); 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 300mm f/4 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 80-400mm f/4 AF-S/G with hood REVERSED (Nikon)
• Front pocket holds SB-910 (Nikon Speedlight); 600 RT (Canon Speedlite)

Multi-Mount Holster 50

• Holds one gripped Pro DSLR (Nikon D3/D4 series or Canon 1D/1Ds/1DX series) and one standard zoom lens
• Holds one standard DSLRs with L-bracket (Nikon D800/D700) and one standard zoom lens
• 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon or Nikon); 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 300mm f/4 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 80-400mm f/4 AF-S/G with hood REVERSED (Nikon)
• Front pocket holds SB-910 (Nikon Speedlight); 600 RT (Canon Speedlite)

Materials

Exterior: For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. The holsters also feature high-quality YKK zippers, 420D high-density nylon, 420D velocity nylon, 320G, 350G airmesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 200D poly, velex, high-density closed-cell foam, belly-o mesh, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Specifications

Multi-Mount Holster 10
External Dimensions: 8.5” H x 7.25” W x 6.25” D
Camera Compartment: 6.75” H x 6” W x 3.75” D
Weight: 10 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover: 1 lb. 2.125 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 20
External Dimensions: 9.5” H x 8.25” W x 6.5” D
Camera Compartment: 7.5” H x 7.25” W x 4.5” D
Weight: 11.625 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover: 1 lb. 3.5 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 30
External Dimensions: 13.25” H x 8.5” W x 6.5” D
Camera Compartment: 11.25” H x 7.25” W x 4.5” D
Weight: 12.875 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover: 1 lb. 5.25 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 50
External Dimensions: 13.25” H x 8.5” W x 8.75” D
Camera Compartment: 11.25” H x 7.25” W x 6.5” D
Weight: 14.875 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover: 1 lb. 7.625 oz.)

MindShift Gear has the Multi-Mount Holsters in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 5Ds R and the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro F017 Lens page.

Image quality results from the Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D are now available. A wide range of Canon EOS models can be compared with the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens (T6-tested) and/or the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens selected (use f/4).

The Rebel T6 is available only in a kit with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens, so while we had this lens in the labs, we captured Image quality results from it mounted to the EOS 7D Mark II.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II are available in the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review. This is a venerable combination for sports and wildlife.

As usual, all of the above-mentioned items are available at B&H. Your continued support of the site by using the provided B&H and other retailer links to make purchases (of anything) continues to make these tests possible.

The next generation Skyport is here and allows you to take full control of your flashes from the palm of your hands.

North White Plains, NY – May 2, 2016 – The EL-Skyport Plus follows the successful launch of the EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Canon and Nikon, for those shooters requiring Hi-Sync. The new EL-Skyport Plus system is compact and robust, using readily available AA batteries. The Skyport Plus offers an extended range of up to 656 feet (200 m) and controls the power of all Skyport enabled Elinchrom flash units. With eight individual frequencies and the choice of standard and speed protocols, there are 16 frequency options, each with four groups. The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus is compatible with almost every camera. The transmitter head folds down for reduced profile and easier subject viewing while shooting.

Compatible with Most Flash Systems

The EL-Skyport Receiver Plus will trigger almost every flash system and features a built-in hot shoe to trigger speedlights, while enabling them to also be conveniently mounted onto a lighting stand.

When used in conjunction with a Skyport HS Plus Transmitter, most speedlights set at full power can also be incorporated into Hi-Sync applications (using high shutter sync speeds to freeze motion and control ambient light).

“Elinchrom has long prided itself on providing as much control as possible to its photographers. The new Skyport Plus continues that tradition by allowing shooters to take and maintain complete control no matter what they are shooting. When it comes to Living Light, no company does it better than Elinchrom.” said Jan Lederman, MAC Group President.

The Elinchrom Skyport Plus system is retro compatible with the existing Skyport Speed system, and forward compatible to the additional frequencies offered by the latest Elinchrom ELB and ELC units.

B&H carries the Elinchrom Skyport Plus system.

Industry acclaimed i1Display Pro Brings a More Accurate Color Viewing Experience to SmallHD Production-Monitors

Grand Rapids, MI – X-Rite Incorporated, a global leader in color science and technology, with subsidiary Pantone today announced partnership with SmallHD, the creator of durable production monitors for creative video, filmmaking, and broadcast professionals. SmallHD to bundle and support industry acclaimed X-Rite OEM i1Display Pro to seamlessly manage color calibration for their first-ever line of daylight-viewable, full-HD display with flexible power production-monitor models 1703-HDR, 2403-HDR and 3203-HDR.

As a design, manufacturer and distributor, SmallHD seeks to continue being an innovator, leading the on-camera monitor industry by bringing filmmakers affordable quality, durability and functionality to their professional monitor-displays. Known for outstanding customer support, SmallHD is driven by the needs and requests from their customers and filmmakers alike.

“It’s an exciting time to be a filmmaker, as camera technology evolves more rapidly than ever before. With demand for visual content at an all-time high, so is competition. The modern filmmaker needs confidence in knowing if the shot is in focus and that the color being displayed is accurate. It’s working more efficiently than ever before and having fun in the process. Our production monitors boost the confidence for content creators that find themselves in various indoor/outdoor shooting environments.” states SmallHD CEO, Weston Phillips. “Our partnership supporting X-Rite i1Display Pro for our new line of production displays, including our first-ever line of daylight-viewable HDR production monitors, supports our commitment to give customers a more accurate, professional color viewing experience.”

With a century of color theory science behind the X-Rite brand, the i1Display Pro is the ultimate solution for creative professionals who demand speed and flexibility to attain color accuracy. Accurate color representation on screen is paramount for the video and film industries, the i1Display Pro delivers fast measurement speed and unrivaled color accuracy on all modern display technologies. These benefits are especially important whether capturing or editing footage. i1Display Pro includes video color standards, for a more accurate color workflow.

“We are very excited to have our OEM i1Display Pro bundled across the new line of SmallHD Production-Monitor displays to enhance viewing accuracy. The announcement aligns with SmallHD recently released larger daylight-viewable HDR production monitors,” said X-Rite Vice President of Product Marketing Chris Winczewski. “The partnership with SmallHD demonstrates our focused commitment for the expansion of X-Rite’s photo and video products into the video, filmmaking and broadcast markets.”

B&H carries X-Rite and SmallHD products.