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Posts Tagged ‘dual’

MediaTek launches Imagiq ISP for dual cameras

23 Mar

Smartphones bearing dual cameras are on the rise, and MediaTek’s new Imagiq image signal processor is prepared to take advantage of them. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS 80D updates Dual Pixel AF, bumps resolution with 24MP sensor

19 Feb

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Canon has updated its prosumer DSLR line with the EOS 80D, offering a newly developed 24.2MP APS-C sensor, 45-point all cross-type autofocus module, updated Dual Pixel AF for live view still and video recording, and Wi-Fi with NFC.

Canon claims its new AF module, a notable improvement over the 70D’s 19-point system, is capable of focusing in low light conditions down to -3EV at the center point. Dual Pixel AF now offers continuous focus, and all pixels are able to perform phase detection focus while being used for still imaging. Video recording is offered at an improved 1080/60p.

The 80D uses a DIGIC 6 processor and provides a native ISO range in stills shooting from 100-16,000, expandable to 25,600. Burst shooting at up to 7 fps is on par with the 70D. The 80D is equipped with an approximately 100% coverage optical viewfinder and a fully articulated 3″ 1.04M-dot touchscreen LCD, as well as built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

The Canon EOS 80D will be available in March for $ 1199 body-only or $ 1799 bundled with an updated EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM kit lens.

Press release:

SHARE YOUR PASSION THROUGH IMAGES USING
THE NEW EOS 80D DSLR CAMERA AND EF-S 18-135mm NANO USM LENS

Designed to Help Unleash the Creative Potential in Us All, New Imaging Technology
Will Help You Shoot & Share Amazing Images and Video

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 17, 2015 – Artists looking to turn their passion into popular online videos or to show the world their unique perspective through social networks now have a new tool available to them that helps them tear down creative barriers and produce dynamic visual content for both still and video.  Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to introduce the new Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR camera, featuring an new 45-point AF system1, 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor for crisp images with fine detail. For the budding videographer or online video star, the camera features Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus (DAF) technology coupled with an intuitive touchscreen capability for easy focusing when shooting video.

Canon is also introducing a new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens optimized for high-speed autofocusing when shooting stills and quiet and smooth zoom when shooting video. The lens is also compatible with Canon’s new Power Zoom Adapter for smooth cinematic ‘pulls’ when changing focal length on a subject, and responsive adjustments at the push of a button for stills or video.

Updated features in Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera include: 

  • New 45-point all cross-type AF system 
  • Intelligent Viewfinder with approximately 100% viewfinder coverage 
  • Newly Developed 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor
  • DIGIC 6 image processor for enhanced image quality
  • Improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth, fast and accurate autofocus with video and stills 
  • Built-in Wi-Fi 2 and NFC2 capability for easy transfer of images and movies to compatible mobile devices
  • 1080/60p Full HD video to capture brilliant results in MP4 format for easy movie sharing on select social networking sites
  • Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD II monitor enables flexible positioning and clear viewing even outdoors 

“In today’s world, where everyone is a photographer or videographer, we at Canon are looking to provide the tools and features that help creative-minded people stand out from the pack and get noticed. The right technology cannot make someone creative, but it will help bring a creative vision to life,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The right combination of camera and lens helps those with a vision stand out and be recognized. We look forward to seeing what this new generation of passionate artists will create with these new tools.” 

New AF System and Dual Pixel CMOS AF
The 45-point all cross-type viewfinder AF system in the new Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera, compared to 19-points in the Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera, is now wider both horizontally and vertically for easier compositions with off-center subjects. Low light AF performance has been improved all the way down to EV-3 at the center point to achieve sharp results even in extreme low-light situations. The camera’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) Servo AF II autofocusing system utilizes color tracking with a 7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor that automatically detects skin tone and colors to enhance tracking sensitivity, even with moving subjects that are rapidly changing pace or direction.  Enhancing the ease-of-use of the new AF system is the Canon EOS 80D’s new Intelligent Viewfinder which features approximately 100% viewfinder coverage. The full coverage helps prevent photographers from missing objects that are in the corners of the scene, which can reduce the need to crop images later on. 

Dual Pixel CMOS AF employs a new Canon CMOS sensor with which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both still imaging and phase-detection AF simultaneously to achieve dramatically improved AF performance during Live View and video shooting. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology in the Canon EOS 80D camera features enhanced tracking sensitivity and is compatible with the full line of Canon EF Series lenses, including the new Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM  standard zoom lens. 

High-Quality Still and Video Image Performance
Featuring a new 24.2 megapixel APS-C Canon CMOS sensor and Canon’s superb DIGIC 6 Image Processor, as well as an improved still image ISO range of 100–16000 (Video ISO range 100–12800, both expandable to 25600), the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera is capable of producing sharp, detailed images and videos even in low-light conditions. High-speed continuous shooting up to seven frames per second (fps) combined with the 45-point all cross-type AF allows photographers to capture fast moving subjects easily and accurately, while the camera’s Scene Intelligent Auto Mode delivers optimized photos and offers outstanding scene detection for amazing results even when shooting in low light. HDR mode provides creative filter effects, such as natural, art standard, art bold, art vivid and art embossed. For added convenience, the Canon EOS 80D camera features Anti-Flicker shooting, similar to that found in the EOS 7D Mark II DSLR camera. Anti-Flicker shooting produces consistently high-quality results even when shooting in areas with fluorescent lighting or other flickering light sources by detecting the flicker cycle of the light source and shooting when brightness is near its peak. 

When users select the EOS Movie mode, the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera offers the ability to shoot in 1080p Full HD video up to 60 fps, compared to 30 fps in the Canon EOS 70D, in MP4 format and in either ALL-I or IPB compression modes with optional embedded time code. For expanded creativity the Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera features HDR movie and Time-Lapse movie modes and Movie creative filters like fantasy, old movie, memory, dramatic monochrome and miniature. Movie Servo AF custom settings allow users to speed up or slow down focusing speeds, enhancing creativity and artistic expression. For added flexibility, the Canon EOS 80D digital SLR camera also features a built-in headphone jack, a built-in stereo microphone with manual audio level adjustment, and an additional stereo microphone jack.

News Lens, Power Zoom Adapter, and Directional Stereo Microphone Enhance Video Quality
In addition to the new Canon EOS 80D DSLR camera, Canon U.S.A., Inc., is also introducing the Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens, a newly designed lens with a premium exterior design that will serve as the kit lens for the new Canon EOS 80D camera. This the first Canon lens equipped with Nano USM, a new type of focusing motor that combines the benefits of a ring USM (ultrasonic motor) for high-speed AF during still photo shooting and lead-screw type STM (stepping motor) for smooth and quiet movie AF, and improved AF speeds up to 4.3x (Tele) and 2.5x (Wide) faster than the previous model. The Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens also provides up to four stops of optical image stabilization. A new lens hood, the EW-73D, is included with the new lens.

To further enhance the ease-of-use when shootings movies with a Canon DLSR or Cinema EOS cameras, Canon is introducing the Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1, specifically constructed to be compatible with the design of the new Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens. The Canon Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 is the world’s first detachable zoom adapter that provides silent and smooth zoom and can adjusted incrementally to 10 different levels of zoom speed3. Additionally, the PZ-E1 can be controlled remotely using the Canon Camera Connect app4.

In addition to the new lens and power zoom adapter, Canon is introducing the first Canon-branded external microphone for the EOS system, the Canon Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1. This new accessory microphone will help improve sound quality while shooting video, allowing users to rotate the direction of the microphone up and down from 90 to 120 degrees depending on the shooting situation. The DM-E1’s durable shock mount construction helps to reduce camera operation noise and lens drive sounds and is built to withstand the rigors of a variety of shooting situations. Featuring a frequency response range of 50Hz to 16kHz, the DM-E1 comes with a wind screen to help limit peripheral sound from wind and other outside factors, allowing shooters to utilize the microphone in a broad amount of shooting situations. Featuring a built-in power supply from a single “button-type” lithium cell battery, the DM-E1 also has a power indicator lamp allowing users to easily check its battery level. 

Availability
The Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR camera and EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens are currently scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 1,199.00 for the body only, $ 1,799.00 with the new EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens and $ 599.99 respectively. 

The Canon Power Zoom Adapter PZ-E1 and Directional Stereo Microphone DM-E1 are currently scheduled to be available in June 2016, for estimated retail prices of $ 149.99 and $ 249.99 respectively.  

For more information visit, www.usa.canon.com/eos.

1. The number of AF points, cross-type AF points and dual cross-type AF points vary depending on the lens used.

2. Compatible with iOS® versions 7.1/8.4/9.0, AndroidTM smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1.  Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

3. As of 2/17/2016.

4. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

Canon EOS 80D specifications

Price
MSRP $ 1199 (body only), $ 1799 (w/18-135 lens)
Body type
Body type Mid-size SLR
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 26 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (22.5 x 15 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor DIGIC 6
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-16000 (expands to 25600)
Boosted ISO (maximum) 25600
White balance presets 6
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, normal
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
  • Raw (Canon 14-bit CRW)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 45
Lens mount Canon EF/EF-S
Focal length multiplier 1.6×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.95×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
  • Bulb
Scene modes
  • Food
  • Kids
  • Candlelight
  • Night Portrait
  • Handheld Night Scene
  • HDR Backlight Control
  • Portrait
  • Landscape
  • Close-up
  • Sports
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed 1/250 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • High speed continuous
  • Low speed continuous
  • Silent single shooting
  • Silent continuous shooting
  • 10/2 sec self-timer/remote ctrl
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes Choice of ALL-I or IPB codecs
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port Yes
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11/b/g/n with NFC
Remote control Yes (Wired, wireless, or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 960
Weight (inc. batteries) 730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Dimensions 139 x 105 x 79 mm (5.47 x 4.13 x 3.11)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic updates five Lumix G lenses with Dual IS support

15 Dec

Panasonic has released firmware updates for five Lumix G lenses, adding support for the maker’s Dual IS technology. The feature was introduced in the Lumix DMC-GX8 camera; with this update, a total of eleven lenses are compatible with that model’s Dual IS system, including the Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 24mm F2.8 Macro and collapsible Lumix G Vario 12-32mm F3.5-5.6.

Panasonic’s Dual I.S system uses both the GX8’s body I.S and lens I.S together for improved image stabilization, ‘achieving a more powerful handshake correction,’ according to Panasonic. The new firmware is available for the following five lenses:

  • Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 Macro ASPH Mega OIS (H-ES045) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS45150) Ver.1.1?Ver.1.2
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario HD 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 Mega OIS (H-FS12032) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS (H-FS35100) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1
  • Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS (H-HS043) Ver.1.0?Ver.1.1

The updated firmware is available for download from Panasonic’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap – Product Review

25 Aug

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1314To be honest, I thought the Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap looked like a dorky idea when I was first asked to review it. The idea is simple: sometimes you need to carry two cameras (especially heavy cameras) and the logistics of such a feat have always been cumbersome. One strap over this way and the other maybe off of the other shoulder? Double criss-cross?

Custom SLR, a company that got its start thanks to a number of successful Kickstarter campaigns, crafted a solution using one of their best selling camera straps, times two. They sent me a copy of the Dual Camera Strap to test during a small boat cruise with UnCruise Adventures in Alaska last month. I was excited for the trip as it would mean I could take both my cameras and long lenses (28-300mm and a rented 150-600mm) for both close and distant images of marine wildlife. Having that range from 28mm-600mm (on crop factor cameras) always available was important to me so I was willing to try the Dual Camera Strap, with hopes I wouldn’t always be fumbling for the right camera.

What is it?

The unit is really five parts in one. Two of those parts are copies of the traditional Glide One Strap System by Custom SLR, meant to hold one camera, over one shoulder. Then they introduced a unique buckle connector that fits in the middle of your back. Lastly, there are two small pieces of webbing that add a sternum connector.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5547

The great thing about this setup is it uses two straps that can work alone. You’re not stuck with always using the dual setup when you only want to use one camera.

Let’s take a look at how it all fits together then I’ll tell you about my experience with the setup.

Anatomy of a Dual Camera Strap

The setup starts with the individual straps. Each has a piece of split neoprene to help evenly distribute weight on your shoulder. On the underside of the the split strap is a silicone print to provide traction, ensuring the strap doesn’t move around your shoulder.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5550

Cameras are connected to a strap via a beefy quick-release clip attached to a tripod screw, with a loop to make hand-tightening possible (no need for tools). I have used one of these single straps in my daily photography and travels to over a dozen countries for the past three years. It’s now getting a little frayed but never once has the screw mount or quick-release failed.

Next there is a connector that attaches the two straps in the middle of your back. Simply disconnect each single strap and clip them into the connector. The clips are one-way, making the process fairly idiot-proof.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5555

Lastly, to keep the system stable, you need to insert a sternum strap that clips the two single straps together in the front.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5551

Having received my unit already setup, I took it apart, jumbled up the pieces, and tried to put it all together at a leisurely pace. It took me one minute and 50 seconds to go from two single straps to the Dual setup, and that included making a small error and correcting it. It’s pretty easy.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5554

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5556

Attach Your Cameras

When changing from single straps to dual, the straps first need to be shortened. This is because each strap is simply looping around one shoulder and not across your body.

Next, screw in the tripod mount, called a C-Loop, to each camera. As Custom SLR likes to create a whole inter-functioning ecosystem, the C-Loop also works with their M-Plate tripod quick release system. This additional plate gives better stability when using long lenses, but is sold separately (shown in second photo).

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5553

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5552

Suiting-Up – Harness First, Then Cameras

Now to put it all together! It’s best to put on the harness first before attaching cameras. It can be done the other way around, but it is quite clunky and will bang up your cameras. Then, clip each camera into your preferred side.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1314

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1317

How Does it Feel?

What I enjoyed about the Dual Strap was how comfortable it was with the weight. I was wearing about 16lbs (7.2kg) of gear and it was no different than using a solid backpack with cameras stowed inside. In fact, short of a waist belt, this setup is just like a backpack with two comfortable stretchy neoprene shoulder straps.

How Does it Work?

In practice the unit takes some getting used to during initial setup. Having two cameras dangling from your hips also takes a different sense of awareness when maneuvering in crowds, or around hard surfaces. Keeping your hands on your cameras helps with stability.

Each camera is free to glide up and down its own strap, yet is kept ready at your fingertips. When one camera is held up and the weight on that strap lessened, the second camera stays in place, without swinging to the side or sliding off your shoulder, as has been my case before using this strap.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1348  CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1349

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1351 CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1352

I realize I look a little odd with this setup on my body. But the comfort and ease of use, quickly quieted my ego from worrying too much about what others think.

In short, the Dual Camera Strap now goes with me wherever I take both my camera bodies. I can break it down quickly for single camera use (I typically leave the sternum strap section attached to make setup quicker) and when I know I want both cameras at hand, there is simply no replacing this unit.

Additionally, I could still wear my F-Stop Lotus backpack over this setup, although range of motion was slightly lessened, but not enough to stop me from using the two together.

Conclusion

Dorkiness be damned, this thing works, and it works well. I wore the strap for more than 40 hours in a month, and after I figured out the best way to put it on (straps first, then attach cameras), it was a piece of cake.

There is something empowering having two cameras at the ready, and no longer worrying about one of them slipping off your shoulder. The Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap performs as advertised, and is a great solution if you have a two camera carrying problem.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to the author by the manufacturer for the purposes of doing a review. All reviews on dPS are 100% unbiased and based on the author’s opinions only. 

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The post Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap – Product Review by Peter West Carey appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap – Product Review

25 Aug

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1314To be honest, I thought the Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap looked like a dorky idea when I was first asked to review it. The idea is simple: sometimes you need to carry two cameras (especially heavy cameras) and the logistics of such a feat have always been cumbersome. One strap over this way and the other maybe off of the other shoulder? Double criss-cross?

Custom SLR, a company that got its start thanks to a number of successful Kickstarter campaigns, crafted a solution using one of their best selling camera straps, times two. They sent me a copy of the Dual Camera Strap to test during a small boat cruise with UnCruise Adventures in Alaska last month. I was excited for the trip as it would mean I could take both my cameras and long lenses (28-300mm and a rented 150-600mm) for both close and distant images of marine wildlife. Having that range from 28mm-600mm (on crop factor cameras) always available was important to me so I was willing to try the Dual Camera Strap, with hopes I wouldn’t always be fumbling for the right camera.

What is it?

The unit is really five parts in one. Two of those parts are copies of the traditional Glide One Strap System by Custom SLR, meant to hold one camera, over one shoulder. Then they introduced a unique buckle connector that fits in the middle of your back. Lastly, there are two small pieces of webbing that add a sternum connector.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5547

The great thing about this setup is it uses two straps that can work alone. You’re not stuck with always using the dual setup when you only want to use one camera.

Let’s take a look at how it all fits together then I’ll tell you about my experience with the setup.

Anatomy of a Dual Camera Strap

The setup starts with the individual straps. Each has a piece of split neoprene to help evenly distribute weight on your shoulder. On the underside of the the split strap is a silicone print to provide traction, ensuring the strap doesn’t move around your shoulder.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5550

Cameras are connected to a strap via a beefy quick-release clip attached to a tripod screw, with a loop to make hand-tightening possible (no need for tools). I have used one of these single straps in my daily photography and travels to over a dozen countries for the past three years. It’s now getting a little frayed but never once has the screw mount or quick-release failed.

Next there is a connector that attaches the two straps in the middle of your back. Simply disconnect each single strap and clip them into the connector. The clips are one-way, making the process fairly idiot-proof.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5555

Lastly, to keep the system stable, you need to insert a sternum strap that clips the two single straps together in the front.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5551

Having received my unit already setup, I took it apart, jumbled up the pieces, and tried to put it all together at a leisurely pace. It took me one minute and 50 seconds to go from two single straps to the Dual setup, and that included making a small error and correcting it. It’s pretty easy.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5554

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5556

Attach Your Cameras

When changing from single straps to dual, the straps first need to be shortened. This is because each strap is simply looping around one shoulder and not across your body.

Next, screw in the tripod mount, called a C-Loop, to each camera. As Custom SLR likes to create a whole inter-functioning ecosystem, the C-Loop also works with their M-Plate tripod quick release system. This additional plate gives better stability when using long lenses, but is sold separately (shown in second photo).

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5553

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-5552

Suiting-Up – Harness First, Then Cameras

Now to put it all together! It’s best to put on the harness first before attaching cameras. It can be done the other way around, but it is quite clunky and will bang up your cameras. Then, clip each camera into your preferred side.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1314

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1317

How Does it Feel?

What I enjoyed about the Dual Strap was how comfortable it was with the weight. I was wearing about 16lbs (7.2kg) of gear and it was no different than using a solid backpack with cameras stowed inside. In fact, short of a waist belt, this setup is just like a backpack with two comfortable stretchy neoprene shoulder straps.

How Does it Work?

In practice the unit takes some getting used to during initial setup. Having two cameras dangling from your hips also takes a different sense of awareness when maneuvering in crowds, or around hard surfaces. Keeping your hands on your cameras helps with stability.

Each camera is free to glide up and down its own strap, yet is kept ready at your fingertips. When one camera is held up and the weight on that strap lessened, the second camera stays in place, without swinging to the side or sliding off your shoulder, as has been my case before using this strap.

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1348  CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1349

CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1351 CustomSLR-Dual-Strap-DPS-PWC2015-0805-1352

I realize I look a little odd with this setup on my body. But the comfort and ease of use, quickly quieted my ego from worrying too much about what others think.

In short, the Dual Camera Strap now goes with me wherever I take both my camera bodies. I can break it down quickly for single camera use (I typically leave the sternum strap section attached to make setup quicker) and when I know I want both cameras at hand, there is simply no replacing this unit.

Additionally, I could still wear my F-Stop Lotus backpack over this setup, although range of motion was slightly lessened, but not enough to stop me from using the two together.

Conclusion

Dorkiness be damned, this thing works, and it works well. I wore the strap for more than 40 hours in a month, and after I figured out the best way to put it on (straps first, then attach cameras), it was a piece of cake.

There is something empowering having two cameras at the ready, and no longer worrying about one of them slipping off your shoulder. The Custom SLR Dual Camera Strap performs as advertised, and is a great solution if you have a two camera carrying problem.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to the author by the manufacturer for the purposes of doing a review. All reviews on dPS are 100% unbiased and based on the author’s opinions only. 

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Panasonic issues lens firmware updates to enable Dual I.S. with Lumix DMC-GX8

11 Aug

With the introduction of the Lumix DMC-GX8 and its new Dual IS mode, Panasonic promised firmware updates for most of its lenses to make them compatible. Included in this round are the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II, Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2, and Macro 30mm F2.8 among others. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ZTE launches Axon Pro with 13MP dual cam

17 Jul

ZTE has launched its new high-end device, the Axon Pro, which appears to be specifically designed with the US market in mind. In the camera department the new model comes with a dual-camera setup, similar to the one we’ve seen in the HTC One (M8). However, at 13MP the ZTE’s main camera comes with a considerably higher pixel count than the 4MP HTC. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon offers Dual Pixel AF upgrade for Cinema EOS C100 camera

06 Nov

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Canon is offering owners of its Cinema EOS C100 the chance to add Dual Pixel AF to this video-centric camera. This will enable continuous autofocus during recording with all Canon EF lenses, and double one-shot AF speed with 104 fully-supported lenses. Interestingly the upgrade doesn’t involve a change of sensor, but instead enables a hitherto-unused hardware capability. However it will require the camera to be sent to a Canon service centre, and in the US will cost $ 500. 

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS 70D Dual Pixel AF: for better or for worse?

11 Oct

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Canon’s latest enthusiast digital SLR sports a radical new sensor-based autofocus system, where nearly every pixel is dedicated to phase-detect autofocus. As we come close to completing our review of the Canon 70D, we’ve run the new AF system through a battery of tests to see what, if anything, it means for the enthusiast shooter. Click through for the whole nine yards, as well as new information about the camera’s movie autofocus and Wi-Fi functions.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DxOMark tests Canon EOS 70D Dual Pixel AF against the Sony SLT-A77

18 Sep

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DxOMark has tested the Canon EOS 70D’s live view autofocus system in comparison to the Sony SLT-A77, looking at focus speeds and accuracy in both movie and stills modes. The two cameras offer an intriguing contrast in technologies; the 70D uses Canon’s latest ‘Dual Pixel AF’ on-sensor phase detection, while the A77 employs a separate phase detection AF sensor which receives light via a semi-transparent mirror. Click through to see how the two cameras fare in DxOMark’s head-to-head testing.    

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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