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Posts Tagged ‘unit’

Paul C. Buff launches LINK 800WS plug-and-play LED flash unit

15 Jan

Paul C. Buff Inc., the company known for its professional lighting products, has introduced LINK 800WS, a new portable flash unit that features up to 800 watts of power, multiple shooting modes, 1 to 10 adjustable f-stops and a digital LCD. The product’s name refers to the company’s effort to link its ‘past products with currently photography needs,’ according to the PCB.

The LINK 800WS flash unit is Paul C. Buff Inc.’s most powerful and versatile light ever launched. The product packs a daylight-balanced LED modeling light and detachable battery into an all-metal housing; the model supports umbrella rods up to 9mm and has a stand mount that supports up to 5/8in stands. The portable flash unit is fairly compact at 16.5cm x 12.1cm x 32cm (6.5in x 4.8in x 12.6in) with a weight of 3.9kg (8lbs, 7oz) including the battery.

In addition to HSS / TTL modes, the LINK 800WS also features an Action Mode and a Color Mode. Other features include 3.5s recycle time, 8.8cm (3.5in) LCD, plug-and-play support for 100 to 240 voltages, +/- 100K color consistency at any power level, support for speeds up to 1/154,000s and an included magnetic rubber diffusion dome.

The LINK 800WS is currently listed on the Paul C. Buff Inc. website for $ 895.95, but the company says it won’t be available to purchase until Spring 2020. The light will work with the new HUB remote and BUFF mobile app on iOS and Android. Buyers will have the option of choosing a LINK 800WS bundle that includes the flash, charger, battery, and the HUB remote for Nikon or Canon (or, later on, Sony) for $ 1,196.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony merges mobile, camera divisions under new ‘Electronics Products and Solutions’ unit

29 Mar

Sony Mobile has until now been an independent division within the Sony organisation, but this is about to change. The company has announced it will combine Mobile with its TV, audio and camera divisions and call the new unit Electronics Products and Solutions.

Officially, this is a move to increase synergies between product lines. Some of this has already been going on, with some Sony Alpha camera and Bravia TV technologies being implemented on high-end smartphone models, but apparently there is room for improvement.

Sony Mobile has been a weak spot in the Sony empire in recent years. With only 13.5 million units sold in 2017 and a decrease to an estimated 7 million in 2018 the division generated substantial losses of more than $ 913 million during the last four quarters. The camera division is doing much better, with an $ 804 million profit during the same period. TVs generated an operating profit of $ 714 million. So some investors fear the reorganization could be a move designed to hide the poor performance of Mobile behind the success of other units.

That said, the company has set a target to reduce costs in order minimize losses and hopes to be back to profitability with Mobile by 2021. The new triple-camera Xperia 1 could be a first step into that direction.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kodak Alaris is actively looking to sell off its paper and film unit for an estimated $34M

06 Feb

A surprising report has revealed that Kodak Alaris, specifically its film unit responsible for bringing back Ektachrome 35mm film products, is up for sale. The business move was revealed by Inside Imaging, which reports that at least part of Kodak Alaris may be split off and sold as soon as next month.

Though the company had not publicly revealed its plans, some details emerged from a recently discovered financial report lodged with the UK’s Companies House in December 2018. According to the report, which covers a time period of January 1 to March 31, 2017, Kodak Alaris’ Paper, Photochemicals and Film (PPF) unit has been up for sale since January 2018 following the board’s decision to ‘actively divest the business to a buyer with greater market synergies.’

The report indicates the unit has a conservatively estimated value of $ 34 million and that ‘advanced discussions with a bidder’ for the PPF unit are currently underway. Kodak Alaris, at least based on the financial report, anticipates the sale will happen by March 31, 2019, but with the potential for spilling over to a later date.

Kodak Alaris’ sole shareholder is the Kodak Pension Plan, a UK pension fund referred to as KPP2 that acquired Kodak Alaris from Eastman Kodak for $ 325 million in 2013. With Kodak Alaris came £1.5 billion / $ 2.7b in debt, and though Kodak Alaris is a profitable business, its bottom line after taxes has seen huge losses.

Kodak Alaris CEO Marc Jourlait confirmed to Inside Imaging that the company has ‘privately briefed’ potential customers on its intention to ‘explore sale of some or all of our assets.’ The PPF unit is already ‘at an advanced stage of negotiations with a potential buyers [sic].’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica announces SF 60 Flash Unit and SF C1 Remote Control Unit for M and SL cameras

04 Jun

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Leica has announced a new flash and remote control flash unit for its Q, SL/CL and M-series digital cameras. The Leica SF 60 flash offers TTL metering, and high-speed sync up to 1/8000sec. The SF 60 has a guide number of 60 at ISO 100, and also features tilt and zoom, with a built-in diffuser and reflector card.

The Leica SF C1 remote control unit enables wireless control of SF 60 flash units across up to seven channels, in three groups. The SF C1 incorporates a Micro SD card slot for future firmware updates.

The SF 60 flash and SF C1 controller will be available later this month, for $ 595 and $ 350 respectively.

Press Release:

Leica Camera Announces Leica SF 60 Flash Unit and Leica SF C1 Remote Control Unit For On- and Off-Camera Flash Photography

Both compact and versatile, the new flash system allows for
supreme quality light control in any situation

June 4, 2018 – Leica Camera presents the new SF 60 flash unit and the SF C1 remote control unit as perfectly complementary additions to the Leica S, SL and M systems. The two units can also be used in combination with the Leica Q and the Leica CL. While the flash unit provides an extensive range of options for flash-photography in a compact form, the remote control unit enables off-camera flash with the SF 60, providing for endless creative opportunities.

Leica SF 60 Flash Unit

Despite its low weight of 10.8 ounces and a height of only 9.8 cm, the Leica SF 60 offers numerous professional functions. The Leica SF 60 is an extremely powerful and versatile mobile solution for all photographers who appreciate the advantages of excellent light-management in any situation, with impressive features such as TTL-flash, HSS (High-Speed Sync) to 1/8000s, a flash head with tilt and swivel function, a zoom reflector, an integrated diffuser and a reflector card, as well as master-slave capability, as well as an impressive guide number of 60 meters (at ISO 100).

The SF 60 also provides continuous LED light output, adjustable in nine steps, as a source of light for spontaneous video recording of subjects in low light. All settings can be conveniently made via two dials and the color LCD panel of the flash unit. The Leica SF 60 is powered by four AA cells. For longer shooting sessions, the unit can also be connected to a Power Pack as an external power supply, which, in addition to higher capacity, also enables even faster flash recycle times and simultaneous power supply to up to two SF 60 flash units. If required, other devices with USB charging ports, e.g. smartphones or tablets, can also be recharged from the Power Pack.

Leica SF C1 Remote Control Unit

The Leica SF C1 remote control unit adds a multitude of creative options. It is mounted on the hot shoe of the camera and enables wireless remote control of SF 60 flash units in the 2.4-GHz frequency band. The flash units can be organized in up to seven channels, each with three groups, and controlled either together or separately with the same or different settings. Photographers can use all functions of all the flash units, just as if they were mounted on the camera. This opens up countless options for professional lighting set-ups with system flash units.

As is the case with the Leica SF 60 flash unit, all settings can be viewed and easily changed on the clearly laid-out color LCD panel of the Leica SF C1 remote control unit. Alongside reserves sufficient for around 3,000 exposures from its two AAA cells, the future-proof SF C1 remote control unit also features a microSD card slot that allows the latest firmware updates to be uploaded to keep the unit at the cutting edge of technology.

Both units will be available worldwide in Leica Stores, Boutiques and Dealers later this month. The SF 60 Flash will retail for $ 595 and the SF C1 Remote Control will retail for $ 350.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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GoPro reveals unit growth in Q1 2018, but revenues are still down

05 May

GoPro has announced its fiscal first quarter 2018 financial results, revealing 3% year-on-year unit growth with $ 202 million in revenue. The figures exceeded analysts’ expectations, sending GoPro’s stock upward on the news, and company CEO Nick Woodman expects a similar positive outcome in the company’s second quarter.

According to Woodman, HERO5 Black and HERO6 Black sell-through drove the company’s Q1 revenue, as well as the newly launched $ 200 GoPro HERO action camera. “Initial demand for HERO is promising,” said Woodman, “and we expect it to improve as large retail partners like Target and Walmart begin selling the product in the second quarter.”

Though unit growth was up, GoPro saw a 7% year-on-year decrease in revenue. The company previously restructured multiple times to address its financial issues. In its latest financial announcement, the company said its GAAP operating expenses were reduced by 24% year-on-year.

Despite the drop in revenue versus its first quarter last year, GoPro still dominates in the US action camera market, saying it held 86% and 95% of the market share based on unit and dollar volume. “Our first quarter performance makes it clear that there is significant demand for GoPro, at the right price,” says Woodman.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Alpa Silex unit offers electronic control of Canon and Nikon lenses on digital medium-format backs

17 May

Swiss camera and adapter manufacturer Alpa has introduced a new device that allows Nikon and Canon users to mount some of their lenses on digital medium format backs and have access to aperture controls. The Alpa Silex control unit works with the company’s 12 series bodies and brings aperture control to electronically operated lenses from Canon and Nikon, as well as Contax, Hasselblad and Rollei. All Canon EF lenses can be controlled but only Nikon E lenses, with electromagnetic diaphragm mechanisms, will work.

With a Silex in place compatible lenses can be used to record images on a wide range of digital medium format backs. The A12 cameras accept digital backs of a variety of ages, so users don’t necessarily need the latest, and the image area will depend on the size of the sensor used and the covering circle of the lens. 

The Silex not only allows aperture adjustments but also AF control in most Hasselblad H, Canon EF and Nikon E lenses, and web access means the device can be handled remotely over a server.

Initially presented at Photokina 2016 the Alpa Silex is available now for $ 3600/CHF3355. For more information see the Alpa website.

Press release

The control unit ALPA Silex is a brand new, central element of ALPA’s extended modular photographic system. Photographers and soon even videographers will be able to combine ALPA cameras with digital backs of various manufacturers and lenses from Canon, Contax, Hasselblad, Nikon or Rollei. A variety of functions and operating modes are available to the user.

Handy and flexible – Silex is the Swiss pocket knife of the control units. Under this claim, ALPA presented the product at the Photokina 2016. The name Silex itself, however, goes much further back: it reminds us of the material for the all-purpose tools of the stone-age. ALPA Silex is the new all-purpose tool in the ALPA system. It can be used to convert any model of the classic ALPA-12 series into an electronic camera.

The basis for the development of ALPA Silex is the ALPA 12 FPS, introduced at Photokina 2012, with electronically controlled focal plane shutter. The integrated controller was separated as a standalone module and all functions except for the slot shutter were taken over. All known digital components from Hasselblad, Phase One / Leaf and Sinar can be synchronized and the electromechanical diaphragms of Canon EF, Contax, Hasselblad H, Nikon E and Rollei can be controlled. The leaf shutter in Hasselblad HC / HCD (up to 1/800s, “orange” line even up to 1/1000s) and Rollei 6000 (up to 1/500s) can be used, as well as the focus control of many of the lenses from Canon, Hasselblad H and Nikon E. The integrated web server allows remote control in networks without software installation. The future support of Sinar eShutter systems is already prepared.

Together with existing camera models from ALPA, the photographer can use a vast number of third party lenses and, depending on the available image circle, also perform shifts (shifting and stitching). In the future, our back-end adapters will also make it possible to use ALPA cameras for video recording in conjunction with the corresponding digital backs.

Available now:

  • The control unit ALPA Silex,
  • The electronic lens adapter (ELA),
  • As well as the ALPA lens module Hasselblad fix (HAF).
  • Also, immediately available for download is the latest firmware version 4.03, which makes all new functions of ALPA Silex also available for the ALPA 12 FPS. Free as always – as an investment in the ALPA system is sustainable and the term ‘planned obsolescence’ is alien to ALPA. Even if the environment changes, an ALPA will persist.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Metz mecablitz M400 compact wireless flash unit now available

06 Dec

German flash manufacturer Metz has launched a new compact sized flash unit that offers wireless TTL control and coverage to match 24-105mm lenses. First announced at Photokina, the Metz mecablitz M400 has a guide number of 40m/131ft at ISO 100 at the 105mm zoom setting, along with a tilt and swivel head for bouncing the light. The gun is compatible with Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax and Sony multi-interface cameras and offers TTL metering with each. All but the Fujifilm model will support wireless TTL flash as well, with the M400 being used either as a slave or commander in a group. A USB socket is provided for future firmware updates.

High speed sync mode is available, as is the choice of first and second curtain triggering, and 25 steps of manual control. The unit also has a 100 Lux/1m video light built-in that provides six stages of illumination.

The Metz mecablitz M400 is available now and costs $ 280/£122. For more information visit the Metz website.

Press Release

M400 launched by Metz

Compact and powerful flashgun

Metz has launched the mecablitz M400, a compact system flash suited to mirrorless system cameras and is ideal for any photographer or film-maker looking for a convenient, compact flash unit. It is available in Canon, Nikon, Micro FourThirds, Pentax, Sony and Fuji fittings.

Powered by four AAA sized NiMH, alkaline-magnesium or lithium batteries, the Metz mecablitz M400 has a zoom-swivel head covering a FOV range matching that of a full-frame 24-105mm lens, with a guide number of 40 (in metres at ISO 100/21°) at the 105mm position. Depending on your camera, the mecablitz M400 with master and slave mode also offers wireless TTL flash functionality. The M400 comes with an adjustable LED video/modelling light, bounce card and integrated wide-angle diffuser. Other highlights include high-speed flash synchronisation, second-curtain sync and red-eye reduction plus it can always be kept up-to-date via the USB interface for receiving firmware updates.

Features / Tech Spec:
High max. guide number 40m (131feet) for ISO100 and 105mm
Vertical (+90°) and horizontal (360°) bounce/swivel head
Clear OLED display
Integrated high-performance LED video light (100 Lux @ 1m)
Motorised zoom for 24–105mm illumination
Integrated wide-angle diffuser (12mm) & flip-out reflector card
Flash readiness indicator, correct exposure display on unit and on camera (camera dependent)
Flash range shown in OLED display
Automatic unit shut-off
Dimensions: (W x H x D) 65 x 92 x 87mm
Fittings available: Canon / Nikon / Fuji / Sony / Pentax / Olympus – Panasonic

Prices & Availability
Metz M400 Flashgun – all fittings. £121.99 inc VAT
Available immediately

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Godox launches mini radio flash unit for Sony mirrorless cameras

23 Nov

Flash and accessory manufacturer Godox has announced a new small flash unit that it says is designed to go with the Sony mirrorless range of cameras. The Godox TT350S features 2.4GHz radio control and TTL exposure metering, and offers a guide number of 36m@ISO 100. The company says that the unit is compatible with the Sony a7R II, a7R, as well as the a58 and a77ll SLT cameras. Some RX models are also able to pair with the unit.

The radio controlled system allows the TT350S to work alongside other Godox radio flash units and studio heads, and the flash can operate as a master or slave in multiple-head set-ups. Three groups are programmed into the control system along with 16 channels, while the maximum working range is said to be 30m. High speed sync is provided via an HSS mode that can work with shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 sec, and the unit can be switched from TTL to manual operation to make use of 22 output levels from 1/128th power. An automatically zooming head covers focal lengths of 24-105mm, and a hinge allows the head to tilt but not to swivel.

The TT350S is powered by two AA batteries which the company claims should be good for 210 full power bursts. There is no official pricing yet, but one UK ebay seller is offering pre-orders for £73 and says delivery is expected early January.

For more information about the TT350S visit the Godox website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Casio launches rugged EX-FR200 camera with detachable lens unit

06 Aug

Casio has announced a 360° camera that features a detachable lens unit and a mode that allows the body to control two cameras at the same time. The Casio EX-FR200 is equipped with a 1.35mm lens that offers a fisheye capture with the angle of view we’d expect from a 13.4mm lens on a 35mm film camera.

The lens can be used in four different modes to either capture a 180° 3888 x 3888 pixel fisheye spherical view, an unwrapped 360° 7456×1864 panorama, a super-wide 208° image or when combined with a second camera it can join two images shot in opposite directions to create a 360° ‘omni-directional’ image.

The camera consists of a body unit and a detachable lens/camera unit that can be used separated from the body, or folded for ‘normal’ shooting or selfie shooting while connected to the body.

Casio has also produced an accessory that mounts a pair of FR200 or FR100 lens units back-to-back so that they can shoot in both directions simultaneously to create images that can be merged in Casio’s Exilim Album app or Exilim 360 Viewer desktop software to form a navigable YouTube 360 Video file. The camera can also control dual lens units in sequence from different perspectives while pointed in the same direction.

The FR200 is waterproof, freeze-proof and drop resistant for use in tough environments, and communicates via Bluetooth 2.1 and Wi-Fi. The camera also has a 4K video function.

Beyond Japan it isn’t clear where the camera will be sold, but the company plans to make 5000 a month from the time it is released in mid-September.

For more information see the Casio press release (translated version).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nissin adds radio receiver unit to Air system for branded flash units

15 Mar

Flash manufacturer Nissin has announced it has produced a receiver unit for its NAS wireless flash communication system that allows flash units from Canon, Nikon and Sony to be used within its radio command structure. The new Air R units are designed to convert flashguns that usually rely on line-of-sight optical control when used off camera in a group to come under the company’s 2.4GHz radio network.

Once mounted into the hotshoe of the receiver flash units from Nissin and other brands compatible with Canon, Nikon or Sony systems can be controlled by either an Air transmitter from the hotshoe of the camera, or by a Nissin flash unit that features the Air commander mode – such as the new i60A.

The receiver is equipped with eight channels and can work in one of three groups. The system allows flash exposure compensation of +/-2EV and manual output from full to 1/128th power. The company says the NAS Air system has a range of 30m and supports high speed sync at shutter speeds of up to 1/8000sec. The Nissin Air R units will cost £59.94 or £109.98 with a Nissin Commander Air 1 transmitter.

For more information see the Nissin website or the Kenro website for an English version.

Nissin Air R Specifications:

Compatibility: For Nissin, Canon and Sony flashguns
Wireless system: Radio
Radio specifications: 2.4GHz ISM band
Channel: 8 channels. Auto or manual select
Flash groups: A, B, C (3 groups)
Power source: 2 AAA batteries (not included)
Guide number: Low GN mode / High GN mode (default)
Mode (set at NAS Commander): TTL, manual and manual zoom
EV Compensation on flash: (TTL) -2.0 – +2.0 in ½ EV increments (manual)
Each group can be adjusted independently or synchronised
Manual output: 8 steps of manual output 1/128, 1/64, 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1 – full power
Manual zoom: Manual adjustment 24 / 35 / 50 / 70 / 85 / 105 / 135 / 200mm
Continuous shooting speed: 10 shots per second
Number of flashes: Approx 5000
Transmission distance: Maximum 30 metres (dependent upon the environment)
High Speed Synchronisation: 1/8000 sec (controlled by NAS Commander)
External sync socket: Standard PC sync cable
Mode: TTL, N, M zoom, no setting is needed, all settings controlled from the NAS commander
Synchronisation modes: No setting is needed, controlled by NAS commander
Mounting: Built-in stand, cold shoe / 1/4” tripod bush
Dimensions: 60 (L) x 60 (W) x 50 (H) mm
Weight: 55g (excluding batteries)

Press release:

NISSIN LAUNCHES NEW RECEIVER AIR R RANGE 

Kenro Ltd, the specialist photographic and audio-visual equipment supplier, is delighted to announce the launch of a series of revolutionary new products from the Nissin Air System range.
 
Kenro is the exclusive UK distributor for Nissin, a market-leading producer of electronic flash units for photographers. Nissin has a history of developing innovative products with phenomenal quality standards, and the Nissin Receiver Air R is no exception.

The Receiver Air R is a game-changing new addition to the Nissin Air System (NAS) 2.4GHz radio transmission wireless flash system. Compared with the traditional optical wireless transmitters, 2.4GHz radio transmission is less susceptible to the usual issues caused by not having clear line of sight between transmitter and receiver, and provides coverage of up to 30 meters (98 feet). In addition, radio transmission ID technology gives each of the NAS-compatible devices a unique identity to prevent misfiring in the event of signal interference.

The Nissin Commander Air 1 was launched last year and has been very well-received by camera users all over the world – the Receiver Air R adds a new dimension of flexibility to this already popular product. Combined with the Nissin Commander Air 1, it allows a photographer to wirelessly control almost any kind of Nissin camera flash and original manufacturer’s flash in the current market with NAS and TTL & HSS support. Camera users who currently own a Canon, Sony or Nikon original flash will be able to make their existing flashes compatible with the Nissin Air System, utilising full TTL.

High Speed Sync up to 1/8000 seconds, zoom and manual power output can all be controlled wirelessly at a competitive price without giving up quality and reliability. What’s more, one Commander transmitter can control up to 21 separate Air R receivers, which can be programmed into three groups to give the camera user an almost limitless range of lighting options without having to spend precious time readjusting flashguns between shots.

Paul Kench, Managing Director, Kenro, says: “This is a great new addition to the Nissin Air System that will really open up the creative opportunities available to photographers and camera users and allow them to be much more flexible in their approach to lighting, without the need to replace all their existing kit. The Receiver Air R range expands the possibilities without breaking the bank.”

The Nissin Receiver Air R range is available now:
NFG014NR: Nissin Receiver Air R Nikon – SRP £59.94 inc. VAT
NFG014N/AP: Nissin Commander Air 1 + Receiver Air R Nikon – SRP £109.98 inc. VAT
NFG014SR: Nissin Receiver Air R Sony – SRP £59.94 inc. VAT
NFG014S/AP: Nissin Commander Air 1 + Receiver Air R Sony – SRP £109.98 inc. VAT
NFG014CR: Nissin Receiver Air R Canon – SRP £59.94 inc. VAT
NFG014C/AP: Nissin Commander Air 1 + Receiver Air R Canon – SRP £109.98 inc. VAT

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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