360Photography

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  • Alien Skin Exposure X2 launches with several new tools and Exposure Bundle

    Alien Skin has announced the launch of Exposure X2, the second iteration of its non-destructive photo editor and organizer. The company has added several features to its latest version of Exposure, some of which have been frequently requested by users, including faded presets, a spot healing tool, metadata search and a history panel. An updated Exposure Bundle is also available, bringing with it Alien Skin’s Blow Up, Exposure and Snap Art apps.

    As expected, the new spot healing tool enables users to quickly fix small imperfections in photos without opening a separate photo editor; the tool supports both healing and cloning. The faded presets, meanwhile, are customizable and add a hazy look to images. The history panel tracks any changes you make to your images, and the metadata search, of course, enables searches based on various criteria including the camera used, shutter speed, ISO and more.

    Alien Skin Exposure X2 is available now for $ 149 for new customers, and $ 100 for existing Exposure X owners. The Exposure X2 Bundle is higher at $ 199 for new customers, or $ 119 for existing customers who need the upgrade.

    Via: Alien Skin

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Xiaomi Mi 5s and Mi 5s Plus offer high-end camera specs and ultrasonic fingerprint reader

    Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has launched two new high-end devices today, which in terms of specification and product naming, are squarely aimed at Apple’s recently launched iPhone 7 models. 

    The Mi 5s is the smaller of the two new devices, featuring a 5.15″ force-sensitive 1080p display and a 3,200 mAh battery in a fully metallic body. The camera specification can compete with some of the current best Android smartphones. Sony’s 1/2.3-inch IMX378 CMOS sensor offers the same large 1.55um pixel pitch as the predecessor IMX 377 that is used in the Google Nexus 6P or HTC 10. It comes with on-sensor phase-detection and is combined with an F2.0 aperture, a dual-tone LED flash, auto HDR and 4K video recording at 30 fps. The front camera is less exciting, offering a 4-megapixel sensor with F2.0 aperture and an 80-degree wide-angle lens. Xiaomi has published a sample gallery on its website.

    The Android OS is powered by Qualcomm’s latest top-end Snapdragon 821 chipset, up to 4GB of RAM and 128G internal storage. Another highlight is the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that is located underneath the front glass. The ultrasonic technology eliminates the need for cutting a hole into the glass and, according to Xiaomi, works better with dirty fingers than capacitive versions. In China the Mi 5s can pre-ordered on September 29th for approximately $ 300 for the base model with 64GB storage and 3GB RAM. The high-end version with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage will set you back $ 345.
    The larger Mi 5s Plus comes with a 5.7″ display but no force-sensitivity and a conventional fingerprint reader on the back. On the plus side it has a bigger 3,800 mAh battery and a 13-megapixel dual-camera. The latter works in a similar way to the version in the Huawei P9, combining images from a color and BW sensor for improved detail and dynamic range. Both cameras use Sony’s 1/3.06 IMX258 sensor. The Mi 5s Plus will cost you approximately $ 345 for the model with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. A premium model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage will be available for about $ 390. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony announces price and release date for FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS

    Sony has released information regarding the availability and price of its delayed 70-200mm GM lens for its E-mount system. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS was originally supposed to arrive in June or July this year, but the company announced it would be delayed until this month. The good news is that the lens will become available for sale on September 30th, but the bad news is that those orders could take up to three months to fulfill as Sony expects the lens to popular and that demand will out-strip supply for some time.

    Sony has also said that the 2x converter that goes with the lens will be on sale at the same time, while the 1.4x model can be ordered at the end of October.

    The company displays prices of 330,000 yen (approx $ 3300) for the lens and 70,000 yen (approx $ 700) for the 2x and 1.4x converter, though retailers are advertising the lens for the $ 2600/£2500 originally quoted.

    For more information see the Sony website or see the translated version of the announcement.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DJI goes portable with the Mavic Pro

    DJI just announced the release of their ultra portable consumer drone: the Mavic Pro. The Mavic offers a number of interesting features including the ability to track and follow its user, which is something that the GoPro Karma that was just released last week cannot do. It also has the same obstacle avoidance and tracking modes that can be found on the DJI Phantom 4 – features the Karma lacks.

    The Mavic can fly at speeds up to 40MPH in ‘sport’ mode and can remain stable flying in winds up to 24MPH. The Mavic films in 4K/30p or 1080p at 96fps, and has a battery life of around 27 minutes of continuous flight time. On board the drone is a 12MP camera on a three-axis gimbal that can focus as close as 48cm/19in. The Mavic Pro offers DNG Raw shooting, and DJI claims that thanks to its gimbal design, it’s possible to shoot 2-second-long exposures from the air. A Tripod Mode is included that enables finer camera angle and position adjustments so you can frame your selfie just right.

    Also of note is the Mavic Pro’s updated ActiveTrack mode that is trained to identify objects like people, cars and animals and can follow, circle or lead in front of its subject. 

    The Mavic Pro’s controller has seen a design change from previous DJI controllers and it now sports a smaller design that features the ability to clip your phone right on the bottom of the unit. If you don’t want to use the controller, the drone can be controlled with on-screen joysticks right from your smartphone.

    DJI also announced the debut of a brand new product that will allow for in flight viewing experiences called DJI Goggles. The goggles were specially designed for aerial first-person view (FPV) applications but the DJI Goggles also allow you to flick between third person view and FPV in under a second. You can comfortably wear your glasses while wearing the goggles and quit FPV mode instantly by flipping the mask up. The goggles display an 85-degree view from the drone in full 1080p for a true bird’s-eye view perspective of the world below. With built-in OcuSync, the goggles receive video directly from Mavic Pro in the air and not through the controller which reduces lag and allows you to share the in-flight view with a friend. 

    The Mavic Pro’s U.S. retail price will be $ 999 with the remote controller included, and $ 749 without the remote controller. Additional Mavic Pro Intelligent Flight Batteries will cost $ 89. A Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, which includes a Mavic Pro, two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, extra propellers, a charging hub, an adapter, a car charger and a shoulder bag, will be available for $ 1,299. It will begin shipping October 15th.

    DJI Revolutionizes Personal Flight With New Mavic Pro Drone

    Small Size And Folding Design Make Mavic Pro Perfect For Wherever You Go

    September 27, 2016 – DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial technology, Tuesday revolutionized personal flight by introducing Mavic Pro – a portable, powerful and easy-to-use drone featuring DJI’s most innovative flight technology in a sleek, foldable package that enables creative fun wherever you go.

    Mavic Pro is DJI’s first personal drone designed to be taken just about anywhere. Small enough to toss in a bag and easy enough to launch quickly whenever the time and place are right, its unique folding design compresses the entire drone to practically the size of a water bottle.

    The compact body of Mavic Pro holds a drone built for uncompromising performance. Equipped with a stabilized 4K camera and a visual navigation system, with a 4.3 mile (7 km) range and 27 minute flight time, Mavic Pro sets the new standard for compact drones.

    “DJI has spent a decade making it easier for anyone to fly, and by rethinking everything about how a drones look, we have created an entirely new type of aerial platform for anyone to explore their creativity,” said Frank Wang, DJI’s CEO and founder.

    “Mavic Pro is a technological triumph filled with features that once again show how DJI leads the industry. Most importantly, Mavic Pro allows you to reach the skies easily, see the world with new eyes and tell your stories like never before.”

    Mavic Pro is designed to be ultra portable and quick to launch so it can take to the skies as soon as you need it. With four folding arms and propellers that tuck neatly away against its streamlined body, it can be easily carried in a purse or backpack, saving you the trouble of mounting propellers before a flight. It can be operated by the powerful long range remote controller, or simply by your smartphone at shorter range. When controlled by a smartphone, the whole system can be set up and airborne in less than a minute to capture every key moment.

    Unparalleled Flight Experience

    DJI’s commitment to unparalleled stability, maneuverability and safety is clear in Mavic Pro’s new FlightAutonomy system. FlightAutonomy is Mavic Pro’s brain and nervous system, a complex network of hardware and software consisting of five cameras, GPS and GLONASS navigation systems, a pair of ultrasonic range finders, redundant sensors and 24 powerful computing cores.

    FlightAutonomy can position, navigate and plan routes for Mavic Pro, enabling it to avoid obstacles in various environments, with or without the help of satellite signals. FlightAutonomy provides a significant boost in working range and can cope with complex 3D environments. For navigation and obstacle avoidance, FlightAutonomy provides a superb speed-range envelope to make Mavic Pro self-navigational in various intelligent flight modes, and will avoid most obstacles at speeds up to 22 mph (36 kph).

    An ultra light and aerodynamic airframe, together with DJI’s state-of-the-art propulsion and battery system, enables Mavic Pro to fly for up to 27 minutes. To experience the pure joy of flying, Mavic Pro can be switched to Sport Mode, which allows speeds of up to 40 mph (64.8 kph), increasing the drone’s agility and responsiveness. Mavic Pro flies smoothly and will remain stable in winds of up to 24 mph (38.5 kph), and uses DJI’s GEO geofencing system to help identify restricted areas, preventing flight in locations that might raise safety or security concerns automatically, and helping pilots make smarter decisions about when and where to fly.

    As with all DJI drones, Mavic Pro is set to automatically return to its launch location if it ever loses contact with the controller or reaches critically low battery levels. The new Precision Landing feature records a burst of video with two stereo cameras every time Mavic Pro launches, then uses both video and satellite information when it returns to land within an inch of where it took off. If a pilot lets go of the controls, the drone will simply hover in place.

    Advanced Stabilized Camera System

    Mavic Pro’s small size is packed with powerful features. DJI’s advanced technology now includes our smallest-ever three-axis gimbal for shake-free photos and video. The autofocus camera features a minimum focusing distance of just 19 in (0.5 m) and can be flipped 90 degrees to portrait mode for vertical selfies and video. Mavic Pro records 4K video at 30fps and full 1080p HD at 96fps. Its 12-megapixel camera with Adobe DNG RAW support has been expertly tuned for aerial images. With the help of the high-precision gimbal, you can confidently shoot 2-second-long exposures in the air to get the most jaw-dropping aerial images.

    New Remote and Live View Performance

    A revolutionary new compact remote controller has been designed to provide a fully ergonomic experience with optimum comfort, and can accommodate a smartphone or control Mavic Pro on its own. Its built-in LCD screen displays essential telemetry data, while dedicated buttons for functions such as Return-to-Home and pausing during Intelligent Flight modes ensure a confident flight every single time. The video link system, OcuSync, represents new heights in DJI’s communication technology. It supports a range up to 4.3 miles (7 km) and live view resolutions up to 1080p.

    The new band management algorithm makes OcuSync more robust in environments with many frequencies in operation. Mavic Pro is equipped with dual-band WiFi as a secondary link, allowing easy control via your smartphone for close range operation or for quick downloading of content from Mavic Pro straight to your device.

    Most Intelligent Drone Ever

    The powerful systems inside Mavic Pro are easy to use, even for beginners. Using just your phone’s touchscreen, you can use TapFly to direct Mavic Pro to go wherever you want, avoiding obstacles along the way. When you want to take a hands-free selfie, FlightAutonomy makes it possible to control the drone completely with just your gestures.

    In Gesture mode, you can use gestures to have Mavic Pro locate you, center you in the frame and take the perfect shot as Mavic Pro’s flashing lights count down to the photo. Sharing your best aerial moments has never been easier with live streaming to Facebook Live, Periscope and YouTube through the DJI GO app.

    An updated version of DJI’s ActiveTrack recognizes common subjects such as people, bicyclists, cars, boats and animals, which then sends Mavic Pro to follow behind, lead in front, circle above or track alongside the subject, keeping the camera focused on the subject while you concentrate on flight maneuvers. The new Terrain Follow mode means that you can race up a slope behind a subject while remaining at a constant height between 1 ft (0.3 m) and 33 ft (10 m).

    At the other extreme, the new Tripod Mode is designed for indoor use, slowing and fine-tuning Mavic Pro’s position and angle based on controller movement inputs to allowing for precision framing and safe indoor flight.

    Immerse Yourself

    Mavic Pro also pairs with DJI’s new immersive DJI Goggles, displaying an 85-degree view from the drone in full 1080p for a true bird’s-eye view of the world below. With built-in OcuSync, the goggles receive video directly from Mavic Pro in the air and not through the controller, reducing lag to a minimum – and allowing you to share the in-flight view with a friend.

    Specially designed for aerial first-person view (FPV) applications, DJI Goggles allows you to flick between third person view and FPV in under a second. You can comfortably wear your glasses while wearing the goggles and quit FPV mode instantly by flipping the mask up.

    Price and Availability

    Mavic Pro’s U.S. retail price will be $ 999 with the remote controller included, and $ 749 without the remote controller. Additional Mavic Pro Intelligent Flight Batteries will cost $ 89. A Mavic Pro Fly More Combo, which includes a Mavic Pro, two extra Intelligent Flight Batteries, extra propellers, a charging hub, an adapter, a car charger and a shoulder bag, will be available for $ 1,299.

    Mavic Pro is immediately available for pre-order at dji.com/mavic and will begin shipping October 15. It will also be available in mid-October at DJI’s three flagship stores in Shenzhen, Seoul and Hong Kong. Mavic Pro can also be ordered on Apple.com and will be available in Apple Stores in early November.

    DJI Care Refresh

    A new optional protection plan, DJI Care Refresh, is available in select countries and provides peace of mind for Mavic Pro owners. DJI Care Refresh covers accidental damage to the Mavic Pro aircraft, gimbal or camera during normal use for up to 12 months, and for an additional charge will offer up to two full replacements that are new or equivalent to new. DJI Care Refresh is available for $ 99 before a new Mavic Pro is activated, or within the first 48 hours after activation.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Adam Najberg, DJI Global Communication Director – pr@dji.com

    About DJI

    DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI’s global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries. 

    For more information, visit our website: www.dji.com

    Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJI

    Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal

    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/DJI

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photokina 2016 interview: Ricoh aims for visual revolution

    The Pentax 645Z might be large compared to the mirrorless medium format cameras announced at the show, but look at the effect of that viewfinder on Carey’s face.

    ‘Visual Revolution’ is the concept that links Ricoh’s Theta 360 degree camera to its Pentax K-1 DSLR and the arrival of competition only serves to grow the market, the company says.

    We spoke to Kazunobu Saiki, Senior Management and Group Leader, Marketing Section, Visual Revolution Business Development and Yutaka Takada, General Manager, Business Management Department, Global Sales and Marketing Division. Saiki started by explaining the company’s philosophy when it comes to imaging.

    ‘We don’t see the Pentax business and products like the Theta as separate concepts, we group them together under a business group called ‘Visual Revolution.’ We believe the K-1 is a visual revolution within the frame, whether this is in terms of high resolution, the really nice hand feeling or Pixel Shift Resolution.

    The Pentax K-1 has been receiving positive feedback both from established Pentax users and photographers who aren’t invested in the K-mount.

    Another visual revolution could be beyond the frame. Both are different but both can help users to enjoy some new creativity. That’s why Ricoh governs both areas as one business group.’

    Mr. Saiki seems to be in a bullish mood, buoyed by the market response to the K-1. ‘The reaction to the K-1 has been beyond our expectations,’ he says: ‘not only in terms of sales but also in the words we’re hearing from users. We believe we can revive Pentax as the leading company for DSLRs. We’ve had lots of feedback from non Pentax users, who wanted to be able to enjoy our FA Limited lenses. That’s nice feedback to have.’

    “We believe we can revive Pentax as the leading company for DSLRs”

    This response validates the company’s commitment to the system, he says: ‘In terms of developing the system, we have a lens roadmap and we plan to release some single focal length D-FA lenses. We know some users want to have D-FA Limited lenses and we’re listening to their voices.’

    But the Visual Revolution business isn’t just focused on established technologies. Ricoh hopes to capitalize on its early entry into the market for 360 degree capture devices. ‘We believe we are a pioneer of 360,’ says Saiki: ‘If we compare to two years ago, the move to the Theta S has seen business grow to something like triple. Now in 2016 we have several new entrants to the market, but we’re really happy to get competition. That will grow the market itself.’

    They’re already starting to see the impact of this increased interest in 360 content: ‘The VR market has really started now, and the Theta is a one-shot VR camera. At the moment, the majority of people enjoy the content that’s provided for them, but with the Theta they can create their own content with one shot. It’s in good harmony with VR development and we expect rapid growth for 360 market, including Theta.’

    The Theta, now on its third iteration, faces increased competition but its capability and form-factor remain unique.

    The company is confident that the Theta is the right product for the market: ‘When we’ve done our evaluations, we’re told one of the top features is the form factor. It’s very different from all competitors models including newly released ones or any of the earlier released ones we’ve seen. It has the advantage of being small, so it’s always with the user. It can also create a 360 image in a single shot, so it’s quick and simple. Because of this, we’ve applied the same form factor to the first, second and now third generation, the Theta S.’

    The current Theta model offers both stills and video but its users are already demanding more: ‘we’ve been listening to the customers voice and after Theta S they’re telling us they want 4K video, HDR and easy live streaming. In today’s form factor this is difficult but this is what they want. They want to enjoy video and high resolution images, too. Most likely we need to develop our product to catch up, technologically.’

    ‘The Theta S’s still image is more than 4K but the video is 1080 for the entire 360 degree scene. For video customers they require more quality.’ But this is hard, Saiki says: ‘The technology for compression and data transfer have not caught up to allow end users to capture VR in 4K. We need to develop 4K and beyond. This means processing a huge data and this requires heating management in a small and slim body of this form factor. But we want to be the leader in the industry so we’re very busy trying to reply to these needs.’

    As well as responding to customer demands, the company says it’s also been trying expand what can be done with the content its devices produce. ‘In order to enjoy and share 360 images/videos, we had needed to have a lot of platforms. Thanking to Google, FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram and others, Theta users can enjoy instant sharing of their works. Also we provide the applications Theta + and Theta + Video for editing and posting on FaceBook, Instagram and so on.’

    “We think the challenge is not just connectivity but the management and storage, too”

    This isn’t Ricoh’s only work in the area of content sharing, though. ‘One of the key issues is the number of pictures our audience takes. It’s only getting bigger and the size of their images are getting bigger,’ says Saiki.

    ‘These days we need instant action. Before we had to wait maybe one week to get our prints back. Now it’s maybe a couple of seconds. We think the challenge is not just the connectivity but the management and storage (probably in the cloud), is very important, too.’

    ‘The cloud side can play a role. These two [connectivity and the cloud] can provide a new era of visuals. Ricoh acquired Eye-Fi’s cloud service, and this is one step to creating new solutions of communication and storage. Not just from the point of view of taking pictures but from the back end as well.’

    The 645Z’s weather sealing and lens options (both current and planned) are part of its appeal, the company says.

    The 360 market isn’t the only area in which Ricoh faces new rivals. Photokina saw the announcement that Fujifilm will introduce a digital medium format system and for many it was also the first opportunity to see Hasselblad’s X1D camera. Yutaka Takada doesn’t seem too worried, though: ‘We could enjoy success in the medium format market,’ he says: ‘Fujifilm coming to our market shows that it still has potential to grow. Like the Theta, having competition is a great chance to develop the medium format market as a whole. Our advantage is that we have plenty of lenses in our lineup and on our roadmap, which helps convince customers to join medium format. 645Z has great image quality but it’s also weather sealed. People can use it in outside situations. This is very much the DNA of Pentax cameras.’

    “Having competition is a great chance to develop the medium format market as a whole”

    ‘All these are under one business unit to provide visual innovation. We want to give surprise and astonish with innovation.’

    And, having discussed the Pentax K-1, 645Z and Theta, we wanted to check whether the company still has time for models such as the GR. Absolutely, says Saiki: ‘Ricoh GR is one of our most important premium cameras. We want to reassure our GR lovers that the series will continue.’

    Might that extend to GRs with other focal lengths? ‘It depends,’ says Saiki: ‘we know we really appeal. We have so many GR lovers, it’s a very emotional attachment. That’s why we need to listen to customers about where we should go.’

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Photokina 2016 wrap-up

    Photokina is without question the biggest photography show in the world, and as such, the venue at which manufacturers routinely showcase their biggest and most exciting releases. We were on the ground in Cologne, Germany before the show even began to bring you the most in-depth content we could write on the most important innovations we could find.

    But now that Photokina has come and gone, we’ve had some time to reminisce over everything we saw in and among the development announcements, tech briefings and even just while wandering the halls of the Koelnmesse. So in case you just can’t get enough of Photokina content, come join Richard Butler, Barney Britton, and even cameraman Carey Rose for a few pints and a few thoughts on how this year’s show went.

    Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find in the video:

    • Our favorite new cameras we got to try
    • A discussion on the problem of heat dissipation (which Richard has claimed, quite wrongly, to be the nerdiest thing he’s ever said)
    • Small sensors versus large sensors
    • No-compromise third-party lenses
    • And of course, some continuity errors regarding the quantity of beer glasses moving about on the table

    Thanks for following our Photokina 2016 coverage this year! We can’t wait to see what Photokina 2018 will bring.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Snapchat unveils Spectacles, a pair of sunglasses with an integrated camera

    Snapchat unveiled its first hardware product over the weekend, a pair of sunglasses with a built-in camera called ‘Spectacles.’ With the new product comes a new company name: Snap Inc. The name change, Snap explains, is directly tied to the launch of Spectacles. With the product, Snap has become more than a company centered around the Snapchat app, and the new name reflects this expanded focus. 

    The sunglasses feature a built-in wireless video camera that records circular videos with a 115-degree ‘human perspective’ field of view. The glasses also include an integrated battery able to sustain a day’s worth of recording on a charge, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for shuttling content from the device to the user’s smartphone and, specifically, the Snapchat app.

    According to the Wall Street Journal, the sunglasses feature a button near the hinge to initiate recording, which happens for up to 10-second durations. The publication also states the glasses will be priced at $ 129.99 ‘with limited distribution’ and a slow rollout as the company tests the waters.

    Spectacles will be offered in teal, black and coral, but no other official details have been provided at this time. Snap says Spectacles will be available ‘soon.’

    Via: Snap, Inc.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Google algorithm can caption images with 93.9 % accuracy

    Anyone who manages a large image library knows how important keywording and captioning are for categorizing and keeping things searchable. They also know how time-consuming these tasks can be. That’s where artificial intelligence may be able to lend a hand though, and the updated version of Google’s trainable ‘Show and Tell’ algorithm, which has just been made open source, is now capable of describing the contents of an image with an impressive 93.9% accuracy.

    Google’s model generates a new captions by using concepts learned from pre-captioned images in the training set.

    According to an article on the Google Research Blog the updated algorithm is faster to train and produces more detailed descriptions. The Google researchers trained ‘Show and Tell’ by showing it pre-captioned images of a specific scene to teach it to accurately caption similar scenes without any human help. By making ‘Show and Tell’ open source Google aims to promote research in the field of image recognition.

    After the update the image model is now capable of providing more detailed descriptions and more likely to include color descriptions.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Manfrotto launches Pro Light Reloader 55 carry-on roller case for kit-heavy travelers

    Bag and accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has announced a new roller case that has enough space for three DSLR bodies and eight lenses, which is designed to meet carry-on limits for most airlines. The Pro Light Reloader 55 is suitable for stills and video equipment and can hold a gripped DSLR with a 400mm F2.8 lens still attached and can also be re-arranged to fit lights.

    The external 55 x 35 x 23cm/21.65 x 13.78 x 9.06in dimensions are said to make the case acceptable on ‘most’ airlines as cabin baggage and the bag with its dividers weighs just under 11lb. A fold-away rain protector is included and the rip-stop nylon of the outer has been coated to make it water repellent. Internal dividers are adjustable and Manfrotto has included laptop and tablet pouches that are separate from the main kit compartment so that they can be taken out without having to open the whole case.

    The Pro Light Reloaded has large user-changeable wheels and will retail at $ 359.99/299.95
    For more information see the Manfrotto website.

    Press release

    MANFROTTO PRESENTS: Pro Light Reloader-55
    YOUR FAVOURITE CABIN SIZE PHOTO ROLLER

    The new solution for the travelling professional:

    • International carry-on size roller bag for photo and video cameras
    • Fits gripped DSLR with attached 400/2.8 or 200-400/4 or 500/4 (detached)
    • Fully customizable dividers also fit Canon C100 w/ light stands inside
    • Manfrotto Camera Protection System absorbs shock and safeguards equipment
    • TSA-approved combination zipper lock
    • Strong, wear-resistant, weather-resistant protection
    • Comfortable handle, high-mileage replaceable wheel system

    Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, presents the Pro Light Reloader – 55 Photo Roller bag, the new carry-on size camera roller designed to give professional photographers and videographers a highly protective, comfortable and stylish bag to travel and work with.

    The Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader-55 is built to carry typical pro DSLR camera sets (e.g. 3 bodies with 8 lenses), super-tele DSLR sets (e.g. 1 body with 400mm f/2.8 lens attached and 3 more lenses) & camcorder with lighting set (e.g. disassembled Canon C100 with 2 light kits).

    Fitting the standard for carry-on luggage for most airlines, it gives professionals the peace of mind of having their most valuable possessions near them at all times. When it’s time to shoot, the roller becomes a workstation, with gear and accessories visible and in easy reach.

    The low profile design handle securely holds the bag, leaving more space for the kit. Inside the fully customizable Manfrotto Camera Protection System dividers provide shock absorption and vibration reduction with all configurations – from full day photo or video shoots to intercontinental assignments – or a personal photography adventure on the go.

    The outside of the bag is made of high quality, water-repellent Pro Light Rip-Stop nylon fabric, ensuring reliable protection from external shock & extreme weather conditions.
    The corners & bottom of the bag are carefully designed to resist wear. Large 84mm wheels ensure comfort and extensive mileage, and users can easily replace them when needed. A built-in TSA-approved combination zipper lock ensures a hassle-free travel experience through TSA partner airports.

    The Pro Light Reloader-55 features independent padded pockets for 17” laptop & 10” tablet outside the equipment compartment, so they can quickly be taken out at security without opening the main zipper. The bag also carries a tripod and comes with a rain cover to keep its contents dry in the rainy season.

    The Pro Light Reloader 55 is priced at £299.95.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Reader’s poll results: What was the most exciting announcement of Photokina?

    What’s been the most exciting announcement of Photokina?

    Every two years people flock to Cologne to find out what’s next in the world of photography. This year we’ve seen some announcements that left us very excited, but we wanted to know what you, our readers, think of what’s come out of the show this year. So we asked: what’s been the most exciting announcement of Photokina? With more than 5,000 votes counted, we have a pretty good idea.

    Winner: Fujifilm GFX 50S development

    Winning by a margin as big as its sensor is the announcement of the development of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and a selection of lenses to go along with it. Built around the 51.4MP 43.8 x 32.9mm sensor that is found in the Pentax 645Z and Hasselblad X1D-50c medium-format cameras, it lays claim to being the world’s first medium format mirrorless camera with a focal plane shutter. While Hasselblad stuck with leaf shutters built in to the lens, which is common in the medium-format world, Fujifilm claims using a focal plane shutter has allowed them to design a short flange back distance in to their new lenses, helping vignetting and sharpening.

    There’s loads more to the new system, which you can learn more about in the official announcement, or our hands-on article.

    Runner up: Olympus E-M1 II development

    Trailing on the heels of the big Fujifilm with nearly 1,000 votes is the much smaller, but arguably a much more powerful, Olympus E-M1 II. Sure, the 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor isn’t nearly as big, but this one has been tricked out with all sorts of technology.

    First, it gains an array of 121 cross-type AF on-sensor phase detection points spread further than its predecessor. The new autofocus system and sensor work alongside the new dual quad core TruePic VIII Image Processor with four CPU cores and four image processing cores that achieve image processing speeds approximately 3.5 times faster than the TruePic VII Processor.

    That means this little powerhouse can shoot Raw continuously at 18fps with continuous autofocus and auto exposure, or 60fps without autofocus. This all on top of a slew of other improvements, which you can learn more about in the announcement or our hands-on articles.

    Runner up: Sony a99 II

    Third place in our Photokina poll comes as no surprise, as it helped shed some light around the fate of Sony’s Alpha mount cameras. The Sony a99 II answers prayers with a 42MP BSI sensor from the Sony a7R II, complete with its 399 on-sensor PDAF points. These work in conjunction with the 79-point dedicated PDAF sensor to create what Sony calls ‘Hybrid Cross AF points.’ The a99 also receives an a-mount first: 5-axis in body image stabilization that should provide up to 4.5 stops of stability.

    The improvements don’t stop there. Read the official announcement or look at our hands-on article for more information.

    Runner up: Canon EOS M5

    Another product our readers are excited about is Canon’s latest mirrorless camera: the EOS M5. It gains features fans of the EOS-M lineup have been begging for, namely an EVF and a sensor equipped with Canon’s marvelous Dual Pixel Autofocus system. What results is a small and responsive camera with a touch screen, digital image stabilization for video, and all sorts of other goodies.

    For more information, check out the announcement or our First Impressions Review.

    Runner up: Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art

    The Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art edged into the top five by just a single vote, and it’s easy to understand why our readers are excited about it – they’ve been waiting a while for this one. Starting with the 35mm F1.4 Art, Sigma started producing an excellent lineup of zooms and F1.4 prime lenses. After the 35 they made a 50, after which people logically assumed an 85 would come. Instead we got a 24mm F1.4, then an industry-first 20mm F1.4, which are both wonderful lenses.

    Finally, they’ve focused all their optical prowess in to producing what they’ve billed as ‘The Ultimate Portrait Lens’, with a (de) focus on bokeh quality, and an improved AF motor. Our polls indicate that this is a lens many people cannot wait any longer to try, us included.

    Honerable mention: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 development

    It only missed the top five readers’ picks by one vote, and while we only got a look at the new GH5 under glass at the show, Panasonic was able to provide us with some drool-worthy specs and capabilities of their upcoming flagship. It will offer 4K/60p capability for the first time in a consumer ILC, and will provide 4:2:2 10-bit 4K video. The GH5 will also provide a 6K Photo mode that will extract 18MP stills from burst footage, or 8MP stills from 60p 4K clips. These impressive specs are enough to keep us eagerly waiting for the GH5’s arrival.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)