In Focus: January/February 2015

CANON EOS 7D Mark II
Featuring a new 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 6 Image Processors, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers an ISO range of 100-16,000 (51,200 expanded), as well as a quick burst rate of 10 fps for 31 RAW/1090 Large Fine JPEGs consecutively. The camera presents Canon’s first 65-point all cross-type AF system combined with improved Intelligent Tracking Recognition (introduced with the EOS-1D X), making cross-frame subject tracking possible—perfect for the action still shooter. The 7D Mark II still provides the 1080p full HD video capabilities we now expect from a DSLR, with slow-motion capture ability and optional embedded time code, recording to .MOV and .MP4 formats and offering uncompressed external recording through the mini-HDMI port. Optional settings for Peripheral Illumination Correction, Chromatic Aberration Correction and now Distortion Correction for EF and EF-S lenses can be turned on for both still and video shooting. The Intelligent View Finder provides 100% field of view, a silent shutter mode offers quiet still shooting, and the AE system can detect flickering light sources and auto adjust for consistent exposure and color. List Price: $1,799 (body only); $2,199 (kit with EF-S 18-135mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 IS STM). Contact: Canon, www.usa.canon.com.

HERO4 BLACK EDITION
GoPro has added power, speed and functionality to the HERO4 Black edition. Incorporating a new processor, the action cam delivers sharper detail and offers customizable exposure settings up to 30 seconds in Night Photo and Night Lapse modes. An Auto LowLight mode also changes frame rates to match lighting conditions. The camera is equipped to handle 4K30, 2.7K50 and 1080p120 frame rates ready for slow-motion shots. While recording video, the HiLight Tag function gives the opportunity to mark key moments so you can skip to them in playback for quick editing. A new audio system features a microphone with increased dynamic range, and the camera is now compatible with several professional external mics. WiFi and Bluetooth let you connect to the GoPro App and Smart Remote, and Protune is now available for both still photos and video footage. List Price: $499. Contact: GoPro, gopro.com.

G-SPEED STUDIO XL
G-Technology has expanded the external hard drive Studio Line with the G-SPEED Studio XL. The 8-bay system uses 7200 rpm hard drives for up to a 1350 MB/s speed. The system is user-configurable for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 and 60, keeping 4K workflow in mind. It’s easily daisy-chained to additional drives using dual Thunderbolt 2 ports. Perfect for high-performance workstations, the G-SPEED Studio XL also includes an integrated cooling system. Estimated Street Price: $3,599 (24 TB); $4,599 (32 TB); $5,499 (40 TB); $5,999 (48 TB); $6,999 (64 TB). Contact: G-Technology, www.g-technology.com.

NIKON D750
Nikon has introduced the D750 with a 24.3-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor. Including the EXPEED 4 Image Processing Engine, the camera has an ISO range of 100-12,800 (50-51,200 extended) with a 51-point AF system. The Advanced Multi-CAM 3500 II AF tracks quick-moving sports and wildlife at a 6.5 fps burst rate. With the same full HD video features as the D810, the D750 has full manual control with Power Aperture for smooth transitions between adjustments. Recording can be done with dual SD cards or to HDMI output. For ease with shooting angles and video viewing, the D750 is Nikon’s first FX-format DSLR with a tilting Vari-Angle 3.2-inch, 1229K-dot LCD screen. It’s also the first Nikon DSLR with built-in WiFi for remote use with your smartphone or tablet. List Price: $2,299 (body only). Contact: Nikon, www.nikonusa.com.

QUADCOPTER CASE CONVERSION
Easily convert the Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator backpack into a DJI Phantom 2 case using the Phantom 2 Quadcopter Divider Kit. The adjustable, high-density, closed-cell foam dividers have been specifically designed for the drone’s unique shape and accessories, accommodating a 7-inch HDMI LCD monitor on a Devlcam Camera-Top, a WiFi range extender, spare rotors, a charger and extra batteries. The kit includes rotor mount thread protectors and is water-resistant. List Price: $34. Contact: Think Tank Photo,www.thinktankphoto.com.

---

NX1 SMART CAMERA
The flagship Samsung NX1 SMART camera combines high-quality still images and video with flexible connectivity in a compact size. The 28-megapixel Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor gathers more light than other sensors and works together with the NX AF System III autofocus system to boast 205 Phase Detection AF points covering over 90% of the frame. The DRIMe V Image Processor and Adaptive Noise Reduction technology provide accurate color reproduction and clear detail. This system provides 15 fps shooting speed with subject tracking. The NX1 includes the HEVC codec (H.265) and supports 4K video shooting directly to a memory card. Samsung has expanded NFC and WiFi, now including Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity. Photo Beam technology transfers images through touching devices together without additional configuration. The Mobile Link function transfers images to four devices at once, and Auto Share automatically uploads images to a mobile device. A Remote Viewfinder Pro function provides manual setting and zoom control via a smartphone. List Price: $1,499 (body only). Contact: Samsung, www.samsung.com.

MAMIYA LEAF CREDO 50
Mamiya Leaf has announced the new Leaf Credo 50. Using the Sony 50-megapixel CMOS sensor system combined with an improved image processor, the Leaf Credo 50 offers improved Live View performance with selective focus on the 3.2-inch LCD touch-screen display or a computer monitor with Capture One software. The ISO ranges from 100-6400, and the camera shoots images from 1.2 frames per second up to hour-long exposures for full creative freedom. It also provides a 14-stop dynamic range with 14-bit RAW files. List Price: $26,995 (back only); $30,995 (full system). Contact: Mamiya Leaf, www.mamiyaleaf.com.

CAPTURE ONE PRO 8
Known for tethered capture ability, a customizable workspace and high-quality image conversion, Phase One has added new features with Capture One Pro version 8 while also updating purchase options. Capture One Pro 8 now includes a Clone & Heal repair tool, as well as a new Film Grain tool to simulate analog film. The Local Adjustment has been expanded to include features such as local White Balance. Workflow transitions between Capture One and Lightroom/Aperture have been smoothed. In addition to the outright purchase of the current software option, Phase One now includes a monthly subscription option allowing access across all software updates. List Price: $299 or $10/month. Contact: Phase One, www.phaseone.com/pro.

SIGMA QUATTRO
The second camera in Sigma‘s Quattro series has arrived. The dp1 Quattro has a fixed 19mm ƒ/2.8 lens (a 28mm equivalent on a 35mm camera), making it the widest angle of the set. Using an effective 29-megapixel Foveon Quattro Direct sensor with a TRUE III Image processor, the dp1 provides true color, increased detail and quick processing. With an ISO 100-6400 range, the camera uses a 9-point Contrast Detection AF system with Face Detection mode. The lens contains one FLD glass element and two glass mold aspherical lenses to minimize aberration. List Price: $999. Contact: Sigma, www.sigmaphoto.com.

LUMIX LX100
Panasonic has delivered pro-level functionality in a compact and easy-to-operate design with the LUMIX DMC-LX100 compact camera. The 12.8-megapixel Micro Four Thirds High Sensitivity MOS sensor and new Venus Engine provide Multi Process Noise Reduction, a Random Filter and Aperture Filter for clear detail, and accurate colors. The camera offers a high-speed burst rate of 11 fps. The LX100 features a Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm equivalent ƒ/1.7-2.8 lens and 2764K-dot Live View Finder with 100% field of view. In addition to recording 1080/60p video, the camera also has 4K recording capabilities with a Hybrid Photography 4K Photo mode. The LX100 has WiFi and NFC connectivity. Estimated Street Price: $899. Contact: Panasonic, shop.panasonic.com.

---

FOTOMAGICO
FotoMagico 4 by Boinx Software helps you create multimedia slideshows, mixing photos and videos to present your work to clients and friends. The software automatically adjusts for frame rates, aspect ratios and resolution, allowing you to focus on creating a story through transitions, audio and layers. FotoMagico also provides a teleprompter setting to aid in formal presentations. The 4.5 version update supports 4K video with export settings and is optimized for Mountain Lion, Mavericks and Yosemite operating systems. List Price: $99; free update for existing users. Contact: Boinx Software, boinx.com/fotomagico.

HASSELBLAD V SYSTEM DIGITAL BACK
Hasselblad has reinvested in their classic V System cameras, dating back to 1957, by designing the cordless CFV-50c digital back with a 50-megapixel CMOS medium-format sensor. With an ISO range of 100-6400, it shoots 1.5 images a second and long exposures up to 12 minutes to a CF card or tethered computer. The 3-inch, high-resolution LCD screen offers a new menu and button layout. The digital back supports a classic Hasselblad square crop setting. It’s compatible with 90° viewfinders 500EL-type or 503CW with winder remote options. List Price: $15,500. Contact: Hasselblad, www.hasselbladusa.com.

HDR EXPRESS 3
Unified Color Technologies has released HDR Express 3, bringing professional tools to an easy-to-use application. While maintaining the software’s clean design, the upgrade provides photographers with increased speed and additional features. HDR Express 3’s merge processing takes half the time to create a merged image when compared to HDR Express 2. The 32-bit color-editing tools are more responsive. The Adaptive Tone Mapping algorithms have been improved with the addition of a Gamma slider for control of midtones. The software also includes new alignment and de-ghosting algorithms that were released with the HDR Expose 3 professional software. RAW file support is included for over 600 cameras. List Price: $79 (new license); $49 (upgrade). Contact: Unified Color Technologies, www.unifiedcolor.com.

EPSON SURECOLOR P600 PRINTER
Epson‘s new 13-inch SureColor P600 printer offers a high-quality home printing option. The MicroPiezo AMC printhead prints up to 5670×1440 dpi resolution. Using the Epson UltraChrome HD pigment inks, the AccuPhoto HD imaging technology precisely places each droplet of ink for grain-free prints. The front-in and front-out paper path allows for cut-sheet prints up to 13×19 inches on glossy, matte and fine-art paper up to 1.3mm thick. The printer has paper roll support for panorama prints over 10 feet long. The P600 has a 3.5-inch tilting color LCD touch panel and USB, WiFi and Ethernet connection abilities. List Price: $799. Contact: Epson, www.epson.com/P600.

GYRO STABILIZER
Flashpoint has developed the ZeroGrav 2-Axis Digital Gyro Stabilizer, which is compatible with DSLRs and the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. Gyro stabilizers detect angular velocity and acceleration, and balance can be adjusted on the base plate. The Lithium gyro motor controls pitch and roll/yaw, which can be calibrated for preferred speed. The twin-handle grips maintain a safe center of gravity and pitch balance. List Price: $1,199. Contact: Flashpoint (Adorama), www.adorama.com.