In Focus: June 2015

NIKON D7200
With a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter combined with a new EXPEED 4 Processing Engine, the Nikon D7200 is ready to capture quick action. The 51-point AF system utilizes 15 cross-type sensors. The large buffer capacity allows for 100 shots of continuous shooting in JPEG/fine/large file settings, 27 shots in the 12-bit lossless compressed RAW setting and 18 shots in the 14-bit lossless compressed RAW setting. The D7200 is also ready to handle low-light conditions, with an ISO range of 100-25,600, plus BW1 ISO of 51,200 and BW2 ISO of 102,400 for additional ISO range with monochromatic images. The camera includes auto-bracketing at up to 9 frames and built-in HDR. The D7200 is the first Nikon DSLR to feature built-in WiFi and NFC connection for sharing and remote camera control. List Price: $1,199. Contact: Nikon, www.nikonusa.com.

WEATHER-RESISTANT SUPERZOOM
With 21 seals, the HD Pentax D FA 150-450mm ƒ/4.5-5.6ED DC AW lens is designed to be weatherproof. Complementary to the Pentax K-mount and future Pentax sensor technology, the lens offers a 35mm system equivalent of 225-675mm. Three Extra-low dispersion and one super-low dispersion glass elements compensate for chromatic aberration, and the high-grade HD coating provides sharp, high-contrast images while reducing flare and ghosting. The Quick-Shift Focus System allows you to instantly switch to manual focus after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system. Three positions (QFS/A, QFS/M and MF) let you set a user priority. The lens also includes a zoom lock lever and a detachable tripod mount with a newly designed anti-falling mechanism. List Price: $2,499. Contact: Ricoh Imaging, www.ricohimaging.com.

LI-ON SPEEDLIGHT
The Zoom Li-on Speedlight Flash by Flashpoint, available in manual, Canon TTL and Nikon TTL models, provides 650 full-power shots on one charge of the internal lithium-ion battery. The full-power recycle time is 1.5 seconds for quick continuous shooting. The 24-105mm zoom head rotates 360° and tilts 90°. The Zoom Li-on offers HSS, exposure compensation, exposure bracketing, auto-zooming and flash exposure lock. The Canon or Nikon TTL models fully integrate with Canon or Nikon flashes as master or slave and work with proprietary TTL remote-control systems. Each speedlight comes with a battery pack, charger, mini-stand, protective case and instruction manual. List Price: $99 (manual); $179 (Canon TTL or Nikon TTL). Contact: Flashpoint (Adorama), www.adorama.com.

DP0 QUATTRO
The dp0 Quattro by Sigma is the fourth compact camera in the Quattro series. Combined with the TRUE III Image Processor, the Quattro sensor uses green-, red- and blue-sensitive layers, resulting in the quick processing of highly detailed true color images. The fixed 14mm ƒ/4 lens is equivalent to 21mm on a 35mm DSLR. With a 91° angle of view, the lens reduces the aberration and distortion found with superwide-angle lenses using four “F” low-dispersion glass elements, two special low-dispersion glass elements and two aspherical lenses, one of which is a wide double-sided aspherical lens. The dp0 Quattro also has increased ISO performance and improved Auto Color Mode, Auto Focus and Auto White Balance compared to its predecessors. List Price: TBA. Contact: Sigma, www.sigmaphoto.com.

MILITARY-GRADE EQUIPMENT CASE
The SKB 3i-13096SA7 Sony A-7 case keeps your Sony a7 and essentials safe through inclement conditions. The iSeries injection-moulded waterproof case is constructed from polypropylene copolymer resin, creating a gasketed, waterproof and fully submersible design. The interior utilizes high-quality PE foam with space for a Sony a7, a7R or a7S body with a lens attached, two lens slots (with three 1⁄2-inch removable rings to fit a variety of lens sizes), a lens hood slot and an accessory pocket. For additional equipment safety, the case also includes an auto-ambient pressure-equalization valve and ensures secure case stacking. Estimated Street Price: $119. Contact: SKB, www.skbcases.com.

VIDEO ROD ADAPTER
The Really Right Stuff VRA-15 Video Rod Adapter gives the ability to add 15mm rod accessories to your video rig while using Arca-style plates. The VRA-15 includes a quick-release-lever-style clamp with laser engraving every 1mm that accepts RRS plates and rails, as well as Arca-style plates from other manufacturers. Folding wing screws make adjustments easy without the need for additional tools. The adapter has two 3⁄8″-16 threaded mounting sockets and five ¼”-20 threaded mounting sockets. Kits include one VRA-15 adapter, one VRA-15 rail, rods and spacers. List Price: $355 (VRA-15 adapter); $490-$560 (VRA-15 kits). Contact: Really Right Stuff, www.reallyrightstuff.com.

LUMIX ZS50
The new Panasonic Lumix ZS50 is a pocket-sized camera that packs a lot of punch. With a 12.1-megapixel MOS sensor and ultrawide-angle 24mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, the 30x optical zoom provides a 35mm equivalent of 24-720mm zoom action. The large pixel size produces increased low-light sensitivity with a 6400 ISO. With the Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization Plus 5-Axis System, even fully zoomed videos are smooth and free from handheld jitters. The Venus Engine records 1080p60 full HD video in AVCHD progressive format. The ZS50 camera body offers both a 1166K-dot-resolution Live View Finder with eye sensor and 3-inch LCD display screen. A lens barrel control ring offers smooth and precise control over exposure and zoom, as well as access to aperture, shutter speed, focus and effects modes. The camera connects to phone and tablet devices through NFC or QR codes to control the camera from a distance or to instantly share images. Estimated Street Price: $399. Contact: Panasonic, shop.panasonic.com.

OFF ROAD HIKER BACKPACK
Manfrotto has specifically designed the Off road Hiker 30L Backpack for the outdoor photographer with a focus on hiking. The pack carries personal hiking supplies, and offers convenient side access to a DSLR, lenses and photography accessories. The interior divider can be unzipped to remove the camera Protection System compartment for use as a dedicated hike pack. A camera strap is featured on the front of the pack to prevent neck strain while carrying the camera on your chest. Additional dedicated straps are available to carry walking sticks and a tripod. The backpack is available in blue, green, gray and red. List Price: $199. Contact: Manfrotto, www.manfrotto.us.

SIRUI TRIPOD AND VIDEO FLUID HEAD
For still photographers exploring video shooting, the rugged, travel-friendly Sirui ET-2204 tripod and VA-5 Arca-compatible video head from Argraph make a perfect pair. The full-sized carbon-fiber tripod utilizes a Flip Leg Lock System to smoothly fold down to fit in a backpack or carry-on luggage. The center column can be inverted for low-angle shooting or replaced with an included shorter center column. The legs adjust to three angled positions to match uneven terrain. The VA-5 fluid head utilizes two bubble levels—one on the base of the head for tripod alignment and one on the top for camera alignment. An internal spring-assisted counter-balance provides smooth 360° pans and +90°/-70° tilts. The VA-5 includes a TY-70A quick-release plate and offers a dual safety-lock system. List Price: $499 (ET-2204 carbon-fiber tripod); $249 (VA-5 Arca-compatible video head). Contact: Argraph, www.argraph.com.

PERFECTION PRO SCANNER
Archiving your film, slides and print photos has become much easier with the Perfection V850 Pro Scanner by Epson. Utilizing high optical resolution with 4.0 Dmax optical density, the V850 Pro produces a broad tonal range that accurately represents your image. The Dual Lens Scanning System auto-selects resolution from two lenses—a 4800 dpi High Resolution Mode for reflective images up to 8.5×11 inches and transparencies up to 8×10 inches, or a 6400 dpi Super Resolution Mode for film. The Ready Scan LED light source uses 23% less power for faster scanning with no necessary warm-up time. Two sturdy film holders with three height-adjustment levels and an anti-Newton ring plate ensure consistent quality scanning. Digital ICE technology automatically removes dust, scratches and creases from film, slides and photos. The High Pass Optics with anti-reflection optical coatings and high-reflection mirror increase speed by 33% while also increasing scan quality. List Price: $949. Contact: Epson, www.epson.com.

USB-C MOBILE DRIVE
LaCie has announced the addition of a USB-C port to their Porsche Design Mobile Drive. Specifically designed for Mac users who have updated to the latest MacBook, the Mobile Drive features the reversible USB-C connector for quick plug in. The Mobile Drive also features a 3mm-thick solid aluminum body for safety with style. The drive’s USB 3.0 interface provides 100 MB/s transfers and is Time Machine-compatible for reliable backup. Available in 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB capacities. List Price: TBA. Contact: LaCie, www.lacie.com.

SCREEN CALIBRATION
To ensure the colors in your print are the same as what you viewed on your monitor while processing your digital image, it’s important to calibrate your monitor. Datacolor has released the redesigned portable Spyder5 calibration system with a 7-detector optical engine for increased tonal response, accurate shadow detail and smooth gradients. The Spyder5 is available in three options, depending on your level of need. The Spyder5EXPRESS uses an interactive 4-step guide to walk you through calibration with a before-and-after feature. The Spyder5PRO includes an advanced ambient light sensor to compensate for room light, additional calibration settings and display analysis. The Spyder5ELITE includes a tripod mount for projector display calibration, unlimited calibration settings, monitor matching and optimized gray balance routines. List Price: $129 (Spyder5EXPRESS); $189 (Spyder5PRO); $279 (Spyder5ELITE). Contact: Datacolor, spyder.datacolor.com.

PHANTOM 3
DJI has announced the addition of the Phantom 3 to their drone line. The Phantom 3 Advanced utilizes a built-in camera with a Sony EXMOR 1/2.3-inch sensor that shoots 1080p up to 60 fps. The Phantom 3 Professional has the same built-in camera and sensor, but has the ability to shoot 4K footage at 24 or 30 fps. A Main Controller collects motor speed, GPS location, automatic sensor data and user inputs to control flight behavior. This includes using an Inertial Measurement Unit with a 6-axis gyroscope and an accelerometer to detect and compensate for unwanted tilt movement. Visual Positioning Technology uses visual and ultrasonic sensors to allow the Phantom 3 to find position without a GPS. The Intelligent Flight Battery uses built-in sensors to read real-time battery status. Connect a phone/tablet to the Phantom 3 using Lightbridge to have a 720p HD live view of camera footage. Use the DJI Pilot app Auto Pilot for auto-takeoff, auto-return home and a fail-safe mode that will return the Phantom 3 to the takeoff point and land safely if it loses connection with the remote control. DJI also offers the Software Development Kit as an open resource for app development, ranging from recording live streams, gathering flight data or setting a single point of interest for the Phantom 3 to face. List Price: $999 (Phantom 3 Advanced); $1,259 (Phantom 3 Professional). Contact: DJI, store.dji.com.

DRONEGUARD
Lowepro has created the “grab-and-go”-style DroneGuard Kit that can be used alone or inside Lowepro bags such as the Pro Roller 200 and Hardside 400 case. The lightweight kit has been specifically designed to complement the drone “X” shape. A rigid base with a honeycomb interior creates a solid foundation and workspace, and retention straps keep the drone securely in place. Pockets and dividers offer storage for accessories. A modular battery box with dividers and a remote/transmitter section keep all components safe. The elastic loop system secures cords and tools. List Price: $99 (DroneGuard Kit); $319 (DroneGuard Kit with Hardside 400 case). Contact: Lowepro, www.lowepro.com.

FLYING SOLO
As we go to press with this issue, 3DR has just introduced their latest drone aimed at photographers and videographers. The Solo is being billed as the world’s first “smart drone.” With powerful microprocessors in both the controller and the drone, the Solo is fully programmable, which can remove a huge amount of the frustration of learning to fly a quadcopter when your primary goal is taking pictures or shooting video. 3DR worked directly with GoPro to design the copter, brushless gimbal and the Solo app. 3DR has also taken some of the risk of losing your drone by offering an unprecedented support system, which allows you to send your flight telemetry—essentially, the black box information—to the company. If a crash is determined to be caused by drone failure as opposed to user error, you’ll receive a new one. We’re looking forward to trying the Solo, and we’ll have a full review coming. List Price: Starts at $999. Contact: 3DRobotics, 3drobotics.com.