In Focus: June 2016

SONY CYBER-SHOT HX80
Delivering a slightly longer focal length than the RX10 III in a tiny body, the new Sony Cyber-shot HX80 features an image-stabilized 30x zoom with a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 24-720mm. This 18-megapixel camera is equipped with Sony’s innovative pop-up OLED viewfinder, a 3-inch LCD that tilts 180º and a small pop-up flash. WiFi/NFC and full HD video capture round out this highly capable little camera’s many features. List Price: $350. Contact: Sony, sony.com.

SONY CYBER-SHOT RX III
The latest iteration of Sony’s advanced fixed-lens Cyber-shot RX family, the RX10 III is built around a 20-megapixel, stacked 1-inch BSI sensor. More notably, the camera now features an ƒ/2.4-4, 25x zoom lens with a tremendous focal range of 24-600mm. Along with its extended telephoto reach, the lens’ Optical SteadyShot delivers up to 4.5 steps of image stabilization. In addition to a wide range of still features, the RX10 III is capable of shooting 4K video with full pixel readout without pixel binning; for added creativity, check out the camera’s super-slow-motion options. List Price: $1,499. Contact: Sony, sony.com.

NEW SONY FE LENSES
Small, lightweight, fast and highly affordable at $250, the new Sony FE 50mm F1.8 will find its way into many photographers’ gear bags. Weighing in at less than 7 ounces, this compact lens features a new optical design, a metal mount and promises beautiful bokeh. At the same time, Sony introduced the FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS telephoto zoom. This high-quality lens is designed for still and video shooting, and offers a minimum focusing distance of less than three feet for close-ups. List Price: $1,200 (70-300mm); $250 (50mm). Contact: Sony, sony.com.

CANON EOS REBEL T6
Building on its Rebel line of DSLRs, Canon’s new 18-megapixel EOS Rebel T6 uses the company’s DIGIC 4+ image processor to deliver up to 3 fps continuous shooting with predictive autofocus using its 9-point AF system and AI Servo AF. A native 100-6400 ISO range can be expanded to 12800 for low-light shooting, and WiFi/NFC delivers easy image transfer. You’ll also find a high-resolution, 3-inch LCD and a variety of manual and automatic features, including a new “white priority” auto white balance for more neutral tones under incandescent lighting. List Price: $550 (with 18-55mm kit lens). Contact: Canon, usa.canon.com.

TAMRAC HOODOO DAYPACK
Constructed with water-resistant waxed canvas and PU-coated ripstop, the Tamrac Hoodoo Daypack is designed for the outdoors. For a quick day hike with a compact DSLR or mirrorless system, check out the Hoodoo 18, with plenty of room for personal gear and up to a 13-inch laptop, too. For larger gear or more intensive adventures, the Hoodoo 20 may be the better choice, with its larger, removable module and ability to pack personal gear and most 15-inch laptops. The latter doubles as a shoulder bag for non-photo outings. List Price: $80 (Hoodoo 18); $130 (Hoodoo 20). Contact: Tamrac, tamrac.com.

COTTON CARRIER 2 CAMERA VEST
When you want—or need—to keep your hands free (or just want to take the weight of your gear off your shoulder), the Cotton Carrier 2 Camera Vest may be the perfect solution. More like a fabric harness than a full, traditional photo vest, the Cotton Carrier is designed to hold one DSLR—or two, with the included side holster—providing quick and easy access when you’re ready to shoot. It even will comfortably, and safely, hold a DSLR with up to a 70-200mm ƒ/2.8 lens. The cameras lock into the vest with anodized aluminum hubs threaded into the bottom of the tripod mount. Connections are secure and built to last. List Price: $189. Contact: Cotton Carrier, cottoncarrier.com.

MARMOT YURT
This sleeping bag does double-duty as a cozy and warm wrap when you’re on an overnight trek and opens up to a queen-sized quilt for keeping warm at home. The full-sized rectangular Marmot Yurt is filled with 650-fill water-resistant goose down to keep you warm and dry in temperatures as low as 35º F. The Yurt, which measures 78x78x78 inches and weighs 2 pounds, 8 ounces, also features a brushed lining in the head/chest area for extra comfort. List Price: $249. Contact: Marmot, marmot.com.

KELTY TRAIL RIDGE 2
The Kelty Trail Ridge 2 tent almost makes camping seem luxurious, with near-vertical walls, dual doors and two vestibules for storing gear. It’s backpack-friendly, with a packed size of 16x10x4 inches. With a floor area of 34 square feet, there’s enough room for two people. Add a long footprint, night light pockets and, for those clear nights, a special stargazing fly, and this tent may be the ideal home away from home on your next camping trip. List Price: $230. Contact: Kelty, kelty.com.

SIERRA DESIGNS NIGHT GLOW
If you’re out in the field overnight, chances are good that a headlamp is part of your gear kit. Rather than taking a separate light to illuminate your tent at night, simply lock the headlamp into the Sierra Designs Night Glow. Constructed of polyester, the Night Glow weighs less than an ounce and features a foam top to add structure. It comes with an adjustable cord and hooks, and can be added to any tent with ceiling loops. It’s a great affordable lighting solution. List Price: $15. Contact: Sierra Designs, sierradesigns.com.

G-TECHNOLOGY G-DRIVE MOBILE
Available with the latest USB Type-C connection or USB 3.0, if you prefer, the slender G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile drives are highly portable and surrounded by a stylish aluminum case in space gray, gold or silver for the Type-C model, black for the USB 3.0 models. The former, which provides 1 TB of storage and transfer rates of up to 136 MB/s, is bundled with two cables, while the USB 3.0 models come in 2 TB and 3 TB capacities. List Price: $120 (Type-C); $130 (USB 3.0 2 TB); $180 (USB 3.0 3 TB). Contact: G-Technology, g-technology.com.

BAY PHOTO XPOZER
New from Bay Photo, Xpozer combines prints on a Vivid Satin material with an innovative aluminum mounting and hanging system. The print and hardware come in an easy-to-carry/ship package, which is great for the exhibiting photographer. Just unroll the print, attach the tension bars to the print’s four corner pieces, and the print is ready to hang—no frame needed. You even can order Xchange prints to swap images without purchasing new hardware. Available in four sizes from 16×16 to 24×36 inches. List Price: From $27. Contact: Bay Photo, bayphoto.com.