SNAPSHOT
THE CR KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWS LETTER
SNAPSHOT THE CR KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHIC NEWS LETTER SNAP SHOT ISSUE NUMBER 6. DECEMBER 2013
Contents: START YOUR ADVENTURE :
Pentax launch their new flagship DSLR, the K-3. The first offering under the guide of Ricoh Imaging. We got hands on with it at the official launch party.
CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE :
Survive the retail battle field that it the lead up to Christmas with the handy gift guide. Great suggestions for under $200 bucks for all photographers.
PRIME TIME :
The focus is planted firmly on the line up of Sigma prime lenses currently in the market. We trace the history of primes and the line up from Sigma.
PENTAX MASTERS SERIES : PREVIEW
Pentax Australia gave the team at SNAP SHOT a preview of the up coming Masters Series edition featuring Bill Gekas who graces this months cover.
MECASTUDIO :
The renowned German flash manufacturer Metz have launched their first ever studio lighting kits. SNAP SHOT takes a hands on look at the new wunderkind.
photo credit :
Cover shot by the award winning Melbourne based photographer BILL GEKAS.
The Pentax K-3 comes atop a long line of impressive Pentax DSLR cameras starting with the K-10 through to the K-5IIs. Having been on Australian streets for a number of weeks now and with a major product launch in Sydney under it’s belt, the Pentax K-3 is proving a major turning point in the history of the Pentax story. Being the first DSLR to be born of the new Ricoh Pentax merger, the combining of new ideas is apparent. Starting with the new 24MP CMOS sensor, traditional weather resistance and in body shake reduction to the first ever Selectable Anti-Aliasing Filter which the photographer can choose to switch on or off. The Pentax K-3 is already winning the hearts of long time Pentaxians and photographers on other system. Ahead we look more in depth at the features making this camera one of the most popular Pentax yet. Here at Snap Shot we’ve taken a look at the features that make up this impressive camera.
THREE K-3 KITS AVAILABLE. K-3 Body only $1399.00 RRP K-3 + DA 18-55mm WR $1599.00 RRP K-3 + DA 18-135mm WR $1799.00
www.pentax.com.au facebook.com/PentaxSnaps
he Pentax K-3 holds the mantle of the flagT ship model in Ricoh’s range of DSLR. Here is a look at some of the features on board the K-3
to give it this place. 24 effective mega-pixels APS-C sized CMOS sensor Designed for the demanding photographer, the K-3 features 24 effective mega pixels in an APS-C sized CMOS sensor for outstanding high resolution imagery. SAFOX11 Autofocus Module The newly designed SAFOX11 autofocus module maximizes 27 AF sensors and a vast light sensitivity range of –3EV to +18EV. Body-based Shake Reduction (SR) The PENTAX-original SR stabilization system is built right into the body, and is compatible with any of the 27 million PENTAX lenses ever produced. Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder for 100% FOV and .95 magnification Low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder, with interchangeable focusing screens, achieves a 100% optical field of view for framing accuracy in a highly compact form factor. Fastest continuous shooting at 8.3FPS Never miss a single moment with an incredibly fast frame rate of 8.3 FPS, for extreme action capture and demanding high performance shooting. Real Time Scene Analysis with 86,000 pixel sensor The new Real Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance accuracy of exposure, white balance and auto focusing. Dual SD card slots Dual SD card slots allow for greater memory card flexibility, for separation of JPG and RAW files, and for use with Eye-fi card and new FLU card technology. Magnesium alloy body with stainless steel chassis Durable magnesium alloy covers surround a rugged stainless steel chassis.
Top: The dials atop the K-3. Centre: 3.5 headphone & stereo mic inputs plus wew dual card slots. Below: Familiar layout with new video / photo
A
A. The Original LENSPEN, perfect for cleaning camera lenses, binocular lenses, small aperture spotting scopes and telescopes, eyepieces, and other optical items. Comes with a handy retractable dust removal brush and a special non-liquid cleaning element, designed to never dry out. Safe and very easy to use.
B B. EYE FI Mobi SD card instantly delivers your best photos & videos from your camera to your smart phone or tablet. No wireless network required. Mobi creates its own WiFi so it works anywhere you are. Just install the free Eye-Fi app on your smart phone or tablet to connect the card. Once paired, the card transfers photos & videos whenever new content is detected by your device.
CHRIS
GIF
HERE AT SNAP SH SURE THAT THERE IS IN THE FAMILY THAT A GIFT FOR. THEY A CAMERA, SO WE’VE BEST GIFTS THIS SEA BUCKS SURE TO M
C D. The Black Rapid ‘SPORT’ strap for those who take their camera everywhere. This Black Rapid R-Strap is for the active photographer. With an ergonomic fit and a Brad this strap keeps your camera close during your most extreme adventures.
A. LENS PEN Original $29.00 RRP B. EYE-FI MOBI SD Card 8GB $69.95 RRP 16GB $99.95 RRP 32GB $159.95 RRP C. BLACK RAPID - SPORT $149. 00 RRP
STMAS
FT
HOT WE’RE PRETTY S A PHOTOGRAPHER T YOU NEED TO FIND ALREADY HAVE THE E FOUND SIX OF THE ASON UNDER $200 MAKE THEM SMILE.
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D. The Vanguard Espod CX 203AGH will certainly grab your attention at first glance and then impress you with its capabilities. The Espod CX 203 AGH features an impressive maximum load for such a compact tripod at 3.5kg. Its unique revolver style pistol grip ball head not only looks cool but its ergonomic handle positions smoothly and easily. The top panning system ensures precise level panoramas. E
E. The Pentax DCF SW series of binoculars offers high resolution phase-coated and super-reflective coated roof prisms to provide high resolution, high contrast images. Waterproof and nitrogen filled (JIS Class 6), the DCF SW models allow submersion up to 1m. The long eye-relief allows for viewing with or without glasses. The rubber-covered exterior provides a sure grip. F
D. VANGUARD CX 203 AGH $129.00 RRP E. PENTAX DCF SW 8X25 $199.00 RRP F. X-RITE COLOUR MONKEY DISPLAY $199. 00 RRP
D. X-RITE Colour Monkey. No guesswork. No stress. No frustration. No wasted time or lost billable hours. Just an amazingly calibrated display or projector that accurately displays the color in your original picture or digital file. Our wizard-driven interface makes it quick and easy for you to calibrate and profile your displays at the speed of life.
PRIME TIME PUTTING THE FOCUS ON THE SIGMA PRIME LENS LINE UP
PRIME TIME PUTTING THE FOCUS ON THE SIGMA PRIME LENS LINE UP The prime lens has always been the instrument of choice by photographers seeking to capture the optimum quality in their image making. In the beginning the phrase “prime lens” was adopted by photo journalists as the “prime” choice of lens for the assignment when leaving the news room. With the zoom lens many years from entering the mainstream, the right choice of prime lens would make all the difference standing between capturing the shot of not. The 50mm lens was often the lens of choice by the photojournalists as it provided the most natural perspective to match that of the human eye. Important when trying to portray a view as though the reader was there. With perspective in mind comes the 85mm focal length. When shooting portraits the combination of the semi telephoto focal length and shallow depth of field offered by these lenses lent themselves to the art of portraiture. Looking at the super wide angle lenses on offer today, it’s hard to conceive that the 35mm prime lens was considered a wide angle lens at it’s inception. Still today these very principals and history ring true to modern photographers. In this, the digital age of photography, the prime lens is still a much utilized piece of technology. However the need to re engineer and optimize the prime lens has been recognised by the team at SIGMA Global Vision Japan.
The team at SIGMA Global Vision Japan delivered the Art Series lenses through 2013 as the answer to the new generation of high mega pixel and high resolution digital sensors. Unveiling the now highly renowned Art Series DG 35mm F1.4 HSM for the full frame shooters and later the DC 30mm F1.4 HSM optimized for APS-C sensors, SIGMA have answered the challenge. The DG 35mm F1.4 HSM offers up one of the highest ever DxO scores for a lens in it category. With an their equally impressive track record and enduring heritage in the photographic community, the SIGMA DG 50mm F1.4 HSM and DG 85mm F1.4 HSM offer quality and perspective to the ever growing realm of full frame photographers. SIGMA Global Vision remain the sole Japanese manufacturer still producing all of their photographic lenses within Japan. It is because of this tradition that the quality of SIGMA Global Vision lenses not only remains high, but at the head of innovation. One of the most innovative moves to come from SIGMA Global Vision is their USB Dock for their new Art, Sport and Contemporary Series lenses. The dock allows photographers to make changes to both the micro adjustments of the focusing on these lenses, but to allow the user to upgrade the firmware as required . For more details visit www.sigma-global.com.
TOP: SIGMA GLOBAL VISION ART SERIES DC 30MM F1.4 + DG 35mm F1.4 HSM LENSES BELOW: SIGMA GLOBAL VISION DG 50MM F1.4 HSM + DG 85MM 1.4 HSM LENSES
BILL GEKAS - A RETROSPECTIVE In the up coming edition of PENTAX MASTER CLASS SERIES the focus will be turned to Bill Gekas. A Melbourne based portrait photographer who is completely self taught. With a background in photography having starting in the 35mm film era, Bill now shoots with Pentax K-5 digital camera and has been since 2005. His portraits are best described as fine art photography, often with subtle, moody lighting and elaborate costumes. Themed or perhaps inspired by classic European painters these attributes that makes Bill’s photography so distinctive and highly regarded in international photographic circles. Bill’s photography has won him many accolades and awards on the world stage. In recent times these include Photographer of the Year 2011 with Better Photography Magazine plus being a finalist in both the International Photography Awards and KL International Photography Awards. The team at Pentax Australia have recently revisited Bill’s work and looked at his new work since last interviewing him back in 2011. For full details visit the Pentax Australia Facebook page here >>
mecastudio by Metz With a long tradition of making flash lighting for photographers Metz have now embarked on the road of producing studio lighting for the enthusiast market with the new Mecalight series. Available for the first time in Australia in time for Christmas. Increasingly, passionate amateur photographer are dreaming of owning their own photo studio light systems. The Metz Basic Line studio flash units makes owning renowned German quality built studio light kits a reality for enthusiasts. The team at SNAP SHOT were hands on with the BL-400 Mecalight kit recently and found that they are built with the quality we’ve come to expect from Metz. With a retro styling, these mono-lights combine with an intuitive digital display. Light weight and compact in size, they are very convenient to transport and set up. The Mecalight system uses the widely available S-type adapter for attaching the reflectors, and soft boxes, same as Bowens, making this a high quality and user friendly kit for enthusiast photographers. There is also a large range of soft boxes, reflectors, snoots and octoboxes available from Metz to build the kit as your skills grow. In all a great starter kit.
TECH SPECS • Flash output: 400 Ws • Guide number: 65 • Power range: over 6 f-stops, adjustable in 1-10 f-stop increments • Recycling time 110 V: 0.5–2.5 sec • Recycling time 230 V: 0.5–2.7 sec • Shortest flash duration: t 0.5: 1-700 sec • Modelling light: 0–75 W • Colour temperature: 5500–6000 K • Flash tube and modelling light: user-defined • Synchronisation: test button, sync socket, phototube • Low voltage synchronisation • Practical bayonet connection: Bowens compatible S Type adaptors. • LED indicators and LED display • Overheating protection • Multi Voltage AC power supply with auto detection: 90-130 V 60 Hz / 190-250 V 50 Hz • Diameter: 12.5 cm / Length: 22.5 cm • Weight: 1170 g
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