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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................................................................4 DSLR CAMERAS MAXIMUM SPEED, VERSATILITY AND SYSTEM EXPANDABILITY.............................6 DSLR LENSES FROM AFFORDABLE TO HIGH-GRADE FOR GREAT FLEXIBILITY...............................24 COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS SMALL, POWERFUL AND FEATURE-PACKED CAMERAS................36 COMPACT-SYSTEM LENSES A GROWING RANGE OF ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES............................54 FIXED-LENS COMPACT CAMERAS BECOMING MORE ADVANCED THAN EVER................................58 COMPUTER HARDWARE NOTCHING UP YOUR COMPUTER PERFORMANCE ...................................64 IMAGING SOFTWARE A SECOND CHANCE—FIX IT IN POST-PROCESSING........................................83 PHOTO APPS THE TECH-SAVVY PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOOLBOX ..........................................................86 PHOTO PRINTERS GIVE YOUR IMAGES GREATER PRESENCE WITH LARGER PRINTS....................90 FLASH UNITS AND ACCESSORIES ADD EXTRA LIGHT FOR BETTER IMAGES OR VIDEOS ..............92 STUDIO LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES PRO-CALIBRE TOOLS FOR PRO-GRADE PHOTOS.............96 VIDEO ACCESSORIES SHOOT BETTER VIDEOS WITH A CSC OR DSLR CAMERA ...........................100 POINT-OF-VIEW CAMERAS ACTION VIDEOS AND STILLS FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE..................104 CAMERA BAGS DURABLE CARRYING SOLUTIONS WITH USEFUL FEATURES ................................106 TRIPODS AND HEADS SUPPORT ACCESSORIES FOR STABILITY AND CONVENIENCE..................111 PHOTO FILTERS VALUABLE GLASS FOR OPTIMIZING PHOTOS.........................................................116 ESSENTIAL EXTRAS USEFUL ADD-ONS FOR YOUR PHOTO ARSENAL .............................................118
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2014 PHOTO LIFE BUYERS’ GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS PETER K. BURIAN is a long-time contributing editor with Photo Life and Photo Solution, specializing in equipment test reports. He is the author or co-author of over a dozen books, including Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging, a series of Magic Lantern Guides and several David Busch Guides. peterkburian.com DAVID GIRAL is originally from France and has lived in Montreal since 1997. He works primarily in Montreal and Toronto, specializing in travel, lifestyle, architectural and interior photography. davidgiralphoto.com LEE RICKWOOD is an award-winning media producer and freelance writer covering developments in digital media tools, techniques and technologies. On a recent video documentary series, he used a DSLR—and several helpful accessories—for the first time. CHAD SAPIEHA is a freelance columnist with the National Post. His work has also appeared in The Globe and Mail and on CBC Radio’s Definitely Not the Opera, as well as glossy magazines and websites. He likes taking pictures of his daughter frolicking in hay. DAVID TANAKA is a writer, editor and photographer currently living in Alberta. Digital photography hardware and software has been his beat for more then a decade. He has been Photo Life magazine’s digital workflow columnist for almost ten years. LOUIS WONG is a contributing editor of Photoxels and started writing about digital cameras in 2001. He got hooked on photography as a teen with a 120 roll film camera. These days, he exclusively uses a CSC and loves shooting nature. Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 3
INTRODUCTION Welcome to this expanded edition of our annual Buyers’ Guide with several additional categories of photo equipment and more products than ever before. For example, you’ll now find extensive coverage of point-of-view cameras, studio lighting and apps for smart devices. We have also added essays providing overviews of the major camera/lens manufacturers’ technologies and product lines for greater insight into those important brands. Even an expanded buyers’ guide cannot cover every single product in a certain category or provide full details of every camera, lens, tripod or other accessory on the market. We selected the latest and the most noteworthy items in every product category and the summary of each should certainly help you to decide which models might be of interest. The listings also provide the primary website where you can find a great deal of additional specifics. Many of the retailer’s e-commerce sites are also valuable sources of information as well as exact current prices. (Unless stated otherwise, the prices shown in the Guide are average selling prices and the camera weight is that of the body only, without batteries and memory cards. For brand new products, the prices are the manufacturers’ estimated selling prices or list prices at our publication date.) Although I have been writing several sections of the Photo Life Buyers’ Guide for years, this is my first tenure as the Editor since the year 2000. How the entire industry has changed in those 14 years! While you can still buy a new 35-mm camera and some types of film, we have shifted almost entirely from an analogue to a digital era. Naturally, some digital cameras were available when the 2000 Buyers’ Guide was published (November 1999). You could find many point-and-shoot models and some DSLRs, including several from Kodak and Fujifilm (based on Nikon bodies) as well as the first purely Nikon entry, the D1 (US$5500). That professional model featured a DX (or APS-C) size 2.62-megapixel CCD sensor and boasted a 4.5 frame per second continuous drive mode. And at our press time, the 3.1-MP EOS D30 and Fujifilm S1 Pro had not yet been introduced. The 1999 Guide had provided coverage of digital cameras but that was dropped for the 2000 edition, for reasons explained in my Editorial, “We have omitted digital cameras this year. The reason is simple. It is impossible to keep up with the changes in this industry; new models are released frequently, old models are discontinued, and the technology is changing rapidly. No matter which models we listed at press time, the Guide would soon be out of date. Should the situation stabilize over the next year, we may again include digital cameras in future.” Granted, new models of all types of equipment are released frequently, but cameras are not discontinued at the same pace as in the past. For regular updates as to newly announced products, be sure to visit photolife.com. We hope you’ll find this issue it to be of value in helping to decide on the equipment you’ll want to buy or add to your wish list. And be sure to keep this copy for comparison to the 2028 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide when that’s published. I guarantee there will be even more dramatic changes than in the previous 14 years.
Peter K. Burian Editor in Chief Photo Life Buyers’ Guide
PHOTO LIFE BUYERS’ GUIDE 185, St. Paul Street, Quebec City, QC, Canada G1K 3W2 1-800-905-7468 • www.photolife.com Editor in Chief Peter K. Burian Assistant Editor Valérie Racine Graphic Designer Catherine Robitaille Production Manager Guy Langevin Publisher and Media Sales Director Guy J. Poirier Account Executive Michael Skinner Distribution Manager Guy Langevin Accounting Annie Goulet Advertising Sales: 1-800-905-7468 ext. 101 (Toll Free) The annual Photo Life Buyers’ Guide (ISSN 0700-3021) is published by Apex Publications Inc., which also publishes Photo Life magazine six times a year. Photo Life Subscriptions: 1-800-461-7468 (Toll Free), subscription@photolife.com, www.photolife.com © 2013/2014 Apex Publications Inc. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not, under any circumstances, be reproduced or used, in part or in whole, without the written permission of the publisher.
Publication Mail - Agreement No.: 40010196 - 185, St. Paul Street, Quebec City, QC G1K 3W2
life is in the details When you’re in the moment, you feel like it can last forever. When it’s over, it always feels like it went too fast. But the more of it you’re able to capture, to freeze and make a part of you, the more you never have to leave behind. So when you use a camera with a sensor large enough to grab every detail, every morsel of chubby cheek or glistening eye, you know it doesn’t matter how long the moment lasts, it’s there with you forever. Introducing the Sony NEX-5T. Extraordinary sensor size. Ultra compact body.
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DSLR Cameras
DSLR CAMERAS
MAXIMUM SPEED, VERSATILITY AND SYSTEM EXPANDABILITY
By Peter K. Burian
In the 12 months since we prepared last year’s report, Digital SLRs have remained the best sellers in the interchangeable-lens category. Granted, more new mirrorless compact-system cameras (CSCs) have been announced than DSLRs, and the CSC models are also selling well. That’s understandable given their smaller size and often, comparable versatility. Still, many photo enthusiasts already own DSLR lenses making this type of camera the most logical when they want to upgrade to a new, improved model.
Check our essays about the primary DSLRs brands for more specifics as to features and technology provided by Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony.
Unlike CSCs, all DSLRs are equipped with an optical viewfinder. However, the Sony Alpha models to be discussed in this section are actually SLTs: Single Lens Translucent cameras that employ a highresolution electronic viewfinder (EVF). In most other respects, SLTs are very similar to DSLRs. In addition to Live View, Movie mode is available with all recent cameras, usually with Full HD resolution. Check our essays about the primary DSLRs brands for more specifics as to features and technology provided by Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony. Before moving on to discuss each DSLR manufacturer’s system as well as the most popular and the latest cameras, let’s take a look at some of the general aspects that are important when considering DSLRs that are suitable for your budget and level of experience.
6 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
RESOLUTION As the cost of CMOS and CCD sensors has declined, resolution of 16+ megapixels (MP) is common. Some cameras, even in the affordable category, feature 20 MP or higher resolution. DRIVE SPEED Because increased resolution requires greater processing speed to avoid sluggish performance, the latest DSLRs are employing new engines to achieve this goal. In some cases, the processor allows for very fast continuous drive mode, such as 5+ frames per second (fps), ideal in sports photography. LCD The 3-inch size is now the norm and screen resolution has been increasing—some LCDs boast resolution of 900,000+ dots, which provides a superb display. Some DSLRs are equipped with a tilting or fully articulated screen, useful for image preview when you hold the camera above your head or at ground level, for example. A few models also offer some touch-screen controls. VIDEO CAPTURE Nearly all DSLR models can record full HD 1080p video but some offer more overrides and more options for autofocus modes, framing rate, file format etc., than others. If you plan to use a DSLR for serious moviemaking, this is an aspect worth checking on the manufacturer’s website, since video features consume more space than is available in this Guide. All can capture sound in Movie mode, using a built-in mic—a stereo mic produces better audio than a mono mic. The better cameras also accept an optional external stereo mic that provides the best possible sound quality.
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DSLR Cameras
DSLR CAMERAS
THE CANON EOS SYSTEM
By Peter K. Burian Canon’s EOS system started as a long line of 35-mm SLRs, but gained a digital model in 1995. The 1.3-megapixel (MP) EOS DCS 3, developed in conjunction with Kodak, was massive and was followed by three additional models, some available only in Japan. The first consumer-oriented model available worldwide, in 2000, was the 3.11-MP D30 ($2500). Numerous EOS digital cameras followed and, at our press time, the series was comprised of nine models with the so-called APS-C format (14.9 x 22.3 mm) CMOS sensor, which produces a crop factor of 1.6x with any lens. Three other EOS DSLR employ a 24 x 36 mm or full-frame CMOS sensor, including the expensive 18.1-MP EOS-1D X for working pros, the fully loaded 22.3-MP EOS 5D Mk III for enthusiasts and the smaller/lighter 20.2-MP EOS 6D. The latter is nearly as impressive as the Mk III and offers two extra benefits: built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity. ADVANCED FEATURES The EOS cameras, especially the latest models, employ state-of-the art technology that offers the user numerous benefits, including the following that you’ll find in many of the latest models. DIGIC SENSOR Depending on the camera, the DIGIC sensor may be as high as v.5 but all current engines offer very (or incredibly) fast processing and fabulous quality in still photos and videos. Most EOS models’ Raw photos are recorded at 14 bits so that processed 16-bit TIFF images contain rich blacks and great detail in highlight and shadow areas.
8 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
MULTI-MODE AF Canon’s autofocus technology is second to none, with multi-point AF and fast, reliable continuous predictive Servo focus for action photography. The 5D Mk III is particularly impressive, with its 61 AF points, AI Servo AF III tracking sensitivity and acceleration/deceleration tracking technology. Some recent EOS models employ Hybrid AF, with phase detection, switching to continuous contrast detection tracking AF in Live View and in Full HD Movie mode.
Canon’s autofocus technology is second to none, with multi-point AF and fast, reliable continuous predictive Servo focus for action photography.
DSLR Cameras
INTELLIGENT LIGHT METERING Canon’s multi-segment evaluative metering systems are very sophisticated, particularly the iFCL 63-zone Dual-layer version in the four latest cameras. Many EOS DSLRs offer features for expanding dynamic range and a few now offer in-camera auto HDR (high dynamic range) as well. LIVE VIEW AND MOVIE MODE All recent models provide Live View on the LCD for use when shooting stills or video clips. A Full HD video mode, at 1920 x 1080p, is becoming standard. The EOS 70D is particularly noteworthy because of Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus during Live View and Movie recording. It also features an LCD with touchscreen controls, still an uncommon amenity in DSLRs. WI-FI CAPABILITY Two EOS cameras (70D and 6D) offer built-in wireless technology for communication with smart devices for sharing images via email or social-media websites or for remote control of the camera via the device.
IN-CAMERA PROCESSING The EOS 6D allows for modifying Raw photos in Playback mode and saving them as JPEGs, while the EOS 60D also allows for adding special effects to JPEG photos. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES Canon is a major lens manufacturer, marketing both EF lenses (suitable for any EOS DSLR) as well as EF Lenses (only for DSLRs with the smaller sensor). If there’s a lens you need for an EOS camera, Canon probably makes it. At last count there were 70 models, including Tilt/Shift lenses for architectural photography. Many are equipped with Canon’s proprietary Image Stabilizer. Lenses with a USM designation employ a fast, quiet Ultrasonic Motor for autofocus. Canon owners can buy many accessories as well, including external Speedlights, teleconverters, triggers for off-camera flash, remote control devices, Wireless File Transmitters and GPS units (for certain EOS models), AC adapters, cases and more.
WIRELESS OFF-CAMERA FLASH Most EOS cameras provide this feature, when using an optional Speedlite or a transmitter accessory on-camera. The 7D, 60D and T3i can also trigger certain off-camera EX II Speedlites using the built-in flash, eliminating the need to buy an accessory for doing so.
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Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 9
DSLR Cameras
DSLR CAMERAS
THE NIKON SYSTEM
By Peter K. Burian A major manufacturer, Nikon has been making digital SLRs since 1999, when the 2.62-MP professional D1 was introduced ($5000). Since then, the company has developed and marketed dozens of models. The line currently includes over a dozen models at all price levels, most employing a 15.6 x 23.6 mm DX-format sensor that produces a crop factor of 1.5x with any lens; up to 24.2MP resolution is available. Nikon makes full-frame DSLRs too with 24 x 36 mm FX sensors, including the very large, heavy, ultrafast and expensive D4 and D3x FX with tank-like construction. The full-frame FX series also includes cameras for serious amateurs, such as the full-featured 24.3-MP D610 and the brand new 16.2-MP mechanical Df with retro 35-mm SLR styling and controls. The D800 duo boasts the highest resolution currently available with any 24 x 36-mm sensor: 36 megapixels. The D800E omits the optical low-pass filter for even greater per-pixel resolution; any moiré (which occurs infrequently) can be removed later, with imaging software. ADVANCED FEATURES Nikon’s DSLRs are loaded with sophisticated technology for a wealth of benefits, including the following that you’ll find in many of the latest models. EXPEED PROCESSOR Nikon cameras boast highly advanced engines for fast processing of large volumes of data as well as excellent noise reduction and chromatic aberration correction. Some of the high-end DSLRs provide 16-bit image processing for deep rich blacks and great detail in highlight and shadow areas. SCENE-RECOGNITION SYSTEM This feature enables the camera to analyze brightness and colour of the scene and applies this data to autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash and auto white balance control for fine results in most circumstances. MATRIX METERING The multi-segment light-metering system is regularly
10 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
Nikon cameras boast highly advanced engines for fast processing of large volumes of data as well as excellent noise reduction and chromatic aberration correction. MATRIX METERING The multi-segment light-metering system is regularly fine-tuned and the latest 3D Color Matrix II version is particularly impressive in terms of fine exposure. ACTIVE D-LIGHTING All of the Nikon DSLRs include this feature that uses special processing, at the level set by the user, to preserve detail in the highlight and shadow areas of images shot in highcontrast light. Some of the latest Nikon DSLRs offer HDR options to generate a JPEG with exceptionally high dynamic range—maximum highlight and shadow detail.
DSLR Cameras
RELIABLE TRACKING AF The cameras employ a multi-point autofocus system with a very effective 3D Tracking for action photography. All of the latest Nikon models provide a Dynamic AF option that maximizes the odds of maintaining focus on a moving subject in the most difficult conditions. ADVANCED WIRELESS LIGHTING Many of the latest high-end Nikon DSLRs with built-in flash allow the flash to act as the master controller for off-camera flash units, eliminating the need to buy a controller accessory. IMAGE RETOUCHING Some Nikon DSLRs offer many tools in Playback mode for modifying technical aspects of your JPEGs or for adding special effects. LIVE VIEW AND MOVIE MODE All recent models provide Live View on the LCD for use when shooting stills or video clips. The Full HD video mode, at 1920 x 1080, has become standard, but was intentionally omitted with the Df.
and/or aspherical elements. As well, most current DSLRs (except the most affordable models) can use the older manual focus Nikon F-mount lenses, with some limitations. A vast range of FX and especially DX-format lenses are available, many with a VR image stabilizer. Models with the AFS designation employ a fast, quiet Silent Wave (ultrasonic) autofocus motor. You’ll find many Nikon accessories too, including teleconverters, external flash units, wireless transmitters, remote control devices, a GPS unit, stereo microphone and filters.
Nikon makes AF and AF-S Nikkor lenses of every type imaginable, most with ED glass and/or aspherical elements. As well, most current DSLRs (except the most affordable models) can use the older manual focus Nikon F-mount lenses, with some limitations.
WI-FI ADAPTER Some of the latest Nikon DSLRs accept an optional WU-series adapter for sending images to a smartphone or tablet; the latter can also be used as a remote controller for the camera. The new D5300 is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi (and GPS). LENSES AND ACCESSORIES Nikon makes AF and AF-S Nikkor lenses of every type imaginable, most with ED glass
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 11
DSLR Cameras
DSLR CAMERAS
THE PENTAX SYSTEM
By Peter K. Burian Although this company is now known as Ricoh Imaging, their DSLR cameras continue to bear the Pentax brand name. After decades of making 35-mm SLRs, the first digital model, the 6-MP *ist, was released in 2003 and was the first such camera to be able to control off-camera flash units with its built-in flash. Numerous new and improved models have been released since then, all employing an APS-C size (15.7 x 23.7 mm) sensor that produces a 1.5x crop factor with any lens. All Pentax cameras have maintained compatibility with Pentax manual-focus lenses; their high-tech features operate only when AF lenses are used, but the level of compatibility with older lenses is still surprisingly great. Pentax markets a full family of DSLRs from entry-level to high-end, including five 16 or 16.3-MP models, all with in-camera Shake Reduction stabilizer, a pentaprism (not a penta-mirror) for 100% scene coverage and a 3” (921,000-dot) LCD. All except the affordable K-500 feature an electronic level gauge as well as weather proofing to withstand rain, snow, dust and cold. The series ranges from the entry-level K-500 to the mid-level K-30 and the newer K-50 (which is available in 120 colour combinations) to the enthusiast-grade K-5 II and K-5 IIs. The latter, and the K30, feature the most seals to ensure weather resistance, as well as a metal chassis. The Pentax K-5 IIs and K-3 omit the low-pass filter over the sensor in order to minimize the blurring that such a filter causes. Hence, this model provides maximum resolution of fine detail with better per-pixel sharpness. The K-3 offers a mechanical feature that can simulate a low-pass filter. Any moiré (which occurs infrequently) can be removed with imaging software. ADVANCED FEATURES The latest Pentax DSLRs, especially the 5-K II duo and the K-3, are loaded with high-tech features for serious photography, but also many amenities for novices. Here’s a brief overview. PRIME PROCESSORS These engines are optimized for HD video capture and smooth Live View. Other features include in-camera photo modification and Raw processing, High Dynamic Range mode and many digital special-effect filters. The engine also allows for fast continuous drive; that’s 7 fps with the K-5 II duo and 8.3 fps with the K-3.
12 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
All Pentax cameras have maintained compatibility with Pentax manual-focus lenses; their high-tech features operate only when AF lenses are used, but the level of compatibility with older lenses is still surprisingly great. DYNAMIC RANGE Most Pentax DSLRs offer intelligent 77-segment light metering, while the K-3 employs a new 8600-pixel RGB meter. Dynamic range expansion and a multi-frame HDR mode is available for increased highlight and shadow detail.
DSLR Cameras
LCD Most of the cameras are equipped with a 3” 921,000-dot LCD while the K-3 benefits from a 3.2” LCD with 1.037million-dot resolution. The LCD in the K-5 II, K-5 IIs and K3 are air-gap-free to reduce glare and a loss of brightness. ADVANCED AUTOFOCUS Most of the cameras employ an AF module with 11-point AF and many AF options, including effective tracking AF for action photography. The K-3 employs a more sophisticated system with even more AF options. The K-5 II duo and the K-3 provide even better AF in dark locations when using an f/2.8 or faster lens. WIRELESS OFF-CAMERA FLASH The built-in flash can trigger remote flash units (of certain models) so there’s no need for an extra cost controller accessory. FULL HD MOVIE MODE Full HD video capture is available with mono sound. The K-5 II duo and the K-3 accept an external stereo mic; the K-3 also has a jack for external headphones and it offers even more Movie mode options.
LENSES AND ACCESSORIES Pentax markets approximately 35 AF lenses, some with a fast, silent ultrasonic (SDM) AF motor and low-dispersion and/or aspherical elements. The numerous old K-mount manual focus Pentax lenses can also be used with their DSLRs. Other accessories include flash units, a GPS receiver, battery grips and viewing screens for certain cameras and remote controllers.
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DSLR Cameras
DSLR CAMERAS
THE SONY ALPHA SYSTEM
By Peter K. Burian Sony entered the DSLR market in early 2006 after acquiring Konica Minolta and introduced the first A-mount Alpha camera that year, the α100. Since then, the company has marketed a full series of DSLRs, including both full-frame models with a 24 x 36-mm sensor and others using the smaller APS-C size (15.6 x 23.5 mm) CCD chip that produces a 1.5x crop factor with any lens. In August 2010 however, Sony switched to making Single Lens Translucent (SLT) models, with a fixed semi-transparent mirror that directs light to an electronic (not optical) viewfinder. The current SLTs all feature a built-in SteadyShot stabilizer and CMOS sensor chips. The professional 24.3-MP fullframe α99 with a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body with GPS receiver boasts numerous high-tech functions, including pro-grade versatility in video and audio recording. Three SLT cameras use the smaller APS-C size sensor: the 20.1-MP α58 and two 24.3MP models, both with built-in GPS: the α65 and the prosumer-grade α77 with a magnesium-alloy body. ADVANCED FEATURES The SLT cameras benefit from advanced technology developed by Sony, including some unique aspects; here’s a brief overview. ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDERS All SLTs are equipped with an EVF for a live view of the scene, with very high resolution of 1.44 million dots (α58) or 2.36 million dots (α99, α65 and α77).
14 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
Sony entered the DSLR market in early 2006 after acquiring Konica Minolta and introduced the first A-mount Alpha camera that year, the α100.
TILTING LCD A 3” tilting high-res Xtra Fine LCD is becoming standard, although the smaller α58 is equipped with a 2.7” screen. All provide high resolution for a very good or superb display at 460,800 dots (α58) or 921,600 dots (α65 and α77). Since the camera’s internal mirror does not move, Live View on the LCD (and EVF) never black out.
DSLR Cameras
ADVANCED AUTOFOCUS Sony offers multi-point phase-detect AF with a full range of AF modes, including very effective continuous predictive tracking for sports photography. The α99 features a unique dual phase-detect AF system, AF-D Continuous, for superior performance with fast, erratic action (with certain Sony lenses). This AF module features 19 focus-detection points complemented by 102 assist points AF to maintain focus on a subject that drifts far off centre. BIONZ PROCESSOR This engine provides adaptive noise-reduction technology and allows for high-tech features such as Auto Object Framing (automatic JPEG cropping for better composition) and Sweep Panorama mode, many special-effect options and multi-frame modes for amazing image quality at very high ISO levels. The processor is very fast, providing highspeed drive; the α77, for example, can shoot full resolution photos at a blazing 12 fps. DYNAMIC RANGE OPTIMIZER All Sony cameras offer intelligent multi-zone light metering, with a dynamic range optimization option for greater highlight and shadow detail. Multi-frame Auto HDR is also standard with the SLTs, for dramatically increased dynamic range. WIRELESS OFF-CAMERA FLASH The built-in flash can trigger remote flash units (of certain models) so there’s no need for an extra cost accessory.
LENSES AND ACCESSORIES Sony is very aggressive in developing new lenses for both their full-frame and smallsensor SLTs, including many with lowdispersion and aspherical elements and/or fast, nearly silent ultrasonic (SSM) focus motor or the new Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM). The current series numbers 35, including some pro-grade models with the Zeiss designation. All the Sony cameras are also compatible with the old Minolta Maxxum AF lenses. Other accessories include cases, remote controllers, a vertical battery grip for the α99, many flash units including some with Sony’s unique Quick Shift Bounce system for use when shooting verticals, external stereo mics, an XLR adapter for the α99, an external LCD and an LED light.
Sony is very aggressive in developing new lenses for both their full-frame and small-sensor SLTs, including many with low-dispersion and aspherical elements and/or fast, nearly silent ultrasonic (SSM) focus motor or the new Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM).
FULL HD MOVIE MODE The current Alpha cameras can all record 1080p video with stereo sound in MP4 format, or in AVCHD for exceptional movie quality, with fast continuous phasedetect autofocus in P mode or with manual focus in A, S or M mode.
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 15
DSLR Cameras
AFFORDABLE DSLRS Because price is an important consideration for most photographers, the affordable cameras are the best sellers in any brand and today, most are surprisingly well equipped. In fact, if you’re a budding photo enthusiast, you will probably find several cameras in this category that will meet your needs not only today but also for a few years to come. Unless otherwise stated, all DSLR and SLT cameras (in this category and all others) have built-in flash and a hot shoe for optional external flash.
CANON EOS REBEL SL1 This very small 18-MP model with a fixed 3” touch-screen LCD plus some analogue controls offers both advanced functions and snapshooting options such as 10 Scene modes. It benefits from advanced technology, including Full HD video with Continuous autofocus and mono mic. Features include a 9-point sensor and a very large AF coverage area, Hybrid AF (both contrast-detect and phase-detect) and Creative Filters in Shooting mode as well as in Playback mode. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 95% • FIXED 3” (1.04-MILLION-DOT) TOUCH-SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, 2 AUTO, 10 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 4 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: QUITE EXTENSIVE, INCLUDING SPECIAL-EFFECT FILTERS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 117 X 91 X 69 MM • 370 G $
600 BODY ONLY OR $700 WITH 18-55 MM STM LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
CANON EOS REBEL T4i This 18-MP DSLR for photo enthusiasts also employs Canon’s Hybrid AF system and its 9-point AF module features all cross-type points. Continuous AF is provided in Live View and in Full HD Movie mode. It’s equipped with a very fast DIGIC 5 processor for 5-fps drive speed, a swivelling LCD with some touch-screen controls and a special Multi Shot NR mode for superior image quality at high ISO levels. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 95% • 3” SWIVELLING (1.04-MILLION-DOT) TOUCH-SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, AUTO, 9 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS WITH AF FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: EXTENSIVE • SPECIAL EFFECTS, HDR AND IFCL METERING DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 133.1 X 99.8 X 78.8 MM • 575 G $
700
BODY ONLY OR
$
800 WITH 18-55 MM IS LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON D3200 A well-specified 24.3-MP model, the D3200 offers amenities such as an 11-point AF with one cross-type point and 3D Tracking AF, Continuous AF in Movie mode and in-camera image-retouching tools in Playback mode. A simplified graphic display is available for novices. This DSLR is compatible with a wireless remote controller and a tiny Wi-Fi adapter for image and video transfer to certain smartphones and tablets. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL, 95% • 3” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO, FLASH OFF, P, A, S, M, 8 SCENE MODES, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 4 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: EXTENSIVE • ACCEPTS WI-FI ACCESSORY DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 125 X 96 X 76.5 MM • 455 G $
500 BODY ONLY OR $600 WITH 18-55 MM VR LENS (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON D5300 An upgraded version of the 24-MP D5200, this camera gains built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a larger articulated LCD and a slightly larger viewfinder while omitting the anti-aliasing filter for greater per-pixel resolution. It’s also faster thanks to the EXPEED 4 processor for 5-fps burst speed. It retains the best of the D5200, including the 39-point AF system, with nine cross-type points, 2016-pixel Matrix meter, and a wealth of features. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 95% • TILTING 3.2” (1.037-MILLION-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO, P, A, S, M, SCENE MODES, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: VERY EXTENSIVE • BUILT-IN FLASH DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 125 X 98 X 76 MM • 480 G $
850 BODY ONLY OR $1200
16 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
WITH AF-S 18-140 MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR ZOOM (LIST)
NIKON.CA
DSLR Cameras
PENTAX K-50 Available in 3 colours, and in 120 colour combinations by special order, this small 16.3-MP DSLR features a nearly 100% viewfinder and retains the features, autofocus system, speed and weatherproof body of the K-30. However, the styling is more traditional and the processor has been improved for even better image quality. It’s fully compatible with Eye-Fi LAN SD cards for wireless image and video clip transfer. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL, 99% • FIXED 3” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO, P, A, S, M, SV, TAV, 19 SCENE MODES, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 6 FPS WITH AF FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: VERY EXTENSIVE • BUILT-IN STABILIZER • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 129 X 96.5 X 70 MM • 590 G $
700 BODY ONLY OR $800 WITH 18-55 MM WR LENS (STREET)
SONY ALPHA α58
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
This 20.1-MP SLT is equipped with a tilting LCD, a high-resolution electronic OLED viewfinder and an AF module with a 15-point sensor, with 3 cross-type points and effective subject tracking. Features include Auto Object Framing that can automatically crop photos for a better composition, convenient Panorama mode, Auto HDR and 11 special-effect filters. Fast, reliable phase-detect continuous AF is available in all modes, including Movie. VIEWFINDER/LCD: ELECTRONIC (1.44 MILLION DOT) • TILTING 2.7” (460,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, PANORAMA, TELEZOOM CONTINUOUS, 2 AUTO, 8 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS, 8 FPS AT 5-MP RESOLUTION FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: EXTENSIVE • IN-CAMERA STABILIZER • SPECIAL HIGH-ISO MODES DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 128.6 X 95.5 X 77.7 MM • 492 G $
600 WITH 18-55 MM SAM II LENS (STREET)
SONY ALPHA α65
SONY.CA
Boasting a 24.3-MP sensor, a built-in GPS receiver and very fast drive mode, this SLT is equipped with an OLED viewfinder with incredibly high 2.36-million-dot resolution and a tilting TruBlack LCD. It’s similar to the α58 in many other respects, including the 15-point autofocus system with 3 cross-type points and tracking AF as well as fast Continuous AF in the very versatile Full HD Movie. VIEWFINDER/LCD: ELECTRONIC (2.36-MILLION-DOT) • TILTING 3” (921,000-DOT) LCD MODES: P, A, S, M, PANORAMA, TELEZOOM CONTINUOUS, 2 AUTO, 8 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE FRAMING RATE: 8 FPS • 10 FPS WITH FOCUS LOCKED FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: EXTENSIVE • IN-CAMERA STABILIZER • SPECIAL HIGH-ISO MODES DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 132 X 97.5 X 80.7 MM • 543 G $
700 BODY ONLY OR $800 WITH 18-55 MM DT LENS (STREET)
SONY.CA
ADVANCED AND EXPERT DSLRS There’s no clear-cut definition of these categories, but advanced cameras are more pricey and more obviously target experienced photo enthusiasts than models in the previous section. Some of the benefits may include more rugged construction, higher resolution, greater speed or additional functions, or all of these benefits. The expert cameras are even more impressive, just a notch below the very expensive professional models not covered in this Guide. Without slotting them into one of the two categories, here are the most important high-end DSLRs with a standard size (not full-frame) sensor.
CANON EOS REBEL T5i This 18-MP camera is equipped with the Hybrid AF system (discussed earlier) and 9-point AF with all cross-type points; continuous AF is available in all modes including Full HD Movie. Advanced features include HDR, Multi-frame modes for fine high-ISO quality and 7 Creative Filters in Shooting mode (not only in Playback mode). The user can preview the effect that each filter will provide, to visualize the look of the final JPEG. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 95% • VARI-ANGLE (1.04 MILLION-DOT) TOUCH-SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, 2 AUTO, 8 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: VERY EXTENSIVE • HIGH-TECH AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 133.1 X 99.8 X 78.8 MM • 525 G $
700 BODY ONLY OR $800 WITH 18-55 MM IS STM LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 17
DSLR Cameras
CANON EOS 70D The first DSLR with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology and 19-point AF (with all cross-type points), the 20.2-MP 70D employs a 19-point AF module (with all cross-type points) that provides fast continuous tracking AF in all modes, including Full HD Movie. It’s equipped with an articulated touch-screen LCD, 19-point AF with all cross-type detectors and offers Multi Frame High ISO options, in-camera HDR, Creative Filters with a preview feature and built-in Wi-Fi for communication with smart devices. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 98% • VARI-ANGLE (1.04-MILLION-DOT) TOUCH-SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, CUSTOM, 2 AUTO, 7 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 7 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • WI-FI • HIGH-TECH AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 139 X 104.3 X 78.5 MM • 675 G $
1300 BODY ONLY OR $1650 WITH 18-135 MM IS STM LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON D7100 A very rugged water-resistant semi-pro 24.1-MP DSLR compatible with a Wi-Fi adapter, the D7100 with an oversized 3.2” LCD offers many features. These include 51-point AF with 15 cross-type points and 3D Tracking AF, Continuous AF in Full HD Movie mode, 2016-pixel Matrix metering, image-editing tools in Playback mode and a versatile HDR option. The anti-aliasing filter was removed to maximize resolution—any moiré can be removed with software. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • FIXED 3.2” (1.229-MILLION-DOT) LCD MODES: P, A, S, M, 16 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 6 FPS • 7 FPS IN 1.3X CROP MODE FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • WI-FI COMPATIBLE • HIGH-TECH AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 135.5 X 106.5 X 76 MM • 675 G $
1050 BODY ONLY OR $1350 WITH 18-105 MM VR LENS (STREET)
NIKON.CA
PENTAX K-3 This new 24-MP model with even more features than the K-5 II/II s, the K-3 can shoot at 8.3 fps and benefits from a more effective stabilizer, a new 8600-pixel RGB metering system, more versatile Movie Mode and an improved 27-point AF system with more user-selectable options. There’s also a unique mechanism (using the image stabilizer) that can provide moiré reduction for use when this is definitely required, as in photos of certain types of fabrics. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • FIXED 3.2” (1.037-MILLION-DOT) LCD MODES: P, A, S, M, SV, TAV, AUTO, 3 CUSTOM, HDR, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 8.3 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • IN-CAMERA STABILIZER DIMENSIONS /WEIGHT: 131.5 X 100 X 77.5 MM • 715 G $
1300 BODY OR $1700 WITH 18-135 MM LENS (LIST)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
PENTAX K-5 II AND K-5 IIS These rugged, weatherproof 16.3-MP models with image stabilizer feature a new 11-point AF module for quick focus in low light, great speed/accuracy, especially with wide-aperture lenses, and better tracking focus. Useful amenities include HDR options, dual-axis level gauge and Full HD Movie mode Single Shot AF. They’re identical but the K-5 IIs omits the anti-aliasing filter to provide higher per pixel resolution—any moiré can be removed in software. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • FIXED 3” (920,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, SV, TAV, AUTO, HDR FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 7 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: VERY EXTENSIVE • IN-CAMERA STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 131 X 97 X 72.5 MM • 680 G $
1000 BODY, K-5 IIS OR $1350 (STREET)
18 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
DSLR Cameras
SIGMA SD-1 MERRILL This weather-resistant magnesium-alloy DSLR employs a 16 x 24 mm Foveon X3 Direct sensor with three 15-MP layers, for 46-MP resolution. There’s no anti-aliasing filter, so the sensor can record a maximum amount of detail—any moiré (in photos of certain fabrics) can be removed with software. It’s quite well equipped with an 11-Point Twin Cross AF sensor, 3 metering options, the important modes (except for Movie) and essential overrides. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 98% • FIXED 3” (460,000-DOT) LCD • MODES: P, A, S, M AND THREE CUSTOM FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS • 6 FPS AT REDUCED RESOLUTION • FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: QUITE EXTENSIVE DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 131 X 97 X 72.5 MM • 700 G $
1900 BODY ONLY (STREET)
SONY ALPHA α77
GENTEC-INTL.COM
A 24.3-MP model with a magnesium-alloy body, built-in image stabilizer and GPS, an articulated LCD and ultra-high resolution OLED viewfinder, the α77 provides fast continuous phase-detect autofocus when shooting stills or Full HD videos. Important aspects include 19-point AF with 11 cross-type points, 12-fps drive with continuous AF, a versatile HDR mode, Panorama, special modes for superior high-ISO quality and numerous special effects options. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OLED 100%, 2.4 MILLION DOTS • TILT/SWIVEL 3” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: PANORAMA, HIGH SPEED, P, A, S, M, 2 AUTO, 8 SCENE, FULL HD MOVIE FRAMING RATE: 8 FPS • 12 FPS AT MAX. APERTURE FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • STABILIZER AND GPS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 142.6 X 104 X 81 MM • 653 G $
1000 BODY ONLY (STREET)
SONY.CA
FULL-FRAME DSLRS Becoming very popular with serious photo enthusiasts, DSLRs with a huge 24 x 36 mm sensor allow for larger pixels than would be possible with a smaller chip. Larger pixels provide two benefits. Images made at high ISO exhibit less digital noise so there’s less need for aggressive noise-reduction processing that can smudge intricate details. And they provide images with wider dynamic range: more detail in shadow areas especially, without the need for special processing. The following are the recent full-frame models targeting photo enthusiasts.
CANON EOS 5D MK III This well-sealed 22.3-MP DSLR with a magnesium-alloy chassis features an oversized 3.2” LCD, iFCL 63-zone metering and a very versatile 61-point High-Density AF system with 10 to 21 cross-type points, depending on the lens that’s used. The vast range of amenities includes in-camera Raw editing, HDR and Multi-exposure options, Full HD Movie mode with Single Shot AF and compatibility with a wireless file transmitter and GPS accessory. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • FIXED 3.2” (1.04-MILLION-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO+, P, A, S, M, AUTOFLASH, SILENT, FULL HD MOVIE FRAMING RATE: 6 FPS • 3 FPS IN SILENT MODE FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • NO BUILT-IN FLASH DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 152 X 116.4 X 76.4 MM • 860 G $
3300 BODY OR $3900 WITH 24-120 L USM IS LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
CANON EOS 6D Quite compact and affordable for a full-frame 20.2-MP DSLR with large pixels plus built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, the EOS 6D offers many amenities. These include Silent mode, the latest 63-zone iFLC light meter, 11-point AF with one cross-type point and excellent response in low light, HDR options, Single Shot AF in Full HD mode, Multi-Frame mode for excellent quality JPEGs at high ISO and Multiple-exposure options. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 97% • FIXED 3” (1.04-MILLION-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO, P, A, S, M, SILENT, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 4.5 FPS • 3 FPS IN SILENT MODE FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: VERY EXTENSIVE • NO BUILT-IN FLASH • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 145 X 112 X 71 MM • 680 G $
1900 BODY ONLY OR $2400 WITH 24-105 MM L USM IS LENS (STREET)
CANON.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 19
DSLR Cameras
NIKON Df This magnesium-alloy 16.2-MP model offers classic 35-mm SLR styling, retro controls, many mechanical aspects, large glass pentaprism and compatibility with new and old Nikon lenses, including the pre-Ai series. The Df employs the D4’s sensor and processor and the latest technology such as 39-point AF and 2016-pixel Matrix meter, but as a conservative camera, it omits Movie mode and built-in flash. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • 3.2” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN • MODES: P, A, S, M, HDR • FRAMING RATE: 5 FPS FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 144 X 110 X 67 MM • 710 G $
3100 WITH AF-S 50-MM F/1.8G SPECIAL EDITION LENS (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON D800 AND D800E Boasting a 36-MP sensor and 16-bit processor, these cameras with a well-sealed magnesium-alloy chassis are identical but the D800E cancels anti-aliasing filtering for maximum resolution—any moiré can be removed with software. Features include 51-point AF with 15 cross-type points and 3D Tracking AF, Continuous AF in Full HD Movie mode, HDR options, many image-modification tools in Playback mode and compatibility with a wireless file transmitter and GPS. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • FIXED 3.2” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: P, A, S, M, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 4 FPS WITH AF FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 144.8 X 122 X 81.3 MM • 900 G $
3000 AND $3300, RESPECTIVELY (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON D610 Quite compact and affordable, this 24.3-MP DSLR with a well-sealed body including some magnesium-alloy components, features an oversized LCD and a 16-bit processor as well as 39-point AF with 9 cross-type points and a 3D Tracking mode. Other amenities include HDR and time-lapse photography options, versatile Full HD Movie mode with Continuous AF, image-retouching tools in Playback mode and compatibility with a Wi-Fi adapter for communication with smart devices. VIEWFINDER/LCD: OPTICAL 100% • 3.2” (921,000-DOT) SCREEN MODES: AUTO, P, A, S, M, SCENE MODES, HDR, FULL HD MOVIE • FRAMING RATE: 6 FPS (3 FPS IN QUIET MODE) FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • BUILT-IN FLASH DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 141 X 113 X 82 MM • 760 G $
2100 BODY ONLY OR $2400 WITH 24-85 MM VR LENS (STREET)
SONY ALPHA α99
NIKON.CA
This 24.3-MP SLT camera with oversized pixels in a well-sealed magnesium-alloy body with an ultra-high resolution electronic viewfinder offers a new Hybrid AF module (contrast-detect and phase-detect AF) with 19-point AF with 11 crosstype points plus 102 focus-assist points. Important α99 features include Continuous AF and many advanced features in Full HD movie mode, Auto HDR and Panorama, plus 2x digital zoom that maintains fine image quality. VIEWFINDER/LCD: 2.36-MILLION-DOT 100% EVF • ARTICULATED 3” (1.3-MILLION-DOT) LCD MODES: 2 AUTO, P, A, S, M, PANORAMA, CONT. ADVANCE PRIORITY, FULL HD MOVIE FRAMING RATE: 6 FPS • 10 FPS AT REDUCED RESOLUTION FEATURE SET/OVERRIDES: UNUSUALLY EXTENSIVE • BUILT-IN GPS AND STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 147 X 111.2 X 78.4 MM • 733 G $
2800 BODY ONLY (STREET)
20 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
SONY.CA
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DSLR Lenses
DSLR LENSES
FROM AFFORDABLE TO HIGH-GRADE FOR GREAT FLEXIBILITY
By Peter K. Burian One of the primary advantages of an SLR camera is the ability to use a broad variety of lenses: from fisheye, to ultra wide, to macro for high-magnification close-ups and to super telephoto. Before discussing specific models, let’s consider some essential buy points.
Lenses with wide apertures such as f/1.4 to f/2.8 are called “fast” because of their greater lightgathering ability.
COMPATIBILITY Some lenses are large multiplatform types, designated as FX, EF, DG, DA, etc. depending on the brand. These are perfect for full-frame digital SLRs with a 24 x 36 mm sensor and also suitable for DSLRs with a smaller sensor. On the other hand, most current lenses are the smaller type, designated as DX, EF-S, DT, DC, and so on. They can project only the smaller image circle required by a DSLR with a smaller sensor: 15.8 x 23.6 mm or 22.3 x 14.9 mm or 18 x 13.5 mm in size. Because the vast majority of lens sales are in the smaller format, I’ll cover only such products in most of the categories in this section of the Guide. MAXIMUM APERTURE Lenses with wide apertures such as f/1.4 to f/2.8 are called “fast” because of their greater light-gathering ability
allows for shooting at faster shutter speeds than with lenses that have a smaller maximum aperture such as f/4 to f/5.6. This allows you to shoot with a low-ISO level (for superior image quality) in more situations, without the need for flash or fast film for hand-holdable shutter speeds. But do note that these fast lenses tend to be large, heavy and expensive. PREMIUM OPTICS An increasing number of lenses incorporate low-dispersion glass (denoted as LD, ED, ELD, SLD, SD or UD) and/or aspherical elements (with a non-spherical surface). Both types are intended to correct optical aberrations for more consistent sharpness across the frame, especially at wide apertures. ULTRASONIC FOCUS Nearly all manufacturers now offer some lenses with a built-in ultrasonic or supersonic or hypersonic or Silent Wave motor for fast and quiet autofocus. Each manufacturer uses its own term for this type of technology. IMAGE STABILIZER Many lenses incorporate a camera-shake compensating system and this usually does not add much to the size or price. However, current Pentax, Olympus and Sony DSLRs feature a stabilizer in the body so the cameras do not require lenses with their own stabilizers.
ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE LENSES CANON EF-S 10-22 MM F/3.5-4.5 USM Designed to provide superior image quality, this compact zoom also offers very fast, quiet ultrasonic AF and internal focusing. It also benefits from aspherical and Super UD elements as well as a circular-aperture diaphragm to ensure that defocused highlights will be circular, not hexagonal. This highly rated lens has been available for several years, but remains a very fine choice. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR EOS DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 SUPER UD AND 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 24 CM • MAX. MAGNIFICATION N/A • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 83.5 X 89.8 MM • 385 G • 77-MM FILTER $
750 (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON AF-S DX 10-24 MM F/3.5-4.5G ED Incorporating some of the best Nikon technology, this lens benefits from five high-tech elements for very good edge-toedge sharpness at nearly all apertures and focal lengths, as well as Super Integrated Coating that makes light transmission more efficient. It’s equipped with the very fast Silent Wave focus motor, plus internal focusing, and allows for manual focus override in AF mode. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 24 CM • 0.20X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC • CIRCULAR APERTURE DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 82.5 X 87 MM • 77-MM FILTER • 460 G $
820 (STREET)
24 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
NIKON.CA
DSLR Lenses
PENTAX DA 12-24 MM F/4 ED AL IF A rugged, semi-pro lens, this Pentax zoom features a mechanism for quickly switching from AF to manual focus. Autofocus is not ultrasonic, but it’s fast enough for subjects we shoot with an ultra-wide lens, such as landscapes. It’s designed to provide very fine image quality thanks to both aspherical and ED glass for superior sharpness and colour rendition. COMPATIBILITY: ALL PENTAX DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 ED AND 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 30.5 CM • 0.125X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: INTERNAL FOCUS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 87 X 84 MM • 77-MM FILTER • 430 G $
900 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA 8-16 MM DC HSM The first true super wide-angle (not fisheye) zoom for small-sensor DSLRs, this high-grade lens benefits from low-dispersion and aspherical elements, Super Multi-Layer Coating and fast, silent ultrasonic HSM autofocus. Do note that the protruding element precludes the use of filters. Some shooters will prefer the highly rated Sigma 12-24 mm f/4.5-5.6 II DG HSM ($900) because it accepts filters. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR CANON, NIKON, PENTAX, SIGMA AND SONY DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 4 FLD, 2 MOULDED GLASS, 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 25 CM • 0.12X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 75 X 106 MM • NO FILTER THREADS • 545 G $
900 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 25
DSLR Lenses
SONY DT 11-18 MM F/4.5-5.6 Optimized for fine quality across the entire frame, this ultra-wide zoom with a circular-aperture diaphragm is quite rugged and includes both aspherical and Extra Low Dispersion elements as well as multi-layer coatings to minimize flare. Autofocus is not Supersonic, but internal focusing ensures that AF is adequately fast for the types of subjects we often shoot with an ultra-wide lens. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR SONY AND MAXXUM DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 25 CM • 0.125X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: INTERNAL FOCUS • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 83 X 81 MM • 77-MM FILTER • 360 G $
760 (STREET)
SONY.CA
TOKINA AT-X 12-28 MM F/4 PRO DX Tokina’s AT-X ultra-wide lenses have always been highly rated and this wide-aperture model is particularly impressive thanks to high-grade optics, internal focusing, a clutch for shifting from AF to MF, and a new (magnetic precision) AF sensor and Silent Drive Module. These combine to provide fast AF and to ensure autofocus even with Nikon DSLRs not equipped with a built-in AF motor. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR CANON AND NIKON DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 SD AND 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 25 CM • 0.20X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: SILENT DRIVE AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 84 X 90.2 MM • 77-MM FILTER • 530 G $
700 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
STANDARD ZOOM LENSES CANON EF-S 18-135 MM F/3.5-5.6 IS STM This STM lens with a stepping AF motor, provides fast autofocus in Live View or conventional operation. It also supports the Movie Servo AF feature available with the latest EOS cameras for particularly smooth, silent AF. It works well with older EOS cameras too. The stabilizer provides four stops of camera-shake correction; Dynamic IS mode is ideal when shooting videos. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR EOS DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 UD AND 1 PMO ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 39 CM • 0.28X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: STM MOTOR • STABILIZER • DYNAMIC IS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 76.6 X 96 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 480 G $
600 (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON AF-S DX 18-140 MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR Offering a versatile range of focal lengths in a very portable package, this lens with high-grade elements and Super Integrated Coating features a VR stabilizer that provides a four-stop camera-shake compensation. Autofocus is fast thanks to the internal focus mechanism and the Silent Wave motor; manual focus override is available in AF mode as with more expensive lenses. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 ED AND 1 ASPHERICAL ELEMENT MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.23X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • VR STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 78 X 97 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 490 G $
629 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85 MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR Incorporating the highly effective VR II stabilizer and an impressive optical formula, this is a very fine Nikon DX “standard” zoom. Features include internal focus, manual focus override in AF mode, and a fast Silent Wave (ultrasonic) motor. As with all AF-S lenses, autofocus is available even with Nikon DSLRs that do not incorporate an in-camera focus motor. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 38 CM • 0.127 MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • VR II STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 72 X 85 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 485 G $
675 (STREET)
26 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
NIKON.CA
DSLR Lenses
OLYMPUS ZUIKO 14-54 MM F/2.8-3.5 II This high-grade, splash- and dust-proof model features internal focusing, a circular-aperture diaphragm and conventional (not ultrasonic) but quick autofocus. It’s compatible with Olympus’ E-series DSLR cameras’ High Speed Imager AF Live View mode, useful when shooting stills or video clips with fast, smooth autofocus. This is a very fine wide-aperture aspherical zoom that should satisfy serious photo enthusiasts. COMPATIBILITY: ALL OLYMPUS AND LUMIX DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 22 CM • 0.52X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: INTERNAL FOCUS • SPLASH RESISTANT DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 75 X 89 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 440 G $
630
(STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
PENTAX DA 17-70 MM F/4 AL IF SDM This rugged premium-grade zoom with a wide, constant maximum aperture benefits from aspherical elements and multilayer coatings for excellent quality even at f/4 as well as Super Protect coating to protect the front element. It’s equipped with internal focusing and a fast, nearly silent Supersonic AF motor. A Quick Shift feature allows for conveniently changing between AF and manual focus. COMPATIBILITY: ALL PENTAX DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 28 CM • 0.31X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 75 X 93 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 485 G $
560 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA 24-105 MM F/4 DG OS HSM Suitable for both full-frame and small-sensor DSLRs, this beautiful Art series zoom (to be available soon) boasts an optical formula with three types of high-tech glass. It also features very rugged construction, an optical stabilizer, the fast/silent Hypersonic AF and a circular-aperture diaphragm. It’s compatible with Sigma’s USB Dock and the mount-conversion service. COMPATIBILITY: ALL CANON, NIKON AND SIGMA DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 FLD, 2 SLD AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.22X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 75 X 93 MM • 82-MM FILTER • 885 G $
1000
(LIST)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY 18-135 MM F/3.5-5.6 SAM Offering a greater than average range of focal lengths for versatility, this lens features a premium-grade optical formula. Other amenities include a circular-aperture diaphragm, internal focusing and SAM autofocus for smooth, quiet and fast AF operation when shooting stills or video clips. Direct Manual Focus allows for fine-tuning focus manually when desired, without switching out of AF mode. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR SONY ALPHA SLT CAMERAS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 43 CM • 0.25X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: SMOOTH AF SYSTEM DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 76 X 89 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 398 G $
550 (STREET)
SONY.CA
TELEPHOTO LENSES CANON EF-S 55-250 MM F/4-5.6 IS STM Featuring a stepping motor for smooth, silent autofocus plus internal focusing, this lens with Image Stabilizer provides fast, reliable autofocus. It features a UD element and enhanced coatings for fine image quality as well as a circular-aperture diaphragm for pleasing bokeh. This compact zoom is more expensive than the conventional 55-250 mm model but the extra features offer good value. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR EOS DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 UD MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 85 CM • 0.29X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: STM AF • STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 70 X 111 MM • 58-MM FILTER • 375 G $
400 (STREET)
CANON.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 27
DSLR Lenses
NIKON AF-S DX 55-300 MM F/4.5-5.6G ED VR Although quite affordable this nicely finished lens targets photo enthusiasts with high-tech optical elements, a circularaperture diaphragm and VR II stabilizer, with four stops of camera-shake correction and an automatic tripod-recognition system. It’s quite rugged and beautifully finished but also very portable. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating maximizes light transmission and also minimizes flare and ghosting. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED AND 1 HRI MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 140 CM • 0.28X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 77 X 123 MM • 58-MM FILTER • 580 G $
430 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS ZUIKO 50-200 MM F/2.8-3.5 SWD For a 100-400 mm equivalent lens, this one is relatively compact, although the internal barrel does extend considerably at long focal lengths. Focusing is internal and the Supersonic AF system is quiet and fast. Because most Olympus DSLR bodies are equipped with an image stabilizer, this very rugged lens can often be used hand-held, but a tripod-mounting collar is included. COMPATIBILITY: ALL OLYMPUS DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 3 ED MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 120 CM • 0.21X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • TRIPOD COLLAR • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 87 X 157 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 995 G $
1260
(STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
PENTAX HD DA 55-300 MM F/4-5.8 ED WR This versatile, weather-resistant zoom lens features the new high-grade multi-layer HD coating for greater light transmittance and over 50% lower reflectance for effective control of flare and ghosting. Although it’s affordable, benefits include two low dispersion elements, a quick shift system for changing between AF and MF mode, and Super Protect coating on the front element. COMPATIBILITY: PENTAX DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 140 CM • MAX. MAGNIFICATION 0.28X FEATURES: WEATHER RESISTANCE • HD COATING DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 71 X 112 MM • 58-MM FILTER • 466 G $
450 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA APO 50-500 MM F/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM This highly rated internally focusing lens with fast, silent ultrasonic AF and manual focus override is equipped with an image stabilizer with a four-stop benefit and a tripod-mounting collar. A new optical formula corrects aberrations while Super Multi-Layer coating resists flare and ghosting. Owners of small-sensor DSLRs will appreciate the included adapter for using a smaller 86-mm filter. COMPATIBILITY: ALL CANON, NIKON, PENTAX, SONY AND SIGMA SLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 4 SLD • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 50 CM • 0.32X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • STABILIZER • TRIPOD COLLAR DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 104 X 219 MM • 95-MM FILTER • 1970 G $
1700 (STREET)
28 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
GENTEC-INTL.COM
DSLR Lenses
SONY 70-300 MM F/4.5-5.6 G SSM This sturdy model features solid construction, a circular-aperture diaphragm, high-tech elements, multi-layer coatings to resist flare, smooth manual focus and internal focusing. It employs a fast, silent Super Sonic autofocus system. Image stabilization is provided by the SteadyShot mechanism in all Sony Alpha DSLRs. Considering the level of performance, this lens offers great value for the money. COMPATIBILITY: ALL SONY SLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 ED MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 120 CM • 0.25X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 83 X 135 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 800 G $
1200 (STREET)
SONY.CA
MACRO LENSES CANON EF 100 MM F/2.8L MACRO IS USM This rugged, weatherproof lens with two high-grade UD elements, boasts unusually effective Hybrid IS stabilization that can compensate for more types of camera shake than usual. It’s a pro-grade lens with Ultrasonic AF, internal focus as well as well-sealed construction and it offers other features, including a circular-aperture diaphragm, a special element to block flare at f/2.8 and a 3-position focus limiter switch. COMPATIBILITY: MULTI-PLATFORM, FOR ALL CANON SLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 UD MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 30 CM • 1X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: HYBRID STABILIZER • ULTRASONIC AF DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 78 X 123 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 625 G $
1050 (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON AF-S DX 40 MM F/2.8G MICRO In spite of its compact size, this affordable macro lens with Silent Wave AF features Nikon’s Close-Range Correction System to provide great sharpness at all focused distances as well as Super Integrated Coatings. Other amenities include a circular-aperture diaphragm for a pleasing bokeh (background rendition) and manual focus override in AF mode, a valuable feature in macro image making. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 9 ELEMENTS • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 16.3 CM • 1X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • CLOSE-RANGE CORRECTION DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 64.5 X 68.5 MM • 52-MM FILTER • 280 G $
300 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100 MM F/2.8 WR This multi-platform lens is quite rugged with a high-grade aluminum barrel and well sealed for weather resistance. Features include Super Protect coating on the front element, a circular-aperture diaphragm and Quick Shift for easy switching between AF and MF. The AF motor is conventional, not Supersonic. While this lens does not employ high-tech elements, it does produce fine image quality. COMPATIBILITY: PENTAX SLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 9 ELEMENTS • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 13 CM • 1X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: QUICK-SHIFT FOCUS SYSTEM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 65 X 80 MM • 49-MM FILTER • 340 G $
600 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 29
DSLR Lenses
SIGMA 105 MM MACRO F/2.8 EX DG OS HSM This lens with image stabilizer, Hypersonic AF, circular-aperture diaphragm and floating focus to provide optimal image quality at all focused distances boasts a superior optical system. That includes Super Multi-Layer Coating plus SLD and high refractive index SLD elements to minimize all types of aberrations. The wide maximum aperture is useful in low light or for shallow depth of field. COMPATIBILITY: CANON, NIKON, SONY AND SIGMA DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 1 SLD AND 1 HR SLD MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 31.2 CM • 1X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 126.4 X 78.7 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 725 G $
1000 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY DT 30 MM F/2.8 MACRO SAM This compact lens employs a Smooth Autofocus Motor for fast, accurate AF. The wide maximum aperture makes manual focus in low light convenient, and allows for images with shallow depth of field, to blur a cluttered background. No high-tech elements are used but there’s a circular-aperture diaphragm for a pleasing background rendition. The image stabilizer is inside Sony cameras. COMPATIBILTY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR SONY DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 6 ELEMENTS MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 13 CM • 1X MAX. MAGNIFICAITON • FEATURES: SAM AUTOFOCUS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: N/A • 55-MM FILTER • 150 G $
210
(STREET)
SONY.CA
ZEISS MAKRO-PLANAR T* 100 MM F/2 ZE/ZF.2 Boasting superior optical elements, a rugged metal barrel and an incredibly wide maximum aperture, this manual focus lens is ideal for shallow depth of field to blur the background in macro or portrait photography. While the maximum magnification is 0.5x with full-frame DSLRs, the apparent magnification is greater with other DSLRs because of the so-called “focal-length magnification” factor. COMPATIBILTY: FOR ALL CANON AND NIKON DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 9 ELEMENTS • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 13 CM • 0.5X MAX. MAGNIFICAITON FEATURES: MANUAL FOCUS • FLOATING ELEMENT DESIGN DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 76 X 115 MM • 67-MM FILTER • 680 G $
1850 (STREET)
LENSES.ZEISS.COM
MULTI-PURPOSE ZOOMS CANON EF-S 18-200 MM F/3.5-5.6 IS This lens includes high-tech elements for fine image quality especially at telephoto and a stabilizer with four stops of caera-shake correction. The Panning stabilizer mode is automatically activated when you move the lens quickly to pan with a moving subject. Autofocus is provided by a conventional (not ultrasonic) DC motor. The circular-aperture diaphragm can provide beautiful background blur effects. COMPATIBILITY: SMALL-SENSOR EOS DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 UD AND 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.24X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: IMAGE STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 79 X 162 MM • 72-MM FILTER • 595 G $
700 (STREET)
30 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
CANON.CA
DSLR Lenses
NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300 MM F/3.5-5.6 ED VR A bit pricey, this lens offers excellent value with six high-tech optical elements, internal focus and fast Silent Wave AF. It also benefits from Nikon’s most effective VR II stabilizer with a four-stop camera-shake compensation. Other features include Super Integrated Coating, a circular-aperture diaphragm and a zoom lock that prevents the lens from extending while it’s being carried. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR NIKON DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 3 ASPHERICAL AND 3 ED ELEMENTS MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.32X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: SILENT WAVE AF • VR II STABILIZER DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 8.38 X 12 CM • 77-MM FILTER • 810 G $
950
(STREET)
NIKON.CA
PENTAX DA 18-270 MM F/3.5-6.3 ED SDM Equipped with a circular-aperture diaphragm aperture and Supersonic motor, this lens provides smooth, quiet autofocus. All current Pentax DSLRs are compatible with SDM but with much older DSLRs only manual focus is available. A stabilizer is not necessary since all of the DSLRs include this mechanism. Two ED glass elements provide fine image quality especially impressive at 18 mm to 150 mm. COMPATIBILITY: ALL PENTAX DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED ELEMENTS MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 49 CM • 0.26X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: SUPERSONIC AF • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 76 X 89 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 453 G $
800
(STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA 18-250 MM DC OS HSM This lens is quite light and compact because of a barrel with Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material (instead of polycarbonate). Features include fast Hypersonic AF, an impressive optical formula and Super Multi Layer Coating. An Optical Stabilizer is also included, though not in lenses with the Sony and Pentax mount since DSLRs of those brands are equipped with an in-camera stabilizer. COMPATIBILITY: CANON, NIKON, PENTAX, SIGMA AND SONY SMALL-SENSOR DSLRS OPTICAL FORMULA: 3 ASPHERICAL AND 1 SLD • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.34X MAX. MAGNIFICATION FEATURES: ULTRASONIC AF • STABILIZER • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 73.5 X 88.6 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 470 G $
550 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY DT 18-250 MM F/3.5-6.3 Featuring five high-grade elements to correct optical aberrations, this lens would be a fine choice for families using a Sony Alpha SLT camera; all such bodies are equipped with an image stabilizer so there’s no need for it in the lens. Features include internal focus, a circular-aperture diaphragm, conventional (not ultrasonic) AF and a zoom lock switch. COMPATIBILITY: PRIMARILY FOR SMALL-SENSOR SONY DSLRS • OPTICAL FORMULA: 2 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • 0.30X MAX. MAGNIFICATION • FEATURES: INTERNAL FOCUSING DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 73 X 86 MM • 62-MM FILTER • 440 G $
700 (STREET)
SONY.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 31
DSLR Lenses
PRIME (SINGLE FOCAL LENGTH) LENSES Zooms outsell prime lenses by about ten to one, but many serious photographers prefer prime lenses in all focal lengths. They usually offer wider (and always constant) maximum apertures; more of them are suitable for use with a teleconverter; they often allow for closer focusing, and, most importantly, image quality is often superior with a prime vs. zoom lens. APERTURE BENEFITS
While some zooms do offer a wide (and sometimes constant) maximum aperture, f/2.8 is usually the widest available. But if you want to make images with extremely shallow depth of field, an f/1.2, f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens is preferable. That’s available with some 50-mm lenses and also with some portrait lenses such as the Sony 85 mm f/1.8 and 135 mm f/1.4. UNIQUE LENSES
As well, certain lenses—such as true macro and those for architectural photography—are available only as primes. For example, check out the Nikon PC (Perspective Correction) or the Canon TS-E (Tilt-Shift) or the Schneider PC-TS series on the manufacturers’ websites. They provide controls for tilting and shifting the optical elements, making it possible to produce images with accurate perspective in difficult situation. This is essential for pro-calibre architectural photography but is also useful for landscapes. MANUAL-FOCUS LENSES
While autofocus lenses are the norm, a few manufacturers still market manual-focus lenses for digital SLRs. For example, Schneider-Kreuznach makes two absolutely fabulous, pro-grade (multi-platform) perspective-control tilt-shift lenses (mentioned above) for Canon EOS and for Nikon digital and 35-mm SLRs. There’s a 90-mm f/4 Makro-Symmar (about $4000) and a 50-mm f/2.8 Super-Angulon model ($4200). These lenses are distributed in Canada by Red Raven Marketing. Another German manufacturer, Zeiss, markets a series of prime lenses, all purely manual focus as well, for Canon EOS and Nikon DSLRs. (The Zeiss ZA autofocus series for Sony Alpha cameras and CSCs is manufactured under Zeiss’ license and standards by Sony; that series does include some zooms, of course.) The Zeiss lenses in EOS mount are designated as ZE while those in Nikon mount bear the ZF.2 designation. All are multiplatform, equally suitable for full-frame digital (and 35-mm film) SLRS and for DSLRs with the smaller APS-C (or DX) size sensor. A built-in CPU provides full support of automatic exposure modes. There’s also a ZM series that’s designed for Zeiss Ikon and Leica M rangefinder cameras. Check out some of the Zeiss ZE or ZF.2 lenses at a photo retailer’s counter and you’ll find they are manufactured with metal alloys and have the heft and solidity of lenses made in the older, traditional manner. They’re also designed to provide the highest standards of resolution, freedom from distortion and excellent flare control with T* multi-layer coatings. For example, the highly rated Distagon T* 15 mm f/2.8 ultra-wide features elements with an aspheric surface as well as glass with anomalous partial dispersion in a floating element (retrofocus) design for superb quality at all focused distances. All ZE and ZF.2 lenses also produce a pleasing bokeh, because their nine aperture blades render defocused highlights as circular instead of hexagonal. THE BOTTOM LINE
Many serious photographers and working pros now use zooms for many applications, but the majority also own at least one prime lens. That’s usually a portrait lens, a macro lens, and/or a 500-mm or longer telephoto. In spite of the massive size, weight and price, the last type is still standard in most pro sports and wildlife photography. The debate as to the pros and cons of lens types has been ongoing for decades, but owning a system that includes zooms and primes offers the best of both worlds.
32 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
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• One of the smallest and lightest bodies in its class at 17.5 ounces.* • Built-in Wi-Fi • Full system of premium, interchangeable lenses *E-M1 body only
Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS SMALL, POWERFUL AND FEATURE-PACKED CAMERAS
By David Tanaka
Since the first compact-system camera was introduced in 2009 by Panasonic, and soon thereafter by Olympus, the category has blossomed. Today, you can choose an interchangeable-lens product from all of the major camera makers. Here’s an overview describing the compact-system camera (CSC) concept and how it differs from a DSLR. REDUCED SIZE
The word “compact” is straightforward; think “relatively small form factor” and hence, reduced weight. That was achieved by omitting the pentaprism and the reflex mirror mechanism that we usually find on DSLRs. The new design allows for a much smaller, slimmer, lighter body with a smaller lens mount. Naturally, it retains the potential for the types of features we expect from a DSLR. Do note however that the imaging sensor is the same size in CSCs as in non full-frame DSLRs. And recently, Sony introduced two α7 cameras with a huge (full-frame) 24 x 36 mm sensor and built-in viewfinder so the bodies are not tiny but weigh under 420 g plus battery. Small is a relative term, of course. The Pentax Q series is definitely tiny, smaller than many fixed-lens compacts while the Panasonic GH3 or Olympus OMD, for instance, is larger. This type is similar in shape, size and weight to some compact DSLRs. The larger cameras typically include a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) while some (but not all) of the smaller models accept an add-on EVF ($200300). However, the very compact cameras are typically used with the LCD screen as the only method for composing an image.
but with smaller lenses to accompany the smaller cameras. (Of course, the FE lenses for the Sony full-frame α7 cameras are larger than those for cameras with the smaller sensor.) To many photography enthusiasts, it’s all about the glass. To create new interchangeable-lens systems, the manufacturers had to step up with optics. While few lenses were initially available, most CSC makers now offer a series of single focal length and zoom lenses, some with very wide maximum aperture and even a few with motorized, silent (for video) zoom control. Like DSLRs, however, the lens mounts are proprietary, so you couldn’t mount a Sony NEX lens on a Canon M camera, for example. The one exception to that is Micro Four Thirds, a CSC design adopted by Olympus and Panasonic; lenses of either manufacturer are compatible with all cameras of either brand. Of course, some third-party manufacturers like Zeiss and Sigma offer CSC lenses in two or more distinct mounts. GREAT DIVERSITY
LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
Diversity of design is one of the hallmarks of the CSC category. Aside from the various shapes and sizes—as well as styles ranging from retro to ultra-high tech— there is little similarity. There’s not even a single common sensor size, particularly since Sony introduced the α7 cameras, but three brands do use the so-called APS-C size sensor. There is one common feature: all use interchangeable lenses. You’ll get a better appreciation for the diversity after reading all of Louis Wong’s essays on individual brands of CSCs.
The word “system” suggests extra components and indeed, some electronic viewfinders, a few optical viewfinders, many lenses, flash units and other accessories are available. In this respect, a CSC is indeed like a DSLR, offering comparable versatility (in some brands, at least)
In the following sections, we cover many CSCs, with an emphasis on the most recent models, including some introduced in the months (or weeks) just prior to our publication date.
36 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.” ~ Elliott Erwitt, photographer/filmmaker
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pictures of our exclusive brands.
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— the excitement and added value you get
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from shopping at one of our six stores.
shopping here, such as receiving invaluable advice from Vistek sales pros, which is
Sure, we can show you our vast selection of
difficult if not impossible to put a dollar
top name DSLRs and camcorders. We can
figure to.
show you pictures of our huge collection of lenses, tripods, sliders, dollies, cranes, and
You’ll just have to come in and experience
our incomparable selection of photo and
that side of Vistek for yourself.
video accessories.
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Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS THE CANON EOS M SYSTEM
By Louis Wong Canon is the most recent manufacturer to enter the CSC market, in July 2012, and at this time, the EOS-M is the only such model. This small camera offers most of the same features and technology as the EOS Rebel T4i DSLR, but with a much simpler interface. It targets families first upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera who want superior image quality and versatility, plus the ability to change lenses, while retaining simplicity of operation. The EOS M employs the same large 22.3 x 14.9 mm 18-MP Hybrid CMOS sensor as the T4i, producing a 1.6x crop factor with any lens. However, it’s equipped with a new EF-M mount that accepts the small EF-M lenses. Canon markets an optional EF-EOS adapter (about $200), so can use the entire family of the larger EF and EF-S lenses from the DSLR system, with full compatibility re: AF and image stabilizer. This camera is solidly built and features a magnesium-alloy frame. To keep the EOS-M compact and simplified, Canon omitted the viewfinder and provided few external controls. Instead, it relies heavily on its 3” (1.04-million-dot) touchscreen LCD that provides one of the best touch experiences in its class. There’s no built-in flash either but the hot shoe is compatible with Canon’s Speedlite EX series flash units, including the small 90EX (about $130); the latter can also be used as a transmitter to wirelessly control larger offcamera EX flash units. The EOS-M is available in four colours—black, white, silver and red. While the lack of built-in flash may be a drawback, it’s available in a kit including the AAApowered Speedlite 90EX unit that’s more powerful than built-in flash. There’s neither a built-in viewfinder, nor a connector for an external EVF. You must compose using the camera’s fixed rear screen; of course, this is a very common method of picture taking with small cameras.
ADVANCED FEATURES
Since this camera benefits from components developed for the T4i it’s impressive in many aspects. The following are especially worth noting. HYBRID CMOS AF
This chip provides both phase-detection AF and contrastdetection AF for focusing, offering the best of both worlds. Initially, autofocus was a bit slow, but Canon released new firmware (v. 2) in July 2013 that provided a noticeable increase in One Shot AF performance. Continuous tracking AF is available in Full HD Movie mode too. STM LENS TECHNOLOGY
All EF-M lenses include STM, a stepping motor that provides smooth and quiet continuous autofocus; this is particularly beneficial when shooting video. ADVANCED DIGIC 5 PROCESSOR
This engine provides the fast drive speed (4.3 fps or 3 fps with continuous autofocus tracking), special effects creative filters and high-tech amenities including the following items. HANDHELD NIGHT SCENE MODE AND MULTI SHOT NOISE REDUCTION
These features allow the camera to shoots four consecutive JPEGs at high ISO with a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake. The processor then combines them into one, after discarding most of the noise data, for very fine image quality. HDR BACKLIGHT CONTROL MODE
This mode shoots three consecutive JPEGs at different exposures and then combines them into a single (high dynamic range) image that maintains detail in both the shadow and highlight areas. VIDEO SNAPSHOT MODE
In addition to 1080p video recording with stereo sound, the EOS M offers this unusual mode for capturing short video clips (of 2, 4 or 8 seconds); the processor can then combine them into a single movie file that can be played back with music. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
There are currently three lenses available for the EOS M, all with STM, including the EF-M 22 mm f/2 “pancake” (very thin) prime lens and the EF-M 18-55 mm f3.5-5.6 IS (image stabilizer) zoom lens. A third lens was recently released, the ultra-wide EF-M 11-22 mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom with STM autofocus. Accessories for the EOS M include the entire series of EX Speedlites and GPS Receiver GP-E2 as well as an adapter for using EF or EF-S lenses on the smaller camera. The camera also accepts an external stereo mic available in many aftermarket brands.
38 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS THE FUJIFILM X SYSTEM
By Louis Wong This company’s 16.3-MP CSCs are beautifully crafted with magnesium-alloy components and most feature a retro design with metal milled dials that hark back to the era of the 35-mm rangefinder cameras. Fujifilm entered the CSC market in February 2012 with the X-Pro1 with a unique dual-magnification hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. Targeting professionals and experienced enthusiasts, the X-Pro1 combines traditional analog dial-based controls with a unique sensor and advanced lens technology. More importantly, image quality is superb, comparable to what we expect from a high-end 16.3-MP DSLR but in a body a fraction of the size and weight. Since then, Fujifilm has introduced several cameras, including the new X-E2 with a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder, as well as the more affordable X-M1 and the very slim and lightweight, entry-level X-A1, both without a viewfinder. All of the cameras except the X-A1 employ the same X-Trans sensor with significant benefits, discussed shortly below. The X-M1 and the X-A1 are equipped with typical digital controls instead of the traditional (retro) controls of the earlier models. However, this newer duo offers some extras: more Auto modes, an LCD with a tilt mechanism, built-in flash and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. ADVANCED FEATURES
Let’s take a look at some of the noteworthy aspects of technology available with the X-series interchangeablelens cameras. X-TRANS CMOS SENSOR
Fujifilm’s large, proprietary 15.6 x 23.6 mm sensor features an innovative colour filter array that reduces the generation of moiré and false colours, and eliminates the need for the internal optical low-pass filter. This enables the X-Trans sensor—or the improved X-Trans II in the X-E2—to capture the full “unfiltered” resolution, for maximum per-pixel sharpness. (For the effective focal length of any lens, multiply by 1.5.) Do note that the entry-level X-A1 employs a conventional 16.3-MP CMOS sensor.
SUPER-I FLASH
This technology automatically moderates flash output in certain types of scenes, including close-ups, to minimize blown-out highlights and provide gentle fill-flash outdoors. ADVANCED AUTOFOCUS
The cameras employ contrast-detect AF with a multi-point sensor with several modes, including Continuous AF. However, the X-E2 can also use phase-detect AF for even faster, more reliable autofocus. FULL HD MOVIE MODE
The Fujifilm X-cameras can record 1080p videos with stereo sound and autofocus. The basic overrides can be pre-set before recording. BUILT-IN WI-FI
Available with only the X-E2, XM-1 and X-A1, Wi-Fi allows for wireless transfer of images and movies to a smart device running the free Fujifilm app. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
You can choose from 11 Fujinon lenses including a new XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS ultra-wide zoom. All X-series lenses are equipped with a manual-focus ring; some feature a built-in OIS stabilizer and the XF series is equipped with an aperture-control ring. The series ranges from the XF 14 mm f/2.8 R to the XF 60 mm f/2.4 R Macro and includes two telephoto zooms, the XF55-200 mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS and the more compact XC 50-230 mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS. In early 2014, Fujifilm plans to release a particularly impressive portrait lens, the XF56 mm R with an amazingly wide maximum aperture of f/1.2 to allow for images with extremely shallow depth of field. Note too that independent lens manufacturer Zeiss also markets lenses for the X-series cameras, currently the Touit 12 mm f/2.8 and 32 mm f/1.8; a Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 50 mm f/2.8 should be available soon. Fujifilm offers a series of accessories for each of the cameras, such as external flash, leather cases, handgrip, remote release and filters as well as an M-mount adapter for using Leica M-mount (manual focus) lenses.
EXR PROCESSOR II
Used in all Fujifilm CSCs (with an improved version II in the X-E2), this engine provides a burst speed of 5.6 frames per second (7 fps with the X-E2) and various features such as multiple exposure and panorama modes, in-camera processing of Raw photos, a series of special effects digital filters, dynamic range expansion and Film Simulation modes such as Velvia, Astia and Black & White. With the X-E2, a Lens Modulation function optimizes the performance of any lens. HYBRID MULTI VIEWFINDER
Available only with the X-Pro1, this unique device allows you to switch between an optical view and an electronic view.
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 39
Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS THE NIKON 1 SYSTEM
By Louis Wong Nikon shipped its first mirrorless cameras in October 2011, the 10.1-MP V1 with a magnesium-alloy frame and the entry-level J1 both with new CMOS sensor and a new small lens mount. Both targeted point-and-shoot camera owners who wanted a compact and light camera with great ease of use, fine image quality, and the ability to accept various lenses. The subsequent models include the 14.2-MP J3, the 10.1-MP S1 and the enthusiast-level 14.2-MP V2. All employ a CX size 13.2 x 8.8 mm sensor making the field of view 2.72x with any lens. Most recently, Nikon released a unique model with many of the same specs as the J3. The AW1 is submersible to a depth of 15 m, for underwater use as are the two new AW lenses, the 11-27.5 mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10 mm f/2.8 All except for the V1 are equipped with built-in flash; the V1 accepts the optional Nikon 1 external flash unit while the V2 accepts several Nikon Speedlights, including the very small SB-N7. This is the largest and most impressive Nikon 1 camera, with the greatest speed and the most features, including the best Movie mode and compatibility with a W-Fi accessory (WU-1b). Both V models target serious shooters so they are equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.44-million-dot resolution and are compatible with an optional GPS unit. As well, they feature more external controls than the other Nikon 1 models which are more familyoriented cameras. ADVANCED FEATURES
Nikon offers some highly advanced technology in the 1 series, for many benefits, including the following in the recent models. ADVANCED HYBRID CMOS AF SYSTEM
This chip provides both phase-detect and contrast-detect multi-point AF for surprisingly fast, reliable autofocus. The camera automatically selects the appropriate AF system according to the shooting situation and light level; it can maintain focus tracking even with a fast-moving subject. Hybrid AF with fast, reliable continuous AF is also available in Full HD Movie mode. EXPEED PROCESSOR
This engine allows the cameras to provide a full HD Movie mode, Active D-Lighting for increased highlight/shadow detail, a basic HDR mode for great dynamic range and a drive speed of a blazing 10 fps or 15 fps (depending on the camera) at full resolution, with continuous autofocus. An even faster burst mode is also available, still at full resolution, but with focus locked at the first frame.
40 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
SMART PHOTO SELECTOR
This option causes the V cameras to record many JPEGs when the shutter release button is pressed. The camera then saves only five frames: the ones that are technically best. NIGHT LANDSCAPE
This mode causes the camera to fire a series of JPEGs at high ISO for a fast shutter speed. They’re automatically merged while eliminating much of the digital noise for surprisingly fine image quality. MOTION SNAPSHOT
This feature records a video clip and a still photo. The processor slows the video down automatically for a semi slow-motion effect. The camera can combine them into a single clip, with a slow-motion video effect leading into the still image. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
In addition to the AW series, there are nine current 1 Nikkor lenses: six zooms and three prime (single-focal length) lenses. The series ranges from the VR 6.7-13 mm f/3.5-5.6 to the VR 30-110 mm f/3.8-5.6, including a pancake lens (10 mm f/2.8) and a fast portrait lens (1 NIKKOR 32 mm f/1.2). Some of the lenses include Nikon’s VR image stabilizer. (For the effective focal length of any lens, multiply by 2.7.) With the optional Mount Adapter FT1 (about $250), the Nikon 1 cameras can also be used with many of the larger Nikon AF-S DSLR system lenses. Other 1 Nikon accessories, not all suitable for all cameras, include external Speedlights, a GPS unit, ME-1 stereo mic, waterproof cases, close-up lens, leather cases and filters. There’s also a WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter ($70) for the V2 for Wi-Fi connectivity to a smartphone or tablet.
In addition to the AW series, there are nine current 1 Nikkor lenses.
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Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS
THE OLYMPUS MICRO FOUR THIRDS SYSTEM
By Louis Wong In July 2009, Olympus introduced the second CSC on the market, the 12.3-MP Micro Four Thirds E-P1, resembling a retro rangefinder 35-mm camera like the old Olympus (half-frame) PEN. This model featured a built-in image stabilizer and image quality comparable to Olympus DSLRs. Granted, there was no viewfinder, the flash was an included add-on instead of built-in, and autofocus was only moderately fast. Still, the E-P1 enjoyed great success. Since then, Olympus has introduced many Digital PEN cameras, all employing the same Four Thirds size 17.3 x 13.0 mm sensor as their DSLRs. The term Micro Four Thirds refers to the smaller size of the cameras and lenses, not to the sensor. Each subsequent model offered improvements, greater speed, superior AF and extra features, including more Art Filters for special effects. Recently, Olympus added two larger OM-D cameras. The 16.1-MP OM-D E-M5 in a dust/splash-proof magnesiumalloy body is equipped with a tilting touch-screen LCD, electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a hot shoe. It targets experienced photographers who appreciate its classic styling and 9-fps drive mode (or 6-fps with continuous AF). The latest model, the E-M1, is a pro-calibre, well-sealed version with an oversized EVF with 2.36-million-dot resolution, improved AF, stabilizer and processor, some new creative functions and Wi-Fi connectivity. The PEN series remains popular of course, and currently consists of seven models, including the high-end E-P5. This is a compact 16.1-MP version of the E-M5 with a similar feature set but without the dust/water-resistant seals or the electronic viewfinder. It can be used with the optional VF-4 ($300) and it’s equipped with a built-in flash and hot shoe. Other smaller, more affordable E-P series models are also available, including some that offer great simplicity for those trading up from a point-and-shoot camera.
The term Micro Four Thirds refers to the smaller size of the cameras and lenses, not to the sensor. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Let’s take a look at the technology available in the latest Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras; the following emphasizes the high-end cameras since those are most attractive to photo enthusiasts. ADVANCED PROCESSING
All Olympus cameras include a full HD movie mode, many special effects Art Filters, dynamic range expansion options and other high-tech features. The E-M1 gets extras, including two HDR modes, Time Lapse Movie that convert a series of pictures taken using interval shooting into a video clip, and Color Creator that allows the user to fine-tunes hue and colour saturation. 5-AXIS IMAGE STABILIZATION
This new/improved system (E-M5, E-P5, E-M1) compensates for vertical, horizontal and rotational camera shake. DUST/SPLASH-PROOF CONSTRUCTION
Multiple seals on the OMD cameras, two PRO series zooms and optional battery grips protect against sand and rain. BUILT-IN WI-FI
Available with the E-P5 and E-M1, this allows for wireless transfer of images and movies to a smartphone or tablet running a free Olympus app. The smart device can also be used as a remote controller, with live preview on its large LCD screen. F.A.S.T. AF
This technology in recent cameras provides high-speed contrast-detect autofocus. The E-M1 employs a new Dual FAST system with both contrast-detect and phase-detect AF, with a very fast Continuous AF mode. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
You can find 14 Olympus M.Zuiko M lenses, including seven primes (single-focal length) and six zooms with focal lengths ranging from 9 mm to 300 mm, including the M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8, the M. Zuiko Digital ED 60 mm f/2.8 Macro and the ED 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II. The new dust/splash/freeze-resistant M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 mm f/2.8 PRO lens is Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) with high-speed, near-silent autofocus. You can also find adapters for mounting various brands of DSLR lenses. Olympus offers a series of accessories; not all are suitable for every model, however. You can find add-on electronic viewfinders, external flash units and flash brackets, macro, wide-angle and fish-eye converters, wireless and cabled remote controllers, underwater housings, leather cases and bags and filters. 42 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
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Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS THE PANASONIC LUMIX G SYSTEM
By Louis Wong In September 2008, Panasonic introduced the first compact-system camera in the world, the 12.1-MP Lumix DMC-G1, which was equipped with a Live View LCD screen but no viewfinder. This was also the first Micro Four Thirds system model as well, using the same Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm sensor size as Lumix and Olympus DSLRs. Since the sensor was not downsized, it’s important to appreciate that the term “micro” refers to the smaller size of the body and the lenses. Panasonic has introduced many Lumix G-series cameras since then, some with a built-in electronic viewfinder. The flagship 17-MP DMC-GH3 boasts a rugged magnesiumalloy body with splash/dust-proof construction, a built-in high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) and built-in Wi-Fi. The similar 16-MP DMC-G6 is not as rugged but offers many of the same features plus more sophisticated Wi-Fi. Smaller Lumix G cameras are available too, without a built-in EVF, including the tiny (274-g) 16-MP DMCGM1 with touch-screen operation. The new 16-MP DMC-GX7, with tilting 3” (1.04-milliondot) touch-screen LCD and superior low-light AF is unusual in that it features a flattop style while incorporating an electronic viewfinder. This is also the first Lumix G camera to incorporate an image stabilizer in the body; it’s said to be as effective as the stabilizer in many G-series lenses. This camera also employs a new sensor and processor that improve high-ISO image quality.
Panasonic markets 21 G-series lenses, some with the Leica DC designation. numerous special effects digital filters. The GX7 is the first to offer a new feature that resembles Curves, giving the user a great deal of control over both highlight detail and shadow detail. LIVE FINDER
The GH3, G6 and GF6 all feature a 1.7-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinders. The EVF in the GX7 is even more impressive with 2.765-million-dot resolution; it can be tilted upward when desired. TOUCH-SCREEN LCD
Panasonic was one of the leaders in implementing touchscreen operation; of course, analogue controls can also be used with G cameras that include the touch feature. Some of the cameras’ LCD can also be tilted. LIGHT SPEED AF
Panasonic’s latest contrast-detection autofocus system is very fast and reliable even in low light. The GX7 is the best of the series in dark locations, able to focus in surprisingly low light. BUILT-IN WI-FI
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
Technology differs from camera to camera, but here’s a glance at the best available in many of the latest G-series models. ADVANCED PROCESSING
The recent Lumix models provide a wealth of high-tech features, including Full HD Movie mode with Continuous AF, stereo sound and many overrides. They also offer
This feature is available in many Lumix G cameras for wireless transfer of images and movies to a smart device running a free Panasonic app. The smart device can also be used as a remote controller with live preview provided on its large screen. Autosave allows for backing up photos to your home PC by linking your Wi-Fi router to the camera. Some G models also include the sophisticated NFC (Near Field Communication) technology to simplify making the connection between the devices. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
Panasonic markets 21 G-series lenses, some with the Leica DC designation. You can find 13 zooms, seven prime (single-focal length) lenses and one 3D lens. Noteworthy offerings include the Lumix G Vario 7-14 mm f/4 ASPH ultra-wide, the 100-300 mm f/4-5.6 MEGA O.I.S (with optical image stabilizer) telephoto and the very slim pancake lens G 20 mm f/1.7 II ASPH. (For the effective focal length of any lens, multiply by 2.) As well, you can buy adapters to allow the mounting of other camera brands’ lenses, though with limitations as to available Lumix G features. Panasonic offers a series of accessories but not all are suitable for all of the cameras. Their add-ons include external flash units, vertical grip, stereo shotgun microphone, wide, tele, macro and fish-eye converters, an add-on electronic viewfinder, various bags and cases, remote control units and Leica-to-Lumix G lens adapters.
44 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
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Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS THE PENTAX RICOH Q SYSTEM
By Louis Wong Better known as a manufacturer of DSLR cameras, Pentax (now called Ricoh Imaging) has also been making compactsystem models since June 2011, including the K-01, which accepted DSLR lenses. That model has been discontinued because the much smaller Pentax Q series and the tiny Q lenses have been far more popular. The original 12.4-MP Pentax Q used a small 6.17 x 4.55 mm chip to make the body particularly compact; that also allowed for lenses that are amazingly small. The Pentax Q-mount lenses also fit the more recent models, including the Q10, which features a slightly redesigned body and an improved (still small) sensor, and the newer Q7 with its larger 7.44 x 5.58 mm sensor. That size increase is significant because it translates into a surface area that’s 52% greater, allowing for larger pixels for superior quality; that’s most noticeable in images made at ISO 400 and higher ISO levels. Hence, the Q7 body is not as petite as the Q10 body, but no competitor markets cameras or lenses as small as those in the Q system. The Q7 features a magnesium-alloy frame, a 12.4-MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor and an improved sensorshift image stabilizer that is effective with any lens. It uses both a mechanical as well as an electronic shutter, and includes a built-in flash as well as a hot shoe for external flash units. Live View is available on the LCD. You can also mount an optional optical viewfinder OVF-1 (about $250), but an electronic viewfinder is not available. Retailers are stocking the Q7 in yellow, silver and black, but it’s also available in 120 custom colour combinations by special order.
ADVANCED FEATURES
The Q7 boasts a much larger sensor, an improved image stabilizer, a new electronic level gauge and greater compatibility with Eye-Fi cards, but both Q models offer the following noteworthy aspects. ADVANCED PROCESSING
In addition to a 5-fps drive mode, Full HD Movie and HDR Capture modes are also available. In the latter, the camera shoots 3 JPEGs of varying exposures and then merges them into one to preserve details in both the shadow areas and highlight areas. BOKEH CONTROL
Bokeh is the out-of-focus portion of the background. This helps to isolate the subject from a distracting background. Bokeh is traditionally controlled through the lens’s aperture, but the small sensor and crop factor of the Q cameras (especially the Q10) precludes photos with very shallow depth of field. Pentax has provided a filter that simulates that effect. You can also find many other Smart Effects digital filter options. They’re simple to use and provide special effects that would take a lot of Photoshop expertise to duplicate. IN-CAMERA RAW DEVELOPMENT
If you shoot photos in the Raw format, you can modify your files and convert them to JPEG in the camera. This feature is available in Playback mode. ENHANCED EYE-FI COMPATIBILITY
Many digital cameras are compatible with memory cards that provide wireless Wi-Fi connectivity, but the Q cameras —especially the Q7—were specifically designed for full compatibility with the Eye-Fi brand of SD cards, including the built-in menus available with those cards. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
The Q-series lenses are compatible with the Q10 as well as the larger Q7, but the equivalent focal length depends on the camera that’s used, because of the difference in sensor size. For example, the Standard 8.5 mm f/1.7 lens is a 47-mm equivalent with the Pentax Q10 and a 39-mm equivalent with the Q7. The company has introduced seven lenses, including three zooms, such as the incredibly compact WIDE (17.5-27 mm equivalent) model. You’ll also find an incredibly slim Mount Shield 11.5 mm f/9 lens, a 3.2 f/5.6 Fisheye lens and two inexpensive “Toy” lenses. If you own K-mount lenses you’ll want the Q-mount to K-mount adapter that allows the DSLR lenses to be used on the Q cameras, though with limitations as to features, of course. You won’t find many accessories for the Q system, but Pentax does market a few lens hoods for specific lenses, a 40.5-mm polarizing filter, some camera bags and cases, as well as a strap. 46 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS
THE SAMSUNG NX-SERIES SYSTEM
By Louis Wong Samsung introduced their first compact-system camera, the 15.1-MP NX10 with built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), as well as three NX lenses, in January 2010. At the time, it was the only mirrorless camera to employ the large (so-called APS-C) 23.4 x 15.6 mm sensor. Since then, Samsung has introduced a full series of cameras, some much smaller and without the EVF; certain models include built-in flash, some are equipped with a hot shoe for an optional external flash unit and some offer a tilting LCD. Many new lenses have also been developed. The five current NX models feature 20.3-MP resolution, great speed, a wealth of capabilities including Full HD Movie mode and advanced technology. Three cameras are particularly impressive and all can shoot at 8+ frames per second. The enthusiast-grade and compact NX300 features a tilting 3.31” touch-screen LCD but no EVF, while the larger Galaxy NX is equipped with a built-in EVF and a huge 4.8” touch-screen LCD but no analogue controls. The latest model, the NX2000, offers a 3.7” (1.15-million-dot) touchscreen LCD but no EVF, and a hot shoe but no built-in flash; it’s bundled with a small SEF8A external flash instead. Wi-Fi is a common feature in NX cameras and one model, the Galaxy NX is unique. It’s the first camera on the market to merge smartphone and camera features, include an Android operating system; it also has a dual processor. Another aspect that’s unique to Samsung, many of the NX lenses are equipped with an i-Function control that allows users to change settings by rotating a lens ring. This allows the photographer to keep the camera to the eye while making changes—a very convenient setup. ADVANCED FEATURES
WI-FI CONNECTIVITY
Built-in wireless networking connectivity is becoming standard in NX cameras. The NX300 and Galaxy NX are particularly versatile with dual-channel capability. The NX2000 features Near Field Connectivity (NFC), which makes interfacing to a compatible smartphone or tablet quick and easy; just hold the devices together and they establish the Wi-Fi wireless connection all by themselves. The Wi-Fi connectivity provides greater bandwidth so you can get large image files off the camera via your phone quickly, but you will want to have a good data plan for your smart device. ANDROID 4.2 JELLY BEAN
The Galaxy NX provides the Android OS functionality similar to what you get with a smartphone, including voice commands and 4G LTE/3G HSPA + 42 Mbps cellular features. Download Android apps to personalize the camera, edit images, add special effects and stay in touch with friends and family. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
There are 12 lenses currently available for the NX-series cameras, some with OIS (optical image stabilizer) covering focal lengths from 12 mm to 200 mm: five zooms, six prime (single-focal length) lenses, a macro lens. There’s an adaptor for using Pentax K-mount lenses. Samsung also makes a unique 2D/3D 45mm f/1.8 lens for the NX300 and Galaxy NX. It features two retractable LCDs allowing the camera to record a stereo pair in order to create a 3D photo. (For the effective focal length of any lens, multiply by 1.54.) Samsung also offers a series of accessories for the cameras, such as cases, external flash units, an add-on electronic viewfinder, a GPS module, and a 43-mm polarizer to fit many of the NX lenses.
In addition to the i-Function feature on many lenses, the NX cameras include some impressive aspects. I-DEPTH
This extra feature (NX300, NX2000 and Galaxy NX) offers an easy way to adjust the depth of field for an image using the lens’ i-Function system. LENS PRIORITY MODE
This mode provides scene options specifically designed for the lens being used. When users change to a specialized lens like a Macro, the camera recognizes it and automatically configures the settings that best match that lens. ADVANCED HYBRID AF
This system (NX300 and Galaxy NX) uses phase-detection AF to quickly determine the subject distance and then uses contrast-detection AF to fine-tune the focus; all of this happens in an instant. Continuous focus is maintained even while shooting at a fast 8+ fps.
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 47
Compact-System Cameras
THE SONY NEX AND α3000 SYSTEM
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS By Louis Wong
This company entered the compact-system camera market in July 2010 with two unusually slim and lightweight models, employing a large APS-C size (23.5 x 15.6 mm) CMOS sensor. A new E-mount was developed for the NEX series and today Sony markets a wide range of suitable lenses and CSC, including the NEX-7. This model boasts a rugged metal body, 24-MP resolution (vs. 16.1-MP with the other models), ultra high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF), tilting LCD, hot shoe for external flash and a full set of analogue controls. Available at a lower price, the NEX-6 with most of the features of the NEX-7, has less rugged construction, slightly fewer controls and omits the tilting LCD, but gains a more advanced hybrid AF system and Wi-Fi capability with NFC (Near Field Communication). It has no hot shoe or EVF but is the only one to feature a touch-screen LCD for convenient camera operation. There’s also a 20.1-MP CSC that’s reminiscent of a small DSLR in terms of controls and style, including a large handgrip. The α3000, with many of the same features as the affordable NEX models, including an EVF, is quite affordable. It’s not quite as fast as most NEX cameras at 3.5 fps (2.5 fps with continuous AF) but should certainly appeal to some families. Recently, Sony introduced two cameras with a huge 24 x 36 mm (full-frame) sensor, the first of this type in the compact-system camera category. The magnesium-alloy α7R is a 36.4-MP model while the α7 offers 24.3-MP resolution. Both are equipped with a highresolution EVF and tilting LCD, and feature a wealth of DSLR-style functions and controls. They offer light weight (under 420 g),
Wi-Fi with NFC, some important new amenities and a BIONZ X processor; the α7R also employs the latest hybrid AF system. Initially, four larger FE-mount lenses will be available and 15 of them by 2015. ADVANCED FEATURES
Sony is an electronics manufacturing giant so its cameras include many impressive aspects, such as the following. BIONZ PROCESSOR
This engine allows for a very fast burst mode (10 fps with the high-end models), Full HD video capture and features such as Sweep Panorama, which simplifies making a long photo of a vast scene. Other amenities include special effects filters, auto-framing modes that crop JPEGs for better composition, D-Range Optimizer (DRO) for more shadow detail and Auto HDR for JPEGs with high dynamic range. The BIONZ X engine is also said to provide better image quality. FAST HYBRID AUTOFOCUS
This feature (NEX-6 and 5T, and a newer version in the α7R ) combines phase-detect AF and contrast-detect AF for precise focusing and effective tracking of fast-moving subjects tracking. The other cameras use a more conventional multi-point contrast-detect AF system. ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER The NEX-7, NEX-6, α7R and α7
feature an OLED panel with ultra-high resolution, while the α3000 offers lower resolution. LAYERED IMAGES
All of the cameras include Anti-Motion Blur and HandHeld Twilight mode that fire a series of high-ISO JPGs in a burst; they’re combined into one image after discarding most of the digital noise for very “clean” results. BUILT-IN WI-FI
Run the free Sony app in your smart device and a Sony camera with Wi-Fi can transfer photos and videos to a smartphone or tablet without wired connection. The device can also be used as a remote controller. Several cameras also offer Near Field Communication. LENSES AND ACCESSORIES
Sony makes 15 E-mount lenses for the cameras with the conventional size sensor and very soon the company will also be marketing larger FE lenses for the full-frame CSC cameras. Some are equipped with an image stabilizer Steady-shot stabilizer (OSS) and/or Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) AF. Certain lenses are in the premium-grade Sony Zeiss ZA category, while two PZ models provide power (motorized) zoom. (For the effective focal length of any lens, multiply by 1.5.) Sigma and Zeiss also make E-mount lenses. Sony also markets a wide range of accessories for their CSCs, including flash units, EVFs, a stereo mic and lens adapters.
48 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
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Compact-System Cameras
COMPACT-SYSTEM CAMERAS Ranging from tiny to mid-size to moderately large, you can choose from a wide range of CSCs. The following are the most recent or most noteworthy but you can find others too, of course.
CANON EOS-M Although it employs much of the same technology as the EOS T4i and offers many of the same features, the 18-MP magnesium-alloy M is significantly smaller and has fewer analogue controls. There’s no built-in viewfinder or flash but the hot shoe accepts Speedlites including the tiny 90EX that’s included. Important amenities include 4.3-fps drive speed (3 fps with tracking AF), full-HD video with stereo sound, fast, versatile AF, a touch-screen LCD and creative filters in Playback mode. SENSOR: 16.3-MP X-TRANS II • ISO 200-6400 AND HIGH • LENS MOUNT: CANON EF-M VIEWFINDER/LCD: NONE, 3” 1.04-MILLION-DOT LCD • VIDEO RECORDING: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 30 FPS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 108.6 X 66.5 X 32.3 MM • 262 G
$450 WITH 18-55 MM IS STM LENS AND 90EX (STREET)
CANON.CA
FUJIFILM X-E2 Reminiscent of a gorgeous rangefinder camera with retro-style controls, the X-E2 has most of the larger X-Pro1’s numerous features, but with an electronic not hybrid viewfinder. It’s equipped with the improved X-Trans II CMOS sensor and super fast EXR II processor with Lens Modulation Optimizer (for better quality with any lens), a larger/tougher LCD screen, plus contrast- and phase-detect AF for greater speed and reliability. The X-E2 also gains three extra amenities: Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in flash and an external mic jack. SENSOR: 16.3-MP X-TRANS II • ISO 200-6400 AND HIGH • LENS MOUNT: FUJIFILM X VIEWFINDER/LCD: 2.35-MILLION-DOT EVF • 3” 1.04-MILLION-DOT LCD • VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 24 FPS DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 129X75X37MM, 350G WITH BATTERY $
1000 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
FUJIFILM X-M1 AND X-A1 Equipped with more typical (less retro) controls, the X-M1 includes the X-Trans sensor that captures more detail than you’d expect from a 16-MP chip and many of the same features as the X-E1. It has more Auto modes, a larger LCD with tilt mechanism but no viewfinder, built-in flash and Wi-Fi for connectivity to a smart device. The newer X-A1 is essentially the same, but uses a less exotic CMOS sensor with a conventional, Bayer colour-filter array. SENSOR: 16.3-MP X-TRANS (CMOS FOR X-A1) • ISO 200-6400 AND HIGH • LENS MOUNT: FUJIFILM X VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” 920,000-DOT TILTING LCD • VIDEO: MOV 1920X1080 @ 30P OR 60I DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 117 X 66.5 X 39 MM • 280 G X-M1
$
700,
X-A1
$
600 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
NIKON 1 J3 The new mid-range Nikon 1 model, the J3 offers some of the same features as the high-end V2 but is much smaller since there’s no hump on top or a viewfinder. This camera provides fast AF and high-speed drive at 60 fps with focus locked or 15 fps with Continuous AF, plus Smart Photo Selector which saves the best photos from a series, Motion Snapshot (slow-motion movie), a full range of modes including Panorama and many overrides. SENSOR: 14.2 MP CMOS • ISO 160-6400 • LENS MOUNT: NIKON 1 • VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” 920,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 60I OR 30P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 101 X 60.5 X 28.8 MM • 201 G $
500 WITH 10-30 MM VR LENS (STREET)
50 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
NIKON.CA
Compact-System Cameras
NIKON 1 S1 The new entry-level S1 employs a 10.1-MP (instead of 14.2-MP) sensor but in spite of that, the low price and the unusually compact size, it provides many of the same features as the J3. These include Raw capture, the advanced hybrid AF system with two types of autofocus technology and 135 focus-detection points for maximum reliability and the high-speed burst options. For the sake of apparent simplicity, there’s no mode dial, so operation is mostly menu-driven. SENSOR: 10.1-MP CMOS • ISO 160-6400 • LENS MOUNT: NIKON 1 • VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” 460,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 60I OR 30P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 102 X 50.5 X 29.7 MM • 197 G $
300 WITH 10-30 MM VR LENS (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON 1 AW1 This new camera, including its built-in waterproof flash, is submersible (down to 14.9 m), shockproof (drop tested at 2 m) and freeze proof (works down to -10°C). The camera accepts all 1 Nikkor lenses, including the two new, rugged, equally submersible AW lenses. The hybrid AF system and fast electronic shutter for stills and video continue from earlier Nikon 1 cameras. The AW1 also offers the 60-fps and 15-fps drive options plus GPS, altimeter, depth gauge, electronic compass and electronic level gauge. SENSOR: 14.2-MP CMOS • ISO 160-6400 • LENS MOUNT: NIKON 1 • VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” 921,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 60I OR 30P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 113.5 X 71.5 X 37 MM • 313 G $
850 WITH 11-27.5 MM AW LENS (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS PEN E-P5 This flagship of the PEN line in a metal casing builds on the features and OMD E-M5, including the 5-axis image stabilizer and FAST AF system but benefits from extras too. You get a 1/8000 maximum shutter speed, 9-fps burst mode (5 fps with Continuous AF), 1/320 sec flash synch and built-in Wi-Fi. In order to ensure compact size, there’s no viewfinder but the LCD provides touch-screen operation. A 2.36-million-dot EVF ($300) is available as an accessory. SENSOR: 16 MP LIVEMOS • ISO 200-25,600 AND LOW ISO 100 • LENS MOUNT: MFT VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” TILTING TOUCH-SCREEN 1.04 MILLION DOTS VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1090 @ 30P (17 OR 20 MBPS) • AVI •DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 122.3 X 68.9 X 37.2 MM • 366 G $
999 BODY ONLY (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 The pro-grade splash-resistant E-M1 features a surprisingly large electronic viewfinder, a tilting LCD and many analogue controls. With Micro 4/3 lenses, it provides 81-point contrast-detect AF. With an adapter, Four Thirds (DSLR) lenses can be used too, with fast 37-point phase detect AF. Extras include in-camera HDR, 6.5-fps drive (10 fps with AF locked), many Art Filters plus Wi-Fi. To ensure maximum per-pixel resolution, there’s no low-pass filter and Fine Detail II Processing is used. SENSOR: 16-MP LIVEMOS • ISO 200-25,600 AND LOW ISO 100 • LENS MOUNT: MFT VIEWFINDER/LCD: 2.36-MILLION-DOT EVF • 3” TILTING 1.04-MILLION-DOT TOUCH-SCREEN VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1090 @ 30P (17 OR 20 MBPS) • AVI • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 130.4 X 93.5 X 63.1 MM • 443 G $
1400 BODY ONLY (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 51
Compact-System Cameras
PANASONIC LUMIX G6 The G6 is one of the most affordable of the large Lumix cameras and also has a lot going for it including a swivel/tilt touch-screen LCD, built-in EVF and a 7-fps burst rate (5 fps with Continuous AF). This camera is larger than the sleek GX7 but is similar in many aspects, including controls, the many special effects filters, fast LightSpeed AF, the Clear Retouch cloning tool in Playback and great Wi-Fi simplicity thanks to the NFC feature. SENSOR: 16-MP LIVE MOS • ISO 160-25,600 • LENS MOUNT: MFT VIEWFINDER/LCD: BUILT-IN 1.4-MILLION-DOT OLED EVF • 3” 1-MILLION-DOT SWIVEL-TILT LCD VIDEO: AVCHD 1920 X 1080 @ 24P OR 60P • MP4 1920 X 1080 @ 60P DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 122.45 X 84.6 X 71.4 MM • 340 G $
649 BODY ONLY (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
PANASONIC LUMIX GX7 Surprisingly compact in spite of a tilting EVF, this is the first Lumix G camera with in-body image stabilizer and it’s also equipped with a tilting touch-screen LCD. The magnesium-alloy body includes DSLR-style features and controls. Amenities include improved LightSpeed AF, 5-fps drive with Continuous AF, a Silent mode, a Curves function for great dynamic range control and a cloning tool in Playback mode. There’s also Wi-Fi with NFC for simplified connectivity to smart devices. SENSOR: 16-MP LIVE MOS • ISO 125-25,600 • LENS MOUNT: MFT VIEWFINDER/LCD: 2.7-MILLION-DOT TILTING EVF • 1-MILLION-DOT TILTING LCD VIDEO: AVCHD 1920 X 1080 @ 24P OR 60P • MP4 1920 X 1080 @ 60P DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 122.6 X 70.7 X 54.6 MM • 360 G $
1100 BODY ONLY (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
PENTAX Q7 Available in 120 colour combinations, the very small Q7 is newer than the Q10 and features a 52% larger sensor with bigger pixels for better quality. It also benefits from an improved image stabilizer, enhanced processor for better quality as well as greater speed and better support for Wi-Fi Eye-Fi SD cards. You’ll find numerous modes and overrides, 5-fps burst mode, 19 special effects options, versatile autofocus system and hot shoe for an accessory flash unit. SENSOR: 12-MP CMOS • ISO 100-12,800 • LENS MOUNT: PENTAX QVIEWFINDER/LCD: 3” 460,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: MOV 1920 X 1080 @ 24P OR 30P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 102 X 58 X 33.5 MM • 180 G $
500 WITH 5-15 MM LENS (STREET)
PENTAX.CA
SAMSUNG NX300 This CSC with a retro design and a small clip-on flash unit (but no viewfinder) is impressive with its hybrid AF for great reliability, tilting touch-screen LCD and 9-fps speed. Use it with the 45-mm 2D/3D lens to make 3D photos or movies. The NX300 can send content directly to sharing sites, or to a smart device, via dual channel Wi-Fi. The Fn lenses’ controls can be used to operate certain camera functions. SENSOR: 20.3-MP CMOS • ISO 100-25600 • LENS MOUNT: SAMSUNG NX VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3.3” 768,000-DOT TILTING TOUCH-SCREEN AMOLED VIDEO: MP4 1920 X 1080 @ 60P, 30P OR 24P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 122 X 63.7 X 40.7 MM • 280 G $
800 WITH 20-50 MM ED II FN LENS (STREET)
52 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
SAMSUNG.CA
Compact-System Cameras
SAMSUNG NX2000 If you want a really big display, the NX2000, with many DSLR-style features and 8-fps drive with Continuous AF, features a 3.7-incher with touch-screen interface but no viewfinder. It offers Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices with options such as Auto Share and Direct Link. Wi-Fi with NFC makes connectivity to a smart device simple and quick. There’s no built-in flash but a small unit is included and there’s also a hot shoe for a larger optional unit. SENSOR: 20.3-MP CMOS • ISO 100-25600 • LENS MOUNT: SAMSUNG NX VIEWFINDER/LCD: 3.7” 1.1-MILLION-DOT TOUCH-SCREEN LCD VIDEO: MP4 1920 X 1080 @ 30P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 119 X 64.5 X 35.7 MM • 228 G $
699 WITH 20-50 MM II FN LENS (STREET)
SONY α7R
SAMSUNG.CA
This new 36.3-MP camera boasts a huge 24 x 36 mm (full-frame) sensor and new BIONZ X processor; it omits the antialiasing filter to provide superior per-pixel resolution. The α7R is equipped with DSLR-style controls, a (2.36-million-dot) EVF and a tilting LCD, new hybrid Intelligent AF, Wi-Fi with NFC and many NEX features plus some extras. It can shoot 36.3-MP photos at 4 fps. (There’s also a 24.3-MP α7 with most α7R features, but with a low-pass filter, 5-fps drive, and only contrast-detect AF; $1700, street) SENSOR: 36.3 MP EXMOR • ISO 100-25,600 • LENS MOUNT: FE VIEWFINDER/LCD: BUILT-IN EVF • 3” TILTING 921,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: AVCHD 1920 X 1080 @ 60P • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 126.9 X 94.4 X 48.2 MM • 407 G $
2299
(STREET)
SONY α3000
SONY.CA
Resembling a DSLR in style and controls, this is an affordable CSC with a 100% electronic viewfinder, intended for use with the E-mount lenses used by the NEX line. Sony calls it an entry-level camera, and it’s a well-specified one: with many modes, functions and overrides, including 11 special effects filters, Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama and Face Detection/Registration. The hot shoe accepts an optional flash unit or an LED video light or an external mic for video. SENSOR: 20-MP EXMOR • ISO 160-16,000 • LENS MOUNT: SONY E VIEWFINDER/LCD: BUILT-IN EVF • 3” 230,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: AVCHD 1920 X 1080 @ 24P OR 60I • MP4 • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 128 X 90.9 X 84.5 MM • 353 G $
430 WITH 18-55 MM LENS (STREET)
SONY.CA
SONY NEX-5T This was the first Sony CSC with NFC Wi-Fi but it’s also very well equipped with a tilting touch-screen LCD, 10-fps drive mode and dual AF with Dual AF for contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus. You’ll also find the usual Sony features, including the very convenient Sweep Panorama mode, Object Tracking AF, Auto HDR, Intelligent Auto Focus, iAuto mode and many others. There’s no built-in flash but the NEX-5T ships with a small add-on unit. SENSOR: 20-MP EXMOR • ISO 100-25,600 • LENS MOUNT: SONY E VIEWFINDER/LCD: BUILT-IN EVF • 3” 921,000-DOT LCD VIDEO: AVCHD 1920 X 1080 @ 24P, 60P OR 60 • MP4 DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 110.8 X 58.8 X 39 MM • 300 G WITH BATTERY $
700 WITH 16-50 MM MOTORIZED ZOOM (STREET)
SONY.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 53
Compact-System Lenses
COMPACT-SYSTEM LENSES
A GROWING RANGE OF ACCESSORIES
By David Tanaka Most CSC makers now offer standard zoom lenses that go from medium wide to medium telephoto as well as some tele zooms at affordable prices. Those are useful, but there has been a lot of development effort made to creating more exotic glass: high-grade zooms, lenses with wider maximum apertures, zooms with a constant maximum aperture and focal lengths that provide a more dramatic wide-angle or telephoto effect. Many of the recent lenses employ aspherical and/or low-dispersion glass for fine image quality.
Because there is no single common sensor size for CSCs, a given focal length will not give the same angle of view with cameras of all brands. Hence the field-of-view crop (“focal-length magnification factor”) varies. Louis Wong’s essays provide full specifics for calculating the focal-length equivalent with lenses when using any brand of CSC. (Of course, with the full-frame Sony α7 cameras, there is no calculation necessary.) He also provides details as to the number and types of lenses in each brand. In any event, here’s a sampling, with an emphasis on the most recent and the most noteworthy.
CANON EF-M 11-22 MM F4-5.6 IS STM A compact ultra-wide zoom for the EOS-M, this lens with metal exterior features a very effective stabilizer with Dynamic IS mode for use when shooting movies, Super Spectra Coatings, fast, quiet AF with a stepping motor and full-time manual focus. When it’s retracted, the length of the barrel reduces by 13 cm. MOUNT: EF-M • ANGLE OF VIEW: 91-54° • OPTICAL FORMULA: 9 ELEMENTS IN 12 GROUPS • 2 ASPHERIC AND 1 UD MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 15 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 61 X 58 MM • 220 G • 55-MM FILTER
$450 (STREET)
CANON.CA
FUJINON XF 23 MM F/1.4 R This very fast moderate wide-angle will enhance the Fujifilm X line’s prowess as a street photographer’s go-to tool. Features include an aspherical element, Fujifilm’s HT-EBC coating for flare control, extensive correction of distortion, a circular-diaphragm aperture, a high-speed AF system with internal focusing and an aperture ring. MOUNT: FUJIFILM X • OPTICAL FORMULA: 11 ELEMENTS IN 8 GROUPS • 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 28 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 72 X 63 MM • 300 G • 62-MM FILTER $
900 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
FUJINON XF 27 MM F/2.8 This pancake lens with a fast high-torque AF motor, adds very little depth to a camera such as the X-M1, and makes the package compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket. The focal length sits on the border of wide and normal, roughly matching our eyes’ normal active field of vision. MOUNT: FUJIFILM X • OPTICAL FORMULA: 7 ELEMENTS IN 5 GROUPS • 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 34 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: SIZE: 61.2 X 23 MM • 78 G • 39-MM FILTER $
450 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
FUJINON XF 55-200 MM F/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS A new premium-grade lens for serious photographers, this zoom with metal construction is equipped with an image stabilizer, three low-dispersion elements for controlling chromatic aberration, two linear motors for quiet, faster autofocus and an aperture control ring. Extensive use of HT-EBC coating should effectively control flare and ghosting. MOUNT: FUJIFILM X • OPTICAL FORMULA: 13 ELEMENTS IN 10 GROUPS • 3 LD ELEMENTS MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 110 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 75 X 118 MM • 580 G • 64-MM FILTER $
700 (STREET)
54 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
FUJIFILM.CA
Compact-System Lenses
NIKON 1 NIKKOR AW 10 MM F/2.8 One of the submersible, shock-resistant lenses for the AW1 camera, this fast (27-mm equivalent) prime wide-angle model features a wide maximum aperture for fast shutter speeds in low light. Benefits of this slim lens include a rugged metal exterior, a short minimum focus distance useful especially underwater and high-tech optical elements. MOUNT: NIKON CX • OPTICAL FORMULA: 6 ELEMENTS • 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 20 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 61 X 30 MM • 118 G • 40.5-MM FILTER $
330 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
NIKON 1 NIKKOR AW 11-27.5 MM F/3.5-5.6 This short tele zoom is ideal as a primary lens, particularly with the AW1 camera, since it’s submersible and shockproof like the body. It employs ED and aspherical elements for fine image quality. Nikon recommends adding a clear filter when shooting underwater to minimize the risk of condensation for sharp photos. MOUNT: NIKON CX • OPTICAL FORMULA: 8 ELEMENTS IN 6 GROUPS • 1 ED AND 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 30 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 63 X 56.5 MM • WEIGHT 182 G • 40.5-MM FILTER $
850 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40 MM F/2.8 This new all-metal zoom features a fast constant aperture, and splash-, freeze- and dust-proof construction to complement the new OMD E-M1. Features include High Speed Imager AF, Dual Aspherical, High Refractive and ED lens elements as well as a circular-aperture diaphragm. The 24-80 mm (effective) zoom range will be generally useful for many subjects. MOUNT: MFT • OPTICAL FORMULA: 14 ELEMENTS IN 9 GROUPS • 2 ASPHERIC, 2 ED, 1 HR MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 20 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 68.5 X 83.8 MM • 381 G • 62-MM FILTER $
1000 (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 75 MM F/1.8 This highly rated (150-mm equivalent) portrait lens boasts a very wide maximum aperture for shallow depth of field and a circular-aperture diaphragm for a pleasing bokeh. It’s equipped with a sophisticated optical formula with five high-tech elements and an MSC AF drive motor that assures fast and nearly silent focusing. MOUNT: MFT • OPTICAL FORMULA: 10 ELEMENTS IN 9 GROUPS • 2 HR, 3 ED MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 84 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 64 X 69 MM • WEIGHT 305 G • 58-MM FILTER $
899 (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
PANASONIC LUMIX GX VARIO 12-35 MM F/2.8 ASPH POWER OIS This rugged, splash-proof 24-70 mm equivalent zoom is a high-grade product with a wide, constant maximum aperture. Features include a circular- aperture diaphragm, a superb optical formula with high-tech glass and Nano Surface Coating for flare control plus the new Power OIS stabilizer that’s twice as effective as conventional OIS. MOUNT: M43 • OPTICAL FORMULA: 14 ELEMENTS • 1 UED, 1 UHR, 4 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 25 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 68 X 74 MM • 305 G • 58-MM FILTER $
1200 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 55
Compact-System Lenses
PANASONIC LUMIX GX VARIO 35-100 MM F/2.8 POWER OIS Quite compact for a 70-200 mm equivalent zoom, this f/2.8 lens offers a very wide constant maximum aperture and a circular-aperture diaphragm for shallow depth of field and a pleasing bokeh. It’s equipped with the very effective Power OIS stabilizer, both ED and UED elements, Nano Surface Coating and is also splash-proof. MOUNT: M43 • OPTICAL FORMULA: 18 ELEMENTS IN 13 GROUPS • ED & UED MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 85 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 67.4 X 99 MM • 360 G • 58-MM FILTER $
1400 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
SIGMA 60 MM F/2.8 DN A The DN lenses fall into Sigma’s Art series, indicating that the design ensures fine optical performance. Available in Micro 4/3 or Sony E mounts, this fast short telephoto with a fast Linear AF motor, provides an ideal focal length for portraits and allows for shallow depth of field. It features internal focusing, SLD glass and a circular-aperture diaphragm. MOUNT: M43 OR SONY E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 8 ELEMENTS • 1 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 50 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 60.8 X 55.5 MM • 190 G • 46-MM FILTER $
219 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SIGMA 19 MM F/2.8 EX DN Available for M43 and Sony-E systems, this medium-wide prime has a wide maximum aperture and uses a fast Linear AF motor that’s also quiet, great for video recording. Although it’s affordable, the lens features internal focusing, a circularaperture diaphragm, three glass-mould aspherical elements and Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating. MOUNT: M43 OR SONY E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 8 ELEMENTS • 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 20 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 60.8 X 45.7 MM • 160 G • 46-MM FILTER $
210
(STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY E PZ 18-105 MM F/4 G OSS Another premium zoom from Sony, this G-class lens features quiet, motorized zooming (with “floating-axis” construction) at variable speed that’s ideal when shooting video. The length of the barrel does not change while zooming or focusing. It’s also equipped with an image stabilizer, high-grade optics and a circular-aperture diaphragm. MOUNT: SONY E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 8 ELEMENTS • 2 ED AND 3 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 45 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 78 X 110 MM • 482 G • 72-MM FILTER $
650 (STREET)
SONY.CA
SONY PZ 18-200 MM F/3.5-6.3 OSS Larger than average because of an extra powerful motor, this lens also allows for powered (not mechanical) zooming in a very quiet, smooth manner, a valuable feature for anyone who often shoots videos with a NEX or α3000 camera. Other benefits include a metal exterior, image stabilizer, a circular-aperture diaphragm, a very quiet AF motor and a premiumgrade optical formula. MOUNT: E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 17 ELEMENTS • 1 ED AND 5 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 30 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 93 X 99 MM • 649 G • 67-MM FILTER $
1300 (STREET)
56 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
SONY.CA
Compact-System Lenses
VOIGTLANDER 25 MM F/0.95 NOKTON Boasting an incredibly wide maximum aperture, this (50-mm equivalent) lens is ideal for low-light photography. (There’s also a 17.5-mm model available.) The only connection to the camera is mechanical so it must be used with manual focus and manual exposure. It features metal construction and includes a metal lens hood and caps. MOUNT: M43 • OPTICAL FORMULA: 11 ELEMENTS IN 8 GROUPS • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 17 CM DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 58.4 X 70 MM • 410 G • 52-MM FILTER $
1000 (STREET)
JCLSALESGROUP.COM
ZEISS SONNAR T* 55 MM F/1.8 Featuring the widest aperture in the full-frame E mount series, this high-grade “normal” lens allows for very shallow depth of field at f/1.8 or for fast shutter speeds in low-light shooting. It’s dust- and moisture-resistant and has a circular-aperture diaphragm, aspherical elements to control distortion and aberrations, as well as Zeiss T* coatings to minimize flare and ghosting even in backlighting. MOUNT: FE • OPTICAL FORMULA: 7 ELEMENTS • ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 50 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: N/A • 49-MM FILTER $
999 (STREET)
SONY.CA
ZEISS TOUIT 12 MM F/2.8 This beautiful ultra-wide AF lens with metal barrel, high-grade elements, T* coatings and a circular-aperture diaphragm also offers motor-assisted manual focus. The model for Fujifilm X has an aperture-control ring. There’s a second Touit lens from Zeiss, the 32 mm f/1.8 with a wider maximum aperture ($1000). MOUNT: M43 & SONY E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 11 ELEMENTS • 3 LD AND 2 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 18 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 65 X 81 MM • 260 G • 58-MM FILTER $
1250 (STREET)
LENSES.ZEISS.COM
ZEISS VARIO-TESSAR T* 16-70 MM F/4 ZA OSS This first Zeiss lens with E-mount from Sony, this zoom with a metal barrel is definitely premium-grade, with four aspherical elements, Zeiss T* coating for flare control, a constant maximum aperture and optical image stabilizer. While it’s a bit heavy, it’s gorgeous, with the same Zeiss styling as in A-mount lenses. MOUNT: SONY E • OPTICAL FORMULA: 16 ELEMENTS • 4 ASPHERICAL MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 35 CM • DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 66 X 75 MM • 308 G • 55-MM FILTER $
1100 (STREET)
SONY.CA
ZEISS VARIO-TESSAR T* 24-70 MM F/4 ZA OSS The most impressive FE-mount lens for the full-frame α7 cameras, this dust/moisture-resistant zoom with a metal barrel is definitely premium-grade. Features include, one ED and five aspherical elements, Zeiss T* coatings, a constant maximum aperture, optical image stabilizer and a circular-aperture diaphragm. While it’s a bit heavy, it’s gorgeous, with the same Zeiss styling as in A-mount lenses. MOUNT: SONY FE • OPTICAL FORMULA: 12 ELEMENTS • 1 ED AND 5 AL • MIN. FOCUS DISTANCE: 40 CM DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: 73 X 94.5 MM • 430 G • 67-MM FILTER $
799
(STREET)
SONY.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 57
Fixed-Lens Compact Cameras
FIXED-LENS COMPACT CAMERAS
BECOMING MORE ADVANCED THAN EVER
By Chad Sapieha Although smartphones are often used for quick picture taking, a true camera with optical zoom, larger sensor and more powerful flash is preferable in many respects. Even the entry-level (under $200) cameras have a 4x or 5x zoom capability, moderately powerful flash units, superior low-light capabilities and far more features, both automatic and manual. While the sub-$200 cameras are the best sellers, we decided to cover the more advanced and versatile products here. The categories include Superzoom models with a wide-angle to long telephoto zoom, Tough submersible cameras and Enthusiast-grade cameras that are competitive with some DSLRs in terms of controls and feature set.
A superzoom camera is particularly useful if you often shoot sports or wildlife. They’re equipped with a lens that extends to at least a 500-mm equivalent focal length, making them far more practical, portable and affordable than a DSLR with a super telephoto lens. The rugged, submersible cameras are ideal for vacation trips, boating and hiking in inclement weather; many parents also buy this type for their children or teens because they’re almost indestructible. And finally, if you own a full DSLR or compact-system cameras with a series of lenses, you may also want a take-anywhere camera that fits into a jacket pocket. Naturally, even smaller high-grade cameras are available. These include the Olympus Stylus XZ-10, Pentax MX-1, Canon PowerShot S120 HS, Fujifilm X20 and the 16.2-MP Nikon Coolpix A with a superb 28-mm f/2.8 lens.
SUPERZOOM CAMERAS CANON POWERSHOT SX280HS This compact 12.1-MP camera, without an EVF, features a 25-500 mm f/3.5-6.8 equivalent lens with a six mode intelligent stabilizer, a bevy of automatic features as well as manual controls, Full HD Movie mode and a 14-fps burst mode (5.1 fps with continuous AF) for the serious shooter. Extras include very fast AF, built-in Wi-Fi and a GPS receiver. $
400 (STREET)
CANON.CA
FUJIFILM FINEPIX S8400W Targeting photo enthusiasts, this small 16.2-MP camera sports a stabilized 24-1056 mm f/2.9-5.6 equivalent lens with a Super Macro option. The sensor provides fine high ISO quality and nice 1080p videos. This is a fast, full-featured camera with high speed AF and a 10-fps drive at full resolution. Built-in Wi-Fi with Near Field Communication (NFC) makes transferring files to computers and smart devices a snap. $
300 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
NIKON COOLPIX P520 Successor to Nikon’s popular P510, the P520 has a brighter 24-1000 mm equivalent f/3-5.9 lens with improved VR stabilizer and 18.1-MP sensor, a larger, articulated 3.2” LCD and a built-in GPS. It can shoot 1080p videos or JPEGs at up to 7 fps; image-retouching features are available in Playback mode. Add theWU-1a adapter for Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices. $
430 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS STYLUS SH-50 IHS Boasting a three-axis stabilization system, and six-axis in Movie mode, this 16-MP model with 25-600 mm f/3-6.9 equivalent lens is equipped with a touch-screen LCD but no viewfinder. Interesting features include a Full HD Movie mode with stereo sound, 10-fps drive mode, 11 special effects filters, and a mode that merges several high ISO photos into one for excellent image quality. $
300 (STREET)
58 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
Fixed-Lens Compact Cameras
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-FZ70 With a lens spanning the equivalent of 20-1200 mm f/2.8-5.9, the full-featured FZ70 established a new benchmark for zoom range. This camera with a tilting LCD and Light Speed AF can shoot 16.1-MP JPEGs at 9 fps (5 fps with continuous AF) and also offers 1080p video with Dolby stereo with zooming mics and effective wind noise reduction for the audio. $
430 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
PENTAX X-5 Resembling a DSLR, this 16-MP camera is equipped with a stabilized 22.3-580 mm f/3.1-5.9 equivalent lens with Super Macro mode and a tilting 3” LCD. It’s great for snapshooters with many automatic modes, but also plenty of manual controls, a dozen special effects options, Full HD movie mode with mono sound and a 10-fps drive at 5-MP resolution. $
250 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-HX300 This 20.4-MP camera without an EVF is equipped with a 24-1200 mm f/2.8-6.3 equivalent lens and an improved SteadyShot stabilizer said to be twice as effective as its predecessor. Its touch-screen LCD is fully articulated and can even face forward. The numerous features include 10-fps drive, 360º Panorama mode, Full HD (AVCHD) video, plus slots for SD and Memory Stick cards. $
500 (STREET)
SONY.CA
RUGGED SUBMERSIBLE CAMERAS CANON POWERSHOT D20 This curvy and slim 12.1-MP camera with 28-140 mm f/3.9-4.8 equivalent lens, intelligent stabilizer and GPS is waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof to 1.5 meters and freeze-proof to -10°C. Targeting families, it offers many automatic modes but also the essential overrides, a Full HD Movie mode, many special effects filters, image retouching options in Playback, 1.9-fps burst mode and a 6.8-fps high-speed option. $
320 (STREET)
CANON.CA
FUJIFILM FINEPIX XP200 A fine companion on family vacations, this 16-MP camera with a stabilized 28-140 mm f/3.9-4.9 lens, with full-resolution 10-fps burst mode, numerous shooting modes and Full HD Movie mode is waterproof to 15 m, shockproof for drops of up to 2 m and freeze-proof to -10°C. Extras include special effects filters, Panorama mode and Wi-Fi for connectivity to smart devices. $
300 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
NIKON COOLPIX AW110 Capable of withstanding depths up to 18 m, drops as far as two meters and temperatures to -10°C, Nikon’s rough and tumble AW110 captures 16-MP images. Its equipped with a stabilized 28-140 mm f/3.9-4.8 equivalent lens, Tracking AF, electronic stabilizer in Full HD Movie mode, as well as GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices, to make tracking and sharing your adventures easier. $
350 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH TG-2 IHS Made with extreme activities in mind, the 12-MP Tough camera has a stabilized 25-100 mm f/2-4.9 lens, a manometer, a GPS for geo-tagging photos, fast AF, a 10-fps drive mode (5 fps with continuous AF), many special effects filters and Full HD Movie mode. It’s waterproof to 15 m, shockproof to two meters, freeze-proof to -10°C and crushproof to 100 kg. $
380 (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 59
Fixed-Lens Compact Cameras
PANASONIC DMC-TS5 Panasonic’s ruggedized shooter is a full-featured 16.1-MP camera with a stabilized Leica DC 28-128 mm f/3.3-5.9 equivalent lens and optical viewfinder. It’s waterproof to 13 m, shockproof to two meters and freezeproof to -10°C. Features include Full HD Movie mode, GPS, 10-fps drive (5 fps with Tracking AF) as well NFC Wi-Fi for convenient connectivity to smart devices. $
400 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
PENTAX WG-3 With looks that could land it work in a sci-fi movie, the 16-MP WG-3 is waterproof to 14 m, freeze-proof to -10°C, crushproof to 100 kg and resistant to drops up to 2 m. Images and Full HD movies are captured through a stabilized 25-100 mm f/2-4.9 equivalent lens. Upgrade to the GPS model for geotagging and also gain a depth gauge and digital compass. $
300; $350 WITH GPS (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-TX30 Very slim and elegant, the 18.2-MP TX30 with a 26-130 mm f3.5-4.8 equivalent lens and an ultra-high resolution 3.3” touch-screen LCD offers a trade-off: a minor decrease in ruggedness for better looks and performance. It’s waterproof to 10 m, shockproof to 1.5 m, and resilient to temperatures to -10°C. It’s very versatile however, with Full HD (AVCHD) Movie mode and many features for still photography. $
300 (STREET)
SONY.CA
ENTHUSIAST-GRADE CAMERAS CANON POWERSHOT G16 This rugged 12.1-MP model with large, conventional controls is a particularly popular example, thanks to its stabilized, fast 28-140 mm f/1.8-2.8 equivalent lens, small optical viewfinder and tilting LCD. Valuable amenities include very fast autofocus, hot shoe for external flash, Full HD Movie mode, 12-fps burst mode and Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices. $
550 (STREET)
CANON.CA
FUJIFILM X100S A gorgeous 16-MP retro-style camera with magnesium-alloy components and a superb aspherical 23 mm f/2 equivalent lens, the X100S employs a 15.8 x 23.6 mm X-Trans sensor without a low-pass filter for amazing image quality. It’s equipped with a high-resolution optical/electronic viewfinder, high-speed Hybrid AF system, ultra-high resolution LCD, 6-fps drive, hot shoe for external flash and Full HD Movie mode. $
1300 (STREET)
FUJIFILM.CA
FUJIFILM XQ1 Featuring the new 12-MP 2/3” X-Trans CMOS II sensor with contrast- and phase-detection AF and EXR Processor II for super fast autofocus, this very small, full-featured model is equipped with a stabilized 25-100 mm equivalent f/1.8-4 ED zoom. Benefits include Lens Optimizer for superior image quality, a rugged tempered-glass LCD, very versatile Movie mode and a jack for an external mic. $500 (STREET)
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FUJIFILM.CA
Fixed-Lens Compact Cameras
NIKON COOLPIX P7800 Equipped with a 28-200 mm f/2-4 equivalent lens, DSLR-style controls and hot shoe for external flash, this 12.2-MP model replaces the P7700 and gains an electronic viewfinder for eye-level shooting. Other amenities include a vari-angle LCD, Full HD Movie mode and the features you’d expect in a DSLR camera. Add the optional WU-1a adapter to gain Wi-Fi connectivity to smart devices. $
550 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS STYLUS 1 Boasting a wide-aperture 28-300 mm equivalent f/2.8 stabilized lens and OMD camera-styling and feature set, this 12-MP model is equipped with a 1.04-million-dot EVF, tilting 3” touch-screen (1.04-million-dot) LCD and Wi-Fi. Amenities include a 7-fps burst mode, fast and versatile 35-point AF, Art Filters and a hot shoe. The built-in flash can trigger remote flash units without cable connection. $
700 (LIST)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-LF1 Designed for maximum image quality with a new 12.1-MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor and updated Venus Engine processor, the LF1 is fitted with a stabilized high-grade Leica DC 28-200 mm f/2-5.9 equivalent lens. Other features include an electronic viewfinder, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 10-fps burst mode, fast/versatile AF system, Panorama mode and special effects filters as well as Full HD (AVCHD) Movie mode. $
500 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 61
Fixed-Lens Compact Cameras
RICOH GR Amazingly small, the 16-MP magnesium-alloy GR is equipped with a large 15.6 x 23.5 mm sensor without a moiré filter for superior image quality and an excellent 28-mm f/2.8 equivalent lens. It’s packed with DSLR-style features, including Full HD Movie mode, 4-fps drive mode, fast AF, image modification tools in Playback and a hot shoe for an external flash unit. $
800 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA DP3 MERRILL The DP3 with metal body and the essential features employs a “15-MP x3 layers” Foveon X3 full-colour 15.7 x 23.5 mm sensor rated as 46-MP. It’s equipped with a high-grade 75-mm f/2.8 equivalent lens and hot shoe, but no built-in flash. Features include multi-mode AF, convenient manual focus, 4-fps drive mode and video capture at VGA (640 x 480) resolution. $
800 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY CYBER-SHOT RX10 This large 20.2-MP magnesium-alloy camera with 8.8 x 13.2 mm sensor and BIONZ X sensor, boasts a stabilized Zeiss 24200 mm equivalent f/2.8 T* lens with 7 aspherical elements. It’s capable of shooting at 10 fps with tracking AF and offers High Speed AF, Full HD 60p video, Wi-Fi with NFC, a tilting (1.29-million-dot) LCD and a (1.44-million-dot) electronic viewfinder $
1500 (STREET)
SONY.CA
SONY CYBER-SHOT RX100M2 This upscale aluminum 20.2-MP camera with a large 8.8 x 13.2 mm back-illuminated sensor for superior image quality features a tilting LCD and stabilized Zeiss T* 28-100 mm f/1.8-4.9 equivalent lens. It’s fast and extremely versatile with 10-fps drive, high-speed AF, Full HD Movie mode, hot shoe for external flash, Full HD Movie mode and NFC Wi-Fi. $
800 (STREET)
SONY.CA
UNIQUE SONY CAMERA/LENS MODULES A major manufacturer of many types of electronic equipment, Sony markets two unique DSC-QX series modules, consisting of a sensor, processor, optical zoom lens and battery. There’s no flash or LCD. Attach either QX device to an Android or iOS smartphone with the included mount and establish connectivity between the two. To do so, you can use Bluetooth, conventional Wi-Fi or the very quick simple Near Field Communication if your smartphone supports this feature. You can then begin recording photos and videos with the Sony camera/lens, using the smartphone as the control device and its large LCD as the preview screen. Images and videos are saved to an in-camera SD card. If desired, place the QX at a remote location and continue to control it via the smartphone. Afterwards, share the photos and movies with friends via email or an upload to Facebook or other site using the smartphone’s browser capabilities. DSC-QX100: This high-end model is based on the 20.2-MP Sony Cyber-shot RX100 with its large 8.8 x 13.2 mm sensor and BIONZ processor. (Not all RX100 features are available but the QX100 is still quite versatile and fast.) Since there’s no need for the LCD nor controls, the “body” is very compact and lightweight, at 165 g including battery. The stabilized Zeiss T* 28-100 mm f/1.8-4.9 equivalent lens is the largest component. DSC-QX10: A more affordable model, this one is based on the 16.2-MP Cyber-shot DSC-WX80, and employs a more typical size sensor, 4.62 x 6.16 mm, and a stabilized Zeiss 25-200 mm f/3.3-6.3 equivalent lens. (The most important RX100 camera features are available.) It provides the same connectivity options and shooting experience as the QX100. As expected, this one is more compact and weighs only 105 g, including the battery. The QX modules are an important first step in a new direction, omitting the camera body and LCD for reduced size/weight. The QX10 is particularly small and portable. The smartphone acts only as the controller and LCD so you get the benefit of a Sony optical zoom lens, large sensor and sophisticated processor for significantly better image/video quality in addition to greater speed and versatility. Perhaps in future, a module will include built-in flash, making it even more desirable.
62 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
The new reality It’s getting harder and harder to tell the difference between what’s real and what isn’t. And you can thank Epson for that. Specifically, Epson inkjet printers. Epson is widely acknowledged by quality-obsessed imaging professionals for generating the finest gallery-quality colour and B&W prints. Which Epson professional printer is right for you? As Canada’s largest Epson dealer, Vistek can help you bring
your wide format vision to life like no other store can. We showcase the widest selection of Epson inkjet printers in the country, wide-carriage models ranging from 17- to 64-inches. At Vistek, you’ll also find a huge selection of inks, quality inkjet paper and canvas – and virtually everything you’ll need to bring your printing in-house. Talk to one of our printing specialists, find out how surprisingly affordable it is to own and operate a professional Epson inkjet.
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Computer Hardware
COMPUTER HARDWARE
NOTCHING UP YOUR COMPUTER PERFORMANCE
By David Tanaka You don’t need the newest, fastest computer for image editing. Unless you own a 36-MP camera, even a three or four-year-old processor will be capable of handling your image-editing and management needs. However, as you may know, a computer system is made up of a number of components, the processor or CPU being just one. Sometimes, you can extend the life of your computer by upgrading some key pieces, sometimes you can’t. CONNECTIVITY ISSUES
Many people use external hard drives to store images. This is a performance bottleneck because the data transfer speed of an external drive is much slower than that of the built-in hard drive. Blame it on USB 2.0, the common connection standard for the past decade. It’s fine for keyboards and mice, but relatively pokey for external drives. Firewire is faster, although not many computers and external drives offer Firewire. But USB 3.0 has finally arrived with perhaps quadruple the real world performance of USB 2.0. And recent Mac computers are equipped with Thunderbolt, which is also super fast.
to the proper tonal and colour rendition properties that you need for fine photographic work. Wide-gamut monitors have better colour performance, so they can more closely match the colour range captured by your camera. However, they can be 10 to 15 times more expensive than the deal-o-the-day products you often find at office or electronics retailers. Of course, more affordable mid-range monitors are also available for good (if not pro-calibre) display quality. To get the best results from either type of monitor, it’s essential to calibrate it to ensure that it’s providing a nearly perfect rendition of the brightness, contrast and colour in the images you are viewing. For the very best results, consider a calibration kit for your monitor, including software and a “colourimeter” sensor that you’ll attach to the screen. You can also find calibration kits for printers and digital projectors, as well as full full-meal deals that can calibrate all of your devices. GPU ISSUES
The jump from USB 2.0 to 3.0 was quite impressive, but if your computer’s USB ports are hard-wired as USB 2.0, what can you do? You or a computer tech should be able to retrofit your old computer to USB 3.0 using a special interface card. If you’re using a notebook computer or an all-in-one design like the iMac on the other hand, it won’t be as easy and just might not be practical.
Video information (and that includes images) is handled by a separate processing system called the graphics processing unit or GPU. Most high-end GPUs pump up 3D rendering performance; hence are geared mainly to video gamers. For photography, you don’t need high-performance 3D graphics. ACCESSORIZE
MONITORS
This is another area where a retrofit is often a cost-effective way to improve an older system. If your monitor was included in the system package you bought, it’s likely not optimized for photographic work. It will provide a decent display for word processing or web surfing or even for watching movies, but the monitor won’t have been tuned
Spending long hours in front of a computer editing your images can be tedious. There are a number of other computer accessories like graphics tablets than can lighten the load. Following is a selection of computers, graphics tablets and monitors ideal for imaging, as well as external drives and monitor calibration kits that should be of interest to photographers.
COMPUTER SYSTEMS APPLE MACBOOK RETINA While ultrahigh-resolution screens on notebook and tablet computers are the norm, Apple also provides that with its 13” and 15” MacBooks with Retina displays, with more pixels that an HDTV display or even Apple’s premium Thunderbolt monitor. The 13” screen provides 2560 x 1600-pixel resolution, while the 15” model pumps that up to 2880 x 1800 pixels. $
1500 AND UP (STREET)
APPLE.CA
SONY VAIO PRO 13 ULTRABOOK Windows 8 has spawned a new generation of touch-screen devices and this 1.06 kg beauty from Sony is a prime example. It uses an i5 Intel processor, with 8 GB of RAM and a fast 128-GB solid-state hard drive. The 13.2” IPS touch panel display provides full-HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It also has the latest USB and Wi-Fi with NFC connectivity. $
1300 (STREET)
64 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
SONY.CA
Computer Hardware
GRAPHICS TABLETS BAMBOO GRAPHICS PADS Wacom’s entry-level Create and Capture (with USB connectivity for Mac or PC) now offer pro-oriented graphics features. The pen has 1024 levels of sensitivity and 2540 lines per” resolution. The active digitizing area is quite generous at 216 x 137 mm for the Create and 147 x 92 mm (5.8 x 3.6”) for the Capture. Both incorporate Multi-touch for controlling computer functions with your fingers. $
200, CREATE; $100, CAPTURE (STREET)
WACOM.COM
MONITORS EIZO FLEXSCAN SX2762 Eizo has two lines of graphics-oriented monitors: ColorEdge and FlexScan. The premium ColorEdge 27” monitor is roughly $1000 more, but the FlexScan SX2762 (for Mac or PC) is not exactly a low flyer. It includes features such as 10-bit imaging engine, 2560 x 1440 native resolution, DVI-D and Mini DisplayPort ports, and can display approximately 97% percent of the AdobeRGB colour palette. $
1600 (STREET)
EIZO.COM
LG 27” PREMIUM EA83 Boasting “up to 99 percent of the AdobeRGB gamut” this one offers an Inline Plane Switching display unit for more consistent colours across the screen. You’d need a dual-link DVI-D video output to drive the display to it maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440, but the unit also has a Display Port adapter for a Mac having a Display Port or Thunderbolt auxiliary port and an HDMI port. $
880 (STREET)
LG.CA
STORAGE DROBO MINI Drobo is a popular system for building an array of hard drives—the idea being that if one drive fails your data will still be there on one or two other drives. The Mini accepts 2.5” (notebook computer size) hard drives, in click-in style holder, for ease of installation without tools; there’s even a provision for battery backup. Connection ports are the fastest available, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt. $
650 (BARE ENCLOSURE) (STREET)
DROBO.COM
Accessorize your accessories We’re much more than a camera store. At Vistek, we carry the widest assortment of photo accessories including topname lenses and lens filters from Lee, Hoya and B+W. We also carry a huge selection of lighting accessories from such leading manufacturers as Elinchrom, Profoto and Lowel, carrying bags from Tenba, Lowepro and Crumpler, as well
as a wide array of tripods from Benro, MeFoto, Induro and Manfrotto. At Vistek, you get the products, the brands, and an incomparable selection of photo accessories. Why do you think professional photographers and serious hobbyists come to Vistek to accessorize?
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Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 65
Computer Hardware
LACIE 2BIG This is an affordable series with RAID capability, with two individual 7200-rpm drives that are hot-swappable. The 2big can be configured as RAID0 to boost read-write performance or to RAID1; then, the contents of Drive1 are exactly mirrored on Drive2 as a backup. If 8 TB is not adequate you can also find higher capacity in the pricey LaCie 4Big four-drive enclosure and the 5Big five-bay unit. FROM
$
400, QUADRA USB3.0 AND FIREWIRE 800; FROM $500, THUNDERBOLT (STREET)
LACIE.CA
WD MY BOOK Western Digital has several My Book external hard drives. These offer good capacity at attractive prices, and include singleand dual-drive units with up to 8 TB of storage that can be set up as RAID arrays. We recommend RAID1 to provide a backup in case the first drive should fail. All offer fast USB 3.0 connections, while products aimed at Mac users are also available with Thunderbolt interface. $
200, 2-TB DUAL-DRIVE UNIT (STREET)
WDC.COM
SEAGATE BACKUP PLUS PORTABLE Seagate has two lines of Backup Plus: one is built on 3.5” drives while the Portable series uses smaller 2.5” notebook drives. The Portable models, in capacity up to 4 TB, are very slim and lightweight, so they’re ideal as carry-along accessories. They offer two convenient backup options and use USB 3.0; extra cost adapters for the Mac edition allow you to use either Firewire 800 or Thunderbolt connectivity. $
100, 2-TB UNIT (STREET)
SEAGATE.COM
COLOUR CALIBRATION X-RITE I1 PRO 2 If you are a professional or simply unusually fussy about colour accuracy, check out one of these Color Management Kits for Photographers. They’re based around a new spectrophotometer and revised i1 profiling software. The X-Rite i1 Photo Pro 2 for monitors, digital projectors and printers includes Pantone colour-management software, ColorChecker calibration and proofing targets; the moe affordable Basic package is a bit less versatile but it’s impressive too. $
1550 AND $1200 (STREET)
WEBBSIGHT.CA
X-RITE COLORMUNKI DISPLAY Far more affordable but great for photo enthusiasts, this kit offers convenient calibration of a monitor or digital projector with a colourimeter device and easy-to-use software with one-click pre-sets or wizard-driven options for more control. The on-screen help guides and videos offer plenty of useful guidance. You don’t need to understand colour science, although there is an Advanced mode too, for more experienced users, with additional pre-defined options for even greater control. $
250 (STREET)
WEBBSIGHT.CA
DATACOLOR SPYDER 4 The very popular Spyder4 series is available in several kits including the premium-grade Elite, with unlimited gamma choices, unlimited colour temperatures and a great variety of colour targets, employing the fourth-generation colorimeter device. It can handle multiple monitors and digital projectors. The less expensive Pro and the entry-level Express work well too; the latter is strictly for monitors. Many photo enthusiasts are perfectly satisfied with one of these kits. $
130 TO $280 (STREET)
66 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
DAYMEN.CA
Photo: David Bicho. We take reservations for misprints. Information, prices and products are subject to change without notice.
Winter 2013 – Profoto - The Light Shaping Company www.profoto.com /ca – info@profoto.com
New The B1 Off-camera Flash. With TTL. Without Cords. Victoria VictoriaWill’s Will’sThree Three Minutes Minuteswith withAl AlPacino Pacino
New Umbrella Deep & Shallow. 12 Models. 2 Shapes. Infinite possibilities.
Shape Sunlight with the New Profoto Reflectors
Light Shaping for Speedlights.
THE B1. OFF-CAMERA FLASH.
Photo: David Bicho
Great Light Made Easy. The new Profoto B1 makes it easier than ever to take the flash off your camera. With TTL you set light in a flash. With battery power and without cords, you can take the B1 with you wherever you go and put it wherever you want. Add to that the power, speed and light shaping possibilities that Profoto lights are known for, and you have an offcamera flash that makes great light easy.
WITH TTL Attach the Air Remote TTL to your camera’s hot shoe to merge camera and flash into one. Then point and shoot, and the B1 will automatically adjust its light output to provide you with the perfect exposure. It is as easy as it sounds. WITHOUT CORDS The B1 is powered by an exchangeable, high-capacity battery that is integrated with the flash. Combine that with an Air Remote TTL and experience the freedom that comes with shooting without power cables or sync cords.
WITH POWER Ten times as powerful as the average speedlight, the B1 enables you to overpower the sun on a sunny day as well as light up larger backgrounds and areas. Having that much power also allows you to add Light Shaping Tools to create a beautiful, soft light even in bright conditions. WITH SPEED At lower power settings the B1 will blast away up to twenty flashes per second. But speed also equals short flash duration. In other words, the B1 will provide a much shorter flash duration than a speedlight set at the same output. WITH LIGHT SHAPING Choose from more than 120 Light Shaping Tools and shape the B1’s already beautiful light into almost any light you can imagine. Explore Profoto’s unique Zoom Function and make fine-tune adjustments by simply sliding the tool back and forth on the B1.
Read more at www.profoto.com/ca/b1
Photo: M^chael Mueller
Michael Mueller Puts the B1 to the Test What kind of flash is required to shoot downhill skaters rushing down a mountainside at almost 100 km/h? Michael Mueller knows the answer to that question.
Michael happily accepted the proposal and brought his team to a mountain to shoot death-defying downhill skateboarders rushing down a road. In their bags were B1s, Zoom Reflectors and Air Remotes, among other items of equipment.
In early September, the B1 was ready to be launched to the public. But before doing so, the development team at Profoto wanted to give their new flash a proper test drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or to be more precise, they wanted a professional photographer to do it. The B1 is a cordless off-camera flash with TTL, designed to not only catch the action but also freeze it in time with absolute sharpness. So it seemed only natural to give it to a photographer whose images ooze with adrenaline. If you are familiar with German sports photographer Michael Mueller, you know he fits that description like a glove.
Photo: MIchael Mueller
“We didn’t have much time to plan the shoot, so there was no time to get a permit to close off the road” says Michael. “Instead we had to position the flashes and shoot the athletes as fast as we could. Every time we heard a car approaching, we instantly had to remove the setup and then rebuild it again. So there was no time to get into the details. This was a shoot and run shoot! In fact, I’m not even sure it would’ve been possible to do with any other flash than the B1.” Early in Michael’s career, he shot with speedlights. Then he switched to flash packs, such as the powerful Profoto Pro-B3 and the lighter AcuteB2. But now that he has tried the new B1 Off-Camera Flash, how does it compare to his previous experiences? “This Off-Camera Flash is a lot faster and more powerful than any speedlight you’ll ever find,” says Michael. “In addition, you get to choose from all these Light Shaping Tools that are unique for Profoto. “Compared to the flash packs that I’m used to, on the other hand, the B1 is a lot easier to work with. The fact that it is a single unit with no cords means that I can just place it wherever I want and shoot a second later. It takes it to a whole new level for photographers like me.” See more of Michael’s work at www.kme-studios.com
Photo: M^chael Muelleg
Photo: M^chael Muelleg
Photo: M^chael Mueller
B1 5 0 0 A I R T T L K I T The B1 is delivered in a kit including a sof t padded nylon ca se, a rechargeable Lithium-Ion batter y a n d a b a t t e r y c h a r g e r – e ve r y t hi n g you need to go of f-camera! Produc t no: 901094
Grab the Gear Y You o Need and Go Wherever Yoou Want to Go Y
AT TERY FOR B1 L I-ION BA Get yourself a spare batter y and save yourself the trouble of having t o w o r r y a b o u t r u n ni n g o u t o f p o wer. Provides up to 220 full-power fla shes. Produc t no: 10032 3
A IR R REMOTE T TL- C Attach this small unit to your Canon camera’s hot shoe to wirel integrate your B1 with your camera. Shoot fully automatic in T o r s w i t c h t o M a n u a l M o d e f o r c r e a t i v e a d ju s t m e n t s . H a s a n o p e range of up to 300m (1,000f t) without any cable or cords. Produc t no: 901039 ((Nikon Nikon vversion e r si o n w will ill bbee av available ailable dduring uring 22014.) 014.)
BAG X S Tailor-made ca se for protec ting the B1 and it s accessories during s t o r ag e a n d t r a n s p o r t . C a n a l s o house camera s, lenses and other p h o t o g r a p hi c e q u i p m e n t . Produc t no: 330224
BAT TERY CHARGER 2.8A Standard charger that fully recharges the B1’s batter y in two hours Produc t no: 100308
CAR CHARGER 1.8A gs into a standard car cigarette nnec tor and recharges your B1 b a t t e r y i n ju s t t w o h o u r s . Produc t no: 100330
BACKPAC CK M Grab our handy, high quality backpack and travel with comfor t to your on-location shoot. Fit s two B1 of f-camera fla shes plus accessories a n d t wo s t a n d s . Produc t no: 33022 3
FA A S T C H A R G E R 4. 5 A O p t io n a l f a s t c h a r g e r t h a t f u l l y recharges the B1’s batter y in only one hour! Produc t no: 100309
Read R ead m more ore aatt w www.profoto.com/ca/b1 ww.profoto.com/ca /b1
Umbrella Deep and Umbrella Shallow O u r n e w li n e o f u m b r e l l a s c o n s i s t s o f t w e l v e u n i q u e m o d e l s d i v i d e d i n t o t w o c a t e g o r ie s: U m b r e l la D e e p and Umbrella Shallow. Umbrella Deep is available in two sizes (130cm/51" and 165cm/65") and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. All six versions have a deeper, more parabolic shape than the average umbrella. The deeper shape gives the photographer better control of the light spread. It also allows the photographer to focus and shape light by simply sliding the umbrella shaft in its holder. Umbrella Shallow is also available in two sizes (85cm/33" and 105cm/41") and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. The most important difference is that Umbrella Shallow is smaller and less parabolic, making it very lightweight and portable.
Much effort was invested into making both Umbrella Deep and Umbrella Shallow as reliable and sturdy as possible. The fabrics were selected to provide a superior quality of light over years of heavy-duty use, and the metallic elements have been surface treated to prevent rust and discoloration.
The optional Diffusor is also worth mentioning. This is simply pulled over the front of the White or the Silver version to turn it into a large softbox with an even softer and more even light spread.
Read R ead m more ore aatt www.profoto.com/ca/umbrellas www.profoto.com/ca /umbrellas
Photographer Klara G On the New Profoto Umbrella Deep S w e d i s h p h o t o g r a p h e r K l a r a G s ay s h e r a s s i s t a n t s have nicknamed her t he umbrella lady. Why? Be c ause she loves working wit h umbrella s! “There are several reasons why I love working with umbrellas,” says Klara. “The most important is, of course, the light they create. I’m very inspired by classic portrait paintings, and if you take a closer look at these, there is usually just a single angled light source. An umbrella is the perfect tool for recreating that effect – that natural yet slightly mystical light. “I also love the catch light you get with an umbrella. You don’t get that square reflection you get with most softboxes. Instead, you get a beautiful, round reflection. The umbrella’s large, round shape is also great for creating a natural vignette around the subject, which is something I tend to do quite often.”
Photo: Klara G
Apart from the artistic reasons, there are also practical reasons as to why Klara prefers working with umbrellas. “Umbrellas are very easy to work with. They are meant to fold, so they are obviously very easy to bring along and mount and dismount. They are also uncomplicated in terms of light shaping, which means that I can focus on the interaction with the person in front of the camera – their eyes, their facial expression.” All the images in this spread were shot with Klara’s favorite umbrella: the Profoto Umbrella Deep L, which is a quite large umbrella with a deeper shape. “I think it’s the combination of size and shape that makes it so great,” she says. “It’s hard to describe, but the light embraces and wraps itself around the subject in a totally different way than any other umbrella I’ve worked with. The deeper shape also creates a more directed and easyto-control light that allows me to achieve better results faster.” Photo: Klara G
See more of Klara G’s work at www.klarag.com
Photo: Victoria Will
Victoria Will’s three minutes with Al Pacino There are no second chances in celebrity photographer Victoria Will’s line of work. For instance, she had only three minutes to get the shot with Al Pacino. But she nailed it. Read the story and learn how. “These kinds of shoots are always a challenge,” says Victoria. “They don’t tell me what kind of room we’ll shoot in, what clothes the subject will wear or how much time we’ll have. Well, they say ten minutes. They always say ten minutes. But you never get it. It’s like a final exam every single time.”
“So, I did what I always try to do. I showed up a couple of hours early. As it turned out, the shoot was to take place in the penthouse in a very ornate, luxurious hotel. It looked like Versailles. This was a bit of a problem since I wasn’t shooting Louis XIV. I was shooting Al Pacino. You don’t put Al Pacino against a floral fabric.”
Victoria’s shoot with actor Al Pacino was no exception. All she knew beforehand was that the shoot would take place in a certain hotel at a certain time.
Victoria immediately removed the unwanted fabrics and furniture and put up a seamless backdrop. She then unpacked the two D1 monolights she had brought. She mounted a gridded Softlight Reflector White on one and a gridded Softbox RFi 1x4’ on the other. The Softlight
Reflector was her main light, placed high up on a stand on camera left. The softbox was her fill light, placed close to the floor on camera right. “The D1 is just per fect for me,” says Victoria. “First of all, it’s por table and light. I’m not a big girl. I need a compact kit that I can carry on my own. Secondly, it’s very straightfor ward and intuitive. Just like my camera, it feels almost like an extension of my arm. Finally, I really like the Air Remote. Not only is it a great relief getting rid of the cords piling up on the floor, it also allows me to build several set s on the same location and switch between the setups on the fly with a simple press of the button.” When Al Pacino eventually entered the room, Victoria was as prepared as she could possible be, given the circumstances. The backdrop was in place, the light s were set and Victoria was good to go. “I could immediately tell that he wanted nothing more than to be done with the shoot,” laughs Victoria. “So, the first thing I told him was that if he would just give me three minutes of his undivided attention, that would be it. He smiled and nodded. That’s how I got his attention.” Three minutes later,, Victoria told the actor she had her shot.
Photo: Victoria Will
Read more about Victoria Will on her webpage: www.victoriawill.com/
Read R ead m more ore aatt www.profoto.com/ca/d1 www.profoto.com/ca /d1
Ready to go pro? Boasting a generous 7 f-stop power range, action-stopping shor t flash durations, and color stability comparable with that of many high-end studio generators, the D1 proves that superior per formance can be delivered in a compact and affordable package. The D1 is also the core of our popular D1 kit s. Choose between the versatile D1 Studio Kit and the comprehensive D1 Studio Kit 3 Heads. Choose today and get either a Softbox Kit or a Softlight Kit included free of charge!
BUY N BUY NOW OW AND A ND GET GET A S SOFTLIGHTOFTLIGHT- OR OR AS OFTBOX K IT SOFTBOX KIT F FREE REE O OF F C HARGE! CHARGE!
D1 STUDIO-K IT 2 x D1 monolight s 2 x umbrellas 2 x s t a n ds 1 x Air Remote Studio Kit Bag Power cables D1 STUDIO K IT 3 HE A D S 3 x D1 monolight s 1 x Softbox RFi 1,3x2’ 1 x Softbox RFi 2x 3’ 2 x speedrings 1 x D1 Grid 10° 3 x D1 kit stands 1 x Air Remote D1 Trolley Bag
* Offer valid until December 31, 2013. Softbox Kit (1 x Softbox RFi 2x3’, 1 x speedring and 1 x Softgrid). Softlight Kit (1 x Softlight Reflector White, 1 x Softlight Grid and 1 x Softlight Diffuser).
Foto: Tobias Björkegren
E]oto: Tobias Björkgren
RFi softboxes on fashion When Profoto’s RFi softboxes were released in 2012, Tobias Björkgren was one of the first photo-graphers to lay his hands on them. THE SHOOT Tobias, who appreciates the variety that comes with shooting everything from fashion and portraits to products and food, decided to complete his photographic toolbox with the smallest RFi Softbox: the Softbox RFi 1x1.3’. This is the story of his first shoot with his new tool. THE CHALLENGE Tobias had a fashion shoot scheduled. Now, most photographers associate fashion photography with hard reflectors, but Tobias, who was keen on trying his new tool, decided to use only the softbox. “I used to work with the Zoom Reflector or the Softlight Reflector for these kinds of assignments but wanted to try it with a super small softbox, as it’s easier to work with and takes up far less space. I don’t even need a special bag for it. I can just fold it up and put it with the rest of my gear.”
THE SOLUTION Tobias went for a simple one-light set-up to see how his new tool performed on its own. “The softbox was placed almost right in front of the model about a meter away,” says Tobias. “As it turned out, this was the perfect distance to get an even light with just the right amount of depth in the shadows. The light is actually quite hard but has soft shadows, which I really like.” Finally, the Softbox RFi 1x1.3’ was raised on a boom, hitting the model from a 45° angle, and the flash head was wirelessly synced with the Profoto Air System. THE GEAR 1 x Profoto Softbox RFi 1x1.3’ 1 x Profoto RFi Speedring 1 x Profoto Air Sync 1 x Profoto flash
See more of Tobias work on his website: www.tobiasbjorkgren.se/
E]oto: Tobias Björkgren
Softboxes in All Sizes and Sh Shapes The RFi softboxes are available in all sizes and shapes. To ensure full control for the photographer, they have a deeper shape, a recessed front, double-layered diffusers and a highly reflective silver interior. Optional accessories such as Softgrids, Stripmasks and Flat Front Diffusers allow for even more precise light shaping. Also note that our wide range of speedring adaptors makes the RFi softboxes compatible with more than 20 different flash brands. This now includes speedlight s, thanks to our brand new RFi Speedlight Speedring!
Available in twelve models and four shapes. Compatible with more than 20 flash brands, including speedlight s. Deeper shape and recessed front for precise control. Double-layered diffusers and a highly reflective silver interior. Optional accessories, such as the Softgrid, the Stripmask and the Flat Front Diffuser, allow for even more precise light shaping. Color-coded speedrings and Velcro attachment s result in hassle-free assembly and disassembly. Designed to withstand years of professional use.
Read R ead m more ore aatt www.profoto.com/ca/rfi-softboxes www.profoto.com/ca /rfi-softboxes
Photo: Ab Sesay
Light Shaping for Speedlights Speedlights are great for many reasons, but being able to create a soft and shapeable light is not one of them. Profoto offers a simple solution to this problem: a speedring that makes the Profoto RFi softboxes compatible with speedlight s of any brand. The RFi Speedlight Speedring allows you to mount not one but two speedlights on the bracket. This means that you have enough power and punch to
shoot in bright sunlight or light up an even larger RFi softbox, such as the Softbox RFi 3x4’. Each speedlight can slide and be tilted inside the RFi softbox, allowing you to create a remarkably even light with no hotspot. The entire RFi softbox can also be tilted, rotated 360° and adjusted high wise. In short, the RFi Speedlight Speedring gives the speedlight user access to the world of light shaping.
Read R ead m more ore aatt w www.profoto.com/ca/speedlight-speedring ww.profoto.com/ca /speedlight-speedring
Frederico Martins and the new Profoto Reflectors From October Profoto offers five different reflectors in two sizes. Portuguese fashion photographer Frederico Martins has tried most of them. Here is what he has to say. Born and raised by the owner of a clothing store, fashion is not only Frederico Martins’ profession; it is in his blood. Today, he is an awarded fashion photographer who counts renowned publications such as Vogue, Elle, Maxim and GQ among his clients. Frederico started his career shooting surfers, and ever since, he enjoys using the elements of nature and available light to his advantage. This is also the reason why he prefers working with reflectors. “Working with reflectors is a more natural approach,” says Frederico. “You can forget about batteries, carrying heavy equipment and adjusting the color temperature. You get a natural look and feel with very little effort.” Frederico was recently asked to do a cover story for Elle about a solitary girl wandering around the island of Fuerteventura. Knowing that he would be out in the sun on location, Frederico brought a number of different Profoto Reflectors. “The Profoto Reflectors have handles and are sturdier and more rigid than other reflectors I’ve worked with,” says Frederico. “I often shoot on quite windy locations so rigidness is an important factor. Having so many different textures to choose from is also good.” The different textures can be used in different ways for creating different effects. So how did Frederico use them on Fuerteventura?
E]oto: Frederico Martins
E]dto: Johan Wiberg
E]oto: Frederico Martins
“The white side reflects the light in a very natural way so I mostly used it for lighting up and controlling the shadows,” he says. “It’s very straightforward and definitely one of my favorites. “The silver side was used when I wanted a strong, slightly underexposed image with let’s say darker skin tones and a deep blue sky. In these cases, I placed the Reflector quite far from the model, so that I got a low powered yet shiny light that brought life to the darker areas. I also used it in some shots to create the catch light in the model’s eyes.
“The translucent reflector was used as a diffuser. I put it over the model with the sunlight shining through, which gives you this nice, fresh and soft light. Of course, diffusing the light on the model steps down your exposure and gives you a slightly brighter background. But that can be a good thing! “I didn’t use the black or the gold side on Fuerteventura, but the former is obviously used to flag off light, and I’ve previously used the gold side when shooting black & white. It gives you this really nice, almost bronzy kind of feel. “My personal favorite, however, is the SunSilver side. “It’s not as cold as the silver Reflector and it is not as obvious as the Gold side. It’s right in between and I think it’s just perfect. A lot of the beautiful, warm skin tones you see in these pictures were created using it.”
E]oto: Johan Wiberg
See more of Frederico’s images at his website: www.fredericomartins.net
Shape Sunlight or Bounce Flash Light Working with Profoto’s Collapsible Refle c tor s i s li g h t s h a p i n g i n i t s m o s t u n c o m p li c a t e d form. They are ea sy to use, ea sy to c arr y a n d c a n b e u s e d f o r b o u n c i n g o r d i f f u si n g s u n li g h t a s w e l l a s f l a s h li g h t . The sturdy yet collapsible metal frame is equipped with two ergonomically shaped handles, which make the Collapsible Reflectors easy to fold and hold in various positions.
Photo: A ndrea Belluso
Shape sunlight or bounce flash light. Ergonomically shaped handles make the reflectors easy to fold and hold. Unique squircle-shape. Sturdy yet easily foldable metal frame. High-quality fabrics. Available in five versions: Silver// White, SunSilver/ White, Gold/ White, Black / White and Translucent. Available in two sizes: Medium (33”/80cm) and Large (47”/120cm).
SunSilver creates a somewhat warmer light with a slightly higher output and more c o n t ra s t .
Silver increases the light output and creates more contrast and crispier colors.
Gold creates a warmer light with a lower color temperature.
White reflect s the light exactly as it is.
Black can be used to flag off light and eliminate unwanted stray light.
The Translucent Reflector is a diffuser that creates a softer and more even light spread w it h l e s s c o n t r a s t .
Read R ead m more ore at at www.profoto.com/ca/collapsible-reflectors www.profoto.com/ca /collapsible-reflectors
Blaze‘s Profoto Promot November to December BUY A BUY AIR D4 D 4 2400 2400 AIR ROM T TO O2 25% 5% F FROM ET A N C CSRP SRP A AND ND G GET AN A CUTE/D4 HEAD HEAD ACUTE/D4 F OR FREE! FR REE! FOR e, crafted to produce large quantities of high-quality images at an extremely high rate with no variations in power output and color temperature. The D4 has four outputs, each with independent control. In other words, working with one D4 is like working with four separate flash packs.
BUY B UY NOW NOW AND A ND G GET ET A SOFTLIGHTTLIGHT- OR OR SOFT A SOFTBOX KIT SO OFTBOX K IT FOR FREE! FO OR F REE! monolights, 1 x Basic Kit Bag and Power Cables. Available with or without Air – the world’s fastest system for remote radio sync and control.
(Softbox Kit includes 1 x Softbox RFi 2x3’, 1 x speedring and 1 x Softgrid). (Softlight Kit includes 1 x Softlight Reflector White, 1 x Softlight Grid and 1 x Softlight Diffuser).
Blazes B lazes P Photographic hotographic - D Dealers ealers L List ist QUEBEC QUEBEC
ONTARIO O NTARIO
L Lozeau ozeau
B3K B 3K D Digital igital
Vistek V istek
Don’s D on’s P Photo hoto Shop Shop Ltd. Ltd.
66229 229 R Rue ue S St-Hubert t-Hubert Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Québec, H H2S 2S 22L9 L9 C Canada anada Tel: T el: 5514-274-6577 14-274-6577 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 1 8800 00 3363-3535 63-3535 E Email: mail: iinformation@lozeau.com nformation@lozeau.com Web: Web: www.lozeau.com www.lozeau.com
2250 50 Carlaw Carlaw A Ave., ve., U Unit nit 1102 02 Toronto, T oronto, ON ON M M4M 4M 2S1 2S1 Canada Canada Phone: P hone: 416-628-8044 416-628-8044 Fax: F ax: 4416-907-4386 16-907-4386 E Email: mail: iinfo@B3Kdigital.com nfo@B3Kdigital.com W Web: eb: w www.capture-u.com ww.capture-u.com
33735 735 999th 9th S Street treet Edmonton, E dmonton, A AB B T6E T 6E 66J7 J7 PH: P H: 7780.469.4479 80.469.4479 FX: F X: 7780.469.1323 80.469.1323 TF: T F: 11.866.273.7839 .866.273.7839
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4496 96 Q Queen ueen S Street treet E East ast Toronto, T oronto, O Ontario, ntario, M M5A 5A 44G8 G8 Canada C anada N N8N 8N 11M1 M1 Phone: P hone: 4416-365-1777 16-365-1777 Fax: F ax: 4416-365-7776 16-365-7776 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 11-888-365-1777 -888-365-1777 E Email: mail: ssalesinquiries@vistek.ca alesinquiries@vistek.ca W Web: eb: w www.vistek.ca ww.vistek.ca
222, rrue 222, ue N Notre-Dame otre-Dame O O.. Montréal Montréal Québec, Québec, H H2Y 2Y 11T3 T3 C Canada anada Tel: T el: ((514) 514) 8849-2291 49-2291 F Fax: ax: ((514) 514) 8849-8628 49-8628 E Email: mail: iinfo@photoservice.ca nfo@photoservice.ca W Web: eb: w www.photoservice.ca ww.photoservice.ca
327 S 327 Symington ymington Avenue Avenue Toronto, T oronto, O Ontario ntario , M6P M6P 3X1 3X1 C Canada anada P Phone: hone: 4416-535-3747 16-535-3747 Fax: F ax: 4416-535-3812 16-535-3812 Email: E mail: ssales@filmplus.ca ales@filmplus.ca Web: W eb: w www.filmplus.ca/ ww.filmplus.ca/
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Beau B eau P Photo hoto 11520 520 W W.6th .6th A Ave. ve. Vancouver, V ancouver, B BC CV V6J 6J 11R2 R2 P Phone hone 6604-734-7771 04-734-7771 Toll T oll F Free ree 11-800-994-2328 -800-994-2328 E Email: mail: iinfo@beauphoto.com nfo@beauphoto.com W Web: eb: w www.beauphoto.com ww.beauphoto.com
F lash Point Point Flash 1171 71 W West est 3rd 3rd Ave Ave Vancouver, V ancouver, B BC C,V V5Y1E6 5Y1E6 C Canada anada P Phone: hone: 6604-872-1017 04-872-1017 E Email:rentals@flashpointrentals.com mail:rentals@flashpointrentals.com W Web: eb: w www.flashpointrentals.com ww.flashpointrentals.com RENTAL R ENTAL H HOUSE OUSE O ONLY NLY
119 C 119 Church hurch S St. t. Toronto, T oronto, O Ontario, ntario, M M5C 5C 22G5 G5 Canada Canada P Phone: hone: ((416) 416) 8868-0872 68-0872 E Email: mail: ttoronto@henrys.com oronto@henrys.com W Web: eb: w www.henrys.com ww.henrys.com
Kindermann indermann K 3361 61 S Steelcase teelcase Road Road W West, est, U Unit nit 3 M Markham, arkham, O ON NL L3R 3R 33V8 V8 C Canada anada P Phone: hone: ((905) 905) 940-9262 940-9262 Fax: F ax: ((905) 905) 4479-9755 79-9755 Toll T oll F Free: ree: ((800) 800) 3361-9682 61-9682 E Email: mail: iinfo@kindermann.ca nfo@kindermann.ca W Web: eb: w www.kindermann.ca ww.kindermann.ca
A ALBERTA LBERTA
Vistek V istek 55840 840 M Mavis avis R Road oad M Mississauga, ississauga, O ON, N, L L5V3B7 5V3B7 C Canada anada P Phone: hone: 9905-593-1777 05-593-1777 Fax: F ax: 9905-593-5777 05-593-5777 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 11-877-923-1777 -877-923-1777 E Email: mail: m mississaugasales@vistek.ca ississaugasales@vistek.ca W Web: eb: w www.vistek.ca ww.vistek.ca
Vistek V istek 6499 B 6499 Bank ank S Stt Ottawa, O ttawa, O ON, N, K K2P 2P 11Z2 Z2 C Canada anada Phone: Phone: ((613) 613) 5567-4700 67-4700 Fax: F ax: 6613-567-4702 13-567-4702 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 11-888-428-4466 -888-428-4466 E Email: mail: oottawasales@vistek.ca ttawasales@vistek.ca W Web: eb: w www.vistek.ca ww.vistek.ca
M MANITOBA ANITOBA
S1 G Group roup
Don’s D on’s P Photo Ph hoto
9 Davies Davies Avenue, Avenue, S Suite uite 202 202 Toronto, T oronto, Ontario, Ontario, M M4M 4M 2A6 2A6 Canada Canada Phone: P hone: 416-466-3024 416-466-3024 Fax: F ax: 4416-463-2004 16-463-2004 Email: E mail: bbookings@s1group.ca ookings@s1group.ca Website: W ebsite: w www.s1group.ca ww.s1group.ca RENTAL RENTAL H HOUSE OUSE O ONLY NLY
1839 M 1839 Main ain S Stt Winnipeg, Winnipeg, M MB BR R2V, 2V, C Canada anada Phone: Phone: ((204) 204) 9942-8335 42-8335 Toll T oll ffree: ree: 11-800-561-6403 -800-561-6403 Fax: F ax: ((204) 204) 9956-0289 56-0289 Email: E mail: ssales@donsphoto.ca ales@donsphoto.ca Web: W eb: w www.donsphoto.com ww.donsphoto.com
Robinson’s R obinson’s Camera Camera 11228 228 - 99th th A Avenue venue S S.E. .E. Calgary, C algaryy, A Alberta, lberta, T T2G 2G 00T1 T1 C Canada anada P Phone: hone: ((403) 403) 2233-8523 33-8523 Fax: F ax: ((403) 403) 2266-2804 66-2804 Email: E mail: iinfo@robinsonscamera.com nfo@robinsonscamera.com Web: W eb: w www.robinsonscamera.ca ww.robinsonscamera.ca
T he C amera Store The Camera Store 802 – 111th 802 1th A Ave ve S SW W Calgary, C algaryy, A AB, B, T T2R 2R 00E5 E5 C Canada anada Phone: P hone: 4403-234-9935 03-234-9935 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 11-888-539-9397 -888-539-9397 Email: E mail: ssales@thecamerastore.com ales@thecamerastore.com Web: W eb: w www.thecamerastore.com ww.thecamerastore.com
Vistek V istek 1231 110th 1231 0th A Avenue venue S SW. W. Calgary, C algaryy, A Alberta, lberta, T T3C 3C 00J3 J3 C Canada anada Phone: P hone: 4403-244-0333 03-244-0333 Fax: F ax: 4403-244-1048 03-244-1048 Toll T oll F Free: ree: 11-800-561-0333 -800-561-0333 Email: E mail: ccalgarysales@vistek.ca algarysales@vistek.ca Web: W eb: w www.vistek.ca ww.vistek.ca
Photo: Tim Wallace
Fast, Powerful and Made of Metal Tim Wallace ne eds a fla sh that c an mat c h t h e c a r s h e s h o o t s . W it h it s p o w e r f u l o u t p u t , f a s t r e c y c l i n g, a c t io n f r e e zi n g f la s h d u r a t io n s a n d unbeaten bat ter y c apacity, the Pro B 3 d e li v e r s o n a l l f r o n t s . “Light is fundamental. The camera is, of course, impor tant. The lens is impor tant. But when it comes to building up an emotion, nothing is more impor tant than light.” – Tim Wallace
PRO-B3 1200 AirS Huge battery capacity. Longest battery lifetime on the market. Fast recycling. Action freezing flash duration. Incomparable reliability. Two asymmetric lamp outlets. 8 f-stop power range. 250W modeling light. Wireless sync with the Air system.
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B la z e s P h o t o g r a p h i c I n c . 361 Steelca se Road West, Unit 3, Markham, ON L 3R 3V8, Canada. Tel. 1-8 88-561-0906, bla zes@bla zesphoto.com profoto.com/blog
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Imaging Software
IMAGING SOFTWARE
A SECOND CHANCE—FIX IT IN POST-PROCESSING
By David Tanaka Looking for software to complement your growing collection of digital photos and video? You’ll find an abundance of choices covering a broad range of features, at various degrees of complexity and price. At one extreme of functionality, you’ll find workflow suites that help you do everything you might want to do with your photos: download them to your computer, organize them in some way, fix problem areas, and then make prints or email them or post them on a social-networking site. Some of these are surprisingly affordable. At the other end you’ll find special purpose software with a few specific functions that they do exceptionally well. These include the plug-in kits, such as the one from Google Nik software. The developers continue to work to make the products more powerful and easier to use, so plenty of the content in this section covers new and improved programs. One of the bigger stories on the software front in the past year has been the move by Adobe to a subscription model for its premium graphics titles. What used to be collectively
called the Creative Suite is now the Creative Cloud—and you can’t buy Photoshop CC the way you used to buy previous versions. In fact, CS6 is the last in the line of “boxed copy” Photoshop versions available in retail stores; it’s not yet known how long CS6 will remain for sale. The newest version, now referred to as Photoshop CC, is available only as an annual subscription; you pay a monthly fee for as long as you want to use the product. This new pricing model affects only Photoshop CC and the other titles that fell within the Creative Suite product group. Adobe’s other photo-oriented products, Lightroom 5 and Photoshop Elements 12, are still available for retail purchase. The HD and Full HD video capabilities of the vast majority of current still cameras means that more of us are dipping our toes into the world of video-editing software too. Last year we covered virtually every image-editing package because all of them had been recently revised. In this year’s guide we focus mainly on titles that were revised in the past year.
IMAGE EDITING ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CREATIVE CLOUD Ah, the controversy this product has stirred. The Creative Cloud (CC) title indicates that the software is available only by download from the Adobe Cloud and only as an annual subscription. (You can still buy CS6 with a perpetual license but it’s no longer being updated with features or for new Raw formats.) Photoshop CC is arguably the most full-featured and desirable imaging software particularly for graphic designers and pro photographers. For a limited time, you can get the Photoshop Photography Programme for $9.99 a month, which bundles Photoshop CC, Lightroom 5, 20 GB of free cloud storage and access to the Behance ProSite. $
20 PER MONTH
ADOBE.CA
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 12 This new version of the full-featured entry-level imaging and Raw program offers Elements Organizer with a new Mobile Albums feature that works through Adobe’s Revel cloud storage service and the Revel app on a smart device. This allows you to access the images in a Mobile Album across devices: sharing media between your smartphone and computer, for example. You can also share images by emailing the web address; recipients need only a web browser to view them. There are a number of enhancements too, such as 64-bit support for Mac, content-aware move, and some new Guided Edits. $
99
ADOBE.CA
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM 5 Available with a perpetual license (unlike Photoshop CC) v.5 of this non-destructive software, with 64-bit support for Windows and Mac OS, implemented Smart Previews. Use it to edit images even when the full size originals are not accessible. Work with a smaller stand-in file; any adjustments you apply to it will later be automatically applied to the original image. Additional benefits include a Spot Healing tool that works more like a brush, a radial gradient tool (for elliptical shapes) in addition to the linear gradient tool, and a one-touch Straighten tool that re-establishes horizon lines and right angles if they are skewed. $
160; $85 AS AN UPGRADE
ADOBE.CA
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Imaging Software
ACDSEE PRO The Pro 3 version for Mac finally includes many of the features of the Windows Pro 6 version, including the LCE high dynamic range tool and hierarchical keywords. It also supports the higher resolutions of Apple’s Retina displays. Both ACDSee Pro 3 for Mac and Pro 6 for Windows (compatible with Windows 8) include a broad set of non-destructive editing tools and mature cataloguing features. The brand new Version 7 for Windows offers additional benefits: non-destructive heal and clone tools, linear and radial gradient tools, sharpen and detail brushes. There is now support for dual displays, plus V7 joins the geo-tagging crowd with geo-location mapping. $
100 AND $200
ACDSEE.COM
DXO OPTICS PRO 9 Version 8 won a 2013 TIPA Award for best imaging application and DxO 9 is even more impressive. This Raw and JPEG processing product attaches sliders to some very powerful image manipulation routines, so you can make sophisticated adjustments with relative ease. These include colour, brightness and sharpness adjustments as well as control over Rawprocessing parameters. New benefits include the Prime noise-reduction module for a significant improvement in high-ISO quality, improved highlight recovery, a Portrait colour rendering option for better skin tones, one-click visual pre-sets patterned after the company’s FilmPacks and enhancements to the user interface. $
170, STANDARD; $300, ELITE
DAYMEN.CA
CAPTURE ONE PRO 7 Given that the other side of Phase One’s business is high-end medium-format digital cameras and backs, it’s understandable that the company has pitched its Raw workflow product, Capture Pro, to a pro-oriented audience. This is a full Raw workflow product with cataloguing, Raw file modification, new noise-reduction algorithms and high-speed processing (with ongoing updates to support new cameras). It was designed for superb quality, colour and detail from Raw files. The Tethered Shooting module allows you to capture images directly to the computer. Capture One Express ($99) provides the same features except for tethered shooting. $
299
PHASEONE.COM
COREL PAINTSHOP PRO X6 An affordable unusually versatile imaging product available for many years, PaintShop has maintained a loyal following and is now viewed as a valid alternative to Adobe’s CC software. The X6 version offers a new, more intuitive interface and powerful plug-ins that you might otherwise need to buy separately. It has a handful of new features and some other welcome changes; the most significant is 64-bit processor support and support for 64-bit plug-ins including Photoshop plug-ins. The Ultimate version also includes Perfectly Clear one-click correction tools, Reallusion FaceFilter 3 for portraiture and a collection of extra brushes, textures and royalty-free $
60, X6; $80, X6 ULTIMATE
COREL.CA
VIDEO EDITING ADOBE PREMIERE ELEMENTS 12 Originally available with Photoshop Elements, Guided Edits have been added to Premiere as well; these are useful built-in, step-by-step tutorials. The Smart Albums feature that appeared in Elements 12 is also available in Premiere 12, making it easier to share video across computers and smart devices. You’ll find other new features too, such as Motion Tracking, which allows you to follow moving subjects with graphics overlays (text, for example) and 50 new music scores that can be timed to the length of your movie. Among the new FilmLooks special effects modules is Trinity, which gives you a look a la The Matrix. $
99
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ADOBE.CA
Imaging Software
COREL VIDEOSTUDIO X6 This easy-to-use video-editing product offers numerous features, and it’s available in two versions: X6 Pro and Ultimate. They’re essentially the same but Ultimate includes three additional modules: the Boris Graffiti 6 titling module, NewBlue Colorfast for colour correction and effects, and the ProDAD handwritten title animator. Both versions of X6 have several new features compared to X5. Among them are customizable and saveable motion paths for titles and graphics, support for the coming 4K video files and for AVCHD 2.0, and a Motion Tracking feature that lets you attach graphic objects or text so that it follows a moving subject. $
79, X6 PRO; $99, X6 ULTIMATE
COREL.CA
SONY MOVIE STUDIO PLATINUM 12 SUITE This suite combines Sony’s Movie Studio video-editing package and its Sound Forge Audio Studio 10 audio-editing software. The full-featured video-editing product, compatible with nearly all video formats, includes the usual video-editing tools, supports 20 video and 20 audio tracks and includes a titling module. The suite also allows for sharing movie on YouTube without leaving the application. In addition to tools for video effects, transitions and filters, Platinum 12 offers some more exotic features like the ability to edit stereoscopic 3D footage and software image stabilization to videos that are slightly blurred due to camera shake. $
130
SONYCREATIVESOFTWARE.COM
SPECIAL EFFECTS GOOGLE NIK COLLECTION Acquired by Google last year, Nik now offers this package, a bundle of its six highly rated image-enhancement modules: Color Efex Pro (for colour correction and creative effects), Viveza (for colour and tonality adjustments with masks), Sharpener Pro, Silver Efex Pro (for monochrome effects), HDR Efex Pro (for HDR imaging) and Dfine (with many noisereduction tools). The collection works as plug-ins for Photoshop, Lightroom or Apple Aperture. Nik products were some of the first to implement selective editing; if you want to apply an effect to just one area of your photo, you’ll appreciate Nik’s U-Point interface. $
150
NIKSOFTWARE.COM
ONONE PERFECT PHOTO SUITE 8 This suite consists of eight modules, each capable of a specific task such as browsing your images, applying effects, mask and layer creation, etc. You’ll also find customizable filters and numerous built-in pre-sets for creative effects that can be achieved without a great deal of expertise. Among the new features in version 8 are a Perfect Enhance module for basic image adjustments and the Perfect Eraser tool that implements content-aware fill. The suite is available as a standalone application, or in versions that include both a standalone application and plug-ins that work with Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture. $
80, STANDALONE; $180, PLUG-INS
ONONESOFTWARE.COM
TIFFEN DFX 3 Available as a standalone application or a plug-in for Photoshop, Lightroom or Aperture, this program offers a wellorganized interface. All the choices are pictorially displayed as thumbnails and also applied as a preview on your image so you immediately see what each effect looks like. As you select various filters in one panel, the options available refresh in a second panel so you always know what variations are available for each. The filters include digital versions of Tiffen’s glass filters, Rosco effects and colour-correction filters, and even an image-editing set for basic colour and tonal image correction, noise reduction, etc. $
130, STANDALONE; $150, PLUG-IN
TIFFEN.COM
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Photo Apps
PHOTO APPS
THE TECH-SAVVY PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOOLBOX
By David Giral With the explosion of tablets and smartphones in the last few years, it has never been so easy to take pictures, enhance them and share them directly from a smart device. This process has been improving quickly, thanks to the release of new applications, such as the very well known Instagram and Snapseed. There are also many applications that can help serious photographers and DSLR users increase their productivity. Gone is the time when photographers had to carry cheat sheets of essential information or Model Releases on slips of paper. Now there is an app for that, and for everything else you might need. Google Map has been a great tool to help photographers scout locations; with certain apps, scouting becomes even more effective, allowing you to visualize sunrise and sunset layered over a map or in augmented reality with a smartphone. Even tethering devices has become more convenient. There’s no need to carry a big laptop to display pictures as
you take them; simply use a compact tablet computer with a DSLR-controller app and you’re all set for your shoot. An app for exposure calculations will also make life easier, helping to figure out the proper exposure when using a ten-stop neutral-density filter, for example. Other apps in your smart device can help with depth of field and calculating the hyperfocal distance. And why not use an app with tutorials and tips on how to photograph a certain type of subject? If the concept of apps is one that appeals to you, load some of the following into your smartphone or tablet and turn it into a Swiss Army Knife to help you with your photography. We’ve selected some of our favourites; here they are with a brief description and a link to websites where you can find additional information. Prices vary depending on the platform and can change very quickly so we will not provide that information; typically however, apps are priced at under $10.
SCOUTING SUN SURVEYOR (ANDROID/IOS) Used for scouting locations, Sun Surveyor predicts sun and moon positions; it can display a 3D compass, map view, augmented-reality view and ephemeris details (the position of astronomical objects in the sky). SUNSURVEYOR.COM
SUN SEEKER (ANDROID/IOS) This app uses GPS and a magnetometer as well as a flat-view compass and augmented-reality camera. You can access a 3D view of the solar path, hourly intervals, winter and summer solstice paths, sunrise and sunset times plus a map view of the solar direction for each daylight hour. Winter and summer solstice paths as well as sunrise and sunset times are also available. OZPDA.COM
THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S EPHEMERIS (ANDROID/IOS) A useful app for planning outdoor shoots (especially in landscape photography) in natural light, Ephemeris is a map-centric sun-and-moon calculator. It can display how the light will fall on any location, at any time of day or night. PHOTOEPHEMERIS.COM
DSLR CONTROLLING/TETHERING DSLR.BOT (IOS ONLY) This app allows you to control your DSLR from an iPhone or iPad using an infrared transmitter. It features a geo-tagging function and five modes: Shoot, Long Exposure, Time-Lapse, HDR Bracketing and Movie. While it’s suitable for use with Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony NEX cameras, this app provides all five modes only when using an EOS DSLR. DSLRBOT.COM
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Photo Apps
DSLR CONTROLLER (ANDROID ONLY) Intended for EOS owners only, this app lets you control a Canon DSLR from an Android device after connecting it to the camera with a USB cable. It offers remote Live View on your device’s screen, control of most common settings (capture, focus and zoom control, image and video review, time-lapse, HDR/AEB, focus bracketing) and much more. DSLRCONTROLLER.COM
DSLR DASHBOARD (ANDROID) Use this app to control a Nikon or Canon DSLR with your Android device, when connected with a USB cable; wireless connectivity is also possible if you own a Nikon WU Wireless Adapter and a compatible DSLR. The app allows you to do time lapses, focus stacking, custom bracketing of up to 21 frames, and to control most of the features of your DSLR from the device. It also supports Live View and video recording. PLAY.GOOGLE.COM
LIGHT METERING POCKET LIGHT METER
(ANDROID/IOS)
This very useful app, with an improved interface and better low-light performance, turns your smartphone into a light meter to measure reflected light at selected aperture, shutter speed and ISO setting; any of the three aspects can be changed at any time. It can also make reciprocity calculations for images made at an extremely long exposure. POCKETLIGHTMETER.COM
IMAGE EDITING ADOBE PHOTOSHOP TOUCH (ANDROID/IOS) Although it is a bit pricey ($10 for a tablet; $5 for a smartphone), Touch is a must-have for photographers who want to work on JPEGs with up to 12-MP resolution. An Adobe product, it includes the core features of Photoshop, with layers, flexible selection tools, filter brushes and much more. It can also sync files to Adobe Creative Cloud for opening in Photoshop on a computer. ADOBE.CA
THE FILTERS APP
(IOS ONLY)
This app (from the makers of Formatt-Hitech filters) offers 100+ filters and special effects for photos made with an iPhone or iPod Touch. It’s also very useful as a preview of the effect that certain types of conventional filters can produce; use the smart device’s photo as guidance to decide which type of glass filter to use on your “serious” camera before taking a photo of the same scene. FILTERSAPP.COM
INSTAGRAM (ANDROID/IOS) With over 130 million users, including more and more professional photographers, Instagram is definitely one the most popular apps for smartphones and tablets. It offers a fast and fun way to customize your pictures with numerous filter effects; photos are confined to a square shape, however. There’s also a feature for sharing them instantly with your friends via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other sites. INSTAGRAM.COM
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Photo Apps
SNAPSEED (ANDROID/IOS) Quite popular, Snapseed allows smart device users to edit and share their pics via an intuitive touch-screen interface. It provides plenty of tools for image modification and for creating special effects. These include Auto Correct, Selective Adjust, Tune Image, Straighten & Rotate, Crop, Black & White, Grunge and Organic Frames. This app also allows for sharing images by email and on social medias, and Wi-Fi printing directly from your device. PLAY.GOOGLE.COM
DEPTH OF FIELD AND EXPOSURE CALCULATING DOFMASTER
(ANDROID/IOS/PALM)
This calculating app can provide the hyperfocal distance (focusing distance for maximum range of acceptable sharp focus at any aperture), the near/far-focus limit and depth of field based on the camera and lens you are using. This application is very useful for Landscape, architecture photography and even macro photography when you want extensive or very shallow depth of field. DOFMASTER.COM
LONG EXPOSURE CALCULATORS
(IOS ONLY)
As you might guess, this app for the iPhone and iPod Touch is a collection of different calculators and cheat sheets (including those for the most popular neutral-density filters). It was created to help photographers when shooting very long exposures while using neutral-density filters or for shooting in very dark locations. GENKIN.ORG/APPS/LONG-EXPOSURE-CALCULATORS
PHOTO TOOLS
(ANDROID ONLY)
One of the most versatile applications for advanced amateur and professional photographers, Photo Tools provides a wide range of features. These include DOF and hyperfocal distance calculator, flash exposure calculator, time-lapse calculator, sunny f/16 calculator, moon-phase exposure calculator and many more. A must have in your collection, especially for architectural and landscape photographers. PLAY.GOOGLE.COM
OTHER USEFUL APPS EASY RELEASE (ANDROID/IOS) This model-release app is available in 17 languages and has been approved by the primary stock photo agencies. It provides you with professional-grade model releases that can be created—and signed by your subjects—right on your device. It allows you to add a picture to a release and send a PDF copy by email. A must-have for photographers taking people pictures, especially for commercial purposes. APPLICATIONGAP.COM
PHOTOCADDY
(ANDROID/IOS)
PhotoCaddy offers a wide range of tips and suggestions for 50 types of scenes,, starting points for camera settings and the ability to make your own notes. It also allows you to share your tips with other photographers all around the world. Whether you’re serious about photography or just want to improve your skills, PhotoCaddy is a handy reference. PHOTOCADDYAPP.COM
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Auto IT8 Calibration Automatically color calibrate your Scanner in 2 Minutes
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after
Image by courtesy of Stefan Greitzke / pixelio.de
iSRD - infrared-based Dust and Scratch Removal
before
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Multi-Exposure Increasing Dynamic Range for more Image Details and less Image Noise
SilverFast Ai Studio 8 Pioneer & Expert in Digital Imaging ÂŤ The SilverFast 8 from LaserSoft Imaging comes up with new practical and valuable features. There is really nothing to complain about, except that sometimes there are simply too many possibilities. In such cases you can easily rely on the new WorkflowPilot. With this software, LaserSoft Imaging will surely strengthen its market leader position, if not expand it even further. Âť
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Photo Printers
PHOTO PRINTERS
GIVE YOUR IMAGES GREATER PRESENCE WITH LARGER PRINTS
By Peter K. Burian Just about every home in North America has at least one multi-purpose inkjet printer in the letter-size (8.5 x 11”) format. This type of machine is ideal for printing documents, and some of the high-end, photo-optimized models do quite well with photos too. If you’re a serious photo enthusiast, however, you would probably prefer a machine that can make superior photo prints, in larger sizes, up to 13 x 19” and even longer with some models. In this section, I’ll discuss the technology employed in such printers as well as the available products in the 13-inch wide format.
For some years, dyes produced the richest colours, but today, even the pigment-based printers can make outputs with vibrant hues and tones.
DYES AND PIGMENTS
A photo printer makes its outputs using either heat (Canon) or vibration (Epson), causing ink in miniscule droplets (measured in picolitres) to be ejected from the head. The several colours of dyes or pigments produce a wide range of hues and tones. Ink made of pigments consists of grains of colour in a liquid, while dyes are more familiar liquid inks. For some years, dyes produced the richest colours, but today, even the pigment-based printers can make outputs with vibrant hues and tones. Pigments are also more fade-resistant than dyes so the prints tend to have a greater archival rating: a longer life on display before fading becomes apparent. MULTIPLE INKS
For the best colour differentiation, six or more inks are required; this type of inkset will render skin tones more accurately, for example. Some machines make monochrome prints using a mix of one black ink and some colour inks, but for the best black-and-white results, without a colour cast, it’s preferable to use two or more black inks simultaneously. The resulting outputs should not exhibit
a cyan or magenta colour cast and they should show a full range of tones from pure black to pure white with a pleasing gradation (transition) from one tone to the next. INDIVIDUAL CARTRIDGES
The multi-purpose machines usually employ two ink tanks, one with black ink and the other with several colour inks. However, the machines discussed were designed to accept inks in individual tanks. This offers a real benefit. When a single colour runs out, that’s the only tank you need to replace; that makes more sense than replacing an entire cartridge, simply because you have depleted the magenta ink, for example. RESOLUTION
With any type of printer, we define resolution in dots per inch, abbreviated as dpi. The expression refers to the number of dots of ink the print head can apply per square inch on the paper. Some printers offer ultra-high resolution options, but 2400 dpi is all that’s necessary for true photo quality. If you do use a higher resolution option, assuming that’s available, you may see a slight improvement when viewing the print with a magnifying glass; of course, ultra high-resolution printing is much slower and it also consumes more ink. PRINT PERMANENCE
When reading the specs for some photo printers, you may find an estimate as to the print life, or an “archival” rating, such as “80 years on display”; in other words, noticeable fading should not occur sooner than that. This type of data is based on accelerated aging tests in labs and assumes that the print is matted, framed, covered with glass and displayed away from direct sunlight. The rating for any printer is based on one type of paper, such as heavyweight matte. This provides a strong indication as to permanence but you’ll need to do some research if you want to know the rating for other types of media.
CANON PIXMA PRO-1 A high-end model, this one employs 11 Lucia pigments (in oversized tanks) plus a Chroma (gloss) Optimizer for vibrant colours with a very wide gamut and truly neutral black-and-white prints with four monochrome inks used simultaneously. The pigments are fired by four FINE heads with 12,288 nozzles, in droplets as small as 4 pl. Canon includes ICC Colour Profiles for aftermarket papers. MAX. RESOLUTION: 4800 X 2400 DPI • INK: 12 LUCIA PIGMENTS PERMANENCE: 70 YEARS (GLOSSY PAPER), ON DISPLAY • MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19” DIMENSIONS: 69.55 X 46.2 X 23.9 CM $
800
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CANON.CA
Photo Printers
CANON PIXMA PRO-10 This machine with Ethernet connectivity and 7860 nozzles employs 10 LUCIA pigment-based inks, including three monochrome, plus a Chroma Optimizer for a uniform sheen on glossy and semi-gloss paper. Expect a wide colour gamut and beautiful black-and-white prints, all with exceptional longevity. Canon also provides ICC Colour Profiles for aftermarket papers with this machine. MAX. RESOLUTION: 4800 X 2400 DPI • INK: 10 LUCIA PERMANENCE: 70 YEARS (SEMI-GLOSS PAPER), ON DISPLAY • MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19” DIMENSIONS: 69.1 X 21.6 X 38.6 CM $
600
STREET
CANON.CA
CANON PIXMA PRO-100 An affordable and fast machine, this one provides built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. It employs a FINE print head with 6144 nozzles and eight ChromaLife 100+ dye-based inks for vibrant colours. The ink set includes three monochrome dyes to help enhance black density and produce excellent black-and-white prints. Canon’s Optimum Image Generating System ensures colour accuracy. MAX. RESOLUTION: 4800 X 2400 DPI • INK: 8 CHROMALIFE 100+ DYES PERMANENCE: 100 YEARS IN STORAGE; “DECADES” ON DISPLAY • MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19” DIMENSIONS: 68.9 X 38.5 X 21.5 CM $
400
STREET
CANON.CA
EPSON STYLUS R3000 This 9-colour machine with Advanced MicroPiezo AMC head, sprays UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigments, including four monochrome with 1440 nozzles in droplets as small as 2 pl. AccuPhoto HD2 technology provides outstanding highlight and shadow detail; colours are consistent in all types of light. Advanced Black-and-White Photo Mode can create stunning neutral or toned prints. MAX. RESOLUTION: 5670 X 1440 DPI • INK: 9 ULTRACHROME K3 WITH VIVID MAGENTA PERMANENCE: COLOUR, 108 YEARS; B&W, 200 YEARS ON DISPLAY MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19”; 13 X 44” ON ROLL PAPER • DIMENSIONS: 61.5 X 22.9 X 36.8 CM $
850
STREET
EPSON.CA
EPSON STYLUS R2880 A previous-generation pro-calibre machine, the R2880 employs a similar head with 1440 nozzles and uses eight UltraChrome K3 pigments, including Vivid Magenta. Advanced Black-and-White mode uses only monochrome inks for beautiful neutral (or warm, cool or sepia) prints. The front paper path is suitable for thick fine-art media. Radiance technology dramatically enhances image quality. MAX. RESOLUTION: 5760 X 1440 DPI • INK: 8 ULTRA CHROME K3 PIGMENTS IN 8 TANKS PERMANENCE: COLOUR, 108 YEARS; B&W, 200 YEARS ON DISPLAY MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19”; 13 X 44” ON ROLL PAPER • DIMENSIONS: 60.9 X 33 X 21 CM $
650 STREET
EPSON.CA
EPSON STYLUS PHOTO R2000 Priced to attract families, the R2000 employs an Advanced Micro Piezo AMC head with 1440 nozzles, spraying seven Epson UltraChrome K3 pigments with Vivid Magenta, plus a Gloss Optimizer, in droplets as small as 1.5 pl. Only one of the two monochrome inks is used for black-and-white printing, but three-level black technology offers a pleasing gray balance. MAX. RESOLUTION: 5670 X 1440 OPTIMIZED DPI • INK: 8 ULTRACHROME K3 WITH VIVID MAGENTA PERMANENCE: COLOUR 108 YEARS; B&W, 200 YEARS ON DISPLAY MAX. PRINT SIZE: 13 X 19”; 13 X 44” ON ROLL PAPER • DIMENSIONS: 62.3 X 79.7 X 41.8 CM $
600
STREET
EPSON.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 91
Flash Units and Accessories
FLASH UNITS AND ACCESSORIES ADD EXTRA LIGHT FOR BETTER IMAGES OR VIDEOS
By David Tanaka An accessory flash unit doesn’t take up a lot of space in your camera bag, but it can change photos from flat and dull into flattering or sparkling. A separate flash unit has three distinct advantages over the pop-up flash built into your camera. First it provides greater light output to illuminate larger areas or more distant subjects. Second, you have greater flexibility in changing the direction of the light (with off-camera flash or bounce flash) in relation to the camera and subject positions. Third, with a useful addon—such as a soft box, diffuser or reflector—It’s possible to modify the quality of light. Also called “shoe-mount units” or “speedlights”, accessory flash units can be used off-camera when desired, with an optional TTL connecting cable. Wireless remote flash is
also possible, if supported by the camera and the flash unit; most current high-end equipment does provide this feature. Our coverage in this section includes some of the latest or most popular flash units in the major brands. The information on the Guide Number (GN) does not indicate the actual effective distance of flash, although you can calculate that from this data; it’s most useful for comparing the relative power output of several flash units. Serious photographers frequently use a flash-modifying accessory, ranging from a small diffuser to spread the light to large softboxes that provide even more pleasing illumination. A subsequent section covers such accessories at various price ranges and from basic to sophisticated.
AUXILIARY FLASH UNITS CANON 600EX-RT SPEEDLITE This replacement for the venerable 580EX II features a built-in wireless radio operating on the 2.5 GHz band for remote triggering from great distances. This unit is dust- and water-resistant and offers high power output (GN of 60 m at ISO 100), great zoom-head range, an LCD data panel, a new colour-filter holder and all of the numerous features you’d expect from Canon’s flagship unit. $
500 (STREET)
CANON.CA
NIKON SB-300 SPEEDLIGHT The latest model from Nikon, this one is far more compact than the pro-grade, full-featured SB-910 AF, for example, and is powered by two small AAA batteries. It does not support wireless off-camera flash as the larger units do and is less powerful, of course (with a GN of 18 m at ISO 100) but provides the essentials such as wide-angle coverage and bounce flash with an upward 120-degree tilt. $
160 (STREET)
NIKON.CA
OLYMPUS FL-600R This full-featured unit for the OMD and PEN cameras offers high power output (GN of 36 m at ISO 100) and an LCD data panel. The flash has a swivel/tilt head for bounce flash and is wireless-enabled for remote TTL flash with many recent cameras. It’s also video-ready with a small round LED light that provides enough light to brighten up a nearby subject that you’re recording in Movie mode. $
300 (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
PANASONIC DMW-FL500 Compatible with the Lumix CSCs and high-end compact cameras with built-in lens, this unit offers full tilt-and-swivel capability for bounce flash, a data panel, wide-angle coverage, and support for wireless remote flash plus many TTL and manual flash options (depending on the camera’s features, of course). It’s quite powerful too (GN of 49.9 m at ISO 100 at the 42-mm head position). $
450 (STREET)
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PANASONIC.CA
Flash Units and Accessories
PENTAX AF540FGZ II This new flagship unit is weather-resistant like many Pentax DSLRs and loaded with features. These include an LCD data panel, an LED lamp for use when shooting video, bounce flash, P-TTL and wireless off-camera flash capability, and a high output (GN of 54 m at ISO 100) flash. The AF360FGZ II ($430) provides the same features but a lower flash output (GN of 36 m at ISO 100). $
630 (STREET)
RICOH-IMAGING.CA
SIGMA EF-610 DG SUPER Available in models dedicated to Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Sigma cameras, this large unit is quite powerful (with a GN of 61 m at ISO 200) and versatile. It’s equipped with an LCD data panel and a zooming tilt/swivel head for bounce flash like many large units of various brands. The DG Super model is also compatible with many high-tech TTL functions of the cameras including wireless off-camera flash. $
300 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SONY HVL-F43M Much smaller than the pro-grade HVL-F60M, this new moisture-resistant model also sports the multi-interface shoe for use with newer Alpha, NEX and Cybershot RX cameras. Features include an LED lamp for video, support for wireless off-camera flash with certain cameras, Auto WB mode and a tilt head for bounce flash. It’s quite powerful as well (GN of 43 m at ISO 100 with the flash head at 105 mm). $
430 (STREET)
SONY.CA
ACCESSORIES FOR FLASH UNITS CUSTOM BRACKETS DIGITAL-T You can find many types of brackets for holding a flash unit above the camera for more pleasing results, (including the Manfrotto L-Bracket Q2) and a full series from Custom Brackets. Their affordable Digital-T is designed to keep the flash centered above the lens in both horizontal and vertical positions. It’s made of aluminum with a foam grip that’s comfortable whether held in your left or right hand. $
80 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
You are your own production team. Beyond the camera, there’s a vast array of video accessories available to today’s videographers and filmmakers. Whether you’re producing video for home, online, or broadcast, you’ll find everything you need in Vistek’s video department: camera rigs, video tripods, sliders, dollies, cranes, and camera stabilizing devices from Steadicam and Glidecam. There’s on-location
audio, including portable recording devices, mixers, shotgun and wireless mics. Plus, LED lighting gear from LED Go, Kino Flo, Liteplanels, Fiilex and Rotolight. And, of course, with the help of Vistek video specialists, the expertise to show you how it all works together.
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WWW.VISTEK.CA 5:22 PM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 93
Flash Units and Accessories
GARY FONG LIGHTSPHERE Available in several different versions from the Universal model to fit most large flash units to a collapsible model and a full kit, these inverted-dome type diffusers are often used by pros shooting weddings and other events. In fact, the Lightsphere has grown into a system of components to change the colour and quality of the light, including coloured filters and a snoot that narrows the light for greater intensity. $
70 AND UP (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
INTERFIT STROBIES A series of modular flash modifiers, the Strobies system starts with the Flex Mount ($15) in sizes to fit most large flash units. Once attached, you can add various Strobies modifiers, including globes, beauty dishes, softboxes, honeycomb grids, etc. These are small versions of accessories used with strobes in studio photography. Interfit also makes a Portrait Kit and an EFX Kit that include a selection of the most appropriate modifiers. $
50 TO $250 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LASTOLITE JOE MCNALLY EZYBOX Made by Lastolite, this softbox accessory, designed by a renowned expert on flash photography, fits large flash units and has a 54 x 54 cm front face for more dramatic softening of the light than you get from smaller diffusers. It assembles easily in minutes and mounts to a light stand or to a tilting bracket for extra versatility. The interior of the Ezybox is white for a pleasing, soft lighting effect. $
190 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
ROGUE FLASHBENDER This series of flash modifiers is available in several shapes and sizes, including the XL Pro Kit ($120) and the more affordable Large Positionable Reflector. All have a built-in strap to attach to an auxiliary flash unit (without adhesives) and a reflector that can be formed into different shapes. The Large unit has a 25 x 28 cm reflector; it can also be used as a “flag” or even rolled into a tubular shape for use as a snoot. $
45 (STREET)
REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
ROGUE SAFARI Joining the FlashBender line, this new accessory using a Fresnel lens is for use with a camera’s pop-up flash, specifically for a DSLRs with APS-C size (or DX) sensor and a lens of 100 mm and up. It’s essentially a light collimator that concentrates the beam allowing the light to extend beyond its normal range. Rogue claims that the Safari throws eight times more light on a subject at ten meters than an unassisted flash. $
40 (STREET)
REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
STO-FEN OMNI BOUNCE This small diffuser dome, available in clear or two colours, is available to fit many large flash units. The product is as simple as its effect is useful; it’s a small translucent dome that fits over the flash head to turn a highly directional beam into a device that scatters light in all directions. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to soften a flash unit’s harsh output. $
30 (STREET)
94 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
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Action Clamp & Locking Arm Action Clamp & GorillaPod Arm
GorillaPod Action Tripod with Mount for GoPro® ©2013 | JOBY is distributed by DayMen Canada - daymen.ca
Studio Lighting and Accessories
STUDIO LIGHTING AND ACCESSORIES
PRO-CALIBRE TOOLS FOR PRO-GRADE PHOTOS
By Peter K. Burian The compact electronic flash units (often called speedlights) and their accessories are very convenient and useful for many purposes, but more advanced lighting equipment is also available. This type of gear includes large studio strobes (flash) with great light output and the large lightmodifying accessories. In this section, we’ll discuss such products for readers who might want to set up a small studio (in a basement for example) and for photographers who already own the basics but might want more advanced lighting and accessories.
to minimize the risk of missing an elusive glance or gesture. They’re nearly always used with a reflective panel or umbrella or with a diffuser accessory: a shoot-through umbrella or a softbox for soft, flattering light. For that reason, many of the products covered in this section are kits, including all the essentials. However, nearly all of the items in a kit can also be purchased separately and some of the high-end gear (including Profoto) can be rented from a pro shop. OTHER LIGHT SOURCES
STROBES
A studio flash head (strobe light) is a large light source, varying in power output from moderate to very high depending on the Ws (watt-per-second) rating. Most are powered by AC and some can also be powered by a large battery pack. Strobes are designed to recycle very quickly,
For shooting video, or for some portraits and still life photos, a constant light source such as a large LED panel or fluorescents are often used. Tungsten lights are still available too of course. They are larger and heavier and can get quite hot, but some photographers appreciate this type of lighting for some of their work.
STUDIO FLASH (STROBES) ELINCHROM D-LITE RX 4 TO GO SET This lightweight, portable kit for portraiture and product photography contains everything you’ll need to get started: two (90-260V) full-featured 400-Ws strobes with EL-Skyport receiver, two 26 x 26” softboxes, two light stands and an EL-Skyport transmitter. The latter provides wireless radio remote control (to a range of 120 meters) of flash power settings, modelling lamp on/off, speed sync mode and triggering. You also get a sync cord, a protective bag and a carrying case. $
1200 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
PHOTOFLEX FLEXFLASH MONOBLOC KIT This series of studio strobes includes models that are lightweight, but with a substantial feel, and equipped with an oversized LCD. Various kits are available, such as the FlexFlash 400 Umbrella Kit with two 400-Ws strobes, light stands, 30” reflective umbrellas and a case. Features include 1/320-s sync, pre-flash detection for infrared sync with speedlights, 1/1200-s flash duration, automatic cooling and a 250-W modeling lamp. $
1100 (STREET)
DIGITECTRADING.COM
PROFOTO D1 STUDIO KIT 500 AIR The D1 strobes are a favourite of pros shooting in studios and on locations; this brand is also commonly available for rent or lease from pro shops. The D1 Studio Kit 500 Air for example, includes two 500-Ws heads with 7-stop power range with 1/10 f/stop control, short flash duration and recycle times plus a sync cable, two small white umbrellas, two stands, a Profoto Air Remote transceiver and a D1 kit case. Features include an LCD panel, dual-mode SMPS capacitor charging technology and digital flash circuitry for maximum consistency in colour temperature and flash energy. $
2500 (STREET)
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PROFOTO.COM/CA
Studio Lighting and Accessories
PROFOTO ACUTE B2 600 WS AIRS This lightweight (3.6 kg) 600-Ws power pack with the most advanced long-life battery (lithium-ion iron phosphate, with four times the life of previous models) provides up to 200 flashes at maximum power. The AirS model is equipped with a built-in AirS Radio Sync system. Features include a wide power range of 7 f/stops, flash duration as short as 1/6800 s, quick recycling (0.08-2 s) and variability over a range of 7 f-stops (9-600 Ws). The automatic multi-voltage charging is useful when travelling in other countries; this unit is “licensed to travel” according to the UN manual of Test & Criteria. $
2200 (STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
PROFOTO B1 500 AIRTTL This (3-kg) flash unit with an LED modeling light allows for wireless off-camera flash with high-tech TTL like a dedicated flash unit does. An optional Air Remote TTL transmitter ($402, discussed on page 99) needs to be attached to your camera for control of one or more of these units. The B1 provides 500 Ws of light; its output range of 9 f/stops can be controlled in 1/10-stop increments. A high capacity Li-ion battery and a charger are included. $
2033 (STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
SPEEDOTRON DM802-2/CC KIT One of several kits, this portable two-head UV corrected 800-Ws system (DM802) for warm light fits nicely into the trunk of a car but provides enough power and options for a variety of assignments. It’s supplied with a power pack and two light units with reflectors, accessories such as grids, snoots, diffusers, gel holders and barn doors, two umbrellas, stands and soft carrying case. $
1400
(STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
OPUS H50022 MONOLIGHT KIT Opus markets several affordable strobe kits including this one and another, which adds a wireless flash trigger (H50088). The basic items in each include two 250-Ws monolights, a barn door and snoot with colour filters, two light stands, and two umbrellas, reflective and shoot-through. A carrying case is also provided. The heads, with stepless flash output, include a photocell, a sync cord socket and a 60-W modelling lamp. $
800 AND $1000 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
LIGHT-MODIFYING ACCESSORIES LASTOLITE HOTROD OCTA SOFTBOX (36”) This light modifier (designed for mounting on a light stand), designed especially for portraiture when using a highpowered flash unit, boasts an unusual shape. The large surface area of the box produces a wrap-around quality to the light for natural-looking (octagonal) catch lights in the eyes. The kit includes a removable internal baffle and softbox adapter with a hot shoe mount. The entire setup process takes only about five minutes. $
300 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LASTOLITE TRIFLIP KIT This kit consists of seven 75-cm surfaces in two reversible panels, including black and various shades of gold, silver and white. There’s also a 75-cm translucent panel that’s useful when diffusion is required for softer light. The grip handle allows for conveniently holding the panel in the desired location to bounce light onto the subject. Simply insert the padded TriGrip handle into the TriFlip sleeve for instant access to different reflective surfaces. $
150 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
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Studio Lighting and Accessories
PHOTOFLEX SHOOT-THROUGH UMBRELLA A shoot-through umbrella is an alternative way to create a wide spread of soft light. This new 72” umbrella with white diffusion has a heavy-duty shaft and a new and improved rib-connection hub that’s moulded of steel for improved durability. Other features include 16 durable fibreglass ribs, a heavy-duty 8-mm strong-walled shaft and a carrying case. It’s compatible with all Photoflex swivels and strobes and folds down like a traditional umbrella. $
70
(STREET)
DIGITECTRADING.COM
PROFOTO UMBRELLA DEEP XL These new very rugged, heavy-duty umbrellas are deeper and more parabolic in shape than average. They’re available in two sizes (130 cm and 165 cm) and in three fabrics: white, silver and translucent. There’s also an optional Diffuser for the white and silver XL version, turning it into a softbox for softer and more even light spread. (A smaller 85-cm and 105cm, equally rugged, Umbrella Shallow XL series is also available.) $
356 FOR THE WHITE OR SILVER 165-CM DEEP XL (STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
CONSTANT LIGHT SOURCES LASTOLITE RAYD8 C5600 KIT An entry-level studio-lighting system for product and portrait photography, this kit features two high output 85-W compact fluorescent lights (equivalent to 400 W) for continuous lighting at 5000 K (approximately daylight balanced). The bulbs run at a low temperature, making them ideal for photographing food, people and other temperature sensitive subjects. The kit includes two of everything: light heads, reflectors, bulbs, reflectors, light stands and removable diffusers. $
560 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LOWEL BASICALLY 3 KIT This lighting kit includes many components, such as lamps, scrims, barn doors, gels and frame, three stands and two umbrellas. The primary items are two broad-throw Tota floodlights with adjustable reflectors but there’s also a 500-Ws focusable Omni floodlight (for use with the 500-W bulb). The lights are intended for use with 120-240-V AC current but the Omni-light can also be powered by an optional 12-V or 30-V DC battery. $
1110 (STREET)
LOWEL.COM
MANFROTTO LED LIGHT ML840H The Maxima 84 Hybrid is an 84-LED panel with a dimmer switch and a design that allows several units to be stacked together, ideal for studio use. In addition to continuous 5600-K lighting, the panel can be triggered to emit a single pulse of light four times brighter than the normal 850 lux at 1 meter. A diffuser, two gel filters and the built-in rechargeable battery are included. $
450 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
TRIGGERING SYSTEMS POCKETWIZARD PLUS III This highly versatile radio trigger, with an LCD and 32 channels, is compatible with all prior PocketWizards, as well as most camera, flash and studio flash systems. Wireless remote control (with up to 500-m range) is possible through the use of Quad-Zone Triggering, which allows you to manage up to 4 zones of remote cameras or flashes from one position. The LCD and touch-pad interface makes control very convenient. $
170 (STREET)
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DAYMEN.CA
Studio Lighting and Accessories
POCKETWIZARD PLUSX This is the perfect entry into the Wireless System with the same range and reliability as the advanced Plus line of radiocontrolled triggering systems. Attach one PlusX to your camera, another PlusX to a remote studio flash using an included cable; set both to the same channel and start taking pictures. The PlusX is compatible with all PocketWizard transmitters and receivers including PocketWizard-enabled photo gear from Profoto, Dynalite, Norman and Photogenic. $
115
(STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
PROFOTO AIR REMOTE TTL Similar to the Air Sync transmitter, this 8-channel (2.4-Ghz) device with a 300-m range is for Canon DSLRs. It allows for cordless TTL or E-TTL II control of one or many B1 500 AirTTL flash units (discussed on page 97), which operate as dedicated Speedlites would, at up to the fastest sync speed the camera supports. A device for Nikon DSLRs will be available by spring 2014 for wireless remote TTL or iTTL flash control of Profoto B1 500 AirTTL unit(s). $
402
(STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
OTHER USEFUL ACCESSORIES PHOTOFLEX ADJUSTABLE SHOEMOUNT ROTATING HARDWARE If you own a Photoflex softbox you can use this new device, with its rotating hardware, to connect two flash units for improved light output, while still having the ability to rotate your softbox. (The new Adjustable ShoeMount2 accessory is required for each flash unit.) Features include a heavy-duty metal outer OctoConnector ring to support the Photoflex softbox and a strong lightweight nylon rotating core with brass thread inserts. $
130 (STREET)
DIGITECTRADING.COM
PROFOTO RFI SPEEDLIGHT SPEEDRING Suitable for many current large flash units of various brands, this Speedring allows for mounting any of the Profoto RFi softboxes onto a flash unit in order to create soft, shapeable light. In fact, it’s even possible to attach two flash units inside the softbox to eliminate hotspots as well as two radio-triggering devices. You can then tilt and rotate the RFi softbox to any angle with the Speedring for versatility in lighting. $
179
(STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
PROFOTO BATPAC This power pack is for use with various types of strobes—including the Profoto D1, ComPact, and Acute2—or other electronic devices. Ideal for travel and location use, this compact, 11.2-kg pack, with heavy-duty transport bag, can drive up to four 1000-Ws flashes, or one 2400-Ws flash, using a rugged 12V/17Ah lead-acid battery. With a Profoto D1 500-Ws strobe for example, it will provide power for 600 to 10,000 flashes, with 0.3 to 1.6 s recycling time. The multi-voltage (120 V or 230 V) pack offers two 120-V AC outlets and protection against overcharge, short circuit, high temperature and low input voltage. $
1200
(STREET)
PROFOTO.COM/CA
SEKONIC L-478DR LITE MASTER PRO This incident, reflected and flash meter for stills and videos features a large 2.7” colour LCD with touch-screen control; it displays ambient, flash, cine and other information. Benefits include a flash-exposure analyzing function, many cine features for video and an optional 5-degree spot finder. The L-478DR allows for PocketWizard triggering and flash power setting with a touch of a finger, with ControlTL radios, when using Nikon, Canon and select studio flashes. $
500
(STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 99
Video Accessories
VIDEO ACCESSORIES
SHOOT BETTER VIDEOS WITH A CSC OR DSLR CAMERA
By David Tanaka As recently as seven years ago, we could not have imagined shooting videos with a DSLR camera. But that changed suddenly when Nikon introduced the D90, the first to feature a Movie mode. Today, nearly all DSLRs and CSCs offer this option, and some are capable of making broadcastquality videos. Of course, such still photo cameras were not designed specifically for moviemaking, as camcorders were, so they do have a few deficiencies in usability and ergonomics. Fortunately, you can find a wide variety of add-ons that range from useful to essential. SOUND
One of the most difficult aspects of video recording is getting the audio right. The onboard mics record a great deal of background noise such as the rumble of traffic as well as the sound of the focus motor and the mechanical zooming. As well, the onboard mic(s) don’t have the range or directional sound capturing ability you might need. The solution is simple if your camera is equipped with the 3.5-mm mic jack: get an external mic. If it also has a headphone jack, add that accessory to monitor sound. Or consider using a separate field recorder and synching the audio and video tracks during editing. CONTROLLING LIGHT
A technique in both photography and moviemaking is to use fast lenses at a very wide aperture such as f/1.4 or f/2.8. This allows you to isolate your subject by throwing the background out of focus. In photography when the setting is bright you simply dial in a faster shutter speed. With video, using too fast a shutter speed can give the clip an unpleasant staccato quality. This makes a variable neutral-density filter particularly valuable. You can keep using a wide aperture while maintaining an optimal shutter speed by adjusting the ND intensity.
Often you have the opposite problem—not enough light or light in the wrong places or with the wrong qualities. LED-based video lights are very useful; they produce no heat, provide a consistent light source and offers some method of adjusting the colour temperature for pleasing white balance. VIEWING
In video mode an optical viewfinder is blacked out so the LCD must be used instead for framing the scene, and for any manual focusing. The screen is a bit small and it can be difficult to view the display in bright light. Both optical (loupes) and electronic (field monitors) solutions are available. STABILIZATION
For casual video your standard photographic tripod will suffice. If you get serious you can check out video tripods, which often include struts between the legs (called spreaders) for great stability. More importantly, you’ll want a fluid video head, with a long control handle for much smoother pans and tilts. Most video heads prevent you from placing the camera into a vertical orientation so they’re not fully suitable for use in still photography. When you want great mobility—while walking around recording a movie at a wedding, for example—a shoulder rig is a better stabilization solution. Some models are equipped with a large shoulder pad while others include a counterweighted handle that smooth out the jerkiness that comes from walking with the camera. More advanced (and expensive) rigs include harnesses that you wear; the camera and any accessories then attach onto the rig’s mechanical components which attach onto harness.
VIEWING AIDS HOODMAN CINEMA KIT This kit for DSLRs includes the Loupe 3.0 (also sold separately) with focusing and diopter-correction control, that fits over a camera’s 3” LCD. It has a 1:1 eyepiece that effectively transforms the LCD into an electronic viewfinder. The extra hardware (including the so-called crane) allows for attaching the loupe to the camera via the hot shoe and offers 3x magnification. $
250 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
ZACUTO Z-FINDER PRO 3X This device is an optical (focusable) loupe, with up to 3x magnification and a diopter correction dial, designed to mount to a camera’s 3” LCD. The kit includes a base plate that screws into the camera’s tripod socket and three frames of various sizes to modify the distance from your eye to the LCD; this is useful if you have less-than-perfect vision. $
400 (STREET)
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ZACUTO.COM
Video Accessories
LILLIPUT FIELD MONITORS This company makes field monitors of various sizes with high-density LCDs for attaching to DSLRs, with connection via the camera’s HDMI output port; component video BNC connectivity is also possible. They offer high contrast, enhanced brightness for outdoor use and wide viewing angles. The 5” model offers 384,000-point resolution for a fine display of full HD content. $
300 (STREET)
LILLIPUTWEB.NET
MARSHALL FIELD MONITORS Even more widely available, this brand’s 6.2” (800 x 400-pixel) LCD is the most popular and highly suitable for DSLRs. This unit, with a wide viewing angle, offers a 2.5-W speaker for audio monitoring, two composite video inputs along with HDMI and VGA (PC) connectivity and a 3.5” stereo headphone jack. Resolution is available up to up to 1920 (H) x 1440 (V); the contrast ratio is a high 500:1. $
430 (STREET)
MARSHALLMONITORS.COM
AUDIO-RECORDING ACCESSORIES RODE VIDEO MIC PRO This next-generation Rode condenser stereo model shock mount attaches to a camera via the hot shoe or to the end of a boom pole. Features include a high frequency range (40 Hz to 20 kHz), a high-pass filter at 75 Hz to minimize external noise pickup, a three-position level control and a +20 dB level boost for a high-quality signal. $
250 (STREET)
RODEMIC.COM
AZDEN AZD-SMX10 SHOTGUN MIC This compact, 52-gram, shotgun type condenser stereo mic with shock mount is designed to fit into a camera’s hot shoe. It’s equipped with a windscreen and low-cut filter to minimize recording extraneous sound. Benefits include high sensitivity (-40 dB @ 1 kHz), wide frequency response (100-18,000 Hz), low noise and directional pickup, useful for isolating a person’s speech from background noise. $
120 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
BEACHTEK DXA-5DA Many pro microphones come with XLR connectors, yet your SLR has only a 3.5-mm input jack. This device, which attaches to the bottom of the camera, provides a solution: two XLR connectors with adjustable level controls for microphones, and a 3.5-mm plug that feeds the signal to the camera. There’s also a jack for headphone and an audio level meter. $
360 (STREET)
BEACHTEK.COM
OLYMPUS LS-100 Although we associate Olympus with cameras, the company also makes a full line of audio recorders including this advanced multi-track linear PCM model. It has built in stereo microphones as well as dual powered XLR connectors. It can be used as an eight-track recorder, and will record up to 24-bit 96KHz linear PCM or MP3 at various bitrates. $
400 (STREET)
OLYMPUSCANADA.COM
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Video Accessories
SONY ECM-44B A Lavalier (or lapel) mic like this one clips unobtrusively to a person’s collar or shirtfront. Because it’s near the individual’s mouth, it provides superior recording performance in noisy environments. This omnidirectional Sony condenser model with a three-meter cable, XLR-B output connector, windscreen and in-line battery for two-way powering, provides highfrequency response (40-15,000 Hz) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (> 62 dB). $
280 (STREET)
SONY.CA
LED LIGHTS APUTURE AMARAN AL-528W Surprisingly affordable, this panel (about the size of an iPad and only 3.2 cm thick) is equipped with 528 “high colour rendering” LED bulbs, brightness level adjustment and colour temperature adjustment using the orange or the white diffusing filter. The brightness is quite high, 111 Footcandles at 1 metre. It’s powered by the AC adapter or by an optional re-chargeable Li-ion battery. $
250 (STREET)
EDMAMARKETING.COM
LUMAHAWK LD312AS Although this company makes huge LED panels too, this is a mid-size model suitable for on-camera use with 312 Bright White LEDs with a dimmer switch for lower output when desired. It runs on Li-ion batteries and produces high 312-W equivalent illumination (6580 Lux at 1/2 meter). Features include adjustable colour temperature (3200-5600 K), a white diffuser and ball-head connector to mount the panel in a camera hot shoe. $
390
(STREET)
NADEL.CA
ROTOLIGHT INTERVIEW 2 LIGHT KIT V2 The 48-LED Rotolight is designed like a ring light for even shadowless illumination; it will slide over an external microphone attached to your DSLR or mount onto a light stand. This kit includes two of the 80-W equivalent ring lights (also sold separately), two light stands, three colour-correction filters, eight Colour FX filters and three neutral-density filters for light dimming. $
400
(STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
STABILIZING DEVICES MANFROTTO MH055M8-Q5 This magnesium-alloy fluid head was designed to be suitable for shooting still photos as well as videos recording. In photo mode the head moves in all directions like a ball head. Flip to movie mode however, and the head allows pan and tilt only. This pro-grade accessory with 7-kg load capacity comes with a removable pan lever and a large quick-release system. $
350
102 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
(STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
Video Accessories
REDROCK MICRO STEALTH NANO DSLR RIG Much less expensive than the company’s pro rigs, this compact device was designed for eye-level shooting, with a rod that allows for the height to be adjusted so the LCD is at eye-level; a hood accessory for the LCD is recommended, as with any rig. The Stealth is equipped with a shoulder pad and rubberized handgrip for comfort while you’re mobile with the camera. $
400 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
SEVENOAK SHOULDER RIG One of many affordable Sevenoak stabilizing accessories, this one features a grip handle and large foam covered curved shoulder pad for great stability. The stainless steel stand can be adjusted to various heights and the base plate can be moved back and forth. Camera position changes are made with thumbscrews; precision adjustments are made using a hex key. $
170 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SLIK PRO 504 QF II WITH 3-WAY HEAD This kit includes an aluminum-magnesium-titanium Pro 340 QF tripod with quick-release locks, multi-angle locks and padded leg wraps that collapses to 51 cm, plus a 504QF II fluid head with quick release, designed for both photo and video use. The pan head moves in two directions like a pro video head and allows for placing the camera in a vertical orientation for still photos. $
224 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
Moviemaking magic starts here. Whether it’s family video or a feature film, we’ve got the
the most popular models from the leading manufacturers,
tools you need to bring your vision to life. In the Vistek video
including Sony, Canon, JVC and Panasonic, plus the latest
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portable pocket cinema cameras from Blackmagic Design. If
of which you’ll find at no other store, from tiny POV cameras
it’s new, exciting and designed to capture magic, you’ll find
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it at Vistek.
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4/2/.4/ s -)33)33!5'! s /44!7! s #!,'!29 s %$-/.4/.
WWW.VISTEK.CA 5:22 PM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 103
Point-of-View Cameras
POINT-OF-VIEW CAMERAS
ACTION VIDEOS AND STILLS FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE
By Peter K. Burian Hands-free, point-of-view (POV) cameras are definitely useful while you’re mountain biking, water skiing, snorkelling, snowmobiling or motor-sports racing. Because most users want to record videos of their adventures, they’re primarily camcorders, but all can shoot still JPEG photos as well. A camera kit includes at least one type of mounting accessory (usually for a helmet) with others available as optional extras. POV cameras are heavily automated, typically offering few user-selectable features. LENS AND LCD
All are equipped with a wide-angle lens with a field of view of around 135° or around 170° (15.3-mm equivalent). Focus is fixed to provide extensive depth of field (a great
range of acceptably sharp focus), such as 0.6 m to infinity. Only a few models allow for exposure and white-balance control. There’s no viewfinder and you’ll rarely find an LCD, but GoPro offers an optional add-on screen. USEFUL AMENITIES
Some models offer extras including GPS for tagging photos with the exact shooting location and/or Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. The latter allows for wireless transfer of files to certain smart devices and may also allow for remote control of the camera from the device. Now, let’s move on to a brief discussion of specific cameras in brands that are readily available through major photo, electronics and outdoor equipment retailers in Canada.
SONY ACTION CAMS The HDR-AS15 ($300) is equipped with a Zeiss 170° f/2.8 lens, Wi-Fi for connectivity to smart devices and an electronic image stabilizer. It ships with a thick, unusually rugged waterproof case rated to depths up to 60 m and two mounts. Additional mounts are available as accessories. This camera can produce beautiful videos with stereo sound and 2-MP still photos in the 16:9 format. The new HDR-AS30V ($350) ships with a waterproof housing that is 35% lighter and 25% smaller than its predecessor and rated for depths up to 4.87 m. This casing offers two benefits: it does not block the mic and allows for convenient manipulation of camera controls. The AS30V features Wi-Fi with NFC that simplifies connectivity to certain smart devices. Other features include a built-in GPS receiver, an 11.9-MP still photo mode and many video options. Sony markets the waterproof, wristwatch-style Live-View Remote (RM-LVR1) that can be used instead of a smartphone for controlling important camera functions, with a live view display on its LCD. SONY.CA
LIQUID IMAGE CAMERAS This company’s goggle cameras are popular among snorkelers, off-road bikers and skiers since the recording device is inside a set of goggles designed specifically for such activities. Distribution in Canada is quite limited however. Most of the models we can buy here can shoot HD 720p video and 5-MP still photos through a lens with a 136° (wide-angle) field of view. Popular cameras include various Off-Road models for motorcyclists ($120), the Underwater HD Video Mask ($310), the Scuba Series Underwater HD Video Mask ($420) and the Apex 339 HD Snow Video Goggle with Wi-Fi and GPS ($450). In Canada, I also found the Liquid Image Full HD 1080p camera and the Off-Road Goggle ($412) with a 12-MP interpolated still photo mode. Perhaps other models will become available here in 2014. A more conventional POV camera, the tiny 363-g water-resistant Liquid Image XCS Ego ($230), is designed to be mounted on various surfaces; a flat-mount bracket is included and other mounting accessories are available. This camera can shoot 1080p videos with mono sound or 12-MP stills and is also Wi-Fi enabled; add the optional underwater housing if you will use it for snorkelling. LIQUIDIMAGECO.COM
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Point-of-View Cameras
ION AIR PRO The rugged, tubular 130-gram camera that Nik Wallenda used while crossing Niagara Falls is available in three kits. The body with 170° f/2.8 lens is waterproof to 9.1 m and can shoot Full HD (1080p/30) video with sound, 720p in slow motion or 5-MP stills at 3 fps, with a series of photos at multiple intervals if desired. The two affordable camera kits ($150 without mounting accessories; $200 with ten accessories) support Wi-Fi with an optional PODZ device. It’s compatible with iOS and Android smart devices, offering remote control of the camera and real-time HD video shoot and share capability on social networking sites. The Ion Air Pro Wi-Fi kit ($350 with ten mounting accessories) includes the PODZ Wi-Fi device. Several mounting kit accessories are available. In 2014, expect to see the new Ion Air Pro 2, with a 180° lens and the PODZ; it can shoot 14-MP images and superior video clips. GENTEC-INTL.COM
GOPRO HERO3 The current series is available in several distinct models with 170° f/2.8 lens and 1080p/30 video capability; all ship with a housing that’s rated to a depth of 60 m. GoPro offers numerous optional add-ons, such as many mounting accessories an optional LCD Touch BacPac screen ($100) and BacPac Battery Packs ($40 and $50) for additional power. The 5-MP White with 3-fps continuous drive and built-in Wi-Fi is the most affordable ($250) and ships with two adhesive mounts. For 11-MP resolution, check out the Silver edition model ($350), with Wi-Fi, 10-fps drive and with more mount accessories included. Benefits of the pro-grade Hero 3 Black ($370) include a superior sensor, better audio and a 6-element aspherical lens. It also provides overrides for exposure and white balance, ultra high-definition video options to 4K Cinema (3840 × 2160 pixels), a 12-MP still photo mode, a drive speed to 30 fps and built-in Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi Remote accessory (included with only the Black model) allows for remote control of the camera from a distance up to 180 m. There’s also a brand new Hero 3+ Black and Silver, with a slimmer casing, lighter weight, longer battery life, much faster Wi-Fi, a better lens, and superior video quality. The Hero3+ kit is selling for about $50 more than the Hero3 kit. GOPRO.COM
DRIFT HD GHOST Stocked by relatively few Canadian retailers, the HD Ghost ($400) with rotating wide-angle 7-element 170° lens is very popular in other countries. This model is waterproof to 3 m (to 60 m with the waterproof case; $50) and it features some magnesium-alloy components and a 2” LCD covered in rugged Gorilla Glass. The camera can record 1080p Full HD video with superior audio quality as well as 11-MP still photos at up to 5 fps. It ships with an LED remote controller unit with 10-meter range and five mounting accessories. The HD Ghost is also Wi-Fi equipped for communicating with a smartphone for image preview or playback and for transferring photos and videos for uploading to the Web. DRIFTINNOVATION.COM
ACCESSORIES FOR ACTION CAMS The devices for mounting a camera on various types of surfaces or objects or vehicles maximize versatility; if your favourite retailer does not stock the one you want, they should be able to order it for you. The latest products include several Joby items for offbody mounting of a GoPro. The GorillaPod Action Tripod allows for 90° tilting and 350° panning of the camera in landscape or portrait set-ups while the Action Clamp + Locking Arm allows for securing a GoPro on a variety of surfaces for vibration free photos. There’s also the Joby Action Clamp + Gorillapod Arm which is similar in concept but based on a Gorillapod. If you’re involved in water sports, the waterproof Lowepro DryZone series would be the best bet. And for shooting HD video, you’ll want a very fast memory card such as a Class 10 or 45 MB/s card from SanDisk, Sony or Panasonic.
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 105
Camera Bags
CAMERA BAGS
DURABLE CARRYING SOLUTIONS WITH USEFUL FEATURES
By Lee Rickwood
SHOULDER BAGS BILLINGHAM HADLEY PRO Made of canvas with real leather trim and brass fittings for a traditional look and feel, this bag has the look of a business case but with a removable camera insert system that is adjustable. You’ll find bellowed front pockets with metallic fastenings, a main flap for weather protection and an 8 x 12” waterproof zippered back pocket for documents or a slim tablet computer. The carrying handle is integrated with a fibreglass stiffener inside the top flap and the shoulder strap is fully adjustable. $
330 (STREET)
KINDERMANN.CA
KATA ORBIT-120 DL MESSENGER DSLR Available in a smaller and larger size too, this slim, lightweight Orbit will accommodate a DSLR with its lens attached as well as an additional lens, flash unit, accessories and a 15.4” laptop, all in padded sections. The well-padded camera insert, made of Aeriform Foam, is removable. This shoulder bag can also be converted to a back sling by unzipping and flipping the direction of the shoulder strap. It’s compatible with the optional Kata Insertrolley (handle and wheels) kit, for easy mobility in airports. $
120 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LOWEPRO NOVA SPORT 35L AW A new weather-resistant bag with multiple pockets for accessories, this one accepts two DSLRs with lenses, up to four extra lenses and a 13” tablet computer in its own pocket. Adjustable dividers offer flexibility and protection but the entire camera insert can be removed so the bag can be used for other purposes. Smaller sizes of this bag are available too (from $60); all are well made with lightweight and resilient 600D polyester and 210D nylon fabrics, plus an All Weather rain cover. $
120 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LOWEPRO STREAMLINE 250 A messenger bag designed for CSCs with durable, weather-resistant fabrics, the Streamline (in slate grey) protects against dust, scratches and abrasions. A seemingly flat zippered pocket on the front of the bag opens to reveal a concave area suitable for holding your camera. The expandable main compartment with a padded divider can hold a CSC with an attached lens, one extra lens and a 10” tablet. This compartment unzips at the bottom of the bag to offer more storage for a smartphone and some personal items. $
50 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LOWEPRO URBAN REPORTER 250 This messenger bag made of twilled polyester with a durable water-repellent coating will accommodate a DSLR with an attached zoom and three other lenses, some accessories and a 13” laptop computer. The camera insert with its detachable padded dividers can be removed when desired. To access the bag’s interior, there are two leather snap-buckles on the front flap; when opened it also reveals a dual-zipper pouch with internal organizer. The zipper can be opened to use the pocket as a trolley strap for attachment to rolling luggage. $
140 (STREET)
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DAYMEN.CA
Camera Bags
THINK TANK MIRRORLESS MOVER Available in four sizes, this bag made of water-resistant poly ballistic fabrics targets owners of CSCs (or small DSLRs). The large (#30) model accepts a large CSC body plus up to four lenses, an iPad and additional accessories. The series features nickel-plated hardware, YKK zippers, removable internal closed-cell foam dividers, external pockets and a rain cover. There’s also a removable shoulder strap and a slot for hanging the bag on a belt. Gear is easily accessed via the flip top lid with magnetic closure. $
55-100 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
THINK TANK CHANGE UP V.2 This improved multi-purpose bag with a rain cover features a tall design to accept a DSLR with a 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens attached; three extra lenses will also fit. Thanks to the hidden shoulder strap/harness system, it converts easily to a number of configurations: belt pack, chest pack or a regular shoulder bag. The built-in rail is useful for attaching optional modular accessories. The very versatile Change Up is made with water-resistant polyester and nylon fabrics, YYK zippers, nickelplated metal hardware and removable closed-cell foam dividers. $
180 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
ROOTS PRO SERIES ZOOM BAG Designed for carrying a DSLR with a standard size zoom lens attached, this unique bag can expand as necessary to fit a DSLR with a larger lens, up to the Sigma 50-500 mm zoom, when the bottom section is unzipped. The dual-zippered padded main compartment includes a removable top flap that protects a camera’s LCD plus a quick-lock closure. The bag is made of nylon and neoprene and has a large zippered front pocket, interior top pockets for accessories, a padded carrying handle and detachable padded shoulder strap; a removable rain cover and lens cleaning cloth are also included. $
60 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
BACKPACKS KATA REVOLVER 8 PL Featuring a comfortable harness, a foam Spine Guard and a rain cover, this case is built with a unique revolving chamber inside to hold several lenses. To quickly find the lens you want, simply rotate the chamber; there’s no need to remove the pack to do so because there’s a side access to the interior. You’ll also find other compartments including one for a 15.4” laptop. The case is compatible with the optional Kata Insertrolley wheel/handle system. $
370 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LOWEPRO FLIPSIDE SPORT 20L AW A slim, well-designed pack with an adjustable harness, this one holds two pro-level DSLRs, two extra lenses, a tripod/monopod and a flashgun. (A smaller 15L model is also available.) Features include side access for quick gear retrieval when the pack is rotated to your front, a side pocket for a 1.5-litre bottle, a built-in rain cover and a tripodattachment system. Remove the protective internal compartment with its padded and adjustable dividers to convert the case to a fully functional daypack. $
200 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 107
Camera Bags
TENBA SHOOTOUT ROLLING BACKPACK This padded ripstop nylon backpack with a fully adjustable harness system, tripod mount and rain cover, features a retractable handle and wheels so it can be pulled along in an airport. The medium size pack can carry two DSLRs and a series of lenses in a well-padded section as well as a 15” laptop, also well protected. You can convert the pack to allow for access to the interior without removing it or opening the main flap; this is a definite benefit in a backpack. $
230 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
SLING PACKS KATA 3N1-10 DL SLING BACKPACK This unique bag provides three carrying options. Set it up to be a right-hand sling case, a backpack or a left-hand sling case using the quick-release buckles. Larger models are available too, but the 3N1-10 DL is designed to carry a DSLR or CSC with lens attached plus two additional lenses and accessories. The main compartment can be customized by moving the padded dividers. Features include a rain cover and a top compartment for personal gear and this backpack is compatible with the Kata’s optional Insertrolley accessory. $
120 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LOWEPRO PASSPORT SLING II This version of the compact sling bag, with an expandable front panel, offers a new design that incorporates a customizable camera box that adjusts to fit a CSC or compact DSLR kit, plus personal gear. The box can be removed, making the bag into a daypack for hiking. The discreet style does not make it obvious that the sling is holding photo equipment. The entire bag, including the camera box, may be folded flat for packing into a larger case. Features include an expandable front panel, adjustable strap, detachable shoulder pad and multiple storage pockets. $
65
(STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LOWEPRO TRANSIT SLING 250AW This urban travel sling, made with polyester fabrics, offers a flexible way to organize and carry your equipment: a DSLR with attached lens (up to 24-70 mm for side access, or 70-200 mm when stored vertically), two extra lenses, flash and accessories plus a tablet computer in its own padded compartment. When the case is rotated to your front, a special side opening provides quick access to the contents. The interior can be customized by moving the included padded dividers and the lens cradle. Features include a top compartment for personal gear, an ergonomic strap and a hidden stabilizing waist strap. $
120 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
TENBA SHOOTOUT CONVERTIBLE SLING Available in two sizes, this sling can be converted from a “quick-draw” shooting bag to a long lens bag configuration to hold a DSLR with a 300 mm f/2.8 lens. It’s carried on the back with a single, contoured and padded cross-chest strap rather than two shoulder straps; this allows for swinging the bag to your front for quick access to a camera/lens. The Medium size bag accepts two DSLRs along with three more lenses, a flash and some accessories. Features include accessory pockets, durable, water-resistant nylon exterior, a rain cover, YYK zippers, a monopod straps, protective rubber bottom treads and more. $
120 (STREET)
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GNIGAMI.CA
Camera Bags
OTHER CARRYING OPTIONS BLACKRAPID SNAPR In addition to several sling-type straps (including one designed for women), this company also makes the SnapR, an innovative 3-in-1 design sling type strap, bag and hand strap available in three sizes, including one that accepts one of the larger cameras with built-in lens. The camera—well protected in the padded bag—is attached via the tripod socket and glides up into position quickly when you’re ready to shoot. One or two accessory pockets hold spare memory cards or a small battery. $
45
TO
$
70 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
COTTON CARRIER CAMERA VEST This one-size-fits-all adjustable vest, with comfortable shoulder straps and a waistband for a secure fit, is made of a polypropylene material; it eliminates the neck strain and fatigue that can occur with traditional neck straps. The vest is intended for use with one DSLR camera/lens. (Another model, with a side holster, accepts two cameras with lens; $190) Attach the equipment to the vest with the built-in camera receptacle and hub, with its quick-release locking mechanism. A special tool is included for occasionally tightening the moving parts. $
150 (STREET)
COTTONCARRIER.COM
JOBY ULTRAFIT SLING STRAPS Offering the same convenience as a sling pack, this sling strap, in a version for men, and another for women, includes a cinch that keeps the camera tight against the body and that quickly extends to shooting mode with a pull on the camera grip. This provides both camera protection and hands-free stability. The UltraFit attachment mechanism has a greased bearing so your camera can be freely rotated without becoming unscrewed from the strap; however, do check the screw’s tightness occasionally. $
50 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LOWEPRO DRYZONE Designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts, the 20L Duffle and 40L Backpack are made of technical fabric and are fully splash-proof, ideal for water sports or for hiking in inclement weather. The 20L accommodates a large DSLR with three lenses, flash and accessories in a removable padded insert; its second compartment can hold a jacket or other personal items. The larger 40L, with comfortable straps, will store more personal items such as rain gear, a jacket, lunch plus a tripod attached to the exterior. $
170 AND $230 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
MANFROTTO PADDED TRIPOD BAG An ideal solution when travelling with a tripod with a head attached of just about any brand (up to 80 cm long in total), the MBAG80P uses Thermoform padding to hold the content in place and to protect it. (A slightly smaller unpadded case is also available; $55.) The zipper extends down the length of the tapered bag, but also fully opens at the top end; this allows for fast “quiver-style” extraction and insertion of the tripod. A shoulder strap and handgrip on the end allow for two distinct carrying methods. $
115 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 109
Walkstool comfort 55
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WWW.NIC.BC.CA
THE CONTACT SHEET
Available at better camera stores and on-line at www.walkstoolcanada.com
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Tripods and Heads
TRIPODS AND HEADS
SUPPORT ACCESSORIES FOR STABILITY AND CONVENIENCE
By Lee Rickwood While many cameras and lenses are equipped with an image stabilizer, a tripod remains a valuable accessory. A rock-steady camera platform is still essential for maximum image sharpness, particularly when you want to shoot at a very long shutter speed in low light or with a macro lens or
with a long telephoto. The current tripods are far more convenient to operate than older models and some are surprisingly lightweight while providing maximum stability. To determine which model you personally prefer, it’s worth making a trip to a well-stocked retail store.
TRAVEL TRIPODS AND HEADS BENRO TRAVEL ANGEL II An improved aluminum travel tripod with three independent leg angle settings, v.2 ships with a new high-grade, dualaction V0 ball head with quick-release system and separate pan, position and friction adjustments. For the most compact size while travelling, the legs can be inverted and folded back 180º; this setup also provides protection for the head. You can detach one leg and use it as a monopod when desired. FOLDED LENGTH: 40 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.56 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 1.7 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 7.7 KG $
260 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
FOTOPRO X4C KIT This lightweight five-section tripod with metal and carbon-fibre components and twist-type locks features strength with light weight, three independent leg angle settings and a split dual-section centre column for shooting flexibility. There’s a double bubble level, too. The new FPH-53P ball head has a strong lock and a quick-release system. This tripod allows for low-level camera positioning to a height of 26 cm above ground level. FOLDED LENGTH: 32 CM • MAX. • HEIGHT: 1.46 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 1.1 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5 KG $
350 (STREET)
DIGITECTRADING.COM
GITZO TRAVELER GK1580TQR5 A magnesium ball head (GH1780TQR) with independent pan and tilt locks, panorama base and quick-release system sits atop carbon-fibre five-section Series-1 legs with twist-type locks. The independent leg angle adjustment is useful for uneven surfaces and the centre column can be reversed to hold the camera very close to ground level. In windy conditions hang some weight on the bottom of the column for increased stability. FOLDED LENGTH: 35 CM • MAX. • HEIGHT: 1.49 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 1.6 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5.5 KG $
900 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
LINHOF UNIVERSAL BALLHEAD 01 The smallest in the Linhof line, this all-metal head would be ideal for use when traveling due to its great portability. In spite of its compact dimensions, the 01 head offers a positive tilt lock with uniform friction over the entire tilt range. A single knob locks the head into the desired position for very smooth and quick adjustment of the precise camera/lens position. SUITABILITY: CONSUMER-GRADE DSLRS • HEIGHT: 7.6 CM • WEIGHT: 0.27 KG LOAD CAPACITY: 1.5 KG • PLATFORM: 40-MM DUAL THREAD PLATE
$112 (STREET)
KINDERMANN.CA
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Tripods and Heads
LINHOF PROFI BALLHEAD II AND II Q Available with and without a quick-release mechanism, this head is definitely of professional calibre, with a very high load capacity, calibrated friction control and oversized locking knobs for secure positioning without shifting the camera’s position. The pan movement has a separate lock; the Q version includes the Quickfix I quick release with a 70 x 60 mm camera plate. SUITABILITY: PRO CAMERAS AND LENSES • HEIGHT: 10.9 CM • WEIGHT: 0.54 KG LOAD CAPACITY: 8 KG • PLATFORM: 63-MM BASE $
382 FOR BALLHEAD II OR $543 FOR BALLHEAD II Q (STREET)
KINDERMANN.CA
MANFROTTO BEFREE This aluminum tripod/head kit with Italian styling and four-section legs features clip-style aluminum locks with adjustable tension and offers two independent leg angle settings. The Befree was designed with a folding leg mechanism. Close it down and the kit is surprisingly short; the legs fold around the ball head with its single control knob and quick-release system for protection of this component. The kit also includes a shoulder bag. FOLDED LENGTH: 43 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.44/1.23 M WITH/WITHOUT COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 1.4 KG LOAD CAPACITY: 4 KG $
250 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SLIK SPRINT PRO II This affordable aluminum tripod with four-section legs and an aluminum ball head with a single lock knob and quickrelease system offers several benefits. These include flip locks that release quickly, neoprene pads on all three legs, three leg angle settings for use on uneven ground and a two-section centre column. It’s possible to use this tripod at a low level, with the camera a mere 17 cm above the ground. FOLDED LENGTH: 47 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.62 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 940 G • LOAD CAPACITY: 2.05 KG $
135 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
CONVENTIONAL TRIPODS GITZO SERIES 1 GT1542T Featuring legs with superb 6x carbon-fibre tubes and twist locks, this four-section tripod is compact when not in use thanks to a unique folding mechanism. It’s also lightweight but strong and stable. The centre column is removable for shooting closer to ground level. It also has a built-in hook for hanging weight at the bottom of the column for greater stability when using long telephoto lenses or on very windy days. FOLDED LENGTH: 42.5 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.49/1.16 M WITH/WITHOUT COLUMN EXTENDED WEIGHT: 1.4 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 7 KG $
650 PLUS OPTIONAL HEAD (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
GIOTTOS SILKROAD YTL8384 The Silk Road series (in carbon fibre and aluminum) won the TIPA Best Design Award 2013 because it employs a unique Y-Tube column for exceptionally small size when folded. This Pro carbon-fibre model (with 8x layer tubes) has four leg sections, a quick/easy locking system, three leg angle positions and a bubble level. The versatile centre column tilts 180° and rotates 360°; a short column is also included for low-level use. FOLDED LENGTH: 57 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.82 M/1.51 M WITH/WITHOUT COLUMN EXTENDED WEIGHT: 1.7 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 8 KG $
430 (STREET)
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JCLSALESGROUP.COM
Tripods and Heads
INDURO AKP2 ADVENTURE KIT This three-section tripod with aluminum legs and a magnesium-alloy chassis includes a three-way pan head; its handles (which can be folded for compact size while being transported) control pan adjustments and two directions of tilt. The tripod’s center-column lock is oversized to add vibration-reducing structural support. Amenities include strong non-rotating legs, quick-lock flip levers, three leg angle positions, a reversible centre column and low-level capability of 30.5 cm. FOLDED LENGTH: 42.5 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.72 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 2.6 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 12 KG $
270 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
MANFROTTO 458B NEOTEC PRO This rugged aluminum tripod (without head) boasts one of the quickest setup and takedown times around. Simply pull each leg downward; release it and it locks in place; no locks are necessary. The Neotec Pro folds back up just as quickly. Features include a two-section column for low-angle work (down to 10 cm), four leg angle settings and a centre column that can be placed horizontally when desired. FOLDED LENGTH: 64 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.56/1.31 M WITH/WITHOUT COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 2.4 KG LOAD CAPACITY: 8 KG $
450 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
MANFROTTO MT190XPRO Available with three or four leg sections, in aluminum or carbon fibre, this new series offers a more convenient tilting 90° column for camera positioning, Quick Power Locks for one-handed tripod setup, 4 leg angles with improved angle selectors, and connection points for accessories such as an LED light or a reflector. The models with four leg sections are particularly compact when folded. (Specs and photo are for the aluminum 190XPRO4.) FOLDED LENGTH: 49 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.6 M/1.35 M WITH/WITHOUT COLUMN EXTENDED WEIGHT: 2.1 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 7 KG
PRICE TBA
GENTEC-INTL.COM
SLIK PRO 723CF TRIPOD This tripod with three-section legs, twist-type locks and pads on two of the legs for carrying comfort is equipped a detachable centre column with a hook for hanging a weight for extra stability. Invert the column when desired and you can place the camera at a very low level above the ground. The carbon-fibre construction allows for light weight; of course, that is increased when you add a head. FOLDED LENGTH: 57 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.31 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 1.4 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5 KG $
400
(STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
VELBON PRO GEO E KIT Including a carbon-fibre and basalt E635CF tripod and PHD-62Q magnesium pan head, this kit is relatively light in weight but capable of supporting a pro camera/lens combination. The three-section quick-release legs can be spread to various angles and its two-section centre column can be split for low-angle shooting. Conveniently, the head’s side tilt handle and panning knob are interchangeable for left- or right-handed use. A carrying strap is included. FOLDED LENGTH: 67 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.76 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 2.37 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 4 KG $
400 (STREET)
NADEL.CA
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Tripods and Heads
VANGUARD ABEO PRO 283CGH TRIPOD KIT The winner of a TIPA 2013 award, this kit starts with a carbon-fibre tripod with quick-flip locks and three leg angle settings. The multi-angle centre column, with a convenient release/lock system, allows users to move the post to place the camera at any position. There’s also a pistol grip head with quick release, a remote shutter release control, dual panning axes and a 72-point panning base for smooth panoramic shooting. FOLDED LENGTH: 84 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.78 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 3 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 6 KG $
530 (STREET)
AMPLIS.COM
VIDEO TRIPOD KITS BENRO A2573FS6 KIT This kit with a 2573F tripod features aluminum-alloy legs and magnesium-alloy components, individually adjustable leg angles, and quick-lock flip-type lever locks, combined with anti-rotation legs for fast setup. There’s a head too, the S6 with a fluid cartridge; it’s equipped with separate pan and tilt friction control and an illuminated bubble level. A counterbalance feature allows for great stability even with a long, heavy telephoto lens. FOLDED LENGTH: 67 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.78 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 3.12 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5.9 KG $
315 (STREET)
GNIGAMI.CA
GITZO GK2500LVLQR KIT Intended primarily for outdoor use, this high-grade kit (without leg braces) includes a Series 2 carbon-fibre four-section tripod with anti-rotation legs, independent angle settings, low-level capability and a unique levelling mechanism for quick and perfectly horizontal set-up on uneven ground. There’s also a strong, lightweight two-way fluid G2380 head for maximum smoothness with separate pan and tilt controls and a fully adjustable counterbalance system for weight distribution. FOLDED LENGTH: 69.5 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.8 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 2.23 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5 KG $
1100 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
MANFROTTO MVT502 KIT Consisting of an aluminum 502AM tripod and a 502A fluid head, this kit features aluminum telescopic twin tube legs in two stages and three twin elliptic sections, a mid-level spreader (brace) for extra stability and a 75-mm base for the head. The aluminum pro head is equipped with a spring-loaded counterbalance system and independent pan and tilt locks. A special feature allows for levelling the head without adjusting the legs. FOLDED LENGTH: 72.1 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.54 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 3.1 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 5 KG $
600 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
VELBON SHERPA 538N/FHD 51Q KIT This kit includes a heavy-duty aluminum tripod with bracing struts and three-section legs with quick-release locks. The magnesium FHD 51Q “true oil” fluid pan head features a spring loaded counterbalance, controls for tilt friction and tilt range, a separate pan lock, a bubble level and an extra large sliding plate in the quick-release mechanism for adjustment of the camera’s position in small increments. FOLDED LENGTH: 64.5 CM • MAX. HEIGHT: 1.59 M WITH COLUMN EXTENDED • WEIGHT: 2.1 KG • LOAD CAPACITY: 2.5 KG $
200 (STREET)
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NADEL.CA
The thinnest and the lightest filters in the world
UV MC
Anti-UV Multi-Coated Thickness: 3.3mm
C PL
Circular Polarizer Thickness: 4.5mm
ND X
Variable Density Neutral Gray Thickness: 9.5mm
PURE Harmonie filters are the thinnest and the lightest in the world. With a thickness of 3.3mm for the Multi-Coated Anti-UV (UV MC), 4.5mm for the Circular Polarizer (C PL) and 9.5mm for the Variable Density Neutral Gray (ND X) they are almost invisible when mounted on your lens. Their weight is so light that you won’t even notice that they are attached. They have been engineered with no compromise: very robust, compatible with all lens caps and multi-coated with EVERCLEAR 5 Coating Technology to withstand almost any condition. Super lightweight for maximum AF performance and ultra-shallow profile to prevent vignetting. They are just perfect. They are PURE.
Only few years ago, photographers and videographers were asking for special effect filters. Today, they ask for COKIN filters. A French professional photographer, Jean Coquin, invented the concept of creative filter photography.To allow everybody to get a chance to produce great “creative images” Jean Coquin designed a system with the following prerequisites: simplicity, rapidity of use and versatility to leave plenty of room for individual inspiration and creativity.
Cokin filters are distributed in Canada exclusively by Webbsight Imaging Peripherals. info@webbsight.ca
Photo Filters
PHOTO FILTERS
VALUABLE GLASS FOR OPTIMIZING PHOTOS By David Giral When we were all shooting with film, lens filters were the most popular accessories. Now that digital photography is the norm, many of the same effects can be achieved with in-camera features, such as White Balance pre-sets and digital special effects filters. And anyone experienced with sophisticated image-enhancing software or plug-ins can produce virtually any type of effect. Even so, several types of filters remain useful or essential. Even today, most photographers use a UV or a clear glass filter to protect the lens’ front element. Another valuable filter, the circular polarizer, is useful for reducing reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces (windows, water, wet leaves, and so on) and from invisible particles in the sky. This allows the true colours to show through, for deeper hues and tones; in some cases, it also reveals
details (in water, for example) that were previously hidden by glare. Neutral-density (ND) filters allow for making images with a long exposure (for waterfalls, for example) or with an extremely wide aperture even on a bright, sunny day. You can also find variable neutral-density filters, ideal especially for video, for quick control of the amount of light that will enter the lens. If you don’t have advanced skills with image editing software, you might also be interested in filters that provide specific effects such as star-shaped highlights or a “soft focus” effect in portraiture. In this section, however, we’ll discuss some of the most important problem solving filters that offer great practical value to any camera owner. Note that all prices in the following are for 58-mm filters, the most common size; expect to pay more for larger filters, of course.
B+W AND SCHNEIDER OPTICS
With manufacturing plants in Germany, this division of Schneider Optics offers an extensive catalogue of filters of excellent to superb quality. The brand is well known for its use of high-grade German Schott glass and slim-line brass mounting rings. The glass in some of their filters is vacuum-coated with one layer of Anti-Reflection coating for light transmission of over 98%. Their more expensive MRC series filters are multi-layer coated to minimize flare; the front surface coatings are also water-repellent and scratch-resistant. SUMMARY: Expect to pay about $45 for a basic UV or ND filter (in 58-mm size), $140 for a single-coated circular polarizer and $200 for an MRC polarizer. Schneider Optics (B+W’s parent company) recently introduced the new True Match Vari-ND (1.3- to 11-stop) filter, available only in 77-mm diameter, selling for about $529 (street). REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
COKIN
Based in France, Cokin Creative makes rectangular filters of four distinct sizes as well as suitable filter holders. Some 140 such filters are available; all are made from CR-39 Organic Glass that’s lightweight, highly resistant to shock and with excellent optical transmission. Recently, Cokin introduced a line of circular filters that screw directly into the front of your lenses. The Pure Harmonie series is said to be the thinnest and lightest multi-coated filters in the world; they benefit from Everclear 5 coatings and are very robust. The Pure Harmonie series includes Multi-Coated Anti-UV at $60, Variable Neutral Density Neutral at $150 and a Circular Polarizer (only 4.5 mm thick) at $120. The Variable ND filter provides an ND range between 1 stop and 8+ stops (or ND2 to ND400). Cokin also makes numerous rectangular filters, in for sizes from small to large in the A, P, Z-PRO and X-PRO series. WEBBSIGHT.CA
SUMMARY:
116 Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014
Photo Filters
HELIOPAN
Also based in Germany, Heliopan uses German Schott glass for optical clarity and brass mounting rings. Their standard filters benefit from at least one high quality hard coating on each side to reduce stray light and to avoid flare. The procalibre SH-PMC filters get eight layers of coatings on each side for great reflection reduction (below 0.2%) and maximum light transmission; as well, a dust- and moisture-repellent top coating makes for easy cleaning. Heliopan offers UV, protection, skylight, polarizing, neutral-density and close-up filters. The SH-PMC are the most highly recommended in this brand and they’re not inexpensive; the UV Haze SH-PMC Filter sells for about $140 while the Slim Polarizer is about $320. Heliopan makes a Variable Neutral Density 1 to 6-stop filter, which sells for about $340 (street). NADEL.CA SUMMARY:
FORMATT-HITECH
Based in Wales (UK), this company makes many filters including ND. Their ProStop IRND filters (in models from 1 stop to 10 stops) will prevent colour shifts during very long exposures, since they attenuate UV, visible light, near infrared and infrared evenly. Their Graduated filters (darker at one half and lighter at the other), in soft and hard transitions as well as reverse, are valuable for video recording and for landscape photography because they allow you to balance the luminance of bright and dark areas of the scene for a better overall exposure. SUMMARY: The various Formatt-Hitech ND filters are available in rectangular and square shape, glass or resin, in several
sizes, from about $100 to $250; all require an optional Formatt-Hitech filter holder and a screw-in adapter to fit a specific size lens. WEBBSIGHT.CA
HOYA
Part of the Kenko Tokina group, Hoya manufactures a full line of filters at various levels of quality. All have at least one layer of anti-reflective coating applied to each surface of the glass. Multi-coated filters have a three-layer coating that further reduces light reflections; the multi-coated Pro-1D series, with a thin ring design, is particularly popular. The S-HMC series boasts seven layers of coatings on one side while the HD series gets eight layers of coatings on thin, very strong (hardened) glass. SUMMARY: The S-HMC Circular Polarizer is $120 while the Pro-1D sells for about $90 and the HD version for $110. Hoya recently announced the new Pro-1D ND 32 and ND64 Neutral Density filter with five-stop and six-stop light reduction, respectively; prices are not yet available. DAYMEN.CA
KENKO
Also based in Japan and part of the Kenko Tokina group, Kenko makes several series from economy to Pro-1D and to the high-grade Zeta filters. The latter are particularly desirable because of Nano Glass technology for an ultra smooth surface and Zero Reflection super multi-coatings. The Zeta EX circular polarizer is extremely thin and lightweight; it uses a specially polished four-layer glass, an ultrathin metal frame and high-quality polarizing film which will not change colour and allows for great light transmission. SUMMARY: In the Zeta series, the street price ranges from $50 for a protective filter, $70 for a UV filter, to $99 for a circular polarizing filter. DAYMEN.CA
RODENSTOCK
This is a pro-oriented brand so it’s not stocked by every retailer and some of the products are available only by special order. Even so, many of the filters are not unusually expensive. Particularly impressive are the new HR Digital Circular Polarizing and HR Digital UV filters, with a robust brass mounting ring, specifically designed for digital photography. In addition to super multi-layer coating (8 on each side) for improved suppression of reflections, these filters with hardened optical glass have a dirt-resistant, water-repellent and scratchproof protection layer. The HR Digital Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer sells for about $137 but the conventional UV MC filter sells for $68 and the 4x Neutral Density for $96 (street). KINDERMANN.CA
SUMMARY:
Photo Life Buyers’ Guide 2014 117
Essential Extras
ESSENTIAL EXTRAS
USEFUL ADD-ONS FOR YOUR PHOTO ARSENAL
By David Giral Every avid photographer has discovered some key accessories that help to solve problems or make it easy to achieve a desired effect. Whether through trial and error, from reading about photography or with the guidance of a workshop instructor, these soon become an integral part of our arsenal. Although there are many types of acces-
sories available on the market, some are more valuable than others in a photographer’s bag. In this section, we’ll briefly discuss many different types, including some that target photographers who always carry a smartphone. They range from nice-to-have to very useful to essential.
CLEANING KITS LENSPEN SENSORKLEAR LOUPE KIT While many cameras offer some kind of built-in system using vibration for cleaning the sensor, sticky dust bunnies can leave marks on your images. This kit includes a blower that will get rid of the troublesome specks in an instant and a LED loupe to help you see them more clearly. Remove those (with maximum care) with the carbon-tipped Lenspen developed specifically for this purpose. $
80 (STREET)
SBWSALES.CA
LENSPEN DSLR PRO KIT Whether you want to clean lenses, filters or your camera’s viewfinder, the Lenspen DSLR Pro Kit is one of the best available. The kit includes three Lenspens, each with a brush on one end to remove dust and a carbon-based cleaning tip at the other end to remove fingerprint oil. $
35 (STREET)
SBWSALES.CA
ROR OPTICAL LENS CLEANER The Residual Oil Remover (ROR) Optical Lens Cleaner is specifically formulated to emulsify and remove microscopic oil residue from a lens’s front element (or from an LCD) for a measurable difference in brightness and clarity. And because ROR removes the oily film, dust has nothing to adhere to, so surfaces stay cleaner longer. $
7 FOR 60 ML (STREET)
BLAZESPHOTO.COM
GIOTTOS AA1900 ROCKET AIR BLASTER LARGE Available in red or black, this blaster is a safe and effective way to blow dust-free air to clean lenses, cameras, filters and sensors. (If cleaning the sensor, use maximum care; hold the camera so the dust will fall to the ground.) A one-way valve on the bottom brings in clean air and does not re-distribute the dust. $
28 (STREET)
JCLSALESGROUP.COM
CAMERA PROTECTION GEPE CARD SAFE EXTREME HOLDER This holder is a fine choice to protect memory cards against dust, water, shock and electrostatic charge. To ensure its outdoor quality, the Extreme uses reinforced hinge and lock with stainless steel pins and a connector to attach it to a belt or a camera bag. Inside are four compartments for bigger-sized memory cards such as Compact Flash or Memory Stick as well as SM and SD cards. $
40 (STREET)
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It’s nice share. Per formance and connectivity, it’s nice to share with the Canon
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The Canon 70D features built-in wireles to transfer your phot computer, or social network instantly. You can even turn you into a wireless remote for your DSLR using the EOS Remote a
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Essential Extras
KATA RAIN COVER Custom designed for various types of cameras (with or without an accessory flash unit) these waterproof nylon rain covers are suitable even for pro photographers. Features vary, but expect amenities such as a clear panel that covers the LCD, drawstrings to keep the cover tightly on the camera and convenient operations of the controls of your DSLR, camcorder or compact camera. There’s also an extension kit accessory for use with long telephoto zoom lenses. $
31 TO $200 (STREET)
GENTEC-INTL.COM
OP/TECH RAINSLEEVE Available in two sizes, the Rainsleeve is a must-have accessory for avid outdoor photographers, offering a shield from rain, sand and snow. It fits easily in a pocket or camera bag and features a unique eyepiece opening that adapts to most camera viewfinders, allowing composition of shots through the camera’s lens, not through the plastic. All camera and lens controls are easily seen and operated. $
9 AND $11 FOR A PACK OF TWO (STREET)
EDMAMARKETING.COM
CONNECTIVITY/TETHERING/TRIGGERING EYE-FI PRO X-2 Compatible with numerous cameras, this Class 10 SD memory card (16-GB capacity) can quickly and reliably deliver your high-quality images to your computer, smartphone or tablet using built-in Wi-Fi for preview or backup purposes. $
120 (STREET)
EYE.FI
HAMA DCCSYSTEM BASE WIRELESS REMOTE RELEASE Ideal as a remote controller when the camera must be mounted up to 150 m from your location, this wireless (2.4 GHz) multi-channel transmitter/receiver is available for Nikon and Canon DSLRs that accept a remote-cable accessory. When you touch the device’s shutter-release button, the camera will set focus and exposure; you can then take the photo immediately or use the four-second delay feature. $
166, PLUS $18 CABLE (STREET)
KINDERMANN.CA
TRIGGERTRAP APP & MOBILE DONGLE Suitable for certain DSLRs and other cameras, this accessory (available for iOS and Android smartphones) is used for camera triggering and provides several creative photography techniques. With the automated triggering modes you can easily experiment with timelapse, long exposure HDR, sound-triggering and star trails, as well as techniques unique to Triggertrap such as DistanceLapse and TimeWarp. Triggertrap also enables wireless triggering via Wi-Fi. $
30 (STREET)
TRIGGERTRAP.COM
GIGA T PRO II WIRELESS TIMER REMOTE Available for cameras of several brands, this device is a conventional wireless remote controller with an LCD. Aside from the application, its 1000-meter range makes this product useful for taking photos with a DSLR positioned at a great distance. Features include a self-timer, interval timer, long exposure setting and exposure-count settings for time-lapse, wildlife, astral and studio photography. $
130 (STREET)
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Essential Extras
LIGHT METERS LUXI This small accessory is an incident light meter adapter designed to fit securely over your iPhone’s front-facing camera. When attached and used with the light meter app, Luxi will help you determine the best settings for your DSLR or other camera to ensure that you’ll take well-exposed photos. Especially in backlighting, an incident meter provides a more accurate reading than a camera’s reflective light meter. $
35 (STREET)
LUXIMETER.COM
SEKONIC L-208 TWINMATE An incident light meter reading is more accurate than the in-camera meter in some conditions, making a very compact device like this one useful; it can also read reflected light. The printed digits are large and colour-coded for easy recognition of readings. The L-208 can also be conveniently mounted in a camera’s hot shoe. A Hold and Read function grabs and maintains the current reading for 15 seconds. $
120 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
LENS ACCESSORIES KENKO AUTO EXTENSION TUBE SET Available at various prices for EOS, Nikon and Sony DSLRs, this Kenko kit (with 12-mm, 20-mm and 36-mm tubes) can enable a lens to focus closer than its normal minimum focusing distance. Moving extremely close to a tiny subject will provide much higher magnification. A tube is exceptionally useful for macro photography, especially with a 50 to 100 mm or longer lens, converting it into macro lens at a fraction of the cost while maintaining its original optical quality. $
240 TO $290 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
EXPODISC WHITE BALANCE FILTER This accessory helps to get pleasing overall colour balance even under artificial lighting. Simply place it in front of your lens and capture the incident light (falling onto the subject) while using the camera’s Custom or WB feature. Set the WB accordingly based on that reading. Remove the “filter” and take the photo. It’s available in various sizes (58 mm to 82 mm) in Neutral and Portrait versions. $
100 TO $134 (STREET)
REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
MARUMI LENS HOODS Many lenses are sold without a hood and the accessory from the manufacturer can be quite expensive. There’s a valid alternative, the lens hoods from Marumi, made of rigid plastic specifically for certain lenses. For example, the EW-73E is perfect for the Canon 17-85 mm IS zoom. Many others hoods are available for Canon lenses, as well as a few for certain Nikon lenses. $
22 TO $32 (STREET)
EDMAMARKETING.COM
THE FLEX LENS SHADE This is not a lens hood but an actual shade that you can set so it blocks light from reaching the front element of the lens to minimize the risk of flare. It can also protect your lens from outdoor elements. Developed to be durable, professional and lightweight, the Flex Lens Shade is durable for everyday use with its Ballistic Nylon shell, double stitch sewing and finished edges. $
40 (STREET)
FLEXLENSSHADE.COM
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Essential Extras
TRIPOD ALTERNATIVE JOBY GORILLAPOD Available in several sizes for various types of cameras, the GorillaPod is a compact and ingenious alternative to a tripod. Its legs are made with flexible ball-socket joints that bend and rotate, allowing the pod to be attached to a solid object like a tree branch, a car’s external rear view mirror or a fence post to provide great stability. Some kits include a small ball head. $
20 TO $150 (STREET)
DAYMEN.CA
ON-CAMERA PROJECTOR LIGHT BLASTER This accessory is a pattern/slide projector that uses the light from your accessory flash unit and a Canon EF/EFS lens to project backgrounds (or foregrounds) onto a scene. (A $30 adapter is available for Nikon lenses). Use your own slides or the slides available in four kits from the manufacturer; you’ll probably want to buy one of the creative kits ($26) to produce very cool special effects. $
130 (STREET)
REDRAVENPHOTO.COM
SCANNING AID SILVERFAST ARCHIVE SUITE 8 If you still have one foot in the analogue world, SilverFast Archive Suite can give you a push into digital. It is a suite of two applications that streamlines the process of scanning your old photos and transparencies. Silverfast tailors the software for specific scanners, so you order the version tuned for your model. Ai Studio is the main scanning workflow tool. You can use WorkFlow Pilot mode that reduces the scanning process to a five-step routine. HDR Studio is a tool to help you process the high bit-depth files you can create in Ai Studio. $
649 (WINDOWS, MAC)
SILVERFAST.COM
BATTERIES AND CHARGER PANASONIC PRE-CHARGED COMBO KIT If you use AA or AAA batteries for flash units and other accessories, you’ll appreciate this kit (BQC01) with four pre-charged NiMH batteries and an intelligent charger useful with 110 to 220 volt power. Individual charge control detects the capacity left in each cell, shows the information with LEDs, and charges it only as needed. A heat sensor automatically shuts the charger off in case of overheating. $
40 (STREET)
PANASONIC.CA
FAST SD CARD SANDISK EXTREME 95 MB/S (633X) UHS-I SD This is one of the fastest, most durable SD cards available at a moderate price. It’s ideal for use with high-resolution cameras when shooting long bursts of images or full-HD videos. (Check the camera owner’s manual to confirm compatibility with the SD UHS-1 cards.) It provides up to 90 MB/s data transfer from a camera and 95 MB/s transfer to a computer. The 16-GB card provides plenty of capacity. $
70 (STREET)
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Online. In-store. Outstanding. Online or in-store, Vistek makes for a great shopping experience.
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d800.nikon.ca
FULL ON FULL FRAME FULL OUT THE NIKON D800. VIDEO. STILLS. FULL ON. Designed to meet the demands of multimedia professionals, the 36.3 MP FX-format Nikon D800 combines superior performance, speed and handling with a fully integrated imaging system and delivers true cinematic video at Full HD (1080p). The D800 is the ultimate tool for the consummate professional.