PhotoPlus 2016 Gadget Report–Day 3

Friday October 21 was my last day at PhotoPlus 2016, but it was a big day with lots of great products. While I can't fit them all here, I thought I'd go over some of the ones that I liked the most for consideration for future blog articles.

BlackRapid

Double-locking hook

If you think you know BlackRapid, think again, as they've updated their entire line to include big improvements in comfort and safety. As you can see from the image above, the locking mechanism across the board ensures that your gear can't come out with this double locking system.

Below is the new design for the shoulder straps that allows for better breathing and feels much lighter and comfortable in person:

BlackRapid Breathe Strap Design

Improved fasteners

Everything in the line up is improved and better, so if you've had or heard of issues with their stuff in the past (and I've only heard one which I think was user error), then it's time to look them up again.

Click here to learn more about the new BlackRapid Breathe products.

Mindshift Gear

I've been a long-time fan of ThinkTankPhoto bags so when I heard some of the same great people were going to go off and form a new company with lighter bags for hikers, I supported them on Kickstarter. I was one of the first to get and review the MindShift Gear Rotation 180°, and I still have it to this day, but it's evolving and improving as shown above.

They are also making more sizes and colors than when I last reviewed the MindShift Gear Panorama. As a result, this show was a wake up call for me that this is no longer a company that just makes a couple bags, and that I should start reviewing them more in the near future.

I loved my Digital Holster, so these lighter versions are likely to be where I start...

Nikon

The all new 70-200mm from Nikon

I already talked about the new lenses in this article, so check that out if you haven't already.

In addition to the lenses, I spent most of my time talking about the new Action Cameras.

This discussion warrants its own article, so come back later this week for more details. I've got lots of pictures and hopefully some new info so if you are as excited about these very well built cameras as I am then you'll really enjoy this article.

Epson

Epson always has the most amazing art display at PhotoPlus, and this year was no different. So many images were breath taking, but on the gear side there wasn't much new news. They did have one of the P20000 beasties which is fun to see as it's as big as a small car!

Tether Tools

I haven't caught on to the tethering fad, but the crowds around the demos by great photographers like Peter Hurley suggest that I'm the exception, and not the rule.

Peter gave an awesome demo using the Flex light panel from Westcott and showed near live results via Lightroom for this very impressive demo of studio photography in 2016.

Check out more about Tether Tools current line up here.

AquaTech

AquaTech is well known for making create underwater housings, but their rain cover looks pretty good so I might be checking that out in the near future. If you've got one and want to share feedback, then leave me a comment here. Please note that comments are approved manually due to massive bot attacks, so you only need to post once and you won't see your comment right away.

Westcott

Westcott Flex Continuous Light Source was definitely the star of PPE 2016!

It was clear at this show that Westcott wanted to make a big impression with its Flex LED mat products as they were all over the show. Either they are that good or they spent a bunch of money to create that perception, but there's no doubt that they are both very cool and worth giving a closer look. Definitely look for a review of this very promising, but very expensive, continuous light source in the future.

In case it isn't obvious, what makes these so great is that they have a ton of light in a mat that can literally roll up like a blueprint. No more bulky flashes as what you see is what you get, and they don't run hot or take up a lot of space. Perhaps the only down side is that they are so bright that having that much light in your face can be pretty annoying. Videographers are likely to love them and photographers will certainly benefit from them.

Learn more about Flex here.

RapidBox reminds me of my Elinchrom 39" Rotalux Deep OctaBox
in terms of performance, but at much friendlier price

SkyLux LED Lights aren't new, but definitely were a popular choice at several booths at the show

LUMAS Opens New York Gallery with a WhiteWall.com Showroom

I had a chance to check out the new LUMAS gallery where WhiteWall.com is the as part of a show related event for the media, and let's just say I'm a huge WhiteWall fan now. If you haven't heard of them it's because they are a major fine art print service in Germany, but they are just landing on our shore in the heart of the New York SoHo district.

As a print master, NEC Color Visionary, X-Rite Coloratti, successful eBook author on printing, and the success of my printing series certainly qualifies me as someone who knows a good print when he sees it. After touring other galleries in New York and seeing WhiteWall's best work, I can assure you there's nobody in the US printing business right now has impressed me more than they did.

I'll be talking a lot more about WhiteWall, but in the meantime you can get a discount and learn more about how much I loved my HD Metal print here.

The studio in the basement gave us an opportunity to see everything they make on all of the different media, so if you get a chance then stop by or book an appointment with them as it's very helpful in deciding what you want to do for your next print.

Other print services should take notice that it's time to up your game as no print company in the US that I've seen prints from can touch them, so prepare to lose market share from photographers who care about quality as they switch to a company that I think is the best in the business.

Conclusion

PhotoPlus New York is always a great way to see the best of what everyone in the camera business has to offer, so while it's a bit expensive to get out there it's worth the trip. I had fun getting see what's new and what's coming from my blog partners, so I can't wait to get you some fresh reviews this coming year based on what I've learned.

Other Articles You Might Enjoy

NOTE: More gadget reports to come about PhotoPlus very soon!

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy these:

• PhotoPlus Expo 2016 Day 1 Gadgets Report
• PhotoPlus 2016 Gadget Report–Day 2
• Black Rapid RS-7 & RS-Sport
• GoPro HD Hero 2 Motorsports Edition
• MindShift Gear Rotation 180° - Hiking Camera Backpack
• MindShift Gear Panorama - Smaller Day Hike Backpack
• ThinkTankPhoto bag reviews & special offer
• Whitewall Metal & Acrylic Frames - Discount
• Discount Coupon Codes Page
• Printing Series 
• Ron’s Recommendations 

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission.

PhotoPlus 2016 Gadget Report–Day 2

Here are my thoughts about the cool products I saw while touring the PhotoPlus Expo 2016 in New York. All mentions are unsolicited and are based on what caught my eye on this day of the show.

Canon PRO-2000 24” Printer

Canon imagePrograf PRO-2000 24" Fine Art Printer

I was glad to see the new 24” Canon PRO-2000 printer in real life along with the optional 2nd roll support. While I was disappointed that the 2nd roll housing doesn’t have a cover to avoid dust build up on the paper, it still would be handy in real life scenarios where you just need to load a roll for a one-off print, and you don’t really want to have to unload your primary paper.

What’s really cool about this new printer is the ease at which you load the the roll. It doesn’t matter if you put your roll on with the paper under or over, just flip the switch to let the printer know and it will auto grab the paper –vs– roll in to feed design of my iPF6300 & iPF6450.

It’s built like a tank, which is something former Epson owners will appreciate, as the design of the previous models had enough shake to “make a martini” as one person at the show said joking. Funny, but definitely kind of true.

I have high expectations for this printer, so I was glad to hear that Canon will be sending out a PRO-1000 & PRO-2000 for me to review, so expect to hear more in the not too distant future as I finally get my hands on these all-new pro printer models.

Click here to learn more or order today from Amazon or click here for B&H.

GTI Graphiclite® Light Boxes

GTi graphiclite® Personal Desktop Viewers

I’ve been a big fan of my GTI PDV-2020EX light box for years, so it’s always cool to see these at a show especially when they are housing prints by the legendary New York fashion photographer, Douglas Dubler.

While these aren’t exactly all-new, they are still the best way for a print master to view their prints. If you do your own printing, I still encourage you to check them out.

New Sigma Lenses

Sigma seems to be doing a great job of listening to customers feedback and desires with the release of the three new lenses featured in this section. All these improvements continue to send the message to consumers that it’s a company that wants to be the proverbial Lexus of lenses where they offer quality that meets or exceeds their higher priced competitors, but still offering a value that others will find difficult to match. This puts them squarely in the value luxury segment, so I don’t doubt their great momentum created by the release of the Art and Sports series is sure to continue.

One feature common to all of these new lenses is an improved all-new focus motor that is 30% quicker than its predecessor.

What that, here are on my thoughts on the the highly anticipated trio of new lenses that I got a chance to check out at the show.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art Series

Sigma makes no bones about the fact that they were targeting customers who want Zeiss Otus 85mm quality, without the hefty price – with the added bonus of auto-focus support. It’s a very interesting proposition, especially when you hold this lens in your hand and it definitely has high quality feel of the Zeiss Otus 85mm. They’ve also added a rubber seal that doesn’t necessarily qualify it as weather sealed, it certainly should in theory help with dust and misty weather days.

Canon and Nikon’s 85mm lens owners are very likely to have a decision to make as all signs point to this new art series lens being one that everyone will want. It only makes me wonder how long before they decide to release their own, but until then I’m very looking forward to trying out what could be one of the most exciting new lenses for 2016.

Click here to learn more on Amazon or click here for B&H.

Sigma 12-24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Series Zoom

Sigma 12-24mm f/1.4 Art Series Zoom

As a proud owner of the Canon 11-24mm, one of the finest lenses I’ve ever tested, I’m skeptical how this lens could be better. However, with a more attractive price point the real question will be – is it good enough to save the extra money. Sigma feels confident that I’ll be impressed with this lens featuring what they claim is the largest aspherical element in the industry.

Just like the new 85mm, this lens has a hefty solid build that feels great in the hand but some will wonder if they want to carry the weight. I have high expectations, and Sigma has been very good lately, so my hopes are high.

Click here to learn more at Amazon or click here for B&H.

Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport Series

A 500mm lens is always going to be sought out by wildlife users primarily, so Sigma put a lot of thought into the design of this new $6000 USD lens to satisfy the needs of this market. Thoughtful features the the ability to silence lens beep sounds, turn off the click sounds of the collar when you rotate it to a different orientation, customizable buttons to switch AF points quickly, and custom modes for different focusing speeds all mean that you can easily make in the field adjustments without scaring away the wildlife.

Sigma 500mm tripod collar click switch

While this lens is a very substantial lens, Sigma did its best to minimize unnecessary weight including creating the all-new hood made out of carbon fiber featuring an improved locking mechanism. These improvements helped to knock over 1.2 lbs off the weight of the Nikon 500mm and get it just under the weight of the Canon 500mm.

Sigma 500mm carbon fiber hood lock

Click here to learn more about this lens at Amazon or click here for B&H.

Meural Fine Art Digital Frames

It was interesting to see how many people were excited about the digital frame that I think is the one to rule them all. After all, once you see this frame in real life you understand my enthusiasm for this product.

One interesting tidbit of information I learned is that the well-made wooden frames for these devices aren’t made in China like most other places, but instead by Amish people in Pennsylvania. This explains the quality that reminds me of Stickley furniture, and it is what impressed me from the moment mine first arrived. The image quality from the LCD display is good enough to impress your visitors, so you'll be surprised to see how much time they spend standing in front of it to watch your art circulate through. 

I still think this is one of the top products of 2016 and look forward to seeing more people join me in my excitement for it.

Be sure to check out my review to learn more and to get a discount on this excellent product.

Other Articles You Might Enjoy

NOTE: More gadget reports to come about PhotoPlus very soon!

If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy these:

• PhotoPlus Expo 2016 Day 1 Gadgets Report
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR & PC 19mm Hands On
• Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4
• Canon 11-24mm f/4L
• Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS with 1.4X Extender
• Meural Digital Canvas (Photo Frame) - Discount
• Discount Coupon Codes Page
• Printing Series 
• Ron’s Recommendations 

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission.

PhotoPlus Expo New York 2016–Day 1

Today was a light day where on a small subset of exhibitors were on hand for the “Test Drive” event, but some of what I saw was very cool. Here are some of my favorites of the day:

Global Drone Union (GDU) Byrd  – Replace the gimbal, not the drone

This was a super cool drone that collapses up and is easy to carry, but it has a unique feature – you can mount different gimbals. What this means is that in the near future you can mount any camera up to 5 pounds including DSLR’s and point and shoots like the Sony RX100 IV.

While this drone does have the limitation that it can only travel up to 1000 meters from the user, FAA guidelines require line of site so this won’t be an issue. Instead, what people will love from this $849 drone (before the gimbal which should cost about $100) is that you can choose the device you want to use from major makers like Canon, Nikon and Sony, yet still have it control shooting via your phone app.

I’ll have more news on these early next year after it has fully matured, but all signs show that this is the drone many photographers have been waiting for. If you are someone who is fine with having a camera provided by the drone, then they offer that too as shown in the display image above.

DJI users will find the controls very familiar as there are ex DJI employees who worked together to make this product realize their dreams and ambitions about what a drone should be.

Mounting your phone is exactly like the DJI and the feel of the controls seems the same from a quality standpoint, but more intuitive from a practical standpoint.

VR is getting real

Ricoh was showing off the Theta SC 360 degree camera which is everything you like about the Theta S, but with a cost savings derived from not having an HDMI port. Aside from that, it’s the same lens and sensors so the final results are identical – at a lower price.

To really enjoy 360 cameras, VUZE was offering the 3D 360 degree VR camera which adds a whole new dimension to enjoying VR content:

Panono also showed off its unique 360 camera with demos of amazing shots achieved by tossing it in the air. Be careful though, as this device isn’t drop proof so if you toss it, you better catch it!

DxO One

I’ve been eager to try the DxO One out ever since I heard about them, so it was fun to finally see them in real life. It not only works great with your iPhone as shown above, it offers a wide selection of underwater housings to take a great camera and make it even more practical:

Unlike a GoPro, it offers a tiny LCD for the scenarios where your mobile phone isn’t attached as shown below:

Placing it in the housing is a simple operation that happens in seconds, so you don’t have to choose do I want an underwater version or not – you can have both as shown below:

And why stop at an underwater housing, when you can have cool filters to go on the end as shown below to help you realize your creative intent:

Ikan Gimbal Stabilizer

The best way to describe the Ikan gimbals that I saw would be to say they are intelligent gimbals designed for mobile phone cameras all the way up to DSLR’s. It’s a brilliant design that works incredibly well. Definitely check them out if you are looking to get smoother video.

Conclusion

Lots more to come in what promises to be a fun and exciting show this year.

Disclosure

If you purchase links found this article, I may make a commission.

FINAL HOURS: 5 Day Deal Photography Bundle 2016 - $2500+ stuff for $97 with 10% to Charity

 

This sale has ended – thanks so much for your support!

It's that time of year again for the annual 5 Day Deal Photography Bundle. This year over $2500 worth of material is being offered for only $97 from October 14 - October 19 Noon Pacific. Unlike other sales, this offer WILL NOT BE extended past the end date.

It's also cool to know that 10% of every sale will go to charity and you can choose which charity gets your contribution. Here's a video that shows you how great these causes really are:

Here's a peek at the people contributing this year...

However, the coolest part is the contest - click below to enter:

This year the contest is pretty epic too - look at all of the cool stuff you can win:

The banner below has a sneak peek of some of the products offered in the bundle, but click here to learn more.

Disclosure

If you purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission.

Over $3000 worth of products for $99 until July 13th–The Big Deal 2016–OBSOLETE

 

This Sale Has Ended

 

In an industry flooded with training and software-  finding what works for your photography workflow can be time consuming and expensive.  Unless - you can cut through all of that with a bundle that gives you access to top notch training from industry experts and software for one low price. 

That’s exactly what you’ll get in The Big Deal 2016.

The largest online photography bundle is back- bringing you the best in education, presets and resources from top trainers like Joe McNally, Peter Hurley, Matt Kloskowski, RC Concepcion, Renee Robyn, Corey Barker, Tamara Lackey, Kristi Sherk and more. In fact you can even get a free copy of my Printing 101 eBook in this deal:

This year, they are adding powerful software like Photo Mechanic 5, Particle Shop, Topaz Clarity, and Perfectly Clear to your toolbox.  Hours and hours of training and software that would cost thousands of dollars if you purchased them all separately, are now part of the The Big Deal 2016 for just $99.

You’ll get the training and the tools to create jaw dropping Black & White photographs, incredible landscape images, beautiful portraits and exceptional wildlife photos.  You’ll learn essential Photoshop techniques and get brushes, presets and actions to help you create stunning images.  You can turn every shot into a printable, shareable work of art.  Plus the key component to make every photographer’s life easier - how to organize and work with your image library in Lightroom CC. 

Here’s a short video where you can learn more about what is included:

Learn More

Click here to learn more.

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.

Japanese Fusuma Photography by Kenji Wakasugi Opens Today in New York

Kenji Wakasugi, Eclipse
2015
Composite film and digital capture

Japanese Fusuma Photography by Kenji Wakasugi

- Synthesis -

March 10 - April 22, 2016

Opening Reception with photographer Kenji Wakasugi

Thursday, March 10, 6 - 9 P.M.

12 E. 86th street, # 507, New York, NY 10028

( T: 212-967-4899 )

Wakasugi combines views of nature he has photographed while traveling the remote regions of the world with fusuma, decorated sliding doors. These particular fusuma have been taken from a Japanese room with over four hundred years of history, and his photographs have been artfully inserted into them.  This represents a synthesis of opposing worlds-of interior and exterior, light and dark, stillness and motion, film and digital, old and new.

Fusuma are a form of spatial device employed in traditional Japanese architecture.  These sliding doors are comprised simply of wood and paper and although flimsy and have no locks, they represent a spiritual boundary, separating one side from the other, absolutely.  Japanese rooms are not divided physically with walls, but spiritually, using fusuma; this allows people to interact freely with the space, sometimes removing these fusuma to create a large hall or reinserting them to produce a small room.  Fusuma also respond gently to nature, reflecting the four seasons.  The pale brush-and-ink paintings illuminated by mid-day's light reflecting off the tatami mats on the floor; the gold and silver leaf in designs that appear to float bewitchingly in the light of the moon; all transmitting the poetic charm of the period.  The 16th century artist, Kano Eitoku, sublimated these household fittings into art through his magnificent brushwork and the Japanese people experience a microcosm of nature through these paintings, in which a unique, two-dimensional expression of the world unfolds.  This synthesis of art and nature on the doors dividing a space may be said to spring from the Japanese views of life and death. 

Wakasugi says that poetic sentiment exists in the space between memories. 

Using digital technology to boldly remove the paintings applied to the fusuma by the artists of the past, he carefully replaces them with his own photographs, creating a time and space that does not exist in reality, thereby challenging the past. 

I think it is no exaggeration to say that Wakasugi Kenji's photographs inherit the traditions of the gorgeous world of fusuma painting that were developed by such great artists as Tawaraya Sōtatsu or Ogata Kōrin.

March 2016

Shoko Aono

Director, Ippodo New York

For more information, please visit our Exhibition page, or see our official press release.

For viewing online catalogue, please ask mail@ippodogallery.com

Copyright © 2016 Ippodo Gallery, all rights reserved.

Nikon D5, D500 & SB-5000 Speedlight CES Preview

Nikon D5 DSLR Camera

It’s no longer a promise, the incredible D4s is being replaced by a new super camera that even I’m drooling over. Here’s the product highlights for the D5:

• 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 3.2" 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps
• Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
• Native ISO 102,400, Extend to ISO 3,280,000!!!
• 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF
• 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
• 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format
• 1000 Base-T Gigabit Wired LAN Support
• Available in dual XQD or CF only versions (woohoo, they listened!)

Nikon isn’t messing around with this one, and as a Canon shooter I’m thinking this will probably blow away whatever Canon had in mind for the 1DX Mark II. Time will tell, but this is one that I’d definitely replace my 1DX for if I could afford – sadly, I can’t afford that nearly $6500 USD price tag!

Check out my review for the D4s, which really is one of the best sports cameras ever made now add this improved ISO, better burst capacity/speed, more AF points, and a better LCD (for 4k video) and you have the Ferrari of cameras right here!

Nikon D500 DSLR Camera

The Nikon D500 is poised to be the Canon 5D Mark III killer with its very affordable < $2k USD price point for a camera that offers features that are superior to the Canon 5DM3 in every category except megapixels (which the Canon pushes to hard anyway):

• 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 3.2" 2,539k-Dot Touch Screen LCD Monitor
• Video: 4K UHD 30 fps & 1080p 60 fps
• Multi-CAM 20K DX 153-Point AF Sensor
• Native ISO 51,200 Extended to 1,640,000
• 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames
• Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
• In-Camera Time Lapse, Up to 9999 Frames

For as good as the D610 and D750 are, this really creates a super compelling option for people who otherwise might be considering the now dinosaur-like 6D or disappointing 7D Mark II.

Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight

Canon was destroying Nikon in the flash department with the excellent 600EX-RT, so it was only a matter of time before they answered with their own SB-5000 radio controlled flashed. This is probably the longest over due product on the market, so it’s good to finally see it arrive.

Conclusion

This is really huge news and more than I think Canon was planning for. It’ll be interesting to see if they proceed with their 1DX Mark II and 5DM4 rollouts this year, or if they go back to the drawing board for a more compelling offer before they show their cards.

Given Nikon’s history, you can really expect to be able to get these products by this March whereas Canon has a habit of announcing 6 – 12 months before they actually build them – and even then they are in limited supply. The Sony A7R Mark II is one of the most compelling and hottest cameras on the market now, so Nikon really needed this to stay alive in the DSLR space. It’ll be interesting to see what Canon does this week to respond as they can’t afford to be second fiddle to either Sony or Nikon in this competitive market.

Where to order

Click the images above to learn more or pre-order.

Other articles you may enjoy

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy these:

• Nikon D4s (D4)
• Nikon D610 (D600 vs Canon)
• Nikon D750 - Yeah, you want this one!
• Nikon D810 (includes SIGMA 50mm Art & Otus 55mm)
• Nikon D7200 (and older model links)
• Canon 1D X (Real World Usage)
• Canon 5D Mark III First Look (For Parents Version)
• Canon 5Ds
• Canon 5DsR
• Canon 6D (vs Canon 5DM3 & D600)
• Canon 7D Mark II
• Canon 70D (Part II)
• Canon Rebel T6s/760D
• Ron’s Recommendations 

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links found in this article, I may make a commission. It doesn’t cost you a penny more, but it does help to support future articles like this.