An exclusive feature of Digital Imaging Reporter’s CES convention coverage of the digital imaging category, the 2018 Product Showcase shines a light on some of the most recently introduced and noteworthy photo-imaging equipment.
Nikon D850 Full-Frame, FX-Format DSLR
This anticipated upgrade of the D810 was worth the wait. It combines a 45.7MP BSI, FX-format sensor with no optical low-pass filter and an Expeed 5 processor. They deliver 7-fps, full-res bursts that capture 51 lossless, 14-bit RAW files with full AE/AF. The DSLR has sensitivity settings of ISO 32–102,400. And 4K UHD video is achievable at 30/25/24 fps in full-frame or DX crop-sensor framing.
For multimedia creators, it offers 120-fps Full HD recording; 8K time-lapse mode; zebra patterns; uncompressed 4K UHD recording simultaneously to a digital recorder via HDMI; a stereo mic; and an audio attenuator to adjust sound level.
Other features: the Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system; a 3.2″, 2.36M-dot, tilting, touch-screen LCD; Nikon’s widest, brightest OVF; a 180K-pixel RGB sensor; a negative digitizer for optimized conversion of film negatives and slide images to digital files; a silent electronic shutter; SD/XQD slots; illuminated buttons; SnapBridge with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; and a weatherproof body. $3,299.95. nikonusa.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 14018
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | Contemporary Lens
The 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C is being marketed as the “world’s first interchangeable lens for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras in the APS-C format to offer a 24mm-equivalent focal length and f/1.4 brightness.” On Micro Four Thirds cameras, it provides a 32mm-equivalent focal length.
The large-diameter, wide-angle lens reflects Sigma’s lightweight, compact design. Like all Sigma DN lenses for mirrorless cameras, it’s engineered for “superior performance covering the key focal lengths.” It allows increased control over depth of field for selective focus control, while a rounded, 9-blade diaphragm produces pleasing bokeh.
With 16 elements in 13 groups, to minimize optical aberrations and produce crisp resolution at wide-open aperture, it uses three FLD (fluorite equivalent), two SLD (super-low dispersion) and two molded aspherical elements. Super Multilayer coating aids in suppressing flare/ghosting. Other features: a stepping motor for smooth autofocus during video shooting; a splash/dust-resistant mount; and Thermally Stable Composite material for use in temperature variations. $449. sigmaphoto.com
Sony α7R III Full-Frame, Mirrorless ILC
Sony’s full-frame α7R III combines a 42.4MP, BSI Exmor R CMOS sensor with a Bionz X processor, boosting processing speed by 1.8x over the α7R II. It shoots 10-fps, full-res bursts with AF/AE tracking for 76 JPEG/RAW or 28 uncompressed RAW images. Its 10-fps mode works with a mechanical shutter or silent shooting.
The sensor uses a gapless on-chip lens and antireflective coating to improve light collection, for high sensitivity, low-noise performance and wide dynamic range. Its new front-end LSI doubles the sensor’s readout speed. Sensitivities span 50–102,400 (stills), and it produces 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities.
Sans an optical low-pass filter, the camera outputs 14-bit RAW files. A 5-axis OIS system provides a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage. An anti-flicker function enables the camera to detect the frequency of fluorescent lighting and minimize its effect. Other features: 399 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast points deliver acquisition in half the time of the α7R II, with 2x more accurate tracking; 4K video recording; 120-fps,100Mbps Full HD video recording; dual slots; a Zeiss T*-coated 3.69M-dot OLED EVF with fluorine coating and a 60-fps rate; a 1.44M-dot LCD; and Wi-Fi. $3,200. sony.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 17300
Manfrotto 360º Virtual Reality Accessories
Manfrotto’s 360º virtual reality (VR) line consists of dedicated products “designed to support professionals and enthusiasts shaping the future of photography and videography.” They include bases, accessories and extension booms to make it easier to create 360º video/photos.
The VR bases, which come in various sizes and materials, provide stable support and are compact enough not to show in 360° shots. VR boom extensions maximize camera height when required and can be connected to all the portfolio’s bases. The 360° VR range also includes kits designed to make 360° content creation easy. The kits are compatible with popular 360° cameras and pair with Manfrotto’s 360Rize VR rigs.
VR accessory SRPs: super clamp, $34.99; mini tripod kit, $69.99; aluminum base, $79.99; pump cup/spigot adapter, $99.99; carbon fiber boom, small, medium, large, $179.99, $219.99, $449.99, respectively; adjustable dolly, $199.99; aluminum base with half ball, $259.99; panoramic head, $449.99; and carbon tripod, $759.99. manfrotto.us, Renaissance, Suites, Renaissance Hospitality Suites
Kodak Printomatic Instant Print Camera
Eastman Kodak and licensee C+A Global debuted the Kodak Printomatic instant print camera. The P&S instantly prints 10MP color photos with its built-in printer. Touted as the perfect accessory for event planners, scrapbookers, vacationers and partygoers, the Printomatic is an all-in-one instant photography solution. Photos print immediately with adhesive backing.
The camera is the first of a lineup to launch in 2017 and 2018. It’s meant to bring back the nostalgia of capturing and sharing Kodak Moments—putting print in-hand the moment it happens. With no computer or Wi-Fi connection needed, the Printomatic produces 2″x3″, water- and tear-resistant, as well as smudgeproof, prints without ink cartridges, toner or film.
It features: a built-in flash; a lithium ion battery; vibrant color and black & white picture modes; a low battery indicator; a printer status indicator; and a microSD slot. Included is a 10-pack of Kodak ZINK photo paper and memory card. $69.99. kodak.com, LVCC, South Hall 1, Booth 20612
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum & Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian Drones
DJI’s Mavic Pro Platinum takes the advanced features of the popular Mavic Pro and builds on them. Targeted at travelers, amateur photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, the upgraded drone boasts an 11% flight-time gain, taking it up 30 minutes, and a 60% noise power reduction. Additionally, its compact body has a new platinum-colored shell.
The enhancements are the result of new electronic speed controllers and newly developed propellers compatible with the current Mavic Pro. Pilots also will benefit from a portable drone with a 4K stabilized camera, 12MP photo resolution, a 4.3-mile range, FlightAutonomy technology to sense obstacles 49 feet away and intelligent flight modes. $1,099.
DJI’s Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian drone, engineered to make professional aerial imaging easier for pilots of all levels, has a new professional appearance. It sports a matte-gray obsidian-colored shell with a magnesium, electroplated and anti-fingerprint-coated gimbal. The Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian has a larger, 1″ CMOS sensor and records 4K, 60-fps video. $1,499. dji.com, LVCC, South Hall 2, Booth 26002
Fujifilm’s X-E3 Ultracompact Mirrorless ILC
The X-E3 rangefinder-style mirrorless camera boasts 4K video recording and upgraded AF tracking. The ultracompact ILC uses a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and X-Processor Pro processor. Its large phase-detection AF area and new image recognition algorithm enable it to track moving subjects half the size, or those moving twice as fast, as previous X cameras.
It has a 0.4-sec start-up time, 0.25-sec shooting interval, 0.05-sec shutter lag and 0.06-sec AF speeds. It records Full HD and 4K video at 30/25/24p, 100Mbps with film simulations. Video can be output to an external monitor. It’s also the first X-series ILC with Bluetooth LE wireless communication, letting users pair it with a smartphone for transfer/remote control.
Other features: a 3″, 1.04M-dot, touch-screen LCD that can be used to select the focus area or a specific point; swipe/scroll control functions; pinch out and pinch in sizing; a focus lever for joystick-type operations to select a focus area; and an auto mode selector lever. $899.95. fujifilmusa.com, LVCC, South Hall 2, Booth MP25673
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Mirrorless ILC
The lightweight, interchangeable-lens Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III offers the image quality of the OM-D line and simple operation. For snapshooters/phoneographers stepping up, the mirrorless camera boasts in-body 5-axis IS to deliver blur-free images no matter the lens. It employs the same TruePic VIII processor on the flagship OM-D E-M1 Mark II to deliver “high-quality images even in situations when camera shake typically causes blur” or recording 4K video handheld.
It features a high-res EVF, a tilting LCD with touch controls similar to a smartphone, and four assist modes for newbies. Intelligent auto mode detects the scene, subject, movement and light, automatically choosing optimal settings; in scene mode, users touch one of six shooting environments to activate ideal settings; advanced photo mode exposes users to techniques like nighttime live composite; and in art filter mode, they apply filters.
Other features: touch AF shutter; face/eye priority AF; C-AF for continuous focusing on moving subjects; 8.6-fps shooting; and Wi-Fi. $649.99. olympusamerica.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 18344
Sirui USA Mobile Phone Lenses
Sirui mobile accessories, developed to broaden the creativity of smartphones for photography/videography, consist of lenses, cases, adapters, table tripods and selfie sticks. Three updated lenses are made with German-manufactured Schott optical glass. The glass incorporates multilayer, antireflection coating for high light transmission and is said to offer precise color rendition and reduce vignetting and distortion. The all-metal construction of the lens housing is designed for durability.
With the average focal length of smartphones at about 29mm, Sirui lenses are designed to adjust that. A wide-angle circular polarizer filter is also available ($19.94). The lenses include an 18mm wide-angle, a 60mm portrait for capturing the depth needed for portraiture or when photographers want to get closer; and a fisheye lens with a 170º field of view for use when the widest field of view is needed. Available in black, red or blue, each comes with a front cap and a hard case with a carabiner for $69.99. sirui.com, LVCC, South Plaza, Booth 62317
Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 Instant Camera
Polaroid Originals, a new brand from Polaroid, launched with a commitment to analog photography. Its first product is the OneStep 2 instant camera inspired by Polaroid’s original 1977 OneStep.
Priced at $99.99, the OneStep 2 is designed to be as easy to use as the original OneStep but incorporates modern features. They include a more precise, aspheric lens; a strobe flash; a 60-day, built-in USB rechargeable battery; and a self-timer. The OneStep 2 works with all i-Type film and 600 film. The instant film camera is available for preorder in white and graphite versions.
Along with the OneStep 2, Polaroid Originals announced a new generation of color film said to be sharper and brighter than the Impossible film that preceded it. Development time was whittled down to 10–15 minutes, and the company says “it’s a big step forward for our instant color chemistry.” us.polaroidoriginals.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 16615
Canon EOS M100 Mirrorless Camera
Canon’s M100 mirrorless camera is aimed at those looking to step up from smartphone photography. It offers the versatility of interchangeable lenses and optical zoom without sacrificing portability or sharing. The camera employs a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Digic 7 processor to render images “unmatched by smartphones.” Dual Pixel CMOS AF enables high-speed focusing at 4-fps (6.1, fixed AF), RAW shooting and Full HD video recording.
The M100 is Wi-Fi/NFC/Bluetooth connected, enabling live view remote shooting/viewing with a smart device. Its revamped touch interface makes it easy to change settings and focus with one touch. The 3″, touch LCD also tilts. A creative assist function lets shooters go beyond auto mode. To blur backgrounds, e.g., they select the effect within the assist menu and the M100 makes adjustments viewable in live view.
Other features: time-lapse movies; still grabs from video; ISO 25,600; self-portrait mode; HDR backlight control; creative filters; and dimensions of 4.3″x2.6″x1″. With 15–45mm lens, $599.99. usa.canon.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 16206
Tamron 100–400mm f/4.5–6.3 Di VC USD
The development of the ultra-telephoto 100–400mm f/4.5–6.3 Di VC USD zoom lens for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLRs was announced by Tamron USA> The advanced optical design of model A035 includes three low dispersion elements for greater aberration reduction. And Tamron’s eBAND (extended bandwidth & angular-dependency) antireflection coating aids in eliminating flare/ghosting.
Weighing 39.3 oz., the lens is claimed to be the lightest weight in its class for 35mm full-frame DSLRs. It features magnesium material in key areas of the barrel “to improve weight reduction, strength and portability.” Engineered to deliver fast, precise autofocus and consistent VC (vibration compensation) benefits, it employs a high-speed dual MPU (micro-processing unit) control system.
Moreover, it works with Tamron’s 1.4x teleconverter and the Tamron TAP-in Console. It also features a 59″ minimum object distance and 1:3.6 magnification ratio. An Arca Swiss-compatible tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. tamron-usa.com
GoPro Fusion Spherical Camera
Built to capture immersive 5.2K spherical content, the waterproof (16 feet) GoPro Fusion camera marks the beginning of a new era for GoPro. With the GoPro app, users can play back and share its captured footage as VR (virtual reality) content. Or they can use the Fusion’s OverCapture feature to recapture 360º footage and share a spherical shot as a traditional fixed-perspective video. OverCapture will be part of a GoPro app update launching in early 2018.
Key Fusion features include: 5.2K/30 and 3K/60 spherical video recording; 18MP spherical photo capture; advanced gimbal-like stabilization; 360º audio; voice control (10 languages); time-lapse video + photo, night lapse and burst modes; Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity; and GPS, an accelerometer, a gyroscope plus a compass.
The Fusion works with most GoPro mounts and includes the Fusion grip mount and Fusion Studio desktop editing software. $699.99. gopro.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 17831
Think Tank Photo Spectral Shoulder Bags
Spectral shoulder bags are designed so photographers can remain inconspicuous during shooting, while knowing their gear is safer from theft and the elements. A magnetic Fidlock clasp enables quiet, one-handed access—then locks automatically when the flap closes. An additional zippered closure for added protection when traveling can be tucked away while shooting.
The Spectral 10 accommodates a standard-size DSLR with a 24–70mm lens attached, a 70–200mm detached, 1–3 extra lenses and a 10″ tablet. 13″x9.1″x4.9″; 2.2 lbs. $119.75. The Spectral 15 handles a standard-size DSLR with a 24–70mm lens attached, a 70–200mm detached, 2–4 other lenses, a flash, a 10″ tablet and a 15″ laptop. 15.3″x 9.8″x5.1″; 2.5 lbs. $139.75.
Spectral bags feature customizable dividers; accessories pockets; padded, nonslip shoulder straps; a phone pocket; tripod attachment straps; a luggage handle pass-through; metal hardware; YKK RC Fuse zippers; 420D velocity nylon/air mesh; a seam-sealed rain cover; and water resistance. thinktankphoto.com, LVCC, Central Hall, Booth 18548
