A signature feature of Digital Imaging Reporter’s coverage of the exhibits at the 2015 International CES, our exclusive Product Showcase highlights a selection of the most recently announced and noteworthy digital imaging/photography products.
Nikon’s D750 FX-Format Enthusiast DSLR
Sliding in between the established Nikon D610 and D810 in Nikon’s enthusiast/pro full-frame DSLR lineup, the D750 has what it takes to contend in this competitive neighborhood. With a full-frame, 24.3MP FX-format CMOS sensor paired to an advanced Expeed 4 processor, it delivers continuous, full-res bursts of 6.5 fps, Full HD 1080p video recording at 60/30/24p and an ISO range of 1–12,800 that’s expandable to 51,200.
It also features: a 3.2″, 1,229K-dot vari-angle LCD; a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors for fast, precise autofocus; a 91,000-pixel RGB exposure sensor for enhanced metering precision; and group area AF that enables focus tracking with fast-moving subjects. The D750 provides built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, time-lapse shooting, customizable picture controls and exposure smoothing functions. $2,299.95. nikonusa.com. 11041, LVCC Central Hall
Ricoh Theta: 360º, Spherical Video Capabilities
Ricoh Imaging’s newest Theta, a fully 360º, spherical camera, enables users to capture everything around them in the ultimate “selfie.” In a choice of blue, yellow, white or pink body colors, it can record spherical video footage with clips up to three minutes in length. The lightweight Theta sports an easy-to-carry form factor.
In keeping with the spirit of innovation, Ricoh opened up its API (Application Programming Interface) and provided an SDK (Software Development Kit) available on theta360.com that coincided with the release of the new Ricoh Theta. Developers can create original Theta apps with a variety of settings to perform various operations using the device. By developing these apps, end users will benefit from new capabilities added to their Ricoh Theta. $299.95. ricohimaging.com. 13244, LVCC Central Hall
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III
This svelte, stylish, higher tech follow-up to the RX100 II has an ingenious pop-up, 1440K-dot OLED True-Finder EVF (electronic viewfinder) to complement its 3″, 1229K-dot multi-angle LCD. It features Sony’s most advanced Bionz X image processor, a 1″, 20.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and a wider aperture Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24–70mm f/1.8–2.8 zoom lens to facilitate bokeh effects.
Other features: Full HD video in the XAVC S/AVCHD/MP4 formats; sweep panorama; an HDMI out port; built-in Wi-Fi/NFC; full-res bursts at 10 fps; and ISO to 12,800. Serious enthusiasts will appreciate its direct manual control ring, built-in ND filter, 12-exposure multi-frame noise reduction, creative styles and dynamic range optimizer (DRO). $799.99. sony.com. 14200, LVCC Central Hall
Kodak PixPro SP360 Weatherproof Action Cam: 360º HD Videos
JK Imaging, licensee for Kodak PixPro cameras, announced the SP360 action cam, which captures 360º HD video and fully immersive images in one shot. Palm-sized, the SP360 uses a dome-shaped, fixed lens to record 360º HD videos at 30 fps that can be shot and viewed in multiple-vantage-point modes: 360º panorama; 212º front view; 180º split front/rear view; 214º dome; and 360º ring/sphere.
The cam adds interactivity with free, de-warping app software, which allows owners to edit content after capture. Once the video is downloaded to a computer, users can select viewing angles and save them as new files. They can also select individual frames and save them as high-res photos. Other features: Wi-Fi; a motion sensor setting; splashproof, freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof construction; and a microSDHC card slots. $349–$399. kodakpixpro.com. MP25950, LVCC South Hall
Samsung NX1 Mirrorless Camera with Smart Connectivity
Samsung’s flagship NX1 combines pro image quality with 4K video recording. A Samsung first, a top-deck LCD lets photographers confirm settings. The mirrorless camera boasts a 28.2MP CMOS sensor and Samsung’s fastest AF system, which uses 205 phase-detect AF points covering 90% of the frame. The system achieves 15-fps shooting while continuously tracking focus, and a patterned AF assist beam reaches 15m for low-light capture.
Notable is Samsung’s auto shot; it uses the DRIMe V processor to track, for example, a baseball. Photographers can take images of the moment a ball connects with a bat, as the NX1 predicts the right time to trigger the shutter. Additional features: a Super AMOLED tilt, touch display; an OLED EVF; ISO 100–51,200; NFC/Wi-Fi with a range of sharing features. $1,499.99 body only. samsung.com. 11906, LVCC Central Hall
Manfrotto Italian-Design Aluminum 190X Tripod
Manfrotto’s Italian-designed 190X aluminum, three-section tripod includes a ground-level adapter that allows it to reach ultralow positions. Users may remove the center column, connect the adapter to the top casting and adjust the leg angles to the lowest setting possible.
It also employs Manfrotto’s ergonomic quick power leg-locking system designed to make it easier to deploy and adjust the legs, allowing for complete extension with one-hand in a single movement. Plus, Manfrotto engineers redesigned the leg-angle selectors to simplify the adjustment and selection of the appropriate leg angle with one thumb motion. Other features: Manfrotto’s “Easy Link” built-in plug that permits users to safely attach accessories directly to the tripod, without having to mount to the legs; and a patented rotating leveling bubble. The 190X is available as a stand-alone tripod and in three kits; $200–$334. manfrotto.us. Suite 16121, Westgate
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II
This large-format offering in Canon’s enthusiast/pro-aimed G series is a rugged-looking machine with a 12.8MP, 1.5″ (diagonally) HS CMOS sensor that’s nearly equal in size to the APS-C format.
In addition to a 1,040K-dot, 3″ tilting touch-screen LCD, it provides 14-bit RAW and JPEG capture plus a hybrid image stabilizer. Its 5x, 24–120mm f/2.0–3.9 zoom lens incorporates ultra-high-refractive index glass, dual control rings and a nine-blade aperture for bokeh. Other features: ISO 12,800; HDR scene mode; Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps; built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC; a full-res burst of 5.2 fps; an electronic level; a range of manual and automatic shooting modes; and built-in creative effects. $799.99. usa.canon.com. 13106, LVCC Central Hall
Sigma 150–600mm Contemporary Telephoto Lens
Sigma offers two versions of its full-frame 150–600mm f/5–6.3 DG OS HSM lens—the heavier, slightly larger Sports version and the more compact, portable Contemporary version. With a hypersonic motor (HSM), the Contemporary ultra-telephoto lens is equipped with a splashproof, dustproof mount and has 20-element, 14-group construction with one FLD and three SLD elements.
A new optical stabilizer (OS) with an accelerometer provides improved panning photography, both vertically and horizontally. It also touts a zoom lock switch that can be locked at any focal length, and a manual override (MO) switch is incorporated for improved focusing control. It measures 4.1×10.2 inches, has a minimum focusing distance of 110.2 inches and a 1:5 maximum magnification ratio. Price: TBA. sigmaphoto.com
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 P&S: 4K Video Recording
Panasonic’s high-end DMC-LX100 features a 16.8MP MFT High-Sensitivity MOS sensor and the ability to record 4K video. The sensor is engineered for high picture quality and multi-aspect capabilities (4:3, 3:2, 16:9), as well as to enable subjects to stand out of the background with a stereoscopic effect. The S/N ratio was improved, making it possible to capture clear images at high ISOs.
It records video in Full HD 1,920×1,080 AVCHD Progressive or MP4 at 60p, plus 4K 3,840×2,160 at 30 fps. Panasonic is proposing a new way of photo creation called “4K Photo.” By grabbing a 3,840×2,160, 8MP image from the 4K footage, Panasonic says it’s possible to capture moments missed in still photography. Other features: a 24–75mm f/1.7–2.8 Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens; a widescreen live viewfinder with 100% field of view; an aperture ring, control ring, shutter speed dial and exposure compensation dial; 11-fps, full-res bursts; creative filters; Wi-Fi/NFC; RAW + JPEGs; and a hot shoe. $899.99. panasonic.com. 9808, LVCC Central Hall
Olympus Mirrorless, Micro Four Thirds OM-D E-M1
The flagship of Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system has the same downsized, classic DSLR look as the landmark EM-5. But its real-world performance is notably enhanced thanks to an upgraded 16.3MP Live MOS sensor and a TruePic VII processor that provide increased responsiveness, enhanced image quality and improved performance at high sensitivity settings to ISO 25,600.
Its larger, higher magnification, 2.36M-dot EVF provides a 100% view. Other features: a 3″, 1,037K-dot, tilting touch-screen OLED monitor; a Dual Fast AF system with 81 contrast-detection zones plus 37 phase-detection zones; 10-fps full-res bursts with AF; wireless connectivity; and a 5-axis sensor-shift IS system that delivers shake-free stills or 1,920×1080 Full HD video. And all this is built into a dustproof, weatherproof, freezeproof magnesium alloy body. $1,399.99. olympusamerica.com. S113, LVCC South Hall
GoPro Hero4 Black & Silver: 4K 30-fps Video
The GoPro Hero4 is the company’s highest performing action cam line. The Hero4 Black delivers twice the performance of its predecessor, capturing 4K video at 30 fps, 2.7K video at 50 fps and 1080p video at 120 fps. It’s engineered to eliminate rolling shutter while allowing for slow motion effects, and a redesigned high-fidelity audio system has twice the dynamic range. Other features: an improved UI for easier access to controls; improved low-light performance; the ability to extract 8.3MP stills from video; 12MP photos at 30 fps; and 50% faster Wi-Fi combined with Bluetooth.
Hero4 Silver features include: GoPro’s first built-in touch display for camera control, framing and playback; 2.7K 30-, 1080p 60- and 720p 120-fps video capture; 12MP photos; 30-fps bursts; and 50% faster Wi-Fi with Bluetooth. $499, Hero4 Black; $399, Hero4 Silver. gopro.com. 13644, LVCC Central Hall
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Enthusiast DSLR
Canon’s EOS 7D Mark II offers pro features at an affordable price. It employs several “EOS firsts”: dual Digic 6 processors; 10-fps bursts; and a 65-point all-cross-type Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for rapid focusing of images and video (1080p Full HD or 720p HD at 60p).
Within its weather- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy body resides a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. For shooting in challenging light, there’s an ISO 100–16,000 range, expandable to 51,600. Other features: A 100% field-of-view viewfinder with a dual-mode electronic level display, grids and exposure and white balance modes; a 3″ LCD; a 200,000-cycle shutter; HDR and multiple exposure modes; an intervalometer and bulb timer; time-lapse and long-exposure capture; a built-in microphone, stereo mic port and headphone jack; GPS; a digital compass; and dual slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC and CF cards. $1,799 body only. usa.canon.com. 13106, LVCC Central Hall
Tamron SP 15–30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
The first 15–30mm ultra-wide to wide-angle f/2.8 zoom for full-frame and APS-C-format Nikon and Canon DSLRs, this groundbreaking lens employs an XGM (eXpanded glass molded aspheric) element and LD glass elements to reduce aberrations. It features Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial VC (vibration compensation) image stabilization and an easy-to-clean fluorine coating on the front element.
Its eBAND coating and improved BBAR coating reduce ghosting and flare. An ultrasonic silent drive (USD) is said to deliver precise AF, high torque and fast response times. The lens incorporates a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for enhanced bokeh and has a built-in hood. It comes with a copy of SilkyPix Developer Studio software. Price: TBA. tamron-usa.com. 14844, LVCC Central Hall
Samsung Pro-Grade NX 50–150mm f/2.8 S OIS Lens
The Samsung 50–150mm f/2.8 S lens is the second in its S series, affording photographers the opportunity to capture telephoto images in various scenarios. Its fast aperture provides low-light performance, and its artistic bokeh makes it suitable for sports, nature and wedding photography.
The dust- and water-resistant lens’s “Ultra-Precise Stepping Motor” (UPSM), improved from the Stepping Motor (SM), is said to be three times more precise in its ability to control and focus on subjects. It’s also designed to capture sharp photos at low shutter speeds using multi-axis OIS with four-axis control and a six-axis sensor array. All of its controls, focus, zoom and OIS are located in a “function zone” on the side of the lens. $1,599.99. samsung.com. 11906, LVCC Central Hall
Pentax K-S1 DSLR from Ricoh Imaging
The Pentax K-S1, for mid-level customers accustomed to a mobile interface and wanting the same in a DSLR, offers a flat-field user interface. Based on technologies benchmarked in the Pentax K-3 advanced DSLR, the K-S1 incorporates a 20MP sensor. It is capable of ISO 51,200 and 5.4-fps shooting. It contains in-body shake reduction, an AA filter simulator and a 100% field of view pentaprism viewfinder.
Its flat-field UI, which integrates a backlit LED selection dial, four-way navigation and a 3″, 921,000-dot LCD, breaks tradition of a DSLR’s knobs and buttons. The power switch, mode dial, OK button and grip feature LED illumination. An optional Flucard offers Wi-Fi connectivity. The K-S1 comes in three standard colors, the Fabric collection, Night Sky and Sweets collections. $699.95 body only. ricohimaging.com. 13244, LVCC Central Hall
Impossible Cyan & Magenta 600 Monochrome Instant Films
Cyan and Magenta 600 Monochrome for Polaroid 600 cameras and Impossible’s Instant Lab are the first in a series of Impossible monochrome and duochrome color films that offer an experimental twist on conventional B&W and color films.
The films can also be used in Polaroid SX-70-type cameras, providing a neutral density filter is used. Impossible has strived to refresh a medium that many believed to be dead but is now among the hottest photographic segments. The company offers color and B&W films for Polaroid SX-70, 600 and Image-Spectra cameras, large-format 8×10 and its own-branded hardware, notably the Instant Lab. The Lab enables digital images on an iOS or Android smartphone/tablet to be converted into “real” instant photographs. Cyan and Magenta 600 Monochrome film packs retail for $23.49. the-impossible-project.com. 31412, LVCC South Hall
Fujifilm MCEX-11 and MCEX-16 Macro Extension Tubes
Fujifilm added two macro extension tubes for its X-series interchangeable-lens cameras. The MCEX-11 and the MCEX-16 macro extension tubes are intermediate rings for extended close-up photography. By attaching the ring between a Fujinon XF or XC lens and a camera, users can experience high-magnification photography. When the tube is attached, the focus range is limited so users can find a focus point by moving the camera forward and backward.
The tubes are equipped with electronic contacts, retaining normal autoexposure functions, and are designed to blend into the look and feel of X-series cameras. $99.95 each. fujifilmusa.com. N219, LVCC North Hall
Lexar Three-Slot microSDHC/microSDXC UR1 Reader
The Lexar Professional Workflow UR1—a three-slot microSDHC/microSDXC UHS-I, USB 3.0 reader—is engineered to quickly transfer 4K video and other large media files from three cards at once. Geared for pro photographers, videographers and action cam shooters, the reader is an option for those who need to offload video from camcorders and cameras that require multiple memory cards for extended shooting. When populating all four bays of the customizable Lexar Professional Workflow hub, users can move files from 12 cards at once.
The reader is compatible with Lexar’s Professional Workflow HR2 (Thunderbolt 2/UBS 3.0 reader and storage drive hub) and Professional Workflow HR1 (USB 3.0 reader and storage drive hub). $39.99. lexar.com. MP25265, LVCC South Hall
Sprout by HP Immersive Computing Solution for 3D Printing
The first product in HP’s Blended Reality is Sprout by HP, which combines a desktop computer (Intel i7 processor, 1TB, Windows 8.1 multi-touch) with an immersive user interface. Incorporating a scanner, depth sensor, high-res camera and projector, Sprout by HP lets users take physical items and merge them into a digital workspace. The system delivers a collaboration platform, allowing users in multiple locations to manipulate a single piece of digital content in real-time.
It features a dual-screen experience with a workspace designed for creative expression and an integrated HD touch screen coupled with a 20-point capacitive touch mat. Its Sprout Illuminator projection system scans and captures objects in 3D, and the HP Workspace software platform is built to take advantage of the dual-screen experience and make working “seamless, intuitive and engaging.” hp.com. 73308, Venetian
Sony DSC-QX30 & QX1 Lens-Style Cameras
For cameraphone enthusiasts, the DSC-QX30 and E-mount interchangeable-lens ILCE-QX1 combine the image quality of a premium digital camera with a smartphone’s connectivity, utilizing Wi-Fi for instant sharing.
When the QX30 is attached to a smartphone, the phone uses the QX30’s 30x optical zoom, 60x “Clear Image Zoom” and its 18MP ½.3” Exmor R CMOS sensor. Users frame images or record Full HD video using the phone’s screen. Also featured is a 10-fps burst rate. Images are saved to the camera and the phone’s memory. $349.99
Compatible with Sony’s E-mount lenses, including zoom, portrait, wide-angle and macro, the QX1 turns a smartphone into a mirrorless APS-C-size camera via its 20.1MP Exmor CMOS sensor. It features manual control, flash and NFC/Wi-Fi one-touch connectivity. $399.99. sony.com. 14200, LVCC Central Hall
Ricoh Imaging Adventureproof WG-M1 Action Cam
For active, outdoor shooters, the WG-M1 action cam is waterproof to 32 feet (without a protective housing), shock-resistant against a 6-foot fall and cold-resistant to 14° F. With an ultra-wide-angle lens, it’s engineered to record Full HD movies with a realistic sense of depth.
The WG-M1 boasts 14 megapixels and 10-fps high-speed, continuous shooting. Its lightweight body features an outdoor-oriented design, large control buttons and 1.5″ color LCD monitor. It comes with a carabiner-equipped strap for carrying and a WG adhesive mount to attach the camera to different surfaces. In addition, numerous optional accessories are available, including a wrist strap mount, a helmet mount and a magnet mount. $299.95. ricohimaging.com. 13244, LVCC Central Hall
OWC ThunderBay 4 Mini: High-Capacity Storage for 4K Video
Other World Computing’s ThunderBay 4 mini allows users to transport data between production environments with a portable, professional-grade Thunderbolt 2 RAID solution. Optimized for 2.5-inch drives, the ThunderBay 4 mini delivers performance for demanding applications, such as workflows for 4K, 2K, uncompressed HD and multi-stream SD video.
Features include: four 2.5-inch drive bays; Thunderbolt 2 performance with sustained speeds up to 1,284MB/sec; RAID-ready with up to 4TB of SSD storage and up to 8TB of HDD; near-silent operation; the flexibility to combine multiple ThunderBays into a single massive RAID array; and regimented multi-hour drive “burn-in” for reliability. The ThunderBay 4 mini comes in configurations from 500GB to 8TB. The 8TB ThunderBay 4 mini with hard drives retails for $895; the 4TB version with SSDs, $2,399. macsales.com. 30572, LVCC South Hall
