Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review

I've had the 30L Peak Design Everyday Backpack for a while now going on photo hikes and using it for everyday work. It's a very dynamic bag for sure but is it the one for you? From a Kickstarter that raised millions to a standout brand, you can tell this gear is made by photographers for photographers. It takes a bit to get used to this open side design compared to other bags but it can be a great setup for the photographer on the go.

Nice for Hiking

• Extra compression straps for carrying more gear, including a tripod or sleeping bag
• Can fit a DJI Phantom or Mavic easily
• Raised pads for the back to reduce pressure on the back and increase airflow 
• Sternum and belly straps 
• Waterproof design
• Good to use with the Peak Design Capture Clip
• Top and side handles for grab and go shooting
• More room for other gear, a coat, or food

Great for Everyday

• Sideload design makes it easy for quickly switching lenses.
• Carry-on compliant for air travel
• Luggage pass through to stack on top of a rolling suitcase
• Separate back pocket for a 15” laptop with extra storage for paper.
• Easy access anchor snap for keys or something else
• Theft prevention snaps that cinch down the zippers
• A safe pocket at the top to keep business cards, cash, or other important things safe.

One of the most over-engineered bags out there, as the bag is essentially hollow, the key for the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is the special Flexfold Dividers that Velcro in to form cells to hold your gear. Compared to some bags as the zippers fully cover the bag you can get full access to all your gear simply swinging it around your shoulder. Albeit starting out you'll be trying to remember if a lens is on the left side or right when grabbing a lens. The Everyday Backpack is a well designed and thought out backpack that you'll notice a nice touch or feature days after owning the bag.Being an everyday bag it's a nice dynamic design for shelving when needed for just enough gear and leaving the rest as an open backpack. Each Flexfold divider acts as a shelf in the bag with a folding design to move out of the way for larger lenses or subdivide for smaller ones. Because they do not fully hit the sides like a traditional celled design at times that does mean small items such as a lens cap may float to the bottom. I do wish the 30L came with another divider, both the 20L and 30L come with 3 oddly despite it being bigger. After getting the backpack you can do their survey for $10 and pick one up for $5 with free shipping. All-in-all the Flexfold dividers are quite innovative, find out more in the tips & features video here.As a plus, lots of pockets! I'm usually one to push the Cocoon Grid-it as I can't find enough space in bags for the little things either shooting or working. Peak Design included side flaps with many small pockets, a small pouch on the top, and a safe pocket with a magnet for important items (great for business cards). If you need to store something larger though like a polarizer filter and keep it protected I'd suggest a field pouch or similar bag to help store the things that just don't quite fit. Larger items can be stored in the side areas while not in pockets as they stretch but without more padding, I wouldn't recommend this for fragile items like glasses but it's good for a something like a laptop charger.Thanks to the expanding design the 30L is large enough to load a DJI Phantom internally with extra space for a remote. As you fill the bag with something this large it expands to fit the need. Due to this design, the 20L is actually 12L, and the 30L a 18L bag initially. For those that pack light or have gone mirrorless, the 20L is a great fit. For those with multiple bodies or large lenses would be better off with the 30L. To get that extra space, as you raise the Maglatch top flap up brackets in the bag you gain another 8L at the cost of waterproofing at max size being more open. When hiking I managed to easily fit my duck coat in the top half of the bag this way. If you do somehow manage to max this out compression straps are hidden in the bottom and side pockets to hold a tripod or whatever gear you can't manage to stuff inside.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X9x3Tehhiw[/embed]As an everyday bag, the laptop slot is nice as I can carry a notebook and slim laptop but the area collapses when not in use to not take up space. If you are using a full size 15" laptop it will be a snug fit, especially if the main compartment is full as it expands into that area. If you have to carry a lot of paper for work I wouldn't suggest this bag as it's too tight of a fit for much with the laptop included unless you want to sacrifice a divider space or two in the main area. As the dividers collapse down easily for every day I went with one section with a DSLR, zoom, and a 50mm STM lens with plenty of room for what I need to work on that day.[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="16633,16621,16620,16608,16612,16613,16614,16615,16617,16618,16622,16627,16628,16629,16630,16632"]As a note, it's something simple but if you want plain black it's actually coming soon. I've got their charcoal design to review here but if that's not your style, just recently Peak Design has started to come out with new black designs. As of this article, it hasn't gotten to the 30L yet but can be found in their 20L Everyday Backpack, Field Pouch, and a new 5L sling pouch announced today.Overall when compared to some of the more traditional designs of other bag companies the Everyday backpack certainly catches the eye in looks but is it a good camera bag? That depends a bit on you as there is never a perfect bag ( Toby has tons). The Everyday Backpack is good for quick access but it loses out to efficiency a bit. It is expensive though compared to competition such as Toby's favorite MindShift Gear bag for $40 less which may be more convenient for those that really have to pack a ton of gear. Overall it's quite comfortable and the swing design of the arm straps can angle to size the person while the ribbed back design keeps you cool. If you are looking for something different with a great design and everyday use this might be a great bag for you.Also, check out Peak Design’s new Give a Shot program aimed at connecting photographers with non-profit’s - giveashot.org

Buy the 30L

Buy the 20L

Specs

• Materials

  • Ultralight waxed Kodra synthetic canvas with DWR coating for weatherproofness, poly-spun mixed twill interior, compression-molded high-density EVA foam dividers and protective panels, die-cast and stamped anodized aluminum hardware with sandblasted finish and protective clear coat. Charcoal bags have Hypalon touchpoints, Ash bags have natural leather touchpoints.

•  Lifetime Warranty

30L Everyday Backpack

20L Everyday Backpack

Volume

Min 18L - Max 30L

Min 12L - Max 20L

ExampleGear

Size

13" x 20" (up to 23") x 8"33cm x 51cm (up to 59cm) x 20cm

12" x 18" (up to 21") x 7"30cm x 46cm (up to 54cm) x 17cm

Weight

3.4lbs (1542g)

2.9lbs (1315g)

Flexfold Dividers

3

3

Tripod Carry

Side Pocket + Compression Strap

Side Pocket + Compression Strap

Color

Charcoal, Ash

Charcoal, Ash, Tan, Black

Sony a7R III - Early Review vs a7R II

B&H Photo is including a free FAST SD Card with preorder! 

I was part of a small pool of press who received an a7R III for an afternoon and evening of shooting. What follows are my thoughts - an early review of the a7R III and the Sony 24-105 f/4 OSS G Lens.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12WqGcLm_QE

The Sony a7R II was a warning shot to Canon and Nikon to stop underestimating mirrorless. The a7R II took the lessons learned with the original a7R and provided a high megapixel camera (42.4MP) with enough autofocusing power to easily work with many Canon lenses while offering the best dynamic range in its class, a stabilized sensor, and beautiful 4k video (not cropped)! The result is that over the last two years we have seen Canon and Nikon sales stagnate while Sony has moved into 2nd place, past Nikon. Though the a7R II sold well (and

continues to sell well

) and did entice a noticeable portion of photographers away from their DSLRs, the A7R II was not perfect. It had several drawbacks - poor battery life, a single SD card slot, just 5fps paired with a small buffer that, when full, greatly reduces camera functionality and, with the sacrifices made for the smaller body, a less desirable in-hand feel which lacked a dedicated focus point selector. The menu was a mess too. And, a few more issues that caused pro photographers concern, not directly related to the camera, too many Sony repair center horror stories and a lack of native Sony glass. I can't offer a critique of the repair department at this time except to say that Sony has recently added

Pro level repair centers in New York and LA

and clearly sees this as a priority. And, during the two years since the A7R II was released, Sony has released over a dozen lenses and now offers high-quality glass from wide to telephoto. Though, they are still missing some longer telephoto options and don't have much 3rd party support there either.

Hands-on with the Sony a7R III

https://youtu.be/FXejdcGKNIYThe AF improvements are huge! The a7R II AF does well but it wasn't something I would want to use to photograph any action or sports. Now, with the speed improvements in the a7R III, Sony states the AF is twice as fast as the previous model. This coupled with a greatly improved eye-AF system results in an incredibly capable camera that makes nailing focus easy. Again and again, I watched it accurately track erratically moving dancers and the eye-af worked great for nailing portraits of still or moving subjects - as long as an eye was somewhat visible.  No, it wasn't perfect - I saw AF confusion a few times but overall the AF hit rate was much higher than a comparably priced DSLRs AND the eye-AF made it easy- I don't even need to move the focus point near the eye - the camera just finds it and locks on. The Sony A7R III is now a camera capable of handling real action.

Walking portraits - with eye-af focus was idiot proof and easily locked onto and tracked the eye closest to you.

Improved Ergonomics and Usability

Sony A7RII Focus Point Selector

Custom buttons on the a7R III

Sony a7R III Dual Card Slots

Sony a7R III Battery - Doubles Battery Life

The dedicated joystick (focus point selector) for selecting AF point and a touch to AF LCD screen make this camera MUCH more user-friendly. Along with a dedicated AF-on button as well as an AEL button (that I recommend you assign Eye-AF) greatly increase the usability of this camera.  Overall, the ergonomics of this camera are improved, including the location of the record button. However, if you don't like the small grip size or feel that the space between grip and lens is tight on the a7R II or a9, you will still be disappointed as the a7R III is virtually identical to the a9 and feels the same in my hands. One item I noticed - the customizability of many buttons has been further improved with a huge list of assignable functions.Dual Card Slots! SD, not XQD. One is UHS-II, and I recommend Sony 64GB SF-G Series UHS-II SDXC. You can set the cards up to record RAW to one and JPEG to the other or stills to one and video to the other or simultaneous write (backup) or relay - as one card fills, it switches seamlessly to the other.Battery life has more than doubled from the Sony a7R II. The Sony a7R III uses the new A9 battery, the Sony NP-FZ100, which more than doubles battery life.I shot 1845 photos with the a7R III and 20 minutes of video - that used less than 50% of the battery! And, almost this entire time when I wasn't taking photos, I was playing with the menu and connecting to wifi. We should also see a serious improvement in cold weather performance (I will be testing the A7R III in Alaska in early December). Sony has also added a USB-C 3.1 port and the standard micro USB which means additional charging options while shooting, tethering or connected to a remote trigger or intervalometer. You can also use the a9 battery grip with the a7R III.The 10 FPS makes this a much more versatile camera making it capable of handling sports and action. Having the same speed silently with the electronic shutter is also impressive, though limited, as I do see some rolling shutter issues with moving subjects - this sensor cannot be read-off as fast as the a9 (which exhibits no rolling shutter in silent mode). The buffer and write speed to the card has been improved. In general, this is a much more responsive camera than the a7R II but, when you do fill that buffer up with uncompressed RAWS and shooting simultaneously to two cards, you will be waiting some time. I have only tested with two SD cards so will be reporting on this in more detail in my detailed review. 

10fps of a spinning dancer

Upgraded a7R III Menu - now color coded

 The viewfinder upgrade, now like the a9, is larger with a higher resolution screen and is bright and beautiful. It is a welcomed improvement.Image and video quality do not look drastically different from the already excellent a7R II. I will be testing more with side by side comparisons against the a7R II, Canon 5D Mark IV and Nikon D850 in the near future.The menu is still a bit of a mess, but borrowing from the a6500 and a9 systems it is now color-coded, with more helpful icons and a "my menu" section where you can place your frequently used items.No access to the play memories store - so timelapse fans will need to buy an intervalometer. BUT with the additional USB-C port you can charge the camera while running longer time-lapses. All other apps you may have used on the Sony a7R II or other models is not available in the a7R II. I do not know why they have made this choice.

Should You Buy the Sony a7R III?

I have spent only one day with the camera, but based on my experience, if you have been waiting for a Sony camera that can truly replace your DSLR or you are an a7r or a7ii shooter, this is a camera I can happily recommend. Should a7R II users consider upgrading? I have decided to upgrade based on the increased AF and usability of this camera. I love the a7R II image quality and for landscape or general travel it has been a fantastic camera but anytime I found myself shooting portraits or action (wildlife in Tanzania last year) I was frustrated with the usability of the camera - slow to move focus point, slow to respond after shooting a burst. The upgrades the camera provides in this area are enough for me to make the move. Pair the new Sony a7R III with the new 24-105 f/4 G OSS lens and you have a fantastically versatile camera.Videographers should you buy the Sony a7R III? - No, you should wait and see what the A7S III will bring - hopefully 4k at 60fps.Should you buy the a7R II or the a7R III - With only a slight difference in image quality it comes down to speed and useablity. Do you need the increased speed of AF and do you want a camera that is the more DSLR like in its control and operation? The existing Sony a7R II is still a fantastic camera and an excellent value.I love answering your questions and will be back with more hands-on and answers to your questions in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to watch the linked video and leave your question in the comments.

Preorder the a7R III from B&H Photo 

A FEW RAW FILES FROM THE SONY A7R IIISAMPLE IMAGES

UPDATED: Sony 24-105 f/4 Specs, Thoughts and Preorder Links

Hands-on with the Sony a7R III & Sample Images

Sony announced the Sony a7R III early yesterday morning and it’s quite the camera. The Sony a7R II has been my personal choice for photography for the past two years and the a7R III improves on an already solid camera.  You can watch my preview video below for a detailed look- since recording that video I have spent hands-on time with the camera and can tell you -

• The AF improvements are huge - from having a dedicated joystick for selecting the focus point to touch AF on the LCD to a noticeably faster and more capable AF tracking and a mind-blowing Eye-AF system(the camera locks onto your subject's eye).
• Battery life has more than doubled from the Sony a7R II. The Sony a7R III uses the new A9 battery the Sony NP-FZ100 which truly more than doubles battery life. I shot 1845 photos with the a7R III and 20 minutes of video - that used less than 50% of the battery!
• 10 FPS with mechanical shutter or electronic (Rolling shutter does make an appearance with moving objects in electronic mode)

via GIPHY

• Sony listens - the AF improvements, battery life, fps and now DUAL CARD slots along with a host of additional features means Sony truly listens to the photography community and has provided a camera that nicely takes this mirrorless camera to a level that can replace your DSLR.
• The ergonomics and usability of this camera is much improved over the A7RII - it feels better in the hand and the placement of AF-on, the focus selector and the record button are all excellent
• The viewfinder is so bright and beautiful.

Bummers - No access to the play memories store - so timelapse fans will need to buy an intervalometer BUT with the additional USB-C port you can charge the camera while running longer time-lapses.

Image quality doesn't look drastically different from the already excellent a7R II but if you have been waiting for a Sony camera that can truly replace your DSLR or you are an a7r or a7ii shooter - this is an upgrade I can happily recommend.  I love answering your questions and will be back with more hands-on and answers to your questions in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to watch the linked video and leave your question in the comments.

Preorder the a7R III from B&H Photo 

SAMPLE IMAGES

a7R III Now Available for Preorder

https://youtu.be/RCiOGD1_IPEThe Sony a7Riii and FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens are available to pre-order now. Find out more about the a7R III here, and the 24-105 here. With Toby at an NYC conference covering these products make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for new info.

Sony a7R III (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-105mm Lens Kit

Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm Lens Kit

Sony Alpha a7R III Mirrorless Digital Camera Body with Accessories Kit

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens

A New Lightweight 24-105mm f/4 Lens From Sony

Along with the Sony a7R III, more on that here, we've also got a new 24-105mm lens this week from Sony. The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Lens is a nice addition to the current lineup in sharpness, focus, and weight. We'll have more on this lens and the Sony A7R III as Toby is on location with it in New York so keep an eye out for more info.The lightest among the 24-105 lenses out, it's a great wide to mid-telephoto range for photography and perfect for travel, weighing 23.4oz (663 g). Compared to Canon and Nikon it's MTF chart shows a large improvement vs the competition with great corner to corner sharpness. Multiple extra-low dispersion and aspherical glass elements, with a Nano AR coating as well cut down on distortion and reducing flaring while boosting sharpness.Silent and fast featuring DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM), benfits photographers AND videographers. It can handle slow speeds fine with Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to create crisp photos at low speeds. Dust and moisture-resistant design.Preorders start today on the Sony 24-105mm lens for $1,298.00 and the a7R III. If you have been thinking of switching to Sony now is the time. Great performance with a small size should be good on the go for traveling or just as a convenient zoom lens.

Coming SoonPreorders start at10am ET, Thu Oct 26

Sample Photos

[gallery ids="16364,16365,16366,16367,16368,16369"]

Specifications

• Mount: Sony E-mount
• Format: 35 mm full frame
• Focal Length: 24-105mm
• 35mm EquivFocal focal Length (APS-C): 36-157.5
• Lens Groups / Elements: 14-17
• Angle of View on APS-C: 61°-15°2
• Angle of View on Full Frame 84°-23°
• Aperture Range: F/4 - 22
• Aperture Blades: 9
• Minimum Focus Distance: 1.25ft (0.38 m)
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot
• Size: 3-3/8 x 4-1/2 in (83.4 x 113.3 mm)
• Weight: 23.4 oz (663 g)

Press Release

Sony Expands Full-Frame Lens Lineup with New Compact, Lightweight FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Covering Wide-angle to Mid-telephoto rangeNew E-mount FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Delivers Serious Still and Video Performance with Compact Design  NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2017 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced the latest addition to their expanding full-frame E-mount lens lineup, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom (model SEL24105G).The new full-frame lens covers the commonly used 24 to 105mm focal length range, delivering outstanding G Lens™ imaging performance with the most lightweight design in its class¹, maximizing its versatility and usability.  Therefore, the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS can be used for versatile shooting such as landscape, portrait, wedding and so on.  This lens also features fast, precise and quiet autofocus capabilities in both still and video shooting, making it an ideal complement for Sony’s extensive lineup of E-mount cameras.High Optical Performance and Outstanding Resolution             Sony’s new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens delivers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entirety of its zoom range, while also producing beautifully rendered ‘bokeh’ or background defocus at all focal lengths.This high image quality is made possible thanks to its advanced optical design featuring four aspherical lens elements, two of which are high precision AA (advanced aspherical) lenses.  There are also three strategically located ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that work in combination with the aforementioned aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure the ultimate resolution is captured.The lens also has Sony’s original Nano AR coating to minimize flare and ghosting, and utilizes a circular aperture to ensure it delivers high quality bokeh that is consistent for all Sony’s G series.Compact, Lightweight Design and Shooting Flexibility            The new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens weighs in at approximately 663 grams (23.4 oz), making it the lightest lens in its class¹.  When combined with one of Sony’s compact E-mount bodies, it gives photographers and videographers a far more mobile, manageable camera system that greatly increases their shooting flexibility.In addition to the compact design and versatile 24-105mm focal length, the new lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.25ft, allowing for impressive close up detail.  It also includes built-in optical image stabilization to make it easier to produce sharp, blur-free images when shooting handheld.Highly Advanced and Accurate AutoFocusIn order to keep up with fast-moving subjects, the new standard zoom lens features a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system that is capable of rapid positioning of the lens’ focus groups with high accuracy and very minimal noise.  This advanced system combined with a constant F4 aperture at all focal lengths makes the SEL24105G an excellent choice for both still and video shooting.Further adding to its versatility, the new standard zoom lens also features a customizable focus hold button, a dust and moisture resistant design² and a fluorine coating on the front element to help minimize dust, water, oil and other contaminants.Pricing and AvailabilityThe new FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Standard Zoom Lens will ship this November for about $1,300 US and $1,700 CA.1. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Compared to currently available full-frame 24-105mm F4 standard zoom lenses (October 25th, 2017, Sony research)2. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

A New Lightroom and a Faster One

A Tale of Two Lightrooms. So what did we get?

The program we know as Lightroom has been rebranded/split by Adobe into two products. A fully cloud-based service and the standard desktop version (the one you're used to), now called Lightroom Classic. While Lightroom is now in the cloud, changes to either can be synced between programs. Watch the video below to learn more.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNBpWGJE5VMQuick Tip: If you are having trouble seeing the updates open the Adobe cloud program in your taskbar. Sign out of the program, then sign in to see the new updates.

A New Lightroom

A big update to the existing Lightroom web platform, we've got a cloud version of Lightroom for desktops, tablets, and phones. Image editing you want but in a simplified package that Adobe made for you to use on all your devices. This new Lightroom is a streamlined version that's simpler to use and ready for on the go work.

• Cloud Storage with Lightroom CC storing all your full-resolution photos, including RAW files, safely in the cloud (1TB of space comes with the plan, more is available).
• Adobe Sensei - No more keywording, or at least less, with a smart search using machine learning to find your photos. Want a bridge photo you took? Type in a bridge and all your bridge photos pop up, no work required.
• Sharing tools to push photos out to social media like Facebook or build a web gallery in a snap.
• Instead of a library photos will be stored in albums, think of this as collections in Lightroom Classic.

Lightroom Classic

The "New" Lightroom Classic is the same Lightroom you're used to, but with massive speed boost! After taking suggestions from users Adobe has overhauled Lightroom into a much speedier program, especially in the Develop module. (my early testing shows a significant increase in speed for some tasks while others remain fairly slow)

• Better, Faster, Stronger
  • Faster loading time
  • Faster import with "Embedded & Sidecar" option
  • Faster Smart Previews
  • Faster Switch to Develop
  • Faster Rending Images
  • Faster Scrolling images
  • Faster brush rendering
  • JUST FASTER... FINALLY

ONE NEW FEATURE

• New Edge Refinement - New quick selection masks for local adjustments using color and luminance range masking. Color masking lets you select a range of color, luminance lets you select by a certain brightness.  Watch the video above to see a demonstration of the new  masking.

Photoshop

Everything gets updates today. New easy access for LR photos, a new pen tool, tips and more:

• A new Learn panel, the first big step for those new or just starting with Photoshop with step by step tutorials for tools and basic editing. They've also included new tooltips with little images and animations to help you along.
• Lightroom photos will pull your photos from the cloud directly into Photoshop.
• Copy and paste multiple layers in one go, keeping their order and location.
• Support for 360 Degree image editing and Apple HEIF
• Curvature Pen Tool - For those that hated the pen tool, Adobe has a friendlier pen tool to get the curves you need.
• Brush updates with new management, stroke smoothing to prevent jitters, and more brushes.
• Photoshop also gained a slight performance boost. As well as Adobe improving all their algorithms for cleaner lines, better filters, upscaling, and more.

Adobe Plans

Lightroom comes in three flavors now. The regular Creative Cloud Photography Plan stays the same price but now gains 20GB of cloud storage. Existing Creative Cloud Photography Plans can switch to the new 1TB plan for more cloud storage and get $5 off for the first year.Despite the fact they promised they wouldn't,  Adobe Standalone products are gone with Lightroom 6 as the last version. This was the Lightroom software packaged separate, not requiring the monthly charge and did not include Photoshop. The current standalone software will get an update for the Nikon D850 at the end of the month with camera support updates for this year only.All-in-all it's an extensive update to existing programs, and new ones as well. The biggest improvement, being the speed boosts with Lightroom Classic people have been asking for since last year. The new Lightroom cloud system is an interesting update and we'll have to see what happens as Adobe continues to work on the platform.  

Lightroom CC plan

• Lightroom Cloud Only
• Adobe Spark
• Adobe Portfolio
• 1TB of cloud storage
• $9.99/mo

Photography plan

• Lightroom CC
• Lightroom Classic
• Photoshop CC
• Adobe Spark
• Adobe Portfolio
• 20GB of cloud storage
• $9.99/mo

Photography plan with 1TB cloud storage

• Lightroom CC
• Lightroom Classic CC
• Photoshop CC
• Adobe Spark
• Adobe Portfolio
• 1TB of cloud storage
• $19.99/mo ($14.99 for existing accounts)

New Way to Upload to Instagram (and Not Get Shadow Banned)

We get asked a lot how to upload to Instagram, I even covered it a couple years back. The problem is that most of the older methods have fallen to the dreaded "Shadow Ban". If banned Instagram hides your hashtags so you don't gain followers, but stealthily so you don't notice. With that in mind, Felix Sun used a recent mobile trick to make a mini Instagram program that lets you upload via Mac or PC for free.Recently Instagram allowed mobile uploads, using the browser on your phone you can upload to Instagram without having the app installed. Using this trick you can tell your desktop's browser to pretend it's a mobile device and upload away. But it's a bit of a clumsy trick that is more advanced. Felix's program is a mini version of chrome already set to mobile, just log in the first time and upload. A dialog box will pop up to add a file then the rest is like normal.Head over to windowed.io and check it out. Upload an easy way, or at least until they ban this as well. Our official and Instagram friendly uploader of choice is Later.com. You can check it out in Toby's video here and it lets you schedule posts.If you were wondering how to do it in a browser anyway:In Safari

• Enable the Develop Menu. Click Safari, Preferences, then Advanced. Check 'Show Develop menu in menu bar'.
• Now while on Instagram.com. Click the new Develop button in your menu, user agent, then iPad. You may have to refresh the page.

In Chrome

• You can install User-Agent Switcher, the new button in the top right when clicked lets you tell Instagram you are a mobile device. Just remember to turn it off when you leave Instagram.
• Without using an extension, press F12 for Developer Tools. Click the phone icon at the top left of the new panel or press Ctrl+Shift+M. The top left option to the left of dimensions lets you choose iPad, then reload the page.

Fuji X-T2 Raw Files for Your Download

  Download Fuji X-T2 Raw Files (for your personal use only)  

Polaroid Pop: Instant Prints with a Digital Twist

The classic Polaroid photos of the past have returned with the Polaroid Pop. A 20MP digital camera with 1080P video and an instant mobile printer. Including a 3.97-inch touchscreen with the option to fix photos and use filters before printing. The ZINK printer like the Polaroid Snap uses heat to activate ink on the prints making your standard looking Polaroid in under a minute.As a bonus, it also connects via WiFi or Bluetooth to act as a mobile printer for your smartphone. If you wanted, technically using your DSLR's mobile connection you could print from your camera to this one on the go!The Polaroid Pop will be available around Christmas time in a variety of colors for $200, 10 Zink prints will be $10.

Press Release:

Polaroid Introduces the New Polaroid Pop Instant Digital Camera andPolaroid Hoop Wireless Home Camera

On Display at IFA 2017, Polaroid’s Newest Innovations Offer a Modern Take on the PolaroidInstant Digital Camera and Peace-of-Mind for Simplified Home Security

NEW YORK, August 30, 2017 – The Polaroid brand today announced the release of its newestinnovations in photo and home security taking over the holiday season - the Polaroid Popinstant digital camera and Polaroid Hoop wireless home camera. The Polaroid Pop combines asleek, modern design and digital technology with 3.5x4.25” border prints. The Polaroid Hoophome security camera stays true to the Polaroid brand DNA elements, including simplicity,elegant design and the mission to make new and exciting technologies accessible to theeveryday consumer.

“The Polaroid Pop instant digital camera and Polaroid Hoop home security camera initiallydebuted at CES 2017 to much fanfare,” said Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid.“We’re excited to have these products on display at IFA and showcase them to the Europeanmarket. For 80 years, Polaroid has been committed to providing consumers with the latestimaging technology that enables them to easily share their lives. The Polaroid Pop and PolaroidHoop offer modern takes on this idea for every aspect of consumers’ lives.”

Polaroid Pop Instant Digital CameraAs the all-in-one solution for capturing and sharing images on-the-go, the Polaroid Pop instantdigital camera enables users to shoot and instantly print full color photos as 3.5x4.25” Polaroidborder prints. Edit and enhance photos before printing with creative filters, digital stickers and adraw feature that gives the ability to write or draw at the bottom of the photo. The Polaroid Popquickly and easily connects to a mobile device using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing users to savephotos taken with the camera as well as print photos saved on a mobile device.

The Polaroid Pop instant digital camera will have a MSRP of $199.99; a 10-pack paper will havea MSRP of $9.99. Additional features include:

● MicroSD card slot to support up to 128GB of storage● 3.97-inch touchscreen LCD for framing shots and navigating the camera’s menu● 20-megapixel CMOS sensor● Built-in dual LED flash for high quality images, image stabilization● 1080p full HD video recording capability

The Polaroid Pop instant digital camera uses the revolutionary ink-free Zero Ink® Printingtechnology developed by ZINK. The ZINK-enabled printer uses heat to activate and colorizecyan, yellow and magenta dye crystals embedded in the paper. The result is full-color, highquality, long-lasting and smudge-proof images without ink cartridges, ribbons or toner. The3.5x4.25” photo prints in just under a minute so consumers can instantly share the photo withfriends and family.

Polaroid Hoop Home Security CameraThe Polaroid Hoop home security camera offers 1080p high-definition video resolution and a140-degree lens with a wide-angle view to maximize coverage. The Polaroid Hoop is simple toset up with an easy-to-use app available for Android and iOS. The Polaroid Hoop will have aMSRP of $179.99 for the indoor camera and $199.99 for the outdoor camera.

● Stylish and Sleek - The affixed base of the Polaroid Hoop home security camera can beplaced on a shelf or table or be easily mounted to a wall or ceiling.● Indoor or Outdoor - The camera is available in two models, indoor and outdoor, with aweatherproof construction on the outdoor version to withstand the elements.● Grouping - Users can install several throughout their home and monitor and accessfootage from one app. Cameras are grouped together and labelled to easily capture andidentify events in specific areas of the home, or schedule recordings in a particular area.The primary account holder can assign, manage and share access to specific cameraswith friends and family.● Intelligent Monitoring and Alerts - The Polaroid Hoop offers advanced monitoringcapabilities that detect events and automatically alert the user via the app and pushnotifications. Users can set specific zones and only trigger an alert should anythingchange within that area of the frame. The Polaroid Hoop also leverages a proprietaryalgorithm that over time can learn to distinguish between normal daily events and thosethat occur unplanned.● Storage - When the camera detects an event, it automatically records the footage for theduration of the event and sends a push notification to the user’s smartphone to view thefile locally on an optional microSD card or store in the cloud for up to seven days for free.

The Polaroid Pop instant digital camera and Polaroid Hoop home security camera weredesigned in partnership with renowned design firm, Ammunition, the studio that was also behindthe Polaroid Zip instant photoprinter, Polaroid Snap line of instant digital cameras and PolaroidCube and Polaroid Cube+ lifestyle action cameras. Led by industrial designer Robert Brunner,Ammunition has partnered with award-winning consumer brands including Adobe, Beats by Dre,Square, Lyft and Williams-Sonoma.

Offered by C+A Global, an authorized Polaroid licensee, the Polaroid Pop instant digital cameraand Polaroid Hoop home security camera will be available at retailers throughout the UnitedStates starting in October 2017. Both products will also be on display at IFA 2017 in Berlin,Germany, September 1-6 in hall 11.1 booth #130. To learn more, please visit polaroid.com

About PolaroidPolaroid is one of the world’s most trusted, respected and recognizable brands, with a rich80-year history built primarily on Polaroid instant cameras and film. The company’s completerange of products was designed to deliver the fun, instant gratification and creative freedom forwhich the brand has long stood. Today, the Polaroid Classic Border Logo, rooted in the instantphoto sharing that Polaroid pioneered, is the mark of genuine Polaroid branded products. Formore information, visit Polaroid.com.

Polaroid, Polaroid & Pixel, Polaroid Color Spectrum, Polaroid Pop, Polaroid Hoop, PolaroidCube, Polaroid Zip, Polaroid Snap and Polaroid Classic Border Logo are trademarks of PLR IPHoldings, LLC, used under license.

New Stuff - LG v30, RX0, EM10 Mark III

LG has made official the LG v30Headline features LG v30-

• 16-MP camera has an aperture of f/1.6
• 13-MP 120 degree view camera
• Cine Effects for recording video
• Lossless audio recording
• 6-inch, 18:9 Quad HD OLED screen
• IP68 water and dust resistant and supports wireless charging
• 600 MHz - Supporting T-mobiles new -faster/broader bandwidth

Available Soon on B&H Photo - View Here

Sony has announced the tiny RX0

It might look like a GoPro competitor but it is that and MUCH more -

Headline features RX0-

• Outputs 4:2:2 UHD 4K Video via HDMI (records 1080p60 internally)
• Ultra-Compact, waterproof (10-meter depth) and shockproof body
• 20MP 1" Stacked CMOS Sensor (double the size of a GoPro sensor)
• Zeiss 24mm-Equivalent Lens, f/4 Aperture
• Manual focus, auto focus and pre focus setting
• 40x Super Slow motion recording, Picture Profile (S-Log2)
• Continuous recording until card is full (NOT limited at 29:59)
• XAVC-S, AVCHD and .MP4 Recording
• Timecode-Sync Multiple Cameras
• Control via App or VP1K Remote
• Preorders start September 5th - $699 from B&H Photo

Sure it looks like a GoPro and comes in a rugged, waterproof housing - additional housing available for deeper than 10-meters, but the 4K out via HDMI, the Timecode-Sync and control of multiple units through the app or Remote means this is really focused on VR and multi camera setups in a variety of conditions. Maybe under a drone or mounted to multiple points on a rally car, or on your scuba mask… the options are endless and with that larger sensor and a higher quality lens - we should see some beautiful footage out of this camera.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 MK III

Headline Features Olympus OM-D E-M10 MK III

• 16.1MP Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor (same sensor as MK II)
• Dual Quad-Core TruePic VIII Processor
• UHD 4K30 Recording
• 3.0" 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• 121-Point Contrast-Detect AF System
• Up to 8.6 fps Shooting and ISO 25600

Just a minor and mild refresh of the existing E-M10 MK II. The new version upgrades the processor and now supports 4k video, updates to the AF system and a bump to 121 AF points vs 80 in the Mark II.   Slight change to the mode dial as well. The M10 offers a very compact interchangeable lens system at an affordable cost. Nearest competitor - the Panasonic G85 (see my full review of the G85).Shipping later this year. Preorder on B&H Photo now $699 Body Only | $799 w. 14-42 kit Silver and Black bodies available.Which new announcement are you most excited about.

Nikon D850 Leaked Press Release

With an official announcement for the D850 coming likely tomorrow, the press release was leaked earlier to Nikon Rumors. Between that and specs leaked earlier, the D850 is looking quite sweet as the successor to the D810. The Big Takeaway has to be the 45.7 MP full-frame sensor as a nice upgrade from the previous D810's 36.3 MP. All unofficial specs for now but with the source of the info it's looking likely and we'll find out soon anyway.Other Interesting Specs:

• 9 FPS Continuous Shooting - 7fps without the battery grip, 9fps with grip, using a 51 shot RAW buffer.
• Fast Auto Focus - 153 points! Brought down from the D5, this super fast AF will work great in low light up to -4EV using the center focus points.
• Tilting Touchscreen - A tilt screen is a life saver, and a back saver as well for getting low to the ground shots, it makes a big improvement for shooting. It supports full touch controls with touch AF, touch shutter and touch menu making reviewing photos or changing settings a breeze.
• 4K Video - 4K UHD video in FX (no crop) and slow-mo video at 120fps in Full HD.
• Silent Shooting Mode - No-sound electronic shutter for live view. 6 FPS silent shooting up to 30fps at 8MP with the electronic shutter.
• "On-Camera" Focus-Stacking Mode - A great option for macro lovers, the first to offer an option for in-camera focus stacking. Moving the focus slightly between shots to increase depth of field.

Press release via Nikon Rumors:

---

August 24, 2017 - Nikon is pleased to present the new Nikon D850 digital SLR, perfect combination of resolution, speed and light sensitivity. From studio photography to sports, to reportage in the most remote places on the planet, the new full-frame DSLR in Nikon FX format not only delivers high performance, but brings photo excellence to a whole new level.Whether it's naturalistic, sporting, commercial, wedding, fashion photography, whether it's shooting movies, the D850 offers photographers who work in highly competitive fields the creative flexibility needed to excel. The fast, 45.7-megapixel FX high-resolution FX sensor is built with the "gapless on-chip" microlent technology that, together with the benefits of CMOS backlight, delivers exceptional detail sharpness along with an incredible dynamic range. The shooting speed of 7 fps can go up to 9 fps by adopting the optional MB-D18 multi power battery pack. Video-makers can then record full-size movies in 4K without clipping factor crops: this increases the chances when looking for extended field corners to resume with NIKKOR prime lens lenses. Additionally, you can record timelapse of 4K accelerated movies directly on "camera".The other new features that allow maximum flexibility include capturing RAW format in three different sizes: large, medium or small; The silent Photography mode, which makes it possible to shoot ultra-sharp, high-resolution images without the sound / mechanical shutter noise; The AF Pinpoint mode, available in Live View, allows you to make the auto focus more accurate and selective as required, for example, in the case of macro photography.In addition, the Nikon D850 is the first digital reflex of all time to offer "on-camera" focus-stacking mode, which allows you to shoot a series of shots sequentially of the same shot but with the focus plane Motorized in displacement. This mode is particularly useful in macro photography, when the close distance of the subject narrows the depth of field to a few millimeters but also for artistic representations of naturalistic scenarios to enhance the extreme depth of field.Nikon says: "The D850 offers such incredible versatility to give you the impression of working with three cameras in one. Megapixels, file size, speed, ISO ... in every field, you can be assured that the Nikon D850 excels! It's a really smart investment for photographers who want to enhance their skills and express themselves without compromise. "Full Rumored Specs via Nikon Rumors:

• 45.75MP full frame CMOS sensor
• New and improved version of SnapBridge
• No built-in GPS
• Tiltable LCD (3.2", 2.36 million dots)
• Fully functional touchscreen: supports touch AF, touch shutter and touch menu
• Memory card slots: one SD and one XQD
• AF system from the D5 (153 points, 130% frame coverage compared to the D810, all AF points @ -3EV,  middle/center crosshair sensor @-4EV)
• New smaller AF point
• No built-in flash
• Back illuminated buttons
• Joystick selector
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• 8K time-lapse video capabilities
• 4k UHD video in FX format (with no crop)
• No EVF or hybrid viewfinder
• Slo-mo full HD 120fps video
• The SD slot will support UHS-II
• Improved LiveView split-screen display
• Improved silent shooting mode: fully-silent, no-sound electronic shutter in live view (6 fps silent shooting, no mechanical movement, can shoot up to 30fps @ 8MP with the electronic shutter)
• Improved battery life
• Lighter than the D810
• Native ISO range: 64-25,600
• ISO 64 extendable down to ISO 32 (Lo1 = 32, Hi 2 = 108,400)
• 7fps without grip, 9fps with grip (MB-D18a battery grip and the EN-EL18a battery)
• 51 images raw buffer at 14-bit RAW
• 0.75x optical viewfinder (largest ever on a Nikon FX cameras)
• 180k RGB meter
• No AA filter
• Supports for Nikon wireless transmitter WT-7
• Built-in focus stacking: up to 300 pictures with up to 10 levels of focusing steps (still need external software)
• Price will be CNY 23,999 or around $3,600 (source: Chinese forum)
• RAW sizes: small, medium, large
• New 1:1 mode
• New natural light AWB

Sample Photos:

 

Gear Talk - Wide Angle Lenses and Travel Friendly Systems

First Impressions of the Canon 6D Mark II, Fuji X-T2, Irix 15mm f/2.4, Sigma 14mm f/1.8, Samyang 14mm f/2.8, Rokinon 35mm f/1.8, DJI Spark and a discussion of the best travel camera system. Which of these items are you most interested in hear/seeing a full review about?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwoprlMPzsESee a complete list of the gear I am taking to Joshua Tree for Star Photography - https://kit.com/photorectoby/joshua-tree-adventure

Hands-on Review Canon T7i (800D) vs Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 and Canon T7i (800D) share several specs

• 24-MP (APS-C) Sensors

• ISO range 100-25,600

• 3 inch LCD Touchscreen though the D5600 is a little bigger (3.2") and offers the touchpad function when it is up to your eye.

• 1080 at 60 fps

• Bluetooth, WiFi and NFC connectivity - Though the D5600s snapbridge is a little more automated, automatically sending files across - with the Canon it is more of a conscious choice. I have been very frustrated with Nikon Snapbridge in the past - finding it flaky, confusing and downright broken, with the D5600 I have had a very smooth experience and prefer it to the Canon - But the Canon app provides a better experience for controlling the camera.

A few important differences - Nikon offers 39 AF points, 9 cross-type, Canon offers 45 AF points all cross-type - cross-type offer higher accuracy and when you have higher accuracy points the more likely you are to get moving subjects in accurate focus. Canon also offers dual pixel AF in live view - this is a very smooth and capable video focus, also useful for still photos in live view - Nikon’s video focusing is still distracting (it hunts more and is very noticeable when it refocuses) and while it’s a little quieter and smoother with their new AF-P lenses you still don’t want the lens to refocus during video, canon, however, is smooth and SILENT when paired with STM lenses The Canon is faster offering 6fps, vs 5 in the Nikon and more importantly, the Canon offers a deeper buffer - up to 148 jpegs and 24 raw images before slowing down. Nikon slows down at 100 JPEGS and just 8 raws.  The buffer and the additional higher accuracy AF points make the Canon T7i my choice for any type of action, like sports or birds in flight, over the Nikon.  The Nikon is capable of fast focus and operation but you will find yourself limited to very short bursts if shooting RAW. The Nikon D5600, however, has an edge in image quality, especially as the light levels drop. I see a clear difference, the Nikon has no AA filter and provides more detailed images and as you raise the ISO less noise (you can also pick 1/3 stops of ISO - canon is limited to full stops) 

Nikon D5600 Frustrations (Especially for beginners)I find myself spending more time in live view - especially when I have a nice articulating screen that lets me set up for different angles and if you happen to have manual video mode on you are blocked from changing the aperture in manual mode in live view and you can’t select shutter speeds below 1/30 of a second.  There are workarounds, the easiest is to switch to aperture priority or shutter speed priority OR turn off manual movie mode but then frustratingly when you go to shoot a movie you have no idea what settings and no control no matter which mode you use. AND I really miss exposure simultaion when using the Nikon D5600 the T7i does and actually every other camera besides Nikon offers exposure simulation in Live view. When inn manual mode I would like to see the screen change to reflect my exposure and the Nikon only does that if you are in manual movie mode and once again we are back to being blocked from changing the aperture and from setting shutter speed below 1/30 of a second. These two issues are in no way deal breakers but they certainly make the camera more frustrating for me and when I work with beginners, teaching photography all over the world - being able to switch to live view and get that easy feedback of your exposure before you take a photo is a really useful tool.

Summary and Conclusion - Nikon D5600 vs Canon T7i (800D)

Reasons you might want to pick the Nikon D5600 - you value the smaller size, the better image quality (especially in lower light), The additional features like time lapse (Canon only offers movie lapse) and the exceptionally easy and automated Ssnapbridge image sharing. Reasons you might choose the Canon - Video is important to you, the Dual Pixel AF is smooth and sneaky good, you plan to photograph action and or you want a straightforward manual control experience.

Other Options -The Panasonic G85 is even smaller, especially when you start comparing lenses - the micro 4/3rd system stays small even when you have a few primes in your bag AND shoots beautifully stabilized 4k video.  The Sony a6300 also shoots 4k and does very well in low light though it isn’t as user friendly as either of these cameras.   Which would you choose - I’d love to know your opinion?   

And don't forget to pick up a prime lens or twoCanon T7i Strengths

Canon SL2/200D Leaked Photos and Specs | Updated

While Sony may be a great mirrorless system we all like Canon's SL1/100D/Kiss X7 (Toby's SL1 review) as it was a solid performer for an entry level camera and quite small. Thanks to Nokishita Camera we've got a few photos and specs of the SL2 to pass along after their 6D MII leak last week. Interesting to note, like the 6D MII coming down the line, the SL2 will also get an articulating LCD. If the given rumor holds true we'll have the official announcement later next week with the full specs of this tiny camera and the new 6D MII.Specs

• Will ship in black, white, and silver designs
• 24.2MP Sensor (same as the T7i)
• DIGIC 7
• Dual Pixel AF
• 9 Focus point's with one cross-type
• 95% viewfinder coverage with .87 magnification
• ISO 100-25600 (extended 51200)
• 5 frames/sec continuous shooting, 3.5 if Servo AF in live view
• Shutter speed 1/4000 to 30 seconds, max flash sync speed 1/200
• 5 axis electronic image stabilization for video
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
• Articulating LCD screen, 3"
• SD / SDHC / SDXC card (UHS-I card compatible)
• LP-E 17 Battery (same as T7i)
• Size: 122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8mm
  • In comparison, the T7i is 131 x 99.9 x 76.2
• Weight: 453g
  • In comparison, the T7i is 532g

Photos

DJI Spark Announced - A New Small Option

https://youtu.be/Yseaxsh23bgDJI has just announced the Spark.  The DJI Spark takes the idea of a seriously portable drone, first introduced with the Mavic Pro last year, and makes it even smaller.Spark is smaller and lighter than the Mavic Pro, but also supports all of the Mavic Pro’s Intelligent Flight Modes and introduces new features like QuickShot and advanced gesture controls like PalmControl.   Described in the launch keynote as easy, intuitive and fun. This really reminds me of the Lily, the failed kickstarter drone that was focused on easy selfie photos and videos.  One feature borrowed from recent innovations in smartphone cameras - fake depth of field with shallow focus mode- intentional background blur.While it can produce professional results the lack of 4k, 16 minute flight time and probable issues in wind make this less ideal for serious aerial photo or video needs. Those that desire a more versatile drone need to consider the Mavic Pro or a higher model.$499 will get you the drone and one battery. You can charge the drone via Micro USB(a first for DJI).   Control with hand gestures or the DJI app on your smartphone - range is limited to approximately 100 meters.$699 for the Fly more combo which includes - extra props, prop guards, 1 extra battery (2 total), a remote and a carry case. The remote extends the range to 1.24 miles and while the remote is similar to the DJI Mavic it is much simpler without the LCD Screen.Shipping June 21st - Preorder from Amazon or B&H Photo (No sales tax outside NY)https://youtu.be/74Cm1p3fr0g[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Size[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]335mm (Extended) 83mm x 83mm x 198mm (Folded)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]350mm[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]143×143×55 mm[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Weight[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]1.64 lbs (743g)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]3.04 lbs (1380g)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"].66lbs (300 g)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Operating Temp[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]32° to 104° F ( 0° to 40° C )[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]32° to 104° F (0° to 40° C)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Ascent /Descent Speed[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]16.4 ft/s | 9.8 ft/s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]19.7 ft/s | 13.1 ft/s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] 9.8 ft/s (3 m/s) | 9.8 ft/s (3 m/s)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Flight Time[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]27 Minutes[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]28 Minutes[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]16 Minutes[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Flight Distance[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]8 mi (13 km)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Tilt Angle[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]S-mode: 42°A-mode: 35°P-mode: 15°[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Angular Speed[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]S-mode: 200°/sA-mode: 150°/s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Wind Speed Resistance[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]10 m/s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Sensor[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]1/2.3” (CMOS), Effective pixels:12.35 MP[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]1/2.3” CMOS, Effective pixels:12.4 MP[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]1/2.3" CMOSEffective pixels: 12 MP[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Lens[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FOV 78.8° 28 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.2Distortion < 1.5% Focus from 0.5 m to ∞[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FOV 94° 20 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.8 focus at ∞[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FOV 81.9° 25 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.6(shooting range: 2 m to ∞)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Gimbal[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]3-Axis[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]3-Axis[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]2-Axis[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]ISO Range[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]100-3200 (video)100-1600 (photo)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]100-3200 (video)100-1600 (photo)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Video: 100-3200Photo: 100-1600[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Shutter Speed[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]8s -1/8000s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]8 - 1/8000 s[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]2-1/8000 s[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Image Size[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]4000×3000[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]4000×3000[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]3968×2976[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Still Photography Modes[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Single shotBurst shooting: 3/5/7 framesAuto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV BiasInterval[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Single shotBurst shooting: 3/5/7 framesAuto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV BiasTimelapseHDR[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Single ShotBurst Shooting: 3 framesAuto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV biasInterval: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Video Recording Modes[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]C4K: 4096×2160 24p4K: 3840×2160 24/25/30p2.7K: 2720x1530 24/25/30pFHD: 1920×1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/96pHD: 1280×720 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]UHD: 4096×2160 (4K) 24 / 25p3840×2160 (4K) 24 / 25 / 30p2704×1520 (2.7K) 24 / 25 / 30pFHD: 1920×1080 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60 / 120pHD: 1280×720 24 / 25 / 30 / 48 / 50 / 60p[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]-[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Max Video Bitrate[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] 60 Mbps[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] 60 Mbps[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]24 Mbps[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Supported File Systems[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FAT32 ( ≤ 32 GB ); exFAT ( > 32 GB )[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FAT32 ( ≤ 32 GB ); exFAT ( > 32 GB )[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]FAT32 (≤ 32 GB)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Photo[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]JPEG, DNG[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]JPEG, DNG[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]JPEG[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Video[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]MP4, MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] MP4, MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Supported SD Cards[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"] Micro SDMax capacity: 64 GB. Class 10 or UHS-1 rating required[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Micro SDMax capacity: 64 GBClass 10 or UHS-1 rating required[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"]Micro SDMax capacity: 64 GBClass 10 or UHS-1 rating required[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"]Buy it Today![/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][/vc_row]Recommended Micro SD Cards for the DJI Spark[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"]Sandisk 16 GB  SDHCSandisk 32 GB  SDHCSandisk 64 GB  SDXCKingston 16 GB  SDHCKingston 32 GB  SDHC[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"]Kingston 64 GB  SDXCSamsung 16 GB  SDHCSamsung 32 GB  SDHCSamsung 64 GB  SDXC[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Hands-on - NEW Sony Lenses 16-35 f/2.8 and 12-24 f/4

Sony has just announced two new lenses and I have had early access to both, shooting on an a7RII and a9 and have sample photos and thoughts below.https://youtu.be/G73lzUHaniY

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-angle Zoom Lens

This nicely rounds out Sony's f/2.8 offerings (16-35, 24-70, 70-200 - the f/2.8 trinity) and looks to be an excellent lens.  I was impressed with edge to edge sharpness, lack of vignetting and smooth bokeh.   Most lenses in this category have 9 aperture blades, the new FE 16-35 f/2.8 has 11.  This lens is seriously sharp - Sony is designing it with future ultra high resolution sensors in mind. It is dust and moisture resistant too. Below are a few sample photos I shot.   Lens will be available in late August. Price $2,199  PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14849,14848,14847,14846,14845,14844"]I do love the focus hold button included on G Master lenses -  its primary function is to lock focus when recomposing, but you can customize to a number of other functions depending. In addition to Focus Hold, custom functions include: Eye AF, AF On, Aperture Preview, Shot Result Preview or Bright Monitoring.Additional 16-35 f/2.8 Specs -

• Weather Sealed Design
• Product weight (oz): 24 oz (680 g.)
• Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.875” x 3.5” (121.6 x 88.5mm)
• Nano AR Coating
• ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration

Currently the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 III sells for $1,999 - I expect this Sony lens to be sharper when we compare them side by side. Make sure you subscribe to the my Youtube channel to get updated news and comparisons when this lens is released.

The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens

Sony surprised us with this small, unassuming ultra wide angle lens.  I can't quite believe how compact and lightweight it is while still providing full frame coverage of 12-24!   Weighing just over a pound and nicely fitting in your hand the 12-24 provides a constant f/4 aperture, focus hold button and integrated/fixed lens hood.   It does have a bulbous front element requiring an adapter to use filters.   While it doesn't seem quite as sharp as the GMaster 16-25 f/2.8 it still provides very good sharpness and nothing else offers this wide a view on full frame at this size and weight unless you go with a prime lens.  You could use an adapter with the Sigma 12-24 but that lens weighs twice as much and is significantly larger.   The lens will be available in Late July for $1,699 PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14854,14853,14852,14851,14850,14860"]Additional 12-24 f/4 G Specs

• Weather Sealed Design
• Product weight (oz): 20 oz (680 g.)
• Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.625” x 3.5” (117.4 x 87mm)
• 7 Bladed Aperture Design
• Super ED and ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration
• Customizeable Focus Hold button

Canon offers an 11-24 f/4 lens for $2,699 and it is larger and heavier. Sigma offers a slightly cheaper model but as mentioned it too is a good bit heavier and bulkier, also not weather sealed.  Once the lens is released I will make comparisons and publish the results here and on Youtube.Pre-order these lenses at B&H:

• Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
• Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G

Croatia Photo/Video Gear

https://youtu.be/UWWsvoKWQAk I just finished a fantastic trip in exploring the coast and islands of Southern Croatia. Beautiful country, friendly people. My goal on this trip was to produce video first and photos second. With video being my primary goal I am calling this the

Videography Travel Bag

Bags & Holster

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Mindshift Gear - Backlight 26LAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Camera Holster - Spider Backpacker KitAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Secondary Bag - Multi-Mount Holster 30Amazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Gear

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Panasonic GH5Amazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Lumix 12-60 f/2.8-4 LensAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7 LensAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Lumix 45-200 f/4.0-5.6 LensAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 lensAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Rode Video Micro ProAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Sony RX1R IIAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]DJI Mavic Pro - Fly More SystemAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Hoya Circular Polarizers for each lensB&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Hoya ND Filters 0.3 for each lensB&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]MeFoto Carbon Fiber Road TripAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][vc_column width="3/4"]Olympus TG Tracker WP CameraAmazon | B&H[/vc_column][/vc_row]  

New! Signature Series Bags from Think Tank

Think Tank has gone modern and luxurious with their new Signature Series bags. Hand sewn, advanced fabrics blend weather protection and durability with the classic feel of fine wool. Genuine leather detailing and metal hardware add character and stand up to the rigors of daily use. In addition, the zippered flap provides full closure and security to the main compartment, or tucks away when not in use.  The Signature 10 fits a 10” tablet; the Signature 13 fits a 13” laptop.

Key Features:

• Modern wool-like fabric that is soft to the touch and stands up to everyday use
• Full-grain leather bottom and detailing, plus antique finished metal hardware
• Secure clasps on front flap with one-handed operation
• Dedicated phone pocket fits up to an iPhone 6s+ or S7 Edge
• Wide handle pass-through for attaching to rolling luggage
• Removable dividers for a completely collapsible bag
• Water-resistant fabric and a seam-sealed rain cover for downpour conditions

https://vimeo.com/180057691

Specifications:

Signature 10	Signature 13
What Fits?
1 standard size DSLR with 3–4 prime lenses and accessories A complete Mirrorless camera system with 3–4 lenses and accessories 10” tablet fits inside a dedicated compartment	1 standard-size DSLR with mid-range zoom attached plus 2–3 additional lenses 13” laptop fits inside a dedicated compartment
Size/Weight
Internal Dimensions: 11.8” W x 7.8” H x 5.1” D (30 x 20 x 13 cm) Exterior Dimensions: 13” W x 9.1” H x 5.9” D (33 x 23 x 15 cm) 10" Tablet Pocket: 11.4” W x 7.8” H x 0.8” D (29 x 20 x 2 cm) Weight: 2.8 lbs. (1.3 kg)	Internal Dimensions:13.3” W x 9.1” H x 5.1” D (34 x 23 x 13 cm) Exterior Dimensions:14.6” W x 10.4” H x 6.3” D (37 x 26.5 x 16 cm) Laptop/Tablet Pocket:13” W x 9.1” H x 1.2” D (33 x 23 x 3 cm) Weight:3.1 lbs. (1.4 kg)
Price
$249.00	$279.00

Buy them now at Think Tank and get free gear plus free shipping!

Instagram Update - Albums Now Available

Instagram Albums, a small but important update is rolling out today giving users access to a simple album feature finally. You'll now have the option to upload up to 10 photos and videos under one post. When you see an album icon on a post it will look somewhat the same as before but you'll now be able to swipe left and right to view other photos and video.The update technically means fewer posts, which means less reach. Important photos you want out should still be separate posts on Instagram to get more eyes on them. If you have a metric ton of photos from a shoot or have a few that go in a set it's a new way to share them out without spamming your feed but we wouldn't suggest this for everyday use. You now have the option to think out of the box for other creative ideas such as before and after editing.Watch the video below for a demo, you simply select the bottom right album symbol in the photo selection. You then have the option to choose multiple photos or videos. The post will have one caption for all the items, unlike Facebook for example, and you're limited to square aspect ratio. For those that use filters, you will have the option to apply one to the whole set or apply different filters to specific photos.https://player.vimeo.com/video/204951185 

New Lenses from Sigma 100-400, 14mm f/1.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 135mm f/1.8

Sigma has JUST ANNOUNCED four new ART series lenses.  I am a huge fan of the ART series, see my recent 85mm ART review - these have been incredibly sharp lenses that offer excellent value and the four newly announced lenses really round out their collection. We do not have pricing information or confirmed availability yet though my contact at Sigma states late April, early May. Press Release info below (my thoughts in bold along with my guess on cost - this page will be updated as new information become available.

Which lens in the lineup are you most excited about?

Which new Sigma lens are you most excited about?

— Toby ☉ (@photorectoby) February 21, 2017

The Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary

The Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary is a state-of-the-art telephoto zoom that brings a new level of portability and quality to the super telephoto market. Touting Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS), the Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 Contemporary is highly compact and lightweight compared to similar products on this market. A push/pull zooming function and a new Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) allow for a more responsive approach to photography while a 1:3.8 macro feature can be utilized from up close or from a further distance.Physical Specs -Weight 2.56 lb (1160 g)Diameter 86 mm (3.4″)Length 182 mm (7.18″)Sealing Yesfor comparison the new Canon 70-300 weighs 1.56 lb (708 g) and costs $550 and the Canon 100-400 MK II weighs  3.5 lb  (1.59 kg) and costs $2000I expect this lens to be nearly as sharp as Canon's 100-400 Mark II which costs almost double the price.  It does include weather sealing though I suspect it isn't at the same level as Canon's 100-400 Mark II and I notice an absence of a tripod color - something often desired in a longer lens as a way to give you a stable mounting point when using smaller cameras.  I am confused by the push/pull designation - this lens looks like a typical rotate to zoom - maybe you can also push/pull but there isn't much to grab onto.  Guess- around $1200  

The Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM OS Art

The Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM OS Art is a premium workhorse zoom lens designed for the latest high megapixel DSLRs. A constant aperture of 2.8 through the zoom range make this a highly versatile tool and a brand new Optical Stabilization (OS) system help compensate for camera shake. Though a common focal length, the Sigma 24-70mm Art brings a new level of usability and durability featuring a rugged metal barrel and an emphasis on image quality. Building off the experience from the 12-24mm Art, the aspherical elements used in the 24-70mm 2.8 OS Art undergo a highly precise level of polishing producing elements thicker in the center then on the edges. This process creates stunning image quality and beautiful circular bokeh.Canon does not have a stabilized 24-70 f/2.8 and I suspect this new ART lens will be as sharp as Canon's current 24-70 f/2.8 L and it offers stabilization and it will likely be cheaper.   Downsides? I don't see any right now as long as this lens is up to the standard of Sigma's existing ART series line. It even has a slightly smaller front filter size 80mm vs 82mm in the Canon.   On price I suspect somewhere around $1400 slightly more expensive than the Tamron version. I expect this ART to be much better than the Tamron. 

The Sigma 135mm 1.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 135mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is a medium telephoto prime lens designed for modern high megapixel DSLRs. A new large Hyper Sonic Motor produces significant torque to the focusing group for better speed while the acceleration sensor detects the position of the lens and compensates for such factors as gravity to help aid in focusing performance. This state-of-the-art prime lens touts a dust and splash proof construction for guaranteed performance in any condition and its large 1.8 Fstop allows for more creative control over imagery. A stunning compression effect make the Sigma 135m 1.8 Art the ideal portrait lens while its large aperture help with event photography and much more.This seems very similar in size and weight to the 85mm that I have recently tested and found to be excellent.  At 135mm you can get some incredible background separation from your subject. I will be interested to see how this compares to Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E lens that is a little lighter and smaller but at $2100.00 likely a good bit more expensive. For wedding work I love primes at 85mm and below - above that and you may find yourself needing to move more than you want or are easily able to do in some situations BUT for portrait photographers these longer primes can offer stunningly beautiful shots.  Price Guess $1200

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is the world's first 1.8 prime lens at the 14mm focal length. This fast wide prime features the same large aspherical element touted in the Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art to control distortion and create stunning imagery. An updated Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and accurate autofocus while 3 Premium FLD and 4 SLD glass elements control chromatic aberration and sagittal comma flare. Building on the highly reputable Art line, the Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is designed to resolve the latest high megapixel DSLR sensors.This lens is an astrophotographers dream! That is of course hoping it is at the level of their other ART series lenses and minimizes distortion. To have a full frame lens as fast as f/1.8 gives you some awesome flexibility when shooting the night sky.  Also useful for low light receptions and documentary work. Guess - $1100.00