When it comes to camera gear, and in fact any sort of gear, there always seems to be something available that’s newer, shinier or somehow more attractive than what is currently in your bag. However, new and shiny isn’t enough in 2016. Paul Clark shares some of the best goodies currently available.
The business environment is tough, and competitive, and everyone is looking for value. But value doesn’t mean cheap. The most desirable gear of 2016 is kit that offers something special, is packed with features, or is the best of the breed.
Some of the broader trends in equipment relate to power, weight and data management. Improved battery technology is allowing longer life at the same, or even reduced weight for numerous devices, including lighting and drones. Data files continue to grow in size as stills and video are captured in increasingly higher resolution, including 8K for some video cameras. Data storage, management, and workflow has never been more important to photographers.
Our 2016 roundup of Objects of Desire features gear that’s exceptional because of what it offers, and should make your job faster, easier, or simply more enjoyable.
Cameras
We all know that it’s possible to shoot award-winning images with a pinhole camera and candlelight, but most assignments call for one or more top-grade cameras. The manufacturers have come to the party with a selection of DSLR and mirrorless offerings that are worth more than a second glance.
The mirrorless Leica SL is hard to beat for beauty and quality. It features a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, customisable controls, and a range of weatherproof lenses. There is a certain satisfaction that flows from handling a fine piece of engineering, and the Leica X-U is a perfect example of this. The camera body has aluminium top and bottom plates and dials, and the whole outfit is dust sealed and waterproof. Not just resistant to a few drops of water, you can comfortably take this camera underwater to a depth of 15m. The camera features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3-inch screen and 23mm f/1.7 prime lens.
Olympus also offers a tactile precision tool in the form of the PEN-F. Styled after the rangefinder cameras of yesteryear, the PEN-F looks retro, but handles well with modern features such as a 20-megapixel 4/3 Live MOS sensor, 5-axis image stabilisation, touch screen monitor, and customisable controls.
Another retro styled camera is the Fujifilm X-Pro 2. Simple and tactile to operate, and equipped with a hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder, the X-Pro 2 has an updated 24-megapixel sensor and various other significant improvements over its predecessor, including remote operation by smartphone or tablet.
Meanwhile, Sony’s A7 system remains a mirrorless system favourite, with the A7R Mark II offering a 42-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, with ISO expandable to 50-102,400.
Traditional DSLR users remain well looked after in 2016, with major new offerings from both Nikon and Canon. Nikon’s D5 and Canon’s 1D X Mark II offer a long list of impressive features including the ability to shoot 4K video – something also available with the mirrorless Leica SL. Nikon’s flagship camera, central to the D5 is its speed and precision. The new generation AF system is not only intelligent, lightning-fast, and intuitive, but effortlessly tracks fast-moving subjects to yield sharp images. The AF system relies on 153 focus points - 99 of which are cross-type sensors. In another first for Nikon, the camera’s ISO pushes the envelope even further, achieving a maximum ISO of 102,400, expanded up to an astounding ISO 3,280,000.
Also featuring 4K video, in what is fast becoming an industry staple, is the new Hasselblad H6D system. The H6D range includes both 100 and 50-megapixel options, along with an HD rear touchscreen, Wi-Fi and CFast plus SD card slots.
The triple enemies of the travelling professional photographer when it comes to gear are weight, cost and security. Need 4K without bulk? Panasonic’s Lumix GX85 packs 4K video capability into a body weighing a mere 500g with lens and battery. This mirrorless camera also features a 16-megapixel sensor, touchscreen and traditional dial controls. The extensive lens range is augmented by Panasonic adapters that allow the mounting of Leica M lenses.
Coming relatively late to the action camera party with a delectable offering is Nikon with the KeyMission 360 – an entirely new type of camera producing footage that allows for a totally immersive experience. This Wi-Fi equipped, waterproof and shock-resistant camera uses a dual lens/sensor arrangement to shoot 360 degree video in 4K. Vibration reduction is achieved through electronic application trickery during playback to dampen the effect of camera shake.
Glass and adapters
Quality glass is the cornerstone of every photographer’s kit. And the best glass will continue to deliver outstanding results over many years and many upgrades of camera body.
Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is perfect for when you need to get close to the action. The compact, super-telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, surfing, sport, and performance photography. It has an electromagnetic diaphragm, and image stabilisation offering approximately 4.5 stops of vibration reduction with Sports mode. The lens can be used with an optional Nikon 1.4x, 1.7x or 2x teleconverter to get even closer.
The Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC portrait lens is the world's first fast-aperture telephoto lens with vibration compensation, and incorporates low dispersion and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the design to minimise colour fringing and maximise sharpness.
Lighting
The continuing effort to enhance power and portability is nowhere more evident than in the world of lighting. The use of LED lighting to reduce power consumption is accompanied by improved battery technology to offer more lighting use between recharges. There are additional benefits in the form of enhanced reliability from LED lights and reduced weight and bulk from the improved batteries. Collectively, these improvements deliver worthwhile benefits when it comes to shooting on location.
The Siros L is Broncolor’s new lithium-ion battery-powered compact monobloc and comes in a 400W and 800W option. The 400W can flash at full power 440 times, or over 1700 flashes at reduced power settings, on a single battery charge, while the 800W can achieve roughly 220 full power flashes. The modelling light is LED, and the whole unit is controllable from an app by Wi-Fi. The Siros L is easily transportable as the battery fits into the top of the monobloc unit itself.
Continuing the theme of more flashes per charge is the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT. Canon claims 50 percent more flashes continuously compared with its predecessor, and a 100 percent increase when used with the new CP-E4N compact battery pack. The unit is dust and weather-sealed and has a maximum guide number of 60 at ISO 100.
Not the lesser Banana in Pyjamas, but an ‘on or off’ camera flash unit, the ‘B2’ from Profoto consists of a battery pack and compact flash head. The head is designed for use either on a stand or on the camera itself, and uses an LED modelling light to conserve power from the Li-ion battery. Profoto claims a full charge will last for 215 full-power flashes.
The EF-200V Sun Light is a continuous LED light from Jinbei which represents another approach to reducing weight and complexity. It is shaped like a traditional monobloc studio flash and uses the Bowens S-type, 3-point mounting hub. The unit, however, uses LED lighting to produce the equivalent of a 2000W tungsten light. This allows it to run for longer at lower temperatures and with longer service life. Wireless control is also available, a feature now a ‘must have’ in top-line units.
Lightweight and lower power consumption are also features of the Westcott Flex LED system. The 5600K colour temperature Flex panels are about 6mm thick and can be moulded into shape as required, so the unit can operate as modifier and light source in one. Applications include lighting confined spaces, such as a car interior, with various size panels and accessories now available.
Storage and processing
Photographers have been talking about the problems of larger files for years; certainly since cameras started sporting larger than 20-megapixel sensors and HD or 4K video became standard. And 6K or 8K video will not make the storage challenge any easier.
The QNAP TVS-871T is designed for those who require efficient 4K or 3D workflows. Up to two Thunderbolt-equipped devices can connect to the TVS-871T to process video editing simultaneously, while 4K videos can be directly displayed on a 4K monitor through HDMI. Capacity is scalable up to a truly mind-bending 448TB with suitable Thunderbolt 2 storage expansion enclosures.
WD offer a personal cloud, now in the form of the upgraded My Cloud EX2 Ultra with a 1.3GHz dual-core processor for faster transfer rates for video streaming. Users have access to 1GB of DDR3 memory and up to 16TB capacity, allowing easier multitasking. If necessary, users can send customised, private links to allow recipients read/write access to particular files on the My Cloud.
For those on the go, the Lexar Portable SSD is a compact storage device with read speeds up to 450MB/s and write speeds up to 245MB/s, and comes in 256GB and 512GB capacities. This offers useful data management options for backup, travelling, or transferring large amounts of data between computers.
Process large image files with the ASUS VivoMini VC65R. The world’s smallest mini PC, it can be hooked up to any monitor, HDMI-equipped TV, or projector. It can accommodate up to four 2.5-inch solid state or hard disk drives, and has a desktop-grade 6th-generation Intel Core processor. RAID support for faster data access speeds means that it’s also ideal for a NAS or server system. The unit is also suggested for 4K home theatre applications, or for connection to several displays for more onscreen desktop space.
Monitors
Good digital captures are nothing without a professional-grade monitor to view and edit them on. The ASUS ProArt PA329Q 32-inch, 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution display offers many attractive features including built-in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) functionality which allows users to view content from multiple 4K UHD sources simultaneously, or switch between them. The monitor offers 10-bit colour to display over 1.07 billion colours and can reproduce 99.5% of the Adobe RGB colour space.
One of the latest offerings from EIZO is new, all-in-one 24-inch professional graphics monitor, the CG2420. This display offers plenty of features as standard including a built-in calibration sensor to automate your workflow along with a hood to reduce glare from ambient light. The monitor can be calibrated to much higher contrast for video production, or to low contrast for photographers who print images on fine art papers. Users can calibrate for both, and flick between the two choices depending on the task.
Printers
The Epson SureColor P800 produces professional-quality photographic and fine art images in sizes up to A2, and larger with the optional 17-inch roll support. The printer uses large, cost-effective ink cartridges and combines advanced UltraChrome HD pigment ink with Epson's innovative MicroPiezo print head to enable gallery-quality black-and-white output as well as exhibition-quality colour prints complete with breathtaking blues and violets.
Supports
The need for traditional gear such as a reliable tripod has not disappeared, nor has the dubious pleasure of carrying the things. Leading support manufacturers work hard to lessen the load without sacrificing strength.
Gitzo’s Systematic is their top-of-the-range tripod family, designed specifically for professional photographers who use long lenses and heavy cameras. The tripods are modular, with a top casting element that opens and closes to allow each tripod to be configured with a flat disk, geared or sliding centre column, video half-ball adaptor, levelling base or other Systematic accessories. The carbon fibre GT5562LTS is designed for strength and torsional rigidity under extreme loads of up to 40kg and with lenses up to 800mm.
The refreshed Manfrotto 290 range includes the Dual, which has a 90° column mechanism to allow different creative options through camera positioning. The centre column can be lifted out and moved to the horizontal position, without disassembly or removing the head or camera.
Bags
Dear to every photographer’s heart is the camera bag. After all, it’s a little awkward lugging your whole kit around in a bunch of doubled-up shopping bags! The offerings in 2016 have been spectacular as manufacturers respond to requests for bags meeting an increasing number of unique or complex requirements.
The Think Tank Photo Production Manager 50 is their largest case to date. A veritable behemoth, it’s designed for lighting gear and should easily accommodate 3 – 4 flash heads and 2 – 3 power packs, along with a lot of other gear. If you use compact flash units, there should be even more room in the bag for other essential gear.
From MindShift Gear, the FirstLight 40L backpack is designed for outdoor photographers, and is the one to have while trekking the Himalayas, or perhaps the Gold Coast. The high capacity backpack is said to be carry-on compatible, but check with your airline first. The FirstLight has a contoured, 11-point adjustable torso harness and accommodates a hydration reservoir.
Drones
The drone technology revolution is not going to end any time soon, partly because of the same battery technology improvements that are reducing the weight of lighting and other battery powered equipment. Improved, miniaturised guidance systems and stabilisers are allowing these small aircraft to become smaller, easier to fly, and more capable of carrying a range of cameras.
The Parrot Bebop 2 is a compact and easy-to-pilot quadcopter drone, and weighs only 500 grams. Equipped with the latest generation of sensors and technology, the Bebop 2 boasts an impressive 25 minutes’ flight time. The drone can be piloted with a smartphone or a tablet via Wi-Fi, and its 14-megapixel embedded fisheye camera is digitally stabilised on 3-axes and captures Full-HD video, all recorded on the 8GB flash memory.
The DJI Phantom IV offers automatic obstacle avoidance as well as a stabilised gimbal camera mount. The on-board camera can shoot 4K video, and is capable of tracking a moving subject. Endurance is claimed to be 28 minutes with a control range of 5km. Few photographers are likely to fly it at the claimed maximum speed of 72km/h, but the speed provides an indication of how far technology has come for these small battery powered aircraft.
Goodies
Power reserves for mobile phones are commonplace now. Less common however, is a portable power reserve for larger devices such as laptops. Goal Zero’s most powerful kit, the Sherpa 100 is equipped with two USBs for phones and tablets, a 12V port for lights, a port specifically for laptops, and even an optional AC inverter for DSLR cameras. So no matter where you are, and whatever you’re doing, especially if you’re miles from the nearest wall socket, you’ll never have to worry that you can’t power your critical tools of the trade. You can charge the Sherpa 100 from the wall or car, or literally anywhere in the great outdoors when paired with Goal Zero’s portable line of solar panels. You can expect anywhere between 6 – 20 charges for your camera and one to two for your laptop. And if you don’t need to store power in the Sherpa 100, the Nomad 20 Solar Panel charges USB/12V devices directly from the sun as fast as from the wall.
Sitting around an iPad showing a couple the precious images of their wedding day or their 10-day-old newborn is so 2010. And besides, it doesn’t make for a very comfortable viewing experience. Lenovo’s Yoga Tab 3 Pro is no ordinary tablet, so you won’t have to give your clients an ordinary experience. Billed as “the ultimate video tablet”, what sets this impressive device so far apart from any of its competition is its integrated, rotatable projector. Boasting an output of 50 lumen, it can project an image up to 70” (178cm) on any wall. And with four big integrated front-facing JBL speakers and powerfully immersive Dolby Atmos, you can be sure that your next out-of-studio client viewing is sure to provide an impressive experience.
Quite possibly the ultimate when it comes to Wi-Fi routers, the D-Link AC5300 Ultra, with tri-band, delivers Wi-Fi speeds up to 5,332Mpbs. It’s ideal for 4K video streaming and multiple device usage. Its Advanced AC SmartBeam technology delivers individual beams of bandwidth where you need it the most so you’re unlikely to experience any blackspots in your studio.
If there’s one thing photographers hate, it’s dust. And there’s nothing worse than a dusty space to greatly increase your changes of the evil matter making its way on to your sensor. Quite possibly the best item any photographer can buy for their assistant is Dyson’s latest cordless vacuum, the V6 absolute. The powerful unit comes with a multitude of attachment for your every need, and also manages to look extremely sexy.
Part James Bond, part MacGyver, the Leatherman Tread is a wearable, stylish collection of interchangeable links, each designed to offer a variety of tools that allows you to solve everyday problems or respond to critical situations on set, or in fact anywhere. The travel-friendly multi-tool is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant 17-4 stainless steel links that include two to three functional tools each, with a total of 29 usable features, including box wrenches and screwdrivers, and even a bottle opener – all available at a moment’s notice. The Tread is available in stainless steel and DLC (diamond-like coating) black finish.