Fundamental to Digital Imaging Reporter’s coverage of conventions and trade shows is our signature Product Showcase. While the 2020 NAB Show was canceled, we believe it is now even more important to highlight equipment for multimedia content creators and filmmakers. Of course, we are unable to cover all the products that would have been on display at the NAB Show, but our editors have come up with a representative selection of products for our 2020 NAB Product Showcase.
DIR’s 2020 NAB Product Showcase
Sigma /i Technology-Compatible Cine Art Prime PL Lenses
Sigma’s new Art PL-mount prime lenses support Cooke Optics’ /i Technology communication protocol. Pricing for Sigma PL-mount /i Technology-compatible cine Art primes is as follows: 14mm T2, 105mm T1.5 and 135mm T2: $5,499 each. The 20mm T1.5, 24mm T1.5, 28mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 40mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5 will retail for $3,899 each.
Sigma’s FF High Speed Prime lens line is optimized for large-format camera systems and 8K-resolution shooting. These additions to the prime lineup come with electronic contacts that support Cooke’s /i Technology communication protocol for Art prime PL-mount lenses. By using an /i Technology-compatible cine lens with a cine camera that supports the same protocol, users can see and record lens metadata. This includes focus distance, focal length and aperture. It also helps streamline compositing in postproduction.
Common specifications include: an image circle diameter of FF 43.3mm; an illumination circle diameter of over 46.3mm; a focus ring marked in feet/meters; nine diaphragm blades (circular aperture); and a luminous option for the focus ring and iris ring markings.
Steadicam Air Spreader from Tiffen
The Steadicam Air Spreader is a foldable, screw-in, three-leg base option for the Steadicam Air 15 or Air 25 gas-powered monopods. The device increases the overall stability of the monopods while offering the potential for more comfortable operation, depending on the application. In addition, while using the device, the Air monopods maintain their functionality with rapid deployment and gas-powered lift assistance.
Moreover, the Air Spreader, available as an optional accessory, can be installed in less than a minute. Users unscrew the post that connects the standard rubber foot at the bottom of the monopod and screw the Air Spreader into its place. What’s more, once attached, the Air Spreader’s legs can fold up for packing into a standard Steadicam Air carrying case. Further, an adjustable friction ball head at the top of the accessory allows the angle of the monopod to be adjusted dynamically and locked into place for creative applications. $45.
Nikon D6 Flagship DSLR
Nikons D6 FX-format (full-frame) DSLR is faster and more powerful than previous Nikon DSLRs, delivering crucial workflow improvements, accelerated file transfer, enhanced AF, as well as improved low-light performance down to -4.5 EV.
The D6 uses a densely packed cross-type 105-point AF system with all points selectable, and it achieves AF coverage 1.6x denser than the D5. It also boasts an expanded focus detection range for single-point and dynamic-area AF. Moreover, the D6 has a 14-fps mechanical shutter with full AF/AE and shoots silently for full–res 10.5– fps bursts. It also takes 2MP images at 60 fps and 8MP at 30 fps (live view). Its 20.8MP CMOS sensor provides enhanced dynamic range, and an ISO range of 100–102,400 expands to 3.2 million.
In addition, upgraded connectivity capabilities include a 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard with a 15% faster transmission speed; built-in 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi; wireless transfer using the optional WT-6 transmitter; a USB Type-C connector; and priority image transfer. Other features: 16:9 4K video recording; time-lapse recording; 14 customizable buttons; security lock compatibility to connect anti-theft cables; GPS; dual CFexpress slots; and a magnesium alloy, weather–sealed body. $6,499.95.
Ozen Agile Tripods and Fluid Ball Heads
Not a year since its U.S. launch, Ozen won 60 new high-visibility customers in broadcast field news, commercial/corporate production, university studio production, OEM camera sales, and broadcast video rental. Its Agile fluid heads deliver fleet-compatible broadcast features and ergonomics, integrating into nearly any ENG/EFP fleet.
All Ozen tripods feature a mid-level spreader and rubber feet. Tripod leg tubes are pinned to their anchors. Moreover, two industry-standard camera mounting interfaces—the spring-loaded capture-type E-Z Load and the S-LOC (side load-type)—equip every Agile fluid head.
The full-sized E-Z Load equips the Agile 8 through 20. The 75mm Agile 8 has a full-size E-Z Load with 5+5/0 repeatable increments of pan/tilt fluid drag; 10 repeatable increments of counterbalance; 90º-opposed pan/tilt brakes; an extending pan bar; replaceable pan bar rosettes for longer fluid head usability; and an illuminated bubble-level. These are identical features to the Agile 100mm fluid heads but at 75mm pricing. Agile 8-based systems range from $1,555 to $1,995.
Rotolight Titan X2 LED Light
The Rotolight Titan X2 is an LED soft light utilizing RGBWW technology and a suite of “industry-first features” to enhance creative possibilities. With 25+ patent–protected technologies, the Titan X2 is among the brightest 2×1 soft lights. Moreover, it provides enough power to adapt to any lighting situation and performs across the entire CCT spectrum from 3000K–10,000K.
In addition, SmartSoft technology lets users electronically adjust the light’s diffusion, focus and spread without gels. They can also harness 16.7 million colors; the device has a library of more than 1,300 industry–standard gels accessible at the touch of a button. And with five lighting modes—CCT, HSI, RGBW, XY and Filter—users stay in control of color. Other features include: a PentaChromic color engine to provide precise skin tones and color saturation; an intuitive interface with quick-start icons and 10 customizable presets; a color touch–screen display; a >50,000-hour LED lifespan; Rotolight’s special effects CineSFX suite (fire, lightning, TV, gunshot, paparazzi); high-speed sync flash (1/8000) with zero recycle time; and wireless triggering. $4,699.
Panasonic AG-CX10 Compact 4K Pro Camcorder
Panasonic‘s AG-CX10 is its smallest, lightest 4K 60p pro camcorder. Using the company’s high-precision AF, it provides focusing for 4K and Full HD recording. Panasonic’s Venus engine, found in Lumix cameras, enables 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording at 29.97p in UHD and 59.94p in Full HD. When set for 10-bit recording, the camcorder delivers 4K 60p, 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output, for capture with an external recorder. It also supports the HEVC codec for recording 59.94p at 200 Mbps. In addition to OIS, electronic IS corrects shake in five axes.
Besides MOV, MP4 and AVCHD, the AG-CX10 supports the broadcaster-targeted P2 MXF format for broadcast stations’ editing systems. It also has Ethernet HD livestreaming and NDI|HX-compatible IP connection functions. Moreover, a Leica Dicomar lens offers a 25–600mm, 24x optical zoom. And i.Zoom achieves 32x zoom at 4K resolution. The lens features two manual rings; one for focusing, one for zoom or iris operation. Additionally, 1/4, 1/16, 1/64 and clear ND filters are selectable. Moreover, the camcorder offers face detection AF/AE; a video light built into the handle; support for IR lights; a 1.76M-dot, 3.5″ touch monitor; a 1.56M-dot, tiltable viewfinder; focus-assist functions; and two SD slots. $2,599.99.
Rokinon 50mm T1.5 XEEN CF Professional Cine Lens
Rokinon Xeen CF lenses reflect the trend toward more compact, lightweight and HD cameras. The full-frame 50mm T1.5 cine lens utilizes carbon fiber for a sturdier, lighter design. With an average weight of 2.1 lbs. and length of less than 4″ (Canon, PL and Sony E mounts), it also offers compatibility with drones and gimbals. Moreover, the it supports large image sensors and the 8K capability of the latest cinema cameras.
Able to operate in low light, it has a unique X-coating technology to reduce flare and ghosting and produce low coma. In addition, a bright T1.5 aperture and 11-blade circular diaphragm allow photographers to create distinctive looks and beautiful bokeh. The true cine lens also features unified focus and aperture gear positions for easier follow focus use; tight color matching; dual calibrated right- and left-side distance and T-stop scales; and the smooth movement of the geared focusing and aperture controls. Other features include internal focusing; a de-clicked aperture; and an 18″ minimum focusing distance. In Canon, PL and Sony E mounts, $2,995.
Canon USA 8K Broadcast Lenses
Canon offers two 8K broadcast lenses compatible with 8K broadcast cameras with 1.25-inch sensors.
UHD-DigiSuper 51 8K. This field zoom provides high-quality optical performance for 8K broadcast cameras from the screen’s center to periphery. It integrates a 51x zoom and a focal range from 15.5mm to 790mm. It also features a built-in 1.5x extender that increases its focal length to 1185mm. Realizing high magnification, this lens provides the same operability as a conventional 2/3-inch HDTV or 4K field zoom lens. This allows users to switch to 8K shooting without changing the shooting style.
7×10.7 KAS S 8K. With a 7x zoom that covers a 10.7–75mm range, the portable lens works for various broadcasting applications. From the center of the screen to the corners of the periphery, it has the resolution and contrast compatible with 8K broadcast cameras. It also has the same operability as a conventional 2/3-inch HDTV or 4K portable zoom lens. User-friendly, it provides mobility for on-the-move shooting.
The 7×10.7 KAS S is now available. The UHD-DigiSuper 51 will be available in May.
SanDisk 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C
The SanDisk brand released its newest dual connector flash drive early this year. The storage device allows photographers to capture more photos and videos. The all-metal, high-capacity drive enables the transfer of photo and video content between USB Type-C devices: tablets and laptops as well as USB Type-A computers. Able to fit on a keychain, it offers impressive space in a tiny form factor that’s can always be on hand. Further, the drive has a swivel design to protect its connectors.
In addition, using the SanDisk Memory zone app, the drive will automatically back up the photographer’s latest photos, videos, music as well as documents. Already available in capacities ranging from 32GB to 512GB, the new 1TB SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Luxe USB Type-C will reach retail this calendar quarter. It has a suggested retail price of $249.99.
Hasselblad XCD 4/45P Compact Digital Medium-Format AF Lens
To further the capabilities of Hasselblad X system cameras, the company launched the Hasselblad XCD 4/45P lens for its digital medium-format camera system. Designed for utmost portability, the XCD 45P stands as the most lightweight and compact XCD lens; it weighs in at 0.7 lb. and measures 1.85 in. Its minimal weight coupled with the X1D II and Phocus Mobile 2 will permit creatives to go physically farther with their creative visions due to lighter gear in their kit.
The lens incorporates two aspherical elements. In addition, it is designed with discreet portability in mind; thanks to evolved technologies, the autofocus motor and leaf shutter were reduced in audible noise. It also provides a minimum focus distance of 13.8 in. and a maximum image scale of 1:5.2. What’s more, a mechanically connected focus ring gives the lens responsive manual focus. In addition, its built-in leaf shutter allows for flash sync up to 1/2,000s. $1,099.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone
DJI’s Mavic 2 Pro is the first drone with an integrated Hasselblad camera and the Mavic Pro’s folding design. It boasts advanced intelligent features like ActiveTrack, as well as an increased flight time of 31 minutes and more stable 1080p video transmission. Engineered with Hasselblad, it houses a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile. The camera captures four times as many levels of color per channel than previously. It also takes 20MP shots with color accuracy based on Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution technology.
Other features: an adjustable aperture from f/2.8–11; 4K 10-bit HDR support; 14 stops of dynamic range; Hyperlapse mode, which produces establishing shots that show the passing of time; an improved Advanced Pilot Assistance avoidance system; and JPEG/RAW photos can be simultaneously saved on a microSD card/8GB internal storage. Users can select circle, course lock, waypoint or free mode to create time-lapse content with the DJI GO 4 app. $1,499.
Tether Tools Air Direct Wireless Tethering System
Tether Tools’ Air Direct wireless tethering system connects and transfers images instantly from cameras to a computer, tablet or phone. Air Direct is compatible with all cameras with tethering ability. Photographers can shoot wirelessly using Capture One Pro, Lightroom, Darkroom and other software, utilizing all features native to the software. The device creates a wireless PTP connection from camera to computer. It provides dual band antennae broadcasting at 2.4GHz or 5GHz, with a range up to 200 feet. USB-C and 802.11ac wireless protocols also provide the latest transfer technology.
The device has its own power source: a 2,000 mAh LP-E6 battery with a 4- to 6-hour battery life, so it does not draw from the camera’s battery. In addition, a DC power port enables continuous power via AC or larger external batteries. Also, batteries can be hot-swapped without powering down. Further, Nikon and Canon users can take advantage of the Air Remote mobile tethering application. The wireless camera remote controller app features creative zone control; live view; bracketing; time-lapse; focus stacking; bulb time; and movie mode. $329.99.
Delkin Juggler USB-C SSD
Delkin Devices added to its line of products for the professional video market. The Delkin Juggler is a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C portable cinema SSD. The SSD is specifically for use with today’s USB-C supported professional video cameras, including the Blackmagic Design 4K Pocket Cinema camera.
With a removable USB-C cable, the SSD boasts write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Moreover, the Juggler works with various USB-C supported cameras to provide safe recording and longer recording times. The device records cinema-quality video footage, including 12-bit Blackmagic RAW 4K at 60 fps. In addition, the Juggler includes a mounting clip with a built-in ¼-20” male thread for direct camera attachment, so no cage is necessary. The SSD offers plug-and-play editing. Once filming is finished, cinematographers can use the drive to edit directly off of (1050MB/s transfer).
The Delkin Juggler comes in 1TB and 2TB capacities for $299.99 and $499.99, respectively.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K Camera
Blackmagic’s handheld camera features a Super 35 (6,144×3,456) 6K HDR sensor and dual native ISO settings to 25,600. Photographers/videographers can use larger EF photographic lenses to create cinematic images with shallower depth of field, enabling defocused backgrounds and bokeh.
Made from lightweight carbon fiber polycarbonate composite, it has a multifunction handgrip; controls for recording, ISO, WB and shutter angle are at a fingertip. With 13 stops of dynamic range, it shoots 50-fps 6K 16:9 and 60-fps 6,144×2,560 2.4:1 video. It also records at 120 fps in 2.8K and in anamorphic 6:5 using anamorphic lenses in 3.7K. A 5″ touch screen displays shooting info and touch-to-focus controls; on-screen overlays show status, a histogram, focus/peaking indicators, levels, frame guides and playback controls.
Tap-and-swipe gestures adjust settings; users also control 3D LUTs, HDR, timecode and Blackmagic RAW settings. Also featured: CFast/SD UHS-II card recorders; a USB-C port; an HDMI connector; a mini XLR connection; a 3.5mm mic input; a headphone connection; and DaVinci Resolve Studio. $2,495.
Sony Alpha 9 II for Photojournalism & Sports
The a9 II full-frame ILC from Sony was created for sports photographers and photojournalists. It offers enhanced file delivery, 10-fps shooting (mechanical shutter) and weatherproofing. A stacked 24.2MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor provides fast readout and works with a front-end LSI to enhance speed in AF/AE detection and processing.
The ILC integrates a 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling gigabit communication for high-speed, stable transfer. File Transfer over SSL encryption also is supported. PC remote (tether) shooting features a decreased release time lag and reduced live view screen delay (Remote Camera Tool app). In addition, the speed of the wireless LAN functionality was increased with a 5 GHz band. And a voice memo function attaches spoken information to images. Field photographers also can use the ‘transfer & tagging add-on’ Imaging Edge app to transfer voice tags with images to a mobile device.
Other features: 20-fps silent shooting with no viewfinder blackout; 5-axis optical IS (5.5-step shutter speed advantage); anti-flicker shooting; hybrid AF with 693 focal-plane phase-detection points with 93% coverage and 425 contrast points; real-time eye AF (humans/animals); touchpad focus point control via the EVF; dual media slots; and a digital audio interface. $4,500 body only.
Stardom SohoRaid Portable Two-Bay USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Storage
Stardom’s SohoRaid MR2-B31 is a two-bay USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C storage device that comes with a USB Type-C connector. For Mac and Windows, it also works with a Thunderbolt 3 port for plug-and-play operability. The MR2‐B31 supports two 2.5-inch hard drives or solid state drives; achieves data transmission speeds up to 10Gbps; and also offers RAID 0/1/JBOD/BIG compatibility. In addition, it has a slim design and is easy to carry.
It enables users to search data, edit high-resolution photos or watch videos with extreme high speed. Furthermore, four built-in RAID modes include RAID 1 (safe mode), RAID 0 (speed mode), JBOD (two independent volume) and BIG mode. Plus, users can insert any side of a USB cable without distinguishing the front or back side.
Stardom’s MR2‐B31 comes with two Stardom hot-swappable 9.5mm trays, permitting users to transfer data among multiple hard drives alternately. It also features aluminum construction, an HDD access light and a built-in 4cm fan for fast heat dissipation to keep the hard drives functioning properly during long-term use. $229.
