Highlighting the most recently announced and notable imaging products, Digital Imaging Reporter’s 2016 Product Showcase is a signature feature of our exclusive coverage of the digital imaging/photography sector at CES 2016.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a small, entry-level camera with in-body, 5-axis IS, a 16MP Live MOS sensor and a TruePic VII processor. Its voice coil motor IS was developed to offer a solution to image blur caused by camera shake. With up to four shutter speed steps, it allows for longer exposures and lower ISOs for clear handheld shots and video. A 2.36M-dot OLED EVF provides a 100% field of view and a 1.23x magnification rate. An AF targeting pad permits users to keep an eye on the viewfinder while tracing a thumb on the rear touch screen to adjust focus point.
Other features: 8.5-fps bursts; Full HD video capability; art filters; effects; photo story; live composite, which captures light displays; live bulb, to capture light trails; a live time mode for light painting images; 4K time-lapse shooting; focus bracketing; and keystone compensation. Body only, $649.99. olympusamerica.com
HD Pentax-D FA 24–70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR Lens
This high-performance 17-element, 12-group, wide-angle zoom for full-frame Pentax K-mount DSLRs incorporates four aspheric elements, three ED, one anomalous dispersion element and multilayer HD coating to deliver exceptionally sharp, clear images over its entire range.
Its large f/2.8 constant maximum aperture reduces the need for a tripod in low-light conditions, and a supersonic direct-drive (SDM) motor provides swift, accurate, quiet AF. A rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to the pleasing quality of out-of-focus image areas known as bokeh. In addition, a quick-shift focusing system allows manual focus at any time, and a zoom lock lever prevents creep when carrying the lens. Weather-resistant construction allows the lens to be used in rain or snow. $1,299.99. ricohimaging.com
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens
This 19-element, 12-group long telephoto zoom for FX-format Nikon DSLRs has a constant maximum aperture of f/5.6 for consistent performance over the entire range. It incorporates three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortion and enhance sharpness and color accuracy. Its silent wave motor delivers fast, precise, nearly silent AF and can be manually overridden at any time.
VR image stabilization provides a 4.5-stop advantage in maintaining sharpness in handheld shooting. And it includes sport mode for capturing distant subjects at high frame rates or when panning with fast-moving action. Other features: electromagnetic aperture control; super-integrated coating; a rounded 9-blade diaphragm for enhanced bokeh; a 750mm reach on DX cameras; and a detachable, rotatable tripod collar. $1,399.95. nikonusa.com
Manfrotto’s 290 Collection of Tripods & Monopods
A renewed range of tripods, kits and monopods, the 290 Collection keeps the heritage of the previous Manfrotto 290 family while upgrading its component products. Made in Italy, the collection is composed of three tripods—the 290 Light, 290 Xtra, 290 Dual—and a new 290 monopod.
290 Light. It has an aluminum body that, together with its adjustable aluminum leg locks, makes it a portable yet reliable support. It comes in two kitted versions, bundled with a foldable three-way head or a compact ball head.
290 Xtra. More flexible thanks to the new four-leg angle positions, it’s available in aluminum with ergonomic control and is built to provide solid support with an adjustable aluminum leg lock. The aluminum version comes as a stand-alone tripod or in three kit options. A carbon fiber version is available as a stand-alone tripod and in a kit with a ball head or three-way head.
290 Dual. This tripod keeps the sturdy construction of the 290 with a patented 90° column mechanism. Its center column lifts out with one-finger action and swings to the horizontal position without disassembly. This feature, together with the four-leg angle positions, enables the tripod to reach ground level. SRPs: $49.99–$299.99. manfrotto.us
Canon EOS M10 Mirrorless Camera
Canon’s EOS M10 mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera comes with the retractable EF-M 15–45mm f/3.5–6.3 IS STM lens that shortens and locks into a compact size. For capturing selfies, a 3″, 1,040K-dot LCD tilts up 180º. The touch panel also lets users browse images and navigate menus. A creative assist mode permits them to adjust settings and add effects, and a self-portrait mode adjusts settings to enhance skin smoothness and brightness.
The camera employs an 18MP APS-C-format CMOS sensor, a Digic 6 processor and a hybrid CMOS AF II system. It provides ISO 100–12,800 sensitivities (expandable to 25,600), 4.6-fps shooting and records Full HD movies at 24p/30p in MP4 format. Other features: Wi-Fi/NFC; a mobile device connect button; and app-based remote control featuring live view in compatible devices. It also works with Canon’s Connect Station CS100 home hub device. $599.99. usa.canon.com
Sony Alpha α7S II Full-Frame Camera
Sony’s full-frame a7S II mirrorless model is engineered for ultrahigh sensitivity and wide dynamic range across its entire ISO settings of ISO 50–409,600, thanks to a 35mm, full-frame, 12.2MP sensor and Bionz X processor. Plus, it incorporates 5-axis IS.
Video credentials include 4K movie recording in XAVC S. Because information from all pixels is utilized without line skipping or pixel binning, the camera is said to produce 4K movies with negligible moiré. This full pixel readout without pixel binning is also employed when shooting Full HD video (24p/30p), where the camera collects information from five times as many pixels required to generate 1,920×1,080 video and oversamples the information, “producing movies of extremely high quality.”
Other features: 120-fps Full HD recording; S-Gamut/S-Log2, S-Gamut3.Cine/S-Log3, S-Gamut3/S-Log3 and zebra function improvements; 169 AF points; a 0.78x magnification OLED Tru-Finder with Zeiss T* coating; silent shooting mode; Wi-Fi/NFC; and a magnesium alloy body. $3,000. sony.com
Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Camera
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 70 features an updated design, a special selfie mode and a high-performance flash that automatically calculates surrounding brightness and adjusts shutter speeds. Giving users more options for taking instant pictures that can be shared in person and online with #myinstax, the Mini
70 offers several enhancements: an improved viewfinder for better viewing; automatic exposure and flash functions; a high-key mode that lets users take brighter photos; a smart selfie mode that automatically adjusts settings for taking selfies using a front-facing selfie mirror; and a tripod mount. $139.95.
Instax Mini film provides instant color pictures shot at ISO 800. The film is a credit-card size 2×3″ with a 1.8×2.4″ image area. It has a blank strip at the bottom so users can write a message. 20 exposures, $19.95. fujifilmusa.com
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Redesigned with three SLD (special low dispersion) glass elements, with the widest elements in the front optical groups for enhanced performance at large apertures, this 13-element, 6-group lens delivers exceptional image quality. It creates beautiful bokeh thanks to its rounded 9-blade diaphragm.
For full-frame DSLRs, it’s optimized for portraiture, still life, reportage, street photography and low-light shooting. Other features: a floating element to reduce movement when focusing; one molded glass aspheric for enhanced color and sharpness; an optimized autofocus algorithm for smoother focusing down to 15.7 inches (max. mag. 1:5.6); and super multilayer coating to reduce flare and ghosting. Befitting its high-end specs, it sports a solid brass bayonet mount for accuracy and durability, and a hypersonic motor (HSM) for ultrafast, precise AF and full-time manual focus. $949. sigmaphoto.com
Panasonic AW-UE70 Pro 4K PTZ Camera
Panasonic’s AW-UE70 integrated 4K pan/tilt/zoom camera delivers 3,840×2,160-resolution images at 29.97p/25p via HDMI and is capable of 4K IP streaming and in-camera 4K recording. Its pan-tilt head (pan of ±175°/tilt of –30° to 90°) is designed for precise, fluid movement in all directions, to enable capture without excessive vibration. It records several HD formats, including 1080/59.94p/50p and 720/59.94p/50p.
Functions include genlock, OIS, 1,300 lines of horizontal resolution and remote switchable ND filters. With 3G-SDI and HDMI video outputs, it incorporates a 1/2.3-type MOS sensor. It boasts direct audio/video streaming to 2160/30p. Its IP streaming—along with standard IP-control, built-in audio input and PoE+ (power over LAN cable) capabilities—allows “single-cable” remote production applications. It also functions as a USB webcam for videoconferencing—with a 20x lens, a 65.1º field of view plus simultaneous IP/USB streaming and control. Other features: dynamic range stretch; digital noise reduction; HDR mode; color temperature, gamma correction and chroma level adjustment; preset memories for recall; and a built-in tally light. $5,850. panasonic.com
Tamron 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC Zoom
Tamron’s lightweight, high-performance lens for APS-C DSLRs zooms from 18–200mm and weighs 14.1 ounces. The 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC uses the most modern optical and mechanical design to achieve compactness and performance. Incorporating VC (vibration compensation) image stabilization technology, the all-in-one lens delivers versatility to shoot in a variety of settings, from true wide angle to telephoto. It can even be used for close-up shots with its 19.3-inch minimum object distance.
It uses a newly designed autofocus drive module with optimal DC motor-gear train integration to focus more quickly and quietly than models with conventional DC motors. Other features: 16 elements in 14 groups; a low dispersion lens element to minimize chromatic aberrations; a circular, 7-blade aperture diaphragm to provide artistic bokeh; moisture-resistant construction; and a zoom lock. $249. tamron-usa.com
Tiffen XLE Filters
The XLE (extreme long exposure) filters, available in three types, reduce the amount of light passing through the lens without altering color balance. This allows wider apertures to be used to create pictorial effects with shallow depth of field.
Tiffen Axent filters are designed for full-frame DSLRs and Fujifilm X-Trans APS-C mirrorless cameras to achieve highly stylized IR color effects. Tiffen’s Advantix filters cut infrared up to 800nm and work with most CMOS and MOS sensors in long-exposure applications, to blur movement in an image. Additionally, Tiffen Apex filters, for all DSLRs, APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors, incorporate a near-IR blocker and a hot mirror to eliminate all IR pollution in long exposures. Price varies by type and size. tiffen.com
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II Full-Frame P&S
The RX1R II employs a 42.4MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor that’s paired with a Bionz X processor and prime Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 lens. The lens has a macro shift ring for focusing as close as 14cm, a 9-blade aperture to produce bokeh and an in-lens shutter that allows 1/2,000-sec flash synch.
The camera achieves ISO 100–25,600, expandable to ISO 50–102,400 (stills), and uncompressed 14-bit RAW capture. Notably, it uses an optical, variable low-pass filter. Settings include “off,” which provides comparable effects to having no
low-pass filter and prioritizes resolution; “standard,” which balances resolution with moiré and artifacts removal; and “high,” which places emphasis on reducing moiré and artifacting.
Other features: Full HD XAVC S video at 60p/30p/24p; Fast Hybrid AF with 399 phase-detection and 25 contrast AF points; a 0.74x magnification, retractable 2.4M-dot OLED viewfinder with Zeiss T* coating; a 3″, 1.2M-dot tilting LCD; 5-fps bursts with AF tracking; and Wi-Fi /NFC. $3,300. sony.com
Eyefi Mobi Pro Wi-Fi SD Memory Card
Eyefi’s 16GB Mobi Pro Wi-Fi card ($69.99) provides photographers with instant access from any smartphone, tablet or PC to their digital camera images. Mobi Pro 16GB includes one year of Eyefi Cloud (a $49.99 value), providing unlimited storage and synchronization to the cloud. Eyefi Cloud also archives RAW, JPEG and video files to a desktop computer.
With Mobi Pro, photographers can send JPEGs to a mobile device for instant preview, quick editing and sharing, and send RAW files to a computer for postproduction. Images are automatically, securely transferred, whether shooting on location, at home or in studio. On location, Mobi Pro creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot; at home, it connects to a local network. It also leverages Eyefi Cloud, for automatic transfer of new images captured using any device, unifying collections with original-resolution photos from any source and organizing them by date and time. eyefi.com
Fujifilm Fujinon XF16mm f/1.4R WR Lens
For landscape, portrait, street or macro photography, this X-mount lens provides 24mm-equivalent wide-angle coverage with Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras. Its dramatic wide field of view and f/1.4 max aperture deliver high image quality in low-light conditions and macro photography with a 6-inch minimum working distance.
A rounded, 9-blade diaphragm creates pleasing bokeh in out-of-focus areas of the image. Its optical design includes two aspherical elements and two ED elements to reduce spherical and chromatic aberrations. It also uses high-transmittance electron beam coatings on lens surfaces to ensure light transmission and minimize flare and ghosting, as well as Nano GI coating on the rear surface. Other features: a 0.11-sec AF speed; a focus ring with depth-of-field scales; and weather-resistant construction. $999. fujifilmusa.com
Canon XA35 and XA30 Compact HD Camcorders
Canon’s portable XA35 and XA30 Full HD camcorders are engineered to capture video in low light and feature a 20x HD optical zoom lens, an HD CMOS PRO sensor with low-luminance noise of +3dB, a Digic DV4 processor and intelligent OIS. Recording modes include: highlight priority, for the faithful expression of tonal gradations, colors and sharpness in the mid- to high-brightness range; and wide DR, with a dynamic range expandable to 600% to help minimize under- and overexposed areas. Both provide Full HD (60p/native cinematic 24p) 1,920×1,080 video capabilities, recordable in AVCHD and MP4 formats, and an HD/SD-SDI output (XA35) to feed to microwave vans, satellite uplinks, etc.
Other features: dual SD slots; slow (0.4x) and fast (1,200x) recording; a 3.5″, 1.23M-dot OLED touch panel; a 10,000:1 contrast ratio EVF; controllable iris; HD peaking for focus assist; manual control; display functions for adjustment of zebra and color bars; wireless FTP file transfer of MP4 video; and wireless remote control via a web browser. XA35, $2,999; XA30, $2,499. usa.canon.com
Zeiss Loxia 2.8/21 Full-Frame Lens
Zeiss’s Loxia 2.8/21 is a super-wide-angle lens for compact, full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. With an optical design based on the Zeiss Distagon, the lightweight lens has an electronic interface that transmits lens data (EXIF) and focus movements, and—if desired—activates a magnifying function. There’s the option for manual focusing with end stop and the mechanical setting of the aperture.
With an angular field exceeding 91º, the lens is said to enable naturally proportioned images with a low 9.84″ minimum object distance. Videographers will appreciate the mechanical deactivation of the aperture click stop for infinite aperture settings (de-click), and smooth focus operation with a 90º-rotation angle to allow for fine variations when focusing video cameras. Other features: 11 lens elements in 9 groups; bokeh; a metal barrel; a 52mm diameter; weather protection on the mount; and lens shade. $1,499. zeiss.com
Plustek ePhoto Z300 Photo Scanner
Plustek Technology’s ePhoto Z300 is a single-sheet scanner designed to digitize photos without scratching them. It features a protected scanning path via elevated rollers that provide a soft media touch. The scanned photo will only be handled by the roller, without causing damage. Plus, with most flatbed photo scanners, users need four steps: lift the lid; lay the photos out one-by-one on the bed; close the lid; and scan. The ePhoto Z300 replaces these steps with a single picture insertion. Once the photo has been detected, the scanner grabs it and scans it automatically.
Other features: a CCD sensor developed to capture a high quality of colors; the ability to detect and scan photos automatically; soft-touched rollers to protect photos; and the capability to scan documents and photos up to 8.5 inches wide. It comes with ABBYY FineReader 9.0 OCR and NewSoft Presto! software. $199. plustek.com
AEE Technology S60 Plus Action Camera
AEE’s S60 Plus action cam comes bundled with accessories, including a waterproof housing for dives down to 130′. It features a 2″, detachable TFT screen for composing shots and accessing the menu. The S60 Plus records Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps. And there are options for frame rates and resolutions, as well as single, burst and continuous shooting. It also takes 16MP stills as individual shots in up to 30-sec intervals, for stitching together time-lapse movies, and in bursts of 8 photos per sec to capture fast action.
The cam syncs to an iOS/Android app for remote control up to 328 feet away via Wi-Fi. Other features: a 130º viewing angle; support for microSD 64GB cards; flat adhesive, quick-release and curved adhesive mounts; a Micro USB cable; a plug bracket unit; and a tether and antifog insert. $250. aeeusa.com
DJI Osmo Image-Stabilized Handheld Camera
DJI’s Osmo is a fully stabilized, 4K handheld camera. It shoots moving hyper-lapse and stationary time-lapse photos and videos as well as tripod-free long exposures. Its Zenmuse X3 camera works with a 3-axis stabilization system to shoot 4K video at 24/25/30 fps or capture 12MP DNG RAW photos. An automatic panorama mode makes shooting 360° panoramas easy: Users hold the Osmo above their heads and tap the shutter button; the camera rotates and captures images.
Plus, a smartphone can be placed in the control handle’s phone holder, so the phone can be used as a viewfinder and all shooting modes can be controlled from the DJI GO phone app. Other features: buttons/controls placed by the user’s thumb; an integrated microphone with audio gain settings; a 3.5mm port for an external microphone; a 94º field-of-view lens; a sleep mode to extend battery life; a tripod mount; and a bike mount. $649. dji.com
Sony’s PXW-X400 HD Shoulder Camcorder
Sony’s shoulder-mount PXW-X400 camcorder offers stronger network and wireless capabilities, improved weight balance, XAVC-Long 60p recording and pool-feed functions. The low-power camcorder uses a 2/3″, 3-chip CMOS sensor and supports several HD/SD formats, including XAVC. It also supports Sony’s Full HD OLED viewfinder.
When a wireless LAN connection is unavailable, the camcorder’s Ethernet interface enables connection to a network for transfer, live streaming and control from a web browser. NFC provides a one-touch link between the camera and a mobile device, while a dedicated app allows preview or remotely controlling camcorder settings. The pool-feed function (HD/SD SDI) records a 1.5G HD-SDI external signal on SxS cards, and an “online button” lets videographers bypass a mobile device or the camera’s menu for direct control of streaming transmission of AV signals; auto-uploading to cloud services/FTP servers; and on/off control over Sony’s PWS-100RX1 server. The camcorder will come in three kits with SRPs from $16,500 (body) to $21,100. sony.com
Lexar Superfast Pro 2933x XQD 2.0 Card
The Lexar Professional 2933x and 1400x XQD 2.0 cards, and the Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 (XQD 2.0 USB 3.0) reader, were introduced for pro videographers, photographers and enthusiasts. The cards are engineered to accelerate workflow when using the latest HD camcorders and high-res DSLRs. They are rated for read transfer speeds to 2933x (440MB/sec) and 1400x (210MB/sec), respectively. They also support PCI Express Gen 2 and USB 3.0.
The Lexar Professional Workflow XR2, an XQD 2.0 USB 3.0 reader, is compatible with the Professional Workflow HR2 Thunderbolt 2/USB 3.0 reader and storage drive hub—as well as the Professional Workflow HR1 USB 3.0 reader and storage drive hub.
Lexar Professional 2933x XQD 2.0 card SRPs: 32GB, $177.99; 64GB, $328.99; 128GB, $616.99. Lexar Professional 1400x XQD 2.0 card: 32GB, $123.99; 64GB, $191.99. Lexar Professional Workflow XR2 reader: $44.99. lexar.com
Polaroid Snap Digital Instant Camera
A CES 2016 Innovations Award honoree, the pocketsize Snap digital instant camera combines digital imaging with a Zero Ink Printing platform. Users can print and share photos at the push of a button, while saving them for upload.
Its updated design incorporates elements of legacy Polaroid instant cameras, like the color spectrum. The 10MP Snap’s integrated printer uses ZINK technology to print color, 2×3″ prints automatically when an image is captured. The printer uses heat to activate and colorize cyan, yellow and magenta dye crystals in ZINK paper. The result is full-color, smudge-proof images printed in under a minute without cartridges, ribbons or toner. The adhesive-backed photos can be used as stickers.
Other features: color, B&W and vintage Polaroid inspired capture modes; a photo booth mode that takes four quick pictures; printing with or without the Polaroid classic border logo; a self-timer function to take instant selfies; and a microSD slot. $99.99. polaroid.com
