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Manfrotto launches new Element Carbon tripods – A photographer’s best travel companion?

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Manfrotto have just launched a new range of entry level carbon fibre tripods aimed at enthusiast travel photographers. The new Element Carbon range currently features two tripods, Big and Small, which pack up pretty small for easy packing. The Small model handles loads up to 4KG (8.8lbs) while the Big can take a whopping 8KG (17.6lbs).

Each of the carbon fibre legs locks into three positions, and features twist locks to adjust the length. The larger of the two also has a detachable leg, which connects directly to the centre column to create a full size monopod. The ball head also features the popular Arca-style quick release plate rather than the proprietary Manfrotto plate.

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Samyang announces 35mm f/1.4 lens for full frame Sony cameras, for under $800

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After the 35mm f/2.8 lens announced in June, Samyang is expanding their line for another 35mm lens. This time, they are announcing a fast 35mm f/1.4 lens for Sony E-mount. Samyang 35mm f/1.4FE is another autofocus lens in their line-up, intended for Sony full frame cameras.

Samyang 35mm f/1.4FE  competes Zeiss, and it’s almost half the price of the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA. It comes with a price tag of £599, which is around $790.

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SanDisk’s new “Industrial” memory cards are designed for very extreme conditions

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We’ve seen memory cards that have survived the wash, explosions, four years in the ocean and more. But as if memory cards weren’t tough enough already, SanDisk just had to go and make them tougher. Their new line of Industrial and Automotive cards designed to stand up to the intense extremes to which they’re exposed.

The Automotive SD is designed for use within vehicles and drones. The Industrial SD, Industrial microSD and Industrial XI are intended for more mainstream use. The standard Industrual can withstand temperatures of between -13°F (-25°C) and 185°F (85°C). While the top end remains the same, the Automotive and Industrial XI cards are rated down to as ridiculous low of -40°F (which is also -40°C).

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How Google built its “best ever” camera for the Pixel 2 smartphone

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Google’s Pixel 2 smartphone quickly dethroned the new iPhone 8 Plus once DxO Mark got their hands on it. And the reviewers so far seem to be giving it great praise, both as a camera and a phone. But how is the camera inside the Pixel 2 actually put together?

That’s what Nat of Nat and Friends wanted to find out. Being a Google employee, she has a little more access than most of us. So, in this video Nat takes us inside Google’s HQ to speak to engineers and find out more about how the camera’s development and working process.

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The Nikon D850 has the first DSLR sensor to score 100 points on DxOMark

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It probably wasn’t going to be much of a surprise for the new Nikon D850 to do rather well on DxOMark. The pixel peeper’s favourite website rates it as being the best overall sensor on the market, scoring it at a pretty perfect 100.

The 45.7MP sensor contained within the D850 is Nikon’s entry into the world of full frame backside illuminated sensors. It seems to have paid off, for the most part. At base ISO, it’s the best out there for landscapes and second only to the Phase One IQ180 for portraits.

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Canon full frame mirrorless cameras with new sensor coming in 2018, reports say

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After Nikon has officially announced their full frame mirrorless camera, it seems it’s time for Canon now. Website Canon Rumors collected some interesting statements from trusted sources, suggesting that Canon will be launching a new mirrorless camera in late 2018. Or better yet – it may be more than just one camera.

Other than this, they write that the upcoming mirrorless body will not a sensor from Canon’s full frame DSLRs like EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 5D Mark IV. Instead, it will use have a dedicated sensor, developed specifically for this camera.

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5 reasons why you should consider buying into medium format

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Thanks to cameras like the Hasselblad X1D and Fujifilm GFX 50s, there’s been a lot of fuss over medium format the last couple of years. And while those two cameras have helped to drive down the cost of getting into medium format, it’s still not cheap. So, is it worth getting into?

This video from LensProToGo looks at some of the advantages of medium format, and how they might be able to help you as a photographer and a business.

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Lily drone is back, features 4K camera and improved features

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Remember the Lily drone, announced in 2015 and never produced? Well, although they got into all sorts of trouble, they seem determined to rise after the crash. Mota Group, Inc. acquired assets of Lily Robotics this year. They are now introducing Lily Next-Gen, a drone that brings the fun spirit of the original Lily drone but with improved features. The biggest improvement, I’d say, is that the drone seems to be actually produced. But other than that, Mota Group, Inc. announces that the Lily Next-Gen will shoot 4K video, 13MP stills and 120 fps slo-mo at 720p.

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Google Clips puts AI inside a camera to pick the best moments to take a snap

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We’ve all been hearing about AI tech that wants to tell us how good our shots are. Apple recently bought out Regaind to help critique our images. Adobe included something simialr in the newest version of Photoshop Elements 2018. Software solutions so far simply look at the thousands of shots you’ve already made. Google wants to cut out the middleman and put this functionality into the camera.

Google’s new “Clips” camera has quite a few bits missing. It has no LCD, and only one button, a shutter button. Although this button is entirely optional. You see, the camera has AI built into it that uses machine learning to recognise and learn faces. It then seeks out interesting moments to capture all by itself. A little creepy, but also pretty cool.

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Colorspike is an app-controlled stackable multicolour LED light for stills and video

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Bitbanger Labs, makers of the popular Pixelstick light painting tool are at it again. This time it’s a module LED strip which bears more than a striking resemblance to the Spekular lighting system released just last month. But, it has a few rather significant differences. Foremost amongst them being multiple colour options, as well as remote control straight from your phone.

The project is being launched through Kickstarter, and it’s already over halfway towards its goal. It’s an interesting concept, for sure. While it seems aimed more toward effects lighting than realistic lighting, it’s an interesting system. For simulating effects like firelight or red alerts on a submarine, it could be just the ticket.

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