Photo Plus Expo is upon us, and I'm here to give you an exclusive look at what all that happened yesterday. If you're in New York, you're highly encouraged to check out all that is happening. If you're not able to check it out, I am here to show you the new products, exclusive interviews and all the events and news going on in New York this week.
Sony A7R
Perhaps the biggest news to hit the photography world these last few weeks has been the Sony A7R. A full frame sensor beautifully compacted into a small, feature-full mirror less system. Until today, the Sony A7R has been nothing but a press release, photos, and specs. I was able to get my hands on the Sony A7R today at their booth, and I'm really quite impressed with the initial impressions.
Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4
Another big recent announcement was the Zeiss Otus 55mm lens available next week. Priced at a premium price tag of $3,990, the Zeiss 55mm promises the best optical performance at its focal length and is designed for those who can accept no substitutes when it comes to the best color, sharpness and contrast in a lens. Most noticed feature is the size of the lens. This thing is a beast. I was able to mount it to a camera and take a couple test photos with it. The images were sharp, noticeably sharper than my Canon 50mm f/1.2L. Check out my seclusive interview with Nicole at Zeiss as she gives us the rundown of what this lens is all about.
TriggerTrap RedSnap
Kickstarter has been buzzing about the TriggerTrap RedSnap and its ability to capture high speed frames at an affordable price point. Up until this point, being able to have motion and sound sensors that operate at such a quick speed was nearly impossible on a small budget. I was able to get my hands on a prototype of the Redsnap and CEO of Haje Kamps was able to give me an exclusive walk through of the product, with some expected release dates and prices points.
Defy Gimble G2/G5/G10
Certainly you've seen Vincent Laforet's backed MoVi system that incorporates a brushless gimbal to helps maintain fluid motions in a handheld device. Prices at $18K+ the MoVi system is not designed with the budget videographer in mind. Introducing Defy Products, a system that allows you to have a MoVI like system at a fraction of the cost. With controls that allows you to pan and tilt using a joystick the Defy gimbal systems allow you to experience fluid, shake free motion on the go and in a handheld device. Watch as I talk with the owners of Defy, and they explain what makes their products so incredible.
B&H Photo
If you're in town for Photo Plus Expo, one store you must see while in New York is the B&H Photo Superstore. Aside from providing free shuttles to and from the store at their booth, but they're offering plenty of specials and discounts through the weekend. Also, B&H is introducing their new line of aluminium prints, allowing for spectacular color with excellent build quality.
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Keep on the lookout for more exclusive content and videos of products from the showroom floor all this weekend on Fstoppers. We'll be showing some exclusive prototypes, videos and announcements soon.
I'm I reading correctly, that the $4,000 Zeiss lens doesn't autofocus?
Ever noticed that most of their lenses don't have autofocus? I use manual focus 80% of the time for photography and 100% of the time for video.
Yep. Zeiss' market is that high and their products are that good to command that price. Saving up for one, for 2016!
I think the new 58mm Nikkor is going to kill the sale of that Zeiss.
Those Defy products are very good news! Wish I could join you guys at the party this Saturday but I have work til 9:30pm darn.
Party starts at 8 ends at 12. Make it happen cowboy.
Awezum! Darn the whole party's gonna be drunk by the time I get there lol
First thing I noticed about the Sony A7R is that they placed the shutter release button in the wrong place. Your finger naturally gravitates to the grip (where you find it on the Nex 6/7, for example), but it is on the top, where you have to go out of your way to get to it. I found that highly uncomfortable. Bad ergonomics of a critical component.
So the Defy G5 looks good, but it has a 5lb limit and it's only $1200 cheaper than the Movi M5 which also has a 5lb limit. I'm still waiting for someone to come out with a good competitor for the M10...
Great workshop by Drew Janes on the DEFY G-5 and G-2 camera gimbals in Toronto on Friday, December 13, 2013. It was part of Sony's and Vistek's CineAlta Training Event. I was in the front for this interesting presentation.
https://vimeo.com/81946988