Author: David Kilpatrick

Professional photographer and journalist, founder and editor of magazines PHOTOpro, Photon, Freelance Photographer, f2 and Cameracraft. For 25 years director of the Minolta Club. Fellow of the BIPP and Hon. Fellow of the MPA.

New HVL-F43AM Alpha flash with rotating design

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Sony has announced a new HVL-F43AM flashgun using the same type of rotating body design found in the top of the line HVL-F58AM, to replace the existing HVL-F42AM with its traditional bounce design. At the same time, some more Alpha system accessories have been rolled out.

HVL-F43AM ‘rotator’ flash

With a powerful output of GN43 (105mm ISO100 m), the compact yet versatile HVL-F43AM flash from Sony is optimised for superb results with all A-mount cameras.

As featured on the HVL-F58AM, the innovative Quick Shift Bounce system allows flash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions. This maintains consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation, allowing easy creation of natural-looking ‘bounce’ effects.

Smart flash functions open up even broader creative lightning possibilities. Wireless Ratio Control makes it easy to select light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units*. This allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-point lighting effects without the need for complex professional equipment.

Ideal for everyday shooting and more serious applications, its dust- and moisture-resistant design makes the HVL-F43AM ideal for demanding assignments, indoors or outside.

Flash power levels are switchable in 22 increments, from 1/1 through to 1/128 level in 1/3 steps. High output power is complemented by a quick 2.9 second (approx.) recycling time. Despite the flash’s extensive functions, operation is refreshingly clear and simple via the high-quality LCD screen and direction buttons.

Main specification for external flash HVL-F43AM
Guide Number – 43 (105mm, ISO100・m)
Flash Coverage – 24-105mm (15mm focal length covered with built-in wide panel)
Flash Control – Pre-flash control, manual flash control selectable, direct through-the-lens (TTL) flash metering
Bounce Flash – Click positions: up (30°/45°/60°/75°/90°/120°/150°); down (8°); right (30°/45°/60°/90°); left (30°/45°/60°/90°)
Recycling time (based on Sony measurement) – Approx. 2.9 seconds (with alkaline battery)
Battery performance (based on Sony measurement) – Approx. more than 200 flash cycles (with alkaline battery)
Power level switching – 22 levels: (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128), 1/3 steps
Wireless Ratio Control – Available to control by 3 groups when used with DSLR-A900/A850/A700
Other features
Auto WB Adjustment with Colour Temperature Info; Auto zoom control optimised for image sensor size; High-Speed Synchro; Modelling Lighting; Test Lighting; Multi Lighting. Supports camera’s Red-eye reduction feature. Built-in wide panel and bounce sheet. High quality LCD screen.
Compatible Shoe – Auto-lock Accessory Shoe
Included items – Mini-stand, Case
Dimensions (WxHxD) – Approx. 75 x 129 x 87 mm
Weight – Approx. 340g (without batteries)
Power source – Four AA-size cells of the same type, either alkaline or Ni-MH

VCT-55LH bracket
The VCT-55LH is a versatile mounting bracket that offers space for mounting additional ISO cold shoe accessories. A useful add-on for all A-mount cameras by Sony, the bracket can also be used with E-mount cameras such as the NEX-5, NEX-3 and the Handycam® NEX-VG10E HD camcorder.

Other accessories – like a shotgun microphone – can be securely mounted while the camera’s main shoe is occupied. The VCT-55LH is ideal for use with the CLM-V55 clip-on LCD monitor that offers a clear, high-resolution view of images during video and still shooting.

Soft Carrying Case LCS-AMB
The LCS-AMB carry case protects your A-mount camera and attached standard zoom lens while you’re travelling. A special suspended partition cradles the camera securely while allowing quick access. Finished in durable black polyester material, the case can be slung over a shoulder using the supplied strap, carried by the grab handle or attached to a belt. It also features handy pockets with space for up to two extra batteries, spare memory card and lens cap. (NB: Not compatible with DSLR-A900/A850).

Lens Hood ALC-SH111
Compatible with DT 35mm F1.8 SAM and 85mm F2.8 SAM lenses, this round-profile hood shades from direct sunlight to prevent glare and lens flare.

See all accessories by Sony for the α camera system here: www.sony.co.uk/hub/dslr/accessories

The new HVL-F43AM external flash, VCT-55LH bracket, LCS-AMB soft carrying case and ALC-SH111 lens hood for α cameras by Sony are available from Spring 2011.

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Accessories - Minolta/Sony, Bags, cases and trivia, Cameras (DSLR), Flash units, News, NEX System

Pro underwater housing for NEX-5

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Most underwater housings for compact cameras are basic items intended for use down to 10m or so. The NEX-5, with its magnesium alloy body and exceptional 16mm f/2.8 optic with fisheye and wide conversion options, is worth far more than that. It can be turned into the modern-day equivalent of the Nikonos rather than a modern day equivalent of that peculiarly unreliable subaqua Vectis which Minolta bowed out with…

Here’s something which we found in an email for B&H Photo Video. It is not exactly cheap – you are looking at a near-$2000 investment to take your NEX and lenses below the waves – but it’s got a specification to make serious subaqua shooters rush for that low-cost NEX-5 outfit to complete the kit. Especially as anything similar for DSLR cameras may cost 50%, 100%, even more than this.

There is a waiting list now – the Montreal manufacturer (reports Photoclubalpha forum member Javelin) is 4-6 weeks from delivery after a big rush following the product announcement. So if you want one of these for summer, get your order in right now, do not delay as all production is likely to be pre-ordered this year.

To complete this you need an extension and dome port front, of course

The Aquatica AN-5 Underwater Housing for Sony NEX 5 Camera is a compact (5.5 x 3.25 x 6″/14.2 x 8 x 15.4 cm) housing machined from a solid block of aluminum designed for the Sony NEX 5 camera. This lightweight (2.2 lbs/1 kg) housing has a baked-on powder coating and is fully anodized against the corrosive effects of sea water. It has replaceable sacrificial anodes, plus pad printed function labels that won’t peel off or fade. It has built-in dual optical connectors, and all controls are easily accessed, with the LCD screen at a more-comfortable 15° viewing angle. A variety of ports are available for the AN-5 housing.

Note: Requires Lens port
Also Note: Most zoom lenses require a close-up diopter filter to correct focus distance.

  • Accurately balanced ergonomic design – all controls are within easy reach.
  • Depth rating: 300′ (90 m).
  • Excellent balance underwater.
  • Replaceable sacrificial anodes protect the housing from electrolysis.
  • Precision machined from a single aluminum block
  • Lightweight and compact housing is fully anodized
  • Covered with baked-on powder coating to protect against the corrosive effects of sea water
  • All function labels are pad printed so they will not peel off or fade.

Pre-order from B&H

This is a new product, and B&H show it as available for pre-order, along with the accessory ports (to fit either the 18-55mm zoom, the 16mm f/2.8 alone or the 16mm fitted with the VCL-ECF1 fisheye converter) and accessory L-type hand grip. See comments above about production and orders. This is a hot product and likely to be hard to get.

The housing is compatible with the Sea & Sea Y110a slave-strobe underwater flash. This will set you back the better part of $1000 more, but it’s been tested synched with the NEX mini flash and apparently all works well. Flash is essential for good colour at depth, even down 5m or so and you’ll require it in many water conditions. The premium option is the twin Y110a dual unit (the housing has two optical connectors for the strobe’s fibre optic triggering cables).

If you are put off by the cost, maybe you can’t afford that two week trip to the Maldives to photograph manta ray convocations – the basic housing is $1399, a typical dome port as shown is $499 (for the 16mm lens alone, only $159 and the cheapest option), the L-grip is $59, there’s also an optional zoom control. But 90m diving with an APS-C live view autofocus camera with f/2.8 lens focusing down to a few inches, usable ISO to 1600 and then more, has to make this worth the cost. And if you want to match the combo, you can easily spend $10,000 on a DSLR with housing which will not get into the same space or handle anything like as well.

– DK

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Accessories - 3rd party, News, NEX System

60 millionth Nikon lens made

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Nikon celebrates a significant milestone this month, with the production of its 60 millionth NIKKOR interchangeable lens. The landmark figure is the culmination of over 50 years of Nikon’s commitment to supplying professional and amateur photographers alike with the best possible equipment.

Five million lenses have been produced in the last seven months alone, after total production of NIKKOR lenses reached 55 million in August 2010. Since then Continue reading »

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News, Press Releases, Uncategorized

Canon release new Final Cut Pro converter

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Canon today announces the latest update for EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro – the company’s custom-developed software application that provides quicker and easier editing of EOS Movie footage in Apple’s Final Cut Pro software suite.

Launching to coincide with the start of the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.2 will make the importing of EOS Movie files even easier, allowing users to transfer files from any folder, without needing to mirror the folder structure on the camera itself.

The update also enables smoother importing from Canon’s EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D Mark IV models, allowing users to import footage without requiring the THM file generated by the camera.

Originally launched in February 2010, EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro is designed to quickly and seamlessly convert EOS Movie footage from Canon’s leading range of EOS DSLR cameras to Apple’s high-quality ProRes 422 codec. The plug-in allows users to convert footage at approximately twice the speed of Apple’s standard conversion, creating a smoother workflow for the rapidly growing number of videographers shooting HD video content on DSLR cameras.

EOS Movie Plug-in-E1 for Final Cut Pro version 1.2 will be available to download for free from 25th April 2011.

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HD Video, software, Uncategorized

Nissin Di866 flashgun for Alpha

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Kenro, the UK distributor for Nissin, has announced that the powerful and fully featured wireless twin-head Di866 Professional Speedlite is now available in Sony hot shoe fit.

Initially launched in September 2009 with a Canon or Nikon fit, the Di866 is specifically designed for use with digital SLR cameras and comes with many ‘world’s first’ features. This new flash unit is simple to use and can also be fired wirelessly where it can be used as a master or receiver.

Check availability and price in your camera fitting from B&H Photo Video here

With a guide number of 60m (ISO 100 @ 105mm) the Di866 features Nissin’s original ‘My TTL’ user adjustable TTL light output level and is firmware upgradable thanks to an onboard USB port.

The gun also features high speed synchronisation and a fill in sub-flash (12m100 ISO), which is activated while the main flash is bounced and also has a built-in wide angle diffuser and catch-light reflector.

The flash gun comes with an auto-rotate colour display that stays upright whichever way the unit is tilted. The display utilises user-friendly icons to enable ease of operation.

“The Di866 has been a hit with photographers and journalists alike, with one reviewer describing the flash as ‘the most powerful hotshoe flashgun available,’ and I think everyone who uses the flash will agree with that statement,” says Kenro managing director, Paul Kench. “I’m delighted we are now able to offer this unit to Sony users.”

See www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more detail.


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Accessories - 3rd party, Flash units, News

DxO Optics Pro 6.5.4 adds Alpha 580

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February 10, 2011 – DxO Labs is pleased to announce the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v6.5.4 for Mac and Windows that adds RAW support for the Olympus E-PL2, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 in both its Standard and Elite editions. Further, 69 new DxO Optics Modules are now available to DxO Optics Pro users, covering numerous Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras.

Availability and price
DxO Optics Pro v6.5.4 for Windows and Mac, Standard and Elite editions are available from DxO Labs’ e-store and selected resellers at the following prices:
DxO Optics Pro Standard edition: $169 / 149 € / £ 99
DxO Optics Pro Elite edition: $299 / 299 € / £ 199
€ and £ prices include sales taxes and VAT.

All customers who purchased DxO Optics Pro since June 1st, 2009 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 6.5.4.
System Requirements
2 GB RAM minimum
400 MB available disk space
Windows :
Intel Pentium 4 processor or AMD equivalent (Pentium Dual Core or higher or equivalent recommended)
Microsoft Windows XP 32 or 64 bits, Windows Vista 32 or 64 bits, Windows 7 (32 or 64 bits)
To process RAW images larger than 20 MPixels, a 64-bit operating system with 4 GB RAM is strongly recommended
Macintosh:
Intel-Mac
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
To process RAW images larger than 20 MPixels, 3 GB RAM is strongly recommended

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News, Software Reviews

Zeiss, Cosina, Sigma and Tamron – NEX E-mount future

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Sony Corporation announced today it will disclose the basic specifications of its “E-mount” for interchangeable single lens cameras, without fee, to manufacturers of lenses and mount adaptors, starting April 1st, 2011. This was previously confirmed at the photokina press conference – now they have revealed that Carl Zeiss AG, Cosina, Sigma and Tamron will all be working on the E-mount system as independent lens makers.

“This opens the way for manufacturers of various lenses and mount adaptors to effectively develop products conforming to “E-mount” specifications”, say Sony.

The NEX E-mount revealed – ten contacts, three flanges and a mere 18mm of register distance…

“Users of the Sony’s NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-VG10 and other E-mount compatible Sony digital imaging products to be launched in the future will now be able to use interchangeable lenses from both Sony and various other manufactures, while they will also be able to attach non-Sony lenses to their Sony digital imaging products via a mount adapter. Sony believes the growth of digital imaging products employing the “E-mount” will further increase the enjoyment of photography and video shooting among an even wider range of users.

“These basic specifications will be disclosed to manufactures of lenses and mount adaptors following a predefined process of approval and the signing a license agreement with Sony.

“As of today, the decision to disclose basic specifications of the E-mount has been endorsed by the following companies.”

(there follow these manufacturer statements)

Carl Zeiss AG
As an independent lens provider, Carl Zeiss welcomes the disclosure of the E-mount specifications by Sony. It helps manufacturer’s product development, benefits customers and therefore assists in establishing E-mount as a new, healthy and strong system on the market.

Cosina Co., Ltd.
Cosina Co., Ltd is excited by the potential of Sony’s E-mount which enables to a large-size image sensor to be incorporated in a compact, interchangeable lens camera. We have high expectations for the E-mount with its aims to create a new photography culture, and express its assent to Sony’s decision to provide information related to E-mount.

Sigma Corporation
Sigma Corporation fully supports Sony’s decision to disclose basic E-mount specifications. We believe this move will spur the further growth and diversification of camera system across the industry, provide photo enthusiasts with a wealth of choice and enrich in their photographic lifestyles.

Tamron Co., Ltd.
Tamron Co., Ltd endorses Sony’s decision to disclose basic E-mount specifications. We aim to offer our customers new solutions and unprecedented photo-shooting enjoyment through the manufacture and sale of E-mount lenses.

Editorial comment: at the photokina conference, the wording used seemed to imply that independent E-mount camera bodies were also a possibility. Of the makers above, three already have a history of making rangefinder or compact style large sensor bodies – Zeiss (to date, film only); Cosina (digital, in the form of the Epson Leica mount bodies with 6 megapixel Sony sensors) and Sigma (the DP-1 and 2 series have fixed lenses, but would be a natural candidate for conversion to E-mount form). If this was to be the case, in a future announcement, the E-mount would be established as an alternative to the Micro FourThirds system with a capacity to use sensors in formats between 2X and 1.5X with existing lenses, and possibly up to full frame in a secondary configuration with a different range of lenses (backwardly compatible with smaller sensors).

Is this the same Sony people rant about being protective and exploiting their customers? No. It is Sony listening to their customers. It’s Alpha becoming the 21st century equivalent of Leica.

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News, NEX System
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