Review: Platypod Ultra Flat Tripod + Multi Accessory Kit

Overview : The Ultra Plate Camera Support with Multi Accessory Kit from Platypod is a low-profile support for mirrorless and mid-sized cameras. Moreover, the Multi Accessory Kit contains accessories that will help you stabilize and create photographs in combination with the Max Camera Support.

Features :

• Ultra tripod base plate is a flat tripod compatible with any tripod ball head except ones that have knobs that extend past the bottom of the head.
• At just 4.3 mm thick and about the size of an, 5.08 x 3.36, Ultra is the perfect travel buddy by fitting in any photography bag.
• 4 titanium “legs” for stability on uneven surfaces, with spikey or rubber ends depending on where you need stability.
• Attach to tripods or quick-release devices with the ¼-20 and 3/8-16 accessory threaded holes
• Includes a 20 inch-cinch strap to mount Ultra to poles or branches, creating a stable surface for timelapse and HDR photography.

Kickstarter: MagMod MagBox, MagShoe, MagRing—Revolutionary New Softbox System

Our good friends over at MagMod has returned to Kickstarter today to launch its fourth campaign and probably one of the coolest ones yet! The MagMod team are expanding their product line to now including three new products. If you're not familiar with MagMod, they offer flash modifiers that doesn't require velcro or tape but uses magnets instead. This offers a quick solution to adding and removing modifiers and without the noise. MagMod are very popular amongst portrait and wedding photographers.

MagMod is announcing the MagBox, MagRing and MagShoe. These are some of the most essential tools for a photographer and they're putting a MagMod twist to them. These new products make a softbox system to easiest, fastest, and most versatile.

Currently, the MagShoe, MagRing, MagBox system and accessories are only available through MagMod's Kickstarter campaign, which launched June 26, 2018. For early backers, there are significant discounts for varying bundles, the minimum is $259 to get access to all three products.

Continue reading for more information.

Peak Design Releases the All Black 30L Everyday Backpack

Our good friends over at Peak Design have listened to their customers and they have officially released the all black 30L Everyday Backpack. We own the 20L Black and 30L Charcoal and we love it. You can check out our Everyday Backpack review. Previously, it was only available in 20L and a lot of people have requested for a 30L version. The Black 30L backpack joins the Charcoal and Ash. This leaves the Heritage Tan as the only backpack that is still a 20L.

Here is a quick overview about the Everyday Backpack:

A pack that adapts to your ever-changing gear, lifestyle and environment, the Everyday Backpack give you unrivaled accessibility, expandability, and organization. The patented MagLatch provides lightning fast top access, with dual side-loading via two weatherproof side zips. Huge external carry capacity made possible by a versatile tuck-away strap system and 2 expandable external side pockets. Integrated luggage carry makes this bag equally suited for daily commutes and extended travel. Endlessly configurable FlexFold dividers keep photo, drone, or everyday gear organized, protected, and not bunched at the bottom of your bag. Internally padded accessory pockets keep small items in check. Dedicated sleeve for up to 15” laptop, tablet, and documents. Ultra clean aesthetic, all-custom hardware, minimal dangling straps. Weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell.

The 20L and 30L retails for $259.95 and $289.95, respectively. Don't forget, if you use our link, you get 10% OFF ($15 max) your Peak Design purchase. All Peak Design products come with a lifetime warranty.

Below is a video of the all black 20L Everyday Backpack. The 30L will be exactly the same but at a slightly bigger size.

Press Release: Skylum Releases Aurora HDR 2018 (ver. 1.2.0)

Skylum Software released the free Aurora HDR 2018 version 1.2.0 update. Among the many new features, this version focuses on a faster and more efficient workflow. Here are the most essential changes:

• Speed boost for editing and adjusting. We’ve dramatically increased performance across all areas of Aurora HDR 2018 1.2.0 on Windows and Mac.
• Fast single-file opening. With an improved image processing engine, Aurora HDR is now much faster when opening single files.
• Loupedeck integration (for Mac & Windows). Now, users can quickly process photos in Aurora HDR using physical dials, knobs, and keys.
• Batch processing (for Windows). Aurora HDR 2018 1.2.0 will allow Windows users to edit a large number of photos simultaneously.
• Better memory management. Aurora HDR 2018 1.2.0 is also optimized to make better use of memory, with more intelligent memory management and improved stability.
• Windows version catches up to Mac version. Windows users will receive a flip/rotate tool, bringing Aurora HDR for Windows more in line with its macOS counterpart.
• Aurora HDR now supports more cameras than before. The full list across both Windows and MacOS includes: Canon EOS 3000D / Rebel T100 / 4000D, FujiFilm X-H1, FujiFilm X-A20, FujiFilm X-A5, FujiFilm X-E3, Olympus E-PL9, Panasonic DC-GF10 / Panasonic DC-GF90, Panasonic DC-GX9 / DC-GX7MK3, Panasonic DC-TZ200 / DC-ZS200 / DC-TZ202 / DC-TZ220 / DC-ZS220 / DC-TX2, PhaseOne IQ3 100MP Trichromatic, Sony A7 III.

Aurora HDR 2018 is available to buy for Windows and Mac users.

• Current users of Aurora HDR can upgrade for $49 using coupon code 1KIND at checkout (reg. $59)
• New users can get Aurora HDR 2018 1.2.0 for $89 using coupon code 1KIND at checkout (reg. $99)

A collection of bonuses will also be included with every purchase (worth $128, see at bottom of post). Aurora HDR 2018 now supports the Loupedeck+ editing console.

Continue for full press release

Press Release: Loupedeck+ Photo Editing Console is Even More Versatile and Works with Lightroom and Skylum Aurora

Loupedeck made a splash when they released custom photo editing console for Lightroom back in 2016. The company just announced the original console’s successor: the Loupedeck+.

While the original Loupedeck was designed specifically for Lightroom (Amazon / B&H Photo / Adorama) editing, the Loupedeck+ is compatible with Skylum’s (formerly known as Macphun) popular Aurora HDR photo editing software. Loupedeck has actually entered into a partnership agreement with Skylum and will be supporting the company’s other photo editing products (e.g. Luminar) as well.

Loupedeck+ is in beta integration with Capture One, and full integration with the software is “on the way,” the company says. There are also additional software integrations that will be announced later this year.

When compared to the original Loupedeck, the console has also been improved with more functionality, control, and customization, all based on feedback received from the photography community.

The keys on the Loupedeck+ are now mechanical, providing a more precise touch and a more sturdy feel — the overall build quality of the console has been beefed up as well. There are also two dedicated customizable dials and seventeen buttons, and a “Custom Mode” allows users to fully control all dials.

The configuration software has been rebuilt from scratch, providing a photo experience that’s both faster and more stable than before.

The Loupedeck+ is available for purchase in the Loupedeck Online Store, B&H Photo and Amazon.com for $229. Loupedeck is also offering a cashback opportunity of $50 for current Loupedeck owners.

Continue for full press release.

Review: Loupedeck Photo Editing Console for Lightroom

Overview : Loupedeck, the photo editing console for Lightroom: it takes your photo editing to the next level. It makes your editing faster, improves the ergonomics and most of all, it lets you be more creative and focus more on the photo. The hands-on and highly intuitive console replaces the mouse and keyboard, and it works seamlessly with Apple and PC operating systems. Simply plug and play.

Improve your photo editing efficiency in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 or CC with the Loupedeck Console. This device replaces your standard keyboard and mouse and provides a variety of dedicated dials, wheels, and keys for intuitive, tactile editing. This includes controls for settings such as exposure, clarity, image ratings, contrast, tint, and more. It also features programmable preset buttons for even faster editing. Additionally, it connects to computers through a standard USB 2.0 interface.

Features :

• EASE AND SPEED of the photo editing process transforming the way users think about time management, workflow, posture and ergonomics.
• INTUITIVE CONTROL OF ADOBE LIGHTROOM 6 AND CC
• IMPROVED WORKFLOW, meaning a reduction in the amount of unnecessary interruptions.
• EASILY INVESTIGATE new editing techniques to broaden your creative horizons.
• LEARN TO RE-LEARN - break your old-school rules and release your full potential.
• INCREASED OUTPUT let users work quickly, editing thousands of pictures to make the ones that count stand out.
• SEAMLESS AND INTUITIVE collaboration between the eyes and hands, allowing users to focus on the picture for an intuitive and rewarding photo editing experience.
• Dedicated Dials, Wheels, and Keys
• Access to Common Settings and Functions
• Programmable Preset Buttons
• USB 2.0 Connectivity

Deal: Joby Men's UltraFit Camera Sling Strap

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Joby Men's UltraFit Camera Sling Strap in Charcoal for $14.99 with free shipping. (Amazon charges the same.) It's adjustable from M to XL and features a pivot ring and security lock. Deal ends today.

Deal: Prima Photo Big Travel Tripod

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Prima Photo Big Travel Tripod in Blue for $59.95 with free shipping. It features a 17.6-lb. capacity and adjustable height of 16.5" to 54". Deal ends today.

Kickstarter: LitraPro - Rugged Professional Bi-Color LED Camera Light

World's First Compact Full Spectrum, Bi-Color, Bluetooth Compatible Video and Photo Adventure Light. Studio quality lighting on the go

Litra is a dedicated to creating the best Professional Adventure Lighting available on the market. Litra has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their award winning LitraPro - the world's first full spectrum, bi-color video and photo adventure light. LitraPro is a ultra rugged, waterproof, bluetooth compatible, fully dimmable, bi-color light. The LitraPro is designed to be your "must have light" for studio, run and gun, underwater and any photo and video adventure your creativity and imagination takes you on.

The LitraPro is 95 CRI and is bi-color (3000k-6000k) which outputs up to 1200 lumens. It's small enough to fit in your pocket. It's also a fully dimmable light from 0-100%. There are 2 x 1/4/20 standard camera mounts and a includes a DSLR shoe mount and diffuser as well.

It has a intuitive OLED display and controls and can be controlled via Apple or Android. MicroUSB charges the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery and has a battery life of 10 hours at low and 45 mins at max.

Litra offers a huge range of optional accessories such as a softbox, barn doors, honeycomb filter, filter set cold shoe ball mount, double/triple mount, handle and a tripod.

You can pledge yours on Kickstarter, but the Early Birds are already sold out but you can still get it for $145 (35% off retail). They also have bundles. Estimated delivery is November 2018.

Deal: Zhiyun-Tech Crane M 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Zhiyun-Tech Crane M 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for $199 with free shipping. It features 360° rotation on all three axes, support for cameras up to 3.9 lbs., and up to 12 hours of battery time. Deal ends today.

Deal: Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack

B&H Photo Video offers the Lowepro Flipside 400AW Backpack in Black for $74.95 with free shipping. It accommodates two DSLR cameras, four to six lenses, and a flash.

Press Release: Canon Announces EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM and f/4L IS II USM

Today, Canon has announced two new versions of its popular telezoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM and the Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM.

The EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a modest refresh of version II, the new lens features the same 23 elements in 19 group optical design and 3.5 stop Image Stabilization system as its predecessor but adds Air Sphere Coating and fluorine coating on front and rear elements for ease of cleaning. The body of the lens is also much whiter.

The EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM features numerous improvements over its predecessor, including five stops of stabilization – up from three in the older lens. The updated 70-200mm F4's stabilization system is quieter, and now features three modes, designed specifically for shooting still and moving subjects. The F4L weighs in at 780g and is 40g heavier than its predecessor. Optical construction comprises 20 elements in 15 groups, and the inclusion of Canon's Super Spectra Coating should help minimize ghosts and flare.

The Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM will be available in August for $2,099 while the Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM will be available later this month for $1299.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III: B&H Photo | Adorama
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II: B&H Photo | Adorama
Continue for full press release.

Press Release: Sony Announces Cyber-shot RX100 VI with 24-200mm Zoom

Today, Sony has announced the Cyber-shot RX100 VI, a 1"-type compact camera with a 20.1-megapixel Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor, 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 zoom lens, 315 phase detection points covering approximately 65% of the sensor, and the ability to shoot at 24 fps with autofocus.

The RX100 VI becomes the first in the Cyber-shot RX100-series to gain a touchscreen, allowing both touch shutter and touch focus. The screen can tilt up to 180 degree upwards and 90 degree downwards, extending shooting flexibility.

The RX100 VI's 24-200mm lens comprises 15 elements in 12 groups, featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements including four AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. Sony describes the pocketable camera as having "two lenses worth of interchangeable lens", incorporating the range of a 24-70mm lens and a 70-200mm in one "do anything" camera.

The RX100 VI's XGA OLED pop-up EVF is similar to previous models in the series, but once popped-up, the finder optics no longer need to be manually extended for use.

On the video front, the RX100 VI is capable of full-width, oversampled 4K video with support for 8-bit HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) for easy HDR capture. The RX100 VI is also able to record superslow motion video at either 250, 500 or 1000 fps.

The new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI will ship next month, priced at $1200. You can place your preorder from B&H Photo or Adorama.

Sony also announced the VCT-SGR1 shooting grip, designed for the RX0 and RX100-series cameras. The VCT-SGR1 includes camera controls, an adjustable head and built-in tripod. It will be available in September for around $100. You can place your preorder from B&H Photo or Adorama.

Continue for full press release.

Deal: Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Printer for $60

B&H Photo has the Canon PIXMA PRO-100 printer for $59.99 after instant ($50) and mail-in rebates ($250). This offer ends June 30, 2018.

The Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Photo Printer features a 4800 x 2400 dpi resolution and Canon's FINE technology with an ink drop as small as 3.0 pl. The printer's 8-cartridge ink system provides a wide color range and includes 3 black inks for high-quality black-and-white photos. The Pro-100 can output borderless prints up to 13 x 19" and is compatible with a wide range of media, including glossy, luster, and matte photo paper as well as Museum Etching and other fine art papers. Additionally, you can print directly on CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs and create your own customizable discs and jackets. The included Print Studio Pro plug in software provides an easy way to achieve optimal results when printing directly from Adobe Photoshop CS and Elements, as well as from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.

For an added bonus, enter coupon code BHOPTIC18 at checkout and the Canon Photo Paper Pro Luster (13 x 19", 50 Sheets) is included for FREE.

Deal: Peak Design Slide Camera Strap SL-T-2 (Navy)

As one of B&H Photo's Deal Zone, they have the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap SL-T-2 in Navy with Caramel Leather for $39.95. This is the Summit Edition and typically costs more than the standard black strap. Deal ends today.

We're a big fan of Peak Design products and you can read our review on the Peak Design Slide Strap here.

Deal: BenQ SW2700PT 27″ Widescreen LED Backlit QHD Monitor

While we were at Photoshop World in Orlando last week, we stopped by BenQ's booth and took a look at their monitors. I must say, I was really impressed and will hopefully give you a review on one of their monitors in the near future. Currently, B&H Photo has the BenQ SW2700PT 27″ Monitor, for $546 after applying code PSWBH18 at checkout.

The BenQ SW2700PT covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color space for more accurate color representation for various types of photography. Aiding in the enhanced color accuracy of this BenQ monitor is the ability to calibrate the internal image processing chip, eliminating the need to tweak the graphics card in most situations. You can also take advantage of proprietary calibration software to ensure your monitor maintains the color accuracy it had on day one.

The display of the SW2700PT features a 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution with 109 pixels per inch for increased clarity. In addition to the enhanced resolution, you benefit from a more dynamic picture with a 1000:1 contrast ratio, reduced lag with a 5 ms response time, and a larger color palette with support for up to 1.07 billion colors. On the back of the monitor you will find DVI-DL, HDMI 1.4, and DisplayPort 1.2 inputs for easy setup. Once set up, you can easily configure the display with intuitive OSD controls and even attach the included shading hood to help block ambient light.

Features:

• 27″ In-Plane Switching (IPS) Panel
• DVI-DL / HDMI 1.4 / DP 1.2 Inputs
• 2560 x 1440 Resolution
• 1000:1 Contrast Ratio
• 350 cd/m² Brightness
• 178°/178° Viewing Angles
• 5 ms (GtG) Response Time
• 1.07 Billion Color Support
• OSD Controller to Switch Color Modes
• 99% AdobeRGB Color Gamut