Alpine Labs Pulse

As a camera remote you can really do much better than this. The Alpine Pulse began life as a project on kickstarter, a project which was very successful. The Pulse is a great looking little device, which simply hooks up to your camera’s USB port and then once connected you can remotely shoot photos, video or time-lapse footage from your smartphone or tablet from up to 100 feet away.

Use the smartly designed app to access basic settings such as aperture, shutter and ISO, or play with advanced features that include time-lapse, long exposure and HDR bracketing. You can even control several cameras at once via the app. The pulse is small, cool looking and will last more than 24 hours on a full charge. It supports both iOS and Android platforms, the device will work with Over sixty Canon, Nikon and Panasonic cameras.

alpinelaboratories.com

Manfrotto launches new XPRO+ range

Manfrotto launched a new XPRO+ monopod family for video. The range is made up of six high-performance models. It features Manfrotto’s new detachable Fluidtech Base, which has a spherical joint located inside the base for smoother movement in all directions. Visit www.manfrotto.co.uk for more details.

DJI introduces folding 4K drone

DJI has introduced the Mavic Pro, a portable drone that be folded down to fit into a backpack. It features a stabilised 4K 12 megapixel camera, a visual navigation system, a 4.3-mile (7km) range and up to 27 minutes of flight time on standard batteries. The Mavic Pro can be operated via a dedicated long-range remote controller, or through your smartphone for shorter distances. The Mavic Pro will retail for around £999.00.

Visit www.dji.com for more.

Ricoh reveals Theta SC

Ricoh have announced the arrival of their Theta SC. Ricoh have said that the SC enables ease of use for first-time 360° camera users’ and offers ‘high-resolution, fully spherical images with an output of approximately 14MP. Its large-aperture, twin-lens folded optics and a large image sensor, also offer improved sensitivity over the original Ricoh Theta, which was launched in 2013, and was the world’s first consumer 360° camera. The Theta SAC will be available from this month, priced at around £249.99.
For more info visit: theta360.com

Sony Release the A6500 and the RX100 Mk V in time for Christmas

Sony have launched their A6500 SYSTEM camera, and also a ‘Mark V’ version of their RX100 flagship compact, have been launched in time to make the Christmas market. The 20.1 megapixel RX100 Mk V has what Sony claims is the world’s fastest AF acquisition at 0.05 seconds and also uses the world’s highest number of AF points on a sensor: 315 in total. Its one-inch sensor has been developed specifically for this model. The lens is a 24-70mm zoom with an f/1.8 maximum aperture. Sony have also added 4K video.

The new A6500 features a ‘4D Focus’ system and comes with 425 phase-detection points. It has a capture rate of 11fps with continuous auto focus and supports up to 8fps in live view shooting mode. It also features five-axis in-body image stabilisation and a 24.2 megapixel APS-C sized sensor. 4K-video is available for shooters in Super 35mm format.
www.sony.co.uk

KODAK announce EKTRA, A Smartphone Designed for Photographers

Eastman Kodak Company and Bullitt Group announced their KODAK EKTRA Smartphone, a photography-led smartphone designed for those with a passion for photography, from enthusiasts to experts. Kodak are drawing on their vast experience in digital imaging to create a Smartphone which uses innovative technologies and the robust Android OS to appeal to the photo enthusiast. The EKTRA will be launching soon across Europe. The Smartphone draws on retro looks and even has a number of nice looking cases which will enhance that classic appeal. Below is some of the text from Kodak's announcement detailing the specs and capabilities.

The EKTRA is designed to capture the best in image quality and features excellent media management capabilities.

At the heart of the KODAK EKTRA Smartphone is a 21-megapixel fast focus camera sensor with f2.0 aperture, and an industry leading 13-megapixel front-facing camera with Phase Detection Auto Focus PDAF and f2.2 aperture. The custom built camera app is controlled by an intuitive haptic touch, SLR-style Scene Selection Dial, where adjustments are made in real time via a range of settings including HDR, Landscape, Portrait, Macro, Sport, Night-time, Panorama and Bokeh, alongside a Smart Auto mode which auto-selects the best conditions for your photographs. In Manual mode, more advanced users can adjust exposure, ISO, focus, white balance and shutter speed, with the results being visible on the screen as changes are made.

The KODAK EKTRA Smartphone has an ergonomically weighted and high quality industrial design, underlining its camera styling and featuring a dedicated dual press shutter button in the horizontal style of traditional cameras. The device also features a Super 8 app, providing professional effects reminiscent of Kodak’s iconic Super 8 film stocks.A lightning-fast HELIO X20 Decacore processor powers the ANDROID Marshmallow smartphone.

The KODAK EKTRA Smartphone includes editing software from SNAPSEED, providing exceptional tools to edit images on-the-go, without having to download any additional apps. This enables users to transform images with professional results similar to many popular desktop image editors. Sharing the results in real time is also easy with integrated social media apps and the Prints app is a simple way to select your best shots to be professionally printed.

KODAK EKTRA Smartphone key features:

ANDROID 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Professional results from a 21MP fast focus camera sensor with F2.0, PDAF, OIS, Dual LED Flash

13MP phase detection auto focus front-facing camera with F2.2 PDAF

Helio X20 2.3GHz Decacore processor with 3GB RAM

32GB memory, expandable with MicroSD cards

Advanced Manual Mode – adjustable on Exposure, ISO, Focal Length (Manual/Auto), White Balance, Shutter Speed, Aperture (fixed f2.0 main camera)

Familiar scene selection dial experience – includes scene modes Smart Auto, Portrait, Manual, Sports, Bokeh, Night-time, HDR, Panorama, Macro, Landscape, Film / Video

Integrated high quality printing app

Super 8 Video Recorder

Integrated social media sharing

3000mAh, with USB 3.0 Type C fast charger

The KODAK EKTRA Smartphone will be priced at £449 and available across Europe later this year.

To find out more visit; KODAK EKTRA

Register for updates on www.kodakphones.com

I look forward to trying out the EKTRA when it is release and will report back on my first impressions.

Kodak and Ektra are trademarks of Kodak.

Creative Imaging News Relaunch

Hello All

I've decided that I've missed working on this blog, and that it is high time I refocused my attention here. I've missed looking at new imaging, design, art and photographic technologies and products, as well as exploring the world of creative imaging. Look for more updates on a regular basis.