How does 11 frames per second sound?

At the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Expo last month in Las Vegas, I got a chance to handle Nikon’s newly announced D4s camera.

Although it’s lighter than the D4, it has a remarkable 16MP sensor that’s superb at high ISO settings. In fact we saw a demonstration of the camera at an ISO setting of 25600 and there was virtually no noise. With many other DLSRs sporting higher pixel counts, the D4s sacrifices more pixels in exchange for very superior noise reduction.

But the feature that caught my eye (actually my ear) is its high speed, rapid fire capability. Rated at 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and autoexposure, this camera is will garner the attention of sports and action photographers.

I made a short recording at Nikon’s booth. The shutter sounds like a miniature machine gun. To hear it, please press the play button below:
 
 
      
 
 
Pretty impressive, if you ask me.
 
 

Although it’s a better performer in several respects, the new D4s is lighter weight than the predecessors D4 and D3s.

Nikon’s rep Paul Van Allen told me that the the D4s is already available. Price for the D4s body is steep $6,500.
 
 
Written by: Arnie Lee
 
 
 

---

 
 
 

Sony’s Newest “MILC” – Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

I’m apolitical when it comes to camera brands. I use equipment from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, etc.

When traveling for assignments I carry a quality camera and several lenses. For the past few years I’ve gravitated towards the smaller and lighter cameras. What’s more is that lenses for these cameras are also smaller and lighter too so packing is easier.

My go-to camera is now a Sony NEX7 which is half the size and weight of the Canon 6D or Nikon D800. But the one downside of the NEX7 is its slow focusing speed and accuracy in low light situations.

Naturally I was interested in seeing the new Sony A6000 at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Expo last month. This new model addresses the focusing issue by using “hybrid” phase detection for fast response combined with contrast detection for improved accuracy. Sony claims that the A6000 can record an amazing 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus. Whether shooting still or video this is a welcome and impressive feature packed into a camera this size and cost.

The A6000 is similar to my NEX7 in many respects including a 24 MB APS-C sensor and an electronic viewfinder (EVF). I find the EVF essential when using any of the interchangeable lenses rather than relying on the rear facing LCD screen especially in bright light. Another advantage of the high resolution EVF is that it displays a preview as you make exposure and/or white balance adjustments. The bright, tilting LCD lets you shoot from a low viewpoint without having to kneel or from a high viewpoint without having a ladder.

The A6000 at WPPI was equipped with a 18-50mm lens. Sony calls it a PZ “power zoom” in that it has a small button which automatically zooms in and out when depressed. When retracted this camera/lens combo is quite compact, yet it fits comfortably in my hands. The specs say that the camera body weighs less than 13 ounces – how’s that for a weight saver?

The A6000 has most of the same features of the NEX7 such as in-camera HDR, sweep panorama and multi-frame noise reduction. For me a bonus is the built-in wifi for transferring images to a mobile or computer device and the downloadable apps (for an additional charge) such as time lapse, automatic backup, photo sharing.

The Sony rep told me that the A6000 will be available about April 23rd. Price for the A6000 body is $649; for the A6000 with 18mm-50mm PZ lens is $799.

I have an A6000 on order and am looking forward to this as an upgrade to my NEX7.

Written by: Arnie Lee
 
 

---

 
 

From the Photo Booth Supply Co

Event photographers know just how popular photo booths have been for the past few years. And many of these working photographers know that the photo booth has been a reliable revenue generator for them too
 

As you might imagine at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Expo, there were several exhibitors showing their offerings to the thousands of event photographers in attendance. I stopped to examine several, but the one that caught my attention was the setup at Photo Booth Supply Company. Their setup is simple and stylish at the same time. With an enclosed camera, studio lighting, subject-facing monitor, dye-sublimation printer and a dearth of wires and cables, this is a turnkey solution for photographers who shoot a variety of events. The couple to the right is getting ready to snap their likeness in front of the PBS camera.

---

The touchscreen monitor lets the subject snap the photo when he/she chooses the right pose and moment.

The dye-sublimation printer produces an attractive finished product. So a few seconds later – voila the photo

---

The basic system includes this equipment:

• Canon T3i with 18-55MM lens
• Camera AC adapter
• Studio strobe with umbrella
• Touchscreen monitor
• Computer w/wireless keyboard
• Photo booth software
• Custom carrying case
• Photo booth stand
• DNP printer
• 4″x6″ media for 800 prints*
• Printer enclosure
• Printer carrying case

* the DNP printer can print 4×6, 2×6, 5×7, 6×8, and 6×9 prints.

Templates for the printer can be customized to include single or multiple images. By adding a green screen, you can superimpose the photos on top of virtually and background scene. If you want to put your subjects in front of the Eiffel Tower or Great Wall of China, go at it.

The photo booth is highly portable and can be set up in just a few minutes. As you can see above, the equipment is attractively packaged making it appropriate for formal events.

The price for the photo booth, high speed printer and heavy duty carrying cases is $8,800. For more information, please visit Photo Booth Supply Co.
 
 
Written by Arnie Lee
 
 
 

---

 
 

« Older Posts — Newer Posts »