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When Sony says it’s released a camera with world’s- first credentials, well, it has our full attention. The A7 II’s claim to world-first fame is that it’s the only model to feature a full-frame sensor and optical five-axis image stabilisation – that’s an awfully tempting combination for any photographer. Its 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor moves along five axes to compensate for pitch, yaw, roll and shift shake. In theory, the system claims a 4.5EV benefit which means you can shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds in challenging low-light conditions or when using a telephoto lens. That isn’t all there is to shout about this new mover and shaker in the CSC market, it also boasts Fast Hybrid AF with 117 focal plane phase- detection points and 25 contrast-detection points. That in combination with more advanced subject detection and tracking algorithms makes for a happy photographer with the ability to accurately capture even high-speed subjects. A BIONZ X image processor drives the A7 II and helps to create detailed photos with reduced noise even when working in low-light conditions. It has a quick start-up time that’s 40% faster than current models and there’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC making it easy to connect to your smartphone or tablet. It’s expected to be on sale from January and will cost £1500 body only and £1700 with a 28-70mm kit lens. Aworld first fromSony Sonymakes a full-frame statement with the A7 II
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NEWS INBRIEF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY One of the UK’s leading residential photo workshop businesses is up for sale. Lakeland Photographic Workshops, based in Braithwaite in the Lake District and within the National Park, is selling its guesthouse and UK business. The Victorian house with nine en- suite bedrooms and owner accommodation plus six acres of woods is valued at £800,000. Current annual turnover is £200,000, with 99% occupancy rate and more than 60% of guests returning regularly. For more details email lph. gail@gmail.com. BAG A BARGAIN Want to improve your photography? Then try Damien Lovegrove’s online training videos. They cover everything from lighting to wedding photography and Lightroom skills. Each video is 80 minutes long and shows you how to take pictures with extra sparkle. And until 28 February 2015, there’s a 50% discount on them all; prices start at £9. GOLDWINNER The unusual aesthetic of Sigma’s dp Quattro camera has earned the model the 2014 Good Design Gold award. Chosen from 100 shortlisted products, the dp Quattro was one of 19 selected for the Gold award. As well as good looks, the camera also features an X3 direct image sensor. www.lovegrove consulting.com Perfectly timed to sweeten any January blues, Olympus is running a free food photography workshop on 14 January, at the Image Space Gallery in London’s Bishopsgate. With plenty of tea and coffee on offer, as well as the latest kit to try out, the event also offers you the chance to learn from pro photographers, who’ll be sharing their tips and tricks for the tastiest shots. Places are going like hot cakes, so sign up now. www.olympus- imagespace.co.uk HAVE YOUR CAKE
gives total IR suppression, while the AXENT has no impact on IR and the ADVANTIX has moderate IR suppression. Screw-fit sizes from 40.5mm to 82mm are available. AXENT prices start from £28.99 to £103.99, ADVANTIX from £49.99 to £129.99 and APEX £78.99 to £168.99.
The Tiffen XLE filter series comprises three filter types designed to give neutral results with different sensor types. Some camera sensors are more sensitive to infrared and with standard long-exposure ND filters the colour cast is difficult to remove. Tiffen’s new filters will ensure perfect colours. The XLE APEX
π To find out more about the XLE filters, go to www.tiffen.com.
Add the new Lume Cube to your kitbag to keep the weight down but efficiency up. This little light box is the world’s-first 1500-lumen external flash and video light that can be used on its own or you can wirelessly sync five at a time for extra luminosity. It’s the perfect match for your GoPro camera Let it shine
and its water-resistant silicone shell means it knows no bounds. The Lume Cube is the miniature alternative to pro lighting systems, and as with any pro system you can adjust the brightness and duration of light, but it’s all done via an easy-to-use app. This clever creation is Kickstarter funded so a pledge of $59 or more will get you a Limited Edition Lume Cube with a blue silicon sleeve; $99 will get you the Dual Kit of two black Lume Cubes; and for $179 you’ll get the GoPro Hero Dual Kit with two Lume Cubes, a GoPro Hero mount/connector and two waterproof cases.
π To find out more, go to www.sony.co.uk.
π To find out more, go to www.lumecube.com.
Get your free FujifilmXmagazine
The latest issue of Fujifilm’s free X Magazine is now available to view or download. The fully interactive digital title that can be viewed through a web browser or on iOS and Android tablets and smartphones is aimed at photographers of any level who own – or are interested in owning – the company’s growing range of X-series compact system cameras, lenses and compacts, including the X-T1 Graphite Silver and X100T.
Highlights from this issue include an interviewwith professional Fujifilmuser Jamie Stoker, who swapped his digital SLRs for an X-Pro1 to shoot high-end fashion images; a gallery of stunning long exposure images; all the latest news on Fujifilm products and some fantastic advice on capturing great images in cold conditions. In addition, there’s also a chance to win a Millican bag called ‘Daniel’ – what’s not to like?
π To view the magazine, go to http://en.fujifilmxmagazine.eu/
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Issue 15 | Photography News
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