Issue 75 is here! This month, we've got four whole camera tests for you to enjoy, including the new Nikon D780 and the Sony A7R IV. You can also enjoy some fantastic photos as we take a look at the Travel Photographer of the Year winners, get some expert street photography tips from the master, Brian Lloyd Duckett, and find out who won in the Photography News 2019 Awards.
Your FREE newspaper packed with the latest news, views and stories Photography News PN 2019 Awards / And the winners are… Big test: Nikon D780 / Go full-frame with Nikon’s latest Streetwise / Improve your street shooting skills A W A R D S 2019
ISSUE 75 10 Mar-14 Apr photographynews.co.uk
Nikon officially launches D6 Aimed at action and press photographers, the D6 is Nikon’s flagship camera and built to deliver great images in themost arduous conditions
The X-T4 is the latest model in Fujifilm’s popular XSeries. It boasts three major component innovations and a host of significant tweaks
REVEALSX-T4 Fujifilm
The Nikon D6 is a full-frame 20.8-megapixel DSLR with speed of shooting verymuch its key feature set.The autofocus systemhas 105 all-selectable cross-point focus sensors which work down as low as -4.5EVand these 105 sensors can be configured in 17 different customgroup patterns. The camera’s ISO range stretches from 100 to 102,400 but is expandable to Hi5.0which is equivalent to an ISO of 3,280,000.That means there is the potential of shooting at action- stopping shutter speeds in the poorest light. Top shooting speed with full-resolution files is said to be 14fps with AE/AF tracking. The Nikon D6 is due on sale this spring, in plenty of time for themajor sports events of 2020, priced at £6299 body only. • nikon.co.uk Continue reading on page 3
shots in normal mode and 600 in economy mode. USB C charging is possible too. Of the control changes, the most significant is that still/ movie switchover is
THE FUJIFILMX-T4 features three major key component innovations plus some key changes in control design. First up, there is a new focal plane shutter mechanism that’s super quiet; and you can now shoot at up to 15fps in burst mode, making the X-T4 the fastest APS-C mirrorless model around. The second component change is probably the biggest. The X-T4 has a five- axis, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism that offers up to 6.5EV benefit when used with 18 out of 29 XF/XC lenses. The X-T4’s IBIS unit uses magnetic force rather than springs, enabling a more compact and effective system. The final major component change is the NP-W235 battery, which gives up to 500
will appeal to vloggers. The X-T4 sensor is the same back-illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans sensor and X-Processor 4 imaging engine as on the X-T3, which continues in production. The FujifilmX-T4 is expected from late April and the body-only price is £1549. • fujifilm.eu.uk Continue reading on page 4
on a collar at the base of the shutter speed dial, and still and videomenus are now independent of each other. The various thumb buttons have had a change around, with a larger AF-ON button for thumb focusing. The monitor is a 1.62 million dot vari- angle design, so it can be positioned to one side and face forwards while still allowing low-, high- and waist-level shooting, which
EVENT POSTPONED This issue of Photography News was printed before the organisers of The Photography Showmade the decision to postpone the event in light of the coronavirus outbreak. This postponement sadly prevents us frommeetingmany of you at the show, and the decision was taken too late for us to change some show-specific content in the issue.We’ve decided to include that content in this digital edition of themagazine to ensure you don’t miss out.
We hope to see you at The Photography Showwhen a newdate has been set.
PHOTOGRAHYNEWS EDITOR WILL CHEUNG
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NikonunveilsD6 andnew lenses
EDITOR’S LETTER WILL CHEUNG
Its development had already been announced late last year and the Nikon D6 has nowofficially been launched
HANDS ON
WE’VE BEEN LIVINGwith uncertainty for several years, and now the world is struggling to come to terms with coronavirus; who knows what the future holds for travel, trade and life itself? But life does go on and so do new camera launches – andwe have seen very exciting DSLRs andmirrorlessmodels announced recently, although stocksmight be subject to delay given the virus situation. Thinking about it, most imaging kit comes from the Far East – so if you are wandering around The Photography Show at the NEC right nowumming and ahhing about whether to invest in new kit, it might be wise to buy now if stock is available and you have the cash. I managed to get my hands on the FujifilmX-T4 and NikonD6 and I have to say, even in the short time I got to handle them, both are deeply impressive cameras. You can readmore about both inNews. I was excited about many aspects of the X-T4 but what got memost was itsmechanical shutter. It is so quiet. I know electronic shutters are silent but the option of a really quiet mechanical shutter is a big selling point for me. Of course, photography is not just about shiny kit: it’s what we dowith it that counts. With one thing and another I haven’t had asmuch time as I’d like to get out to take pictures, so I stayed indoors and started shooting water droplets and food colouring dripped intowater. Nothing original in either, but that’s not the point – they were new subjects tome. Anyway, it has been fun, somuch so that I’ve even gone as far as makingmy own trays just to dropwater into. See you next month – and if you are at TPS reading this, please feel free to come and say hello.
people walking around a hotel room. TheAFpattern can be customised from its 105 sensors with GroupArea AF– so you can have a 1×7 AF zone pattern, or 5×7 or 15×3 – and there is a total of 17 customgroups.This helps you configure theAF system to cope with subjects of various shapes. The layout of the controls seems logical, and the buttons are a good size as you would expect froma pro camera, and the horizontal shooting controls are repeated for upright use too. The optical viewfinder is first- rate and the information is clearly laid out. It is early days but it seems tome that D6 users will have a very dependable camera, built in the finest tradition of Nikon pro cameras, that will deliver in even themost challenging conditions.
point focus sensors whichwork down as low as -4.5EV. These 105 sensors can be configured in 17 different customgroup patterns, so you can have, for example, a single rowof seven sensors active, which is versatile for a DSLR. The camera’s ISO range, with the sensor working with Nikon’s EXPEED 6 processing engine, stretches from 100 to 102,400 but is expandable to Hi5.0 which is equivalent to an ISO of 3,280,000. That means there is the potential of shooting at fast shutter speeds in the poorest light. Top shooting speedwith full- sized files is said to be 14 frames- per-secondwith AE/AF tracking. Robert Harmon, interimhead of commercial planning, Nikon UK, said: “You can’t control the action, the lighting, or the environment. But you can control the D6, and this DSLRwill deliver incredible shots of defining moments –without fail.” The NikonD6 is due on sale this spring at £6299 body only. The D6 wasn’t the brand’s only announcement. Two new lenses will be released later this spring. The Z 20mm f/1.8 S is due in March, with the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR to followonemonth later. The 20mm is priced at £1049 and the 24-200mm£849. nikon.co.uk
NIKON’S FLAGSHIP CAMERA is closely alliedwithmajor sporting events so the NikonD6’s launch coming inOlympics year is no coincidence. Its features set is targeted fairly and squarely at professional action, wildlife and press photographers and it is clearly built to deliver images in themost arduous conditions. The D6 is a full-frame 20.8-megapixel DSLRwith speed of shooting verymuch its key feature. The autofocus system has 105 all-selectable cross- NIKOND6 SPECS ATAGLANCE › 2105 cross-type sensors withAF sensitivity down to EV -4.5 › Auto-AreaAFor 3D tracking › 14 fps with full AF/AE › 10.5fps inAE tracking in silent mode › ISO 100–102,400 range, extendable to ISO 50 and 3,280,000 › 20.8-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor EXPEED 6 image › 2x CFexpress/XQD slots › Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wired Lan and built-in GPS
I got a brief hands on with a pre-production sample of the newD6, though I did not get the chance to put in a card and take any shots. The Nikon D6 is certainly built in the rugged tradition of Nikon pro flagships so it is a very robust camera. If you like a camera to get hold of, this is it. It’s fundamentally the same shape and size as the D5 – the D6 has a bigger pentaprismtoaccommodate the GPS sensor. TheAF system is a significant improvement over the D5with a lower working sensitivity of -4.5EV comparedwith the -4EV for the D5. Certainly in the low light where I got to handle the D6 it was very effective, autofocusing nicely on a candlelit scene.
Followus:
Its continuousAF in low light seemed quick and responsive too, tracking
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Clubprofile special: Bexleyheath PS
Big test: NikonD780 page 58 The new camera is DSLR, but has some keymirrorless features Big test: Sony A7R IV page 65 Sony’s 61-megapixel flagship reviewed Audio-video buyers’ guide page 68 Accessories to help youmake themost of your camera for movie shooting
Big test: FujifilmX-A7 page 72 An entry-level FujifilmX-series camera that offers great value in a compact body and is supported by a big lens system Big test: NikonCoolpixP950 page 75 The Coolpix P950 is a bridge camera with the 35mm format equivalent of a 2000mm lens, but is it any good? First tests page 78 A round-up of the latest imaging kit to arrive in the PN office
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Awards 2019 – the results page 23 You voted in your thousands so thank you somuch for your support, and here are the winners Streetwise page 28 Master of street photography Brian Lloyd Duckett offers his ten pointers to success on the streets
News page 4 New cameras fromCanon, Fujifilm and Nikon, lights fromElinchromand updated software fromSerif and DxO – it has been a busymonth Wordsearch page 13 Solve the puzzle and you couldwin a Samsung 256GBmicroSD card Clubnews page 17 Latest exhibitions, salons to enter
Earl ShiltonCamera Club
Make the Switch page 43 PN reader Rob Davies tells us about his experiences with the FujifilmX-T3 What’s newat TPS: buyers’ guide page 51 Many brands will be unveiling their latest products, so here’s what to look out for
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News
Fujifilm’s latest model in themassively popular X Series is the X-T4, amirrorless camera that can rattle along at 15 frames-per-secondwith a whisper-quiet shutter – and there’smuchmore that grabs the attention, too FujifilmX-T4 full details COVER STORY
HANDS ON
pin-sharp, but I didn’t get sharp shots beyond this shutter speedwith the pre-production sample. “You can't make any judgement after an hour with a pre-production camera, but I walked away impressedwith theX-T4. Its handling, the autofocus, IBIS and the way still and movie shooting has been streamlined, all give the camera great appeal.”
camera.TheAF tracked my face/eye impressively well.When it did loseme –when I turned around, for example – it took an instant or two for theAF system to reacquireme, but it managed. “Finally, I tried the X-T4’s IBIS, shooting the same indoor scene using the 18-55mmzoomat 18mm. I got three out of five shots at 0.5sec
cameras I findmyself with four options anyway – so tome this is a simple but very useful change. “The vari-angle screen flips out sideways and can face forward, so it’s ideal for vloggers and selfie shooters, but might be less welcome to those who like to shoot waist level discreetly. Of course this is still possible, but the downside is that the screen is out to one side, somore obvious. “If it’s discretion you’re after, the new shutter gives it. It’s very smooth, lowpitched and quiet – so quiet that in normal situations it’s barely audible. It means themechanical shutter is usable in almost “The newAFalgorithm made a significant impact on the responsiveness and speed of focusing.The actual AF system in the X-T4 is the same as that in theX-T3, but doing a side-by-side comparison showed how superior the new camera was with tracking and face/eye detect. In a quick test, I had the camera on a tripod and thenmoved around in front of the camera while videoingmyself moving about, walking in and out of frame and turning my face to and from the any situation without attracting attention, instead of using the electronic shutter.
least 300,000 actuations, and is also 30% quieter than the X-T3. The second new component is probably themost important for many potential buyers. The X-T4 has a five- axis, in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) mechanism that offers up to 6.5EV benefit when usedwith 18 out of 29 XF/XC lenses. This is a seriously useful benefit to still and video shooters. The final major component change is the NP-W235 battery. The newmodel offers up to 500 shots in normal mode and 600 frames in economymode. USB C charging is possible as well. The X-T4 has key design innovations, too. The 1.62million-dot vari-angle monitor can be positioned to one side and face forwards. The autofocus systemhas gained a new algorithm for more accurate tracking when shooting at 15fps through the EVF (or 8fps in live view), and face/eye detect has also been improved. Switching between still andmovie modes ismade simple on the X-T4, with a dedicated collar around the base of the shutter dial. Plus, there are now independent still andmoviemenus. Video features have been enhanced: there’s Full HD video at 240P for 10x slowmotion, an image stabilisation boost mode for evenmore stable shooting, and video can be recorded to both SD cards at the same time. FujifilmX-T4 stocks are expected from late April, and the unit, body only, will be £1549. fujifilm.eu
FUJIFILM’S LATESTMODEL, the X-T4, features threemajor component innovations and a fewmodified controls but sharesmuch from the X-T3 (which continues in production), including the sensor and processor. Firstly, there is a new focal plane shutter mechanism. It features a high-torque, coreless DCmotor that means you can now shoot at up to 15fps in burst mode, making the X-T4 the fastest APS-Cmirrorlessmodel around. Response time has improved, too, and shutter lag is down to just 0.035secs. The shutter is durable enough for at FUJIFILMX-T4 KEY FEATURES › IBISmechanism, with 6.5EV benefit withmost FujifilmX lenses › 26.1megapixel backlit sensor › Newbattery gives 500 shots in normal mode › New, very quiet shutter – enables › Dedicated still/movie control › Eterna Bleach Bypass film simulationmode › Full HD, 240p videomode › Two SD card slots › Optional vertical grip 15fps burst shooting › Vari-anglemonitor › Improved autofocus
“I had the chance to try a pre-productionX-T4 camera, with anX-T3 handy for comparison. “While theX-T4 body is the same height as theX-T3, it is slightly deeper and features the same contoured profile handgrip. For me, this made the new camera evenmore comfortable to hold, allowing a solid grip. “I really like themajor control changes Fujifilm hasmade on theX-T4. I wasn’t a fan of video mode buried in the drive menu, but now there’s a dedicated dial that is somuch better. Having independent video and still menus seems obvious, too. It means the still and whichmakes life somuch easier when you go from stills tomovie shooting and back again. “Speaking of menus, I really like the Qmenu having the option of four, eight, 12 or 16 slots –when I shoot FujifilmXSeries moviemenus can be separately configured,
ENLARGED SECTION
IMAGES The X-T4 boasts a new in-body image stabiliser (IBIS) that claims a 6.5EV with 18 out of 29 FujifilmXF/XC lenses. The shutter speed used for this shot was 0.5sec, using 18-55mm zoom at 18mm
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News
Canon announces EOS 850D, R5 andmore!
The Canon EOS 850D, a 24-105mm lens and a compact printer will be arriving soon, and development of the EOS R5 has been confirmed
is compact and lightweight, weighing 395g andmeasuring 88.8x76.6mm. It also offers quiet autofocus and 5EV image stabilisation. With a versatile focal length and compact size, the 24-105mmmay be a future favourite of travel photographers, street photographers andmore. The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is available fromApril at £459.99. Rounding out the new products is the Canon Selphy Square QX10, a compact photo printer. At 68x68mm, the printer can fit comfortably in most handbags or backpacks, and also featuresWi-Fi connectivity, USB charging and a free, dedicated app. Printing on Canon XS-20L square format photo paper, the printer has no need for ink cartridges or a printer tray, as it uses dye sublimation technology. A photo can be printed in 43 seconds. The Canon Selphy Square QX10 and packs of 20 Canon XS-20L photo paper
AIMED AT ENTHUSIASTS, the Canon EOS 850D is designed to be a real all-rounder. Powered by Canon’s Digic 8 processor, the newDSLR contains, among other features, a 24.1megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS APS-C sensor. The camera features a 45-point all cross-type AF sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, as well as continuous shooting up to 7fps. In Live Viewmode, focal point selection includes 143 points in automatic mode or 3975 points in manual selection, and Eye Detect AF is also present. When it comes to video, the 850D can shoot up to 60p in Full HD and up to 25p in 4K, and also features five-axis movie digital image stabilisation. The Canon EOS 850D is available to pre-order fromCanon’s online store and will go on sale fromApril 2020, with a body-only price of £819.99. The second Canon launch is the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. This new lens Elinchrom launches twomain flash units Leading flash brand Elinchromhas added twomid-range compact monoblocs to its range
and videos in a central hub for onward delivery to other devices andweb services. Content is sent, in its original quality, from Wi-Fi enabled Canon cameras. Finally, Canon has revealed the development of the EOS R5, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens, and the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x teleconverters.
CANONEOS 850D KEY FEATURES
› 24.1megapixel Dual Pixel CMOS APS-C sensor › 7fps continuous shooting rate › 4K (contrast AF) 24p/25p › Full HDwith Dual Pixel CMOSAF up to 60p › 45AFpoint system › 220,000 pixel RGB+IRmetering sensor with flicker detection › Intelligent Tracking (iTR) AF › Eye detectionAF (with tracking) › DIGIC 8 image processor
Few EOS R5 details have been released, but continuous shooting up to 20fps and 8K video recording are confirmed. The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens is among nine RF lenses in development, to be released in 2020. canon.co.uk
will retail on Canon’s online store and at official Canon retailers fromMarch 2020, for £139.99 and £14.99 respectively. Canon has also announced a free image transfer and storage service, image.canon, launching April 2020. The free service places users’ images
layout. Other key features include pro-active cooling, accurate colour control throughout the power range, and a daylight LED lamp. Available as single heads and in To Go sets, a single ELC 125 head costs £479 and the ELC 500 is £699; both heads come with 16cm reflectors. An ELC 125 To Go TTL kit costs £959, and the ELC 500 TTL To Go set is £1399. Both include two heads, two 16cm reflectors and a carry case. We have a First Test in this issue on an ELC 125/500 To Go set, which sells at £1179. elinchrom.com
feature that’s compatible with seven camera brands. Skyport triggers are available as optional extras, and you will also need a Pro Transmitter if you want to enjoy High Speed Sync up to 1/8000sec, and TTL flashmetering. In TTL there is a newmanual lock function, so you can switch fromTTL tomanual while retaining your settings. Skyport Pro Transmitters cost £209 to £229 depending on camera brand. To allow you to concentrate on your subject rather than worrying how to use the light, both units have an intuitive interface and logical control
ELINCHROM’S PAIR OF new compact mains flash units offer power, versatility and huge creative potential, with direct access to the brand’s wide range of light modifiers. The ELC 500 is the more powerful, with an output of 522Ws adjustable over a 7EV range, while the ELC 125 delivers 131Ws over a 5EV range. Both at minimum power give 7Ws, ideal if you want to shoot wide apertures for shallow depth-of-field. There is wireless triggering and power control from your camera or computer, thanks to Elinchrom’s built-in Skyport
KEY FEATURES
ELC 125 › Output: 131Ws over 5EV range › Flash duration at t0.1 max power: 1/625sec › Flash duration at t0.1 min power: 1/7750sec ELC500 › Output: 522Ws over 7EV range
› Flash duration at t0.1 max power: 1/250sec › Flash duration at t0.1 min power: 1/9430sec
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Make theSwitch evolves
Photography News and leading light brand Profoto have joined forces to bring readers a unique opportunity for a studio day with professional models, using top lighting kit and with expert guidance. Plus, the chance to be featured in the pages of Photography News . The event takes place at Natural Light Spaces, a professional studio based in Northamptonshire, on 3 April. We have space for six PN readers and you could be one of them – and it’s free. Go to our website to apply and, to help our selection process, all you need to do is fill in a form and upload three of your favourite people pictures. Applications close 22 March. photographynews.co.uk Sign up for Profoto Live
Fujifilm and Photography News team up for a series of hands-on events about going mirrorless
Fujifilm and Photography News are planning a series of free, day-long reader experience events that are taking place at the Fujifilm House of Photography in London’s Covent Garden. These events give the participants the unique opportunity to use a range of Fujifilm cameras and lenses in actual shooting scenarios with the support of Fujifilm
experts. The Photography News team will be on hand as well to document the events for features in future issues of PN . Dates and specifics will be confirmed in the next issue, and applications need be made via our website. So, to ensure you don’t miss any details, subscribe to our free newsletter – or head over to our website for more info. photographynews.co.uk
Thanks everyone
You could WIN an Olympus Tough TG-6 when you sign up to PN for FREE
We offered prizes as incentives for voting in the PN 2019Awards. The prize draw has beenmade and here are the results…
Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to vote in our Photography News 2019 Awards. Your support has been brilliant – and the results are in this issue. We offered four prizes, courtesy of Intro 2020, in a random draw for people who voted. These names have been drawn and the winners are as follows. The first prize of a Samyang 18mm f/2.8 lens Sony FE fit worth £349 went
to Rosemarie Finch, while second prize of a Cokin Z-Pro Expert Kit worth £319 went to Jack Worsnop. Roger Hance scooped the third prize of a Crumpler Creator’s Algorithm backpack worth £160 and last, but by no means least, fourth prize of a Velbon UT- 3AR tripod worth £85 went to Chirag Khatri. Thanks again to everyone who voted and congratulations to our four winners.
We’remaking it even easier for you to get your hands on Photography News eachmonth. If your local camera retailer is less than local and more of amission away, the copies at your club are snatched up before you get chance to grab an edition for yourself, or maybe you just want to be the first to hear the latest, then make sure you head to GetPN.co.uk. You can subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest issue free, delivered to your inbox eachmonth, along with news, tutorials, special offers and competitions! Plus, if you sign up before 31 May 2020, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win an OlympusToughTG-6! Terms and conditions apply. GetPN.co.uk
See GetPN.co.uk for details.
Editorial Team Editorial director Roger Payne Editor Will Cheung FRPS 01223 499469 willcheung@bright-publishing.com Head of digital content Daisy Dickinson Digital content writer Lee Renwick leerenwick@bright-publishing.com Chief sub editor Beth Fletcher Senior sub editor Siobhan Godwood Sub editors Elisha Young and Felicity Evans
Advertising Team Group admanager Sam Scott-Smith 01223 499457 samscott-smith@bright-publishing.com Senior sales executive Jemma Farrell-Shaw 01223 492240 jemmafarrell-shaw@bright-publishing.com Key accounts Mike Elliott mikeelliott@bright-publishing.com
Design Team Design director Andy Jennings Senior designer Laura Bryant Designers Man-Wai Wong, Lucy Woolcomb, Bruce Richardson, Emma Di’Iuorio Distribution Distribution and subscriptionmanager Phil Gray philipgray@bright-publishing.com Publishing Team Managing directors Andy Brogden & Matt Pluck As well as your local camera club, you can pick up Photography News in-store from: Cameraworld, Castle Cameras, Jessops, London Camera Exchange, Park Cameras, Wex Photo Video, Wilkinson Cameras
Photography News is published 11 times a year by Bright Publishing Ltd, Bright House, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridge CB22 3HJ. No part of this magazine can be used without prior written permission of Bright Publishing Ltd. Photography News is a registered trademark of Bright Publishing Ltd. The advertisements published in Photography News that have been written, designed or produced by employees of Bright Publishing Ltd remain the copyright of Bright Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. While Bright Publishing makes every effort to ensure accuracy, it can’t be guaranteed. Street pricing at the time of writing is quoted for products.
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G-Technology
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Rugged andready
Having your photos secure, on hand and ready to work with is essential for any photographer, and the G-DRIVE mobile SSD does just that and more
mobile SSD’s performance that a five-year limited warranty is offered as standard. The G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile SSD comes in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB versions, retailing for approximately £105, £200 and £360 (ex VAT). g-technology.com
IN THE DIGITAL age of photography, storage is the most essential of all essentials. You can capture all the beautiful photos you like, but if they aren’t stored safely and securely, then it’s all for nought. There is a wide range of options when it comes to storing photos, with a huge number of brands, products and services to choose from. Of those options, the solid- state drive (SSD) has been the go-to for many photographers for a number of years now. If you’re hunting for an SSD, the G-DRIVE mobile SSD from G-Technology is up there with the very best. After all, it didn’t win Best External Storage Device in the Photography News 2019 Awards for stylish looks alone. Oh no, there’s a enthusiast or a professional who relies on their images for income, the need to keep your images safe can’t be overstated. As such, you need an SSD that can stand up to just about anything. On that front, the G-DRIVE mobile SSD is paving the way. The drive features IP67 water and dust resistance. That means it can be submerged in up to a metre of water for an entire 30 minutes. Serial kit abusers can rest assured all round with the G-DRIVE, as it also features 3m drop protection and a whopping 454kg crush proof rating. These stats would be impressive enough without another word said, but when you consider the lot going on here. SAFETY FIRST Whether you’re a passionate
drive’s size, it really puts things into perspective. The G-DRIVE mobile SSD is purely pocket-sized, measuring 10.5x5cm and less than 2.5cm thick. READY, SET, GO They say it’s what’s inside that counts, and that’s never more apt than when discussing storage. A frankly staggering level of durability only goes so far, and if your drive can’t perform (and perform well), it’s next to useless. With transfer speeds up to 500MB/s, the G-DRIVE mobile SSD allows you to edit and save Raw photos, transfer 4K video with huge bit rates and move files, ready to pack up and go in the blink of an eye. Made for users with all kinds of needs, the G-DRIVE can be made compatible with Windows- based computers with ease, as well as those with the latest macOS, so whatever your preferred workflow, it’s ready to fit in seamlessly. For even more usage options, the G-DRIVE features a reversible USB-C port with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface for the most modern of users, and comes with a USB 3.0/2.0 cable adapter for backwards compatibility with older machines. In the box, you’ll find a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable and a quick start guide, as well as the drive itself. Finally, a protective aluminium core prevents overheating, so the drive will maintain all the high- performance features mentioned above, even during much longer periods of use. In fact, so confident is G-Technology in the G-DRIVE
HIGHLIGHTS › Up to 2TB capacity › Transfer rate up to 560MB/s › IP67 water and dust resistance › 3mdrop protection › USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface
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News
Buy LeeFilters direct The new Lee Direct service offers UK photographers a delivery-to- the-front-door service. Photographers in the UK can
it easy for customers to buy direct, if that’s their preference,” says Paul Mason, Lee Filters’ managing director. Spend over £100 and shipping is free, and there is nominimum order quantity; delivery takes between one and three days. The newwebsite is said to give a painless and speedy buying experience with intuitive log-in, checkout process and shipment tracking. If technical or product advice is needed, Lee’s UK-based support is on hand to help.
Kase goes larger Kase’s Wolverine Magnetic Circular filter system offers a fast-to-use and lightweight alternative to photographers keen to enjoy filters but without wishing to burden themselves with a creative holder- based outfit
now order Lee Filters direct from the company, if you can’t easily get to a dealer on Lee’s UK dealer network.A range of 100 products will be available including adapter rings, holders, polarisers and systemkits. “We live in a world where we aremore andmore e-commerce orientated, so Lee is reacting to this growing trend and hasmade
PN tested Kase’s Wolverine Magnetic Circular filter system in the last issue and at that time the two sizes available were 77mm and 82mm. Kase has now added a 95mm option. Two 95mm kits are available; the entry level kit costs £285 and comprises an ND8, ND64, polariser, magnetic adapter ring and carry pouch, plus a free lens cap. The pro kit costs £395 and features the same products with the addition of an ND1000 filter. Wolverine Magnetic Circular filters are made from the same
toughened, colour neutral pro glass as Kase square filters and are easy to clean too. A 0.9 soft neutral density graduate filter has recently been added to the Kase range and this filter with an 77mm adaptor ring is £85, and £90 for the 82mm options. The idea of this circular system is that you buy the set to match the largest filter thread in your lens collection and use step rings for lenses with different size filter threads. Screw the adapter on to the lens and the filters in their magnetic
frames are simply held in place by magnetism so no chance of cross threading when adding the filters to the adapter rings. The systemmakes using filters fast and if you prefer, you can safely stack them to save even more space when travelling. The entry level and pro kits are great starting points and in time you could add adapter rings for each of your lenses – they cost from £10.55 – and for each lens a magnetic lens cap, which cost from £19. kasefilters.com
Affinity kicks on Affinity’s three apps, Designer, Photo and Publisher, have all been updated to v1.8. Owners of all three apps can use Serif ’s single file format and switch between
Nik adds five classics Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO features five classic colour films and compatibility withAffinity Photo
panorama stitching, batch processing and focus stacking. There’s now support for Nik Collection by DXO v2.5, a popular set of photo-editing plug-ins. Affinity v1.8 apps are available as one-off purchases and existing users can download the updated apps for free. The desktop versions cost £48.99 each (Mac OS and Windows) and the iPad options of Designer and Photo cost £19.99 each. affinity.serif.com
to apply effects and adjust images locally to fine-tune your shots. The latest update is also good news for Affinity Photo users because the latest Nik collection is fully compatible with the latest v1.8 of that software. The Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO suite costs £125 (£69 for existing Nik Collection 2018 by DxO users) and
Nik Collection 2.5 by DxO is now available for Windows and Mac. In the last update ten new films were added to Silver Efex Pro 2, now it’s the turn for Color Efex Pro 4 with five classic colour films being added to the collection including Agfa Precisa CT 100, Fujifilm FP-100C and Lomography Redscale 400. With the software’s U Point technology it is easy
each app seamlessly with StudioLink technology.
Affinity Photo is a powerful editing software starting from Raw development with features such as noise reduction, pro lens corrections and the usual array of image editing tools and into features such as HDR Merge,
it is a free upgrade for owners of Nik Collection 2 by DxO. shop.dxo.com/en
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News
Sony’s fast ultrawide
F H M R Z I D G C L W K E T B U R S T N A F S V C G I V E A W A Y P I U H A R D C S G N E R E N N I W H J O G A D S F C B T A I M S K V P V E D N T D Z N E T R N G L I I Z M I R E I M D B O D B T A S A N K I S P E C M G H B G H R R W R A E R C R X S B E E C M G A N E U A G T I H E K B U A W L Q L V F R I W L K U F Y I G N A C O U X O D Q F L X T P H Z E X T E R N A L E S B G N B H N D V N S A Capture life’s magical moments across all devices with the Samsung Evo Plus 256GB microSDXC memory card with SD adapter, offering read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. Samsung’s latest cards are also ultra reliable and are water, temperature, X-ray and magnet proof, so shooting in the most challenging conditions isn’t an issue. We have one 256GB Samsung Evo Plus microSDXC card with SD adapter worth £74.99 for the eagle-eyed winner. Complete the word search below, and you’ll find one word in the list that’s not in the grid. Email us on puzzle@photographynews.co.uk with that word in the subject box by 12 April 2020. There was no Wordsearch in PN 73 and no results this month. Normal service will be resumed next month. • samsung.com/uk/memory-cards ASamsung memory card! WIN!
The FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens is now the widest full-frame prime in Sony’s E-mount line-up
button and an aperture ring with a click on/off switch. Inside, the lens contains two advanced aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements to minimise chromatic aberration and ensure greater sharpness. It accepts 67mm filters and has a minimum focus distance of 19cm. The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is available from March, priced around £950. sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses
The FE 20mm f/1.8 G gives full-frame Sony shooters new possibilities when it comes to landscapes, astrophotography, video and more. Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the lens is dust and moisture resistant, making it a good option for shooting even in the most challenging conditions. The 20mm also features fast and precise autofocusing thanks to two extreme dynamic linear motors, a customisable focus hold
Firmware updates for NikonZseries Firmware version 3.00 has been rolled out for Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras, making the full-frame mirrorlesses even more powerful than ever before. Animal-detection AF has been added on top of previous face/eye- detection capabilities. Subject-tracking AF capabilities have button is pressed halfway or the AF-ON button is held down. Subject tracking ends when the user takes their finger off the button and the focus point selected before subject tracking began is reactivated, for increased operability.
Firmware version 3.00 also gives the two cameras support for CFexpress memory cards. Sony CFexpress memory cards and Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by ProGrade and Lexar will be supported. nikon.co.uk
also been improved. Still image shooting in AF-C mode has been modified to give an operational feel closer to the 3D-tracking of Nikon DSLR cameras. The Z 6 or Z 7 will now track a subject while the shutter-release
BBC searches for photographers Storyboard Studios and the BBC are looking for photographers to take part in a new televised competition
SPRING STRAPS
GIVEAWAY HARD LUNCH SHOW SPEAKERS
DRIVE EXHIBITION EXTERNAL FILTERS FLASH
BARGAINS BRIDGE BURST CAMERA CREDIT
The hunt is on for participants in the BBC and Storyboard Studios’ new photography series. Contestants will compete to be crowned Photographer of theYear. To qualify, themajority of your income cannot come fromphotography, youmust be over 18, youmust be a UK resident and youmust be available for three to four
weeks inMay/June. If you check all these boxes and you feel your photography is good enough to win you the title of Photographer of theYear, then don’t hang about! Entries close at midnight, 27March. For more information and to enter, please visit the Storyboard Studioswebsite. storyboardstudios.tv
TEABREAK VIEWPOINT WINNER
If you do not want to receive any marketing information fromBright Publishing or our partners, please type NO INFO in your email entry.
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Tamron
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Tamron designed its 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD specifically as the ultimate portrait lens, so in one optic you can shoot full-length, head and shoulders and headshot photographs. PN’s editor took the lens – winner of Best Superzoom lens in the Photography News 2019 Awards – out to explore the potential for himself ONE LENS, JOBDONE
O ne lens for all your people photography needs is a compelling proposition and that’s exactly what the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD is designed for. Teamed up with the 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD, which we covered in the last issue of PN , the combination is capable of tackling most photographic subjects – and portable too, the pair weighing just 1250g in total. I used the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD for a home portrait shoot. My model for the session was Natasha Oliver (purpleport.com/portfolio/ natashaoliver) and the idea was to shoot everything by natural light and rely on the lens’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to help me get sharp shots when the light levels dropped. I started with some general shots showing Natasha in the environment and the 35mm setting was ideal for this. The 35mm is such a great focal length and often underestimated for its all round skills. You can shoot flattering pictures of groups, capture full-
length shots without having to retreat too far with a natural perspective and it has enough coverage to include some of the subject’s surroundings. Natasha was perched on a stool and I started with the 35mm setting and shooting around her, going from full-length to head-filling shots without impinging on my subject’s space together with a perspective which is totally flattering. The light was good ,with the low sun streaming in through the window, and my camera settings were 1/60sec at f/5.6 and ISO 200 – I had the lens on a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV – so comfortable for safe handholding. When I zoomed into 85mm and 150mm for head and shoulders and full-face shots, I opened the lens to its widest aperture, firstly to ensure my shutter speed stayed high but also to keep depth-of-field shallow. Select a wide lens aperture, move in close and there’s the chance to exploit the lens’s bokeh potential which is creamy and round thanks to the lens’s nine-blade diaphragm. In my shots, I was getting Natasha’s eyes pin-sharp and focus fell away quickly, giving a lovely effect.
RIGHT AND BELOW Going from full length to full face without having to alter shooting distance is a huge benefit of the 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD and enables a smooth flow to portrait shoots. Optical quality, even at the wide apertures, is also very impressive
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LEFT Shooting towards a low bright sun had the risk of flare and ghosting having a negative effect on the shot, but Tamron’s BBAR coating dealt with any risk very well so no problems surfaced ABOVE It might look very bright, but the shutter speed needed for this shot was 1/13sec with the lens set to f/3.5 and 61mm. The AF point was positioned over Natasha’s eye and this result is critically sharp (All images edited to taste) shots, especially as I was still trying to utilise the lens’s wide range of focal lengths. However I could see I was getting lovely results even at the telephoto settings. I thought the Tamron 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD performed really well in this simple daylight shoot. The lens’s wide range enabled me to get a great range of shots and its VC skills gave me the freedom to shoot handheld shots as the light levels fell. It’s a seriously impressive, very capable lens.
SPECS › Price £799 › Mount availability Canon EF, Nikon F › Optical construction 18 elements in 14 groups › Special elements Three LD (low dispersion), three hybrid aspherical elements › Moisture resistant Yes › Autofocus motor OSD (Optimised Silent Drive) › Aperture range F/2.8-4 to f/16-22 › Minimum focus 45cm › Diaphragm Nine blades › Maximummagnification ratio 1:3.7 › Coatings BBAR (Broad-Band Anti Reflection), fluorine coat on front lens element › Filter size 77mm › Dimensions (dxl) 84x126.8mm › Weight 796g (Canon), 790g (Nikon) › Contact tamron.eu/uk
helped to deliver flare-free shots even in this high-contrast situation. The third change was Natasha in a black pullover. With her blonde hair and the white walls, I thought this would give a lovely contrast and so it proved. By now it was late in the afternoon and the sun was dropping into low cloud so the lighting was changing constantly with levels being quite low at times. On occasion my shutter speed was dipping as low as 1/15sec even with the lens wide open, and this is when I had to rely on the lens’s VC system to help me get pin-sharp handheld
I had the camera set to its AF point expansion setting that uses five AF points and this I moved around with the focus lever to be over Natasha’s eye. The Tamron’s OSD AF motor was so smooth and quiet that I didn’t even notice it but I did see that the AF system dealt with the situation very well indeed. A quick outfit change and I opted to enjoy the now very low and intense sun streaming into the room. I had Natasha sitting on the floor with the sun backlighting her hair and I shot towards the light, with some much- needed fill in provided by a fold-up reflector. Tamron’s BBAR coating
“The Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4’sOSD AFmotorwas so smoothand quiet that I didn’t evennotice it”
tamron.eu/uk
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Epson
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
The proof is in the print Is going cartridge-free the future of photo printing? Epson certainly thinks so, and
printers like the EcoTank ET-7750 make a very convincing case indeed
W hen it comes to at- home photo printing, many photographers imagine a host of pitfalls: huge cost, messy and frequent ink changes, and sub- standard print quality are just a few. But what if you could have the convenience and control that at-home printing allows without any of these drawbacks? That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Well, thanks to Epson, you can. The Epson EcoTank ET-7750 is the winner of Best Photographic Printer in the Photography News 2019 Awards, and is one of many printers in the EcoTank range. It’s absolutely
packed with features that make it an appealing prospect for just about any photographer. Epson knows photographers can’t go without proofs, so the brand has facilitated an amazingly practical solution: cartridge-free printing. Traditional inkjet printers use small cartridges that are inserted into the printer – you’ve likely replaced them before yourself. The EcoTank ET-7750 features a high- yield ink tank system, meaning you can pour ink directly into the printer’s tanks in a simple and mess- free process. There are even videos demonstrating how this is done. With this innovative system, you can
They also consume far less energy than laser printers so not only is the Epson EcoTank line good for the purse strings, it’s good for the planet. On the subject of refills, the various ink bottles can be bought individually, meaning you can top your printer up as and when you like. Monitoring your ink levels has never been easier, either; you can see the ink tank without even opening the printer. This is all well and good, but quality, variety and usability are still hugely important factors when it comes to a photo printer. So how does the EcoTank ET-7750 fare on these fronts? Well, where should we start? A name like Epson speaks for itself on the quality front. Simply put, you can trust decades of product refinement and printing experience. Variety comes with the ability to print images up to A3 size, so you can create prints for the wall just as easily as for a photo album. Plus, for broader at-home use, the ET-7750 will print, scan and copy ordinary documents, including double-sided printing. That’s really useful if you work from home or those times when the kids need to print out their homework.
print up to 3400 photos using the ink that comes with the printer alone – and that’s included in the overall purchase price, not as an extra fee. Gone are the days of fretting over whether you should create a test print. But ultimately, whether they’re tests or the final product, printing photos with this level of efficiency is very appealing. There aren’t just economical savings to be had with the EcoTank ET-7750, but ecological ones, too. The average EcoTank ink bottle is equivalent to 88 ink cartridges, despite being around the same price as a multipack, and they can be recycled in the household with ease.
KEY FEATURES
IMAGES The simple, mess-free and economic EcoTank ET-7750 guarantees stunning results for home printers
› A3 photo printing › Up to 3400 photos with the included ink › 3-in-1 printing, copying and scanning › Wi-Fi and app connectivity
There’s also variety in the wide range of printer papers offered alongside the EcoTank range, which includes an option for virtually any need. If you want a sleek and ultra-glossy portrait, there’s a paper for that. If you want a slightly more subtle print of a landscape to put on your wall, load up some matte paper and you’re good to go. In terms of usability, the EcoTank ET-7750 features a generous 6.8cm LCD screen. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled with ease via an app, enabling printing straight from your smartphone. All in all, quality photo printing at home has never been so easy and affordable. epson.co.uk
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Camera club
Camera club News
SUCCESS + EXHIBITIONS + PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS + OUTINGS
Viewfinder hostsWard Viewfinder PS is hosting an illustrated talk by leading photographer David Ward at the Parkway Cinema, Beverley, East Yorkshire, on 6 April at 7.30pm.
If your camera club has news you want to share with Photography News readers, please send it in. All sorts of stories are welcome, so it might be details of an annual exhibition, success in a contest, an upcoming event or news of a member’s personal achievement. Publicity officers – please read the submission guidelines and deadlines below, and get your stories in. › Write your story in 250 words or fewer on a Word document. Include the club’s website, meeting times, what the event is, opening times, entrance costs – anything relevant. › Every story should come with at least one image. JPEGs should be 1500 pixels minimum (bigger is fine) on the longest dimension, any colour space, photographer’s name in the file name, please. › We DO NOT use posters or any pictures with words on the image front. Send your contribution to clubnews@photography-news. co.uk with text document and images attached. Deadlines for the next few issues of Photography News ISSUE 75, out from 10March, deadline for contributions: 28 February ISSUE 76, out from 15April, deadline for contributions: 3 April ISSUE 77, out from 13May, deadline for contributions: 1 May ISSUE 78 , out from 16 June, deadline for contributions: 5 June DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE 3 April
in its clarity and intensity. David’s talk, A Matter of Detail, is about his photographic journey, his philosophy, how intimate landscapes work and why he’s fascinated by them. Tickets ( from £5) are available from the Parkway Cinema website. beverley.parkwaycinemas.co.uk
David Ward is one of Britain’s most notable landscape photographers. His eye for shape and form is without equal, and he produces work that is startling
Interpretations – The Art of Photography
Windsor PS is staging an unusual exhibition. The club has collaborated with Windsor &Maidenhead Colour Wheel and other local artists to create an exhibition of photographs and works of art inspired by them. Interpretations will display the art of the photographer interpreting a scene, which in turn has inspired local artists using other media. The interpretations of the photographs will be on show next to the original prints (an example of the exhibition is shown, right). The exhibition runs from 30 March to 29 April at the The Old Court Artspace, St Leonards Road, Windsor SL4 3BL. Entrance is free. windsor-photographic- society.co.uk
Harpenden’s annual show Harpenden PS annual exhibition takes place for one day only on 25April, at High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden, 10am till 4.30pm. One of the cultural highlights
Cranleigh CC’s annual show takes place on 28 March at Cranleigh Village Hall, 10am till 4pm, and entrance is free. The exhibition has been running annually for many years. On display will be up to 300 photographs across a wide range of subjects. There will also be a category entitled ‘digital art’, which covers images constructed using digital software as expressions of the image-makers’ creative imagination. Exhibition entries will be assessed by DonMorley, a distinguished former photojournalist and sports photographer, experienced in judging photographic work. Refreshments will be available and parking is easy. Cranleigh’s main car park is only a few yards past the village hall, down Village Way. cranleighcameraclub.co.uk
of Hertfordshire’s events calendar, the Harpenden PS exhibition will feature the inspirational work of many local photographers. Harpenden PS’s chairman, Peter Stevens FRPS, says:“We're very excited to be able to showcase around 200 of the finest images frommembers, and look forward to welcoming everyone to come along and be inspired by the incredible photography on display. “Our exhibition attendance seems to grow each year, and
CranleighCC
we look forward to hopefully continuing to breakmore records this year.” harpendenphotographicsociety.co.uk
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