The powerful new Profoto B1X is a successor to the award-winning Profoto B1 on-location flash. Like its predecessor, the B1X is a 500Ws cordless light, offering TTL metering with Canon, Olympus, Nikon and Sony cameras, in connection with a hotshoe-mounted Air Remote TTL unit. The new model's LED modelling light offers 80% more light output, the battery holds 50% more power and the B1X boasts the widest HSS range available on any flash (up to 1/8,000s with 9 f-stop power range). "We want image creators everywhere to be able to realise their vision," the company says. "If that’s halfway up a mountain, overpowering the sun in the middle of the desert or hanging off a rock overlooking the Mediterranean – then so be it." In addition to the B1X light, Profoto are also launching two new OCF reflectors. Adding hard light to the shaping palette of Profoto OCF Light Shaping Tools, the OCF Zoom Reflector and the OCF Magnum Reflector are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for shooting on location. The OCF Zoom Reflector is so portable it even fits into the B1 case while mounted on the B1 or B1X.

The Camera Lift Strap - an innovative camera strap that reduces the neck and back strain caused by the weight of your camera - is now available for purchase. "Our camera strap design clasps right onto to your backpack handle and keeps the weight of your camera distributed along the shoulders, one of the strongest parts of the human body," the company says. "It has the capacity to carry the heaviest of camera equipment with ultimate comfort, so you can experience the weightlessness of your camera like never before!" The Camera Lift Strap is available to purchase at the website below, priced from $37.

Website: PONTE Leather

Delkin announced today the newest addition to their growing line of BLACK products: the Delkin BLACK USB 3.0 Rugged Memory Card Reader. Utilising an innovative aluminium-plastic design, the BLACK rugged memory card reader takes advantage of stronger materials to offer ruggedised protection and extend the lifetime of the reader. Providing storage for one SD card, one microSD card and one CompactFlash card, the Delkin BLACK USB 3.0 includes a wraparound cord that tucks neatly into the rubberised cover for easy storage. Both SD & microSD slots fully utilise the high-speed performance of UHS-II cards, while the CF slot incorporates UDMA 7 and VPG (video performance guarantee) support.

StarTech.com has released two new USB 3.0 compliant card reader/writers for CFast 2.0 memory cards, which enable quick downloads, transfers or backups of photo or video content. The new single-slot card reader/writers are available in two versions, a USB-C variant and a USB-A version, which connect through an integrated cable to a laptop, mobile device or desktop computer. Both card readers are backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 connectors and CFast 1.0 cards. The MSRP is £55.90+VAT.

Fantasea line has just launched the rugged FRX100 V housing for the Sony RX100 V, RX100 IV and RX100 III cameras. Providing full access to all essential camera controls and functions, the Fantasea FRX100 V housing is depth rated to 60 metres, and features a shock-resistant construction, ergonomic design and double O-ring protection. Free extras include a hand-strap, moisture detector and port cover. Do note that the FRX100 V is very similar to the FRX100 IV housing. However, the FRX100 IV has a built-in front port thread design compatible with 55mm wet lenses and also includes in the box a 55-67mm lens ring adapter. By contrast the FRX100 V has a built-in front port thread design compatible with 67 mm wet lenses and is therefore not compatible with 55mm ones. The Fantasea FRX100 V underwater housing is available for $529.95.

The Sundisc is an ultra-portable softbox and reversible reflector that sits directly on your speedlight and fits in your camera bag. While it is essentially a compact softbox, the Sundisc can also double as a reflector with both warm and cool light. This way you can carry less gear and still get great shots. Additionally, the Sundisc flips into shape and clips to your speedlight within seconds. "We have worked with the Sundisc for over three years, testing and iterating and testing again. We have tested in the studio and we have tested in the field. We have sent the Sundisc out to be tested by other photographers and taken in feedback," the inventors say. "Now we are at a point where we are confident we have ironed out all the kinks and are ready to share the Sundisc with you." Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the Sundisc project's Kickstarter page.

Polaroid have just introduced a range of all-in-one tabletop photo studio kits aimed at perfecting product shots of food, jewelry, trinkets and more. Each kit comes complete with two output lights, a tripod stand, four backdrops, three diffuser screens, and a carrying case – making it easy for photographers to set up in the studio or on the road. When assembled, the tabletop photo studio kit lightbox tent is 16 inches high and 16 inches long with a 22-inch diagonal, accommodating most tabletop product shoots with optimal light softening. The four background colours -- red, blue, black and white -- let photographers change up backdrops to better match product and setting. The included tripod can accommodate compact cameras and most SLRs. The standard version comes with two changeable output lights (5500K), while the pro version ships with two power LED lights. Remote controls can also be ordered for dimming or controlling the LEDs. The Polaroid tabletop photo studio light kit standard version is available now for $45.99 from Amazon. The Polaroid pro tabletop LED version is available now for $89.99.

Lastolite By Manfrotto today launched the new Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus mini softbox. Developed in partnership with acclaimed photographer Joe McNally, the new Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus attaches directly onto a flashgun whether it is on or off camera. Based on the successful Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 which was launched in 2015, the Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus features Joe’s preferred white interior for a softer/creamier light and a removable inner and outer diffuser. The Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus also features a unique, design patented, folding mechanism that incorporates two magnets which enable quick attachment of the Lastolite By Manfrotto Strobo honeycomb and gel holders. The Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus carries a recommended retail price of £59.95.

Aurora Aperture has introduced the PowerND family of high-quality neutral density filters. The range comprises three ratings of light reduction capability: ND64 (6 stops), ND4000 (12 stops), and ND65000 (16 stops). Four different formats are available: circular filters from 37mm to 95mm, 100 x 100mm square filters compatible with popular square filter adapters, 150mm circular filters with an adapter for the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens, and the Aurora CR format, an industry first, a rear mount glass filter for the Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM lens. “We introduced a variable ND family last year and it was embraced by photographers and videographers worldwide,” said Jinfu Chen, founder and CEO of Aurora Aperture Inc. “the fixed ND family we introduce today is much more powerful in terms of light reduction capability and offers even better optical performance, along with more formats for different camera lenses.” The Aurora PowerND family will be available to dealers and direct orders in August 2017. List price starts at US$42 and varies depending on filter format and size.

DJI and Hasselblad have introduced the World's first 100-megapixel integrated drone imaging platform. The flight platform for the combination is the DJI M600 Pro drone, an advanced and adaptable six-rotor flight platform equipped with the powerful Lightbridge 2 transmission system, a dustproof propulsion system and six Intelligent Flight Batteries. The M600 Pro can be guided by the D-RTK GNSS navigation system, which can withstand strong magnetic interference to provide highly precise centimeter-level 3D positioning. The on-board camera is the 100-megapixel Hasselblad H6D-100C, which features a 645 format sensor that offers outstanding detail, colour reproduction and tonal range even in poor lighting conditions. The camera mounts on the drone through the Ronin-MX three-axis stabilized gimbal, which uses powerful motors and inertial measurement units to resist high G-forces, maintain stability and hold the horizon. The M600/Ronin-MX/H6D-100c platform is on display through April 27 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in DJI booth #C2807 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The combination will be released in the third quarter of 2017 at a price to be announced later.

Atomos have introduced their first production/studio monitor to combine a 19” HDR 1200-nit 10+ stop panel with 4K 12-bit raw or 10-bit 422 ProRes/DNxHR recording and HD capture up to 240p. Sumo’s 19” 1920x1080 10-bit LCD panel is driven by the AtomHDR engine which precisely maps the Log/PQ/HLG from popular cameras to resolve 10+ stops of HDR in real time. The brightness range and vivid colours of HDR bring scenes to life either on the monitor itself, or when output to larger HDR/Rec709 displays for on-set review. It can also be used with popular NLE or grading suites for affordable HDR or SDR editing or grading in the studio. The 19” Atomos Sumo will launch in Q3 2017 for an MSRP US$2,495.

DJI has announced features and specifications for DJI Goggles, a first-person view system that gives drone pilots a seamless bird’s eye view of the world in Full HD. DJI Goggles use a beam splitter to display an image in front of each eye, as well as polarization to prevent any image overlap. Through DJI’s OcuSync wireless transmission system, up to two pairs of DJI Goggles can be connected to a single Mavic Pro aircraft. DJI Goggles can receive video data directly from the drone bypassing the controller to minimise lag. When flying with the Mavic Pro, DJI Goggles offer both 720p at 60 fps and close range 1080p at 30fps viewing with latency as low as 110ms. A touchpad integrated into DJI Goggles makes navigating the internal menu system simple, providing easy access to key intelligent flight features such as ActiveTrack, TapFly, Terrain Follow, Cinematic Mode and Tripod Mode. In Fixed Wing Mode, DJI Goggles bring with them a whole new way to fly the Mavic Pro. In this mode, the aircraft flies forward with enough rotational movement to simulate realistic flight. An AR trajectory prediction feature in Fixed Wing Mode makes using this mode much safer in complex environments. Priced at £499 (€549), DJI Goggles will start shipping after May 20, 2017.

Western Digital today announced upgrades to their G-DRIVE, G-RAID and G-SPEED product families, including the addition of Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C connectivity. Designed for creative professionals, the new G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 (available now, priced at $699.95 for 10TB, with 12TB available next quarter for $799.95; pictured) features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port (supports USB 3.1 Gen 1). Users can conveniently daisy chain up to five additional devices, allowing them to keep connected to multiple drives and quickly move HD videos and 4K footage through a single connection. G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3 will become available June in up to 20TB and next quarter with up to 24TB for $1999.95. G-SPEED Shuttle XL with Thunderbolt 3 is expected to hit shelves in in up to 20TB capacity and next quarter with up to 96TB for $10,199.95, whilst the G-SPEED Shuttle XL with ev Series bay adapters will come next quarter with up to 72TB for $7,799.95.

DJI has introduced new hardware and a premium customer support programme to help professional customers get the most out of their aerial and hand-held imaging equipment. The new Cendence remote controller is DJI’s first multi-platform controller for professionals who need versatility, efficiency and personalisation at their fingertips. Users can program and store customised button configurations for different flight and shooting options, and can use two dials to adjust the pitch and yaw of the gimbal at the same time. With Cendence, pilots have instant access to functions like ISO, sharpness, shutter speed, focus and more, without navigating the touch menu settings on their mobile device. Cendence features built-in SDI and HDMI video transmission ports for live HD broadcast and streaming applications, and can be easily adapted to use DJI’s Lightbridge or WiFi video transmission technology. DJI Tracktenna is a high-gain antenna that improves signal reliability over long distances and resisting interference. Its built-in sensors and two-axis gimbal automatically point the antenna to the aircraft at all times, bolstering the connection even while the operator is in motion or on a vehicle. The CrystalSky family of dedicated monitors offers a brighter and more reliable display screen for pilots, photographers and filmmakers who need more robust visual information than is available on smartphones and tablets. The CrystalSky monitors are available in 5.5-inch and 7.85-inch sizes. They attach directly to the new Cendence controller, and use a new dedicated mounting bracket to attach to other DJI controllers. CrystalSky will be available soon in three configurations: a 5.5-inch, 1000 cd/m2 version for £449 (€549); a 7.85-inch, 1000 cd/m2 version for £669 (€799); and a 7.85-inch, 2000 cd/m2 version for £949 (€1,149). Cendence, DJI Tracktenna and CrystalSky are on display at the DJI booth at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 24-27.

DJI have introduced their Ronin 2 three-axis camera stabiliser. Based on DJI’s transformative gimbal technology, Ronin 2 has more power and torque to carry larger cameras, is more versatile to be used in every situation, and has more intelligent features than its predecessor. Powerful gimbal motors ensure sufficient torque to handle payloads up to 13.5kg. Aided by onboard GPS, the powerful encoded motors let Ronin 2 travel at speeds of up to 75 mph while delivering the same 0.02 degrees of sub-pixel level precision that Ronin users have come to expect. New axis locking levers and fine tuning knobs deliver faster and more precise balancing, while the Auto Tune Stability feature intelligently adjusts motor parameters for optimal use in seconds. A new integrated touch screen with 1,000 nits of brightness lets professionals directly configure the gimbal settings for on-the-fly adjustments and for full control of mounted RED cameras.Ronin 2 will be available in the second quarter of 2017. Pricing will be announced prior to availability.

Light & Motion today unveiled their new Stella Pro 5000 RF and Stella Pro 8000 RF single-point LED lights. Adding complete wireless control to their list of features; these extremely portable, weatherproof and rugged 5600K continuous lights can be set up practically anywhere, with no need for DMX controllers or external wireless RF modules. Leveraging a new new technology partnership with Elinchrom, Light & Motion has incorporated the Elinchrom ‘Skyport Protocol’ into these two new Stella Pro RF units. With this protocol, the RF Control for Stella provides users with 20 channels, 4 separate groups, and the ability to turn the unit on and control its power from 0 to 100%. In addition, it is also capable of controlling up to 20 lights at a range of up to 656’/ 200m outdoors and 197’/ 60m indoors. This shared technology also potentially allows the Stella RF lights to be controlled by the new Speedmaster L858D-U with the Elinchrom/Phottix module and the Litemaster Pro L-478D-U-EL. The Stella Pro RF units will be available in June 2017. However, pre-sale is available beginning 4/24/2017 at StellaProLights.com and select participating specialty dealers across the United States.

Light & Motion and Elinchrom have announced a technical collaboration two years in the making. The synergetic relationship between the two companies is billed as "an exciting development for the ever-expanding world of on-the-go content creators requesting lighting solutions that are reliable, compact, and timesaving." The announcement of the Light & Motion and Elinchrom partnership comes with their first collaborative release of the Stella Pro 5000 RF and Stella Pro 8000 RF lights. These powerful, portable, and cord-free daylight balanced lights from Light & Motion now add complete wireless control thanks to the addition of the Skyport Protocol from Elinchrom. A new Elinchrom Skyport Remote Control for Stella was also released to conveniently manage the lights’ settings from alongside the camera/monitor, in any environment.

PolarPro has announced it will launch two new accessories for the action-bound cinematographer later this year. The PolarPro FiftyFifty HERO5 Dome ($49.99) is an accessory lens designed for the latest GoPro HERO5 action camera to enable split-level over/under images at the waterline, while the PolarPro Katana Mavic Tray ($49.99, pictured) allows owners of the popular DJI Mavic Pro to use the compact drone as a stabilised, hand-held shooting platform. PolarPro will first demonstrate the new accessories at the upcoming 2017 NAB Expo (April 24-27 in Las Vegas, NV).

Manfrotto have launched the new Nitrotech Video Head - a revolutionary head that combines the most successful features of Manfrotto’s video heads with the company's unique-to-the-market Nitrogen piston mechanism that guarantees continuous counterbalance. The Nitrotech N8 (£449.95) - the first model in the Nitrotech range - securely supports a load up to 8 kg. The new head features a precise, continuous counterbalance system that effortlessly and safely holds and operates a wide array of video camera models in a variety of sizes. It also features a 3/8” Easy Link equipped with an anti-rotation function that enables an external monitor or other accessories to be fitted.

The waterproof Sennheiser MKE-2 elements microphone has been designed specifically for the GoPro HERO4 Black and Silver action cameras. The MKE 2 elements is based on a professional Sennheiser microphone, with innovative features making it nearly immune to snow, wind, and water. It is even capable of recording under water. Its special windshield continues to reduce wind noise for clear sound when it gets wet, while an elastic suspension suppresses any structure-borne noise. Available from 24th April, the Sennheiser MKE 2 elements action microphone comes complete with a special windshield and a back cover for the GoPro HERO4 protective case, keeping the camera hermetically sealed.