Benro today announced the expansion of their S-Series with the S7 Video Head and Tripod Kits. The S7 video head offers a maximum load capacity of 7kg, a 65mm flat base, a 4-step counterbalance, independent pan and tilt locks and a 501 compatible QR6 plate. The flat base provides much needed versatility for mounting on sliders, jibs and half ball adapters. Available in carbon-fibre and aluminium versions, the S7 Tripod Kit includes an S7 Video Head plus a tripod that folds down to 29cm and extends to 161cm.

X-Rite has launched the X-Rite ColorChecker Classic Mini ($70), which has been specifically designed to help photographers specialising in capturing fine art and heritage artwork. Measuring 6.3cm x 10.6cm, the ColorChecker Classic Mini offers users a flexible solution for situations where a more lightweight colour chart is required. When dealing with valuable and often delicate artwork, the ColorChecker Classic Minican be positioned against the delicate surface of the painting whilst it is being photographed. Each of the 24 colours represents the actual colour of natural objects and reflects light just like its real-world counterpart. Since they exemplify the colour of their counterparts and reflect light the same way in all parts of the visible spectrum, the squares will match the colours of representative sample natural objects under any illumination, and with any colour reproduction process. The ColorChecker Classic Mini can also be used to create a white balance with your digital camera to guarantee precise, uniform, neutral white under any lighting condition.

Blackmagic Design has introduced a high-resolution electronic viewfinder specifically designed for the Blackmagic URSA and Blackmagic URSA Mini digital video cameras. Featuring a Full HD OLED display, the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder has been designed to meet the needs of high-end cinematographers. The display has been matched with precision glass optics, has an adjustable dioptre and built-in digital focus chart. When used with Blackmagic URSA cameras, the electronic viewfinder can also display overlays for things like recording status, camera settings, battery life and more. There’s even a built in sensor that helps preserve the life of the OLED screen by only turning the viewfinder on when needed. The Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder will be available in July for $1,495.

The Blackmagic Video Assist is a portable, all in one professional monitor and video recorder that can be used with any SDI or HDMI camera. Durable and lightweight, the Blackmagic Video Assist features a bright 5" full HD monitor and touchscreen with a 135º viewing angle. Customers can record broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2 video onto fast, inexpensive and widely available SD cards in Apple ProRes and DNxHD file formats. The Blackmagic Video Assist includes 2 standard LP-E6 battery slots allowing hot swapping of batteries while in use, and it can be powered using the 12V DC input. The Blackmagic Video Assist is available in July for $495.

Blackmagic Design has announced a new high-performance 4.6K sensor for its URSA high-end digital video cameras. The new Super 35 image sensor features high resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second and 15 stops of dynamic range for images that rival those shot on many traditional motion picture film stocks. That means customers can now use URSA to get the most epic cinematic shots with more detail in the shadows and highlights than ever before. Videos are recorded as 12-bit lossless Cinema DNG raw files to preserve the maximum amount of image data and quality. The Blackmagic URSA 4.6K will be available in limited volumes from June, and increasing to full supply in July and August.

DJI today announced the DJI Ronin-M, a lightweight handheld camera stabiliser with a maximum load capacity of 8lbs. Featuring a unique, lightweight (5lbs) magnesium frame, the DJI Ronin-M opens up possibilities for camera movements. “The Ronin-M features many of the same key features that have made the DJI Ronin a favourite among filmmaking professionals,” said Paul Pan, Product Manager of the DJI Ronin. “At the same time, we have looked at many performance upgrades so that the Ronin-M can be as mobile as possible and used virtually anywhere.” Small enough to carry in a backpack, the DJI Ronin-M incorporates DJI’s signature SmoothTrack system, allowing operators to easily track action on a multiple or single axes. The quick-release system for the top handle allows users to mount the DJI Ronin-M easily to jibs, cranes and tripods. DJI is exhibiting the Ronin-M as well as the recently announced DJI Phantom 3 at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas this week at booth Central Hall C1707.

The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) member magazines recently convened for their General Assembly to vote for the best photo and imaging products launched by the industry in the last 12 months. Among the winners are the Canon EOS 7D Mark II (Best Digital SLR Expert), the Fujifilm X100T (Best Premium Camera), the Fujifilm X30 (Best Expert Compact Camera), the Leica T (Best Design), the Lytro Illum (Best Imaging Innovation), the Nikon Coolpix P610 (Best Superzoom Camera), the Nikon D5500 (Best Digital SLR Entry Level), the Nikon D810 (Best Digital SLR Professional), the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ll (Best CSC Expert), the Panasonic LX100 (Best Photo/Video Camera Expert), the Panasonic FT6 (Best Rugged Camera), the Panasonic GM5 (Best CSC Advanced), the Pentax 645Z (Best Medium Format Camera), the Pentax K-2 (Best Digital SLR Advanced), the Ricoh WG-M1 (Best ActionCam, pictured), the Samsung NX1 (Best CSC Professional), the Sony A5100 (Best CSC Entry Level) and the Sony A7S (Best Photo/Video Camera Professional).

Canon is developing a free firmware update for its DP-V3010 30-inch professional UHD reference display (pictured). Through the firmware upgrade, users will be able to take advantage of such new functions as an HDR display mode, which enables the display of HDR video with minimal underexposed and overexposed areas, and a function for displaying content captured in the ITU-R BT.2020 next-generation broadcast standard colour gamut, which was adopted for 4K UHD-TV broadcasting tests. Plus, the new firmware will enable the DP-V3010 to support the latest ACESproxy transfer standard. When used in combination with input devices supporting the ACESproxy standard, the DP-V3010 display can deliver consistent colour reproduction both on-set and during the editing process, the company says. The new firmware upgrade is expected to be available in November.

Canon have unveiled a 24-inch reference display featuring a 10-bit Ultra HD IPS panel, eight look-up tables and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. Weighing approximately 26lbs. the Canon DP-V2410 monitor has a resolution of 4096x2160 pixels and an aspect ratio of 17:9.  A special anti-glare coating helps ensure faithful image reproduction within challenging environments often encountered when shooting on location. A Canon-designed RGB LED backlight system and specially developed high-bit depth image processing engine helps ensure highly uniform brightness and accurate DCI-P3 colour reproduction.  The display panel and associated digital video processing offer two modes of HDR portrayal. In addition, the internal debayering facilitates direct live viewing of the uncompressed, raw 4K/2K outputs of the Canon EOS C500 and EOS C300 Mark II cameras. The Canon DP-V2410 4K Reference Display is scheduled to be available November for a list price of $18,000.

With sales of consumer orientated camera drones on the up, and the technology getting ever more affordable, Chinese manufacturer DJI has announced what it is terming the possible “future of aerial imaging and video”. It has launched not one but two updates to its Phantom series. These are the Phantom 3 ‘Professional’ – a 4K shooting unmanned aerial vehicle with gold detailing and a suggested retail price of £1,159 – plus a second model in the Phantom 3 Advanced. The latter records 1080P video, costs a more affordable £899 SRP, and is outwardly distinguishable via its silver detailing. Gavin Stoker attended the London launch and was able to get hands-on with the devices.

DJI have announced the Phantom 3 Professional and Phantom 3 Advanced drones. Using DJI’s innovative Visual Positioning System), these Phantom 3 platforms can hold their positioning indoors without GPS and can easily take off and land with the push of a button. Controllers for the Phantom 3 come paired with DJI’s Lightbridge technology, which allows pilots to see what the Phantom 3 camera is seeing in HD (720p) at a distance up to 1 mile. The Phantom 3 Professional (£1,159 / $1,259) is capable of shooting 4K video at up to 30fps, while the Phantom 3 Advanced (£899 / $999) records at resolutions up to 1080p at 60fps. These cameras are stabilised using 3-axis gimbals to keep the video smooth regardless of flight or wind conditions. Both models shoot 12 megapixel photos using a 94⁰ UWA lens and a 1/2.3"-type sensor. ISO, shutter speed and exposure compensation, can be set using both the DJI Pilot app and the physical controls on the remote controllers.

LaCie's Rugged Thunderbolt SSD will soon be available in a 1TB capacity. With double the storage, the new LaCie is just as tough and portable with no size or weight increase compared to the 500 GB offering. The new external drive delivers speeds of up to 387 MB/s, enabling users to transfer 100 GB in less than five minutes. The LaCie Rugged even provides enough bandwidth to review and edit photos or video in the field, the company says. The new 1 TB SSD version of the LaCie Rugged drive will be available later this month for $949.99.

Venus Optics has announced the Kuangren Macro Twin Flash KX-800, billed as the world’s most powerful macro twin flash with flexible arms. Featuring a combined guide number of 190 (in feet) with 8 levels of power adjustment, the Kuangren Macro Twin Flash KX-800 has a recycle time of 2-5 seconds. Powered by 4 AA batteries, the kit weighs in at 1 pound and comes complete with two 48cm long dual flexible arms and a LED focusing light. The recommended retail price is $299.

Datacolor has released Spyder5, the next generation of its popular monitor calibration solutions. The Spyder5 colorimeter is compact, portable and protected for use on all laptop and desktop monitors. Datacolor has redesigned Spyder’s 7-detector optical engine to deliver up to a 55% improvement in tonal response, resulting in more accurate shadow detail and smoother gradients. Spyder5EXPRESS (£102 / $129) is a cost-effective tool for serious photographers seeking an easy-to-use colour accuracy solution through a simple, interactive four-step process guide. Using its before and after feature, users can evaluate calibration results using a professional Datacolor composite image. Spyder5PRO (£153 / $189) is ideal for photographers and creative professionals looking to take their skill and artistic vision to the next level by achieving precise colour accuracy. Spyder5ELITE (£222 / $279) offers a built-in tripod mount to easily calibrate front projector displays. Expert features include an unlimited range of calibration settings, comprehensive display analysis, advanced before and after evaluation of imported images, monitor matching and tuning, and optimized grey balance routines.

Transcend has launched a range of MLC-based, UHS-I Speed Class 3 compliant microSD memory cards for 4K action cameras. Available in capacities up to 64GB, these cards boast transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s in devices supporting the UHS-I specification. The cards are not only temperature proof, enduring extreme temperatures from -25°C to 85°C, but also waterproof, static proof, x-ray proof and shockproof. They all come with Transcend's exclusive RecoveRx software, which features a user-friendly interface that allows users to search deep within a storage device for traces of erased files that can be rescued. The UHS-I U3 (633X) microSD cards carry Transcend's Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Adaptalux is an adaptable, miniature portable lighting studio designed for macro and product photography. "This lighting system for macro photography is all about innovation and creativity, both in the product design and the incredibly creative pictures and videos it allows photographers to make without having to travel the world," says Martin Brenig-Jones, Co-Owner and Business Director, Adaptalux. "Macro photography subjects are everywhere and look amazing with the right lighting!" Adaptalux is split into three main parts; a control panel, a set of lighting arms and a set of effect components. Currently seeking funding through Kickstarter, the Adptalux project has already raised over £42,000, with 29 days left to go.

PolarPro will launch its newest POV action cam accessories at the 2015 NAB Show. The product line-up will include new hand-held and hands-free POV action cam mounts, battery-integrated carrying cases and lens filters specially designed for use with drones and quadcopters. Attendees of the upcoming 2015 NAB Show can visit PolarPro in booth #C12362 to demo the entire PolarPro range.

National Geographic and Manfrotto have launched a sporty new line of photography backpacks, totes and holsters. The Mediterranean Collection offers 7 different models including small and medium backpacks, shoulder bags, a medium holster and a medium sling bag. Each bag is ergonomically designed for photographers to travel in comfort, whilst maintaining easy access to their gear. The Mediterranean collection is available from £64.95.

Transcend has launched a new range of wide-temperature SDHC and microSDHC memory cards. Compliant with SD Specification Version 3.01, Transcend's MLC-based SDHC memory cards boast 20MB/s and an extra large 32GB capacity. The cards can operate effectively between -40°C to 85°C and are ideal for use in cameras with demanding performance and capacity requirements. Available in capacities of up to 32GB, these Class 10 cards feature built-in Error Correction Code that helps detect and correct potential transfer errors.

TurnsPro is a time lapse camera mount designed to create panning time lapse videos or movies with your phone, DSLR or action camera. With an industry standard screw fitting in the base to securely attach the unit to any tripod of your choosing and a similar screw on the top, thereby allowing a wide range of cameras to can be fitted to take footage. GoPros, action cams and compact cameras easily fit on TurnsPro and even a DSLR with a smallish lens has been used (the suggested maximum weight is 1kg, however with a separate mounting cradle the mechanism is rated to 1.5kg as long as the camera is balanced). In addition, a mobile phone mount is included which will securely hold your smart phone or tablet in place. The device allows the user to select the speed and direction of rotation. TurnsPro is currently raising funds on Kickstarter.