YI Technology today announced the new YI 360 VR consumer-grade Live VR camera, which enables 360-degree 5.7K VR capture, 4K instant in-device stitching, and 2.5K live-streaming. “Virtual reality is exciting. It promises a whole new range of opportunities for creating and sharing truly immersive experiences,” said Sean Da, CEO of YI Technology. “But it can also be really intimidating. For VR to truly take off it has to be easy and fun. At YI Technology, we challenge ourselves to bring the most innovative technologies together in a way that is simple, enjoyable and useful for anyone, from kids to professionals. VR is no exception. Too many of today’s solutions are exciting in theory but really complicated in practice. That is why we worked so hard to perfect YI 360 VR. Using the best components, rigorous industrial design and many years of testing, we eliminated the cables, confusing interfaces and bulky components and added 5.7K fidelity, 4K in-device stitching and 2.5K live-streaming, all in a handy, affordable package so everyone can share exciting moments live, from any angle.” Scheduled to be released in June 2017, the YI 360 VR is available for early ordering now and will be on display at this week’s NAB 2017 show in Las Vegas.

YI Technology today unveiled YI HALO, a next-generation virtual-reality camera built with Google's Jump technology. "We announced Jump in 2015 to make high quality VR video easier to create; streamlining capture, post production, and playback processes," said Amit Singh, VP of Business for Google VR. "Since then, Jump has helped produce immersive, compelling work, and we're excited to see what's possible using YI's next-generation cameras." YI HALO consists of 17 camera units including the Jump platform’s only up-view camera unit, allowing users to experience a scene in every direction. Leveraging industrial design, electrical, firmware and optical engineering yielded a product that generates high quality 8K x 8K, 360º stereoscopic VR video at 30 frames per second, or 5.8K x 5.8K, 360º stereoscopic VR video at 60fps. The company also announced today the consumer-grade YI 360 VR camera, the only camera to offer 360-degree capture up to 5.7k and automatically video/picture stitching in the device. Both new products are on display at NAB 2017, Booth N1121VR.

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.

Panasonic have announced an upcoming firmware update for their Lumix GH5 cmpact system camera (pictured). Available from 24 April 2017, Firmware Version 1.1enables 4:2:2 10-bit video recording in either FHD [MP4(LPCM)] / [MOV] or Anamorphic (4:3) mode, in addition to the existing 4K video recording option, and fixes a couple of bugs. Click through / scroll down for the details.

GoPro today announced a pilot programme for GoPro Fusion, its 5.2K spherical camera. Billed as "the ultimate spherical capture solution for innovative, envelope-pushing content creators," GoPro Fusion enables a new OverCapture creative solution that gives users the flexibility to produce conventional non-VR video and photos in HD-quality "punched out" from the spherically captured angles. Starting today, professional content creators can apply to participate in the pilot programme, which is expected to roll out during the summer of 2017.

Insta360 kicked off preorders today for the Insta360 Pro, a six-lens camera capable of recording 8K VR experiences and broadcast to the world live in immersive 360°. It captures 60-megapixel 360° 3D stills and supports both HDR and raw image file formats to bring out levels of detail and low-light performance unprecedented in a 360-degree camera of this size. When recording 4K video, the camera supports up to 100fps. In addition, the VR time-lapse mode adds a new dimension to videos and the live preview function allows users to get the best angle before shooting. As a standalone camera, it can be used with both the dedicated Insta360 Pro iOS and Android apps and connects via WiFi, Ethernet or 4G, ready to livestream any event or share instantly on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. The camera is now available to pre-order for $3,499.

Ricoh today announced it will be showcasing a prototype of its newest Theta 360-degree camera, capable of capturing high-resolution 4K video in a single shot, at the upcoming 2017 NAB Show. In addition to capturing 4K video at 30 frames per second, the new camera will enable 4K 360-degree livestreaming, and a built-in 4-channel microphone will record spatial “surround-sound” audio. The product will be featured at the Ricoh booth, C11139, located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Belgian photographer Frederik Buyckx has been named the Sony World Photography Awards’ 2017 Photographer of the Year for his series, "Whiteout," which captures the transformation of nature when winter arrives. The Awards’ judges were challenged to find the best photographic series and were taken by the beauty, scale and effort involved in Buyckx’s winning work. Born in Antwerp in 1984, Frederik Buyckx is a freelance photographer for the Belgian newspaper De Standaard. The 2017 Awards received over 227,000 entries from 183 countries and is the world’s largest photography competition. An exhibition of all the winning and shortlisted work, along with rare black-and-white images by British photographer Martin Parr, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Photography prize, will run at Somerset House, London from 21 April – 7 May. The exhibition is accompanied by a book of the winning and selected shortlisted works, available to buy from the website below.

Samyang today unveiled a new addition to their VDSLR lens line-up. Designed specifically for video shooting with DSLR cameras, the Samyang VDSLR 16mm T2.6 is an affordable wide-angle lens offering a traditional distance scale with depth-of-field marks and built in follow focus gearing on both the focus and aperture rings. The new lens will be available from June, priced at £529..

The Sony A9 is a new 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at professional sports and action photographers. It boasts a 24.2 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, expandable ISO range of 50-204800, 693 focal plane phase detection AF points, 20fps burst shooting, 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and 4K UHD video recording. We've spent some time getting to know the Sony A9, so check out our Hands-on Review of Sony's latest full-frame mirrorless camera...

Canon U.S.A. today announced their new Compact-Servo 70-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens (also known as the CN-E 70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S), a compact and lightweight 4K lens designed for professional videographers. The second in a new class of Canon lenses, the Compact-Servo 70-200mm Telephoto Zoom Lens is a cinema-style lens that includes a servo drive unit as a standard feature. Additionally, the lens incorporates image stabilisation, auto focus and Auto Iris functionality The lens also provides high image quality that supports 4K image productions and was designed to be utilised in a variety of shooting styles including, hand-held, shoulder mounted, and tripod mounted. Compatible with EF-mount Super 35mm large-format cameras, the lens maintains brightness across the entire focal range at T4.4 (equal to f/4.0). The lens is also compatible with both the Canon EF 1.4x III (expanded focal range of 98-280mm) and EF 2x III (expanded focal range of 140mm-400mm) external extenders, expanding the focal range of the lens for additional versatility when the shooting situation calls for it. The Canon COMPACT-SERVO 70-200mm Zoom Lens is scheduled to be available later in 2017.

At the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon will showcase its line of professional 4K and high-definition imaging equipment for motion pictures, television production, video content creation, and still photography at booth C4325. The stand will feature presentations and panel discussions throughout the show with industry experts, ASC members, and up-and-coming voices in imaging culture. New to the Canon booth this year, The Virtual Reality Experience showcases Canon’s innovation in current, emerging, and future imaging technology by providing a simulated journey through a panoramic landscape powered by Canon digital imaging solutions. Additionally, visitors to the Canon booth will have hands-on opportunities with the full range of Canon Cinema cameras, 4K reference displays, HD Video and DSLR cameras and lenses.

Canon today announced the availability of a feature upgrade for the EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera that will add the ability to record with Canon Log. With this upgrade, the EOS 5D Mark IV can achieve a cinematic look similar to what can be achieved using Cinema EOS cameras. Current EOS 5D Mark IV camera owners can have the Canon Log feature upgrade installed for $99 at any of the Canon service centres starting in July. The camera will also be available for sale (body only) with the feature upgrade pre-installed starting in July, with an estimated retail price of $3,599.00.

Sigma today announced the development of a new full-frame CINE lens, the 135mm T2 FF High Speed Prime. Based on the existing Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art telephoto lens, the new Sigma CINE 135mm T2 FF High Speed Prime offers an angle of view of 15.2° when mounted to a full-frame camera (10.4° on Super35 and 10.0° on APS-C). Available in June-July 2017 in Canon EF, Sony E and PL mounts, the Sigma CINE 135mm T2 FF lens has an 82mm filter thread and a close-focus point of 0.875m / 2'11". Like all of Sigma's FF High Speed Primes, the 135mm T2 FF lens has an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The new lens will be available for test shooting at the 2017 NAB Show held in Las Vegas from 24-27 April 2017.

The Sigma CINE 14mm T2 FF High Speed Prime is a new full-frame UWA lens aimed at cinematographers. Currently under development, the Sigma CINE 14mm T2 FF High Speed Prime will be available in Canon EF, Sony E and cine-standard PL mounts. Offering an angle of view of 104.3° when mounted to a full-frame camera, the new lens has a 9-bladed iris diaphragm and a close-focus point of 0.27m / 11" (measured from the sensor plane). Based on the SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens, the Sigma CINE 14mm T2 FF High Speed Prime will be available for test shooting at the 2017 NAB Show held in Las Vegas from April 24th and 27th.