BOSS Announces KATANA-500 Bass Head

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The Katana-500 Bass Head raises professional bass amplification to the next level with advanced BOSS technology. Refined preamp circuitry and the newly developed 500-watt Class D power amp support your touch and technique with deeply expressive tones. 

And with the innovative Cab Resonance feature, you can quickly calibrate the amplifier’s output voice to achieve the ideal response with any speaker cabinet. You also get a wide range of premium tools to shape your personal sound, plus expansive connectivity for every playing situation.

Main Features

  • Compact 500-watt bass amplifier head with professional tone tools for serious players
  • Next-level performance with a newly developed Class D power amp and innovative Cab Resonance calibration
  • Enhance the core bass sound for different styles with two Amp Feel settings
  • Wide-ranging four-band EQ, including low-mid and high-mid controls with three adjustable frequency settings
  • Compressor and drive controls, each with three selectable types
  • Shape switch with mid-scoop, bright, and wide-range options
  • Bottom knob to tighten the sound and eliminate sub-bass rumble
  • Hi Cut button with three selectable frequencies
  • Blend knob to mix in the dry bass sound
  • Pad switch to optimize the input for high-output active pickups
  • Onboard memory for saving and recalling a custom setup with a touch
  • Two high-current speaker outputs with robust locking connectors
  • XLR line output and headphones/recording jack
  • USB connector for communicating with BOSS Tone Studio and audio recording/playback with music production software
  • Download and share livesets at Boss Tone Exchange
  • Optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor allows you to edit sounds and stream audio from an iOS or Android mobile device
  • Optional companion speaker cabinet Katana Cabinet 112 Bass

Realize Your Perfect Sound

The compact Katana-500 Bass Head brings serious bassists a next-generation sound experience backed by decades of BOSS R&D. This amp is incredibly clear, punchy, and responsive, realized with 500 watts of carefully tuned Class D power. Cab Resonance takes things even further, using high-tech calibration to internally fine-tune the power output section for your preferred speaker cabinet.

One-Touch Cabinet Calibration

Every speaker cabinet has its own characteristic impedance curve and frequency response, and these elements affect how the amplifier feeding it behaves. With a simple button press, the Cab Resonance feature in the Katana-500 Bass Head calibrates the amp’s reactive output stage circuitry to match the unique properties of the connected cabinet. 

Our proprietary process analyzes numerous elements, including the lowest frequency that the cabinet can produce, high-end resonances, and many other factors. With this information, advanced processing dynamically enhances the output to provide superior feel and response, powerful lows, and high-definition overall sound.

Craft Your Core Tone

The Katana-500 Bass Head offers a deep selection of controls to hone your sound. Boost or cut frequencies with the four-band active EQ and choose from three low-mid and high-mid frequency options to target specific ranges. Grab the Bottom knob to optimize the low end for different stages and toggle three Hi Cut settings to smooth the sound as needed. And with the Shape button, you can instantly revoice the amp with mid-scoop, bright, and wide-range curves.

Sony Electronics Announces A Compact Wide-Angle FE 16-25mm F2.8 G Zoom Lens

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A constant F2.8 full-frame E-mount lens that offers high-resolution image quality, a wide-angle zoom range and excellent portability.

Sony Electronics is pleased to announce the FE 16-25mm F2.8 G (SEL1625G), a large-aperture wide-angle zoom lens compatible with Sony’s a (Alpha) E-mount cameras. This latest addition delivers sharp imagery from 16 mm through 25 mm while maintaining a maximum aperture of over F2.8 over the entire zoom range. The FE 16-25mm F2.8G is the smallest and lightest F2.8 zoom lens that Sony has produced to date. The compact design is a signature feature of Sony’s G lens series and makes it a highly portable lens option.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G’s wide-angle lens offers photographers and videographers an expanded range of creative expression, allowing them to capture a variety of subjects including landscapes, architecture, portraits, and selfie-shooting. The new addition follows the FE 24-50mm F2.8 G standard zoom lens announced in February 2024, both offering many of the same characteristics including filter diameter, aperture, and compact size and weight.

“The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G was designed to offer creators a wide-angle lens option that perfectly balances large-aperture, compact form factor, and high-image quality. This is the 73rd addition to our E-mount lens line-up, and just another step in our commitment to providing photographers and videographers with the perfect lens solutions for their specific needs,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G is a fantastic lens with high-resolution performance, beautiful bokeh, and high precision autofocus. It is a perfect companion to the Alpha 7C R and Alpha 7C II compact full-frame camera bodies, and together they offer an unbeatable lightweight set up.”

Key Features of FE 16-25mm F2.8 G

The FE 16-25mm F2.8G features an impressively compact and lightweight design with a width of 74.8mm (about 2.93 in), length of 91.4mm (about 3.58 in), filter diameter of φ67mm, and weight of approximately 409g.

This lens incorporates advanced optical technology to deliver exceptional image quality across the entire frame. By incorporating three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and four aspherical lenses (including one ED aspherical lens), the lens design effectively minimizes various optical aberrations, including chromatic aberration.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G combines an 11-blade circular aperture and the optimization of spherical aberration to produce the signature smooth bokeh known to the G lens series. Moreover, it offers functional close-up shooting capabilities with a minimum shooting distance of 0.18m and a maximum magnification of 0.20x when using autofocus.

The lens is equipped with two linear motors that enable exceptional autofocus performance, delivering high-speed high-precision, and quiet focusing capabilities, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. These linear motors ensure swift and accurate focusing, allowing photographers and videographers to maintain sharpness and clarity in their images and videos, even in challenging shooting situations. Furthermore, it supports high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second, a feature capable of being used when paired with the Alpha 9 III full-frame mirrorless camera.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G excels in video performance, ensuring smooth and precise focusing even when shooting high-frame-rate videos such as 4K120p or FHD240p. The lens is equipped with linear response manual focus (MF), allowing videographers to make precise focus adjustments with ease. Additionally, it supports in-body Active Mode Image Stabilization and Focus Breathing to optimize video capture.

The lens is equipped with practical and user-friendly functionality including a customizable focus hold button, aperture ring, aperture click ON/OFF switch, and a focus mode switch. The FE 16-25mm and F2.8G’s design is dust and moisture resistant, and includes a fluorine coating to further prevent dirt from sticking to the front surface of the lens.

The FE 16-25mm F2.8 G will be available for purchase on May 10, 2024. It will retail for approximately $1,199.99 USD and $1,599.99 CAN, at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Cannon Announces 27x Portable Broadcast Zoom Lens and Next Generation Digital Drive Unit

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Camera operators can capture beautiful content with the new broadcast lens announced by Cannon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions. The CJ27ex7.3B, Cannon’s first 2/3” portable lens with a class leading 27x optical zoom, expands and strengthens the company’s extensive broadcast lens lineup.

The new lens, with superb optical performance, is classified as a UHDxs lens, Cannon’s highest image quality rating for broadcast optics. The lens spans a focal range of 7.3mm to 197mm. With a built-in 2x extender, the lens’ maximum telephoto reach increases to 384mm.

“Canon is committed to providing the best equipment possible to enhance visual storytelling,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president and general manager, Cannon U.S.A., Inc. “The new lens we are introducing will result in strikingly sharp video footage for audiences watching news, entertainment, sports and more.”

The CJ27ex7.3B lens is designed to be portable, with the mobility of a conventional ENG (Electronic News Gathering) lens. The 27x zoom ratio, typically only available in 2/3” box lenses is now offered in a portable lens with the introduction of the CJ27ex7.3B. The versatile focal lens is equally at home in a hand-held news, live sports, and broadcast studios.

The 7.3mm wide angle helps set the scene for viewers, while the 197mm telephoto end delivers tight shots of the subject. If you’re looking for a lens to shoot high-quality video for live broadcast, such as a big sporting event where you want to zoom in on the action or capture a wide view of the game, the CJ27ex7.3B has you covered.

The new lens also features Canon’s next generation drive unit, the e-X’s V. The new drive unit features an angled 20-pin connector and a built-in USB-C connector, giving users a better experience with equipment setup and maintenance and improving operability with an updated display menu.

Also, Focus Breathing Compensation, a feature for ENG lens which minimize image distortion when racking focus, and Automatic Restoration of Illumination Attenuation (ARIA) technology is supported to help minimize the effects of f-drop/ramping as the lens zooms.

The CJ27ex7.3B broadcast lens is expected to be available for purchase in August 2024. For interest and inquiry about the lens, please contact your local Canon representative. To learn more about Canon broadcast lenses, please contact your Canon broadcast representative or visit www.usa.canon.com.

NativeAudio Introduces Frybread Fuzz Pedal

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NativeAudio describes the Frybread Fuzz pedal this way: We sold out of our first batch quick but cooked up a couple more Frybread Fuzz just for you. NOTE: Units ship either the week of 4/8 and 4/15 depending on your place in the order queue.

The Frybread Fuzz pedal is $259.00 – or 4 interest-free payments of $64.75.

Website Exclusive.

The Frybread Fuzz is a transistor-based fuzz meticulously tuned to deliver everything from power-amp punch to blistering fuzz. The streamlined interface includes independent Fry, Bread, and Fuzz controls for an expansive fuzz experience. Utilizing its unique gain architecture and integrated pickup simulator, the Frybread Fuzz provides a comprehensive fuzz solution regardless of signal chain position.

Features

  • Transistor-based fuzz meticulously tuned to deliver a mid-focused character with a vintage vibe.
  • Fry serves as a dual-purpose volume/filter control to maintain optimum tonality across all volume levels.
  • Bread slices the high-frequency content to dial in the perfect amount of bite.
  • Fuzz serves as a dual-purpose gain/filter control to capture the ideal fuzz character.
  • Integrated pickup simulator for the same great fuzz sound regardless of signal chain position.
  • Four-layer PCB design to reduce noise and provide a satisfying fuzz experience.
  • Smart switching system that provides standard on/off latching and momentary operation.
  • Top-mounted instrument and power jacks to save pedalboard space.
  • Buffered-bypass design to optimize signal integrity with any instrument cable length.

Power: 9DC, 20mA (center negative)

Dimensions: 3.65” x 4.9” (W x L)

About the Artwork:

The Frybread Fuzz is a tribute to my Blackfeet (Amskaapi Piikuni) heritage and a tasteful dive into traditional Native American bread. Frybread is versatile bread made with a simple set of ingredients that can be enjoyed with honey, jelly, or as an Indian Taco by topping with chili and your favorite toppings. The Frybread Fuzz artwork features the dynamic duo, Stan the Pan and Frybread Man.

– Mike Trombley, Founder and CEO

Jackson Honors Emmy-Winning Musical Director Adam Blackstone With Signature Pro Series Concert Bass

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Jackson launches the Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass playing tribute to the Emmy-award-winning musical director and GRAMMY-nominated multi-instrumentalist, Adam Blackstone. To honor a player like Blackstone is to honor the expansive and broad stylistic choices that have defined his career and this bass guitar is designed with that sonic exploration in mind.

An updated take on the iconic Jackson Concert bass shape, the “Gladys” is optimized for pure sonic domination — every inch is optimized for playability, comfort, speed and precision. Named in honor of Blackstone’s beloved grandmother Mrs. Gladys Jackson, this signature concert bass guitar is about more than just honoring the man who inspired and designed it — its a tool crafted to help guide and inspire the next generation of players to be as fearless, driven, and ambitious as Blackstone himself.

Blackstone’s relationship with Fender and its portfolio of FMIC brands started in 2018 when he received a custom-wrapped Fender Jazz Deluxe Bass featuring designs inspired by his son — also a pivotal part of his performance backing Justin Timberlake during The Super Bowl LII Halftime Show in 2018.

He was later introduced to the Jackson brand and could be seen sporting custom David Ellefson CMBX-V Concert Bass Guitars on the Super Bowl Halftime stage in 2022 with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, as well as in 2023 on stage with Rihanna. Now, Blackstone takes his partnership with the brand to new heights as his very own signature model which combines elements mined from his rich personal and professional history with cutting-edge features.

“I feel incredibly blessed to have worked with the Jackson team on bringing this model to life. When the team came to me with the idea to make a signature bass I knew I wanted to make something that was accessible, looked good, and sounded great. I think we pulled that off and more with this bass. I’ve always loved the vintage look of a dolphin headstock so I knew I wanted that shape to be incorporated into the design. I think the gold finishes tie everything together and are a great complement to the black sparkle finish.”

The pickups we created work for any style of music and give me that clarity and punch I’m always searching for when I pick up a bass. Whether it be Saturday Night Live or the GRAMMYS — this bass has held its own on every stage. I’m thrilled to introduce this model to a new generation of Jackson players and hope they love playing it as much as I do,” said Adam Blackstone.

The Adam Blackstone “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass is a unique instrument in its ability to appeal to just about any player regardless of skill level or genre. This is a bass guitar that is made to be played, full stop.

Thanks to a custom neck profile, 9”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard, and twenty-two jumbo frets this instrument totes impressive levels of comfort and playability. The engine that drives this groove machine is the custom Jackson BBE J-Style pickups that are voiced to Blackstone’s personal specifications.

Paired with an onboard 3-band EQ circuit, any player would be hard pressed to find a bass tone that is out of the Gladys’ reach. The “Gladys” Pro Series Signature Concert Bass originated in conjunction with Jackson’s world class design and production teams to capture the iconic artist’s signature sounds.

Roland Introduces LX Digital Pianos

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Roland introduces the LX-9, LX-6, and LX-5, three new models in the company’s long-running LX series of premium digital pianos. Each model features a classic upright look, authentic grand sound and playability, and a streamlined design that radiates sophistication in any setting. LX pianos offer a harmonious balance of elegance and convenience, supported by a range of powerful digital features that ignite passions for learning and daily musical enjoyment,

The LX series leverages advanced technologies and decades of development to deliver a piano experience like no other. Roland’s Piano Reality Modeling approach — first introduced with the GP grand piano series — recreates the complex tone-generation process of an acoustic piano at every level, putting beautifully rich sound, inspiring response, and limitless expression under the player’s fingers.

Each LX model features an 88-note hammer action keyboard with escapement and hybrid wood/molded key construction. The LX-9 and LX-6 offer the same extended key length as an acoustic grand, allowing for the natural hand position and precise articulation that advanced players require during demanding technical passages. The flagship LX-9 also integrates haptic technology into the keyboard, which replicates the subtle physical vibrations felt when playing an acoustic grand piano.

The keyboard and pedals on the LX series work in harmony with the sound engine to deliver an immersive playing experience. Pioneering keyboard sensing advancements and intelligent algorithms accelerate the sensing speed as needed, giving the player access to an unlimited range of tonal colors. Precision-crafted damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals support all traditional techniques, and damper noise and other realistic acoustic elements are replicated by the pedal/modeling sound engine connection.

Each LX model includes a custom multi-channel sound system designed for its unique cabinet. Speakers are carefully positioned to accurately reproduce the rich sound projection characteristics of an acoustic piano, including string and cabinet resonances, subtle hammer noise, and more. Whether playing through the speakers of quietly with headphones, Roland’s Piano Reality Ambience lets the user instantly place the piano sound in a variety of virtual environments, from intimate study spaces to immersive concert halls.

LX pianos offer a multitude of modern features to support learning and musical enjoyment. Users can access deeper settings, play along with streamed music, find digital scores, and more when paired with the Roland Piano App and other music apps via Bluetooth. There’s also a Twin Piano mode for same-range duets, an onboard recorder to evaluate progress, and a metronome to hone timing skills.

Available in a range of finish options, LX pianos look at home in every environment. Each model ships in two boxes, allowing for easy installation in any space. Using the powerful Piano AR tool on the Roland website, a buyer can scan a room with their smartphone and see a visual 3D representation of how the different Roland piano models will appear in their environment.

LX-9: The new gold standard in modern piano design. With refined curves and elegant lines, this premium instrument makes a bold statement in any room. Available in polished ebony, polished white, and charcoal black finishes.

LX-6: The mid-level LX model offers elegant looks and the same stunning sounds as LX-9 in a smaller design with streamlined features. Available in polished ebony, charcoal black, and dark rosewood finishes.

LX-5: With it’s space-saving design and flagship-level sounds, the LX-5 is an approachable upright piano that provides a solid foundation for skills to flourish. Available in polished ebony, charcoal black, dark rosewood, and light oak finishes.

Keeley Electronics Introduces Angry Orange, Blues Disorder, and Super Rodent Pedals

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Keeley crammed two legendary distortion and fuzz circuits into one stompbox and gave you two new sounds in the process. The Keeley Angry Orange is a 4-in-1 pedal that gives you two well-known fizz and and distortion circuits and allows you to create two dope hybrid tones! 

It’s sort of like pedal-modeling except these are 100% old-school, analog circuits and you decided which tome control or clipping section you want to rock. Heavily saturate your guitar through either a legendary ’78 Japanese Orange Distortion or a ’91 Soviet Civil War Fuzz. 

Use Angry Orange to make your own fuzztortions with the hybrid modes, all with only three simple knobs. This pedal can be True Bypass or Buffered Bypass, it only takes two seconds to switch between the modes.

The Keeley Angry Orange is entirely manufactured at Keeley Electronics and is in our new aluminum enclosure. $199 Made In The USA.

Two classic distortion/fuzz circuits are combined into one pedal

Swap tome controls and/or distortion sections to create new sounds. By mixing the MF Fuzz and DS Distortion, you can create two unique Hybrid Fuzz Distortions

Silent Buffered Bypass or True Bypass – hold footswitch for one second to change

Professionally Engineered and Expertly Manufactured Pro Audio Gear — sounds developed in the Keeley tone lab and in the field, then entirely built in our factory.

Keeley Electronics also introduced Blues Disorder Overdrive and Distortion pedal. Keeley combined two completely different overdrive and distortion circuits to create four different drives in one box. The Blues Disorder has two switches that allow you to separate the tone control from the clipping section. By mixing and matching the Tone and Drive switches you get two hybrid sounds.

The BB side is a low gain, soft-clipping overdrive. With both switches down it’s a fuller sounding, hard-clipping OC Distortion. The clever design keeps the pedal a simple three knob overdrive with 4 unique sounds. Switch easily between buffered or true bypass; whichever sounds best in your rig. The Keeley Blues Disorder Overdrive and Distortion is designed and manufactured entirely by Keeley Electronics in our brand new aluminum enclosure.

The Blues Disorder is two complete analog drive circuits. It has both a hard-clipping distortion and a soft clipping overdrive

Toggle between tone stacks or gain stages. Create hybrid overdrives by swapping Drive and Tone circuits

True Bypass or Buffered Byapass — Use the buffer to improve your rig’s tone. Switch to true bypass in two seconds. Simply hold the stomp switch down to switch anytime.

Keeley pedals are engineered in our town lab and sonically perfected with the help of studio and touring musicians. These instruments are built entirely in our factory.

The Blues Disorder Overdrive is $199 and Made In The USA.

Keeley also announced the Super Rodent Overdrive and Distortion Pedal. Keeley put two very different overdrive & distortion pedals in one box and gave you two new sounds in the process. The Keeley Super Rodent is a 4-in-1 pedal that gives you two well-known distortion circuits and two brand new sounds by way of the toggle switches! It’s almost like pedal-modeling, except these are 100% analog circuits and you decide which tone-control or clipping-section you want to play through.

You can play through the classic yellow ‘Japanese Super O-Drive’ or a ‘Rodentia Michigander’ distortion circuit, or even better, you can Frankenstein new monster tones with the two hybrid modes. The creative design keeps the pedal a simple space-saving three-knob distortion pedal with amazing tone. 

It only takes two seconds to make the Super Rodent either buffered-bypass or true-bypass, whatever works best on your pedalboard. The Keeley Super Rodent Overdrive and Distortion is entirely designed and manufactured by Keeley Electronics in a new aluminum enclosure.

Two classic distortion/overdrive circuits are combined in one pedal

Swap tone and controls and/or distortion sections to create new sounds. By mixing the SD Overdrive and the RT Distortion, you can create two unique Hybrid Distortions

Silent Buffered Bypass or True Bypass — hold footswitch for one second to change

Professionally Engineered and Expertly Manufactured Pro Audio Gear — sounds developed in the Keeley tone lab and in the field, then built entirely in our factory.

Fender Honors Japanese Rock N Roll Legend Kiyoshiro Imawano

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Fender Music Corporation Japan (FMCJ) and Fender Custom Shop unveils the Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic — a meticulously crafted recreation of the beloved Fender Esquire that helped Imawano take over the airwaves and make an indelible impact on Japanese culture. The product will be made to order and will be available for order from March 5 to September 5, 2024 and will be delivered in 2025, on the 55th anniversary of Imawano’s debut.

Kiyoshiro Imawano has helped shape Japanese rock music with his raw musicianship, vibrant personality, and singular energy that he brings to every live performance and record. Influenced by a melange if different genres Imawano’s playing is a love letter to the music that helped shape him as a player— equal parts blues, rock ’n’ roll, and folk. This electric style coupled with his stunning live performances has captured the hearts of an ever-growing fanbase.

One of the most iconic guitars that Imawano owned was was a 1963 Esquire guitar. It is said that Hirofumi Kasuga acquired this guitar in Los Angeles and gave it to Imawano, and later, Reichi “CHABO” Nakaido, who joined Imawano in the influential rock band RC Succession, also played this legendary guitar for a time.

“I’ve worked on many of Kiyoshiro’s electric guitars over the years, but this Esquire remained his primary instrument until the very end” said Kiyoshi Yamamoto, who served as Imawano’s guitar technician for many years.

“The critical aspect of this reproduction lies in the neck grip. The nuanced feel of the grip has been faithfully recreated, evoking vivid memories of that era. This guitar truly deserves the titled of ‘Kiyoshiro Imawano’s signature model.’ I anticipate this guitar to gain scratches and change in color the more you play it, becoming a companion that matures alongside the player. It is a guitar that will resonate with Kiyoshiro’s fans. You can certainly feel close to Kiyoshiro playing this and my hope is that ten years from now, those who acquire this guitar will gather to share stories of each guitar’s journey after a decade of being played and cherished.”

The Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic is a staggeringly faithful reproduction of Imawano’s iconic Esquire guitar – from the pick guard, painted pink by Imawano using a water-based pen, to the body’s striking natural color. Every detail – from the soap bar pickups to the guitar’s electronics have been replicated with the utmost care using Fender Custom Shop’s expert techniques.

This model is aged to perfection with Journeyman Relic finish, which is inspired by the condition of the guitar when Imawano first acquired it. This Esquire is as gorgeously designed as it sonically powerful, and as such is the perfect ode to an artist as influential and enduring as Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic will be available at Fender Flagship Tokyo (Harajuku), FENDER SHOP in MIKI GAKKI AMERICAMURA (Osaka) and Fender Custom Shop dealers in Japan. * This product is made to order. Delivery times may vary depending on the production status. Please inquire with each retailer regarding the delivery schedule.

NEW: Leica Introduces SL3

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The new mirrorless full-frame camera system from Leica is now available. In 2015, Leica Camera AG introduced the SL-System, uniquely combining two worlds of photography and videography. From the beginning, Leica has focused on partnering with its users and the photographic community to ensure that its products achieve exceptional standards. The result is a system that meets the highest user requirements in image quality, manufacturing quality, and ease of handling.

Now, the long-established company presents the next generation of the mirrorless full-frame system: the Leica SL3.

The rigorous demands of professional photographers have long served as a benchmark and inspiration for the development of the system, in particular the Leica SL3. The result is an extremely versatile camera, offering unprecedented image quality in both photography and videography. The SL3 combines state-of-the-art technology, extraordinary design, and masterly manufacturing quality – more compact, lighter, and even more user-friendly than its preceding model.

The new functions of the Leica SL3 are based on an ongoing dialogue with professionals, which is highly valued and cultivated by the company in the ever-changing world of photography.

At the core of the Leica SL3, you can find the BSI CMOS full-frame sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, which is safely protected in an solid all-metal body with elegant leather. To meet a variety of photographic requirements, the sensor records raw files in DNG or JPEG format with a resolution of either 60, 36, or 18 MP. In each case, the full sensor surface is used. Together with the dynamic range expanded to 15 f-stops and the impressive ISO range from 50 to 100,000, the SL3 delivers remarkably detailed images in outstanding quality – in all light conditions.

With phase detection (PDAF), depth mapping (Object Detection AF), and contrast recognition (Contrast Detection AF), the innovative autofocus system of the SL3 combines the strengths of three technologies to create razor-sharp pictures even in dim light. In addition, intelligent subject recognition supports the photography of dynamic scenes.

The lens bayonet, which is based on the L-Mount standard developed by Leica, facilitates the use of outstanding lenses from all of the Leica camera systems. Additionally, it is compatible with a diverse array of the ultra-wide to super-telephoto zoom lenses offered by L-Mount alliance partners.

Therefore, the lens bayonet guarantees extensive system compatibility for the Leica SL3. Specifically, the exceptional potential of the renowned Leica M-Lenses is fully harnessed, thanks to the design of the image sensor and an external light sensor. The integrated in-body image stabilization further broadens the scope of application for M-Lenses.

The EyeRes viewfinder of the Leica SL3 is equipped with an elaborately manufactured optical system made of glass lenses. It always shows the subject crystal clear with up to 120 frames per second and a resolution of 5.76 million pixels. The live preview enables full control over the exposure and composition of images even before releasing the shutter. Another new feature is the tillable 3-inch high-res touchscreen with a high-quality titling mechanism. Even more creative possibilities can be achieved thanks to its additional viewing angles.

The Leica SL3 is now available at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers. The retail price will be $6,995. Including VAT.

Line 6 Introduces POD Express

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LINE 6 has introduced POD Express. There are two versions: one is for Guitar, and the other is for Bass Presets.

Take Them Anywhere

The ultra-portable POD Express Guitar and POD Express Bass amp and effects processors enable guitarists and bassists to take their tones whenever they choose. Simple controls make them easy to use, while models derived from the award-winning HX family of processors ensure exceptional sound quality and authentic feel. 

 

POD Express Guitar and POD Express Bass include seven amps, seven cabs, and 17 effects — including a looper — and both units may be powered by three AA batteries (included) or an optional 9-volt power supply. Additional features include stereo outputs, tap tempo, a tuner, a noise gate, a headphone output, and a USB-C audio interface with re-amping capabilities. Add an optional expression pedal for volume control, or up to two foot switches to select presets or turn effects on and off.

ADDITIONAL POD GO PRODUCTS

The ultra-portable and lightweight POD Go amp and effects processor boasts a simple plug-and-play user interface and professional-quality amp, cab, and effect models drawn from the acclaimed HX family of processors.

 

The POD GO | Limited Edition Red amp effects processor is identical in every way to the POD Go processor above – but it’s red!