Category Archives: Information

Leica CL ‘100 Jahre Bauhause’ is a Special Edition

Information

Leica Camera AG celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus with a special edition Leica CL ‘100 jahre bauhaus.’

The set comprises of a silver version of the Leica CL, a matching Elmarit-TL 18mm f/2.8 ASPH lens in silver and a carrying strap. The leather trim of the camera and the carrying strap are embossed with the Bauhaus logotype. This was created by Joost Schmidt, one of the earliest students of the school, who defined the distinctive typology of the Bauhaus more than any other, for the title of the quarterly magazine of the same name.

A further special feature of the Leica CL ‘100 jahre bauhaus’ is the restrained execution of the Leica logo in black on the camera body. Together with the subtle Bauhaus-embossing, the special edition ideally reflects the concept of plain and simple design advocated by the Bauhaus school in accordance with the principles of ‘form follows function’.

The Leica CL ‘100 jahre bauhaus’ is on sale from May 27, 2019. The edition is strictly limited to only 150 examples.

The Leica CL is a synthesis of iconic design and advanced camera technology. As a compact system camera, it stands as a versatile tool for photographers who appreciate faultless image quality and an outstandingly intuitive handling concept. A 24-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus and a continuous shooting rate of up to ten frames per second make the Leica CL the ideal companion for spontaneous photography.

Its outstanding features include an EyeRes electronic viewfinder with latency time below the threshold of perception and a resolution of 2.36 million pixels that offers its users numerous advantages. As the final image is visible in the viewfinder before the shutter release is pressed, users have complete control over the composition of their subjects.

The Leica CL impresses not only as a still picture camera, but also with a video function with a resolution of up to 4K. Thanks to seamless connection to the Leica FOTOS App, pictures can be quickly and easily sent to a smartphone and shared in social media networks.

DJI Osmo Action Camera Captures Stunning 4K Detail

Information

DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, building on its heritage of advanced image stabilization, takes a bold new direction with the Osmo Action camera. Using DJI’s unparalleled experience with capturing smooth and stable videos in the most demanding environments, Osmo Action is as rugged as is sophisticated, opening worlds of creative potential for professionals and adventure seekers alike.

A compact yet durable design makes Osmo Action the ideal camera for life’s adventures. Constructed to handle extreme conditions with ease, Osmo Action is dustproof, shockproof, waterproof, and has the ability to operate in sub-freezing temperatures.

Osmo Action uses color screens on both the front and back, a unique design feature that allows for more scene composition while on the move. The 2.25-inch rear touchscreen employs a water and fingerprint-repelling coating, and the 1.4-inch front screen makes vlogging and selfies easier than ever before. With a brightness of 750 nits, Osmo Action can be used in harsh lighting conditions, including direct sunlight.

Osmo Action’s interactive user interface, Action OS, combines a streamlined and functional physical design with flexible operation. Power on, initiate recording, and rotate through the video and photo capture modes in the blink of an eye with three dedicated buttons. Never miss a moment with the help of SnapShot, which allows Osmo Action to turn on and begin recording in under two seconds by pressing the shutter button once.

A 1/2.3-inch sensor records 12-megapixel photos and 4K video up to 60fps at 100Mbps in stunning detail, assuring high-quality footage. A three-glass aspherical lens design records low-distortion content and aids in reducing warping effects for improved scenes.

The lens cap is finished with two layers of anti-fingerprint coating to keep the shot clean during use, as well as an anti-reflective coating to reduce the unwanted effects of lens glare, giving users more flexibility to shoot in bright conditions.

Incorporating over a decade of experience creating three-axis mechanical gimbals, Osmo Action is the first DJI handheld camera to include RockSteady, DJI’s Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) technology. High-performance stabilization algorithms work in conjunctions with EIS to record every movement in smooth, stable, high-quality video, even when recording 4K/60fps.

Additionally, Osmo Action is capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) video in 4K/30fps, delivering an additional three stops of dynamic range to the scene, natural transitions between light and dark areas, and rich details that are often lost in complex lighting conditions.

Osmo Action has a removable battery with a run time of 93 minutes recording at 4K/30fps with RockSteady enabled, and 135 minutes recording at 1080p/30fps without RockSteady. Dual microphones let users take advantage of Osmo Action’s Voice Control, and a speaker ensures outstanding playback quality.

Osmo Action retails for $349 USD and start shipping immediately after the announcement on May 15 at store.dji.com and from authorized dealers on May 22.

Tether Tools Released an Update to Case Remote App

Information

Tether Tools released an update to the Case Remote, the companion app for the Case Air Wireless Tethering System, for newly added camera support.

Case Remote is the app that works in tandem with the Case Air Wireless Tethering System. The Case Air connects and transfers images instantly from your camera to a phone, tablet, or computer. Control advanced camera settings including focus points, exposure settings, bracketing, time-lapse, and more. View your images on a larger screen to check critical focus and composition, or use Live View or movie mode for real-time capture to share and collaborate as you can.

Here is a look at what’s new in the Case Remote update:

For Mac and Windows:

  • Added support for Canon EOS RP/Canon EOS 1500D/Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
  • Added support for Nikon Z6/Z7
  • Maintain native camera file naming convention when new “Apply Unique File Name” feature is unselected in user settings

For Android and iOS:

  • Now supports iPhone XS and 12.9” iPad Pro
  • Added support for Canon EOS RP/Canon EOS 1500D/Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
  • Added support for Nikon Z6/Z7
  • File naming feature is not applicable to mobile applicable
  • Bug fixes

For more details, as well as information about how to update the Case Remote App on Android, or how to update the Case Remote App on iPad and iPhone, please visit the Tether Tools website.

Haunted Labs Introduced the Carolina Reaper

Information

Haunted Labs has introduced the new Carolina Reaper overdrive / fuzz. The new dual-function pedal is the latest device from Haunted Labs and the spawn of a diabolical collection with Cusack Music. Thanks to the Carolina Reaper, your drive section just got a whole lot scarier!

The Carolina Reaper brandishes two separate-but-complementary weapons. The right side of the pedal features a high-gain overdrive circuit that will leave your guitar screaming. The left side hosts a scalding high-gain fuzz. Each circuit can be used independently. However, if you dare to use both the overdrive and the fuzz together, you’ll fling open a door to intergalactic doom. Self-incineration has never been so easy… or so much fun.

The Carolina Reaper is true bypass, offers soft-touch switching, and independent controls for each circuit – all in a durable enclosure.

Every Carolina Reaper unit is completely designed in the USA, using the highest quality parts available.

Specifications:

  • Six knobs: Volume, Bias, and Fuzz (Left side) Volume, Gain, and Tone (Right side)
  • Internal Bias Trimmer
  • Engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Dimensions are 4.58” L x 3.58” W x 1.95” H
  • Current draw is ~ 30mA
  • 9V standard DC operation (power supply not included) – no battery compartment

Steinberg Cubase Turns 30!

Information

Steinberg announced that Cubase, which was first introduced in 1989, is turning 30 this year. Cubase is all the more powerful with more streamlined tools than ever before.

Steinberg wants to celebrate this occasion with a special offer. From now until June 3, 2019, they are offering the full version of Cubase 10 for half price.

Cubase Pro 10 condenses almost three decades of Steinberg development into the most cutting-edge DAW anywhere. Used by star producers and musicians for composing, recording, mixing and editing music, Cubase Pro combines outstanding audio quality, intuitive handling and a collection of highly advanced audio and MIDI tools. Whether you record an orchestra, a huge live rock show, or a band in the studio, Cubase Pro is sublime in every sense of the word.

Cubase Artist 10 offers a range of proven editing and sequencing tools based on the same core technologies used and appreciated by musicians around the world. With an easy-to-use interface, unsurpassed performance and inspiring instruments and effects, Cubase Artist remains unmatched in its price range. The Cubase version is simply the perfect choice for talented newcomers and seasoned musicians.

Cubase Elements 10 is your personal music studio, incorporating professional workflows as used by countless professional artists around the globe. Using the same technology platform as its larger siblings in the Cubase family, Cubase Elements offers tools for intuitive song-writing, instruments to develop your musical ideas, and studio-grade effects.

Roland and BMP Supreme Introduce Serato X Roland TR-SYNC READY Tracks

Information

Roland Corporation, a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, and BPM Supreme, a premier music delivery website for professional DJs, announced a partnership that will include Serato x Roland TR-SYNC ‘READY’ tracks withing BPM Supreme’s vast music library. Labeled ‘TR-READY’ tracks, each of these MP3 files is grid-verified by BPM Supreme’s in-house team of audio editors and quality assurance experts.

“Bringing TR-READY tracks to BPM Supreme is a great addition for DJs looking to use Roland’s most famous drum machines withing Serato DJ,” said Raj Thomas. “Whether you’re using Serato during a live performance, at home in your studio, or alongside another musician using a drum machine, you can be confident that the grid in TR-READY tracks will immediately and flawlessly sync within Serato.”

The new Serato x Roland TR-SYNC update brings the power of Roland’s drum machines to a Serato DJ Pro setup. Roland’s iconic TR-8, TR-8S, TR-09 drum machines now come Serato DJ OSA-ready allowing DJs to effortlessly match the BPM of the TR drum machines with tracks playing on Serato DJ Pro.

As of May 1, 2019, there are 100 TR-READY tracks available now in a range of genres and decades. Each TR-READY track is marked with an official TR-READY icon and BPM Supreme will upload new TR-READY tracks daily.

“BPM Supreme was the first record pool to offer Serato pre-Flipped tracks, and now we’re excited to take our partnership with Roland and Serato one step further,” said Angel “A-Rock” Castillo, CEO and founder of BPM Supreme. “As huge fans of both Roland and Serato, our team is excited to offer these TR-READY tracks and anticipate that our large community of DJs will find them exciting and useful.”

Available to U.S. customers only.

Find TR-READY tracks on BPM Supreme, and be sure to visit Roland.com to learn more about Serato x Roland TR-SYNC.

Yamaha Launched FG Red Label Series of Acoustic Guitars

Information

Yamaha launched the FG Red Label series of acoustic guitars, blending the vintage, handcrafted design of iconic early Yamaha instruments with the company’s cutting-edge technological innovation in wood conditioning and true-to-life sound reproduction.

These guitars are inspired by the original RG Red Label acoustic guitars of the 1960s, the company’s very first steel-string guitars, which became widely known for their high-end Japanese craftsmanship.

The new folk guitars retain the retro aesthetic and classic tone of their predecessors, while adding a new pickup system and the company’s proprietary wood aging process to create a guitar that sounds like a seasoned, vintage instrument right out of the box.

All the models in the FG Red Label line are crafted with solid Sitka spruce tops, mahogany back and sides, and ebony fingerboards. The top is reinforced with scalloped bracing, a specialized latticework to enhance tone and projection.

The overall design evokes the look and feel of the original FG Red Label models launched in 1966 under the Nippon Gakki name that preceded the present-day Yamaha brand. Over the years, the models in this original line have come to represent the quintessential Yamaha acoustic guitar.

Selected models in this guitar line are equipped with the Yamaha Atmosfeel pickup and preamp system, a hardware innovation endowing the guitar with a uniquely natural plugged-in sound.

Atmosfeel employs a three-way sensor setup, with a piezo sensor to capture sound where the strings meet the bridge, an internal microphone to gather the resonance inside the guitar body and a sheet sensor to pick up the vibrations of the topboard. These three components work together to produce a multidimensional sound with additional nuance and depth, offering a more complete representation of the guitar’s true sound.

Yamaha FG Red Label guitars will ship in the summer of 2019. Pricing is as follows (all prices are MSRP):

  • FG3/FS3: $1,275.00
  • FGX3/FSX3: $1,585.00
  • FG5/FS5: $1,900.00
  • FGX5/FSX5: $2,320.00

The FG3 and FGX3 models will ship with a hard bag; the FG5 and FGX5 models with a hardshell case.

RODE Microphones Announced Wireless GO Compact Microphone System

Information

RODE Microphones announced the RODE Wireless GO Compact Wireless Microphone System.

Boasting the world’s smallest and most versatile wireless microphone system, it manages to offer a multi-featured wireless microphone system that can either be a clip-on-mic or a belt pack for a lavalier and it can send the audio wirelessly via RODE’s reliable Series II 2.4 GHz digital technology to the similarly-sized receiver.

Doubling down on its all-in-one design, RODE implemented a capable internal capsule into the transmitter for clear audio capture. This pre-polarized and pressure-operated capsule features an omnidirectional pickup pattern and frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Those looking to use professional lavaliers will appreciate the standard 3.5mm TRS input with a 20 Hz to 20 kHz range.

Both the transmitter and receiver have a clip for easy attachment to clothing and runs on a rechargeable internal battery that will run for up to 7 hours on a single charge. Powering up is handled through a USB-C connector and the Wireless GO will support external battery packs during operation for continuous use.

The receiver is different in that it has a 3.5mm TRS output for monitoring or connecting to recording devices, such as a camera or dedicated audio recorder. It also has a color LCD screen for viewing and adjusting settings.

Roland Introduced HP700 Digital Piano Series

Information

Roland introduced the HP700 series, the latest edition to the company’s renowned selection of digital pianos for the home. The HP704 and HP702 models bring new levels of performance and sophistication to first-time piano buyers, combining gorgeous sound and elegant styling with modern Bluetooth connectivity.

With authentic playability and numerous built-in education and entertainment features, an HP700 instrument provides a strong foundation to inspire musical growth and support family enjoyment for years to come.

The HP700 series encourages ambitions at every step of the journey. Both instruments are filled with new technologies that stimulate musical expression, and feature Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling engine for stunningly realistic acoustic tone and responsiveness. The Hybrid Keyboard on the 704 combines the look and feel of a wooden keyboard with durable molded materials, while the Progressive Damper Action pedal on both models provides true acoustic pedal behavior for executing advanced techniques.

With an elegant-yet-contemporary design inspired by Roland’s award-winning LX700 series, an HP700 piano can make a bold statement or blend discreetly into any room. And with compact dimensions and vastly reduced weight compared to a traditional acoustic upright, it’s easy to move the instrument to find the perfect spot.

Volume-controllable internal speakers fill the room with rich, inspiring sound for playing and in-home performing, while connecting headphones provides an immersive, multi-dimensional sound experience that won’t disturb family members or neighbors.

For interactive study, users can wirelessly connect the piano with their smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to play along with favorite tunes or sharpen skills with online tutorials. And where no one’s playing, an HP700 piano doubles as a home entertainment system for streaming music with dynamic high-fidelity sound.

For the HP700 series, Roland has carefully selected and meticulously manufactured finishes to present attractive instruments that owners will be able to showcase in their homes. The HP704 and HP202 models are available in white, charcoal, dark rosewood, and light oak finishes. The flagship HP704 is also available in a classic polished ebony finish.

FujiFilm Introduced the Zoom Cinema Lenses Premista Series

Information

FujiFilm Corporation introduced the zoom cinema lenses Premista Series, which support large-format sensors and deliver outstanding high resolution, beautiful bokah and rich gradation with HDR (high dynamic range). The Premista Series can bring out the maximum capability of large format sensors, which are increasingly being adopted into cinema camera, to provide robust support for high-quality video production.

New Premista Series offers a lineup of zoom cinema lenses that support a large format sensor. Featuring large-diameter aspherical lens elements and newly-developed focusing / zooming system, the lenses achieve an astonishing level of edge-to-edge resolution. The use of 13-blade iris design and shallow depth-of-field which is a characteristic of large format sensors, produces natural and beautiful bokeh to faithfully capture the subject’s texture, three-dimensional definition and even a sense of atmosphere at the site.

Furthermore, the Series applies Fujifilm’s unique optical design to minimize ghosts and flares, thereby creating rich gradation with HDR. Mechanical design built with Fujifilm’s simulation technology, nurtured over many years, is coupled with production technology that can assemble parts processed in the order of microns at high precision, to produce a compact and lightweight body with advanced robustness, withstanding harsh filming conditions in professional video production.

In addition, the focus ring can be rotated as much as 280 degrees, and delivers perfect objectivity with a smooth torque when rotated to enable precise focusing.

In its first launch from this Series, in August 2019, Fujifilm releases the standard zoom lens Premista28-100mm that gives the T-stop value of 2.9” across its focal length range of 28-100mm. This lens caters to filming in a variety of situations, covering the focal lengths of six most-frequently-used prime lenses.

The telephoto zoom lens Premista80-250mm with the focal length range of 80-250mm at the T-value range of 2.9-3.5 will join the lineup by the end of 2019, further broadening filming versatility by covering the useful range of 28-250mm in focal lengths.