The Weekly Wrap-up compiles interesting articles published during the last seven days on Photofocus. This week we posted articles on why non-wedding and portrait photogs would go to WPPI, a first look of the Nikon Z6 mirrorless camera, lighting with the Spiffy Specklur Core kit, Blackmagic RAW for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and learning the basics for flying UAVs. Good reading!
Nikon Z6 first impressions - Before picking up the Nikon Z6, I had some doubts about the new Z system Nikon created. First and foremost is the elephant so obviously in the room. The single card slot that only accepts an XQD card, and soon a CFexpress card. Fortunately, CFexpress will make memory cards less expensive for the Z system. The new camera bodies also have a new lens mount to go with it. Which means you cannot use Nikon’s classic lens collection on the new bodies natively. Sure, they’ll work. But you have to use the Nikon FTZ adapter. That converts the F mount to the Z mount. What I do not like about the FTZ adapter are two things. First, it’s bulky, but I get why. Second, the tripod foot cannot be removed. That gets in the way at times. When using a small lens, the foot isn’t needed, so Nikon should have made that removable. With that said, it’s amazing how well F mount lenses work on the Z bodies. Autofocus is reliable, and you get the added benefit of the in-body vibration reduction even when the F mount lenses don’t have VR in them. I thought I would start with those two pieces of complaints I have because the rest of the experience has been fantastic. I went with the Nikon Z6 over the Z7 mainly because I am using the camera for video, and do not need it for the megapixels. I need it more for the ISO and 4K capabilities. So let’s move on to the good stuff… The Nikon Z6 is compact, with its beautiful image and video quality. I can get well over 1,000 photos on one battery. Which by the way, I almost forgot to mention. I can use the batteries from the Nikon D700, D800, D810 and D850 inside the Z6. No need for buying new batteries. The grip is big enough for most hands, and the buttons are placed perfectly like most Nikon bodies. It’s familiar and friendly to those who have enjoyed Nikon cameras over the years. I’ve been using the Z6 lately for family photos, street photos and pretty much all of my videos for YouTube. The EVF is something I wish I had for years. It’s sharp, bright, and vibrant. It’s so great I’m considering replacing my Nikon D850 with a future Z7 to go completely mirrorless. As you can tell, despite my hesitations and complaints from earlier, the Z6 has met my expectations as a Nikon camera, and I am happy I decided to start moving to mirrorless but remaining in the Nikon universe.
First impression of the Spiffy Speckular Core Kit - I was recently sent the Spiffy Speckular Core Kit along with the Spiffy Expansion Kit. The Speckular kit is a really unique daylight balanced LED light that can be configured into a variety of different shapes and sizes. It is fully dimmable and perfect for both video and stills. What comes in the core kit? In the kit you get four LED strips lights, each light measuring at 11-3/4 inches by 1.5 inches. It comes with four elbow connectors that connect your lights together and create different shapes. You also get one power supply and one set of mounting gear. In each kit, one light has the power bank and all three connecting lights will be dictated by that light strip. Then, once you plug them in and turn them on, you can dim and lighten the power of the lights. All four lights together can create upwards of more than 5,000+ lumens. What I love about the product This light is incredibly powerful. You can go from 1% to 100% smoothly and without any flicker. I also love that it is completely travel-friendly. You can quickly break down your setup in a matter of minutes, put it in the provided case (which is absolutely fantastic) and head on to your next location. This light is extremely versatile and super portable. You can go from a ring light to a panel, to a strip or a star (if you purchase the additional accessory kit) within a matter of minutes. You can really just let your imagination go when it comes to setting up this light and in doing so, you get some amazing catchlights in your client’s eyes and create this extra “wow” in your images. My concerns Along with all of the good, there were a few things that slightly frustrated me with this light setup that you will want to consider before purchasing this core kit. The elbow connectors are not my favorite. They are made out of plastic and if you are not careful they can easily be broken. You also have to loosen all three nobs then layout your lighting setup before you start to connect everything. I really wish that each light was individually powered and that they could somehow be controlled and dimmed without being slaved to the master light. That would more control in your images and eliminate all the cords. Once you start to use the Spekular Expansion Kit, which has the ability to create more complex lighting schemes by separating the kit into three individual but connected lights, you’ll see what I mean. There are cords everywhere that could become a safety hazard and frustrating if you tip over a light by snagging a cord while on set in the studio. Final thoughts The Spekular light is one of the most versatile lighting kits I have personally used. It is like having multiple lighting setups at the tips of your fingers while being very compact and portable, making traveling with your gear a breeze. It is an incredibly bright and constant light allowing you to light up any subject with minimal gear. The ability this light has to morph into any shape and create incredible dynamic catch lights is all I need to see supersede some of the downfalls of this light. I would highly recommend this light if you want to push the creative envelope when it comes to your photography. You can purchase the Spekular kit from B&H for $499.
Blackmagic adds Blackmagic RAW to Pocket Cinema Camera 4K & drops CinemaDNG - Blackmagic Designs just released firmware 6.2 for the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. This update removes the CinemaDNG format and adds Blackmagic RAW to the camera. The company is saying that they did this because of legal issues regarding the CinemaDNG format. Blackmagic also stated that compared to CinemaDNG format, Blackmagic RAW is a much more modern and capable format, that it requires much less CPU power from your computer to work with it and that it uses a single file with sidecar rather than individual stills for each frame like CinemaDNG. The use of a sidecar file allows them to override things like gamma settings that are not a part of the original recording. In addition, they are saying that even their 12:1 compression ratio gives great quality in regards to color and detail. The new format also allows you to record Blackmagic RAW in UltraHD to an SD in camera. The other good news is that the update with Blackmagic RAW is free. What’s new for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K From the Blackmagic Design website: Added Blackmagic RAW codec support Added Constant Bitrate 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1 recording for Blackmagic RAW Added Constant Quality Q0 and Q5 recording for Blackmagic RAW Added support for double tap on touch screen zoom Changed tap to focus behavior to tap and hold to focus Removed CinemaDNG formats Here’s the video from Blackmagic describing the update: I hope you found this article helpful! Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Learning the basics helps you take better photographs with your drone - While I’ve written a number of drone articles on flying and photography, I feel like this one will help tie many of those together. Taking photographs with your drone involves a lot of different skills. So here are some things for you to explore that I hope will help you on that journey. Most of these examples use DJI products, but the basic techniques can be applied to any brand of drone. I also think you’ll find it much easier to explore many the basics on the ground rather than try to figure them out while you’re flying (except for the ones that involve flying :_). First things first The first thing you will want to do is to register your drone. It’s a requirement now whether you are a hobbyist or commercial drone pilot. You will also need to display your registration number on the outside of your drone. Hobbyist registration here. Part 107 Registration here. Display your registration number on the outside of your drone. See my article here. Next, learn the basics of your drone and how to fly it Make sure you know how your remote controller works. What do the switches do? What button lets you take a photograph or shoot video? How do you turn the remote off and off? What do the left and right stick do? How do you power down the drone? These are just some of the questions you’ll want to know the answers to before you take off. Learn how the smartphone or smart tablet application that controls your drone works and how to set it up and change things. In the case of the DJI drones that is either the Go or Go 4 app, depending on the drone. Know how to take care of and charge your batteries. Create a preflight checklist for what to check before you go flying. Here’s an example. Next, learn the basics of how to fly your drone The four articles below will get you started. Part one here. Part two here. Part three here. Part four here. Now learn the basics of the camera and how to set it up First thing is to decide if you are going to take photographs in manual mode, aperture priority mode or fully automatic mode. If you aren’t sure then check out the articles below for each one. In these articles, I also give you some basics on aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance. Aperture priority here. Fully Automatic mode here. Manual mode here. Now get out and fly, take photographs, edit them, learn from them and go do again! The only way you will get better is to get out and try it. Be willing to make mistakes, learn from them and you’ll get better and better at it. Fly safe and have fun!
WPPI for non-wedding and non-portrait photographers - Having been to the WPPI show in Las Vegas before, I wanted to give you a non-wedding/non-portrait photographer’s perspective on the show. While WPPI — known as the Wedding & Portrait Photographer’s Conference — is geared toward wedding and portrait photographers, there are several options for those of us who do not fit into those categories. On the show floor Wandering the show floor offers plenty of opportunities to learn about new products from software to gear that can be used in any genre of photography. Are you in the market for a new camera, lens, tripod or backpack? Several vendors are there to help you and show you their latest and greatest. You’re also able to actually use and test out some of this gear which is very helpful if you’re in the market to purchase. One bonus to wandering the show floor is giveaways and contests to enter. Lens rental companies were giving out $50 gift cards, and camera bag companies gave away free memory card wallets. These are just a couple of the things I came across. Other giveaways included lens clothes, stress balls, pens and notebooks. You could spin wheels to win water bottles, SD cards and other items or enter/have your badge scanned to win lenses and cameras. Another bonus is the show specials offered; discounts are always just a little bit higher at shows. Learn from experts Several of the exhibiting companies have experts presenting on a number of topics in addition to the schedule of classes offered. Just because you don’t photograph portraits and weddings does not mean you can’t learn about lighting and apply it to what you do photograph. Presentations were given on portraiture, headshots, creating storytelling images, sales basics, printing, album making, using social media and much more. You can always learn something that you can apply to what you do. Attend courses Go more in-depth with the learning opportunities available. At WPPI there were several different tracks you could choose courses from. Again, not all were strictly related to wedding and portrait photography. There were tracks on lighting and posing, workflow, business and marketing, technical and design, and an inspirational track among others. Much of what is offered in these courses can be applied to your own work and business. Networking Meeting other photographers is never a bad thing. We all have stories to share and it’s fun to swap those stories and experiences with like-minded people. If you attend courses or live presentations take the time to ask questions of the instructors, hang around a bit after and meet them if you’re able. The majority of photographers love to help each other and answer questions. Another track offered at WPPI was photo walks. These are both fun and an excellent way to meet other photographers, not to mention getting outside and out of the convention center for a nice break. Whether you only have one day to wander the show floor or you’re able to attend for the full four days, I have no doubt that even if you’re not a wedding or portrait photographer you will find a minimum of one thing that is beneficial for you. My guess is that you’ll find many more than that.
