Camera Hire would like to thanks all our customers and suppliers for a fantastic year. Our range of equipment has grown dramatically, we have brought on extra staff, and began Saturday trading hours.
We wish you all an enjoyable and restful Christmas and New Year’s.
Our trading hours over the Christmas and New Year period will be as follows:
Mon 23 Dec
Tue 24 Dec
Wed 25 Dec
Thu 26 Dec
Fri 27 Dec
Sat 28 Dec
8am – 5pm
closed
closed
closed
9am – 5pm
closed
Mon 30 Dec
Tue 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan
Thu 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan
Sat 4 Jan
9am – 5pm
closed
closed
closed
9am – 5pm
closed
Mon 6 Jan
Tue 7 Jan
Wed 8 Jan
Thu 9 Jan
Fri 10 Jan
Sat 11 Jan
8am – 5pm
9am – 5pm
9am – 5pm
9am – 5pm
8am – 5pm
closed
Normal trading hours will resume from Monday 13th January 2014 (opening at 8am).
Canon has updated their firmware for the Canon C300 to version 1.1.1.1.00. The previous update (posted on the 12 November) has discrepancies in colour balance, whereas this update fixes these issues. It is recommended all C300 cameras are updated to version 1.1.1.1.00.
Full details of the update are below (from Canon):
Firmware Version 1.1.1.1.00 incorporates all the functions and modifications listed below:
EOS C300 Cinema EOS Camera & EOS C300 PL Cinema EOS Camera Fixes a phenomenon where the previous firmware version 1.1.0.1.00 offered incorrect color balance. Ability to move the magnification viewing area around the LCD using the MAGN Function has been added. Support for a 1440×1080/35Mbps recording mode has been added. ISO up to 80,000 has been added. Functionality to support the optional Canon GPS Receiver GP-E1 has been added. A Key Lock menu setting has been added which now makes it possible to lock all operations, including the START/STOP button. Using the optional Canon WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter, the camera’s remote-control application allows two users to access the same unit via a Wi-Fi link providing simultaneous camera operation and control and metadata input. [Lens Exchange] and [ND+]/[ND-] have been added as functions that can be allocated to any assignable button. A new Wide DR Gamma setting provides an expanded dynamic range of 800%. Flicker Reduction has been improved.
EOS C300 Cinema EOS Camera only
Provides Push Auto Iris and One-Shot AF operation. A new AE Shift function and the selection of various light-metering modes are now available when used with some Canon Cinema lenses (EF mount) and Canon EF Lenses. Ability to assign the two control dials to operate either Iris or ISO sensitivity independently has been added. Peripheral Illumination Correction Data has been added for seven (7) Canon Cinema lenses (EF mount) and fifteen (15) Canon EF Lenses. A function has been added to enable continuous focus and iris setting on a subject in the middle of the screen when one of the two EF STM lenses** is attached. **[EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM], [EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM].
*Note: Gamma information will not be shown correctly in the metadata of clips filmed on the Wide DR Gamma setting included in Firmware Version 1.1.0.1.00 and above when using the bundled software application Canon XF Utility Ver.1.3.1 or earlier. Therefore, we recommend our customers install Canon XF Utility Ver.1.3.2. The installer for this application has already been released.
Camera Hire has now added the range of Aquatech Sports Shields and eyepieces to it’s range of camera and lens accessories available for hire. The Sports Shields are ideal for shooting in damp, wet, or other adverse conditions.
Rain covers are available for the full range of Nikon and Canon lenses, from small zooms such as the 16-35mm, right up to the massive 600mm f/4.
The forthcoming Apple Mac Pro is now available for pre-order, with specifications and pricing also released. The Mac Pro features the latest Intel Ivy Bridge E Xeon processors with up to 12 cores, dual AMD FirePro GPUs, six Thunderbolt 2 ports, and PCIe-based flash storage with ECC memory, USB 3.0, and faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
Pricing and Specifications for Australia:
Quad-Core and Dual GPU
3.7GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5 processor
12GB 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory
Dual AMD FirePro D300 with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM each
256GB PCIe-based flash storage
Price: A$ 3,999.00
6-Core and Dual GPU
3.5GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon E5 processor
16GB 1866MHz DDR3 ECC memory
Dual AMD FirePro D500 with 3GB GDDR5 VRAM each
256GB PCIe-based flash storage
Price: A$ 5,299.00
Availability in Australia for the Mac Pro is expected in December.
Apple has just released the latest update to their line of Retina Macbook Pro’s. The new laptops feature the new Haswell Processors, improved battery life, and flash storage. The 13-inch is now thinner than the previous generation, however the 15-inch has retained the same form-factor.
From Apple:
Apple today updated it’s range of MacBook Pro laptops with Retina display with fourth generation Intel Core processors, the latest graphics chips, longer battery life, faster flash storage and next generation Wi-Fi. The updated 13″ MacBook Pro with Retina display features a thinner and lighter design. Apple today also announced that both iWork and iLife will be included free of charge with any new Mac purchase (includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote).
At 0.71-inches thin, the updated MacBook Pro with Retina display delivers unbelievable performance in an incredibly portable design. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features fourth generation dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.1 GHz. New integrated Intel Iris graphics deliver up to 90 percent faster performance than the previous generation MacBook Pro with Retina display. The 13-inch model can be configured with faster dual-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.3 GHz.
The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display features fourth generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.3 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.5 GHz. The 15-inch model includes Intel Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance, or Iris Pro and GeForce GT 750M discrete graphics with 2GB of video memory for the ultimate in performance. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display can be configured with faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 2.6 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.8 GHz.
The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display features incredible pixel-pushing power while still delivering amazing battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display delivers up to nine hours of battery life, two hours more than the previous generation, and up to nine hours of iTunes® movie playback. The 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display delivers up to eight hours of battery life, one hour more than the previous generation.
MacBook Pro with Retina display now features PCIe-based flash storage with up to 60 percent faster read speeds than the previous generation. Next generation 802.11ac Wi-Fi delivers wireless performance that is up to three times faster when connected to an 802.11ac base station. Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports deliver up to 20Gbps of bandwidth to each external device, allowing users to connect to multiple displays and high performance devices, and an HDMI port offers quick connectivity to HDTVs and projectors.
The updated MacBook Pro with Retina display ships with OS X Mavericks. Mavericks is the 10th major release of the world’s most advanced operating system and is available for free from the Mac App Store℠. In addition to more than 200 new features, Mavericks introduces core technologies designed specifically for portables to boost performance and improve the battery life of your Mac. Compressed Memory in OS X Mavericks automatically shrinks inactive data in memory to keep your Mac fast and responsive.
Continuing Apple’s commitment to energy efficiency and the environment, MacBook Pro with Retina display meets stringent Energy Star 6.0 requirements and achieves an EPEAT Gold rating. MacBook Pro with Retina display features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. MacBook Pro with Retina display includes PVC-free components and cables, and uses highly recyclable materials and material-efficient packaging designs.
Sony have just announced one of the more interesting cameras we have seen in quite some time. With a combination of rugged build quality, and a full frame 35mm sensor we have a feeling photographers and videographers alike will take great enjoyment out of using this camera. It looks like an ultimate lightweight travel camera, to say the least. Check out the press release below for more information.
New Sony A7 Series Are World’s Smallest, Lightest Full-Frame Interchangeable Lens Cameras 2
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 2013 – Sony’s new A7 and A7R digital cameras are the world’s smallest full-frame interchangeable lens models 2. Highly anticipated by professional photographers and imaging enthusiasts alike, the two new cameras offer an unmatched combination of creativity, customizability and portability.
The A7R model features a 36.4 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor – the highest resolution sensor in the history of Sony’s A line – with no optical low pass filter for added resolving power and increased image detail. The A7 model boasts an impressive 24.3 effective megapixel 35mm Exmor® CMOS sensor and an innovative fast Hybrid AF system.
Each camera is equipped with advanced imaging features including a powerful new BIONZ® X processor; fast AF capabilities; a clear, bright XGA OLED Tru-finder, full HD 60p video recording, Wi-Fi® and NFC connection, dust-and moisture- resistance and more.
“With these new A7 camera systems, Sony has completely redefined the look and feel of a professional-grade digital camera,” said Mike Kahn, director of the interchangeable lens camera business at Sony Electronics. “The A7 and A7R cameras are significantly smaller, lighter and more portable than any other full-frame interchange lens camera yet deliver image quality, power and performance that professionals and enthusiasts crave.”
Both cameras feature full customization and control to meet the needs of the most demanding photographers. There are 9 different customizable buttons and 46 assignable functions that can be adjusted based on shooting preferences, including fully customizable front and back dials, a rear control wheel and an exposure compensation dial 3. Users can preview all changes to photographic settings in real-time on the high-contrast, 2.4 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder or the high-resolution tiltable 3” LCD screen.
The new cameras share a powerful new BIONZ X processor that accurately reproduces details in textures in real-time via extra high-speed processing capabilities, and allows for exceptional low noise performance in all types of lighting conditions. Additionally, the powerful processor combined with the advanced, high resolution sensors allow both cameras to shoot pro-quality Full HD video (AVCHD progressive, 1920x1080p @ 60p) with richly detailed colors and ultra-low noise.
Clear Image Zoom has been enhanced for video recording as well, allowing for powerful close-up shots without sacrificing pixel count. Other pro-style movie features include an audio recording level control and display plus a “live” HDMI® output for passing through video to an external monitor or recording device.
The new cameras both have on-board Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities for instant image sharing and transfer to compatible smartphones and tablets. The A7R and A7 models can access Sony’s platform of PlayMemories™ Camera Apps, allowing users to add new effects, filters, utilities and more. This platform includes new ‘Multiple Exposure’ app, which automatically combines sequential exposures into one creative shot, and ‘Smart Remote Control’ 4, which allows for direct control of exposure and shutter speed from a connected smartphone and is particularly useful for self-portraits or group shots 5. Find out more at www.playmemoriescameraapps.com .
The new A7 and A7R cameras each have a tough, magnesium alloy build and are dust and moisture resistant for standing up to some of the toughest weather conditions.
A7R Camera
Designed for professional photographers and highly advanced enthusiasts, the new A7R model is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame interchangeable lens camera2.
It has an impressive 36.4 effective megapixel full frame sensor and no optical low pass filter, ensuring that the extraordinary resolving power is fully realized and resulting in an unprecedented level of detail and clarity in images.
The camera features a new Fast Intelligent AF technology that delivers blazingly quick, accurate autofocus. Additionally, there are a total of three selectable sizes for the Flexible Spot AF frame, minimizing the risk of accidentally focusing on the wrong target.
A7 Camera
Offering an exciting entry into the world of full-frame photography, the A7 camera features an advanced 24.3 effective megapixel full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor paired with the powerful new BIONZ X processor.
The exciting new camera has an innovative Fast Hybrid AF system that combines phase- and contrast-detect AF methods to ensure speedy, accurate autofocus. It can also shoot at up to 5 fps continuously with non-stop AF tracking, allowing it to keep pace with fast-moving athletes, wildlife or energetic children.
New Sony A Lenses and Accessories
There are a total of 5 new full-frame E-mount lenses designed to take full advantage of the powerful imaging capabilities of the A7R and A7 cameras, including mid-range zoom lenses from Sony and Carl Zeiss, two bright Zeiss Sonnar T*™ prime lenses and a premium-quality G Lens™ telephoto zoom. Sony’s growing E-mount interchangeable lens lineup now consists of 21 different lenses including the new full-frame models.
In addition to the new lenses, there are also two new-generation mount adaptors that give photographers the ability to utilize full-frame Sony A-mount optics on the A7 and A7R cameras. The LA-EA3 adapter simply adds compatibility for existing A-mount lenses the new cameras, while the LA-EA4 model adds the ultra-fast focusing and shooting capabilities of Sony’s innovative Translucent Mirror Technology.
There is also a new vertical grip (VG-C1EM) that offers greater comfort during vertical shooting and can accommodate two separate NP-FW50 batteries for extended battery life and shooting time. A new BC-TRW compact external battery charger that quickly charges batteries and is great for travel, and FA-CS1M off camera shoe allows the use of external flashes (HVL-43M, 20M) in off-camera wired applications. Additionally, the new LCS-ELCA premium soft leather carry case protects the A7 and A7R cameras from scuffs and marks while being carried.
Below is a chart with descriptions of the various technology used in Nikon’s range of Speedlight flash units. Please note, not all functions are available on all flash units. Please see our Nikon DSLR and Flash compatibility page for details.
Speedlight Mode
Description
Camera controls flash output through-the-lens
The camera controls flash output. This is a TTL auto flash mode in the Creative Lighting System. Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by the light from the flash and the exposure is less affected by the ambient light than in the conventional TTL mode. Supported cameras: D3-series, D2-series, D700, D300(s), D200, D80, D70-series, D60, D50, D40-series
The camera measures the amount of light reflected from the subject through the lens to automatically control flash output level and give correct exposure Supported cameras: D1X, D1H, D100
The camera controls flash output. Standard TTL flash control does not take the brightness of the background into account, but adjusts flash output so that the main subject is correctly exposed. Supported cameras: D1
Speedlight controls flash output
Auto Aperture
The flash uses its sensor to control the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the flash including the ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length and exp. comp. value.
Non-TTL Auto
The flash uses its sensor to measure the flash illumination reflected back from the subject controlling flash output to give correct exposure.
With distance-priority manual flash operation the guide number is automatically determined by the SB-800 according to the distance value and aperture set.
Manual
The flash always fires at a specified output determined by user on the flash itself.
Rear Curtain
The flash fires just before the rear curtain starts to close.
Repeating Flash
The flash fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects.
Red Eye Reduction
Available with cameras having red-eye reduction with slow-sync.
Speedlight Features
Description
AF-Assist Illuminator
Projects LED light on the subject, making it possible to focus on the subject even in total darkness.
Automatic Power Zoom
The zoom head is automatically adjusted according to the focal length of the lens in use.
Below is a chart showing compatibility between Nikon’s range of flashes, and the various DSLR cameras. Please note, only Nikon’s newer flashes are listed. For an explanation of the technology used in these flashes, please see our Nikon Speedlight Flash Technology page.
i-TTL, AA, Non-TTL Auto, GN, M, RPT, AutoFP High Speed Sync (D4, D3-series, D2-series, D800(E), D700, D600, D300s, D300, D200, D80 only) , FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Information Communication, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Zoom, Advanced Wireless Lighting., Firmware update capable
i-TTL , AA, A, GN, M, RPT, AF-assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Information Communication, Advanced Wireless Lighting, Rear Curtain, Red-eye Reduction, Auto zoom, Auto ISO sensitivity control, Firmware update capable
i-TTL, AA, Non-TTL Auto, GN, M, RPT, AutoFP High Speed Sync, FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Information Communication transferred to camera, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Zoom, Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High Speed sync
i-TTL , AA, A, GN, M, RPT, AF-assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Information Communication, Advanced Wireless Lighting, Rear Curtain, Red-eye Reduction, Auto zoom, Auto ISO sensitivity control
i-TTL, AA, M, AutoFP High Speed Sync, FV Lock, AF-Assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Informaiton Communication, Rear Curtain Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Zoom
i-TTL , M, AF-assist for multi-area AF, Flash Color Information Communication, Rear Curtain, Red-eye Reduction, Auto zoom, Auto ISO sensitivity control
Arri have announced their latest creation “the new documentary-style camera” – the Amira.
From Arri:
Featuring the same sensor and exceptional image quality as the ARRI ALEXA, AMIRA records superior HD 1080 or 2K pictures that are suitable for any distribution format. With a dynamic range of more than 14 stops, low noise levels, subtle highlight handling, natural colour rendering, breathtaking skin tones and speeds of up to 200 fps, AMIRA will deliver stunning, life-like images.
AMIRA has a minimal start-up time and can be used straight out of the bag by a single user, without delay. Sliding dovetails allow the camera to be perfectly shoulder-balanced for comfortable handheld shooting, while the innovative multi-viewfinder combines a high resolution OLED eyepiece with a fold-away LCD monitor that provides both a live view and full access to camera functions.
Uniquely, AMIRA comes with a number of preloaded 3D LUT-based looks that can be applied while filming. Alternatively, productions can custom-build their own 3D LUTs in external colour grading systems, load them into the camera during prep, and even modify them in-camera on set. This gives cinematographers and directors a greater degree of creative control on fast-moving productions, while keeping postproduction costs down for producers. Like all ARRI products, AMIRA is designed to be a safe, long-term investment and built to withstand the rigors of life on set. Sealed electronics provide protection against the elements, while an integrated thermal core results in highly efficient cooling. Productions can take AMIRA anywhere, from jungles and deserts to snow-capped mountain tops, in the sure knowledge that it will not let them down.
The new Nikon D610 Full-Frame (FX format) DSLR camera has just been announced. This camera features a faster 6-fps shooting rate and 39-point AF.
From Nikon:
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D610, its latest Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera.
The D610 offers an effective pixel count of 24.3-million pixels, the superior rendering capability of the Nikon FX format, as well as the mobility of high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 6 fps*1. Despite its compact size and light weight, it is capable of the rich expression of tones, broad dynamic range, and low noise characteristics with shooting at high sensitivities expected of an FX-format camera. It also offers the beautiful blur characteristics, and superior image quality and rendering performance that challenges that of top end models like the D4, D800, and D800E. What’s more, its compact and lightweight body is loaded with a number of features that give it excellent basic performance, including an optical viewfinder with frame coverage of approximately 100%, double SD memory card slots, top and rear covers made of magnesium alloy, and a function for recording time-lapse movies. It is also equipped with a new quiet continuous release mode that supports continuous shooting at approximately 3 fps*1.
Its 39-point AF system supports certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject, and the 9 most frequently used focus points at the center of the frame utilize cross-type sensors for greater accuracy. In addition, autofocusing is possible with lenses that have a combined maximum aperture of f/8 or faster using 7 focus points at the center of the frame (3 vertical and 5 horizontal; center focus point utilizes cross-type sensor), enabling highly precise autofocusing even when a super-telephoto NIKKOR lens is used with a teleconverter.
The D610 is also equipped with a built-in flash that covers the angle of view of a wide-angle 24mm lens and has a guide number of approximately 12/39 (m/ft, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F). The built-in flash is equipped with a commander function that allows it to be used as a master flash able to wirelessly control the optional Speedlights SB-910 and SB-700 as remote units. This capability allows users to easily enjoy creative expression with varied lighting options.
The D610 also offers users powerful support for their photography with excellent system expansion using a variety of accessories, including the Wireless Remote Controllers WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) for simple and enjoyable remote operation, and the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1b, which enables simple sharing of full-size images exhibiting the superior image quality of the D610 with a smart device.
As a compact system that is easy to manage and use, the D610 is a Nikon FX-format model that a broad range of users, not just professional or advanced amateur photographers, will enjoy.
