A bit late on this on due to server issues! Photokina. Holy crap! So much news from the photography industry. Today we chat about some of the highlights to come out of the event.

Image courtesy of GoPro.

NEWS

DJI Mavic Pro

Notes:

Small drone (only 743 g)
Lens: 1/2.3” (CMOS), 28 mm equivalent, f/2.2
Automatically follows you (or whatever you want) without braclet or tracker
27 minute flight time
4k camera
Arms “unfold” before flight
Knows where it takes off and how to return home (can track up to 20 satellites)
Detects trees, walls, etc and can avoid them.
Gimbal instead of electronic stabilization
Gamepad sized controller (or use your phone over wifi)
DJI goggles for VR flying (up to 40mph)
$749 for basic drone and $999 US
No price for goggles yet
Will fit in nicely with the new laws in australia for flying small RPA (remotely piloted aircraft): https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft/landing-page/flying-drones-australia

Olympus Unveils a New Flagship, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Notes:

New 20.4MP Live MOS sensor, Micro Four Thirds lens mount (so crop)
Shoots to SD
Real 4k at 24fps, UHD at 25fps, HD at 50fps
RAW photos at up to 60fps !!?!!? (manual focus)
18fps with continuous autofocus
121-point cross-type on-chip phase detection and contrast detection AF system (“This Dual F.A.S.T. AF system will automatically select between contrast and phase-detection AF depending on a variety of different conditions.”)
5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization (5.5 stops) – Demo of this is insane. Shake the camera on purpose and it stays locked. Can combine with lens IS.
No price yet (old model is $899 US)
If you want Micro four thirds, this would be a ripping camera.

Sigma Releases Trio of Lenses: 85mm f/1.4, 12-24mm f/4, and 500mm f/4

Notes:

85mm f/1.4 DG HSM (ART series, rumoured for a long time) – $1199 US
12-24mm f/4 DG HSM (Niche ART lens) – $1599.00 US
500mm f/4 DG OS HSM – “Sports line” of lenses (rugged build) – $5999 US
Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts

BlackRapid Breathe Straps Provide Choice, Function, and Comfort

Notes:

“feature moisture-wicking air mesh breathable pads”
Single, double and more
Similar to old models, just with the “breathable” material

GoPro Hero 5

Notes:

HERO5 Black is the most powerful and easy to use GoPro ever, thanks to its 4K video, voice control, one-button simplicity, touch display and waterproof design. AU $569.95
HERO5 Session combines 4K video, one-button simplicity and voice control all in a small, waterproof design. – AU $459.95
HERO Session™ is ready for any adventure with its one-button simplicity and compact waterproof design. – AU $299.95

GoPro Karma

Notes:

Karma Drone: use a standard GoPro as its camera
Karma Grip – looks like the DJI product we chatted about last week (but designed for GoPro Cameras)
GoPro Karma Quadcopter with HERO5 Black – $1099 US (can get just the aircraft for $399 or versions with a “harness” for other gopros (around $799)
“The Karma uses a game-style controller and an integrated touchscreen display that makes it very easy to set up, fly, and use to capture pro-quality video straight out of the box.”
Includes a nice backpack bag
Available October 23

Comparison (based on paper specs) of the two new drones.

Sony Breathes Life into the A-Mount with the a99 II

Notes:

42.4MP full-frame sensor
internal 4K recording
5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization (4.5 stops)
Chunky body (as opposed to the mirrorless cameras)
12 fps continuous shooting
Bit of a surprise announcement with the focus so strongly on mirrorless.

Manfrotto Befree Live – Ultra Compact Video Tripod

Notes:

Light-weight Video fluid head tripod
For journalists, bloggers, travellers
$240 US
3 stage legs
Folds up to be reasonably compact
2.2 KG with legs and head
Carbon fiber version would be good to see to reduce leg weight (head is only 0.4 kg)

CANON ANNOUNCES EOS M5 MIRRORLESS CAMERA AND TWO NEW LENSES

Notes:

APS-C 24.2MP mirrorless camera
2.36m-Dot EV
3.2″ Rear Touchscreen Tilting
Video at 1080p at up to 60 fps
Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus
5-axis digital image stabilization when shooting video
Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity and Bluetooth Smart
No audio in.
No 4k
$979 US
EF-M 18–150mm f/3.5–6.3 IS STM and Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM also announced