Billingham 307 review part II

This is part II of the review of the Billingham 307. Part I can be found here.

Inside, not much has changed over my earlier 445. The layout is the same, as are the Velcro adjustable dividers, although the foam used feels denser and is closed cell now (so it doesn't behave like a sponge). I always liked the layout though the two lens dividers in the 307, each divided again with two lens compartments, are smaller than that of my earlier (and larger) 445.
This means there are really only two compartments capable of taking larger 35 mm DSLR lenses, with filter threads up to 72 mm. Larger pro AF lenses using 77 mm threads and larger, wont fit. The smaller compartments would be fine for some of the smaller Leica M lenses, or indeed the Micro FourThirds lenses. That said, they're still a tight fit for the Olympus Pen 14-42mm zoom. I found they fitted a Ricoh GRD III I was testing perfectly and there was room for the 21 mm conversion lens, stored separately above too.

Between the lens dividers a separate closed-cell articulated flap can be positioned using a strip of Velcro. I used this to lay a Canon EOS 7D body flat (facing down so the dust falls away from the sensor) on the floor with the flap over the top allowing for a second body (in this instance a Pen EP-1) with 17 mm pancake a viewfinder to sit on top. It could easily of been another 7D body, or you could drop a 1D body in upright instead.


Negatives
Stacking equipment does have disadvantages; most notably you lose the quick unrestricted access to the gear beneath. And it’s always the gear beneath that you want, isn’t it? All the same, it’s barely an issue thanks to that clever zipped opening.



Front pockets are roomy for spare memory cards and batteries, even a field–recorder, but you’ll be surprised to learn these aren’t padded at all. To the rear is a document pocket up to A4 but better suited to US letter. Put anything else in it though, such as a pocket camera and it will be uncomfortable. Still for what it was designed for it’s handy. My only other slight concern is the arrangement of the grab handles. Like the original series, including my old 445, it has more than it really needs. The 307 has four; one pair made from webbing attached to the rain flap, and another set underneath. This second set, made from leather, is used when the rain flap is folded back.


It’s a different arrangement to the original bags, where the main grab-handle with leather pad was attached to the front and would be used with either the single webbing strap under the flap if it was open, or with an identical webbing strap on top of the flap if was it closed. If you’re used to the original layout of handles it can be a trifle confusing if not, it’s something you’ll likely never notice. Just make sure you pick up the bag by the shoulder strap, if you’ve not fastened the rain-flap securely, as the bag will tip forward abruptly.



Conclusion
With really only the rain-flap’s grab handles as a minor shortcoming, there’s still a lot to like about the Billingham 307. At around $435 / £239 inc VAT, it’s a pricey option, especially when compared with those sourced from the Far-East. Be that as it may, I really don’t know of any other make of bag that’s likely to out-last it. With that in mind, if the 307 lasts only half as long as my old 445, I would say that would be money well spent.

For US and Canadian visitors, buy Billingham product through our approved supplier, B&H Photo.

Update 09/10/10: B&H Photo now list the Billingham 307 in khaki and black.

Amazon US list the 307 in khaki and black.

Billingham product can be be bought via Adorama.

UK readers can buy Billingham products through the following:

Jessops (not a stockist of the 307 but they do have the superb Hadley Pro and Hadley Small Pro) I still have a pre-production one of these from the mid 80s, in bottle green and tan, with no label or padding.

Warehouseexpress (WEX Photo and Video)

Billingham 307 black
Billingham 307 Kahki (as reviewed)
Billingham 307 Sage/Chocolate

More information can be found at the manufacturer's site, www.billingham.co.uk

DxO Labs publish IQ assessment for new Canon, Sony, Pentax and Nikon DSLRs

DxO Labs, the software company behind DxOMark, the free online resource providing IQ assessment of popular DSLRs and compacts, has today added data for the Canon G7 and S90 compacts as well as EOS 7D, Nikon D300s and D3000, Sony A500, A550 and Pentax K7.

Press release:

DxO Labs also adds detailed RAW image quality measurements on dxomark.com for Canon PowerShot G11, S90 and EOS 7D; Sony A500 and A550; Pentax K7;
and Nikon D300s and D3000

December 11, 2009 – DxO Labs announces today the publication of detailed RAW-based image quality data and DxOMark Sensor rankings on its popular http://www.dxomark.com www.dxomark.com website for a range of Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony digital cameras, including some of the latest models in the advanced compact and DSLR categories.

“A new compact camera category, sometimes referred to as Advanced Compacts, has emerged, bringing to photographers many advanced features, in particular being able to shoot in RAW,” said Nicolas Touchard, Vice President of Marketing, DxO Labs Image Quality Evaluation. “Since these compact-style models, such as the Canon G11 and S90 or the Olympus EP1, are targeting demanding amateurs, we found interesting to analyze their sensor performances in comparison with entry-level DSLRs such as the Nikon D3000, Sony A230, or Canon 1000D. Such comparison is particularly relevant given that the two categories have overlapping price ranges.”

dxomark.com results indicated that the best Advanced Compacts demonstrate remarkable image quality performance, especially considering their very compact form factor: overall, the difference between the top models from the Advanced Compact category and the entry-level DSLRs is only about 1 to 2 stops. And as these new compact cameras can shoot in RAW, demanding photographers can match the JPEG image quality of entry-level DSLRs by using the most advanced PC or Mac RAW conversion software solutions, which can recover the one to two stops of dynamic range that these compacts are missing.

In addition to the advanced compact model data, DxO Labs has also published the performance results on dxomark.com for some of the latest DSLR models featuring APS-C size sensors from various manufacturers: Sony (the A500 and A550); Nikon’s new D300s model (clearly showing improvement over the D300); the results of the long-awaited EOS 7D from Canon; and lastly, the ranking for the Pentax K7.

Leaf adds Capture Remote App for iPhone

High-end camera back maker, Leaf, has added a free app for their users allowing Leaf RAW images to be viewed remotely on their Apple iPhone or iPod Touch in real time. For more information please see the press release below.

Leaf releases Leaf Capture Remote App

Workflow tool for previewing Leaf RAW images on iPhone/iPod Touch

TEL AVIV, December 8, 2009 – Leaf Imaging announced today the immediate availability of Leaf Capture Remote – an application that extends Leaf Capture 11 workflow software, enabling remote image viewing on an Apple iPhone(TM), or iPod(R) Touch. The Leaf Capture Remote application allows photographers and digital operators using Leaf digital backs and camera systems to view, zoom and pan high resolution Leaf RAW images on an Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. It is the first application to permit real-time, on-set remote viewing of medium format images, enabling instant feedback on any shot.

Now, while a photographer is shooting tethered using Leaf Capture software, a client or creative director can view the images over a standard Wi-Fi network on an Apple mobile device.

“Leaf Capture Remote lets me quickly check my files when I can't see my laptop on location,” says Dutch-based professional photographer Frank Doorhof of Studio FD, “or I can just give my visitors an iPhone to browse and check it themselves without interrupting our workflow. Simply put -- it rocks.”

Leaf Capture Remote application version 1.0 is free and available now for download from Apple’s iPhone App Store. It supports all Leaf products that connect to Leaf Capture. (To find it, search for “Leaf Capture” in the Apple iTunes App Store.)

Additional information on installation and setup is available here.

DawnTech add new di-GPS Mini 3L

di-GPS Mini 3L

Dawn Technology has added a new GPS unit to the range, called the Mini 3L. Salient features include a built-in 8MB data logger for storing in excess of 260k data points, password protection, last fixed repeat and instant last fixed repeat modes. Compatibilty is restricted to Nikon (and Fuji) cameras at this time, indeed there are three varients to cover pro, semi pro and entry-level models:

Compatible Cameras:

di-GPS Mini 3L: D3, D3S, D3X, D700, D300, D300S, D2XS, D2X, D2HS, D200 and Fujifilm S5Pro

di-GPS Mini 3L-S90: D90

di-GPS Mini 3L-S5000: D5000

More information can be found here.

Billingham 307 Review - Part I

Billingham 307, in Khaki Chocolate

Billingham camera bags need little introduction, they've been the choice of professional photographers since the mid 70's. There have been one or two imitators, most notably the well-regarded Classic range from the sadly defunct CCS (Camera Care Systems) and the hand-made range of bags from FOGG, probably the closest in terms of quality and materials, if not in design (FOGG were always pretty radical). But few have stayed the course, the way Billingham have.

Most know Billingham for the huge pro 550, but the smaller bags, such as the 445 and 335 have been popular with professionals and keen amateurs alike. So, while keeping those in the line-up, it comes as something of a surprise to see a new, similar-looking, 07 range appear alongside. Constructed of Billingham's FibreNyte material, a fabric with an uncanny appearance, not to mention feel, of traditional cotton canvas, there are three models in total; the 107, 207, and a 307 (think S,M,L), the latter and larger of three being the subject of this review.


Positives
On first inspection, the 307 has all the hallmarks of a traditional canvas bag from Billingham; supple canvas outer, fine grained leather tabs and beading, brass-buckles as well as tough canvas webbing for the straps. However, this Billingham (as well as others in the 07 range) is constructed from a very 21st century fabric, called FibreNyte. While it looks and feels like traditional canvas, it's synthetic and offers greater abrasion resistance and durability, it's claimed, yet remains supple, soft and warm to the touch.

Thanks to a butyl rubber membrane, the fabric is waterproof, according to Billingham. In turn this is bonded to a polyester lining; a three-layer fabric in effect. I've no reason to doubt the waterproofness, but bear in mind, like waterproof clothing, rain (especially wind-driven) can work its way past zips and stitching.

Despite that, the 307 has several advantages over makes of camera bags. For a start, the 307 has a substantial top-flap, which is lined again in a rather fetching, green coloured high-quality polyester fabric, which adds to the water-resistance. It's also extremely effective in keeping dust and detritus from entering the main compartment below. I know this from owning a Billingham 445 for over 20-years and it's true of the 307.

Above, left to right, Ricoh wide-angle converter, Canon EOS 7D c/w EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6, Olympus EP-1 c/w 17mm f/2.8, and Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS. 

Beneath the top-flap is another barrier in the form of a very handy articulated closure, complete with heavy-duty zip. The design is very similar to a Doctor's case and it allows unrestricted access to the main compartment and your gear. Carbon fibre stiffeners, or wands, are used to maintain the opening and shape. And it works very well, even working from the bag with it over your shoulder.

Like all canvas bags, the 307 moulds to your body providing greater stability on the move, so the stiffeners are particularly welcome. I have to admit ease of access was an issue with my earlier 445, even though it had press-studs on the inside wall to keep the zipped flaps apart. I really liked the improved access, and for me it’s a major step forward. Next >

Part II, including the conclusion, can be found here.

For US and Canadian visitors, buy Billingham product through our approved supplier, B&H Photo.

Update 09/10/10: B&H Photo now list the Billingham 307 in khaki and black.

Amazon US list the 307 in khaki and black.


Billingham product can be be bought via Adorama.


UK readers can buy Billingham products through the following:

Jessops (not a stockist of the 307 but they do have the superb Hadley Pro and Hadley Small Pro) I still have a pre-production one of these from the mid 80s, in bottle green and tan, with no label or padding.

Warehouseexpress (WEX Photo and Video)


Billingham 307 black
Billingham 307 Kahki (as reviewed)
Billingham 307 Sage/Chocolate

More information can be found at the manufacturer's site www.billingham.co.uk