The year is half over but there is plenty to talk about on this month’s Trends from the Trenches. Jay P and Lars are excited about last month’s announcement for the Sony A7r II that will shoot 42 mega pixel photos and 4K video. More news from the photo/video world include announcements from GoPro, Instagram and Adobe’s new stock service, times below. Plus Stony-Edge microphones in Jay P’s ugly canvas bag (https://stonyedge.com/product/simple-lav-microphone/).

Jay P and Lars love answering questions from viewers. In this month’s installment, the guys touch on strobe lights for a college budget, feathering with umbrellas, smoke machines, and getting clear images with a macro lens. Go to the TSL YouTube channel to post your own questions and comments to be read on next month’s episode.

Canon’s 5DS and 5DS R have arrived at Samy’s so of course Jay P and Lars cannot wait to get their hands on them. The guys get the low down on the cameras from Ken from Samy’s Camera’s Pro Desk and then they head outside to take some test shots. Check out the full-resolution test shots below and do your own side-by-side comparison. Compare the 5Ds and 5DS R to the Mark III.

What does Ken want to talk about? Filters! From UV and ND for camera lenses to CTO for lights, Ken covers it all in this segment. Tell us about your favorite brands and uses for filters in the comments.