When we speak about Sunwayfoto DP-26 Universal Quick Release Plate, we are witnessing the continues endeavor of Sunwayfoto designers for minimum weight.
Rated at 9 gr (0.3 oz) makes it ideal for small P&S cameras as well as small footprint mirrorless cameras.
The Package & Contents
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| The Sunwayfoto DP-26 Universal Quick Release plate comes shrink wrapped in the usual by now Sunwayfoto recycled-carton box. A large white label shows the content photo, model and main specification. |
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| All parts are nested in pre-cut foam sockets that protect them during transport, while an extra layer of foam bellow (thicker) and above (thinner) are there for even better protection from scratches. Somehow the plate is so small that seems lost in the foam. It comes together with a short 1/4"-20 captive screw and a 4mm Allen Hex key. |
The plate
| Manufacturer Specification: | |
|---|---|
| Model: | DP-26 |
| Height: | 7.5 mm |
| Width: | 39 mm |
| Length: | 26 mm |
| Mounting slots X 3: | 1/4"-20 UNC |
| Weight: | 9 gr |
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DP-26 felt so light that I was curious to verify its dimensions and weight. My findings were even less than the declared specification. The height (thickness) of the plate was hardly over 7 mm at 7.15 mm and it weighed a mere 11 gr (0.38 oz) including the screw.
The plate is hard coat anodized in black and has a laser engraved logo with model number on one side. The top surface is slightly grooved with the three 14 mm long captive slots laying inside those grooves at 9 mm distance next to each other. Without any rubber coating the plate relies on these grooves and the consequent slightly protruding ribs to prevent it from twisting.
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| The bottom side is almost completely hollow in order to accept the screw head in the three parallel slots. The serial number of the plate is engraved on the back side of the top surface. |
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| Each slot is threaded in the middle in order to let the captive screw pass through and then be able to move within the slot for better adjustment. |
Using the Plate
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| First candidate for testing was my small Canon D10 P&S waterproof camera which has a tripod socket in an offset position in relation to the lens axis. In this case I had to relocate the captive screw in one of the outer slots so as to center the DP-26 QR plate under the lens. After aligning the plate with the camera bottom, it required only a moderate force to tighten the screw and fix the plate in position without twisting. |
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| Pictured above the Canon D10 P&S camera equipped with Sunwayfoto DP-26 QR Plate is clamped via a Hejnar PHOTO F60 1" Quick Release Clamp on the Fotomate V-Pod-S Table Top Tripod. |
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| The combination is so light that the tiny ball head coming with the V-Pod is capable of holding the camera in any angle. |
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| The next candidate for testing was a Sony NEX-C3 mirrorless camera which will have the leading part in the illustration of the upcoming Mini Multi Row Panoramic Head article. In the NEX-C3 case the tripod socket is exactly in axis with the lens, so the screw should be placed in the DP-26 QR plate middle slot. While NEX-C3 is quite heavier than the Canon D10 it seemed that there was no need to try to tighten the screw more. Exercising a moderate force is enough since the grooved surface of the plate responds well to twisting forces. |
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| This time Sony NEX-C3 equipped with Sunwayfoto DP-26 QR Plate is clamped on a Sunwayfoto DB-36TRLR Traveler Ball Head and supported by the Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod. |
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| Somehow, even if the ball head / tripod combination is very light, is still an overkill for the weight of this camera. Nevertheless, the plate holds well under the camera and the ball head can be easily adjusted by holding the camera, contrary to other cases where instead of moving the ball the camera twists on the QR plate. |
Pros
Excellent machining, finishing and build quality.
Versatile multiple slot mounting.
Very low profile.
Extremely Lightweight.
Cons
None up to the time of this review.
Conclusion
In my opinion this is a very well designed tiny quick release plate that adds very little to the weight of a small camera. Fully recommended for small footprint P&S or mirrorless cameras.
Note :
The DP-26 Ubiversal Quick Release Plate presented in this article is a complimentary copy, kindly offered by Sunwayfoto, for evaluation and review. Thanks for the dedication on the serial number once again.
I hope you found the review and ideas useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2013 S.C.Vlachos
Price and Availability:
The current retail price for DP-26 QR Plate is US$
Referenced Articles:
Hejnar PHOTO F60 1" Quick Release Clamp Review
Fotomate V-Pod-S Table Top Tripod Review
Triopo GT-3228X8C Carbon Fiber Traveler Tripod Review
Sunwayfoto DB-36TRLR Traveler Ball Head Review
Canon PowerShot D10 Waterproof-Shockproof Camera Reference
Relevant Articles:
Create a Mini MR Panorama Head for Mirrorless Cameras
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