Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The VariZoom VZ-TK75A tripod and fluid head is a nice entry-level video tripod. Let me be up front though, this is not a pro-grade combo that’s going to compete with your Miller and Sachtler units, but for those enthusiasts out there dipping your toes into the video realm, this little package is an affordable and capable starting point. [Read more…]
The Samsung NX10, which was supposed to be the start of Samsung’s plan to dominate the mirrorless camera market, was an ok camera. The updates to the NX system have been sparse – with the NX100 and its iFunction lenses adding a bit of “compact” option for mirrorless camera shoppers. And the iFunction was a surprisingly enjoyable feature to use.
Then the Samsung NX11 was announced. Then it was quietly delayed. Now, the US will only get a very limited release (if any). And, frankly, that’s just fine because the camera sat in an awkward not-a-real-upgrade category.
Instead of the NX11, it looks like the NX20 and NX200 will be released this Summer as proper replacements to the NX10 and NX100. According the the leaky rumor mill, they will feature sensors with even higher resolutions than the existing NX models’ 14.6MP sensors.
If Samsung wants to grab half of the mirrorless camera market, the NX20 and NX200 had better be pretty darn special because Panasonic, Sony and Olympus are off to a much stronger start…
[h/t Photo Rumors & 1001NC]
If there has ever been demand for a company to produce a single lens, it’s the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8 lens. Ever since the Nikon D40 came out (with it’s lack of AF motor), Nikon users have been clamoring for something to replace the staple 50mm f/1.8D lens. Heck, I even wrote an open letter to Nikon last year pleading for this lens with a built-in AF motor.
And, finally, it appears that they have. [Read more…]
I checked out a lot of cool new stuff at NAB 2011; however, one of the coolest pieces of tech that I got up close with was the new Atomos Ninja HDMI-based recorder. In short, the Atomos Ninja captures the uncompressed stream from your camera’s HDMI output. The stream is captured as Apple ProRes HQ in a much higher quality than what goes through your camera’s compression onto the CF or SD card. [Read more…]
It’s time for our weekly break from the gear for a few minutes so we can enjoy another round of reader photos from the Photography Bay Flickr Group.
Check out the rest of the photos below. [Read more…]
Adobe showed off some of it’s cool new tech at NAB – streaming live video to the iPad 2 from Flash Media Server. Those of you developing content for the iPad and other iOS devices can take a look at the live demo over at Tech Tilt.
Sony added a prosumer-level external flash to its lineup last week. The new flash features the same “Quick Shift Bounce” rotation as found the the flagship HVL-F58AM flash. It has guide number of 43 and offers 22 increments of power adjustments between full and down to 1/128 power – all in 1/3 stops – and is powered by 4 AA batteries.
The HVL-F43AM is slated for release later this Summer for around $350.
Full specs and more images below. [Read more…]
Cinevate just announced its new Atlas FLT at NAB 2011. I caught up with the Cinevate guys there and they let me take a quick test drive of the new slider. [Read more…]
Think Tank Photo has announced a new bag aimed at Micro Four Thirds and other mirrorless camera users – the Retrospective 5. Akin to the rangefinder-esque design of many of today’s mirrorless cameras, the Retrospective 5 camera bag mixes old-school look with new-school features.
It is available in black and Pinestone colors and can accommodate a mirrorless camera with 2-3 lenses and several other accessories. The Retrospective 5 should be available in May for $129 direct from Think Tank Photo’s website.
Here are some high resolution screenshots from the new Final Cut Pro X interface. Just click the images for the high-res versions. [Read more…]