Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2011

 

Want Do You Want in the Nikon D800?

By

A few weeks ago, I asked Canon users what they wanted to see in the Canon 5D Mark III (or whatever it’s called).  Better autofocus, enhanced AEB options and dual CF card slots were some of the popular requests for Canon.

The Nikon D700 is a bit of a different animal though.  It’s got great AF, but no video options.  The photo purists out there would probably be happy to keep it that way; however, I suspect that the inclusion of HD video capture on the D3s likely signals that the smaller-bodied, full frame D700 replacement will get a dose of HD video as well. [Read more…]

The Swag Bag Giveaway Just Got Bigger…

By

Thank Kubota Image Tools for upping the ante in the Swag Bag Giveaway.

Kubota Image Tools had generously said it would hand out a $100 value gift certificate to the Swag Bag winner.  Well, I just got Kubota’s prize pack in the mail and what I found inside is over twice that value. [Read more…]

Strobist Photo Trade Secrets Vol. 1 & 2 – Book Review

By

The Strobist Photo Trade Secrets books are quick-hit lighting books, featuring stunning flash photography from a variety of individual photographers.  Both volumes are edited by Zeke Kamm and published by Peachpit Press.

Essentially, the books each contain a collection of a couple dozen great images.  Each image covers a full page with a diagram and description of how the image was made on the back of the page.  Consequently, the photos suck you in to try to reverse-engineer the lighting setup in your head before you turn the page. [Read more…]

Nikon D7000 Sample Video

By

While working on the Nikon D7000 review, I put together this little video of some high ISO clips at a local aquarium.  I believe all of these clips were at either ISO 3200 or ISO 6400.

As you’ll learn in the coming review, the D7000 is a little more cumbersome than its Canon counterparts for video work due to the funky aperture controls; however, it still fares quite well in the final output video.  For now, check out the video below. [Read more…]

New HDSLR Hub from Shane Hurlbut and B&H Photo

By

Cinematographer Shane Hurlbut has teamed up with B&H Photo to create the new HDSLR Hub, which is anchored by a series of educational of videos beginning on February 28, 2011. There are six episodes in this series, which runs through April 4, 2011, and aim to cover gear, workflow and more.

If you want to take your video-capable DSLR seriously, this would be a good place to start.  You can find the teaser video above, while the series will launch next Monday at HDSLRhub.com.

Associated Press Sees Canon 5D Mark II as a “Game Changer”

By

In the above video from Beet.TV, Vice President & Director of Associated Press Broadcasting News, Kevin Roach, talks about writers taking on video projects and photographers adding the 5D Mark II to their arsenal in order to tell a story beyond a single frame.

No doubt the 5D Mark II is a game changer; however, Roach’s commentary on the AP’s approach to news gathering and what this new era of DSLRs has done for the AP is interesting nonetheless.

Canon UK Backs Out of Focus on Imaging 2011 at Last Minute

By

Canon at Focus on Imaging

Focus on Imaging is the largest annual trade show in Europe and is scheduled for March 6-9, 2011.  Focus on Imaging is a place where Canon has had a massive presence in past years.  This year, however, Canon won’t be there.  Moreover, Canon’s decision to not participate was only made public today. [Read more…]

2011 Samsung NX Series Lens Line Up Unveiled

By

Samsung has unveiled its plans for five new lenses for its NX system to be available later this year.  All of the new lenses will be i-Function lenses and will be staggered in their release beginning in May.  The new lenses are as follows:

  • 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 ED OIS (available in May)
  • 16mm f/2.4 (available in July)
  • 60mm f/2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA (available in August)
  • 85mm f/1.4 ED SSA (available in October)
  • 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 OIS (available in December)

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]