Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2012

Floatcam HD-DC Slider

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HD DC-Slider

Matthews Studio Equipment is launching the Floatcam HD-DC Slider at NAB 2012.  As the model name implies, this is a heavy duty version of the popular DC Slider, and can handle larger cameras like the ARRI Alexa.

The new FloatCam HD-DC Slider features a rail length of 73” (185cm), tracking length of 63” (160cm), vertical height of 79” (200cm) and maximum load of 70 pounds (32Kg) with rail and fulcrum weight of 50 pounds (23Kg). The counterweights top at 70 pounds (32Kg). And the mini jib specs are a working diameter horizontal at 63” (160cm).

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

 

Western Digital My Book Thunderbolt Duo Drives Now Shipping (Finally!)

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WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo

We’ve been waiting a long time for this one folks – an actual, shipping Thunderbolt external hard drive for mere mortals.

Western Digital has announced pricing and that it is now shipping 4TB and 6TB versions of its My Book Thunderbolt Duo external hard drives.  I first looked at these at CES 2012, while they were still getting them ready for final production.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyt6jwohQ_M&w=640&h=360]

The dual-drive system is configurable as a RAID 0, RAID 1 or JBOD.  As a RAID 0 drive, the Thunderbolt connection puts a single unit in the 280MB/s transfer range.  Additionally, a daisy-chained series of 6 drives configured in RAID 0 will deliver transfer speeds up to 780MB/s.

The 4TB model is priced at $600, while the 6TB model is priced at $700.  WD says it is now shipping the drives.  Check B&H Photo, Amazon and WD’s online store for availability. I should have my hands on one soon and will report back as soon as I get a first look at its performance.

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

The Nikon Creative Lighting System, 2nd Edition – New Book

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The Nikon Creative Lighting System

The Nikon Creative Lighting System, 2nd Edition is a new book from photography Mike Hagen that addresses “the common frustrations associated with flash, and specifically teaches how to use the SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, and R1C1 strobes. ”

The Nikon Creative Lighting System, 2nd Edition retails for $39.95; however, it is currently available for $25.27 on Amazon.com.

Sony A57 Launches w/ 16MP & 1080/60p Video

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Sony A57

The Sony A57 is the latest Alpha model utilizing Translucent Mirror Technology – and it steps up the game from its predecessor, the Sony A55.

Priced at $700 for the body, the A57 piles it on in terms of features, offering a 16.1MP resolution CMOS sensor (APS-C format) and the AVCHD 2.0 progressive codec, which allows the A57 to capture 1080p video at a full 60p frame rate – a feature both Canon and Nikon HDSLR shooters have been screaming for on the high-end models (let alone entry-level cameras in the A57 price range).

Sony continues its tradition of fast live-view AF thanks to the Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows users to view the image on the rear LCD or in the electronic viewfinder – all the while maintaining the rapid and accurate AF acquisition that DSLR shooters are accustomed to.

Alongside the A57, Sony announced the HVL-LE1 continuous light for $250, which comes complete with an Alpha shoe mount and barn doors.

The Sony A57 should be available in March at an initial retail price of $700 for the body only, or $800 with the 18-55mm kit lens.

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

Editing Video in Photoshop CS6

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD3sh6iT72Y&w=640&h=360]

Take a look at the above video, which was completely edited in Photoshop (CS6 maybe?).

Right now, you can edit videos in Photoshop CS5 Extended.  I’ve done it in the past even with plug-ins applied to video footage.  However, if I can get the look I’m after in Premiere Pro or After Effects, I’m going to do that because the process is more streamlined (for now).

However, I’m excited to see what Adobe has up its sleeve because of the following statement at the Photoshop blog from Photoshop Senior Product Manager, Bryan O’Neil Hughes: [Read more…]