Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Firmware Friday: Canon 7D, Rebel T2i, Sony NEX-VG10

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Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Canon 7D version 1.2.3 – “Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT24-EX) and slave flashes do not sync while shooting wirelessly.” [Canon Website]

Canon Rebel T2i version 1.09 – “Fixes a phenomenon in which tone jumps become noticeable in some images, depending on the shooting scene, when shooting with the Auto Lighting Optimizer settings (Low / Standard / Strong).” [Canon Website]

Sony NEX-VG10 version 02 – “Support for the autofocus function with A-mount lenses.” [Sony Website]

 

DSLRs Banned in Kuwait

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The Kuwait Times reports that Kuwait has banned the use of DSLRs in public places.  In the article, the Kuwait Times notes that the only exception for public DSLR use would be journalism purposes.

The article seems to imply that DSLRs make people feel uncomfortable, pointing out that amateur photographers in Kuwait have completely changed how they use cameras because of the poor reception to public use.  One photographer “decided to take photos of animals or still life due to the fact that these subjects don’t mind having their picture taken and don’t make a scene. ‘I started facing problems the very first day I bought my camera,’ [the photographer] added.”

Even with the assorted issues related to photography in the US, I’m thankful to have the liberties that we do have, and I’m glad I can walk around in public without being charged with a crime for using a DSLR.

UPDATE: Kuwait Times has issued a retraction of its story.

[via Kuwait Times]

Lensbaby System Bag

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In case the name didn’t quite give it away, the Lensbaby System Bag is a custom bag that is designed specifically for the Lensbaby optic system.  It is compatible with all Lensbaby lenses and has additional pouches and sleeves for stowing memory cards or other accessories.

The Lensbaby System Bag retails for $39.95 and is available at Lensbaby.com and B&H Photo.

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

Black Friday Camera and Photo Gear Deals

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While I’m not one to get up at the crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving, I recognize that chasing the Black Friday deals has nearly risen to the same level of tradition at Turkey Day itself. As a result, I’ll be breaking down the camera and photo gear deals that are popping off the pages of the Black Friday ads.

I’ll also try to point out cases where deals aren’t all that great at brick and mortar stores when compared to the likes of online retailers like B&H Photo and Amazon. And, if you are doing your shopping online, you can find Black Friday deals all week long at the following links:

B&H Photo Holiday Deals

Amazon.com Black Friday Page

If you are trying to come up with the right gift idea, don’t miss Photography Bay’s 2010 Digital Camera Holiday Shopping Guide.

Check out the rest of the Black Friday deals below, organized by store.  Happy hunting. [Read more…]

The Art of Photography – New Book

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The Art of Photography is a new book from Bruce Barnbaum that offers how-to techniques and “delves deeply into the philosophical, expressive, and creative aspects of photography.”

The Art of Photography carries a retail price of $44.95; however, it is currently available for $29.67 from Amazon.com.

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

Firmware Friday: Nikon Compacts, Pentax K-5, Panasonic G2 & Zoom H4n

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Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Nikon Coolpix S6000 version 1.1 – “When the self-timer, flash mode or macro mode setting was accessed but then closed without adjusting the setting after applying exposure compensation, the exposure compensation setting was reset to 0.0. This issue has been resolved.” [Nikon Website]

Nikon Coolpix S8000 version 1.1 – “When the self-timer, flash mode or macro mode setting was accessed but then closed without adjusting the setting after applying exposure compensation, the exposure compensation setting was reset to 0.0. This issue has been resolved.” [Nikon Website]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 version 1.1 – “added a function for recording 3D pictures. added a function for playing back 3D pictures. Improved operability of AE lock by maintaining the setting even when touch shutter function is used.” [Panasonic Website]

Pentax K-5 version 1.01 – “Increases the number of continuous shot at RAW format and High sensitivity shooting. # Improved stability for general performance such as exposure range on HyP mode.” [Pentax Website]

Zoom H4n Handy Recorder version 1.70 – “Added the function that recording level of INPUT1 and 2 can be set individually.” [Zoom Website]

The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers – New Book

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The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers is a new book from Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski that takes a photographer’s approach to Photoshop Elements 9.

Kelby’s book for Photoshop CS was the first book that I ever bought for Photoshop, and it really helped me get off the ground with the rather intimidating software.  If you are a photographer struggling with Photoshop Elements (or any version for that matter), you could do a lot worse than picking up a book penned by Kelby.

The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers carries a retail price tag of $39.99; however, you can pre-order it now on Amazon.com for $31.49.