Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Firmware Friday: Nikon D90, D5000, Ricoh GXR

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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 D90 Distortion Control Data upgrade – “The Distortion Control Data firmware upgrade is available for Nikon D90 and D5000 cameras only. This is used to correct barrel and pincushion distortion during shooting and editing. This may be loaded into cameras that support distortion control.” [Nikon website]

Nikon D5000 Distortion Control Data upgrade – “The Distortion Control Data firmware upgrade is available for Nikon D90 and D5000 cameras only. This is used to correct barrel and pincushion distortion during shooting and editing. This may be loaded into cameras that support distortion control.” [Nikon website]

Ricoh GXR version 1.13 – “In [A] mode, with configured AE lock and AE bracket; the shutter speed recorded in the captured image may be different from the actual shutter speed.  Corrected the phenomenon when an Eye-Fi card is inserted in the camera and it turns on the power, it will take time to start up, or the camera will not start.  Only with Simplified Chinese (language setting in the camera) :  When you adjust exposure, a number shown in the right side of the exposure compensation slider in the screen may not show a proper number. High-speed movement of the Focus Ring. While pressing down the Macro button in the MF, the Focus Ring movement will become faster.” [Ricoh website]

WiebeTech ToughTech Duo Offers Portable RAID Storage

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WiebeTech has unveiled a new portable, RAID-capable hard drive. The ToughTech Duo offers photographers the ability to configure two 2.5-inch notebook drives as a RAID 0 or RAID 1 backup drive.

The ToughTech Duo offers Firewire 800, USB 2.0 or eSATA connections.  The new drive retails for $499.  More details on WiebeTech’s website.

Induro Unveils New Tripods and Heads

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Induro has announced several new tripods, heads and quick release plates.

The new PHT-Series 3-Way Panheads are magnesium alloy and feature folding hands for easy packing. All models offer special bearing inserts that allow for quasi-fluid movement.  Additional features include a built-in bubble level, dual locking quick release plate and a 5 year warranty.  The Induro PHT-Series 3-Way Panheads come in three sizes and range in price from $77 to $114.

Induro’s new tripods expands its Adventure Series with the Adventure AKP Series tripod kits.  There are 3 new models – the AKP0, AKP1 and AKP2.

The new AKP0 is a compact 4-leg-section tripod, while the AKP1 and AKP2 are heavier duty 3-leg-section tripods.  Each of the new models are magnesium alloy and feature quick lock legs.  Additionally, each tripod is packaged as a kit with an Induro 3-Way Panhead, and also come with a 5 year warranty.  The Induro Adventure AKP Series tripod kits range in price from $164 to $219.

Finally, Induro’s new QRT Series Quick Release Clamp is designed for monopods, tripods and other gear that does not already have a quick release system in place.  The new QRT clamps can be installed on any 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 thread.  The Induro QRT clamps will retail for $75.

You can find Induro products at B&H Photo.

More product images below. [Read more…]

Schneider-Kreuznach to Make Micro Four Thirds Lenses

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Schneider-Kreuznach has announced that it will develop lenses compatible with the Micro Four Thirds system (e.g., Panasonic GH2, Olympus E-PL2, etc.).  No word on when the first batch of lenses for these cameras will be announced or what the prices might be, but one would expect that we’ll see something (at least a concept) by CliQ 2011.

Benro Travel Flat Tripod Series Introduced

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Benro introduced its new Travel Flat tripod series at CES 2011.  As the name implies, Benro’s new tripods are built with the traveling photographer in mind and “feature an innovative, patent pending design that changes the traditional tripod model of triangular profiles, adopting instead a flat unified “spider” or connecting hub, which contributes to its compact size and ultra portability when folded.”

Two big advantages for travelers are the tripods weight and size.  Aluminum models range between 2 and 3.1 pounds, while carbon fiber models weigh in at 1.5 to 2.4 pounds.  Folded heights for all models are around 16-17 inches – and, of course the lay-flat design aides in the compactness.

Even though the tripods are designed to conserve weight and overall dimensions, they still own some professional specs in load capacity (ranging from 13-26 pounds) and maximum height (ranging from 61-66 inches).

Aluminum models carry retail price tags between $107 and $169, while carbon fiber models range between $286 and $406.  You can find the Benro Travel Flat series at B&H Photo.