Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Transcend 400x CF Cards

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Transcend 400x CF Cards

Transcend has introduced its latest line of speedy CF cards with a 400x speed rating.  The cards come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavors and are capable of theoretical transfer rates as up to 90MB/s read and 60MB/s write speeds.  The 400x label isn’t quite as speedy as we see in the latest SanDisk, Lexar and Photofast cards, but it’s still pretty darn quick and will require the latest UDMA mode 6 capable DSLRs to take full advantage of their speed.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

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

 

Field Test Review: The Cotton Carrier

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The Cotton Carrier is another product that is meant to help you with carrying your cameras around just like the Spider. Designed kind of like a lightweight vest, the advertising for the product will appeal most to wildlife and landscape photographers. However, it may also have some appeal to wedding or sports photographers. I used the Cotton Carrier while shooting in Central Park and while also shooting the recent Yankee parade celebrating their win during the World Series. My findings, after the jump.

[Read more…]

ColorRight v.4 Custom White Balance Tool

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The ColorRight custom white balance tool has been updated to a 4th version, which features a semi-transparent plastic center piece, instead of glass in the former version.  Likewise, the outer ring is now a hard plastic shell instead of metal.  (Update: The ring is metal, but it feels better than the old version.) [Read more…]

If I Had $1000 to Spend on My First DSLR Camera…

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I’ve only got $1000 to spend on a camera, lens and accessories, what should I buy and why?

This is a question that frequently pops up on popular photography forums like those found on Photo.net.  I have a soft spot in my heart for Photo.net and its members.  It’s where I renewed my interest in photography, specifically “digital photography.”  And, I’ve asked so many questions about what to buy and read countless questions of others asking the same thing.  (I’ve really asked some dumb questions.  But the crew at Photo.net were very friendly and responsive to my questions.)

Now, it may not always be the $1000 figure, it might be $800 or $1500.  Or, someone might be trying to decide between a couple of lenses and flashes.  I’ve also received plenty of questions like this from readers of Photography Bay in the form of comments, emails and our own fledgling forum.  But, for now, we’ll stick with this budget and look for a good first DSLR kit.

With the holiday shopping season ramping up, many of you may be in just this boat, with a budget in this neighborhood, give or take a few bucks.  So, here’s the advice I would give myself if I were looking to by my first DSLR today. [Read more…]

LaCie Network Space 2

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LaCie Network Space 2

LaCie has introduced its Network Space 2 storage solution in a 1TB flavor.  The Network Space 2 is a Network Attached Storage, or NAS, drive, which is intended to be as simple to use as an ordinary external hard drive.

The Network Space 2 also has a USB 2.0 host connection, which lets you import files from a USB device (such as your digital images) without the need of a computer.  More details in LaCie’s press release below. [Read more…]

Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 70 Pro

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Think Tank Photo has just made a major addition to their bestselling Urban Disguise line. The Urban Disguise 70 Pro is a huge shoulder bag that can carry up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached to any camera body. As with the other models in this line, it is designed so that it doesn’t look like a camera bag. This fits with Think Tank Photo’s philosophy of designing bags for photographers who need to protect their gear.

You can find out more about the Urban Disguise 70 Pro here.

Additionally, Think Tank Photo has a special deal for Photography Bay readers.  Essentially, if you spend $50 or more on gear from Think Tank Photo, during checkout their system will automatically let you select a free camera bag (e.g., Lens Changer 50) along with your order.  Go to Think Tank Photo using this link and follow the on-screen instructions at check-out to get your free item.

Gigapan Epic Does 2,904 Megapixels at 2009 World Series

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Bergman 2009 World Series Gigapan

Image Credit: David Bergman (used with permission)

David Bergman took a prototype version of the Gigapan Epic to the World Series Game 1 and used it to create an enormous 2,904-megapixel image from 675 photos.

David explains the process that he used to capture this image with a Nikon D700 and 400mm focal length on his blog.  For instance, the white band in the center of the image is from rain that came and went while capturing all those shots – the process took almost an hour.  You can read about it here.

Additionally, the entire image is on MLB.com, where you can zoom in to see the faces of almost every fan and player at the stadium.  It’s pretty amazing that you can clearly make out Alec Baldwin sitting behind home plate (you know you’re going to check that out now…).

Bergman says he plans on capturing another mega-pano with the Gigapan Epic during the World Series.  Hopefully, he’ll get through it without rain next time.

Manfrotto 732CY Carbon Fiber Tripod

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The Manfrotto 732CY is the latest addition to the M-Y family of tripods.  The 732CY uses carbon fiber to reduce weight down near the two-pound threshold.

Key specs of the Manfrotto 732CY include the following:

  • 52.95″ max height
  • 16.73″ closed height
  • 2.09 lbs.
  • 7.7 lbs. max capacity

The Manfrotto 732CY carries an initial retail price of $200.

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

Kata Auxiliary Belt and Pouch System

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Kata has developed a belt and harness system with various pouches for DSLRs, lenses, flashes and accessories.  As you can see from the above image, the system is customizable to allow photographers to carry the appropriate amount of gear on a given outing.

More details on the system can be found in Kata’s press release below. [Read more…]