Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
We’ve seen some very cool cameras recently and we’ve also seen some very mild upgrades (e.g., Nikon D610 and Canon Rebel T5i) from camera manufacturers. It seems there’s always something that’s missing for certain folks on the latest camera that comes out. How would you build a better one? Which camera manufacturers are coming the closest to building it right?
Whether it is a DSLR, mirrorless or compact camera, use the comment section below as an open mic for what you want in your next camera.
Canon has kicked off another lens rebate program for fall 2013 comprised of over 40 lenses, along with several Speedlites. The deals include both mail-in and instant rebates. Check them all our here at B&H Photo.
Every camera manufacturer is blaming the failure of the compact camera market on the growing use of smartphones. No doubt, the iPhone and Android camera capabilities are pushing the boundaries of the compact camera market. In practical use, it seems the iPhone has taken over the sheer volume of images captured today, as evidenced by the images uploaded to Flickr. [Read more…]
SanDisk has released a new 256GB Extreme Pro CF card with minimum sustained write speeds of 65MB/s and max write speeds up to 140MB/s. Read speeds max out at 160MB/s.
The cards are UDMA Mode 7 compliant for fast buffer clearance on supported cameras. SanDisk touts the new high-capacity card as optimized for 4K video capture, which is further highlighted by the VPG-65 specification (i.e., min. sustained write speed of 65MB/s). [Read more…]
Lexar has a smart new card reader hub that allows you to have an easy, desktop solution for the variety of card readers we use today. The Lexar Professional Workflow HR1 connects to your computer via USB 3.0 and has 4 bays that accept Lexar SD, XQD and CF card readers.
The card readers can be used when docked in the hub or as standalone card readers when you are on the go via USB 3.0 connections. When docked, the readers can be accessed simultaneous for a massive media import session. Of course, you can also switch them out depending on what your specific card type uses are at the moment.
The hub retails for $79.99. The SD and CF card readers retail for $29.99. The XQD card reader retails for $44.99. You can find them all here at B&H Photo.
JOBY has a couple new hand/wrist straps for those of you who aren’t really fans of the plethora of neck/shoulder straps out there. I get questions about hand and wrist straps occasionally, so I know there are plenty of photographers who really dig this kind of strap.
First up, the UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate is a combo of a hand strap and universal quick-release plate allows you to keep a wrist strap attached while using the camera on a tripod. It is compatible with standard or pro DSLRs with or without a battery grip.
The DSLR Wrist Strap is a simple cinching wrist strap designed for DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. It’s a lightweight minimalist solution for those who don’t want a full size strap.
The UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate retails for $49.95. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The DSLR Wrist Strap is available for $14.95. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
Western Digital has released its new My Passport Slim line of portable hard drives, which offer capacities in 1TB or 2TB flavors and a USB 3.0 interface. The My Passport Slim features an aluminum enclosure and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. [Read more…]
Joby has just released a couple of cool new miniature tripods. The GPod Mini Magnetic is an ultra-compact Gorillapod with magnetic feet. It is designed for use with compact cameras and action cameras such as the GoPro. It has a standard 1/4″-20 tripod mount and runs $15. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The new MPod Mini Stand is a compact smartphone stand. It works with iPhones, Android and other smartphones with or without cases. the MPod Mini Stand clamps your phone in place from the sides and uses elastic bands to hold it tight. The MPod Mini Stand also runs $15 and is available here at B&H Photo.
The Impact VSD300 monolight and softbox kit is an all-inclusive lighting kit that contains the basics of what you need for an indoor 2-light studio setup.
The kit includes the following:
At the time of this review, the full kit is available for $458.95 from B&H Photo. Just looking over the basic specs of what’s included and it is apparent that this is a good deal of gear for a rather small price.
Think Tank Photo’s offshoot company, MindShift Gear, has a new product designed for outdoor photographers who need room to work when they may not be in a clean environment.
“While simple in design, when we started the company and asked outdoor photographers what their #1 need was, they said it was for a way to spread their gear out on the ground without it being exposed to the elements.” [Read more…]