Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony 4K TVs Now Shipping in US

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Sony XBR-55X900A 55inch 4K TV

As we continue to question the need for 4K production across the spectrum, TV manufacturers are wasting no time pushing 4K TVs out to customers. Sony 4K TVs are shipping from Adorama and Amazon with prices starting at $5000. The Seiki 4K 50″ TV is much more reasonably priced at $1445 here at Amazon.com.

While the 4K content I have seen at CES and NAB this year has been gorgeous, I’m not quite ready to pull the trigger on a 4K set. Many HD broadcasters and cable channels continue to pump out 720p programming to content consumers across the nation. Additionally, the compression from cable providers on HD content is terrible. I can’t imagine how bad the compression will be on full 4K content when it starts coming down the content pipe.

Of course, those finishing productions in 4K resolution now have access to 4K TVs to view final products and/or demo content to clients.

 

Pelican ProGear S130 Laptop/Camera Backpack Review

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Pelican ProGear S130

The Pelican ProGear S130 is a tough new camera and laptop backpack that is design to protect your gear at all costs. I’ve been carrying the bag for a few weeks now and absolutely appreciate the no-shortcuts rugged design. While the bag isn’t for everyone, if you need a bag to protect your camera, lenses and laptop from the abuse of rough handling and harsh conditions, the ProGear S130 can certainly do the trick. [Read more…]

Vello Extension Tube Kit w/ AF for Canon and Nikon at $55

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Vello Extension Tubes

B&H has a couple of Vello extension tube kits (includes 31mm, 21mm and 13mm tubes) in both Canon and Nikon kits for only $55.

If you aren’t familiar with extension tubes, they are mounted between you camera body and lens. This shortens the minimum focus distance and essentially turns all of your current lenses into macro lenses. These are a great and affordable option for trying your hand at macro photography without the need to invest a lot into a dedicated macro lens.

I’ve used a set of Kenko extension tubes for years. The great thing about these (as well as the Vello tubes that B&H has) is that they will transmit AF info between the body and lens, which means you don’t have to use manual focus if you don’t want to.

At $55, these Vello extension tubes look like a real steal. Note, however, that his is a 20% off sale that looks like it will end on March 22. Still, the $68 normal asking price should be well worth it.

Check out the Vello extension tubes here at B&H Photo.

FxFactory PRO v4 Video Effects Plug-in Review

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FxFactory PRO v4

FxFactory PRO v4 is a plug-in for popular NLE editors like Final Cut Pro X, FCP 7 and Premiere Pro CS6. I have been using FxFactory PRO v4 for a few months now in both FCP X and Premier Pro CS6. While it also works in After Effects and Motion, my use has been limited to NLEs.

FxFactory PRO v4 uses the FxFactory plug-in manager for installation and updates. I have used several plug-ins with FxFactory and find it to be one of the easiest installation processes to use with NLE plug-ins. [Read more…]