Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 Firmware Update

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PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5

The PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 have new firmware available that adds features and support for new cameras, flashes and light meters.

Newly compatible devices include the following:

Notably absent from the newly supported devices is the 5D Mark III; however, PocketWizard says that support is coming.

Update info available on PocketWizard’s website.

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

 

Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp Announced

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Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp

Spider Holster has announced the availability of its Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp, which is designed to work with Arca-Swiss-style L-brackets (like those from Really Right Stuff). The Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp connects with the bracket to allow users to use both a bracket system and their Spider Holster without the need to reattach components to the bottom of the camera when shooting conditions change.

The Spider Arca-Swiss Clamp retails for $95.00 and is available via Spider Holster’s website.

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

SOLOSHOT Robotic Tripod Head Lets You Shoot Yourself

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SOLOSHOT is a new tripod-mounted automatic pan head that tracks subjects using a remote wristband.  It was built with capturing surfing in mind; however, it works for a ton of different types of moving subjects.

SOLOSHOT Key Features

  • Tracks at distances up to 2000 feet (half a kilometer).
  • The maximum pan speed is over 40 degrees per second.
  • The fastest object tested so far was a race car going 143 mph.
  • Batteries last 5+ hours.
  • A super bright tracking LED lets you know SOLOSHOT is pointing at you.
  • A security feature gives you an access point to lock your camera to the Base, and the tripod can be locked to stationary objects (the same as you would lock up a bicycle).
  • The pairing process allows multiple people to each use their own SOLOSHOT near each other.  Each Base will only follow the Armband that it is paired to.

Check out the demo video below that pretty well explains how SOLOSHOT works. [Read more…]

SpiderPro Camera Holster Review

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SpiderPro Single Camera System

The Spider Camera Holster is a new way to carry your camera. With this system your camera will clip onto a belt, taking the weight off from your neck and shoulders. Personally, I dislike standard camera straps. So I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test out the Spider Holster.

I tested out the SpiderPro Single Camera System, which includes the SpiderPro Belt, the SpiderPro Holster, the SpiderPro Plate, and a SpiderPin, with a Canon 7D with battery grip, a 70-200 f4 IS, and 430EX II Speedlite.

The SpiderPro Belt with Holster was very easy to adjust and get situated on my waist. The belt is adjustable via a velcro strap and is easy to switch the position from the right side of your body to the left side. The buckle is a triple lock type so you know that it will not randomly come unclipped. [Read more…]

LenSkirt Kills Reflections When Shooting Through Windows

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LenSkirt

As hard as I have tried while shooting out hotel windows in Vegas, I have been unable to kill all the reflections from my room on the windows.  Turning off all of the lights in the room won’t do the trick because exterior lighting spills into the room, thus creating reflections of ambient room light…

This smart little LenSkirt tool uses suction cups to attach to the window and has an adjustable opening for various lens sizes.  It also folds down quite small for packing in your camera bag.

I haven’t tried one yet, but I may pick one up before my next trip to Vegas. Check out the examples here to see how well they kill ambient room lighting. They’re $49 and available via the LenSkirt website.

Kudos to Mitch over at Planet5D for turning me onto this one.

DSLR Average Online Purchase Price Increases By More Than $350 from 2011

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Online buyers of DSLR cameras pay $1,291, on average, for their camera, up from $937 in 2011, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera Online Buyer ReportSM released last week.

I was a little surprised to read those numbers, considering the affordable DSLR options available now – with cameras like the Nikon D3200, Rebel T3 and Sony A37.  However, I’m also a little curious if the consumer move toward affordable mirrorless cameras like the Sony NEX-F3 and Olympus E-PM1 has impacted these figures (which may not be factored into “DSLR” sales evaluated by JD Power).

Additional notes from the report points to Pentax’s lead in buyer satisfaction and durability.  Finally, note that these scores are based on consumer surveys rather than objective test data.

More excerpts from the press release below. [Read more…]