Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
At PhotoPlus last week, Elinchrom introduced the Ranger Quadra, which is a portable battery flash system offering built-in Skyport triggering, Eye-Cell (prevents triggering during pre-flash allowing the system to work in conjunction with a TTL-system like Nikon’s CLS) and several othere unique features.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Honl Photo Speed System has been around for some time now. I’ve had the pleasure of using the system on and off for several months. The products are the creation of photographer David Honl and designed to be a fast and versatile set of tools for sculpting light when using hotshoe flashes.
The first impression that I get from the Honl Photo Speed System is that it’s a quality product. You open up the packages and find very tough nylon and plastic components. The straps, grids and snoots have traveled many miles in my camera bags and have shown resilience even through abuse. [Read more…]
RadioPopper just dropped the bomb on their JrX model wireless transmitter and receivers. While they’re not in the bargain bin price range we were initially told, they still come at a significant discount when compared to the PocketWizard triggers.
The RadioPopper JrX Basic receiver runs $69.95, while the JrX Studio runs $89.95. The JrX transmitter (only one flavor) is $69.95. [Read more…]
ExpoImaging has been distributing the HonlPhoto Speed System gear for a while now. I’m a big fan of the Honl gear and now there’s some new gear including a couple of filter kits and speed system bag that I have talked about previously. The full skinny on the latest gear is in the press release below. [Read more…]
You’ve heard me talk about Honl’s Flash Modifier System before. I’m a big fan.
Scott Wyden recently brought to my attention the HonlPhoto Tools Carry Bag. It’s really perfect for the Honl gear. I tend to stuff a piece here and there in my camera bag. This new carry bag makes sense for keeping everything together. Thanks for pointing that out Scott.
Another Scott (this time Scott Bourne) over at Photofocus recently published a Mini Review of the Honl Flash Modifier System, giving us the reasons of why it works for him and why it’s his g0-to flash modifier accessories.
In addition to the links above, here’s a ton of HonlPhoto gear at Amazon.com.
Light is the soul of an image. So, learning to manipulate light in order to produce the results you had in mind before you capture the image is an integral part to becoming a better photographer.
Inherently in the learning process, there’s a lot of experimention. As they say, “learn by doing” and “practice makes perfect.” However, there are a number of great resources to help steer you in the right direction – all available for free on the Interwebs.
Here’s 7 lighting tutorials that will help make your photos stand out. [Read more…]
PocketWizard has dropped a bomb in the lighting world with their new FlexTT5 and MiniTT1. The big deal about these off-camera flash triggers is the ability to operate in TTL mode on Canon and Nikon cameras at an extended range using radio waves.
Pricing will be roughly $199 for the MiniTT1 and $219 for the FlexTT5 and will be available in March for Canon models and in the Second Quarter of 2009 for Nikon models. You order them at Amazon via the following links:
Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Canon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Transmitter for Canon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Nikon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Transmitter for Nikon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
The above video from PocketWizard does a great job of explaining the features that the FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 offer over the older Plus II and MultiMax models. Additionally, I will refer you to the Strobist himself, who has spent some hands-on time with these new models and seems to be quite impressed with their capabilities. Rob Galbraith also has a thorough write up of his hands-on experience with the new PocketWizards, though you won’t find the same witty commentary as the Strobist post. Chase Jarvis adds to the mix of commentary as well. Finally, you’ll find more details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Sunpak hasn’t necessarily had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of their PMA announcements; however, they’ve dropped several products into their 2008 lineup at PMA. What caught my eye first was the Sunpak PZ42X shoemount flash for Canon and Nikon with E-TTL II and i-TTL support, respectively.
Here’s the details on all the new stuff from Sunpak, starting with the PZ42X flash:
Sunpak PZ42X
As noted above, it’s compatible with the latest Canon E-TTL II or Nikon i-TTL DSLR cameras. The PZ42X has many advanced features, such as automatic zoom head from 24-105mm, bounce and swivel capabilities, built in wide angle diffuser and AF assist. It’s guide number is 138 (ISO 100/feet). It also offers an LCD display and controls for manual flash output, digital or film lens coverage and zoom head settings.
Price of admission? $150.
Consider that the Canon 430EX is priced over $240 and doesn’t offer any manual controls. If you want manual output control on a new Canon flash then you’ll be spending over $350 on the Canon 580EX II. (*Update: Both Canon flashes have manual controls, the 430EX down to 1/64. This is a significant upgrade from the 420EX that the 430EX replaces. Thanks for pointing this error out labolstad.)
I’ve been using a Nikon SB-24 and SB-26 coupled with the Cactus V2s wireless triggers for my off-camera flash setup on my Canon Rebel XT. The PZ42X would be a great alternative since I could also stick it on the hotshoe and get proper metering and autoexposure. The manual controls, including the ability to adjust output down to 1/64, would also be a great addition to a wireless speedlight system for me and the other Strobist followers out there. Look for it to appear on Adorama and B&H Photo.
PRO Series Tripods and Monpod
From Sunpak:
The PRO Series carbon fiber tripods and monopod are ultra-light, full-size models that are among the lightest, most portable and affordable in their class. All leg sections are constructed of strong, durable, lightweight carbon fiber. The aluminum chassis incorporates three position leg angle adjusters for providing mid and low-angle grounder adjustment, chassis spirit level and center column tensioning adjustment. Other combined features include rubber guarded twist lock legs, leg warmers, removable center column hook, reversible anti-rotation center column, second short reversible anti-rotation center column and retractable rubber spiked feet.
The PRO 523P, 623P, 624P and 723P tripods include an aluminum 3-way pan head with quick release platform. The 723B comes with a heavy duty ball head with dual adjustable tension settings and also incorporates a quick release platform. All the PRO Series carbon fiber tripods come with a padded case with neoprene shoulder strap and include a compartment for the second short reversible anti-rotation center column.
The street prices of the PRO Series carbon fiber tripods and monopod are:
PRO 523P $199.95
PRO 623P $239.95
PRO 624P $249.95
PRO 723P $279.95
PRO 723B $304.95
PRO 724M $74.95
and all units are currently shipping. (links are to B&H Photo)
FlexPods
Sunpak also announced several new FlexPods, even one with a pan head. From Sunpak:
The Sunpak FlexPod Pro Panhead with its uniquely designed segmented legs can securely wrap around just about any suitable object to give photos a fresh new perspective when attached to one of today’s new digital SLR cameras. It can be attached to a pole, railing, chair, fence or tree branch.
The FlexPod Pro Panhead’s specially designed non-slip leg segments grip tightly and will not slip when properly wrapped around most smooth, dry surfaces. In addition, it can be used as a tabletop tripod by simply extending its legs. To make setup fast and easy the three-way panhead sets up in a snap and is perfect for today’s digital SLR cameras and camcorders.
Digital Photo Frames
Sunpak introduced a new line of Digital Photo Frames that include sizes ranging from 3.5″ to 15.1″. From Sunpak:
New features for Sunpak Digital Photo Frames in 2008 will be a built-in motion detection system for instant on when a person enters a room and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility. Also new for 2008 is the inclusion of wireless remote control functions for all models, while still retaining on frame controls for flexibility and ease of use. The Sunpak 15.1″ Digital Photo Frame will include one gig of memory allowing hundreds of images to be stored and displayed.
[tags]sunpak, pma 2008, flash, tripod, monopod, digital photo frame[/tags]
The DIY Ringflash (as opposed to the $910 Bowens Ringflash) is really creating a stir on the internet nowadays. I’m officially on the band wagon now. I invested about $5.00 on a trip to Wal-Mart the other night for a disposable casserole pan, 1 yard of white fabric and a plastic measuring cup. After about an hour or so of tinkering around while my wife watched Flip That House, I had a pretty effective little ringflash. It was inspired by Tanya Shields’ cheap DIY ringflash that I read about on Strobist last week.
If you’ll click on the photos, you can see my notes that I placed on them via Flickr.
I can’t say that there’s really anything unique about my setup; however, here’s the details:
Steps
If you’re into this kind of stuff, consider these other DIY rightlight resources:
The Strobist movement continues to attract the attention of manufacturers. Westcott’s Magic Slipper allows photographers to use those speedlights with large softboxes without straining that fragile hot shoe. It even allows for mounting your Pocket Wizards so they don’t hang by the sync cable.
Pre-PMA Press Release
Professional Photographer and lighting guru Bruce Dorn has teamed up with Westcott yet again in adding to the Bruce Dorn Select product line the Magic Slipper™. This support system was created as a way to adapt your shoe-mount speedlite to a choice of professional grade light modifiers. [Read more…]