Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Kuwait Times Issues Retraction: No DSLR Ban in Kuwait

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Earlier this week, it appeared that Kuwait had banned DSLR use in public places.  Several major photography news outlets (including Photography Bay) picked up the Kuwait Times’ story.

As it turns out, no such ban was ever implemented.  Today, the Kuwait Times issued the following retraction of the story:

“On Saturday, November 20, 2010 the Kuwait Times published an article titled ‘Multi ministry camera ban frustrates artists’ in which incorrect information was provided. The newspaper regrets failing to verify the information. The article wrongly stated that a ban on DSLR cameras was implemented by the Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance. This information is false. In a follow up investigation, it was proved that no such ban has been issued. We regret this error and deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

[via Kuwait Times – Thanks to moayad for the tip.]

 

Bokeh Masters Kit Now Available at B&H Photo

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How cool is this?

My pal, Udi, over at DIY Photography has been developing this Bokeh Masters Kit for quite some time now.  He used to hand-make these each one of these things. Now he’s streamlined the manufacturing process, and marketed the product to the point that B&H Photo now stocks the Bokeh Masters Kit.

Best of all, he’s managed to keep the price at a low $25.  Check out the product page for it over at B&H Photo.

Firmware Friday: Canon 7D, Rebel T2i, Sony NEX-VG10

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Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Canon 7D version 1.2.3 – “Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT24-EX) and slave flashes do not sync while shooting wirelessly.” [Canon Website]

Canon Rebel T2i version 1.09 – “Fixes a phenomenon in which tone jumps become noticeable in some images, depending on the shooting scene, when shooting with the Auto Lighting Optimizer settings (Low / Standard / Strong).” [Canon Website]

Sony NEX-VG10 version 02 – “Support for the autofocus function with A-mount lenses.” [Sony Website]

DSLRs Banned in Kuwait

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The Kuwait Times reports that Kuwait has banned the use of DSLRs in public places.  In the article, the Kuwait Times notes that the only exception for public DSLR use would be journalism purposes.

The article seems to imply that DSLRs make people feel uncomfortable, pointing out that amateur photographers in Kuwait have completely changed how they use cameras because of the poor reception to public use.  One photographer “decided to take photos of animals or still life due to the fact that these subjects don’t mind having their picture taken and don’t make a scene. ‘I started facing problems the very first day I bought my camera,’ [the photographer] added.”

Even with the assorted issues related to photography in the US, I’m thankful to have the liberties that we do have, and I’m glad I can walk around in public without being charged with a crime for using a DSLR.

UPDATE: Kuwait Times has issued a retraction of its story.

[via Kuwait Times]

Lensbaby System Bag

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In case the name didn’t quite give it away, the Lensbaby System Bag is a custom bag that is designed specifically for the Lensbaby optic system.  It is compatible with all Lensbaby lenses and has additional pouches and sleeves for stowing memory cards or other accessories.

The Lensbaby System Bag retails for $39.95 and is available at Lensbaby.com and B&H Photo.

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

Black Friday Camera and Photo Gear Deals

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While I’m not one to get up at the crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving, I recognize that chasing the Black Friday deals has nearly risen to the same level of tradition at Turkey Day itself. As a result, I’ll be breaking down the camera and photo gear deals that are popping off the pages of the Black Friday ads.

I’ll also try to point out cases where deals aren’t all that great at brick and mortar stores when compared to the likes of online retailers like B&H Photo and Amazon. And, if you are doing your shopping online, you can find Black Friday deals all week long at the following links:

B&H Photo Holiday Deals

Amazon.com Black Friday Page

If you are trying to come up with the right gift idea, don’t miss Photography Bay’s 2010 Digital Camera Holiday Shopping Guide.

Check out the rest of the Black Friday deals below, organized by store.  Happy hunting. [Read more…]

The Art of Photography – New Book

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The Art of Photography is a new book from Bruce Barnbaum that offers how-to techniques and “delves deeply into the philosophical, expressive, and creative aspects of photography.”

The Art of Photography carries a retail price of $44.95; however, it is currently available for $29.67 from Amazon.com.

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