Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Manfrotto Now Distributing Genus DSLR Cinematography Gear

By

Manfrotto just announced that it will serve as the exclusive US distributor for Genus matte boxes, bar systems, sunshades, viewfinders and shoulder mounts geared toward the DSLR cinematographer.

“I am thrilled with this agreement,” said Wayne Schulman, video sales and product manager for Manfrotto Distribution, US. “I view this as a strategic partnership between Genus and Manfrotto/Vitec group to provide the videographer and photographer with a complete camera support system of the highest quality while also offering the most value. Genus’ current product line, which includes a DSLR/Video shoulder mount, follow focus systems and matte box systems along with other interesting accessories for HD video and DSLR’s, is extensive and is a perfect match for Manfrotto Distribution. I am also excited about the future products from Genus which we will have the opportunity to bring to market over the next several months.”

It looks like B&H is already stocking a full line of Genus gear, which you can browse here.

 

Zacuto Z-Finder Review

By

If you’ve got any interest in using a DSLR as a serious video camera, chances are that you’ve heard of the Zacuto Z-Finder.  As I have been learning the ropes of shooting video on the 5D Mark II, I’ve found the Z-Finder to be an indispensable piece of equipment for mobile operation of the camera.

Read the rest of the review at Tech Tilt: Zacuto Z-Finder Review.

Canon Patent Looks to Speed Up Live View and Video Autofocus

By

One of the most crippling features in many DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i above) is the poor autofocus performance in both live view and video modes.  While mirrorless cameras like the Panasonic GH1 and Samsung NX10 do a decent job of using contrast-detection AF methods, DSLR manufacturers like Canon and Nikon have done a poor job in making it work.  Sony, to its credit, has implemented an effective live view design with fast autofocus by placing a secondary live view sensor in the viewfinder, which allows the standard phase difference AF sensor to function normally.  But, still, it’s not a true “live view” of what the sensor will produce. Plus, Sony’s design won’t work with video.

Of course, most pros and serious amateurs understand the benefit and efficiency of using the fast, phase difference AF method that results from using the viewfinder.  However, that doesn’t stop entry-level and enthusiast photographers from complaining about the poor live view and lack of video autofocus in their sub-$1000 DSLRs.  Additionally, there are certainly situations where an accurate and quick live view or video autofocus mode are desired among photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Canon may very well have the answer: Put the fast, phase difference AF sensors in pixels on the main image sensor.

[Read more…]

Firmware Friday: Sony NEX Goes 3D; Panasonic ZS5, ZS6, ZR3, TS2, FP3

By

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.

Sony NEX-3 / NEX-5 firmware version .02 – “3D Sweep Panorama function has been added; Improvement of ‘normal’ 2D Sweep Panorama shooting; Decreased power drain when the camera is switched off; Quicker start-up in low-light conditions.” [Sony website]

Panasonic ZS5 / ZS6 / ZR3 / TS2 firmware version 1.1 – “Optimization of Light amount for INON external flash(S-2000/D-2000/Z-240)” [Panasonic website]

Pansonic FP3 firmware version 1.1 – “Improved reaction speed of the touch operation. Improved speed of the image forwarding at the time of the reproduction.” [Panasonic website]

Canon Rebel T2i In Stock Alert

By

Canon Rebel T2i

Amazon is currently listing the Rebel T2i “In Stock.”  But there are only 4 left (at the time of this post) according to the product page, and it’s just the (body only) that’s in stock.  Here’s the link:

Also, Adorama currently has a number of Rebel T2i kits in stock as well.  Here are those links:

It doesn’t look like B&H has any Rebel T2i kits in stock at the time of this post.  Of course, that could change soon, so here’s the link to B&H’s various Rebel T2i kits that you can keep checking back on:

This camera has been tough to find since day one, so I wouldn’t wait around too long if it’s on your list – or you’ll be waiting a while longer.

Extreme ISO Settings With the D3s, 1D Mark IV and Lightroom 3

By

I’ve been digging into Lightroom 3 for a couple of days now.  I’m a big fan of the improvements – happy to see my video files, love the tethered shooting capability, as well as the improved speed. Last night, however, I decided to dig up some of my photos from the Canon 1D Mark IV and Nikon D3s ISO comparisons and take a closer look at the improved noise control that we’ve all heard so much about.

While I experienced a taste of what was to come in the Lightroom 3 beta, I was not prepared for the magnitude of improvement that I saw in the images as I wiped my Lightroom 2 adjustments and made new adjustments in Lightroom 3’s noise control panel.

I could go on and on about it, but you really need to see for yourself. [Read more…]

DSLR and “Larger Sensor” Video Cameras Will Shake Things Up – Again

By

Nearly two years ago, Canon changed the game (and, perhaps redefined the game) with the introduction of the 5D Mark II.  (And, while the Nikon D90 was the first DSLR to hit the scene with HD video capture, few will argue that Canon’s 5D Mark II was the real game changer.)  As the story goes, the addition of HD video to the 5D Mark II was almost an afterthought, which isn’t too far fetched of a story – given the rough implementation and numerous workarounds required to get a polished video out of the camera in those early firmware versions.

And then there was Reverie.

Reverie changed the way we looked at this new camera before we even knew what it was supposed to do.  I’ve heard Vincent Laforet recount the almost accidental acquisition of a prototype 5D Mark II a couple of times now.  He had the prototype camera in hand for roughly 72 hours and really made the most of that time.  That accidental spark ignited a huge flame in demand for the 5D Mark II – as well as a demand for knowledge to learn what it takes to do the same thing with a $2700 (at the time) camera.

A new niche market was born almost overnight. [Read more…]

Wildlife Photography: On Safari with your DSLR: Equipment, Techniques, Workflow – New Book

By

Interested in learning more about wildlife photography?  That’s just the title of a new book from photographer Uwe Skrczypcza. Among other topics, the book addresses technical issues associated with wildlife photography workflow, and focuses on Skrzypczak’s photography in the Serengeti National Park in East Africa.  Wildlife Photography retails for $39.95, but is available from Amazon.com for $26.37 at the time of this post.

More details in Rocky Nook’s press release below. [Read more…]

Top Digital Cameras – June 19, 2010

By

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7

It’s time for another round of the best selling digital cameras.  As usual, this list is based on info available at Amazon’s digital camera page.

Best Selling Digital Cameras

  1. Panasonic ZS7 (black)
  2. Panasonic Lumix TS2
  3. Canon PowerShot SD780 IS (black)
  4. Canon Rebel T1i
  5. Canon PowerShot S90 IS
  6. Polaroid t1031
  7. Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS
  8. Panasonic ZS7 (red)
  9. Canon PowerShot SD780 IS (silver)
  10. Canon PowerShot G11

This is just a snapshot in time, as Amazon updates its bestseller list on an hourly basis.  It does provide an idea of what’s important to people though.

While Canon and Panasonic are dominating the top sellers on Amazon, there are a lot of other cameras that deserve attention as well.  You can check out the cameras and gear I recommend over on Photography Bay’s page for Recommended Cameras and Accessories.