Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Olympus E-PL1 Review

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The Olympus E-PL1 is the latest in the line of PEN cameras, which prior models include the original E-P1 and the E-P2.  The E-PL1 is the first PEN camera targeted at and priced toward the consumer market.  As with the other PEN models, the E-PL1 is a Micro Four Thirds format camera and features a 2x crop factor over traditional 35mm sensors.  That means that the 14-42mm lens feels like a 28-84mm lens on a full frame camera.

One of the biggest problems I experienced with the first generation PEN, the E-P1, was slow autofocus tracking, which spoiled the solid image quality the camera otherwise delivered.  Overall, I gave the E-P1 rather poor marks in usability for all but a rather niche group.  Time heals all wounds though – and the new E-PL1 provides a better overall experience even if it still has less-than-perfect autofocus.

To see where the Olympus E-PL1 shines and shames, read on. [Read more…]

Sony Interchangeable Lens HD Camcorder With APS Sensor Coming

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It was only a matter of time.

With overwhelming success of the Canon 5D Mark II and subsequent video-capable DSLRs, it was only a matter of time before someone broke the mold and put a DSLR-sized sensor in a true camcorder body.  I suspect that Canon and Nikon are both working on a similar concept; however, it looks as if Sony may be the first one out of the gate.

Sony has announced that it is working on a camcorder based on the 14.2MP CMOS sensor found in the newly announced NEX-5 and NEX-3.  The camcorder will allow the new Sony E-mount lenses to be used, as well as existing Alpha-mount lenses. [Read more…]

Canon 2010 Spring/Summer Instant Rebates for Lenses

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Canon Rebates

Canon has announced its lineup of lenses and flashes eligible for instant rebate savings for Spring / Summer 2010.

This is an instant rebate program too – no mailing receipts and UPC codes and then waiting 6-8 weeks. The rebate applies for purchases on qualifying Canon gear made between May 9 and July 10, 2010.

The specific items are listed below, along with links to product pages for each lens or flash at Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo. [Read more…]

Lights, Camera, Capture – Book Review

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Lights, Camera, Capture is a book by Bob Davis that discusses creative lighting techniques. While Davis discusses many lighting equipment options, his primary focus is on Canon Speedlites using TTL metering.  And, while the techniques that apply to Canon Speedlites are prevalent throughout the book, the info will easily translate to Nikon shooters using the Nikon Creative Lighting System as well. [Read more…]

DIY Wooden HDDSLR Shoulder Rig With Follow Focus

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DIY DSLR Wooden Shoulder Rig from Jonathan Clifford Bergqvist on Vimeo.

I’ve seen some clever DIY setups for HDDSLR rigs and focus pullers; however, Jonathan Bergqvist’s wooden rendition for his Canon 7D in the above video takes the cake. The integrated focus puller on the left handle is really a nice touch.

[Vimeo via Crunchgear]

Manfrotto 501HDV Fluid Tripod Head Review

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The Manfrotto 501HDV is a dedicated video fluid head.  As camera manufacturers add more and more DSLRs with HD video capture, photographers’ interest in video seems to be growing at an exponential rate.  I know my interest has been piqued since I picked up a 5D Mark II roughly a year and a half ago.  One thing we’re learning though, is that good photo equipment doesn’t necessarily make good video equipment as well.  [Read more…]