Photography Review Blog

Macro Photo Toolkit From Hoodman & Trek-Tech

Photo-John — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:18:19 +0000

Tired of contorting your body into position to take a great wildflower photo only to find out later that it was shaky or out of focus? Hoodman and Trek-Tech are offering a kit to help photographers take better macro photos. The kit includes the Trek-Tech T-Pod tabletop tripod and the Hoodman Right Angle Viewer. These two accessories will help get your camera lower, eliminate camera shake and make it easier to deal with awkward shooting angles.

Anyone who’s tried to take close-up photo of bugs or flowers knows how hard it is to get a sharp macro photo. Lying in the dirt isn’t very comfortable and it’s next to impossible to keep your camera focused and still enough for a sharp photo. The Hoodman Right Angle Viewer will keep your clothes clean and keep you away from the chiropractor’s office. The Trek-Tech T-Pod tabletop tripod will hold your camera steady because you can’t. The only thing missing is a set of macro-focusing rails. Never heard of them? They go on top of your tripod and allow you to focus by moving the camera closer or farther away from your subject. That’s a lot easier than moving the camera. If you’ve ever taken macro photos, you know what I’m talking about.

It isn’t the only option out there, but the Hoodman / Trek-Tech macro kit is a pretty nice deal for $130. It’s a good solution for photographers who don’t already have dedicated macro gear and it will make a real difference in the quality of most close-up photos. The kit is compatible with all Canon, Nikon and Fujifilm DSLRs.

Official Hoodman / Trek-Tech Macro Toolkit Press Release >>

Related Content:
Hoodman Web Site
Trek-Tech Web Site

Casio Exilim EX-G1 - It’s A G-Shock Camera!

Photo-John — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:53:10 +0000

Add a new digital camera to the growing list of waterproof and shockproof cameras designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Casio comes out swinging with the world’s thinnest waterproof and shockproof digital camera. The 12-megapixel Casio EXILIM EX-G1 can be dropped up to seven feet (2.13 meters) and submerged ten feet (3 meters) underwater. The EX-G1 is the newest member of Casio’s rugged “G” line of electronics products, which began in 1983 with the shockproof G-Shock digital watch.

The Casio EX-G1 camera chassis is made of stainless steel with a waterproof inner body made from polycarbonate plastic. The 2.5-inch LCD display is protected by an extra thick acrylic cover with a resin mount for extra shock protection and the memory card door has a special rotating lock to keep out dust and moisture. The 3x zoom lens (38 - 114mm equivalent) has a glass cover and a resin ring around the lens for extra protection. The lens cover has special water-resistant coatings so water drops won’t collect on the lens and distort photos when the lens is wet. Besides being waterproof and shockproof the EX-G1 can also handle temperatures as cold as 14 Fahrenheit (-10 C). It’s important to note that doesn’t mean the camera will work well at those temperatures. Even if the camera can handle the cold, the batteries probably can’t. But you could freeze the EX-G1 in a block of ice or drop it in ice water and it should still work fine - once the battery warms up.

The Casio EX-G1 is certainly a handsome camera and waterproof and shockproof are sweet but the actual camera specs aren’t that impressive. The 3x zoom lens isn’t that wide at 38mm on the short end and it doesn’t have any image stabilization, a feature I no longer want to live without. The EX-G1 movie mode is on the weak side, too. It can do widescreen, but the maximum video resolution is only 848 x 480. I was excited when I saw this announcement because I was hoping the EX-G1 would include some of Casio’s high-speed shooting features. The Casio EX-H10 can capture 10 frames-per-second for up to 20 frames and the Casio EX-FS10 will capture 30 frames-per-second and even has a 1000 FPS video mode! Having that kind of functionality in a waterproof and shockproof camera would be sick! Maybe in the EX-G2 (fingers crossed)…

Even if the Casio Exilim EX-G1 isn’t really a groundbreaking digital camera, I’m still happy about it. Casio getting into the rugged, outdoor camera game means more competition and that means better cameras for everyone. I’m a big fan of waterproof and shockproof digital cameras. I’ve used a few and although there’s always an image quality compromise, a camera you don’t have to worry about means getting photos when you otherwise wouldn’t. Image quality isn’t always the top priority. I have tons of fun mountain bike and ski photos taken in horrendous conditions because I was carrying a waterproof, shockproof camera. Being there with a camera in your hand is the key.

The Casio Exilim EX-G1 will be available just in time for Christmas, in tough guy black or festive Holiday red! It will set you back a reasonable $299.99 US dollars - wetsuit or snowboard not included.

For a list of outdoor-friendly, waterproof and shockproof digital cameras and some tips on what to look for if you want to buy one, read my Outdoor And Waterproof Digital Cameras guide.

Official Casio Exilim EX-G1 Press Release >>

Panasonic Lumix GH1 Video Intro

Photo-John — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:53:54 +0000

Panasonic announced the Lumix GH1 Micro Four Thirds camera this March at the annual PMA tradeshow. It was the biggest announcement of the show and a solid follow-up to the first Micro Four Thirds camera and last year’s camera of the year, the Panasonic Lumix G1. Like the G1, the GH1 is a “system” camera with changeable lenses and a 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor. The GH1 is basically the same as the G1 as far as still shooting goes, but it adds 1080p HD video capture and a new silent auto focus, 10x image-stabilized kit lens. Although it looks a lot like a digital SLR the GH1 is smaller and has an EVF (electronic viewfinder) instead of an optical through-the-lens viewfinder.

It took a few months and some persistence but I finally got a GH1 to test. The first thing I did was make a short hands-on video overview of the camera features and specs. For a closer look at the GH1, click on the video below. I’m working on a longer review but thought it would be nice to share the video now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmDVARDMqnM

If you’ve got questions about the Panasonic GH1 go ahead and post them in the comments section at the bottom of the page. I’ll do my best to answer them right away and they’ll help me write a better review. I’ve been shooting as much as possible with the camera and I’ll post samples from the field as well as our usual high-res studio sample photos. If you own a Panasonic GH1 please write your own review on the user review page. User reviews are the foundation on which this site was built - please share your experience.

Panasonic Lumix GH1 Price Announced Overview Article
Micro Four Thirds Standard Announcement

Pandigital PhotoLink Scanners

aquadog — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:17:18 +0000

Pandigital announced the new PhotoLink One-Touch 5×7 Scanner and the PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner that will help consumers transfer traditional prints, slides and negatives into digital images. The Pandigital PhotoLink One-Touch 5×7 Scanner can scan 5×7-inch (or smaller) traditional prints onto a memory card or directly to a PC. It is incredibly portable, weighing only one pound. The Pandigital PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner can digitize slides, negatives and prints. Place a slide, 35mm negative or print photo (4×6 or smaller) and the PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner will scan and transfer images directly to a memory card, PC, any digital photo frame, or other device that reads memory cards. This scanner also comes with a 512MB SD card.

The Pandigital PhotoLink One-Touch 5×7 Scanner and the PhotoLink Personal Photo Scanner are available for $129.99.

Pandigital PhotoLink Scanners Press Release

next page - Pandigital PhotoLink Scanners Press Release >>

Zeiss Announces ZF.2 CPU Lenses For Nikon SLRs

Photo-John — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:25:53 +0000

Optics manufacturer Carl Zeiss has announced a new line of manual focus prime lenses for Nikon SLRs. The eight new Carl Zeiss ZF.2 lenses allow full automatic exposure control with compatible Nikon DSLR and 35mm SLR cameras. That means photographers who want to use the excellent Zeiss lenses will no long be restricted to using only manual exposure - aperture priority, shutter priority and program will now also work with the new Zeiss ZF.2 lenses.

Previous Zeiss lenses have not supported any auto functions. The addition of an in-lens CPU and F-mount bayonet allows the new ZF.2 lenses to communicate exposure data with compatible Nikon camera bodies. Previous Zeiss lenses could only be used in manual exposure mode. Being able to use automatic exposure modes allows photographers to concentrate more on composition and timing and less on getting the exposure right. It also means lens settings will be saved in the EXIF data from photos taken with the new Zeiss ZF.2 lenses.

Focal lengths offered in the new Carl Zeiss ZF.2 lens series are:

18mm f/3.5
21mm f/2.8
28mm f/2.0
35mm f/2.0
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/2.0
85mm f/1.4
100mm f/2.0

All but the 28mm and 100mm lenses are supposed to be available at the end of this month. The 28mm and 100mm will be available in the spring of 2010. Zeiss is also working on a 25mm f/2.8 but there’s currently no ETA on that lens. U.S. prices for the new Carl ZF.2 lenses range from $725 to $1,843.

Carl Zeiss ZF.2 Lenses For Nikon Press Release >>

next page - Carl Zeiss ZF.2 Lenses For Nikon Press Release >>

Pentax “Focus On Savings” Rebate

aquadog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:46:08 +0000

Pentax announced their “Focus On Savings” Rebate from now until January 15, 2010. Pentax K-7 buyers may select from more than 20 lenses and receive a $100 VISA prepaid card rebate for each and every qualifying lens purchased at the same time.

Pentax Lenses Qualifying for $100 VISA Prepaid Card:

DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED (IF)
DA* 55mm F1.4
DA* 200mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM
DA 15mm F4.0 ED Limited
DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited
DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
DA 10-17mm Fisheye F3.5-4.5 ED (IF)
DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL (IF)
DA 14mm F2.8 ED (IF)
DA 16-45mm F4.0 ED, AL
DA 17-70mm F4.0 ED (IF) SDM
DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL WR
DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II
DA 50-200mm F4.0-5.6 ED WR
DA 50-200mm F4.0-5.6 ED
DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED
D FA 50mm F2.8 Macro
D FA 100mm F2.8 Macro
FA 50mm F1.4

For more information visit: http://www.pentaximaging.com/special-offers/
Download the rebate form: http://www.pentaximaging.com/pdf/K-7_Lenses%20Rebate.pdf

Pentax “Focus On Savings” Rebate Press Release

Panasonic MW-10 Multimedia Audio System Photo Frame

aquadog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:42:31 +0000

Panasonic announced the new MW-10 mulitmedia audio system photo frame. The MW-10 combines a built-in CD player, FM/AM radio tuner, a universal dock for iPod to play music and video, and a 9-inch WVGA LCD to display photos from a CD, SD Memory Card or 4 GB of internal memory. The MW-10 also has a remote control and offers an advanced display with a versatile combination of screen options such as, clock and iPod track menu, calendar and photos, clock and photos, and audio and calendar.

The Panasonics MW-10 will be available in December 2009 for $299.95.

Panasonic MW-10 Mulitmedia Audio System Photo Frame Press Release

Pentax K7 - Featured User Review

Photo-John — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:09:58 +0000

I chose CanNiko’s Pentax K-7 digital SLR review as a Featured User Review because he shares a lot of detail about the camera and compares it to other systems - very useful for people considering buying one. I also wanted to give highlight the Pentax K-7 it’s an impressive camera that deserves more attention.

Please write your own review if you own a Pentax K-7 or other Pentax gear. Your opinions and experience are important to other photographers. Reviews by community members are the foundation of PhotographyREVIEW.com. Share your experience with other photographers by writing reviews for your cameras and other photo gear. You don’t have to be an expert - everyone’s opinion counts.

Write A Review >>

Featured Review: Pentax K-7

by CanNiko (Expert)

Price Paid: $2600 from LONDON DRUGS
Review Date: October 17, 2009
Used product for: Less than 1 month

Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating: 5 of 5

Summary:
Hello, I am what is called now an ‘Enthusiastic’ Photographer. I started shooting DSLR with MINOLTA which translated to SONY and added later Olympus 4/3rds to use the 2x magnification for my tele shots. In 2009, I wanted to upgrade my camera bag with more recent cameras and went shopping. I am using many manual lenses. What impressed me about the K7: Very intuitive - great Menu - excellent form factor - I bought the camera together with the 16-50mm lens, to give me a ‘walkaround lens’ in addition to the many manual lenses I use. Without looking at the use of manual lenses, this camera is by far the very best bang for the buck. When I take the use of ‘old’ lenses in consideration, it is simply unbeatable. It is the only DSLR to my knowledge, that lets you compose in open aperture AND gives you the AF confirmation through the camera - no flimsy ‘AF confirm’ adapter needed. If I would only shoot with ONE Camera, this is the camera of choice, especially, if you have some Pentax K-mount or adaptall-2 lenses - you will save 1000ds of $s over temporary lenses. Unfortunately, I have to part with it and the K20D, which is still new in the box, as I decided for Canniko FF; I start with 12mm on the wide side, and am already lugging too much gear around! I did not care about and did not test the video capabilities. I could compare it with my SONY A 350, which has the articulated screen as +++, but lacks the quality feeling of the K7 and some pro features like the 2nd LCD, the OLYMPUS 510, which I use for a total different purpose (The E1 would qualify for a direct comparison), the Nikon D300, I prefer the viewfinder (both are excellent!), the CANON 5D, a different purpose camera, but the overall ‘feeling’ of the K7 is just better! Of course, that is all subjective, but this is, what photography is about anyway, if you make your decision based on pixel counting, there are enough ’scientific’ tests around! Now, within the marketing driven pixel race more important features came in the background, as noise resistance. I do like neither 14MP SONY NOR the 10MP Olympus for the actual noise produced, but I made my decision for a D700 and 1Ds before I could actually test the K7.

If you are upgrading and in the market for a high end Prosumer DSLR, my advice: GO FOR IT!

The best alternatives I can see for a combination in the same price class ( DSLR + High End ‘walk around” lens

#1 OLYMPUS E1 with 12-60mm 2.8-4 – effective (35mm compared) 24-120mm
#2 PENTAX K7 with 16-50mm 2.8 - effective 24- 75mm. I prefer the constant 2.8 over the longer zoom range of the Olympus.

You will have difficulties finding the same lens class in this price range in NIKON, CANON or SONY brand.

Please remember: That field between (effective, compared to 35mm) 24 and 120mm is just so important, and I recommend to buy rather expensive lenses, which you might keep for 10-20 years, while the electronic camera part of your equipment is due for replacement within the next 18-24 month, also please keep in mind, that FF cameras are dropping in price, and you might instead build up your lenses on 24×36 lenses from the beginning!

Strengths:
- features
- use of a wide arrange of lenses
- responsiveness
- form/weight
- PRICE, BEST BANG for the BUCK

Weaknesses:
- None detected - not tested for noise resistancy!
- Lack of articulated screen (Compared to E1)

Similar Products Used:
SONY A100, A350
OLYMPUS E 510, E330
CANON 10D, 1Ds MKII, 1D MKII
NIKON D300, D2x
FUJI S1 pro
KODAK DCS 14n FF pro

Customer Service:
Usage too short to get an impression

Nikon D3S Video Preview

Photo-John — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:47:32 +0000

Here’s a second wacky camera intro from NYC photographer, Bob Scott. This one is for Nikon’s new 12-megapixel full-frame D3S professional digital SLR, which looks like it could be the new king of low light photography. Bob visited with Nikon and checked out the new D3S at the PhotoPlus Expo in New York a few weeks ago and then decided to make this video preview. It covers the basic features and specs of the camera and manages to be pretty entertaining at the same time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKRtIpojVig

For a more in-depth look at the new Nikon D3S digital SLR, take a look at the articles linked below. As soon as we can get our hands on a production D3S, we’ll start working on a full pro review and get some high-res studio tests posted.

Nikon D3S Announcement
Nikon D3S vs. Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Comparison

This is the second video Bob has made for us. The first was a similar video preview for the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV (Canon EOS-1D Mark IV video). Let us know what you think because it looks like this is the beginning of a series…

Bob Scott is a Manhattan commercial photographer. You can see his work at bobscottnyc.com

Manfrotto M-Y 732CY Carbon Tripod

aquadog — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:02:04 +0000

Manfrotto has released the M-Y 732CY Carbon Tripod to their successful M-Y family of easy and compact tripods. This carbon fiber tripod is perfect for traveling photographers who need a lightweight, portable tripod who don’t want to accept compromises on performance. When folded, it has a compact size of 16.7″, with an opened height of 53″, and a total weight of less than 2.1 lbs.

Manfrotto M-Y 732CY Carbon Tripod Press Release