Meet Sydnee – The iPad Accessory Even My Wife Approves Of
Sunday, January 29 ,2012
I just got back from Macworld Expo in San Francisco. While there, I came across this device from Kanex – Sydnee (http://www.kanexlive.com/sydnee). It's essentially an iPad charger for a family or small office.
With one plug in the wall, you can set up to three iPads (or other iOS devices). You also can plug in a fourth device. You can keep things nice and neat without having a total cable nest in your family room. The system will auto-detect when devices are charged and then shut off the individual port (while other devices keep charging as needed).
The device is supposed to start shipping in March (at least according to the booth person I talked to). You can sign up for early info on the product's page. It's list for $149 at this time.
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Avoid Lens Flare by Flagging Your Lens
Friday, December 30 ,2011
While the sun is generally incredibly useful to photographers, it can occasionally be annoying. If the sun hits your lens at an undesirable angle, you can end up with spots or flares that ruin a shot. Flares generally take on a geometric shape, and may be easy to miss while recording. Additionally, a flare can significantly reduce the amount of contrast and saturation in your image.
The flare is typically caused by a very bright light sources (it most cases the sun). Flares are far more common in zoom lenses as they have multiple surfaces that are prone to light scatter. With a little practice you’ll learn to spot flares quickly. Getting rid of flares just requires a few strategies and modifications to your shooting style.
One way to prevent lens flare is to block the light. Typically the flare is caused by light entering from the side of the frame. This light is rarely needed for a proper exposure and can be blocked. If using a tripod, you can place your body to the side of the lens to serve as a wall. You can also reach out with a hat off to the side to block the light.
I used a Rogue FlashBender to protect the lens from additional flare while shooting on a bright day.
You can of course use other devices to block unwanted light. I’ll often attach a Rogue FlashBender right to my lens (http://www.expoimaging.com). These flexible cards are normally used to shape an off-camera flash, but I find the built in flexible support rods bendable surface works well to flag a troubling flare.
Get more tips here – Want Better Photos or Video? Avoid Lens Flares
This post sponsored by iStockphoto – Save 10% – Get a Free Audio Track
View Your iPhone or iPad on Your TV
Thursday, December 15 ,2011
How'd you like to play Angry Birds on your TV? Need to browse a website with your family? Or maybe show your portfolio on the big screen?
Well if you have an iPad or iPhone running iOS5 as well as an Apple TV you can.
1. Turn on your iOS device and make sure it is connected to the same WiFi network.
2. Turn on AirPlay for your device. Double-click the home button.
3. On an iPhone, swipe twice to the right.
On an iPad swipe once
4. Press the AirPlay button. 
5. Select your Apple TV from the list and enable Mirroring.
6. Browse, launch, play, surf while sharing with all around you on the big screen.
I can show my portfolio from 500px on the big screen.
Need a Drobo? I've Got a Deal for You (Valid 11/26 Only)
Friday, November 25 ,2011
We use a lot of Drobo products in my office… and I use them at home too. They make some great storage units for keeping data safe.
We've kept in touch with Drobo providing feedback on features and performance (fortunately they're a good listener).
I also got them to offer up two great deals (valid on Saturday, November 26 only).
We edit most of the video in our offices off Drobo Pros or the Drobo B800i units. Our graphics department also uses the Drobo FS units to share files. I store my photo library on two Drobo S units at home.
List Price $799.00
Discount Code -$300 RHEDBF
Rebate - $100 (http://info.drobo.com/l/2552/2011-09-23/BEL52)
Final Cost $399 (That's Half Off)
Code is valid starting 12:01 am 11/26/11 only for 24 hours
List Price $1,499.00
Discount Code -$500 RHEDBF
Code is valid starting 12:01 am 11/26/11 only for 24 hours
Rebate - $150 (http://info.drobo.com/l/2552/2011-09-23/BEL52)
Final Cost $849 (That's Almost Half Off)
Follow Drobo too…
We'll have a contest coming up in a few weeks.
We've kept in touch with Drobo providing feedback on features and performance (fortunately they're a good listener).
I also got them to offer up two great deals (valid on Saturday, November 26 only).
We edit most of the video in our offices off Drobo Pros or the Drobo B800i units. Our graphics department also uses the Drobo FS units to share files. I store my photo library on two Drobo S units at home.
Drobo S
- Creative pros and photographers.
- Can also work for many video formats
- 5 drive bays (Fill with your own drives)
- eSATA, FireWire 800, USB 3.0
List Price $799.00
Discount Code -$300 RHEDBF
Rebate - $100 (http://info.drobo.com/l/2552/2011-09-23/BEL52)
Final Cost $399 (That's Half Off)
Code is valid starting 12:01 am 11/26/11 only for 24 hours
Drobo Pro
- Creative pros and photographers. Works well for video workflows too.
- Single-computer storage for creative professionals and small business
- 8 drive bays
- Gigabit Ethernet for iSCSI, FireWire 800, USB 2.0
- I prefer Gigabit Ethernet for video editing (very fast)
List Price $1,499.00
Discount Code -$500 RHEDBF
Code is valid starting 12:01 am 11/26/11 only for 24 hours
Rebate - $150 (http://info.drobo.com/l/2552/2011-09-23/BEL52)
Final Cost $849 (That's Almost Half Off)
Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook
Follow Drobo too…
We'll have a contest coming up in a few weeks.
What to Look for in a Video-style Tripod
Sunday, May 29 ,2011
We've got a new post over at my site Triple Expsoure – www.3Exposure.com. The site is all about Time-lapse, HDR, and Panoramic photography.
Scott and Rich discuss video style tripods (which are helpful for both Time-lapse and DSLR video). Many traditional photography shooters are switching styles and trying them out too as they are easy to quickly recompose a shot then lock it down solid for HDR too. Learn about Miller tripods and what features matter (and which are overkill).
Head over to check it out
Yeti – A Great Looking USB Microphone
Saturday, February 13 ,2010
I just ordered a new podcasting mic from Blue Microphones – the Yeti. If you like the SnowBall mic, then you'll love the Snow Monster.
- The best feature is the tri-capsule array– this means you can get four different pick up patterns: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.
- The microphone is the first to be THX certified microphone
- It has a built in amplifier and zero-latency headphone monitoring
- You can manually control the gain of the mic
- It works without drivers on Mac & Windows
The microphone lists for $149. I didn't get to try it out in-depth yet, but it sounded great with the quick tests I tried.
A Laptop Case with Ballistic Gel
Friday, February 12 ,2010
Here's one of the first things I bought at Macworld (pre-ordered in fact). The Impact Sleeve from FastMac combines ballistic gel and a traditional laptop sleeve. I saw the guy working the booth literally smash his iPhone with a hammer. Yup... no breakage.
Sorry for the low quality pictures... but they're real.
Here's video from another blogger showing the M&M Test
The sleeves aren't shipping yet, and don't even show up on the site... but mine is pre-ordered. Keep an eye out at FastMac.com.
Sorry for the low quality pictures... but they're real.
Here's video from another blogger showing the M&M Test
The sleeves aren't shipping yet, and don't even show up on the site... but mine is pre-ordered. Keep an eye out at FastMac.com.
Great Photoshop Training Apps On Sale
Friday, January 22 ,2010
Need some Photoshop training? Check out our iPhone and iPod touch apps.They are on sale right now at a special price 99¢ and $1.99.
- Terry White made it his pick of the week.
- Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
- My son thinks it's cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons
If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?
How about our sale!
Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through February 1)
These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive).
- Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
Great Photoshop Training Apps On Sale
Wednesday, November 11 ,2009
Need some Photoshop training? Check out our new iPhone and iPod touch apps.
Quick Fixes has 23 reviews in the iTtunes store (22 are 5-start and 1 4-star)! People love this app.
- Terry White made it his pick of the week.
- Jeff Revell at PhotoWalkPro write a very detailed review too.
- My son thinks it's cool that I used his picture in one of the lessons
If you haven't tried our new training apps, what are you waiting for?
How about our sale!
Understanding Photoshop Quick Fixes is $1.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
Understanding Photoshop Creating Panoramic Photos is $3.99 | iTunes – Web Demo
(prices good through November 30)
These apps are a lot of work, but I want to see them succeed. We've lowered the prices temporarily so more people will try them out. Tell your friends and try them out (the feedback has been overwhelmingly possitive).
- Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
My Day at Photo Plus Expo
Thursday, October 22 ,2009
I spent the day in New York city at the 2009 Photo Plus Expo show. It was just a one day trip (thanks Amtrak Acela). I went up for lots of reasons, but here's some of the gear I saw that looked interesting.
This seems to be the perfect box for creatives who need data redundancy. You can place up to 8 drives in the rack (adding them as you go and even mixing and matching sizes). Current drive capacities mean you can store 16TB, but the Drobo folks tell me 3 TB drives are just around the corner (which means 24TB in a rack). .
What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.
The Drobo also offers three interface connections:
It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.
What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.
I'm
a big fan of my Hoodman HoodLoupe to make it easier to view the monitor on the back of a DSLR camera. With the new HoodEYE you can upgrade your loupe. It offers an oversized eyecup with a temple flair – this helps seal of light when viewing outdoors.
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.
Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.
problem with mosts optical media (like CDs and DVDs) is that over time that start to deteriorate. Most discs use a dye to indicate where data is written. This process is called data rot, and it can happen with optical media at any point. Higher wuality discs are less likely, but cheaper discs can happen sooner. The exact point that this occurrs is unknown because the media gives no indicator of a problem.
Millenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)
While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.
Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light
and a photog who's jumped in head first to the DSLR video market. He's made a folow focus kit that makes it much easier to control focus when shooting video on a DSLR. The device is less complex than other units, as it uses a skateboard style wheel that makes gentle contact with the existing rubber rings on a camera. I played with it hands on and it looks worth testing.
I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.
This little beauty can mount on the camera hot show and give you a threaded mount. This will be perfect to attach an audio recorder to the top of my camera for DSLR Cinema projects. You can mount a variety of audio or video hardware directly to the camera. You can also rotate the mounting plate to a better angle as needed (works well if attaching a light or monitor).
The Fat Gecko is a dual suction cup mount that can be adhered to a smooth, non-porous surface (like mirrors, cars, airplanes.) It appears rugged, but is still very cost affordable (I would still recommend using a safety chain... but I am paranoid when it coms to gear and insurance).
You can see videos of the product in use at www.fat-gecko.com.
But Lensbaby keeps putting out great new products. They released a new option, a fisheye optic, that drops into their Composer lens.
The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.
That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.
Drobo Pro
I spent a lot of time looking at the Drobo Pro in-depth.What's also nice is that you get two options of data redundancy. The Drobo can have protectio so one or two drives can fail and your data is still safe.
The Drobo also offers three interface connections:
- FireWire 800
- USB 2.0
- iSCSI (utilizes Gigabit Ethernet)
It's iSCSI that promse some great options for perfomance.
What I also like is that the Drobo Pro can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.
Hoodman HoodEYE 3.0
I'm
I am particularly interested as we are exploring using loupes like viewfinders for shooting video on DSLR cameras. Having the extraeyecup really does make a difference, but it is a very personal choice.
Installation as an upgrade took only a minute, you can also order a new loop with the modified eyepiece include. They're also offering straps so you can attach the viewfinder. I'm up in the air on this one (compared to a Zacutto viewfinder). This is a much more affordable approach. I do prefer this loop (as a director) so its easier to go aroudn and check cameras, we'll try it as an active viewfinder next week and wil let you know how it does.
Millenniata Archival Media
TheMillenniata has tried to solve this with their Write Once, Read Forever. The discs are based upon obsidian stone (and I tried to get more out of them.. but trade secrets). The burners use more energy to burn and the surface of the disc is MUCH harder. The results are a disc that is etched (as opposed to just using dye)
While its not a cheap solution, (around $1800 list price for the drive and starter pack) the Millenniata folks are offering optical media that looks the test of time. The discs are also much better able to withstand temperature and physical damage. What's also great is the media is backwards compatible once burned, so you can burn with their special burner, then hand off to a client. They also promise to soon have specialty discs so you can print on the label face.
iDC Follow-Focus
Bruce Dorn is a Canon explorer of light
- It currently only works with Cannon lenses (although I am willing to try and make it work with Nikon)
- 24mm f1.4 L
- 35mm f1.4 L
- 50mm f1.2 L
- 100mm f2.8 Macro
- 135mm f2 L
- 16-35mm f2.8 L
- 24-70mm f.28 IS L
- 24-105mm f4 IS L
- 85mm f1.2 L
- 135mm f2 L
- 200mm f2.8 L
I'll be doing a more detailed write-up soon.
Manfrotto 482 Micro Ball Head
I stopped in at B&H on the way over to the convention center.- height: 2.52 in
- lateral tilt: -90° / +90° tilt range
- load capacity: 4.41 lbs
- material: aluminum
- weight: 0.33 lbs
Fat Gecko Camera Mount
The folks over at Delkin Devices have comeout with an affordable mount for DSLR cameras.- Suction cups can hold a eight pound camera
- Double knuckle design and 2" extension tube allow for 360° tilt, 360° turn & 360° rotation
- The ¼ x 20 tripod mounting screw allows for use with most digital still or or small video cameras on the market
- Suction cups use a quick release function to make attaching and detaching you camera easier
- Steel frame construction is rugged and durable
- Four adjustable joints make it easy to tweak the shot
You can see videos of the product in use at www.fat-gecko.com.
Lensbaby Fisheye Optic
Some people love them (I am a fan) others hate them.- Ultra-wide 12mm focal length
- 160 degree field of view captures
- Minimum focus: 1" from front of optic
- f/4 optic with aperture disks that range from f/5.6 to f/22
- Designed for use with the Composer, and can also be used with the Muse with a special adapter
The lens won't work with the Control Freak lens. I'm told because it goes soe wide that you actually see the control cabels on the lens.
That was my day... I saw a few more products I like and will try to post. The show runs through Saturday, October 24.
Great Field Monitor for HD and SD
Saturday, January 12 ,2008
- Designed for studio and field applications
- 7.9-inch low-power, lightweight monitor
- Built-in waveform monitor
- Compatible with 1080/24 psf, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i
For more information www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
H.264 Video in a Jiffy
Thursday, December 27 ,2007
The Best Price
we've found is $89.Never Lost on a Road Trip Again
Friday, September 29 ,2006
• It just works, zero problems getting a signal and clear directions.
• It has Bluetooth which is really cool. Pair it with your cell phone and it works as a speaker phone. Need to find a hotel or restaurant, click the built-in guide then push the phone button and you are connected. Dial the office and you have a great hands-free speaker phone. It's clear for both parties and totally works.
• It has built-in storage, and can play music (and even cooler Audible books).
• The screen is bright and clear, plus its a touch screen
• It charges via a USB cable or runs of a cigarette adapter.
• You can put it into a pedestrian mode for walking around cities (it'll ignore one ways, or places that aren't accessible to pedestrians).
• There are no subscription fees.
Be sure to check it out... this little device has taken away a big chunk of the stress I feel in rental cars (and makes my wife happy as she uses it in her non-GPSed car when I am not traveling).
Thanks to Terry White from Adobe for the initial tip.
New EVDO ExpressCard Arrives (and is Perfect!)
Friday, August 11 ,2006
Hats off to EVDO Info for shipping as promised and getting it to me overnight. Note, their website references a high demand... so if you need one... pre-order.
“The demand is huge for the ExpressCard. We sold out of our first shipment (which is being sent out to customers on 8/11/2006). Our next shipment is currently scheduled for 8/23/2006.”
Boy... do I love wireless internet.... *GRIN*
Mighty Mouse Goes Bluetooth
Saturday, August 05 ,2006
It was only a matter of (too much) time. First, Apple launched wireless mice and keyboards (for those who hate the clutter of cables). Then Hell froze over and Apple released a two-button mouse called Mighty Mouse (do they have to pay royalties to the cartoon character?). But it appeared the two products would never meet. But like all good mice, they eventually created off-spring, and the Mighty Mouse has gone wireless.
I am glad that this has finally happened for several reasons.
• When I use pro video and graphics apps the right-click is a huge time saver as it unlocks many features
• When running Windows on my Mac (don't hate the player) I find myself need to right-click a whole lot
• Trackpads aren't great for precise control such as illustration or design
So, is it worth buying? The short answer is yes (if you need a multi-button mouse). Getting the mouse to pair with a computer is easy (provided you have Bluetooth). The tracking is accurate (with an improved sensor over original models) and the product appears to have good battery life. The buttons are programmable and most users will find the control button on top of the mouse useful for scrolling and panning. The only annoyance (which is an easy fix) are the side buttons. These are a bit too easy to trigger for my taste as my larger hands tend to trigger them easily. By default, this launches Exposé which will re-arrange your windows on screen. A quick visit to the Keyboard & Mouse System Preference Pane allows you to deactivate these buttons. If you need additional control, then pick this mouse up online or at your local Apple store.
EVDO Card on its way for MacBook Pro and Dell
Sunday, July 02 ,2006
To sign up for an email notification click here.
• MacBook Pro and EVDO
• ExpressCard/34 & ExpressCard/54 For EVDO
NuLooq First Look
Monday, May 29 ,2006
To find out more.
