September 3, 2008

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This weeks Cool Photo Product(s) Of The Week

This weeks gadget comes in various types, but you’ll find plenty of links to various options. The bottom line is that you should ABSOLUTELY have a cable release in your bag.

The release is basically a button that connects to your camera (occasionally wireless, but usually wired) that allows you to trip the shutter, and often allows you to lock it open (using Bulb mode on the camera) for long exposures. It’s also important for long exposures as you don’t have to “touch” the camera.

The lock button is invaluable for night images and if you’ve never done long exposure night photography, you owe it to yourself to try it. It’s pretty amazing what can come out of a camera after a multi-minute exposure. I’ve shot exposures to over 60 minutes with some neat results.
The release is also perfect for the portrait, commercial, or any other type of photographer; allowing you to set the camera on a pod, and shoot without leaning over it. Great for shooting while interacting a subject.

Last but not least I almost always use a release for shooting my HDR sequences because again I don’t have to touch (and thus shake) the camera. So now that you know you want one, here a few options…

Canon RS-80N3: Is what I use. It’s fits most newer Canons, has a lock, and works great. Runs about 50- on B&H

Canon TC-80N3: Is the big brother to the RS80. It runs close to 150- but offer a digital screen with a timer, This is perfect is you plan on a lot of long exposures.

Nikon MC30: This is for most of the Nikon line N90-D3 range. Again at about 50- it’s simple but effective.

Nikon MC36: This is the big brother on the Nikon side. Display, timer, and other cool functions for about 130- Again a good choice to the person who does a lot of long exposures.

Now there’s other models available, some from third parties as well, and also if you shoot other camera brands. Just search around. This is one piece if kit you should not be without.

Gavin Seim

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August 20, 2008

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~ Cool Photo Product Of The Week ~

I‘ve mentioned this before, but I wanted to officially make it CPPOTW. The Tamrac Modular Accessory Belt is something that is not standard equipment on a shoot, and if I’m without it I feel a bit naked.

It’s a simple adjustable empty belt. You buy only the pouches you want (Tamrac’s modular Accessory system) and clip them onto the belt. The pouches are tough, padded, and zippered, keeping things safe inside.

When I shoot weddings (or just  about anything else) I have this belt, loaded with my lenses, extra cards, cords etc. There’s a broad range of pouches you can add, including one big enough to hold those 70-200 2.8 lenses many of us have.

You can get the Modular Accessory Belt for around 30 bucks  on Amazon, and The Pouches are 7-15 apiece. You’ll probably be in about 100 when all said, but having your gear handy and safe is so worth it. I love this product, and I’ve been using it for over a year now.

Gavin Seim

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August 9, 2008

419ffbsjutl_ss500_.jpgExtension tubes allow you to put a spacer between your lens and your body this giving you a close macro focus distance.

Canon sells these, but there a bit pricey, so I decided to try the Kenko brand. They work great! You still maintain the contacts with the lens so you have all the metering and AF (though manual focus generally works better when your shooting a macro). You aren’t adding any glass in between, so image quality stays good, and the tube attached just like a lens.

Now if your really into macro a dedicated lens would doubtless be better, but these tubes are pretty cool. I just stick a 25mm tube on my lens, and I’m off to the races! I find my 24mm works best on the 50mm range lens.Wider angels don;t seem to like the tube, but I think the 12mm might work better for those.

You can the the whole set of 3 for Canon, or Nikon off Amazon for about 160- bucks (as of writing) Or you can just get one tube and see what you think. If your getting one I’d say start with the 12mm, or 24mm for Canon or Nikon

Here’s a shot I took this morning with a 24mm tube on my Canon 50mm. I’ve always thought macro was cool, this is a great way to play with it and get great results..

macro toothpicks

Gavin Seim

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June 18, 2008

Rocket AirPeople often ask me how to clean the dust that causes image spots, off their digital camera sensors. There are many more dangerous and or expensive methods, but this usually works for me.

Rocket Air is my recommendation of the week. It’s a hand blower that actually works. Really well! I mean it packs a punch.I just lock my mirror up, and give it some good blasts of air. Unlike canned air this does not run out, and there’s no propellant. Canned air is not recommended for senors, but this thing is great for them.

Aside from cleaning your senors you’ll soon be blowing all kinds of stuff, like the dust out of your keyboard. If your like me you’ll like it so much you’ll start blowing it in your kids face, and shooting air into your mouth to see what different sounds you can make.

It’s all over the net, but you can find Rocket Air here on Amazon for only about twelve bucks. This is one of my favorite handy dandy drawer gadgets.

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March 15, 2008

Click Button To Listen, Pro Photo Show #43 Getting the Action
To download mp3 podcast, right click above link, and “Save As”

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Show Notes…
PPS #43 Forum Discussion. Post your action pics here too!

this discussion starts at time index 30:31

Cnets Aperture Poll caused a stir, Polaroid dies, the HDR blog Reviewed Mircosoft HD Photo format & Lightroom 1.4 is available

Kodak 35mm SLR rumors (correction, these are film cameras not digital) Nikon trumps Canon in ISO & Canon 5D MK II is rumored.

Gavin Seim is on Facebook and Twitter, and Power Workflow Lightroom Presets are now RAW & JPEG compatible.

Reviewed… Lensbabies review at time index 20:02 I think it’s not for everything, but cool. We also talked about the Canon Pro 9000

Pick of the week was Braketeer, an easy HDR photo merging software for Mac.

Freeze action milk drop

Race Car Pan
Images by Gavin Seim

Podcast subscription feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/prophotoshow

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