GoPro Hero 3+ First Thoughts

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A GoPro has been on my wish list forever and with the recent update to line I used that as an excuse to buy, along with the fact that I am currently reviewing the competitor model from Garmin, the VIRB.  I will have full reviews of both as well as a comparison of the two- quick thoughts. GoPro offers a huge ecosystem and sweet video quality. Virb offers really slick integration with a variety of ANT+ adapters letting you overlay info on the video, wouldn't we all like to see athlete's heart rates as the fly down the mountain side?  You also get a built in screen with the Virb - nice for quick composing of shots/footage.

Early thoughts about the new GoPro Hero3+

  • It is small, tiny really!
  • It doesn't come with a Micro SD Card? Not sure how I missed that, see list below for recommended Micro SDcards.
  • The user interface on the camera is not the best, thankfully the WiFi works well and in seconds I was connected to my GoPro, I renamed its wireless littlehero ;) and was controlling the camera with a nice live stream.
  • So many mount options and many of them are affordable.  See my list that I have ordered below.

20131004-IMG_676020131004-IMG_6761 

Early Thoughts on the Garmin VIRB

  • It is heavy and feels SOLID. Only waterproof to a meter, separate WP housing not included. I worry about the convex lens that sticks out - seems it screams for scratching.
  • The user interface is lovely and navigating it is dreamy
  • Mounts are hard to find and/or more expensive - to be fair it is a much newer product with smaller ecosystem
  • The integration with various Garmin GPS sensors and ANT+ devices is awesome and I have just barely scratched the surface - lots more thoughts soon.

 20131004-IMG_6763Recommended microSD Cards for the GoPro Hero3 or 3+ Black Edition

IMPORTANT- I have hard that when you use the SanDisk cards GoPro firmware limits the bitrate to avoid issues because of the super slow SanDisk Ultra cards.  Basically those cards suck(I haven't tested the Micro SD version of the Ultra cards but I have an SD version and it is the only card I have seen repeatedly fail during video) and as a result GoPro limits the speed for all SanDisk cards. It is difficult to wade through anecdotal evidence but I am forming a consensus that the Samsung 64GB SDXC card is going to give you some of the best results.  Now - all the cards listed above will work fine this really only becomes an issue when you want to use the higher bitrate ProTune mode.Mounts I have bought for the Go Pro

What else should I order?  Leave a comment below with your favorite GoPro Accessory.Buy The GoPro | Buy the Virb   

RAVPower RP-WD01 WiFi Disk Review with Video

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RAVPower WiFi DiskI love technology that makes me feel like I am living in the future and the future is now.  The RAVPower RP-WD01 WiFi Disk or the [5-in-1] RAVPower® Wireless SD Card Reader,USB External HDD / SDD / USB Flash Disk Reader,3000mAh External Battery Pack & NAS File Server & Wi-Fi Hot Spot Wireless Media Streaming FileHub RP-WD01 as Amazon calls it is one such device. The Amazon name does a pretty good job of telling you what this device is all about but let's break it down in a few simple bullets.

  • SD Card Reader & Wireless SD Card Reader (supports SD card sizes up to 128GB)
  • Powered by a 3000mAh battery for hours of streaming or use it as a battery backup for your phone or tablet
  • File server - Files on the SD Card are accessible via wireless (up to 5 simultaneous connections). Device also supports USB drives and thumb drives
  • Wireless Bridge - Device connects to your internet so you can stay online AND access the files on the device  - Again up to 5 devices can be connected.

RavReview2My Photographer side appreciates another option for getting files from your camera to your smartphone or tablet, especially on the go.  Pop the SD card out of your camera- or if you use Compact flash you can attach a CF reader to the USB port on the device and connect your smartphone or tablet and browse the files on the card.  Copy a few files or all of the files.  You could also insert a thumb drive or small USB drive and make a backup by copying the files over to the thumb drive - all without a computer and running on the battery power of the device.    And if you wanted to be boring you could plug the WiFi disk in with the included micro USB cable - same cable that charges it - and use as a standard, wired SD card reader. RavPower provides free apps for Android and iOS to connect, browse and interact with the files. The apps are simple and easy to use.   On a computer you access the device through your browser - it is a little clunky here but gets the job done. And that is similar to the manual - it is better than I expected but could certainly have some more polish.[gallery columns="2" ids="3864,3865"]So far I have used the device to pull off multiple images, RAW and Jpeg.  I have streamed compressed video which worked very smoothly, no hiccups at all. Streaming a high quality HD video was another story. The wireless speed just wasn't fast enough to keep up with the file and it stopped and buffered at several points.    I have seen reviews of similar devices made by the big names and they have the same issues with the higher quality content.  You can also send files from your tablet or smartphone to the device.An Aside - Working with RAW files on the go. iOS users you have the excellent PhotoRaw app. Android users try Photo Mate or Raw Vision 

Full Video Review of the RAVPower RP-WD01 WiFi Disk

Buy the RAVPower RP-WD01 WiFi Disk or the [5-in-1] RAVPower® Wireless SD Card Reader,USB External HDD / SDD / USB Flash Disk Reader,3000mAh External Battery Pack & NAS File Server & Wi-Fi Hot Spot Wireless Media Streaming FileHub RP-WD01 from Amazon.   

New Nikon Products and 4% Back on Amazon

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Nikon recently released a few new products including a new "kit" lens, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. I put "kit" in quote because currently this lens is not being sold with any cameras but I expect that it will be offered in place of the 18-105 and as an alternative to the 18-55 with future Nikon cameras. My biggest complaint about that current Nikon kit lenses, especially the 18-55, they just don't do the sensor justice. Nikon is offering great sensors in the D3200, D5200 and D7100 and if you have the 18-55 on there you get soft images. Switch to a better lens and the difference is noticeable. Like "OH WOW" noticeable. This lens looks to improve significantly in sharpness. I wonder if we will have to wait for the next Dxxx models to see this bundled or after release at the end of August We may see this bundled with existing Nikon DSLRS? Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR LensPre-order the Nikon 18-140 from Amazon | B&HNikon also announced a tiny little entry level Flash, the Nikon SB-300 AF Speedlight. At $150 it is pretty cheap as flashes go but not being able to rotate - only tilt - knocks down my interest a bit. And a better value would be one of the budget Yongnuo flashes like the Yongnuo YN-468 II i-TTL For 1/2 the price you get a more feature filled flash with more power and can rotate as well as tilt. Watch this video for a brief discussion of external flashesNikon SB-300 AF Speedlight Pre-order the Nikon SB-300 AF from B&HSpeaking of Amazon - They have upped their rewards program to 4%, 35 days after purchasing select cameras, DSLRS and lenses you get a promotional code that is good for 6 months. All the small print.  The hassle is non-existent, you buy stuff on the list and you get the credit.Here are the P&S Cameras, DSLRS and Lenses eligible.

DIY - Black Rapid and Dolica Tripod Plate - Making them work together

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One of my readers sent me his excellent solution that allows him to use his Black Rapid Fastener and Dolica quick release plate. Dolica AX620B100 and Black Rapid SportFor a Dolica quick release plate to use it with a black rapid sport requires a few modifications if you want to use both without having to switch. Technically this works on any similar designs with a 5mm or more available space under the quick release plate. I didn’t want to spend the money for a Manfrotto tripod for it to be compatible, and even that has issues with tolerances.Suggested fixes were Black Rapid’s recommended M-plate by Custom SLR is $70 and Really Right Stuff has an L plate for $60. For $17.95 you can replace the fastener with Black Rapid’s FR-T1 Manfrotto RC2 version and skip the adapter plate. Unfortunately while looking up the FR-T1 the same issue pops up with the neck of the screw blocking the inset of the quick release. Black Rapid sent me the specifications and compared to the Dolica fastener everything is relatively the same except for the inset.Black Rapid FR-T1So… Remove the offending material! Really, it’s made out of stainless steel, it’s going to hold either way. No guarantees but if you’re paranoid of the screw coming out or metal breaking you can use an op/tech H uni-loop as a backup to a top connection(more about using the uni-loop as backup). It is the perfect size to connect from behind the Black Rapid carabineer to one of the top points of the Canon Rebels.Black Rapid fastenerGet a grinder, dremel, etc. with a bit that can grind stainless steel. Take the lip down to the hole in your quick release so it can inset for the least amount of wiggle. You can use Sugru to rubberize it and fill in gaps as well so things don’t slide around. Connect it all up and secure the carabineer with gaffers tape (does not leave residue) to make sure the slide does not retract.
Thanks to Roy for sharing this excellent DIY.  

Triggertrap Strikes Again - Flash Trigger for High Speed Photography

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It is no secret that I love my Triggertrap app/dongle.   We walk around with these little computers in our pocket and I love folks that increase the versatilty of these devices with such a simple idea -use your smartphone or tablet to trigger your camera.  You could do it just once with a clap, or set it up for a time lapse, or use motion detect to capture how many times a day your cats spend eating (I have that video coming soon, it is about as exciting as it sounds but I love the ability to add all these features to my dumb DSLR). Drive lapses too, and that is just a few ideas. Now the app with a flash connector is also capable of firing your flash, this opens up an exciting world of high speed photography, Typically high speed photo rigs cost thousands of dollars, this works with your existing camera and external flash. A review unit is on its way and I am excited to try out some balloon popping, water dropping and whatever else I can manage.Introducing Triggertrap Flash Adapter from Triggertrap on Vimeo.[gallery columns="4" link="file" ids="3687,3686,3685,3681"]

Full Press Release

Triggertrap Mobile Brings High-Speed Photography to the Masses with Latest Update and Accessory

iOS camera triggering app exponentially improves performance speeds in latest update, combines with just-launched Triggertrap Flash Adapter to simplify high-speed photography for all skill levels  

LONDON – June 26, 2013 – Triggertrap, developer of creative camera triggering solutions for photographers of all skill levels, today announced updates to both its iOS mobile app and product line that will provide users with the ability to easily capture jaw-dropping, professional-grade high-speed photography.  With its latest update, the Triggertrap Mobile iOS app enables trigger response times that are up to 12 times faster than previously possible, complementing its launch of the Triggertrap Flash Adapter accessory and putting high-speed capture within reach of any photographer with an iOS device.High-speed photography, those dramatic, split-second moments captured at the very instant an action occurs, previously demanded the sort of skill, precision, and patience typically reserved for experts and professionals. It was impossible for the average consumer-level photographer to capture those special, frozen microseconds, whether it be a bouncing tennis ball caught hovering millimeters from the clay, breaking glass shattering into a million pieces, or a tiny pipistrelle bat darting out of the night.This type of true, stunning high-speed photography is now possible for users of all skill levels with the combination of the new Triggertrap Flash Adapter, a Triggertrap Mobile Dongle, and the free Triggertrap Mobile app installed on an iOS device. Photographers simply attach the Flash Adapter to any hot shoe-ready flash gun and iOS device in a darkened room, set their camera on a long exposure, and use any of Triggertrap Mobile’s many triggers including the sound sensor or vibration modes to simultaneously fire the shutter and flash.For high-speed photographers, the reaction time involved in triggering a DSLR camera from a smartphone is critical, and the delay between a screen-tap or hand-clap and the camera going off has been, unfortunately, detrimental to their efforts.  With the Triggertrap Mobile app’s reaction times now up to 12 times faster (improved from 60 milliseconds to as low as 5 milliseconds depending on the device used), these shutter lag issues are a thing of the past and users can take full advantage of the Flash Adapter’s creative capabilities.“Whether it be timelapse, sound triggering, or our new high-speed capabilities, Triggertrap has always taken pride in simplifying previously complicated photo techniques, once only possible with years of expertise and expensive equipment, and making them available to the masses,” said Triggertrap CEO and Founder Haje Jan Kamps. “Quite frankly, we think that high-speed photography is pretty awesome and presents limitless creative opportunities. The sky is now the limit for anyone with a smartphone and the creative instinct to give it a try.”The Triggertrap Flash Adapter is available for a MSRP of $29.99 and is available for direct purchase through Triggertrap’s online shop at http://shop.triggertrap.com/. To purchase the Triggertrap Mobile app for iOS, click here. About TriggertrapTriggertrap Ltd was founded in 2011, and was brought to life through crowd-funding site Kickstarter. Based in Bristol, UK, the company’s flagship smartphone-based camera triggering solution, Triggertrap Mobile, has been downloaded more than 75,000 times , and their triggers are in use by thousands of photographers in more than a hundred different countries. Triggertrap’s entry-level products are a set of affordable hardware and software, which enables photographers to connect their smartphones to their SLR cameras. In addition to the entry-level products, Triggertrap sells a line of more advanced products, aimed at advanced amateurs and professional photographers, in particular for photographers who do high-speed studio- and experimental photography. For more information, please visit www.triggertrap.com.

 

 

ThinkTank Bags - Try them free for 30 days!

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In my latest video "Wedding Day Photography: An in-depth look from morning to midnight" I talk about the importance of having a good bag for all your gear and specifically mention ThinkTank as one of the best options - We know have five different ThinkTank bags in the house and they are all fantastic - construction and design is solid, they stand up to day to day use and abuse just fine.  thoughtful details from top to bottom and really, it is hard to find better bags out there.  They have just launched a sweet program - you can try out any bag from their Retrospective line for FREE for 30 days.  Decide you like it? Keep it and they charge you.I love a company that is so sure of the products they sell that they feel comfortable launching a program that would certainly cost them lots of money if everyone decided to send their bags back after 30 days.   The Retrospective line is huge from small shoulder bags to much more cavernous style bags and include the lens exchange bags that Christina and I use, we wear these bags for 8-10 hours at a time and they feel comfortable at hour two and hour 10 AND they work really well for us- simple and quick access to our gear at all times, could you ask for more?RETRO7PS_GEARSHOT-2Pick the bag you want to try for the next 30 days - free shipping till the end of this Month if you click through the link below and a free gift.  T4i shooters looking for a bag for your Camera and a spare lens?  I recommend the Retrospective 5 or 7.ThinkTank's Test Drive Program  

Filter Systems Compared - Kase vs Nisi vs Haida vs Hoya

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Don't waste money on UV Filters
In general I am not a fan of UV filters, they offer little protection from a fall and the glass at the end of your lens is pretty tough, it's not going to get scratched unless you are very careless. I prefer lens hoods as they do offer some protection from falls and nicely protect the end of the lens from coming into contact with  random objects without degrading image quality.   I do prefer camera brand lens hoods, I have tried a few of the third party and they often fit just a bit awkwardly making the putting on and taking off just a bit slower. Some of the very cheap 3rd party lens hoods actually use the filter threads to attach, this is bad as it blocks you from adding a filter and is very cumbersome to put on take off.

Circular Polarizer Filters are useful
The one filter I do recommend landscape photographers own (or anyone taking scenic view photos) is a circular polarizer (CP Filter). Some benefits of a CP filter include:

  • CP filters reduce reflections and glare

  • Reduces Haze and blue cast in landscapes

  • Adds saturation to your sky and greenery

Recommended Hoods and Polarizers for Common Lenses

More about CP filters. There are other specialized filters worth owning for some situations but a CP is one that many don't know they need and gives you a look that is not reproducible with post processing. The brands I list I find to be safe choices at each of those price points, there are certainly other brands/choices at each price point.Roll your mouse over the image to see the effects of using a circular polarizer ( no other changes were made - I simply rotated the circular polarizer from what I call zero effect to maximum effect)[himage][/himage]Scroll to the bottom for a plan to save on filters.  Don't see your lens listed? Check the list at the bottom for all current Canon and Nikon lens sizes.

77mm CP Filters

72mm CP Filters

67mm includes Canon Lenses 18-135mm EF-S STM, 10-18 STM and Nikon 18-140 

58mm Recommended lens hood for 18-135 STM 58mm 18-55 EF-S, 18-55 STM, 75-300, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2.8 macro 

52mm Recommended lens hood for 75-300 & (Kit Lens)18-55 EF-S 52mm includes Canon lenses 60 EF-S, 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2,  Nikon Lenses 18-55(kit), 55-200

Recommended lens hood for 60mm EF-S

Recommended lens hood for 40 f/2.8 STM
Instead of buying a filter or filters for each sized lens you can but this set of step UP adapters and then buy the largest filter(s) you need and use the adapter(s) to fit to each of your smaller mm lenses. So in this example you would buy filters in the 67mm size and use the 67-62 + the 62-58 adapters to use that filter on your 58mm lens. And throw on the 58-55 and the 55-52 to step down to the smallest lens in this example. Truthfully I have never used more than one at a time but there isn't any reason why it shouldn't work and these adapters are glassless, so nothing extra between you and your filters.

Fotodiox 7 Metal Step UP Ring Set, Anodized Black Metal. 77-72mm, 72-67mm, 67-62mm, 62-58mm, 58-55mm, 55-52mm, 52-49mm

Ready to get more serious about your filter system? I recommend the NiSi System or Kase Magnetic System

Video Links

Wolverine Kase Magnetic Kit - https://bhpho.to/3D8DVGk
Magnetic Lens hood - https://bhpho.to/3vEuUCv
Kase Magnetic Step Up Ring - https://bhpho.to/3m1b0yv

Nisi v6 Pro Starter Kit - https://bhpho.to/3m1aMHD
Nisi 6 stop ND - https://bhpho.to/3vvx07M

Haida Rear Filter Kits - https://bhpho.to/3vEvAYz

Hoya CPL Filter -https://bhpho.to/30DuSPO
6 Stop ND Filter - https://bhpho.to/3jHxUth


Complete List of Nikon and Canon Lenses/Filter Sizes

1

NIkon LENS

Filter Size

2

3

DX Lenses

4

10.5mm f/2.8G AF DX Fish

5

12-24mm f/4.06 AF-S DX

77MM

6

16-85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX

77MM

7

17-55mm f/2.8G AF-S DX

52MM

8

18-55mm f/3.5-56 II AF-S DX

52MM

9

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR AFS DX

52MM

10

18.70mm f/3.5-4.56 AF-S DX

67MM

11

18-135mm f13.5-5.66 AF-S DX

67MM

12

18-200mm 1/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX

72MM

13

55.200mm f/4.0-5.66 AF-S DX

52MM

14

55-200mm f14.0-5.66 ED AF-S VR DX

52MM

15

AP-D NIKKOR LENS (For Digital & 35MM)

16

14mm f/2.8D

17

16mm f/2.8D AF Fish

18

20mm f/2.8D AF

62MM

19

24nim f/2.8D AF

52MM

20

24mm f/3.5D ED PCE Manual

77MM

21

28mm f/2.8D AF

52MM

22

35mm f/2.00 AF

52MM

23

45mm 1/2.80 ED PCE Manual

77MM

24

50mm f/1.8D AF

52MM

25

50mm f/1.4D AF

52MM

26

60mm f/2.8D AF Micro

62MM

27

60mm f/2.8D ED Micro

62MM

28

85mm f/2.8D PC Micro PCE Manual

77MM

29

85mm f/1.80 AF

62MM

30

85mm f/1.40 AF

77MM

31

105mm f/2.86 AF-S VR Micro

62MM

32

105mm f/2.0D AF DC

72MM

33

135mm f/2.00 AF DC

72MM

34

180mm 1/2.80 AF (720)

72MM

35

200mm f/4.00 AF Micro

62MM

36

200mm f/2.0G AF-S VR 52MM

rear

37

300mm f/4.0D AF-S

77MM

38

300mm f/2.86 AF-S VR 52MM

rear

39

400mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR L

40

500mm f/46 AF-S ED VR L

41

600mm f/4G AF-S ED VR L

42

AF ZOOM NIKKOR LENS (For Digital & 35MM)

43

14.24mm f/2.8G AF-S

44

17-35mm f/2.8D

77MM

45

24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S

46

24.85mm f12.8-4

47

24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR

72MM

48

70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR

77MM

49

70-300mm f/4-5.6G

62MM

50

70.300mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR

67MM

51

80-200mm f/2.80

77MM

52

80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR

77MM

53

200-400mm f/4.0G AF-S VR 52MM

rear

54

MANUAL FOCUS AIS NIKKOR LENSES

55

20mm f/2.8

62MM

56

28mm f/2.8 AIS MF

52MM

57

35mm f/1.4 AIS MF

52MM

58

50mm f/1.2 AIS MF

52MM

59

50mm f/1.4 AIS MF

52MM

60

55mm f/2.8 Micro

52MM

61

135mm f/2.8 Series E

52MM

62

TC-201 2x Teleconver

63

TC-301 2x Teleconver

1

LENS

Filter Size

2

3

14mm f/2.8L11USM Super Wide-Angle (Rear 8e1)...

4

15mm f/2.8 Fisheye (

Rear

5

24mm f/1.4L USM AF.

77MM

6

24mm f/2.8

58MM

7

TS-E 24mm f/3.5L MF Tilt Shift

72MM

8

35mm f/1.4L USM AF

72MM

9

45mm f/2.8 TS-E (Manual Focus)

72MM

10

50mrn f/1.2L USM AF Normal..

72MM

11

50mm f/1.4 USM .

58MM

12

50mm f/2.5 Macro (1:2) 5

52MM

13

65mm f/2.8 MP-E Macro 1x-5x (MF) 5

58MM

14

85mm f/1.2L II USM AF 7

72MM

15

85mm f/1.8 USM 5

58MM

16

90mm f/2.8 TS-E (Manual Focus) 5

58MM

17

100mm f/2.0 USM 5

58MM

18

100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

58MM

19

135mm f/2.0L USM Lens..

72MM

20

135mm f/2.8 Soft

52MM

21

180mm f/3.5L Macro USM

72MM

22

200mm f/2.8L II USM .

72MM

23

200mm /2 EF IS U

24

25

300mm f/2.8L IS USM . 52MM

rear

26

300mm f/4.0L IS USM

77MM

27

400mm f/4.0 DO IS USM.. 52MM

rear

28

500mm f/4.0L IS USM AF... 52MM

rear

29

600mm f/4.0L IS IS USM AF.. 52MM

rear

30

800mm f/5.6L IS USM 52MM

rear

31

2x EF Extender

32

16-35mm f/2.8L II USM AF

77MM

33

17-40mm f/4L USM AF.

77MM

34

24.70mm f/2.8L USM AF

77MM

35

24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM AF

67MM

36

24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF..

77MM

37

28-90mm f/4-5.6111

58MM

38

28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

58MM

39

28-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

72MM

40

28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

72MM

41

28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM

77MM

42

70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

77MM

43

70-200mm f/2.8L

44

67MM

45

70.200mm f/4.0L

46

70-200mm f/4L IS USM

67MM

47

70.300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

58MM

48

70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

58MM

49

75-300mm f/4-5.6111

58MM

50

75.300mm f/4-5.6 III USM

58MM

51

100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM5

58MM

52

100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM AF 7

77MM

53

EF-S LENSES

54

10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM 7

77MM

55

17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

77MM

56

17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS

67MM

57

18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 13 ..

72MM

58

f/2.8 USM Macro Lens ..

52MM

59

55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS AF

58MM

Black Rapid Strap - Mini-review and gif

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Mini Review of the Black Rapid RS-7 Sport Strap.Pro:

  • Having your camera at the hip, no banging against your stomach
  • The attachment is on the bottom(tripod socket), traditional straps always seemed to be in my way when they are attached at the left and right strap hooks.
  • The strap is super comfy
  • The quick release system allows you to quickly go from no strap to strap in seconds. Even unscrewing the camera connector is quick.

Cons

  • Pricey - but a good strap that is going to last you years and years
  • If you are not careful the quick release lock could come undone.
  • On occasion, when I lift the camera to shoot, the strap slides off the shoulder.  I know others are having this issue because Black Rapid addresses it on their FAQ page.   I plan to add some small rubber grip-e-ness to the bottom of the strap to see if that helps.  I am also considering going with their double strap system and attaching a lens bag on the other side.

Quick Gif of me using a Black Rapid StrapSupport this site- Order your Black Rapid Strap from Amazon or B&H. Let me know if you have any questions.

Capbuckle - Product Review and Giveaway

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Win a capbuckleI have lost more than a few lens caps over the last year, usually the issue is not having a consistent place to put my lens cap after taking it off the lens.  Capbuckle solves that, it threads onto your camera strap and gives you a place to snap the cap. A snug little home for your lens cap.   The only downside I have found is that it does not work without an extra bit of string with my favorite strap, the Black Rapid Straps.    Watch the video review below and then pop over to my facebook page to enter to win your very own Capbuckle.    Enter to Win (contest open to residents of the US only)

Canon GPS GP-E2 - Easy Geotagging for Canon DSLRS

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I have had the little Canon GPS GP-E2 for a little over a month now, used it exclusively with my Canon 5D Mark III.  Tonight I realized it works perfectly with my Canon t4i too.   In both cameras you turn it on, slide it into the hot shoe and as soon as it has a satellite lock, and it often gets that lock quickly, it feeds the camera your precise location and altitude, UTC time too.  This can all be displayed on the LCD screen under the GPS Device Setting screen.  It also works  with the Canon 1Dx and 7D Cameras(needs USB cable connection when used with Canon 7D).  Can be used with any camera via the logging function but not recommended for use that way as there are cheaper options including using an app on your smartphone. My Original Review of the GP-E2 Unit

Triggertrap - Use your smart phone to smartly trigger your camera

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 The video is long and only covers a few of the functions of the Triggertrap app/system - that's how cool this app is (or how much I like to hear myself talk?)I have one more Triggertrap to give away (given away 4 so far) Like my Facebook page and stay tuned for the last giveaway.Also seen in this video -Hotshoe Tripod Mount: http://goo.gl/FqLFbSmartphone Tripod Adapter: http://goo.gl/pcNcfI love making or creating time lapse movies and although I don’t get to do it nearly as often as  I like I am always on the lookout for gadgets that help. I have talked about the little Neweer intervalometer before, it is only $13 bucks and does a great job of telling your camera to take a picture every X seconds, it can also allow you to control bulb mode on your camera which allows you to set your shutter speed to longer than 30 second exposures.   The Neweer Intervalometer does its job well but doesn’t offer much in the way of options beyond the standard picture every x seconds.We have another option that is lots smarter and it only costs a bit more but does require a smartphone or tablet.  For the last few weeks I have been testing and app from a company called Triggertrap. They make apps for android and iOS and a small dongle that you plug into the headphone jack of your smartphone or tablet.   The benefit of a setup like this over the standard intervalometer is the sky is really the limit – your smartphone is a powerful computer and using that as the brains of the intervalometer allows dozens of creative ways for you to control the shutter of your camera.Some of the functions of the Triggertrap app include

  • Bulb Ramping Timelapse enables seamless sunrise/sunset timelapses,
  • HDR timelapse lets you combine the power of HDR and timelapses,
  • TimeWarp, a feature unique to Triggertrap, uses algorithms developed for animation to create more dynamic and natural-looking timelapses.
  • Sensor Controls: Leverages the smart device’s on-board sensors to release the shutter; Sound Sensor Mode uses the microphone to trigger at a set audio level, Seismic Mode fires based on vibrations, bumps or knocks, and Metal & Magnetism Sensor Mode can be used to fire the shutter in their presence
  • Facial recognition: Takes a photo once Triggertrap detects the programmed number of faces in the frame
  • Multiple HDR Capture Modes: Provides expanded control over bracketed exposures for Long Exposure HDR, or automates Long Exposure HDR Timelapse capture
  • DistanceLapse: Unique to Triggertrap, this mode relies on the smart device’s on-board GPS chip to fire the shutter over pre-determined distances
  • Motion detection mode: Triggers camera whenever motion is detected in the
  • Star trail mode: Allows external cameras to automatically take a series of long exposures in sequence to reduce noise
  • Wireless mode: Unique to Triggertrap, this new Wi-Fi triggering technology enables photographers to leverage the range and speed of a Wi-fi network to control the dynamic features of the Triggertrap Mobile app wirelessly

The Sensor controls are missing from the Android app, the devs tell me that they will be added soon, the Android app is also a bit laggy on my rezound, I also tested on the nexus and it was much smoother but still missing the sensor controls found on the iOS version.There are actually three parts to the set up – Your smartphone running the triggertrap app, the dongle and the camera specific cable.  Make sure you get the new v2 dongle (red wire) I bought the original dongle, with a black wire and although it works fine with my iPad refused to do anything when plugged into my android phone – I contacted support and Lucy was awesome, she walked me through a series of tests and even though it seemed it was more of my phone as the problem she sent me the newer red wire dongle free of charge, it arrived just a few days later and works perfectly.  I love working with people that take an extra step to make things right.My phone and my camera go everywhere with me and now I just throw these two little cables in my bag and I have a very smart and versatile trigger system for my camera.   I have added a little hot shoe tripod adapter that I use for some of my microphones and a generic cell phone tripod holder and now I can easily use the facial feature to snap photos.What am I most excited about –The wireless control is pretty niftyOn Black Friday 2011 I picked up a suction cup mount and have tried a few drivelapses (timelapse while driving) Now I can use the GPS to trigger over distance instead of time, this should give a different look and feel more true to the trip)Bulb Ramping Timelapse – Sunset and sunrise is very difficult to capture - you either lose light quickly or you use P mode and the light remains constant through the sunset totally ruining the idea of capturing a lovely sunset.  Did you know that as the sun sets you lose about a stop of light every 10 minutes.  Using the Bramping mode (for bulb ramping) you can pre-adjust for the light lost and really extend the length of time your timelapse will run while actually capturing the decreasing light.

The Best Presents?

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I have given loads of presents in my days - presents to little people, big people and everyone in between and those presents almost always elicit smiles but the only presents I have ever seen elicit smiles AND tears are photo books.  There is something about holding a book of images that is so much more than one image provides. The images and words that you have chosen - maybe it tells a story, maybe it is just a collection of special images, maybe it is something useful(like a daily planner) but with images you have carefully selected - it doesn't really matter what form this takes people find it wonderful and special.I have plans for at least two photo books this year and I will be using Blurb. Their online tools range from super easy, even my technology challenged mother could do it, (and she really did) to blank pages that let you design the books the way you want without getting your way.  In the past the books I created were fairly traditional - loosely telling the story of a vacation or summer adventures with the kids but you are only limited by your imagination. My 5 year old wrote a story last year and I had a friend and local artist illustrate, as a present I took his words and combined them into an actual book - the look on his face when he realized the book he was holding was his own words was priceless.  He has asked for another one this year.  This year I plan to make him his own comic book with photos from a story we created using his Legos.  My daughter will be getting a cookbook illustrated with scenes she created of her her little dolls cooking.   So- start thinking about ways that you can give photo books and take some time to look at Blurb- as I said their tools are excellent, their prices are always cheaper than I expect and the finished products really are quite magical.Blurb is offering 15% off with the code FALLTHANKS Deal ends 11/21/12