Alaska 2018 Pre Notice List
/Sign up to be notified before this trip goes live to the general public - giving you the option to sign up before it sells out. No Spam!
Adobe Lightroom Update - Sony a7RIII Support RAW .ARW
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Adobe *JUST* released new Camera RAW CC and Lightroom CC/Lightroom Classic CC updates. This update brings full support for the Sony a7RIII. Adobe also added the 24-105mm lens profile support. As expected Adobe does NOT support Pixel Shift.TWO NEW UPDATES TO LIGHTROOM CLASSIC CCStart your edits with Auto, which uses Adobe Sensei to intelligently apply adjustments based on a photo’s light and color characteristics. Adobe's Auto feature now uses advanced machine learning to automatically apply the best edits for these slider controls in your photos: Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks, Saturation, and Vibrance. In addition, the Auto feature now also includes the ability to optimize the adjustments of the photo even after cropping has been applied.The underlying neural nets have been trained with thousands of professionally shot and manually edited photos to evaluate and correct an image, just like a skilled human photographer.In the Develop module, the Auto option is located next to Tone in the Basic panel.AND - The ability to remove individual color samples within a color range mask has been added in this release. Simply Option(Mac)/Alt(Win)+click the existing samples that you want to remove.More infoBuy the a7RIII at AmazonBuy the a7RIII at B&H Photo
Featured Photos Weekly Challenge – Portrait3
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This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_portrait3
Whether you were a people person or a bit of an introvert this week with a self-portrait we had some really nice shots! With the holidays coming there's plenty of opportunity for portraits so hopefully you reached out of your comfort zone for this one.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_complementarycolorsFind out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:
Toby’s Features:
Really nice shot with excellent B&W editing!
Love the framing with the green leaves for a great shot.
Roy’s Features:
A great location for a portrait session and some awesome cosplay really makes for a nice photo.
This is a great portrait but I love the prop! Giving your subject something to interact with in a photo gives your eyes something to track and makes for a interesting subject.
While I'll always argue for more christmas lights this is a nice family shot with cute hats.
The Gift Guide - Invest in Yourself as a Photographer
/What's the best way to improve your photography? It's you behind the camera, despite how many times we get asked otherwise. It's time for the holidays and new resolutions, invest in yourself as a photographer or as a gift to one you know. Watch this, then sign up at Photorec.tv/pen.
Your Best Photo of 2017
/https://youtu.be/NMuqZ5QIFl4 Make sure you are a subscriber to be notified when the slideshow is posted. Click to subscribe and be notified. I am collecting your ONE best/favorite photo from 2017 for the 4th annual slide show. Read ALL Directions and Disclaimers.Directions:
Search your library for your favorite image you captured in 2017.
16:9 horizontal crop is preferred but not required. - This fits the video nicely but portrait or vertical orientation is acceptable.
You may watermark your image with a small watermark in the lower left or right corner.
Export as a JPEG - longest side at least 4,000 pixels - If it is not at least 4,000 pixels on a side it will NOT be included in the show.
Name the file your firstname_lastname and drop into the folder found at the link below. - If your image is not properly named it will not be used.
Submit by MIDNIGHT PST December 20th.
NOTE: iOS devices ignore your file name when you upload and all I get is a IMAGE.JPEG filename. IF THE FILE IS NOT PROPERLY NAMED your firstname_lastname I will not use. Please upload from desktop or laptop to avoid this.Disclaimers:
By submitting your image here you authorize photorec.tv to share your image in a slideshow on Youtube. Your image will not be used for anything else without your express permission.
I will not return images - make sure you don't give me the ONLY one.
I am not responsible for copyright violations that occur on Youtube.
I cannot guarantee that I will use your image - many images will be submitted, some will not be selected
>> Submit here >>
SUBMISSION IS CLOSED> THANKS! VIDEO WILL BE POSTED SOON!The slideshow for 2016!https://youtu.be/c_FRpwo9vO4
The Gift Guide - Easy, Ready to Display Prints
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[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAwa7ANPmiY&feature=youtu.be[/embed]You may be new to photography, or a veteran, but all those photos go to waste sitting on a hard drive and deserve to be printed. That said, we've come a long way from your basic photo prints. Check out our new video and some really neat options for your walls or a gift this holiday season.
Buy Today at Adoramapix
Buy Today at Artifact Uprising
Buy Today at Mixtiles
The Gift Guide: Mobile Photography
/It's time for the holidays and we're here with the gear you need. If you're traveling a lot, on the go, or just prefer shooting with a phone we've got some great options:
Google Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2
Mefoto Sidekick
Zhiyun-Tech Smooth-Q Smartphone Gimbal
For more check out Toby's Favorite Mobile Photography Gearat Kit.com
Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Food3
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This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_food3
Top picks for our two-week super challenge with the holiday time keeping everyone a bit busy. We’ve got some great top pick shots and it’s dinner time for me!Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_portrait3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:
Toby’s Features:
Nice look at the cooking but I would put finished product first.
Great tight shot - fill the frame with the subject YES, hint of repetition YES!
Roy’s Features:
Something a bit different with this neat dutch angle shot. Just make sure when shooting food to try not to let things intersect in the background but the soft focus works nicely.
It’s that time of year and this little tray of cookies fits the bill for this week’s challenge. I like the little wire lights around the rolling pin, they are a really easy way to add some interest to a photo and cheap as well. Buy some on Amazon!
A nicely lit shot, I really like the tin tray and newspaper as props to keep everything really clean.
Panasonic G9 - Powerful, Stills-Focused, Camera
/[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="16903,16904,16905,16906,16907,16908,16909,16910,16911,16912,16913,16914"]Panasonic has just announced the Panasonic G9, Similar in size and weight to their excellent GH5 camera but unlike the GH5 strength in video. This G9 is tuned for those that want the best still shooting experience in Panasonic's lineup. On paper, it's a great redesign stealing some of the best parts of the GH5.Lumix's new flagship has quite the specs:
- No Low-pass filter for a boost in sharpness
- The same 20.3MP sensor in the GH5 with a maximum 80MP high res photo mode thanks to sensor shifting like the Sony a7Riii.
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization, 6.5 stops for sharp shots on the move
- 4K video at 60p (10 minutes only), including a 180fps full HD slow-motion mode
- 60 FPS via Electronic Shutter or 20 FPS mechanical
- "World's Fastest AF" tracking speed of 0.04 seconds with its 225 AF points. Just a touch faster than the GH5's 0.05 for fast-tracking and smooth.
- Face/Eye Recognition, Tracking AF, 1-area AF, and Pinpoint AF
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with BLE, Bluetooth low energy for full-time connection to a smartphone
- Massive 3,680K-dot OLED Live View Finder [LVF] with 120 fps refresh rate, 0.83X magnification, and blackout free 100% field of view.
- Dual SD card slots
- Redesigned body with a Thumb-operated AF joystick and top LCD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaGbeHx9HGUhttps://youtu.be/9CxVkl-fL3YThis flagship is a killer camera! It will be available starting in February for $1,700. With a big shift to stills in this model, the Panasonic G9 has some impressive specs. We'll have Toby up for a review soon when he can get a copy.
Preorder Now! The G9 will be released February 15, 2018.
Specifications
Imaging
Camera
Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, Micro Four Thirds Mount (2x Crop Factor
Pixels
Actual: 21.77 MP, Effective: 20.3 MP
Max Resolution
17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)
Aspect Ratio
1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
Sensor Type / Size
MOS, 17.3 x 13 mm
File Formats
Still Images: JPEG, RAWMovies: AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264Audio: AAC, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM
Dust Reduction System
Yes
Memory Card Type
SD, SDHC, SDXC
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
AV Recording
Video Recording
Yes, NTSC
Video Format
3840 x 2160p at 23.98, 29.97, 48, 59.94 fps (MP4)1920 x 1080p at 29.97, 59.94, 180 fps (MP4)1920 x 1080p at 23.98, 59.94 fps (AVCHD)1920 x 1080i at 59.94 fps (AVCHD)
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Video Clip Length
Up to 29 Min 59 Sec
Audio Recording
Built-In Mic: With Video (Stereo)Optional External Mic: With Video (Stereo + Mono)
Focus Control
Focus Type
Auto & Manual
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF (C), Flexible (AFF), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points
Contrast Detection: 225
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder Type
Electronic
Viewfinder Pixel Count
3,680,000
Viewfinder Eye Point
21.00 mm
Viewfinder Coverage
100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.83x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +3 m
Display Screen
3" Rear Touchscreen Swivel Touchscreen LCD (1,040,000)
Screen Coverage
100%
Exposure Control
ISO sensitivity
Auto, 200-25600 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
Shutter
Type: Electronic & MechanicalSpeed: 60 - 1/8000 SecondType: Electronic & MechanicalSpeed: 30 - 1 Minute in Bulb ModeType: ElectronicSpeed: 1 - 1/32000 SecondType: ElectronicSpeed: 1/25 - 1/16000 Second in Movie Mode
Remote Control
DMW-RSL1 (Optional)
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average Metering, Multiple, Spot Metering
Exposure Modes
Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Programmed Auto, Shutter PriorityMetering Range: EV 0.0 - EV 18.0Compensation: -5 EV to +5 EV (in 1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance Modes
Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Flash, Incandescent, Shade, White Set
Buffer / Continuous Shooting
Up to 9 fps at 20.3 MPUp to 12 fps at 20.3 MPUp to 20 fps at 20.3 MPUp to 60 fps at 20.3 MPUp to 30 fps at 18 MPUp to 60 fps at 8 MP
Flash
Flash Modes
AutoAuto/Red-Eye ReductionForced OnForced On/Red-Eye ReductionOffSlow SyncSlow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction
Built-in Flash
No
Max Sync Speed
1 / 250 Second
Flash Compensation
-3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)
Dedicated Flash System
TTL
External Flash Connection
Hot Shoe, PC Terminal
Performance
Self Timer
10 Seconds, 2 Seconds
Interval Recording
Yes
Connectivity
1/8" Headphone, 1/8" Microphone, 2.5mm Sub-mini (2-Ring), HDMI A (Full Size), USB 3.0, Viera Link
Wi-Fi Capable
Yes
Power
Battery
1 x DMW-BLF19 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh
Operating / Storage Temperature
Operating: 14 to 104°F (-10 to 40°C)Humidity: 10 - 80%
Physical
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.4 x 3.8 x 3.6" / 136.9 x 97.3 x 91.6 mm
Weight
1.27 lb / 579 g body only
Sigma Black Friday Sales
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Sigma is offering Black Friday deals on all their ART Series lenses. I love the Sigma ART series lenses and these discounts make already excellent values even better!My Sigma Favorites!
- Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM Art $799 (Reg $899) - Best Full Frame All Around Lens
- Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art $699 (Reg $799) - Best APS-C Lens and awesome on GH4/Gh5 with Metabones Speedbooster.
- Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM Art $1299 (Reg $1,399) - Beautiful portrait lens (My Review)
- Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art $1499 (Reg $1,599) - Astrophotography Dream Lens
- Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $849 (Reg $949) - So much sharper than the Canon
- Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $1099 (Reg $1,199) - Cheaper and Better than the Canon L lens.
Additional Sigma Lenses on Sale:Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $749 (Reg $849)Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art $449 (Reg $499)Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art $1499 (Reg $1,599)Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art $899 (Reg $999)Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art $999 (Reg $1,099)Many of these lenses can be used on Sony with the MC-11 Adapter.
Holiday Gift Guide for the Crafty Photographer
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The holiday gift guide for the crafty photographer is near and dear to my heart because I am a crafty photographer. I own more craft supplies than I care to admit and love experimenting with all different types of creative projects. Instead of researching great holiday deals or talking to everyone I know about what they would buy for the crafty photographer in their life, I'm simply sharing the items I own and use all the time for my creative photography.
50mm f/1.8
I feel like a broken record talking about the 50mm f/1.8 lens. But it really is such a great tool for creative photography and beyond. 50mm is an ideal focal length for portraits, street photography, and much more. I use it far more often than any other lens for my blog photography and creative shooting. The focal length is extremely versatile, and the wide 1.8 aperture lets you play around with shooting in virtually any light level. The possibilities are endless.
Lensbaby
The Lensbaby is actually the only item in this holiday gift guide I don't own myself. Lensbaby produces simple prime lenses that allow you to experiment with bokeh and other fun photography techniques without breaking the bank. They offer prime lenses at varying focal lengths, all for under $500. My friend Natasha has a couple of fantastic examples of images she's created with her Lensbaby as well as inspiration and suggestions for other creative possibilities with Lensbaby images. Check them out here: Seaside Sunset Bokeh Freebie Pack | In-Camera Bokeh Overlay Freebies.
Printed paper and vinyl backdrops
Patterned paper and vinyl backdrops allow you to create staged or styled photography setups quickly and easily. Having a backdrop eliminates distraction and creates a professional, cohesive aesthetic for your images. If you're taking portraits or experimenting with creative techniques that may be messy, such as freezing water drops with a flash, vinyl is a great option because it's simple to clean and reuse. My favorite Etsy shops for vinyl backdrops are InkandElm and MyBackdropShop.I also love to use patterned paper for creative photography because there are so many designs available. As patterned paper is cheaper, I don't worry too much about keeping it in great condition. When you've trashed it, simply throw it out and roll out some new paper. My favorite online source for patterned paper is Pacon's Ella Bella line. I also recommend browsing the large paper rolls as well as smaller scrapbook paper options at Michaels.
Fun dishes, silverware, and other kitchen items
Adding a few carefully selected props to a styled shoot helps tell a story, creating a stronger image. I share some of my best examples of styled food shots in 10 Steps to Improve Your Food Photography. Think about gifting the crafty photographer in your life fun dishes, silverware, or other kitchen gear that they might not purchase for themselves. Hit your favorite thrift or secondhand shop, and keep an eye out for holiday deals from popular kitchen retailers, such as Crate and Barrel.
Seasonal props and other decor items
DIY Heart Shaped Bokeh How to for Valentine's Day is a perfect example of how you can create fun holiday images without breaking the bank. I love to hit the dollar store and the dollar section at Target and other big box stores for seasonal and holiday props and other decor items. I also keep a handful of versatile photography props on hand, such as Scrabble tiles and blue Ball jars, which are easy to mix and match for an extensive range of shots.
Christmas lights and fairy lights
I'm a huge sucker for Christmas lights and have been known to dig through the Christmas decorations, so I can pull out the lights for a photo shoot. I also own a few dedicated solid color light strands I use solely for photography (luckily, they're cheap and don't take up a lot of space). In addition to potential for creative bokeh, Christmas lights make for a great prop or add a fun pop of color to creative shoots. The holidays are a perfect time to splurge on a few strands for a crafty photographer, as you'll find a wide range of colors and styles at every big box and home improvement store. You can also shop for lights online at Amazon all year round.I also love using fairy lights in my photography for a lighter touch. Jessica of How Sweet Eats has some fantastic styled photos with fairy lights in her espresso martinis recipe. Fairy lights are fun for a whimsical photo shoot, too.
Creative photography course
My favorite source for creative classes is Alisa Burke. I'm not sponsored to promote her classes, nor do I receive any compensation if you sign up for or gift one of her classes. I've just been a huge Alisa fan for years now and absolutely love the online classes I've taken with her. Currently, she offers two photography classes: Snapshot Delight and Photo Play. Honestly, I think any of her classes will enhance your creative photography skills, so don't be afraid to think out of the box for gift giving this season.
What camera gear is on your holiday wish list this year?Is there anything else you’d like to see in this holiday gift guide for the crafty photographer?
Feel free to share links in the comments!
Easy Tips for Taking Better Holiday Photos
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The holidays are an ideal opportunity to capture images with friends and family. Taking a few extra minutes to snap photos during a holiday gathering will allow you to look back on the event for years to come. Before you gather with your loved ones this year, brush up on key tips for taking better holiday photos.
Focus on telling a story
It's easy to snap pictures during a holiday family gathering without giving them much thought. While you may capture a few memories, most likely you won't create very strong images. The pictures you do have also won't tell much of a story of the entire event. Even if you're just creating a Facebook album or blog post and aren't putting together a photo book or something more elaborate, it's still nice to have a narrative element to your collection of images. Think about the event as a whole and the images you want to take to convey this larger picture.
Strive to get a combination of candid and posed shots
When a large group of family gathers, I love getting a couple of posed shots to print and put up on the wall. But nine times out of ten, my favorite images from a gathering end up being the candid shots. Pay attention to the smaller moments during the gathering, and seek out opportunities to capture the details of the event as well, such as the place settings or holiday decor. When you are planning to get a few posed shots, think about bringing a tripod and a remote shutter, so you're able to be in a few of the shots.
Get on eye level with the kids
Have you heard the photography advice "move to get the shot?" This trued and true tip applies to taking better holiday photos, too. Instead of snapping a quick shot of your nieces and nephews playing a board game from a standing vantage point, move down to their level. You'll create a more engaging action shot. If little ones aren't comfortable having the camera right in their faces, spend some time just sitting with them to put them at ease, or scoot back to create a bit of a buffer safe zone.
Shoot with a prime lens or external flash
A prime lens is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to create beautiful indoor portraits of friends and family during the holidays. It also offers endless possibilities for creative holiday imagery, such as blurred bokeh Christmas lights. Of course, the 50mm is a classic choice. If you're worried that 50mm will be too tight in a smaller space, the 40mm is a great option. Do you already own a 35mm lens? Bring the 35mm instead of the 50mm.When lighting conditions are particularly limited, an external flash is a great asset, particularly for portraits. The above picture is from one of the few events I've attended in the last few years with a flash, and I'm so glad that I did. Make sure to angle your flash away from your subjects to avoid red eye. If you're new to flash photography, the YN-560 IV is just $65 and has an impressive range of features including supporting wireless master and slave functioning and multiple trigger synchronous mode.
If the weather allows for it, move outside for a few shots
Indoor photography is often challenging, even under the best of circumstances. Depending on the given weather conditions that day, outdoor shooting may not be an option. But if it is, take it. Most likely the breath of fresh air and a chance for a bit of exercise and fun will be a welcomed change of pace. Experiment with taking pictures right in your backyard or head down the street to the local park, especially if you have kids in your group.
Keep your camera handy
I can't tell you how many times I've meant to take pictures at an event or gathering and don't end picking up my camera even once. Sometimes it's fun to enjoy gathering with your loved ones without your camera. But it can also be disappointing to miss an anticipated opportunity for photos. Consider wearing your camera for at least part of the gathering, so you always have it with you. If there are multiple people taking pictures, designate a central spot for the camera, keeping it within easy reach throughout the event.Finally, don't forget to put your camera down for a few minutes. Enjoy spending time with the people you love without looking at them through your lens. Personally, I like to spend a bit of time sizing up a new environment and letting everyone get comfortable before I pull out my camera. Then I'm intentional about wrapping up my shooting well before the festivities die down, so I can relax without my camera in hand for a while. Find a routine that works for you and stick with it to make the most of your holidays while still creating beautiful images.
Do you have any additional tips for taking better holiday photos?
Feel free to share them in the comments!
Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Blackpoint
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This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackpoint
We’ve gone to black this week with a bit of an editing challenge using the black point. Altering your black point in a photo is a great way to change up the look and feel of a photo and we wanted you to stretch those editing skills. Go check out our top picks (and the other entries as well) and give them some insta love.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_food3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:
Rose’s Features:
Fantastic composition. I love the way the structure fills the entire frame.
I love the lighting and composition. The black and white treatment is perfect for this image.
A classic shot done very well. The composition is strong, and the black and white treatment keeps the visuals simple and powerful.
Roy’s Features:
Jane has a nice faded look in this shot by raising up the black point giving it a nice aged and softer feel.
It’s a nice dark shot and by lowering the black point you see a lot of the nice film grain as well.
Something a bit different with this creative edit, pushing it darker really made the colorful bits pop
Carbon Fiber Tripods Review
/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suQMbemErVs
BONFOTO Carbon Fiber B671C Tripod
Maximum Height: 55"Folded Height: 15"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $107.99(Updated model with better head)
MeFOTO Roadtrip Carbon Fiber Tripod
Max Height: 61.6"Folded Length: 15.4"Load capacity: 17.6 lbsPrice: $299 (with rebate)
Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod
Max Height: 64.4"Folded Length: 16.7"Load Capacity: 22 lbPrice: $959.88
Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Texture 3
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This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3
From scary to small, this week the focus on texture was less on the big picture and more on aspects of a subject. It’s a real change and chance to think out of the box with detail shots, macro, still life, and more. Some great photos this week! Go check them out and show the top picks (and the other entries as well) some insta love.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_blackpointFind out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:
Toby’s Features:
The hands, the ring - the caption all combine to create a compelling story and image
Processed well to really make the texture in the petals stand out.
Roy’s Features:
Macro opens a lot of options and a fingerprint really shows some rigid texture in this week’s challenge.
Hibiscus always have this interesting texture and throwing the photo to black and white really let you play on that for some really defined texture in this shot.
Holiday Photographer's Gift Guide, $500 or Less
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Put together a wish list of fantastic photography gear for the upcoming holidays that won't break the bank for your family and friends!
Prime lenses
Prime lenses are a fantastic value for any photographer, regardless of your budget. If you're brand new to shooting with prime lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 (Canon | Nikon) is a terrific place to start. 50mm is a versatile focal length for portraits, street photography, styled shoots, and much more. If you already own the 50mm 1/.8 or are more interested in other focal lengths, the 40mm f/2.8, 60mm f/2.8, and 85mm f/1.8 are also great options for Canon shooters. Nikon has the 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8. For Sony shooters, Sigma offers a selection of prime lenses for under $500, including the 19mm f/2.8, 30mm f/1.4, and 60mm f/2.8.
Filters
Many photographers are intimated to purchase filters. High-end filters are expensive, and numerous professionals bash budget filters, discouraging photographers from using them. While you can skip the cheap UV filters, budget CPL and neutral density filters are quality products. Purchasing budget filters also allows you to test the gear at a low price point. You can always upgrade later. Tiffen and Altura are both great budget filter brands for CPL filters. I own the Altura neutral density filter set, which is an ideal starter set for experimenting with different filter numbers.
Speedlites
The holidays are the perfect opportunity to ask for smaller camera gear, such as speedlites, tripods, and straps, to fill out your photography gear without asking for items that are too expensive. When you're in the market for a budget flash, your best place to start is YONGNUO. The YN-560 IV is just $65 and has an impressive range of features including supporting wireless master and slave functioning and multiple trigger synchronous mode.
Tripods
There are a wide range of sturdy tripods that will keep your equipment safe without breaking the bank. When in doubt, choose a well-known tripod manufacturer, such as Dolica, Benro, or Mefoto, and then browse their budget or travel tripods. I use the Dolica TX570B150SL Ultra Compact Tripod, which currently retails for under $70. I purchased it for travel but love the convenient, compact design so much that it's become my standard tripod. When purchasing a tripod, don't skimp on durability just to save a few bucks. The tripod you purchase should be sturdy and well-equipped for your photography needs.PhotoRec tripod reviews: Dolica TRX570 vs Mefoto Travel Tripod, Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod, and Ball Head, Benro Aero 2 & 4, Feisol CT-3442 Tripod, and Mefoto Globetrotter Air.
Straps
A strap is a must-have for every photographer. Ditch the uncomfortable, awkward strap that comes with your camera, and invest in a better strap. My go-to recommendation for hobbyist and professional photographers alike is the Altura Photo Rapid Fire Camera Neck Strap. I've been using a similar BlackRapid model for several years, and the Altura is just as durable and considerably cheaper. Short of shooting weddings full-time, the Altura is ideal for all of your photography needs.If you're looking for a more stylish strap, check out Envy Scarf Straps, which are extremely versatile and come in a wide range of styles. You can also find a wealth of camera straps on Etsy. Check out ten8e, theBLUEcoopDOOR, and LiVeCameraStraps.
Bags
Personally, I'm a huge fan of ThinkTank camera bags. Most recently, I purchased the SubUrban Disguise 10, which is a great bag for traveling with a lightweight system or taking day trips (full review). I also highly recommend the SubUrban Disguise 20 and the Urban Disguise 40 Classic, both of which are very similar to the now discounted CityWalker 20, which I've been using as my main camera bag for several years. Tenba is another fantastic camera bag company with a wide range of products for $200 or less (full review: Tenba 14L ActionPack Camera Bag).I also cannot say enough good things about the LowePro Fastpack 250 DSLR Camera Backpack. It is one of the first items I ever purchased for my DSLR and has held up beautifully through numerous travel. For less than $100, you'll be hard pressed to find a DSLR backpack that holds as much gear and is versatile enough to serve as a primary carry-on travel bag as well.Are you looking for a stylish camera bag on a budget? Consider Jo Totes or Grafea.
Fun items
I couldn't write a holiday gift guide without including a few purely fun camera items. Camera lens cups are always a popular choice. If you have a lot of social gatherings at home or love to take candid pictures of your family and friends, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is the best polaroid or instant camera on the market right now. Finally, add a couple of nerdy photography shirts to your wish list.
What budget camera gear is on your holiday wish list this year?Is there anything else you'd like to see in this holiday gift guide?
Feel free to share links in the comments!
Sony 24-104 f/4 Hands-on & Sample Images
/Sony has announced a 24-104 f/4 G lens. After a few hours of shooting with it on the new Sony a7R III, I can tell you it is very sharp. Some might be disappointed it is not a G Master lens but Sony has created a lens that is extremely sharp across the range and remains lightweight and travel-friendly.
The lens uses a Direct Drive SSM focus motor that Sony claims it has a more direct feel similar to a mechanical focus ring, useful for videographers. It is dust and moisture resistant. Nine circular aperture blades create a smooth bokeh.
- Image stab: Yes
- Focus Hold/Customizable Button: Yes
- Max aperture: F4
- Min aperture: F22
- Filter size: 77mm (Recommended CPL filter: Hoya CPL | ND Filter: B+W 6 stop)
- Min focus: 0.38 m (14.96″)
- Max magnification: 0.31×
- Weight: 663 g (1.46 lb)
- Length: 113 mm (4.45″)
The only bummer - it's a good bit more expensive than other 24-105 lenses, almost $1,300 but it is also far sharper and lighter. Although an expensive combination the Sony 24-105 G and the A7R III with a total cost $4,496 is arguably one of the highest quality combos while remaining travel-friendly (size and weight).Price: $1,298.00 - Preorder from B&H Photo | Preorder from Amazon Ships Nov 30th.Sample Photos
Featured Photos Weekly Challenge - Halloween 2
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This Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_halloween2
Ready for some spooky shots? This week’s challenge was Halloween and you guys delivered :). Free internet points for Gareth being extra evil.Next Week’s Challenge: #PRTV_texture3Find out more about upcoming challenges and past winners at photorec.tv/prtv.You can follow Photorec.TV on Instagram at @Photorec.tv and the team:
Roy’s Features:
This is a great themed shot and the edit really sells this photo with the muted color.
I love that you went over the top with this awesome shot of your daughter. By itself it’d be a bit spooky but with the texture and graphics its extra neat.
Evil clowns! This is a neat shot and the really dark black point really sells the photo.
Rose’s Features:
I love this perspective. The pumpkins on the left contrasting with the creepy writing in the bus is great.
Such a sweet image. I’m always a sucker for the backs to the camera shot.
B&H Photo - Best Savings on Macbooks this year
/B&H Photo Video is clearing out their inventory of Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. discounts range between $500 and $700 from regular price. Although these are 2016 models the upgrades in 2017 were minor and this makes it an excellent deal for a near top-of-the line Mac model. Four options are available along with a 15% discount on AppleCare
15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Silver, 2.7 GHz i7, 512 GB) for $2099.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Silver, 2.6 GHz i7, 256 GB) for $1899.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Space Gray, 2.7 GHz i7, 512 GB) for $2099.00 at B&H15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (Space Gray, 2.6 GHz i7, 256 GB) for $1899.00 at B&H
