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The popular Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L is finally getting an upgrade. The Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II is now available for pre-order:
Product Highlights
- Large f/2.8 Aperture Through Zoom Range
- UD Lenses Minimize Chromatic Aberrations
- Reduced Spherical Aberrations
- Highly Resistant to Dust and Water
- 9-Blade Diaphragm For Beautiful Bokeh
- Lens Coatings Minimizes Ghosting
- Fluorine Coating Reduces Fingerprints
- Zoom Lock Lever For Safe Transporting
There are also several Canon rebates so be sure to check those out!
Mirrorless cameras are starting to garner attention.
The Panasonic Lumix GX1:
Product Highlights
- 16Mp Resolution
- 3.0″ Touch Enabled LCD
- Micro 4/3 Camera
- Built-In Flash, Hot Shoe and Mode Dial
- Lumix LightSpeed Focusing
- 1080/60i HD Video Capture
- Movie iA and Creative Movie
- High Grade Designed Body
- Ultra High Speed 0.09 Second AF
- Super O.I.S.
And the Pentax K-01:
Product Highlights
- 16MP APS-C-Sized CMOS Sensor
- High Res 921000-Dot LCD Monitor
- Full HD 1080p Video
- ISO Range from 100 to 25600
- Full Control Using PASM + Full Auto
- Capture JPG and RAW Files
- In-Camera HDR and Focus Peaking Modes
- Custom Color Functions–Infrared, Sepia
- Built-In Flash + Hotshoe
- Sensor Shake Image Stabilization
If you haven’t heard, the Nikon D4 is an amazing pro DSLR available for pre-order:
Product Highlights
- 16.2Mp 36.0 x 23.9mm CMOS Sensor
- Nikon FX-format
- EXPEED3 Image Processor
- 3.2″ LCD Screen w/ Live View
- AF-S & AF-I NIKKOR Lens Compatible
- RAW, TIFF, JPEG, RAW+JPEG Files
- 100-12800 ISO
- Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot Metering
- CompactFlash Type 1 & XQD Compatible
- 1080p HD Broadcast Quality Video
Also available for pre-order is the exciting new Nikon D800!
Product Highlights
- 35.9 x 24.0mm CMOS FX Format Sensor
- 36.3Mp Resolution
- EXPEED 3 Image-Processing Engine
- 3.2″ LCD Monitor
- Nikon F Mount Lens Mount
- Optical Low-Pass Filter
- Eye-Level Pentaprism Viewfinder
- 1920 x 1080/30/25/24p HD Video Capture
- Built-In Flash + i-TTL Flash Control
- Matrix/Center-Weighted/Spot Metering
And for the professional video production houses and filmmakers, the new Canon C300 is available for pre-order. It’s only $16,000:
(Lens not included)
Product Highlights
- Super 35mm-Size CMOS Sensor
- EF Lens Mount for Broad Compatibility
- Canon XF Codec – 4:2:2 50 Mb/s MPEG-2
- 1920 x 1080i60 & True 24p Recording
- Rotating 4″, 1.23 Mp LCD Monitor
- HD-SDI Output, XLR Inputs
- Dual CF Card Slots
- Timecode I/O, Genlock In & Sync Out
- Canon Log Gamma
- Modular Design: Removable Grip & Monitor
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My broken Otterbox Commuter case and the new Belkin Essential 050 package.
I have my iPhone with me all the time. From mobile communications, to social media, to photography, it’s become an important part of my daily life. Therefore, it makes sense for me to use the best protective case I can find. For over a year I was using the Otterbox Commuter case
for my iPhone 4 and I loved it. Their line of cases are well known for well designed durability. In most instances though you have to accept the added bulk it may add, particularly their Defender line. I chose the Commuter since it was a compromise between bulk and slimmed down protection. And for a long time it did an excellent job protecting my iPhone from scratches and drops. However, nothing lasts forever. I accidentally placed too much stress on a point near the speaker side of the case and it snapped. While it was still a functional case, that damage was annoying me and would snag. Therefore, it was time to get a new case and I was in the mood for something new.
Belkin Essential 050
I decided to pick up the Belkin Essential 050 Case for Apple iPhone 4 or 4s
. I visited my local Apple store and chose the clear one with blacktop. I actually purchased it using the store’s self-checkout EASY PAY in my iPhone’s app store. Just grab the accessory you want to buy, get on the store’s WiFi on your iPhone, open your Apple store app, and follow the simple instructions to use EASY PAY including scanning the bar code with your phone. The item is charged to your iTunes account and it will ask you to verify your credit card on-site. It worked very well and was so easy to use. I admit, it felt weird walking out of the store without having someone process the transaction for me. From what I understand, you can only use EASY PAY for accessories in the store.
Nice cutouts for the camera and flash. Photo taken with the Olloclip macro lens for the iPhone.
The Belkin Essential 050 is available in a variety of colors made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) which results in a flexible yet durable case that is translucent and easy to install. Just simply slip it over your phone and you’re done. It’s no non-sense and looks great. The sleep and volume buttons are very easy to operate and all ports, mic, speaker and camera/flash areas have well designed cutouts for straightforward operability. The wake/sleep button and volume buttons are covered by the case (see photos) but they did not hinder operation.
Clean and simple, that's how I like my cases.
Product Features––
- Shock-absorbent and impact-resistant with a grippable, flexible TPU construction
- Bright candy-colored hues for a colorful twist on a classic design (I chose the simple clear/black one)
- Two-tone translucent palette
- Grippable, flexible TPU material
- Impact and scratch protection (not the front)
There was a little bit of fraying on one side of my Belkin Essential 050 case. It did not affect operability but I've seen this on other plastic or TPU cases before. The cutouts for the mic, speaker and charger lined up well.
I am pleasantly surprised how much I like this case because I wasn’t expecting much. The simple installation and ease of operability makes me want to recommend this to anyone. There is not a lot of bulk, it has enough grip for comfort, but not too much to snag your pockets. I really like the look and feel of this case as well. The one small caveat I have is that the long sides of my case feel a slightly loose in play, while the short sides (top and bottom) are nice and snug. It’s a very minor annoyance and it could just be my copy.
NOTE: I do not have a screen protector on my iPhone 4 so I cannot advise whether or not it’ll work with one. However, since it’s flexible I imagine it would work just fine with most on the market. Just a guess though.
So if you’re looking for a good TPU case for your iPhone 4/4S, put this at the top of your list – the Belkin Essential 050 case for your iPhone 4/4S.
Backside of the "clear" version of the Belkin Essential 050.
The sleep/wake button works flawlessly with the case on.
The cutout for the earphone jack and mic lined up perfectly and provided easy access.
The toggle switch cutout was lined up perfectly with easy access.
The volume buttons were covered by the case but still easy to operate. The distortion was from the Olloclip macro lens I was using, not the case itself.
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The camera lens on the iPhone 4/4S does a fine job for a mobile device. But as a photographer who’s used to having options I sometimes want a wider angle or tighter close-up shots. This is why I decided to try the Olloclip – a 3-in-1 lens that includes a fisheye, wide angle, and macro lens. But you don’t need to be a photographer to enjoy this cool little lens from the invention team Patrick O’Neill and Chong Pak. You just need around $70. You can buy the Olloclip 3-in-1 Lens for iPhone 4 & iPhone 4S at Amazon.com
.
Here’s how they describe it on their website–
The olloclip is a quick-connect lens solution for the iPhone 4/4S that includes fisheye,wide-angle and macro lenses in one small, convenient package that easily fits in your pocket. Nestled in the palm of your hand, the olloclip connects to the iPhone within seconds so you’ll be sure to capture the image you want…if you don’t see the picture you’re looking for just flip it over to switch lenses.
The Fisheye lens captures approximately a 180 Degree field-of-view and produces some striking images. The Wide-Angle lens is great for when you need that extra field of view, approximately double that of the normal iPhone.The Macro lens applies roughly a 10X multiplier and allows you to focus the iPhone within 12-15mm of the subject. The Macro lens is cleverly concealed within the olloclip and can be accessed by unscrewing the Wide-Angle lens that is normally attached to it.
The olloclip ships with a carrying bag made from a microfiber material that doubles as a lens cleaner and conveniently holds the supplied-lens caps or the Wide-Angle lens when removed for Macro shots.
Unfortunately it does cover your flash, however, that’s not a problem for some people. Personally I am not a fan of the flash anyway. And yes, you can take video with this lens attached – it simply slides onto your iPhone over your camera.
PROS:
- Small, portable and lightweight.
- Very easy to use, just slide it onto your iPhone 4/4S over the camera lens.
- No noticeable degradation in image quality.
- Well made, well designed.
CONS:
- The $69 price may be off-putting for some.
- Very easy to get your fingerprints on the lens, but that’s what the included microfiber cloth bag is for.
- Covers the flash – that might bother some users.
One other thing to be aware of is that when using the Fisheye lens you will see vignetting or an offset shift which will vary from phone to phone. However, in video mode the iPhone 4′s crop-factor does away with the shift.
This lens is a lot of fun. I haven’t tried any of the other comparable aftermarket lenses for comparison, but I am pretty happy with this one so far. The easy-on/easy-off/easy-flip design is a plus for ease of use. The microfiber pouch is a nice touch and helps keep your glass clean. I don’t go anywhere without my Olloclip now. You can order the Olloclip on AMAZON or check your local Apple Store like I did and pick one up. If you love taking photos with your iPhone and want to add some new perspectives, I recommend you pick one up too.
This is what a wide-angle view looks like. Despite the expected distortion, you get some wide coverage.
I think the macro lens is my favorite of the three.
Wide angle lens - view of the back seat in a mid-size SUV.
Wide angle lens used here. The closer you are to your subject, the more distortion you get. An inherent trait with a wide angle lens.
The Fisheye lens is fun to use, especially for tight spaces like this play tunnel.
There is vignetting though when using the Fisheye lens. If it bothers you, just crop it out using the iPhone's "edit" function. Or use any photo editor you want.
Macro! Yes, this is from a fortune cookie.
The macro lens is used here for the back of the little iPod Shuffle.
A macro shot of the Apple key or Command key on a Mac keyboard.
Macro shot of a cardboard box. You can really start to see those fibers.
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For those looking for DSLR performance and amazing image quality in the compact size of a point- and-shoot, the new Canon G1X might be for you! Today’s announcement sparked excitement because for around $799, Canon says you get the first compact digital camera with a large sensor. When it comes to a sensor’s impact on image quality, many argue that size matters.
Canon PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera will be available at B&H Photo.
Key features:
- Large 14.3 MP CMOS, DIGIC 5, HS System
- Compact 4x zoom; Intelligent IS
- 7.5 cm (3.0″) vari-angle LCD; OVF
- Full Manual, RAW, DPP
- Full HD, HDMI
- High-speed Burst HQ
- Smart Auto
- Extensive accessories
- HDR mode and ND filter
- Optional 40m waterproof case
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This is a fun app so far. I shot and edited both clips in the iPhone. The effects were done using the ACTION MOVIE FX app, a free download for a limited time created by Bad Robot, J.J. Abrams’ production company. GET THE APP!
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