Give your shoulders a break.
The camera bag manufacturers have heard your backs aching, and want to give you some relief.
Nope, not an assistant to carry your gear, but bags to make things a little easier. Roller Bags.
Most of the major brands have been entering this field for awhile, but today we’re going to look at [...]

Ahh that shiny new HD DSLR is warming up in your hands, and you know you’ll be able to shoot some killer video.
What could be so hard?
You know how to pick up a camera, suss the right exposure ( or go auto), and then let the auto focus do it’s magic and Voila!
Pulitzer prize [...]

And when we say Ferrari, we mean Adobe Photoshop CS4.
It is the industry standard that has such an incredible tool box, there is really no reason to use other software. Of course, there are some bits that you’ll want to plug-in to enhance the experience and the options. onOne and NIK have some of our [...]

What is one of the most important reasons to have a point and shoot camera is to conveniently be able to capture the random moments in your life, as well as notable events, parties, etc.
The next part is to share the image, by either “chimping” ( the term used when everyone ohhhs, and ahhs when [...]

Currently at the Brooklyn Museum, this full accounting of the photographic record of Rock & Roll hangs in all it’s glory.
But you know how we like to share stuff that the whole group can enjoy. We can tell you about an exhibit, however being able to experience some of the work, right in the [...]

The other night in NYC, Nikon took a bunch of us over to a secret location to have a few hours with the new Nikon D3s.
As we had a bite to eat in Mid-Town Manhattan, they kept the “test facility” identity under wraps.
We walked onto the street and only a few blocks from the restaurant [...]

You see the shot in your head. You know what you want.
It’s not always as easy as “put the tripod here”, or “hand hold it there”.
Balancing acts are never a good idea, and sometimes gaffers tape just can’t cure all ills and solve all problems.
We know. A bit disheartening. We love our gaffers tape.
When you [...]

We knew that eventually, the big companies would be here.
Lots of great smaller developers are creating some amazing mobile software for photographers.
We applaud them and download them.
You do know that you don’t have to suffer through the ATT phone misery, right? With a stand alone iTouch you can download apps to your hearts [...]

(This just in: Xrite is holding a free webinar on the best way to use the ColorChecker passport. 2 times to sign up for and it’s free. We love it when manufacturers help you use their products! See you Online!)
It’s about workflow. And the right color.
How do you know it’s the right color? Of [...]

A few weeks ago we met Chris Weeks at an event in Hollywood. He was photographing the event, a gallery opening, with a very distinctive set-up: not only was he using multiple DSLR’s but he was toting a Leica.
That alone was enough to strike up a conversation.
We started to discuss the advent of HD Video [...]

We’ve seen this product, the orbis™ ring flash out there for awhile along with some others, like the RayFlash, and felt it was time to take a look and see what we could do with it.
Ring light can give you a very distinctive light quality, and we dig it for those applications.
In those cases we [...]

The real world this camera bag lives in and our would are, honestly 2 different things.
What we mean is that Lowepro, who is truly the leader in outdoor, backpacking camera bags, and has been for many years, has produced a bag that lives best on the trail, in our opinion.
Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW

Lets [...]

Seriously.
We were working on an article about tethered shooting, when this came along.
Tethered shooting; you know, where your camera is USB connected to your computer, and as you shoot, the photographs get displayed on your computer monitor, be it laptop or desktop.
Very handy to see what the heck you have, and let your [...]

We have the pleasure of watching most of the DVD’s made of biographies of photographers. From the 10 min. quickie hits of the Contacts series to the PBS versions of insights into an artists life, such as the Contacts series
Our shelves are filled with a few hundred of these, as we collect what may be [...]

Can we say they have the coolest camera gear website?
Sure, we can, Because they do. And the recent revise makes it easy for you to check out their products in all kinds of ways.
Now we’ve said it before: most photogs have a variety of camera bags based on the need of the shoot.
Stealth, travel, [...]

Sorry, but this is not really new news.
Those spinning plates holding your precious data, and yes, I mean photographs, will only really spin for so long.
That’s why we are always advocating a good back up plan. As does everyone else in the industry.
OK, that’s the info, what are some other methods to save [...]

We got our hands on a copy of Photo Mechanic recently, and got stuck on a late night jag working through the program.
OK, it’s an asset management program, which has been used by pro photojournalists, event photogs and anyone that needs to get their work somewhere fast, for years. And the latest version seems to [...]

We recently put our hands on the latest entry into the Canon Point and Shoot line-up, the PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera
.
Touting underwater capabilities, plus cold weather resistance, and a bit of a shockproof housing, they had our attention.
Since summertime is here, the first line of fun is the pool. [...]

Check out what the pros use.
Every time we go to an event our eyes are on the photogs to see what they use to get the money.
The right stuff. The real deal. the gear. The goods. We ask questions too.
And we have found a couple of items that are pretty easy to find and can [...]

We told you what the goal was here: find a good enough point and shoot camera, to carry in a suit jacket.
So bulky, or sticky-outy (technical term meaning “protruding from the main camera body” ) lenses need not apply.
Whether you are out with your buddies, or at an more elegant affair. Or maybe just a [...]

Let’s walk over to the fun side of town. That place where you can take your snaps and play around with them right on your phone.
Yep, the movie hasn’t started yet, or the doctor is making you wait way too long, and you want to be productive. Or creative.
Or not go to Facebook again. So [...]

At the last major gathering of photographic manufacturers in Vegas, we checked in with the folks at Crumpler, to see how they may have improved on the cool factor of their well made camera bags.
They did it with a couple swift moves.
First of all, they have a sweet velcro “silencer” that has now been [...]

If you have ever covered an event, or just needed the ability to shoot vertical and horizontal with a similar light pattern, you’ll need a flash bracket.
You know that wonderful piece of metal that attaches to the camera and holds the flash away from the body. It can either flip, rotate, or…..hmmm…. those are [...]

The Canon G10.
It’s the point & shoot that most pros go for.
Sure, while sporting this camera, newly released, the eyes opened and shooters were curious.”Wow, you GOT one!” Yep, your fellow shooters will acknowledge the purchase with a solid nod of approval. Check.
But lets get down to the camera and what it does, [...]

Tastier and more productive. By far.
We have been fans of Lightroom since it came out ,for a lot of reasons, but mainly the way it fit in our workflow.
It was the most natural, integrated, asset management software for photographers.
Like all things, it grew up. The last update gave you additional tools with the global corrections, [...]

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Wait…didn’t this just come out…….?
The Nikon D300 has been in our hands now for a couple of months. Of course Nikon just announced the D700. Not so many months later.
But thankfully, it was added to the line, and not a replacement.
So consider this outstanding camera, the D300, and relish the fact that perhaps there [...]

Snaps are fun. Love my camera phone. And my point and shoot. Sure, I still use iPhoto and love it. But so many of my photographs can be made better with some extra care. Heck, in the wet darkroom days exposure, paper choice and burning and dodging did all that.
I’m working it all dry now. [...]

Sundays are always a good midpoint that kind of organzies for me.
A day to review all of the work and life from the week before, and a time to set out the plans for the week ahead.
Now this review includes going through any mail, magazines, and papers that didn’t appear critical. Just [...]

(Remember: visit the our VIDEO page for ALL of our current videos)
Lot’s of choices out there for your camera bag needs. And each job, or outing calls for something different.
Many times, for the street shooter the goal is to NOT look like you have thousands of dollars worth of gear. Crumpler Bags fit that bill.
[...]

The right tool for the right job.
The right lens for the right shot.
And of course the right bag to put it all in. Sure, I’ll admit that the number of bags sitting around here almost equal the number of camera bodies.
Well…maybe not that many.
But it IS critical to have the right bag to carry [...]

Whaaatttt? Yes, even though we usually work in MAC, for the sake of this review we moved over to the Windows side of town. The XP side to be precise.
Enough of that.
We have used Photoshop Elements for a long time, whether is came as part of a software bundle, or out of curiosity, or as [...]

Every time we go to a photo trade show, it truly is a lot of fun checking out all of the new and in- progress products coming to you soon.
It does feel a bit like American Idol sometimes though, as you see all of the crazy inventions, that are fun to look at, but have [...]

A few years ago, I saw a series of photographs in a LIFE magazine annual.
A dad had taken a photograph of he and his daughter at the shore. every year till she grew into a woman.
The camera to subject distance was the same. The changes as she grew up and he grew older, were a [...]

A few weeks ago, we wrote about geotagging.
Well, we haven’t stopped the research. As a matter of fact, we obtained 2 different units for testing. What they do is add GPS data to the digital file of your photographs.
You do need software that can read that, but Adobe Lightroom is our software of choice and [...]

One of the strong forces at Paris-Photo were the classic and historical images available. Of course there was au courant photography from the relatively new artists.
And some of it was REALLY big.( just noting continuing trends )
[photopress:costa.jpg,full,centered] © Giacomo Costa
Like this piece from Giacomo Costa, represented by Galerie Clairefontaine.
You have to check out the [...]

[photopress:m_527.jpg,full,alignright] ( before we get started, let’s first congratulate our weekly giveaway winners from last week.Krissy W. of NY,NY will be getting the ShootSac, and Ella M. from Maple Falls, Washington asked “what else is there?” and she’ll find out when she gets a copy of The Photographers Eye)

We’ve been looking around, trying stuff out, [...]

[photopress:586_6.jpg,full,alignright]Ahh, pulp novels. Those gritty, rough, testosterone filled paperback books that deliver what they promise.
Heroes, Villains, Women and Action.
In thick doses.
One of the classic literary genres that has a visceral feel all its own. The covers were salacious and graphic in the way a sensational gut level emotional story should be.
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Nothing like sitting on a [...]

So we’re cruising around on youtube to see what we can see, and we totally forgot about this dude: Chase Jarvis. He’s a pro photographer who’s been making some pretty decent videos about things you may like to know about. Some real practical stuff.
Like this:

Now there are some things in the video that we don’t [...]

Yep, that’s right. After being mentioned on TECHCRUNCH a year and a half ago, the Eye-Fi 2Gb SD card is now shipping. Just in time for the holidays.[photopress:eyefipressx.jpg,full,alignright]
So here is the deal: The SD card works in any camera that uses that format (sorry Sony), you download the software to you PC or MAC, [...]

OK, a little dramatic ( did you add some echo with the title?) . But the continuing back and forth between Nikon and Canon in the race for the best, means that we are all the beneficiaries of higher quality tools.
Here is a closer look at NIkon’s D3:

You can read a hands-on review we did [...]

And so the debate progresses as the Clash of the Titans continues.
Canon introduces the new EOS 1Ds Mark III ( available Nov. for about $8,000. USD) with 21 megapixels. Continuing their Live View features, Canon has improved the sensor once again.
So is size that important to you? Or is it the quality of the [...]

I know it’s been out there for a bit, but we wanted to give some first hand, real world reviews as you may use the software yourselves.
So when I was called to do a cover shoot recently, I figured here was a good opportunity to check out LIGHTROOM, Adobe’s digital photography editing and workflow [...]

“Woah” – to quote Keanu Reeves.
That’s about what I said when I first took a look at the new iPHOTO, part of the iLife 08 package of applications introduced by Apple yesterday.
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This is the first major overhaul in 5 years of iPhoto and let’s see if it was worth the wait.
We like to [...]

We hope you dug the review the other day on Photoshop CS3. Yesterday when we made a trip to the Getty Museum for the Edward Weston show, the architecture of the museum is a perfect setting for a panoramic. And when we say panoramic, we mean Photomerge.[photopress:photomergex.jpg,full,alignright]
How good is the new version? Really [...]

(winner of yesterdays giveaway, Annie Leibowitz-A Photographer’s Life: 1990-2005 is listed at the end of this article)
Right, so you’ve been working with the industry standard Photoshop CS2,and then CS3 comes out. Heck don’t we have enough things to deal with it? Then there is asset management software with some correction possibilities:Lightroom, Aperture, CaptureNX? What to [...]

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It’s all getting faster. So currently you have Compact Flash cards that are 133x speed. RE: very fast in writing and reading.
Now there is a new faster speed. 300x! But…but…DSLRs can’t really write (i.e. shoot and save to memory card) any faster. So what the heck do you need this for?

[photopress:sodacux.jpg,full,centered] At the long end.
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Wide as it’ll go.
On the recent trip overseas, I wanted to cut down on the gear as much as possible. yet still be shooting with a full featured DSLR/lens combo. And then I read about this lens,
[photopress:18_200.jpg,full,alignright] Nikon 18-200 3.5-5.6. Compact, Vibration Reduction, made for digital, everything I could ask for. [...]

[photopress:iphone.jpg,full,centered] Oh, sure. Picked up one of the IPHONES. NO, didn’t stand in line. Ordered and delivered in a normal fashion.Look, it’s a phone: they want EVERYONE to have one. The hardware cost is nothing compared to the 2 year service commitment.
And of course in short order there are a number of applications available [...]

It’s that time of year again. HIgh School Graduation.
Remember? or are you getting the cap and gown ready?
Check out this book

So here’s the new deal….as manufacturers have been offering us products for review (Love that!) we will test em, look under the hood and kick the tires. And then…we’ll offer them to you.
Sound like a plan? cool.
Starting next week ,(out on assignment this week) we will begin the new deal. Oh sure, there will still [...]

After waiting a few months for this pup , APPLE TV arrived .We took it out of the slickly, designed box and set it up in no time.
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OK, first had to get some cables. (component and an HDMI for testing) . Once that was done, set-up was a breeze. And some needed explanations on [...]

Today we’re going to share some of the products from ThinkTank Photo, Ultimate Light Box System, MFuel, and YouSendIt.

First off, the Airport International Bag.
Now I used this bag for the first time this trip. Like I said, real world reviews.
The good:
1.looks like regular luggage, didn’t scream camera bag with thousands of dollars of goods [...]

For every day , there is a night. And more gear to check out.
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Tonight was the Digital Focus event with Chinese theme. Fun, Dim Sum, music…. and some cool new products.
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From Canon, a new portable printer SELPHY ES1
Bluetooth capable, small footprint, optional battery, LCD screen, 28 cents a print, 60 secs per print. Approx. [...]

There is nothing like a first impression. That’s what this event, Press Sneak Peek, is all about.
A gathering of manufacturers including all of the majors, and some folks with new products who want the one-on-one connection with the press. Tomorrow it’s the dealers and the folks that do all of the buying coming on the [...]

What better pastime in the winter than planning your getaway to somewhere warm. And here is an item you should consider. A digital storage bank.
The fact is that as you get more and more mega pixels on your cameras, the files are larger, and you need more and more storage while away from a computer. [...]

As I said last week, I covered my D200, with 12-24 lens, in a new Camera Armor silicon rubber case.
Then it spent the week in my Jansport backback with the rest of my stuff:
laptop, biz cards, Firelite ext. hard drive, misc. junk, and the all important papers needed for life. Not the most padded, coddled [...]

This week we will be giving away another great book as we move into Feb., where we’ll start looking at more “how can you do that” along with ” wow, that is some amazing work”.
Simply put, in February, we’ll turn our attention, just a little, to gear and education. There have been some very [...]

Now your DSLR camera is essentially a computer with a lens on it, right? And you protect your laptop with cases,sleeves, and keyboard protectors,etc.
Take a look at Camera Armor. These are the folks that make some of the best IPOD protectors with the SPECK division.
Basically, take the same silicon rubber used for those IPOD [...]

Finish your shopping for everyone on your list? Maybe the next few days should wrap it up ?
Maybe it’s time to buy yourself a little something. Heck ,you’ve been working hard.
We’ve got just the thing:
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Chuck Close – A Couple of Ways Of Doing Something
This book has been sitting on my coffee table for 2 [...]

You know, I like to think that we have been looking around quite a bit at the world of photography, but like so many things, every door opened, leads to 10 more.
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© Francesca Woodman
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© Francesca Woodman
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Phaidon has just published a new book of photographer Francesca Woodman.
I’ve heard about her only peripherally in more esoteric [...]

wow.
I have been reading this book for the past two days.
Funny, well laid out, and jam packed with perfect info.
Not much in the life is perfect , I know.
2 instructional books have made me go WOW this year and I do not hesitate to recco either.
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The Digital Photography Book – Scott Kelby written [...]

Last year I was given a photobook from someone in my family who spent time, energy and a lot of love putting it together.
Complete with a great layout, meaningful captions and a beautiful cover. Probably my favorite gift last year.
This is where she had it made:
Shutterfly: It’s easy to create personalized Photo Gifts (cards, photo books,
 mugs, and more) at Shutterfly. Give unique gifts for all 
occasions!
Actually, a lot of the personalized photo gifts [...]

Ok, as we head into the holidays ,you are making your gift lists for your friends, family, and well…maybe yourself.
C’mon now. Everyone probably wants to know what you’d like. And when you don’t get it , you’ll be clear about what to buy for yourself.
Here is our 1st Photographers Holiday Shopping List!
Lets start with some [...]

As we close out our report on some of the best of PhotoPlus Expo 2006, we’d like to thank all of the manufacturers who allowed us to speak with them and videotape demos of their products.
The hope is that by seeing some of these products, you can make some judgements as to your next purchasing [...]

In this part of our digital photography gear demo’s, another range of awesome new products:

Here is Part Two of the PhotoPLus Expo photography gear demos.

Over a week ago we attended PhotoPlus Expo in NYC and walked and talked to most of the folks running the booths there. All of the big and little names in photo products.
In addition we shot some video on some of the best products we think you should know about.
This week we’ll be sharing these [...]

Yes I know everyone has their favorite camera company. And there are a lot to choose from.
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Just like some people like Coke and some people like Pepsi, there is a brand loyalty that goes deep…very deep. And yes, there are a lot more brands of sodas out in the world, than 2.
Truthfully, digital cameras now [...]

Before we start todays article, a quick share of a classic image from Henri Cartier-Bresson, famous for his concept of “the Decisive Moment”. For me, this image defines that concept.
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Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare, 1932
And now, on with it.
Well this years new crop of digital cameras have given us more megapixels and new technology that [...]

Are you a fan of all things Lomographic?
These are the folks that distribute some of the coolest, most innovative, different kinds of cameras.
From the HOLGA, to the Super Sampler (personal favorite), and the star of the the line, the Lomo.
Well they have just introduced something a wee bit different.
Sure, you’ve seen pinhole cameras and pictures [...]

Yep. The best photo printer. I have seen quite a few and looked at the test prints of the competition.
The one to get? Epson Sylus PHOTO R2400. Just set it up and I have been printing for hours…..
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And here are some of the reasons;
*Clear set up instructions out of the box
*Downloadable paper profiles [...]

As you read yesterday, 3D has a pretty rich history in our culture.
All of the ways to achieve it in print are based in the realm of shooting film.
Or are they?
The good folks at 3D Stereo.Com are carrying a 3D lens to fit your digital SLR, allowing you to shoot 2 images (left eye-right eye) [...]

The IPOD ads have become world famous, winning award after award in every advertising contest they enter.
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(not a real IPOD ad)
They have been out for a few years and keep going strong, now with varied backgrounds, as opposed to solid color template.
Did you ever want to make your own? Well we found site that gives [...]

Well , they did it.
A new Nikon has been introduced, the D80, replacing the D70. Now we have over 10 megapixels, new software on board, image editing software, 2.5″ screen, and a lot more. Check it out here: Nikon[photopress:NIkond80.jpg,full,centered]
I’ve been using PC’s since 86′, had Prodigy as the first internet service, and always on [...]

Ok, everyone has probably heard about “noise” on digital images. You’ve heard about in regards to camera image sensing chips, and you’ve heard about it being something you can see in the image.
Well lets try to clarify a bit, show you some examples and then give you a solution.
Fair enough?
In using a high ISO, [...]

A big thank you to Nate Hackstock for turning us on to this very cool software.
It’s good to share.
This is what it is: if you’ve been longing for the films looks that you had before digital and struggle to try to reproduce it, check this-a software plug-in for Photoshop CS2 AND Photoshop Elements that [...]

We’d like to thank the folks who have left comments on the blogs. We appreciate all of the kind words.
And sometimes there is some great info.
From Rich Marchewka:
“I think the advice is great. As a professional photographer I even learned some things I never thought about.
I would like to add to be careful not to [...]

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW IS FOR THE ADVANCED USER. POSSIBLE SNORE TIME AHEAD IF YOU ARE A CASUAL SHOOTER.
We try to bring you reviews of products that everyone can use. This one may be more than you want,
but we do hope to explain why you need this product.
Our experience in digital printing had been spotty [...]

Quick note about some great Photo Software:
We’ve discussed this software before but there is a sale on it now so you should check out.
Are you ready to do more with your photographs than the basic programs inculded on your computer, but not ready to make the huge leap to Photoshop?
The way we took our first [...]

So you are on location, out on the road. Life is grand, you are shooting ‘em up with your digital camera and no worries about just having 24 shots on a roll of film. Instant review, trash the ones you don’t want. All is as it should be.
Lets back up and talk about some of [...]

There were two items we reviewed earlier this year, but It seems appropriate to talk about them again.
One is the Olympus 720 SW, digital camera.
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When we first looked at this at a photo trade show in Feb., the stats and features were impressive. At 7.1 meg,and all of the features that have become standard [...]

We have now added some “Starter” Gallery categories. Each one, ” Natural Growth”, “Music”,
” Kids”, and “On The Set” , has an initial image, but everyone is encouraged to submit images for these galleries.
When you submit, add the Gallery you want to submit to in your “image name” line.
Of course, you can still have your [...]

And we’re back……
Our computer used for testing is now back online. New hard drive and all materials that were backed up, went seamlessly onto the drive. Did we mention before the importance of backing up all of your files ?
As we now load in all of the new gear and software to take on a [...]

And now on to the digital point-and-shoots. For many folks this category is one of the most important. Everyone, pros included, use one. You or your friends always have the photographer that you can ask: What should I buy?
Honestly it is a subjective choice depending what you needs are and how you are going [...]

Day 3 PMA
Another full day on the floor.
Today was spent concentrating on the latest point-and-shoots coming out from the majors. Each manufacturer has come out with new models that give the user a different set of features. Everyone knows that image stabilization is important ,at least 6 megapixels , minimum 3x optical zoom. [...]

Day 2 specifics:
All photographers love camera bags it seems and usually own a range, depending on the needs of the shoot. Of course there are the great full range lines in Lowepro and Tamrac , plus many high quality specialty lines.
We came across a new game in town for the more style conscious [...]

Day 2- PMA
Good second day on the floor seeking out new,unique,useful tools for everyone.
We covered everything from great ink jet papers for the consumer and the pro/artist, to a very stylish, beautifuuly made range of camera bags.
Digital point and shoot camera that you can COMPLETELY submerge underwater and software that appears to be the best [...]

Day one of the PMA. 600 exhibitors and yes, something for everyone.
There were new cameras from Nikon ( wi-fi point-and-shoots and the D200), Canon (30D SLR and new point-and-shoots) and Panasonic (very new cool technology in an SLR).
Tomorrow we visit the other major camera manufacturers for more news. You can visit their sites from our [...]