(Credit:
Photojojo)
I really like Photojojo, and its new collection of photography projects and DIY ideas for cameras is definitely worth checking out, but I don't know that I feel the same about the Happy Helmet Camera Mount.
For $20 ($36 for two), you, or someone you'd like to make fun of, can strap a tripod mount through the vents of a helmet. Press record on your camera and start riding, skating, taking punches.
The only downside I can think of (other than the pointing and staring) is that compact cameras generally do a poor job of handling wind noise and I don't see it improving once one's strapped to your head. Helmet cams can run a couple hundred dollars though, and the video results likely won't be any better, making this an inexpensive alternative to the higher-priced gear.
(Credit:
Skymall)
Tripods are indispensable for taking long-exposure shots, but more often than not, they are relatively bulky to carry around. So we were pleased to stumble upon the Universal Pod, a Spiderman-style disc-shaped gizmo that can attach itself to almost any surface Note the emphasis is on "almost" as Trendhunter didn't specify what surfaces the Universal Pod won't adhere to.
The secret lies in the viscoelastic polymer base, which sticks on firmly and, according to the site, peels off without leaving any residue.
The Universal Pod can hold up to 15 ounces of equipment, which is about the weight of a superzoom camera. The sticky "tripod" can be had for $29.99 at online retailer Skymall.
(Via Crave Asia)
I'm obsessed with sling bags for digital SLR cameras lately. Mostly because I haven't stumbled upon one that solves all the problems I have (with my camera gear I mean).
I want one that keeps me organized of course, but also one that allows me to comfortably carry around key equipment for a day of shooting and gives me fast access to a camera so I don't miss any shots. It also needs to have some amount of weatherproofing and of course, a comfortable strap, and a good number of pockets.
Below is a slide show of four sling bags I've come across so far that are pretty close to the mark. If you have any suggestions of what other bags might be a good fit, feel free to leave a comment.
Earlier this week, I mentioned a pouch made for point-and-shoot cameras during my Editor's Office Hours video that I keep attached to my bag strap so I always have a camera handy. I received a couple e-mails about what exactly the product I mentioned is (thanks for watching, BTW), so I figured I'd post something quick about it here on Crave.
There are obviously a ton of small camera pouches out there, but I needed something sturdier and more secure than most. The $17 Digital Pouch DF-404 from Kata is part of the company's Digital Photo Series, a consumer-focused offshoot of its pro video and photo bags that are based on designs it originally developed for special units of the Israel Defense Forces.
So, even for a little pouch, it can take plenty of abuse and for extra protection it has a hidden rib structure down the front of the flap. This TST Rib protection (it stands for Thermo Shield Technology) is a lightweight shock-absorbing material found on several of the company's bag lines.
Also making this pouch worth its money is the very strong and secure belt strap that uses a sandwich of two hook-and-loop closures, so there's pretty much no chance someone's going to run by you and grab your camera without you going with it.
Tenba makes a lot of bags for all kinds of cameras and equipment. Featured in the video above is the new $103.95 Shootout Sling, which for a bag fetishist such as myself is simply dreamy. It's designed for immediate access to your camera and to keep gear organized (a given), but is also quite capable of swallowing a dSLR with a mounted 300mm telephoto lens, just by removing some of the interior padded walls. Watch the video to see what I mean.
The bag's made from water-resistant nylon; uses weather-sealed YKK zippers on all outside openings; has monopod straps, protective rubber bottom treads, and a front-mounted phone/audio pouch; and includes Tenba's fast-deploying WeatherWrap rain cover.
I haven't used or tested Tenba's bags at all, but if anyone has, please let me know what you think. This one looks pretty freakin' sweet.
(Credit:
Smartparts)
One of the things I like most about Smartparts is that the company designs its own frames start to finish. No off-the-shelf "we'll-take-that-one" kind of stuff. And its new 8-inch Wi-Fi frame, announced Tuesday, is no different.
(Credit:
Smartparts)
While adding Wi-Fi to frames isn't new, the SPX8WF's 802.11 b/g wireless abilities are unique in that it uses a pre-assigned e-mail address that comes with the frame, allowing you or anyone else to send pictures directly to the frame. It's also one of the first Smartparts frames to integrate with Windows Live Photo Gallery. Smartparts claims connecting to a wireless network is a one-button process, too.
Having seen the frame in person, I can attest to the attractiveness of the dark-wood border that surrounds the 24-bit LCD, which has a resolution of 800x600. There are slots that support SD, MS, xD, MMC, and Compact Flash memory cards, as well as a USB port and 512MB of internal memory.
The frame has an MSRP of only $149.99 and will be available in November. And for those looking to really experience their digital pictures, a 32-inch wireless version--the SP3200WF will be available, too, though no price or launch date has been announced./p>
(Credit:
Camera Armor)
(Credit:
Camera Armor)
What price are you willing to pay to keep your camera and equipment protected from weather, water, or your own misfortune? Camera Armor's Seattle Sling waterproof bag tagged at $149.95 seems very fair, especially for those who carry thousands of dollars worth of gear.
The bag's zipper-free design includes a sealed, air-tight dry bag inside along with strong clips so the bag stays put, but still gives you easy access.
The waterproof dry bag also features four adjustable dividers to keep your lenses, batteries, flashes, etc., all safe and cozy, regardless of what's going on outside. Speaking of the outside, the exterior of the bag has straps for larger equipment, like tripods.
The Seattle Sling is available now.
On Sale Now: $72.42 - $84.95
View the latest prices for Made Products Camera Armor Seattle Sling
If you're already one of the 161 "fans" of Lowepro on Facebook, you probably know that a few days ago the bag and case manufacturer posted pictures and descriptions of six new products on its page.
Most of the bags are line extensions, such as the SlingShot 350 AW that includes "a customizable main compartment that comfortably fits a professional DSLR with a 70-200 f/2.8 lens attached plus 5-6 extra lenses or accessories." However, on August 1 the company announced a new line of eco-conscious multipurpose bags under the name Terraclime.
The series of bags are constructed of 100 percent post-consumer, recycled Cyclepet exterior fabric with a protective layer of spacer mesh made of 60 percent recycled PET. Plastic regrind, recycled, and repurposed industrial trimmings were saved from the factory floor for the hardware.
(Via Adorama)
In conjunction with the Canon EOS 40D and 1Ds Mark III announcements, Canon also let loose with some new lenses and accessories.
EF 14mm f2.8L II USM
(Credit: Canon USA)At the high end, intimidating all the other lenses, sits the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM, a $2,199 prime lens optimized for use with the 1Ds Mark III. Among other things, it's got improved dust-proofing and weatherproofing around the lens mount, and a round aperture (for a more natural depth-of-field blur). Canon says it's sharper than the original in the corners as well as the center, and that the increase to two aspherical and 2 UD elements improves control over chromatic aberration. You'll be able to look through this lens in October.
EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS
(Credit: Canon USA)Additionally, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM gets an image-stabilized buddy in October, the $199 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. A new optical design reportedly improves the stabilizer latitude to four stops. Note that this lens will not use an ultrasonic motor like its sibling.
One more lens makes its debut today, but not in the U.S. We'll probably see the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS here at some point, but for now, you'll have to fly to Europe (or order it online) if you've a yen to do so.
EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS
(Credit: Canon USA)To make the most of your Mark III, Canon has enhanced its Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A with a bump up to the WFT-E3A. It supports Live View for remote operation--up to 492 feet--and can act as a USB host for a GPS or mass storage device (to record directly to a hard drive). It will ship at the same time as the 1Ds Mark III in November for $799.
Finally, to complement the new weatherproofing on the 40D, Canon is releasing an enhanced battery grip, the BG-E2N, also weatherproofed. It will be backwardly compatible with the 30D and 20D, and run $270.
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