PRESS RELEASE: Sleek, ergonomic tripod heads designed for quick operation

Manfrotto joystick heads offer a uniquely ergonomic way of quickly unlocking, composing and locking the camera position, so you can freely and frequently get the perfect shot.

The new 327RC2 and 324RC2 are the latest generation of Manfrotto joystick heads, incorporating new technologies and materials to strongly affirm Manfrotto’s leading position in the photographic sector. Design, features and technical specifications have all been optimized to provide the ultimate in intuitive operation, speed of use, ergonomic comfort and high precision. The two new models will replace the existing 222 and 234RC2 heads.

The new joystick heads are characterized by a completely revised design, highlighting a strong range identity. The two models are, however, very distinct in terms of materials, features and color/finish in order to better address the specific requirements of photographers of different levels of experience.

Both models feature a new type of ball joint: an innovative hollow sphere made of stainless steel.

This new manufactured technique was specifically developed to improve the lightness, accuracy and locking strength of the head.

Weight reduction, improved performance and optimized ergonomics set these new heads well above competitors models and offer photographers products which are lightweight, compact and easy to carry, intuitive and easy to use, yet also extremely precise and sturdy.

The 324RC2 is built to satisfy the needs of photographers who are improving their skills. Very light, compact and easy to carry, the 324RC2’s ergonomics have been tuned for comfort during use. It also has an Adapto body.

The 327RC2 has been designed to suit advanced photographers looking for high-performance products. Made of sophisticated, high performance materials, it offers superior specifications and durability. The 327RC2’s ergonomics have been optimized to improve control and precision and has a magnesium body.

Manfrotto website.

This press release provide “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).

PRESS RELEASE: Think Tank Photo’s Logistics Manager Lighting and Photographic Gear Rolling Case

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces the release of the Logistics Manager™, its first rolling equipment case for lighting and photographic gear. The rolling case’s endless interior layout options adapt to numerous equipment combinations and help manage all of the logistics of transporting and using a lot of gear while on location.

Its roomy internal dimensions of 13.75″W x 27.5″H x 8.25-10″D (35 x 70 x 21-25.5 cm) allow it to hold multiple combinations of cameras and lenses, lighting gear such as strobes and reflectors, and accessories of all kinds. As there are many instances when photographers shooting on location must leave behind some or all of their gear, Logistics Manager offers a three-tier security system:

• A TSA combination lock to secure the main zipper.
• A rear security cable and combination lock allow the roller to be locked to immovable objects.
• A Security ID Plate with online plate registration allows lost gear to be identified and returned to the owner.

Its additional key features include:

• Extendable handle for easy transport and maneuverability and replaceable wheels within protective housings for greater longevity.
• Attachment points on both sides for tripods or light stands.
• A stretchable lower pocket in front that expands for cords, reflectors, and other grip items.
• Upper front pocket with built-in organizer and key loop.
• An organizer side pocket for secondary storage.
• Clear interior pockets for accessories.
• “No Rhetoric” lifetime warranty

“The Logistics Manager provides the answer to a question often asked by working photographers, which is, how can I transport all of my gear into the field, have quick access to it, and secure it from loss or theft,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo president and lead designer. “We took the design and engineering principles we pioneered in our line-up of award-winning rolling camera bags and applied them to this very roomy pro photographer logistics solution.”

Specifications:
Internal Dimensions: 13.75″W x 27.5″H x 8.25-10″D (35 x 70 x 21-25.5 cm)
External Dimensions: 15.75″W x 30″H x 11.5″D (40 x 76x 29 cm)
Weight: 16 – 24.5 lbs (7.3 – 11.1 kg) depending on accessories used
List Price: $599.00

About Think Tank Photo
Think Tank Photo is a group of designers and professional photographers focused on studying how photographers work, and developing inventive new carrying solutions to meet their needs. By focusing on “speed” and “accessibility,” we prepare photographers to Be Ready “Before The Moment,” allowing them to document those historic moments that reflect their personal visions and artistic talents. We design products that help photographers travel easier, take pictures faster, and organize their gear more efficiently.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

This press release provide “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).

PRESS RELEASE: New EPIC Pro Empowers DSLR Cameras to Capture Uber-Panoramas

PORTLAND, Ore. – March 15, 2010 – Today GigaPan introduces the much-anticipated EPIC Pro, a revolutionary robotic camera mount designed for DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. Based on technology employed by NASA’s Mars Rover, the GigaPan EPIC Pro joins the newly designed EPIC and EPIC 100 in the series.

GigaPan EPIC robotic mounts empower cameras to take hundreds, even thousands of photos, which are combined to create one highly detailed image with amazing depth and clarity. With the new, faster GigaPan Stitch software (included) these photos are blended seamlessly into one brilliant panorama, then uploaded to GigaPan.com, where users can zoom into the detail, explore and share.

GigaPan EPIC Series, GigaPan Stitch software and GigaPan.com work together to make the first complete solution for high resolution imaging.

Introducing EPIC Pro – Available April
Designed to work with DSLR cameras and larger lenses, the EPIC Pro features advanced technology and design for stunning performance and precision. Powerful, accurate and easy-to-use, EPIC Pro is the professional grade device for capturing multi-gigapixel panoramas. Strong enough to hold a camera and lens combination of up to 10 lbs, EPIC Pro enables users to capture enormous panoramas with crisp, vivid detail. See examples. For updates and availability notification please visit gigapansystems.com.

EPIC and EPIC 100 Launch
Incredible power in a compact panohead, the new EPIC and EPIC 100 allow a broad range of point-and-shoot cameras to take gigapixel images. Light and compact, the new EPIC and EPIC 100 are easy-to-use, providing users with new features to enhance the photography experience. Both models feature a 360-degree panoramic range of motion, illuminated display and redesigned battery pack for simple installation. GigaPan EPIC and EPIC 100 are currently available for purchase at gigapansystems.com.

New GigaPan Stitch software released
New faster GigaPan Stitch software is included with every EPIC purchase. GigaPan Stitch automatically combines and blends hundreds of photos into one seamless gigapixel panorama, then uploads it to GigPan.com, where users can zoom into the detail, discover, explore and share.

This press release provide “as is”. At times Neutralday.com will provide press information un-edited and without editorial comment in order to provide further information without taxing additional endeavors (camera related reviews).

Elinchrom EL Skyport Wireless System Review

If you’re exploring the art of off-camera lighting, eventually you’re going to run into the problem of how to trigger those flashes from your camera, and preferably, how to do it without wires. The issues are two-fold. First you could continue to use either your pop-up flash, an external master flash connected to the hot shoe, or commander unit on your camera, but eventually you’ll run into line of site issues. In other words, for your pop-up flash to trigger an external flash, it has to “see” your pop-up send its signal. Ok, so that’s not much of an issue when you get started, your lighting setup involves a speedlight or strobe, right next to you, sitting on a stand. Eventually though that flash will go in a softbox, or be placed behind you, or you start working outside, then you start to notice it isn’t firing anymore, you’re out of its line of sight. So now the second issue arises, you could connect the external to your camera via a wire, a very long wire, but we all know that can be a pain, and if you don’t watch your slack, you could bring a lightstand crashing down with softbox and expensive speedlight or strobe in tow.

Solutions

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to go wireless with your flash setup, you then have to make the difficult decision of which trigger set to purchase. This aspect involves juggling

• How much you can afford
• Setting up your camera manually or keeping your camera’s functionality (using TTL and/or high speed sync)
• Reliability of trigger unit

Making the decision even harder is a number of good and better competing products, I’ll admit narrowing down my final decision was a difficult one. In a nutshell though the most likely options to choose from will be:

• PocketWizard’s Plus II: allows for manual control. Costs about $170 for transmitter or receiver
• PocketWizard’s MiniTT1/Flex TT5: allow for manual and E-TTL II shooting. For Canon only right now, and either a transmitter or reciever costs roughly $200. Additionally there are some interference issues with Canon’s flashes causing the units to potentially be not as effective in their working distances.
• Radiopoppers PX System: Allows for manual and ETTL shooting, but requires an external flash unit to also be on the camera. Transmitter or reciever cost roughly $250.
• Cactus/Cybersyncs/Ebay Triggers: Allow for manual shooting, but vastly more affordable than the above options. Because they are cheaper reliability may be an issue.
• Elinchrom Skyports: allow for manual shooting, work with Elinchrom RX strobes, $176 for a transceiver and transmitter ($99 each).

Obviously I’ve ended up with Elinchrom’s Skyport system, which was based on the fact that they are universal so I can put them on most any camera and still trigger my Canon Speedlights (or any other speedlight), they are quite affordable relatively speaking (I got mine at B&H Photo for $176 which includes the transceiver and transmitter), they will trigger the Elinchrom strobes that I intend on purchasing, and excellent word of mouth. I’m giving up the ability to use my camera’s ETTL abilities and high speed sync, but if need be I could always use an external flash on camera and go without the Skyports if I need those capabilities.

Out of the Box

If you order the “kit” you get everything you see above, again all for $176. This includes the transmitter, its battery, the transceiver and its charger, some adaptors for the charger, a padded case, and a number of cables for connecting the Skyports to your flash/camera. Thanks to prior research, I knew that I’d be needing  a cable not included, so I also purchased miniphone to pc screwlock cable for my 580 EX II’s. For some folks, the system will include everything you need, just put the included battery in the transmitter, charge the transceiver, and you’re good to go.

A note on build. The Skyports are quite small and very light, made mostly from plastic. You won’t find anything fancy on them either, no LED or digital read-outs, just a couple of buttons and switches on the side. The units themselves don’t look all that fragile, but I’d be wary of leaving them loose, floating around in a camera bag. The aerials on the other hand are quite flimsy, personally I don’t even raise them in the studio (not needed at all for most studio type distances). I can easily see one getting snagged and snapping off, so just be cautious with them. If you aren’t working great distances, I might even suggest just putting a rubber band around them to prevent them from even raising.

Performance

When you get your first trigger set, regardless of the brand you choose, it immediately falls in that “how did I live without this” category. The Skyports work right of the box. On the transmitter you have a switch for firing a specific group or “all”, and another switch for choosing which of four possible groups. The Skyports allow for 8 frequency channels (if working near other photographers), but the switches here are so small you’ll need a paperclip to adjust them (I’m not kidding). There’s a plus and minus button for adjusting Elinchrom’s RX strobes right from the transmitter (a feature I’m banking on) and finally a “Test” Button. The transmitter uses a CR2430 3V battery, which is not something you’ll find at just any store. Elinchrom suggests it’s good for 50,000 flashes or 3 months of use and ours is still going strong. It’d be a good idea to carry a couple of spares though, as you’ll never find this battery near a shoot location.

On the transceiver you again have a switch for selecting the proper group, the tiny switches for changing channels, a “on/off” button, and a ready light. The transceiver uses a rechargeable battery, and can be used while charging. Battery life has been good so far, I’ve only charge one unit of the 3 that I have, and I’ve been using them quite a bit over the last month or so.

Connections are pretty straight forward. The transmitter simply slides into the hot shoe of your camera. On my Canon EOS 5D Mark II, it slides pretty easily and is fairly snug, but it has been a somewhat snugger fit on several Nikon models. The transceiver attaches via the appropriate cable for your particular flash. I’m using the screwlock cable on the 580EX II, a strip of velcro (not included) secures the unit to the flash quite nicely. Once connected the Skyports just work. Supported sync speeds go up to 1/1000s so most users will be fine there, outside of that, there aren’t many issues to consider. The Skyports have worked near 100% of the time, I can’t say I’ve had a misfire that’s genuinely the fault of any of the Skyports. Working distances are fine too, in the studio of course you’ll have zero problems, but I’ve tried a couple of pointless exercises like leaving the Skyports inside then proceeding a great distance outside, and the Skyports still fired. Elinchrom claims 50m indoors and 120m outside, so there really shouldn’t be an issue here at all for most photographers.

I’m trying hard to think of negatives but there just aren’t many. Like I said these things are the sturdiest looking things, but I’m confident they’ll hold up well. Also they aren’t too fancy, no digital read-outs or anything else like that, but they do allow you to test all of your lights, or go by group and as I mentioned previously, when you’re ready to move on to Elinchrom strobes, you’re still good to go. Mix and match your speedlights and strobes, you’ll be fine too. Switch camera bodies, you’re still fine. For the price and reliability it’s hard to complain.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a wireless trigger system that handles manual setups, is very reliable even over long distances, and doesn’t break the bank, I can “Highly Recommend” the Elinchrom EL Skyport system. It works great, is small and light, ships with most everything users will need, and even looks pretty good too. To be clear this recommendation isn’t meant to infer superiority over some of the other systems, there are real and distinct advantages to all of them, be it ETTL shooting, high speed sync, or possibly much lower price points. But the Skyport system seems very fairly priced and offers professional levels of reliablity. I really don’t know how I lived without them.

Where to Buy

Get the Elinchrom Skyport system at B&H Photo:

• Elinchrom Skyport Universal Slave Set (transceiver and transmitter) $176
• Elinchrom Skyport Universal Transmitter
• Elinchrom Skyport Universal Transceiver

What’s Happening

I was ecstatic yesterday when the big brown truck pulled up with a package inside from B&H Photo. Inside that package, the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV. We got the battery out of there as fast as possible, charged it, and spent the rest of the day shooting with the Mark IV. I’ve yet to really look at the captures, but from what I could see on the LCD, the AF looks to be fast and accurate. ISO analysis pending…

The fact that I’ve got one for testing means they are trickling into B&H right now, basically in and out of stock. I strongly suggest you put your name down for the email notification, and likely you’ll get one very soon.

Hopefully I can get some samples up later today or tomorrow.

Camera Deals

As we mentioned yesterday, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, now under $2500 at B&H Photo. Sweetening the deal…a free 16gb memory card and a free camera bag.

Bestsellers at Amazon

I find it interesting how Amazon’s bestseller’s aren’t the same as the “most wished for“. Regardless, Canon is dominating the list.

Elsewhere

The Canon Instant Rebates end tomorrow. If you’re buying anything Canon, check out Amazon’s listings for items covered under the rebates.

Spyder 3 Express Review

The Photographyblog.com has reviewed the Spyder 3 Express calibration device. It’s affordable, and quickly calibrates your monitor. A nice entry level product for folks trying to control their color space.

New Episode of D-Town

Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski have the newest episode of D-Town up. Check out the now non-Nikon-centric season premier of D-Town here.

Sony A550 Review

The 14.2 megapixel Sony A550 gets another review, this time at Digitalcamerareview.com. This one provides some kind words, so Sony fans will want to take a peak here.

In Progress

I’m working as fast as I can on getting some coverage out on the EOS 1D  Mark IV….stay tuned.

What’s Happening

Wow, I’ve just been super busy–the last month I’ve just been drowning in cameras, while at the same time acquiring my own little toys. I’m now the proud owner of Canon’s 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. O.k., I know I’ve got the “old” one now (given version II’s introduction last week), but I’m still quite enamored with it. We’ve had access to one in the past and have used that copy quite frequently, but I’m jazzed that it’s finally mine.

On the strobist (off-camera flash) front, I got round two of my set up. This includes:

• Manfrotto Convertible Boom Stand
• More Manfrotto lightstands
• 48″ Lastolite Trigrip
• 30″ Lastolite Triflip
• 50″ Westcott Apollo Softbox
• Manfrotto magic arm
• And a couple more Elinchrom Skyports

I’ll have little reviews of all this when I get a chance to breathe, but the Skyports rock, the Westcott Apollo kicks out some seriously soft light, and the Trigrips are just amazing. The magic arm is pretty handy too, I’ve been using it as a sort of “mini-boom” and clamping a reflector to it, but it could literally have a 1001 uses.

Camera Deals

What sells like hotcakes? The Canon EOS Rebel XS at B&H Photo apparently. Why? Well it’s a pretty good camera for one, and two, it’s ridiculously affordable. Check out the price:

• Canon EOS Rebel XS with 18-55mm lens (shipped free)

The Nikon Coolpix L20 is now $89.95 thanks to $30 instant savings.

Photography News

Canon EOS G11 Review

A review of the Canon PowerShot G11, right here at Neutralday.com. Get the skinny on the latest from Canon’s famed G Series.

Pentax K-x

Pentax K-x ISO and Image samples, just posted also here at Neutralday.com. Find out why I’ve been impressed with the entry-level offering from Pentax

CES Roundups

There’s quite a number of wrap-ups of the not so exciting releases at this year’s CES. Rather than list them here, just check out 1001noisycameras.com’s wrap-up of wrap-up’s right here.

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Review

The Canon Digital IXUS 200 IS, also known as the PowerShot SD980 IS ELPH is reviewed at Cameralabs.com. Comes “Highly Recommended”, find out why here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 gets reviewed at Steves-digicams.com. A bad review this time? I don’t think so, but see for yourself here.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV Review

The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV recieves a (mini) review from Scott Bourne at Photofocus.com.

What’s Happening

Had an overnight stay in NYC, so it appears I’ve missed a day of updates. I took a few of our test cameras and exposed them to some frightfully cold temperatures in the middle of Times Square. It was incredibly cold, and the wind…my goodness. I used the Pentax K-x quite a bit, it’s such a fun camera, honestly the camera to get I think at the entry level, or at least it would be the one I’d get (heck, it’s only $550, takes great pictures with impressive ISO). The creative options are plentiful, you can play with a number of filters…I like the toy camera combined with cross processing, the results are pretty cool. Battery life has been good, if you buy the good ones, we’re using Energizer’s Ultimate Lithiums. In the cold though, battery power get’s killed, we had a “battery depleted” message two times last night, but it was 14 below with the windchill. I can say the Sigma DP1s did quite fine thank you, and the Fujifilm F200 EXR also did well, though I wasn’t happy with its AUTO mode’s exposures in Times Square (all the lights forced it to underexpose).

Back at home, I’m enjoying my new Wacom Intuos 4 tablet. Physically it is drop dead gorgeous! Of course it also works great, such a pleasure in Photoshop, it’s one of those things you get and wonder how you ever lived without it! We got ours at B&H Photo, the medium sized one is $319, and is a good fit with our Macbook Pro. I’ll have a proper review soon.

CES News

We covered the major happenings in the following posts:

• Sony A450 announced
• Samsung NX10 announced
• Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM announced

Deals

• Get a free 4GB SD card with the purchase of a Canon PowerShot digital camera at Amazon. It’s select models, but the models are exactly the cameras you’d want, including the S90, SX200 IS, and the SX20 IS. Check out the offer right here.
• Over at B&H Photo, the Nikon D90 is moving into the very affordable territory of $789. That’s body only. Of course the Nikon D5000 is a pretty good deal too at $668, with the 18-55mm kit lens.

Elsewhere

Nikon 70-200mm ƒ/2.8G AF-S ED VR II
The lust-worthy Nikon 70-200mm ƒ/2.8G AF-S ED VR II is reviewed at SLRgear.com. Now offering very sharp corner to corner performance, this lens is a must-own for pros, and highly desired by everybody else. If you can afford it, and don’t have the predecessor, get this lens!

Ricoh GXR
The “getting well received so far” Ricoh GXR gets a review from Pocket-Lint.com. The verdict is quite good on this quirky, but very interesting camera system from Ricoh.

Nikon D3x
24 megapixels on a full frame sensor, and Nikon’s 51 point AF…this is what’s known as a flagship…The Nikon D3x gets the review treatment from DigitalCameraReview.com. When the cons include only “Price” you know the camera is very, very good.

Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique
Luminous Landscape mini-reviews Canson’s Infinity Baryta Photographique paper for inkjet printers. Is it good? Well it replaces their previous favorite, so I’m guessing, yes…it’s very good.

Canon EOS 1D Mark IV
Canon’s latest pro offering gets unboxed at Photofocus. It looks like Scott Bourne had grabbed a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV for personal use, also it would appear these guys are slowly trickling into consumer’s hands.

Upcoming

Should finish the Canon PowerShot G11 review tomorrow.

Run don’t walk on this one. B&H Photo passed me along this great little deal on the very cool Lowepro Toploader 65 AW Camera Holster Bag, now selling for just $29.95! The 65 AW is the most compact in the Toploader series perfect for cameras with small to medium sized lenses attached. Comes with Lowepro’s typical rain cover to protect your gear and it works with Lowepro’s belt or chest harness system. The Toploader slings over your shoulder and puts your camera in an easy to reach position. I have several Lowepro bags myself, and the quality is always top notch. The bottom line—a $29 camera bag from Lowepro! Check out the bag (and get your photographer friends one) right here.