Summertime Deals at B&H Photo

B&H Photo is having a number of summertime specials right now on select compacts, hard drives, and computing equipment. We try our best to pass along photography related deals, when we get them, and as you know, we’re big fans of B&H Photo.

Keep in mind, your purchases at B&H Photo through our links, help to support this site.

	Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP3 Digital Camera (Silver) Slim and stylish, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 Digital Camera offers a powerful set of imaging features to enhance your digital lifestyle. At less than an inch thin, the camera is easy to carry and fun to use. An all-new 3.0″ touch-screen LCD makes composing photos and navigating menus fun and easy. Add item to cart to see price Free Shipping (USA)
	Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS7 Digital Camera (Silver) The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 is a full-featured, compact digital camera with full high-definition video recording built-in. Available in 4 bold colors, the stylish ergonomic body is easy to carry and fun to use. The camera’s 12.1 megapixel image sensor captures all of your memories with rich color and remarkable detail. An integrated GPS unit automatically records location information to image files. Whether you’re shooting wide landscapes or an action-packed sporting event, the 12x Leica VARIO-ELMAR zoom lens allows you to capture your vision without compromise. Add item to cart to see price + Shipping Instant Savings until 7/31/2010
	Casio Exilim EX-FH100 Digital Camera (Black) The Casio Exilim EX-FH100 Digital Camera packs many professional features in a compact, stylish camera. The 10.1 megapixel resolution will allow you to make poster-size prints. The 10X optical zoom lens has an amazing range starting an ultra-wide 24mm. This lets you take sharp photos whether in a tight spot or if your subject is far away. Getting the perfect photo is easy with features including Best Shot Continuous mode, but if you want the ultimate creative control, you have the options of manual, shutter, and aperture priority. File output further enhances the creative experience with the RAW DNG file format. View all your images on the 3″ LCD screen. Add item to cart to see price Free Shipping (USA)
	Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera Responsive and stylish, the Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera represents the 9th generation of the PowerShot G-series and offers professionals and advanced amateurs superior control and imaging capabilities. The coupling of a 10 megapixel CCD sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor dramatically increases light sensitivity while reducing noise. High ISO 3200 capability makes it possible to capture critical shots even under poor lighting conditions. A 2.8″ Vari-Angle LCD returns to the G-series allowing users to compose and review images at almost any angle. Price: $ 449.95 Free Shipping (USA)
	Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive The 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive from Western Digital is a portable hard drive in a durable housing, great for use with laptop computers. The drive features an interface that allows it to be connected and powered by FireWire or USB 2.0, a rotation speed of 5400rpm, a 2MB data buffer, and bus transfer rates of up to 100MB/sec. It is preformatted with the HFS+ file system for use with Mac OS X. It is an excellent storage solution for users who are on the move. Price: $ 149.99 – $ 50.00 Instant Savings (ends 08/31/2010) = $99.00 Free Shipping (USA)
	Apple 13.3″ MacBook Pro Notebook Computer The 13.3″ MacBook Pro Notebook Computer from Apple is a powerful notebook computer with an innovative aluminum unibody design. It is loaded with advanced power management features which allow it to run for up to 10 hours on a single charge. The computer’s 13.3″ display features a LED backlight and a glossy finish. Its 1280 x 800 native resolution gives you ample screen real estate with which to work. You’ll be able to output to an external display at up to 2560 x 1600 resolution thanks to the computer’s Mini DisplayPort output. Price: $ 1,139.95 + Conditional Mail-In Rebates available Free Shipping (USA)
	ASUS Eee PC 1000HE Netbook Computer (Black) The Eee PC 1000HE Netbook Computer from ASUS is a tiny portable computer. The 3.2-pound system won’t weigh you down during mobile use, and won’t occupy a lot of space when using it at your desk. Its 10″ screen is perfect for watching videos. It features standard 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, allowing you to hop on to wireless networks and hotspots with ease. The Eee PC is an excellent choice for anyone else who requires a compact, yet usable, system. It will allow you to check e-mail, perform basic office tasks, watch videos, and play games. Most importantly, it won’t weigh you down. Price: $ 289.00 + Conditional Mail-In Rebates available Free Shipping (USA)

Novoflex Adapter Puts Any Nikon Lens On Your Canon DSLR

Novoflex has announced their EOS/NIK-NT adapter, which allows Canon EOS DSLR owners to mount all Nikon lenses to their camera, including G series lenses. The EOS/NIK-NT adapter allows for metering in aperture priority, as well as maintaining infinity focus. The EOS/NIK-NT differs from Novoflex’s EOS/NIK adapter only in its added ability to mount G series lenses

Press Release

July 2010: Novoflex, Germany’s premier manufacturer of quality digital and analog accessories, announces
the availability of a new lens adapter to mount all Nikon lenses, including the G series, to any Canon EOS
mount camera body.

The new adapter is made to very precise and high standards to ensure exact infinity focus on the
Canon camera. With the EOS/NIK-NT adapter automatic exposure metering via stop-down metering is
possible as is aperture priority auto exposure. The new adapter features a lever on the side of the adapter to let users control the aperture on G series lenses. For users of non-G series Nikon lenses Novoflex also offers their original Nikon to Canon adapter, the EOS/NIK.

The adapter’s high precision manufacturing assures precise infinity focus and ensures that the
lenses deliver their full quality to the digital chip.

Novoflex also offers a full range of lens to body adapters for most 35mm and DSLR cameras as
well as for Leica M cameras. Also available are adapters to use most 35mm SLR and DSLR lenses as
well as Leica M lenses on MFT camera bodies! Novoflex also offers a range of adapters for the new
Samsung NX cameras and will soon introduce new adapters for other camera systems.

These adapters allow the switching of lenses from one camera system to another as well as the
use of lenses from Hasselblad, Pentax and Mamiya lenses on 35mm SLR and DSLR cameras as well as
MFT and Samsung NX camera bodies!

The adapters are available now from HP Marketing Corp. dealers in the USA.

Apple iHand, The Right Way To Hold Your iPhone 4

Saw this and had to post it.

Nikon D3s Also Taking Stunning Photos in Space

Nikon has been proudly promoting a nice collection of photographs taken from space at the International Space Station (ISS) with their D3s DSLR camera. According to Nikon, NASA has ordered 11 Nikon D3s camera for use on the ISS, which join a collection of Nikon D2Xs DSLR cameras, and a whole host of Nikkor glass and Nikon speedlights. Of course no surprise, ordering a bunch of Nikon D3s cameras for the International Space Station means they aren’t waiting for UPS, instead delivery comes in the form of the Space Shuttle Discovery. And yes, according to Nikon, these are the same Nikon D3s cameras available to earth-bound photographers.

Check out the slideshow of images below, and get further details in the press release that follows.

Nikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Camera Body) at B&H Photo Get theNikon D3S Digital SLR Camera (Camera Body) and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the link above at B&H Photo Video.

Press Release

Nikon To Introduce The Latest Images From Space Captured With Nikon D3S Digital-SLR Cameras And NIKKOR Interchangeable Lenses Ordered By NASA
MELVILLE, NY (July 7, 2010) – The images exhibited were captured with equipment, including Nikon D3S digital-SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights and other accessories, kept aboard the ISS. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images with Nikon equipment carried into space. Among these many images, those rare and precious photos that can only be captured from space, as well as those captured under the extremely low-light conditions of space that exhibit the superior image quality of D3S noise suppression features are introduced.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA’s study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Production of NIKKOR lenses, which make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, reached fifty million units last September. Nikon’s history with NASA began with the Nikon Photomic FTN?, a modified Nikon F camera that was used aboard the Apollo 15 in 1971. Nikon’s relationship with NASA continued even with the transition to digital when NASA placed orders for Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras in 2008. These cameras are still being used in space today. In 2009, NASA ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The D3S cameras were the same products available to consumers with no special modifications, and they were delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery launched on April 5, 2010.

Nikon products kept aboard the ISS

• 1 Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera: Delivered to the ISS via the Discovery with Space Shuttle mission STS-131, which returned on April 20, 2010. Images are primarily those of the surface of the earth and nighttime scenes. Standard consumer product (no modifications).
• 8 Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras: Modified according to NASA specifications for recording extravehicular activities (EVA)
• 7 SB-800 Speedlights
• 4 D2XS eyepieces: Eyepieces made exclusively for NASA Special eyepiece viewfinders that enable image framing and verification through a space helmet with extravehicular activities.
• Miscellaneous (filters, cables, etc.)

Primary images captured by Nikon products

Image of extravehicular activities on the STS-131 mission. View of astronauts, as they work to tie down an Ammonia Tank Assembly on the International Space Station during STS-131 spacewalk.

Nikon’s history with NASA

1971: Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) was used on Apollo 15
1980: The “Small Camera”, based on the Nikon F3 and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 “Big Camera”, which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The “Small Camera” was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.
1991: The Nikon F4 and F4S were delivered to NASA
1999: The Nikon F5 and AI AF Nikkor lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA)
2008: D2XS digital-SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Eight D2XS cameras are still used in space to document activities such as inspections and maintenance operations.
In addition, approximately 15 types of lenses, more than 35 all together, are kept aboard the International Space Station for intra- and extravehicular photography that supports NASA’s space activities.

*Nikon F equipped with Photomic FTN viewfinder that supports TTL center-weighted metering.

Gary Fong Introduces GearGuard

Gary Fong, the guy who brought you the “Lightsphere” flash accessory, has announced a new line of camera an photography equipment security devices. Dubbed “GearGuard”, the announcements today center on the GearGaurd Camera Body Lock, which locks the camera to any fixed object, and the GearGuard Bag Lock which as you’d expect, keeps prying hands out of your camera bags. Both items check in at an affordable $9.95.

More details in the press release below

Additional Media

Press Release

Gary Fong Introduces GearGuard, A New Line Of Integrated Security Protection Products For Photo Equipment

Affordable and Easy to Attach GearGuard Products Protect Photography Equipment from Theft; Enable Photographers to Concentrate on Shooting, Not Security

New York, NY – July 6, 2010 – Gary Fong, Inc., developer and manufacturer of cutting-edge photography equipment designed to help photographers experience new levels of creativity, today launched a new line of innovative products with the introduction of GearGuard, a series of camera and equipment security devices that provide photographers with a seamless theft prevention system for their gear. The flagship products in this new line include the GearGuard Camera Body Lock and the GearGuard Bag Lock, both of which are designed to safeguard a camera from the constant snatch-and-grab threat faced by photographers.

With the GearGuard Camera Body Lock in place, the camera body can be secured to any fixed object granting the photographer the freedom to focus on the moment at hand, rather than worry about equipment disappearing. Constructed of an impervious plastic compound, the twin-plate design provides a solid anchoring point through which the GearGuard Security Cable is threaded and affixed to any anchor point using the GearGuard Combination Lock. The Camera Body Lock attaches to the camera’s tripod mount and can remain attached during shooting without interfering with the photographer’s process. The screw, which attaches the lock to the camera body, features a threaded port, enabling the camera to maintain full compatibility with a tripod, ballhead or quick release plate.

The GearGuard Bag Lock further prevents roaming hands from stealing by breaching a camera bag and restricting access to the bag’s quick-release buckles. This two-piece clip slides together over the buckle and is fitted with the Combination Lock, much like the Camera Body Lock, enabling a photographer to pass through congested areas without concern for theft. Alternatively, users can leave their bags tethered to a permanent anchor using the Security Cable, knowing that the gear will remain where it was left.

“For years, photographers have had serious concerns about the vulnerability of their equipment to theft while they’re busy shooting an event or working with customers, and we all have horror stories about expensive gear turning up missing. Whether you measure the value of your camera and gear in hundreds or thousands, our compact GearGuard products will ensure safe travel and storage at an affordable price,” said Gary Fong, internationally renowned photographer and CEO of Gary Fong, Inc. “With the launch of our GearGuard line, photographers can safely devote their full attention to their craft rather than continually worrying about their costly equipment.”

Both the GearGuard Camera Body Lock and the Bag Lock (which is sold as a set of two units) are available for $9.95 MAP. The Combination Lock and 36” steel security cable is sold separately and is also available for $9.95 MAP.

In the near future, the company plans to expand the GearGuard line to round out this comprehensive integrated security system. For more information or to purchase GearGuard products, please visit http://www.garyfong.com.

To better connect with potential users, Gary Fong, Inc. is now using Microsoft Tag scanning technology. To use the re-printable tag included below to view the demonstration video:

• Download the tag-reading app from: http://www.gettag.mobi/
• Open the app and scan the image below with your mobile device’s camera
• View the Gary Fong demo video to learn more about the GearGuard product line

About Gary Fong
Since 1993, Gary Fong, Inc. has quickly positioned itself as one of the leading developers and manufacturers of cutting-edge photography equipment designed to help photographers experience new levels of quality in their work. The legendary Lightsphere, recently updated with the Lightsphere Collapsible, has enabled photographers to create studio-quality lighting effects with very little equipment. Gary Fong, Inc. continues to invent new ways to meet its customers’ changing needs and give amateurs the tools necessary to elevate their photography to the next level. For more information, visit http://www.garyfong.com/.

Now Posted: Our Review of the Canon 18×50 IS All Weather Binoculars

Our review of the Canon 18×50 IS All Weather Binoculars is now up for your reading pleasure. These binoculars offer an amazing 18x view, and feature Canon’s familiar image stabilization, as well as a weather resistant exterior. 18x magnification and no tripod or monopod? Find out in our review right here.

Canon 18×50 IS All Weather Binoculars In Depth Review

A magnified view is one thing, but an 18x magnified view is another thing all together. Typically even at 8x or 10x magnification even a beautiful pair of Swarovski binoculars will succumb to a good deal of stabilization issues, so it’s natural to assume that at 18x, a tripod (forget the monopod!) is all but a necessity.

Enter Canon’s 18×50 All Weather binoculars, that not only provide an amazing 18x reach, but feature image stabilization, promising support free viewing in stunning detail. Even better, the Canon 18×50’s offer the consumer worry-free viewing in rain, sleet, or snow with a robust weather-proof (not water-proof) construction. With obvious appeal for nature viewers, even some light astronomical gazing, the question is do the Canon 18×50 IS binoculars merit your attention?

Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars at B&H Photo Get the Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the link above at B&H Photo Video.

Specifications

Design

Binoculars or small piece of exercise equipment? No question, the Canon 18×50 IS are a large and heavy pair of binoculars (about 2 1/2 lb.), and while they do indeed come with a neck strap, I question how long one would really want to carry a pair of these around their neck on any sort of extended walk. Instead, as with Canon’s 10×42 L IS WP Binoculars, these are probably best lugged around in a backpack. The weight of them in the hands could be an issue for some as well, we’ll cover the stabilization a bit further down in the review, but most users will be looking for limb support with any extended use. That said, the 18×50’s are very well made binoculars, with a hearty rubber coating that not only provides the 18×50 with some rain resistance, but also offers a good deal of grip, so that the 18×50’s always feel quite secure in the hands.

Ergonomically, the 18×50’s are quite comfortable in the hands, it’s a bulky design, but one that works well for viewing, again assuming one can handle the weight over longer lengths of time. The two eye pieces are easily adjusted for optimal viewing, the image stabilization button is well placed for the index finger to activate it, and the focus ring is easy to reach and rotate, without being too easy to accidentally turn.

Several negatives drag the overall design score down however, and all are a bit disappointing given the cost of the 18×50’s. First you’ll open the box, and assume your binoculars may have accidentally shipped without objective covers. It isn’t an accident, the 18×50’s don’t include them, and since I highly recommend protecting them (they’re not even deeply recessed), you’ll immediately be wanting to buy a pair of protective UV filters (58mm) as an insurance policy against scratching them. Worse, the eyepiece covers are a flimsy and cheap affair, the type that randomly fall off when you’re not paying attention, and so easily lost. The included protective case for the binoculars also borders on the cheap, real protection would be offered by a better case in my opinion. Again, for $1000 plus pair of binoculars, I’d have really preferred better accessories than this.

A couple of design issues are worth pointing out as well. The dioptric correction ring does not lock into place, and can be moved out of position while handling the eyepieces. Not all binoculars offer this, but it is annoying to accidentally move the ring out of your correct position, and subsequently re-adjust your binoculars. Finally the 18×50’s offer very little in the range of eye-cup adjustability, essentially there’s two positions, normal, and literally rolled back, which is recommended for spectacle wearers.

Usage

The use of a pair of 18x binoculars is a compromised experience that one either accepts for the positive, a tremendously magnified (and stabilized in this case) view, or dismisses for the negatives: smaller field of view, shallower depth of field, etc. For starters though, using the Canon 18×50 is a mostly “wow, this is amazing” type experience. As stated above, the 18×50’s fit nicely in the hand, and operation of the unit is easily done with simple movements. Focusing is done quite quickly, but one will be doing it more frequently as the 18x view means things come in and out of focus more frequently than normal.

Eye relief is a minimal 15mm and the non-adjustable eye cups aren’t all that helpful in the viewing pleasure dept. I don’t typically wear glasses, but I frequently found myself rolling over the eye cups, as with them extended, the “porthole” effect is quite noticeable. A big drawback of course of greatly magnified binoculars is less field of view, the 18×50’s offer 3.7 degrees, so in effect you’re having to keep your eye movement minimal to avoid “black-out” in the eye cups, while trying to keep them focused on a small sliver of magnified viewing experience. We take pains to point out this issue, because as amazing as it is to see wildlife, nature, and celestial bodies in great detail, it can also be quite difficult to actually keep them in sight, and with extended time, it can be taxing on the eyes as well.

On the other hand, the view is rather amazing, and Canon’s image stabilization works incredibly well, in large part eliminating the need for external support. Activating the stabilization is simple enough, press the conveniently located button on the top of the binoculars, and the IS is activated for 5 minutes. Lower the binoculars, and in a moment the IS shuts itself off. Pressing the button provides a magical effect of stability vs. shakiness, though due to the 18x magnification it doesn’t seem quite as spectacular as on the Canon 10×42 L IS WP binoculars. It isn’t perfect though, close examination can reveal a “shimmer” effect, and of course the IS can’t keep up with rapid panning or other body movements. Still, we’ve said it before, once you try a pair of binoculars with image stabilization, you won’t go back, and the fact that the 18×50’s are easily usable hand held is a testament to just how effective IS can be.

One last note, the image stabilization feature requires the use of two AA batteries. A pair of alkaline batteries provides about 2 and half hours of use, but we recommend lithiums, which are rated at 8 hours of use. Using the binoculars does not require batteries, and they will function as normal binoculars without them. Additionally, the 18×50’s are “all weather” binoculars. They will hold up fine in a pouring rain (tested), but this is not to be taken as meaning the 18×50’s are “waterproof”, they are not.

Image Quality

Despite not being blessed with the wonderful “L” series glass found in the Canon 10×42 L IS WP binoculars, the 18×50’s are still more than capable of providing a clear, detailed and vivid viewing experience. Sharpness is good across the viewing plane, but unlike the “L” glass there tends to be more color fringing (chromatic aberration), especially at the edges, and the 18×50’s don’t provide the diamond-like clarity offered by the 10×42’s, and certainly not anything like the Swarovski EL 10×42 SwaroVisions . This is largely due to the quality of glass involved, but it doesn’t detract from the viewing experience very much, if at all. Detail abounds even at great distances. The surface of the moon never looked this good before, and we’re nearly able to make out menus in a restaurant half-down the street from our studio window! Part of the wow factor is simple, you’re average binoculars don’t typically reach half this far, and don’t do so as steadily. The 18×50’s can “get you there” and do it without the need of a tripod, and the combined experience can equal a lot of fun, if one can tolerate the caveats mentioned in the “Usage” section of this review.

Conclusion

As we’ve noted, Canon’s effective image stabilization, easily turns a pair of 18x binoculars into a relatively steady viewing device, without the use of a monopod or tripod. Before offering our final verdict, let’s run down the positives and negatives.

Positives

• Amazing 18x magnification.
• Image stabilization eliminates need for external stabilization.
• Excellent overall build quality.
• Good ergonomics for large binoculars.
• Design includes tripod socket. (your arms may need it eventually)
• Weatherproof finish allows use in inclement weather.
• Lenses provide sharp “corner to corner” view.

Negatives

• Big and heavy.
• Doesn’t include caps for objectives.
• Minimal eye relief.
• Flimsy protective carrying case.
• Non-adjustable eye-cups.
• No lock for dioptric correction ring.
• Small field of view.
• Chromatic aberration at the viewing edges, possibly enhanced with IS on.
• Shimmer effect on some subjects from IS.

Verdict

After reviewing and using a number of 10x or 8x magnification binoculars, we’d been pretty excited to play with Canon’s 18×50’s. Without a doubt, 18x magnification can add a great deal of interest in your viewing experience, especially for enthusiasts anxious to point their binoculars to the night sky, and nature watchers keen for a closer look. The Canon 18×50’s satisfies that need, and the image stabilization actually allows you to do so without a monopod or tripod, a blessing in its own right. What we’ve learned though is that even when the issue of stabilization is eliminated from the equation, using a pair of high magnification binoculars is not without its serious viewing problems. For the Canon 18×50’s it means a very restricted field of view, and average at best eye comfort. Further, keeping subjects in focus requires more attention than ever, and finally there’s the simple issue of the 18×50’s just being a large pair of binoculars, so that you may not need a tripod, but you’ll be wanting a lounge chair with arm support while using them. The binoculars do work as advertised though, and for many the amazing view will be well worth the caveats I’ve included. For the money, I’d steer consumers to the excellent Canon 10×42 L IS WP binoculars, which offer a spectacular view, minus the magnification, and its caveats, but for those who can’t live without the more fun, but compromised magnification, we certainly “Recommend” the Canon 18×50 IS All Weather binoculars.

Design: 7
Operation: 8.5
Focusing: 9
Optics: 8
Value: 8

Where To Buy

Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars at B&H Photo Get the Canon 18×50 IS Image Stabilized Binoculars and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the link above at B&H Photo Video.

Now Posted: Our Review of The New Apple 15″ Macbook Pro 2.66 Ghz (Core i7)

Photography isn’t all about cameras, it takes computers to make the most of the digital files you’re capturing everyday. To that end, we got our hands on the newest and fastest Macbook Pro yet, the 15″ Macbook Pro 2.66 Ghz. Featuring the new Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA’s GeForce GT 330M graphical processor, this computer doesn’t just look good, it also offers inspired performance and the best battery life yet from a Macbook Pro. Check out our review, right here.