Photo&Cameras

SR has introduced an LED ring light that features two flexible arms. The Digi-Slave Flex-Ring 6400 has 32 LEDs mounted on the ring and 16 LEDs on a panel at the end of each arm. 

The Flex-Ring 6400 features a variable power dial for adjusting the LEDs’ brightness and can be either switched on as a continuous light source or triggered from a standard PC or hotshoe sync. The ring and side-panel LEDs can also be used separately. 

The light mount is threaded to fit on a 72mm-diameter lens and can be used on smaller-diameter optics with a step-down ring. It operates on four AA batteries or an optional AC adapter.

The Digi-Slave Flex-Ring 6400 is available now from SR for $400.

Read the rest of this entry »

While you were out, the digital-only superzoom got more super. Tamron, originator of the superzoom lens more than a decade ago, ups the ante with its new 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 optic — boasting the industry’s broadest zoom range, at nearly 14X (13.9X). A 28-388mm equivalent, it adds 50mm to the tele end and does so at no cost of weight, dimension, or optical performance over Tamron’s 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens (which remains in Tamron’s catalog). Only the price is higher: at $499 (street), vs. $390 for the shorter lens.

Hands On:

Compact and light, it’s about the same size as the 18-200mm. Attractively finished in a satiny matte black, with ribbed and rubberized zoom and focusing rings (the former large, the latter on the small side), the lens sports the bright gold Di II band that distinguishes all Tamron digital-only lenses.

We found its zoom action slightly uneven, somewhat stiff and overdamped, which rendered the zoom lock unnecessary. AF action was fast and quiet. On the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, with the lens barrel fully extended, it cast no shadow when used with built-in flash.

In The Lab:

SQF data came in at Excellent for all focal lengths, a surprising development, considering that the 18-200mm (like most 11X superzooms) drops into the Very Good range at the long end. In DxO Analyzer 2.0 tests, we found Visible barrel distortion at 18mm (0.72%) and Slight pincushion distortion at 35mm, 100mm, and 250mm (0.18%, 0.22%, and 0.16%, respectively). These numbers are also noticeably better than the 18-200mm.

Read the rest of this entry »

The new Olympus SP-550 UZ is a bridge-style digital camera with an 18x zoom lens equivalent to 28-504mm on a 35mm camera – yes, you read that correctly, an 18x zoom, currently the biggest on the market. An optical image stabilisation system and ISO range of 50-5000 promise to counteract the inevitable camera-shake that occurs when hand-holding the SP550 at telephoto settings. A full range of creative exposure modes are offered, plus the Olympus SP-550 has 7.1 megapixels, macro mode of 1cm and a 2.5 inch LCD. Olympus have definitely given the SP550 UZ some amazing specifications on paper, but have they translated into an effective digital camera? Read our latest review to find out.

Read the rest of this entry »

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 and writes, “Image noise levels were no higher than I would expect to see from a good 7MP camera, with very low levels up to 200 ISO, some noise at 400 and significant noise at 800. Those annoying purple fringes on high-contrast edges seems to have been all but eliminated, which gives the EX-Z1050 a huge advantage over most other 10MP compacts. … The Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 demonstrates that it is possible to make a good 10MP compact camera without suffering problems with excessive image noise or fringing. As well as that it is a well-made camera offering good handling, brisk performance, some unique and useful features and excellent image quality, and at a sensible price point too.”

Read the rest of this entry »

Tenba has introduced a new line of protective portfolio cases. The Airbook cases use the same Air Case frame that Tenba employs in its photo equipment cases. According to the company, the cases are made of a “multi-layered skeleton of air-channeled plastic panels, high-density foam and specially molded framing components.” The frame is designed to be rigid and sturdy enough protect the cases’ contents during shipping.

The Airbook cases all have soft interior linings and corner cutouts to protect mounted prints and books. There are also hand cutouts on each side to allow easy removal of case contents. Storage compartments for cards and documents can be added to the interior of the lid. The Airbooks have Ballistic Nylon exteriors with triple-lockable zippers and interchangeable windows for shipping waybills. For an additional fee, Tenba will laser-engrave an anodized aluminum exterior plate with a logo or other graphic.

Airbooks are available now in four sizes: a $159 model that accommodates 8.5×11-inch portfolio books, a $169 case that holds 11×14-inch books, a $179 Airbook that holds 11×17-inch books and the largest Airbook, which holds 16×20-inch prints and costs $199.

Read the rest of this entry »

This month there is some fantastic photography software and books up for grabs, from Ulead Systems, who are offering 3 copies of
Ulead PhotoImpact 12
, and Peachpit, who are offering 1 copy of
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book
.

On
Friday 1st June 2007
, four names will be randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers.

First, Second, Third Prizes –
Ulead PhotoImpact 12

The latest version of Ulead PhotoImpact.

Fourth Prize –
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Book by Martin Evening.

Entering the competition is simple – just subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter before Friday 1st June 2007.

Read the rest of this entry »