From PocketWizard/Bowens/Sekonic:
The crisp lighting from Bowens, plus PocketWizard wireless freedom, and Sekonic's precision metering have joined forces and are issuing a call to action. Are you recruits ready for action, adventure, and the ability to capture images, taking your photography to a new level?
PocketWizard Bowens GEM Reciever Module
For a limited time, with the purchase of any new Bowens R or Pro series monolight or kit, you new recruits are automatically enlisted into the Bowens, PocketWizard, and Sekonic Technology Alliance, and for each purchased monolight, you will be issued from our armory, one free PocketWizard Bowens GEM receiver module. This PocketWizard module enhancement allows you to embrace the sovereignty of reliable and cable-free flash triggering in your studio or in the field.
PocketWizard Plus III Special Edition
As a special commemoration of this new Technology Alliance, gathering some of the greatest veterans in the industry, PocketWizard proudly offers a special edition PocketWizard Plus III draped in Bowens accent yellow, to pair with a new Bowens Gemini R, Gemini Pro, or other PocketWizard compatible lighting and devices from any PocketWizard Flash Partner. So wear your colors on your sleeve or your hotshoe, as you enter the battle for better photography.
Sync wirelessly
Available now, the Bowens-inspired PocketWizard Plus III wirelessly syncs with every PocketWizard ever made, yellow or otherwise, and can remotely trigger flashes and cameras, or in turn, can be triggered by cameras, meters, or other PocketWizards. Look for the PocketWizard Compatible logo throughout the Bowens Lighting range, as well as any other members of the PocketWizard Army.
Furthermore, through June 30th 2014, previously purchased Bowens Gemini R or Gemini Pro units may be sent back to HQ in for servicing, where we will update each unit for PocketWizard compatibility, ensuring additional value to your investment for years to come.
B&H carries the PocketWizard Bowens GEM Reciever Module and PocketWizard Plus III (Yellow) Tranceiver.
From Datacolor:
Enter to win a week long, all-inclusive Alaskan photo safari with award-winning nature photographer David Cardinal
Lawrenceville, NJ – May 6, 2014 –– Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, today announced its Great Alaskan Photo Expedition Sweepstakes. The online promotion, beginning today through May 27, 2014, will award one lucky winner an all-expense-paid trip to Cook Inlet, Alaska to spend one week photographing the region’s most remarkable wildlife alongside award-winning nature photographer David Cardinal. To enter to win, visit datacolor.com/safari-sweepstakes-pr.
The grand prize, valued at an estimated $10,000, will include round-trip airfare to and from Anchorage, departing from the winner’s originating city July 8, 2014 and returning July 16, 2014; all meals and lodging, including a 5-night stay at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge; private charter flights to and from Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; one-on-one photo instruction both in the field and in a classroom setting; and a Datacolor SpyderCAPTURE PRO. Sponsored by Sigma, Datacolor’s Great Alaskan Photo Expedition Sweepstakes will also award the winner a 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM telephoto lens to be used while on the safari and long after. Second and Third prizes will include a SpyderCAPTURE PRO and SpyderCHECKR PRO.
Guided by professional photographer David Cardinal, who will be returning to Cook Inlet for his 15th year, the winner, along with an intimate group of photographers, will spend a week shooting some of the best scenery Alaska has to offer including coastal brown bears, or “grizzlies,” tufted and horned puffins, brilliant sunrises, and breathtaking landscapes.
“Photographing some of America’s most spectacular animals in their native and unstressed environment is an experience like no other,” said Cardinal. “Datacolor is not only offering someone the chance to capture world class images, but the opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
For full contest details and official rules and guidelines, visit datacolor.com/safari-sweepstakes-pr
Just posted: Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens Review
Find out what I think of a lens with a focal length range untouched by a competitor.
B&H created a video demonstrating budget-friendly microphone systems for DSLR video production. Each system is demonstrated in the video so that you can buy the system that [literally] sounds best for your needs.
Microphones Featured
For a limited time, onOne is offering their Perfect Effects 8 software for free. (thanks Duc)
From Canon USA's YouTube Channel:
Tilt-shift lenses are most popular for architectural photography because it helps to correct the leaning effect we see in photos of tall objects like buildings and walls. Photographer and educator Matt Kloskowski gives some tips on architectural and landscape use of Canon tilt-shift lenses.
Relevant Reviews:
Other videos in the EF 101 video series:
B&H's Explora Explora has a great article titled "Vincent Laforet and the Psychological Impact of Camera Movement." It's a great read for anyone who's interested in using their DSLR to create compelling videos.
I've just started doing more video work with my DSLRs and found this article to be very insightful. [Sean]
Questions Answered by Laforet in the Article
From Canon USA:
Research commissioned by Canon U.S.A. uncovers the counterfeit confidence trap in America
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 1, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will unveil today the results of a 2013 Anti-Counterfeit Study it commissioned on U.S. consumers’ attitudes and perceptions of counterfeit consumer electronics in the U.S. The study reveals that while counterfeit consumer electronics are a significant concern to U.S. consumers, most seem to be unaware of the full impact and risks of their purchase and use. The study revealed that consumers trust their instincts, but seem to lack the understanding of the possible safety risks and the true long-term costs of counterfeit consumer electronics.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, $145 million worth of counterfeit consumer electronics entered the U.S. in 2013. The research commissioned by Canon reveals, however, that while three out of every four consumers surveyed were concerned about counterfeit consumer electronics, only about one in two believed they can accurately identify counterfeit consumer electronics.
“Most American consumers are unaware of the full risks associated with these potentially dangerous devices. Four in ten of the U.S. consumers surveyed don’t know counterfeit consumer electronics can harm them, and this lack of awareness leads to what Canon calls a ‘Confidence Trap’,” said Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor, Professional Engineering & Solutions Division, Canon U.S.A, Inc. “Based on the survey, consumers seem overconfident in their ability to spot a fake, and as a result, are at risk of possible harm.”
The study revealed:
Based on the survey results, 18 percent of U.S. consumer electronic purchasers surveyed say they have unknowingly purchased counterfeit consumer electronics this past year. Further, the study revealed, overconfident in their abilities, a significant proportion of consumers surveyed fell victim to counterfeit purchases, largely unaware that they could be putting themselves at risk of inferior product performance.
When it comes to purchase drivers, according to this, the majority of consumers surveyed overwhelmingly value product performance, quality, and safety when buying an electronic good. 82 percent of respondents cited product performance and 70 percent said product safety is important to them. It seems that purchasing counterfeits is therefore largely driven by a knowledge gap. For instance, close to half (45 percent) of consumers surveyed believe that a counterfeit product does the job just as well as the genuine product.
“One of the most significant revelations of this Anti-Counterfeit Study is our obligation to take action and educate consumers about the potential health and safety risks of counterfeit consumer electronics,” commented Westfall. “This research indicates that education can largely impact perceptions of counterfeit consumer electronics, and steer consumers away from making uninformed and misguided purchases. After learning about the facts, 71 percent of the U.S. consumers surveyed said that they were less likely to buy them.”
Canon is committed to bridging this education gap for the majority of American consumers who believe more can be done to combat the counterfeit consumer electronics market. Contrary to popular consumer belief, it is not exclusively the job of government, law enforcement or retailers to raise awareness. Prevention lies in the collaboration of all stakeholders and Canon is working to promote the continued education of consumers.
Today, Canon and the New York City College of Technology (City Tech) will host a panel discussion about the potential dangers of counterfeit consumer electronics. Event panelists include representatives from Canon U.S.A, City Tech College, Consumerist.com, U.S. Chamber of Commerece Global Intellectual Property Center and Underwriters Laboratories.
On April 23rd, Canon was also recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center at the 2nd Annual IP Champions Conference in Washington D.C. for its Anti-Counterfeit Consumer Awareness Campaign.
For more information visit: http://usa.canon.com/aboutcounterfeits
B&H has select Lexar Professional CompactFlash Memory Card 2-Packs on sale:
Lexar Memory Card Deals
Item | Orig Price | Sale Price |
Lexar Professional 16GB CompactFlash Memory Card 800x UDMA (2-Pack) | $69.95 | |
Lexar Professional 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card 800x UDMA (2-Pack) | $119.00 | |
Lexar Professional 64GB CompactFlash Memory Card 800x UDMA (2-Pack) | $195.72 |
For those that submitted their preorders early, good news!
B&H is now shipping the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Canon (review). From what I've been told, they haven't received a significant supply yet (low quantity shipment) but they are now shipping out what has hit their shelves.
B&H still lists the Sigm 50mm f/1.4 Art lens for Canon's status as being "Pre order. Released in limited qty."
B&H has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens available for preorder.
From Canon Professional Network:
Canon has produced a new version of its AF Setting Guidebook for the EOS-1D X DSLR designed for smartphones and tablets, which is now available for download on CPN.
As well as being designed specifically for smartphones and tablets this latest version of the Guidebook has been fully updated in line with the EOS-1D X firmware update Version 2.0.3 that enhanced the camera’s AF, exposure and customisable options.
The 1D X was the first camera to feature menus which described the AF functions in detail, including example uses for each function, thus making the complicated task of setting up the AF easier. The 138-page guidebook explains all of these menu settings and is packed with illustrations, menu screen images, photographs and AF point overlays, so it’s an invaluable guide for photographers who want to get the most out of the sophisticated and customisable autofocus system within the EOS-1D X. Now you can take it everywhere with you on your smartphone or tablet.
The in-depth guidebook offers detailed explanations of how to use the various high performance features of the camera’s 61-point AF system, including introductions to the features of the AF system of the EOS-1D X and AF setting operability.
The guidebook is also separated into dedicated ‘click-through’ chapters (and sub-chapters) for: AF Configuration Tool (Presets), AF Configuration Tool (Parameters), AF area selection modes, EOS-1D X 61-point high-density reticular AF cross-type points, Release property settings during Servo AI, Utilizing the AF point setting and registration and Using ISO Auto.
Download
EOS 1D X AF Setting Guidebook: Smartphone & Tablet version (PDF, 11.8 MB)