Sony News
Report News & Deals ►
Monday, October 16, 2017
 - $128.99 Shipped (Reg. $179.99)")
B&H has the ikan Piatto PL74 Accent Light (7 x 4") available for $128.99 with free expedited shipping. Regularly $179.99.
Product Highlights
Product Highlights
- Slim 1" Profile, Fits Almost Anywhere
- Edge Light Technology for Extra Softness
- 5,600K Daylight Balance, CRI: 92
- Sony, Panasonic, Canon Battery Plates
- Yoke with 5/8" Stand Mount
- Pre-Attached Gel Clips
- Readouts for Brightness, Battery Status
Post Date: 10/16/2017 1:55:24 PM CT Posted By: Sean
B&H has the Benro BV10 Twin Leg Aluminum Tripod available for $799.00 with free shipping. Regularly $899.00.
Note: Out of 9 total reviews for this tripod on B&H, 8 users rated it 5-stars and 1 user rated it 4-stars.
Product Highlights
Note: Out of 9 total reviews for this tripod on B&H, 8 users rated it 5-stars and 1 user rated it 4-stars.
Product Highlights
- 22 lb (10 kg) Load Capacity
- 100mm Head
- Flat Base By Removing Tiedown Stud
- 5-Step Counterbalance
- Independent 4-Step Pan and Tilt Drag
- Manfrotto 501/504PL Type Sliding Plate
- 2-Stage Twin Leg Aluminum Tripod
- 29 to 64.4" Height Range
- Mid-Level Spreader
- Spike Feet & Removable Rubber Foot Pads
Categories: Photography Deals, Benro Deals
Post Date: 10/16/2017 1:47:59 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Think Tank Photo has many discounted items available in its outlet center. See below for more information.
In Stock Outlet Center Gear
In Stock Outlet Center Gear
| Product | Orig. Price | Savings | Outlet Price | Discount |
| Artificial Intelligence 17 V3 | $64.75 | $25.75 | $39.00 | 40% |
| Citywalker 10 | $129.75 | $29.75 | $100.00 | 23% |
| Citywalker 30 | $164.75 | $44.75 | $120.00 | 27% |
| FPB Session Backpack | $149.75 | $30.00 | $119.75 | 20% |
| Helipak For Dji Inspire | $339.75 | $190.00 | $149.75 | 56% |
| Lily Deanne Lucido | $199.75 | $79.90 | $119.85 | 40% |
| Lily Deanne Mezzo | $249.75 | $99.90 | $149.85 | 40% |
| Lily Deanne Tutto | $299.75 | $119.90 | $179.85 | 40% |
| Low Rider Strap | $31.75 | $12.00 | $19.75 | 38% |
| My 2nd Brain 11 (Mist Green) | $84.75 | $49.75 | $35.00 | 59% |
| My 2nd Brain 13 (Harbor Blue) | $94.75 | $44.75 | $50.00 | 47% |
| My 2nd Brain 13 (Mist Green) | $94.75 | $44.75 | $50.00 | 47% |
| My 2nd Brain 15 (Harbor Blue) | $99.75 | $44.75 | $55.00 | 45% |
| My 2nd Brain 15 (Mist Green) | $99.75 | $44.75 | $55.00 | 45% |
| My 2nd Brain Briefcase 13 (Harbor Blue) | $129.75 | $54.75 | $75.00 | 42% |
| My 2nd Brain Briefcase 13 (Mist Green) | $129.75 | $54.75 | $75.00 | 42% |
| My 2nd Brain 11 (Blue Slate) | $84.75 | $49.75 | $35.00 | 59% |
| My 2nd Brain Tablet (Harbor Blue) | $74.75 | $44.75 | $30.00 | 60% |
| My 2nd Brain Tablet (Mist Green) | $74.75 | $44.75 | $30.00 | 60% |
| Retrospective 10 (Sandstone) | $165.75 | $33.15 | $132.60 | 20% |
| Retrospective 20 (Sandstone) | $174.75 | $34.95 | $139.80 | 20% |
| Retrospective 30 (Sandstone) | $194.75 | $38.95 | $155.80 | 20% |
| Retrospective 5 (Sandstone) | $144.75 | $28.95 | $115.80 | 20% |
| Retrospective 6 (Sandstone) | $154.75 | $30.95 | $123.80 | 20% |
| Retrospective 7 (Sandstone) | $162.75 | $32.55 | $130.20 | 20% |
| Retrospective Laptop Case 13L | $149.75 | $80.75 | $69.00 | 54% |
| Retrospective Laptop Case 15L | $159.75 | $84.75 | $75.00 | 53% |
| Retrospective Leather 30 | $259.75 | $103.90 | $155.85 | 40% |
| Retrospective Leather 5 | $199.75 | $79.90 | $119.85 | 40% |
| Retrospective Leather 7 | $229.75 | $79.90 | $149.85 | 35% |
| Retrospective Lens Changer 2 | $109.75 | $14.75 | $95.00 | 13% |
| Video Rig 18 | $479.75 | $110.75 | $369.00 | 23% |
| Video Rig 24 | $519.75 | $120.75 | $399.00 | 23% |
| Video Transport 18 | $399.75 | $91.75 | $308.00 | 23% |
| Video Transport 20 | $429.75 | $98.75 | $331.00 | 23% |
| Video Workhorse 19 | $229.75 | $50.75 | $179.00 | 22% |
| Video Workhorse 21 | $259.75 | $60.75 | $199.00 | 23% |
| Video Workhorse 25 | $289.75 | $50.75 | $239.00 | 18% |
Categories: Photography Deals, Think Tank Photo Deals
Post Date: 10/16/2017 1:13:38 PM CT Posted By: Sean
![Philips 231P4QUPEB 23" 16:9 IPS Monitor - $99.99 Shipped (Reg. $169.99)](https://media.the-digital-picture.com/Images/News/Static/Philips-231P4QUPEB-23in-169-IPS-Monitor.jpg "Philips 231P4QUPEB 23" 16:9 IPS Monitor - $99.99 Shipped (Reg. $169.99)")
Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Philips 231P4QUPEB 23" 16:9 IPS Monitor available for $99.99 with free shipping. Regularly $169.99.
Product Highlights
Product Highlights
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panel
- Built-In USB Hub
- VGA Input
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 Resolution
- Static 1,000:1 Contrast Ratio
- 250 cd/m² Brightness
- 178°/178° Viewing Angles
- 14 ms Response Time
- 16.7 Million Colors
- Notebook Docking Display
Post Date: 10/16/2017 12:32:38 PM CT Posted By: Sean
From DJI:
AeroScope Addresses Safety, Security And Privacy Concerns While Protecting Drone Pilots
12 October 2017 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today unveiled AeroScope, its new solution to identify and monitor airborne drones with existing technology that can address safety, security and privacy concerns.
AeroScope uses the existing communications link between a drone and its remote controller to broadcast identification information such as a registration or serial number, as well as basic telemetry, including location, altitude, speed and direction. Police, security agencies, aviation authorities and other authorized parties can use an AeroScope receiver to monitor, analyze and act on that information. AeroScope has been installed at two international airports since April, and is continuing to test and evaluate its performance in other operational environments.
“As drones have become an everyday tool for professional and personal use, authorities want to be sure they can identify who is flying near sensitive locations or in ways that raise serious concerns,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI AeroScope addresses that need for accountability with technology that is simple, reliable and affordable – and is available for deployment now.”
DJI demonstrated the system today in Brussels, Belgium, showing how an AeroScope receiver can immediately sense a drone as it powers on, then plot its location on a map while displaying a registration number. That number functions as the equivalent of a drone license plate, and authorities can use it to determine the registered owner of a drone that raises concerns. In March 2017, in response to growing calls by governments worldwide for remote identification solutions, DJI released a white paper describing the benefits of such an approach to electronic identification for drones.
AeroScope works with all current models of DJI drones, which analysts estimate comprise over two-thirds of the global civilian drone market. Since AeroScope transmits on a DJI drone’s existing communications link, it does not require new on-board equipment or modifications, or require extra steps or costs to be incurred by drone operators. Other drone manufacturers can easily configure their existing and future drones to transmit identification information in the same way.
Because AeroScope relies on drones directly broadcasting their information to local receivers, not on transmitting data to an internet-based service, it ensures most drone flights will not be automatically recorded in government databases, protecting the privacy interests of people and businesses that use drones. This approach also avoids substantial costs and complexities that would be involved in creating such databases and connecting drones to network systems.
This system is consistent with DJI’s problem-solving approach to drone regulation, which aims to strike a reasonable balance between authorities’ need to identify drones that raise concerns and drone pilots’ right to fly without pervasive surveillance. DJI has led the industry with safety and security advances such as geofencing and sense-and-avoid technology, and believes the rapid pace of innovation provides the best means to address new policy concerns.
Drone identification settings will be included in DJI’s initial drone software to allow customers to choose the content of their own drone’s identification broadcast to match local expectations both before and after identification regulations are implemented in different jurisdictions. To protect customers’ privacy, the AeroScope system will not automatically transmit any personally identifiable information until regulations or policies in the pilot's jurisdiction require it.
“The rapid adoption of drones has created new concerns about safety, security and privacy, but those must be balanced against the incredible benefits that drones have already brought to society,” said Schulman. “Electronic drone identification, thoughtfully implemented, can help solve policy challenges, head off restrictive regulations, and provide accountability without being expensive or intrusive for drone pilots. DJI is proud to develop solutions that can help distribute drone benefits widely while also helping authorities keep the skies safe.”
For more information about AeroScope, please contact aeroscope@dji.com.
AeroScope Addresses Safety, Security And Privacy Concerns While Protecting Drone Pilots
12 October 2017 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today unveiled AeroScope, its new solution to identify and monitor airborne drones with existing technology that can address safety, security and privacy concerns.
AeroScope uses the existing communications link between a drone and its remote controller to broadcast identification information such as a registration or serial number, as well as basic telemetry, including location, altitude, speed and direction. Police, security agencies, aviation authorities and other authorized parties can use an AeroScope receiver to monitor, analyze and act on that information. AeroScope has been installed at two international airports since April, and is continuing to test and evaluate its performance in other operational environments.
“As drones have become an everyday tool for professional and personal use, authorities want to be sure they can identify who is flying near sensitive locations or in ways that raise serious concerns,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI AeroScope addresses that need for accountability with technology that is simple, reliable and affordable – and is available for deployment now.”
DJI demonstrated the system today in Brussels, Belgium, showing how an AeroScope receiver can immediately sense a drone as it powers on, then plot its location on a map while displaying a registration number. That number functions as the equivalent of a drone license plate, and authorities can use it to determine the registered owner of a drone that raises concerns. In March 2017, in response to growing calls by governments worldwide for remote identification solutions, DJI released a white paper describing the benefits of such an approach to electronic identification for drones.
AeroScope works with all current models of DJI drones, which analysts estimate comprise over two-thirds of the global civilian drone market. Since AeroScope transmits on a DJI drone’s existing communications link, it does not require new on-board equipment or modifications, or require extra steps or costs to be incurred by drone operators. Other drone manufacturers can easily configure their existing and future drones to transmit identification information in the same way.
Because AeroScope relies on drones directly broadcasting their information to local receivers, not on transmitting data to an internet-based service, it ensures most drone flights will not be automatically recorded in government databases, protecting the privacy interests of people and businesses that use drones. This approach also avoids substantial costs and complexities that would be involved in creating such databases and connecting drones to network systems.
This system is consistent with DJI’s problem-solving approach to drone regulation, which aims to strike a reasonable balance between authorities’ need to identify drones that raise concerns and drone pilots’ right to fly without pervasive surveillance. DJI has led the industry with safety and security advances such as geofencing and sense-and-avoid technology, and believes the rapid pace of innovation provides the best means to address new policy concerns.
Drone identification settings will be included in DJI’s initial drone software to allow customers to choose the content of their own drone’s identification broadcast to match local expectations both before and after identification regulations are implemented in different jurisdictions. To protect customers’ privacy, the AeroScope system will not automatically transmit any personally identifiable information until regulations or policies in the pilot's jurisdiction require it.
“The rapid adoption of drones has created new concerns about safety, security and privacy, but those must be balanced against the incredible benefits that drones have already brought to society,” said Schulman. “Electronic drone identification, thoughtfully implemented, can help solve policy challenges, head off restrictive regulations, and provide accountability without being expensive or intrusive for drone pilots. DJI is proud to develop solutions that can help distribute drone benefits widely while also helping authorities keep the skies safe.”
For more information about AeroScope, please contact aeroscope@dji.com.
Category: DJI News
Post Date: 10/16/2017 12:30:15 PM CT Posted By: Sean
When the Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens showed up, I had a couple of subjects immediately in mind for it. The Cathedral Parish of St Patrick in Harrisburg, PA was one of them and on the next very-cloudy day, I made the trip to this beautiful place.
Why did I need a cloudy day to photograph the interior of a church? Any direct sunlight shining through the windows creates overly bright spots on the interior. While daylight was needed to light the inside of the church and bring life to the stained-glass windows, strongly-diffused sunlight creates a far more even light than direct sunlight.
Perhaps the biggest challenge to creating an image like is perfectly aligning the camera to the ceiling. With the centered framing, the camera must be positioned precisely below the subject in the exact center of the frame. Often aiding in finding this exact position are tiles and other structural elements that help indicate where the center of the floor is.
I had another aid in this case. The gold-colored subject dead center in the frame is a chandelier that hung far below the ceiling. When I saw the gold chandelier centered in the blue and gray area of the ceiling behind it, I knew that the camera was perfectly centered.
Centered, however, did not mean squared. The Really Right Stuff TVC-34 Carbon Fiber Tripod and BH-55 Ball Head were especially helpful for this part of the endeavor. I wanted as much of the ceiling in the frame as possible, so I fully retracted the tripod legs, which, with the precise construction of this model, meant that the tripod was level. Similarly-precisely-constructed is the BH-55 ball head and with the stem fully against the bottom of one of the drop notches, the camera was directed straight up.
With the camera centered and angled straight up, only final adjustments were needed. The camera still needed to be rotated within the notch (adjust the camera so that it is visually straight up to get started) and then I simply rotated the tripod on the ground, keeping the camera in its centered location, until the viewfinder showed that it was squared with the ceiling. Yes, panning adjustments could have been made using the head's panning feature, but rotating the camera around the head moves the camera slightly from its centered position, meaning that the tripod would need slight repositioning anyway. So, I simply adjusted the tripod position to begin with. Using a Canon Angle Finder C made finalizing the absolute straight-up framing much easier (as would a vari-angle LCD).
Focusing with this manual-focus-only lens was simple. I turned the focus ring to the slight detent/bump at the infinity focus mark and everything in the frame was in focus. The 11mm depth of field is huge at normal subject focus distances and this haptic-feedback setting works for a large number of uses, including with wider apertures than the one used here.
This is an HDR image, processed with Photomatix.
I left the cathedral quite impressed with the Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens. The angle of view it provides is amazing and my first impression is that image quality is very good, especially for the very low price of this lens.
A full review of this lens is planned for the near future. A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
Why did I need a cloudy day to photograph the interior of a church? Any direct sunlight shining through the windows creates overly bright spots on the interior. While daylight was needed to light the inside of the church and bring life to the stained-glass windows, strongly-diffused sunlight creates a far more even light than direct sunlight.
Perhaps the biggest challenge to creating an image like is perfectly aligning the camera to the ceiling. With the centered framing, the camera must be positioned precisely below the subject in the exact center of the frame. Often aiding in finding this exact position are tiles and other structural elements that help indicate where the center of the floor is.
I had another aid in this case. The gold-colored subject dead center in the frame is a chandelier that hung far below the ceiling. When I saw the gold chandelier centered in the blue and gray area of the ceiling behind it, I knew that the camera was perfectly centered.
Centered, however, did not mean squared. The Really Right Stuff TVC-34 Carbon Fiber Tripod and BH-55 Ball Head were especially helpful for this part of the endeavor. I wanted as much of the ceiling in the frame as possible, so I fully retracted the tripod legs, which, with the precise construction of this model, meant that the tripod was level. Similarly-precisely-constructed is the BH-55 ball head and with the stem fully against the bottom of one of the drop notches, the camera was directed straight up.
With the camera centered and angled straight up, only final adjustments were needed. The camera still needed to be rotated within the notch (adjust the camera so that it is visually straight up to get started) and then I simply rotated the tripod on the ground, keeping the camera in its centered location, until the viewfinder showed that it was squared with the ceiling. Yes, panning adjustments could have been made using the head's panning feature, but rotating the camera around the head moves the camera slightly from its centered position, meaning that the tripod would need slight repositioning anyway. So, I simply adjusted the tripod position to begin with. Using a Canon Angle Finder C made finalizing the absolute straight-up framing much easier (as would a vari-angle LCD).
Focusing with this manual-focus-only lens was simple. I turned the focus ring to the slight detent/bump at the infinity focus mark and everything in the frame was in focus. The 11mm depth of field is huge at normal subject focus distances and this haptic-feedback setting works for a large number of uses, including with wider apertures than the one used here.
This is an HDR image, processed with Photomatix.
I left the cathedral quite impressed with the Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens. The angle of view it provides is amazing and my first impression is that image quality is very good, especially for the very low price of this lens.
A full review of this lens is planned for the near future. A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
Gear Used
Camera and Lens Settings
11mm f/8.0 3.2s
ISO 100
8660 x 5772px
ISO 100
8660 x 5772px
Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 10/16/2017 8:17:57 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the CyberPower SE425G Uninterrupted Power Supply available for $27.49 with free shipping. Regularly $49.99.
Product Highlights
Product Highlights
- 4 x Battery and Surge Protected Outlets
- 120 V AC Nominal Input Voltage
- 50/60 Hz ± 3 Hz
- Simulated Sine Wave Form
- 8 Hours Typical Recharge Time
- Integrated Power Switch
- Power On Indicator
- Electrical Wiring Fault Indicator
Categories: Photography Deals, CyberPower Deals
Post Date: 10/16/2017 6:40:51 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the E-Image 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod with GH03 Head available for $159.95 with free shipping. Regularly $249.00.
Product Highlights
Product Highlights
- Supports Up to 11 Pounds
- 75mm Ball/Bowl
- GA752 2-Stage Legs with Mono-Lock Design
- 26–61" Tripod Legs Height Range
- Easy Lock Baseplate
- Fixed Counterbalance
- Variable Fluid Pan & Tilt Drag
- 1/4"-20 Threaded Accessory Socket
- Padded Bag with Shoulder Strap
Post Date: 10/16/2017 5:36:12 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Saturday, October 14, 2017
by Sean Setters
As an affiliate of 5DayDeal, we were given access to The Complete Photography Bundle 2017 a few days in advance so we could have first-hand experience with the resources available in the bundle. As such, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on my overall experiences with the bundle (for clarification, we were given access to Main Bundle, Charity Match Bonus and Add-On Bonus material).
First of all, there are a lot of files to download. How many, you ask? The amount of data available for download tips the scales at nearly 50GB. My suggestion is to download the Tools and Presets file first followed by any other files which contain Photoshop actions or Lightroom presets (be sure to check the Charity Match Bonus and Pro Bundle Add-On downloads if you choose those options at checkout).
Once the initial downloads are finished, start downloading the walkthroughs, tutorials and seminars which pique your interest the most. With the second round of downloads started, install the tools and presets (this will likely take a little while as well).
In the few days I've had with the bundle, I've watched numerous instructional videos yet I know I've only scratched the surface. There's so much information that it's a bit overwhelming, but most of the tutorials are broken up into smaller segments making it easier to view here and there over an extended period of time.
While I don't use Lightroom presets or Photoshop actions very often, I have found several of the included tools to be intriguing. There are literally hundreds of analog film presets for lighroom included, and it was genuinely fun to see how the same image appeared with several different presets applied (not all at once, of course). Some of the Photoshop actions proved really interesting, too, and extremely simple to use. The following is an example of a before/after image using two actions from the Endless Winter + Force of Nature (Jessica Drossin) tools:
And below is a before/after image using one of the Artistry2 actions by Dave Seeram:
While these may seem a bit gimmicky, clients tend to really enjoy things like this. So it's definitely worth having a few quick and easy Photoshop actions at hand when clients want "something special" with their images.
Overall, I've been very impressed by the sheer amount of value packed into this bundle, especially at its almost-too-good-to-be-true price point.
Note: I had originally posted that Topaz Impression was provided as part of the main bundle, but unfortunately it is not. When I entered the serial number that was sent to redeem the new Topaz products (Reduce Noise Adjustment, Sharpen Adjustment & Color Theme Adjustment tools), "Impression" was included in the list of tools available available for download. This occurred was because I was still logged into Topaz's website under my previously-generated account, and the site had merged the new products available with my previously-owned product. I apologize for the misunderstanding! [Sean]
The Complete Photography Bundle 2017:
As an affiliate of 5DayDeal, we were given access to The Complete Photography Bundle 2017 a few days in advance so we could have first-hand experience with the resources available in the bundle. As such, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on my overall experiences with the bundle (for clarification, we were given access to Main Bundle, Charity Match Bonus and Add-On Bonus material).
First of all, there are a lot of files to download. How many, you ask? The amount of data available for download tips the scales at nearly 50GB. My suggestion is to download the Tools and Presets file first followed by any other files which contain Photoshop actions or Lightroom presets (be sure to check the Charity Match Bonus and Pro Bundle Add-On downloads if you choose those options at checkout).
Once the initial downloads are finished, start downloading the walkthroughs, tutorials and seminars which pique your interest the most. With the second round of downloads started, install the tools and presets (this will likely take a little while as well).
In the few days I've had with the bundle, I've watched numerous instructional videos yet I know I've only scratched the surface. There's so much information that it's a bit overwhelming, but most of the tutorials are broken up into smaller segments making it easier to view here and there over an extended period of time.
While I don't use Lightroom presets or Photoshop actions very often, I have found several of the included tools to be intriguing. There are literally hundreds of analog film presets for lighroom included, and it was genuinely fun to see how the same image appeared with several different presets applied (not all at once, of course). Some of the Photoshop actions proved really interesting, too, and extremely simple to use. The following is an example of a before/after image using two actions from the Endless Winter + Force of Nature (Jessica Drossin) tools:
And below is a before/after image using one of the Artistry2 actions by Dave Seeram:
While these may seem a bit gimmicky, clients tend to really enjoy things like this. So it's definitely worth having a few quick and easy Photoshop actions at hand when clients want "something special" with their images.
Overall, I've been very impressed by the sheer amount of value packed into this bundle, especially at its almost-too-good-to-be-true price point.
Note: I had originally posted that Topaz Impression was provided as part of the main bundle, but unfortunately it is not. When I entered the serial number that was sent to redeem the new Topaz products (Reduce Noise Adjustment, Sharpen Adjustment & Color Theme Adjustment tools), "Impression" was included in the list of tools available available for download. This occurred was because I was still logged into Topaz's website under my previously-generated account, and the site had merged the new products available with my previously-owned product. I apologize for the misunderstanding! [Sean]
The Complete Photography Bundle 2017:
Categories: Photography Deals, 5DayDeals
Post Date: 10/14/2017 10:08:53 AM CT Posted By: Sean
A beautiful specimen of one of my favorite animals sings one of my favorite songs under my favorite lighting conditions in Rocky Mountain National Park.
I was recently privileged to spend a week chasing Rocky Mountain elk around Colorado with a big lens. For this trip, I based in a small rental cottage just west of Estes Park, CO. Each morning before daylight, I drove the short distance Moraine Park on the east side of RMNP. Upon arrival at the park's huge meadow, I pulled over, turned off the SUV and listened for the awesome sound of elk bugling.
With the large number of these animals located in and around the huge Moraine Park meadow, locating a bull was not often a problem. However, it didn't take long to figure out that multiple bulls bugling in close proximity made for the best action during this peak rutting period.
Upon locating a number of bulls (and when the 7:00 AM park service meadow curfew lifted), I began to approach the targeted animals from the direction the sun was going to rise. While the majority of the other photographers simply photographed from along the road, I found that hiking into the meadow, often 1/2 mile or more, produced a higher number of images I liked. Reasons for the better images including the ability to approach at a better light angle, better alignment of the background and the option to get a better height with an eye-level camera position generally being preferred.
While I came away from this trip with thousands of keeper-grade elk images, it has been difficult to select down to just a few standouts to share with you. Here is why this one stands out to me:
First, the sun had just crested the mountain behind me, meaning that this was the warmest-colored light the meadow would see. That light was from directly behind me, meant that shadows were minimized and the low sun angle easily created a strong catchlight in the elk's eye, adding some life to the subject. With clouds shading the background, the sun-lit subject becomes even more eye-catching.
That I can almost hear the body position is yet another reason. With the large, symmetrical antlers laid back and the mouth wide open, this elk is obviously bugling. The side-on body position with the head turned just slightly toward the camera usually works ideally. Some frost and golden grasses surrounding the elk with some fall colors in the strongly-blurred background round out the reasons this image became one of my favorites.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
I was recently privileged to spend a week chasing Rocky Mountain elk around Colorado with a big lens. For this trip, I based in a small rental cottage just west of Estes Park, CO. Each morning before daylight, I drove the short distance Moraine Park on the east side of RMNP. Upon arrival at the park's huge meadow, I pulled over, turned off the SUV and listened for the awesome sound of elk bugling.
With the large number of these animals located in and around the huge Moraine Park meadow, locating a bull was not often a problem. However, it didn't take long to figure out that multiple bulls bugling in close proximity made for the best action during this peak rutting period.
Upon locating a number of bulls (and when the 7:00 AM park service meadow curfew lifted), I began to approach the targeted animals from the direction the sun was going to rise. While the majority of the other photographers simply photographed from along the road, I found that hiking into the meadow, often 1/2 mile or more, produced a higher number of images I liked. Reasons for the better images including the ability to approach at a better light angle, better alignment of the background and the option to get a better height with an eye-level camera position generally being preferred.
While I came away from this trip with thousands of keeper-grade elk images, it has been difficult to select down to just a few standouts to share with you. Here is why this one stands out to me:
First, the sun had just crested the mountain behind me, meaning that this was the warmest-colored light the meadow would see. That light was from directly behind me, meant that shadows were minimized and the low sun angle easily created a strong catchlight in the elk's eye, adding some life to the subject. With clouds shading the background, the sun-lit subject becomes even more eye-catching.
That I can almost hear the body position is yet another reason. With the large, symmetrical antlers laid back and the mouth wide open, this elk is obviously bugling. The side-on body position with the head turned just slightly toward the camera usually works ideally. Some frost and golden grasses surrounding the elk with some fall colors in the strongly-blurred background round out the reasons this image became one of my favorites.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
Gear Used
Camera and Lens Settings
600mm f/4.0 1/1000s
ISO 100
8148 x 5432px
ISO 100
8148 x 5432px
Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 10/14/2017 8:16:00 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Friday, October 13, 2017
5DayDeal.com is back again with its Complete Photography Bundle 2017. This represents one of the best value packages in the industry and one you should definitely consider taking advantage of.
Here's what you get for the very low price of $117.00:
And with here's what you get with the Charity Match Bonus, only $24.97 more:
Want even more? Add the Pro Bundle Add-On for an additional $12.47:
With all the bundles purchased, you'd receive over $4,000.00 worth of material for only $154.44!
Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Like the site's name suggests, this deal won't be around very long. Get it now before it's too late!
Here's what you get for the very low price of $117.00:
| Main Bundle Product & Contributor | Value |
| Artistry 2 Actions for Photoshop - Dave Seeram | $125.00 |
| Creative Photo Editing - The technique that gives you full creative control - Klaus Herrmann | $99.00 |
| The Magic Behind Advertising Photography - Alex Koloskov | $145.00 |
| Feminine Portraiture Posing Guide + Resources - Amanda Diaz | $135.00 |
| Forces of Nature Pack and Endless Winter Pack - Jessica Drossin | $99.00 |
| Lightroom Import to Export Workflow + Shortcuts Bundle - Cole Joseph | $99.00 |
| After The Camera: Vision-Driven Editing + Post-Production Video Course - David duChemin | $100.00 |
| Location Shooting Tutorials Package - Joel Grimes | $128.00 |
| Trey Ratcliff’s Complete HDR Tutorial 3.0 - Trey Ratcliff | $99.00 |
| Adjustment Pro Pack, Special Edition Topaz Labs (Sponsor) | $80.00 |
| Relationship Posing Guide - Sarah Petty | $139.00 |
| The Art of Landscape Photography Video Course - Edin Chavez | $125.00 |
| Creative Photographer eBook + LR Preset Bundle - Andrew S. Gibson | $97.00 |
| Long Exposure, Macro, and Dodge and Burn - Blake Rudis | $116.00 |
| LIT for Wedding Photographers - Mark Condon | $48.00 |
| Photographing the Average Joe (Video Tutorials, need more info) - Jeff Rojas | $149.99 |
| Landscape Photography Recipe Cards - Brent Mail | $79.00 |
| Model Flow Pose - Brent Mail | $47.00 |
| Dodging and Burning in Photoshop eCourse - Christopher O’Donnell | $119.00 |
| Art of Photography in the Field - Jimmy McIntyre | $69.99 |
| Photoshop for Photographers CC 2017 - Serge Ramelli | $147.00 |
| Photoshop Workflow - Kelvin Pimont | $97.00 |
| dPS Bundle - Darren Rowse, dPS | $48.00 |
| Sell Frames! Best Selling Galleries - Design Aglow | $99.00 |
| Black and White Develop Presets - Piet Van den Eynde | $20.00 |
| Rocket Rooster Analog film Bundle - Kevin Davies | $100.00 |
| Lightroom Preset Bundle – Basic Adjustments & Video - Darlene Hildebrandt | $29.00 |
| The Street Photographers Lightroom Presets - Richard Schneider | $79.00 |
| Landscape Photography with Steven Hanna - Donal Doherty | $69.00 |
| Total | $2,786.98 |
And with here's what you get with the Charity Match Bonus, only $24.97 more:
| Charity Match Bonus Product & Contributor | Value |
| Lightroom CC & Post Processing Bundle - James Brandon | $110.00 |
| Exposure Blending in Photoshop - Christopher O’Donnell | $39.00 |
| How to Shoot Professional-Looking Headshots and Portraits on a Budget with Small Flashes - Phil Steele | $69.00 |
| PhoGro’s Lightroom Presets - John Davenport | $40.00 |
| 4 Weeks to Better Photography - Course for Beginners - Darlene Hildebrandt | $49.00 |
| Photography101 - Fstoppers | $99.00 |
| See The World: Northern Kenya - David duChemin | $10.00 |
| This Week in Photo - Exclusive Bundle - Fredrick Van Johson | $339.00 |
| Facebook Ads Crash Course + 6-Months Online Access to StickyFolios - Nate Grahek | $157.00 |
| Total | $912.00 |
Want even more? Add the Pro Bundle Add-On for an additional $12.47:
| Add-On Bonus Product & Contributor | Value |
| Shift Art Tutorial Bundle Andrei Tallent | $49.00 |
| The Complete Photoshop Actions Bundle Jon Phillips | $130.00 |
| Lightroom Rapid Editing for HDR Photography (201 presets, 80-page eBook, RAW photos) Viktor Elizarov | $49.00 |
| Creative Composition Richard Bernabe | $9.95 |
| Camera to Completion: Lightroom Workflow Course + 100 presets Scott Wyden Kivowitz | $127.00 |
| Photographer Social Media and Blogging Workflow Bundle Brooke Parra | $99.00 |
| Total | $463.95 |
With all the bundles purchased, you'd receive over $4,000.00 worth of material for only $154.44!
Don't miss out on this incredible offer! Like the site's name suggests, this deal won't be around very long. Get it now before it's too late!
Categories: Photography Deals, 5DayDeals
Post Date: 10/13/2017 2:21:17 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Thursday, October 12, 2017
by Sean Setters
One great thing about the digital revolution is that it made high quality photography accessible to a large number of people. A bad thing about the digital revolution is... well, the same.
With so many people pursing photography as a career or a side job, it can be extremely difficult to get a foot-hold even in your own local market. It's certainly understandable why other local photographers could be perceived simply as competition, and therefore, interactions with those photographers avoided.
However, the photographers living around you can be great assets. Let me explain.
A couple of years ago I moved from middle Tennessee to Savannah, Georgia. I lost all of the regular clients that I had built up over a lifetime of living in a relatively small town. Not long after moving here, however, I met a local Savannah photographer who invited me to join a closed Facebook group comprised of photographers in the area.
At first, I didn't really see much of a point in joining, but I soon did. I eventually learned of multiple local Facebook groups devoted to photography, each organized for slightly different goals (I'm now a member of 3 of them). Benefits of joining the local photographers' Facebook groups included:
Those living in moderately populated areas are more likely to have already-established photography groups on social media, although, like Savannah's, they may be closed. Therefore, you may need to attend popular events in your area to find other photographers who are already a member of such groups (it's pretty easy to strike up a conversation about photography). And if you find that there isn't a Facebook group for photographers in your area, start one. It may take time for your community to grow, but the benefits will most likely be worth the effort.
Of course, Facebook isn't the only way to socialize with other photographers. Even many small towns have photography clubs that meet on a monthly basis, and joining a photography club can have many of the same benefits of Facebook groups (though with less immediate, widespread communication). Regardless of you method of touching base with other photographers in your area, doing so can be very beneficial from a social – and economic – perspective.
One great thing about the digital revolution is that it made high quality photography accessible to a large number of people. A bad thing about the digital revolution is... well, the same.
With so many people pursing photography as a career or a side job, it can be extremely difficult to get a foot-hold even in your own local market. It's certainly understandable why other local photographers could be perceived simply as competition, and therefore, interactions with those photographers avoided.
However, the photographers living around you can be great assets. Let me explain.
A couple of years ago I moved from middle Tennessee to Savannah, Georgia. I lost all of the regular clients that I had built up over a lifetime of living in a relatively small town. Not long after moving here, however, I met a local Savannah photographer who invited me to join a closed Facebook group comprised of photographers in the area.
At first, I didn't really see much of a point in joining, but I soon did. I eventually learned of multiple local Facebook groups devoted to photography, each organized for slightly different goals (I'm now a member of 3 of them). Benefits of joining the local photographers' Facebook groups included:
- Photographers frequently have "destashes," selling off props from their studios. Want inexpensive newborn outfits for photo shoots? Done.
- Photographers oftentimes share suggestions on places to shoot and may even offer to lend equipment if you're in a pinch.
- Photographers will regularly advertise second shooting or filmmaking opportunities for weddings they've agreed to cover.
- And last but not least, photographers will routinely refer clients to other photographers in the area when they can't service an interested client's needs.
Those living in moderately populated areas are more likely to have already-established photography groups on social media, although, like Savannah's, they may be closed. Therefore, you may need to attend popular events in your area to find other photographers who are already a member of such groups (it's pretty easy to strike up a conversation about photography). And if you find that there isn't a Facebook group for photographers in your area, start one. It may take time for your community to grow, but the benefits will most likely be worth the effort.
Of course, Facebook isn't the only way to socialize with other photographers. Even many small towns have photography clubs that meet on a monthly basis, and joining a photography club can have many of the same benefits of Facebook groups (though with less immediate, widespread communication). Regardless of you method of touching base with other photographers in your area, doing so can be very beneficial from a social – and economic – perspective.
Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 10/12/2017 10:51:54 AM CT Posted By: Sean
For those Instagram users who utilize DSLRs and typically edit images on a desktop/laptop computer, publishing post processed images to instagram has always been... a pain. Because Instagram was designed for mobile devices, those who prefer to use dedicated photo equipment had to jump through hoops to get their imagery on the popular photo sharing social platform.
Finally, there's a really simple way for us to post to Instagram – Windowed.
The open source application, available for Windows and Macintosh, is a stripped-down browser for desktop operating systems which emulates a mobile browser. As such, Instagram is more than happy to accept uploads from Windowed.
From the Windowed website:
Download Windowed
Finally, there's a really simple way for us to post to Instagram – Windowed.
The open source application, available for Windows and Macintosh, is a stripped-down browser for desktop operating systems which emulates a mobile browser. As such, Instagram is more than happy to accept uploads from Windowed.
From the Windowed website:
How does it work?I installed the software yesterday and quickly realized it was the best method for uploading to Instagram that I've come across; it's simple and efficient. The newest photo on my Instagram feed (seen above) was posted using Windowed. You can learn more about the program here. Be sure to send the developer a few dollars (through the Donate button) if you find the software helpful. [Sean]
Simple! Instagram already provides the functionality to upload photos through a web browser, but sadly this feature is locked to mobile web browsers only. Windowed overcomes this issue by pretending to be a mobile browser, allowing you to visit the Instgram mobile website directly from your Mac or Windows PC.
*All of your interactions including login are done directly with Instagram, Windowed is simply a tool that lets you access the Instagram mobile website. We don't have access to your account so you don't have to worry about giving a 3rd party your account information.
*We are not associated with Instagram and do not claim to be. Windowed is a web browser.
Download Windowed
Post Date: 10/12/2017 7:08:14 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Superior Image Quality, Interchangeable Lenses, and a New Color System Deliver Complete Creative Freedom
October 11, 2017 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today introduced the Zenmuse X7, the world’s first Super 35 digital film camera optimized for professional aerial cinematography. Designed to work seamlessly with the DJI Inspire 2 drone, the Zenmuse X7 delivers superior image quality, interchangeable lenses, and a new DJI Cinema Color System for post-production to give film and video professionals more creative freedom.
“The Zenmuse X7 offers everything professional content creators need to make their aerial footage as stunning and vivid as they demand,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “From the large Super 35 sensor to a new mount, lenses, and color system, the Zenmuse X7 gives cinematographers and professional photographers an unmatched set of tools that work seamlessly with the DJI Inspire 2 drone to capture high-quality footage that is easily integrated into projects shot with industry-leading handheld cameras.”
Greater Expressive Freedom
The Zenmuse X7 is equipped with a Super 35 video sensor featuring 14 stops of dynamic range for more detail in low-light conditions. Its low-noise image capture enhances grading flexibility by preserving details in both highlight and dark areas while enabling a shallow cinematic depth of field.
To meet the rigorous requirements of filmmakers and television production professionals, the Zenmuse X7 captures the highest image resolutions ever for an integrated drone camera. It is capable of shooting 6K CinemaDNG RAW or 5.2K Apple ProRes at up to 30 FPS, as well as 3.9K CinemaDNG RAW or 2.7K ProRes at up to 59.94 FPS to integrate seamlessly into industry-standard post-production workflows.
Enhanced Imaging Potential
The Zenmuse X7 uses a dedicated aerial mount system, the DJI DL-Mount, featuring an ultra-short flange focal distance to carry prime lenses optimally. Available with focal lengths of 16 mm, 24 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm, each lens has a maximum aperture of F/2.8 and is crafted out of carbon fiber, making them durable and lightweight for high-performance aerial cinematography with the DJI Inspire 2 drone.
To allow for advanced setting adjustment and fine-tuning, the 16mm lens is equipped with a built-in ND 4 filter, and the 24 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm lenses feature a mechanical shutter.
Higher Flexibility in Post-Production
DJI has also introduced a new DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) making the Zenmuse X7 an asset on every film set for movies, TV series, commercials, documentaries, and more.
“For the Zenmuse X7, we took our color science to the next level,” continued Pan. “We consulted the world leading authorities in color science, Technicolor. With their guidance, our engineers developed an optimized curve for the X7 allowing more latitude without sacrificing image quality.”
DCCS features a new D-Log Curve and D-Gamut RGB color space to give more flexibility and color options during the post-production process. The D-Log further extends the dynamic range, while the D-Gamut RGB color space preserves more color information to support the most demanding filmmaking scenarios, providing accurate color for quick and easy post-processing.
The new EI Mode mimics the way a film camera works to help cinematographers capture as much information as possible in every scene while balancing the dynamic range and noise with different log curves for more flexibility during the post-production process.
The Zenmuse X7 gimbal system weighs just 631 grams with the 16 mm lens. The DJI Inspire 2 has a flight time of up to 23 minutes with the Zenmuse X7.
Price and Availability
The Zenmuse X7 camera is priced at $2,699 USD. The 16 mm, 24 mm and 35 mm lenses will be available for $1,299 each, and the 50 mm for $1,199. Customers can purchase the Zenmuse X7 prime lens combo including all 4 lenses for $4,299. The Zenmuse X7 will start shipping in early November 2017 from DJI Authorized Dealers worldwide.
B&H will carry the DJI Zenmuse X7.
Categories: DJI News, DJI Announcements
Permalink: DJI Announces Zenmuse X7
Post Date: 10/12/2017 6:36:01 AM CT Posted By: Sean
From the LensRentals Blog:
I posted an article about circular polarizing filters recently, letting you see some data I obtained for Lensrentals when they were reviewing which of the polarizing filters were among the best. I concluded that they all polarized light really well. I also said that none of the CPs I tested seemed to cause optical problems at 200mm and under, that some transmitted more light than others, and that you could tell that just by looking at them.
Which brings me to Roger’s First Rule of This Blog.
A whole lot of other people asked me to test something out of the price range I was examining; mainly they wanted to see how inexpensive filters did. That was reasonable, so I bought a couple of inexpensive CP filters and repeated the tests on them. You will need to look at the last article on the $100-$200 range filters to get some perspective before looking at this.
See the entire blog post on the LensRentals Blog.
If you're looking to rent gear in the near future, LensRentals is an excellent choice. To support this site, navigate to the appropriate product review and click the
button.
I posted an article about circular polarizing filters recently, letting you see some data I obtained for Lensrentals when they were reviewing which of the polarizing filters were among the best. I concluded that they all polarized light really well. I also said that none of the CPs I tested seemed to cause optical problems at 200mm and under, that some transmitted more light than others, and that you could tell that just by looking at them.
Which brings me to Roger’s First Rule of This Blog.
Rule #1: I am not responsible for what someone else says I said. If I say something wrong, I’ll correct it. If they say I said something I didn’t say to drive some click-bait, THEY said it. Not me.A bunch of people wanted hardness tests, scratch resistance tests, light scattering tests, torque tests, and a 5-year failure rate. I want a pony to ride on my yacht. Sadly, none of the above is happening.
A whole lot of other people asked me to test something out of the price range I was examining; mainly they wanted to see how inexpensive filters did. That was reasonable, so I bought a couple of inexpensive CP filters and repeated the tests on them. You will need to look at the last article on the $100-$200 range filters to get some perspective before looking at this.
See the entire blog post on the LensRentals Blog.
If you're looking to rent gear in the near future, LensRentals is an excellent choice. To support this site, navigate to the appropriate product review and click the
button.
Categories: LensRentals News, LensRentals Blog
Post Date: 10/12/2017 6:24:39 AM CT Posted By: Sean
1
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25
Next >
Canon News, Nikon News Archives
Bryan Recommends
|
|
News By Category
Camera Gear Review News
Photo Tips and Stories
Archives
Canon News
Canon Announcements
Canon Firmware Updates
Canon Service Notices
Canon Owners Manuals
Canon Digital Photo Professional
Nikon News
Nikon Announcements
Nikon Firmware Updates
Nikon Owners Manuals
Company News
Adobe
DxO
Gitzo
Lastolite
Lexar
Manfrotto
Metz
Lowepro
Samyang
SanDisk
Sigma
Tamron
Think Tank Photo
Tokina
X-Rite
Zeiss
Deals & Shopping News
Photography Deals
(No Deals)
Canon Deals
Nikon Deals
Sony Deals
Sigma Deals
Tamron Deals
Tokina Deals
Adobe Deals
Memory Card Deals
In Stock Notices
Canon Preorders
Nikon Preorders
Canon Refurbished
Nikon Refurbished
Canon Rebates
Nikon Rebates
Tamron Rebates
Sigma Rebates