The video for the Gulf Photo Plus 2014 Shootout was finally posted yesterday. In it, relative newcomer
Sara Lando squares off against veteran
Zack Arias. Special guest host is none other than
the Strobist himself - David Hobby.
Watch how each contestant tackles, or in Zack's case – completely ignores (with good reason) – the competition's theme, H2O.
If you're unfamiliar with Gulf Photo Plus, here's a quick rundown:
"[Gulf Photo Plus 2014] is the region's biggest & only photography festival bringing the world's best photographers and instructors to Dubai to share their knowledge and experience with the Middle East and Africa's professional and amateur photography community. The dates for the 2014 event are 7th-14th March." - GulfPhotoPlus.com
If you have a Google+ account, please consider adding me to your circles:
Bryan Carnathan.
I have been uploading some of my favorite images in moderately-high resolution and will reply to any questions you have about those images or other topics.
Thanks!
You can also get this site's news feed in your Google+ account. Simply add
The-Digital-Picture to your circles.
From Lowepro:
PETALUMA, Calif., March 25, 2014 — Lowepro, the product design company that builds protective, high-quality gear for photography, video and portable electronic devices, launches its Passport Series of soft-sided and modern camera bags: Passport Backpack, Passport Messenger and Passport Sling III.
“The Passport Series offers consumers a discreet and flexible way to carry their photo gear, along with a laptop or tablet and personal items,” said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro brand director. “The backpack, messenger and sling each include an impact-resistant and removable camera insert, so you can blend in with the crowd and feel confident your gear is protected.”
Impact-resistant Camera InsertProtection and flexibility combine in the build of the impact-resistant camera insert. Padded and adjustable dividers allow you to fit anything from a CSC to a compact DSLR, plus an extra accessory, and keep your kit secure from bumps and abrasion. Lift out the insert and your bag becomes a fully functioning backpack, messenger or sling for the day.
CradleFit for Laptop/TabletThe Passport Series features a new kind of protective space for carrying a laptop or tablet: a CradleFit pocket. It features classic Lowepro padding with floating-foam construction to suspend and protect a device within each Passport Series bag.
Three, Everyday StylesSoft-sided and modern, the Passport Series takes inspiration from Lowepro’s original and everyday camera sling design. The series expands to include the next-generation sling, backpack and messenger – each suited to day trips or longer travel with a full set of convenient features and low-key, non-camera-bag style. Whichever styles consumers choose, they can use their Passport Series bag to keep a compact camera, go-to tablet and plenty of essentials protected and within easy reach.
Thoughtful DetailsConvenient touches add to the everyday appeal of the Passport Series. Each bag includes an interior mesh zippered pocket and a built-in key clip to secure small items and quickly retrieve them.
The
Passport Backpack features a zippered front organizer pocket, two tall side pockets for water bottles, plus a padded mesh backpad with contoured shoulder straps for a comfortable fit.
The
Passport Messenger includes a front organizer pocket under the flap, a quick-grab handle for an extra carrying option, and an adjustable shoulder strap with a removable shoulder pad for customized comfort while wearing.
And the
Passport Sling III includes an expandable compartment that allows the user to unzip and increase interior storage space by 30% – ideal for farmers market finds and souveniers. The sling also features an adjustable shoulder strap with removable shoulder pad.
- Passport Backpack fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, 13? laptop or tablet, smartphone and personal items.
- Passport Messenger fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, 13? laptop or tablet, smartphone and personal items.
- Passport Sling III fits: CSC or compact DSLR (such as Nikon D3200 with 18-55mm lens), extra lens or flash, tablet, smartphone and personal items.
Specs and U.S. MSRP for Passport Series camera bags:
- Passport Backpack is available in Black Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 10.2 x 4.9 x 6.9 in. / 26 x 12.5 x 17.5 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 11 x 7.3 x 15.6 in. / 28 x 18.5 x 39.5 cm Weight: 1.4 lbs. / 0.6 kg U.S. MSRP: $64.99
- Passport Messenger is available in Black and Grey/Orange Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 14.8 x 5.9 x 10.6 in. / 37.5 x 15 x 27 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 15.2 x 6.5 x 11.3 in. / 38.5 x 16.5 x 28.8 cm Weight: 1.1 lbs. / 0.5 kg U.S. MSRP: $69.99
- Passport Sling III is available in Black and Grey/Orange Interior Primary Camera Compartment (WxDxH): 4.1 x 7.5 x 7.5 in. / 10.5 x 19 x 19 cm Exterior (WxDxH) 5.7 x 17.3 x 16.1 in. / 14.5 x 44 x 41 cm Weight: 1.1 lbs. / 0.5 kg U.S. MSRP: $59.99
B&H carries the Lowepro Passport Series.
From Canon USA:
Highlights Include Shooting Galleries, Live Speaker Sessions, Extensive Lens Exhibits, Full On-Site DI Suite, Live 4K Broadcast Demonstrations, and the Canon Theater MELVILLE, N.Y., March 26, 2014 - At the 2014 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its full line of professional, high definition imaging equipment for motion picture, television production, video content creation, and still photography at booth C4325. Within this year’s booth, Canon will feature a live 4K Workflow Demonstration where visitors will have the opportunity to interact with industry-leading colorists and editors in a 4K DI (Digital Intermediate) suite. Visitors will also have the opportunity to touch and try a range of Canon Cinema, HD Video and DSLR cameras and Broadcast HDTV lenses through various simulated shooting situations in three different shooting galleries centrally located in the Canon booth. Canon will also feature a 4K frame-grab demonstration where a professional photographer will utilize the Canon Cinema EOS-1D C camera to deliver still images from 4K video.
Canon will be showing a 4K Live Broadcast demonstration, highlighting how spectacular HD broadcast footage can be captured, digitally rendered and cropped for live-action broadcast coverage using Canon’s Cinema EOS equipment. Visitors to this demonstration will see, in real-time, the results and stunning coverage which have already been successfully used in the market in multiple high-speed productions, including live-action sports.
Throughout the 2014 NAB Show, Canon will host a series of unique stage presentations with renowned cinematographers, broadcast specialists, and filmmakers on the Live Learning Stage. These industry professionals will provide insight into the ever-changing field of optical and imaging technology and showcase their projects and works that were shot using Canon equipment, as well as share best practices and real-world applications for utilizing Canon technology.
Highlighting the Company’s strength and achievements in the realm of optical technologies, Canon will exhibit all 125 of its current EF, Cinema and BCTV lenses. This dedicated optics section of the booth will include technology displays to help educate visitors on the intricate systems that help make Canon lenses such powerful tools. Unique Canon lens applications and projects will also be highlighted, including such achievements as the Subaru telescope located in Hawaii. Visitors looking for a firsthand experience will be able to test and try various lenses on the Canon Lens Tower, a tiered platform allowing attendees to experience the power of Canon’s extensive lens lineup.
Exhibiting some of the recent artistry and award-winning footage shot on Canon Cinema EOS equipment, show attendees are welcome to enter a 90-seat Canon Theater to view spectacular footage and testimonials which illustrate HD, 2K and 4K projects including behind-the-scenes footage on how each project was captured.
Now available for purchase, the Canon DP-V3010 4K Reference Display will be featured throughout the booth, including the DI suite, where Canon will demonstrate how DP-V3010 4K Reference Displays match up to high-quality 4K projectors.
Professional cinematographers in need of a fast, easy way to print images for scene continuity or to preserve highlights of a recently completed project will appreciate the convenience and versatility of Canon’s photo-quality printers. Demonstrated in the Canon booth will be the 24-inch imagePROGRAF iPF6450 and the 44-inch imagePROGRAF iPF8400, large-format printers. The PIXMA PRO series of desktop inkjet printers will be on display, including the PIXMA PRO-1 Professional Inkjet Printer, PIXMA PRO-10, and PIXMA PRO-100 Wireless Professional Inkjet Printers. Also being shown is the SELPHY CP910 Wireless Compact Photo Printer.
Canon’s Pro Education Team will be hosting in-booth guest speaker seminars and off-floor workshops at the 2014 NAB Show. In-booth speakers will include cinematographer Suny Behar, Canon’s Larry Thorpe, director and photographer Vincent Laforet, Saturday Night Live DP Alex Buono, and filmmaker Amina Moreau. The aforementioned guest speakers have collaborated with Canon in the past to develop educational content, and will be conducting user-focused product and workflow demonstrations, as well as question and answer sessions with attendees.
On Tuesday, April 8th, Canon Live Learning (CLL) will be hosting two off-floor workshops in room N239. From 10:30am-12:30pm there will be the “Canon Small Chip Sensor Workshop.” Attendees will be invited to discover how to create and deliver near instant video production in the field and in the studio with the XA20, XA25 and VIXIA mini X video cameras. Then, from 2:00pm-5:00pm, CLL will be hosting the “Canon Cinema EOS Operational Training Workshop.” Technical advisors will be on-hand to demonstrate Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus technology, now available as an optional upgrade in both the Canon Cinema EOS C100 and Canon Cinema EOS C300 Digital Cinema Cameras.
After the success at the 2013 NAB Show, Canon’s Professional Services (CPS) will again be hosting the Canon Hospitality Suite. The Canon Hospitality Suite (Room C201) is open to all NAB tradeshow attendees with priority support for CPS Gold, Platinum, Cinema, and Enterprise members. After checking in at the CPS kiosk in the Canon Booth, visitors to the suite located just off of the tradeshow floor, can experience Canon’s commitment to service and support for the professional imaging community first hand.
For NAB 2014, CPS is announcing the addition of the Cinema Membership level to its program. This new Cinema level caters specifically to the cinema professional and in addition to the existing CPS Silver, Gold, Platinum and Enterprise levels, demonstrates Canon’s continued commitment to supporting the professional imaging industry.
Suite visitors will also be able to chat with Canon experts about Canon’s exciting developments in cinema, video and DSLR technology and Canon technical representatives will be on-hand to provide product consultations. Gold, Platinum, Cinema, and Enterprise CPS members can take advantage of the complimentary onsite Clean & Check Service (limited to two current* Canon DSLR bodies or lenses or one current* Cinema product or XF professional video camcorder registered to a member’s CPS account). Show attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for Canon CPS membership. Product serial numbers for qualifying CPS equipment will be needed in order to process on-site membership applications. For information, please visit
www.cps.usa.canon.com.
The Canon Hospitality Suite hosted by CPS will be open April 7th through April 9th from 9:00am to 6:00pm and April 10th from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
From Manfrotto:
Manfrotto is proud to announce the launch of two innovative tools designed for every professional and enthusiast photographer: Nanopole Stand and Snap Tilthead.
These two products when used in combination, represent the best solution for strobist photographers.
Nanopole StandIt is a new lightweight stand that can be easily carried everywhere. The closed size is only 49cm (13.3in), and the stand guarantees a payload of 1,5Kg and outstanding stability.
Snap TiltheadIt is an innovative and versatile tilthead with pioneering features that make it unique in the market. Easy to use and specifically designed to be actionable in few seconds, is perfect for an easy preparation of the set.
Technical Details: Nanopole Stand MS0490A/MKSTRO1 Two-in-one ProductIts main characteristic is being a two-in-one product: pressing the button with Manfrotto’s logo, the central column can be pulled out and easily turns into a hand held boom. Manfrotto Nanopole Stand is suitable for a great variety of situations and provides exciting new possibilities to the photographer with no need to spend extra money for a boom.
Maximum FlexibilityBesides being the perfect portable tool for use in studio, the stand is also provided with an extendable leveling leg and with a hook for sandbag that make it suitable for use in outdoors sets.
Manfrotto Snap Tilthead MLH1HS The Highest Safety for the EquipmentThe Snap tilthead is provided with a smart counterbalance mechanism that prevents the flashgun from dropping along the stand; thus assuring maximum safety to the photographer’s equipment.
Instant SetUpIt is quick and easy to operate: it allows an instant and straightforward setup of the equipment thanks to its innovative locking system, which allows the set up to be completed in a matter of seconds.
The Manfrotto Nanopole Stand and Snap Tilthead will be available soon at authorized retailers.
B&H carries
Manfrotto products.
From Custom SLR:
Featuring breathable vents, moisture-wicking fabric and a quick-adjust slider, the Air Strap packs the most comfort and versatility into a lightweight, portable design. San Francisco, CA – March 25, 2014 – After exceeding its funding goal on Kickstarter, Custom SLR today announced the immediate availability of the all-new Air Strap, a camera strap that does more with less. With breathable vents, moisture-wicking fabric, a quick-adjust slider and universal compatibility, the Air Strap packs all the comfort and features photographers want into a sleek, lightweight design. Today’s announcement follows the completion of Custom SLR’s fifth consecutive successful Kickstarter campaign, in which the Air Strap reached 880% of its funding goal.
"The tremendous interest and support for the Air Strap on Kickstarter shows there is a high demand for a simple yet functional camera strap,” said Ivan Wong, chief operating officer of Custom SLR. “Photographers are looking to upgrade from traditional straps, and want something well-made, feature-rich and comfortable. We are thrilled to offer a premium camera strap at an affordable price."
Following the success of Custom SLR’s award-winning Split Strap, the Air Strap is the lightest and most versatile strap in the company’s growing line of innovative photography products. It is carefully engineered with breathable vents throughout the strap that keep it lightweight and channel heat and moisture away from the shoulder. Perfect for the photographer on the move, the strap introduces a convenient quick-adjust slider that makes it easy to keep your camera secure at your side while maneuvering through crowds and tight spaces, and provides easy access to extend the strap when you need to take a photo.
Unlike other camera straps, the Air Strap has a wider, more ergonomic design that distributes weight evenly on the shoulder to prevent fatigue. It also features a unique swivel buckle that adjusts with your body’s movements, and cushy neoprene padding that absorbs shock. The strap is compatible with most cameras and bags, and adjusts to fit most users. With an optional attachment, it can easily transition to laptop or gym bags for an instant upgrade. Use it with the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount for a tangle-free camera strap system.
The Air Strap Kickstarter campaign was launched on Nov. 14, and hit its funding goal of $15,000 by the next day. By Jan. 9, it had exceeded its funding goal by more than $100,000, making it the most successful Kickstarter campaign Custom SLR has launched.
The Air Strap is now available at a retail price of $19.95.
Amazon carries the
Custom SLR Air Strap
Want to know the history and evolution of Canon's cross-type and high precision AF points? Canon pro Rudy Winston has written a great article for the Digital Learning Center that covers the subject quite thoroughly.
From
Canon Digital Learning Center:
"One of the important design goals for Canon’s engineers in developing the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF system in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X was to truly optimize the performance of each point on the autofocus sensor. It’s easy to toss around terms, but if a photographer is not clear on what they mean, they may miss out on a lot more than a marketing pitch. Knowing the characteristics of the AF array in these cameras puts the photographer in the position to get the most out of the AF system.
Cross-type AF points: what are they?
Certainly a fair question. And all the more so, because it's not something the photographer can see just looking through the viewfinder. Perhaps the easiest way to answer it is to take a trip down memory lane in AF SLR design..."
Read the information-packed article on the Canon Digital Learning Center. (thanks Stuart)