CameraRec » Accessories

Canon Announces Two New Flashes

toby — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:21:20 +0000

My Take – 270EX II is just a simple upgrade to the budget minded 270EX, adding wireless control features. The 320EX is a new model and features a built in LED light for HD filming and the wireless control. Need to see how well this works but it certainly is an exciting combination of solid flash with good feature set AND an LED video light. A neat feature of both is the ability to act as a remote trigger, wirelessly triggering the camera to take a photo, identical to the use of a RC6 Remote. Why is wireless/off-camera flash support important? There is a reason the pro’s get the flash off their camera! Having a wireless flash system that makes it easy to move your flash off the camera is going to give you the ability to get much better lighting in your images.

New 270EX II and 320 EX Flashes from Canon

Official Canon Announcement: London, UK, 7th February 2011 – Canon today announces the launch of the new Speedlite 320EX andSpeedlite 270EX II – a duo of new additions to its leading EX Speedlite range. Designed for EOS Digital SLR (DSLR) owners who want to use creative lighting techniques to make their photography more engaging, each new model is ideal for experimenting with different lighting set-ups with off-camera support, allowing users to alter subject lighting and add ambiance to a scene. Ideal for users of the newly-launched EOS 600D and EOS 1100D DSLRs, the Speedlite 270EX II replaces the Speedlite 270EX at the entry level of Canon’s Speedlite range, whilst the Speedlite 320EX is a compact, powerful and versatile flash for users of mid-level cameras who want to take more control over lighting. Both new models are compatible with Canon’s distance-linked E-TTL II system, and can be used on-camera or as slave units controlled by a separate master unit or the Integrated Speedlite Transmitter of the EOS 600D, EOS 60D and EOS 7D. Ideal for more creative home studio shooting or general use, each model adds a new dimension to portraits or still life shots. The Speedlite 270EX II – Compact, pocketable light Perfect for users who want a small, pocketable flash unit, the Speedlite 270EX II is a compact, high-power flash with a guide number of 27 (m/ISO 100) and fast, silent recycling between shots. Flash settings can be manually controlled through the camera menu system, and photographers can experiment with the manual bounce flash head for different effects, as well as the zoom head to ensure efficient light distribution across the scene. Providing the freedom for photographers to light a scene in a range of different ways, the Speedlite 270EX II launches with additional slave capability, allowing for creative, off-camera use. A new Remote Release function also wirelessly triggers the shutter release on a compatible EOS DSLR, allowing users to set up lighting without having to make repeat trips to the camera. Photographers can frame their shot, wirelessly trigger the two-second shutter release timer on the camera body, and then reposition the flash anywhere in the scene – capturing the image as the camera then fires both the flash and shutter release. The Speedlite 320EX – versatile and powerful performance Offering additional functionality, the new Speedlite 320EX is the ideal flash unit for amateurs and professionals looking for a secondary flash, featuring the ability to light a scene when recording movies. An LED flash offers a guide number of 32 (m/ISO 100), as well as the ability to change the flash coverage from 24mm to 50mm by manually extending or retracting the flash head. The flash head can also be rotated for more flexible bounce flash shooting, creating a wider variety of lighting effects. The Speedlite 320EX’s slave utility allows it to be controlled by a master unit via one of four selectable channels. Flash group A, B or C can also be selected, controlling the relative power of the flash and the resulting lighting effect. The Speedlite 320EX also features the Remote Release functionality allowing users to trigger their camera from the flash. In a first for Canon Speedlite, the Speedlite 320EX features a Video Light function, complementing bodies with EOS Movie by enabling users to illuminate low light scenes continuously when capturing HD video. When using the Speedlite 320EX in combination with the new EOS 1100D or EOS 600D, Auto Light mode ensures that the LED light automatically turns on or off according to the ambient light of the scene when in Movie mode. Key features of the Speedlite 270EX II

Lightweight compact design
Guide Number 27 (m, ISO100)
Bounce flash head
Wireless slave function for off-camera flash
Trigger your EOS camera with Remote Release button
Variable angle of coverage
Fast, silent recycling

Key features of the Speedlite 320EX

Guide Number 32 (m, ISO100)
Compact lightweight design
Bounce-and-swivel flash head, with 24mm and 50mm manual zoom settings
Integrated LED video light
Wireless slave for off-camera TTL flash
Remote Release button
Fast, silent recycling

2010 Photographers Gift Guide

toby — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:18:43 +0000

External Flash An external flash can do more for the quality of your indoor, and outdoor, shots than any other upgrade/accessory. Both Nikon and Canon offer fairly inexpensive but excellent flashes that allow you to bounce the light of the ceiling. The result is bright, evenly lit photos without your subjects looking washed out or getting red-eye. Canon Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $140 Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $260 Nikon Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $120 Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $215 In both cases the more advanced/expensive flash gets you faster recycling times, greater range/power and more detailed control. If you are not likely to be using the flash in professional settings the cheaper of the two will be fine. Tripod I already have a post about a wonderful, feature laden tripod for only $40 Accessories Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 $13 Easy stocking stuffer,stop worrying about running out of room, especially if you have a newer camera that shoots HD video. Eye-Fi Share Video 4 GB Wi-Fi SDHC $64 This is one of those accessories that makes me feel like I am living in the future. Not only do you get 4GB of space on a standard sized SD card you also get Wi-Fi that lets you wirelessly upload pics as you take them to your computer and/or a handful of photo sharing sites online. One of the best uses of these cards is to hook your computer to your TV, run a slide show of the upload folder and as you are taking pictures of the party/fun they will appear on the TV slideshow – blowing your guests minds! Waterproof your P&S DicaPac WP110 145X95mm Small Alfa Waterproof Digital Camera Case with Optical Lens (Clear) Camera Bags These bags are all sized for camera and a few lenses, enough to get you through the day but not carry all your gear and the kitchen sink. Messenger style (over the shoulder): Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home Sling Style (backpack with one strap): Kata 3N1 or Lowepro SlingShot Backpack: LowePro FastPack or Think Tank Street Walker Filters Another cross post – Filter information and links Books For years I have been recommending Bryan Peterson’s Excellent “Understanding Exposure” He now has a second book Bryan Peterson’s “Understanding Photography Field Guide: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera” that looks to be very helpful Another book getting rave reviews The Best Camera Is The One That’s With You: iPhone Photography by Chase Jarvis (Voices That Matter) More Ideas Cute mode dial decals from Etsy Photography Charm for bracelet Pro-membership on Flickr, Smugmug, a photobook of their best images, Gift Cards, something fun from Photojojo.com I will add more ideas in the coming days! Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Best Batteries

toby — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:02:39 +0000

Consumer Reports recently tested a variety of non-rechargeable batteries- First place was the Energizer Ultimate Lithium battery. Second Place was the Energizer Advanced Lithium and last place was the Energizer Max alkaline battery. And yes they tested other popular brands. Under the rechargeable heading the Sanyo Enloops (which I have raved about before). And although the initial cost is 2x’s the best Energizers they last and last and their output is amazing.

Unboxing & Examples: Gary Fong Collapsible Lightsphere

toby — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:01:23 +0000

An unboxing with example shots showing the effect of bare flash vs the Gary Fong Collapsible Lightsphere Gary Fong GFLSC01 LightSphere Collapsible Diffuser

Polarizing Filter in Action (Video)

toby — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:22:27 +0000

A quick video that illustrates in real-time the effect of a circular polarizer on your images. This is the ONE must have filter, although neutral density and a few others can be useful, if you plan to do any outdoor/landscape photography you should have one for each lens you own. More about why you need a circular polarizer. B+W, Tiffen, Hoya are all good brands B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter if you have any questions find me on twitter/camerarec

Holiday Presents for the Photographer

toby — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:43:39 +0000

External Flash- If you don’t have one these can do more for the quality of your indoor, and outdoor, shots than any other upgrade/accessory. Both Nikon and Canon offer fairly inexpensive but excellent flashes that allow you to bounce the light of the ceiling. The result is bright, evenly lit photos without your subjects looking washed out or getting red-eye. Canon Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $130 Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $250 Nikon Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $115 Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $218 In both cases the more advanced/expensive flash gets you faster recycling times, greater range/power and more detailed control. If you are not likely to be using the flahs in professional settings the cheaper of the two will be fine. Tripod- I already have a post about a wonderful, feature laden tripod for only $45 Accessories- Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 $23 Easy stocking stuffer,stop worrying about running out of room, especially if you have a newer camera that shoots HD video. Eye-Fi Share Video 4 GB Wi-Fi SDHC $64 This is one of those accessories that makes me feel like I am living in the future. Not only do you get 4GB of space on a standard sized SD card you also get Wi-Fi that lets you wirelessly upload pics as you take them to your computer and/or a handful of photo sharing sites online. One of the best uses of these cards is to hook your computer to your TV, run a slide show of the upload folder and as you are taking pictures of the party/fun they will appear on the TV slideshow – blowing your guests minds! Waterproof your P&S DicaPac WP110 145X95mm Small Alfa Waterproof Digital Camera Case with Optical Lens (Clear) Filters- Another cross post – Filter information and links Books- For years I have been recommending Bryan Peterson’s Excellent “Understanding Exposure” He now has a second book Bryan Peterson’s “Understanding Photography Field Guide: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera” that looks to be very helpful Another book getting rave reviews The Best Camera Is The One That’s With You: iPhone Photography by Chase Jarvis (Voices That Matter) More Ideas- Waterproof housing, Pro-membership on Flickr, Smugmug, a photobook of their best images, Gift Cards, something fun from Photojojo.com I will add more ideas in the coming days! Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Don’t buy a UV Filter/Haze filter unless

toby — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:56:53 +0000

You have small children that will want to touch your lens, even then it is debatable. Modern lens are coated and it takes a bit of work to scratch them. And that is really all a UV filter does, protects your lens. In my opinion a much better protection is a lens hood. There are plenty of stories of dropped lenses with lens hoods taking most if not all the damage. Lens Hoods: protect the front element of your lens, eliminates flare and stray light and can upon dropping absorb a good bit of the impact(hopefully). Lens Hoods. Circular Polarizer: The only filter I feel one truly needs is a circular polarizer. In my Circular polarizer post I make that statement that it is the only filter whose effects cannot be recreated in Photoshop / post-processing. This isn’t entirely true. The next two filters will keep help keep sections from “blow-out” when the area is so bright that there is no recoverable data. No amount of post-process will recover data from areas completely blown-out. Graduated Neutral Density Filters: Imagine a piece of glass, heavily tinted at the top and gradually getting clearer towards the bottom. If you are going to be doing lots of sunsets/sunrises you may want to look at a Graduated Neutral Density Filters. Wikipedia has a great write-up but basically they allow you to even out the difference between a bright sky and a dark landscape. Neutral Density Filters: If you love flowing water photos, like I do, you may want to invest in a Neutral Density filter or two which evenly and cleanly cuts down the amount of light reaching your sensor. It is a little ironic that we spend so much money on cameras with increasingly higher ISO sensitivity and software to remove noise from high ISO images and there are times where you can actually have to much light. When you want 8-15 second exposures at times other than dawn and dusk or you want a wider aperture under full sun a ND filter can be handy. You may read this and be thinking that your lens offers f/32 or some other ridiculously small aperture. At very small apertures your images are going to suffer from diffraction which decreases the image quality.

Q: Why do you need a Circular Polarizer?

toby — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:24:49 +0000

A: It is the one filter whose effects cannot be recreated in post-process.

Left - Polarizer On | Right - Polarizer Off

What a polarizing filter does:

Reduces haze
Removes reflections
Increases color saturation. The effect is particularly evident in skies and in foliage.
Neutral density. The natural loss of 1-2 stops of light, without shifting color, makes a polarizing filter a good ND filter as well.

Notes:

The effect of polarization (outdoors) is most prominent at a 90-degree angle to the sun. Make an “L” with your thumb and pointer finger. Point your thumb at the sun, your pointer is now showing you the direction that the polarization will be most noticeable.
If you use a lens

What size do you need?

If you have the Canon Kit Lens (18-55) -HOYA 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter
Nikon Kit Lens (18-55) -Hoya 52mm Circular Polarizer and Filter Wallet
Nikon Kit Lens (18-105) -Tiffen 67mm Circular Polarizer
All other lenses – Circular Polarizers If you search your lens on Amazon it will show in the Frequently Bought Together section a UV filter that matches your lens diameter, use that to find the correct polarizing filter

Recommended Lenses [Canon]

toby — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 03:01:49 +0000

Zooms

Super Budget Zoom Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Decent lens with solid reviews very hard to beat the price. If shopping around make sure you don’t purchase the non-APO version which is crummy. Price: $189.00

Budget Zoom – Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Very good lens with IS (image stabilization) which allows you to get sharper images with less light- nicely compliments the kit lens. Price: $210

Mid-Level Zoom Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras Some call this a hidden “L” lens. L lenses are Canon’s professional level lenses that offer superb optics at a serious price. The lens is very good and includes IS and USM (ultra sonic motor for focusing). Price: $540

High End Zoom Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras A beautiful “L” lens at an affordable price, probably one of the best values in Canon’s line. You don’t get IS but what you do get is a lens that is bright and sharp and offers f/4 across the zoom range. Price: $650

Serious Wildlife/Sports Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Getting 500mm of reach for ~$1000 is amazing, especially when it is at this quality level, downsides: big/heavy and you will need lots of light at the longer focal lengths. Price: $1000

Walk-around

This is a difficult category to recommend – Some lean toward having the convenience of large focal range (i.e. the 18-200ish lenses) some want fast and light and some want something in between. You really need to take a look at the type of shooting you do and decide which of the following lenses is the best fit for your needs.

Budget Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens Don’t be quick to replace this lens. The earlier kit lenses were crummy but the current IS version is quite capable and covers a useful range. Price: Free with your camera

More range constant f/2.8 Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras This Tamron lens is excellent – so sharp, beating Canon’s $1500 24-70 lens in some tests. Downside- not very wide start at 28mm and focus is not as snappy as I would like in lowerlight Price: $450

Pricey but excellent Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Fairly limited range but excellent quality and perfect for landscapes. Price: $760 Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras IS, USM and a constant f/2.8 A very good lens but maybe not the best value Price: $1100

Ultra-Convenient! Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras One lens that covers a very large range (11x) You will be sacrificing quality and will experience distortion at the wide end. Price: $540

Wide-angles

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Solid lens, widest in its class at a decent price. Price: $499 or Tokina 11-16/2.8 AT-X 116 PRO DX Lens for Canon EOS Digital -ATX116PRODXC Less range but sharper and fast with a constant aperture of f/2.8 Price: $799

Primes

Everyone should own at least one prime – They offer very sharp glass and large apertures at good prices- the downside, you need to zoom with your feet. The cheapest of the primes is the 50 f/1.8- Using the large apertures of prime lenses like the 50mm helps understand the connection between Depth of Field and aperture.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens For just a shade over $100 you get a decently sharp prime lens. It is a little long on crop sensors so you may want to spring for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Still a prime and not nearly as cheap as the 50mm but at 1.4 lets in almost twice as much light as f/1.8

Macro

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Excellent Macro lens. On a crop sensor the focal length can be a little long but this will let you get closer to skitish bugs and other small creatures. Price: $540 or Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM Digital SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR Cameras Very nice Macro and portraiture suitable lens. Price: $399

Glossary

ef-s(canon), DX(Sigma): Built for crop sensor cameras, not useable on full frame cameras
ef: Suitable and useable on crop sensor and full frame cameras
IS, OS, VC: Image Stabilization(Canon), Optical Stabilization(Sigma), Vibration Compensation(Tamron) – All terms for a system built into the lens that removes camera shake and allows you to shoot at slightly slower shutter speeds.
USM(Canon), HSM(Sigma): UltraSonic Motor – Means fast and quiet autofocus

Best $45 photography related dollars you can spend

toby — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:52:43 +0000

For years I have cautioned folks against buying cheap tripods, there is no sense in putting $1000 of camera and lens on a cheap tripod that is not going to be able to hold your camera steady and worse may tip over. And then I discovered this Tripod, a friend on a tight budget was in need, the reviews on Amazon were excellent and I can now say after 9 months of use that this really is an amazing deal. For $45 you get a solid and stable tripod with ALL the features of a Gitzo or Manfrotto at a 1/4 of the price. Features:

Adjustable height 18.5″ – 62″ (5 feet!!)
Feet switch from rubber to spikes with a few twists
weight 2.9 lbs
Bubble level and compass
Multi-angle leg adjustments
Gear hook for increased stabilization
Quick release w/ safety catch
Padded carrying bag w/ shoulder strap
Uppermost legs gently padded, helps when carrying and temps drop
Removable Ball Head – lets you upgrade the head if you ever feel the need

Dolica 62" ProLine

Buy From Amazon Dolica 62-Inch Proline Tripod and Ball Head

Dolica in Action