Essential Accessories

Figuring out the right camera and lens probably takes up most of the time you spend thinking about gear.

By The Editors

Figuring out the right camera and lens probably takes up most of the time you spend thinking about gear. But the smaller stuff, like a fast memory card, special-effects filter or cleaning gadget, often can make the time you spend shooting more productive—and even just more fun. B-GRIP An alternative to a camera neck strap, the b-Grip EVO belt... Read more

Camera Supports

Using the right support system can make all the difference between a blurry and a sharp photo or shaky and smooth video clips.

By Kim Castleberry

Using the right support system can make all the difference between a blurry and a sharp photo or shaky and smooth video clips. The key factor is figuring out what kind of shooting you like to do the most and then choosing the most appropriate option. Whether it’s a tripod that works for photo and video, a simple monopod or a portable video rig,... Read more

Video Microphones

Sound presents unique challenges to both photographers and videographers alike, especially when working with the limited capabilities of a DSLR’s built-in microphone system.

By David Willis

Sound presents unique challenges to both photographers and videographers alike, especially when working with the limited capabilities of a DSLR’s built-in microphone system. On-camera mics are generally a low-cost, single-channel system that are lacking in professional features like balanced XLR inputs, multiple mic support and manual control... Read more

Lenses

If you’re looking to buy a new lens with the latest optical technology, you’re in luck.

By William Sawalich

If you’re looking to buy a new lens with the latest optical technology, you’re in luck. Manufacturers have spent 2012 introducing many new models from which to choose. Whether you’re shopping for an extreme zoom for your mirrorless camera or a superfast wide-angle prime for your DSLR, there’s literally something for everyone.... Read more

Using A Teleconverter

Get extra reach with an affordable alternative to extreme tele lenses

By Mike Stensvold

Supertelephoto lenses are really expensive, but worth it for those who can afford the cost, due to their superb optics and AF performance, and fast maximum apertures. But there’s an accessory that can give those on a budget access to supertele "reach" at a much lower cost: the teleconverter. PROS AND CONS A teleconverter (or tele-extender)... Read more

Master Your Flash

Start with the basics to take full creative advantage of modern flash systems

By David Willis

Flashes have never been so powerful. The portable, affordable and simple-to-use units pack a lot of punch in an efficient design that can be hidden almost anywhere within a scene, making modern flashes and their wireless capabilities a particularly versatile solution, whether lighting a single subject or orchestrating a complicated setup with multiple... Read more

September/October 2012

CAMERA CAGE Make better movies using your DSLR by giving it some solid support from the Redrock Micro ultraCage DSLR. Securing the camera at three points, the handheld rig screws into the camera base, fastens to the top hot-shoe and locks the camera in place with an anti-rotation pin. The cage encloses the camera with Read more…

By The Editors

July/August 2012

DN PRIMES Expand your perspective when shooting with an interchangeable-lens camera using the Sigma Digital Neo (DN) lenses. The 30mm ƒ/2.8 EX DN and 19mm ƒ/2.8 EX DN are designed for Olympus and Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras and Sony NEX cameras. The fast primes feature Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting, Read more…

By The Editors

Tools For Lighting Outdoor Portraits

Gear to add fill and enhance the quality of natural light for stunning portraits

By David Willis

When working with natural light, the singular light source of the sun is difficult to control. It’s a large, directional light source, which means it produces a lot of "hard" light that comes from only one direction. This results in high-contrast images with a lot of shadows. There’s nothing wrong with this very dramatic look,... Read more

Water Armour

Hanging out at the pool or on the beach is a rite of summer. It’s also a perfect time for expanding your photographic creativity as long as you have the right kind of gear for protecting your camera.

By Kim Castleberry

Aquapac SLR Camera Case Hanging out at the pool or on the beach is a rite of summer. It’s also a perfect time for expanding your photographic creativity as long as you have the right kind of gear for protecting your camera. The deeper your relationship is with the water, the more specialized your needs become. There are many options to... Read more

Flash Modifiers

Make your portable flash more capable of professional results

By David Willis

Whether artificial or natural, light that comes from a single source is directional and harsh, which results in images that have a lot of contrast and heavy shadows. Generally, this is unflattering to a subject, especially when working with people. Even with limited swiveling abilities and wireless control over multiple flash units, this unfortunate... Read more

May/June 2012

CS6 TEST Get a preview of the latest version of Adobe Photoshop with the CS6 Public Beta. Among the changes you may notice first is a darker interface. Taking a page out of the Lightroom notebook, the dark interface is intended to minimize distractions, putting the focus solely on the image while you’re editing. But Read more…

By The Editors

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