Recent Gear Articles

[DIY Video] Fix Your Lens Hood With Peanut Butter

In this oh so clever DIY video by Casey Neistat, he shows us how he fashioned a replacement lens hood on his Sigma lens by re-using the cap from a peanut butter jar. I'm sure that this method wouldn't work with every lens but if you ever get into a situation like this and need a quick fix, this video just might come in handy.

[News] Canon To Reveal New Gear On April 15

With NAB just around the corner, the rumor mill has started to spin with regards to what Canon is planning on announcing near the start of the annual video conference held in Las Vegas. Contenders include a 4K DSLR style camera, new cinema lenses similar to those released back in November, or something completely different.

[Gear] iPad3 = Happy Photographers

While drinking my morning coffee, happstr (a curious little site that helps you find your happy place) asked me, "What makes you happy?" My wonderfully supportive and beautiful wife? A photo career that nurtures my soul? Having the freedom to live anywhere and do anything I want? And then it hit me. It's the 9th and exactly one week from today, Apple's "the new iPad" will be on the shelves. You know you're a gadget fanatic when...

[Deal] Double Canon Rebates Are Back!

BH Photo's double instant rebates are back from now until March 31st. You can save up to $400.00 on cameras, lenses and speedlights. They are currently offering the double rebates on the Canon 60D, Canon 7D, and the 5D Mark II.

[Wildlife] Amazing, Intimate Shots of Lions In Their Natural Habitat

Brothers Will and Matt Burrard-Lucas make quite the team. They're wildlife photographers based in Britain who have devised some clever means to get closer to some of the world's most dangerous animals. In 2009, they created a remote-controlled camera nicknamed BeetleCam and set out to photograph animals in their natural habitat. Armed with the knowledge they gained from the first trip, they went back a second time, and their results are nothing short of stunning.

[News] Lightroom 4 Available for Pre-Order!

Today, Lightroom 4 is available for pre-order through B&H or on Amazonfor $150 and will likely start shipping as soon as tomorrow. The price is news on its own, as it's half the price of previously released versions of Lightroom. Adobe is really making this accessible to everyone!

[Review] An In-Depth Look At The Brand New Wacom Intuos5

The next evolution on the Intuos line is here with the Intuos5. After our initial first impressions, we decided to take a closer look at this tablet, along with a comparative look at what changes Wacom has made from the Intuos4. With this review, you'll be able to get a full undisclosed look at one of the best tablets to date.

[Video] The 5d Mark III and The Jaw-Dropping, Head-Scratching Sport of Radball

Canon France has just released what has got to be the most interesting promo video for a new camera in some time. Not only do we get a sneak peek at the video quality and capabilities of the 5d Mark III, but we also get a look into the sport of Radball: something I can only describe as "soccer meeting BMX meeting Urban Outfitters."

[Contest] Enter To Win A Nikon D3x Camera

Hey guys! Creative Motion Design is in their final month of the Nikon D3x Camera giveaway which means you've still got a chance to enter and win big! All you have to do is log onto Creative Motion Design's Facebook page and enter an image that correlates with this month's theme, "water". If you win March's theme, you'll automatically be entered into the final contest to win a Nikon D3x.

[First Impressions] Our First Thoughts Of The Wacom Intuos5 Tablet

To our surprise, Wacom was generous enough to send us one of their brand new Intuos5 graphic tablets to review. If you missed the press release, check it out here. We were elated to get out hands on the next version of the popular Intuos line to test out so soon! We also have a set of unboxing pictures below for you to check out. Although we will have a full detailed review soon, here is our first impressions of the Intuos5.

[Just Fake It] New Photoshop CS6 Automates Shallow Depth Of Field

It seems with every new version of Photoshop, Adobe finds a way to add something both useful and unbelievable. First we had the new Content Aware. Then rumors of a tool that makes your blurry images sharp and focused. Now apparently Photoshop CS6 is going to let you add nearly authentic shallow depth of field to your otherwise infinitely sharp photos. Obviously most photographers will do this with a fast lens but

[Gear] Pre-order The Canon 5D Mark III NOW!

Hey Guys! Hopefully you've been saving up because the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is now available for pre-order at BH Photo, Adorama and Amazon! If you're still on the fence, read all about the specs in our previous post here.

[BH Photo] [Amazon] [Adorama]

[Gear] Canon's New 600EX-RT Speedlight Uses Radio!

Along with the 5D Mark III just announced, Canon announced a new speedlight, the 600EX-RT. The 600EX-RT is Canon's first speedlight to introduce a wireless radio capable of communicating with up to 15 other units at a range of 30m. Just as impressively, the flash features the same weatherproofing standard as Canon's flagship 1D X. Pre-Order the new speedlight at B&H.

[News] The Canon 5D Mark III Announced!

You heard right: the camera that changed everything has been updated! The preferred video DSLR of the industry just got even better with the Canon 5D MKIII (pre-order at BHphotovideo). But is this new camera good enough to withstand the pressure from Nikon's two new bodies? MAYBE... Read on to find out all the new features, accessories, and how it stacks up against the latest DSLRs.

[Gear] Wacom Announces the New Intuos5 Tablet

Big fan of tablets? Today, Wacom announced the release of the newest addition to the Intuos family, the Intuos5. With the addition of multi-touch options (recognizing both Windows and Macintosh gestures), a heads-up display system called Express View, an upgraded ergonomic pen (although all Wacom pens will work with the Intuos5), and optional wireless connectivity, the Intuos5 looks to offer everything current tablet users have been clamoring for.

[Workflow] PhVusion Software Lets You Edit Video In Photoshop

While in Las Vegas for WPPI, I met Rob Adams and Vanessa Joy who are two talented videographers and photographers respectively. They are both at the top of the wedding market and often speak to photographers about how they can incorporate video into their businesses (something we have been preaching here for years). To help photographers make the video transition easier, Rob and Vanessa have designed PhVusion video editing software which allows you to trim and color correct video directly in Photoshop.

[Video] Joe McNally Tests The New PW3's Range

Last week Pocket Wizard released all the specs for their new PocketWizard Plus III Transceivers. Along with the specs being released, so have a bunch of BTS videos and reviews. Our friends over at the McNally camp did their own testing on many of the features on the new PW3 as well. [Pre-order your PW3 here]. Enjoy!

[Editorial] The Standout Products from WPPI 2012

This past week was one of the major US trade shows for photography: WPPI in Las Vegas. I love trade shows because the gearhead inside of me just itches to see that next great thing. Through a lot of the same and the boring, I found some photographic gear that I straight up loved. Here are my top six new products shown at WPPI 2012. Read Article | The New PocketWizard Plus III
[Video] Go Behind The Scenes With Mary Ellen Mark

I've always been a fan of documentary photographer, Mary Ellen Mark. Having published over 15 books, she has taken some of the most compelling images and is considered a living legend. In this video, she talks about the state current state of documentary photography and gives helpful advice to those trying to break out in the field. She is shooting on a Mamiya 7 II camera with a 55mm and 65mm lens. She lit her subjects using a Profoto AcuteB 600 Air and an AcuteB Head with a Profoto Zoom Reflector attached. Click to full post to watch her in action.
[Video] Jeb Corliss Runs into a Mountain in a Wingsuit

A relatively new 'sky sport' out there makes use of a wing suit. Want one yourself? You'll first have to log at least 200 sky-diving jumps just to buy one. Here, via Gizmodo, Jeb Corliss jumps on a beautiful day, but cuts it just a little too close... Luckily, for those that have the stomach for it, we have a first-person view thanks to a helmet-mounted GoPro.
[Deal] Capture One Pro 6 - 50% Off This Week Only

It seems the crew over at Phase One is in a particularly giving mood this week. They have decided to sell their flagship software title at 50% of its retail price. In fact ALL their software is 50% off. The catch? It's this week only. Capture One Pro is arguably the go to software for tethered shooting and high quality raw conversions. See the full post for more details.
Fstoppers Reviews The New Pocket Wizard Plus III Radio Triggers

Today, Pocket Wizard has rolled out the newest in their line of wireless flash triggering devices: the long-awaited update to the industry-standard Pocket Wizard Plus II, the Pocket Wizard Plus III. We at Fstoppers have been playing with them for awhile, and we're here to give you all the details, including an exclusive video look at the new Pocket Wizard Plus III. Continue to the full post to see it all. [Pre Order The Pocket Wizard Plus III Here]
[Gear] New PocketWizard Plus III Triggers Available for Pre-Order

We just reviewed the new PocketWizard Plus III wireless trigger units, and we're impressed. With a new design and a laundry list of great features, PocketWizard addressed a lot of what photographers have been clamoring for. Pre-Order now at B&Hphotovideo.com | Read More | Watch Video Review
[Opinion] The Future of Nikon's Pro DSLR Line-Up

Nikon shocked everyone when they released a whopping 36-megapixel, SLOW D800. No one can call this a 'replacement' for a D700. It's not as fast and has three times the number of pixels. And at only $3000, they destroyed their D3x line. So what was Nikon thinking?
[BTS Video] Behind The Scenes with Portrait Photographer Fritz Liedtke

As an owner of a Lensbaby, I'm a big fan of what these lenses can do. In this video, Lensbaby goes behind the scenes to interview commercial and fine art photographer, Fritz Liedtke. Obviously there are other ways to get similar effects that Fritz shows us but by using the Lensbaby Composer Pro and the Edge 80 Optic, he is able to see it instantly and directly in the camera. Fritz is right when he says that having a couple of these lenses allows us to expand the possibilities for our work. Click the full post to watch the video.
[Deal] Save Up To $200 On Sigma Lenses

BH Photo is offering up to $200 instant savings on Sigmas Lenses until March 31st. The Sigma 17-50 Lens, which is featured in our Gear Guide as one of our favorite lenses, is great for both stills and video. Normally almost $700, you can pick up that lens for $594.00 after the rebate. Listed at $769.00 after the rebate, the Sigma 105 Macro Lens can focus 31 cm away from the subject with a 105mm zoom. That's a pretty good deal considering the Canon EF 100mm Macro Lens will cost you almost $1,000 and will focus up to 30mm away.
[Editorial] Why Does The Nikon MB-D12 Cost So Much?

The Nikon D800 was just announced and the 36mp powerhouse is being sold at the extremely reasonable price of $3000. Like many photographers, I planned to buy a D800 and the grip together. Once again Nikon has created a proprietary grip for the D800, the MB-D12. The biggest surprise was that this grip is double the price of the most expensive grip for the previous camera. Why?
[Gear] The Most Exciting Gear Week in a While

Even more so than the week of the Nikon D4, this is the most exciting week for gear news in a long time. There is news that I don't like, a bit that I don't get, some that is just plain stupid, and then some that is unbelievable -- I'll believe it when I see it! The new stuff is short and sweet. I'm keeping the bulk of opinions in the comments section this time...meet me there at the end of the full post!
[Video] What You Didn't Know About The Nikon D4

Called the BEST movie camera to date, the Nikon D4 features full HD 1080p (and 720 at 60fps). Not only is there a microphone in with 20 different adjustment levels, but for the first time you're able to hear the audio that you're recording. They've also included for the first time an HDMI feed out. Watch the video with James Banfield for a demonstration on the secret features of the new Nikon D4.
[BTS Video] The 2012 D1 Combine Class

In this video, Photographer Tyler Oxendine takes us behind the scenes on his shoot for the 2012 D1 Combine Class. In the first lighting setup, he's using two Alienbee B800's with a PLM Umbrella and a yellow gel attached. In the second setup, Tyler dropped down to using just one of the Alienbee B800's with a PLM Umbrella. In his third and final setup, he used a simple Canon 580ex speedlight inside of a Photoflex LiteDome.
[Video] D800 HD Video "Through The Lens"

Here is another video that shows the HDSLR capabilities of Nikon's recently announced D800. Although the plot may be quite corny, this short film shows some incredible examples of the D800's HD image quality. Need more D800 info? Then click here for everything else D800 on Fstoppers. Enjoy!
[Video] What Does HD Video Look Like On The New Nikon D800?

Curious to see what video looks like on the new Nikon D800? Photographer, Sandro Miller gives us a sneak peak in this short-film he created using only the Nikon D800. See how he tackles all the different lighting and motion challenges in the full post.
[Gear] Canon Releases 24-70mm f2.8 L II, New Wide Angle Primes

After many years of speculation and countless false rumors, Canon has released a replacement for the venerable 24-70mm 2.8 L, along with a few new wide-angle primes: the 24mm f2.8 IS and the 24mm f2.8 IS. Get all the specs and my thoughts in the full post.
[Gear] Pre-Order the Nikon D800/D800E!

Pre-orders are now available for the Nikon D800 and D800E on Amazon! Just follow the links! The D800 is $3000 and the D800E is $3300. Read more about the D800 here! Or order the D800E here or the D800 here on B&H. Adorama, too, now has pre-orders open for the D800 and D800E.
[Gear] The Nikon D800/D800E is Finally Out! UPDATE

After months of waiting and following terribly teasing rumors and small photo leaks, Nikon finally announced the D800! For the full specs, details, photos, pre-order information, and to find out what that 'E' means, read below. And don't forget to keep checking back for updates as they roll out when the announcement goes live tonight! (Updated!)

[BTS Video] Photographer Adrien Broom Storybook Themed Shoot

Featured on the Wednesday Rundown before, Photographer Adrien Broom takes us behind the scenes on another whimsical shoot. In this video, she's working with a PocketWizard MiniTT1® [For Nikon/ For Canon] and an AC3 ZoneController [For Nikon/For Canon] to control the power levels of an Elinchrome Digital 2400 and an Einstein™ E640 lights directly from the camera's position. Click the full post to watch the video.
[Expensive Cameras] Zack Arias Explains Why He Switched From Canon To PhaseOne

Photographers love Zack Arias because of his no nonsense, laid back approach to photography. In his full blog post Why I Moved To Medium Format :: Phase One IQ140 Review, Zack describes some of the amazing features these DSLR alternatives have for the commercial photographer. If his posted examples aren't enough to have you foaming at the mouth, this full review video will definitely have you lusting after in-camera WB adjustments and the LCD touch screen found on the IQ140 digital back!
[News] Pre-Release Nikon D800/D800E Details

There is news that the Nikon press conference in Thailand on February 7 will be to unveil their new D800, the replacement for the D700. Oh, and there will be two versions of the camera, the regular D800 and the special D800E. Read the full details and D800 specs in the full post.
[BTSV] Behind The Scenes At The Winter X-Games

In this behind the scenes video from Vimeo (say that five times fast!), we get a look at the wide variety of gear that is used to capture the action at Winter X. From freelance photographers and videographers to full-scale production efforts, this video has a little bit of everything. See the video, which displays a staggering amount of gear, in the full post.
[Deal] Get A Canon T2i Camera And Pro9000 Printer For Only $399

This is the best deal I have seen in a long time. You can currently get a Canon T2i for $399 after you use the code "S1234567" at Adorama. You can also buy a Canon Pro9000 printer and because you bought it with the camera, you are eligible for a $400 rebate which makes the printer totally free. If you need a camera, printer, or what to make some money reselling this gear, you can't beat a price like that.
[Gear] Before the Pro Stuff, A Few Last Words for the Little Guys

We're all waiting for the Nikon D800 and Canon 5D Mark III -- no question. It's around the corner, but this week, if you're looking for a new point-and-shoot or mirrorless camera, we have plenty of those: the last few manufacturers are 'catching up' on the mirrorless front. So here's an overview of what happened this week, and cross your fingers for February 7th!
[Gear] Back From The Dead: FW800 Compact Flash Card Readers!

It's safe to say that a large percentage of photographers are Apple users. I believe that a lot of those same users don't enjoy importing their photos using USB 2.0 card readers. Making matters worse is having to hear their PC friends brag about their USB 3.0 card readers. Granted, if funding isn't an issue, this could all be solved by buying a Mac Pro and adding in a USB 3.0 PCI card. Read about a cheaper solution.
[Camera Deal] Sigma's 17 - 50 2.8 With Image Stabilization Drops Below $600

We haven't posted a deal here recently because, well, there really hasn't been many deals since the holidays. One of our favorite crop lenses, the Sigma 17 -50 2.8 OS, is currently under $600 (retails $669) for the first time in a long while. Click the full post to hear why like like it so much.
[Upgrades] Has The New Update To Apple's Final Cut Pro Fixed The Backlash?

Remember when Apple released the new version of its flagship video editing program Final Cut X? If not, you might want a refresher course with Conan O'brien. Basically the backlash was almost unanimous, and it made many of us thankful we chose Adobe's Premiere as our editing software of choice. Well today there is an upgrade that apparently fixes most of the complaints from FCP X users. [Read More]
[Gear] The New Fuji X-Pro 1 Available for Pre-Order!

With a fantastic new sensor that eliminates the need for an anti-aliasing filter, producing dramatically sharper images with less noise than any chip in its class, the Fuji X-Pro 1 is Fuji's breakthrough of the year. It features a minimalist design and classic rangefinder functionality in a modern, mirrorless body. Pre-oder now on Adorama or on Amazon if you're interested before they sell out! Update in the full post.
[Extreme Light] This Handheld LED Light Produces Over 15,000 Lumens For Overpowering The Sun

Now this is pretty interesting. Recently at the 2012 SHOT show (tradeshow for outdoors and hunting), Foursevens revealed their new lithium powered LED light. Unlike typical LED lights, the XM18 produces an unprecedented 15,000 lumens of light. According to my simple calculations, the XM18 might be more powerful than your low to mid level Arri HMI lights!
[Video] Powerful Slow-Mo Video Shot On $500 DSLR

We’ve featured slow motion videos before, and this one is right up there with the best in terms of it’s motion rendering. Shooting with a $500 Canon 550D/T2i, Sacha Powell put together this powerful video using Twixtor to slow down some of his shots. It really goes to show that you don’t need the most expensive gear to make amazing visuals. You'll want to watch this fullscreen.
[Gear] The Mirrorless Camera: Pro Quality in Your Pocket

Mirrorless cameras are everywhere, now. By removing the standard mirror arrangement, manufacturers have been able to cram huge sensors similar to those in DSLRs into the same, tiny bodies as their point-and-shoot cousins. And if you Google "DSLR in your pocket," half of the images that come up are mirrorless cameras. But does this hold true? And is the mirrorless right for you?
[Gear] Everything Announced This Week and Then Some

A new Tokina 11-16mm lens, two new possible Leica cameras, Nikon and Canon's new mid-sized DSLRs...!? From the already-announced to the soon-to-be released, we have this week's updates on gear news. Check out the full post for the goods.
[Gear] The Light Table Goes Digital For The First Time

Much like gathering around the water cooler at the office took a hit with the advent of bottled water; the light table seemed to vanish overnight once digital cameras decided to stick around. Well fear not ex-film shooters, thanks to the Microsoft Surface touch computer and Industrial Color's "GLOBALedit" App you can once again swap war stories around the light table. Jump to the full post to see the demo video and more.