Gear Reviews » Dan Carr Photography - Photography Product Reviews + Ski, Snowboard and adventure photography tips

Nikon D4 Vs. Canon EOS 1D X

Canon, Comparisons, Gear Reviews, Industry News 7 Responses »

Jan 042012

Just a few days before CES 2012 and the specs for the Nikon D4 have been accidentally leaked on a website (reported but not named by Nikon Rumors). They also published a photo of the new Nikon D4. Given that we already know all about the Canon 1D X we can now take a proper look at latest and greatest from the big two. While the D4 will be the second of the two to be unveiled, it will in fact be available in stores in February compared to late March for the 1D X. Amazon actually has the D4 up for pre order already, if you’re looking to pick one up then you might want to get in line.

Spec Comparison

Not every single item on the D4 spec list has been released yet so I will be upgrading this as they are unveiled.

New Tascam DR-40 and DR-100 MKII FOR DSLR Audio

Audio, Gear Reviews 7 Responses »

Jan 032012

Getting around the deficient audio in DSLR video production is always a tricky problem for one reason or another. There are several ways to do it , depending on which camera you are using but it also depends on whether you want to shoot separate audio tracks and sync in post using Plural Eyes , or whether you want to record straight into the video track on camera. The latter route will never be as high quality but sometimes you just don’t have time for the extra step in post of syncing and managing the audio files. Of course the first step to better audio is just to use better microphones and those all have XLR outputs on them so you need a way of connecting XLR’s to your camera. A popular solution has been the ZOOM H4N and it’s been good at that price point though it was never really designed for this use. The H4N is several years old now, predating the so-called DSLR revolution in fact, and was designed to record music, both live and at line level through 1/4″ plugs from guitars. One of the problems with it is the sensitivity of the 1/4″ line in signal is not at a typical line in level so inline pads are required as well as xlr-1/4″ TRS conversion of you want to record a line level signal and bypass the pre amps in the H4N. For me, no line level XLR input on the H4N is a big shortcoming for the flexibility of it’s usage.

The Tascam DR-100 was also used by quite a few people instead of the H4N but the original version also lacked the line level input that I would like to see. Tascam has just recently started to ship two new recorders though that BOTH feature mic and line level XLR inputs. The updated MKII version of the DR-100 and the brand new DR-40 which now takes over from the H4N as the most affordable XLR recorder on the market at around $200. Let’s take a look at their main features:

The Search For My Ultimate Tripod Setup - Really Right Stuff TVC-33s

Gear Reviews, Tripod Heads 6 Responses »

Dec 292011

Having broken my tripod recently I decided to look at what the high end of the market has to offer. A cheap tripod rarely does you any favors and whilst my previous one wasn’t exactly cheap, I’d often wanted a bit more stability and a generally nicer feel to things. I did a lot of research, read a lot of reviews, blog posts and forum threads and narrowed things quickly down to Gitzo and Really Right Stuff.

TVC-33s with TA-3-LC HK

I’m a big fan of Really Right Stuff products in general and I use their BH-40 ballhead as well as an MH-01 on my monopod so I was interested to watch their development of a tripod lineup over the last couple of years. Initially they launched the TVC-33 which promised the support capacity of a Gitzo 5-series but in a size and weight that was closer to a Gitzo 3-series. Those that have ever handled anything made by RRS will know that they are second to none when it comes to quality of machining and construction. The new carbon fiber tripods are no different but it comes at a price of course.

F-Stop Kenti Photography Backpack Review

Camera Bags, F-Stop Bags, Gear Reviews 2 Responses »

Dec 142011

The Kenti is the latest addition to the popular Mountain Series of bags from F-Stop, designed specifically with outdoor, nature and adventure photographers in mind. The Kenti brings some very different design features with it though that set it apart from the other bags in the series. It is (at time of writing) the only camera backpack that I am aware of that features zippered access on both sides of the bag. Two camera bodies with lenses already attached can be quickly reached and stowed away again in record time, if speed is of the essence in your photography then you should definitely read on.

Bag Design & Features

The pack is constructed from Nylon 330 Denier Double Ripstop PU 1500mm DWR. In other words is damn tough and pretty waterproof !

Gura Gear Chobe Review

Camera Bags, Gear Reviews, Gura Gear 3 Responses »

Dec 052011

Started by world renowned wildlife photographer Andy Biggs, Gura Gear has gathered a strong following from nature and wildlife photographers in the last couple of years with their Kiboko 30L backpack. The Kiboko was designed by Andy specifically to hold large super telephoto lenses during travel and in the field. It’s take a few years but this past Autumn, Gura Gear expanded their lineup to include two new bags; Kiboko 22l and Chobe 19-24L. We’ll be taking a closer look at the new 22L Kiboko in the coming weeks but today I want to give you my thoughts on the new Chobe shoulder bag.

Gura Gear Chobe can be purchased from Outdoor Photo Gear.

Introducing The F-Stop Dakota Components

Camera Bags, F-Stop Bags, Gear Reviews No Responses »

Dec 012011

The new Dakota components are designed to compliment the Mountain Series packs that I have reviewed in the past. As well as the products that I’m about to show you, F-Stop have also released a belt system featuring several new lens cases, a large padded waist belt and optional supporting shoulder straps. I have not had a chance to see or test the lens cases for the new belt system but you can view these on their website.

Tripod Bag

This bag is available in either black or foliage green for a modest $49 and will work with just about any bag you can imagine. Whilst it’s called the tripod bag, its sufficiently large enough for a two or possibly a three man tent, or perhaps a bedroll. Those who own one of the previously reviewed Mountain Series packs such as the Tilopa or Loka will be familiar with the tough nylon that this bag is also made from and this version takes it one step further with water proofing rated to 15000mm. The bag has been designed to handle just about any size size of tripod you can imagine, including larger video specific variations with hefty fluid heads on top. Any excess material can be neatly rolled up and because the material is thin, there is no real leftover bulk to speak of.

I’ve seen a few tripod bags before and they tend to be bulky, heavily padded unwieldy things. Well that doesn’t really jive with the Mountain Series packs that this is designed to complement. These are packs that you want to take anywhere, however far or however wild the ride may be on the way. As such, this tripod bag offers little in the way of padded protection and instead concentrates on protecting your 3-legged investment from the mud, sand, rain, dust and snow that mother nature might chuck at you while on your adventure. The line of loops down the side of the bag means that there is always one in the right place for threading a side strap or Gatekeeper through to secure it to your chosen pack.

Think Tank Announces New Versions Of Their Modular Components

Camera Bags, Industry News, Think Tank No Responses »

Oct 272011

Today Think Tank Photo has revealed a completely new re-design of their extremely popular, dare I say industry standard, Modular lineup. I have previously reviewed the Modular Skin Set and found it to be fantastic for sports and event work so I’m excited to see the improvements they have made.

Two Lineups Updated

With this update Think Tank are releasing the Modular Rotation System and Modular Rotation System Skin™ Components. These are the same two systems that we had previously but with updated pouches across the board. The Skin system as I mentioned lacks the padding of the regular Modular System which makes it great for indoor work such as weddings and also great for packing if you have to fly with your gear. It all packs down very flat and doesn’t weigh much at all. If you need a little more protection then the Modular system is going to be best for you.

As always you guys can take advantage of reading my site when you spend more than $50 on the Think Tank store by clicking through any one of the links below you will be given a chance to choose a free bag/gift at the checkout ! There’s some great freebies to be had.

SHIPPING NOW !!

Think Tanks have just informed me that these new products are shipping NOW!!

You will still be able to take advantage of the special FREE gift from Think Tank that you get when you spend more than $50 because you are readers of my website>

Lets take a look at the new versions and the new and noteworthy features that have been introduced ……..

Datacolor SpyderLensCal Review

Accesories, Gear Reviews No Responses »

Sep 232011

Over on ProPhotoCoalition I’ve just posted a quick review and how-to-use for the Datacolor SpyderLensCal which is a pretty neat little tool for helping you quickly calibrate all your lenses using the AF micro adjust feature in today’s DSLRs.

Calibrating Your Lenses With Spyder LensCal From Datacolor

Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW Review

Camera Bags, Gear Reviews, Lowepro No Responses »

Sep 202011

The eternal quest for the perfect camera bag is one that I’m sure you’re all familiar with. I’ve given up looking for “The One” though because the breadth of photography that I enjoy makes such a bag an impossibility. I prefer to narrow things down a little and in this instance I’m on the hunt for the best outdoor adventure photography pack. This year Lowepro launched two bags that fall into this category, the Photo Sport Sling 100 and the Photo Sport 200 AW. Lowepro recently sent me a 200 AW to try out and it’s actually the first Lowepro bag I’ve tried out so I was very interested to see how it performed. First impressions upon unpacking it were just how light it is and how nice the nylon material feels. Overall impression of the construction is something I always note, and with the Photo Sport 200 there were no loose threads or missed stitching in site. Clearly a well constructed bag that felt great to the touch when opening and closing various compartments and zippers.

Key Features

Exterior: 10.6W x 6.7D x 19.3H in. 27 x 17 x 49 cm

Interior Camera Chamber: 7.7W x 3.5D x 9.1H in. 19.5 x 9.0 x 23.0 cm

Toploading Compartment: 13.9 liters

Weight: 2.9 lbs / 1.3 kg

Fits: Pro DSLR without grip with lens attached; flash; hydration reservoir (not included); personal items like a hat, light jacket, trekking or ski poles, snack, cell phone, keys, etc.

Fuji X10 Vs. X100

Cameras, Comparisons, Fujifilm, Gear Reviews 34 Responses »

Aug 302011

The Fuji x100 is a phenomenally successful camera, even 6 months after it hit store shelves it’s still in short supply. I reviewed it myself and fell in love with it but the price tag isn’t for everyone, neither is the fixed 24mm prime lens. In September 2011 Fujifilm announced the X10 which addresses both of these considerations so I figured I would write up a comparison to help people choose between the two. At first glance they look fairly similar as both are based around the same rear screen and controls and a similar magnesium chassis but in fact these cameras will satisfy very different people and produce quite different images.