Dan Carr Photography - Photography Product Reviews and Tutorials

F-Stop Updates Their ICUs

Camera Bag Reviews, Equipment Reviews & Articles, F-Stop Bags, Industry News No Responses »

Mar 052013

If you aren’t familiar with the F-Stop photo packs then first you might want to take a look at my extensive reviews :

Guru – 28 liter all purpose mountain pack for small & medium ICU

Tilopa BC – 48 liter backcountry specific pack for small,medium & large ICU.

Loka- 37 liter all purpose mountain pack for small,medium & large ICU.

Satori EXP – 58 liter expedition photography pack for small, medium, large, XL and Monster ICU

Dakota Components – Accessories designed to compliment the Mountain Series.

Kenti- Dual side access lightweight pack

F-Stop has continued to expand its brand in the last year or so and they now have several lineups of bags. There are many more on their website but I tend to stick with talking about their Mountain Series gear here since I only like to review products that I actually use myself for my work and hey, I live in the mountains !

Right from the very beginning of their brand, F-Stops stand-out feature to me was the ICU system that allowed you to purchase the shell of the bag with any combination of internal ‘units’ . If you are having a day where you need more supplementary equipment than camera equipment then you can easily outfit any of the packs with a small ICU and take just a couple of lenses and a camera. If you’re going ‘all out’ then you can slot in an XL ICU and roll with a 500mm, two camera and several other lenses. This winter F-Stop has rolled out an update to all of their ICUs as well as adding a few more to the lineup. I have been checking out the new version of the XL ICU and a brand new size L in the Slope series which has a tapered design. Overall the changes to existing ICUs are relatively minor but nice nonetheless. The ICU padding is now a much lighter shade of grey. This helps immensely when you have lots of gear in the ICU as the black color so often used for camera trinkets and accessories now has much more contrast against the padding so you can easily see things. Another change is removable foam padding in the ICUs lid. Whilst the foam in previous ICUs was removable it wasn’t really designed with that intent. Now it is! The foam from the lid slides in and out so those who are content with the padding offered by the packs shell can leave the foam behind. In a great little piece of forward thinking, the foam inserts are color coded so you can easily spot which one belongs in which ICU by matching the colored tab on the ICU with the colored piping on the insert. Well played F-Stop ! Metal D-rings have also been added in a couple of places to facilitate easy and stronger addition of a shoulder strap if you need to port gear around in the ICU on its own.

Colored insert matches with the colored tab on the ICU for the removable foam padding in the lid

ICU Large Series from f-stop || Gear on Vimeo.

The Slope series of ICUs now features two sizes as well. Previously there was just a medium but now there is also a large size. The slope means that a pro-sized camera body will only fit at the ‘tall’ end of the ICU but a regular sized camera will fit anywhere. The tapered design of the Slope series leaves much more room free in the pack for other gear such as clothing and food. With today’s move towards higher spec regular sized cameras (think Nikon D800, Canon 5DMKIII , Nikon D7100) I see a lot less people using pro-sized bodies these days anyway so I think that this Large Slope ICU will actually be the new sweet spot in the lineup and in particular will work GREAT in the Loka.

New metal D-rings for strap attachment

The Slope Large is still big enough to fit a 300mm f2.8 horizontally at the ‘tall’ end.

Slope Large – Other configurations

Profile of the brand new L Sloped ICU. My new favorite !!

Nikon’s New APS-C Compact Camera Features 28mm f2.8 Lens

Industry News, New Products, Nikon No Responses »

Mar 042013

Nikon have jumped into the large sensor compact camera market tonight with the launch of the CoolPix A. Leaving the stupid name aside, this actually looks like a nice little camera. The DX format sensor is mated with an 18.5mm f2.8 lens which offers a 28mm equivalent in 35mm terms. An optional optical viewfinder gives you a decent framing option and a 16MP sensor will no doubt deliver decent images given Nikons recent success with DX cameras. They also announced some other Coolpix camera which frankly I couldn’t care less about so I’ll skip that one

The Coolpix A look like it will go head to head with the FujiFilm X100s in the marketplace as there aren’t all that many large sensor fixed lens cameras out there. Yes there’s the Sigma DP whatever and the Leica but the Leica is overpriced and nobody understands the Sigma DP Merrill cameras (though by all accounts they do produce lovely images)

The COOLPIX A will be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1099.95 and will be offered in Black and Silver. The DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder will be available for a suggested retail price of $449.96

Here’s the immediate problem with that though…. the Fuji X100s is only $1299. To get into a near apples to apples comparisson you would have to buy the optical viewfinder for the Nikon Coolpix A and then you’d be in for a total of $1550 ! Given the following behind the stunning physical design of the X100s and the initial stellar reports of its new AF system I think it might be a tough sell unless you are a die-hard Nikon fan.

Order

B&H have the Coolpix A for order HERE

Press Release

MELVILLE, N.Y. (March 4, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced two new advanced performance COOLPIX cameras, built for the customer seeking the best image quality possible with the convenience and ease-of-use of a compact camera. The Nikon COOLPIX A is the first COOLPIX to incorporate a DX-format sensor, similar to those found in many of Nikon’s coveted D-SLRs, which provides the highest image quality possible from a compact point-and-shoot. Additionally, the small yet powerful COOLPIX P330 fits comfortably into a shirt pocket, yet gives users the confidence to capture beautiful imagery through amazing optics, low-light capabilities and creative control.

“The introduction of the COOLPIX A, as Nikon’s flagship COOLPIX camera, provides uncompromised image quality and incredibly sharp detail in a compact point-and-shoot camera. As the first COOLPIX to use a DX-format sensor, the COOLPIX A will exceed expectations for its unsurpassed performance,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “The COOLPIX A, along with the COOLPIX P330, demonstrates the forward-looking direction of the Advanced Performance COOLPIX line, and packs all of the benefits of Nikon’s optical heritage and imaging experience into a compact, yet powerful package.”

Advanced Performance COOLPIX Cameras with Wi-Fi® Connectivity
For those who never settle for second best, this new duo presents the optimal choice to consistently capture high-quality images and HD video with outstanding clarity and detail. Thanks to their exceptional CMOS imaging sensors and world-class NIKKOR lenses, these cameras deliver brilliant photos amidst the action, even in low-light conditions. With compact designs and advanced feature sets that allow users to easily grow and improve their image or video shooting skills, these new COOLPIX cameras provide creative control and connectivity options for the photographer in everyone. These new cameras also join the ultra-zoom COOLPIX P520 and performance powerhouse COOLPIX P7700 in Nikon’s series of COOLPIX Advanced Performance cameras.

Once a still or video has been captured, both cameras let users share images instantly with family and friends when connected using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter*1. This accessory pairs with the free downloadable Wireless Mobile Utility application1, which enables users to transfer their images and videos to compatible smart devices and tablets for easy sharing and viewing with others.

The COOLPIX A: Nikon’s First DX-Format COOLPIX Camera Unlike any other COOLPIX camera, the new COOLPIX A is equipped with a DX-format CMOS sensor that enables users to achieve superior image quality previously only possible with a Nikon D-SLR. The combination of this 16.2-megapixel DX-format sensor and ultra-sharp prime NIKKOR lens firmly positions the COOLPIX A as the reigning flagship camera in the COOLPIX line.

The all-glass 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) prime lens has an f/2.8 aperture, allowing users to shoot with a shallow depth of field to blur backgrounds for professional-looking photos. Even when the sun goes down, the lens offers the ability to turn a fleeting glance into a flattering moonlit portrait with just a press of the shutter. Always ready for the spontaneous moment, the camera’s quick AF performance and 4 frames-per-second (fps) burst help users to consistently capture any moment with outstanding image quality.

For those who want to push their photography skills, the versatile COOLPIX A also offers advanced settings to allow shooters to have complete creative control to master nearly any shooting situation. With multiple Scene Modes, a familiar manual focus ring, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), and the ability to shoot RAW/NEF image files, even a simple snapshot can be transformed into artistic expression.

Additionally, the COOLPIX A offers a variety of accessories to enhance the shooting experience, including the DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder, the UR-E24 Adapter Ring for attaching lens hoods and filters, and the HN-CP18 metal Lens Hood, which helps protect the surface of the lens and restricts light from passing through without negatively influencing images. The camera also has a full size hot shoe port that makes the camera compatible with various accessories such as Nikon Speedlights.

Nikon Announces New 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Industry News, New Products, Nikon No Responses »

Mar 042013

Nikon has today announced an updated version of the 10-yr old 80-400. All mod-cons as expected including 4-stop VR. $2700 is a pretty hefty price tag but recent lenses such as Canon’s 70-300 L IS have proven that pro quality lenses can come in the form of wide ranging zoom using modern technologies. This will be an intriguing package for Nikon shooters , especially given modern ISO capabilities that render lenses with smaller maximum apertures a lot more useful….

Press Release

MELVILLE, N.Y. (March 4, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, a versatile FX-format telephoto zoom lens designed to provide top-class performance and a long reach for a variety of shooting scenarios. Sporting a long 5x zoom range, the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G is capable of capturing vivid colors with exquisite sharpness, whether shooting stills or HD video. Ideal for sports and nature photography, the addition of the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to providing a stable of lensing options for all types of photographers.

“Nikon’s next generation of the 80-400mm lens gives advanced photographers yet another top-quality NIKKOR lens to help capture every precise moment with intense detail and exceptional clarity,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “It’s a one lens solution that combines a versatile 5x zoom range, long focal length and core Nikon technologies to help create beautiful stills and HD video.”

High-Performance, High-Power Zoom Nikon’s newest telephoto zoom lens features a versatile 80-400mm focal length (5x zoom equivalent) that offers photographers a high-power FX-format lensing option to help capture stunning stills and HD video. Whether birding or shooting from the stands, the lens is also compatible with DX-format bodies to extend the maximum reach to 120-600mm (35mm equivalent). Additionally, alongside a 1.4x teleconverter, the lens can be expanded to an f/8 aperture to retain compatibility with the AF system on the most recent Nikon D-SLR cameras.

The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is loaded with essential NIKKOR technologies to help ensure top performance for the advanced photographer, including Vibration Reduction (VR) allowing for up to four stops of image stabilization while Auto tripod detection VR allows for effortless stabilization when mounted on a tripod. The lens sports Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to prevent ghost and flare, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure fast and quiet AF operation, and two focusing modes including M/A (AF with manual override) and M (manual). A new optical formula features 20 elements in 12 groups and includes one Super ED Glass Element and four ED glass elements for maximum clarity in a wide variety of shooting environments.

Price and Availability

The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR will be available in early April 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,699.95.*1 For more information on these and other NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Phase One Updates Their IQ Backs & Adds WiFi

Industry News, New Products, Phase One No Responses »

Mar 042013

I’m not a medium format shooter but I do stay abreast of things in that area and I liked what I saw from Phase One when they launched the IQ series about 18 months ago. Today they have announced an upgrade to the new IQ260 and IQ280.

These new backs add built in Wi-Fi capabilities for reviewing your images instantly on an iPad using the Capture Pilot software. It also allows wireless control of the cameras. These things are as serious as it gets when it comes to photographic equipment these days! Built in USB3 for super fast downloading of files, machined from aircraft grade aluminum, touch screen, live view, focus masking …. you name it and the IQ2 series probably has it. Very impressive. Oh what I would give to slot one of these onto an Alpa view camera…… maybe one day At 30,000 or 40,000 euros you have to be selling some mighty expensive prints to warrant one of these.

See the IQ2 series in action

Upcoming Vancouver Photo Seminar With Me , David DuChemin, Corwin Hiebert & Barry Brady

Workshops & Seminars No Responses »

Mar 042013

On March 23rd I will be speaking at a new event in Vancouver , put on by the Institute of Digital Photography. If you’ve ever wanted to hear the whole story about how I got into the photography business and how my business is run then this will be a great event! Also speaking at the event will be David DuChemin, hs business manager Corwin Hiebert and Barry Brady from the institute.

Tickets are available HERE from Eventbrite for only $55 for the entire day. There will be plenty of time for questions at the event so if there is something you’ve been just dying to ask me about any or my work then come on down. My talk will be first up in the morning but I will be hanging out all day with everyone.

One Click: Macro Snow

One Click 4 Responses »

Feb 222013

This image was shot using the very special Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens which can magnify objects up to 5X size relative to the cameras sensor. It was mounted to a Canon 5D MKIII which in turn was mounted onto a Really Right Stuff B150-B Macro rail , the whole setup was atop a Really Right Stuff BH-40 on my trusty carbon fiber Really Right Stuff TVC-24L tripod legs.

Now I also own the Canon 100mm IS macro but that only goes to 1X magnification which would have shown the whole crystal. I wanted to get in even closer and there really is no other lens like this one in that regard. Even stacking extension tubes on the 100mm macro will only get you to about 3X magnification so 5X is unpresedented and to my knowledge nobody but Canon makes a lens like this. It is a lot of fun when you get it right! But fair warning….. it’s also one of the hardest lenses to use. A macro rail such as the B-150 is an absolute must because it has no focus ring on the lens, you can only focus by moving the lens which in this case is done by rotating the dial on the macro rail

RODE Lanuches Lav Mic for iOS Devices

Industry News, New Products No Responses »

Feb 012013

I’m a pretty big fan of RODE mics, I have a lav and a shotgun myself and they have been very nice to work with. I like a company that innovates and we’ve already seen things like the upcoming Videomic HD and just last month the brand new iXY mic for the iPhone 4/4s. This week the innovation continues with the introduction of the dedicated lavalier microphone for iOS devices. The RODE SmartLav will retail for just $60 and operate with their own iOS app for recording purposes. Such a simple idea, a wonderful backup device for larger productions or a great , budget solution for photographers who might suddenly need to capture some decent audio in the field. You’ll need to sync the audio to to your video separately of course, but Final Cut Pro X can do it decently and of course there is Pluraleyes as well for more complex things. I’m going to be getting one of these to keep in my camera bag for sure!

Nikon’s New 800mm Monster Gets Official

Industry News, New Products, Nikon No Responses »

Feb 012013

This week at the Japanese CP+ show Nikon made their new 800mm lens official and set a whopping $17,899 price tag ! The 800mm has been a lens missing from the Nikon arsenal but one that has been popular with Canon shooters, predominantly wildlife professionals. The lens will be available , presumably in limited quantities due to the price, in April and you can pre-order it from B&H or Amazon right now.

Note that the press release below also covers the dull sounding 18-35mm replacement……

Press Release

MELVILLE, N.Y. (January 28, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens and AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, designed to assist FX-format photographers in capturing their subjects with clarity and precision. Specifically engineered for sports, wildlife and photojournalists, the 800mm f/5.6 offers the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus (AF) lens, affording photographers the opportunity to get closer to their subject with extreme telephoto capability. Additionally, the compact and lightweight 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 is an ultra-wide-angle lens option with a 1.9x zoom range is an ideal focal length for landscape photography and other wide-angle applications.

“The addition of the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens and AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle zoom lens to the FX-format NIKKOR lens lineup reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to the optical excellence and versatility that professional and enthusiast photographers have come to expect from Nikon,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Whether shooting on the sidelines under stadium lights or composing a landscape in the early morning sun, the newest additions to the NIKKOR line of lenses provide the ability to shoot stunning still images or HD video with amazing sharpness and clarity.”

The Elusive and Iconic Image is Never Out of Reach

The new AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens provides professional photographers the opportunity to get close to a subject with the longest fixed focal length lens in the NIKKOR family. Designed for the needs of sports, wildlife and news photographers, the 800mm features a maximum aperture of f/5.6 and gives FX-format photographers the chance to capture intense detail and textures that fill the frame from a distance. Included with the new lens is the matched AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED which has been developed exclusively for the 800mm f/5.6 lens. This is the first Nikon teleconverter to employ an ED glass element, and extends the maximum focal length 1.25x to 1000mm (1500mm when used with a DX-format camera) and maximum aperture to f/7.1 while maintaining full AF performance on D4, D800 series and D600 FX-format D-SLR cameras.

Originally trialed and tested under the demanding conditions of the 2012 summer games, the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR maintains the handling, optical performance, vivid color reproduction and exceptional clarity that professional photographers rely on. This is the first Nikon lens constructed with two fluorite glass elements, combined with two ED glass elements and a Nano Crystal Coat, to help ensure outstanding performance with minimal chromatic aberration and flaring, all within a durable lens body. The addition of fluorite elements allows for consistently excellent optical characteristics while keeping the lens balanced and lightweight. The lens is comprised of 20 elements in 13 groups, and is one of few Nikon lenses to utilize an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that enables seamless mechanical control and enhanced stability in auto exposure control during continuous shooting. Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization is also implemented, with the equivalent of approximately four stops faster1 shutter speed correction.

An Ultra Wide-Angle Wonder for FX-Format Photographers
Nikon’s newest ultra-wide-angle NIKKOR offering, the AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, features a useful wide-angle focal length of 18-35mm (1.9x zoom equivalent). This FX-format lens is ideal for large group shots, architecture and photographing or shooting HD video in tight interiors. Performance is optimized for ultra-high-pixel-count D-SLR cameras including the Nikon D800 series and D600, while providing close focus up to .92 feet (approx. 11 inches). The 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 presents a new, lightweight wide-angle option for FX-format D-SLR shooters.

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED packs NIKKOR quality and performance within an extremely compact and lightweight 0.85 lb. (385g) body, making it easy to carry while on location or on-the-go. Constructed with 12 elements in 8 groups, Nikon’s newest wide-angle lens features a seven-blade diaphragm that allows for beautiful and precise image blur, ED glass to help ensure outstanding performance with minimal chromatic aberration while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) reduces ghosting even in backlit situations. Two focus modes are available including M/A (AF with manual override) and M (Manual) in addition to a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables quiet AF operation.

Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR, supplied with the AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED, will be available in April 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $17,899.95*. The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will be available in March 2013 for the SRP of $749.95*. For more information on these and other NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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