The readers of this weblog column may have formed the idea that its writer acts under editorial direction from the management of Camera Electronic. Let me assure you that the only thing I have ever heard from them is " Now what in the world is he up to? " and " Go away...
And you don't even have to keep your eyes peeled for the Sergeant-Major...
The camera is an excuse to get out the toy cars and the toy cars are an excuse to get out the camera. It is probably the same with you - substituting landscapes or sports or wildflowers for toy cars. You might even be the family photographer who is always circulating at the parties. If you are, take heart - they may growl at you now when you make them look at the camera, but after a couple of decades those images will become precious. Just make sure you save the files in a number of places. If family members have been particularly un-cooperative at the holiday parties or weddings you can get your revenge later by Facebooking the worst of them and then demanding a ransom to hide them. You're the photographer and you get to be ruthless. The main feature that stands out in the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III besides a model designation that is far too long, is the improved user control system. Oh, they've added a bit more grip and a few more internal features with...
You can do produce any size camera if you try. Whatever the designer draws, if a maker can enlist a crew of eight people and a recovery vehicle just over the horizon, they can send it out of the factory door. If they are wise they will wedge the door tight so that nobody can bring it back in again. It's different if a manufacturer wants to make something that is going to be successful - because part of that success will involve real people operating it in real-time. And the simpler the interface, the better chance that it will work. That is the principle around some of the changes on the new Olympus E-M10 MkIII. Look at the front - the new handgrip is much more comfortable and much more secure - it is paired with a larger and more effective thumb grip at the back. Also note the clever engineering of the three adjustment wheels on the right hand side. They are somewhat similar in shape but have been differentiated in height to allow your thumb and fingers, once trained,...
What sort of photographer are you? There's a question that people answer in the shop in oh-so-many different ways. Some say good or bad. Some say they are an adherent of Brand A or Brand B. Some identify themselves by the subjects they like to shoot. Some say amateur or professional, and frequently they are right. Hardly anyone ever says that they are modest. Or moderate. Or minimalist. It is almost as if they are afraid that the sales staff, other photographers, or the camera makers will look down on them. " There, there, little fellow...
I think Vincent is nervous. He has a look on his face in this picture that suggests he is not entirely sure what I am going to do with the photo. Nevertheless, he is game enough to be the model for the new lighter Pelican waterproof protection cases and I commend him for his bravery. Even I get nervous when I have an idea...
Very few of us are prepared to take $ 600 in cash and throw it into a bonfire. Even if it is someone else's money, and there is a bag of marshmallows handy, there is a natural human tendency to grasp those bills tightly. But we'll spend that much money - and more - on PocketWizard radio triggers for our flash systems...
The history of military uniforms and accoutrements has seen a lot of design variation - for instance the humble cartridge box. By the time paper cartridges had come into use in the 18th century, there were any number of ways in which a soldier could carry them into battle. Some used bags slung over their shoulders, some used wooden blocks in leather cases in a similar position, and some - the Jägers and light infantry - were just as likely to have their ammunition in a wooden block/leather case strapped to their waists and worn in the front. This may have been the inspiration for the Lowepro Streetline waist pack, though it is likely that it came from many of the same style that the company has made over a period of time. Now we are in the mirror-less era, the waist pack is coming into its own. The reason for the Jägers' adoption of the design was the fact that they had to be agile and fast, prowling around the edges of a battlefield. Big cartridge pouches flapping on their flanks...
Do you take your photography to the streets? Do you work with modern equipment? Do you want to be reasonably stylish whilst out there? Then take a look at the Lowepro Streetline range of camera bags in Camera Electronic. Right away I can hear people who have seen me on the street laughing as they read that word " stylish ". My general appearance vacillates between that of a Miami tourist in 1953 and Red Green. It could be worse - I have seen some street shooters that look like Worzel Gummidge. Many of us could stand a bit of a makeover, if only for the sake of the other people out there. We may not get it - there's a lot of old clothing in our wardrobes that need wearing out first - but at least we can sport good camera gear. If you are working with the lighter forms of mirror-less camera, the Streetline series are designed for you. They combine a sophisticated appearance with discretion - no flashy colours and minimal leather showing. This one has a very good...
That's a play on words, with the basis being the Think Tank bags you see here. They are referred to as " Mirrorless Movers ". They move quite well, thank you, and for a good reason - they are one of the most sensible camera cases for modern use. Camera bag design and branding are one of those topics - like camera brand loyalty - that occupy a lot of spare space in forums and group meetings. It might sound trite or pedestrian, but there are times when pedestrians would do well to think the matter out clearly. Walking around with camera equipment is a lot of fun if you are visiting interesting places and getting great shots. Walking around with an entire armamentarium of DSLR lenses in case the great shot presents itself is also fun, but most of the enjoyment occurs when you see a bench and can sit down. Thus one of the sales features of the mirror-less camera systems - lighter weight and smaller gear. Those of you with professional-quality full-frame mirror-less cameras and the entire armamentarium of...