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Posts Tagged ‘Accessories’

Nikon Dropping International Warranty on Lenses and Accessories

12 Jan

The post Nikon Dropping International Warranty on Lenses and Accessories appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Nikon Dropping International Warranty on Lenses and Accessories

Nikon recently announced its intention to shift away from international product warranties; the company will offer only country or regional warranties for camera equipment, including lenses and speedlights.

Nikon explains, “With the differences in regional laws and safety standards, it has become quite difficult to maintain a single international warranty that is effective around the world…[we] ultimately decided to begin the gradual transition from international warranties to regional warranties for interchangeable lenses and accessories in January of 2021.”

Prior to this move, select Nikon camera gear was guaranteed internationally for a full year after purchase. A travel photographer who purchased their Nikon lens in Britain could get it repaired in the US, and vice versa – but no longer. Once the transition to local warranties is complete, USA-bought equipment will likely only be repairable in the USA, and UK-bought equipment only repairable in the UK.

Nikon clarifies that you can still purchase gear with an existing international warranty, and the company will honor it (so if you were thinking of buying a Nikon lens and are a frequent traveler, then I suggest you move fast!). But regional and country warranties will only be honored within those regions and countries, which makes it much less desirable to purchase Nikon camera equipment abroad, take it back to your home country, and put it through its paces. 

You may be wondering: 

Does this really matter? How often will this affect me?

That depends on you and your photography. Travel photographers and casual photographers may purchase equipment while on vacation overseas – and if that’s you, you may find yourself with a useless warranty when you arrive back home.

Of course, there are also those who purchase photography equipment for lower prices overseas, then bring it back to their home country. If that’s you, then any future warranties will soon be void.

Nikon has not yet released information explaining which areas will be subject to country-wide warranties and which will have regional warranties, so keep an eye out for news from Nikon to see where you stand for future gear.

What do you think about this news? Does it bother you that Nikon is dropping its international warranty? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Nikon Dropping International Warranty on Lenses and Accessories appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Moment launches series of MagSafe mounting accessories for iPhone 12

03 Nov

iPhone lens and accessory manufacturer Moment has launched a new collection of mounts that make use of the magnet embedded in the Apple iPhone 12 to attach to the phone. The mount include their own magnets to connect with those in the phone’s body, and different fixtures on the other side that allow users to mount to phone on a support or to mount accessories on the phone.

The accessories line up includes a mount for the air vent of a car, a tripod adapter, a cold shoe to fit accessories to the phone as well as a mount that allows you to attach your iPhone to the wall. Moment says it uses a ‘propreitary (M)Force magnet array’ that offers an extra powerful magnetic field to ensure accessories don’t fall off the phone and the phone doesn’t fall off your tripod.

The mounts can be used with or without an iPhone case, and feature a padded connection surface to avoid damage to the phone’s finish.
Prices for the series start at $ 19.99 for the wall mount, and go up to $ 49.99 for the Pro Tripod Mount that also includes a cold shoe for microphones or video lights. These mounts are due to ship in March 2021.

The company also has a new series of cases that include MagSafe. These cost $ 49.99 each. For more information see the Moment website.

Press release:

Reintroducing Moment for iPhone 12.

Apple introduced MagSafe. We’re introducing everything else. New Cases. Tripod Mounts. Cold Shoe Mounts. Stick To Anything Mounts. All compatible with MagSafe.

Starting at $ 19.99. Only at Moment.

Why MagSafe?

We believe it’s the future for how you quickly attach your favorite gear to your phone, and your phone to your favorite gear. Whether you are new to mobile photography or a pro filmmaker, we believe MagSafe will be more accessible than any of the current phone clamp solutions.

Why Moment for MagSafe?

We have engineered a unique magnet array that gives our accessories that extra connective strength. We are calling it (M)Force and it’s in all of our accessory mounts. Patent Pending, each of our mount has a unique use of magnets and mechanical features that make them easier (and stronger) to use. Usable with or without a case, today is just the beginning for what we plan to release.

We are excited for the future of mobile photography and filmmaking with MagSafe. We hope you join us!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Mobile by Peak Design is a new line of smartphone cases and accessories with unique ‘SlimLock’ design

20 Oct

Peak Design is back with its latest crowdfunding campaign. This time, the San Francisco-based accessory manufacturer has found a way to put a unique spin on a new line of cases and accessories for smartphones.

The legs of the tripod accessory fold out wide to create a sturdy base. If you’re using larger, heavier devices, the case even has a built-in hex tool for tightening the joints of the ball mount and legs.

The new Mobile by Peak Design lineup consists of smartphone cases and universal mounts that use Peak Design’s ‘SlimLink’ hardware to easily connect an ecosystem of accessories, including an ultra-compact tripod, various magnetic and locking mounts, a wallet and even wireless charging mounts.

The tripod accessory is tapered and easily snaps into place on the rear of the case or universal mount.

What makes the SlimLink connection on each of the cases and adapters unique is its ability to work with both hard-locking (mechanical) and soft-locking (magnetic) mounts. This means some of the accessories, such as the mobile tripod, can connect with a quick snap of the built-in magnets, while mounts that need a more secure hold, such as the bike and moto mounts, can lock into place for a more secure hold.

A close-up shot of the proprietary SlimLock system.

The SlimLink connection is made of ceramic-zirconium, meaning it will still allow Qi charging to work through the case. At launch, the Mobile by Peak Design lineup will offer dedicated Peak Design Everyday Cases for the following devices (other phones will work using the universal adapter):

  • iPhone 12 (6.1” + 5.4”), Pro Max, Pro
  • iPhone SE2
  • iPhone 11, Pro, Pro Max
  • Samsung S20, S20 Ultra, S20 +
The universal mount ensures nearly any older device—even those with cases—should be able to be adapted to work with the Mobile by Peak Design system.

Peak Design is also supporting cross-compatibility between its mounting system and the new MagSafe connection found in Apple’s latest iPhone 12 devices. Specifically, Peak Design says its soft-locking mounts and accessories (tripod, wallet, charging stand, wall mount and car mounts) will work with Apple’s MagSafe phones and cases. Peak Design also says iPhone 12 devices in the Peak Design Everyday Case will work with Apple’s MagSafe charger and notes Apple’s MagSafe accessories, such as their wallet, will be able to be connected to a Peak Design Case, but it doesn’t specify how exactly that will be achieved.

As of the announcement of the Kickstarter campaign, Peak Design lists four different cases or adapters and eleven different accessories. An infographic overview of the ecosystem is shared below:

You can find out more information on the Mobile by Peak Design lineup by heading over to the Kickstarter campaign. Below is an infographic with a pricing breakdown for the various accessories, adapters and cases. As with all of Peak Design’s other products, all cases and accessories are individually serialized and guaranteed for life.

This is Peak Design’s 10th Kickstarter campaign and should, if it reaches its goal, ensure Peak Design surpasses smartwatch manufacturer Pebble for the all-time most money raised through Kickstarter campaigns — $ 43.4M.

After a successful funding and launch on Kickstarter, the Mobile by Peak Design system will be available to purchased through Peak Design’s online shops as well as partnered retailers in Spring 2021.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad 907X 50C camera and accessories now available

12 Aug

Hasselblad has announced the general availability of its 907X 50C medium format camera kit, as well as the accessory grip and optical viewfinder. The camera was introduced over a year ago, and up until now a limited edition Moon Landing kit was the only way to get one – but those sold out pretty quickly.

The standard production 907X body with the CFV II 50C back will cost €6590 / £5990 / CNY¥48000 including tax / $ 6399 excluding sales tax and will ship at the end of August. The 907X Control Grip will be of €749 / £679 / CNY¥5990 / $ 729 (no US tax) and the optical finder €499 / £459 / CNY¥3990 / $ 499. The limited edition Moon-Landing kit that came in a matt black finish with black trim cost $ 7500/ €7475/ £6990.

The 907X camera body accepts lenses from the XCD range designed for the X1D series cameras, but can also use the HC/HCD, V system and XPan lenses via adapters. The CFV II 50C back features a 50MP sensor, dual SD card slots, USB-C and Wi-Fi as well as the ability to record 2.7K video. For more information see the Hasselblad website.

Press release:

Press information – For immediate release Gothenburg, Sweden 12 August 2020

HASSELBLAD 907 X 50 C NOW AVAILABLE

COMBINING OUR LEGACY WITH YOUR FUTURE
A UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE WITH FULL SYSTEM MODULARITY

Introduced as a concept in June 2019 and now available to purchase, the 907X 50C mirrorless medium format digital camera is comprised of the modernised CFV II 50C digital back and the brand new 907X camera body, connecting Hasselblad’s photographic legacy and future into one system.

With an outstanding medium format 50-megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm), the CFV II 50C digital back enables use with most V System cameras made from 1957 and onwards in addition to third party technical or view cameras. The CFV II 50C features a brilliant 3.2in 2.36K dot tilting rear display with full touch support and Hasselblad’s renowned user interface for settings, image review, and menu naviga- tion. Users of previous CFV digital backs will appreciate the new fully integrated battery design, the same used on the X System, which reduces overall size and with the option to recharge in-camera via the USB-C port. Combining its iconic aesthetics with a chrome edge body finish in addition to modern tech- nology, the CFV II 50C gives a nod to Hasselblad’s history combined with the brand’s world-renowned image quality.

Coupling the CFV II 50C with the 907X, Hasselblad’s smallest medium format camera body ever, creates a highly compact package. This combination offers a truly distinct photographic experience, including the classic waist-level shooting style of the V System enabled by the CFV II 50C’s tilt screen. With the 907X, the photographer gains access to all of the high-quality X System Lenses in addition to a vast range of Hasselblad optics via adapters, including the H System, V System, and XPan Lenses. In addition, the 907X enables compatibility with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses. Accessories that beautifully complement the combination include the 907X Control Grip and 907X Optical Viewfinder.

Key features for the 907X 50C:
• Large medium format 50MP 43.8 x 32.9 mm CMOS sensor
• 14 stops of dynamic range
• Hasselblad HNCS
• Captures 16-bit RAW images and full resolution JPEGs
• High-resolution 3.2-inch 2.36K dot touch and tilt screen
• Smooth live view experience with a high frame rate of 60fps
• Video: 2.7k (2720 x 1530) and Full HD (1920 x 1080) / Video covers full sensor width in a 16:9 ratio
• Intuitive user interface with swipe and pinch touch controls
• Internal battery slot with the option to recharge in-camera via the USB-C port (same battery used on the X System)
• Compatibility with most V System cameras made from 1957 and onwards in addition to third party technical or view cameras
• Full compatibility with all XCD Lenses
• Full compatibility with HC/HCD Lenses including AF with optional XH Lens Adapter (manual focus only with HC 120 Macro and HC 120 Macro II)
• Compatibility with V System Lenses, XPan Lenses, and third-party lenses using XV, XPan and third- party lens adapters, respectively
• Dual UHS-II SD card slots
• Audio in/out connectors
• Flash in/out connectors
• Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and USB-C connection, enabling tethered shooting
• Portable workflow with Phocus Mobile 2 support*
• Optional accessories, including chrome finished 907X Control Grip for quick access to main image functions and 907X Optical Viewfinder for convenient eye-level shooting
• 907X ultra-thin and light weight body converts CFV II 50C digital back into digital SWC
• 907X 50C weight: 740 g (CFV II 50C: 540 g / 907X Camera Body: 200 g)

The 907X 50C has an MSRP of €6590 / £5990 / CNY¥48000 including VAT and $ 6399 excluding sales tax.

The 907X Control Grip has an MSRP of €749 / £679 / CNY¥5990 including VAT and $ 729 excluding sales tax.

The 907X Optical Viewfinder has an MSRP of €499 / £459 / CNY¥3990 including VAT and $ 499 excluding
sales tax.

All products are available to order today, and shipping will begin from the end of August. Visit www.hasselblad.com/cfv-ii-50c-907x/ to see more about the 907X 50C.

*Update for Phocus Mobile 2 for iPad and a brand new Phocus Mobile 2 for iPhone to be released soon. This update for Phocus Mobile 2 will enable Live View, allowing for Focus Peaking, control of Depth-of- Field, setting AF area positioning and the ability to simulate exposure, all from the Live View screen in Phocus Mobile 2.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hasselblad updates firmware for X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, announces two new accessories

31 Jul

Hasselblad has announced a firmware update for its X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, as well as introduced two new accessories for its 907X Special Edition camera.

Firmware update 1.3.0 for the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition offers two main updates. First, it’s now possible to quickly set ISO and white balance by touch on the live view screen. Second, Hasselblad says it’s improved the charge time of its 3,400mAh batteries by 20% when using the supplied charger.

The update also adds support for the 907X Special Edition camera’s new accessories: a control grip and optical viewfinder. The 907X Special Edition Control Grip mounts to the underside of the camera. It offers a scrolling wheel, joystick, shutter button and four other customizable buttons for changing settings, capturing images and reviewing media without having to use the touchscreen.

Inspired by the Hasselblad SWC viewfinder, the new 907X Special Edition Optical Viewfinder (OVF) mounts to the camera via a cold shoe adapter and offers internal markings for composing images with Hasselblad’s XCD 21mm, 30mm and 45mm lenses. There’s also a center cross that can be used to simulate the location of an autofocus point.

You can download firmware update 1.3.0 for the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition on Hasselblad’s website. The 907X Special Edition Control Grip and Optical Viewfinder are available to pre-order on Hasselblad’s website for $ 969 and $ 629, respectively. The first units are expected to ship by the end of August.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon Japan warns R5, R6 and accessories could ship later than expected due to demand

14 Jul

Canon Japan has warned consumers that pre-orders for its R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras — as well as some accessories — might ship later than expected due to pre-orders ‘exceed[ing] expectations.

The machine-translated statement reads:

Information About Product Supply Status

We have received orders for the following products announced on July 9, 2020 that exceeded expectations, and it may take some time before the products are delivered.

[Applicable Products] EOS R5 / EOS R6 / Battery Grip BG-R10 / Extender RF 1.4x / Extender RF 2x

We would like to thank you for all the orders we have received, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused to our customers waiting for the release. Thank you kindly look forward for your understanding.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this kind of announcement following the launch of new and exciting camera gear: Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and others have done it in the past.

While there’s reasonable suspicion in these instances whether it’s purely a PR move to further drum up interest or a genuine warning that units might ship later than expected, it’s worth noting Canon specifically suggests shipments could be delayed. So, it’s worth keeping tabs on your order progress if you’ve pre-ordered one of the affected cameras or accessories.

You can find a full run-down of our Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 coverage here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh launches ‘Street Edition’ version of its GR III with new paint and custom accessories

11 Jun

Ricoh Imaging has announced the release of the GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit, a limited edition camera package that includes a new look and exclusive accessories.

The updated look gives the GR III a textured metallic grey paint job that Ricoh claims was chosen ‘to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city.’ Also new in this limited edition camera is the orange-yellow lens barrel ring that Ricoh says is ‘reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.’

Beyond the new paint job, the Ricoh GR III Street Edition comes with a detachable viewfinder with the same metallic grey finish (the standard version of this finder retails for $ 250), as well as a genuine- leather hand strap, the latter of which has an orange-yellow stopper meant to match the lens barrel ring. When turned off, the camera will also display a street-view image as well as a specialized product logo.

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Internally, the new Street Edition version of the GR III is identical to its less-colorful counterpart, complete with the 24MP APS-C sensor, the 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens and the hybrid autofocus system.

However, this camera will include Ricoh’s new ‘Full Press Snap’ feature, which allows users to pre-define a focal point and have the lens immediately snap focus to that point upon fully depressing the shutter and/or tapping the back LCD display. Ricoh notes this feature will be available on the standard GR III via a firmware update after the release of this limited edition camera, but no specific timeframe is mentioned.

The Ricoh GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit is limited to 3500 units worldwide and is set to launch mid-July for $ 1199/£1099. If you don’t care for the entire kit or miss out on the limited-run, don’t fret — this coming autumn, standalone GR III Street Edition units will be available (no pricing information has been shared at this time).

Press release:

Ricoh launches RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

Limited-quantity package featuring high-end digital compact camera with a stylish metallic gray body and exclusive accessories

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 10, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit. Available in a limited quantity of 3,500 units worldwide, the kit combines the RICOH GR III camera body, finished in a metallic gray color, with a compact, detachable viewfinder and a genuine-leather hand strap, both designed exclusively for this package.

Offering the same high image quality as the standard RICOH GR III, the small, lightweight camera body has been treated with a metallic gray finish designed to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city. The finish features an elegantly grained texture that is smooth in appearance but helps improve camera grip. It’s accentuated with an orange-yellow lens barrel ring, reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.

In addition to the camera, the kit includes a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle of view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street and will be available in the standard GR III via a firmware update that is scheduled for release later this year.

The RICOH GR III Street Edition, a high-grade digital compact camera that doesn’t include the viewfinder and the strap, is also scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2020.

Pricing and Availability

The RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit will be available mid-July at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com as well as at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1199.95.

Main Features of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

The camera body has been treated with an attractive metallic gray finish that designed to appeal to a street photographer, symbolizing the asphalt pavement in the city. It’s also accentuated with an orange-yellow ring encircling the lens barrel. The exterior finish features an elegantly grained texture created by repeatedly spraying droplets of a coating material onto the camera body. Although smooth in appearance, this special paint also helps improve camera hold.

The camera comes with a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish, and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle-of-view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring, to enhance the product image.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel positioned on the camera’s back panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully depressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen positioned on the camera’s back panel, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street.

* This feature can be added to the standard GR III model by installing function expansion firmware, which is scheduled to be released after the time of the camera’s launch.

When the camera’s power is turned off, the camera displays an original termination screen consisting of the specially designed product logo and a street-view image that symbolizes the camera’s “street snapshot” concept.

Notes:

• The camera’s other specifications are identical with those of the standard GR III model.

• The design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon announces new Z50 ‘Creator’s Kit’ with a slew of accessories at a discount

13 May

Nikon has announced a new ‘Creator’s Kit’ for its Nikon Z50 camera system that’s designed to create an all-in-one solution to get shooting, streaming and recording right out of the box at a price less than the sum of its parts.

The Nikon Z50 Creator’s Kit includes the Z50 camera body, the Nikkor Z DX 16–50mm F3.5–6.3 VR lens, a SmallRig Vlogging Mounting Plate, a Joby GorillaPod 3K and a Rode VideoMicro microphone, all of which comes in a Nikon-branded travel bag. Along with the hardware, Nikon includes free access to its ‘Creator’s Mindset: Creating Video Content with the Z 50’ online class.

If all of the items were purchased individually (not including the bag or course), the total would add up to roughly $ 1,400, give or take for taxes and other additional costs. The Nikon Z50 Creator’s Kit costs $ 1,149.95 and is currently available to pre-order on Nikon’s store, with an estimated shipping date of Thursday, May 21.

Nikon also notes this kit (alongside its other camera systems) can be used as a webcam setup with various third-party hardware and software. To help get you started, Nikon has created a dedicated page to using your Nikon camera system as a webcam rig.

Press release:

Nikon Inc. Announces New Z 50 Creator’s Kit

Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new Nikon Z 50 Creator’s Kit – an essential toolkit for creators, bloggers, vloggers, DIYers and travelers who want to explore the limits of their creativity and share their stories in a unique way.

The Nikon Z 50 Creator’s Kit pairs the versatile Z 50 mirrorless camera with must-have video accessories to create an all-in-one bundle to match user’s creative potential:

  • Nikon Z 50 Camera Body – offers 4K Ultra HD capture, slow-motion recording, time-lapses and in-camera creative filters, plus a 3.2” flip-down LCD screen, great for capturing selfies and vlogging, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to help creators quickly share their content
  • NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens – the smallest and lightest NIKKOR Z lens, great for capturing street photography, candid portraits, landscapes, and close-ups
  • SmallRig Vlogging Mounting Plate– allows users to attach multiple accessories to the camera when using the flip-down LCD for vlogging
  • Joby GorillaPod 3K – adds extended reach for selfies and vlogging, plus can be used as a compact tripod for steady shooting
  • RØDE VideoMicro microphone – captures pristine audio that complements the camera’s outstanding video quality
  • Pack up equipment in style with the Nikon Travel Kit Bag
  • Free access to the Nikon School Online Class “Creator’s Mindset: Creating Video Content with the Z 50 and sharpen their skills by using the voucher for the Nikon School Online Class, Creator’s Mindset: Creating Video Content with the Z 50 (with camera registration)

The Nikon Z 50 Creator’s Kit will be available starting on Thursday, May 21 for $ 1,149.95.

  • Please refer full press release below and click the link here for products images of the new kit.

Additionally, the Z 50 Creator’s Kit can be used as a webcam using optional third-party video capture software. For more information and to learn how to do this, please visit here. For those looking to explore the endless possibilities of what they can create with the Nikon Z 50 Creator’s Kit, check out Nikon’s selection of ever-changing and inspiring content on NikonUSA.com/CreatorsHour.

If you have any questions or need more information, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Nikon Inc.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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JOBY launches new lineup of accessories for mobile content creators

03 Mar

JOBY has launched a new line of accessories for mobile content creators, including products for the latest Pixel and iPhone smartphones. The lineup features six new products, including variants for different mobile phone models, with prices ranging from $ 40 to $ 200.

The most notable of the new products is the GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit, a bundle that includes three products: the Beamo Mini LED with Bluetooth control, GorillaPod Mobile Rig and Wavo Mobile microphone. The kit includes a GripTight PRO 2 smartphone mount for shooting in portrait and landscape modes. The bundle is available now for $ 200.

The Beamo Mini LED, a compact and portable 1,000 lumens LED light, is available as a standalone accessory for $ 69.95; it includes double cold shoe mounts, plus it is rugged and waterproof. Joining this is the Beamo LED, which is brighter with 1,500 lumens and more expensive at $ 89.95.

Likewise, creators can order the Wavo Mobile, a portable, lightweight microphone designed for use with mirrorless cameras and smartphones. This model features a cold shoe mount, Rycote shock mount and included TRS and TRRS cables. The model is available now for $ 39.95. Joining the Wavo Mobile is the Wavo, a model with a wider frequency response, larger size and more durable construction. This model is available now for $ 79.95.

Finally, JOBY’s new lineup features StandPoint, a smartphone case with three built-in tripod legs connected with a hinge. When not in use, these legs can be folded into the case; when needed, the user can unfold them to prop up the phone for filming or quickly capturing shots. The model is available for the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro for $ 39.95 each.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DIY Lighting and Background Accessories for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

07 Feb

The post DIY Lighting and Background Accessories for the Budget-Conscious Photographer appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

diy-lighting-and-background-accessories

Do you want to take your photography to the next level, but don’t have the budget for professional equipment? Just a few dollars and a trip to the stationery shop can do the trick. Keep reading for some DIY lighting and background accessories using paper.

Professional photography studios have multiple lights and accessories to create their images. If you want to learn about them, here’s a great introduction guide.

However, when there’s no budget at hand, it’s time to get creative.

I’ll show you some ideas on how to create DIY lighting and background accessories using paper only. This has the intention of being a starting point to spark your creativity according to your needs and whatever you can find in your area.

diy-lighting-and-background-accessories

DIY lighting and background accessories

DIY diffuser

There are two types of light, hard and soft. Hard light is very bright and usually, a condensed light that casts well defined, intense shadows and contrasting hot points.

It can be natural on very sunny days, or artificial from flash and strobes.

This can be great for certain types of photos, but other times it can be very unflattering for the scene.

Hard Light DIY Photography

Hard light with no diffuser. 0.5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

Soft light means that the subject is illuminated more evenly, the shadows become softer, and the entire mood is different.

Professionally, hard light is turned soft by using umbrellas or softboxes.

You can achieve a softbox effect using vellum paper as I did on the image below. In case you can’t find it, any type of tracing paper will do, or even oven paper from your kitchen.

diy-lighting-and-background-accessories-SOft Light DIY diffuser

Hard light turned soft with the use of DIY lighting accessories – vellum paper. You can also use tracing paper or oven paper. 0.5 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200

DIY Reflector

A light reflector bounces the existing light so that you don’t have to add a second source. This is very helpful to fill in shadows or darker areas of the image to bring out more detail.

You can find these in different sizes and colors, but the DIY stationery solution I chose was a foam board. It’s very light, easy to cut, and has a glossy exterior that maximizes the reflection.

Stationery Shop DIY Reflector

1/5 sec. f2.8 ISO 200

In the above example, see how much light I gained just by placing a piece of foam board opposite the flash. It’s so much that I even lost the contrasting effect I wanted. However, I wanted to show you how big the difference is.

If you want less light, you can place it further away or change the angle. It takes some practice to learn how to use reflectors to light your subject, but it’s really worth it. If you need to block the light instead, you need to use flags, which you can achieve with black paper.

Creative uses

DIY Gels

Other DIY lighting and background accessories you can create are gels. Gels are pieces of colored, semi-transparent material that you can use to modify your light. Professional gels are graded to exact colors and density. This is because you can then compensate for the exposure and white balance in your camera and different light sources. However, for creative lighting, you can use simple cellophane paper or plastic index dividers.

Stationery Shop DIY Color Gel

1 sec. f. 2.8 ISO 200

Creating bokeh with wrapping paper or foil

Bokeh is an effect created by the lens when you send the background out of focus. You can easily create it by using crumbled metallic wrapping paper or aluminum foil as a background. If you want to create colored bokeh, buy wrapping paper with iridescent designs.

Stationery Shop DIY Bokeh

You can create a great bokeh background simply by using crumbled metallic wrapping paper or aluminum foil as a background. 1/10 sec, f/8, ISO 200

Once you place this background, light it from the side with any kind of lamp, flash or even window light. The most important thing though is to keep it out of focus. If you’re not sure how to achieve the shallow depth of field needed, check out this article.

Using paper to create a textured backdrop

Of course, you can make a backdrop with any kind of paper – that’s not news. However, I encourage you to add texture to it and see the difference. This, of course, makes a busier background, so it may not suit all subjects, but it can be a creative solution for many others.

diy-lighting-and-background-accessories

This background was created using crumpled tissue paper. 1/5 sec. f2.8 ISO 200

I found that tissue paper is great because it’s cheap, light, easy to manipulate, and comes in multiple colors. You can just crumble it, cut it into pieces, and form patterns.

In this example, I cut it into squares and then twisted the center to create the ruffles, then pasted it all together with alternating shades of green.

Conclusion

So there you have it – some incredibly simple, and affordable DIY lighting and background accessories that you can buy on a small budget from almost any stationery store. Try these out, and if you have any other tips to add, please share them with us in the comments!

And for more photography DIY ideas, check out the following articles:

  • How to Make a DIY Lens Hood to Eliminate Lens Flare
  • How to Use Ordinary Items to Make DIY Photo Filters
  • DIY Photography: How to Make Your Own DIY Lightstick for Cool Photos!
  • DIY Photography Backdrops for Still Life and Product Photography
  • How to Make a DIY Photography Softbox (video)
  • Try this DIY Neutral Density Filter for Long Exposure Photos
  • DIY Food Photography Props on a Budget

The post DIY Lighting and Background Accessories for the Budget-Conscious Photographer appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.


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