February 5, 2019 Donald Scarinci

Apple, Inc. recently unveiled three new iPhones — the iPhone XS, iPhone XSMax, and iPhone XR. As with prior models, one of the most impressive upgrades is the camera. The iPhone XS and XS Max feature a dual camera, including 12-megapixel wide and telephoto lenses. They also come equipped with the TrueDepth front-facing camera system.  This is the same setup as the iPhone X. However, Apple promises that its new A12 Bionic chip makes all the difference. To start, the new sensor is twice as fast. Smart HDR creates photos with more highlights and shadow detail. Larger and deeper pixels improve image fidelity and low-light…

November 19, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Technology continues to deliver cheaper and easier ways to back up photos and other data. The My Passport Wireless SSD, which was recently unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, is one of the latest advances. Photo Courtesy of Western Digita Western Digital’s latest portable solid-state drive (SSD) makes it easy to quickly back up photos and videos from an SD card without carrying around a laptop or other device. The My Passport Wireless SSD features a one-touch copy button, and the built-in SD 3.0 card reader delivers up to 65MB/s read speeds. For photographers, it…

April 2, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon used the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) to announced its first new lens of 2018 — the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR. The new 180-400 lens features a built-in teleconverter, which is a first for Nikon. This is an FX, professional quality lens designed to replace the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR2 lens that was released in 2010.  It is the first time NIKON designed a lens with a built in teleconverter. “Pros who spend time behind a super-telephoto lens know a hard truth: when you need a teleconverter, you often need it in a hurry,” Nikon highlights….

January 16, 2017 Donald Scarinci

The Black Rapid strap has been a favorite of photographers since it was introduced. If it is possible for the best to get better, the new model, the Sport Breathe, is better. Use the new Black Rapid Strap with a Really Right Stuff clamp glued on for added support and you will never take your camera out without it. Really Right Stuff married a special clamp to the Black Rapid Strap because of the demand. Look at the YouTube video explaining the convenience and safety afforded by the combination. Black Rapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap The Sport Breathe Camera Strap…

December 27, 2016 Donald Scarinci

For photographers looking to explore the use of drones for aerial photography, the Phantom 4 is an excellent choice. DJI’s fourth iteration of its consumer-facing drone is packed with impressive features and comes at a relatively low price. The drone’s 3-axis stabilization and new advanced stereo Vision Positioning System (VPS) allow the Phantom 4 to virtually hover in place, which makes the drone easier to fly. It also aids in capturing precise images and amazingly smooth video. The camera and video capabilities are similar to the Phantom 3. The latest model captures 4K video at 30 frames per second and…

October 31, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Novoflex recently introduced the new Nikon F Lens to Leica SL/T Camera Body Lens Adapter. The adapter could be a game changer for photographers who own a lot of Nikon lenses, but would like to try a Leica body. The Novoflex lens adapter allows photographers to use Nikon F-mount lenses on the Leica T or Leica SL camera bodies. The latest adapter is designed to extend the range of available lenses for the Leica SL to Nikon E-type NIKKOR lenses. Nikkor lenses with electronic aperture control were previously incompatible with Novoflex lens adapters. According to Novoflex, 13 Nikon E-type NIKKOR…

October 3, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Apple is keenly aware that most casual photographers would love to exclusively rely on their smartphones to take pictures. With every iPhone it introduces, the camera gets a little bit better. The iPhone 7 is no exception. The iPhone 7 touts an ƒ/1.8 aperture and a six-element lens. It also comes with optical image stabilization to combat blur caused motion and handshake. The 12MP camera also captures high-resolution video up to 4K. While not limited to its camera, the new iPhones are also waterproof, which eliminates fears about shooting near water or during inclement weather. As any iPhone user can…

August 1, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Photographers seeking to use drones for commercial purposes, such as aerial real estate photography, finally have the green light. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently finalized its rule for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It will take effect on August 29, 2016. The regulations — Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations — apply to unmanned aircraft drones weighing less than 55 pounds that are conducting non-hobbyist operations. Prior to the new rule, it was illegal to fly commercial drones without a special certificate or exemption. Drone Operation Requirements  The FAA’s rule is largely intended to…

June 7, 2016 Donald Scarinci

While the Micro Drone 3.0 can literally fit in the palm of your hand, it rivals some of the larger (and more expensive) consumer-level unmanned aircrafts on the market. The Micro Drone 3.0, which is the product of a crowdfunding campaign, is small, maneuverable, and packed with cool features. The tiny drone is capable of streaming HD video to a tablet or smartphone and can handle winds of 45 miles per hour. For photographers, it also includes a user-controlled gimbal, which is a first for a drone of its size. For those who are eager to shoot using a drone,…

April 25, 2016 Donald Scarinci

Until the most recent Nikon D5 camera, photographers could not use a radio signal to trigger a flash placed in a remote location without getting a third party product. Just about everyone uses the PocketWizard. Now there is an upgrade to the PocketWizard—the FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave. Even before the new Nikon line and before the PocketWizard, it was possible to use two flash units in a master/slave relationship and place one of the flash units closer to the subject then then camera. However, it was necessary to be in the line of sight in order to trigger the flash….