Photo Accessory News

Photokina 2014 in Germany has been covered widely on the Internet already—including our own extensive reporting on the show on Shutterbug.com—so there’s no need for me to rehash the major announcements from the event, such as the latest full-frame cameras from Canon and Nikon and the like. My photo report here is aimed at sharing some wider ranging thoughts and perspectives on this important biennial show and what it told us about photography today and where it might be heading tomorrow.

A handy photo accessory for active outdoor photographers, Cotton Carrier’s new StrapShot EV1 is thinner than the original model, and includes a redesigned tether and a wrist strap (that can also be used as a safety leash against accidental drops). The StrapShot EV1 is compatible with any backpack, sling bag or belt.

Nissin recently took the next step in the evolution of their popular flash with introduction of the Di700A. This updated model includes a built-in radio receiver—a key part of the new Nissin Air System (NAS). Nissin is also introducing the new Air 1 Commander to wirelessly control the new flash. 

Adorama has released a bevy of new lighting products as part of their award-winning Flashpoint accessory line. The latest releases include the Flashpoint Auto Stand (in 7' and 9’ models), the Flashpoint Telescopic Reflector Holder, and two new Flashpoint Flip-Flash Brackets. All items are now available with free shipping.

Instead of visions of sugarplums, it’s gadgets, gizmos, and software dancing through digital photographers’ heads during the holidays. Presented for your approval is a collection of fun and affordable tools to put a smile on your face and make imaging next year easier and more creative. You can use this column as a shopping list for your favorite photographer or grab a Sharpie and circle the goodies you want and leave it near where your spouse eats his or her Cap’n Crunch. It’s worked for me.

Manfrotto just launched it's new Off Road collection, which is designed to meet the needs of outdoor photographers looking for compact and lightweight accessories to capture their adventures. The Off Road collection includes a pair of Italian-made walking sticks with camera attachment (converting it to a monopod), a lightweight tripod and a collection of hiker backpacks for photo gear, available in a variety of colors to match your hiking gear.

If there is any one technical aspect that has not changed in the transition from film to digital it’s been the pursuit of “perfect” exposure, which is ultimately dictated by the latitude of the capture medium. Latitude is the extent to which film or an imaging chip can be overexposed or underexposed and still produce an acceptable result.