Photo Accessory News

Nikon 1 J1 Camera
The new Nikon 1 J1 is a compact system camera that features a 10.1-megapixel CX-format high-speed AF CMOS sensor. It has a dual core image processor and an advanced hybrid autofocus system that provides the user with fast AF with 73 focus points. The J1 can also capture 10 frames per second (fps) with a full resolution continuous shooting speed of 60 fps (AF locked). The camera comes with Short Movie Creator software and My Picturetown and features a Smart Photo Selector mode that allows the camera to select the best photo from a series of images based on a number of factors, including exposure, composition, focus, and facial recognition. The color choices with matching kit lenses include white, pink, red, silver, and black. The suggested retail price for the J1 10-30mm lens kit is $649.95.

Hoodman Custom Finder Kit
Hoodman’s Custom Finder Kit for up to 3.2” viewfinders includes a H32 HoodLoupe with German glass optics, a +/- 3 diopter adjustment, and a 1/4”-20 mount. Designed to fit all D-SLR cameras, the milled black anodized aluminum base plate is made in the U.S.A. (by Custom Brackets) and allows you to mount the HoodLoupe to your camera for video capture and live view. The base plate also features anti-twist bars, two 1/4”-20 tripod mount holes, a hand strap slot, and a camera sling strap attachment point. Hoodman’s Custom Finder Kit has a retail value of $199.99; the base plate may be purchased separately for $99.99.

Rogue Master Lighting Kit
Designed for advanced speedlight photographers who want to create multiple lighting setups using various accessories, ExpoImaging is now offering the versatile Rogue Master Lighting Kit. It includes a large FlashBender reflector, large diffusion panel, small FlashBender reflector, bounce card/flag, universal gel kit, 3-in-1 honeycomb grid, and grid gel kit. The suggested retail price is $199.95.

The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens boasts the company’s proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology and a wide f/2.8 aperture. The OS feature is said to allow the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible, enabling handheld, close-up photography.

Midwest Photographic Resource Center is now offering their new USB Case. This pro-quality display box comes with either a 8GB or 16GB stainless steel and leather USB flash drive. The lid features a built-in display window that allows you to personalize the box for each client. The retail price for the 8GB drive and USB Case is $29.95.

DeluxGear’s Lens Cradle system features a Neo Duet Camera Strap and a Cradle Mount. The strap has thick neoprene lycra for stretch and nonslip shark tooth webbing for comfort on your neck and shoulders. The Cradle Mount is made from durable polycarbonate and an auto-grade ABS blend. It offers an arc-like dual mounting platform for use with any camera and lens with a tripod collar and can safely support the heaviest lenses. The Lens Cradle can be configured into various mounting options. The system package includes the Cradle Mount and four-point Neo Duet Camera Strap for an MSRP of $49.99. The Cradle Mount and Neo Duet Camera Strap may also be purchased separately.

Tamrac Adds To Ultra Pro Series
For professionals who need to carry a moderate amount of equipment, finding the right size shoulder bag can often be a difficult task. Most small shoulder bags aren’t large enough to accommodate the large f/2.8 lenses and shades that these photographers use. Many of the large shoulder bags that can accommodate these lenses are simply...