Photo Accessory News

It’s easy to make a pinhole camera. Making a good pinhole camera, on the other hand, is damn hard. And it’s even harder to make a pinhole lens for a digital camera. But wouldn’t it be fun to create the intriguing effects only a pinhole aperture can produce?

Lensbaby, legendary manufacturer of creative effects lenses, has invented the Lensbaby Obscura, a digital camera lens that accurately and precisely produces the same amazing results of not one but three different pinhole mechanisms.

The LensCoat TravelHood is a lightweight alternative to the rigid style lens hood that came with your lens. The ribbed design allows users to fold the TravelHood nearly flat so it can be easily stored in your gear bag, backpack or suitcase. Crafted in the USA from lightweight water resistant material, the TravelHood prevents glare and lens flare and protect the lens from scratches, rain and dust. 

One of the more interesting product debuts at PhotoPlus Expo came from a company not traditionally associated with photography. LG Electronics launched its new Digital Cinema 4K Monitor (31MU97) at the show, hoping to further turn on photographers to the splendors of Ultra HD imaging.

The new BirdCage modular rig from LockCircle offers an innovative cage design and mounting system to stabilize the latest mirrorless Lumix GH4 and Sony A7 Series cameras for video shoots.

This January issue’s theme was outdoor photography and other than architectural interiors and studio photography, more images are probably captured out of doors than indoors. This column’s focus is on camera bags for landscape, nature, and wildlife shooters, whose needs are different from their urban counterparts. Kelly Moore, for example, manufactures fashion bags (see the December 2016 Geared Up column) and offers the beautifully crafted Woodstock Backpack ($229) that’s probably better suited for Rodeo Drive than Jellystone Park.

Ever since its introduction in mid-2015, the DXO One miniaturized camera for iPhone and iPad has enjoyed a small but loyal following for its compact form factor, sharp 32mm-equivalent lens, 1-inch/20.2-megapixel sensor, and impressive image quality. Today DXO announced what they call a “major update” for the device that’s sure to expand its popularity.

Today we're discussing an issue faced by photographers who output their work at home with an inkjet printer. Namely, color files look really good but b&w prints leave a lot to be desired. You're not alone if this happens to you because this is a rather common occurrence.