Photo Accessory News

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.

When people asked legendary editor Herbert Keppler why he sometimes wrote about cameras costing more than the average photographer could afford, he told me it was because of the Maserati factor. “Most people,” he said, “can’t afford a Maserati but like reading about them.” And I get that. My personal dream car is a 1961 Maserati 3500 GT, which sells for north of $450,000. Fortunately, medium format cameras, while expensive, cost less than that.

The big news is the availability of the new standard in Secure Digital (SD) memory—SDXC. SDXC is currently supported by only a small number of cameras, like the Panasonic GH1 (not surprising given that Panasonic is one of the main proponents of the new memory format). The cards look physically the same as SD and SDHC cards, but they have a new format that promises large data storage...

The performance parameters of today’s cameras are flat-out astonishing. Many current entry-level and middle-tier D-SLRs provide image sensors with resolutions ranging from 12-18 megapixels (MP), burst rates of 5-7 fps, and full 1080p HD video capability. Sophisticated digital point-and-shoots are not far behind, with 10-14MP sensors, 720p or 1080p HD video, and respectable burst rates in the 3-5 fps range. Needless to say, pro and prosumer D-SLRs often exceed even these incredible specs, with sensors in the 20-25MP range, blistering burst rates up to 10 fps, deep buffers, and phenomenally rapid image processing software. Not surprisingly, flash memory manufacturers have responded with a veritable explosion of high-capacity, high-speed memory cards with incredible write speeds and an array of enhancements aimed at increasing reliability and security.

MindShift Gear just introduced two new filter carrying solutions for outdoor photography, and a wallet-like accessory for organzing your memory cards.

Shutterbug fanatics (myself included) are enchanted by the possibilities of remote- control triggers, especially those that take the concept to a new level. Enter MIOPS Mobile, a versatile device that not only triggers your camera, but can also help determine when your photos are taken.

If you've made the switch to mirrorless cameras as have many photographers, you've no doubt noticed that battery life isn't nearly as good as what we enjoyed with our DSLRs. In the quick explainer below, you'll learn several things you can do to make batteries last as long as possible before reaching for a spare.