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Review: Lightroom 4 Preset System by SLR Lounge



**This will also work on Lightroom 5 and Creative Cloud (CC)**

Overview : The Lightroom 4 Presets System & Digital DVD by SLR Lounge is a collection of 216 Presets including 189 Develop Presets, 27 Brush Presets, and a nearly 6 hour digital DVD featuring over 40 video tutorials to teach you how to get the most from this powerful system!

We are confident that this is the best Lightroom 4 Preset System available. It is designed to not only be powerful enough to create any effect, but also intuitive enough to achieve them in just a few clicks saving you boat loads of time!

We polled Lightroom 4 Preset System users asking what they would have expected to pay for this system. Answers ranged from $250 – $500+. We want all of our products to not only be incredible, but also a strong value. So we are making the SLR Lounge Lightroom 4 Preset System + Downloadable Digital DVD available for only $99!

Currently, Post Production Pye can cull, organize, and post produce at the rate of nearly 1,500 images with just a mouse and keyboard, and 1,800 images per hour with simply a mouse, programmable keyboard, and the SLR Lounge Lightroom 4 Preset System.

Note: The digital download includes large exercise files and HD video files which add up to several gigabytes. For those with slower internet connections, this may require long download times. In these situations, we suggest that you let the downloads run overnight or you simply purchase the physical copy.

Features :
  • Basic Color Correction & Faux HDR Processing
  • Vintage Fades and Washes
  • Black and White and Antique Efects
  • Tilt Shift and Toy Camera Special Effects
  • Detail Enhancing & Portrait Retouching


Press Release: Sigma Announces 18-35 f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C



RONKONKOMA, NY, Apr. 18, 2013 — Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the market’s first zoom lens to achieve a maximum aperture F1.8 throughout the entire zoom range.

This revolutionary, wide aperture, standard zoom lens is created for DSLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, which translates to a focal range of 27-52.5mm on a 35mm camera. With a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.3, the 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still-life, studio, close-up and casual photography.


“Exceptionally fast apertures were previously unavailable in zoom lenses, so photographers turned to several prime lenses in a session to get bright images at various focal lengths. We’re incredibly excited to be the first manufacturer to bring the F1.8 standard zoom to the market and to provide photographers with a new level of creativity and convenience, with the outstanding image quality at the core of the new Sigma Global Vision,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.

Amir-Hamzeh added that because developing a large aperture wide angle zoom lens can prove to be technologically and optically challenging, often resulting in various distortions, aberrations and field curvature, Sigma has tapped into its long history as a lens pioneer to overcome those issues in this new generation lens.

“Our experience with the wide angle designs of our 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM and our 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM, and our research and development in our Aizu factory have prepared us for this technological advancement,” he said. “Our wide, glass-molded aspherical lens and the incorporation of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass have optimized power distribution of the optical elements and compensated for various aberrations, as well as curvature of field at the widest angle. We’re extremely proud of this achievement.”

The 18-35mm is the latest addition to the company’s company’s Art line of lenses, designed under the new Global Vision. The Global Vision lenses have a sleek new design with the manufacturing year stamped on the barrel, and are categorized by use into one of three groups: Art, Contemporary and Sports. The Art category delivers high-level artistic expression through sophisticated and abundant expressive power.

The new 18-35mm lens incorporates Sigma’s improved AF/MF switch and the use of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) compound material, which has a high affinity to metal parts, consistently performs well at extreme temperatures, and reduces the size and weight of the lens. It is also compatible with Sigma’s new USB Dock, which will be available in coming months, enabling photographers to update lens firmware and adjust focus parameters from their computers.

Convenient handling is achieved with internal focusing and zooming, which prevents changes to the size of the lens. Additionally, the front part of the lens does not rotate, so special filters like circular polarizers can be used.

The 18-35mm lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images, even in backlit conditions. The petal-type hood that is supplied with the lens will provide extra protection from flare and ghosting. Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures a silent, high-speed AF function and the optimized auto focus algorithm results in smooth focusing and full-time manual focusing capability. Lastly, the nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive, round bokeh at large-aperture settings.

Source: Sigma


Press Release: Peak Design Launches Pro Team



Industry-leading adventure photographers now using Capture®, Leash® and Cuff® in the field

San Francisco, CA (April 5, 2013) — Peak Design, the camera accessory brand known for their innovative gear and several huge Kickstarter successes, now has a crew of top-notch professional photographers standing behind their products. The Peak Design Pro Team will be officially launched on Monday, April 15, via a week-long giveaway that will give enthusiasts a chance to win original prints from the Pro Team, along with the new Leash® and Cuff® camera strap products from Peak Design.

The Pro Team consists of some of the most recognizable names in mountaineering, surfing, snow sports, motorsports, wedding and portrait photography:

Juliet Lemon (UK) – Award-winning wedding, portrait and motorsports photographer.
Simon Pollock (Australia) – Music, wedding & portrait photographer, member of ThinkTank team.
Chris Burkard (USA) – Surfer Magazine staff photographer, co-authored “The California Surf Project”
John Rourke (UK) – LeMans motorsports photographer, founder of Adrenal Media.
Tero Repo (Switzerland) – Shoots for North Face & Olympic snowboarder Xavier De Le Rue.
Carli Davidson (USA) – Animal portrait photographer, creator of award-winning SHAKE series.
Alexandre Buisse (France) – Award-winning commercial mountain & climbing photographer and author.

In addition to using Peak Design’s Capture®, Leash® and Cuff® products in the field, these professionals will be aiding Peak Design in future product development through their feedback and testing of prototypes. Pro Team members were intentionally selected from a variety of genres – many of which involving extreme sports and environments – in order to prove the versatility and durability of Peak Design products.

“We want folks from all backgrounds of photography – from beginners and hobbyists all the way up to pros – to know that our products are designed to hold up to any environment and any kind of physical activity,” says Peter Dering, Peak Design founder and head engineer. “We couldn’t be more excited to have this incredible group of photographers on our team, ensuring that we continue to make even better gear.”

Peak Design Pro Giveaway Details
The public will have the opportunity to win high-resolution poster-size prints of original photos taken by the Peak Design Pro Team, as well as the company’s latest products, Leash® and Cuff®. Contest details are as follows:
  • Timing: Monday, April 15 to Monday, April 22
  • To Enter: Details will be posted on Peak Design’s Facebook Page (facebook.com/peakdesignltd) for the duration of the contest.
  • Contact: For questions relating to this promotion, please contact Adam Saraceno at adam.saraceno@peakdesignltd.com.
Peak Design Coupon Code Amazon TrekPak Custom SLR


Deal: Canon EOS 60D 18.0MP DSLR + 70-300mm Lens $860 at Amazon



Amazon has the Canon EOS 60D 18.0MP DSLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body only) for $661. Add camera to cart, then add the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens ($499) separately to cart to reach $1160 - $300 off with coupon code SFAD8JYK = $860 with free shipping. Select Amazon.com as merchant for all items.
  • 18.0 MP CMOS, DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor, up to ISO 6400
  • Vari-angle 3.0" LCD, SD/SDHC/SDXC, Live View Shooting
  • 1080p HD Movie Capture, HDMI output, 3.5" mic input


Review: STAR Photo PT-324 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod


Review: STAR PT-324 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod

Overview : The STAR PT-324 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod is a sturdy but lightweight large-size professional tripod that is perfect for indoor/outdoor shooting. It weighs only 3.7 lbs and is able to support up to 37 lbs photo gear. With the reverse folding legs (with folding length 20"), it can be easily to pack in carry-on bags and backpacks. The latest generation of 8-layers carbon fiber tubing makes tripods 60% stronger than conventional carbon fiber tripods.

Many other features make the PT-324 an ideal tripod for photographers. One leg can be disassembled and attached with center column as a monopod in a minute. The improved anti-dust lock and twists make tripods easily and preciously to adjust. A foam grip assists the photographer to easily grab and carry around. The central column can be disassembled in one minute and convert the tripod to macro photography. The hook under center column allows attaching the ballast for added stability in windy conditions. The included foot spikes work great at loose ground.

Features :
  • 8x layer latest generation carbon fiber, 60% stronger
  • Weights only 3.7 lbs.
  • Supports up to 27 lbs.
  • 69.6" maximum with center column extended
  • 57.8" maximum with column retracted
  • Easily convert to a monopod
  • Included foot spikes for loose ground
  • Comes with a soft bag for convenient transport and storage


Deal: Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash $485 at Abes of Maine



Abes of Maine has the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras for $500 - $15 off with coupon code LOYALTY15 drops it to $485 with free shipping. Features wireless radio control, bounce and swivel head, white balance correction filters and a guide number of 60.

Use Mr. Rebates and get an additional 2% cashback rebate. This saves you an additional $10 making it $475! For more information on how to use Mr. Rebates, click HERE.


Deal: 1-Year Magazine Photography Subs for $5: Outdoor Photographer, more



DiscountMags discounts a selection of 1-year photography magazine subscriptions to $4.99. The deals:

Outdoor Photographer Magazine 1-Year Subscription (10 issues)
Popular Photography Magazine 1-Year Subscription (12 issues)
Digital Photo Magazine 1-Year Subscription (7 issues)

Of note, you can purchase up to a 3-year subscription at this per-year price for each of these magazines.


Deal: Canon U.S.A. EOS Camera, Lens and Speedlite Rebates Available




Canon's new rebate program is now available that started on April 14, 2013. A bunch of lenses and cameras are part of the rebate program.



Review: VARAVON Multi Finder Uni LCD Viewfinder


Review: VARAVON Multi Finder Uni LCD Viewfinder

Overview : The Multi Finder UNI optical viewfinder is a necessary tool for shooting sharp and stable video with DSLR cameras. Whether shooting handheld or on a tripod, this turns a camera's 3 to 3 1/2 inch LCD screen into a clear, easy-to-focus viewfinder that lets you see your image in magnified detail even under the brightest sunlight. The Multi Finder UNI provides an extra degree of handling comfort and a crucial point of contact—between camera and eye—that adds stability to any handheld video.

Works as a magnifying viewfinder, a low angle finder and a sunshade.

The new Multi Finder has more adjustments side to side, forward and back, as well as up and down to fit DSLRs from Canon and Nikon. The entire loupe can be removed to leave behind a sunshade, or remove the entire LCD Multi Finder with the quick release baseplate.

Features :
  • New designed Multi Plate and adjustable Up/Down body.
  • Adaptable to all kind of DSLR.
  • Easy to install, easy to maintain.
  • Take your filming to the new level with VARAVON MultiFinder!


MōVI 3-Axis Video Camera Stabilizer



All you have to do is watch the quick video above to have your mindblown.

If you ever operated a handheld video camera or an HDSLR, then you know that jerks, vibrations, and shaky motions are the bane of good video recording, especially when the camera operator has to move around as well.

The award-winning and highly popular photographer and cinematographer Vincent Laforet had a chance to work closely with Seattle-based Freefly Systems to test and produce a short film using Freefly’s new and revolutionary MōVI M10 digital 3-axis stabilizer.

Driven by advanced gyro-stabilizers and accelerometers, the 3.5 lbs MōVI will keep a video camera rock steady even when the camera operator is running or trailing an actor down a set of spiral staircase. The flexibility of motion available with this stabilizer is unmatched by any stabilizers and can effectively substitute sliders and jib cranes, as well.

As Vincent explained in his blog post, the MōVI can be operated solo or with a second “gimbal” operator who uses a joystick to independently control the camera’s motion on the stabilizer itself. So what does all of this mean?

In short, simply incredible video work potential that will change the way video camera operation is done all the way from the Hollywood blockbuster DP to the Indie film shooter.

To see the potential of the MōVI , have a look at the behind-the-scenes video of Vincent’s short film for MōVI. Every shot was done with a Canon EOS 1D C and a Canon EF Cinema Prime 24mm t/1.5 shot wide open.


As this video has demonstrated, the types of intricate creative shots possible with the MōVI stabilizer are amazing. For someone as accomplished as Vincent to call the stabilizer a game changer is no small matter.

Price-wise, the MōVI M10 that is used in the video will run for $15,000 and is already under production, while the smaller M5 will be sold for $7,500 in the near future.

As Vincent said, "If you consider how much we spend on handheld rigs, sliders, jibs (let alone Glidecams/Steadicams etc.) – the price of this device quickly becomes a no-brainer… Another huge factor: it takes quite a bit of time to set up a JIB, let alone weights, crew and skill to operate. The learning curve on this unit is very very fast."


If you are going to NAB, FreeFly Systems will be having live demonstrations of the MōVI at their booth (#C9848).

To learn more in-depth about the MōVI, be sure to read Vincent’s Laforet post on his experience with the MōVI. Also, be sure to read Jessie Brauning’s first-hand experience being on set with Vincent and the MōVI.

The Freefly System’s website also has the MōVI M10.

Finally, here is the finished version of the short film that Vincent shot using only the MōVI stabilizer.


Source: SLR Lounge


Our reviews not only help readers but manufacturers too!


This is why we love what we do.

Not only do we post news and great deals for our readers but our main focus is reviewing products. Not all products are available for you to physically hold and see, so you see the products through our eyes...digitally. This not only help readers and potential buyers know more about the product before they purchase, but our reviews also help manufacturers improve on their products.


Our latest review to help a manufacturer improve on their product is the XCM Max Connect MHL Adapter. We own a Samsung Galaxy S3 that has a 11-pin port instead of the typical 5-pin that other MHL adapters are equipped with. Since it didn't come with a 5-pin to 11-pin adapter, we had to go out and purchase one (it was only a couple of bucks). In our review, we suggested that they include one since the adapters are fairly cheap.

XCM (Maxbuy) listened to our suggestion and are now including a 5-pin to 11-pin adapter to all XCM Max Connect MHL adapters. What's even better is that the price is staying the same! So not only does it help manufacturers, this also helps buyers as well.



If you're a manufacturer and looking to have your products reviewed, contact us.


Kickstarter: Rhino Battery Holster



We stumbled upon a new Kickstarter campaign called Rhino Battery Holster. It's a clip that lets you hold two (2) Canon LP-E6 batteries. You can either attach it to a carabiner, backpack or to your BlackRapid sling strap. At the moment, it's only capable of holding LP-E6 batteries but if the Kickstarter campaign raises more money, it will look into designing the holster to work with other camera batteries.

$25 gets you 1 holster. Pledge $40 and you get 2 holsters. $60 gets you 3 holsters and BlackRapid carabiners and $100 gets you 5 holsters and BlackRapid carabiners plus exclusive invite to Rhino Tribe. More information about the Rhino Tribe can be found on their Kickstarter page.

For more information, continue reading.



A revolutionary way for photographers and filmmakers to carry and organize their DSLR and video camera batteries.

SO HERE'S THE PROBLEM...

I've been filming and photographing with my DSLR for a few years now and have experienced, like many others, the same problem over and over. I’m forced to switch out my batteries on shoots, run back to my bag to find fresh ones, all the while hoping I didn't miss the shot.

I've tried battery grips, but they are heavy, bulky, expensive and get in the way especially when I’m shooting video. Stuffing batteries in pockets or a fanny pack wasn't going to happen so we decided to solve the problem.

RHINO BATTERY HOLSTERS were born out of the necessity to have batteries easily and immediately accessible when you need them most. We created a hard shell holster that holds 2 LP-E6 batteries. If they raise over $75,000, they'll add another battery model that will fit Rhino Battery Holsters. For every $50,000 over that, they'll add another battery model.


An integrated belt clip allows you to attach it on to your pants (with or without a belt), backpacks, and camera straps.


We worked with our good friends at Black Rapid to make sure Battery Holsters were compatible with their award winning straps. The belt clip on a Battery Holster is wide enough to attach to all of their straps securely.


Equipped with a 1/4-20 brass insert in the rear of the belt clip, you can attach the optional Black Rapid carabiner and clip it on to virtually anything.


WHAT CAMERAS DOES IT WORK WITH?

Battery Holsters work with any camera that takes a LP-E6 battery. These include the Canon 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 6D, & 60D. If they raise over $75,000, they'll add another battery model that will fit Rhino Battery Holsters. For every $50,000 over that, they'll add another battery model.

HOW DO THE BATTERIES STAY IN?

The batteries are held in place by 2 small ridges that they pass over when being pushed in. The holster design includes an adjustable tensioner that allows you to lock the batteries down as tight or as loose as you'd like depending on what you’re shooting.


EXCLUSIVE: 10% OFF any Peak Design Coupon Code


Peak Design Coupon Code

As a way to say THANK YOU to our readers, we have a coupon code just for you! This coupon is good for 10% OFF on Peak Design products when purchased from peakdesign.com.

You can read our Peak Design product reviews here.







→Cart total must be over $19.94 for discount to work
→Discount does not apply to bundle items
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→If you still do not receive your coupon within 30 mins, please contact us.

Peak Design Coupon Code Amazon TrekPak Custom SLR


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