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Indiegogo: FlashQ - The Little Cube for Flash Photography



If you've been browsing the site, you know that I have mentioned Kickstarter quite a few times. Kickstarter helped launch companies such as Peak Design and Custom SLR to where they are today as well as a bunch of other camera accessories.

Indiegogo is another site similar to Kickstarter where startup look for people like you to help them launch their product. One of the new items I was introduced on Indiegogo is the FlashQ. FlashQ is a 2.4GHz Wireless Flash Trigger. It is the smallest wireless flash trigger ever and the perfect companion to Mirrorless and Prosumer Cameras. The idea is the same as the wireless transmitter that is released by OEM manufacturers or 3rd party such as YongNuo, Pixel, etc. The FlashQ makes the off-camera flash lighting possible at any angles and unleash the creativity in photographers.


The FlashQ comes in multiple colors: black, white, pink and blue. Early bird special lets you get the FlashQ for $30. Once that is sold out, you'll have to purchase it for $39 which includes one transmitter and one receiver. $55 will get you one transmitter and two receivers. $129 gets you one transmitter and one receiver and your signature printed on the front face of the FlashQ.

Here is a video with more information and of it in action:


This definitely looks interesting and a fraction of the cost of other wireless transmitters and the size is so compact. If you're advanced in lighting, don't even both. No TTL support and up to 1/250 sync speed. I'm really interested to really see if a single CR2032 battery can fire 100K flashes.

Continue reading for more information.


There's not much to the FlashQ. Two buttons and an LED status. It runs on CR2032 watch batteries. The battery is stated to have a 6-month standby time and lets you take 100K shots on a single battery.

Technical Specifications
  • Size: 25 x 25 x 15 mm
  • 2.4GHz low-power digital radio
  • 160 radio channels
  • 20M operating range
  • No TTL, up to 1/250 sync speed*
  • Max. 900us X-sync latency (by FlashQ system)
  • Tolerate Max. 300V port sync voltage (on FlashQ receiver)
  • 3V voltage present on male hot shoe centre pin (on FlashQ transmitter)
  • PC Sync cable (via Func. port) for studio strobes
  • More than 100K fires for a battery life
  • 6 months battery standby time
  • LED indication: Green – operating; Red – triggering; Blue - pairing

To use the FlashQ, attach FlashQ transmitter to your camera hot shoe on top, FlashQ receiver to a remote flash via hot shoe or sync cord, pair-up FlashQ device and start taking photos with endless possibilities of flash lighting.

It's compatible with a bunch of cameras such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.

If you're interested in the FlashQ or want to contribute and purchase one, you can go to their Indiegogo page.


Review: Gary Fong Lightsphere Collapsible Speed Mount Flash Diffuser - Wedding & Event Kit



Overview : The new Lightsphere® Collapsible™ Speed Mount boasts the newly designed mounting system which allows photographers to securely attach and switch out modifiers in seconds. Once in place, photographers can rest assured that the Lightsphere® Collapsible™ Speed Mount will stay securely in place, offering an equally tight fit for nearly all flash sizes. Translucent horizontal rings provide soft, even illumination with a minimum loss of power. Folds flat.

Features :
  • Utilizes the new Speed Mount design that allows switching out modifiers in seconds
  • Collapses to 1½ inches for ultimate portability and convenience
  • Perfectly diffuses harsh light of auxiliary flashes creating soft even illumination
  • Includes Lightsphere Collapsible Speed Mount, White/Amber/Gray Dome, Cinch Strap, Instructional DVD, Gear Bag and Pocket Field Guides
  • Provides an equally secure fit for nearly all flash sizes
  • One Size Fits All - including: Nikon SB600/700/800/900, 430ex(II)-580ex(II) Canon, Leica SF-58, Olympus FL-36-40, Pentax AF540FGZ, Sony HVL-F42/56/56am/58/58AM, Sigma EF530-610, Sunpak PZ42XS, Bower SFD Series Flashes, Vivitar DF383-400, Metz 44-58AF, Nissin Di622-866 + hundreds more.


Kickstarter: SWIVIT Pro for GoPro



If you own a GoPro or have used one, majority if not all of the accessories don't allow you to rotate the GoPro left or right. They usually only let you aim the GoPro up or down. In comes to SWIVIT PRO. The SWIVIT PRO by Jason Morlon allows you to capture what's going on around you with a 360 degree rotation without unmounting and remounting the GoPro or anything. Simply rotate the SWIVIT PRO while the GoPro is recording.


Depending on availability, you can get the SWIVIT PRO for as low as $17-20 for you early birds. When these are sold out, the SWIVIT PRO can be purchased for $25. $50 gets you the SWIVIT PRO, sticker pack, name on their website and a trucker hat. $350 gets you everything listed PLUS your own role in a SWIVIT promo video (you submit your name and video and they'll place your footage into the promo video).


Capture more of what's going on around you with 360 degrees of rotation, without interruption or hassle.

Life's greatest moments happen all around us—not just in front of the camera!

We love that GoPro cameras capture everything everywhere, but the current mounts and accessories have a huge limitation: the camera is locked in a single direction. Until now, it’s been challenging and inconvenient to change the camera direction, which involved fumbling with mounts, bolts, linkages, and adjustments.

Well you don’t need to do that anymore.

The SWIVIT PRO gives you the freedom to quickly and easily capture multiple angles—and more of what's going on around you—right in the moment.

No matter what, how, or where you film...

The SWIVIT PRO is a must-have for every GoPro user's accessory kit.

The SWIVIT PRO can also:
  • Turn the camera to face backward while not recording, which can help protect lens from debris damage when traveling at higher speeds.
  • Help capture 360° of video while mounted on a tripod or other mounts, giving you better stability and continuity than with handheld filming.
  • Assist with more than just action sports: it’s indispensable at events or during stage and film production.
  • Work with numerous camera and rigging setups to collect B-roll; get simultaneous, multi-angle footage without affecting the main shot, or use it for the main shot, too.
  • Play nice with numerous GoPro and 3rd-party mounts, including many of the ones that have been successfully funded here on Kickstarter!
  • Guarantee offline, analog simplicity: No connections required. No OS dependencies. No worries...
  • And the biggest perk of them all: VERSATILITY!


Review: Peak Design POV Kit for Capture Camera Clip


Peak Design Coupon Code

Overview : The Peak Design P.O.V. Kit turns any Capture Camera Clip into a point-of-view video mount. The kit is made up of three main components: an adapter plate, a J-Arm and a point-and-shoot plate. The adapter plate locks into your Capture camera clip and has a multi-prong hinge connector that is the attachment point for the J-Arm or point-and-shoot plate. The J-arm allows you to attach any GoPro Hero camera and enables the GoPro to be adjusted up-and-down and side-to-side by adjusting the thumb screws.

The point-and-shoot plate connects the adapter plate to any slim bodied point-and-shoot camera with a 1/4"-20 tripod thread. It allows you to shoot point-of-view video or carry your point-and-shoot camera in a low-profile manner by folding it flat against your body.

Note: This item requires the Capture or CapturePRO. It is not a stand-alone product.

Features :
  • Works with all versions of Capture: P.O.V. Kit works best with Capture v2 and CapturePRO, but can also be used with original Capture units.
  • Includes J-Arm for GoPro®: Allows for mounting any GoPro® Hero camera.
  • Includes point-and-shoot adapter: Take P.O.V. video using your point-and-shoot, or carry your point-and-shoot more comfortably with Capture.
  • Lifetime guarantee from Peak Design.


Kickstarter: GoPlug - Powered Bags



Ever been on vacation, at the airport or out in public and don't have access to an outlet or charger? Josh Cross has brought some sweet products to Kickstarter. GoPlug has products ranges from a pouch with USB cables to a computer bag to a camera backpack to a camera roller case. But these aren't your ordinary bags or rollers. They have built-in battery powered outlets! You can charge your camera battery, cellphones, tablets to powering your laptop. It even features a charging pass-through which means you can charge the bag as well as your device at the same time.

It uses a 12v LiPo battery (replaceable) and is waterproof. There's even a extension cord to allow you to charge the battery. He's taken it on to planes and it has passed TSA checks. He is in the process of getting it TSA approved.

GoPlug has redefined what a bag should be. Charge ALL of your devices, CAMERA BATTERIES, LAPTOPS, and more on the go.

GoPlug Redefines The Standard For What Bags Should Be


Smart technology needs to be handled in a smart way, and that is just what GoPlug has done. We have taken the most commonly used bags and enabled them to work with your devices to keep you connected and keep your electronics fully charged. The GoPlug baggage set is the world’s best "smart" bag.

POWER, CHARGE, AND RECHARGE ON THE GO

The GoPlug baggage set is not just an ordinary set of bags. It contains its own battery pack that allows you to charge your electronic devices, even if you are not near a power outlet.

The built-in battery has the capacity to charge your smart phone up to six times, and your tablet up to two times, and doubles the life on an average laptop on a single charge (results vary). So, whether you are on the plane, in a car, or sitting in a waiting room, you will never have to worry about losing power.

Whether traveling for business, giving a presentation, or just working and playing from home, the GoPlug bags will make your busy life easier.

"Are GoPlug Bags waterproof?"

Yes! We've taken serious consideration with each component of the bags. From the zippers to the power button, everything is waterproof. Although your electronics will be protected from moisture, I would not use the bags as a floatation device or submerse them in water. Exposure to rain/sleet/snow is not a problem.
Continue reading for a list of items that will be available: (Not listed is an iPad case but it's just a case - all items include the Swag Pack)


GoPlug Swag Pack ($35)
SPECS:

  • Designed to fit portable bus-powered hard drives.
  • It can fit a hard drive up to 5.5 x 3.75 x 1.25" in size.
  • It features a zipper for closing and a mesh pouch that can accommodate a USB or FireWire cable.
  • Includes: Micro USB, Mini USB, and 30 Pin 4" cables
GoPlug Mobile Kit ($90)
SPECS:

  • Smooth, ebony varnish allows you to power up in style, while 4 status LEDs keep you informed of remaining capacity. Built-in flashlight for dark or low-light environments.
  • Ultra-high density battery cells make this the world's most compact 15000mAh external battery. Use a 5V / 1.5A adapter (not included) for fastest charging (9-10 hours).
  • Monster capacity (15000mAh) charges the iPhone almost 7 times, large-capacity phones like the Galaxy S4 4 times or almost a full charge to an iPad 3 / 4.
  • Super-fast charge output (5V / 3A total) through dual USB ports (5V / 2A and 5V / 1A) allow for simultaneous charging of your iPad, iPhone, Android, and more at high speed.
  • Package contents: External Battery, Micro USB cable, travel pouch, instruction manual.
GoPlug Computer Bag ($159-$179)
SPECS:

  • One 360° rotating AC outlets fit large plugs
  • Two front-facing USB outlets for charging iPhone®, iPod®, smartphones, and E-Readers
  • Unlimited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation for maximum flexibility
  • 115v, 60Hz Patent Pending mobile outlet | Maximum output continuous power 80 watts
  • Rechargeable 12v LiPo battery (weighs 16 ounces)
  • Eight foot grounded extension cord
  • Durable, professional messenger bag with ample storage
  • Dimensions: 11" x 16.5" x 3.5"
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs (battery weight not including)
  • Padded computer compartment fits most 14"-15.4" laptops (internal laptop dimensions 14.5" x 11.1" x 1.8")
  • Organization panel stores your portable electronics, pens and more
  • Nylex lined accessory pockets keep your electronics scratch free
  • Nylex lined accessory pockets keep your electronics scratch free
  • Padded hip panel offers exceptional comfort
  • Matching USB shuttle included- holds two USB drives
  • Adjustable shoulder strap and grab handle allow for easy transport
GoPlug Backpack ($159-$179)
SPECS:

  • One 360° rotating AC outlets fit large plugs
  • Two front-facing USB outlets for charging iPhone®, iPod®, smartphones, and E-Readers
  • Unlimited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation for maximum flexibility
  • 115v, 60Hz Patent Pending mobile outlet | Maximum output continuous power 80 watts
  • Rechargeable 12v LiPo battery (weighs 16 ounces)
  • Eight foot grounded extension cord
  • Padded pocket protects laptops up to 17.3 inches
  • Dedicated interior pocket for iPad, tablet, or eReader
  • Front zip-down organizer section plus separate file pocket, front zippered pocket, quick access pocket and side zippered pockets
  • Polyester body with padded carry handle and backpack straps for comfort
  • Rear Ride Along strap for consolidated travel
  • Dimensions: 18" x 15" x 7"
  • Laptop Pocket: 16" x 11.75" x 1.8"
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs. (battery weight not including)
GoPlug Roller Case ($249-$269)
SPECS:

  • Two 360° rotating AC outlets fit large plugs
  • Two front-facing USB outlets for charging iPhone®, iPod®, smartphones, and E-Readers
  • Unlimited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation for maximum flexibility
  • 115v, 60Hz Patent Pending mobile outlet | Maximum output continuous power 80 watts
  • Rechargeable 12v LiPo battery (weighs 16 ounces)
  • Twelve foot grounded extension cord
  • Vertically oriented rolling laptop case compatible with most laptops with a 15 to 17 inch screen
  • Security Friendly laptop sleeve- Designed in compliance with TSA guidelines so your laptop does not need to be removed from sleeve when passing through airport security*
  • Dedicated iPad or 10.1 - inch tablet compartment
  • Full-featured business compartments are isolated from clothing storage for in-meeting functionality
  • Smart Organization panel provides a place for electronics, gadgets and accessories
  • Large rear compartment holds a change of clothes for the overnight business trip
  • Leave your laptop in the protective sleeve through the TSA screening process. To ensure an unobstructed x-ray view, place nothing other than your laptop in the sleeve.
  • Vertical orientation rolls easily down airplane aisles
  • Size L x W x H: 14.4 x 10.4 x 21.0" (365.7 x 264.1 x 533.4 mm)
  • Volume 2624.0 in³ (42999.6 cm³)
  • Weight 8.49 lb (3.85 kg) (battery weight not including)
GoPlug Camera Pack ($329-$349)
SPECS:

  • One 360° rotating AC outlets fit large plugs
  • Two front-facing USB outlets for charging iPhone®, iPod®, smartphones, and E-Readers
  • Unlimited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation for maximum flexibility
  • 115v, 60Hz Patent Pending mobile outlet | Maximum output continuous power 80 watts
  • Rechargeable 12v LiPo battery (weighs 16 ounces)
  • Eight foot grounded extension cord
  • Material | 600 denier PolyTek
  • Type of Closure | Zipper
  • Exterior Dimensions | 13.0 x 11.0 x 19.5" (33.0 x 28.0 x 50cm)
  • Interior Dimensions Internal | Top: 10.0 x 6.5 x 8.25" (25.0 x 17.0 x 21cm) Internal | Bottom: 11.0 x 6.5 x 10.0" (28.0 x 17.0 x 25cm)
  • Tripod Holder
  • Waist Belt
  • Rain Shield
  • Carrying/Transport Options | Shoulder straps
  • Top carry handle
  • Weight 5 lb (2.3kg) (battery weight not including)
GoPlug Camera Roller Case ($369-$399)
SPECS:

  • Two 360° rotating AC outlets fit large plugs
  • Two front-facing USB outlets for charging iPhone®, iPod®, smartphones, and E-Readers
  • Unlimited clockwise and counterclockwise rotation for maximum flexibility
  • 115v, 60Hz Patent Pending mobile outlet | Maximum output continuous power 80 watts
  • Rechargeable 12v LiPo battery (weighs 16 ounces)
  • Twelve foot grounded extension cord
  • Material High-density Cordura nylon
  • Type of Closure Zippers, quick-release buckles
  • Exterior Dimensions 14.8 x 9.1 x 22.1" / 37.5 x 23.0 x 56.0 cm
  • Interior Dimensions Main Compartment: 12.6 x 8.3 x 19.7" / 32.0 x 21.0 x 50.0 cm
  • Laptop Compartment: 13.4 x 0.4 x 17.7" / 34.0 x 1.0 x 45.0 cm
  • Carrying/Transport Options Retractable trolley handle and wheels, top, side, and base grip handles
  • Rain Shield
  • Weight 10.5 lb / 4.8 kg (battery weight not including)


Review: O2 Hurricane Canless Air System - Special


Review: O2 Hurricane Canless Air System - Special

Overview : The Canless Air System O2 Hurricane Special Edition is the most revolutionary cleaning tool since the vacuum. The cordless and rechargeable Special Edition O2 Hurricane blows air out at over 220mph and is perfect for cleaning and dusting anything you can think of. Each unit is rechargeable just like your cell phone and will provide you with hundreds of hours of cleaning time. The O2 Hurricane Special Edition is the strongest unit and comes in a brand new blue color.

Features :
  • Blows at over 220 miles per hour.
  • Has more continuous power than canned air.
  • Great for household use.
  • Blasts for over 15 minutes on a charge
  • 180 day limited warranty.
  • Comes with 3 piece attachment kit.
  • Eco-friendly. It just uses the air we breathe.


Press Release: Sigma Announces New 50mm F1.4 "Art" Lens



Sigma has officially announced the new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM "Art" lens. Sigma made a bold claim that their 50mm f/1.4 Art lens would compete with the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4. The Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 retails for $4,000 while the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 will retail for $949. Expected shipping date is April 29th.

You can purchase the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 at Amazon, B&H Photo and Adorama.

Continue reading for full press release and production description.


PRESS RELEASE:

Sigma Corporation is pleased to release the new SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, the large aperture, standard prime lens from our "Art" line.

In 2008, Sigma released a large diameter standard lens designed for digital SLRs, "SIGMA 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM". At that time, products for film cameras were prevalent, yet we spent enormous effort to set a new benchmark for the 50mm lens that optimizes the characteristics of digital cameras, such as compensating peripheral brightness, controlling the point images in the corners, and improving the image drawing, not only around the focusing point, but also other areas in the image.

In recent years, as the DSLR evolves, development of image sensors for higher pixel size has created the photographers’ desire for the lenses with superior performance. In 2012, Sigma has announced the "Art" line that achieves unsurpassed expressive performance to fulfill the higher requirement of photographers. The first lens from the "Art" line "SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM [A 012]" sought for uncompromising performance, and it resulted in great reviews as well as a lot of awards from all over the world. Based on the accumulated wisdom and know-how to establish the standard for our "Art" line series, we are proud to announce the development of the new high performance standard lens with a large diameter for this new era of superb image quality.

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM F/CANON fittings are scheduled to start the shipment towards the end of this month.
Launching date of Sigma, Sony and Nikon mount is not determined yet.
Corresponding AF Mounts: SIGMA, Canon, Sony and Nikon
Accessory: Case, Petal-Type Hood (LH830-02) supplied.
* The Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFICATIONS:

The Canon EF mount Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens is a fast standard-length prime designed to achieve high optical performance through the incorporation of both three Special Low Dispersion glass elements and one molded glass aspherical element. These elements, coupled with an advanced optical design, work to minimize sagittal coma flare and chromatic aberrations in order to provide high image sharpness and clarity. The lens’ large diameter and floating system also help to correct for vignetting to ensure maintained peripheral brightness. A Super Multi Coating has been applied to lens elements, too, to reduce flare and ghosting for higher contrast and color fidelity.

A Hyper Sonic AF Motor, along with an optimized AF algorithm, produces quiet, smooth, and fast autofocus performance that benefits this lens’ use in a wide variety of situations. This AF motor also permits full-time manual focusing control for refined precision by simply turning the focus ring at any time.

Sigma Global Vision – Art
As part of the Art line within Sigma’s Global Vision series, this lens’ is designed to achieve truly notable optical performance and is ideally suited for creative and artistic applications.

Molded Glass Aspherical Element
This lens has been designed using an advanced optical structure to achieve both high resolution and sharpness along with an aesthetic out-of-focus quality for greater subject separation. A molded glass aspherical element corrects for sagittal coma flare and enables full use of the fast f/1.4 maximum aperture with maintained sharpness and clarity. This design also works to minimize vignetting, color blur, and other distortions help to produce natural and pleasing bokeh for selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques. By reducing these aberrations, this lens is also well-suited to astrophotography or other situations with point-light sources due to its ability to suppress blur near the edges of the frame.

Special Low Dispersion Glass Elements
Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements have been incorporated within the lens design to correct for axial chromatic aberration throughout the entire focusing range. This helps to ensure maintained image sharpness, clarity, and contrast regardless of focus point or aperture setting.

Large Diameter Lens
In designing the lens with a large 85.4mm diameter, and placing the widest elements within the front group, greater peripheral brightness is more easily attained when working with larger apertures. This design also lends itself to minimizing vignetting throughout the aperture range for greater clarity and detail across the image frame.

Super Multi-Layer Coating
A Super Multi-Layer Coating has been applied to lens elements in order to minimize lens flare and ghosting and contribute to producing contrast-rich and color-neutral imagery, even in backlit conditions.

Floating System
By employing a floating system, the distance between glass elements is adjusted during focusing in order to limit the amount of lens movement required when shooting. This floating system helps to realize a minimum focusing distance of 1.3′ with a maximum magnification of 1:5.6. Additionally, this design also contributes to high detail rendering capabilities throughout the entire focusing range.

Hyper Sonic AF Motor
The integrated HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) realizes quick and quiet autofocusing, which is further complemented by an optimized AF algorithm to produce smoother focusing performance. The HSM also permits full-time manual focus control simply by rotating the focus ring at any time.

Other Lens Features
  • A rounded nine-blade diaphragm helps to produce an attractive out-of-focus quality.
  • The lens is constructed using a Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, along with traditional metals, for greater precision and use in wide temperature variations. The outside of the lens barrel is also engraved with the year of production.
  • The bayonet mount is constructed from brass for ensured accuracy and durability.
  • The included lens hood is fitted with a rubber connection for a secure fit.
  • This lens is compatible with the optional Sigma USB Dock for fine-tuning different lens characteristics and updating its firmware.


Deal: Yongnuo Wireless ETTL Flash Trigger Receiver Transmitter for $67 + $5 S&H



Standbyon via Amazon offers the Yongnuo Wireless ETTL Flash Trigger Receiver Transmitter, model no. YN-622C, for $67.05 plus $4.99 for shipping. It features a 2.4GHz frequency band with seven channels, three modes, and an operating range of 330 feet.


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