As part of Think Tank Photo's Retrospective V2.0 shoulder bag series, the new Retrospective 4 V2.0 is sized for Rangefinder and Mirrorless camera systems such as Leica, Sony and Fujifilm.
With its classic canvas look, this soft, form-fitting bag offers the essential Retrospective V2.0 features, including sound silencers, padded shoulder strap, customizable dividers (with smartphone pocket) and metal hardware, now in a discreet, compact size.
KEY FEATURES
Soft and form-fitting with minimalist outer appearance
DWR treated 100% cotton canvas exterior with metal hardware
Hook-and-loop “Sound Silencers” offer discretion when needed
WHAT FITS
Standard DSLR body
Mirrorless System
24–70mm f/2.8 detached
Purchase it through this link to receive a free Think Tank product and free U.S. shipping on all orders over $50.
The Urban Access Sling bag from Think Tank Photo enables you to get to your gear quickly without taking off the pack. Innovative “Slings Both Ways” functionality allows you sling the bag over your left or right shoulder, depending on your preference. By simply switching the shoulder strap to either side of the bag, you can adjust the load for greater comfort on long outings. Panels on both sides provide access to your camera without having to take the pack off or reposition the dividers.
WHAT FITS
Urban Access 8: 1 ungripped Mirrorless body with 2–3 lenses and 8” tablet.
Urban Access 10: 1 ungripped DSLR or Mirrorless body with 2–5 lenses and 10” tablet.
Purchase it through this link to receive a free Think Tank product and free U.S. shipping on all orders over $50.
Our good friends over at Peak Design has just announced and released revamped designs and new carry styles of the Everyday Line of bags.
The Everyday Line V2, which includes the Everyday Messenger, Everyday Tote, Everyday Sling and Everyday Backpack, directly addresses the most common failure point of every bag—zippers. Peak Design now utilizes Ultrazips, a proprietary zipper technology that employs ultra-high-molecular-weight thermoplastic thread to bind zipper coils to fabric tape. This dramatically increases abrasion resistance and results in zippers that have 20x anti-tear strength compared to regular zippers. Fans of the Everyday Backpack and Everyday Messenger will also enjoy improvements in the look and feel of custom hard-wear such as the Maglatch™ closure system.
Joining the Everyday Line V2 family are the all new Everyday Backpack Zip and the Everyday Totepack. Available in 15L and 20L versions, the Everyday Backpack Zip is a visually and functionally simpler version of its full-featured predecessor, the Everyday Backpack V2. The Everyday Totepack is an attractive and highly functional hybrid that effortlessly handles everyday carry. Padded backpack straps quickly stow away when the Totepack’s padded carry handles are in use, and top and dual side access points allow convenient access to internal organization provided by two, easy-to-configure, FlexFold™ dividers.
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell notification to be notified when we have posted our videos on the Everyday Sling 6L V2, Everyday Backpack 30L V2 and the new Backpack Zip 20L.
Skylum Software has officially launched Luminar 4, the next version of their award-winning software and the new version comes with a host of new features and enhancements.
New & Improved Features:
NEW: Edit Module
A completely redesigned experience that improves the discoverability of tools and simplifies the editing process
NEW:AI Sky Replacement
Using Skylum’s machine learning technology, Luminar 4 is the first photo editor to offer fully automated sky replacement technology
NEW:AI Skin Enhancer
Automatically remove skin imperfections like acne, freckles, and moles in addition to smoothing skin
NEW: Portrait Enhancer
A collection of tools that improve any portrait ina natural yet pleasing way
NEW: SmartContrast
Easily improve contrast where needed without destroying key details
NEW:AI Structure
Boosts details where needed without damaging the rest of the photo — without selections, layers, or masks
NEW: Color Styles Library (LUT Mapping)
Quickly change the color and mood of your photos with cinematic color styles
NEW: Luminar Looks
Unlock creative options and quickly solve problems with adaptive presets
IMPROVED: Stability and performance
IMPROVED: Golden Hourfilter
IMPROVED: Denoisefilter
IMPROVED: Adjustable Gradientfilter
Luminar 4 now costs $89 for new customers / $74 for owners of previous versions of Luminar, you can also save $10 by using the coupon code 1KIND during checkout. Before you commit to purchasing, you can download a fully functioning free trial by navigating to LUMINAR > DOWNLOAD TRIAL.
Overview : Compressible, easy to access, and instantly dividable, Peak Design Travel Packing Cubes are functionally and aesthetically unmatched. A unique tear-away zipper lets you access contents quickly, unlike standard packing cubes with U-zip openings. An internal divider lets you separate clean and dirty clothes, and allows each compartment to expand/contract based on its contents. And, an expansion/compression zip provides additional space (from 4.5L to 9L - Small; 8L to 18L - Medium), or the ability to compress contents once packed. Outer shell is a beautiful, self-healing 70D nylon/poly blend.
Available in Small and Medium sizes. Designed for use in any suitcase or bag, and sized to fit perfectly in any bag in the Peak Design Travel Line.
Features :
Ultra-fast tear-away main opening
Moving divider separates clean/dirty sides
Expansion/compression zip provides additional space, plus ability to compress contents once packed
Secondary opening via straight zip for dirty clothes storage
Syrp has announced a new Circular Polarizer filter. This new filter will be available in two sizes, either an 82mm (large) or 67mm (small) size. The large filter includes step-up rings for 77mm and 72mm lenses while the small filter comes with adapters for 58mm and 52mm lenses. Also included is a genuine leather case and Syrp Lens cloth.
The Circular Polarizer Filter is constructed from German Schott glass, with an anti-scratch layer, is multi-coated and has a super low reflection rate. The frame is aluminum and as it has a low-profile, can be stacked with other filters if needed.
The Circular Polarizer joins the Variable ND, two filters that are perfectly tuned for use with Syrp’s motion control systems.
Polarizing filters are an essential film-making and photography tool for shooting in harsh light when you want to get that perfect cloud filled beach shot, mountain landscape or glassy water shot. Polarizing filters add contrast and reduce glare in your image this gives you a deeper blue sky, removes harsh reflections in water and enables you to shoot through windows and other surfaces that are creating unwanted reflections and glare.
The Syrp Polarizing Filter range is available for $99.00 (small) and $119.00 (large). You can purchase from Syrp.co directly. B&H Photo and Adorama also carries Syrp filters.
DiscountMags has Outdoor Photographer on sale for $4/yr. Each year gets you 11 issues. You can get 2 years (22 issues) for $8 or 3 years (33 issues) for $12.
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA, June 18, 2019 – Datacolor®, a global leader in color management solutions, announced the launch of two new product bundles for photographers to manage their color workflow: SpyderX Capture Pro and SpyderX Studio. Both include the recently launched SpyderX color calibrator for monitors – the most accurate, fastest (4X faster) and easiest-to-use Spyder, ever.
SpyderX Capture Pro provides all the essentials needed to precisely manage color from image capture through editing, and includes:
Spyder LensCal – Calibrate cameras, lenses and DSLR components.
Spyder Cube – Set white balance and RAW conversion.
Spyder Checkr – Next-level camera color calibration.
SpyderX Elite – Professional monitor calibration.
SpyderX Studio is the essential all-in-one photographic workflow solution for precision control from capture, to editing to print, and includes:
Spyder Cube – Set white balance and RAW conversion.
SpyderX Elite– Professional monitor calibration.
Spyder Print – Printer profiling for any printer/ink/paper combination.
Datacolor is kicking off the launch of these two products with a special 20% savings introductory offer. From June 18 through July 14, 2019, you can purchase the SpyderX Capture Pro for $319.99 (reg. $399.99) or the SpyderX Studio for $399.99 (reg. $499.99).
Sony announced its “Step Up To Sony” sales event, with huge discounts of up to $1,000 on their most popular bodies, including the Sony A7II, A7RII, A7RIII and A9. If you’ve been thinking about grabbing a Sony, now is the time, as these discounts run until June 22nd.
Overview : Meet Alter. It's a Rapid Filter System (RFS) that lets you engage and disengage lens filters the moment you need them. It attaches via the universal filter threads your lens has, and then you can screw a ND or CPL filter on to it (between 40.5mm and 105mm filter thread size).
Our good friends over at Peak Design is back with their 9th Kickstarter campaign. As you can see from the title and picture that their newest campaign is still photography related. The Peak Design Travel Tripod is the most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup professional tripod in the world. For years, traditional tripods have suffered a critical flaw: needless bulk and wasted space, the result of a spatially inefficient design. By redesigning the tripod from the ground up, Peak Design created the world’s most portable travel tripod—one that packs to the diameter of a water bottle—without sacrificing height, stability, or load capacity. But they didn’t stop there. Travel Tripod is radically faster to setup/takedown than traditional tripods and features more ergonomic adjustment points, built-in mobile compatibility, and thoughtful usability details at every corner. Plus, it’s built for life on the road: durable, fully serviceable, and backed by the Peak Design lifetime guarantee.
FEATURES: Pro performance. Half the size.
Groundbreaking architecture eliminates dead volume
Packs down to half the size of traditional travel tripods—to the size of a water bottle
No protruding knobs
Lightning-fast setup and pack-down.
Quick-locking cams allow you to unlock legs in 3 swift motions
Legs deploy without flipping over for significantly faster setup than traditional tripod designs
Unique quick-release allows instant, secure camera attachment
Intuitive, ergonomic ball head interface.
Single, ultra-smooth omnidirectional ball head adjustment ring with no bulky/confusing knobs
Simple locking ring for total security and stiffness
Compatible with all PD plates and most Arca-type plates
Removable pins for use with most Arca-type L-brackets
Omnidirectional bubble level
Professional stability and features for demanding environments.
20lb weight capacity, optimized for use with full-frame DSLR + telephoto lens
Stability and vibration dampening comparable to much larger tripods in it’s class
Nonslip, shock absorbing rubber feet
Built-in load hanging hook
Low and inverted configuration modes allow camera to sit just inches off ground
Anchor attachment points for carrying with Peak Design straps
Brilliantly integrated mobile phone mount.
Built-in mobile mount magnetically stowes in center column
Mount sets up securely and holds any phone/case
Durable, fully serviceable, and guaranteed for life
All components are weather and impact resistant
Slim, protective carry sleeve
All parts are fully serviceable, cleanable, and replaceable
Available both in carbon fiber for $479 (MSRP: $599.95) and aluminum legs for $289 (MSRP: $349.95) the Travel Tripod will launch on Kickstarter for a pre-sale discount beginning May 21, 2019 at 7am PST. Kickstarter campaign ends July 18, 2019 at 5pm PST. The tripod will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2019 holiday season.
There are magnetic quick release filter adapters available on the market (Breakthrough Photography and Manfrotto XUME). But when you don't need the filters, where do you put them? In your pocket or in your bag? It can be a hassle having to retrieve them or keeping track of them.
Meet Alter. It's a Rapid Filter System (RFS) that lets you engage and disengage lens filters the moment you need them. It attaches via the universal filter threads your lens has, and then you can screw a ND or CPL filter on to it (between 40.5mm and 105mm filter thread size). Yes, it still works with your lens caps but it will not work with lens hoods.
So how does Alter RFS work? Since it's attached to the filter threads on your lens, you simply lift the "window" out to expose the camera lens when you don't need to use the filter you have attached. This is great when you're going from indoors to outdoors. This also keeps your filters close to your lens at all times. The "window" is held in place with magnets so it will not flip open easily.
Two things to note is that the RFS does vignette primes past 18mm and zooms past 30mm and it will not work with lens hood to the way it flips open.
Features:
Adjustable friction hinge
270 degree hinge rotation
Zero light leak
360 degree hinge orientation
Magnetically secured closed
Milled aerospace aluminum with anodize
Alter RFS is available at a discounted price through their Kickstarter campaign and will retail for $79. Estimated shipping date is September 2019. There are a limited number of Early Birds (Early Adopters), so get in on it early before its sold out.
Early Adopter Single - $63 (20% savings)
Early Adopter Double - $118 (25% savings)
Early Adopter Triple - $165 (30% savings)
And if you need more than 3, just add $55 for each additional RFS to your pledge amount.
Also, instead of using step up rings, you can pledge an extra $10 for each RFS you back to get their RFS+. It is essentially a hinged step up ring. The lens ring has a smaller diameter than the filter ring. This solves the need for step up rings and removes vignetting on wide angle lenses. It has the same slim profile and forward depth as the standard RFS and is great for shooters who step up to the same size filters on all of their lenses.
Alter offers a 30 day satisfaction guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty against defects and workmanship for the life of the product when used in normal shooting conditions and for the intended purpose.
Overview : The Powerex MH-C980 Turbo Charger-Analyzer charges up to 8 AA or AAA nickel-metal hydride batteries in approximately 1 hour. This charger is the best combination of an 8-cell charger with battery health analyzing features. It has a special One-Touch Battery Health Analyzer with actual capacity readout to provide the most accurate data. The Turbo charge mode allows you to charge your batteries twice as fast while the default mode will maximize battery life. With the Thermal Management System, your batteries will stay cool during charge. For older batteries, you can use the Deep Battery Conditioning System to revitalize them. The large backlit LCD display allows you to take quick glance of the charging status.
Features :
Eight independent charging circuits for flexible charging
One touch Battery Health Analyzer with capacity readout to provide accurate data
Turbo charge (2000mA) when you need batteries charged fast
Thermal Management System to keep batteries cool during charge
Deep Battery Conditioning System to revitalize old batteries
The new MindShift PhotoCross 15 backpack by Think Tank Photo is built to withstand the elements, and will protect your gear from another punishing trip into the wild. Designed to fit an ungripped DSLR, three to five lenses, including a 70-200mm f/2.8 attached, and up to a 15” laptop, the PhotoCross 15 is constructed with durable, abrasion-proof materials and weatherproof zippers. Available in two colors, Orange Ember and Carbon Grey, the PhotoCross 15 is the ideal backpack for your next adventure.
Don't forget that when you use our link in order to receive free gear and free domestic shipping on all orders over $50.
Overview : Whether storing cables, everyday gear, or travel essentials, the Peak Design Travel Tech Pouch offers unrivaled organization and ease of access. Origami-style pockets create enormous spatial efficiency, letting you pack more into a smaller space while keeping your items neatly organized and easy to find. Elastic accessory loops keep items like pens, knives, SD cards, and batteries always within reach. Exterior handles and a clamshell-style opening make this pouch a delight to hold and access. External zip pocket has a cable pass-through for easy device charging. The 200D recycled nylon canvas shell is weatherproof and aesthetically clean.
Features :
Origami-style internal pocket layout
Smaller accessory pockets for pens, SD cards, batteries, etc.
Dual handles for quick opening and access
External passport/document pocket
Cable pass-through for convenient device charging
Anchor attachment points for carrying with PD straps (sold separately)
On April 4th, Rode has introduced the Wireless GO, a wireless microphone system that being deemed as 'the world's smallest, most versatile' system of its kind. We love our Rode Filmmaker Kit [Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama] and we use it for our YouTube videos. So we are definitely interested in this.
Similar to its Filmmaking Kit, the Wireless GO is a kit that consists of a transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX). The Wireless GO TX module works acts as either a quick and easy clip-on wireless microphone, thanks to a high-quality built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule, or as the world’s smallest belt pack transmitter for a lavalier microphone via the 3.5mm TRS input. Unfortunately, a wired lavalier microphone is not included and will need to be purchased separately. Depending on the one you get, it can cost $50+ for a very good lapel mic.
The RX also has a belt clip that will allow you to clip it onto your camera’s shoe mount, or clips easily onto your camera strap or an item of clothing. There is also a three-stage output pad – 0dB, -6dB, -12dB – to tailor your output to your camera or recorder.
With the new small footprint, both modules measure approximately 44mm x 45mm x 18.5mm and weigh just 31g / 1oz. Wireless connectivity is powered by Rode's new Series III Digital 2.4GHz transmission technology that's rated for a maximum distance of 70m / 230ft in clear line-of-sight situations.
Unlike the bigger Filmmaker Kit where it uses AA batteries, the Wireless GO has built-in Li-po batteries that are rated for seven hours of use and can be recharged via USB-C. You can also update the firmware using the same USB-C port that is used to charge them.
The Wireless GO kit comes with two fur windshields, one pouch, one USB-A to USB-C cable and one SC2 cable. B&H Photo and Adorama has the system available to pre-order for $199 with an estimated shipping date of April 17, 2019.
Think Tank Photo has just released their Stand Manager 52 rolling case, and it's an ideal solution for storing and transporting stands of any kind. We all know that lighting stands are heavy, cumbersome and hard to transport. The Stand Manager 52 rolling case is an ideal solution for storing and transporting stands of any kind. The case holds up to 4 turtle base C-stands, multiple traditional light stands, or modifiers up to 52" long. It features multiple tie-down straps to secure your stands inside the bag, oversized, shock-absorbing wheels, and rear skid rails which allow you to load in and out of your vehicle with ease.
Don't forget to click our link to get FREE gear and free shipping for orders over $50.
Our friends at Think Tank Photo just announced that they’ve launched their new Vision Shoulder Bag Series. The bags are designed to fit DSLR and Mirrorless camera gear with pro-sized lenses and hoods, and are constructed from durable, yet stylish, weather-resistant materials. Vision is an ideal carry solution for professional and aspiring photographers alike.
Available in three sizes (the Vision 10, 13, and 15) the Vision Series fits a wide variety of DSLR and Mirrorless camera kits in a customizable padded divider system, providing ample room for pro-sized lenses and hoods. The shoulder bags also feature dedicated pockets for smartphones, 10-inch tablets, and laptops up to 15-inches. Constructed with durable, yet stylish, weather-resistant materials, Vision offers the access, security, and quality you’ve come to expect from Think Tank.
Don't forget to click our link to get FREE gear and free shipping for orders over $50.
Overview : Dopp kit, ditty bag, toiletry bag, call it what you will-it's one of the most essential travel carry tools, and can also be one of the most frustrating. In designing the Peak Design Travel Wash Pouch, Peak Design aimed to create the perfect balance between elegant simplicity and thoughtful functionality. Sits upright on the counter or hangs via a stowable hook, always giving total visibility and access to your toiletries.
A network of internal TPU-coated nylon mesh pockets, along with a magnetically-sealed toothbrush pocket, external razor pocket, and internal zippered pouch, keep items organized and clean. All pockets easily turn inside out for quick cleaning.
Features :
Internal pocket layout accommodates many sizes/shapes of toiletry items
Sits upright when open for easy access, small footprint fits in tight spaces
Dedicated magnetically sealed toothbrush pocket with pull-out lining for easy cleaning
External pocket for razor storage
Silicone coated mesh internal pockets stay clean and dry
Overview : Ultra-protective yet easily accessible, Peak Design Camera Cubes take the pain and hassle out of traveling with photo, video, or drone gear. Designed to mount securely in any Peak Design Travel Bag, Camera Cubes give you custom organization and protection, whether you’re carrying a small mirrorless kit or a full professional creative setup. A range of different protective, low-profile FlexFold dividers give best-in-class customizability. A tear-away main opening has a tuck-away flap for faster access when the cubes are packed in your bag. Medium and Large cubes feature dual side zips, giving you additional access points. Movable pocket for filters, lens caps, and small stuff. A weatherproof recycled 400D nylon canvas shell with high-density foam sub-lining keep your gear safe and sound.
Features :
Tear-away main opening with tuck-away flap for fast access
Designed to fit perfectly in all Peak Design Travel Bags
C-clip mounting system keeps cubes rigidly in place in Peak Design Travel Bags
FlexFold dividers give instantly customizable organization and protection, even allowing you to vertically stack items to maximize capacity
Floating pocket for storing lens caps, filters, and small items
Exterior grab handles for easy carry
External loops let you carry the cube with any Peak Design strap (sold separately)
Drones took photography literally to new heights. If you're a drone photographer, the folks over at Skylum Software have announced AirMagic. a AI-powered app for Mac and Windows designed to automatically enhance aerial photos that are taken with drone cameras. Orders for the new app begin today, and AirMagic will be released on March 21.
AirMagic is built upon Skylum's A.I.-powered photo editor, Photolemur. Both apps use similar technology to process images, with AirMagic being fine-tuned for use with popular consumer and professional drones.
AirMagic requires little input to actually edit images. Simply drop your aerial photos into the app and AirMagic detects the drone and camera used to take the photo, then applies adjustments to fix haze, contrast, sharpness, saturation, and chromatic aberration. For those who would like to create a unique look, there are five preset styles that can be applied to the photos.
The program first uses the metadata to determine which drone was used to capture the image in order to work with the camera’s specific lens and color profile. After making corrections, the program’s algorithms address issues specific to the image.
AirMagic can work with multiple images in groups, working with up to 4GB of images at a time. Supporting major image formats, the program also works with RAW files. AirMagic can be used either as a stand-alone program, or as a Photoshop or Lightroom plugin.
AirMagic is available for Mac and PC, retails for $39 as a license that can be used on up to two computers. The company has a special offer for those who pre-order AirMagic. With the preorder, the company throws in $145.99 worth of bonuses that include:
Drone photography eBook by Skylum
Shoot Professional Photos with any Drone video course
Zendure is pushing the boundaries of travel technology with SuperTank, its latest power bank for laptops, phones and tablets that recently launched on Kickstarter. This is great to charge your camera batteries (if charger is run off of USB), microphones or even power your camera via USB-C.
With 138W of maximum total output, SuperTank can quickly recharge a compatible MacBook Pro or other USB-C powered laptop, so users who are away from home don’t have to constantly search for an outlet while catching up on work, gaming, or connecting through social media. With two USB-C PD (Power Delivery) ports and two ZEN+ 2.0 ports (compatible with Quick Charge 3.0 technology), SuperTank can charge up to four devices at the same time. A digital LED display conveniently indicates the remaining charge.
The new power bank has a charge capacity of 27,000mAh, enough to recharge most phones 7-9 times or supply a compatible laptop with about 13 hours of typical usage. Despite its massive storage capacity, SuperTank weighs just 17oz / 483g and is within the limit for FAA-approved carry-on batteries, making it an ideal travel companion.
SuperTank’s high-density battery cells can be recharged in about one hour with a compatible 100W charger and high-power charging cable. The new external battery is also capable of pass-through charging, which means SuperTank can be recharged while it is also supplying power to other devices.
“The one-hour recharge was an important milestone in developing SuperTank, as determined through our extensive consumer research,” said Bryan Liu, founder and CEO of Zendure. “Travelers constantly get back to their hotel late at night and have to leave early in the morning. Between the quick refill capability and the pass-through charging technology, SuperTank is a true travel essential.”
To compliment the SuperTank, Zendure is also offering the option to pledge for the SuperPort 4, either by itself or with the SuperTank. The SuperPort 4 also has a 100w USB-C PD port which is great for either charging your SuperTank or powering your laptop. The second USB-C port and two USB-A ports are each capable of 18w for charging your devices.
SuperTank will be available in black or silver via Kickstarter. One SuperPort 4 is available for $69 and one SuperTank is available for $89. The bundle pack that includes one of each is available for $148, a savings of 40%. Campaign ends Wednesday, March 6 2019 9:00 AM EST.
The first stretch goal of $200k (which has been met) gives all SuperTank backers a free rubber belt to protect the SuperTank. The next stretch goal of $300k will give all SuperTank backers one 100w 5A USB-C SuperCord for free.
WANDRD has launched other successful Kickstarter campaigns are known for their backpack and other bags and they have returned to Kickstarter to launch a new campaign for their VEER 18L. The packable bag features a inflatable back panel and camera cube.
Typically packable bags lack protection and structure, making them uncomfortable to carry. The VEER 18L solves this by using an inflatable back panel to give the bag some structure and support. The camera cube inflates to protect the camera. Both of these can be deflated, packed down to a very small size and placed inside the bag.
The VEER 18L has 18 liters of volume. The camera cube can hold a Canon 5D body size with a 24-70mm lens attached. Unlike other bags, you're only able to carry what you will be using. You can however carry a bigger camera but the lens will need to be carried separately. The bag is also large enough to hold a drone such as the Mavic Pro. And if you're thirsty, there is a water bottle sleeve on the side to hold a bottle up to 32oz.
The bag is made from 100D water resistant material and all the zippers are weather resistant. The VEER 18L weighs only 383g (12.8oz) and packs down into a very small package, making it ideal for carrying in a bigger bag and use as a day bag.
You can get the VEER 18L with inflatable back panel by pledging $79 on Kickstarter. If you're interested in getting it with camera cube, you can pledge $118. Delivery is scheduled for August 2019.
When you think of a vlogger's setup, one of the main things you think of is the Joby GorillaPod. It lets you hold the camera away from you so that you can get yourself in the frame and serves as a dual purpose tripod.
If you have ever used a Gorillapod, you will know they are designed to be flexible but depending on the size and weight of yoru camera gear, they don't always hold their position. You also have to adjust the legs every time you want to set it down on a table as a tripod and configure the legs again for vlogging via hand holding.
A new Kickstarter campaign, SwitchPod, a handheld 'minimal' tripod that switches from handheld mode to tripod mode in only a couple seconds is seeking funding. The device requires almost no effort to convert, enabling users to seamlessly transition from recording while holding the device to recording from a flat surface without pausing to adjust the stand.
SwitchPod is compatible with any camera, including smartphones and DSLR models. It is made from an aluminum alloy design, and supports up to 100lbs / 45kg. There are hidden magnets on the legs to help keep them close together. The tripod features a 1/4-20" standard screw for directly attaching a camera, as well as support for ball heads and quick release plates.
There are two additional 1/4-20" threads on the tripod's legs enable users to attach accessories, such as a light and microphone, plus the leg design makes it possible to clip SwitchPod to a bag using a carabiner. Other features include a tightening knob, non-slip feet, two sets of finger grooves for grasping the tripod in different positions, and a circle pad to protect the camera's base. The tripod weighs 11.1oz / 315g and measures 11in / 28cm long in handheld mode.
The SwitchPod is set to ship August 2019 and will retail for $99 USD but Kickstarter backers can pledge $79. You can buy 2 for $149 or 5 for $349. There is only one size available and only comes in black.
There are a few portable monitors on the market but they are all 1080p. TAIHE was present at CES 2019 with their Gemini, where they not only offer 1080p but a 4K version as well. Shortly after, they launched a Kickstarter campaign. At the time of writing, the Kickstarted project has raised $841,000, way beyond its funding goal of $10,000.
Chinese firm TAIHE, headlines its Gemini as the world's "most affordable on-the-go monitor". The Gemini is a 15.6-inch IPS LCD that looks quite sleek in its design and offers a collapsible hinge stand that makes it ideal to stow and take on the go. There are two variants of the monitor, a 1080p FHP model with touchscreen capabilities, that has ports for power, USB Type-C, dual micro-USB, and dual mini HDMI. The 4K UHD model does not have a touchscreen and has two USB 2.0 ports, USB Type-C, mini DisplayPort, HDMI port, and power. However, for an extra $120, you can add touchscreen to the 4K UHD model. Both also have HDR support.
There's a 180-degree kickstand on the back, allowing you to prop it up next to your computer. You can also rotate it to use the monitor vertically if you're going to scroll through long documents. The monitors are 8mm thick for the FHD and 10mm for the UHD and they weigh 2 pounds.
This is great for those who want a second monitor in a portable form factor. This sounds like a dream for editing your photos or video and the Gemini works with Macbooks, Chromebooks and PC laptops. You can also connect your smartphone and game consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, Playstation and Xbox. I don't think you'll have an issue with connecting a Amazon Fire TV Stick either.
Since the project has went live, it has already passed a couple of Stretch Goals. The Stretch Goals that have currently been unlocked is the upgrade of the USB 2.0 ports to USB 3.0 ports for the 4K UHD, everyone will get a free screen protector in the box and it just surpassed $800,000 in funding, so everyone will get a multifunctional bag for free. The next Stretch Goal is $900,000 and if this is met, they will incorporate USB-C charging.
If interested, you can head to the Kickstarter page. The 1080p touchscreen model starts at $159, while the UHD variant can be had for $269. These prices are for those that get in on the campaign early. The price will increase as more folks fund the project. The retail price of the FHD model will cost $299, while the UHD variant will cost $499. Like with any crowdfunding campaign, be aware that you are supporting an idea and not purchasing a product. There is always the chance the company can fail or unable to meet demands and the product might not be delivered. Campaign ends February 18, 2019 10:59 AM EST.
Overview : When you need total protection from the elements, the ultra-packable 45L Rainfly is your best friend. It’s not your run-of-the mill rain cover, either. Constructed from burly 200D siliconized ripstop nylon, the Rain Fly packs into an integrated carry pouch. That pouch securely connects to exterior attachment points on the Travel Backpack 45L and stows neatly inside a magnetically sealed exterior sleeve. When the rain hits you can instantly deploy the Rainfly while it’s still connected to your backpack.
Features :
Fully waterproof rain protection
200D ripstop nylon with siliconized coating and fully taped seams
Integrated stuff sack, which mounts to exterior of Travel Backpack 45L and stows in the backpack's magnetically sealed external sleeve
1-handed cinch cord keeps Rainfly snug around bag
Drainage grommet at bottom lets out any moisture that accumulates inside