Deal: Popular Photography Magazine for $3.99 per year

DiscountMags offers a Popular Photography Magazine 1-Year Subscription for $13.97. Coupon code "DEALNEWS" cuts it to $3.99. It includes 12 issues. Deal ends April 1.

Of note, you can purchase up to a 3-year subscription at this per-year price.

Unboxing Video: Herringbone Heritage Leather Hand Grip Strap

We just received our Herringbone Heritage Leather Camera Hand Strap in the mail. Below is a video of the unboxing and what is included.

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Review: Glidecam XR-2000 Series Handheld Camera Stabilizer

Overview : The Glidecam XR-2000 Handheld Camera Stabilizer represents an affordable way to put your compact camcorder on a floating platform, enabling you to capture the types of professional handheld shots that add dynamic flair to any video production. Smooth camera movement that ranges freely in every dimension is not something you can achieve via dollies or shoulder-mount rigs. For truly unfettered, floating camera moves, you need a gimbal-based camera stabilizer.

The XR-2000 is a complete handheld system, with a dynamic camera platform that will allow you to mount & achieve proper balance for your small to medium camcorder (2-6 lb), a telescoping central post that allows you to adjust the height of the unit, and a balance platform that supports any combination of the included large and small counterbalance weights. At the center of everything, however, is the three-axis gimbal that lets the camera handle move freely while the rest of the stabilizer stays upright, thereby eliminating the shake that plagues most handheld camerawork.

The design of the Glidecam XR-2000 is tool-free, so you'll be able to set up and achieve balance easily & quickly every time. With practice you'll be steering your camera through three dimensions naturally and smoothly without a second thought, as if the camera platform were a cloud floating through calm skies.

For long periods of operation with the XR-2000, you will no doubt benefit from the addition of an optional support accessory (sold separately), such as a Body-Pod, a Forearm Brace, or an X10 or Smooth Shooter arm/vest support.

Features :

• Dynamic Camera Balance Platform (Camera Mounting Platform)
• Adjustable convergence, precision, three-axis Gimbal
• No-tools Telescoping Center Post
• Adjustable, inertial-control Base Platform
• Foam padded Handle Grip
• Precision Bearings at all vital points
• Made with precision Aluminum
• Anodized Studio Black
• Laser etched Labeling
• Allows unrestricted Booming and 360 degree Panning
• Rubber feet under Base Platform
• Made in USA

Glidecam XR-2000 Specifications :

• Designed for compact, low profile cameras weighing from 2 to 6 pounds
• Camera Mounting Head Dimensions: 6.00" x 4.187" x .75"
• Base Platform Dimensions: 10.00" x 4.00"
• Central Support Post: 1" diameter
• 15" tall in shortest mode
• 22" tall in longest mode
• Weight: 2.1 pounds without Counter Weight Discs
• Each large Counter Weight Disc averages 2.75 ounces
• Each small Counter Weight Disc averages 1 ounce
• The Glidecam XR-2000 includes 12 large and 4 small Counter Weight Discs
• 12 large Counter Weight Discs = 2.07 pounds
• 4 small Counter Weight Discs = .25 pounds
• Camera Mounting Plate has 1/4" mounting holes
• Base Platform has 1/4" mounting hole for optional LCD Monitor attachment
• Made in USA

Press Release: Custom SLR releases M-Plate - Manfrotto and Arca-Swiss compatible tripod plate

We first reported about the M-Plate by Customer SLR back in October. A couple months later, we posted a sneak peak of the M-Plate. And today, we're glad to inform you that it is now available! The M-Plate retails for $74.95. There is an attachment that is sold separately ($12.95) that allows you to attach a hand strap.

If you don't know who Custom SLR is, they started off on Kickstarter, a site where people can pledge money to help products become a reality. If it reaches the goal, production begin and those who pledged will receive the product at a discounted price. With that, Custom SLR released their own neck strap (Split Strap), sling strap (Glide Strap) and now M-Plate.

Below is a full press release:

Available Today, Crowded-funded Custom SLR Offers an Ergonomic Camera Tripod Plate Enabling Quick-Release to Any Tripod and Strap System; Custom SLR is the First Kickstarter Team to Deliver Three Projects to Backers

SAN JOSE, C.A., MARCH 27, 2012 -- Custom SLR, a design company creating products that improve the shooting experience for photographers, has announced the immediate availability of the M-Plate universal camera tripod plate. The M-Plate is the world’s first universal tripod plate to offer built-in Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss connections as well as attachment points for accessories. Produced with appreciation from the support of more than 400 Kickstarter backers and designed by a team of seasoned photographers, the M-Plate enables quick release from any tripod head and can attach multiple camera accessories into a single plate.

Crafted in the USA from aerospace grade aluminum, the M-Plate is sturdy, steady and lightweight, and works with any camera strap system including the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount, BlackRapid,  Spider Holster, Sun Sniper, Cotton Carrier and virtually any system that would typically occupy the camera tripod socket. When using the M-Plate in conjunction with the C-Loop camera strap mount, photographers will find the additional benefit of a perfectly balanced camera for increased comfort and quick access. The ergonomic design of M-Plate relocates the tripod socket making it easier to shoot portrait shots. Designed as a part of a modular system, the built-in M-Link Port™ will connect with future photo and video attachments, including flash brackets and video rigs that are currently in development. A Kickstarter first, the M-Plate is the Custom SLR team’s third project funded successfully through the crowd-funding website.

“While connecting with real photographers that use the C-Loop, we heard over and over that they also wanted something to connect with their tripod. That was the inspiration for the M-Plate but what grew from that inspiration is a system that will work with any strap system and any tripod – improving the shooting experience for all photographers,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Operations Officer, Custom SLR. “We started Custom SLR as a means to solve our own problems and it’s amazing to be able to help so many of our fellow photographers as well. Thank you to all of our Kickstarter backers for help bringing the M-Plate to life.”

The M-Plate comes in a black anodized finish for durability and a sleek, seamless profile when attached to the camera’s tripod socket. An impact absorbent and textured layer between the aluminum and camera ensures a snug fit and eliminates scratching. Additionally, the M-Plate features an optional hand strap attachment accessory.

The M-Plate is available starting today, March 27 for a MSRP of $74.95. Photographers can purchase the M-Plate through CustomSLR.com or through many authorized dealers worldwide.

Deal: Sanyoo Eneloop Rechargable Batteries for $19.95

Adorama offers the Sanyo Eneloop New 1500 Ni-MH Glitter AA Rechargable Battery 8-Pack, model no. HR-3UTGA-8BPG, for $19.95 with free shipping. These 2,000 mAH AA batteries are precharged and can be recharged up to 1,500 times.

Deal: AmazonBasics AA or AAA Alkaline Batteries 20-Pack for $3 + free shipping

Amazon offers the AmazonBasics AA Alkaline Battery 20-Pack, model no. LR06-20P, is available for $3.56 before Subscribe & Save, $3.38 with free shipping after ($0.17/battery).

Of note, the AmazonBasics AAA Alkaline Battery 20-Pack, model no. LR03-20P, for $3.24. Add it to your cart via Subscribe & Save to knock it to $3.08 and get free shipping ($0.15/battery).

These make great flash batteries or emergency batteries for cameras if you have a grip with battery tray. Be sure to cancel Subscribe & Save once your order ships to avoid being billed for subsequent shipments.