Review: XTAR PB2S 18650 21700 Battery Charger Power Bank

Overview : The XTAR PB2S will quickly become your favorite dual-channel charger for lithium-ion batteries. Complete with a powerbank function, this charger not only keeps your batteries in proper working condition but your favorite USB electronics too. The PB2S supports both QC3.0 and PD3.0 fast charging methods for the quick revitalization of batteries, smartphones, tablets, and more. Additionally, the USB-C and USB-A ports work in conjunction with one another to charge two external devices at the same time. The Xtar PB2S has an easy-to-read screen that provides real-time information such as charging/discharging current, voltage, battery capacity percentage, and this information toggles between the two batteries by single-handedly pressing a button on the side. Another perk to the PB2S is patented Xtar features: 0V Activation Function which instantly revives over-discharged batteries and returns them to their original functioning state, and their three-stage charging system which starts with a trickle current, bumps up to a constant current and then moves to constant voltage once the battery is fully charged.

Features :

• Portable Charger with Power Bank Function, Charge protected 18650 and unprotected 18650 18700 20700 21700 batteries. With your own batteries, you can even DIY the capacity of the power bank up to 10000mAh+.
• Max 3A fast charging, supports the most popular QC3.0+PD3.0 dual-protocol fast charging.
• Precise numerical tube displays real-time charging/discharging current and voltage, and battery capacity percentage, and supports a one-handed button to check each battery’s charging voltage and current
• Type-C and USB-A ports can both be used for output and charge two external devices at the same time, more convenient for outdoor usage. (*PB2S can also charge ‘low-current’ devices such as Bluetooth headphones and USB lights.)
• PB2S comes with a magnetic cover, Dust-proof and Drop-proof; Built-in Ribbon for easy removal of the batteries; Rubber-painted Material, Skin-friendly Touch.

Review: XTAR BC4 Rechargeable AA/AAA Battery USB Charger

Overview : XTAR BC4 has both charge and discharge functions. It can charge the batteries, the input current of the Type-C port is up to 5V 2A, and can also discharge through the USB port as an emergency power supply for external devices.

Features :

• Apply to 1.5V Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR and 1.2V Ni-MH AA/AAA batteries. Supporting mix-charging of 1.5V Li-ion, 1.2V Ni-MH and Ni-CD batteries. (Note: Do not charge 3.6/3.7V Li-ion batteries)
• It can charge the batteries, the input current of the Type-C port is up to 5V 2A, and can also discharge through the USB port supply for external devices. (Note: Due to the difference in battery discharge performance and capacity, when using USB output function: Please use the same type, the same brand, and the similar condition of AA batteries and it’s not recommended to use different types of batteries for discharging.)
• With its tiny size and thin body, BC4 can be held easily by one hand and put into your pocket. Equipped with an exquisite lanyard, convenient whether for daily carry or for traveling. (Size: L80mm x W75mm x H27mm)
• After inserting four batteries with power into the charger, press and hold the button for 2s can turn on LED emergency light for close-up search and other emergency use in dimly lit environments
• BC4 can charge rechargeable batteries of children's toys, remote controls, electric razors, recorders, alarm clocks, calculators, etc. As long as there are AA/AAA batteries, you can use BC4

Kickstarter TEASER: XTAR SN4 7-in-1 Camera Battery Charger for Canon, Sony & Nikon

Our good friends over at XTAR are gearing up to release their newest 7-in-1 camera battery charger, the SN4. SN4 is a 4-slot detachable camera battery charger, which can be freely detached and combined. It can charge variety camera batteries of Canon, Sony, Nikon and other popular brands. Its similar to their XTAR VN2 4-in-1 Camera Battery Charger that we reviewed (and use daily), which featured the ability to charge four different types of camera battery plates from one base. But with the new SN4, you're able to charge up to SEVEN different types of batteries (three being newly added).

Here's a list of compatible batteries:

• Canon LP-E6/E6N/E6NH
• Canon LP-E8
• Canon LP-E17
• Sony NP-FW50
• Sony NP-FZ100
• Sony NP-F550/F570; NP-F750/F770; NP-F970
• Nikon EN-EL15
• COMING SOON: Panasonic, Fujifilm, GoPro, DJI, Insta360 and so on

The three new battery plates is for the Sony NP-FZ100, NP-F550/F570; NP-F750/F770; NP-F970 and the Nikon EN-EL15. If you're a user like me who has Sony NP-F970 batteries, Canon LP-E6 and LP-E17 batteries, this will come in super handy! You'll be able to charge multiple different batteries at the same time from the same charger. No more having to carry different chargers and occupying multiple outlets.

The SN4 also charges quicker and supports PD3.0, QC3.0 & 5V 2A. So how quick? In one hour, you can charge a Canon LP-E6, Nikon EN-EL15 or Sony NP-F550 to 75% capacity. Sony NP-FZ100 to 80% capacity or Sony NP-F970 to 45%. This is great if you're in a pinch and need a quick charge up.

XTAR has a sign up page so that you're put on a list to be notified of when the Kickstarter campaign goes live. The first 500 Super Early Bird backers will get 40% OFF!

No word on pricing or when the Kickstarter campaign will go live but we will update this post when it does. We're hoping to get our hands on one so we can give you a full review and up-close look at the SN4. We are looking forward to eliminating having to lug around so many chargers and speed up charging time. Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, take a peak at the SN4.

Skylum Releases Update 2 for Luminar AI

LuminarAI is the first image editor fully powered by Artificial Intelligence With LuminarAI, creating striking photos becomes surprisingly easy and fun. While traditional photo editing is boring and time-consuming, LuminarAI is all about the result, not the process.

LuminarAI is designed for visual communicators, everyday people, and professional photographers alike. It’s made for those who rely on images to communicate important messages, create new opportunities, and grow their reputation: bloggers, entrepreneurs, educators, marketers, small and medium-sized businesses, and many others. LuminarAI automates common manual tasks and reduces complexity so you can tell your story with rich and expressive images like never before.

From 6 am EST March 16 to 4:00 EST March 24, your can take advantage of a 40% OFF sale on the add-ons:

➤ Luminar X Membership - $59/year instead of $99/year;

➤ USA National Parks Skies - $17 instead of $29;

➤ Tropical Skies - $23 instead of $39;

➤ Northern European Skies - $23 instead of $39;

➤ Landscapes Template Pack by Team Skylum - $11 instead of $19;

➤ Earth from Above by Armand Sarlangue - $11 instead of $19 (February 23-24 only).

If you haven't purchased LuminarAI yet, you can get $10 OFF by using coupon code 1KIND. For LuminarAI upgraders, you can use this link or follow these instructions:

• macOS: Open LuminarAI. In the Top Menu Bar, choose LuminarAI > Check for Updates. If you purchased via the Mac App Store, open the App Store and go to the Updates tab.
• Windows: Open LuminarAI. In the Top Menu Bar, choose LuminarAI > Help > Check for Updates.
• If you are running LuminarAIas a plugin with Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, or Photoshop Elements, it’s also recommended you rerun the plugin installer.

So what's new with LuminarAI Update 2?

Review: PEIPRO L-Plate (Bracket) Extension Camera Grip for Canon R5 R6

Overview : This L-Bracket from PEIPRO is designed specifically for the Canon EOS R5 and R6 Mirrorless Digital Cameras. It features Arca-type dovetail mounts on both of its vertical and horizontal axis to let you flip the camera from portrait to landscape mode when using an Arca-type tripod head. The adjustable side plate enables you to attach a tethering cable and other cables to the side ports of the camera, and the bottom and side portion of the plate also features multiple 1/4"-20 holes for attaching accessories such as a light or microphone.

Features :

• Constructed of aviation aluminum alloy
• Horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) mounting positions
• Arca-type compatible dovetail plate
• Battery door compartment access
• Built-in magnetic tool storage
• Weighs 123g

Review: Hollyland LARK 150 Wireless Clip-On Microphone System

Overview : Add a pair of compact, clip-on wireless microphones for your two-person interview, talk show, documentary production, or vlog with the LARK 150 Wireless Dual Microphone System from Hollyland. The LARK 150 system features two ultracompact microphone transmitters and a receiver that offer a portable, cost-effective, all-inclusive solution for recording two subjects at once to your audio recorder, camera, camcorder, or mobile device.

The LARK 150 system is automatically paired, charged, and stored in the included charging case that charges all three units using its USB input port. The transmitters are small and lightweight at less than 1oz, and they clip onto a lapel or shirt and feature a built-in omnidirectional microphone. They both feature a two-way mute button, built-in clip, and a 3.5mm headphone monitoring output. The receiver features volume buttons, a 3.5mm headphone monitoring output, a 3.5mm line output, and a display that shows the connection and battery status of all three units.

The transmitters feature an anti-vibration design with intelligent noise cancellation and smart frequency selection using FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology for a crisp, clear signal. You can transmit a strong signal with less than 5ms latency at up to 328' away from the receiver. The system also supports switchable safety, stereo, and mono modes for different configurations.

Features :

• Anti-vibration sound chamber design
• DSP (Digital Signal Processor) intelligent noise cancellation
• Built-in high-sensibility omnidirectional silicon microphone on the transmitter
• Less than 5ms latency at 328' distance
• Power-On Smart Frequency selection feature
• Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) method
• Small and light transmitters weigh less than 1oz
• Charging case that supports fast auto-pairing, upgrade, and storage for the whole system
• Mono/Stereo/Safety switchable output modes
• Two-way mute buttons on transmitters
• Real-time audio monitoring with 3.5mm headphone output on transmitters and receiver
• 3.5mm line output on receiver