Press Release: Sigma Announces Mount Conversion Service and Extended Warranty

Manufacturer announces first-ever mount change option, as well as universal, four-year warranty for all products

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., – Aug. 1, 2013 - Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced a revolutionary new, fee-based service that will enable the company’s Global Vision lens owners to change their lens mounts for use on different camera systems.

Starting Sept. 2, Global Vision lens owners can request the Mount Conversion Service to convert their current Sport, Contemporary or Art DSLR lenses to their choice of a Sigma, Sony, Pentax, Nikon or Canon mount. Global Vision category lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) can be updated to either a micro four thirds (MFT) or Sony E- mount.

In addition to the announcement of the industry’s first Mount Conversion Service, Sigma is also extending the warranty on all of its products – including cameras, lenses and flashes purchased on or after July 1, 2013 – to four years. Previously, warranties varied by product. This enhanced product protection provides Sigma’s customers with more consistency and improved service.

“Professionals and amateurs alike are taking advantage of the many affordable camera options in today’s market; they’re updating their camera bags and exploring new systems and brands,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “When photographers purchase a lens, it’s often a significant, financial and artistic commitment – and we believe that investment should last a lifetime. Our new Mount Conversion Service and extended warranty are intended to help Sigma users get more enjoyment from our products, regardless of how their approach to photography changes overtime.”

The Mount Conversion Service is limited to all of Sigma’s Global Vision lenses. Current, applicable full-frame lenses include the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS Sport and 35mm F1.4 DG Art; APS-C crop sensor lenses include the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art, 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS Macro Contemporary and 18-35mm F1.8 DC Art; and MILC lenses include the 19mm F2.8 DN Art, 30mm F2.8 DN Art and 60mm F2.8 DN Art. Lenses can be converted to any mount of a photographer’s choosing, as long as Sigma has released that product in the requested mount.

Cost of the conversion will range between $80 to $250, plus shipping costs, depending on the focal length of the lens. All lenses will be shipped to Sigma’s US subsidiary in New York, and updated, calibrated and optimized for the new camera system at Sigma’s factory in Aizu, Japan. All lenses that undergo the Mount Conversion Service will be covered under warranty for six months following the update. Teleconverters, USB Docks and other accessories are not eligible for the service.

To request the Mount Conversion Service, please visit your local Sigma subsidiary. Customers in the United States should visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

Review: Peak Design Capture Camera Clip v2 - CapturePRO

Overview : Capture is a compact metal clip that lets you carry your camera on any backpack strap, belt or bag. Its unique quick-release system keeps your camera rigidly secure, yet instantly accessible with the click of a button. Capture frees you from cumbersome camera straps and holsters and lets you go anywhere and do anything with your camera safe and in reach, making sure you never miss another shot.

Updated Features :

• There's a Standard and Pro version now: Hobbyists and beginners have different needs than serious pros and adventurers, hence 2 versions of the clip (more info below).
• Beautiful new ergonomic shape: The new Capture looks sleek and stunning - but the new shape is more than just eye-candy. It was redesigned to give you total comfort no matter where on your body you wear it. Peak Design also redesigned the clamping bolts to make them easier to screw down, even if you’re wearing gloves.
• Lighter and slimmer: They trimmed the fat, making an already compact product lighter, slimmer and more unobtrusive.
• Better security features: There are now 2 new secondary locking systems to give you more security options. A safety lock has been added to the quick-release button, giving you a quick and easy way to prevent accidental release. For maximum security, the all-new twist lock tightly clamps your camera in. The new twist lock also stabilizes your camera if you’re using Capture as a tripod clamp.
• That’s right, it works as a tripod clamp too (PRO): CapturePRO has a ¼” tripod mounting hole in it’s back plate. This means you can put it atop your tripod or monopod and have a fully functioning quick-release clamp for your camera.
• Works with more tripod heads (PRO): CapturePRO comes with one of our three PROplates. These plates offer compatibility with more tripod heads (ARCA and Manfrotto RC2) and camera types (SLR and Compact Mirrorless).
• Works with sling straps (PRO): Capture, equipped with the standard plate, is designed to work with Leash and Cuff using our micro-anchor attachment system. CapturePRO, equipped with one of the PROplates, works with Peak Design straps as well as classic sling-style straps made by companies like BlackRapid®. PROplates feature a special load-bearing D-ring that lets you attach your sling strap directly to your camera when you’re not using Capture.

Review: JJC Eyecup EC-6 Eyepiece Eg Extender for Canon EOS 7D 5D3 1D Cameras

[info headline="ALTERNATIVE OPTION:"]With the JJC/Goja being discontinued, we are offering a 3D printed version. For more information and to purchase, CLICK HERE.

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Overview : This eyepiece extender is ideal for everyone who is tired of oil residue on the LCD. It provides an extension of 15mm so that the nose won't touch the LCD anymore when you look through the viewfinder.

The eyepiece extender reduces the viewfinder magnification by 30%. Particularly suitable for eyeglass wearers.

Features :

• JJC Eyecup EC-6 Eyepiece Extender. For Canon EOS 7D, 7D Mark II, 5DS, 5DS R, 5D Mark III, 5D Mark IV, 1D C, 1D Mark III, 1D Mark IV, 1D X, 1D X Mark II and 1Ds Mark III
• Custom designed soft-touch Eyecup to provide Cushioning around the camera's eyepiece
• Useful for eyeglass wearers and others to keep the tip of the nose from touching the camera body
• Designed to perfectly replace Eyecup Canon Eg

Press Release: XSories Weye Feye Brings Camera Control to your Smartphone

The Weye Feye is an innovative external device that enables a remote and wireless control of a DSLR camera via a smartphone application. The Weye-Feye generates its own Wi-Fi network and connects via a USB port. It is compatible with most of the Nikon and Canon cameras. The Weye Feye App is available as a free download for Android and soon for iOS. The high-performance central processing unit and long-life battery ensure its self-sufficient operation. The LiveView function allows you to change your camera settings (ISO, Shutter, WB, etc.) and the built-in web server allow you to edit the images, transfer them to your mobile device and share them instantly on social networks. The Weye-Feye gives you greater freedom of movement.

It is said to have an 8 hour battery life in it. This should last long enough for most shoots. It even boasts an impressive .2 second latency, which means your changes to the camera’s settings are super fast. Yes, there are similar products similar to this that is already available such as the Camranger but even the Camranger doesn't offer 8 hours of battery life. Also, the more products, the better for us photographers both in options and competitive pricing.

According to the press release the Weye Feye will be released in the UK in September 2013 for around €249, no word yet though on a US release.

Continue reading for full press release.

The Weye Feye will smartify your DSLR!
Don’t miss a bit of the action without having to take the plunge!

The high tech accessory brand XSories is proud to introduce a new technological innovation, the Weye Feye, an external device connecting to a DSLR. It generates its own Wi-fi network, enabling a wireless and remote control of a camera via an App on smartphones and tablets (available on Android and iOS).

The Weye Feye adapts to most of the Canon and Nikon cameras. With its built-in battery and server, the Weye Feye is completely autonomous from the camera. It operates with 802.11n Wi-fi technology, which ensures a powerful signal with higher speed and larger range.

The range of the signal (up to 80 meters) coupled with a record 0,2 sec latency makes it the highest-performing product on the market.

With the Live View function available via the App, you will be able to take over the control of the camera without touching it. Change the set-up (ISO, white balance, aperture, etc), switch in between modes (photo or video, time lapse), control the focus (manual or automatic) and wirelessly set off the capture of images.

The Gallery will allow you to view, select and share the images from the smartphone or tablet directly to a computer or via social networks and sharing platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Dropbox, etc).

The integrated server allows several users to access the Gallery without installing the App.You can now get away from the LCD screen of your camera thanks to the live view function during both still capture and recording. The Weye Feye allows users to engage in new approaches of photography helping them to achieve elaborate composition on their own without having to direct an assistant. Operating your camera(s) remotely gives you more freedom of movement and enables you to capture moments your presence would otherwise disturb.

The Weye Feye will be available in September, at a recommended retail price of 249€.

List of compatible cameras: (Details of functions is available on the document here included)

• Nikon D5100
• Nikon D300
• Nikon D300s
• Nikon D90
• Nikon D7000
• Nikon D600
• Nikon D700
• Nikon D800
• Canon 450D
• Canon 600D
• Canon 650D
• Canon 50D
• Canon 60D
• Canon 7D
• Canon 6D
• Canon 5D II
• Canon 5D III

Camera Control Features

LiveView:
Enjoy the LiveView on your smartphone / tablet (Android) and iPhone/iPod touch/iPad with a latency of only 200ms depending on network interference and operating distance.

Touch Focus:
Choose the zone of interest on your LiveView and zoom in with just a single touch.

Remote settings:
Settings, such as ISO/Aperture/Shutter Speed/White Balance can be changed remotely without reaching the camera.

Shooting Mode:
Shoot photos in single shot or continuous mode, depending on your needs.

Metering Mode:
Depending on your DSLR, you can also change the metering mode through the App.

Preview of depth of field:
Preview the depth of field on the LiveView to check what your photo will really look like. (only on Canon DSLR)

Remote Manual Focus:
Control the manual focus from the distance trough your app, if AF is not an option. You can tune the focus in small, middle or large steps.

Recording:
Record videos with your DSLR through the Weye-Feye application.

Gallery:
The Gallery will allow you to view, select and download the images from the camera’s memory to the smartphone or tablet directly and share them on social networks or sharing platforms.

Gallery web server:
The integrated server allows up to 20 users to access the Gallery without installing the App.

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Dimensions: 83mm x 45mm x 16.5mm
• Battery: Lithium polymer - 2000mAh
• Battery-Life: 7-8 hours in Live View mode and 14 hours in Gallery mode
• Signal distance: 80m (depending on conditions)
• Wi-fi: Wi-fi technology 802.11n

All product information will be available on www.weye-feye.com and www.xsories.com

Deal: Greentoe.com - Name Your Price on Photography Gear

I just found a new site where we can get photography gear whether it be cameras, tripods, filters and lenses for cheap. The site is called Greentoe. All you do is "name your price" for the product you want to buy - then Greentoe will automatically check with their vast network of certified retailers (such as Adorama, UniquePhoto and many others) to see who is willing to meet that price. The first retailer to agree to your price gets the sale.

There's no gimmick or any catch. The trick is timing. Retailers are constantly cycling through inventory they need to sell. They're just waiting for the right buyer to come in and make the right offer.

The more reasonable your offer is, the more retailers will jump. But make ANY offer you want and see what happens. It can't hurt. There's nothing to lose - but a huge chance to save.

Below is a video of how it works:

The most important thing to know about Greentoe is that as a user, you can name your price for the products you want to buy. Using their system, you can search or browse thousands of products. If you know of the exact product you want, forgo search and go straight to the fun part – placing an offer. When you make your offer, there’s no need to search the web endlessly price comparing or sleuthing for the lowest possible price. In an effort to help you zero in on a price, Greentoe provides you with the lowest average price online. You can use that information to determine what your final offer will be. Obviously their retailers can’t give their goods away so when you type in an offer, they'll help you gauge how likely it is to be accepted. They'll also account for shipping and sales tax as the price you submit will account for both. Armed with this knowledge, you submit the final price you want to pay. You review your final offer for accuracy, set a time limit or expiration date for your offer and submit your credit card, which is only billed once your offer is accepted.

What next?
After you submit your price, their network of certified retailers is notified that there’s an offer available. The first retailer to accept your offer, makes the sale. They’ll reach out to you with a receipt and shipping information. All of the retailers undergo a rigorous screening process and agree to the same 14-day return policy. So, there’s no guesswork when it comes to a retailer’s individual policy – their policy is actually a universal Greentoe policy.

Each Greentoe member has access to their detailed account information at any time. Just login to Greentoe.com click on “my account” and voila! In this section, you can monitor your offer status and check on recent orders.

First Look: Peak Design Capture Clip CapturePRO

Look at what we got in the mail today! Peak Design's new Capture Clip v2 (CapturePRO version). Right now, this is 1 of 44 available! If you're not familiar with the Capture Clip, take a look at our review of v1. More pictures of the CapturePRO to come when we post our full review after we go out and play with it.

But if you're interested in Capture v2, hop over to their Kickstarter campaign for more information and to pre-order the v2.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube to know when our review has been posted.

Don't forget that you can get 10% off ALL Peak Design products when you purchase the Capture Camera Clip, Leash and/or Cuff from www.peakdesign.com and use coupon code "1kindphoto". Discount can also apply to Capture Camera Clip v2 when it is available on their site.