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Adorama Rental Co Supports Indie Filmmakers at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival
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Introducing the Grip&Shoot Bluetooth Smart Grip for iPhone
The Bluetooth Smart Grip for iPhone
Grip&Shoot
$99.95 (Black or White)
I’ve seen several iPhoneography camera holders, mounts, and brackets to give the iPhone a more DSLR-type experience. The Grip&Shoot is a little different in that it’s not just a one-trick pony product. It is actually multiple products in one. The current Grip&Shoot (G&S) retail package comes with an iPhone 5 Shooter Case, an iPhone 4S Shooter Case, a Bluetooth Smart Grip, a Grip Adapter, a Carrying Pouch, a Wrist Lanyard, and a late edition includes the JawZ Universal Adapter.
Because there are so many parts to discuss, I’ll cover each one in its own subsection.
Shooter Cases
The Shooter Cases that come with the G&S package are pretty standard case fare with the exception of the G&S attachment on one side. The cases are actually suitable for regular use. The attachment portion isn’t really obtrusive or inconvenient, so you basically get a free case in the bargain. Two cases currently come with the G&S package, one for the iPhone 4S and one for the iPhone 5.
Bluetooth Smart Grip
The Smart Grip is really the meat and potatoes of the G&S package and even if you lost all the other parts, this one has the functionality you purchased. It is the Bluetooth connection, the trigger, and the connector for the Shooter Case or for the JawZ universal adapter.
The Smart Grip also has a (+) and a (-) button for zoom in and zoom out functions. You can take photos or start/stop video through the G&S app. The G&S device does not work with any other app on your phone. You must use the G&S app for functionality.
The bottom portion of the G&S Smart Grip is removable and can act as a remote stand for your phone for selfies, group shots, or just to place somewhere that isn’t convenient to stand. You fire the camera from the Smart Grip and you have a stable surface that kind of acts like a tripod, only a lot more portable. It works as a remote shutter release over 100 feet away from the phone.
Compatible devices:
iOS
- iPhone: 4S and newer
- iPod: 3rd Gen and newer
- iPad: 3rd Gen and newer
- iPad Mini: All supported
Android (Kit-Kat 4.4 and newer)
- Nexus 4
- Nexus 5
- Asus Nexus 7
- HTC One
- Samsung Galaxy S4, S5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3, 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab2
- Samsung Galaxy Ace3
- Sony Xperia
Grip Adapter
OK, I’ll admit that I was going to criticize the G&S for missing one of the most important features of any photo-related device: a tripod interface. Well, wouldn’t you know it…the G&S folks put one on there. It’s part of the so-called Grip Adapter attached to the bottom of the removable stand. You can screw this into a tripod mount on any device that has one and you can also put the G&S device on a tripod after removing the Grip Adapter. So, it really serves two purposes. Three if you count the third one as I wasn’t able to criticize the lack of a tripod mount. You can unscrew the Grip Adapter with a penny and the screw is designed to remain in the adapter and not fall out onto the ground to be lost forever. Indeed, the G&S people thought of everything.
Why it’s Frugal: The G&S package is frugal because it’s so much more than simply a phone grip to steady your phone for pictures. It’s the full package created by someone who knows photography and phoneography. Honestly, it might be the best sub $100 accessory you can buy for your phone. It has everything. If you tried to buy the package components separately, you might end up spending close to $200. It’s a frugal value.
Carrying Pouch
The Carrying Pouch is a magnetic closure protective case that not only stores your G&S, but also your phone. It features quick open/close flaps for you rapid shooters, a belt clip, and two belt or strap loops for attaching to a purse strap, a camera case strap, or your belt. It has a plush, non-abrasive interior covering to protect your phone and your G&S. Have I said that the G&S designers thought of everything?
Wrist Lanyard
For those of you who are really rapid shooters, the package includes a wrist lanyard that loops through an opening in the Removable Stand. Put it on and let ‘er swing. Handy, thoughtful, and sturdy.
The JawZ Universal Adapter
Finally I get to my favorite G&S accessory: The JawZ Universal Adapter. I already have a case for my phone. I don’t want to remove it to use it with the G&S, so I thought, “Gee, it would be nice if…” And, of course, before I could finish that sentence, I found the adjustable JawZ universal adapter that fits just about any phone, including the case. <Sigh> What’s a techno gadget critic to do when there’s nothing to complain about for a product? Just enjoy the product that was obviously made by someone who knows photography/iPhoneography as well as I do?
As painful as it is to do it, I have to admit that the G&S package is everything you need to be a successful phoneographer. For phone photos and video, I’m not sure it can be beat. And yes, I’m an Apple product bigot here because it was originally touted as a gadget for the iPhone, but apparently the G&S geniuses have extended that functionality to other phones as well. Great job guys. I know it’s not really a criticism, but it’s the best I have for one–that G&S extended its reach to customers other than those who spend a lot of money on Apple stuff.
If you couldn’t tell, I really like the Grip&Shoot Bluetooth Smart Grip package. I think it’s well worth the $99.95 price tag and that anyone who’s into phoneography needs to get one.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Buy it. It’s versatile, rugged, and is an awesome phoneography accessory.
Using the FlashPoint 180WS StreakLight (Review)
Flashpoint 180WS Streak Light
Adorama
$299.95*
Flashpoint Blast Power Pack BP-960
$249.95*
*Bundles available at significant discounts.
If you’re a professional photographer, you need great lighting. You tell stories with light, but you can’t always have the perfect natural light that you want when you want it. You have to use continuous or flash lighting. For flash lighting, there are a lot of options. However, for those field trips, you need something powerful, rugged, portable, and long-lasting. That’s where the pack narrows down to the leaders. Among the clear winners is the FlashPoint 180WS Streak Light (180WS).
[The 180WS stands for 180 Watt-Second — a standard measure of flash power]
The 180WS has to have a power source, such as the pictured Flashpoint rechargeable Blast Power Pack BP-960 (sold separately).
- Powerful 180ws Guide Number 197 (ft ISO 100) with standard reflector
- Super Soft and Even Light from Replaceable Bare Bulb
- Stable Color Temperature
- Fast Recycle Times from with Flashpoint BLAST POWER PACK or Quantum Turbo
- Precise output from 1/128 to Full in 1/3 stop increments
- Four Modes : Pure Manual [M], Slave Normal [S1], Slave Filtered [S2], Multi/Stroboscopic with calculator [RPT]
- Auto Focus Assist Beam
- Switchable Audio Recycle
- Built in Optical Slave
- Wireless Remote Control USB Port
- 2 Sync Jacks PC & 3.5mm
- Overheat Protection Circuitry
- Vertical and Horizontal Head Adjustments
- Umbrella Mount Adapter
- Tough Secured Hot shoe Mount
- Full Line of Optional Light Modifiers from Snoots to Beauty Dishes
The 180WS is a powerful flash unit, but it can also be “dialed back” to a mere 1/128 full power to give you just enough light to fill in those subtle shadows, even in bright sunlight.
Why it’s Frugal: The 180WS and Blast Power Pack are true professional tools at an extremely good price ($349.95 for the 180WS/BP-960 bundle). The 180WS Creative Collection is also a value at $549.92. This professional lighting model and power pack are frugal because they offer fully adjustable, immediate flash lighting at a very affordable price point. It would be a challenge to find the power and the features of this combination anywhere at twice the price.
The 180WS is easy to setup and to use from a tabletop standalone, to tripod mount, to on-camera hot shoe mount. It is surprisingly lightweight and not bulky nor clumsy to use. The handy belt clip on the Blast Power Pack is a nice feature, although you can also use the lanyard to hang it around your neck.
The 180WS is so powerful and so versatile that my videographer and I use it off-camera, mounted on a tripod using a wireless remote shutter to fire it. We have used it for more than 300 shots on all power settings, in a variety of situations, without ever having to recharge the Blast Power Pack. It never failed us nor did it ever hesitate to fire on demand.
Flashpoint StreakLight 180WS Specifications:
- Strobe Output – 180 watt seconds
- Guide Number – 60m/196ft for ISO 100
- Power Supply – External Lithium Battery and compatibles*
- Recycle Time – 0.05 – 2.6 seconds
- Flash Duration – 1/300 – 1/10,000 sec
- Recycle Indication – Ready Light and Switchable Audio
- Light Coverage – Approximately 65 Degrees / 28mm coverage on 35mm full frame format
- Vertical Angle – -15 to 90 degrees
- Horizontal Rotation – 0 to 270 degrees
- Slave Eye Sensitivity – Greater than 33 feet / 160 degree radius
- Color Temperature – 5600K +/-200K
- Housing Size – 8 X 3.55 X 2.75 in
- Body Weight – 19.4 oz /1.50 lbs
The unit gives you the characteristic flash “beep” when the unit is ready to fire again. There was never any hesitation during any of our shoots. It consistently recharged immediately. Fire. Beep. Fire. Beep. Fire. Beep. In fact, the 180WS responded so well to our demands, I think we’re spoiled in never having to wait for a flash unit to power up again.
And I love the ability to adjust the power from 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments because it’s easier to bracket your shots. It’s great to get just enough light without blowing out the subject or the background when using it for bounced lighting.
The 180WS comes with a parabolic reflector and a set of two diffusers to further soften the light source, although the bare bulb delivers an even light coverage for objects that are as few as five or six feet away.
The flash head adjusts from horizontal to vertical and locks into place. The parabolic reflector also locks into place so that there’s no chance of it falling during movement if you have it camera-mounted. The head also rotates 270-degrees so that you can aim the flash to create any kind of special effect or bounce reflection that you want. You can also purchase an umbrella reflector setup for the 180WS so that you don’t have to have a separate umbrella light unit.
I really like working with the 180WS and the Blast Power Pack. It’s impossible for either of us to work with standard on-camera flash anymore after this experience. The 180WS is so versatile, usable, rugged, and powerful that every professional should carry one in his or her gig bag. Both units are small enough to fit into a carry on bag or into a standard camera tote.
Every time we pull out the 180WS to use, we get a universal “Wow” from whomever is within sight of it. During one video and photography shoot, we had several other photographers approach us to see what exactly it was that we were using. Of course, Joseph and I were only too happy to show it off and give our own demonstration of the product. For a moment, we both felt like we were selling the units at a trade show. It gave us a personal boost to show off the high end equipment we were using and I think gained us a little street cred in the process.
Don’t let me put you high-end amateurs or prosumers off, this unit would be great for team sports shots, school events, family photos, vacation photos, or even your first foray into the pro world. The combination is affordable enough for amateurs and pros alike. Amateurs will love the ease of operation and although the unit looks intimidating, it isn’t. It’s easy on, easy off, and adjustable with the touch of a single finger and fire, fire, fire, as fast as you can press the shutter button.
Honestly, this is the finest product of its type that I’ve ever used and I’ve used a lot of flash units over the past couple of decades. Quality really makes a difference. This unit is an investment that is a real winner. And you can take that from two guys who’ve eaten a lot of lemons over the years. The 180WS and Blast Power Pack are a winning combination.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: Pros: It’s a must have–you can’t afford not to have one. Amateurs: This could be exactly what you’ve been looking for to take your photography to that higher level.
Note: I will soon have our own video up demonstrating the 180WS and the BP-960. My camera battery went dead during my original video. Too bad it wasn’t powered by the BP-960.
Boinx Hits the 2015 New Media Expo Floor to Show Off BoinxTV 2 Beta
Puchheim, Germany – February 27, 2015 – Making their way to the site of one of the biggest broadcasting shows of the year, Boinx Software will be joining the ranks of innovators at New Media Expo 2015, taking place in conjunction with the NAB Show from April 13th through 16th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Exhibiting at booth N8012 video experts from Boinx will be showcasing the latest version of its broadcast truck-in-box broadcast solution, BoinxTV 2. A plug-and-play broadcast production package, the Mac-based BoinxTV lets users combine live camera video, clips, photos, 3D graphics, lower thirds and audio to create recordings and stream live presentations, podcasts, concerts, sporting events and more. Boinx will also unveil the new BoinxTV Broadcast Graphics Machine.
To demonstrate its immense power and suitability for podcasters and broadcasters of all levels, attendees to the show can stop by to see BoinxTV 2 Beta in action as experts put on a production live from the NMX show floor. Taking productions to the next level, the much anticipated BoinxTV 2 features native streaming support via RTMP to YouTube, Ustream, Twitch.tv and more; direct manipulation via a newly designed, easy-to-use UI; and 64bit support, which makes running out of memory virtually impossible. Combined with the all-new BoinxTV Broadcast Graphics Machine, a hardware/software solution for broadcast graphics with support for SDI playout with alpha channel, booth visitors will see how BoinxTV 2 is the perfect solution for all of their live production needs.
Attend the Boinx Software Press Briefing or Schedule a Private Meeting
Boinx will be hosting an informal “Press and Friends” event on the morning of Tuesday, April 14th at 8:00am. Members of the media are invited to indulge in coffee and morning treats while discussing the latest broadcasting solutions from Boinx Software. To register for the event or to schedule a private briefing for those who cannot attend, please contact Anya Oskolkova atanya@zazilmediagroup.com.
What’s New With BoinxTV?
BoinxTV 2 (Beta version scheduled for end of April)
- Native streaming support via RTMP to YouTube, Ustream, Twitch.tv and more
- New UI that makes using BoinxTV 2 even easier than before, with a modern look
- Direct manipulation instead of fiddling with settings
- More options for automation
- 64bit support makes running out of memory virtually impossible
- BoinxTV with integrated BoinxTV ATEM Controller, which supports full integration with production switchers from Blackmagic Design, including the ATEM Television Studio and ATEM Production Studio 4K
BoinxTV Broadcast Graphics Machine
- Hardware/software solution for broadcast graphics based on a Mac mini with a Blackmagic Design DeckLink 4K Extreme card in a 19” rack mount enclosure
- Playout via HD-SDI with Alpha channel support
- Visualize real time data including sport scores, weather, stock chart, news feeds and more
- 2D and 3D graphics
- Integrate interactive elements such as a Twitter feed
- Play any video format, scale, crop and convert to fit your needs
About Boinx Software
Located in Puchheim, near Munich, Germany, Boinx Software Ltd. develops award-winning animation, video production and photography software for the Mac® platform and iOS devices including the iPhone®, iPad® and iPod®. Honored with numerous Apple Design Awards and coveted spots on the Mac App Store’s Best Apps of the Year list, the extensive family of Boinx apps includes iStopMotion for Mac, iStopMotion for iPad, FotoMagico, BoinxTV, Mouseposé, You Gotta See This!, PhotoPresenter for iOS, and PartySnapper, Boinx’s newest social photo wall for sharing and saving event photos. Boinx Software has also been instrumental in the developmental processes of popular apps including Heads Up!, Ellen DeGeneres’s charades party game, and the Leica T iPhone and iPad app, the elegant remote companion to the Leica T digital camera.
Follow @boinxsoftware on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, please visit the Boinx Software website.
New Photography Lightstands and Accessories From Flashpoint Now Available Exclusively From Adorama
New York, NY – February 19, 2015 – Adorama, one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers, has released a handful of new products to complement its award-winning Flashpoint accessory line. The latest releases include the Flashpoint Auto Stand (in 7’ and 9’ models), the Flashpoint Telescopic Reflector Holder and two new Flashpoint Flip-Flash Brackets. All items are now available with complimentary shipping.
Flashpoint Auto Stand (7’ and 9’)
The Flashpoint Auto Stand, available in both 7’ (http://www.adorama.com/FPLS7AS.html) and 9’ (http://www.adorama.com/FPLS9AS.html) models, is a heavy-duty yet lightweight support with an ultra-quick setup, perfect for solo photographers carrying their own gear, as well as assistants helping with location changes. Setting up the Flashpoint Auto Stand is as simple as placing it on the ground, as the stand legs instantly extend outward. Automatically retracting legs make location changes easy and discreet – simply lift and relocate into those tight spaces where fitting an already-extended stand is impossible, like between church pews during a wedding ceremony shoot.
The 7-foot option adjusts from approximately 3.1’ to 7’ and folds down to 30” for storage and transport. The 9’ option adjusts from approximately 3.5’ to just over 9’ and folds down to 40”. Both options come with a reversible 5/8” stud, with a 1/4”-20 thread on one end and 3/8” on the other, which can be vertically or horizontally mounted as needed.
For more information on the 7’ and 9’ Flashpoint Auto Stand models, please visit:http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=flashpoint+auto+stand.
Flashpoint Telescopic Reflector Holder
The Flashpoint Telescopic Reflector Holder (http://www.adorama.com/FPXBKPR01.html) is designed to hold a 5-in-1 portable reflector (such as these models from Glow:http://www.adorama.com/searchsite/default.aspx?searchinfo=glow+portable+5+in+1+reflector+kit) at any angle. Specially designed for collapsible reflectors, the holder allows users to place light-shaping accessories in any position for maximum impact. The standard 5/8” stand receiver can be connected to light stands and booms, while the ballhead design allows for quick and precise positioning and locking.
After telescoping the aluminum alloy rod to the required reflector length, the balance can be adjusted easily by positioning the rod above the central axis using knobs. With an easy-pinch design and a large, adjustable handle, the Flashpoint reflector holder manages the mechanics while leaving the creativity to the user. Its lightweight design makes for flawless transportation while retaining the sturdy, solid frame Flashpoint is known for.
Flashpoint Flip-Flash Brackets
With two different Flashpoint Flip-Flash Bracket models to choose from, users can be assured that their lighting quality is perfect in every situation. The first of the two options, the Flip-Flash Bracket (http://www.adorama.com/FPXBKFL01.html), has a rotating arm that positions the flash farther from the lens while staying directly above it, regardless of the camera’s orientation. The second, the Rotating Camera Flip-Flash Bracket (http://www.adorama.com/FPXBKFL05.html), allows the camera to actually swivel inside of the bracket for ultimate flash manipulation. Unique to Flashpoint, both models have an integrated anti-twist plate on the platform that the camera rests on, to prevent the camera from twisting off axis during swivel motions.
Both Flashpoint brackets allow users to smoothly rotate flash and SLR cameras up to 90 degrees for vertical and horizontal shots while eliminating red-eye and side shadows. The speedlight flash support arm is designed with a 180-degree range of travel for creative flash effects. With a lightweight aluminum frame and a comfortable foam grip, both brackets are easy to hold in heavy use and at rest between shots, giving users the most control possible.
Pricing and Availability
All new Flashpoint models are now available for purchase through Adorama’s official website, or at the Adorama Superstore, located at 42 West 18th Street in New York City. The Flashpoint Auto Stands each retail at 49.95 USD (7’ model) and 69.95 USD (9’ model) – after a $10 instant rebate. The Flashpoint Telescopic Reflector Holder retails at 39.95 USD. The Flashpoint Flip-Flash Bracket retails at 19.95 USD, and the Rotating Camera Flip-Flash Bracket retails at 29.95 USD.
For additional pricing information, or to explore other exciting camera accessory options from Adorama, please visit www.adorama.com.
ADORAMA: More Than a Camera Store
Adorama is more than a camera store – it’s one of the world’s largest photography, video, imaging and electronics retailers. Serving customers for more than 35 years, Adorama has grown from its flagship NYC store to include the leading online destination for photography, video and consumer electronics. Adorama’s vast product offerings encompass home entertainment, mobile computing, and professional video and audio, while its services include an in-house photo lab, AdoramaPix, pro equipment rental at Adorama Rental Company, and the award-winning Adorama Learning Center, which offers free education for photographers in online channels such as the popular Adorama TV.
Adorama is listed as one of the top five electronics retailers by Consumer Reports, “Best of the Web” by Forbes.com, Internet Retailers Top 100, and is the official Electronics Retailer of the NY Giants.
Visit ADORAMA at www.adorama.com.
New Red Giant Shooter Suite 12.6.1 Release Keeps RED Camera Media In Sync
Portland, OR – December 4, 2014 – Red Giant today released the latest update to its powerfulShooter Suite, a collection of purpose-built applications that give directors of photography, videographers, shooters and filmmakers the automation and workflow capabilities they need to offload, analyze, touch up and synchronize digital media destined for post. Headlining the Shooter Suite 12.6.1 release is PluralEyes 3.5.5 support for RED camera media.
The go-to tool for audio and video sync automation, PluralEyes support for RED media ensures users can easily sync multi-camera and dual-system audio production media shot on RED cameras in a matter of seconds. Thanks to its outstanding accuracy, the new PluralEyes update even supports sync automation for spanned RED media, treating multiple files as a single logical clip. The update also enhances the overall export workflow and includes a new welcome video tutorial to help new users start using PluralEyes faster than ever before.
In addition to the new PluralEyes update, the Red Giant Shooter Suite includes a number of improvements to the Offload, BulletProof and Instant 4K applications.
Free Update for Existing Shooter Suite 12.6 and PluralEyes 3.5 Customers
The Red Giant Shoot Suite 12.6.1 release is free to existing 12.6 users and can be downloadedhere or use Red Giant Link to update.
PluralEyes 3.5 users will receive a notification upon software launch that an update is available.
Shooter Suite and PluralEyes Pricing
Red Giant offers the full Shooter Suite 12.6.1 package for 399.00 USD. Existing Shooter Suite users who fall outside the free update guidelines can update their existing applications for 99.00 USD.
PluralEyes 3.5.5 is sold as part of the Shooter Suite Shooter Suite 12.6.1 and as a standalone product for $199.00 USD. Existing users who fall outside the free update guidelines can update their existing PluralEyes solo application for $79.00 USD.
The Red Pledge
The Red Pledge is Red Giant’s commitment to customer happiness, with no purchasing hassles. Learn about the Red Pledge guarantee at www.redgiantsoftware.com/redpledge/.
About Red Giant
Red Giant is a software company made up of talented artists and technologists who collaborate to create unique tools for filmmakers, editors, VFX artists, and motion designers. Our company culture is focused on finding balance between work and life – we call it “the double bottom line.” This philosophy helps us ignore complexity in favor of building simple tools that yield giant results. Over the last decade, our products (like Magic Bullet and Trapcode) have become the standard in film and broadcast post-production. With over 200,000 users, it’s nearly impossible to watch 20 minutes of TV without seeing our software in use. From our experiences as artists and filmmakers, we aspire not only to provide tools for artists, but inspiration as well. Watch our films, learn from over 200 free tutorials, or try our software at redgiant.com.
Apple Begins Selling Nova – The First Wireless, Bluetooth iPhone Flash
Sneaky Squid LLC – novaphotos.com
- Nova is the first wireless, Bluetooth iPhone flash and will be sold in the Apple Store
- Funded on Kickstarter in 2 days, Nova raised 3-times its funding goal by backers in more than 60 countries
- Created by former Senior Google Engineer (Mobile and Photos)
Possible Topics
- Nova is the first wireless, Bluetooth flash for iPhone. Apple starting selling Nova online at www.apple.com in November 2014, and it will be available at select Apple stores in the United States and Canada later this month.
- Nova is a portable, sleek iPhone accessory that fits in a wallet and can go everywhere your iPhone does. Unlike other iPhone flash accessories, Nova has a Bluetooth connection to avoid dealing with clunky connecting cables and packs 10-times the number of LEDs as alternative options to give users greater control over their photos (to create consistently great photos).
- Nova is the photographer’s friend, providing beautiful natural light. It gives users the creative freedom to position and angle the light where they need it. Nova also offers a custom option to select from cool to warm and soft to bright light using 40 LEDs set behind a built in diffuser.
Founders
- Joe Walnes (Former Senior Engineer at Google, Mobile and Photo products)
- Alex Lukashevich (Software Services Manager, DRW Trading Group)
Details
Nova is the first wireless, Bluetooth flash for iPhone users to capture consistently great photos. With a beautiful natural light, Nova captures photos that are rich with color and depth, smoothing out lines and wrinkles, with soft shadows, that makes everyone look their best. It is an off-camera and wireless accessory designed to provide the right light in the right place for amazingly lit photos. Anyone can point and shoot or unleash the artist within using different positions and tilting the light.
The Nova features and details include:
- 40 cool and warm LEDs behind a soft diffuser, controlled by the app
- 4 presets: gentle for close ups, warm for portraits, neutral for daylight and bright for groups or strong background light
- Custom option to select exact cool to warm and soft to bright light
- Slim design to fit in a wallet
- Requirements: iPhone 4s and above, running iOS 7 or later
- Price: $59 – novaphotos.com/presskit for hi-res photos
3Pod V3AH Video Tripod (Review)
3Pod V3AH Video Tripod
Adorama Camera, Inc.
$99.95 (Free shipping)
In photography, there’s nothing quite like stability. And if you’re using a tripod, you need stability because even the slightest movements during an exposure can have disastrous results. These days that’s not as expensive as it used to be because of our digital cameras and instant picture view, but film aficionados understand what I’m talking about. Often, you couldn’t tell that your trusty tripod had failed you until you developed your film, enlarged the negatives onto print paper, and discovered that indeed there was movement from a breeze, an overzealous shutter snap, or a slight bump as you released the tilt bar. But for the sake of stability, many a photographer lugged a 50-pound tripod around the countryside to grab that perfect image.
Videographers have the same problem. Camera shake makes people dizzy or uneasy when watching a film. You don’t want to purposely induce vertigo in your audience, so you resort to a tripod for stability. Hopefully one you can lift, move, balance, and position many, many times over the course of a long day’s shoot.
The 3Pod V3AH is such a tripod. It has almost every feature of a tripod costing hundreds of dollars. For the videographer on a budget, the guerrilla videographer, the YouTuber, or the professional who needs to travel light, the V3AH might be your perfect choice. At a nickel under $100, it’s really easy on your wallet.
Included in the box:
- V3AH Video Tripod
- Fluid Panhead with Sliding Quick-release plate
- Padded Carrying Case
- Manual
From the Adorama V3AH page:
The V3AH is the 3Pod video tripod of brute strength and stability with an impressive supported payload of 14.5lbs. The 3-tiered extendable leg system lets the V3AH reach heights of 61″, and features sturdy rubber feet, large, easy to grasp locking knobs, and a torsion resistant aluminum center brace for added strength.
The professional 2-Way fluid metal panhead attaches to the body with a half-bowladaptor mounting system. It is manipulated by a fully adjustable textured handle, and provides a 360 degree range of silent, jitter-free motion with state-of-the-art dampening, counterbalance and drag functions, a built-in bubblelevel, and individual directional locking. An included sliding quick-release plate detaches from the panhead with a safe-spring release pin.
There’s nothing that I can tell you about this tripod that you can’t read for yourself. The real proof of how great it is has to be seen.
The V3AH in action.
Why it’s Frugal: For $100, the V3AH is the best of class tripod that I’ve seen. Its list of features, plus 3Pod’s quality craftsmanship, and its three-year warranty just can’t be beat. Adorama is the photographer’s standard for amateurs to professionals and they’re products are designed with the working photographer in mind.
The V3AH comes in a sturdy, black nylon case with reinforced stitching on stress prone areas, such as the handles and zippers. The case is tough and solid without adding a lot of extra weight to the tripod. Who needs to lug around extra pounds on any shoot? I want my gear protected, but not at the cost of needing to rent a pack mule for the hike.
Rating: 9/10
Recommendation: If you can buy or only want one tripod and don’t want to spend more than $100, this should be it.
Glow Hexapop 20-inch Portable Softbox (Review)
Glow Hexapop 20″ Portable Softbox by Flashpoint (R-series)
Adorama
$129.95 (free shipping)
If you’re an amateur photographer and just getting into lighting, you’re probably also looking for a few good choices to provide shadowless light to your subjects. Look no further than the Glow Hexapop line of portable lighting softboxes. A softbox is a cloth “box” that is black on all sides except for the side that faces your subject. This design keeps stray light from entering your lens as you take pictures. The softbox also spreads (diffuses) the otherwise harsh, concentrated light from your flash unit onto a white cloth sheet so that you don’t get the hard shadows, that “deer in the headlights,” or Rosemary’s Baby red eye effect from your subjects.
These softboxes are available exclusively from Adorama.
Many photographers use the softbox light as an artistic eye reflection artifact for portraits. Look at a few portraits that include the subject wearing sunglasses or extreme closeups and you’ll see what I mean.
Glow HEXAPOP Includes
- HexaPop 20″ Softbox
- Speedlight Bracket
- Stand Adapter
- Zippered Soft Case & Strap
But the softbox isn’t used exclusively for portraits. You can use it for product photography, closeup photography, night photography, and limited daytime outdoor photography to provide gentle lighting in shadows (fill flash).
The Glow Hexapop 20″ softbox (Hexapop) is an ideal soft lighting solution because it’s fast and easy to setup, it’s very lightweight, you can use it on your camera for a truly portable soft lighting effect, or you can use it off camera for stable subject lighting. To use it off camera, you’ll need a stand, such as the Flashpoint Pro Air Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand (sold separately). You’ll also need a flash sync cable to attach your camera to the off camera flash unit. There are so many different sync cables available, that I can’t give you a single URL to accommodate them all. You’ll have to search for the one that connects to your camera’s hot shoe and then to your flash unit. Be sure to buy one long enough so that you can place the flash unit out of frame for your shots.
The video below shows the Glow softboxes in action.
The Hexapop folds down with a “POP!” into a very small bundle to fit into the included carrying case.
If you’ve ever wondered why your photos don’t look like those of the pros, lighting is the primary reason. The other two reasons are that they have very expensive lenses and they spend a lot of time in Photoshop. Most of you don’t need that level of perfection and can live with a few artifacts, stray lights, empty pixels, and a hair out of place. What you need is better lighting. You might also need Photoshop and better lenses, but it’s really hard to fix bad lighting without it looking fixed.
Why it’s Frugal: The Hexapop is a great value. The tough fiberglass rods will last a very long time. The material is also very tough. No part of the material is stretched enough to tear a seam. Solid construction plus the included accessories worth an estimated $75 by themselves make this softbox an excellent and frugal choice for amateurs and pros alike. Durable, complete, and a great value.
For those of you who know a photographer, this softbox is a great gift idea. If you think your photographer has everything, he or she might not have this. Once your lucky recipient has unwrapped the Hexapop, you should suggest an impromptu portrait session to “try it out.” In about 60 seconds, you’ll see the diffused light hitting your face. It might be the single most used item in your photographer’s accessory list. Everyone needs great lighting and the Hexapop is it.
Rating: 8/10
Recommendation: By it for yourself or for your favorite photographer and watch the smiles happen.
iBlazer Flash for Smartphones (Review)
iblazr LED Flash Unit
iblazr.com
$49.99
The iblazr LED Flash Unit for Smartphones (iblazr) is an absolutely essential accessory for any serious phoneographer. Whether you’re making short films, taking photos, or providing an extra light source for photographic equipment, the iblazr is a lighting dynamo that easily fits into any pocket or bag. It is a source of continuous light or flash for your visual work.
The iblazr package comes with one, four-light iblazr LED flash unit, an instruction booklet, a microfiber drawstring carrying pouch, and a 3.5mm to USB interface charging cable.
- 70 degree beam
- 5600K color temperature
- >80 CRI
- 27mm (1 inch) x 32mm (1.25 inchess)
- 10 grams
- Three Power Modes: 16, 60, and 120 Lux at 1 meter
- Easy battery level check
- USB charging
- 3.5mm jack
- iblazr app takes movies and photos
- Continuous lighting or flash
- Can be used off the device
- Cold shoe mount for DSLR and SLR continuous lighting
The founders and iblazr team members are obviously visionaries who know what we phoneographers like for versatile lighting. When you read the list of features, note that many of them are advanced for such a small and inexpensive device. I’m usually a bit critical of accessories like this that are priced in excess of about $39, but not this time. I think the $50 price tag is just right. And, no, you can’t get it cheaper on Amazon–I looked.
I particularly like the feature that allows you to have continuous like off the camera or in the so-called “cold shoe”. The cold shoe is really just a plastic holder for the iblazr that slides into the hot shoe on your camera. It’s handy because how else do you get continuous, mobile lighting for your DSLR or SLR? Think of trying to provide some continuous lighting with any of the lo-fi cameras such as the Holga, Diana, LomoKino, or Smena. The answer is that you can’t–not easily anyway.
The iblazr makes photography more fun because good lighting is essential to produce good images. How many times have you lost a great shot because of poor lighting or lighting that was off or cast the wrong shadows? Well, you won’t anymore thanks to the iblazr.
Why it’s Frugal: The iblazr is frugal because it is an expensive way to deliver a lot of light on your subject. What’s frugal about that, you ask? Have you priced photographic lighting? Have you ever priced portable photographic lighting? Have you looked at portable lighting at all? The way I figure it, the iblazr is very frugal because it does so much for so little. Frugal.
There’s nothing that I don’t like about the iblazr LED flash unit. I can’t find anything wrong with it. It does everything I’d want it to do if I’d designed it myself. And I’d never have thought of the cold shoe attachment, so it’s better than what I could have dreamed up.
Rating: 10/10
Recommendation: If you’re a phoneographer or a photographer who needs portable light, you must have it.
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