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Camera Equipment

BlackRapid Camera Strap Review

Apr 20th, 2013
by Phil Steele.
40 comments

BlackRapid StrapWhen we think about advances in camera technology, we tend to think of things like better digital sensors, fancy radio flash triggers, and such. If you’re like me, the last thing you think about improving is your camera strap.

After all, what is there to improve? The strap has a simple job: to hang the camera around your neck and never break. If you want to get fancy, you get a stretchy neoprene strap for added comfort. Mission accomplished.

Or so I thought until I tried the BlackRapid RS-7, my first “sling” style strap.

(more…)

Lens Hoods: Why, When, and How to Use Them (Video)

Mar 18th, 2013
by Phil Steele.
7 comments

You can also watch this video on YouTube: Lens Hoods (aka Lens Shades)

Focus Tips for Your dSLR Camera

Aug 19th, 2012
by Phil Steele.
7 comments

Here are five things I wish I had known about focus when I started shooting with a DSLR.  Maybe I can save you from having to learn them the hard way like I did.

For those of you interested in how these videos are created, this video was recorded on the Canon 5D Mark II using a Sennheiser wireless microphone. This is a big step up from my previous videos which used a Kodak Zi8 with a wired Audio-Technia mic.  The new rig costs 20 times as much as the old rig, but I think the improvement in quality is quite apparent.

I hope you find this helpful.

Phottix Odin—The Ultimate Flash Trigger?

Nov 15th, 2011
by Phil Steele.
23 comments
Phottix Odin Transmitter

Phottix Odin Transmitter

My Phottix Odin flash triggers just arrived, and oh, man, it’s like Christmas came early at my house.

Finally a gear-maker has delivered all the features I’ve been wanting in a flash trigger for years!

  • TTL Metering? – Check
  • High Speed Sync? – Check
  • Second Curtain Sync? – Check
  • Manual Power Settings? – Check
  • Multiple Groups? – Check
  • Backward Compatibility with cheaper triggers? - Check
  • Super Low Price? – Well, um… six out of seven ain’t bad

Seriously, I can’t think of anything that is missing from these triggers. Technology has finally caught up to my fantasy wish list.

So, why is this trigger a big deal? (more…)

Canon 320EX — Do You Need It?

Sep 22nd, 2011
by Phil Steele.
No comments yet

Canon’s new 320EX flash is the first to feature a continuous LED light for shooting video.

Sounds great, but will it still meet your needs up as a dedicated flash?

Watch the video to learn why I have serious doubts about the 320EX as a flash for still photography.

Phottix Strato Flash Trigger – Now Even Better!

Jun 27th, 2011
by Phil Steele.
11 comments
Phottix Strato II Multi

Phottix Strato II Multi

If you follow my product reviews at my photography training website, you probably know that the Phottix Strato has long been my favorite radio trigger for off-camera flash photography.

(If you want to learn why, you can watch my video review of the Strato.)

Well, the geniuses at Phottix have just improved on perfection by creating the new STRATO II MULTI flash trigger. (more…)

Product Review: Gorillapod Takes Manhattan

Jan 21st, 2011
by Phil Steele.
7 comments
My Gorillapod with SLIK Tripod Head

Gorillapod with SLIK Tripod Head

As an early Christmas present for myself last year, I bought a Gorillapod Flexible Tripod before traveling to Manhattan.  I knew I didn’t want to carry a full-size tripod on the crowded subway, where I might accidentally probe someone and get into trouble.  The Gorillapod, which fits in my camera bag (or even a big coat pocket if I don’t mind it hanging out a bit like a high-tech squid) seemed like a great, portable solution.

To mount my Canon 40D on it with some flexibility, I bought a SLIK SBH-120 Tripod Head, a basic but solidly-constructed ball head model. (more…)

First Look: Cactus V5 Wireless Flash Trigger

Jan 6th, 2011
by Phil Steele.
10 comments
Cactus V5 Wireless Flash Trigger

Cactus V5 Wireless Flash Trigger Set

I recently had the privilege of Beta testing the new Cactus V5 Duo Wireless Flash Trigger during its development phase. Now that the veil of secrecy has been lifted, I’m happy to report that this new trigger is a big leap forward over its predecessor, the V4, and it gives a good run for the money to any other flash triggers on the market.

(more…)

Review: Phottix Strato Wireless Flash Trigger with TTL Pass-Through

Nov 5th, 2010
by Phil Steele.
10 comments

Phottix sent me a pre-release set of these new triggers to test, and now that the product is on the market I can finally talk about it.

I love this trigger. It’s got all the 2.4 GHz reliability of the Yongnuo RF-602 (previously my favorite in the low-budget trigger market), but with the added advantage of a TTL-pass-through hot shoe.

If you don’t know what the heck that means, or why it might be useful, then watch the video!

And if you buy a Strato from the link below you’ll help keep me fueled with beer (which leads directly to an increase in the quantity, if not always quality, of my photography and tutorial production).

Phottix Online Store Strato Page

Flash Photography Tips (video)

Sep 22nd, 2010
by Phil Steele.
1 comment

Gotta love YouTube for always coming up with a splash screen where I have a funny expression on my face. They must have a special filter that searches for those frames.

If you’re interested, here is my course on Off-Camera Flash Photography.

You can also view this Flash Photography Tips video on YouTube.

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