Instagram Privacy Policy Update.

The new privacy policy of Instagram that takes effect January 16, 2013 has caused quite an uproar. I am not a fan of any company selling photos that they do not own for their profit. There are many very simple ways to fix this situation and not lose a ton of users in the process.

ILFORD PHOTO introduces black & white disposable cameras

The ILFORD XP2 Super Single Use Camera gives the convenience of being able to have the film processed at any High Street photo-processing centre using C41 colour negative systems, with proof prints made on colour paper. These can either be close-to-neutral black and white prints, or colour toned monochrome prints, and are ideal for deciding which negatives to print on black and white paper.

Next on the reviewing block...

For our next review we will be looking at the Cactus KF36 from Gadget Infinity.

Nikon D5200

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D5200. This camera is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into the D4 flagship camera. It offers the superior basic performance needed for full-scale photography in a compact and lightweight body.

Firefly Beauty Box from Aurora Lite Bank

The Firefly Beauty Box from Aurora Lite Bank is a very well designed and constructed octabox build for use with speedlights. It has a unique silver-gold pattern on the inside reflective surface to create a medium warm color cast to your subjects that works fantastically for portrait work.

LP739 Double Flash Speedring Bracket

LumoPro Lighting, a leading developer and manufacturer of off camera flash equipment, is happy to announce the new LP739 Double Flash Speedring Bracket. After more than a year of development, we are successfully launching a bracket designed to mount two hot shoe flash units into most softboxes on the market, including their own durable softbox line. Inspired by an idea from a passionate salesperson at one of LumoPro’s authorized dealers, we worked hard to make this lightweight, rugged, and affordable bracket a reality. Using strong magnesium alloy and sourcing the most reliable parts for the cost. The LP739 allows photographers to adapt almost any flash and radio trigger combination into the ring to shoot into softboxes up to 4’x6’. The kit comes complete with a carrying case for easy, on-the-go photography. The LP739 is now available for order at authorized dealers Midwest Photo Exchange in the US, and CameraTools in the EU.

Two light break down

Here is a photo from a recent shoot that I had with the very talented Portland Oregon based model Dominique Valdovinos.

We went out to a local collage campus with fantastic cement walls for this shoot. By the end of the night we were locked in the campus, watched a hawk eat a small bird right in front of us and found a mock up of a hospital room filled with fake patients. All in all it was a great location shoot!

LumoPro LP160 - This flash should come with a cape!

I have often talked about how much I love the LumoPro LP160 for its dependability and its durability. Once again it has not let me down.

The things you see out on location.

While out shooting the other day I came across one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen.

Google Acquires Nik Software

This announcement from the Nik Software blog:

We are pleased to announce that Google has acquired Nik Software. For nearly 17 years, we’ve been guided by our motto, “photography first”, as we worked to build world class digital image editing tools. We’ve always aspired to share our passion for photography with everyone, and with Google’s support we hope to be able to help many millions more people create awesome pictures.

We’re incredibly grateful for all of your support and hope you’ll join us on the next phase of our journey as part of Google.

All our best!

The Nik Software Team

I am not sure what to think of this announcement yet. I love Nik Software and I hope that Google does not screw them up. We will just have to wait and see.

Canon 6D

Canon Announces Its Smallest and Lightest Full-Frame Digital SLR Camera For Serious Photographers

The EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera Includes a New Full-Frame Sensor, Built-in Wireless and GPS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera, a versatile mid-range full-frame camera with the durability and performance professionals require and the creative imaging options serious photographers crave. Canon has coupled the incredible image quality of a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ Image Processor with the creative potential of built-in Wireless and GPS features. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities, in an affordable camera body. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D Mark II camera so successful, the EOS 6D bridges the gap for budget-minded photographers, videographers and cinematographers who are eager to step up into the world of full-frame imaging.

Nikon D600

Performance that Fuels the Passion: The New Nikon D600 Puts FX-Format in Focus for Photo Enthusiasts

As Nikon's Smallest, Lightest and Most Affordable Full-Frame HD-SLR, the D600 Packs in Powerful, Pro-Grade Photo and Video Features with Wireless Sharing and Capture Capabilities

MELVILLE, N.Y. – Nikon Inc. announced the 24.3-megapixel (MP) D600, a camera that is designed to deliver the image quality and performance benefits of a full frame FX-format sensor to the enthusiast looking to take their dedication to the next level. The Nikon D600 offers a remarkable value, merging the perfect combination of a lightweight, compact form factor and superior image quality, making the leap into FX-format photography more attractive than ever

Sony A99

Sony announced the Sony Alpha A99, the world’s first full-frame camera to use Sony’s translucent mirror technology. Priced at $2800 and available from October, highlights from the full specification include:

• 24.3MP CMOS Full-frame Sensor
• Unique dual AF system – phase detection on sensor
• Improved BIONZ processor
• ISO 100-12800, with options for ISO 50 and 25600 with boost.
• Six frames per second at full resolution, 10fps in cropped mode
• AVCHD video at Full HD 1080 60/24p
• Video features include external mic and headphone sockets, clean HDMI output
• Magnesium alloy body with weather sealing
• Same XGA OLED viewfinder as A77
• Design and layout very similar to A77 – essentially a full-frame A77
• New accessories: Battery Grip, Wireless Remote, HVL-F60M Flash, HVL-F60M Ring LIght, XLR Audio Adapter kit , Hot Shoe Adapter, Screen Protector.
• New 300mm f2.8 Telephoto Lens

Pentax Q10

PENTAX Expands the Q-system with New Q10 Digital Camera and Accessories Super-compact, ultra-lightweight interchangeable lens camera (ILC), new Q- Mount telephoto zoom and K-Mount adapter added to the Q family of products DENVER, CO (September 10, 2012) — PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION (PENTAX), today expands on the innovative Q-system with the new 12.4 megapixel PENTAX Q10 interchangeable lens camera, new Q-Mount PENTAX 06 15-45mm F2.8 telephoto zoom lens and Adapter Q for PENTAX K-mount lenses, expanding its family of compact Q series products.