As simple as it might look, protecting your lens from dust is a sensible thing.
Why should you protect your lens if your sensor is already protected? Well, because dust can attach to the outside of the lens too. Removing dust from the lens glass, however, is not that simple as it looks compared to sensor cleaning, since I do not recommend using a handkerchief. The lens is threated to reduce potential optical problems while shooting and by using something unaware for cleaning might remove this thin layer. On the other hand, you are in danger of scratching the lens while cleaning and/or while caring the camera around with your lens unprotected. In conclusion, the safest thing to use is a micro filament cleaning cloth that is both scratch and lint free.

Lens Cap

This is what comes with your camera when you buy it. Keep your lens cap on when you store your camera in your bag or when you carry it around your neck. Sure, most camera bags now have soft anti-scratch linings but that doesn’t mean that dust or sand can’t get in there and get stuck between your lens glass and the lining (this is a worst case scenario). In case you loose you lens cap, you can buy another one in a photo store. It’s cheap and it can be even better than the original one: it might have a string to keep it attached to the camera body so you won’t loose it or forget it.
55mm lens cap 58mm lens cap 67mm lens cap 77mm lens cap

Lens Hood

Lens hoods are bigger and will take up some more space, but, you need them to eliminate lens flare from your photos when you shoot outdoors in daylight. You’ll probably notice though that most pros keep their lens hood on even if they’re shooting indoors. This is because the lens hood can act as a barrier between your glass and everything else around you. Even if people bump into your lens while you’re walking around, you’re assured that your glass is safe. What can be better than a plastic piece with double function (protection, lens flare reduction)?

55-200 mm lens hood 18-55 mm lens hood 28-300 mm lens hood

UV Filter

Another alternative that started to be more and more used among the photographers is the one of UV filer. You can use a UV Filter as another type of protection for your lens that you can just leave on. UV filters are used to filter out ultraviolet light, but this is something that the Earth atmosphere already does pretty good. Therefore, it’s main purpose is for protection because it’s the cheapest type of filter available in the market and it can shield your glass from physical contact. This is specially useful if you’re shooting on the beach where all the sand and salt can “bring pain” to your lens
Tiffen 52mm UV filter Tiffen 58mm UV filter Tiffen 67mm UV filter Tiffen 72mm UV filter

What should I choose?

The size and shape of lens hoods depends on the focal length of the lenses and also depends on what brand of camera you use. You need to find the right one for you. As for the lens caps and UV filters, it’s only the size that varies with the focal length; brand doesn’t matter. I hope this informations are useful. For any kind of doubts, feel free to ask questions.

Tags: lens hood, uv filter, lens cap, lens protection

It looks like all the new lenses have that fameous VR inscription meaning that they include Vibration Reduction technology to help consumers snap sharper photos than ever before, even while shooting handheld. The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G for Nikon digital SLR’s is no exception.
The focal length of this lens (the standard 18-55 mm, 3x zoom) makes me think that from now on, all the cameras in 2008 will come with this lens in the kit instead of the old 18-55mm lens for basic kits.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens will be available starting from December 2007 at a price of approx. $200.
Here’s a quote from the press release I received this week:

The 3x optical zoom offers users of Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras including the D40, D40x, D80 and new D300 with a versatile picture angle perspective ranging from wide angle for dramatic landscapes and interiors, to moderate telephoto that is ideal for flattering portraits.

Beyond the lens’ incredible optical versatility is the amazing benefit of Nikon’s VR technology, which enables photographers to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. Nikon’s VR system affords users the ability to take pictures at shutter speeds up to three stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.

Like all NIKKOR lenses, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens is engineered to exacting standards to meet the demanding needs of digital photography. This digitally optimized lens features hybrid aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration, while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance so no moment is missed.

Tags: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens, nikkor 18-55mm, nikkor 18-55mm vr, nikkor lens, 18-55mm lens, nikon compatible lens

I do want to have some round prints so I realy like the idea of getting a Photo Circle Cutter. I could even use it for cd covers (and that is the main purpose I have in mind right now).

With three sizes to choose from, encircle your friends, your pets, or whatever you like, then use the included foto clips to hang your photo circles as curtains, room dividers, or just a fun wall display.

FEATURES:
- Cuts 3 different size circles – 2.5in, 3.4in, and 3.7in.
- Includes spare blades (They’re also easy to find in a craft store if you happen to run out.)
- Easy and safe to use (But children should be supervised)
- Includes 30 free photo clips – to start clipping your photos together into awesome constructions. I would do a big poster with pictures from a special location and then present it to my friends, even makeing a gift out of this.

PRICE:
1 for $14
2 for $26
3 for $38
Buy here (Photojojo)

Tags: photo prints, round photos, photo circle cutter

Breeze Systems introduced on the market, in October 2007, a DSLR Remote Pro v1.5 for controlling Canon EOS cameras on Microsoft Windows platforms. It is compatible with Canon’s EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 5D, EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 10D, EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi, EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT, EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds and EOS 300D/Digital Rebel.
Features:
* See large high quality previews of shots an a PC within seconds
* Gain unrivalled control of settings for Canon cameras during tethered operation
* Control single or multiple cameras from a PC or laptop*
* Automatically download images from single or multiple cameras to a PC*
* Shoot images and store them directly on the PC’s hard disk
* Automatically add IPTC data to images as they are downloaded
* Enable customers to view pictures while continuing to shoot
* Automatically bracket up to 15 shots by varying the shutter speed or aperture
* Increase control for time lapse photography

Canon EOS 1D Mark III and 40D users can use DSLR Remote Pro v1.5 to view full frame live images on a PC screen, autofocus at a distance from the camera using the remote live image, and focus manually from a PC with the mouse wheel or using the cursor keys. Fine control over focus is obtained using the large live view image and the ability to zoom to pixel level and view the magnified detail live on the PC screen. Lining up panorama shots and stop frame animation is made easier using DSLR Remote Pro v1.5’s unique onion skinning ability combined with the remote live view.

DSLR Remote Pro is available exclusively from Breeze Systems’ website http://www.breezesys.com for US $95. The price includes one year’s free upgrades and has a 15 days trial.

Tags: dslr camera, remote camera, canon, canon eos, canon eos accessories, canon digital rebel, digital rebel, canon remote, digital rebel remote, eos remote

The Sony’s new HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album will bring benefits to shutterbugs who want to archive, organize and enjoy slideshows of their digital photos. This compact device features an 80GB hard drive, connects to a high definition television via HDMI and showcases up to 50,000 high resolution photos. It also offers several methods for importing photos, including multiple flash memory card formats, CD, DVD, USB or Ethernet. Once imported, photo collections can be managed with the supplied remote control and the device’s intuitive interface.

Photos can be organized by date, special occasions such as birthdays and travel (using pre-selected icons), or into as many as 3,000 different photo albums– enough for every major family milestone. The digital photo album also provides the ability to review, edit, rotate, delete and arrange photos for a slideshow or digital scrapbooking with Sony’s x-Application® features. – Slideshows can be created by selecting from 30 pre-loaded music tracks and transition styles. For personalization, you can add up to five songs from your own CDs. The software also allows for connection to a compatible printer for making prints of your photos or scrapbook pages directly from the device.

Other features include face detection technology to locate faces in photographs and adjusts the slideshow transitions around the location of faces and you can directly save those photos to CD, DVD, or flash memory card.

The HDMS-S1D Digital Photo Album is available since October for about $400 online at sonystyle.com, across the country at Sony Style® retail stores http://www.sonystyle.com/retail and at authorized dealers nationwide.

Tags: sony, sony photo album, digital photo album

Optical storage company LiteOn released its first digital photo frame under its new consumer brand name cenOmax.
The cenOmax F7024B 7-inch digital photo frame is a beautifully-designed photo frame with playback features that make it ideal for the home, office, college dorms or for traveling executives.

The F7024B can play back photos, video and audio in several formats including SD/MMC/MS/xD/CF for photos, supports major video formats and MP3 audio through its built-in speakers, and allows users to add music to their slideshows.
The F7024B includes four (4) interchangeable frame inserts to match the style and décor of any room—and any season of the year. It incorporates the Auto Rotate feature which automatically rotates images for proper viewing, whether the frame is positioned vertically or horizontally. The built-in alarm clock and calendar option make it an ideal travel companion for students and executives.
The F7024B 7-inch digital photo frame will be available at retail outlets nationwide in October and have a suggested retail price of $89.99.

Tags: digital photo frame, photo frame, cenOmax F7024B

This month I noticed the first digital photo frame that allows you to send pictures toyour mobile phone via MMS.
Responsible for this invention is Parrot, the leader in wireless mobile telephony devices.
PARROT DF7700 (7-inch digital TFT LCD, leather-bound) digital frame uses wireless technology to send the photos with just one click button, but, also features a USB connection and an SD card slot.
It is told that this frame reproduces incredibly rich pictures in terms of colour & contrast and showing the tiniest details, for you to relive your most treasured moments and those of your friends with the same intensity. You can also change the frame to suit your mood and environment by purchasing the other finishes in the range (optional extra).

Just like all the other digital photo frames in the Parrot range, the PARROT DF7700 boasts an ultra-easy user interface with a wealth of advanced features for giving your photos the very best display. Irrespective of the picture’s size before sending, the PARROT DF7700 frame automatically adjusts it to match the size of its screen.

In addition, a position sensor detects the orientation of the frame and automatically rotates the photos, either in portrait or landscape mode, to match the chosen position. A light sensor continually measures the amount of light in the room and adjusts the brightness of the frame accordingly, switching off when you go to bed – so ecological! Furthermore, different slideshows can be programmed: your photos are displayed one after the other or in the order that you have chosen.

The Parrot DF7700 will first be available exclusively in France in Bouygues Telecom shops for 189 Euros, beginning in December 2007, but later on in 2008 it will be available in other countries too.

Tags: digital photo frame, mms, sending pictures, digital picture frame, Parrot digital frame, Parrot DF7700

Cirrus TLZ, a new line of top-loading camera bags from Lowepro, the worldwide leading provider of protective cases and backpacks for imaging and technology products. It is designed (in black and ultra marine blue) for compact, pro-compact digital cameras and digital SLRs and it is available in three models: Cirrus TLZ 5, 15, and 25:

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Cirrus TLZ 5 has been developed to protect one pro-compact digital camera or ultra-compact video camera. In addition, the front accessory pocket holds batteries and the media storage pocket provides quick access to one memory card. Dimensions:
External: 11.5 x 11.5 x 17 cm 4.5 x 4.5 x 6.7 in.
Internal: 9.5 x 9 x 11.5 cm 3.7 x 3.5 x 4.5 in.

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Cirrus TLZ 15 protects one digital SLR with lens attached. Dimensions:
External: 18 x 13 x 22 cm 7.1 x 5.1 x 8.7 in.
Internal: 15.5 x 10.5 x 16.5 cm 6.1 x 4.1 x 8.3 in.

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Cirrus TLZ 25 protects one digital SLR with short zoom lens attached. Dimensions:
External: 18 x 13 x 26.6 cm 7.1 x 5.1 x 10.5 in.
Internal: 15.5 x 10.5 x 21 cm 6.1 x 4.1 x 8.3 in.

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Both Cirrus TLZ 15 and Cirrus TLZ 25 are capable of holding multiple memory cards and small accessories.
The interior features a built-in memory card pocket for quick changes and the brushed-tricot lining protects LCD screens from scratches. The exterior of the bags are constructed of rugged water- and abrasion-resistant fabric to provide durability and style. Adjustable shoulder strap, padded handles and belt loops present a variety of comfortable carrying options. These lightweight and compact top-loading shoulder bags provide digital camera users with solid protection and immediate access to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Additional features include dust-resistant reversed zippers to keep dirt and dust away from imaging equipment and water-resistant outer fabric to protect against moisture. 360-degree swivel clips prevent tangling of shoulder straps.

Tags: camera bag, camera bags, Cirrus camera bag

Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R Wireless Flash are ideal for use with the Olympus E-3 professional D-SLR which enables the control of up to three different flash groups directly from the camera – no separate commander unit is required. Using their slave function, the FL-50R and FL-36R can also be used with other Olympus SLRs with manual flash facility and Olympus SP series cameras capable of slave mode operation. The irradiation angle of each flash unit can be set either by automatic zooming according to the interchangeable lens used or manually. Available starting from November 2007 and December 2007.

FL-50R

· multiple adjustment modes including TTL Auto and manual, high-speed synchronisation – in Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec
· features fast recycle intervals which can be as little as less than 1.3 sec. when using the SHV-1 Flash High-Voltage Set
· GN28 performance at a 12mm focal length (equivalent to 24mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100)
· GN50 at a 42mm (equiv. to 84mm; ISO 100)
· Wireless remote control in three groups (A, B and C)
· Control settings directly from camera LCD
· Choice of four channels to avoid interference
· Extendable transmission distance
· Option of TTL Auto, Auto, and Manual modes
· Bounce and swivel head
· Usual synchronisation speed 1/180 sec.
· Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec
· Built-in diffuser can be used to obtain wide-angle coverage at an 8mm focal length (equivalent to 16mm on a 35mm camera)
· Red-eye reduction, slow synch and 2nd curtain synch
· Flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the focal length of the lens when zooming
· Flash recycle time less than 1.3 sec. when optional SHV-1 Flash High-Voltage Set is used

FL-36R

· Enhancing mobility
· lightweight compact design
· allows 1/8EV-step accuracy to satisfy the high light metering precision digital photography demands
· GN20 at a focal length of 12mm (equiv. to 24mm; ISO 100)
· GN36 at 42mm (equiv. to 84mm; ISO 100)
· well-suited for high-action assignments
· Wireless remote control in three groups (A, B and C)
· Control settings directly from camera LCD
· Choice of four channels to avoid interference
· Extendable transmission distance
· Option of TTL Auto, Auto and Manual modes
· Compact design and light weight
· Energy-saving circuitry
· Bounce and swivel head
· Super FP Mode up to 1/4000th sec
· Flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the focal length of the lens when zooming
· Flash intensity setting in 1/8 EV steps possible with Olympus E-System D-SLR
· Red-eye reduction, slow synch and 2nd curtain synch

More accesories:
The Bounce Adapter FLBA-1 can be mounted on the FL-50R flash head and diffuses the irradiation light to soften the bounce light by attenuating the contours of shadows produced in bounce shooting. The FLBA-1 comes with the FL-50R and is also compatible with the Olympus FL-50 flash unit.

The Reflector Adapter FLRA-1 not only provides a catch light effect, it also softens the effect of bounce lighting by providing auxiliary frontal irradiation to eliminate shadows caused by bounce shooting; it can be used in both ceiling and wall bouncing, alloing photographers to take advantage of bounce lighting more often and in a wide range of situations. It comes with the FL-50R and is also compatible with the FL-36R, FL-36 and FL-50 Olympus flash units.

Tags: Olympus FL-50R, Olympus FL-36R, Wireless Flash, Olympus Wireless Flash

The Panorama Kit pictured below includes a panorama plate that has a 360° index wheel and integrated spirit level. It consists of two pieces:
1) The panoramic plate which turns the camera frame by frame while the camera shoots one shot after the other.
2) And the Software from Arcsoft who accurately merges the individual pictures on your computer.
This package allows you to achieve amazing panoramic results even without professional photography equipment, at a costs of 29.99 Eruos.