Archive for the ‘Gear and gadgets’ Category

Gear & Gadgets: The Photojojo Bad Ass Bowler Bundle

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

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by Damian

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Photojojo is running this awesome promo at their site.  It includes two magnetic photo ropes, one Gorillapod SLR (we featured the Gorillapod tripod a while ago), and one amazing bowler camera bag.

T-Rex not included.

Like Photojojo stuff? Check out our interview with Amit Gupta, Photojojo’s founder.

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This and other kick-ass posts brought to you by iLovePhotos.

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Gear & Gadgets: Converting My Parents to Digital Photography

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

Hello Photo Lovers,

Here’s a submission from a colleague at iLovePhotos.  We always welcome your articles.

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by Katharine

A few months ago, I decided to bring my own parents into the digital photography age (I work for iLovePhotos afterall, so I’m in the biz of sharing digital photos). I wanted them to be able to take more photos and share them with me. In the past, any time they wanted to take photos they would buy a disposable camera (my mom does own a reusable film camera, but it’s so old, the format of film isn’t made any longer). They would take photos only for very special events, and then process the camera, get prints, scan the prints, and email them to me, or worse, send them in the mail. So much effort!

Buying a digital camera wasn’t an option for my parents — they considered it an unnecessary splurge even though it would cost them less than disposable cameras  and processing in the long run. So I set about researching a decent camera for them as a surprise Christmas gift.

The first challenge I had was deciding on quality. I wanted them to have a good, easy-to-use point-and-shoot, with a decent lens. I also needed it to be relatively inexpensive (I have my own photography habit to fund!) As a Canon aficionado, I was leaning towards that manufacturer, but considered a few others that made entry-level models. I settled on the Canon PowerShot A590IS 8 MP. It was Canon, had zoom, was highly rated on Amazon, and was also deeply discounted at the time (score!)

When the camera arrived, my parents were duly ecstatic, but there was one huge hitch — the camera was not compatible with their computer! I had forgotten that were still using Windows 98, and the Powershot required XP as a minimum (they’re buying an iMac later this year thank goodness). I didn’t want them to have to send it back, so we had to figure out a work around.

As it turns out, their local film processor has a media kiosk that will take the camera’s memory card (since my parents live in a town that only recently was colonized by Starbucks, I was worried their processor was strictly film-based). They will still have to pay to get their images off the camera, but only until the iMac arrives.

So far my parents have enjoyed the convenience of the new camera, but are still figuring out all the features. They’ve also been under the impression that they need to wait until the memory card is full before downloading images, as if it were a direct analogy to a roll of film! Now that they have the freedom to take digital photos and no longer have to worry about wasted shots, my next task is to show them how to take better photos.

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Brought to you by iLovePhotos

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Gear & Gadgets: The Photo Circle Cutter

Monday, April 13th, 2009

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by Damian

It might have been hip to be square for Huey Lewis and The News back in the 80’s, but if you’re looking to add some instant bravado to your photos, try this Circle Cutter for a change.

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It cuts 3 different size circles, 2.5in, 3.4in, and 3.7in and includes spare blades.

It’s so easy and fun to use, that the guys at Photojojo recommend it and have it on stock!

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Talking about Photojojo, have you read our interview with Photojojo’s Amit Gupta?

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Brought to you by iLovePhotos

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Gear & Gadgets: The Wrap-Around-the-Corner Frame

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

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by Damian

Because 12 frames are better than one!

The Wrap-Around-the-Corner Frame spices up any corner allowing you to display panoramas (hey now you can hang your own panoramics!) or two smaller shots in five of the frame slots.

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For all 12 frame slots the dimensions are:

  • four 2.5″ x 3″ frame slots
  • four 3″ x 3.5″ frame slots
  • two 3.5″ x 4″ frame slots
  • two 5.5″ x 7″frame slots

The hardwood frame is stained and lacquered to a slick espresso hue.  There are two metal brackets on the back that make hanging it on the wall a snap!

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Available at The Photojojo Store, only the most awesome photo gifts and gear for photographers.

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Gear and gadgets: Camera Bag vs. Camera Lanyard

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

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by Super CW

I’m trying to think if I’ve ever even owned a camera bag. It’s such a mess of extra stuff having to carry around an extra bag, then get my camera out every time I want to take a photo– which is like every thirty seconds.

The lanyard thing works better. Actually, pocket works better but lately I’ve been getting a lot of mileage out of my Canon 20d which pretty much won’t even fit in clown pant pockets.

If I had to choose my favorite camera bag I’d pick the totally eco-friendly Terraclime bag from Lowepro constructed of 100% post-consumer, recycled Cyclepet® exterior fabric. That’s recycled water bottles and other things to reduce carbon footprint. It matters! Plus, the bag is water and abrasion resistant and pretty much doesn’t look like a camera bag. Lo-pro Lowepro. Ha! But ya, there’s definitely times when a bag is necessary. Hikes are coming to mind. I even ditched the strap on my 20d because it was too much extra bulk then immediately regretted it the first time I ever hiked through Manoa carrying it.

Lanyard style is super hot if you’re out and about. Actually, cow-print is pretty hot too. I found these at some random badge-lanyards website but it’s exactly what I am thinking. Mine is the more sturdy, metal infused awesome neck strap that came with one of my 7532984359529 Canon Powershots that I’ve bought, but it’s lasted longer than any camera I’ve ever had. So. Cool.

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Gear & Gadgets: hold STILL!!

Monday, January 5th, 2009

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by Super CW

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It’s not you, it’s me.

I just can’t hold still.

Tripod is SO not an option with point and shoot digi, man.

The whole point of these little cameras is to minimize bulk. right?

Well, just for you:

here’s some of my favorite lightweight point and shoot tripod options.

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Bottle Cap Tripod

Like, $9 saves your camera from the delicate balancing act you endure with random stationary objects trying to get that perfect shot.

Make any bottle a tripod!

Or if you prefer, you can build your own Bottle Cap Tripod.

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Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras

At a pricey $40 you might want to stick to your double-sided tape methods, but this thing is SO durable, once you try it you’ll be hooked for life.

It literally will hold on to anything. anything. and it just looks so damn cool.

My favorite of the bunch.

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Double Action Wrap Up Tripod

I can’t even find my point and shoot right now.

It’s somewhere. If I had a nice lightweight case for it I bet it would be easier to find.

Or easier to not accidentally leave sitting somewhere. This case/tripod combo isn’t going to get you the best still action but it’s so simple and easy.

Kind of why you use a little point and shoot in the first place, no?

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