ATL Photographers

Review of the Zeikos ZE-HC36 Medium Hard Case

I am a professional photographer and perhaps among my biggest concern is finding a case that would not only accommodate all my things but also keep it safe and protected. There are tons of products out in the market that promises to address this concern. However, mind you they are not cheap. They come with a rather expensive price tag. I am not after sporting the trendiest or the most lucrative case. I am content in the thought that I wouldn’t have to worry about breaking my camera or carrying a lot of baggage to hold everything that I need for a photo shoot.

Features

• Heavy duty case
• Customizable, diced foam for easy customization
• 2 removeable dividers
• Locking clasps
• Adjustable, removeable shoulder strap

My Thoughts

The Zeikos ZE-HC36 Medium Hard Case was just the product that I needed. The case actually measures 18 x 13.5 x 6.5 inches and weighs 5.4 lbs without all my things in it. The exterior of the product doesn’t say that it costs less than a nice branded camera case. It comes in chrome, dark grey and light grey which makes it look sleek and classy. Its interior is made up of soft, diced foam that secures all the equipment in place. The interior is also made for easy customization. The sides of the case is made of strong panels that make it durable enough to withstand the bumps and bruises that cannot be overlooked when travelling for a photo shoot. The clasp is very strong and it does not easily get open even if it gets bumped. On the other hand the handle is made of a highly durable plastic that is structured and designed to fit perfectly to the hand. Another thing worth mentioning and something that makes this product seemingly unique is that the lid actually stays upright when opened. This makes things much easier, especially if you are working on a very limited space.

A photographer’s gadgets are quite expensive and frankly you can’t afford to have it broken or damaged because repair would costs as much as buying a new one. This is why we photographers invest in buying a durable and reliable case that will protect our valuable investments. At under $30 on Amazon you have just the right hard case that will not only hold all your things but protect them as well.

Where to get it:

Best Price = Amazon.com

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens

Finding the right kind of zoom lens for your Nikon SLR is a bewildering chore, what with every enthusiast having different preconceptions about what kind of lens to use to take crystal clear photographs and portraits. It is in this regard that I find the Nikon 24-70mm wide angle zoom lens perfect for any application and shooting environment. It’s a fast, wide-angle to medium Telephoto AF-S zoom lens and is optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both the Nikon DX and LX image sensors. It gives unparalleled high-speed auto-focusing ability with outstanding accuracy and is enabled by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for a powerful and ultra-quiet operation.

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens Features:

• Lens (elements) 15
• Lens (groups)  11
• Nano Crystal Coat
• Focal Length 28 to 70mm
• Filter size 70mm
• Zoom ratio 2.9x
• Auto/Manual Focus Mode
• Nikon SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for ultra-quiet operation
• Rugged Construction, Dust and Moisture resistant
• Compatible with FX, DX, FX in crop mode and 35mm film

The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 features Nikon’s ED glass and nano crystal coat to further reduce ghost imaging and flare for crystal clear images every time.  Even experts would agree that despite the weight penalty (which is perfectly understandable, but more on that later) the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens gives outstanding speed of focus for sharp, clear images with every photograph taken. It’s the perfect companion for your Nikon SLR and gives absolute clarity on your portraits as it keeps facial features in perspective without any visible sign of distortion. The extra focal range is a plus, too as the added distance between you and the subject would give a more natural and relaxed expression. No need to be inches away from your subjects, with the camera pointing very near the face, which is bothersome and quite irritating at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, because of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8’s weight, it could be a little cumbersome and tiring to use for long and extended photo sessions. With its 900gram (2 pounds) weight, dropping it on your foot would be a bad idea, but at least it could double as a weapon when the need arises (being chased by a lion? Keep this is mind before you run.) Also, using the 24-70mm f/2.8 on a lightweight camera like the D40 would give it the balance of a leg amputee without prosthetics, so its better to use it on other heavier models instead. This, however, is negated by the fact that this wide angle lens is built to last, with a durable heavy-duty metal construction hence making it reliable. Sure, it costs an arm and a leg and it could take the place of all your primes and promises not to disappoint.

Opteka RC4 Wireless Remote for Canon EOS Review

Overview

The Opteka RC4 is a direct replacement for the Canon RC-1 Remote for Digital SLR cameras.

I can’t seem to remember using a TV without a remote. It’s such a hassle to get up from your comfy couch or bed just to change channels and settings on your TV right? But we’re not talking about TV’s here. Instead, I want to introduce to you a nifty little gadget for your Canon EOS SLR that would enable you to control your camera from a distance. It’s called the Opteka RC-4 and it promises to deliver the same range of controls efficiently at a much lower price than other comparable RF remotes for your Canon EOS.

The great thing about the Opteka RC-4 is the size. As I said earlier, it’s a nifty little gadget and is small enough to get lost in your deep pockets or on your camera bag. And since it operates using radio frequency (hence, wireless) you could operate your Canon EOS at a maximum range of 16 feet, so holiday pictures would always include you for those most precious moments with the mother-in-law and the drunk brother-in-law. The best part is you could be drunk yourself and still be able to take quality pictures with the group, or take photos of picturesque landscapes and rolling hills with the Opteka  RC-4 on your left hand while holding a beer on the other! Can’t you picture the convenience of owning one of these things? It’s brilliant! And like all gadgets we admire the Opteka RC-4 looks cool and sophisticated enough to be paired with your equally cool and sophisticated Canon EOS SLR at almost half the price of other available wireless remotes available on the market.

The range is however limited from 15 to 16 feet maximum, but I can’t think of a photo op where you have to stand more than the indicated range to take pictures with your camera. The remote that features a “through-the-wall” function is just a novelty that would probably wear-off in due time, unless you want to take snapshots or videos of scandals which, ironically, involves you (you didn’t hear it from me, though.) But the Opteka RC-4 does have two shutter functions, one where in you could set the shutter delay for 2 seconds, enough time to put horns on the head of the guy beside you. Overall the Opteka RC-4 does the job that it’s supposed to do and for the price, it’s an extremely logical proposition.

Opteka RS-4 features:

• Wireless camera operation for Canon EOS Digital Rebel SLR’s and most film SLR’s
• Allows shutter release function of up to 16 feet
• Instant or 2-second shutter release delay
• Battery Included, battery life up to 2 years or 10,000 exposures (approx.)
• Makes group photos easy

Where to buy Opteka RS-4 Remote

Best Price = Amazon.com

Best Service = B&H Photo

Panasonic Lumix DMC- FH20

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 features:

• 28mm wide angle 8x optical zoom, effective 14.1 megapixels LUMIX DC Vario lens
• Sonic Speed AF
• Fast Start-Up time
• Venus Engine IV, Higher Image Quality with Advanced Signal Processing
• Extended Battery life (approx. 300 shots on a single charge)
• iA Mode(Intelligent AUTO)
• MEGA OIS (optical image stabilizer) Shake Detection
• HD Movie Recording
• Touch Screen feature
• Built-in memory 40MB (expandable to 2GB)

Overview

Everyone seems to be going gaga with Facebook these days, what with the ability to display and share pictures in your fan page. The next time you go on a vacation in that wonderful island paradise that exists only in your dreams, you might want to consider the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 as the ideal travel companion to shoot your various escapades with ease. I have to say that once you upload your bar-fight-in-a- drunken-rage pictures on Facebook your friends would be amazed at the depth and clarity of your swollen, bruised mug. But the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 is not just ideal for the island paradise that you’ve always lusted for, in fact it’s equally adept to be used anytime, anywhere.

Design

It’s relatively slim design makes it easy to store in your pocket, but with its powerful features you’d be a fool to let it linger in your pocket, what with 14.1 megapixels and a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8x optical zoom you’d be taking pictures like a pro in no time. The iA mode (intelligent AUTO) will make sure of this, as the DMC-FH20 automatically adjusts light mode, aperture and ISO settings to every subject or landscape you want to capture. You will actually see the difference in the clarity and quality of your photos, taking time to appreciate the moment that you spent your money on the right product. The 2.7 inch high-resolution LCD with a touch screen feature make viewing potential subjects easier and will automatically adjust brightness levels in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. The screen is also coated with an anti reflective film to minimize glare, so clarity is evident whether shooting under the intense brightness of the outdoors or the dimness of night. It can even record motion images in HD (high-definition) with the pixel mixed readout method enabling bright motion picture recording even in low light settings.

Final Thoughts

All of this comes in a stylish, slim package that gives up nothing in terms of aesthetics. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20’s glossy paint job is an eye-catcher and is available in a variety of colors (candy apple red, black, silver and violet) that would suit any lifestyle or gender issues for that matter. The DMC-FH20 is Windows 7 ready right out of the box, and comes with PHOTOfunSTUDIO version 5.0 software to make uploading and editing photos (as well as videos) easy breezy. Mac users could take comfort in the fact that the DMC-FH20 works with iPhoto as well.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 is intended for sophisticated digital camera users who want all the best features in a digital camera in a light, slim package that looks techno-cool as well. Now, time to ponder on my next island getaway..

Where to Buy:

Best Price – Amazon

Best Service – B&H Photo

OTHER AVAILABLE LUMIX FH20 COLORS

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CAMERA BODIES

The camera “body” is the heart and soul of your digital equipment. It houses the electronics that make a camera a camera. You attach your lenses and accessories to it (SLR) or it is in fact the center of your complete camera system (Point and Shoot).

As technology progresses, we are continually bombarded by the latest and greatest advertisements from the 2 “market makers”, Nikon and Canon. Both companies offer a variety of cameras to suit your budget and style. If you intend to make photography a business or serious hobby, you need to invest in a DSLR to give you the features we’ll talk about in this book, as well as give you the ability to change lenses and accessories.

Here are my recommendations from each company, but I suggest you research them on your own or visit my website for more about each model:

ADVANCED POINT AND SHOOT
• Nikon: CoolPix P90 | Read Reviews

• Canon: PowerShot A2100 IS | Read Reviews

ENTRY-LEVEL DSLR

• Nikon: Nikon D5000 | Read Reviews

• Canon: EOS Rebel T1i EF-S 18-55mm IS Kit | Read Reviews

SEMI-PRO DSLR

• Nikon: Nikon D90 | Read Reviews

• Canon: EOS 50D | Read Reviews

PRO DSLR

• Nikon: Nikon D3X | Read Reviews

• Canon: EOS-1Ds Mark III | Read Reviews

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Review of the Zeikos ZE-WA58B 58mm Wide Angle Lens (Reviewed for Video)

Almost everyone who practically uses a camera would like to get better results and this can be made possible provided that you are armed with the right lens. I for one own a Canon S3IS and let me tell you, Zeikos ZE-WA58B 58mm Wide Angle Lens perfectly fits my Canon VIXIA HFS10 not to mention that it looks good on it. It won’t break the bank given that it only costs US$ 26.72!

Basically what it does is it expands your view at a wider angle allowing you to cover a bigger scope in terms of width. So you don’t have to manually adjust yourself by moving backwards to expand the coverage in your family picture.  I have noticed the normal problems with any adapter like this…a little barrel distortion, chromatic aberration, and blurring – but overall it isn’t all that bad considering I expected as much from a $30 adapter. If used for the right shots it actually can inspire some creative post – and that is never a bad thing.

Another thing worth mentioning in this review is that while other wide angle lens adapters are not only expensive—ranging from US$ 149 to $270, but they nearly offer almost the same thing as what Zeikos have. So why pay more if you can get the same quality and definition for something that wouldn’t hurt your pocket? Normally this type of lens is used to enhance the zoom-in image quality of a subject. I am impressed with the quality of image delivered by the Zeikos ZE-WA58B 58mm Wide Angle Lens shot at close range measuring about a quarter and an inch. Every detail was captured perfectly using a high-definition multi-coated 0.45x wide angle lens.

You should never sacrifice quality over affordability but if you can have both then you should grab that opportunity since it comes very rarely especially for electronic items. On an average, a product such as this one would cost a lot but if you are working on a budget and want something sleek yet of good quality, it wouldn’t actually hurt to try Zeikos ZE-WA58B 58mm Wide Angle Lens. You simply have to consider the right way of using the product and it will deliver the perfect shot that you are aiming at.

Final Thoughts

For the money you’ll spend on this it wouldn’t hurt to try Zeikos ZE-WA58B 58mm Wide Angle Lens.  I’m sure you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have with it. Don’t plan on perfectly sharp shots, or Canon “L” perfect colors, but if you need a cheap wide angle lens, this adapter is a nice edition to your camera bag.

Where to buy it:

Best Price - Amazon