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The Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone is a great addition to a DSLR recording kit


Whenever I want to shoot a quick video, I tend to grab my DSLR as opposed to my Canon or Sony professional video cameras, which are much bigger and heavier, and require me to drag along much more equipment. My DSLR and an external audio recorder are usually enough, but there have been times when I have tried to synchronize the audio from the recorder with the audio recorded by the camera mic, and the audio from the camera mic was so noisy and unfocused, that it created problems. Then at other times, I needed to shoot a video and immediately use the footage with the audio recorded by the camera mics, and that too was bad.

It was obvious that I needed a better solution for such occasions, so I purchased the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone, and it has worked out well. It is true to its name, as it is quite small and compact but does a very good job of capturing directional audio, and really does outperform the mic on the camera. The Rode comes with a detachable coiled cable that connects to it via a 3.5mm female jack, and the other end connects to the mic input on the DSLR. I really like that the coiled cable stays out of the way. There is also a nice shoe mount that is included, and a “dead cat” windscreen that works very well when filming outdoors in windy conditions, and indoors where even ambient noise from an air conditioner could affect a recording.

If you would like to give the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone a try, you can pick one up at Amazon for $59.00.

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The Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone is a great addition to a DSLR recording kit originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 17, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Flashpoint Budget Macro Focusing Rail Set will fine tune your macro photography

By now, many of you that have read my news stories can easily see my love for photography and even more, my love for macro photography. The ability to capture amazing images that have an interesting focal point, depth of field, and great bokeh, has become an obsession. When I am in the studio working on macro photography, there are times when my setup involves an object that I mount in a fixed position and a camera on a tripod that is focused on that object.

To get the perfect shot, there is usually the need to make micro adjustments to the distance between the lens and the object, and the left or right position of the camera. Making such adjustments by manipulating the tripod head simply does not work, and after many of my own failures trying to do just that, I purchased the Flashpoint Budget Macro Camera Focusing Rail Set, with 4 way and Fine Control.

I should immediately declare that cost was a major contributor to this purchase since many of the revered focusing rails cost hundreds of dollars. I settled on the Flashpoint rail because it was comparatively cheaper and because it had very good reviews. I must say that it turned out to be a great choice and a great decision. This rail is well built and capable of adjustments that are micro enough to do the job. It stayed in place with a relatively heavy DSLR camera with the extended battery grip with 2 batteries installed, and with the weighty Sigma 105mm macro lens attached. I was able to really get the position between the lens and the object dialed in perfectly and it has remained reliable for every shoot.

If you are in the market for a focusing rail and if you don’t want to put a hole in your pocket, head over to Adorama and pick one up for the bargain price of $54.95.

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The Flashpoint Budget Macro Focusing Rail Set will fine tune your macro photography originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 15, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Think Tank Photo Digital Holster will let you win your next photo shoot out


When I chat with my fellow photographers about their workflows, most of us agree that we have a “go to” lens that is our favorite to take with us when we are shooting at will, and not restricted for a specific event. However, in many cases, the same “go to” lens can also work for many of our favorite events, and that contributes to it being the most comfortable choice. What is very interesting, is that there is no specific lens that seems to be a common choice among us.

My favorite “go to” lens is my Sigma 70-200mm along with a Canon EOS 7D MKII SLR body. While it is my choice, it may not be a popular choice for many photographers because of its weight and size, and extended length when used with a camera with an APS-C sensor and extended hood. Since this is my favorite lens, I needed to find a case that would hold the lens and the camera body and longer hood extension all assembled, so that I could have quick access to it to make sure I got the shot.

To accomplish this, I purchased the Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 Version 2.0. Like everything made by Think Tank, this case did not disappoint. It is available in various sizes, and the 50 is specifically designed for the 70-200mm lens. Its zipped up size accommodates the camera body attached to the lens without the lens hood and extension. When zipped open at the bottom, it accommodates the complete assembly. It is form fitting and very easy to access to quickly retrieve the camera. It has a few side pockets that can hold, lens caps, and filters and batteries, and a removable shoulder strap for carrying and extra safety. It also has rail attachments for adding additional pouches and components, and the ability to be attached to a belt. There is even a business card pocket inside to make it a complete “go to” case.

If you are interested in purchasing a Think Tank Photo Digital Holster, it is available in several sizes to match your DSLR camera body and lens. The 50 V2.0 size can be purchased at Amazon for $89.75.

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The Think Tank Photo Digital Holster will let you win your next photo shoot out originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 14, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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The Yongnuo YN-14EX-C Macro Ring Flash is a winner!

Macro photography is an enjoyable way to shoot close-up photographs both of objects in nature, and of interesting objects in various environments. Macro photography lens which are designed specifically for macro photography, allow you to get very close to the object. To achieve the full potential of a macro lens, one of the most important things to get just right is lighting, which is also critical for all good photography. In addition to the basics, a good macro photograph usually has a great focal point, good depth of field and great bokeh.

I have tried many different lighting arrangements and equipment, and specifically, many flashes. My current favorite and a key to getting all the macro photograph attributes correct, is the Yongnuo YN-14EX-C Macro Ring flash. Yongnuo is a company that makes several different types of photography gear and equipment that mimic Canon gear and equipment. However, Yongnuo produces very well built and comparable equipment for a fraction of the price. When I was looking for a ring flash for my Canon DSLR, I considered both Canon and Sigma ring flashes. Both of those are very well built and have recycle times that are a bit faster than the Yongnuo. However, the Yongnuo’s features and performance come in close behind them, and at a quarter of the price of the Sigma and one-tenth of the price of the Canon, it is an amazing deal. I have nothing but good things to say about the reliability and overall design of this ring flash.

If you would like to give the Yongnuo YN-14EX-C Macro Ring Flash a try, you can pick one up at Amazon for the great price of $98.99 for a few dollars less on Adorama.

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The Yongnuo YN-14EX-C Macro Ring Flash is a winner! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 13, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Take pics with your DSLR without touching the shutter button

There are several types of photography that I find very enjoyable. I love close-up macro photography and also outdoor photography when I can place my camera on a tripod somewhere in nature and capture amazing photographic moments.

When I first started this type of photography, I would either have my camera handheld or next to me on a tripod, and I would depress the shutter release button to take the picture. When taking macro shots, I quickly understood that no matter how steady I tried to be, depressing the shutter release would cause some vibration on the camera and distort the full clarity of the image, because of the impact the movement had on the focus. When shooting in nature, I would try to capture insects or other natural inhabitants, but my presence next to the camera would almost always scare away the subject.

I realized that I needed a remote shutter release so that I could be away from the camera or in the case of macro photography, I could avoid the vibration of the camera.

I purchased the Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter release after researching the many available remote shutter devices. My decision was based on both cost and features.

The Vello Remote Shutter Release consists of 2 components, a transmitter, and a receiver. The Receiver connects to the camera via the Canon 3-pin connector and the Transmitter is the hand-held trigger that can send a signal to the Receiver from up to 100 meters away. I have never tried it from that far, but it works very well from all the distances I have tried. The Receiver and Transmitter each work on 2 AAA batteries and communicate via the 2.4Ghz frequency. In the event of any interference, they offer a selection of 16 channels to find the best signal.

If you would like to purchase the Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Shutter Release, it is available at B&H Photo Video and Amazon for select Canon, Sony, and Nikon cameras for $59.95.

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Take pics with your DSLR without touching the shutter button originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 12, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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