The Benro 75mm Hi-Hat tripod keeps your camera as low as it can go


When I am in the studio “messing around” with macro photography trying to use various objects to produce an amazing photo, I often use a tabletop as my platform. The object would be on the tabletop, and I use my DSLR mounted to a full-size tripod. This can be a pain sometimes when I have to drag the large tripod out and then pack it away again. I think the answer to my dilemma would be a strong and sturdy tabletop tripod.

Enter the Benro 75mm Hi-Hat. This tripod is perfect for working with low angles and capturing photos from angles that would be very difficult if not impossible, using a large tripod. Even when I leave the tabletop environment and head outdoors to get those shots close to the ground, this Benro would work.

It is made of aluminum with a 75mm bowl made of magnesium. The combination of these metals allow it to weigh in at only 2.8 pounds, but still have a load capacity of 165 pounds, which is quite incredible. The legs are made up of two sections, and allow the tripod to get as low as 3.1 inches. With 3 adjustable and independent positions for each leg, and included spiked feet, tackling uneven ground is par for the course. While its maximum height is only 11 inches, when you add a tripod head and the camera, it gains additional versatility which would work great for both photography and videography.

The Benro 75mm Hi-Hat is available for purchase at Amazon and B&H Photo Video for the bargain price of $149.

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The Benro 75mm Hi-Hat tripod keeps your camera as low as it can go originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 4:59 pm.

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Packages delivered directly into the trunk of your car: what will Amazon think of next?!

Last year Amazon introduced Key In-Home delivery which allowed Prime deliveries directly into your home. On Tuesday they launched Key In-Car, a new service that allows couriers to deliver packages directly into the trunk of your vehicle.

The new service is free for Prime members in 37 cities in the US driving a 2015 or newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, or Volvo with OnStar or Volvo On Call.

How it works 

To get started download the free Amazon Key app from the App Store or Google Play. Then select the in-car delivery option on your next Amazon order.

After that it’s pretty simple, just park your car in a publicly accessible parking space within two blocks of your delivery address. You’ll get a notification when the package has been dropped off and your car is relocked. Viola, package delivered!

Amazon stresses that it will authorize the delivery driver before your car is unlocked. And no special access or keys are given to the driver.

So you shouldn’t have to worry about a random driver just taking off with your car.

Key In-Car delivery is a great idea especially if you spend a lot of time away from home. It also means you don’t have to go home to get your package. And it’s certainly less invasive than the Key in-home delivery option.

To learn more about Amazon’s Key In-Car delivery service head over to their info page.

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Packages delivered directly into the trunk of your car: what will Amazon think of next?! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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The new Nikon D850 DSLR Camera – Is it the best in its class?


By now, all of our Gadgeteer readers that have been following my news stories know that I am a Canon guy. However, in this news stories series, I will focus on DSLR cameras from various manufacturers.
The Nikon D850 DSLR Camera “brings to the table”, a combination of great photography capabilities along with nice movie recording abilities, utilizing its 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor which can capture great detail. Its features include:

– 7 frames per second shooting for 51 Frames with AE/AF
– A maximum sensitivity of ISO 102400
– An EXPEED 5 Image Processor
– A 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
– A Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
– 8K Time-Lapse, Negative Digitizer Mode
– A 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor
– Focus Shift Mode
– Bluetooth
– Wi-Fi.

In addition, it can record 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second and full HD 1080p at up to 120 frames per second for slow motion playback. The camera has a weather sealed design so that it can be used in any weather conditions. Included in the box you will find a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, a battery charger, a USB 3.0 cable, a camera strap, a body cap and an eyepiece.

The camera comes with a limited one year warranty.

The Nikon D850 DSLR Camera “body only” is currently listed as “coming soon” at B&H Photo Video and Amazon and can be pre-ordered for $3,296.95.

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The new Nikon D850 DSLR Camera – Is it the best in its class? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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Xenxo S-Ring smart ring, Reolink 4G security camera, collapsible drinking straws, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

This week we are bringing you four crowdfunding campaigns that are currently running on Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This week’s campaigns are for people who like to keep an eye on their home, people who suck, people who like pencils, and more. Check out our picks for this week’s notable crowdfunding campaigns.

Reolink Go: Wire-Free 4G Rechargeable Security Cam

What is it?
Reolink Go is a small wireless security camera that doesn’t need WiFi to operate because it uses 4G.

Why do I like it?
I like the Reolink Go camera because it doesn’t need wireless internet connectivity where you want to install it. It uses existing 4G-LTE mobile networks like AT&T and T-Mobile here in the US, and other networks (see the campaign page for more info). You have to have your own data plan and SIM card to install in the camera, but after that, there are no additional monthly charges. Also, the camera doesn’t need to be connected to power because it runs on batteries that can be charged with a solar panel. This camera would be a good solution for monitoring locations on your property that are not in the coverage area of your WiFi network.

Where can I find more info?
The Reolink Go campaign ends in a month and they are racing towards their funding goal of $30,000. You can pre-order a Reolink Go starting at $119. After the Reolink Go campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in July 2018. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

Xenxo S-Ring – The World’s Smartest Smart Wearable

What is it?
Move over smartwatches, because now we have smart rings and the Xenxo S-Ring is poised to be a genius in this category because it has almost every feature you’d want on a ring. It’s a fitness tracker, a gesture controller, a wireless headset, and more.

Why do I like it?
I like the Xenxo S-Ring because it combines multiple features that require multiple devices into one small device that you can wear on your finger. If this ring actually gets manufactured (I sure hope so), it’s going to give new meaning to wearable tech. I like the idea of having all those features on my finger and am especially excited about using the ring to make payments and as a wireless headset just because I want to look like secret service agent when I talk into my hand.

Where can I find more info?
The Xenxo S-Ring campaign ends on 5/26/2018 and they are working towards their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order a Xenxo S-Ring starting at $179. After the Xenxo S-Ring campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Grafton Mechanical Pencil. Lifetime Guarantee EDC Pencil.

What is it?
The Grafton is a mechanical pencil made of anodized aluminum that has been designed to last a lifetime with a lifetime guarantee to back it up.

Why do I like it?
I like the Grafton Mechanical Pencil because it has an understated style to it. It’s not flashy, it’s classy, minimal, and sleek. It works with .5 mm leads or .7 mm leads with a special reservoir that they can provide as an add-on order.

Where can I find more info?
The Grafton Mechanical Pencil campaign ends on 5/12/2018 and they have already reached their funding goal of $5,000. You can pre-order a Grafton Mechanical Pencil starting at $29. After the Grafton Mechanical Pencil campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in June 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

FinalStraw, the world’s first collapsible, reusable straw

What is it?
The FinalStraw is a stainless steel medical grade collapsible tube / straw that fits in a small case.

Why do I like it?
I like the FinalStraw because it solves the issue of too many plastic straws. We have a drawer overflowing with straws in my kitchen from to go cups that we bring home. We save them because we always use straws with our beverages. But straws are like rabbits and multiply rapidly. The FinalStraw looks like a really cool alternative and it even comes with a cleaning squeegee.

Where can I find more info?
The FinalStraw campaign ends on 5/19/2018 and they have already reached and raced past their funding goal of $12,500. You can pre-order a FinalStraw starting at $20. After the FinalStraw campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in November 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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Xenxo S-Ring smart ring, Reolink 4G security camera, collapsible drinking straws, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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WaterField’s Rough Rider Messenger rides again – with new features inside!

WaterField has announced the “renaissance” of its Rough Rider bag.   It’s still a rugged, premium-leather laptop bag reminiscent of an Old West satchel, but it’s now updated with modern features.  Rough Rider still retains these classic features, as described by WaterField:

  • Constructed of thick, full-grain leather with raw edges for an adventurous yet sophisticated look; develops a beautiful patina with use.
  • A dual-layer leather flap shuts securely with strong snaps and is adjustable to two lengths, so users can fill the bag to capacity or cinch it tight. Either way the bag maintains its slim profile.
  • An unlined interior and natural edges reveal the leather’s premium quality.
  • A sumptuous leather panel under the flap creates a color splash— available in six color choices.
  • The innovative strap system compresses bag contents to maintain a slim profile and positions the bag snugly against the body to help ease back fatigue.
  • Two deep, waxed canvas pockets in the main compartment fit a tablet, smart phone and additional necessities.
  • A full-width, luxuriously-soft, lined pocket under the flap stows electronics or personal items.
  • A floating shoulder pad with a no-slip underside keeps the shoulder strap in place.
  • A top leather handle allows for a quick grab.

WaterField has added these modern features:

  • An interior waxed canvas, plush, padded laptop compartment that readily fits up to a 15-inch MacBook Pro.
  • Two slots hold an Apple Pencil, Surface Pen, or a regular ballpoints.
  • A rolling suitcase handle pass-through lets your messenger ride on your suitcase handle for easier transport.

The leather accent panel is available in blue, black, crimson, espresso, gray, or grizzly.  The Rough Rider Messenger Bag is $429.  Orders placed today will ship by May 4 from WaterField.

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WaterField’s Rough Rider Messenger rides again – with new features inside! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 25, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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