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The 27″ Angler Port-a-Cube LED Light Tent should be on your camera gear wish list

One of the most technical challenges that photographers and filmmakers face, is the perfect lighting for their scenes. This is especially the case when there are environmental effects that are uncontrollable.

In the world of studio photography, where lighting can be controlled, the challenge of perfect, even, and flattering lighting still exists. While uneven light and shadows are sometimes useful for portrait photography to create interest and different looks, they are not much help when shooting product photography or even controlled object photography where even and “full” lighting is desired for the object.

In my pursuit of the perfect lighting for product photography, I have tried numerous lights and flashes, and even a photo box with external LED lamps. One day I decided to take a trip to B&H Photo Video to get a first-hand look at what was available to meet my needs and to possibly get to try them out in the store to help me to decide. Luckily, it was not so busy in that section on the day I visited, and I was able to get personal attention from a sales person, and I got to try multiple photo boxes.

The one that I loved and eventually purchased was the 27” Angler Port-a-Cube LED Light Tent. It checked all the boxes of size, portability, and stunning 5400K daylight from the 150 built-in LED lights. The internal panels are reflective, and it comes with 4 inserts; black, gray, white and chroma green. Since buying this light tent, I have retired all my previous contraptions and setups for product and object photography. This is my “go to” in-studio box and I could not be happier.

If you are in the neighborhood, you can head over to the B&H Photo Video store and check it out. It is available for purchase for a great deal at just $99.95.

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The 27″ Angler Port-a-Cube LED Light Tent should be on your camera gear wish list originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 6, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Don’t worry about the safety of your ring or your finger with the Enso silicone ring

Wearing a ring while working at some jobs or engaging in some activities can be dangerous.  Yes, demanding physical activity can damage your ring, but more importantly, it can damage or even cost you your finger.  You may have heard about Jimmy Fallon’s hand injury some time back, where he caught his ring on a countertop as he fell and suffered a ring avulsion injury.  (Warning:  gruesome photos if you do a Google search!)  Avulsion injuries happen when the ring doesn’t slide off, but instead gets pulled down your finger, leaving nerve and muscle damage in its wake or even de-gloving your finger (yes, just what it sounds like!).  These injuries often results in amputation.  With the Enso ring, you won’t have to worry about remembering to remove your ring before engaging in risky activities because Enso silicone rings are designed to break apart if they are placed under stress.

Enso has a variety of styles and colors available, and they even have a line of Elements rings that are infused with real metals or minerals and are designed for use as wedding rings.  The Elements collection are available in a Classic width (6.6mm wide x 1.75mm thick) or a Thin width (4.3mm wide x 1.75mm thick).  These rings are available in copper (infused with real copper), rose or yellow gold (infused with real gold), silver (infused with real silver), black pearl (infused with real pearl), and peacock quartz (infused with quartz).  These rings have airflow channels on the inner surface to keep your finger cool and dry under the ring.  All Elements rings are $39.99, regardless of the infused material or the width of the bands.

Enso also offers other silicone rings without the metal infusion.  These rings are available in various fashionable styles and colors; they range in price from $12 to $25, with one style on sale for $6.00.  Check out all the colors and styles at the Enso Rings website.

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Don’t worry about the safety of your ring or your finger with the Enso silicone ring originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 6, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Carry a dry-erase board in your pocket!

A while ago, Julie reviewed the Wipebook notebook with dry-erase pages inside.  That version was a hardback book, and Julie had an issue with the book not laying flat.  Wipebook has been evolving since then, and there are three new versions available, including one sized to carry in your pocket for quick notes to yourself.

The new versions all have faux leather covers and brass spiral, lay-flat bindings.  Each has 10 leaves (20 writing pages) covered with a “hyper gloss” UV film that’s easy to erase.  Wipebook is available in the original size (8.5″ x 11″), mini (5.8″ x 8.25″), and a pocket size.  Each comes with one Staedtler 305F-9 no-smudge dry erase pen.

The original Wipebook is $44.95, mini is $39.95, and the pocket size is $19.95 at The Grommet.

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Carry a dry-erase board in your pocket! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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How the Blinkers system is making cycling safer

The addition of lights to bicycles is nothing new. From headlights that draw their power from the bike’s wheels to the integration of solar lighting, these devices have saved countless lives while adding some flair and originality to bikes across the nation.

But a European company has introduced a new product that aims to make bicycling even safer — and they’re doing so with the introduction of Blinkers.

Introducing the Blinkers System

Pioneered by Velohub — based out of Zurich, Switzerland — Blinkers is what it sounds like: a set of front-and rear-facing blinkers for the traditional pedal bicycle. But the developers use some next-gen technology to set this gadget apart from the others and put it at the head of its class.

Not only does it feature fully functional blinkers in the way of highly visible LED strips, but the system also includes a headlight for the front and a taillight for the back.

The headlight offers three different modes of operation, and the taillight uses a built-in accelerometer to automatically trigger the brake light when the vehicle is slowing down. Since it’s important bicyclists can execute turns safely, the lights on the Blinkers system protect them at all times.

But the centerpiece of technology in the Blinkers system is the laser projection device. The most innovative part of the entire setup is a semi-circle — laser-projected behind the bike — at night.

It makes the vehicle even more visible to passing motorists, pedestrians or other bicyclists. More importantly, it designates a clear safe zone that maintains strict boundaries.

For on-the- go power, the Blinkers system is rechargeable via micro USB, which is compatible with all current-gen laptops, desktops and many power adapters. The device includes a built-in LED screen, which briefly flashes with the unit’s remaining charge when it’s first activated. Rechargeable batteries in the current model last for approximately seven hours.

The system is also easy to install. All the mounts are magnetic, so it doesn’t require any tools or advanced mechanical knowledge. Velohub tried to make the Blinkers system as user-friendly as possible — and they succeeded at every turn.

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Blinkers system is the cost. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of €199 — or just under $250 — the full system is aimed at serious biking enthusiasts and consumers who care about their health. Budget-minded consumers can pick up individual pieces of the Blinkers system, such as the front blinker, the rear blinker or the laser blinker, but it’s much more economical and affordable to purchase them all as a package.

Whether a bike is an essential form of daily transportation to and from work, or strictly a recreational vehicle, the Blinkers system can help cyclists reach their destinations safely and securely. When paired with the latest health and fitness apps or devices, bicyclists can stay safe while getting their daily exercise.

Who Is Velohub?

Despite their small size, Velohub is already making huge headlines for developing the Blinkers system.

The team, headed up by CEO Javier Fernandez de Alegria, only includes five other individuals: a head of sales, head of electronics, head of marketing, software engineer and head of direct sales. It might be a small group, but they have big goals — and they’re already on their way to achieving them.

Smart Technology for Cyclists

According to their website, Velohub’s primary purpose is to “make smart technology for cyclists.” They use cutting-edge technology to enrich the lives of bicyclists through added safety mechanisms. Velohub’s team is also quick to tout bicycling as a healthier, cheaper and cleaner alternative to modern automobiles. For more information on Velohub, or to purchase the Blinkers system, please visit their official website.

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How the Blinkers system is making cycling safer originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 5, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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The Olympus VP-10 Digital Voice Recorder is sleek, effective, and discreet

Personal portable Digital Voice Recorders are widely available with numerous customer driven features, and for a price range of less than $50 up to several hundred dollars. I have used a few in the past from various manufacturers, and while I was mostly satisfied, I always felt that there was room for improvement, whether it was size, or connectivity or build quality or audio quality.

Just recently, I decided to invest in another Digital Voice Recorder. To meet my requirements, it had to produce amazing audio quality for both recording and playback, have USB connectivity, a small and discreet footprint, be intuitive, convenient, and very easy to use. After settling on a budget and after much research, I decided to purchase the Olympus VP-10. Olympus has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing great voice recorders and based on the specifications and reviews, the VP-10 seemed to live up to that reputation.

When I received the VP-10, I was pleasantly surprised. It is the length of the average pen and maybe double the width. It has a built-in pen clip and the buttons are well placed for ease of use. My preliminary testing leads me to believe that the audio recording quality is indeed consistently excellent and that this device will serve me well for a long time. I have not yet come across any annoying issues or deal-breaking design flaws, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good quality digital voice recorder.

You can purchase the Olympus VP-10 at B&H Photo Video for the current low price of $75.60.

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The Olympus VP-10 Digital Voice Recorder is sleek, effective, and discreet originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 5, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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