by Felix Esser on May 2, 2012

Lensbaby just introduced the Pro Effects Kit, a collection of Lensbaby products to get you started with Lensbaby photography. The kit contains the Composer Pro module, the Sweet 35 and Edge 80 optics, an 8mm and a 16mm macro converter, a microfiber lens cleaning cloth and a bag to tuck it all away. With two focal lengths that cover everything from moderate wide-angle to short telephoto, the tiltable Composer Pro module and the macro converters, this kit really contains everything you need. From landscapes to protraits, from flower details to product shots, or just for some creative experimenting — there isn’t much that can’t be done with this kit. However, it comes at a price. At US-$ 750, it is still better value for money than buying each product seperately, though.
[click to continue…]
by Felix Esser on April 27, 2012

Ireland-based manufacturer of photographic accessories Hähnel has introduced a new entry-level wireless flash trigger called the “Tuff”. In accordance with its name, it is made from tough rubber, has a reinforced housing and is encapsuled in a silicone case, to give the photographer “peace of mind against any accidental impact” (Hähnel’s own words.) This probably makes the Tuff the ideal companion for outdoor and action shoots, where cameras and/or models are being hurled through the air (on purpose or by accident.) Or for a safari, where you risk being attacked by lions and elephants — chances are the Tuff will outlive you in such a case. But, according to Hähnel, it is also suitable for studio work (where raging models throw things at you.) [click to continue…]
by Felix Esser on April 25, 2012

Fujifilm has recently announced a price raise for their photographic films. According to the company’s official statement, the increase will be “substantial” and “double digit”. As reason for the price increase, which will become effective from May 2012, Fujifilm state — once again, what else could it be — a continuously decreasing demand for film products, while the Yen’s appreciation and the cost of production are rising. However, on the bright side, Fujifilm also claims that they remain committed to photographic products and wish to sustain its photo imaging business.
So, if you’re a fan of Fujifilm photographic films and your stocks are running out, now would be a good time to buy. On second thought, that could be said about Kodak films as well …
Buy Fujifilm film from B&H Photo
Buy Kodak film from B&H Photo
Please Support The Phoblographer
We love to bring you guys the latest and greatest news and gear related stuff. However, we can’t keep doing that unless we have your continued support. If you would like to purchase any of the items mentioned, please do so by clicking our links first and then purchasing the items as we then get a small portion of the sale to help run the website.
by Chris Gampat on April 24, 2012

Nevercenter is giving away a Canon 5D Mk III and all you need to do is try their software: Camerabag 2. We reviewed it a while back, and thought that it was a nice compliment to other programs like Lightroom.
The rules are below: but we’re also giving away 5 free copies of the program if you’d like. Just comment on this blog post and tell us why you think photo filters (like the ones in Camera Bag 2) are so appealing.
How to enter:
1. Download a free trial version of CameraBag 2.
2. Post an image that you’ve manipulated in CameraBag 2 to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, or your personal blog. In addition to your own comments, your post must include the following text:
“Here’s my entry to win a free Canon 5D Mk III in the @CameraBag 2 giveaway (http://bit.ly/cb2-5d)”
3. Submit your name and a link (in the form below) to where you’ve posted your image. Make sure the privacy settings on your post allow us to see it!
by Chris Gampat on April 23, 2012

Mamiya and Leaf combined their awesome medium format powers a while back, and they are flexing them quite a bit in the form of the new Leaf Credo medium format back. Available in 40MP, 60MP and 80MP CCD sizes for the 645DF system, it is full acknowledgement that the megapixels wars are still on.
Mamiya/Leaf claim that the sensor will have up to 12.5 stops of dynamic range: which still can’t beat film at 16 stops.
Plus, there is also USB 3.0 and Firewire interfaces, 1/4000th shutter speed, 1/1600 flash sync, and 1.2fps shooting.
But the cool part isn’t about the fact that you’ll be able to take a photo of a model and find every single blemish on their face. The back of each back has a 1.15 megapixel resolution touchscreen with multi-touch abilities: just like your iPhone or Android device. In fact, the whole panel seems to work with a touch interface.
According to Pop Photo,” The Credo 40 starts at $19,500. The 60 checks in at $32,500, and the Credo 80 will set you back a serious $39,000. And remember, you’ll need a camera body and a lens to go with it, so make sure to leave room in your budget.”
by Chris Gampat on April 23, 2012

While everyone and their mentor has been blogging all about how Adobe Creative Suite and Photoshop CS6 will make you a better photographer, Focal Press today outed some tutorials on learning how to use the damn software to begin with. First off, there are 9 books that you can check out right here.
And for those of you that refuse to upgrade, they have Photoshop CS5, Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS3 users covered.
Most impressively though, is their full on list of video tutorials that they put out today. Take a look at a couple of them right after the jump.
[click to continue…]