SanDisk vs. Washing Machine Gods

In no way am I saying that you should try this, and it will work, but I am probably the worst person when it comes to leaving things in my pockets before they go into the wash. Just recently I discovered that I left on of my SanDisk 4GB IVs in there and found it at the bottom of my wash. My heart sunk. I had already uploaded images but those things aren't cheep. Most things that go through that much water don't come out looking to good. But I let if dry out on its own and plugged it into my card reader and you know what, it worked! All the images were there and it worked with the camera. :) I haven't tried this with other disks but it's good to know that these things can stand up to some serious rinse cycles.

LaCinema? No Thanks.

LaCie has come out with a product much like the AppleTV, it even costs the same and sports a 500GB (up to 1TB) of space to store all those DVD you've ripped. Well, that's where the nice things end. This $250 unit just wont cut it in the bells and whistles department. There is no WiFi *(or even ethernet) updating so you must upload everything the first time through the USB if you plan on keeping this unit in one place. There is no HDMI and I don't understand why. There is optical audio and component, so it is possible to get a good picture (up to 1080i upscale) The unit's look or remote is nothing special, it's basically a black box with some non-essential lights. The remote is bulky as well. The interface is supposed to be 'easy to use' and 'streamlined' but it's quite ugly and sports the LaCie name twice on the home screen in the largest font.

If you are a movie person, and have a collection of DVD's ripped that your local FBI may want to look into, they you may have an interest in this product. One feature that is nice is there is no requirement to have the files in two places, like with AppleTV that syncs (copies) files from your main computer.

Sony's a200

Sony announced today that a (alpha) DSLR-A200 will replace its A100. The 10.2 megapixel DSLR sports a Sony Bionz image processor, in-inbody Super SteadyShot image stabilization, quieter shutter, a larger ISO range, and a dust reduction system. Two kits are planed, an 18-70mm ($700) and a 18-70mm + 75-300mm ($900). Both are expected to ship next month. But you can start pre-orders tomorrow no doubt.

In comparison to the a100, it is quite similar. Both sport a 10.2 MP sensor, 3fps, Super SS, and 9 AF points. The a200 is cheaper and includes more for you buck. The monitor is slightly bigger but still has the same number of pixels. The only other noticeable change is the battery which will give you a projected 750 shots over the 600 in the a100.

Quick Links
>Sony a200<
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Article: "The Ultimate Setup-Sports Illustrated and the Final Four"

It gives new meaning to the words 'March Madness' when the extensive SI team makes its way to the Georgia Dome to shoot one of the biggest sports events of the year. This article comes from Microsoft's Professional Photography website that offers articles, profiles, downloads and more dealing with the ever growing connection between the art world and the computer world. Click to read part 1 and part 2.

(Microsoft and Sports Illustrated)

Opening Day!

This is my first post on my new blog which will work aside my web site and business. I have been involved with photography for a few years now and also have a background in film. I am know Spielberg or Ansel Adams, but I do hope someday to make a career in either path.

Today, for my first blog, I am going to talk about my photography and what is in my bag. (No Pic, but hope to be soon). One thing I always notice about photo websites and blogs is that photographers never really share what is in the bag. Knowing that is one, interesting, and two, a lot of help when trying to find some new equipment. I don't think photographers are shy, it's just not something they share online, but when you meet a photographer in person, they can't stop talking about their new lens or flash, or some other accessory.

So here is what is in my bag...
1. 1-Canon 1D Mark III (The best camera I have ever used)
2. 1-Canon Rebel XT (For fun and to place in dangerous spots)
3. 2-Canon 430EX Flash (They are not at good as the 580s, but i'm on a budget)
4. 1-Canon EF 70-200mm 2.8 (I use this lens for just about everything in terms of sports)
5. 1-Canon EF 28-135mm IS (This is my walk around lens, great and not that expensive)
6. 1-Canon EF 50mm 1.8 (only $60 and great for getting shallow DOF on the cheep)
7. 1-Sigma 10-20mm (For the artistic side, works great for non-action sports shooting)
8. 6-SanDisk Compact Flash Memory Cards (Sized from 512mb to 4gb and from Ultra IIs to Extreme IVs)
9. 1-Quantaray 77mm Polarizer Filter (gets really deep colors when needed)
10. 1-Canon RC-1 IR Remote Control (Shoots IR beams to fire the XT from remote)
11. 1-Bogen/Manfrotto 680B w/ Quick Release (Time saver and back saver on the sidelines)
12. All rapped up in a Quantaray Backpack (Removable dividers and double layer protection)

This is my basic kit. I don't take this with me on every shoot. One thing that makes a good photographer is packing smart, and always having extra batteries.

When planing for a shoot, always think about what you are shooting. High action sports or flowers. You don't need to take a big 70-200mm to shoot flowers. You might not even need a backpack, just a camera and one good walk-around lens. But when going on assignment, overpack if you can. Think about every possible situation that could go wrong, because it's likely one of them will, you just don't know which one. Take at least two high capacity memory cards in the chance that one gets full or one becomes corrupted. Also, for your external flash, granted you have one, you'll need AA batteries, so always keep a set in your bag. Before your shoot, charge you camera's battery. High end DSLRs have a long battery life (up to 10 hrs) but if you are going to doing some intense shooting, you may need to purchase an extra battery, witch depending on your camera, could get expensive. On the camera, if you only have one, thats the one you take, but if you have two, you need to think about luging that other one along. You would hate to travel to a game and have the thing break down, or be doing a wedding and for some reason, the camera wont turn on (did you charge the battery). But bringing another camera body can also allow you to attach another lens so you don't have to switch between the two during a shoot. This will prevent dust from getting on the sensor as well. Planning is the key here, don't take EVERYTHING if you know you wont need it all, but be careful not to leave something you may need behind.

Quick Link
>The Pros and Their Bags<

Travels To The Edge with Art Wolfe

*None of the above links are meant as advertisements. I receive no incentive for you clicking on them, they are just meant to provide information to you.