Apr 5, 2011 | Field Reports
I was talking with my old bud Dave Black at PSW and batteries came up. We both use flash a lot an not wanting to add anymore to landfills, I’ve been using rechargeable batteries since 1983. I’ve been using PowerEx for a while now but of late, not been happy with their performance. Dave told me about what he’s been using and loving, Eneloop AA. I ordered a set before leaving PSW so they were waiting for me at home. One thing you’ll notice as soon as you get a set is right on the packaging, it says “Pre-Charged, Long Storage Life.” Dave told me that’s what he had found from his use, a huge complaint I have with PowerEx of late (almost dead a few days after charging). So, I took a set right from the packaging, put them in a SB-900 and blasted away. I got bored with the test before the recycle time got down to 10sec. That’s without my charging them! To say I’m impressed is an understatement (and ordered a whole bunch more!). But then, consider the source because when it comes to portable light, flash or 2mil flashlight, Dave knows what he’s talking about! There is a new, XX Eneloop 2500mAh which I have on order but if they are like the 2000mAh I have, I’ll be a happy camper!
Apr 5, 2011 | Field Reports
I’ll be straight with ya, this thing has me scratching my head a little. The great folks at VisibleDust just came out with their Mini Quasar Sensor Loupe which as the name suggests, is the smaller brother of the more common BriteVue Quasar Sensor Loupe. The Mini is much smaller, you could easily carry it in your flap pocket in your camera bag. It’s $20 less and in this day & age, that’s something. And it’s damn bright! But the Quasar I think is easier to use as it sits neatly on the lens mount and doesn’t slide around. The Mini, you have to hold in place and while pretty well balanced, I find it awkward to use. It does utilize a glass magnifier and not some plastic lens so you can see easily all the dust. It is so small I will carry both Loupes with me but I’ll probably reach for the big brother first when I go to clean my sensor.
Apr 4, 2011 | Field Reports
The quest for video, it keeps me up at night. I talked about it to fellow PSW Dreamteam members last week, it keeps me up at night and I struggle with organizing it all the time. And even with those backend nightmares, I still invest in it. My latest is the newly released (as in this last week) Coolpix S9100. Why this camera? It does a great job with 1080p video! It’s really small size makes it less of a target for the slip stream when up in a plane (it’s also lighter) which is what I was looking for. I’ll still rely on the P7000 for still coverage out of the pocket but will turn to the S9100 for video (P7000 doesn’t do 1080p). You can find out more about it Jeff at Adorama a jingle, he’ll put it right in your hands in a snap. My only concern is, it’s so small, I might loose it!
Apr 4, 2011 | Field Reports
The last thing folks think of Moose doing is portrait retouching. But it’s actually something I do a lot of, both on people and aircraft. I’m always lookin for the latest info, the easiest and best way to get the job done. I was totally bummed when I couldn’t make Scott’s retouching class at PSW. But when I got back home, I found a copy of his new book waiting for me. There’s a bunch of Sunday chores not done thanks to Scott as I got sucked into this marvelous read. I dug out some portraits and went at them with his great tips and more important to me, logic to finishing a face. I’m still up reading as a matter of fact and can say I’m glad I have my copy because it’s a great read and going to sell out fast! You can get your copy at your usual locations like Amazon. Go, now, click, buy and learn!
Apr 1, 2011 | Field Reports
Yeah, we couldn’t be prouder or happier! Jake has his first double truck and it looks fabulous! To see the whole thing, click here. Other then paying for his airline ticket to be there that morning, mom & dad had nothing other to do with this. This success is 100% his doing. Jake Congrats, and may you have many, many more!
Mar 31, 2011 | Field Reports
Video captured by P7000
