Cardinal

Record-breaking Nikon D810 full-frame DSLR now in stock…

B&H now has the new in stock. They have a limited supply, and will no doubt sell out soon. As tested by DxOMark, it set the all time image quality record with a score of 97 points (just beating out the D800 and D800e). I’m in the middle of field-testing my review unit, so I don’t have a full report, but wanted to get the word out before the first shipment disappears. As to what I’ve found so far…

Nikon’s Manual Viewer mobile app is a ‘must have’–and it is free

Regular readers know that I’m a big proponent of carrying PDF copies of camera manu

Lightening up your photo kit: Lenses I no longer travel with…

I’m often asked what lenses I recommend for various photo subjects – typically right before a reader or client is about to head off on a trip. What often goes without saying is what lenses I don’t travel with. In many cases, these were my “go-to” lenses for many years, but a combination of industry trends has helped me lighten up my traveling kit substantially. The changes aren’t for everyone, but they are worth considering for anyone who has begun to dread traveling with all their gear. Before I plunge in, please remember that I’m not saying these lenses aren’t still some of my favorites, or that you shouldn’t rely on them anywhere and everywhere, just that it is always worth thinking about what you are traveling with and why…


Apple finally throws in the towel on Aperture

Nikon D810: Solid upgrade to Nikon D800 -- Available for pre-order!

Starting in late July, Nikon will be shipping its anticipated update to the Nikon D800/e. The is an upgrade in nearly every aspect of camera and video performance, although each single change is not dramatic. Faster frame rate (5fps full-frame, 7fps DX with battery pack), improved Autofocus, improved sensor with better low-light performance, upgrades for videographers, and a removed low-pass filter (ala the “e”) with improved anti-moire are some of the highlights. The price is the same as the original Nikon D800e price – $3300. The new model will likely be very popular with owners of the current models, and with some D600 owners looking to get more resolution and a few more features. We’ll review the camera when it is available, of course! In the meantime, if you're gung-ho, you can .


Adobe goes wild with Hardware for artists, Photographer program, and Photoshop 2014 & Suite updates

Adobe fired product salvos on every front today, with a massive set of announcements across its product line. For photographers, the Photo subscription plan has been made permanent at $10/month for Photoshop CC, Lightroom, and mobile apps. Photoshop has also been updated with some cool new tools including Focus-based masking and Path-based blurs – as well as support for Photoshop Mix. You can read more about all of that in my . In the meantime, artists with an iPad will love Adobe’s new Ink & Slide hardware, which I was fortunate enough to be able to .

Hollywood meets Silicon Valley: Next week at Stanford for ETIA 2014

Adobe ACR 8.5 RC continues to nibble away at traditional Photoshop

2014_05_22GradFilterMaskAdobe continues to push the envelope of what is possible with non-destructive editing – the kind used by Lightroom and by Adobe Camera Raw. It has just published a release candidate of ACR 8.5 that (in addition to more cameras and lenses) supports the ability to use a brush to limit the effects of a Graduated filter.

Adobe makes it easier to dump your Suite subscription, but embrace its Cloud

Nikon set to update Nikon D800, 800e with mid-life kicker ‘Nikon D800S’

Nikon D4S Field-tested: All the camera you can fit in one body

After two weeks of nearly constant shooting with the during my photo workshops in Texas, I am more impressed than ever with the camera. I’ve already posted about its ultra-high-ISO capability, but this field test was more about how it performed as an action camera in both good and poor light situations. In short, it delivered. The Autofocus is the fastest I’ve ever used, and the nearly instant triggering of the shutter allowed me to capture more peaks of action than with any other DSLR I’ve used….


Nikon unleashes new 400mm f/2.8 lens, TC-14E III, and 20 fps Nikon 1 J4

Nikon 1 J4 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 10-30mm and 30-110mm Lenses (Black)Nikon has introduced a slew of new products aimed at a variety of different groups of photographer. At the high-end, the gets a makeover and a price increase to $12,000. The updated features improved surface coatings and weather proofing (I definitely plan to order one, but check to see ). Nikon has also upped its game in the compact mirrorless market with the new body – featuring 20 fps shooting with a zillion AF points. You can get it in a kit with the most popular two Nikon 1 zooms for under $900. Read on for details…


Wildlife Photos: Subject + Light + Background–Painted Bunting

When most people think of wildlife photos – whether of Mammals, Birds, or Reptiles – they think of the subject. But there is a lot more to making a compelling photograph of an animal in nature than the subject. Light plays an essential role, for starters. Dull, drab, images are seldom capable of commanding our attention. Backgrounds, while under-rated, are also key. All three came together in this image of a Painted Bunting from our Hill Country bird photo workshop this week. Each element plays a role…

Safari photo tips & FREE Alaskan safari giveaway!

Sigma 24-105mm f4 Global Vision Lens Delivers the Goods in our Field Test

by David Cardinal

There is no question that Sigma has really upped its game with its new family of Global Vision lenses. I love the GV-version of the , and continue to feel it is the world’s . This month I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with its new on both a and a . The short version is that the lens lives up to the Global Vision brand, but read on to see whether it might be the right mid-range zoom for you:


Pages