NOTE: The following gadgets are not endorsed by the Rocktown Camera Club. This information is only to show what's out there in equipment and gadgets. Viewers accept all risks with the purchase or use of these devices.
Suggestions for 2023 Christmas Gifts:
- Hohem iSteady MT2 Camera Gimbal - CLICK HERE
- ZHIYUN Molus G200 200W COB Video Light CLICK HERE
- Peak Design straps - CLICK HERE
- 36 Slots Memory Card Case CLICK HERE
- Zeiss Lens Wipes - CLICK HERE
- SanDisk 128GB Extreme CLICK HERE
- Lens Pen -NLP-1 - CLICK HERE
- DSLR Cheat Sheet CLICK HERE
- JJC Hand-held White Balance Filter, White Balance Disc for Digital Photography - CLICK HERE
05/21/2023 - Camera Harness -A camera harness that supports and secures one camera with a long lens, keeping it always at the ready.
CLICK HERE for details at https://www.cottoncarrier.com .
01/03/2023 - Camera Baselayer - Camera Base Layer keeps compact DSLR and mirrorless cameras fully protected and accessible during travel and outdoor pursuits. For details, CLICK HERE.
10/09/2022 - Cell Phone Tripod - Since several of our members are using cell phone photography, here is a neat accessory when you need to stabilize your camera phone. It's called the Pocket Tripod. CLICK HERE.
04/21/2022 - Lens Flipper review. A device that allows you to switch extra lenses quickly. CLICK HERE.
06/20/2021 - Here is an idea from Mixtiles. Your photos are placed into a frame that has reusable sticky back that you can move your photo/frame from wall to wall as you require. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Notes on the product:
- The adhesive won't damage walls.
- You send digital images of the photos you want to have printed.
- Prints only comes in squares so you probably need to resize existing photos.
- The outside of the frame covers a little of the photo so don't have anything you need to see in the image too close to the picture edge.
- Make sure the mounting wall is clean before affixing the picture to the wall. Press the entire top of the frame.
- If you move frames from wall to wall, the sticky will eventually wear out. You can probably buy more 3M sticky stuff to renew adhesive.
05/09/2021 - DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras. Here is a comparison between DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. CLICK HERE.
04/11/2021 - Night photography - When photographing at night, you should use a night light that has red lights. Red lights allows your eyes to keep adjusted to darkness while still able to see settings using the red light.
03/07/2021 - Lens Hoods - Why, When, and How to Use Them - Interesting video on the subject. CLICK HERE.
01/29/2021 - Flash
Diffuser Light Softbox 6x5” by Altura Photo (Universal, Collapsible
with Storage Pouch) for Canon, Yongnuo and Nikon Speedlight. CLICK HERE.
06/11/2020 - Here are some camera holster ideas from Cotton Carrier Systems. CLICK HERE.
06/10/2020 - The Lume Cube Panel Mini is a credit-card-sized, portable, adjustable bicolor LED Light for Content Creation. For more information, CLICK HERE.
05/15/2020 - Peak Design has several new products:
Tripod: CLICK HERE.
Camera Bags: CLICK HERE.
Slide Camera Strap: CLICK HERE.
Although expensive, they have a reputation for quality products.
11/29/2019 - Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilize: Turns your mobile phone into a professional filmmaking camera, helping you create stable and smooth footage with just your phone. For more information,
CLICK HERE.
11/04/2019 - DJI Mavic Mini drone.
The DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo is a compact drone that offers professional-quality results with no restrictions. The Mavic Mini can fly where larger drones are legally not permitted, or where a drone license is required. It has a stabilized 3-axis gimbal and sophisticated flight modes that can achieve up to 12MP images, 2.7K Quad HD videos, and complex cinematic shots with just a touch in the DJI Fly app. Basic cost is $399.00. Combo kit (guard, extra batteries) cost is $499.
Here is a video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffWnXMyStI
CLICK HERE for more information.
10/11/2019 - Link to recent camera gadgets. CLICK HERE.
08/02/2019 - Peak Design Travel Tripod review:
CLICK HERE.
06/17/2019 - DUO Daypack - See video concerning this carrying pack - CLICK HERE.
04/30/2019 - Wireless Remote Microphone - For those who video events, the Rode microphones now has a wireless remote microphone - the Rode Wireless Go. For a video preview, CLICK HERE.
04/18/2019 - Clamps - Here are some ideas for camera clamps when a tripod isn't the best solution.
CLICK HERE - Manfrotto Super Clamp
CLICK HERE - Super Clamps
03/17/2019 - The Camera Canopy - If you take photos outdoors when it rains, this device might be of help. To visit it's site, CLICK HERE.
10/02/2018 - For those who video a lot with their Apple iPhone, here is a clip on microphone that you might be of interest.
CLICK HERE for details on this Rode microphone.
08/28/2018 - Universal Lens Cap - The Universal Lens Cap from KUVRD is a silicone made cap that stretches over the front or rear barrel of any lens with a diameter between 60 and 120mm. The cap can function as both a front and rear lens cap. Once the cap is on, it grips tight and never falls off, and intentionally pulling it off is the only way the cap comes off the barrel. CLICK HERE.
08/11/2018 - The FLEXTILT HEAD 2 Ultra Flexible camera positioning solution. Costs around $180. See a video about this device. CLICK HERE.
07/27/2018 - 9 Recommended Accessories for your camera. Although this article concerns a specific Sony camera, the suggestions apply to all photographers and cameras. CLICK HERE.
07/12/2018 - LaCie DJI Copilot BOSS External Hard Drive. A portable hard drive with an internal battery and added interfaces. The interfaces include an SD card slot, USB-C and USB-A connectors, and a custom cable for connecting the device to a phone or tablet.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
03/28/2018 - Pluto Trigger - A camera trigger that allows you to take stills, timelapse, startrail, HDR, video, sound, laser, lightning, proximity, droplet, shake, smile, and motion. For details, CLICK HERE
01/23/2018 - At the January 22 meeting, the following equipment was demonstrated.
A Manfrotto Befree One Alu Ball Head Kit Black tripod. For details, CLICK HERE.
10 Reasons Why You Need to Learn to Love Your Tripod - Although these are techniques, it supports the idea of using a tri-pod. CLICK HERE.
09/16/2017 - High Dynamic Range. Some newer cameras are now building the ability to take three rapid photos and stitching them together within the camera. One photo is underexposed, one is over exposed, and one is evenly exposed. This feature combines all three photos to provide a greater HDR. See the following example. Both photos were shot at F7.1, 27mm, 100 ISO. The shutter speed for the left photo was 1/2000 and 1/1000 for the right photo. The right photo is a combination of three photos. The photo on the right shows more details in the shadows while making the sky bright blue. A Canon 80D camera was used.
06/01/2017 - You're out in the field taking photographs. You want to back up the photos but you don't want to drag around a big laptop. There are now small hard drives that allow you to copy photos from your SD card to a hard drive without a computer. Here is an example, CLICK HERE.
04/22/2017
* If you still have your old film camera and lenses, this might the future for those cameras. A device that allows you to digitize your photos from your film camera. CLICK HERE. Disclaimer - we're not promoting this potential product. It is in the kickstarter stage and may or may not be available - ever. But it's worth reading and seeing a potential.
* Pocket Light Meter for smart phones. Here is a really cool application to provide vital information for a photographer. Set the ISO first. Then set the shutter and the aperture will automatically adjust. Set the aperture and the shutter will automatically adjust.
The app also gives you the Kelvin (Heat signature for light). In the example below, the Kelvin is 4597 which is close to sunlight.
Go to your smartphone's application store and search for "Pocket Light Meter." They have a free and paid version. Try the free version first (which has advertisements at the top but are not that distracting.) Here is a link to the app site: CLICK HERE.
* DJI OSMO Mobile Gimbal for iPhone. For the person who has almost everything for their phone. See this on Amazon, CLICK HERE.
* Cloak Camera Bag - Allows you to keep your camera hidden when in less than nice places or in bad weather.
CLICK HERE for details.
* For members who use their DSLR video features, here is a homemade camera stabilizer which cost less than $15 to build using 1/2" PVC pipe and three bike handle grips. Here is a link showing a video on how to build this stabilizer - CLICK HERE. Here is another video link where someone else modified the stabilizer - CLICK HERE.
* Canon is introducing a lens with a light ring. It is the Canon Macro Lens EF-M 28mm f/3.5 With Built-in Macro Lite. For more information, CLICK HERE.
* Altura Photo Professional Rain Cover for Large DSLR Cameras - For details, CLICK HERE.
* Canon PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter: Compatible with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, and facilitates electronic zoom control. The adapter connects to the lens via an integrated locking mechanism, it features both speed mode and zoom mode switches, and remote-controlled zooming is also possible in conjunction with the EOS 80D using the Canon Camera Connect app or EOS Utility software. Compared to manually rotating the lens' zoom ring, this adapter enables steadier adjustment over zooming speed for repeatable effects.
* Lastolite EzyBounce Bounce Card provides a soft lighting effect by bouncing the light from the on-camera flash to fill in shadows. Using a silicone strap, the EzyBounce can easily be affixed to most on-camera flash units. Foldable panels provide four different configurations. This folding system also makes the card convenient, as it will collapse for storage. Additionally, it comes with a carry case for when it is not in use. For pricing and additional information, CLICK HERE.
For details, CLICK HERE. To see a video, CLICK HERE.
Here is an accessory for handling smart phones. It is called the "Shoulderpod S1." It can attach your smartphone to a tripod, handstrap, or other device for a more stable shot. Click HERE to visit the web site.
Peak Design's Slide™ - a professional camera sling strap. Wearable as a sling, neck or shoulder strap, Slide™ is made of
45mm tubular seatbelt-style webbing with internal padding. Slide™ has
aluminum quick-adjusters and our patent-pending Anchor Link™
quick-connectors. Comes with 4 Anchors and 1 Standard Plate for
attachment. Costs $59.95. The following video explains the Slide.
Tripod: CLICK HERE.
Camera Bags: CLICK HERE.
Slide Camera Strap: CLICK HERE.
Although expensive, they have a reputation for quality products.
11/29/2019 - Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilize: Turns your mobile phone into a professional filmmaking camera, helping you create stable and smooth footage with just your phone. For more information,
CLICK HERE.
11/04/2019 - DJI Mavic Mini drone.
The DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo is a compact drone that offers professional-quality results with no restrictions. The Mavic Mini can fly where larger drones are legally not permitted, or where a drone license is required. It has a stabilized 3-axis gimbal and sophisticated flight modes that can achieve up to 12MP images, 2.7K Quad HD videos, and complex cinematic shots with just a touch in the DJI Fly app. Basic cost is $399.00. Combo kit (guard, extra batteries) cost is $499.
Here is a video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kffWnXMyStI
CLICK HERE for more information.
10/11/2019 - Link to recent camera gadgets. CLICK HERE.
08/02/2019 - Peak Design Travel Tripod review:
CLICK HERE.
06/17/2019 - DUO Daypack - See video concerning this carrying pack - CLICK HERE.
04/30/2019 - Wireless Remote Microphone - For those who video events, the Rode microphones now has a wireless remote microphone - the Rode Wireless Go. For a video preview, CLICK HERE.
04/18/2019 - Clamps - Here are some ideas for camera clamps when a tripod isn't the best solution.
CLICK HERE - Manfrotto Super Clamp
CLICK HERE - Super Clamps
03/17/2019 - The Camera Canopy - If you take photos outdoors when it rains, this device might be of help. To visit it's site, CLICK HERE.
10/02/2018 - For those who video a lot with their Apple iPhone, here is a clip on microphone that you might be of interest.
08/28/2018 - Universal Lens Cap - The Universal Lens Cap from KUVRD is a silicone made cap that stretches over the front or rear barrel of any lens with a diameter between 60 and 120mm. The cap can function as both a front and rear lens cap. Once the cap is on, it grips tight and never falls off, and intentionally pulling it off is the only way the cap comes off the barrel. CLICK HERE.
08/11/2018 - The FLEXTILT HEAD 2 Ultra Flexible camera positioning solution. Costs around $180. See a video about this device. CLICK HERE.
07/27/2018 - 9 Recommended Accessories for your camera. Although this article concerns a specific Sony camera, the suggestions apply to all photographers and cameras. CLICK HERE.
07/12/2018 - LaCie DJI Copilot BOSS External Hard Drive. A portable hard drive with an internal battery and added interfaces. The interfaces include an SD card slot, USB-C and USB-A connectors, and a custom cable for connecting the device to a phone or tablet.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
03/28/2018 - Pluto Trigger - A camera trigger that allows you to take stills, timelapse, startrail, HDR, video, sound, laser, lightning, proximity, droplet, shake, smile, and motion. For details, CLICK HERE
01/23/2018 - At the January 22 meeting, the following equipment was demonstrated.
A Manfrotto Befree One Alu Ball Head Kit Black tripod. For details, CLICK HERE.
- A Peak Design camera strap. For details, CLICK HERE.
- Promote GPS - For details, CLICK HERE.
- Spyder 5Pro - Advanced Monitor Calibration device. For details, CLICK HERE.
- ReTrak Selfie Multi Lens Kit - Wide angle and telephoto lenses for smart phones. For details, CLICK HERE.
10 Reasons Why You Need to Learn to Love Your Tripod - Although these are techniques, it supports the idea of using a tri-pod. CLICK HERE.
09/16/2017 - High Dynamic Range. Some newer cameras are now building the ability to take three rapid photos and stitching them together within the camera. One photo is underexposed, one is over exposed, and one is evenly exposed. This feature combines all three photos to provide a greater HDR. See the following example. Both photos were shot at F7.1, 27mm, 100 ISO. The shutter speed for the left photo was 1/2000 and 1/1000 for the right photo. The right photo is a combination of three photos. The photo on the right shows more details in the shadows while making the sky bright blue. A Canon 80D camera was used.
04/22/2017
* If you still have your old film camera and lenses, this might the future for those cameras. A device that allows you to digitize your photos from your film camera. CLICK HERE. Disclaimer - we're not promoting this potential product. It is in the kickstarter stage and may or may not be available - ever. But it's worth reading and seeing a potential.
* Pocket Light Meter for smart phones. Here is a really cool application to provide vital information for a photographer. Set the ISO first. Then set the shutter and the aperture will automatically adjust. Set the aperture and the shutter will automatically adjust.
The app also gives you the Kelvin (Heat signature for light). In the example below, the Kelvin is 4597 which is close to sunlight.
Go to your smartphone's application store and search for "Pocket Light Meter." They have a free and paid version. Try the free version first (which has advertisements at the top but are not that distracting.) Here is a link to the app site: CLICK HERE.
* DJI OSMO Mobile Gimbal for iPhone. For the person who has almost everything for their phone. See this on Amazon, CLICK HERE.
- Active Track technology, automatically keep your smartphone facing you as you move
- Smooths and even cancels out the movements you make, stopping camera shake and turning every shot into cinematic video
- Motion time-lapse videos are an awe inspiring way to show the passing of time.
- Share moments using YouTube Live inside DJI GO when mounted in the Osmo Mobile.
- Take 1-second long exposures for light trails and dramatically blurred cars without a tripod.
* Cloak Camera Bag - Allows you to keep your camera hidden when in less than nice places or in bad weather.
* For members who use their DSLR video features, here is a homemade camera stabilizer which cost less than $15 to build using 1/2" PVC pipe and three bike handle grips. Here is a link showing a video on how to build this stabilizer - CLICK HERE. Here is another video link where someone else modified the stabilizer - CLICK HERE.
* Canon is introducing a lens with a light ring. It is the Canon Macro Lens EF-M 28mm f/3.5 With Built-in Macro Lite. For more information, CLICK HERE.
* Canon PZ-E1 Power Zoom Adapter: Compatible with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, and facilitates electronic zoom control. The adapter connects to the lens via an integrated locking mechanism, it features both speed mode and zoom mode switches, and remote-controlled zooming is also possible in conjunction with the EOS 80D using the Canon Camera Connect app or EOS Utility software. Compared to manually rotating the lens' zoom ring, this adapter enables steadier adjustment over zooming speed for repeatable effects.
* Lastolite EzyBounce Bounce Card provides a soft lighting effect by bouncing the light from the on-camera flash to fill in shadows. Using a silicone strap, the EzyBounce can easily be affixed to most on-camera flash units. Foldable panels provide four different configurations. This folding system also makes the card convenient, as it will collapse for storage. Additionally, it comes with a carry case for when it is not in use. For pricing and additional information, CLICK HERE.
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The Boomr camera strap may soon be available. For details, CLICK HERE. To see a video, CLICK HERE.
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- Want to determine your depth of field? There are apps for your smart phone that can give you the information you need. Here is one app, SetMyCamera. There is a free version but you'll have to put up with advertisements and requests to upgrade.
- These are not gadgets but fun items a photographer. For sign details, Click Here.
Click Here for the following license plate cover.
- DxO One - a high-quality camera module that plugs into an iPhone via the Lightning connector. To view details, CLICK HERE.
ioShutter camera control system - Remote shutter connection between your smart phone and your camera. For details, CLICK HERE.
- GigaPan is equipment for taking high resolution photos of large areas. Click Here to visit the web site. http://gigapan.com.
- Glide One Strap - The Custom SLR Glide One Camera Strap System is a comfortable strap that allows you to quickly glide your camera up from your side to capture the moment. Costs around $65. CLICK HERE to see a video review of the strap.
- Glide One Strap - The Custom SLR Glide One Camera Strap System is a comfortable strap that allows you to quickly glide your camera up from your side to capture the moment. Costs around $65.
Trekker FX Monopod - Camera ready mono-pod with three section height adjustability and shock absorber to keep you and your photos in focus. Costs around $30.
