Sniff Test
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Canon PIXMA Pro-10 Preview
Canon recently asked me if I would like to review their new printer, the PIXMA Pro-10. I said sure as long as you send me enough paper and ink to properly test it out.
Just about everyone knows I order my prints in from different places online and never have been a fan of home inkjet printing.
Will the PIXMA Pro 10 be the professional printer that makes me change my mind? We will find out in the full review that I am working on right now.
In the meantime enjoy the unbxoing and sniff test.
Nikon 18-35mm F3.5-4.5 Unbox and Sniff Test
I got a chance to play with the NEW Nikon 18-35 F3.5-4.5 Lens at Allens Camera. My very first impression was how incredibly light this lens was. From what I am told it is the lightest wide angle zoom lens that Nikon makes.
Don’t let its lightness sway you to think this is not a lens that will capture sharp images. From my test shots which you can download below the images look to be sharp and contrasty. There is no doubt that this lens will allow you to capture quality wide angle shots but you have to ask yourself is it worth $750?
If I had my choice between the N18-35 F3.5-4.5 or the 16-35 F4 I would take the F4 all day long. One reason is its wider, the second is its nano coated and third it just feels more like a professional lens.
Click Here for the Full RES export
Who is this lens for? This lens is for the non pro in my opinion, the person who is just looking for an affordable fast wide angle lens. If thats the case this lens would be perfect for anything wide angle you would like to shoot. Also if you need something very light to cary around this lens will certainly fit that bill.
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DROBO Mini Unboxing and Sniff Test
My DROBO MINI finally came in the mail and I wanted to give it an unbox and sniff test as well as break down who it is for. This is a $600 unit that is great for when you are on the road and need to back up your work.
It is not just great for photos but it serves very well for storing video. This is the type of unit I will take on the road with me so I can make sure my work is safe and backed up.
There is know doubt though that I would still travel with other external hardrives to have multiple backups just in case anything ever happens. When you are on the road its always good to keep your backups in different places. Keep one on you if you are on the plane and another in your bag so if something happens to your bag you still have one back up.
This DROBO MINI connects via USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt which means its going to back up super super fast.
Check out Drobo.com for more information.
Nikon D7100 Unbox and Sniff Test
Allen gave me a call to let me know that he got in the first shipment of the Nikon D7100′s. If you are interested in a D7100 please call Allens Camera at 215.547.2841 to check on availability.
It is always interesting to Unbox and Sniff test items. Keep in mind this is not a review as I am not able to take sample images or videos with these NEW cameras. Once Nikon sends me one to test out I will create a full on review with sample photos and videos.
The point of the unboxing is to see how the camera feels, how the buttons are and to discuss anything else that comes to mind. I really like how from camera to camera in the Nikon series the buttons and camera layout stay pretty much the same.
I really think this is going to be a very strong camera in the DX line. For anyone just picking up their first camera you can not go wrong starting here. Like I always say don’t forget about glass. The kit lens will serve you well for a little but I think you will outgrow it pretty quick.
For the full on PREVIEW and breakdown of the specs please check out the video below.
Nikon D7100 Preview
Manfrotto 561B HDV-1 Monopod Preview
Before heading out to CES 2013 I was on a quest to find tools that would lessen my load. I learned from CES last year that there is a TON I mean a TON of walking that you have to do. Because of this I did not want to use a DSLR for video like my D4 and have to set up a mono pod each and every segment.
I knew this year since I was going to be filming with a smaller camera I would’t need a huge tripod. That is where the Manfroto 561B HDV-1 Monopod comes into play. This monopod has a fluid video head and a way to stand on its on with a very clever design.
This Monopod is sure to be lighter and easier to maneuver around CES and the 135K people that were there.
If you would like to pick one up please call AllensCamera.com
Nikon 70-200 F4 VR Review
Many people are always looking for smaller, lighter and better lenses and tend to turn to F4 lenses for that. Yes these lenses tend to be smaller and lighter but better may not always be the case. Lets take a deeper look at the Nikon 70-200 F4 VR and see where its ideal use would be and if I would have it in my own photo bag.
The first thing you notice about this lens when you take it out of the box is how much lighter it is than the 70-200 2.8 VRII model. Weight seems to be one of the main factors for people to consider an F4 over a 2.8. The build quality seems to be top noticed as you would expect from a pro lens. The zoom and focus rings seems to be nice and smooth and easy to operate.
Click the photo for all the FULL RES Sample Images
Enough with the basic info lets jump into my true feelings about this lens. As you will see in the video I spend a lot of time trying to justify who this lens is really for. NIKON is pushing the fact that this is the first lens to offer the 5 stop VR capability. As most of you know VR helps you stabilize the image when you are not on a tripod or monopod. People also tend to confuse what VR really does do. It will not help you FREEZE motion or subjects who are moving.
Full Sample video of the VR being turned on and OFF at 200mm.
GoPro Hero 3 Black Preview and Sniff Test
I am currently in Aruba testing out the NEW GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition. Before I left I did an unboxing and sniff test along with my first thoughts of the camera.
The first thing you will notice once you finally get the camera out of the packaging and out of the underwater housing is how small it is. The camera fits right inside the palm of your hand but does feel like it has a little weight behind it for something so small. The rubber coating seems like a nice texture to allow you to hold onto the camera for the times you are handling the camera out of its underwater housing.
Speaking of the underwater housing. Its nice that it comes with it but honestly I wish it did not. The reason I say that is if your not looking to use it in an extreme environment than you need to go purchase something called the “Frame”. The frame takes an obstructions away from the front of the camera aka the lens. When the camera is in a case its behind the case plastic thus cutting down on some of the clarity of the lens.
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Canon 6D Unboxing and Sniff Test with FroVader
As I have done in the past I am back with another Unboxing and Sniff Test of a new camera. This time we have the Canon 6D, the first lower end full frame offering.
There will be a full on review of this camera with sample photos and video to follow. In the meantime check out the video and keep an eye out for a FroVader sighting.
If you are interested in picking up a Canon 6D please give AllensCamera.com a look or call 215.547.2841.
This is a sample JPEG from the Canon 6D shot at 1/640th at 2.8 at 25,600 ISO. I also shot RAW but at this time can not edit the files in Adobe Lightroom.
The Focus point was on the D4 for a point of reference.
Click Here for the FULL RES IMAGE
ThinkTank Airport Navigator REVIEW
When I first saw this ThinkTank Airport Navigator I thought it might just be the bag that replaces my shoulder bag. I was partly right and partly wrong.
The Airport Navigator will not replace your shoulder bag but that does not mean it may not be better. Like I have said many times before there is not “one bag” to rule them all. That is why we are left collecting bags like woman/men collect purses and shoes.
Here is what I liked about this bag. It fits the hebrew trinity, laptop, Ipad and a few extra items. I like the fact that it rolls and I can fly with it. Its built amazingly well like all other ThinkTank Bags. It is a nice function to be able to load the bag from the top or from a flip open compartment. I like how this may be a bag that finds its way to my top three bags for when I grab and go.
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Sniff Testing 10 Downing Street
What an honor and pleasure it was to have access to such a historic spot. While in London Adam and I got the chance to hang out at 10 Downing Street for about an hour thanks to Fro reader Allen.
My goal was to knock on the door but the guards on duty warned me not to. I think I will listen to the guys with the guns rather than test them. But I did ask for permission to sniff test the door and sniff the door I did. Some of you will understand what it smells like and some may not but a quick google search will explain it all.
Stay tuned for the rest of the videos from the UK FrotoWALKS and Hotel Rooms!!!
