The Panasonic G9 – is a GH5 with few compromises

Panasonic G9
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Recently, Panasonic announced the newest Micro Four-Thirds, Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX DMC-G9. The G9 offers prosumers and enthusiasts a slightly cheaper alternative to the flagship GH5 camera with some compromises. The G9 boasts some substantial upgrades to the LUMIX DMC-G8 but is the newest in-between camera have the goods? Continue reading

Live from PhotoPlus Expo 2017

PhotoPlus Expo 2017
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We’ll be at PhotoPlus Expo 2017 for the next couple of days bringing you the latest in Photography Gear and this year, checking out the first ever AR/VR Expo. On the docket today will be coverage from the expo floor and checking out the latest from Sony (hint, hint, we’re going to fondle the new Sony a7R III) and checking out the new lenses from LensBaby and more.

Check back here throughout the day for more coverage from the show floor.

The Sony Booth

We shot some demo reels from the Sony booth and got a first look at the Sony a7R III. Some quick things to know about the Sony a7R III – it features a 42.4-megapixel Full-Frame sensor, 399 phase detection and 425 contrast autofocus points, 10 frames per second shooting speeds, a 3.9 million dot blackout-free electronic viewfinder, a ridiculous 100-320000 ISO range, and it carries over the a9’s larger battery – which boasts all-day shooting capabilities in the a7R III.

This is the Mirrorless camera that has already taken Nikon’s lunch is hot on the heels of replacing the Canon 5D Mark IV as the go-to camera for professional photographers. You can check out the walk through here.

Tips for photographing safely near natural disasters

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The following syndicated post comes from Dreamstime photographers, Viorel Dudau, Catalina Zaharescu Tiensuu, and Rachael Murphey. If you’re intested in submitting a post for consideration, please visit our Contact Us page. 

James Mattil | Dreamstime

Between wildfires, hurricanes and massive flooding, the U.S. is experiencing an onslaught of natural disasters that span the country. And if there is any bright side to the darkness of our weather forecast and smoky skies, it’s the opportunity to document through photos the great power and majesty that is Mother Nature.

But taking photos near a storm or fire is risky business, and should not be taken lightly. Photographers need to follow certain guidelines if they choose to document these events in order to stay safe and keep their equipment intact as well. 

Don’t get too close

Find the best safe spot, use a telephoto lens if necessary. Don’t risk getting too close to the action if we’re talking about volcanoes, landslides, tornadoes or anything else extremely high-risk. Sometimes it’s just better to take pictures after the event and not during. Use your best judgment here. A good photo is worth a lot, but it’s never worth your life!

Dress for success

Gear up with the proper equipment and clothing to keep yourself safe, warm and dry. Rain coat and rubber boots for flooded areas, mask and fire proximity suit for photographing wildfires, etc. Take care of yourself first, and then worry about the camera and gear.

Find the right case

Roman Demkiv | Dreamstime

Protection comes first, so a waterproof case is mandatory for cameras in areas with hurricanes and flood conditions. Plastic cases should not be used in forest fires areas; the plastic might melt and damage the camera and the lens. As a bonus, find a case that is shock-insulated with foam to protect delicate equipment in transit.

Protect the lens
There’s a reason professional photographers keep a collapsible lens hood in their mobile cases. In bright conditions, they’re great for blocking glare, reducing lens flair, and producing captivating photos.

They also double as a guard against bad weather. If the weather turns during a shoot, a lens hood can block rain and snow from settling on the lens. In addition to keeping the lens dry, it ensures a slight change in the weather won’t force a cancellation.

Stay Dry

It doesn’t matter if you’re caught in a monsoon in the forest or a pop-up storm during a wedding shoot: bad weather ruins equipment.

Savvy photographers guard against this sudden misfortune by keeping several dry bags in their cases. Cheaper versions are simple plastic bags, but more secure options include treated canvas and other fabrics safe for use on camera equipment.

Back up, back up and back up again

Katser | Dreamstime

With any weather mishap, there comes a risk of losing your work. Backing up your photos might be the most important part of your job as a photographer. While sometimes in photography less is more, when it comes to backing up your work, more is never enough. Basically, you should have your work stored in at least 3 different places, one of them in a different location. I would recommend keeping important photos on your computer, on an external hard drive and on a cloud storage platform. From time to time, it wouldn’t hurt to burn some DVDs and mail them to a trustful friend or member of your family. If you’re shooting film, you should start scanning your negatives and store them exactly like I said above, in at least 3 different places.

Macallan’s Masters of Photography is Opulence in a box

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What do you get the photographer and whiskey lover that has it all? If money ain’t a thing and rare cask whiskeys are your drink of choice, The Macallan Masters of Photography: Steven Klein edition may be one of the most coveted luxury boxes of the year. The box features the ultra rare liquor – only 100 bottles will be available in the U.S. – along with one of ten signed prints by iconic fashion photographer Steven Klein. The box also features a custom horse’s head bottle stopper and an array of custom barware to get a unique flavor experience that the nearly $3,000 price tag promises. Continue reading

Contest: Be Adorama’s Top Photographer

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If you’ve ever thought you had the vision and technical prowess to be an in-demand photographer but didn’t know how to catch your big break, Adorama recently announced this year’s Top Photographer contest to be judged by Nigel Barker, most famous for his participation in Tyra Banks’ America’s Top Model. Five Finalists will be chosen by Nigel Barker and will complete in a web series produced by Adorama where each of the five finalist will be judged on their technical ability but more importantly their ability to use their technical skills to execute their unique vision. Continue reading