Phottix announces Battery Grip BG-D800 for nikon D800

Phottix is proud to announce its Premium Series BG-D800 Battery Grip for Nikon D800 cameras. The BG-D800 features AF/On button, command dials, vertical shutter button and multifunction controller. The BG-D800 holds 8 AA batteries or 1 EL-EL15 battery in the included trays.

The BG-D800  also provides a comfortable vertical grip with an additional shutter release and scroll wheel for easy access to the camera functions when shooting in the vertical orientation. The grip also has a tripod socket.

Included with the BG-D800 are:
BG-D800 Grip
Battery Holder for 1x EN-EL15 Battery.
Battery Holder for 8x AA batteries.
User’s guide

(source: phottix.com)

Canon EOS M

The Canon EOS M, which will be announced tomorrow, 23 rd July 2012, will match other Micro Four-Thirds cameras like the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix G. The image above might give an insight to what the camera looks like, but it could a Photoshop exercise. The Japanese site Digicame-info reports that it will be named EOS M. From the illustration, and it is quite a thin, mirrorless camera. It is expected to come with an entirely new mount, the EF-M, which could mean that the sensor would be closer to a full APS-C than to the one used in the PowerShot G1 X. This could mean that the sensors would be bigger than other Micro Four-Thrid cameras, which would be good news.

Canon EOS M SpecificationsThe Canon EOS M that launches tomorrow will have the following specifications. Beyond the camera, the system will launch with 2 lenses, the EF-M 22 f/2 STM & EF-M 18-55 IS. It will also launch with a new flash, the EX 90 and an EF lens adaptor.

• 18mp APS-C
• DIGIC V
• ISO 100-12800 (25,600 Expansion)
• 3″ Touchscreen 1.04million pixels
• Phase & Contrast AF
• Video Servo AF
• 1920×1080 Video 30p/25p/24p
• 1280×720 Video 60p/50p
• MPEG-4, AVC/H.264
• SD Card
• Adaptor at launch for EF lenses

“RODE ROCKUMENTARY!” Film Competition Announced!

So here it is, a chance for videographers all over the world to shine! Another International competition by RØDE called ROCKUMENTARY. To find out more about the competition you can check it here.

The competition is announced July 2nd at the competition ends at 31st  August 2012. There's plenty of time for you to prepare a 2 minute video length. A whooping $25000 of RODE merchandise are up for grabs!!

2nd Prize

3rd Prize

The Judging Panel

As you can see, there's a lot of big names that will be judging your work so this means that this is a big time oppurtunity to show your talent to the world!

I do hope that some of our local videographers especially in Kuching to enter the competition and I wish and pray for their success InsyaAllah.

How do you enter the competition? 

Here's a short video by Phillip Bloom. He involves heavily in making this competition as a success.

D4 vs D800 vs 5DmkIII Comparison by Phillip Bloom

This is a comparison video between the D4 vs D800 vs 5DMIII by Phillip Bloom. So for those who doesn't know who is Phillip Bloom, he is a London based DP and Director specialising in Depth of Field Adaptors and Video DSLRs.

You can check more of his work at his website.   .

From the video, clearly that he's a bit dissapointed with the performance of the D4 in terms of the lack of sharpness of the video mode. He also mentioned that the 5dMIII and the D800 is pretty much closer but in terms of low light performance the 5DMIII because of lower active megapixels. Not to forget to mention that  the D800 has quite a noticeable aliasing but the problem is solved by the anti-aliasing filter that he brought. But still, who wants to spend more money to fix it?

In terms of audio quality, the 5DMIII wins as it boasts of a 90 megabits of audio compression compared to the 20 megabits of the D800. But if you can get a far better external audio you should invest in it as it improves the overall audio quality of both cameras. 

The on thing that I want top point out here as well is the 5DMIII also lacks of sharpness but it is still by far the best HDSLR video period as they have a faster frames per second at 1080p although it suffers a bit in terms of sensor shaprness.

Here's another great review by Dave. Dave is an advanced amateur who often shoots video for corporate videos. You can check more about Dave through his website. 

I hope this post helps if you wanted to find just the right information if you were deciding to get yourself a Full Frame camera by Canon and Nikon.

Tips Membersihkan Sensor DSLR

Kebiasaannya, semua digital photographer akan ada keperluan untuk mencuci sensor kamera dlsr mereka. Ada banyak faktor yang boleh menyebabkan bintik-bintik atau partikel di dialam imej yg telah diambil dan antaranya adalah partikel habuk yg ada di sekeliling semasa kita menukar lens ataupun dari internal kamera dslr anda sendiri.

Partikel atau habuk yang lebih halus adalah dikira senang untuk dibuang akan tetapi ia akan menimbulkan masalah bila habuk atau partikel tersebut terbasah sebab pelu atau air liur ketika anda sedang mencuci sensor atau semasa anda menukar lens. Ini juga boleh terjadi jika anda pernah mengambil foto semasa dalam hujan.

Habuk- dan partikel ini amatlah menjengkelkan bagi semua fotografer kerana ia akan menghasilkan bintik hitam di dalam image yang kamu ambil lebih-lebih lagi apabila imej di ambil dari wide-angle atau dengan menggunakan lens yg mempunyai aperture yg kecil ( high f-stop).

Jadi, macam mana nak hilangkan partikel atau habuk-habuk ni? Di sini ada 4 cara yang terbaik untuk mencapai matlamat anda iaitu:

1. Air Cleaning:  atau dalam bahasa kita, bersih menggunakan angin.

• Kaedah Air Cleaning adalah amat mudah. Dengan menggunakan air blower, anda boleh membuang habuk dan partikel yg kering dan mudah untuk di buang. Cara atau step pertama adalah kuncikan atau  masuk mode shutter lock open( lihat dalam menu kamera anda). Peringatan! : Jangan sekali-kali meniup senor anda menggunakan udara dari mulut kerana nafas kita mempunyai humidity yg akan bolehmembawa masalah lain ke atas kamera anda. Hanya gunakan angi yang kering iaitu dari Air Blower sahaja!

2. Brushing : dalam bahasa kita menyapu. hahah. jangan gelak ye. 

• Jadi kalau guna kaedah menyapu ni kita nak guna alat yang mana? Ok. Anda mernah mendengar alat yang di panggil Lens Pen? Untuk kaedah Brushing, kita akan gunakan alat ni. Alat ni amat mudah tetapi anda harus berhati-hati ketika menggunakannya kerana takut sensor anda akan scratch di sebabkan oleh kekasaran anda semasa menyapu sensor tersebut untuk membuang habuk. Anda juga perlu berhati-hati seupaya berus tersebut tidak terkena minyak yg berada di hujung penjuru sensor anda. Tips di sini ialah apabla menyapu, sapu hanya pada satu arah sahaja. jika anda bermula dari kiri ke kanan, maka buat dari kiri ke kanan sahaja. Jangan pula tangan anda gatal nak rotate atau sapu dari kanan ke kiri pula.

3. Liquid cleaning : dalam bahasa kita guna pembersihan menggunakan cecair.

• Kaedah ni macam mana pulak? Kaedah ni, kita akan gunakan Sensor Swab yang telah di celup dengan ethanol ke atas sensor. Kaedah ni sesuai untuk menghilangkan habuk-habuk kecil dan partikel yang amat halus dan degil untuk dihilangkans setelah kita melakukan 3 step di atas. 

4. Stamp sensor: kaedah stamp khas untuk sensor.

• Kaedah ini pula menggunakan stamp sensor. Stamp Sensor ni pun boleh menghilangkan habuk dan partikel yang degil. Nanti kamu boleh lihat video di bawah tentang bagaimana nak mencuci lens kamu sendiri.

Peringatan: Jika kamu tidak yakin untuk membuat sendiri, sila hantar ke kedai kamera untuk mendaoatkan servis dari profesional. Kaedah ini adalah berisiko tinggi namun ada saya tahu ada sesetengah dari kamu yang malas untuk menghantar kamera untuk di servis kerana proses ini selalunya mengambil masa yang lama kerana perlu menghantar kamera anda ke servis centre yang jauh dari rumah kamu padahal proses mencuci sensor ini boleh dibuat sendiri dengan keselasaan di dirumah sahaja. Cuma perlu menggunakan tools dan kaedah yang betul. 

Lihat video di bawah untuk lebih senang faham apa yang saya nak sampaikan tadi.

Cleaning kit ini boleh didapati di website kami dengan hanya RM 35.

Link produk: Cleaning Kit JJC

Nikon Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 lens Super Telephoto announced

Update: Here is the official press release. Nikon basically announced the development of the new lens, but sadly there are no further details given:

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation will add the super-telephoto 800-mm, fixed local length lens to its lineup of NIKKOR lenses. This lens will offer a fixed focal length of 800 mm, a maximum aperture of f/5.6, and will be fully compatible with Nikon FX-format cameras.

This lens has been developed in order to strengthen the NIKKOR lineup of super-telephoto lenses. It will boast the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus lens, and will be best suited to capture of a wide variety of decisive outdoor scenes, from sporting events to wildlife. In addition to its superior optical performance, the lens will offer dust and water resistance.

In 2012, Nikon released three new FX-format digital-SLR cameras—the D4, the new flagship digital SLR, and the D800 and D800E, which offer incredible resolution and image quality. In addition to reinforcing its lineup of FX-format digital-SLR cameras, Nikon has also been working to expand the lineup of NIKKOR lenses.

Nikon has been providing service and support to professional photographers for roughly fifty years through the activities of its Nikon Professional Services (NPS). In addition to providing maintenance and repairs for the equipment professional photographers use every day, NPS service depots are set up at a variety of international sporting and cultural events. At these service depots, photographers can have their equipment inspected and repaired, and they can also borrow equipment.

Nikon has been also an official sponsor of The Open Championship since 1993. The Open Championship is the oldest of the world's four major tournaments* in professional golf (the next Open Championship will be held at Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England between July 19 and 22, 2012). This lens is scheduled to be on display at the Nikon service depot that will be set up for professional photographers working at the event.
Furthermore, this lens is scheduled to be on display at Photokina 2012, one of the world's largest photo and imaging exhibitions, to be held in Cologne, Germany from September 18–23, 2012.

*World's four major golf tournaments: Masters Tournament, U.S. Open Championship, The Open Championship, PGA Championship

As a leader in the professional imaging market, Nikon will continue to develop and release products offering superior performance and functionality based on the optical technologies it has cultivated over its long history. Nikon will also continue to strive to strengthen and improve the service and support it offers to its professional customers.

Release date and suggested retail price for this product have not yet been determined.

*Specification and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of manufacturer. Exterior finishing and design are not final.

Source: Nikon.

Nissin Di622 Mark 2 Speedlite for Canon

Nissin Di622 Mark 2 Speedlite for **This package comes with 2 years warranty by Schmidt Marketing Malaysia and FREE diffuser.CLIP & SHOOT

1. Clip it on the camera.
2. Switch it on.
3. Release the shutter button .

The flash fires and its light is automatically controlled by the camera + flash TTL dedicated system.

EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Many photographers think of using a flash only at night or in poor lighting. However, a flash can be very useful in daylight too. Eliminate the shade under trees. Use fill-in lighting to sharpen the subject. Address catchlight in the eyes, and stop motion. Emphasize the lighting contrast. Enjoy more opportunities to use your flash.

FIRMWARE UPDATE

Tired of your flash no longer working whenever a new camera comes onto the market ? A firmware upgrade service is available for the Di622 , which provides a service terminal to upload the latest software. A charge for the firmware update service will apply, varying depending on the area. Please check at your local dealer for details about the update service.

COMPATIBILITY

Please check the compatibility chart.

KEY FEATURES

TTL FLASH
Di622 MARK II is compatible with Canon's E-TTL, E-TTLII system, and Nikon's i-TTL system. Those new digital TTL flash systems control the flash light with greater precision and stability.

BOUNCE FLASH
The flash beam covers the frame from 14mm (with a wide angle diffuser built-in) to 70mm of the digital lens.(*) For a longer lens, the flash head reflector position stays at 70mm.
It turns 90 degrees upward and 270 degrees horizontally for bounce lighting.

The flash head also stores a small reflection panel for fill-in shots.
(*) The focal length for the traditional SLR camera is to be multiplied b a factor of 1.5.

WIRELESS REMOTE FLASH 
Di622 Mark II has a wireless remote flash system as a slave unit.
You can enjoy creative flash photography with multiple lightings from the various directions. There are 3 slave modes provided.

Slave Digital (SD): Di622 Mark II synchronizes to the pre-flash system. The master flash is to be set at TTL (E-TTL for Canon and i-TTL for Nikon) mode.

Slave Film (SF): Di622 Mark II synchronizes to the traditional single flash system. The master flash is to be set at manual mode. Studio lighting system synchronizes to this mode. This mode is also available for open flash, and for a standard flash in the market.

Wireless TTL: Di622 Mark II synchronizes to the wireless remote flash system. The master flash is to be set at Channel 1 group A in wireless remote mode.

TTL FLASH LEVEL COMPENSATION
The power of the flash can be controlled with TTL flash level compensation.
Whereas total exposure is controlled by the camera's EV compensation function, the flash can compensate for the exposure on the main subject only, with little impact on the exposure of the background scene.
The flash power level can be adjusted from -1.5EV through +1.5EV by 0.5EV steps.

NISSIN ORIGINAL “MY TTL” SETTING
The TTL flash power level is pre-set for exposure at factory. You can, however, reset
at the desired exposure level, in +/- 0.75 Ev. by 0.25 Ev increments.
The pre-set value is memorized as your personal standard after switching the unit
The usual TTL flash level compensation works based on this customized level.

X-Contact and External Synchro Contact 
Di622 Mark II can be used without hotshoe cameras. Some cameras provide a flash synchronization contact at X-terminal instead of hotshoe. For this type of cameras, Di622 Mark II has a X-terminal socket for flash synchronization.

MORE

HIGH POWER
G.No.62(ISO 200) is obtained at the reflector position for 105mm focal length lens, and 45 at 35mm. (Reference: The guide number of the flash built in the camera is 16 approx. at ISO 200)

POWER ZOOM 
The light distribution angle is automatically adjusted for the lens focal length. A high quality stepping motor sharply traces the lens movement with the same speed as that of the camera manufacturer's original flash model.

ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM
The Di622 MARK II has a dual energy saving system.
It automatically enters sleep mode when it's not in use for 5 min., and is reset with a touch of the shutter button or any button of the flash.
If the unit is not in use for 30 minutes, it will automatically power off.
With the flash unit set for slave mode, sleep mode is cancelled and the unit will not automatically turn off until 60 minutes have elapsed.

VARIABLE POWER
When selecting manual power operation, choose from one of the six variable powers for the best lighting effect.
The power level is provided from full power (G.No.62) down to 1/32nd power in 1.0Ev increments.

AF ASSIST BEAM
In darkness or dim light conditions, the Di622 MARK II beams a red light to create a sharp contrast to enable the camera's focus sensor to focus easily on the subject.

FLASH POWER LOCK SYSTEM
The Di622 MARK II is compatible with either the FE lock (Canon) or FV lock (Nikon) system.
Refer to the camera owner's manual for details.

REAR CURTAIN SYNCHRO.
Nikon and some Canon camerra's set the flash for rear curtain synch. photography.
The Di622 MARK II follows the command signal of theses cameras.

RED EYE REDUCTION
Available with Nikon cameras only. A small flash beam is automatically produced for short distance portrait shots to prevent the red-eye phenomenon.

Specifications

• Usable camera : CANON digital camera, NIKON digital camera
• Guide Number : 44m, 145ft. (ISO 100), 62m, 205ft. (ISO 200)
• Illumination coverage : 24-105mm (16mm wide angle diffuser)
• Turning head : 90 degree upward, 90 degree to left, 180 degree to right
• Power source : 4 X AA or equivalent Mi-MH, lithium
• Number of flashes : 200-1500 flashes by fresh alkaline batteries
• Energy saving system : 2 minutes to stand-by mode, 30 minutes to shut down after the power on or the last use of flash unit
• Recycling time : 5 sec., with fresh alkaline batteries.

• Flash exposure control :
  E-TTL and E-TTL II for Canon cameras
  i-TTL for Nikon cameras
• Manual(Variable power) :
  6 levels : Full - 1/2 - 1/4 - 1/8 - 1/16 - 1/32 powers
• Wireless mode :
  SD: Slave Digital (with 6 level)
  SF: Slave Film (with 6 level)
  Wireless TTL remote Channel 1 Group A (Controlled by master flash)
• Flash Power Lock:
  FE lock (for Canon) / FV lock (for Nikon)
• My TTL Setting
• AF Assist light : Infrared LED for distance of 0.7 to 6 meter.
• Color temperature : 5,600K (same as daylight)
• Flash duration : 1/800sec. to 1/20,000sec.
• Camera contact : Hotshoe , X-contact, External Synchro socket
• Accessories included : Shoe stand, pouch
• Dimensions : 77(W) x 130(D) x103(H) mm / 30(W) x 51(D) x 40(H) inches
• Weight : 315g (without battery) / 11oz

If you have decided to purchase this product, head on to our website through this link to proceed.

http://thekedaikamera.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=60_62&product_id=55