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PocketWizard Updates Firmware for MultiMaxes

Well, it’s not every day I get to announce a firmware update for things that aren’t cameras, so this is a bit exciting. But, there’s a pretty massive new firmware update for PocketWizard MultiMaxes (the ones with the USB sync port, anyway).

From the press release:

PocketWizard today launched a major firmware upgrade for USB-enabled MultiMAX Transceivers.  Firmware Version 7.5 for both FCC and CE MultiMAX radios is packed with new features and capabilities for serious pro shooters including Long Range Mode for remote camera triggering, Custom ID Move, Signal Strength Indicator and Radio Relay Mode.

Now, I don’t use PocketWizards, so I’m not going to insult you PW shooters by pretending to tell you what awesome things that all means for you, and will suggest you give the documentation about the changes a looking through over on PocketWizard’s site (link at the bottom, here). It’s available for download and install through the PocketWizard Utility, which you can also finda link for from the documentation if you need it. So, yeah. Happy updating, all you kooky PW shooters!



Pocketwizard AC5 RF Soft Shield Alleviates FlexTT5 for Canon Woes

pocketwizard sockSo, you might recall the excitement of Pocketwizard’s FlexTT5 and MiniTT1 and their magical TTL via RF goodness for Canon and Nikon systems being a little dampened by some apparent RF bleed from Canon flashes causing them to not quite work right. Pocketwizard has been hard at work on a solution for this (so much so that it seems to have delayed the release of the Nikon versions), and it looks like a solution has been reached.

That sock over there is the AC5 RF Soft Shield, and it should fix your woes. And, if you’ve already purchased a FlexTT5, then this is free through Pocketwizard (we hear it’ll start shipping with all new units, too).

Quoth Pocketwizard:

The AC5 RF Soft Shield provides RF shielding from certain Canon flashes emitting high levels of radio interference that impedes the AC5 from “hearing” the triggering information being sent from your transmitting PocketWizard and thus limits its operating range. The Canon flashes that need shielding are the 430EX, 580EX and the 580EX II. If you own the 430EX II or 550EX you do NOT need the AC5 as these flashes do not emit high levels of interference.

If you’re interested, visit PW here to get one. There’s also a hard case coming next month (the AC7), and you can request that at that time too.

And, if you’re a fan of “seeing is believing”, go over to SnapFactory and check out the vid.




Photowalk – Success!

Voice activated lightstands

Things went rather well. The weather cooperated, so I didn’t need to use my rainsleeve. And even though I managed to convince everyone to park something like, nine miles from the shooting sites, everyone seemed pretty pleased with the outcome. Above, you’ll see our volunteer model Erin, framed by two voice activated light stands with Tony’s elbow poking in from the side.

Later on we’ll have footage to put on the Roberts Imaging channel on youtube, and as Derek and I filter through and spruce up our shots we’ll get them added to the Flickr feed for y’all to ogle and mock. Dawn’s got some pretty neat shots (and some hilarity) from the fish-eye she borrowed off Jeff.

We’ll be having another informal walk on Tuesday, August 18th about 5:45pm at the corner of Illinois and Washington (kinda by Champp’s, under the Artsgarden) and if the weather get’s nasty we’ll head inside. We’re working to arrange another model to come out and hang with us as that seems pretty popular. I know I get tired of shooting Derek.



Roberts Imaging Adds Creative Light Affordable Lighting Products

Creative LightRoberts Imaging just today has added a selected line of Creative Light products. Creative Light, who’re more-or-less the Skooba of the lighting world, feature affordable light modifiers and accessories for all the major lighting companies (like Profoto, Photogenic, Elinchrom, Dynalite, and even hotshoe flashes for you Strobist-faithfuls).

I really don’t have a heck of a lot to say right now, we’re still waiting for the stock to hit shelves. That bright green logo is nice though, so for the fashion-conscious amongst you I say wait for these, they’re aesthetically pleasing.



Invisible Flash Best Plan EVER For Concert Shooters

So, here’s the ARTICLE OF THE WEEK, as far as I’m concerned. Looks like some guys out at NYU have found a very clever hack that lets them fire a flash in the spectrums that we humans can’t see, then image stack it with a high ISO shot of how we do see to re-add color accuracy, getting a final shot that has both the advantages of flash and natural lighting without annoying fellow concert goers or musicians.

Really, you just need to click the link below and check this out:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17468-invisible-flash-takes-photos-without-the-glare.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news



Micro Plus follow-up

I wanted to mention that the new Lite Panels MicroPro is now in stock.  I put it up against the standard Micro and there is a huge difference.  Anyone already familiar with the Micro will be impressed.  Of all digital camera accessories, having a lot of light is very important.  If you need a lot of light for your HD camcorder or for your digital SLR, I would strongly recommend this little powerhouse!



The Thrifty Studio

SO, as everyone might be aware, off the clock and non-competing with Roberts, fellow Robertonian Nick and myself do miscellaneous art things around town (shooting, studio stuff, paintings). We try to get out there and experience the world, and get to know the people around here. And, in the course of things, we’re always having gigs pop up that my “ready to roam” camera kit isn’t quite tailored to handle.

Fortunately for us, right next to the best professional photo processing in Indianapolis is the best photo rental department in the nearest anywhere. Backgrounds, Pocketwizards, extra Canon flashes (gotta love that 580EX II for kickabout jobs), professional studio lighting (I used a two-light kit from our rentals department when I shot my paintings for an online gallery), we’ve got quite a good deal of stuff for rent.

So, this weekend when I’m doing a boudoir/pinup set and need some good lights, I know the rentals department has what I need to rise above. What can they help you accomplish?



Micro Panels Plus

Lite Panels has released another great light called the MircoPro.  The Micro was a big hit when it came out last year and I have no doubt about this one.  It has twice the output power of the original Micro.  Pretty cool.  For shooting in low light with HD camcorders or a constant light on an SLR hotshoe instead of a flash unit, this should fit the bill.




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