Equipment Reviews
Film & Film Cameras
Here’s another in our series of reports from photokina 2012. As you will have noticed we do not attempt to create a laundry list of new products and companies from the show, but prefer to report on what struck our eye and thought might be of special interest to Shutterbug readers.
SIGMA DP3 Merrill
The Sigma DP3 Merrill is the latest Sigma camera with the new Foveonsensor.
With this sensor, the camera can capture complete RGB information for every single pixel and doesn’t need to interpolate colors like all other digital cameras with Bayer pattern sensors.
Accessories, Albums & Presentation Products
While photokina could be considered a distant memory, we have a number of reports yet to run that deal with products that were new to market and caught our reporter’s eye, and that in many cases are just becoming available now. Here’s a report on useful items filed by Roger Hicks that covers interesting accessories and other products he found at the show.
Nikon D600
The Nikon D600 is the smallest of the company’s full-format sensor cameras yet due to the same seals and protections as the Nikon D800 and its very robust body, it can be used outdoors under rugged and rainy weather conditions. The camera has a standard SLR design with a bright and large optical viewfinder. In addition, it offers a live preview on its 3.2” LCD screen, which has a high resolution of 921,000 RGB dots.
Techniques
Web Profiles
Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, reports that a study of online retailing in 2006 found...
Personal Project
Actor Richard Gere is best known for his roles in over 40 films, but few may be aware he is also an avid photographer and collector.
Pro's Choice
Mark Katzman has been shooting professionally for over 25 years. Originally, he studied filmmaking at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Picture This!
Our Picture This! assignment this month was Patterns, a subject near and dear to every photographer’s heart and eye.
News
Pelican ProGear
Pelican Products, Inc. has introduced the Pelican ProGear™ S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Divider Pack, the newest addition to its consumer products line, Pelican ProGear.
Hensel International Photo Contest
The prize is a special Hensel Expert D anniversary lighting kit including all accessories. This has a value of $5000.
Shutterbug Reader Wins TIPA Prize
TIPA would like to thank all the readers who took part in the TIPA Readers’ Survey for 2013 that was published in the members’ magazines.
Samsung NX1100
Samsung Electronics America, Inc. announced that the new NX1100, compact system camera with built-in Wi-Fi and AutoShare, is now available nationwide for a MSRP of $599.99.
Latest Additions

News
Press Release Oct 24, 2012 71 comments
Photoflex announced the release of the New LitePanel Frame Hardware. The hardware allows you to suspend Photoflex LitePanel frames onto the LiteReach Plus or a LiteStand. This new versatileclamping swivel system provides a variety of support and positioning possibilities for the Photoflex LitePanel reflector diffuser frame line. The LitePanel hardware comes with the Photoflex SwivelMount allowing for maximum versatility.
Pro Techniques
Lou Jacobs Jr. Oct 23, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 1 comments
Mobile, Alabama-based photographer Laura Cantrell says, “Mothers trust me to capture and preserve the magic in childhood.” Her photography business in Mobile was inherited from her father who sent his 17-year-old daughter on her first assignment to photograph a train wreck with a 4x5 Speed Graphic. By assisting her dad at weddings and shooting portraits she learned lighting, posing, and how to please clients.
Book Reviews
Scott Kelby Oct 22, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 1 comments
Each year, Scott Kelby trains thousands of professional photographers during his seminar tours and now he’s taken that incredibly popular style of learning and put it into book form. Among topics covered are step-by-step layouts for creating the most-requested and sought-after lighting looks; the camera settings, gear, and power settings for every shot; retouching techniques the pros really use to make their subjects look their very best; and a host of insider tricks, invaluable shortcuts, and special effects. Kelby’s book is unique in that he combines his myriad skills for a full range of workflow options, from setup to output. (Abridged from liner notes.)

We are pleased to bring you this excerpt from an excellent book that takes it all in-house, from setup to lighting to retouch and output. Time spent with this book is certainly time well spent, as Kelby is that rare photographer/author/Photoshop teacher who brings it all together under one roof.—Editor

News
Press Release Oct 22, 2012 10 comments
Sticking with the mission to have photo-fanatics do more with their photos, Mpix announces the release of stylish new Photo Book designs. For both the Soft Cover and Coffee Table Books, users will discover the creative license to share the story of their lives with a variety of new designs in every category from wedding to family to travel.
Accessories
Susan Park Oct 19, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 4 comments
With the profusion of new cards with various and often confusing classifications and ratings we thought it a good idea to get guidance on selecting the right card for your camera and way of working from an expert. We recently met with the folks from SanDisk and they were kind enough to offer the following synopsis of card and camera, ratings and usage.—Editor
News
Press Release Oct 19, 2012 21 comments
Benro announced the eye-catching and very versatile new MeFOTO Transfunctional Travel Tripod Kits. This new tripod provides photographers with a reliable camera support for sharp photos and videos while allowing them to express their individual style when choosing from a selection of brilliant Red, Green, Blue, Gold and Titanium Metallic colors.
Steve Bedell Oct 18, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 1 comments
Recently I had an opportunity to test Profoto’s D1 monolight and their HR Softbox 1.5x3. To check out the combo the company sent along a Profoto D1 Air Kit that includes two D1 monolights, stands, umbrellas, and a case. I did not have the Air Remote to control the units from camera position.
Features
Staff Oct 17, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 4 comments
From 14 July to 28 October 2012, the American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, will stage an exhibition evocatively entitled By Way of These Eyes that will present treasures from textile designer Christopher Hyland’s comprehensive collection of American photography. Hyland, president of one of the world’s leading firms specializing in luxury fabrics and founder of the acclaimed HYLAND lifestyle magazine, describes collecting photography as one of the greatest adventures of his life.
News
Press Release Oct 17, 2012 5 comments
RTP, Rehabilitation Through Photography announces the hiring of a new executive director, Maureen McNeil. Maureen comes to this new position with a strong background in the arts and culture, and most importantly, over 10 years experience in Non-profit management. She has a proven track record of working with board members. She has served as a spokesperson for organizations on a national and international broadcast media basis. Maureen is recognized as a true leader in the field of arts and culture.
Accessories
Jon Sienkiewicz Oct 16, 2012 Published: Sep 01, 2012 21 comments
It’s a good thing that early photographers didn’t have to pass through airport security with their flash equipment. The pyrotechnics they used to light a scene would surely have merited more than a pat down. Many years ago, long before the flash tube or flashbulb, a century or so before the Flashcube, cameramen used a flash powder called thermite.