Photo Accessory Reviews

One of my favorite camera straps and a brand that’s widely used by professionals is going away. I’m sad to confirm the rumors that UPstrap production is ending soon, likely by the end of this year. The message today is simple and clear: if you want to buy one of the professional camera straps that I think are the best on this planet, order one now.

If you stumble trying to decipher the abbreviation NAS, don’t feel alone. When cameras went digital, photographers were expected to magically become computer wizards. Who has the time? Among the many advantages of installing a NAS drive is the immediate harnessing of powerful computer tools without a junior degree in IT—all the while keeping your energy focused on what you do best: taking pictures, shooting videos and/or creating web content.

Experienced photographers appreciate the value of filters, the kind that go in front of the lens. Screw-in filters alter the characteristics of light before it reaches the image sensor—something not even Photoshop can do. Here are three I recommend for autumn leaf colors and all fall festivities.

Ask any experienced landscape photographer to identify the most important tool in his bag, and the answer is likely to be, “My ND filter.” Or more accurately, “My set of ND filters.”

If you are using the shoulder strap that came with your mirrorless or DSLR camera, you’re wearing a billboard for the manufacturer. At best it attracts unneeded attention. At worst it alerts snatch artists and other miscreants. Time to switch!

Modern cameras have excellent AE (Automatic Exposure) features, so users can get great shots without thinking much about what’s happening under the hood. The light meter, of course, is built-in and somewhat autocratic—and therein lies the rub.

If you grew up in America, your idea of an electrical wall outlet is a flat rectangle with two receptacles where one can plug in the cord from a lamp, toaster or other 110-volt gizmo. Here are five products that may change that mental image forever.