Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4 This is the latest version of Nik’s popular digital photographic filters for image retouching and enhancement. Color Efex Pro 4 is easy to use and offers a new generation of technologies and features that help you to create stunning effects. It has stackable filter combinations, visual presets, filter recipes, and new filters such as Detail Extractor, Vintage Film Efex, and Image Borders. The software also includes a History Browser, improvements to imaging algorithms, greater performance, and enhanced usability. The Color Efex Pro 4 Complete Edition contains 54 filters for a suggested retail price of $199.95. The Select Edition contains 25 filters for $99.95. You may also upgrade to the Complete Edition from any edition of Versions 2.0 or 3.0 for $99.95.
In this month’s Roundup we offer an introduction to a sampling of backdrop companies with products ranging from cloth to paper to virtual. Space prohibits us from covering their often extensive product lines, so we encourage you to follow up by contacting them directly. Many offer online as well as printed catalogs.—Editor
Titanium Cloth Backdrops & Candy Floors
Backdrop Outlet’s durable Titanium Cloth backdrops are made from a wrinkle-free, fleece-like fabric that provides vivid color. The Candy Floors are durable, lightweight, and easy to switch out. Use them both for vibrant, realistic-looking backgrounds.
One Bag Version 2
The stylish, lightweight One Bag is crafted from ultrahigh-quality wetsuit-grade neoprene. It can easily accommodate a 15” to 17” laptop, photography equipment, and assorted electronics. It features an ultra-soft lining and four pockets, and the Photo Insert allows you to change the laptop bag into a camera gear bag with three pockets for lenses and other gadgets. The designer neoprene strap features leather bindings and stretches to conform to your body. The swappable designer covers are sold separately and allow you to transform your bag for any occasion. Version 2 is 1” wider than the original and offers more accessory pockets. It comes in Black Leather, Midnight Web, and Smokey Damask covers. The suggested price is $128.
Lensbaby Spark
Created for young photo enthusiasts, the Lensbaby Spark is a fun and affordable lens that offers Lensbaby effects for just $80. Made for use with Canon and Nikon D-SLR cameras, this 50mm f/5.6 lens features a multi-coated glass doublet and a focusing range of 13” to infinity. This manual focus lens offers a sharp sweet spot surrounded by soft blur. The Spark is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and all of the Lensbaby 37mm threaded accessory lenses.
HDR Backdrop Series
Denny Manufacturing is now offering a new line of High Dynamic Range-looking backdrops. Created on the advice of a loyal customer, these backdrops are certain to save photographers precious time while adding a new dimension in contrast to their images. From Sports to Outdoor themes Denny has a backdrop to fit your needs and style.
These fashionable, durable, and discreet Messenger bags are available in three sizes. Each features a wide main access compartment with a “dual mode” flap that offers security and a quiet working mode, a wide shoulder strap, stretch pockets, and a grab handle. The model 250 and 150 offer a padded laptop/tablet compartment. The model 250 is large enough to easily hold a pro D-SLR camera, three to four lenses, and an iPad or 13” laptop. The retail value is $79.99. The model 150 can hold a D-SLR camera, two to three lenses, and an iPad. The retail value is $69.99. The model 100 can hold a compact D-SLR or mirrorless camera with a lens attached. The retail value is $59.99.
Rogue Safari Pop-Up Flash Booster
Designed for use with most modern Canon APS-C or Nikon DX sensor cameras with telephoto zoom lenses (100mm and longer), the Rogue Safari Pop-Up Flash Booster is lightweight and easy to use. This attachment concentrates the light from the camera’s pop-up flash to provide more illumination on subjects as far as 60 to 70 feet away. The light adds up to 8x more than what the unassisted flash provides. Crafted from durable impact-resistant polycarbonate materials, the Rogue Safari Pop-Up Flash Booster does not require batteries and has a retail price of $34.95.
A trio of new battery grips is on offer. The Pixel Vertax series (Argraph) gives you a firm handle on your camera while providing a power boost. Features include a vertical shutter release, shutter and aperture control wheels (Nikon models or a single wheel for Canon), exposure lock, multifunction control buttons, and more. The grips accept AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable) or camera batteries for added shooting capacity. The grips offer excellent dust and moisture seals and a rubber handgrip for slip-free control. They are made for use on current and newer model Nikon and Canon cameras. Prices start at $79.
Calumet Pro Series Camera Cases And Protective Wraps Pro Series camera cases are made from ripstop water-resistant nylon and designed to protect your camera and a mounted lens. The cases feature a hinged lid, smooth nylon zippers with large pulls, a reinforced adjustable shoulder strap with metal quick-release clips, and a padded carrying handle. Products include the DSLR123 Camera Holster Case that can hold most popular model D-SLR cameras with a lens up to 200mm; the RC1188 Rolling Camera Case (14x10x20.75” and 14.4 lbs) that meets domestic carryon requirements and has an expandable compartment for a tripod or lightweight stand; and the RC2065 Rolling Camera Case Plus (15.5x12x23.5” and 14.4 lbs) that can hold four to five D-SLR camera bodies and three to four lenses (even a long telephoto or zoom lens), a portable flash, and accessories.