A Web Site That Reviews Products Cannot Be Biased – What Was A Reliable Source May Not Be Reliable Anymore

by Elliot Posted on May 21, 2013

Assessing The Situation

Technology continues to rapidly change how we take pictures and it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the changes. This is why it is so important to have unbiased and fair advice on new cameras, lenses, and software. My “go to” website for reviews and information has been Digital Photography Review (DPR) (www.dpreview.com). Unfortunately, due to recent events, I am looking at reviews on DPR with suspicion now.

When Amazon purchased DPR, we gasped and began fretting about how reliable their reviews would be and whether or not those reviews would reflect the ideals of Digital Photography Review or be slanted towards the corporate sales direction of Amazon.

Well those fears, in my opinion, have now been realized.  DPR recently decided that, besides the reviews, forums, blogs, etc., they would also become retailers. No where does Amazon’s name appear in the DPR store or in the checkout process but I can’t imagine that anyone other than Amazon will be fulfilling the orders. The prices on the DPR GearShop look suspiciously similar to those on Amazon.

What is troubling is how honest the future reviews are going to be.  Will they speak to the true pros and cons?  Will the “Gold” award or “Silver” award be earned because the camera or lens or software deserves the higher score or will it be because it is a product that Dpreview wants to sell large numbers of?

Up until now, the reviews have been pretty concise and pretty honest.  Up until now the forums have been anywhere from great to highly argumentative and dysfunctional.

As consumers we may benefit but I personally will have a trust issue lingering in the back of my mind.  I shall always believe there may be an ulterior motive behind a high award from Dpreview.

You are the jury.  Only you can decide.

I have already decided.

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Trip to Cuba 2013 – Keith Ervin (kaervin)’s Photos

by Elliot Posted on May 2, 2013

Keith has just returned from his trip to Cuba and the link below is to has fantastic images.  One thing that strikes me, and I have made note of this before.  Go anywhere else outside the western world and their is an explosion of color.  Step off a plane in Europe or the USA and things look flat, monotone, lacking in color.  Just an observation.  Keith has truly captured a lot of the Cuban culture.

 

Trip to Cuba 2013 – Keith Ervin (kaervin)’s Photos.

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Tether Table Aero Laptop Workstation and Wallee iPad Tablet System Mount on Tripods, Photography Light Stands and Arms for Tethered Photography.

by Elliot Posted on April 30, 2013

I came across this today thanks to a B&H news letter.  I thought that many of you might find this an interesting set of products to look at.  Click on the products menu and take a look through.  We are not affiliated with Tether in anyway nor have I tried their products but they look interesting.

 Table Aero Laptop Workstation and Wallee iPad Tablet System Mount on Tripods, Photography Light Stands and Arms for Tethered Photography..

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PocketWizard® – Remote triggering system products, cables, accessories and integrated solutions

by Elliot Posted on April 26, 2013

TRIGGERS – YOU CAN’T LIVE WITH OUT THEM AND THEY WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE REAL EASY WHEN IT COMES TO ACCURATE AND AROUND CORNERS CAMERA AND FLASH CONTROL.  LINE OF SIGHT NOT NEEDED.  

 

PocketWizard® – Remote triggering system products, cables, accessories and integrated solutions.

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How to Use a Handheld Meter | Photography How To Articles – What’s Your Specialty? Photographer

by Elliot Posted on April 26, 2013

Great Article on how to use a hand held meter.  Usually the main thing that prevents the exacting photographer from carrying a hand held meter is the lack of knowledge on how to really use it.

Why carry a hand held meter?  Sometimes the built in metering systems of your camera just don’t and can’t get it right in ambient light and when it comes to flash – forget the automated flash systems with their multiple flashes.  The only way to get light ratios right is with a great flash meter.  You can get two meters in one from the best.  SEKONIC

How to Use a Handheld Meter | Photography How To Articles – What’s Your Specialty? Photographer.

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Induro Hi-Hat for Filmmakers and Photographers

by Elliot Posted on April 26, 2013

I have one of these and it is nothing short of incredible.  I have been using it for macro work and even the it is almost heavy, it is great in the field for the most solid platform for getting low to the ground.

 

While the Hi Hat never has an issue in performing, I usually have a couple of friends with me to get me off the low part of the ground after I get great shots with the Hi Hat. :)

 

 

Induro Hi-Hat for Filmmakers and Photographers.

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