Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black

You looking to find the "Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black" Good news! You can purchase Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $499.99    

Product Feature

• The quality of a DSLR in about half the size, weight - World's smallest, lightest interchangeable lens camera
• Same APS-C sensor size, same resolution as Alpha DSLRs
• 14.2 MP; up to 7 fps shooting; ISO 12800 sensitivity
• World's first in class1 with 1080/60i Full HD movies
• The lens included is Supplied lens is - SEL1855. SEL1855 Interchangeable and E-mount lens .

Product Description

The performance of a DSLR, in about half the size and weight.5 The NEX-5 is the interchangeable lens camera that goes wherever you do. Enjoy Full HD 1080/60i movies,2 astounding low-light pictures, continuous shooting up to 7 fps, incredible panorama shots, and Live View on a tilting 3.0-inch6 LCD. The lens included is Supplied lens is - SEL1855. SEL1855 Interchangeable and E-mount lens .

Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black Review

People, I LOVE this camera. I bought it thinking there was an 85% chance I was going to return it, but am happy to tell you that as soon as I uploaded my first pictures, I was smitten. I was most worried about picture quality, because I had previously owned a Sony a200 and a700, and ended up selling both for a Canon and Nikon, because the picture quality just wasn't up to snuff. My most recent camera was a D300s and I would say that the nex5 performs almost as well as it in most situations and even better in a few. And the nex5 video blows the D300s out of the water! Obviously everyone has different needs and preferences from their camera so all I can do is tell you what my needs were and why the nex5 is so great for them.

The picture quality was the most important thing for me, which was more than adequate so the next most important criteria was the LCD. The LCD on my D300s was a complete joke, as I couldn't see squat on that thing in even moderate sunlight. This was extremely frustrating but since it was based on an OVF anyway, I just dealt with it. But I started my photography in this digital age on a Canon S2IS which had a swivelling screen and full-time live-view, and honestly, I've missed that method of taking pictures ever since I moved up to dSLR's. The two things that I wanted most out of the LCD on the nex5 were adequate visibility in bright sunlight, and real-time exposure compensation, so that you know EXACTLY what your picture would look like before you take it. It passed both of these tests with flying colors. The second day I had it, my wife and I went fishing on the river, in the afternoon sun. Live view photography would have been impossible on my D300s but I had no problems with the nex5. Understand that it will get a little washed out, but I was still able to compose as well as I needed and set exposure almost spot on. When I got home and uploaded my pics, this was confirmed for me as they just looked amazing. The best part about it was knowing that I wouldn't have gotten any of those shots with my D300s, simply because I wouldn't have brought the dang thing because I already had a bunch of stuff to carry. The sony just fit in my pocket (cargo pocket, with 18-55) and was out of the way until needed.

The other great things about this little guy are the ISO performance, which is ridiculous (better than D300s) and the high-speed continuous mode. Just to be straight on this, it will take 7, full-resolution photos a second, but locks exposure and focus. If you want it to refocus and adjust exposure, the best it can do is about 2 1/2. Of course there's the panoramic mode (haven't tried it), HDR mode (don't like it), and twilight mode (don't like it). Oh yeah, and I love the detachable flash which is solid as a rock when attached, but since I hardly ever do flash-photography, I love to be able to get it out of the way for the majority of the time.

For me this is the best camera on the market right now. I tested it against the Lumix G2 and thought the picture quality is noticeably better on the Sony (I do think focus is faster on the G2 though - certainly a great camera too), not to mention the form factor is so much smaller! But, with all that said, I fully plan on selling it in the fall when the new batch of cameras come out because there are a few things that the nex5 doesn't have that I desperately want.

First of all, the menu sucks. There's no way around it - if you ever try to change the settings, you are going to be frustrated by it. I could live with that, but there are other things missing. As good as the LCD is, I really want an EVF, even if I have to have a slightly larger body. I also really need just a few more buttons, namely: ISO, Focus lock, AE lock, but I do like the minimalist approach, because I absolutely hate the millions of buttons that Canon and Nikon throw on their cameras. As I mentioned, the video is very good, and although it does have an exposure control, so you can increase or decrease the brightness by two stops at any time (kind of neat), I need full manual control over video. The only other things that I don't really like are just nagging things that I could live with, but I'm hoping will improve in my next purchase, they are: battery life, screen blackout, and shutter noise. Battery life goes really fast on this camera and spares are ridiculously priced at $70, but I can understand that it takes a lot of juice to run that screen, so I could live with it. The screen does black out when you take pictures for what seems just a hair too long. It's not terrible, and for a $700 camera it's actually very good, but it's just something that would bother me in the long run. The shutter is surprisingly loud. The first day I got it I took a picture of my wife taking a nap on the couch and it actually woke her up! I'm not saying it sounds like a freight train, but unfortunately, I love taking incognito pictures in crowded places and would definitely have to be a little more careful with this little guy.

So, all in all, this is my favorite camera I've ever owned. I mention that I plan on selling it only because I know that the evolution will be to bring more and more functions to this small sized, mirrorless style camera, otherwise I wouldn't. If I had to choose between every camera out there right now, I'd choose this one every time. But I'm keeping a keen eye out for the nex7 and gh2 that should be coming out this fall, and guess that one of those cameras will be pretty much perfect for me.

UPDATE

Now that they've started manufacturing adapters for the NEX, I got myself a Canon FD lens adapter which has really taken the camera to a whole new level. Understand that you will only have manual focus with any adapter but Sony makes it very easy by dedicating the bottom button to MF Assist which zooms in so you can make sure that your focus is sharp! Even though some of the lenses dwarf the tiny little NEX, it still handles very comfortably and efficiently. If you love this camera but are frustrated with the selection (or lack of) of lenses, check out the options on ebay - those old lenses are a real bargain now.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Sony Alpha NEX5K/B Digital Camera with 18-55mm Interchangeable Lens - Black ...

Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs.

You looking to find the "Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs." Good news! You can purchase Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs. with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $399.95    

Product Feature

• Weighs less than 1 lb (.45kg) with quick release clamp.
• Easily holds over 25 lbs (11.4kg) at any angle.
• Full movements allow any camera position.
• Precision C.N.C. machined.
• Compatible with Kirk, Arca, R.R.S., and many other QR plates.

Product Description

The Acratech GP Ballhead is uniquely designed to function as a ballhead a Gimbal head and as a leveling base.

Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs. Review

I am a researcher when buying new products. And I found information on the Acratech GP Ball Head a bit difficult to find, so I wanted to be sure to post a review as soon as I felt that I had enough information to do so.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
First of all, let me say I honestly couldn't be more impressed with this ball head. As an amateur photography enthusiast I was looking for something that would fully support my equipment and aid in the images that I take. This ball head is absolutely fantastic! Its construction is unique in that as it is an open ball head dirt, dust, grime, etc. will not get caught up in it and make it sticky to use in the future (more on this in a minute). The adjustments made on this are smooth making shooting images as pleasant as can be.

There were three things that attracted me to this particular ball head. Price, Weight, and Versatility of Design.

First of all, price. This is a major decision maker for lots of people, and as this ball head is right on par with many of the other major ball heads I was intrigued with its possibilities. Right under $400 will match up perfectly with just about anything by Kirk, Really Right Stuff, or Arca Swiss. However with the versatility of this ball head I believe it to be a much better value (with one exception - to be discussed later).

Weight is a huge factor, and as my Gitzo GT 3531 already sitting at around 6lbs. I was looking for something that would be as light as possible. I just took my gear, including tripod, and this ball head on a 30mile snow-shoeing trip, and I can honestly say that I don't know that I could have done it if I had a ball head that was much heavier than this. The weight of this allowed me to carry along two lenses, for some versatility, along with the rest of my gear needed for a comfortable snow shoeing experience. Despite its weight I was able to take some excellent shot. Including multiple lengthy star trail exposures (around 15 minutes), in extremely windy conditions that were tack sharp. To mention its open ball design. This meant that I could easily pack my tripod along, and have it on the outside of my pack, and not worry about dust, dirt, snow, or whatever getting stuck in the ball head compartment. In fact there were a few times where that did happen, and I literally blew, and it was completely cleaned out.

The versatility was really the final selling point for me. I had originally been looking for a Gimbal - which is how I stumbled upon this. I really like the use of the Gimbal, but at the same time lacking a traditional ball head I felt a little bit limited in purchasing simply a Gimbal. When I stumbled on this and realized that it operated as both a Gimbal and a more traditional ball head I was intrigued. And after using it in both manners can say that it truly functions well in both capacities. However, I was shocked when I realized that this could be used as a leveling base as well. As I do enjoy taking panoramic shots as well, the thought of spending yet another couple hundred dollars on this accessory was a bit daunting. I was a bit skeptical of the ease of use to switch it over to the leveling base, but it was quite simple, as I did it in the field in less than five minutes, and it really was a much lighter option only needing to carry a small Allen wrench as opposed to an entire other piece of equipment. My panoramic shots were very simple to take, and make with this set up. Which really made this a three in one deal - bringing this all back to price. Though it is comparable to what the other major ball head manufacturers charge, this is by far the best deal around.

I use an RRS arca swiss compatible plate with it and was sure to test out the Detent Pin, and can gladly say that there is little to no risk of the camera falling off of the ball head even if I have not screwed it on entirely. The detent pin does its job! And potentially saves a lot of money of broken gear!

The one thing that I was concerned with before purchasing this was on review that I had read that said that the ball was too loose and would drop quickly. I have not found this to be the case as long as you manage the tension knob correctly. With the proper tension you can have a pretty heavy set-up and have no problems with the ball being too loose.

THE ONE EXCEPTION:
The ball head is rated for around 25lbs. or to be used with nothing more than a 400mm f/4. This is great for me as I don't have that kind of set up. My max weight is probably hoovering around 20lbs. and it feels quite supported on this tripod. I certainly don't have a 400mm f/4 and in fact if I did, I probably wouldn't be looking to save a few hundred dollars to purchase a three in one tripod. But then again, I would say most people probably aren't sitting with a 400mm f/4 without already having a sturdy tripod set up. The longest lens I currently use is a Nikon 70-300mm VR lens, which though somewhat lengthy, is nothing in comparison to a 400mm f/4. I do plan on upgrading to a Sigma 50-500mm OS, and by its specs sheet believe that this ball head will still perform well with that lens (though don't quote me on that as I have not yet tried it).

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
If you are shooting with less than 25lbs. and something smaller than a 400mm f/4 BUY THIS BALL HEAD RIGHT NOW. I promise there is not a better deal out there. If you are using more than 25lbs and/or a 400mm f/4 think about something else, though after using it, I still may want to own one of these if I ever upgrade to that kind of set up. There are several very helpful (though somewhat hilarious) videos on YouTube made by the founder of the company. They really helped me see what I was about to get into. I also emailed the company and got a prompt reply from them which also helped me make a decision. All around great purchase!!!

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs." are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Acratech GP Ballhead with Gimbal Feature, with all Rubber Knobs, Quick Release / Detent Pin and Level, Supports 25 lbs. ...

Lensbaby Optic Kit

You looking to find the "Lensbaby Optic Kit" Good news! You can purchase Lensbaby Optic Kit with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $99.95 $85.99   

Product Feature

• Interchangeable with the Composer, Muse, and Control Freak SLR lenses.
• The kit consists of 3 optics: Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole / Zone plate. Each Optic creates a different creative look in camera.
• The Plastic Optic has a 50mm focal length and has interchangable apertures that range from f/2 to f/22. Plastic Optic creates dreamy, ethereal images that will please toy camera lovers.
• The Single Glass optic has a 50mm focal length and apertures that range from f/2 to f/22. Single Glass Optic is similar to vintage camera optics, and creates a more primitive image that is great for black and white, portrait, & fine art photography.
• The Pinhole / Zone plate Optic allows you to switch back and forth between f/177 pinhole photography and f/19 zone plate photography. Both modes create dreamy, artistic images that are equally sharp (or soft) from edge to edge.

Product Description

The Lensbaby � Optic Swap System kit the includes the Plastic optic, Double Glass optic, and Pinhole Zone Plate

Lensbaby Optic Kit Review

I love my Lensbaby Composer. It gives a very artistic and unique look to any photo you take with it. While my Composer came with the double glass, which is very sharp in the sweet spot, the single glass, plastic, and pinhole/zone plate optics are just as fun to use. The single glass optic gives a softer look in the sweet spot, the type you'd find in an antique camera. The plastic optic is very fun, giving you the look/feel of an old toy camera. Very soft images, dreamy in a sense. The pinhole/zoneplate optic is very different. You have to have a tripod for this optic, being as the zoneplate is a fixed f/19 and the pinhole is fixed at f/177.

All of these optics will work with the Lensbaby Composer, Muse, and Control Freak. Also, the creative aperture kit will work with the Single glass and Plastic optic, in addition to the Double glass optic, but not the pinhole/zoneplate.

These are very easy to use with the lensbaby, have great instructions that come with them, and the Lensbaby community is very supportive and knowledgeable.

These cannot be used by themselves, they must be used in concert with a Lensbaby Composer, Muse, or Control Freak. If you need additional "technical details" (this is directed at the other reviewers), I suggest you actually use the internet and google Lensbaby, or just go to [...] and check out the kit from there and quit writing erroneous reviews, bringing down the star-rating of this phenomenal kit.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Lensbaby Optic Kit" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Lensbaby Optic Kit ...

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras

You looking to find the "Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras" Good news! You can purchase Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $649.00    

Product Feature

• Super-Wide: 10-20 with maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout entire zoom range
• Includes: Petal-type Hood supplied

Product Description

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM. This super-wide angle lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoom range. With its wide angle view from 102.4 degrees it can produce striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting and it enables photographers to emphasize the subject. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and a SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches (24cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood and polarizing filter. The Petal-type hood blocks extraneous light and reduces internal reflection.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras Review

When I bought the Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 14 months ago, I didn't know what to expect. I never used a 3rd party lens or an ultra wide-angle, but I quickly learned to love the lens and the opportunities it created. Having said goodbye to the lens a week ago (still kicking), I decided to give this new slightly faster model for a spin.

Currently reviews or even sample photos are sparse, and even some details seem elusive, so lets start in the beginning:

* Like the predecessor, this model features HSM, so all Nikon DSLR users can benefit from this lens (D700, D3, and D3x users will only get a cropped view)
* Also like its predecessor, its a hefty well-built lens that's made in Japan
* It's comparable in size and weight to the original, but the 82mm front threads take some getting used to
* While the older model did not extend at 10mm and extended barely at the "long" end, the new one is flush from 16-13mm, and extends slightly at both the wide and the long end.
* the EX finish is a tad more refined, and it now features an AF/MF switch (full time override is available in AF). The focus ring is somewhat stiff, but has a nice movement to it. AF is blazing!
* Sigma seems to have revised the rear element a bit with an added piece of plastic to minimize reflections
* You also get an extra aperture blade for better bokeh and much better sunstars
* Just in case you are wondering, this lens works just like a Nikon lens with full functionality

I'll post photos, but in general its the equal or better to the earlier lens. At the wide end the extra 1/3 stop is barely worth mentioning, but at the wide end, you get 1 1/3 stop more light. The changes do go beyond that, as there now is ELD glass as well as SLD (in the previous version), and there is more aspheric glass. If this doesn't mean anything to you, just know this all helps it be a great lens!

This is a very challenging focal length to design for, especially if cost and size are a concern, so there is no perfect lens in this range. That being said, Sigma seemed to have used their experience with a previous 10-20mm to create a highly refined and very capable lens. If shooting at f/3.5 you will see some softness in the corners, but frankly it's not that limiting. Stopping down to f/5.6 helps a lot with gains in between, and it peeks at f/8-11 (maybe f/13 on a 6mp sensor).

Coming from an 18-## zoom? You'll get a whole new perspective, an opportunity to explore a new world of photography, and get to work with a lens of much better construction than a kit lens.

Coming from another ultra-wide angle? It may not be worth the switch (I sold my other one for a variety of reasons), but you almost get the speed of the Tokina AT-X116PRDXN AT-X PRO DX 11-16mm Ultra-wide Angle Lens for Nikon and you get a faster aperture and more useful zoom range than first gen ultra-wides such as the Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens or Tokina AT-XAF124DXN 12-24mm Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras ...