ioShutter Timelapse in Bristol Harbour

Freia & Helen took the ioShutter to Bristol Harbour for a Time-lapse shoot.

Here’s how they did the shoot…

With very little planning & preparation we gathered the key things we needed…

• ioShutter N3 cable (Canon fit)
• Tripod (Manfrotto)
• Camera (Canon 5D MkII)
• iPhone 4S (you can use an iPad or iPod Touch instead)

…then we headed for Bristol Harbour to find a good location for our Timelapse. After a wee bit of wandering we found a good spot on Pero’s Bridge and set up the tripod & camera.

Next we connected the ioShutter cable to the iPhone and turned on the ioShutter LITE App (that’s the free one).

We chose the intervalometer setting of: Every 5 secs for 10 mins to trigger the camera’s shutter, and here’s the result:

Next we thought we’d compare the Timelapse option of the LITE App with the PRO (paid for one) and found heaps more functionality, so we set the intervalometer every 1 second for 10 mins and here’s the result:

While the ioShutter was working its magic we hung the phone in the blue bag that comes with it on the tripod and kept an eye on the passing pedestrian traffic to ensure our gear stayed in place!!

It really was as simple as that :0)

With hindsight we made a list of things that should be checked before going out to do Time lapse photography:

• Ensure your sensor is clean – every little spec of dirt will show up!
• Remember to install the App before your shoot… otherwise you may get a little frustrated waiting for it to load…
• Remember to bring the quick release plate (Camera to Tripod attachment)
• Bring an umbrella if the weather’s not looking too good
• Set the file quality to JPEG only so you can fit plenty of shots on your card (& for quicker post production)
• Remember to turn your iPhone to Airplane Mode as this could interrupt your shoot
• Charge all your batteries before heading out!

How to do POST-PRODUCTION:

We put all the JPEG images from one 10 minute Timelapse shoot into ONE folder on the computer.

Then we used some Time Lapse assembly software to create the movie.

Typing ‘Time Lapse Assembly’ or ‘Time Lapse Assembler’ or ‘Time Lapse Software’ into a search engine will give you a multitude of free & paid for software to choose from and lots of useful websites guiding you through this too.

The one we used to compile our shots was: Time Lapse Assembler (Mac) (free)

Here are the settings used:
Codec: mp4v
Framerate: 30 fps (frames per second)
Dimensions resized to: 1280 or 1024 and scaled proportionally
Quality: High or Normal

Apple’s QuickTime 7 Pro (Mac/PC) (paid) is also highly recommended.

Just for fun, here’s one of the most amazing timelapses that I think has ever been made… something to aspire to!!

Produced by Neil Lucas, narrated by David Attenborough, Executive Producer Michael Gunton for the BBC:

Woodland Timelapse from the BBC LIFE Plants series

You can see some more fantastic BBC Time Lapse footage in their online Nature Video Collections archive. (click on link)

Does My Kit Fit? Retrospective 10 pinestone

Pete Rawlinson, Sales Specialist at London Camera Exchange in Winchester, was privilaged to be asked to test out the new Nikon 1 cameras at the press launch in Shanghai, back in October…

“I thought I’d need a bag that would better suit all my kit. Now, like most photographers, I have many different bags and cases yet none seem to be able to handle the kit I’d be taking out with me.

While at work I looked at the Retro series and thought I’d appeal to my rep, Helen’s, kind nature and ask if there were any Retro Demo bags I could borrow. Unfortunately none of these were available, but Helen kindly lent me her own Retro 10. The bag was big enough to fit all my kit plus the chargers and my vitals, phone and wallet.

The main things I really found great about this bag were;

• Enough room for all my kit plus more
• Not your typical “Camera Bag” (meaning I could happily walk around the streets with £8000 worth of camera equipment on my shoulder)
• The cushioned strap was more than welcomed as I spent 5 days carrying all this kit for the whole time
• The carrying handle made picking up my gear from the taxis, buses and boats easier than having to pick it up via the long strap.
• The sound silencers were probably the best feature with this bag. I found this particularly handy while exploring the Buddhist temple when I had to switch over memory cards.

All in all I don’t think I could say anything negative about these series of bags and since returning from China I have bought myself a Retro 10 which has become my primary Camera Bag.”

www.LCEGROUP.co.uk

www.Pete-Rawlinson.co.uk

Congratulations to Pete who recently wind 3rd prize in the Sony World Photography Awards (staff competition)!
Here he is collecting his prize:  Pete collecting prize

Pete Rawlinson shooting in Shaghai with the Nikon 1 camera

Shaghai at night, taken on the Nikon 1 camera – Copyright Pete Rawlinson 2011

Shaghai People, taken on the Nikon 1 camera – Copyright Pete Rawlinson 2011Fellow Nikon Photographers Simon Stafford & Will Cheung (Advanced Photographer Editor) with their Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise shoulder bags in Shaghai, shot on the Nikon 1 camera – Copyright Pete Rawlinson 2011

Shaghai, taken on the Nikon 1 camera – Copyright Pete Rawlinson 2011

Nikon 1 camera gear, which Pete fitted in the Retrospective 10 bag – Copyright Pete Rawlinson 2011

To see more of Pete’s work please check out this link: www.Pete-Rawlinson.co.uk

To find out more on the Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 and other bags in the range to can catch up with Pete in the LCE – London Camera Exchange – store in Winchester, Hampshire. Website: www.lcegroup.co.uk

You can follow LCE on Twitter here: @LCEUsedCameras

and here: @LCEOffers

You can follow LCE Winchester on Facebook here: LCE Winchester

For more info on the Retrospective range click on this link: RETROSPECTIVE RANGE

Bigger Picture Roadshow IRELAND

Snapperstuff has joined the Bigger Picture Roadshow on tour around the UK & Ireland.

The Bigger Picture is a series of free events giving you the opportunity to come and find out more about photographic products and services from the experts.

These events are conducted in a relaxed atmosphere where photographers can spend quality time with expert suppliers in the business.

Check this website for full info on Venues, Dates, Exhibitors:

www.biggerpicutreroadshow.co.uk

Events run from 10.00am to 4pm and complimentary coffee is provided at all locations.

No need to pre-register, no admission fee and no fixed sessions.

This week we will be in NORTHERN IRELAND & IRELAND:

22 MAY 2012 = BELFAST

23 MAY 2012 = DUBLIN

24 MAY 2012 = CORK

The nearest store selling the Think Tank Photo™, Enlight Photo™ (orbis™, frio™, ioShutter™) and Green Clean™ ranges in Ireland is:

Conns Cameras in Dublin (click on link to see their website)

Does My Kit Fit? Streetwalker Pro

After reading the ‘Does My Kit Fit? Airport International v2.0′ feature, Sports Photographer Stefano Grasso, contacted us about his experience travelling with his Think Tank Photo Streetwalker Pro backpack. Based in Italy, Stefano works internationally:

“The Airport International is definitely the best trolley we can have !!
The size is ok, BUT, as you know, mainly in Europe the problem of carry on cameras and lenses is the weight…
I have a lot of equipment to bring with me and every time is a real nightmare. Lufthansa and Swiss allow 1 piece of 8 kilos max in cabin !

The last frontier for me right now, is a 400 f2.8 + EOS body 1D IV in the Streetwalker Pro and my other equipment (200 f2, 70-200 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 14 f2.8, 8-15 f4, 2 bodies EOS 1D, Mac Book Pro 15″ and some more things in the Airport International.  No comment about the total weight… Sometimes some equipment flies in a Peli Case, but what a stress. I have insurance of course, but I can’t afford to miss the picture !!!“

Here’s how Stefano fits his gear in his Streetwalker Pro:

1) Streetwalker Pro with Canon 400 2.8 II + Eos 1D mark IV mounted + extender 1.4x III plus + extender 2x III

2) Streetwalker Pro with the same gears but the extenders covered to avoid scratches

3) Streetwalker Pro with the same gears and plus Canon battery charger and cable packed in pluriball

4 & 5) the Streetwalker Pro shown closed with all the gear inside

… total weight… 8 kilos, more or less !!

You can see Stefano’s work here: www.stefanograsso.it & www.horse-poster.com

For more info on the Streetwalker Pro backpack click on this link:
STREETWALKER PRO

Sling-O-Matic goes for a spin

Whilst doing an In-Store Day with Clifton Cameras we thought it would be a great opportunity to road test one of the Think Tank Photo Sling-O-Matic bags, so Clifton’s sales specialist Gareth took to his bike…

Copyright: Helen Atkinson

If you’re in the Gloucestershire area, then you can find out more about the Think Tank Photo bag range by visiting the Clifton Cameras store in Dursley.

Alternatively you can check out their website: www.cliftoncameras.co.uk

or give them a call on: 01453 548128

Find out more info on the Sling-O-Matic range from our website here:
SLING-O-MATIC

ioShutter is here!

Our first shipment of the ioShutter™ cables has just arrived!

ioShutter™ is the world’s first fully-functional shutter release system for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

ioShutter™ CAMERA COMPATIBILITY?

The cables available now are Canon fit.
(and will fit some models of: Pentax, Samsung, Hasselblad, Contax 645).

We are expecting the Nikon fit cables to arrive in the Summer.

ENL-SHT1-CMJ ioShutter™ release Cable E3/MJ

ENL-SHT1-CMJ fits:
Canon G9, G10*, G11*, G12, 60D*, 1000D, 1100D, 600D, 100D, 550D, 500D, 450D*, 400D, 350D, 300D, EOS Digital Rebel series*, Kiss F, X5, X4, X3, X50, XS, Elan II/ IIE, Elan 7/7E, Rebel Ti, T1i, T2i
Pentax Super, K100D*, D110D, *ist Ds2, +ist D, +ist Ds, *ist, *ist DL
Samsung GX-20, GX-10*, GX-1L, GX-1S
Hasselblad H1, H2*, H3, H4*
Contax 645* (dependent on your back)

ENL-SHT1-CN3 ioShutter™ release Cable N3

ENL-SHT1-CN3 ioShutter™ release Cable N3 fits:
Canon EOS 7D*, 60D, 1DX, 1D IV*, 1DS III, 5D II*, 1DS II, 1DS, 1D III*, 1D IIn, 1D II, 1D, 5D*, 50D, 40D, 30D, 20D*, 10D, D60, D30, EOS 3, 1VHS, 1V

Does My Kit Fit? Airport TakeOff

Angus Thomson, Snapperstuff’s Product Specialist, shows how he has his Think Tank Photo Airport TakeOff configured:

Click on the images to find out more info on the Airport TakeOff - backpack & roller bag in one.

Competition:

The first person to correctly list x5 of Angus’s lenses, as pictured in his Airport TakeOff above, wins a Think Tank Photo branded Pixel Pocket Rocket.

Please enter your answer in the ‘Leave a reply’ box below (and ensure your comment links to you).

We’ll post the winner and then list the full kit in Angus’s Airport TakeOff here…

Think Tank Photo: NEW Modular Components & Guide (part 2)

Following part 1, we thought you’d like to find out more about the new features of the version 2 Modular Components:

All the pouches now come with a grab handle, most have an elasticated front pocket and you can convert them into shoulder bags with the new Keep It Up™ strap!

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Keep It Up™ – is a shoulder strap which attaches to any of the new pouches thus turning a pouch into a shoulder bag, or it can be attached to any of the belts in the Think Tank Photo range to provide extra support.

Hubba Hubba Hiney™ – bum bag (…AKA an attractive female bum bag!) can fit a 70-200 f2.8 lens horizontally, or is ideal for smaller lenses or 4/3rds gear as it comes with dividers and a shoulder strap.

Stuff It™ - organiser pouch with pockets for accessories and personal items or compact zoom cameras. Snapperstuff’s Peter can fit all this in his Stuff It™: Canon G9, glasses, wallet and even an iPhone!

Little Stuff It™ - compact pouch for a point and shoot camera, mobile phone or small accessories.

Strobe Stuff™ - pouch for DSLR flashes / strobes with attached diffuser. This padded belt pouch has enough space to accommodate pro-size DSLR flashes. Either the SB-900, 580EXII, or smaller flashes fits with a standard diffuser fitted. The front pocket fits an external battery pack with a cable pass-through to keep it attached to the flash. Includes pockets for gels or spare batteries.

To work out which pouch is the right size for your gear have a look at this pdf guide:

Modular Component V2 Guide

To see more of the new Modular Component range take a look here: NEW MODULAR COMPONENTS

Think Tank Photo: NEW Modular Components & Guide (part 1)

Think Tank Photo launched their new range of Modular Components at the end of last year, and we were very excited to give them their first major showing at Focus on Imaging 2012.

You can see the full new range by clicking here:
NEW Modular Components.

As well as the individual items two sets are available – a Modular™ Component V2 Set and a Modular™ Skin V2 Set – and the price of these will provide you with savings in comparison to buying each item in the set individually.

Modular™ Component V2 Set

Modular™ Skin V2 Set

What is a modular component system and who uses it?

Think Tank Photo’s Modular Component System Guide gives some excellent advice on their integrated workflow system for professional photographers worldwide.

It covers: key features of the Modular, Skin and Multimedia components, storage vs. active shooting, set ups for different categories of photography, how to choose the correct belt, harness or components for you.

You can download a PDF of it here:

Please note that while the Modular Component references in this guide are those of version 1 products, the replacement version 2 products will provide you with the same quality that you expect from Think Tank Photo, but with some added features and some new sizes!

Part 2 to follow next week…

Does my kit fit? Airport Antidote

See how much gear Freia Turland can fit in her Airport Antidote:

Professional photographer Freia Turland packed her Airport Antidote up for an adventure both for the bag and herself:

Canon 5D mkII with Battery Grip (BG-E6), Black / Blue Camera Strap and 24-70 f2.8 lens attached
Canon 5D
70-200 f2.8
16-35 f2.8 mkII
Canon Speedlite 580 EX
Special edition Pixel Pocket Rocket
Spare camera batteries, AA battery holders, lens cleaning cloth etc
Canon battery charger LC-E6E

In the front stretch pocket of the bag Artificial Intelligence 15 (included with the Airport Antidote) containing a 15” MacBook Pro (this is also included in the version 2 or you can get this separately)

Freia told Snapperstuff, “I wouldn’t normally keep a battery charger in my bag, but off to catch a series of planes to the Arctic Circle I needed to have everything in one place. I knew that the Airport Antidote met current legal international carry on requirements for my journey and was comfortable to have on my back for many hours of the day. A must with 100km snowmobile routes to make over the ice!”

Freia has the version 1 Airport Antidote, which has now been updated to the version 2 after feedback from users… find out more about the Airport Antidote™ V2.0 here…

We will show you some images from her trip here soon…

Please note: We highly recommend you check with your airline the legal carry-on allowance for both weight and size are prior to travel. Carry-on size and weight restrictions vary with different airlines and at different airports nationally and internationally.