Although I love my Sony NEX-7, it's not ideal for the sort of videos I've been recording for Foskett Services. So I recently picked up a pair of decent HD camcorders to add to my road video kit. The Canon Vixia HF M50 was ideal for my needs: A good sensor and optics in a compact and affordable package. But the extras, especially the built-in WiFi, offer little value. My … [Read more...] about Canon Vixia HF M50: Hands-On Review
Photography
Geoff Barrall is Back with Transporter, a Personal Shared Storage Solution
I'm a hardcore Dropbox user, but I don't love their limited sharing features or having my personal data in the cloud. I was intrigued by the waves of personal shared storage devices that have appeared, but none are appropriate and complete replacements for Dropbox. But a new product just launched on Kickstarter really has a chance of success! Introducing Transporter A few … [Read more...] about Geoff Barrall is Back with Transporter, a Personal Shared Storage Solution
Sony SEL50F18 Review: A Brilliant 50 mm F/1.8 Prime Lens for NEX Cameras
Shortly before I received the brand new Sony NEX-7 camera (on my birthday, natch!), B&H Photo dropped another eagerly-anticipated item at my door: The new Sony SEL50F18 prime lens for E-mount cameras like the NEX-5 and -7. It's brilliant technically, easily the best affordable E-mount lens. But it wouldn't be my first purchase for a NEX owner. Different Lenses for … [Read more...] about Sony SEL50F18 Review: A Brilliant 50 mm F/1.8 Prime Lens for NEX Cameras
NAB Show 2012: My Initial Thoughts
As I mentioned earlier, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show is one of my favorites, with the wonderful variety of companies and products in attendance. Everything from professional video and broadcast equipment to IT infrastructure gear to celebrities (including the cast of Arrested Development) are on display at NAB. But what were the highlights? Here are my … [Read more...] about NAB Show 2012: My Initial Thoughts
Sony NEX-7 Hands-On Review Part 2: 24.3 Million Surprising Shortcomings
The Sony NEX-7 is far from perfect. As noted in part 1, most of the new features are compromised in one way or another, but there's an even bigger elephant in the room: The excessively dense 24.3 megapixel sensor overwhelms most of the NEX system lenses. Too Many Pixels? I was wary of that pixel-dense sensor from the start, since I never felt that the 14.2 megapixel sensor of … [Read more...] about Sony NEX-7 Hands-On Review Part 2: 24.3 Million Surprising Shortcomings