Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR

 

Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible. 

Speedlite 580EX II Flash Highlights

• Approximately 20 percent faster recycling time compared to 580EX
• Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity
• Max Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet)
• Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras
• White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras
• Full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction
• AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR
• Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III 

Specifications

Film, Filter, And Lens Accessories

35mm Film, Speed-Specified Film, Color Film

Flash And Light Meter Accessories

TTL Metering Flash, Regular Flash, CompactFlash Card, SD/MMC Memory Card, Hot-Shoe Mount Flash

Other Camera Accessories

Batteries and Chargers

Guide Number

58 m/190 ft at ISO 100 (105 mm Zoom-head Setting)

Batteries

4 x AA Lithium Supported, 4 x AA Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Supported, CP-E3 Supported, 4 x AA Alkaline Supported, Transistor Pack E Supported

Product Type

Flashlight

Flash Modes

E-TTL, TTL

Flash Range

98 ft, 19.69" to 98 ft Approximate with 50 mm f/1.4 Lens at ISO 100 (Flash)

Flash Recycle Time

100 ms to 6 Second - with fresh AA-size alkaline batteries

Height

3.0"

Power Source

Battery

Manufacturer Part Number

1946B002

Compatibility

EOS Digital SLR Cameras Digital Cameras: PowerShot G2 PowerShot G3 PowerShot G5 PowerShot G6 PowerShot Pro1 35mm SLR Cameras: T90 EOS-1v EOS-3 EOS Elan 7N series EOS Elan 7 series EOS Elan II series EOS Rebel T2 EOS Rebel Ti EOS Rebel K2 EOS Rebel G2 EOS Rebel G

Battery Life

100 to 700 Flash Maximum - with fresh AA-size alkaline batteries

Depth

4.5"

Brand Name

Canon

Product Line

Speedlite

Product Family

Speedlite

Product Model

580EX II

Width

5.3"

Autofocus Assist

AF Assist Beam Cover 45 Focusing Point - Distance range - 2 to 32.8 feet at center; 2 to 16.4 feet at periphery

Interfaces/ports

Hot Shoe

Weight (approximate)

13.20 oz - without batteries

UPC :

013803078800

 

 

PROs and CONs

 Pros:
- Fast recycle time. I can take several burst shots in 1 second and the flash fires each time. You won't miss many pictures because the flash isn't ready (like with the built in flash).
- TTL is awesome. This flash is much smarter than I'll ever be. Shots are almost always perfectly exposed.
- Lots of manual controls, easy to override TTL.
- Very powerful.
- On rechargeable double A's I get 400-500 shots easy without recharging.
- High speed sync lets you take pics at any shutter speed with a flash (although the distance the flash travels is greatly reduced).
- Tilt 90 degrees /Turn 180 degrees lets you bounce of ceilings or off a wall behind you.
- AF assist is much less invasive than the horrible on camera flash assist and it really helps you focus in low light. Just a red light is send out instead of the crazy electricity storm the XTI sends out for AF assist.
- Well built. Sturdy metal foot, nice locking mechanism.
- Rear sync lets me get sharp pictures indoors with any lens I own at 1/30 of a second or even less at times.

Cons:
- The buttons are hard to push if you have big fingers.
- It's big and adds weight to the camera.
- It can't control any other flashes you may own. This flash can only act as a slave.
- Flashes are addictive, I wish I had a second or a third...

If you're thinking about the 580exII:
- The 580ex II can act as a master flash over other canon flashes without losing TTL.
- It's more powerful(58m vs 43m at ISO 100).
- The batteries last from 100-700 pics.
- It can swivel 180 degrees both ways instead of just one way and it can tilt downwards slightly.
- It's dust and water resistant
- Included bounce tab (you can just use an index card).
- I'm sure there's other things I'm missing...
- It's a lot more expensive.
- It's a little bigger and heavier.

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder

 

 Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder is a compact, high-end video camera that is able to shoot excellent High Definition video in almost any setting. It features the latest in consumer camcorder technology, and it is loaded with many features. The camera is able to shoot under a variety of light conditions, plus it can even shoot still photos at a resolution of 14 megapixels. Additionally, it is capable of shooting video in 3D when users add a 3D conversion lens, which is sold separately.

Apart from the 3D lens, the camera includes all pertinent cables and accessories for general use. This includes a USB cable which allows users to connect the camera to a computer. Also, it includes an AV multi cable, which gives users the opportunity to connect the camcorder to a television or other HD monitoring device. Unlike many similar devices, this unit also comes with 32 gigabytes of storage for photos and videos.

 

The camera boasts a smorgasbord of features that most people may not find necessary, but some users will truly love. The price is indicative of the quality and the number of features, meaning that the cost to own one of these devices might be too much for the average consumer. Though it might be prohibitively expensive for some camcorder enthusiasts, the unit’s quality is undeniable.

Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder Features and Specifications:

Advanced 3MOS System Advanced 3MOS System The Advanced 3MOS System records beautifully natural images with powerful colors and detailed rendering in both bright and dark scenes. The Noise Reduction technology that goes to work when shooting in dim lighting has evolved even further in 2011 models, allowing them to reduce noise by approximately 45% compared to previous Panasonic models.* The Advanced 3MOS System, which is comprised of the 3MOS Sensor that captures images without color loss, the Leica Dicomar Lens that excels with its large, bright aperture, and the Crystal Engine PRO that increases image resolution, produces colorful, bright, beautiful images in Full-HD quality. * Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700.
3MOS Sensor Advanced 3MOS SystemThe 900 Series and SD800 employ the 3MOS Sensor, with its three-sensor configuration. This provides a resolution of 7.59 million effective motion image pixels (2.53 million x 3). The 3MOS Sensor splits the light information captured by the lens into the three primary colors - red, green and blue - and processes each color with its own individual sensor. This reduces light loss compared to the 1MOS sensor, and renders colors, details and gradation all with intricate detail and natural beauty. This superb color reproduction maximizes the inherent quality of Full-HD progressive images.	The three primary colors of red, green and blue are each processed by a separate sensor to achieve truly rich color reproduction.
Leica Dicomar Lens LEICA DicomarThe 900 Series and SD800 use Leica Dicomar lenses, which are renowned for their ability to render sharp images and excellent shading. They also suppress ghosting, flare, and distortion at the image edges. Even in strong sunlight, these superb lenses maintain high contrast and resolution. A bright new F1.5-F2.8 lens with a 46mm filter diameter has been created for the 900 Series and SD800. Efficient light collection allows the new lens to capture bright, clear images even in dim lighting or at high shutter speeds. This high-end lens brings out all the beauty of Full-HD images.
Crystal Engine PRO Crystal Engine Pro The Crystal Engine PRO instantly processes the huge amount of data that goes into Full-HD images, and further enhances Full-HD quality. It produces smooth, high-resolution zoom shots even when the range exceeds the limit for optical zooming. Crystal Engine PRO clearly delineates even the tiniest details of your subject, with extremely natural beauty. In addition, its Noise Reduction (NR) technology has been completely redesigned. The low-frequency noise that occurs when recording in dim lighting has been further minimized. Compared to previous Panasonic models, noise has been reduced by approximately 45%.* And Intelligent Resolution Technology ensures sharp and crisp pictures, resulting in bright and beautifully colored motion images. * Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700
Intelligent Resolution Technology Intelligent Resolution TechnologyThe Intelligent Resolution Technology incorporated in the Crystal Engine PRO uses edge detection technology to confirm the edges of objects within the image, then emphasizes the edges for optimal clarity. For example, it brings crisp definition to patterns and the outlines of objects like flowers. Conversely, it reduces noise and enhances the natural smoothness of parts without edges, like the sky. The increased sharpness is especially effective for images with delicate details. This highly advanced technology maximizes the beauty of Full-HD images.
1080/60p Recording (Full-HD 1920 x 1080, 60 Progressive Recording)* Full HD With its transfer rate of 28 Mbps, 1080/60p recording (Full-HD, 1,920 x 1,080, 60 progressive recording)* conveys about twice the information of 1080i (interlace) recording. Whereas interlacing requires two images to produce a complete picture, the progressive method records a single image as a complete picture. Plus, the 60 Progressive Recording of the 900 Series and SD800 produce 60 images per second.** This extremely dense image information creates intricate detail and silky smooth motion. Even when subjects move quickly, afterimages are minimized to create more natural images. The progressive method is most effective when shooting designs where more patterns tend to occur, or when capturing scenes during sports events where the subjects are intensely moving around. Also, the recorded images displayed clearly even when they are made into still images, so it is possible to preserve stunning photos when clipping them from videos. Interlaced Scanning (1080/60i)*** Only half of the image data is reproduced in each picture. Fabric patterns run together, and moiré patterns appears. Interlaced Scanning - Only half of the image data is reproduced in each picture. Interlaced Scanning (1080/60i)*** Only half of the image data is reproduced in each picture. Fabric patterns run together, and moiré patterns appears. Progressive Scanning (1080/60p)* Reproduces all of image data in a single picture. Patterns in fabric are crisp and clear with no color bleeding. * 1080/50p (full-HD, 50 Progressive Recording) in PAL areas. **In NTSC areas. 50 images per second in PAL areas. *** 1080/50i for PAL area.
Intelligent 20x Zoom and HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) 20x Intelligent Zoom HYBRID O.I.S.The 900 Series and SD800 feature an Intelligent Zoom function that goes all the way up to 20x. When using Intelligent Zoom, Intelligent Resolution technology lets you shoot at high zoom rates while preserving the image resolution. You get sharp images of highly detailed objects – without the blurry edges. Plus, the 900 Series and SD800 are equipped with HYBRID O.I.S, an image stabilization system that corrects hand-shake blurring by combining the action of its hybrid optical and electrical image stabilization systems. Even when zooming, where hand-shake often occurs, both optical and electrical hand-shake correction make it possible to record beautiful images with approximately 2 times* the hand-shake suppressing effect as conventional models. * Compared with the HDC-SD700, HDC-TM700, and HDC-HS700.
O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) Lock The image-stabilizing effect is increased by pressing and holding the O.I.S. Lock indication on the LCD screen, which maximizes the blur detection sensitivity. This is great for when you want to zoom at a fixed angle, like for bird watching. * Considerable blurring is generated by the shifting of the corrective lens when the camera is panned or tilted.
35mm Wide Angle Lens* 35mm WideThe 35mm wide-angle lens on the 900 Series and SD800 fit more people and more of the background into the frame than a conventional lens. This is especially handy when you want to take a group photo in a small room. * 35mm camera equivalent
5.1-Ch Surround Sound System (HS900/TM900/SD900) & Zoom Mic Dolby Digital 5.1 Creator The 900 Series is equipped with five electret condenser microphones. The center mic helps capture the sound source and distance accurately, so you get a more 3-dimensional effect. The Zoom Mic function improves noise-reducing performance and handles higher zooming power, allowing you to clearly capture target sounds. You get a realistic sound space that's a perfect match with the true-to-life HD images. * Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby" and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Wind Noise Canceller The technology of the previous Wind Cut function has evolved to form the Wind Noise Canceller. The new function automatically detects and suppresses only wind noise, to give you natural sounds with lifelike ambience. Also, unlike the previous Wind Cut function, which switched to monaural recording, the Wind Noise Canceller enables stereo recording. This maintains natural sounds when shooting outdoors. Bass Setting (HS900/TM900/SD900) You can adjust the level of low-frequency sound that is included in the audio track while shooting.
Digital Cinema Mode Progressive 1080/24p (NTSC)*/ 1080/25p (PAL)** Set the HD camcorder to Digital Cinema mode to shoot in the progressive 1080/24p (24 pictures per second) format for NTSC area, and in the progressive 1080/25p format for PAL area. Progressive scanning captures clear, vibrant images with intricate detail. You also get faithful images with an appealing film-like quality. Digital Cinema Color*** with VIERA Selecting the Digital Cinema Color mode makes it possible to shoot film-like images that are ideally suited to the Digital Cinema Color of VIERA plasma TVs. Colors recorded in this mode look richer than those recorded using the conventional Panasonic standard. For example, the subtle shades of red and gold in flowers, and the greens of leafy trees are remarkably true to life. * The video captured as 24p using Digital Cinema Mode is converted and recorded as 60i. ** The video captured as 25p using Digital Cinema Mode is converted and recorded as 50i. *** When using a TV that is compatible with "x.v.Color", images that are recorded in Digital Cinema Color mode will have a wider color range than conventional images. The color range varies depending on the TV. x.v.Color is a registered trademark.
Still Picture Recording at 14.2 Megapixels Still Picture Recording mode lets you shoot with a maximum resolution of 14.2 megapixels*. You can also simultaneously record still images and video at 13.3 megapixels**. * For images recorded with a 3:2 aspect ratio. ** For images recorded with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Scene Mode Automatically selects the most suitable shutter speed and aperture for the shooting location and situation. Scene modes: Sports Portrait Low Light (Motion image only) Spot Light Snow Beach Sunset Fireworks Scenery Night Scenery Night Portrait (Still image only)
Soft Skin Mode When this function detects skin tones, it softens the focus in that area. This has a skin beautifying effect, which makes wrinkles and lines appear less noticeable. When turned on, this function makes blemishes and moles look less conspicuous, while preserving resolution in areas of the picture outside of the skin.
Tele-Macro You can shoot macro close-ups while maintaining a distance of 70cm from your subject. In addition, using the zoom at full magnification makes it much easier to capture extreme close-ups without your body or camera casting a shadow on the subject and while keeping the background in soft focus.
What's in the Box Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory (Black) AC Adapter AC Cable Rechargable Battery Pack (min. 1250 mAh / Lithium-Ion AV multi Cable IR Remote Shoe Adapter USB Cable HD Writer AE 3.0 Software Lens Hood Stylus Pen Conclusion Panasonic HDC-TM900K 3 MOS 3D Compatible Camcorder looks like a great product. It has received very positive feedback from the customers and therefore it seems to be worth checking out.

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS DSLR Camera

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene, capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision, create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key, emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show. Accessories: ME-1 Stereo Microphone, CF-DC2 Semi-soft Case, EN-EL14 Rechargeable li-ion Battery, AN-DC3 Strap, UC-E6 USB Cable, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap, BF-1B Body Cap, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable, MH-24 Quick charger, ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control, MC-DC2 Remote Release, GP1-CL1 Camera Strap Clip for GP-1, GP-1 GPS Unit, GP1-CA90 Accessory Cable for GP-1, DK-20C + 2.0 Correction Eyepiece, DK-20C + 5.0 Correction Eyepiece,DK-20C + 3.0 Correction Eyepiece, DG-2 Eyepiece Magnifier, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap. 

Product Features:

Vari-angle LCD Monitor

Creativity from any point of view

Take pictures or record movies from a unique viewpoint, the D5100’s 3.0 inch, super sharp, 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD monitor allows for versatile high quality viewing and playback. Explore every angle, with overhead shots, waist level candids, ground level and fun self portraits; you will never miss a shot. This Vari-angle monitor allows you to be creative from any point of view.

Effects Mode

More fun and artistic pictures and movies

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene, capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision, create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key, emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show.

Tell better stories

Full HD 1080p D-Movie with Sound

The D5100 delivers exceptionally high-quality movie performance due to its full HD capability while the latest in full-time autofocus takes the guess work out of tracking your subjects while in motion. Effortless moviemaking is at your fingertip thanks to D5100’s ergonomically placed Live View and Movie start button. Your D-Movies will come to life thanks to D5100’s sound recording capability — get stereo sound with Nikon’s optional ME-1 Stereo Microphone.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Exquisite detail in highlight and shadow

In scenes with extreme contrasts, such as bright, sunlit clouds and a foreground deep in shadow, it was once quite difficult to render the textures of both equally. Not any more. D5100 combines two exposures to create an image revealing an extremely wide dynamic range, but with less noise and richer color gradation than ever before.

Stunning image quality

Image quality in a class of its own

Incorporating the latest Nikon D-SLR technologies such as the 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 image processing engine, the D5100 delivers outstanding image quality. Its CMOS sensor offers a remarkably wide ISO range (ISO 100 to 6400) with reduced noise which enables you to shoot at faster shutter speeds and capture scenes and subjects with less blur. Handheld shooting and full HD movies come out looking great even in low light.

Speed and performance that delivers

With high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 4 frames per second, you’ll never miss a moment and with D5100’s large optical viewfinder providing accurate and realistic composition, you’ll get a precise view and focus in every situation.

Capture your subjects precisely

D5100’s 11-point AF system provides flexibility to compose the shot you want ensuring your subject is captured sharply wherever it’s located in the frame. Working together with the Scene Recognition System, the camera can keep your main subject in focus even if the composition changes using Nikon’s exclusive 3D-tracking.

Conclusions

I've been using Nikons for the last 3 years or so and have always admired the quality in workmanship of all my cameras. For me it was the best thing since the so called "sliced bread". This last Christmas, my father surprised me with a D5100. Love it!!! Same ease of use,same great quality, same good customer and tech help. The video is a plus. I'm not sure how often I will use it but it's nice to have if I need it. Super plus is that most of my lenses will still work on new camera