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We have tested lightroom’s new color grading tool – here is what we think

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In Lightroom’s newest iteration, Adobe has replaced the split toning tool with a brand new color grading tool. It is not only videographers who will benefit from a new and powerful color grading tool; it’s helpful for photographers. Landscape photographers have, for example, extensively use split toning to warm up highlights and add colder tones to the shadows.

I want to share a brief explanation of the various options the tool offers + reveal some hidden panels. I’ll also look at how hotkeys provide full control of the center points and knobs outside the color circles.

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Photocentra – taking a look at another photo sharing platform

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The photo-sharing platform Photocentra has been around a few years. A few weeks back, they reached out to me and asked if I could have a look, scout the platform and provide some feedback. They told me that they worked hard to improve the platform in order to reach a wider audience, so I said yes.  Their hope is to make Photocentra into an interesting alternative for those who are frustrated with the likes of 500px and Flickr.

I have used the platform daily lately. The images I upload look very nice on the site. It is even possible to enlarge them so that they cover the entire screen. I find that the platform is very fast and responsive. The layout is also very pleasing to the eyes.

Photocentra offers many pages where your images can be discovered and viewed. Your image starts out in All Photos. After the image has received a few ‘Recommendations’ it is also displayed in the Recommended section. If your work receives a sum total of fifty or more ‘Recommendations’ the image is considered Popular.

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The Zhiyun Smooth X is the ideal gimbal to be the centre of attention in your smartphone content

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The first smartphone gimbal I ever purchased was a Zhiyun Smooth C back in 2016. Smartphone gimbals have come a long way since then, particularly from Zhiyun. So today we’re going to be taking a look at the Zhiyun Smooth X folding smartphone gimbal.

It’s a 2-axis smartphone gimbal that offers some unique advantages over its competitors in this sector. Of particular note is its small size. This is one of the smallest smartphone gimbals I’ve seen when folded, and easily slips into a pocket. It also has a built-in selfie stick, allowing you to capture more of the scene in the shot when vlogging or travelling.

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The Hohem iSteady X is a great smartphone gimbal for vertical video social media users

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It’s been a while since I last had need of a smartphone gimbal. Ever since I switched to larger gimbals and DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, gimbals for smartphones weren’t high up on my list of priorities anymore.

Recently, however, I’ve found myself in possession of several, including the Hohem iSteady X 3-axis smartphone gimbal. So, in this review, we’re going to kick things off with that.

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A review of Hähnel Pro Cube2 battery charger

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In recent years we have seen a demand for lighter and smaller cameras, and manufacturers have responded to that demand, mainly with mirrorless cameras, but despite the concern, on the part of photographers, to have less weight hanging from their necks or shoulders the same has not happened with what we carry in our backpacks. If you are like me, the space in your backpacks is never enough.

I always find something else to take with me. In my case, when I go out to photograph music festivals, mainly festivals that last several days, I cannot forget anything, I have to take everything I need and also take backup equipment, in case something goes wrong.
In these cases, at festivals, one thing that cannot be missing is the battery and battery chargers and here the problem begins, each charger needs a power cord, the battery charger, depending on the model may need a power cord or of an external transformer, if, like me, you work with two cameras, and each camera has a grip with two batteries, that makes 4 batteries in total, which requires at least 2 chargers so that we can charge any battery whenever we need.

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An underwater review of the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera

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Without a doubt, the Canon EOS R5 is the top image-maker of 2020 and could potentially go unmatched in the camera world for another few years. It is the first full frame mirrorless camera to offer 8K video capability and features a specs sheet that puts it at the top of its class. The EOS R5 directly answers many of the concerns that photographers had with the EOS R and promises significant updates to important functions including autofocus, stabilization, continuous burst shooting, and video.

Despite Sony’s dominance in the underwater camera market over the last year with the A7R IV, it is likely that the Canon EOS R5 will be even more popular as the camera of choice for both underwater photographers and filmmakers.

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The Zeapon Micro 2 is the best compact Slider on the market

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Sliders are an essential tool for filmmakers. They help us get those super silky smooth shots that even a gimbal can’t. The problem is finding the right slider. The market varies so much with regard to the price of a slider based on its materials, features, and length. The Zeapon Micro 2 slider  is a beast of a slider. After using it for just a few weeks, you will forget everything you know about sliders. This Slider packs a bunch of features into a surprisingly small package.

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PIXII Leica M Mount digital rangefinder review

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French company PIXII SAS first announced their new PIXII camera almost two years ago (literally just a couple of weeks shy), and then it was radio silence until July of this year when it finally went on sale. It’s a Leica M mount digital rangefinder, but with a twist. It looks a lot like the Leica M10-D, but without a memory card slot.

The PIXII features an 11.1-megapixel sensor, comes with either 4GB or 8GB internal memory, has an APS-C global shutter (!) CMOS sensor and no LCD. Oh, and it costs over $3,000. Photographer Sam Hurd bought one and posted up a review with some sample photos. The opener doesn’t sound promising, but keep watching.

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The Feelworld L1 is a $300 live streaming switcher; Atem mini, behind you

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If you are like everyone else stuck at home, trying to live stream, you probably know about live switching. A switcher is a box that lets you control multiple cameras; The live part enables you to push the stream into Facebook or Youtube. Black magic has a basic ATEM mini for four cameras for $300. Now Feelworld has the LIVEPRO L1 – a four-camera switcher with a frigging LCD for the same price.

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