By Chris Scott Barr

DSLRs are vastly superior to their point-and-shoot brethren when it comes to the quality of the picture taken. Unfortunately there is one area where the DSLR will always fall short in comparison, and that’s portability. The nature of these cameras means that they are always going to be bulky. That’s okay, because we’re willing to sacrifice portability to get that perfect shot. Of course that doesn’t mean we can’t find easier ways to carry them around.

This Loop from Luma is an interesting take on the camera strap. It’s designed as more of a sling, which is worn across the chest, allowing your camera to rest conveniently at your hip. What’s more, is that there are a variety of ways that you can attach it to your camera. Sure, you can use the existing strap loops, but if those don’t suit your needs, you have other options. One attachment allows you to mount the strap using your tripod mount (while not blocking access to your mounting screw). Another puts the point of contact on the lens (if you’re using a large telephoto lens). Comfort and convenience in the form of this strap will run you around $70.

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By Andrew Liszewski

For the past 6 years my Nikon D70 has been a phenomenal workhorse of a camera, and while it’s not the greatest low-light performer, I haven’t found a significant reason to upgrade it. Until now. Today Nikon officially unveiled the replacement to their D90 with the D7000 which is targeted at “Photo Enthusiasts” according to their press release. But there’s a lot for even professional photogs to like:

Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.

Like I said my only complaint with my D70 these days is its low-light performance and noise even when boosting the ISO to just 400. But the D7000 boasts a native ISO range of 100-6400 which can be expanded to a “Hi-2″ setting of 25,600. The D90 was quite a champion when it came to low-light photography, and I expect even better results from the D7000. And even though I’m still pretty apathetic towards it at this point, the D7000 also improves on the D90′s video recording capabilities with the ability to capture 20-minute 1080P/24fps clips with full-time autofocus (including face priority and other AF functions) and manual exposure control. If for some reason you prefer the video-like look of 30fps you’ll have to drop down to 720P. Clips are captured as H.264 files which can actually be edited or trimmed in camera, and since video gobbles up a lot of storage, those looking to pick one of these up for their next low-budget feature will appreciate its dual SD card slots.

The D7000 will be available sometime in October with a body-only MSRP of $1199.95, or you can pick one in a kit that includes an AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1499.95.

[ Nikon D7000 ]

By Andrew Liszewski

With an LCD display just 2.5 inches in size, don’t think of the Gigtube from Aputure as an upgrade to your DSLR’s own LCD display, since it’s probably far from it. Think of it more as an extra useful remote control. It connects to your camera’s video out and USB ports and allows you to monitor a live feed (if your camera supports live view) or snap and see a photo immediately after you’ve taken it.

The 2 meter extension cable means you won’t be able to wander far from your camera when using the Gigtube, but it does seem handy for properly framing shots in situations where you can’t easily look through the viewfinder or check the LCD. A built-in rechargeable battery should keep it running for about 3 hours of continual use, and it’s available from various online retailers, like Amazon (Adorama), for about $200.

[ Gigtube DSLR Remote Viewfinder ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Andrew Liszewski

The recent addition of live view LCD displays to DSRLs has made capturing photos at odd angles considerably easier, and you can think of the Pro-View as taking that idea one step further. It consists of a camera-equipped transmitter which is placed over the eyepiece of your SLR that sends a live video feed to a remote wireless display up to 500 feet away. The display has a 3.5-inch LCD running at a resolution of 640×480, though that can be split into 4 sub-views for monitoring up to 4 cameras at one time.

Now even though the remote does have a 4-way controller on it for adjusting tilt, pan and zoom, that functionality is useless if your camera isn’t setup in a proper rig allowing you to control that remotely, not to mention you’ll also need a remote for triggering the shutter. And it’s those limitations that make the $395 price tag a bit hard to swallow for amateur photogs. On the other hand, if photos of notoriously rare and shy animals in the wild pay your salary, this could be an instant must-have accessory.

[ Pro-View Wireless Remote Live-View Display ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Well, the big news today comes from Nikon with their official announcement of the D300s DSLR. The new model keeps the D300′s DX-format 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor but adds new features like a dual CF/SDHC card slot, 7fps burst mode (or 8 with the optional MB-D10 battery pack) and most notably, a 720P 24fps movie mode.

Now it’s pretty obvious HD video recording is here to stay when it comes to DSLRs, and while 1080P would have been preferred, Nikon has at least included a stereo sound input allowing videographers to capture high-quality audio using an external mic. The D300s also allows you to edit videos in-camera with the ability to select start and stop end points during playback, but to me that sounds a lot more like ‘trimming’ than ‘editing.’ And if the 3-inch 920,000 pixel LCD display isn’t sufficient for your ‘editing’ needs, the camera also features the new Type C HDMI interface allowing you to review and edit your clips on an HD display. $1,799.95 (body only) available in late August.

[ PR - NIKON D300s REVITALIZES THE STANDARD AND MEASURE OF AGILE, PRO-LEVEL DX-FORMAT D-SLR DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE ]

By Evan Ackerman

I’ve got portable chargers for my cell phone, portable chargers for my iPod, portable chargers for my little video recorder, portable chargers for my AA batteries… The only thing I don’t have a portable charger for (besides my laptop) is my DSLR, because it takes those annoyingly square 7.4 volt battery packs that require their own special charger. Energizer is about to solve this problem with a little clip that has teeth to attach to the contacts of battery packs of any size. The other end can be plugged into a USB port, and if I may say, props to Energizer for not making it some kind of proprietary plug.

Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure that you can’t charge a 7.4 volt DSLR battery out of a 5 volt USB port, which means that you’ll have to instead use one of Energizer’s new line of XPAL universal power packs (out next month) that come with 8.4 volt outputs. Nothing wrong with that, though… The battery packs looks pretty useful, and some of them even come with solar chargers. We should be seeing a review unit sometime in the near future, and we’ll keep you updated.

[ Energizer XPAL Power ] VIA [ Gearlog ]

By Shane McGlaun

I will admit that other than the PS3 I am not a fan of Sony products. I especially loathe Sony cameras, not because they aren’t cool and don’t work well, but because you have to use Sony proprietary memory card formats that cost much more than the good ‘ol SD cards other cams can use.

If you don’t mind Sony’s proprietary nature, the company has announced three new DSLR cameras including the a380, a330, and a230. The a230 and a330 cameras are both 10.2-megapixel joints with adjustable LCDs and more goodies. The a230 is hailed as the most compact and light DSLR available at only 15.9-ounces.

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By Andrew Liszewski

If you don’t think a vinyl decal or a plastic shell is going to make your iPhone stand out amongst the crowd, then head on over to the SGPstore where you can get a skin that’s actually made from extremely thin, laser-etched nickel. And if that’s not ‘blingy’ (ugh) enough for you, there’s also versions that come coated in 24k gold or tinted in various colors.

The iPhone skins range in price from $14.99 to $21.99 depending on the finish, but the company also makes metal skins for most of the popular smartphones on the market as well as MP3 players, PMPs, laptops, gaming consoles and unfortunately, digital SLRs. Now don’t get me wrong, I can understand why someone might want to fancy up their cellphone or MP3 player, but doing that to your Canon or Nikon DSLR is quite simply a crime against technology.

[ SGPstore ] VIA [ Gear Live ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Having used a DSLR for many years now, I much prefer looking through a viewfinder to compose a shot than starting at an LCD. But with more and more people making the upgrade from a P&S to a DSLR these days, it makes sense that Nikon would introduce a model like the D5000 which is their first to include a “Vari-angle” or flip-out LCD display.

The D5000 features the same 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor as the D90, and is also able to capture HD video in 720P at 24fps. The LCD display is a bit smaller at 2.7 inches, but it’s not that much of a trade-off if you’ve been really hoping for a swivel LCD on a DSLR. Personally, I’ve still got my sights on the D90 because it features a larger viewfinder and a bit more flexibility when it comes to custom settings, but the D5000 kit which includes the AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens should be available in late April for about $850, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking to replace your P&S.

[ Nikon D5000 ]