Epinions Recent Reviews for jvandegr

Apple Aperture 2 is the best all-around photo editor available.

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 18:15:38 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction Photo editing applications have come a long way in the last decade. Beyond just cropping and exposing, this software must now perform the delicate task of converting RAW files for the more serious photographers. Regardless...

The SONY DT 11-18mm wide angle zoom lens has a lot to offer.

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:40:47 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionOn APS-C sensors (also known as "crop" sensors), the crop multiplication factor is of great benefit when shooting at telephoto focal lengths. For example, a 200mm lens becomes a 300mm lens on a Sony or Nikon DSLR. ...

Not as good as its predecesor, but Sony's A380 still shines.

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:56:57 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionMy experience with Sony's older A350 has been nothing but positive - I've had fewer issues with this camera than cameras costing three times as much. When Sony announced the A350's successor, I was excited because I was...

Sony's AC-VQ900AM Battery Charger gets the job done when time is tight.

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:07:15 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionI'm writing this review as I'm charging several batteries from a long assignment with my...

The Sony 70-400mm f/4.0-5.6 is an excellent general telephoto zoom, but not recommended for photojournalism.

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:11:52 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionSony's first super telephoto zoom is a welcome addition to the Alpha lineup. On an APS-C sensor, such as the one in the...

The Lowepro Inverse 100 AW is the best camera lumbar pack for under $100.

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:18:03 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionMy first lumbar camera bag (also known as a "waistpack" or "beltpack") was a Lowepro Photo Runner. It did its job fairly well in that it stayed put on my hips and provided reasonably quick access to my camera. Over...

This Sony LCD cover is essential for the A350 and A300, but breaks too easily.

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:20:12 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionBecause digital camera LCD screens are made with relatively soft plastic, they are easy to scratch and can even be cracked. As such, LCD screen protection is essential. Unfortunately,...

The Kata SB-904 camera case provides accessibility and durability.

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:16:52 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - IntroductionAs a photojournalist, I sometimes feel that my camera cases are at least as important as my cameras and lenses. Efficient and comfortable carrying is essential on any assignment. Inexpensive cases tend to perform expensively...

For the Sony Alpha A200, A300, and A350 cameras, this vertical grip doesn't disappoint.

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:39:48 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction Sony's A
350
camera is a very compact and lightweight SLR. In tight spaces with a small lens, this is a wonderful thing. With a moderate-size zoom lens, it becomes front heavy and...

Sony's A700 is the best semi-pro / pro SLR for the price.

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:35:47 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction My Sony A350 has left me in a tough spot. I like it too much. I expected that I would find too many shortcomings with a camera made by a company that makes televisions. Evidently, Sony's legacy of digital imaging and video,...

Sony scores a winner with the A350 Digital SLR camera, but lens should be better.

Mon, 5 May 2008 18:36:23 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction With prices starting to come down a little on the Sony A350, I decided to purchase a back-up body, this time with Sony's standard zoom kit lens. Most of this review is identical to my review of the Sony A350 body only,...

Sony scores a winner with the Alpha 350 Digital SLR camera.

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:57:16 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction I've been a professional Nikon user for many years. When my first Nikon D300 started failing, it made me pause for just a minute to re-evaluate my gear situation. As a photojournalist, I have a large closet filled with...

The Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM disappoints in many ways.

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:33:11 GMT

rating: 1/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction Although I mostly shoot with professional Nikon gear, I decided to try my luck at a holiday raffle for some Canon gear and if I won, I'd give it to a friend as a gift. I think bad weather kept the raffle participants low and I...

Olympus gets back in the game with the E-3 SLR Digital Camera.

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:28:46 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction For a couple years now, Olympus has been showing that they are still a reputable camera manufacturer that can produce quality gear with innovative features. Whenever I walk into my local camera store to preview the new offerings...

The Canon G9 is the best compact digital camera available, but not quite perfect.

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:20:40 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction My Canon A620 digital camera has been a faithful backup camera for over a year now. It does pretty much everything I ask of it and it's made me a big fan of Canon's A-series cameras. The next step up from this series of camera is...

Cobra MR-HH400X VP Marine VHF Value Pack: The Nikon Coolpix 5100 is one of the better compact digital cameras.

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:04:10 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction I'm always on the look out for a decent quality, take everywhere, back-up camera to my professional SLR setup. There are times when a small, unobtrusive camera is beneficial in the business of photojournalism. And of course, the...

The MB-D10 vertical grip is a big step forward for Nikon.

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 20:50:50 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction The first accessory I purchased for my N
ikon
D200 was the MB-D200 vertical grip. Besides offering double the battery power, I have found it to be essential ergonomically for extended...

The Nikon D300: Great Image Quality, Awesome Speed, But Still Some Reliability Questions.

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 02:25:15 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction I've been shooting with a N
ikon
D200 for over a year now for my digital work. At low ISO with professional quality lenses, the D200 continues to impress me. At high ISO (800 and above),...

The good and the bad of the LowePro Toploader 65 AW camera pack.

Sun, 2 Dec 2007 17:38:26 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction For years, I've relied on LowePro packs to protect and carry my expensive camera gear. For years, they've done so with very few problems. When I finally invested in professional SLR cameras, I knew my small, comfortable,...

For the working photojournalist, an airport-friendly pack with essential features.

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 19:10:20 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction Photographers have always complained about the many inconveniences associated with air travel. From destructive x-ray scanners to lost equipment, air travel can be a nightmare. For me, trusting my sensitive camera gear to a...

PC Photo Magazine is yet another catalog with very little helpful content.

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:19:01 GMT

rating: 2/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction Magazine racks in bookstores and department stores are filled with photography magazines. Most of these magazines are aimed at amateur and advanced amateur photographers. Ideally, they provide useful "how-to" articles on...

The Nikon Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G ED-IF AF-S DX - a perfect short zoom?

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 12:36:13 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction For many years, I have only used a zoom lens for the 70-200mm focal range. All of my wide angle and normal focal length work has been done with primes (fixed focal length lenses). For most of the history of photography, primes...

Nikon's MH-18 battery charger is easy to use and easily portable.

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 20:02:54 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction The MH-18a battery charger is included with such cameras as the Nikon D200. Every time I buy another camera body, I end up with another MH-18, which makes me happy. I've been collecting battery chargers for a couple years now...

Nikon's MH-19 battery charger is essential equipment for the working photojournalist, but not perfect.

Mon, 14 May 2007 18:08:46 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction With several digital cameras, and twice as many batteries as cameras, battery charging has become part of my shooting workflow. The charger included with the N
ikon
D200 camera (the...

Delkin Reader 38 is a fast and reliable memory card reader.

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 19:38:10 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author jvandegr - Introduction After my inconsistent L
aCie
8-in-1 memory card reader finally gave up the ghost, I decided it was time for something more reliable. I checked out the usual suspects in the memory...