Fotobug - Episode 143 - Review Rogue Safari

 Welcome to The Fotobug Podcast number 143!  In current news, camera manufacturers have been declaring decent profits, but digital camera sales have been declining. The trend seems to be toward mirrorless cameras.  Polaroid is suing GoPro over the new Hero 4 Session which Poloroid claims is a copy of The Cube.  Medium format camera maker, Hasseblad has sold a minority stake to DJI Technology in China which makes the popular Phantom UAV.  National Geographic just announced a lay-off of nearly 10% of its workforce due to a cost cutting measure after it was acquired by Rupert Murdoch.  

Those smart photographers that follow us on Facebook were able to take advantage of a new Kickstarter project by Alpine Labs and take advantage of an early-bird pricing for a new remote camera trigger which operates from smart phones (IOS and Android).  It allows most camera settings to be adjusted from the phone and will even do time lapse!  There is still time to get better pricing before the unit goes to market - just go to Kickstarter and search for Pulse by Alpine Labs.

Jim and Fred take the Rogue Safari flash enhancer out for a spin.  The Safari is for cameras with pop-up flash units and fits onto the hot shoe.  The device then focuses the output of the flash and extends its range to around 25 to 30 feet.  Although the Safari works just as promised, there are some caveats and things you should know when using any kind of flash enhancer.  For example, it can increase the chance of red-eye and if left on your camera, the sun can damage your camera or your flash.  The Safari should also be used with lenses of 100mm or greater (when using a camera with a crop sensor).  Watch the podcast as Jim and Fred take the Safari into a local state park and demonstrate how to use it.

Be sure to tune into the next podcast for an interview with a member of the Space Coast Birding and Nature Festival coming up in Titusville, FL this coming January!  For more information go to www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org