dSLR Dad

Sony has unveil two new mid-range Alpha-series dSLRs. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 features a 10.2-megapixel APS-C CCD image sensor. The Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 upgrades to a 14.2-megapixel sensor. A side effect of the A350’s bigger sensor is a slightly slower frame rate of 2.5 frames-per-second (fps) compared with the 3pfs of the A300. Both Alpha models share the following features:

• • “Quick AF Live View” technology
  • Fold-Out, Variable Angle 2.7 inch LCD
  • BIONZ image processor
  • Super SteadyShot image stabilization enables shutter speed benefit of 2.5 to 3.5 steps
  • Compact Flash card slot
  • DSLR-A300 with DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800
  • DSLR-A350 camera body = $800
  • DSLR-A350 with DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $900

Sony will offer the following kit options (available to order now at Amazon):

• Sony Alpha A300K with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Zoom Lens
  
• Sony Alpha A300X with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses
• Sony Alpha A350 (body only)
• Sony Alpha A350K with Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Zoom Lens
• Sony Alpha A350X with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 and DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Zoom Lenses (more…)

Digital Photography Review has posted their review of the 12 MegaPixel Sony Alpha A700 12.24MP dSLR Camera.

The Alpha 700 was introduced as a complementary model to the Alpha 100; aimed more at the serious amateur and semi-professional photographer it enters a segment of the market which is buzzing with new models (EOS 40D, D300 and E-3). The A700 clearly has a lot of Minolta DNA (more…)

The following is part seven of a much larger dSLR Dad Holiday Gift Guide:

If you’re not looking for a new bag, how about a great accessory that anyone can use, the Pee Wee Pixel Pocket Rocket from Think Tank Photo. It stores four Compact Flash cards and three Secure Digital cards in an even smaller, more compact package. Can be attached inside of Think Tank Photo products or to your clothing.  That way, it just doesn’t fall out of your pocket, lost forever.  It can also hold business cards in the front face.  Available for just $13.50. Note, the slightly larger Pixel Pocket Rocket comes standard with quite a few bags (including the one I bought).

The following is part Six of a much larger dSLR Dad Holiday Gift Guide:

Think Tank Photo is a company that has burst onto the scene and come out with products that meet the needs of both professional and serious dSLR Dad’s alike. They carry any number of shoulder or belt bags, rugged airport carry-on, or their fantastic modular system. You can download a copy of their catalog (more…)

Press Release:

To help celebrate the holiday season, we at Think Tank Photo will be giving away one of our camera bags every day for a month, starting on November 16. All you need to do is click here and you will be directed to a very simple form where you can register to win in this random drawing. [Note: the only bag not eligible to be won is our Airport Security roller and you may enter only once.]
We also have holiday coupons and special offers that we’ll be announcing throughout November and December, so be sure to sign up.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TRLGRDv7ik]

Ben Willmore, from Inside Digital Photo TV, has posted a video detailing his use of Think Tank Photo’s Modular Belt system. If you haven’t heard of Think Tank Photo, they are a relatively recent company that specializes in making fantastic storage solutions for photographers. For all you dSLR Dad’s out there who have never been happy using a photo backpack to shoot (since it has to come off your back) while you’re also trying to chase your kid(s) around, you should really check them out.

I’ve been using their Speed Freak Belt Pack for almost 6 months now and I love it. It can hold my 20D with a wide angle + lens hood on one side and a stowed 70-200mm f/2.8 right beside it. The belt system also accepts other modular components, so you add different lens pouches depending on your situation that day. Plus, the belt tucks into a side pouch so you can also use it as a shoulder bag.

You can also check out Ben’s blog to get coupon code WS-055 for a free extra lens case or gadget bag on your order.