NIKON ME-1 STEREO MICROPHONE REVIEW

NIKON ME-1 STEREO MICROPHONE REVIEW

For the consumer user wishing to improve on the quality of the camera's built-in microphone, while reducing zoom and focus noise

The ME-1 is a compact microphone that comes with a wind screen and soft carrying case. Its mounting foot slides into the camera's accessory shoe and tightens into place with a lock ring and the microphone can be tilted up or down. There is also a ¼” socket that allows it to be installed onto your rig cage. The cable has  a 3.5mm stereo mini-pin jack and is long enough to mount on an accessory rail. The rear of the microphone has a rotary dial for switching in the low-cut filter to cut out low frequency noise from wind and other sources.

We tested the ME-1 on a Nikon D7100, P7000 and V1 on a  windy day, with the windscreen both on and off and with the low-cut filter in both the "Flat" and "On" positions.

At about 5 feet away the performance was kind of similar with less noise on the ME-1. At 18 feet away the ME-1 was superior. The ME-1 also has a richer sound whereas the built in microphone seem too tinny to my ears.

I noticed the best effect from the ME-1 in eliminating the zoom noise and focusing noise.

Please note that purists will seek XLR based microphones and most likely use external audio recorders. For my needs the ME-1 is a a worthwhile addition and is well recommended.

For the prosumer user wishing to improve the quality of the camera's built-in microphone, while reducing zoom, focus noise and wind noise, the Nikon ME-1 stereo microphone is the right choice for you.

Specifications

Type: Back-electret condenser microphone
Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
Directionality: Unidirectional
Frequency response: 70±16,000Hz
Sensitivity: -42dB ± 3dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: 60dB or more
Output impedance: 2.2k ohms or less
Power supply: Supplied by camera
Plug: Gold-plated, L-shaped stereo mini-pin plug (3.5mm)
Low-cut filter: Controlled by low-cut filter switch (ON/OFF)
Supplied accessories: Microphone body, Wind screen, Soft case

Nikon Fluff

ME-1 Stereo Microphone Improved sound quality when recording D-Movies

Record crystal-clear sound while significantly reducing autofocus noise on your compatible cameras

using this stereo microphone. The ME-1 Stereo Microphone is perfect for connecting to compatible

cameras with a 3.5mm Mic jack. Prevent operation sounds from being recorded with convenient

features like a cable stop that keeps the audio cable in place and a wind screen to help eliminate

wind noise. The new Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone is sure to satisfy the needs of professionals and

photo enthusiasts alike as they experience the fun and excitement of recording high quality  D-Movies with crystal-clear sound.

Rolling with Think Tank - Airport International V2 Review - A mulit-purpose Rolling Carry On

Rolling with Think Tank - Airport International V2 Review - A mulit-purpose Rolling Carry On

Think Tank Airport International V2 – Roller Bag Review

First off this will be a bit different than just another camera bag review because this camera roller bag is really a rolling suitcase that is kitted out for photography purposes. This is a multi-purpose rolling bag and that is how i use it.

I have more camera bags, briefcases and suitcases than I care to mention.  I have different bags for different needs but my focus was always on quality. I have Victorinox luggage and bags and also several Tumi products, and even Pelican stuff as well. The past few years I have been buying Think Tank products. I got excited by their clever features and was won over by its quality and common sense practicality. I have stuff from each product category (next will have to be the Urban Disguise 60). I realized that I needed a rolling camera bag to save my back but also to carry all the stuff you may need for a photo shoot. This was very evident when I was asked to shoot some photos with 500px for the Nutcracker being done by the National Ballet of Canada. 

Meets INTERNATIONAL and USA domestic airline carry-on size requirements.

I used to use a Pelican Rolling Case (22”) and then place a Lowe Pro Extreme camera bag and gear into the case.  However the stuff can shift around as I do not have the divider kit for it. Also it’s too big as a carry on. I do use it for carrying my studio strobes and lighting equipment. I can easily strap on several stands to it as well. Great for that but not for camera gear. The other thing I found is that when I travel with it and use it as a suitcase, the security staff always opens it up, or have it weighed, or tell me it has to go to oversize because most Pelicans have electronic equipment in it. I originally looked at the 1510 model but it just didn’t suit me and besides I do not want to draw attention to it. I needed a better way to carry more stuff and to do it safely so thus the research for a suitcase looking camera bag started. Sure enough Think Tank makes several and I chose the International due to its carry on friendly dimensions.

The roller bag comes with a idea card showing where to store your Nikon gear. Flip the cardboard over and its a Canon version.

What makes it exciting to me is that Think Tank really offers several features that make this an ideal bag for multiple purposes. You could use this rolling camera bag as a travel suitcase as well. The Airport series of products are not inexpensive but they offer high end quality, practical features with feedback from working professionals, and they are an investment. It also works extremely well with the other Think Tank products. The primary reason I chose the TT AIv2 was for its features and because I want my camera equipment safe and sound in the overhead bin of the airplane or when traveling to a shoot. The roller looks like a suitcase and not something carrying over $10k of photo gear. The roller bag also has more room than the traditional camera bag meaning you can bring more stuff to the shoot as well as lash on a tripod and save your back. 

Here is the bag with the regular divider kit. Note the rain cover pouch and tripod straps

The features that I wanted in a roller bag were as follows:

• High Quality and built to last
• Big Beefy Zippers (only YKK will do for me)
• Replaceable wheels
• Durable DWR finish
• Security Cables (this has one in the back and one in the front) with TSA friendly locks
• Security Plate with serial number and registration (just like Victorinox)
• Tripod Holder
• Zippered Pockets
• Flexibility (Low Divider kit optional) able to move dividers at will
• Rain Proof Cover
• Room for 2 bodies, 4 lenses, 300mm, a few flashes and more stuff

This bag is 43” linear length making it ideal as a carry on for air travel with any airline but it will not fit in the overhead bin of many regional jets or underneath the seat. However, the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 will fit underneath and just barely in the overhead bin of a Regional Jet. (The airline will gate check it for you meaning it goes into the plane’s luggage section underneath the plane. Photo gear is not recommended to be in the luggage. You should remove the camera and lenses into a carry on bag for the plane. The Regional Jets are small planes and have very limited luggage space. Other airplanes are able to accommodate a carry on bag of 45" linear length.). I have tested the TT AIv2 and it does fit in an Air Canada Luggage test frame. OK it is sized liked a regular rolling suitcase.

The bag ships with a divider kit but I chose to get the optional Low Divider kit which is shorter in height allowing room for the Cable Management 50 or an Airport Intelligence laptop bag to fit inside the case. This is my preferred set up for transporting my photography gear. I can’t think of any other company making anything similar. Again the great minds at Think Tank are always thinking ahead. 

 

Low Divider with the Cable Management 50

If I am doing a trade show then I can pull the dividers out (and keep the top two) and just pack a body, lens and flash, my LCD projector and some packing cubes with clothes. My laptop slides into the front. Now you are starting to see how useful the case is. It can be multi-purpose.

If I am out doing radio work, I can shift the dividers around and pack radio equipment just as easily. I can even mount a portable antenna in the place of the tripod. It can be multi-purpose and even use it as a traditional suitcase.

 

Trade Show set up - clothes, Projector and camera, lens , flash. Note the laptop bag

.

As a bonus the inner lid has 4 plastic pockets with zipper pull protectors that are perfect to hold a circular polarizer, white balance cards, small foldable reflectors, cables, pocket wizard’s, etc.

Of course, the outer pocket has organization compartments and I can fit my Travel Wallet and Passport Holder in there.

I can slide my Think Tank Airport Intelligence laptop bag into the front sleeve as well.

The security cables allow you to lock the case to a pole or a table. This is perfect for the trade show environment or a hotel room. I can also lock my laptop bag as well as there is a security cable at the front. Again, people just see a suitcase full of clothes. Who wants to steal that? I can keep the Eagle Creek security cables I use at home now and use the built in ones. The security cables are designed for casual use and not intended for long term unprotected safety. The rain cover is handy as well when trying to get from the hotel or shoot site to the parking lot in pounding rain.

I found the telescoping handle to be kind of flimsy. I checked some of my other rolling luggage’s and found they were not as flimsy. It turns out the TT AIv2 has a 4 section handle and it stows into about a 10 inch section in the case. This is ingenious I think because the bottom half of the case has extra room as it doesn’t have to house the telescoping handle. Regular luggage would have the handle telescope  the full length of the case, good for clothes not as good for camera gear as there would be two ridges for the handle.  I can live with a flimsier feeling handle if it gives me a better designed interior.

The package also comes with a ton of dividers, the rain cover in its own pouch and several straps and a cup for the tripod or mono pod holder.

Weekend Travel version. Lots of room for clothes. Don't need my 28-70 mm beast a 18-105 VR is just fine

The Airport International V2.0 Rolling Camera bag comes highly recommended with a 9.5/10 rating. It does lose marks for its weight as it is a hefty ten pounds but that includes a strong built frame, real rollerblade wheels and the dividers themselves. Looking at the Lowe Pro version of it you will quickly see that it has no real organizer pockets inside, the telescoping handle is on the outside of the frame, and no clever Think Tank features.  One product improvement would be to add a standard ¼” threaded mount in the telescoping handle so for an impromptu light stand. The Lowe Pro has this idea. The Kata series has its lovely bright yellow interior but I didn’t like how the tripod had to be held against the front of the bag. The Think Tank having it on the side means I can lay the bag down and still open the lid. With Kata and Lowe Pro I need to lift the lid with the tripod attached. Seems too clumsy for me. Also the competition just didn’t seem to have that quality and clever features going for it. Remember, Think Tank is designed for and by working professionals not for Sunday photographers out at the zoo taking photos of Elephants.

In summary it’s somewhat expensive but price is what you pay and value is what you get. Its multi-purpose investment for my needs and it has some really great features not found elsewhere. You may want to order the Low Divider kit and a Cable Management 50 organizer bag as these two items work well for me. Guess what? Think Tank also makes a Think Tank Photo Travel Pouch for holding your clothes and shirts with YKK zippers and bullet proof construction. Guess what I am buying next payday?

THINK TANK AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL V 2.0 as a Trade Show Bag

THINK TANK AIRPORT INTERNATIONAL V 2.0 as a Trade Show Bag

I just did another review of this awesome carry-on bag but from the perspective that it can be used as a bag for trade shows.

Pull out the dividers and it becomes a rolling suitcase and take full advantage of the locking cables to ensure nothing disappears during the show.

I am able to tuck in my laptop, clothes, projector, camera, Dopp kit, business cards etc

Of course the show swag gets shipped to the event beforehand

Camera gear one day and Trade show the next and overnight bag on another trip. The Think Tank Airport International V2 is truly multipurpose rolling carry on bag

check the video out 

http://youtu.be/iOPTZyXY0vQ

Review of the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 Camera Bag

Monday, April 29, 2013

Review of the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 Camera Bag

 Review of the Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 Camera Bag

I have been using Think Tank products for many years and am continuously amazed at the bullet proof construction (Ballistic Nylon and YKK Zippers) and innovative ideas. Finding that my Think Tank AirPort Check In at times can be limiting size wise especially if I want to pack a pro camera with me on my travels, I needed a bigger bag. I went out and got the Thank Tank Urban Disguise V2.0. The AirPort Check In is not really a camera bag beyond packing a pro point and shoot like the Nikon P7000, Fuji XE1 or Canon G12. The Urban Disguise 60 V2.0 will carry up to a 17” laptop, a regular or pro size DSLR with a standard zoom attached and three to five additional lenses. It can actually hold a lot more stuff. This bag can swallow up a lot of gear. The nice thing that this briefcase sized bag is as the name suggests is that it does not look like a camera bag but a laptop business briefcase.

 It also is very versatile because it can also be used as a back pack with the optional shoulder harness and have additional items attached as follows:

• Urban Disguise Attachment Straps allow the 6 straps in the kit to add the modular components on the size or a tripod on the bottom
• The Shoulder Harness V2.0 can convert the bag into a backpack

 

This photo shows a sweet carbon fiber tripod and modular pouches attached for expanded carrying versatility

The V2.0 version has some new changes and they completely redesigned the front pockets on this new bag based on pro user feedback and places the main zippered pocket right on the outside flap. I find the Urban Disguise 60 to be the perfect size. It’s big enough to carry my laptop (or iPad and, Kindle or Blackberry Playbook), a pro-size body and an attached lens. There is room for additional lenses or a flash. Since I am traveling by air I have room to carry all my documents, airline tickets and tickets, iPhone and headphones. I also use the Cable Management 10 case to keep all small items and cords neat and safe. 

Remember that this bag is really a briefcase style camera bag and it does work very well for its intended use. I have tried several messenger style bags and for me the large flap was always an issue with me while I really enjoy the top zippered approach.

This bag is super versatile because if you take the dividers (It comes with 14 additional dividers) out I can slip a Cable Management 50 case in there and turn the bag into a really large travel briefcase. I use this where I find my Airport Check in is too small. Again it really depends on what are you bringing and how are you travelling. The UD60 fits easily underneath the airline seat and getting to your items is easy. I usually take the strap off, waterproof rain cover and back pack strap as well, and put that with my jacket in the overhead bin so I don’t step on the strap throughout the flight. This bag really makes it easy to travel with your camera on a business trip or family vacation. This bag can really swallow up a lot of stuff.

Ok, let’s take a look at its features

The front flap is held down with a quick release clip and large Velcro tabs. The front zippered pocket inside it has several smaller pockets and dividers one of which is inside zippered. This is a perfect spot for travel tickets and a passport. There are pockets to contain the lens cleaning pen, Multi tool, and flashlight or pocket wizards. There is a blue strap to hold your keys as well.

Underneath the front flap is another zippered document pocket as well as a section with a divider. You could put some flashes here but I put my Photographic Solutions Digital Survival Kit and the Cable Management 20 (keeps all the cords and small items in place. This is a flat bag. You could also put a camera body without a lens in this pocket.

These Cable Management cases are perfect for ensuring items do not fall out and get lost while traveling.

There is also a red D strap that allows you to clip the Pixel Pocket Rocket to it. One of these CF/SD card holders is included as a nice surprise.

The Center Section is where the camera will fit in and the divider(s) that allows the camera to be placed with the lens attached is provided. There is room on either side for extra lenses or a flash. You could also tuck a backup camera (not a pro version) in one of these pockets.

The UD60 also comes with a removable shoulder strap that is contoured and padded for maximum comfort. There are leather handles with a clasp that keeps the two carrying handles together.

There is an expansion zipper that increases the depth to fit a pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached, in main compartment.

On either side are Stretchable side pockets on both sides that are convenient for carrying small water bottles or a cell phone. They even stretch far enough to keep most hot shoe mounted flash units easily accessible. 

On the back we have another zippered pocket for documents or magazines, a business card ID holder, a roller handle attachment pocket with a zipper. The D rings for the back pack harness is there as well and the two bottom ones tuck into pockets to avoid rubbing up against your clothes.

Next up is the padded zippered pocket for the laptop. A 17” version can fit here and there is a divider that could be used for a mouse or power cable. 

As you can see the UD60 is a very thought out piece of kit that offers a ton of storage room and can simplify the way you travel or add a bit of professionalism on your next photo shoot.

 

I can still cram more than a Nikon D300, 28-70/2.8, 85/1.8, 35/1.8, 12-24/f4, Kindle, iPad, Lomo Sardinia, iPhone, Sb-800 and Sb-600 flash, Pocket Wizards and cables etc in the Cable Management cases, Photographic Solutions sensor cleaning kit, Pocket Pixel Rocket, Rain Cover, Mulittool, Water Bottle, Sony HD Cam, Kodak Master Guide

Passes through TSA and Security Check Points no problemo!!

I personally found the 70 to be too big and the 50 to be too small, the 60 model is the perfect size for my needs

Good luck and happy shooting!!

Improvements: I would enjoy 4 rubber feet on the bottom or a rubber skid plate so there is a reason for a V3.0 model. Honestly, I don't see too much room for improvement for this style of bag.

Specifications:

 ID:  16” W x 11.3” H x 4.3” D (40.6 x 28.7 x 10.9 cm)
*Opening Expansion Zipper adds 2.25" (5.7 cm) to main compartment depth 

**Laptop Compartment ID:   16” W x 11.3” H x 1.5” D (40.6 x 28.7 x 3.8 cm)
ED:  16.5” W x 12” H x 7” D (41.9 x 30.5 x 17.78 cm) 

Weight:   3.7–4.4 lbs (1.7–2.0 kg)

Exterior - All fabric exterior treated with DWR while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance, 1680D ballistic nylon, YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, antique nickel plated metal hardware, Ultra Stretch pockets, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread

Think Tank Airport Check In Laptop Bag Review

Think Tank Airport Check In Laptop Bag Review

My primary briefcase is a Swiss Army expandable briefcase that has been bullet
proof over the past 10 years. However it isn’t necessarily padded and is harder
to tuck under a plane seat.

I purchased a Lowepro Express 1600 (that also included a removable stand-alone laptop case and detachable travel case).

I was not too happy with it on my last few trips as it’s cumbersome and at times
it seems the designer never travelled so I started looking around for a
replacement.

I dug up a Think Tank catalog from a camera show and found a possible bag, but
the price seemed somewhat high. It’s just a laptop bag after all and there is no
room for a DSLR so what gives?  The catalog extolled the virtue of real world
photographers using their gear designed by real world photographers. Hmmmm. I
wondered if these guys ever travelled and sure enough they actually do and they have some great products for that but I needed a laptop bag.

So let me tell you right off the bat that what makes this bag interesting is 10
things: backpack strap, roller bag handle insert, well padded , fits easily
under airline seats, holds 15-17" laptop size, rain weather cover , beefy YYK
zippers and  a cable management system. Also in the Think Tank style is lots of
well thought out pockets, business card holder and an ergonomic design. The bag
looks very bulletproof and on closer inspection you can see the strong seam
stitching, solid hardware, beefy zippers and did I say very high quality fabric?

Now this is classified as a laptop bag and briefcase for photographers using
rolling luggage and it succeeds in this regard but it does also for an excellent
every day laptop bag as well.

An amazing item that is included is a Cable Management system zipper case
for storage of items, this removable see-through pouch is an invaluable organizational tool. The compartment can be divided into 3 sections, 2 sections, or 1 large pouch.

This is perfect for storage of cables, mouse, pocket hard drive, point and
shoot camera, car GPS and other items. This keeps everything neat and
organized.

I didn’t realize how great this pouch is until I ran it through airport security. I can
pull the laptop out, pull the cable 50 case out and the airport security
inspector can easily see what created an interest as it scanned through x-ray.
And since it has 3 compartments, see through and zippered there is little chance of
anything getting lost.

This cable management pouch can also be used outside of the laptop bag if you
plan to use it in a roller bag, duffle bag, back pack or other style camera bag.
Think Tank sells this and a few other models separately.

The clever guys at TT also included some side pockets for a water bottle or a
cell phone or similar sized item. You know the design team at TT actually use
this bag and its got everything you need.

I found the removable shoulder harness extremely useful when not using a roller bag for
those long walks between gates at the terminal as I can sip my Starbucks and
talk on my blackberry very easily. If I am using this bag in a rainstorm, not to
worry there is nice seam sealed rain cover that can be easily deployed.

The 3 zippered compartments are used as follows: rear for the laptop and files, middle for
cable management system pouch, front for pens, keys , passport, (with zippered pockets to keep items safe) etc. The bag still lots of room for reading material or a Kindle or Tablet. Zip it all up and stow under your seat and all is safe and sound.

So after using this bag several times it really comes to mind that Think Tank
although more money than their competitors, you really get a high quality, well
thought out product that will last many many years. You get what you pay for
these days and without a doubt you will be very happy with this purchase even 10
years from now and the highest quality always commands a slighter higher price than the usual garbage that’s in the marketplace today.

www.thinktank.com

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm ƒ/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens review

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm ƒ/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens review

Filter Size: 67mm

Lens Mount: Plastic

Close Focus: 1.5 feet

Internal Focusing: yes

Body Type: DX

This is the kit lens that was sold with the D90 and D7000 body. It is relatively small and light and sharp. This to me makes it an ideal “walk around” or “travel lens” as it does cover a wide angle to short telephoto range. The VR technology assists in maintaining sharpness in low conditions and I found this to be very useful.

Auto focus is quick and silent as you would expect. The close focus range is useful for close ups but it is not a macro lens in anyway. It is very sharp throughout its range with a bit of softness at the 105 mark (after all it is a zoom) but not glaringly so.

I always have this lens on a second body as it’s the ideal lens to first grab when taking photos.

Build quality is good. The lens mount is plastic but I have never been concerned about it.

3.5 out of 5  Well Recommended

Hello Nikon Users

I have been shooting Nikon since the 1970s and am pleased to offer a wealth of thumbnail reviews that will allow you to make a purchasing decisions based on my experience
Cheers
John