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Visatec Solo B Monolights

Studio lights for less
- By Peter Kolonia on December 16, 2008
Looking for an entry-level studio monolight that pros won't snub their noses at? Bron Electronics recently upgraded its "Solo B" line of Visatec low-cost strobes with all-metal housings and fan-cooling systems, two pro-level features rare in strobes targeted at the home user. The Bs range from the 1200-Watt-second 3200 B down to our test unit, the 5-pound, 130Ws Solo 400 B ($338 street).
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Adobe Lightroom Put to the Test

Is Adobe Lightroom the future of image processing?
- By Michael Reichmann on December 16, 2008
With the widespread adoption of digital cameras, professional photographers have come to rely on a variety of imaging programs for specific tasks. Beyond basic pixel editing in Photoshop, these include RAW file processing and conversion, image organizing and archiving, and printing. Wouldn't it be less cumbersome if such functions were available in a single, integrated program? And wouldn't it be even better if Photoshop's copious features and capabilities were streamlined, reducing your need for books, videos, and workshops to master them?
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Microtek MS4

Slide Show Steal: Making Slide shows affordable
- By Philip Ryan on December 16, 2008
In November 2004, pop photo tested four digital projectors that were bargains at $1,000 each ("The New Digital Slide Show"). Fast-forward to early 2006: You can get a projector with the same resolution, array of features, and level of performance those four shared for $700 (direct)--the Microtek MS4. Now that's what we call progress.
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Aperture: First Look

Apple Steps Up
- By Pop Photo Staff on December 16, 2008
See larger view of screenshot
We were excited, though somewhat skeptical, when we heard that Apple was jumping into high-end photographic software with the $500 Aperture. To understand the program, imagine a world where a RAW file never needs to be converted to enable you to work with it like a JPEG. In Aperture, you can sort, select, organize, and fix RAW files, but it will make the conversion only when you need to output as another file type-the fixes are nondestructive sets of instructions applied to the RAW file's display.
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Just Out 09/05

New gear that has impressed our editors
- By Philip Ryan on December 16, 2008
Tower of Power Boutique PC-maker Velocity Micro's hand-assembled, silver metal-cased custom computers come to life with a cool blue glow when you start them up. Look inside the 17-inch diagonal side panel windows and you'll get an up-close view of wires carefully folded and neatly tied back for the healthy airflow essential for long processor life. But it's not just looks that tell you these go beyond typical, plain-vanilla Windows PCs.
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Sekonic L-308S:The Right Price
- By Pop Photo Staff on December 16, 2008
In the August issue of Pop Photo, we quoted a street price of $161 for Sekonic's new L-308S FlashMate. But right now, the street price seems to be closer to $179.
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Review: Tamrac Expedition 7

If you've got the muscle, this backpack's got the room
- By Philip Ryan on December 16, 2008
Tamrac's new Expedition 7 backpack ($180 street) looks like it belongs in a camping store instead of a photo store. After all, its harness system-with padded waist belt, sternum strap, and lumbar support-resembles a mountaineer's rucksack. But if you haul lots of gear, you'll quickly appreciate this carefully designed bag.
The shoulder straps adjust from both bottom and top. Along with the waist belt, the straps keep heavy loads high on your back and over your center of gravity so they're easier to carry.
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Mothers Of Invention

Seven breakthroughs in tripod design
- By Peter Kolonia on December 16, 2008
Just when it seemed tripods had gone about as far as they could, wham! Manufacturers around the globe have unleashed new tripods and accessories. Though not revolutionary, these products are completely different takes on this "mature" photo accessory.
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The New World of Wireless Flash

Studio lighting on automatic. No wires. (Well, maybe one.)
- By Dan Richards on December 16, 2008
When Joe McNally wanted to do this firehouse shot using three flash heads, he didn't have to worry about extension cords or bulky location battery packs.
He took his lighting kit out of his gadget bag, thanks to wireless TTL flash: three Nikon SB-800 flashes, a couple of lightweight stands, and two folding diffusers.
One of today's outstanding photography tools still scares many photographers-for no good reason. It's great for everything from portraits to party pictures, for lighting up a dark room or filling shadows in bright daylight.
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Hands On: Pocket TIVO

Photos are just the beginning
- By Michael J. Mcnamara on December 16, 2008
Portable storage dEvices are growing in popularity, fueled by memory-intensive 6MP-8MP digital cameras and larger RAW file formats. But why settle for a plain vanilla backup device when you get so much more with the Archos AV400-series Pocket Video Recorder?
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