Gear Review : Lowepro Computrekker AW /  by Glenn Fajota

From a recent trip to Madrid/Granada, Spain and Hamburg, Germany.

When I travel overseas, there is one bag that always goes with me and that's the Lowepro Computrekker AW. I do have the Computrekker Plus AW also which can fit a 17" laptop but that wont fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat on the regional planes. Based out of Norfolk, I must always fly to a bigger city before flying out of the country and those regional planes can be small. I do bring a carry on case which I do have to check that in right before I board the plane.

With the Computrekker, Compu (meaning computer/laptop), I have quick access to my laptop without having to fully open my bag and expose the rest of the gear. WIth the laptop compartment against the back, it gives it a solid flat structure when I do have it on, which I prefer since some bags have the laptop section up front which is prone to more damage.

There's so many pockets/dividers for full customization, however Ive kept this setup since I got the bag almost 10 years ago. And after 10+ countries, its still in one piece (=

Check out Lowepro's current lineup that replaced the Computrekker.

Lowepro Pro Runner Series

The New Canon 70D /  by Glenn Fajota

Canon just announced the Canon EOS 70D to their prosumer lineup. The 20.2mp sensor allows even bigger prints and maybe still captures from the full HD video capabilities.

 

 KEY FEATURES 

- 20.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor 

- DIGIC 5+ Image Processor - Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Live View 

- 3.0" 1,040k-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen 

- Full HD 1080p Video with Move Servo AF 

- Built-In Wireless Connectivity 

- 19-Point All Cross-Type AF System 

- Continuous Shooting Rate Up to 7 fps 

- ISO 100-12800 (Expandable to ISO 25600) 

- Scene Intelligent Auto Mode 

 

These features maybe worth the upgrade from the 60D which I currently own and use to film most of the videos. I'm glad Canon is keeping with the flip out screen which makes is very handy when shooting at odd angles and with the addition of the touch AF control, this should be a plus for nailing that focus. I want to see how good the in camera Wi-Fi will be when shooting on location using the EOS Remote app which may also allow photographers to shoot in out of reach places. Being able to control the camera settings from the phone is a huge step in DSLR shooting. 

 

There is no set date yet on the release but you can pre-order here: 

Canon EOS 70D Pre Order

GFP's New Lexar Professional Workflow Card Reader Hub Nest /  by Glenn Fajota

Could this be the first LEXAR product here in the office?! The Lexar Professional Workflow Card Reader modular system allows any combination of CF, SD or XQD card readers to be used at one time. This may be helpful since we have SD cards in our field recorders and CF cards in our HDSLRs. Uploading files for preview right after a shoot might be a breeze! If we need to upload four CF cards at one time, we would just insert four of the Lexar Professional Workflow CF Reader (sold separately) and vice versa with the SD cards Lexar Professional Workflow SD Reader (sold separately).

This still has a small footprint at 3.3"x4.3"x6" and also has a clean design if mounted on the desktop. With four cards uploading at the same time, it will need more power than the USB, so the supplied power cable will definitely keep uploads running smooth.

GFP's Pelican Nest /  by Glenn Fajota

These are the main cases we use when need to use the Pelican cases. We do have some smaller cases that we use to transport hard drives and smaller gear back and forth but below is the lineup for the main gear.

Pelican 1120 : Transmitters/Receivers

Pelican 1200 : XLR Interface

Pelican 1200 : Off site hard drive case for storage/transport

Pelican 1500 : Location emergency kit (Windex, clamps, lint roller, toilet paper)

Pelican 1500 : Audio headphones/Monitoring headphones

Pelican 1520 : ENG kit (waist packs/belts)

Pelican 1520 : Charger base station

Pelican 1520 : XLR cables/adapters/mounts

Pelican 1520 : XLR microphones

Pelican 1510 : Glenn's main photo case

Pelican 1510 : Chris's video case

Pelican 1510 : 3 monolight case

Pelican 1550 : HDSLR kit

Pelican 1550 : Location laptop case

Pelican 1560 : Home base for Glenn's photo Case

Pelican 1600 : Location Studio Monitors

Pelican 1610 : Our location lightingkit

Gear Review : Lowepro Photo Runner 100 /  by Glenn Fajota

Lowepro Photo Runner 100

 

 

In the Lowepro Photo Runner 100, I was able to fit my 1DS mark 3 and a couple of lenses in there. I did record some audio with the Tascam DR-40 which I stored in an S&F pouch attached to the Photo Runner using one of the SlipLock loops.

The Lowepro Photo Runner 100 was the perfect choice for me since I was able to fit a couple of lenses, my passport, iPhone, pen, hand sanitizer and Giottos blower all within arms reach. During my shoots, I used the bag as a beltpack on my waist because this allowed me to have quick access with just a pull of a zipper and not placing it on the sand. Having the bag on my waist, freed up my shoulders and hands, which made it easier for me to direct during the shoots. When I wasn't shooting, I used the provided shoulder strap that I kept tucked in the back when I was not using it.