• 
• 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

November 2011

New Tools Of The Trade

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Strong Support
The Manfrotto Pro Tripod 057 series includes three models that range in load capacity from 26.5 to 39.7 pounds, with a maximum height of nearly 80 inches and different configuration options for meeting your specific needs. Two sizes of leg extensions are available at 52 inches and 71 inches, and there are two different column types. One model has a gradual adjustment mechanism with an aluminum column for high precision, and the other features a classic rapid adjustment with a carbon column for quick changes. An innovative design and good ergonomics make the tripod easy to handle. Estimated Street Price: $751 to $912. Contact: Manfrotto, (201) 818-9500, www.manfrotto.us.

DXO Update
An extended chrominance noise slider gives you more control in the latest version of DxO Optics Pro. Version 6.6 allows you to manually reduce noise from JPEG images taken with any camera, and a color control slider has been added to preserve depth and certain saturated colors. The DxO online database allows you to select from a number of camera bodies and lenses, and then use those optical characteristics to fine-tune images. More than 100 DxO Optics Modules are on hand, covering many Canon, Fuji, Nikon, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony cameras. Also available is the DxO FilmPack 3, an Optics Pro plug-in that includes 60 color and black-and-white film renderings. Estimated Street Price: $169 (Optics Pro Standard); $299 (Optics Pro Elite); $79 (FilmPack Essential); $129 (FilmPack Expert). Contact: DxO Labs, www.dxomark.com.

Flash Case
Keep your memory cards dry and safe using the Pelican Flash Memory Card Protector Case. With two different configurations to choose from, the case is designed to protect flash memory cards of all sizes and can handle as many as 32 cards at a time. The case is built with a silicon O-ring for a water-resistant seal. Its streamlined design consists of a high-impact polycarbonate shell that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. A strong latch with corrosion-resistant, nickel-plated brass pins keeps the case closed after drops and hard knocks. A shock-absorbing liner delivers an added level of protection. Estimated Street Price: TBA. Contact: Pelican, (800) 473-5422, www.pelican.com.

Top Coat
Protect your prints from UV exposure, abrasion, marring, chemicals and water damage using Museo's Enhance clear coat solution. The liquid laminate comes in a matte, satin or gloss finish to protect water-resistant canvases such as the new Museo Artistry Canvas. The 375gsm polyester and cotton-blend stretch canvas is designed for long-term, fade-resistant fine-art or photo reproductions when printed with pigment inks. When paired with the clear coat solution, the canvas features improved stretch qualities, protection and a 100-plus-years archival rating. Estimated Street Price: Varies. Contact: Museo, (800) 343-0818, www.museofineart.com.

Data Drive
The rugged CRU-DataPort/WiebeTech ToughTech Duo guards against data loss by writing the same information in real time to both of its 2.5-inch 750 GB notebook drives. The high-performance portable RAID system has a small 3.5x6.3x1.3-inch footprint. Designed with a durable aluminum chassis, it can withstand vibration and shock. With no internal fan, it's optimized for heat dissipation with internal thermometers that show the drives' operating temperature on the status LCD. The two-line LCD also provides RAID status, disk health and disk temperature updates. Estimated Street Price: $597. Contact: CRU-DataPort, www.cru-dataport.com.