Photography by Randy Hanna » Gear That Works

New CODEC by Microsoft

Randy Hanna — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:10:39 +0000

Tired of having to use a third part image viewer for a quick look at your NEF files outside of Lightroom or Bridge? Microsoft has come to the rescue with a new codec for most Nikon cameras. Just download and install the appropriate codec (32 or 64 bit) and you can see the NEF images in explorer. Really a big time saver for me when I am looking for something really fast.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Tacking Your Journey – Part III (final)

Randy Hanna — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 05:20:40 +0000

In the first post, I introduced my AMOD GPS tracking device followed by the various settings I used in the second post of this series. In this post, we will pull all of this together and see everything in action.

First off, download and install Google Earth – something everyone should have if you are interested in exploring the world around you. In order for Google Earth to use your file, it must be converted into a format called KML. Connect your AMOD and locate the GPS log file that is of interest to you. Follow this link for one of the best FREE NEMA to KML converters.

Locate your GPS log file using the browse button on the converter page and make the necessary selections from the drop down boxes that fit your application. After a few minutes the converter will return an opportunity for you save your new KML file. Simply save this to your desktop and double click on it. The next thing you know Google Earth will transport you to the exact location that represents your log. For a realtime example of this, double click on this GPS KML file to see it in action. You may be prompted to save this file for Google Earth to run. If so, simply save it to your desktop and then double click and off you go.

To make the image easier to see, I un-tick the box in the left hand column called ‘placemark icons’. This will leave only the line segment. In the case of this file, the different colors represent the speed of our travel. You can easily see how we slowed for our approach as well as landing followed by transfer to the jeeps for travel to the camp. I encourage you to zoom around this log and see all of the detail Google Earth will produce for you. Enjoy….

This log file was created on a flight from Windhoek, Namibia to our Skeleton Coast Camp. Namibia was a very special place for me and I place I look for ward returning to. I will write more about that experience in the future.

So what are you waiting for, go grab your logger and record your paths.

I hope to be able to blog live from deep in the Mara Plains, so say close and watch the blog.

Cheers and happy photo’ing.

Tracking Your Journey, Part I

Randy Hanna — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:28:07 +0000

For the past several years, I have always carried a GPS logging device with me on all of my safaris. This small device records a track and waypoints for my entire trip. Once home, this becomes a record of the adventure that I can overlay using Google Earth. My choice device is the AMOD AGL3080 128 MB GPS logger. The logger comes with photo geo-tagging software which allows you to write the GPS coordinates to your metadata. I have read enough articles on metadata corruption that I have become very leery of third party software making changes to metadata contained in my raw files, and therefore opt not us use this software.

So how do I use this device? I simply turn it every morning, about 5 minutes before we leave our safari camp, and leave it on until we return at the end of the day. Using lithium batteries, I can usually get three full days, before battery replacement. During the day, should something come my way that I want to “mark” along our path, I simply push the waypoint button and a manual waypoint is placed on the track. The AMOD generates a new log every time the unit is turned off and on, which means you will have a new track for each day. Although you can assemble these tracks to make one entire trip log, I find the daily separation much better to manage and it corresponds to the daily log that I try to keep from each day. Next posting on the AMOD will deal with the settings that I use and how they match up to the various NEMA sentences. The final posting on the AMOD will provide instructions and demos of getting these files into Google Earth for viewing, so stay tuned.

NIK HDR Software from NIK (update)

Randy Hanna — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:37:44 +0000

As noted in my previous posting, I had an opportunity last Friday to participate in a Nik Software webinar previewing their new HDR solution. Nik representatives were also on hand at the Glazers Camera Shore Street Fair (Seattle) this past weekend, so I have plenty of time to pick the brains of the Nik folks. What did I learn? They are very busy reworking their entire software line to support the 64bit Photoshop CS4 and CS5 (no real surprise here, but it was refreshing to know they are working it hard). They know they are behind in this effort and are really pushing to reset their software (currently all of their products work in the Lightroom (LR) and Photoshop (PS) environment however only Viveza is currently available in the 64bit PS environment) . Back to Nik HDR – This new software will be available for PS and LR and will be offered in both 32 and 64 bit plug-in applications vs. a stand alone program. The interface carries the classic user interface that Nik users have come to love, especially the U-point control technology which allows for pin-point controls across the image. The HDR program carries an effects preview pane in the LR Navigator window very similar to Silver Effects or Color Effects, allowing the photographer to visually see the proposed enhancement before actually committing to the change. While Nik’s approach is wonderful for those wanting to put their foot into the HDR pond without having to learn all about tone-mapping, it’s power really lies in using the U-point control technology to ‘get at’ the changes you need to make without getting into complicated selective masking in PS. Another real sweet feature is the effort-less manner in which images are selected for inclusion into the HDR solution (using the LR interface). Along with Lucas Art and Photomatix, Nik HDR will be a welcomed addition to my HDR kit bag. Look for a late July release (estimated) for the NIK HDR product. No pricing information available.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

The Photographers Ephemeris (TPE)

Randy Hanna — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:46:02 +0000

Not very often does one run across an application that makes your life simple when it comes to taking photographs. In this case TPE is free, available for Mac, PC, was well as the the iPhone. While there are many applications for the computer and iPhone which annotate sunrise and sunset for a given location, this little beauty stands apart from the crowd as a true interactive planning tool. The Photographer’s Ephemeris can depict sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset PLUS it will show the actual sun angle at any give hour from any given location, all with the Google Earth / Google Maps in the background. TPE is fairly simple in concept: 1) display a Google Map 2) choose a date 3) calculate and display a bunch of astronomical data. The tricky part comes from the connection between 1 and 2. Most similar programs and web-sites have you select from a pre-defined list of locations, where, presumably, things such as the relevant time zone are already saved – not much help if you are in the middle of BFE and it is not on the pre-defined list. I love it as a planning tool and will use it in planning my outdoor shoots. As an example, the screen shots below indicate the sun angle by the thin yellow line, while the thicker yellow/orange lines indicate sunrise and sunset direction. Lots of detailed explanations are on the site so give it a look.

Head on over to The Photographer’s Ephemeris and run the tutorials, download the application. If you like it be sure to come back and toss the author some coins for his efforts.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Mobile Downloading

Randy Hanna — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:18:35 +0000

I am frequently ask, ‘how do you manage your images while on safari’? Although we have power at our camps in the bush, I always make incremental backups of my cards while actually out on the game drives during the day. Unlike most safaris which offer only morning and

Colorspace UDMA Storage Solution

afternoon game drives, we are out for the entire day. Being out for the entire day results in the need to make frequent backups as a safety measure. I have been relying on Hyperdrive products for the past four years, and have yet to report a failure. If you don’t generate jpg thumbs, you can download an 8 GB UDMA CF card in four minutes with FULL data verification. Turning off all data verification (not sure why you would want to do this) one can achieve download rates as fast as 40MBs per second. Dude, that makes Hyperdrive one of the fastest download and storage devices on the market.

Sync Adapter

With the release of the latest software for the UDMA series, you can backup to or from the Hyperdrive, or mirror / synchronize to a second USB drive with the optional USB OTG (on the go) Adapter.

This latest development, now calls a big into question into play for me. With USB OTG, do I really need to take a laptop on safari? I’ll let you know what I do for the next safari. Meanwhile, you can check out all of the Hyperdrive options by visiting the HYPERSHOP. I should note that a variety of resellers now offer the Hyperdrive.

Hyperdrive Sync Connection Diagram

The Attack of the Washing Machine

Randy Hanna — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:07:38 +0000

Maytag vs. Hoodman Compact Flash Card

I have read numerous times about the success of washing your Compact Flash cards and up until last weekend, I always called BS on being able to use a CF card after washing. Last weekend I left a Hoodman CF card in my jeans pocket after shooting in the studio (yes I had backed up the card before I left the studio); into the wash the jeans went. I realized what I had done when the card fell out of the pocket as I was putting them into the dryer. Following a one day air drying, into the camera she went. I hit play back and up came all of the images. I then downloaded them into LR and determined that there was no damage to the files. Even now that I know that I can do this, I don’t intent to make washing my cards a standard operation.

I started using Hoodman cards sometime ago shortly after their introduction of their 300x card. Yes, they are more expensive than SanDisk however, they are made in American and they are the only card that is tested three times before leaving the factory. According the local Hoodman representative, they have yet to record a failure, either before departing the factory or from the field. Some can argue that these cards are not as fast as the ScanDisk IV’s but I seldom find myself in a shooting situation in which I am filling up the buffer. At the end of the day, I want dependability rather than speed; of course the best of both worlds would be greatly appreciated. Bottom line, I’m a Hoodman kind of guy; too bad they never go on sale.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Kiboko Camera Bag from Gura Gear

Randy Hanna — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:55:11 +0000

This weekend I leave for Tanzania leading another photo safari and man I can’t wait to get there. These crazy gray Seattle skies are killing me. So what is in the bag? For this trip I will be taking two carry ons. One Gura Gear back pack (shown here, and one over the shoulder lens bag for my 600mm VR. Packed in the Kiboko bag: Nikon D300 (2), D2x, SB800 flash (2), 70-200mm VR, 200-400mm VR, 10.5 fisheye, 17-55mm, 1.4TC, 1.7TC, EN-EL4a batteries (2) plus those in the cameras, Lacie external hard drives, Hyperdrive Space 250GB (2), dual battery charger, international cell phone, Better Beamer, remote control timer, CF wallet with cards. Not pictured are camera cleaning supplies, assorted cords, and a small repair kit. Oh yes – I almost forgot, I also have one extra shirt, and one change of underwear and socks laid on top of the camera gear. Tooth brush and other personal items are in the outermost flap. What is funny about all of this is that I actually have some room left over. So what about this bag? The bag was developed by Andy Biggs, aka Mr. Africa. I first met Andy in 2007 while on one of his safaris. BTW, Andy has had a serious impact on my photography skills and has helped me a great deal with my safari efforts. While on safari in 2007, Andy had an early beta version of his bag along for the ride. I gave the bag a hard look and made note of those things that I thought made it stand out. In 2008, Andy sent me a final pre-production bag for trial on my 2008 photo safari. I must say that the improvements from the beta to the pre-production model were incredible. For the first time, I had my hands on a bag that was the lightest bag in the industry and also offered incredible protection for my equipment. At this point, I need to share with you that my attic is littered with camera bags. The only thing that I have more of than bags is CF cards, so I have learned a few things about bags over the years – mostly what I don’t like. The Kiboko bag from Gura Gear performs better than any other bag that I currently own. When I need to carry two bodies or more and several lenses, this is my bag of choice. It is made of heavy duty sail cloth nylon, the type that sail boat sails are made from (that should give you an idea of the strength of this bag), and features a fully adjustable shoulder and belt harness systems. Being 6 foot 2, this simple adjustment makes the difference between an easy carry and a sore back. A top and ergonomically correct side carry handle, plus a built in rain fly top off the outstanding construction. Top notch construction can been seen at every seam, and at every stress point. The bag is fully reinforced in all of the critical locations. Ample internal padding dividers are provided, with no need to purchase additional ones. The double flap design is perfect for those wanting to shoot from the bag. While on safari, I will simply re-configure the bag so I can have two cameras at the ready plus my 600 VR in my lap. If you are in search of a top notch, high quality, no non-sense camera and back pack, I urge you to give the Kiboko bag from Gura Gear a hard look. I think you will find a winner here just as I have. The down side for me: After returning the pre-production bag, I had to wait for 4 months until my personal Kiboko bag arrived. The upside for you: You don’t have to wait anymore – the bags are in stock and shipping. Check out the Gura Gear blog.

Cheers and happy photo’ing

Randy

Best American Duffel

Randy Hanna — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:02:25 +0000

Every now and then, I come across products that just make my life so much better. When I travel to Africa to lead one of my safaris, I am very hard on my equipment and so is the environment. So you can image my thrill when I discovered (thanks to a safari traveler that will be joining my January 2009 group), a killer duffel bag that carries a lifetime warranty and is made right here in good ‘ole Seattle. We have to use duffel bags on our safari trips due to the inter-county flight back from the Serengeti to Arusha. For this flight, we use a Cessna 208 with a cargo pod. Hard sided luggage simply will not fit into the cargo hold of the aircraft. OK, back to the bags. After talking to the owner, Malcom, I took a risk and ordered three different sizes of his bags. I don’t know what I was more excited about, receiving my bags or a new camera lens that came at the same time. Funny thing, the bags were opened first. Holy smokes, these are beauts and are made like a tank. The zippers are industrial strength, and the bags are constructed from 1,000-denier CORDURA®, a nylon fabric that despite its brushed-cotton appearance has been generously coated with urethane and DWR (durable water-repellent finish) for abrasion- and water-resistance. Every BAD BAG is double-stitched and seam-taped to resist pressure, both internal (your overstuffed load) or external (beefy baggage handlers). From the zippers to internal compartments to the built in compression straps, these bags rock to the point that I now strongly recommend them to all safari goers, as well as anyone else that is sick of buying bag after bag. These bags come in sizes ranging from 10.5 by 7.5 to 36 by 18 inches and can carry up to 7800 cubic inches of stuff. I’ve stepped up to the Best American Duffel and I can’t wait to hit the Serengeti with them. Contact BAD here.