I took delivery of a Canon EOS 5D Mark II yesterday. Throughout the day, in between work and family, I played with the camera and read through the manual. Here are some first impressions, likes, and dislikes…

I’m pleased with the overall build and ergonomics. Much of the button, wheel, dial layout is familiar (coming from the 30D).
The viewfinder is large and bright and the LCD is quite nice.
The menu redesign is much improved.
Live view is cool (coming from large format) and the grid, info and histogram overlays are fantastic. But you can’t shoot with mirror lock-up from live view? Bummer. …

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My new Lowepro CompuPrimus AW arrived today. I’ve got it packed with gear and it looks like this will be a keeper. If you know me, you know I’ve said this before…
I’ve been using the original Primus AW for a little over a year and it is the first Lowepro backpack that I can say I’ve been truly happy with. Now, this is really saying something considering my premier status as a certified bag-a-holic. It is comfortable, even fully loaded for all-day hiking and its features are perfect for trail use – quick, side access, top compartment for …

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Well, I really did it this time… Yep, I’ve been neglecting my Epson 4000. I haven’t made a print in… Um, well, I can’t remember how long! And the Epson 4000 does not like to sit idle. The print nozzles were clogged something fierce. And the normal nozzle clean utility just couldn’t make any progress. It was time for a power clean. Ouch! That process consumes a lot of ink! In fact, cartridges that were low, and would normally still produce 10 or more 8x10s, needed to be replaced before the power clean could even begin.
Luckily my busy work and …

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Last week, Jeff Barnes released a Beta version of a Lightroom Geotag Plugin. It is definitely Beta software – limited features, performance issues and a couple bugs. But it is AWESOME to see someone working on a plugin to add this feature to Adobe Lightroom!!
After installing the plugin, I got it to work pretty easily with a few .cr2 files from my Canon 30D and .gpx files output from Garmin Mapsource. I did not get it to work with DNG files. I think that’s because the plugin works with the .xmp sidecar files. Before running the plugin, you need to …

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I’ve used, and been very happy with my Kirk BH-3 ballhead since it’s initial release. It’s seen action with various camera systems, from 35mm SLR, to medium format, to DSLR, to 4×5 field camera. And it has traveled the world and many a backcountry site with me. It is one of the best photo-related investments I’ve ever made. So why would I part with it??
About a month ago I was IM’ing with a photographer friend and he pointed me to the Really Right Stuff website. He was looking at upgrading his ballhead with the RRS LR II quick release. It’s …

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