Hands-on with the Kata Revolver 8-PL

With the 3n1 series, Kata created a new paradigm for camera backpack/slingpacks. And now with the RedDot Design Award winning Revolver they have done it again. Kata is well-known for their top-quality products, with outstanding protection of expensive equipment using ultra lightweight materials. Their newest offering, the Revolver 8-PL, Kata has given photographers the comfort of a backpack, with the ease of access of a sling.

This bag has it all. No really. It does. Every problem I can think of with carrying gear in a backpack is solved. It has the two-shoulder weight distribution of a backpack with the accessibility convenience of a sling. The wonderfully nifty revolving compartment (which revolves quite easily) gives easy access to gear regardless of which side you open it from. (pro-tip - evenly distribute the load for ease of turning). It holds enough gear for a professional level shooter's needs but works wonderfully for the casual shooter as well (additional lens slots can be used for snacks and whatnot while the stretchy strap holds them neatly in place).

OLYMPUS INTRODUCES A NEW BRIGHT F1.8 MICRO FOUR THIRDS® LENS FOR BRILLIANT SNAPSHOTS IN CHALLENGING SITUATIONS

New M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 High-Grade Lens Easily Captures Spontaneous Moments in Remarkable Detail

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 15, 2012 – Today, Olympus adds to the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses with the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 lens (34mm in 35mm equivalent), a bright, wide-angle, single-focal-length lens ideal for snapshot street shooting, landscape photography or capturing subjects in challenging low-light environments. This high quality, compact lens features a stunning metal body and a Snapshot Focus mechanism for pan focusing with a distance indicator.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 has nine carefully placed lens elements in six groups to deliver sharp images of subjects with beautiful, eye-catching depth of field. The advanced optical system features three aspherical lenses, including a Dual Super Aspherical element to correct aberrations, as well as a High Refractive index lens to correct high spherical aberrations. Each lens element is polished to an ultra-high level of working precision only possible with the progressive techniques developed by Olympus master craftsmen, and carefully assembled to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability. Olympus’ exclusive ZERO (ZUIKO Extra-low Reflection Optical Coating) lens coatings are applied to the elements to reduce lens flare and ghost images even when shooting against the light.

Billboard and Nikon Launch Women in Music “Candid Covers” Video Series on Billboard.com Celebrating Small Moments that Changed the Big Picture

Video Series Features Kimbra, ZZ Ward, Tegan & Sara And Other Female Artists Performing Songs From The Female Music Stars Who Inspire Them

New York, NY – Billboard and Nikon Inc. today announced the launch of its Women in Music “Candid Covers” video series presented by Nikon 1 on Billboard.com. The series spotlights emerging female artists performing songs from the female music stars who helped inspire their careers. “Candid Covers” launches online today ahead of the 2012 Billboard Women in Music event, presented by Nikon 1, Nikon’s system of advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, being held on November 30 at Capitale in New York City. Katy Perry will accept Billboard’s coveted Woman of the Year Award and Carly Rae Jepsen will receive Billboard’s Rising Star Award at the event that celebrates the most powerful and talented women in the music business. The

How to Help with Recovery from Sandy

Our hearts, here at P3 News and Reviews, go out to those affected by the recent superstorm Sandy. While we here were affected as well, it was in no way as severe as our neighbors to the north in New York and New Jersey. Although we do not endorse one particular charity over another, here are a few helpful links for our readers if they would like to make a donation to assist with the recovery efforts, or donate to the recovery organization of your choice.  Your help is needed and greatly appreciated by those in the worst affected areas.

http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations
https://secure.americares.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1505&1505.donation=form1 
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=2357 
https://donate.unitedwaynyc.org/page/contribute/uwsandyrecovery 
https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/disaster
http://www.jewishfederations.org/page.aspx?id=258452 

MANFROTTO DISTRIBUTION SHOWCASES THE LATEST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CAMERA BAGS AT THE PDN PHOTOPLUS CONFERENCE + EXPO IN NEW YORK

Restyled Earth Explore and Walkabout Collection Includes Best Selling Models and New iPad and Mirrorless Camera Solutions  

NEW YORK, NY – Manfrotto Distribution, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for imaging, brings a refreshed lineup of National Geographic Camera Bags to the PDN Photoplus Conference + Expo in New York City. A refresh of the classic Earth Explorer line retains the adventure feel of the National Geographic Brand. The Walkabout series receives a restyling that further emphasizes its urban adventure story. Customers can choose from best-selling models or choose new solutions tailored for new imaging technology.

“National Geographic Camera Bags remain the perfect combination of an everyday bag combined with a camera bag.” said Doug Feldner, Product Category Manager “Fans of National Geographic will love the new styles and can be proud that with each bag purchase, a donation will be made to the support the National Geographic Society’s conservation efforts.”

Earth Explorer – Classic Designs that epitomize a National Geographic Adventure
With a touch of finesse and fashionable details the refresh of the Earth Explorer series no comes in 14 styles ranging from pouches to rolling duffle bag. The key to this redesign can be found in the details. Small touches emphasize the National Geographic brand with functional improvements added to original line favorites. The overall style, a classic cotton camera bag that can also be used for everyday use, remains with all.

MANFROTTO DEBUTS NEW 290 SERIES TRIPODS, PANORAMIC HEAD AND L BRACKETS AT PHOTOPLUS

Demos of new KLYP iPhone 4/4S Accessory Round out Booth Lineup  

New York, N.Y. – At PhotoPlus, Manfrotto Distribution, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for photography and imaging, announced the new 290 Carbon Fiber tripod models, L brackets and panoramic heads. Manfrotto also showcased the new KLYP accessory for the iPhone 4/4S.

“We are thrilled to debut innovative photography solutions that deliver versatility and quality at PhotoPlus,” Jodi Palm, category manager, photo supports. “Our new 290 Carbon Fiber tripod models, L brackets and panoramic heads deliver the durability and lightweight packaging our customers want. Additionally, we’re excited to showcase the new KLYP, which helps easily transform mobile phone photography into professional-looking shots.”

Manfrotto 290 Series Carbon Fiber Models

Manfrotto has announced the new 290 Series Carbon Fiber Models. Designed to help amateur photographers move to the next level, the carbon tripods are lighter, more durable and more compact than previous models. They also have interchangeable heads and can be adapted for shooting a variety of genres.

 The new additions consist of five models; four models in the 294 series and one 293 series model. The 294 is available as legs-only and also comes with complete, ready-to-use 294 kits including one with a three-way head. The 293 uses smaller diameter tubes and 4-section legs for a smaller size that can fit in most camera bags.

Key 290 series features include: 

• Carbon tubing, adjustable leg levers, interchangeable heads 
• Transportable, without any sacrifice in stability 
• Durable and built for heavy-duty use, without any reduction in strength or performance over time 

MANFROTTO DISTRIBUTION SHOWCASES THE LATEST KATA PRODUCTS AT THE PDN PHOTOPLUS CONFERENCE + EXPO IN NEW YORK

The award winning Kata Revolver, FlyBy Rolling Bags and New 3N1 models are highlights of the latest introductions. 

NEW YORK, NY – Manfrotto Distribution, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for imaging, brings a stellar lineup of Kata products to the PDN Photoplus Conference + Expo in New York City. A broad array of Kata introductions in both the Pro-Light Series (Bags designed with the protection, capacity and features required by professionals) and the D-Light Series (Kata quality and protection for casual photography) will be on display at the expo. All introductions include Kata’s signature lightweight protection with the use of new materials and innovative design elements.

“Missing a shot is not an option,” said Doug Feldner, Product Category Manager “and Kata’s Lightweight Protection ensures that your gear is ready while minimizing the wear and tear on a body caused by carrying too much weight.”

Pro-Light Revolver 8 – 2012 Red Dot Design Award Winner Changes the Game in Photo Backpacks
Joining the ranks of Kata’s innovative designs, the Revolver-8 (KT PL-R-8 - $249.99 Street Price) is a completely new concept in camera bags. When in the field, photographers must grapple with the problem of quick access to their accessories, especially lenses. Camera access with the Revolver 8 is easy via a quick open top compartment. The real magic of the bag lay in the revolver type magazine in the lower compartment of the bag.

With an opening on either side of the bag, this revolver spins to make any accessory in the compartment quickly accessible. Quickly get to your accessories without putting the bag down or searching through the compartment. This feature is especially handy for those carrying an array of lenses in an active shooting environment. The Revolver 8 is designed for a DSLR with grip and standard lens + 70-200 + 16-35 + 50mm + 100mm macro lens, and up to 15.4" laptop.