Strobe
Linksys, Nikon and Oscar Mayer Weinermobile
July 01, 2008 09:00 AM
By Robert Lachman
It's just not going to be the same if I need to get a new router. Maybe I'll pick up more speed, maybe it will be the new aerodynamtic black design, but it just won't be the same to me. Too many years of old blue with it's flashing lights. Plugging in, then unplugging, again and again, to reset. How about no real Mac support from Linksys, because you're on in a PC world.
It's our time to stand up, show our Apple strength in numbers and get Mac support and setup for our Linksys routers. Not to mention the new black color and sleek design. Who do we have to thank for this new look and support? I guess Steve Jobs, because he made people take notice. We're no longer regulated to the corner of the Computer store with no support.
Meet LELA (Linksys EasyLink Advisor), the new Mac Wizard from Linksys. In the computer world you take all the help you can get these days. I'm not sure you're going to get a lot more technical help from Linksys but some is better than none.
According to their website, "Linksys has also expanded its award-winning Customer Advocacy support capabilities to service our current and future community of Macintosh users. Over time, we will continue to expand support infrastructure to meet the needs of families, businesses, and creative professionals worldwide who are using Macs with a Linksys by Cisco router."
For more information on the router check out: Linksys Gateways Gain Mac Configuration Software the Tidbits website.
"Long-time Wi-Fi and broadband gateway maker Linksys, a division of Cisco, has finally started to embrace Mac users fully. The company announced that it has released its Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) for Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5. I've used this software under Windows, and it's a huge improvement over the alternative for Mac users: setting up a Linksys router through its Web-based configuration system."
One of our friends got the Oscar
Mayer Weinermoblie to show up to their house for her mother's birthday. Here it is as it comes down the street. How cool is that? Kraftfoods has a very nice vittual tour of the Wienermobile. Click her for a ride. It sure brings back some memories for me. Do you think they sell the whistle on Ebay? Oscar Mayer and Kraft Foods said they wanted me join the fun on they're website by playing Wiener Pong, Wiener Patrol, Color Oscartown and Play the Wienerwhistle games. They all were horrible. I don't think Will Wright, creator of the incredibly popular The Sims needs to worry about any competition for his new game SPORE due out soon. You can download the creature creator for the game Spore now.From the Nikon Press Release on July 1, 2008
Digital Digital SLR Camera Nikon D700Nikon FX-format digital SLR – exceptional performance combined with superior mobility and functional versatility to provide serious photographers with outstanding value
"TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR, the Nikon D700. The D700 features an FX-format first introduced with the Nikon D3. Highly praised for its outstanding features, the D3 established a new level of professional performance in terms of overall image quality, extraordinarily low noise, ISO sensitivity range, continuous high-speed shooting, color gradation, image crispness, durability, weather-resistant operation, system versatility and more.
The new D700 incorporates an extensive array of features that boast a leve
l of performance that is in many ways comparable to the D3. At the same time, it derives a wide range of benefits – including functionality, flexibility and operability – from the more agile D300, Nikon's flagship DX-format D-SLR.The D700 has everything it takes to satisfy a broad spectrum of photographic needs. The 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor with a sensing area of 36.0 x 23.9 mm; a sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 6400; continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second (and up to 8 fps with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10; Nikon's exclusive 51-point AF system; Scene Recognition System for optimum autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance detection – these are but a few of the advanced capabilities of the extraordinary new D700."
More from the Nikon website on July 1, 2008: Nikon Speedlight SB-900 Advanced, high-performance Speedlight for Nikon digital SLR cameras
"TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Speedlight SB-900, a new external i-TTL flash unit with advanced features. The SB-900 offers a powerful guide number of 48/157.5 (ISO 200, meters/feet) and an incredible array of creative flash functions. The SB-900 is an ideal way to solve lighting challenges and extend Nikon D-SLR creativity.
The SB-900 is a high-performance Speedlight developed as the successor to the hugely successful Nikon SB-800. Practical functionality was emphasized in designing the SB-900, especially evident when used with Nikon digital SLR cameras compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
It provides a wide 17-200 mm auto zoom range (expanded from the SB-800’s 24-105mm), three illumination patterns, newly designed, streamlined operation with a full-information LCD panel, and AF-Assist illumination compatible with new-generation AF snsors. The SB-900 has an improved booster circuit for high-speed recycle time. In addition, firmware can be uploaded via a Nikon digital SLR camera—a world’s first* for flash units, assuring that the SB-900 can accept technological advancements.
The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with current Nikon digital SLRs, and it supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight, inviting photographers to explore the many creative possibilities."
I'm not sure why a strobe needs to cost $500.
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How Many Strobes Is Too Many?
May 21, 2008 08:04 PM
Check out the post on the Strobist website about photographer Joe McNally using seven SB-800 nikon strobes in the desert in Dubai. The tree of Nikon strobe does look a little silly but it's a very interesting how-to which features a video. It received a huge response, 97 comments 
and counting. I also had to make a comment on it. I couldn't resist. You can see the photos on Flicker or read Joe McNally's account on his website. Make sure you check out Joe's new book "The Moment it Clicks." It's one of the best photography books to come along in some time. I've been checking it out at my local Barnes & Noble and plan to buy it soon. Look for a review soon. RL______________________________________________________________________