Equipment

KELDAN Remote control

When I spotted this strange-looking, boxy gadget in Keldan’s booth at the Boot show in Düsseldorf, I had to inquire what it was. It turned out to be the prototype of an upcoming videolight controller with which the imagemaker can remotely adjust the output of two videolights directly from the camera housing.

Could cheap Ikea batteries really be as good as top-dollar brands?

What to make of which batteries to use or not to use underwater

Our good colleague at Wetpixel, Adam Hanlon, recently reported that the extremely popular Eneloop rechargeable batteries are now not recommended for underwater strobe use. Panasonic, who owns Eneloop, specifically states on its website "Please do not use Eneloop Ni-MH batteries in underwater lights or other airtight appliances." Adam mentions it could be interesting if the strobe manufacturers have something to say, otherwise we’ll all keep using Eneloops as usual. It could indeed.

Point & Shoot

When it comes to cameras, traditionally, gear is divided into compact point-and-shoot or single lens reflexes (SLR). Compact point-and-shoot cameras are simple devices that many people use just for snapshots. In order to keep the price low, the lenses are not as sharp as the ones designed for SLRs. Some compact cameras are compatible with add-on conversion lenses to expand their range.

In some cases, camera strobes are sealed units that cannot be taken apart, which can pose a bit of a problem with over-zealous screeners. To this effect, some strobe manufacturers have issued a statement regarding the safety of bringing their units on planes. Print this statement out and bring it. In this case it has been attached to the strobe in question.

Travelling with Dive Equipment

Knives, spear-guns and other objects that can be used as weapons must, obviously, be checked. Any sharp objects packed in checked luggage should be securely wrapped to prevent injury to security screeners.