Tuesday 13 July 2010

Phottix Atlas (Update): Go For Launch!

Check out Post 1/3 (Introduction To Phottix Atlas)
Check out Post 2/3 (Product Showcase & Short Range Testing)
Check out Post 3/3 (Long Range Testing)

Firstly I need to thank a few of my inspirations....mainly on account of them opening my eyes to off camera flash techniques....
Joe McNally
The Strobist (aka David Hobby)
Zack 'One Light' Arias
Gulf Photo Plus (I am where I am because of you)!

I hope you all check out the links above.  Great source of inspiration, resources and instruction!

NOW...to move on....
As you know, I recently reviewed (part 1, part 2 & part 3) the Phottix Atlas & compared it to the PocketWizard Plus II.

In my second post, under 'CONS & QUIRKS', I mention:
"Random triggering of the speedlite (on its own) causing the flash to go off..."

Well, this was noted by the good folks at Phottix and informed me (shortly before the official launch) that this issue was rectified and the current product was shipping with this issue resolved.  I therefore purchased 4 units of the (new) Phottix Atlas.

The package arrived late June, 2010.

More....(pictures of the desert around Dubai if you want to see it)... POST JUMPUS .....

Monday 28 June 2010

Gulf Photo Plus 2010 (Shootout In Dubai) - Zack Arias, David (Strobist) Hobby & Joey Lawrence

Here are some pictures I took at this year's Gulf Photo Plus event held in Dubai (2010). 

I know that this post comes way (way) after the event, but I thought I'd put it up just the same. Actually, I just got 'round to getting some down time here in Dubai. All images were taken without the use of flash and at high ISOs...so forgive my grainyness!

More pictures after the jump.....

Zack Arias Pictures From Gulf Photo Plus In Dubai

As mentioned in an earlier post, below are some pictures of Zack Arias from his 2 (2009 & 2010) visits to Dubai's Gulf Photo Plus:

Zack @ one of his workshops

Engage Hyperdrive.....

Wednesday 16 June 2010

Phottix Atlas (Wireless Radio Triggers) LAUNCHED !!!

Hello Everybody,

Just a quick update to my 3 part review of the PHOTTIX ATLAS wireless radio trigger.....They are now officially LAUNCHED.

Update: Also please take a look at Taiwan based Craig Ferguon's video review of the Atlas.

Take a look at this challenger to the gods (Atlas of Greek Mythology) where in this case the GODS are PocketWizard.


This is indeed good news for all photographers.


Charles

NOTE: This is mainly to all my photographer readers/viewers/commentators across theglobe.  I am not able to access flickr, here in Dubai.  It is deemed by the local authorities in the United Arab Emirates to fall under the "Prohibited Content Category".  I was earlier able to do so, but for now am not.  Therefore I cannot access, see images and/or even post the site.  Anyone with suggested (ahem, ahem) work arounds....please sound off.  I have tried 'H.tSp.tshi.ld'.

A Shout From Seattle - Zack Arias' Conversation With Chase Jarvis

I would like to humbly say that I am proud to have met, gotten to know & assisted (local assistant in Dubai's Gulf Photo Plus 2010) Zack Arias. I met him last year at Gulf Photo Plus 2009.

Zack Arias (of the One Light Workshop fame) is a wonderful person and has an unlimited well of street knowledge of photography. While, I'm sure he doesn't know it all (and who does???), he is one of the best teachers I've encountered in my photographic journey to date. If I would say that I aspire to be him, I would be doing injustice to what he is about. I will then say this, I wish to only emulate his thinking; share his zest for photography; stand out like he does THROUGH his work.

More after the teleport....

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Clash Of The Titans - Phottix Atlas vs PocketWizard Plus II (Long Range Testing) - Part 3 of 3)

This is Part 3/3 of my review of the Phottix Atlas and it's comparison to the PocketWizard Plus II...

Check out Post 1/3 (Introduction To Phottix Atlas)
Check out Post 2/3 (Product Showcase & Short Range Testing)
Check out Post On The Update (Random Triggering Fixed)

OK...so it has been longer than anticipated to post the final part of this review as I had a roll of assignments here in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

I actually got the opportunity to cover the launch of the Ferrari California at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi...sorry, I feel that I am allowed a little bit of excitement over this lovely car.  I also covered an exhibition (Automechanika) for AC Delco at the Dubai World Trade Centre, a friend's family portraits and a 'soon to be open' hotel in Abu Dhabi.  The reason I mention all of them is on account of me using the Phottix Atlas for all of them as my primary wireless radio triggers.  I say primary because on the Ferrari & hotel job I had to use my PocketWizards for additional strobes. More after the jump....

Friday 7 May 2010

Clash Of The Titans - Phottix Atlas vs PocketWizard Plus II (Product Showcase & Short Range Testing) - Part 2 of 3)

This is Part 2/3 of my review of the Phottix Atlas and it's comparison to the PocketWizard Plus II...

Check out Post 1/3 (Introduction To Phottix Atlas)
Check out Post 3/3 (Long Range Testing)
Check out Post On The Update (Random Triggering Fixed)

OK! So folks settle in for a product description (the best that I can come up with anyway) and a demo of the short range wireless triggering capabilities of this device. I compare it with the PocketWizard Plus II since it is the closest in comparison.

I think that this is a product that deserves it's day in the sun.

PHOTTIX ATLAS

I had swapped out my not so good Tetra set for the (soon to be released) Phottix Atlas transceivers. Now, don't think I'm cutting down the Tetra's. It's just that I was so impressed with the Atlas, that all else faded by visual comparison (Plus II included !!). The Atlas seemed (not sure that it is) heavier. The first time I put this wireless trigger in my hand, it felt good...it felt solid, and had a proper finish to it.

Clash Of The Titans - Phottix Atlas vs PocketWizard Plus II (Intro - Part 1 of 3)

Check out Post 2/3 (Product Showcase & Short Range Testing)
Check out Post 3/3 (Long Range Testing)
Check out Post On The Update (Random Triggering Fixed)

Atlas , from mythology was a Titan who dared go up against Zeus and forced to hold up the celestial spheres (the sky) from the western edge of Gaia (the Earth) as punishment. He is also known as Atlas Telamon or "Enduring Atlas".

"What has that got to do with photography?" you ask.

Well this......



...The PHOTTIX ATLAS !!

...an alternative to the current industry standard and reliable PocketWizard (Plus II)....how about also adding the fact that it is almost a third of the price !!!

PocketWizard was & still is the king of the wireless heaven. But is Zeus ready to dish out wrath against the little known Titan who dare stand up to him and pose a genuine threat to his position on Olympus?

I review the newly (well actually, not yet) released Phottix Atlas and give it a head-to-head with the PocketWizard Plus II. This post will be about the my introduction to the Atlas and how I came to acquire it. The second post will be about the features and direct comparison of the Atlas to it's direct competitor, the PocketWizard Plus II. This post will also contain a quick short range wireless trigger test. I hope to then conclude with part three (coming soon) with a long range test and a few other closing remarks.

OK, now to set the stage for this Clash Of The Titans: