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TRIPOD OR CAMERA STAND |
| IT’S A TIE! | |
| Induro PHQ 5-Way Panhead | |
| This category always sees vigorous competition, and this year’s no different. Our first winner is a panning head from Induro with dual tilt, base- and top-plate rotation, and an Arca-Swiss-style quick-release system. Based on the Induro Quintaxial concept, the PHQ 5-Way Panhead allows flexible camera positioning through adjustments on five axes. There are horizontal and vertical locking controls, and five bubble levels for a variety of camera positions. The PHQ 5-Way has folding handles for easy packing and transport. Available in two sizes. |
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| Price: $315 and $395, depending on configuration. www.indurogear.com |
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Benro Travel Flat |
| Constructed from the finest aluminum, carbon fiber, magnesium and stainless steel components, the Benro Travel Flat is a compact, fastdeploying tripod for on-the-go photographers. For the Travel Flat series, Benro abandoned the traditional triangular profile, adopting instead a flat, unified “spider” or connecting hub design. This configuration shrinks the tripod’s dimensions and makes it easy to fold flat for transport and storage. The tripod has a dust- and water-resistant leg-locking system, as well as an accessory center column, adding 8 to 12 inches of extension. |
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| Price: $107 to $406, depending on size.www.benrousa.com | |
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BACKGROUND |
| Barbour Backdrops and Props Jillian Background | |
| Handcrafted on canvas with a combination of plasters and glazes, the Jillian background from Barbour Backdrops and Props is neutral in color and thinly stenciled to simulate depth and texture. The Jillian creates a walllike illusion that helps photographers color coordinate shots for the actual walls in their clients’ homes. Despite its plaster coating, this background can be hung on a stand or used in a roller system. | |
| Price: $660.www.barbourbackdrops.com | |
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CAMERA BAGS |
| IT’S A TIE! | |
| Tenba Messenger Mini Photo/Laptop Bag | |
| Two camera bags emerged from the pile to tie for the Hot One Award in this category. The compact Tenba Messenger Mini Photo/Laptop Bag for smaller camera systems is worn messenger style and hugs the body. Made of durable, weather-resistant 1,000-denier nylon. The interior has spaces for a camera, two or three lenses, cables and card readers, mobile hard drives and chargers, and also has a padded sleeve for compact digital devices like the Apple iPad or a 13-inch laptop. | |
| Price: $84.95.www.tenba.com | |
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Lowepro Pro Roller Attaché x50 |
| Co-winner Lowepro Pro Roller Attaché x50 is designed for the specific needs of traveling pro photographers. This versatile rolling bag that quickly converts into a shoulder bag. Sized to meet standard international carry-on requirements, the Pro Roller Attaché has the capacity to hold a pro-grade DSLR with an attached lens, four additional lenses or flash units, accessories and a 14-inch laptop. |
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| Price: $299.95.www.lowepro.com | |
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CAMERA CASE |
| Porter Case PCi Deluxe Camera Divider Case | |
| The injection-molded PCi Deluxe Camera Divider Case from Porter Case is a tough, lightweight polypropylene tote that can be used as an airline carry-on. The built-in CART topside can hold an additional 150 pounds of baggage. Features include a combination lock, three keyless draw latches with thumb locks, a water and dust resistant gasket, and a single-button locking extension handle system. The recessed aluminum tubes and spring-loaded handles ensure damage-proof shipping on both the case and its contents. |
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| Price: $262.www.portercase.com | |
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POSING TOOL |
| Barbour Backdrops and Props Lattice Box | |
| The Barbour Backdrops and Props Lattice Box can be configured for a total of 14 different looks. It has intricate lattice embellishment on the front and one side panel, and square trim on the back and other side panel. Photographers can opt for two different finishes on the box, which comes with a wooden lid in each finish. A variety of fabric inserts, petal mats and leg kits are available to further customize the box. |
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| Price: $535.www.barbourbackdrops.com | |
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COLOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM |
| Datacolor SpyderCheckr | |
| SpyderCheckr, Datacolor’s new color reference tool, captured this category with its impressive features for achieving accurate color in a standard RAW processing workflow, performing in-camera white balance, creating customized camera calibrations, and recording color references. SpyderCheckr includes 48 color patches in a wide range of spectrally neutral colors. Its user-friendly profiling software helps you maintain consistent color throughout your production workflow. | |
| Price: $129.www.spyder.datacolor.com |
