One ring to snap them all

If Frodo was a photographer, he'd probably be sporting this on his finger rather than that silly ring everyone is clambering for. From a shutterbug's point of view, I think the camera ring by fred flare is a great piece of fashion accessory whether or not you are a photographer. But the fashionista said it got Ugly written all over it.

Don't get anyone wearing this ring angry though because the protruding "lens" looks like it can inflict some serious pain to whoever says "this is a fashion disaster".

For just US$10, you get to show the world how much of a photographer you are, or at least pretend to be.

The panoramic assistant

If you've ever tried to take a panoramic shot with a regular camera, chances are it didn't turn out that great. Without fail, the level of suckiness will increase proportionally with the number of shots you are trying to stitch together. Some cameras try to help you out with guiding lines in their viewfinder, or provide you with stitching software on your desktop computer. But here's neat hardware solution called the Panamatic.

This tripod attachment helps you move your camera horizontally, stably. The wheel clicks at fixed intervals, telling you when to take a shot, of up to 12 shots. There are certain instructions as to what kind of lens you can use but it looks like most compacts should work fine.

You can buy this gadget from Lenspen online, which seems to ship internationally. It costs US$24.95, not too expensive if you are bent on taking good panoramic photos.

Via OhGizmo!

Canon's price hike: Not happening in South and Southeast Asia

Last Thursday, Canon USA issued a letter to its dealers in the States that there would be an increase in dealership net price for most EF lenses, EOS/ PowerShot accessories and binoculars. This was due, it explained, to the increasing price of fuel as well as unfavorable currency exchange rates between the Japanese yen and US dollar. Come May 1, dealers could expect to pay 3 to 5 percent more for their orders on the stated products.

Photographers in Asia were concerned about this issue and whether they would have to pay more for their equipment in the future.

When contacted regarding this issue, Canon Singapore commented that it won't apply the price hike to retailers in South and Southeast Asia, and prices will remain the same to stay competitive in the region.

According to Canon Singapore, the countries under their jurisdiction not affected are: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Thailand and Bhutan.

Correction: In the original story, we mentioned that the typically higher price of Canon's IS-enabled lenses, coupled with the recent price hike in the US, may be a factor in driving users to seek alternatives from other vendors. However, this has led several readers to incorrectly assume that the price hike is related to the use of optical image stabilizers in the lenses. We have since removed the section to avoid any misunderstandings.

Photo frames to be heard as well as seen

As long as some people simply can't stand leaving their USB ports unoccupied for any length of time, here's at least one way that they can be used without making a fool of oneself while saving some desk space at the same time. The Photo Frame Speakers will blast away in stereo from behind the frames on either side of the computer, though the pictures aren't digital--not exactly seemless technological convergence, as Everything USB notes, but it'll do in a pinch. Especially if you use them at the office while your Metal Gear Solid 4 headset is recharging.

Via Crave CNET

Wedcam for your wedding

Question: What's better than saving money and not hiring a photographer on your big day?

Answer: Have your guests take the pictures instead.

Canadian company Wedding Favours is producing disposable film cameras with a wedding theme to them. Clad in a pristine white body with corny lines like "Our Wedding Day", this camera is bound to raise eyebrows at your wedding reception. When Uncle Fred asks where's the wedding photographer, hand him a camera and tell him everyone's a photographer today.

But let's do the math here. There are 27 exposures in a camera. Now multiply that by, let's say, 100 guests. That's a whopping 2,700 photos. Take away the pictures that your nieces and nephews took of their feet and you should still be left with 1,000-odd usable shots.

Lest others think you're are a cheapo, tell them that each set costs about US$8.80 (not including developing and printing of snaps).

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