*My, how the mighty (prices) have fallen. The GX1, best bang for the buck?

I’m sure there are new cameras on the horizon.  With every camera manufacturer pumping a few new bells and whistles into newer body styles and wrapping it around warmed over sensor tech, those among us who play the patient opportunists really benefit.  I held off on the GX1 when it was released and opted for the G3 when upgrading from my GF1.  I gained the beautiful EVF, and at the time saved about $500 (when looking at the GX1 + add on EVF).  I’ve since been running a two camera setup (much as I do with my full frame work setup) as it allows me to always have a backup as well as be able to eliminate much in the way of lens changes.  Because I use the Olympus OM-D E-M5 as well, and I’ve recently traded my G3 to my brother in law for favors yet to be determined, I felt I could justify a compact body, sans EVF again.  Enter the GX1 which is now down to only $250 just about everywhere!  (it’s available at B&H – CLICK HERE – with 2% reward and free shipping).  C’mon in to see a couple shots of and with the GX1…

*Topaz Labs and 500px team up and offer discounts

Any of you who have read my blog somewhat regularly know that I love and use Topaz plugins.  Topaz Labs offerings are realistically priced, and offer unique, quality plugins.  They now have a program set up through the end of March which offers 25% off any Topaz plugin or bundle and a 3 month gift code for 500px as well as a 10% discount for current Topaz users for upgrades to a 500px “Awesome” subscription (normally $50/year) which allows users to host and sell their images through their own, modified online portfolio and store hosted by 500px.  You can see all the Topaz plugins on offer by heading over the the Topazlabs.com website (click here) USE COUPON CODE “500px” at checkout to get the 25% discount and 3 month 500px gift account.  For existing Topaz users looking to upgrade their free 500px account to an Awesome account, use code 10AWTL at 500px.com upgrade page HERE.  For those not familiar with 500px, it is a very high quality photo community that enables members to share, and sell images through their own, user modified galleries and portfolio pages.  I’ve used the upgrade discount myself from my free account, and have spent a little time now getting to know the ins and outs and it looks promising

Here are a couple past articles outlining and reviewing my favorite Topaz Plugins:

Topaz DeNoise

Topaz B&W Effects

Topaz Clean

Using Topaz Clean3 as a Fractalius like plugin for Mac users

Happy shooting,

Tyson

*Share the love, Alien Skin plugins 30% off!

 

For the next week, Alien Skin is offering 30% off of all their wonderful plugins.  I use and love Exposure 4, Snap Art and Bokeh 2 personally and feel that Alien Skin does a wonderful job at providing a really solid product for the money.  You can download free trials of any of their plugins before buying if interested by going here Alienskin.com!  While you’re there, download their free iPhone app Alt Photo, it’s radical.

 

You can read more about my personal take on some of their plugins below:

Alien Skin Exposure 4, it just keeps getting better!

Alien Skin Bokeh 2!

Alien Skin Snap Art, release your inner artist!

 

They’ve also just released Eye Candy 7, which is a plugin that is gaining fanfare for graphic designers.  Unfortunately, I’m not a good person to ask about it, but it does seem to be getting a lot of praise, so it may be worth a trial for those interested in that type of stuff.

 

Happy Valentines Day to all, and I hope all is well for everyone.

 

Cheers,

Tyson

*All Alien Skin Software 30% off through September 25th!

If you’ve been on the fence about any of the Alien Skin plugins, now might be a great time to pull the trigger.  Of course, they offer all of their plugins as full featured, free trials to try before you buy.  You have about a week, get at it!

I’m a big fan, if you’d like to read my reviews on some of their plugins that I use and suggest, hit the links below:

Exposure 4 (tons of wonderful color and b/w film filters, a personal fave)

Snap Art 3 (instantly turn images into paintings)

Bokeh 2 (replicate the bokeh from high end lenses, or just have fun obliterating the background)

You can purchase any of the plugins, or bundles directly from Alienskin.com

I know this seems a bit like a sale’s pitch, and something I try not to do with the blog, but I love these plugins, the company they come from and both Jeff and Jimmy are really cool guys, so support ‘em if you can.

Cheers,

Tyson