Freebie alert!

I know - long time, no see.  Well, my less than 2 year old computer has apparently died a very quick death for no apparent reason and I am not happy.  In any case, I've never tried the company, I can't speak for their products or services, however, that being said - FREEBIE (S&H not included)!

 Clark Color labs is doing a promotion for a free 5x7 photo book with this code:  11CAFREE5X7 which expires on 6/30/11 and up to 120 prints at 3 cents per print with code 11CA3CP, also expiring as of 6/30/11, shipping and handling not included for either offer.

Give them a try and come back here and let us know what you think.

Freebie alert!

FREE PHOTO BOOK

valid for one 8.5" x 11" CLASSIC CUSTOM
PHOTO book with 20 pages.

Picaboo book.  Offer available to new customers only.  Use code FREECC at http://www.picaboo.com/promo/freecc?siteID=IBwITZjpR00-ketr7d_smJecFkJ4290iEQ For US residents only.  Expires March 22, 2011.

Have fun! 

Cool New Product Alert - HP/Palm Touchpad

Just wanted to let you know HP has announced a competitor the the iPad - the Touchpad.  You can find the specs here:  http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/09/hp-announces-the-palm-touchpad/  Looks pretty good.  My initial disappointment is that it seems to have only one camera - on the side facing you - like a webcam.  When the iPad came out, many indicated that a camera on both sides would have been beneficial - I don't know why HP didn't compensate for that.  On the plus side, unlike the iPad, the Palm Touchpad runs FLASH!  Yay!

Here's the product page for the Touchpad - enjoy!  http://www.palm.com/us/products/pads/touchpad/index.html

The product page indicates it will be available this summer.  If, after this winter you weren't yearning for summer already, this should make you want summer to get here even faster!  Can't wait to get a look at it in person.  I am a long-time HP fan (although I do like Apples too - my first home computer was a Mac SE back in the day).

New shopping site

For some good deals on photography needs (and many others) check out the sites below.  You can comparison shop, find deals and coupons and in some cases, get cash back.  I've bought a couple of health/beauty items from there and it's been fine.  See what you think.  One of today's deals of the day is a Wii Console in white - list price is  $199.99, deal price is $168.00.  Deals are limited so act fast and check it out every day for new deals.

http://www.kachingkachingstore.com/index.php?affi=194846-999984217

You can also check out this one:   http://mall.shoptoearn.net/RetailMall.aspx?p_id=999984217&sid=3stGwB2iCCYUA48-41111612418.ff

And for "green" purchases:  http://www.shoptoearn.net/cgi-bin/genesis.exe/index.html?p_cart=G&p_get_webid=aballenkk

Happy shopping.

Sony a-nex cameras

I mentioned these cameras in the past - I had wanted to get my hands on them to give them a try because I was curious as to how a camera the size of a digital still camera could balance with extra lenses.  Now, you could buy lenses that would fit the a-nex, or you can use a converter lense so that you could mount the Minolta and Sony A lenses to the camera: the α-NEX Camera Mount Adapter, which retails at the Sony site for $199.  Well, that adds weight to the front end of the camera, as would an A-mount lens.  I did get the chance to hold the a-NEX-3 camera, and the weighting of it just did not feel balanced to me.  I'd be interested in checking out the a-NEX-5 series which shoots 1080p movies, but, I thing the only way you might get around the balance problem would be to invest in new E-mount lenses, and even then, I am not sure that would resolve the problem (although you wouldn't have to deal with the expensive mount adapter, and I assume the E-Mount lenses are lighter than the A-mount).  I don't plan myself on switching anytime soon.  My Sony alpha DSLR, my Sony DSC-H20 are great for me, and my Sony DSC-W220 is serviceable for my husband.  I have too much money invested in the Minolta/Sony A-mount lenses.

Great news - take photos in public as you please

As you may know, photographers have been hassled for taking pictures in public places - yes, even tourists taking pictures of iconic spots.  Now, according to a federal bulletin, this is to stop.  See:  http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/01/27/photographers-youre-now-officially-free-to-shoot-in-public-places-and-outside-federal-buildings/   and also http://www.andrewkantor.com/useful/Legal-Rights-of-Photographers.pdf  Now, in reality, might you still get harassed by a security goon?  Sure.  So, you may wish to print the linked story(ies) out and carry it (them) with you for their edification.  Note, private property is private property and you must abide by the property owner's wishes per the above articles.

Note, I am not providing legal advice - just letting you know about websites that discuss legal rights regarding photography.

A few money savers for you

A couple of money saving offers that came my way that I am passing on to you:

Picaboo:  20% off plus free shipping on Classic books and Calenders.  Expires midnight PT January 17.  Use code HNY20FS

Corel:  is offering Painter 11 (I have not used this product) at a discounted price - instead of $399 for the full version, the present price is $219; and instead of the the upgrade price of $199, you can now upgrade at $119.  They are also giving away with this deal a $30 coupon to be used at CanvasPop, and free shipping.  Expires 1/17/11.  It appears no code is necessary.   http://store1.corel.com/corel/product/index.jsp?&dcs_action=applyCoupon&onyxcampaignid=4435&url_coupon=4435&ym_mid=1304155&ym_rid=145963185&skuId=ESDPTR11ENPCUG&1=1&storeKey=us&promo=4435&mapcounter=1&pid=prod3430234