A Look at the Benro S-Series

The tripod is an accessory no photographer or filmographer should do without. If you are having difficulty choosing which is best, consider the Benro S-Series, a new collection here at Super Digital City. Already a trusted name among professionals, Benro has been creating advanced tripods and heads since 2002. Within the collection we have the Video Tripod Kits, Video Monopod Kits, and Video Heads. What sets this collection apart from other tripods and monopods is the focus on video shooting as opposed to photography--thanks to fully adjustable heads, sturdy pan and tilt lock levers, and integral leveling platforms for smooth shooting.

The S-Series Tripod and Monopod Kits mark the "eighth-generation design of single leg tubes and flip lever lock mechanisms." The kits are available in aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, both providing rigidity and excellent torque resistance. The kits come in multiple sizes, and adjustable leg angles offer extra flexibility--even in tight spaces. Quick-lock leg levers allow for fast height adjustment, no fumbling required. How securely will it hold your camera? With several lock levers for adjustments, there is no need to worry about the safety of the camera.

As for the S-Series Video Heads, expect a compact and light-weight performance. They are built on a magnesium alloy flat base which is compatible with almost any tripod, monopod, ball adapter, or slider. But of course they are the perfect addition to a Benro product. A pan drag-lock lever allows the user to adjust tension and lock the head on a 360 degree pan movement, while a tilt lever allows for a full front to rear axis.

The Benro S-Series provides videographers with equipment ideal for any shoot. With quality products that offer smooth filming and easy adjustments, the hardest part will be deciding which model to choose.  

Protecting Your Photographs

We spend a lot of time talking about photography lighting equipment, shooting techniques, and buying advice. But now that you have taken hundreds of photographs, how can you protect them against copyright infringement? In an online, digital world, stealing photographs has become even easier. What steps can you take to protect your work?

• First, copyright your photos. In the U.S., no action is even required. It happens automatically when the photo is created. But, if you want extra protection, photographers can file photos with the U.S. Copyright Office.
• Photographers who have their own website can make photocopying more difficult with either hidden layers or tiling. Both require changes to your website's HTML code. To create hidden layers, place the image behind a transparent foreground image. The online image will appear normal, but when a user tries to save it, the file will be the blank foreground image instead. To tile, break the image into smaller image tiles. It will look like a continuous picture, but when a user tries to save, they will save one tile image at a time.
• Create a watermark to increase copyright protection and to receive credit even when someone uses your photograph. The only downside is that it can distract from the image, and if it is too subtle, it can be easily covered up.
• A watermark alternative is to create a frame around the photo with your name and other details.
• Store copyright information in the image file's metadata. This can be done through most picture editing software programs.

The best action is to quickly identify infringement and take action. You can search for your image on the web using Google's image search, TinEye, or Digimarc.