The Disabled Photographers' Society

Camera Accessories

• Camera Mouse Program Review by Mike Birbeck
  

  Camera Mouse is a free program that, combined with a web camera, allows control of your computer mouse by head movement. Once installed, the program takes control of your mouse and allows you to track the curser around the screen, and single or double left hand click. At this time, right hand click is not available. The program is quick and easy to install, and runs pretty well on the default settings. In the first instance you need to use a conventional mouse to set up. Assuming that you have your webcam pointed at your face, once you start the program (it can be configured to start when you boot up your computer), a window appears with your smiling face showing. You need to click on the part of your face that you wish to use to control the mouse. I found that using the bridge of my nose worked for me, but it is worth experimenting. A green square will appear where you have selected. After a second or two, you can move your head and the cursor will follow. By pressing the settings button, you can fine tune the program (I found that I had to use some smoothing to make the cursor more stable). If you have more limited head movement, it is possible to calibrate the movement. It is in the settings that you set up the mouse clicking. Clicking is done by keeping the cursor steady over the point you wish to click on. For most purposes, I found that one second was about right, although for games you might need it to be quicker. As far as photography is concerned, it would be fine for basic control in a photo program, but not for making an accurate selection. After a bit of practice, I managed to start Adobe Bridge, select a picture to work on, open it in Photoshop, and select tools and menues. I succesfully made selections using the magic wand, burnt and dodged, adjusted levels etc. In photographic software, I found that using a longer dwell time on for clicking helped (I opted for two seconds). It would be suitable I think, for operating a camera via the computer using the camera linking software. All in all I think this is a super piece of software, all the more so for being free! Also on the site you can download a paint program and a version of space invaders, which are also free, and ideal for practicing with the mouse program. It is recommended that you use a reasonable quality webcam, although the one I used cost under £8 from Wilkinsons. For more information, and to download the program, visit the website.

• Manfrotto Double Clamp
  

  The Vitec Group supplies a wide range of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries. As a leading player in these markets, Vitec Group has an excellent reputation for service, quality, and design. This product is a set of two Super Clamps fastened together at fixed right angle to provide extra strength support for tubes or bars. You may wonder why this product is here. Well I have used this to attach to my mobility buggy and the other end to attach my umbrella. This leaves me hands free and able to photograph when its raining. Its brilliant!! Available from Calumet.

• Manfrotto Window Pod
  

  The Manfrotto Window Pod can be fixed to surfaces up to 60mm thick. Has 2 x 3/8' male threads for mounting ball head and camera. Made of Aluminium and weighs 0.18kg.
  Visit the Manfrotto Website

• Neckpod
  
  

  Offers extra support and provides a very stable base for users of telephoto lenses and camcorders. Spreads the weight of your equipment across the shoulders and back of the neck as well as onto the chest or stomach area. An adjustable length support pole and neck-strap and tilting head help to ensure that a comfortable shooting position is quickly and easily found and can be maintained for long periods. Compact and ultra lightweight too! Measures just 25cm in length when folded Weighs approx.250 grams Fitted with quick release camera platform/plate which allows the camera to be taken off the unit quickly Supplied with free black nylon carry pouch with draw-string closure! Supplied brand new in simple, low cost white box If you’re a keen photographer or camcorder user you will wonder why you ever managed without it !!

  Visit the Website

• Novoflex Chestpod
  
  

  The PISTOCK-C Chestpod consists of a neckstrap attached to a curved support (the design of this means that it can also be used as shoulder support), and pivoting lens support which is adjustable in length. The design creates a symmetrical 3-point balance to give maximum comfort. Weight 450g.
  Visit the Novoflex Website

• Right Angle Finder
  
  

  Overcome difficult angles or low position shots with a right angle finder. Take pictures from low angles or chest level while keeping full view of your framed image. Enables the user to maintain a comfortable posture, such as from above or the side of the camera, when looking through the viewfinder. A right angle finder gives you a correctly oriented image, with switchable magnification (1x or 2.5x), available for most dslr cameras.

• Bushhawk Support
  
  

  Fast action camera mounts and accessories. Lightweight convenience and compact design. Whether kneeling, standing or prone, your camera stability stays the same - Rock Steady! It's easy! Just plug in and go! the state-of-the-art electronic trigger system provides the same quality operation that you get from Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Olympus and Pentax. Used by photographers and naturalists around the world since 1981. We'll give you 30 days to discover the advantages of having a BushHawk® II of your own. If you're not entirely satisfied, return it and get a no hassle refund. Guaranteed! Visit the Bushhawk Website

  
  
• Ergorest Multi Tripod
  
  

  Designed and manufactured in Finland, the Ergorest Multi Pod is an unbelievably versatile hybrid tabletop tripod/car window support/chest & Shoulder support. It also is a compact Macro copy stand shooting straight down at a table's surface without having the legs interfere with the shot, great for copy work. It can tuck away into a corner of a camera bag When not being used. One easy lever locks every leg.

• Manfrotto Magic Arm
  
  

  Your extra arm in the studio. One lever locks three pivot points. Supplied with a quick release camera plate with secondary safety lock based on the 200PL-14 system. Ideal for mounting a camera or a camcorder exactly at the angle you need it. Fits any 5/8 inch female sockets, works especially well with 035 Super Clamp.
  Visit the Manfrotto Website

• Conceptus Bite Switch
  
  

  A simple, intuitive, hands-free camera shutter release switch. It utilizes a very gentle bite to operate the camera and is extremely easy to use. It can be used with any camera equipped with a remote shutter release jack. The supplied plug fits most Canon film cameras others cameras usually require custom connection.

  For more information visit the Conceptus Website
• Conceptus Tongue Switch
  
  

  It is unique in that it requires no movement of the teeth or jaw to operate, can't slip accidentally from the mouth, does not require interruption of breathing like a blow switch, and can be bitten extremely hard without damage or impairment of functioning. The tongue movement required is most similar to pressing your tongue to the back surface of your front teeth.

  For more information visit the Conceptus Website
• Zigview Live Preview Monitor
  
  

  The Zigview is a unique Live preview monitor which relays a real time image from the viewfinder to the 2.5 inch TFT LCD display with a high 25fps frame rate giving a video quality image. Designed for use with canon and Nikon DSLR's.

  For more information visit the Zigview Website