Staff Writer's blog

Just as image stabilization can make the difference between a sharp handheld picture and a blurry handheld picture, remote controls can make the difference between sharp and not-so-sharp pictures taken with a tripod-mounted camera. And that's because even if your tripod weighs more than your neighbor's Great Dane, manually pressing the shutter button can makes things move and things that move can easily result in shaky-looking pictures.

Finding the right HDSLR and learning how to use it can be a daunting process. That's why B&H is launching a dynamic and comprehensive online guide to help you choose an HDSLR—and get great results once it's in your hands.

Touch screens are great until they get touched by greasy fingers or inadvertently scratched by jewelry or a sharp object. If you've invested in an iPhone 4, the price of adding a layer of protection is almost negligible compared to the repair or replacement costs. One of the most popular protectors is the Zagg Invisible Shield, available in three different configurations for the Apple iPhone 4.

 The Space Pilot Pro 3D Mouse from 3Dconnexion is a professional three-dimensional controller, with its own LCD screen, for your computer. You can pan and zoom or rotate images and change the scrolling speed, among other navigational adjustments, even while you use the LCD screen to check your Outlook e-mail, calendar or tasks. The color LCD is called the Workflow Assistant and it also launches RSS feeds.

This firmware update for the Canon 7D fixes several issues that were unresolved in Version 1.2.1. The downloadable update can be accessed at Canon's website.

Two photo contests with attractive prizes are now accepting entries, though their welcome mats will be rolled up before summer's end. The first, PHOTOBOOK NYC, seeks the best pictures of New York City. Images must be submitted by Aug. 12 unless accompanied by a $10 late fee through Aug. 18. The second, World in Focus, offers the grand prize of a 10-day expedition to the Galapagos Islands courtesy of National Geographic Expeditions.

If you're looking to save money on a nearly new Apple iPod nano (5th Generation) or iPod touch (3rd Generation) model, B&H just acquired a load of refurbished iPods, any one of which you'd be proud to call your own. The nano models are available with 8GB of flash memory, 2.2-inch LCD, FM tuning and recording, and a built-in still and video camera. Choose black, blue, green, pink, purple, silver or orange (left).