Welcome to Cool Stuff, a weekly feature where we post our favorite links from the past week, including our favorite articles and how-tos, videos, images and more.

• We begin this week’s Cool Stuff with photographer and teacher Zack Arias’ guest entry on Scott Kelby’s blog. Four years ago, Zack made a similarly awesome and inspiring video for Scott; this one is, I think, even better. Check out the video below, then head over to the article for some solid advice.
  
• This one’s for the video geeks out there. Dale Grahn has been a color timer on a variety of different films, including Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan and The Lion King. Now he has an iPad app out that helps teaches color grading to aspiring video pros.
• Speaking of one for the video geeks out there, this one’s also for you – and for the time-lapse fans as well. Omni-Tracker is a San Jose-based company that recently started a Kickstarter campaign for their new product, called the L’il Mule. Check it out here (the campaign already has 200% funding), and watch the video below, which features footage from BorrowLenses.com alumni Seventh Movement.
  
• From our friends over at the Profoto blog comes an outstanding behind-the-scenes look at Gregory Heisler’s portrait of Michael Phelps. Check out the video below, then head over to Profoto’s Master Series page for more videos from the master of portraiture.
  
• Here’s something a bit more philosophical for image makers of all ilk. Daniel Milnor, whose blog Smogranch is one of our favorites, lays out some first-rate inspiration in a recent post called, “Blurb tip: Learn from Bruce Lee.” Though on the surface it’s about the company he works for, there’s a fantastic message there about following your heart.

 And now, for the BorrowLenses.com Roundup!

That’s it for this week’s Cool Stuff. As always, questions and feedback are welcome in the comments below.

Welcome to Cool Stuff, a weekly feature where we post our favorite links from the past week, including our favorite articles and how-tos, videos, images and more.

• Canon’s new 1D C camera has arrived in our warehouse and is available for reservations. This is one camera you’re going to want to check out folks – have a look at the documentary below and you’ll see why.
   
• Speaking of Canon, DSLRNewsShooter.com has a nice piece about how Reuters turned to the 5D Mark III and a 60D for a documentary on education.
• Steve McCurry is one of the most prolific photographers of our generation – his image of the “Afghan Girl” still ranks as one of the most powerful works of portraiture out there. So when we saw that he had a new app out for the iPad that presented 200 of his portraits in a single collection, well, the $3.99 purchase was a no-brainer.
• German TV network Deutsche Welle has released two documentary videos about Legendary camera company Leica. Check out the first video below, then head over to Leica Rumors for the second one.
  
• And finally, via Chase Jarvis’ blog, comes an amazing look at how some artists see the drones used for military strikes around the world, in an outstanding example of the intersection of war and art.

That’s it for this week’s Cool Stuff. As always, questions and feedback are welcome in the comments below.

We’re giving away one (1) brand new camera bag from Inside Line Equipment, which is handmade in the U.S.A. This bag features a 12″x 12″x 8″ padded, weatherproof camera compartment with a 12″x 8″x 10″ weatherproof rolltop main compartment. The padded, zippered sleeve down the back fits up to a 17″ MacBook Pro. The entire thing measures 12″x 20″x 8″ (30 Liters) and is reinforced with ABS plastic panels to keep your gear safe. Color is as-pictured (pale blue).

We have these for rent here. But this one can be yours! (more…)

BorrowLenses.com invites you to show off your best photo or video from 2012! Go through your body of work from this year and select your absolute best to share with our audience. Read this post for more details on how to participate.

BorrowLenses.com understands that the Mayan Apocalypse is fast approaching. We’d like to make a special announcement to our customers to ensure they are prepared for the inevitable.

Welcome to Cool Stuff, a weekly feature where we post our favorite links from the past week, including our favorite articles and how-tos, videos, images and more.

• It’s become kind of rote now, but every time photographer Jay P. Morgan posts a tutorial, we have an automatic knee-jerk reaction to report it. This one’s no exception.
• Landscapes shot in infrared are often surreal and otherworldy. PetaPixel highlights the work of photographer David Keochkerian, who’s got some fantastic examples of this photography.
• Look, we’re going to be honest with you – DON’T DO THIS TO ONE OF OUR LENSES! That said, it’s both terrifying and cool how Canon Pro Services recommended one photographer get a stuck filter off his lens.
• The Canon 6D is out now, and photographer Don Marcotte did some noise tests relevant to high-ISO nighttime photography, then had Planet5D post the results. The results may surprise you.
• Canon fans may have something to rejoice about, as rumors of a 50mm f/1.4 image stabilized lens (along with a possible 85mm f/1.8 stabilized optic) continue to abound.
• And finally, one more for you lighting geeks out there. Jared Wieczorkiewicz of Aurum Light Studio has a great tutorial on mixing light sources of different temperatures.

That’s it for this week’s Cool Stuff. As always, questions and feedback are welcome in the comments below.

Welcome to Cool Stuff, a weekly feature where we post our favorite links from the past week, including our favorite articles and how-tos, videos, images and more.

• Heads up, video shooters (more specifically, Nikon video shooters on the D800/E). The guys over at Pixiq have a nice little tutorial on how to set up your D800/E to output clean video via HDMI to an external recorder.
• We love our time-lapse stuff, and this one, showing the fall colors in Central Park, NYC, has a lot of eye candy for us. Thanks to Jamie Scott for an awesome job.
  
• Canon’s EOS-M is a bit late to the mirrorless party, and apparently, it has some issues. Issues that the guys over at The Camera Store are only too happy to poke fun at.
  
• Cheetah! Running! 1200fps! Watch!
  
• And finally, here’s something more to make your jaw drop. These slo-mo videos were made from still photographs. Yep, you heard me. Still photographs.
  

 And now, for the BorrowLenses.com Roundup!

That’s it for this week’s Cool Stuff. As always, questions and feedback are welcome in the comments below.