The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is a popular pro-level point-and-shoot that has won much praise from users. However, one minor gripe that most shutterbugs have with it is the lens cap. Some photographers find that a hassle and are looking ...

The 55-200mm lens brought me close to this owl in Patagonian Chile, who obligingly didn't spook when I stopped and changed lenses. (Click to enlarge.)

(Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET News)

Here's a frustrating combination: traveling and serious photography. At precisely the time you want to photography interesting new surroundings, you also don't want to be burdened with inordinate amounts of gear.

Olympus has one interesting answer to the conundrum, though: the E-3 (click here for CNET's full-on review). Its top-of the line SLR is rugged, waterproof, and when combined with the company's Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD and 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 SWD lenses provides a flexible package that's portable if not actually lightweight.

I hauled the E-3 with those lenses and the Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F4.0 wide-angle zoom to Argentina for a month of vacation and was pleased with the performance. I had to lug the gear not only on the usual buses and city tours, but also in much more demanding conditions: two four-day backpacking trips with a three-year-old, Patagonia's uncertain weather, and serious weight-carrying constraints.

The result was good photos of people, flower close-ups, skittish wildlife, and beautiful mountains.

Originally posted at Underexposed

Flipbac lets you view your LCD from an angle and that facilitates taking pictures from an angle.

(Credit: Flipbac)

Digicams with tilt-and-swivel LCDs always have a place in our hearts. One reason is that they facilitate taking pictures at awkward angles. However, most point and shoots on the market do ...

The iPhone has risen to prominence on Flickr, rivaling most SLRs in popularity. These statistics from Yahoo cover the last 12 months.

(Credit: Yahoo)

The iPhone is the mobile device of choice these days for doing most things that need a network. So it ...

Originally posted at Underexposed

Editor's note: From now through the end of December, various Crave experts will be sharing their top five (mostly) tech-related wishes for the holiday season. See what we crave, and maybe you'll get some ideas!

I'll be honest. What I want is Canon's EF 500mm f/4L IS USM telephoto lens, but it costs $5,600, so let's move on to some options that aren't quite so detached from economic reality for a mostly amateur photographer such as myself.

Obviously my camera is a Canon SLR, but I'm reasonably happy with my setup right now, so here are some items I covet that are more modestly priced and that happen to be neutral as regards camera manufacturer.

RawWorkflow.com's WhiBal white-balance card

(Credit: RawWorkflow.com)

1. WhiBal white-balance card. I shoot raw images, which means data is taken directly from the camera's image sensor without any in-camera processing. I like it because it gives me more flexibility for matters such as exposure adjustment. Second in importance to exposure, though, is fixing white balance--for example the orangey color cast you'll often see when shooting under incandescent lights or the bluish tinge of pictures in the shade.