new DEPSSI card Review

New lower latitudes DEPSSI card.

Back in July last year we took a look at the Depssi card, a depth-of-field and sunrise/sunset indicator from Blue Pond Images.

At the time we felt it was a handy little gadget to have in your camera bag but did make one or two negative comments about it. In the new versions, the makers have addressed some of these issues as well as coming up with what we in the UK might call a holiday version.

The new series consists of four cards, all available individually. Cards 1 and 2 are, to most intents and purposes, the same as the older versions except the size of the typeface has been improved to readable proportions. It is also pointed out on the card that it can be used in other areas as well as the UK. These include Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Poland, Germany, Czech Rep, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, most of France north of Bordeaux, plus Milan, Vancouver and Seattle.

The new holiday version, cards 3 and 4, can be used approximately through latitudes 35-45º North which includes most of the U.S.A., the Mediterranean, Northern China and Japan.

The reason for producing two versions of each card remains the same, the Depth-of-field guide, one each for full frame sensors and 35mm film cameras (Green) and one for APS-C sized sensors (Blue) that have a 1.5-1.6 crop factor. This is the side of the card that we struggled with the most last year and the improvement in the typeface makes the table much easier to use compared to the older version.

With the cards costing no more than a quick beer and doing two jobs where the beer only does one, it is certainly worth carrying one in the pocket of your camera bag or slipped into your wallet.

The Blue and Green Cards for APS-C and full frame sensors.

Verdict
The power of EPZ strikes again with the now readable hyper-focal distance table. The addition of the second pair for holiday locations (or indeed if you are a lower latitude dweller) is worth the extra minimal investment.

Plus points:
Laminated card should last well.
Typeface and size improved
Addition of a lower latitude version

Minus points:
You still need to know where north is.

RATING

 Check the latest price for the DEPSSI card here.