Snapper Photography

Sony SLT-A35 Digital SRL Camera - A Beginner's Camera

2011-12-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

The Sony SLT-A35 was rated one of 2012's best entry level Digital SLR cameras. This camera is one of Sony's Single Lens Translucent (SLT) designs. This lens transmits 66.66% of the light to the CMOS sensor and 33.33 per cent of it to a tiny electronic display built into the camera's roof. This model incorporates almost all the features of the original A33 and A55, but includes an improved 16.2MP EXMOR APS-C CMOS sensor and handful of extra processing options. The chip has been redesigned to improve power consumption, and improved thermal performance. The camera has an aerodynamic look to it with smooth edges.

Sony's new sensor offers sharply-detailed, low-noise still and HD video images. The camera's powerful processor optimizes image data, insuring sharp, crisp images with rich, natural color reproduction. A maximum sensitivity of ISO 12800 and extension to ISO 25600 allows natural still images and HD video in low light.

Sony has successfully offered live view without compromising their fast autofocus system. The SLT has an electronic viewfinder, it doesn't have a movable mirror to direct light up to the viewfinder. Instead, it uses a fixed, semi-transparent mirror to provide light to the focusing sensor, allowing light through to the imaging sensor. This is an automatic live view camera that gives fast autofocus, and the actions of the camera are the same whether you're using the eye-level viewfinder or the rear screen for viewing. When you move your eye from the large LCD at the camera's rear to the eye level viewfinder you view the action via the smaller LCD. What you get is full time live view. This is a small, relatively inexpensive beginner's camera and one of the favorites in its class.

Features:

1080i 60 video and
4x magnification at 7 frames per second
4MP (a 1.4x crop from the middle of the sensor that Sony is calling Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting).
'Picture Effects' processing filters
APS HD CMOS sensor
user-friendly interface
Translucent Mirror Technology
on-screen Help Guide
Customizable top-mounted button for 14 included functions
Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting
continuous tracking autofocus
5 frames per second drive mode
continuous shooting 5.5 frames per second
ISO 12800 and expandable to ISO 25600
Full HD AVCHD video
3D Sweep Panorama
5 inch screen
4912×3264 pixel maximum image size

The LCD Screen and Its Options

The LCD screen has a gel coating that sits in between the LCD and the glass. It eliminates the traditional air gap making images clearer and the screen more durable. It includes an on-screen Help Guide which gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they're used.

There are 6 options available in shooting mode: standard, vivid, portrait, landscape, sunset and black & white. Within these settings, you can also manipulate the contrast, saturation and sharpness.

While shooting pictures, general shooting information is displayed across the top of the screen such as shooting mode, file type, pictures left and battery power which is shown as a percentage. In the bottom right corner are the picture styles.

The LCD screen status is quite useful, showing your chosen exposure mode (P, A, S, M), battery charge, image quality and a graphic display of lens aperture and shutter speed.There is also a bunch of scene modes - portrait, sports, macro, and more. In this section is found a bunch of Partial Color effects, which lets you isolate and record a single color, with the remainder of the scene picked out in monochrome. There is a Picture Effect setting that can be previewed on the LCD screen, giving you a preview of the effect. This includes 'artistic' treatments such as Posterisation, Pop Color, Retro effect, etc.

Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting magnifies the center portion of the image area providing an effective 1.4x magnification while shooting up to 7 frames per second. Tele-zoom reduces the resolution to 8.4 megapixels and sets the compression rate to medium. Providing continuous tracking autofocus of still or moving objects, this feature is ideal for capturing fast-moving sports, children's expressions at just the right moment, your children swinging, running, or just being kids, or for capturing distant subjects with a high-speed burst of frames. It offers a drive mode, up to 5.5 frames per second with full-resolution continuous shooting with tracking autofocus.

In the Playback Menu, there's a provision to make a slideshow, adjust the image index and specify pictures for printing, deleting pictures or protecting them.

The sweep panorama feature can account for 3D panos up to 4912×1080 pixels or 'flat' panos up to 8192×1856 pixels.

The 35 can use any of the A-mount interchangeable lenses Sony makes as well as six Carl Zeiss lenses and the earlier Konica/Minolta AF glass lens.

Sony SLT-A35is a compelling choice for experienced photographers and beginners. More advanced photographers will enjoy the top panel-mounted button that is customizable. This button allows instant recall of any of the 14 frequently-used functions according to their preference. The beginner photographers will love this camera for its ease of use and professional looking images.

I am a mature woman with a BS degree in Technology. I love photography! The advances in technology in the past few years are amazing. These new cameras make wonderful clear images, even in low light. If you haven't had a new camera lately, you don't know what you're missing! I have some tips for beginner photographers, also, some detailed camera reviews are available on my site at:http://bestdslrcamerasforbeginners.net

Article Source:Lilly_D._Smith

Sony SLT - A35 - Get one now!

Camera Bag and Video Tripod

2011-12-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

Whether you're a hobbyist photographer, a professional, or just someone who enjoys photography on occasion on nights out or when on holiday, getting a new camera is a highly exciting time and allows you to start to capture your life's events and the artistic things you spot in the world in a whole new way - in more definition, with greater color and with more ease. Maybe you have features like rapid fire that will let you capture people in motion performing your favorite sports, or maybe you have a new night mode that allows you to take pictures of nights out, or maybe you have a video camera for the first time - it's all very exciting.

However it's also very easy to break a new camera, and if you don't want this excitement to be short lived then it's very important to look at how you can go about avoiding damaging a new camera. There are a few ways you can achieve this, and we will look at some of them here.

Camera Bag

First of all you should make sure you have a camera bag. A camera bag is just a bag that fits around your camera, but it's a very important purchase. This will first of all allow you to carry the camera in a protective bag, which means that should it bump into something or get dropped it won't shatter, chip or scratch. Even if you are keeping your camera inside another bag then this is important. If ever you've had a bag filled with a mixture of things you've probably had moments where you forget what's in there and drop it down carelessly, or had moments where you accidentally stepped on it or sat on it - and if you don't have a protective camera bag you might damage it.

Camera bags also come with a strap often to help you carry the camera, and this prevents you needing to carry it lose when you want it to hand thereby avoiding your dropping it. If you carry a camera bag instead of a lose camera you can also disguise the camera rather than flash it about and this can help you to avoid theft.

Tripod

A tripod is a highly useful tool for keeping your camera safe, and actually for improving the quality of your shots. If you want to take a photo of something at night for instance, then you will need to keep the camera very still to avoid motion blur occurring as a result of the increased light sensitivity and a tripod is a great way to do that. However more importantly, when you are taking photos of yourself on timer, a tripod prevents the camera from falling over, or off of whatever you stood it on. If you've ever been on holiday with friends you've probably tried to get group shots of you all in front of things and to do that you've probably stood your camera on a bench and walked away with it on timer. This is good and well, except it is more likely to topple - whereas by using a tripod you can keep it upright and prevent it from getting damaged.

Cameras can be quite expensive and costly to repair or replace. By keeping your camera in a Video Tripod or Camera Bag, it will protect it from damage. Camera Bag and Backpacks can be fairly cheap too.

Article Source: Julian_Ian

Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera Review - For the Beginner Photographer

2011-12-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Click for more info

The Nikon D5100 is a significant improvement over the Nikon D3100. This digital single lens reflex camera is a great beginner/intermediate photographer's camera, however; The D5100 has new and improved features to significantly improve and enhance your photography experience.

Features:

2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor.
Side-articulated 3.0" LCD monitor (920,000 dots).
11 AF points (with 3D tracking).
Full-time AF.
IS0 100-6400 range (Up to 25,600 equivalent when expanded).
HD movies (1080p, 720p or WVGA).
4 fps continuous shooting.
In-camera effects filters in both stills and video modes.
Image Sensor Cleaning.
Air Flow Control System.
Image Dust-Off Reference Data (Optional Software required).
Infrared port for use with a wireless remote control.
Image sizes available in 3 different sizes. 4928 x 3264, 3696 x 2448 and 2464 x 1632.
AFS Lens Mount.
3D tracking ability to follow the subject as in moves within the frame.
Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds.
14 white balance modes.
Build in and pop-up flash modes, as well as a plug for an external flash.
In-camera image retouching capabilities.

The Nikon D5100 uses the same high-level Sensor as the D7000, a significant improvement over the D3100. The D5100 includes High Dynamic Range capability. (HDR). This feature takes two images, one underexposed and one overexposed then combines these two images to create a clean, crisp, spectacular image!

This camera has a special effects feature with a range of special effects, including night vision mode. In night vision mode, this camera shoots with ISO sensitivities of up to 102,400. The resulting movie or still image using this ISO sensitivity will be monochromatic, but this is still a major accomplishment. This camera takes still pictures at 4 frames per second and can record high definition video at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

Exposure modesin the Nikon D5100 include Auto, Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual, Flash Off, Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up, and Effects.

Scene mode selections include Night Landscape, Party; Indoor, Beach; Snow, Sunset, Dusk; Dawn, Pet Portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn Colors, Food, and Night Portrait.

In-camera image editing includes resizing, cropping, post-capture D-Lighting, redeye correction, monochrome and other filter effects, color balance, image overlay, quick retouch, straighten, distortion control, perspective control, miniature effect, fisheye, color outline, color sketch, and selective color.

What's in the Kit?

Nikon D5100 digital camera
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens
Front and rear lens caps
Body mount cap BF-1B
Neck Strap AN-DC3
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL14
Battery charger MH-24
USB cable UC-E6
Audio / Video Cable EG-CP14
Eyecup DK-20
Eyepiece cap DK-5
Accessory shoe cover BS-1
Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
User manuals

There are also many accessories for the D5100, including books that will help you master each feature.

If you wish to capture the activities of your children, your family pet, or your son at his football game, this camera will capture the image during movement. Now you can capture those fleeting moments that go by all too quickly for the older cameras.

Article Source: Lilly_D._Smith

Nikon D5100 - Get Yours Now!

How to Take Great Christmas Party Photos

2011-12-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

Before you go

Check you have your camera and the batteries are charged (good advice in all circumstances)!

Take some photos in the house after you get ready, and before you leave for the party. A plain background will set off your outfits well, but if you want to go really seasonal, why not pose in front of the Christmas tree (next year's Christmas card perhaps...)?

Shoot Early

Photos of you and yours shouting into the camera are great facebook fodder, but more flattering images come from the earlier part of the evening!

This is more important if there is a group shot you really want to get...once everyone has a drink it will be even more difficult to round them all up. When shooting a group, be sure to take a few shots - by the law of averages, the more people there are, the more likely you are to catch someone blinking. Try and make it fun for all involved, and don't monopolise anyone's evening. You are there to party after all.

If you are at a sit down meal, a quick run around the table photographing the couples/groups can be a good way to catch everyone there (preferably before there are messy used plates in the way).

Get Arty

If the trimmings at the venue catch your eye, why not grab a couple of macro shots in an idle moment. Catching the venue name on the way in can help tell the story if you are very keen. (I have also been known to photograph the food as it arrives too!)

Murder on the Dancefloor

Disco lights are very tricky to deal with. There is nothing like over using flash to cancel out the atmosphere of the disco or band. If you are not a pro gig photographer, best to treat these images as experimental. Try using your camera's night mode and see what results you get (this is likely to do a slow shutter speed followed by a late burst of flash). Of course, your preferred course of action may be to safely abandon your camera and get on and join the party.

Enjoy Yourself

I may say this too much on my blog, but unless you are being paid to photograph the party, or have made a comittment to do so, you are not obliged to see the whole evening through a camera lens. If you have just got a new bit of kit, that might be exactly what you want to do, but otherwise don't forget you can put the camera down.

Either way, have a great evening, I wish you the very slightest of hangovers the next day and a very Merry Christmas.

Debbie Stogden

info@debbiestogden-photography.co.uk
http://www.debbiestogden-photography.co.uk

Article Source: Debbie_Stogden

Why Use A DSLR Tripod

2011-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Using a DSLR tripod is up to you. While they can be bulky and add weight to the equipment you're carrying, they can also prevent blurry pictures due to shaky hands and bad lighting. Many DSLR cameras are now being manufactured to adjust for shaking and low lights. If you have one of these cameras or are considering getting one, there's not really a need for a tripod. If you just prefer using a tripod, then go for the best one that you can afford. As a photographer, you can't afford to buy bad equipment. Having your tripod break in the middle of a photo shoot will not improve your day.

Look for durable tripods. Although made of heavier material than the plastic versions, they will be sturdier. A composite tripod is a durable type of tripod made from lightweight material. Buy a tripod whose legs will extend enough to bring your camera to eye level. The taller you are, the more you will have to pay for this feature. The center column can extend above the legs. However, this can throw the whole tripod off-balance and cause it to fall over. You risk breaking the tripod and your camera, along with any extra lenses or a hood that you've attached to it. You want the legs to adjust easily. You should also be able to set each leg at a different height in the event that you are shooting from an uneven surface.

The head of the tripod is what you screw the camera onto. If you can afford the extra amenity, get a head that detaches easily from the legs. This is done with a quick release lever. The camera is still attached to the head. By being able to remove it from the tripod legs, you can quickly switch positions and then easily return the camera to the tripod on your return.

Tripods help to eliminate the blur in pictures caused by shaking hands or low lighting. They hold the camera in place without movement. This also allows the camera to take advantage of the lighting that is available. When your hands are shaky, it takes away from the camera's ability to use the lighting.

Of course, many digital cameras now have features that adjust the picture in instances of blurring. Different brands have different names for it, but it serves the same purpose. These features do the same thing that a tripod does in the sense of removing the blurring from photos. Of course, these features are operated with a button, which makes them much lighter than a tripod. You can use a tripod to prevent blurring in your photography. Or you can buy a camera that doesn't need a DSLR tripod.

William L Odom is a passionate photographer with a background in the educational sector. In addition to assisting pupils on how to take professional pictures, such as which hitech filter to use and when, or whether to buy a dslr tripod, William exposes his pupils to the business world of photography.

Knowing how to take good photos is one thing, but you also need to know how to market yourself and your images.

Article Source: William_L_Odom

Night Photography - Give It a Shot!

2011-12-15T18:52:00.000-08:00

Why do so many casual and amateur photographers shy away from taking pictures once the sun goes down? Haven't they seen the great pictures taken at night by other photographers? Maybe they think those type pictures can only be made by professional photographers with thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Well that line of thinking is not true at all.

Taking night shots is not as difficult as some may think. If you have a camera, a tripod, and a subject you can take some great night shots. That is, as long as there is some light available. It can be artificial light, moonlight, or ambient light from the atmosphere just after sunset.

Night photography gives you a chance to have the type of shots that are out of the ordinary and not the same type pictures everyone else has.

A few of the more popular night photography subjects are city skylines, well lit downtown areas, moonlit scenes, and tourist attraction areas. However, any scene in your own neighborhood or town that has some sort of light in it is fair game for night photography.

You don't have to be out at midnight to take night shots. Some of the best night shots are taken right after the sun has set. Sure its dark, but there is still a little ambient light remaining from the sunset in the air. This is important because you might be able to record a little more detail in the shadow areas of the scene at this time of evening. As it gets later in the evening, many of the shadow areas will appear very dark or black with no detail unless there is some sort of artificial light around that area.

What type camera will you need? A Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (also known as a DSLR or Digital SLR camera) is the best choice for night photography. That is because when using a Digital SLR camera you will have more control over the cameras' exposure settings. Taking pictures at night will require longer exposure times and a Digital SLR camera has more options for changing the exposure settings.

However, you can also use a Digital Compact camera to take night pictures. Most Digital Compact cameras will have some sort of night mode setting such as night landscape. A night mode setting will keep the cameras' shutter open for longer periods of time so that the cameras' image sensor can absorb more light. The main problem with using a Digital Compact camera for night photography is that you won't be able to choose the exposure setting for your night shots. In spite of that, your cameras' automatic night mode setting may still be able to produce some good night images at times.

A tripod is a must! When taking pictures at night the cameras' shutter can be open for seconds instead of fractions of a second. It is practically impossible to obtain a sharp image using a shutter speed of less than 1/30th of a second while the camera is being hand held. So make sure to use a tripod. Also try using your cameras' self timer or a remote shutter release when using a tripod. The reason for that is because there may be some camera shake when your finger presses the shutter release even when the camera is on a tripod.

What are the best camera exposure settings for Night Photography? There are no standard exposure settings for night photography. Just like daytime photography, the exposure settings for night photography will depend on the amount of available light in a scene.

Get started by taking a shot of your night scene. You can start by using your cameras' automatic mode or any other mode you choose. Take a look at the result in your cameras' LCD screen. If the image is too light or dark, adjust your settings accordingly.

If you are using a Digital SLR camera, you will be able to manually change the camera aperture or shutter speed. If you are using a Compact Digital camera, try using the Exposure Compensation EV+ or EV- feature. That will allow more or less light into the camera. (note: you might not be able to use that feature while in a night mode.)

Bracketing your exposures can be helpful when taking night shots. Bracketing your exposures means to take several shots of the same scene at different exposure settings. Take one or two that will be darker and one or two that will be lighter than the recommended exposure setting. You will then have more images to choose from when deciding which exposure setting was the best.

Overall taking night pictures is not more difficult than taking pictures than taking pictures in the daytime. It might be a little challenging in the beginning but it will be a fun and exciting challenge. Once you know a little about camera exposure basics and the operation of your camera, you are well on your way to getting that great night shot.

Please visit our website for more information about Night Photography as well as other photography subjects.

http://easybasicphotography.com/night-photography

http://easybasicphotography.com

Article Source: Keith_A_Jones

Pros and Cons of Shooting Video With a DSLR Camera

2011-12-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

*DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. It's the camera that photographers use.

In 2008 Canon starting adding a video mode to their DSLR cameras. They had no idea the phenomenon that it would bring.

DSLRs have huge sensors (the mechanism that converts light to video) and way more, cheaper, high quality lenses (also referred to as "glass").

These factors give DSLR cameras very sharp imagery as well as a very shallow depth of field. Depth of field or Dof, refers to the focus of the image or video. A deep Dof is when the foreground and the background of an image are both in focus. You see this commonly in landscape shots.

Shallow Dof is when one part of the image is in focus while the rest is not. For example, imagine a romance movie. About 3/4 of the way through the film, the man and woman run to one another and kiss in the rain. On a close-up of them kissing, you'd see them in focus, with the background out of focus. You see it all the time in the movies, almost always used during back and forth dialogue when 2 actors are talking. This is a very sought after look by video professionals and before DSLR video was extremely expensive to achieve. DSLR cameras achieve this look for a fifth of the price.

I started my videography career with a Sony VX-2000. It's an older little Sony prosumer standard-def camcorder. After I mastered that I was ready to upgrade to a Hi-def camera, but I didn't have much money and good cameras are very expensive. I saw the quality that DSLRs are capable of and I became very interested. The Canon 60D was in my price range and I bought it. It came with a 18-135mm EF-S lens. It shot 1080i and 720p at 24, 30 and 60fps (frames per second). It was a good camera and I really liked it. However I got the opportunity to upgrade to the Mercedes Benz of DSLRs.... The Canon 5D Mark II. I also got it with a 24-105mm canon L-series lens. It shoots beautiful, crystal clear, filmlike video and I love it. Now here are the pros and cons

What's great about DSLRs for video, and the reason they are so popular, is the filmlike quality with the shallow depth of field you can obtain for a much, much lower price. For example, experts often compare the canon 5d mark II to the Red One camera, which costs $25k. Now of course the Red One is a nicer camera, it shoots at 2k resolution, but it's $25,000, the canon 5d mark II is $2,500 and the quality is comparable. For Internet and DVD purposes, the quality is negligible. In theatre it would be obvious, but what your video looks like in movie theatres is not relevant to most. Anyway the point is the quality for the price is incredible.

Now here's the cons. No matter how awesome the video quality is, it doesn't change the fact that DSLRs are built for still photography and only recently started offering video. This means that they have crude audio capabilities. No manual audio gain controls without hacks or patches, no xlr (high quality audio input), the built in mic is too low quality to use, also it's small and without a handle so it's difficult to operate smoothly and it doesn't have a controlled zoom.

All these cons have workarounds but it's a more difficult process than with a regular video camera and it costs money. Even with these costly extras DSLR cameras are still worth the money but the ease of use and time it takes to balance out the shortcomings depend entirely on you. You absolutely have to get a stabilizing rig for smooth shooting off the shoulder, otherwise your footage will be too shaky. These rigs average around $500 with the higher quality ones around $2,000. You can do what some people do and build your own rig or order the components separately and assemble it yourself. I'm going to do an entire post dedicated to choosing or building a rig and once it's complete I'll insert a link to it here.

Because the DSLR has poor audio capabilities, what most people do is buy a portable audio recorder to capture audio separately from the camera. You plug your mic in use that to digitally record your audio. Thats a great way to get high quality audio, the problem is, since the video and audio are not being recorded by the same device, you'll need to sync these in post. You can do this manually using the a clapper or snap etc. but there is a much simpler solution which is a program called plural eyes. Plural eyes will automatically sync your video to your audio in your timeline. It does this by lining up the separately recorded audio waveforms to the audio waveforms recorded by your low quality built in camera mic. It's not always perfect but if you're getting decent audio from your camera then it works quickly and effectively. There's also a sister program called dual eyes that will automatically sync all the video files to all the audio files outside of your editing application.

In conclusion, DSLRs give you excellent quality for the price. However, you'll need to decide for yourself whether or not the shortcomings of shooting with a photography camera are acceptable to you as a video creator.

I hope this article outlining the pros and cons of shooting video with a DSLR has been helpful to you...

For more information regarding videography or editing, please visit The Video Genius.

Lowell Brillante
Videographer and Digital Editor
Charlotte NC
http://www.TheVideoGenius.com

Article Source: Lowell_Brillante

Tips for Vintage Cars Photography

2011-12-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Cars that were manufactured before the end of World War II (1945) are classified as vintage cars while those manufactured between 1945 and 1975 are categorized as classic cars.

Before you venture to photograph the cars, either vintage or classic it will be a good idea to know the basics of car body structure.

From the exteriors, a typical car can be identified by its unique features like body contours, bonnet / hood, bumper, grill, boot / trunk, unique logo or insignia etc.

All modern cars are categorized by its basic type like sedan, hatchback, coupes, station wagon, convertible, luxury and sports cars. For the vintage and classic cars, these may not be the case! You will be surprised to know that there are many vintage cars that have engines in their back (boot) and trunk in the front (bonnet).

Let us now, get to the actual art of photographing these beauties.

One of the challenges in photographing the vintage and classic cars is to locate them! The best opportunity arises when there is a rally or exhibition organized in your locality or city. Remember always, that there will other photographers to photograph the beauties. Always, be courteous to the other photographers, who have as much right to click as you do.

Although, any digital camera will suffice, for best results take your Digital SLR camera. The selection of lens depends on various factors like location, lighting etc. The best would be get the opportunity to shoot in golden hours, ie. couple of hours after sunrise and couple of hours before sunset in outdoor location. On some occasions, when there is a rally being organized of the vintage and classic cars, the cars assemble at the start point in an open space where they are parked prior to the flag off. Generally, there is no race but only a rally from a location to another. It is indeed a feat to get these ancient cars up and running with mounting costs to maintain them on regular basis.

Select a car of your choice and then position yourself at a vantage angle so that you are able to capture the entire length of the car. Next shift your position so that the car is facing diagonal and then take couple of photographs. There are two angles from which the car can be photographed, first the classic standing position and the second is it to align yourself to the height of the bonnet, which in most of the situations will be about your waist height. A Digital SLR camera with tilting LCD will be an advantage.

Feel free to explore other angles like low angle and may be a higher vantage point, if you get such an opportunity.

At all times, keep safety in mind. There may be other cars which are being driven around the rally place and other people moving about.

Pay special attention to the detailed artwork of the logo / insignia and other metallic carvings on body of the vintage cars. These can be best photographed with a prime lens or even better with a macro lens, depending on the light and time available to shoot.

Once, you have covered the exteriors; focus on the interiors like the dashboard, steering wheel and back seats. In most of the vintage cars, the interior upholstery is made up of genuine leather and very finely articulated dashboard of teak wood or redwood with lacquer finishing. Always take permission, before taking photographs of the inside as you may require opening the car doors and seating yourself inside. Avoid using the in-built flash or dedicated flash, as some of the interiors components will be shinning stainless steel or even gold-plated art work.

A good photo session of each vintage and classic car will take you at least 10-15 minutes, so be well prepared and have a pleasant bearing towards the organizers and other photographers.

Commercial Photographers in Mumbai
Industrial Photographer

Article Source: Pashminu_Mansukhani

Taking Great Winter Photos

2011-12-12T18:56:00.001-08:00

When it comes to taking a great winter photograph, keep these helpful tips in mind.

1. Planning

All too often the amateur photographer wakes up on a chill winter morning and decides to brave the element and take some winter landscape photos. The first mistake is the spontaneity. Preparation is key to a good winter scene. All equipment and personal needs should be ready the night before. Pack all equipment by the door, set out warm clothes, and use the timer on your coffee pot. Be sure to know your destination before-hand and ensure that you have dressed for the occasion. The great shot will be hard to come by if you spend your time shivering and thinking about being cold.

2. Timing

Winter photographs are best early. The fresh snow will not be disturbed and the lighting is better. A calm setting provides better concentration and a better chance for that fresh blanket of snow. There is also a better chance for wildlife in early morning. The key is to minimize disturbance from the hustle and bustle of everyone else. Overexposure is the biggest problem in photographing a winter wonderland. Put your camera in aperture mode and check your the pictures occasionally for the winter whiteout. The morning sun will not be directly overhead to blind you and your photos.

3. Setting Up

The background in winter photos is all too obvious. Take a good look around before shooting; the leaves are not there to block power lines, buildings, and towers. Most winter photos will have a serene look, keep it that way. The contrast in winter photos can be spectacular. A picture of a snowy field will not look as beautiful from the camera lens as it does when shooting it. Find enough contrast (trees, rivers, buildings, rocks) in your shot to solidify the picture. When taking wedding photos, make sure you have a background that allows the wedding gown stand out. Have a warm safe haven nearby to keep the wedding party warm. Smiles don't look as bright when everyone's teeth are chattering.

4. Equipment Care

The temperature is usually of no concern, most cameras built today are designed to work in a variety of temperatures. Be sure to handle your equipment with great care. Moisture from the snow can ruin an outing. Be sure to take extra care when changing lenses, batteries, etc. Have a soft cloth handy to help reduce fog on the lens.

Winter landscapes can be extraordinary if you are prepared, careful, time it right, and set up for success. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your next outing is one with beautiful results.

Colin McDonald writes of behalf of Steven Brooks Photography - Wedding Photographer London

Article Source: Colin_McDonald

Olympus E-PL2 Digital SLR Camera: A Top Choice for a Beginner Camera

2011-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

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The Olympus E-PL2 Digital SLR Camera is rated one of 2012's best entry-level cameras. It boasts the same size sensor as its predecessors; however, the body is much smaller, making it easier to carry and handle. Enhanced Live Guide controls allow you to see the way a picture will look before you actually press the shutter button. Live view has enabled Olympus to omit the reflex mirror and optical viewfinder arrangement of a traditional SLR and produce significantly smaller cameras and lenses. Panasonic has created cameras with this same lens set-up, and Canon and Nikon are expected to begin production soon. Olympus has more quality lenses and accessories available for their cameras than any other manufacturer. You'll have a great time sifting through all of the accessories available for this camera!

FEATURES ARE:

Ergonomically comfortable body with textured hand grip, recessed on/off button, mode dial, and control wheel.
720p HD movie capture.
3-megapixel Live CMOS image sensor.
TruePic V Image Processor.
Improved 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko MSC zoom kit lens.
3-inch LCD with 460,000 pixels.
SDHC- and SDXC-compatible memory card slot.
Image stabilization.
Manual exposure and art filters in movie controls.
Pop-up flash.
New Zuiko 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 II MSC kit lens.
Accessory Port 2 for expanded functionality.
22 Scene options.
Six included art filters to create in-camera effects.
iAuto mode.
Built-in wireless flash control.
A very effective dust-reduction system.
Four color choices for the body: red, silver, white, or black.

With Olympus's Live Guide, you also have specific controls in plain English, such as "make brighter" or "make darker," that you can see on the LCD as you're moving the slider.

Olympus has developed many accessories that work with the E-PL2, including three conversion lenses: fish-eye, wide angle, and macro. When using the macro accessory lens, you should get the MAL-1 macro arm light. It's a pair of LED lights for close-up work.

There is now a new device, released by Olympus for photo sharing called the PENPal. The device plugs into the accessory port and is Bluetooth-enabled. This will allow you to send photos from the camera to variety of devices. The device automatically resizes images and prepares them for uploading to your chosen social networking site or compatible device.

The E-PL2 boasts an HDMI port that enables direct connection to an HDTV or other HDMI-compatible device. You can view images and movies on any connected device. You can run a slideshow using the soundtracks included in the E-PL2, to accompany the pictures. The presentation can be made to look incredible and professional. You will have to purchase a mini HDMI cable, as this is not included.

the E-PL2 offers ESP light metering which uses information from 324 zones, other lighting includes center weighted, spot, highlight and shadow metering. Images may be captured as raw or JPEG files, or both. There are also 22 scene modes and six art filters: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone.

The most popular kit lens is the Micro Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MSC. It is a little longer than the original Micro Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 when collapsed; however, this new lens is a little lighter and shorter when fully extended. The new optic lens is compatible for Movies and Stills making the auto focusing quieter and faster.

The Olympus E-PL2 Digital SLR Camera is perfect for beginner and intermediate photographers, and will give you images that rival the much more expensive cameras. The scene modes and art filters make it tons of fun to create expressive, personalized, images and movies.

I am a beginner photographer. I remember how difficult it was for me to decide what camera to begin with and how to get started. I have a beginners guide with lots of tips and constantly updated camera reviews. Before you buy, make sure you research and review! Check it out at: http://bestdslrcamerasforbeginners.net

Article Source: Lilly_D._Smith

Olympus E-PL2 Digital SLR

Backyard Nature Photography

2011-12-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

You don't have to travel very far to get some great nature photography shots. There are many opportunities for nature photography right in your own backyard. There is an abundance of nature if you know "how" to look for it.

If you have flowerbeds, trees, bushes or just wildflowers, you have many opportunities for some good nature pictures. I am going to give you a few ideas on how and what to look for. Go back to things that you have taken pictures of before but this time, look at them from a different perspective.

· Try to get down low to the flowers and shoot upwards. Sometimes not always easy to do but can give you some really great results. Look under the petals and leaves of the flowers. You may find a praying mantis or a ladybug, which can make a good nature picture also. Lie down on your back in a stand of trees and shoot upwards. This gives a great deal of depth to your photograph and makes very interesting shot. Don't forget to look up in the tops of trees. There may be a hawk, crow or a blue jay just sitting there, watching you.

· Try shooting some "profiles" of flowers. Some flowers have very pretty profiles. Even pictures of your flowerbeds can be shot from a different angle and will give you a completely different feeling. Many people want to take pictures of butterflies with wings open and taken from high looking down. Profile pictures of butterflies and great shots also.

· Most amateurs want to fill their frame with the subject, such as a flower, and have it centered right in the middle. Use the "rule of thirds". Position the subject just to the right or left of center and about a third of the way up horizontally. This composition is much more pleasing to the eye.

· Try taking some of your pictures in the morning light and then again in the evening light. Mid-day light is very bright and can create a shadow problem for you. Early morning or late afternoon light is not near as harsh and actually gives you kind of a "warm glow". Anytime there is a little cloud cover is a great time to take pictures. Your colors will be a little more subdued and your background will not be too bright.

· If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you probably have tons of pictures of birds, but I will guess that the bird feeder is also in most of your shots. Try adding a perch near your bird feeder where the birds can land and "jump over" to the feeder. Use something that is going to look natural. You don't want to use metal or a piece of lumber. Find a broken tree limb that is a couple of feet taller or shorter than your feeder. Dig a hole about 6 feet away from the feeder and bury it. Now when you catch that good shot of your birds, it is going to look natural and the feeder will not detract from your subject.

Challenge yourself to try something new. Go back to some of the pictures you have already taken and take them from different perspectives. You may surprise yourself!

Sheila Brown is an experienced photographer who enjoys writing articles to share her experiences and her passion for nature photography. You can view her nature photos at http://www.shopbeautifulnaturepictures.com

Article Source: Sheila_Gayle_Brown

Top Night Photography Tips to Bring Photos to Life

2011-12-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

There's nothing more beautiful than a professionally taken photo which was shot at dusk or nighttime. The problem here is that people usually think that it's hard to take breathtaking photos after dark, or that you need to be a professional photographer with years of experience, but this is very far from the truth. Today you'll learn some basic night photography tips that will bring your night photos to life, like never before, if you have the right camera and features, you'll be a pro in no time.

First of all I'd like to discuss some things you will need if you're looking to make a career out of photography, or simply add some spice to your personal hobby. If you want to take stunning photos at night, none of these night photography tips should be ignored. Primarily, you need to have a tripod if you don't own one already. It doesn't matter how steady you think your hand is, if it's top-quality you're after, you definitely want to get one of these.

Secondly, look for a camera which has a fast shutter speed setting, as well as an exposure compensation setting. The shutter will greatly improve the quality of your photos, a low ISO setting is also recommended for better quality. The exposure compensation is sometimes automatically controlled by the shutter, which will typically lighten and darken your photos and allow you to capture mind-blowing photos. You can also switch the aperture mode to the "on" position, which will control the shutter speed for you. Manually you'll be looking for a 1-3 second shutter speed, no more.

Thirdly, it's recommended that you get a camera that has a remote control, or start using it if you're the same as me when I just started out, thinking that it's a useless gadget, which is not the case at all. Pressing the "shoot" button manually will add a slight blur to the image, so use your remote control at all times for best results. Next, you want to go into your camera's "white balance" setting. Most digital cameras have this set to auto detect, which will actually reduce the brightness of your picture.

Set your white balance to daylight settings to maintain the vivid colors instead of blocking it out with auto or night settings. These are very basic night photography tips, but they can make a world of difference to your images. The last of the night photography tips I'd like to share with you here today is what time is best for taking these photos. Choosing the perfect time for your shoot is also vital to the outcome.

Try and avoid shooting in total darkness, the best time is just after dusk and before dawn when there's a hint of light visible in the sky above. This will brighten colors even more, creating amazing images with ease. This will give you a 20-30 minute time frame to capture the perfect image, so make sure everything's set up and ready to go. Play around with these night photography tips and be amazed at the difference they make.

If you want to learn more about trick photography visit the authors Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PhotographyTricks

Article Source: Matthew_E_Hall

Top Rated Digital Cameras Aren't All About Megapixels

2011-12-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

Finding a top rated digital camera is not merely about picking one with the most megapixels. Because of the way digital cameras are advertised, consumers often believe that only a camera with the highest MP will take crisp photos. Don't be fooled by the hype because this is just not the case. The megapixel count is not the only basis for understanding picture quality, in fact it is only a minor one. All around performance and image quality under various lighting conditions is key.

Digital cameras having the highest megapixels may not provide the highest quality shots. Naturally, if you have perfect circumstances the higher megapixel camera will probably produce a better shot, but how often are you in that situation? Most likely you won't require an extra-large megapixel camera except if you regularly do lots of cropping or print big enlargements.

A top quality lens is key to producing a high quality photo. Among the top rated digital cameras with a built-in lens, models usually have a lens with an aperture setting of f/2 or f/1.8. Actually, one may find several 10MP cameras ranking just as highly as 14/16MP cameras because those 10MP cameras have quality lenses and deliver sharp, well-exposed photos in various light situations.

Don't forget that the images taken at higher megapixels will require additional storage space on your memory stick and the difference in quality for all that bloat is very little.

In general the top rated digital cameras will typically offer a minimum of 3-inch LCD with top notch display quality. Nowadays, apart from a few exclusions, the majority of compact and point-and-shoot cameras no longer sport viewfinders, thus you must depend on the display.

In more and more instances the best rated digital cameras have a bigger optical zoom lens while keeping the camera's size compact. Some larger models have superzooms that will give you up to 35x, which is, in terms of 35mm, 24-849mm. Historically, the image quality from super zoom cameras was somewhat mediocre because of the sacrifice made between higher zoom versus sharp images, however technology advancements have pretty much fixed this issue. These days one may see a good selection of super zoom cameras ranked as top rated digital cameras and they produce very good images. To get the very best image quality and the most features you will need to advance to a D-SLR an appreciably higher price.

When ranking top rated digital cameras, some of the considerations reviewers look at are weight, size and feel of the camera in the hand, battery life, ease of use -- are the buttons convenient, is the menu easy to figure out, optical zoom, display and image quality, the quality of flash photos and images taken in low light, wide-angle capability, does it have an optical or electronic viewfinder, response time, the camera's versatility, does it have HD video, video quality, among other criteria.

So, the bottom line is when you look at a list of top rated digital cameras, don't be surprised to see that some of the best ranked cameras may be mid-level megapixel models.

Valerie Goettsch is webmaster of http://www.digitalphotos101.com, a website dedicated to reviews of digital photo companies, photo editing software and digital cameras. Click here to see her list of top rated digital cameras from point-and-shoot to SLR.

Article Source: Valerie_Goettsch

Fun Picture Ideas Such As Nude Photography

2011-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a photo of your great-great grandparents? Great portrait photography is everlasting and becomes a family heirloom. When should you hire a professional and when should you do it yourself? It depends on the subject or if there is an occasion.

Wedding Pictures

You definitely hire professionals for a big event such as a wedding. Your photographer can take pre-wedding pictures, too! Negotiate a package that includes this service. Excellent venues are parks andthe beach. National parks are fantastic especially if they have ponds with boats and, if possible, a waterfall! Look out for man-made structures such as a gazebo. If you get lucky there may be great specialty items such as bed boats with a canopy.

Pre-wedding photos are great because you can include these in a wedding book. The wedding book will have these pictures and of the wedding itself. Make sure there are pictures with parents, bridesmaids, the entourage and friends. On the day of the wedding be sure to plan for a picture-taking time before, during and after the wedding.

An example of taking pictures before the wedding is if the venue is by a beach. The bridesmaids and entourage and the couple can wear their formal attires and head to the beach. Wedding venues such as hotels and resorts usually have areas that make great backgrounds. Try to take a picture of the couple and print it wallet sized. Then include this as part of the wedding favors, which can be a picture holder.

Family Picture

Portrait photography is usually done by an expert. You can do this more than once. The first, when the kids are still small and then when they are all grown up. It's up to you to decide on the attire but formal is a safe route. Decide on the venue - outdoors or indoors, but keep it simple. Remember that this may be passed down through generations so get it both in color and black and white.

Nude photography is becoming popular but have a professional handle this. It looks great colored and neutral. Do it with your partner and in singles. Bring a transparent shawl that reflects your favorite color. Red is popular. Make sure that when you hire a photographer that you also have your hair styled at the salon. Avoid too much makeup. Try to hit the gym and go on a diet a week before taking the shots.

Pregnancy shots are special so hire an expert. Take the picture when you are 6 months pregnant or when the stomach is obviously large enough to indicate pregnancy. Pictures can be done nude or semi-nude. Take pictures with and without your partner, and have black and white and colored versions.

DIY

Invest in a good camera such as a Nikon, Canon or other well-known brands. Choose an SLR but also have a small point-and-shoot. The small digital camera should be in your bag at all times for those unexpected occasions. They are especially useful when hiking in national parks. Make sure you have good lighting in your house and 1 or 2 reflectors. Also buy a camera stand.

The SLR is great for taking pictures of your baby each month. Make sure you have a baby toy that is in each month's picture. It's great watching how babies and children develop. Plus the pictures are cute! There will be days when the baby will cooperate and days when he/she won't. You can use themes such as costumes or even pots in the picture.

Agata Bennett is an experienced photographer knowledgeable on the principles of nude photography and portrait photography.

Article Source: Agata_S_Bennett

Know Your Digital Camera's Enemies

2011-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

Your digital camera is a precious device that allows you to capture great memories as they happen. And since you spent your hard earned money to buy it, you need to protect it at all cost.

Having a camera bag or casing is a basic thing to remember. But what many camera owners forget are the other enemies of their photographic gadget. These can be found just about anywhere the reason why you need to be aware of them. It's your responsibility as well to know how to avoid these elements to save the life of your digital camera.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS
12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

Did you know that your sunscreen and insect repellent can actually harm your camera? It's true because these products are oily and can affect the delicate parts of your unit. If possible, never let the parts of your body that have these lotions on touch your camera. What you should do then is to wash your hands first before holding the gadget so in that way, you can freely enjoy shooting. If in case you forgot and you touched the camera, make sure to wipe the grease right away.

Be careful as well not to put any of those items inside your camera bag. Some of you who don't want to bring another bag when going to the beach, the pool or the campsite may think that it's okay to do that because they're covered anyway. In fact, it's not okay because you're just risking the life of your camera.

Keep your cam away from the sand, too. The sand has very tiny particles that could damage the mechanical part of your gadget when they're able to get inside. So if you need to bring your gadget to the beach or the park, for instance, be sure to put your camera inside a sealable bag if not in use. You can also bring along a toothbrush or extra cloth that you can use to wipe away sand that comes close to your cam.

Another danger of being at the beach is the risk of exposing your camera to salt. Salt can cause corrosion which you need to avoid. To protect your camera then, do wipe it clean after using. If you're using a DSLR, a better protection to use is the UV filter. Remember as well to avoid opening your camera to change batteries and memory cards when in salty places.

While you're at the beach or pool, be mindful about water that could get into your gadget. You could be enjoying splashing around with your friends and then taking photos or worse, you could drop the cam in water but please be more careful as you could get water in your camera. Do keep in mind that moisture can damage your unit so after you arrive home, do wipe your gadget clean and make sure that it's dry.

Using silica gel packs will also help keep your camera dry while inside its bag. These will be helpful particularly during times when your area experiences sudden changes in temperature.

Other elements harmful to your camera that you need to avoid are dust, bumps, drops and of course, the thieves.

For information about camera batteries, visit 42photo.com, New York's legendary camera store in business for over 40 years.

Article Source: Kalyan_Kumar

Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)

Why Choose the Nikon D90?

2011-12-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format
CMOS Digital SLR

Whether you are a long time photography-lover who wants to try your luck on taking photos or an already amateur photographer looking towards advancing, the Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera could be what you are looking for. This D90 upgrade combines the best of both worlds with its similar elements as well as the addition of newer, cooler features. Find out why.

Nikon D80 was released mid 2006 and was instantly a big success. Two years later in 2008, a reinvention of it in the form of Nikon D90 has been creating headlines in the world of photography. Even up until now that there are more newer versions, a lot of people still choose it. At a first glance, one would think that this camera is a complete rip off of its predecessor, but closer inspection and further scrutiny will tell you that they, in fact, are quite different. Nikon D90 has a 12.3 megapixel Nikon DX format CMOS sensor compared to D80s 10.2 Megapixel CCD Sensor. This means that it can produce D300 photo quality of up to ISO 6400. It also has an improved Scene Recognition System, enhancing autofocus, auto white balance performance, and auto exposure. Lastly, it is the worlds first DSLR with a movie mode. Take that for an awesome camera.

Nikon Corporation has indeed gone a long way from its humble beginnings as a Japanese optical company in 1917 selling cameras, microscopes, and binoculars to a world-renowned brand, with a reputation of producing the best cameras and accessories. It has pioneered so many innovations in photography from lenses to its revolutionary F-series, which were used even by the US space program. In fact, the company has actually created the first DSLRs in 1991 as a research project for NASA. They have as well popularized many features in modern photography such as electronic strobe flashguns, electronic shutter controls, and of course, interchangeable lenses. These and so many more are the contributions behind this globally recognized name.

Today, photography has gone beyond the context of a profession to mean a broader, more complex concept. Gone are the days when you needed to hire professional help in order to take your pictures or spend a lot of money on a single photo. Today, anyone can be a photographer in his or her own right. Advancements in technology have made this possible especially with the wide availability of cameras and recording devices. Together with the invention of the internet; taking of pictures, customizing and editing them, and eventually sharing them to people from varying time zones can be done easier, faster, and absolutely free. No wonder just about anyone can do it. Just about anyone can take an ordinary picture and transform it into a masterpiece. A simple memory can forever be remembered while any artistic idea can be transformed into a more tangible form for everyone to appreciate. All you need is that killer attitude in place and a great camera in your hands. Now click away!

Although the Nikon D90 has been on the market for a couple of years now, it is still one of the most advanced cameras available. It's dynamic range of features and affordable price tag make it a serious contender for anyone looking to enter the realm of digital photography.

Article Source: Jamie_Rogerson

Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-105 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Photography Cliches

2011-12-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Photography has fashion trends, just like any other creative industry. Some enterprising soul will be playing around and come up with a new look that catches on and, before long, the world is awash in copycat photos. Some of these techniques will continue on long after the novelty has worn off and become almost a visual cliche.

Sometimes that's okay. It's good to be aware of the over-done photography trends, even try a couple shots of your own just to see how it works for you. Do be cautious not to let them turn into a staple of your portfolio. If you want to stand out as a photographer, you have to develop your own unique style.

Here are some techniques to try but be careful including in your portfolio.

Color Isolation

Selecting one element in a photograph to leave colored and gray scale the rest of the picture.

This is a post-processing technique that works sometimes but tops the list of overdone visual tricks.

Instead try a variation of this technique that's a little less cliche which is to isolate one color instead of one colored object. A picture where the greens stay vibrant and everything else is gray scaled. It's a lot harder to do but can yield some very interesting results.

The Dutch Angle

Also called the Batman Angle or Dutch Tilt is when you hold your camera at angles between portrait and landscape in order to get more a subject in the frame. Sometimes it works if you're trying to challenge visual perceptions of your viewers, more often it creates a general sense of unease that's overall unflattering.

Change lenses, shift your perspective, try a lot of things before employing this technique which was used extensively in the old Batman TV show (hence the name). It's old, it's over-used and there are frequently better options.

Garish Watermarks

The height of vanity combined with a healthy dose of paranoia. In these days of metadata, digital watermarks and search engines like TinyEye, keeping track of image use on the internet, it's not all that difficult.

You don't need to plaster your images with obscene watermarks in an attempt to get your name out. It detracts from the picture and makes you look insecure and loutish.

Over-Saturated HDR

High Dynamic Range photography is an interesting technique but sometimes the pictures come out looking over-saturated. It's also one of those techniques that's been done to death lately. Yes, absolutely learn how it's done. It's a good study in controlling contrast and color depth, but don't rely on it as a staple.

If you want to be a freak about anything color related, be freak about flesh tones. For natural looking portraits nothing beats quality skin tones.

Heavy Vignetting

Nothing screams "amateur hour" quite like heavy vignetting, whether it's a genuine artifact or done in post processing, an even greater sin.

Crop tighter or buy a frame. Good photography doesn't need this type of trick to get people to focus on the subject.

Writing On Pictures

Another distracting amateur move that not only adds little to a photograph, it robs the viewer of their ability to interpret the meaning for themselves. Instead of encouraging people to think, you're telling them what to think.

This is right up there with bikini clad women holding assault rifles for making your photography scream "trailer trash".

Quality photography stands on its own and doesn't need any help eliciting emotion from the viewer. Avoid the temptation to grab them by the nose and drag them where you want them to go.

You'll learn even more with Proud Photography - one of the best online photography schools available today at http://www.ProudPhotography.com

Article Source: Peter_Timko

Use a Tripod, Take Perfect Photographs

2011-12-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Keeping the camera steady can be difficult, and a shaky hand can ruin some great photos. Although in good lighting conditions the shutter speed is high which counters the effect of an unstable hand but in low light conditions that unstable hand will be registered in the photographs and they will come out having double shadows and be all shaky as if the camera was all drunk. To avoid this a tripod is used, and this will enable you to take clear and crisp photos in any lighting conditions without having to increase the ISO which can cause the photos to come out with a lot of noise (grainy).

SLIK PRO 700DX Professional
Tripod with Panhead

Not only are tripods used in low light conditions but even when the light is plenty they can come in handy. They are a must if you are using a telephoto lens or a lens with high zoom levels. When zoomed in you will notice that there will be a lot of movement and this can cause a disturbance in composition as well as making the pictures come out blurry. A tripod will also give your arms and hands a break from having to hold on to the camera for prolonged periods of time. In addition they are a lot of uses for a tripod specially when it comes to creative photography, panning is one of those examples when having a tripod makes the job a lot easier, and then when we come over to long exposures you cannot imagine doing them without a tripod. Long exposures can range from 1 second to 30 seconds and even longer than that, in fact the longest exposure was made by an artist named Michael Wesely, which was for 34 months.

Tripods come in a lot of sizes and shapes; some are for table top use while others are full-sized and can be quit bulky to carry. The least expensive ones, generally made out of aluminium, are used for consumer still and video cameras. The head is basic and the feet, rubber. Some allow a 90 degree flip of the head enabling users to take photographs in portrait instead of landscape. Tripods that are quite sturdy and strong are quite costly and usually not fitted with integrated heads so that it can be customized according to one's needs. Made up of many materials, the carbon fibre has a more popular demand due to its light weight. Additional features like the camera being mounted between the legs with a reversible center post, levelling indicators on head and feet and the legs of the tripod opening up to different angles are also found in many pricey tripods. Small table tripods, commonly known as table-pods, are used in situations where a full-sized tripod is too heavy to carry.

The official website of Best Tripod Reviews can help you find out all about the latest tripods in the market. Manfrotto Tripod is an excellent choice and it is made for professionals and enthusiasts.

Article Source: Jamie_P._Johnson

SLIK PRO 700DX Professional Tripod with Panhead

Newborn Photography - Get The Best Out Of Your Session

2011-11-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

Congratulations on your newborn baby. It's an exciting time and one that most people now days like to share by hiring a newborn photographer, a person that specializes in newborn photography.

Newborn Photography - How to select the newborn photographer

What are some of the things should be looking out for? Check out the photographers portfolio. Your newborn doesn't stay small forever, in fact they grow up so quickly it's not funny. So you want someone who obviously knows what they are doing, by looking at their portfolio you'll get an understanding pretty quickly as to how good they are. It's also important to check out the photographers portfolio (most have online portfolios these days) to make sure you like the style of newborn photography they produce. There is no point in hiring someone only to find out that you don't like their style at all.

Always ensure you know exactly how many prints you are getting at what price. Never gloss over the details.

Newborn Photography - How can you help the newborn photographer

The very best time to photography your beautiful newborn is when they are less than ten days old. They still have that really cute and wrinkly look to them. So to get the best photos you can possibly get make sure you try to pick a photographer well in advance of your birth.

Try and make sure the session is held when your baby is normally either asleep or about to fall asleep. Again its much easier to photograph your newborn when they are sleepy. It also helps to have the room a little warmer than usual, not too hot obviously. This helps though keep your baby asleep whilst they are being photographed.

Newborn Photography - What to do after your session?

First and foremost, pick your photos! The sooner you pick them the sooner you can have them in your hands. Make sure you get them printed out. These day so many people take shots and never print them out. What happens if you lose your disk? You maybe left with no memories whatsoever.

I still think its fun as well to share photos via albums. It's still fun stilling around with all your friends showing them the albums and admiring just how stunning your newborn is. You went to all the effort of getting a newborn photographer in so you should take the extra step and get your photos printed. Your kids will certainly thank you for it as you get older.

Melissa Paterson is a newborn photographer who has her studio in Perth, Western Australia. There is nothing she likes more than taking photos of newborns and soon to be mums. Her newborn photography is stunning and resides on my peoples walls.

Article Source: Melissa_Naomi_Paterson

Your Baby in Pictures: The New Parents' Guide to Photographing Your Baby's First Year

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera Review

2011-11-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

18.0 mp ASP-C CMOS - Dual DIGIC 4 image processors/14-bit processing - ISO 100-6400 and expandable to 12,800

The Canon EOS 7D is a great camera for the serious advanced beginner or even experienced professional photographers. Now, you can capture your kids running, playing sports, swinging, and those nature shots that have in the past, eluded your capture. This camera is definitely high-end. It is the only single digit model with the APS-C size sensor; and whether you're a beginner or a serious photographer, the price of this camera will make it easy to upgrade your photography arsenal.

The EOS 7D is built with an 18mp sensor and a new Autofocus System, and it is the most advanced AF system ever included in an EOS Digital SLR camera. It has numerous selection modes, including Spot AF, Point Expansion AF, and Zone AF.

Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single focus point so you can focus on small subjects.
Point Expansion AF mode uses the cluster of focus points around the selected focus point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, like a child swinging.
Zone AF divides the 19 auto focus points into five focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus on subjects that are difficult to follow, like a bumble bee.

Another great feature of the auto focus system is the Auto focus Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one focus point for horizontal compositions and a second focus point for vertical shooting. This is excellent for portrait photographers and or studio photographers.

The shutter is rated to 150,000 shots and is capable of speeds up to 1/8000 of a second, with flash speed of 1/250 of a second. Canon's new Intelligent Viewfinder uses liquid crystal overlay to provide clear displays. This overlay can be illuminated in low light.

The dual Digic IV processors allow the Canon 7D SLR camera perform at 8 frames per second continuous shooting. The buffer allows up to 94 frames in large JPEG mode, and up to 15 frames in RAW mode. If you use a UDMA CF card, you can increase this slightly.

Canon EOS 7D Features:

0 mp ASP-C CMOS Sensor
Dual DIGIC 4 image processors/14-bit processing
720p HD video recording at 50p (50 Hz) and 60p (59.94 Hz)
8 frames per second continuous shooting
ISO 100-6400 and expandable to 12,800
Popup flash
100% viewfinder frame coverage/1.0x magnification
1080p HD video recording at 24p, 25p ad 30p
3" Clear View II LCD screen with 640 x 480 resolutions
19 point auto focus system (cross type)
63 zone color sensitive metering system
Built-in Speedlite transmitter
Liveview mode
Body is strong Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing

Whether you're an experienced beginner or a professional photographer, this camera allows you to create images that are professional quality. Many professional photographers will find this camera gives the same quality images as the much more expensive cameras.

I am a mature woman with a BS degree in Technology. I love photography! The advances in technology in the past few years are amazing. These new cameras make wonderful clear images, even in low light. If you haven't had a new camera lately, you don't know what you're missing! Some detailed camera reviews are available on my site at: http://bestdslrcamerasforbeginners.net

Article Source: Lilly_D._Coppinger

Get it Now Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD

Learn the Features and Benefits of the Sony NP-BG1 Camera Battery

2011-11-28T20:18:00.000-08:00

The new rechargeable battery by Sony is a type G info Lithium Ion model NP-BG1 is compatible with Sony W series, T100, N2, N1, H9, and H7 digital cameras. It utilizes the BC-C53 charger and can be used to recharge the NP-BG1 or the Cyber Shot Station Cradle. The dimension of the battery is eight point six by three-point nine inches and weighs only one pound. The battery in considered a quick charger as it is able to put out a voltage of DC4.2V with a capacity of three-point four WH and the rating power of three-point six volts with no effects on the memory. It is able to capture at most two hundred and seventy images with a life time of two hundred minutes. Also it is equipped with Accu-power, which means that it is able display the amount of time that is left on the battery.

Click For Details

Sony has a worldwide reputation for being innovative and developing unique, attractive and high quality products has been furthered with its newest addition to the family, the Sony NP-BG1 which is another technological advancement that is taking the market by storm. This battery was created with longevity in mind, and is capable of lasting for years. The lithium technology which is used in Sony's NP-BG1 battery will give you longer playing time and minimizes the time that will be spent waiting for the battery to be recharged. This battery will give the suitable digital cameras the necessary power, needed to ensure that the pictures are crisp and clear.

The Storage of the battery - if you do not intend to use this battery for a long period of time it should be stored in a clean, cool and dry place from metal and heated objects. During the storage process the battery will automatically self-discharge. Point to note, it is always a good idea to store the battery at a forty percentage state of charge.

Try as much possible to use your NP-BG1 battery - it is not a good idea to leave your battery out of use for long periods of time. It is recommended that your battery be utilized at least one time every 2 or 3 weeks. This is because if you have not utilized your NP-BG1 battery for periods over one month, the battery might not function as it should.

Moreover you should always keep your battery clean. You should clean your battery with a soft, dry and clean cloth. This will help to uphold a high quality connection between you and your battery.

Stan Roderbel loves to write about the latest electronic gadgets, gismos and anything related to cutting edge technology. Stan ventures into the fields of cameras, video and cell phones to find out the newest product and bring that product to his readers. You will enjoy this article about the Sony NP-BG1 Battery even more if you go to the Sony NP-BG1 website. While there read the article about the Sony BCG-34HRMF4Battery Charger and it's many fine features.

Article Source: Stan_Roderbel

Lithium Ion Camera Battery for Sony G Type NPBG1 NP-BG1

All About The Right Zoom Lens

2011-11-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

If you've been taking pictures for any amount of time you're more than likely familiar with zoom lenses. To be more specific if you use a DSLR as your camera you're most certainly aware of zooms.

Canon EF 75-300mm

A zoom lens helps you to focus on the subject. They are somewhat similar to filters. They are add-ons that can help enhance the look and feel of the image that you're looking to capture. Years ago photographers would tote around all of the equipment consisting of different lenses for different shots. They would have at least 6-10 lenses to carry around. These lenses had a fixed focal point and were very shot specific.

If you wanted a different angle you needed to change your lens. You're wasting valuable time and maybe even your good view. Toting around 6-10 lenses will ware you down fast and having to buy all of those lenses can add up fairly quick.

Thanks to advancements in technology, the introduction of the zoom lens was introduced. With the zoom lens comes multiple lenses in one. Now you can have all of your 6 lenses combined into one or two lenses. This makes for a cheaper, better and efficient option. This gives you the ability to change your focus instantly without having to lose your view.

You have 3 types of lenses: Telephoto zoom, Mid-range zoom and Long zoom.

Telephotos are good for candid shots and travel. Mid-ranges are great for normal and wide angle shots and Long zooms are good for wildlife and sports.

One thing about lenses is, the bigger and heavier the lens is the faster it is. A lens with a wide zoom range can be larger. Be sure to take the lens speed into consideration, especially if you're intending to use the lens indoors. A lens that is fast allows you more light.

If you decide to use a variety of filters, please consider the zoom size that way you can support as much filter as possible.

The more and better the features available on a zoom lens, the more it's going to cost. If you want to make photography a career, buying a zoom lens is a wise purchase. You'll find yourself only needing to carry 1 or 2 lenses as opposed to years ago when you need a half a dozen to get your perfect shot.

If you're looking for places to buy a reasonably priced zoom lens, I would suggest you searching online at one of the discount camera shops or my favorite places like eBay or Amazon.com. They usually have the lowest and best prices be it online or offline.

About The Author

Keith S. Black has many different photography methods. He is a successful photographer and makes a full time living as a photographer. To find out about one of the best cameras to use for your photography you can visit: http://reviewdslrcameras.com/nikon-reviews/ to read one of Keith's Nikon Reviews and get more information.

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Nikon D7000 Camera For Enthusiasts

2011-11-27T00:42:00.000-08:00

Nikon recently released the D7000 and the camera was praised by pros, semi-pros and amateurs alike. Of course it isn't perfect, just like any other camera, but when you consider the price range it sells at this camera is unbeatable. This article will discuss the Nikon D7000 camera from the perspective of an enthusiast, rather than a professional. Most articles on the D7000 spit out the specs at you, so I won't do that, but I will discuss more of the intangibles.

Nikon D7000 - Click for details

The feel of the Nikon D7000 camera is magnificent. It is lighter than most high-end cameras, and so easier to move around with. Its body is one solid serious piece of engineering, and would give any enthusiast that feel of handling a pro camera, which in itself makes using the D7000 more exciting. Simply holding the body and aiming the camera makes you feel like you're about to take a shot that's going to be blown up and sold for quite a bit. The camera is sturdy and aside from a few complaints from users with larger hands, it has been found to be ergonomically excellent.

Easy to use. While the Nikon D7000 camera has so many features, its menu and the buttons layout is very comprehensive and easy to use. The learning curve isn't rough at all, and most people get accustomed to the feel of it in just a few sessions shooting. This user-friendly interface is another great reason why it is a great camera for enthusiasts. Sure you might not use all the features that this camera has, but its great to know that you have access to such pro features if ever you need them.

Picture quality is number one for me when it comes to buying a camera. In fact, if everything else is beyond perfection and the picture quality isn't great, I wouldn't want it. That said the 16.2MP Nikon shoots amazing pictures. Get accustomed to the camera after a couple of trial shoots, smack on a good lens, take a couple of scenic shots, blow em up and your friends will tell you that you should go into professional photography. What better compliment for an enthusiast.

Sure the Nikon D7000 camera isn't the best out there. There are pro cameras that shoot better, that focus better, that do many things better, but each and every one of them will cost at least a thousand dollars more. At this price, the Nikon D7000 is unbeatable. You get pro camera quality for enthusiast pricing. If you're an enthusiast and you want to take your shooting to the next level, or are just looking for a great camera that isn't super expensive, the Nikon D7000 camera is the one for you.

Learn more about the Nikon D7000 camera by clicking here

Also check out more Nikon D7000 specifications here.

Hope you find out all you want to know about the Nikon D7000. Lorenzo.

Article Source: Lorenzo_Ferdinands

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera - A Beginner's Delight!

2011-11-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Review

Nikon

- Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
- 14.2 megapixel
- Optical Viewfinder
- Crop Sensor
- 3 x optical zoom
- CMOS
- Standard SD
- SDHC
- SDXC
- Pop-up Flash
- 16 oz.
- ISO 12800

Have you ever tried to take a picture of your dog running, or your baby swinging? The shutter speed on the Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera allows you to capture this image like they're sitting still. You don't have to make everyone stop what they're doing and pose for pictures anymore. Catch people in their natural state.
Natural state pictures make the best pictures.

Click For More Info

Have you ever been in the backyard with your kids and one of them suddenly does the cutest thing you've ever seen and then you're thinking "Oh, I wish I could have got that on camera!" This camera is perfect for that kind of situation! It has super fast shutter speed and auto focus for those moments you need to be quick.

This camera easily captures the images that other cameras miss.

The Nikon Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera is also used professionally. The images are high quality and acceptable in most professions. This camera has been used to take pictures at weddings! The images come out so crisp and sharp that every bride would be thrilled with the collection. Her happiest day can be captured in images that will bring her joy when years from now, she's reminiscing with her wedding photo album.

If you're really into taking pictures, this camera will be perfect for you. It has so many powerful features, that as your skill as a photographer increases, you can create even more special pictures and HD Movies!

The Nikon D3100 Digital Camera is has so many features to help you take perfect pictures. It has a graphical user interface to help you with the adjustments and settings needed to make that picture special!

The D3100 has full-time auto focus. This makes it incredibly easy to obtain the extra crisp and sharp images, especially when making full HD 1080p videos.

KEY POINTS

Easy to use, perfect for beginners.
Graphical User Interface to guide you.
Many features available to grow with as you get better as your craft.
Very affordable.
Enhanced Guide Mode to get creative with your picture taking.
Full HD Video.
The first Digital SLR camera to include full time auto focus.
Amazingly fast shutter snap.
ISO 3200 allows you to take perfect pictures in less than perfect lighting.
ISO 3200 is expandable to 12,800-Hi2.

The Nikon D3100 is a great camera for beginners. It has a lot of features that won't overwhelm a beginner who is just starting his craft, however, it has enough features to grow with you as your experience and enthusiasm increase.

Basic Terminology

SLR - (Single Lens Reflex) - A camera in which you view the scene through the same lens that takes the picture.

Optical Viewfinder - A viewing device on a camera to show the subject area that will be recorded on the film. Also known as finder and projected frame.

Crop Sensor - refers to printing only part of the image that is in the negative or slide. It may also refer to the framing of the scene in the viewfinder.

ISO - The emulsion speed (sensitivity) of the film as determined by the standards of the International Standards Organization. In these standards, both arithmetic (ASA) and logarithmic (DIN) speed values are expressed in a single ISO term. For example, a film with a speed of ISO 100/21° would have a speed of ASA 100 or 21 DIN.

CMOS - is a technology for constructing integrated circuits.

SDHC -a type of memory card.

SDXC - A larger memory card.

I am a mature woman with a BS degree in Technology. I love photography! The advances in technology in the past few years are amazing. These new cameras make wonderful clear images, even in low light. If you haven't had a new camera lately, you don't know what you're missing! Some detailed camera reviews are available on my site at: http://bestdslrcamerasforbeginners.net

Article Source: Lilly_D._Coppinger

Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Stop Taking Blurry Photos And Learn How To Shoot Like A Pro

2011-11-26T23:16:00.000-08:00

Photography is an artistic and expressive hobby that has grown in popularity in recent time. Although many people are interested in photography, many people never fully explore it because they are intimidated by the amount of knowledge you need to begin photographing well. This article contains advice to help you get started in photography.

Experiment with different types of cameras and read online reviews before making a purchase. Photographs come out differently depending on which type of camera you use to shoot the image, so if you are looking for better quality pictures, consider upgrading your camera. Reading online reviews first can also help you to purchase a good camera.

Use a plain background so that it won't take attention away from your subject. A cluttered background will distract attention away from what you are really trying to take a picture of. If you are taking pictures outdoors, make sure there are no trees in the background that will look like they are coming out of the subject's head.

You can lock the focus on your camera to zoom in on something that may not be front and center. This will let you create a nice sharp picture of the subject (or person) close to the camera but to one side.

Make sure that the lighting is right to capture your photo. If you have not enough light, you will not be able to see the images clearly, and if you have too much light, you will run into the problem of your pictures being to bright. Always double check that your flash is on if you think you might need it.

Instead of being just a passive picture taker, you need to direct the objects in your photos. Have the courage to take charge and tell your subjects what to do. When you do this, you will find that your pictures will come out much better than if you are just taking a picture of whatever is going on.

When shooting at night, it's best to steady your camera on a tripod. Whether shooting film or digital, when you're working at night the chances are you're going to be using long shutter speeds. Any speeds slower than 1/30th of a second will show blurring and vibrations from the camera shaking. Mount your camera on a tripod to avoid these detrimental affects of camera shake.

If you are taking a picture of something that is smaller than you, like a pet or a child, get down on their level. This way the angle won't affect the look of the picture. This will create a more personal and inviting picture that people will enjoy.

As was mentioned at the beginning of this article, photography is a pastime that appeals to many people.

However, some people never bother to pursue photography because they are intimated by the complexity of photography and the amount of information available. Apply this article's advice and you'll be on your way to photographing with ease.

David has been shooting photographs - both professionally and for fun - since he was a boy. He writes for several web sites, including this one on choosing a digital camera.

Article Source: David_Harvey

Learn the Benefits and Features of the Sony DSC-W120 Digital Camera

2011-11-26T00:37:00.000-08:00

Click for Details

Sony's DSC-W120 Cyber-shot comes with both a 7 megapixel sensor and a Zeiss brand 4x optical zoom as well as a 2.5 inch one hundred and fifteen thousand pixel LCD display. Additionally, it comprises of an optical viewfinder that helps with the conservation of power as well as with low lighting situations. The LCD display is quite a large one which makes it quite easy to compose your shots, check your results, as well as to read its menu items in color that is both sharp and natural and this you can do even if the sun is bright.

Sony DSC-W120 also comes with the double anti-blur solution, which is a blend of the Super SteadyShot optical stabilization and a high ISO sensitivity. This goes a far way in creating the balance for hands that are not too steady, blurriness is minimized, and you are also able to take very good pictures even without using the flash.

It also comes with dynamic range optimization that is powered by Sony Bionz. This Dynamic Range Optimization serves for the preservation of image data in highlights that are bright. Additionally, you get more details from it in images that have been taken in backlit areas and in shadows. In short, it performs really well in lighting conditions that would be difficult or even impossible for some other cameras.

Another great feature of the Sony DSC-W120 is it automatic Macro Shooting. There is no longer any need to change focus modes manually when you are taking shots close-up. Then there is the Burst Mode. With this mode, you can make about one hundred shots at around 0.66 seconds at whatever resolution you are using; from VGA up to the full resolution mode.

There is also the function guide which is a beginner's dream as it helps with the managing of a number of different functions and settings. The descriptions of particular setting and functions are displayed on the LCD screen. You however can opt to switch it off if you do not think you have a need for it. The Memory Stick Duo Media Convenience has a high ability for storage. This makes it easy to upload pictures to your computer. It is also compatible with many devices that you can find all over the world.

The final feature of the Sony DSC-W120 that we will look at is the Photo Music 4. This feature blends music and images and the results in very enjoyable slide shows. These slide shows comprise of visual effects such as the nostalgic, the stylish, the simple, the active and the basic. With this digital camera, you can store doubly the amount than you used to be able to on other comparable cameras; moving from 4 to 8. The music playback time has also been lengthened; being moved from 3 to 5 minutes for each track. You are also able to transfer music from your computer to your camera; which is great for personalizing your slide shows.

Stan Roderbel loves to write about the latest electronic gadgets, gismos and anything related to cutting edge technology. Stan ventures into the fields of cameras, video and cell phones to find out the newest product and bring that product to his readers. You will enjoy this article about the Sony DSC-W120 Digital Camera even more if you go to the Sony DSC-W120 website. While there read the article about the Sony DSCWX9 Digital Camera and it's many fine features.

Article Source: Stan_Roderbel

Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder Review

2011-11-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a camcorder that's compact and easily portable, but loaded for bear with memory capacity, HS video quality up to spec for the high-end studios, a ton of features only found in professional models, and priced at a consumer camcorder value, you cannot do better than the Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder.

With a 6-blade shutter, expandable memory slots, options for infrared shooting and subject tracking, as well as technology developed by Canon Labs specifically for the film industry, the XA10 Professional Camcorder is perfect for professional videographers and home users alike. The ease of use and high-compatability means you can use your camera in controlled environments and out in the wild, and then playback or edit your captured video on practically any device - from your home theater system to your computer (regardless of operating system).

Let's take a look at a few (out of nearly countless) of the features:

The AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) codec has become the industry standard for digital recording since it was first announced in 2006. As such, the Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder uses the AVCHD Codec to provide the highest quality video without using much memory. This translates to longer recording capabilities with lossless playback.

The Canon XA10 Camcorder has a built-in 64GB Flash Memory, enabling users to record up to 24 hours of video. The two expansion slots for additional Flash Memory cards gives you the ability to increase the amount you can record by 3 times that!

The built-in Canon 1920 x 1080 CMOS Image Sensor is another thing that sets the XA10 HD Professional Camcorder above all the rest. Using the LED touch screen, you can point to your subject matter and the XA10 will keep your target in focus - even if you are trying to follow your subject in a crowded area. The Canon Image Sensor also allows for enhanced lighting options, making sure that colors remain vivid and the clarity of your video is crystal clear. The lossless playback ensures that what you capture on video with the XA10 is exactly how your eyes saw it the first time, in all its brilliance.

The Canon XA10 also features Canon SmartAuto. This is usually found in high-end professional cameras because once you use it to stay focused on a shot, so long as your subject matter stays in frame, the SmartAuto feature will keep your subject in view with the clearest video capture you've ever experienced, without any noise in the video as the lens transitions to dial-in at various distances and angles.

Infrared Recording has become an invaluable device for security agencies, law enforcement, nature documentarians, and those whose video project require dark or night time environments. With the Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder, you can get those "shots in the dark" without disturbing your subject matter. The infrared sensor and emitter allow you to capture your video undetected with high definition and clarity.

The XA10 sports a 3.5-inch LED touch screen. This shows you 100% of what you are recording with the XA10 HD Professional Camcorder itself. If that weren't enough to set it apart from other camcorders in the same price range, the touch screen allows you to navigate the option menus, as well as taking advantage of the Canon "Touch and Record" technology. Simply touch the display screen and the Canon XA10 will focus on that particular point in the viewing field. If you want to take it one step beyond, touch your subject matter on the screen and the XA10 HD Professional will track your subject as it moves within the frame.

The Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder functions like a big studio camcorder, but is also compact for ease of use and storage. The removable handle not only makes storing and transporting the XA10 much easier, but it also allows for expansions such as external microphones, remote controls, and tripod mounting. The Canon XA10 can also make use to additional lenses for underwater recording, wide angle shots, and extra long distance and tight focusing.

When it comes time to transfer your video or to play it back, you will find that the Canon XA10 Professional Camcorder can be used with HDMI, component, and RCA equipment. The versatility of the AVCHD codec means that your captured video will play back on almost any device, as well as being compatible with practically any video editing software on the market today.

Whether you are making professional films, documentaries, shooting a formal event, capturing video of friends and loved ones during holiday gatherings, or posting a quick clip to your blog - the Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder is perfect for all of your needs and ideas.

For a quick breakdown of pros and cons from reviews taken from both professionals and personal users, just take a look at the following:

Pros:

1. Works like professional industry camcorders.

2. Subject tracking and green/red on-screen monitors ensure you get the highest quality video without noise.

3. Most features and highest quality for the price.

4. Amazing built-in features and expandability make the XA10 more diverse than any camera in its range.

Cons:

1. On-screen menus can sometimes seem too extensive.

2. Cinema mode may seem too amateurish compared to high-end production software.

3. Removable handle may cause rattling if not secured properly to the XA10 Professional Camcorder.

Armed with all of this information, you should take a look at the Canon XA10 HD Professional Camcorder for yourself. You can check out the specs and see what other have to say about using the XA10 by looking at the comprehensive Canon XA10 Review.

Article Source: Igor_Anatolyevich_Soyka

The Wonderful Adventures Of Underwater Photography - Learn About It Here

2011-11-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

The Beginner's Guide to Underwater Digital Photography

Each year underwater photography grows every year. People that like to dive also like to share the underwater environment with those that do not and cannot dive. For many of us, the ocean has always been seen as an unknown place.

When we are on vacation and we visit any of the several oceans, we always attempt to get as many shots as possible. We love to share our ocean photos with friends and family and professional photographers have been selling their ocean photography for as long as photographers have been diving.

For underwater diving, there are a multitude of cameras. You have the ultra expensive pro grade cameras and you have good entry level DSLR cameras that cost less than $600. Knowing which camera will work best for you will be determined by your skill level and how much you are willing to invest in your camera as well as housing for the camera.

Camera housing helps you protect your camera from the water. Purchasing housing will help prevent the water from harming your camera. You can find housing for your already purchased camera but you can also look for a package deal if you desire to buy a new camera just for diving.

If you have a traditional point and shoot 35mm camera it may have some sort of filter to make up for it's color deterioration while underwater. Point and shot cameras are not good for blocking out the particles that float underwater and that makes the visibility for these cameras poor.

If you have to take a shot with these kind of cameras, be sure to be no further than 100 feet below surface and I'd suggest nothing less than 80 feet below the surface. If you go further than 80-100 feet, the housing, as a result of the water pressure, will fail, causing you to lose pictures. This is not a common occurrence but it is something that photographers have concerns about.

The ultra high end cameras have the larger lens which in turn allow for more light when you're underwater. These cameras also have better filters and that helps with ensuring that your photos are clear. If you decide to purchase a camera such as this, I would advise that underwater photography be your medium of choice as it relates to your long term photography endeavors. I would also suggest you attempt to sell any of the images that you capture underwater. I am suggesting this because underwater photography has a very high expense.

Using a digital camera is the best camera to use for underwater shots because you can view the shot instantly and if it's a shot the that you like, you can take another shot if the underwater life has not left the scene.

Be sure to not store your batteries with your flash and camera because the batteries will die, assuming your camera uses Double A or Triple A batteries. Taking photographs underwater is a great way to take your vacation home with you and share it with everyone.

Due in part to the lighting conditions, you have to develop the skill of how to adapt to underwater photography but once you have learned about lighting, you'll be ready to take great photos underwater.

If you follow these tips you will be well on your way to becoming a great underwater photographer.

About The Author

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

Reviewing the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera

2011-11-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

Nikon D7000 - Get yours!

These days, anybody can be a photographer. But in a way, it still depends on whether or not these aspiring photographers have the right camera to use. Because in the end, no matter what kind of picture you take, the quality will still depend on how much your camera can cope with the imagery. No doubt, a digicam is a good find for any picture. But it is not what you want to have if you want to start capturing the best images possible. You need something bigger and a lot more advanced in a way. You need the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera.

How often have you heard of cameras providing the best kind of quality in the market? Have you ever seen a camera brand that fulfilled everything its meant to do and more? Of course, the answers to these questions would be a resounding no. But in this case, one cannot deny the fact that the Nikon D7000 is set to make every other digital SLRs out there feel ashamed. And of course, this is not that surprising anyway. Nikon is known to provide the best, top-notch quality cameras out there. The Nikon D7000 is built from that same consistent mold.

Start with the image quality. One thing that you have to be surprised about is the kind of imagery that this camera can produce. It boasts of a high resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor, a 2,016-pixel RGB sensor for 3D color sensors and the six frames per second continuous shooting makes each click of this camera worthwhile. And it is not just in the picture department that the Nikon D7000 excels. It also has the capabilities of capturing 1080p HD videos that can have Full Time Autofocus every time the camera films a movie. And with each picture that you take, the processing time is clearly something that you have to love. Because of the EXPEED 2 image processing and 14-bit A/D, you absolutely get the quality that is due for the photo in a matter of seconds. Another thing that you have to love about the Nikon D7000 is that it can capture photos with the slightest detail intact thanks to the Dynamic ISO range that ranges from 100 to 6400. Then there's the Active D-lighting that gives the proper amount of light and shadowing without you having to move it on your own.

Picture quality is only a part of the equation for the Nikon D7000. For this camera, its all about providing all the viewing and editing possibilities even before you start connecting it via an HDMI cable to the computer. The 3-inch 921,000-dot Super-Density LCD Monitors offers clear view of the pictures while the picture control applies the flexibility necessary for your photograph to be in its right place. The Nikon D7000 also has features that allow it to be quite strong and durable from all kinds of exterior shock. The Magnesium alloy ensures a strong yet flexible cover for the more sensitive areas of the camera.

I have had a keen interest in digital photography for the past few years. I recently replaced my old DSLR with a Nikon D7000 and have had great fun with it. It is a camera I can strongly recommend and I have written a few tutorials to help you get up to speed.

Article Source: Jamie_Rogerson

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens

4 Types Of Camera Filters Worth Considering

2011-11-23T00:18:00.000-08:00

Tiffen 58mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit

If you're into photography, more than likely you have a set of filters in your arsenal of camera equipment. Even if you're just a beginner, you probably have at least 2 filters. What are they and how do they work and why do you need them?

How does a filter function- a filter is a transparent optical element that changes the light properties that are entering the camera. The end result of this process is it improves the recorded image. Filters affect things such as the sharpness, contrast, flare and even the intensity.

The filter can change one or more of the properties as well as enhance the image by creating special effects. A filter is usually connected to the front of the lens. It doesn't matter if you use a digital camera or film, the filter works the same, although there may be slight differences. If you're using a digital camera, UV filters are not needed because digital is not sensitive to ultraviolet light. A film camera is very sensitive to UV light.

UV Filters and Infrared Filters- The absorption levels come in various levels that are measured by the percentage of transmission. If you're taking aerial shots, a filter that transmits 0% is ideal. If you're just doing normal photography, a UV filter that transmits 30% will work just fine for your purposes. UV and IR filters are used to reduce the visible light.

Natural Density Filters- use this filter when light intensity is high and you're attempting to get a sharp look when a lens opening is required. Polar filters- this filter is used to enhance reflection control, contrast, and color. When compared to other filters, this one has a different optical principle. Polar filters allow light to pass through in one direction.

If you're using a polar filter outside, you can darken a blue sky as long as the sky was in fact clear blue on that day. A polar filter also decreases any reflections if you're taking pictures and there is glass or water near by.

Optical filters- this is a great special effects filter. This would be a great investment if your plan is to earn a living from photography. This filter also brings life to an image as a result of the many features that this filter has.

Even if you only want to take pictures for fun, having a few filters would make for a great investment. This will help you get some of the most awesome pictures you could have ever imagined. I have only provided you with a short list of filters that are available to purchase. You can visit your local camera shop or Amazon.com and find a lot of filters to choose from.

About The Author

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

Tiffen 58mm Photo Essentials Filter Kit

3 Things You Need To Know About White Balance

2011-11-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

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White balance (WB) is really important for accurate re-production of colors in a photo. If WB settings are not properly tuned in your digital camera, you may find your final shot to be colored slightly in hues of blue, orange or yellow. Not a good thing.

In this article, we'll look at 3 important aspects of white balance you need to understand in order to make better use of it in your photography.

1. What is White Balance?

Let's start with the definition of white balance. If you've taken photos on your camera, you'll notice that sometimes the pictures come out with a hue of colors - usually blue, or yellow. This is particularly the case when photographing things indoors. For human beings, our eyes are able to adjust to this effect. However, cameras don't have that eye and can't recognize and adjust accordingly.

Hence, many digital cameras come with WB settings - tungsten, fluorescent and so forth - to offset the color hues and make the photo colors look correct. These usually come in preset modes. You can also manually adjust WB settings if you wish.

2. Preset WB Settings

Let's look at some of the standard WB settings used in digital cameras. The default WB setting used is the Auto mode. In this mode, the camera will auto adjust for any color hue that is introduced into the photo. It may not always work but it's a good "fire-and-forget" mode which does everything for you.

Another common setting is that of a "Sunset mode". If you're bathed in the light of dusk, when taking a photo, the colors may look too yellowish. The "Sunset mode" WB setting offsets this so that the color is re-produced accurately in the final shot.

The " Tungsten mode" is also used when you're under tungsten light bulbs. If your subject looks like he or she is too illuminated by light bulbs, switch on the "Tungsten mode" in your WB settings to calibrate the camera.

Other modes include the "Flash mode" which corrects for the harshness of flash indoors, as well as "Cloudy mode" - which compensate for dark, cloudy sky colors which are cast over your subject(s).

3. Manual WB Adjustment

If you're a more advanced user, you should consider doing the WB calibration manually. These kind of settings are usually available on higher end cameras like digital SLRs. Here's what I typically do. I hold up a piece of thick white paper and point the camera at it. This allows the camera to know what "white" really is, then I base the WB settings against that. Whenever I do this, I find I hardly run into any coloration issues in my final pictures. Try it and see how it works for you.

Conclusion

In summary, white balance is an important but often ignored aspect of photography. All photographers, novice or expert, should apply WB concepts in their photography so as to snap better photos. Now that you understand what WB is, make sure you adjust those settings before you run out and take photos. With practice, you'll be able to calibrate your camera to the right level and offset any coloration issues in your photos. Good luck!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on digital photography. Visit his website at Basic-Digital-Photography.com for tips and tricks on buying digital cameras, as well as shooting great photos.

Article Source: Gary_Hendricks

How To Use Photography To Trick The Naked Eye

2011-11-22T00:30:00.001-08:00

Look at any ad in any magazine and you'll see images that look so awesome that they almost look fake. Often times it's because they have been edited using photo editing software. That's not always the case as a lot of the images are taken by a camera that uses special filters to enhance the images.

There are as many varieties of filters as there are mediums of interests. You can get specialty filters depending on if you want to take color or black and white photos. Each filter comes with its own functionality for color contrast, for improving sharpness as well as many other features.

You can also buy special effect filters to give the look of the magazine and advertising quality images. Below are a few filters that are available for use.

Center spot filters- this filter consists of a clear spot in the center. This gives the image a clear and sharp look and enhances the background of the image and gives it a fog like appearance.

Star and cross effect filters- there are different star filters available such as the star 6 and star 8. The 6 has a six point flare and the 8 has an eight point flare. The purpose of these is to add more brightness to your images. This filter is perfect for those that want to take photos of Vegas or Times Square at night.

Cross Screen filter- this filter is similar to the star point with the exception being this has a flare that is 4 cross. It increases the bright points of the image dramatically. The perfect time to use this filter is if you wanted to take a photo of a lady wearing jewelry.

Spectral cross filter- this filter produces the look of softness. This is an ideal filter for portraits and some outdoor shots.

I can go on and on and list many more filters. These three are just a few and the variety that are available on the market. If you're interested in learning more about the many filters that are available, you can get a book from your local bookstore or Amazon.com and pick up a few books on the subject.

As stated earlier, these are only a few of the special filters that are available for use with your camera. I highly recommend that you buy 2 or 3 filters to add your arsenal of camera equipment. This will make for a well prepare photographer that has all the equipment needed for any occasion.

About The Author

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6706192

Sony A55 - A Perfect Option for Budding Photographers

2011-11-22T00:18:00.000-08:00

Sony A55VHZ 16.2 MP Digital SLR with Translucent Mirror Technology and SAL18-250 Lens Kit

Many of the budding photographers of today's age don't really like the idea of buying entry level namesake DSLRs, and refrain from investing a fortune in top-of-the-line variants. This is quite understandable as entry level DSLRs often fail to deliver many of the key features photographers need while investing big bucks in something apart from major concerns of life is also unfeasible for many of us. This leads to a continual hunt for a suitable mid-range DSLR camera. Thankfully, with the latest Sony a55 DSLR camera, your hunt for a mid-range camera can very well conclude without having to spend countless hours in checking out innumerable options.

Coming from the reliable arena of electronic industry heavyweight Sony corp., this camera has taken the league of DSLRs under 1000 dollars price bracket by a storm. Though you can find the body of this camera for as low as about 700 bucks, the prices vary with variance in the bundled lens. Typically, Sony a55 comes with an 18-55mm stock lens ideal for newbies and day to day shooting. However, those who are looking for something extra have the option of going for 55-200mm, 18-250mm, and many more compatible lenses. Based on the conditions of the shooting environment, you can easily find a perfect lens for this DSLR.

Coming on to the feature Sony a55 comes bundled with; you can very well expect truly world-class features from this DSLR camera. Some of the key features of this camera are 16.2 effective megapixel with APS High Definition CMOS sensor, electronic viewfinder with 1.15 million dot resolution, dual memory with the option of memory stick and SD card, 1080p AVCHD movie mode with continuous auto focus, external microphone socket, face-detection, and built in GPS. Apart these features, the camera comes with a host of other features tailor-made for budding photographers.

When it comes to such a remarkable camera, it is safe to say that it deserves to be treated with great care. Hence, it is recommended that instead of using the stock bag that comes with the camera, you go for a premium quality camera bag such those offered by Think Tank Photo, Kelly Moore, and other renowned names to take care of your prized possession. Though these camera bags are easily available at all leading stores dedicated to camera equipment, if you wish to experience unmatched convenience and cost-friendliness it is recommended that you buy the bag as well as the camera online.

The author is an experienced Content writer and publisher on the topics related to Sony a55 and Think Tank Photo.

Article Source: M._K_Kumar

Sony A55VHZ 16.2 MP Digital SLR with Translucent Mirror Technology + SAL18-250 Lens Kit

Canon EOS 60D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera Review

2011-11-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

Canon 60D, click for details

Introduction

Canon has released several high quality DSLR camera bodies over the last 5 years including the EOS 30D, 40D, 50D, Rebel T2i and the EOS 7D. The key improvements have been related to the 1) the size of the sensor, 2) the frame rate during the shooting mode and 3) the number of frames which the processor can save in one burst.

Both the Rebel T2i and the EOS 7D have an 18MP sensor. The EOS 60D not only has an 18MP sensor, but it also has video capability.

So how does this latest model compare to previously released camera bodies?

Advantages

1) 18.0 - megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor - those remote bird shots can now be cropped even more without losing image quality. This is a big advantage compared to the older Canon models 50D (15.1MP), 40D (10.1MP) or 30D (8.2MP).

2) Full 1080p HD video capture with NTSC or PAL frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p (50p or 60p at 720p HD and SD). This is the first of the Canon top end DSLR's to feature video capturing capability. In combination with a good telephoto lens this can be a key advantage provided the equipment will be mounted on a solid tripod.

3) In camera RAW processing. This new feature is maybe nice to have but most professional photographers will continue to prefer to do the RAW image processing on the computer.

4) Price - 25% cheaper than the Canon EOS 50D.

Disadvantages

1) Partial Weather Sealing - only the Canon 1-series bodies are weather sealed. The 60D has the same level of weather sealing as the 50D but slightly less than the 7D. Better not to get your 60D wet!

2) Slower Frame Rate - the processor can only shoot up to 5.3 fps, in bursts of up to 58 JPEGs - somewhat slower than the Canon 50D, which has 6.3 fps with bursts of up to 90 JPEG's, a definite disadvantage when shooting birds in flight.

3) The 60D does not have the magnesium alloy chassis and does not feel as solid as its predecessor the 50D. This for me is a definite downgrade in the quality of the camera, and I don't understand Canon's reason to sacrifice cost in this way.

Summary

The Canon EOS 60D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera offers some advantages over the Canon EOS 50D but also some disadvantages.

I guess it all depends whether you really want video capability in your DSLR. If not then it may be better to wait for the "70D".

Ken Billington is a professional wildlife photographer, and the owner of the site FocusingOnWildlife.com. More than 3,000 images available to send as free E-Cards complete with birdsong, to download for wallpaper, websites & blogs or to purchase as high resolution images.

Article Source: Ken_Billington

Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-200mmf/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens

How To Select The Best Photography School

2011-11-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

Selecting the right place for you to study photography can be tough. You have to find a place that's right for you.

I'm sure you've seen the online schools that offer photography classes but you'll be missing out on the interaction and experience of other students and instructors. Developing the keen eye for photography requires the help of others when you're just getting started.

I'm not saying online schools would not be a good choice, they give good info for the beginning photographer. All that being said, choosing the right school is difficult. Some are stand alone schools that require extensive application processes and others are within he large Universities.

What you first need to decide is what do you want to get out of the school and your classes. A good example would be a university that does not specialize in photography but they do offer the general basic level courses. The downside is you probably will not get a internship as you would by going to a photography school.

If you're only wanting to practice photography as a fun hobby and not a career, a few basic university classes will be just enough to help you improve your skills. No internship will be needed.

By deciding if want to practice photography for a career, selecting a specialized school will provide you with more in depth and specific knowledge. These are the better schools as they help you focus on specifics and the learning process is faster.

As mentioned before, you must decide what you want to get out of photography first: Career or hobby.

After this critical choice has been made, you can start the search and application process.

In your search you'll find studio schools that offer classes and some will require you to attend a university or college to get your basics as well as have internship experience under your belt.

If you start your search for the perfect school online you can easily find local and national schools, down loadable applications, the admissions process and class details.

The school websites list the detailed requirements that you must have before going through the admissions process.

The schools that do offer online courses will provide you with a good foundation and the basic classes are usually: lighting, composition and other basics.

Once you learn the basics, you'll than need to specialize to learn the art of how to take the shots of the subjects you're interested in.

For example, let's say you are interested in portrait photography you'll need to have a good grasp on light, balances and angles and methods for getting your subject to provide you with the reactions that you need for your subject.

The most current form of photography is to learn digital photography not to say you will not learn any new and useful techniques from the old manual cameras.

You school of choice will help you become better at mastering your photography skills without developing bad habits along the way.

Searching online will put you in touch with many schools to choice from. Be sure to understand the attending a school in person will help you develop you eye for the shot.

About The Author

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

Learn Photography - A Beginner's Guide To Taking Photos in 5 Steps

2011-11-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

You've just bought a digital camera. It's an exciting time. All you need now is to learn about its functions and features. This article will cover five basic steps you can take to feel like a pro with your new camera.

Step 1: Use the Quick Start Guide

All quick start guides cover the basics to get you immediately taking those first shots, such as, how to turn on your camera, slot in the memory card and insert camera batteries.

Step 2: Read the Full Manual.

It seems the most simplest of ideas, but it's one that is often overlooked. The main reason being, you've probably owned a digital camera before this one: how hard can it be to master a newer model? The simple truth is manufactures' look to add functions and features to their cameras, sometimes, making them more complex. It certainly won't hurt to understand the various technical capabilities of your specific make and model.

Step 3: Learn about the Camera's Menu

It will definitely help you capture perfect shots. Instead of feeling inadequate, you'll feel confident in the knowledge that you can change camera settings almost without thinking.

Step 4: Experiment with the Camera's Functions

Try the functions of your camera, particularly the ones new to you. With digital cameras there is no waste of film. If you take a shot you don't like, it can easily be removed. Experimentation gives you the opportunity to find out how the various features work on your specific machine. You should then compare images taken at different settings to analyse which shots have given the best results.

Step 5: Use the Preset Modes

These settings are a very good way of being self-assured in capturing images you want, in as wide a variety of shooting conditions as your particular camera model will allow. When you select a specific mode your camera automatically chooses the correct exposure setting.

Common modes are landscape, portrait and sport. Your camera might also have some uncommon modes, such as, snow, back-light and fireworks. These less common modes, in particular, are great for achieving spectacular results.

Do not get overwhelmed. Remember, you can always experiment by taking a few shots before you tackle reading the full manual. It is a fun and relaxing way to begin taking shots with your new camera. Also, it will further whet your appetite for more knowledge and understanding.

Ultimately, all you want is to feel confident in taking the best images of your life!

Article Source: Bre_P_Agard

Kenko 420-800mm f/8.3-16x Vari 8000S Telephoto Lens & 2x Teleconverterfor Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras - $179.95

Retail Price: $189.95

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Fuji X100 - A Notable Mid Segment Camera

2011-11-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

When we have to select a mid-range camera, we find ourselves confused over what to buy due to the surplus in the number of options available. Owing to these endless options, finding a model that meets the feature needs within the decided budget is always a challenge. However, with the latest offering from the reliable stable of camera industry heavyweight Fuji, you can now be certain that you are buying a premium mid-range. With a host of remarkable features, Fuji X100 stands as one of the most reasonably priced yet extraordinary performing digital cameras the market has to offer.

Like any other industry, Camera segment has also seen a large number of turbulence during the recent financial meltdown. Owing to the crisis, numerous camera companies went out of business with only the leaders surviving the turmoil, and one such leader is Fuji. Founded during the early 1930s, this company holds about a century's experience in developing premium cameras and accessories. With such a vast experience in the field, you can easily expect the very best of technology from this manufacturer.

With the roll out of Fuji X100, Fuji has once again proven why it is called one of the front runners in the camera business. The camera comes in a dual tone, black and silver, making the styling of the body truly classical. X100 incorporates latest technology and exquisite craftsmanship associated with traditional cameras to deliver remarkable performance as well as timeless elegance classic cameras are known for. The casing of this camera is made from a magnesium allow to give it a robust shell, protecting it from falls, shocks, and other mishaps.

One of the key features of Fuji X100 camera is the Hybrid Viewfinder. This viewfinder is a combination of conventional window type optical viewfinder and the electronic viewfinder system developed by the company, both combined in a fixed single lens system. The camera comes with a 2.8 inch LCD panel for previewing, making the viewing screen a visual delight. Furthermore, the camera has an APS-CMOS 12.3 megapixel sensor delivering a maximum resolution of 1280x720 pixels for shooting videos.

In addition to the aforesaid, when buying a Fuji X100 camera, it is recommended that you go for a suitable Think Tank photo camera bag as well in order to give your camera the protection it is worthy of. Being one of the most sought after camera bag brands, Think Tank photo camera bags are readily available at all leading camera stores.

The author is an experienced Content writer and publisher on the topics related to Fuji X100 and Think Tank photo.

Article Source: M._K_Kumar

Top 7 Free Photo Editing Software Programs For Windows

2011-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Many of these free photo editing programs aren't lousy or lacking in features. Some of them are industrial grade (e.g. GIMP) and some are geared towards simple, online photo edits (e.g. Fatpaint). In this article, I'll introduce you to seven of the best photo editing software programs for Windows.

1. The GIMP

The GIMP is a great free, open-source image editor that brings high-end photo editing to users for free. The interface is a bit complex to pick up, but it is very powerful. If you've used Adobe Photoshop before, you'll find many of its functions available in the GIMP. For a free piece of software, it has an amazing repertoire of functions.

2. Fotoflexer

Fotoflexer is a web-based photo editing application that has casual and prosumer appeal. If you're a novice, you'll be able to go in, do some simple edits and be done. If you're a more advanced user - you'll be spoilt for choice in terms of what this tool can do. We're talking about blurring, comic, retro, animatinos, distortions and even layer support - all done online with your photo.

3. Paint.Net

Paint.Net has been around for some time and boasts an easy-to-use interface and a huge array of effects. If you don't need to use the full power of Photoshop and simply want a quick and dirty tool, Paint.Net is a good bet.

4. Picasa 3.5

Owned by Google, Picasa is a very pretty and top notch photo editing program. You need to install a desktop client in order to use it. However, it's interface is very clean and has cool tools like geo-tagging, great sharing support, web albums and name tags. Picasa gets my vote as one of the best in this list - it's a terrific, easy, and free way to edit and organize your images.

5. Picnik

Picnick is another photo editing tool that is web-based and has been around for some time. It's quite powerful in the photo editing options it offers - although it's not as full-featured as Fotoflexer, in my opinion.

6. Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011

Microsoft has jumped on the photo editing bandwagon too - with Windows Live Photo Gallery 2011. It gives you face recognition and retouching capabilities and is in fact a very good alternative to Google Picasa or Apple iPhoto.

7. Fatpaint

Fatpaint is an online and free, graphic design software and photo editor. It's one of the newer tools in this list - you can create page layouts, paint and draw vector images, logos and illustrations very easily.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many choices available when you're picking a good photo editing software program for your Windows machine. What I've shown you are 7 of the best and free tools available out there. Be sure to check them out. For more serious work, you'd of course want to use a commercial package like Adobe Photoshop Elements or Corel PaintShop Pro X4.

Until next time, happy photo editing!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on digital photography. Visit his website at Basic-Digital-Photography.com for tips and tricks on buying digital cameras, as well as shooting great photos.

Article Source: Gary_Hendricks

3 Tips For Finding Photography Art Online

2011-11-16T19:37:00.000-08:00

Would like to decorate your walls with pictures that don't always have to be your own? Some folks just don't have the desire to use a camera and hat's completely understandable.

If you're in search of awesome looking photos but you lack the desire to go to some of the expensive galleries in person to purchase the art, online is the way to go. There are many photographers that submit their art work to online galleries for many to see and purchase.

The internet has a lot of online galleries filled with soon to be discovered photographers.

Places like Flickr, Photobucket and eBay are great places to start for finding the print's that you're looking for. You can do a Google search for online art galleries and find a lot of them.

Tip #1 - When you're doing your search be sure to put in specific keywords that way you will not be online trying to find a needle in a haystack. For example, if you're into nature, type in nature relate keywords along with the word photography.

One downside to searching online is the reputation of the website in which you want to do business with. Secure credit card processing, overpriced shipping and the way in which your art is shipped are 3 things to consider when buying online photo art. You don't want your print damaged and if it is you want it covered with insurance.

Also, be aware of the cost of insurance for shipping your art. You do not want your art damaged during the shipping process.

Tip #2 - Another tip is to remember that you're not looking at the print in a gallery storefront you're looking at it online. To the best of your abilities try to examine the print as best as possible and contact the retailer and ask as many questions as possible.

That's why it is important to shop at galleries with a great reputation and lots of customer reviews that are available to read on the proposed website. These will be the companies with the best shipping and insurance prices.

Tip #3 - A good way to find online galleries with a good reputation is to use a resource called Alexa.com. Go to Alexa.com and type in the proposed art you're looking for and once the results are returned focus on the websites that are given the highest raking number.

Alexa.com is easy to understand and navigate.

As mentioned earlier, eBay is another website to search on. The good thing about eBay is it has lots of user generated responses based on the experience a customer had with the merchant. Most of the review rating are pretty spot on and can be used as a trusted source when making your decision.

The process of looking for your perfect print online will take time and trial & error but over time you'll develop your own system for finding prints online and as well you'll know the best places in which to shop online for your art.

Another thing to consider is the artist's name, if the artist is a well known artist and popular you may have to pay the added costs due in part the popularity of the artist's name.

Shopping online for photo art is very convenient but it can be tough if you're looking for a hard to find photo.

By reading and following my tips, you'll be able to have a much easier time while shopping online for your photo art.

About The Author

Article Source: Keith_S._Black

RedBubble.com - Amazing art prints, t-shirts, calendars, and greeting cards by 150,000 artists worldwide.

Photography - 5 Benefits of Using a Tripod

2011-11-16T02:18:00.000-08:00

Click For Details and price

Tripods are often underestimated and not many casual photographers would think of getting one. As a matter of fact, a tripod is a very handy device and can totally change the way you take pictures. They don't even cost that much and you can even get some cheap ones that come with a carrying bag so taking them along isn't much of a problem.

Now lets move on to the benefits of using a tripod and how it can have a great impact on the final picture.

1. Tripods are mostly used for long exposures, where you won't be able to hold the camera still. In poor lighting conditions a tripod becomes a must due to the slow shutter speed that has to be used. Normally a shutter speed of less than 1/60 can result in a shaky image since it is not easy keeping your hand steady when you press the shutter release. In short, a tripod results in sharper images since the camera stays very stable.

2. It also helps in framing your pictures; if you have trouble getting a straight angle a tripod can help you improve that. You may have seen beautiful landscapes or a group photo being spoiled by a slight tilt, using a tripod can help avoid this. Moreover the person taking the picture can include themselves as well, rather than asking a random person to take a picture which you won't like.

3. When it comes to photography at nighttime and long exposures to get light trails or make a light painting, that's when you really need a tripod since it can get impossible otherwise. Night photography can have interesting effects, the kind of colors you get and the way different lights mix up and create something very unique is just phenomenal. Buildings photographed at night will give a very different look and using a tripod to capture the picture gives far better results than increasing the ISO and using a higher shutter speed, the resultant image will have a lot of grains and colors and it won't look so nice. Using a tripod you can lower the ISO which will result in a slower shutter speed but because of the tripod the image will be sharp and the colors will look brilliant.

4. When using a telephoto lens it becomes apparent that a tripod is a must since at a zoom of 200mm or more there will be movement which will get registered when you take a picture. Moreover, telephoto lenses are heavy and can make you get tired very quickly.

5. Lastly, when you use a tripod, it in a way makes you think about the picture you are going to take, it helps in composition and makes you look around the view finder until you have thought through the picture. It also helps a lot when taking macro shots and it doesn't matter if you are taking a photograph of a scenery or people, using a tripod will increase the sharpness level. In addition you can even use a mono-pod which is easier to use and a lot less heavy.

James Johnson is an expert online author and has a profound love and passion for photography
http://www.facebook.com/johnson1506

Article Source: Jamie_P._Johnson

The Art Of Landscape Photography

2011-11-15T02:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever considered taking up landscape photography as a hobby or maybe even a profession? It is not as easy as you might think as there are many different techniques and skills that have to be learned to really be a master of it. There are many fine books and courses available on the subject that will teach you the basics and some of the advanced techniques. You can also find a lot of good information on the Internet and a lot of it will cost you nothing. Landscapes can be either of the natural variety or the urban kind. Different methods will need to be used for these two types of photograph.

It really all starts with the camera. You need special equipment to take really stunning photographs and there is obviously a cost involved with this so you really ought to make sure that it really something that you want to do. After acquiring the right equipment you then have the learning curve associated with using it properly and effectively. You will certainly need zoom lenses and a telephoto lens for nature work. The zoom lens is particularly important of you are photographing wildlife as if you get to close to them they will be scared and disappear. The telephoto lens is also useful in this regard and you will be able to take pictures with this that seem like you were very close to the event.

A truly magnificent landscape photograph has a feeling of endlessness about it and it will seem as if the world has stopped for a moment for you to take a good look at it. Although it seems easy to take these kinds of photographs as there are no people to control in it, there is actually a real art to producing breathtaking pictures of the natural world. With the use of panoramic technology it is possible to conjure up some amazing images that stir up the emotions such that people will believe that they are actually there. You have to be very patient at times to be a good landscape photographer. Many times you will be waiting for the right seen to emerge and this is particularly true if you are taking pictures of wildlife. There are other aspects such as the right light conditions that also come into play.

To be a good landscape photographer requires that you are creative and think outside of the box in many situations. It is really an art form that cannot be taught easily from books and courses so if you are a creative person naturally then this will definitely be an advantage. As an example of this if you want to shoot a particular landscape then you need to try this from different angles and look for aspects that most others will not think about. If you can master this then you will produce amazing pictures that you will be very proud of and you will have a lot of admirers of your work and people queuing up to buy your prints.

To see truly stunning landscape photography that has been masterfully taken by one of the best landscape photographers then head on over to our site.

Article Source: Graham_Bowall

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Digital SLR Camera Body

2011-11-14T23:28:00.000-08:00

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Digital SLR Camera Body - $2,699.00

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Digital SLR Camera Unleash your creativity with Sonys flagship DSLR. The new standard in digital photography has arrived with the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. Packed with features this flagship DSLR is the first to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor and 24.6-megapixel resolution. It also incorporates the worlds first body-integrated full-size SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization technology. You'll also experience a larger capture area improved wide-angle performance and tighter depth of field control with the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor. Equipped with Dual BIONZ imaging processors the A900 delivers continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100 percent coverage a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD display and HDMI output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.

Key Features:

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor CMOS image sensor The A900 features a 35mm full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area improved wide angle performance and tighter depth of field control. In addition its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper higher contrast photos. Ultra bright 100% coverage glass pentaprism viewfinder A large ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder provides you with amazing clarity and high optical performance for tighter focus control. In addition it offers viewfinder magnification of 0.74x allowing you to see an image nearer to its actual size as well as 100% field coverage for detailed framing work. 3.0 Xtra Fine LCD (921K pixels) Review your images in stunning detail on the 3.0 Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi (pixels per inch) you can identify any necessary focus or exposure corrections at the time of capture rather than discovering them when you transfer your images to your PC. Intelligent Preview Function The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value shutter speed aperture Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before you take the shot so you can determine the optimum settings before you take the shot instead of losing time to trial-and-error. Precise and fast 9-point AF system with 10 point assist A high-performance autofocus system uses 9 focus points (center dual-cross type) and 10 assist points to deliver fast and precise focusing. SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization Building on years of expertise Sony has developed the world’s first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR. The SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And because it is integrated into the camera body SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible (alpha) system lenses. 40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering A 40-segment multi-pattern metering system provides superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions. Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 5 fps performance The A900 harnesses the power of Dual BIONZ image processing engines to deliver true-to-life images with ultra-low noise and continuous shooting at up to 5 fps. APS-C Size Capturing In addition to full frame image capture the A900 can also crop images to the APS-C size format allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors. F2.8 Sensor The autofocus system in the A900 features a highly accurate F2.8 sensor for improved focus precision when using lenses faster than F2.8. Eyepiece Shutter The A900 includes a built-in eyepiece shutter which can be shut to help shield against entering light and prevent exposure errors. Dual Card Slots The A900 features a dual card slots and accepts both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately). Flagship design The A900 features an impressive design befitting a premium flagship model. The simple form eschews ornamentation and exudes competence while the iconic pentaprism design element conveys superior optical performance. The A900 also incorporates a distinctive cinnabar-colored ring circling the lens mount — a design element shared across every Sony Alpha DSLR camera. Dynamic Range Optimizer To recover details in dark or bright areas of the image the A900 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Standard mode to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels or DRO Advanced Bracketing which automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press. PhotoTV HD viewing with HDMI output The A900 provides direct HDMI output to your BRAVIA HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail. Additionally PhotoTV HD capable BRAVIA HDTVs will automatically optimize display settings such as sharpness gradation and color to display your images in a way that more closely matches the natural look of printed photographs. On-Chip Column A/D Conversion Analog-to-digital signal conversion is performed by the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor. Dual Noise Reduction Processing In addition to digitizing analog signals the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor also performs both analog and digital noise reduction. This on-chip dual noise reduction process aids in the high speed transfer of noiseless digital signals. Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release resulting in better performance during long exposure shots of fireworks stars etc. Mirror Lockup Mode Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard Vivid Portrait Landscape Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast saturation and sharpness to your personal taste. AF Micro Adjustment AF Micro Adjustment allows you to fine tune focus for various lenses6. The A900 can store adjusted focus values for up to thirty lenses. 2EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures) The A900 allows you to bracket up to three exposures in 2.0EV-step increments. Rubberized Grip Sony drew upon its extensive experience designing and building heavy professional broadcasting camcorders to develop a rubberized grip that allows you to hold the A900 with comfort and confidence. Remote Camera Control Remote Camera Control allows you to control your A900 from your PC. Anti-Dust Technology Changing lenses in a DSLR can allow dust to enter the camera -- so to help keep the CMOS imager cleaner for better pictures the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 utilizes both static-free anti-dust coating on the imagers filter and anti-dust vibration that automatically shakes the sensor to dislodge dust each time the camera is shut off. Moisture/dust-resistant design Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons dials and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments. Rugged magnesium alloy shell The body of the A900 is entirely covered in a die-cast magnesium alloy shell providing a rugged feel and surprisingly light weight. Durable Shutter Design The shutter mechanism in the A900 is designed to achieve shutter speeds up to 1/8000 seconds and proven for 100000 cycle operation. Battery Performance A supplied InfoLITHIUM lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting performance allowing you to capture approximately 880 images on a single charge. Image Data Lightbox software The Image Data Lightbox software included with your Sony Alpha DSLR helps you browse rate and compare your images making it easier to select your favorites for further processing. Convenient Button Placement Concentrate on your shooting and make adjustments on the fly thanks to convenient button placement. The ISO and White Balance adjustment buttons are located on the top of the camera body near the shutter button for easy thumb operation.

Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 Digital SLR Camera Body - $2,699.00

Final Canon EOS T3i (EOS 600D) Review Checklist - Read These Pointers Before You Buy

2011-11-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

You have seriously done your homework. You scanned the articles and read all the reviews that you can find. You have done all your research and you are on the verge of buying the Canon EOS T3i (EOS 600D in some countries).

Ok. To make sure that you don not miss out anything, here is the summary of the features, the pros and cons in this Canon EOS T3i Review; you will find the final pointers that you should evaluate before you go ahead to buy your Canon EOS T3i camera.

However before you proceed, one of the foremost questions that you have to ask yourself is that are you an amateur or professional photographer? If you are a professional, then this camera may not provide the sophistication that a professional may need. The Canon EOS T3i is basically a fantastic camera for someone who has been using a point and shoot and who wants to take their photography to the next level. It is also good for those who are seeking to be more artistic and expand their creativity in their photography.

By the way, like other models of Canon Camera, this particular model is marketed in North America as Canon EOS T3i while in other regions it is marketed as the Canon EOS 600D. I will refer to them interchangeably in this Canon EOS T3i review.

All products have their plus and minus points and the objective of this final Canon T3i review is to provide you with a final checklist so as to enable to you to make an informed purchase decision. Do note that some of the minus points actually relates to your transition from the point and shoot to a dSLR as overall the Canon EOS T3i is an excellent camera.

Minus points for the Canon EOS T3i

The dSLR is more bulky and heavier than your existing point and shoot. As such, you will need to adjust to it. You cannot just slip your dSLR into your pocket!
Shooting in bright sunlight tends to produce yellowish images. This is however an inherent aspect of the technology as the Canon EOS 600D uses a CMOS sensor. CCD cameras generally do not display this problem
Swivel screen - this should not be a minus point as it is an excellent feature but just to take note that you will have to be careful not to accidentally snap the swivel screen especially when you are used to the point and shoot with no external moving parts
The body of the T3i is constructed with a stainless steel frame with a polycarbonate body. This may not be as weather resistant as the Canon EOS 7D professional model. Unless you are using your camera very frequently in adverse weather conditions, it may not be cost-effective to purchase a good weather resistant camera at a much higher cost when you don't really need it
It uses the same 9-point AF, ISO range and 63-zone metering as found on the T2i
It uses the same 3.7FPS continuous shooting speed as the T2i. This last two points will only be applicable to T2i owners because when they buy a newer model, they would naturally expect to have an increase in specifications. These two are excellent features to have if you are just moving to a dSLR

Plus points for the Canon EOS T3i

Records amazing video quality. Good on board microphone eliminates the need for the use of an external microphone
Very light
0 mega pixel the CMOS sensor captures superb image quality with low noise and natural color
T3i can work with any Canon lens. Hence your investments are protected. You can still use your lenses as you upgrade to another Canon camera or share the lenses with a new Canon camera
Scene intelligent auto with a 3-inch vari-angle clear view LCD and a selection of five creative filters including the awesome new fish eye effect. These literally frees you from having to do post touch ups with Photoshop
Built in instruction guide. The guide is useful for beginners or rusty intermediates on how to set the camera to get specific types of shots
Uses normal SD cards instead of the more expensive CF flash cards
It has a low energy consumption resulting in a longer battery life
It is very user (especially newbie) friendly. The auto mode (or auto without flash) is highly forgiving; taking fantastically sharp images, true to color. The resulting picture looks so clear that is as close to real life as I've ever seen before in a camera
Fast - able to switch very quickly between the different modes and on the fast frame mode

If you want to upgrade to an excellent dSLR camera that is easy to use and one which will give you clear hassle free pictures that is ever ready to be printed or uploaded to the internet to be shared with your friends, then the Canon EOS T3i is the camera to go for. You will not regret it.

You have now decided that the Canon EOS T3i is for you after going through these final pointers of this Canon EOS T3i review. You understand and are happy with the technical features. Then the final part is to get it at the cheapest and best value. For that I recommend you click on this link to check out the huge discounts before you buy Canon T3i.

Article Source: James_Causian

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Learn HDR Photography Using a Point and Shoot Camera

2011-11-09T03:35:00.000-08:00

Click and Buy!

If you are wanting to expand your skills with a point and shoot camera nothing is more intriguing than High Dynamic Range Photography or HDR. It's a blast!

OK! What is it? It involves combining usually three or more photos, of the same subject, taken at three different exposure values and then combining them.

What's so cool about this? Think about taking a photo inside of a barn, aiming your camera toward a window on a bright sunny day.

You may pick up some detail in your photo from inside the building, but anything from outside the window will be way too bright and indistinguishable. In photographic terms this means that the detail outside the window would be "blown out".

When you are in this building your eyes adjust to details, not only what's inside, but also to details outside the structure. Simply, a camera cannot interrupt all these details at the same time with one normal exposure. This is where HDR Photography comes in!

So, If you can take one exposure (normal exposure), a second exposure (over exposure), and a third that is (underexposed) and then combine them you will have all the details that the eye can perceive. Does this make sense?

Then using a special software program, all three exposures are then processed together, and a finished HDR photo will result with wonderful detail and tone quality that could not be done with just one normal exposure. You'll be impressed!

With a simple point and shoot camera and as long as it has an Exposure Value (EV) meter you are in luck. Check your manual on how to bring up the meter.

On most P&S cameras, your meter will have indicate a zero setting (0) and to the right of this, the overexposed side, will read +1 and +2. The underexposed side of the (0) will read -1 and -2.

Also, if you use a P&S camera you must use a tripod to shoot HDR. It's almost impossible to hand hold a camera, change settings and perfectly line up the shot again without some type of distortion. The camera must be held steady as a rock!

Turn off all the automatic stuff, e.g.; automatic flash. Make sure to take the first shot at an EV setting of 0. Go to your EV meter, without moving the camera and dial in +2. Press "OK' on the menu. Take the shot.

Once again go back to the EV meter, without moving the camera and dial in -2. Press "OK' on the menu and take the shot. Remember to return your EV meter back to zero when finished.

You now have a photo taken with three different exposure values and are ready to be processed to convert them to HDR. There are plenty of free trial HDR software programs for you to try. It's worth investigating to find out which one is for you and to see if High Dynamic Range Photography is "your cup of tea".

Thom Richards is an amateur photography who loves Oregon and all the wonderful photo ops it offers! Please join me at http://oregon-photography.blogspot.com/

Article Source: Thom_Richards

Commercial Photographers

2011-11-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

Selling a product

Commercial photographs of brand and product lines are probably the most popular elements of commercial photograph. They can either be used to focus upon a particular area of a product (for example a new feature they want to focus on) or upon a brand new product altogether. The idea of the photograph is get the image of the product over to the consumes. There are two elements to commercial photography when used for product design; if the client wishes to show the product off in detail then product photography will be used, where if the client wants to focus on a certain attraction of the product and bring a larger audience in then an advertising commercial photography shoot would fit best.

Elements of commercial photography include:

Advertising: Design firms and advertising agencies can pay to get a set of pictures which are ideally produced to help enhance the product they wish too sell, make it look appealing and in turn, boost sales. This could be areas varying from fashion, food, room set, products or corporate photographs. This can include anything from a magazine campaign to a billboard

Fashion Photography: This element of commercial photography can be linked to advertising. The photographers are used to enhance in the same way. Fashion photographer is mainly used within magazines.

Crime Scene Photography: Crime scene photography falls under commercial photography as someone is paid to come and take photographs from a crime scene to use as evidence and remember a particular scene. Often the photos are taken in black and white or infrared to help capture as much detail as possible.

Paparazzi: Paparazzi is a growing form of commercial photography. It involves photojournalists who specifically photo people of prominence, whether this be celebrities, politicians or anybody else in the public eye. If the photojournalist manages to capture a particular interesting or worthy photograph it can be sold onto various websites, magazines and newspapers.

Portrait Photography: Portrait photos can be commercial when used in areas such as wedding photographs or a family portrait. Portrait photography is the fastest growing element of commercial photography and is increasing becoming used within families.

The main thing to remember about this form of photography is that each project is unique and can vary massively from one client to the next. Depending on the client, the commercial photograph should be able obtain each individual need and should be fully aware of the theme and the needs that should be obtained from each photograph.

Lyndon Miles writes on many issues, this is a series of articles written about commercial photography

Article Source: Lyndon_Miles_

Why Use A Tripod?

2011-11-07T21:16:00.000-08:00

Click for info

In the field of photography, a tripod is a support device utilized to both elevate and stabilize a camera. Flashes and other photographic accessories may also be supported by it. All tripods for photography feature a mounting head and three legs. They are commonly constructed out of plastic, wood, carbon fiber, aluminum or steel. Why use a tripod? There are several different reasons, but here are the 6 main reasons why you should use one:

1. One of the most popular reasons to use a tripod are the benefits it gives to image quality. Photographers using a tripod are able to keep their camera steady. This makes it easier to get a good shot, thus enhancing the image quality. Image quality also benefits from a tripod's leg locks, which lock its legs in place to allow photographers to get a clear shot of their subject.

2. A tripod improves the support and stability while taking a shot with a camera. Lack of support and stability can result in blurry images, as the camera may inadvertently move while a shot is taken. This feature of a tripod is particularly important to photographers who are out in the field, where they have to deal with uneven or rugged terrain.

3. Photographers appreciate the flexibility that a tripod affords them. Flexibility is a quality that makes one's camera easier to use. Taking outdoor shots often requires that photographers have the ability to quickly change the angle of their shot. The tripod allows for this.

4. Sometimes, photographers have to obtain extreme close-ups of their subjects. This is particularly true in outdoor and nature photography, where there subjects may be a ways off. Having a tripod supporting the camera allows one to take extreme close-ups with greater confidence.

5. Successful focusing and framing of the camera constitute another reason for the use of a tripod, particularly in wildlife photography. A tripod allows photographers to pre-focus on a certain, single spot. This is also made possible due to the extra steadiness that a tripod provides.

6. When photographers take panoramic shots, they may want to stitch them together. A tripod enhances the ability of a photographer to do this. It provides the precision that such a process requires.

Using a tripod makes a lot of sense for photographers. It enables them to get stability, flexibility, superior image quality, good focusing, extreme close-ups and even precision panoramic shots. It allows photographers to obtain these things in all sorts of shooting locations and various conditions of light.

Jay Finks is an avid online researcher and loves discovering new and exciting products and industries online. Through his research he stumbled upon the Vanguard tripod series and found these products to be of the highest quality. For those photographers looking to capture the moment, as they see it, learn more about us benefits of using a tripod at http://www.VanguardTripods.com.

Article Source: Jay_Finks

Nikon Camera Bags and Cases to Suit Your Needs

2011-11-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

Click for more info!

For people who are involved in taking pictures and love to explore the wonderful burst of colors in digital photography, their camera is their most prized possession. Because it is very valuable equipment, a photographer's camera has to be well-protected. What better way to do this than with Nikon camera bags and cases? A quality, well-made camera bag or case is the essential protection that a very expensive equipment deserves.

Make the most of your camera bag purchase by getting the best deal in town and you can achieve this by availing of package deals. When you purchase your Nikon camera the first time, dealers often offer package deals. They may include extra lenses, cleaning equipment and the most needed protection for your cameras, a bag and a case. A camera bag and a camera case help keep your gears together. It does not matter whether you are a professional or amateur photographer, the equipment you use to capture those precious picture perfect moments deserves the best protection.

Nikon camera bags and cases help keep the harmful effects of extreme climate changes or temperature changes away from your cameras and the way they function. There is a broad selection of choices available for you online or from your nearest camera stores. Sizes, colors, shapes, materials and designs vary. Find out what suits your needs best before you make a purchase.

Decide which type of bag you are comfortable using. If you are more apt to using shoulder camera bags, be sure that the strap is attached in such a way that it runs around the whole bag. If the strap is attached only on the top part of the bag, you may be putting your camera at risk because the strap does not offer maximum hold. There will be times when you will have to carry the bag by its handle so it is important that the strap is very secure and strong. There are Nikon camera bags and cases that can address this need.
Study the equipment and the accessories you own to determine the right size of bag you need. Ideally, the bag should be able to contain all the essentials inside. Lay out the equipments on your bed and arrange them according to how you intend to place them inside the bag to figure out the ideal size you may need. If you carry two cameras with you, it may be best to get two separate bags than one big bag but too bulky to the point of inconvenience. You might want to set aside items that you do not often use when you need to bring your camera along so that only the very necessary items are what you have to fit in the bag.

If you are the type of photographer who loves venturing out in the woods or in the countryside, you would of course have to ensure that each item remains protected. With Nikon camera bags and cases, you can be assured of this. For example, a soft case for Nikon D7000 keeps the camera covered and has a strap to conveniently carry the camera as you shoot one picture after another.

Adrian Fields enjoys helping people understand the benefits of popular and useful products, such as Nikon Camera Bags. Learn more about selecting the right one, and why you should consider the camera protection of a Nikon Camera Bags and Cases.

Article Source: Adrian_Fields

Photography Composition Tips: How to Tell a More Compelling Story

2011-11-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. That means that your photographs should be a great way for you to communicate. The question is, do your photographs communicate the right thousand words to tell your story?

Have you ever had the experience of photographing in a wonderful place, feeling eager to rush home and look at your pictures, only to be disappointed in the results? It's quite a challenge to convert a three-dimensional, full sensory experience into a two-dimensional photograph.

I would like to share a few tips on composition that I think can boost your success rate in capturing your experience while photographing. Instead of just raising your camera for a quick snapshot, take the time to make a careful composition that will guide your viewer to understand what you think is important in the scene, and even how you feel about it.

Tip #1: Choose colors and tones that reinforce your story.

Light is the fundamental building block of any image. Light produces two kinds of contrast: color contrast and tonal contrast. Color is the hue that you see, like red, or green, or purple. Tone is another word for brightness, or how light or dark something is. Our brains are good at forming associations, and we associate colors and tones with particular feelings. These same associations appear in our spoken language. You've heard the expressions, "He was in a dark mood," and "She was feeling blue." Blue connotes melancholy, or tranquility. It is also a color associated with stability and reliability. (What color are the logos of IBM, Microsoft and Ford?) Red is the color of passion. Photographing an orange beach umbrella will give a stronger impression of a hot day that would photographing a purple one. Using dark tones will create a sense of gloom and foreboding. Light-toned images make us feel light-hearted and uplifted. Consider carefully whether the tones and colors in your image strengthen the story you want to tell, or contradict it.

Tip #2: Use lines to guide your viewer's eye

Color and tone also reveal lines in your image. Lines are the boundaries created where two contrasting colors or tones meet. A thin shape, like a road, the stem of a plant, or a tree branch, may also be perceived as a line in your photograph. The brain's visual cortex is programmed at a fundamental level to follow lines. This is a powerful tool for you as a photographer. You can guide your viewer's eye toward what you consider important in the image by using something in the environment to point to it. Conversely, be careful not to inadvertently place lines so that they lead your viewer out of the image.

Tip #3: Orient the lines in your image so that they convey the right emotion.

Just as with colors, our brains also make emotional associations with line orientation. Vertical lines in an image give an impression of power, strength and pride. Horizontal lines are stable and calm. Diagonal lines, on the other hand, are dynamic, and signify motion or change. Curved lines may convey a sense or melancholy, or of hope, depending on the direction in which they curve.

Think carefully when composing your image so that you include colors, tones and lines that reinforce the story you are trying to tell. You will be much more likely to create a photograph that captures and communicates how you felt when you were observing the original scene.

For a thorough discussion of how you can use color, tone, lines and shapes in your photography to better tell your story, check out my eBook on picture composition: "Story Telling Through Visual Design." It's illustrated with loads of beautiful, full color photographs that provide examples of all the concepts, and inspire you to tell your own photographic stories. Start taking "wow" pictures today!

Article Source: Julie_Waterhouse

Check This Out - Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro Tripod Legs (Black)

Pros and Cons of Shooting With Prime Lenses

2011-11-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Lens types:

Standard Zoom: These are the most common type of lenses and practically all the kit lenses bundled with cameras fall in this category. The most popular being 18mm-55mm lens, which is good for general purpose photography and is commonly used by amateurs and first time photographers. A few years ago, the quality of these lenses was not good enough and earned a bad name for their manufacturers, realizing this the camera makers started bundling much better versions that gave very decent results.

Zoom: These are long-range lenses, which have longer focal lengths as compared with the standard zoom lenses. The popular lenses are 55mm-250mm, 70mm-300mm and 75mm-300mm. These lens are used by semi professionals and serious photography enthusiasts to shoot animals and birds.

Wide Angle: These lenses are most popular with landscape and nature photographers. The common wide-angle lenses are 10mm-20mm, 12-24mm and 11mm-16mm. Another variant of wide-angle lenses are called fish-eye lenses, that give maximum angle of view and in that process distort the view in a circular fashion.

All the above lens types are used by amateurs, serious hobbyists and semi-professionals. Then what is the choice of professionals? The answer is: Prime Lenses.

Prime lenses are the most coveted and preferred lenses, not without reason. With fixed local lengths these lenses provide the best possible results and truly complement a professional camera's raw power combined with the photographer's honed skills.

The following Canon prime lenses are most popular: Canon EF 14mm, Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm, Canon EF 100mm and Canon EF 200mm. Similar range of lenses are available from other popular camera and lenses manufacturers like Nikon, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina etc.

Advantages:
The most obvious advantage is image quality. All prime lenses are bought by professionals to obtain the best quality photographs from their camera gear. The general parameters on which the image quality is tested are: sharpness, distortion, vignetting & chromatic aberration. In all prime lenses, the test results show the highest ranking for the sharpness and lowest values for the other three parameters viz. distortion, vignetting and chromatic aberration.

As professional requirements demand the best images that can be used by clients, it is always prudent to invest in a prime lens as per the photographic assignments and budget.

Disadvantages:
The biggest disadvantage of using a prime lens is the fixed focal length. You will experience the limitations during the very time you start shooting with a prime lens. There is no zoom, which implies that you will have to compose the frame by moving farther or by going near to the subject and then take your shot. With practice and patience, you will soon be able to overcome this handicap and fall in love with your prime lens and discover the joy of photography all over again.

Another drawback of the prime lens is the price factor. All prime lenses, barring the very basic models, are much more expensive than their zoom counterparts.

In conclusion, it is always wise to invest and explore the possibilities of shooting with a prime lens. The resulting images are nothing short of awesome with razor sharpness that is the hallmark of a professional photographer.

Home page Corporate Films website.

Visit: Industrial Photographer for many commercial photographs

Article Source: Pashminu_Mansukhani

Check This Out!

Tokina AT-X116PRDXN AT-X PRO DX 11-16mm

Ultra-wide Angle Lens for Nikon

Shooting Underwater - Tips for Underwater Photographers

2011-11-04T03:33:00.000-07:00

Click for info

Shooting underwater is really an art and like all art it can be perfected if you have the passion and perseverance to get the right picture. Underwater life is exquisite with beautiful textures and colors of corals and sea creatures, if you can capture the essence of the deep blue, there is really nothing like it. However, it doesn't come easy, especially if you are packing a whole lot of gear to keep breathing, you will have to do a good balancing act, and if you are still a beginner this can be scary. We give you some must-know facts and tips for successful underwater shooting.

If you already have a digital camera, one of the first things to do is to find out if your camera can get a waterproof case to go underwater shooting. You can check out waterproof cases from camera manufacturers. You will find most often than not, a case exclusively made just for your camera. If it is available make an investment to buy one. Alternatively, universal waterproof soft cases are the next option.

Waterproof soft cases or bags are a sound purchase if you intend to go underwater for snorkeling, swimming in a lake or a pool. Your regular digital cameras do not allow for pictures to be taken at a pressure greater than that which is below 10 meters, so if you plan to take pictures of depth of less than 10 meters waterproof soft case is one of the surest investments you will make. Also look for waterproof soft cases with a high transparency lens filter will allow clearer underwater pictures.

Waterproof hard cases are an excellent option for using your camera in normal conditions as well in water. Also it saves you from buying a camera for land and one for water, especially if you do participate in underwater diving much.

Waterproof cases are also an excellent buy for conditions other than underwater shooting too. You can used your camera in rain as well as during hardcore water sports as well. When underwater if you set the aperture to priority mode you will be able to take pictures the way you hoped to in the first place.

Moreover, if you set your camera to wide angle lens you will be have a closer focus on your subject while blurring the background. This is an excellent option to make use of especially if you are bewitched by colorful reefs and beautiful corals.

If you are close to the surface take the picture so that you are facing towards the sunlight. This way the picture will be exquisitely clear and shockingly gorgeous.

If you are snorkeling and therefore not very deep in the water you can always use a custom white-balance instead of a store.

Last but not the least, if you are a beginner to underwater diving and shooting you should choose snorkeling as your sport so that you can first practice shooting with an easier method of underwater diving. Moreover, snorkeling captures the best of sea world. Snorkeling is done among coral reefs that are not too deep, and since coral reefs have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet you can capture all the beautiful colors and combinations that the reefs offer.

YK Yeo, the website founder of http://www.dicapac.com.sg, Owner of GMM Technoworld Pte Ltd, Singapore. DiCAPac waterproof case Exclusive Distributor in Singapore Market since 2007. DiCAPac waterproof case for digital camera, a new technology UV multicoated high transparency lens filter will allow clearer underwater pictures. It is a good choice for underwater Photography for beginners.

Article Source: YK_Yeo

Leica S2 - I'm Just Dreaming!

2011-11-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Brand Name: Leica

Model: Leica S2 Black

Optical Sensor Resolution: 37.5 MP

Developed exclusively for digital photography without any compromises. With the size and handling of a 35 mm camera, its performance and quality set new standards for medium-format photography. The complete Leica S-System was developed together with professional photographers with the goal of offering high quality pictures and effortless operation and handling.

The entire system is based on a totally new image sensor in Leica S-Format, 30 x 45 mm in size and the classic Leica aspect ration of 3 to 2.

The large area and integrated design afford optimal picture quality. With 37.5 million pixels, cropping is never a problem, even for large-format prints. The camera is the perfect instrument the photographer can now focus on taking pictures rather than on the technology. The LEICA S2 components are the very best quality and finely tuned to one another, producing the perfect picture that is naturally sharp and does not require digital correction.

Ed - If you have $23,000 and like the look of it go here! If you have 46k, get two!

DSLR War: Nikon Vs Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2011-11-03T00:10:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that Canon and Nikon are the two most famous camera brands. These brands are famous for their single lens reflex (SLR) cameras because they were the first ones to make the switch from film to digital. They constantly battle against each other for the title of the best SLR manufacturer in the world.

Canon and Nikon constantly produce new cameras and it is difficult to tell which one is better. All DSLRs may look alike at first glance, but each carries its own advantages and disadvantages. Consumer DSLRs can be categorized into three types - entry-level, intermediate, and prosumer. Below are the pros and cons of Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras:

1. Entry-Level Cameras

Entry-level cameras are specially designed for beginners and they don't have lots of buttons or features that can be overwhelming. The examples of entry-level cameras are Canon Rebel T3 1100 D and the Nikon D3100. These cameras share many similarities and the photos produced by both cameras are equally brilliant. One big difference between the two is the lens. Nikon D3100 is not completely backwards-compatible with the previous Nikon lenses whereas the Rebel T3 is compatible with other Canon lenses and third-party lenses. So how does this difference impact you? If in the future you want to have a specialty lens, you only have limited options with the D3100. On the other hand, with the Canon Rebel T3 you can get any Canon lenses or buy third-party ones which are usually less expensive.

2. Intermediate Cameras

Intermediate DSLRs are intended for amateur photographers who already had experience in taking pictures with SLR cameras. Let's compare between Canon T3i 600D and Nikon D5100. One big difference between these two cameras is, again, the lens. The D5100 lacks a focus motor and hence older Nikon lenses won't be able to utilize the 11-point autofocus. The Canon T3i, in contrast, works fine with old and new Canon lenses because it does not have this limitation.

3. Prosumer Cameras

Prosumers is short for "professional consumers" and they are intended for advanced amateurs. One thing that distinguishes this camera from the others is their speed. Most SLRs are able to capture 3 consecutive photos per second, but prosumers can take up to 5 photos per second. Now let's compare between Canon 60D and Nikon D7000. If you are a big fan of Canon, the 60D has numerous features to help you capture stunning snapshots. Meanwhile, Nikon comes with a "Creative Lighting System" to help you capture images in low light conditions with minimum fuss. This system allows you to control the amount of light output from a wireless flash directly from the camera. Canon does not have this technology, and in order to achieve the same effect, you will have to invest in additional gear.

Canon digital SLR cameras are now available in different types. Get the reviews of Canon as well as Nikon digital SLR camera on our site before making purchase.

Article Source: Marsel_Darto

Wide Angle Lenses

2011-11-02T22:19:00.001-07:00

A photograph can tell a thousand stories, they say. In the art of photography, one of the key elements is the choice of right lens to obtain the right filed of view. In order to obtain a larger coverage of the image than would be available with standard lens design, you need a wide angle lens. This may change the perspective in shift or tilt (horizontal or vertical direction) taking wider frame area into the picture. Relative to standard lens systems, a wide lens has shorter focal length and covers larger dimensions for the image frame or the image composition.

By using wide lenses the perspective gets stretched and objects that are closer to the lens appear look bigger in the image, allowing you to fit more detail into the composed image. In other words, capability of the wide lenses to get the image stretched means that the distance between different elements in the field of view appears extended. Objects that are closer to your camera look enormous while those which are farther nearly disappear in the distance. This is only an optical illusion and not real, but certain compositions demand this. For example, if a large group of people like in a graduation ceremony has to be photographed with the entire faculty building in the backdrop, you can get this done only with use of a wide lens. As a rule of thumb any lens with less than 35 mm focal length is considered "wide" and the angle of view increase inversely with the focal length; i.e., smaller the focal length, larger is the angle of view. Commonly available lenses for wider field of view are 28, 24, 21, 20, 18 or 14 mm and all of them are in the wide angle class.

One of the misconceptions harbored by many involves the use of wide angle lens when you are unable to step far away from the object, yet want to capture all the elements in the subject in a single frame. Actually, wide angle lens is preferred when you want to get closer to the subject. What makes the wide angle lens unique, relative to normal or even telephoto lenses are:

• The image encompasses a wider angle of view

• It has close minimum focusing distance

The property of wide angle lenses to affect the perspective is due to the relation between focal length and angle of view. This is effectively used in adding emphasis and details to objects closer to the lens and those elements farther away get reduced in size and details. This property effectively used in photographing scenes, flowers or trees etc is satisfactory, but when using the wide angle for photographing people, one has to be careful that parts of the face or details such as hair etc are not enlarged disproportionately. For example a child may appear with slightly enlarged head and the parents standing just a couple of feet behind may appear smaller than they actually are. While using wide angle lenses in digital cameras, you need additional 'crop factor' to compensate for the relatively smaller dimensions of the photo sensor frame size. Wide angle lenses are inescapable while photographing indoors with space limitations.

And for additional resources related to photography equipment, check out The Hobby Photographer.

Article Source: Shannon_Yates

Check this! Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 Wide Angle Lens

Tips For Shooting Action Scenes

2011-11-02T22:16:00.001-07:00

Digital camera owners who are not that experienced in taking photos often find it hard to capture those action scenes they so desire. With their subjects being mobile, they are not too aware of what to do with their camera to take the best action shots.

Indeed, it can be quite a challenge to engage in sports and action photography. Movements are fast and unpredictable that you also need to be quick in clicking your camera. But whatever type of digital camera you have, one really needs to take the extra effort to take clear pictures of people and animals in motion. It would also best to learn the right techniques that will work so you won't get frustrated with your photos.

With action and sports photography, the most important factors to keep in mind are pre-focusing and timing. Remember that your subjects are moving and you don't have any idea what they're next move will be so it pays to be alert and ready with your digital camera so that anytime you see some actions worth capturing, you can do it instantly.

Pre-focusing means locking the focus of your camera to the scene where you want to take your shots. This technique will lower the lag time between the pressing of your shutter release button and the actual taking of the image. Doing this step will also help you plan your shots well.

In terms of timing, you will need to learn the shutter-lag delay of your own camera. Shutter-lag delay remains a fact despite the advancement in digital camera technology. In fact, even the DSLRs still have an issue with this.

To determine your camera's shutter-lag delay, first take a test and observe the lag. Take note of how long it is so that you can pre-shoot to compensate for that lag. Normally, it's only a matter of seconds but then in action photography, keep in mind that time is gold if you want to take the best shots possible.

Panning is another way of capturing great action scenes. It means following your subject such as a football player, a bike rider or a car on the race track. Some of you may be surprised to know that panning actually helps in taking clearer photos of a subject in motion than when photographing it while you're holding still. This technique helps in capturing subjects that might be blurry because you are matching the speed of their movement. Having an optical viewfinder will be very helpful for this purpose.

Using your camera's flash is also a great tactic to capture unique action shots. It's best to use the flash when you're closer to the subject and when the scene is dark. This technique helps to freeze the action and highlight your subject more. As the light is focused on the subject, the background will usually become blurry resulting in a beautiful effect. Just remember to always plan your shot, pre-focus and pan to capture wonderful photos with your subject standing out from the scene.

For information about digital camera stores, visit 42photo.com, New York's legendary camera store in business for over 40 years.

Article Source: Kalyan_Kumar

Digital Technology Has Expanded The Field Of Portrait Photography

2011-11-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Modern day advances in digital photography has allowed for anyone of any experience level be able to take photographs - it is as simple as point and shoot. Thanks to modern technology, the photographic process has become over simplified to the extent that practically anyone can capture professional quality images by purchasing a modern digital camera and a professional grade lens.

Portrait photography is the process by which a person's facial expressions are captured. A typical photo portrait captures a person's facial expression. A candid shot does not create a portrait because, in a portrait shot, the person being photographed is well aware that their image is being captured, thus resulting in a posed photograph - there is always an intentional pose when portraits are being taken.

Although portrait photography has been around for a very long time it was not always available to everyone. It was once only available to the rich and those that could afford having their portrait taken. Additionally, portraits were once performed by oil painters and sculptors. When you look back at historical figures, you will see that their portraits are actually paintings, and those paintings took a great many hours for a skilled painter to complete.

During the early days of photography, many types of film processing were competing for top billing. Two of those methods were the Camera Lucida and the Calotype. The Camera Lucida method was excellent at capturing silhouettes and paintings of miniatures. The Calotype method, which was invented by William Henry Talbot, started being used in the US during the mid-1800s.

When photography was first introduced, it didn't take long for it to be considered the fastest process for producing a high quality portrait of an individual. Daguerreotype was one of the earliest methods of photo development and was invented by Louis Daguerre in France during the 1800's.

When photography started to become a widespread form of art, oil painters and sculptors were immediately threatened by the technology. They felt that their skills would be passed over for the quicker, simpler method of capturing a person's image through photo development. Of course, that wasn't the case. Although it is still expensive and less prevalent than photography portraits, painting portraits is an honored art form that has survived to this day.

Portrait photography has transformed into much more than capturing a single person's portrait. Today's photographer captures portraits of not only the individual, but of families at weddings, birthday parties, and any event where family and friends gather. This transformation from single person portraits to group pictures is partly due to advances in technology. Modern cameras with high speed lenses make it a snap to capture a group portrait in even the lowest of light settings.

The field of photography continues to evolve right alongside today's technology. Modern digital cameras are far more advanced than cameras that were produced just a few years ago. If you've ever considered becoming a professional photographer, now is the time to do so. For a modest investment of a few thousand dollars, you can acquire exceptionally advanced photographic equipment that will allow you to capture professional grade photographs.

Learn more at these pages of our website: portrait photography long island and child photographer long island.

Article Source: Jennifer_Classin

Nikon's Great New D5100 Camera Review

2011-11-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Back in April of this year, Nikon introduced their upgrade to the Nikon D5000 with the newer and enhanced D5100 model. Probably right off the bat, once you pick up this camera, you're going to notice a larger LCD screen (3.0") than the previous 2.7" screen. Next is the feel of the camera as it's a little lighter as well as thinner, but the LCD screen flips out to the side, rotates for easier composition in difficult situations and makes it easier for use on a tripod. The Nikon D5100 has the same 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 2 processor as the Nikon D7000, as well as a Special Effects mode.

Some of the great features of the Special Effects mode are a Night Portrait mode, with up to 102,400 ISO sensitivity for shooting in extreme low light conditions, a Silhouette Mode, which removes all detail from the subject, a Miniature Mode, mimicking the effects of a tilt and shift lens, a Selective Color Mode so you can pick up to three elements in the frame to isolate in color against a black and white background and a Color Sketch mode, which lets the user adjust color and line density. All of these Special Effects features can be used for either still or video images and you can preview these before taking your shot. None of the Effects can be used in the RAW mode though, only the JPEG mode which may irritate some people.

Another great feature of the camera is the in-camera high dynamic range (HDR) imaging capability. A single press of the shutter captures two shots, with the first intentionally underexposed, and the second overexposed. The two are then combined in-camera to yield a final exposure with much wider dynamic range than is possible in a single exposure. This may be a nice feature for the amateur photographer that doesn't normally frame their shots as the avid and professional photographers normally do all the time, just to make sure and give them more leeway when processing.

If you're into capturing HD Video, then you're going to love the ability to record Full HD video (1920 x 1080 @ 30 frames/sec with a bit rate of 18 MBps at the highest quality setting) with sound for 20 minutes or until the file size hits 4GB. The camera records everything in monaural sound, but by adding an optional a stereo microphone you will then use the port on the side of the camera. Another nice feature of the video is the D5100 has the ability to continuously autofocus in movie mode which will keep things in focus, though the autofocus is slow to respond, and the noise of the AutoFocus motor will be picked up by the camera's microphone. I guess we can't have everything yet.

The D5100 also has one of the most feature-packed playback modes of any DSLR on the market today, which include slideshow, DPOF print marking, image protection, playback zoom and thumbnail view. Using the Retouch menu, you can perform redeye correction, crop, color balance, resize, distortion control, fisheye, miniature effect which makes a selected area of the photo appear small, with everything else blurred out, edit a movie trimming off unwanted footage and more. If that doesn't impress you, I don't know what will.

The features of this D5100 are somewhere between the simple and user-friendly D3100 and the prosumer D7000 cameras. The novice can just pick up the D3100, point and shoot, letting the camera do most, if not all of the work. Of course it does have many features that allow you to get away from this mode and allow for some creativity. That's not to say this is not a user-friendly camera because it is that, and much more. It may be a little slow detecting AutoFocus in live view and maybe the buttons could be placed differently on the body and only support autofocus for the newer Nikkor lenses, but it is still a quality camera for those looking to upgrade from their current DSLR. You'll love the feel of the camera, but if you have large hands, you may find the right hand grip a little too small for you.

This is as good a point as any to summarize by saying the camera takes great photos, has very good ISO performance, takes 4 fps, the 3" flip-side LCD is excellent, the battery life is super and probably better than other Nikon's, great HD movie capability and there are Help screens for every menu option (a must).

So, what's not to like? Briefly, the movie mode is a bit slow and the AF is noisy and picked up by the microphone, it is slow when focusing in the live view mode, and could have used a wireless flash control. I don't know about you, but I like my manuals to be on a CD-ROM where I can print out specific pages when I need them as opposed to going through a pre-printed manual.

In summary, I think this is just a great camera from Nikon as it's a nice step up from the D5000 with all of the enhancements, but not yet in the category of the Nikon D7000 nor does it have the hefty price tag of the D7000 either. If you want more information about this wonderful camera, as well as of other Digital SLR's, please visit my website at http://bestdslrcamerareviews.com/ Best DSLR Camera Reviews. I sincerely hope that you found this information of use as you are in pursuit of your next camera.

I have been taking photographs for 50+ years and love sharing my knowledge of cameras, techniques and the experience of the wonderful world of photography. On my web site, http://bestdslrcamerareviews.com I strive to provide unbiased reviews of many of the best selling DSLR Cameras on the market at this time allowing you to decide which camera is best for you.

Article Source: Michael_R_Rogers

Nikon D5100

16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera

with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

The Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW For Adventurous Photojournalists

2011-11-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

The Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW is the largest in the SlingShot range and is very much like other models in this camera bag series with its sling-style bag for easy access while wearing as a backpack, but its added feature is the room for a notebook or laptop. A photojournalist or a serious photography enthusiast will appreciate the space for the notebook so he can transfer and edit his digital photos while on the road. With the ergonomic sling strap, the weight of the bag's contents can be adjusted evenly, and rotation from back to front is easily accomplished by the user, giving access to his equipment quickly and easily. Getting the equipment out without actually letting go of or putting the bag down is the distinct advantage of the SlingShot series against other bags. Photographers who are constantly on the road like this special feature.

The main compartment of the Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW is very roomy and there are padded dividers that can be adjusted so that a professional-sized camera kit can be easily fitted in. Like the other bags in this series, there are added features like the mesh back pad, a padded waist belt, built-in memory card pouch, patented All Weather Cover, microfiber LCD cloth, the patented Hypalon SlipLock attachment loops, silent zipper pulls and many accessory pockets where personal items can be stored and easily accessed. The padded compartment for the laptop can accommodate a 15.4" notebook.

A pro DSLR with its lens attached plus half a dozen additional lenses, memory cards, flash and a photographer's personal accessories can all be fitted into the Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW, including a 15.4" notebook. Its interior size is 30 x 16.5 x 30 cm while the exterior is 33 x 27.5 x 44 cm. The bag is made of 420D and 840D Nylon, 600D Polyester while its interior lining is made of 210D Nylon and 70D Nylon Ripstop. Its total weight is 1.6 kg. The case itself is designed to protect the contents, fully padded to withstand shock and accidental damage. The construction of the bag is of high quality, which is typical of all Lowe products. The materials used for the external construction of the bag are very strong Nylon and are very durable, while the bag itself remains relatively light.

Included in Lowepro's AW products, is the distinctive and patented All Weather Protection Cover and this is featured in the Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW. There is a perfect-fit rain jacket in the case, attached by a fastener, which can easily be pulled out to use when needed. Lowepro offer its users highly inventive products, which are built and designed for carrying and protecting valuable equipment. Camera gear, its accessories and other digital devices can be very sensitive equipment and Lowepro have designed and manufactured their products with this in mind. Professional photographers have been using Lowepro since 1967 and it has been their Trusted Original product.

Lowepro bags are found carried by professional photographers and photojournalists in their assignments all over the world. They have withstood every type of climate and adverse weather conditions. They provide ease of access when equipment is needed urgently, they are comfortable to carry about, they provide protection to sensitive equipment and they are very durable and will last a long time.

The Lowepro SlingShot 350 AW can contain a large amount of equipment including a laptop. Lowepro have been passionately crafting their bags to provide the needs of their customers for many years. Lowepro products range from slim digital pouches to mid-range backpacks for a trek to the woods, to expedition backpacks for long assignments. Whether you are a professional photographer, an adventurous photojournalist or a passionate photography enthusiast, there is a Lowepro bag that will meet your demanding lifestyle.

The Lowepro SlingShot AW 100 is the smallest in the SlingShot range and offers total flexibility for the active user. These lightweight camera bags have ease of use for any photographer amateur or professional alike. Lowepro offers a diverse range of bag products to meet all of your specific requirements and photographic objectives see more options at http://www.loweproslingshot202aw.com/index.html

Article Source: Joe_Osborne