Thursday, December 29, 2011

Sony Digital Camera - From Mavica to Translucent-Mirror Technology

The year 1981 was the benchmark year for the Sony digital camera, when the company introduced the prototype Mavica (Magnetic Video Camera) that took still images and stored them on floppy discs. The images could then be viewed on a television monitor in the maximum highest possible quality for television screens at that time. Seven years later, Sony launched the consumer version of the Mavica, which paved the way for greater innovations in digital cameras.

Another eight years would pass until Sony introduced the first Cyber-Shot model with a 1.8-inch liquid crystal display screen in 1996. Then, in 1998, a further innovation was introduced when Sony developed a digital camera capable of storing images on external memory rather than on the erstwhile internalized storage.

Sony introduced several more innovative digital cameras in the succeeding years, but they had all been effectively point-and-shoot and bridge cameras, targeted towards the casual photographer. While Sony had already developed a single lens reflex camera in 1988, it was not for the serious photographer, as it was limited to a fixed lens.

In 2006, the Sony digital camera took a step towards claiming a slice of the pie aimed at the serious photographer by purchasing the digital SLR assets of camera manufacturing giant, Konica-Minolta. Very soon thereafter, Sony launched the Alpha line of digital SLRs with interchangeable lenses, by releasing the A100 model, which drew on technology first developed by digital SLR maker Konica-Minolta. The Alpha brand name (Maxxum in some countries) was first used in Japan by Minolta in their groundbreaking and world's first autofocus film SLR camera, the Alpha 7000 in 1985. Sony has since then used the Alpha brand name in their line of digital interchangeable lens cameras, including the world's smallest such camera, the Alpha NEX series, which was introduced in 2010.

The Alpha line of cameras uses the bayonet lens mount of the original Minolta autofocus cameras, thus allowing Minolta Alpha or Maxxum autofocus lens to be used with the newer Sony Alpha cameras.

In 2010, Sony also introduced the first commercial use of translucent-mirror technology. Translucent-mirror technology allows for faster autofocus speeds in both still photographs and video. Previously, cameras relied on reflex mirrors that allow for the measurement of exposure through the viewfinder. These reflex mirrors flip up to allow light to pass through to expose the film, causing a momentary delay between the pressing of the shutter and the exposure of the film.

Indeed, Sony's bold steps in photography have allowed it to be a leader in the digital camera field, producing top quality digital cameras for both the hobbyist and professional photographer.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Best SLR Digital Camera For 2009

Digital SLR comes from digital single lens reflex, which is named this way because of the mirror that sits behind the lens of the camera and sends the light to the viewfinder.

The digital SLR's are designed in such a way that you can use a lot of different lenses, with different focal lengths. This versatility is the reason why digital SLR cameras are so popular among professionals. When you're using a camera that is not a SLR, you need to match the angle of the viewing lens with the angle of view. If you're doing short-range zoom or you have a fixed lens, then it's OK, but at different focal lengths it can be much more difficult. The SLR is better because the viewing and taking lens are the same.

While entry level digital SLR cameras don't always have Live View, advanced models usually do, and they let you compose the photos just like you do with a snapshot camera. The basic models will lock the mirror, and the prism will divert the image towards a sensor that is small. Then, instead of sending it to a capture sensor, it will be sent to the LCD screen, which can take down the performance a bit. If you're getting an older model you might need to focus on the image manually when you are in Live View, though contrast autofocus is available in newer digital cameras.

Digital SLR Camera Types

Digital SLR With Interchangeable-lens

These models are those considered as SLR's by most people. They're also the ones that we'll be talking about in this article. Just like the name says, in these SLR cameras you can change their lenses. This way you're able to switch from a supertelephoto lens to an ultra wide angle.

Examples: Basically, most digital SLR cameras that are sold today belong to this type.

Digital SLR With Fixed Lens

On these digital SLR's, the versatility is limited by the fact that you can't change the default lens. The mirror that bounces the light towards the viewfinder is nonmoving and semi-transparent in most of these models.

One example of a camera with fixed lens is the Olympus E-20N

Camera similar to SLR's

Cameras that look like digital SLR cameras are usually digicams that have either an optical finder or a small LCD. You can't consider them as digital SLR cameras since the mirror is missing, and the quality of the photos isn't even close to what you can do with a true SLR. Usually, this type of camera has a very long zoom, and another name for them is magazooms or ZLRs.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Better Photos From Better Cameras - Digital SLR Cameras For The Masses

Digital single lens reflex cameras (aka DSLR) are the newest rage in photography. While they have always been the choice of professionals, recent camera buyers are opting for these types of cameras much more frequently. All major manufacturers have models available, but the most popular brands are Nikon and Canon. Mid-range DSLR cameras can be purchased for about 00. This is a real bargain when you consider prices only a few years ago were much higher. Right now, you can get one of the budget models for about 0.

If you have followed the trends in digital photography, you know that the size of image sensors has found a happy medium after a few years of intense competition, starting at 6-megapixels and increasing to the present day 14-18 megapixel sensors. Currently, if you get a camera with a 14-megapixel sensor, you will have plenty of "pixel-power" to produce images of the finest quality at just about any size for hanging on your wall.

In addition, features and settings have improved tremendously. Video is now a common feature and it usually comes with stereo sound and full HD quality. There are creative features and additional mode settings so that you can choose a photo style that will give you a finished photo with a professional look. This simply means that you can shoot your pictures and practically eliminate the post processing that was previously needed to get your images to wow your audiences.

Of course, the one thing that most new buyers state as their top reason for buying a mid-range DSLR camera is the flexibility that comes with interchangeable lenses. Lens choice can make a night-and-day difference in the outcome of a photo shoot. If you want to take more professional looking portraits, you can choose a lens just for that purpose. If, on the other hand, your goal is to get much better at nature photography, you would choose a different lens. The beauty is that the lenses go on the same camera. It is true that the lenses can actually cost as much or more than the unit you attach them to, but even if you can't afford the biggest and best at first, you can build your kit as time goes on. And if you discover at a later time that macro photography is the way you want to go, again, the lens is all you need.

You may wonder if getting a lens that is more expensive than the camera is a good investment. The answer is, yes. This is a decision you will have to make as your skills develop. But experts agree that the lens is as important as the camera.

And the most important of all is the one who is holding all this fabulous equipment. You will have to develop your knowledge and skill to reach your goal of taking better pictures. If you don't study and practice, you may as well just keep taking pictures with your old point and shoot model or your cell phone.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Monday, December 19, 2011

How to Take Great Pictures With a DSLR Camera - 5 Tips

Do you have a DSLR and want to make the most out of your photos? These tips will help you do just that. With DSLR cameras becoming more affordable, many people are upgrading their cameras in order to take advantage of the increased flexibility and performance that these cameras offer. The 5 tips below will help you make the most of your DSLR camera.

1. Use the lens hood when taking pictures

DSLR cameras have interchangeable lenses. Most of these lenses have a matching lens hood that fits on the front of the lens. The hood blocks light from coming in at an angle and causing a reflection on the front lens element. Shooting through this reflection will reduce your sharpness and contrast. Consistently using your lens hood will make your photos look crisper. It will also help protect the front of the lens from damage.

2. Take the camera out of automatic mode when necessary

Camera meters are calibrated to give good results when you take a picture of an average scene. When the scene is not average, you will need to adjust the exposure to compensate. If the scene is very bright (like snow), you have to set the camera to expose a little more to get things brighter. If the scene is very dark, you have to reduce the exposure to make it darker. If the subject is backlit, you need to increase the exposure so that the subject is not underexposed. You can adjust the exposure by using the exposure compensation controls or by switching to manual exposure mode.

3. Use continuous autofocus mode when the subject is moving

DSLR cameras typically have a continuous autofocus mode, which will track a moving subject and continuously adjust the focus until you press the shutter to take the picture. Make sure to use this mode when shooting things that move. This mode would be perfect for taking pictures of kids or pets running around.

4. Use an external flash so you can bounce the light off a ceiling or wall

Most DSLR cameras have a built-in flash. Unfortunately, the integral flash does not provide very good results. The pop-up flash lacks power and can't be bounced. To get natural looking photos with a flash, you really have to bounce the light off a ceiling or wall to make the light more diffuse. Direct flash might be fine for snapshots, but for more critical work, you need to use an external flash with bounce capability.

5. Adjust the ISO speed based on the shooting conditions

The ISO speed determines how sensitive the image sensor is to light. A higher ISO setting reduces the required exposure, but increases the noise in the photo. For best results when taking photos, you should use the lowest ISO setting that you can. When taking action or low light photos, you may have to raise the ISO setting accordingly.

If you keep these 5 tips in mind, you will be well on your way to making the most out of your DSLR.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Digital Camera History

The digital camera is a development of the videotape recorder (VTR), wherein the data of television cameras are turned into digital and stored in a magnetic tape. It was John Mullin, who headed the engineering department of Bing Crosby laboratories that perfected the VTR technology. Back then, charged coupled device or CCD was used to recognize radiant colors and intensity. Meanwhile, NASA sends representations and related data of their inquest from the moon's surface to the earth by converting analog signals into digital. The department also took advantage of the growing advancement of computer to further enhance all the data that was sent by the research team. The government sector as well as private companies have made notable improvements on the development of digicams.

In 1972, it was the Texas Instruments Company that got the right of first publication of the invention of an electronic camera without film and it was the Sony Company that launched the first electronic camera in August 1981, which is intended for public use. The camera was popularly known as Sony Mavica. At this time, taken images were only saved in a mini disc. To be able to view the picture, a video reader is needed to link the disc to a monitor or printer. However, this remarkable gadget was still not acknowledged as a real digital camera, since a video camera was still used to record a picture in the first place.

A few years later, several camera companies continued to make specific enhancements on the said gadget. Kodak has made various solid-state sensors, which is capable of converting electronic images from light. The company's discoveries continue to advance until such time they have invented the mega pixel sensor. These mega pixels are responsible for producing a digital photo print with 5x7 inches in measurement. In 1990, Kodak broadcasted the first photo CD system in the world, which lead to the perfection of digicams. Just after a year, Kodak announced the release of the first professional digital camera. The model was a Nikon F-3 with 1.3 mega pixel sensor. The Apple QuickTake 100 was the first digicam that was intended for average camera users. It was then followed by successive release of various digital cameras such as Sony's Cyber Shot Digital Still Camera, Casio QV-11, and Kodak DC40.

For the past years, digicam's development continues to progress. Several types have been invented to further provide more satisfying image results like bridge cameras, mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, line-scan camera systems, digital single lens reflex, digital range finders and compact digital cameras.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Impressive Digital Cameras Best Buys On The Market

The Sony Alpha NEX-3 is one of the more impressive digital cameras best buys on the market. It is small and very compact, but the size is not reflective of the vast capability and technology of this camera. This camera delivers 14.2 megapixels with an APS-C image sensor that is actually thirteen times the strength of normal sensors in most digital cameras. This great function optimizes photographs giving them a polished look. Featuring 16mm interchangeable lens, as of 2010, this camera was considered to be the smallest and lightest digital camera with an interchangeable lens.

There are many capabilities packaged into the Sony Alpha NEX-3. It has several modes including Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur modes to enhance photographs. The Handheld Twilight mode allows consumers to shoot up to six photos very quickly once the shutter is released. This is accomplished by lining up and combining six shots into one.

This camera also features video recording capability in high definition by pressing only one button that is just for recording. It does not use ordinary buttons but features a turn and click style wheel and soft keys. Sony makes it easy to use this camera by incorporating on screen tips and an on screen help guide.

Another impressive digital camera on the market is the Olympus Stylus Tough. Featuring 14 megapixels this camera delivers vibrant photographs with great clarity. The 5x wide angle zoom gives consumers the ability to shoot pictures from a distance all while maintaining picture integrity. The 2.7 inch LCD has an anti-glare feature allowing glare free viewing.

This camera is capable of handling rough situations. Immerse this camera in up to 33 feet of water without worrying because it has waterproof technology. The shockproof technology keeps this camera safe up to a 6.6 foot drop.

The Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 is safe in cold weather due to freeze proof technology up to 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C). This camera is also crushproof giving it the ability to withstand 220 pounds of weight. Consumers are able to record video in 720p high definition by using one button that is dedicated to recording. Advance Face Detection will automatically detect up to 12 faces while automatically focusing to ensure the best picture possible. AF tracking is quite sophisticated and is able to keep up with fast moving targets without blurriness.

These cameras are impressive digital cameras best buys on the market.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Choosing a Camera - Point and Shoot or Single Lens Reflex

At some point and time, all those who take pictures or are interested in starting to take pictures will need to decide which type camera they should use. There is no clear cut answer because it all depends on what you are planning to do with your camera. There are basically two types of cameras that the average consumer (non- professionals) can choose from. They are the Point and Shoot type, and the Single Lens Reflex type. In this article I am only addressing digital cameras for both types, since for most purposes, film cameras are dead. I will briefly list some characteristics of both type cameras and hopefully you can decide which is best for you.

First lets look at Point and Shoot cameras. They are the most cost effective. Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras cost a lot more. Point and Shoot cameras are also more convenient to use. Most are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Just turn them on and start shooting. They have permanent fixed lenses built into the camera. You wont be able to zoom in and out beyond the capacity of your camera. (but the range on most of them is fine for most casual users). Generally, they come in the JPEG format which compresses the images you take so that you will have more space in your memory card to take and display more pictures. Although the quality is not the same when a photo is compressed, most casual photographers and viewers wont even notice the difference.

Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras. As I mentioned earlier, they are more costly than point and shoot cameras. They can also take pictures in the JPEG format, but the big difference is they can also take pictures in the RAW format which is not compressed. This will give a much better quality image for those who are really particular about it. Single Lens Reflex cameras can also use interchangeable lenses for various purposes. Meaning you can put on a very wide angle lens and then put on an extreme telephoto lens.

In both cases they will outdo what the point and shoot will do. You also have the option of manual focusing, the ability to use filters and also use a flash that is not built into the camera so that you may improvise with lighting. There are a lot of other things it can do, but it would be too technical to list here in a short article.

So, if you just want to take pictures at the kids birthday party or on holidays, a Point and Shoot camera will more than fulfill your needs. But if you are interested in higher quality images, the ability to control lighting and other factors that go into creating an image, a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera might be better for you.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

EVIL Cameras - A Formidable Foe To The Modern Day DSLRs

Some of you may have already heard about them. For those who haven't, these systems are a new breed of cameras that share similar functionalities to DSLR cameras but are much smaller in physical size. There is a possibility that it may even have more features than the DLSR you currently own. Now that's truly EVIL. One such system is the Sony NEX 5.

EVIL stands for Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens. Unlike the DSLR camera it doesn't have a through the lens optical viewfinder which is probably one of the main reasons why DSLR cameras are so big. Like DSLR cameras, you have the ability to change lenses.

So what's the big deal about these cameras? Aren't DSLR cameras the way to go?

To answer these questions, lets look at some of its pros and cons.

- Depending on the brand and model, the sensor size may be similar to the DSLR counter parts. This is the case for the Sony NEX 3 and NEX 5. Both these systems use an Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) sensor, which are the same as what you will find in the entry level DSLR cameras in the Sony Alpha line. Compared to the sensors in your PnS camera, these sensors are about 9 times larger! This means you can take better pictures in lower lighted environments in comparison to the PnS cameras.

- As the systems are smaller, these systems are extremely portable (fits nicely into your hand bag) and light. This also means that the camera body is too small to place the same number of hard buttons as DSLR cameras. You may have to navigate in a menu to access certain functionalities.

- At this point in time, optical view finders are still preferred by professionals as its easier to see your subject in poorly lighted environments. However, technology may improve in the near future. Who knows, we may have night vision features like what's offered in some Handy cams one day.

- As EVIL cameras are relatively new in the market, they offer some of the latest features that digital cameras can offer. The Sony NEX 3 and NEX 5 have the ability to take HD videos, Sweep Panorama shots, 3D shots, auto HDR and more. None of these features are available with the DSLR camera that I own and use.

- As these systems are quite advanced, they cost as much as entry level DSLR cameras. Sometimes a little more than the cheapest DSLR cameras in the market.

So how do I decide on which type of camera is best for me?

You should get a PnS camera if

- You are on a tight budget.
- High quality pictures and low light capability are not important.
- You want a small digital camera that performs better than your mobile phone.

You should get an EVIL camera if

- You have a higher budget.
- Quality pictures and low light capability is important to you.
- You want your system to be small enough to fit into your handbag or maybe even into your pocket.
- You want the ability to change lens.
- Your main objective for using a digital camera are for casual shoots only e.g. group shots with your friends, travel pictures when you go for a business trip etc.

You should get a DSLR camera if

- You are a serious about photography and wish to explore all it has to offer (e.g. usage of a wide range of accessories to get interesting results).
- the genres of photography that you are interested in require to be able to change your camera settings quickly e.g. weddings.
- You intend to do photography professionally.
There are sensors that are bigger than the APS-C sensor, which offers other benefits. However, these systems are preferred by a totally different group of people with different requirements. I hope what I have written so far would give you a good idea about EVIL cameras and how you might prefer getting one to a DSLR camera. Cheers!

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Monday, December 12, 2011

How to Get the Best Depth of Field - Wide Angle Vs Telephoto

As someone who is passionate about, you are probably interested in knowing how to include more depth of field in your photos. There is a lot of literature on this subject. If you're a professional photographer, you've probably learned some things about wide angle (shorter focal length) and telephoto lenses (long focal length). For years photography textbooks and magazines have been promoting the idea that a wide-angle lens provides more depth of field compared to a telephoto one. However, if you type 'depth of field' on Google, you will soon come across a lot of articles arguing this assumption.

Recent tests taken by experts, including several photo magazines, have proven that, technically speaking, a wide-angle length does not provide more depth of field. These tests are quite easy and you can conduct them yourself to verify the conclusions. But how does this impact your work as a photographer? All these tests assume that you keep the picture size constant. They go like this: take a photo of some subject using a telephoto and then zoom out and use the wide angle lens. You can also use interchangeable telephoto and wide angle lenses. Then take the photo made with the short focus lens and enlarge a selected portion of it until is the same size as the same portion in the other photo. You will see that there is no significant difference between them. This proves that wide angle lenses don't actually provide more depth of field.

Now, let's see why you actually zoom out. Say you are in front of an amazingly beautiful scenery, such as a mountain landscape beautifully colored with sunrise light. You zoom in and take the picture with a telephoto setting. Then you zoom out and take the photo using the wide angle setting. You expect to get more depth of field with the last photo and that's what it looks like. You would never think that if you enlarge a portion of it this apparent depth of field will disappear. When you use a wide angle setting, you zoom out because you want to capture more things in your picture. You are aware that the objects will look smaller and it doesn't bother you. In the same way, when you zoom in you want to focus on a certain aspect of the photo even though you know you will loose depth of field. Zooming in and out and using different focal length setting makes you perceive that the depth of field also varies. Photos taken with the wide angle appear to include more depth of field compared to those taken with the telephoto. This may not be true technically. But what is in fact a photograph? What appears to the viewer. If you don't place technical correctness above everything else, you should stick to what you've known and has proven right for years. As long as you like what you get, why drop it? Your photos will prove if you are on the right path or not.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Engagement Photography Tips, Article 1

Professional Thoughts

Engagement photos from a professional can be very expensive. Many of the top pros charge a session fee in addition to very expensive reprint rates (I've seen some photographers that charge or more for an 8x10).

I don't blame the photographers: most of them are good enough to charge such rates. And I know, from having shot engagement sessions before that the sessions can take quite a bit of time. For me, an average session would take about 6 hours of total time (initial contacts/communications with the couple, driving to the photo site, taking the photos, downloading/processing the raw images, and then processing the couple's order).

A money-saving tip: some professionals offer the engagement photos as a part of their wedding package. If your wedding photographer offers such a service - take advantage of it! Even if you don't order a lot of reprints it will give you and your fiancée an excellent opportunity to see how well you interact with your photographer.

If you can't afford (or don't want to spend the money on) a professional photographer: don't throw out the idea of engagement photos!!

Friend Alternatives

Find a friend that owns a DSLR and a zoom lens. The DSLR cameras are the digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Such camera prices are falling (often one can be purchased for about 0) and their popularity is increasing.

See if your friend has a good zoom lens. Such a zoom lens will often go from 100mm out to about 200mm or even 300mm. If your friend doesn't have such a lens perhaps they could be talked into buying one. I've seen a consumer-version Nikon (and Canon) 75mm-300mm zoom lens for about 0!

While you probably won't get photos that are good as professional, you can get very nice photos from such a setup. And I'm going to give you two huge bits of advice that will make a world of difference in those results.

Tip #1 - The Zoom

If you want a nice, blurred, background in your engagement photos, you'll need to have them taken with a zoom lens. Using a 200mm zoom lens will beautifully blur out the background behind you. And don't stand too close to your background: I'd recommend being at least 15-20 feet away from any background. If your friend knows what the camera's aperture is (the f-stop), have them set it to be as wide open as possible (the lowest Aperture number available - perhaps F4.5 or even F2.8).

Tip #2 - Evening Shade

Don't go out on a bright sunny day at noon and expect to get beautiful photos! While you may stumble upon some good photos, it is actually harder to take nice images in the bright sun due to the harsh lighting, dark shadows, and squinty eyes.

I recommend you take your engagement photos on a sunny day - but start the photo session about an hour before sunset. Try to find a park that has beautiful green grass and trees. I generally try to find areas that have a large amount of shade. At that time of the evening a hill will often provide a large area of gently-lit shade.

You will be amazed at the quality of light that is available at such a time!

To be honest, as a working professional who has shot a number of engagements, the vast majority of my images are taken in that exact lighting with ZERO modifications (no reflectors, strobes, etc.).

A final thought: have fun with the photo session. Don't be too serious or you might ruin the results!

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Sports Photography Tips

It's that time of year again, no matter what time of year that is,it's the beginning of one sport or another. Are you ready to capture that big hit, winning basket, or 50 yard touchdown.

Good sports photography involves quite a few elements, the first being proper camera and lens. It's important to have a camera with interchangeable lenses and a good fast zoom lens.

You can take sports photographs with a regular rangefinder type cameras, but they are usually not responsive enough and you will miss your shot, and they don't usually have a strong enough telephoto feature so you are usually too far away from the subject.

Most people are now using digital cameras, and an affordable one with interchangeable lenses can be had for around 0.00. These cameras are just like the film cameras that you are used to except you get instant feedback and with sports photography that is a big advantage

As with any type of photography you want to try and have your light source to your back, shooting into the light will give you silhouettes and results you will not be happy with. This also gives you the most light which you need so that you can adjust your lens to its fastest setting to stop the action which you get with sports.

Positioning is also quite important, it is best to be positioned in front of the action so that the athlete is coming towards you, it is easier to catch the action this way and you are able to focus on the subject for a longer period of time.

It also does not hurt to familiarize yourself with the sport you are going to photograph so that you can anticipate what is going to happen next.

These are a few tips that will make a big difference in capturing action at sporting events and giving you the best chance at getting great photographs. And make sure to get out of the way when athletes come towards you, that telephoto lens makes them seem further away than they are and they are usually moving pretty fast.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Friday, December 9, 2011

Evolt E510 - The Olympus SLR Camera For Pros and Amateurs

I've been using the Evolt E510 Olympus SLR camera for about a month now, and I wanted to share my impressions and evaluations to help those who are planning on getting a digital SLR camera of their own. If you're planning on getting a dSLR, make sure you think carefully before buying one because these cameras don't come cheap. If all you intend to do is point and shoot in Auto mode, perhaps you might want to consider other high-quality, high-resolution digital cameras. But if you're looking for top-notch image quality in terms of color and ISO, a digital SLR camera is the way to go.

Digital SLR cameras are meant to be explored and used in different settings and speed. If you want to maximize the use of your expensive dSLR, I suggest you get interchangeable lens and go for models that have a dynamic range. You should also be willing to invest time on taking different shots using different settings under different conditions. Unless you choose the right settings for the shots you take, images taken using a dSLR may not necessarily yield extraordinary results.

Most of the complaints I've read about the Evolt E510 revolve around focusing and exposure. This is why I can't stress enough the importance of familiarizing yourself with how your camera works, such as which focusing modes and metering would work best with the shots you take. You also have to know whether to shoot shutter priority or aperture priority, and shadow or high-key area. All that said, here are some of the features of the Olympus Evolt E510 that I like:

I like that I can get come up with sharp shots with stabilized lenses and at 1/30 when I use focals of 300mm in 35mm equivalent. The Evolt E510's high ISO, up to 800, is totally usable though it has little noise reduction. You can also try ISO 1600 if you want to get better image results. Another wonderful thing about the camera is that even with the noise filter turned off, the images come out with excellent color and sharpness. The Supersonic Wave Filter or SSWF is also an effective dust-buster. I change lenses a lot and yet I never saw a single peck of dust on the sensor. Even in drive mode, the Evolt E510 has a shooting speed of 3 frames a second.

Although there are still some features that I wish the Evolt E510 had, it still makes for a great camera especially for amateur and semi-pro photographers.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Tips On How To Buy A Digital SLR Camera

For many years the SLR film camera has been the choice of both amateur and professional photographers alike for the best and most versatile camera equipment. And now that the digital photo age has begun, the digital SLR is still the best choice for those that want more than just snapshots. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a digital SLR camera.

First of all, if you already have a SLR film camera with multiple interchangeable lenses, then you may be able to save a lot of money by just buying the same brand of digital SLR as most brands allow their older film camera lenses to be used on the new digital models. But just make sure before you buy because a few major brands do not allow this kind of migration and so there is no benefit in staying with that brand for lens equipment savings.

Resolution is important in digital SLRs,and is usually represented by how many megapixels the camera uses to save its digital photo files. For most uses a 6-8 megapixel camera will work fine with enlargements on up to 11 X 14, but if you like making even larger prints or do heavy image editing, you may want even more resolution to work with to ensure that your photos remain clear and sharp.

If you like to use fill flash for many of your outdoor shots, you will want to consider a digital SLR that has a very fast flash sync too, such as 1/500 second. Below 1/250 second the flash sync speed is really only useful mainly for indoor shots instead.

Being able to see the images and controls that you use on a dSLR is important too, so check the LCD screen for brightness and visibility not only indoors but also outside too, as this is an area where some very good SLRs can let you down. Also make sure that the viewfinder itself gives you a bright, clear image in all types of light, enabling you to easily see and manipulate the camera settings at all times.

If you like to use your camera for closeup shots then you will want to get a dSLR that has a mirror lockup feature. This lets you lock the mirror up out of the way before taking the photo and reduces the camera shake that is inherent when the mirror flips up out of the way and then lands back into position again. This doesn't normally create a problem for most average shots, but when taking closeups and vibration of the camera at all can results in a blurry unfocused image.

Also check the size and weight of a digital SLR camera before buying it to be sure that it will not be uncomfortable to carry for a prolonged period of time, and that the knobs and controls are easily manipulated. Some cameras are so small that their controls can be difficult for those with larger fingers and hands to easily use.

These simple suggestions can help you buy a digital SLR camera that will best fit your own unique needs.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Digital Prosumer Cameras for Birders or Bird Photographers

Digital prosumer cameras are very convenient and rather small and compact cameras that have a great potential as part of the basic birding equipment. Normally we think of cameras for birders like with big telephoto lenses on digital single lens reflex cameras.

These are still the optimal camera equipment for real bird photographers. But for the many birders who are keener on observing the birds without breaking the back - or breaking the bank - the modern prosumer cameras come in very handy.

In the following article I will offer you my own experience from using a number of rather small digital super zoom cameras and highlight the qualities you should look for when deciding what kind of camera to buy for your birding activities. But first let us see the camera as a part of the birders total equipment.

The camera as part of the birder's equipment

When we go birding we bring the following equipment:

- binoculars for birding

- our bird note book

- a bird field guide book

- food and drinks according to the length of the trip and character of the birding location

- rain coat or whatever extra protection might be needed

Some birders also bring:

- a telescope for birding

- a stable tripod for the telescope

- a map and other equipment facilitating the observations

- mobile phone / smart phone to be in contact with other birders

- electronic devices to replay bird songs or to make play backs to call the birds, or to record our findings

- a small chair if you expect to sit and observe the birds for a longer time

- camera equipment

- first aid kit

- other tools and items of convenience

- all typically packed in a backpack.

If bird photography is your main passion when going birding then the bulk of your camera gear would probably be the most heavy to carry and handle of your total equipment. But for the birder - man or woman alike - the convenience of being able to move around fast and silent without fatigue might be more important. So let us see what the birder needs from a suitable camera to carry on for every birding trip.

Requirements for a camera for birders

No need to say that these days a digital camera is a must. With a digital camera you can take 1000 frames and throw 990 away and it will not cost you anything extra even with this extraordinary waste. This is not just speculation, as all bird photographers will know we make a lot of bird pictures that are not sharp or not good from other criteria and we have to through them away.

But in fact we will want to use the camera for many kinds of bird motives:

Taking pictures of:

- standing individual birds on the ground, in vegetation, on the water or elsewhere

- flocks of birds on the ground or flying in the air

- birds doing their specific behaviour

- bird's nets

- found dead birds

- found bird feathers etc.

- close-ups of birds cached for bird ringing by others (or ourselves)

- bird habitats

- displays at bird sanctuaries and natural parks

- local maps displayed at birding locations

- fellow birders and friends on the trip

A so-called prosumer camera with a long zoom lens should be able to provide you with all these opportunities. Compared to a big single lens reflex camera equipment these different kinds of pictures would require at least 2- 3 interchangeable lenses to use on the camera body.

What is a prosumer camera?

Among camera producers the different segments of potential camera buyers are divided into the professional photographer segment and the consumer segment. We are all to be regarded as common consumers for areas that are not our occupation area.

With the wording prosumer camera the understanding is cameras of rather professional quality but expected to be bought by consumers who are more serious with their photography than the mainstream consumer.

Essential this means that prosumer cameras are very capable cameras with plenty of options and very good picture quality. To be accessible for the not-professional kinds of comsumers the pricing needs to be rather low compared to full-fledged big camera systems.

The capacity of prosumer cameras As a bird watcher who is also doing professional stock photography I know these distinctions rather well. As an author of a number of published printed books I have with full satisfaction made use of digital pictures from prosumer cameras and even from less sophisticated cameras. This tells me that these kinds of digital cameras - if treated well - are very capable of producing pictures for quality printing; at least when the printing is for normal book size pictures.

Prosumer cameras for birders

When we discuss prosumer cameras for us birders we have to be more selective. As mentioned we need a camera with a lot of options build in. The most important will be long zoom range. When I started bird photography for a generation ago, the standard lens for a 24x36 mm single lines reflex camera was a 400 mm, focus 5.6 telephoto lens.

These were rather expensive lenses for a normal household budget. A 400 mm tele photo lens would give a magnification of 8 times compared to the standard lens of 50 mm.

When we talk about modern digital cameras this is a rather small magnification. The camera manufacture will often display the exact magnification in all promotion material for the camera.

For Olympus SP-800 UZ it is 30× magnification but be aware that is measured from the wide level of the zoom (28 mm) to the long tele photo reach (840 mm) here mentioned as 35 mm film camera equivalent.

As impressive such data is do not be fooled by this aspect of the lens in itself. It is next to impossible to keep such a camera steady when using the longest zoom function. And even with a good tripod and optimum photo conditions you might not be able to take your dream shot of your seldom bird or whatever in your mind.

On the other hand most of these super zoom cameras now come with lens stabilisers that will help you 2-4 f.-stops to avoid hand shake.

Such cameras are often in trouble when focussing on rather small items in low light or with less contrast when using the full zoom.

To take sharp pictures of birds in flight is often impossible with these small and convenient cameras.

The camera models are becoming better and better to take pictures in high ISO settings with a low noise level. Luckily, every year these aspects are being improved.

To feel comfortable with your prosumer camera for birding you might want to get a new camera model every second year to feel you have the best equipment for your bird watching.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Monday, December 5, 2011

Digital SLR Camera Reviews - Best Picks

A digital single lens reflex camera is an incredibly versatile and flexible piece of photographic equipment that can help you take the best photos of your life. There are several brands to choose from today that all have interchangeable lenses, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of shots from wide angle and closeups to telephoto images.

But before you decide that a digital single lens reflex camera is just what you need, first consider how you plan on using it. If you mainly like to take snapshots of your family and friends and maybe some special events like weddings and anniversaries, you probably don't really need a camera as sophisticated and complicated as a digital SLR. In fact, a compact digital camera with a fixed lens will probably do the job just fine. So you can save yourself the added expense and steeper learning curve associated with dSLRs.

But on the other hand, if you are a photography hobbyist or perhaps you plan on increasing your photography skills in the near future, then a digital SLR camera will probably fit your needs well. Or perhaps you need a camera that can do double duty as both a simple fully automated point and shoot camera and a more sophisticated manual camera too, as more than one person with different skill levels will be using it. Happily, a digital SLR can fit the bill here too as most of them also have completely automated settings that can be used by almost anyone.

But if you decide that a digital SLR will work for you, which camera is best for you? Most likely you will need to do some research to find out what models are available in your price range and then read some digital SLR camera reviews online to learn more about which models are the best in that price range.

But from reading many of the online digital slr camera reviews by both independent reviewers and consumers, we have found two cameras that we can highly recommend based on their popularity in these unbiased reviews. For beginners, the Pentax ist DX is often mentioned as an extremely easy camera to learn and use and with a 18-55mm zoom lens and costs just under ,000. For more advanced users that require even more features and capabilities, the Nikon D70s is well reported on by almost all reviewers that we saw, and with a 18-70mm lens, it costs around 00. Of course, both of these cameras can be bought for less if you really make a good search for them online.

Regardless of which digital single lens reflex camera that you choose, they will all bring a higher level of photographic capability and sophistication to any photo that you take. If you follow the guidelines and tips provided above it can help you decide whether or not a digital SLR will fit your needs and help you decide also on which one will work best for you.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Sunday, December 4, 2011

How to Buy a Digital Camera - What You Need to Know

I know it is hard to decide how to buy a digital camera, with all the different brands, models, and styles, there are to choose from. Not to mention finding a reputable place to purchase your camera. After all, if something happens to go wrong, (which seldom happens if you stay with a proven brand) you need to know you can get prompt reliable service. Before you jump in feet first and buy a digital camera you need to ask yourself a few questions.

What is your budget? Price is going to be a determining factor in which style of digital camera you will end up buying. If you are on a limited budget, of lets say, below 0.00. Your best bet is to stay with a higher quality point and shoot digital camera, or a high quality used dSLR camera. Just be sure to stay with a good name brand like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, or Kodak. I personally use all Canon equipment, and have for 30 years, without ever having a problem.

What style of camera do you want or need? If your a novice or if you just want total ease of operation, then a point and shoot camera with auto exposure and auto focus is the way to go. The newer point and shoot digital cameras have larger high quality image sensors and produce images of saleable quality. So if you happen to get lucky you might even make a buck or two. Just make sure the model you choose has an optical zoom lens and not a digital zoom. Digital zooms use a smaller portion of your image sensor and produce a lower quality image. If you stay with digital cameras with optical zoom lenses you can get some high quality photos with a point and shoot digital camera.

If you want more creative control and higher quality photographs a digital SLR is a must have! A Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (dSLR) is the only way to go if you are going to get serious, and want total control of how your photos turn out. Rather than just relying on the camera to take the picture you have complete control. There are some very distinct advantages to using an SLR style camera. First you can have interchangeable lenses. Next you have the option of shooting in either automatic or manual mode. This will give complete control over how your photograph turns out. Now if price is an issue, you can find some very good buys, on high quality dSLR cameras. Amazon.com usually has very competitive pricing and a great support system.

In Summary: Decide what kind of camera style you prefer and what features you really need or want. Read a few reviews on the different digital camera models and find a camera within your budget. Then make your purchase. You'll be glad you took the little extra time to find exactly what you wanted.

Conclusion:

I recommend taking some professional lessons to get the most out of your photographic experience. There are some very good, inexpensive online photography lesson plans available. Finding the best digital camera buys and studying a good photography lesson plan can be quite rewarding, both emotionally and financially. You may even be fortunate enough to turn your photography hobby into a rewarding profession like I did.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Photo Safari

Travel photography is a great way to appreciate your time away from home. When you look for things to photograph it heightens your level of observation and makes you more aware of your surroundings. It may seem like a pain to constantly be carrying a camera and it is somewhat of a trade off, but I have always found it to be worth it. You can carry a simple point and shoot that will fit in your pocket but it will not take very good pictures. Canon does make some extremely advanced point and shoots like the G11 which will take good pictures, but that is the exception. To capture high quality images consistently you will have to invest in a DSLR or a micro four thirds camera with interchangeable lenses. Don't worry about megapixels. It really doesn't matter how many your camera has as long as it has at least 12. Almost all DSLRs on the market today have that many. DSLRs have become more and more affordable. Until recently it would be difficult to find one for under 0 USD but now you can find some on sale much closer to the 0 mark. I would take a 0 DSLR over a 0 point and shoot any day.

It's important to take care of your camera when you travel. I would always recommend a bag made specifically for a camera. You may spend a little more but you need to protect your investment. You also have to be on the alert for thieves. If you are eating out at an outdoor café you don't want to just set the camera on your table. Keep the strap around some part of your body; seriously. It may sound paranoid but better safe than sorry.

Another thing to keep in mind is lens selection. When I travel I want to have at least one lens that is very wide, at least 18mm. I like to capture those wide shots that can encompass an entire valley or a large group of people up close. I also like to have one very fast lens and by that I mean a lens with a large maximum aperture such as f1.8. These lenses are indispensable if you want to shoot inside or at night. They open wider and allow more light to hit the sensor. I really like to shoot inside the restaurants I dine at on vacation so I really couldn't go without one of these as I prefer not to use flash. For me having my camera and documenting my vacation is half the fun. It motivates me to get out more and see all the sights instead of wasting precious vacation time on the hotel bed. So book your plane, book your car rental, and grab your camera. You have some shooting to do!

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Friday, December 2, 2011

Digital Photography - SLR Vs Point and Shoot

Since the very first digital camera was released to the public, we have fallen in love with the convenience and photo quality of these cameras.

Like all computer electronics products, digital cameras become more affordable over time. The popular point and shoot models have become affordable for most consumers today. The average user of point and shoot models enjoy the ease of use and automatic settings. A good point and shoot camera produces good results for family photos, vacation photos and the like.

Today more of us are swapping the ease of use that is provided by the point and shoot models, for the superior results obtainable by the SLR models.

What Are SLR Cameras?

SLR cameras were originally designed for the professional photographer, and produce superior results in most any situation. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex. With an SLR camera you have complete control over all camera settings, providing photographers total flexibility.

The SLR camera utilizes interchangeable lenses, allowing photographers to take crystal clear long distance photos, as well as stunning close-ups. The superior results achieved by SLR cameras compared to those of the point and shoot models, has resulted in the SLR models being the top sellers on the market today.

Comparison Of The SLR And Point And Shoot Models

1) Though the point and shoot models offer users exceptional ease of use, they are not capable of producing the high quality results obtained with the SLR models.

2) With a point and shoot camera you have no choice of the lens you use, limiting photo results. The capability to change lenses on the SLR model provides complete control over photographic results.

3) The price of the point and shoot camera makes it affordable for most consumers today. An SLR camera is considerably more expensive, however, the superior results are well worth the extra expense.

4) Most point and shoot cameras are compact and light weight, making them very convenient to carry in a pocket or purse. Many SLR model cameras tend to be bulky and are not as convenient to carry.

Why Would You Want An SLR Model Camera?

Whether your a professional photographer or just enjoy photography as a hobby, you want your photos be the best they can possibly be. With an SLR model camera you'll get the perfect results you want.

If you don't mind the fact that the SLR model is a little bulkier to carry with you, you will appreciate the crisp professional results you achieve.

Today SLR cameras are becoming more affordable for consumers. A decent entry level SLR model can be purchased for around 0.00. If you are considering the purchase of an SLR camera it is advisable to do your home work. Shop around, read consumer reviews and consider the availability and cost of lenses.

Interchangeable Lens Camera

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The Perfect Cycling Eyewear

Cyclists should think about protecting their most delicate body parts whenever they are cycling. This is why they should procure the proper cycling apparel and gear that fits them suitably. The most exposed delicate body parts of the cyclists are the eyes. To protect their eyes, they need to get themselves their own cycling eyewear.

Cycling eyewear does not only make the cyclists look good, as they also come in various designs to cater for the needs of their clients or customers who are also interested in looking fashionable. Moreover, manufacturers actually purposely designed cycling eyewear in order to protect the cyclist's eyes from potentially harmful agents.

There are many different kinds of cycling eyewear that can be found in the market today and cyclists oftentimes find themselves confused regarding which particular one they should be getting. It is a good thing that they can avail of cycling guides that can be found in the market in order to inform or suggest to them which ones are best for them or most suitable for their needs.

Whenever they are going to participate in a race, they have to wear eyewear that has been readily installed with photochromic lenses. This kind of lenses allows smooth transition from a low kind of light to a much brighter one, without having to require the cyclist to manually interchange the lenses. This way, cyclists get to save more time and also from further hassle.

Ideally, the kind of eyewear that cyclists should be wearing must be relatively light. Excessive pressure that is applied to the ears can make the ears feel numb as time goes by. Also, light cycling eyewear can provide appropriate ventilation, which, in turn, helps in avoiding misting on the lens when they are cycling through cold weather conditions or in cold places.

Of course, cyclists should also make sure that the pair they purchase actually feels comfortable on their heads or faces. They can determine if a pair has the ability to provide them with comfort if it has side arms that do not easily break off whenever pressure is applied to it, something that is quite common when cyclists are cycling on rough terrains.

Expert cyclists also recommend to their fellow cyclists to purchase ones that have interchangeable lenses, just in case ones with photochromic lenses are unavailable. The supply of the latter kind is usually outnumbered by the buyers as the number of cycling eyewear with photochromic lenses are running out in today's market.

Interchangeable Lens Camera