Autumn Photos

Autumn
Originally uploaded by Rick Blythe.

Now that autumn is here there are new opportunities for getting outside and getting some nice photos. I got this shot on the weekend at a nearby creek. If you like this shot here are the details of how I got it.

It was a cloudy day after several days of rain. This worked to my advantage in a couple of ways. First, the creek was rushing with lots of water and the leaves took on a vibrant colour being wet. Also, the low light conditions meant I could slow down the shutter to my favorite speed for running water - 1 second.

To make sure the shot didn't blur I had to rest the camera on a rock. Any vibration would wreck the photo. I simply set the camera in S mode, set the shutter to 1 second, then I put it in self-timer and pressed the shutter. The self-timer is very useful for reducing vibration. Press the shutter and then let go!

Hope you all can get out during this fall to get some keepers of your own!

Nikon D3s

Here it is folks, the brand new flagship camera from Nikon, the D3s. The D3 basically got an upgrade with the addition of the s. The Nikon D3, and now the D3s, is an absolutely killer camera for shooting sports and action in any light. It has ridiculously high ISO capabilities (102,400).

It is Ken Rockwell’s first choice for shooting anything that moves.

In a first for an FX-format flagship, the D3S incorporates the HD-quality D-Movie function, letting users take full advantage of the wide dynamic range and high ISO performance, including the breakthrough High-Sensitivity Movie mode. The D3S's D-Movie also offers compatibility with an external stereo recording microphone, as well as convenient in-camera editing functions such as the ability to select the starting or ending points in order to trim D-Movie footage, as well as the option to save selected movie frames as JPEGs. The D3S shoots approximately 9-frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting in FX format and 11 fps in DX format, with a buffer twice the size of the D3's. These features, along with a 0.04-second* shutter release time lag and improved AF accuracy work seamlessly for lightning-fast responses. Various improvements in ergonomics, operation, and reliability, such as image sensor cleaning, will help photographers focus on shooting under any conditions. When combined with state-of-the-art NIKKOR lenses and the Nikon Total Imaging System, which includes Nikon Speedlights, wireless transmitters and various software, the D3S delivers exceptional quality and versatility for an unprecedented variety of professional and personal assignments.

Nikon D3s main features:
• ISO performance: ISO 12800 as standard, expandable to ISO equivalent of 102400 (Hi 3)
• Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.1 effective megapixels
• Improved D-Movie function including High-Sensitivity Movie mode and flicker reduction function
• Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System including Image Sensor Cleaning function
• Incorporates Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing
• Active D-Lighting with bracketing for up to 5 frames
• Picture Control: Standard, Vivid, Neutral and Monochrome (Landscape and Portrait can be downloaded from Nikon website)
• Quick response with approx. 0.12 seconds start-up time and approx. 0.04 seconds shutter-release time lag
• 9-frames-per-second shooting rate in FX format, 11 fps in DX crop (CIPA Guidelines)
• Nikon Scene Recognition System, utilizing 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance
• Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module featuring 51 AF points
• Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.7x magnification in FX format
• Durable shutter unit proven by 300,000 cycles of testing on fully assembled camera
• Intelligent power management that lets you shoot up to approx. 4,200 frames per charge (based on CIPA Standards)
• Easy-to-access Live View modes with dedicated button
• Quiet Shutter-release mode for nonintrusive shooting
• High-definition (approx. 921k-dot), 170˚ viewing angle, 3-in. VGA LCD monitor with tempered glass