Photography - Digital Camera Verses 35mm Conventional Camera

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Ever since I can remember I have always had an interest in cameras and photography, but with the advent of Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras replacing the old 35mm Single Lens Reflex Cameras this interest has been ever more focused.

I was like a child with a new toy once the penny really dropped about what the age of digital photography really meant.

The door was now well and truly wide open to a whole new world of photography. It meant that I could buy a digital camera based on the SLR variety for a little under three hundred pounds and equipped with an eight gigabyte memory card a battery and charger, I could then go out and take anything up to 1,942 pictures, view them on the 2.7inch LCD screen located on the back of the camera and keep the ones I like and simply delete those that I did not. All I have to do is take the memory card out of the camera and place it into my desktop computer and hey-presto I would be viewing the very pictures that I had only just taken.

Who Said That Technology Was a Bad Thing...

Gone are the days of buying a 36 exposure film opening up the back of the camera, pulling the film across the back and trying to make sure it lined up with the running teeth before shutting the back and winding the film on until it had reached the first exposure segment, take the picture and keep my fingers crossed that I had got everything right and the shot had come out as planned.

Once all 36 exposures had been taken I would then have to wind the film back or on later models that had auto-rewind, press a button. Carefully remove the film in low light conditions so as not to expose the film to excessive light that could spoil the film. Then take the film to the photography shop or chemist for development, which could take anything from a few days to a week.

This all took what seemed like a lifetime and not mentioning the inordinate amount of costs that could be involved. On top of that could have been extra prints or even enlargements. Photography used to be a very expensive hobby indeed.

So not only is the modern D.S.L.R version of photography much less complex, but more importantly, once you have the basic equipment the actual costs are virtually nil.

How to Take Star Photos Without a Telescope

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You don't need a telescope to take beautiful and even dramatic photos of the stars and the night sky. You just need a camera and film. In this article I give you tips and techniques for taking great night sky pictures.

There are two basic types of star photos you can take. The first type is a fast picture with an exposure of less than 30 seconds. This type of picture shows the stars as stationary. The second type of picture you can take is a star trail picture. If you leave the shutter of your camera open for an extended period of time the stars will form long tracks on the picture as they cross the sky. Both types are attractive and easy to do. In addition to simply taking pictures of the sky you can add landscape features into the picture. This tends to make the picture very dramatic and especially appealing.

The Equipment you need


A camera that has the ability to leave the shutter open for long periods of time. This function is often called the bulb function. The camera should have either a B or a T setting. This can be difficult to find with newer digital cameras


A roll of high speed film - 800 speed film is good but if you don't have easy access to this film then 400 speed film will work reasonably well


A camera tripod or some other means of keeping your camera very still


A baseball hat or a piece of heavy dark cloth

How to take the pictures


Before you go out load your film into the camera and take one indoor picture. This sets the film properly so the developer can see the frames


Bring all your equipment outdoors for at least a half hour before you intend to take the pictures. This allows the optics of the camera to adjust to any temperature or humidity difference


Set your camera firmly into your tripod


Hold the baseball hat or piece of heavy dark cloth over the lens of the camera without touching the camera


Activate the shutter button so the shutter opens


The camera is now live and the film is ready to be exposed


Remove the hat or cloth and this begins the exposure


Count off how long you want the exposure to be - A good place to start would be with a ten second exposure


Replace the hat or cloth so the lens is once again blocked


Close the shutter by releasing the shutter button

That is the whole process of taking a night sky picture. We use the baseball hat because activating the shutter will cause vibration in the camera which could distort the delicate picture you are taking. Just the motion of you pressing the button or the motion of the shutter moving can be enough to ruin the picture and take away the pinpoint sharpness of the stars.

You might be wondering how to keep the shutter open without holding the button down. You can use one of a few different solutions. The first solution is something called a shutter cable release. This is a cable that connects to the shutter button of the camera. (Newer cameras might not have this option) You press the button on the end of the cable and then lock it in the shutter open position. The second solution is to use a rubber band or some other type of setup to actually hold your shutter button down. I have used a rubber band successfully on a basic 35mm camera.

About the Exposure lengths

You should take a notebook with you and keep track of the exposure time for each picture you snap. This way you can judge which exposures worked the best and when you try again on another night your pictures will be improved. Remember to start out by taking a picture of a household object so the first picture on the frame will be correctly set for the developer. Then take your night sky photos with different time intervals starting at 5 seconds. Then progress to some 30 second shots and 1 minute shots.

Depending on what part of the sky you are taking photos of once you get over 30 seconds the stars will start to leave trails on the film. You can take exposures of several hours to get really long and attractive star trails. A minimum of about 20 minutes will leave a detectable and attractive trail.

Improving your Star pictures

To get the best pictures try to get the darkest skies possible. Light pollution from houses, streetlights and other city sources can wash out your picture. Also you can add earth bound objects to the picture. Silhouettes of buildings trees or other land based objects under a starry sky can make a very attractive picture. If you have a nearby object that you want in the picture but it is too dark you can even shine a flashlight on it while the film is being exposed. This will illuminate the object with a soft glow but not ruin the picture.

When bringing your film to the developer make sure you tell them that you have taken night time star photos and that all the pictures should be developed and printed. As a minimum you should make a note of this on the envelope you put the film in. It will avoid the developer thinking none of the pictures came out and not making any prints.

Astrophotography is the art of taking pictures of night sky objects and there are lots of possibilities for you to experiment in this art without a telescope. All you need is a simple 35mm camera, some high speed film and a few hours under dark skies.

Dell Inspiron Mini 10 Netbook review

As netbooks are become popular, Dell introduced many new series of Net-books. In that Inpiron Mini 10 is one of them. Let us look into the technical specification of the product.

Processor: Intel® Atom™ N450 (1.66GHz, 512K L2Cache)
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Starter 32bit (English)
Memory: 1GB DDR2 800MHz SDRAM (1 x 1GB)
Hard Drive: 250GB 5400RPM 2.5" HDD SATA
Display:10.1" Widescreen WSVGA (1024 x 600) WLED display
Video Card: Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator with WLAN
Security Software: McAfee(TM) Security Center (Multi-Language) - 30-Day Trial Version.


Like other Dell product this product also can personalized.  This net-book also comes with one year hardware warranty.

Digital Photography As a Disruptive Technology and the Development of New Photographic Products

Introduction to Disruption

Disruptive technologies are innovations that unexpectedly create a new market and displace established market leading products and services. The music industry has been a great example of this: records were the first products that allowed consumers to own music and play it on-demand, but these were slowly replaced by cassette tapes and then compact discs. Each of these innovations had a profound effect on the market, on the one hand the quality of sound reproduction was better and with cassette tapes consumers were able to record music themselves. On the other hand they had to replace their old players with new technology and their previous music collection slowly became obsolete. Hardware such as the Sony Walkman became popular phenomena.

Compression formats such as MP3 were another disruption in this industry, making it possible to store large quantities of music electronically and more importantly to exchange these files easily. As a result of this disruptive innovation P2P networks like Napster developed for exchanging music, along with various software for copying, playing, cutting and modifying music. As with the previous innovations, this one had an immense impact on the hardware side as well, the best example being the Apple iPod which in a way inherited cult status from the Walkman.

Disruption in Photography

Digital Photography is another disruptive technology it has almost completely replaced film photography over the past decade. The decline in prices of digital photography equipment has made the technology accessible to the mass market. Digital Photography penetration exceeds 60% in many western countries.

One of the major changes heralded by the rise of digital photography has been the way people use their photos. With a 35mm film camera, that was the norm before digital, consumers would snap 12, 24 or 36 photos and then take the film to have developed without knowing the quality of the photos before seeing the finished product. Digital photography has had the effect that photographers take more photos, but print them less. This is due to the fact that they can screen the photos before having them printed.

New Markets and Products

Another major change digital photography has brought about is how photos are used. Developed photos were often stored in boxes or pasted in albums, sometimes framed and hung on walls. Digital photography bundled with advances in printing technology have given birth to a new market for customized photographic products. The self-made photo album has been replaced by the photo book, which is created using software and digital photos and is hard to distinguish from a regular hardcover book. A large variety of novelty photo products is available that ranges from mouse pads to coffee cups.

A product category that has recently begun to emerge as a result of the proliferation of digital photography is that of wall art or wall décor. Increasingly, art prints, framed photos and paintings are being replaced by photographic wall art. Many amateur and professional photographers are using wall art as an outlet for their creative energy. They go to great lengths to make photographs and want to display them somewhere. One of the first types was the poster, as it is easy and inexpensive to produce and dispatch. But a premium segment has developed for canvas and other photographic wall panels. Printing technology has evolved to be able to print not only on paper and cardboard but directly onto canvas, acrylic, metal and other materials. This has made a new class of photographic wall panels for interior decoration. Photographic wall panels have become a tool for design due to their unique properties. Acrylic panels, which are essentially plastic panels onto which an image is directly printed, are particularly attractive because they can be combined with innovative lighting to create unique effects.

Conclusion

Digital printing has profoundly affected not only the photography industry but it has also paved the way for new technologies, products and markets. It has influenced the way people take photos and what they do with them afterward. It has made established industries and products obsolete (film development, 35mm products), while creating new products and industries (web-to-print, acrylic panel, canvas print, photo books etc.). Digital printing is a prime example of the power of disruptive technologies.

Rudiger is a photojournalist and blogger who has a passion for visual arts and photography. He writes about news in photography as well as digital printing. He follows companies in the photography and digital printing space and is particularly inerested in the developmnent of new product categores such as canvas prints and photographic wall panels. He uses photographic prints to display his own digital photos, which focus on landscapes and cityscapes.

Macro Photography Introduction

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At a certain point, there will be a time when you have taken pictures of just about everything in what seems like every possible angle. It is entirely possible you may run out of ideas or find yourself in a creative lull. One of the best cures for a situation like this is swinging by your local photo shop and picking up a nice piece of gear to experiment with. There are lots of different accessories to choose from that can improve and challenge your skills, but the best place to start is with a new lens. One of the most interesting and useful focused-use lenses out there is the macro lens.

All 35mm camera lenses have some kind of ratio that represent the size of an object in the picture compared to its real life size. A typical lens presents objects much smaller than their actual size, while macro lenses will get a ratio much closer to reality. Have you ever looked at a close up of a flower or a head of an ant? Most likely, those pictures were taken with a macro lens.

There are several different types of macro lenses available. The most common ratio for consumer photo equipment is about 1:2 which means that subjects in the picture will be half their actual size. This may not seem like much, but when you enlarge the image to a 5x7 or 8x10 picture, the final object is much bigger than in real life. Super-high grade equipment can hit a ratio of 5:1, which would be perfect for mapping out a snowflake or exploring a rough surface like a sponge. You can find simple attachments for your normal lens (these have varied results) or a full lens to attach to your camera body, whatever suits your budget.

Macro Lens Experiments

Once you have a macro lens and have got a bearing on how it works, go out into the world and start seeing things like you've never seen them before. Even the most familiar of subjects or environments can become dramatically new and exciting when viewed from a different perspective, and a macro lens will certainly provide that to you. Here's some fun things to do with your new macro lens:

Explore your house and get a bugs-eye view of your furniture, carpet, and surfaces.

See how the lens expands your creativity by shooting common items in your neighborhood

Set up a small space and see if you can duplicate "catalog" type images of small products

Macro lenses can have a great impact on how you see the world and provide you with a versatile alternative to shooting with a regular lens. You never know when it may come in handy to get a picture of something really small. It's also fun to take pictures of common objects at super-close range and see if your friends and family can figure out what the item is. Macro lenses can turn grass into green bladed mountains or ants into scary creatures that make your imagination run wild.

While the cost of a separate macro lens can cost you somewhere between $200-400, you'll find that the extra options you'll have to shoot are well worth the cost. Making "mountains out of molehills" may not work in life, but in photography it can bring a whole new meaning to your pictures. Besides, it's the little things that make life interesting.

Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMAGE Z6 - Up Close And Affordable With Minolta

If you want an affordable Konica Minolta digital camera with a full set of features - and which actually feels like an SLR - the DiMAGE Z6 will live up to your expectations!

The Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMage Z6 retains most of the good features and specifications of its predecessor, the Z5, and increases the available megapixels to 6.

However, there is one drawback in the Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMage Z6 to be mentioned right from the start: While comparable prosumer cameras are upgrading their movie feature set, it is considered somewhat incomprehensible that Minolta has decided to downgrade the movie standard to 320 x 240 (15/30 fps)! On the plus side, the camera features a night capture movie mode.

Be that as it may (it is primarily a still camera and not a video camera!), the Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMage Z6 continues to use the popular 12X zoom lens with the Anti-Shake image stabilization, which seems to work very effectively. This is the same image stabilization system as that used in the top-of-the-line Maxxum 7D digital SLR. There are some reports though of softer images with the zoom fully extended.

The Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMAGE has a focal range of 35mm to 420mm (35mm equivalent), which provides an excellent telephoto reach. Unfortunately there is no Auto Focus illuminator available.

You also won't be disappointed by its close-up possibilities. In Macro or Super Macro mode you can get the lens of the Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMAGE Z6 as close as 1cm from the subject.

And while on the subject of modes, this Minolta offers a number of pre-set program modes which will help many a photographer out in a tricky moment: Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset, Night Portrait, and more.

The Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMAGE Z6 uses four widely available AA Alkaline batteries that keeps the camera running for up to approximately 240 shots. It can also use high-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries for up to approximately 420 shots.

Although this particular Konica Minolta digital camera needs about 3 seconds to extend its zoom lens, it is quite fast when it comes to continuous shooting, and at high resolution, you might get up to 16 images at a rate of 1.8fps. This is better than some in its class.

The Konica Minolta Digital Camera DiMAGE Z6 uses the JPEG file format. It features Secure Digital memory, and a 16 MB SD card is supplied. Another big plus for this camera is that an external flash hot-shoe is available.

While some photographers might take issue with aspects of its image quality. the DiMAGE Z6 has enough in its feature-set to keep many enthusiasts happy. In fact, with its somewhat daring and definitely innovative styling, it is hard not to notice this Konica Minolta digital camera!

For more information visit Best-Digital-Photography.com

Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Getting good candid photos

Laker
Originally uploaded by Rick Blythe.

Getting good candid photos is tough. In this photo, three girls are rollerblading on a pier. Luckily I was able to combine more than one subject here and got to include a large freighter in the background, resulting in added context to the overall composition.

The second girl has actually seen me, and that slightly detracts from the photo in my opinion, but it still works as your eyes are more drawn to the first girl.

I really enjoy seeing teens these days still managing to have a good time and out getting some fresh air and exercise. That's what this shot is all about.
Candid Photography

How to Find Quality Cameras and Lenses Online

Shopping online for a camera is the best way to locate detailed descriptions of all the camera and lens options available. Then you will be able to make your choices based on these descriptions. Whether you are an amateur or professional photographer, there are many places on the Web to look for the camera you want.

What Camera Do You Need?

First of all, you must decide what type of camera will meet your needs. You may only need a simple point and shoot for family photos. These cameras will be less expensive and uncomplicated to operate. You can get automatic actions such as zoom and flash or automatic advancement in 35mm cameras. They are usually compact and simple to use, which makes it easy for anyone to take pictures.

However, there are limitations with those cameras in the control of exposure and focusing. For someone who is more involved in amateur photography, added manual control may be beneficial. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to change lenses to get a better zoom picture. Sporting events and vacation photos will be more pleasing to look at when taken with the right types of lenses.

The serious and professional photographers will want the best cameras with the features that suit their needs. This would include manual focus to give the clearest and sharpest pictures. Also, there are several different size lenses to get a good picture from a greater distance.

Different Camera Styles

There are basically four different kinds of cameras to choose from. The first, usually cheapest and easiest to handle, is the point and shoot. The second is the 35mm SLR that allows more variety in lenses and focus. The third is the Medium Format, which is larger and gives a larger negative to work with. It is completely manual but supplies a high-quality photograph. The fourth is the Large Format camera used by the professionals. It is larger and harder to use but provides stunning photographs from the larger size prints.

Shop Online for Cameras and Lenses

When you have decided the type of camera you need, you are ready to shop online. To get started, you simply type in your key words on a search engine. Once you know what you are looking for the task will be much simpler. There are many sites that offer cameras at wholesale or discount prices. They usually offer all the well-known brands such as Leica, Minolta, Canon, Horizon, Contax, Olympus, Mamiya, Nikon, Hasselblad, Pentax, and Noblex.

Some sites sell used products that have been gently used or refurbished. Purchasing these cameras would save you some money and will usually still come with a warranty. There are sites with online catalogs where you can look for the brand or style you want. They also provide search features so you can shop by key word or brand name.

Compare Before Buying

It is a good idea to shop around and compare prices and shipping costs before buying a camera. Remember to include the shipping costs when calculating the total price of a camera or lenses. Don't buy a camera at a discount price just because it is a good deal. To be sure you are satisfied with your purchase, look for the key features and quality you want. Buy a camera based on your needs and you'll enjoy taking fabulous photographs with it for years to come!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Tips to Find Quality Cameras or Majon's Electronics directory.

The Best Digital SLR Camera Review

Have you heard about the best new digital SLR camera to hit the streets? How about the worst? As the prices of digital SLR cameras have been plummeting like crazy, it's become more important then ever to be able to distinguish the best from the worst. Don't assume that a low price is indicative of a low quality SLR. It could just be the deal you've been looking for. Let's review a couple of worthy contenders in the ring of digital SLR cameras.

It's pretty hard to review digital SLR's without bringing up the Canon Rebel XTi digital SLR camera. The XTi, and it's predecessor the XT has been a solid value for anyone looking to make the move to SLR technology. A consistently strong seller with a solid base of existing users makes the Canon Rebel a worthy for best general purpose SLR camera ever.

With a current price under $600 including a lens kit, it will continue to be popular for some time. The latest model to share the Rebel crown, is the XSi, which is currently scheduled to be on the shelves mid 2008. It brings more megapixels, a better battery grip, a larger LCD, "live view", and a plethora of other new features to the Rebel lineup.

No digital SLR camera review would be complete, without the inclusion of the Nikon D40 digital SLR camera. An equally robust competitor with the Rebel lineup from Canon. For those making a purchase based purely on the Nikon brand name, there's no reason to look much further. The D40 is a great camera for those looking to make the leap from simple point and shoot cameras to the more sophisticated and versatile SLR world. The D40 still has numerous auto settings, so newbie users won't feel rushed up the learning curve of SLR with it's countless manual tweaking options.

Just for the sake of making sure three is a crowd, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Olympus Evolt E510 digital SLR. Just a few dollars more, and perhaps not as well known as our previous models, the E510 makes a great third option to consider. While some users have had problems with the auto focus of the E510 under low lighting conditions, if your more of a manual focuser, then it's not a concern. Be sure to get your hands on each of these cameras for a test run, and you'll understand why their so popular.

Few Tips For Redesigning Your Portfolio Website

Whatever the reason, there are some steps and guidelines to follow to have a portfolio site redesign. Thus the following four tips will help you create would be the best. Above all, you need to understand if the reorganization is necessary or not. Just ask questions of themselves. You simply need to ask a question, even if you need a redesign or not.

First thing you do not like your current site
Second would be aRedesign would get new customers
Third If you lose the customer
Fourth Want to add some new features like: Forums, Blogs etc.

Well, if you think you really need, then you need to redesign some tips:

Show your skills

And 'perhaps one of the reasons we need a redesign, because you're better off with everything you do in those days, rather than what five years ago. People visit your website portfolio, as someone who wants to work with them. So if you tryexplain that you are a very experienced and competent design of your site does not show that there are, then most likely you would leave your client, and, finally, are intended to hire another person.

Plan for your future

Before the redesign of work, you must plan for the future. As should have a plan for what would happen with your new design for the next four months. I think if you can easily adapt to your new design with the increasingBusiness. It would be easier and faster to add new projects? Then you need all these questions before you think of the redesign.

Get Traffic

Of course, if your photo portfolio site redesign a website designed as if You Were unique and individual website, with projecting a personality that are trying to get results. Then he helped get a good deal of traffic.

ordinary things of note

You put yourself in their shoespeople who come to visit your site. Then you find out what would appear as a visitor, such as contact information, it should check for any navigation links, etc.

8 Ways to Take Better Photos of your Children

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1. Don't let them say "CHEESE" ever. I'm not even kidding, get this word out of your life (except when you're making sandwiches on whole wheat to serve with tomato soup and maybe some goldfish). I have no idea who thought this was a good word for kids to say, or why, but don't ever use it... Silly words work great, I'm a fan of 'pickles', I know, who'd of thunk? but it's other, and it makes them stop thinking about trying to smile... A friend of mine used 'fuzzy pickles' but that's a little disturbing to me, makes me think they're moldy! We all have silly sayings and inside jokes in our families that work fabulously, you can even say the same thing every time (although I think it's better to change), make something up, take something from Dr. Seuss, a line from a movie, Shel Silverstein...

2. Get closer. Those beautiful faces, those gorgeous eyes, they should fill the frame once in a while, more often than not even... My favorite photos of both my daughter, and my dog, are ones where there is no background at all, just those sweet faces...

3. Let them be themselves. When my daughter was really little she had these great froggy boots, and she never wanted to take them off, not even for the bath! We'd dress her in these darling little outfits, and she'd go get the crazy boots. It's who she was. I, as an artist, embraced that, and have such fun images of her in that stage. Often, as parents, we think they should be dressed a certain way, or look or act a certain way, but let them be themselves and your portraits will shine.

4. Let them play. Don't make it all hard work. I know sometimes we want a perfect photo to send to grandparents, or for a special occasion, but often, if you let them play and be silly, dance around, dress up, twirl, play with a hula hoop, you get the photos you want during, or after the silliness... Last summer I had a few of the neighborhood kids in my yard, I took photos of them squirting me with those super-soaker water guns while I was behind my storm door (yes, there is value to being slow to change your storm doors!). The photos are such fun, and the expressions on the kids are amazing...

5. which continues into... Let them make faces. I don't think I've ever met a child who can make lots of different goofy faces and not burst into peals of laughter at some point. So you get the great smile, and all of those fun silly faces to create a super panel picture out of, or cards to send to cheer a friend or relative up...

6. Use natural light. Indoors use the window or doorway, outdoors get into the shade, you'll get more natural photos if you use more natural lighting...

7. Don't just take one photo. They're kids, they move, they blink, they are quick... take a few images if you want to be sure you've got it... That's probably one of the greatest features of this digital age, you can capture a bunch of pictures, and just print the one you love, how great is that?

8. Surprise them. The element of surprise is the most important tool in my arsenal. Children don't expect adults to talk in funny voices, burst into a silly song, wear washed up horseshoe crab shells on their head, stick shells on their nose or wear just about anything as a hat... It's so easy to catch them by surprise, imagine if dad took off his shoe and put it on his ear, or mom started dancing a jig (yes, this is while they're young, and most likely in the privacy of your backyard, but imagine the possibilities...). They're only young once, keep all of those precious memories safe.

Your Photography Questions Answered

The art of photography is a wonderful creative outlet for all types of individuals. This art form has been around for decades, and companies have thrived on the production of equipment that is needed to ensure are great picture is taken.

Different types of photography are so varied, that a person can just be a novice to the art or they can become a professional that is driven by their passion. Photography is something that captures the moment for generations to come.

Which is better digital or basic film?

This is a question that only the person taking the pictures can answer. Digital is a relatively new concept that with the right equipment can allow for easy photo sharing via the internet.

A person can also send their digital pictures to a photo lab via the internet also. This allows for a family member several states away to pick up pictures quicker than having to wait for them to come through the mail.

But, if a person thinks that digital photography is too difficult to understand, they may opt to stick with the basic film camera. Again, depending on what a person wants to invest in, the choice is strictly theirs.

How can I become a professional photographer?

So many answers are available for this question. Photography school are everywhere, but if a person cannot attend photography classes on campus, becoming a professional photographer can be difficult.

However, the New York Institute of Photography allows for anyone in the world to become a professional photographer via correspondence. But, by doing a little research at the library, on the internet, and possibly interviewing local photographers to find out how they got into the business, a person can easily become a professional photographer.

How difficult is it to become a wedding photographer?

Wedding photography is one of the hottest types of photographers in demand today. Weddings are becoming larger and larger and the need to capture these special moments are in great need.

Anyone can take wedding pictures, but knowing how to accent with backgrounds, lights,and the right poses can make all the difference. Books and websites are a great place to start learning how to become an experience wedding photographer.

The most important thing when photographing a wedding is to remember to bring enough film and to plan in advance with the bride and groom which particular shots they want to include in their photo album. This planning can make all the difference and also can mean referrals which in turn means more money in the bank.

Which is better, the photography studio or location photography?

This depends on what is types of pictures are desired. A studio may have more equipment such as lights that can enhance the pictures better.

The location will more than likely not be able to accommodate all the equipment a photographer wants, but the area may be all that is needed for the perfect picture. The client and the photographer will have to make that choice together.

How hard is it to print my own pictures?

If a person has a camera with a compatible printer, all that is needed is a USB cable to hook the camera up to the computer. All major retail stores offer photo paper in various sizes to print the pictures on.

And, the pictures will be printed quickly and will look very professional at a fraction of the cost of a photo lab. To ensure quality printing, make sure your ink cartridges are fresh. Old ink cartridges can distort the natural colors of the photograph.

Choose the Right Lens for Portraits

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Nothing beats a good portrait. Especially when the subject and the photographer are satisfied with the results.

But if you want to take good portrait photos need to think about investing in the right type of lens. If taxpayers are satisfied with the results of your work, then you get the lens for the job. And that means one with the right focal length.

Lenses with a focal length less than 80 mm are not good. Arenoses look too big because the photographer has to get in too close. The ideal portrait lens has a focal length in the range 90mm to 135mm. These keep the natural proportions of the face as you see with the naked eye.

Don't forget your sensor size when determining the equivalent focal length. Most modern digital cameras have a sensor that is smaller than the 35mm film equivalent. This means you have to factor in a multiplier to get the correct lens focal length. A film lens of 50mm would work out 80mm on a digital sensor with a 1.6 multiplier factor. Refer to your camera handbook for information on magnification factors for sensors.

A longer focal length means you can stand a bit further away and still fill the frame to your desire. This makes the nose more in proportion with the rest of the face and is very flattering.

The End of the Film Era

My forty years as a photographer was spent depending on film for taking pictures. The more detail that was needed, the larger the size negative was used. Eleven by fourteen sheet film produced the finest detail and the smoothest photographs. The cameras that used this size film weighed up to eighty pounds and had to be moved on a dolly with wheels. Heavy duty tripods could be used but could not be moved once set in place. The larger sized film, from eight by ten and up were mostly contact printed in a light box. Specially sized film like ten by twenty inches produced a long photograph suitable for photographing large groups. The detail was amazing, even down to the eyelashes of a person sitting at a restaurant table in a room forty feet long. Today's cameras would be hard pressed to duplicate this feat.

In the nineteen fifties the large studio cameras were still in use but the film holders were downsized to five by seven and even split five by seven in order to save costs. The Speed Graphic cameras used by many newspaper photographers held four by five inch sheet film.. It's sensitivity boasted speeds of four or eight hundred ASA without affecting the appearance of grain to any extent. The holders were unwieldy with only two pieces of film in each, except for the film packs that held a thinner film pack of twelve.

Color film had been invented in the forties, but the color appeared weak and tinted with shades of orange and aqua green. Kodachrome gave the best color but was affordable only in 35mm size for slides. There was Agfacolor and Ektachrome in four by five sheets but the color left something to be desired. Candid weddings became popular in the fifties but the case of thirty film holders weighed over forty pounds.

In the sixties, the twin lens cameras using 120 roll film were the rage. Finer grained film duplicated the quality of the four by five film holders and the cameras weighed one quarter as much. Twelve exposures and later 24 exposures made candid photography much more convenient. Only the German lenses passed the critical eyes of the professional photographers. Rolleiflex and the single lens reflex, Hasselblad, made the grade.

By the seventies, better quality film by Kodak and Agfa allowed the use of 35mm single lens reflex cameras for most journalistic work. The larger sizes were still used for magazine publications, producing stunning detailed perfectly colored photos. The new multi coated, multi element lenses from Germany and Japan contributed much to the quality. Some camera manufactures experimented with half frame 35mm, 16mm and even 8mm film but one had to sacrifice some quality for compactness and weight savings.

The next two decades saw many improvements in camera automatic functions like the Minolta Maxxum with its built in motor drive, LCD readouts and program exposure but the film remained virtually the same. One hour film service reigned and custom labs could produce sharp grainless photographs in wall sizes.

If you didn't mind seeing little squared in your three by five snapshots, digital cameras were available in the mid nineties but the year 2000 saw massive changeover to digital 'film" with full size sensors and six to eight mega pixels of smooth detail.. The cost of changing from film to digital was daunting, but the benefits were irresistible to the professional photographer. No more hand coloring, hand retouching, waiting for proofs, smelly chemicals, space eating darkrooms and large storage facilities for storing the spent film. But we'll never forget the amazing one hundred year reign of film.

Specialized Styles of Photography

Outlined below is a list of genres that call for specialized treatment in the process of creating outstanding photographs. These thematic approaches will be discussed in detail here, though there are few more categories and sub-categories in thematic photography like ad messages, corporate brochures, under-water photography and so on.

--Wildlife photography

--Landscape photography

--Sports events

--Photo-journalism

--Fashion photography

--Black & White treatment

--Shooting Celebrities

-->Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is often assumed to be an exciting and high adventure genre of photography. In reality it is extremely challenging and wildlife photographers find themselves at the mercy of inclement weather and sometimes even face danger. Here are some suggestions for this specialized form of photography.

Understand the life form that you plan to photograph in terms of living habits, habitat and behavior. In other words you need a perspective on 'a day in the life of' your wildlife subject. Books and online research will throw light on your subject. The importance of getting acquainted with the behavior of the animal is a lot more important when you have to shoot dangerous jungle animals that can attack like lions or tigers or even bears. Animals will become aware of you when you enter close to their habitat but will usually not attack if you keep your distance. But you have to be clear on the distance at which an animal will begin to feel threatened by your presence and decide to attack you.

It goes without saying that you can't expect any kind cooperation from your subject! You have to fit yourself in, place yourself in a vantage point and have your camera set and ready and then wait for the 'right moment' to take the shot that you are looking for.

You may have to wait many days before you can capture the right shot. Your subject could not care less if the light is diminishing or the light is at its best. You may have perfect light conditions on a particular day but your subject may not be in the right spot for you to take the shot.

You need telephoto lenses to shoot from a distance and other camera features like Center-weighted metering. The Center-weighted meter allows you to meter the wildlife subject at the center of the frame and vary the size of the sensing area based on the dimensions of the subject and its distance from you.

-->Landscape Photography

Taking landscape pictures within a city from atop a building or on the beach is one type of landscape photography. But if you want to get closer to nature and shoot unique pictures of nature and environment in remote locations like wild forest area or mountain ranges, then you have your task cut out for you just like a wildlife photographer. You need the spirit of adventure within you in order to travels around to different places and scour different regions for landscape opportunity.

It is tough to firstly identify the right spots, you may have to explore for days before you find an idyllic panoramic landscape to shoot. You then have to wait for the right light conditions while braving the weather and the rough living conditions. In terms of equipment, landscape photographers need to go in for a variety of wide-angle lenses since this type of lens is capable of lending depth in the photograph. A wide-angle zoom lens is useful in this type of photography because of the range of focal lengths it can provide while fine-tuning a shot. But there is also the need for telephoto lenses for certain shot though not of the high focal length required by sports photographers. Landscape photographers usually go in for telephoto lenses with focal length less than 300mm (a telephoto lens has a focal length greater than 50mm, a wide angle lens is less than 50mm, and a standard lens has a focal length of 50mm).

-->Sports Events

Those who have made a career of photographing sporting events have a different style of operation to capture the high action of dramatic moments in a game. The length of the lens, the location of the photographer taking the shot and the need to limit blurring are the three critical aspects in sports photography.

Sports photographers use a telephoto lens. This type of lens magnifies the subject. The focal length to choose from in telephoto lenses varies from 60mm to 1000 mm. A lens with a high focal length can give you a wider visual area which is a necessity when you photograph field events. Sports photographers by and large prefer 35mm cameras and use focal lengths of 300-600mm especially for field events like soccer.

The location where photographers position themselves to take different shots is directly responsible for capturing the relevant high-points in a match. It also helps if you have a good knowledge of the sport. This ensures that you identify the right moments and are alert and ready when a memorable situation occurs during the sport. You can get the right shots if you are able to move around and use the right location in different points in a game. However, quite often the areas of movement are restricted for photographers and the best way to tide over this problem is to use a lens of focal length in the region of 600mm to enable shots of the far end of a court or field. Though a good location is usually described by the angle and distance from the court or field, the other aspect of a good location is also the play of light from your vantage point. Most photographers have the task of avoiding shadows caused by the quality of light. The intensity of color in a photograph is reduced in dull light conditions while bright sunlight can create shadows in certain angles.

To limit blurring and capture action during a special game moment, you need to have fast shutter speeds at your disposal. A 35mm camera that is generally favored in sports photography can provide the high shutter speed necessary for action shots. Besides shutter speed, the speed of the film also plays a role. Higher film speed enables higher shutter speeds. A film speed of 100 is inadequate in sports photography. You need a 400 and above speed film.

The autofocus mechanism in is also useful in sports photography especially when manual focus is difficult to achieve quickly in certain sports situations.

An interesting technique called panning is applied in capturing action shots. You have to avoid holding the camera still when you shoot action. A rule-of-thumb is to hold the camera steady but move it along with the action rather than attempting to hold still. This steady movement of the camera along the path of motion of the player; incredibly, has the effect of minimizing blur. On the other hand, you will get a blur if you hold your camera still while the action is taking place. This technique is actually based on sound scientific principles.

It should also be mentioned here that the art of sports photography actually goes beyond capturing action or high points in a game. The readers who view these photographs in newspapers and magazines want to see player expressions, the thrills, the disappointments, the concentration that players display is something that readers find captivating and it becomes a talking point. Readers also like to see crowd reactions and reactions of family members of the players in certain critical game situations. To cater to the public sentiment, a photographer has to also attempt to click these special poignant moments during a game by capturing reactions and facial expressions.

-->Photo-journalism

Photojournalism is a different ball game altogether. It is visual storytelling. It has a strong social and cultural context and is a visual form of reportage based on newsy and current affairs topics. Being in the right place at the right time and understanding the situation as it unfolds helps a photojournalist deliver reader interest material. The objective is to usually pick up contemporary topics and portray a visual story that creates an understanding on the pattern in which people live their lives or social changes that impact them in different walks of life. Photojournalism also lends credibility to the written word and can support a public interest story with visual proof. The visuals complement the written reportage on the story.

A visual representation of contemporary situations is a powerful way to make a point and the photographer who is into photojournalism has to be a firstly aware of the socio-political and cultural scene of a region to be able to shoot the relevant pictures. The equipment required by photojournalists varies by the type of story they pursue. If a photojournalist is picking up images of a town or if the photography is the type that portrays cultural and historical sites, or if the task is to follow the campaign trail of a political leader, each of these require a different treatment.

-->Fashion Pictures

A fashion photographer needs to be a creative thinker with a good eye for aesthetics and the ability to use sound judgment in implementing out-of-the-box ideas. Fashion photography is meant to render an elegant, stylish effect on readers so the mundane and the run of the mill shots will not work. Each photograph is a piece of art in itself and has to be original.

Creating an impact in fashion photography requires the photographer to take a leap in imaginative thinking and to create images that are different and unusual. The treatments that have been tried over the years range from the surreal to muted black and whites, to geometric shapes to brilliant color schemes. A fashion product has to be portrayed creatively while at the same time conveying style and classiness. A fashion photographer needs a high level of visual sophistication combined with ideation skills. It also helps to try and understand the psyche of models that fashion photographers have to regularly interact with, in order to get the best out of them. Your choice of camera and accessories will vary depending on whether you shoot indoor or outdoor, light conditions, theme of the picture, etc.

-->Black and White Treatment

The black and white effect is used by artists and fashion photographers to create abstracts or classy 'other worldly' images. The camera equipment required in black & white is not very distinct from other types of photography but the key actually lies in the processing and printing quality. This is an important area of emphasis in black & white photographs in order to get the desired effect.

You will need an assortment of lenses for different situations - such as a combination of wide-angle lens as well as a standard lens. If you want large prints, you may need a camera with a high-resolution digital image sensor for sharpness of large format prints. The resolution should be more than 3 mega pixels.

Whether you develop your photographs in the darkroom (traditional film based camera) or process the pictures digitally (digital camera usage), when you develop the picture yourself you have the leeway to heighten or reduce the contrasts in tour picture based on the type of impression and visual impact you hope to create. You can also scan from traditionally processed negatives onto a computer and then process the images digitally.

To fine-tune the images digitally you need some basic knowledge of Photoshop software. Without manipulating the main picture in any way, you can enhance your black and white images by fine-tuning the contrasts. Photoshop assists in optimizing the images. The principles are the same as those used in a traditional darkroom. Using Photoshop you can apply various techniques like dodging (you selectively lighten a certain portion of a photo), cropping, optimizing density and fine tuning the contrasts. Fine tuning the contrasts is important in creating the right effect in black and white.

The print quality is another important factor in creating high impact black & white photographs. If you intend to print digitally processed images, you need a good printer and long lasting ink in your printer. You should also use photo quality paper to print your images.

-->Shooting Celebrities

Celebrity photography is challenging and the same time an exciting, glamorous field. When you deal with celebrities, firstly you have very little time to work within. There is always a time constraint even after you pin down a celebrity for a photo session. You have to therefore have good infrastructure and be ready with the necessary equipment. You have to plan the shot and adjust your camera, before asking your celebrity to pose.

Celebrity faces are well known so the key lies in attempting to capture something a little different, to create a different perspective. You need to build a good rapport with the celebrity and have to persevere to get the right mood to capture the real essence of the person. If you are photographing the celebrity for an ad, then the strategy behind the ad has to be considered to blend in the celebrity's expressions and posture to suit the requirements of the ad.

To sum up, the discussion - Wildlife photography requires you to brave rough conditions and thoroughly understand the habitat and behavior of the animal. The relevant and useful tools in your camera system are the right lenses and center-weighted metering if you are into shooting wildlife. Landscape photography requires you to be a wandering explorer, constantly seeking out those spectacular scenic settings. You mainly need wide-angle lenses in your camera system to demonstrate depth and scale in your picture. Sports events need a good vantage point and if you want to freeze the high action in the game, you have to learn and hone the skill of panning. Photojournalism calls on your social and political consciousness and is the art of visually unfolding a story, while Fashion photography requires ideation and out-of-the-box thinking. The impact of Black & White treatment can be heightened during the processing phase using various techniques and, Celebrity photography is not all glamour. Capturing the right mood and the essence of the celebrity becomes the key to a good shot and you often work within time constraints.

It is apparent that different photography streams each have their own specialized approaches and style of treatment. Your mind-set and your interests should influence the path that you choose as a photographer.

Learn Digital Photography - 6 Steps to Great Candid Photos

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Although posing for a photograph can result in a wonderful image, candid shots always win at the end of the day. Why? Because they are so much more fun and natural. We all loved 'Candid Camera" and this is why candid photos are so popular. Let's take a look how to shoot great candids.

Photography is a moment in time and candid shots are simple and immediate. Maybe not perfect and fulfilling all the criteria, but, filled with emotion and sometimes memories. They are spontaneous and reflect an instant of poignant life snatched from oblivion by the magical machine, the camera.

Candid photography is all about taking opportunities at the right moment in time resulting in a memory. Here's how you can make the most of shooting candids.

1. Trust your instincts

If a subject catches your attention or intrigues you, don't think, shoot it. If you think, then the opportunity has probably gone before you know it. Don't worry about setting up the image and using all the rules of composition, just take the photo and think about the rest later.

2. Wait for the right moment

Don't use your camera like a machine gun and shoot everything that comes into range. Be selective and study the faces of the group that you are in. You can often see when a significant gesture or expression is imminent. Wait for the right moment then fire away.

3. Blend into the background

The best photographers know just how to blend in with the scenery and allow themselves to become unobtrusive. Walking around with your camera gets people used to you being there and eventually they won't even notice you. They start to relax and this is conducive to great photography. The object of the exercise is to fit in with the crowd and do what they are doing.

4. Look for people engaged in activity

When people are busy doing something whether it be work or recreation, they become classic candidates for candid photography. You can move around almost invisibly when people are engaged in an activity. Their expressions become unguarded and they are relaxed. By making a friendly comment or asking a question you gain their attention and as they look in your direction you can shoot away.

5. Choose when to approach your subject

Knowing when to approach your subject will help get that really great shot. You want them to lower their defences and allow you into their world. Remember that you aren't trying to photograph reactions to you as that takes away the candid element. You want them doing completely natural and unstaged activities that you just happen to stumble on. Camera shy people don't make great subjects, but, if you can shoot them unawares you get the best shot possible.

6. Don't be concerned about the perfect composition

Don't worry about mistakes when shooting candids. Photographic perfection is not what you are looking for. A different set of rules applies to candid photography. You are trying to shoot an image with different characteristics to a composed studio shot. Keep it simple and relaxed and shoot fast from the hip.

Candids should be fun, a side of people that you won't capture when they are posed. Candids capture the reality of the subject and a side of them seldom seen. Don't be afraid to experiment and try methods that you usually would not use.

Tips For Sports Photography

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Sports photography actually aims to freeze the moment at the actual event. Sports photographers must be prepared with the correct equipment. They should wish to click each and every emotion and the moment. The important aspect about the sport photography is that a photographer can click the each and every moment and later can share with public.

If you are into sports photography than the first thing is that you must know all the different types of sport. However each sport is different. Therefore the techniques and style used in freezing and capturing each moment is different. Take a brief about a sport and field which you are going to shoot. Knowledge of sport rules would help you to know the interesting angles. Let us see some basic guidelines which would help us to make our task easier.

Basketball

This sport is an easiest one to shoot as you just need to focus on the two subjects: a player and the net. But it limits you with certain angles.

Baseball

It is the sport which is most difficult to shoot due to the unpredictability. But ensure your safety first before experimenting with the shoots.

Football

This is an easier sport to click, but it contemplates the most of attention as here you have to wait for a perfect time.

Hockey and soccer

It is highly recommended to use auto focus camera in these sport as sudden moments and speed are involved in it.

Golf and cricket

It is very difficult to click images during a game because of a nature of a game. You can simply take one position and from there you can take shots.

Track

This is the kind of sport which is very fun to click as it is very easy to click and quite predictable. Just you need to wait for is the good time.

Racing events

They are easy to be photographed, but you require longer lenses to shoot if you are far away from a track.

Volleyball

However it is the rarest covered events. Also it is one of the favorites sport to cover as dramatic shots could be derived throughout the game. You need to turn the auto focus on as the moves in the sports are tricky.

Camera Digital Technology - Sensors, Storage Space And Snapshot Sharpness

Camera digital technology: do you have to understand it to utilize it? Probably not, especially if you're using a consumer digital camera - a point-and-shoot - and you just want to get that holiday trip recorded for posterity...

On the other hand, it is quite useful to have a good grip on camera digital technology to get the best out of that little technological marvel!

For starters, it makes sense to know that the number of pictures you can take on your camera depends on the file format you select, and on your camera's storage capacity.

Camera digital technology generally works with two main formats, the JPG and the RAW file. The latter is for storing as much as possible original data per picture, to be adjusted later on a PC. The RAW format is of particular interest to professionals. RAW pictures often need nearly 10 times as much storage space as JPG files, so a casual photographer will generally choose to use JPG.

However, your camera might give you the option of selecting high quality JPG's or standard quality JPG's - the latter using less space, and mostly giving quite satisfactory results.

The camera will store the picture files on a card. A 256MB card can sometimes store more than 80 images of standard JPG size. If you're willing to spend more, new camera digital technology allows you to buy cards with 10 times more storage capacity.

Another aspect of camera digital technology which is useful to know about, is the way the images are captured. In stead of the film of well, film cameras, digital cameras have a silicon sensor with light-sensitive photosites (pixels) which capture the light information.

These sensors are often less precise than film when it comes to rendering detail in shadows and highlights. Camera digital technology therefore dictates that you should be careful not to "blow" your highlights. If they are not captured in the first place, you can't make any adjustments afterwards in your software processing.

To ensure you capture as much shadow and highlight detail as possible, and in a balanced way, camera digital technology offers you the use of a histogram. This handy tool is a little graph which indicates how the levels of brightness are distributed in an image. Many cameras show a histogram in real time, while you compose your image, giving you the opportunity to make exposure adjustments.

While digital camera lenses are essentially "old technology", it is useful to know that you can get excellent quality pictures from fairly inexpensive consumer cameras. This has once again to do with the sensor used in camera digital technology.

As the sensor in these point-and-shoots have a much smaller surface area than the 35mm film of a film camera, the former can get a much sharper and detailed image than a film camera with the same lens, due to the smaller focal area.

Camera digital technology has the major advantage of offering you stacks of opportunity to experiment with taking first-rate pictures, because you don't have to be concerned with the expenses relating to camera film.

So go out there and put the new camera digital technology to use!

Adobe Creative Suite 5, first look

Once it is again the time when Adobe releases a new version of Photoshop: Photoshop CS5 (Version 12).

Have a read of the following first looks at CS5 and you'll find that Photoshop CS5 is a powerful new release and for many worth the upgrade.

• Photoshop CS5 preview for photographers at Digital Outback 
• Photoshop CS5 preview at Imaging-resource  
• Photoshop CS5 hands-on preview at DPnow

Underwater Camera Rentals

Underwater cameras are modified forms of ordinary cameras. They have pioneering features that help to take clear pictures of marine life. They are designed to be waterproof and resist the pressure at varying depths. They are most useful for sporting adventures by scuba divers and scientists who research marine biology. There are many branded companies that manufacture and sell underwater cameras.

There are many divers who prefer to share their memories with others, by engaging the services of the agencies that rent new or used cameras. These agencies also provide them for sale.

There are times when people looking for underwater fun, cannot afford the cost of underwater cameras. In order to serve their purpose, there are rental services that provide customers the opportunity to hire the latest sensors and sub- sea products that primarily includes underwater cameras. There are qualified distributors who rent them at extremely competitive rates.

Most of theses agencies provide diving costumes, accessories, underwater video cameras and ROV equipments. They are also available over a flexible loan period and are customized to specific requirements.

There are many advantages of underwater camera rentals. The downtime as a result of product failure can be frustrating and expensive. The choice of a rental service can provide temporary backup cover for the existing system. It involves vital projects or a replacement system during routine maintenance or repair. There are qualified engineers who provide round the clock technical support.

Most of the renewed rental agencies have a worldwide network. They offer round-the-clock supply and technical support of cameras. They have large quantities for hire and also offer localized collection and delivery. The equipment is maintained to the very highest standard and is serviced by a qualified engineer, prior to shipment. The engineers configure the equipment to customer's exact specification, before delivery.

Digital Or 35mm Camera - Time For A Change?

Image : http://www.flickr.com

My family says I am stuck in the 70s. They have their reasons and there are many. One example is photography. I have used a 35mm single lens reflex camera since - well 1974. Yes, the same camera. This was a no frills, all manual, fantastic camera. I had the standard lens, 2 zooms, 2 wide angles, extenders, dozens of filters, flash, and macro adapters. The camera has served me well for more than 30 years. My family thought it was time for a change and that a digital camera would bring more enjoyment to my bird watching and nature walks. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend as I shoved the large camera bag to the back of our closet.

I finally have a digital camera. After holding out for several years for a digital camera with changeable lenses, I finally got the camera I wanted. Almost. Ok, this camera does not have the interchangeable lenses. I did some homework and studied the major differences in picture quality between cameras. Everything I read said "optical zoom" outperformed "digital zoom" for picture quality. But why? Simply put, optical zoom works throughout with the same number of pixels while digital zoom does not. Say you compare two 5 megapixel cameras - one with optical zoom and the other with digital. The optical zoom uses "optics" or lenses to magnify the image. This means the image retains 5 megapixels throughout the zoom range and therefore retains image quality. Not so with digital zoom. Again we start with a 5 megapixel image. Digital zoom enlarges a portion of the digital image. If your zoom ends with an image that is an enlargement of 25% of the original, this image will now have 25% or 1.25 megapixels. Quite a loss!

The camera I now have has a 15X optical zoom with a 2X digital zoom. There is also something called "smart zoom". This handy feature allows you to retain a higher number of pixels even when using the digital zoom, resulting in a clearer picture that will stay clear at larger print sizes. Other brands now offer this feature under different names, so do your homework. Comparing these numbers to my old camera and its several lenses, I have in 35mm equivalents @ 40 to 205 with the optical zoom and 80 to 410 with the digital zoom on. All of this comes in such a compact package. No large bag, no changing of lenses, built in light adjustment - no filters. Maybe I waited too long!

The proof is in the using though, isn't it? One of my hold backs to making the jump to digital is the lag time between the pushing of the button and the taking of the picture. I found that by turning off several options - focus size and face recognition are two - this lag drops considerably. In the most basic "automatic" setting, the lag time is cut to 7 milliseconds per the manual. Not bad, but enough to miss that action shot.

I took the camera on a road trip. After a few photo stops with a caravan of fellow British car owners, I became more impressed with my new toy. I like that pictures can be zoomed, cropped, and saved in the camera after a picture is taken. Night photos were awesome. The sensitivity - even in low light was something I could not have managed unless my 35 was on a tripod. This camera has image stabilization and apparently it works! Our next test was inside a cave. My son took most of the photos and again they were great. We used the flash and the low light settings and WOW was all we could say about the results. Sure, I could have gotten the same shots with my 35, but much slower and again the tripod would have been a must. The camera had passed every test to this point.

Nature photography was next. I like to photograph birds, deer, and whatever comes along during nature walks. Here, I found my first drawbacks. My old camera weighed several pounds with the long zoom lens and because of the lens length, the left elbow found a prop against my chest for steadying the camera. Not so with the digital. It is so light and small, I did have trouble holding it steady. I assume this is something I will grow accustomed to. The armadillo I surprised darted just as I snapped. I got him, but only partially - that lag cost me the shot. A grey heron was next. Some great shots until he started flying. I could have followed him with the 35, but with picture review on, this was a hopeless cause (being a male - I will read how to turn this auto review off later). Slightly frustrated, I tried unsuccessfully to catch up to a red tailed hawk. My fault - not the camera's. Remember, patience with nature gets the best shots.

Then came "the shot". Two monarch butterflies were flitting on some nearby flowers. I eased closer and started snapping. Still frustrated by the picture review, I was pleased nonetheless. Still butterflies are easy. What about flying butterflies? I was successful part of the time. The lag again did me in. But overall, the butterflies looked pretty good.

We began comparing these shots at home, zooming them in the camera. The missed armadillo shot was amazing. Sure, it was the head, shoulders, and one leg, but the clarity of his eyes and the vibrant colors were far better than I could have done with the old 35 under the same conditions. The butterfly pictures blew me away! I was shooting at 8.1 megapixel at full optical zoom. Using the 2x smart zoom, could that be what I think it is? WOW! Several of the butterfly pictures actually had the tongue of the butterfly, shown crystal clear, delving into the various petals! Amazing! Maybe with the 35, I would have gotten one. But not from the distance I was shooting and not this clearly. I am sold!

The bottom line is that with practice, reading the huge operators manual, and lots more shutter time this should become another great friend with which to share many outdoor adventures. Will this camera fill all my needs? Maybe. There are things I like and things I don't. I must become more familiar with the settings that reduce lag and focus time. Still, I see great adventures and amazing photos ahead. I think maybe I did wait too long, these digital cameras are great. Do your homework and compare before you buy. Most importantly, remember that optical zoom is always favored over digital.

Canon Digital Rebel

Canon digital cameras set up in different styles and with many different functions. The models of EOS Rebel digital SLR cameras, the XSI, XT and XTi. The EOS Rebel 35 mm SLR models are the T2 and K2. The EOS Rebel XTi SLR models equipped with 12.2 megapixels and image stabilizer. Three-inch screen, the view is what makes this camera different from the others. The camera has a mode sxi LikeView and imaging to 3.5 frames per second. In addition, the sxiis the Integrated Cleaning System. The DIGIC image processor provides a cost effective and powerful camera.

The Canon Rebel XTi digital camera model is a superior camera with a simple to use performance. The camera has some incredible features that professionals make this camera easy to use, or for beginners. The megapixel camera has a two and a half inches, see 10.1. The self-cleaning sensor combined with the integratedCleaning system, this camera is very popular. The Rebel XT has 8 megapixels and a DIGIC II image processor. The camera is compatible with more than fifty of the EF lenses. The XT is compact and easy to use and easy to use functions from the menu display.

The Canon Rebel digital cameras, the EOS Rebel T2 35mm, with many different shooting modes and other features that make the masterpiece of the camera. Canon, the camera automaticallyand make it easy to use. The EOS Rebel K2 35mm stormed the market with easy one-handed operation and lightweight design. The twelve different shooting modes make this camera from the rest. It 'also compatible with more than fifty of the EF lenses. The camera has manual and auto focus with a click of the shutter button. The Rebel K2 can be programmed for nine exposures.

Photographing birds of prey

Osprey
Originally uploaded by Rick Blythe.

I got this photo today of an Osprey, a bird that mostly eats fish. The nest was in fact atop a pole right in a water reservoir. The mother was returning to the nest where I saw one young one waiting.

I only wish the sun was not right overhead. Mid day is never the best time to shoot, but I was there, and the shot was taken.

I took this with my Nikon 70-300mm VR zoom.

Panasonic Lumix FH20

The FH20 is the best-rounded point-and-shoot to come out in 2010. We've even decided to call it Digital Camera HQ's Best Consumer Camera of 2010. The thin frame, 8x zoom, HD video, ease of use, and excellent image quality for its price tag, make the FH20 one of the best deals going for consumers in need of an affordable, compact, easy-to-use, yet powerful digital camera. You can't go wrong with

The new Nikon D700

The Nikon D700 is the latest addition to Nikon D series digital cameras. The main difference between the D700 and its previous D-series digital cousins is the size of the sensor. The D700 is a true 35 mm with a digital sensor is a Nikon 23.9 mm to 36 mm. Format described how the new FX unlike his previous DX digital SLR cameras.

When you consider all the features available and the fact that the D700 uses almost every> Nikon lens produced since 1974, the D700 offers great bang for the serious amateur or professional work Buck.

If your stable of Nikon lenses contains both FX and DX lenses, both can be used on the D700, however, when a DX lens is used, the area of the camera menu is this feeling, and if the image is in Auto DX Crop choice, the camera automatically sets the correct screen area for the lens.

Some advantages of the Nikon D700 arethese:

1st It will enable your old 35mm Nikon in its true form.

2nd Most camera control functions are similar to previous Nikon D Series So if you own or owned a D100, D200 or D300, for example, most of the familiar controls.

3rd is expected by weight, professional or advanced amateur camera users because of its size and the D700 is by many as ideal forthe wedding photographer.

4th If you are so inclined camera, this task can be optimally used and factory settings that come with most circumstances to make AN-D700.

5th The camera comes with an excellent user manual.

Cons: none! To date, my D700 + Photos taken in 2000 and worked without problems.

This article is just the surface features on the D700 and the D300 its predecessor. IExploring some of these features in future articles and present my results.