Fi N and Bluetooth
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Whilst a popular photography brand with many dedicated followers, Pentax's real forte was the age of 35mm film SLR camera and so when digital SLRs began to become popular, it took several years for Pentax to catch up to the market leaders, Nikon and Canon. When they did arrive, however, they arrived in style and since their first digital SLR was introduced to the market in 2003, their popularity has snowballed, to the extent that many traditional Nikon and Canon photographers have converted to a Pentax SLR camera.
To compete with the top two companies and to ensure that they gain as wide of a market reach as possible, there is a Pentax SLR camera available to suit the majority of people's needs, which can make choosing one somewhat of a complicated process.
For the keen amateur photographer who is looking to increase their photography capabilities and move from a compact point and shoot to their first digital SLR, the Pentax K-x is highly recommended. Recently released in October 2009, this Pentax SLR camera is different from other entry level SLRs, for a variety of reasons.
Taking its color as an example, the traditional coloring of a digital SLR is black and this can be seen across the board in the majority of SLRs currently on the market. The Pentax K-x, however, is not only available in black, but white, red and navy, too, with the intention of appealing to greater audience.
Further to this, it comes with a particularly cheap price tag of around $650 including a kit lens and it has also been created to be powered effectively off of standard AA size batteries. This means that no charger is required and a photographer can guarantee that they will never lose power by simply keeping two AA batteries in their camera bag.
To cater for those who are looking for slightly more in their Pentax SLR camera, the K20D should meet the needs of any serious amateur photographer, as well as acting as a good quality second camera for a professional photographer.
Coming in at $1170, the Pentax K20D was put on the market in February 2008 and boasts a considerable 14.6 mega pixels. With particular care being taken to ensure that the K20D can be used competently outdoors, it includes a weather proof body, has dust control features and a fantastic image stabilization feature.
It has to be noted that Pentax have not yet ventured effectively into the full professional photography market, although they do have some high quality top end SLR cameras, such as the recently released K-7.
Costing in excess of $1200, the K-7, like many SLRs that are coming onto the market, has the capability to record High Definition video, up to 30fps and with a resolution of 1526 x 1024.
In addition, the K-7 comes with a weather resistant 18-55mm lens as standard, with the option to upgrade to the 50-200 weather resistant lens if preferred.
It may seem to some that Pentax are not pushing boundaries with their SLR cameras, but more trying to keep up with their larger rivals. However, Pentax are currently producing some high quality SLR cameras and it is predicted by many professional photographers that they will be competing with Nikon and Canon for a place in the top two within the next few years.
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Canon has been at this for a long, long time and they realize what it is their customers want, need and expect from them as one of the most well known camera purveyors in existence today.
With the inception of their vast EOS system that is already loaded with more options for photographers of every level comes yet another add-on as Canon releases the Speedlite 420EX Flash.
Whether you're sporting the EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR or the EOS Rebel T2 35MM camera (my personal favorite), photographers inhabiting all parts and corners of the known world have long known the benefits of using the EOS system.
The Canon Speedlite 430EX flash unit replaces the Speedlite 420EX flash model as the one of the most functional and powerful flashes in its class. The maximum guide number has been increased to 43/141 (ISO 100, in meters/feet), and the 430EX flash becomes even more versatile with the addition of a built-in wide panel, which increases the minimum focal length coverage from the previous 24mm limit to 14mm.
What impresses me the most is how the Speedlite 430EX flash works equally well with film or digital cameras as I use both in my work. If you work primarily with digital cameras you'll find some features especially useful. It's compatible with the E-TTL II's auto exposure technology which analyzes important information like distance of a subject, even when snapping pictures of subjects of varying sizes, to modify the power of the flash. This results in more accurate flash exposure.
The new Speedlite 430EX flash unit includes other useful upgrades including a full-power recycle time that is approximately 40 percent shorter than its predecessor at just two seconds with NiMH rechargeable AA batteries. A rear LCD and rotary dial make other new features more accessible, such as adjusting manual flash exposure from full power to 1/64 in whole stop increments, and enabling the second curtain sync function.
There are an astounding six custom functions that are now available including a flash head that is more maneuverable and capable of more angles for bouncing flash illumination than its predecessor. The Speedlite 430EX flash also incorporates the high end features that make it an essential accessory, such as a 24-105mm auto zoom, locking hot shoe bracket, and the ability to be used as a slave flash in an E-TTL or E-TTL II wireless flash configuration. High speed sync and FE lock are also available, as well as a save energy function, a versatile feature set that delivers outstanding value. With all of these features and versatility, Speedlite 430EX flash is the accessory for serious photographers who wish to expand upon the already rich evolution of the EOS system.
I can only tell you so much. I love this flash like it was my own child. It uses very little power, feature-rich, easy to install and maintain, inexpensive and makes my photos pop with style and an even tone rarely seen outside of the naked eye.
The white sheet on the unit explains SpeedLite in great detail. I hope they're as helpful for you as they were for me!
A Few Blurbs
The SpeedLite 430EX flash unit was released to replace the very popular SpeedLite 420EX which includes new features built to maximize image quality, especially for digital users, when using a flash. This includes auto selection of the camera's white balance and the auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to match the sensor size of the camera it's attached to. The guide number has been increased to 43 and has approximately 40% faster recycling time.
Optimum flash coverage
The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm. When attached to digital EOS cameras with smaller than full-frame sensors (such as the EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 20D and EOS 350D) the SpeedLite 430EX gives a more accurate flash coverage by detecting the model to which it is attached and automatically narrowing the angle of coverage. This has the effect of eliminating light loss in peripheral areas and extending the effective flash range.
Ideal white balance
The SpeedLite 430EX automatically transfers color temperature information to recent models of digital SLR cameras . The camera then sets the white balance optimally for the flash shot. This feature works when the camera's white balance mode is set to Auto White Balance (AWB) or Flash white balance mode.
E-TTL II
The Speedlite 430EX is fully compatible with the distance linked E-TTL II system found on recent EOS cameras, and supports other EOS cameras that do not support E-TTL II, when required. For a complete multiple flash system, the Speedlite 430EX serves as a wireless slave when either the Speedlite 580EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX or Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 is used as a master.
Upgrade for control
An intuitive and ergonomic interface includes an LCD panel for clear indication of modes and settings. A single bounce lock release button provides immediate control over the bounce head angle for flexible positioning of the flash head. The flash head can be moved up from 0 - 90degrees (5 settings), left from 0 - 180degrees (7 settings) and right from 0 - 90degrees (4 settings). 6 custom functions allow customization of the flash operations. Despite high power and short recycling times, the unit is small and lightweight.
Fully Synchronized
Features include 1st and 2nd curtain flash synchronization, and manual adjustment of flash output from full to 1/64 power (7 levels).
Accessories
An optional Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 allows the flash unit to be mounted to one side of the camera. Designed specifically for press and wedding photographers, it eliminates the red-eye that can occur when mounting a flash on the axis of the lens, such as on the camera hot shoe. Flash batteries are replaceable without removing the unit from the bracket.
The flash retails for around $299.99 and is priced affordably against its competition and I can't help to carry it in m y gear bag whenever I travel and I hope you won't either!
Sony has always been a brand that has tried to make video production faster and more flexible. The Sony PMW-EX 1 is a first in the industry for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the first camcorder from the XDCAM-EX range that optimises the best of the SxS memory cards - a new media card format. Secondly, they are the first of their type of hand-held camcorders that can provide the you with multiple frame rate recording. It also comes with Sony's two year Silver Support when you buy from certain stores.
HD Quality
The Sony PMW-EX 1 has the option to record in a range of HD formats - 1080p, 1080i and 720p. This adds further functionality to the flexibility and creativeness available. To enhance this further, you can also record at 35Mb/s or 25Mb/s, making the PMW-EX 1 perfect for a wide variety of situations.
Outstanding Overall Operation
In addition to the reasons mentioned already, here are another set of reasons why this Sony Camcorder is a great model. As well as the high level of HD quality on offer and the performance ability of the non-linear XDCAM workflow, as a result of the compatible SxS Pro Memory Cards, storage and memory are bigger than ever with the two featured memory card slots that can provide up to 140 minutes of HD footage across just two 16GB cards. Post-production is also given a boost with a shutter setting that creates filmic operation.
All of these factors and more make the Sony PMW-EX1 a great camcorder for any professional videographer, especially when it includes Sony's Silver Support.
Alex P Jones is a professional videographer, choosing only the best high quality Sony camcorders, such as the Sony PMW-EX1, from quality retailers.
Photography is a beautiful thing, no matter what you are taking pictures of, whether it is of your family, pets, nature or your home, photographs are wonderful. When taking pictures, it is normally because you want to "capture the moment" so years later you can pick up he photograph and say "wow, look at me 20 years ago" or "gee honey, you look great with that tree in the background". Things like that need to be keep and when you look at them again you will remember what a great time you had where ever you were.
Photos are also taken on special occasions, like when your baby takes their first step, when they go to "big school" for the first time or when they graduate. Memories such as these are precious and are even easier to remember when you have pictures to look at. The only horrible thing about photography is when you take the most beautiful picture, only to discover that your lens was dirty and the picture came out terrible and you cannot retake it. There is only one solution to this problem.
Anti-fog spray works magically on cameras. Before you are going to be clicking away, take a soft cloth and some anti-fog spray and clean the lens. That's all you have to do, it's quick, easy and the cleanness lasts! You will not have to wipe the lens after every photo you take; it lasts for quite some time before you will have to clean it again. Do not drench the cloth with spray, just put on enough to make the cloth slightly damp. Wipe the lens softly, and the work is complete, you can now start clicking away!
So now you can take those pretty pictures and they will come out just as the original thing you saw, anti-fog spray really does the trick.
Written by Angelus Amerson. Find more information on Stretch Marks Strivectin [http://discountstrivectin.com/stretch-marks-strivectin] or you can also read on more uses for the Anti-Fog Spray
Portrait photography is probably the best kind of photography that defines human interest. Although it is considered as the easiest area of photography compared to others, portrait photography appeals to many people and photographers alike because it is quite interesting and challenging.
Since it's all about taking people's photos, a portrait photographer should possess a genuine interest in people that would eventually become their subjects. They should care about people and are natural conversationalists to break the ice.
Above all else, portrait photographers should also possess the skill to observe their subjects' characteristic gestures and expressions and can easily identify a person's best side and angle.
GETTING STARTED
If you think you have what it takes to be a portrait photographer, then you should familiarize yourself with the different areas of portraiture. Basically, there are different types of portrait depending on the usage or purpose.
Some of the common categories in which portrait photography falls into include amateur portraits of friends and family, photos of people in a social gathering, editorial portraiture where pictures are taken by photographers for newspapers, magazines and other publications' use, fine art portraiture where photos are taken specifically for display in museums and galleries, formal portraits where subjects pose for the purpose of a photograph and informal portraits or 'action shots' where the subjects do not intentionally pose for the camera.
THINGS TO CONSIDER AND RECONSIDER
Many photographers would agree that the intention of the photographer is what sets a photograph apart from a portrait. If you would want to try portrait photography, here are some of the things you might want to consider:
1. Camera. In portraiture, any 35mm SLR (single-lens-reflex) are fine. If you can afford a Digital SLR, it's better because you can save on film and processing. Never opt for a zoom point and shoot because it can't provide sharp outline and accurate results.
2. Lenses. There will be times that you need to emphasize or de-emphasize a specific feature of your subject at a certain distance. These are what the different kinds of lenses are for-to highlight or conceal any good or bad feature of the subject.
Many professional photographers suggest 300mm or 600mm lenses but for starters, typical portrait lenses that are between 90 and 135 millimeters long for 35mm cameras are okay. Nikon 105/1.8 (MF only), Canon 100/2 USM, and Canon 135/2 USM are some of the recommended portrait lenses available in the market.
3. Film. Since digital cameras no longer require the use of rolls of film, this should not be a big trouble for you. All you need is to look for a good compact flash that has high memory to produce high-resolution photos. But if you have a manual or SLR camera, purchase black and white and color films to provide choices to your clients.
4. Location. An ideal location for any portrait photography shoot is a studio. Aside from providing enough working space to work at, having a photo studio also ensures the safety of your equipment. But if you can't set up a studio yet, it is advisable to find a space that can provide you a working area.
In setting up a studio, consider the rental cost, size, accessibility to target market and the facilities offered. If you take environmental portraits, you wouldn't need a studio that much because your shoots will depend on the surroundings that create great impacts on your subject.
5. Lighting. If you have a portrait studio, consider the sources of light that would flatter your subjects. If your shoot is outdoors, it is advisable to choose an overcast day to avoid shadows in your photos.
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The Panasonic DMC LX3 sits at the top end of the compact digital camera market. It has 10 megapixels and a 2.5x optical zoom lens. The lens has a wide angle setting equivalent to 24mm in 35mm format. This makes the lens wider than other compact digital cameras offer. Such a feature makes the Lumix LX3 a good choice for anyone who likes taking photographs of wide scenes such as landscapes. In my tests I was very impressed by the sharpness of the photos. Compared to other wide angle digital cameras the sharpness levels and overall quality of the photos produced was very good indeed.
With only 2.5x zoom on offer and taking into account the fact this camera has a wide angle lens its capacity for zooming in is limited. To work around this you have the option to decrease the number of megapixels you are shooting at in order to increase the amount of zoom available up to 4.5x.
When it comes to features the DMC LX3 should satisfy most hobby photographers. You can store photos in RAW mode to make future manipulation possible. You also have access to image stabilisation, a hotshoe, custom modes, a fast burst rate, manual focusing and manual exposure modes. Favourite settings can be stored in two custom modes for easy access.
A maximum aperture of F/2 gives you access to fast shutter speeds too.
On the back of the DMC LX3 you will find a 3 inch LCD screen. This is made up of 460,000 dots (twice as many as standard). This helps to make the screen very easy to view. There is also an option to buy an optical viewfinder. This appears to attach to the camera through the hotshoe.
The hotshoe is also used to attach an external flash unit. The internal flash pops up on the top of the camera. This helps to move the flash away from the lens and reduce the chances of red eye.
If you like to use your digital camera to shoot short movie clips then you will be pleased to know the DMC LX3 is capable of shooting HD quality movies.
I think Panasonic have done a good job with the layout of the camera. Although I will always prefer the layout and controls offered by larger Digital SLRs I found the switch to place the camera in macro mode or manual focusing mode useful. In addition there is also a switch to choose the aspect ratio for a shot. This makes it quick and easy to set up the camera to take a photo suitable for a 6 x 4 inch print or to playback on a widescreen television.
Another feature you may have noticed if you have seen the specification of the camera is the film mode. I'm not quite sure you can connect this directly to a type of film used in a traditional 35mm camera, but it does give you some control over the colour of your photos and the strength of the colours used.
Looking at the competition the DMC LX3 is up against cameras like the Canon Powershot G10 and the Nikon Coolpix P6000. To be honest at this end of the market you will generally find better picture quality, so often it is more of a case of deciding what features you like and how the camera handles. I was impressed though by the overall picture quality and the focusing and sharpness of my test pictures was a treat.
All in all the Panasonic DMC LX3 compares well with other similarly specified digital cameras. The wide lens makes it a good choice if you are interested in photographing sweeping landscapes.
