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20Jan/100
How To Buy The Right Digital Camera
Finding the right digital camera can be a hard decision for you to make because there are so many different types, brands, styles, and sizes available on the digital camera market today. This article is going to show you the specific things you should consider when purchasing a digital camera.
The first thing that must be done is to budget the amount of money you are willing to spend on a digital camera and stick to it. Doing so will allow you to shoot directly for the cameras that are in that price range or lower. A digital camera can come with so many different, attractive features that it is easy to be lured into something you simply cannot afford.
Another key aspect in choosing the right digital camera for you is to consider how you intend to use the camera. This is important because a digital camera can snap pictures at different speeds. If you simply intend to take pictures of your family and friends, this may not have much bearing for you. However, if you intend to take photographs of moving objects, you will need a camera that will snap a picture at a higher speed.
Next, consider the memory of the digital camera and how often you will use it. These two combined should not be taken lightly. If you are simply going to use the camera every now and again, a smaller digital camera will be suitable. However, if you will use it often and maybe even professionally, you will need a camera that can carry a large number of photographs at one time.
Consider your experience in using cameras. If you are a beginning photographer choose a digital camera that is uncomplicated and easy to use. You will also need to consider the lenses. Are they appropriate for both close up and distance shots or will you need a separate lens for either one? Choosing to purchase the separate lens is of course a personal decision, based upon how you intend to use the camera.
While considering these aspects, use the power of the internet and conduct online research. This will allow you to check out different brands and styles, making your decision a little easier. However, it is recommended that you actually visit the store and actually hold and inspect the digital camera. This will ensure that you are getting a digital camera that is just right for you.
Finally, choose a digital camera that you are comfortable with and is affordable. It is not a wise decision to place yourself in debt just because the digital camera offers all of these cool features. Choose one that you are happy with and will work well for your needs.
18Jan/100
How To Choose The Right Digital SLR And Lens Cameras
Choosing the Right Digital SLR for Your Nature Photography
It is very true that it doesn't matter what equipment you use -- it's what you do with the camera that matters. However, there is no question that when you're hiking through a thick jungle in the middle of central america you want to pack light. Even though the Nikon D2x has the prestige of being Nikon's premier "PRO" camera, you may not find it's the best fit for your nature work.
One of the first things you need to consider is how you're going to use the pictures. Look up the magazines you want to publish your work. Send in for "submission guidelines" and find out their minimum mega pixel count. The same is true for stock agencies -- browse around and decide which place you'd ultimately like to sell your work. Many organizations have their submission guideliens published on their websites. If you're more interested in learning and doing nature photography for your own pleasure then by all means buy the less expensive models. There's nothing wrong with a camera that takes a 5 or 6 megapixel image. You'll still be able to blow it up to poster size if you want a special print made.
Choosing the Right Lenses
Unfortunately, no one can tell you which lenses to buy or "how to build the perfect SLR system for nature photography." Again, it depends on the kinds of photos you like to take, your personal preference and the market where you want to sell your image.
The great advantage of Nikon cameras is that you can use older lenses on your body. This allows a lot more freedom of choice and means you can get really amazing older lenses at shockingly affordable prices.
I'll give you an example. One of my favorite lenses is a 300mm f4 manual focus prime lens from the 1970s. Nikon especially developed ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to provide pricise optical colour correction. This special glass (not available in all Nikon lenses) provides the sharp, clear resolution required for superb photographs. The other advantage (at least for me since I generally hike to find wildlife) is that it weighs less and packs small.
Another example -- the 50mm 1.4 auto focus). It's actually an 80mm on your body. That means you have a prime lens at 80mm that can take pictures in the darkest settings. And, because Nikon lenses has been perfecting its 50mm lenses since its inception as a company (Nikon used to include a 50mm on all its bodies until well into the late 1980s), it's one of Nikon's very best lenses. It's cheap because 50mm on a 35mm camera is kind of pooey. But 80mm on a digial camera is marvelous.
Magnification - Use it to your Advantage
For wildlife photographers in particular, the one advantage of shooting with any Nikon digital camera these days is the magnification factor. Rather than create a sensor the same size as one frame of 35mm film, Nikon and most other digital SLR camera manufacturers decided to create a sensor that is smaller than the 24x36mm standard frame of the older film models. Having a smaller sensor means you aren't going to capture all the information on the left and right and top and bottom of the frame. This may sound really bad... but there is no need to worry about what you haven't captured because the viewfinder has been adjusted so that what you see optically is what is captured in the digital file.
The result is that the camera multiplies the magnification of all the lenses. Nikon's magnification (depending on the camera you use) is around 1.5x. That means a 300mm lens is now magnified to 450mm. This is great news for wildlife photographers. The only drawback is that wider angle lenses (like a 17mm wide angle becomes a 25.5mm not-as-wide-angle lens. However, landscape photographers still have some options. I'll get to those in a bit.
Lenses - Pros and Cons
While I can't tell you the right lenses to buy for your particualr needs... I can give you some feedback/impressions about the particular lenses I am using or have used in the past.
Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 Fisheye: I never thought such a specialized lens could provide me with so much use. For more information, I've written a short article about how to use a fisheye lens in your nature photography athttp://www.naturestocklibrary.com/gallery/2472892
Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom - This lens is all right. I bought it as a kit lens a long time ago and it's served well for the wider range. I wish I had saved pennies and purchased a 2.8 that offered a wider range (like a 12mm to 25mm).
Tamron 17-35mm f2.8: This is a great lens but, alas, I purchased it for a film camera and the magnification on my digital body means that it isn't that useful in my photography right now. I'm planning on selling it (along with my other wide angle) and buying a 2.8 that has a wider range so I can do more with landscape photography.
Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D AF - This is the same lens I discussed earlier. It's small, has a low price tag, allows you to shoot in really dark situations and it's an 80mm on a digital camera. You really can't go wrong.
Nikkor Nikon 80-200mm f2.8D ED AF Zoom - This is a fantastic lens that stays at 2.8 no matter if you are shooting at 80 or 200mm. Again, magnification means it's actually a 300mm zoom. Zooms are great because you can adjust your focus distance depending on where your subject is located. Not so great with subjects that are always far away (like the macaws seen here), but really awesome for docile wildlife like deer. It also has a macro function that works beautifully.
Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D AF Micro, or 105 Micro for short - This is probably Nikon's most used macro lens, probably because the lens can serve triple duty. First of all, it is a macro photography lens and it allows you to take photographs at a 1:1 reproduction ratio (on a 35mm body), which means that a 24 by 36 mm subject will fill the entire frame. Second, it makes a very good general purpose short telephoto lens. Third, it is also at least a very reasonable portrait lens (although, with magnification it may be too much of a telephoto on a digital SLR). I really love this lens for macro photography.
Nikkor 300mm f4 manual focus - While a "prime" lens doesn't offer the flexibilty of a zoom... it's still an ideal choice for getting the best results in your work. This is the same lens I discussed earlier and, considering it cost only $350, it's light & the focusing is so smooth, it's one of my favorite lenses. I never leave home without it.
Nikkor 600mm f5.6 manual focus ED Glass - Again, I paid a lot less for this lens (which is actually a hefty 900mm on a digital body and also has the famous Nikon ED glass!!) because it's an older model and it's manual focus. I spent $1,599 USD - but consider that a newer model would go for at least $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the f stop. Some may argue that 5.6 is a bit too narrow of an f stop but I find the compression with telephoto lenses means that I wouldn't want to shoot a 900mm subject with anything wider than 5.6 (2.8 would make the focus far too shallow on such a far away subject). Although... for closer subjects 2.8 is magic!
In the past, I have also used the Sigma 70-300mm 3.5-5.6 and the Tamron 200-400mm 3.5-5.6 and both served well as affordable zooms while I was learning about photography. I have since sold them to pay for the lenses I currently use.
Why I LOVE and Highly Recommend Manual Focus
I used to be terrified of focusing manually. On most auto focus lenses, the focus ring is small and more difficult to use... also there's something really easy about just allowing your camera to do the focusing work for you. I was afraid I couldn't react quickly enough to moving subjects and that I wouldn't be as good as my camera's auto focus. Now I see the errors of my ways.
For wildlife (or people), you want to make sure the main subject's eyes are in perfect focus. You won't be able to sell any image if the eyes aren't in focus. If you shoot a subject 10 feet away at 2.8 and use auto focus, the camera will choose the object closer to the camera (usually the nose, cheek, or eye brow... not the eye itself). A 2.8 aperture means that you will have such a soft depth of field that the eyes will appear out of focus. The older (and more affordable) manual focus lenses have the most beautiful focusing rings you've ever seen. I find it much easier to use manual focus on my 300mm f4 lens from the 1970s than my newer autofocus 80-200mm zoom (using the auto focus feature). Unfortuately, I find the focusing ring on the newer models a little bit pooey... but I did want to make the case for why I think manual focus lenses from the 1970s are the greatest things since sliced bread!
Rule of Thumb for Fast Subjects
You may already be aware that your shutter speed should be at least the same as the distance of your lens. For instance, you need to shoot at least 1/300th of a second if you are using a 300mm lens or hand shake will make your picture look really blurry. And anything larger than 300mm should be put on a tripod (preferably one with a ball head for wildlife work). With magnification, you may be able to get away with shooting a 300mm (a 450mm on your digital) hand-held... at 1/450th of a second or higher...)in a pinch... but investing in a good ball head tripod will really improve your results if your lens is higher than 300mm.
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24Dec/090
New Kids on the Block Concert – Philly – The Right Stuff
*Watch this in high quality* This is from the New Kids on the Block concert on November 5, 2008 in Philadelphia. They are singing their song You Got It (The Right Stuff). I took this with my Panasonic Lumix digital camera which has a 10x optical zoom. I was sitting in section 110 so this was the best I could do. Enjoy! I am slowing adding more videos from this concert. *I will upload the following from this show. + Dirty Dancing + Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time) + 2 In The Morning + Single ...
17Dec/090
How to Select the Right Digital Camera for yourself
Capturing moments was never so easy before digital cameras came into the photography world. Ever since, there has been a big international market dealing with digital cameras. Japan, South Korea and China have been the main players in manufacturing new digital cameras since its inception. Today, no media house can run without digital cameras. Forget media agencies, in our day-to-day life, we have started considering digital camera as a handbag's must-keep item. It has truly given a new definition to the world of photography.
Many kinds of digital cameras with different features are hovering around the market today. And you need to decide on your choices and pick up the right one that fits your clicking needs. You must have already heard a lot about the top brands such as Kodak, Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Sony, Panasonic, Polaroid, Olympus, Fujifilm, HP, Samsung, etc. This article discusses features of famous brands and models of digital cameras to help you select the right one for yourself.
To start your selection process, you must consider whether you are looking for small and compact pocket camera, an advanced camera, a high zoom capability camera, or an SLR camera. These can range from USD 100 to USD 2,000. You will need to take your pick based on your budget and requirements.
What are the features that you should compare between brands while selecting a digital camera? The most important feature is its resolution in mega pixel. In simple language, this figure tells you how much you can expand your picture without parting with its quality. The higher the resolution, the better. But this doesn’t mean that you have to go for the highest available model in the market. Usually people print photos that are sized 4x6 in or 5x7 in – for this any camera above 4 mega pixels will deliver great results.
Other feature that you should evaluate is zoom-in capability. Optical zoom and digital zoom are different terms. Optical zoom means actual zoom done by the lenses, while digital zoom simply increases the size of the picture display without increasing any details. In simple terms 3x optical zoom means you can get three times closer picture of the image you see with your eyes. For this reason, optical zoom is better.
The third important feature is compatibility with other devices. Find out if the camera you are going to buy is compatible with your computer, printer, memory card, USB drive, etc. Cameras have inbuilt flash memory but the space is limited, so you would have to buy external memory cards, popularly known as Secure Digital Card (SDC) and Multi Media Card (MMC).
The next important feature is the size of the screen that provides digital display of the image instantly. These screens were the major reason that digital cameras replaced conventional cameras so fast. The screen gives you the ability to review the image and delete the ones you do not like. The LCD digital camera screens are up to 3 inches in width.
The other features that make your camera more convenient include automatic light adjustment, automatic flash, red-eye reduction, file format (TIFF, RAW or JPEG), audio and video capability, image stabilizer, manual controls for aperture and exposure, camera speed, weight and size, body type, battery type (lithium of normal), battery life, picture modes for morning light, day light, cloudy day, etc.
The varieties and features of digital cameras are so many that it becomes really difficult for a first-timer to select one. This is worsened by everyday technological advancements. But all the features mentioned above impart a whole new dimension to photography and they make it easier for even an amateur to click great quality pictures.
This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the News Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/camera-digital.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for www.PoloMercantil.com.br
12Dec/090
Shopping for the Right Type of Cheap Digital Camera
Many of us look for digital cameras that can perform the tasks that we need while being priced at reasonable rates. The various digital cameras can be found in the high end market to the mid range and also cheap digital cameras. When you are looking for the digital camera that you need for your photographs you will find many different types of cheap digital cameras that you can buy.
These different cheap cameras can be bought from a variety of camera stores. The price range from some of these cameras can start at about $30 and go as high as $500. The various cameras that can you find in this cheap digital camera market also have well known brands like Nikon, Minolta, JVC, Kodak and Fuji.
While these cheap digital cameras will lack some of the features that can be found in the high end digital cameras they can deliver good photographs. You will need to look at these cheap digital cameras to see if they have the various items that you require.
These features can be the various shooting modes that you will get from your digital camera. Underwater, foliage, indoor, portrait, automatic are just a few of the shooting modes that you can look for when you are selecting your cheap digital camera. Some cheap digital cameras will feature interesting effects like that of panorama stitching.
This facility allows you to take three different photographs. You can them merge these distinct photographs together to create a fantastic picture. The amount of megapixels may not be that important for everyone but they do allow you to receive sharp and well defined pictures.
Since this is important for accurate and detailed photographs you should look for this information as you are gong through the various types of cheap digital cameras that are available. You can use various photography magazines and digital camera buyer’s guides to help you select the type of digital camera that is within your budget.
You should have a clear idea of the various requirements that you need from your digital camera. This way you can choose the digital camera that has many types of shooting modes, evaluative metering and how well the optical lens will work.
Since there are many different models of digital cameras you will need to know the various features and requirements that you need for taking a picture. Once you know these parameters you can start your hunt for the right type of cheap digital camera. With so many different brands and models of cheap digital cameras in the market you are sure to find your ideal digital camera.
Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on internet marketing for years. For more information on cheap digital cameras, visit his site at CHEAP DIGITAL CAMERAS
8Dec/090
How to Choose a Digital Voice Recorder That is Right for You
If you've done much shopping for a digital voice recorder, you will find a wide range of choices. Some are under $50 and some can be as high as $500-$600.
Part of the reason is additional features, microphone sensitivity, and storage size. Surprisingly, some of the lower end recorders (under $150) can record just as well as the higher end recorders. The only thing lacking is features - and if you don't need all the bells and whistles you will be just fine.
Olympus makes a series called the "WS-series". These are considered "consumer grade digital voice recorders" but receive great reviews on consumer electronics sites. If you aren't using them as a journalist or medical professional, often these will work just fine.
There are several versions of Olympus WS-Series voice recorders: the WS-311M, WS-321M, and the Olympus WS-320M.
The main differences between these digital voice recorders is just the amount of recording time. Otherwise the functionality is the same. They all have voice activation features, export in WMA format, and all plug into your Mac or PC using your USB port.
Most users will convert these WMA (Windows Media Audio) files into MP3 when they move them over to their computer. This is easily done with a program like Apple iTunes, which will ask you upon loading if you wish to convert them to MP3. I do this all the time with my WS-311M when I move my songwriting ideas over to my laptop.
All WS-Series Olympus digital voice recorders are powered by a single AAA battery. This might seem like your recording time might be limited. This is not the case. You can get 20+ hours of recording time out of a single AAA battery.
The WS-series voice recorders are also very small. They are all about four inches long, two inches wide, and not even a half-inch thick. You can easily slip it into a shirt pocket, back pocket, or into a small purse or messenger back without taking up much space at all.
If you want to move up to more expensive models, the Olympus DS series is a good choice. Olympus makes a DS-4000 which is used by professionals in the medical and legal fields. But Olympus recently released the DS-2, which offers many of the same features at a much lower price.
You will want a digital voice recorder that doesn't require installing software in order to move files to your PC or Mac. The DS-series and WS-series by Olympus simply recognize the device as a mass storage device. So when you plug it into your computer it simply looks like an extra hard drive. You can open it up on your computer and just drag files over to your desktop and manipulate them there. Sony and some other manufacturers tend to require you install their software, which can cause problems if you're not near YOUR computer and you want to move or upload files.
You can find many of these devices for sale on eBay and on various used electronics stores in used and almost new condition for a fraction of the price you can find them at big box retailers. Do some shopping around. You'll be surprised at the deals you can find.
Don Mak is a regular user of digital voice recorders and runs the site OlympusVoiceRecorders.com, where he regularly reviews Olympus digital voice recorders and monitors the latest eBay listings for used digital voice recorders.
26Nov/090
Choosing the Right Waterproof Digital Camera
Waterproof Digital Camera can capture your memories on a beach, at a nightclub, pool and in many other places because of its high technical configuration. It is specially designed for taking clear pictures of the objects under water that is below five feet and more. Parallel to this, you can view all the pictures instantly and you have quick access of the images taken. There will be lot of differences in taking shots and the working condition also varies when compared with the other digital cameras.
Waterproof digital cameras have different modes that are used for diverse scenes, but you need to have proper knowledge of the camera before use and that can be attained by thoroughly reading the manual. You have to do some research before deciding to buy. Always purchase a camera that is easily accessible by the thumb for clicking and the user interface should be simple. Technical aspects like compact, digital zoom, flash levels, dimensions, internal memory, movie mode etc have to be given importance while buying.
Sony and Canon offer waterproof digital cameras at different prices. Nowadays the waterproof cameras are designed for lifestyle purpose and fulfilling professional needs also. People enjoying vacation on water base always opt for waterproof digital cameras to enhance and cherish their experience. You can take colorful shots while doing underwater snorkeling or scuba diving and so you cannot rely on faulty cameras. In addition to this, these cameras are good options for capturing action shots that are water-based like white water rafting, fishing and kayaking etc. There are cameras available to capture underwater photographs at the depth above 30 feet.
Sealife DC500 is scuba divers delight as it can be used up to 200feet depth. This camera has two underwater shooting options. First one is typical shot for underwater with slight shutter pause or lag. But the Shark shooting option captures intended object and the range or distance is remembered for the following photos and hence there is no lag time with the closing speed of the shutter. It has got a flash and has expandability with other lenses like 3x and 4x optical zoom. Some main features of this waterproof digital camera are 5.0 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom and auto-focus with a LCD display of two inches for viewing the photos.
Olympus Stylus 770SW is referred as the toughest waterproof camera because it is not only waterproof but also freeze and crush proof. Among the waterproof cameras available in the market, this camera sounds like handling anything on the way without any damage. It has got 7.1 mega pixels and as a result gets great resolution and also has LCD display of 2.5 inches. Underwater, the camera is shockproof till 5 feet, can take up crushing force of 220 pounds and waterproof till 30 feet. It also has 30 shooting modes with movie sounds.
Pentax Optio W20 is another waterproof digital camera that is preferred by many photographers because it provides them the needed features. A rubber-sealed seam is an important feature that can be immersed till 5 feet for a period of half an hour. It’s distinctive features are 7 mega pixels, macro lens, 3x optical zoom, 2.5 inches LCD screen, recording videos and underwater settings.
The other popular waterproof digital cameras are Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000, Fuji Fine Pix A400 digital camera and Bonica Snapper-XP underwater digital camera.
Visit http://www.digitalcamerapro.info for finding the best and cheap digital cameras of all types and models.
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