Photography Tips

Graduated Neutral Density

2009-05-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Please note that by using Graduated Neutral Density filter, it really helps a lot. It helps to show more texture on the clouds as seen below. The top picture is without GND (Graduated Neutral Density) and the bottom picture is with GND (Graduated Neutral Density).

Sony Alpha A900 Review

2009-05-25T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Sony DSLR-A900's body is constructed from five main magnesium alloy sections, and includes sealing to reduce ingress of moisture between the body panels, as well as at the various control dials and buttons. The Sony A900 has a Sony Alpha lens mount that also accepts Konica and Konica Minolta glass. A large pentaprism sits above the lens mount, both dictating the camera body's workmanlike visual aesthetic, and providing a very large and bright TTL optical viewfinder with 0.74x magnification. The rear panel features a large 3-inch LCD display with 921,600 dot resolution, equating to VGA (640 x 480) pixel with three R, G and B dots per pixel. This is used solely for reviewing of images, as well as for menus and status display; the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 doesn't offer live view capability. There's also a small top-panel status LCD which indicates remaining shots and battery life, as well as the basic exposure variables.

Information (advanced mode)

Exposure Mode
Shutter Speed / Aperture
EV scale / Exp comp. / Flash comp.
Focus Area mode
Metering Mode
Sensitivity (ISO)
Drive mode
AF mode

Creative Style
Dynamic Range Optimizer setting
White Balance
Frames remaining
Memory Card
Size
Quality
Battery level

Key features

24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor (highest res in class)
SteadyShot INSIDE full frame image sensor shift stabilization (world first)
High Speed Dual Bionz processors
Eye-level glass Penta-prism OVF, 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification
9 point AF with 10 assist points, center dual-cross AF w/2.8 sensor
5 frames per second burst, newly developed mirror box
Intelligent Preview Function
3 User programmable custom memory modes on mode dial
Advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer (5 step selectable)
40 segment honeycomb metering
3.0" 921K pixel Photo Quality (270 dpi) LCD display, 100% coverage
Direct HDMI output
ISO 200-3200 (ISO 100-6400 expanded range)
User interchangeable focusing screens (3 options)
CF Type I/II and MS slots, LI-ION battery, STAMINA 880 shots
Weight 850g (without battery, card, accs)
New Image Data Converter SR software (includes vignetting control)
New Vertical Grip
Supplied with wireless remote control
Magnesium Alloy body and rubber seals for dust and moisture resistance
AF micro adjustment
$2999.99 body price; available late October 2008

Nikon D5000 Review

2009-05-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Nikon D5000 DX-Format Digital SLR Camera features an innovative Vari-angle monitor for an exciting new take on photographic expression. It adds a flexible dimension to Live View shooting, which vividly shows your subject in real-time. Now with this freely adjustable monitor, taking great shots and movie clips with Live View is easier and more enjoyable than ever.

Nikon's DX-format CMOS sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels records all the details of the original scene for breathtakingly lifelike photos. Shadows and highlights reveal exceptional details while a remarkably high signal-to-noise ratio vastly reduces noise - especially important when shooting at high ISO settings.

The D5000 enhances Live View shooting by giving you a choice of different display views. Minimize displayed camera settings when you want an uncluttered view of the scene, or show vital information at a glance for situations requiring a comprehensive readout of settings.

Different types of photos require different focus strategies and the D5000 has the right Live View autofocus mode for any occasion. Whether it's a unique expression, dynamic action, or a small object in a big composition, the four easily selectable modes help you stay focused for sharp results.

The D5000 makes it point-and-shoot simple to acquire clear, tack-sharp photos when composing via the bright, informative optical viewfinder. Whether your subject is off-center, moving fast, or completely unpredictable, the D5000 has the right autofocus solution.

The D5000's normal ISO range of 200 to 3200 can be expanded to cover ISO 100 to 6400, letting you capture the natural ambience of a warmly lit room or vibrant street scene when the use of flash or tripod isn't an option. The extended sensitivity is also ideal for shooting sports, allowing fast shutter speeds to freeze action.

Features

12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor: Coupled with Nikon's EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured.
D-Movie Mode with sound: Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.
Vari-angle color LCD monitor: Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping.
19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes: Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow and more.
One-button Live View: Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face-priority AF.
Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames per second: Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag.
Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200: Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting.
Built-in image sensor cleaning: Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free.
11-point Autofocus System with 3D Focus Tracking: Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness.
Auto Active D-Lighting: Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures-Selectable and Auto modes available.
In-camera Retouch image editing: Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more-all without a computer.
Picture Control Settings for personal image control: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings.
Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Nikon's renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy.
Durable, high precision shutter: Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life.
GPS Geo-tagging: GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image's latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day.

Specifications

Image Sensor Format	DX
Image Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	15.8 x 23.6mm
Total Pixels	12.9 million
Effective Pixels	12.3 million
Image Area (pixels)	DX-format (L) 4288x2848 (M) 3216x2136 (S) 2144x1424
Top Continuous Shooting Speed	4 frames per second at full resolution
Continuous Shooting Options	DX-format CH: Up to 4 frames per second CL: Up to 4 frames per second
LCD Monitor Size	2.7 in. diagonal
LCD Monitor Type	Vari-angle color LCD monitor
LCD Monitor Resolution	230,000 Dots
LCD Monitor Angle of View	170-degree wide-viewing angle
LCD Monitor Adjustments	Brightness,7 levels
Shutter type	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
Slowest Shutter Speed	30 sec. in steps of 1/3 1/2 1 EV
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 1/2 1 EV
Bulb Shutter Setting	Yes
Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity	200 in steps of 1/3 1 EV
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity	3200 in steps of 1/3 1 EV
Lowest Expanded ISO Sensitivity	Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent)
Highest Expanded ISO Sensitivity	Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Expanded ISO Sensitivity Options	Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV
Storage Media	SD SDHC
Storage System	JPEG: JPEG-baseline-compliant; can be selected from Size priority and Optimal Quality AVI Compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW)
File System	Compliant with DCF 2.0 DPOF EXIF 2.21
Exposure Modes	Programmed Auto (P) with Flexible Program Shutter-Priority Auto (S) Aperture-Priority Auto (A) Manual (M) Auto Auto (flash off) Advanced Scene Modes
Advanced Scene Modes	Portrait Landscape Close-up Sports Night Portrait Night Landscape, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Pet Portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn Colors, Food, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key
Exposure Metering System	420 pixel RGB sensor D Color Matrix Metering II Center-weighted Spot
Metering Range	1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering); 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)
Exposure Meter Coupling	CPU
Exposure Compensation	�5EV in increments of 1/3 1/2 1
Exposure Lock	Yes
Exposure Bracketing	Yes 2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Shutter Release Modes	Live View [LV] mode Self-timer mode Continuous [C] mode: 4 Quiet mode
Movie Modes	Movie with sound Stop motion movie D-Movie HD 1280 x 720/24 fps VGA 640 x 424/24 fps QVGA 320 x 216/24 fps
White Balance	Sun Shade Fluorescent Incandescent Flash Preset Auto Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor) Seven manual modes with fine-tuning; Sun Shade Fluorescent Incandescent Flash Preset Fine Tune by Kelvin Color temperature setting
White Balance Bracketing	Yes
D-Lighting Bracketing	2 exposures
Live View Shooting	Yes
Playback Functions	Full frame Thumbnail (4, 9, 16 or 72 segments) Zoom Slideshow Histogram Shooting data Highlight point display Auto image rotation Sound playback D-Movie playback Calendar D-Movie playback Thumbnail (4, 9, 72 segments) Calendar
Interface	Hi-speed USB NTSC HDMI
Lens Mount	Nikon F bayonet mount
Compatible Lenses 1	AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported. Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autofocus supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported. Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported
Compatible Lenses 2	Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes. AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
Picture Angle	1.5
Viewfinder	-2.0 to +1.0 m-1
Viewfinder Frame Coverage	Approx. 95%
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment	(-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)
Viewfinder Eyepoint	17.9
Reflex Mirror	Quick-return type
Focusing Screen	Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark V screen with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
Interchangeable Focusing Screens	No
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.78
Depth-of-field Control	No
Autofocus System	Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9ft.10 in.)
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points	11
Autofocus Sensitivity	-1 - +19 EV (ISO 100, 20�C/68�F
Focus Modes	Single-servo AF (S) Continuous-servo (C) Manual (M) with electronic rangefinder Live View autofocus; Face-priority, wide area, normal area and Subject tracking
Single-point AF Mode	Yes
Dynamic AF Mode	Yes
Auto-area AF Mode	Yes
Focus Lock	AE-L/AF-L button Half press of shutter-release button (single-point AF in AF-S)
Picture Control	Standard Neutral Vivid Monochrome Nine User-customizable settings Portrait Landscape
In-Camera Image Editing	Trim D-Lighting Color Balance Image Overlay Filter Effects Distortion Control Monochrome Stop Motion Color Balance NEF (RAW) processing Quick retouch Straighten Distortion Control Fisheye Small picture Red-eye correction Perspective control Color outline
Built-in Flash	Yes
External Flash Shoe	Yes
Built-in Flash Distance	56 at ISO 200 ft.17 at ISO 200m
Dust-Off Reference Photo	Yes
Save/Load Camera settings	No
Nikon Creative Lighting	System Compatibility: Yes Built-in Commander mode not available
Flash Sync Speed	up to 1/200
FP High Speed Sync	up to 1/4000
Flash Sync Modes	Front-curtain sync (normal) Slow sync Rear-curtain sync Red-eye reduction
Flash Control	1) i-TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor, built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash 2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-900 and SB-800 used with CPU lens 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27 and 22S 4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash Sync Terminal	No
Accessory Shoe	Yes
Self-timer	2, 5, 10, 20 seconds duration
World Time Setting	Yes
Date and Time	Yes (Includes Daylight Savings Time Settings)
Battery Type	Rechargeable
Battery / Batteries	EN-EL9 Lithium-ion Battery EN-EL9a Lithium-ion Battery
AC Adaptor	EH-5a AC Adapter
Battery Charger	MH-18a Quick Charger
Image Comment	Yes
Battery Life (shots per charge)	510 shots (CIPA)
Tripod Socket	1/4/2020
Supported Languages	Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Supplied Software	Software Suite CD-ROM
Approx. Dimensions	Width 5.0 in. (127mm) Height 4.1 in. (104mm) Depth 3.1 in. (80mm)
Approx. Weight	19.8 oz. (560g)

Canon EOS 500D Review

2009-05-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

The Canon EOS 500D EF-S Digital SLR Camera is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You'll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand. Canon's CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies as used by Canon's professional cameras to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency.

Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format). Canon's DIGIC 4 Image Processor dramatically speeds up all camera operations for intuitive operation and offers improvements in both fine detail and natural color reproduction. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel T1i's image sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting situations. The EOS Rebel T1i shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition. By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1i's mode dial, the camera's 3.0-inch LCD lights up and it's ready to go.

Shooting is at a frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480 and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Sound is recorded through the camera's built-in microphone. Playback modes are simple to access, and all Live View AF features can be used in shooting video.

Features

15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing of fine detail and natural color reproduction, 14-bit A/D conversion for smooth color tones and gradations
Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video
Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings for improved viewing and smudge protection
Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control
Wide range ISO setting 100-3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800)
Creative Auto goes a step beyond auto allowing control over frequently-changed settings
Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories

Specifications

Type	Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera
Recording Media	SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Image Sensor Size	22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C size)
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length)
Lens Mount	Canon EF mount
Image Sensor Type	High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels	Effective pixels: Approx. 15.10 megapixels
Total Pixels	Total pixels: Approx. 15.50 megapixels
Aspect Ratio	3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor
Dust Deletion feature	(1) Self Cleaning Sensor Unit (2) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image (3) Manual cleaning of sensor
Recording Format	Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 and Exif 2.21
Image Type	Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), RAW+JPEG Video: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM)
File Size	(1) Large/Fine: Approx. 5.0MB (4752 x 3168 pixels) (2) Large/Normal: Approx. 2.5MB (4752 x 3168 pixels) (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.0MB (3456 x 2304 pixels) (4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.6MB (3456 x 2304 pixels) (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 1.7MB (2352 x 1568 pixels) (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 0.9MB (2352 x 1568 pixels) (7) RAW: Approx. 20.2MB (4752 x 3168 pixels) Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc.
File Numbering	Consecutive numbering, auto reset, manual reset
RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording	Provided (RAW, RAW+JPEG)
Color Space	sRGB, Adobe RGB selectable
Picture Style	Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Def. 1-3
Image Processing Type	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom
Color Temperature Compensation	White balance correction: �9 stops in full-stop increments White balance bracketing: �3 stops in full-stop increments Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible
Color Temperature Info Transmission	Provided
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level pentaprism
Coverage	Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95%
Magnification	Approx. 0.87x (-1m-1 with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint	Approx. 19mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Built-in Dioptric Adjustment	-3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter)
Focusing Screen	Fixed, Precision Matte
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses)
Viewfinder Information	AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, AE lock, exposure level, ISO speed, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation), monochrome shooting, white balance correction, maximum burst, SD memory card information
Depth-of-Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Autofocus Type	TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points	9 AF points (center AF point is cross-type)
Metering Range	EV -0.5-18 (at 73�F/23�C, ISO 100)
Focusing Modes	Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual Focusing (MF)
AF Point Selection	Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF Point Display	Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor
AF-assist Beam	Intermittent firing of built-in flash Effective range: Approx. 4.0m/13.1 ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5 ft. at periphery When EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite's AF-assist beam is emitted instead
Metering Modes	35-zone TTL full-aperture metering Evaluative metering (linkable to any AF point) Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder at center) Spot metering (approx. 4% of viewfinder at center) Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range	EV 1-20 (at 73�F/23�C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control	Program AE (Shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Depth-of-field AE, Full auto, Full auto, Programmed image control mode, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed (Recommended Exposure Index)	ISO 100-3200 (in 1-stop increments), H1: 6400 H2: 12800; Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically
Exposure Compensation	Manual: �2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB)
AE Lock	Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved; Manual: By AE lock button
Shutter Type	Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
Shutter Speeds	1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release	Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer	10-sec. or 2-sec. delay or 10-sec. delay plus continuous shooting
Remote Control	Remote Switch RS-60E3 Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5
Built-in Flash Type	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Flash Metering	E-TTL II autoflash
Guide Number	13/43 (ISO 100, in meters/feet)
Recycling Time	Approx. 3 sec.
Flash-ready Indicator	Flash-ready icon lights in viewfinder
Flash Coverage	17mm lens angle of view
FE Lock	Provided
Flash Exposure Compensation	�2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Drive Modes	Single, continuous, self-timer (10 sec. or 2 sec. delay)/remote control
Continuous Shooting Speed	Max. 3.4 shots/sec. (with One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF)
Maximum Burst	JPEG (Large/Fine): Approx. 170, RAW: Approx. 9 Based on Canon's testing standards with a 2GB SD memory card, ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style Varies depending on the subject, SD memory card brand, image-recording quality, etc.
Shooting Modes	Still photo shooting and video shooting
Focusing	Autofocus (One-Shot AF): Live mode, Face Detection Live mode, Quick mode; Manual focus (5x or 10x manually)
Metering Modes	Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor
Metering Range	EV 0-20 (at 73�F/23�C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Grid Display	Provided (Two grid displays)
Exposure Simulation	Provided
Silent Shooting	Not provided
LCD Monitor Type	TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Monitor Size	3.0 in.
Dots	Approx. 920,000 dots (VGA)
Coverage	Approx. 100% Viewing angle: 170�
Brightness Adjustment	7 levels provided
Interface Languages	25 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
Display Format	Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality, shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image, image jump (by 1/10/100 images or shooting date)
Highlight Warning	Provided (Overexposed highlights blink)
Protect	Erase protect (or cancel) each image individually
Erase	Single image, selected images or all images in the SD card can be erased (except protected images)
Compatible Printers	PictBridge-compatible printers
Printable Images	JPEG images compliant to Design rule for Camera File System (DPOF printing possible) and RAW images captured with the EOS Rebel T1i
Easy Print feature	Provided
DPOF	Version 1.1 compatible
Compatible Images	JPEG and RAW images
Custom Functions	Total 13
My Menu Registration	Up to 6 menus, Custom functions and other top-tier options can be registered
USB Terminal	For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed)
Video Out Terminal	(1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable (2) mini-HDMI OUT terminal
Battery	One Battery Pack LP-E5 AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5 With Battery Grip BG-E5, AA-size batteries can be used
Battery Life	The above figures apply with a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E5
Battery Check	Automatic
Power Saving	Provided. Power turns off after 30 sec., 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 min.
Back-up Battery	Built-in secondary battery
Start-up Time	Approx. 0.1 sec. (based on CIPA testing standards)
Working Temperature Range	32-104�F/0-40�C
Working Humidity Range	85% or less
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm
Weight	Approx. 16.9oz./480g (body only)

Canon Speedlite Know how (link)

2008-12-14T19:20:00.000-08:00

Here's is some informative and interesting website's regarding canon speedlite. Below is all the links which you will learn for Canon Speedlight. Enjoy!!!!!

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=35

http://photonotes.org/articles/beginner-faq/flash.html

http://www.kjsl.com/~dave/speedlites.html

http://www.filmlessphotos.ca/IndexPage.htm

http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/MultiCanon/

http://www.canon.co.jp/imaging/flashwork/terminology/index.html

Interested in getting some extra income selling your pictures?

2008-10-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

If you are a photographer who wants to sell photos online, this is the one for you. Just simply sign up and start selling your photos online and best of all, it's free to sign up. There is nothing to lose. Here is the list of website links that will help you to earn extra income.

http://www.dreamstime.com

http://submit.shutterstock.com/

http://www.crestock.com/

http://www.istockphoto.com

http://www.fotolia.com/

http://www.stockxpert.com/

http://www.featurepics.com

http://www.canstockphoto.com

http://www.mostphotos.com

http://www.imagecatalog.com/

http://www.citizenimage.com

Canon 5D Mark II

2008-10-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Canon 5D Mark II offers high performance for higher expectation. It comes with new 21.1 megapixel with full-frame CMOS sensor. It also have the capability of full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of still and video. Canon 5D Mark II is using DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing of fine detail and color reproduction as well as reduced image noise.

Check out some of the picture samples that are taken using Canon 5D Mark II:
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2128&productID=249&articleTypeID=25

Features:

21.1 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor

Newly developed, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, designed and manufactured entirely by Canon.

Expanded ISO Range & 4 Levels of High ISO Noise Reduction
ISO Speed increased by three full stops compared to the EOS 5D.

High Performance Viewfinder
Newly designed viewfinder optics, larger, easier to see and clearer than previous model.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon's latest imaging processor provides fine details, natural color reproduction and rich gradations, at high speed.

High-Definition LCD Monitor
Improved Clear View 3.0 inch LCD monitor, for high quality playback and easier
menu navigation.

Updates EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Newly designed to work with Full-Frame sensor.

16:9 Full HD Video Capture
The EOS 5D Mark II is the world's first Digital SLR to offer Full HD Video Capture
with 1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 fps! Create your own masterpiece with more than
60 canon EF lenses to choose from.

Specification:

Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor *	• 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor • Full 35 mm size frame • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 22.0 million total pixels • 21.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Lenses	• Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses) • No field of view crop (1.0x)
Dust reduction	• "EOS Integrated Cleaning System" • Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled) • Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software
Image processor *	DIGIC 4
A/D conversion	14 bit
Image sizes (JPEG) *	• 5616 x 3744 (21.0 MP) • 4080 x 2720 (11.1 MP) • 2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP)
Image sizes (RAW) *	• 5616 x 3744 (21.0 MP) • 3861 x 2574 (10.0 MP) • 2784 x 1856 (5.2 MP)
File formats *	• RAW (.CR2; 14-bit) • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal • RAW + JPEG (separate files) • sRAW1, sRAW2 (see above) *
Auto focus	• 9-point TTL CMOS sensor • 6 "Invisible Assist AF points" • Centre point cross type F5.6 or faster • Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster • AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Focus modes	• One shot AF • AI Servo AF • AI Focus AF • Manual focus
AF micro adjustment *	• Adjust all lenses by same amount (effectively body adjustment) • Adjust up to 20 lenses individually
AF point selection	• Auto • Manual
Predictive AF	• As close as 8 m (with 300 mm F2.8L lens at 50 kph)
AF assist	No (only with external flash)
Metering	• TTL full aperture metering 35 zone SPC • Metering range: 1.0 - 20 EV
Metering modes	• Evaluative 35 zone (linked to any AF point) • Partial (8% at center) • Spot metering (approx. 3.5% at center) • Center-weighted average
AE lock	• Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering • Manual: AE lock button
Exposure compensation	• +/-2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Exposure bracketing	• +/- 2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Sensitivity *	• ISO 100 - 6400 • 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments • Auto ISO (100-3200) • Expansion options: ISO 50 (L1) ISO 12800 (H1) ISO 25600 (H2)
Shutter	• Focal-plane shutter • 150,000 exposure durability • 30 - 1/8000 sec • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Bulb
Aperture values	• F1.0 - F91 • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Actual aperture range depends on lens used
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Flash • Custom • Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
WB bracketing	• +/-3 levels • 3 images • Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias
WB shift	• Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) • Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Picture style	• Standard • Portrait • Landscape • Neutral • Faithful • Monochrome • User def. 1 • User def. 2 • User def. 3
Custom image parameters	• Sharpness: 0 to 7 • Contrast: -4 to +4 • Saturation: -4 to +4 • Color tone: -4 to +4 • B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G • B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G
Image processing options *	• Highlight tone priority • Auto lighting optimizer (4 settings) • Long exposure noise reduction • High ISO noise reduction (4 settings) • Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination (vignetting)
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Viewfinder *	• Eye-level pentaprism • 98% frame coverage • Magnification: 0.71x (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) • Eyepoint: Approx. 21 mm • Interchangeable focusing screen (3 other types optional) • Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Mirror	• Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60) • Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)
Viewfinder info *	• AF information: AF points Focus confirmation light • Exposure information: Shutter speed Aperture value ISO speed (always displayed) AE lock Exposure level/compensation Spot metering circle Exposure warning AEB • Flash information: Flash ready High-speed sync FE lock Flash exposure compensation • Image information: White balance correction CF card information Monochrome shooting Maximum burst (2 digit display) Highlight tone priority (D+)
LCD monitor *	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 920,000 pixels • Automatic 3 level brightness adjustment plus 7 manual levels • 170 ° viewing angle • Dual anti-reflection ('Clear View')
LCD Live view *	• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor • 100% frame coverage • 30 fps • Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor • Best view or exposure simulation • Silent mode • Grid optional (x2) • Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) • Three AF modes - Live mode / Quick mode / Face Detection • Live histogram (Luminance or RGB) • Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
Movie recording *	• Available optionally during Live view mode • 1920 x 1080 (16:9) up to 12 mins (Quicktime 1080p H.264; 38.6 Mbits/sec) • 640 x 480 (4:3) up to 24 mins (Quicktime 480p H.264; 17.3 Mbits/sec) • Max file size 4 GB • Quicktime MOV format (H.264 video, PCM sound) • 30 fps
Record review	• Off • On (histogram via INFO button) • Display mode same as last used Play mode • 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold
Playback modes	1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot 2. As 1 but also image count and quality 3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram 4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms
Playback features	• Optional blinking highlight alert • Optional AF point display • Magnified view (up to 10x) • 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index • Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images, screen, date, folder, movies, stills)* • Delete / Protect
Flash	• No built-in flash unit • E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual • Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • X-Sync: 1/200 sec • Hot-shoe & PC Terminal
External flash	• E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites • In-camera flash configuration (currently 580 EX II) • Wireless multi-flash support • PC Sync
Shooting modes	• Auto • Creative Auto * • Program AE (P) • Shutter priority AE (Tv) • Aperture priority AE (Av) • Manual (M) • Custom 1 • Custom 2 * • Custom 3 *
Drive modes	• Single • Continuous: 3.9 fps * • Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (2 sec with mirror lock-up)
Burst buffer	• Large/Fine JPEG: 78 frames (310 with UDMA card) * • RAW: 13 frames *
Orientation sensor	Yes
Auto rotation	• On (recorded and LCD display) • On (recorded only) • Off
Custom functions *	25 custom functions with 71 settings in 4 groups
Menu languages *	• 25 Languages • English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese
Firmware	User upgradable
Portrait grip	• Optional WFT-E4 (WiFi / LAN / USB mass storage) • Optional BG-E6 battery grip
Connectivity *	• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed • AV out (video & audio ) • HDMI connector • Microphone input * • PC Sync flash terminal • Communication terminal on base for WFT-E4 • InfraRed *
Storage *	• Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32) • Supports UDMA cards * • Copyright metatag support • Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data")
Power *	• Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery (supplied & charger) • CR1616 for date & settings • Approx. 850 shots at 20°C • Battery indication 6 levels & percentage (memorized)
Dimensions *	152 x 114 x 75 mm (6.0 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
Weight *	• No battery: 810 g (1.8 lb)
Accessories	• Viewfinder: Eyecup Eb, E-series Dioptric Adjustment Lens with Rubber Frame Eb, Eyepiece Extender EP-EX15, Focusing Screens Eg, Angle Finder C • Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E4 • Battery Grip BG-E6 • All EF lenses (excludes EF-S lenses) • Canon Speedlites (220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II, Macro-Ring-Lite, MR-14EX, Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2) • Remote control with N3 type contact, Wireless Controller LC-5, Remote Controller RC-1, Remote Controller RC-5 • Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3

Close Up Macro Lenses

2008-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Close-up filters (also known as macro filters) are a filter that screws onto the end of your cameras lens. The main purpose of the close-up filter is to decrease the minimum distance required for the lens to focus. Take the telephoto lens for example. This lens would normally require you to be at least 1.5m from the subject being photographed before the subject will properly focus, but attaching a close-up filter to the lens will let you stand much closer to the subject. Filters can be used together (stacked) or used separately but always remember that if stacking your filters, that the strongest filter (+10 or the highest number filter) is closest to the lens.
Close-up filters are measured in Dioptre. A dioptre is a measure of lens power.

Canon 50D

2008-09-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

With the same rugged, conservative body as the 40D, the Canon EOS 50D's only distinguishing mark is the silver bezel on its mode dial, and there are a few minor changes to how the buttons and controllers are used, but for the most part the 50D's body is unchanged.
The Canon EOS 50D body is a magnesium alloy, with slightly improved seal against dust and water.

Canon EOS 50D specifications

Sensor	• 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 15.5 million total pixels • 15.1 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor	DIGIC 4
A/D conversion	14 bit
Image sizes	• 4752 x 3168 • 3456 x 2304 • 2353 x 1568
File formats	• RAW (.CR2; 14-bit) • JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal • RAW + JPEG (separate files) • sRAW1 (7.1 MP) • sRAW2 (3.8 MP)
Lenses	• Canon EF / EF-S lens mount • 1.6x field of view crop
Dust reduction	• "EOS Integrated Cleaning System" • Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled) • Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software
Auto focus	• 9-point TTL CMOS sensor • All points cross-type for lenses of F5.6 or faster • Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster • AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Focus modes	• One shot AF • AI Servo AF • AI Focus AF • Manual focus
AF point selection	• Auto • Manual
Predictive AF	• Up to 8 m
AF assist	• Stroboscopic flash
AF microadjust	• +/- 20 steps • Adjust all lenses by same amount/individually adjust up to 20 lenses
Metering	• TTL 35 zone SPC • Metering range: EV 0.0 - 20 EV
Metering modes	• Evaluative 35 zone • Partial (9% at center) • Spot metering (approx. 3.8% at center) • Center-weighted average
AE lock	• Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering • Manual: AE lock button
Exposure compensation	• +/-2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Exposure bracketing	• +/- 2.0 EV • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
Sensitivity	• Auto ISO (100-1600) • ISO 100 - 3200 • 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments • H1 (6400) and H2 (12800) expansion
Shutter	• Focal-plane shutter • 100,000 exposure durability • 30 - 1/8000 sec • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb
Aperture values	• F1.0 - F91 • 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • Actual aperture range depends on lens used
White balance	• Auto • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Flash • Custom • Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
WB bracketing	• +/-3 levels • 3 images • Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias
WB shift	• Blue (-9) To Amber (+9) • Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)
Picture style	• Standard • Portrait • Landscape • Neutral • Faithful • Monochrome • User def. 1 • User def. 2 • User def. 3
Custom image parameters	• Sharpness: 0 to 7 • Contrast: -4 to +4 • Saturation: -4 to +4 • Color tone: -4 to +4 • B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G • B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G
Image processing	• Highlight tone priority • Auto lighting optimizer (4 settings) • Long exposure noise reduction • High ISO noise reduction (4 settings) • Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination (vignetting)
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Viewfinder	• Eye-level pentaprism • 95% frame coverage • Magnification: 0.95x(-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity) • Eyepoint: 22 mm • Interchangeable focusing screen Ef-A standard (2 other types optional) • Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Focusing screens (optional)	• Ef-A (Standard Precision Matte - included) • Ef-D (Precision Matte with grid) • Ef-S (Super Precision Matte for easier manual focus)
Mirror	• Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 40:60) • Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)
Viewfinder info	• AF points • Focus confirmation light • ISO sensitivity • Shutter speed • Aperture • Manual exposure • AE Lock • Exposure compensation amount • AEB level • Spot metering area • Flash ready • Red-eye reduction lamp on • High-speed sync • FE Lock • Flash compensation amount • ISO speed (while changing) • WB correction (while changing) • Highlight tone priority icon * • B&W mode icon • Warnings • Maximum burst for continuous shooting • Buffer space
LCD monitor	• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 920,000 pixels • 7 brightness levels • 160 ° viewing angle • Dual anti-reflection
LCD Live view	• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor • 100% frame coverage • 30 fps • Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor • Best view or exposure simulation • Silent mode • Grid optional (x2) • Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point) • Three AF modes - Live mode/Quick mode/Face Detection • Histogram • Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
Record review	• Off • On (histogram via INFO button) • Display mode same as last used Play mode • 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold
Playback modes	1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot 2. As 1 but also image count and quality 3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram 4. Less detailed exposure info., thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms
Playback features	• Optional blinking highlight alert • Optional AF point display • Magnified view (up to 10x) • 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index • Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen or date) • Delete / Protect
Flash	• Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash • FOV coverage up to 17 mm (27 mm equiv.) • Guide number approx 13 m / 43 ft (ISO 100) • Cycle time approx. 3 sec • Flash compensation +/-2.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments • X-Sync: 1/250 sec
External flash	• E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites • In-camera flash configuration (currently only 580 EX II) • Wireless multi-flash support • PC Sync
Shooting modes	• Auto • Creative auto • Program AE (P) • Shutter priority AE (Tv) • Aperture priority AE (Av) • Manual (M) • Auto depth-of-field • Portrait • Landscape • Close-up • Sports • Night portrait • Flash off • Camera user settings 1 • Camera user settings 2
Drive modes	• Single • High-speed continuous: 6.3 fps • Low-speed continuous: 3 fps • Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (3 sec with mirror lock-up)
Burst buffer	• Large/Fine JPEG: 90 frames (with UDMA card) • RAW: 16 frames
Orientation sensor	Yes
Auto rotation	• On (recorded and LCD display) • On (recorded only) • Off
Custom functions	25 custom functions with 74 settings in 4 groups
Menu languages	• English • German • French • Dutch • Danish • Portuguese • Finnish • Italian • Norwegian • Swedish • Spanish • Greek • Russian • Polish • Czech • Hungarian • Romanian • Ukrainian • Turkish • Arabic • Thai • Simplified Chinese • Traditional Chinese • Korean • Japanese
Firmware	User upgradable
Portrait grip	• Optional WFT-E3/E3A • Optional BP-E2N battery grip • Optional BP-E2 battery grip
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed • Video out • HDMI connector • N3 type wired remote control • PC Sync flash terminal • Communication terminal on base for WFT-E3/E3A
Storage	• Compact Flash Type I or II (inc. FAT32) • Supports UDMA cards • Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data") • No CF card supplied
Power	• Lithium-Ion BP-511A rechargeable battery (supplied & charger) • Supports BP-511 / BP-511A / BP-512 / BP-514 • CR2016 Lithium battery (date/time backup) • Optional AC adapter
Wireless connectivity (optional WFT-E3/E3A)	• Mounts on base of camera and also acts as vertical grip • Has its own BP-511A battery • Wireless 802.11b / 802.11g • Wireless security: WEP, TKIP/AES, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK • Wireless methods: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc • Wired ethernet (100 Base-TX) • Transfer: FTP, PTP (remote control by computer), HTTP (view / remote fire) • USB host capable: External hard drives, flash drives • USB comms: GPS devices (records coordinates and altitude in image header)
Dimensions	146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
Weight	• No battery: 730 g (1.6 lb) • With battery: 822 g (1.8 lb)

Nikon D90 (12.3-megapixel)

2008-08-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

Nikon D90 comes with 12.3-megapixel image quality, broad control and the world’s first digital SLR movie function combine to deliver unsurpassed creative freedom in a D-SLR.

The new D90 incorporates an optional feature called Universal Vibration Reduction (uVR). This turns all lenses into uVR lenses, and offers a 10-stop advantage.

This means a person using a 500mm lens, who would normally have to shoot at 1/500th of a second, can shoot at 2 seconds when uVR is enabled.

The new uVR system isn't sensor based, and instead requires one of the three optional vertical battery grips (see below). In this case, the MB-D90a is required. This grip provides all the normal controls and extended battery life of a regular grip. It also holds 8 EN-EL4a batteries, along with a step-up transformer.

With uVR enabled, the combined power of the batteries sends a current through the step-up transformer. This then delivers a 110 volt shock through metal pads around the grip. The resulting electrical shock matches the shutter speed (maximum of 10 seconds).

The shock causes a very stable clenching of the photographer's muscles while the shutter is open, simulating the stability of a tripod.

Nikon D90 Feature Highlights

Newly designed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with wide ISO sensitivity range with low noise
EXPEED for smooth tones, rich colors and fine details
D-Movie: the world’s first* D-SLR movie mode
Scene Recognition System integrated with Face Detection System
Easy-to-use Live View mode
Picture Control System: Customize the visual style of your images
Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting
Versatile, practical 11-point AF system
Bright pentaprism viewfinder featuring frame coverage of approx. 96%
Advanced Scene Modes for superior image quality
Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus
Engineered for precision and durability

Nikon D90 Specifications

Type	Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Effective picture angle	Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)
Effective pixels	12.3 million
Image sensor	23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels	12.9 million
Dust-reduction system	Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 required)
Image size (pixels)	4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
File format	• NEF (RAW) • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression • NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System	Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls
Media	SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
File system	DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage	Approx. 96% horizontal and 96% vertical
Magnification	Approx. 0.94 x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m^-1)
Eyepoint	19.5 mm (-1.0 m^-1)
Diopter adjustment	-2 to +1 m^-1
Focusing screen	Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
Reflex mirror	Quick-return type
Depth-of-field preview	When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (other modes)
Lens aperture	Instant return, electronically controlled
Compatible lenses	• DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkor does not support some functions). IX-Nikkor lenses not supported. • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported. • AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and auto focus. • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter type	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed	1/4,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, Bulb
Flash sync speed	X = 1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200s or slower
Release modes	Single-frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, self-timer, delayed remote, quick-response
Frame advance rate	Continuous high speed: up to 4.5 fps, continuous low speed: 1-4 fps
Self-timer	Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 s duration
Exposure metering	TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Exposure method	• Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6-, 8- or 10-mm circle in center of frame • Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Exposure range (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)	• Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV • Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling	CPU
Exposure modes	Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Exposure compensation	±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure bracketing	2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Exposure lock	Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)	ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Active D-Lighting	Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low or off
Active D-Lighting bracketing	2 frames
Autofocus	Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range	-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 equivalent, 20°C /68°F)
Lens servo	• Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Auto-servo AF (A), Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in single- and continuous-servo AF • Manual (M): Electronic rangefinder supported
Focus point	Can be selected from 11 focus points
AF-area modes	Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) AF
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Built-in flash	Auto, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait modes: Auto flash with auto pop-up P, S, A, M: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (m/ft.) at 20°C/68°F	• At ISO 200: Approx. 17/56, 18/59 with manual flash • At ISO 100 equivalent: Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash
Flash control	• TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400 • Auto aperture: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lenses • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 or SB-22s • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash modes	Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash compensation	-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, or 1/2 EV
Flash bracketing	2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Flash-ready indicator	Lights when built-in flash or SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks for 3 s after flash is fired at full output in i-TTL or auto aperture modes
Accessory shoe	Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)	Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
White balance	Auto (TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 420-pixel RGB sensor); 12 manual modes with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; preset manual white balance
White balance bracketing	2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3
Live View AF modes	Face priority AF, wide area AF, normal area AF
Live View focus	Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face priority AF is selected)
Movie image size (pixels)	1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
Movie file format	AVI
Movie compression format	Motion-JPEG, with monaural sound
LCD monitor	3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback function	Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, Pictmotion, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
USB	Hi-Speed USB
Audio video output	Can be selected from NTSC and PAL; simultaneous playback from both the audio video output and on the LCD monitor available
HDMI output	HDMI Mini connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected
Accessory terminal	• Remote Cord MC-DC2 (Optional) • GPS Unit GP-1 (Optional)
Supported languages	Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Battery	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Battery pack	Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (optional) with one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries (Battery Holder MS-D200 is required when using R6/AA-size batteries.)
AC adapter	AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)
Tripod socket	1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm/5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.
Weight	Approx. 620 g/1 lb. 6 oz. without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover
Temperature	0-40°C/32-104°F
Humidity	Less than 85% (no condensation)
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area)	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-10, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM

Canon EOS 1000D (New Launced)

2008-07-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Canon EOS 1000D a 10.1 Megapixel entry level DSLR Camera features 7-point wide-area AF, Self-Cleaning Image Sensor, DIGIC III processor, SD/SDHC card slot, Picture Styles processing, and a 2.5” LCD with Live View mode.

Specification

Resolution: 10.1Mp
Sensor type: CMOS
Image size: 3888x2592
Aspect ratio: 3:2
Sensor size: 22.2x14.8mm
Autofocus points: 7
Crop factor: 1.6x
Lens mount: Canon EF/EF-S
Metering system: 35-zone TTL
Drive: 3fps
Sensitivity: ISO100-1600
Screen size: 2.5in
Card format: SD/SDHC
Battery model: LP-E5
Weight: 450g
Size: 126.1x97.5x61.9mm
Autofocus system: TTL-CT-SIR
Screen resolution: 230,000dots (76,000 pixels)
File formats: JPEG, RAW
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Flash type: In-built, Hotshoe
Flash metering: E-TTL II
Flash sync speed: 1/200
Image stabilisation: No (lens based)
Integrated cleaning: Yes
Live view: Yes
Buffer depth: 5(RAW) 514(JPEG)
Shutter speed: 30sec - 1/4000sec
Viewfinder coverage: 95%

Creating HDR Image

2008-06-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

I use Nikon D40 to take this shot. I've been seeing a lot of HDR image in the net and found it interesting. So i decided to try it on my own by using Photomatix Pro to create HDR image.

See below:

Wonder how i did it using D40. I combine 3 pictures to get this HDR image. To do HDR image, save the shot in RAW format. I only take 1 shot which is using 0 EV for normal shot. Then, i use capture NX2 or photoshop CS3 to adjust the EV setting for overexpose and underexpose which is +2 EV and -2 EV respectively. Then, i combine it using Photomatix pro to create HDR image.

See below.

Try it and you'll like it.

Canon 40D Review

2008-05-02T01:40:00.001-07:00

Canon’s EOS 40D is the latest DSLR designed for beginners and semi-pros. Announced in August 2007, it’s the successor to the EOS 30D, and continues Canon’s 18 month cycle for this product line. While the EOS 30D represented a minor upgrade over its predecessor though, the new 40D features significant improvements – and not a moment too soon considering arch rival Nikon’s leadership in mid-range DSLRs over the past two years.

The new 3-inch LCD is a 230k-pixel device that is extremely nice to use and provides both live view for composing and shooting without using the optical viewfinder, with manual focus assessment. The new LCD also doubles up as display device allowing shooting information and the like to be repeated from the top LCD for example. Both these systems are ideal for tripod use where you cannot always easily assess the scene and shooting information.

The camera’s new CMOS sensor has on-board processing for each pixel and that combined with the DIGIC III processor and 14-bit analogue to digital conversion aids the fast processing and shooting speeds and helps keep noise to a minimum and reduces power consumption as well.

In fact, the “standard” ISO range of 100 to 1600 is expandable to ISO 3200 and provides a good range to play with. However, the way the camera and sensor on this camera combine to deal with any noise means its noise performance (or the lack of it) is quite simply excellent, since the camera’s on chip processing and signal amplification work extremely well.

Overall, the image quality is stunning, with colour white balance control and sharpness out of the box ideal for most general shooting plus you get RAW and JPEG snapping to a fine level of controllable settings, 20 in fact, at a variety of resolution and RAW or JPEG compression values.

The camera’s handling will be familiar to any EOS user, even film SLRs, and, although the camera is quite chunky – and can get chunkier with the addition of a new vertical grip that incorporates Wi-Fi connectivity – the magnesium alloy body is very tough indeed. Environmental seals protect it from dirt and dust and water splashes, so it is certainly designed to withstand the rigors of, say, heavy professional use.

While the build is great, the handling suffers slightly from crammed in buttons round the new, larger screen. However, on balance the key button combinations needed to adjust shooting settings are very good. The main shooting control buttons are placed on the top plate behind the shutter button and control dial. Pressing one, say the ISO/exposure/flash compensation button for example and then spinning either the control dial or the large dial on the back plate adjust one of the variables the button deals with. Ditto the metering, AF, and white balance buttons also ranged across the top plate.

This is fast and very easy to get to grips with. The central “Set” button within the large back plate control dial activates the Live View mode and confirms selections in the excellent menu system. The only oddity here is the separate joystick style control for scrolling through main menu headers, leaving the large control dial to move through the chosen menus options once a menu has been chosen.

Other back plate buttons are pretty cramped spaced around the periphery of the new screen and although this doesn’t affect the controllability of the camera per se, I doubt we’ll be seeing larger screens on future models without a complete back plate revamp. Other features include USB 2.0 Hi-Speed connectivity, the aforementioned Wi-Fi capability with the accessory WFT-E3/E3A vertical grip and compatibility with all Canon EF/EF-S lenses, that’s over 60 optics and a small built-in flash that is okay for fill-in but underpowered form most other uses.

Nikon Coolpix P80 (New Launch)

2008-04-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX P80, a new high-performance model tooled to satisfy camera enthusiasts. Built on a custom application of Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the COOLPIX P80 offers extended reach and advanced shooting functions for satisfying performance in a wide variety of shooting scenes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPne0wQKSQ4

Nikon Coolpix P80 is a point-and-shoot camera that has an 18X optical zoom lens that's a 35mm equivalent of 27-486mm. It integrates a 10.1 megapixel CCD image sensor with Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept. The P80 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes, optical vibration reduction and up to 6400 ISO at lower resolutions. It boasts of a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, wide viewing angle and 230,000 dots of high resolution.

The P80 also offers quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized and movie modes including the ability to shoot pictures in both black and white and color simultaneously. The new graphical user interface has an enhanced pop-up design allowing for more precise menu navigation and interaction.

Nikon Coolpix P80 Spec:

10.1 effective Megapixel CCD
F2.8-4.5, 18X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 27 - 486 mm (sounds like the same lens as on the Olympus SP-560 and Fuji FinePix S8100)
Optical image stabilization (which Nikon calls Vibration Reduction)
Most compact body in its class, according to Nikon
2.7" LCD display with 230,000 pixels + electronic viewfinder
Full manual controls; ISO 3200 and 6400 available when resolution is 3M or less
Sport Continuous mode lets you take up to 30 shots in a row at 13 fps
All the usual Nikon features: redeye reduction, D-Lighting, and face detection
VGA movie mode with sound (or at least I think it's VGA)
50MB onboard memory + SD/SDHC card slot
Uses EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery; 250 shots per charge
USB 2.0 High Speed support

Fujifilm S5 Pro

2008-04-11T01:33:00.000-07:00

The FinePix S5 Pro is the first Fujifilm DSLR to use a development of the Real Photo Technology which has been universally lauded in the company's consumer cameras. Dubbed "Real Photo Processor Pro", it should yield improved saturation and tonality, and courtesy of two cycles of noise reduction the S5 Pro now offers ISO sensitivity to 3200 (with noise levels reduced across the board at all sensitivities). The S5 Pro also offers three new variations of the original film simulation mode (now five total) tailored to regional preferences for tonality in different markets. Unusually, the S5 Pro has the ability to password lock (in three levels) custom settings to prevent a photographer changing certain settings accidentally, or for pool cameras which are requeired to have certain settings identical across all camera bodies in the pool.

Image Processing and Quality
* Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the RP Processor Pro, allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The re-designed new Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized low-pass filter that will reduce the noise and minimize moiré. The newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction so photographers can snap pictures at light sensitivities as high as ISO 3200 with less noise than comparable cameras at similar ISOs.

Increased Color and Dynamic Range Control

* Photographers can choose from six preset ranges for greater creative control over the FinePix S5 Pro’s expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400%,
* Three new variations of the original film simulation mode have been added (five modes in total) for improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Face Detection Technology for post image verification

* At the push of a button, the FinePix S5 Pro’s Face Detection Technology detects up to ten faces in a scene immediately after each image is captured. Photographers can zoom in and confirm facial detail, whether eyes are open or closed, focus and exposure on the FinePix S5 Pro’s LCD monitor.

Specification:

CCD:
23 x 15.5mm Super CCD SR Pro sensor with 6.17 million S pixels and 6.17 million R pixels (12.34mp effective)

REC FORMAT:
RAW, JPEG, RAW + JPEG

MAX IMAGE SIZE:
4256 x 2848 pixels

LENS:
Nikon F

SHUTTER SPEEDS:
30-1/8000sec + Bulb

ISO:
Auto / Manual 100-3200

EXPOSURE MODES:
PASM (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter priority, Manual)

FLASH:
Built in, GN12m@ISO 100 Hotshoe (iTTL with Nikon SB600 / SB800)

METER:
3D Colour Matrix Metering II, Centreweighted, Spot

WHITE BALANCE:
Auto, 9 presets, Colour temperature

FOCUS:
11 AF points – Single Area AF, Dynamic AF, Group Dynamic AF, Dynamic AF with closest subject priority

VIEWFINDER:
95% coverage

CONNECTION:
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed

VIDEO OUTPUT:
Still only

POWER:
Li-Ion, Optional AC Adaptor

STORAGE:
CompactFlash Type I/II, Microdrive

WEIGHT:
830g (without battery / card)

Canon 450D

2008-04-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

Canon launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market. The Canon EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.

The Canon EOS 450D features:

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor

Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System

3.5 frames per second

3.0” LCD with Live View shooting

9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point

Picture Style image processing parameters

DIGIC III image processor

Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1

Compact and Lightweight body

Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

The EOS quality advantage [sic]

Built for better photos

Built for better photos

The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.

Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

Live View

Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.

Specification:

Sensor:

• 12.2 million effective pixels
• 12.4 million total pixels
• 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in low-pass filter with self cleaning unit
• 3:2 aspect ratio

Dust reduction:
• Low-pass filter vibration at power-on (can be interrupted)
• Anti-static coating on sensor surfaces
• Software based dust-removal (camera maps dust, removed later)

Image sizes:
• 4272 x 2848 (L)
• 3088 x 2056 (M)
• 2256 x 1504 (S)

Output formats:
• RAW (.CR2 14-bit *)
• RAW (.CR2 14-bit *) + JPEG Large/Fine
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine, Normal

Image processor:
DIGIC III

Lenses:
• Canon EF / EF-S lens mount
• 1.6x field of view crop

Focus modes:
• Auto Focus
• Manual Focus (switch on lens)

Auto Focus:
• 9-point CMOS sensor
• Cross-type F2.8 at center *
• AF working range: -0.5 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)

AF modes:
• AI Focus
• One shot
• AI Servo

Shutter:
• Focal-plane shutter
• 30 - 1/4000 sec (0.5 or 0.3 EV steps)
• Flash X-Sync: 1/200 sec
• Bulb

Aperture values:
• F1.0 - F91 (0.3 EV steps)
• Actual aperture range depends on lens used

DOF preview:
Yes, button

LCD Live view:
• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
• 100% frame coverage
• Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor
• Best view or exposure simulation
• Grid optional (thirds)
• Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point)
• Optional Auto-focus with mirror-down / mirror-up sequence
• Two modes; normal and quieter
• Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
• Manual focus only

Record review:
• Uses last play mode
• Magnification possible
• 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold

Flash:
• Auto pop-up E-TTL II auto flash
• Guide number approx 13
• Modes: Auto, Manual Flash On/ Off, Red-Eye Reduction
• X-Sync: 1/200 sec
• Flash exposure compensation: +/-2.0 EV (0.3 or 0.5 EV steps)
• Coverage up to 17 mm focal length (27 mm FOV equiv.)

External flash:
• E-TTL II auto flash with EX-series Speedlites
• Hot-shoe

Storage:
• SD / SDHC card

Power supply:
• Lithium-Ion LP-E5 rechargeable battery (7.4 V, 1050 mAh)
• CR2016 Lithium battery (date/time backup)

Weight (no battery):
475 g (1.0 lb)

How to Get Professional Photos from your XSI

The reason photos are blurry, flat, or not very dynamic is due to a few factors.

1) inadequate lighting - low lighting, hard to distinguish subject matter from surrounding environment. Colors are flat, image lacks pop, often times when its past dusk and there is not enough available sun light. Can be rectified by the use of external lighting such as flash.

2) Poor focus - focus can be affected by inadequate light, the focus systems rely on adequate light to differentiate contrast. The focus system focuses via contrast phase detection, so adequate contrast and light is necessary for accurate focus.

3) Subject matter or camera shake blur - when an inadequate shutter speed is used, it will be hard to hand hold the camera or freeze subjects that are moving fast. Fast shutter speeds are required for action and hand held photography. For action / sport photography, a shutter speed of 1/500th or greater is almost always necessary.

Noise Reduction: When shooting in JPG mode, your camera will likely be applying noise reduction. Noise reduction softens digital noise introduced from high ISO sensitivy or underexposure of photos. Shooting in raw enables greater control in the balance between noise reduction and image sharpness. The end user can process the RAW file as they see fit.

Shooting in JPG:
If you are shooting in JPG, refer to my previous explanation of Picture Styles. These picture styles are user selectable options which change the sharpness, contrast, and other characteristics of your photos in camera on the fly while taking the photos. When shooting a JPG, the camera captures a raw file - compresses the data and processes it using its in camera algorithms and then discards the raw file saving only the JPG. Therefore JPG’s are already compressed, edited, and not extremely capable of being altered in post processing. You will want to maximize the results of your cameras inbody software if you are going to use it.

Fujifilm FinePix S100FS

2008-04-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. unveiled the FinePix S100FS (Film Simulation) digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date. The FinePix S100FS provides an all-in-one solution for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers seeking the manual controls and functionality of a Digital-SLR, without the hassle and expense of additional lenses and other accessories.

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. unveiled the FinePix S100FS (Film Simulation) digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date. The FinePix S100FS provides an all-in-one solution for photo enthusiasts and advanced amateur photographers seeking the manual controls and functionality of a Digital-SLR, without the hassle and expense of additional lenses and other accessories.

Key features found on the FinePix S100FS include:

• Optical Image Stabilisation: The FinePix S100FS features Fujifilm’s Optical Image Stabilisation technology to ensure clean, sharp and blur-free images, even in low-light conditions. This combines image stabilisation through a mechanically stabilised “floating” lens element to reduce blur from the photographer’s hand-shake, with Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilisation Technology, to reduce blur caused by subject movement, for the ultimate in stabilisation technology.
• Multi-Bracketing function: The FinePix S100FS has three bracketing functions useful for high level photography: Film Simulation Bracketing, Dynamic Range Bracketing and AE Bracketing.
• Comprehensive photographic controls: Including Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority exposure modes.
• High-speed shooting: Reliable high-speed performance is possible through Fujifilm’s newly developed Super CCD VIII HR and the new RP (real photo) III Processor. At 3 Megapixels, a maximum of 50 continuous shots at 7 frames/second is possible. In addition, 14 scene settings and customer settings can be selected, as can four auto-focus modes offer convenient high-speed, high-precision shooting and focusing for a diverse range of conditions.
• Image formats: Capture images in both JPEG and RAW format.
• Movie Mode: Movie mode with sound at 30 frames per second in VGA quality, and zoom capable with manual zoom ring while in movie mode.
• xD/SD/SD-HC compatible slot: The FinePix S100FS features an xD/SD compatible slot which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.
• 2.5” tiltable LCD: The FinePix S100FS features a tilting 2.5” LCD that makes it easy to frame shots from a variety of shooting positions.

Specification:

Number of Effective Pixels:
11.1 million pixels

Image sensor:
2/3 inch Super CCD HR

Number of Recorded Pixels:
3,840 x 2,880 / 4,032 x 2,688(3:2 format) / 2,816 x 2,112 /2,048 x 1,536 /1,600 x 1,200 /
640 X 480 pixels

Storage Media:
Internal memory (approx. 25MB) /xD-Picture Card™ ( 16MB - 2 GB )
SD memory card/ SDHC memory card

File format:
Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.2 ),
Uncompresed CCD-RAW (RAF format, RAW conversion software included in CD-ROM),
Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG ) with sound,
Audio: WAVE format, Monaural sound
(Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)

Recording capacity (with 512MB xD-Picture Card):
Still images:
3840x2880 (RAW) - 22
3840x2880(F) - 93
3840x2880 (N) - 186
4032x2688(3:2) - 189
2816x2112 - 343
2048x1536 - 626
1600x1200 - 779
640x480 - 3194
Movie:
VGA (25fps) - 7.4 min.
QVGA (25fps) - 14.7 min.

Lens:
Fujinon 14.3X Optical zoom lens , F2.8 (W) - F5.3 (T)

Focal Length:
f=7.1mm - 101.5 mm, Equivalent to 28- 400 mm on a 35mm camera

Aperture Range:
F 2.8 -F 11 (W) F5.3 -F11 (T), max. 13 steps in 1/3 EV increment

Optical Zoom:
14.3X Wide (28- 400mm, 35mm equivalent)

Digital Zoom:
Approx 2.0X

Image Stabilizer:
Optical (Lens Shift Type)

Shutter Speed:
(AUTO mode) 1/4 sec to 1/4000 sec
(All other mode) 30sec. to 1/4000 sec.
Bulb mode (up to 30 sec)

Exposure Control:
TTL 256-zones metering

Bracketing Mode:
Film Simulation BKT (PROVIA, Velvia, SOFT)
Dynamic Range BKT (DR100%, 200%, 400%)
AE BKT (±1/3EV,±2/3EV,±1EV)

Exposure Mode:
Programmed AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual

Shooting modes:
Mode dial : Auto, FSB, SP1, SP2, C1, C2, P, A, S, M, Movie
SP1: Nature, Nature-soft, Nature-Vivid, Flower
SP2: Portrait, Portrait - soft, Baby, Portrait Enhancer, Night, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Sport, Fireworks
FSB: Film simulation Bracketing,
C1/C2 : Custom setting position

Continuous shooting:
Top-7 (max 3 frames/sec, (CCD-RAW: Top-3)
High Speed Top-50, (max 7 frames/sec, 3M pixels)
Last-7 (max 3 frames/sec), (CCD-RAW: Last-3)
Long-Period (max 1.1 frames/sec)

Movie recording:
640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames/sec.
320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames/sec.
With monaural sound

Self-timer:
Approx. 10 sec./2 sec.delay

ISO Sensitivity:
Auto / Auto (1600) / Auto (800) / Auto (400) /
Equivalent to 100 / 200 / 400 / 800/ 1600 / 3200 / 6400 /10000 (Standard Output Sensitivity)
* ISO6400: 6M pixels or lower, ISO10000: 3M pixels or lower (Number of recorded pixels)

White Balance:
Automatic scene recognition,
Preset [Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight), Fluorescent light (Warm White), Fluorescent light (Cool White) / Incandescent light], Custom

Video Out:
NTSC / PAL selectable

Digital input/output:
USB 2.0 High-speed

Power Supply:
NP-140 Li-ion battery(included) / AC power adapter AC-84V (sold separately)

Weight:
Approx.918g / 32.4 oz.
(excluding accessories, batteries and memory card)

Camera Shutter Life (For All Brands)

2008-03-06T22:48:00.000-08:00

Now you can check your DSLR/digital camera life based on reality. The result is based on users that uses their DSLR/digital camera. When you click on a camera name, the database displays the “average number of actuations after which shutter is still alive” and the “average number of actuations after which shutter died” followed by individual users’ reports.

Popular models:

Canon: 300D / 350D / 400D / 20D / 30D / 5D

Nikon: D70 / D70s / D50 / D80 / D40 / D200

Sigma: SD10 / SD9

Pentax: *ist DS / K10D

Go to: Shutter Life Expectancy

Resizing multiple photos in just one click

2008-02-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

Introducing Picture Resize Genius. This software have the ability to resize multiple photos in one click, watermark and rename digital pictures or photos and web site images quickly.

Picture Resize Genius includes the ability to batch resize pictures, batch resize photos, and perform batch image resize functions for the purpose of email and Web sites, or just to save space on your hard drive, or whatever reason you might have.

The resizing allows you to force a specified width or height and keep the proportions, or define fixed image dimensions.

Besides, Picture Resize Genius can add a text overlay (watermark), rename file and more. You will be able to process thousands of files in a few seconds.

Picture Resize Genius can keep all metadata information (Jpg EXIF,Tiff Tags etc) and creating datetime for your pictures,Images and photos.

Picture Resize Genius support more than 40 picture file format. And it can convert the file format to GIF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, MIFF or TGA etc.

Visit: http://www.pictureresize.org/ for a free trial

Nikon D300 review

2008-01-22T05:45:00.000-08:00

The easy-to-use DX-format Nikon D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response. With class-leading 12.3 Megapixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance, self-cleaning sensor unit and high definition 3-inch VGA LCD display, combined with Nikon’s legendary durability, the Nikon D300 is a breakthrough solution for photographers searching for an advanced compact SLR.

Nikon D300 Key Features

12.3 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor
Self-cleaning sensor unit (low-pass filter vibration)
ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
14-bit A/D conversion
Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
Super fast operation (power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, black-out 100 ms)
Shutter life 150,000 exposures
New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
Compact Flash UDMA support
3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
HDMI HD video output
'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
Buttons sealed against moisture

Nikon D300 digital single lens reflex:
The Nikon D300 is loaded with the latest professional technologies designed to produce images of the highest quality. The high-resolution 12.3 MP DX format CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack).

NikonD300 D-SLR camera - Anti dust and Sensitivity:
The new Nikon D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The Nikon D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag. The Nikon D300 D-SLR camera boasts a self-cleaning sensor unit, which vibrates at high frequencies to remove any loose dust on the surface of the sensor’s optical low pass filter. The camera has a broad ISO range from 200-3200 plus Lo 1 (the equivalent of an ISO 100) and Hi (ISO 6400 equivalent). Image accuracy is also enhanced by the new Nikon Scene Recognition System, which uses the acclaimed Nikon 1005-pixel RGB colour sensor modified to recognize subjects’ shape and position before the image is captured. This also aids the new 51-Point Autofocus system in tracking subjects by their colour, while enhancing the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering. The Nikon D300 also offers Live View, which presents photographers with a live image on the LCD screen, with two modes suited to either hand held or tripod shooting. Autofocus is possible in both Live View modes.

Nikon D300 SLR - VGA display and Information panel:
The Nikon D300 is completely high definition. From the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, to the HDMI interface for HD ready displays, the Nikon D300 is ready for tomorrow’s imaging environment. The controls of the Nikon D300 were designed for ease of use, with an easy-to-view top LCD panel and an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change colour according to the ambient lighting conditions. The totally intuitive 8-directional multi-area selector makes selecting any of the 51-Point autofocus settings simplicity itself.

Nikon D300 camera - Durable and Dependable:
The Nikon D300 single lens reflex continues Nikon’s long tradition of sturdiness and durability. The camera body is built from a magnesium alloy, while the camera’s shutter has been tested for 150,000-release cycles. The Nikon D300 is also designed for a high level of dust and water resistance.

Nikon D300 specification:

Effective Pixels
12.3 million

Image Sensor
CMOS, DX Format; total pixels: 13.1 million

Shutter lag
45ms

Start Up
0.13 sec

LCD Monitor
3.0-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, brightness adjustment

Sensitivity
ISO 200 to 3200 equivalent ) in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV plus Lo 1 (ISO 100) and HI 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
Refined high ISO noise reduction. The new A/D converter integrated into the image sensor reduces shadow noise

Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 100%

Nikon Scene Recognition System
• Scene Recognition System: (Subject tracking and identification, highlight analysis, light source inference)

• Improved subject tracking performance realizes more rapid and accurate focus point selection.

• Improved subject identification contributes to more accurate focus lock.

• The results of highlight analysis improves exposure control accuracy.

• Light source inference uses characteristics extraction and pattern recognition to achieve optimal white balance.

Exposure Metering System
New Scene Recognition System

Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering

1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II improved with SRS

2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame

3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area

Autofocus
• TTL phase detection / Focal plane contrast (in Liveview tripod shooting mode)

• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500 autofocus module; with AF-assist illuminator

• Detection range: -1 to +19 EV

• Fine AF adjustment possible: 20 non- CPU lenses supported

Focus Points
• AF51 mode: 51 focus points from which a single area can be selected

• AF11 mode: 11 focus points from which a single area can be selected (like Nikon D2Xs)

• Liveview: Full screen AF possible in contrast AF mode (tripod mode)

AF Area Mode
1) Single point AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Group Dynamic AF

Auto Area AF now with primary subject priority

Dust-reduction System
• Mechanical image sensor cleaning unit.

• Enhanced weather dust protection and seals (covers have added protection versus D200)

Image Quality Settings
• 12-bit NEF (RAW):uncompressed or compressed RAW

• 14-bit NEF (RAW):uncompressed or compressed RAW. Images are recorded at a bit-depth of 14 bits, producing files roughly 1.3 times larger than 12-bit files but increasing the color data recorded resulting in smoother tones. Maximum frame advance rate decreases to 2.5 fps.

• TIFF (RGB)
• JPEG: Fine, Normal, Basic
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal
• NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic

Image Size
• 4,288 x 2,848 [L]
• 3,216 x 2,136 [M]
• 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Storage Media
CompactFlash (CF) Card (Type I and II), High Speed UDMA compliant, Microdrive

Liveview Mode (Preview image on rear LCD live)
• Hand-held shooting mode
• Tripod shooting mode with Contrast AF

Auto Exposure Bracketing
2 to 9 exposures in 1/3, 2/3, 3/4 or 1 EV steps

Shooting Modes
1) Single frame [S] shooting mode
2) Continuous low speed [CL] shooting mode: 1 to 6 frames per second
3) Continuous high-speed [CH] shooting mode: 6 frames per second (up to 8 fps with MB-D10 power grip and 8x AA batteries or the optional Li-Ion rechargeable EN-EL4a (D2 series)
4) Liveview [LV] mode
5) Self-timer shooting mode
6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode

Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Power Source
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e Li-ion battery or eight A6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)

Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)

Weight
Approx. 825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

Low Light and Night Photography

2008-01-13T22:08:00.001-08:00

Night photography requires you to flex your photographic muscles and push the limits of your camera equipment. Although most cameras have a night mode that improves your chances of taking better pictures in low light conditions, it is an automatic setting that cannot account for all the variations that you may encounter while shooting at night. That's why you have to use your camera's advanced functions, such as aperture and shutter control, white balance adjustment, ISO adjustment, bulb mode, and even a remote control (if you've got one). You'll also want to use a tripod or find other creative ways to keep your camera steady.

Fortunately, you can quickly and easily learn how to take better nighttime and low-light photographs and, in the process, learn how to better control your camera so you can take better pictures in all conditions. However, digital cameras do not have a standard interface. Even though cameras from different manufacturers (and even different models by a single manufacturer) may have common features, these features are not implemented in a uniform way. Please read your camera's manual to learn which of these features are available to you, and how to use them. Also, terms may vary from one manufacturer from the next. If you don't find a feature below listed in your camera's manual, it may have another name. Look for a similar function and see if you can use it to accomplish the same thing.

Here are some things you can do to improve your nighttime and low-light photography:

Adjust your camera's ISO setting
The ISO setting determines your camera's sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the camera is to light and therefore less light is required to take a picture. However, increasing your ISO setting does have its limitations: pictures taken at higher ISO settings have a grainy quality to them, that is the dots that make up the pictures are much more visible. Some photographers find this visually appealing while many do not. Other "noise" or "digital artifacts" that affect picture quality may also occur. Many cameras have a noise reduction feature that minimizes such artifacts, but it takes twice as long to save pictures when it is activated, so you have to wait even longer between shots.

Most compact cameras feature an ISO range from ISO 50 to ISO 400. Digital SLRs can go as high as ISO 1600.

Control your aperture and shutter settings

Your aperture and shutter settings determine how much light your camera sees and for how long.

The aperture is essentially the hole through which your camera sees the world. The wider it is, the more light gets through, but if too much light gets through, colour accuracy may suffer (resulting in colour shift), or excessive light can wash out everything.

Your aperture setting is called an F-stop and is designated as follows: F/2.8, F/4, F/5.6, (up to F/22 on some cameras). The higher the F-number, the smaller the aperture and the less the amount of light that can get through.

Your shutter is a door that opens and closes to let light in. The longer it stays open, the more light gets through, but your camera's ability to freeze motion is reduced.

The shutter speed is expressed as a fraction or number representing the number of seconds that the shutter is open. For example: 1/25, 1/500, 1, 1.5, 3, etc.

Your aperture setting also affects your camera's depth of field. Depth of field simply means how near and how far from your camera objects can be and still remain in focus. The narrower the aperture, the sharper objects in the background appear; but at the same time, objects in the foreground may appear blurry, because you have to keep your shutter open longer to capture enough light to take the picture.

As you can see, controlling your aperture width and shutter speed is very much a balancing act, but it is essential to good night photography. Professional photographers use all kinds of calculations to figure out the relationship between the aperture and shutter settings. As a rule of thumb, the wider the aperture, the shorter the time the shutter stays open. Experiment with these settings in low light conditions to discover a range of photographic effects you can achieve. You'll be surprised at the difference that even a slight adjustment can make.

Many cameras have a function called aperture/shutter priority that lets you control one of the two settings while the camera adjusts the other automatically. This can take a lot of guesswork out of the process and can ensure that your camera gets enough light to take a picture, but it can't guarantee a good shot.

Use exposure compensation

The combination of the shutter speed, aperture and ISO setting is called exposure and determines the total amount of light and that your camera can capture, as well as its ability to freeze motion.

Some cameras allow you to fine tune your exposure once you have found the best settings for your camera. This is called exposure compensation. It is used to adjust for further variations in light conditions once you have found the optimum settings for your camera in a given situation without having to change your overall aperture and shutter settings.

Adjust your white balance
Your camera's white balance setting is like a built-in filter that compensates for variations in colour that are created by the type of light around you. While an automatic setting is fine for daylight photography, you may want to adjust your white balance manually to better reflect your lighting conditions at night.

To set your white balance manually, point your camera toward a solid white object (such as a wall or piece of white cardboard) and press the white balance control. Some cameras allow you to further tune the white balance by adjusting the red and blue levels. Please consult your camera's manual for specific instructions.

Although the white balance setting is designed to help ensure colour accuracy, you may want to use it to do exactly the opposite. Try adjusting your white balance to create a pleasing eye-catching colours in your photographs, even if they don't correspond to the colours that you see.

If you do adjust your white balance manually, make sure to check/adjust it when you go from one subject/location to the next, as it may no longer be the correct setting for what you're photographing.

Manually focus your camera
Your camera's autofocus may not work properly in low-light conditions (especially if your camera lacks a focus-assist lamp). You may want to focus manually to ensure the clearest picture.

One benefit of manual focus is that, if you're taking several shots of a single subject, you don't have to wait for your camera to automatically focus before you take the next picture. This means you can take more shots in a shorter time.

Bracket your shots
Professional photographers use a technique called bracketing to improve their chances of getting the perfect shot. Bracketing means shooting a picture at the recommended exposure then taking the same shot at the next highest and next lowest exposure in the hopes that one of the three will work well. It's a technique that is especially useful when there is too little or too much light available.

Most digital cameras have a bracketing mode that automatically adjusts the exposure level so you can take 3 to 5 shots in row to bracket a picture.

Experiment with different settings. Once you're comfortable with your camera's manual controls (or even with its built-in night mode), you can further explore the challenge of low-light photography by trying some of the following:

Use a tripod

A great way to improve your night photography is to use a tripod. A tripod will keep your camera steady and will give you further control over exposure by reducing camera shake, thus enabling you to keep your shutter open longer. Tripods come in several varieties, including table-top models that you can fit in your pocket.

If your camera has a remote control, use it in conjunction with your tripod to further eliminate camera shake.

Look for light
Even at night, you're surrounded by light, especially in cities. Streetlights, traffic lights, neon signs, office interiors and car headlights are just some of the types of light you'll find at night. And let's not forget moonlight and starlight. Dealing with the variety of available light is one of the challenges of shooting at night. With practice, you'll learn what settings work best with specific types of light.

Use reflections to your advantage
Some of the most spectacular night photography involves the use of reflections. Reflections not only give you more light to work with, but they also add visual interest to your photographs. Look for reflections on bodies of water, snow banks, windows, mirrors, cars, etc.

Blaze a trail

Create trails of light with long shutter times and small apertures. Use your camera's longest shutter time or your camera's bulb mode (if available). Bulb mode lets you keep your shutter indefinitely on some cameras, or for periods of up to 5 or 10 minutes, on others.

Put your camera on a tripod and position yourself at the corner of a busy intersection or on an overpass over a busy highway. Press the shutter release and wait. As cars pass by, they will create streaks of light that travel across your picture.

When you look at your picture, you'll see the road, you'll see the streaks left by headlights and taillights, but you'll see no cars!
That's because the cars move so fast that the camera has no time to register the light reflected off their bodies and are therefore invisible to the camera.

Create abstract images
Use your camera's limitations to your advantage and create attractive abstract images. You'll truly be drawing with light. Things like camera shake and extended shutter times can be used to generate eye-catching effects and photographs that go beyond the mere representation of reality.

Take pictures at sunset
Sunset photographs can be spectacular, but despite all the colours in the sky, fading sunlight is often not strong enough for sharp images. Use a tripod and extended shutter times for better pictures.

Use the sunset as a backlight. Objects and persons photographed in front of a sunset will appear in shadow. A dark silhouette against the blazing colours of the fading sun creates a dramatic contrast.

Explore the meaning of light
Light itself is a fascinating subject. So, why not take pictures of light? Neon signs, lit-up storefronts, streetlamps and headlights are just some of the lights you can photograph. You can even photograph a fireworks display or a lit-up Christmas Tree for a festive image.

Nikon Capture NX Overview

2008-01-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

Major Features of Capture NX

• U Point™ technology is revolutionary in how it uses Control Points to help realize results envisioned in the editing process. Using NEF files for optimal performance, Control Points allow photographers to select and isolate an entire image or selected areas within the image for enhancement, without the complications required by other photo editing software. Enhancements can be instantly cancelled or added with ease, without compromising the original quality of the image, and U Point control is perfectly compatible with each NEF file’s Instruction Set

• With Color Control Points, a photographer can adjust any of up to nine different sliders for each respective area selected. In the default setting, four sliders are available to adjust size, brightness, contrast and hue, respectively. Additional settings are available by accessing each Control Point’s Settings box.

•Other Control Points include Black and White points, both of which are convenient for setting dynamic range, Neutral Control Point to correct color casts in images even without a gray tone, and Red-Eye Reduction Control Point.

Sophisticated Edit List

• The Edit List is the master control list of Capture NX features and enhancements. Anything that affects an image will have an Edit List entry. Every entry can be removed, altered, or duplicated from this list. Entry and removal of Control Point changes can be accomplished during the initial operation prior to saving the file. For NEF files, the Control Point changes can be changed both before and after saving, JPEG and TIFF changes can only be made prior to saving the file. If additional changes are desired for JPEG and TIFF files, additional Conrol Points can be used on the already modified file.

• The Edit List automatically organizes each entry by Step. During initial editing, one or more Steps can be turned on or off at any time, enabling monitoring and comparing the consequent effect on an image. For NEF files, the steps can be turned on and off even after the file is saved and reopened.

Powerful Image Browser

• Advanced functions of the Capture NX Browser include labeling, sorting and editing.
• Most Capture NX features are accessible via the Browser, for making quick adjustments directly through each image thumbnail, or even on multiple images simultaneously. Images selected among thumbnails can be opened from the Browser into the Editor.

Improved batch processing

• Batch processing automatically applies enhancements to a series of images, and is especially useful for applying a predefined series of adjustments to several images at once.

• Capture NX supports various batch processing methods.

Selective tools

• In response to growing demand among Nikon Capture 4 software users, Capture NX includes valuable new features: choice of positive or negative application of selective tools for enhancements including Brush, Lasso and Marquee (four kinds), Gradient and Fill/Remove.

Color Management control

• The Color Management performance has been reinforced, for advanced control of how colors from an image correspond to colors that a printer can produce. Options for this feature include Perceptual, Saturation, Relative Colorimetric and Absolute Colorimetric.

Advancing the convenience of Nikon Capture 4

• Capture NX inherits advanced functions including Color Aberration Control, D-Lighting, Image Dust Off, Vignette Control and Fisheye-to-Rectilinear Image Transformation.

• Improved noise reduction features the latest, most advanced Nikon algorithms. New Distortion Control has been added to reduce pincushion and barrel distortion effects.

Nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Overview

2008-01-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Overview

Sharpening an image enhances the overall visual impression of that image, and is an essential step in creating a good digital print. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 offers features and controls necessary to achieve optimal sharpness in any image. This tool simplifies the process by providing you with controls that are both easy to use and understand.

New in nik Sharpener Pro 2.0

16-bit

Now you can work on 16-bit images and sharpen them without having to reduce the image to 8-bits. nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective
A powerful new feature of nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is the Selective tool. Use the nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 Selective tool to apply sharpening to your images using selective brush strokes.

Advanced Panel for more control

The Advanced Panel provides you with additional controls to set the amount of sharpening both to the entire image, as well as to specific areas within the image. The Advanced Panel consists of five sliders that can control the amount of sharpening applied to specific areas within the image.

Raw Presharpening

The RAW Presharpening filter is a new sharpening tool within nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 that was designed to enhance images converted from a RAW file format.

Larger Preview

The preview area allows you to see how the sharpening alters the image. With the larger preview area you see more of the image and get a better understanding of the results.

Analysis Modes

The two different overlay modes enable you to see a visual representation of the sharpening that will be applied to the image.

Compatibility

nik Sharpener Pro 2.0 is an Adobe Photoshop compatible Plug-In that is compatible with the following operating systems:

- Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
- Macintosh OS 10.2.4 and later

Nik Dfine 2.0 Overview

2008-01-12T00:14:00.001-08:00

Overview

Dfine 2.0 gives you unprecedented control over exactly how much and where to apply noise reduction. This makes it ultra-easy to eliminate noise in your images while maintaining detail and sharpness, thus improving the quality of every digital photo you take. Dfine 2.0 is designed to prevent the loss of detail other noise reduction tools often introduce.

U Point® Technology
One of the hottest technologies in digital photography today, U Point technology powered Control Points have been added to Dfine 2.0 making it easy to reduce noise only where it is needed, maintaining details everywhere else. Click here to see how easy it is to reduce noise using Control Points.

Selectively Apply Noise Reduction
The Control Point and Color Range methods, along with the Selective Tool offer you the most advanced ways for selectively applying noise reduction to your images. Click here to learn more about the different ways you can use Dfine 2.0 to selectively reduce noise in your images.

New and Improved Noise Reduction Engine with Automatic Profiling
Dfine 2.0 contains a brand new reduction engine that provides best-in-class noise reduction while retaining an incredible amount of detail.

Automatic camera profiling replaces the need to purchase camera profiles and fine-tunes Dfine's revamped noise reduction engine to produce the best results for your camera. You can also create and save your own profiles for batch processing images. Click here to see more about the improved noise reduction engine.

Improved User Interface
The new resizable interface lets you easily incorporate noise reduction into your workflow and quickly preview the results from the noise reduction applied. Click here to see a full-size version of the interface with information about the various enhancements found throughout.

System Requirements

Windows

Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
Pentium III 1GHz or better
256 MB RAM
Adobe Photoshop 7 through CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 5.0, or Adobe Photoshop Plug-in Compatible Application*

Macintosh

Macintosh OS 10.4 or later
G4, G5, Intel Core Solo, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, or Intel Xeon
256 MB RAM
Adobe Photoshop CS2 and CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, or Adobe Photoshop Plug-in Compatible Application*

Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0 Overview

2008-01-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

OVERVIEW

Completely Original. Completely Indispensable.

Nik Software Color Efex Pro™ 3.0 filters are the leading photographic filters for digital photography. The award-winning Color Efex Pro 3.0 filters are widely used by many of today's professional photographers around the world to save time and get professional level results. Whether you choose the Complete Edition, Select Edition, or Standard Edition, you'll get traditional and stylizing filters that offer virtually endless possibilities to enhance and transform images quickly and easily.

Patented U Point® technology provides the ultimate control to selectively apply enhancements without the need for any complicated masks, layers or selections. Control color, light and tonality in your images and create unique enhancements with professional results. With 52 filters and over 250 effects found in Color Efex Pro 3.0, you can perform high quality retouching, color correction, and endless creative enhancements to your photographs.

Updates to old favorites such as Classical Soft Focus, Darken/Lighten Center, and Vignette filters are joined by exciting new filters Film Effects, Glamour Glow, High Key, Tonal Contrast, Bleach Bypass, and more. The result is nothing less than the most complete, most useful collection of photographic filters you can add to your toolkit.

NEW FEATURES

Color Efex Pro 3.0

Nik Color Efex Pro 3.0 has been significantly updated to provide photo enthusiasts and professional photographers alike with the most powerful yet easy to use set of photographic filters ever created. DSLR owners will revel in the wide range of quick and easy fixes to dramatically improve their photos with just a few clicks of the mouse. Professional wedding, nature, commercial, and portrait photographers will appreciate the speed of workflow and advanced features designed to support uniquely creative styles and deliver class-leading power.

U Point® Technology

U Point powered Control Points make it easy to selectively add, modify and remove a Filter effect using convenient sliders. Award-winning U Point technology gives you ultimate control to selectively apply enhancements without the need for any complicated masks, layers or selections.

New Filters

The new filters in Color Efex Pro 3.0 range from creative enhancements and special effects to re-touching tools and over 30 conventional film emulation filter effects. New filters include Film Grain, Film Effect, Glamour Glow, Selective Contrast, High Key, Low Key, Polaroid Transfer, Cross Balance filters, and more. Previously available filters have also been updated to provide even more options. Click here to see a complete list of filters, descriptions and before/after samples.

New Interface

The new resizable interface lets you easily accommodate large monitor configurations, preview before and after results, and quickly access the entire range of unique tools to match your workflow.

Powerful Selective Tool

Unique among photographic filter software on the market today, the Color Efex Pro 3.0 Selective Tool allows you to quickly and easily brush any filter effect into your image. Layers and masks are created automatically, so you are free to create and experiment unfettered.

Color Efex Pro 3.0 Interface

Color Efex Pro 2.0 users will notice the extensively reworked interface in version 3.0, the result of both deep study into the look and feel that professional photographers expect in modern applications and requests from Nik Software users.

The new, completely resizable interface is a professional photographic tool: color-neutral with a medium-gray background and a strong focus on efficient workflow. Color Efex Pro 3.0 groups major controls close together for greater efficiency, letting you achieve excellent results in less time.

Selective Functionality in Color Efex Pro 3.0

In addition to being able to apply photographic filter effects and enhancements to the entire image globally, selectively applying them to specific areas of an image allows photographers the greatest degree of control over their finished work. With Color Efex Pro 3.0, you can employ two primary selective options:

Control Points

U Point technology automatically isolates objects based on their unique characteristics and permits you to easily apply enhancements using simple sliders. No more complicated and imprecise selections or layer masks!
Selective Tool

Working in concert with Adobe® Photoshop® or Photoshop Element's Brush Tool, you can easily apply, or “brush on,” photographic enhancements to an image. Color Efex Pro automatically creates and manages layers and layer masks behind the scenes, so you don't have to. This is ideal for use with a Wacom® Pen Tablet.

These different methods were designed to enable you to work in the style that suits your workflow best and increase your efficiency dramatically.

Control Points

The U Point powered Control Points let you identify and isolate objects within a photograph by placing a Control Point on the object or area to be affected. By analyzing the color, tonality, detail, and location, the Control Point automatically determines where and how to apply certain effects, based on your needs.

If you're familiar with using more “painterly” methods to apply effects to images (as in all other image editing software), this can take a few minutes to get used to, however the learning will be well worth it!

Control Points allow for very powerful and precise selective application of filter effects within Color Efex Pro 3.0 without having to make complicated masks or selections.

First, open your image in Adobe® Photoshop® or Adobe® Photoshop® Elements.
Second, open the Color Efex Pro 3.0 interface and select the Midnight filter. The filter will be applied to the entire image by default.
Third, add a 0% Control Point and place the Control Point on the skin to remove the effect from the bride's skin. Adjust the size slider to select all of the skin with the U Point powered Control Point.
Finally, Click OK to apply the filter to the image and return to Photoshop.

Selective Tool

The Selective Tool in Color Efex Pro 3.0 lets you quickly and easily brush filter enhancements to your image in a more “painterly” manner using the built-in tools found in Adobe® Photoshop® or Photoshop Elements. Layers and masks are created automatically, so you are free to create and experiment with various enhancements that will improve the quality of your photography.

The Selective tool can also be used with pressure sensitive tablets such as a Wacom® Pen Tablet to selectively apply filter effects.

Color Efex Pro 3.0 Filter List

Recognized as the leader in digital photographic filters, the three editions available for Color Efex Pro 3.0 provide you with a wide range of filters and effects that make enhancing and transforming your images better than ever. The chart below will help you decide which edition will best suit your needs

* = New filters added to Color Efex Pro 3.0

Brilliance/Warmth
Burnt Sienna
Color Stylizer
Contrast Only
Detail Stylizer
Graduated Filters
Ink
Old Photo
Pastel
Polarization
Remove Color Cast
Saturation Stylizer
Skylight Filter
Solarization
Sunshine
B/W Conversion
Bi-Color Filters
Bi-Color User Defined
Bleach Bypass *
Classical Soft Focus
Colorize
Contrast Color Range
Darken/Lighten Center
Film Grain *
Flux
Graduated Neutral Density
Graduated User Defined
Infrared Thermal Camera
Midnight
Monday Morning
Paper Toner
Photo Stylizer
Vignette
Vignette Blur
White Neutralizer
Cross Balance *
Cross Processing
Duplex
Dynamic Skin Softener
Film Effects *
Fog
Foliage
Glamour Glow *
Graduated Fog
High Key *
Indian Summer
Infrared Film
Low Key *
Polaroid Transfer *
Pro Contrast
Reflector Effects
Tonal Contrast *

System Requirements

Windows

Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition,
Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista (32-bit only)
Pentium III 1GHz or better 256 MB RAM
Adobe Photoshop 7 through CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 6.0, or Adobe Photoshop Plug-in Compatible Application*

Macintosh

Macintosh OS 10.4 or later
G4, G5, Intel® Core™ Solo, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Xeon
256 MB RAM
Adobe Photoshop CS2 through CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0, or Adobe Photoshop plug-in compatible application