To Digital Or Not To Digital That Is The Question

Growing up with film cameras most of my life I am use to those photos I get back from the processor that are blurry, or the head is cut off, out of focus, or of something I have no idea what it is. I hated having to pay for these unusable prints, but most of all finding that, that moment in time was lost and never would be retrievable. With the advent of digital cameras many of these problems became a thing of the past. We are now able to review our photos instantly, on built in monitors on back of most digital cameras. We can see whether a new photo is required, or we can take as many as your camera is capable of taking without the worry of paying for unusable photos. You can simply delete those photos that are of no value and move on. While we can still take or send our photos to a processor to print them, we now can do this in the comfort of our home or office on a color printer attached to our computer or thru a docking station made for some cameras.

Long gone are those days of what you see is what you get with regard to photos. We can now with the advent of numerous software programs, edit our photos to meet the requirements we want. We can crop photos to something or someone in a photo, or highlight the part of the photo we want to see. We can remove red eye, that flash back seen in the eyes of subjects in our photos. We can print all different sizes of our photos for the wallet or wall, without losing the integrity of the photo.

How many of you have or have had a video camera? Yes I mean those that record to tape, either VHS or the smaller tapes. Well now most of the high-end cameras can also perform as video cameras making them even handier. The video is recorded digitally and can be down loaded to your computer. What a world huh.

I want to talk about the Pentax Optio A30 as an example of this new technology as it is one of the newest top class digital cameras out today. The A30 is built by Pentax, the innovative leader for over 80 years in the production of digital cameras along with lenses, laser printers, and scanners just to name a few. The 10 million pixels Pentax Optio A30 camera, which was introduced in February of 2007, achieves one of the highest image qualities available to date in compact digital cameras. Thanks to features such as 10 million effective megapixels that enables high-resolution images, a 1/1.8-inchCCD with a wide light –sensitive area for superior reproduction, a SMC Pentax zoom lens which is renowned for its high resolving power, an image processing engine that makes rich color reproduction possible, and three different types of anti-shake functions this is the camera of the future now.

It is these three different anti-shake functions that turns anyone using this camera into an artist. Pentax has improved it original Shake Reduction (SR) technology in the A30 by adding both Digital and Movie SR to improve image capture in lowlight settings and telephoto capture. To better detect faces and focus to properly capture portraits, Pentax has introduced their Face Recognition AF & AE function. The Optio A30 is the sixth DivX Certified digital camera that Pentax has manufactured in the past 18 months. The DivX technology makes it easy for users to create their own media with the push of a button. Instantly recording high quality DivX video and then playing it back on any of 50 million DivX Certified consumer devices available today. The Digital SR mode automatically changes sensitivity according to the brightness of the subject, and effectively reduces camera shakes and subject blurring. For the Optio A30, the maximum sensitivity has been improved to ISO 3200. With faster shutter speeds, photography with reduced blurring is now possible. While these are just a few of the capabilities of this and many of the new digital cameras, one can see this is not our fathers cameras, and the way technology keeps increasing these are also not our children’s cameras.

You Can Afford A New Lens For Your DSLR Camera

You’ve bought your Canon Digital Rebel XT, or your Nikon D80 and it’s come with a nice kit lens.

But after a while you are finding that your Digital Rebel XT’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens just isn’t covering the wide angle, the telephoto or maybe the low light shots. And the 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens that came with your Nikon D80 is having the same issues.

Well spending the best part of $600 dollars for your Canon Digital Rebel and maybe a bit more for the Nikon D80 doesn’t leave you a lot for new lenses, and if it did which would you go for??

What you need is a way to buy good quality, relatively inexpensive lenses that’ll give you chance to develop your style whilst holding on to their value. And you want to be able to offload them if you decide to change, or the lens isn’t suiting your style.

Something that’s almost perfect for this is the used 35mm SLR lens market.

Every lens Nikon have produced since 1977 will fit and produce results, often truly stunning results at that, on all Nikon SLR cameras right up to the D80 sitting in your camera bag and on the D300 in the store that you dearly want!

And even thought Canon has changed things a little over time there is still a huge back catalogue of lenses available that will fit your Digital Rebel XT.

Aside from Nikon and Canon’s own excellent range of lenses an equally high quality but crucially less expensive group are those from the third party manufacturers.

Tokina, Sigma, Tamron to name but three have produced superb ranges of lenses over the years that still have many years of service in them.

So, back to this cheap way to experiment with camera lenses.

As both Canon and Nikon have a huge back catalogue of theirs and third party manufacturers lenses from the 35mm Film SLR days that STILL FIT the DSLR cameras of today YOU have a massive selection of second hand lenses to choose from.

Take a look on eBay, Craigslist or in your local classifieds and ignore the modern Digital SLR listings. Take no notice of the new range of ’specially manufactured for Digital SLR cameras’ lenses that Nikon, Canon and the other manufacturers produce and go to the older film SLR sections.

Camera lenses, especially those that are a step up from the entry level ones, are built to last. If the previous owner has shown the lens even a little respect then there is years left in it for you.

And with it you will get yourself a bargain.

The price will be less, sometimes much less, than the equivalent model around today. The quality will be very good too. Many of the older lenses were built with a care and attention to detail that is no longer available in the high pressure make ‘em, stack ‘em and pack ‘em world we live in now. You will get a real cast iron solid piece of glass.

And as they have lost the money that they are going to loose; the value has stabilised somewhat, so you won’t loose out that much when you come to sell – if you come to sell!

So before you loose interest in your new toy because the Digital Rebels kit lens just isn’t cutting it, or your Nikon D80’s kit lens doesn’t give you a better picture than your old point and shoot take a look round the second hand stores, the auction sites or the classifieds and see if you can pick up a bargain piece of glass!

What Buyers Should Look For In A Pentax Waterproof Camera

Camera makers target the holiday season to saturate the market with their products. Given the multitude of choices, a potential buyer is likely to be confused about which one to buy. If you are fond of water sport such as scuba diving, and snorkeling, you should look for a camera that can be used underwater. Usually camera makers use a watertight silicon skin to make digital cameras waterproof, and put them in hard housing to allow them to be submerged while taking shots.

Waterproof cameras are made to be submerged upto a specific depth; some can be used at depths of up to 15 feet. Camera Size and weight are also very important. A larger camera is harder to handle steadily. A waterproof camera needs a strap attached to a user’s wrist, to prevent them from sinking beyond recovery. Auto-focus mode may not work if the level of light in the water is low.

If you are not into scuba diving or snorkeling but want to use a camera when you are in or near water, then the Pentax Optio W30 could serve your need. The Optio W30 allows you to capture images underwater up to 10 feet, for 2 hours.

Amateur photographers may not use all the capabilities present in a high-resolution digital camera. The high resolution comes at a high price. Also, an optical zoom is more important than a “Digital zoom” which just enlarges a part of the image. The Optio W30 has a 6X optimal zoom, a huge improvement over its forebear, the W20.

The 2.5-inch LCD monitor offers an LCD Bright mode to adjust the brightness of the screen if necessary for improved viewing in the sunlight. The Optio W30 also features a Face Recognition function and Macro Photography mode to allow image capture at under half an inch; this facilitates close-ups.

A few words of caution: there are some precautions you should take in underwater photography. Before you change the battery, or the memory card, make sure the camera, and your hands, are completely dry. The waterproof function does not apply to the Optio W30’s accessories.

Also, insure that you take a good look at the warranty card. It is usually valid only where you bought the camera. If you want to use your camera abroad, over a prolonged period, switch to international warranty. This way, your camera will be covered overseas.

Leica Geovid BRF 10×42 – Find Out Why Leica Is One of The Best

You are looking for some new binoculars to take on your trip to Africa. You have no idea what all the numbers mean, or what to buy. A friend told you about the Leica Geovid BRF 10×42 binoculars but you have no idea what the numbers mean. Almost all binoculars are labeled with two numbers, 10×42. Some binoculars have three numbers. The binoculars with three numbers are zoom binoculars.

What do the numbers mean?

The first number is the magnification number. Magnification is simply the number of times an image is enlarged when you are looking through the binoculars. You might also think of it as the number of times closer the image appears to you. When using the 10×42 Leica Geovid BRF binoculars, your subject will appear ten times closer to you when viewing through the binoculars. Note: a zoom range binocular can zoom in and out between the first two numbers. They are multi-magnification binoculars. It should also be noted that the 10 X magnification is the highest magnification you can utilize without using a tripod.

What does the second number mean?

The second number is the diameter of each front lens. They are measured in millimeters. You should remember that this number relates to performance. The larger the second number the more light is used and the brighter the image. The larger front lens will make your binoculars heavier though.

The Leica Geovid BRF 10×42 also offers a laser range finder. This makes them terrific on the range. You no longer need a range finder and binoculars. You can range your weapon directly from your binoculars. The Leica Geovid BRF binoculars save money because you no longer need a separate range finder.

Travel to South America – How to Start

You set your mind and you’re ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I’ve traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Common Sense

We all hear the unpleasant stories and South America has a fame of being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahía (Brazil) and had the party of a lifetime during carnival. Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is giving you the “something is wrong” sign then take a taxi to your destination.

Travel Guide Book

The first thing that you will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. I can highly recommend Lonely Planet´s South America on a Shoestring

to get you started. The book covers all you need to know to get the most out of your trip and is ideal to plan your journey ahead. I’ve used the guide extensively during my 18 month adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides of all the countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I’ve used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.

Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages. Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks you can invest in a Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book. English is not widely spoken and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese makes the trip so much more rewarding (they’re extremely willing to help you, so don’t worry, be happy).

If on the other hand you’re planning to travel for a few months I can highly recommend taking a language course. Ideal would be in a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for $2.50/h).

Walking Shoes

South America’s nature is overwhelming. You’ll walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in high quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.

Health Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox

Medical Kit:

Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following:

Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet

Note: malaria pills are required in the amazon basin, please be aware that those pills are very strong and you should check with your doctor before departure

Traveling Gear

Backpack:

Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately. Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If it’s the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it’s the beach, buy your t-shirts there (cheap).

Camping and Climbing Gear:

You can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible. I traveled 18 months with my own tent and various camping utensils.

Photography

Pictures are something personal. Some people just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic. All my pictures were taken with a cheap Nikon F50 camera.

I had two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. I also dragged a tripod and an excellent flash with me. I used FUJI slides (100 ASA) but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours tremendously on sunny days.

Conclusion

South America will embrace you with open arms. It’s nature, people and history are overwhelming. With the right preparation and set of mind you’re ready to travel South America and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

Lumix DMC-LC50 – A Great Little Camera

Don’t overbuy when selecting a digital camera is good advice, and here is a good little camera that can do very well so long as you don’t need superfine resolution. By that I mean that if you are happy to view your pictures on the computer screen and print them to about 8 x 10 inches – that’s quite big enough for me – then this will do very well.

Yet, if you read camera magazines or look for a camera on the Internet you will probably end up with a much more expensive camera. Why? Well, you see these days cameras are defined by the number of pixels in the image sensor, which is usually a CCD (charge-couple device). And if you read the reviews the chances are you will be recommended to buy a camera with 5 or 6 megapixels. There is nothing wrong with having that many pixels to capture the image, but you just don’t need it unless you want to print out pictures bigger than 8 x 10 inches.

A compact camera with good all-round performance

The Panasonic Lumx DMC-LC50 is a good example of a compact camera with adequate all-round performance for most people. It has the added advantage that it is compact and light, so you usually find you have it with you. It is also easy to store it out of sight in your car.

But what makes it stand out? Well, to start with, Panasonic is one of the top makers of consumer electronic products – like Sony, which also makes great digital cameras – and makes its own semiconductors. Therefore, it knows how to package electronics circuits and chips inside a small camera.

Leica Elmarit lens

On the other hand, Panasonic is not a top maker of lenses, so chose Leica, probably the best-known name in the camera business, to supply its lenses, despite the fact that there are many good Japanese lens makers. Leica has more credibility than most companies and in any case most of the best lens makers in Japan also happen to make digital cameras which would compete with Panasonic!

So, here we have a neat little camera with a Leica DC-Vario-Elmarit lens with a focal length of f2.8 to f4.9, and a 3x aspherical zoom lens. Panasonic then added its own 3x digital zoom, to give a total zoom of 9 x. In practice, it is best to use the 3x zoom of the lens itself as this gives higher resolution.

The image sensor has 3.2 megapixels, which does not sound much. Nevertheless, my tests showed that it produces excellent pictures of all sorts of things, including close-ups of flowers. In macro mode, the DMC-LC50 focuses right down to 3.9 inches (100 mm) which is very close indeed.

Of course, there is a built-in flash, which is not very powerful, but does work as long as you are not trying to capture a big scene in the dark. Of course, as this is a digital camera, you can enhance the image if it is a bit too dark.

Bracketing and plenty of shutter speeds

You can also take movie clips of 5 frames in fine resolution, and 8 frames in medium resolution – this is more for fun than anything. Other features include the ability to change the nominal film speed and to bracket your shots. With bracketing, the camera automatically takes three images, one at the normal aperture, and one each side – this is something that the pros do all the time.

For fast-moving objects like cars, you can use a fast shutter speed – the camera has a range from 1/2000th to 8 seconds.

Panasonic uses the SD memory cards in its cameras, which is another plus point as these are smaller than most other memory cards. As they are widely used, SD cards are not expensive.

Any problems with the camera? Yes, although there is a good LCD viewer, it has low contrast so is pretty useless in bright light – this is a common problem with digital cameras. Of course, there is a normal viewfinder as well, but that will not help if you want to review your images and delete the ones that are not good.

Nevertheless, a good little camera, all in a package 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches (89 x 65 x 38 mm) for about $200. Other good cameras for this price? Try the Canon Powershot A610, Nikon Coolpix P2 or the Olympus C-315. They are all good.

How Pentax Have Become A Reliable Name In Quality Digital Photography

Although the market in digital cameras is now immense, and has become so in a short period of time, one name that can be relied on for reliability is Pentax. With just two ranges to choose from, the Optio or the SLR range, the consumer finds it easier to find a camera that suits their needs. From the beginning Pentax visibly separated its digital cameras for those who choose a digital camera for professional requirements and novices who just want a point and shoot camera.

For more than five decades since introducing the first Japanese SLR camera, the Asahiflex I, in 1952 Pentax has always been a technological forerunner and important supplier to the worlds camera industry. Pentax’s passion and dedication towards the advance of high-quality products has increased over the years and continues to be stronger than ever.

Obsolescence has never been a word in the Pentax vocabulary and, as proof of this, lenses from the very first Asahiflex can still be used, with the use of adaptors on their latest auto focus SLRs. The Company adopted its current name, Pentax Corporation, in 2002. However, this is about to disappear in early 2008, although the brand name Pentax will remain.

Although the company, Asahi Optical Co. was established in 1919, it wasn’t until 1923 that they became involved in photographic equipment when they began to manufacture lenses for cine projectors Since then Pentax have been producing precision instruments capable of producing the highest quality results. It wasn’t until 1957, however that the Pentax brand name was created and was originally intended for its cameras, but was soon used for all of the companies optical products.

Pentax products are design to cover all consumers’ requirements with the Pentax Optio line of cameras designed distinctively for people who are new to using digital technology. They are renowned for their ease of use with very accessible functions yet still offers Pentax quality. These compacts are very simple to learn, lightweight and small.

A sample is The Pentax Optio M40 that is a slim, stylish, metal bodied camera with 8 mega pixels, a 2.5 inch LCD display and 3x optical zoom. With a large number of practical features, the best of which is the super macro focus, it is well equipped to produce excellent photographs. Despite its surprisingly low price this is undeniably more than an entry-level camera and there is very little to distinguish it from higher priced models.

In the same range as the Optio M40 is the Pentax Optio T20 an exceptionally slim compact digital camera with 7 mega pixels, 3x optical zoom and a 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD display. Innovative, with a touch-screen menu system that, combined with excellent picture images, results in a thoroughly remarkable camera. Although considered to be the thinnest camera in its class, the T20 is not short of optical performance, advanced design, and Pentaxs’ latest digital technology.

At the higher end of the Pentax range of digital cameras are the SLRs, which are of a very high quality and produce digital photographs that are very detailed. One of the latest SLR models is the Pentax K200D, which comes with 10.2 mega pixels and a large, 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor. An ideal camera that can be as simple to use as a point-&-shoot, but is also designed for new digital SLR users. Offers many features to develop creative potential.

Knowledgeable professional photographers or serious amateurs appreciate the Pentax digital cameras and, for newcomers to digital photography, the entry level range is extremely versatile. Pentax produce a camera for all levels of experience.

Digi Cams – New Technology is Omnipresent

New technology is omnipresent. The ongoing technology revolution is rapidly changing the cultural and social landscape of the world. Thirty years ago, choices were simpler. Take the example of cameras .35 mm cameras came in three basic models, specialized cameras like the Nikon “F” & F2, The Canon F1, and the Pentax LX, amateur level cameras like the Pentax Spotmatic, the Nikkormat “FT” series, and the Minolta SRT models, and finally the compact cameras that are called Point & Shoots today.

During the last thirty years camera technology has changed dramatically and digital cameras [digi cams] have essentially replaced traditional 35mm film cameras in popularity. Features like auto exposure, auto focus, auto flash, and program modes have made taking pictures simpler and provided photographers with options that people ever dreamed were possible.

One of the best things about digital photography is that you can see your picture right away. With just a few clicks of the mouse you can download, systematize, alter, and share all of your digital photos. Digital photography is used not only to take amusing pictures, but also by people in a lot of important professions: scientists, police, health care, lawyers, educators, and many others. Though this sounds easy, it has taken more than 150 years of dynamic technological change to bring the digital camera to its current status. It was only several years ago that Casio made the “QV-10″ digital camera public. It offered a maximum resolution of only 320 x 240 pixels, had internal memory only (no memory cards) and did not have a built-in flash. Image quality was quite bad, but it did offer one of the first color LCD screens on a consumer digital camera at the time. But the price was a whopping $500.00! Still, a number of these units were sold. Kodak also offered a couple of models in the $1,000.00 range, as Sony introduced one of the first floppy disk “Mavica” camera, and Epson came out with the first “PhotoPC” for under $500.00. A year or so later, the first 1 to 1.3 mega pixel models were being introduced at the same price point, and this time, Olympus began to lead in terms of image quality and camera features. Sony was not far behind, with Kodak and Nikon picking speed. Casio and Epson seemed to have trailed during this early stage, keeping models few, though later on each would begin to crank out higher spec cameras.

Digital Cameras lets us see things we have never seen before. One of the biggest digital cameras, the Hubble Telescope has sent digital images from deep space since 1990. One image even showed a planet outside our solar system! But it’s not just the big stuff that digital cameras help us see. It also lets us see the minutest things like microscopic particles. Explore the various options about how you could use digital photography. Would it be to take pictures of your baby once a week to chart its growth? Or would it be to start a science project? Digital photography lets you experience photos like never before.

When buying a digital camera, a few things should be kept in mind- Match mega pixels in accordance with use, look for rechargeable batteries and charger, get at least 3x optical zoom, consider investing in a memory card and try the camera before you buy it.

The best way to buy digital cameras is from online stores rather than the traditional mortar and brick shops. Here you will get a wide range of cameras for the lowest prices from the best stores around the world. Sites such as Amazon.com, Markways.com, Bestbuy.com, etc offer great value for money.

Canon VS Nikon – Canon XSi Or Nikon D3000

Nikon has officially pulled the plug on producing possibly its most popular model of DSLR, the D40. The replacement for the D40 and the D60 is the Nikon D3000. The newest Nikon arriving on the scene with great anticipation by Nikon enthusiasts and camera reviewers alike. Even though the new camera is not available to the public until September 1, buyers are “lining up” at online stores with their orders. You an go to one of the online stores and preorder yours even now. It proves to be an interesting time for camera buyers.

Canon’s Rebel XSi (450D) is already on the market and awaiting the arrival of its new Nikon nemesis. Which one will dominate?

The Nikon/Canon debate will not abate with the coming of the new D3000. Nikon proponents will line up on the Nikon side while Canon enthusiasts will take their stance on the other side of the line. It’s kind of like the Republicans vs Democrats or the Auburn War Eagles vs the Alabama Crimson Tide. You pick your favorite rivalry. Your side will be better no matter what.

My money is on both to be winners. If you buy a Canon Rebel XSi or a Nikon D3000 you will be getting an awesome piece of photographic equipment. The technology keeps improving and the price continues to either stay the same or come down a bit with each new entry level DSLR.

Why choose to compare the new Nikon to the Rebel XSi instead of the newer T1i? Very simple – it’s because the Nikon does not have video (and neither does the XSi) but the Rebel T1i does have video. Additionally, the new Nikon is priced below the T1i, more in the price range of the Rebel XSi.

A quick note about the features of the Nikon D3000. The sensor has been increased to a respectable 10 megapixels compared to the 6 megapixel D40, a real plus for new camera buyers. According to the early reviews, the features that made the D40 and D60 so popular have been retained or improved.

The Leica IIIf – A Legend in Photography

It is over seventy years since the first Leica was manufactured by Ernst Leitz in Wetzlar Germany. Since then over 1,500,000 of these cameras have been manufactured. Leica cameras were well ahead of their time and focused (pardon the pun!) on being extremely small and high quality.

The initial models of Leica camera were designed by Leitz engineer Oskar Barnack, and similar designs continued to be manufactured right through the war. Today, this design of cameras are still called “Barnack-Leica” in Japan in order to differentiate them from the new M type Leica, of which the first model was made in 1954.

The iconic Leica IIIf was launched in 1950 with and featured a full synchronized contact. It became known as either the Black Synchro or Red Synchro according to the series of numbers – 1 through 20 – that were found around shutter dial. These numbers were engraved in Black on early model and were changed in Red on later model, hence the name. On the Red model, the shutter speed was also increased to make the synchronization with the flash unit more efficient. The synchronized speed of the electronic flash is 1/30sec for the Black model and 1/50sec for the Red one.

A Self-timer was incorporated in the final model in 1954. The IIIf proved so popular that it continued to be made until 1957 even after the world-beating Leica M3 was released.

After the War, the camera industry started copying Leica in Japan as well as some other countries and the Leica IIIc(1945) and IIIf(1050) had become their main targets.