Lenses and sensors explained well

This episode of D-TOWN TV talks about lenses and how they differ from one another. Apertures of lenses as well as the amount of zoom are the numbers we look at when purchasing a lens. Scott and Matt explain constant F-Stop and variable F-Sop in a fun and entertaining way. They also show why there is a difference between DX lenses and FX lenses(for full frame NIKON cameras ) Even if you are a user of CANON cameras, this episode can also help you understand your lenses as well. CANON folk have EF lenses(for FULL FRAME SENSOR) or EF-S for the other EOS cameras.. Check out the guys here!

CANON 5D Movie function gets better

Canon has announced that it is currently developing a firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II to enable the recording of high definition 1080p video at 24 and 25fps. This update is in the process after taking feedback from cinematographers and photographers. Introduced in September 2008, the multi award-winning EOS 5D Mark II was the first DSLR product to offer full frame 1080p HD video recording, opening up a multitude of new creative possibilities for photo journalists, news photographers and amateur filmmakers. Since then, Canon developed its EOS Movie functionality, with the firmware update to the EOS 5D Mark II that enabled manual exposure control. Canon currently expects the firmware update to be made available during the first half of 2010. An announcement regarding details of the update and its availability will be made closer to the release date. But if you did not upgrade your 5D MK11 to enable the manual exposure control, go here to update your camera...Make sure you read how to do it properly

CANON 7D makes you go faster!

Canon recently released the 7D DSLR camera which has got some great features and specs that has proved that digital cameras were going to be a big change for the world of photography. The speed this camera reaches in taking photos(8FPS) is now one of the fastest shooters at this price range and the video function shows that HD does not mean you need a separate video camera any more. The camera includes an 18 megapixel Canon-developed CMOS sensor together with Dual DiG!C 4 Image Processors that combines to deliver fantastic image quality with fine detail and brilliant reproduction of colour and tones. The 19 point Auto Focus system helps with making sure your subject is in focus as quickly as possible. The CANON 7D also has an ISO range expandable to an incredible 12,800 which will amaze the who like to take photos in the most difficult of lighting. All this and the ability to take Full High Definition movie recording makes the new Canon EOS 7D an essential tool for the enthusiast or semi professional. Have a look at the review on this camera here

BAD SNEAKERS

A couple of week ago I was talking to a student after a workshop who just happened to mention he was in a band(which always pricks my ears up...photo opportunity!) I thought, what a great way to test the TAMRON 70-200mm F2.8 lens I have. I rocked up to the club to see the band "Bad Sneakers" which play great classics from years gone past and grabbed my spot close to the front with no obstruction!. I'm glad I got some early shots in because it wasn't too long before there was a full crowd on the dance floor boppin away to the classics being played! The guys have a great rapport with their crowd and would suggest them if you want a fun band at your next party. You can find their details here Most of the shots were taken at the 200mm end of the lens with the NIKON D700. Shots were at 2500 ISO which proved to be very handy in this type of lighting and I must say that the digital noise levels are VERY low indeed.I also shot mostly in "P" mode which let me concentrate on the focusing as the TAMRON lens did struggle a bit in low lighting and so used manual focusing ring which is easy to use,especially looking through the big viewfinder the NIKON has. Thanks Glen for the invite to see you guys and to see some shots taken of the night, have a look here

Video Tips for Nikon!

I have discovered a great website that talks tips on NIKON DSLR cameras. You will get to know about customising your D series camera in ways you woudn't have thought of. Have you been going through all those custom settings trying to work out how to get the best of your camera or just trying to understand when to use 3D tracking and single point focusing? How about wireless flash or just accessories that fit your NIKON camera. Well these 2 guys ,Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski are extreme NIKON users and over these small video episodes, give us insights to your NIKON camera and the very smart NX software that is available for editing your shots. In this episode, White Balance through live view can give you better results, adjusting the command dial to do what you want it to do, tips on NX software and using a GPS unit so you can show where you take your photos!! See your first episode here

Sadly missed

Living in the inner city, you wouldn't think "wildlife" photography but at Sydney Park at St Peters, an environment exists that has vast sweeping vistas and a rich bird life which gives the photographer a number of fantastic opportunities to capture. The area is also shared with responsible dog owners who walk their dogs but unfortunately not all who take their dogs are responsible and throughout the year, some of the wildlife has been injured and in the case of last week, a mother Swan who just recently had 2 chicks,was mauled and needed to be euthanised because it was hurt so badly. When my wife had read about this sad event, we were so upset as we had been following the life of this new family,but it shows how things can change in a matter of seconds and all we could think about was the loss for the chicks and its mate.Things were so exciting when we finally saw the chicks, swimming around with their mum and dad..but now,things have changed. I went earlier this week to the park to see if the chicks were there with their dad but the ranger had said that they had taken away to be looked after. The father has also been moved as it was obviously distressed and missing it's family. I would like to dedicate this story to these birds and hope that we think how special life is whether it's out own family or the families of animals that we share this world with. I hope we see happiness again in the ponds of Sydney Park again. Images of Sydney Park here

The RICOH Story

In my history with photography, RICOH have always been a brand where particular film models are still remembered fondly by us...umm..older generation that actually remember cameras brands before the year 1999(my first introduction to digital). The RICOH cameras specifically remembered were the "fixed" focal ones. In my early days of camera work, fixed focal photography forced you to really compose a photo. The days when you had to "move" in physically with your body and not just your finger. I believe that zoom lenses in cases don't get used effectively and this can show in our compositions. Now in saying that, the versatility zoom lenses give us in our busy worlds today with the quality achieved is fantastic. Great composition is seen in the photography of the early years where the cameras where fixed focus. The normal angle of view was at a 38mm and later 28mm wide lens. Great for emphising landscapes for those who wanted to shoot in available light because of the amount of light that entered the lens in these type of cameras. Aperture "F" numbers are what we look at when we want to shoot in available light and cameras in those days were like F3,5 but F2.8 was better in low light. Todays cameras including DSLR Kits come with lens that have low numbers like F3.5 at wide angle but as high as F6.3 at telephoto end which is a real problem when shooting in low available light as the result is slower shutter speeds and movement in your shots. Yes you can adjust the ISO to a higher setting but we can create problems with digital noise. So when I was asked to shoot with the new RICOH GR3, I knew this was going to bring me back to a style of photography I haven't done for a while. The RICOH GR3 camera is not going to suit everyone because of the lack of zoom but for those who want to use a camera in a situation where a larger camera would not suit and are not afraid to move towards the shot, will find this camera an invaluable tool in their kit bag. A number of professionals will have a smaller camera in their kit and will capture visions that can only be described as stunning!.. I will be putting up shots over the next few weeks, but to find out about this camera, click here to visit the great website on GR series cameras