Our Digital Photography Blog
Ideas, resources and tips on digital photography: equipment, techniques, reviews, courses, etc.


May 12, 2008

Digital Camera Ratings

Filed under: Tips - 12 May 2008

Would you like to know how to use digital camera ratings to choose your next camera? There are many things that you should take into consideration before you buy something like a digital camera. With digital camera ratings you will be able to read what past consumers have to say about the available digital cameras and determine which camera is the best for you and which ones you should avoid.

There are many ways you can check out digital camera ratings, but the Internet above all else is going to be a great resource to you here. You can use any search engine to help you find what you are looking and can browse through literally thousands of different digital camera ratings in a matter of minutes, something that you certainly could not do otherwise.

Other Factors to Consider

Do not just look at the number ratings besides a camera. A rating of 4 or a 2 is meaningless unless the scale ion which they are rated is explained clearly. More important than the number ratings is the comment or explanation besides the rating that outlines the pros and cons of the camera in question. In addition to using these digital camera ratings to help you make your decision there are a few other things you should think about before you buy a digital camera.

It can be incredibly hard to buy something like a digital camera, especially if this is your first time. The first thing is to know the basics. You should know the lingo that surrounds digital cameras and know what the important features are. After all you don’t want to buy a camera for taking close up pictures and then get home to find out that the zoom is not that great.

Figure out what you are going to be using the camera for and then look for ones that have what you are looking for. Deciding on how many megapixels you need is one of the most important steps here and this is actually considered as being the most significant feature of all when choosing a digital camera.

Anything with 2 megapixels or less is really not even going to be worth buying because the quality of the pictures will be so poor. A 3 megapixel camera is not going to be terrible but you should definitely aim for more. The 4 and 5 megapixel cameras are also satisfactory, but you should go for 6 megapixels and up so that you know your pictures are going to be as clear and high quality as possible. Digital camera ratings are definitely helpful in a process like this but you also need to be educated more in general if you want to choose the best digital camera for your needs.

May 11, 2008

Digital Camera Prices

Filed under: Cameras - 11 May 2008

Would you like to know which digital cameras are reasonably priced? The issue of digital camera prices is one that is incredibly important, especially if you are looking to go out and purchase a digital camera soon. It is particularly important because digital camera prices vary so much - there are some that are low on the price spectrum while others cost thousands of dollars. If you want to get a new digital camera but don’t have much money to spend then you are going to need to look at digital camera prices in detail.

General Electric A730

There are many digital cameras that are very reasonably priced, take for instance the General Electric A730 digital camera, which retails for just over $100. It features a simple interface and a sleek and stylish camera body. It is a great camera for both personal and professional photography and you really can’t go wrong for the price. It is also available in a few different colors so you can pick and choose and find the one that suits you best.

Argus DC 5195

Another camera that you will want to consider if you are looking for lower digital camera prices is the Argus DC 5195 which features 5 megapixels, 4x optical zoom and 32MB internal memory. It is also available in a few vibrant colors, while breakthrough technology and precision engineering distinguish this camera from others on the market. It is inexpensive and yet very high quality. It features an auto flash, SD storage card slot, TV out video recording with sounds, photo editing software, and USB download. There are only a few minimum system requirements and so this camera is very accessible and user friendly for everyone.

Remember that the prices of digital cameras are going to vary depending on what store you go to, and so not only will you want to choose carefully deciding on the actual camera itself but also on where you go to purchase it. Go to a larger retailer rather than a specialty camera store to find the lowest prices and often times buying directly from the manufacturer will save you money as well.

Then of course there is the option of buying used, but you have to be really careful if you choose to go this route. Usually there is no point in buying a camera that is a year old or more because the technology integrated into it will soon be outdated. You also need to be sure that all the parts are fully functioning and that the camera is in good working condition.

May 10, 2008

Digital Camera Binoculars

Filed under: Tips - 10 May 2008

Do you know what to look for when choosing digital camera binoculars yet? These gadgets are excellent for both entertainment and professional photography. You could watch birds, animals, and people and at the same time capture excellent photographs in spite of great distances separating you. The digital camera binoculars are a boon for those who research animal behavior in their natural habitat as well as for those who are involved with detective and investigative work.

There are a few things that you should check before making your purchase if you want to get the best there is available in the market. Since these cameras are pricey, it would be good if you buy a good one right from the start.

Replay

The most important aspect would be its capacity to replay the pictures shot. Without this feature, you would not be able to know whether the picture or video you have shot is what you wanted. The replay should be fast – ideally instant – so you would not loose too much time to get the camera set for the next picture.

Megapixel

Another feature that you should pay attention to is the resolution of the sensor of the digital camera binoculars since this is what determines the quality of the pictures you shoot. The resolution of cameras is measured in megapixel or MP count – the higher this number, the clearer would your photographs be. This is very important if you plan to enlarge the prints of the photographs. The minimum megapixel count you should settle for is 3. Any less than that would impact your pictures negatively.

Lens

Check the quality of the lenses in your digital camera binoculars – do not compromise on the quality of this aspect as your picture quality is directly proportional to the quality of this feature. A safe bet would be to have lenses with Bak-4 prism glass that are multi-coated. This would ensure that the pictures you take with your digital camera binoculars are crisp and sharp.

Viewing

If you are planning to use the digital camera binoculars for long periods of time at a stretch, you would need to ensure that the viewing is comfortable. Check the eye relief aspect of the digital camera binoculars you are planning to buy. This is the distance between the viewfinder of the camera and your eyes – the higher is this number, the more comfortable it would be for you.

Design

These are some features that would give you the best value for your money. Do not forget to pay attention to its design and weight – a good camera should be lightweight and easy to hold in the hand for a very long time.

May 9, 2008

Digital Camera

Filed under: Cameras - 09 May 2008

Do you need some reasons to buy a digital camera? Remember last summer at the family reunion when Uncle Harry came out of the pool and he had no idea that he has lost his swim trunks? Okay, well I guess we are all still trying to forget that one. Well how about when the dog snatched the hat off grandma’s head and her wig was attached to the hat and the dog ripped the hat and the wig off! That was great.

Hey, let me see the pictures you have of all of that! What? You have no pictures? You have no camera at all? You mean to tell me that life and all of its little incidents that just demand to be saved to some sort of medium are flying right by you and you have nothing at all to capture any of it? Well then you, my friend, need a digital camera.

Oh please stop with the too expensive blah blah. Have you even shopped for a digital camera lately? Do you even have any idea how much the standard digital camera has dropped in price in the last few years? No, you have no idea. These days you can get a quality digital camera made by a name brand manufacturer for around $100 or less. It will have all of the features you would expect in a digital camera and even some more that you would not be expecting. At that price you could get grandpa a digital camera because chances are pretty good that grandma will be losing that wig again and you know he will want a picture of it.

Some Things You Would Not Expect

A digital camera is a great investment because not only can you capture memories that you can load on to your computer and then print out or store to disk for storage, but you can expand the memory of just about any digital camera to be able to store an unbelievable amount of pictures. You can get a 2GB storage card the size of half of a stick of gum for less than $30 that can store over 1,600 pictures on it! That is so cheap that you could almost get a new storage card for every event and keep them separate. So why are you not buying a digital camera yet? Need more to convince you?

Many of the new name brand of digital camera being released that are around $100 or less are also video cameras. That is right, they can also be used as video cameras and you can store quick videos on the same 2GB expansion card you are storing all of those pictures on as well. Hey! Wait! Where are you going? Make sure you get a receipt!

May 8, 2008

Black And White Photography

Filed under: Types - 08 May 2008

What is special about black and white photos? With apologies to Paul Simon, writer of the hit song Kodachrome, everything does not look worse in black and white. To many people’s eyes, everything looks better in black and white photography because with the subtle palette of grey brings out the inner beauty of a subject much better than being masked by a riot of color.

Case In Point: Peter Gabriel

When British rock star Peter Gabriel was asked for a portrait to be on the cover of Rolling Stone for January of 1987, the magazine wanted a color portrait to emphasize the singer’s intensely blue eyes. As Peter Gabriel’s big hit So contained the song In Your Eyes, it was logically thought that a simple portrait of his face centering on his blue eyes would best portray the singer-songwriter.

Robert Mapplethorpe was honored to take the portrait. The sessions lasted over days as both artists battled heads over what constituted a good portrait. In the end, both artists wound up with a profound respect for each other. When Mapplethorpe generously gave Peter Gabriel the pick of the portraits as a gift, Peter Gabriel chose portraits done with black and white photography. That portrait would later grace the cover of his greatest Hits compilation in 1990.

Why Black And White?

Color can be blinding. Just ask anyone who has a red car. Even though there are no actual scientific studies done, it is popularly thought that red cars are ticked more by police than any other color of car. We are ingrained to associate specific color with specific meanings. Colors are archetypes in the collective unconscious. Black and white photography should really be called “grey photography”, since even the colors black and white are softened. But “grey photography” just doesn’t sound as catchy, does it?

In black and white photography, there is no extra baggage hauled around with colors. You concentrate on the shape, the arrangement, the expression, the decay – anything that the photographer wishes to emphasize. Perhaps with the case of Peter Gabriel’s portrait, both Mapplethorpe and Gabriel thought the focus on Peter’s blue eyes and peaches and cream skin did not portray the true man. Gabriel’s music touched more people than just blue eyes white people. By using black and white photography, Gabriel was now race less, sexless and beyond fitting into any categories we automatically place strangers in – he was just a human being like any other one on the planet.

May 7, 2008

Black And White Digital Photography

Filed under: Basics - 07 May 2008

The basics of black and white digital photography are quite simple if you follow a few guidelines. There are very few items that can match the timelessness of a black and white photograph. The lack of color is great for capturing raw emotions and magical moments without the detraction of vibrant colors. Black and white digital photography captures life on its most basic level and heightens the mood and the drama of the photograph. Many individuals choose to have their wedding photos done in black and white to capture the spirit of the day.

Black And White Digital Photography Options

With black and white digital photography, photographers have three options to choose from. The first option is to shoot the pictures in black and white. Many cameras have the ability to shoot in monochrome and the user’s manual for the digital camera will instruct the photographer in how to use this function. The photograph will appear in the viewing window in black and white, so the photographer can see exactly what the picture will look like.

Some digital cameras will allow the photographer to change their images from color to black and white digital photography within the camera itself. This program creates a copy of the image and converts it into monochrome while still saving a copy of the image in full color. This allows the photographer to see the image both ways and choose which is best for their needs. Some images convert well to black and white digital photography while others are best viewed in full color.

The last option, which is used by many amateur photographers, is to print the photograph in black and white using a standard computer or photo printer. Although this is not true black and white digital photography, it accomplishes the same goal. The shading will not be as crisp as if the photograph was manipulated with a software program, but the images will be of an acceptable quality. A major disadvantage of this option is that you cannot view the image in black and white before printing the photograph.

Of the three options for black and white digital photography, shooting the photographs in black and white achieves the best results. This is also the best option for creating larger prints and portraits. There are many images that look very good in black and white digital photography, such as a bride in her wedding dress or classic landscapes. Whatever the reason it is being used, black and white digital photography can create wonderful images in a classic way.

Print in black and white: You can print black and white photos from those taken in color by using the Grayscale setting, available in your printer preferences menu.

All of these methods work well. However, if your goal is to create larger black-and-white prints, shooting in black and white will yield the best results.

Contrast—the difference between the light and dark areas in a photo—is an essential part of black-and-white photography. There are three levels of contrast that you can experiment with when you shoot:

High contrast means striking white and black tones, with minimal gray. It can heighten tension or add drama to photos.

Look for bright light and shadows (as in the image above) to shoot in high contrast.

Normal contrast provides the most “realistic” presentation of an image, where some things in the photo are light or white, some are dark or black, and some are in-between, or gray.

Contrasts that are strong in color, such as red against green, look about equal in black and white, making for normal contrast.

Low contrast keeps tones mostly in the mid-range, so there are lots of grays.

Atmospheric weather, such as fog, is perfect for shooting low contrast black-and-white photos.

Emotional occasions, such as weddings, are ideal opportunities to shoot black and white. And don’t forget group shots—black and white shots mean that clashing clothing isn’t a problem.

Black and white lends itself to a variety of subjects:

Texture and patterns: Try shooting interesting textures and lines, or patterns in nature. Details that are barely noticeable in color become more prominent and poetic.

Portraits: Baby pictures, wedding photos, family portraits—candid or posed—gain a classic quality when shot in black and white.

Landscapes: From the mountains to your backyard, outdoor shots look magnificent in black and white

May 6, 2008

Best Digital Camera

Filed under: Tips - 06 May 2008

What should you consider when choosing the best digital camera for your needs? The best digital camera for you may not be good for someone else because everyone is looking for different features. You may also not be using the same criteria to judge what the best digital camera would be that someone else may be using.

Some people base everything only on price but when you only use price as a determining factor then you are sacrificing quality and usually functionality to save what amounts to a few bucks. So you need to really sit down and think about what would be the best digital camera for you based on the things that are important to you.

It is tough judging the best digital camera on price alone because usually when you get into a low priced item you get a low quality no name item and then you wind up sacrificing things like connectivity and expandability when you go on just price. There is a way to balance features with price so that even if you don’t get the absolute best digital camera in the world, you do wind up getting the best digital camera that you can afford and, in the end, that is what it is all about. It is all about creating a set of conditions you want something to meet and then making compromises so that you can get what you want without paying more than you can really afford.

Some Key Features

There are some things that you should insist your digital camera does have or else you could wind up just wasting money. You are going to need to make sure your camera has standard connectivity to a computer. Most cameras do this through the USB port so make sure there is USB connectivity and make sure the cable comes with the camera.

Many companies save money by not including the interface cable which can be a big problem for you. Also make sure your camera’s memory is expandable by using the universal memory cards that are plentiful and inexpensive. Getting a camera that requires expensive proprietary memory to expand winds up costing you more in the end. A camera with no memory upgrade option is also a waste of money.

From there you set your budget and figure out what other features are important to you and what you can live without as you try and get the best digital camera you can afford. You will probably find that you can afford a lot more than you ever thought you could and that is always a great surprise especially if you keep an eye out for coupons and deals.

May 5, 2008

Baby Photography

Filed under: Types - 05 May 2008

Have you ever thought of setting up a baby photography business? Babies are known to make the world go round, with their beautiful little faces and innocent personas. Because of this, babies are always being photographed in order to maintain the memory of how they were when they were young.

Parents tend to get pictures taken of their children all the way through school ages, and it’s usually done on at least a yearly basis. However with babies, this process is known to be done multiple times per year, hoping to capture every part of their young childhood.

So no matter how many photographers specialize in baby photography, there never seems to be a time when the market is fully saturated. Like all businesses, starting a baby photography business will take time, effort and lots of exposure. So, it never hurts to pick up some tips along the way.

Don’t Forget the Portfolio

The importance of a baby photography portfolio is second to none. Without a portfolio featuring the work that you do, it’s hard to stir up interest in your business from others. As they say, the proof is in the pudding so don’t leave your proof at home. Take your time creating your baby photography portfolio, and then bring it with you wherever you go as you will never know when it will come in handy.

Get out There Baby!

You can’t get any business if you don’t get out there. Meet people, as many as you can. Go places where you’d expect to find parents and start talking! Local parks is a good place to start, but remember not to just start snapping pictures of children you don’t know yet as this tends to worry parents. Just introduce yourself, show them your portfolio and offer a business card that produces proof of your baby photography business.

Other places you can visit to create some buzz about your business include the zoo, local fast food restaurants and roller skating rinks. Anyplace parents are more than likely going to be with their children is a good place to associate yourself as a baby photographer.

Don’t Forget to Advertise

Advertising doesn’t have to be expensive. Use Internet resources that may let you advertise for free. Forums and discussion boards are good starting places. Using services like Craigslist are easy and usually free (Depending on the area you’d like to advertise in). Also, online parenting websites may offer inexpensive advertising which can work wonders for you. Creating your own baby photography website is not a bad idea either, just make sure you know that you’ll need additional advertising to drive traffic to your website.

May 3, 2008

Art Photography

Filed under: Types - 03 May 2008

What is the secret to interpreting art photography? It is often been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so is the interpretation of art photography. What is pure art to many people may be considered nothing more than “dirty pictures” to others. Since the first pictures of females, wearing very little covering or nothing at all surface in the mid-1950’s the debate about what constitutes art photography or pornography has raged.

Court battles have pitted those who take the pictures and those who publish them against those who believe they are a violation of community standards. Most courts have sided with the photographers and publishers on an issue of free speech or free expression. Despite the continuing animosity against art photography, there is also a continued demand for the photos. They are the mainstay of many photo galleries and line the walls of art lovers who compare them to some of the famous nude pictures by famous artists.

Most art photography does not show genitalia or depict sexual activity, but the totally nude males and more often females, continue to spark debate. Recently, photographs of large groups of nude people of all walks of life and all sizes have been taken around the world and are being displayed as art photography in many major galleries.

Photographers Say Definition In Viewer’s Mind

Most photographers working in art photography content the context of the picture, as well as the thinking of those looking at the picture, is what makes some believe it is in pornographic in nature. One person can look at a nude picture and see art photography while another can look at the same picture and see a sexually suggestive image. It is this difference of opinion that has dogged the profession for years, made worse by a few who believe they can make money through pornography.

Most photographers view art photography much as the same as artists view painting and drawing nudes, which occurs in classes around the world. The human body with the right attitude behind the picture can be an art for in and of itself. They contend they are producing the same image, but are using a different media for its presentation.

Still, others believe that art photography is a form used to hide the intention of creating pornography and continue to fight its presence. However, as long as the battle has raged, there is no clear cut definition as to what differentiates art photography from pornography and it will remain in the eyes and mind of the beholder.

May 2, 2008

Digital Camera Parts

Filed under: Tips - 02 May 2008

In the technologically advanced world that we live in today, there are few people that do not already have a digital camera. Digital cameras usually stay intact and fully functioning for years, if properly taken care of, but of course there are going to be times when something breaks and you are going to need digital camera parts. It is for this reason that you will want to be aware of where you can go to buy your digital camera parts and there are a few places in particular that you will want to consider for this.

Digital Camera Parts Depot

The Digital Camera Parts Depot is one company you can go to for digital camera parts and for affordable prices as well. They offer digital camera parts for some of the most renowned and popular names in the computer field, including Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Kodak, Olympus and Sony. You can shop directly over their website if you have access to a computer and the Internet and you can save even more money this way.

The Part Store

Another great option for digital camera parts is the Part Store. This is a company that is truly committed to helping you find all the camera related products and accessories you need. They process all of their orders quickly and ship most of their parts within one business day, which is quite impressive. Just a few of the digital camera parts that they have in stock are lenses, straps, and camera cases.

Before You Buy

Before you buy any digital camera parts, it is important that you are clear on at least the basics of digital cameras and of the parts that make them work. Also remember that access to and placement of camera components, menus and settings are all going to vary from one camera to another and also between manufacturers.

The more you educate yourself the more knowledgeable you are going to be and the easier a process such as buying digital camera parts is going to be. Just make sure that you take full advantage of all the help that is offered to you and take time to find a company that you can shop at that is going to offer you the quality and value you are looking for. Remember that all the time and effort you put in beforehand is going to be well worth it in the end.

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