5 tips on buying a camera lens (contd..)

Tip 346 (Canon L series lens): When you are buying Canon lenses, sometimes you may have come across some lenses that are much more expensive, and have a thin red line at some point on the barrel of the lens. These are marked L for 'luxury', and are lens that are more sturdy, made of better material, and have a much better optical finish; but given that they are more expensive, you need to evaluate whether you have such a need.

Tip 347 (Color of great Canon telephoto lens): You must have been surprised sometime about seeing some Canon telephoto lens being white or off-white instead of black. These are the higher end telephoto lens for Canon, and are typically much more expensive.

Tip 348 (Just the red stripe on the lens not enough): So you found a lens for your Canon Digital camera, and it has a red stripe, and you are excited about getting a superior lens. However, you should assume that only if the lens is made by Canon, then a red stripe lens means that it is superior; buying a lens made by other companies with a red stripe is not reassurance of any kind.

Tip 349 (Canon low cost prime lens): Canon sells lenses in different price ranges, with the consumer plastic body lens being the most inferior. However, the prime lens in this range is still fairly decent, since these lens don't have to worry about the quality problems associated with the optics of a zoom lens.

Tip 350 (Kit lenses are on the lower scale of lenses in terms of quality): So, you are looking to buy a new Canon camera, and you find a great bargain in terms of a camera with 2 lenses, one being the typical 18-55, and the other being a lens that could be a zoom. You feel you have got a good bargain, but keep in mind that there is no such as a free lunch; the lens you got is at the bottom of the scale in terms of quality.

Ad: Click Here to Learn Digital Photography now!

Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens

The fast, wide-angle to medium telephoto AF-S zoom lens from Nikon is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors, with focus as close as 10.8 inches at the 24 mm. setting. Enhanced optical formulas, engineered to produce exceptional sharpness, contrast and color, render outstanding image integrity, while two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and PGM aspherical lenses futher control chromatic aberrations at even the widest aperture settings It has an exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity. The Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation, while the Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet auto focusing without changing the length of the lens and M/A Focus Mode switch enables quick response to changing situations between Auto and Manual focus operation. With all these features, as well as an incredible resilience to dust, water and general wear and tear, the Nikon 14-24mmf/2.8G ED Lens is a welcome way to meet your telephotography needs. M/A Focus Mode switch enables quick response to changing situations between Auto and Manual focus operation Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and PGM aspherical lenses control chromatic aberrations and enhance the image even at the widest aperture settings Exclusive Nano Crystal Coat further reduces ghosting and flare.



Technical Details :
* AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens.
* 21-36mm Effective Focal Length with APS-C Sensor Cameras.
* Ideal for Wide-angle Shots of Landscapes and Scenery.
* Lens Construction: 14 Elements in 11 groups.
* Contains Two ED (extra-low dispersion) Lens Elements for High Resolution and Contrast.

Customer Feedback :
Nikon's new 14-24 lens is just phenomenal. The clarity is that of a prime lens. In fact, this super-wide angle zoom lens effectively replaces the equivalent prime lenses within most of its focal length (except perhaps the 24mm range); it's like owning a bag full of prime lenses that have been combined to make one superlative zoom lens.
Yes, it's that good. If you check around the web, you will see the pros falling over themselves for this lens after they test it. It's built like a tank and is precise as a Swiss watch.
Highly recommended.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 12MP Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Silver)

Panasonic's new Lumix DMC-TS1 is the world’s first waterproof, shockproof and dustproof digital camera to also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities. The TS1’s tough and rugged design makes it the ideal choice for active users needing the ultimate hybrid for capturing both still and motion images during outdoor activities. The Lumix TS1, with a 12.1-megapixel resolution, features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, a 4.6x optical zoom and Panasonic’s proprietary iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, making this an easy-to-use, yet powerful camera that packs advanced imaging features.
The TS1 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof. With its rubber padding, reinforced glass and carbon resins inside the camera, the TS1 features an airtight body protected against water immersion, dust and sand.

Technical Details :
* 12.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints.
* Waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof.
* Records AVCHD Lite HD video.
* 4.6x MEGA image-stabilized optical zoom; 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens.
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included).



The TS1 gives users the flexibility for a variety of shooting environments--especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. The TS1 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle, enhancing visibility during recording and playback by automatic brightness control according to the environment’s lighting conditions. Plus, the TS1’s LCD panel is deliberately thickened for protection against pressure, allowing the display to operate with clear visibility even underwater.
The TS1 features iA mode for both still images and in Movie Mode. For iA in Movie Mode, the TS1 features Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.), which helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom. Face Detection automatically detects a face in a frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion on the face. Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows.
The imaging power of Lumix has further evolved with the Venus Engine HD, which boasts two CPUs to provide approx. 2.4x processing capability and support for Face Recognition, AVCHD Lite and HDMI output. This multi-task image-processing engine also enables a fast response time. The TS1 starts up quickly in 1.3 seconds and shutter release time lag is approximately 0.005 seconds, making it easy to capture sudden, spur-of-the-moment photo opportunities. The Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take consecutive shots with continuous emissions of the flash.

Pros:
- Shoots video super-instantly and easily.
- Video is SUPER-smooth.
- Stills look great too.
Cons:
- No lens cap at all.
- STUPID USB cable that's proprietary and DOESN'T charge the battery when it's plugged in.
- Expensive battery, but definitely get a spare.

5 tips on buying a camera lens

Tip 1 (Learn about the different kinds of lens): There are many different kinds of lens such as zoom, ultra zoom, macro, wide angle, prime, fish eye, standard lens, tilt, etc. You should read up, and be sure what each of these terms means before you go ahead and decide to buy a lens. This will help you determine which type of lens you want to buy.

Tip 2 (zoom lens): A zoom lens is, simply speaking, a lens which allows you to view distant objects more closely, similar to a telescope. More technically, a zoom lens is a combination of different lens elements that allow the variation of the focal length. Zoom lens are suitable for shooting wildlife, sporting activities, and objects at a distance.

Tip 3 (Superzoom lens): Superzoom lens are those lens that have large focal length factors, normally more than 4X, going upto 20x. For example, a lens that has the specification of 18-270 mm has a zoom ration of 15x, qualifying to be called a superzoom lens. However, these lens typically has a problem in terms of distortion of the image at both ends.

Tip 4 (Prime lens): A prime lens is normally much superior to a zoom lens in terms of optics, image quality, and smaller size and weight. However, a prime lens does not have the ability of a zoom lens of variable focal length, being a fixed focal length lens. A prime lens can have a much larger maximum aperture than a zoom lens, and hence better ability to handle low light conditions.

Tip 5 (Wide angle lens): A wide angle lens is one that allows you to take photographs with a much wider perspective than zoom lens, in the sense that you can get in more of the surrounding. The focal length of a wide angle lens is shorter than the focal lenght of a normal zoom or prime lens. However, the images generated through using a wide angle lens are more suspectible to perspective distortion.

Ad: Make money from your photos today!

5 Photo tips (centered around the morning and daybreak)

Tip 1 (Think differently): Sunrise does not always mean shots of the sun rising, or shining over water, through clouds or over mountains. Look for other photos; look at people sitting on the beach with the sun rising, people going about their work (early morning), people having breakfast, or even more interesting shots such as steam (whether from natural sources, or from hot tea and coffee)

Tip 2 (Check White Balances): The white balances needs to be checked when shooting around sunrise. The light can have a orange-color tint to it, with a hint of red (although this changes rapidly as time passes). Even though you may have never have set the color profile to 'incandescent', this is a good time to change the white balance. Experiment with making this change, to see whether you start getting a slight blue tinge to your photos.

Tip 3 (Experiment with focus changes): For landscape views, you should normally have a small aperture (from f/8 to f/22 and higher), since you get more objects in focus (from close to the camera to objects much further away). However, for sunrise, you should experiment with having shallower focus by having larger exposures. This gets you more light, and shows you some interesting photos with some objects out of focus.

Tip 4 (Shooting water scenes early in the morning): Shooting early in the morning, especially over water, gives a bluish tinge to the entire scene. The cast of the photo changes to having a bluish tinge, and if you set a long exposure, you get more of the water flow (can give a very smooth look).

Tip 5 (Sun is pretty small): If you are looking to get a good photo of the sun at sunrise, the sun will show up as a small section of the photo. If you do want to get the sun being a much bigger part of the photo, then you will need to use a zoom lens (and the bigger the better). You might need to use a tripod as you move to a bigger zoom.

Canon Powershot SD990IS 14.7MP Digital Camera with 3.7x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

When you’re ready to experience a higher level of pace setting technology and image brilliance, the PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH is ready for you. One glance at the sleek sculptured profile, and you know this is a camera driven by design and features. Style without compromise is the perfect complement to the ELPH model’s most advanced feature lineup--engineering leadership that opens your eyes and imagination to the real potential and boundless pleasures of photography.

Technical Details :
* 14.7-megapixel resolution for the highest image quality.
* 3.7x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer; 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II.
* DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection.
* Quick Mode decreases lag time so you don't miss anything.
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards.



PowerShot SD990 IS Highlights :
- Powerful curves house a 14.7-megapixel Digital ELPH : It’s the very first ELPH to offer you the contemporary cool of pure black--making the boldest camera contours seem even more dramatic. When classic style reflects your fashion sense, indulge in the satiny glow of silver tone.
- 3.7x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer for blur-free shooting : A zoom opens up a world of possibilities in your photography, and thanks to innovative Canon engineering, it’s housed in a camera that’s sized to go everywhere with you.
- Optical viewfinder plus large high-quality 2.5-inch PureColor LCD II : The PowerShot SD990 IS Digital ELPH gives you large 2.5-inch LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. Canon’s PureColor LCD II offers spectacular color, resolution and contrast even when viewed at an angle.
- DIGIC 4 Image Processor : Canon’s proprietary DIGIC Image Processors have long set its cameras apart from the competition, and the new DIGIC 4 sets the bar even higher. Faster, more accurate noise reduction delivers better image quality, even at high ISO speeds.
- iSAPS Technology : It is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the advanced DIGIC 4 Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.
- Face Self-Timer : It automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments.
- Intelligent Contrast Correction : DIGIC 4 also makes possible the new i-Contrast system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images
- Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures :
* The Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
* The SD990 IS Digital ELPH can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
* You can manually locate any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.

PROS:
- Sharp and detailed pictures.
- Lots of manual controls.
CONS :
- Expensive.

Fujifilm Finepix F100fd 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Dual Image Stabilized Optical Zoom

Equipped with the latest high-speed infrared connectivity, F100fd lets you send photos to another IrSimple camera or device in seconds without the need for a cable or PC. FinePix Wide Dynamic Range gives you the ability to explore extreme scenes and capture all the nuances of brightness and tonality. Using an aspherical lens to efficiently collect light at the focal point, the lens can deliver high-performance and phenomenal clarity of image with only a few lens elements for a more compact engineering experience. 12-Megapixels are arranged in Fuji Film's unique honeycomb pattern, which maintains high pixel numbers and enhances the light collection efficiency and light capture efficiency per pixel. Dual IS uses FinePix high sensitivity to freeze the movement of subjects and defeat motion blur, while CCD Shift Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake. View and select up to 100 photos at a time in a 10x10 array of micro thumbnails. With the high resolution LCD, it is so easy to scan the micro images and find the photos you want to share with friends and family. Take the new Wheel Dial interface for a spin. Navigating modes, positions and functions has never been easier or more intuitive. With each selection, a helpful explanation of the mode or position appears on the display. It can display full-resolution photos on the LCD at a speed of 10fps. 1/1.6 Super CCD HR Sensor File Format - JPEG (EXIF Ver 2.2) Aperture - F3.3 - F9.0 (Wide) / F5.1 - F11.0 (Telephoto) Shutter Speed - 8 seconds to 1/1500 second Self-timer - 10 seconds and 2 seconds delay IR Communication IrSimple IrSS for Wireless Communication Shooting Modes - Auto, Natural Light, Natural Light & with Flash, M (Manual), Movie Portrait, Portrait Enhancer, Landscape, Sport, Night, Fireworks, Sunset, Snow, Beach, Underwater, Museum, Party, Flower, and Text Dimensions - Width 3.8 x Height 2.3 x Depth 0.9 (97.7x58.9x23.4mm).

Technical Details
* 12.1-megapixel Super CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints.
* 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens; Dual Image Stabilization mode.
* 2.7-inch, high-resolution wide-angle LCD.
* Face Detection 3.0 Technology, featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal.
* Stores images on xD or SD/SDHC memory cards (not included).



Finepix F100fd Highlights
1. Wide Dynamic Range.
2. Faster Face Detection 3.0.
3. Dual Image Stabilization mode.
4. Continuous shooting.
5. High-speed playback.
6. Portrait Enhancer mode.
7. Dual Shot mode.
8. Special scene modes The FinePix F100fd has 16 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing.
9. Micro thumbnails.
10.IrSimple Infrared communication via IrSimple technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
11.xD/SD/SDHC-compatible slot The FinePix F100fd features a xD/SD-compatible slot, which accepts not only Fujifilm’s traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SDHC cards too.

PROS:
Extra wide angle, lens is sharper and good response time.

Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder

It's a simple idea: provide brilliant stereo recording in an easy-to-use, ultra-portable device. Now everyone can record pristine audio in an infinite variety of applications. From seminars and conferences, to electronic news gathering (ENG) and podcasting, to musical performances, songwriting sessions and rehearsals, the H2 provides amazing recording quality. And no matter what kind of music you perform or the instrument you play, the H2 can effortlessly record it in high-quality stereo.
The H2 is the only portable recorder with 4 mic capsules on-board for 360° recording. With 4 mic capsules in a W-X/Y configuration, the audio is decoded instantly, bringing these four signals together for unparalleled stereo imaging. But the H2 doesn't stop there. For maximum flexibility, you can record from the front of the H2 in a 90° pickup pattern or the rear of the H2 in a 120° pickup pattern at up to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution as a WAV file, or as an MP3 file at bitrates up to 320 kbps. Additionally, you can record in a 360° pickup pattern at up to 48kHz/24-bit resolution which will allow you to convert your recordings to 5.1 Surround.



Features:

W-XY mic patterns with 4 mic capsules and signal processing allows Front 90° cardioid, Rear 120° cardioid and 360° polar patterns
Built-in USB 2.0 interface
Records in WAV 96kHz/48kHz/44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit, MP3 to 320kbps and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) data formats
Time Stamp and Track Marker functions in Broadcast WAV Format (BWF)
512MB SD memory card included
Accommodates up to 16GB SD memory cards
Auto Gain Control (AGC) for pristine recordings
Auto Start function means you're always ready to record
Low-cut filter eliminates wind noise
On-board chromatic Guitar/Bass tuner

Customer feedback:

1. Zoom has responded with the H2, a scaled down version of the H4 with all of the features of the R-09 and all of the controls right where you need them. The H2 even has additional features over the R-09, but they don't get in the way. For example, there's a choice of a 90 degree recording pattern, a 120 degree recording pattern, and even a surround sound option. Samsontech has some nice video demonstrations on its website.
Recently, I got together with friends and recorded the same live acoustic music on both the Edirol R-09 and the Zoom H2. I used Adobe Audition only to normalize both tracks (that is, equalize their loudness). The first time we played them back, I thought I detected a VERY slight preference for the Edirol, with the overall opinion of the group split between the two units. The second time we played them back, my preference was for the H2, with overall opinion continuing to be split. We all agreed that the differences were so small as to be negligible if there were any at all. We were sitting in a circle with the recorders located next to each other on a mantle above and outside the group.

2. I borrowed a Zoom H4 from a friend and found it extremely frustrating to use. The owners manual was just gibberish to me. I could not make heads or tails of the instructions. It was a totally frustrating experience and I was ready to give up on making a CD, and ready to go back to making old fashioned cassette tape recordings.
I took a chance on the Zoom H2 and am not sorry. All the head aches of the H4 have been addressed with the H2. This machine is much easier to use. I'm using it to record live string music and it does a wonderful job. Sounds great! I'm not an egg head geek or a computer expert nor am I a professional sound recording engineer, and I am very comfortable using this machine. Zoom must have listened to everything people were complaining about the H4 when they designed the H2.

Photos tips for Wildlife Shooting (contd..)

Tip 1 (Get down to the animal height): When shooting, we are used to shooting from a certain height (typical shoulder height). When shooting an animal, you may find that there is a different perspective to be gained when you do down and dirty shooting, that is when you crouch down to the animal height and shoot from there. It may look odd if somebody is looking, but you may get some good photos.

Tip 2 (Shooting through bars in a zoo): Face it, if you are shooting in a zoo, there will be those iron bars that could spoil most photos. You need to either shoot a classical shot that portrays those bars along with the animal, but for most shots, you would rather not have the bars in the set. What you need to do is to make your depth of field as shallow as possible (selecting a very large aperture f/2.8 would help).

Tip 3 (Plan your hours): You are going to the zoo to shoot animals, and have dedicated a fair amount of time for the same. That is perfectly fine, but unless you have worked out where and how you are going to spend your time, it is not very effective. You need to find out when animals are likely to be more active, when do they get fed, as these vary from animal to animal and are times when some great shots can be had.

Tip 4 (Spending time at enclosures): If you are an impatient kind of person, then you will have lots of problems. Suppose you see a majestic tiger, and want to get some great shots of the animal, you need to wait over there in an active mode, with camera ready and you ready to shoot at a second's instance.

Tip 5 (Look for people shots): You are at the zoo, and are there to shoot wildlife; so far so good. But always keep a watchout for people and their reactions to seeing the animals. When an animal does something interesting, there is an instantaneous reaction that people have, and these make for interesting shots. Kids especially are very animated.

Tips about camera options (zoom, RAW, picture size)

Tip 1 (Image size on the camera): In earlier days, cameras used to be 4-7 MP, and these used to be good enough for everybody. However, even many higher-end point and shoot cameras are now coming with above 10 MP options. There is a temptation to shoot at the highest MP possible, but keep in mind that these images occupy space on the memory card, and then on the computer hard disk if you decide to store them. Make a grid about the types of image sizes you want to set - so natural beauty could be the highest possible size, photos of friends and families at a slighter lower size. If you are also fond of shooting a lot, then get in the habit of making sure that you are optimizing your image sizes.

Tip 2 (Using RAW or TIFF modes): You may have bought a camera that produces output in RAW or TIFF or DNG mode, but be sure whether you really need to do the kind of manipulation that you need for these modes. They occupy a lot of space, and this has an impact everywhere - imagine that you are trying to display your images to family, then keep in mind that RAW or TIFF will take slightly longer to render on the computer.

Tip 3 (Using RAW + JPG): If you are more of a casual photographer, but are impressed by RAW, then select the option of RAW + JPG. This tells the camera to produce a JPG along with the RAW, so that when you transfer to the computer, you have JPG's to show to friends / family quickly, or even for your own review.

Tip 4 (Using Digital Zoom): Many cameras give the option of Optical Zoom, followed by digital Zoom. Digital Zoom may look great, since you would think about gettting 20 times the magnification, but the fact is that digital zoom is like taking the image on your computer and then zooming in (optical zoom in contrast actually manipulates the lend and results in no quality loss). Expect that there will be loss in quality if you use Digital Zoom.

Tip 5 (Camera buying and Zoom): If you are attracted to a camera by the prospect of the zoom it has, consider only optical zoom as the true factor (disregard digital zoom as a factor). Also consider that when you use a higher optical zoom, camera shake gets magnified, so using something like > 10X optical zoom will produce a lot of blurriness unless you use a tripod of shoot with a higher shutter speed.