If you have an adventurous soul and love photography, photographing ghost town may be a good experience. Many people love the freaky eerie feelings at abandoned places, similar to the horror movie thrills. If you fall in to this type, here are some resources and tips for you. Read More…
DPReview has just posted the review of the popular 8MP 12x optical zoom Canon PowerShot S5 IS, the latest in Canon’s super-zoom digital camera rage. Based on “click through” counts (a measurement of the level of interests), this camera has been the most popular camera for a while on DPReview. The review gives the typical “Pros and Cons” lists and a overall “Recommended” rating on the conclusion page.
On July 26 2007, Fujifilm announced multiple cameras cross all of its FinePix lines. You can find more information by following the links here (S: high end super-zoom, F: compact, Z: ultra-compact, A: entry level): FinePix S8000fd, FinePix S5800, FinePix F480, FinePix F50fd, FinePix Z100fd, FinePix Z10fd, and FinePix A920.
I have not looked back to these various small sensor fixed lens digital cameras since I bought the Nikon D70 in 2004. The DSLRs simply have much better image quality and offers more creative opportunities for photography. After reading the specification of these new Fujifilm digital cameras, I was a little shocked to see some great advances in the technology and feature sets, such as face detection, high ISO (ISO6400!), image stabilization, and super zoom (18X with FinePix S8000fd). My favorite among the new releases is the FinePix F50fd. It is loaded with features for a reasonable price tag of $299.95.
This is an amazing macro photo. What strikes me most is that the photographer (nutmeg66) has taken many amazing close-up photos with a cheap point and shoot camera (Canon PowerShot A640). One of the testimonials by another Flickr user sums it up well:
“I’m amazed with the results you get in your photos. Your nature shots are incredible. Many users of expensive DSLR’s must be hanging their heads in shame. I hope you continue to inspire.”
The equipment is certainly quite important for good macro photography but it is only as good as the photographer. The photographer needs to have patience, skills, and some luck.
This may surprise some: the cheap P&S cameras have a great advantage compared to DSLR cameras for macro photography: greater depth of field (DOF) at the same aperture and same equivalent focal length. In general, the DOF becomes narrow as you get closer to the subject at given aperture. It becomes difficult to record the entire subject of interest in sharp focus when you try to get as close as possible to capture the details (at highest possible magnification). The reason for enhanced DOF is mainly due to the smaller sensor sizes in P&S cameras compared to DSLR cameras. For an in-depth discussion of this subject, please read these excellent articles:
There are several brands of digital SLR cameras that support the four thirds image format. They include Olympus, Panasonic Lumix , Leica Digilux, and others. The same guys behind the DPNow site launched the fourthirds-users.com for four thirds enthusiasts. Go visit this new site and also check out their FAQ section if you are curious. If you are interested, you may also want to read about why four thirds systems are better than the traditional aspect ratio (3/2) systems.
Nikon USA recently announced two DVD’s targeting Nikon DSLR shooters. Part of the press release states:
“Hosted by award-winning National Geographic Traveler photographer Bob Krist, the DVDs take SLR camera owners on an entertaining and informative journey from the very basics of their Nikon digital SLR camera to advanced shooting situations where they can unlock their camera’s potential. The first DVD, titled “Fast, Fun & Easy: Great Digital Pictures,” delivers 35 minutes of helpful information, making it easy and fun for new Nikon D40 and D40x digital SLR camera owners to begin taking great pictures immediately. The second DVD, titled “Understanding Digital Photography,” is great for picture-takers who are ready for the creative photographic opportunities available beyond their camera’s automatic settings. “Understanding Digital Photography” covers fundamentals that are relevant to any modern digital SLR camera while featuring the easy-to-use Nikon D40 and D40x models, as well as the popular Nikon D80 and the professional-level D200. “
Read the complete press release on Nikon Press Center. You can also watch preview videos for these two titles: Fast, Fun& Easy, and Understanding Digital Photography. They are affordably priced at $9.95 and $14.95, respectively at Nikon Mall.
Infrared and UV photography open a world that typical cameras and our eyes were never meant to see. If you have never seen an infrared or ultraviolet photo, you may want to check out these Flickr groups: Digital Infrared, Infrared, UltraViolet.
According to Fujifilm, this is a DSLR for advanced forensic and scientific imaging. The camera can also be used for conventional daylight photography by adding an optional UVIR cut filter to the lens. Nikon DSLR users will recognize the body is the same as the Nikon D200, just with Fujifilm branding. The camera is Nikon F-mount compatible and can use all Nikkor AF-D/G and AF-S lenses. The detailed specifications and features can be found at Fujifilm website.
For people who truly enjoy infrared or ultraviolet photography, it may be the dream come true. However the firmware End User License Agreement (EULA) will definitely turn some of you off:
“By breaking the packaging seal you acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of Fujifilm’s Ultraviolet (UV) and/or Infrared (IR) sensitive digital camera firmware End User License Agreement. The camera firmware contained in each system package is fully activated to engage the camera’s UV and/or IR capabilities and ready for use. No other firmware modifications are necessary in order to activate the camera’s UV and/or IR wavelength sensitive CCD. THIS LICENSE IS NON-TRANSFERABLE.
You hereby acknowledge and agree that your use of the camera’s UV and/or IR light energy sensitive capabilities, as enabled by Fujifilm’s camera firmware, will be purely to accomplish a legitimate business purpose in the medical, forensic, fire investigative, law enforcement, scientific, systems integrators, local and federal government.
In addition, you further agree not to use the camera’s firmware enabled capabilities to engage in unethical photographic conduct involving the violation of personal privacy, child endangerment, lewd photography, and or paparazzi like activities.”
