Digital Camera: December 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008

4 Tips to Building a Career With Digital Photography

Imagine that you are online, reading newspaper or watching TV. Have you ever had a moment that you fail to see a picture? And ever since photography went into digital, it has sparked more people to become professional photographer.

Often, how the pictures turn out depend on the photographer's experience. That is why famous photographers' pictures are more outstanding. Think about how much money you can make when your pictures stand out from the crowd.

Continue reading when you want to build a career with digital photography:

Learn the art
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that photography is an art. Like a professional artist, you need to know your profession. Professional photographers get their reputation today through continuous learning. When you are starting out to make money with digital photography, make sure you learn the art through books, clinics and practice how to shoot right.

Equipments
You need to start looking at professional DSLR camera when you want to become a professional photographer. The compact digital cameras are just not meant to build your career with digital photography. Luckily the DSLR cameras nowadays are getting more affordable. Today, you can get a DSLR camera and extra lenses with investment less than $1000. That just feels great doesn't it?

Portfolio
Now, you must have an impressive portfolio in order to make money with photography. This is to show your potential clients what you have achieved. Put your best work in the portfolio as that is what your potential clients are going to judge you with. Your skills and creativity will determine whether you can land the job or not.

Being different
You need an identity in the market. Express yourself with how you capture your subject. Your potential clients will appreciate something different yet aligned to their needs.The bottom line is, you need to be unique.
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Best Digital Cameras Online From Canon & FujiBest Digital Cameras Online From Canon & Fuji

The best digital cameras online would be the Canon Powershot G9 and the Canon EOS 1D Mark III. These two cameras from Canon will continue to be the popular cameras for any photographers. The EOS 1D Mark III is the newest creation by Canon and is a SLR camera with 10.1 megapixels or 21.1 megapixels. The 10.1 MP has the highest quality images for up to eighteen by twenty-four inch prints. The DIGIC III image processor gives the user accurate and fast image processing. The three-inch viewing screen makes it easier to see the picture for clarity. This digital SLR camera provides the widest ISO range from any other camera.

The Canon Powershot G9 is a 12.1 megapixel with six times optical image stabilization zoom. This camera from Canon is a great camera for far less than the ESO 1D Mark III. The G9 will take clear and sharp pictures that retain the quality of the image even in poster size prints. This is just another one of the best digital cameras online. The three-inch viewing screen allows the user to se the entire picture with clarity. The camera has red eye fix and twenty-five different shooting modes with nine special scene modes.

Another one of the best digital cameras online is the Fujifilm. This camera has infrared capabilities with a 10.7 wide-angle zoom and nine megapixels. The Fujifilm has a dual media stick and a manual ring for focusing. The tilt two-inch viewing screen does make this camera easy to use in different situations. One more camera that seems to be the included in the best digital cameras online is the Nikon Coolpix P5100 with 12.1 megapixels and 3.5 times optical zoom and 4 times digital zoom. These cameras come with different features and different price ranges. They are for beginners and professionals alike.

While Canon and Fuji are two of the best when it comes to high quality digital cameras, they're certainly not the only game in town. There are equal and better cameras around, you just need to know where to look.
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Find The Cheapest Digital Cameras Online

Are you prepared to do a little bit of hard work to get a great price on your next digital camera? Your probably just surfing around clicking on every interesting looking link you see anyway. Why not put that time to better use, save some money, and learn a little something. I'll do my best to to make your journey enjoyable, quick and profitable. Maybe even let you in on some of the better resources I've found for digital cameras research and shopping

There's no shortage of digital camera resources, comparisons, reviews, tips, tricks and hints around the web. And why wouldn't there be. Next to cell phones, digital cameras are the next biggest selling personal tech gadget available. While the internet has become a more homogeneous mix, there's no denying that the online population still has a very large percentage of gadget lovers (translation: geeks).

While having all that information at your fingertips can sound helpful, it can also be overwhelming, confusing, and just plain intimidating. Places like Google, Yahoo, MSN and all the social bookmarking sites like Digg and FaceBook try to help. Unfortunately those sites are under constant bombardment by marketing departments, sales people, and spammers in an abundance. Who can you trust?

Friends and family are your best bet. In spite of the wonder that the internet is, there's no substitute for simple word of mouth. Chances are you know someone who has gone though lots of junk sites trying to find helpful information. Use them as your own personal Google. Ask what sites they've found to be most helpful.

If you can't find places to start from them, then your going to have to be a little adventurous, and set out on your own. You are your own best filter when it comes to finding some good digital camera sites. No doubt, it will take a little longer, but eventually you'll get what your looking for. A great deal on a new digital camera.
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Looking For a Best Buy Digital Camera? Check This Out!

Shopping for your best buy digital camera can be tough -- lots of models and brands to choose from, each with its own features -- you may end up getting the one you did not intend to buy in the first place. It can be overwhelming especially for first time buyers who are offered too many options they won't know what to look for exactly.

So, what should you look for in a digital camera?
Let's get physical. If you're going to bring your camera everywhere and anywhere, you may want to choose a handy and portable one. It is also important for you to feel comfortable holding the camera while shooting. Check if you are comfortable holding and using it before actually buying it.

Say cheese! Check the resolution. Choose the one with higher resolution so you will be able to enlarge your picture without messing the image quality. High resolution cameras produce high quality photo images so as you enlarge your pictures you won't get out-of-focus images with blurry colors.

Up close (and personal). Choose a digital camera with better optical zoom. The higher the better. Most digital cameras have both digital and optical zoom and a higher optical zoom is always better than a higher digital zoom. Optical zoom makes the subject closer by adjusting the elements inside the lens of the digital camera.

I've got the power! Digital cameras use up battery power real fast. It is better to check if the camera comes with rechargeable batteries so you can just recharge them. Rechargeable batteries are convenient and more economical than buying every now and then disposable ones. Digital cameras with AC adaptor are also a good choice because you can just plug it in and attach the camera while viewing the pictures or uploading them.

Memory, memory, memory. If you love to take pictures a lot, you want to make sure that you have enough memory in your camera to take all the photos. When you buy a camera, it is good to check if it is capable of external storage by having a memory card slot. This way you won't have to worry that you'll run out of space on the gadget while shooting pictures.

These are just the basic things you have to look for in a digital camera when you buy one. There are some special features that you would like to consider in making your buying decision. Of course the most important factor is your budget. Your financial resource will play a huge part in dictating the type of digital camera you will buy.

Do keep in mind that the best buy digital camera is the camera that best fit you and your lifestyle. Do not buy a camera just because it is the latest, coolest model in the market. Buy the digital camera you are sure you will enjoy and definitely use.
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Knowing what Digital Camera Accessories you Need

Capturing a moment is best done with photography and in this time and age, the best option for this is through digital photography using a digital camera. Whether you are the type of person that is into photography or simply someone fascinated with capturing the beauty of certain views, then with a digital camera you will be able to tell the story of a moment that cannot be brought back. Digital photography allows you to touch many lives through the images of beauty and art which you are able to capture and be able to store electronically. It may perhaps be an option for others to be a profession and this could profession could even bring a lucrative compensation should you decide to take this path.

Living in today's high-tech world allows us to make use of the digital camera technology making it easier for us to shoot pictures on the go and be able to have them available in less time and with the use of digital camera accessories be able to improve or enhance the quality and experience of digital photography. The digital camera accessories available today as tools makes it better choice for us to invest in them especially if this becomes a hobby or a profession.

The Basic Necessities for Capturing the Moment
It doesn't really matter whether or not you do photography for profit or simply for leisure, it is probable that the next best equipment you need to invest in other than a nice new digital SLR camera are the digital camera accessories that you will use along with it. There are various types of digital camera accessories available that you may either need immediately or would need in the future which would help you with keeping your equipment in good shape, improve the quality of your photos, add additional capacity to your work output, reduce the complexities or simply just enhance your own photography experience. Some of the digital camera accessories may include any of the following and depending on your needs may even be further augmented as the need arises:

Camera Bags
The first probable investment being the camera bag, this is where you will place all the things that you will need when you are location shooting or traveling and it would also serve as your basic kit where all your photography equipment is stored and protected well. It is also one of the most inexpensive accessories that you may ever buy and add to this is that they enable you carry and protect the expensive equipment that you carry around. Camera bags come in many different shapes, sizes and colors through a wide variety of different brand names that specialize in this, and they are available for anyone's personal preference.

Camera Tripod
Of the camera accessories, perhaps the camera tripod is one that will help a lot of people since it helps reduce the amount of "camera shakes" when taking photos and allows you to take shots from a variety of angles. While does seem that this is a bulky and cumbersome accessory you should know that a great majority of tripods are either foldable or retractable and should be able to fit in most of the medium size to larger camera bags. If you happen to have one of the older tripods which you have used for your traditional cameras, then you should be ware that some of them are actually compatible with today's digital cameras and you may not need to re-invest in a new camera tripod. Just the ability to have steadier shot and a finer finished product is a must for many and this makes the camera tripod a great digital camera accessory to have and perhaps even a necessity for some.

Battery Chargers
For people who take vacations and for those that visit remote locations without the convenience or availability of digital camera accessories shops, the use of a battery charger is important. Even if you carry with you extra batteries sometimes these batteries just all of a sudden get drained and you are left with no power to your digital camera thereby rendering them useless. Having a battery charger is very handy in some situations and this may be the difference in being able to take that critical photo should the need arise. Being extremely affordable, it should be considered whenever deciding to but that those additional digital camera accessories on your next shopping spree.

Memory Cards
The memory card for a digital camera is perhaps the most important digital camera accessory for many as akin to a traditional camera that needs film, a digital camera needs memory for storage of images. Most people take this likely since the capacity of the memory cards they purchase with their digital camera is sometimes sufficient, it should however be known that some people do not delete or transfer the contents of the memory to other devices like PC's and in some cases the memory becomes full. Having that extra memory card with you will help reduce this from happening and will also be of great assistance during times when a large volume of photos need to be taken especially for professionals and for those that take a vacation in remote places where they are unable to transfer the images, and with no shops readily available in the vicinity.

You never know when your existing memory card will fail so keeping an extra card can pay dividends when the time comes. Just be aware though of what type of memory card your digital camera uses as there are various types of cards available for different digital cameras such as SD cards and Sony memory sticks. You don't want to buy a memory card that is not compatible to your digital camera.

Other Important Accessories
Lastly, one of the digital camera accessories that you may want to have is the digital photo printer, which is especially useful if you want to print your photos from the comfort of your home. Most locals now have photo shops that can process the printing of your digital images but for some the ability be able to print from home or from anywhere, then a photo printer is a must. All you will really need is to have printing consumables always available, your personal choice of photo paper such as matte or gloss and you will be able to print off any photo you want, at the sizes and quality you need. Most of the printers in the market today are already of photo output quality and the choice these days is what size of footprint you want, depending on your needs i.e. if you travel a lot then perhaps a small size printer will be best for you.

Conclusion
Whether you are a professional photographer or just enjoy taking pictures, you should be fully aware of the various digital camera accessories that are available in the market that can perhaps help you reduce the amount of effort in your profession or simply improve your photography experience. Some of these accessories can be expensive but a majority of them are indeed quite affordable and for many are in fact a necessity, and by being able to to have them can sometimes make the difference of being able to have that all important and perhaps even life changing moment captured. Availability for most of the accessories for your digital camera is in most cases excellent with a great number of electronic equipment shops in most locals and not to forget the growth of internet shops that specialize in providing thee services.

As a final note, even if the requirement for digital camera accessories is not for you, then perhaps someone you know such as family and friends has these needs and this actually makes for great gifts on special occasions like birthdays. Anyone with a digital camera will be more than happy to receive these accessories as gifts and this should give you more options when giving away gifts this Christmas or any other occasion during the year.
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Nikon Coolpix L5 Digital Camera - Best in All Nikon Digital Camera

The monotonous life of the modern day can be enjoyed only if you cultivate a hobby. Especially, if you develop a hobby like photography, you are never at a loss. In the recent past, so many products are populating the electronic goods market, that it is now time for you to choose the best camera that suits your budget. Nikon Coolpix L5 is one of the kinds that are spoken of. It is a simple camera with least complications. It is an ideal one for beginners and mommies and daddies who hate technical complications in a gadget. In spite of that, it has some features that are really advanced. They enhance the quality of the images received and make your task a less tedious one.

Key features
Nikon Coolpix L5 has a 7.2 megapixel resolution. As a result, almost all the colors present in the image will turn out well with extreme quality. The CCD sensor also enhances the beauty of the snaps clicked. It traces incoming light and converts it into electrical signals with the help of photosensitive cells present in it. Better the quality of the CCD, excellent is the quality of the images discerned. It is enabled with a 4x digital zoom and a 5x optical zoom lens. All these features come together to deliver good images as expected by you. The various preset scene modes act as an added advantage. Transferring and editing images is also easy. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac.

User friendly aspects
Nikon Coolpix L5 does not come with any manual exposure control. However, you get to use 15 scene modes and exposure compensation. On the top of the camera, there is a button to start the one-touch portrait mode. In this mode, the camera blurs the background so that the subject stands out in the portrait. Along with this, there is also the face-priority auto focus. This mode traces the subject's face and focuses on it so that it can deliver a good image.

Know more
To get the best results from a "not up to the mark" setting or image, you may use the Best Shot Selector feature of Nikon Coolpix L5.in this mode, you get to click about 10 snaps and then you can choose the one you think is the least hazy. Apart from this, there is one more tempting feature in nikon coolpix l5. It is enabled with a feature that combines information from sensors at the time of image capture with internal processing to try to remove blur from images that have already been shot; and mechanical, which shifts the CCD to compensate for shake.

Conclusion
Nikon Coolpix L15 is an ideal for amateur photographers, as mentioned earlier. One more reason for this is that with this purchase, they may not need to spend too many pennies on their hobby and yet receive extraordinary effects.
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Digital SLR Camera Review - Choosing Between SLR Cameras Or Compact Digital Cameras

When purchasing a digital camera, it is often a tough decision to choose between a SLR digital camera and a compact digital camera. With this digital SLR camera review, we will cover the most important aspects in the decision making process.

SLR Cameras are your best choice among digital cameras if you want to do more than take family vacation, holiday, and birthday pictures. Despite the fact that many point-and-shoot compact digitals have increasingly higher megapixels, the SLR is the choice for serious photographers and photography hobbyists. This digital SLR camera review will cover the importance of purchasing a SLR camera if you are serious about your photography.

The most obvious reason for choosing a SLR camera is that you have the capacity to produce photography that is much more artistic. With SLR cameras, you have manual options that you don't have with point-and-shoot cameras and this is what makes the biggest difference in how you can use your SLR camera artistically.

When trying to get that perfect shot, your camera must be ready in an instant. SLR cameras have instant start up and minimal shutter lag. Most point-and-shoot compacts have a 2 to 3 second shutter lag which means you are going to miss that shot. The shutter lag in SLR cameras is a fraction of a second so you get the shot you want.

Another plus in SLR cameras in that they can take interchangeable lenses. This is very important for those nature and sports photos when you often can't get close to your subject. With a SLR camera, you can change to a zoom lens and get those close-ups. Great battery life, large image sensor, fast continuous shooting, and the ability to store RAW images are other pluses of SLR cameras.

Some of the not so good qualities I would like to point out in this SLR digital camera review is that these cameras are large. So, if you want to be able to fit them in your purse or bag, they're not going to fit - not so good on vacations. They are also much heavier than subcompact digital cameras and compact digital cameras weighing in at about ½ pound and of course, they are more expensive.

In this digital SLR camera review, we covered manual options, interchangeable lens, shutter lag time, and size. These are all factors that you need to take into consideration when making a decision as to purchase a SLR digital camera as opposed to a compact digital cameras.
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Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review

Nikon D90, latest additional to Nikon's line up of D-SLR, is designed similar to D80. One special feature of Nikon D90 Digital Camera includes the Movie Mode in HD; no other D-SLR camera has this feature. Along with it include the 12.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 3" VGA LCD Display, High Sensitivity (ISO 3200), 4.5 Frames/second continuous capture, in-camera image editing feature, and GPS for geo-tagging. Current price of it is at $999 body only.

A new and improved rechargeable battery pack (EN-EL3e) capable of producing 850 shots compared to 800 shots from other batteries goes along with the kit. A recharge of not more than three (3) hours will fully charge the battery. Standard items like a printed manual, USB cable, LCD cover, Eyepiece cap, A/V cable, battery charger, and the Nikon Software Suite will also be included.

Nikon D90 Digital Camera supports both SD and SDHC memory cards. A standard 4GB SDHC memory card can only cost $58. SDHC cards have built-in security protection for sensitive data.

Built-in flash with Nikon D90 has a 12 meter guide number at ISO 100, but an optional external flash can be used for a better capture and to prevent redeye. An SB-600 Speedlight flash is perfect for the camera and can only cost $ 185.

The Nikon D90 body only does not come with a lens. For a perfect shot the Nikon 18-200mm VR can be added. Current price for the lens is only $669.95. Nikon 18-150 mm VR can also be used.

A wireless remote control can also be purchase together with other accessories. This allows a user to take pictures without the need of touching the camera.
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Which Nikon Digital Camera Should I Buy?

Many people look for digital cameras by brand name. Which Nikon digital camera should I buy is a popular question from digital camera enthusiasts. Anyone who has used Nikon film camera knows that Nikon is a leader in the camera world. The digital cameras are just as popular. The Nikon CoolPix S50C and the CoolPix P4 are compact cameras with some impressive features. The Nikon P4 has 8 megapixels with a two and a half inch viewing screen with auto mode. This camera has a slim body that could be harder to use for someone with larger hands. For the price, this camera is a bargain.

The Nikon S50C offers 7.2 megapixels and has a wireless interface. The camera itself is impressive with a three-inch viewing screen and three times optical and four times digital zoom. The camera is very compact and slim. When you are thinking about which Nikon digital camera should I buy, you would be pleased with the Nikon S50C because of all the options and features. The prices are just right for any beginner or experienced user. Choosing between these two cameras would be easy after you read the reviews as well.

Which Nikon digital camera should I buy is always a question to ask yourself. You can read the specifications of the cameras, reviews by other users and see what the performance of the camera is by reading consumer reports. What you do not want to do is buy any camera without seeing what they all have to offer. The WI-FI Nikon S50C is definitely a nice camera with good reviews and the wireless interface does add to the beauty of the camera. You just need to compare and select the camera that will work the best for what you need it for.

While Nikon is one of the best when it comes to high quality digital cameras, they're certainly not the only game in town. There are equal and better cameras around, you just need to know where to look.
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Canon Powershot SD790IS Digital Camera Review

One of the best canon cameras out there right now is the Canon Powershot SD790IS digital camera. After reviewing several other models, this one came out on top.

You will be quickly impressed with the startup speed of the camera and the qualities of the pictures from the Canon Powershot SD790IS are superb. You can take approximately 150 shots and still have lots of battery power. This feature alone puts this one in a class of its own. The flash recharge speed is extremely fast when compared to other thin digital cameras.

Pictures taken on the "auto" mode come out looking perfect and the color always seems accurate. Faces are not washed out; pictures taken in bright sunlight, distance shots or close up, all come out as you want them to, great!

The Canon Powershot SD790IS digital camera turns on and is ready to use almost instantly, and focuses quickly. Pictures turn out sharp and clear, even with the flash, the zoom works easily with a very accessible button, and there is absolutely no red eye.

The camera is small enough to fit into your pocket and surprisingly light. But don't let the small package fool you as this is one digital camera packed full of features with high quality construction. The body is made from metal rather than plastic which gives it a better feel and makes it sturdier.

The 3.0" LCD screen of the Canon Powershot SD790IS digital camera is bright, and is clearly visible even in bright sun. There is no need for a viewfinder with this one. Another good thing about this camera; it is possible to view images on the camera's screen without extending the lens. When turned off, just hold down the play button to turn on image playback. The lens won't pop out.

This is a great digital camera, and probably the best out there right now in its price range and even better than some more expensive models.

If you plan on shooting a lot in auto mode and want a thin camera with the 3 inch screen, the Canon Powershot SD790IS is the way to go. Another unique feature is that the camera can sense which way you're holding it and shifts the image on the screen.

This review of the Canon Powershot SD790IS digital camera is geared more toward the casual user pointing out features that most people would be interested in rather than from a more technical point of view.

Whether you are looking for a camera to take pictures of your vacations, week-end trips or the kids as they are growing up, the Canon Powershot 790IS digital camera is one that I highly recommend.

I enjoy taking pictures of my grandchildren and being able to share them with family and friends. Having a good Digital Camera that takes superb pictures makes them so much enjoyable. In my search for a quality digital camera this is the one I found to be the best in its price range.
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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Different Types of Photography

Whether you are planning to be a photographer or a collector of photography, you have to understand the various types of photography to which you may be subjected. One of the most common types of photography is portrait photography. Within the realm of portrait photography you will also be exposed to celebrity portraits or famous portraits. That is not to say that portraits are the most common type of photography by any means but we tend to hear more about it than you do food photography or Olympic photographs. In order to be an efficient photographer or collector of celebrity portraits, you have to understand this type of photography and how it ties in to other types of photography.

Involved in some of the other types of photography are Olympic images, food images and sports images. When it comes to photography, each type of image projects something to the owner of the image whether it's a portrait or images of tangible things. For example, food images will project to the viewer what a particular dish will look like after completion while sports images will portray the way a team will look on the field or as they prepare to begin or finish a game. A good photographer is able to project these images to the viewer so that he or she can look at any of those images and understand what the photograph is attempting to portray to each viewer.

The concept of portrait photography is to show the clearest image of a person or group of people that is possible. Likewise, food images and sports images also portray clear images to the viewer. Photography as a whole has an important function, that of making certain the photographer does everything possible to portray each image in the clearest possible way. For more information on photography and how to make it work for you, visit Condenastore.com.
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Travel Photography - Make Money

If you are an avid travel photographer and have some great photographs in your kitty, then you very well can make money. What better than making money out of something that you love doing! And, thanks to the internet, it's now easier than ever for photographers to reach buyers. But what options does one have to sell their photographs? Essentially, there are three ways you can sell travel photography: stock photos, products, and services. But here, we'll talk about how to make money from stock photography.

A stock photo is a picture that you've already taken; it's ready to use according to the needs and requirements of the buyer. Here, the buyer can select from a number of photographs from your inventory and buys whichever he needs. Publishers are the ones who are on the lookout of stock photography as it's cheaper and time saving than hiring a photographer.

Ok, so you know what is stock photography. But what next? The next step is to set up a platform to reach buyers. This can be done 2 ways. One is through a Stock Agency. A stock agency groups photographs of many photographers and promotes them for sale. The agency sets the licensing fee and gives you a percentage. The second option you have is to set your own website. This way, your work stands alone, not with others, and you can set the prices.

So how do you choose which option to ahead with? This basically depends on whether buyers would be searching for photos in general, or for your photos in particular. If you have general photos of such as, the Statue of Liberty, then your best bet is a stock agency. But if you have something unique and specific, then your own site is better.

If you are in doubt, go with both! There's no harm in submitting your photos to multiple stock sites as well as featuring them on your own site. This way you cover all the bases.
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Canon Underwater Cameras - What You Need To Know

Simply for capturing the terrific memories that you experience, you will get fond of using Canon underwater cameras quickly. Underwater cameras have most of the same features as the handy cameras that we used outdoors - the only difference is that they have certain functions that are more innovative because they are water resistant and can be used to capture pictures under the sea. Of course, these underwater cameras are not only exclusively for taking pictures under the sea because some of them are also designed to be used in outdoor activities. In heavy rain these cameras will not be affected because of the protective device to guard against water and pressure damage.
They come in a number of forms, with their prices relecting the entire range of normal camera pricing.

The cheapest type of underwater camera for instance is the simple disposable underwater camera. These cameras are able to take about twenty to thirty pictures. These cameras are waterproof enough to be utilized when there is harsh rain and snow storms. These are best use for fun scuba trips and family vacations; it will certainly capture the memorable parts of the family fun.

One of the best known brands of underwater cameras is the Canon. It has been proven efficient in all forms of underwater adventures. Canon underwater cameras have a lot of designs that offer different features. Each of the cameras gives advantages and special features that you will really enjoy. However, as you would expect from a quality brand like Canon, these cameras might appear a bit expensive because of the gadgets used on it; nonetheless they are of best quality and you will have no regrets once you see the resolution of your pictures.

Many conventional digital and film cameras have waterproof housings. Placing your camera inside will allow you to 'transform' your existing camera into an underwater camera. However, if you want excellent photographic quality from under the water, we would always advise purchasing a dedicated underwater camera.

Canon underwater cameras came in various models. The higher the photo resolution that it has, generally the more expensive the price is. Many of the underworld photographers that I know prefer to use Canon underwater cameras because they offers a "one of a kind quality". The Canon Company is one of the pioneering companies that launched underwater cameras in the market and you know you will be getting quality when you buy Canon.
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Underwater Digital Camera : Capturing Moments Underwater

Memories are created just about anywhere. And when I say anywhere, I mean that memories are even created underwater – so the creation of underwater digital camera.

An underwater digital camera is not just used to capture underwater memories; some professional marine photographers also use underwater digital cameras in their business. Even marine biologists and scientists use underwater digital cameras to capture marine life and thus be able to study the life and properties of the marine life. But I think it is safe to assume that you, my reader, are neither a marine scientist nor a professional photographer. Like me, you are just some photo junkie who wants to capture underwater moments and just cant figure out how without ruining your cameras.

Please listen to me when I say that even waterproof cameras cannot withstand underwater photography. To be waterproof is to resist the water in certain levels, submerging in under the water to get the perfect shot is like throwing it out of the window expecting a pick-up truck to pass by and run over it. Now if you’re really serious about using an underwater digital camera to capture those wacky and funny moments underwater, I suggest that you buy specialty cameras.

There are rarely underwater digital cameras, as cameras are electronic and cannot withstand water and water pressure. The closest electronics has ever got to producing underwater digital cameras are producing underwater casings for digital cameras. These casing will turn your conventional digital camera into an underwater digital camera.

If you are shooting with your underwater digital camera, you need to take note of a few things to help you come up with the best images underwater. Remember that as you farther under water, light diffuses. This means that your underwater digital camera will produce images darker than those images you took while on land – this is because of the light diffusion the red spectrum seems darker. To avoid this, use white balance come up with natural colors. Also, pictures taken underwater will come up larger than pictures taken on land with the same zoom effect. Be sure to check your underwater digital camera’s viewfinder to check the right picture angle and size that you want.

An underwater digital camera with its built-in flash will produce marine show phenomenon. It is a phenomenon wherein your pictures come out as blurry and with white particles floating above it, to avoid this phenomenon it is advisable to use external flash for your underwater digital camera. Before using your underwater digital camera, submerge the camera in the water first for several seconds then check if there are leaks through the case. Make sure that no grain of sand or piece of hair is stuck in between the seal to make sure that water will not permeate the case and thus wet your camera in the process. It is also advisable to put silica gel or two inside the case of your underwater digital camera as long as they don’t disturb the camera’s operation, (Silica gel will keep the moisture from forming inside your camera case).

Most underwater digital cameras come with optional lenses. Don’t be afraid to add these lenses to your underwater digital camera kit. Macro lenses will help you capture small things without getting too close and startling your subject. Also, remember to always wash of salt when you’ve used it under salt water. If the salts are not washed off, in time they will crystallize; act as sands and cause leaks for your camera case. In cases when sands seem to get into the case, they are better washed off with streams of water.

Check out Sony, Nikon and Canon’s website for available underwater cases for your digital cameras.
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Making Your Digital Camera Batteries Last Longer

Digital cameras, also known as filmless cameras are one of the most intelligent inventions of late. Because before digital cameras, even the most high end cameras were chemical process dependent for photo printout.

But in digital camera, images are recorded electronically by an inbuilt computer. Though initially they were beyond the reach of normal people due to price factor, now they are available in within an affordable range.

Battery is an important component of any digital camera. In fact the longevity of your digital camera depends upon the performance of its battery. First thing to remember is never go in for alkaline AA batteries as they have shorter life span. Always opt for rechargeable batteries called as NiMH. Although they are a bit costly as compared to alkaline AA digital camera batteries, but they can be reused for a long time.

If you are going out on a long trip, it is a good idea to take extra rechargeable batteries. You never know when they will come handy as digital cameras consume power from batteries quickly even if you use rechargeable ones.

While going on a trip, it is also advisable to take battery charger along with you as digital camera batteries may lose their charge over time. Having a charger is helpful especially if u r novice in digital camera photography for you tend to consume more batteries while clicking the perfect shot. Here are some other helpful tips to increase the longevity of your digital camera batteries.

It is always advisable to remove the batteries when the digital camera is not in use. This simple precaution can ensure the longevity of batteries. Never let your digital camera batteries get wet as water can corrode the batteries and eventually damage them. You should have prior knowledge about this fact that, if you are using MicroDrive media these miniature hard drives may take up quite more power than Compact Flash cards and hence extra rechargeable batteries are a must.

Turn off your digital camera when not in use. If you are in a situation where you must snap pictures quickly, this may not be a wise suggestion, but if you are in no hurry and can afford a couple of seconds before snapping a still subject, by all means, conserve your digital camera`s energy.

You do not need to stop and take a look after taking photo every time as by doing this does use up your digital camera`s battery power. However, once in a while, it is good to check if your exposure, lightening is perfect or not. Now-a-days, many digital cameras come with regular viewfinder and an LCD viewfinder facility. While the digital LCD viewfinder has better resolution, it can drain battery power. Turn it off when applicable and use your regular viewfinder for taking pictures.

Try to keep your image playback to a minimum as they can drain out the battery power. While replacing batteries in a digital camera, it is recommended that their mAh values match. The `mAh` stands for Milliamp Hour is a technical term used while describing how much power a particular battery will hold. It might be possible that one lesser mAh battery will drain before the others, resulting extra strain on the remaining batteries.

For better performance, do check in for an add-on power pack that uses AA NiMH batteries in your digital cameras.When your AA NiMH batteries stopped accepting a charge, do not throw away them for they are recyclable. Contact your battery manufacturer or local recycling agency to see if these dead batteries can be recycled.

Always make sure to insert similar batteries into your digital camera battery charger. Miss-match set of batteries can result in damaging the batteries or the charger, and in extreme case, a fire too can ensue. Taking proper care of your digital camera batteries ensures optimum and long lasting performance. Hope the above tips will come handy for the consumers of digital cameras.

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Why Buy A Olympus Stylus 790SW Waterproof Digital Camera?

Are you the kind of person that hangs out in a lot of cold, wet, and sandy places? Apparently the good folks at Olympus think some of us do. So much so, that they'd like to convince you how much you need to buy the Olympus Stylus 790SW Waterproof Digital Camera. My first reaction upon reading about the waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof (really?) and sand-proof features of the 790SW, was hey that's a nice idea. My second reaction was what's so special about that, and shouldn't all cameras be built like that to start with?

Shouldn't all cameras be able to take a little abuse? All digital cameras should be able to be dropped from four or five feet without damage. All digital cameras should be sealed well enough that sand or water won't find a way in. It's just a question of good build quality. Olympus however thinks this is a big revelation and a major marketing point for the Stylus 790SW. The bigger question though is, does it take good pictures?

Being a waterproof camera shouldn't just mean you can hold the camera underwater, and it won't leak. It still needs to take good pictures. While the 790SW can be held underwater (up to 33 feet according to Olympus), the pictures it takes are not so great. In fact, if you do take it underwater, plan on taking a lot of pictures. Most will turn out quite distorted and blurry, but the more pictures you take the better your chances of getting a few good ones. In addition, the LCD is pretty much unusable underwater, as it's just too hard to see. You'll have to just point, click and hope for the best.

Meanwhile, back on dry land, it appears the Olympus Stylus 790SW is really out of it's element. If you decide to buy a 790SW, you need to be aware, that your are sacrificing image quality for durability. There are other cameras that will take better pictures for the same price. Lower ISOs are fine, but anything over 200 and your going to see noticeable image noise. Color saturation and sharpness are also below standard when compared to other cameras in this price range.

If your favorite game is "let's bury the camera in the sand", then the Stylus 790SW is the camera for you. If however it's not, here's a few other detracting factors in mind when considering the 790SW:

  • Non standard XD memory cards
  • Grainy picture quality
  • LCD is hard to read due to overly reflective coating
  • Automatic setting defaults are calibrated poorly
  • Menus slow down manual tweaking efforts

For the right person (Indiana Jones, Laura Croft, Edmund Hillary) in the right place (Antarctica, Great Coral Reef, Sahara), this Olympus Stylus is the perfect camera. If you don't fall into one of those categories at least part of the time, the spend your money elsewhere. While the 790SW sets a good example for other camera manufacturers in terms of durability, you'll get significantly nicer images from a number of other digital cameras.
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Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Right Way to Photo Sales

Want To Improve your Photo Sales? Here Are Seven Marketing Mistakes To Avoid.

"Why Do I See Others Photos Published --
Yet Mine Are Better?"
My cousin in Texas told me she wanted to get into stock photography and hoped to start selling to magazine and book publishers. When I visited her a couple of years ago, she brought out an album of her outdoor and travel photography. "People have told me these pictures are as good as the ones they see published in magazines and books. What do you think ?"

"Before I look at the pictures, let me see your marketing methods," I said.
"My what?"

If you are interested in seeing your credit line in national magazines and books, and you can produce excellent images, the following will be helpful to you. We all know that trying to sell excellent umbrellas on a dry day is difficult. Even the inferior ones will sell during a downpour. The engine that drives the selling process for stock photographers is fueled by effective marketing methods.

We've heard of the photographer who hit the jackpot with the sale of one photo for use on a billboard or an advertising campaign. This is rare. Your best bet to break into the stock photo field is the book and magazine industry. The photography budget for a medium-size publishing house is between $20,000 and $40,000 monthly. For a major publisher, it's twice that amount. Stock photographers who are consistent at selling their photos have learned to identify certain markets that match their own areas of interest. Once they become a "regular" at the publishing house, they receive a steady stream of photo requests and assignments.

Over the years, I've looked at dozens of collections of superb photos gathering dust in a shoe box. One important element stood between those pictures being published and remaining in the shoe box: skillful marketing techniques. I've noticed that the photographers who succeed at selling to the book and magazine industry are those that have developed a strategy for selling, which today we call, marketing.


Want to improve your marketing methods? Here are seven marketing mistakes to avoid.
  • CREATE FIRST THEN FIND A MARKET
Number one is probably the most oft-repeated marketing mistake. Creative people tend to produce their product first and then attempt to find a market for it. This is a recipe for disaster. The Boulevard of Broken Dreams is strewn with bodies of creative people who never learned: "Find the market first, and then create for that market."
Most entry level stock photographers fail because they go after the "photos that sell", not necessarily the ones they love photographing.
  • SPECIALIZE
When you try to be all things to all people in the publishing world, the photobuyer's reaction is: "No one can be that good!" Discover your photographic strength areas, and go for them. Most entry-level stock photographers go have the whole pie rather than the piece of the pie. Become a specialist. don't photograph everything you see. you'll burn out. Stay within a "segment" and become an expert in your area(s) of interest. Learn to speak the language of your interest areas. You'll become a valuable resource to a certain group of photobuyers out there. If wild horses can't pull you away from your goals, you'll succeed. You'll fail or get bored if you aim for only those markets that 'pay well'.
  • FOR SOUL NOT FOR SALE
Writer's rarely publish their poetry and even rarer is getting paid for it. In the stock photography field, don't expect your 'artsy' pictures to sell. Consider them your poetry. Ask yourself next time you're taking (making) a picture, "Is this for sale or is it for soul?". Spend Sundays to take pictures that feed your soul, take the marketable pictures during the week to feed the family.
  • PASSING THROUGH
Give the appearance that you are a 'permanent' resident. Most creative people have a tendency to change their address once every five or six years. Photobuyers have a tendency to shy away from the vagabond, the wanderers, no matter how talented they might be. Buying photos is a business and they want you to be businesslike in their dealings with you, and that means being 'reachable' five days before deadline. Get an e-mail address and stick with it.
  • LOOKING LIKE A BEGINNER
If you appear to be 'just starting out' photobuyers will pass you on by. They don't have the time to hold your hand or "train" you. They'd rather spend their time with someone who is "hassle-free". You should give the appearance of looking like a pro. Build a quality website. Correspond on quality stationery, labels, and envelopes. The photobuyer will put you on her/his “white list.”Don’t use the Internet to send a catalog of your pictures to a prospective editor. Instead, ask for permission first.
  • TECHNICAL FAILINGS
The automatic controls on digital cameras today make it nearly impossible not to get a technically good photo. Photobuyers expect technical excellence from you. No matter how excellent your image may be, if it does not meet the reproduction quality for the publishing industry, you'll fail. A 1D meg picture may be resolution enough for magazine and book markets, however, a 50 meg image is often the minimum requirement of many of your markets. Use this as a guideline when buying your next camera.
  • HOMEWORKLESS
Do your homework. Know what your strengths are, and then begin photographing in the areas that you love best, where you 'speak the language' of the photobuyer. Do your homework on the web or at the reference library. You'll find scores of powerful directories awaiting you, plus photobuyers who, at this moment, are searching for your talent and know-how. They will recognize your mini-expertise that matches the special interest of their magazine or publishing house audience.
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Three Kinds of Digital Spy Cameras in a Nutshell

You don't have to look far and wide for the best digital spy cameras to add to your arsenal. In fact, there are many spy gadgets that are sold on websites. Read on to know more about three very popular spy cameras, their features, and prices.
  • Digital Spy Camera
The Digital Spy Camera at $19.95, is a small digital camera connected to a small remote device that is hidden on a pair of sunglasses. The surveillance pictures, with resolutions up to 640 x 480, can be uploaded to your computer or laptop via a USB cable. However, there are major limitations. The device can only take 20 pictures. Also, the device does not record video. Pictures are fine, but videos are more incriminating pieces of evidence. This sunglass spy camera runs on both MAC and Windows. However, the Digital Spy Camera is not compatible with Windows Vista. This would be a very neat gift for kids or to adults who are fond of taking random pictures of people.

  • Mini Pen Camcorder 1GB
Of all digital spy cameras, spy pen cameras are one of the most effective. Because of its very inconspicuous form and small size, no one would suspect that some spying is going on. The Mini Pen Camcorder weighs 30 grams and is just 15mm thick. It records video in AVI format, with a 640 x 480 resolution. The cool thing is that the pen is powered by an internal Lithium-Ion battery which lasts for 3 hours. The device also has an internal flash 1GB memory. With this, up to 5 hours of surveillance video can be saved! Like other digital spy cameras, the Mini Pen Camcorder will continue to capture video, as long as the memory is not full, or the power has not run out. Also, you can store and play footage on your computer through USB. With a mid-range price of $84.97, this device is a keeper.

  • ZRAD Sunglasses Spy Cam
Of all the digital spy cameras out there, the ZRAD Sunglasses Spy Cam is the coolest and the most advanced. With an enormous 2GB memory, you can record hours and hours of surveillance video, while looking very casual and stylish at the same time. This device comes with a load of features. For starters, surveillance footage are saved in 3GP format. You can also expand memory using a Micro SD card. The device uses a 1.3 mega pixel pinhole camera and records at 25 frames per second (fps)! The ZRAD runs with a 550mAh Li battery. An application CD with programs such as Quick Time and Real Player is included. However, the $178.67 price is very expensive, and is only recommended for professionals who use stealth in their work.

Suffice to say, get a spy camera that suits you. If you do it for a living, use digital spy cameras like the Mini Pen Camcorder or the ZRAD Sunglasses Spy Cam. Use the Digital Spy Camera if you're just spying on your friends for fun.
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How to Make Money Taking Pictures - 3 Great Ways to Make Money With Your Camera

Are you currently strapped for cash? Wish you had another source of income? Well, if you have a digital camera on hand, then your problems are solved! All you need to do is learn how to make money taking pictures.

Learning how to make money taking pictures is easy. You don't have to become one of the paparazzi in order to get paid well for your photos. If you're interested to make some extra money, read on!

1) Submit to Stock Photo Websites.

These days, a very simple way on how to make money taking pictures is by submitting your photos to stock photo websites.

Millions of people are always browsing around the Internet for photos. From students to advertisers, they are all willing to pay good money for simple images!

Shutterstock is one of those websites who currently accept stock footage. If you have time on your hands, visit their website now!

Other stock photo sites include:
  • Photostockplus.com
  • Canstockphoto.com
  • Fotolia.com
  • Bigstockphoto.com
  • Istockphoto.com


2) Sell Used Cars.

Not directly, anyway. Another method on how to make money taking pictures is by offering your services to used car dealers. You can take pictures of their cars and upload them to Ebay to increase the business' reach. A lot of people click on Ebay looking for brand new and secondhand items. It's a win-win situation for both parties.

3) Join Photography Contests.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And who knows, your photo just might be the best according to the judges!

There are many photography contests being held, both local and international. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for posters and announcements in newspapers, magazines and websites.

Now that you know how to make money taking pictures, it's safe to say that you don't have to worry about looking for another part-time job soon. After all, you're now earning money while doing something you genuinely like. How many people can honestly say that?

Want to know the secrets of making money with your camera? Yes, you too can sell your digital photos online and easily earn up to $250.00 a day! Discover the secrets at: http://www.squidoo.com/sellyourdigitalphotosonline.
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Friday, December 12, 2008

How to Make Money Taking Pictures

Are you currently strapped for cash? Wish you had another source of income? Well, if you have a digital camera on hand, then your problems are solved! All you need to do is learn how to make money taking pictures.

Learning how to make money taking pictures is easy. You don't have to become one of the paparazzi in order to get paid well for your photos. If you're interested to make some extra money, read on!

1) Submit to Stock Photo Websites.

These days, a very simple way on how to make money taking pictures is by submitting your photos to stock photo websites.

Millions of people are always browsing around the Internet for photos. From students to advertisers, they are all willing to pay good money for simple images!

Shutterstock is one of those websites who currently accept stock footage. If you have time on your hands, visit their website now!

Other stock photo sites include:
  • Photostockplus.com
  • Canstockphoto.com
  • Fotolia.com
  • Bigstockphoto.com
  • Istockphoto.com


2) Sell Used Cars.

Not directly, anyway. Another method on how to make money taking pictures is by offering your services to used car dealers. You can take pictures of their cars and upload them to Ebay to increase the business' reach.

A lot of people click on Ebay looking for brand new and secondhand items. It's a win-win situation for both parties.

3) Join Photography Contests.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And who knows, your photo just might be the best according to the judges!

There are many photography contests being held, both local and international. All you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for posters and announcements in newspapers, magazines and websites.

Now that you know how to make money taking pictures, it's safe to say that you don't have to worry about looking for another part-time job soon. After all, you're now earning money while doing something you genuinely like. How many people can honestly say that?

Want to know the secrets of making money with your camera? Yes, you too can sell your digital photos online and easily earn up to $250.00 a day! Discover the secrets at: http://www.squidoo.com/sellyourdigitalphotosonline.
Read More..

Digital SLR Camera versus a Compact Digital Camera

Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are excellent cameras that produce clearer, sharper and more colourful images than most point and shoot digital cameras available. With prices falling rapidly, they are now more affordable then ever. With the price gap between an entry model digital SLR camera and the most expensive compact digital camera narrowing; the question is… do I spend the extra money and get a Digital SLR camera? or save a few hundred dollars and purchase the best digital compact camera.

Well, it really depends on your budget; however if you do spend the extra money, here's what you get:
In addition to the price falls in the Digital SLR models, the performance on these cameras has increased year on year with the latest Digital SLR cameras being quicker and faster than ever before. They have improved to such an extent that power up or start-up time is near instantaneous with virtually no lag time. “Lag time is the time between you pressing the shutter release button and the camera actually taking the shot”. This delay can vary quite a bit between different camera models and it is one of the biggest drawbacks compared to a compact digital camera. The latest digital SLR cameras have virtually no lag times and react in the same way as conventional film cameras, even in burst mode. Compact digital cameras are catching up; however the difference is still significant. A lag time of ~0.5 seconds can result in you missing the heartbeat of the moment and hence that potential great picture.

Digital SLR camera also has a larger sensor versus a smaller sensor in a compact digital camera. This equates to higher sensitivity and less noise and results in the camera taking clearer pictures in low light. (They also have better autofocus speed in low light as well). A measure of sensitivity in a digital camera is ISO and a typical ISO range for a Digital SLR camera varies from ISO 100 – 1600 with the latter being more sensitive. The ISO range for a compact digital camera varies from ISO 50 – 400. In summary, the higher the ISO rating, the greater the sensitivity and the better the photo can be taken in low light.

The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due to the limited use of the LCD screen. Please note, that as the LCD screen is only used for viewing the image, the battery life of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.

Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such as adding a zoom or macro lens when required. On the negative side of a Digital SLR camera; They are usually larger and heavier than compact digital cameras, the image cannot be previewed on the LCD screen prior taking the picture. If you really require the image to be viewed on the LCD prior to taking the picture, there are third party manufacturers that produce LCD screens that attaches to the viewfinder and allow the scene to be view just like a compact digital camera. The other drawback is the inability to take videos and finally, lenses are expensive with the majority costing more than the camera itself. Although compact digital cameras cannot compete on features with a Digital SLR camera, they are great value, have the ability to take videos and are portable.
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10 Steps to Digital Camera Heaven

So you are about to purchase a digital camera, you are getting excited about the prospect of having that slick new camera in your hands and you are now off to the store to buy that digital camera you want, right? No, wrong. There are 10 steps you must consider to purchasing a digital camera, read this article then by all means pop down the shop and make your purchase because you will already be wiser.Here are the ten steps.
1. Know your budget. Yes, unfortunately this is the most important consideration. There is no good in considering the top of the range camera if you are unable to afford it. Also make sure if you going to a store to buy your digital camera, tell the salesman straight away what your budget is! Do not be pressured into expanding your budget.
2. What use is the camera for? Is this for professional use or taking the odd pictures of your children? Will your camera be used mostly indoors, outdoors, or both? Always keep in mind the specific purpose of the camera, this alone will help elimination of the various cameras and help you select the camera right for you.
3. Desire Versus Needs. I think it is obvious that everyone would have the best camera in the market if money was no object, however money is an object for most people and what determines the price of cameras is the amount of features included. When looking at your camera give serious consideration over what features are absolutely necessary. It is all good having a camera with hundreds of features, however if you only end up using several features you have wasted your money!
4. Do your research. Read independent reviews etc. Fight the urge to react to any advert or advice your friend has given you. Although the information they give you may be factual, there may well be a better digital camera on the market. Read and read, and once you become tired, read some more. Then you will have even more knowledge to make an informed decision.
5. Having a LCD screen or not? Having a LCD screen will mean you can review your pictures, however consider that it is an extra cost.
6. Memory Cards. Does the camera have an option to insert memory cards or do you just have the internal memory to go on? Obviously the option for memory cards will result in more flexibility.
7. Pixels and Resolution. The higher the mega pixel range, the better quality the pictures. Again consider that the higher the mega pixels the higher the cost. If you are just using the camera to view pictures on websites etc then a lower mega pixel range may suffice, if however you will be printing large scale photos of your pictures then a higher mega pixel range will have to be considered.
8. Is the camera compatible with your computer? This is not normally a problem, however should be borne in mind for older computers and MAC computers.
9. How user friendly is the camera? The digital camera should be very easy to use. It is no good to you if the digital camera has endless features which you do not know how to use.
10. Consideration of the digital camera brand over the features and price. It is a lot easier to consider the big brands and go with one of their top models, but take a look at the lesser brands which do not immediately spring to mind and look at their models and features, you may well get a better deal.Using these 10 steps will put you in a better position to purchase your next digital camera.
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The New Nikon D3 12.1MP FX Digital SLR Camera - Picture Taking at a New Level

The Nikon D3 is a 12-megapixel dSLR with a full-frame sensor (the same size as a 35mm frame of film) delivering excellent imaging with extremely low noise at outstanding ISO sensitivities. The D3 still retains the pro-level control and body design Nikon is known for. The D3 is an all-around cameras with the burst speed to handle the demands of sports shooters and the ruggedness and image quality to satisfy news photographers and other professionals. The D3's grip is comfortably sculpted, the recessed groove on the inside lets your fingers wrap around and grip solidly.
The Nikon D3 has a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body which includes a built-in vertical grip. The body is heavy--2.7 lb.) without battery, memory card, body cap or accessory shoe cover. All major controls can be set through buttons or dials on the D3 body, meaning you don't have to scroll through menus while shooting. The key feature of the Nikon D3 is the full-frame sensor. Nikon has named this the FX format, as against the 1.5x field-of-view of the DX-format cameras. The D3 with its' Full-frame sensor, weather-sealed body, very low noise, and extremely high ISOs, and fast frame rate is a well designed professional-level camera.
Summarized Specifications :
The Nikon D3 is a Single-lens reflex digital camera, with Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts. The Image Sensor is a full frame 35mm CMOS sensor (36.0 x 23.9 mm), Nikon FX format with 12.1 effective Megapixels (12.87 total). The monitor is a 3-in. LCD, with approximately 920,000 dots (VGA), has a 170-degree wide-viewing-angle, and provides 100% frame coverage. The shutter is an electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter with speeds of 1/8,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV; Bulb.
The release modes are:
  • Single-frame mode
  • Continuous Low-speed mode: 1-9 frames per second
  • Continuous High-speed mode: 9 fps (9-11 fps with DX format)( With Continuous-servo Auto Focus, Single Frame or Mirror Up exposure mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster; other settings are set at "Default" )
  • Live View mode
  • Self-timer mode (Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 3, 10 or 20 s)
  • Mirror-up mode
The live view modes of the Nikon D3 are Handheld Mode and Tripod Mode. In Handheld mode there is TTL phase-detection Auto Focus with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors). In Tripod mode there is Contrast-detect Auto Focus on a desired point within a specific area.
The D3's playback functions include full-frame and thumbnail (4 or 9 images) playback with playback zoom, slide show, histogram display, highlight display, auto image rotation, image comment (up to 36 characters), and voice memo input and playback.
Lenses and available functions:
  • Using Type G or D AF Nikkor lenses on the D3 all functions are supported.
  • Using a DX AF Nikkor lens all functions are supported except FX-format (36x24)/5:4 (30x24) image size. The D3 can automatically adjust for the smaller circle of light on the sensor and limit the image to 5 megapixels.
  • Using an AF Nikkor lens other than type G or D (excluding lenses for F3AF), all functions are supported except 3D Color Matrix Metering II .
  • With an AI-P Nikkor lens all functions are supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  • Non-CPU AI Nikkor lenses can be used in exposure modes A and M.
The accessories supplied are:
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a
  • Quick Charger MH-22
  • USB Cable UC-E4
  • Audio Video Cable EG-D2
  • Camera Strap AN-D3
  • Body Cap BF-1A
  • Accessory Shoe Cover BS-2
  • Eyepiece DK-17
  • Battery Chamber Cover BL-4
  • USB Cable Clip
  • Software Suite CD-ROM
(Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area). Optional Accessories include :
  • Wireless Transmitter WT-4/4A
  • Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M
  • AC Adapter EH-6
  • Capture NX Software
  • Camera Control Pro 2 Software
  • Image Authentication Software
The Nikon D3 FX Digital SLR Camera is an exceptional camera for the professional photographer.
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How to Improve Your Digital Photography

You finally have a digital camera, so now what? You have taken a number of photographs but they are not exactly what you were expecting.
You want the magic of digital. You want those great photographs shown to you in the advertisements.
There is no magic. With some work though you will be able to improve your photographs and have a great time doing it.
First get familiar with your camera. Read the manuals that came with it and learn about all the features available. Try these few suggestions.
  • Forget the Auto mode
  • Try the different Manual and Semi-Manual modes
  • Use the different White Balances to see effects
  • Change the Shutter speed
  • Change the Aperture
  • Use the Flash (even in daylight) then turn it off
You are getting the idea now. Try every different setting available. Make notes about them and learn. What is one of the greatest advantages of digital photography? You can take a ton of pictures and it won't cost you any extra money. This is a great learning tool. Use it to full advantage.
View your photography as art. You are not just taking snap shots. You want to make photographs that can be framed and put on display. Keep these points in mind.
  • Use a tripod, monopod, or brace yourself to keep the camera perfectly steady
  • Take shots from different perspectives, down low, up high, off to one side
  • Shoot the complete subject
  • Shoot only parts of the subject
  • Look for patterns in the subject or in parts of it
  • Tilt the camera at different angle
  • Zoom in, Zoom out
  • Get up close
  • Move far away
  • If you have an SLR try different lenses
  • Go back at different times of the day, to see how the light changes
  • Focus on different areas of the shot
  • Shoot in colour, and in black and white
  • Use all the different camera settings you can on each subject
  • Learn and use your photo editing software
  • Take your time and have fun with it
If there are other people taking pictures of the same subject, take note of where they are shooting from and then try a different angle. Get the unique angle. What ever it is you want to shoot, walk around it first. See it from all possible angles and positions. Look at it from a distance and from close up. The more photographs you take the more you will learn and improve. The art of photography is like any other. Keep practicing and taking notes and you will show a steady improvement.

Get help.

One of the best ideas is to join a camera club or photography meet up group. You will be able to meet other photographers of all levels and trade ideas back and forth.

Join an online group where you can post photographs, for free. You will be able to get feed back on your photos, and to give feed back when you get more comfortable.

You will be able to view thousands of photographs from other people. This will give you some great ideas. On line groups also have forums where you can join in and get answers to any of your questions. You will find the forums a virtual treasure chest of information.
View your photography as art and take control. Take lots of pictures using all of the tools and look for all the advice you can find. Post your pictures on line and invite friends and family and members of the photographic community to critique them.
It is a nice feeling to have friends and family say that you take great pictures. However there is no greater incentive than to have someone you have never met look at your photos and tell you they are impressed.

For more great articles and photography information, including tips and techniques see my web site. http://www.ultimate-photography-tips.com This is a must visit on your photography adventure.
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The Best Waterproof Digital Camera Anywhere

Are you looking to get some great underwater shark pictures in your quest to be National Geographics next big photographer? Or maybe you just want a camera that you don't have to worry about around the boat, beach or pool. While you can get an additional add-on waterproof case for some existing camera, they can be expensive, bulky and awkward to both pack and use. Why not get a camera that's already waterproof without needing to spend extra money on accessories.

There are several models out there, but my favorite choice would have to be the Olympus Stylus 790SW waterproof, shock proof, dust proof, and freeze proof. The 790SW is the successor the the 770SW, which is still available, but a little harder to find. The biggest difference between the two cameras, is that the older 770SW can go be used in up to 33 feet of water, whereas the newer 790SW can only be used in up to 10 feet of water. Olympus apparently decided that the demographic for the 790SW weren't big deep sea divers.

Probably makes sense.
The other nice thing about the 790SW, is it's all around durability. This has got to be one of the toughest cameras out there. Dropping it from 5 feet or less has no affect on the sensitive internal workings. Why more cameras aren't built this way I have no idea. Not only can you take you take pictures under the water, you can take it out in the snow with no worries as well. Temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, or -10 degrees Celsius won't damage the camera. I'm more of a warm weather fan myself.
Friends of ours recently used their 790SW at one of those indoor water slide parks. They shot a video while hurtling through one of those big blue tubes from beginning to final submersion at the bottom. It's a pretty trippy clip as the light streams through the semi-translucent tube and the riders pitch to and fro. Definitely a fun camera. Some slight sacrifice in image quality are completely outweighed by the fun factor under these circumstances.

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What is Glamour Photography?

Some people think glamour is all about make up or clothes. Others think it is about nudity or titillation. Still other consider it a style of lighting.

All these things have some basis in fact, but miss the mark. First let's look at another genre of photography closely related but separate from glamour - Fashion photography.

Fashion photography is all about the clothes. Even when it seems to be about story or skinny models, it is about the clothes. I like to say that fashion models are just clothes hangers. Which is probably why so many of them look like clothes hangers.

Given this focus on clothes, what is Glamour?

"Fashion is about the bra, glamour is about the breast."

One of the advantages about being a glamour model rather than a fashion one is the image is about you. You could be wearing the million dollar diamond studded bra, but the viewer is more interested in what's inside the bra more than the lingerie itself.

This is explains why glamour models are not as thin as fashion models and why many have surgical enhancements to fill those bras.

If the model is is the focus of the glamour image, what other things make an image glamour.

Make up is one factor. It is generally heavier and brings more emphasis to the eyes and lips. Colors are warmer and bolder than standard makeup and eyes are smokier.

While the stereotype of a glamour model is tan skin and blonde hair, I've shot many models with pale skin and black hair that reach out and grab you. The point is the sexiness of the model, not her skin color.

Well if it is about sexy, then isn't it porn? That brings up the question of what is porn. I once shot a friend in a school girl outfit that exposed a little bit of midrift and some leg and my sister-in-law said it was porn. While Playboy is considered the low end of porn, Maxim isn't considered porn at all.

Sexiness isn't about turning men on, it is about attraction. When a woman is being sexy she doesn't necessarily want to have sex with the person she's focused on, but she does want to make them interested in her.

So we show some skin in glamour, but that's not the deciding factor. Matter of fact, it is generally sexier to cover somethings up, than to show everything. Even in nude glamour photography, you like to keep mystery.

Lastly let's talk about lighting. In general glamour photography is thought of as being very warmly lit. Warmly lighting means it has a gold/yellow/orange tint to it. When I do and teach glamour photography, I use a Bastard Amber gel. Bastard Amber is a specific shade. Hey I didn't make the name, but it works great.

You can do glamour with most lighting. I've done natural white light and even tinted blue light. The color doesn't make it glamour.

So now you've gotten an idea of what glamour photography is. Hopefully that will help you in your photographic journey,model photography online at Glamour Apprentice.
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Beginner Photography Tips and Techniques to Taking Awesome Shots

This article will give you some beginner photography tips that will help you take better photos as quick as possible. The main subject: Composition.

When you take a photo, you are creating something. You are composing your shot. Some people naturally can compose great shots and others are not so great.

Now, composing shots can be a gift you have or something you can learn. Either way, the same techniques are used.

Technique 1: The Center Phobia

When you take pictures you are going to want to get afraid of taking pictures in the middle. Avoid it at all costs...at least for a start. Try placing the subject to the other sides of the frame. Of course, you can always place a subject in the middle, however, you should only do this when you want a photo to be like that, not because you're lazy.

Technique 2: Add Depth

A photo is a two dimensional object. It's paper. It has no depth. Our eyes, however, see with depth. So, if you want your photos to look better you are going to want to add more depth by:

-Using lines to lead from the front to the background

-Use depth of field to blur the background or foreground

-Add asymmetrical balance and balance objects in the foreground with the background

Now, using some of these compositional techniques will get you to take better pictures. However, photography is also technically oriented as well. You can have the best composition every but if your picture is out of focus nobody will notice the nice photo. They'll think of you as a beginner.

It is important that you balance your artistic skills with technical skills so you can take great photos.

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Beginner Photography Tips That Work Quick

This article will give you some easy beginner photography tips to get you to start taking better photos quick. So, let's begin!

One of the most important skills you need to learn in photography is how to frame your photos. Get good at framing shots and you will take better photos looking like the pros in no time. Now, there are lots of tips on how to frame shots and lots of these may conflict with each other when used together. Some also don't work with certain settings. You as a photographer must judge whether the setting is right for the technique you are going to use.

Technique One: Balance

One easy technique you can use is balance. There are two different types of balance.

Asymmetrical Balance

This type of balance is when you have a photo balanced through the depth of field or of some sort of that. Both sides aren't identical, but the weight of both sides makes the shot look balanced. For example, you could have a photo with a dog in the front left and a cat in the back right. It is balanced asymmetrically.

Symmetrical Balance

This balancing is when you take a shot and both sides look the same. It can be identical the same like an orange cut in half or a shot with two people in the same pose looking at each other.

Technique Two: Lines

Lines are very effective tools for taking photos. They will be encountered in lots of shots you take. So it is a good idea to get better at using them. You can use lines to lead to the subject of interest to make for more powerful shots.

Technique Three: Simplicity

Many beginners take photos that are just too complex. Try to make your photo simple by focusing on primarily one subject a photo.

Be sure to use these techniques and practice as much as possible!

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20 Beginner Tips For Taking Digital Photography

Digital cameras are one of the greatest inventions of modern times. We are so fortunate to have this modern convenience called Digital Photography. To be able to capture a precious moment or beautiful scene at the click of a button, is something we should not take for granted.

Many beginners find digital photography rather challenging and rightly so. Today, more and more digital cameras are being created and it seems like the more digital cameras they make, the more difficult they become to use.

I own a Canon Powershot S3 IS. I purchased this digital camera about a year ago and I still haven't utilized all of the awesome little features this camera has to offer. Now you may not want or even need a camera with tons of features. It really depends on the type of pictures you plan on taking.

Regardless of the camera you own or are planning to own, you should have a well rounded knowledge of digital photography. I hope the following 20 tips for taking digital photography will prove to be useful in your quest for taking better photographs.

1. Know your camera. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking time to learn about the features of your camera. Don't be lazy. Read your instruction manual.

2 - When shooting sunny outdoor shots, try adjusting your white balance setting from auto to cloudy. The auto setting will make your shots appear too cold. When you change it to cloudy, it will increase the warmth of your pictures.

3 - If you are looking for superior image quality, the ability to use a variety of lenses and print large high quality photos, then considering a Digital SLR Camera.

4 - Use your flash outdoors. Sometimes, even on a sunny day outdoors, there is still a need for a flash. If the sun is directly over head or behind your subject, this can cause dark shadows to appear on the face. The flash will help lighten the subjects face.

5- Sometimes simply turning your camera and taking vertical shots can make a world of difference. Experiment more with vertical picture taking.

6 - Do not put your subjects directly in the center of your shot. Move your subject off center to inject more life into your photos.

7 - Learn how to hold your digital camera. One of the most common problems beginners face is the shaking of the camera because they are not holding it properly. Of course, the best way to avoid shaking the camera is to use a tripod. If you don't have a tripod, then you should be holding your camera with two hands. Put one hand on the right hand side of your camera where you actually snap the photo and the other hand will support the weight of your camera. Depending on the camera, your left hand will either be positioned on the bottom or around your lens.

8 - Learn about the "Rule of Thirds". This is a well known principle of photographic composition that every beginner should become familiar with. Do a search online and you will find many tutorials on this subject.

9 - Look at other photographers work. Just spending time studying the work of other photographers can provide loads of inspiration.

10 - Join online photography communities. Get active and ask questions.

11 - Do not compare your photography to anyone else.

12 - Do not copy the work of other photographers. Try and develop your own unique style.

13 - Do not leave your batteries in your camera if you don't plan on using your camera for long periods of time. Some batteries run the risk of leaking and this can damage your camera.

14 - Subscribe to a good photography magazine. Read books on photography.

15 - Find experienced photographers to go out on shoots with.

16 - Post your photographs in online forums. Learn to accept criticism.

17 - Try taking your pictures in RAW format. RAW is a powerful option available in today's digital cameras where no in-camera processing takes place. This allows you to do all processing using your favorite image editing software.

18 - Don't buy the most expensive photography equipment right away. Practice and learn about photography using cheaper equipment first. After you have been taking pictures for a while, you will then know what kind of equipment you will need.

19 - Invest in a tripod. Some of us have very shaky hands. If you can't stop the shakes, then get a tripod. It will make a world of difference.

20 - If you are not able to carry your equipment with you everywhere, make sure you have a note pad handy. This way if you find a nice shot, you can write it down and visit that location at a later date.

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Beginner Digital Camera - Find the Camera For You

So, you are wanting to buy a digital camera? There are many great beginner digital cameras out there and there are also great expert digital cameras out there also. You just have to research before you buy to make sure you get what you want. If you are new to taking pictures why don't you start out with a cheap camera and get used to that camera and get to know how to use it before you step up to a higher quality camera.

Some questions to ask yourself before you choose a digital camera that is right for you:

- Do you want a thin camera or a fat camera?
- Do you want one that has a fast response time?
- Would you like digital or optical zoom?

Make sure when you go to purchase a digital camera make sure that there aren't a lot of options on the camera. That can really confuse a beginner photographer. Even if you have an instructional book it can still be rather confusing.

Check out as many stores as you want before making a decision on what you want. Stores always have some our on display for you to touch, feel and see how comfortable it is for you to hold. And that is important. You want a camera that is comfortable in your hands. While you are figuring out what camera is comfortable to you get a sales associate to help you out with any questions that you may have. Questions are important. You can ask them what the best beginner digital camera is.

Now of course you are starting out with a cheap digital camera, so it's not going to have the best quality pictures. That is okay though. Pictures are pictures. Just as long as you capture what you want to that is okay. Family and friends won't mind. They know you are a beginner.

Once you have taken your pictures you can insert your memory stick into your computer and download your pictures on the computer. You can also edit them. For instance, you can take the red eye out, crop them, adjust the brightness, etc. Once you have done that you can send your new pictures to your friends and family for them to enjoy. There are many of websites online that let you download your pictures on there site for you to stick in a photo album. Trust me it's much easier to email that way.

Now once you have taken plenty of pictures of kids, animals, landscaping, etc. and you have figured out how to use your beginner digital camera and you are doing well and feeling comfortable than it's time to move up to a bigger and better camera. Now this of course will take more than a days research online and at stores to figure out what all you want and expect out of the camera. For now though just snap as many pictures as you want and have fun with it. There is no need to rush to get a bigger and better camera yet
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The Top Five Digital Cameras Under $300 For 2008

If you are not a professional photographer, or if you are not taking up photography as a hobby, you do not have to get a really expensive digital camera if your only purpose for it is to capture the great moments in your life. The digital camera you would need would be something that you can whip out when something nice happens at home. It would also be something that you can easily bring along to special events and to your travels


You can find such a digital camera to suit your needs for under $300. The five best digital cameras that you can get for under $300 are listed below.


Canon PowerShot A720 IS. Many experts in digital cameras have opined that the Canon PowerShot series is the best line available in the market today. It is therefore not surprising that it has cornered a good portion of the market.


What makes this particular digital camera so special? For one, it has 8.0 megapixels and its lenses have a 6x zoom. It also boasts of an increased usability that makes it easy for the person using it to control the pictures he or she is taking.


Nikon Coolpix P50. This digital camera poses itself to be a middle-ground camera. As it is, it is a good startup camera for anyone who wishes to learn serious photography, but it is wieldy enough to serve ordinary point-and-shoot picture-taking purposes.


Canon SD1100 IS. Another digital camera coming out of Canon's production line, this model introduces a couple of new features that were not yet seen in other digital cameras, be it from Canon or from any other brand. These features in particular are face detection and motion detection. Both are aimed at preventing picture blurring.


Sony CyberShot DSC H10. This digital camera is designed for photographers on a tight budget - great for heavy-duty shooting and yet going for a mere price of less than $300. It has 8.1 million effective pixels and is fitted with a 10x optical zoom manufactured by Carl Zeiss. Also, it has a pretty wide 3.0 LCD screen and an HDTV video output.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5. This model from the Panasonic digital camera lineup is dubbed as a "Travel Zoom" camera. It has a powerful zoom lens - a 10x optical zoom - and yet the gadget itself is quite slim and handy. It boasts of 10.7 million pixels, a high-resolution 3.0 LCD screen, and the ability to make movies with a resolution of up to 1280 x 720 pixels. Other than that, it has 22 shooting modes and a built-in clipboard.


These are the five best digital cameras that people with $300 to spare can buy. Take your pick.


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