Category Archives: Digital Cameras

Digital Camera Mania

Digital Camera Mania

Nikon D3100

Need a
good camera? Go for Nikon’s D3100 digital. The reason why this camera proves to
be of value to you and me is because of its features which include:

1.      Its light in terms of  weight,

2.      High resolution quality,

3.      Good zooming property.

4.       Learning as you grow guide mode.

5.      Affordable.

Its design in terms of
weight and compact adds to its beauty making it easy to carry and also  viable for those travelling or going for
adventures as you will not be complaining of any added weight to your luggage

Besides the above, Nikons D3100 digital has enough mega pixels
for one’s needs (14-megapixel)
with a CMOSDX sensor which has the ability to deliver beautiful photographs and
prints within and beyond the range 0f 20 x 30 inches.It has a 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image
Stabilization Lens which is of high quality and accuracy.

The sharpness of pictures are made possible as a
result of the it’s optical nature with a VR image contrast and crisp. The camera also has a full 1080p
Cinematic video which is capable of featuring full-time autofocus and sound
which can be used in recording high quality movies in full 1080 p HD format,
besides having a  AF subject tracking
system making it capable of recording marvellous videos even  in low light.

 The camera has the capability of capturing
crystal clear images thanks to the EXPEED2 processor which is an image
processing engine which helps in giving high quality image, colour, and
contrast and explore in managing noise and speed. The camera also has CMOS
sensor, which is a plus and because of their smaller size, compared to the ones
used in other cameras it is definitely a plus.
Compared to other cameras, Nikons D
3100 is easy to use as it has a guide mode with intuitive controls and on-board
assistance which helps in taking better pictures.

Think of any camera you know, they lack the
split-second shutter response which helps in eliminating of shutter delay and
capturing time in case you want to take a picture.

You will find that most cameras will not give a good
picture where there is little light. This is not so with the Nikon D1300. It
boasts of an ISO sensitivity 100-3200,
expandable to ISO 12800 equivalent which helps in giving sharp and high
quality images even where the visibility is poor (low light)

It has 3-inch monitor which has a one-touch live
view shooting and movie capture and a part from this it has a scene auto
selector which will decide the best mode to match the shooting situation when
using live viewing
It also has the ability to
automatically optimize exposure, autofocus, and white balance making it easier
for one to obtain beautiful pictures without going through the rigorous work of
adjustments. It adjusts itself automatically. One-touch Live View and
movie recording lets you see the action on the 3-inch monitor and the Scene
Recognition System automatically chooses the ideal settings.

Unlike
other cameras it has 6 automatic exposure seen modes namely portrait,
landscape, child, sports, close-up or night portrait making it suitable for any
challenging condition which may a rose.
It also has the ability to restore
picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights thanks to its Active
D-Lighting. A built-in pop-up flash is ready for those times when there
just isn’t enough light and in-camera image editing allows creative freedom and
effects, without the need for a computer.

Conclusion:
This is an amazing deal! Unless you make most of your income from photography
or have a stockpile of old lenses (this camera can only autofocus with AFS
lenses) then this camera is the must have camera of the year. If you have good
composition skills and an eye for light you can take photos worthy of a
magazine with this. Seriously, you won’t regret buying this camera. When you do
yourself a favour and buy an additional Nikon AFS lens that has a maximum
aperture of 2.8, 1.8 or 1.4. These lenses will take better portraits and deal
better in low light than the kit lens.

I give this camera thump ups
because it takes excellent pictures in almost all conditions (bright or
low-light) and that is exactly what I wanted this camera to do for me.
I must commend Nikon for not getting into the mega pixel race (read marketing).
They instead kept the photographer in mind and focused on delivering greater
picture quality. For any quality
picture taking in any condition Nikon D3100 is the best.

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100

Digital Camera Mania
Need a
good camera? Go for Nikon’s D3100 digital. The reason why this camera proves to
be of value to you and me is because of its features which include:
1. Its light in terms of weight,

Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $446.95
List Price: $549.95
Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Double-Zoom Lens Kit with 18-55mm and 55-200mm DX Zoom Lenses (Black)
Amazon Price: $496.95
List Price: $719.95
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens with 16GB Card + Filter + Case + Accessory Kit
Amazon Price: $469.95

Nikon D3100

Nikon COOLPIX L810 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 26x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and 3-inch LCD (Black)
Amazon Price: $185.89
List Price: $279.95
Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $446.95
List Price: $549.95
Nikon COOLPIX L810 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 26x Zoom NIKKOR ED Glass Lens and 3-inch LCD (Red)
Amazon Price: $195.00
List Price: $279.95
Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card (TS16GSDHC10E)
Amazon Price: $14.05
List Price: $38.99
Case Logic DCB-304 Compact System/Hybrid Camera Case (Black)
Amazon Price: $9.60
List Price: $19.99

How To Use A Photo Light Box Or Photo Tent

How To Use A Photo Light Box Or Photo Tent

Photo Gadgets: How To Use a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

It seems there are a million photo gadgets for the professional or the recreational photographer these days.  Having just picked up the shutter ‘bug’ a year ago and having become addicted to taking my own digital images, I’ve browsed for quite a few things to enhance my photography skills.

One particular aspect of digital photography that I noticed was that many images are crystal clear in terms of background distractions and the light seems to be perfect.  I was curious enough to start investigating how to achieve these effects for my own digital pictures.

On researching a bit, I discovered in the vast sea of photo gadgets one that would forever change my photography technique.  This will not apply for every kind of photography of course, but it does suit for stills.

Let’s explore how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent and how having one of these photo gadgets can really enhance your photography skills, whether digital or regular!

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public domain image
Source: Wikipedia

Photo Gadgets – Using a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

I didn’t really know that these tools existed until I started doing a little research. I found numerous kinds on-line and really lucked out when I saw a professional set of 2 light boxes that came with a carrying case, a heavy duty tripod, and 2 professional lights for one-third of the original price. It was too good a deal to pass up.

24″ Photo Photography Tent Shooting Box Softbox Studio Kit Set with Light/Tripod
Current Bid: $33.18
New 100w Photo Studio 16″ Photography Lighting Tent Kit Backdrop Cube In A Box
Current Bid: $36.90
NEW PHOTO STUDIO TENT PHOTOGRAPHY CUBE BOX LIGHT KIT
Current Bid: $32.00
16″ 40x40cm Photo Studio Shooting Tent Light Cube Box SoftBox Kit+4 Backdrops
Current Bid: $11.70
Photo Studio 24″ Photography Light Tent Backdrop Kit 60cm Cube Lighting In A Box
Current Bid: $41.00

Since my purchase, I’ve been experimenting with the light boxes and
the different backgrounds. I am still just a novice but I think with
more practice, these light boxes will be a great photo gadget to have in my tool kit when it comes to digital photography.

What Does a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent Do?

Assures even lighting so not too dark and not too bright
Harsh direct light most often does not make for great photos – digital or regular
A photo light box or photo light box tent allows you to photograph small objects like jewelry
Minimizes or eliminates glare because it is in a contained area with no reflections
Photo light boxes and photo light box tents are portable
They can be expanded and then stored flat for later use
Using a photo light box or a photo light box tent eliminates outside objects from photo
Lighting is changeable – you can add light or take it away or you can move it wherever it is more appropriate
You can change background colors and textures using a photo light box or photo light box tent using whatever background and color most enhances the object you are shooting

Great Links on Photo Light Boxes and How to Make Your Own

Make Your Own Light Tent for Better Photos | DoItYourself.com
There comes a time when every photographer will need to take close up photos of items and products in a controlled environment.
How to Make An Inexpensive Light Tent DIY
How to Build a Cheap and Simple Light Tent for Product Photography | Light Stalking
Photo by Sharp Sh00ter Product photography can be fun and challenging, it can also be very profitable. The need to photograph small objects well can lend

Making Your Own Photo Light Box

There are several websites explaining about photo light boxes and how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.

Making your own photo light box is also very easy and there are several great resources to use to make your own. Most light boxes can be made for under $10!

All You Need To Make Your Own Photo Light Box

Cardboard box
Craft knife
Masking tape or packing tape
White fabric or paper
Different fabrics or different color papers for other backgrounds if desired
Poster board in white or other colors
Tissue paper if desired
Lighting source (optional)

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all photos by Audrey Kirchner
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in the light box
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regular
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in light box
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regular
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in light box
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regular
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different colored liners
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light
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large tent
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small tent

Things to Photograph in a Photo Light Box or Photo Light Box Tent

There are many things you can shoot using your photo light box or photo light box tent.  Here are some of my ideas:

Food shots for recipes
Stuffed animals or toys
Flowers
Figurines
Jewelry
Ingredients for recipes
Components or objects you want to highlight
Books
CD’s
Computers
Wine glasses or other tableware
Place settings
Anything that will fit inside the photo light box or photo light box tent!

By making your own photo light box, you can leave one side completely open so that you can just set the box over an object rather than placing the object inside.  You will still have the benefit of the background and lighting, filtering of glare, outside distracting objects, etc., but you have the option then of fitting the box over the object if it is unmovable – or you just want a different shot.

Photo Gadgets – How to Use a Photo Light Box or a Photo Light Box Tent

If you’re a budding photographer or you know someone who loves to take pictures, a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great investment, whether you buy it already made (which is easier of course) or you make it yourself (still very doable and easily constructed).

There are all different sizes and textures of photo light boxes and tents and many different backgrounds and fabrics as well.

The set that I bought came with 4 inserts plus a ‘sleeve’ type of covering in white for each of the 2 photo light boxes, 1 large and 1 small.

Each background fabric piece for the photo light box (red, blue, white and black) has a smooth surface and each has a velvet surface. Depending on what you want your look to be in the photo, you can select the appropriate background surface and color.

The background pieces attach by Velcro and the photo light boxes or light box tents can be turned many different ways.  They can be lit from the side or from behind or above with any number of light sources.

See the videos for more ideas on how to use a photo light box or a photo light box tent.

Check one out and see if you don’t think that a photo light box or a photo light box tent is a great photo gadget!

CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box – 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case
Amazon Price: $38.95
List Price: $47.99
Idirectmart Photo Tent Table Top Studio Light Photography Soft Box Kit – Size 19.5-Inch Cube
Amazon Price: $26.49
XPRO 36 inchx36 inch Studio Photography Light Tent – Dome – Cube – Box
Amazon Price: $65.99
SP200 Photo Studio In a Box
Amazon Price: $41.95
List Price: $149.95
Square Perfect SP500 Platinum Photo Studio In A Box with 2 Light Tents & 8 Backgrounds For Product Photography
Amazon Price: $94.95
List Price: $349.95
CowboyStudio 30-Inch Photo Soft Box Light – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $17.99
List Price: $42.99
CowboyStudio 24in Photo Soft Box Light Tent – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $9.00
List Price: $33.99
Electric Avenue 82-55614 Deluxe Table Top Photo Studio Photo Light Box
Amazon Price: $31.99
List Price: $84.99
CowboyStudio Table Top Photo Studio Light Tent Kit in a Box – 1 Tent, 2 Light Set, 1 Stand, 1 Case
Amazon Price: $38.95
List Price: $47.99
Idirectmart Photo Tent Table Top Studio Light Photography Soft Box Kit – Size 19.5-Inch Cube
Amazon Price: $26.49
Square Perfect SP500 Platinum Photo Studio In A Box with 2 Light Tents & 8 Backgrounds For Product Photography
Amazon Price: $94.95
List Price: $349.95
CowboyStudio 24in Photo Soft Box Light Tent – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $9.00
List Price: $33.99
16″ 40x40cm Photo Studio Shooting Tent Light Cube Box Softbox Kit+4 Backdrops
Amazon Price: $11.55
CowboyStudio 40-Inch Photo Soft Box Light Tent with 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $49.99
CowboyStudio 30-Inch Photo Soft Box Light – 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $17.99
List Price: $42.99
CowboyStudio 12-Inch Product Photography Soft Box/Light Tent Cube with 4 Chroma Key Backdrops
Amazon Price: $11.41
List Price: $19.99

How to Fold a Photo Light Box

How to Use 2 Side Lights with a Round Photo Light Box Tent

Using Photo Light Boxes or Photo Light Box Tents

BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro
Amazon Price: $11.92
List Price: $21.99
The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression
Amazon Price: $25.07
List Price: $44.95
The Digital Photography Book
Amazon Price: $12.95
List Price: $24.99
Extraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are
Amazon Price: $13.99
List Price: $25.99
Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
Amazon Price: $12.50
List Price: $25.99
BetterPhoto Basics
Amazon Price: $21.99
Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer’s Guide to Sales, Marketing, and More
Amazon Price: $12.12
List Price: $34.99

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Digital Camera Gadgets: Hot Camera Gadgets – Hatcams For the Flip Video Recorder

Digital Camera Gadgets: Hot Camera Gadgets - Hatcams For the Flip Video Recorder

Hot Camera Gadgets: Hatcams

I bought a Flip Video Camcorder last year on sale at Costco – I ended up paying right around $100 for it – and my life has never been the same since! I love this little camcorder because it is so light and so easy to use it’s incredible.

However, I was trying to find a way that I could use the Flip Video Camcorder hands free – enter the Hatcam!

In my opinion, the hatcam is one of the neatest inventions ever – it is certainly one of the hot camera gadgets that is a must-have for the photographer and videotaping enthusiast!  Visit their website for more information on hatcams.

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Pictures by Audrey Kirchner
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Some Ideas and Uses for Hatcams

Since I already had the Flip Video Camcorder, and had tried it out on several outings, I was trying to think of a way that it would be easier to use – as in hands free. As usual, I turned to the Internet and discovered much to my delight, a baseball style hat that was made for my Flip Video Camcorder (it might also fit other lightweight camcorders).  Being a dedicated consumer, I just had to try it out!

I bought it as a present for my husband so that he could film mushing and give us a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of the action rather than me trying to capture it on video as they approach. But that was not the only use I discovered for it! There are some other great things you can do with a hatcam.

How it works:  You basically place the video camera bottom onto the screw that is located on the hat, and screw it down. Place the hat on your head if you’d like and push the ‘on’ button – it’s as simple as that!

While wearing the hatcam you can:

Videotape a hike and capture all the wildlife or beautiful scenes while walking your dog and carrying a backpack
Tape a fishing trip and be totally hands free when you real in the big marlin
Videotape your kids or grandkids playing at the park while pushing them on the swings for instance – totally hands free
While cross country skiing or snowshoeing, wearing the hat you can videotape the entire thing while maneuvering your skis or snowshoes and poles
Wear it while jogging
Video tape a program without having to hold the camera out to get a good view with other people in front of you and enjoy the show – hands free!
Place the hat and camera on the dashboard of your car and videotape the trip – my husband did this while mapping out a route for someone and the quality of the videotape was perfect. He could drive and narrate the entire thing.
Wear it horseback riding or canoeing – get great footage
Wear it while demonstrating ‘how to’ – wear it and narrate how to paint a perfect corner
Videotape a cooking demonstration – either wearing the hatcam or have someone else wear the hatcam. It provides a good angle of perspective at close range or further away
Use the hatcam while training your dog – if you want to make a video, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture the steps on video but have your hands free to give commands, work through the training and give treats.

There are many, many uses for the hatcam and too many to name of course. It really is a clever little gadget that you can take or wear anywhere.  Simply attach your video camera, shooting away while you do whatever you were doing.  It’s a great little gadget to enable you to use your hands for other things such as skiing.

I plan to use mine this winter for making a demo of sledding with the malamutes. When you’re done with your video, all you have to do is come home, detach the video camera and plug the camera into your computer via the USB pop-out that is on the side of the video camcorder.  Voila – movies at your fingertips to email, convert to youtube or save for posterity.

Summing Up Hot Camera Gadgets: Hatcams

Purchasing the hatcam was one of the neatest things I’ve ever purchased just spur of the moment – as was the Flip Video Camcorder! I had no idea about the quality of the videos but I can attest that the videos are crystal clear and so much fun to make.

Add to that the hot little camera gadget called the hatcam and there is just about nothing you can’t do and do it hands free! I look forward to many hours of wonderful videos using the hatcam or having Bob wear it to capture the ‘flavor’ of mushing activities. The uses for the hatcam are simply endless and hope you will get a chance to try out this hot camera gadget!

There are other models available of course – and some that are actually hidden hat cameras, but for my purposes, the hatcam is just the ticket for hands free videotaping!

Hatcam Video Demonstration

Get a Hatcam!

How to Make a Hat Camera

Flip UltraHD Video Camera – Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation)
Amazon Price: $325.00
List Price: $129.00
Flip Video Camcorder: 30-Minutes (White)
Amazon Price: $39.95
List Price: $119.99
Flip Ultra Video Camera – Black, 4 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation) OLD MODEL
Amazon Price: $239.99
List Price: $149.00
Flip Video U260B UltraHD 4GB Camcorder Black
Amazon Price: $249.99
Flip UltraHD Video Camera – White, 4 GB, 1 Hour
Amazon Price: $219.99
List Price: $79.00
Flip UltraHD Video Camera – Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (2nd Generation)
Amazon Price: $214.80
List Price: $199.99
Flip Video Camcorder: 60-Minutes (White)
Amazon Price: $149.99
Flip UltraHD Video Camera – White, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation)
Amazon Price: $550.00
List Price: $129.00
Hat Camera
Amazon Price: $111.25
List Price: $254.99
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Black)
Amazon Price: $23.10
List Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Black)
Amazon Price: $23.10
List Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Realtree AP Camouflage)
Amazon Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Forest Green)
Amazon Price: $19.95
List Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Khaki)
Amazon Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (White)
Amazon Price: $19.95
List Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Grey)
Amazon Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Pink)
Amazon Price: $19.95
List Price: $29.95
Hatcams One Size Hat with Universal Camera Mount (Red)
Amazon Price: $29.95

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Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D – How to Choose Between Two Top Digital Cameras

Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D - How to Choose Between Two Top Digital Cameras

Nikon D7000 vs Canon 7D is a contest between two very good digital SLR cameras. These are not cheap cameras and both have many good features and specifications. So no matter which camera you end up buying you will be able to achieve some very fine results.

Although roughly in the same price region and specification for a digital SLRs, you are probably going to have to find in the region of a couple of hundred dollars to take the Canon camera home, so is it worth it?

Canon EOS D7

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If you start reading the sales brochures for these two cameras they
both have a long list of specifications.There being no standard way to
lay out the specification list it’s often a real headache trying to
compare like with like.

First you look at the Nikon D7000 and see that it’s got a higher specification on this feature, then looking at the Canon 7D you notice it’s got a better specification on another feature and so it goes on! I’m not going to bore you with a vast list all the features here, which will probably confuse you more, plus there are plenty of other places to find them.

Yes, one camera is rated at 18 Megapixels (18Mp) and the other only 16.2
Mp, I say only with an element of jest, just how big are you going to
enlarge your photos to need that detail.

So is trying to find out which camera has the best specification really going to help you decide which camera to buy?

Well it might, but first it’s better to look into the future, no crystal ball required!

Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD and 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
Amazon Price: $1,699.00

Nikon D7000

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Basically ask yourself what are you going to be using the camera for, what are you going to photograph? Are you interested in photographing birds for instance, in which case you’re probably going to want a good zoom or telephoto lens? Or at the other end of the scale are you interested in photographing plants or small insects that would require a macro lens?

These requirements alone might help you decide what to concentrate on in the way of camera body features, but as important or some would say more important is looking at the lens or lenses you will require.

Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
Amazon Price: $896.95
List Price: $999.95

If you are going to need specialist lenses for your type of photographs you can easily spend much more on them than on the camera body. So compare the cost of Nikon and Canon lenses you may require in future, this can often help you decide which is the best digital camera to buy.

Both the Nikon D7000 and Canon 7D can be bought as package deals, typically coming with a useful zoom lens that will cover many buyers’ needs. If you don’t expect to need other lenses those packages will often get you the best value for money deal.

One final and most important consideration is how these cameras perform out in the real world, no matter how much product testing companies do, the consumer is the ultimate tester!

See what people who have already parted with their cash have to say and how they rate the products.

Really need an SLR? Have you considered a Compact System Camera?