Digital Camera Pre-View

Digital Camera Reviews

2007-10-18T07:38:00.000+07:00

Trusting Digital Camera Reviews

Digital camera reviews are abundant not just online but also in the newspapers, magazines and even TV shows. We often wonder why most digital camera reviews always praise the entire digital camera out in the market, that’s why we end up getting confused on which product to buy or get our loved ones.

Here’s one thing you should never trust regarding digital camera reviews - never trust press releases or reviews that are directly from the manufacturer or advertising office that is directly connected with producer of the digital camera. Why?! Well because these digital camera reviews are never too truthful, or they just give out the good points about their products. I mean, what would you expect, supposing you own your own line of digital cameras and to boost your sales, you release digital camera reviews about your products. Of course you would not point out the bad things or the glitches of your product in your digital camera reviews, because that way you will never be able to shoot up your sales. Press releases or digital camera reviews from manufacturer are always half-truths. Have not you had any experience with that?! I mean, that just does not go for digital camera, remember that brush-blower thingy that you bought over the internet that says it would work tremendously for your hair, but ended not working for your hair after all. Press releases are press releases, meaning that they are aimed to get people to buy the product or to give the product a better name.

On more things that you can never fully trust are home shopping networks and advertisements. As much as press releases, they pretty much pose the same claims about their products. But hey, do not trust me, you can always get them and return them after proving to yourself that it does not work. Never mind the time and effort that you have wasted, you chose to listen to a half-truth digital camera review, that’s what you get for that.

The best digital camera reviews available are those found in specialty magazines (computer based and technical magazines), special websites catering to techie stuff and unofficial digital camera reviews. Why?! Well because! Because these digital camera reviews are always truthful. These reviewers and critics are never afraid to list down the good as much as the bad points of digital cameras. These digital camera reviews usually points out the difference between the products that a certain manufacturer has released and how it is worse or better than the previous one. These reviewers and critics are also knowledgeable in their craft, so its say to safe to say that they know what they are talking about when it comes to digital camera reviews. One more thing, most of the time, these digital camera reviews are actual first hand experience with the product itself and not just some advertising agent asked to come up with flowery words to capture you and your wallet.

Another best source for a digital camera review is one that you can write yourself. And how can you do that?! Of course, you first need to buy your own digital camera, try it out and compare everything that you do with it to the things that it claims to be. (be careful to read the specs, options and features that you need to try out, be on the lookout for words such as weatherproof, meaning that they are splash resistant as to waterproof that are water resistant. You do not want to get your newly bought weatherproof camera wet, just to prove to yourself that the things they claim are not true). After doing so, then you can write your own digital camera review or reviews, depending on how many things you have learned from your digital camera. Be sure to indicate that your review is an on-hand experience with the product and not just some wild guess.

The most honest digital camera reviews are the best reviews you can look for and trust. Anyway, you can always call customer center or return your digital camera if they do not live up to their claims.

The Best Digital Camera

2007-06-07T14:27:00.000+07:00

HOW TO FIND THE BEST DIGITAL CAMERA

It seems that every month, if not every week, different manufacturers are coming up with the latest digital cameras to entice potential clients. And it's just not working for us!

After spending sizeable amount of time at the mall figuring out which is the best digital camera for us, we finally have enough money to buy for that eye-popping, 7 mega pixel, 10x digital zoom, potable, candy colored, up to 512MB expandable memory of super hi-speed SD memory card and not to mention very portable, (that will be the envy of almost everyone we know). We march to the mall armed with our life savings and lots a pride in ourselves, when we pass by a new display - an eight mega pixel, up to 1G expandable memory, with built it microphone and stereo surround, video playback capable, with 22 scenic modes kind-of-camera. And we sigh because the producer of this amazing gadget claims that this is the best digital camera yet out in the market. And so as we always want to have the best, armed with our life savings and a few credit cards, we buy the "best digital camera." But then again, that doesn't last too long, after two months or so, there's another "best digital camera."

And so it confuses us. What makes a digital camera, the best digital camera?

Well, there are certain factors to consider when looking for the "best digital camera" for us.

LCD-SIZE. The best digital camera will always have a large LCD to help you frame your subject without having to squint to the viewfinder. This is also helpful when reviewing your images, some cameras enable touch up and editing features with its LCD. A 1.5-inch display is average, a 2-inch LCD display is good, but the best LCD size would be 2.5 inches or higher.

MEGA-PIXELS. One of the most important features of digital camera to make it into the best digital camera category is its mega pixel property. The higher the mega pixels the better the actual photograph will come out. A mega pixel is equivalent to one million pixels. The resolution of your image is based upon the mega pixel property of your camera. This means that as you enlarge the picture, you would get more detail and less blurry colors.

ZOOM. Most digital cameras have both digital and optical zoom. A higher optical zoom is always better than a higher digital zoom. Digital cameras are usually furnished with optical of between 3X to 10X. The better the optical zoom, the higher it climbs up to the best digital camera category.

MEMORY-CARD. Always make sure that your memory card is the right one for your digital camera. There are different types of memory card like the xD, SD, Flash card and the likes. And these types of memory cards go with certain types of digital cameras. Of course memory storage is also up there in choosing the best digital cameras. Choose the size of memory that you need, if you're a photo junkie, you might need more than 32MB. Memory cards can go up to 1G.

The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle. Don't just buy the latest or the one that claims they are the best digital cameras out in the market. You wouldn't want to buy a DSLR and use it with your home activities or family outing and have to lug it around?! Or you don't want to buy the latest point and shoot camera when you're serious about being a professional photographer. (Of course, you can use this for starters, but if you're not a novice photographer anymore, you wouldn't want to get this kind of camera.)

Actually, the best digital camera is the one that you will enjoy and use. Not the type that you'll just leave rotting in its box or after a few weeks of usage or so, up there in the attic.

Olympus Digital Camera

2007-02-02T16:16:00.000+07:00

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA: PROFESSIONAL CAMERAS GO DIGITAL

Olympus has always been known to produce quality cameras, either point and shoot or professional cameras. However, these days Olympus has joined the digital scene by producing their owns line of digital cameras.

Olympus digital cameras are best known for producing DSLR cameras. These digital cameras are the kind that professional photographers use in their craft. Although this is for a fact, this company has also produced their own line of point and shoots Olympus digital cameras.

First up is an Olympus digital camera called the MJU-mini. A 4.0 mega pixel Olympus digital camera, it is cute, portable and can capture great pictures. Also, a tough Olympus digital camera, it is made with a metal frame and known for its solid weight - this is great because hands get too shaky when a camera is too light. With 2x digital zoom, a 5.8-11.6mm Olympus lens, this baby is your best bet for your personal Olympus digital camera.

Another personal Olympus digital camera is the MJU 500, obviously the higher version of the MJU-mini. The MJU 500 is a 5.0 mega pixel Olympus digital camera that is easy to use and one favored by consumers who are looking for a digital camera within this particular price range. (The MJU 500 is around $400-$500). The first notable feature of the MJU 500 is its large 2.5-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen. With its 160-degree wide view range, this large LCD screen enables its users to view subjects at extreme angles (though it does not feature the flip or rotate like other LCD screens from other digital cameras). Made from durable lightweight metal with rubber gaskets in its interior and weighing only 3.0 lbs., the MJU 500 is also weatherproof. Meaning that this Olympus digital camera can withstand a few splashes here and there. (Note: it is weatherproof and not waterproof, there is a big difference between the two - splashes and not water). The MJU 500 of the Olympus digital camera line, introduces an alternative design apart from the curvy MJU series with its new flat surface and smooth and round edges. It is so compact, with its 3.9 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches dimension, it can easily fit in your handbag or the back pocket of your pants (just be careful not to sit on it). This Olympus digital camera also features 23 shooting modes, one of which will enable its users to shoot in consecutive sequences and just choose the best one later. Another one of its many features is its ability to record and playback those videos and sounds. It has an expandable memory card slot, but when you buy the package, you would have to settle with temporarily with the 32MB xD card that comes with the package. This fashionable Olympus digital camera comes in two colors - silver and blue.

For a professional Olympus digital camera, the Olympus 5300 is the right DSLR for you. It is the first 8-mega-pixel camera out in the market. With a 7-14mm lens, it gives the equivalent of a 14-28mm lens. Also, a first for this Olympus digital camera is its side-swing mirror that doesn't need a pentaprism, giving you a smaller and sleeker camera. Another unique feature is the Super Sonic Wave Filter (SSWF) that shakes off the dusts in your sensor, this way dust can never accumulate in your camera. With features like four exposure modes and 14 scene modes, this USB 1.1 compatible Olympus digital camera is one of the best DSLR cameras in the market.

Another Olympus digital camera is the Olympus CaMedia C-70. It is also a small and compact digital camera but equips a 7.0 mega pixel camera that gives you power and portability at the same time. Packed with 5x optical zoom and, it start up fast and auto focus even quicker than most digital cameras in the market. It has a 2.0-inch LCD screen, a xD picture card slot and furnished with a 7.9-39.5mm Olympus lens that has 5x optical zoom. The CaMedia C-70 is the perfect choice for high quality shots, good features, great build and excellent portability.

Visit Olympus' website at www.olympus.com to look for other Olympus digital cameras and other Olympus products available in the market.

Nikon Digital Camera

2007-02-02T16:12:00.000+07:00

NIKON DIGITAL CAMERA: DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS

Nikon is a camera brand, best known for producing SLR camera. As with the boom of digital cameras all over the world, Nikon joined the bandwagon by producing what they make best, thus the new era of the Nikon digital camera was born - digital SLR.

One of the best in DSLR, the Nikon digital camera called Nikon D70 is 6-mega pixels Nikon digital camera. Coated with polycarbonate over its stainless steel chassis, this Nikon digital camera is furnished with a 50mm AF Nikkor lens that can combine with an 18-70mm kit lens and still be portable enough to be carried around. It has a 200-1600 ISO effective speed range, great for taking pictures both in the shade and under the sun. And why won't it be?! With its three frames per second continuous shooting rate and its 1/8000-second-shutter speed, taking pictures is as easy as clicking away and having fun. This Nikon digital camera is supported with a Flash card.

Another SLR from Nikon is the Nikon Coolpix 8800. An 8-mega pixel Nikon digital camera, the Coolpix 8800 has a compact body. Furnished with a 1.8 inch flip-out and swivel LCD, this baby is surely first rate SLR. This Nikon digital camera features an image stabilizer system to reduce camera shakes particularly on long shots since this gadget can zoom up to 10x (optical zoom) and can focus to up to 3cm in macro mode with its 35-350mm lens. Key controls are very user-friendly, with modes such as sensitivity, image size/quality and white balance - found directly with the mode dial. The image output quality is the middle name of this Nikon digital camera, with great detail rendition, color fidelity and saturation. A rather exceptional feature of the Nikon Coolpix 8800 is the continuous shooting modes, where users can choose 1.2 or 2.3 frames per second. A bit bulky to carry around, the 8800 is perfect for shooting action and sports shots. The Nikon Coolpix 8800 works with a Compact Flash card for storing up your images.

Another digital SLR from Nikon is the Nikon D50. A 6.1 mega pixel Nikon digital camera, this gadget has 7 varied modes to shoot from using its AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm lens. These modes are Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close Up, Sports, Night Portrait and Child. To see the images that you took, this Nikon digital camera is furnished with a 2.0 inch LCD screen. How fast can this camera shoot? It has 2.5 frames per second and with uninterrupted shooting of up to 137 frames per second. This Nikon digital camera is not too bad, especially for novice photographers. This package also includes a software for touching up, editing and sharing your pictures. The software even enables you to burn your images to VCD or DVD format.

One of the first point and shoot Nikon digital cameras is the Nikon Coolpix 4800. A four-mega pixel Nikon digital camera, the old school designed Nikon Coolpix 4800 is equipped with a 1.8 inch LCD screen for viewing your pictures. The Nikon Coolpix 4800 is an 8.3x zoom Nikon digital camera with 6-50mm Nikkor Ed lens that zooms quickly and has continuous auto focusing (a feature where your lens is always trying to keep your pictures sharp). It also allows users to shoot, record and playback short movie clips with its assist and excellent scene modes - meaning that includes providing outlines for portraits (for tweaking purposes), exposure and sensitivity settings. These features are very helpful especially for novice photographers that want to try their hands at photography. Along with that, it comes with a 13.5MB SD card and the Li-on battery pack.

Remember to check out Nikon's website at www.nikon.com.sg or www.nikonusa.com to see the latest Nikon digital cameras.

Kodak Digital Camera

2007-02-02T16:07:00.000+07:00

SHARE SMILES WITH KODAK DIGITAL CAMERA

Ever since, Kodak has always been associated with photographs. Kodak is primarily known for producing quality films and photograph that capture our smiles and tender moments, so it’s no big surprise that Kodak ventured with camera business. Starting out with analog or conventional cameras, they finally followed suit with their line of Kodak digital cameras.

One of the best and handiest Kodak digital cameras is the Kodak easy Share one. Only about $600 the Kodak easy Share one is one of the first new series of Kodak digital cameras supports wireless sharing of your photos. This new technology from the Kodak digital camera is a super-intelligent wireless (think Wi-Fi) snapper that allows users to instantly share and print photos without the hassle of using and putting up cable connections. This Kodak digital camera supports Kodak Wi-Fi card. The Wi-Fi card will enable the owner of the camera to instantly use basic web browser in sending images directly to Kodak’s online storage and printing service. And of course, the Wi-Fi card will also enable you to beam your images straight to a Wi-Fi printer. This amazing Kodak digital camera includes a 3x optical zoom from its C. Variogon 38-108mm equivalent lens, an extra SD card slot and a three-inch fold out touch screen display.

The fold out touch screen display comes with menu buttons that helps users customize their camera settings or edit their images. This Kodak digital camera also supports Video out USB and 3volts DC in adapter, just in case you’d want to just view through your photos while your batteries are recharging.

As with all Kodak digital cameras, the easy Share one comes with a Kodak Easy Share program that further makes it easier for file transferring and editing of your images.

Personally, I would recommend the Kodak dx7590. This is my ultimate dream Kodak digital camera. This is a Kodak digital camera for those who are just starting out with photography as a hobby or those who wish to pursue one as a craft. This baby is perfect for your practice shots. It is a 5-mega pixel Kodak digital camera with 10x optical zoom of a professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens. The dx7590 is one of the Kodak digital cameras that have the exclusive Kodak color science Image processing chip. And to check out all those amazing photos you’ve captured, this Kodak digital camera is furnished with a 2.2-inch high-resolution indoor/outdoor display. As I’ve mentioned, if you’ve been wanting to learn the tricks of the trade, there is a manual and custom controls that you could always experiment with. It’s high speed, low light auto-focus with continuous shooting and bracketing modes, so you could always get your sister, girlfriend or just about anyone to model laughing, changing poses as you click away. The dx7590 has 22 modes and color scenes, so you could always mess the images you took using your computer, making the picture come out as older or earlier that day. This amazing Kodak digital camera lets you store pictures up to 128 MB, using an SD card (that you have to buy separately). This dx 7590 comes with the Kodak easy share camera dock 6000, for recharging your batteries or transferring your photos to and from your computer. The best thing about the Kodak dx7590, this Kodak digital camera is only around $500. Now, is that a bargain or what!? An almost professional camera for the price of a lower end digital camera.

Be sure to check out Kodak’s website at www.kodak.com to check out their latest releases of digital cameras. The Kodak website also offers basic information regarding their products and its prices.

Canon Digital Camera

2007-02-02T16:04:00.000+07:00

CANON DIGITAL CAMERA: EXPRESS, SHOOT AND SHARE

Canon is well known across the country as an imaging equipment and information systems. Their many products include copiers, printers, lenses, camcorders, semiconductors among others, and of course Canon digital cameras.

The latest high-end canon digital camera is the PowerShot S2 IS. This is a 5.0-mega-pixel Canon digital camera that features a 12x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom. This baby is furnished with Optical Image Stabilizer (that is what the IS in S2 IS stands for) that eliminates camera shakes for people who have shaky hands or for taking camera shots. The UD lens found in this canon digital camera provides amazing color accuracy throughout the whole zoom area.

As with many digital cameras nowadays, this certain canon digital camera can record moving pictures. Now with another first, the S2 allows you to record moving pictures, and there no use for missing a perfect image incorporated with that moving picture. With the Movie Snap feature, just snap away when you see that perfect image, and it will be saved in your canon digital camera along with the recorded video.

This canon digital camera is also equipped with the DIGIC II Image processor that is designed to increase processing speed and image quality. It instantly says that with the DIGIC II, your canon digital camera has faster start-up time, playback and auto focus while giving your images the absolute brilliance.

The S2 also support USB 2.0 Hi-speed standard, so you will always have the easiest time transferring your files to and from your computer. With the USB 2.0, you can take advantage of your super hi-speed SD card.

This canon digital camera is also supplied with a 1.8 inch LCD power saving and fold out screen that’s 115,000 pixel resolution. S2 shoots at 30 frames per second; this shooting rate can be reduced when taking pictures in night display, to give you the brightness that you need when taking pictures.

On the other hand, the latest point and shoot canon digital camera is the PowerShot SD500 and the PowerShot SD400.

The SD500 is the first 7.1 mega pixel canon digital camera that gives amazing images and absolutely to die for details. It has a 3x optical zoom that enables close up shooting with a 37-111mm equivalent with a 35mm film camera. This is one of the new perpetual curve designs for a canon digital camera that fits the hands perfectly.

Sporting a very slim design, you would marvel at its 2.0-inch LCD that gives easier frame and play back use.

This baby is also equipped with the same DIGIC II Image Processor found in canon digital cameras that gives you amazing features. Also USB 2.0 compatible and works with the same high-speed SD card.

Even better than most digital cameras out there, this gadget can shoot moving images to up to 60 frames per second- perfect for moving objects (especially in sports) and a 30 frames per second for shooting still images. Furnished with scene modes like portrait (blurs the background and focuses on your subject), foliage (perfect for foliage, greenery or blossoms), beach (sunny shots without the dark faces), underwater (reduced background scatter. Tip: you can always buy waterproof case for shooting underwater images), fireworks, night snapshot, kids and pets, indoor, snow and digital macro (larger than life images).

This canon digital camera even enables you to customize and correct as you shoot. With modes like lightening skin tones, positive film, darker skin tones and others, you can never go wrong with using a canon digital camera.

These are just some of the many features of the SD500. There are more to the SD500 that has yet to be discussed. Check canon’s website at www.usa.canon.com for a full profile of the SD500 and to other latest releases and products.

Sony Digital Camera

2007-02-02T15:56:00.000+07:00

SONY DIGITAL CAMERA : EMBRACING PERFECTION

Known for producing quality electronics, Sony is also one of the pioneers and the best producers of digital camera. Truly using a Sony digital camera is embracing perfection with its many features exclusive to a Sony digital camera.

Indeed, one of the best ways to capture your memories forever is thru photos and what better to do it than with a Sony digital camera. Photos are used to remember or when we reminisce of the wonderful times of our lives. And only vivid and detailed photos can help us bring back all those memories. And quality photos are exactly what a Sony digital camera offers to its consumers.

Equipped with the best optics and imaging technology available, the Sony digital camera line ensures its consumers that a Sony digital camera will only capture more detail, more color and more brightness imaginable.

Every Sony digital camera has an exclusive Sony technology that enhances photo-capturing experience. Armed with the Real Imaging Processor (RIMP), any Sony digital camera allows high digital processing that reduces picture noise and delivers smoother and more detailed images. The RIMP is an intelligent Sony digital camera technology that allows faster shooting time, swifter burst shooting and almost simultaneous processing of your images (enables immediate display of your image) for your Sony digital camera.

All Sony digital cameras are furnished with Carl Zeiss lens. Carl Zeiss lenses are world renowned for their quality brilliance, outstanding accuracy of colors and enhanced definition with almost zero distortion. With a Carl Zeiss lens, flawless imaging is truly embracing perfection with a Sony digital camera.

Sony has its own Cyber-shot line of digital camera for all photo fanatics out there. One of the lower ends of their Cyber-shot series of the Sony digital camera is the DSC-L1. The L1is a 4.1 mega pixel camera with a 3x optical zoom and plays MPEG Movie Vx. It is also supplied with a Vario Tessar lens from the Carl Zeiss line.

A higher version of the L1 is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200. Almost same in all respect with the L1 expect this baby is a 7.2 mega pixel Sony digital camera.

For those who are serious in their craft, the right Sony digital camera for you id the Cyber-shot DSC-F828. Designed for professional photographers, the F828 has a 28-200mm equivalent of a Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar lens, which makes it excellent for action and low-light shots. A 6-mega-pixel Sony digital camera, it is outfitted with 7x optical zoom and a 1.8-inch LCD screen where you can review the pictures that you just took. The DSC F828 has a four-color system that includes RGB+emrald colors and enables night shot/night framing system. The F828 even allows manual exposure, zoom and manual focus controls for your customization needs.

For the younger and trendier generation, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1 is the right Sony digital camera for you. The M1 is a digital camera and a camcorder in one. It can record either up to five seconds MPEG 4 playback or unlimited video recording, depending on your preferred setting. Shooting with 30 frames per second, it is 5.1-mega pixel camera with a 640 x 480 maximum pixel resolution. It has 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom.

Very lightweight at only 6.5 oz. the M1 is very portable and is only 2x1.1x4.5 inches (dimensions). A USB 2.0 compatible and with PictBridge support, the M1 makes file transferring from your Sony digital camera to your computer as easy as taking pictures.

Available with accessories such as wrist strap, docking station and a 32MB memory Stick Duo, the M1 comes with an expansion slot that lets you upgrade up to 512MB of memory for further picture taking or video playback. It even has a built in features such as stereo surround, built-in mic and a 2.5inch TFT active matrix LCD display.

Check out Sony’s website at www.sony.com to look for other available Sony digital camera models that will fit you and your lifestyle.

Article : Digital versus 35mm

2007-02-02T15:48:00.000+07:00

Digital versus 35mm photography is a big discussion among many avid photographers. The 35mm camera has been the camera used by photographers for years. Using 35mm film requires chemical processing in order to expose the photos taken. Digital cameras on the other hand do not require the use of film. At the same time, digital cameras don't require any type of film to take a picture.

Technological advances in photographic equipment have brought about the creation of sophisticated digital cameras. Digital cameras don't require film so photos can easily be downloaded into a computer and printed later. The features of digital cameras have become so advanced and yet so simple to use that more and more people are opting to use them.

Digital photography simply requires the use of a computer and a colored printer to produce any shot taken. With digital photography, amateurs and even professional photographers can do it themselves. Unlike 35mm film photography where the users are particularly amateurs at the mercy of camera stores for the development of their photographs.

In most cases, users can even dictate the outcome of the pictures taken with a digital camera. Pictures can be printed on a variety of materials unlike 35mm film photography that require a lot of work just to be printed on anything other than the standard. However many conventional photographers attest to the durability of 35mm film photography as proven by history.

Although there are cases where digital photography has been used to salvage and restore 35mm film photographs. Pictures taken with a digital camera can easily be stored in a variety of formats from floppy discs to compact discs. Many traditionalists are concerned that the ever-changing technology of digital cameras may soon make current formats obsolete.

Digital Photography for Amateurs and Professionals Alike

Digital photography has become quite popular because it is convenient and easy to use. A digital camera in the hands of an amateur photographer can produce some amazing shots that can outdo those taken by a professional with a conventional 35mm camera. Mainly because many of the digital cameras today include a number of features that only professional photographers using conventional cameras would know how to use.

At the same time, digital cameras can be used in various locations. Many digital cameras can even be used for underwater pictures which are a big improvement over shots taken with a traditional 35mm camera. Digital cameras can also be used to take wide shots like landscapes without sacrificing detail or color.

Choosing between Digital and 35mm

Photographers whose businesses rely on taking the right pictures require dependable equipment to help them create the imagery they need. However, many professionals are divided about the use of digital cameras over traditional 35mm cameras. Some prefer digital while others still prefer 35mm cameras.

Most photographers that capture major news or sporting events need equipment that will help them produce photos quickly and easily. Any delays will be costly. That is why, most news and sports photographers rely on digital cameras for prompt and straightforward results.

Next to these photographers, the advertising industry is another community that relies on digital photography. In most cases, shots taken for various ads using digital photography also rely on computer enhancements to add a few significant touches here and there. This is truly something that can't be done with a traditional 35mm shot.

On the other hand, photographers who take various pictures concerning nature and animals rely on the traditional 35mm camera for results. For these purists, digital photography simply will not do. These photographers sacrifice speedy printing for quality that they believe only a 35mm camera can provide.

Despite the differences of both many photographers have actually combined both mediums to create the exact photo they want. In fact, most photographers own both types of cameras wherein either one serves as a backup to the other. 35mm cameras have become the backup to digital cameras.

Simply because digital cameras have become so simple that even a child can operate one. At the same time, digital cameras provide a wide assortment of features that would make any amateur photographer feel like a professional.

Article : Selecting the correct camera for you

2007-02-02T15:46:00.000+07:00

There are actually two types of cameras that you can choose. It all depends on how new you want to be or how traditional you want to remain. Currently, the choices range from purchasing a manual camera or of the slew of hi-tech digital cameras.

To make it easier for you, the following are tips to help you choose the best digital camera as well as the perfect manual camera for you.

If you want to buy a manual camera, first determine if you would like for photography to be a hobby that is serious or simply a past time.

If you're really serious, it is best that you choose a camera that is an SLR or specifically a single lens reflex camera. The difference between a SLR camera and an average point & shoot one is that the former allows the photographer to adjust the aperture as well as the camera’s shutter speed. Though the pictures may be a bit difficult to take, it is more fulfilling to do so – if you have the patience for it - it allows you the opportunity to create the pictures you want. A point and shoot camera meanwhile simply just takes pictures as is and that may be what you want.

Get the opinion of an experienced photographer & photo magazine reviews

It is best that you research and read popular magazines on photography and see how they evaluate particular SLR cameras. It is highly advisable that you make yourself familiar with the current cameras being offered.

Reading up could also give you an idea of your needs. It will also help you decide if you want a camera that has a lens for doing close-up shots or do you want a camera with a flash system. What depth of field would you prefer?

Know how much you are willing to spend

The prices of cameras, particularly the SLR ones vary. The low-end cameras offer automatic aperture settings and are basically manually operated. However, the camera models that are on the higher end also include features found on the low-end cameras plus more. These types of cameras are also programmable, have an ability to measure flash through the camera’s lens and provide more aperture and shutter speed-read outs.

Know how to choose when you are finally ready to choose

If you are already in the store and ready to pick a camera to purchase, it is best that you actually hold the camera and look through the camera’s viewfinder. Check how the camera focuses. Is it bright? Are you comfortable operating its controls? Is your wallet comfortable with its price?

It is best that the manual camera you choose fits not just your needs but your budget as well.

However, if you are intent on purchasing a digital camera and actually find nothing impressive about the manual camera, the following are basic tips to make your selection and purchase the best one.

As with purchasing a manual camera, set how much you are willing to spend when buying a digital camera. Know your monetary limits and work from there. Be open minded as well as realistic. An inexpensive digital camera may not necessarily be a low-end kind and an expensive digital camera may not necessarily be a high-end kind. Believe it or not, there are refurbished digital SLR cameras that are cheaper than the newer ones being offered, yet have more features not available on newer expensive types. There are many of this kind on eBay.

Determine how Experienced You Are

Be honest with yourself. How experienced or inexperienced are you? If you are a novice, then a point & shoot digital camera may be best for you, but if you are seriously intent on learning more, it would be best to choose a camera that offers more features, exposure, and control.

Check reviews

Just as with manual cameras, try your best to read on reviews of digital cameras. There are several sites on the web. These sites are both for serious and professional photographers as well as those that are just starting out.

All in all, choosing a camera is easy if you know what you are looking for. Start with yourself, your wants and your needs and everything else will fall into place.

Article : How a Digital Camera Works

2007-02-02T15:43:00.000+07:00

Digital cameras come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Different brands of digital cameras also offer users an array of features designed to make each and every shot fantastic. Despite the numerous features offered by digital cameras, manufacturers still manage to create products that are simple enough for a child to use.

Day by day digital cameras are becoming a well-known fixture in most homes across the globe. In fact, most of the people around the world own one and use it on a regular basis. Digital cameras have also been incorporated into a variety of technical gadgets that have been integrated into the lifestyle of people everywhere.

PDA devices as well as cellular phones are just some of the technological devices that have a digital camera feature. Despite being an add-on feature, the digital camera device installed in these gadgets fair relatively well compared to detached models.

As a matter of fact the memory used for digital cameras, detached models or otherwise, can easily be upgraded using memory cards. The added memory will certainly come in handy because most digital cameras can also be used to take video clips.

There are numerous brands of digital cameras available on the market today. Mainstream electronic brands like Nikon, Kodak, Canon and Olympus are just some of the manufacturers of conventional 35mm cameras who have jumped on the bandwagon to create their own lines of digital cameras. Other famous brands that manufacture digital cameras include Panasonic, Casio and Sony.

Basic Features of Digital Cameras to Consider

Regardless of brand names, digital cameras have the same basic features that any consumer should know and consider before buying one. Even though digital cameras are generally a point and shoot device, certain features can often single out a particular brand or model. A good example of this is the term megapixel, which became known when digital cameras were introduced in the market.

Megapixels, which means millions of pixels, measure the quality and size of a digital camera. Pixels refer to the dots that make up a picture. Therefore a digital camera that has about a 5-megapixel resolution will produce better quality pictures compared to a 3-megapixel digital camera.

Moreover, photos taken with a digital camera that offers greater megapixels can be enlarged safely without sacrificing the quality of the picture. Average digital cameras with less than 3 megapixels often forfeit the clarity of the picture once it is enlarged. Unfortunately, there is a downside to using a digital camera with greater megapixels as they consume more of the camera’s memory.

The zoom function of a digital camera is another feature that most consumers should consider. There are generally two types of zoom features for many of the digital cameras on the market today. The optical zoom feature is common in devices without permanent lenses. The user can simply zoom and focus on the subject to be photographed.

A digital zoom feature is similar to using an editing software program for images. In most cases, a digital camera may offer both types of zoom features. Most digital camera users recommend concentrating on the optical zoom feature to validate the quality of the device.

What to Look for In a Digital Camera

A digital camera generally has an LCD screen. This wide screen replaces the small aperture in conventional cameras through which you look into before taking the shot. The LCD screen allows the photographer to view the picture while taking it to see how it would appear in reality.

Digital cameras have memory stick slots where memory sticks are inserted. Unfortunately, memory is another major consideration that many consumers often overlook. For the most part it is because digital cameras that require larger memory can be quite expensive.

On the whole, many of the digital cameras of today make use of rechargeable batteries. Consumers should check if the particular brand they wish to purchase comes with a charger. If not, then you need to purchase it separately.

Downloading pictures taken with the digital camera is another factor that need to be considered. In most cases, many digital cameras can easily be connected to a desktop computer using a USB port. Through this connection, a user may download the pictures taken with the camera into the computer’s hard drive for printing or editing.

Article : Aerial Photography - Your Escape to the Clouds !

2006-02-24T15:56:00.000+07:00

Aerial Photography - Your Escape to the Clouds !

Are you fascinated with aerial photographs ? Like many people you are probably enthralled with the perspective - especially if it is of an area you know personally or you spot a well known landmark.

The interest in aerial photography has a long history. Even before men could take photographs high above the earth they were drawing images as they imagined the land to appear from above.

THE HISTORY OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

The first person to take a picture from above the earth was the French author and artist Felix Tournachon, also known as Nadar. He took his first picture from a balloon which was tethered to the earth over the Bievre Valley in 1858.

Aerial photography played an important part in creating accurate maps and planning military movements. In 1902 the French army used both regular kites and an air filled balloon to obtain shots of enemy standings.

HOW AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGED

Manned and unmanned balloons, kites and eventually gliders were the first transporters to take pictures from on high. Arthur Batut used kites to take aerial photographs in the 1880's and the use of kites in aerial photography has continued virtually unchanged over the course of time - of course, the equipment has improved, but the basic principles continue to draw interest from hobbyists and aerial photography enthusiasts.

With advances in technology the ability to use remote controlled aircraft was added to the group. Associations for aerial photography - whether kite, glider or remote controlled - can be found all over North America and other parts of the world. These forms of taking aerial photography are also used by Universities and others for scientific research in Earth Sciences.

Obviously the advances continued with the creation of satellite imaging, however, hobbyists and scientists continue to make use of, and enjoy, the art of taking aerial photographs with their own equipment.

HOW ARE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ?

The concept is quite basic. A camera is attached to a kite, balloon, glider or remote controlled aircraft. It is then set on a timer to take photographs at regular intervals. Photos can also be taken with a remote controlled operation which is used by the operator or ground crew.

It is important to know that there are guidelines you are required to follow when taking aerial photographs. In particular there are restrictions on using kites or other items which are tethered to the ground after sunset unless the object and its line are properly lighted.

If you are interested in trying aerial photography try to find information on local groups through the internet or from local hobby shops. Your view on the world will change!

Article : Digital Cameras – The State of the Art !

2006-02-24T15:51:00.000+07:00

Digital Cameras – The State of the Art !

Digital cameras have come of age in the last two years. Once a new fangled way to take images that were going up against the standard film cameras in the marketplace and meeting with consumer resistance, and now digital has become the king of the mountain in photography. Digitals only competition for the consumer’s hearts is the ubiquitous mobile phones equipped with cameras (both still and video).

Side note -- have you been at any mass events of late (concerts, rallies, speeches, sports events) and seen how many people are using their mobile phones to take images? I was at a concert recently and witnessed over 5000 people taking mobile phone pictures at the same time. Amazing. Not sure if many of them actually do anything with their images but it was still impressive to see that many people snapping images at the same time.

How can we say that? Well one just has to look at the facts from the industry itself. The number one digital camera seller for over a year and a half now in the USA has been Kodak. Yes that is right, Kodak, the giant film photography company has transformed itself in the face of a disaster that was a digital wave coming their way. Several years ago Kodak was a film company, a huge film company, and here comes digital photography and the consumers were going wild for it.

Can you imagine the bonus that was paid to the Kodak executive or executives who had the foresight to demand that the company adopt a digital strategy instead of standing firm on their film based roots? Now granted Kodak is still a huge player in the film business (which has not gone away by any means) but they have done a marvelous job of creating a consumer product line in the digital camera arena. These products are super user friendly and they take great images to boot. The Kodak EasyShare cameras are number one in the USA and number three world wide behind Sony and Canon. Not bad for an old generation industrial giant. They have turned the ship to take advantage of the prevailing winds of the digital age.

Now in the middle of this decade digital camera technology is easier than ever for consumers to use. The cameras come ready to take great images, allow novice users to snap photos without learning all the bells and whistles they offer, and most of them have made it super easy to share, print or email photos to friends and family. Many cameras feature one button to push in order to share or print an image, now it doesn't get much easier than that.

You can spend from $100 (or less but I am not sure I would go there) all the way up to the top of the line at $3200 for the top of the line digital SLR camera for your imaging needs. Some of the best current models on the market include the new Canon E5D SLR at the high end of the cost scale at around $3200, the ultra slim Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T5 which is compact and makes a fashion statement to boot, the super easy to use and share images Kodak Easy Share One, and for great price to quality you can't beat the Fuji FinePix F10 at around $350.

One potential problem with digital cameras has recently to light and some manufacturers have issued service advisories to owners of some digital camera models with regard to a problem in a chip called the CCD or charged couple device. In the defective chips pictures often appear distorted, have a colorcast that appears gray or purple, or appear completely black. Now this is not a huge industry problem most of the models with the defective chip are over a year old. Therein lies the interesting nugget with regard to the changing nature of the digital business.

Industry specialists now estimate that digital cameras have a life cycle of about a year. That means that new product is constantly coming onto the scene to replace the old technology and consumers are supporting that by buying newer and fancier cameras as they are released each year. So a chip problem comes on to the scene but it is eclipsed by the fact that the market is moving so fast that it almost doesn't matter. However if you should be one of the owners of a digital camera with a defective CCD you can get help from your camera manufacturer. Visit the Consumers reports website for details on the recall and service advisories that have been issued. www.consumerreports.org

Now of course there have to be new services that benefit form the digital camera wave. The local corner film shop may have disappeared but the printer companies have found a new heaven in the market. Color printers, the ink to fill them (find a bargain or perish...), paper, and image printing services both offline and online are proliferating in the digital age. One of the big online digital printers was bought up by Kodak themselves in order to help garner a share of online digital image printing business. My current favorite new find for image printing supplies is Cartridge World. They recycle printer cartridges and then give a good price on the refilled ones. Saving the Earth a bit and making it easier to print more great digital images, now that seems like a good step forward.

Article : Making Money from Photos

2006-02-24T15:46:00.000+07:00

Making Money from Photos

The first thing to do if you want to make money from photos is learn how to take great ones. In the world of commercial photography clarity sells. The subject of how to take a good photo is too comprehensive for one article, however the following is important:

· Have a decent camera.
· Know how to use it.
· Have an eye for detail and colour.
· Be ready to grab an opportunity when it presents itself.

If you happen to be driving through the hills of Scotland and come across a lone piper (or even two), grab that camera. Watch for sunsets, moonrise, cloud formations and tree shapes. Keep a sharp eye on your pet for unusual poses, and visit your florist every so often. Flower pictures are surely many photographers’ bread and butter and they can be photographed in the light on your windowsill. Greeting card markets love photos of flowers, gardens and pets doing something unusual. Wildlife and nature are great for calendars and geographic magazines and educational markets.

Diversity is the keyword for topics in photography. The wider the range of topics you cover, the more likely you will be to get a sale. Anyone can make a good living from stock photos. Freelance photographer Lee Frost (UK) sells just as many photos taken from his own backyard as from exotic and far-flung locations. In fact he sold a pic of the dandelions in his garden to a natural health book. But if you love travelling, put your holidays to work for you. Travel guides, brochures and websites could be possible markets for your photos.

So what to do with that fantastic shot ? The edges are sharp enough to cut with, while the clarity would bring tears of joy to many publishers. The main thing to aim for with any photo is to sell it to multiple markets. This is taken care of if you submit to a photo library. You don’t have to be responsible for selling your own stuff then, but since the word is ‘diversify’ aim to do both. Offer it to non-competing markets over several years, since you are not selling the copyright.

It is important for any photographer to keep a portfolio of his work to show. You never know when you’ll meet a prospective buyer who wants to look at your work and they will not be impressed if you have to rummage through a dusty desk to scrape them together. When you do score a sale, don’t charge a pittance just because the picture only took a few minutes of your time. You’ve spent years learning your craft and your photos are worth a decent figure.

If you really know what you are talking about and can take a fantastic shot, think of submitting it to a photographic magazine, along with all the details of the precise equipment you used and a step-by step account of your procedure. A bit of a challenge maybe, but worth the effort. There are many other markets to consider too; all kind of magazines, newspapers, catalogues, travel brochures and books. So grab that camera and start shooting.

Article : Is There a Dark Side to Digital Cameras ?

2006-02-24T15:44:00.000+07:00

Is There a Dark Side to Digital Cameras ?

OK, so we live in a world that likes to fantasize about the dark side of things, both in our movies, books, and other entertainment options. One could even say that post 9/11 we even live in a world fearing the real dark side in our midst, but we tend to live in our consumer world of devices that aid us and amuse us on a daily basis. Digital cameras and camera phones are everywhere now. Just about everyone is using one or the other or even both at the same time (have you been to a concert lately and seen folks holding up their mobile phones the way we used to hold up lighters in he old days?). So, these devices have become ubiquitous through our usual consumer desires to have the latest in high tech, consumer advertising, and let's face it...the appeal of having a device that makes things easier for us.

Now is that bad ? Probably not, or most people wouldn't own several of them and have a desire for even bigger and better digital cameras. The news media seem to like it just fine as they now have folks everywhere taking images for them when events occur and they can get almost instant access to these images for use in the newspaper or even on TV. In the old film days there were no way you could get the images from a normal citizen and use them almost instantly for news coverage. Now if something happens and someone is there with their mobile phone camera or digital camera the images can be relayed in a heartbeat to the news operations and used in coverage very quickly.

During the London bombing of the subway system in 2005 the images from the underground terror were on the news within the hour and the world was transported into that terrible scene by those images when it would not have happened in the past. Of course then there is the dark side of digital images that took place at the Abu Grabe prison in Iraq. The military personnel who shot those images of the prisoners in degrading positions were simply taking them for their enjoyment and to show to their friends. Of course once they got out of the circle of friends the world was shocked and dismayed by these actions. The ease of sharing digital images made this a dark affair to say the least. However if we were to fool ourselves that these things would not have happened if digital cameras were not present it would be sad indeed. Those folks would have carried out their sick little game even without the ability to share the images amongst themselves.

Now some have said the other dark side of digital cameras is the whole storage issue and how this could be the Achilles's heal of digital photography. With folks out taking tons of images in increasingly higher resolutions there are more and more storage issues for the digital photographer. Granted, the devices come with larger storage capacity and our computers now have huge hard drives, but if you keep filling them up with more and more images and don't bother to organize them in some fashion you will just end up with folders of data that never gets seen or used.

Did you know that at recent imaging expo not one new 35mm film camera was introduced ? All of the major camera makers are now completely focused on digital cameras. So the big deal in the near term for digital imaging will be for these same camera companies to invest in figuring out not only how you can print your nice photos easily but also how you can store and organize them efficiently so that you can use them and find them as needed. They have made the cameras easy enough for all of us to use. Of course it is up to all of us digital photographers to go through and hit the delete key/button on a regular basis and get rid of the bad images in order to help the situation. This is the joy of digital...that you can play with your camera and try things out. When you do store your images make sure to file them in a folder that gives as much description of what is in the folder as possible.

Watch out for those mobile phone cameras as competitors to our digital cameras. Nokia has just released the N90 camera phone and it rivals many digital cameras for quality and usefulness. It can take still and video images at 2 mega-pixel resolution using a Carl Zeiss lens. You can do just about everything with this device including listening to MP3 music, watching video on the 352x416 pixel screen, connect to the internet and check your email, send photos over the network, and connect to a Bluetooth wireless headset as well.

Oh my ! Now we can be saddled with devices that won't even let us live our lives. We will be too busy multi tasking as we walk down the street. Now THAT may be the dark side of digital cameras!

Article : Digital Photos and Photo Labs - 6 Things to Consider

2006-02-24T15:42:00.000+07:00

Digital Photos and Photo Labs - 6 Things to Consider

The popularity of digital cameras has skyrocketed in recent years. Every event or celebration you go to now has at least several people snapping away. Once you pay for the camera and memory cards, your costs are zero, until you actually have a picture you want to print. You can take 40 pictures of your new child, niece, nephew, grandchild, etc, and if only two good shots came out of that, then you only pay for those two.

The question is - where should you print those two masterpieces?

Owning your own photo quality printer is definitely faster. There are even people who take a small printer with them and make prints for other guests right away. Almost as easy as a traditional Polaroid camera.

Is it cheaper?

The large chains have jumped into this fray in a BIG way. Wal-Mart, Blacks, Business Depot, and many others. With all this competition comes low, low pricing. A typical 4x6 print from a big chain is cheaper than the retail cost of the do-it-yourself paper that the same chain sells in their photography center. And at home you still have to pay for the ink!

Here are 6 things to consider when getting a photo lab to print your digital pictures.

(1) Price. All the major players have priced their 4x6 size very competitively. The larger sizes though, like 5x7 or 8x10, are usually higher in cost than what you can do it for at home.

(2) Drop Off. Can you upload your digital pictures to them via the internet (very convenient) or do you have to deliver them on a floppy or CD?

(3) Delivery. Does your photo lab let you pick them up in the store, or do you have to wait for the post office or a courier? Picking them up at the store should be a no-cost option. If you can pick them up, is the location easy to get in and out of?

(4) Timing. How fast do they work? One photo lab has a reputation of having most orders ready in one business day. Another is a bit cheaper, but takes a week.

(5) Quality. You may have to talk to relatives, friends, and co-workers about this one. Find others who have already tried various printers. One photo lab's web site states that they will not print a picture with too low a resolution (nothing under 150 DPI allowed). This can be inconvenient, but assures you of a quality print.

Speaking of resolution, a 4x6 printed at 200 DPI requires a digital print that is 800 by 1200 pixels. An older model 1.0 megapixel camera can do this easily. If you have a more modern 3.3 megapixel camera you can create a 200 DPI print that is 8x10. One of the advantages of a better camera, say a 5 mp, is that you can "crop" part of the picture away and still have the 3.3 megapixels required for an 8x10.

There is one more item you need to be concerned with.

(6) A standard "snapshot" for a photo album is 4x6 in size. That is a ratio of 1.5. Most new cameras have a photo ratio of 1.33! What happens if you send a 1.33 picture to a photo lab and ask for a 4x6? They cut off ("crop") part of the picture you took, making it shorter on its longest side. You may not like the part they cut off! The best internet upload systems for photo labs allow you to indicate what can be cut off. Alternatively, use a program on your computer to make the digital picture the correct size and ratio before uploading.

Memory for digital cameras is getting cheaper all the time, so load up on memory, take lots of pictures, and proudly display the ones that turn out well.

Article : 4 Simple Tips for Taking Better Photos

2006-02-24T15:40:00.000+07:00

4 Simple Tips for Taking Better Photos

Photography as an art has never been more exciting or enjoyable. Todays photography enthusiast has many styles, topics, and tools open to them. Plus, the blending of digital with print makes the craft of taking photos very versatile.

While it is true that taking photos is as simple as running out and grabbing a cheap five dollar camera, taking GOOD photos has never been easy. So lets explore some quick ideas that can help you take photos that you will be happy to send home.

Here are four tips to help.

1. Get a little closer, don't be shy. One of the biggest mistakes most beginning photographers make is shooting from so far away. They leave too much distance between themselves and their subjects. Instead, get up close and personal. Fill up as much of the camera frame, with your subject, as you can. You can always reshape, trim, and resize a good quality shot. But you can't continue to blow up a distant subject and hope that it will come into focus. It just won't happen.

2. This tip springs directly from #1(above)... focus your shot on only one subject. Determine what the main subject of the photo will be, and catch that image. Try and find the one key subject, person, or event that accurately portrays the feeling you are trying to capture.

3. In addition to getting one subject, in your photos, you will want to make the background of the photo as simple as possible. Busy, distracting backgrounds pull the attention away from the central theme of your photo. The subject of your photo is absolutely the most important element, and anything that detracts from the subject can ruin your shot.

4. Finally, you want to take your subject out of the exact center of the frame. You do this by using the rule of thirds. Imagine having a camera lens split into 9 equal sized boxes, 3 across and 3 down (like having a tic-tac-toe game printed right on your camera lens). Where those "tic-tac-toe" lines cross, should become the focusing point of your subject, when you are arranging to take your photo.

Based on this tip, every time you compose a shot, the main subject of your photo should be located primarily on one of these "third" lines.

These are just four very basic tips and strategies to help improve your photos. As you know, photography skills can always be improved. In fact, most professional photographers exhibit a life long passion for learning new techniques, photography angles, and photo inspirations.

Article : WiFi Comes to Digital Cameras

2006-02-24T15:38:00.000+07:00

WiFi Comes to Digital Cameras – WOW ! What's Next ?

First we had to get over the whole film thing after a nation of baby boomers had been raised on Kodak, Polaroid, and 35mm film cameras of various shapes and sizes. We were all use to the idea of sending in our film for developing and waiting for our pictures to come back.

Then along came digital cameras and the world was taken by storm with this cool new technology. Suddenly you could take a picture and see the results immediately. At first these cameras were slow and not such great quality but still kind of cool. Then things heated up and now we have fantastic digital cameras of all sizes and shapes that can take wonderful images which can be shared instantly with your family, or the rest of the world for that matter.

Now comes the latest in technology integration. WiFi and digital cameras. No need to even plug your camera memory card into a computer, or a printer at all. Now you can buy a digital camera that transmits the images via wireless technology. Yes, that is right, a wireless connection for your image uploads.

Now, you may be among those in the population that have not even gotten their hands around the whole digital image sharing thing yet. But this promising new technology may lead us to a world of fewer cables to plug in, quicker transfer of our images, and in the case of events in the world, the ability to share images of news almost instantly.

As we saw in the recent bombings in London, folks with cell phone cameras recorded the devastation they saw in the underground and shared it with the world in almost real time fashion. These new cameras may be able to take that sort of thing to an all new level. Imagine cities that implement widespread WiFi access and photographers with WiFi cameras capturing images of news and other special events. They could transmit those images right away and let the world see them.

Here is how it works:

Nikon has released two models of digital cameras that are WiFi enabled. The idea is to be able to transmit your pictures straight from the camera to your computer or printer through a wireless adaptor. You bring up the images to transfer, hit “go”, and they get sent through the air to your printer. The Coolpix P1 and P2 will be in the $400-$550 range in pricing and the adaptor is extra.

They are competing with Kodak which released its own version of the WiFi camera in their Easy Share line of cameras this year. Kodak has already gone to making it easy to share photos by transmitting them at so called "wireless hot spots", usually cafes or stores where wireless access is sold or given away to customers. These efforts by the leading camera makers seem aimed at adding value to their already impressive digital technology.

Digital cameras continue to be hot sellers despite what some in the industry thought would be a slowing of sales this year. Many had predicted that cell phone cameras would slow digital camera sales, but this is not happening.

If you are a leading edge gadget buyer and have a wireless mindset then you may want to be first on the block to get one of these Wi-Fi digital cameras.

Article : Cameras of the Future

2006-02-24T15:36:00.000+07:00

Cameras of the Future

One time you had only to look into a little lens and press a button to take a photo, but these days cameras are more complicated. Much advertising money is spent on telling us all just how simple and easy it is to take a photo, and it is certainly easier to load a film in the average camera now than it used to be, but you still have to know more about it. You can’t just pick up that brownie box and ready, aim, fire. There are warning lights that tell you to change your angle or adjust your exposure, to mention just a few.

So what is the camera of the future going to be like? Will it be so complicated that only a rocket scientist will be able to operate it ? Probably not, since manufacturers must get good sales for their products. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that there are more sales in the masses than in an elite group of rocket scientists.

So come on guys, make it simple. How about a talking camera to tell us what to do? Just imagine Great-aunt Ethel lining up her new camera to take a picture of the latest nephew. The sun slides behind a cloud and the camera growls, “Hold it, stupid!” Ethel retrieves the camera from the grass, dusts it off and focuses again. “Beep-beep-beep! The subject is not smiling!” As the family gathers around with fans and cool drinks for Aunt Ethel, little Johnny grabs the camera and drops it into the fishpond, where it happily snaps the goldfish every time they wiggle.

The camera of the future may not talk, but at a recent exhibition in New York Canon had a prototype that waits until all the subjects are smiling before taking the picture. Another can tell if you’re blinking. These are expected to be commercial within a year. Fuji has already announced it has a digital camera far superior to most in clarity and resolution.

We think of the digital camera as possessing the most modern technology, but what if it is simply the Model T of cameras ? Perhaps today’s digital cameras are the forerunners of some amazing new technology hiding around the corner, just waiting for someone with vision to invent it? Some time in the future, there will surely be moving 3D images that can be clicked into being on our desktops, in mid-air, or beamed to the other side of the world in less than a second. They’ll be in full color and at the click of a button, we’ll be able to hear what is being said. I can hardly wait!

Kodak EasyShare Z740 Digital Camera

2005-10-04T18:56:00.000+07:00

The KODAK EASY SHARE Z740 Digital Camera is a 5-Megapixel digital camera that has a 10x optical zoom (38-380 mm equivalent focal length), stores images in the internal 32 MB of flash memory or on the SD/MMC memory cards. It has a USB port for transferring your images to your computer or printers and a EasyShare dock connection.

The camera runs on 2 AA-type batteries or a single larger disposable battery (supplied). The camera has an adaptor that lets you use 55mm filters, that can also serve as a miniature lens hood. The camera has automatic, scene modes and manual modes such as Aperture, Shutter Priority and Manual.

The LCD screen is not quite as big as that found on the Kodak Z730 Zoom which has a very generously sized 2.2" screen. The number of scene and colour modes are the same on both cameras. Like the Kodak Z730, this camera is aimed at the serious amateur or enthusiast.

The camera has ISO range of 80-400, shutter speed range 8-1/1,700 sec. (more on it later) and aperture ranges of f/2.8-8.0 at wide angle, f/3.7-8.0 at telephoto.

Features/Specifications :

* Features a range of shooting modes, from fully automatic to manual
* Runs on 2 AA-size batteries; accepts SD/MMC memory cards
* 5.0 MP resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 13 x 17 inches
* 10x Kodak Retinar all-glass optical zoom lens and 1.8-inch indoor/outdoor display
* PictBridge compatible; captures QuickTime movies with MPEG4 compression* Capture your subject in crisp detail with the Z740’s all glass lens
* Get amazingly close to your subjects with the 10X optical zoom (35 mm equivalent: 38–380 mm)
* Get even closer with the 5X advanced digital zoom for 50X total zoom* 5.0 Megapixels CCD
* High quality 1.8-inch LCD monitor
* Continuous video with audio capture
* Macro Mode: 12cm
* EVF Viewfinder

Included in the Kodak EasyShare Z740 Digital Camera box :

* KODAK MAX Digital Camera Battery
* CRV3 or equivalent
* USB cable and audio/video cables
* Wrist strap
* KODAK Dock Adapter Kit D-22 (for a limited time only)
* Lens adapter/hood
* KODAK EASYSHARE Software CD with interactive software tutorial
* Getting Started Kit
* Custom camera insert that fits optional series 3 camera dock or printer dock
* 32 MB internal memory

Sony Cyber Shot DSC T7 Digital Camera

2005-09-22T19:15:00.000+07:00

The thinnest Cyber-shot digital camera yet, the Sony CyberShot DSC-T7 Digital Camera features 5.1 Megapixel image capture, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3X optical zoom lens and 5 area multi-point auto focus, all in a camera body only 5/8 of an inch thick. It even includes a full-sized 2.5" hybrid LCD monitor.

Descriptions :
Ultra-Compact / Mini Digital Camera - For Beginner, Intermediate, Traveler Users - 5.1 Megapixels - Zoom: 3 X Optical , 2 X Digital - Storage: Memory Stick - 2.5 in LCD Screen - Built In Flash - Up to 8 X 10" Photo Quality Prints - Video Format: MPEG

Features:
* Stores images on Memory Stick Duo media; captures VGA audio-video clips (length limited only by media)
* 5.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
* Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
* Amazing compact design--camera is 3/8 inch thin at its narrowest and 5/8 inch at its thickest
* Powered by rechargeable InfoLithium battery (included); comes with Cybershot Station for easy connection to computer or TV

Specifications:

Resolution: 5.1 Megapixel
Optical Sensor Type: Super HAD CCD
Total Pixels: 5,300,000 pixels
Effective Sensor Resolution: 5,100,000 pixels
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.5"
Light Sensitivity: ISO Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400
Digital Zoom: 2x
Optical Zoom: 3x
Shooting Programs: Landscape, hi-speed shutter, twilight portrait, fireworks, soft snap, twilight mode, magnifying glass, candle, beach, snow
Special Effects: Black & White, Sepia
Shutter Speed: 1/8 sec - 1/1000 sec
Exposure Metering: Multi-segment, spot
Exposure Modes: Program, automatic, aperture-priority, shutter-priority
Still Image Format: JPEG
Continuous Shooting Speed: 1.1 frames per second
Flash Memory: 32 MB flash - Memory Stick Duo
Flash Type: Built-in flash
Flash Modes: Fill-in mode, slow synchro, auto mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction
Effective Flash: Range 4 ft - 5 ft
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Focal Length: 6.33 mm - 19 mm
Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual
Auto Focus: TTL contrast detection
Auto Focus Points (Zones): 5
Zoom Adjustment: Motorized drive
LCD display: TFT active matrix - 2.5" - color
Connector Type: 1 x USB , 1 x composite video/audio output , 1 x docking station , 1 x DC power input
Expansion Slot(s): 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo
Power Device: Battery Type 1 x camera battery - rechargeable - lithium ion
Miscellaneous Included: Cables 1 x USB cable , 1 x A/V cable
Included Software: Drivers & Utilities, PIXELA Image Mixer
Dimensions: (H x W x D) Unit 2.4" x 4.7" x 0.6" , Weight 6.3 oz
System Compatibility:
* PC MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows ME, MS Windows 98, Apple Mac OS X 10.1, MS Windows 98 SE
* Mac Apple Mac OS X 10.2, Apple Mac OS 8.5.1, Apple Mac OS 8.6, Apple Mac OS X 10.0, Apple Mac OS 9.0 - 9.2

Best Review by CNET :
http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/digitalcameras/0,3903...

Kodak EasyShare Z700 Digital Camera

2005-09-16T18:45:00.000+07:00

The KODAK EASY SHARE Z740 Digital Camera is ideal for people who want to get close to their subject, but enjoy the simplicity of a point-and-shoot digital camera. Its powerful 10X (38 – 380 mm equivalent) KODAK RETINAR aspheric, all-glass optical zoom lens can quickly zero in on a small object or distant scene, picking up the detail, color, and textures that a less powerful lens would overlook. The 1.8-inch, high-resolution, indoor/outdoor LCD screen and electronic viewfinder are designed for previewing a scene, or reviewing and sharing shots just taken.

In addition, the 5-megapixel EASYSHARE Z740 camera includes more advanced, yet simple to use, features to help people get exactly the pictures they want. These include 18 scene settings (e.g., party, sport, portrait) for various environments, continuous autofocus for crisp pictures, first and last burst modes for action photography, color options (e.g., black-and-white, sepia), and even PASM (program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual) modes for greater control and creativity. The exclusive KODAK Color Science image processing chip helps deliver vibrant, accurate colors time and time again.

As with all EASYSHARE cameras, the Z740 includes the favorites feature, which lets people store dozens of pictures in internal memory for anytime, anywhere sharing; the Share button for designating pictures to be e-mailed or printed; popular EASYSHARE software for computer-based picture viewing, organizing, and sharing; and even high-quality video (640 x 480 pixels) for recording and sharing life in action.

Z740 camera owners can also take advantage of a range of accessories for additional creativity, including a 0.7x wide-angle lens and 55 mm circular polarizer and neutral density filters.

Specifications :

* Powered by 2 AA-size batteries; accepts SD/MMC memory cards
* Continuous MPEG-4 compressed video with audio recording during video capture
* Advanced manual and custom controls include selectable aperture priority and shutter priority and full manual mode
* 4.0 MP resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 11 x 15 inches
* Printer dock series 3 charges your Kodak camera battery in 3.5 hours or less
Camera's 4.0 MP resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 11 x 15 inches
* All-in-one kit includes the Kodak EasyShare Z700 zoom digital camera and Kodak EasyShare printer dock series 3
* Camera features 5x optical zoom and 1.6-inch hybrid (transmissive/reflective) display

Kodak Easyshare DX7630 Digital Camera

2005-09-12T19:01:00.000+07:00

The new Kodak EasyShare DX7630 camera is the most advanced EasyShare digital camera to date and provides a 6.1 (effective) megapixel imager combined with a Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 3x optical zoom lens. The DX7630 features an extensive low-light auto-focus system that combines rapid phase detection with highly accurate (TTL) contrast detection to sharply define a subject, even in almost complete darkness. Selectable focus zones and exposure metering allow users advanced control over each scene.

Working with Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon, Kodak equipped the DX7630 with a 3x f/2.8 - 8.0 aspheric lens to provide edge-to-edge brightness and sharpness across the frame. Image quality is heightened with the KODAK Color Science image processing chip. This high-performance digital signal processor allows the DX7630 to process images quickly as well as control white balance algorithms to quickly and precisely analyze lighting conditions and color balance to deliver sharp, color accurate, and properly exposed images. The aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes allow a significant degree of advanced functionality for the more experienced photographer. It's 16 pre-programmed scene modes (Portrait, Sport, Landscape, Close-up, Night Portrait/Landscape, Snow, Beach, Text, Fireworks, Flower, Manner, Self Portrait, Party, Children, and Back light) provide users point-n-shoot simplicity.

This latest DX model includes Kodak's new "Camera Favorites" feature. With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, people can store multiple pictures in an on-camera digital album. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the camera's large, 2.2-inch, high-resolution (153,000 pixels) LCD screen. The Share button also allows users to select photos for printing and e-mailing, with the ability to store up to 32 e-mail addresses in the camera's memory.

Kodak DX7630 Features
6.1 megapixel (2856x2142) CCD for photo quality prints up to 13 x 19"
3X Schneider optical zoom lens, 39-117mm (35 mm equivalent)
Lens threads for 37 mm lens adapter
High-speed, low light auto-focus system
Large 2.2-inch TFT color LCD, indoor/outdoor type
TTL Multi-pattern, center weighted, center spot metering
ISO equivalent of 100, 200, 400, 800 or Auto (100-200)
White balance: Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Color mode: B&W, Sepia, High/Low color or Natural color
Adjustable image sharpness
Exposure modes: Auto, SCN(16 pre-programed scene modes), Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual or Custom
Burst mode captures up to 6 pictures at approx. 3 fps
320x240 movies w/sound length limited only by memory
5.4 megapixel mode optimized for printing 4 x 6 inch prints (3:2 aspect ratio)
32MB internal memory, SD/MMC card slot
Powered by proprietary lithium battery pack
Audio-Video Out (NTSC or PAL selectable)

Kodak EasyShare LS753 Digital Camera

2005-09-12T18:28:00.000+07:00

This Kodak Easy Share LS753 Digital Camera is a stylish digital camera that provides power and pizzazz in a pocket size digital camera style! Features include 5.0 MP for stunning prints up to 20"x30", 2.8X optical zoom, 3.6X advanced digital zoom, and phenomenal image quality with rich colour, accurate skin tones, low noise and precise exposure, and an 1.8" high-resolution indoor/outdoor display! Sharing is as easy as one-touch! With 32MB internal memory you can start taking excellent shots right away!

Features/Specifications :
With every shot, you'll be captivated by the impeccable detail and sharpness provided courtesy of the LS753's pro-quality lens.
* Precision-crafted 2.8X optical zoom lens lets you get as close as you want
* 3.6X advanced digital zoom
* Witness amazing clarity, brilliance and color from edge-to-edge
* Multi-zone auto focus for incredible sharpness, no matter where your subject is in the frame
* Compact, stylish and lightweight metal body
* 5 megapixel CCD for images up to 2569x1929 pixels
* Sixteen pre-programmed scene modes
* TTL multi-pattern metering, center-weighted or spot options
* Shutter speeds: 1/2-1/1400 seconds
* Long exposure from 1/2 - 16 seconds
* ISO equivalent of 80, 100, 200, 400, or 800 (1200x900 Good mode only)
* 640x480 movie with audio, length limited only by available memory
* 1.8-inch (134K pixels) Indoor/Outdoor color LCD display
* Automatic orientation sensor rotates portrait mode shots
* Internal 32MB of memory + slot for SD or MMC cards
* 3.7v 1050mAh lithium rechargeable battery (included)
* Audio and Video Out (NTSC or PAL selectable)
* Optional EasyShare Camera and Printer Docks
* PictBridge direct-USB print compliant

What's in the Kodak Easy Share LS753 box :

* Kodak LS753 EasyShare Digital Camera
* Neckstrap
* KODAK EASYSHARE Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
* Battery Charger (100-240V 50-60Hz)
* Audio/video cable
* USB cable
* KODAK EASYSHARE Software
* Custom camera insert for optional KODAK EASYSHARE 6000 Series Camera and....
* .....Printer Docks

Information :
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=4262&pq-locale=en_US

Kodak EasyShare DX7440 Digital Camera

2005-09-08T18:08:00.000+07:00

The Kodak Easy Share DX7440 Digital Camera provides a 4.0 (effective) megapixel imager combined with a Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4x optical zoom lens. The Kodak EasyShare DX7440 features an extensive low-light auto-focus system that combines rapid phase detection with highly accurate (TTL) contrast detection to sharply define a subject, even in almost complete darkness. Selectable focus zones and exposure metering allow users advanced control over each scene.

Compared to the Kodak EasyShare DX6440, the Kodak EasyShare DX7440 has a much larger LCD screen (2.2") which will make menu navigation much easier than its counterpart. The megapixel count is still 4.0 and the optical zoom is the same at 4x, but the digital zoom has gone up from 3.8x to 4x. The DX7440 also offers 16 scene modes, 5 colour modes plus movie mode (all listed below) so this camera offers lots of creative possibilities.

Kodak Easyshare DX7440 digital camera comes with USB and audio/video cables, high-capacity Li-Ion battery (1050 mAh) and Kodak Li-Ion rapid battery charger, wrist strap, Kodak Easyshare Software, Getting started kit, Custom camera insert for optional Kodak Easyshare Camera and Printer Docks.

Features/Specifications :

* Professional-quality SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 4X Optical Zoom Lens, 33-132mm (35mm equivalent)
* 4.0 MP for sharp, vibrant prints up to 20"x30" (50x76 cm)
* Exclusive KODAK Color Science Image Processing Chip
* Manual and custom controls
* Large 2.2-inch TFT color LCD, indoor/outdoor type
* High-speed, low-light auto-focus system
* Continuous shooting and bracketing modes
* 22 scene and adjustable color modes, image sharpness, white balance
* Sharing is one-touch simple
* TTL Multi-pattern, center weighted, center spot metering
* Burst mode captures up to 6 pictures at approx. 2 fps
* 320x240 movies w/sound length limited only by memory
* 32MB internal memory, SD/MMC card slot
* Powered by proprietary lithium battery pack
* Audio-Video Out (NTSC or PAL selectable)
* Optional EasyShare Camera Dock and Printer Dock

Manufacturer's Description:
If you can dream it, you can do it with the Kodak EasyShare DX7440 Zoom Digital Camera. That's because it's loaded with high-performance features that put you in control and deliver astounding image quality.

Steves Digicams - Kodak EasyShare DX7440 Zoom - User Review: "The Kodak EasyShare DX7440 provides a 4.0 (effective) megapixel imager combined with a Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4x optical zoom lens. The DX7440 features an extensive low-light auto-focus system that combines rapid phase detection with highly accurate (TTL) contrast detection to sharply define a subject"

Kodak Easy Share C330 Digital Camera

2005-08-22T18:25:00.000+07:00

The Kodak Easy Share C310 Digital Camera is a simple and affordable model for consumers interested in exploring digital photography. This point-and-shoot camera provides high quality images and access to the award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system at an economical price.

With the Kodak EasyShare C330 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom, all you have to worry about is choosing your subject. The camera will do the rest, and the result will be crisp and beautiful photos full of rich, vibrant color.

Manufacturer's Description:
The Kodak EasyShare C330 Digital Camera overcomes all those nay sayers that believe that a Digital-Camera is impractical and difficult. The C330 is downright simple to use and, with its 4 Megapixel still image resolution, produces sharp, detailed, still pictures. It can also shoot movies at QVGA resolution.

Features/Specifications :
* 4.0 MP means you can make amazing-quality prints up to 20 × 30 in. (50 × 75 cm)
* KODAK Color Science delivers consistently rich, vibrant color
* The KODAK RETINAR Aspheric All Glass Lens captures crisp detail
* 3X optical zoom (35 mm equivalent: 34–102 mm) gets closer to your subject without losing image quality
* 5X advanced digital zoom enlarges your image even more
* On-camera Share button and Favorites feature
* On-camera cropping
* Continuous QVGA video featuring audio capture
* 13 easy-to-access scene modes and 3 color modes

What's in the Box :
C330 digital camera, non-rechargeable digital camera battery, USB cable, wrist strap, software, getting started kit, custom camera insert for optional camera and printer docks.

Other Resources :
- Kodak.com | Complette Specifications Kodak Easy Share C330 Digital Camera

Kodak Easy Share C310 Digital Camera

2005-08-15T16:19:00.000+07:00

KODAK EASYSHARE C310 Digital Camera Combines New Compact Design, On-Camera Cropping and High Image Quality, Resulting in Great Pictures!

Kodak introduce a compact digital camera to its KODAK EASYSHARE line: the EASYSHARE C310 digital camera, with 4 MP resolution and a fixed-focus lens.The C310 provides an affordable entry point to the KODAK EASYSHARE consumer digital photography system for simplified shooting, sharing, organising and printing of high-quality digital pictures.

The EASYSHARE C310 digital camera is a simple and affordable model for consumers interested in exploring digital photography. This point-and-shoot camera provides high quality images and access to the award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system at an economical price.

Specifications :
* 4.0 MP for amazing-quality prints up to 20 × 30 in. (50 × 75 cm)
* Fast image capture
* On-camera Share button
* 1.6 in. (4 cm) color display
* KODAK Color Science
* Continuous QVGA video (320 × 240 at 20 fps)
* 5X continuous digital zoom

Feature :
4.0 MP for beautiful prints up to 20 × 30 in. (50 × 75 cm)
5X continuous digital zoom
Automatic scene mode delivers the optimal setting for most standard situations
Bring out your creative side with color modes: color, sepia, black and white
Capture life in motion with continuous QVGA (320 × 240 at 20 fps) video
Share videos universally with QUICKTIME Video Format
Fast image capture means you can capture the moment without delay
View pictures easily on its 1.6 in. (4 cm) color display
Get shooting right away with 16 MB internal memory*** and an SD/MMC expansion slot

Other resource :
- Kodak.com | Specifications Kodak Easy Share C310

Kodak EasyShare C300 Digital Camera

2005-08-07T17:38:00.000+07:00

Capture a smile and so much more. With the Kodak EasyShare C300 Digital Camera, great-looking pictures are just a click away.

The EASY SHARE C300 digital camera is a simple and affordable model for consumers interested in exploring digital photography. This point-and-shoot camera provides high quality images and access to the award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system at an economical price.

The KODAK EASY SHARE C300 Digital Camera is designed for the entry-level digital photographer. This fun, reliable point-and-shoot digital camera makes sharing and printing high-quality pictures a snap. You can easily capture still pictures, review and edit them, and print or send them via email to your family and friends. Whether you're a pro or just a beginner, this Kodak C300 camera will fulfill all your photographic needs.

Start shooting right out of the box with this Kodak Easyshare 3MP digital camera. With 16MB of built-in memory, the camera is always ready for you to capture and save your shots. With 3.2 megapixels you'll get high-quality prints up to 11x14". Get in close with 5x continuous digital zoom and review your pictures instantly with the bright 1.5" color display. Use the exclusive on-camera share button to quickly tag your favorite pictures for printing, e-mailing, and organizing. Imported.

Features/Specifications:
* Capture a smile and so much more. With the KODAK EASYSHARE C300 Digital Camera, great-looking pictures are just a click away.
* 3.2 MP for amazing prints up to 11 × 14 in. (28 × 36 cm)
* 5X continuous digital zoom
* KODAK 37 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens
* Auto white balance
* Exclusive on-camera Share button
* Bright 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) color display
* Ready to go — right out of the box
* 1.5" LCD sceeen
* Uses Secure Digital (SD) memory
* Video- 30 sec., no audio recording
* Dimensions (WxHxD) 10.3 x 6.5 x 4.0cm
* Battery Life: AA Alkaline Batteries, LCD On: NA
* Scene and color modes, plus video capture
* Point and shoot simplicity

What's in the Kodak EasyShare C300 Digital Camera Box?

* Kodak Easy Share C300 Digital Camera
* User's Guide
* Start Here (getting started kit)
* Kodak Easy Share Software CD
* Camera wrist strap
* USB cable
* Camera dock insert
* 2x AA alkaline batteries (non-rechargeable)
* software CD (Kodak EasyShare software, tutorial)