21 Sep 08 NEW NIKON COOLPIX S10 ADDS VIBRATION REDUCTION TO A POWERFUL 10X OPTICAL ZOOM FOR IMPRESSIVE PICTURES FROM ANY ANGLE
Nikon’s popular compact unique body design, enhanced image quality and picture sharing features make the COOLPIX S10 a great camera for parents, travelers, concert and sporting enthusiasts
MELVILLE, NY (August 24, 2006) - Nikon announced today the addition of a 10x zoom camera with image stabilization to the COOLPIX Style series line-up. The new COOLPIX S10 features an incredible 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, Vibration Reduction (VR), 6.0 effective megapixels, a 2.5, LCD and an innovative, compact swivel design allowing the long-zoom camera to fit into a shirt pocket. The 10x powerful, optical zoom combined with Nikon’s VR and innovative body design gives digital photographers unprecedented freedom and creativity with the ability to take pictures from a wide range of angles such as overhead, from the hip and even self portraits.
“Creativity is written all over this camera. This stylish camera, with a 10x optical zoom, Vibration Reduction and Nikon’s expansive in-camera technology, is great to take to a sporting event, concerts, vacation and just about anywhere,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon, Inc. “The COOLPIX S10 makes it easy to take great-looking pictures from almost any angle.”
With a distinctive wave-surface design and a high-quality finish, the COOLPIX S10 is as attractive as the images it captures. But even more impressive, the COOLPIX S10 features 6.0 effective megapixel image resolution as well as a built-in 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens - making it easy to compose everything from close portraits to wide-open scenery with fine detail and vivid color. The S10 provokes creativity with the camera’s swivel body design, and a bright 2.5-inch LCD, which allows users to frame shots with accuracy.
The COOLPIX S10 features a handy One-Touch Portrait Button that provides direct access to three unique Nikon In-Camera Image Innovations to fix common photo problems. This system includes Face-priority AF*, which automatically finds and focuses on a subject’s face, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which automatically corrects red-eye, and D-Lighting, an innovation that automatically corrects images with insufficient light. The S10 is equipped with Blur Warning, which alerts the user when an image is blurred and Best Shot Selector, a feature that automatically identifies and saves the sharpest image from a series. Taking convenience even further, the COOLPIX S10 with its supplied rechargeable lithium-ion battery, can take up to 300 shots on a single charge. The COOLPIX S10 is PictBridge compatible so there’s no need to use a computer at all when printing - just connect the camera straight to a PictBridge-compatible printer and print directly, easily and without delay.
With the advantage of Vibration Reduction (VR) capability, the COOLPIX S10 allows users to overcome camera shake to take sharper, more stable pictures in a range of shooting situations. Since the camera offers increased light sensitivity, up to an impressive ISO 800, users can get great-looking results in lower light without the need for an extended exposure.
An ample choice of Scene modes makes operation even easier in a wide range of common shooting situations. Simply select the most appropriate mode and the COOLPIX S10 automatically determines and sets the optimum combination of settings. In all, there are 15 Scene modes to choose from and 4 of them feature Scene assist, which helps users to achieve more attractive composition. The COOLPIX S10 adds new entertainment to photography with Nikon’s Pictmotion function that lets users combine images, movies, music and visual styles for automatically produced audiovisual shows, in-camera. And because the LCD of the COOLPIX S10 has an impressively wide viewing angle of 170 degrees, it’s easy for everyone to gather and watch Pictmotion shows together.
Simply select any favorite movies and images, decide on a visual style, and then pick one of 5 music files pre-installed in the camera or load up to 3** of your own to compliment the mood. The COOLPIX S10 then automatically combines these elements to produce a polished production with transitions between images and movies synchronized to the choice of music.
The S10 includes 16 MB of internal memory and operates on an EN-EL5 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger.
The S10 will be available at retail nationwide in September 2006 with an MSRP of $399.95. For more information on the S10 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.
*Without Battery or memory card
** Via PictureProject for Windows only.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
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21 Sep 08 NIKON PRESENTS FIVE NEW COOLPIX CAMERAS
Nikon’s New COOLPIX Digital Cameras Developed with Consumer’s Digital Photography Needs in Mind
MELVILLE, NY (August 24, 2006) - Consumers stand in front of a digital camera counter telling themselves they want an easy to use camera that takes great pictures. Nikon today unveiled two new “L” or Life series cameras and three new “S” or Style series cameras with the consumer’s picture taking needs in mind. These new cameras incorporate existing Nikon technologies that have excited so many new digital camera users and added additional useful features to enhance the overall photography experience.
“Developed with the consumer in mind, Nikon has combined exceptional features with world-renowned quality design and style at attractive prices,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon, Inc. “From entry-level to advanced technologies, our designers and engineers have done an outstanding job of adopting design styles and intuitive technology that directly address what the consumer asks for - a camera that looks great and performs just as well.”
Every camera in the COOLPIX family is equipped with Nikon’s In-camera Image Innovations to fix common photo problems. This system includes Face-priority AF*, which automatically finds and focuses on a subject’s face, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which automatically corrects red-eye, and D-Lighting, an innovation that automatically corrects images with insufficient light. The cameras are also equipped with Blur Warning, which alerts the user when an image is blurred, and Best Shot Selector, a feature which automatically identifies and saves the sharpest image from a series.
In addition, every new COOLPIX camera features TV Quality Move Mode** (recording movies at up to 30 fps with sound), Noise Reduction - to produce better results during low-light conditions; a broad choice of White Balance selections and a convenient Help Button, which is never further than a push of a button away, giving easy-to-understand explanations for all functions throughout the menu.
Memories Made Easy with Nikon’s COOLPIX L5
Continuing the Life series digital cameras, Nikon has introduced the COOLPIX L5 which combines high-quality features like a 5x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, an incredible, bright 2.5 inch LCD and same advanced Lens Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) found in many Nikon DSLR lens systems. Lens shift VR technology allows the user to make the most of the 5x zoom. Adding to the convenience are three unique Nikon image innovations accessible via a One-Touch portrait button, which activates Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting. The L5 runs on two AA-batteries which power this 7.2 effective megapixel camera and is compatible with the widely available SD memory card.
Nikon’s COOLPIX L6 Keeps Memories Going and Going
Nikon’s L6 digital camera adds powerful imaging performance, easy operation and outstanding battery life that allows the user to shoot with greater confidence for better-looking results. The L6 boasts 6.0 effective megapixels and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, making it a cinch to capture everything from pleasing portraits to expansive landscapes with true-to-life color and fine detail. The L6 can take an unprecedented 1,000 pictures on a single set of the included Energizer® e2® Lithium® AA batteries, the most of any camera in its class.
Highly convenient, such extended battery life is ideally suited for travel or when capturing important events, such as a wedding, where you can’t afford to run out of power.
The COOLPIX L6 offers light sensitivity beyond conventional compact digitals, with settings up to ISO 800. This means users can shoot pictures in lower light without having to use a long exposure. It also allows users to select higher shutter speeds for the capture of fast-moving subjects.
Nikon’s COOLPIX S9 Blends Stunning Design with Innovative Picture Technology
Nikon unveils new the COOLPIX S9 for style-savvy consumers who want a fashionable camera at exceptional price. The S9 blends beautiful aesthetic attributes and advanced imaging technology. The S9 is a 6.1 megapixel, easy-to-use camera in a slim, stylish body. The camera is equipped with a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens to ensure sharp, creative freedom and a 2.5 inch LCD screen to compose and share images.
For ease of use, the COOLPIX S9 makes it seamless for consumers to access Nikon’s In-camera Image Innovations through a One-Touch Portrait Button, located on the top of the camera.
The COOLPIX S9 offers a Stop-Motion feature for creating fun, stop-motion animated video shorts. To use the feature, the consumer simply needs to pose an object that they want to animate, take a picture, re-position the object and photograph again. Opaque versions of previous shots are shown on the camera’s LCD to assist users when positioning and repositioning their object. Once shooting is completed, the S9 automatically creates a Quicktime™ video of the object’s movement in-camera.
The COOLPIX S10 Offers Adventurers and Photo Enthusiasts Image Stabilization in a Mighty 10x Zoom Camera
The new COOLPIX S10 features an incredible 10x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, Vibration Reduction (VR), 6.0 effective megapixels, a 2.5″ LCD and an innovative, compact swivel design allowing the long-zoom camera to fit into a shirt pocket. The powerful 10x, optical zoom combined with Nikon’s VR and innovative body design gives digital photographers unprecedented freedom and creativity with the ability to take pictures from a wide range of angles such as overhead, from the hip and even self portraits.
With the advantage of Vibration Reduction (VR) capability, the COOLPIX S10 allows users to overcome camera shake to take sharper, more stable pictures in a range of shooting situations. The S10 includes a High-Sensitivity option up to an impressive ISO 800.
Furthermore, the COOLPIX S10 adds new entertainment to photography with Nikon’s Pictmotion function that lets users combine images, movies, music and visual styles for automatically produced audiovisual shows, in-camera. It’s easy for everyone to gather and watch Pictmotion shows together because the LCD of the COOLPIX S10 has an impressively wide viewing angle of 170 degrees.
The New COOLPIX S7c Takes Great Images and E-mails Them!
The new COOLPIX S7c combines high-quality imaging performance and style with impressive new photo sharing technology to make the S7c the most technologically advanced compact digital camera that Nikon has ever released.
The S7c is a 7.1 effective megapixel camera with a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens with a One-Touch Portrait Button that acts as a shortcut to three Nikon In-Camera Image Innovations. The COOLPIX S7c also offers Vibration Reduction (VR), Pictmotion and a High-Sensitivity mode up to a 1600 ISO and the new Stop-Motion feature.
The S7c incorporates Wireless transfer, which enables a photographer to send pictures from the camera’s memory to a computer or printer wirelessly. The COOLPIX S7c is also compatible with Nikon’s all-new COOLPIX CONNECT service that lets users take pictures and then e-mail them to friends across the world in mere seconds.
Nikon and T-Mobile™ have partnered to give Nikon customers the amazing ability to email pictures directly from the new COOLPIX S7c.The first time you connect your COOLPIX S7c in one of the 7,000 T-Mobile HotSpot locations, your one year of complimentary T-Mobile Camera Wi-Fi service (for digital cameras) will be automatically activated*. Simply turn on your COOLPIX S7c, choose Wi-Fi mode to automatically connect your camera to the T-Mobile Hotspot or open access network, and you can email pictures directly from your COOLPIX S7c. You are connected right out of the box!
The new COOLPIX camera line-up will be available nationwide September 2006. For more information about this and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.
* One year of T-Mobile HotSpot service begins from the first time you automatically connect in a T-Mobile HotSpot location. Does not include access at Wi-Fi roaming locations. This offer expires on September 30, 2007.
T-Mobile and HotSpot and design are federally registered trademarks and the magenta color is a trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2006 T-Mobile USA, Inc.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
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21 Sep 08 Nikon Introduces All-New Capture NX Software
Powerful and Intuitive New Software Simplifies Workflow While Reducing the Time and Effort Required to Edit and Process Images
MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006) - Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) today introduced Capture NX, an all-new image processing and editing software that gives digital photographers powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation that streamlines their workflow. Capture NX, the next generation of Nikon’s popular Capture software, inherits the robust RAW (NEF) processing capabilities from Nikon Capture 4.4, and combines these with brand new features such as Nik Software, Inc.’s revolutionary, patented U Point™ technology, seamless image-browsing and advanced batch-processing capabilities, superior color management control and comprehensive system compatibility with Nikon’s Digital Imaging System. Capture NX’s intuitive interface design offers photographers a rewarding experience and delivers powerful performance while maintaining an ease-of-use that is welcomed by enthusiasts of all skill levels.
In addition to providing cutting-edge features and capabilities for Nikon’s Electronic Format (NEF) files, Capture NX also makes editing and processing of JPEG and TIFF files created by virtually any digital camera simple and easy*. With its wide-ranging features, user-friendly interface and powerful performance, Capture NX makes image editing visually intuitive, allowing you to immediately see the effects as they are applied as well as providing access to a wide range of enhancement tools.
“With the introduction of Capture NX, Nikon offers photographers an exciting new way to edit and process images that is both powerful and visually intuitive while speeding up their workflow,” said Michael Rubin, senior manager for Software Products at Nikon Inc. “Capture NX continues the NEF file link between our digital SLR models while adding revolutionary U Point editing technology that benefits all digital camera owners. We’re confident photographers will find great use for this amazing new technology,” he added.
Exclusive New U Point Technology
Nikon Capture NX’s exclusive U Point technology is revolutionary in its approach to enable edits to portions of an image, or an entire image, without requiring the photographer to manually outline or mask the editable area. U Point technology achieves this by using “Control Points” - simple, interactive points that can be placed anywhere in an image and can be instructed to affect very specific characteristics of the image. For example, if a photographer wanted to enhance the tone of a certain color that appears in an image, without adversely affecting the neighboring portions of the image, he or she can do so by simply placing a control point on the color and defining the enhancement, which can be reflected locally or globally. Enhancements can be instantly adjusted, canceled or added with ease, without compromising the original quality of the image. Control Points powered by U Point technology are perfectly compatible with the NEF file’s Instruction Set structure. Control Points include Color Control Points, Black, White, and Neutral Control Points and Red-Eye Reduction Control Points.
Capture NX software is further complemented by a suite of features and tools that include the following:
- Sophisticated Edit List: A master control list of Capture NX features and enhancements. Anything that affects an image will have an Edit List entry. Entries can be removed, altered, or duplicated from this list without any destructive effects on the integrity of an image.
- Expanded Power of the NEF file format: Capture NX further extends the NEF file format by incorporating U Point technology, giving users the ability to save and undo the effects of Control Points on an NEF image at any time. JPEG and TIFF images saved in the NEF file format can also take advantage of this feature.
- Powerful Image Browser: Capture NX’s Browser is capable of labeling, sorting and editing, all while browsing images. Users can apply most of Capture NX’s features and editing capabilities directly onto images via thumbnails within the Browser, saving a great deal of time while allowing users to bypass opening each file in the Capture NX’s editor.
- Improved batch processing: Capture NX supports various batch processing methods, and is especially useful in applying a predefined series of adjustments to several images at once.
- Selective tools: Capture NX includes selective tools for enhancements including Selective Application Brush, Lasso and Marquee, Gradient and Fill/Remove.
- Color Management control: Capture NX features a reinforced color management system with on-screen Soft Proofing for advanced control of how colors from an image correspond to colors that a printer can produce. Options for this feature include Perceptual, Saturation, Relative Colorimetric and Absolute Colorimetric.
- Exclusive Nikon Capture Features: Capture NX inherits powerful functions from Capture 4.4 software, including Color Aberration Control, D-Lighting, Image Dust-Off, Vignette Control and Fisheye-to-Rectilinear Image Transformation. A new Distortion Control has been added to help control pincushion and barrel distortion effects.
Nikon’s new Capture NX software represents the nexus of Nikon’s integrated digital imaging components, such as cameras, lenses, software, Speedlights, and accessories, and allows photographers to yield the highest performance from their equipment.
Capture NX new software is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2006. Pricing, availability and upgrade information will be released prior to delivery. Nikon will preview the new Capture NX software from February 26-March 1, 2006 at the PMA trade show in Orlando, Florida, Booth #2603 and at additional shows throughout the year.
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21 Sep 08 Nikon School Announces New Schedule for Its Popular One-Day Photography Seminars
Nikon School Visits 19 Cities Nationwide, Featuring Expert Instruction by Leading Imaging Professionals for Digital SLR Photographers of All Levels
MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 27 — Nikon Inc., the world leader in photography, has released the new schedule for its popular Nikon School (http://www.nikonschool.com), one of the most comprehensive photography education and training programs available today. The two separate one-day seminars are taught by some of the best experts in the digital imaging industry and are aimed to help photographers at all levels better understand and enhance their digital photography experience.
“The Nikon School of Photography: Introduction to Digital SLR Photography” covers the basics of digital photography, terminology, technology and techniques for specific challenges, such as transferring and editing images while “Next Steps in Digital Photography: Streamlined Workflow Techniques” focuses on the more experienced digital photographers covering a wide range of technical and creative concepts. Courses begin on October 22nd.
“The Nikon School places great importance on educating and enhancing the skills of photographers,” said Anna Marie Bakker, Director of Communications for Nikon Inc. “Digital imaging is increasingly prominent in both the workplace and the home and, as the world leader in photography, Nikon recognizes the need to educate and inform the photographic community so that both professionals and enthusiasts can have a positive and enlightening digital photography experience.”
Nikon School of Photography: Introduction to Digital SLR Photography
Created for anyone who is new to digital photography or considering the purchase of a digital SLR camera, Nikon School’s Introduction to Digital SLR Photography will teach students the features of digital SLR cameras through live menu demonstrations and provide the opportunity to learn about white balance, exposure modes, resolution and flash. Instructors will combine both technical and creative techniques, teaching exposure and composition, f/stops, shutter speeds, and use of light. The goal of the course is to help budding photographers unleash creative potential while understanding the computing fundamentals that will help foster a greater comprehension of photography.
Illustrations will show how to prepare images for printing, sending via e-mail, posting to a website, archiving and more. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 9:30am - 4:30pm for a fee of $119, which includes lunch, Nikon School of Photography Handbook, Nikon Guide to SLR Photography, and Nikon Guide to Digital Photography.
Next Steps in Digital Photography: Streamlined Workflow Techniques
Experienced digital SLR photographers and those looking to step up their abilities to the next level will be interested in attending Nikon School’s Next Steps in Digital Photography: Streamlined Workflow Techniques course. Continuously updated to reflect the latest industry developments and recent Nikon-driven technological advances, the one-day course focuses on expanding students’ understanding of the digital workflow process. The course is intended for digital photographers who shoot for personal, business or professional purposes, as well as enthusiasts who want to elevate their abilities to the next level. Individuals interested in purchasing a digital SLR will also benefit from the course’s insights. The course offers a clear,
concise presentation on the rapidly changing world of digital photography and provides photographers with tips and helpful hints on emerging imaging techniques and intricacies of the digital workflow necessary to produce better images more efficiently. One-day sessions are scheduled on Sundays from 9:30am - 4:30pm for a fee of $159, which includes lunch, Nikon School of Photography Handbook, and Nikon Guide to Creative Lighting Techniques.
To learn more about Nikon School offerings, the instructors, course schedules and registration, visit the Nikon School website at http://www.nikonschool.com.
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19 Sep 08 Guide to Buying a Digital Camera
Author: Andrew Gates
The digital camera market today offers buyers a large number of choices, with products in widely differing price ranges, sizes and degree of operational complexity. From miniatures the size of a credit card, to fully functional professional SLR (Single Lens reflex) systems, you can buy a digital camera from manufacturers including traditional camera brands such as Canon, Olympus, Nikon, film companies such as Kodak and Fuji, and consumer electronic companies like Sony. Then there are other options that include the mobile phone manufacturers, and webcam suppliers.
The advantages of digital photography are numerous. Topmost is the fact that there is no film processing: expensive both in cost and time. But there is also the advantage of smaller sized equipment, portable media and instant picture viewing. And if you don’t like what you see, you simply delete it and shoot again: no wastage.
If you like to take pictures, being a digital photographer makes a lot of sense. But which camera is the best one for you? In a field of excess abundance, how do you narrow down what you need? How much to pay? How many megapixels? (What are they anyway?) Which brand? How much memory?
Digital CamerasEvery shopper is different.
At MyShopping.com.au we recognise this fact, and so we list practically all brands and models from hundreds of suppliers. These listings include the cold hard digital data facts about each camera and a range of comparative pricings offered by different suppliers. But just as every shopper is different, every photographer is different too. And just having the facts may not make you feel any more knowledgeable about which camera is right for you.
You could begin with the question: What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera? This is a valid starting point because from here you can begin to qualify your requirements in terms of technical capability and price. What sort of pictures will you take with your new digital camera?
Is it simply for happy snaps whenever you get together with friends and family at weekends and holidays? Or are you a serious bird watcher and you want to capture nature at its finest? Perhaps you want a camera for work to record your inventory, or recording information from a client. Maybe you’re a PI on a mission. The point is, you need to begin by recognising that your reason for buying a digital camera may not be the same as that of your best friend who is recommending the model she bought.
Once you’ve figured out the sort of pictures you are going to take, you can then set about deciding on the type of camera that will meet your needs. If you need something highly portable that fits in your shirt pocket or your handbag and lets you take it anywhere you go, make size a big consideration. If you want to take seriously good photographs, and you want to pursue an artistic endeavour, make image flexibility your main concern.
It might also be worthwhile considering your own position in the digital photography experience. Are you a novice about to buy your first camera, do you have some intermediate experience, or are you an advanced user?
Someone new to the market will likely not want to spend a lot of money, nor have a lot of mind-boggling features that leave you confused. There are cameras ideal for beginning users that have basic ‘point and shoot’ features including optical and digital zoom lens, flexible storage media and built in flash. There is a huge range of cameras available with simple features at low cost.
If you consider yourself an intermediate user with some operational knowledge of digital camera technology, you may want to consider more advanced features that give you more control over the pictures you take. These features usually come in a range of automatic settings and manual settings for capturing the image and different storage options in terms of resolution and picture type (raw data, jpeg, tiff). Naturally there is some cost attached to additional features when compared to more basic cameras.
For advanced users, there are a lot of professional options you can consider; such as SLR view finding and lens interchange ability. Cameras in this range provide much greater control over the image, both before and once it is captured. These options include shutter speed and aperture adjustment, and many cameras offer the ability to manipulate images ‘in camera’, such as cropping, and brightness and contrast adjustments.
After the picture is taken
A further main consideration is what are you going to do with your images once you have them? The great beauty of digital photography is the simple fact that you can store them on digital media such as CDs and media cards, and view them on computer screens and in many cases, your television. You need print only when and those you want to see, or show to others. Digital photography also gives fantastic opportunities to manipulate your images using popular image manipulation programs, resizing them, altering brightness and contrast characteristics, and correcting problems such as red eye, or removing skin blemishes.
Most digital cameras are computer ready, able to plug directly into your PC or Mac using USB connectors. They usually include proprietary software allowing you to easily and instantly manage your image files in photo albums or slide shows. Many digital cameras also include a video capture facility enabling you to take short motion pictures.
What you want to do with your images after you have them can have an impact on your choice of camera. If you want to make enlarged prints for example, you will want a high megapixel capacity (also talked about as ‘resolution’). If you want images for website use, you will want to get the best quality images that can be reduced in resolution without severe degradation.
Beauty is in the “I”
Great pictures usually come from great conditions. You capture a great moment, the light is just right, the subject is at the perfect distance, the image is perfectly framed. But not every digital camera offers the flexibility to make the best of existing light conditions, or position. Most digital cameras (certainly at the budget end) come with a built in automatic flash, which is terrific for happy snaps in darkened environments. And the automatic flash automatically does not ‘go off’ in bright sunny conditions. But in those times when you want to use the existing light, you need a camera that gives you manual control over the operation or not, of the flash.
Moreover, most digital cameras in the lower and medium price ranges are highly automated. If you are moving from a traditional SLR film camera where you have maximum control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO speeds, it may be frustrating to not have easy access to the same range of tools to take advantage of existing light conditions.
In the more advanced (and therefore more expensive) range of digital cameras, most lens and aperture functions are available in exactly the same way as other SLR systems. What differs is how the colours and light of the image is translated through pixel capture compared to the chemical processing systems.
You may want a wide range of focus options. Most digital cameras have two different types of image magnification, lens magnification (zoom) that may be equivalent of a 35mm to 150 mm lens, and a digital magnification that may be to ten-fold (expressed as x10). This provides you with zoom lens capability, which may be limited in its depth of field control and is subject to soft focus and movement if the conditions aren’t just right, and a digital magnification of the pixel image. If being able to capture magnified distant images is important to you, you need more megapixels, and a lens system that gives you some control over its focus and aperture management.
A final word on accessory
Digital cameras are electronic equipment. That means they run on batteries, and if you use your camera a lot, you will find that you will be frequently replacing batteries. Some cameras have rechargeable batteries; others simply use dry cells (AA), which you can of course load with rechargeable ones. It pays to have spare batteries so that you always have a charged power source. Some cameras have docking stations to help manage the connection with computers. Many digital SLR cameras have interchangeable lens systems, some of which may be compatible with traditional film SLRs.
You can also print your own pictures at home with special printers that handle standard photograph paper, and connect directly to your camera. Although it may be less expensive to simply take your camera’s card, or a CD to your local camera store, and now many supermarkets and department stores, and use the automatic printing machines to print the images you want.
There is a lot you can do with a digital camera, and you can pay les than $200, or more than $10,000. It all depends on how you see yourself as a photographer, what you’re shooting, and what you want to do with your pictures. At Myshopping.com.au you can very quickly compare specifications and prices.
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18 Sep 08 What Digital Camera to Buy? Tips to Help You Decide
Author: Ralph Serpe
Digital cameras are available in a variety of different sizes, colors, brands, zooms, resolutions, etc. The features are endless. There are so many features available in today’s cameras that many first time buyers become overwhelmed and have no clue what digital camera to buy.
So what should a beginner digital photographer look for when buying their first digital camera?
In order to answer this question let us pose a few more:
WHAT KIND OF PICTURES WILL YOU BE TAKING?
This is an important first step in deciding what digital camera to buy. If you are planning on becoming a professional photographer and will be taking high quality shots to possibly sell, any old digital camera will not do. You will have to pay careful attention to the types of features you will need like resolution, megapixels, zooming, etc.
If you are a casual photographer and simply want a descent camera to share with friends and family then you may not need a bunch of fancy gadgets and features.
WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
No matter what your needs and wants are as a photographer your finances will ultimately dictate what type of camera you can afford. Set a budget and stick to it.
WHAT RESOURCES WILL YOU NEED?
Depending on the digital camera that you purchase, you may need additional resources to use it to its full potential. If you plan on doing any photo editing or printing, you will need a computer and a printer that is compatible with your camera and software. The editing software is usually included with your digital camera but other devices like memory cards are usually not.
WHAT RESOLUTION WILL YOU REQUIRE ON YOUR CAMERA?
Before you buy your first digital camera make sure you learn more about its capacity to produce high quality images. This is determined by the number of megapixels the camera has. The more pixels, the higher the resolution. This is important because you want your images to retain their quality when you enlarge them.
HOW MUCH MEMORY WILL YOU NEED?
You will need a memory card for your digital camera in order to store your pictures. When you buy a digital camera, make sure it has a card slot for external and additional memory. This allows you to change full memory cards conveniently while shooting your pictures.
WHAT ABOUT THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR CAMERA?
Buy a camera that you are comfortable holding while taking pictures. So before you actually purchase your digital camera, make certain that you actually pick up and test each camera. Consider where the buttons are located and how they are spaced out and see also if you feel comfortable using the view finder. See how heavy it feels around your neck as well.
WHAT ABOUT THE BATTERY LIFE OF YOUR CAMERA?
Digital cameras use up battery life rather quickly and batteries are not exactly cheap. Make sure you purchase a camera that uses rechargeable batteries, this way you can get multiple usage out of your batteries. Take also into consideration an AC adapter when you buy a digital camera. You can attach this to the camera when you are viewing your pictures or uploading them.
WHAT ABOUT THE LCD SCREEN?
The LCD is a small screen usually located on the back of the camera. You can use the LCD screen instead of looking through the traditional tiny viewer. The LCD screen also enables you to preview pictures that you have already taken. There is a drawback to using an LCD screen however, as it does use up a lot of battery power.
DO YOU NEED ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?
You should consider whether or not you will need any special features on your camera. This all depends on what type of pictures you plan on taking. If you want your camera to have good zooming capabilities, you can opt for those with optical zoom lenses. Other features such as remote control, tripods, etc. can also be considered when you buy a digital camera. Be careful though. The more features you have on a digital camera, the more difficult it will be to figure out and use.
With this information I do hope you will be able to figure out what you need before you buy your digital camera. I feel the most important thing is to be patient. Take your time shopping and researching. Learn everything there is to know about the features of digital cameras and what you really need.
Once you narrow down your choices to a few different models, look for the best possible price. There are many different camera sellers online and off. But don’t buy a digital camera from just anyone. Make sure the seller has a good customer service history as well as good prices. Best of luck in figuring out what digital camera to buy!
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