21 Sep 08 Nikon Expands Nikkor Lens Line With Two New DX Lenses for D50 Digital SLR Camera
- New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Lens Offers Versatile Zoom Range in a Lightweight, Ultra-Compact Package
- New AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED Lens Brings Powerful Telephoto Capabilities in a Highly Compact Design
MELVILLE, NY, APRIL 20, 2005 - Nikon Inc. (www.nikondigital.com) today unveiled two new DX format Nikkor lenses to accompany its growing line of digital SLR cameras, including the new D50™. The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED lenses deliver legendary Nikkor optical performance within ultra-compact, lightweight and affordable designs, to provide superb picture quality for Nikon digital SLR photographers. These two new lenses join a growing line-up of DX Nikkor lenses that are designed and optimized for Nikon’s Digital SLR cameras.
“Memorable pictures rely on several factors that certainly begin with an expertly engineered camera equipped with a superior lens. Nikon SLR cameras and Nikkor interchangeable lenses work in perfect concert to make remarkable photography possible for anyone. Nikkor lenses are famous for their ability to record breathtaking sharpness, balanced with optimal contrast, accurate and consistent color, all to significantly improve overall image quality,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager of Marketing at Nikon Inc. “Nikon’s new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED lenses incorporate the same quality and exclusive optical technologies that have made Nikkor lenses world renowned among professional photographers.”
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
Pre-packaged as an ideal companion lens for the new D50 digital SLR camera, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is a versatile zoom lens created for a broad range of consumers ranging from occasional weekend snap-shooters to the avid photo enthusiast. It is an ultra-compact, lightweight standard zoom lens with a 3x zoom range that is ideal for everyday photography. With a popular 18-55mm focal length range, the lens can be conveniently used to photograph everything from wide angle landscapes to portraits and is well suited for use at parties, on vacation, and other occasions.
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
The new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED brings far-away subjects to the photographer without the burden of carrying a large telephoto lens. Zooming in on those elusive action shots at soccer or baseball games will fill the frame with images that would be otherwise impossible to capture. Its impressive zoom range of 55-200mm allows users the versatility to capture everything from razor-sharp candid portraits to sports, nature and even wildlife pictures. Despite its long zoom range, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED is remarkably compact and lightweight, and proves to be a formidable companion to the instant responsiveness and the impressive speed of the new D50 digital SLR camera.
To ensure outstanding optical performance, both new lenses also feature Nikon’s exclusive Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass to minimize chromatic aberrations, and Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) for fast, quiet auto-focusing. All of Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses are optimized for the DX format sensors found in all Nikon digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller, lighter and with exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and performance. With the addition of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED lenses, Nikon photographers can choose from 50 Nikkor lenses, ranging from the amazing 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye to the astounding 600mm f/4D
ED-IF AF-S II super Telephoto.
Both AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED lenses will be available in June 2005 for an estimated selling price of $179.95 and $249.95*, respectively. For more information about Nikon and the Nikkor brand of optics, please visit www.nikondigital.com.
Related posts
Tags: capabilities, Casio, digital slr, digital slr camera, digital slr cameras, focal length, focal length range, image quality, images, interchangeable lenses, lense, lenses, new lens, nikkor lenses, nikon, nikon digital, nikon digital slr, nikon digital slr camera, nikon digital slr cameras, nikon inc, nikon slr cameras, nikondigital, optical performance, optics, photo, photo enthusiast, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, picture, pictures, professional photographer, professional photographers, sharpness, slr camera, slr cameras, telephoto capabilities, telephoto lens, zoom
21 Sep 08 Nikon Steadies the Action With New AF-S VR Nikkor 300MM F2.8G IF-ED Lens
Popular Long Range, Fast Aperture Lens Now Features Nikon’s Renowned Vibration Reduction Technology
MELVILLE, NY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2004 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced an all-new AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED super-telephoto lens that features Nikon’s remarkable Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. Designed to work seamlessly with Nikon’s digital and film SLR cameras, this new lens offers professional sports and action photographers a high level of quality, precision and performance.
“Nikon shooters will attest that Vibration Reduction technology works more effectively in achieving sharper pictures in low light or shaky conditions than any other existing technology. Now sports and action photographers can reap the benefits of VR in a focal length they most often use. Coupled with the added advantage of Nikon’s new Nano-Crystal AR coat, photographers can expect very sharp, high-contrast images from the new AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president of Marketing, Nikon Inc.
Based on the extremely popular and well received AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED II, the new lens has been upgraded in specifications and performance to fully satisfy professional photographers. The first addition to this fast and powerful lens is the benefit of VR (Vibration Reduction) - an innovation that allows photographers to take high-quality handheld shots indoors and in dark locations at shutter speeds three stops slower without compromising the sharpness of the picture. A choice of two VR modes allows photographers to best match their shooting conditions and further augments the effectiveness of VR performance. Normal mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection as well as automatic tripod detection. Active mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is pronounced and frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.
Along with the adoption of VR technology, the new lens also offers handy access to a control pad on the side of the barrel for seamless usability. A Focus Mode switch enables instant and easy switching between M/A (Manual-Priority Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus) modes, while a Focus Limiter switch restricts AF-servo movement within a selected shooting distance range. New Focus Preset buttons can instantly recall a preset focal point - a priceless feature when photographers shooting sports need to quickly return focus to a specific location such as a base or a team’s goal.
The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED also benefits from Nikon’s new Nano-Crystal AR Coat, which demonstrates superior anti-reflective properties to virtually eliminate ghost and flare to provide clear and vivid images when shooting under powerful sunlight or indoors under spotlights.
The features already incorporated in the lens’ predecessor are carried over as well. This includes Nikon’s exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) that combines fast and accurate autofocusing with super-quiet operation, ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration, Internal Focusing (IF) for smoother focusing and a better balanced body, as well as a rubber ring on the lens mount that delivers the same level of resistance to dust and drops of water as Nikon’s professional cameras such as the F6 and D2X and D2H.
Compatibility with Nikon’s TC-14EII (1.4x), new TC-17EII (1.7x), and TC-20EII (2.0x) teleconverters extends the flexibility and total reach of the lens to as long as 600mm when mounted on a 35mm film SLR. When mounted on a Nikon digital SLR, photographers can achieve an angle of view equivalent to a 900mm lens.
The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens is scheduled to be available at authorized Nikon dealers beginning January 2005.
Related posts
Tags: 35mm, contrast images, digital slr, film, focal length, images, new lens, nikkor 300mm, nikon, nikon digital, nikon digital slr, nikon inc, nikonusa, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, picture, pictures, professional camera, professional cameras, professional photographer, professional photographers, sharpness, shutter speed, shutter speeds, slr camera, slr cameras, telephoto lens
21 Sep 08 With the Canon Digital Camera Range the World Can be at your Fingertips
Author: Muna wa Wanjiru
The different variety of cameras that are in use these days, range from the normal manual camera, to the automatic camera, to the digital camera. And the best place to find all of these is in the range of Canon digital camera models which are available on the market today..
Canon is constantly updating its products and you have a wide range of styles and features available when you go in for a Canon digital camera. These features can be found in many different digital cameras like that of the Canon Digital SD550, the Canon Digital PowerShot S2, and others of its ilk.
The features to be found on the different canon digital cameras can range from a larger than average LCD display, to stereo sound recording, to low image noise resolution and others. To see what the various features are for the different camera models you might have to compare them as you shop around.
For instance you will find that the Canon digital camera PowerShot S2 has a 5 Megapixel CCD, and a new Night Display which allows your LCD and EVH to become brighter in low light. You will also find movie options in this Canon digital camera like mic level, and a wind filter which can’t be found in earlier models.
With the Canon digital camera SD500 features like a continuous shooting mode can be found, as well as a redeye reduction option which has been designed into the camera via a built-in illuminator. This Canon digital camera also has a 1.8 low temperature LCD, a Flash Exposure Lock function to help you in your photography.
Some of the features to be found in these more expensive Canon digital cameras can also be found in the less expensive digital compact cameras. This diversity in features and models is also reflected in the price of the many Canon Digital cameras as they can start from about $100 and go upwards.
The actual price of the cameras should be looked into at the time you are thinking of buying your camera, as the prices will be subject to fluctuation and advances in technology.
When you’re looking at the range of Canon digital cameras besides finding out what are the various functions and features you might also want to find out what accessories are part of the camera, and which ones you’ll have to buy separately.
These accessories for the Canon digital cameras include things like a telephoto lens, a wide angle lens, a battery charger or kit, an A/C power adaptor, external flash, and a carrying case amongst other things.
As you can see from the number of options available to you, buying a camera isn’t what it used to be fifty years ago, there are a number of things that you will want to look into first before buying your camera. But with the Canon digital camera range the world can be at your fingertips as you can choose the perfect camera to suit you.
Related posts
Tags: automatic camera, Battery, camera model, camera models, Canon, canon digital, canon digital camera, canon digital cameras, CCD, compact camera, compact cameras, digital cam, Digital Camera, digital camera range, Digital cameras, digital compact cameras, external flash, flash, flash exposure, image noise, lcd display, manual camera, megapix, megapixel, megapixel ccd, muna, photo, photograph, photography, pixel, powershot, powershot s2, redeye reduction, resolution, telephoto lens
19 Sep 08 Consumer Reports - Digital Cameras
Digital cameras, which employ reusable memory cards instead of film, give you far more creative control than film cameras can. With a digital camera, you can transfer shots to your computer, then crop, adjust color and contrast, and add textures and other special effects. Final results can be made into cards or T-shirts, or sent via e-mail, all using the software that usually comes with the camera. You can make prints on a color inkjet printer, or by dropping off the memory card at one of a growing number of photofinishers. You can upload the file to a photo-sharing Web site for storage, viewing, and sharing with others.
Like camcorders, digital cameras have LCD viewers. Some camcorders can be used to take still pictures, but a typical camcorder’s resolution is no match for a good still camera’s.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
The leading brands are Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Olympus, and Sony; other brands come from consumer-electronics, computer, and traditional camera and film companies.
Digital cameras are categorized by how many pixels, or picture elements, the image sensor contains. One megapixel equals 1 million picture elements. A 3-megapixel camera can make excellent 8×10s and pleasing 11×14s. There are also 4- to 8-megapixel models, including point-and-shoot ones; these are well suited for making larger prints or for maintaining sharpness if you want to use only a portion of the original image. Professional Digital cameras use as many as 14 megapixels.
Price range: $200 to $400 for 3 megapixels; $250 to $400 for 4 and 5 megapixels; $300 to $1,000 for 6 to 8 megapixels.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Most Digital cameras are highly automated, with features such as automatic exposure control (which manages the shutter speed, aperture, or both according to available light) and autofocus.
Instead of film, digital cameras typically record their shots onto flash-memory cards. CompactFlash and SecureDigital (SD) are the most widely used. Once quite expensive, such cards have tumbled in price–a 128-megabyte card can now cost less than $50. Other types of memory cards used by cameras include Memory Stick, Smart Media and xD-picture card. A few cameras, mainly some Sony models, use 3 1/4-inch CD-R or CD-RW discs.
To save images, you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer’s USB or FireWire port or inserting the memory card into a special reader. Some printers can take memory cards and make prints without putting the images on a computer first. Image-handling software, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements, Jasc Paint Shop, Microsoft Picture It, and ACDSee, lets you size, touch up, and crop digital images using your computer. Most digital cameras work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.
The file format commonly used for photos is JPEG, which is a compressed format. Some cameras can save photos in uncompressed TIFF format, but this setting yields enormous files. Other high-end cameras have a RAW file format, which yields the image data with no processing from the camera.
Digital cameras typically have both an optical viewfinder and a small color LCD viewer. LCD viewers are very accurate in framing the actual image you get–better than most of the optical viewfinders–but they use more battery power and may be hard to see in bright sunlight. You can also view shots you’ve already taken on the LCD viewer. Many digital cameras provide a video output, so you can view your pictures on a TV set.
Certain cameras let you record an audio clip with a picture. But these clips use additional storage space. Some allow you to record limited video, but the frame rate is slow and the resolution poor.
A zoom lens provides flexibility in framing shots and closes the distance between you and your subject–ideal if you want to quickly switch to a close shot. The typical 3x zoom on mainstream cameras goes from a moderately wide-angle view (35mm) to moderate telephoto (105mm). You can find cameras with extended zoom ranges between 8x and 12x, giving added versatility for outdoor photography. Other new cameras go down to 24 or 28 mm at the wide-angle end, making it easier to take in an entire scene in close quarters, such as a crowded party.
Optical zooms are superior to digital zooms, which magnify the center of the frame without actually increasing picture detail, resulting in a somewhat coarser view.
Sensors in digital cameras are typically about as light-sensitive as ISO 100 film, though some let you increase that setting. (At ISO 100, you’ll likely need to use a flash indoors and in low outdoor light.) A camera’s flash range tells you how far from the camera the flash will provide proper exposure: If the subject is out of range, you’ll know to close the distance. But digital cameras can tolerate some underexposure before the image suffers noticeably.
Red-eye reduction shines a light toward your subject just before the main flash. (A camera whose flash unit is farther from the lens reduces the risk of red eye. Computer editing of the image may also correct red eye.) With automatic flash mode, the camera fires the flash whenever the light entering the camera registers as insufficient. A few new cameras have built-in red-eye correction capability.
Some cameras that have powerful telephoto lenses now come with image stabilizers. These compensate for camera shake, letting you use a slower shutter speed than you otherwise could for following movement. But an image stabilizer won’t compensate for the motion of subjects.
Most new 6- to 8-megapixel cameras come with full manual controls, including independent controls for shutter and aperture. That gives serious shutterbugs control over depth of field, shooting action, or shooting scene with tricky lighting.
HOW TO CHOOSE
The first step is to determine how you will use the camera most of the time. Consider these two questions:
How much flexibility to enlarge images do you need? If you mainly want to make 4×6 snapshots, a camera with a 3- or 4-megapixel resolution will be fine. Such a camera will also make an 8×10 print of an entire image without alteration that looks as sharp as one from a 6- or 8-megapixel model. But to enlarge the image more or enlarge only part of it, you’ll want a 6- to 8-megapixel camera.
How much control do you want over exposure and composition? Cameras meant for automatic point-and-shoot photos, with a 3x-zoom lens, will serve snap shooters as well as dedicate hobbyists much of the time. The full-featured cameras in the 6- to 8-megapixel range offer capabilities that more-dedicated photographers will want to have. Two of the more important capabilities are a zoom range of 5x to 10x or more, which lets you bring distant outdoor subjects close and also lets you shoot candid portraits without getting right in your subject’s face, and a full complement of manual controls that you determine the shutter speed and lens opening. ‘
Once you’ve established the performance priorities that you need from a camera, you can narrow your choices further by considering these convenience factors:
Size and weight. The smallest, lightest models aren’t necessarily inexpensive 3-megapixel cameras. And the biggest and heaviest aren’t necessarily found at the high end. If possible, try cameras at the store before you buy. That way, you’ll know which one fits you hand best and which can be securely gripped. In our tests, we have found that some of the smallest don’t leave much room even for small fingers.
Battery type and life. All digital cameras can run on rechargeable batteries of one of two types: an expensive battery pack or a set of AA batteries. In our tests of the cameras, neither battery type had a clear performance advantage. The best-performing cameras offer upward of 300 shots on a charge, while the worst manage only about 50. We think it’s more convenient to own a camera that accepts AA batteries. You can buy economical, rechargeable cells (plus a charger) and drop in a set of disposable lithium or alkaline batteries if the rechargeable run down in the middle of the day’s shooting.
Camera speed. With point-and-shoot cameras like the ones we tested, you must wait after each shot as the camera processes the image. Most models let you shoot an image every few seconds, but a few make you wait 5 seconds or more. They may frustrate you when you’re taking photos in sequence.
Your other cameras. If you’re adding a camera to your lineup or trading up to a more versatile model, look first for one that’s compatible with the other cameras. If it is, you can share memory cards and batteries. Designs within a camera brand line are often similar. So staying wit the brand you have lowers the learning curve on the new camera for family members who switch between cameras.
Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Related posts
Tags: 35mm, automatic exposure control, automatic flash, available light, batteries, Battery, Canon, capabilities, color inkjet printer, compactflash, digital cam, Digital Camera, Digital cameras, digital image, digital images, digital zoom, exposure control, film, film camera, film cameras, film companies, flash, flash memory cards, flash mode, flash range, flash unit, Fuji, Fujifilm, image sensor, image stabilizer, images, kodak, lcd viewer, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, megapixel camera, megapixels, memory, memory card, memory cards, new camera, olympus, optical viewfinder, optical zoom, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pixel, pixel resolution, printers, professional digital, professional digital cameras, rechargeable batteries, red eye, resolution, securedigital, sharpness, shutter speed, snapshots, Sony, still camera, storage, telephoto lens, traditional camera, typical camcorder, viewfinder, zoom
18 Sep 08 Top 20 Questions to Consider When Buying a Digital Camera
Author: aldrin garcia
My top 20 key questions to ask yourself when buying a digital camera.
1. How many “megapixels” /resolution?
Once and for all, at least to me, you have to get the highest resolution your money can buy at the time you buy. Period.
2. Who made the lens?
Most cameras will give you an idea where the lens was made just by looking at the front of the lens. Know if the lens of your camera came from a reputable company like Leica, Zeiss, Canon, Etc… Lens quality is one of the most important factors you should consider especially if you’re going to use it for commercial, technical or scientific purposes.
3. Will I need interchangeable lenses? How many are available for my specific camera in mind?
Having the option of interchangeable lenses gives you the freedom to experiment with different kinds of focal lengths. Although some P&S (point and shoot) cameras can rival DSLR’s with a generous zoom range for a non interchangeable lens system.
Also note the number of lenses available for use with your specific camera because of flexibility reasons. You can practically cover the entire “zoom range” with interchangeable lenses versus modest zoom ranges on non interchangeable lens systems or P&S cameras.
4. Does it have a zoom capability? What’s the range?
Almost all applications that I listed above will need some form of zooming in (telephoto) or out (wide angle), especially if you don’t have the space to move around the object you are shooting.
For Landscape shots, wide angle shots are very common and appealing while zooming in on the details serves as a break and complements the wide angle shots.
For weddings and events, you need a zoom because there will be times where you are limited by the shooting space and you will have a difficult time moving around. Its a good thing to know that you can do all sorts of framing without even moving from your position.
A nice zoom will give you the efficiency and versatility in your photography, so my suggestion is to go for the longest range you can get (usually from a 7X to a 10X for Point and Shoots).
Also note the speed of zooming in or out as this will be a factor if you’re shooting events like weddings. You will fail to capture that “decisive moment” on a mediocre zoom speed.
5. Does it have the provision to capture raw images?
Many photographers will say you’ll need this digital camera feature if you want to have big prints from your pictures. Although this is correct, the main reason why you will want this is because of the benefit it will give you…pure total control of your pictures… from exposure, color, metadata, hdr and a lot more.
6. Can I attach an external flash?
Having an external flash capability will give you the power and creative freedom to light your subjects any which way you like.
You can connect your digital camera to all sorts of lighting equipment thus giving you more options and versatility. This comes in the form of a hotshoe or a PC-Sync socket.
If your digital camera doesn’t have this feature, there is still hope because accessories called flash slaves are being sold by third party companies in different flavors that will also do the same job more or less.
7. Does it have a tripod socket?
Some of the most beautiful landscape pictures that I’ve seen are undoubtedly made with a tripod, so this is a must have if you are planning to do this kind of photography.
The “available light shots” in a wedding, still life and product shots, studio and fine art shots … all need a tripod for successful execution… so guess what happens if you don’t have a tripod socket?… You cannot effectively use a tripod!
8. Does it have automatic and manual focusing?
It will not be evident at first why you’ll need this especially if you’re just starting out in photography. But if you’re like me… A total control freak when it comes to cameras… and you really want to express your creative side, this is definitely a must have.
9. Can you attach filters to it? and what filter size?
Creative expression through special effects is just one of the many reasons that makes photography fun and interesting, and experimenting with filters is one creative pursuit you should try with your photography especially if you’re a beginner.
Always remember to ask if the particular digital camera you are eyeing for can handle filters and ask for the filter size. (To save you from buying the right filter with the wrong filter size) Please note that most Digital SLRs should be able to to handle filters as most lenses that come with it have a filter thread built into the lens.
Most P&S (point and shoot) digital cameras normally doesn’t have a filter thread built-in and might need special accessories to accomplish this so you should check to know for sure.
Again, there are many third party accessories that you could buy to adapt filters to your P&S digital cameras that don’t have this provisions. I’ll discuss all about this in a future post so watch for it. (Or subscribe to my announcement list (feed via email) so you’ll know when it’s up.
10. Can I upgrade the firmware?
The good thing about some digital camera manufacturers is that they keep on improving their digital cameras even after they sold it to you… this comes in the form of a firmware upgrade.
Usually this involves an improvement on one or many features of a camera. Be sure that the digital camera you’re planning to buy has an easy way of upgrading its firmware. This comes in the form of either an easy download via the manufacturer’s website (find it and bookmark it now) or a FREE CDROM.
Another caveat - be sure to consider if a downgrade is also possible or available with your digital camera… Why is there a need a downgrade you ask?… Because, you may want to reinstall an earlier firmware… just in case you don’t like the results from a firmware upgrade.
Occasionally there’s a feature that will be removed by the upgrade that you failed to read about and you decided that you just want to keep that feature instead of a bunch of trivial upgrades from the new firmware. (Yes, I personally experienced this.)
11. Are there extra goodies or software that come with it?
Some people ignore the fact that you can save a lot of money just by doing a simple arithmetic. Did you know that you could actually get your digital camera for a lot less if you study the deals and offers on the marketplace?
If you buy a digital camera and it comes with software that you can really use… like photoshop, elements, or any other image editing software for that matter, then you already saved some money you would otherwise spend. Some dealers will throw in lots of extras… If you just simply ask.
Always try to ask for these things that you’ll end up buying anyway if you don’t - like camera bags, extra lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, tripod, lens cleaners etc. Trust me… you will end up buying these things if you don’t ask for it on the deal. What have you got to lose? Simply ASK. Would you believe that I effectively lowered one of my camera purchase cost by as much as 30%? Ask away.
12. Is there Local Support in your area?
Finding the answer to this one will give you a great benefit in the long run. Wouldn’t you sleep better at night because you feel that extra security - that in case there is something wrong with your digital camera, you can bring it in for repair at a moments notice?
Not knowing when your camera will be repaired (or if it even arrived at a distant repair facility) is one of the worst feelings a photographer can have especially if you’re in the middle of a photoshoot or project.
13. What type of warranty does it have? Worldwide / Countrywide?
If you travel a lot its good to know that a countrywide or even better - a worldwide warranty can get your camera fixed wherever you are. Always bring the warranty card and glue it on your camera bag.
14. Does it have the ability to take video and audio?
I know, most DSLRs don’t have this function. But some non interchangeable lens DSLRs have it. This is a very useful feature to have if you’re on a project or photoshoot and want to document or record a procedure, a moment, or an idea that you would otherwise have trouble remembering or even writing. It’s always a good idea to bring a P&S camera backup that have this function.
The things that you could do with audio and videoclips on a photoshoot are only limited by your imagination… interviews, documentation, funny quips, training procedures, bloopers, etc..
15. Does it have a manual white balance?
White balance is one of the most interesting aspects of digital cameras. Its fun and fascinating to work with. Having this option puts the photography fun-o-meter way way up. In future posts, I will be discussing white balance in detail so be sure to stay tuned.
16. How sensitive is it to infrared?
If you’re planning to make infrared pictures or enter the exciting world of Infrared fine art photography then you’ll want to know if your digital camera can do it.
TIP: There is a simple way to test how sensitive your digital camera is to infrared using a very common device - a TV remote control. For P&S, you can aim the remote control towards the lens and gauge how bright the LED from remote is. This should give you an idea how sensitive your digital camera is to infrared. For DSLRs you will need to take shots of the LED and experiment a little or you can simply research or google the particular camera model you have in mind for other people’s experiences and thoughts about it.
17. How high is the ISO sensitivity? Is it manually adjustable?
ISO sensitivity is a term referring to the sensitivity of film to light. In the digital camera world, it refers to the sensitivity of the electronic sensor in your digital camera in relation to the ISO standard used for film.
The higher the ISO sensitivity of your camera the faster or better it can record a specific amount of light.
High ISO sensitivity is useful for taking better pictures in dark settings… such as inside a church or at night. The higher the ISO setting, the more details you can capture of a dark scene.
One caveat - take note of the amount of noise a particular camera exhibits at higher ISOs. Some people like it and some don’t. Again, don’t be afraid to ask or do research on the noise characteristics of your camera model in mind to see if this is the right choice for you.
18. How high or low can you set the shutterspeed? What are the minimum and maximum aperture settings?
Shutterspeed and aperture settings are the basic mechanisms that drive your camera and controls the amount of light that is exposed by the film or image sensor.
You use high shutterspeeds in action shots and to prevent camera shake, and you use low shutterspeeds for movement effects and bulb or long exposures. You can check for these figures on the websites that I gave you in part 1. You can see it in the technical specifications for a particular camera.
A bulb or “T” function is a nice feature to have because you can take exposures for virtually very long periods of time. Another feature to have is if your camera has a remote control to use this bulb or “T” mode. This gives you the capability to take pictures without holding your camera and adding to the “camera shake”.
With the subject of apertures, a small one (small aperture opening) lets you have a wider depth of field so your shots are sharp from near to far versus a large aperture (big aperture opening) where your shots have a narrow depth of field and appear “selectively focused”.
19. Does it have some form of an image stabilizer?
New cameras coming out as we speak often have this feature. Simply put, an image stabilizer is some form of a mechanism built into the lens or the camera body (depending on the manufacturer and their implementation) that basically prevents you from getting blurred pictures when taking pictures in low light or you are using a long or telephoto lens. Having this feature can mean the difference between a blurry picture (aka no picture!) to a usable one.
20. How close can it focus? Macro abilities?
The closer your camera can focus… the bigger the picture of an object you can take in relation to the image dimensions of the final photo… and the bigger the picture of the object… the more detail you can get. If you want to take pictures of small objects such as flowers and fine details then this is a must-have.
That’s it. Whew.
Do you really have to go over all these questions?… Of course not, but even if you only study and ponder on half of them…and take the time… I promise you that one thing will surely happen…
You’ll be…
a lot smarter!
than when you first started asking these questions… ergo you’ll be in a better position to decide what digital camera to buy… Because you are now armed with the most powerful tool anybody can have
the power of information!
In any case, I hope you find as much value in these questions as many of my friends have and be able to get the camera of your dreams.
Enjoy!
Related posts
Tags: available light, batteries, buying a digital camera, camera body, camera manufacturer, camera manufacturers, camera model, camera purchase, camera world, Canon, Casio, digital cam, Digital Camera, digital camera manufacturers, Digital cameras, digital slr, digital slrs, dSLR, electronic sensor, external flash, film, flash, focal length, Google, image editing, image sensor, image stabilizer, images, interchangeable lenses, Leica, lens cleaners, lense, lenses, megapix, megapixel, megapixels, memory, memory card, memory cards, new camera, photo, photograph, photographer, photographers, photography, photos, picture, pictures, pixel, raw images, resolution, telephoto lens, white balance, zoom
