photos by richard

If you're looking at getting a new digital SLR, you've probably come across the issue of sensor size. As you probably know, the sensor in a digital camera is responsible for capturing the image. Since DSLRs have much higher quality sensors than digital point and shoots, SLRs are able to achieve much better image quality. In general, the bigger the sensor, the better the image quality.

However, a larger image sensor also means higher cost, so SLR manufacturers had to compromise. Ideally, a digital SLR sensor would be exactly the same size as a frame of 35mm film. However, the cost of producing a sensor like this is so high that most manufacturers decided to create a smaller sized sensor, one that is a fair amount smaller than a full sized sensor. This creates the so called "crop factor"

This crop factor is usually a number around 1.5. Basically, this means that if you were to look at a full 35mm frame, the crop sensor would only capture a 1.5x crop of the frame. In essence, you get an closer view with an equivalent focal length. This means that your wide angle lenses will be less wide, and that your telephoto lenses will have more reach. Note that for a given focal length, the depth of field will remain the same.

For many photographers, these crop sensors work great. If you're into sports, wildlife, or any telephoto heavy photography discipline, the extra "reach" you get from the crop sensor really comes in handy at times. You can also get extremely affordable crop frame bodies, such as Nikon's D40. These cameras are a real boon to amateur photographers.

However, full frame sensors still hold a serious advantage in many real world situations. As I said before, bigger equals better when it comes to image quality. Full frame sensors can deliver a much sharper, smooth image at higher ISOs than a cropped sensor can. This is great for those working in low light conditions. Also, for photographers who love wide angle lenses, full frame camera bodies offer the widest degree of options.  New cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark II make it easier to afford these cameras, as well.

Overall, choosing your sensor format shouldn't be the only factor that you take into account when choosing a new camera, but it should be a major one. The image quality and dim light capabilities of a full frame sensor will blow you mind, if you can handle the price. Otherwise, you might be better off saving your money and getting a cropped sensor camera. Either way, you can still take great pictures.

Before using a camera, you should learn whatever you can about photography so that you can be sure of the results of your efforts. There are many resources you can use as photography tips – there are myriad books available, there are specialized camera/photography magazines and, of course, there is the internet. You can get many photography tips from any of these sources, skipping the topics that do not interest you. The basic fundamentals of photography tips are that you should know how to take the best shots, what you should keep in the background, what kind of lighting you should use, where necessary. If you are interested only in certain photography subjects like wedding photography tips, you should ideally concentrate only on that.

That Great Shot – A Great Photography Tip

Everybody wants to take that great shot, one which will be composed well and everybody looks good in it. There are three things you should keep in mind before you actually press the shutter button on your camera. Firstly, select the right background, taking out any extraneous items which may mar the picture – this is an important photography tip. Then see that the person or people or any subject/s in the picture are clearly visible, go nearer them if required, at the same time making sure that there the distance and dimension are right in the photograph. Check out the surroundings. Many times surroundings make or mar a picture. Whether you are taking everyday pictures, just for memories, or trying to produce some fine art, or trying to make an occasion more memorable, make sure that you keep this photography tip in mind.

Another Photography Tip – Never Take A Bad Picture Again

How often does it happen that you have lost a memorable moment simply because your photograph did not come out all right? One photography tip is to realize what error you committed while taking the picture. Once you find that out, you can correct your mistakes in future so that you never take a bad picture again. Another photography tip is to check out the lighting you are using for the picture, whether it is indoors or outdoors; check the distance of the camera from your subject; check the shutter speed.
Photography tips will be of great use whenever you use a camera, and why should you waste pictures or spoil the moment or mood which will not be recaptured even if you are using a digital camera. If you are shooting indoors, make sure that your subject is getting sufficient light? At the same time check the exposure of your camera – over-exposed pictures lack clarity and often white-out the subject. If it is getting dark, you may need to use a flash, but if there is sufficient light, you may just need to zoom to get a clear picture. If you are taking shots in the sunlight, remember that too much sunlight needs to be corrected by exposure, shutter speed or placing the subject in a shady place. All these photography tips will help you take better pictures. In the worst case scenario, you can always edit your photos using a photo editing software, so that they become better. Once you become adept at photography, you will be able to take great pictures, and also have no hesitation in putting them on display.

Enjoying the Basics in Digital Photography

Basic digital photography is now used by millions of people. These cameras are more sophisticated with great options that can help people capture special moments in their lives. Any wonderful picture taken is always going to be one the photographers will keep for a long time. Basic Digital photography is not difficult to learn. A photographer does not have to be a genius to take great pictures with a digital camera. Basic photography means learning how to operate one of these special cameras.

Basic digital photography includes capturing and saving the desirable photos in the memory of the camera. The photos that are not good or worth saving can be deleted with ease. Basic digital photography also includes learning how to take good photos and downloading these to a computer or printer. Most people enjoy printing all their photographs or will save them in a computer file, so they are easily accessible for viewing later. Or many like to share their photos with others and with digital photography this is possible. Photographers can send their photos instantaneously to friends and family members across the street or around the world.

Basic Digital Photography is a Starting Point

Photographers need to have a good knowledge of basic digital photography to take pictures, after which, many continue learning to improve their skills. Beyond basic digital photography, photographers will usually want to improve the composition of their photos. They are motivated to make their photographs much more than just ’good enough’, they want them to be exceptional. There are several astonishing examples of pictures taken unprofessionally and therefore are not considered very well done. For example, if a picture was taken without the photographer realizing the background area had a pole behind the person they were taking the picture of, then, there may be an unexpected object that could appear in the photo sticking out of someone’s head.

To move beyond the basics of digital photography there are many products that can help you. There are computer programs that can help photographers improve the image that they originally took with their camera. If the picture you took is too dark or too light you can fix it with one of these computer programs. If you have an area in a picture you do not want to show or keep, then you should use a cropping tool to remove it. After mastering basic photography, people can learn to enlarge a photo or enlarge a part of the photo. Practically everyone enjoys having a photo of a loved one in their home or office area. Once you get the basics of photography, you will be able to frame many of the great pictures you have taken, or have them professionally framed for your home or office.

Nikon is one of the world leaders in digital SLR technology. Along with Canon, Nikon defines the cutting edge of the photography world today.  Like most other camera manufacturers, Nikon offers a wide variety of cameras that will work for all levels of photographers, from beginners to professionals.  Let's take a look at the line up as it is today.

At the bottom of the line, we have the D40 and the D60.  These cameras a very similar to each other, and provide a great, lightweight camera choice for the budding photographer.  These cameras are very small, light, and easy to use.  The D40 is a 6 megapixel camera, while the D60 is a 10 megapixel camera in the same body.  Both cameras are an excellent value.

Stepping up in the Nikon line, we have the D80 and the new D90.  These camera offer a broader range of features when compared to the D40/D60 line, while still remaining relatively affordable.  The D90 breaks new ground for a digital SLR by offering full HD quality video recording, which is sure to be a popular feature.  These cameras are perfect for those photographers who aren't quite ready to step up to the next level just yet.

The next level, as it turns out, is the Nikon D300/D700.  These cameras are more or less than same when it comes to the body, which is a high quality, durable, professional style body that has all the features anyone could need.  The main difference between these two cameras is the sensor.  The D300 offers the typical cropped DSLR sensor, while the D700 offers a sensor with a coverage area comparable to 35mm, yielding a high quality picture.  This also gives the D700 impressive high ISO capabilities.

The final level is the professional D3.  This is a beast of a camera, offering every bell and whistle in the book.  If you're looking into one of these, you probably know what it offers.  This is overkill for most people, though. 

I hope this brief overview has given you a good idea of what the Nikon DSLR lineup is.  These cameras all take great pictures, and you can't really go wrong, but it does help to understand the different features and options available.

See how to share your new Christmas Pictures with your family after Christmas

Christmas time is for strong feelings and for confirmation of relations to family and friends in an atmosphere of good food and nice traditions. Learn to make the best out of these memories with pictures for old and young with these simple tips for photography.

A simple point-and-shoot camera has a great potential for family pictures during Christmas time. Such a camera can also produce most other kinds of pictures during this important annual event. Small digital cameras aren't that intrusive as big professional cameras. Se also Better Photos.

Here, I offer some basic photo tips and some more advanced photo tricks. If you follow just a few of them you will probably make more Christmas pictures that can help to remember each memorable Christmas day. You can start before Christmas day and get the full coverage of the Christmas time included, and also practise a little for your outstanding Christmas pictures this year.

Have your digital camera prepared for photography

Keep your digital camera in reach during all Christmas. Make sure your battery is fully recharged and your memory card has plenty of space for new pictures. Have your battery re-charger available, too, as you will take many photos with flash.

Share among family members the responsibility for taking pictures

For some Christmas events you might be quite busy serving the guest or helping older family members or being the one who should talk with everybody. Then just give your camera to another person and ask for him or her to take a lot of pictures during the event. Young people will often be very good at picture taking, not least because the availability of camera phones has facilitated that habit to even very young people.

Go close when taking Christmas pictures

Go as close as you can what ever you are shooting family members for Christmas or Christmas things and symbols. Most digital cameras include more in the photo than what is displayed when you frame it, unless you only use the digital display screen. You can always quickly check the result and take a new picture if needed.

Don't be afraid of arranged picture taking during Christmas

Many situations around the Christmas tree are quite messy. Don't worry of arranging a fine scene like grandfather in the big chair with the youngest family member on the lab with a big Christmas present in the small hands.

The background can improve the picture

Family pictures often have a messy background. When convenient make a few efforts to create a simple and ‘clean’ background for a photo of Christmas guests of own family members.

Arrange an all family members group photo

To have a picture taken if all family members get together for Christmas is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. If possible think beforehand of a functional locality - indoor or outdoor with enough room for all, including the space for the photographer. Use a tripod to have yourself included. Take at least three frames.

Take several shots of the most memorable situations

When you have a very nice situation don't spare your shots but take at least 3 alternatives. One picture might turn out to be much better than the others, and the first shot isn't the best shot very often.

Take pictures without the flash turned on

As Christmas in the northern hemisphere is happening in the dark wintertime many pictures will be taken with the flash on. That is fine for many occasions but the strong flashlight will often remove the nice special Christmas atmosphere. Learn how to manually turn the flash on and off before any important Christmas gathering. Increase the sensitivity to say 400 ASA for natural light photography during Christmas events.

Take candlelight pictures

Candlelight pictures are a rewarding approach to Christmas photography as they generate a special atmosphere of old time and traditions. Include one or two faces in the frame together with the candle. You have to switch off the flash of the camera and improve the sensitivity. If possible support your elbows on a table or the like to avoid camera shake. Still remember to take some alternative shots. Many Christmas symbols are also fine in candlelight.

Take series of Christmas pictures

A number of Christmas pictures showing a process or an event from the phase of preparation, through the main activities until the final stage of saying goodbye or cleaning up can be very interesting later. This can be a fine task for a younger family member to take care of and it is so nice with digital cameras that we don't have to worry of the cost of pictures that become failures. Such a series of Christmas pictures is excellent for a digital slide show later.

Take special interest in the oldest family members

As time goes by it often turns up that the last pictures of an old family member that passed away was taken at Christmas time. Without exaggerating keep that in mind and make sure you get really nice portraits of the oldest family members in good mood - every Christmas.

Make the best of the newborn and babies

Normally there will be taken a lot of photos of babies and the smallest children and that is a good tradition. Just pay a little attention to how to link the pictures of the children to symbols of Christmas and activities of other family members or friends during the Christmas event.

Preparing for Christmas - also a photo option

For children the waiting time to Christmas might be felt like infinity. For us grownups the time might slip away because of all the preparation for Christmas combined with our other duties. Shopping in the decorated streets, preparing presents and cooking food etc. are all fine options for your Christmas photography.

Throw away the bad pictures quickly

During Christmas or just after go through the Christmas pictures and weed all the bad ones out. When you have taken three alternative frames of the same situation, only keep the best one for the future. Be tuff, when editing your Christmas collection of pictures - that will reward you in the long run. Google's Picasa picture organizer is a fine help and it is free at picasa.google.com

Share your Christmas pictures

It is easy to share your Christmas pictures with family members and friends. At Online Photo Sharing you will find many options.

Find examples of Christmas pictures see www.azfotos.com/christmas/christmas-pictures.htm .

When problems arise with your digital camera when you're out taking pictures, sometimes it's not too easy to fix them.There is a solution however!  As football fans are fond of saying, “The best defense is a good offense.”  And the best offense here is to avoid problems with your digital camera in the first place.

 

That’s not to say things aren’t going to happen that are unexpected and unavoidable.A little prior planning, however, would prevent many of the common problems photographers have when out taking pictures.

 

Dead Batteries

 

There’s nothing worse than missing that great picture because the camera battery died.  The easy solution is to always, ALWAYS, have extra batteries in your camera case.You need at least one spare whether you're using rechargeable or regular batteries.. 

 

Also, bear in mind that if you’re outside shooting in cold weather, your batteries will die a lot quicker.When the temperatures drop, digital batteries just don't last as long. It might be a good idea to have two or more spares in cold weather.

 

Yes, batteries are expensive, but it’s worth the spending a little extra money to keep from beating your head against the wall because a dead battery made you miss that once in a lifetime shot. 

 

 

When Cards Go Bad

 

A while back I went on vacation and took all my pictures on one card.I thought I had lots of wonderful pictures from my trip.I knew I'd filled that card with lots of great pictures. 

 

The scenery was indeed breathtaking, but what really took my breath away was when I tried to load the pictures onto my computer and got one of those dreaded “ERROR” messages.The card looked fine, but it was corrupted. All the files were useless.With no way to retrieve the files, all those great pictures went up in a puff of electronic smoke.

 

While it doesn’t happen often, cards can and do go bad.Easing this disaster is why it's smarter to have two or more smaller cards instead of one great big memory card.Get a couple of 1-GB cards, for example, instead of buying a 2-GB card. 

 

Yes, it’s cheaper to buy a huge bunch of gigabytes on one card.If you only have one card, however, you lose ALL your pictures if it goes bad.Don't goof up and rely on one card.Be certain you'll have at least part of your pictures and not lose them all. 

 

Remember, two cards are better than one.

 

 

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

 

The weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just like pictures of rain.If you're riding in a boat or dallying at the seashore, there's a lot of moisture around there too.You want some pictures, but you don't want a ruined camera.Is there any way to keep your camera dry?

 

Well, you can buy protective gear to keep in your camera case for such times.  Places like B & H Photo or Calumet Photographic stores carry waterproof cases.  However, if it’s just an occasional thing, you might not want to spend money for such equipment.

 

For a make-do solution, carry a clear plastic bag in your camera case to keep water off your camera.If you don't have a plastic bag in your camera case and you're traveling, grab one of those disposable shower caps and use it.

 

Planning Ahead Saves Your Sanity

 

If planning ahead doesn’t save your sanity, it will at least improve your chances for good pictures with your digital camera.A dry camera, charged batteries and extra memory cards will insure your chance to take lots of pictures.

 

And that’s why you bought a digital camera in the first place, right?

The Canon EOS Digital REBEL XTi 400D Camera is the successor to the best selling EOS 350D. It combines a number of highly anticipated advancements along with a few stylish surprises.

The Canon EOS Digital REBEL XTi 400D Camera now features a larger, 2.5 inch screen and Canon’s Picture Styles. This new Canon model features a 10.1 Mega Pixel CMOS sensor. This easily makes this Canon model the highest resolution digital SLR with an EF-S lens mount. The Canon digital SLR also features a self-cleaning censor which removes dust particles. Reference frames can also be tagged to images that require automatic removal of more difficult dust particles. This is achieved later on through supplied software.

These features places the Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti 400D above it’s own higher end EOS 30D, in terms of resolution and dust-elimination technology. It has a similar nine-point AF system to the 30D’s. This camera is a much more significant upgrade than anyone had previously expected. The new sensor allows this camera to compete on the same levels against two of it’s toughest rivals, the Nikon D80 and the Sonly Alpha A100.

The Canon EOS 400D/Rebel Xti is a fantastic entry level digital SLR. It features high resolution without compromising noise levels and has a bigger screen, which doubles for detailed shooting information. The AF system offers fast overall handling. The only thing that’s missing is a lens that is bundled with Image Stabilization. The Canon 400D/Rebel Xti is a great camera that produces excellent image quality and is by far one of the best budget digital SLR camera’s to date.

Other improvements include:

-Custom auto-rotation
-Photo editing functions plus index print options
-Improved Share/Print function
-Faster image processing
-More precise 9-point AF system
-Better grip
-Improved overall interface
-2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD with 160-degree viewing angle
-Picture Style settings for quick color mode changes
-Great buffer depth of 27 Large/Fine JPEGs or 10 RAW frames
-A folder that holds up to 9,999 images
-Print/share buttons
-IR detection turns off LCD to help reduce glare or battery drainage
-Picture styles makes choosing and customizing of color modes fast and easy
-Fully compatible with over 50 lenses and accessories

Ultimately, the Canon Rebel 400D Xti is an improvement of an already superb digital camera. With Canon’s latest innovations, making digital SLR photography more versatile. This camera offers great improvements, features and value, making it an excellent choice for anyone wishing to capture great-looking photography.

The Canon EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera is unlike any previous digital SLR camera in that it combines a full-frame 35-mm sized high resolution sensor with 12.8 mega pixels and includes a relatively compact body size. The EOS 5D is a professional digital SLR. This camera has the obvious professional appeal to those who want a high quality digital SLR in a light camera body.

The sensor is 35.8x23.9 mm CMOS with 12.8 million effective pixels and no FOV crop. Image sizes vary between 4368x2912, 3168x2112 and 2496x1664. The auto-focus comes with a 9-point TTL, 6 “invisible assist AF points”, 0.5 to 18 EV working range and within the spot metering circle. Metering modes vary from evaluative 35 zone, center-weighted average, 1.0 to 20 EV metering range, spot and partial. There are number different image parameters and they include the following Picture Styles: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User 1, User 2 and User 3. The View Finder offers 96% frame coverage and 0.71x magnification. The focusing screen can be changed also. The LCD monitor is a 2.5 inch TFT LCD with wide viewing angles and 230,000. The shutter release offers a soft touch and the histogram comes in both luminance and RGB.

There are seven different kind of shooting modes including: Auto, Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb and Custom. The continuous speed offers up to 3 frames per second. This camera also features a unique playback jump of 10 images, 100 images, all by date and folder on screen. There are 21 different custom functions with 57 settings. With battery the camera weighs 2 pounds and without 1.8 pounds. Images can be viewed at a larger size by a small magnifying glass icon on the bottom right corner of the image on the screen. Clicking on the image will display a larger image in a new window. To navigate around pictures, simply use the next/previous page buttons to jump to any section. To skip to a particular section, pick the section from the drop down menu or select it from the navigation bar located at the top of the screen.

The EOS 5D features a super responsive DIGIC II processor that enables quick and effortless high-quality picture taking along with a USB 2.0 high-speed transfer that is compatible with the WFT-E1 wireless transmitter.

The MSRP is $3299 and there is no doubt that this camera will be of great interest to a wide variety of photographers. Save money on the Canon EOS 5D

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The most important event to occur inlife which we would like to remember with detail is our wedding day. Fortunately, photography helps us remember the happenings and events on that special day. During the course of planning your wedding you will have many different choices that you need to make. Outdoor wedding photography is sometimes an option, especially if the wedding ceremony does not take place outdoors. A lot of couples settle on having their photos taken just inside the church, inside the reception area and in the photographer's studio if they do not opt for outdoor wedding photography.

Outdoor Wedding Photography: Make It More Natural?

Even though studio pictures have the assistance of many different lights to enhance an appearance of natural skin tone and effect, natural light is still more desirable for many photographers and clients. Outdoor wedding photography also brings out the natural skin tones of each individual as well as adding to the variety of colors in the wedding photographs.

The outdoor scenery encourages thecouple to be more relaxed. The posing of the individuals being photographed looks more natural and at ease when they are taken outdoors. Outdoor wedding photography also integrates natural colors such as plants, flowers, the sky etc into the picture.

Outdoor Weddings Offer Beautiful Photo Opportunities.

When a wedding is held outdoors, the photographer will find opportunities for garden wedding photo settings. This means that the photographer has every opportunity to imagine and plan how well a picture might look for the after wedding photo session. Outdoor wedding photography does not require heavy makeup for both the bride and the groom to bring out their natural colors. In this day of natural is better, the choice of an outdoor wedding photography session is understandable and should be an option for those who are looking for beautiful wedding pictures.

It is very important to arrange your Outdoor wedding photography options with your photographer some time before the actual date of the wedding. It is best to let your photographer know about this preference so as to warn him regarding what kind of equipment to bring and what kind of pictures he might like to compose. Outdoor wedding photography may seem easier than those sessions held at a studio but there are many other factors to consider in outdoor wedding photography.

Here are some factors to be considered for the outdoor wedding photography session, such as the time of the photo session with the bridal entourage and the couple, the colors of the clothes of the entourage and what atmosphere the couple wants to convey in their pictures.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR offers two configurations: the body only and a kit with a 3.5-5.6, 28mm to 145 mm IS USM lens. The camera’s 1.6x focal-length multiplier adds an angle of view equivalent to that of a 44.8mm- 216 mm lens on a 35 mm camera.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR features a larger LCD monitor at 3inches and the body size of the camera is 4.2x5.7x2.9 inches. The weight of the camera is about 1.8 pounds. The body feels very solid and well made. Dust and weatherproofing technologies are also added to this camera. This camera also features an integrated sensor-cleaning system that’s similar to the Mark III series of camera’s. A Dust Delete Data option enables the camera to fully analyze and remember where the dust is places to algorithmically remove it from each individual picture.

The larger LCD offers a variety of advantages. The Jump, Review, Delete and New Picture Styles buttons are located just below the LCD rather than to the side, making the buttons a bit smaller than with previous models. The only disadvantage to this is that to some, they may be harder to use and press. The Metering/WB, ISO/Flash compensation, AF/Drive and LCD backlight buttons are also a bit difficult to differentiate, due to size.

On the positive side, the 40D has bigger, more tactile dial modes, with three slots for user settings. The grip of the camera has also been redesigned, adding curved indentation, making it easy to touch with your middle finger white shooting. The menu system has also been redesigned, making it much easier to read and navigate.

New features has also been included, like the Live View mode, which features a better, more flexible implementation of functions. With this camera, pictures show excellent dynamic range, with no visible clipping in the highlights or shadows.

The Canon 40D is a great camera overall and will remain an excellent choice compared to other dSLR’s in and around it’s price class. The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR ultimately delivers better photo quality than it’s competitors.

The good: Superior shooting quality and speed amongst other Dslr’s, this camera offers first-rate photo quality.

The bad? The spot size for spot meter is rather large and relatively sluggish in low-light focus situations.

Overall, the 40D offers great photo quality and excellent continuous-shooting performance. At 10.1 mega pixels and a price tag of $1,099, this camera is a great value for such a highly advanced professional camera.

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