photos by richard

As I can afford to do so, I have been buying some better lenses. Still do not own any Canon "L" series ones (L for luxury or L for lotsa money!) but will some day.

Rather than talk about lenses that I have never owned (or rented) I will refer you to an article but a pro. There are many other similar articles out there. Jim Harmer has owned both Canon and Nikon, so that gives him a bit more credibility to discuss both.

See his article here.

p.s. I own one of the lenses on his list - the 50 mm 1.8, and I would LOVE to have a 70-200 2.8. My favourite lens right now is my Tamron 18-50 2.8. Way less money than the Canon equivalent, and it gets decent reviews. Bought it used via eBay. I also have the Canon EFS 17-85, but have not used it much yet. Before those 2, my fave was the Canon 28-135, which I used LOTS.

The Canon 7D digital SLR camera may be 3 years old, but the new firmware almost makes it feel new.

Canon recently released new firmware for the 7D. Here is the official news release.

Highlights include increasing the maximum number of burst images taken in the RAW file format (from 15 frames to 25 frames) as well as the ability to process RAW image files directly in the camera and the option to set a maximum ISO setting in ISO Auto mode. The firmware also adds the ability to adjust up to 64 audio levels manually prior to recording video, supports custom file naming, and allows for compatibility with Canon's newly introduced, optional GPS Receiver GP-E2.

Videos explaining the upgrade can be seen at this Canon site, on the various tabs.

No one buys a camera and merely leaves it within his home. If you have a camera, you’re supposed to bring it outside exactly where the “action” really occurs. You’re meant to catch memories by using it while you’re on holiday and the likes. Sadly, bringing them along may be a irritation. This really is the motive why a great deal of folks invest in smaller digital cameras that they're able to easily bring everywhere. But what is going to happen to your big investment for that larger DSLR camera as well as add-ons?

Lots of folks don’t want to bring his or her's cameras for the reason that they don’t desire to carry the extra bag. They've to handle their own trendy bag on one hand as well as the large camera bag around the other. But you don’t have to do this ever again by means of very trendy leather camera bags. They appear like everyday bags which you would normally take. The advantage is it’s the perfect location for your camera as well as accessories.

Listed here are a few examples of leather camera bags which you could need to look at:

Jill-e 769374

Lots of ladies adore this kind of trendy camera bag by Jill-e. The item provides every thing you happen to be trying to find in a leather camera bag and a lot more. It includes a spacious inside with Velcro partitioning which you can easily alter depending on your camera’s dimension. The inside furthermore includes a wide range of storage compartments for small accessories including extra batteries as well as storage cards. As a bonus, it includes a wide range of extra storage compartments within as well as out side for your private items. The item also does not appear to be a camera bag so you could still be trendy if you want to. Naturally, it does appear like a little something that ladies would like to carry around every day.

453 Men's Camera Bag

If you’re a man, you could possibly choose to look at this bag. This really is one of the more common leather camera bags for gentlemen for the reason that you will find two roomy compartments. You could use one for the camera plus the other one for personal items. You can find also lots of extra flaps as well as zippered storage compartments which are very helpful compartments. It is produced with vacquetta leather that is very trendy.

Piel Leather Deluxe

This really is also an extremely popular brand for gentlemen. It is an carry-all camera bag that has compartments as well as pockets for almost everything that you need for that day at school or at work. For those who need to take a pic, you don’t need to miss it since this bag has roomy compartments for the camera as well as accessories.

You don’t need to compromise style just so you'll be able to bring your camera. Thus pick from the wide selection of leather camera bags so you could always have your camera with you in addition to still be stylish and trendy. Pick one depending around the number of compartments which you want as well as your private preference in style. It is difficult to go wrong doing this.

The Canon T2i is a great camera at the price it is set at. Now comes its newest sibling the T3i. Amazon says it is already in stock in the U.S. $900.

The EOS T3i is known in Europe as the EOS 600D, and is an upper entry-level DSLR. It continues to use the same 18MP CMOS sensor that is in the Rebel T2i (550D) but gains a tilt and swivel 1,040k dot LCD monitor like the one offered on the more expensive 60D. It also gains the ability to remotely control flashguns using its internal flash, a feature previously only featured on higher-end models. Alongside the camera, Canon is also launching the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS II, a cosmetically revised version of its optically stabilized kit lens. Another new feature is the ability to shoot 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, or 1:1, previewable in Live View. (I like this!!)

Product Features

• 18.0 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.
• ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.
• Improved EOS Full HD Movie mode with manual exposure control, expanded recording with new Movie Digital zoom
• Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor (3:2) for shooting at high or low angles and 1,040,000-dot VGA with reflection reduction
• New Scene Intelligent Auto mode and Picture Style Auto incorporating the new EOS Scene Detection System
• And Video Snapshot features for enhanced video shooting options.

Technical Details (with "kit" lens)

• Brand Name: Canon
• Model: REBEL T3i Kit
• Optical Sensor Resolution: 18 MP
• Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
• Optical zoom: 3 x
• Maximum Aperture Range: F/3.5-5.6
• Minimum focal length: 18 millimeters
• Maximum focal length: 55 millimeters
• Lens Type: Zoom lens
• Optical Sensor Size: 14.9 x 22.3mm
• Included Flash Type: Pop-up flash
• Display Size: 3 inches
• Light Sensitivity: ISO 12800, ISO 100-6400, ISO auto (100-6400)
• Image types: JPEG, RAW
• Exposure Control Type: Landscape, Portrait mode, Action, Close-up, Night scene
• Viewfinder Type: Optical
• Width: 5.2 inches
• Height: 3.9 inches
• Weight: 20.11 pounds

Do you know anything about digital cameras? Many people think that we can use our digital camera to capture many nice images without using any other accessories. However, in my opinion, we still need some accessories to help us in photo taking so that we can enhance the quality of the images. Therefore, I will write about the three most important accessories for us to use together with digital camera to get the best image.

These are not listed in any specific order and I do not assume in any order of significance either although if you were to push me for an answer, I would place a tripod as my number one accessory. It will also depend on what sort of photography you are pursuing as to which one will be number one to you. They are, nonetheless, accessories that I would list as important to the gear bag of a photographer.

1. A tripod
If you do not already have a tripod then get yourself one. Purchase the most expensive one you can afford. A great strong tripod is important to the kit of a photographer. There are several situations when light conditions are not good and the extra stability can help you produce crisp, sharp pictures. Just a little camera shake will cause blurring to some degree in the final photo. A tripod is specifically helpfulwhen shooting close-ups of flowers and small creatures and assists you to have complete control of your images.

2. Remote shutter release
This is coupled with the tripod and is important when avoiding camera shake. Even when your camera is mounted on the tripod, the most straightforward action like pushing the shutter button can still provoke camera shake and prevent you from getting the sharpest images. It works very simply either connected by a cable to the camera or using an infrared connection to activate the shutter.

3. A good circular polarising filter
A polarising filter cuts down glare and reflections off shiny surfaces. Those of you who have ever owned or used a pair of polaroid sunglasses will know the outcome that it has on shiny and reflective surfaces. This includes foliage as well. When using polaroid sunglasses while looking at water you are able to see below the surface if the water is clear. The sky becomes bluer and the green vegetation greener. If you are landscape photographer you will really benefit from a polariser. I consider this essential. One tip though is that you should always use one that has the equivalent or higher quality of your lens. There is no point in putting bad glass in front of good glass.

In short, it is easy for us to get the best quality of photos if we have those important accessories that can help us in photo taking. Frankly, if i was you, I will try to get all three essential accessories. Anyway, it depends on you whether you need it or not.

[resource]If you want to know more about touch screen camera, you may visit Touch Screen Digital Camera and Digital Camera Buying Guide.

I currently have a Canon 40D. It is over 2 years old and I have been happy with it. Especially the 6.5 frames per second, with a buffer that can hold 75 hi-res JPGs.

When the 50D came out, it was not enough of a change.

When the 7D came out, I could not justify the cost.

Lately I have been wanting to get decent video capability, and have questions: 7D or dedicated camcorder. The T series did not have some of the features that my 40D has, so they were not in the race.

Now comes the 60D. It is considered a Canon mid-level DSLR, replacing the 50D. The 60D is a smaller camera featuring an articulated screen and plastic body shell and utilizing SD memory cards.

SD cards!!!

Well, we all knew it would happen sooner or later. But that is an extra cost for me. I have about 20 GB worth of CF cards, but only about 6 GB of SDs.

The 60D has an 18MP CMOS sensor and a 3" LCD that swings out (that is what they mean by articulated) and has base ISO capability from 100-6400. The 40D only goes to 1600, so that 6400 is nice for low light.

Downsides?

Plastic body, only 5.3 frames per second, only 58 JPGs in buffer. My 40D has the alloy body, 6.5 frames per second, and 75 JPGs. Not huge deals, but unfortunate. Saves some money which they put into the swing screen and movie mode I am sure.

Final question: 60D or 7D? There is currently a large price difference.

(or go with stand alone camcorder?)

Finally, it gains the 7D's HD movie capability.

As a paparazzo there are lots of different routes you could opt to explore, however there's one thing that all photos rely significantly on, the employment of light. Get this elemental point wrong and its just not going to work.
Be it social documentary, wedding photographer in Cornwall, sports or portraiture, lighting is critical.
An ever-growing popular movement inside photography is whats known as strobist. This involves a reasonably minimalist approach to working, no massive lighting rigs or power packs, just some lightweight light stands, some umbrellas and some flash guns trigger by wireless radio triggers. Used properly this will produce some dramatic affects. The incontrovertible fact that it requires a reasonably small amount of hardware implies it is ideal if youare a fashion, music or marriage snapper. It also implies that if you're trying to work to a tight budget, as a new photographer only starting out then it's not going to costyou your house to buy all of the equipment.
What you want On Location

• Remote Control to Fire Flash
• Light Modifier for Flash Unit
• Off Camera Flash
• Knowledge to mix Flash with Ambiant Light

This is another excuse for its skyrocketing recognition. You can as with everything take it to extremes and spend tons of money ( if you have it ) on expensive lights and power packs and generators to tote around with you, but this also means you need more folk to helpyou out with the shoot.
Due to the massive celebrity culture that surrounds us everyone is now aware of the type of photos stars want us to see of them, glossy well edited pictures of the celeb looking there best, this also transfers into the kind of photographs celebrities have taken of them on there wedding day, because everyone seems to be forced to see these photographs on the T.V. Net or in mags, people desire their wedding photographers from Cornwall to be able to reproduce these fashion style high end photographs, and this is where we come back to using wireless remote caused flash, the simplest way to attain that glossy magazine style look.
There is a wedding photographers from Cornwall whos abilities are ever advancing and covers all areas of photography and uses this strobist method.
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You have made a decision to buy a digital camera and the type of digital camera that you are looking at is from the family of Canon SLR digital cameras. But you need to know that because there are so many Canon SLR digital cameras, there are things to think about before choosing one. These items are going to help you make the decision that is right for you. Take a look at the items and they will give you help in choosing a digital camera.

Before spending money on a digital camera, you want to figure out what you're going to be using it for. Do you plan to do something for your business? Are you pregnant? Are you buying it for an occasion that is special? When you know what you want it for, it will help you figure out what is important.

The second thing to consider is what your budget is going to be for your camera. Because there are so many different prices of Canon SLR digital cameras, both high and low, it's important to decide how much you want to spend beforehand. There are Canon SLR digital cameras from less than $100 to up to thousands of dollars. So that's the reason to have a budget ahead of time. Or else you may end up spending a lot more than intended.

The third thing to consider is your resolution. Look at your budget and decide what the biggest number of megapixels you can have. This is going to give you the highest quality of pictures. It's suggested that you have at least 5 megapixels in a digital camera to have the minimum quality. When it comes to Canon SLR digital cameras, they go up to over 21 megapixels and more.

The final thing that you want to think about is what kind of zoom lens do you want. It's important to choose a zoom lens which is greater than 3x. If you don't get a high enough zoom lens, then you will not be able to get good pictures of far away objects. Keep in mind things such as weddings, zoo visits, sports games, and nature. The listed places are where you might want to have a decent zoom lens.

You want to consider the items that are listed above when you are thinking about buying one of the many Canon SLR digital cameras available. You can either spend thousands of dollars or just a few hundred dollars on these cameras. Let your budget and your expectations of your camera decide which one you want to buy. It won't be too hard to find one that is the right match for you. There are many to choose from.

Here is a video showing how to pack photo gear. I definitely need to study this one multiple times, as I am terrible at packing.

The number one question by beginner photographers is about lighting. Light is the key to quality photography and can run from $25.00 to tens of thousands for top professional name brand equipment. If you have several thousand to spend then almost any known brand you want to buy will be of good quality and last for many years. Most beginners waste money trying to purchase a low cost unit that just does not work.

Light Options

• Well Made Case
• Mono Light
• Digital Power Adjustment
• Compact Size
• Head and Power Pack

May go to Ebay for used equipment but Craig's list is local and you can see whatr you are buying so that is a good place to look. Since quality lights usually last a long time you may find a lot of very old units. Some will be higher voltage than what can be safely connected to new digital cameras . Most can be used but you would need a voltage converter to reduce the power to a safe level. With those same older units most did not have brightness adjustments and were basic one brightness flash. All adjustments would be made in camera or with additional filters and compared to new adjustable units would be very hard to use. I would not suggest purchasing old flash units.

Both new and old units come in 2 variations. They are both strobe lights for photography .The first is a Head and power supply. The head is nothing but the strobe light without any power. The power unit is required to supply power to the strobe. Several heads can be connected to the power unit depending on the watt seconds required and model of the power unit. The heads can be much less expensive than self contained Mono light units. On the other hand the power supply unit can get expensive and must fit the head you purchased. Most start around $500.00 and quickly get over $1000.00 and as much as $5000.00 for top of the line power supplies. Before you buy a head make sure you know the cost of the power supply required to use it. Mono units have a built in power supply and require no additional attachments for use.

Modern flash units with low voltage connections and adjustable output are the units you would want to look at. If you look on Ebay you will find dozens of sellers offering dirt cheap continous lights and strobe units.The low cost continous lights found online usually don't have enough power for photography. I would say at least 2 units at a minimum of 2000 watts each. Most of the time they will cost more than a good quality entry level strobe light. Strobes start at under $100.00 and go into the thousands.

Many love a brand called Alien Bee which is made in the USA and sold online. It is a quality unit and will work as described. For about the same money I really like a brand made by Camulet Photo called Genesis. They come in both 200 Watt Seconds
(WS) and 400 WS. The 200 Watt unit is a Mono Light so it is totally self contained. Simply plug in a AC outlet and it is ready to use. They sell new for under $175.00 each and provide consistant light output, digital adjustment and even color (White Balance).If you are looking for lights for action photography then these would not be a good choice. You would need a faster light burst to freeze fast moving objects.

How much power is enough? For portrait work I find 200WS more than enough. For lighting platinum jewelry or any rings that is more than enough. I use from 1-4 lights depending on the look I want. I seldom use the lights at full power. 95% of the time I am under 75% power or less. In a large room shooting for a auto dealership I needed a lot more than what the 200watt units could provide. A 600 watt unit I have did not even make a difference. I could have used at least 4-5 of the 1000watt units for that one job to even out the bright outside light with the inside light .Renting would have been an option but I had time for a totally free option. My solution was to use 6 lights and wait until the exterior light reduced to a point my lighting would be bright enough. Sure if you purchase1000-3000 watt units you would have more light just in case you ever need it but may find you cannot turn the power low enough for some creative applications where a wide open lens is wanted. Too much power may not allow a mix of strobe and natural light or room light from a lamp to enhance the photo.

I would start with a quality brand Mono unit and spend a good amount of my budget on light modifiers. That is where real light control happens and the more options you have the better light control you will have. A $1200.00 strobe with a $10.00 unbrella will not give you as much light control as a $200.00 strobe with a good quality Soft Box and grid cover. Remember lighting for photography is not all about power, it is about control of the light.