The Best Small Digital Camera For the Money
December 17, 2011 | 
Author 
For some time now I’ve been looking for the best small digital camera. I wanted a point and shoot, to carry around when I don’t have the Nikon D80 with me. I wanted something small, with image stabilization, optical zoom, plus very good shutter speed.
In the end, after all the research I’ve done I decided to go either with the Canon SD 870, 850 IS or the G9. They all take very good photos, crispy and light, with a good IS. You can even zoom in and the images will still be sharp. If you take those photos at ISO 400, they will end up with less noise or the same noise as a D80.
The cameras I just mentioned are small and quite good. The Canon 870IS is a small camera, which can fit easily in the pocket. The 850 was a present I made to some relatives of mine during the holidays and they are extremely satisfied with the photos it takes. As for G9, it’s a camera that can shoot videos as well, and it’s one of my favorites so far.
The prices of the cameras I mentioned so far:
Canon Powershot G9: $500, with an optical zoom of 6x and 12.1 megapixels
Canon Powershot SD870IS, that has 8 megapixels, a 3.8x optical zoom, at a price of $624
Canon Powershot SD950IS, priced at $400, with a 12.1 megapixel resolution and 3.7 optical zoom
Canon Powershot SD 850 IS, at $300, with 4x zoom and 8 megapixels
Another digital camera that was suggested to me was the Olympus SP-570UZ. After looking around for a bit, I think it’s a camera that can be carried easily when you want to take a photo without carrying a DSLR with you. The camera has a good sensor, very good zoom, image stabilization and a large aperture. The price is also OK, at a price around $400 – 500. This version is the third that was launched in this series.
The storage of the Olympus SP-570UZ can be done on xD cards, which you need to buy separately. The camera also ships with editing software, which is called Olympus Master 2. I especially like the 20x optical dual image zoom. The 10 megapixel resolution makes sure that you can print photos at a 18 x 24 inch size.
Some of the technologies that come with the camera are dual image stabilization, face detection, perfect shot preview and shadow adjustment technology.
Nikon D70 – The Best SLR Camera For 2009, Period
After using a Nikon D70 camera for more than four years, I finally sold it. It was the best SLR camera I owned so far and I will miss it. The next camera I bought was a D40, but it doesn’t compare with the previous one. While it took better photos than the D70, the menus were more complex and I had to spend a lot of time tweaking the settings (ISO, changing the white balance, and so on). The Nikon D70 was much easier to use, with each setting having its own button. Usability is clearly better for the D70. The thing that got me to return the D40 after just a few days of using it was the fact that it didn’t autofocus when I used a 1.8 50mm lens.
After that, I looked at a number of cameras to buy: XTI, XSI, D300, 40D and D80. You can’t really say any of them is a bad camera, since the photo quality is very good in all of them. The point where they’re different is in the price, the usability and the features that come with them. The price was too high for the D300 and the 40D. In XTI’s case, the camera is pretty old by now (though still good and the price is accessible). A good camera, the D80 is also a bit old, so it lacks some features, like sensor cleaning, or the lack of bundled VR lenses. The D80 is a camera that was launched in 2006, so you can find something more advanced this year.
The final choice was an XSI camera that I bought from Amazon. It fits my small hands well and it comes with a set of buttons that do most of the things I need, without messing around in the menu too much. Card formatting and modifying the white balance is still done through the menu though. The auto ISO feature is better in my old camera, the D70. But these are the only things I can say bad about it. It’s a great camera otherwise. It takes very good photos while doing little noise. The skin tones are good (I regularly take photos of my wife and daughter). You can also see the RGB histogram, which allows you to see when you clip individual colors.
If the Nikon D80 came with as many features like the XSI, I probably would’ve gone with it. I’m talking about features like a sensor that is self-cleaning, highlight tone priority and bundled VR lens.
But, since it doesn’t, the best SLR camera for me is the XSI right now.
Your Portraits Should Tell a Story – How to Take Great Portrait Shots
The Afghan girl featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985 captured the attention of a generation. Her eyes in that portrait told a haunting story that photographer Steve McCurry admits was never actually premeditated. “I didn’t think the photograph of the girl would be different from anything else I shot that day,” he says in a follow up National Geographic article, a Life Revealed.
It is something about the strikingness of the eyes and the emotion of the subject that can really make a portrait stand out. Like McCurry, some of your portrait photography success will be attributed to luck, but you can also take on board these tips to capture poignant portraits:
Plan – for a portrait shoot, scour your surroundings and plan your shot before you set up your subject. Look for a plain background to shoot against for close-up head shots. Meanwhile, a simple setting with some interesting lines will be good for full length poses but be sure that the surroundings don’t detract from your subject matter.
Build Rapport – the most important part about photographing people is to make sure your subject feels comfortable. Establish good rapport, engage them in conversation – this will be especially important if you’re not working with a professional model as many individuals feel nervous about having their photograph taken. Always discuss the shots you’re planning and be prepared to alter your plans if he or she does not feel comfortable with the concept.
Personality – lighting, background, framing – while the photographer is in control of the elements of the shot, the subject is in control of the photo. You will need to work with your subject’s personality to create an engaging image. Remember that the definition of a portrait shot is an “artistic representation of a person” capturing the personality, emotion and mood of the subject. For example, environmental portraits that are taken in the subject’s natural surroundings such as the home can make a powerful composition and reveal a lot of depth about the person.
Posing – as a photographer, you’re expected to give stage directions to your model. You want the position to look natural and to present your subject in the best light. Look for any flaws in your subject and pose them in a way that hides these imperfections – for example, you can minimise the appearance of a large nose by raising the chin slightly. Meanwhile, make sure the shots look and feel natural – let kids be kids and make sure group shots convey the relationship between the individuals.
Equipment - not all digital cameras are built the same and you’ll need to ensure you have the right equipment for your portrait shot. Many experts recommend the rule of 3 point lighting for portrait photography (key light, fill light and rim light).
Nikon Camera Bag
Nikon has a few camera models which we’ll go over briefly to have an idea about them. Basically there are 3 major classes of cameras:
- film cameras
- compact digital cameras
- digital SLR cameras
Film Cameras. They are for avid photographers mostly. There is an intrinsic charm to film photography, but it’s definitely less practical and more expansive than digital photography. That being said it’s hard nowadays to come by an old school case, although not impossible. My suggestion is to look online for a leather case from Nikon. For the sake of the good looks and class you might get a second hand one.
Compact cameras. For the small point and shoot cameras there is a great selection of digital camera pouches to choose from. By far my favorite brand would be Crumpler, because they don’t put out any dull designs. Try to consider that next time you want to buy a camera pouch.
Depending on what you are looking for the camera bag to do for your camera you might consider ‘camera sleeves’ as well. They are small and offer almost no protection against bumps, but on the other hand if you only need to protect your camera from scratches and plan on carrying it in a purse or a bigger bag, than camera sleeves might be just what you need. Also a nice feature to look for when buying a camera sleeve is the wrist band, that allows you to carry the camera attached to your arm, making you an instant tourist. Lovely. As side benefits to that tourist look they give you, the camera sleeves are more comfortable and less bulky than any other camera carrier.
For more practical features and even more protection go for digital camera bags or camera pouches as they are called in a weird circle of friends. These babies tend to give you more protection and more room for accessories. On the flip side of course they are bulkier than the camera sleeves, and cost just a little bit more. The things you should look for when buying are still a wrist band (and/or belt strap, though this is definitely not my style) that makes it easier to carry around, water proofing and last but not least design. The big four in camera bag manufacturing, meaning: Tamrac, Lowepro, Crumpler and Kata will of course offer you pretty much everything I’ve mentioned above, and they are really high quality materials, thus providing your camera pouch with a longer lifespan than even the camera inside.
Some Nikon Coolpix models have a lens that sticks out of the camera, and for those I highly recommend you go with the camera pouches.
Next on the list are digital SLR camera bags, or simply put just “slr camera bags”. This is where you really start paying attention to what you are getting. Basically if you have one camera body that you carry around and a lens or two, go with this option. As I mention before the big 4 is what I recommend you go for, most of their slr camera bags are waterproof have a shoulder strap, and a handle so they are easy to carry around and have enough room for accessories. The main issue here is to get a camera bag that fits what you want to carry and you might want to think ahead for future investments in lenses, because it would be a bummer 6 months down the road to get another lens and then have to compromise between lenses when going on a trip or on a project. Also you might want to consider the amount of accessories you will take along. The basic bag has enough room for you to fit an extra battery, an extra card, some filters and that’s about it. But fear not my good friend for others have faced this problem before and the solution are bigger camera bags obviously. The shoulder slr camera bags (i.e. Crumpler Million Dollar Home series). My personal favorite would have the Lowepro camera bags here, unless you need a shoulder bag where I vote for Crumpler again.
The last but certainly not the least class of camera holders are the digital camera backpacks. If you are like me you can hear a thousand angels singing in the background as you read this. The camera backpacks are the ultimate in photography mobility so to speak. Some backpacks can fit so much equipment that by the time you zip up the last zipper you realize you could trade that backpack with everything in it for a European luxury car. Again, Crumpler felt the need to stand out and it did it quite well. Crumpler backpacks are a bit smaller than the most popular models from Tamrac and Lowepro, but that gives you a really important advantage which can be vital (at least for your photo equipment) when the need arises. And I’m talking here about Crumpler meeting the flight regulations for carry-on luggage, meaning you won’t have to trust anybody to handle your precious camera other than yourself. Why this can be vital?! Well because most baggage handlers make accidents happen and you don’t want your camera to be involved in that. Don’t believe me? Look up ‘united breaks guitars’ on YouTube and than consider if you would like to carry your backpack with you or let the handlers throw it around.
Getting back to Nikon, the slr camera bags and the camera backpacks are targeted at D700 family of nikons and above (D80, D300, D3 all the other good stuff). If you have let’s say a D300 with the 70-200mm and a couple other lenses plus accessories, forget about slr camera bags and just go straight to shoulder slr bag or the backpacks. My friendly suggestion would be to opt for a camera backpack because it’s going to be less strain on your back.
Photographing Flowers Using Multiple Exposures With the Nikon D300
Some DSLR cameras now offer multiple exposure modes. These include the Nikon D3, D300, D2H, D2x, D200, and D80, the Pentax K10D, and *istD, Pentax Optio 550, and the Fujifilm Fine Pix S5, S3, S2, and S1. This may not be a complete list so check your camera manual to see if your camera has this option.
While you can combine multiple captures using layers in Photoshop and other imaging software, there a several advantages to being able to combine exposures in camera as you are able to do with film. The Nikon D300 uses raw data from the camera’s sensor and can combine the information/data from up to 10 exposures into one file. This eliminates the need to work with the layer opacity and blending mode of multiple files and provides smoother image integration with less effort. By using the auto gain function there is no need to adjust individual exposures after setting the initial aperture and shutter speed.
While it is possible to use a fixed focal length macro lens when capturing multiple images, a zoom “macro” lens provides the advantage of not having to adjust the camera or flower position with each successive exposure. For these photographs I used a Tamron 28-300mm AF Aspherical XR Di LD (IF) 1:3.5-6.3 Macro lens. While not a true macro lens it does provides a 1:3 reproduction ratio.
One of the key ingredients of successful multiple exposure photography is choosing a subject that lends itself to this process. Flowers provide a variety of shapes, tones, and contrasts that blend well in the final image. These attributes contribute to the unique photographs produced when employing multiple exposures. By employing the techniques discussed in this article you can achieve a luminosity and transparency that surpasses single exposure flower photography.
Setting a custom white balance (WB) is preferable to allowing the camera’s auto WB to determine the color temperature. By shooting in RAW format you can also adjust the WB after exposure to complement each image. If you experiment with WB settings you may achieve hue variations that will enhance the photograph.
A dark background provides a nice contrast to lighter colored flowers and also blends well with successive exposures. I use black seamless paper for most of the white, yellow, and pink flowers. It is a good idea to check the initial and final proposed zoom settings to see the proportion of flower and background in the frame. A technique that I like to use is to begin at the shortest focal length where a large amount of background is in the frame and then gradually adjust focal length with each exposure. Each successive zoom setting changes the focal length until reaching the maximum extension. If we use the 28-300mm zoom as an example the total change from shortest to longest focal length is 272mm. Let’s assume that we will record 10 exposures. Our first exposure will be at 28mm and our last at 300mm so that leaves 8 exposures in which to divide our range. Using a little approximation for ease of focal length positioning, this calculates to settings of 28, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, and 300mm for the 10 exposures. Sometimes rather than adhere to strict divisions I just look through the lens and adjust the zoom according to what appears to look good to me as I record each exposure.
You can also begin at the closest zoom setting with the flower filling the frame and then gradually zoom out. It is important when using this technique to begin with camera quite close to the flower. In the case of the Tamron 28-300mm lens, the shortest distance that lens can focus to is approximately 19 inches. The zoom is then adjusted in successive increments such that at the final exposure the flower nearly fills the frame with just a little of the background showing.
The final image produced using multiple exposures is often difficult to visualize. One of the advantages of digital is the capability to review the photograph immediately after capture and make any adjustments to camera and flower positioning.
Lighting is just as important in multiple exposure photography as it is in single exposure photography. I am fortunate to have a skylight that provides a diffused light source to the flowers. If it is necessary to use strobes I would recommend using umbrellas or a soft box to preserve the textural details of the flowers.
Because of the length of time needed to take multiple exposures in the manner described above, it is necessary to control positioning of the flower, camera, lighting, and background.
Because when I start I don’t know exactly how long I will be photographing an individual flower, I like to use fresh water prepared with some plant food which most flower stores will give you for free when you purchase the flowers. If the photo session stretches into several days as you come up with new ideas you will be thankful you provided the flower with some nourishment!
I begin by leveling the surface upon which the flower will be placed. It is a good idea to start with a fairly long stem on the flower and to place the flower in a vase which provides a stable support. By leaving a long stem you can photograph the flower from below which provides a unique perspective that I have seldom seen in flower photography as most people concentrate on the petals, pistil, and stamen from either the top or side. With the flower supported and on a level surface you can rotate the vase to achieve any angle that you wish. As the flower is rotated the illumination on the petals changes as well as the position relative to the camera lens. Many different shapes and contrasts can be obtained by employing this technique and often a very abstract pattern can result that can be quite appealing. By rotating the flower about a singe point a spiral effect can be achieved.
The use of a tripod is highly recommended to stabilize the camera. I would also recommend using mirror lockup/exposure delay and a remote shutter release or self timer. Position the tripod at the height for the first photograph and level the camera. It is also a good idea to position the angle of the camera lens parallel to the plane of the flower, and if maximum depth of field is desired to adjust the aperture to f/16 or f/22. Generally I photograph in aperture priority mode.
I hope that these suggestions and guidelines provide a good starting point for your exploration of multiple exposure photography.
2008 DSLR Review – The Hits and Misses of the Year
2008 was an interesting year for DSLR’s and photographers in general, even if you ignore the ultra-high end announcements from Leica, Hassleblad and Red. The three main players in the DSLR space (Nikon and Canon each with around 40% market share, and Sony with around 10%) all launched milestone cameras. Below we’ll detail their hits, and misses.
Nikon
After their groundbreaking releases in 2007 with the Nikon D3 and D300, they set the bar high for 2008, but in general didn’t disappoint with four new bodies:
Nikon D60
While not revolutionary, the Nikon D60 replaced the D40x in Nikons consumer lineup, in a smaller, better package, becoming one of the smallest and lightest DSLR’s ever made.
Nikon D700
Coming almost as a complete surprise, the Nikon D700 was launched mid summer, containing the 12 megapixel full frame sensor out of the flagship D3, but with a body similar to the D300. At $3,000, this camera showed Nikons commitment to FX, and the camera instantly became the choice for many pros that didn’t need the weather sealing or the advanced features of the D3 (for example wedding photographers).
However within months of its release, the Sony A900 came out with a 24 megapixel full frame sensor for the same MSRP, and the Canon 5D Mark II came out with a 21 megapixel full frame sensor and 1080p HD Video, for $2,700.
While the D700 remains the most complete package (best autofocus, arguable the best metering, and for the vast majority 12 megapixels is plenty), it has come under severe pressure from its higher megapixel rivals. Just four months after its release, the street prices have dropped 25%, down to the $2,300 range for a USA model.
Nikon D90
Replacing the D80 in Nikons lineup, the Nikon D90 took the sensor from the respected D300, improved on it slightly, added video, and packaged it in a smaller, lighter body with scene modes and a more basic autofocus and metering.
The Nikon D90 was also the worlds first DSLR to feature HD Video capture, with its 720p/24 f.p.s. mode. However, a few weeks later Canon announced a much more comprehensive video offering with it’s Canon 5D Mark II, and video remains the weakest feature on the D90, lacking autofocus and giving very little control over key elements like exposure.
At $999, this helped firm up Nikons consumer lineup, by creating an outstandingly capable advanced consumer DSLR in the Nikon D90.
Nikon D3x
After years of rumor, Nikon finally announced it’s high megapixel camera, the 24 megapixel Nikon D3x.
The camera immediately caused a backlash with its $8,000 price point, which at the time of release was about double the street price of the Nikon D3. This the uproar was only fuelled further, when it was revealed the only significant differences between the D3 and the D3x were the sensor and a slightly improved EXPEED processor, combined with the fact Sony can produce a DSLR with the same size/megapixel sensor for a mere $3,000.
This camera is aimed squarely at the studio/landscape photographer, and initial tests have shown that the sensor is cleaner at high ISO’s than the Sony (but comparable to the 5D Mark II, which has fewer megapixels). So while it’s clearly an impressive camera, it remains to be seen how many photographers can actually justify the price tag.
Canon
In addition to some entry level DSLR’s, can had two big releases in 2008.
Canon EOS 50D
Replacing the 40D, the Canon 50D featured a 15 megapixel 1.6x crop sensor, making it the highest pixel density available today (equivalent to a 39 megapixel full frame sensor).
However the initial reception hasn’t been especially positive. Because of the high pixel density, the camera suffers more from the effects of diffraction, doesn’t have the high ISO ability many hoped it would, and shows up issues with lenses more than any previous model. Despite this, it remains a solid camera at its current street price of just over $1,000.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Probably the most significant release of the year, the Canon 5D replacement features a 21 megapixel Full Frame sensor, ISO capabilities similar to the new Nikon D3x, and it became the first DSLR to feature full 1080p HD Video capture. Despite some initial problems (like the infamous “black dot” problem), for $2,700 Canon provides an amazing feature set, and appears to have hit a home run with what is arguably the best prosumer package on the market today.
Sony
After solidifying its consumer lineup, Sony went after the prosumer market with the Sony A900 featuring a 24-megapixel full frame sensor for under $3,000.
Sony A900
The camera lacks basic features expected on today’s DSLR’s like Live View, but the next camera available with 24 megapixels is the $8,000 Nikon D3x. However it’s biggest competition comes from the Canon 5D Mark II, which has a slightly lower resolution at 21 megapixels, but more than makes up for it with its lower $2,700 price tag, full 1080p HD Video mode and features like Live View.
While clearly an impressive camera at a solid price point, unless you really need the extra resolution, it would be very hard to pick the Sony over the Canon.
Summary
With groundbreaking cameras in the Nikon D3x, Nikon D90, Canon 50D and Canon 5D Mark II, 2008 solidified full frame sensors in the marketplace, witnessed a continued push towards higher megapixels, and saw the introduction of video on DSLR’s.
Looking forward, 2009 should be an interesting year. With negative economic conditions and fierce competition for market share, we should see prices drop, and features like video mature making for some interesting, if not groundbreaking cameras in the near future.
How to Get the Best Digital SLR For You Money
Buying a SLR digital camera is a real investment. It costs a lot and you need to maintain it regularly if you want to keep it for a long time. Before investing the money in a digital SLR camera, you should talk with other SLR owners for some tips. If you don’t know any professional photographers to ask them questions, below you can read about two SLR cameras that can be bought.
1. Nikon D40X. The D40X is a 10MP camera, following the D40 model, which had only 6MP. Obviously, you will need to pay more if you want the D40X, and those extra money can be spent on accessories or extra lenses. But if you do want more megapixels, it’s worth the money. The 420 pixel sensor of the D40X is the same as the one that comes with the D80 model. Also, it uses the processor that the D200 model comes with.
You got a few options when it comes to the D40X model:
- buy a SLR digital camera alone
- buy the SLR together with a 18 – 55 mm lens
- buy the SLR with two lenses ( a 55 – 200 mm and a 18 – 55 mm)
- buy a SLR together with a 18 – 135 mm lens
This model doesn’t come with “auto focus”, so a lens might be just what you need to help you there. If you’re looking for a small SLR, this one might just fit the bill. The problem is that a small camera will usually come with less features, like only one display. If you’re a beginner, this might be OK, but a professional will need a second display. If you don’t have too much patience, this camera is also for you, because it starts very quickly, in just half a second.
2. Pentax K10D. If money is a problem, but you still want to buy a SLR digital camera, the Pentax K10D might be what you need. While it’s not the cheapest one, its price is still good and the number of features that it comes with is good. It has 10 megapixels, the lens shift, a technology that reduces the shake, it’s weather resistant and water proof. The noise reduction standard fits ISO 800 and could even get up to ISO 1600. If you buy it though, you should already have some experience with photography, since it doesn’t have auto setup.
Using a Digital Photo Frame to Display Your Photo Collections
Have you heard about digital photo frames? They have changed what I do as a photographer. As soon as I first got a hold of my first digital camera, I started loving it and took a lot of pictures over the first couple of years or so. I may still not be a professional photographer quite yet, but I’m quickly learning all the basics in taking the best snapshots and how to display my favorite images on the walls of my home.
But high framing costs and my available wall space limits the number of photos that can be displayed at any given time, and the cost of printing these pictures is now putting a big dent in my wallet, and maybe soon even my love for this great hobby.
But I recently bought my first digital photo frame, and as a result I have now found the solution to my problem!
This is an entirely new form of recent technology in the field of consumer electronics and these digital photo frames have now taken the photo display market by storm. Gone are the ugly plastic photo albums and frames which I used to have, and which don’t really guarantee that your life work of photos will be preserved, to be replaced with digital frames and much better presentation and display system.
Now you can enjoy your photos in a whole new dimension with these new digital picture frames, without having to buy another traditional frame to display your printed photos, because you can now put all of your more recent digital memories in one place. A digital photo frame is an elegant presentation displayed in a frame that will entice envy from your friends and guests.
There are many questions however on the practicability of this new technology. Due to its newness, people who are not technologically savvy are mindful in using this new gadget. But technically, a digital picture frame is basically an improved version of ordinary frames, which we can either hang on the wall or put on our desk and on tables or in places where people usually look at our collections of things in our home or in the office.
This new gadget is an electronic device that reproduces the appearance of a frame to display pictures on the LCD screen from a digital source. This device is operated by battery or from any AC power outlet in our home or office.
A digital picture frame can load the digital photos or images it needs from memory cards using either a built-in card slot or with the use of other connectors such as Bluetooth, USB or your home wi-fi system. Nowadays, most people are used to using cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, which are nowhere near as complicated as digital photo frames. Thus it’s no longer an issue as to whether operating one of them is as complicated as its sounds.
The benefit I see in having a digital photo frame in your possession is its usability. With my passion for photography and my plan to show people my photographic work, now without the expensive and time consuming collections of old photo albums, I can simply use a gadget that will display all my best photo images in one place. This is now the most practical way of displaying photos and I have to buy more of them!
Depending on the memory capacity of the digital frame you can literally show off hundreds if not thousand of your photos either taken directly from your digital camera or as a product of hard work and clever Photoshop editing techniques. You can now show them all the pictures by just clicking on a button and all of them will be displayed one by one as an automatic slideshow.
Some new brands of these devices are even accompanied by a function to play sound effects from audio files or playback videos you took, as well as your digital photo collection.
There is now a very wide variety of frames for you to choose from, from large electronic frames to display on the wall down to the small 7 inch frames for your desk.
Really there’s now no limit on the possibilities of what you can now do with these amazing digital picture frames!
7 Creative Ideas for Your Digital Picture Frames
Digital Picture Frames come in a variety of styles, but many of them look like your traditional photo frames. The digital frames allow you to load your digital pictures – and even music – into them for interactive photo frames!
They are both affordable and easy to use, making them ideal for any family. They also make great gifts as a stand-alone item, or pre-loaded with digital pictures and music.
A digital picture frame will display streaming slide shows, play music, and even show video files. As easy as they are to load with digital content, you can keep your picture frame current with recent photos from vacation, graduation, family events, your growing children – or practically anything you want to show off!
Below are 7 super creative ways that you can use digital picture frames:
1. Set up a comforting slide show of family photos, accompanied by lullabies, and place it in the nursery for your baby or small child to enjoy. You might include pictures of Mommy, Daddy, grandparents and even the favorite teddy bear. Not only will they enjoy their personalized show, but it makes a great night light as well!
2. Create a slideshow of family photos that spans several across decades for your parents wedding anniversary. It will make the perfect gift! Let them watch their children grow up all over again while they enjoy highlights from their life together. This is sure to be a big hit at the anniversary party.
3. Give the grandparents something to show off! Preload the digital picture frame with current pictures of their grandchildren before you give it to them. You can update it with new pictures each time you go for a visit. This would make a great holiday or birthday gift, and its something they would truly treasure.
4. Use your digital picture frame to encourage fun family time. Let everyone, even the children, take fun pictures during family outings. It may be a trip to the park, a hike in the woods, or a day at the pool. You can update your digital frame together afterwards. The children will really enjoy being involved in the “production” for your ever-changing photo frame!
5. Digital frames are perfect for business counters or office desks. You can display current specials or new products. Imagine a real estate agent showcasing the latest homes. A photographer showing off their line of prints. An interior decorator displaying a slideshow of before and after shots from recent contracts. A web designer could even showcase screen shots of their best work. The ideas are endless!
6. Let your digital picture frame tell a story with a musical slideshow. It may be the building of your new home. You can showcase your children from birth to their current age. Or you might make a mini-movie of your life as a couple – from dating to wedding to children. It will keep people captivated to the very end, and be an incredible conversation piece!
7. Use your digital frame as a mobile presentation tool. Small and easy to carry, you can display almost any type of images you like. Most have a remote control and are compatible with various file formats, allowing you to offer an intriguing visual presentation on almost any topic!
If you have hundreds of pictures on your hard drive, or try to show off pictures with the display screen on your digital camera, these new frames would be perfect for you.
They are easy to use, and don’t need to be hooked up to a computer to work. You can simply download pictures from your digital camera, or use common memory cards to create your digital slideshows.
Imagine all of the fun ways you could display your digital images! Your digital frame is sure to light up any room, and spark great conversations.
Studio Lighting Kits – Things to Know Before Buying One
Studio lighting was not my passion until recently. In fact I’m not professional photographer at all and I have completely different job. When my first son was born I decided to spend some money and buy a good SLR camera and I bought a Nikon D80. However, soon I realized that the camera doesn’t magically make super quality images and I didn’t really like all my pictures and especially the ones taken at home. This was due to the poor lighting of course.
After long digging in internet I decided to invest a little money into a studio lighting kit. I have to admit that this is one of my best purchases I have ever made. What I really like is that with my studio kit I have control over the environment and I achieve decent results. In the beginning I didn’t follow any rules and just pointed my strobes at my subject without thinking too much. However, I have to admit that these are the pictures I like the most (may be because they were my first ones with studio strobes).
Later I started to learn more and more and I tried some different studio lighting techniques like Rembrandt Lighting, Butterfly Lighting and Hatchet Lighting. These are really simple techniques but you get really good portraits. Of course in some cases you need more than just one strobe. In most cases, in addition to your main light, you will need light for the background and also another one for “hair” light (to achieve this nice separation from the background). This is where you realize that a studio lighting kit is a good investment – in some cases buying all components separately can triple the cost than buying them as a kit! Almost all kits come with 2 or 3 flash strobes and stands for them, softboxes, umbrellas and barn door with honeycomb grids and color gels. Even though it’s not mandatory, most studio kits come with wireless trigger (transmitter and receiver), and also sync cord. Some kits may include backdrops and even stands for them. Also, all studio lighting kits come with a good bag which makes them much more portable.
From all components the most important ones are of course the flash strobes. A good strobe is not necessarily with much power – I’d say that for home studio you only need 250 w/s. However, the power defines the recycling time (the time necessary for the strobe to recharge). At max power it takes more time. My strobes are 300 w/s and their recycling time at full power is about 2.5 – 3 seconds. This is good enough for home studio I think, even though sometimes I miss “the shot”.