November 6th, 2009
Canon releases EOS 7D firmware update
After it was discovered that the Canon EOS 7D has a ghosting glitch, the company has released a firmware update to correct the problem. EOS 7D owners can download the 7D Firmware Update Version 1.1.0 at Canon’s USA website. The update promises the following fix:
Corrects a phenomenon that in images captured by continuous shooting, and under certain conditions, barely noticeable traces of the immediately preceding frame may be visible.
Or at least hopefully it will correct the problem. Recently I posted that Canon posted a firmware update for the Digital Rebel XS/1000D to alleviate the “Error 99″ problem. I’ve tried multiple times to fix the problem by installing the prescribed firmware update, and while each time the camera tells me it’s worked, I’ll push the shutter button and the same error pops up. So firmware updates don’t always work for every camera. Hopefully the 7D one will fare better.
Will any of you be downloading the 7D firmware update? If so, please let us know if it worked for you.
November 5th, 2009
Olympus announces new E-P2 compact interchangeable lens camera
Just five months after Olympus announced its first Micro Four-Thirds compact interchangeable lens camera, comes today’s announcement of an updated version, the Olympus Pen E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s not a huge step up from the E-P1, but it does add some useful features, including a new accessory port that accepts the bundled Electronic View Finder (EVF) (and optional external microphone adapter), full manual shutter and aperture control when shooting video, and continuous autofocus tracking.
Other new features include two additional art filters: Diorama, which simulates a tilt-shift lens’ miniature faking abilities, and Cross Process, which simulates the bright colors and contrast of cross processing film with the wrong chemicals. The two new filters (as well as the original Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole filters included in the E-P1) can be applied to both still images and HD videos.
November 4th, 2009
CEA study finds there are six types of digital photographers
A new study conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) found that there are six categories of digital photographers in the consumer market today.
The six segments are:
- Frustrated Photogs (25 percent of the market)
- Digital Curators (23 percent)
- One-Click Wonders (15 percent)
- Feature-Focused Photogs (16 percent)
- Picture Happy Socialites (10 percent)
- Digital Mavericks (10 percent)
November 3rd, 2009
Finding pocket cameras with the best anti-shake feature
All of us are susceptible to some camera shake now and again, either from unsteady hands, dim lighting or just a large gust of wind blowing past. Sometimes you need a camera that will account for this problem more than others. Here are three cameras that are reputed to have strong anti-shake capability:
1. Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR: This 10-megapixel camera is built with a Super CCD EXR optical sensor, which is geared to cancel out any slight wobbles when shooting with maximum zoom and/or in dim light. The sensor was modeled after the human eye, so that the sensor can react to behavior and motion quicker and more naturally. (Lowest price: $233.99)
November 2nd, 2009
What to look for in a Mini-HD camcorder
Flip tends to get most of the attention when it comes to mini-HD camcorders, but there are more things to pay attention to besides name brand. Here are five things you should consider when purchasing a new Mini-HD camcorder:
1. Quality: Look for resolution and color quality. It should capture between 720 and 1080p HD video. Also keep in mind what kind of angle you want. The Creative Vado HD has a very wide-angle lens compared to other models.
2. Storage Space: A lot of camcorders will have built-in flash memory. The Vado and the Flip UltraHD, for example, has 8 GB, while the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera only has 128 MB. This may seem like a huge problem, but actually, it has a SD Memory Card slot, which allows the videographer as much space as he or she needs/chooses. This can be incredibly helpful if you plan on shooting a lot of video, but won’t have the opportunity to transfer files back to your computer as often. Read the rest of this entry »
November 1st, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide 2009: The best all-around pocket digital cameras
There are a plethora of point-and-shoot cameras out there, and it’s difficult to sift through all the possibilities. Here are my five choices for the best all-around ultracompact cameras (though, not in any particular order) on the market this holiday season for the avid photographer in your life. These were based on the quality of photos and features in relation to the camera’s sticker price. Plus, they fit well in any stocking.
Canon PowerShot SD940 IS
Hailed by CNET as “one of the best ultracompacts available,” this 12-megapixel camera packs a 2.7-inch LCD screen, 4x optical zoom and a wide-angle 28mm-equivalent lens. While there are only three shooting modes (Smart Auto, Program/Scene, and Movie), video mode does allow for recording of up to 720p HD resolution, but you can’t use the optical zoom while recording. The only major qualms about this camera were some hints of purple fringing and noise in photos above ISO 800.
Available in black, silver, blue and brown, these smooth, very lightweight cameras work well in a variety of situations and be carried almost anywhere.
November 1st, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Five camcorders under $300
Many of us are still on tight budgets this holiday season, but if you’re looking to give your favorite photographer a new camcorder, there are some affordable options. Here are five camcorders under $300 (not including shipping, sorry!) that could please the videographer in your life:
Flip UltraHD
You might think it’s over-hyped, and it some extent, it is. But that doesn’t escape the fact that this is a darn good gadget for what it is and for its price (usually about $199). It shoots 720p HD video, repeatedly reviewed as very good quality for its Mini-HD status class, and its compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Users can charge and transmit videos via USB, and there’s also a special YouTube capture mode. It comes with 8 GB of internal hard drive space, but unfortunately, there’s no external memory card slot.
Available in both white and black, it’s a sleek, small camcorder (2.2 in x 1.2 in x 4.3 in and only 6 oz.) that can fit in almost any sized stocking.
November 1st, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Digital SLR camera accessories
There’s probably nothing a digital camera enthusiast likes better than gear and gadgets, which makes shopping for your favorite shutterbug a cinch. If you’re looking for a great holiday gift for someone who already has his or her dSLR of choice, one of these dSLR camera accessories — ranging in price from about $33 to $118 – will have them smiling for the camera.
SanDisk Image Mate All-in-OneEvery digital camera user should have a fast memory card reader for quick and convenient image downloading, and the SanDisk Image Mate All-in-One ($33) is a great match for the dSLR shooter. It not only supports all the popular memory card formats (SD, SDHC, mini SDHC, micro SDHC, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro Duo, xD Picture Card, and CompactFlash), but it also lets you perform card-to-card transfers when you insert cards simultaneously — so you can transfer from SD to CompactFlash, for example. I like the sleek design and the slick way the silver tripod base attaches magnetically, so you can easily detach the reader from the stand and pop it in your bag. Plus, it’s not just a pretty face: the card reader can transfer files up to 34 megabytes per second (when using a high-speed SanDisk Extreme IV 45 MB/s Compact Flash card).
November 1st, 2009
Holiday Gift Guide 2009: Digital SLR cameras
It’s been a great year for digital SLR shooters: There have been no fewer than 17 new dSLRs released this year, with HD video shooting coming to the low-end and long-awaited updates to stalwarts like the much-loved Nikon D40. Prices have come down and features have continued to ratchet up, so if you’re shopping for a dSLR as a holiday treat (for yourself or a loved one), your dollar will go further than you think. To help you narrow down the options, here’s a list of my five favorite dSLRs of the season:
Canon EOS Rebel T1i
If you’re looking for an entry-level camera with all the bells and whistles, and are willing to spend a little more than rock bottom, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i should definitely be on your short list. As we’ve come to expect from Canon dSLRs, image quality is top notch, but it’s the video recording capability that really sets this dSLR apart: The T1i serves up 720p (1280×720) HD video capture at 30fps and 1080p (1920×1080) at 20fps. You’d have to spend almost twice the T1i’s $899 price to get much better from a dSLR. Other highlights include the fantastic 3-inch, 920,000-dot LCD and an extended ISO sensitivity range up ISO 12800.
October 30th, 2009
How to take clear pictures at night
With Halloween just a day away, you might be thinking about shooting photos at parades or your kids trick-or-treating. But most of those activities are at night, which could hinder photographers. But there are a few steps that can help you take clear, crisp photos at night, despite the spooky darkness.
1. Timing: The night sky is often a few shades lighter just after the sunsets, slightly allowing you a longer shutter speed and also giving you more texture for your photo. Nonstop English recommends that you also consider timing as for when the sun sets, the moon rises, etc. if you want to include these objects in your background.
2. Equipment: Tripods are essential. If you can’t afford one or don’t want to carry one, scout out your location in advance and see if you can find a steady object, like a picnic table, a brick fence, etc. to steady your camera on. We’re all prone to camera shake, so it would also be wise to bring a remote control or shutter-release cable for your SLR (definitely recommended more over point-and-shoots for nighttime shots), to avoid shaking the camera when its shooting at lower shutter speed.
Rachel started playing with her mother's old Brownie camera when she was just a toddler, working her way up from a Hello Kitty point-and-shoot to training on both film and digital SLRs. See her full profile and disclosure of her industry affiliations.
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