BestPhotoTip.com » Cameras
 

Subscribe via Email

Make sure you keep up with new information by receiving weekly updates of the information being added here. Simply enter your email below and click on "Keep me notified". You will be notified once or twice a week of new content and resources available here.

 
 

Category

Five Great Tips when Taking That Portrait

Share
by Dan Fieldman

Portrait photography is the most popular form of photography. Most people who know how to point and shoot a camera are all portrait photographers. However, there are of course, differences in its quality. Professional portrait photographers have certain characteristics that let them get the best out of their subjects. A portrait photo does not only mean a person’s image. In a way, it shows character and emotion. If you want to start shooting portraits and don’t know the essential elements, fear no more because these five tips can give you a head start.

Rapport: The first thing a successful photographer does is build rapport with the subject. Interest in your subjects is a bonus when it comes to this business. If you get to know your subject and they get to know you they will be more natural in front of the camera. The more natural they feel the better your photographs will be.

Personality: Always make sure that your photos will show the personality of your subject. You will only know this if you know the person. Make sure that their personality shows in their faces. Personality usually appears when the subject is not expecting a shot, so you have to be ready to take the picture when the opportunity comes.

Lighting: Natural lighting is the preferred source. However when you want to emphasize the person’s face and character, you will want to think about using artificial lighting. It is important that your light is evenly distributed and that it emphasizes the angles you are looking for. Lighting can have a great effect especially if you are looking for a serious photo.

Background: Most portraits use lighter backgrounds to emphasize the subject. However, it is also important to use the environment to add more character to your subject. Please be careful when using the environment that the color of your background and what your subject is wearing do not clash. Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a picture because the photographer didn’t properly plan.

Plan: Be sure that you are ready before you go to the photo shoot. Not only that you have all the equipment that you need, but be sure that you can handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary materials and be sure to bring a good topic for conversation so that your subject can relax while you are shooting.

Portrait photography is one of the most satisfying hobbies that I have found. If you’re serious in making it your career, you can be sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect your craft. However, remember that you should have the heart for the job because portrait photography’s first requirement is interest.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , ,   Posted in Digital Cameras

A Review of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Share
by Paul Landwehr

1. First Impression

Overall this is a good, if not a great camera, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti is a good, if not great medium range SLR which is relatively affordable and offers 15 megapixels for a higher resolution than many competing models of digital camera. 2. LCD Display

The Rebel has one of the better LCD screens around, providing an exceptionally clear view.

3. Image quality and autofocus are both good, but maybe not quite what you’d expect with a 15 megapixel from Canon. The biggest complaint users seem to have is that the Canon EOS Rebel Ti’s autofocus mechanism is loud. While only a little noisy at ISO 1600, switching to ISO 3200 can be loud enough to startle users the first couple of times. It’s not enough of an issue to be a deal breaker, but it is something photographers should know beforehand. 4. Picture Quality/Live View

Overall, the picture quality is good but not great. Pictures are sharp and reasonably clear; amateur photographers will probably find the quality more than adequate. However, semi-pro and professional photographers will probably want to look elsewhere. The live view stills are nothing to write home about. The quality is exactly as good as any other similar model of digital camera.

5. Processor

The Canon EOS Rebel Ti has a new, upgraded processor but 15 megapixel images are a lot to process, so users will probably feel (as we did) that save time could be better. The processing time can be an issue when trying to take continuous shots of a subject, something you should consider before buying this camera.

6. HD Recorder

In this regard, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti performs exceptionally well. The HD recording features of this camera are superior to almost any other digital camera in its range. At 720p, the HD recording quality is incredible at 30 fps. However, this model records 1080p at only 20fps. However, if you need 1080p resolution, you’re better off with a HD camcorder instead. The Rebel lacks a microphone input and its built in sound recording is less than spectacular – so you can get some amazing 720p HD video, but if you need sound which is good as the picture, you’ll be disappointed.

Conclusion:

Despite its minor faults, the Canon EOS Rebel Ti is a decent choice for casual photographers looking for a digital camera. Its HD recording capabilities are impressive and overall performance is better than many other digital cameras out there. However, at the price you could probably do better and there are other comparably priced models that can provide better quality, if not HD recording quality.

Key Features:

*15.1-megapixels, DIGIC 4 Image Processor

* Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens

*Full HD video capture recording at 1920 x 1080 resolution and HDMI output

*3 inch Clear View LCD with Live View

Pros:

*Lightweight construction

*720p HD video recording at 30 fps, 1080p at 20fps

*Large, high quality LCD screen

*Affordable, readily available upgrades (SDHC, SD cards)

Cons:

*Video output does not have Autofocus

*No microphone input

*Continuous photo shooting is slow at 3.4fps

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , ,   Posted in Buying a Camera, Digital Cameras, Digital Photography, Digital SLR

Digital Camera Shopping And Maintenance Tips

Share
by Chris Campbell

Some great waterproof digital camera tips will help keep your camera operating correctly and giving you clear and detailed pictures. The first tip to consider is cleaning your digital camera.

This is something that must be done on a regular basis to keep the camera operating correctly. The next thing you need keep in mind is the removal of the memory card. Before you attempt to remove the memory card, make sure the camera is turned off. This is also true if you are removing the battery or a USB cable.

D90 Cons: The video doesn’t have AF and the audio quality is weak. The kit lens is not as good as Nikon claims

If the toughness of the kit lens that comes with the camera isn’t important for you, this camera is a good choice. If you’re a bit more advanced and you want better lenses, you can wait a bit and buy only the body, which shows up after the release of the kit.

When I decided to buy the D90, I already had a period of research where I looked at a number of different cameras. What I really wanted was the D300 model, because it was waterproof and it had a magnesium body, but the extra $600 wasn’t worth those features.

The sensor of the model I bought, the D90, is the same with the one that comes with the D300 camera, so the ISO capabilities are the same. Some of the reviews I read said that the noise reduction of the D90 model is better than it was for D300. If you also use the Nikon VR lenses, you can take good photos at very reduced shutter speeds.

For those who own a Hasselblad, I recommend you get in touch with Gil Ghitelman and consider sending your camera to him. He’s the Hasselblad go-to person in my book because he hires his own Hasselblad repair person.

If you live in New England, you’ve probably heard of Steve Grimes – the only camera legend living in the area. He can help you out with all sorts of large format issues and problems with customize machining. He also does lens mounting, large format shutter repairs, etc. You can check out his website at skgrimes.com and contact him through 401-762-0857.

I can’t run down all recommendable repair shops or go-to persons in every state, so your best bet would be to ask around and do your own research on where you can get quality SLR camera repair services in your state. If all else fails and you feel that your camera is beyond repair, there’s no other choice but to get a new one.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in Cameras

Digital Cameras, Accessories, And Other Cool Gadgets

Share
by Chris Campbell

Many people ask the same question over and over; what is the best digital SLR camera? The answer to this is, the camera that will work best for the types of photos you want to take. Someone who will be taking action shots will need a much different camera than someone who is taking family shots.

The first step in deciding what digital SLR camera is best for you is assessing what you want to photograph. Once you know what you want to photograph with the camera you will buy, you will find that it will be much easier. There are several types of photos one might use a camera for, and these are outlined below.

One place to start thinking in your upgrade process, is to ask yourself why you want to upgrade. Is it speed? In which case, the Canon 40D has a faster frame-per-second rating. 6 FPS for the 40D, while the 5D shoots at 3 FPS. How about image quality? The 5D comes with a pretty sweet full frame sensor. Full frame sensor cameras will result in better image quality, wide angle shots, and photographs more suited for cropping during the editing process.

Be sure to check the straps and hand grips that come with the case. You’ll want something substantial, with good stitching or riveting attachment points to the case proper. Having straps and grips is kind of nice as it gives you more options for moving your gear. Lugging your Canon through the airport with a few other bags, is a different experience, than just toting your Rebel to the beach for a few sunset photos. Having straps and hand holds that are detachable is an extra bonus.

Some people enjoy taking pictures of the outdoors and landscapes. This not the same as portrait photographers, even though neither are usually moving. Landscape photographers require much more advanced cameras generally as the nature holds much more detail than anything else compared to it.

Cheap synthetic materials may not look as nice a rich Corinthian leather bag, but they can be just as tough and durable as the expensive leather ones. Again they will appear less conspicuous, which can be a very good thing.

Many would argue that spending your money on great lenses and a good camera body is the best way to get value for your money. Pretty subjective of course, and really depends on how you like to take pictures.

Something that can really help me take better pictures. With that in mind, here’s a list of some nice cases I found. Should help you find what your looking for.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in Cameras

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi Digital SLR Camera ” A Strong and Lightweight Camera

Share
by Fred Gagnon

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi digital SLR is equipped with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image processor. It has large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels, and new user interface and wide viewing angle. The startup time only takes 0.2 second and it can shoot up to 3 frames per second, 27 frames in burst. It has the high-precision 9-point AF system and features Picture Style settings for a broad range of control over color, contrast and sharpening.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi digital SLR camera has a strong, lightweight body that is newly refined with better ergonomics and an improved grip. It also has the Integrated Cleaning System, with both hardware and software solutions to reduce dust that destroys image quality. It is the very first digital EOS SLR camera to feature this important technology. This camera was designed to deliver clean images by ensuring the sensor is free of dust and debris.

The Integrated Cleaning System cleans your camera in two ways, through Self Cleaning Sensor Unit and Dust Delete Data Detection. With the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit that uses ultrasonic vibration, dust is automatically removed. The Dust Delete Data Detection is a software that allows you to erase dust spots. It is included in the Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Version 2.2.

You can use Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi digital SLR camera with over 60 EF and EF-S Lenses. These lenses have advanced features that help the camera deliver exceptional photographic performance. The L Series lenses feature Aspherical optics and fluorite elements. There are select lenses that feature Canon’s Image Stabilizer technology to minimize the effect of camera shake.

The E-TTL II flash metering system, which provides reliable flash output through several exposures, is also featured in the camera. Canon’s Speedlite 430EX, which suits the camera perfectly, enables high output flash. It includes a maximum guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100. Sending color temperature information, the AF-assist Beam provides more accurate white balance.

Aside from the EF lenses and Speedlite flashes, Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi digital SLR camera is also compatible with other accessories. Among these accessories is the Battery Grip BG-E3 as well as the Semi Hard Case EH18-L. The battery grip adds a vertical shutter release, and can hold two NB-2LH Battery Packs. Canon’s Semi Hard Case EH18-L can accommodate the camera and a small zoom lens.

Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 13.0), which is included in the package, contains powerful system programs. These powerful system programs were added to perfect captured images and streamline the digital workflow. One is the Digital Photo Professional (Version 2.2), which is an image processing program for easy image layout and printing. With this program, processing of RAWS images is faster RAW image processing and previewing.

With Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi digital SLR camera, you can experience remote controlled shooting, files transfer and linking using a computer. With the help of EOS Utility (Version 1.1) you can connect your camera to a computer via USB connection. Viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW image files is easy with the ZoomBrowser EX (Version 5.7) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 5.7) for Mac OS X. The applications also offer a variety of options for printing.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in Cameras

I Never Get Tired Of Digital Camera Shopping

Share
by Chris Campbell

The best compact digital cameras on the market these days are incredibly popular with consumers. With such a wide array of models and designs available compact cameras have become very affordable for many households. Because the best digital cameras have been designed to be quite fashionable and offer users a decent amount of features they are able to offer much more capacity and provide superior results to more traditional film based cameras.

Many bought the EOS XTi (400D) for so many years, that Canon was prompted to introducing the next evolution in this lineup: EOS XSi (450D). In this new model, Canon no longer uses “Digital” in the naming of the camera, calling it simply the EOS Rebel XSi or the EOS 450D.

Among the improvements include a new image processor, DIGIC III (which uses the same 1D Mark III), which provides a digital to analog conversion of 14-bit, improved auto focus, noise reduction at high ISO and correction automatic contrast and brightness. The new processor also allows you to take photos at 3.5 frames per second, or take 6 consecutively without a break in top-quality photos or 45 RAW images in JPG.

The camera can shoot a remarkably high 12.2 megapixels. It also brings a new 3-inch LCD screen and a promise that your battery will last 50% longer. All this without changing the form factor dimensions.

Here are a couple examples of the best digital cameras on the market today. The Canon Powershot SD20 is a very compact digital camera that comes packed with features including a one and a half inch LCD screen and a 6.5x digital zoom. This little powerhouse of a camera is highly rated by consumers because of its advanced performance abilities.

The Kodak EasyShare V1233 is a slightly larger then the Canon Powershot SD20. The V1233 is a part of Kodak’s premium line of compact digital cameras. With a two and a half inch LCD screen, 3x optical zoom and the ability to capture high definition pictures in 16:9 format the Kodak EasyShare V1233 is one of the best performing on the market.

Name brand loyalty is important if you have a lot of accessories and lenses that only work with a specific brand. It’s also something to consider, as your collection of camera stuff grows over the years.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in Cameras

Important Digital Camera Facts To Consider

Share
by Chris Campbell

Professional digital cameras are a little more expensive than a camera you would use for fun pictures. The professional needs a camera that is stable and dependable. The image quality must be top notch and the ability to shoot different scenes with one camera is vital. The camera should have many different shoot modes and flash modes.

The Canon Rebel EOS 450D is a great camera with 12.2 megapixels and top of the line technology and functions. This SLR camera is something that professionals will use for capturing true images without needing to touch up pictures or retake them.

You must keep in mind the fact that although it is very expensive; the buyer is getting their moneys worth. With the SLR 35mm Cameras you have more control over pictures. Evidently, all of these cameras use 35mm film, consisting of color negative film for prints, transparency film for slides, as well as black and white, and lastly, infrared film.

The Xsi digital camera has 12 megapixels, insuring a great quality for photos taken with it. It also has a very good battery, which lets you take a lot of photos before it runs out of juice. You don’t have to worry that the battery will die on you right in the middle of your vacation.

This camera delivers great photos , at a good speed and with colors that are accurate. You might find that the camera’s menu can be a bit confusing at first, at least until you learn it. It’s a camera that belongs to the high end, so it has plenty of features that need to be explored and learned.

When you’re out there and you see something worth shooting, you want to be able to do it as fast as possible, so you don’t lose the moment. The Xsi will take only a few seconds to start and be ready to take that photo. You can also use the sports mode, which takes 3 photos per second.

The good thing with manual cameras is that you can choose the focus, and change around several other settings as well. The manufacturers who create the most manual cameras include Olympus, Pentax, and Nikon. They are well known for their manual SLR cameras. Manual cameras are usually recommended for those who are up for a challenge, as they are obviously not as easy to sue as a camera with autofocus.

About the Author:
Share

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,   Posted in Cameras