Tag: Dslr

How to Choose a Camera: SLR vs DSLR
by David Burgess on 0

How to Choose a Camera: SLR vs DSLR

When choosing either a SLR or DSLR camera, it is important to know which one is better for the type of photographs you plan to take. This article will highlight which is best for certain endeavors. We’ll also show you some of the top rated cameras in each category.

Which is Better SLR or DSLR?

The SLR camera is called as such because it makes use of a mirror and prism, reflex pertaining to the reflection on the mirror (see some examples of an SLR camera here). The reflection allows the user to see the image about to be captured through the viewfinder before actually taking the photo. This is special and different compared to the viewfinder camera which shows a very different image in the frame as compared to what you can see through the viewfinder. When the user hits the shutter button, the mirror moves away and allows light to go past it and hit the film to capture the image.

The main difference between a traditional SLR camera and a DSLR or digital single lens reflex camera lies right in its name, the DSLR is digital and does not make use of film (see some examples of a DSLR camera here). And because it has no film, instead of the mirror moving away for the light to hit the film, the light would, instead, go to the CCD or CMOS imaging sensor. Each camera has its pros and cons and they cater to certain kinds of photographers.

When to buy a SLR Camera

SLR Camera Review Getting a traditional SLR is advised for the more advanced photographer just because your number of shots is limited to how much film you have. The SLR user does not have the luxury of having a nearly unlimited number of frames that the DSLR user enjoys. Some people really do prefer having an SLR over a DSLR because of the quality and texture of film prints.

SLR Camera Reviews

There are very subtle differences between a film and digital print that are visible to the trained eye. One print isn’t better than the other, so to speak. It’s really more a preference. It should be noted that while getting an SLR is cheaper than a DSLR, in the long run, you could save more money with a DSLR because you won’t have to keep buying film. And the ISO, or level of exposure, depends on what kind of film you can buy. You can’t change it until you change film rolls.

SLR Cameras Under $1000, $500 and $250 Dollars

When to buy a DSLR Camera

DSLR Camera Review DSLRs tend to be more expensive but it is highly advisable for beginners to try out an entry level DSLR for a multitude of reasons. First of all, since everything is digital, you don’t have to count how many frames you’ve used because everything goes into a memory card and they can hold and store a large number of photos. And you can just transfer your photos to your computer when you’ve filled up your card and you can start shooting again.

DSLR Camera Reviews

Another great advantage of the DSLR for beginners is the fact that you can see your photo right away. You don’t need to process it before you can check it out and judge it for yourself. There’s more flexibility with digital photographs too. For one, you can change the ISO on the camera itself.

Canon EOS Rebel 18MP T3i DSLR Camera

**Top Choice**

DSLR Cameras Under $1000, $500 and $250 Dollars

SLR vs DSLR Summary

It should be noted that film and film cameras are slowly being phased out. That shouldn’t discourage you from getting a film camera because there’s more to learn with SLRs. To capture a beautiful picture using a film camera, you need a certain level of understanding and knowledge of light, exposure, and film. Using an SLR will allow you to gain more experience, knowledge, and appreciation for photos. But it is more practical to get a DSLR. One isn’t really better than the other in this situation. Deciding which one to buy really depends on your personal preference.

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The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light
by David Burgess on 0

The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light

It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. That can only mean one thing: it’s time to start thinking about the best video cameras for capturing action in low light.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a video camera for low light use. The first is sensor size. A larger sensor will be able to gather more light, resulting in better low light performance. The second is the lens. A faster lens (one with a lower f-stop number) will also gather more light and result in better low light performance.

Best cameras for low light

With those factors in mind, here are our picks for the best video cameras for low light:

Sony a7S II

The Sony a7S II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 12.2-megapixel sensor. It’s capable of capturing 4K video, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that features a 20.3-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark II

The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.8-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Sony Alpha a9

The Sony Alpha a9 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Tips to choose cameras for action sports photography

In fact, many professional photographers use mid-range or even entry-level cameras to capture amazing action shots. The key is to know how to use your camera and its features to get the most out of it.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the best video camera for action sports photography:

Look for a camera with a fast shutter speed. This will help you capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects.

Choose a camera with good low-light performance. Action sports often take place in low-light conditions, so a camera that can perform well in these conditions is essential.

Consider a camera with 4K video
capabilities. 4K video is becoming more and more popular, and action sports photography is the perfect genre to take advantage of this high-resolution format.

Look for a camera with built-in GPS. This can be helpful for tracking your location and adding GPS data to your photos and videos.

Choose a camera that is rugged and weather-sealed. Action sports can be tough on equipment, so a camera that can withstand the elements is a must.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for a video camera for action sports photography, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect camera for your needs.

In fact, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable. That being said, there are still a few things to consider when purchasing an action sports camera. Here are a few tips:

Action sports cameras are designed to be durable and withstand a lot of abuse. They should be able to withstand being dropped, being submerged in water, and being exposed to extreme temperatures.

The camera should be able to record high-quality video. This is especially important if you plan on using the footage for professional purposes.

The camera should be easy to use. It should have a user-friendly interface and be relatively easy to operate.

The camera should be affordable. As mentioned before, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable.

Keep these things in mind when shopping for an action sports camera and you should be able to find a great camera that fits your needs and budget.

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The Best SLR Digital Cameras For Beginners
by David Burgess on 0

The Best SLR Digital Cameras For Beginners

In fact, many entry level DSLRs are quite affordable these days. But, what are the best SLR cameras for beginners?

Here are our top 5 picks for the best entry level DSLRs:

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6i / T6s

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i and T6s are great entry level DSLRs that offer excellent features and performance. They both have a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a vari-angle touch screen LCD. The T6i also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

2. Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent image quality and performance. It has a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a fixed 3.0-inch LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

3. Pentax K-S2

The Pentax K-S2 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent features and performance. It has a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, a vari-angle 3.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. It also has a weather-sealed body, making it ideal for shooting in all kinds of weather conditions.

4. Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent features and performance. It has a 24.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a fixed 3.0-inch LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T6 / T6i / T6s / T7 / T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T6, T6i, T6s, T7, and T7i are all great entry level DSLRs that offer excellent features and performance. They all have a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a vari-angle touch screen LCD. The T6i and T7i also have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

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The Pros And Cons Of SLR Digital Cameras
by David Burgess on 0

The Pros And Cons Of SLR Digital Cameras

Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) are one of the most popular types of cameras on the market. They are loved by professional photographers and serious amateurs for their image quality, versatility, and control. But DSLRs are not the perfect cameras for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons of DSLRs to help you decide if one is right for you.

Pros of DSLR Cameras

Image Quality: DSLRs produce some of the best images of any type of camera. This is because they have large image sensors that allow for more light and detail to be captured. DSLRs also have powerful image processors that produce high-quality images.

Versatility: DSLRs are versatile cameras that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including landscape, portrait, sports, and wildlife. They also have a wide range of lens options that allow you to further customize your photography.

Control: DSLRs give you a lot of control over your images. With manual controls, you can adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the perfect shot. You can also shoot in RAW format, which gives you even more control over your images in post-processing.

Cons of DSLR Cameras

Size and Weight: DSLRs are larger and heavier than other types of cameras, which can be a drawback if you want a compact camera that you can easily carry around with you.

Cost: DSLRs are more expensive than other types of cameras, which can be a barrier for some people.

Learning Curve: DSLRs can be complex cameras to use, and they require a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of them.

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of DSLR cameras, you can decide if one is right for you. If you need a high-quality camera with a lot of control and versatility, a DSLR may be the perfect choice. But if you want a smaller and less expensive camera, you may want to consider another type of camera.

Some feel that the large sensor and interchangeable lenses give them an edge over compact cameras, while others find the smaller size and cheaper price of the latter more appealing. So, which is better?

SLR cameras have a few advantages over their compact cousins. Firstly, their large sensors allow for better image quality, as they can capture more light and detail. Secondly, the interchangeable lenses give you much more flexibility in terms of the types of shots you can take. Finally, the SLR’s through-the-lens viewfinder gives you a more accurate representation of what your final image will look like.

On the downside, SLRs are generally more expensive than compacts, and their larger size can be a bit of a burden when you’re trying to take candid shots or be discreet. They also have a tendency to produce more blurred images, as the mirror inside the camera can cause the image to shake.

So, which is the better type of camera? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, then an SLR is the way to go. But if you’re worried about cost or portability, then a compact might be a better choice.

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The Best 35mm Cameras For Beginners
by David Burgess on 0

The Best 35mm Cameras For Beginners

35mm cameras are making a comeback in the world of photography. These cameras offer a lot of features that are perfect for beginners, including automatic exposure modes and easy-to-use controls. Here are our picks for the best 35mm cameras for beginners in 2019.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6

The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is one of the most popular entry-level DSLR cameras on the market. It’s perfect for beginners because it offers a lot of features that are easy to use, including an auto mode that takes care of all the settings for you. The T6 also has a large selection of lenses available, so you can upgrade your kit as you learn more about photography.

2. Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is another great entry-level DSLR camera. It has a similar feature set to the Canon T6, including an auto mode and a wide selection of lenses. The D3500 also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including a guide mode that walks you through the basics of photography.

3. Sony a6000

The Sony a6000 is a great choice for beginners who want to move beyond entry-level DSLR cameras. It’s a mirrorless camera, which means it’s smaller and lighter than a DSLR. The a6000 also has a great autofocus system that’s perfect for beginners, and it comes with a built-in flash.

4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is another great mirrorless camera for beginners. It has a similar feature set to the Sony a6000, including a great autofocus system and a built-in flash. The E-M10 Mark II also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including a guide mode that walks you through the basics of photography.

5. Fujifilm X-T100

The Fujifilm X-T100 is a great choice for beginners who want a mirrorless camera with a retro look. It has a vintage-inspired design, and it comes with a selection of Fujifilm’s X-series lenses. The X-T100 also has a few features that make it a great choice for beginners, including an auto mode and a scene mode that automatically adjusts the settings for different types of photos.

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Canon EOS M10 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Canon EOS M10 Review

The Bottom Line

Canon has not chosen to make significant investments in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) market, sticking with focusing on its very popular DSLR camera models. But Canon isn’t completely abandoning the mirrorless market either, as shown by its recent release of the Canon M10. It’s very much a beginner-level mirrorless camera, as shown in this Canon EOS M10 review, and, as such, it has some drawbacks.

But the M10 fits in pretty well against other cameras that have a similar price point, as well as against other entry-level mirrorless ILCs. It’s one of the least expensive mirrorless cameras on the market, even after you purchase a lens or two. (Keep in mind that you cannot use the same lenses for Canon DSLR cameras as you can for Canon mirrorless models.)

With some of this camera’s drawbacks, I’d almost be tempted to go with an entry-level Canon Rebel DSLR model over this one, as the basic DSLRs are only slightly more expensive than the M10.

Rebel DSLRs have been around for decades, and provide strong performance levels and image quality. The M10’s biggest benefit versus those entry-level Rebels is its thin size of just 1.38 inches without the lens attached. Otherwise, Canon’s Rebels will provide a better experience for most photographers over the M10.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 18 megapixels
  • Optical zoom: NA, uses interchangeable lenses
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 1,040,000 pixels (touch and tilt enabled)
  • Maximum image size: 5184 x 3456 pixels
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
  • Dimensions: 4.25 x 2.62 x 1.38 inches
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces (including battery and memory card)
  • Image sensor: APS-C (22.3×14.9 mm)
  • Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

  • Low price for a mirrorless camera
  • Image quality is a bit above average versus other cameras in this price range
  • LCD screen is sharp and offers tilt and touch capabilities
  • Camera is easier to use than most interchangeable lens models
  • Movie recording is easy and full HD movies look great

Cons

  • Viewfinder is not included
  • No hot shoe for adding components
  • Camera’s image quality at high ISO settings is poor
  • Battery life isn’t as good as it should be, especially if you choose to use camera’s Wi-Fi
  • Shutter lag is a problem in some shooting situations

Image Quality

The Canon EOS M10 does a nice job with image quality versus other entry-level mirrorless cameras and versus other models in its price range. The M10’s images aren’t significantly better than its competitors, but they are above average. Personally, I like the image quality of Rebel DSLRs a little better than what’s found with the M10, but there isn’t a huge difference.

The Canon M10 does a nice job with indoor photography, nearly equal to its performance with outdoor photography in sunlight. This isn’t always the case with mirrorless cameras. The M10’s 18 megapixels of resolution and its APS-C sized image sensor allow for the good performance indoors.

However, the good indoor performance doesn’t continue if you’re shooting at a high ISO setting. Once you hit the midpoint of the M10’s ISO range — say around ISO 1600 — you’ll start to notice significant noise in the images, High ISO settings are not really usable with this camera. I’d suggest using the built-in flash unit wherever possible, rather than increasing the ISO past 800.

Performance

The Canon M10’s performance levels are impressive, as Canon gave this camera its DIGIC 6 image processor, which leads to some fast operational aspects. You can shoot between four and five frames per second in burst mode, which is a solid performance for a mirrorless camera. 

But I was a bit disappointed in the M10’s shutter lag, which can approach half a second in some shooting conditions where you’re unable to prefocus by holding down the shutter button halfway. At some point, you will miss some spontaneous photos because of this shutter lag issue. It certainly isn’t the type of shutter lag problem you’d experience with a basic point and shoot camera, but it is more noticeable than what you’d find with a Rebel DSLR.

Battery performance with this model is a bit below average, which is a disappointment. However, this is a common problem with thin mirrorless ILCs, as they must have a thin battery to fit the overall design of the camera. Just understand that if you choose to use the M10’s built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, the poor battery lifespan problem will be magnified.

Design

The thin camera body found with the Canon M10 gives it an advantage over the Rebel DSLRs. No DSLR can match the EOS M10’s 1.38-inch thickness measurement. 

Although you can use the M10 one-handed, it’s a little difficult to hold this camera with one hand because it has no right-hand grip area. The front of the camera body is smooth, so you have to try to hold it more like a point and shoot camera with a pinching grip, which can be difficult because of the way the lens protrudes from the camera body. It’s just easier to hold the camera with two hands.

Canon gave the EOS M10 tiltable and touch screen capabilities, which is great to find on a camera that’s aimed at inexperienced photographers. The camera also has very few buttons and dials, meaning you’ll be using the screen the majority of time to make changes to the settings, so having touch capabilities makes this model easy to use.

The build quality for the EOS M10 is very solid. There’s no loose parts or flimsy aspects to this Canon model.

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Can Advanced Point and Shoot Cameras Measure Up to DSLRs?
by David Burgess on 0

Can Advanced Point and Shoot Cameras Measure Up to DSLRs?

Affordable Point and Shoot Cameras for Advanced Users

If you’ve already spent some time learning about photography you probably already know know that with the proper knowledge you can take amazing photos with a DSLR. But carrying around a large camera with you everywhere can be a bit of a drag. Sometimes you need a camera that is small, compact and easily transportable. So, if you’re looking for the best point and shoot camera for an advanced photographer, then you can find some great options that take incredible images. If saving some money on the camera is a factor, then you will usually find that prices are a bit less than most of the DSLR cameras out there which could give you some additional cash for use to purchase a nice printer or some accessories.

The best part about point and shoot types of cameras is their portability and ability to pack extremely powerful picture taking within a small and compact package. There are several models out in the market that can let you manipulate and alter its settings so that you can take the exact kind of photo that you want. It’s almost like having a small DSLR.

Canon G12

Canon a leader in the camera world, they have a wide range of models that encompasses point and shoot cameras to entry level, mid-level, and professional level cameras. The G12 is a 10 megapixel camera that is a part of Canon’s G series of cameras.

Nikon J1

The Nikon J1 is a very impressive device. Its auto-focus function works very quickly which allows you to take advantage of its fast shooting speed. You can also just as quickly switch to video recording which lets you take high definition videos up to 1080p by hitting one button.

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a compact camera that delivers high quality photos and high definition videos. This camera is equipped with Leica DC Vario-Summicron, F2.0, ultra-wide lens. Image distortion is reduced by this model bringing you gorgeous, detailed photos.

More High Quality Point and Shoot Cameras

You don’t need a big fancy camera to take high definition videos and high resolution photos. A simple point and shoot camera may just do the trick for you.

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Best camera for macro photography
by David Burgess on 0

Best camera for macro photography

The best camera for macro photography for close up images

If you are looking for the best camera for macro photography you have come to the right place since this article focuses solely on the best macro cameras, and macro lenses, currently available to take your macro images to the next level.

Digital cameras, especially digital slr cameras, are expensive so if you want to buy the best camera for macro photography make sure you take a look at the rest of this article before shelling out your hard earned cash. After all, you don’t want to waste it right?

If you really want to get the most out of your macro photography there are other things you need to consider besides the camera. Lenses are one such consideration, and the best macro lenses are also covered in this article.

If your macro subjects consist of moving things, such as insects, butterflies and the like, the best macro camera needs a high burst rate. The top end Canon and Nikon digital SLRs are full frame and have a high burst rate but these are very expensive. Cheaper alternatives include crop sensor cameras with dual processors and these are the best value for money cameras.
macro shot of flower If you take macro images of static subjects, such as flowers and still life things, the best camera for macro photography need not have a high burst rate. In these circumstances the best camera for macro photography is the one with the best image quality, and highest number of pixels.

Point and shoot cameras and mirrorless cameras have a macro photography mode however these don’t capture “true” macro photographs. I would not recommend either a point and shoot or a mirrorless camera for macro photography, and the only real options are digital slr cameras, as detailed below;

Best camera for macro photography – Canon dslrs

Arguably you can use any digital slr camera for macro photography however many photographers claim the best camera for macro photography is a full frame slr camera since these have the largest sensors and produce some exceptional images. If you are capturing macro and close up images of flowers and still life subjects then I agree the best camera for macro photography is the full frame digital slr camera.

If, however, you are taking macro and close up images of insects I think the best camera for macro photography is one with the highest burst rate. Capturing images of insects can be tricky and to get the keeper shots you need to fire off a load of shots in quick succession and choose the best. You can buy full frame digital slr cameras with a high burst rate, such as the Canon 1D X, but these cost several thousand dollars and are out of reach of most enthusiasts. There are alternatives, but these are not full frame cameras.

Best camera for macro photography – Canon 5d

If you want an affordable full frame camera the Canon eod 5d is the camera of choice, which is Canon’s top selling digital slr camera of all time and when you get to have a go with this camera it is easy to see why. The 21MP sensor captures a lot of information and the image quality of the 5d is simply awesome. This camera captures images that will impress family and friends, and images that you can easily sell on and make some extra cash.

The Canon 5d is superb. It is a relatively small dslr camera that is tough, durable and well built. Like all Canon dslr cameras the Canon 5d is user friendly, intuitive and all the necessary controls are close to hand, which means you won’t have to go delving through the menu system.
The Canon 5d has a poor burst rate, but then given the cost of the 5d this isn’t surprising. Because of the poor burst rate the Canon 5d isn’t best suited to insect photography. If, however, you want to capture macro images of flowers and still life subjects the Canon 5d is the tool with which to do it.

Best camera for macro photography – Canon 7d

When I go chasing insects and mini beasts my camera of choice is the Canon 7d. With an 8 frames per second burst rate the 7d is ideal. The 7d has an 18mP sensor, and whilst it is not quite as impressive as that of the 5d, it is more than enough to capture some stunning macro images.
Like all Canon digital slr cameras the 7d is tough, durable and built to last. It also has a sensible menu system and user friendly interface, which makes it a doddle to use. All settings controls are close to hand, which means there is no need to go through the menu to change anything.
You can also use the Canon 7d for taking macro images of flowers and still life subjects, but it is insect photography where this camera is really good.

Best camera for macro photography – Nikon dslrs

Nikon D7000

If you prefer Nikon branded cameras my recommendation is the Nikon D7000. The Nikon D7000 is a top rated, and very popular, Nikon dslr camera you can use for macro photography. The D7000 has a high burst rate, which makes it ideal for insect photography, however you can also use it for close up and macro photos of flowers and still life subjects.

Like all Nikon dslr cameras the D7000 is a top quality camera that is made out of high quality materials and contains great optics, which means this camera is built to last and is capable of capturing some stunning photographs. If you prefer Nikon branded cameras and need a camera that has a high burst rate the Nikon D7000 is a camera you should look at.

Top macro lenses to get the most out of your macro photography

Macro lens When taking macro images you have to remember that you need a decent macro lens to get the most out of your best camera for macro photography. Macro lenses are prime, i.e. a fixed focal length, fast and very sharp. The image quality of all macro lenses is simply stunning and you won’t be disappointed with any of them. Macro lenses are available in a range of focal lengths from 50mm to 150mm so there is something for all types of macro subjects. Below are the best macro lenses currently available.

Top Canon macro lenses

 

 

Canon 100mm f2.8L IS USM macro lens

If you shoot a canon dslr camera the Macro lens of choice is the Canon 100mm f2.8L IS USM lens. With a 100mm focal length this lens has a large working distance, i.e. distance between the end fo the lens and the subject, which gives you a lot of room to move and also makes lighting that much simpler.

Being an L series Canon lens the 100mm f2.8L IS USM is bullet proof and built to last. The image quality is second to none and many photographers claim it is Canon sharpest lens of all, and I have to say I agree. The image stabilisation technology helps to keep camera shake at bay, and this technology works exceptionally well. If you want the best macro lens to go on your best camera for macro photography the Canon 100mm f2.8L IS USM lens is the lens to buy.

Nikon lenses for macro photography

Nikon 105mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR macro lens

If you shoot a Nikon dslr camera the top end macro lens is the Nikon 105mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR lens. This top quality lens is simply awesome and if you are serious about your macro photography this is the lens to buy.

The build quality is great, the image quality is amazing and boy, this is one sharp lens. In fact, many people consider it Nikon’s sharpest lens and I would have to agree. This lens produces images that are tack sharp from the centre to the edges.

The 105mm focal length gives a big working distance, i.e. distance between the end of the lens and the subject, which makes it perfect for insect photography, although this lens can obviously be used for taking macro images of flowers and still life subjects as well. The vibration reduction “VR” technology keeps camera shale at bay and ensures images are tack sharp at all times.

If you want the best Nikon branded macro lens for your Nikon camera you have to have the Nikon 105mm f2.8 lens. It really is an awesome lens that won’t disappoint.

Top Sigma macro lenses

If you want an alternative to a Nikon branded or Canon branded macro lens there are a few third party manufacturers out there, but the best is Sigma by far. Sigma has some excellent lenses and all of them are available in both Nikon and Canon fit.

Sigma 105mm macro

Sigma 50mm macro

Sigma 70mm macroSigma 70mm macro

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The Night Song – My Tips for Doing Budget Photo Shoot
by David Burgess on 0

The Night Song – My Tips for Doing Budget Photo Shoot

The Night Song

Have you ever wanted to create good, artistic photos but you only have limited amount of money? In this article, I would like to share my experience of doing a photo shoot with two models with very limited budget, in a very normal location with lighting from house lamps, and taken with cheapest entry level DSLR. This photo shoot was also my first experience working with models and DSLR camera. Could you imagine how limited was my knowledge about photography during this photo shoot?

I would like to emphasize that the most important thing in photography is not your gears. It’s your passion and creativity, and those two are the best weapon to create great photos. I am also looking forward to your comments and feedback so I could improve my works in the future.

The Concept

The story behind the scene
The Night Song

I bought my first DSLR camera in January 2012. My initial purpose for buying that kind of sophisticated camera was to make documentary of my final Bachelor of Arts research. Just a week after getting my DSLR, I accidentally found a very interesting video about photography on Youtube, from DigitalRevTV. The man in the video seems enjoying himself very much, taking photos of beautiful model with very cheap camera. Suddenly I felt that I wanted to create some photography works too.

The first thing came to my mind was about finding the models. As I was an amateur and didn’t have enough experience of handling DSLR camera, I decided to ask for help from my friends to be the model for my photography project. So, I contacted Nooreen and Varsha, two of my beautiful friends from Mauritius and offered this opportunity. Luckily, they agreed.

I wanted to talk a little bit about the model. Nooreen and Varsha are two students from Mauritius, a very beautiful small island in southern part of Africa. Mauritius used to be a colony of British and France. When the British ruled India, they sent some local Indian workers to work in Mauritius. At that time, there was no people on this island. Only jungles and animals. So, those Indian workers were the first colony in Mauritius, and they live, create a family, and until now inhibit this beautiful island.

After some years, British Empire decided to give Mauritius to France. Thus, under France regime, those Mauritian workers have to speak in France. The habit of speaking France has become a culture, even after their independence. Today, France is the national language of Mauritius.

I find that Mauritian people such as Nooreen and Varsha are the luckiest people in the world. They have beautiful, exotic face from their Indian ancestors. They speak Franch, the most beautiful, sexiest language in the world. They inherited the education and political system from British Empire, which is very systematic. Plus, they live in a small island with very beautiful nature; beaches, mountains, and jungle. What a very fortunate nation!

Back to the story of the model. Nooreen and Varsha are very good friends. They live together, study in the same college, and they understand each other very well. I wanted to use these facts to help a strong, artistic, and memorable photos. Thus, I decided to create a theme about intimate relationship between two women.

The Photo Shoot

The execution of the concept

As I told you before, I didn’t have any experience for doing photo shoot with any DSLR camera at that time. Thus, I wanted to focus more on the concept and messages of the photos rather than the technical aspects. I wanted to work as comfortable as possible, so I decided to do the photo shoot in Nooreen and Varsha’s house, in their small living room. I didn’t want to do it outside, because I thought that it was my first experience, and I didn’t want to embarass myself and the model.

The photo shoot took about three hours and it would be faster if I had more practical knowledge about DSLR camera. I spent a lot of unecessary times to adjust the ISO, control the focus, and set the exposure. I did all in manual mode, as I didn’t aware that the Aperture Priority mode would work more efficient. One of my most stupid mistake in this photo shoot was the fact that I forgot to turn on the Image Stabilizer, and at that time I didn’t even have a tripod. Luckily, I was able to take some good shots, and it took me about three hours to select, edit, and publish the photos.

Black Kimono for B&W Photoshoot

Here are some great kimono, a traditional Japanese dress for black and white photography. The wardrobe of the model is very important, especially if you later want to convert the images into monochrome. I strongly suggest that you find some dress with interesting pattern, especially for a photo shoot with plain background. Be sure to find a dress that looks cute and elegant.

Tips to do budget photo shoot

1. Find a strong, solid concept that can be executed in an empty room
Instead of focusing on the properties of the photo shoot, you should focus more on the model. Exploit your creativity and push it to its limit so that you can create good photos by only framing the model and a plain background. For this concept, you will need model who has strong, memorable expression. If the model also have beautiful and exotic face, it would be very helpful as well.

2. Try to find good references
Watch videos, read books, or go to photo exhibition. Read also about various article and tutorial about creating beautiful photos with cheap camera and limited budget. I strongly recommend that you watch “Pro Photographer Cheap Camera Series” from DigitalRevTV channel on Youtube.

3. Make it black and white
Black and white photos always appear to be more artistic, and by desaturating the color you can focus more on the subject. Simple photos with an empty background also look better in black and white rather than in color. For a better result, you can play with the contrast, brightness, exposure, and clarity of the photos during the post-processing.

4. Remember, your passion and creativity are more important than the physical aspects of the photos
It is you who can make the photos look great. Not the camera, not the place of the photo shoot, and not the dress worn by the models. Of course they will help you create something better and more beautiful, but remember that your passion and creativity are your main weapon.

The Black Dresses

Here are some alternative dresses that would be suitable for your model if you are planning to do a simple photo shoot with plain background. My advice: don’t choose a type of dress that has too much distracting patterns. Try to stick with a type of dress that look simple, elegant, and slightly hot.

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Lotus – My Photography Work with Mirrorless Camera
by David Burgess on 0

Lotus – My Photography Work with Mirrorless Camera

Capturing the Beauty of Lotus

Lotus is one of my first project in the world of photography. When working on this project, I don’t even know some most basic terms such as exposure, aperture, or shutter speed. I merely worked with my instinct and try to manually tweak the lighting. I was very surprised to find out that the result is not as bad as I thought. However, I found a lot of weaknesses that should be improved in my photo. Through this lens, I would like to share my experience working on one of my first photography project. Hope you will enjoy it. I am looking forward for your feedback and comments.

The Concept of “Lotus”

The idea behind the photo shoot
The idea was actually very simple. I wanted to finish this project assignment as soon as possible. The lecturer assigned me to work with Pema, my beautiful friend from Bhutan. At that time, I was very busy with exam preparations and my final research. Thus, I wanted to do a project which I could finish in one day. I didn’t think I am good at poetry or painting, so I decided to do photography.

Surprisingly, this project was my first step to the world of photography. Because of this photo shoot, I developed an interest to photography and digital art. I finally found my passion to create something beautiful for the society.

The title, “Lotus”, came from the translation of the model’s name, “Pema”. “Pema” is a common name that we can find in Bhutan. In Bhutanese language (Dzongkha) it means “lotus”. I also borrowed some concept from a Pearl S. Buck novel’s titled “A Good Earth” where there is a very beautiful character with that name. As I had no experience working with a model before, I just told her to dress with something that can make her look mysterious, beautiful, and graceful at the same time.

The Photo Shoot

My first experience as a photographer
As I already had the concept, at first there was only one thing in my mind: to finish this work as fast as possible. I still had a lot of things to do, and I felt that this thing kind of slowed me down. I didn’t expect that later I really enjoy working as a photographer.

As I arrived in the location, I immediately started my work. During the first ten minutes of working, I felt an excitement that I have never experienced before when making a painting, writing a poem, or in any other art related activities. At that moment, I realized that I fell in love with the world of photography.

The next two hours of working was very fun for me. I enjoyed the moment when I framed the model into different scenes, took her photos from different angles and composition, as well as directed her to pose to fit with my concept. We tried different locations and outfits, and I even did some experiment with some simple properties that I found in the location, such as books, playing cards, and mirror.

I worked with my Sony NEX-3 digital camera, which I am very satisfied with its performance. It can take beautiful images, almost as beautiful as DSLR camera and significantly more stunning compared to point and shoot camera. It also can be operated easily and requires very less knowledge in the world of photography. I set everything in “Auto Mode” as I was really blind about the basic concept such as exposure, ISO, aperture, shutter speed and so on. Later when I have complete understanding of those terms, I found that the image quality of “Auto Mode” for this camera wasn’t disappointing at all.

I completed my work in about four hours, with ten minutes break every hour. I spent about three hours to do little work with post processing. The result was satisfying. We got an “A”, and later some of the photos were featured in Bhutanese Girl Fashion Page.

Tips and thougts to do a photography with mirrorless camera

From an amateur point of view
Don’t hesitate to get a mirrorless camera
Because of the price that is significantly higher than point and shoot camera and slightly lower than DSLR, some people prefer not to buy this type of camera. Believe me, getting a mirrorless camera is a good investment. The image quality is comparable to DSLR, and it is much easier to operate. Moreover, it is cheaper and smaller. So, if you want to take good photos but don’t want to learn too much about technical aspects in photography, mirrorless camera is a perfect choice for you.

Use tripod
The image stabilizer in mirrorless camera is not as good as in DSLR, so using tripod during the photo shoot would significantly improve the quality of your photos. Some cameras such as Sony NEX series also hard to hold (as their center of gravity is in front part of the lens) so that you can get blurry and shaky images if you don’t use any tripod.

It is okay to use the “Auto Mode”
Especially if you are a beginner and don’t understand about when you should use flash, or when you should lower the ISO. The Auto Mode works very well in most of digital camera. Maybe later when you started to understand about some photography concepts, you can do experiment with Semi-Auto Mode or even completely Manual Mode.

Be confident
Although you have very less knowledge about photography, be confident that you can create good photos. Be confident with your camera, no matter how bad it is the quality. And, be confident to your model, trust her, and keep believing that both of you can create a good artworks. Believe it or not, this kind of positive thinking will influence the quality of your photos.

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