Entries from October 2008 ↓

Everyone is talking about the Canon 5D mkII and the Nikon D90. Why? They both shoot HD video. People are saying this is a huge paradigm shift regarding these camera’s being able to shoot video. Erm, compact digital cameras have been doing this for years! I know, but this is HD! So what. Focusing is an issue and so is recording sound. Video on a DSLR is a convenience feature. Nothing more. At least for now. When the next generation of video capable DSLR’s come out, that can focus quickly and have stereo sound. We might be having a different discussion.

Let me explain my thoughts a bit more. Will a professional photographer shoot a full length feature film with one of these cameras? Probably not. Will a professional photographer shoot video for any of their clients? Not likely. Will photographers make silly videos to send to family and friends? You betcha! However, will some talented filmmakers jump all over these cameras and make amazing films. Of course. It looks like these cameras will be used to make great still images by talented photographers, or great films by talented filmmakers, But rarely used for both. There are those people out there that are talented photographers and talented filmmakers but I can’t see this generation of DSLR’s filling the needs for these gifted artists.

Another thing to consider. It could cause problems for some professional photographers. “I’m sorry Mr./Ms. professional photographer, but you can’t bring that camera into this venue because it shoots video and you’re not allowed to shoot video.” Says the security officer. “But, I’ll only shoot stills!” Pleads the photographer. “Sorry, no can do!” What’s a photographer to do?

Are we ready this type of convergence? Yes, but we are a going to have to wait for this merging of technologies to advance far enough that capturing both stills and video equals or betters current technology. And once that happens we’ll have to call ourselves “photogravideographers”

What are your thoughts?

Choosing a new digital camera today can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider and so much marketing hype that choosing a digital camera can get frustrating. I’m going to explain to you the 5 most important things you should look at when choosing you next digital camera. I’m not going to get into the technical details, too many of those. I’m going to keep it simple and logical, so when you do go out to buy your new camera you’ll be prepared.

1. Budget - I know, I know. This always makes it to the number one position, but for good reason. You can’t spend more than you have. Right? Don’t let a sales person or a friend talk you into spending more than you want. There will always be features that are not available in your price range. Suck it up, cupcake! You probably can live without a feature or two. Buy the best camera you can afford!
2. What and how are you going to be shooting - If you’re going to be taking snaps of the family, or vacation photos, you’re going to want something easy to carry and use. On the other hand, if you want your shots to be more creative or to shoot wildlife, you’ll probably want a digital SLR. If this is your first camera you should consider a compact digital camera, where as someone who’s been shooting for years might want a digital SLR.
3. How does the camera feel in your hands - This one is probably the most overlooked. A lot of people are buying their cameras online now without ever trying or holding the camera first. This is a mistake. Go to a camera store and hold the cameras, play with the menus, change the settings, etc. This may seem basic, but what’s right for your next door neighbor might not be right for you. The last thing you want is to buy a digital camera that doesn’t feel right. It will probably start gathering dust somewhere.
4. Output - Are you going to be printing large wall murals, 13X19, 8X10, or only 4X6 inch prints? Are you going to be putting the images on the web, or sending them out in e-mails? I’m going to let you in on a little secret… If you’re only making small 4X6 inch prints, sending them in e-mails, and putting pictures on your facebook or myspace page. You don’t need more than a 6 megapixel camera. Really! However, making larger prints and submitting images to contests, you definitely need more than 6 megapixels. 10-12 megapixel cameras are now considered the higher range compact cameras.
5. Software - Software? Really? Yup! If you’re already familiar with image editing software… Great! You don’t need to worry about this. If you have never used image editing software this is a huge thing to consider. Make sure you ask the camera store to see the software on one of their computers that comes with the camera. Or at least find out what software comes with camera and download the trial version before you buy the camera. There are so many people that don’t know how to resize an image to e-mail to friends, or never download images to their computer because it’s too difficult or they don’t know how. The software that comes with the camera should be simple to use and fun. The other option is to buy 3rd party image editing software and that usually throws your budget out the window.

What have we learned? Don’t exceed your budget. Figure out what and how you’re going to shoot and buy the camera to fill your needx. Make sure the camera feels good in your hand and is easy for you to use. Choose a camera that is appropriate for your desired output. And, make sure the software that comes with camera is easy for you to use.

Is ther anything you consider important when buying a digital camera? Give us your comments.

I’m doing something completely different with this weeks Friday Five. I know it’s Saturday, but let me explain. Yesterday was such a beautiful day (maybe the last one for a little while) I decided to go for a hike instead of sitting in front of a computer looking for cool and relevant links. Actually, the hike was my friend Andrea’s idea and with winter just around the corner I thought I better take advantage of the weather.

The hike details:

• Total Distance - 20km (just over 12 miles) from where we parked to the lake and then back to the car.
• Elevation gain - 800 meters (approx. 2625 feet)

Here are five images from yesterdays hike:

Not too sure what this little guy was, but he sure was cute.

During lunch we were paid a little visit by some very hungry Whiskey Jacks. One of them pulled a hunk of cheese from another groups sandwich and flew off with it.

Volcanic rock on the shore of the the lake.

Andrea taking in the view.

And this is why we live here.

Tell me where you live and why you live there.

It’s so good to be back in the swing of things and posting again. There is so much news that I missed, if I posted it all here today it would probably be the Friday 50, or 500. I’ll be touching on some of the important things in other posts. Let’s get started with this weeks Friday Five.

• Mark J. Rebilas is a good great photographer that puts his gear in harms way. He straps his camera to some crazy places. I wonder if has crash replacement insurance on his gear?
• James Nachtwey was awarded the TED Prize in 2007, he was given $100,000 and a wish to change the world. This is the result.
• Social Networking sites are all the rage, but you need to be aware of the down side.
• It seems prices are falling everywhere (stocks, housing, and even gas), and so are hard drive prices. WD’s ShareSpace has a great solution for your ever expanding image library.
• Finally, from the “More balls than brains” department. Red Bull Rampage is back! If you’re a mountain bikers, you probably have a huge grin on your face right now. It’s on this weekend and you can get all the info here.