SUMMARY: Use your digital camera's noise-reduction technology to clean up noisy night photographs.
When purchasing a digital camera that you plan on using for night photography, see if the camera comes built-in with a noise-reduction mode. This feature may help in taking RAW or JPG photos in the dark of night.
When you have to increase your ISO settings to compensate for long shutter speeds, noise will be introduced in the photo. Rather that trying to remove it with digital photo editing software, if your digital camera has a noise reduction feature, you can help eliminate this post-processing step.
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
A Full Moon may Enhance a Photo
SUMMARY: Try to add a full moon to your night photos for dramatic effect.
A full moon can be a welcome addition to any night photo, whether it is a picture of a beach, mountain range, or cityscape. It can add drama and suspense to a photograph. It can draw the viewer's eye to a particular area. And, it may make your night photo stand out from others.
To find out when a full moon is visible, you can check through almanacs, your television station's weather forecast, your local newspaper, or weather sites on the Internet such as:
The Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com/
Weather Underground - http://www.weatherunderground.com/
A full moon can be a welcome addition to any night photo, whether it is a picture of a beach, mountain range, or cityscape. It can add drama and suspense to a photograph. It can draw the viewer's eye to a particular area. And, it may make your night photo stand out from others.
To find out when a full moon is visible, you can check through almanacs, your television station's weather forecast, your local newspaper, or weather sites on the Internet such as:
The Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com/
Weather Underground - http://www.weatherunderground.com/
Use Night Program or Scene Mode
SUMMARY: Let your digital camera's presets help you take great night photos.
If you are just starting out taking photos at night, check to see if your digital camera has a special night program or scene mode - read your camera manual. This mode will adjust your camera settings, tuning it to low-light conditions and possibly allowing you to take better night photos than if you were fumbling through other options. If you're not sure about adjusting exposure times and have no idea what ISO means, a one-touch setting may be all you need.
If you are just starting out taking photos at night, check to see if your digital camera has a special night program or scene mode - read your camera manual. This mode will adjust your camera settings, tuning it to low-light conditions and possibly allowing you to take better night photos than if you were fumbling through other options. If you're not sure about adjusting exposure times and have no idea what ISO means, a one-touch setting may be all you need.
Monday, October 1, 2007
How Large a Memory Card Do You Need?
Several factors affect decisions about memory card capacity. First, of course, is how much shooting you do. If you don't take many pictures, then you don't need a high-capacity card.
There are other factors, though. One key consideration is your camera's resolution. The higher the resolution, the fewer the number of picture files that will fit on any given memory card. All other things being equal, an 8 MP camera will produce much larger files than a 5 MP camera.
For example, a 6 MP camera, with an average file size of 3.60 MB (JPEG Fine setting) can save about 140 images to a 512 MB CF card. A 4 MP model, using the same setting, and with an average file size of 2.44 MB, can write about 210 image files to the same capacity card.
Another factor is the file type you shoot and the degree of compression (JPEG only). If you shoot TIFF files, you'll need large capacity cards, because TIFF files are huge. On the other hand, if you shoot at your camera's minimum resolution and save the files as JPEG's with maximum compression, you'll be able to save huge numbers of files.
For example, shooting at VGA resolution (640 x 480) and using maximum JPEG compression, the 4 MP camera above can store over 3,000 image files on a 512 MB card.
Finally, under some circumstances, your ability to download files can affect your decision. For example, if you shoot a lot of pictures when you travel, and you travel a fair amount, larger capacity cards make sense.
There are other factors, though. One key consideration is your camera's resolution. The higher the resolution, the fewer the number of picture files that will fit on any given memory card. All other things being equal, an 8 MP camera will produce much larger files than a 5 MP camera.
For example, a 6 MP camera, with an average file size of 3.60 MB (JPEG Fine setting) can save about 140 images to a 512 MB CF card. A 4 MP model, using the same setting, and with an average file size of 2.44 MB, can write about 210 image files to the same capacity card.
Another factor is the file type you shoot and the degree of compression (JPEG only). If you shoot TIFF files, you'll need large capacity cards, because TIFF files are huge. On the other hand, if you shoot at your camera's minimum resolution and save the files as JPEG's with maximum compression, you'll be able to save huge numbers of files.
For example, shooting at VGA resolution (640 x 480) and using maximum JPEG compression, the 4 MP camera above can store over 3,000 image files on a 512 MB card.
Finally, under some circumstances, your ability to download files can affect your decision. For example, if you shoot a lot of pictures when you travel, and you travel a fair amount, larger capacity cards make sense.
Nikon Digital Cameras - Cool(pix) and Functional
Even though Nikon entered the camera world by 1948, today its digital cameras are well known everywhere. The company started small but always dreamed big. Here is a historical review of Nikon.
Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.
During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.
After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.
Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.
During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.
Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon:
Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series): For advanced, professional users.
Coolpix Cameras: Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.
Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.
During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.
After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.
Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.
During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.
Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon:
Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series): For advanced, professional users.
Coolpix Cameras: Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.
The Inkjet Debate: Pigment vs. Dye
Most people agree that an inkjet photo printer can produce excellent photo-quality prints. But there's been some controversy over the two types of ink used in these printers.
Inkjet inks come in two basic types: dye-based and pigment based. Pigment-based inks tend to last longer than dye-based (though dye-based inks have improved significantly in recent years). And pigment-based inks aren't affected as easily by humidity – a long-term consideration.
But dye-based inks produce a less grainy, smoother finish, which is definitely preferable to most photographers. For pure looks, pigment-based inks can't match them.
In the end, the decision is up to you. If longevity is paramount, you may want to select a printer that uses pigment-based inks. But if photo-realistic quality is your prime concern, a printer that uses dye-based inks may be more appropriate.
Inkjet inks come in two basic types: dye-based and pigment based. Pigment-based inks tend to last longer than dye-based (though dye-based inks have improved significantly in recent years). And pigment-based inks aren't affected as easily by humidity – a long-term consideration.
But dye-based inks produce a less grainy, smoother finish, which is definitely preferable to most photographers. For pure looks, pigment-based inks can't match them.
In the end, the decision is up to you. If longevity is paramount, you may want to select a printer that uses pigment-based inks. But if photo-realistic quality is your prime concern, a printer that uses dye-based inks may be more appropriate.
Epson Offers Feature-Packed Portable Printer
The PictureMate is Epson's latest entry in the portable photo printer market, and this little Epson photo printer has everything a portable needs – including a very convenient handle.
The PictureMate uses Epson's six-ink system, so it provides better color than most much bigger four-ink desktop models. And though it's not a speed-printing champ, the Deluxe model can turn out a 4” x 6” print in about 75 seconds.
Epson claims the highest resolution in its class – up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch). And lab tests indicate the prints will resist fading up to 100 years when properly displayed behind lass – twice that in an album.
The PictureMate produces true 4” x 6” borderless prints – no perforated paper to mess with. And you can print directly from eight different types of memory card – including SmartMedia. Adapters are available for mini-SD cards and Sony's MemoryStick Pro and Pro Duo.
The PictureMate is PictBridge compatible, and even prints from Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Deluxe model comes with a 2.4” LCD viewer and a half-dozen other added features.
The PictureMate uses Epson's six-ink system, so it provides better color than most much bigger four-ink desktop models. And though it's not a speed-printing champ, the Deluxe model can turn out a 4” x 6” print in about 75 seconds.
Epson claims the highest resolution in its class – up to 5760 x 1440 dpi (dots per inch). And lab tests indicate the prints will resist fading up to 100 years when properly displayed behind lass – twice that in an album.
The PictureMate produces true 4” x 6” borderless prints – no perforated paper to mess with. And you can print directly from eight different types of memory card – including SmartMedia. Adapters are available for mini-SD cards and Sony's MemoryStick Pro and Pro Duo.
The PictureMate is PictBridge compatible, and even prints from Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Deluxe model comes with a 2.4” LCD viewer and a half-dozen other added features.
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