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Digital cameras vs. traditional film cameras

Nov 1st, 2009 by djm

When a person decides to get serious about photography, this means that they need to upgrade their equipment. This can mean hours of searching online for the best buy on cameras, which is almost always a confusing and mind-numbing process. However, before they even get to that step, there is one question that they need to resolve, one that is becoming one of the most difficult and frequently-asked in the photography world: digital or film?For a long time, digital cameras were considered to be the providence of amateur photographers, offering quality more suited for taking pictures of your family at the beach than doing professional work. But over the years the quality of digital cameras has improved to the point that there really isn’t a delta between the two – you can find high-quality, professional digital cameras just as easily as you can film cameras.

One of the major advantages of a digital camera is the ability to store footage. Through a memory card for a camera, a photographer can take hundreds of pictures without having to worry about changing film. It is also an incredibly portable option: once saved onto a memory card, the images can be shared any number of ways.

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to turn film into digital files. It’s just as easy to convert a shot into a digital file through negative film scanners as it is by using a digital film scanner. And there are some instances where traditional photography is still the better option than digital photography. For example, in many nature images, the sheer size and scope of the picture would result in a digital image that would be too large and unwieldy for most cameras to handle. And in many cases, the top-end film cameras offer a level of clarity that cannot be matched. It really is a matter of personal preference if one chooses a traditional film camera or a digital camera when they decide to get serious about their photography.

About the Author

Sarah Michaels is the General Manager at www.svpcam.com. Silicon Valley Peripherals provides the best buy on cameras such as a high definition video camera, or accessories such as an iPhone case or a digital film scanner.

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Landscape Photography

Nov 1st, 2009 by djm

Looking at a fantastic landscape, the lighting seems picture perfect, the colours tremendous, how many times have you grabbed your camera and thought I’ve got to capture that scene. Yet the picture you take looks lifeless and dull. It is common because like most disciplines of photography it needs practice and skill.Follow these simple rules to start to create better, brighter landscape pictures. While there may be times that you want to get a little more creative and conduct test with narrow depth of fields in your Landscape Photography the normal tactic is to ensure that as much of your panorama is in focus as possible. The simplest way to do this is to choose a small Aperture setting (a large number) as the smaller your aperture the greater the depth of field in your shots.

As a consequence of the longer shutter speed that you may need to select to compensate for a small aperture you will need to find a way of ensuring your camera is completely still during the exposure. In fact even if you’re able to shoot at a fast shutter speed the practice of using a stand can be beneficial to you. Also consider a cable or wireless shutter release mechanism for ultra camera stillness. They can be quite expensive, but if you plan to do a lot of landscape work it is a good investment. Ebay is always worth looking at.

All shots need some sort of focal point to them and landscapes are no different in fact landscape photographs without them end up looking rather blank and will leave your viewers eye wondering through the image with nowhere to rest (and they’ll generally move on quickly). Focal points can take many forms in landscapes and could range from a building or structure, a striking tree, a boulder or rock formation, a silhouette etc.

Think not only about what the focal point is but where you place it. The rule of thirds might be useful here. One element that can set your landscape shots apart is to think carefully about the foreground of your shots and by placing points of interest in them. When you do this you give individuals viewing the shot a way into the image as well as creating a feeling of depth in your shot.

Another element to consider is the sky in your landscape. Most accomplished landscapes will either have a dominant foreground or sky unless you have one or the other your shot can end up being fairly boring. If you have a bland, boring sky don’t let it dominate your shot and place the horizon in the upper third of your shot (however you’ll want to make sure your foreground is interesting). However if the sky is filled with drama and interesting cloud formations and colours let it shine by placing the horizon lower.

Consider enhancing skies either in post production or with the use of filters (for example a polarizing filter can add colour and contrast). One of the questions to ask yourself as you take Landscape shots is “how am I leading the eye of those viewing this shot”? There are a number of ways of doing this (foregrounds is one) but one of the best ways into a shot is to provide viewers with lines that lead them into an image. Lines give an image depth, scale and can be a point of interest in and of themselves by creating patterns in your shot.

When most people think about landscapes they think of calm, serene and passive environments however landscapes are rarely completely still and to convey this movement in an image will add drama, mood and create a point of interest. Examples wind in trees, waves on a beach, water flowing over a waterfall, birds flying over head, moving clouds. Capturing this movement normally means you need to look at a longer shutter speed (sometimes quite a few seconds). Of course this means more light hitting your sensor which will mean you need to either go for a small Aperture, use some sort of a filter or even shoot at the start or end of the day when there is less light.

A scene can change dramatically depending upon the weather at any given minute. As a result, choosing the right time to shoot is of real consequence. Many starters photographers see a sunny day and think that it’s the best time to go out with their camera but an overcast day that is threatening to rain might offer you with a much better opportunity to create an image with real mood and ominous overtones. Look for storms, wind, mist, dramatic clouds, sun shining through dark skies, rainbows, sunsets and sunrises etc and work with these variations in the weather

The only shooting times I use are around dawn and dusk for the reason that that’s when the light is best and I find that landscapes come alive. These special hours are great for landscapes for a number of reasons none the least of which is the golden light that it often presents us with. The other reason that I love these times is the direction of the light and how it can impact a scene creating interesting patterns, dimensions and textures as it rakes across the land. It’s an old tip but a good one before you take a landscape shot always consider the horizon on two fronts. Is it straight? while you can always straighten images later in post production it’s easier if you get it right in camera. Where is it compositionally? – a compositionally natural spot for a horizon is on one of the thirds lines in an image (either the top third or the bottom one) rather than completely in the middle. Of course rules are meant to be broken but I find that unless it’s a very striking image that the rule of thirds usually works here.

Take a little more time with your shots particularly in finding a more interesting point of view to shoot from. This might start with finding a different spot to shoot from than the scenic look out (wander down paths, look for new angles etc), could mean getting down onto the ground to shot from down low or finding a higher up vantage point to shoot from. To learn even more why not visit www.Landscapephotoschool.com Enjoy

About the Author

http://www.Landscapephotoschool.com

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How To Make Money With Your Digital Camera

Sep 4th, 2009 by djm

Do you know that your digital camera can be used to make you a steady income month after month? What even more interesting, this steady income is royalty income which means you only need to work one time and get paid forever. Read below on how to make money with your digital camera.

1. The Demand For Photos

Today the demand for photos has increased more than ever before. Websites, newsletters, magazines, blogs and ezines all look for photos that can be used to support their articles and content. Paying a high priced photographer is no longer an attractive option.

2. To Answer The Demand

To answer the demand, a lot of stock photo websites have been born. Basically, stock photography websites will promote your photos, handle all the payment details, so the only thing you need to do just take as many photos as you want and let the check come in.

It’s truly as simple as that. Some of these websites are Fotolia and Crestock

The registration is simple and can be done in 5 minutes.

3. Have The Right Tools

The right tools will make everything different. You need to have at least a digital camera with a minimum of 8 megapixels, adobe photoshop and computer. You don’t need to have years of experiences to start selling your photos on these websites.

But you need at least create a professionally looking photo. There are also certain types of photos that are purchased more on stock photo sites so it would be advantageous for you if you want to increase your online income.

Several subjects that work well for me are business and health. For instance, I was taking a picture of my niece when she bought ice cream. I submitted this photo 5 months ago. And up until today this one simple photo has kept pouring in $350 pay check every month.

It is simple and just about anyone can do it.

Article by Rick Lee
If you want to make money taking photos online, i recommend Brian Moore Camera Dollars guide. Check out my Camera Dollars review and learn how to earn 6 figure a year from your freelance photography.

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5 Reasons Why You Should Be Using a Digital Photography SLR Camera

Sep 4th, 2009 by djm

Simply because of the ease of use and the sheer number of advantages over 35mm and traditional film technology, digital photography slr is quickly becoming the newest way to take pictures. While it isn’t exactly new technology, there are certainly benefits of using digital vs. the old school in photography.

Digital photography is generally going to be more expensive than traditional 35mm up front, as you have to invest in a slr camera, but there are certainly advantages to using digital. This article will go over the more important elements that a digital camera will give you over a traditional camera or digital camera.

Expense

In the long run, digital proves to be less expensive. The fact you can snap shot after shot for free is one huge advantage of going digital. If any pictures you take don’t turn out like you want them to, simply delete and try again. That’s one reason why I love digital photography. No two shots are ever the same, and you have the freedom to delete or edit any picture you take.

Ease

Every picture you take is recorded straight onto a digital memory card, and you download it straight to your computer. You no longer need to invest in rolls of film and pay for developing or hassle with any of that. Plus, since the pictures are digital, you can send pictures to your friends, family and relatives, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

Speed

With most digital cameras today, they have a digital LCD screen for you to view your pictures instantly. There’s no waiting around and there’s no more waiting to see if that shot you snapped turned out to be “perfect”. You can download the picture immediately, share it instantly, and edit any picture nearly instantly as well.

Editing

And speaking of editing, most digital cameras have built in editing features. It’s not difficult to crop and re-center the picture to make it nearly perfect. You don’t have to worry about a stray hand here and they in your photos. Sharpening up your photos can really bring out the details of a photo, and within minutes, your pictures can be picture-perfect.

Convenience

By using digital instead of film, you no longer have to worry about running out of film half-way through a vacation. Depending on the size of the memory card and the resolution quality, you can easily put hundreds of pictures on a single card. Not to mention that digital is much easier to work with, especially if you’re the type who likes seeing pictures nearly instantly after taking them.

So let’s recap. You don’t have to pay as much, it’s easier, it’s faster, it’s more convenient… overall, digital is the best way to go. It does require some investment, but I’m sure you’ll agree that it was well worth the investment. And if you don’t have a digital camera, there’s hundreds to choose from.

If you’re truly interested in getting involved with digital photography and want to start taking great pictures fairly easily, it’s an investment you’ll never regret.

Article written by Phil Town
If you want to learn even more about digital photography slr, you’ll love the brand new e-course he’s created for you to help you start taking amazing pictures. It’s yours for free and is delivered straight to your email. You can download it for free here: http://www.digitalphotographyadvantage.com/

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Move With the Times With Lithium Camera Batteries

Sep 4th, 2009 by djm

Technology moves at a rate that can almost be blinding to those who are used to the normal and the everyday, and have some sort of inertia when it comes to adopting new technology for themselves. This should not be the case especially when it comes to batteries because longevity and reliability has always been the contentious issues that come into play when people talk about batteries. While most of us are still stuck in the alkaline and the carbon batteries, it is time to move with the times with lithium, and this is even more pertinent and solid a fact when juxtaposed against the use of it within camera batteries. The camera represents on of the most important pieces of equipment this century – having the ability to capture moments in formats now described as digital.

A long time ago, it was known only to be able to capture images in film which need to be processed, but times have definitely changed and with the digital age, came the digital camera and in the end of the process, digital photography. Now, there are so many new fangled cameras out there in the market, from low end digital cameras, to multi megapixel creations that can take pictures the size of billboards. With technology like this, the power out put and demands placed on these machines have become enormous, as with some of these cameras, they even have the ability to take videos and perform even other more advanced photography options. Keeping up with technology means keeping up with everything about it and you need to have on hand with you a couple of lithium batteries to ensure that the digital camera you have will last for a long time.

Lithium batteries are different because they use a lithium ion that moves in between an anode and a cathode within the battery, moving in directions that are dependent upon the state that the battery is experiencing (recharge or discharge). While the technology is complicated, just understand that the use of iron phosphate particles with about a measurement of 100 nano metres has allowed for an increase in battery performance. Comparatively, a lithium battery can last more than three times the normal alkaline battery, which is an outstanding performance benchmark. Lithium camera batteries are also much, much lighter than any other secondary batteries that are available on the market today.

The other good thing about this is that they do not suffer from any sort of a memory effect, which means that their self discharge rate is only about less than 7% per month, so you are not losing as much energy. Other batteries have a discharge rate of more than 30% a month, so the figures really speak for themselves. There is no argument against the lithium camera battery, and there is no other battery on the consumer market that can perform as admirably as they can. Choose a lithium camera battery and snap the day away with no worries.

Arden Marketing Pte Ltd is a wholesaler of AA Lithium Battery. They sell the most affordable aa rechargeable batteries at their retail website. Get your rechargeable batteries today.

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Beginning in Digital Photography

Sep 4th, 2009 by djm

In America, 12.5 million digital cameras were sold last year, overtaking film for the first time. In Britain, the switch-over is not far behind. Women are more interested than men in getting prints from digital images, however, printing at home is not high on their list. Instead, they prefer the process to mimic traditional film developing as they know it.

The rise of digital photography has been swift and ruthless. Little more than a decade ago, the first digital cameras were launched by Sony and Canon. With low quality images and clunky operation, it was difficult to see how they would appeal.

That new digital camera you used to take those snapshots of your kids at the Grand Canyon looks kind of like your old point-and-shoot film camera, but it’s not. It’s the difference between chemistry and physics.

Photography is going through an exciting transition period as many film photographers are beginning to explore the new capabilities made possible with digital cameras. Traditional aspects such as the fundamental techniques and lens equipment have remained the same, however others are markedly different. This is a great time to get involved with digital photography.

I’ve grown wiser again and now I’m re-discovering still photography (digital is making it a fascinating journey). The weight of still cameras and their tripods, compared to Super 16 film cameras, also makes the journey lighter.

There are digital versions of these cameras that virtually every one of us has. To everyone but the most hard-core film or digital crazies, there isn’t that much difference between the physical experience of using a film point-and-shoot and a digital one. Of course, there are a few differences.

It takes about 20 megapixels to match film quality. Within another 5 years, many cameras will be 15-20 megapixels with low amounts of noise because of improved sensors. There is actually a camera that you can buy right now that has 160 megapixels!

Digital photography has opened many channels for novice photographers to be able to produce more than acceptable photos with very little experience. There is no denying the fact that digital has a higher initial cost. A flagship film body will usually cost 50 to 75% less than its digital counterpart. However, there are many different cameras available at all price levels, so choosing the right camera for your needs can be quite difficult.

More megapixels equals sharper images. If you plan to enlarge your photos on a regular basis, then consider purchasing a digital camera with more megapixels. However, keep in mind that high megapixel cameras tend to be more expensive.

To take great looking pictures it also helps to have a digital camera that provides you with many different helpful features. The many different sources that you can use like a digital photography magazine, internet articles, and even digital camera buyer’s guides will allow you to compare digital camera features.

This article was written by Henry Charles Halley, an up and coming expert in digital photography an Web-design. You can find out a lot more about digital photography by going to Digital Photography Info where you can also get a more tips on digital photography.

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