DIGITAL PHOTO IMAGING INFORMATION FORUM

Adding to the Currency of DPII

2009-10-26T18:24:00.000-05:00

In an effort to stay fresh and current, I am going to give readers the opportunity to follow photography related tweets through two new twitter accounts. Follow me on twitter at dentonphotos and texasphotograph. Of course there's always something always going on on my facebook account as well - look to become a fan of my facebook business.

DentonPhotos
TexasPhotograph

Importance of Focus Point

2009-08-17T08:02:00.002-05:00

What makes the tourist squirrel photo so humorous? Take a good long look at the image. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Banff+squirrel+photo+gets+huge+attention/1889605/story.html

It's obvious isn't it? It is the fact the camera refocused on the squirrel making the humans the background - less important, more like visitors in the squirrel's world.

If the camera remained focused on the couple, the squirrel would have been a fuzzy blur and all impact forgotten and lost forever. Think about it.

Recovering Lost Data

2009-05-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

PHOTORECOVERY. There’s a demo version at www.lc-tech.com/photorecovery.htm or purchase at US$39.95. Windows 2000 or higher.
SanDisk RescuePro at www.lc-tech.com/rescuepro.htm Trial version. Price: US$40. Windows and Mac OSX.
File Rescue Plus at http://download.cnet.com/File-Rescue-Plus/3000-2248_4-10192710.html - Free demo. Price: US$29.95. Windows Vista, XP etc.
PhotoRescue at www.datarescue.com/photorescue - Trial version. Price: US$29. Windows and Mac OSX.
ImageRecall 2 at www.imagerecall.com — demo version or US$39.95. Windows.
MediaRECOVER at www.mediarecover.com - Demo version. Price: US$29.95. Windows and Mac OSX.

Read more: "Memory Cards - More on Keeping Memory Cards Healthy and Data Recovery" - http://digital-photography-school.com/memory-cards-more-on-keeping-memory-cards-healthy-and-data-recovery#ixzz0EUlHu8Ry&A

Nikon D500 Rolled Out to the Public

2009-04-14T21:49:00.002-05:00

For those of you caught in between a D90 and DXX, Nikon has slid a new model right in between to hit a sweet spot in their lineup.

If you are interested in the deep details try these links.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-9991-10012

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0904/09041402nikond5000.asp

http://www.topix.net/arts/photography/2009/04/nikon-d5000-digital-slr-camera-offers-720p-hd-video-at-24fps

Great Example of Fill Flash

2009-04-13T16:38:00.003-05:00

Check out my facebook site for an image that demonstrates the importance of fill flash in a shoot I did last week. If this doesn't convince you of the need to rip off those worthless popup flashes, nothing will.

What Lens Do I Buy? What Camera Do I Buy?

2009-04-01T08:39:00.005-05:00

I get those questions almost every week - what lens do I buy, or what camera body do I buy? To me that is like telling someone what car to buy. I know there are better brands of cars than others, and likewise there are better camera brands.

I advise any new camera buyers who are feeling the need to step up to a DSLR, or are about to move up a few generations in DSLR's to purchase names - today those names are still Nikon, Canon and new contender Sony.

Why Sony? The guts of Nikon - their sensors - come from Sony, and Sony is not bound (and never has been bound) by being a market leader. Sony is doing things in a way that shakes up the industry.

Why not others like Pentax, Sigma, Olympus etc ... ? Sure, those cameras work, and have good price points, and I do not own one, so I can not recommend one. You are here for my opinion, and that opinion is stick to the three at the top. Have you noticed your local neighborhood mom-and-pop film processing lab has disappeared? Well, in this economy, you can expect some camera makers to disappear too - if not the company, then at least the product.

THAT SAID
That said, I also get a question about buying "kits" or "package deals" right after the first two questions. It goes something like "they have a DXX with a xx to xx zoom lens for xxx.yy. Do you think I should go for that?" My opinion is NO. Just say NO to "kits" and "kit lenses". A camera body is (now) a box with a sensor, while the lens is what the image actually passes through before it hits the sensor (sensor megapixel wars addressed later). Other that megapixel count (which are incredibly high by standards of five years ago) and size of the sensor, the camera has nothing to do with the quality of the image file - ZERO.

YOUR LENS on the other hand has everything to do with the quality of your final image file. Here's why:

Glass - the glass in a lens varies with the quality level / pricing of the lens. High end glass has the best optical glass coated with the most advanced coatings. Cheaper lenses have cheaper glass and coatings. Why does this matter? Good glass and coatings make for sharper image files, and more accurate color renditions. And the glass in better lenses is still ground to be sharp from edge-to-edge as well as in the center. More on that later.

Mechanics - Servos are the little motors that run a lenses' autofocusing, and you guessed it, better lenses have better motors that work more quickly to snap a subject into focus. Cameras play a role as well in focusing speed, but great lenses will help an average camera focus faster.

FOCAL LENGTH - Now this is the critical part, and one that requires a bit of explaining. If you are not sure what the f.stops on your camera are, you will want to either look back in this blog, or google for deeper explanations, but here it goes -

"FOCAL LENGTH - How wide or how narrow a view the lens will provide. Smaller focal length numbers mean wider; larger numbers mean narrower." That means a 24mm. lens is "wide" while a 200mm. lens is "narrower".
Manufacturers try to get you to go for a "kit" lens with an extreme range of focal length, say, 18-to-135 range because they know that covers a wide range that most people would find useful. The manufacturers make these lenses by the thousands - with cheap plastic bodies, cheap elements, coatings and servos. They sell them by the ... thousands. But let's take a closer look at this mythical 18-135 lens. There are more drawbacks than meet the eye. ALL of these lenses have what is called a "variable" f.stop range. What you say, is a "Variable F.Stop Range!!!?"

VARIABLE F. STOP RANGE - Those are those numbers you see on the lens that the salesperson at Best Buy cannot explain, but they describe how light gets reduced as you zoom your new kit lens from wide to narrow - with your f.stop setting set at maximum (wide open). Here is what I found on the internet for our purposes -

Focal Length Maximum Aperture
18mm F/3.5
19mm F/3.8
24mm F/4.0
31mm F/4.2
35mm F/4.5
44mm F/4.8
50mm F/5.0
58mm F/5.3
70 - 135mm F/5.6

TRANSLATION - The more you zoom your lens, the darker it gets ---- LIKE IT OR NOT! In the real world, say you are photographing sports or a musical recital (I know polar opposites), these are both probably going to be low light and perhaps high speed subjects (sports for sure). Well, as you zoom in to get a closer shot of your Michael Jordan, or YoYo Ma, guess what, the light reaching your camera sensor becomes less and less - in exponential fashion, and quickly.
THIS IS WHY you see professionals with big fat zoom lenses. They are usually top-end lenses that have a FIXED FOCAL LENGTH zoom. No matter how far you zoom them (and to maintain quality their zoom ranges are always less than cheaper lenses), their aperture remains the same over the entire range of focal lengths --- at 17mm my lens is 2.8 (twice as bright as 3.5) and at 55mm my lens is,YES, 2.8 (almost four times brighter than most variables). All the lenses I use on a daily basis are f.2.8 throughout their entire range. There is never a mystery aperture waiting inside my lenses - they all max at 2.8!

I bet you are starting to see the light. I want to digress a minute, for the purpose of letting all that sink in, and talk about cameras for a short bit. Camera bodies by major manufacturers are made to compete on price points first and features second. If you have gotten this far, you know that buying a camera these days is like buying a computer. Something bigger and better will come out in a few days after you sweated over your decision for months. If you are lucky, and time your purchase for that new camera that is just about to hit the market, GREAT! It will be awhile before it becomes old news, and the value drops by at least two-thirds - at least. Buying a camera these days is like catching a falling knife, so get used to it. My advice is to ALWAYS buy a camera that you will grow into and not out of, meaning if there are features you don't understand, you will, if there are features you think you will never use, you will. Why end up "wishing you would have ..."? Reach a little bit further on the camera body, and a lot further on the camera body, and I guarantee you will be happier with your decisions.

BACK TO GLASS
Remember those numbers for zoom range 18-135? Well, this does not translate to your daddy's old Pentax in the closet. Why? The numbers are deceptive because they are shown to be for a "Full-Frame" sensor. What is a "Full-Frame" sensor? A "Full-Frame" sensor is a sensor inside your camera that is the exact same size as a full 35mm film frame. They are rare in affordable cameras due to the great expense to manufacturers of making these sensors. So, they reduce the size of the sensors to reduce the cost. Here's a general translation for the two major manufacturers:

Nikon
They have two different sensor sizes currently in use in their line of DSLR's - a full frame sensor in the D700 and above, and a 1.5 sensor (50% smaller sensor) in the cameras below the D700.
Canon
They use a wide range of sensor sizes which is one of the drawbacks for Canon as a company. They have great prices on full-frame sensors as well as higher end cameras that are not even full-frame. Check Canon for those numbers because they are critical to lens selection

"So why is this so important to me", you may say to yourself? Well, there is one big reason, and that is that a smaller sensor does two things critical to your lens decisions; it reduces the actual focal length of the lens by a matching percentage (1.5 means a 50% reduction) and it uses the "sweet spot" in the glass of your lens. "What is the sweet spot", I heard you say? The "sweet spot" in all lens elements is nearer the center of the elements and away from the edges. As manufacturers make glass, they have more quality control over the middle of the glass, and progressively less toward the edges.In this regard a smaller sensor is a good thing. "What is a 50% reduction"? That means your 18-135 is actually, drumroll please, a 27-200 zoom lens. If it were a full-frame sensor, or being used on a 35mm relic, it would be its actual range of 18-135 - but then and only then would it be that range. So, that can be good, and it can be bad. It's bad if you were really expecting a "wide angle", but good if you were expecting some "long" focal length. You have more long and less wide.

WHAT DO I DO?
In the long run, you will always end up with at least two lenses. That is still better than when I started out with a bag full of fixed lenses from 20 to 300mm. They were great, but heavy and a lot more expensive than what lenses are today - pound-for-pound.
Here's what you do
Camera Body - get one you think may be a little out of your price or knowledge range, and I can help you grow into it (www.livephotolessons.com).
Lens - Break the bank and you will be happy. Virtually every individual lens I own (each) costs more than any camera body I currently use.
Add-ons - Forget that crazy pop-up flash on your camera - just tape it off and forget it. They are completely worthless, and a sales gimmick by manufacturers. You are going to have to buy a flash made by the same manufacturer of your camera - one that "talks to" your camera. I can show you how that works too, but as much as all these upgrades will change your life, a dedicated flash will rock your world.

I hope this sheds some light on your needs, and gets you started in the right direction toward your camera purchases and use. I suggest you google any terms that I may not have made clear enough, and contact me for clarifications. As always, I do live photo lessons online at www.livephotolessons.com .

Noctilust

2008-09-17T18:26:00.002-05:00

A 10-thousand dollar lens by Leica. I'll take two.

How to Find Actuations on Nikon D200

2008-07-21T12:53:00.002-05:00

There is a simple way to find the number of actuations on a Nikon D200, and I presume any other camera that shoots raw images.
1) shoot an image on a newly formated card
2) plug image into card reader already connected to computer
3) Drag image file to photoshop to open the image in the raw opener
4) open the image and adjust if you like
5) close the image file
6) Look back where the original raw was located and there will now be an XMP file'
7) OPEN THE XMP file using a simple text editor / reader and read the metadata there
8) Look under ######<
That number is the total actuation number.

Wondering How Fast Your New CF Card Is?

2008-06-10T22:06:00.003-05:00

Rob Galbraith has a newly updated chart of CF card speeds. The Fastest is a brand I have never heard of. Look out for the kickoff this summer of a new site dedicated to personal tutoring photographers, serious and hobbyists, LIVE VIA STREAMING VIDEO CHAT. It is time to take this information to the next level, don't you think? Start saving your money, and contact me for your live appointment now!

Nikon D80 Firmware Update

2008-01-29T20:30:00.000-06:00

If you took my recommendation on the Nikon D80, then be sure and install the firmware update!

D300 and D3 Nikons On The Loose

2008-01-03T11:44:00.000-06:00

Lots of new camera information specific to Nikon to start the new year. Check back soon.

New Cameras Abound

2007-08-29T08:52:00.000-05:00

Finally! New professional cameras from NIKON. It's no surprise that Canon continues to release new upgrades in a consistent pattern, but hold the presses when Nikon comes out with something new for the professional.
Nikon even went as far as to publicly state their emphasis would be on "consumer" grade cameras for the near future. Great. Just what professional Nikon users wanted to hear.
Meanwhile, the financial Goliath of Canon marched on to their own beat with a constant barrage of new releases. And the principal from which they created the EOS-1D-MarkIIIn was truly something to behold. Canon did not grasp for more megapixel count, but instead redesigned the camera from the inside out. Brilliant.
To be continued...

WT-3A Boondoggle

2007-07-12T21:45:00.002-05:00

Look, everyone can be seduced by technology. I finally gave in and purchased a wireless transmitter for the D200, and let's just say I am so glad my local dealer takes returns.
It isn't the fact the range is about 30 feet - which is only 150 feet shy of their published range (I already knew that). It isn't the fact that it takes a degree in rocket science to get the laptop communicating with the camera - I figured that out. It isn't the fact the WT-3A instructions are spread over the sorry manual and the CD enclosed with the unit.
WHAT IT IS about the WT-3A, IS the fact that it only works with the pathetic, sorry and worthless Nikon software Picture Project. This software is so amateurish that it is difficult to believe it even exists. AND that is the reason I immediately returned the unit for a full refund after never using it on the job.
NIKON makes cameras and optics not software. Who thinks "hey I have to have the latest version of Picture Project!"?

All I can say is NIKON should be very scared - their software is junk - most if not all of it, and if Canon gets their New 1DM3 straightened out, it is a killer.

If NIKON wants to find some way to get ahold of themselves they would make their wireless and RAW work with any free standing software now in existence. IMAGINE what you could do if the WT-3A worked with PHOTOSHOP right out of the box! Now you have something. NIKON's proprietary myopia will lead to it being in second place for the foreseeable future. Only to be outdone by a dozing giant by the name of Canon.

NIKON - discontinue all software development and "dance with the one that brung ya'" ---- you make cameras and optics -stick to that and give the professionals something of value before Canon becomes the indisputable DSLR of choice. I for one, am a hog's breath from making the switch to Canon - and that's after 20 loyal years to Nikon. What do you think about that?

BEWARE THE EPSON PHOTO R2400

2007-05-07T23:01:00.000-05:00

Looks like the Epson R2400's are all exploding at once. I am also one of the unlucky owners of one of these and it now sits idle, doing nothing but taking up space. Anyone else?

Always Carry Your Camera

2007-04-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

Always carry your camera because you never know what is going to happen next. I was caught on the TWU side of town during the deluge, and subsequent flooding.

QUICK COUNT OF INTERESTED SHUTTERBUGS

2007-04-12T21:34:00.000-05:00

Should anyone be interested in locally offered photo classes with me in the near future, please speak now or forever hold your peace.
Classes would be starting this summer and based in the Center for Visual Arts in Denton, Texas.

For Those of you Waiting

2007-03-06T06:40:00.000-06:00

For those of you class members waiting for a summary, please hold on. Or, ask questions here.

Fruit of the Orchard - Photographs by Tammy Cromer-Campbell

2007-02-02T22:14:00.000-06:00

There seems to be a connection to UNT, but it is hard to tell exactly what it is.

Nikon Wireless for D200 Finally Hits the Streets

2007-01-31T17:03:00.000-06:00

The long delayed and much anticipated WT-3A has finally hit the stores! But wait! You of course will have to spend just a little bit more as the range of the new wireless transmitter for the D200 is ten feet. Let's see, I have been shooting tethered with a 10 foot cord and that cost me 8. dollars USD. The WT-3A weighs in at a hefty 599.00 USD. If you want a greater than 10 foot range, feel free to add on the antenna at 119. USD.

Lest we forget, all this wireless has a cost. Where there were once two slots for batteries - rechargables of course - there is now only one. I wonder if the camera will draw less power with a wireless transmitter on board? I think not.

According to sources, the WT-3A was delayed due to F.C.C. approval which can take some time when we are talking about the growing wireless trend.

You can find the NIKON WT-3A here and the NIKON antenna WA-E1 here as well.

Nobody said it would be easy, but nobody said it would be this hard either. Grand total for gadget = 717.90 + s/h . OUCH! Get out the extension cord please!

Lexjet Making Changes

2007-01-22T17:06:00.000-06:00

Just off the phone with my new Rep at Lexjet and she said there are some changes taking place there.

First, they are splitting up divisions between the big format prints / printers and the rest of the market so that they can more closely focus on the market's needs.

Second, when asked about the book covers for book making with Unibind products, they don't carry and will not be carrying any other cover sizes. She referred me to Unibind which currently seems like a company finding its feet in the US Photography market. We shall see.

Third, the old 10ml. rolls of semi-matte are being supersceded by "Lexjet Sunset Photo Semi-Matte", which apparently has a better top coating for use with the K3 Epson inksets.

last, don't be offput by their prices on the 220 ml. ink for Epson either. Just put it into your shopping cart to get the "real" pricing for the 220's.

The Power of the Search

2007-01-19T20:52:00.000-06:00

Sometimes all you have to do is ask. This "column on what makes a good portfolio" is pretty much timeless. Next time you have a question - just google it.

Another One Bites the Dust - Warehouse Photographic

2007-01-18T22:20:00.000-06:00

Looks as if Warehouse Photographic, a staple stop for photographer in the old days, is on the way out. According to their web site, "after 35 years we've decided to call it quits".

My recollections of Warehouse were in my early days of photography about 20-22 years ago, when Warehouse Photographic was the place I would go to find something I couldn't find anywhere else. They had used enlargers, cold light heads, enlarger lenses and a wide array of consignment items along rows of their "warehouse" floors.They were also fairly competitve in camera name brand sales and a place to check prices. Ah, the old days, but lkie so many others gone, gone at last.

This is part of the trend I have documented on this site since its inception in 2005. Shrinkage will continue unabated for those who do not heed the digital change in the wind. Warehouse did redefine their business along the way becoming a locally popular lab, but when you can find superior prints online at vendors like MPIX and the labs work hand-in-hand with the digital revolution - the mom-and-pop handwriting is on the wall.

Snow Day

2007-01-17T10:50:00.000-06:00

Always remember you can submit your photographs - of weather or whatever to dpii at anytime. Contributors to the upcoming UNT TWU Monthly Digital Imaging Contest are lining up. Rules and regulations will be out before February, and with the willful participation of our esteemed instructors - this should be GOOD!

Another One Bites the Dust - The Photo Place

2007-01-17T10:16:00.000-06:00

The Photo Place on Teasley Lane, in Denton, Texas, has passed into history. During the heyday it was a very accomplished small town lab where you could count on good service at a good price. Many of the local photographers amateur and professional came to rely on the Photo Place to get their processing / printing and proofing done for professional purposes.

They saved many a trip to the gauntlet of Dallas and probably prevented an accident or two just by preventing that drive.

Unfortunately, they could not weather the digital storm like so many other Mom-and-Pops who did not change with the times. They did last longer than many, and we will never know if they could have figured a way to change and survive. I would love to think they could have, but now they will just be relegated to being a memory - just like the meomory of Landy working behind the counter day-in-and-day-out.

Thanks for all the good work over all the years.

Duck Weather Denton Texas

2007-01-16T20:18:00.000-06:00

Weather suitable only for ducks - and newspaper photographers! Sent out to look for "wild art" as it is still called, Gary Payne of the Denton Record Chronicle whips out the long glass - a 400 f.2.8 (600 actually) - to get in on some ducks in the fog of North Lakes Park.