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Just posted! Sigma DP1 review

Just posted! Our in-depth review of the Sigma DP1. It’s been a long wait indeed. Sigma displayed a first concept prototype of the DP1 at Photokina 2006 but it took until March of this year for the first production models to hit the shelves. The DP1 sports the rather unusual Foveon X3 sensor (just like the Sigma SD14 DSLR) and comes with a 28mm F4.0 prime lens – quite an exotic combination in today’s world of superzooms and smile modes. Sigma claims the new model has the soul of a DSLR in a compact body. Is it right in saying so? Find out after the link…

Source:Just posted! Sigma DP1 review

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The Search for the Best Digital SLR Camera

by Bob Dale

The market for the digital SLR camera is growing rapidly. The IDC report titled 2007 Worldwide Digital Camera Market Share Review pointed out that digital SLR cameras accounted for 7.5 million of the 131 million digital cameras sold. It is no surprise that such big brands as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and Sony led the way in total digital SLR camera sales. Canon and Nikon alone account for about 80% of the digital SLR market. Sony and Olympus account for another 12% of the market.

For a long time, Canon had been dominant in the digital SLR market, but Nikon nearly caught up to Canon because of its popularity in Japan and because of the popularity of its new D series cameras. In particular the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D40x have been top sellers. “Nikon has usually been the strong preference among professional photographers” says Minneapolis photographer Bob Dale.

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Source: Photography

Never Purchase A Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera

Could the Nikon D80 be the holy grail of the entry level digital SLR universe? What I mean by that, is the D80 a product that could finally bridge the gap from point and shoot cameras to the pro SLR level without breaking the bank, and needing a degree in rocket science to take great photos. From my past experience, I’d have to say that’s not very likely.

Let’s take a look at auto focus first. Having 11 auto focus points is a good thing, but not necessarily perfect. While it’s true, that most camera auto focus schemes will fail under both low light conditions, and images with very little contrast, not all fail as badly. The Nikon D80 seems to struggle with it’s focusing approach more significantly than other cameras. If your a manual focuser by habit, then no large deal. Otherwise, one strike against the D80.

Suggesting that a $800 digital SLR camera produces soft images, is a somewhat relative statement, and should be taken in context. If your spending that kind of money on a digital camera, I would have fairly high expectations in terms of image quality. Sure, thanks to imaging software advances I can sharpen an image on my personal. But, not without introducing some distortion, and not to mention extra time effort on my part.

Going Prosumer

Each day life might seem mundane to some, but for amateur photographer Will Highsmith it is the perfect inspiration for a captivating image. Highsmith, who works by day as Operations Director for an Atlanta-area manufacturing company, got his first digital camera in 1999 for an upcoming European vacation. Almost a decade later, what began as a means of preserving memories overseas has evolved into a hobby that has landed Highsmith\’s work in show rooms along side the work of more established professional photographers.

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NEW Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM for NIKON

11.1 times high magnification zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras, and equipped with OS (Optical Stabilizer) function \r\n\r\nEquipped with Sigma’s own very special technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function \r\nSLD glass and three aspherical lenses provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range \r\nMinimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 inches and maximum magnification of 1:3.9, makes it ideal for close-up photography \r\nSuper multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting \r\nThe incorporation of HSM enables autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras \r\nThe Sigma Corporation is please to announce the launch of the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM lens for Nikon\r\n\r\nThis 11.1 times high magnification zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and is capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. It is equipped with Sigma’s own one-of-a-kind technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function. This function uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It also automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subjects such as motor sports. SLD?Special Low Dispersion?glass and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) at all focal lengths, and has maximum magnification of 1:3.9, making it ideal for close-up photography. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) grants quiet and high-speed autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using circular polarizing filters and the petal-type lens hood supplied.

Nikon Digital Camera D70\’s – Does The Grade Up Justify The Upgrade?

After Canon released its first Digital Rebel – an SLR designed to make it possible for novices to take excellent pictures, while at the same time offering lots of scope for advanced enthusiasts – Nikon soon answered with its D70, which has more recently been upgraded with the release of the Nikon D70s.

Reviewers have found it difficult to find this camera a real improvement on its predecessor, the D70 – which only attests to the quality and specifications of the older camera. This is truly a case of \’If it ain\’t broke, do not fix it!\’ – and Nikon dodn\’t fall into that trap.

The new D70s has a 2-inch LCD which is slightly larger than the D70\’s 1.8-inch screen, but this isn\’t very noticeable.

It also uses a higher-capacity battery than its predecessor, and a slightly improved, more readable menu structure. In fact, in this area the D70 probably beats the more difficult-to-read menu system of the popular Canon Rebel cameras.

It retains the same useful manual focus facility where you just grip the focus ring and adjust the focus – even while autofocus is engaged.

As far as image quality is concerned, nothing changes about the excellent quality already reached by the D70, as the imaging system remains the same. The new camera also retains the 6.1 megapixel resolution of the D70.

One area of improvement is the built-in Speedlight flash, which now gives improved exposure with flash shots, and more even lighting with wider zoom settings.

Probably the most impressive improvement lies in the speed of the new D70s. Start-up is almost instantaneous, and there\’s hardly any shutter lag to talk of. It is also able to shoot a rapid 3 frames a second for a continuous burst of 144 pictures!

The main question to ask regarding the Nikon D70s Digital Camera isn\’t about its own capabilities, but whether or not it is worth the cost of upgrading from the D70!

More features of the Nikon D70s digital camera:

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• The viewfinder of the Nikon D70s has a diopter adjustment for individual differences in vision. To adjust viewfinder focus the diopter control is adjusted up and down until the viewfinder display and focus brackets are in focus. \n
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• The Nikon D70s offers a choice of seven Digital Vari-Program (pre-set) modes. When you choose a program the camera\’s settings are automatically optimized to suit the selected scene. \n
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• The camera supports JPEG and RAW file formats, and the ISO range is 200-1600. \n
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• Lenses: It accepts interchangeable Nikkor lenses.

For more information visit Best-Digital-Photography.com

Sigma Pic Contests – get your prize photo in and win!

Sigma Corporation of America will be holding a pic contest each three months. The first three contests will be themed and open to any Sigma user. The fourth contest will be for the three winners and the four honorable mentions form the first three contests.\r\n\r\nThe first three contests will be held every three months beginning on January 1st. These contests will be themed contests and open to any Sigma user. Entries must be sent in before posted due date and accompanied by all required paperwork. The pics will be judged on composure, image quality and relevance to the theme. The Judge will choose three winners and four honorable mentions for each contest.\r\n\r\nThe forth contest will be held at the end of the year. The winners and the four honorable mentions from the first three contests will then be judged on an open theme for the Grand prize.\r\n\r\nFind out how you can enter here

Photography Objectives Are Key to Choosing the Best Camera

When planning to buy a camera, it is ideal if you know the various kinds of camera on the market. This will save you time and money as well as mental strain from buying the wrong one and having to return it for replacement. \n

There are no exact rules in buying a camera, but be sure that the camera you buy does the job you intended it for. You should have a first hand knowledge, or at least some basic ideas about cameras. \n

Here are the different kinds of cameras: \n

The point and shoot camera: This camera is popular among many because of its simplicity. Theres no need to worry about the control over exposure and focus. This camera allows you to just point and push a button to take pictures. \n

SLR camera: SLR camera – SLR means Single Lens Reflex. With an SLR, instead of looking through a separate window as your viewfinder, you actually look through the lens of the camera itself. This is one of the most preferred cameras for professional photographers. \n

Medium and large format camera: The medium and huge camera appeals to more of a perfectionist photographer who seeks more flexibility and clarity. Medium and big format cameras use much larger sized films than SLR. \n

Digital camera: These are the most advance in camera technology. Digital cameras dont use films but instead photos are stored through the use of computer memory. You can transfer such photos to your computer and send it via email. However, digital cameras tend to have a slight delay when you push the button to take a picture and you will need a good printer in order to print a quality picture. \n

Brand, model, and price range: \n

Among the famous brands of cameras are: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, and Kodak, all of them have are known for high quality, when it comes to camera technology. Point and shoot cameras range from less than $100 to $1000. SLR cameras range from $400 to over $3000. Medium and huge format cameras prices start from $2000 to $5500. While Digital cameras range from $500 up to $5000 for more advance features. \n

Tips on choosing the best camera, particularly a digital camera, without overspending: \n

1. Do your homework and familiarize yourself with the use of the camera before going to the store. Knowing how frequently you you will be using the camera and what kind of photos you intend to take, will help a lot. \n

2. Be careful in considering added features, you might not need them anyway. Depending on your experience as a photographer, you will know which features will work ideal for you. If youre a beginner, standard features will do. \n

3. More control may cost you more, so consider those extra features – if they are worth it or if you can afford them. \n

4. If you are planning to get a digital camera, remember that mega pixels don\’t necessarily dictate the clarity of your pictures. It still helps to know the how-tos of taking the best pictures instead of just relying on the cameras features. \n

5. When buying digital cameras, concentrate on optical zoom, not digital zoom. \n

6. Make sure the camera you\’re considering is compatible with your personal.
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Top of the Line Digital Cameras

If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only, then you obviously have not heard about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras. SLR is a type of camera which has one lens for composing the frame and capturing the image. SLR cameras are also known as TTL (through-the-lens) cameras.

An SLR camera displays an image through the viewfinder that is exactly the same image as the camera sees and is exactly the same image that the camera is going to record when you release the shutter.

An SLR camera provides a much more accurate image through the viewfinder than a digital camera produces on its LCD because the LCD does not faithfully reproduce the colors and light intensity that is actually entering the camera.

The top of the line SLR digital cameras rival the ideal film-based SLR cameras and are designed for serious hobbyists and professional photographers. Digital SLR cameras are much more massive, bulkier, and heavier than traditional digital cameras.

The SLR uses a mirror that\’s located behind the lens as well as an optical device known as a pentaprism to channel the light that enters the camera\’s lens to the optical finder. When you release the shutter the mirror moves out of the way and the image is captured in the same way as any digital camera.

The better digital SLR cameras let you mount different lenses just like their film-based counterparts do. Many of your existing 35mm lens might be compatible with a digital SLR. If you have a big lens collection then you should definitely look for a digital SLR that is compatible with them.

Because the digital SLR cameras are more professional, they come with a hefty price tag. A 6-megapixel Nikon D100 runs around $2,000 and the 11-megapixel Canon 1D runs near $8,000. This is for the camera body only and does not include a lens! This is why I mentioned earlier that you should look for a digital camera that\’ll mount your existing lens collection. Just a good quality zoom lens can run you at least $3,000 and can climb as high as $10,000 depending upon the features!

Of course, there are also starter-priced digital SLR cameras available. The Olympus E-20N, a 5.0-megapixel SLR camera, which includes a non-replaceable lens that is capable of copying a 35 mm to 140 mm lens, runs around $3500.

These prices are not out of line if you make your living shooting pictures. You can actually create additional revenue streams when you shoot digital pictures, instead of film-based ones, by offering image enhancement options and all sorts of digital FX options for thee prospective bride and groom\’s on their treasured wedding album.

If all of this sounds a bit too pricey for your blood, then you will probably find all of the digital camera that you\’ll ever need way down in the $99 to $500 price range and you\’ll never have to worry about buying extra lenses. Digital SLR cameras aren\’t for everyone but, if they\’re for you, then there are plenty of models to look at. SOme of the best are made by Canon, Olympus and Nikon which are familiar names in the photography world.

Warren Lynch has been shooting commercial photography since 1979. Clients include Makers Mark Bourbon, Heaven Hill, Yum Brands, GE, Fruit of The Loom and many more highly recognizable brands. Have him make your product more recognizable too. Visit his website at www.wlynch.com or just him a call at 1-502-587-7722 to quote on your next project.

\’Sign-up for his syndicated Digital Photography newsletter at
http://www.photopheed.com The Digital Dose\’ \n\nDigital Slr

Using Your Digital SLR Camera – How To Take Stunning Photos

Photography is digital SLR photography, at least to any self-respecting photographer. Suggest otherwise, and he is sure to give you a piece of his mind and proceed to praise the virtues of digital SLR photography. Digital SLR photography uses a digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera that uses a movable mirror placed between the lens and the film to project the image on to a focusing screen.

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New digital camera lens from Sigma released

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\r\n Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM lens. \r\n\r\n \r\n Minimum focusing distance of 100cm, maximum magnification of 1:3.5. \r\n The super multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost. \r\n ELD and SLD lenses for correction of aberrations. \r\n HSM ensures a quiet and high-speed AF. \r\n \r\n Massive aperture zoom lens designed specially for digital SLR cameras with close-up capability. \r\nSigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM lens. This huge aperture telephoto zoom lens has a minimum focusing distance of 100cm (39.4\”) throughout the entire zoom range. It is very convenient for close-up photography. This lens uses two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glasses and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glasses for utmost correction against chromatic aberrations. This lens’ super multi layer lens coating reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing and inner zooming systems. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling. When this lens is used with the 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters (optional), it becomes a 98-280mm F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or a 140-400mm F5.6 AF telephoto zoom lens respectively.

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Getting the ideal deal on a digital camera

by Malcolm Silberman\r\n\r\nThere\’s a nice fluid market for both new and after market digital cameras on eBay. Digital Camera usage has grown enormously over the past few years. Technology has reduced the old film and developing nearly to the archives. Quality cameras ranging in price from well under $500 to over $2000 are available. Professionals, amateur hobbyists and regular households all seem to be acquiring cameras, often more than one per household. The question becomes how can I acquire a digital camera at the ideal possible price?\r\n\r\n\r\nWith a large volume of most models being traded everyday, this is the ideal efficient market. One can study the dynamics of this micro-market and determine some useful buying rules. With a little more information than the rest of the marketplace, one can nearly certainly make some intelligent buying opportunities. This article focuses on how to identify these gaps and often buy digital cameras for 20-40% below retail.\r\n\r\n\r\nThis article should be read together with my longer piece and a web site, which produces the information required to identify buying nuggets. Find the links and URLs to these two sites at the bottom of this article. The niche site focuses specifically and only on data from the digital camera market.\r\n\r\n\r\nMost information on eBay focuses on the selling element, i.e. how to sell your stuff. I have tended to specialize on the buying end and trying to identify market opportunities and price in-efficiencies to really capture excellent deals. To do this we need to understand the dynamics of the eBay market place. Like any other market it is supply demand driven, and like a huge flee-market if a buyer has knowledge of how many items are for sale at what prices and how many other buyers are in the market, then that buyer can capture the upper hand. Lets focus a little more on supply.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe eBay supply dynamic is a little different in that supply of an item must be seen at a point in time. In other words, because auctions end at different times, one needs to grasp the number of auctions ending in close proximity for the same item. This gives you a feel for the supply of items or in our case cameras. What makes this interesting is that this day there could be a massive amount of auctions ending for a particular model, but next week there could be very few. This is one element driving the price.\r\n\r\n\r\nThe demand side is slightly more complex and hidden from the average eBay buyer. This is where that the internet site I refer to at the bottom has some useful data. Demand in eBay terms is measured (by sellers) as a number of factors – how many people view my auction, how many people ask questions, how many people place me on their watch page, and how many people actually bid. Obviously as we progress down this list the data become more reliable as an indication of demand. Page views are not easy to obtain, even though some sellers place a publicly viewable counter on their auction pages. Questions and watchers are available to sellers, and the special web site mentioned below will expose this information. Number of bids is available for all to see.\r\n\r\n\r\nNow if we happened to produce a graph as the auction progresses of the changes in the number of questions, watchers and bids one can easily see how the demand is changing as time progresses. Typically if questions are high and watchers are high, but bids are low, this may indicate some confusion and a possible purchase opportunity. If watchers are very high and climbing, but bids are low, this can point to a last minute bidding war, and a stay out indicator.\r\n\r\n\r\nArmed with this information and also a swift summary of other similar auctions ending soon, plus a swift feel for the skill set of the seller and the current highest bidder, once can see a picture very different from the average eBay buyer. Soon the trained eye will observe some nice buying opportunities. For the professional or amateur photographer this will soon bring in a number of digital camera buys that are quite a bit cheaper that retail. For example it is quite possible to find gems at 20-40% of retail prices. Lets face it, most digital cameras perform perfectly years after acquisition. Digital electronics seldom degrade over time, so the aftermarket such as eBay is the idea place to purchase cameras affordably.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nArticle by Malcolm Silberman and Education Specialist trained by eBay, for a more lengthily discussion of this topic visit http://bargainsfrom.us/how-to-buy- digital-cameras-at-a-discount-both-new-or-used and to see Camera auctions with this value added data visit http://digital-camera .bargainsfrom.us email him at digital-cameraATmacsilber.com\r\n\r\n

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