Simple Grafix

If you have been away from the photography world as I have and trying to get back in you will find that there has been some incredible changes in technology, cameras, and it changes almost everyday. This short guide or review is for those of us that are wanting to claw our way back into this world of photography and are lost in our old wet film or point and shoot days.

First, let’s go over the camera basics. SLR vs DSLR vs Point and Shoot? I was a bit confused and still am when I am out shopping for a camera. I look in the case and all the great looking cameras whispering “Buy me, I am a good and faithful camera” They all have those sad puppy eyes and I want to buy them all…so I start reading the info cards and get more confused, then a salesperson comes over and rattles off acronym after acronym and I end up walking over to the software section to see if there is a photoshop add on I can buy instead.

So let’s go over some camera types and see if we can clarify some of this latest technology.

There are a few more but I have basically determined that I could break it down into these two as they are the most common. You can categorize each of these but then we start to get back to that confused state that we started this research with. We will keep it as general as possible.

A point-and-shoot camera:

also called a compact camera or pocket camera that is fully automated. Most of them use autofocus or focus free lenses for focusing and automatic systems for exposure as well. By far these are the best sellers in the market due to their ease of use and appeal to those that don’t consider themselves to be photographers. This type of camera is great for those family vacations, parties, reunions and other family events.

Don’t get me wrong there are some great point-and-shoot cameras on the market that will produce a fantastic photo. Have a look at these:

Canon PowerShot S3 IS – a 6 megapixel camera with a 12x optical zoom and image stabilization – pictured right

Canon Powershot S2 IS – a 5 megapixel camera with a 12x optcial zoom and image stabilization

Panasonic DMC-FZ50 – 10.1 megapixels with 12x optical zoom lens and image stabilization

Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 – 7.2 megapixles with 12x optical zoom and image stabilization

Canon PowerShot SD800 IS – a 7.1 megapixel compact camera with a 3.8x wide angled optical zoom and image stabilization – pictured right

Canon Powershot A620 – 7.1 megapixels and a 4x optical zoom (more of an entry level than others in the list)

Canon PowerShot S5 IS – 8 megapixels, 12x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization

Fujifilm Finepix S5200 – 5.1 megapixels, 10x optical zoom and image stabilization

Canon Powershot SD550 – 7.1 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom

Nikon Coolpix 5400 – 5.1 megapixels with a 4x optical zoom

Let’s take a look and some of the top DSLR cameras and their features:

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Are you looking for a real digital SLR that’s easy to use? Do you want mobility without sacrificing capability? Would you like simple operation and enough features to step forward creatively? If so, then get to know the Nikon D60. Now you can experience the best of both worlds: enjoy one-button simplicity with Auto, or try many exciting levels of creative control. There is room for everyone to explore the thrill and magic of photography. Have fun, and don’t worry — it’s a Nikon.

Find more info here

Canon Digital Rebel XSi

For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

• 12.2 megapixels
• JPEG and RAW file formats
• Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount
• Auto and manual focus
• ISO 100-1600
• 3.0-inch Live View LCD display
• Secure Digital storage
• Lithium-ion battery

Find more info here

Nikon D300

Engineered with pro-level features and performance, the 12.3-effective-megapixel D300 combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon’s newly announced D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility. Similar to the D3, the D300 features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System that is central to driving the speed and processing power needed for many of the camera’s new features. The D300 features a new 51-point autofocus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. The D300 shares a similar Scene Recognition System as is found in the D3; it promises to greatly enhance the accuracy of autofocus, autoexposure, and auto white balance by recognizing the subject or scene being photographed and applying this information to the calculations for the three functions.

• 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Nikon EXPEED Image Processor
• Live View LCD display
• JPEG, TIFF, NEF (RAW) file formats
• Nikon F lens mount
• 51 point auto focus
• ISO 200 – 3200 (100 – 6400 w/boost)
• 3.0-inch LCD display
• HDMI video out
• Compact Flash storage
• Lithium-ion battery

Find more info here

Pentax K200D

• 10.2 Megapixels
• Pentax KAF2 bayonet lens mount
• 11 point wide autofocus with continuous focus in action mode
• Body-based, sensor shift shake/dust reduction sensor movement system
• Open aperture, 16 segment metering
• ISO Levels: 100-1600
• JPEG/RAW File Formats
• 2.7-inch LCD
• SD, SDHC memory card compatible
• Power supplied by 4AA batteries (lithium, alkaline, NiMH rechargeable)

Find more info here

Pentax K20D

Improving on the technology of the award winning K10D, the flagship Pentax K20D is the highest-resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera. The most significant features in the K20D include:

• 14.6 Megapixels
• Pentax KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
• Phase-matching 11 point wide autofocus system with continuous autofocus in action mode
• Body-based, sensor shift Shake Reduction
• 16 segment metering with Center weighted, Spot and Exposure compensation
• ISO Levels 100-3200
• JPEG/RAW File Formats
• 2.7-inch LCD
• SD/SDHC External storage
• Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI5

Find more info here

I will continue to bring you more information on SLR cameras as I get closer to trading in my point-and-shoot for one of these big boy toys. In my old wet film days Nikon, Canon and Pentax were the only cameras I would shoot with so I am sure that influenced my research. I highly recommend that you look around as will I at some of the other fine cameras available to you. Make an informed decision!

Photography is all about preparation. Instead of running into problems when you’re out shooting, understand some easy ways of tackling the more common problems you may run into!

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I was looking around for some new HDR pictures and found this great one from a car race. That’s when i decided to make a third part of our series “20 Beautiful HDR Pictures”. Hope this will never end.

If you have good HDR pics feel free to send them in.

found on Deviantart