Top Digital Cameras that can be Taken Along on a Vacation
June 5, 2009
Taking along a comfortable digital camera is not just enough. You need to ensure that it is dust and water resistant as well as light weight, because you definitely do not want to worry about the camera getting spoilt due to dust or water. Also the camera needs to have a sturdy and tough body. This is because a slight slip can send the camera crashing to the floor while destroying the fun and frolic of your vacation. Hence it is important to carry a more robust and indestructible digital camera. A few of the tough and rugged digital cameras that is best suited to accompany you on your holiday have been listed below.
| Olympus Tough 8000 Digital Camera : - This is a very rugged digital camera which is crushproof up to a pressure of 220 pounds, so you really need to work hard if you are planning on damaging this gizmo. With a weight of just 1825 grams it also boasts of being waterproof up to 33 feet and shock-proof up to 6.6 feet. It is a highly durable camera that offers a total picture resolution of 12 mega-pixels and 3.6x optical enlargement ability. This can be nicknamed as a tough and sturdy travel companion who will let you play free and snap away all those most important moments no matter whatever the terrain. |  |
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Olympus MJU 6000 Digital Camera : - Being the younger brother of the Olympus Tough 8000, it boasts of being waterproof up to 10 feet and shock proof up to 5 feet. With a weight of just 149 grams it is a slim and light weight camera that offer a sensor resolution of 10 mega-pixels and 3.6x optical magnification factor. Furthermore, its advanced Face Detection technology and Image Stabilisation technique aids in delivering the perfect snap. An intelligent Auto mode is a highly efficient tools for amateurs who need assistance in shooting the optimal way. A great camera with exceptional underwater shooting abilities. |
| Canon PowerShot D10 Digital Camera : - Being Canon's first waterproof, shockproof and freeze-proof digital camera, this one features a 12 mega-pixel sensor resolution and a 3x optical zoom. It is waterproof up-to 33 feet and shockproof up to 4 feet. Additionally like all Canon cameras it uses the DIGIC4 image processing engine that helps in maximum noise reduction and great image quality with faster processing speeds. It advanced Face Detection and Scene Detection technologies work hand in hand with the camera's lighting and contrast effects to deliver exceptional photos. |  |
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Pentax Optio W60 Digital Camera : - This camera is waterproof for up to 13 feet. It is a slim and sober gadget with great waterproofing capabilities. Additionally it boasts of having a 10 mega-pixel resolution and a great 5x optical zooming ability. Furthermore, it allows you to shoot in high definition 1080 pixel resolution. It also features an external memory card slot in addition to its internal memory of 36.4MB. It includes the advanced Face, Smile and Blink Detection technologies for added shooting convenience. It is a neat and affordable digital compact camera that is capable of capturing and preserving your memories. |
| Panasonic Lumix FT1 Digital Camera : - Also known as Panasonic TS1, this is the company's first entrant in the field of rugged digital compact cameras. It is waterproof up to 10 feet and shockproof up to 5 feet. With a brushed steel body, this one comes in attractive and flashy colours. With a weight of just 162.5 grams, it features an image resolution of 12 mega-pixels and an optical zoom of 4.6x. An external memory card slot has been provided in addition to the camera's 40MB of internal memory for you to keep shooting away without the need to worry about the saving ability of the device. One of the most unique features of this camera is its AVCHD Lite mode that allows you to record high definition videos with twice the recording time. |  |
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Pentax K200D Digital SLR Camera : - If you prefer the digital SLR cameras to the compact ones then the Pentax K200D is the answer. With a solid and weather resistant body and outstanding dust reduction capabilities it is a powerful camera that can be taken along. It features a 10.2 mega-pixel sensor and an in-built image stabilisation technique. The DSLR's penta-mirror viewfinder is yet another useful functionality. It helps you in shooting optimally in the most challenging weather conditions. |
In case you are not interested in picking up a new digital camera then you consider investing in a silicone camera skin or an underwater camera housing case. You can fit the silicone cases that best fits your camera model. This is an inexpensive method of protecting your expensive digital camera. Although the underwater camera housing cases are a little expensive compared to the silicone skin, it is worth the extra price when it come to the safety and protection of your priced gadget. Hence, with so many different cameras and camera skins available in the market today, you can go and enjoy your holidays while preserving it forever in the form of photos and videos.
Sony’s Three New Alpha Digital SLRs Introduced
May 23, 2009
What started off as a rumour some time back has now been confirmed with Sony official announcement about the introduction of three new digital SLRs, the A380, A330 and A230, for first time users. A good piece of news is that Sony has made it possible to use both Memory Stick as SD or SDHC memory cards in these camera systems. Additionally, these come with a tilt LCD screen and mark the arrival of Quick AF Live View viewfinder.
Following the launch of Nikon's D5000 Digital Camera, Sony has got into redesigning their DSLRs user interface so as to provide better understanding of the available settings. The only possible disadvantage as may be viewed by some is the lack of high definition video recording capabilities.
Customer Centric DSLRs
These set of cameras are designed to help customers who are using DSLR for the first time by overcoming the challenges faced by them whilst retaining the performance and versatility of a digital SLR. These new models are comparatively lighter, smaller and easier to use and operate with some great groundbreaking options that is not found in other systems. The senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc., Kristin Elder has said that their new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easy for new first time users to get great photos without having to undergo the steep learning curve that is required for using a traditional DSLR camera.
These are Sony's first DSLR camera to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) along with an in-built on-screen Help guide. This Help guide offers very clear and precise explanation of the various modes and settings, whereas the GUI provides a thorough understanding of the relationship between aperture and shutter as well as their effect on the resultant photos.
Specifications
These three DSLRs are the lightest and most compact cameras in the Sony Alpha series with a weight of 15.9 ounces. Although, they are compact and lightweight, they are feature rich cameras and they include an intuitive control layout for easy single-handed execution. Also, the SuperSteady Shot INSIDE is the in-camera image stabilisation technique that has been in-built into the camera system so as to minimise the blur caused due to camera shake.
The A230 and A330 feature a 10.2 mega-pixels of sensor resolution while the A380 features a higher 14.2 mega-pixel sensor resolution. Both the A330 and the A380 offer the Sony's Quick AutoFocus (AF) Live View technology that allows you to frame the photos both on the camera's LCD screen as well in the optical viewfinder. With the help of a dedicated image sensor, the Quick AF View is able to maintain the rapid response that is a standard quality of DSLR.
These new cameras feature a 2.7-inch LCD sunlight viewable screen. In case of the A330 and the A380, the LCD screen can be tilted up or down enabling you to easily shoot subjects in high and low positions. As compared with its predecessors the adjustment range has also been increased making it easier to capture images from various angles. The Quick AF Live View combined with the adjustable LCD, allows a user to capture natural expressions. Furthermore, a HDMI port provides you with the facility of connecting your camera to any compatible HDTV such as Sony BRAVIA HDTV.
Accessories
For the comfort of first time users, Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. Along with the standard telephoto and zoom lens that come with the camera body, Sony has also launched new portrait and macro lenses. With this feature specific lenses it is much more easy to obtain professional photos. For better results with flash, the company offers simple to use compact and affordable external flash units.
Pre-orders for these three gadgets have already begun. So check out for offers and retailers and grab one that suits your requirements.
Interview With Rosanne Pennella
May 5, 2009
© Godfrey Aquilino |
Rosanne Pennella, apart from being an internationally applauded as well as renowned travel photographer, is also a gifted writer, an instructor, a consultant, and a speaker on the topics mainly related to digital imaging technologies and travel photography. Currently, she is a member of the faculty at the International Centre of Photography and the New School in New York City. Also, she leads photo workshops with The American Photo/Popular Photography Mentor Series, Strabo Photo Tours and Photo Quest Adventures. She has extended photography workshops to Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, Thailand, Tanzania and France as well as throughout United States of America. She has often presented her work at many photography tradeshows of United States' Photo Marketing Association, Photo Plus Expo and Imaging USA. |
Furthermore, Rosanne has conducted Nikon's Master Class on Travel Photography, apart from having written several articles on the methods to take better travel photographs for Nikon's Digital Learning Centre. She has also served as their Flickr site moderator.
Rosanne Pennella started off her career as a practising attorney, wherein she worked with top notch litigation firms and federal judges. She left her successful attorney career to become a travel photographer. Her passion and dedication finally paid off in 2001, when she was awarded the Annual Award by the Photo District News, and in 2005 when she was named as Nikon's “Legend Behind the Lens.” Her work has featured in many leading publications, as well as in several museums and gallery exhibitions. They have also won several awards including the PDN Annual and Puffin Foundation Grant. She created the promotional photos for the television show “Peru: The Royal Tour” that featured the then-President of Peru. This was aired both on Travel and Discover Channel. In Nikon's Photo Contest (2006-2007) held in Tokyo, she served as a selected judge exclusively representing America. It had around 47,000 entries. Rosanne has also appeared on television several times including an interview presentation with CNN and Headline News regarding her photographic career.
When approached for an interview, Rosanne gave us her precious time despite her busy travelling schedules. Here is a transcript of Rosanne Pennella's interview.
Q: Knowing that you run a school of photography, would you be reconsidering the legal profession at any juncture in future? The point is, have you finalised up on digital photography as a profession?
RP: I teach various photography workshops, both weekend classes at a university and a photography school, as well as on location workshops around the world with various companies. I teach weekend workshops at the International Center of Photography and New School in New York City. I also lead workshops with the American Photo/Popular Photography Mentor Series, Photo Quest Adventures as well Strabo Photo Tours.
I will not be returning to the legal profession. I have been working as a professional photographer for over 10 years. When I left law it was a decision I had considered for a number of years and was quite certain I had made the right choice at the time. In retrospect, I definitely made the right decision. I frequently say that a bad day as a photographer is better than my best day as a lawyer.
| Q: I have gone through your official website, as well as many other sites supporting your presentations. Strangely, I have not found any significant image based on American subjects, reckoning that is your primary domain. In fact, I expected images of rattlers and mountain lions and Canyons instead of African tuscars and wildebeasts. Does your penchant to travel got to do something here?
RP: I am a passionate traveler and have found my photographic inspiration in exploring the various countries around the world that I have been privileged to visit. At this point, I have been to nearly 100 countries. My favorite places to photograph are ones that are very different from my usual environment. For the last dozen years I have frequently photographed in Africa, Asia and South America. |
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
Q: Where had the recent exhibition of your photographs taken place? When and how did it fare?
RP: I have not exhibited my work recently and prefer to do more commercial sales and teaching at this juncture. At some point in the future that may change but right now my focus is not on exhibitions. I have had numerous exhibits with critical acclaim so I won’t rule out that possibility to return to exhibiting my work in the future.
Q: Are you in a financial position to engage a marketing company? (I read in an interview of yours stating that financially you were not in a position to engage one then. However, it was around four or five years back that statement was made.)
RP: I do not engage a marketing company, less so for financial considerations and more so because I can best market myself at this point. I interact with clients personally and develop relationships that often continue for many years.
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
Q: Could we have your perception on black and white photography?
RP: I love black and white photography and have collected a number of other photographers’ images in black and white. However, I see the world in color and do all my own shooting in color. Color saturation is one of the recognizable aspects of my images. |
Q: Why a Nikon D100 and Nikon D2X DSLRs then? Why not Nikon D100 and Nikon D2X DSLRs now? Also, what are your current gears?
RP: My old gear is really of no consequence now. Camera technology consistently changes and improves and as new gear comes out I get it. When a new advancement exists that is worth the upgrade I get new gear. I am not a slave to the upgrade but advancements are so frequent that I have upgraded several times in the last few years. Right now I shoot with the Nikon D700 – a fantastic camera with amazing ability in low light because of its amazing high ISO features. It really fits my needs as a travel photographer – it is relatively light, has amazing low light ability and fantastic color and controls.
Q: While venturing out in the Savannah, do you play safe with tripods, keeping a healthy distance, or do you live precariously; the Zuckerman way?
RP: I don’t really use a tripod all that often. I usually carry one with me but for more than 95% of my images there is no tripod. The high ISO ability of the D700 has made this even easier. I recently shot hand-held sunset and sunrise images of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, all hand held at 3200 and 6400 ISO. As for how close I get, my answer is always, I get as close as is culturally appropriate and as the subject will allow. Of course, I follow my guide’s advice with animals, but when it comes to human subjects I often shoot wide angle and determine how to close to get by how comfortable my subject seems. Using a wide-angle lens, I often can be closer than 3 feet away but still can incorporate some background in the image.
Q: Which one do you consider better, digital photography or film photography?
RP: I am only shooting digital now. Technology advances in the last few years have been phenomenal so there hasn’t been any reason to shoot film for a while now. When I shot slide film, I loved it but in reviewing older images I can see that what was considered tack-sharp 10 years ago, would no longer be considered tack-sharp. Looking at everything at 100% magnification has changed my perspective on what images make the final cut. I am far more discerning now.
| Q: How do you take such serene photographs during night times? Again tripods beside ISO speeds come into light. As a matter of fact, I am a real admirer of this quality of yours.
RP: At night I used to use tripods, although recently I have been able to hand hold images using 6400 ISO and often just leave the tripod back in the room. My new motto with the D700 is “if I can see it, I can shoot it”. It has such amazing ability to shoot in low light. At 6400 ISO and with a 2.8 lens if my pupils let in enough light, the camera will too. It is just phenomenal! |
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
Q: It is well known that you have a remarkable sense of the available light. Are you also well versed with setting artificial lights?
RP: I use natural light whenever I can – I love ambient light photography -- but I also use the Nikon SB-800 lights to do some fill-flash and to enhance the light. If you look closely at my images you often see minimal fill-flash that is only visible to a trained eye. I also use the SB-800s for some interior shots as well. I seldom do elaborate set up lighting as I often work in remote locations or in markets where setting up stands for lights is extremely difficult. |
Q: Do you plan a picturisation of the global recession in the near future? If so, would you be using USA as the back drop?
RP: It is really hard to say what will happen in the future but at this point I have no plans to curtail my international travel. As long as my health allows it and my energy and desire hold up I plan to travel internationally for a very long time. There are still at least 20 places I am aching to photograph.
Q: Which is your favourite location for panoramic photography, specifically for you being a relentless traveller?
RP: My favourite location to photograph is the NEXT one. I thrive on the change and excitement of visiting the myriad places around the world. No matter where I am going, I learn as much as I can about it, read about the culture and history and find a way to meet the people and interact with the place. That can include trying local food, listening to local music and experiencing as much as I can. Having an understanding of the place allows me to take more intimate photographs while I am there and hopefully better illustrate a sense of place.
| Q: Can you point out an event or happening or instance that touched you deeply? Definitely, in terms of photography.
RP: I am deeply touched many times a year – whether shooting a particular tribal experience or an amazing sunrise over an ancient monument, I am often moved to tears by the phenomenal world we live in. I still have a hard time believing how fortunate I am to get to travel the world as a photographer. More times a year that I can count, I have stood with my cameras quietly in awe of what was unfolding around me. Experience has given me the ability to use my cameras to translate that awe I felt to a visual image. Hopefully some of the people viewing those images will feel a little of that awe as well. Part of why I photograph is to inspire others to get out and see the world. |
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
Q: Can you point out an instance or happening that you rue having missed out?
RP: Until the end of my life I don't think I can answer that. There are still so many more things I hope to experience. At this point I really don’t have many photographic regrets. I suppose though that sometimes I have travelled some place and wished I had been there 10 or 20 years earlier.
Q: Could we know your idea on photography, the paparazzi style?
RP: Paparazzi photography is not at all my thing but I suppose there must be a market for it. After all there are lots of magazines that use it and people who buy them. It is not an interest of mine in the slightest. For instance, I read about 100 or so travel magazines a year, another 40 photography magazines and maybe glance at one or two of the paparazzi style mags – usually when there is nothing else to read.
Q: Do we have the kind permission to know about your family?
RP: I am married to an amazing man who is very understanding about all my travels. He accompanies me when he can.
©2009 Rosanne Pennella |
Q: Did you ever contemplate travelling to some war stricken areas to bring out the relevant horrors to light? I ask this question, even through it do not coincide with your forte; 'creativity', because I always carried a deep ache in my heart for Daniel Pearl, who sacrificed his invaluable life in Pakistan?
RP: I have the utmost respect for journalists in war-stricken areas. Their bravery and ability to relate the human condition is indeed inspiring. However, that is not something I ever envision photographing myself. I see myself as someone who attempts to inspire others to travel, and who illustrates the world as an amazing and beautiful place. I try to show the dignity and soul in all my subjects. |
The most extraordinary section of Rosanne's story is the major change that took place in her career. She obviously must have taken a lot of time, as well as pain to analyse her strengths and weaknesses, at the same time checking out ways to fulfil her passion for travelling.
She has worked on dozens of assignments in numerous countries spread across the world. Lowepro featured her work in an international ad campaign in 2006. She has also worked with Journeys in Film, which is an organisation devoted towards using images and film to educate children about different cultures.
After achieving lots of accolades for her work she is still raring to go further. The upcoming trips that she would be leading, include Northern Vietnam and Southern India with Photo Quest Adventures, and Montreal with the Mentor Series. You can visit her website to see some of her extraordinary artistic creations. For readers interested in more information on the renowned travel photographer, Rosanne Pennella, can feel free to visit her website on www.rosannepennella.com.
Image File Formats in Digital Cameras
May 2, 2009
A digital camera in fact consists of a mini computer system that stores all the photos in the form of images files or a set of bits. The photos are encoded into a certain type of file before being stored. Before storing the photographs on the memory card, the photo is compressed and is stored in compressed format. This is done to make room for more photos on the memory cards. The compression definitely affects your image to a certain extent, however if you do not want to take large prints then the effects are not visible. Basically, there are three major file formats used by digital cameras to store photos. They are TIFF, JPEG and RAW. The RAW format does not apply any compression to the photos. In this format, the image possesses all the necessary information that is caught by the camera's sensor. However the most commonly and frequently used file format is JPEG. Sometimes this is the only available file format in the digital cameras. Usually entry level cameras come only with this format. Some professional digital SLR cameras come with RAW shooting mode. Some high end cameras include all the three types of image file formats.
JPEG is acronym for “Joint Photographic Expert Group”. This was the name of the group that developed this file format. JPEG is a compression technique that trims down the photograph's size and some of the tone effects. These days almost all digital cameras comes with numerous quality settings and compression levels to choose from. As and when required, users can use these settings in their photos. Although, some level of compression is provided to the images, JPEGs store the information about the camera's scene and other settings. It is due to this fact that this image file format is widely popular and accepted.
Another image file format is TIFF. TIFF is short for “Tagged Image File Format”. In case of TIFF, the image information is not lost during the compression process. However it occupies more space as compared to JPEG images. As it contains more image information, it takes longer time for retrieval of the file. It is believed to reduce the image to one-third of its original size. The next type of file format is RAW. All the necessary image information are stored in this format, thus it is also referred as the digital negative of the image. Most of the professional cameras include RAW shooting mode. there is absolutely no changes made to the original image. This provides the photographer more control at the time of processing the image. However the image processing time is longer compared to the other two types. But the fact is that RAW file has a smaller size when compared with the TIFF format.
Each of the file formats have their own advantages and disadvantages. Each is unique and important in one or the other application. Thus depending on what types of formats you prefer, you can lookout for a camera of the particular type.
Whrrl v2.0 and Eye-Fi Card
April 26, 2009
Pelago has recently launched a new product, the Whrrl v2.0, that allows anyone with a mobile phone or a digital camera to participate. With this application, users will be able to capture as well as share their experiences on a real-time basis. Mobile phone users can join the group by sending a simple SMS. Photos and videos can be sent as an email or MMS. Pelago has entered a partnership deal with Eye-Fi, for enabling digital camera owners to shoot, share and upload their photos instantaneously. This can be done directly from their respective camera to the Whrrl v2.0 through an Eye-Fi wireless memory card. All this can be done on a real-time basis.
Whrrl v2.0 application allows people to snap and share their experiences as and when they occur. In case one of your friends or relatives has not been able to accompany you to the particular picnic, you can still include him/her in it through constant location and photo updates. Each and every user will have control over the privacy settings. This enables them to decide who are to view the photos and videos. With this you can transform your normal day activities into a co-operative story that will be remembered, shared and organised. Additionally you can later visit the Whrrl v2.0 website in case you need to change or reorganise your data.
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In case you own a digital camera and want to share images, then you need to go and purchase an eye-Fi memory card. The Eye-Fi memory card stores images and movies as a traditional memory card and is compatible with almost 700 models of digital cameras. You need to check with the manufacturers to find if the particular camera can support eye-fi memory card. When your camera is turned ON, wireless transfer of data is done within a specified range of Wi-Fi network. It also provides you with the facility of sending the snaps and videos to your home computer or have it uploaded directly on a photo sharing website like Picasa, Flickr, etc. Also your home computer need not be switched on for accepting the information.
Setting up your Eye-Fi card is very simple and easy. Firstly, the card needs to be registered, next it needs to be paired with your wi-fi network and finally a photo sharing website needs to selected. Some of the cameras which are available with Eye-Fi card compatibility include Nikon D60, Nikon D90, etc. Three types of Eye-Fi cards are available; one is a the Eye-Fi home type which allows you to transfer all data to your home computer. Next is the Eye-Fi Share & Eye-Fi Share Video card that allows you to share your photos and videos wirelessly to the home computer as well as upload them on a sharing website. The third type is the Eye-Fi Explore Video card that allows you to send your photos and videos to the computer, share it online as well as Geotag it and get across to 10000 hotspots.
Thus, irrespective of owing a mobile phone or a digital camera, now you can keep uploading and sharing your photos and stories in a flash until you are in a mood to sit down and print them.
