Digital Photography

Start a Profitable Photography Business

2009-01-21T18:02:54.495Z

Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills can set up a home business, marketing photography. You need only to convert a room of your house into an office, and then you can work immediately. With modern technology in the form of SLR digital cameras, you do not even need the room for a dark room. You need only to have a personal computer and a photo-editing program. The standard is Adobe Photoshop. It is not necessary to clutter yourself with equipment you do not need. You can hire equipment on and when you need it basis. You have the freedom to work part time for a while until you can devote yourself full time to photography. All you need to be is a serious photographer. There are two types of photographers that makes their living from photography, the serious photographer and the very serious photographer. You can always bookmark this link and then you can quickly access just about all you'll ever need from here.Whilst the technical skills needed to make a successful photographer have never been easier, other aspects have changed the business. The market for photographs of virtually every type has widened, the world seems to have an insatiable appetite for photographs. However the price has fallen as the marketing net has broadened. Photographers are needed in many more fields. For instance many people use car web sites, they simply did not exist ten years ago, and they sell their products as a result of photography. Cameras used by scuba diver’s are now an excellent quality, and whilst they are initially expensive, they have forged a new market. People celebrate special occasions more with photography, than they did years ago. The travel and advertising markets have a greater need for landscape, travel and nature shots.It is now easier than ever to turn your dream into reality and create a worthwhile business out of an engrossing hobby. However in today’s modern world there is more to it than simply pointing a camera, and shooting a picture. You need to be aware of marketing techniques, and here marketing simply means transferring ownership of a product, in this case an image from a buyer to seller. You also need to be aware of any local gaps in the market in your local area. You should also try to be on top of your competitor’s prices, to undercut an existing photographer is one choice, but to neglect to value your skills and not charge enough to cover your overheads is another matter entirely. Remember this, its an important point.Use your skills to the best advantage of the business and define what you want from it. Writing a business plan helps to keep you focused on the areas you specifically want to exploit. A business plan helps you to define your goals and strategies, it will be changed and updated, but it will help you, to keep things in perspective. You can then refer back to it when things become confusing or complicated. Everyone’s business plan will be different, as every objective will be different, but there are certain common factors that make up a good business plan which will help your business grow. It allows you to develop a professional attitude to your business, which not only helps you to increase your earnings, but also help you to finance your business.For the photographer it should include, your business name, or your own, with full details of the proposed location of the business, a copy of your logo, as well as details of your copyright notices. What is the form of your proposed business (sole ownership, partnership, Limited Liability Company or Corporation). This should be followed by a table of contents, which focuses on a logical order. There are resources that will give you further details on such as profitable-photography.comIncluded after this should be the type of business you intend to pursue, in a fair amount of detail, and it should contain the services you intend to offer. This section should include any future gaols or avenues you would like to explore, stating your clear objectives. This is so you can check at a later date whether your ob[...]

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

2008-10-10T20:44:43.815+01:00

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera

• 21.1 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion (16,384 colors/each of 3 primary color), wide range ISO setting of 100-6400 (expandable L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600).
• Full HD Video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution for up to 4GB per clip with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video.
• Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing of fine detail and color reproduction as well as reduced image noise.
• High performance with 3.9 fps continuous shooting, new shutter with a durability of 150,000 cycles and improved weather-resistant body.
• Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video.
• 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings for improved viewing and smudge protection.
• Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System specifically designed to work with a full-frame sensor.
• Compatible with over 60 Canon EF Lenses and most EOS System accessories.

Sigma DP1: The all in one camera that will open your eyes.

2008-04-08T13:23:15.415+01:00

14 megapixel high definition digital camera, packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact cameraTHE SIGMA DP1The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the Sigma DP1 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2652 × 1768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.The DP1 is a completely new type of camera offering the full specification and high image quality of a DSLR in the body of a compact camera. It is powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor, which can reproduce high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.It is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with the Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor with approx. 230,000 pixels.The DP1 has the high resolution and functionality of an SLR, plus adaptability in terms of accessories, all built into a small body. A wide range of accessories, optical viewfinder [VF-11], Lens Hood [HA-11], and Electronic Flash [EF-140 DG] are available for the DP1 camera.DevelopmentSigma introduced its digital SLRs, the SD9, SD10 and SD14 to the market in October 2002, November, 2003 and March, 2007. They have established strong support from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professionals. Recently, demand for a compact digital camera with portability as well as high image quality has increased. In order to meet this demand, the new DP1 has been developed as a completely new type of camera with high image quality and features that would not be out of place in a full spec DSLR.Main FeaturesSLR-SIZED IMAGE SENSORThe size of the image sensor used in the DP1 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP1 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.FULL-COLOR IMAGE SENSORThe DP1 uses the same 14 megapixel （2652×1768×3 layers）direct image sensor as the SD14. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Just like film, each photodiode captures all the RGB data, so no final-stage demosaicing is required. Brand-new “TRUE” image processing engine. The DP1 incorporates “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for Foveon three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD9, SD10 and SD14 cameras, is incorporated into “TRUE”. It enables high-speed image processing and high image quality.16.6mm F4 LENS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE DP1The DP1 is equipped with a 16.6mm F4 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP1. The large-diameter of aspherical glass provides low distortion and high contrast images. It also offers superior peripheral brightness. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. It allows photographers to take pictures in difficult light conditions. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor provides natural shallow depth-of-field.RAW FORMAT RECORDINGThe DP1 includes JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP1 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation[...]

Canon PowerShot SX100 IS

2008-01-28T20:54:58.442Z

Get in on the action with a 10x zoom lens. PowerShot SX100 IS keeps your subject in focus with Face Detection and optical Image Stabilizer. Clear, simple controls are easy and flexible for the whole family.Features 10x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer 8.0 Megapixels DIGIC III and iSAPS Face Detection Technology with Face Selector button 2.5" wide-view LCD screen 18 shooting modes and My Colors User-friendly control dial ISO 1600 and optional high-power flash Smooth VGA movies Close-up on great photos10x optical zoom with optical Image StabilizerOptical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts the effect of camera shake. Keep working at slower shutter speeds in low-light conditions. The 10x optical zoom affords framing flexibility with pin-sharp clarity.8.0 MegapixelsAn 8 Megapixel sensor captures enough fine detail for creative cropping and superb quality poster-size prints.DIGIC III with advanced Noise ReductionThe DIGIC III processor delivers high-speed camera performance, superior colour rendition and cleaner images at high ISO speeds. iSAPS technology uses shooting scene information to optimise camera settings before a shot is taken.Face Detection TechnologyFace Detection Technology ensures superb people shots by automatically setting optimum focus, exposure and flash. Face Select and Track lets you choose your primary subject from up to 35 identified faces. Red-Eye Correction in playback keeps eyes looking natural.2.5" wide-view LCD screenA 2.5" LCD screen offers wide viewing angles for easy sharing.Shooting Modes and My ColorsChoose from 18 shooting modes, including a creative zone for manual control. Get the perfect shot, even in tricky lighting conditions. Quickly select options on the Mode Dial like Portrait, Night Snapshot or Kids & Pets. Enter the Special Scene Modes menu for even more choices. My Colors allows in-camera colour effects to be applied to images and movies.User-friendly controlsA clear and simple interface with large, clearly labelled buttons and control dial enhance usability and ease of operation for every member of the family.ISO 1600 and Auto ISO ShiftISO 1600 combines with optical Image Stabilizer to counteract image blur from camera shake and deliver flash-free results in low-light situations. When camera shake is predicted, Auto ISO Shift automatically increases ISO to further reduce the risk of blurring.Smooth VGA moviesRecord smooth VGA movies with sound. Choose Long Play VGA mode for stronger compression that allows twice as much video to be stored on your memory card. src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=thboofjoleca-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000WN73PA&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"> src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=thboofjoleca-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000Y33BEA&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no">[...]

Canon PowerShot A650 IS

2008-01-03T17:08:28.583Z

Take creativity to a new level with the swivel-screen PowerShot A650 IS. 12.1 Megapixels and a 6x zoom with optical Image Stabilizer team with manual control and lens accessories to express your true vision.Features 12.1 Megapixels 6x optical zoom with optical Image Stabilizer 2.5" vari-angle LCD DIGIC III and Face Detection AF/AE/FE 9-point AiAF and FlexiZone AF/AE 21 shooting modes Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift Smooth VGA movies Range of accessories Explore new perspectives12.1 Megapixels12.1 Megapixels with a large 1/1.7" sensor captures enough fine detail for creative cropping and superb quality poster-size prints.6x optical zoom with optical Image StabilizerOptical Image Stabilizer technology counteracts the effect of camera shake. Keep working at slower shutter speeds in low-light conditions. The 6x optical zoom affords framing flexibility with pin-sharp clarity.2.5" vari-angle LCD screenA 2.5" vari-angle LCD screen tilts for creative framing and easy sharing.Wide viewing angle, Night Display and low-reflection coating aid viewing. Screen folds and stores for protection when not in use.DIGIC III with advanced Noise ReductionThe DIGIC III processor delivers high-speed camera performance, superior colour rendition and cleaner images at high ISO speeds. iSAPS technology uses shooting scene information to optimise camera settings before a shot is taken.Face Detection AF/AE/FEFace Detection Technology ensures superb people shots by automatically detecting up to 9 faces within a frame and setting the optimum focus, flash and exposure. Red-Eye Correction in playback keeps eyes looking natural.Shooting Modes and My ColorsChoose from 21 shooting modes, including a creative zone for manual control. Get the perfect shot, even in tricky lighting conditions. Quickly select options on the Mode Dial like Portrait, Night Snapshot or Kids & Pets. My Colors allows special in-camera colour effects to be applied to images and movies.Digital Tele-Converter and Safety ZoomSafety Zoom offers extra zoom magnification without affecting image quality. Just like using a tele-converter attachment, Digital Tele-Converter adds extra reach on every shot.ISO 1600 and Auto ISO ShiftISO 1600 combines with optical Image Stabilizer to counteract image blur. A dedicated ISO button allows quick selection of ISO speeds for flash-free results in low-light conditions. When camera shake is predicted, Auto ISO Shift automatically increases ISO to further reduce the risk of blurring.Smooth VGA moviesRecord smooth VGA movies with sound. Choose Long Play VGA mode (30fps) for stronger compression that allows twice as much video to be stored on your memory card.AccessoriesA full range of optional accessories includes wide and tele converter lenses, waterproof case (40m depth) and high-power slave flash. src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=thboofjoleca-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000V9D6GA&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"> src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?t=thboofjoleca-21&o=2&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00122ZFEG&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0">[...]

Free Photo Sharing

2007-12-07T18:35:58.234Z

The title of this posting is "Free Photo Sharing", but really this is better than free!

How would you like to earn money just for showing your photos to your friends and family? Or anyone who might be interested in them for that matter.

Sound interesting?

It should do, you can start earning from your photography with very little extra effort.

Is there a catch to it?

Not really, but you are not going to get rich quick from it. You get $0.22 per 1000 views of the pictures.

So it will take some time to build up a decent income stream, but I have some great ideas to help you increase the number of views dramatically.

First of all, you need to sign up for the service. Click on this link to join Share a pic now.

Once you have registered you can create Galleries and start uploading your pictures.

When you have uploaded some pictures they need to be promoted to make sure people see them. Go to my Share a pic Squidoo Lens to get some great tips for promoting your pictures and remember to go back to it frequently - I will update it with new promotional tips and techniques on a regular basis.

Here are a few pictures I have uploaded - click on them to see the full size view!

Pentax Optio S10

2007-11-25T21:58:29.644Z

The PENTAX Optio S10 is the newest model in the “Optio S” series of highly acclaimed compact digital cameras. the Optio S10 has a stylish and ultra-compact body and utilises 10.0 effective megapixels for high resolution images. In addition to a comprehensive range of features such as Shake Reduction and Face Recognition, the Optio S10 comes with enhanced usability and 22MB built im memory.

• Ultra Compact body with a stylish design
• 10.0 effective megapixels with high resolution
• Digital "Shake Reduction" still and video
• “Face Recognition AF&AE” function
• Auto Picture mode for the best settings for the shooting conditions
• Bright and easy-to view LCD monitor
• Approximately 22.0 MB of built-in-memory
• Mode palette provide quick access to 18 shooting modes and 15 playback modes

Sony Cyber-shot T2

2007-11-25T21:58:57.005Z

Experience the beautiful new Cyber-shot T2 where styling meets smart features. High quality shooting (8.1 megapixels) plus super-size on-board memory to store all your memories. Enjoy your photos in Full HD or upload them to the web without hassle using new 'sharemark' technology.

Keep your precious memories handy for enjoying any time: internal 4GB memory can store up to 1,250 top-quality images.

New Digital Cameras from Yashica

2007-11-27T11:40:33.570Z

We have not heard much from Yashica since way back when, but it looks like that's about to change, as Crave recently spotted three new digital cameras sporting the familiar brand at the Imaging Expo in Singapore. Leading the pack is the 14-megapixel AV1400-HD model, although there doesn't appear to be any more details on it than what you see on the face of the camera above (it will apparently be released by the end of the year though). Specs are a bit more plentiful for the now available EZ8032 and EZ7033 models, however, with the former boasting 8.2 megapixels, a 2.5-inch LCD, and thickness of 22 mm, and the latter packing a still decent 7.2 megapixels, along with a 3-inch screen, a 3x optical zoom, and an even slimmer thickness of just 18.5 mm. There's still no word on a possible release 'round there parts though, so die-hard Yashica fans may have to find a way to get one from Singapore.

Introducing the new Olympus E-3: A professional all-rounder

2007-10-22T22:55:00.292+01:00

It’s here: The new flagship of the Four Thirds Standard-based Olympus E-System. The E-3 gives photographers a high-performance tool that is primed for any assignment and satisfies the most stringent demands for D-SLR photography. It represents the ultimate choice for the professional photographer and provides the highest levels of speed and image quality as well as Live View capabilities and the ultimate in reliability.SpeedWorld's fastest autofocus* for quick and precise image captureFully-biaxial high-speed 11-point AF system1/8000th sec. high-speed and high-precision shutter control, X: 1/2505fps sequential shooting with 19 image RAW bufferImage QualityHigh-performance built-in image stabiliser to stabilise all lenses (up to 5 EV steps) with two modesHigh Speed 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensorQualified image processing with new TruePic IIIHigh image quality with a variety of bright dedicated-to-digital ZUIKO DIGITAL lensesLive View2.5”/6.4cm multi-angle HyperCrystal LCD for greatest flexibilityReal-time effect monitoringPre-control over white balance and exposure compensationPreview of Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT)5x/7x/10x magnified view for precise focusing - especially for macro shotsReliabilityLarge viewfinder with professional-level coverage of 100% and 1.15x magnification for accurate image controlSpotless photography with most effective dust reduction system (Supersonic Wave Filter)Splashproof body and lens systemProfessional quality shutter life of 150K operations--------------------------------------------Four Thirds StandardBuilt-in flash and wireless flash control from the camera bodyErgonomic designAF / AE lock functionalityHigh sensitivity (ISO 100-3200)Accurate White Balance with two sensorsHigh-speed data writingSecond super control panel displayOptional power gripHi-speed USB 2.0RAW & JPEGDual slot for CF and xD-Picture Cards* Among interchangeable lenses for D-SLR cameras. In combination with the new Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm, 1:2.8-4.0 SWD and E-3, as of October 17 2007, according to survey by Olympus.[...]

Tips on buying a digital camera

2007-10-22T22:40:36.167+01:00

This article is by Harsha Malvenna, originally published in The Sunday Times Online, Sri Lanka. Many thanks Harsha for an excellent piece of work.Today, buying a digital camera has become a tedious task. Which digital camera is right for you? This is the key question to ask before buying a digital camera. If you’re not sure about the camera you want to buy, you are unlikely to pick the best model. Why digital? Even the most avid of film users has to admit that digital offers many unique benefits. First of all, there’s the saving made of not having to buy copious amounts of film. The digital equivalent to film is a memory card which comes in various capacities and can hold thousands of images. They can also be re-used. The next is the instant results which appear on the cameras LCD. This means you can delete the bad shots and eliminate the problem of waste prints. A further excellent reason is the immense control it gives you over your images at every stage. A digital image can be edited by reviewing the image on camera and on computer. This gives you the opportunity to eliminate unwanted objects and also adjust colour or contrasts of your pictures. Selecting a camera First you need to ascertain why you need a camera. Think carefully about the kind of photographer you would like to be. Most people use their cameras for taking everyday snapshots of family, friends, special events and holidays. If that’s the case you will be more concerned about the ease of use and pocketability.Most compact cameras have a straight forward “Auto mode” that takes care of every exposure decision for you. Added to that there are many scene modes where the camera automatically adjusts it’s settings to meet the demands of a particular shooting situation making it easy to take excellent pictures without much effort. If its as a hobby, it’s important that the camera be controlled to produce your desired effects. A camera with manual exposure controls and advanced shooting features will permit far more creativity when taking photographs. There are plenty of mid range compacts and entry level SLR’s (Single Lens Reflex) cameras which boasts of high sophistication but still maintain user friendly control mechanisms. Even if you are a beginner you will find this shooting power does wonders for your photography. Mega pixels Mega pixel ratings have become the main selling point for digital camera manufacturers over the last few years, and this is for a good reason. The number of pixels that your camera’s image sensor carries will determine the resolution of your pictures. More mega pixels available, higher the resolution, and therefore the colour and detail of the pictures are sharper. However, it is vital not to overstate the importance of the mega pixels. In reality, a three mega pixel camera will provide more than adequate resolution for an ordinary 4x 6 photograph. It is only if you need to print larger versions that the picture quality starts to become a serious issue. Today five mega pixel cameras have taken over from the three mega pixel cameras as standard. For every day photography, you will be hard pushed to spot the difference between 5 mega and 7 mega pixel image when printed out at a standard size. So don’t automatically go for the highest mega pixel rating. Check out for the camera’s other functions as well. Camera functions A lens is an important element in photography that is often overlooked by the first time camera buyer. The quality of the lens is paramount[...]

Digital Photography

2007-10-09T20:54:46.603+01:00

This is the first posting to my new blog - Digital Photography. I will be making regular postings here about techniques, equipment, useful resources and anything else that could be relevant to the Digital Photographer.

Anyone who has a Digital Camera and would like to make better use of it will benefit from reading the articles that will be posted here. There will be tips to help you improve the quality of your photographs and, for those of you interested in the topic, suggestions to help you make some money from them.

If you are planning to purchase a Digital Camera or a Photo Printer watch out for product reviews that will help you choose the right camera for you.

You can subscribe to Digital Photography postings be email or RSS reader, just select your preferred option from the sidebar.

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