Monthly Archives: June 2009

Olympus Announces New Micro 4/3 Model And Accessories

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A new era of digital imaging begins today with the launch of the Olympus E-P1. The world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system camera blends the high-quality still images of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The easy-to-use E-P1 expands your creative horizons and its diverse multimedia features offer something for everyone. Built for today’s visual generation who lead active lives online and offline, the E-P1 will make you rethink what you can do with a camera.

Capture More of the Life You Live
Shooting spontaneous images of your daily life usually means snapping small, grainy images with your cell phone or using a point-and-shoot if it’s handy. A DSLR delivers incredible image quality, but most aren’t compact enough to roam with you. Now, the E-P1 changes the game with a compact body that delivers the professional quality images of a DSLR without the bulk. Moreover, its sharp HD video capture and stereo audio helps you live a better-documented life because you’re carrying one portable camera rather than a DSLR, an HD camcorder and a high-end audio device.

You can share more of your life with the world when the E-P1 travels with you. Make your Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and personal blog postings unique by capturing and sharing more videos and photos. You can chronicle more of the life you actually lead, rather than just special occasions you prepare for, like weddings, holidays and birthday parties. Since it’s the only camera to offer in-camera art filters for both still photography and videos with high-end audio, even your everyday activities will look and sound amazing!

“The E-P1 is designed for the mobile, visual generation that lives active lives online and off, and its portability ensures that it will go with you wherever life takes you,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “As someone who has shot with an SLR most of my life, I’m excited that SLR-quality images can be captured with a camera this compact and portable. The E-P1 truly allows you to capture it all with the highest still photo image quality blended with HD video, high-end audio, multiple exposure and creative art filters in one small, stylish camera.”

Source: http://forums.steves-digicams.com/olympus-dslr/156390-olympus-announces-new-micro-4-3-model-accessories.html

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

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SPECIFICATIONS AND REVIEW

NO LIMITATIONS

  • 21.1 megapixel Canon-developed CMOS sensor captures superb image quality with low noise and natural colour
  • New DiG!C 4 Processor means faster processing and new features such as Live Face Detection AF Mode
  • Able to capture Full HD Movies with new Live View movie mode
  • 9-point AF and 6-point Assist AF for ultra sharp images. You can manually select any of the 9 points to ensure correct sharp focus
  • Continuous shooting speed of 3.9 fps
  • Now with new Live Face Detection AF mode, you’ll never miss a sharp portrait in Live View
  • Auto Lighting Optimizer automatically corrects images for optimal brightness and contrast
  • 3.0″ (920,000 dots) LCD screen with anti-reflection & anti-smudge coating for clear photo previews
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System prevents & automatically removes tiny dust particles resulting in cleaner images
  • Incredibly fast 0.1 second start up time so you are always ready to capture spontaneous shots
  • Print stunning professional quality photos from your EOS 5D mk II

 

A 35mm full-frame Canon-developed CMOS sensor with 21.1 megapixels, DiG!C 4 Image Processor and ISO speeds expandable to 50-25600 combine to deliver outstanding images with low noise and natural colour reproduction. Offering key new features such as automatic image correction tools (Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral illumination correction), with Live View stills & movies Live View stills (with Live Face Detection) and Live View movies recorded in Full HD. With the ability to capture up to 3.9 fps in incredible 14-bit colour, the EOS 5D Mark II is the clear choice for the digital SLR photography enthusiast.

High Quality Images

  • 21.1 megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor
  • DiG!C 4 Image Processor
  • ISO 100-6400 (H1:12800, H2:25600)
  • Noise Reduction for high ISO speeds

    Expand shooting possibilities

  • Live View Stills (Live, Quick & Live Face Detection AF modes)
  • Live View Movies in Full HD (with sound)
  • HDMI mini output in full High-Definition

    High Performance Features

  • High speed & precision 9-point AF (plus 6-point Assist AF)
  • 3.9fps (up to 78 continuous shooting: JPEG)
  • 3.0″ LCD monitor (920,000 dots)
  • Compatible with all EF lenses

    Highly intuitive
  • Automatic image correction
  • Auto Lighting Optimizer
  • Auto correction of lens peripheral illumination
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System

    High class design & durable

  • Magnesium-alloy body
  • Shutter durability: 150,000 cycles

    • Source: www.canon.com.au

    Pentax K7 – Looking For A Middle Range DSLR?

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    Pentax have released their latest DSLR – the Pentax K7. The digital SLR camera is aimed toward the middle range DSLR photographers – suiting those who have experience, but are not of a professional standard. The camera is a vast improvement on their previous DSLR, and takes a spectacular photo.

    The Pentax K7 has been given a make-over; it’s outer appearance now sleek and smooth, however still maintaining a traditional SLR shape. And, as mentioned, not only has the outside changed. Whilst the mega pixel count has not altered from Pentax’s previous DSLR, it’s other jamor components and functions have changed dramatically, providing a new, creative and exciting DSLR.

    The headlining changes include:

    • 720p/1080i HD video recording
    • Smaller magnesium/steel alloy body
    • Revised viewfinder (less magnified but with greater coverage)
    • Updated sensor with four-channel readout
    • 3.0″ VGA (920,000 dot) LCD
    • New shutter mechanism with 1/8000th shutter speed
    • Faster continuous shooting (up to 5.2 fps)
    • 77 segment exposure metering sensor
    • Revised autofocus algorithms
    • AF illumination lamp
    • New dust removal system
    • HDMI output

    These are purely the major and immediately noticeable changes, and beneath those lie more minor alterations, providing a big kick in the final result of your photos.

    The Pentax K7 provides photographers with a large range of on-screen functions and options, it is simple to use and has well-improved traditional abilities. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras Ringwood and our staff will demonstrate the Pentax K7 just for you!

    Source: Digital Photography School Website

    Cameras – Repair or Buy New?

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    Every piece of technology has a life span – some cameras will last years and years without a glitch, others will die within a few months or years. Accidents do happen as well, all it takes is a glass to be knocked over and liquid to infiltrate the insides of your camera. The question is, do you repair or buy new?

    It is very dependent on the damage done to the camera. To repair a camera which has been internally damaged can be an expensive and risky procedure, it will always be unclear as to whether your camera will regain the quality it once had. Repairing a camera with a slight minor glitch can certainly be worth your while, particuarly if the price was originally low. Of course, this is also a consideration in itself – if you have bought yourself a reasonably inexpensive camera and it is damaged, you may be better off spending that money on a brand new camera. Buying a camera new may enable you to update your technology, and perhaps give you more options and functions.

    Your best option is to have your damaged camera assessed, and obtain a quote. Feel free to come in and get some assistance from our staff at Kirk’s Cameras!

    Video Footage On Your Digital Camera

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    Unlike decades ago, it is now possible to purchase a digital camera or ‘digicam’ that can fit in the palm of your hand. They are light weight, thin and attractive, coming in many colours shapes and styles. But what enthralls most of Kirk’s Cameras photographers is the digicam’s vast array of funtions.

    Our team are commonly quizzed the efficiency of a digital camera’s video filming abilities. The prospects of owning one camera to take both images and video footage are endless – it is simplicity in its finest form. However, we tell our customers that whilst this is a great convenience, it is important to understand that in spending a little more on your digicam and its accessories you can obtain the results of owning both a sole digital camera and camcorder, all in one.

    Do your research prior. Make sure you read reviews and know your specifications. It is also useful to be aware of what you are going to generally be capturing on your digicam – whether you need something light weight, or something with higher megapixels. Most importantly, if you wish to purhase a digicam to capture a lot of video footage, you will need a fast and good quality memory card. A San Disk 2, 3 or higher will give you the best video results, and despite its price, it will last you for a long period of time. Our friendly team at Kirk’s Cameras are more than happy to see customers come in with a list of questions, so come on in and ask away!

    Digital SLR Cameras: Understanding Your Lens

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    Kirk’s Cameras encounter many people purchasing their first Digital SLR (DSLR) Camera. Many come to our Melbourne based store asking for a DSLR to help them take magnifcent quality photos. What a number of people are not aware of is that it is not only your DSLR camera that will help you on your way to becoming a great photographer, it is also your lens.

    There are several different types of lenses, with many different abilities and functions. For photographers who are keen being on the move, their is the Fixed Focal Length Lens. This lens has a ‘no zoom’ capability – meaning that to zoom in and out your must come closer to or move further away from your subject. In contast, a Zoom Lens enables the photographer to zoom in and out quickly and simply, bringing more or less of your chosen image into view.

    Want a photo of that tiny butterfly with all it’s beautiful markings? You’re after a Macro Lens. This lens gives you the advantage of taking extremely close up images, with fantastic definition and quality. If you wish to take a photo of a wide expanse, such as 180 degrees, you will need a Fisheye Lens. A cirular Fisheye Lens can give a rounded effect to the image, if that is what you desire.

    Finally, there is a Lens Doubler, which is a lens that is added to another lens. So, if you have a 50mm lens on your DSLR and you add a Lens Doubler, you will wind up with a 100mm lens. When you come on down to Kirk’s cameras be sure to speak to our experienced staff about your specific needs, and we will find you the perfect lens to match not only your camera, but also your photo!

    Capturing your life on tape: Video Cameras and Camcorders

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    In this day and age there is nothing more exciting than being able to playback significant moments and experiences in your lifetime. Kirk’s Cameras want to help you in capturing your baby’s first words and steps, along with weddings or sporting events. However there are many options out there to assist you, and our team wants to make sure you get the perfect camcorder or video camera for you!

    We are now in a time in which we are able to not only watch our favourite movies – we are able to see how the movie is made! Often viewers observe the huge, bulky looking cameras and microphones used on set. These are known as video cameras, and they capture purely a moving image. In 1981, Kodak invented the fantastic camcorder, which captures not only the moving footage, but also records the sounds that go with that important image. 

    Camcorders are a compact and attractive new piece of technology, with clever capabilities. We can share our footage via the internet, or play it back on the television. There is a huge range of camcorders and video capturing devices on the market, so come on in and see our friendly and knowledgable team who will help you pick out the perfect camcorder for you!

    What is the difference between a Digital Camera and a digital SLR camera?

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    At Kirk’s Cameras our team have a large amount of customers come in to our camera store asking us to explain the difference between a digital camera and a digital SLR camera. When choosing and purchasing your new camera, this is an important element of photography that you need to know.

    For starters – ‘SLR’ stands for Single Lens Reflex. This means that the lens can be removed and replaced as needed. A regular SLR camera is a conventional film based SLR camera whilst a digital SLR (DSLR) is a digital SLR camera. DSLR or SLR cameras compared to a digital camera are far more complex to use, as certain functions and settings within the camera have to be manually set – such as focus, shutter speed and zoom. These are aspects of a digital camera that most people take for granted, as they are automatically set within the camera. These days, for your benefit, most DSLRs have some pre-set automatic functions – this being the beauty of digital cameras! Along with this, a DSLR can have the lens removed and replaced, meaning that the photographer can take extremely close up images at an incredible quality.

    A DSLR camera can offer you the ability to become a very skilled photographer, producing some high quality photographs. When you come in to Kirk’s Cameras, our friendly staff will be more than willing to assist you in making your choice between a digital camera and a digital SLR camera.

    Photography lovers: What to look out for when purchasing a new Digital Camera.

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    When you come on in to purchase your brand new Digital Camera at Kirk’s Cameras, our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect camera for your photography needs. We know how daunting it can be looking at so many makes and models, with so many different functions and abilities! Let’s have a look at a few tips to help you out when buying a new digital camera…

    There is nothing more frustrating than than being in the middle of an important experience in your life and having the battery life of your digital camera zip down to nothing. Upon coming in to find yourself a new camera, consider quizzing our team on which models will have the best and most reliable battery life, as you’ll want your battery power to keep you going for extended periods of time!

    Some avid photographers out there simply want to post their images on the web, however others wish to get their photos tranformed into large print outs. When considering your new digital camera, you will need to think about how many megapixels you are going to use, and the model you choose can have an impact on this decision. The megapixels on a camera can range anywhere from 2 megapixels to 8 megapixels, so if you plan to create huge images to decorate your walls you will need a camera with 5 megapixels or above, to capture as much detail as you can.

    There are other simple elements you must consider when buying your new digital camera, such as finding a decent optical zoom and user friendly controls and functions, with all of the options you feel you will need. Our courteous staff can’t wait to help you find exactly what you’re after, so come on in and we’ll make buying a digital camera a pleasant, fun and easy experience!