The Pentax K-x is a new DSLR camera with a twist - it comes in 4 different, vibrant colours! For the avid photographer who is a little creative and wants something that stands out, the Pentax K-x is a fantastic option. But that’s not all - this exciting new camera doesn’t just look good, it’s also packed with amazingly high quality features that can make anyone look like a pro!

The Pentax K-x has a huge, high resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor, featuring sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture. A large 2.7 inch LCD screen features Live View with contrast, phase difference and Face Detection. You are readily able to capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution at 24 frames per second cinematic frame rate.
 
The body of the Pentax K-x is highly compact, the design allowing for complete one handed operation and comfort when travelling or on the move. To keep it artistic, creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects that are highly user-friendly.
 
If you are one who loves sport, or needs to photograph the kids at footy on the weekend, this camera is perfect for you. Fast 4.7 frames per second capture any speed, whilst a responsive 11 point wide angle  autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects. You are able to capture up to almost two thousand shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries - and we all know they’re just sitting around the house!

So, to find out more about the Pentax K-x, give Kirk’s Cameras a call today, and speak to a camera professional about our DSLR range.

We all know the amount of times that a link on the Internet captures our eye; screaming an incredibly low price for that certain camera you’ve been searching for. These ‘exciting’ finds can, quite often, be ‘Grey Imports’. A Grey Import is an item that is sold and purchased via an unauthorised camera reseller. Grey Import or Grey Market items are typically sold on the Internet, where they cannot be easily viewed and inspected.

Grey Market merchandise is imported and sold via methods that are not standard in the given industry. Typically in the camera industry, a manufacturer works alongside an importer who sells the product to distributors a specific, local region. These distributors go on to sell the authorised goods. Grey Market items are not certified and cannot be supported by the authorised importer or manufacturer.

Selling and purchasing goods via the Internet and over international borders is becoming a  highly popular way to shop. Grey Imports are most common in the photographic and electronic markets, where - via the Internet - they cannot be inspected. It is crucial that you know exactly what you are purchasing, and if this item will comply with Australian standards. Here are a few problems you will discover when buying a Grey Import:

• Functionality - The camera does not function efficiently, or sometimes does not function at all.
• Features - Often the camera does not have the key features or abilities that it should ideally have.
• Damage - With bad storage and shipping, these cameras can often be damaged.
• Technical Support - These cameras generally will have no technical support available.
• Australian Standards - Grey Imports will not comply with Australian Standards.
• Warranty - Often the warranty is only valid in the country of issue.
• Manual - Photocopied manuals are often supplied, in languages other than English.
• Software - Any downloadable software available on the Internet will not be compatible with the camera.

Ideal for those new to macro and DSLR photography, the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR boasts a 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing photographers to get close-up to more intricate textures and details. This lens is perfect for subjects such as flower petals, fabric textures and even the wings of a butterfly. The VR II system provides both a steady viewfinder image for sharper results at slow shutter speeds or when shooting movie clips. Here are some more specifications of the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR:

• Closest focusing distance of 0.286 m/0.9 ft.
• Optical system featuring an Extra-low Dispersion glass element is optimized for DX-format DSLRs.
• Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) guarantees fast, quiet AF operation
• Two focus modes
• IF (Internal Focusing) enables focusing without changing the length of lens barrel

• Medium-telephoto 85mm Micro Lens 

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today, to speak to a camera specialist about the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G and its abilities. We can also show you a great range of DSLR cameras, in stock today and ready for Christmas!

Noise can be frustrating when it appears in your photos, especially when you don’t want it there! Whilst it can be a great way to achieve a funky, modern effect, it does take away from the sharpness and clarity of your photo. Increasing the ISO allows you to capture sharp pictures in low light situations by increasing the camera’s sensitivity, but it can also add unwanted digital noise to your picture. So, what are some ways of correcting noise and emilinating it from your photos?

To begin, it is important to know exactly what noise is and what to be looking out for. Dots, speckles and smudges of random color are generally what makes up digital noise on your photograph. It is most visible in places such as within skin tone or on a backdrop, where the tone should be even but becomes unstable. Digital noise can have a ‘grainy’ appearance; and this can often be appealing when attempting to achieve a unique style.

There are two great ways to eliminate digital noise - via your digital camera and on your computer. In order to reduce noise on your camera, use higher ISO values only when you require it - so the lower your ISO level, the less noise will appear in your photos. Many modern digital cameras have a noise-reduction mode and if so, ensure that it is switched on. Get to know your camera, what it likes to take and in what conditions.

To further eliminate noise, the next step can only be performed on your computer - so it’s time to get computer savvy! Transfer your photos to your computer and select your favourite image editor program. If you do not have one on your computer, have a look online and download a basic model. Programs such as PhotoShop and Paint Shop Pro often will have a noise-reduction filter that you can use to get rid of noise. Make sure you gain a good knowledge of the program that you are using, and understand how to use it effectively.

By this point, your images should have a very low level of noise apparent, if any!

There is nothing more frustrating when you find that perfect shot, take a snap and the discover seconds later that it was a blurry mess. Blurred images can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a shaky hand, slow shutter speeds and your camera focusing incorrectly. So, how can blurry images be prevented on my digital camera?

Steady Hands
Even when shooting in a clear situation with great lighting, you may move the camera slightly without realizing it.  To help reduce blurred images, hold the camera as steady as possible and take extreme caer when lining up the shot via the LCD screen. If you are using a viewfinder to capture your shots, steady the camera against your face.
Digital cameras can be prone to camera shake when taking hand-held shots and zooming in on a subject - so it isn’t always your unsteady hand! To help prevent blur, shutter speed should be set at a faster rate than the focal length.

Focus
Most modern digital cameras will indicate when they achieve correct focus, generally on screen or via a small sound. In order to gain the best focus possible, aim the camera at the object that you are attempting to capture and press the shutter-release button to the halfway mark. You will feel a slight click at this halfway point and the camera should focus well. This is the point in which you are able to press the shutter-release button fully and take your picture.
In some circumstances, particularly in low lighting, a digital camera may have some trouble focusing. Auto focus modes on your digital camera will work best when there is contrasting colour or light between a subject and the background.

Slow Shutter Speed
If lighting is particularly low, wide apertures and slow shutter speeds will automatically selected by the digital camera. Most people are unable to achieve taking sharp shots that are hand-held when the shutter speed is below 1/60th of a second.  Be sure to increase lighting within the room, heighten the ISO setting or use a tripod.

Fast Shutter Speed
Attempt to freeze the image by using a faster shutter speed. Using a faster shutter speed will ‘freeze’ the image momentarily, and give you a sharper shot. If you do not have the option of altering the shutter speed, select a Sports or Outdoors mode, as these are developed to also freeze the frame.

Olympus’s new PEN E-P2 is the second model in the revolutionary PEN series of digital cameras, that brings SLR image quality to an amazingly compact and portable camera. If you are on the hunt for a camera that’s not quite a DSLR, but steps beyond a point-and-shoot digital, the PEN series are perfect for your requirements.

This retro inspired must-have item is fantastic for avid photographers wanting something a little different, and for those wishing to improve their skills. So, what are some of the technical specifications of this fantastic new camera?

Live Viewfinder 1.44M dots
12.3 Megapixel
SLR picture quality
HD Movie recording
Interchangeable lenses
Image Stabiliser built-in
8 Art Filters
AF Tracking
3 inch LCD
ISO 6400

To find out more information about the Olympus PEN E-P2, come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood and we will give you a quick demonstration today!

The Nikon Coolpix P90 is a fantastic new compact digital camera model that offers extended reach, wide-angle coverage, the intuitive ease of advanced shooting functions and outstanding performance. So, if the jump from point-and-shoot to DSLR is too big for you, have a go at this marvel!

With a powerful 24x Optical Zoom, this fun new camera can help you take pictures as close up as 1cm to the subject! You also have the option of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 45 shots at 15 frames per second, making this camera a great option for families playing sports on the weekend!

The Nikon Coolpix P90 has a large 12.1 megapixel sensor, equal to some of the best DSLR cameras available. This digital camera is able to take 26mm wide angle shots, to please any photographer. The camera also sports many other exciting features such as a 3 inch tilt LCD screen, HD movie mode and CCD VR Stabiliser. A list of features include:

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today, and we will show you the exciting new Nikon Coolpix P90!

Many of our customers come in looking for a digital SLR camera, and find that it is too much of a jump from point-and-shoot style cameras. Nikon has released it’s Coolpix L100 digital camera, which is an exciting and suprising alternative to purchasing a DSLR if you’re not quite ready. Let’s look at what is captivating about this brand new camera…

The Nikon Coolpix L100 features the freedom of a 15x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, enabling you to get incredibly close to your subject without distortion and in beautiful quality. Covering 28mm Wide-Angle to 420mm Super-Telephoto shooting, the lens’ broad focal range can readily handle everything from landscapes to tight close-ups. This feature alone enables avid entry-level photographers to adapt to a high-quality zoom lens effectively.

The Coolpix L100 also features a large 10.0 megapixel sensor, to help you capture images with rich, high quality results. An optimised processing system has been introduced to produce fine details and subtle tones, delivering quick response time. A new Sport Continuous Mode can take as many as 30 consecutive pictures at the speed of 13 frames per second.

So, if you are looking to further your skills and take some awesome shots, come on in to Kirk’s and we will arrange a demonstration of the Coolpix L100 just for you today!

The brand new Nikon DS3, released on the 14th of October 2009, is an exciting new option for those photographers looking for something a little higher in skill level. The DSLR camera has been designed for those individuals wishing to meet or beat a professional standard of photography. As the brother of the popular Nikon D3, the DS3 has been modified and perfected to the highest of quality.

With a vastly expanded dynamic range and 1,280 by 720-pixel HD video capture capability, this camera is one of the best. A huge 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor enables the camera to boast light sensitivity all the way to 12,800 in normal us. An enhanced mode can extend that range all the way to ISO 102,400 for settings with extremely low light. This can also be applied to video capture in high definition.

There are many more exciting functions now available on this ground-breaking DSLR camera, such as an improved 51-point autofocus speed, optimized sensor cleaning functions and a high speed mode that can capture approximately 9 frames per second. If you are interested in capturing video recordings with great sound, an external microphone can be used.

This camera has been heavily perfected to suit the requirements of any avid photographer, and is able to supply you with high quality, rich images and video recordings. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today in Ringwood, and we will tell you more about the Nikon DS3.