There’s never been a better time to invest in a digital camera for the holidays. Summer is right around the corner; days of beach trips, music festivals, lounging around on hot days, barbeques and Christmas parties. Summer is the archetypical Australian season, often bringing out the best of our climate. It’s a time for catching up with friends, family and enjoying the heat. If you want to make this summer special, you’ll want to capture the memories for the future - why not invest in a summer camera to keep a record of your adventures?

To keep your camera functioning well into the season, you’ll want to get it serviced. The constant heat and humidity of the Australian summer can take its toll on delicate camera components, causing zoom lenses to become sluggish or even causing the camera to malfunction. Kirk’s Camera Supply can service cameras to get them in prime condition for summer.

Kirk’s Camera Supply stocks a great number of cameras perfectly suited to the summer months. Many of these are highly portable, so you can slip them in your handbag or backpack and take them everywhere you go. Take, for example, the Panasonic DMC-TZ20. This comes complete with a nifty GPS tagging feature so you can find out exactly where your photos were taken in the future! It’s compact form factor, high image quality and touch screen make it perfect for taking on trips.

Ruggedness is important when choosing a camera for summer. You’ll want it to survive the wear and tear of on-the-go use, all whilst providing great performance and ease-of-use. The Olympus E-P3 combines top notch build quality with old school looks - with the trend towards all things ‘retro’, it’ll be sure to make you a hit this summer!

You’ll need accessories if you want to get your digital camera ready for the coming summer. Don’t stress out about filling your old camera SD cards - buy a few new ones to keep on hand. You’ll never need to worry about getting too ‘snap happy’ again! Not only will they provide you with all the storage space you need for high-quality images, but their fast transfer speeds make it a breeze to get your images on to your hard disk.

Let’s not forget about camcorders - you’ll want to make some great home movies this summer! We carry all manner of camcorders and accessories, including discs, memory cards and even tapes. A portable camera tripod will make shooting footage even easier - some of our models can even fit in your handbag and work great for still cameras too!

Kirk’s Camera Supply carries everything you need to keep your summer memories intact. From great compact cameras to camcorders, SD cards to tripods and beyond, we’re your one-stop-shop for all your holiday camera needs. Get ready for summer and talk to a Kirk’s sales consultant today!

When purchasing a new digital camera, one is confronted with a huge range of choice. There are many different models, brands and types to choose from, so the task can seem quite daunting. The sales consultants at Kirk’s Camera Supply recognise this, and will help you choose the camera that is best for you. The two most popular forms of digital camera are the simpler compact variety and the more sophisticated SLR-style type. It’d important to compare the two before deciding on what you will finally purchase.

The compact camera is perhaps the most popular kind. These are the successors of the film-based consumer camera, but allow far more in terms of relative features. Some compact cameras produce nearly professional quality pictures, while still remaining small and easy to use. The chief benefit of the compact camera is its size – it’s easy to keep in a handbag or pocket, and can be taken out for impromptu shoots like family events. However, the lens of the compact camera cannot be removed.  This is rarely a concern for your average consumer photographer, but it can limit the quality and variety of your pictures.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Digital SLR. These are similar to the Single-Lens Reflex film cameras of years-gone-by, in that they have interchangeable lenses and a large body. They produce very high quality shots, and the parameters of the camera can be customised to a much greater degree than with compacts. Although generally more expensive than their compact equivalents, many at the lower end of the range are specifically aimed at consumers who want a little more quality and choice. These are quite affordable and make perfect cameras for the hobbyist.

So, whether a compact or an SLR is up your alley, Kirk’s Camera Supply has got you covered. We can help you choose the camera that’s right for you. Our trained staff are more than willing to provide assistance in choosing from our affordable range of compact and SLR cameras. Visit our Ringwood store today for a tour!

With the vast range of digital cameras available these days, deciding which one to buy can be a daunting task. The field is constantly changing, with technical specifications constantly exceeding and prices often dropping. Navigating the world of digital photography is made easy at Kirk’s. We carry the major brands of cameras and accessories for the professional, the amateur and the home user. Choosing a camera is made easy by our friendly staff, who aim to get you the model that you need and want, one  suited to your needs and budget.

As technology is always moving at an incomparable rate, the fine line between the professional photographer and the dilettante is growing thinner all the time. Cameras with excellent capabilities and functions, allowing the user to take high-quality shots, are getting cheaper all the time. This has been particularly noticeable with the advent of the Digital SLR (DSLR). These, with their often interchangeable lenses, offer a kind of image quality previously only obtained by professional photographers. DSLRs have gotten less expensive as time has gone on, now catering to the burgeoning ‘prosumer’ demographic of photographers. Often, these are amateurs whose desire for better image quality can now be gratified with the low-cost DSLR. Kirk’s Camera Supply cater for all photographer skills levels, stocking both high- and mid-range DSLRs at affordable prices.

Kirk’s Camera Supply prides itself on providing photography solutions for all kinds of photographer, from the home user, to the amateur, to the professional. You can browse our extensive range on our website, or send an email to one of our staff. We are always happy to oblige with questions. Alternatively, feel free to drop into our store and take a look at our range in person today!

Kirk’s Camera Supply has built their reputation on customer satisfaction. Creating not only a store to buy the items they want or need, but a place where their customers can have their questions answered by skilled, knowledgeable and friendly staff is why their customers return again and again.

At Kirk’s Camera Supply, they do more than just sell cameras. They offer an incredible range of extra services for their customers:

• Digital Photography Training Courses
• Camera Repairs
• Memory Card Recovery
• Media Transfer and Duplication
• Photo Printing
• Insurance Quotations

Photography at night is not as complex as some may believe - it is all about having the right equipment, the ideal conditions and a positive frame of mind - along with a good quality camera! Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood are keen to help you understand and learn how to take magnificent photos during the night.

1. Gather Your Accessories

Tripod - It is vital to have a tripod when taking night shots - particularly when capturing tricky landscapes or skylines. Unless you are opting for a deliberately blurred photo, a tripod is a top accessory. In order to get a proper exposure at night, you have to use very long shutter speeds. The only way to keep your camera stable is to use a tripod. They can be purchased or borrowed, depending on your photographic situation.

Remote - Ideally, you should not need to touch your camera when you are taking photos at night. Even if you have a tripod, the act of pressing the shutter release to take a photograph will slightly shake the camera and create a blurry photo. Digital SLR cameras have a port where you can attach a remote release. If you are using a digital point-and-shoot, you will find that some models will come standard with a remote or can be purchased separately.

Torch/Flashlight - This item is frequently overlooked but absolutely critical. Unless you are so familiar with your camera that you can change its settings in the dark, a flashlight is necessary to see the buttons on your digital camera. It is also useful for safety if you are unaware of your surroundings.

2. Set Your Camera

Your camera must have manual controls so that you can adjust shutter speed and aperture yourself - this is vital in obtaining the perfect photo. The camera you use must have an opening on the bottom where you can attach a tripod. Almost all digital cameras — compact and digital SLR alike — have a tripod thread hole.

It is best if your camera has a remote control. If it doesn’t, a self-timer works the same way, so we advise you become familiar with this if you are going to use it. The best ‘late-night’ digital cameras have a feature called long exposure noise reduction. With digital cameras, the longer the shutter is open, the more noise you will see in the final photo. Since all night photography requires long exposures, the camera can process the image when you take it to reduce some of the noise. If your camera has this function, be sure to switch it on.

3. Capture Your Photos

Now that your have your camera set to manual controls, your tripod is set up and your remote or timer is ready to go, it is time to take some photos.

Set up the camera, and manually adjust the shutter speed until the camera’s light meter indicates that a proper exposure will be achieved. Depending upon the amount of available light, you may have to use a shutter speed up to 30 seconds. Despite the camera sitting on a tripod, it is vital that you do not shake the camera in any way.

If you have a somewhat flimsy tripod and your camera is heavy, even a slight breeze can move the tripod and the camera with it. During a 30 second exposure, this will create a blurry photograph. Make sure your tripod is absolutely solid and that it won’t slip or shudder during the exposure.

You can happily shoot away with ease - just be sure to make the best use of your remote and tripod and be aware of your surrounding conditions. Practice makes perfect; but we are confident you will get the results you desire with our night photography tips!

To find out more, or to speak to a professional, please contact Kirk’s Cameras or come on in to our Ringwood store today.

Are you sick and tired of being disappointed with professional family photos that burn a hole in your pocket? Do you wish you could have had an option of the photo selected? The team at Kirk’s Cameras guarantee that with our easy, handy tips you can take an even better family portrait on your very own DSLR camerainthe comfort of your own home.

Step 1
Try to work with a Large Aperture. We advise a 50mm f/1.8 prime can be used for most camera brands, and will not break the bank - sitting between $90 and $200. This is a great investment and will allow you to shoot indoors at lower ISOs (sensor sensitivities). If you fork out the money for a high quality DSLR, do not stick a cheap lens on the other end of it or the results will come back poorly!

Step 2
Turn off your flash. Using the flash is a whole new realm of training and tips - we advise that your make use of the natural lighting and challenge yourself to find the right setting. For now, turn off that flash and find the perfect light for all faces involved!

Step 3
Find the perfect natural light. Take a moment to observe your surroundings - you are looking for light that is directional yet diffused. Rays of sun coming through a window are not a great choice, but pull a sheer across that window to diffuse and you have a better option - bright, directional light that is not too crisp. Drapes and sheers also create a plain, suitable backdrop for your portrait.

Step 4
Choose a suitable angle. You will want to angle your light source either to the side of your subject or slighly off centre. A 45 degree angle provides a good starting point, promising a continuous result. This will light the side of the faces closest to the light source more brightly but still provide fill light on the shadow side of the face. The further to the side of the face your light source is, the more dramatic this contrast - and the picture - will become. A professional and cheap way of capturing light can be easy - if you have a piece of poster-board that is made of white foamcore, you can position this to ‘catch’ some of the light opposite your light source and angle it to ‘fill’ more of the shadow side of the face.

Step 5
Set your DSLR camera. We advise the ISO be set to 200, the shutter speed at 1/100th and the aperture at f/1.8 as mentioned previously. These settings are a good starting point if you can shoot at a large aperture like f/1.8-f/2.8. If you can’t, increasing the ISO will be necessary. Take the picture from approximately 1.5 metres away - this will give you plenty of room to move.

Step 6
Capture your photos. It is purely personal preference whether you capture your images using the LCD screen or viewfinder - just be sure that the images you are capturing are consistent. Hold your camera as steady as possible when clicking away - if you are struggling, we suggest a tripod or make-shift tripod if available. Don’t forget to make your family smile!

Step 7
View and print your photos. Depending on your DSLR camera, there will be many ways in which to do this. We advise you simply upload to your computer and view at the highest resolution. Select your favourite - te image which captures each face at their best with no blurs, flashes or other issues. Once this is done, take note of the name/number of the file when taking it to be printed - you would hate to accidently print the wrong one!

Find out more about capturing family portraits on your DSLR camera from the professionals here at Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood, we would be happy to share our tips with you!

Are you considering travelling, but are unsure of how to travel with your DSLR camera? The team at Kirk’s Cameras firmly believe that if you have the opportunity to capture beautiful, memorable images with a DSLR camera, be sure to take it along! Here are a few tips on travelling with your DSLR camera:

Take any camera related stock that you have - just incase! Make a list of the camera equipment you have, the DSLR, lenses, back-up cameras, batteries, memory cards, USB cords, filters and other accessories that you may require. If you come across items you need, but do not have them around the home, be sure to purchase them well before your departure date.

Be sure to consider where and how you are going to travel. Will you have to carry your DSLR camera and all of it’s equipment around with you? Is your hotel or apartment safe enough to store your camera and it’s accessories when you do not need it? What sort of facilities are there for you to buy extra accessories if necessary, and are they in the area?

Think about what type of images you wish to capture. Depending on your scenery and tastes, you may require certain lenses - such as wide angle for landscapes and zoom for those up-close shots. Carrying around many lenses may be difficult, so be sure to take along the most versatile of your selection.

If you are travelling to more moist or wet zones, be sure to pack plenty of waterproof items such as plastic bags to store your camera and accessories in if necessary - particularly during emergencies or sudden downpours! You will feel far more comfortable if your camera is safe and dry at all times.

Finally, if you are considering taking quick and easy shots, and would like to have a plan B, take along a digital ‘point-and-shoot’ camera. Be sure to come on in to Kirk’s Cameras prior to your trip to obtain all of the items you will require!

The team here at Kirk’s Cameras understand that many of our customers are first-timers when it comes to DSLR cameras - and we would like to assist you in understanding ISO sensitivity. Be sure to look out for more of our simple, easy DSLR and Digital Camera tutorials and educational blogs!

ISO (’International Organization for Standardization’) sensitivity expresses the speed of photographic negative materials. Prior to ISO, this was expressed as ASA - standing for American Standards Association. ISO denotes how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of light that is present at the time of photography. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive the image sensor and therefore the possibility to take pictures in low-light situations. In simple terms, ISO will help you to take images in the best lighting conditions at the best quality possible as per you settings.

In the past, ISO was a far more technical matter. Prior to digital SLR cameras, a photographer would have needed to physically change to a different roll of film if they required a different ISO speed. With the dawn of digital technology, you can simply dial the ISO straight in comfortably and easily - meaning that all of your images are on the one memory card.

The most common ISO speed settings are 100, 200, 400 and 800. Depending on your digital camera model you may also have them in the range of 64, 100, 160, 200, 400, 640, 800, 1600 and perhaps beyond. Some general tips to remember as a beginner would include:

• Use an ISO of 100 or 200 when taking photographs outside in sunny conditions.
• If the sky is overcast or it is evening time, then use an ISO within the range of 400 to 800.
• Night time or in cases of low light you might need to set your digital camera ISO to 1600.

The lower the ISO number, the slower the speed, the higher the ISO number, the faster the speed. A lower ISO will provide better image quality, however a higher ISO will capture the image you desire in low-light conditions. It is all about practice, trial and error in order to get your ISO settings perfect - we recommend you spend time getting the ISO perfect prior to taking your ideal photos. Good luck, and don’t forget to come into Kirk’s Cameras today for all of your camera needs!

If you are a fan of landscapes, and would love to be able to capture some of the incredible ones that Australia has to offer, then Kirk’s Cameras can help you out! We love to take images of any landscapes, from moutains to oceans to sunsets - and we have some of the best tips for shooting your ideal landscape perfectly.

Research
It is crucial that you are aware of what you are shooting, as every location has different specifications. Ensure that you do your research on the area - where the best spots are, what the weather conditions are typically like and what time of the day will suit the image. It is great to be informed, as this will make you feel at ease and comfortable during your shooting. Generally, it is best to avoid shooting images around mid-day, as the lighting can be too harsh.

Tripod
Always ensure that you pack a tripod if you plan on shooting a landscape. Tripods are great for any photographer of any skill level, are simple to come by and can range to suit any budget.
Even if the day is bright, you may need to use a small aperture to achieve a great depth of field. In this case, you may be using a low shutter speed – which leads to camera shake if you are not able to hold the camera steady in your hands. This is why a Tripod can be a fantastic buddy to take along with you!

Filters
Filters are important when shooting strong landscape photos. There are different types of filters that are commonly used for capturing a landscape – polarizers and neutral density filter. Polarizers are useful in reducing glare from reflective surfaces, such as water. Neutral density filters will stop a specified amount of light entering the camera.

Lenses
When shooting a landscape image, it is generally best to make use of a wide-angle lens, as it will capture as much of the scene as possible in one frame. Of course, it is always wise to pack any other favourite lenses you may have, as they can produce unusual effects and also provide high quality, great landscape photos.

Composition
Just because a beautiful image is sitting right infront of you does not mean that you can disregard the composition rules! Ensure that you have certain subjects in the foreground, mid-ground and background, as this will definately assist with the end result of the image.

The friendly team at Kirk’s Cameras can provide you with everything that you will need on your journey to capture some beautiful landscapes - so come on in or give us a call today!

Using a camera flash always comes in handy when shooting images indoors, during the night or on a cloudy day. They can bring out the best in a darker, dimmer photo - often capturing elements in a scene that the human eye would not normally recognise. Not only does it light up and brighten a deep, dark situation, it also brings focus and sharpness to the final image. The team at Kirk’s Cameras are often asked many questions about how to use the camera flash, and we would love to share some of our flash secrets with you today. Read on to find out some basic tips on using the flash to enhance your photos beautifully.

It is highly important to know the advantages of using the flash on your camera. These include:
Versatility - the quality of light may be adjusted various ways to suit you.
Portability - most flashguns can fit inside your pocket or in a small bag and are easily portable. Adjustability - brightness may be changed according to the distance from subject and lens aperture that is required.

It is also, however, important to recognise and work with the disadvantages of using a flash. These include:
Limited range - most flashes have a range of only a few meters, meaning less coverage.
Short duration - this limits the range of shutter speeds.
Heavy battery consumption - this limits the time you have to capture the perfect picture.

One of our very first tips to remember is to choose a flashgun that is right for you and your camera. The main types of flashguns include Hot Shoe Mounted, Bounce flash, Hammerhead flash, Ringflash and Slave flash. These all range in requirements and skill levels, and it is best to speak to a professional about your needs prior to purchasing - ensure that it is right for you!

Shutter speed plays a huge role in making the most of your flash, only working well at certain shutter speeds available on your camera. For example, if the shutter speed is set faster than your flash sync speed, you risk having only part of the picture frame exposed. It is also important to adjust the aperture, which controls all of the light entering the lens.

For something a little different, try using the flash on a lovely sunny day. Often a burst of flash can eliminate unwanted shadows on your subject’s face. It can make an image appear more natural, and light it up perfectly for the environment. Making the most of a camera flash is all about experimenting, so be sure to carry your camera everywhere, and practice, practice, practice!