Category Archives: Digital Cameras

Nikon D7100 – A Digital Camera That’s Miles Ahead

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Nikon’s new D7100 sets the standard for DSLRs in the prosumer bracket, combining an exceptional range of features into a reasonably affordable package. The photography world has been waiting for an upgrade to its predecessor, the D7000, for quite some time now. Taking a closer look at the D7100, we can see it’s a more sophisticated beast than its younger sibling.

First off, the D7100′s 24 megapixel sensor is not something to scoff at. Lacking an optical low-pass filter, Nikon’s new sensor strives for higher resolutions and image quality, obviously confident that the D7100′s sensor will not suffer from the optical risks involved with ditching the filter.

51 points of autofocus (AF) top off the technical side of things, enabling significant better quality images than many other prosumer devices on the market. Combine that with Nikon’s typically solid build and HD video shooting capability, and you’ve got a brilliant camera for all manner of amateur and semi-pro photography. Ask about the new D7100 at Kirks for the full low-down!

Travelling Light With Compact Cameras in Melbourne

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We look at some lightweight cameras perfect for everyday photography…

It’s a lot easier to carry less. On your way to and from work, on your holidays, or just out and about, less stuff means more flexibility. Less on your mind. The same goes for your camera. When you buy a camera, size and weight are important things to consider. Most people don’t need the bulk of a digital SLR, but still want vibrant, hi-resolution images. Here at Kirk’s, we’ve got solutions.

Take, for instance, the OM-D E-M5 from Olympus. The spiritual heir to the classic OM 35 mm film cameras of years gone by, the OM-D E-M5 combines a sophisticated sensor and useful features with an iconic, lightweight package. At its core is a 16-megapixel Four Thirds type sensor, permitting high-resolution images in a small footprint. 5-axis image stabilisation, shooting up to ISO 25,000 and a shooting rate of 9 fps means this camera packs a punch. You can take it anywhere and shoot almost professional-grade photographs. The OM-D E-M5 is light weight and durable, a great take-anywhere camera.

Need some extra photographic support? Despite what you may think, there are a wealth of lightweight tripods that are both easy to carry and store. The Velbon UT 43D II, for instance, is portable enough to fold up into your backpack for a weekend trip. Expanding to a full height of 5 feet from just 11 inches, the UT 43D II is perfect for the casual photographer on a space budget.

We can help you find the perfect camera and accessories to fit your lifestyle – that’s the Kirk’s difference. Come in to our store in Ringwood or drop us a line today.

 

Kirk’s Camera Supply – More Than Just Cameras!

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Despite our name, we offer more than just cameras! We stock a full range of accessories and printing materials for all your photographic needs. Whether it’s tripods, photo paper, shutter remotes, camera cases, camera batteries, digital storage media or professional equipment such as filters and light meters, we’ve got your needs covered.

Far more than just a camera store, Kirk’s prides itself on offering quality, personalised advice and assistance with your photographic purchases. If you’re looking to pick the digital still camera or video camera that’s right for you, we can help. If you’re stumped by a photographic problem, or just want to get the most out of your camera, we can help as well!

At Kirk’s, we provide many useful services in addition to our camera sales. We do affordable photo prints, digital media recovery, media transfer and duplication, camera repairs and even insurance quotes for those whose cameras are lost, stolen or damaged. Our training courses are also great for learning how to get the best quality shots and go further with your camera skills.

With many years of quality service and excellent range, Kirk’s is the name to trust for your next camera or camera accessory purchase. We have a quality range of photographical supplies for the professional and everyday photographer, all at an affordable price. We’re passionate about all things photography – so you know you’ll be getting the best advice there is to offer!

 

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III – Specs and Review

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Canon’s venerable 5D series has been going strong for around eight years now, starting with the original 5D back in 2005. The first 5D was unlike any DSLR that preceded it, compact yet with a full-frame 12.8 megapixel sensor that produced images of incredible resolution. Eight years on, and the resolution has been bumped up to an impressive 22.3 megapixels. Coupled with an ISO range of 100 to 25600 (allowing for some amazingly detailed shot in low light conditions), a 61-point AF system and a 6 fps shooting rate, the 5D Mark III is a beast to behold. But, how does it actually fare as a usable camera?

The 5D Mark III, as with its predecessors, is quite compact for a DSLR of its specifications. It’s generally though to feel solid, consistent with the sturdy built quality of Canon’s upper-tier range of cameras. The Mark III’s LCD panel, slightly larger than that of its predecessor, boasts an even higher resolution, making on-screen option-flicking simple and lining up shots easy.

Movie mode on the Mark III is a standout feature. Shooting 1080p video is a breeze – for the average ‘prosumer’, it effectively eliminates the need for a standalone HD digital video camera. There’s also a built-in headphone jack for monitoring audio as well as different movie compression options to give you added flexibility with your storage.

The 61-point AF system is in a class of its own, making for highly-details shots that really make the most of the Mark III’s high-res sensor. Combines with the right lens, Canon’s 5D Mark III is an outstanding choice for those looking for a top-class, affordable camera. If like to know more about or to purchase a 5D Mark III, drop into Kirk’s Camera Supply today!

Kirk’s Cameras Melbourne has got your Camera Needs covered

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At Kirk’s Cameras, we’ve got your camera needs covered.

If you’re an everyday camera user who takes photos mainly to preserve memories, then the chances are that you own a compact digital camera. These cameras are inexpensive, highly portable and generally offer respectable image quality that suits the needs of most. However, there may come a time when the old compact digital doesn’t quite cut it. Maybe you want a higher resolution for your images, so they look good blown up on a TV. Maybe you want greater lighting and colour dynamics in your photos. Then again, maybe you just want to launch yourself into the exciting world of hobbyist photography!

A Digital SLR (SLR – Single Lens Reflex) is the decendent of the classic cameras of years gone by. Thanks to their interchangeable lenses, high resolution CCD sensors and comprehensive control systems, DSLRs are the ultimate in personal photographic devices.   These range all the way from entry-level to high-end professional cameras. For your first DSLR, we recommend one of the basic units we have in stock. For the more adventurous who don’t mind reading the manual, an ‘advanced’ camera might be more rewarding.

We at Kirk’s have a wide selection of both basic and advanced cameras, available for browsing on our website. For example, the Canon EOS 550D is a perfect ‘starter’ camera, intuitive enough for novices to get to grips with, yet powerful enough to produce quality photos. For those looking for something a little more involved, a camera such as the Nikon D90 will fit the bill thanks to its broad range of features and superb image quality. Of course, the best way to choose it to ring up the good folks at Kirks. Ask them what camera is best for you, and you’ll walk away a satisfied customer, guaranteed.

The Canon 5D Mk III – More Highlights

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In our ‘first look’ review of Canon’s new EOS, we focused on the 5D Mk III’s features and our first impressions regarding its feel and physical build. Now, we get down to business and sample the Mk III’s photographic capabilities, offering a direct comparison with its predecessor, the Mk II.

As would be expected with a Canon EOS, picture quality is superb all round. Using the Automatic shooting mode, colours are evenly balanced, images are of great clarity and lighting dynamics are well captured. Compared to the Mk II, the Mk III has a slightly greater dynamic range, capturing highlights before a slightly higher roll off which is just noticeable enough to supply your images with just that bit more ‘sheen’.

The Mark III’s new AF (autofocus) system is similar to that of Canon’s flagship EOS model, the ID X. This is great news for enthusiasts who would like capture quality approaching that of professional cameras at a more reasonable price and with greater ease of use. The Mk III’s AF is comprised of 61 points (41 cross-type). This allows for exceptional focusing ability with a minimum of effort on behalf of the photographer. Photographs with multiple subjects and significant difference in foreground and background can now be attained with ease on the Mk III. The AF system in the Mk III offers improvements over the Mk II, providing far better performance in certain lighting conditions.

The images produced by the Mk III are slightly larger than those of the Mk II and at higher ISOs, of somewhat greater sharpness. All in all the Canon EOS 5D Mk III offers astounding value for those who desire quality approaching the 1D X, but without the price tag. Enthusiasts and entry-level professionals alike will get the most out of this new offering from Canon, available at Kirk’s Camera Supply.

New Website Live!

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At Kirk’s Cameras, we’ve always tried to make the most of our online presence. Whether it be offering our customers fantastic deals or industry news and articles, we aim to deliver an excellent web-based experience for all of our customers. That’s why we’re proud to announce the new look Kirk’s Camera’s website!

This new site, complete with a fresh new look, should make it easier for our customers to find exactly what they’re looking for, thanks to our improved navigation and simplified layout. We now offer complete access to all of our product lines using a drop down menu system. The new task bar at the top of our pages makes navigation to any subsection of our site quick and easy.

We’ve also integrated videos demonstrating the possibilities of photography, which we hope to match with instructional tutorials and product information in the future. One of the new additions to the site is the Featured Photos sidebar, which presents browsers with updated images showing the potential of photography using the broad range of products that we sell.

It’s not just cosmetic changes. The ‘backbone’ of the site has been completely upgraded to ensure fast, reliable content delivery and compatibility with the latest web browsers.

So, have a browse of our new site when it launches – be ready for some pleasant surprises!

Get Your Camera Ready This Summer!

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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!

Panasonic DMC-TZ20

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Looking for a compact, colourful camera to take with you on trips? The new DMC-TZ20 may be just what you need. With its 24mm Leica lens and 14.1 megapixel MOS sensor, the DMC-TZ20 produces quality images at a price far lower than comparable DSLRs. It can even shoot up to 10 frames-per-second in continuous mode.

Perfect as a holiday camera or for your children, the DMC-TZ20 includes a 3-inch touch screen for easy navigation and review of your photos. Our only complaint about the display is its relatively low resolution, but this will only be noticeable to hardcore photographers and doesn’t affect the actual quality of your images.

Optical zoom is included at 16x, and the included 3D image feature is worth trying out. Another cool feature is its GPS tagging ability, letting you keep a record of where your memories occurred. All in all, the TZ-20 is a great camera for taking with you on your travels, or even just to keep some memories of your kids.

Olympus E-P3 camera review

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What’s the first thing that you notice about the Olympus E-P3? It looks so old-school! Mimicking the design of older cameras with its sturdy build quality, the newest member of Olympus’s E-P line boasts several useful features not found on its predecessor. First and foremost, the E-P3 features a built-in flash, allowing shots not possible with the EP-1 and 2. The autofocus processor has also been enhanced, providing super-quick focus for those who couldn’t stomach the 1-second focus time of its older brothers.

An interchangeable lens systems means the E-P3 will satisfy those looking to dabble in the dSLR world without having to commit to an expensive camera back and lens. Coming complete ‘out-of-the-box’, the E-P3 is perfectly suited to snap-happy retro fans everywhere who want reliable build quality and high quality photos.

The E-P3 is also capable of Full-HD video (1080i/60p) and includes a touch-screen for ease of navigation. Combine this with an improved grip and awesome looks, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a camera.