Category Archives: DSLRs

Nikon D800

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Nikon’s D800 boasts a staggering 36.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, making it a viable contender for highest-resolution general purpose DLSLR. Packed with a variety of advanced and useful features for shooting stills and video, the D800 is a great camera for hobbyists and professionals alike. Approaching the quality of Nikon’s professional D4, the D800 is designed for use in a broad range of conditions by a broad range of photographers.

The D800′s 51-point AF system enables superb image quality even for complex shots, and provides more than enough power for the average user. It can also shoot 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, making it a perfectly reasonable tool for basic video productions requiring HD quality. The 3.2″ LCD screen (with anti-fogging coating) makes viewfinding comfortable in any weather conditions. Talk to a sales consultant at Kirk’s Camera Supply today to discover the full potential of the Nikon D800.

Canon DSLR Lenses

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Canon lenses are the perfect complement to your Canon DSLR. The DSLR is comprised of two elements, the camera back and the lens. Both have a significant impact on the range and quality of images you can take. While accessories such as tripods, camera flashes, cases and memory cards are all important in their own right, it’s the lens and back that ultimately determine the quality of your photos. Canon manufactures a range of quality lenses that are optimised for their range of DLSRs.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is just over a year old, and represents the all-rounder in Canon’s EF mount lens range. Any DSLR with the EF mount is capable of using the 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM. Handling the lens, its robustness and sturdiness is immediately apparent. The general build quality of Canon equipment is excellent, and stands up to the rigours of professional photography. Suitable for a variety of conditions, this lens is a great general purpose lens for the professional and hobbyist alike.

Canon’s EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a telephoto lens optimised for super sharp image quality in all conditions. Featuring rugged construction, the lens will perform well anywhere. The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM also features 4 stops of image stabilisation, giving it an advantage over its non-stabilised contemporaries. Sharp, clear images are a breeze for this machine.

At Kirk’s, it’s our aim to help you as best we can with your camera purchase. We want you to find exactly what you need. Ask one of our friendly sales consultants today about our range of professional Canon DSLR lenses.

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!

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.

Canon EOS 5D MK III – First Look

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Canon’s venerable EOS range has been going strong for 25 years now. Making the switch to self-contained digital in 2000 with the EOS D30, Canon’s steadfast line of DSLRs has been one of the most desirable cameras for professionals and enthusiasts world wide. Canon has upped themselves once again with the EOS 5D Mk III, the latest revision of their popular 5D design. The first 5D arrived in 2005, marking the arrival of the affordable DSLR. The Mk II of 2008 introduced Full HD video recording to the world of DLSRs, a now standard feature. In 2012, the Mk III was released to great fanfare. What surprises await us with this model?

First up, the specs. The Mk III has a 22.3 megapixel resolution, thanks to its 36x24mm CMOS sensor. This is an improvement over the Mk II’s 21.1 megapixel sensor. The Mk III is also capable of using two different types of storage, CompactFlash and SD. It manages 6 frames per second over the Mk II’s 3.9 and has a 61 Point AF system, a significant upgrade from the Mk II’s 9 Point AF. Like its predecessor, it’s also capable of shooting full HD video. Its incredible ISO range (100-25600) allows exceptional performance in all lighting conditions. Finally, it has Canon’s advanced DIGIC 5+ processor, offering top of the line performance

How does it feel? Using a body type very similar to the 7D, the Mk III has a great feel in the hand, exuding the sturdiness that Canon is well known for. Everyday photography as well as more involved shoots were well cater for by the Mk III. It essentially does everything that the Mk II does, only better. The Canon EOS 5D Mk III – worth every cent!

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.

The advent of digital

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We are presently living in a highly digital world – much of our technology has some kind of digital component, being computer controlled and readily connected to different devices. The effect of digital technology has been extremely visible in the realm of photography, with digital cameras now in the vast majority of homes.
Indeed, traditional ‘analogue’ or film photography has seriously diminished over the past decade. It is becoming more and more difficult to find places that are willing to process or even sell 35mm film. The only remnants of the ‘old world’ of photography are the disposable cameras frequently taken on school trips and for photos with a ‘retro charm’. Still, there is a dedicated following for film photography, and it still plays a large part in the educational and artistic markets.

The greatest advantage of digital photography is its versatility. Digital cameras can take many more photos than traditional film-based cameras, photo which can later be edited using a computer program such as Photoshop. Photos can now be made perfect using simple but very powerful tools. In addition, they can be shared with family and friends using the internet, or displayed continuously in digital photo frames. Digital technology offers innumerable possibilities, enhancing creativity, communication and practicality.

Kirk’s Camera Supply recognises the great importance of digital technology in photography, and has gradually come to the forefront of the digital world. Our online presence is a testament to this endeavour. We consider ourselves experts in digital photographic technology, and use this expertise to assist you when purchasing a camera. Come and consult with a Kirk’s camera expert today at our Ringwood store, and find how you can benefit from the digital explosion.

Tripods

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A decent tripod is a firm base for successful photography (pardon the pun). Many consumer photographers are used to taking photos ‘on the fly’, and this has lead to the advent of digital image stabilization technology to remove motion blur. However, many non-professional photographers can still benefit from having a tripod on hand.

For a large number of ‘incidental’ photographers, a tripod is an essential piece of equipment. It allows precise control of the angle of a shot, provides a stable platform to produce crisp images and a stand for timer photography. Tripods can range from the basic, $10-$20 variety for basic shots, to the advanced, highly configurable structures used for professional work. Tripods are surprisingly inexpensive, and a basic model will suit the needs of most entry-level photographers. There’s even the unusual ‘GorillaPod’, which secures your camera to virtually any surface imaginable via bendy legs.

Tripods can be easily stored along with your other camera accessories via means of a storage bag. Nearly all tripods fold up into a portable, lightweight package, so they can be carried easily on trips.

Where a tripod cannot be used due to space concerns, another viable option is the monopod. These are extensible rods that you can rest the body of your camera on, providing a more stable image. As your hands do not bear the weight of the camera, there is less shake to upset it. Kirk’s Camera Supply stocks a range of monopods that you can use to improve your photography in tight spaces.

Visit our store in Ringwood and browse our range of tripods for yourself, or flick through our catalog online. A tripod is an excellent investment for any photographer – drop into Kirk’s Camera Supply and find one that’s right for you.

Compact vs. SLR

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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!