Category Archives: Photography

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

Camcorders and digital video cameras

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Kirk’s Camera Supply doesn’t just deal in digital still cameras – we also stock a range of video cameras and accessories. Whatever your skill level, we carry a video camera that will suit your needs and budget. From families wishing to record those special moments, to film students producing high-quality homework, to professional moviemakers, we’ve got you covered.

Technology has progressed considerably since the days of the Super-8 camera, or even the humble Handycam. Full High-Definition (HD) video is now a reality, and is even included on several still cameras. Film and tape are no longer the media of choice, as hard disks, DVDs and flash memory provide greater storage and generally higher quality. Videos are now transferred digitally to computers where they can be edited in a non-linear fashion and kept safely on disk. The speed of the FireWire/IEEE 1394 interface means that video transfer is faster than ever.

Modern digital video cameras are exceptionally easy to use – it’s generally a case of ‘point and shoot’, and your memories are instantly recorded. A tripod is a very useful addition, especially with the advent of ‘video blogs’ where your thoughts are recorded, for example, during your travels, and posted online. Whatever project you have in mind, a digital video camera from us will suit it perfectly.

We carry an extensive range of digital video cameras and camcorders, as well as accessories to enhance your video experience. Caring for your camera, whether video or still, is important to ensure good results on every use. Come into Kirk’s Camera Supply, and find the video camera or accessories you’ve been looking for. Our expert staff are willing to assist you with your purchase.

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!

The benefits of photography

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The world of photography has grown immensely since its inception. It’s now common practice for every household to have at least one camera to record family memories. Their presence in our modern world is ubiquitous, with most modern mobile phones incorporating one in their handset. Still, despite the universal nature of the camera, it still provides a fun, engaging hobby in the form of photography. Photography can extend from simple recording of events to a full-blown professional art form. To get the most out of the field, of course, one needs to have quality tools and a good support base. Kirk’s Camera Supply can provide you with both of these.

We stock a wide range of digital still and video cameras, as well as accessories to enhance your photography experience. With our extensive online selection, you’re sure to find the right tool for the job. For example, if you simply want to record fun times with friends or family, a handheld digital still camera might be your best bet, or a DV camcorder. Many digital still cameras nowadays have video recording features, allowing you to produce video comparable to that from a camcorder. The possibilities are endless.

The creative aspect of photography is always an alluring aspect for artists young and old. Computer image manipulation programs, combined with the rise of digital photography, have meant that professionals and beginners alike can create photography masterpieces with ease. Creative photography could be your window into artistic fulfillment. More importantly, it’s fun!

Here at Kirk’s Camera Supply, we service customers from all walks of photography. Our staff are ready to consult and help you find a camera that is suited to your purposes. Whether basic or sophisticated, Kirk’s can handle any photographical request. Browse our range online or in-store to discover your idea camera.