For a compact digital camera with the appearance and high quality features of a sleek DSLR camera, Pentax’s x70 is the perfect option. This fun, fantastic new camera boasts ease of use with strong shooting options such as shutter priority and metered manual modes, sensor-movement Shake Reduction, fast operation and a high quality zoom lens. From sports to every-day shooting to landscape, the Pentax x70 can provide you with the best image every time.

Some of the strong qualities of this fancy digital camera include:

• 24X optical Megazoom Lens
• High Image Quality
• 2.7 Inch Colour LCD Monitor
• Shake Reduction
• High-speed Continuous Shooting Mode
• Fast Face Detection
• Movie Capture in HD
• Multi-mode Exposure System
• Auto Picture Mode

Do not hesitate to visit Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood to find out more about the Pentax x70 and it’s great features.

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!

For those on the hunt for a DSLR designed for the pros, this could be your next camera. The Nikon D3S is a refinement of the highly popular Nikon D3 - which set the standards high amongst professionals around the world. Perfect for speed photographers and photo journalists, the Nikon D3S is perfect for those looking for an upgrade - including brand new updated features such as a 720p/24fps HD video mode and a new Hi3 extended sensitivity setting that allows stills and movie capture at a whopping ISO 102,400.

Although this clever DSLR may appear chunky, it fits into the hand like a glove, providing comfort and confidence in your skills. The outer design is user friendly; with all buttons and functions smartly marked for ease of use. The features of this exciting DSLR camera are never ending - so we’ve narrowed down some of the most intriguing to add to our list.

• 12.1 Megapixel Sensor
• ISO 200 - 12,800 (ISO 100 - 102,400 in Boost Mode)
• 720p/24 fps HD Movie Mode
• 11fps in Continuous Shooting Mode
• Larger buffer for 48 RAW frames in one burst
• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor
• In-camera RAW Processing
• Nikon EXPEED Image Processor
• Super Fast Operation   
• Auto-focus - tracking by color  
• Scene Recognition System
• Dual Compact Flash card slots
• Compact Flash
• 3.0 Inch LCD monitor
• Virtual horizon - indicates if camera is level
• HDMI HD video output
• Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on monitor
• Buttons sealed against moisture
• Dual battery charger as standard

If you believe that this camera sounds perfect for your next project, be sure to come right on in to Kirk’s Cameras in the heart of Ringwood - we will give you in-depth information, reviews and a demonstration of the Nikon D3S.

The Samsung ST550 is a breakthrough in the digital camera world - hosting two LCD screens for your convenience and fun! With a 1.5 inch front LCD, and a 3.5 inch back LCD touch screen, anything can be made a reality! Get ready to take some creative, rich and sharp shots with this brand new camera!

The front LCD features ‘Children Mode’ for fun and simple animation that captures those special expressions only kids can make - keeping them entertained and smiling. You can be assured that your timing is always perfect with the built-in Self Timer, which is great for those groups shots of you and your friends or family. The camera has an information centre that can assist you with Shutter tips and Funtion messages or information.

You will be able to see each and every detail with 1,152K High Resolution - even before and during that perfect shot. Any movement that you make will be sensed by the camera and used appropriately. The Samsung ST550 also features a 27mm Wide Angle Lens, for capturing landscapes and group shots. A huge 12.2 megapixels guarantees that you will see it all at the best quality, along with full HD video capturing abilities.

To find out more about the Samsung ST550, give the team from Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood a call today, or come in and visit. Keep your eyes peeled for more information on the Samsung ST550 on our blog!

Canon have a selection of entry level cameras to suit any photographer - and today we are focusing on the Canon EOS 500D. This fantastic DSLR camera can make any avid photographer look like a pro, capturing high quality, sharp and rich photos with ease. Let’s take a look at some exciting features…

High Quality Images
15.1 mega pixel Canon-developed CMOS sensor captures superb image quality with low noise and natural colours.
Superior Processing
New DiG!C 4 Processor means faster processing, and new features such as Live Face Detection AF Mode.
Sharp Focusing
9-point AF and 6-point Assist AF for ultra sharp images.
Fast Shooting
Continuous smooth shooting speed of 3.4 frames per second. 
Sharper Previews
3.0 inch (920,000 dots) LCD screen with anti-reflection and anti-smudge coating for clear photo previews. Cleaner Images
Prevents and automatically removes tiny dust particles resulting in cleaner images

These are simply a few of the exciting features that the Canon EOS 500D has to offer. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Melbourne today, or give us a call, and we will help you out with all of your entry level DSLR needs!

The Pentax X70 digital camera is one of Pentax’s most recent releases in their digital camera range - and is becoming highly popular. With its sleek, professional appearance, and DSLR-like qualities, this digital camera can assist you in taking professional, strong images in no time.

The Pentax X70 features a high-magnification 24x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation and wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage. The camera is easily portable, and perfect for day-to-day casual shooting, sports events on the weekend or more formal photography. Here are some of the specifications and their benefits to you:

12 Megapixels – delivers high quality, sharp and rich photos in prints up to an A2 size.
Dual Image Stabilisation – CCD shift optical stabilisation plus Digital Shake Reduction help to reduce blurred images due to shaky hands, subject movement or when shooting in low-light conditions.
Auto Picture Mode - automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions.
26mm Wide Angle 24x Optical Zoom Lens - ideal for close-ups and distant shots, such as landscapes and group shots.
ISO to 6400 - this will help you take better photos in those low lighting environments.
Face Recognition – focuses and sets correct exposure on faces.
1cm Macro – take stunning close-ups as near as 1cm from your subject.
Blink Detection – gives warning signal when detecting closed eyes in the photo previously taken.
High Speed Continuous Shooting - capture the subject continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 11 images per second.
Smile Detection - this function automatically releases the shutter the instant it detects the subject’s smile in frame.
Full Manual Controls – for greater control over the camera, allowing you to be more creative.
2.7” LCD plus Electronic Viewfinder – 230,000-dot LCD with Anti-Reflection coating makes it easier to see your images in daylight. It is also great to use the electronic viewfinder when faced with strong backlight or to improve grip for greater camera stability.

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today, and we will give you a demonstration of this fantastic new digital camera!

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!

If you would love a not-so-technical alternative to a DSLR camera, the PowerShot G11 can provide you with some of the best results possible! The PowerShot G11 delivers superior image quality with a 10.0 megapixel High-Sensitivity CCD sensor offering amazing low light capability - capturing images at DSLR-like standards.

The PowerShot G11 features a 28mm wide angle lens, 5x zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer and RAW mode, you can enjoy complete flexibility when editing and manipulating your photos. It is perfect for those photographers yearning for complete creative control; and taking stunning images at the same time with little effort. Some more of the features for this awesome new camera include:
 
- 10.0 megapixels with a High-Sensitivity CCD sensor delivers outstanding quality images in low light whilst reducing noise and blur
- A Dual Anti-Noise System expands the range of shooting situations by reducing noise and highlight blowouts, preventing blurring and making low light shooting possible
- Genuine Canon 5x optical zoom lens, helping you to take clear close-ups
- 28mm wide-angle lens allows you to shoot beautiful landscapes or capture great group shots
- RAW image recording giving you the highest image quality with complete flexibility during processing
- Optical Image Stabilizer for crisp shots even at high zoom or in low-light conditions without flash
- High resolution 2.8” Vari-angle LCD screen wide viewing angle allows you to capture the perfect shot at any angle 
- Low Light Mode ensures perfect shots are captured even in low-lit scenarios
- Get creative with your photography and enjoy full flexibility with manual control

To find out more about the Canon PowerShot G11, give the camera experts from Kirk’s Cameras a call today, and we will provide you with all of the information that you need!