Tag Archives: cameras

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.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 compact digital camera

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Panasonic’s DMC-GF3 comfortably straddles the top of the line when it comes to compact digital cameras. Based around the same 12 megapixel sensor as its predecessor the GF2, the DMC-GF3 is capable of some pretty stunning images for its size. Where it improves upon the GF2 is its processor – analysing autofocus data 120 times a second, it presents the user with an exceptionally smooth response.

Though similar in appearance to a mini dSLR in appearance, the GF3 is a compact digital through and through – though a very good one. Its obvious lack of an internal mirror keeps it from encroaching on dSLR territory, though it still has an interchangeable lens system for consumers who wish to experiment a little with their photographic side. Taking this into account, it’d even make a great ‘casual’ take-everywhere camera for hobbyists or professional photographers.

iA (Intelligent Auto) is included, as with many of Panasonic’s cameras, and also includes a touchscreen for quick access to most of the camera’s features. When it comes to video, the GF3 is a star – it’s even capable of full-HD 1080i shooting. For a quality compact camera packed with features, the DMC-GF3 is a worthy contender.

Storage media for digital cameras

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Whether it’s a compact digital camera, a digital SLR or even a mobile phone camera, storage is a common concern for all modern photographers. The mass adoption of digital photography has spelled the end of the limitations of film. One of film’s most pressing limitations was how many shots could be stored at once without having to reload and develop. Digital camera storage, based on solid state memory, has alleviated this problem. Thousands of images can be stored on the one thumbnail-sized card.

There are many varieties of digital camera storage media out there, and it’s important that you choose the right one. Kirk’s Camera Supply carries digital storage media for most cameras. Our range of capacities means that you can find the right amount of storage at the right price for you. For most applications, a 2-gigabyte storage medium is a good start. Digital memory prices are falling all the time (roughly halving every year!) so we can assure you of an excellent deal.

Digital storage comes in several different formats. SD cards (and the even smaller, fingernail-sized micro-SD cards) are among the most popular, and currently store up to 32 Gb. CompactFlash cards are slightly bigger and thicker, and have been used in digital cameras since the early days. They are often considered the most rugged cards for photographic use. MemorySticks are used primarily by Sony cameras, and come in many varieties for different cameras and purposes.

All modern photographers should place great importance in their choice of digital camera storage. Size isn’t the only factor either – quality of manufacturer and build is important to avoid data errors, which may corrupt your photos. It’s important to choose an appropriate card when you buy your camera if it doesn’t already come with one. Come into our store today, and ask which card is right for you.

For more information contact Kirks Camera.

Kirk’s Camera Supply

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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
Their knowledgeable staff will answer your questions and help you to understand the features of your new camera, offer advice on how to capture the perfect shot or advise you on accessories to help you get the most out of your picture taking experience.
If you have been searching for personalized service, where they will come to know you by name- Kirk’s Camera Supply is the place to go.
At Kirk’s Camera Supply, they carry items to cater to a variety of customers, and not just cameras.
  • Binoculars
  • Nightvision
  • Printers and Scanners
  • Telescopes and much more.
Be sure to check their website for specials or their nice selection of clearance cameras and lenses available at deep discount prices, that are sure to fit your budget.
With a wide selection of products; a variety of payment options; convenient store hours; knowledgeable, friendly staff who are ready to help with all your needs- Visit Kirk’s Camera Supply at their easy to find location, 86 Maroondah Highway in Ringwood today or call them at (03) 9870 4644 today.

Sony Cyber-shot Specifications

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The Cyber-shot by Sony is all about capturing the best of life’s amazing moments – from trips to sports to every day activities. It’s never been more true with the water, dust, shock and freeze-proof new Cyber-shot TX5 - Sony’s first ever camera with high-fashion looks that handles just about anything your active lifestyle can throw at it. Suitable for any skill level and age, it guarantees that you will have a funky, clever camera on hand at any time.

At just 17.7mm in width, it is one of the world’s thinnest and smallest waterproof digital still cameras on the market. It is available in five stunning colours that are highly gender-friendly (black, silver, pink, green and red), the TX5 is suitable for a night out for dinner and dancing or hiking in the muddy mountains.

This great camera is waterproof down to 3m - great to shoot pictures in the pool or while you’re snorkelling. You can even adjust settings on the intuitive 3 inch LCD touchscreen while you’re underwater or wearing gloves – easy! This tough performer also shrugs off dust, and can keep shooting after being dropped from a height of 1.5m. The TX5 can even deal with freezing conditions down to -10 degrees Celsius, making Sony’s Cyber-shot an ideal companion for skiing trips.

With 4x optical zoom and a 10 megapixel sensor, the Cyber-shot is close to sitting on-par with some of Sony’s DSLR cameras – without the difficulties and training involved. Give Kirk’s cameras a call, or come on in to our Ringwood store to find out more today!

What is the difference between a Digital Camera and a digital SLR camera?

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At Kirk’s Cameras our team have a large amount of customers come in to our camera store asking us to explain the difference between a digital camera and a digital SLR camera. When choosing and purchasing your new camera, this is an important element of photography that you need to know.

For starters – ‘SLR’ stands for Single Lens Reflex. This means that the lens can be removed and replaced as needed. A regular SLR camera is a conventional film based SLR camera whilst a digital SLR (DSLR) is a digital SLR camera. DSLR or SLR cameras compared to a digital camera are far more complex to use, as certain functions and settings within the camera have to be manually set – such as focus, shutter speed and zoom. These are aspects of a digital camera that most people take for granted, as they are automatically set within the camera. These days, for your benefit, most DSLRs have some pre-set automatic functions – this being the beauty of digital cameras! Along with this, a DSLR can have the lens removed and replaced, meaning that the photographer can take extremely close up images at an incredible quality.

A DSLR camera can offer you the ability to become a very skilled photographer, producing some high quality photographs. When you come in to Kirk’s Cameras, our friendly staff will be more than willing to assist you in making your choice between a digital camera and a digital SLR camera.