Tag Archives: digital slr

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!

Olympus E-620 DSLR – Specifications

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The Olympus E-620 combines the technical sophistication required by pros with easy-to-use functions desired by amateurs. Claiming the title of the world’s smallest and lightest creative D-SLR with built-in image stabilisation, this new camera is bound to do the job!  Ambitious photographers everywhere can now take creativity to a whole new level – without spending years completing training!

Here are just a few of the specifications of this DSLR camera:

• Art Filters, Multiple Exposure, Wireless Flash, Multi-Aspect
• Comfortable Live View thanks to high-speed contrast AF
• Free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD
• 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
• Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
• 7-point Twin AF (5 cross points)
• Optical viewfinder with approx 95% field of view and approx 0.96x magnification
• Small and light-weight body
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Auto white balance control
• Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
• Built-in flash (GN12)
• Wireless flash control in up to 3 groups
• Illuminated buttons
• AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
• ISO 100-3200 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
• High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
• Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
• 23 shooting modes (5 Exposure Modes, 5 Creative Modes, 13 Scene Select Modes)

If you want to know more, or would like a demonstration, be sure to get in touch with the friendly team here at Kirk’s Cameras today!

Nikon’s D60 DSLR – Technical Specifications

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One of Nikon’s best sellers, the D60 is a great way to step up from an entry-level DSLR camera. With it’s sleek design and stylish appearance, this DSLR will have you clicking away like a professional in no time! The team at Kirk’s Cameras have put together a list of the D60′s main features:

  • Compact body
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED concept
  • Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System
  • Active D-Lighting
  • Advanced three-point AF system
  • Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  • Quick 0.19-second power-up
  • Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller)
  • Retouch Options – including Quick Retouch, Stop-motion Movie and NEF (RAW) Processing
  • A large 2.5-in. LCD monitor with viewing angle of approximately 170 degrees in all directions
  • Eye Sensor system - turns off the LCD monitor automatically when you look through the viewfinder
  • Viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
  • Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 500 images
  • Eight Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for scene-specific pictures
  • Built-in flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control
  • Included Nikon ViewNX software
  • Capture NX software (optional)

For more information, do not hesitate to call or visit Kirk’s Cameras today! We have all of your DSLR needs – from lenses to accessories and much more!

Photography By Night – Tutorial

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Photography at night is not as complex as some may believe – it is all about having the right equipment, the ideal conditions and a positive frame of mind – along with a good quality camera! Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood are keen to help you understand and learn how to take magnificent photos during the night.

1. Gather Your Accessories

Tripod – It is vital to have a tripod when taking night shots – particularly when capturing tricky landscapes or skylines. Unless you are opting for a deliberately blurred photo, a tripod is a top accessory. In order to get a proper exposure at night, you have to use very long shutter speeds. The only way to keep your camera stable is to use a tripod. They can be purchased or borrowed, depending on your photographic situation.

Remote – Ideally, you should not need to touch your camera when you are taking photos at night. Even if you have a tripod, the act of pressing the shutter release to take a photograph will slightly shake the camera and create a blurry photo. Digital SLR cameras have a port where you can attach a remote release. If you are using a digital point-and-shoot, you will find that some models will come standard with a remote or can be purchased separately.

Torch/Flashlight – This item is frequently overlooked but absolutely critical. Unless you are so familiar with your camera that you can change its settings in the dark, a flashlight is necessary to see the buttons on your digital camera. It is also useful for safety if you are unaware of your surroundings.

2. Set Your Camera

Your camera must have manual controls so that you can adjust shutter speed and aperture yourself – this is vital in obtaining the perfect photo. The camera you use must have an opening on the bottom where you can attach a tripod. Almost all digital cameras — compact and digital SLR alike — have a tripod thread hole.

It is best if your camera has a remote control. If it doesn’t, a self-timer works the same way, so we advise you become familiar with this if you are going to use it. The best ‘late-night’ digital cameras have a feature called long exposure noise reduction. With digital cameras, the longer the shutter is open, the more noise you will see in the final photo. Since all night photography requires long exposures, the camera can process the image when you take it to reduce some of the noise. If your camera has this function, be sure to switch it on.

3. Capture Your Photos

Now that your have your camera set to manual controls, your tripod is set up and your remote or timer is ready to go, it is time to take some photos.

Set up the camera, and manually adjust the shutter speed until the camera’s light meter indicates that a proper exposure will be achieved. Depending upon the amount of available light, you may have to use a shutter speed up to 30 seconds. Despite the camera sitting on a tripod, it is vital that you do not shake the camera in any way.

If you have a somewhat flimsy tripod and your camera is heavy, even a slight breeze can move the tripod and the camera with it. During a 30 second exposure, this will create a blurry photograph. Make sure your tripod is absolutely solid and that it won’t slip or shudder during the exposure.

You can happily shoot away with ease – just be sure to make the best use of your remote and tripod and be aware of your surrounding conditions. Practice makes perfect; but we are confident you will get the results you desire with our night photography tips!

To find out more, or to speak to a professional, please contact Kirk’s Cameras or come on in to our Ringwood store today.

The Perfect Family Portrait – With Your DSLR

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Are you sick and tired of being disappointed with professional family photos that burn a hole in your pocket? Do you wish you could have had an option of the photo selected? The team at Kirk’s Cameras guarantee that with our easy, handy tips you can take an even better family portrait on your very own DSLR camerainthe comfort of your own home.

Step 1
Try to work with a Large Aperture. We advise a 50mm f/1.8 prime can be used for most camera brands, and will not break the bank – sitting between $90 and $200. This is a great investment and will allow you to shoot indoors at lower ISOs (sensor sensitivities). If you fork out the money for a high quality DSLR, do not stick a cheap lens on the other end of it or the results will come back poorly!

Step 2
Turn off your flash. Using the flash is a whole new realm of training and tips – we advise that your make use of the natural lighting and challenge yourself to find the right setting. For now, turn off that flash and find the perfect light for all faces involved!

Step 3
Find the perfect natural light. Take a moment to observe your surroundings - you are looking for light that is directional yet diffused. Rays of sun coming through a window are not a great choice, but pull a sheer across that window to diffuse and you have a better option – bright, directional light that is not too crisp. Drapes and sheers also create a plain, suitable backdrop for your portrait.

Step 4
Choose a suitable angle. You will want to angle your light source either to the side of your subject or slighly off centre. A 45 degree angle provides a good starting point, promising a continuous result. This will light the side of the faces closest to the light source more brightly but still provide fill light on the shadow side of the face. The further to the side of the face your light source is, the more dramatic this contrast – and the picture – will become. A professional and cheap way of capturing light can be easy – if you have a piece of poster-board that is made of white foamcore, you can position this to ‘catch’ some of the light opposite your light source and angle it to ‘fill’ more of the shadow side of the face.

Step 5
Set your DSLR camera. We advise the ISO be set to 200, the shutter speed at 1/100th and the aperture at f/1.8 as mentioned previously. These settings are a good starting point if you can shoot at a large aperture like f/1.8-f/2.8. If you can’t, increasing the ISO will be necessary. Take the picture from approximately 1.5 metres away – this will give you plenty of room to move.

Step 6
Capture your photos. It is purely personal preference whether you capture your images using the LCD screen or viewfinder – just be sure that the images you are capturing are consistent. Hold your camera as steady as possible when clicking away – if you are struggling, we suggest a tripod or make-shift tripod if available. Don’t forget to make your family smile!

Step 7
View and print your photos. Depending on your DSLR camera, there will be many ways in which to do this. We advise you simply upload to your computer and view at the highest resolution. Select your favourite – te image which captures each face at their best with no blurs, flashes or other issues. Once this is done, take note of the name/number of the file when taking it to be printed – you would hate to accidently print the wrong one!

Find out more about capturing family portraits on your DSLR camera from the professionals here at Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood, we would be happy to share our tips with you!

Olympus PEN E-PL1

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The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is triumphing over its previous models; with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger and heavier professional DSLR cameras and HD camcorders. This third-generation PEN has been designed and manufactured for photographers who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. Fantastic for beginners, or for those who want something that looks, feels and acts a little differently!

The new PEN E-PL1′s simple design and easy interface enable users to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible - equalling an affordable and simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve. Here are some of the features of this fantastic digital camera:
 
11-point Autofocus
Lithium Ion Battery
Continous shooting speed at 3 frames per seond 
Sensor Shift Image Stabiliser
LCD Display 2.7 inch
Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
12 Megapixels 
SD Memory Card
HD Movie with Sound
Live Guide
19 Scene-Select Modes
Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode
Face Detection
iEnhance System
Simple Pop-Up Flash
Olympus Dust Reduction System
TruePic™ V Image Processor
Multiple Software & Accessory Options
Waterproof to 40m

To find out more about this fantastic new Olympus PEN masterpiece, come in to Kirks Cameras and our friendly team will happily help you out!

Samsung NX10 – Specifications & Review

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The brand new Samsung NX10 is a ground-breaking digital camera that provides photographers with an interchangeable lens system and optimum image quality in a compact body – a strong alternative  to the traditional DSLR camera. Users can now be as creative as they would with a DSLR, with the simplicity and fun of a digital camera. This camera is superb for those photographers who are not quite ready to take the jump to DSLR, but want something that is beyond a simple point-and-shoot.

The Samsung NX10 incorporates a quick auto focus, 14.6 megapixel size CMOS sensor and large 3.0 inch AMOLED screen, allowing users to easily view their images – even in bright sunlight or on overcast days. To add to the excitement, photographers can now record video in full HD. The quick AF system is Samsung’s latest and greatest, used in many of their popular DSLR models – guaranteeing that you will never miss a moment!

When analysing the physical appearance of the Samsung NX10, there are truly many high points. Available in two colors, black and silver, the Samsung NX10 is small, light weight and ergonomically designed to ensure maximum portability for everyday use. Travelling with the NX10 is a breeze – and certainly ideal. The interface is user-friendly; with self-explanitory icons and buttons available for the user’s convenience.

Samsung continues to extend the usage of AMOLED screens across many products, using a large 3.0 inch AMOLED screen in the new Samsung NX10. The AMOLED system provides easy viewing options even in bright sunshine and at those awkward viewing angles, meaning users no longer need to shield their screen with their hand or tip backwards and forwards. 

The Samsung NX10 contains a wide variety of features and abilities to put professional quality images within reach of the entry-level photographer – easily. The NX10 provides users with the opportunity to make use of advanced manual controls – to gain the optimum results at all times. A Smart Auto function hass recently been introduced which automatically detects the surrounding environment of the shot and selects the ideal shoot mode.

The Smart Range feature also enables the photographer to easily express both bright areas and dark areas in the same image – ideal for an unusual, unique photo. The Supersonic Dust Reduction system keeps dust particles clear of the image sensor that can often impair an image, ruining a perfect photo. There are many individual shooting modes, such as Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Dawn and many more – perfect for capturing those unique situations.

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood today to find out much more about the Samsung NX10 – we guarantee you will be impressed!

Nikon D3S – Technical Specifications & More

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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.

Fuji FinePix S200exr – Technical Specifications

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Here at Kirk’s, we speak to many customers who aren’t quite sure about purchasing a digital SLR camera – and this is when we eagerly show them Fuji’s FinePix S200exr. This compact, relatively light-weight digital camera looks identical to a DSLR camera, delivering some top quality, DSLR-like results. So, if you’re busily hunting for that perfect Christmas gift of a quality digital camera, look no further!

The FinePix S200exr encorporates a super intelligent flash technology, that allows you to take flash-assisted macro shots with the ideal balance of flash output and sensitivity. This flash system captures both the subject and background in bright, clear details over the full flash range – no matter how close or far away the subject may be!

With a high quality 2.7 inch LCD screen, you are able to tilt the camera to almost any angle and still clearly view your screen, in rich, brilliant colours. There is no dimming or reflecting, providing you with flexibility at any angle. The newly developed electronic viewfinder is designed to offer the same kind of viewing experience as an optical finder, displaying dramatically improved responsiveness and colour accuracy.

The new Exr Mode helps you to improve clarity, reduce noise, increase dynamic range, or let the camera automatically adjust settings to suit the scene. There are a large ten different Shooting Modes that can be selected to assist in enhancing your photos. Ontop of this, there are also another sixteen Scene Position functions to choose from, specially designed to suit any situation. Some of these include Pro Low-light Mode, Portrait Enhancer, Fireworks, Text and much more.

To find out more about the Fuji FinePix S200exr, come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood today, and we will give you the low-down on this fantastic digital camera!

Canon EOS 500D – Technical Specifications

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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!