Tag Archives: digital

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.

Canon Legria HFR106 HD Technical Specifications

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If you are looking for a light-weight, simple yet effective and high quality HD video camera, Canon has the answer for you. The new Legria HFR106 has everything that you will require in order to capture life’s greatest moments on film; from sporting events to weddings to simple day-to-day living. Many of our customers here at Kirk’s Cameras have been interested to find out more, so read on to hear all about the technical specifications of this clever digital video camera.

The Canon Legria HFR106 is highly compact and incredibly light-weight – weighing a tiny 270g. This video camera will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, without weighing you down. This compact camera offers full HD video recording for all of your needs, with a genuine Canon 1/5.5 inch HD CMOS Sensor, 20x Optical Zoom and recording that is delivered directly to your SDHC/SD card. Here are some more specifications especially for you:

- Dual Flash Memory
Records video directly to memory card. Up to 12hrs 15min with 32GB SDHC Card
- Fast Capture and Processing
True Progressive 1/5.5″ HD CMOS sensor for fast capture and processing and low power consumption
- HD Video Lens and Zoom
High precision aspheric video lens with 20x zoom
- High Speed Processing
DiG!C DV III image processor for high speed and quality processing of HD data
- Intelligent Auto and Face Detection
The camera automatically recognises the optimal shooting settings based on your environment (31 scenes)
- Internal Down Conversion
Convert HD video to SD video for easy uploading and burning
- Dynamic Image Stability
Perfect when shooting while on the movie
- Sharp Focusing on Demand
Instant Auto Focus for crisp and quick re-focus to ensure optimum HD footage
- Video Snapshot v2
Capture a 2, 4 or 8 second series of video and create engaging movies from a sequence of these clips and play it back to music.

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood to ask an expert and find out more 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!

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!

Pentax x70 – Technical Specifications

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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.

Travelling With Your DSLR

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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!

Nikon & NASA – Travelling To Space

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Nikon has proudly annouced that NASA has placed an order for eleven Nikon D3S digital SLR cameras along with seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses to be used for intricate photographic documentation. The camera and lenses will be carried on the Space Shuttle and used to photograph activities at the International Space Station (ISS) in the future.

The Nikon based equipment used at NASA has had no specific modifications; verifying that the products are diverse and of a high quality. Since 1971, Nikon has worked alongside NASA, supplying necessary equipment in order to capture the best images possible. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 photos using Nikon equipment that has been carried into space. 

So, if you are on the hunt for a camera that wil capture each and every fine detail at the best quality, the team at Kirk’s Cameras incourages you to come on in to our Ringwood store and have a look at the Nikon D3S today!

DSLR Education – What Is ISO?

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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!