With some of Australia’s leading camera manufacturers turning their heads toward touch screen digital cameras, how are we to know what’s good and what’s bad? The new Nikon Coolpix S230 is a great place to start - combining simplicity, style and quality into one to create a top-of-the-range touch screen digital camera.

Blending the use of an infamous, high quality Nikkor lens alongside the strong performance benefits of Nikon’s Expeed digital image-processing concept, this camera is sure to impress. A large 10 megapixel sensor guarantees that you will capture everything from near to far - with rich, sharp image quality. The 3 inch touch control LCD screen offers a world of editing and capturing options, for any skill level. If you are not accustomed to a touch screen style, the screen may take some getting used to.

The Nikon Coolpix S230 comes in a sleek, strong aluminium design that is suited to any individual. There is the option to select silver, red or purple - expanding options for any taste. The camera is certainly user friendly - with simplicity that means little bedtime manual reading. However, becoming a master of the touch screen may take a couple of goes. There are many features and abilities that will assist to make any photographer look like a pro, such as Food Mode and Sports Mode. Here are a few key features:

Be sure to come in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood today, to check out this fantastic new digital camera by Nikon. Our staff are happy to help out, provide information and handy demonstrations.

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!

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!

There is nothing more frustrating when you find that perfect shot, take a snap and the discover seconds later that it was a blurry mess. Blurred images can be caused by a number of reasons, such as a shaky hand, slow shutter speeds and your camera focusing incorrectly. So, how can blurry images be prevented on my digital camera?

Steady Hands
Even when shooting in a clear situation with great lighting, you may move the camera slightly without realizing it.  To help reduce blurred images, hold the camera as steady as possible and take extreme caer when lining up the shot via the LCD screen. If you are using a viewfinder to capture your shots, steady the camera against your face.
Digital cameras can be prone to camera shake when taking hand-held shots and zooming in on a subject - so it isn’t always your unsteady hand! To help prevent blur, shutter speed should be set at a faster rate than the focal length.

Focus
Most modern digital cameras will indicate when they achieve correct focus, generally on screen or via a small sound. In order to gain the best focus possible, aim the camera at the object that you are attempting to capture and press the shutter-release button to the halfway mark. You will feel a slight click at this halfway point and the camera should focus well. This is the point in which you are able to press the shutter-release button fully and take your picture.
In some circumstances, particularly in low lighting, a digital camera may have some trouble focusing. Auto focus modes on your digital camera will work best when there is contrasting colour or light between a subject and the background.

Slow Shutter Speed
If lighting is particularly low, wide apertures and slow shutter speeds will automatically selected by the digital camera. Most people are unable to achieve taking sharp shots that are hand-held when the shutter speed is below 1/60th of a second.  Be sure to increase lighting within the room, heighten the ISO setting or use a tripod.

Fast Shutter Speed
Attempt to freeze the image by using a faster shutter speed. Using a faster shutter speed will ‘freeze’ the image momentarily, and give you a sharper shot. If you do not have the option of altering the shutter speed, select a Sports or Outdoors mode, as these are developed to also freeze the frame.

Olympus’s new PEN E-P2 is the second model in the revolutionary PEN series of digital cameras, that brings SLR image quality to an amazingly compact and portable camera. If you are on the hunt for a camera that’s not quite a DSLR, but steps beyond a point-and-shoot digital, the PEN series are perfect for your requirements.

This retro inspired must-have item is fantastic for avid photographers wanting something a little different, and for those wishing to improve their skills. So, what are some of the technical specifications of this fantastic new camera?

Live Viewfinder 1.44M dots
12.3 Megapixel
SLR picture quality
HD Movie recording
Interchangeable lenses
Image Stabiliser built-in
8 Art Filters
AF Tracking
3 inch LCD
ISO 6400

To find out more information about the Olympus PEN E-P2, come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood and we will give you a quick demonstration today!

The Canon EOS 7D is making waves in the photography world - as a fantastic option for those semi-professional camera enthusiasts to take high quality images at a professional level. With its vast array of customisable settings, fancy features and helpful extras, this fantastic DSLR can make anyone with a clue look like a professional photographer.

In terms of weight and carrying the Canon EOS 7D, it is not difficult, however not light weight alike many new DSLR cameras on the market at current. Its stainless steel and polycarbonate body weighs 820 grams without a lens; meaning that you will need a secure, sturdy camera bag to keep it safe and protected at all times when not in use.

Despite weight and appearance, the Canon EOS 7D is a modern DSLR marvel for semi-professionals - incorporating some of the highest quality features available to date. The Canon EOS 7D is the first Canon DSLR camera to feature two D!GIC 4 Image Processors; this giving the camera a large speed boost in order to take 8 JPEG images per second for up to 90 photos. Using this technology also speeds up Live View, for tose who are not so savvy with a viewfinder.

What is also very impressive about the Canon EOS 7D’s features is the 19 cross-type points of autofocus and the boost to its light sensitivity - now ranging from 100 to 6400 ISO and can be pushed out to 12,800 ISO if required. Image noise is also improved in this DSLR camera, with little noise evident even in photos taken at 1600 ISO.

Even with all of these exciting technical features, the Canon EOS 7D is obtaining most of its popularity via the full High-Definition video shooting mode - which the DSLR handles perfectly well. Video can be recorded at a full HD rate of 1080p and at 30, 25 or 24 frames per second for smooth results. The in-built microphone is sufficient, however some professionals may feel the need to use an external microphone. The Canon EOS 7D, when used well, can capture extremely high-quality, film like video in a matter of seconds.

In addition, a Picture Style button on the back of the camera lets you switch between nine different creative colour styles in a quick fasion. A Q button shows your current settings on the screen, and if you press the RAW/JPEG button and the camera will take the following photo in both formats. Clicking on the Info Button twice brings a digital level onto the screen to ensure the horizon appears as it should in your landscape photos.

So, if you are looking for a semi-professional digital SLR camera the Canon EOS 7D is perfect for you. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today, and we will give you a demonstration and some more facts about this great DSLR.

For all of our photographers who are new to DSLR cameras and DSLR styled photography, we’ve discovered the camera for you! The Pentax K-m is a simplified, user friendly DSLR that will suit any level of photography skills - from entry level to professional.

The Pentax K-m was developed as an entry level DSLR camera offering simple, straightforward operation, making it possible for first-time DSLR users and family photographers to enjoy high-quality DSLR photography with little trouble or confusion. The body is lightweight and compact - so you can take this away on a family holiday and get the shots you wish for with no fuss!

This simple DSLR includes an effective 10.2 megapixels, which will have you taking pictures like a pro! Shake reduction prevents blurs for inexperienced hands, and provides you with rich, sharp images. The camera includes Auto Picture mode, a function which selects the perfect shooting mode for your situation at the time. Continuous shooting offer 3.5 frames per second, great for the kids at footy on the weekend.

With a bright viewfinder for those who prefer it, or a 2.7 inch LCD monitor, you will be able to take and view your images to beyond the best of your ability. A Dust Removal System is also included in the Pentax K-m, guarenteeing a clean, sharp image and perfect functionality.

Come visit Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood, and we will give you a quick demonstration of this fantastic entry-level DSLR today!

The Canon EOS 7D has been specifically designed be the tool of choice for serious photographers, and semi-professionals learning the ropes. It has a whole new range of features made to enhance every aspect of photography, and assist you in capturing the best possible images.

The EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous, rich images. Sharp focus is always promised no matter the situation cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, a brand new system, provides full coverage.

Excitingly, the EOS 7D also captures Full HD video with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. This ensures perfect video footage in any conditions. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust and weather resistant - so battling the elements has never been easier!

The Canon EOS 7D promises sharp, professional images in a wide range of conditions. Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood can assist you in finding out more about this brand new DSLR camera.

Are you looking to brave the elements, but not keen to get your digital camera damaged? The Olympus Mju Tough 6010 is the leader in waterproof and shockproof digital cameras - the 11th generation of it’s kind, with highly perfected features and abilities. Let’s look at why you’re adventures can be easier with the Mju Tough 6010…

The Mju Tough 6010 isn’t just helpful - it also takes a sharp, rich and precise photo, with it’s 12.0 megapixel sensor and 3.6x Optical Zoom with wide angle lens, capturing the best of your images at the best of times! The camera is Waterproof to 3m, Shockproof to 1.5m and even Snowproof to -10 degrees Celsius, the perfect digital camera for all sorts of holidays.

With a 2.7 inch HyperCrystal III LCD Screen, and Face Detection capabilities, this camera has all of the features from your regular Olympus digital camera. However, the Mju Tough 6010 now includes some functions that enable you to look like a pro - the New Magic Filters help you capture the action while exercising your own creative flair. You can alter your original image to Pop, Pinhole, Sketch and Fish-eye filters, giving your photo a funky, creative edge.

Come on down to Kirk’s Cameras at our Ringwood store, and one of our friendly staff will assist you in investigating the Olympus Mju Tough 6010 today!

Are you looking for a digital video camera that isn’t too bulky or heavy, and yet takes magnificent video footage? Look no further, as the Canon Legria HF S10 is the digital video camera you need! With it’s small, compact design and fantastic abilities and features, Legria HF S10 will be the answer!

The Legria HF S10 digital video camera takes Full HD video recording a whole new level. Combining highly-advanced imaging with 32GB of built-in flash memory, the Legria HF S10 represents a true breakthrough in HD recording. Let’s have a look at the specifications…

It seems that the Legria HF S10 has it all - but there is so much more! Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today and learn more about what the Canon Legria HF S10 can offer you!