Tag Archives: DSLR

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!

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!

The Specifications Of The Pentax X70

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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!