If you are a fan of landscapes, and would love to be able to capture some of the incredible ones that Australia has to offer, then Kirk’s Cameras can help you out! We love to take images of any landscapes, from moutains to oceans to sunsets - and we have some of the best tips for shooting your ideal landscape perfectly.

Research
It is crucial that you are aware of what you are shooting, as every location has different specifications. Ensure that you do your research on the area - where the best spots are, what the weather conditions are typically like and what time of the day will suit the image. It is great to be informed, as this will make you feel at ease and comfortable during your shooting. Generally, it is best to avoid shooting images around mid-day, as the lighting can be too harsh.

Tripod
Always ensure that you pack a tripod if you plan on shooting a landscape. Tripods are great for any photographer of any skill level, are simple to come by and can range to suit any budget.
Even if the day is bright, you may need to use a small aperture to achieve a great depth of field. In this case, you may be using a low shutter speed – which leads to camera shake if you are not able to hold the camera steady in your hands. This is why a Tripod can be a fantastic buddy to take along with you!

Filters
Filters are important when shooting strong landscape photos. There are different types of filters that are commonly used for capturing a landscape – polarizers and neutral density filter. Polarizers are useful in reducing glare from reflective surfaces, such as water. Neutral density filters will stop a specified amount of light entering the camera.

Lenses
When shooting a landscape image, it is generally best to make use of a wide-angle lens, as it will capture as much of the scene as possible in one frame. Of course, it is always wise to pack any other favourite lenses you may have, as they can produce unusual effects and also provide high quality, great landscape photos.

Composition
Just because a beautiful image is sitting right infront of you does not mean that you can disregard the composition rules! Ensure that you have certain subjects in the foreground, mid-ground and background, as this will definately assist with the end result of the image.

The friendly team at Kirk’s Cameras can provide you with everything that you will need on your journey to capture some beautiful landscapes - so come on in or give us a call today!

The Pentax K-x is a new DSLR camera with a twist - it comes in 4 different, vibrant colours! For the avid photographer who is a little creative and wants something that stands out, the Pentax K-x is a fantastic option. But that’s not all - this exciting new camera doesn’t just look good, it’s also packed with amazingly high quality features that can make anyone look like a pro!

The Pentax K-x has a huge, high resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor, featuring sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture. A large 2.7 inch LCD screen features Live View with contrast, phase difference and Face Detection. You are readily able to capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution at 24 frames per second cinematic frame rate.
 
The body of the Pentax K-x is highly compact, the design allowing for complete one handed operation and comfort when travelling or on the move. To keep it artistic, creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects that are highly user-friendly.
 
If you are one who loves sport, or needs to photograph the kids at footy on the weekend, this camera is perfect for you. Fast 4.7 frames per second capture any speed, whilst a responsive 11 point wide angle  autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects. You are able to capture up to almost two thousand shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries - and we all know they’re just sitting around the house!

So, to find out more about the Pentax K-x, give Kirk’s Cameras a call today, and speak to a camera professional about our DSLR range.

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 Nikon Coolpix P90 is a fantastic new compact digital camera model that offers extended reach, wide-angle coverage, the intuitive ease of advanced shooting functions and outstanding performance. So, if the jump from point-and-shoot to DSLR is too big for you, have a go at this marvel!

With a powerful 24x Optical Zoom, this fun new camera can help you take pictures as close up as 1cm to the subject! You also have the option of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 45 shots at 15 frames per second, making this camera a great option for families playing sports on the weekend!

The Nikon Coolpix P90 has a large 12.1 megapixel sensor, equal to some of the best DSLR cameras available. This digital camera is able to take 26mm wide angle shots, to please any photographer. The camera also sports many other exciting features such as a 3 inch tilt LCD screen, HD movie mode and CCD VR Stabiliser. A list of features include:

Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today, and we will show you the exciting new Nikon Coolpix P90!

The new Canon Ixus 80IS is making waves here at Kirk’s Cameras. The digital camera packs an Image Stabilizer lens and many leading technologies into its slim form for fun, sharp and elegant photography. Let’s see why this little digital camera is becoming so popular…

With its slimline, modern appearance, and silver tone, the Canon Ixus 80IS is popular amongst many agegroups. Taking DSLR quality images has never been so easy with this new wonder; which includes 8.0 effective megapixels and some of best features available. Some of the specifications include:

So, come on in or give us a call at Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood, and one of our specialists will help you out today with the new Canon Ixus 80IS.

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 brand new Nikon Coolpix S70 can make any photographer look like a modern professional! With it’s advanced features, smart abilities and fashionable appearance, the Coolpix S70 is your answer to the perfect pictures!

Featuring Nikon’s infamous Clear Colour 3.5 inch OLED display screen and a highly responsive and helpful touch screen, the Coolpix S70 offers users a whole new level of fun, easy photography.  The OLED technology enables the camera to have vivid colours, sharp contrasts and the lack of afterimages.

Touch contol enables users to make viewing and editing photos far easier, more efficient and lots more fun. Whether you are scrolling through images with simply a fingertip or using pinching motions with two fingers to zoom in and out  - this camera is certainly quick and easy.

The Coolpix S70 has high-performance imaging cababilites such as 12.1 megapixels, with a precise 5x zoom NIKKOR lens - running closely behind some of Nikon’s entry level DSLRs. Response time is fast, and image processing delivers rich colour and fine details.

Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood have all of your Nikon Coolpix requirements, so come on in and see one of our friendly staff, and ask about the Nikon Coolpix S70 today!

The Nikon D5000 is an ideal choice to consider for all entry-level photographers, or simply anyone searching to upgrade from a point and shoot to a DSLR to enhance their photographic experience. Let’s read about what Nikon can offer us with the new D5000…

The D5000 now features a diverse 450 degree vari-angle LCD monitor that can be viewed in normal position against the camera back or swung out and rotated or tilted. This wonderful feature allows simple viewing from virtually any perspective or angle desired, assisting entry level camera-users with trickier shooting points. This monitor can be stowed away with the LCD facing the back of the cameras, saving any scratches or damages to the screen.

If you are someone not so experienced, but love the idea of owning a Nikon D90 for it’s megapixels, look no further. Featuring a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, the D5000 produces highly detailed images that exhibit smooth tones, outstanding colour and low noise across a wide ISO sensitivity range. It is also compatible with NIKKOR’s finest lenses available.

Easy useage is a traditional aspect of Nikon’s DSLRs and the D5000 successfully carries on this trait. The compact body suggests an intelligent layout with controls sensibly positioned for easy operation. A simple in-camera range of options assists all users, no matter what experience level.

The Nikon D5000 combines the best of DSLRs with the simplicity of a point-and-shoot, enabling photographers to be creative in a simple and effective manner. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood, and speak to a specialist about the Nikon D5000.

Olympus’s new EP-1 camera has hit stores and we have had many of our customers come in to our store and quiz our staff about the specifications of this new and unusual digital SLR camera. A small, compact and attractive camera, the EP-1 possesses the features and abilities of that of a bulkier and heavier DSLR camera. Let’s have a look at some of the technicalities and abilities and this brand new camera…

The EP-1 includes a 12.3 megapixel sensor, allowing photographers to capture both still images and video with precise and sharp image quality. The EP-1’s sensor takes a rich, colourful picture that will more than satisfy any photographer, and to add to this the EP-1 includes a low-resolution, 3 inch wide LCD screen, with 176 degrees viewing angle. This enables photographers to takes beautiful photos, and view them on a high quality screen.

Despite its size, The EP-1 has the option of interchangable lenses, giving photographers many different alternatives of style and aspect in their images. Users can make the most of this pocketable camera, however still alternate their lenses to suit their needs and levels of ability. The EP-1 comes with a Built In Stabiliser, guarenteeing a reliable and stable image no matter where or how you take it!

Finally, what excites most people about the Olympus EP-1 is it’s ability to capture full High Definition video footage, at a level equal to a common cam-corder. Hand in hand with the sensor and option of inter-changable lenses, the EP-1 can capture the best in movie recording for your needs.

The team at Kirk’s Cameras look forward to hearing from you, so come on in to our Ringwood store and we’ll give you the low-down on this compact and clever DSLR!