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!

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!

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.

Olympus’s new EP-1 camera has hit stores, and many of our customers are keen to discover the specifications of this new digital SLR camera. A small, compact and attractive camera, the EP-1 possesses the features and abilities of a more bulky and heavy DSLR camera. Let’s have a look at some of the technicalities of this wonderful camera…

12.3 Megapixel - 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.

HD Movie recording - The EP-1 is able to capture video footage in full High Definition, and - hand in hand with the sensor - takes a spectacular move, beyond the quality of many camcorders.

Interchangeable lenses - The EP-1, despite its size, has the option of interchangable lenses. Users can make the most of this pocketable camera, however still alternate their lenses to suit their needs and levels of ability.

3 inch LCD - The LCD screen included on the EP-1 is a large 3 inches wide, with low resolution, and its viewing angle is that of 176 degrees.

There are many more exciting new features included in the Olympus EP-1. A few other specifications include:

ISO 6400 (max)

Built In Image Stabiliser

Come and visit Kirk’s Cameras or give us a call, and we can give you the low-down on some more of the Olympus EP-1’s elaborate and exciting new specs!

Every piece of technology has a life span - some cameras will last years and years without a glitch, others will die within a few months or years. Accidents do happen - all it takes is a small drop to fracture the screen or dint the body. Or that awful moment when a glass of wine is knocked and liquid seeps into the inners of your camera. So, the question is, do you repair or buy new?

Nowadays, cameras are a household item - one that can be bought in any price range, with any level of quality. It is far less common to have a camera repaired, due to these low prices and options of brand new exciting functions and abilities. Digital cameras are updated more and more frequently, so often it is not advised to repair a camera that is three years old or more.

Deciding whether to buy new or repair is very dependent on the damage done to the camera. Repair costs for a digital camera can range from $150 to $400 or more, and a repairman can charge up to $120 per hour, plus GST, and your camera generally will be returned to you in one month. Five years ago, camera companies were sending out three to four cameras a week to be repaired, however now, this number has significantly dropped back to one - if that.

Warranty is always an issue when it comes to repairing or replacing. Thinking in advance is always a smart idea - when purchasing the original camera, consider buying from a dealer who supplies an Australian Manufacturing Warranty, and be sure to ask all the right questions. Ordering your digital camera online is always risky, some websites can easily void the warranty due to being an unauthorised seller.

The best option for your battered camera is to have it examined by a specialist - determine the issue, and the cost to repair. With such a huge, diverse range of cameras on the market, why choose to repair when you could upgrade for a similar price? You can easily build your own opinion when researching more camera resources.

Give Kirk’s Cameras a call, or come in down to our Ringwood store, and ask our fantastic team for some advice!

SPECIFICATIONS AND REVIEW

NO LIMITATIONS

• 21.1 megapixel Canon-developed CMOS sensor captures superb image quality with low noise and natural colour
• New DiG!C 4 Processor means faster processing and new features such as Live Face Detection AF Mode
• Able to capture Full HD Movies with new Live View movie mode
• 9-point AF and 6-point Assist AF for ultra sharp images. You can manually select any of the 9 points to ensure correct sharp focus
• Continuous shooting speed of 3.9 fps
• Now with new Live Face Detection AF mode, you’ll never miss a sharp portrait in Live View
• Auto Lighting Optimizer automatically corrects images for optimal brightness and contrast
• 3.0″ (920,000 dots) LCD screen with anti-reflection & anti-smudge coating for clear photo previews
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System prevents & automatically removes tiny dust particles resulting in cleaner images
• Incredibly fast 0.1 second start up time so you are always ready to capture spontaneous shots
• Print stunning professional quality photos from your EOS 5D mk II

A 35mm full-frame Canon-developed CMOS sensor with 21.1 megapixels, DiG!C 4 Image Processor and ISO speeds expandable to 50-25600 combine to deliver outstanding images with low noise and natural colour reproduction. Offering key new features such as automatic image correction tools (Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral illumination correction), with Live View stills & movies Live View stills (with Live Face Detection) and Live View movies recorded in Full HD. With the ability to capture up to 3.9 fps in incredible 14-bit colour, the EOS 5D Mark II is the clear choice for the digital SLR photography enthusiast.

High Quality Images

Source: www.canon.com.au

Pentax have released their latest DSLR - the Pentax K7. The digital SLR camera is aimed toward the middle range DSLR photographers - suiting those who have experience, but are not of a professional standard. The camera is a vast improvement on their previous DSLR, and takes a spectacular photo.

The Pentax K7 has been given a make-over; it’s outer appearance now sleek and smooth, however still maintaining a traditional SLR shape. And, as mentioned, not only has the outside changed. Whilst the mega pixel count has not altered from Pentax’s previous DSLR, it’s other jamor components and functions have changed dramatically, providing a new, creative and exciting DSLR.

The headlining changes include:

• 720p/1080i HD video recording
• Smaller magnesium/steel alloy body
• Revised viewfinder (less magnified but with greater coverage)
• Updated sensor with four-channel readout
• 3.0″ VGA (920,000 dot) LCD
• New shutter mechanism with 1/8000th shutter speed
• Faster continuous shooting (up to 5.2 fps)
• 77 segment exposure metering sensor
• Revised autofocus algorithms
• AF illumination lamp
• New dust removal system
• HDMI output

These are purely the major and immediately noticeable changes, and beneath those lie more minor alterations, providing a big kick in the final result of your photos.

The Pentax K7 provides photographers with a large range of on-screen functions and options, it is simple to use and has well-improved traditional abilities. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras Ringwood and our staff will demonstrate the Pentax K7 just for you!

Source: Digital Photography School Website

Kirk’s Cameras encounter many people purchasing their first Digital SLR (DSLR) Camera. Many come to our Melbourne based store asking for a DSLR to help them take magnifcent quality photos. What a number of people are not aware of is that it is not only your DSLR camera that will help you on your way to becoming a great photographer, it is also your lens.

There are several different types of lenses, with many different abilities and functions. For photographers who are keen being on the move, their is the Fixed Focal Length Lens. This lens has a ‘no zoom’ capability - meaning that to zoom in and out your must come closer to or move further away from your subject. In contast, a Zoom Lens enables the photographer to zoom in and out quickly and simply, bringing more or less of your chosen image into view.

Want a photo of that tiny butterfly with all it’s beautiful markings? You’re after a Macro Lens. This lens gives you the advantage of taking extremely close up images, with fantastic definition and quality. If you wish to take a photo of a wide expanse, such as 180 degrees, you will need a Fisheye Lens. A cirular Fisheye Lens can give a rounded effect to the image, if that is what you desire.

Finally, there is a Lens Doubler, which is a lens that is added to another lens. So, if you have a 50mm lens on your DSLR and you add a Lens Doubler, you will wind up with a 100mm lens. When you come on down to Kirk’s cameras be sure to speak to our experienced staff about your specific needs, and we will find you the perfect lens to match not only your camera, but also your photo!

When you come on in to purchase your brand new Digital Camera at Kirk’s Cameras, our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect camera for your photography needs. We know how daunting it can be looking at so many makes and models, with so many different functions and abilities! Let’s have a look at a few tips to help you out when buying a new digital camera…

There is nothing more frustrating than than being in the middle of an important experience in your life and having the battery life of your digital camera zip down to nothing. Upon coming in to find yourself a new camera, consider quizzing our team on which models will have the best and most reliable battery life, as you’ll want your battery power to keep you going for extended periods of time!

Some avid photographers out there simply want to post their images on the web, however others wish to get their photos tranformed into large print outs. When considering your new digital camera, you will need to think about how many megapixels you are going to use, and the model you choose can have an impact on this decision. The megapixels on a camera can range anywhere from 2 megapixels to 8 megapixels, so if you plan to create huge images to decorate your walls you will need a camera with 5 megapixels or above, to capture as much detail as you can.

There are other simple elements you must consider when buying your new digital camera, such as finding a decent optical zoom and user friendly controls and functions, with all of the options you feel you will need. Our courteous staff can’t wait to help you find exactly what you’re after, so come on in and we’ll make buying a digital camera a pleasant, fun and easy experience!

Are you a camera enthusiast who lives in Melbourne. Then you have to know Kirks Camera in Ringwood, Melbourne.

Here are some facts about this specialised camera shop in Ringwood:

1. staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable, many have backgrounds in the photo industry
2. large range or cameras, digital slrs and many other photography products and accessories
3. camera service department
4. product demonstration available

They can help you get the best out of your photography. Staff are highly dedicated camera professionals that will assist you to find the gear that is right for you.

They are happy spending time in store chatting with you about your photographic, video or astronomy needs. This allows you to find the best photo equipment. Kirks stock a large array of digital cameras, digital slrs, video cameras, binoculars, telescopes, memory cards, batteries, filters, lenses, bags and a whole lot more.