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.

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 brand new Nikon DS3, released on the 14th of October 2009, is an exciting new option for those photographers looking for something a little higher in skill level. The DSLR camera has been designed for those individuals wishing to meet or beat a professional standard of photography. As the brother of the popular Nikon D3, the DS3 has been modified and perfected to the highest of quality.

With a vastly expanded dynamic range and 1,280 by 720-pixel HD video capture capability, this camera is one of the best. A huge 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor enables the camera to boast light sensitivity all the way to 12,800 in normal us. An enhanced mode can extend that range all the way to ISO 102,400 for settings with extremely low light. This can also be applied to video capture in high definition.

There are many more exciting functions now available on this ground-breaking DSLR camera, such as an improved 51-point autofocus speed, optimized sensor cleaning functions and a high speed mode that can capture approximately 9 frames per second. If you are interested in capturing video recordings with great sound, an external microphone can be used.

This camera has been heavily perfected to suit the requirements of any avid photographer, and is able to supply you with high quality, rich images and video recordings. Come on in to Kirk’s Cameras today in Ringwood, and we will tell you more about the Nikon DS3.

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!

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!

When purchasing your new DSLR camera, it is important that you know what you need, and for what purpose you need it. Every single lens camera bought in a kit - whether digital or standard - comes with a ‘Kit Lens’. However, for our eager photographers, this kit lens may not be quite what you’re after - you may need to investigate your options of purchasing a specialty lens.

What is a ‘Kit Lens’? A kit lens is a starter lens sold bundled with a DSLR or SLR camera. It is generally an reasonably inexpensive lens, with basic qualities, but perfect for a beginner photographer. The kit lens you receive most likely will be a zoom lens, ranging from medium wide-angle to mild telephoto. Some higher end or more expensive DLSRs will not come with a kit lens, as they are expected to be bought separetly.

For a photographer looking to capture a specific style of image, a specialty lens may be the way to go. Specialty lenses are typically broken down into five categories - fast, fish-eye, wide, lensbaby and tilt and shift. A brief knowledge of each can assist you in making a decision.

A fast lens enables you to shoot in low light without compromising your shutter speed, and you can shoot extremely shallow depth of field. Many photographers love shooting landscapes and group shots - a wide lens is perfect, giving you the option of capturing a broad image. Effectively, a fish-eye lens is a super wide lens without the geometric correction - meaning that the edges of the image distort to fit the image in. The lensbaby is mounted onto the end of a bellows, allowing you to tilt the lens to change the centre of focus and create a smeared effect. Finally, the element of a tilt and shift lens can be moved side to side and up and down.

So, when you buy your DSLR camera, you need to know whether to purchase purely the body of the camera, or also the kit lens. Kirk’s Cameras in Ringwood are more than happy to advise you, and point you in the right direction, so come in and visit our team!

The hype is going to find out about Olympus’s most recent and exciting digital SLR camera. The Olympus EP-1 is a camera very alternate to most - if you are looking for something small, compact, reminiscent of the 1960’s style film camera with amazing specifications and abilities you are on the right track!

The Olympus EP-1 is based on the 35mm Pen camera, released in 1959. This Pen was produced to counter and challenge other companies to design a camera small enough to pocket with inter-changable lenses. Olympus has manufactured the EP-1 as a digital SLR, with all the capabilities of their standard DSLRs. The clever camera has a sleek appearance, combining contemporary with retro, giving photographers the wonderful option of a small, high quality and attractive digital camera.

In terms of performance, the EP-1 is top of the range. The Olympus E-P1 has a 12.3 megapixel sensor that is capable of capturing both still and HD video. Traditional features can still be found, including face detection, Art Filters, dust reduction, multiple exposures and magnified focus assist. Despite this, the Olympus EP-1 introduces brand new features, including HD video, digital leveling, 324-area matrix metering, onboard music and in-camera music integration to your video footage or still images.

When you receive your Olympus EP-1, two lenses are generally included in the kit.  The 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and the 17mm f/2.8, as well as a small optical viewfinder matched to the 17mm lens. A small flash will also debut with the Olympus E-P1 upon release. Come on down to Kirk’s Cameras to speak to one of our friendly staff, we’ll be happy to give you a demonstration and answer any queries you may have!

The Pentax K7 has many exciting and new adaptions for any passionate photographer. Let’s take a look at some of the changes and technical specifications of this exciting new digital camera…

Battery and Battery Life: The Pentax K7 comes with a brand new battery and charger. The brand new 7.2v 1,860mAh lithium-ion battery is reliable, rating at 980 image per each charge using the corded D-BC90.

Dust Removal: The Pentax K7 now includes a brand new DR II dust removal system. The K7 now includes a an element which vibrates the low-pass filter, removing dust from the filter. The dust alert system can check for the presence of dust on the low-pass filter, at the press of a button!

White balance: The K7 offers a wide range of new white balance settings, in both Automatic and Manual modes, and there more than ten white balance pre-settings. Colour Temperature Enhancement is used to retain and enhance the lighting tone - for example, enhancing a beautiful sun rise.

LCD: The Pentax K7’s exterior design includes a 3.0 inch LCD display with a huge 921,000 dots of resolution. The screen offers a view of wide 170 degree horizontal and vertical angles, and the screen does not reflect. 

Viewfinder: The optical viewfinder on the Pentax K7, which offers a 100% field of view and 0.92x magnification, has four interchangeable focusing screens. The viewfinder has now been made user-friendly to those photographers wearing glasses.

Flash: The Pentax K7 a brand new built-in popup flash. The K7’s inbuilt flash offers 28mm coverage and red-eye removal capabilities. The K7’s flash offers many opportunities for any avid photographer.

These are just several of the Pentax K7’s capabilites - the specifications can double and even triple from the list you see here! The team at Kirk’s Cameras would love for you to come down and visit, and give you a few more new details of the Pentax K7!

Now, for all our avid digital camera enthusiasts who aren’t so keen on the idea of a DSLR camera, Canon has released a digital compact camera with the similarities of a DSLR. The Canon SX1 IS is a sleek, clever and high quality camera, enabling its users to capture images of DSLR standard.

The Canon SX1 IS is almost identical to Canon’s previous model, the major differences hidden within the camera. Excitingly, Canon has introduced a CMOS sensor, replacing the traditional CCD sensor - a sensor saved primarily by Canon for DSLR cameras. In terms of features, the SX1 IS has numerous. The camera includes 10 megapixels, delivering amazing quality prints in up to A2 size, and has full high definition video recording. The 20x optical zoom lens enables users to capture distant objects clearly and crisply, and the 28mm wide-angle lens can assist you in shooting beautiful landscapes or group shots.

Along with these features, the Canon SX1 IS also includes both Face Detection Technology and Motion Detection Technology, along with an astounding 2.8inch LCD screen to view your photos back on. Image quality sits very high for a consumer-level digital camera, giving photographers a clear, colourful and precise image that can be altered with many on-screen functions and abilities. Capturing video footage on the SX1 IS is simple and of a very high standard. You can choose to shoot in black and white, sepia, vivid and many other in-camera display settings, unlike many digital cameras, requesting that you film in standard mode and switch to an effect after capturing the footage.

The Canon SX1 IS is a fantastic camera for those seeking flexibilty, without the ‘DSLR’ stamp. Kirk’s Cameras Ringwood would be more than happy to assist you in investigating this wonderful digital camera, so come on in!

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!