Why Olympus Digital Waterproof Cameras Lead The Pack
May 31, 2010 | Leave a Comment
What is it you’re likely to be doing when snapping photos? How about on holiday, at the beach, up in the mountains, or anywhere in-between. Could be a sporting event, kids soccer game, mountain biking, snow skiing, sailing, or or a hundred different pursuits. Point is they’re mostly all outdoors where the weather can range from hot and sunny to cold and wet.
Up until recent years, taking a camera along to capture all the “about to be made” memories was nearly more trouble than it was worth. If nothing else we either took extra steps and care to keep it safe and dry or kissed it goodbye – and all bets were off if the camera ever got into the hands of a four-year-old.
But today there’s a “waterproof – shockproof – freezeproof” slot in the compact digital camera world and despite the fact there are now several companies trying to compete here, it was Olympus that was the trailblazer giving us the concept of an indestructible camera. Of course these wonders of technology aren’t completely indestructible, but then again, neither is a tank.
Years before most of their competitors, Olympus offered underwater cameras that could handle considerable abuse. They began with their Stylus SW Series, and since that time have introduced the super Tough Series which provide even more resolution and HD video, while continuing to raise the bar for rugged “go anywhere” cameras.
Depending on which particular model, the Olympus SW and Tough Series underwater cameras are waterproof down to 10’ or 33’, and shockproof even when dropped from 5’ or 6.6’. In addition, all models are freezeproof to 14°F (which is -10°C), and the crushproof 8000 models can withstand 220 pounds of pressure. They achieve this level of protection through the suspension of internal components in a crushproof metal case.
Being freezeproof in addition to an ability to survive the wet, means these cameras are great for wintertime as well. Whether skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow, you know there’s no reason to miss a photo op. And because they’re shockproof too, means an accidental whack against the chairlift won’t stop these cameras either.
Of course shockproof for me means even more during other seasons where thinner clothing rarely helps protect a camera hiding within a pants pocket that smacks into a rock face while climbing. When you think on it, there is hardly a sport or recreational endeavor that doesn’t provide a considerable chance of destroying a regular camera.
That’s true in particular when on the water where mine has had to survive things like banging into a mast or boom, being crushed behind a scuba tank, or even the time a dive weight fell on it accidently. And even on land the small size of most waterproof cameras, while making them convenient to keep in a pocket, also escalates the chances they’ll slip out of our hands and crash on the concrete below.
Like I said, there are now several more competitors in this space selling waterproof cameras that make similar claims, but a lot of them aren’t all that suited for rough use and you have to take a close look. I’ve noticed some with nice polished cases just begging to be beat up, and others that have a cover that slides, which is certain to jam and scratch once any sand gets in them. Bear in mind that less moving parts is better.
And you’ll find models that are more waterproof than others. Check for good seals and little if any case penetration which could let water get to the interior. You’ll find those that can barely survive the rain, more that will work fine in the shallow and/or deep end of the pool, and a few that claim operability just below 30 feet of depth, which would make them appropriate for serious snorkeling.
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How To Choose The Best Digital Underwater Camera
May 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
It’s always interesting to consider how far technology has advanced , but when comparing today’s cameras to those of not even ten years ago, the progress has been astounding. Going digital has brought significant advancement of course, but the most significant changes have been in taking digital cameras and making them nearly indestructible.
No they aren’t yet completely indestructible, but we’re moving closer. It wasn’t so far back that much care was recommended when handling any camera, and certainly we couldn’t get them wet. While this still holds for most models, there are today a significant number of manufacturers offering a waterproof camera that can also take some abuse.
However, certain ones are more waterproof than others, so you’ll need to check the specs. You’ll find those that can barely survive the rain, others that are good for a few feet, and only a handful that can be taken down around 30 feet. Below that depth, you’re really talking about a dive camera, although there are some of these that have housings available that will make them appropriate for scuba diving.
There are now several companies competing in this “compact, digital, waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof” space, including most of the more well-known brands. And despite the similarity of their claims, there are noteworthy differences, especially regarding just how much rough handling they can take.
For me, shockproof means I can drop it on concrete, unintentionally let a scuba tank fall on it, accidently bang it up against a sail boom or mast, or smack it into the side of a rock face because I forgot it was in my pocket. And yes I’ve put cameras through these abuses and they continued to work as expected.
The thing about being outdoors is, well – you’re outside and things happen. In fact outside is most likely the place where the most things happen that you want a picture of. And outside, it’s not always sunny and clear. Whether you’re enjoying the beach, up a mountain, hiking, sailing, surfing, skiing, or watching the kids soccer game, you need a camera tough enough to keep up and one you don’t have to be concerned about about.
The things to look for are a rugged case and few if any external moving parts. Cases can be metal or polycarbonate, but keep in mind that the nice polished metal ones will get roughed up pretty quick. Also if there is a cover that slides over the camera, it can get bound up by sand and grit thus causing scratches.
However, a little good sense goes a long way. For example a lens cover that automatically opens and closes when the camera is turned on or off is useful since it guards the lens, but does offer the chance for fouling. So if you drop it in the sand while at the beach, simply swish it off in the water before trying to operate and circumvent potential problems.
Note that water integrity will be compromised by any direct penetrations through the case as those type seals will wear out and dry out the fastest. When checking out a compact digital underwater camera, consider those that keep case penetrations to a minimum by having implemented features like a membrane sheath between control buttons and the cameras insides. For battery, media card and connector compartments look for a good seal that compresses all the way around when shutting the access door.
I also prefer a compact size that will slide easily into a pocket. That way it never gets left behind. In so far as controls, some cameras make them large and spaced spread out making for easy operation even with gloves, while others have them bunched together which is easy for one-hand operation. Like many things, the final decision will be a compromise. The best way to come at it is to consider how you’re likely to utilize this camera most often and choose appropriately.
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A Report On A Number Of Types Of Nikon SLR Camera
May 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Technology has grown people forward from quite possibly merely half a century ago. In truth, technology has developed your assumption of life. Selecting a digital camera can be a problematic task, in particular if you have never done it before. You will find several numerous kinds, nevertheless the DSLR camera tops the list. Choosing the best DSLR camera is usually a complicated task for those unfamiliar with the language of SLRs, and with an array of prices, it can be stressful to understand what capabilities one need.
Nikon has been developing with new DSLRs and also the Nikon D90 DSLR Camera is one of the latest one that comes along with many stunning functions. It features CMOS sensor that provides a sensor resolution of 12 mega-pixels that ensures supreme quality graphics. Nikon has small down its body and contains a slightly exaggerated grasp handle. However this is without a doubt pretty comfortable and easy to carry. Nikon D40 has an 18 to 55mm lens plus it comes in a smooth dark shape made from solid polycarbonate. This camera runs wonders so that the non-professional photographer can take exceptional pictures.
Nikon D200 camera also has an aperture coupling ring. This particular coupling ring allows auto exposure tasks in manual exposure metering. Nikon cameras are work horses. Nikon D90 includes a high and fast performance, featured with auto scene modes which make a excellent shot in a different number of shooting conditions in only an easy way.
Nikon’s D5000 digital SLR camera can be an entry-level model that’s built to be a quick introduction in to the community of SLR cameras. It’s a small camera body with a built-in flash, a flip-down display screen and an F-type lens mount.
Nikon’s new compact DSLR, the Nikon D60 keeps to tradition of the D40 and D40x as being a expert, technically greatest, compact DSLR. Even though Nikon goes on to innovate this particular camera still has 10.2 megapixels, the standard for such entry-level digital SLR is appropriate now that puts this camera between the D40 and the D80 digital SLRs, and makes use of the EXPEED picture processor for softer tones plus more precise colors and Nikon’s Multi-CAM 530 AF auto-focus sensor. Nikon, Canon, and Olympus are brands that most people knows, no matter the type of camera. All of these kinds of manufacturers has a long and storied historical past of delivering well known cameras at competitive price ranges, and their array of DSLR cameras is no exception.
Nikon just as before created the use of titanium for vertical shutters, using a unique honeycomb pattern on the actual blades to reduce their weight and achieve world-record speeds in 1982 of 1/4000 second for non-sync taking pictures, and 1/250 by using x-sync. At present nearly all such shutters are produced from more affordable aluminum. Even though, certain high-end cameras use materials such as carbon-fiber and Kevlar.
That is a report on NIKON DSLR photographic camera. You maybe want certain product reviews in relation to hidden security camera as well as wireless home security camera.
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Canon VIXIA HF200 – Features And Advantages Of This Digital Camcorder
May 19, 2010 | Leave a Comment
Canon’s optical brilliance and high regard in keeping greater standards on its products is noticeably seen on the canon vixia hf200 review. This latest contribution from Canon is a lightweight that can fit so comfortably & neatly in your hand but is certainly a heavyweight in terms of superiority functionality and performance.
You can secure imagery & preview them on the 2.7 inch LCD screen that can easily be rotated at unique angles for your convenience. All the controlled buttons are surrounded by easy access even by using just one hand. The Canon HF200 is certainly user friendly as navigating through the different features in the menu to help you achieve those great shots is pretty easy due to its significant font.
For a high definition camcorder, having a high-quality size image sensor & a superb picture processor is a must, to produce excellent quality videos & photos & the canon vixia hf200 hd can very easily equal those requirements. It has a 3.89 megapixel CMOS image sensor and the DIGIC DV III picture processor. These important functions are both exclusive from Canon & can very easily deliver for a high definition color resolution to generate authentic time imagery that are rich, sharp & correct in color even when you have low light conditions. The DIGIC DV III image processor is in addition accountable for allowing alternative functionality of this video camcorder like the Authentic Canon Face Detection and the Advanced Auto Exposure system creating well focused & sharp images.
Capturing pictures while moving is relatively hard as there is a tendency to created blurred & unclear shots specially for those with unsteady hands. Canon VIXIA HF200 is the perfect camcorder for you as it offers a Super Range Optical Image Stabilization feature that corrects vibrations specially if you are taking shots within a moving vehicle. This functionality also allows to rectify other imperfections that might result when you seek to amend focus by slowly moving your hand or varying body positions while following moving subjects.
The Canon VIXIA HF200 in addition has a 24p Cinema Mode that allows you to catch imagery at 24p to get that cinematic look on your videos. You can also use to capture videos in 30p which is perfect for receiving terrific action shots.
Further strong functions of this High definition camcorder are the Double Shot which allows you to catch videos and photographs without switching modes, the Adjustable Zoom speed control with three pre-set zoom settings & 1 adjustable setting & the 15x High definition video lens.
Best of all, the Canon VIXIA HF200 allows you to tape your videos immediately to the SDHC memory card making it easier for you to move the memory card to your pc or your HDTV so you can right away share and get pleasure from the videos you have taken. Find Alot more news on
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Choosing A New Camera
May 17, 2010 | Leave a Comment
With so many camera models to choose from where do you start? Well, the way I choose any new toy these days is to start at the end. What do you want it to do? Err… take pictures. Yes but what kind of pictures and what are you going to do with them? The other burning question is how much are you prepared to learn?
As you are reading this and have actually made it to paragraph two, I think we can assume that you are prepared to learn at least a little. So what do you want to do? Do you want something that you can keep in your pocket at all times so you can snap the kids? Do you want a camera that will allow you to take pictures in any lighting conditions from any distance (with the right gadget screwed on the front of course)? Is this going to be a hobby or just some quick snaps?
The Learning Curve
I haven’t seen any cameras on sale in recent years that do not have a fully automatic ‘point and shoot’ mode, most will automatically switch on the flash for you when it is needed so you may wonder why we need all the other manual and semi automatic modes and an instruction book to make your head spin. The answer is that, although the camera can produce good exposures most of the time, there are times when, to get the results we want, we have to apply a little know how and select more appropriate settings than the camera would automatically choose.
Before choosing a camera with lots of knobs and dials it is a good idea to consider whether you are ever going to bother to learn what they are all for. I’ve been around cameras for many years now, and I’m still learning what all the settings on my latest camera actually do. I never bother to learn how to do something until I need to. So there are certain obscure settings that I have yet to find a use for. It can be as complicated as changing your life!
Of course it would be nice if we could choose just the buttons we need and have each camera custom made for us but in the real world all we can do is choose the level of control based on how much we think we might want to get involved. Generally speaking an SLR will have more knobs, dials and menus than a compact camera which will give you more control over your pictures but will have a much steeper learning curve.
SLR or Compact?
All the cameras on the market can be categorized into a few simple groups. The most important two groups are fixed lens and interchangeable lens. The fixed lens cameras tend, with a few exceptions, to be smaller, lighter and more pocketable, therefore you are more likely to have it with you when you need it. Well that’s the theory anyway but I think we can say that you are more likely to be bothered to take it with you on that outing to the beach or the zoo.
However even with today’s zoom lenses, which are pretty wonderful, you will often find that you are too far away or too close to get the picture you want so you need to be able to change the lens for a longer telephoto or a wider angle. The other major advantage of these single lens reflex (SLR) cameras is that you are actually looking through the lens instead of a separate viewfinder so what you see is what you get, although this is less of an issue now that we can review our photos on the screen of the digital camera. The down side of these SLR cameras is that you very soon end up with quite a heavy bag of gadgets and are less likely to carry it everywhere with you. However much I yearn for a compact camera for it’s handiness I know I would be frustrated by it’s shortcomings so for me the choice is SLR every time.
Digital or Film?
Do they still make film cameras? Oh yes they do and I wouldn’t mind betting that they continue to do so for many years and I wouldn’t mind betting that at some time in the future there will be a retro backlash and a large number of ’serious’ photographers will return to the darkroom. Some will probably claim that they have never used digital at all, ever.
You might think from the remarks above that I am a diehard supporter of film. Nothing could be further from the truth actually I am now fully converted to digital and loving it. I am going to make the pros and cons a separate discussion that will be posted soon but, for now, I’ll just say that I am completely sold on digital and do not feel that I have lost anything significant by changing.
Which brand?
This, of course, is the big question that you really want an answer to and you know that nobody is going to give you one. If you ask anyone who already has a camera most will support the brand of the camera they have unless they have had some trouble with it, even then people are very forgiving. I think the reason for this is that people think that, if they have made the wrong choice it is because they have somehow failed, and they are not going to admit their failure. Back in the 1980s I had a camera shop in England and at the time a lot of people, who already owned an SLR, were buying compact cameras ‘for the wife’. They would ask me which brand was the best and, if I didn’t already know, I would discreetly try to find out which brand of SLR they owned, then I would recommend the same brand of compact camera.
Trying to sell them another brand was like telling them they had made a wrong choice when buying their old camera and was likely to lose me a sale. So I’d better have a really good reason for not recommending the Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Pentax or whatever and I didn’t have one. All of the well known brands produce similar cameras at similar prices and, by and large, you get what you pay for.
I will stick my neck out a little bit here and say that in my humble opinion the manufacturers who make the best film cameras the Japanese Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta and the German Contax and Leica seem to make the best digital cameras. I would not be too happy to put my trust in brands whose traditional expertise is in other fields when there are such good cameras available from the traditional sources. I will probably get a lot of hate mail from people who have bought Sony cameras or Hewlett Packard and are perfectly happy with them. If I wanted a printer Hewlett Packard would be top of my list and I am a huge fan of Sony video and TV equipment but my first choice for a digital SLR would be one of the names mentioned above.
How Many Pixels?
Until recently the quality of digital cameras was measured by how many pixels they boasted. Now we have cameras that can produce tens of millions and it has ceased to be the only test of quality. In the real world the number of pixels you need depends on how big you want to print your pictures. If you mainly want postcard size or A5 then I would consider 4 million pixels to be perfectly adequate. Even at A4 size I would be hard pushed to tell the difference between my 4 million pixel camera and my 6.5 million pixel camera. Don’t forget though that your cropping in the camera may not always be perfect so you may be enlarging only a portion of the image and so only using a portion of the available pixels.
Although an adequate number of pixels is important, the quality of your picture will be greatly affected by the quality of the lens. When Canon recently updated the EOS 300D (digital rebel) with 6.5 million pixels to the EOS 350D with 8 million pixels, the general consensus amongst reviewers seemed to be that the money you needed to spend on an upgrade would be better spent on a better quality lens. So the answer to the pixel question is that we seem to have now reached a point where enough is enough.
There is also a school of thought that we have reached the limit of the number of photo sensors that we can fit on a chip and that a greater number will cause the individual cells to be too small compared to the space in between them. Usually though, when someone says something like that, the following week the boffins announce a breakthrough which makes it all nonsense. You may have seen adverts for cameras, costing many thousands, that have 16 or 20 million pixels. These have sensors that are twice the size of those in the consumer cameras, hence the price. To me, the resolution of a 6 or 8 million pixel camera with a decent lens seems good enough for most purposes and on a par with the quality I used to get from a 35mm film camera.
In the past I have spent a lot of time and money in the pursuit of ultimate quality, I have owned a 5×4inch plate camera, a Hassleblad and two Mamiya medium format cameras, every major brand of 35mm camera and in the end, I would be hard pushed to tell you which photo on the wall was taken with which camera. A fellow photographer once observed that photographers tend to smell pictures rather than look at them, by which he meant that they were more interested in the graininess and sharpness of the image than the actual image itself.
Geoff Lawrence has been a professional photographer for many years and now runs a website http://www.geofflawrence.com offering advice to people who want to improve their photography.
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