VAL's Voice Activated Lights

(VALs) can go a long way. a great video from the BYU shooting team shows some great lighting techniques and VALing with a monoblok Video

You Blinked...

Just when you thought it was all over for 2008, Nikon goes and pulls a rabbit out of the hat. Will it ever end?

____________________________________________________________

Nikon Officially Unleashes 24.5-Megapixel D3X
Nikon's update to last year's D3 is an $8,000 flagship aimed at the working professional.
By Stan Horaczek · Nikon
December 1, 2008


The full press release is below, but here are some highlights.

FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor
Five FPS at full resolution
12 and 14-bit capability
Dual card slots (CompactFlash)
5:4 Crop Mode for 8 x 10 shooting
7 FPS using DX-format lenses at 10.5 megapixels
ISO 100-1,600, expandable to 50 and 6,400
.12 seconds start-up time
3D Color Matrix Metering II
Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points
Up to nine available customizable presets
Tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity
Viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification
Up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery
Shoots tethered or using the WT-4a wireless transmitter to eschew writing to cards
Available right now for $7,995

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”

Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED™ Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**

BLACK FRIDAY…

I dreaded the holiday shopping season as a retail employee. In celebration of “Black Friday”, and that I haven’t worked retail for over 150 full moons, here are some shopping ideas for the photographer in your life.

1. Books are always a good idea. How to’s: for better technique. Amazon.com com has a great selection of photography books. Some great authors are Scott Kelby, Joe McNally, and Annie Leibovitz. Also, some other books are the Photo Workshop series.

2. Magazines are another gift that keeps giving for at least 12 months. There are a plethora of Photography or Photoshop magazines. Most of these can be purchased or ordered from the websites directly. Popular Photography (PopPhoto) is a great general magazine.

More specific are magazines like Photoshop User or Layers magazines. National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) puts out these magazines. NAPP also has a membership that will not only get all the Photoshop User issues for the year you also get discounts to buy gear and on-line tools and training.

2. Glass Blow Ornaments are always a good stocking stuffer. Here are some VINTAGE CAMERA ORNAMENTS.

Another great gift resource comes from the guys at NAPP and Layers Magazine. It’s the Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide. You will have to navigate to different pages to see the entire gift guild, but it worth the looks. This is the 2007 Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide. The 2008 Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide version has been released, but you will need to purchase the Layers magazine to see this years toys. Stay tuned for an update.

Now if you haven’t noticed already, everything I posted can be had over the internet. I try to do most of my shopping this way. I hate having to deal with holiday shoppers and the nastiness it brings out in the average Joe.

If you know what you are looking for and have a good idea what retail is for items, you can score some good deals on-line. Warning, be smart and wise and make sure the product and company is reputable.

That’s if for me. I will be braving the crowds at the Apple Store today. Apple usually has a one day sale on “Black Friday”. Apple is notorious for never selling anything under MSRP, except for “Black Friday”.


Good Luck and may the shopping be with you…

Hologram...

No matter how you vote last night or your political affiliation you have to admit technology is advancing and here to stay.

Last night as I watched election results on many of the major TV networks FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC and CNN, I came across something amazing. CNNs Wolf Blitzer was talking to another reporter. At first I thought the reporter looked a little short, then I realized it was a projected image. Not only a projected image, but a hologram.

Take a look at the video clip it’s really cool.

Err – (blinks)

Err – (blinks)

Problem - Camera malfunction.
Solution - Release shutter. If error persists
or appears frequently, consult with Nikon-authorized service representative.

I know this is a direct translation from Japanese, but come on someone needs a new way of writing product manuals. This isn’t rocket science it consumer electronics…

Really the only way I could get the Err to stop flashing was to turn the camera off and turn it back on again. This would give one maybe two shots before I had to do it again… What am I talking about, I will explain.

About two weeks ago I ran into an issue while taking pictures at the San Francisco Fleet Week. The crowd was loud, the planes were loud so I really couldn’t hear if anything was wrong with my camera. All I could tell was every so often an image would come out extremely under exposed.

This issue started reoccurring more often to every other image would be so dark you could barely see the image. I first thought it was my CF memory card. I switched cards and got the same result. I decided that if it happened on a third CF card that it wasn’t a memory card issue. I was correct, in my assumption it wasn’t the memory cards.

Next I decided to clean my camera really well. Now that my camera is so clean you could eat breakfast off of… this didn’t correct the issue.

This last weekend I decided to continue to use the camera. Still with an every other image black out. However, now I was getting a message Err. I continued to shoot through this, but I would need to switch the camera on and off every time the “Err” would appear. This was a drag, but I didn’t have another camera to use. Plus it would still produce images (sort of).

I did notice that as I pressed the shutter release, I no longer heard the smooth movement of the mirror. The action had an inconsistent lagging electric sound. When I would check the image, it would be dark. So for self diagnosis I determined I was experiencing what we would call in the film camera world “Shutter Drag”. This is when the shutter would no longer operate properly and without a smooth precise open and close of the shutter. The picture result would give you an extremely under exposed image. I think the same type of problem is happening to me and is caused by the movement of the mirror.

Yesterday I took my camera back to the big box store where I purchased it in 2006. At the time of purchase I also spent the extra $100.00 for the extended service plan. I normally don’t purchase these, but on a camera (DSLR or Video) that is going to see some major wear and tear, I figure $25.00 and year was a good investment. Considering Nikon only gives you a one year parts and labor warranty.

The Geek Squad guy behind the counter that checked my camera in for repair made a good point. Most electronics manufactures only expect their equipment to last the length of the original warranty. Otherwise manufactures would offer longer warranties. Case in point major appliances i.e. washer, dryers and refrigerators, have you seen how long those warranties are?

I won’t have my camera back for 2 to 3 weeks. If for some reason they cannot fix or repair my camera or the cost of repair is more then to replace the camera they will refund the money and let me pick out a new camera. Not a bad deal considering the cameras have improved greatly and if I wanted to upgrade to a Nikon D300, it would cost relatively little out of pocket.

All I can do now is wait for the call…

Good to go…

I found my iLife 08, it was right were I left it. Actually it was with the supplemental install dicks. Remember those two grey disks labeled Disk 1 and Disk 2, well that’s where it was. It was confusing at first because when you install and run Disk 1 it shows you Mac OSX Tiger. Tiger is the old OS, which is why I was confused. You have to run Disk 1 first then Disk 2. Disk 2 is where the iLife 08 lives.

As of 10:00 PM Wednesday night, I completed the install of the last program MAC: Microsoft Office 2004. All I have left is to pick and choose some files to migrate back and some plug-ins for web based programs.

I am really glad I did this clean install and erase. When I purchased his MacBook Pro last year in Dec. I thought it was cool and easy to migrate all my user information that was on Magellan’s MacBook to my new computer. What I didn’t know, was this would migrate everything. Programs, plug-ins, files, folders, music, and anything else I didn’t want.

My notebook has a 120 GB HD, when I was done I had 60GB left and the 40GB of photos I have taken since last December took up of the rest of the hard drive. The is why it became very sluggish.

After the clean install of Mac OSX Leopard and only installing the MS Office 2004, Adobe Lightroom, Toast, iLife 08 and one copy of Photoshop, I still have a ton of room. According to the internal HD info I have used 20.3 GB that leaves almost 97 Gig of free clean space. My computer runs faster and the fan doesn’t run as often.

Time Machine works great on my 1 Terabyte external HD. Once Time Machine is set up, I plug the HD in either with the USB or Firewire connection and Time Machine does the rest for me. It backs up my system every hour.

When you initially set up Time Machine it will take longer then usual to back-up your system. However, every time after that It only backs-up the changed data. All other data is left the same unless it had changed.

If you delete something that you didn't mean to, all you have to do is go back in time on Time Machine and tell it to load from that point. Wow, what a relief that will be, when I delete an entire photo album that I don't have a copy of. I have done that!

My only issue that remains is trying to hook up the 1 TB hard drive up to the Airport Extreme to back up wireless. I can see the drive and download/upload to it, but the Time Machine program will not work through the Airport Express.

Half-on, Half-off... My install is Half Done.

Start - 4:00 PM September 23, 2008
Finish – To Be Determined

After spending a few hours backing-up and doing an “install and erase”, will say “it was a success we have ignition.

As I left my house this morning at 4:30AM the 1 terabyte external HD was still going through its MAC OS Extended Journaled rewrite. When I checked on the process as I walked out the door, it still had three hours left… Whoa!

My only hiccup has been I cannot find my iLife 08’. I checked the Leopard install, I also checked the separate MAC OS install bundle disks.

Once I get the iLife 08 figured out I will finish the migration and software install.

Update to follow…

Safety First…

Well it’s time… It’s time to talk about storage and backing up files. If you are like me and in the last year, you've shot over 10,000 pictures, and have them stored on your laptop or desktop computer, you could be setting yourself up for catastrophic failure.
If your internal HD fails and you don’t have a backup of your files you may not recover them. Could you image losing all those important birth, wedding or vacations photos?

A little over a year I purchased a portable external HD from the now defunct CompUSA. It is a FireLite 160GB HD made by SmartDisk. It was on sale for around $119.99.

It has been working great for a little over a year. I carry it with me wherever my laptop goes. Recently, I have noticed some very funny noises coming from the FireLite. It has a high pitched pulsing sound, like a fazer set to stun. I am also having a connection issue with the USB connection on the FireLite itself.

Through some inquiry, it was determined that my FireLite hard drive was going to fail. At the same time I noticed that my internal HD was filling up with less then 2 GB left for storage. So being the tech savvy guru that I am, I was stunned and panic set in.

Fortunately, a few months ago I had read a few stories about other photographer’s misfortune of hard drive failures and complete data loss. Many of these photographers have instituted a back up regime that would rival data storage of some Fortune 500 companies.

I took what I thought would work best for me and incorporated it into my daily chores.

1. After shooting I download the memory card into Adobe Lightroom and onto my internal HD.

2. I remove the card reader, but I do not reformat the CF memory card until I do the next two steps.

3. Copy the new folder onto the external hard drive.

4. Burn two hard copies for permanent storage. One copy I keep at the house the other I keep offsite. (Safe Deposit Box) (In-laws house)

5. After I do the above, I will reformat the memory card and sort and edit the images.

6. Quarterly, I will combine all photos taken in the last quarter onto one Doubled Layer DVD.

Recently I replaced the FireLite with a new Western Digital (WD) MyPassport Elite 320GB $119.00 @ Costco. I also purchased a WD MyBook 1TB external hard drive $189.00 @ Costco. I will be incorporating an auto-backup (Time Machine) into my daily chores.

Prices have dropped tremendously since my FireLite purchase. Shop around and get what best fits your need. Weather it is Apple’s Time Capsule, Data Robotics’s Drobo or even a MAD DOG external hard drive enclosure.

Some other storage options are online storage two notable companies are Carbonite and iDrive. They both run about the same price annually $49.99. The features from both companies are also similar.

I know this seems like a lot of work, but it has already saved my arse once, for me that was worth all the time and money I have spent making backups.

Clowns...

Clowns
Originally uploaded by Kirk Howard

These shots are the results of a test from my dropped lens. In Monterey last weekend I was unloading the “Element” for a little shoot of my wife and me for our Christmas card. When I picked up my Photo Backpack I didn’t realize I left it unzipped. The result was that my Nikon NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Micro came crashing to the ground.

Luckily it hit on the hood that was reversed in its storage position. A few scrapes and burses, but I think it survived.

On Tuesday night I ran it through some up close tight test. The middle and right image is soft due to my fault. I focused on the wrong spot. I will do more testing for a more definitive answer.

Whew! What a break…

FX vs. DX compairason

Back to more interesting stuff. Since I have been a slacker, I am going to borrow a little tid-bit from the Digital Photography School blog. If you haven’t been to this site or blog make a must see on your daily surf trip. I have picked up quite a few tips. I even find myself checking the site out and searcher out techniques and how to’s.

DX, full-frame, APS-C, FX, crop factor, 24×36, image circle. Confused yet? Good. With the new Nikon D700 hitting store shelves and the Canon 5D MkII imminent, now is a good time to clear the air on the whole sensor size thing.

Back in the film days, the rectangle that captured the image on a standard SLR (the film) was one size: 24mm x 36mm. That was all there was to it, and nobody really gave it a second thought.

Every camera manufacturer is slightly different; models from the same manufacturer are even different. People usually refer to a sensor’s size by its “crop factor.” That’s the number you use to find the 35mm equivalent of a given lens. It’s just like taking the middle of an image and throwing away the outside edges. If a sensor is 24mm x 36mm, then there is no crop factor, since it covers the same area as 35mm film.

Nikon has two different sensor sizes: full frame (FX) and 1.5x (DX). Click... to read more.

Forgiveness...

Forgive me bloggers for I have sinned. It has been sixteen days since my last blog entry. I have ha really good excuse. This time frame corresponds to the time that I buckled down and seriously studying for my NASD/FINRA General Securities Principal Exam (S-24). For all Firm Managers and Firm Principals’ it is a SEC mandated test. I am neither a manager nor a principal, but the “Firm” wanted me to take the exam. I took it, I passed it, now what? I guess, I sit and wait for something to happen. Only time will tell.

Last Saturday after my Exam I took the SF MUNI to Powell St. From there I took the Bus 27B and headed into the Mission Dist. of San Francisco. I was dropped off at Bryant and 18th. The corner where Calumet Photographic store is located. I walked in looking for inexpensive studio/portrait lighting. (Blog for another day) While I was there they had one of the new Nikon D700 out for buys to play with. It was the first D700 they had taken possession of, and everyone drooling over it, including the staff.

Back in October I blogged about Nikons Double D’s. Here is the rundown. The D3 is the top of the spear for Nikon. A full frame (FX) sensor for professionals. The D300 is Nikon’s next greatest camera second only to Nikon’s D3. The D300 is not a full frame sensor, but is the DX sensor with a conversion factor of 1.5x to achieve the 35mm equivalent.

Thump… did your hear that? It was the other shoe dropping. Nikon at the end of July, to the unexpected surprise of the photographic community released the D700. It has everything the D3 has but in the D300 body. That’s right! It’s a full frame (FX) sensor in the smaller lighter weight body of the D300. The D700 even offers features that the D3 doesn’t have like the self cleaning sensor. If you have ever had a dirty dusty filter… What a pain in the patoot.

The biggest difference between the D3 and the D700 is the price tag. The D3 is an astronomical $4,999.99; the D700 is a Mountainous $2,999.99 not bad for a full frame camera. Then their is the D300. I think you can pick up a D300 for a mere $1,649.99 (body only).
Here is a list to Click… for reviews of the D700:
Click… here
1. The Nikonians
2. dpreview

3. Nikon USA
4. Scott Kelby

Next… Click… for the (FX) full frame vs. (DX) crop sensors.

Hey Taylor... this one is for you...

Hey Taylor this one is for you...

A friend of mine asked me to recommend a DSLR camera for his new business. I imagine he will also be using his camera for other stuff besides work i.e. kids, sports, vacations, family gatherings etc. He mentioned that he would need a fisheye lens for his work. I think he may be better off with an extreme wide angle vs. a fisheye lens. A wide angle lens will have less distortion then a fisheye lens.

This is actually a fairly simple question. The two major manufactures on the market are Canon and Nikon. In 2003 Sony took over the Konica/ Minolta camera division. The Alpha 100 was the first DSLR to hit the market for Sony. To read Digital Photography Review™ follow this link Sony A100. Sony along with other known manufactures continue to make a nice showing in the trade magazines.

Other reviews:
Sony Alpha DSLR-A100*
Sony alpha DSLR-A100 Digital Camera Review**

Cameras:

Nikon has just introduced the third camera in the introductory DSLR lineup the Nikon D60. The other two are the Nikon D40 and the D40x. I would choose the D60 over the other two in the series. The D60 is the latest and will have the most up to date electronics and software.

It was released shortly after the Nikon D300 and the Nikon D3, so you know it will have the latest and greatest for this price point.

Digital Photography Review™:
Nikon D60 (New)
Nikon D40x
Nikon D40

Staying true to form, Canon released in late 2003 a low priced consumer DSLR. Like everything, in the camera market, as time marches forward the prices drop and features are more plentiful.

Canon has the proven Rebel series from the film camera days. They stuck with the name because it was a big marketing hit with Andre Agassi being the ultimate rebel spokesman.

The newest addition in the Canon Rebel series is the release of the Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. This is so new that Digital Photography Review™ doesn’t have a review on it yet. But, I did find a review in the PopPhoto Online mag.

Digital Photography Review™:
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT

I chose a Nikon for my personal camera, not because I don’t like Canon cameras, because I do, it was for the fact I already had Nikon lenses I could use with my Nikon DSLR. However, If I didn’t already have Nikon equipment I would have most likely bought a Canon. I like Canons lenses more.

Lens:

Canon has slightly better quality lenses. For years Nikon led the pack in lens technology. However when Nikon switched from glass ground lenses to a poured/molded glass and plastic lenses they slipped off the quality scale. Nikon does use glass optics in the higher end lenses, but to make the lens more price friendly they are using the poured/molded glass instead of ground glass.

In the lower end lenses Nikon uses a hybrid of glass and plastic. This makes it lower priced for the average consumer. Also, the hybrid makes the lens much lighter. This is not to say that Canon and any other manufacture aren’t doing the same with their lenses, they are, and I am just saying that Nikon has slipped off their perch.

Keep in mind with the lower priced DSLR cameras, the digital chip or CMOS sensor are not full size. The DX CMOS chips usually have an image increase factor of 1.4 (Nikon) to 1.5 (Canon). What that means is when you add a 100 mm (non-converted) lens to a Canon camera you will be shooting the equivalent of a 150mm standard lens.

In case you wanted to know a full size CMOS sensor camera prices start at $4,999.99 for the body only. Yeah, I thought so...

Two lenses I would start with, if you don’t get one included in a camera kit (packafe). I would purchase an Ultra Wide Angel Zoom with the fastest speed lenses I could afford. In this case fast doesn’t mean fast focus. It means the lower the f – number the more light passes through the lens and the lower ambient light I can shoot in without the aid of a flash. A f/2.8 lens is twice as fast as a f/3.5. (see: Get the F/Stop)

The other lens would be a telephoto zoom. Nikon has a new extreme wide to telephoto zoom lens 18-200mm for less then $1,000.00

If you want to save money on lenses you can buy a lens from a third market manufacture. Sigma, Tamron and Tokina all make lenses for all the major camera manufactures. Sigma Photo has the greatest selection and verity of lenses. Just so you know I buy the lens made by Nikon. Nikon lenses are designed and built for Nikon cameras. However, sometimes I cannot afford a Nikon lens and I purchase third maket lenses. My 70-200 f2.8 is made by Tokina. It cost me $560.00 used. If I would have bought the same lens from Nikon the price would have been over $1,800.00 new.

Digital Photography Review™:
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Where to purchase?

That is a good question. I am a big fan of buying local. Support your local dealer in your local town, city or pueblo. I like to keep my money in the community where I live. One the other hand I am no fool, if I can purchase the same product with someone else with at least a 10% savings, well sorry local guy, I got to do what I got to do. Also, if I can save and addition percentage from purchasing my equipment on the Internet (sales tax free), I think that is a no brainer.

If I buy online I go to B&H Photo first. B&H are located in New York and they have a real good sales and support staff.

It is a mouth full of information to chew on. If you have any questions please drop me a line and I will answer them the best I can. My knowledge base is primarily Nikon and Sigma. However, it’s not always what you know as much as it is where to go to get the answers.

The Missing Link:

Nikon USA

Canon USA

Sigma Photo

PopPhoto

B&H Photo

Digital Photography Review™

**Digital Camera Reviews

*Photography Review

JOBY...

JOBY is the company name for one of the greatest tri-pod revolutions of our day. JOBY makes the “Gorillapod”. These flexible units are great. I purchased one for my trip to Guatemala last summer. I wasn’t going to schlep a full size tri-pod with me on my trip. I also only took my point-n-shoot Panasonic TZ3.

I was very surprised how well this little tri-pod worked. It was small, compact, light weight, and easy to use. I could stick it in smallest pouch of my backpack. Sometimes I would stick it into a jacket pocket, it is that small. I was very grateful for the small compact size when I was climbing the Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala.

Recently we used the gorillapod on our snowshoeing trip. We set up a shot in a snow meadow but didn’t have a place to put the camera. So I planted one of my wife’s hiking poles in the snow and wrapped the gorillapod legs around the top on the pole, set the timer and shuffled over next to my wife. 10 seconds later click and we had a great steady image.

This week I spent some time at the Macworld Expo. One of the exhibitors/venders was JOBY with their gorillapod set ups. I liked the one I have so much I purchased a second unit (Green) for my wife. I also purchased the largest unit they had for my Nikon D70s. I am sure this will come in very handy.
Side note:

While talking to the JOBY rep. I mentioned that one of the sockets on the leg keeps popping out. He asked if I had the tri-pod with me. I said “Of course I do” since I carry my point-n-shoot with me all the time. I pulled the gorillapod out of my bag and handed it to the rep. Upon closer inspection he noticed a little crack in the plastic. This would be the source of detachment of the ball-n-socket joint. The rep. looked at me, and I being the optimist that I am, expected him to tell me I was S.O.L. and he couldn’t do anything for me. Instead, to my surprise, he offered me an exchange right there and handed me back the old unit too. Now that is customer service.

Mavericks Christmas...

Christmas Day at Half Moon Bay. After dropping my wife and her mother off at the airport for a trip to Hawaii. I grabbed my camera gear and headed to Mavericks. A swell moved into the area on Christmas eve, and just like Santa Claus it gave a present to Northern California. Swells coming in from the North Notrhwest and giving Mavericks a 20~30 foot swell.

These photographs were taken from a elevated position that I climbed to in order to get high enough to shoot the surfers behind the closest waves. Even with my 300mm fixed lens and a 1.4x extender it was difficult to get good close-ups.

Lets do a little math. 300mm x 1.4 = 420mm now when you add the 1.5 conversion by the DX chip you end up with a 630mm lens. With a 630mm lens equivalent the surfers still look like ants. take a look. Click on the slide show to see larger images.

Flight test…

On Saturday while my wife was taking a mid-term, I took advantage of the time and made a trip to Palo Alto and Keebler & Schucat Photoagraphy. It was my lucky day. Not only were they having a huge sale, but reps from all the big name vendors were there to parade their wares.

Once I became aware that is was a rep/demo I scampered to the Nikon counter like a kid that was given a dollar for candy. Yes, that’s right… I did… I got to play with the new but rare Nikon D3. If you ever wanted to know what $5,000.00 looks like it looks like this, minus the lens. I spent 15 minutes playing with a camera I will never own. I am sure my wife and I could find many more useful ways to spend 5,000 clams. If I was pro… I could write it off, but I am not and it would never pay for itself. However, I did enjoy toying with it.

The new Nikon D300 is more my speed and price. I remember when the Nikon D70s was $1,799.00

It’s Here…

It’s here, it’s here… The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!

Photo by: Kirk Howard Copyright© 2007

Well not the new phone book but my new MacBook Pro. With its slick polished aluminum case and newly updated OS. I was so excited, it felt like Christmas morning. I spent all night, moving my profile from my wife’s MacBook that took an hour and a half. Next was the loading of Leopard. I was a little disappointed in Apple Inc., for not having this already loaded and configured. This process took almost two hours. After that I had to down load all the updates to the various programs, security and Leapord updates this took another hour or so.

Now the fun begins. I uploaded my copies of Photoshop Lightroom and CS. I am now ready to do a little photo editing and posting…

Photo by: Kirk Howard Copyright© 2007

Tripod…

Copyright© 2007 Kirk Howard

Tripod, monopods choose your weapon…

One of the most important items in the arsenal of a photographer is a tripod. In photography, a tripod is a three-legged stand for a camera, used to stabilize and elevate the camera. The word stabilize rings loud in my mind. Unfortunately I didn’t have a tripod with me on our tour of William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon home.

I spent the last weekend in Cambria and San Simeon, with my sister, her son and my wife. We all went for a tour of Hearst Castle. We decided to embark on the Tour number two. All of us had already been on tour number one. Tour two is 95% and inside tour of Casa Grande, and mostly on the second and third floors. The California State Parks Service will not allow the use of camera flash inside any of the buildings. You are forced into using available light only.

Copyright© 2007 Kirk Howard

My sister and I had an opportunity to go back and do the night tour. If you ever get the chance I recommend the night tour. It is a longer tour and the interior of the rooms are better lit then during the day. The art work and tapestries’ are more vibrant and colorful. I didn’t have my tripod on this tour either.

Copyright© 2007 Kirk Howard

I order to allow enough light in to expose the image properly; the shutter has to be left open longer. Unfortunately without the use of a tripod it is most likely you will have a picture that is not “Tack Sharp”.

Copyright© 2007 Kirk Howard

I was forced to hand hold my camera and hold my breath as I tried to capture a properly exposed image… You win some, you lose some…

Copyright© 2007 Kirk Howard

Nikons' Double D’s…

In early September Nikon Corp announced two new cameras to the DSLR line-up. The long awaited professional D3, and the next generation in pro-consumer line of DSLR cameras by Nikon, the D300.

D3 - The D3, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0x23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.

D300 - The D300 is loaded with the latest professional technologies designed to produce images of the highest quality. The high-resolution 12.3 MP DX format CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack). The D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter lag.

If you would like to read the complete reviews from Digital Photography Review here are the links:

Nikon D3 – DP Review, Nikon USA, Scott Kelby, PopPhoto
Nikon D300 – DP Review, Nikon USA, PopPhoto

Inspector Gadget...

Sometimes I don’t get to shoot as often as I like. I read somewhere, some time ago, that most great photographers’ take pictures everyday. I guess this is true with everything we do. You can’t be come a Tiger Woods playing a round or two on the weekends. You have to do something related to your skill, interest or sport every day.

The most likely place for me to shoot would be on my way to and from work. I walk from the Embarcadero BART station to the Ferry Building in San Francisco. I don’t carry my bag of tricks with me to my real job... so I miss numerous opportunities to take some memorable images. If you walk by me on my way to or from work, you may hear me murmuring something along the lines “only if I had my camera.”

Since I don’t carry my gear I am stuck with my camera phone. I have a Motorola Slvr mobile phone. This phone has a lot to be desired when it comes to a camera. I guess it was designed first to be a phone, and way down the line to be a camera. If I wanted a camera first I am sure my Nikon would ring when my wife need me to stop at the store.

A few months ago I bought my wife a new pocket camera. We wanted something with a zoom and that would deliver great images, we chose the Panasonic DMC-TZ3K. This is a great little camera. It features a 10x optical zoom and a 7.1 MP image. A nice added feature is the image stabilization when you are on unstable surfaces or at the greatest focal length.

We took this little camera to Guatemala in August. We decided it wasn’t best to take all my gear with us to a third world country. We were afraid that someone may want my camera gear more that I did. However, this Panasonic DMC-TZ3K was big enough to cover the subject, but small enough to keep it interesting. I was very pleased with the results.

Photo by: Kirk Howard Copyright© 2007

If I could change a few things I would give it more manual controls. That is why I may pick up the Panasonic DMC-LX2K or the Leica DLUX-3. Theses two cameras are exactly the same. They are just $150.00 in a price difference.


What’s that ringing…? Excuse me Chief it’s my shoe… It could be 99…
- Maxwell Smart