Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Back-To-School Digital Cameras

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Olympus's Micro 4/3rd's camera

School will be starting again and you’re going to be taking that digital photography or photojournalism class you always wanted to (or just to get rid of credits.) If it’s a good program, your teacher is going to tell you to go out and buy a manual camera of some sort. Despite the fact that you’re most likely going to sell back those textbooks, it will probably be a good investment for you to get a great camera now. Here’s a list of cameras that you may want to get your hands on that may potentially stick with you for the long run.

[Read more…]

 

Canon 1D Mark IV, Nikon D700x, Sony A850 and More Rumor Updates

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I received a tip that the September 2009 edition of Résponse Photo, a popular French magazine, that the Canon 1D Mark IV would be announced on August 25.  That’s Tuesday for those of you who don’t have your calendar handy.

responses-photo-sept-2009

I looked around the Interweb and couldn’t seem to find an online presence for Response Photo, other than the publisher’s site.  However, a poster on the Spanish forum Ojo Digital corroborates this tip and provides a little further insight as to what’s in the issue, including tips on the Nikon D700x or D800 and Sony’s new Alphas (via Google’s automated translation):

– A Nikon D700x (or D800) that should be the D3x what the D700 to the D3 (Sensor Sony 24 Mpx).
– One that replaces the Canon 1D Mk III … (anunciada el 25 de agosto) (announced on August 25)
– A Pentax entry-level …
– Three Sony models, two bodies twins who come to fill an empty space range today and a third that seeks to satisfy the fans who consider 24×36 expensive current models be announced on August 27 and will hit stores on September 15 . . . announce a complete test in the October issue.

Rumors of the Nikon D700x have been rattling around for a long time now (pretty much since the Nikon D3x was announced December 2008).  I’m skeptical that Nikon has such a camera planned this soon after the D700, but I’ve been wrong on these feelings before.

The Canon 1D Mark IV sounds plausible; however, that date is inconsistent with other rumors we’ve heard.

A replacement for the Pentax K2000 seems a little quick as well, but manufacturers seem to be shortening the product life cycle more and more.

The three Sony models sounds like the real deal though.  I think that the reference to the 24x36mm shooter is clearly the Sony A850, which has all but been announced.  The other two that fill a new slot in the lineup is likely the Sony A500 and A550.

Sony A230 Reviews and Resources

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Sony A230

The Sony A230 is a 10.2-megapixel DSLR that is geared toward entry-level shooters.  The Sony A230 replaces the Sony A200, which was virtually identical in specifications to the A230.  As a result, the A230 is more of a refreshed version of the A200 rather than an all new model.  Unlike the A200 though, the Sony A230 kit lens is an 18-55mm lens rather than the 18-70mm range provided by the A200’s kit lens.

The key difference between the Sony A230 and A330 is the lack of Live View and an articulating LCD.  Other than that (and those are kind of big differences in my book), the A230 is essentially the same camera. [Read more…]

Nikon D4 Coming December 2009?

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Nikon D4

We got the Nikon D3X for Christmas last year.  So, why not the Nikon D4 for Christmas this year?

Our friends at Southern Photo Technical Service are again claiming to have info on the Nikon D4:

1. It will be announced December 2009.

2. It will have video.

3. It will be ground breaking.

4. Chuck Norris already has one.

Ok, so I made the last one up . . . but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.

What do you think about video in a flagship camera?

Pros, will you use video?

Will you avoid the camera because of the video feature?

Why?

Casio EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 Reviews and Resources

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Casio EX-Z450

The Casio EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 are 12.1-megapixel point and shoot cameras that feature Casio’s new Intelligent AF, which adds more flair to the typical face detection that we see in other point and shoot cameras.  The EX-Z450  features a 4x optical zoom lens and sensor-based image stabilization.  The EX-Z90 features a 3x optical zoom.

The EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 will be available in October 2009 at an initial retail price of $199.99 and $149.99, respectively.

Check availability of these two cameras on Amazon.com:

Casio EX-Z450

Casio EX-Z90

Casio EX-Z90

Casio EX-Z450 Reviews

PhotographyBLOG

The Casio EX-Z450 is a likeable enough compact camera, offering a good package of compact dimensions, versatile wide-angle lens, large LCD screen and HD movies, but ultimately it fails to excite.

Casio EX-Z450 and EX-Z90 Press Release

DOVER, NJ – AUGUST 18, 2009 – Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release today of two new additions to the EXILIM digital camera lineup. The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 and EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 both are equipped with Intelligent AF, a new function that can detect even a non-human photographic subject, allowing the models to automatically determine the focus and exposure area. In addition, Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo function, for composite moving image creation, is now faster and easier to operate, allowing users to produce animated electronic greeting cards and other digital creations.

Casio EX-Z450

New to the Casio EXILIM lineup is the Intelligent AF feature which, in addition to the line’s usual face detection technology, automatically detects non-human photo subjects in the whole composition and determines the focus and exposure area. By simply pointing the camera at a desired shot, Intelligent AF ensures a focused, crisp picture without an out-of-focus subject. Taking pictures of your family pet or even beautiful scenery can be done in a snap, utilizing Intelligent AF to help minimize the number of photos that need to be taken to get a perfect picture. Thanks to the high-speed image processing technology and image analysis technology of the EXILIM Engine 4.0, users can enjoy taking quality photographs with ease.

Casio EX-Z90

Further advancements have been achieved for Dynamic Photo, which enables users to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image. In the past, it was necessary to take photos twice* in order to cut out the moving subject, but now a moving subject can be cropped from a single shot, as long as the background is flat and in one color.
* Capturing separate photos with and without the subject, while keeping the camera in the same position.

The EXILIM Zoom EX-Z450 is built with a stylish design, producing a 12.1 effective megapixel image while boasting a wide-angle 28 mm 4X optical zoom lens. In addition to a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism, the EX-Z450 features a Landscape Mode for taking enhanced scenery shots, and a Makeup Mode that enhances the beauty of a person’s face. The high performance features Casio is known for are evident in this camera, while the image quality is never sacrificed with the addition of new functions.

Also announced today was the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z90 – a high-powered 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z90 offers advanced based performance and a wide range of functions. The camera’s stylish design creates a fashion accessory for users that can fit in your pocket, clutch or the palm of your hand.

“Casio continues to create cameras that come equipped with high-powered, cutting -edge technologies such as the new Intelligent AF feature and improved Dynamic Photo function which creates a whole new picture taking and sharing experience for users,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “The two new additions to the EXILIM line continue to demonstrate Casio’s commitment to producing quality digital cameras that can be utilized by novice users and professional photographers.”

The EX-Z450 will have an MSRP of $199.99 and will be offered in champagne. The EX-Z90 will have an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available in pink and black, making it the perfect fashion accessory for consumers. Both cameras will begin to ship to stores in early October.

Tips to Shoot Awesome Portraits

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We all do portraits.  It’s something that we learn how to do when we are first trained as photographers. Sometimes though, many portraits look the same after a while. Therefore they become boring to look at unless you find a way to make them fun and different than anyone else. Here are some tips to shoot that awesome portrait.

Break the Rule of Thirds

Christine on the floor

This rule is so extremely essential to creating interesting portraits. The rule of thirds is how us photographers are taught to compose our shots in order to make them effective and pleasing to the eye. If you’d like a more interesting shot, try messing with the way your viewer will look at the shot. In the above shot, she is totally off the rule of thirds. It shows her being relaxed, happy and totally serene/confident with herself. If you set up the rule of thirds composition lines on this shot you’d see that it doesn’t exactly meet the standards. On top of that, you’ve got the lines going horizontally as well as her arms and body going in the same direction. Slap on a black and white filter and you make this one really cool shot. [Read more…]

RadioPopper JrX Announced – Available Aug. 20

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RadioPopper JrX

RadioPopper just dropped the bomb on their JrX model wireless transmitter and receivers.  While they’re not in the bargain bin price range we were initially told, they still come at a significant discount when compared to the PocketWizard triggers.

The RadioPopper JrX Basic receiver runs $69.95, while the JrX Studio runs $89.95.  The JrX transmitter (only one flavor) is $69.95. [Read more…]

Sony A850 Pictured

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Sony A850

A German online retailer, Fotobrenner has listed the Sony A850 for 1.999,00€, which is a discount of about 500€ off the A900.

Fotobrenner has also posted an image of the A850 on its product page, which is either the same body as the A900 or is a Photoshop job to give us something to look at.

Sony A850 Listing

Recall that the Sony A850 manual was leaked directly from Sony a couple weeks ago.

What do you think?  Legit?  Or is Fotobrenner just following the rumor trail like the rest of us?

[via Dyxum]

Nikon D300s Videos

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Here’s a few videos that show off the new Nikon D300s and give you a little taste of what you can expect from the video capabilities.

I don’t know that we needed the subtitles on the last one; however, it was nice to see a little more of a home cooked version of video from the D300s. More info about this camera is available on Photography Bay’s Nikon D300s Reviews and Resources.

23 Awesome Beach Photos

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underneath a star by jaeWALK

Every year, I try to make it to the beach with my family if possible.  Since we don’t live near the beach, it’s always special for us to see the ocean, play in the sand and splash in the waves.  It’s also a challenge to try to get above average beach pics.

There are so many things competing against good photos at the beach – midday sun, tons of people, keeping track of kids, that fat guy that’s always in the background and keeping sand out of your camera.  Below, you’ll find 23 awesome beach images that beat the elements and the odds.  Granted, these are not your typical family vacation photos; however, with a little bit of effort, there’s no reason you can’t bring a few images like these back from your next trip to the beach. [Read more…]