Proud Photography Blog

Digital cameras have actually been available for quite some time, but it’s only recently that professional photographers are starting to use digital photography. There are however still some people that are addicted to their 35mm camera and unwilling to give it up.

There’s no denying that 35mm cameras are fantastic, and there is something very special about them. I know that I will never get rid of my 35mm camera; however I use a digital camera everyday because of the major advantages.
Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re the proud owner of an amazing point and shoot style camera, this article might only be of informational value to you. But if you’ve got either a film or digital SLR camera you’ve already been confronted with the sometimes dizzying array of lens choices. Do you want ultra-wide angle, super fast action, or detailed macro prime glass? What does all of that even mean?

Well lens choices all come down to what you really want to take pictures of, because each lens has various features that are better for one type of photo or another. So what are the biggest features and things to look out for? Well, to answer that I’ll try to organize everything by not feature, but by type of photography. Read the rest of this entry »

So you’ve gotten yourself a spiffy new camera, and you’ve been out taking some shots and getting more and more into it. Suddenly you realize that your little 512 mb card that came with the camera just isn’t going to cut it anymore. Where should you go to get the best price on something like this? Or perhaps you’re looking to add to your lens collection, or are in the market for a tripod but are working on a rather tight budget?

Have no fear, as usual, the internet is here! You could always go down to your local camera store and see what they have in stock, but if you’re looking for the BEST deals on gear, and you don’t mind used equipment you have lots of other places to choose from. Mind you, a lot of the time there are no warranties and other such things that can give you a lot of peace of mind when making purchases, but that’s how you get deals right? Read the rest of this entry »

Have you ever run into the problem where you see the perfect opportunity for a picture but you don’t have your camera with you? Well it happens to a lot of people I’m afraid. You can avoid having this problem simply by bringing your camera with you everywhere you go. Now if your camera is too big to carry around with you all day, then you will want to purchase a small disposable camera. You will be glad that you did it one day, if you’re not already regretting not doing it yesterday.

Too many times have I seen posts on forums where people are saying they missed the perfect picture. Everyone has heard of the rule a million times and yet some photographers still don’t carry a camera with them. Now I’m not saying you need to take it with you at all times, unless your a professional photographer because then you never now when that next shot will come into your head as your walking by something. If you feel the need to not bring your camera out with you, then you should at least bring a little notepad and pen so that you can write down the areas you would like to take pictures at later. This is a very useful tactic for beginner photographers who won’t be able to remember where they seen great ideas. Even a lot of professionals carry around a notepad just in case something comes to mind. Read the rest of this entry »

Sony is getting ready to release a new digital camera called the Cyber-shot DSC-S730 .The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S730 will feature a 7.2-megapixel image sensor, a Sony 3x optical zoom lens, 2.4-inch LCD screen with wide viewing angle. Additionally the camera comes equipped with multipoint autofocus system, long battery life (up to 440 pictures), and Motion JPEG movie recording at 30 frames-per-second. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S730 will be remarkably affordable and will be available in January 2008.Specifications include: 7.2 effective megapixels resolution for clear enlargements up to A3 size,Sony 3x optical zoom lens, High Sensitivity mode (ISO 1250) for clearer pictures with reduced camera shake in low light,2.4-inch LCD screen with wide viewing angle, Multipoint autofocus for accurately-focused shots, even with moving subject, Easy-to-use on-screen function guide, On-screen histogram displays image brightness for accurate checking of exposure settings, Shooting stamina up to 440 pictures, Motion JPEG movie recording at approx. 30 fps.

Panasonic has released version 1.1 firmware for its Panasonic DMC-L10 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6 Mega OIS Lens.
This update will improve AF, exposure and white balance as well as allowing shorter time between frames in single shot mode. Additionally the interface has been tweaked with the front and rear command dials now able to fine tune the white balance and the position of the magnified area in live view.

Improvements to v.1.1 are as follow:

1. Improved the performance of AF(Auto Focus) with Panasonic lenses. (Model Number L-ES014050,L-RS014150).
2. Improved the performance of AE (An accuracy improvement of Auto Exposure at night scene).
3. Improved the performance of AWB(Auto White Balance).
4. Shortened the minimum shooting intervals on the single shooting mode.
5. Enabled the Front/Rear dial operations in the fine white balance adjustment and the change of magnifying position on the MF Assist in Live View mode.

Here is the step by step procedure:
* STEP 1. Check the current version of firmware used by your camera.
* STEP 2. Download an updated version of the firmware and double click the downloaded file to decompress it.
* STEP 3. Copy the firmware file onto an SD Memory Card.
* STEP 4. Install the firmware update.

Note:
Please do not turn off your camera, or do not remove the SD Memory Card while updating your camera’s firmware.
Doing so can cause serious damage to your camera.
If the camera malfunctions after the firmware updating, please contact Panasonic.
The contact information can be found in your owner’s manual.

Click here to download the update and get additional information and explanation.

The Olympus company now makes it possible for the SP-560UZ superzoom digital camera to gain a wireless flash thanks its release of the firmware version 3.1.
The update  allows the camera to wirelessly control multiple Olympus flash units such as the FL-50R and FL-36R.
The firmware version is now available to download via Olympus Master 2 software.
Here is the manual for Shooting with the Olympus Wireless RC Flash System:

The wireless flash system enables you to take pictures using multiple wireless flashes.
The built-in flash is used to communicate between the camera and the external flashes.

Here is an illustration along with a step by step guide to using the wireless system :

1. Position the flash while referring to the “Wireless flash setup range”, and turn on the flash.
2. Press the MODE button on the flash to set it to RC mode, and set the channel and group of the
   flash. Set the group to A (the flash will not operate if B or C is selected).
3. Select [RC] from [FLASH] on the camera, and then set [CH1] – [CH4] to the same channel
   as the flash. (SP-560UZ Advanced Manual P.30 “FLASH Setting to use an external flash”)
4. Press [FLASH] button (Flash pop-up) to raise the built-in flash.
5. Select a flash mode. (Red-eye reduction flash is not possible in RC mode).
6. After shooting preparations are completed, take some test shots to check the flash operation
   and images.
7. Begin shooting while checking the charging completed indications of the camera and flash.

   Note:

   * Although there is no limit to the number of wireless flashes you can use, it is recommended that no more than three flashes be used to prevent flash malfunction due to mutual interference.
   * In RC mode, the built-in flash is used to control the wireless flash. The built-in flash cannot be used for flash shooting in this mode.
   * For rear curtain synchronization, set the shutter speed to within 4 seconds. Wireless flash shooting may not operate properly when using a slower shutter speed.

   Click here to update the Olympus SP-560UZ.

   Click here for the complete manual.

Samsung announced the release of two digital cameras the S760 and the S860 earlier today .
The pair of low-end digital cameras are perfect for beginners.
Although the S760 and S860 come with only 7 megapixel and 8 megapixel respectively ,they both feature a 3x optical zoom Samsung SHD lens, digital image stabilization and face detection.
The S760 and the S860 will have a 30fps VGA video recording mode in AVI (MJPEG) format, and the ability to motor off a pair of AA batteries in an photographic emergency.
A special effects calls the “E” button gives PC-less control over red-eye and basic image manipulation.
The S760 will be priced at $169 and the S860 will cost $179,both cameras are due in January 2008 .
Additionally they will be available in pink , blue , silver and black.

Features include:

3x Optical Zoom Lens,2.4” LCD Screen,Digital Image Stabilization,High Sensitivity ISO 1000,Function Description and Self Shot.

Zeiss has recently introduced the Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF-I series which is a new line of high-quality lenses that gives a professional feel to any photographer.
The photography company usually aims at the industrial and scientific sectors nonetheless has decided to now captivate the general  photographic community with their high performance and retro styling.
Zeiss has chosen to release these new optics with Nikon’s F-mount which is considered the most commonly used standard camera adapter in the technical area.
The first available designs will be the 25mm f/2.8, 28mm f/2 and 35mm f/2 and eventually more models will follow.
The Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF-I series has a satin chrome design and is sealed against dust ingress and water spray.
Additionally the lenses are supplied with five locking screws which enable reliable locking of the adjustments once they have been set.
The Distagon T* 2.8/25 ZF-I. is said to be able to measure inaccuracies and errors are thus reduced, and there is no need to waste time checking the settings.
Prices and availability have not yet been announced .

Casio announced some great news today by revealing that they have made available firmware updates for ten of their digital cameras.
The Japanese manufacturer has made improvements to movie white balance for seven models and 8GB + SDHC support for the remaining three.
So if you you own one of these cameras ,let it be known that the updates are now available on Casio’s support site at your disposal.
This decision by Casio shows their good will and seriousness towards their numerous buyers.
These important updates let photographers keep their current material instead of being forced  to buy new models.
Here is the breakdown of the changes:

Model                  Changes for Firmware 1.01
Exilim EX-V8        Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-S880     Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z1080   Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z77      Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z15      Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z12      Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z8        Stabilizes movie white balance
Exilim EX-Z7        Provides support for SDHC memory cards with capacities of 8GB or greater
Exilim EX-Z6        Provides support for SDHC memory cards with capacities of 8GB or greater
Exilim EX-Z5        Provides support for SDHC memory cards with capacities of 8GB or greater

By going to Casio’s support site you can download the latest firmware for the digital camera model that is listed in the menu.
In order to do so you must register by providing the camera’s serial number that is located at the bottom of your product.

Click here to download the updates.