Canon Archives - Page 7 of 8

Canon Adds Three New Point-and-Shoot Models

Canon announced three new additions to their point-and-shoot line of digital cameras. One difference between Canon and Nikon, when Canon makes an announcement, the cameras are usually already in stores.

PowerShot SX150 IS

The SX150 is an incremental update to the SX130. Canon bumped up the image resolution to 14 megapixels with a 1/2.3 in sensor. Backing that up is the newer DIGIC 4 image processor, which brings several improvements to image processing and fixes to the continuous auto-focus.

Video mode is limited to 720 at 30 fps as it looks like Canon put most of the effort into the Smart Auto features on this model.

The SX150 offers RAW image storage and full manual control, not bad for a camera in the $250 range.

PowerShot ELPH 510 HS

A smaller frame camera still packing a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3 in sensor coupled with the DIGIC 4 processor. The 510HS supports 1080 HD at 24 fps or 720 at 30 fps and runs it all from a 3.2 touch panel LCD on the back.

There some interesting features, such as an option to take a picture by tapping the LCD screen, although I’m not entirely certain why you’d want to do that.

PowerShot ELPH 310 HS

The 310 HS is a slightly scaled back version of the 510. It’s fitted with the same 12.1 megapixel sensor and the same DIGIC 4 image processor.

With the 310 HS you’re limited to an 8x zoom, a slightly smaller LCD screen and without the touch panel controls.

Interestingly the 310 HS also shoots 1080 HD at 24 fps, making the 310 and 510 the pocket cam choice for people using their full-size DSLRs primarily for video.

If you’re like most photographers and don’t understand why 24 fps is better than 30 fps for video, stayed tuned to this site for an extended post on DSLRs for video in the near future.

Top 4 Lenses For Nature Photography

The Nikon AF-S 600mm in the wild with photographer Al Haley

In nature photography it’s not unusual to see someone drive up in a beater car that barely runs only to have the shooter pull out an $8,000 lens. It is not a hobby for the financially faint of heart.

Getting enough light at those magnifications means a big barrel, and a big barrel means a lot of expensive glass. For these lenses most photographers buy a dedicated body to use with them. The cost of the camera is almost inconsequential compared to the lens.These are my four picks for the best in nature photography.

Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 (pictured above)

Quick and accurate auto-focus driven by high precision, ultra-quiet motors. You’ll need a quality tripod to hang this bad boy but it’s worth it sit at a comfortable quarter mile away to get your shots. The color and clarity can only be described as amazing.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM

With ultra-fast and rock steady focusing that almost jumps to the subject, you’ll see this lens on a lot of the sidelines of sporting events as well as nature photography.500mm with a 4.1 degree horizontal angle of view for full frame sensor models like the 5D MKII.
If you’re not into brand names, you can save some money looking at brands like Sigma, which run closer to half what the Canon and Nikon glass costs. There are concessions like weight and weather proofing you’re giving up, but you won’t have to trade your car for one, either.

Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO HSM Canon-ef

A little heavier than its more expensive cousins, but not that difficult to pack around and still delivers high quality images. You’re giving up weather sealing at the lower price point, so carry a bag cover with you at all times.

Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Canon-ef

This zoom is heavy, but offers a long, flexible zoom range. You are giving up a fixed aperture on the zoom, but considering the price point, that’s an inconvenience I can live with.

What is involved in putting together a $7,000 lens

There is a lot of work that goes into putting together a Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS USM lens, after all the lens does have 17 optical elements. These videos shows the steps involved from manufacturing the lens, from molten glass to finished product.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Last month we shared a “How it’s Made” segment about how lenses are made.

Equipment for Low Light Photography

Taking photos in low light takes some practise to perfect, we have put together a great guide to help you master the art of low light photograph. Tips for taking low lights shots, fixing underexposed photos and even a infographic on low light photography tips to bring it all together. We hope you enjoy.

Citrus shot with a Canon Digital Rebel XTi using a 50mm f/1.4 lens. 1/100, f/2.0, 50mm, ISO 1600.

Make the most of this list of recommended photography equipment for successful shooting under low lighting conditions.

Camera – The best DSLR cameras for low light photography posses a high maximum ISO, burst shooting capabilities, exposure compensation capabilities, RAW file format capabilities, and multi-point auto-focus. The Nikon D7000 is an excellent choice, as is the Canon 5D Mark II and the Pentax K-5. For more entry-level photography, choose a Sony Alpha A580 or a Canon Rebel T3i.

Lens – A lens is considered “fast”, or most capable in low-light photography, if it has a very low maximum aperture. Anything below f/2.8 is fantastic for photography in dim settings. Also, look for a lens that has image stabilization or vibration reduction capabilities. Many Canon fans swear by the 35mm f/1.4L or the 50mm f/1.4 prime lenses. The Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS is a great walking-around zoom lens with image stabilization capabilities. For Nikon enthusiasts, the equivalent prime lenses are the (expensive!) Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.4G and the Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G. For a great walking-around zoom lens, choose the Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G.

Tripod or Monopod – Choose a quality, sturdy tripod with a ball head and quick release to provide excellent support and flexibility for low light photography. Grab a monopod for functional stability while on the go. Personally, I am a big believer in Manfrotto products.

Remote Shutter Release – Use a remote shutter release with a tripod-mounted camera to eliminate any potential for camera shake while photographing.

External Flash – Speedlites are all the rage for providing off-camera flash that is flexible and portable. Canon’s lineup of Speedlite flashes offer a range of functionality and affordability. Nikon has their own lineup of speedlights as well.

Reflectors – Reflectors work great for capturing and directing even the smallest amount of ambient light. Choose a reflector that is silver on one side and gold on the other in order to provide cooler or warmer light quality. Lastolite has a great lineup of quality products at affordable prices.