Canon SX40 HS Super Zoom will tempt even pro video shooters - by Canon
The Canon SX40 HS is an interesting blend of features that could be compelling for both the consumer and video professionals looking for a fixed position camera to set up for wide shots.
The showcase feature is a 35x super-zoom with a range that starts at 24mm on the wide end of the scale and runs out to an amazing 840mm on the zoom, all riding on a combination of Ultrasonic and Voice Coil Motors for fast, silent zooming.
Behind the amazing zoom technology is a 12.1 megapixel 1/2.3 BSI-CMOS sensor with a stated ISO range of 100 to 3,200. Backing that up is Canon’s new Digic 5 image processor which promises more advanced noise reduction.
The only minor niggle is the burst mode is limited to 8 full-resolution shots which it clicks off at a respectable 10.3 shots per second.
Canon bumped the video features to support full 1080p HD at 24 fps (see this story for a discussion on video frame rates). For those using their Canon DSLRs primarily for video, this is an interesting feature. It would allow them to consider putting an SX40 on a high boom or jib and using it for covering wide angle shots. Video shooters will also appreciate the fully articulated 2.7 inch LCD on the back and full manual controls.
SX40 HS back - By Canon
The only concern for video shooters will be the chip size, which may look a little soft next to footage from a Canon 5D or Canon 7D. But if the video sample below is any indication, that won’t be a problem. I could use that footage for a cut-away without any serious issues.
Overall, at a sub-$450 price point, Canon should have a winner in the SX40.
Photographers gather and check gear for a photo walk.
One of the biggest mistakes people new to photography make is not being involved in their profession. That includes memberships in professional organizations, like PPA, and being involved with local photography groups, meet-ups, and events.
Some of you may chaff at that idea, thinking it’s nothing but a bunch of old ladies with point-and-shoot cameras and you’d be wrong. The WorldWide Photowalk was this weekend and at one of the local walks, which drew about 20 people, a quarter were working professionals from around the area and half made some part of their living from photography.
There was equipment of every manufacturer. Cameras by Nikon, Canon and one Sony Alpha, flash units by Sunpak, Canon and Quantum, lenses that ranged from kits lenses to Zeiss primes. We had a great time and I got to mingle with some really good shooters.
Another option to consider is going on paid photography tours, especially if you’re visiting a strange city for the first time. Hiring a local photographer to serve as a guide can insure that you’re not missing lesser known photogenic parts of the city. Besides, most of the locals will know your walk organizer and you can borrow some of that credibility. Even experienced hunters hire a guide when hunting in a new area, so don’t discount the idea of paying a guide.
Walks, meet-ups and group TFP (Time For Prints) shoots are all ways to meeting other photographers, pick up shooting tips and get your name out there. I came back with a stack of business cards after a two hour photo walk, including ideas for new paying projects. It turned out to be a wise investment of my time.
Helping to organize photo walks and TFP shoots is always appreciated, and organizing one of your own is great advertising.
I could have picked a different picture to illustrate fashion photography but why? - by Martin Mraz, Julie Wimmer
Fashion photography is a little like being a clothing designer: It’s one of those occupations people devote their entire lives to learning and clawing their way to the top of the pile. While you can find people who fell into other areas of photography, like weddings and portrait photography, you hardly ever find anyone who blunders into fashion photography.
There’s a reason for that. You not only have to be hot on the trigger with quality equipment, you have to have the unique ability to push visual imaging to the extreme with planning, preparation and a relentless dedication to perfection.
Having made the case for how difficult to get into fashion photography as living, it’s one of those things I highly recommend every photographer try, even if you don’t end up making any money off of it. Because it’s fun and exciting and the industry has produced some of the compelling images that probably got you into photography in the first place.
The good news is you probably won’t need to buy or rent a new camera. Most of the high end DSLRs today, like the Canon 5D and Nikon D300s with a good lens have the resolution for fashion photography.
If you are planning on giving it a try, here are a few tips for trying your hand at fashion photography.
1) Collect some books on the subject. Books on fashion, fashion photography, tear sheets, and images of lighting set ups. Anything you can lay your hands on. Books on hairstyles, makeup cards, and the Fashion Photography group on Flickr. Don’t just study fashion photography, live and breath it.
Everyone in photography gets burned out once in a while. A splash in the pool of fashion photography will be as refreshing as a morning swim.
2) Collect lighting gear. Lots of lighting gear. Soft boxes, umbrellas, a ring flash, strobes vertical boxes, reflectors, spots and even shop lights. Make bizarre lighting gadgets out of whatever you have laying around the house. Having an interesting subject is only part the battle, being able to piece together the perfect lighting set up is a huge part of a successful fashion shoot.
3) Plan meticulously. Great shots may happen by accident, but you can raise the odds of getting one by being prepared. Go over and over your concepts, make sure you have a supply of props, backgrounds and supports, even if you don’t end up using them.
4) Don’t try to do it all yourself.A makeup artist that has worked with photographers before is worth their weight in gold. A hair stylist with a flair for the freakish and bizarre can turn what starts out as an average look into something from another world. Yes, those people are usually paid for their time, but you will be amazed at the difference it makes.
5) Be the director. There are some models who don’t need a lot of coaching, but they are few and far between. Don’t be afraid to be in charge, but don’t be dismissive. Once you get into the shooting groove, other people will be inspired and chime in with ideas. Listen to them. Try some of them even if you don’t agree. You might be surprised at the results.
6) Shoot continuously. Don’t merely shoot hundreds of pictures, shoot thousands. You and your models should be in near continuous motion unless they’re on break or in the bathroom. Shoot close in, pull back, move in again, and try different angles including above and below. Shoot, shoot, shoot. Shoot as long as your model can stand the shoes. Let’s face it, even a blind sow gets an acorn once in a while and when you have 2,000 pictures to pick from, there are bound to be a few keepers.
7) Break the rules. Don’t just trash the rule book, tear it into pieces, set it on fire, and drive over the ashes with a cement mixer. Shoot the stock shots, then get crazy. As long as it doesn’t involve the risk of grievous bodily injury to yourself or the models, try it.
For an example of fashion photography done right check out Adriana Curcio.
The Canon 7D has menu tricks many people don't know about - by Canon
There’s a good reason for spending time with your camera’s instruction manual, because that’s where all the interesting tidbits of camera operation hide. A good 90% of people new to digital photography never take their cameras off the auto mode. Those people are missing out on a lot of interesting features.
Professional photographers are sometimes similarly unaware of features in their own cameras. Manufacturers get requests for features from users all over the world and accommodate those requests as often as they can.
Many 7D users don’t realize their 7D has some interesting tricks buried in menu options and behind buttons.
If you push the Info button on the back three times, you’ll find a digital level with both pitch and yaw readings. You never need a spirit level with a 7D, it’s already built in.
While most people know the digital zoom button on the back zooms the LCD screen when focusing video, many don’t know the same button allows you to digitally zoom still pictures in playback mode and then use the menu control button to pan around still images in the camera.
The 5D has a Camera Settings menu option that will record all your camera’s current settings and link those to the “C” mode on the menu dial. So, if you have a detailed camera setup for a specific type of shot, you can record all those options and call them back in an instant.
The D7000 has several interesting menu options. There’s the “Q” for quiet release mode that flips to the mirror up to get the shot, but leaves the mirror up until you release the shutter button to minimize noise.
Under the remote control settings there’s an option to raise the mirror before taking the shot for use with ultra-long zoom lenses where shutter mirror vibration might be an issue. In this setting the first step allows the mirror to flip up first, gives the camera time to stabilize, then fires the shutter.
The D7000 also has a 2nd IR receiver on the back when operating with the IR remote control.
Several models of the Nex have a featured called Smile Shutter, which triggers the shutter when the face detection feature sees everyone smiling. While it sounds hokey, more often than not people have more fun aping for the camera, trying to get the smile shutter to work.
Those gems and more await in your camera’s user manual. Find it, read it, enjoy, and share the tricks that you find with us.
The question I get most often is, “What kind of camera should I buy?” That’s a big question and a lot depends on your budget and what kind of photography you’ll be pursuing and at what level. The word beginner comes in many contexts: are you a beginner to shooting for money or using a camera period. Different options apply.
Professional and Semi-Professional
You’re planning on making money with your camera or plan to do a lot of shooting as a semi-pro or amateur. You have $1,800 to $2,500 in your budget.
If you’re shooting stills, go with Nikon. If you think you’ll be doing a lot of video go with Canon. Nikons have video recording capability, but most of the video accessories are made for Canons.
Advanced Hobbyist
You are really serious about taking pictures, but you have a day job in another field. Photography is a serious hobby. There’s an outside chance you’ll be taking a paying job, or filling in for friends who can’t afford a professional photographer. You have a budget from $800 to $1,500.
It’s pretty much just which ever camera you like in this range.
You Just Want To Take Good Pictures
You want to take great pictures, but mainly of your family and friends. You want something better than a pocket camera and you might want to experiment with manual controls once in a while.
