Beginning from March 2007, Nikon is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX P5000 to the Nikon COOLPIX Performance Series of digital cameras on the market. The new COOLPIX P5000 offers advanced functions, ease of operation, and high image quality that is sure to satisfy photo and camera enthusiasts.
The P5000 incorporates a new advanced image processing engine, which optimizes low light performance and color reproduction, and Nikon’s optical VR image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake.

Another advantage of the optical VR image stabilization is that it helps achieve smoother action in the movie shooting modes of the P5000 and when using the optional TC-3ED Tele converter with 378mm of telephoto performance.
The COOLPIX P5000 features a new advanced image processing engine with enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that preserves image quality even when shooting at high ISO settings. The P5000 extends the light sensitivity range to ISO 3200, which makes it possible to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity, even in lower light conditions.

Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically sets the optimal ISO for steady results and will allow users to select and save the best image from up to ten sequential shots.
The P5000 also comes with Nikon’s PictureProject software. Powerful yet user-friendly software makes transferring, organizing, editing and sharing photos easy.

Functions:
• Shooting Modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A], and Manual [M]
• Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dus k/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Anti-Shake mode and High Sensitivity mode
• Image optimization settings: 4 color filters for shooting with monochrome filter effects, and barrel distortion control, 3 In-Camera Image Innovations to correct common photo problems (Face-priority, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting)
• Movie Mode: VGA (30 fps) movie mode with sound
• Metering Modes: 256-segment Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot, Spot AF area, 7 movie modes
• White Balance: Auto, Preset (Custom), Cloudy, Direct Sunlight, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade, Flash, Manual

Technical Data:
• 2.5-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating
• 10 effective megapixels
• 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens + 4x digital
• F2.7-5.3, equivalent to 36 – 126 mm lens
• Focusing RangeNormal: 12″ – infinity (30 cm – infinity), Macro: 1.6″ – infinity (4.0 cm – infinity)
• ISO Range: 64,100,200,400,800,1600,3200
• Shutter Speed: 8 – 1/2000 second
• Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
• Self Timer: 3, 10 seconds
• Optical viewfinder
• Optional accessories: 24mm Wide-angle lens Converter (WC-E67), 378mm Telephoto Converter lens (TC-E3ED), external flashes (SB-400, SB-600, and SB-800 Speedlights)
• SD Memory Card + 21MB onboard memory
• EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery (250 shots per charge)

Tags: Nikon Coolpix P5000, nikon coolpix, nikon, digital camera, camera, 10MP, image stabilization, external flash, lens converter, Face priority, RedEye Fix, D Lighting, noise reduction

This is a durable, weather resistant camera with an all-metal case. The HP Photosmart E327 Digital Camera series is designed for first time buyers looking for an affordable, easy to use digital camera (easily navigate intuitive controls), one that offers point and shoot simplicity but delivers true-to-life photos for impressive 10 x 15 cm prints and enlargements.
HP Adaptive Lighting will automatically bring out details normally lost in shadows.
You can also remove red-eye on the spot, preview panorama shots, plus get photo-taking tips using HP Image Advice.
Dimensions/Weight: 99.5mm (w) x 31.8mm (d) x 52.0mm (h) and 1.08 grams without battery.
Also comes with HP Photosmart Software which is a complete, easy-to-use software solution for editing, organizing, printing and sharing digital photos.

Functions:
• Shooting mode: Normal (default), Self timer (10 sec), Video
• Video Mode: 24 fps, QVGA 320 x 240,with sound
• Flash: Auto (default), On, Off, Red-eye reduction
• White balance: Auto (default), sun, shade, tungsten, fluorescent
• Date and Time Stamping
• Metering: Center Weight

Technical Data:
• 1.8 inch LCD
• 5 megapixels
• 4x digital zoom
• 7.7 mm focal length
• 46.1 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens
• Focal Range: 1 m to infinity (normal, default), 0.6 to 1 m (macro)
• Shutter speed: 2 to 1/2000 sec
• Shutter lag: 0.34 sec
• Shot speed: 2.2 sec
• Storage speed: 5.1 sec
• Exposure compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 1/3 steps
• ISO 100, 200, 400
• SD memory card + 16 MB internal memory
• 2 AA batteries (Alkaline, Photo Lithium, rechargeable NiMH)

Tags: HP Photosmart E327, HP Photosmart, digital camera, camera, Photosmart E327, 5MP

The HP Pro B8350 printer is designed for (digital) photographers and hobbyists who want to be able to print long-lasting, professional-quality photos as large as A3, using a desktop printer that is affordable and also ideal for fast everyday printing.
The HP Photosmart Pro B8350 is fast printer which saves you time when you are printing your holiday photos in a 10 x 15cm format in as fast as 26 seconds. You can print up to 5000 pages per month.
A3 formats can be printed in 3.5 minutes.
The 6-ink photographs, with the use of HP Vivera inks, look great and are long-lasting: photos resist fading for generations.
It also provides extendable input and output trays, plus rear paper path for thicker or wider paper, HP Photosmart Essential Software, optional duplexer, optional grey cartridge, optional Ethernet/wireless print servers.
The best print quality is up to 4800 x 1200 optimised dpi when printing from a computer and 1200 input dpi.

Tags: HP Photosmart Pro B8350, HP Photosmart Printer, photo printer, hp, printer, hp printer, Photosmart Pro B8350, hp B8350

Pentax Optio A30 Release
The PENTAX original Shake Reduction (SR) technology in the A30 has been improved by adding both Digital and Movie SR for improved image capture in low-light settings and telephoto capture.
A unique Face Recognition AF & AE function offers better results in photographs by automatically detecting faces, and then adjusting exposure and focus to properly capture portraits.
The Optio A30 features a high-intensity LCD monitor with an LCD booster function that improves screen brightness on demand; the monitor is easier to view outdoors even in bright sunlight and has a wide-angle viewing of 160 degrees.
With a 0.02 second release time lag, focus and start-up times have been improved.
Auto-tracking AF continuously focuses on a moving subject and FotoNation’s red-eye correction function corrects red eye after shooting.
The Pentax A30 will be available since March 2007.

Functions:
• Shooting Modes: Program, Shutter-Priority AE mode and Manual
• Movie Mode: 30 fps, DivX® (MPEG-4 compliant) movie format
Technical Data:
• 2.5 inch LCD
• 10 megapixels
• 3X optical zoom
• 38-114mm lens in 35mm format lens
• ISO can be boosted to 3200, though at 5MP setting or below
• SD memory card + 22MB of built-in memory
• D-LI8 lithium-ion battery

Pentax Optio W30 Release
PENTAX Optio W30 is the fifth model in the manufacturer’s waterproof digital camera line. With an enhanced waterproof design, the Optio W30 performance capacity has more than doubled and now allows photographers to capture images underwater up to 10 feet for 2 hours.
The generous 2.5 inch LCD monitor offers an LCD Bright Mode that can adjust the brightness of the screen as necessary for improved viewing in the sunlight. Ever the perfect camera for capturing adventure in the outdoors, the Optio W30 also features both Digital and Movie SR modes to reduce blur in both image and video capture.
The Optio W30 also features the Face Recognition function and Macro Photography mode to allow image capture at under half an inch for stunning close-ups of photography subjects such as flowers, insects, jewelry and much more.
The Auto Picture mode lets the camera automatically determine the shooting conditions for Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, and Program modes and choose the optimum settings for each subject.
FotoNation’s red-eye correction function for correcting red eye after shooting is also available.

Technical Data:
• 2.5 inch LCD
• 7 megapixels
• 3X optical zoom + 4X digital
• Macro mode with the ability to take shots from as near as 1cm
• Movie mode at up to 30 frames per second and digital shake reduction
• ISO can be boosted to 3200, though at 5MP setting or below
• SD memory card + 21.9 MB of built-in memory
• D-LI8 lithium-ion battery

Tags: Pentax Optio A30, Pentax Optio W30, Pentax Optio, Pentax, digital camera, camera, compact camera, 10MP, Image Stabilisation, Face Recognition, Shake Reduction, 3x optical zoom, waterproof digital camera, redeye correction

The Complete Guide to Night and Low-Light Photography
By Lee Frost
The 192 pages guide begins with a clear explanation of technical aspects that must be considered, such as the best equipment to use for low-light indoor or nighttime outdoor shots, which color and black-and-white films to choose, how to ensure correct exposure in tricky situations, and details relating to both natural and artificial light. The book then tackles a wide range of themes and lighting situations, presenting specific guidance for shooting low-light landscapes, portraits, buildings, carnivals, fireworks displays, and weather phenomena such as lightning, sunrises, and sunsets.

Night and Low-Light Techniques for Digital Photography
By Peter Cope
A 128 pages comprehensive discussion of color and tone teaches photographers how to change their overall perceptions in low-light environments and adjust their exposure settings and filters to suit a variety of light levels. The most adverse lighting situations are covered, such as floodlit cityscapes, lightning, sunsets, stage shows, and fireworks. Tips on taking advantage of the digital environment’s ability to manipulate and enhance low-light images both during and after the photo shoot are offered and technical information on both cameras and the latest software is discussed.

Digital Night and Low-Light Photography
By Tim Gartside
“Digital Night and Low-Light Photography” is an in-depth 160 pages guide to the techniques a photographer needs to guarantee great pictures under challenging lighting conditions. In addition, the book examines the differences in the way film and digital cameras perform in low light, and reveals how the new features built in to many digital cameras–in-camera image previewing, white-balance correction, and ISO adjustments–can make a difference. And it shows how digital-imaging techniques can be used to rescue a disaster, or perhaps create a masterpiece.

Tags: Night and Low Light Photography books, Night and Low-Light Photography, Photography Books, Photography Book, Night Photography, Low Light Photography, Low Light Photography Book

PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited Lens is designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras with an image circle perfectly proportioned to the CCD size (23.5mm x 15.7mm), and featuring an ultra-thin pancake design and uni-focal, medium-telephoto optics.
The high-performance optics ensure outstanding image quality, and provide distinctive visual expression. Materials used for this lens are selected for optimum holding comfort and operability, and the new lens is designed to be extremely thin and lightweight, for go-anywhere portability for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography.
This lens produces smooth, natural skin tones and beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds at open aperture in portrait applications, while assuring crisp, high-contrast images at closed-down aperture in landscape photography.

Specifications:
• Lens mount: Pentax KAF mount
• Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Angle of view: 23° ( when used with istD-series & K100D camera body)
• Aperture control: Automatic
• Number of diaphragm blades: 9
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m (2.3 ft.)
• Filter size: 49mm
• Maximum magnification: 0.12X
• Dimensions (diameter x length): 63mm x 26mm (2.5 inches x 1.0 inch)
• Weight: 130g (4.6 oz.) without hood; 150g (5.3 oz.) with hood

Tags: PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4, pentax lens

Not only does it provide a solid metallic feel and reassuringly firm grip, but the chic contours and classic camera appeal of the most compact digital camera among competing models also makes Nikon Coolpix S500 a desirable pocket point-and-shoot compact camera for travellers. Power-on speed is amazing: only 0.6 seconds! And the shutter speed also: 0.005 seconds.
The COOLPIX S500 features proven lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) technology which gives better quality to pictures normally blurred due to camera shake (unsteady hands).

One-touch portrait button makes it easier than ever to take great-looking photographs by offering direct access to a selection of three innovative functions that provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera. Face-priority automatically finds, then focuses on people’s faces for crisp, clear results time after time.

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically compensates to help eradicate traces of the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes be encountered during flash photography. Completing the set is D-Lighting, which can be applied to improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight.

Functions:
• 15 Scene modes
• Movie Mode: With sound, TV movie at 30fps, Small size at 30fps/15fps
• White balance: Auto with TTL control, 7-mode manual (Direct sunlight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade, Flash and White Bal. Preset)

Technical Data:
• 2.5-inch LCD
• 7.1 effective megapixels
• 3x Zoom
• 35-105mm (equivalent with 35mm) lens
• ISO range: 50-1600 + 2000 as special option
• Focus range: 50cm (1 ft. 8 in.) to infinity, Macro close-up mode: 15cm (5.9 in.) to infinity
• Built-in Flash with a range up to 7.5m
• No Viewfinder
• SD memory card + 25 MB internal
• Li-ion Rechargeable Battery EN-EL10 (180 shots)

Tags: Nikon Coolpix S500, Nikon, Nikon Coolpix, Coopix S500, Image Stabilization, Face Detection, Red-eye Reduction, D-Lighting, 3x zoom, 7MP

1. Move in closer
“Having your subject almost fill the frame helps your viewer understand and appreciate your photo.”

2. Be quick
As the motto of one of BetterPhoto old t-shirts states, “Shoot First, Ask Questions Later.”

3. Compose with care
“Strive to lead the eye along an interesting path through the photo, with the use of strong lines or patterns.”

4. Be selective
“Then be sure to keep anything that would distract out of the picture.”

5. Focus on your subject
“Smaller depth-of-field (and smaller f-stop) focuses all the attention upon your subject.”

6. Experiment in time
“Play with shutter speed” to obtain different views of moving objects.

7. Look at the light
“Unless you want a silhouette effect, where your subject is black against an interesting background, it’s generally best to shoot with the sun behind you.”

8. Watch the weather
“If it’s overcast, simply keep the sky out of your pictures as much as possible.” About this i have allready some tips and examples here.

9. Keep it simple
“Instead of relying on a fully automatic program, pick a simple, semi-automatic program.”

10. Be Bold
“If you are afraid of upsetting someone by taking their picture, just go up and ask if it’s okay.” Oh, i’m glad they pointed at this.

BetterPhoto.com concluded (for full pictures check their website) that those are the top 10 techniques for better pictures.

I agree about this list, but, maybe not in the same order. With today’s ultra zoom cameras, i don’t think that moving closer should take place nr.1 (even if i accept that moving closer will always provide higher quality images than zooming). For me, composition and good focusing are more important than being quick.

Tags: photography tips, photo tips, photo techniques, photography techniques

The stylish vertical design in stainless steel houses plenty of premium advancements including Optical Image Stabilizer Technology, DIGIC III Image Processor, Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction. It’s also equipped with a built-in lens cover and tough new scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating on the LCD screen. The built-in lens cap opens when the camera is turned on and closes when the camera is turned off. Powershot TX1 includes a Super Macro function like all the newest Canon digital cameras. In conclusion, TX1 is different than other powershots because of the ingenious (hmm not very practical) vertical design, the powerful movie mode, and less shooting modes.

Functions:
• Shooting Modes: Auto, Manual, Movie
• Scene Modes: Panoramic, Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Aquarium, Indoor, Night Snapshot
• Effects: Color Accent, Color Swap
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 HD movies at 30 fps with Face Detection, stereo sound and 1080i component video playback
Technical Data:
• 1.8-inch Vari-Angle LCD
• 7.1 megapixel
• 10x optical zoom + 4x digital
• ISO range: 80-1600
• SD memory card
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery

Tags: Canon PowerShot TX1, canon, canon powerhot, compact digital camera, digital camera, camera, image stabilisation, red-eye correction, face detection, super macro, 7MP, 10x optical zoom

Sometimes when I can’t go out, all I have to do is to look over the window… and… here’s what I come up with:

Tip 1
More sky filled with clouds and less city scape or city shapes in direct sunlight.

Tip 2
Cranes or other human crazy inventions look good in composition.

Tip 3
Natural gradient with little building part form a nice minimalistic image.

Tip 4
Birds, birds, so many birds…

Some of those shots are made with “vivid” option on the camera. After shooting, some Photo Editig is required to obtain the right colors (Selective Color, Curves, Hue and Saturation) and reduce the noise (with NeatImage).

Tags: Urban Skyline, Photography Tips, Poto Tips, Urban Photo Tips