Digital Photography Tutorials For Beginners.
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This is about firmware but not the usual one.
Whappo sent me an email to let me know about an open-source program called CHDK, which can be used to update the software for your Digital Camera. – Chris Pirillo
Still, this is only available for Canon Cameras…
First of all, I would like too observe that you are reading abot Canon G9 because other performant point an shoot camers from Canon don’t offer RAW file format as a shooting option (Raw shooting is selected via the Recording Pixels sub-menu in the Function menu). Second, you might be intrerested in the flexibility of use that this camera offers: plenty of accesories (including external flash), full manual controls, a large range of settings (Face Detection AF and AE functions, optical stabilization, 6x optical zoom, Safety Zoom function and built-in ND filter) and in-camera adjustments. On the other side, Canon Powershot G9 is based on the previous G7 model: slightly higher resolution (12.1 megapixels vs 10 megapixels) and a larger, 3.0-inch LCD screen. Also, the G9′s viewfinder, although similar in appearance with the one of G7, is small and rather cramped. It has separate dial controls for shooting modes and ISO settings, which brings it near the look of a SLR.
A special function I like at this camera is the neutral density (ND) filter – this reduces the light intensity by three f-stops, allowing photographers to shoot with a wider lens aperture to achieve differential focusing in bright conditions. It can only be used with the P, Tv, Av and M shooting modes as well as for movie capture and is accessed via the Function button.
The camera can be operated one-handedly but, because of it’s small size, when it’s held comfortably and securely, some controls are covered by your fingers. Pictures taken with this canon model are sharp and colourful as much as it needs to be right and not exagerated. Some purple fringing can be seen when photos are enlarged. White balance performance is above average and the noise was visible in long exposures at ISO 400 and above but only became obvious at the ISO 1600 setting.
It will take up to 1.7 seconds to power up and shooting lag is 0.5 seconds with both JPEG and raw files. As a conclusion, this camera is robustly built, comprehensively feature-packed and small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, having allot in its favour.
Canon Powershot G9 Specifications
Optimize the various shooting options of your Canon powershot camera by checking out digital SLR camera reviews.
A RAW file allows far more flexibility than a JPEG will, and enthusiastic amateur photographers everywhere are discovering their vast potential. RAW files open up a whole new world of image processing where photos can go from ordinary to perfect simply and quickly. In Understanding RAW Photography, renowned photographer Andy Rouse follows the entire procedure from start to finish: the volume takes the form of an easy-to-follow workflow overview, covering all the essentials right from the beginning of a shoot. Rouse explains how to make software choices; work in the field; edit, correct, and process the picture; and ultimately display it in print or on screen. A wide range of images and screen grabs illustrate techniques both basic and advanced, as well as creative possibilities.
This hardcover 144 pages photography book was been recently published (on April 1, 2008, under the Photographers’ Institute Press) by Andy Rouse. He has written 14 books incuding the recent Penguin Life (signed books are available from the online store); 2008 will see the publication of a major coffee table book entitled Concepts of Nature which will look at the first 10 years of his professional career. Andy writes regular monthly columns for photographic and internet magazines worldwide, plus a monthly equipment review column.
About the Author:
World renowned wildlife photographer Andy Rouse has long since had a passion for wild things. He has built his reputation on getting close, in fact very close to some of the world’s largest and most dangerous animals; in doing so, capturing some of the most exciting and evocative photographic images of wildlife found today. With a style all of his own, Andy is equally passionate about the message that his images convey and sees his work as contributing to the general appreciation of our precious wildlife, hopefully stimulating us all to act on their behalf.
Passioned about underwater photography? You want to take spectacular underwater photos with a gear that is worth less than $500 US?
Here’s what tp do: look at the underwater photo gallery from the Caribbean and plan a trip to this cristal clear see. Then, while packing your stuff (snorkel and mask in the first place), read the tips given by The Digital Story.
Images from the gallery are taken with Canon PowerShot SD700 IS camera packed into Canon WP-DC5 waterproof case.
Tip 1:
If you don’t want to use the flash, shoot in shallow depths and use image stabilization.
Tip 2:
Use the camera’s Underwater scene mode if it has one.
Special Tip:
Don’t touch the coral or harass the fish.
Underwater photography is a terrific way to spice up your image library. I like the exercise I get with a good swim, and then you can celebrate your “catch” with a cold rum drink or two while relaxing on the beach afterward. – Derrick Story
Another very good article on this mater (with more technical tips): Underwater photographer Mark Snyder shows how to shed extraordinary light on the world below the waves. However, this is for those who afford a more expensive gear.
PerfectPixs started a contest for all photographers over 21 years of age. This contest will commence in 2008 (but it’s allready openend for submisions) and will continue on a periodic basis until cancelled by the Pixel Place.
Rules:
The photographer may submit any subject matter except for material that could be considered illegal, obscene, provocative, questionable or pornographic in nature. Photos may be processed, edited or cropped, but, excessive image manipulations are not acceptable. Images must be a minimum of 6MP, color, and in JPEG or TIFF format. RAW files are not accepted. File size should not exceed 150kb in the JPEG format. Pay attention at the fact that individuals who submit more than one image will have all submitted images disqualified.
For photos being considered for final round judging, the photographer will be asked to FTP the full size original image to our FTP site for final consideration and if applicable shall mail or courier any release required at their expense. Photographers must provide in their initial email all of the requested entry information. Entries submitted with incomplete information shall be disqualified.
Prizes:
Winners shall be notified by email. The winners maybe be asked to complete an affidavit of eligibility and release and/or to forward model/property releases. Failure to complete and return requested documents will result in disqualification. Upon receipt of the properly executed document, the Pixel Place shall declare the winner and release the prize.
The winner shall receive:
• a commemorative personalized plaque
• a large format print of their image
• have their image displayed on the Perfect-Pixs’ “World’s Next Top Digital Photographer†web page for an unspecified period of time.
info@pixelplace.ca is the email where you can send your photo. You must also send the following data:
Full Legal Name
Street Address:
City
State/Province
Country
Postal/Zip Code
Home Phone Number
Business Phone Number
Email Address:
Link to Website (optional)
Title of Photo Submitted
Date Photo Taken
Description of Perfect-Pixs Products Used to Take Photo (optional)
In recognition of International Day of Disabled People 2007, images by groups in the UK and Mexico trained by PhotoVoice and Sight of Emotion will be exhibited alongside work by renowned sighted and blind photographers, including Gerardo Nigenda and Martin Parr. The exhibition will celebrate the possibilities of photography; a medium traditionally regarded as the domain of sighted people, and will challenge our conventional understanding of visual communication and of what it means to ‘see’.
Beyond Sight – A multi-sensory exhibition of photographs by blind and visually impaired people
3rd – 8th December 2007, Association of Photographers, 81 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4Q8
Gallery opening times: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 12pm – 4pm Admission free. Gallery partially wheelchair accessible. Nearest tube:
Old Street.
Opening night: Monday 3rd December, 6.30pm – 8.30pm RSVP to April Coetzee: april@photovoice.org
Free talk on blind photography by Sight of Emotion founder Gina Badenoch Thursday 6th December, 7pm To book a place email gallery@aophoto.co.uk or call 020 7739 6669
Through using audio descriptions and tactile relief images, the exhibition will be accessible to all, furthering our awareness of the relationships between vision, blindness, sensory experience and imagery. This show will demonstrate that the loss of one sense need not be prohibitive to participation in photography either as an artist or a viewer.
A documentary exploring the subject of blind photography, filmed on location at the workshops in Mexico and London will also be shown at the exhibition. On the 8th December both project participants and staff will be talking about their experiences at the gallery.
Headlining the new features in DxO Optics Pro v5 is a brand new RAW conversion engine including a breakthrough demosaicing algorithm which produces images with much more detail and fewer unwanted artifacts. In a second major breakthrough, DxO Optics Pro v5 now applies its noise reduction techniques prior to demosaicing—before noise has a chance to be amplified by the RAW conversion process and become obtrusive.
DxO Optics Pro v5 also includes a “click once, clean many†dust/blemish removal tool as well a completely reorganized user interface to improve workflow and ease of use.
Previously unannounced, a handful of additional new features make DxO Optics Pro v5 even more of a time saver.
• Compatibility between DxO Optics Pro v5 and Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® has been deepened. DxO Optics Pro v5 can now read from and interact with image libraries from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, providing a more fluid workflow between these two popular applications.
• Using the new ‘Snapshot†feature; users can create several ‘virtual versions’ of an image to which they can apply different DxO Optics Pro corrections for processing.
With DxO Optics Pro v5, the library of camera bodies and lens correction modules expands to include the recently released Canon EOS 40D and selected lenses. In the coming months, the Canon 1Ds MKIII, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3 DSLR camera bodies will also be added to the more than 600 correction modules currently available.
This updated version of onOne Software’s popular software suite includes technology from onOne Software’s newly acquired PhotoTune color correction software, and onOne Software’s Mask Pro, PhotoFrame, and Genuine Fractals software products fine-tuned specifically for Adobe Photoshop Elements.Essentials 2 for Adobe Photoshop Elements supports Adobe Photoshop Elements versions 4, 5 and 6 for Windows and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and 4 for Macintosh. onOne Software’s Essentials 2 is available as a free upgrade for all current users of Essentials for Adobe Photoshop Elements. Upgrade is available through the user’s automatic update upon launch of the program. It is also available for $59.95 for new users from onOne Software authorized distributors and resellers, or direct from onOne Software at http://www.onOnesoftware.com. In addition, for current users of Essentials, this free upgrade will not replace the previous Make it Better! tool featuring onOne Software’s Intellihance Pro, rather it will add a Make it Better 2! module using the technology found in PhotoTune to the user’s available plug-ins.
PhotoPlus X2 Studio Pack is the new Microsoft Windows Vista™ certified version of Serif’s award winning digital imaging powerhouse. This release brings even greater breadth to the photo fixing, image editing and creative power of PhotoPlus X2 while making the task of improving photos even easier thanks to impressive new automated helpers. Managing and sharing burgeoning image collections takes a step forward, too, with AlbumPlus SE Pro’s improved organising and search capabilities, attractive new printed projects, superb slideshows for sharing with friends and family, plus the option to purchase photo prints and gifts.
Top new PhotoPlus X2 Studio Pack features include:
• Automated Makeover Studio – Let PhotoPlus X2 help remove imperfections from portraits
• New Image Fixing Power – Improve photos with enhanced QuickFix Studio and new tools
• New Artistic Effects – Image effects such as Comic Book, Textures, and Vignette
• Slideshows and Photo Discs – Share photos and artwork with friends, family, and colleagues
• Photo Prints and Gifts – Order photo prints, canvases, or personalised photo gifts
The latest version of this professional photo slide show maker (version 3.2) brings exciting improvements.
With Version 3.2 photographers can share their slide shows in virtually any format and on any device making it easy to connect with clients or co-workers at home or on-the-go. There are no complicated format conversions, the fully-integrated system has dozens of device sharing options including playback on the latest iPod®, Blackberry® and ZuneTM devices. These options are in addition to the popular DVD, PC and Web format options already available in ProShow.
Outputting slide shows to a device is a simple streamlined process. Once a device is chosen for output, Producer generates a version of the slide show that is designed exactly for the type of device chosen; eliminating any complicated formatting and file conversions.
Devices Include:
* Media Players: iPod®, ZuneTM, Creative® Zen and more.
* Mobile Phones: Blackberry®, Apple iPhoneTM, Palm® TreoTM and more.
* Game Consoles: Xbox®, Nintendo® WiiTM and more.
* Set-Top-Boxes: Apple TVTMand Tivo®.
Also new to ProShow Producer 3.2 is the ability to use any PowerPoint remote to navigate through a live ProShow presentation. Using the new Keyboard Control feature, ProShow Producer lets users set custom keystrokes to specify the keyboard shortcuts used in PC Playback. Keyboard shortcuts can be synced with any PowerPoint remote to control a live presentation.
ProShow Producer 3.2 is available immediately from http://www.photodex.com for $249.95. Upgrades to the new version 3.2 are available for $89.95 and include an additional year of free upgrades. A free 15-day trial version of the software is available for download.
Introduction:
This week, PhotoAxe brings you an interview with Alexander Wise, a photographer that specialized himself in waterscapes photography. Alex Wise lives in Tasmania, Australia. He likes to travel to incredible places and enjoys capturing water scenes through his camera. Even if he claims that “photography to me is purely a hobby”, his images are stunning and inspirational for many other amateurs.
I’m just a university student studying something completely irrelevant to photography but I like this hobby. It has opened my eyes to appreciate the beauty of things which I never did before. Over time I have been featured in a couple of magazines which has been a great feeling, they include: Australian Photography, U&I magazine, The Source and have had a couple of interviews online, similar to this.
1) How long have you been photographing waterscapes?
Probably around 18 months, originally I started out just exploring every style of photography in an attempt to properly understand how things on my camera worked. As this progressed I naturally moved to capturing the movement of water as I love the ocean whether it be swimming, sports or relaxing around it.
2) When did you realized this is your most desired subject regarding photography?
I’ve noticed a change in my attitudes to waterscape, originally I was impressed with the effects which a long-exposure can create(the mystic feel of the water). But now I’m more fascinated with the geology, colour of the water and other conditions. Every location is different and I think this is what encourages me to keep shooting, coming across new places is always interesting and exciting.
3) For those who want to obtain similar results, what gear do you recommend? (What do you use? What accessories?)
My main waterscape kit consists of a Canon 350D, Canon 10-22, Cokin .3 .6 .9 nd grad filters and of course a manfrotto tripod. Sometimes I will mix things up and use my Canon 24-70 if I find I can’t get close enough to the area but I mostly use my ultra wide 10-22.
4) What is the secret of the rightly exposed long shutter speed water scenes?
Choosing a long exposure time for waterscapes is a interesting topic. If the shot is taken at 3 seconds, this can greatly differ to a shot which may be taken at 30 seconds. I’ve enclosed two shots to illustrate this:
The first shot has a sense of power, fury and looks quite nasty. Being a short exposure this is possible to be captured however using a long exposure (as in the second shot) the water has less fury as it crashes against the rocks and instead is more calm with a mystic effect.
5) Do you post-process your pictures? If yes, what software you use and what changes to you make to the pictures.
I like to look at my shots and have a sense that it’s captured accurately. I have alot of respect for people that post process as some people are amazing, but at the same time too many people are over doing it with over-baked high dynamic range(HDR) shots. For this reason I like to minimize my post processing as much as I can, my usual workflow would consist of: levels, increase saturation, USM sharpening, minor vignetting and occasionally I may have to remove rain drops from when I’m shooting in the rain and water gets on my filters.
I’ve uploaded two before and after shots which is available at http://www.alexwisephotography.net/pp/
6) I noticed you have recently started a photo blog where you also posted a tutorial on shooting waterfalls. Will you continue to write tutorials about water photography?
I launched my blog earlier this month (November 2007) to discuss my travels and also the techniques I use. Initially I was a little unsure if there was any point in documenting my techniques as I don’t see myself as a genius at photography but far from it. But as someone that loves to look at others work, I found that people are making simple mistakes at waterscape photography but then again, something which may appear simple to me, may not be for someone else. For this reason I have decided to try put as much as my knowledge down as I can, if I can help someone out there then I’m happy.
Thanks alot for the interview Alex! I love your water scene photos and I’m looking forward to see what comes next from your camera.
This week I want to feature winter pictures made by romanian photographers.
Isn’t it amazing what snow can do?
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