Moon Photography Tips

Photographing the moon can be very challenging if not planned correctly and if you do not have the right equipment. We are going to cover a few that we hope will help you if you decide to take on that challenge.

Know the exact phase the moon is in and the time the moon will be appearing. You can usually find online sources that can tell you all the information that you need to know. Be sure you all check out the weather forecast in your area as well.

Using the right equipment is also very important. Your equipment will play a huge role in the quality of your moon photographs. For close up shots you will want to use the longest telephoto lens that you have. As for your camera you want to make sure you have a low noise sensor, this will help resolve any details issues. You will also want to have a tripod available for long exposures to take moon shots. The tripod will also help steady your camera.

Try to capture your shots within 15 to 20 minutes of moonrise. Anything after that and the moon will be too bright to get a decent photograph.

After capturing your images it’s always good to use a photo editing application to get the complete desired effect. Try cropping the moon to make it bigger and really capture the moment.

We hope these few tips help you out if you decide to take on moon photography.

Tips for Saving a Camera Dropped on a Hard Surface or Submerged in Water

Tips for Saving a Camera Dropped on a Hard Surface or Submerged in Water 0.0 out of 5 based on 2 ratings.

Most cameras are not built for high impact or to be dropped in water. You can purchase such cameras but they don’t really shoot the high quality photos that a photographer wants or needs. If you own a camera that is not water or impact resistant you need to take extra care of your camera when you are out shooting. Depending where you drop your camera and where the impact occurs can have adverse effects on different parts of the camera. Dropping your camera in the water more than likely this will cause complete loss in functionality. Here are a few tips to use if you drop your camera or if it’s submerged in water.

Camera Dropped on Hard Surface

If your camera is dropped on a hard surface the first thing you need to do is check the condition the physical condition of the camera. Check to make sure there are no dents, scratches, cracks or broken parts on the camera. Next you want to check the condition of the lens. If the camera was OFF when it hit the ground the body may have protected the lens if it’s not a DSLR. If the camera was ON then take a look at the lens. If the lens has been broken, scratched or cracked then you will need to take it in for repair.

After checking the lens the next step is to check that the camera is still functional.  Try turning the camera on and check all functionality. Be sure and check the zoom to see it’s stuck or moves in an irregular motion. Also check to see if the lens was possibly bent. This might be an easy fix without much effort. Last try shooting off a few photos and make sure everything works correctly and there is no abnormalities in your photos. If the camera no longer turns ON or some on the functions do not work properly then take it in for repair.

Camera Dropped in Water

If your camera is dropped in water when the camera is ON more than likely the camera is done. You will probably have to go buy a new camera. If the camera was turned OFF then dry off the camera and remove the batteries and memory card. More than likely water has reached all circuits and the sensor. You can try drying the camera out with a hair dryer and then letting it sit for a week or so to let all water evaporate. Afterwards with batteries and memory still out take the camera in for repair.

It’s hard to save a damaged camera and you will probably have to take the camera in for repair. Use your camera carefully and try to avoid these type of accidents.

Tips For Keeping Your Camera Safe While Traveling

Many photographers, professional and novice, will be very accommodating and travel to various locations for photo shoots.  With the demand for various locations, it is important that not only to travel safe but to protect your equipment from theft.  Many hotels offer a safety box for expensive items and prefer patrons to provide a written itemized inventory of any expensive possessions.  Here are some helpful travel tips to ensure safety to your equipment.

1. Notify the hotel in advance as well as at check in of any equipment you may bring to their establishment.
2. Before leaving your studio or home, write all serial numbers down from the camera to every lens being brought.
3. Instead of using a protective camera bag, consider changing your camera bag to an everyday bag.  Most purse/bag snatchers are familiar with camera bags and can spot the value a mile away but by using a different kind of bag it can help you by keeping a low-profile.
4. Avoid having customers enter your room and hold conferences in the hotel lobby or local restaurant.
5. When leaving the safety of your hotel room, only take equipment that will be necessary for the photo shoot in progress.  Place the remainder of your equipment somewhere safe, such as the hotel safe.
6. Investigate insurance companies for property insurance.  Some insurance companies will offer professionals, such as photographers, with insurance for their equipment to ensure coverage for any loss or damage to the equipment.

Traveling to events and locations can be fun and safe if proper precautions are taken.  Your equipment is much value to your profession and must be kept safe from theft as well as damage.  Understanding the options a photographer has for safety can result in a safe and productions photo shoot.

42nd Street Photo’s Landscape Photography Tips

42nd Street Photo’s Landscape Photography Tips 0.0 out of 5 based on 1 ratings.

Landscape photographers are always shooting at new locations and with each new location is a new challenge that comes with that location. It’s important you know some of the basics of landscape photography to get that perfect shot. Here are a few quick tips that should help when shooting landscapes.

1. Frame your shot so that it contains a point of interest, something that will catch the viewer’s eye into the photo.
2. A foreground object will help frame the photograph and give a three-dimensional look.
3. Watch for objects that you don’t want in your photo like overhead wires, poles, garbage cans, etc. Try to reposition yourself and take them out of the shot if you can.
4. Place the horizon a third of the way down from the top or bottom from the frame rather than centering it in the middle.
5. Scale is also important in landscape photography; this can be achieved by including of a known size in the shot.
6. Lighting is also important in the shot, lighting that makes the shot dramatic or moody is often more memorable. In low light be sure you use a higher ISO setting that will produce a good depth of field.
7. Do not use your flash when shooting landscapes unless you are trying to brighten a foreground object.
8. Use a tripod, this will ensure sharpness and cut down on camera shake which can cause blur in your shots.

We hope these few tips help you if you decide to take up landscape photography.

Tips for Protecting Your Camera During Cold Weather

When using an outside setting for your photographs can be fun and exciting, it is very important to take care of your camera in cold weather.  Most digital cameras’ default settings can be adjusted to compensate for the weather but some cannot.  Here are a few helpful tips to avoid damaging your camera and capturing unwanted photographs.

Keep your batteries and camera warm.  Some photographers don’t even put batteries in until it is time to photograph.  To conserve batteries, turn of any extra feature such as the LCD to save energy.  Also keep a spare of batteries in your pocket close to your body.

Place your camera in a plastic bag to avoid any potential condensation from developing on the camera lens.  If the camera is in the plastic bag, take it out for photos then immediately place back in the bag for safety.  This will prevent the camera from appearing “Foggy”.  If condensation does form, immediately stop using the camera, remove the batteries, lens cap, and memory card

Once the photographer has returned home, immediately give the camera time to adjust to the temperature change.  Place the camera in an unheated room for about 30 minutes.  Also keep the camera in the camera bag to minimize any condensation.

These are just a few tips for protecting your camera during the cold weather months.

42nd Street Photo’s Tips for Deleting Photos

After we take a picture so many people are too quick delete a portrait.  I look awful, the picture looks blurry, it’s too dark; these are all things we have said at one point after a photograph is taken .Don’t be so quick to delete the photos on your digital camera just yet.  There are some reasons the picture looks bad.

• The LCD screen at the back of your camera has a different calibration than that of the actual picture.  So if the picture looks bad on the LCD screen then wait till you can get to a bigger screen to determine the actually quality.  At this time there is no way to calibrate the LCD to your liking so just be patient and wait till you get to your big screen.

• Sometimes when so quick to delete a photo we accidentally delete the wrong one.  So the best way to avoid this situation is to simply wait till the images can be uploaded to a computer for further review.

• Back to the LCD.  LCD takes up a lot of battery to view those images just captured.  If you spend a lot of time deleting or configuring an image then you waist battery supply and end up with a dead camera.

• A good photographer can capture many images at a time.  If you waist time deleting images right then and there you are also wasting time on potential photos that can be captured at that time.So the simplest fix to photos that appear unflattering at the moment is to just don’t delete until you can view them the way they are suppose to be viewed.

42nd Street Photo Reviews The Pentax Optio WG-1

If you are looking for a tough and rugged camera that can withstand the elements then the Pentax Optio WG-1 is what you need.  This camera is built for the most rugged and sports type activities. This camera looks and feels like a real sports camera. The outer casing is made of hardened plastic and looks like a camera you would carry on an adventurous outing. The Pentax Optio WG-1 is waterproof up to 10 meters and shock proof to 1.5 meters able to withstand weight of up to 100 kilogram-force, coldproof to negative 14°F, and dustproof.

The Pentax Optio WG-1 also boasts 14 megapixels and shoots some impressively sharp pictures. The camera also comes with a 5x zoom and 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratio and shoots in a lower resolution. The WG-1 also has an HDMI connection for direct viewing of your HD video on your HDTV. Also included is Digital Microscope mode for macro shooting.

Features

• Geo-tagging function
• Waterproof to 10m
• Shockproof to 1.5m
• Coldproof to -10°C
• Crushproof to 100kg
• 14 megapixel sensor
• 5x wide-angle optical zoom
• HD movie recording
• ISO80 – 6400
• Digital microscope
• Carabiner strap
• 1cm minimum focus distance

This camera is built to take on the rough and tough world and will impress the most adventurous type.

Cycling Photography Tips

Cycling photography can be challenging but with the right tips and know how it also can be fun. We will give few tips in this article to get you started.

Using Your Flash – Use your flash when shooting cyclists. The reason for this is the sun will cast shadows on the face and bodies of the riders. This will fill those shadows with light which in turn will create more dynamic images.

Shutter Speed –Choosing the right shutter speed can have a great affect on your shots. For stop action use a shutter speed that is 1/250 of a second or faster. You might have an automatic setting; usually a sport setting that will take care of this for you.  As cyclists pass follow the riders with your camera. The combination of panning and slow shutter speed keeps the cyclist in focus while blurring the background.

Angles – Shoot high and low, in other words shoot from low points and high points. Get those different images that people aren’t use to seeing.

Practice – These days it’s not near as hard to become good at cycling and sports photography due to the digital camera era. The more time you put in to your photos the better your results will be. You will learn what settings work and what settings don’t.

Thanks for stopping by the 42^nd Street Photo blog and we hope to see you again soon.

Digital Camera Memory Types

Digital Camera Memory Types 0.0 out of 5 based on 1 ratings.

If you own a digital camera or cameras then you probably know about the different types of memory involved. There are multiple types of memory cards and depending on the type of camera you own you need to know which type is right for your model of camera. The most common memory types are CF or compact flash, SD card or secure digital card, memory stick, and XD cards.

The Compact Flash card or CF card is the biggest camera memory cards. This type of card is meant for holding large amounts of data and is usually found in larger cameras. The card itself has over a dozen pin holes that’s connects to the card reader. You can usually find this memory in higher end Canon cameras.

The most common camera memory card is the SD card or Secure Digital card. This memory is great because of its small size and storage. The card itself looks like a rectangle with one of the corners slanted. You can find SD cards in most cameras like Canon, Panasonic, Kodak, Nikon and many others.

The memory stick is solely used by Sony. The Memory Stick also includes the Memory Stick Duo and Pro. They look a lot like SD cards except they are longer in size. You can also find this type of memory not only in Sony camera but in the Sony PSP.

The XD card is another memory card that is only used by one company and that’s Fujifilm. The XD card is about half the size of the SD card. Fujifilm as of lately though has been replacing the XD card slots with SD card slots in their newer cameras. You can still find older camera models that use the XD card.

We hope this helps with any decision you might be making for your next digital camera.

42nd Street Photo Reviews the Samsung NX100

The new Samsung NX100 is one of the best in its class with its big sensor,  mirrorless interchangeable lens, and manual controls. Samsung boasts a 720p HD video, and an APS-C sensor with 14.6MP, all in a compact and lightweight camera. The Samsung NX100 has a brand new feature called iFunction, which enables you to make camera adjustments via a new button on compatible lenses. The iFunction feature lets you set up an extra layer of communication between camera and lens , so you get to use the Samsung NX100 lens’ focusing ring to adjust aperture, exposure compensation, and other key settings. This is a very tough and sturdy camera worth checking out.

Specifications:

Image Sensor: 14.6 million effective pixels.
Metering:  Multi pattern, centre-weighted and spot.
Sensor Size: APS-C-sized CMOS (23.4×15.6mm).
Lens Factor: 1.5x.
Lens: Samsung NX mount.
Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 second, Bulb.
Continuous Shooting: three/ten JPEG shots/second (LCD on/off); three RAW shots/second.
Memory: SD, SDHC cards.
Image Sizes (pixels): 4592×3056 to 1280×1280.
Movies: 1280×720, 640×480, 320×240 at 30 fps.
LCD Screen: 7.6cm LCD (614,000 pixels).
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, JPEG+RAW, MPEG4.
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 100 to 6400.
Interface: USB 2.0, HDMI, AV, DC.
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, DC input.
Dimensions: 120.5x71x34.5mm WHDmm.
Weight: 340 g (inc battery and card).

You can find this great buy at 42^nd Street Photo.

42nd Street Photo Reviews the Panasonic DMC-ZS8

The Panasonic DMC-ZS8 is everything you want in a basic digital camera with megazoom and great photo quality and shooting performance. The ZS8 includes a high resolution 14.1MP CCD sensor, a super zoom 16x ultra wide-angle 24-384mm Leica lens and 1280 x 720 high definition video. This camera is vey compact as well as user friendly. This camera also packs one USB port, a component video output, an SD memory card slot and more. The ZS8 is also capable of burst shooting at a rate of up to 1.9 frames per second at full, 14.1 megapixel resolution. Also included is Intelligent Auto Mode, auto focus, face detection and subject tracking.

Panasonic DMC-ZS8 Hightlights

• 14.1MP CCD Sensor
• Leica 16x 24-384mm (Equiv) Zoom Lens
• 3″ TFT LCD Display 230K-Dot Resolution
• 1280×720 HD Video
• Manual Exposure Mode
• Intelligent Scene Selector Mode
• Easy Upload to Facebook/YouTube
• Advanced Face Recognition Mode
• Image Stabilization
• Intelligent Resolution Function

The Panasonic DMC-ZS8 is great camera for the price. Stop by 42^nd Street Photo and pick it up today.

42nd Street Photo Reviews the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3

The Panasonic GF3 is a highly capable compact interchangeable lens camera with excellent image and video capture capability. The Panasonic GF3 is great camera for beginners that have been using point and shoot cameras and wish to upgrade to a DSLR. The GF3 has a lot to like about it. The GF3 is small really easy to use, capable of producing excellent images and has user friendliness in mind.

The Panasonic GF3 includes a 14-42mm zoom lens.  It also has a fast maximum aperture of f/2.5, making the GF3 perfect for use in low-light conditions and easier to blur the background to help emphasize the main subject. In good light, shutter lag is 0.3 second, 0.6 second in low light. Flash recycling time is 1.6 seconds which is still pretty good and continuous shooting rate is a 3.9fps. The camera also includes a popup flash which is embedded above the lens. The GF3 also captures HD video. You can record up to 1080/60i videos in the AVCHD format.

Items Included:

•  Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. Lens
•  Front and Rear Lens Caps
•  Battery Charger
•  Battery Pack
•  Battery Case
•  Body Cap
•  Hot Shoe Cover
•  Shoulder Strap
•  AV Cable
•  USB Connection Cable
•  Stylus Pen
•  Software CD-ROM

The GF3 is a good choice for a light and compact camera that is versatile and considered a hybrid between DSLR and point and shoot.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i is Top Class

The new Canon EOS Rebel T3i is the newest high end camera that is just above the Rebel T3 and last year’s Rebel T2i. The biggest difference between the Rebel T2i and the Rebel T3i is the new flip-out and rotating LCD display on the T3i. The Canon EOS Rebel T3i still includes the 18.0 MP sensor which was included in the T2i. Trust me when I say the T3i will not disappoint you with the picture quality no matter if shot in low light or with high ISO. The Canon EOS Rebel T3i also carries the DIGIC 4 processor to keep your performance level at top speed when snapping pictures. No matter what the picture quality is high even when shooting at 6400 ISO. This camera also includes full HD video recording and live view shooting.

Other Specifications:

• SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card Slot
• 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
• 3.0″ Clear View Vari-Angle LCD
• 100-6400 ISO
• Full HD Movie Mode w/ Manual Exposure
• Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses
• 3.7 Frames/Second Continuous Shooting
• 63 Zone Dual-Layer Metering / 9-Point AF
• Intelligent Auto Mode

If you are new to photography this camera is not for you. This is for the experienced photographer who is already well versed with Canon products and DSLRs. This camera offers the best options for a camera of its price with outstanding results.

Leatherman Wave is a Great Buy

The Leatherman Wave is one of the most popular tools on the market. The Leatherman Wave comes with over a dozen tools. The Wave also comes in stainless steel or black oxide. The Wave was redesigned in 2004 and was given larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters and all-locking blades. This tool is perfect for any job large or small as well as regular day tasks. The reviews on the Wave have been better than outstanding. Leatherman builds great products right here in the United States since 1983.

Tools Included:

•  420HC Clip Point Knife
• 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard-wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Large Screwdriver
• Large Bit Driver
• Small Bit Driver
• Scissors
• Wood/Metal File
• Diamond-coated File
• Saw
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• 8 in | 19 cm Ruler
• INCLUDED BITS: Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit, Phillips #1-2 and 3/16″ Bit

Be sure and try out the Leatherman Wave today if you are looking for a long lasting and reliable tool.

42nd Street Photo’s Tips for Taking Great Pictures

Ever asked how some people take the most perfect photographs? Would you to like to become a better photographer? We are going to cover a few tips that will help you do just that.

Light – Light is important in every picture. It will affect your photo in every way. For natural light we suggest early morning or late evening. If you have to be out during the day its best to have the sun at your back.

Direct Eye Contact – This can be as important as light when photographing your subject. Try to be ay there level and capture those great smiles. This adds more of a personal feeling in the picture.

Background – Put a background behind the subject that isn’t cluttered. Use something simple that will allow the subject to stand out.

Settings – Understand the settings on your camera. Read through your manual, this will help ion the long run to get those photographs you always wanted.

Flash When Outdoors – This might sound crazy for those of you that have never tried this. Using the flash outdoors will eliminate shadows. This will help the person stand out in your picture.
We hope these few tips get you going in the right direction. Remember don’t be shy about taking picture. Let your digital camera loose and take as many pictures as you can. You start getting it right as you go.

42nd Street Photo’s Poolside Photography Tips

The summer is here and the temperatures are hot. More than likely at some point this summer you will probably find yourself at a poll of your own or with friends. This also provides a great chance to take some great photo with your digital camera. Here are a few tips to try out when poolside and you are snapping shots.

• Understand your digital camera, read your manual, play with the settings
• Batteries and memory cards. Make sure your batteries are new or charged and you have plenty of room on your memory cards
• Keep your camera stores when not using it. Be sure you have a case or a bag to place your camera in when not using it. Keep out of the sun and away from the water
• Beware of the sun, natural light is great but when at the pool try and get the sun behind you. Understand your ISO settings will also help when there is a lot of sun.
• Take a lot of photos, you can’t go wrong here. Not all your photos are going to be perfect so take as many photos as you can.
• Make sure you have stable footing and a good foundation; you don’t want to find yourself and your camera in the pool.

We do hope you have a great summer and take some great photos. Thanks for stopping by.

Digital Cameras and Megapixels – Is More Always Better?

Earlier in the 21^st century as digital cameras were really starting to get popular resolution like megapixels was more important than it is now. Low resolution usually meant smaller prints and not so sharp an image. Things have changed though and a higher megapixel number is not always better.

First let’s discuss what a megapixel actually is. A megapixel is one million pixels and a pixel is a single point or dot on a graphic image. If your camera is 8 megapixels, it means that any pictures it takes on the highest quality setting will consist of 8 million of these pixels. Somewhere around 5 megapixels will give you good quality 8×10 shots. Most people think that a higher pixel rating will give you better pictures and that is not true. The higher megapixel camera merely contains more pixels and a higher resolution in the photos it takes, but it’s not necessarily any sharper than a lower megapixel camera. This is a great theory but actually this creates a terrible photo with more dots. There are many factors that affect the quality of the shot besides the megapixels.

Other factors to consider besides megapixels are sensor size, type of camera, and quality of the camera. Image noise and ISO also will factor into your shots. There is no real advantage to having a 12 megapixel digital camera and the pixels will actually make your photo less attractive when image noise comes into play. The more megapixels you add to a sensor the more densely they are packed together which will result in image noise and unclear shots. Once you get past 7 or 8 pixels in a point and shoot camera most sensors are struggling to keep up.

The best cameras all use larger sensors but in turn they are much more expensive and fall in the category of DSLR. These larger sensors produce less image noise which results in a much clearer shot. These cameras also usually have a higher ISO setting which also contributes to a better photo. When are out looking at point and shoot cameras keep these facts in mind, compare sensor sizes to the megapixel rating. In the end you could be saving yourself quite a bit of money.

Great Deals on Leatherman Tools at 42nd Street Photo

If you are looking for Leatherman Tools in New York City then you need to stop in at our store location of 42^nd Street Photo or check out the stock of our Leatherman Tools online. If you have never heard of Leatherman Tools then let tell you about them as I think you will be very impressed. This tool is like having a small toolbox that fits in the palm of your hand and they are made to endure anything.  Leatherman also makes very durable hunting knives and pocket knives. Check out some of the items below.

Leatherman Core Stainless Finish With Leather Sheath – The Core is great tool for the toughest jobs. This single tool has over a dozen tools like needle nose pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, wire stripper and much more. The handles are rounded perfectly to give you a firm grip when working.

Leatherman Kick with Leather Sheath – This a great and efficient tool with a lot of engineering put in to it.  The Kick has the same strong pliers as the other Leatherman just a bit narrower and light weight.  The Kick comes with over a dozen tools as well.

Leatherman Klamath Folding Blade Hunting Knife – The knife is well made and holds the edge very well. When opened it locks securely with a strong lock back mechanism. A sheath is also included and includes a diamond sharpener in the handle.

Leatherman Expanse ( E33B) Knife with Drop-Point – This is a smaller knife than the hunting knife and is made from 154CM stainless steel. This in turn allows the blade to last longer. It also includes a bit driver with bit storage in the handle for added screwdriver functions. It also features a  bottle opener and carabiner clip to hook to a belt loop or on a backpack.

These are just some of the Leatherman tools you can find at 42^nd Street Photo so stop by and check out our great selection.

Photography Terms You Should Be Familiar With

Today we are going to cover a few photography term you should be familiar with it comes to your camera or talking to other photographers.  Photography has its own language basically and you can get lost quick. Here are some terms we think will help.

Aperture – A small, circular opening inside the lens that can change in diameter to control the amount of light reaching the camera’s sensor as a picture is taken. The aperture diameter is expressed in f-stops; the lower the number, the larger the aperture. Aperture affects depth of field, the smaller the aperture, the greater is the zone of sharpness, the bigger the aperture, the zone of sharpness is reduced.

Aperture Ring – A ring, located on the outside of the lens usually behind the focusing ring, which is linked mechanically to the diaphragm to control the size of the aperture; it is engraved with a set of numbers called f-numbers or f- stops.

Camera Shake – Movement of camera caused by unsteady hold or support, vibration, etc., leading, particularly at slower shutter speeds, to a blurred image on the film. It is a major cause of un-sharp pictures, especially with long focus lenses.

Contrast – The difference between the darkest and lightest areas in a photo. The greater the difference, the higher the contrast.

Depth of Field – Depth of Field (or DOF) is decided by the given lens opening (aperture) or f/stop. A small aperture (large f/number: f/16, f/22, etc.) will give a large depth of field; the image will be sharp/in focus from the foreground to infinity. A large aperture (small f/number: f/1.8, f/2.8, etc.) will give a shallow depth of field.

ISO – International Standards Organization; the number represents the film’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO number indicates the film is more sensitive and requires less light for a proper exposure.

RAW – The RAW image format is the data as it comes directly off the CCD, with no in-camera processing is performed.

Shutter speed – The camera’s shutter speed is a measurement of how long its shutter remains open as the picture is taken. The slower the shutter speed, the longer the exposure time. When the shutter speed is set to 1/125 or simply 125, this means that the shutter will be open for exactly 1/125th of one second.

White balance – A function on the camera to compensate for different colors of light being emitted by different light sources.

These are just a few of the most often used terms we hear when speaking to other photographers. There are many more term that can be used but this should get you going in the right direction.

Waterfall Photography Tips

So you are going on vacation this summer and waterfalls are in the mix. You probably want to shoot some great pictures of these waterfalls to show off to your friends right? We are going to provide you with a few simple but useful tips to get those photos that you want.

Use A Slow Shutter Speed

Use a slow shutter speed for shooting waterfall photos. The slower shutter speed settings will make the waterfalls look professionally shot. You also have to compensate slow shutter speed by selecting small aperture and in turn you will also get a greater depth of field.

Use A Tripod

Not an article goes by that I don’t mention a tripod. When shooting at slow shutter speeds the camera has to be very steady. The goal is to blur the movement of the water while everything else remains in sharp focus. You will get a picture where everything is blurred because of the camera shake if you are not carrying a tripod.

Use Filters

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is great to have for waterfall photography. This comes in especially handy when the scene is very bright. It darkens the image and reduces the amount of light from entering the camera without altering the color or tone of the light, thus decreasing the shutter speeds to accommodate the reduction of light.

Weather

As with most photography early, evening, and overcast days are best for shooting. These days are ideal for waterfall photography. Do not shoot waterfalls during mid-day or when the sun is at full capacity. Bright light will create high contrast and this will overexposure white water and underexposure dark shadows.

Practice

This comes with the territory. Every scene is different resulting in changing of our camera settings so practice. Take more than a few pictures, take a lot of pictures. With enough time your friends will think you pulled that photo from National Geographic.

42nd Street Photo Reviews Olympus SP-800UZ Digital Camera

When the Olympus SP-800UZ was released it was one of only two digital cameras to have a 30x zoom leans. The lens covers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 28-840mm. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 to f/5.6 across the zoom range. Shutter speeds range from 1/2,000 to four seconds. Seven white balance settings are provided, including automatic and six presets. The Olympus SP800UZ stores images in JPEG format, and is also able to record movies at high-definition 720p resolution or below, using MPEG-4 compression. The camera also includes a 14-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch wide-screen LCD monitor, 720p HD movie recording capability, mechanical image stabilization, high-speed continuous shooting at various speeds and resolution settings, and 2GB of internal storage plus SD card compatibility. The camera allows you to create stylized looks for your photos with Creative Art Filters, and use the Panorama mode to create one large image.

The Olympus SP-800UZ is designed for the digicam owner who wants to move up to a 30x zoom with Super Macro. With a feature set that matches up against the likes of the Nikon P100 and Fuji HS10, the Olympus SP-800UZ has some serious competition in the superzoom department.It’s very light weight camera consuidering such a long lens.

Items Included

Olympus SP-800UZ digital camera
LI-50B Lithium-ion battery
USB-AC adapter
USB cable
A/V cable
Camera strap
Lens cap and cord
Quick Start Guide
Instruction manual and ib software on internal memory
Warranty card

This is great camera for the size and price and especially for those photographers who want some great closeups.

Lightning Photography Tips

Trying to shoot lightning can be difficult for photographers, but this article will provide some tips to help you be more successful at capturing great lightning photos. There can be quite a bit a risk involved as lightning is very unpredictable. You are usually out in the open with a tripod, power lines, metal fences and other things that will attract lightning. First and foremost be careful but have fun.

Weather

Be sure you know and understand the weather conditions. You don’t want to attempt to photograph lightning in the rain but rather as the storm is in the distance or as it approaches. Unless you love being zapped use all precautions necessary. If you can take your shots from indoors then do it, but if you are an adventurer and want some really good shots then outdoors is the way to go.

Equipment

Camera – but of course right, how else will get those great shots. You should be able to set aperture separately

Tripod – Without a doubt you will need a tripod, a heavy one would be the way to go.

Cable Shutter Release – To trip the shutter remotely.

Exposure and Settings

Set your camera to the lowest ISO speed and shoot RAW. Keep the aperture f/5.6 – f/8 while taking lightning photos. Exposure time all depends on light conditions. When shooting at night, calculate long exposures for you to know the right exposure. When capturing lightning photos during daytime, you can use your camera’s light meter to know the correct exposure. Your lens should also be set on manual focus and focus for infinity because lightning will most likely hit somewhere very far away from your lens.

The simplest form of lightning photography is done well after sunset, with a dark sky. You find a part of the sky where lightning is happening, aim your camera that way, focus on infinity, set the f-stop, open the shutter with or without)the cable release, this is your choice and then close the shutter after lightning happens. When the sky is dark, there is no limit to how long you can wait with the shutter open.

These are only a few tips for photographing lightning to consider. Experiment with your shots and don’t give up if its not perfect the first few times. You will eventually get it right.

Canon Powershot SX210 Review

This is a great Canon camera that has a long zoom in a small frame. The 14-megapixel PowerShot SX210 is just that type of camera from Canon. The photo quality is above average to excellent for a camera this size. The amount of noise this camera produces is low which makes this a great camera for beginners. Canon’s PowerShot SX210 captures still images in a choice of 12 JPEG file sizes (including 2 @ 16:9) as well as HD 720p(1280×720) video clips (with stereo sound) up to 60 minutes (or 4GB per clip) as well as 640×480 @ 30 fps and 320×240 @ 30 fps for lower-resolution applications. And when shooting hand-held, walkabout video, the SX210 takes advantage of Canon’s Dynamic mode to dampen the bumps along the way. The SX210 is also available in black, purple and gold versions.

Compact cameras like these start giving softer images when you go beyond ISO 200 and so did this Canon. The photos will get much softer when you go beyond ISO 400 but still 8×10 inch prints look great on this camera. For hassle-free shooting, Canon’s Smart AUTO mode automatically analyzes the scene and sets the best exposure based on 22 predefined shooting situations. For shooting under low lighting conditions, the ISO sensitivity of the PowerShot SX210 IS can be dialed up to 1600, and when shooting in Low Light mode, expanded as high as an equivalent of ISO 6400.

The cameras controls aren’t really made for big hands. Canon makes the flash pop up every time you start the camera but you can push it down and it will stay down. With the flash up, the camera is very awkward to hold because you don’t really have anywhere to put your fingers.  This is really the only issue I have found with this camera. Overall this camera ia great camera for the cost.

Items included with this camera:

Lithium-ion Battery Pack NB-5L

Battery Charger CB-2LX

Wrist Strap WS-DC9

Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM

USB Interface Cable IFC-400PCU

AV Cable AVC-DC400

Explaining Aperture In Photography

When you purchase your digital camera if you are like me you pick up the manual and start thumbing through it. You might also come across somewhere in that manual that talks about ‘aperture’. If you are new to photography you might actually ask what aperture is in relationship to your camera. We are going to explain aperture in this article for you and hope it give you a better understanding.

The main function of a camera lens is to collect light. The size of the diaphragm opening in a camera lens allows light to pass through onto the film inside the camera the moment when the shutter curtain in camera opens during an exposure process. The larger the diameter of the aperture, then more light reaches the image sensor. Aperture is expressed as f-numbers or f-stops. Those numbers you see on the lens like f22 or f/22 or f/8.0 and f/5.6. The smaller the F-stop number, the larger the lens opening on your camera.  A “fast” lens is one that has a large maximum aperture like F2.4 or F2.0.

A good aperture range is my opinion is somewhere between F1.8 and F16. A larger aperture range will give you more latitude with the kinds of pictures you can shoot. The larger the aperture the better your camera will perform in low light situations and will help negate camera shake. A larger aperture also allows you to use a fast shutter speed for freeze action. Another advantage of a large maximum aperture is to provide a shallow depth of field. This allows the background to blur nicely thus isolating your subject.  A smaller aperture also has its good qualities by using a slow shutter speed which can help show objects in motion.  Another advantage of a small minimum aperture is to increase the depth-of-field. An increased depth-of-field allows you to take landscape pictures where as much of the picture in the foreground and reaching all the way to the background.

We hope this short article on aperture for digital cameras has helped give you a better understanding.

42nd Street Photo Reviews The Casio EX-FH20

The Casio EX-FH20 is the next in line to the FX1, released in early 2008. It’s smaller, lighter, and less expensive as a 9 megapixel camera. The FH20 still offers awesome velocity at 40 frames per second continuous shooting and 1000 fps high speed movie mode. The 9.1 megapixel, CMOS-sensor equipped EX-FH20 meets or exceeds the definition of an ultrazoom camera. The Casio EX-FH20 has a simplified user interface, a significantly lower price tag, a smaller and lighter overall package. The FH20 has the same smaller 1/2.3-inch 9.1-megapixel CMOS as the FC100. It also has a completely different lens. Casio has built memory into the EX-FH20, instead of bundling a memory card. There’s just under 32MB of onboard memory on the FH20, so you will probably want to purchase a larger memory card right away. The EX-FH20 uses four AA batteries for power. They also include a lens cap and retaining strap to protect your lens from harm. It fits tightly which is a good thing.

What else is included?

• The 9.1 Megapixel Exilim EX-FH20 digital camera

• Four AA alkaline batteries

• Lens cap w/retaining strap

• Shoulder strap

• USB cable

• A/V cable

• CD-ROM featuring YouTube Uploader, Adobe Reader, and camera manual

• 33 page Basic Reference Manual + full manual (on CD-ROM)

This camera is by far and away the most affordable high-speed consumer camera around.

42nd Street Photo Reviews the Sea & Sea DX-1200HD 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera

The Sea & Sea DX-1200HD 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera is a high efficiency camera with high resolution capabilities and a wide variety of technical features. The new camera & housing have been completely revised and the housing has been designed so even beginners can enjoy taking pictures easily. With the durable plastic waterproof casing, there is no worry that water or sand will get in vital crevices.

The Sea & Sea DX-1200HD Underwater Digital Camera has a 3 inch LCD monitor, which is the largest monitor of its class for compact digital cameras. This screen allows you to view your pictures down to the smallest detail. The LCD monitor hood and inner hood allows improved water visibility and you can also take pictures while on the move. This underwater digital camera is very lightweight and compact allowing for easy travel and concealment.

The Sea & Sea DX-1200HD is an overall awesome camera that comes with all the extras you need when diving or on vacation.

Specs:

• High definition CCD 1/1.72-inch primary color CCD with 12.19 effective megapixels (maximum number of recording pixels 12.43 megapixels) and 3x optical zoom lens (35 to102 mm).

• Features SEA&SEA mode, a still image mode for optimal underwater photography.

• Several White Balance settings available (Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten, Sunset, Custom) to suit any particular scene.

• Exposure compensation function (±2EV in 0.5EV steps).

• ISO speed can be set up to ISO 3200.

• Movie function up to 1280×720 pixels (HD Video) at 30 frames/second (30 fps).

• 16MB built-in memory. Can record on SD / MMC / SDHC memory cards (up to 8GB).

• Specially designed lithium-ion battery and battery charger included.

• When you turn the retractable cable socket lever, the fiber-optic cable socket slides and is aligned with position of the built-in flash and fixed.

• Flash Light Diffuser function: Effective diffuser that softly diffuses the light of the built-in flash.

• Strong and durable build, with a depth rating of up to 45m / 150ft.

42nd Street Photo Reviews The Leatherman Core

If you are looking for an ultimate tool to do your toughest jobs – buy the Leatherman Core. An updated version of the Super Tool 200. The Leatherman Core combines 19 individually rotating tools into one 4.5-inch multi-tool. The Core has our most powerful pliers, longer blades, and easy-to-use locks. Core is the first Leatherman to feature Hollow-Ground Screwdrivers in the standard sizes professionals use. This multi-tool has it all.

Specifications

• 420HC Clip Point Knife with Straight Edge
• 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Hard-wire cutters
• Stranded-wire cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Electrical Crimper
• 5/16″ Screwdriver
• 7/32″ Screwdriver
• 1/8″ Screwdriver
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Wood/Metal File
• Saw
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• 9 in | 22 cm
• Awl with Thread Loop

Features:

• Stainless Steel Handles
• Stainless Steel Body
• Black Oxide Version Available
• All Locking Blades and Tools
• Comfort-sculpted Handles
• Leather or Nylon Sheath
• 25-year Warranty

Measurements:

• 4.5 in | 11.5 cm (closed)
• 10.8 oz | 307 g
• 3.2 in | 8.13 cm (blade length)

This is one of the handiest tools I’ve ever used for both work & the outdoors. It has more useful functions than most other type tools.The Leatherman Core is great tool for any job big or small.

42nd Street Photo Tips – Choosing The Best Memory Card For Your Camera

We have covered a lot of ground as far as photography tips and camera reviews. Today we are going to talk memory cards for your camera and how to choose the right one. Most digital cameras seem to have one thing in common and that is small internal memory capacity. On the bright side all digital cameras have a card slot that can accept different camera memory cards depending on the manufacturer and model. Purchasing the right video card will allow you to get the most out of your camera. Here are a few tips to help in choosing the best memory card for your camera.

Know Your Memory Card Type For Your Camera

Understand your camera and memory card that is compatiable with it. Look to your camera’s manual to find out what memory cards your camera supports so that you know what to get when you purchase online or at your local store.

Don’t Buy Cheap Memory Cards

Have you heard the phrase ‘You get what you’ pay for?’ This is true with memory cards as well. Cheap or less known memory cards tend to have lower quality and not so great performance. Name brands like Ridata, Sandisk, Kingston, and Transcend are your best bets. Last, be sure and buy from a reputable seller, preferably a camera store. Fake copies of memory cards can be made so be safe when purchasing memory cards.

Purchase Fast Memory Cards

Data transfer speeds of memory cards are important when it comes to performance, you want the highest data transfer speeds you can get. The faster the transfer, the faster you write and read data. This is important when you usually do continuous shots or shoot video. Faster cards are usually more expensive, but if you are shooting action or sports and use a rapid frame rate frequently, then you want the fastest card, and camera, that you can afford. If you take your time to compose each shot then speed may not be as important.

What’s The Best Size For Your Memory Card?

Camera memory cards come in several different sizes ranging to the small 512 MB sizes to 8 GB and beyond. The higher the storage capacity, the more photographs you can shoot and keep on the memory card. Camera memory cards are becoming more affordable as the maximum capacity goes up so don’t go cheap as I mentioned earlier. Be sure to consider your camera’s maximum megapixel count and then take a good estimate on how many shots you wish to take per session. If you own a 5.3 megapixel camera, each JPEG shot will be around 1.5 MB each on the highest quality or 8 MB using the RAW format. That means around 680 shots can fit in a 1 GB card or 126 RAW shots. Also keep in mind though that larger capacity is not always good. If the card becomes corrupted you can lose a large amount of data, Be sure to weigh all your options.

There are many thing to consider when purchasing a memory card but the above tips is a good start.

42nd Street Photo Reviews Surefire Kroma LED Flashlight K2-BK-BL/RD

The SureFire Kroma LED Flashlight is a palm-sized high-intensity, selectable-output, multi-spectrum LED flashlight for tactical, self-defense, recreational, and general use. The Kroma provides two output levels of white light: a long-running low beam and a brilliant tactical-level high beam with over three times the light of a larger two D-cell flashlight. Red and blue secondary LEDs also feature two output levels suitable for operations requiring minimal light; for preserving night vision while navigating, tracking, map reading, or other close work; or for negotiating outdoor terrain without disturbing wildlife. A rotating selector ring allows for no-look control—just twist to change beam color or output level.

SureFire flashlights are known around the world as the lighting system for any and every tactical scenario. In 1969, their original product line consisted of laser sighting systems for firearms. After many years of intense research and development, the SureFire Weapon Light was born and low light law enforcement & military operations changed forever. SureFire then went on to establish themselves as the leading manufacturer of rugged, powerful and compact illumination tools for tactical applications; from weapon-mounted lights and laser sights, shield lights, baton lights & hand-held lights powerful and bright enough to qualify as force-multiplier tools that could temporarily blind, unbalance, and disorient a threat.

Other Features

• Selectable, dual-output white primary beam and dual-output secondary beams of blue and red

• Electronically controlled LED light source has no filament to burn out or break, lasts for thousands of hours

• Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens produces tightly focused central beam

• Rugged aerospace-grade aluminum body, Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized in black

• O-ring sealed, weatherproof

• Tempered Pyrex® window

• Heavy-duty pocket clip

• Tailcap switch: press for momentary-on low beams, press further for momentary-on high white beam; twist for constant-on low or high beams

• Switch lockout prevents accidental activation during transport or storage
• Output/Runtimes:

White high: 50 lumens / 1.5 hrs
White low: 1.4 lumens / 20 hrs
Blue high: 3.4 lumens / 8 hrs
Blue low: .48 lumens / 80 hrs
Red high: 6.3 lumens / 8 hrs
Red low: .52 lumens / 80 hrs

• Batteries included

This is great flashlight that’s durable and reliable for everyday use.

42nd Street Photo Reviews The Canon EOS Rebel Digital T2i

The Canon Rebel T2i is an 18MP DSLR that follows up the popular Canon Rebel T1i. The Canon EOS Rebel T2i incorporates a number of advanced pro-DSLR features in a compact and very affordable camera body. The Rebel T2i handles much like the Rebel T1i; however, the Rebel T2i has a number of subtle changes like new button designs and a new 3:2 format LCD. This is the first Canon DSLR with a display that is actually the same shape of the sensor. The EOS Rebel T2i can also capture full 1080p HD video with monaural sound, or stereo sound when using (optional) 3.5mm external microphones.

In addition to the camera’s bright eye-level optical reflex viewfinder, the Rebel T2i also features Advanced Live View (with a dedicated Live view/Movie button) for composing and editing your stills and video using the T2i’s 3.0″ Clear View LCD, which contains a whopping 1.04 million dots of resolving power.

The buttons on the rear of the camera are flatter than they were on the T1i and are easier to use, which almost gives the camera controls on the rear a point and shoot feel.  The Q button on the rear brings up the quick settings display and is very easy and intuitive to navigate using the 4-way controls on the rear panel.

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i records imagery onto a choice of SD memory card, SDHC memory card, or SDXC Memory Cards and powers off an LP-E8 lithium-ion battery, which is good for up to 550 still exposures or 1 hour and 40 minutes of video recording. The EOS Rebel T2i is compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S optics. For CAEDRT2IK only – The Canon Rebel T2i kit comes with an image stabilized Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS zoom lens, which has an equivalent focal range of a 28.8 – 88mm lens on a full-frame (24x36mm) 35mm camera.

New Features

• 18MP CMOS sensor with a 4-channel readout (the 7D has an 8-channel readout)

• ISO 100-6400 (up to 12,800 with boost)

• DIGIC 4 Processor

• 3.7 fps continuous shooting speed (34 high-quality JPEGs, 6 RAW)

• 9-point auto focus system

• 63 zone dual layer metering

• 1080p HD video at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second (fps)

• 720p HD video at 50 and 60 fps, VGA at 50 and 60 fps

• manual exposure option in video mode

• external stereo mic input

• new movie crop mode

• new LCD with 3:2 aspect ratio and 1.04 million dot resolution

• Quick control button

• SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (adding compatibility with SDXC cards)

• size/weight: 5.1×3.1×3.0 inches (close to the T1i) weight 18.7 oz

• Typical battery capacity – 550 shots without flash (430 shots with 50% flash)

The Canon EOS Rebel Digital T2i makes a great impression.