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Showing posts with label Cameras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cameras. Show all posts

Owning Multiple Cameras – Part 2

…different cameras for different uses

By Marc B

Owning Multiple Cameras – Part 1 explored street photography and special occasion photography. Below are some suggestions of camera types that are suitable for specific situations. Remember, any camera is better than no camera at all!

Landscape Photography
Landscape photography is all about wide open spaces, detail, sharpness and rugged equipment. You can use a few different cameras for this type of photography.  The only essential would be a camera that can use filters as landscape photographers have a need for a few different types of filters (
ND, ND Grads, circular polarisers etc.).  A Compact System Camera (CSC) is ideal for this as they are light, some are weather resistant and have some high quality lenses that can take a filter.  Another advantage of a CSC is that they are compact enough to go in a backpack if you are hiking, but good enough quality to get awesome results.  The lens selection is great and there are plenty of cameras to choose from.

Everyday Photography

There are times when the phone camera just doesn’t cut it (indoors, low light, if you need to zoom) and you need a camera that can far outdo the results from what your phone can do but you don’t want to lug around a big DSLR.  For this there is a range of small but high quality cameras available with built in Wi-Fi so you can still share those moments instantly.  But now you can do it with awesome quality.  Some cameras that fit this category are the Canon S120, the latest in a long line of ‘S’ series cameras that are known for their low light performance, the new Fujifilm XQ1 which is the smallest Fuji camera yet to feature their very well respected X-Trans sensor and it also features no low pass filter for extra sharpness.  Other cameras are the Sony RX100 II which is very small but with a larger sensor size than most other compacts for exceptional image quality.  All of these cameras feature Wi-Fi and all have apps available to stream your images to your smart device for uploading to your social networking site of choice.  The main difference being that your photos will be of a much higher quality than your friends’ photos.

Travel Photography

Travel photography encompasses such a wide range of photography styles (architecture, portrait, landscape, street and general photography) that it is impossible to find one camera to do it all.  The best option here is to take two cameras (this article assumes photography will be a major interest when you go on holidays), one of them should be your DSLR or CSC with appropriate lenses, and the other should be a good compact super-zoom camera.
The DSLR is the go-to camera that you use for the majority of the trip, these photos are unrepeatable events and you should use your best gear to capture them.
The compact is your back-up camera and is the camera to take with you if you find yourself going to events that do not allow (or you simply don’t want to take) a DSLR.  The compact should have a big zoom for those times when you need to get in close and Wi-Fi for transferring to your smart device to share the moment with friends and family.  Some good options here are the Panasonic TZ40 with a 20X optical zoom, Wi-Fi and NFC.  This comes from a long line of very successful travel zoom cameras from Panasonic.  The Olympus SH-50 also features a slightly bigger 24X zoom lens with an advanced 5 axis image stabilisation feature when using video to really steady those hands.  It also uses a 16 MP BSI CMOS sensor for great low light ability.  Nikon also has the popular S9500 travel zoom which features a 22X zoom, 18MP sensor, Wi-Fi, GPS for tracking where you took the photo and full HD video recording.
These are just a few options of cameras available for these photographic styles, there are plenty more in-store so come on in, call us or check out our website to see what else we have on offer!

Six Reasons to Upgrade to a DSLR

Compact digital cameras are pretty impressive these days and everyone needs a small and lightweight camera to take on outings, to family events, concerts and for everyday photography. Compact cameras do have their limitations though and there will be times when you want more control over your creativity or just a little more power.
For these situations a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera may just be the thing to take your photography above and beyond. Here are some reasons why you should upgrade to a DSLR camera.
 
                
1.         Low Light Performance

DSLRs have a much larger sensor than the majority of compact cameras. The bigger sensors have better light sensitivity and are less prone to noise (digital graininess or colour spots) and therefore create better images in low light. The advanced sensor technology and reduction in noise allow for usable images at much higher ISOs (higher light sensitivity).  Paired with a lens that lets in more light (low aperture), you will be amazed by some of the low light situations that you can shoot in.

2.         Interchangeable Lenses

With a DSLR comes versatility. Because the lenses are interchangeable, the one camera can be used in multiple shooting situations. A wide angle lens has a larger angle of view and can be good for landscapes whilst a telephoto zoom may be your go-to lens for portraiture. With a variety of lenses, one camera can shoot in many different situations with a myriad of effects.

3.         Better Portraits

DSLRs can give better results for portraiture for a number of reasons; their larger sensors provide a more shallow depth of field, blurring the background and separating your subject from the background. This is what creates that pop or the more 3-dimensional effect. There are a series of lenses available that are considered to be ‘portrait lenses’. These lenses generally range between 85mm and 135mm, although there are no hard and fast rules. The lenses in this style can be more flattering as that viewpoint will compress or flatten the features of the face somewhat in comparison to a wide lens that will distort the features.

4.         Speed

Whilst there are exceptions to this in the world of compact cameras, the majority of DSLRs are faster than compact cameras. The overall layout on a DSLR is geared to quick operation with the most used functions being easily accessible at your fingertips. The assortment of dials and buttons fit in with the ergonomic design of the DSLR for quick and easy manual control.

DSLR Lenses use a faster method of focus that can track moving subjects accurately. Combine this with a fast frame rate (quick successive shots) and the DSLR is the obvious choice for sports or actions shooters.
 
As you climb higher up the DSLR ladder you will see higher speeds and designs more suited to the speed conscious shooter.

5.         Control

Even with all of today’s bells and whistles, cameras are still built on a few main functions; aperture, shutter speed, focus and ISO. In essence it is the combination of these that will determine how your photographs will look.  Recent camera advancements make it possible to never have to consider any manual settings at all but manual modes are where the fun lies.

Although daunting initially, being able to creatively control your camera opens a world of shooting possibilities and improves your photography. The beauty of digital is that you can experiment and learn on the fly, reviewing images as you shoot them and seeing what works and what does not.

6.         Large Range of Accessories

Flash units, filters, remotes, bags, cases, cables, microphones, software and more. DSLRs have the largest number of cool accessories by far and these can be used to control the camera, enhance the images as you take them, or in post-production. The possibilities are unlimited and once you get a DSLR you will be on the lookout for the next interesting accessory to boost your kit.
While a DSLR is not essential for good photography it can allow you to get a step closer to achieving your artistic vision. A good DSLR camera will enable you to take control. 
If the idea of a larger camera is off-putting but you still want some extra control and interchangeable lenses, check out the more compact CSC cameras. These cameras, while not quite at the level of a DSLR, are advancing at a fast rate and offer many of the advantages above.  There are shooters out there getting some amazing results with high end compacts, rangefinder styled cameras and CSC cameras. In the end it comes down to personal preference and your requirements; as the saying goes – ‘the best camera is the one that's with you’.
You may find that your photography demands a variety of different cameras for different situation but the DSLR is still the most versatile option for innovative images.
What are your thoughts? Has using a DSLR enhanced your photography? Are you a compact camera boffin? Is CSC your camera of choice? Let us know in the comments below.

Retail Position Vacant

The New Year carries with it new opportunities, and it just so happens that today we have a fresh vacancy in our company! We are in search of a full-time customer service/sales 'star' who enjoys cameras and photography/videography to be part of our incredible Canterbury team.

Our workplace culture is uniquely fun and productive as we are bound by a common passion of photography/videography and without any workplace politics. We love teamwork and strive to deliver a friendly and safe environment for our employees as well as customers.

If this sounds like your ideal workplace to grow and further hone your skills in the photographic industry, please take a look at the full job description here and forward your CV to: careers@digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au

We look forward to hearing from you!

Event/Party Photography Tips Just in Time for the Holidays


If your event and party photography is a little lacklustre or you just don’t seem to capture the magic in the moment, you might need to take a different approach. These tips will help put you in the right direction for your next family event, party or function:

     1. Plan, Plan, Plan. You might think the average event is planned enough without you thinking about it, but if you have been to a few Engagement Parties, Weddings or even a child’s birthday party you know it doesn’t always go off according to schedule and you will need to be prepared to be flexible at these times.

If you can look over a program of the day this will give you somewhat of a head start. You will be able to plan the gear you need to take – be mindful of your kit if you’re using a DSLR and think about how long and how far you will be walking with it all. It might be a good idea to visit the location/s ahead of time and if you feel so inclined, planning shots while there could come in handy.  If you can’t do these things, talk to the organisers. Small steps in preparation can at least ease some of the stress during the event.

 
     2.Try To Tell a Story. Most photographers aim to tell some sort of story of course, but with an event you usually have a distinct beginning, middle and end. Break the camera out early and try to capture establishing shots to give the viewer an experience of the whole party, not just the ceremonial aspects.


What kind of day/night was it? Who was there? Was it casual, formal? Show the room empty, filled up and even the aftermath of the event if you can stick around.

     3. Capture the Emotion. Search the crowd for those moments of elation, nostalgia, even the tears of a little kid who has dropped their ice cream cone. Tight close-ups work very well for single displays of emotion, and think about angles and going wider if you have a group to get in shot – think of a wedding bouquet toss or Christening shot.
 
     4. Don’t Be Afraid of Variety. Think about your positioning and without going too crazy and standing on your head, try high and lower angles, try photographing different shapes and alternating the zoom in and out. Do you have time for macro? Try this with table arrangements, small knick-knacks, even the snacks on offer and you might find some magic.

     5. Try To Relax and Be Candid. If you’re on edge and approaching people for posing in photos, this will rub off. If you are speaking to people be calm and try to make them feel at ease. Sometimes the best results come from just snapping away at the action as it unfolds, so take a deep breath and go with the flow.

Hot AIPP offer for Canon EOS 1DX customers

Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera - Body OnlyIf you're a professional photographer in Australia, you would know reliable gear is everything. Canon's latest 1-series, the EOS 1DX, exceeds the expectations of professionals in the field and has quickly become an industry workhorse.

If you're looking to step up to this mighty beast in the near future, now is the time so you can take advantage of this AIPP membership offer in conjunction with Canon.


For the whole of December, if you join the AIPP or renew your membership as accredited member Canon will pay your full annual AIPP membership fee. Thats a direct saving of $466!

To take advantage of this offer simply go along to an authorised reseller (like us here at Digital Camera Warehouse!) purchase a Canon EOS 1Dx, and email a copy of your purchase receipt to admin@aipp.com.au. They will do the rest. Offer ends on December 31st, so be quick!

For more details, click here.


Trade in ANY Camera for a Discount on the Nikon D600/D800!


Digital Camera Warehouse in conjunction with Nikon Australia are giving you a fantastic opportunity to own one of their ever-impressive full frame DSLR models at a great price.

Simply trade in ANY camera (yep, that's right, even your old battered compact!) and we will give you $150.00 off the Nikon D600, or $300.00 off the Nikon D800/e! It couldn't be any easier to own one of these impressive cameras at a stellar price with full Australian warranty. 

With the large man in the red suit not far away, this could be the gift of the century for yourself or the enthusiast photographer in your life. 

Get Cash Back from Canon!

We've got a lot happening in terms of Christmas promotion at the moment, and that includes a veritable platter of offers on selected Canon gear.

Not only are there bonus cases, memory cards, straps and other useful accessories on most Canon DSLRs, Compacts and Video Cameras, but there's also the opportunity to get cash back when you upgrade to the latest whizz-bang tech Canon has produced.

Simply purchase a Canon EOS 650D, Canon EOS 5D Mark III Premium Kit, Canon EOS 6D Premium Kit or Canon PIXMA PRO-1 printer between November 5 2012 and January 31 2013 and you could be eligible for up to $300 cash back via redemption from Canon! Upgrade to the latest in digital imaging technology today and save a motza.

Already bought one of the above from us? Click the banner to redeem direct from Canon:



New Contour ROAM2 and Contour SD Card Information

The action cam market continues to expand with the latest offering from the propellerheads at Contour, the Contour ROAM2! 

With significant upgrades over the original ROAM, the ROAM2 boasts a locking "instant-on" switch making it the most simplistic action cam out there, perfect for concentrating on the task while still capturing amazing video. Capable of shooting 60fps at 720p, it lends itself well to fast-paced action and delivers a consistently smooth result.

The ROAM 2 is waterproof without the need for a case, making it one of the most slimline and versatile tools available. The built-in laser level ensures you always have the correct angle, while the long battery life keeps you conquering earth, sea and sky longer than ever before.

It comes in stylish black as well as red and blue, a first for the Contour series. Priced to compete with the big guns, it is set to grab its market share and run with it so don't get left behind.



IMPORTANT SD CARD INFORMATION:

Some users have reported problems with some MicroSD cards in Contour devices. Refer to this information as it may just help you out:





ContourROAM2
You can use any* microSDHC card up to 32GB in size between Class 2 and Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for this model of camera.

ContourGPS, Contour+, ContourROAM, and Contour+2
You can use any* microSD or microSDHC card up to 32GB in size and up to Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for each of these models of camera.

ContourHD 1080p
You can use up to a 32GB card in your ContourHD 1080p.  When that camera  was first introduced, 32GB cards were not widely available and that is why the printed manual in the box references 16GB cards.  Since then the microSD card market has expanded and so your camera can use a 32GB card.

However, because the camera was not designed to use a card of that size, the memory card light will alway indicate that the card is full by showing a red light anytime you check the card status.  This is true even when the card is not full.  Other than that, it will function normally.

ContourHD 720p
You can use up to a 16GB card in your ContourHD 720p.

*SanDisk Ultra cards are only compatible with Contour cameras using the latest firmware.

*SHDC-1 microSD cards are not currently compatible with any of the Contour cameras.

Facebook Photo Comp - Win a Canon EOS M Twin Kit!


Do you want to win a Canon EOS M Twin Kit? Of course you do!

Lucky for you, we are giving one away to the winner of our latest Facebook photo competition! The theme is 'Miniature Masterpieces' - perfectly suited to the Canon EOS M if we do say so ourselves. 

Head on over to our Facebook contests app to submit your entry and go in the running for this fantastic prize valued at $1059.00. The full brief and terms and conditions are located there for your viewing pleasure.

Don't have Facebook? Enter via the WildFire contest widget here, and if it still isn't working email us directly. We want everyone to have a chance to win, so hop on Facebook or any of the other ways and share the love! 

Grab a Nikon Bonus Just in Time for Christmas!




We love giving you more bang for your buck, and just in time for the holiday season we're giving away fantastic bonuses on selected items right across the Nikon range. 

Everything from bonus genuine Nikon cases or Lowepro bags with selected compacts, Nikon shoulder cases and straps with selected DSLRs and CSC models to free HOYA filters with selected Nikkor lenses - there's truly something for everyone and useful items to be had as our gift to you.

Spoil someone with a hot Nikon product during our Nikon I AM XMAS promotion! Hurry - offers are while stocks last. 

Make Living Pictures with Lytro!

It seems the photographic industry is hell-bent on providing innovation after innovation with some of the most exciting developments coming out in recent months, leading us to believe we're in somewhat of a revolution when it comes to technological advancement in the digital camera sphere.


One such product has finally made it to our shores, the Lytro Light Field Camera!

Although released in the US a little while ago, Digital Camera Warehouse has been named one of only eight exclusive stockists in Australia for the Lytro camera. 


What's so exciting about the Lytro, you ask? Well, if you have ever wished you could refocus your image after you have taken it - now you can. The Lytro captures the entire light field – that is, light in every direction at every point in space. This allows you to capture a “living picture” and interact with it in ways you could only previously imagine.  Focus and re-focus to reveal a new perspective on the image in an instant. You can share these amazing live images with friends and family over social networks, blogs and more, and they too will have control over the focus point in a snap.

It's all about telling a story, and revealing a hidden piece of the puzzle through honing a new skill in this freshly-written chapter in photography history.

Creator Ren Ng is a smart cookie indeed, and we can't wait to see what is in store for his future developments.

Want to preorder this amazing bit of gear to start shooting your own stories? Call us on 1300 365 220 for all the latest information.

Announcing the Canon EOS M!

We can agree that 2012 has already proved a huge year for Canon, with the release of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the Cinema EOS system and several new lenses.

The rumour mill started churning very recently about Canon's predicted foray into the Compact System Camera (CSC) market, and by golly it looks like they were right!

As of 2:00pm AEST today Canon has unveiled the Canon EOS M - an all-new interchangeable lens compact with EOS DSLR quality in a tiny package. On paper it almost looks like a shrunken Canon EOS 650D and initial feedback is that this gear is top notch and designed to really shake up this growing camera sector.


Featuring an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, DiG!C 5 image processor, high ISO range of 100-12800 (expandable to hi-ISO of 25600) as well as the new Hybrid CMOS 31-point AF system, this little powerhouse is capable of producing serious image quality making it attractive not only to new users, but perhaps even seasoned Canon shooters looking for a more portable addition to their kit.

It utilizes the new EFM mount system, compatible with new release proprietary lenses such as the EFM 22mm f/2 STM "pancake style" portrait lens, and via the EF-EOS M mount adapter you can also throw on EF and EF-S lenses make it highly versatile for those with existing Canon DSLR kits.

The Full HD video is also impressive and also includes HDMI Mini output in full high-definition, a rather neat feature in this camera category.
The Canon EOS M is shipping to stores around mid-September, and as yet Canon has not released pricing. However, keep an eye on our website and register your interest to stay up-to-the-minute on this exciting new release:



And yes, it is compatible with the new Eye-Fi memory cards.

Catch it soon at Digital Camera Warehouse!






Basic Portrait Retouching with Adobe Photoshop

Post-processing of your photos is a vital element in the photography workflow. Luckily in this information and technology age this process is made fairly straightforward with powerful applications like Adobe Photoshop providing an in-depth myriad of options and capabilities to help you get your images looking the best they can be. 

In this short, but hopefully helpful article we would like to give you some pointers on adding a touch of magic to your portrait shots.
The tool names in the article are representative of those in Adobe Photoshop; however the techniques can be applied in many software suites. Consult your manual for the appropriate similar tools in your preferred software.
Find a recent portrait shot you’d like to improve; if possible use a RAW format file so you have the most data available for editing and let’s get started!



1. Check Your White Balance. Do the skin tones present in the photograph look natural? While you may have adjusted your settings in-camera, sometimes indoor lighting can be difficult to balance correctly. If your white balance needs adjusting, a simple way of doing this is as follows:

Click “Add level adjustment layer” by going to Layer – New Adjustment Layer - Levels and select “Auto”. Did this work? Sometimes it won’t do much of anything to improve your image. If that is the case we need to go deeper (and this will likely yield a better result anyway!).

Use the three “eyedropper” icons to pick the black, grey and white samples from your photo. Typically you can get away with simply using the black and white tonal value selectors, but if you find your images still requires further adjustment try picking grey as well. For these finer adjustments, hit up Image – Adjust – Hue/Saturation and make your finer adjustments to the colour there, paying attention to the overall tones in the image – if it starts looking a little too cool or warm bring the levels back slightly until you find a natural look.




2. Spot healing and skin softening. Everyone, even the big stars have skin marks and imperfections. Take a high-resolution photo of a face and they will often show up quite prominently. If you’d like to mask these a little, there are a couple of things you can do.

Spot healing tool (In the expandable Band-Aid icon on the tool panel) – This is a handy tool for removing blemishes, acne scars and other marks on the face. Don’t go completely nuts with it – just dab it over the real imperfections, don’t go removing every line and freckle as not only will the overuse give the image a plasticky look, it will remove the unique features of the face and the natural structure.

If you simply want to improve the appearance of something, such as a hairline with deep follicles or a mole, the clone tool can be a better option. Adjust the opacity for a more translucent effect that works well for natural blending of skin areas.

Skin softening – Everyone loves to look smooth and young, but overdoing this in the editing process will alter the natural look of the model – refining and softening the skin will give the face a lovely glow, but do keep it realistic or the person will look like a wax dummy. Less is more. Here’s a quick way:

First, duplicate the layer (Command+J on Mac, Control+J on PC).

Then invert that layer (Command+I/Control+I).

Add a “high pass” filter to the layer. You can do this by hitting Filter – Other – High pass. Use around setting 5. Hit “OK” and set the blending for the layer to “overlay”. Right now it may look quite scary, but we are not done yet.

Add “Gaussian Blur” by hitting Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur and set this to half of the High pass filter setting, so 2.5 for the sake of this example. This should have it looking better.

If you like, you can now add a layer mask and work the face detail like lips and eyes back into the image if you have already worked on them.




3. Clean up the eyes. Perhaps the model still has glassy morning eyes, and some people simply have a redder look to their eyeballs in general. If you’d like to make them stand out by making the whites a little whiter, do the following:

Add a new blank layer (Perhaps change the name to something like “eyeball clean up”).

Change the blend mode to “Color”.

Pick the brush tool and ensure the opacity setting is around 50%.


Hold the ALT key down and pick some “good” white from the eye as a sample. 

(ALT+click on the good sample).

Paint the vessels and blotches with the brush tool.


Adjust the opacity of the layer if you find it looks a little overcooked.




And there you have it! Three tips for improving your portraits.

Check out our Adobe software products!

Nikon D800 Experience Night: Canterbury Store

From time to time, we folks here at Digital Camera Warehouse hold in-store events around a number of products. On Tuesday June 26, we held an experience night for the brilliant new Nikon D800 - the newest and arguably the most serious force in the pro DSLR camera market.

There was a turnout of customers some of which had already purchased and received this rather scarce item and others who were keen to see what all the fuss was about.

Andrew King, a pro equipment specialist from Nikon Australia, presented the D800 and a variety of lenses, describing the features including the new and insanely fast 51-point AF (auto focus) system and the Full HD video mode which has to be seen to be believed. 

The fine detail, pristine colour reproduction and intuitive operation of the system make the D800 a joy to use and many punters felt the same.







While this event was held in our Sydney store in Canterbury, we know many of our interstate customers would love a similar experience night. Brisbane and Melbourne - we are working on it!


What do you think about the D800 (and indeed the Nikon D800e - the same camera with the optical low-pass filter removed from the sensor)? Check it out: Nikon D800/D800E.


 

Studio Lighting Tips: Three-Point Lighting Setup




If the photography bug has bitten you hard and you want to start doing some serious shooting, you might want to think about kitting yourself out with some lighting gear. If you’ve never used your own external lighting setups before, it can be a learning curve but the rewards are rich. See below for some great tips on getting better photos with controlled lighting:

1   Okay, first things first. Great lighting can be let down by poor composition and posing, especially when it comes to portraits. Take the time to set the scene properly. Watch for shrugged shoulders, stiffness, slouching and striking features hidden by poor positioning. You can also make use of props and accessories, and be sure to pay attention the background of your photos – it is better to enhance than detract from your subject.

It can be a little overwhelming playing director and having to guide your subject so specifically, but the results can be stunning. Try and breath some natural life into what can be seen as quite a rigid situation – tell a joke to get natural expressions of happiness and laughter, or give a totally left-field direction and you might just strike a gold pose. 
Just remember to keep snapping and try different things.



     There are many lighting setups, and once you learn the ropes you will be an unstoppable lighting machine that will have many ideas on what works for you. Portraits tend to be shot with a three-point lighting setup, and that is what we will focus on.

The Three Points:

1.       Main (or Key) Light:

This is your main lighting source, and is the primary point of illumination of your subject.  You can use a speedlite [ADD LINK] for this or a studio lighting kit [ADD LINK], sometimes referred to as flashes or strobes.

If you are using a speedlite, get it off your camera! On-camera flash can cause flat lighting, whereas you can use it to much greater effect off the camera with a flash trigger.

By using an off-camera light source you can use shadows and highlights to enhance bone structure, skin tone, eyes and other features of your subject’s face that you may not normally achieve.

No matter how good you get, with lighting comes testing and repositioning until it looks right. This can take an indeterminate amount of time! Be patient.

2.       Fill Light
 
This light will help soften harsh shadows caused by the main light. This will improve overall results and give your shots a more professional edge, though it is optional and if you are starting out and only have one light you can try reflectors to soften hard edges.

In terms of positioning, if the main light is to one side of the camera, the fill light is typically placed on the opposite side.

3.       Background Light

As you might have guessed, this one lights the background.  It will light up whatever happens to be in the background, which is essential if you have gone the whole hog and put together a set with props and the whole shebang.

The light is placed typically behind the subject, and is pointed at the background. Again, this is an option depending on your exact shooting situation, but if you don’t have a background light you can get away with using a dark backdrop in its place.



And there you go! As with anything in photography, it will take practice and you will be sure to have a ball while improving your skills. You won’t believe the difference some controlled lighting can make, so do feel free to check out our extensive range online, or pop into one of our stores to ask our knowledgeable staff.

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