Introduction to Photography Exposure Terms – Part 3: ISO

By Marc B

Last week we introduced beginners to aperture, and the week before we wrote about shutter speed. This week (in Part 3 of the Introduction to Photography Exposure Terms), we’re introducing ISO or sensitivity.  Using these settings effectively, will help you achieve the right exposure and therefore the right look and feel for the photo you want to take. Remember to play around with these settings and experiment. You will learn with practice, so start shooting!

ISO or Sensitivity

The ISO setting on a DSLR is used to increase or decrease the sensor’s sensitivity to light.  Current ISO sensitivity ratings are based on the original sensitivities of film i.e 100, 200, 400, 800 etc.  The ability to change the ISO quickly is very useful, as it allows you to adjust your photo according to the available light in the area you are shooting. 

If the shutter speed is too slow and you have no alternative then you can increase the ISO which will allow you to have a faster shutter speed with the same amount of light.  Be aware that as you increase your ISO you also increase the appearance of ‘digital noise’ in your image. ‘Digital noise’ shows up as a messy multi-coloured haze across the image and is particularly noticeable in block areas of colour or shadow.  The ‘digital noise’ gets worse as you increase the ISO.

Typically the ISO has a range from 100 ISO up to 25600 (or more, depending on your camera). When talking about ‘general photography’, most photos are shot in the range of 100 to 1600 ISO.  The best ISO to choose depends on a number of variables. One of these variables is when the content of the image is the absolute first priority (eg a time critical photo for a news story where the technical result is not as important as ‘just getting the shot’). In this case, a high ISO is fine. It will ensure the photo has a better chance at being sharp.

 

Examples

The photo on the left shows a cropped area of an image shot with an ISO of 100.  It is very clean with good contrast and next to no digital noise.

The photo on the right was shot at almost exactly the same time but with the ISO set to 6400.  The difference is less contrast and a lot of ‘digital noise’.

 

The ISO setting can be a powerful tool when deciding on your exposure settings.  Adjusting the setting will allow you to move to a faster or slower shutter speed while keeping your aperture consistent. Keep in mind that as you increase the ISO you also increase the appearance of digital noise in your image with a corresponding decrease in image quality.

Experiment and have fun!

Next week, Part 4 of our ‘Introduction to Photography Exposure Terms’ will be on Exposure (bringing it all together).

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Compact Cameras

Compact cameras are increasingly getting better with each new generation.  Even with improvements across-the-board there are some that still have an additional level of quality coupled with a better feature set. 

The high end compact is home to several models that approach the quality and usability of DSLR cameras without the added weight. They aren't cheap but the trade-off is its superior build and photographic quality.  

There are a number of compacts aimed at the advanced amateur or professional photographer seeking high image quality and performance in a compact sized body.

 

The Sony RX1R is a full frame, 24.3MP camera equipped with a 35mm Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* f2 lens and has no optical low pass filter for improved detail in the final photograph. It has a high quality magnesium alloy body and a manual aperture ring which can be adjusted in 1/3 stops to obtain the optimal setting. A +/-3 stop compensation dial located on the top for quick access to exposure compensation while in auto mode. While the ISO range extends to 25600 for extreme low light shooting. This camera also features Sony’s excellent WhiteMagic LCD screen and is currently the smallest compact digital camera with a full frame sensor available in the market.

 

The Canon G1X has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) 4x optical zoom with an aperture range of f2.8 - 5.8.  The camera packs a 14.3MP CMOS Sensor which is about 20% smaller than an APS-C Sensor.  The G1X has full manual control with an exposure compensation dial on the top with a +/- 3 stop range.  It also features a HDR mode for photographs with a high dynamic range. It will shoot 14 bit RAW images for smooth colour gradation and even shoots in different aspect ratios if you prefer 1:1 or 3:4.  This camera is also compatible with a range of Canon Speedlite Flash Units.

 

The Fujifilm X100s is a classically styled compact camera that is the successor to the ever popular, if a little flawed, X100.  It features Fujifilm’s new 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor which also has no optical low pass filter to unleash extra sharpness and detail. The camera’s updated processor speed is now doubled and substantially increases the autofocus speed over its predecessor (this was a widely discussed issue with the original X100).  The fixed lens sports a 35mm focal length and a fast f/2 maximum aperture for brilliant low-light photography or beautifully blurred backgrounds for those up-close portraits.  The lens also has a very high level of optical sharpness, making it an ideal street photography tool.  The leaf-type shutter is near silent and the menus are very easy to navigate.  It also features filters that recreate classic Fuji films such as the ‘Velvia’ which was highly favoured by landscape and wedding photographers seeking vibrantly saturated properties.

 

 

The Nikon Coolpix A has a 28mm (35mm equivalent) f /2.8 lens and a DX sized (same size as their crop frame DSLR cameras) 16.2MP Sensor.  Similar to the other cameras mentioned above, the Coolpix A also has no optical low pass filter for ultimate image quality. It is the smallest camera in this round up and is very easy to carry around in your pocket for quick access, making it great for street and spontaneous photographic moments.  The Coolpix A may also be paired with an iOS or Android device with the optional mobile adapter for convenient image sharing with your family, friends and favourite social media site. Additionally, manual focus is available by using the manual focus adjustment ring around the lens.

This is not an exhaustive list of high-end compacts and there are a few more that are definitely considering if you’re in search of one.  Come in to one of our stores, give us a call on 1300 365 220 or check out our website if you want further info. on these camera types.  As always, we are happy to talk about all things photography!

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Olympus Announces OM-D E-M1 Compact System Camera & M.Zuiko PRO 40mm F/2.8 Lens

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus officially launches their long awaited addition to the OMD family - the E-M1, as well as M.Zuiko Pro 12-40mm F/2.8 Lens!

Feature highlights

1. Electronic  Viewfinder with 2.36 megapixel resolution,
advanced aspherical optics, x0.74 magnification (35mm equiv), 21mm eyepoint and 100% field of view

2. Dual FAST-AF technology – both Contrast AF and on-chip Phase Detection AF with lens detection capabilities

3. Enchanced 5-axis image stabiliser for improved stabilization at lower shutter speeds

4. New 16.3 megapixel LiveMOS high-speed image sensor (ISO 25,600 max. sensitivity)

5. TruePic VII advanced image processor

6. Built-in WiFi function with full PASM control

7. Full HD video with Multi-motion image stabilization (broadcast quality; stereo sound)

8. 3-inch tilting TFT-LCD touch-screen with 1,037K pixels

9. 10 fps sequential shooting rate

10. Splash, Dust and Freeze proof (to -10°C) metal alloy chassis

11. Intervalometer to 999 shots with movie compilation

Stay tuned for pre-orders! 

 

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Sigma Announces the 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Lens

18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM for APS-C Digital SLRs

Sigma today announced a new 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM lens. You read that right, f/1.8 the whole range through. The lens is made specifically for APS-C sensors and gives you the equivalent of a 27-50mm lens on a cropped frame body. It is part of the Art range of lenses and will be compatible with the upcoming USB dock for Sigma lenses which will allow photographers the ability to update the lenses firmware and set focussing parameters from their home PC. It has internal focus and zooming that make it easier to work with circular polarisers and Cokin-type filters. The focus has a full-time manual setting so you can take over focussing duties if the auto-focus is having a hard time locking onto your subject.

This will be an exciting new lens but no release date is available as yet from Sigma Australia. Stay tuned!!

                                                       

Primary Specifications

 

Lens Type - Zoom Lens

Max Format Size - APS-C / DX

Focal Length - 18-35mm

Image Stabilization - No

 

Aperture

 

Maximum Aperture - F/1.8

Minimum Aperture - F/16

No. of Diaphragm Blades - 9

 

Optics

 

Elements - 17

Groups - 12

 

Focus

 

Autofocus - Yes

Motor Type - Ultrasonic

Full-time Manual - Yes

Focus Method - Internal

 

Physical

 

Weight - 810g

Diameter - 79mm

Length - 122mm

Filter Thread - 72mm

Hood Supplied - Yes

 

 

 

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The Compact System Camera (CSC)

To begin with, what exactly is a Compact System Camera (CSC)?  A compact system camera is a cross between a Digital SLR and a point-and-shoot camera.  They also have interchangeable lenses but unlike a traditional SLR they have no internal mirror. This makes them a lot smaller in size but maintains the image quality of a crop-frame DSLR.  This camera type is a good alternative to a full-size DSLR kit due to the high quality results housed within a much smaller and lighter set up. All the major manufacturers have released at least one CSC model - Canon have the EOS M, Nikon have the 1-Series and Fujifilm have the X-Series.  Panasonic and Olympus both use the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) standard which enables these two companies' lenses to be interchangeable. 







Fujifilm XE-1



We find two main purchases of compact system cameras with the first being the point-and-shoot upgrader who are looking to step-up to a better camera system with potentially much better results.  The second is the DSLR owner who seeks similar image quality as their current kit but in a smaller form factor and without the added bulk.

 

 

Advantages over full-frame DSLR cameras -

 

Smaller (more discrete), lighter and a shorter flange focal distance allows almost any lens ever made to be adapted to a CSC body. This allows you to adapt all your existing lenses to many CSC bodies.  Greater depth of field can be achieved due to smaller sensor size but shallow depth of field can be harder to achieve.

 

Disadvantages over full-frame DSLR cameras -

 

The sensor size is 35% smaller than an APS-C sensor (with the exception of the Canon EOS M series which utilizes an APS-C sensor) and 75% smaller than a full-frame camera. Generally, a digital SLR is easier to keep clean due to the mirror and shutter mechanisms offering basic dust protection.







Sony NEX-6



More and more people are discovering the advantages of a smaller system that still has all the functionality of a DSLR system. The weight advantage means it’s a breeze for photographers to travel with a full focal range of lenses and still be able to comfortably lift their camera bag. The lens selection is really starting to grow to a point where a lot of focal lengths and lens types found in a DSLR range are now available to the CSC photographer without compromise on quality.  Fujifilm have released a 14mm X-Series lens which is an excellent piece of glass while the Panasonic 25mm Leica lens is arguably one of the best lenses available in the CSC category. The focal lengths available range from 14mm wide all the way up to 600mm in 35mm equivalents.   



Metabones Nikon F to Sony E-mount Adapter

Additionally, this doesn't include all the lenses that can be adapted to the CSC format via a range of third party adapters that are fast becoming more widely available. This is great news as it means you’re now able to mount a majority of old lenses you may have in storage (such as any old Nikon or Canon FD lenses) to your new compact camera. Bear in mind that the focal multiplier for CSC systems vary from 1.6x to 2x depending on which system you adopt. Therefore your old 50mm lens could potentially become a 75mm or even 100mm in focal length!  



Lenses such as the Nikkor D-Series are popular due to its manual aperture ring and functions. If a manual aperture ring is absent, the lens will still function but will remain locked to the aperture’s setting when unattached to a body. E.g. Canon EF lenses will always remain at their widest aperture.



Olympus OM-D E5

The compact system camera is definitely here to stay. It's not for everyone but it does fill a void in the market for a high quality yet compact camera with interchangeable lenses and is becoming quite regular for amateurs and even advanced enthusiasts to sell their DSLR kit in order to set themselves up with a compact camera that is easier to use and more convenient to carry.  

 

 

Drop in to one of our stores and check out our range of compact system cameras including the three listed below to see if it’s the right move for you!

Fujifilm X-E1  |  Olympus OM-D E5  |  Sony NEX-6

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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF6 Announced!

 

Panasonic have just announced the release of their latest Micro Four Thirds camera, the GF6.  Connectivity seems to be the name of the game with this new camera which includes WiFi and the ability to connect with NFC enabled devices such as compatible smartphones and tablets.

Specifications include a 16 megapixel sensor powered by a Venus engine processor, the ability to connect the camera to a compatible smart phone or tablet by simply bringing them together, 19 filter styles in the creative control mode (increased from 14 filter styles in the GF5), Full HD 1080p movie recording at up to 60fps, the ability to shoot RAW and a 180 degree rotating touch screen (great for selfies).
Connecting to a smartphone or tablet is made possible by using Panasonic's Image App which allows the user to utilize their smart device/tablet for image monitoring straight from the camera. Additionally it also delivers shutter control, zoom (using the Panasonic Power zoom lenses PS14042 and PS45175), focus, manual camera settings and even starts and stops movie recording.

Autofocus is also improved with the ability for full time autofocus, AF tracking during video recording and improved low-light AF with the integrated Low-Light Autofocus mode.

The new 1040k (approx.) touch screen LCD is now easier to see in bright light and has better colour reproduction for more accurate previewing.  Now you may even activate focus and exposure by simply touching the area of the photo you want to be focused and exposed correctly.

Panasonic are yet to set a price or release date but stay tuned as we will keep you folks updated with price and availability the moment it’s approved by Panasonic Australia!

 

For further information, please click here

If you are interested in seeing what Panasonic are currently offering in their LUMIX range please click here

Happy Snapping!

- DCW Team.

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Travel Photography Tips

Are you looking to travel and can’t decide what camera gear to bring, or you’re unsure what entails a good travel set up? Read on for some ideas for consideration when you get the itch to photograph! 

There is a lot to consider when planning your gear list for an upcoming holiday, what gear is essential? What is good to take and what could you really do without?

The first thing to consider is ‘What type of holiday is it?’  Is it long (6 weeks or more) or short? Is it specifically a photographic holiday or are you travelling with people who don't share your passion?  The first type is simple, take as much as you can.  If your goal is to photograph a specific event or location then don't hold back. Remember to pack the little things like extra memory cards, spare batteries, effects filters (ND, polarisers) cable release, tripod etc. as it's always better to be over prepared than under prepared.

The other type of trip is a little trickier to prepare for as you must prioritise and decide what to take when you can't take it all.

A lot depends on the type of photographer you are. Me, I like to travel light. I take only what I need, make do with what I have and use what I can in the surrounding environment (you’d be surprised how many natural tripods you can find!).  During my last major trip which lasted six months, all I carried was a Canon 5D MKII body, a Canon 24-70mm and a 50mm prime lens along with some secondary gear consisting of cleaning equipment, memory cards, spare batteries and a netbook with two external hard drives. I can safely say that I didn't miss any equipment during the entire duration aside from a tripod, though in all honesty the two times I would have used it wouldn't have been worth carrying it around for six months. Did I miss any shots? Sure, but I did capture more than I missed which is a win for me. Besides, I've missed several shots sitting in this coffee shop while writing this post which goes to show that you can't get them all!  

Here are a few things I've learnt from my travels around the place -  

·       Take a Rapid Strap. Really. If you are going to be carrying your camera around your neck all day then you need a good camera strap. Those that are factory packaged with digital SLR cameras are terrible for any copious amount of time. The sling-strap was the single best investment I made for my travels as it has saved me from experiencing countless sore necks and shoulders at the end of a long day exploring through city streets.

·        Have your camera prepped and ready-to-shoot at all times. The only time my camera was in my bag was when I wasn't allowed to take photos due to regulations in some museums or if I thought I was in an area that I considered it a bit risky to have an expensive piece of gear on show. In fact, I didn't even bring an actual camera bag along but rather an old messenger-style bag that could just fit my camera in it along with my wallet, a spare battery and some memory cards.

·        Use your common sense when it comes to your security.  In six months of travel, the worst thing that happened to us was a credit card getting skimmed. Be aware of your surroundings and know when to put your gear away. The majority of people we encountered were very friendly and helpful, but do keep your eyes open and alert. The biggest risk is opportunistic thieves. 

·        Respect local rules in regards to photography. Most regions I've been to are fine with photography. I think Australia is more restrictive when it comes to photography rules than any other country I've visited.  In Europe for example, I don’t recall any museum that banned photography aside from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Even the Louvre allow photographs to be taken aside from flash photography which is understandable.

·        Try to educate yourself about the city you'll be visiting before you arrive. It really helps as most cities have a lot to see and you’ll find that time is insufficient. Plus, it's always interesting to discover obscure things to see in areas you visit.

·        Download your images to a hard drive daily as backup. I brought two HDD's and backed up to both of them every night. One I kept in my bag while the other I gave to my partner to carry just in case.  When you upload, also make sure you name the folder with the date and place which you took the photos.  This is especially helpful later on when you have potentially thousands of photographs and hundreds of folders to sort through. For example, my conventional folder naming would be along the lines of "01032013 Rome" which represents the 1st of March 2013 in Rome.  If the trip duration is lengthy then I’ll also separate the folders into months, making it a breeze to search through later.

·        Above all, have fun.  Try to live in the moment and don't spend your whole trip looking through the lens. Taking too many photos can potentially separate you from the scene and remove you from the experience so, as crazy as it might sound, sometimes you will just need to put the camera down and relax.  

- Marc Busoli

 * If you'd like to learn more about digital SLR photography, check out our exclusive range of Canon Academy Courses which may be studied online or in classroom tutorials with some of Australia's finest professional photographers.

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category1315_1.htm

 

What's the best tip you have for travel photography? Share your tips below!

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Valentine's Day Photo Tips

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, here are ten quick tips to assist you in capturing the special moments with your loved one this February 14^th.

1. Avoid Flash Photography

Where possible, preserving the natural ambience of a scene such as candle lighting will produce an authentic capture of the mood and setting.

2. Candid Shooting

While posed shots are good, capturing candid moments will provide you with a lasting memory of that spontaneous action.

3. Tripod and Timer Use

When taking ‘selfies’ with your loved one, consider using a tripod in conjunction with your camera’s timer-countdown function to ensure camera shake is minimal. Additionally, utilizing the camera’s burst-mode to take multiple exposures not only paves the way for spontaneity, but will also increase your chances of a perfect shot in case of blinking.  

4. Close-ups

Zoom-in to capture various emotions of the day including that priceless smile or a special gift exchange moment.

5. Silhouettes

Silhouettes are a powerful method of capturing romantic scenes with a dramatic vibe.

6. Props

Utilize sentimental items and/or Valentine’s Day related props to give your photograph a fun and playful edge that encapsulates the subject’s personality.

7. Depth of Field Control

Draw attention to the desired subject(s) by exploring depth-of-field settings. A beautifully soft out-of-focus background adds visual value to the occasion.

8. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Keep an eye on your background and surroundings to avoid any objects that may cause distraction.

9. Objects and Elements

Special objects and elements such as a table setting, gorgeous scenery or a present are fantastic for showcasing unique highlights of the day.

10. Digital Darkroom        

The post-photography process can be a fun stage of creative exploration via your favourite photo-editing software suite. Digital filters and effects can add various levels of class or change the scene dynamics to suit your desired style.

Until next time folks, enjoy the month ahead and may it be filled with cherished memories!

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CES 2013 Summary

In the blink of an eye the CES 2013 has concluded for another year. Whilst the show isn't specifically targeted at the Photo and Video Industry, the popularity of the yearly show allows manufacturers to announce new cameras and related equipment that they believe will be suited to their targeted consumer group.

This year sees several standouts including the following –

Canon Powershot N

Samsung NX300

Pentax MX-1

Fujifilm X20

Geonaute 360 Degree Sports Camera

For all the tech junkies out there, here's the complete announcement list for this year –

CANON

Vixia HF R42 | Vixia HF R40 | Vixia HF R400 | Vixia HF G20 | PowerShot A2600 | Powershot A1400 | PowerShot ELPH130IS | PowerShot-N | Vixia G20 | Vixia R40 | Vixia R42

FUJIFILM

X100s | X20 | HS50EXR | HS35EXR | FinePix SL1000 | FinePix S8300 | FinePix S8200 | FinePix XP60

GEONAUTE

360 Degree Sports Camera

NIKON

J3 | S1 | Coolpix S6500

OLYMPUS

Tough TG-2 | TG-830 | TG-630 | SZ-15 | SZ-16 | SH-50iHS

PENTAX

Q10 | Optio LS465 | MX-1

PANASONIC

Lumix ZS25 | HC-X920 | HC-V720 | HC-V520 | HC-V210 | HC-V210M | Lumix LZ30 | Lumix XS1 | Lumix ZS30 | HX-A100

POLAROID

iM1836 (Android ILC) | iM1232W | iM1030 | iS2433 | iD975

SAMSUNG

NX300 | WB200F | WB250F | WB800F | WB30F | DV150F | ST150F

SIGMA

DP3 Merrill

SONY

Cyber-shot H200 | Cyber-shot TF1 | Cyber-shot W710 | Cyber-shot W730 | Cyber-shot WX80 | Handycam CX220 | Handycam CX230 | Handycam CX290 | Handycam PJ230 | Handycam CX380 | Handycam PJ380 | Handycam CX430V | Handycam PJ430V

Stay tuned to our webpage over the coming days as we begin stocking selected items from this year's show. 

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