Testing your camera for autofocus (AF) problems

Testing your camera in the "real-world" is not going to be a very good test of the actual AF system because so many uncontrollable variables are involved. The fact may very well be that the AF system is just not capable of operating as you want it to, however that does not mean it's faulty. Every camera has its limits and you need to learn how to work within those boundaries. On the other hand if you think your camera has an autofocus problem, it is best to test this assumption using the correct method. Testing can be performed on all your lenses using a tripod and an focus chart. Visit http://md.co.za/d70/chart.html and download the test charts and print them out. Although the link is for the Nikon D70, these charts should apply for any digital camera manufacturer such as Canon, Pentax etc. If your camera fails the autofocus test, it is very likely to be a camera problem and your camera will need servicing.

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Why Digital SLR cameras do not have movie-mode?

The main reason is because the SLR which stands for Single Lens Reflex has a mirror that blocks the sensor and therefore does not allow continuous exposure to it. DSLR was designed purely for image quality. The majority of DSLR have a combination of electronic and mechanical shutters. It is this mechanical device that limits the exposure time (Unlike CCD's in compact digital cameras whose sensors are derived from video CCD's).
There are however, two DSLR's that do have live video, however it is expensive and the sensor has a limit of 30 seconds of live video before the sensor has to cool down. The camera operations are limited to viewing the live feed but nothing else can be done. No picture can be taken whilst this is occurring.

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Difference between NEF and JPEG files

The biggest difference between NEF and JPEG is the type of compression. NEF files allow for more flexible post processing because they retain more of the information from the image sensor than JPEG. This extra flexibility comes at a cost thought; NEF files are roughly 2 to 2.5 times the size of fine quality JPEGs. NEF files also require special software to be opened. JPEG files can be opened by most any program with image support.

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Difference between Auto-focus modes in Digital SLR Camera

When using the Autofocus stationery (AF-S) the camera locks focus when the shutter release is half-pressed. If the camera can't focus the shutter won't fire. When using the Autofocus continous (AF-C) the camera continually focuses while the shutter release is half pressed. The shutter release fires whether the subject is in focus or not. You should use a focus mode appropriate to you subject material. Use AF-S for still subjects and AF-C for subjects in motion. If you use AF-S for objects in motion your subject may become out of focus quickly. If you use AF-C on still objects the camera may "hunt" for correct focus, especially in low light or low contrast conditions.

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Why are images dark on the Nikon D70 and D70s

Nikon designed the D70 to slightly underexpose images. This behavior helps preserve lines, highlights, and textures in brightly colored areas of the image. Do not be alarmed if your pictures seem a little bit darker than you expect. If your pictures are especially dark it may be caused by one of the following problems:

Incorrect Exposure: If you were shooting in Aperture Priority Mode (A) you may have selected an aperture too small (high f number). If you were shooting in Shutter Priority Mode (S) you may have selected a shutter speed too high. When shooting in these modes check the meter in the viewfinder to see how far off you are from correct exposure (your D70 manual has the best description of how to read the meter). If you were using Program Mode or Auto the camera may have simply calculated an incorrect exposure. Raising your ISO Sensitivity may help alleviate exposure problems in all the aforementioned cases. You may choose to use the flash to assist in getting correct exposure as well. It is easy to get wrong exposure using Manual Mode (M) if you are unfamiliar with it. Also avoid using the Scene Assist modes available on the same dial as the M, P, A, and S modes. It is better to learn how to achieve proper exposure than rely on these limited modes of operation. There are many other ways to achieve improper exposure. Do not limit your investigation these few possibilities; use Forum Search to learn about correct exposure.

Incorrect Exposure Compensation: Exposure compensation may be improperly set on your camera. To check your exposure compensation press the +/- button near the power switch and look at the information window on top of the camera. The setting should be 0 unless you changed it. Change the setting by holding the +/- button and rotating the dial under your right thumb. If your picture still looks dark try applying a positive exposure compensation>

Improper Bracketing: Bracketing may also cause some of your images to appear dark. Check to make sure bracketing is off by holding the BKT button and rotating the dial under your right thumb. Rotate it until BKT is not displayed on the information window on top of the D70.

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Comparing prices for Digital SLR Camera

To get the best price, it is best to compare what is available on your local photography store, the on-line stores and finally what prices are offered on e-bay.

Local store – Advantages is the convenience of having a store to enter and return faulty goods. This is the most costly way of purchasing your camera, however always check for specials.

On-line stores – This is usually cheaper as there is less overheads involved. You can easily compare prices on-line, however always read the reviews as some stores offer great prices, however the unit may be a completely stripped down costing more in extras in the long run.

E-bay – E-bay usually has the lowest prices. The only disadvantage is that the camera may come from overseas which means, warranty is limited to the country where it is sourced. If you don’t mind the limited warranty and really want the best prices, this is the place to go.

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Digital SLR Cameras versus Compact Digital Cameras

Digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras are excellent cameras that produce clearer, sharper and more colourful images than most point and shoot digital cameras available. With prices falling rapidly, they are now more affordable then ever. With the price gap between an entry model digital SLR camera and the most expensive compact digital camera narrowing; the question is… do I spend the extra money and get a Digital SLR camera? or save a few hundred dollars and purchase the best digital compact camera.

Well, it really depends on your budget; however if you do spend the extra money, here's what you get:

In addition to the price falls in the Digital SLR models, the performance on these cameras has increased year on year with the latest Digital SLR cameras being quicker and faster than ever before. They have improved to such an extent that power up or start-up time is near instantaneous with virtually no lag time. “Lag time is the time between you pressing the shutter release button and the camera actually taking the shot”. This delay can vary quite a bit between different camera models and it is one of the biggest drawbacks compared to a compact digital camera. The latest digital SLR cameras have virtually no lag times and react in the same way as conventional film cameras, even in burst mode. Compact digital cameras are catching up; however the difference is still significant. A lag time of ~0.5 seconds can result in you missing the heartbeat of the moment and hence that potential great picture.

Digital SLR camera also has a larger sensor versus a smaller sensor in a compact digital camera. This equates to higher sensitivity and less noise and results in the camera taking clearer pictures in low light. (They also have better autofocus speed in low light as well). A measure of sensitivity in a digital camera is ISO and a typical ISO range for a Digital SLR camera varies from ISO 100 – 1600 with the latter being more sensitive. The ISO range for a compact digital camera varies from ISO 50 – 400. In summary, the higher the ISO rating, the greater the sensitivity and the better the photo can be taken in low light.

The Digital SLR cameras have a much longer battery life due to the limited use of the LCD screen. Please note, that as the LCD screen is only used for viewing the image, the battery life of a digital SLR can allow up to 2000 shots per charge in some cameras compared to 500 for a good point and shoot digital camera.

Digital SLR cameras also allow you to interchange lens such as adding a zoom or macro lens when required.

On the negative side of a Digital SLR camera; They are usually larger and heavier than compact digital cameras, the image cannot be previewed on the LCD screen prior taking the picture. If you really require the image to be viewed on the LCD prior to taking the picture, there are third party manufacturers that produce LCD screens that attaches to the viewfinder and allow the scene to be view just like a compact digital camera. The other drawback is the inability to take videos and finally, lenses are expensive with the majority costing more than the camera itself.

Although compact digital cameras cannot compete on features with a Digital SLR camera, they are great value, have the ability to take videos and are portable. If you have decided to purchase a Digital SLR camera I recommend you visit infodigitalcamera.com to find additional information on Digital SLR camera. If you are still undecided, purchase both.

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Nikon Imaging Sales Co. Ltd is established in China

Nikon has established a imaging slaes unit in china to grow and enhance its sales and service to the fast-growing market in the world, China.

President Teruo Shimamura was pleased to announce the establishment of Nikon Imaging (China) Sales Co., Ltd., which is a wholly owned sales and service subsidiary. This new company is to commence operation in june 2005 and has been specifically launched to fully develop the imaging business in China, including digital cameras.

Nikon has focused its business development in China on the manufacture of products, at bases such as Nikon Imaging (China) Co., Ltd., but conducted Chinese marketing and sales activities through a subsidiary, Nikon Hong Kong Ltd. Nikon has also established authorized repair shops in China to provide after-sales service and technical assistance.

In addition, Nikon has decided to establish a new wholly owned import and wholesale company as well with the goal of strengthening sales and service to expand business in the rapidly growing market. This new enterprise will endeavor to increase sales by directly importing and wholesaling imaging products such as digital cameras to strengthen brand presence through effective marketing and advertising activities. It will also enhance the level of after-sales and technical services in the market by placing some of the operation under direct management.
Nikon will further enhance its presence in China by providing high-quality products and services that meet users' needs, and will do so through the establishment of a comprehensive system capable of handling marketing, sales and service for the growing Chinese market.

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Digital SLR or a Compact Digital Camera ?

With the introduction of the Pentax *istDL, Nikon D50 and the Canon 350D / Rebel XT, the price of a Digital SLR camera has moved into the territory of a top end Digital compact camera. With some much choices given to the consumer; which camera is the best to have. One of the major point is, do I choose a top end compact with video features and zoom or pay a bit extra and purhcase a budget digital SLR that has no video capability.

Personally, I would pay a bit extra and purchase a Digital SLR camera. Digital SLR cameras has the great SLR response, experience and better quality picture. In addition, the lag time is short (Lag time is the time between you pressing the shutter release button and the camera actually taking the shot). It also has a greater sensitivity for great night shots and longer battery life.

The only drawback I have is the inability to preview the image on the LCD screen prior to talking the picture. This is why there is a longer battery life.

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Why purchase the Nikon D70s

The Nikon D70s still has the same 6 megapixels as the Nikon D70. Although insignificant in real life, I would have preferred Nikon to increase this to 8 megapixels and at least be on par with the Canon 350D / Rebel XT or even the Canon 20D on paper terms. At least, a direct comparison can be made with Canon and Nikon.

One thing that does stand out with the Nikon D70s is the build quality, features and the great kit lens. Whilst most digital SLR comes with the standard kit lens of 18 - 55mm, the Nikon D70s comes with an 18 - 70mm. This is a fantastic lens which gives it a much sharper picture and has a wider angle of focus. Goto www.infodigitalcamera.com in the lens review section and read more about it. In terms of great build quality, great lens and better features, the D70s is a winner.

Keeping your Digital Camera Cool in the Car

The first thing to do is to read the manual and look at the temperature specification in the back of the manual - often the cameras today limit performance-to-spec at 104F. At some point the camera will get to a destructive value and may not recover. Therefore the aim is to delay the rise in temperature.

Here are some tips:

1. Put it in a bucket such as a white-topped cooler and in the back seat on the floor away from the hot exhaust pipe side. In addition, from the bottom and from the potential sunny side from the top, if you can find such a spot.

2. Place itn in a small inexpensive cooler and use a *small* frozen chemical ice brick (use to keep sandwiches cool without the threat of melting ice water). That should keep the temp low, however there is the possibility of condensation during humid days which is not good at all.

3. Place it is a soft cooler bag or a white foam box and keep it in the trunk.

Overall, the best way to keep you camera cool is to not leave it in the car for too long.

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Casio Exilim EX-S500 Card Digital Camera

Casio has released the new S500 EXILIM CARD digital camera. The EX-S500 model is barely bigger than a credit card and is just 13.7 mm at its thinnest point. It is packed with a pocket-sized body, has 5.0 mega pixels and MPEG-4 quality movie recording capabilities, allowing more than one hour of standard video recording when using a 1GB SD memory card. It also has Casio’s EXILIM Engine’s Anti Shake DSP, blurry pictures are nearly a thing of the past.

The EX-S500 is an acculmination of Casio’s core technologies, combining cutting-edge miniaturization and digital expertise with state-of-the-art movie recording capability. As with all digital cameras in the EXILIM Series, the EXILIM CARD features Casio’s EXILIM Engine, an image processing module that makes possible the high quality images, quick operation, and low power consumption that has made the EXILIM the camera of choice for many users. The latest version of the EXILIM Engine features the Anti Shake Digital Signal Processor, which reduces blurring caused by shaking hands or moving subjects, while the Auto Macro and Quick Shutter functions ensure that photos are properly focused.

The 5.0 mega pixel resolution and 3X zoom capability means high quality pictures as well as virtually blur-free pictures. It laos has a large 2.2-inch TFT LCD screen that makes still and video photography easy to shoot, and the lithium ion rechargeable battery allows up to 200 shots on one charge.

The pocket-sized EX-S500 is quick and easy to use for both business and pleasure. Comparable in size and weight with most cell phones, the EX-S500 is conveniently portable, taking high quality pictures and movies anywhere, anytime.

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Problems with the Canon 20D

The Canon 20D is an excellent camera, however the biggest problem with the Canon 20D is the design flaw and Canon needs to address this soon. Hopefully they will correct this when the Canon 30D arrives.

The problems are:

1. Inability to see the viewfinder data in all conditions including direct sunlight. Most photographers want to see data in the viewfinder as we need to know what speed, aperture, exposure compensation in the camera. In addition, most rely on the information in the viewfinder while shooting, especially if YOU wish to control your camera. Concert shots, sports shots, dramatic lighting, etc.. all require the use of the photographers brain and experience to get proper exposure.

2. It makes no difference if glasses are worn or not worn.

3. The lack of illumination for the buttons in front of the LCD. It is pretty hard to see what is in the dark.

4. Needs an anti-reflective coating or a bigger and brighter LCD (greater than 2")

5. The lock-ups

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Three camera features that contribute to your ability to take good pictures indoors

1) ISO range (The higher the ISO number, such as ISO 800 or 1600, the more capable the camera is of capturing an image in low light without long shutter speeds.)

2) Lens speed/brightness (When I say lens "speed" I don't mean mph, but the largest/brightest f-stop on the lens. A lens that can open up to f2 is faster/brighter than an f4 lens ... and an f2 lens is better able to capture images in low light at faster shutter speeds than an f4 lens.)

3) Flash (Built-in flashes are okay for close-range snapshots within a few feet of your subject or "fill flash" outdoors, but for real quality lighting you need an external flash ... and a camera than can use an external flash.)

A "possible" fourth feature than can help indoors is "image stabilization" (IS) or "vibration reduction" (VR). However, IS and VR only help reduce YOUR movement while holding the camera during long shutter speeds ... IS and VR to NOT reduce SUBJECT movement. So, if you are taking a picture of a building at night you can us a camera with IS/VR and hand-hold the camera with a long shutter speed like 1/4th sec. But if you try to take a photo of moving people with your camera at 1/4th sec shutter speed the people will be blurred and the background will be sharp ... because the shutter speed was not fast enough to freeze the subject motion.

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Taking care of your Digital SLR camera sensor against dust

1. If you swap lenses, try to do it in a clean area where there is very little dust.

2. Try to swap lenses less fequently (buy an all purpose lens e.g. 28-300mm) etc.

3. Clean the sensor with blower, cleaning set (or even sticky tape (be carefull and read a lot about it in forums before applying)

Also a little dust doesn't have to be a real problem. A single speck can be cloned out in the picture using software, however it does eventually becomes annoying and cleaning is the only alternative.

Overall, there should not be a big issue.

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Production of black & white paper to end at Kodak

Kodak will end its production of black and white photographic paper. This is due to the direct result of the popularity of digital and further evidence that Kodak is dedicating its future to the digital market. According to Fox News, it will no longer continue with the century-old tradition of producing black and white photographic paper. The demand for the paper, specially designed for black and white film and used by fine-art photographers, has declined by 25% annually. The decision to end black and white paper production will mean the closure of its plant in Brazil and takes the company closer to its target of cutting around 15,000 of its workforce 2007

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Canon Powershot S2 IS

Canon has released the new Powershot S2 IS which is a successor to the S1. The S2 has an all new 12x optical zoom (A 35mm equivalent focal length of 36-432mm) with five megapixel and optical stabilizer. This camera is clearly aimed to compete with the other compact big-zoom club which is currently made up of the Panasonic DMC-FZ5, Konica Minolta Z5 and Sony DSC-H1. Just like the S1 IS the S2 IS utilizes a small USM (ultrasonic motor) to drive its zoom (multi-speed and quiet for shooting movies). It also has the new Digic II Image Processor that delivers improved picture quality, AF accuracy and fast processing speed. In addition it also has a fast 1/3200-second shutter speed, 1.8" Vari-angle LCD monitor that allows 180 degree rotation for angled shooting and viewing and an extensive range of shooting modes including; 'Auto', 'Manual', 'Special Scene Modes' and 'My Colours Modes' for perfect results in any situation.

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Nikon Capture (Version 4.3)

Nikon Corporation in Tokyo has an update version to its RAW conversion and image management program which can be downloaded immediately.

In addition to having added support for the new Nikon D50, Nikon Capture version 4.3 now also adds color aberration control, red eye correction and improves processing for NEF files. The new software has added tool for image adjustment such as an automatic color aberration tool (automatically reduces the appearance of color fringing). The multi image window, which displays thumbnails and allows simultaneous editing of multiple images, is now easier to use; names of preferred folders can be changed to something the user finds easier to remember.

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Canon D30 rumours

There is speculation that next digital SLR camera by Canon to replace the Canon 20D will be the Canon 30D or 3D towards the end of 2005.

This is still rumours and it has been posted on www.infodigitalcamera.com . As yet there are no photos of the new camera.

Samsung to launch 3 new digital camera

Samsung will be releasing 3 new 5 megapixel cameras which are in their A series camera. The first is the beginner-friendly fixed-lens Digimax A502, which has four scene modes and a 1.8-inch LCD. The second is the Digimax A55W and finally the Digimax A50 sport which has almost the identical specification, although the former has a 5x zoom and the latter has a 3x zoom. Features include in-camera video editing, 2.5-inch LCD, 32MB built-in memory, MPEG 4 movie mode and auto macro function (2cm A55W / 5cm A50). The also offer PictBridge compatibility and an Album feature for categorizing and saving your images.

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An LCD that attaches to a DSLR!

The main disadvange of a digital SLR camera is the inability to preview the picture on the screen prior to taking the photo. This is due to the way a DSLR operates in that the mirror blocks the sensor.

However, a new ingenious device is available that allows you to view the scene in the viewfinder on an LCD. It is marketed by Zigview and the unit monitor attaches to your SLR's viewfinder where the image is captured by the CMOS sensor inside it and relayed in real time to the 1.9-inch TFT. The Zigview works with most digital and film SLRs and is supplied with an eyepiece adapter for common Nikon, Canon and Fuji cameras. Adapters for other cameras will cost £6.99. The Zigview monitor will retail for around £119.99. (16:05 GMT)

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Kodak stops producting SLR/c and SLR/n digital SLRs

Kodak will stop producting both of their high-end 14 megapixel digital SLR cameras, the SLR/c and the SLR/n (they’ll continue to support current owners for at least three more years).

Locktight technology - Lexar

LockTight is a new technology by Lexar whereby it has a encryption and access control system which ensures that 'locked' CompactFlash cards can not be used in unauthorized cameras or read by unauthorized users on any computer but your own. A correct username and password must be used to gain access to the card.

The new technology was announced by lexar back in February 2005.

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Olympus reducing production capacity

Due to fierce competition in the digital camera market, Olympus is to cut production costs by 30% reports Bloomberg.

The news follows the trend of earlier announcements that Olympus (the world's fourth largest camera manufacturer), is to cut 4,000 jobs, 13% of its global workforce. The long term aim is to recover some profit after Olympus reported its first ever annual loss last month. The job cuts will save the company around ¥3 bn.

Bloomberg says Olympus expects shipments of digital cameras to rise from 8.9m to 9.5m this year with the release of two SLRs aimed at pros and serious amateurs. This is where the big profit margins lie as indicated by Nikon relasing another 3 new models this year. the rumours are the Nikon D80, the Nikon D90 and the Nikon D200.

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Samsung Digimax V800

The Digimax V800, newly released by Samsung Camera, is an evolution of the Digimax V700, which was released early this year and has enjoyed a strong market response. According to a source from Samsung Camera, the company aims to lead in the 8 megapixel compact digital camera market, satisfying both amateur and enthusiast photographers with the Digimax V800.
The Digimax V800 is a digital camera equipped with an 8 megapixel high-resolution CCD that employs true colour filtering. The Digimax V800 allows the expression of accurate colours, making it the perfect choice for normal picture taking. The Digimax V800 also provides a 10X digital zoom in addition to the 3X optical zoom, enabling a total of 30X zoom when they are used at the same time. The Digimax V800 also has a large 2.5" colour LCD (approximately 230K-pixel) to provide a clearer and brighter field of vision.
The Digimax V800 is even faster than the Digimax V700 in operational speed. With the Digimax V800 providing faster booting and shot-to-shot speed for instant photography, a picture can be taken as soon as the power is turned on. Because the high-speed shot-to-shot capability allows continuous high-speed shooting, any subject can be safely captured without missing any of the action.

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Pentax *ist DL

Pentax today announced the *ist DL. This 'new' camera is essentially the same as the *ist DS but with a few feature changes and specification reductions.

We can only assume that this new model will allow Pentax to push the price of their 'most affordable' digital SLR even lower and especailly in line with Nikons D50.

Primary differences include Auto ISO, removal of 11-area AF, a penta-mirror viewfinder with lower magnification and a larger LCD monitor.

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Canon EOS 20Da

Canon has announced to the rest of the world that its specialized EOS 20Da, which was at first introduced as a Japan-only model, will now be available. The EOS 20Da is identical to the EOS 20D except for a modification to the low-pass filter, which now filters less infrared (IR). This camera is best suited to astrophotography as well as infrared photography. It would be possible to use it as a normal camera but would require an external IR cut filter.

Additionally, the camera has a partially transmissive mirror, which enables live focusing on the LCD monitor (this can only be done for short times and requires the mirror to be locked up). Pricing has not yet been announced.

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Kodak SLR/n and SLR/c discontinued

On the 31st May 2005, Kodak has confirmed that the DCS Pro SLR/n and DCS Pro SLR/c digital SLRs have been discontinued and will no longer be manufacturered.

Kodak has indicated that Kodak Pro owners were assured that support will be continued through 2008 and that this will include firmware and Photodesk updates if required.

Kodak will continue to develop CCD and CMOS image sensors and this announcement does not affect their consumer digital cameras. Kodak was keen to stress that this does not mark the end of Kodak digital SLR's but that they wished to concentrate on market segments which are more profitable.

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