purchased a digital camera before you realize how much time and energy you can expend on choosing right one for your needs. Well the Sony Cybershot W330 makes capturing those important images very easy. You will find that you are taking vibrant and colorful shots with ease. This is definitely a user friendly camera that allows you to easily navigate through all the important functions and setting on the 3” LCD screen. With a 14.1 mega pixel processor you will be able to make really large prints of your subject that you will be proud to share with friends and family.
If you enjoy taking shots at sporting events or other situations where your subject is moving quickly you will find that the W330 gives excellent results. The camera is capable of capturing 1.8 frames per second. It also features Motion Detection Technology that will automatically adjust shutter speed and ISO sensitivity when it detects motion. These features also make it easy to capture your subject in high quality VGA movies with clarity.
You can view both stills and movies on the LCD display. When you are shooting in tight spaces the 4X zoom lens with 26 mm wide angle will allow you to capture even the most intricate details of your shot. In-Camera Retouching Tools, Face Detection, Smile Shutter and 8 different Scene Modes are other features that make this camera user friendly. You will find that you can take many shots between charges of the lithium-ion battery that powers this camera.
The following is a list of some of the other features that this camera comes with to make taking both stills and movies easy while obtaining the highest quality images.
Easy Shooting Mode
This makes it easy for even the beginner to shoot high quality images. The camera will switch to all automatic settings which will allow the user to focus on the subject at hand. This mode also works with Intelligent Scene Recognition allowing the camera to select the best setting for each scene.
iAuto (Intelligent Auto Mode)
iAuto does all the thinking for you. It recognizes faces, scenes and lighting conditions and adjusts the settings to give you the best shot. The result is more natural skin tones, less blur and sharper images. It does this by incorporating Intelligent Scene Recognition, Face Detection Technology and SteadyShot image stabilization all into the iAuto mode. Without leaving the auto mode you take advantage of all of the latest technology of the Sony Cybershot. You can be confident of getting a great shot weather you are shooting a child’s first birthday party, a beautiful landscape or a close-up view of a beautiful flower arrangement.
iSCN Mode (Intelligent Scene Recognition)
This feature can detect nine different types of scenes and automatically makes all the adjustments needed to get a great shot within 1/30 of a second. Scenes that the camera recognizes are landscape, portrait, twilight portrait, backlight portrait, twilight, backlight, macro and iSCN has two different modes.
SteadyShot Image Stabilization
One of the more common causes of blurry pictures is camera shake. This feature prevents that blur by capturing two photos at high shutter speed and automatically combining them into one clear and crisp photo.
Motion Detection
This will automatically increase the shutter speed when motion is detected in the subject giving you clean crisp images. This feature is very popular for those interested in taking pictures at sporting events.
Overall this is a great camera for any point and shot photographer. If you are looking for an affordable high quality camera that is easy to use and will give you years of enjoyment then you need to consider the Sony Cybershot W330.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sony Cyber-shot HX100V
The Sony Cyber-shot HX100V updates the innovative HX1. A new sensor, 30x optical zoom and GPS all feature begging the question, is the Sony HX100V as good as superzoom cameras get?
At the beginning of 2009, Sony released the Cyber-shot HX1, a digital compact camera innovation thanks to its Sweep Panorama mode. This function allows for real time panoramic capture and has since been mimicked under different guises by every other major manufacturer.
Spring forward more than two years and Sony's latest superzoom bridge camera, the Cyber-shot DMC-HX100V, is very different beast to its predecessor that benefits from evolution of technology right across the board.
The HX100V packs a 30x optical zoom lens into its body, providing a 27mm wide-angle through to 810mm at the top end of its zoom. That provides a range sufficient to snap group shots through to more distant subjects as if they were right in front of you.
Having a long lens that can cover a wide reach for an affordable lump of cash is important for a superzoom, and the HX100V does that. A similar equivalent at a more professional DSLR level would cost oh so much more than the HX100V's £420 outlay (ignoring, for the moment, the difference in results).
As well as a 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD mounted on a tilt-angle bracket on the HX100V's rear, there's also a 0.2-inch, 201k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) above this.
The electronic viewfinder is often why such a camera is termed as a 'bridge camera', given it's a halfway measure between compact and DSLR-like functionality.
The combination of screen and viewfinder make for versatile use, and the LCD screen in particular is of a decent resolution that looks great in playback mode.
The tilt-angle bracket means the screen itself is able to pull away from the body through vertical rotation of just over 90-degrees upwards (useful for waist-level work) or approximately 50-degrees downwards (useful for when shooting overhead).
The EVF is less versatile, as the small screen isn't always easy to see, but it's an essential device for framing and support, particularly in bright sunlight when the LCD screen can be too reflective to pose much use.
Gone is the HX1's 9.1MP sensor, updated with the HX100V's latest 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS. The 'R' means that the sensor is 'back-lit', ie the wiring is placed to the back of the construction for a cleaner light path, and therefore better signal for improved image quality.
The Sweep Panorama mode also sees an update, now termed 'iSweep Panorama' (or intelligent Sweep Panorama) it's possible to activate an 'HR' (High Resolution) option for larger panoramas that measure 4096x10480 pixels (or 1.4x3.6 metres at 72dpi).
It's only possible to use this in the 'vertical-run' position, but twist the camera by a right angle and you can fool it into using the wider portion of the sensor for the bigger files.
A 3D Panorama mode and a 3D stills mode feature – the latter takes two shots and offsets them against one another in an MPO file format for three dimensional viewing on a relevant device.
We're none too taken by it though, as there's just not the distance of true twin lens technology here to make it look truly real or exciting.
In addition to a variety of manual and scene modes the HX100V also adds a new GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) mode that can pinpoint a shot's location and tack it onto the image data. It's useful for categorising and searching through images at a later date, or relocating the exact location again in the future. And for the speed snappers out there the HX100V can even shoot off shots at up to 10 frames per second (10fps), though only when focus is fixed on a single focal plane (i.e. not continuously autofocusing).
At the beginning of 2009, Sony released the Cyber-shot HX1, a digital compact camera innovation thanks to its Sweep Panorama mode. This function allows for real time panoramic capture and has since been mimicked under different guises by every other major manufacturer.
Spring forward more than two years and Sony's latest superzoom bridge camera, the Cyber-shot DMC-HX100V, is very different beast to its predecessor that benefits from evolution of technology right across the board.
The HX100V packs a 30x optical zoom lens into its body, providing a 27mm wide-angle through to 810mm at the top end of its zoom. That provides a range sufficient to snap group shots through to more distant subjects as if they were right in front of you.
Having a long lens that can cover a wide reach for an affordable lump of cash is important for a superzoom, and the HX100V does that. A similar equivalent at a more professional DSLR level would cost oh so much more than the HX100V's £420 outlay (ignoring, for the moment, the difference in results).
As well as a 3-inch, 921k-dot LCD mounted on a tilt-angle bracket on the HX100V's rear, there's also a 0.2-inch, 201k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) above this.
The electronic viewfinder is often why such a camera is termed as a 'bridge camera', given it's a halfway measure between compact and DSLR-like functionality.
The combination of screen and viewfinder make for versatile use, and the LCD screen in particular is of a decent resolution that looks great in playback mode.
The tilt-angle bracket means the screen itself is able to pull away from the body through vertical rotation of just over 90-degrees upwards (useful for waist-level work) or approximately 50-degrees downwards (useful for when shooting overhead).
The EVF is less versatile, as the small screen isn't always easy to see, but it's an essential device for framing and support, particularly in bright sunlight when the LCD screen can be too reflective to pose much use.
Gone is the HX1's 9.1MP sensor, updated with the HX100V's latest 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS. The 'R' means that the sensor is 'back-lit', ie the wiring is placed to the back of the construction for a cleaner light path, and therefore better signal for improved image quality.
The Sweep Panorama mode also sees an update, now termed 'iSweep Panorama' (or intelligent Sweep Panorama) it's possible to activate an 'HR' (High Resolution) option for larger panoramas that measure 4096x10480 pixels (or 1.4x3.6 metres at 72dpi).
It's only possible to use this in the 'vertical-run' position, but twist the camera by a right angle and you can fool it into using the wider portion of the sensor for the bigger files.
A 3D Panorama mode and a 3D stills mode feature – the latter takes two shots and offsets them against one another in an MPO file format for three dimensional viewing on a relevant device.
We're none too taken by it though, as there's just not the distance of true twin lens technology here to make it look truly real or exciting.
In addition to a variety of manual and scene modes the HX100V also adds a new GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) mode that can pinpoint a shot's location and tack it onto the image data. It's useful for categorising and searching through images at a later date, or relocating the exact location again in the future. And for the speed snappers out there the HX100V can even shoot off shots at up to 10 frames per second (10fps), though only when focus is fixed on a single focal plane (i.e. not continuously autofocusing).
Nikon DSLR Camera
Nikon are a big Japanese corporation specializing in optics and imaging. They produce digital SLR cameras, digital compact cameras, lenses and - not for much longer probably - a few film cameras.
They share equally about 80% of the market with their main rival, Canon.
The first ever Nikon DSLR camera was the D1 SLR of 1999! It was one of the first of its kind to combine high quality and a reasonable price, encouraging some pro's to choose it in preference of film cameras.
Since then, Nikon's range of cameras has reflected the enormous growth of consumer digital photography.
Quick summary of Nikon DSLR camera ranges
Ok, it's worth having a clear idea of how Nikon organise their range of cameras.
This will help you to understand where the best place to look for your next purchase is. All Nikon DSLR cameras fit within one of several groups.
First up, in relation to the prospective user, every Nikon SLR digital camera is described as one of these 3 things:
Consumer
Cameras for the average person who just wants to get hold of a DSLR for personal use.
Prosumer
Cameras for people who are a little more interested in photography and want a really nice piece of kit.
Professional
High quality equipment with a price tag that would typically exclude all but those who use it as a professional tool.
All Nikon DSLR cameras are also placed in one of these 3 categories: Entry Level, Midrange and High End.
So, those in the entry level range are, of course, 'consumer' cameras. Whilst the midrange models are all 'prosumer', and the high end cameras are either 'prosumer' or 'professional'.
Nikon also have a large range of excellent digital compact cameras. They're simple, though increasingly well equipped, little cameras for quick and easy photography.
Now let's take a look at some of the most popular models from within the main Nikon DSLR camera categories:
They share equally about 80% of the market with their main rival, Canon.
The first ever Nikon DSLR camera was the D1 SLR of 1999! It was one of the first of its kind to combine high quality and a reasonable price, encouraging some pro's to choose it in preference of film cameras.
Since then, Nikon's range of cameras has reflected the enormous growth of consumer digital photography.
Quick summary of Nikon DSLR camera ranges
Ok, it's worth having a clear idea of how Nikon organise their range of cameras.
This will help you to understand where the best place to look for your next purchase is. All Nikon DSLR cameras fit within one of several groups.
First up, in relation to the prospective user, every Nikon SLR digital camera is described as one of these 3 things:
Consumer
Cameras for the average person who just wants to get hold of a DSLR for personal use.
Prosumer
Cameras for people who are a little more interested in photography and want a really nice piece of kit.
Professional
High quality equipment with a price tag that would typically exclude all but those who use it as a professional tool.
All Nikon DSLR cameras are also placed in one of these 3 categories: Entry Level, Midrange and High End.
So, those in the entry level range are, of course, 'consumer' cameras. Whilst the midrange models are all 'prosumer', and the high end cameras are either 'prosumer' or 'professional'.
Nikon also have a large range of excellent digital compact cameras. They're simple, though increasingly well equipped, little cameras for quick and easy photography.
Now let's take a look at some of the most popular models from within the main Nikon DSLR camera categories:
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Best Nikon Camera
What is the Best Nikon Camera? This is a question that so many people ask when they decide to buy a digital camera. Truth is the best Nikon camera will actually be a different camera for different people. For example, the best Nikon digital camera for your thirteen year old will be a different camera than the best Nikon camera for a wedding photographer. And this is the first thing to note when deciding on a camera. The camera MUST be the best Nikon camera FOR YOU!
Here are some guidelines that will help you select the right camera:
What Type Of Pictures Do You Like To Shoot?
Point & Shoot Vs A Nikon Digital SLR
How Much Photography Technique Do You Know?
How Much Can You Spend?
Will You Use Your Camera To Make Money?
Once you can answer these questions you will be well on your way to selecting the perfect Nikon camera for you. So let's look at each point in a little more detail to see what we come up with...
What Type Of Pictures Do You Like To Shoot?
Let's imagine you like to shoot landscapes & seascapes. Then a camera that features compositional gridlines in the view finder would be ideal. And a wide angle lens would be a must. However for the person who likes to shoot close ups of flowers, a macro lens may be ideal.
Point & Shoot Vs A Nikon Digital SLR
While a point & shoot Nikon camera is a lot more compact and easier to carry, it doesn't allow you the creative control that you will get from a Nikon Digital SLR. And with some entry level digital SLR bodies costing nearly the same as some high end point & shoot cameras, in terms of bang for your buck a Nikon SLR wins hands down.
How Much Photography Technique Do You Know?
Your photographic skill will have a great influence upon which Nikon digital camera is right for you. So for the more experienced photographer, features such as a depth of field preview button or internal compositional grid lines may be quite essential, while these things may not be as important to a less skilled photographer. And if you happen to be the latter, let me suggest you look these features up as they can help take your photography to the next level.
How Much Can You Spend?
This can sometimes be the all important question, and there may not be much point in looking at a $2500 Nikon camera body if your budget is $1500. In planning your budget split it between a camera body and lenses, bearing in mind that it is better to spend more money on a better lens rather than on a better camera body as the best camera body will give you a camera that's only as good as your best lens.
And it is important to bear this in mind when seeking out the best digital camera prices. You must also remember to budget for a clear filter to keep on your lens at all times, a padded bag to carry your camera in and two memory cards. In fact when buying memory cards decide what size card you want then buy 2 that are half the size. This way if you ever lose a card or one should get corrupted, you are not stuck until you can get back to buy another one!
Will You Use Your Camera To Make Money?
If you will use your camera to make some extra cash then you should consider all the "Must Have" features and ensure that your Nikon of choice has them. Truth is, what ever you pay for these extras will be quickly recouped after a couple of sales.
Okay, so there you have it...5 Top Tips to help you select the Best Nikon Camera.
So here's wishing you success with your camera selection and even greater success in creating photographic masterpieces...
Click The Link Below To Get The ULTIMATE FREE e-Report ~ How To Choose The Best Digital Camera ~ By Ace Professional Photographer - Kirk Elliott
Here are some guidelines that will help you select the right camera:
What Type Of Pictures Do You Like To Shoot?
Point & Shoot Vs A Nikon Digital SLR
How Much Photography Technique Do You Know?
How Much Can You Spend?
Will You Use Your Camera To Make Money?
Once you can answer these questions you will be well on your way to selecting the perfect Nikon camera for you. So let's look at each point in a little more detail to see what we come up with...
What Type Of Pictures Do You Like To Shoot?
Let's imagine you like to shoot landscapes & seascapes. Then a camera that features compositional gridlines in the view finder would be ideal. And a wide angle lens would be a must. However for the person who likes to shoot close ups of flowers, a macro lens may be ideal.
Point & Shoot Vs A Nikon Digital SLR
While a point & shoot Nikon camera is a lot more compact and easier to carry, it doesn't allow you the creative control that you will get from a Nikon Digital SLR. And with some entry level digital SLR bodies costing nearly the same as some high end point & shoot cameras, in terms of bang for your buck a Nikon SLR wins hands down.
How Much Photography Technique Do You Know?
Your photographic skill will have a great influence upon which Nikon digital camera is right for you. So for the more experienced photographer, features such as a depth of field preview button or internal compositional grid lines may be quite essential, while these things may not be as important to a less skilled photographer. And if you happen to be the latter, let me suggest you look these features up as they can help take your photography to the next level.
How Much Can You Spend?
This can sometimes be the all important question, and there may not be much point in looking at a $2500 Nikon camera body if your budget is $1500. In planning your budget split it between a camera body and lenses, bearing in mind that it is better to spend more money on a better lens rather than on a better camera body as the best camera body will give you a camera that's only as good as your best lens.
And it is important to bear this in mind when seeking out the best digital camera prices. You must also remember to budget for a clear filter to keep on your lens at all times, a padded bag to carry your camera in and two memory cards. In fact when buying memory cards decide what size card you want then buy 2 that are half the size. This way if you ever lose a card or one should get corrupted, you are not stuck until you can get back to buy another one!
Will You Use Your Camera To Make Money?
If you will use your camera to make some extra cash then you should consider all the "Must Have" features and ensure that your Nikon of choice has them. Truth is, what ever you pay for these extras will be quickly recouped after a couple of sales.
Okay, so there you have it...5 Top Tips to help you select the Best Nikon Camera.
So here's wishing you success with your camera selection and even greater success in creating photographic masterpieces...
Click The Link Below To Get The ULTIMATE FREE e-Report ~ How To Choose The Best Digital Camera ~ By Ace Professional Photographer - Kirk Elliott
Nikon Camera Bags and Cases
Keeping expensive cameras and camera accessories protected while venturing the al fresco is easy with Nikon camera bags and cases. Any owner would naturally want to preserve something as expensive as a camera while loving the outdoors, being one with nature, being on the go and at the same time being able to capture wonderful images in still photos.
Protection has never been easier with the different offers from Nikon. For instance, the soft case especially designed for a Nikon D7000 has a strap that allows convenient carrying of the camera while keeping it protected from dirt and scratches. Another perfect item is the classic looking leather bag made for Nikon D3100 SLR camera that is made of soft internal layer that protects the LCD screen from scrapes, nicks and bumps. Some cases come ready to use without having to take the camera out when you need to take a picture.
Most Nikon camera bags and cases are functionally designed for convenient use. Some are designed with bottom screw so you can directly fix your camera on a tripod. Most cases are so user-friendly that they open and close easily as they provide shelter.
Why protect a camera using bags and cases?
No one can argue that the beauty of nature's colors is magical especially during spring time when flowers bloom and the green color of the countryside is again witnessed. What better way to capture such views but with pictures that you can preserve forever. But wouldn't you want to do the same with your camera? Naturally, any photography hobbyist would want to keep their cameras for as long as they can. That is why there are qualities, well-designed cases and carriers that are functional at the same time. These are the features of Nikon camera bags and cases and they serve the purpose of shielding your cameras very well.
There are many selections available from any local camera store or online. They are offered in different sizes and designs. Consider the size of your camera, the number of accessories you carry with you often and possibly some extra room to carry other essentials when determining the size of bag you want to buy. If gathering them all together in one bundle and carrier might cause discomfort and uneasiness in carrying, consider getting a couple of bags instead of one big, bulky one.
There are bags made with plenty of pockets: on the sides, the front, the back and even small ones inside. You may find these pockets very useful in keeping small items away from the camera itself to avoid them scratching the camera accidentally. There are also shoulder or backpack camera bags for hands-free carrying. Should you go for a shoulder bag, get one that has a very secure strap. Remember, expensive equipment is what you will be placing inside. You don't want the strap accidentally detaching and damaging your camera instead of giving it protection, do you?
Nikon camera bags and cases are often offered at lower prices when you buy them along with the camera. So if it is your first time to shop for a camera, look for stores that offer package deals to include a bag and protective cases.
Protection has never been easier with the different offers from Nikon. For instance, the soft case especially designed for a Nikon D7000 has a strap that allows convenient carrying of the camera while keeping it protected from dirt and scratches. Another perfect item is the classic looking leather bag made for Nikon D3100 SLR camera that is made of soft internal layer that protects the LCD screen from scrapes, nicks and bumps. Some cases come ready to use without having to take the camera out when you need to take a picture.
Most Nikon camera bags and cases are functionally designed for convenient use. Some are designed with bottom screw so you can directly fix your camera on a tripod. Most cases are so user-friendly that they open and close easily as they provide shelter.
Why protect a camera using bags and cases?
No one can argue that the beauty of nature's colors is magical especially during spring time when flowers bloom and the green color of the countryside is again witnessed. What better way to capture such views but with pictures that you can preserve forever. But wouldn't you want to do the same with your camera? Naturally, any photography hobbyist would want to keep their cameras for as long as they can. That is why there are qualities, well-designed cases and carriers that are functional at the same time. These are the features of Nikon camera bags and cases and they serve the purpose of shielding your cameras very well.
There are many selections available from any local camera store or online. They are offered in different sizes and designs. Consider the size of your camera, the number of accessories you carry with you often and possibly some extra room to carry other essentials when determining the size of bag you want to buy. If gathering them all together in one bundle and carrier might cause discomfort and uneasiness in carrying, consider getting a couple of bags instead of one big, bulky one.
There are bags made with plenty of pockets: on the sides, the front, the back and even small ones inside. You may find these pockets very useful in keeping small items away from the camera itself to avoid them scratching the camera accidentally. There are also shoulder or backpack camera bags for hands-free carrying. Should you go for a shoulder bag, get one that has a very secure strap. Remember, expensive equipment is what you will be placing inside. You don't want the strap accidentally detaching and damaging your camera instead of giving it protection, do you?
Nikon camera bags and cases are often offered at lower prices when you buy them along with the camera. So if it is your first time to shop for a camera, look for stores that offer package deals to include a bag and protective cases.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Basic Digital Camera Modes
It's easy to learn how to use a digital camera today. If you are a beginner in photography, one of the first important things to learn is the different shooting modes you can use on your digital camera. Camera modes are settings which allow you to control the three elements that will determine the quality of the camera exposure - shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Automatic Modes. In this setting, the camera decides or automatically chooses the right balance of the elements for the exposure. This is the simplest and most convenient mode as all you would need to do is aim the camera, press the button and the camera automatically calibrates the aperture and shutter speed based on the amount of light available. With auto mode, you are almost always guaranteed a reasonably good image.
In most digital cameras there are different kinds of automatic modes which you can use for a variety of situations.
Macro mode is for taking pictures up close.
Portrait is for focusing on single subjects. The background or other elements in the picture are thrown out of focus so that the attention is on the subject.
Sports or action mode is for photographing moving objects or an action scene, such as running animals or sports events. Landscape mode is for taking pictures at wider angles or a bigger depth of field.
Night mode is for photographing scenes where there is only a low amount of light available.
There are also digital cameras that feature other types of automatic mode. These are the snow mode, water mode, fireworks mode and movie mode among others.
Secondary or Semi-Automatic (Semi-Manual) Modes. In these types of modes, you have some level of control while capturing your images. For one, you can set one element to your preference and the camera then computes for the other settings that will produce a balanced exposure. If you are starting to get serious in photography, learning these modes is a good way to master the individual elements.
Aperture priority mode is for controlling the aperture (or the size of the lens opening when you take the picture) in a shot. You can use this when you want to control how much of the scene or the image will be in focus. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the smaller the aperture (or lesser light) and vice-versa. This is the "A" or "AV" label on your camera.
Shutter priority mode is for controlling the shutter speed. A faster shutter speed lets you freeze the motion in the image (best for capturing fast action) while a slower shutter speed blurs the action in the image. You can also use the "S" or "TV" (as seen on the switch button on your digital camera) for panning and for low light situations.
Manual Mode. Finally, there is the full manual mode which allows you to have total control all the settings - from shutter speed, aperture, flash, ISO etc. With this mode, you can experiment with the different settings and you can determine the outcome of your images according to how you compute for the shutter speed and aperture.
Automatic Modes. In this setting, the camera decides or automatically chooses the right balance of the elements for the exposure. This is the simplest and most convenient mode as all you would need to do is aim the camera, press the button and the camera automatically calibrates the aperture and shutter speed based on the amount of light available. With auto mode, you are almost always guaranteed a reasonably good image.
In most digital cameras there are different kinds of automatic modes which you can use for a variety of situations.
Macro mode is for taking pictures up close.
Portrait is for focusing on single subjects. The background or other elements in the picture are thrown out of focus so that the attention is on the subject.
Sports or action mode is for photographing moving objects or an action scene, such as running animals or sports events. Landscape mode is for taking pictures at wider angles or a bigger depth of field.
Night mode is for photographing scenes where there is only a low amount of light available.
There are also digital cameras that feature other types of automatic mode. These are the snow mode, water mode, fireworks mode and movie mode among others.
Secondary or Semi-Automatic (Semi-Manual) Modes. In these types of modes, you have some level of control while capturing your images. For one, you can set one element to your preference and the camera then computes for the other settings that will produce a balanced exposure. If you are starting to get serious in photography, learning these modes is a good way to master the individual elements.
Aperture priority mode is for controlling the aperture (or the size of the lens opening when you take the picture) in a shot. You can use this when you want to control how much of the scene or the image will be in focus. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the smaller the aperture (or lesser light) and vice-versa. This is the "A" or "AV" label on your camera.
Shutter priority mode is for controlling the shutter speed. A faster shutter speed lets you freeze the motion in the image (best for capturing fast action) while a slower shutter speed blurs the action in the image. You can also use the "S" or "TV" (as seen on the switch button on your digital camera) for panning and for low light situations.
Manual Mode. Finally, there is the full manual mode which allows you to have total control all the settings - from shutter speed, aperture, flash, ISO etc. With this mode, you can experiment with the different settings and you can determine the outcome of your images according to how you compute for the shutter speed and aperture.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Difference between IP Camera Vs CCTV Camera
There is a lot of confusion when it comes to surveillance cameras. But basically, common homeowners can't distinguish the differences between an IP camera and a CCTV camera. This is quite a shame considering the fact that they each have their own pros and cons. There are also times when one works better than the other. If you don't know the difference, you could end up missing on the better camera.
IP Camera
If you travel a lot, this is the better option. The IP camera takes full advantage of the internet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can watch a live view of the area that you've secured. In this time and age when smart phones are really smart, you can even view a live feed using your phone with the help of 3 GPP technology.
In addition, you can also store the recorded videos remotely which can be more secure. When caught on video, a criminal will try to look where the videos are saved. They can take it with them and you're left with nothing. On the other hand, storing the videos in a secure location ensures that it's safe. Again, you can access them anywhere.
Obviously, IP cameras are advanced and this shows in the number of features regularly released. For example, did you know that a lot of these cameras now have motion detectors? This can save you a lot of resources and this can ensure better security to ensure that every motion detected is recorded. Afterwards, you will be notified that motion was detected so you can check it out.
CCTV Camera
If you know where to look, a CCTV camera can be the better option because of its reliability. This type of surveillance camera came first but even with newer cameras with better technologies, they're still around and a lot of people still prefer it.
With its reliability, it's a much better choice for businesses. But homeowners can rely on it as well. Hook it up to your TV and you can check out the live feeds anytime even without an internet connection. So if you wake up to your dogs barking, you can just check out the live feeds to see what's up.
IP Camera Vs CCTV Camera
You really can't go wrong with either one provided that you buy it from a good provider. Just determine your needs and that can help you decide which one to buy.
IP Camera
If you travel a lot, this is the better option. The IP camera takes full advantage of the internet. As long as you have an internet connection, you can watch a live view of the area that you've secured. In this time and age when smart phones are really smart, you can even view a live feed using your phone with the help of 3 GPP technology.
In addition, you can also store the recorded videos remotely which can be more secure. When caught on video, a criminal will try to look where the videos are saved. They can take it with them and you're left with nothing. On the other hand, storing the videos in a secure location ensures that it's safe. Again, you can access them anywhere.
Obviously, IP cameras are advanced and this shows in the number of features regularly released. For example, did you know that a lot of these cameras now have motion detectors? This can save you a lot of resources and this can ensure better security to ensure that every motion detected is recorded. Afterwards, you will be notified that motion was detected so you can check it out.
CCTV Camera
If you know where to look, a CCTV camera can be the better option because of its reliability. This type of surveillance camera came first but even with newer cameras with better technologies, they're still around and a lot of people still prefer it.
With its reliability, it's a much better choice for businesses. But homeowners can rely on it as well. Hook it up to your TV and you can check out the live feeds anytime even without an internet connection. So if you wake up to your dogs barking, you can just check out the live feeds to see what's up.
IP Camera Vs CCTV Camera
You really can't go wrong with either one provided that you buy it from a good provider. Just determine your needs and that can help you decide which one to buy.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Security Camera, Repair and Troubleshooting Tips
Security cameras are a great asset to any business or home, but it is a technology that few know much about outside of the industry. In fact, If we're going to be perfectly honest, few in the industry know very much about them. Sure most installers can do a halfway descent job installing them, but few really understand the technology behind them, and why a specific camera is perfect for one location, but leaves much to be desired in another location. But I digress, what you're interested in is how to keep those blasted things running, and so I've put together a few tips to help you do just that.
I've seen techs just try one thing after another basically throwing mud on the wall to see what sticks, but this approach is both costly to you, because it is time consuming,(techs aren't cheap) and ineffective. A better approach is to break the system down to its most basic elements, and then troubleshoot each element of the system until you find the specific area that is causing the problem. I recently helped a ghost hunter with his camera set-up. (I know, cool right!) He was preparing to record a haunting, but since he didn't use his cameras on a regular basis, he had made some minor mistake in his set up,(Either that or his poltergeist was camera shy) and he could only see one camera on his four camera system. Following is the procedure we followed to solve his ghoulish problem, and oh by the way, he had some pretty cool images on camera that might make you rethink your opinion of those manifestations, that haunt the night.
Step one of our ghost busting is to isolate the problem: After making a preliminary check to see that each camera had power (by the light on the transformer), and that the transformer met the proper specs, the next step is to see if each camera had video. Obviously the camera that showed up on the screen was working but the next step was to isolate one of the other three cameras to see what was going on with an individual camera. Take a small monitor with a video input and hook the camera directly into the monitor. Do not use the existing cable because you are checking to see if there is a problem with the cable. Since the problem affected three cameras the chance that each cable was defective was unlikely, but you have to isolate the problem by eliminating the obvious. We had a picture, so the next step is to move the test monitor down and incorporate the existing cable. If we hadn't had a picture while taking our video feed directly from the cameras, it would have told us there was likely a power problem or defective cameras.
To test for proper power I would have taken a voltage meter and tested to see that I was getting full power from the transformer. If I was not getting enough power the camera would not turn on. This is common with cameras that use infra-red, when the IR lights turn on, if your power supply is not adequate, the camera will turn off. Many times an installer will use a transformer designed for one camera and use a splitter to run multiple cameras. When the IR lights turns on, all of the cameras are pulling more power, which can cause the cameras to shut down. Sometimes just one camera will shut down because it is at the end of the line. If you have the power you need,(usually around one amp per camera), and the camera still doesn't work then you've isolated the camera as the problem.
If I was getting full power at the camera, but no picture, the last thing I could try would be to reboot the camera by "pulling the plug" so to speak and then after a few seconds restoring power to the camera. Believe it or not this has worked for me in the past. Usually from the result of a power surge or loss of power causing the camera to freeze up. A security camera has many of the same elements of a computer and rebooting helps it to correct itself. If I still had no video at the camera, then the camera is dead. Possibly a faulty cord, but not repairable in the field.
Now that I have resolved the camera is working and the cable is not defective I have isolated the problem somewhere between the DVR and the monitor. The next phantom to look for would be in the monitor. To find this apparition you need to isolate the monitor and take it out of the equation. The first thing to do here is check the cable configuration. Most DVRs have three cable hookups, VGA output, Video Out, Spot Video Out. Your VGA output allows you to use a computer monitor to capture the image. Since VGA monitors are built to be on all the time for computer use, they are built to last, and are your best choice for a video monitor. On a VGA monitor, if your not getting an image and you're plugged into the DVR, then you have narrowed it down to the monitor. Since this ghost hunter's problem was only one camera showing up on his screen, this is not a likely problem. There is one connection that can cause this problem and that is if the cable is plugged into the "spot" video out instead of the "video out" jack. The video "spot" jack is meant for just monitoring one camera for various reasons. This was our specter's secret. Not being familiar with the DVR our Ghost Hunter had plugged his monitor into the "Spot" jack. By changing the connection everything worked as it should have. If the monitor had not been working at all the next step would have been to test the monitor to see if it was working at all by feeding in another signal such as a test screen from a test unit. Of course if the monitor hadn't been showing anything this would have been the first area I would have isolated.
What if the monitor was hooked up correctly and working properly, then you've narrowed it down to the DVR. Likely a software conflict. If you can't find the problem in the software most DVRs have an option to put all the settings back to factory default. This would undo something you might have done and solve the problem.
I've seen techs just try one thing after another basically throwing mud on the wall to see what sticks, but this approach is both costly to you, because it is time consuming,(techs aren't cheap) and ineffective. A better approach is to break the system down to its most basic elements, and then troubleshoot each element of the system until you find the specific area that is causing the problem. I recently helped a ghost hunter with his camera set-up. (I know, cool right!) He was preparing to record a haunting, but since he didn't use his cameras on a regular basis, he had made some minor mistake in his set up,(Either that or his poltergeist was camera shy) and he could only see one camera on his four camera system. Following is the procedure we followed to solve his ghoulish problem, and oh by the way, he had some pretty cool images on camera that might make you rethink your opinion of those manifestations, that haunt the night.
Step one of our ghost busting is to isolate the problem: After making a preliminary check to see that each camera had power (by the light on the transformer), and that the transformer met the proper specs, the next step is to see if each camera had video. Obviously the camera that showed up on the screen was working but the next step was to isolate one of the other three cameras to see what was going on with an individual camera. Take a small monitor with a video input and hook the camera directly into the monitor. Do not use the existing cable because you are checking to see if there is a problem with the cable. Since the problem affected three cameras the chance that each cable was defective was unlikely, but you have to isolate the problem by eliminating the obvious. We had a picture, so the next step is to move the test monitor down and incorporate the existing cable. If we hadn't had a picture while taking our video feed directly from the cameras, it would have told us there was likely a power problem or defective cameras.
To test for proper power I would have taken a voltage meter and tested to see that I was getting full power from the transformer. If I was not getting enough power the camera would not turn on. This is common with cameras that use infra-red, when the IR lights turn on, if your power supply is not adequate, the camera will turn off. Many times an installer will use a transformer designed for one camera and use a splitter to run multiple cameras. When the IR lights turns on, all of the cameras are pulling more power, which can cause the cameras to shut down. Sometimes just one camera will shut down because it is at the end of the line. If you have the power you need,(usually around one amp per camera), and the camera still doesn't work then you've isolated the camera as the problem.
If I was getting full power at the camera, but no picture, the last thing I could try would be to reboot the camera by "pulling the plug" so to speak and then after a few seconds restoring power to the camera. Believe it or not this has worked for me in the past. Usually from the result of a power surge or loss of power causing the camera to freeze up. A security camera has many of the same elements of a computer and rebooting helps it to correct itself. If I still had no video at the camera, then the camera is dead. Possibly a faulty cord, but not repairable in the field.
Now that I have resolved the camera is working and the cable is not defective I have isolated the problem somewhere between the DVR and the monitor. The next phantom to look for would be in the monitor. To find this apparition you need to isolate the monitor and take it out of the equation. The first thing to do here is check the cable configuration. Most DVRs have three cable hookups, VGA output, Video Out, Spot Video Out. Your VGA output allows you to use a computer monitor to capture the image. Since VGA monitors are built to be on all the time for computer use, they are built to last, and are your best choice for a video monitor. On a VGA monitor, if your not getting an image and you're plugged into the DVR, then you have narrowed it down to the monitor. Since this ghost hunter's problem was only one camera showing up on his screen, this is not a likely problem. There is one connection that can cause this problem and that is if the cable is plugged into the "spot" video out instead of the "video out" jack. The video "spot" jack is meant for just monitoring one camera for various reasons. This was our specter's secret. Not being familiar with the DVR our Ghost Hunter had plugged his monitor into the "Spot" jack. By changing the connection everything worked as it should have. If the monitor had not been working at all the next step would have been to test the monitor to see if it was working at all by feeding in another signal such as a test screen from a test unit. Of course if the monitor hadn't been showing anything this would have been the first area I would have isolated.
What if the monitor was hooked up correctly and working properly, then you've narrowed it down to the DVR. Likely a software conflict. If you can't find the problem in the software most DVRs have an option to put all the settings back to factory default. This would undo something you might have done and solve the problem.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Nikon introduces new digital camera technology
Nikon has introduced a new digital imaging technology that aims to keep faces in focus, eliminating one of the most common pitfalls of digital photography. This new technology is being introduced into it's Nikon Coolpix line of digital cameras. The idea here is to make the camera better able to snap a perfect picture with minimal fuss by the photographer. Imagine that, a digital camera that makes it easy to take great pictures!
It seems like a no-brainer to tackle this technological problem inherent to digital cameras but Nikon has engaged it's engineers to come up with a suite of solutions and incorporated them into the Nikon Coolpix line of digital cameras. It's not enough to have features or high megapixel resolutions, and it's good to see a company like Nikon with decades of experience manufacturing high quality cameras tackle this problem with such great results.
Nikon solves common problems such as dark exposures and blurry photos. Taking photographs is often a spontaneous act. There's no time to fiddle with obscure icons and knobs when the perfect smile is presenting itself. With it's "Face Priority Auto Focus" technology, Nikon makes it easier than ever to point and shoot great digital photographs. It doesn't matter how many megapixels a digital camera possesses, or how slim or stylish it is. What counts is the quality of the photograph. We strongly urge you to try out this camera, you may be quite impressed.
It seems like a no-brainer to tackle this technological problem inherent to digital cameras but Nikon has engaged it's engineers to come up with a suite of solutions and incorporated them into the Nikon Coolpix line of digital cameras. It's not enough to have features or high megapixel resolutions, and it's good to see a company like Nikon with decades of experience manufacturing high quality cameras tackle this problem with such great results.
Nikon solves common problems such as dark exposures and blurry photos. Taking photographs is often a spontaneous act. There's no time to fiddle with obscure icons and knobs when the perfect smile is presenting itself. With it's "Face Priority Auto Focus" technology, Nikon makes it easier than ever to point and shoot great digital photographs. It doesn't matter how many megapixels a digital camera possesses, or how slim or stylish it is. What counts is the quality of the photograph. We strongly urge you to try out this camera, you may be quite impressed.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Nikon S100 Digital Camera Review
First introduced in September 2011, the Nikon S100 is a slim and attractive digital camera. The manufacturer has included a lot of technology in a relatively small package. Featuring a 3.5 inch touch-screen along with a 5x optical zoom, this camera also allows users to create 1080p videos with stereo sound in both regular and 3D.
Users will appreciate the fact that all moving parts other than the lens cover are enclosed in the camera body. Even the 5x zoom lens is enclosed to protect it from dust and dirt. While overall good quality is seen in this camera, some may find the lens cover to be flimsy.
The Nikon S100 is not the smallest camera on the market today, but it is smaller in size than most iPhones that are used on a daily basis. While it has the appearance of an inexpensive pocket camera, the manufacturer has included feature that set it apart from these cheap digital cameras.
The camera manufacturer has included three separate autofocus modes with this camera. Out of the box, when the camera is turned on, the default mode is the touch shutter option. Users simply point to an object on the touch-screen and this camera focuses on that object. Subject tracking auto focus allows the lens to focus on an object and follow that object as long as it does not leave the screen. Touch AF/AE allows the user to set the focus to a specific distance by using the touch-screen.
The Nikon COOLPIX S100 depends heavily on the easy to use touch-screen. With a single shutter button, all other controls are managed through the screen. The camera's touch-screen makes full use of the entire 3.5 inches unlike many other models that tend to use only 3 inches of the available space.
Picture quality from this camera is excellent. Colors are captured in true to life features. The high pixel resolution allows users to make digital zooms without pixelation once the photo is downloaded on the computer. Whereas other cameras might have lost distant shots using lower resolution, this easy to use model allows significant zooms.
The Nikon S100 is a camera that can be appreciated by many who consider photography as a hobby. The device is easy enough to use that it will be enjoyed by the family photographer. Although it is not likely to win the favor of a professional photographer, it will quickly become a favorite of amateurs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6738649
Users will appreciate the fact that all moving parts other than the lens cover are enclosed in the camera body. Even the 5x zoom lens is enclosed to protect it from dust and dirt. While overall good quality is seen in this camera, some may find the lens cover to be flimsy.
The Nikon S100 is not the smallest camera on the market today, but it is smaller in size than most iPhones that are used on a daily basis. While it has the appearance of an inexpensive pocket camera, the manufacturer has included feature that set it apart from these cheap digital cameras.
The camera manufacturer has included three separate autofocus modes with this camera. Out of the box, when the camera is turned on, the default mode is the touch shutter option. Users simply point to an object on the touch-screen and this camera focuses on that object. Subject tracking auto focus allows the lens to focus on an object and follow that object as long as it does not leave the screen. Touch AF/AE allows the user to set the focus to a specific distance by using the touch-screen.
The Nikon COOLPIX S100 depends heavily on the easy to use touch-screen. With a single shutter button, all other controls are managed through the screen. The camera's touch-screen makes full use of the entire 3.5 inches unlike many other models that tend to use only 3 inches of the available space.
Picture quality from this camera is excellent. Colors are captured in true to life features. The high pixel resolution allows users to make digital zooms without pixelation once the photo is downloaded on the computer. Whereas other cameras might have lost distant shots using lower resolution, this easy to use model allows significant zooms.
The Nikon S100 is a camera that can be appreciated by many who consider photography as a hobby. The device is easy enough to use that it will be enjoyed by the family photographer. Although it is not likely to win the favor of a professional photographer, it will quickly become a favorite of amateurs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6738649
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