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Technorati Tags: 507490, CZA-05300, poloroid digital cameras

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Technorati Tags: 507490, CZA-05300, poloroid digital cameras

The advice often given to first time birding camera buyers is, “Get the best camera you can afford.” As with most simplistic answers, that one contains just enough truth to be dangerous. A more useful answer would be a return question like, “What do you intend to use the camera for?” Different situations benefit from different equipment. Birding covers so many diverse activities from sitting on a patio watching the backyard feeder to an Antarctic expedition observing penguins. What you intend to do with the camera will determine which is best for you. While cost is an indicator of quality, a more expensive camera might not be the most appropriate for a particular need.

Bird photography requirements

There are a couple of generic requirements that a good birding camera must fulfill. A birding camera needs a lens with strong magnification. Getting close to birds is difficult and you will need a lens capable of capturing a good image at a distance that won’t spook your subjects. Ignore the 3X or 5X rating on cameras. It is a relative measure that gives little objective basis for comparison. More useful is the focal length. On digital cameras that is normally stated as either effective focal length or 35 mm equivalent focal length. Those measurements compare the magnification to what a 35 mm camera would offer. As digital camera sensors essentially magnify the actual focal length of a camera anywhere from 1.5 yo 2 times, the effective or 35 mm focal length measurement gives a standard for comparison. Consumer camera lenses that offer 450 mm – 600 mm effective focal lengths are good choices.

Another feature that a birding camera needs is manual focus. Under normal conditions the automatic focus on digital cameras does a great job. Unfortunately, birds often hang out among branches and leaves. Your camera can’t know which of the many possible subjects to focus on. Therefor, you will sometime, or often, need to manually focus on the bird to get a good shot. If you primarily observe shore birds that many not be as important a consideration. Otherwise it’s essential.

Camera manufacturers often advertise the number of megapixels their cameras will capture. That’s mostly a marketing gimmick. For current consumer level cameras anything more than 10-12 megapixels, and perhaps less, provides no measurable advantage and some experts feel that larger megapixel sensors produce more image noise or graininess. 

All modern digital cameras that cost more than a couple hundred dollars are extremely capable and will produce excellent images under most conditions. A $300 camera that you have with you will do you more good than a $3000 one that got left behind because it was too heavy or complicated to take along. Yes, the more expensive camera will do a better job under difficult photo taking conditions. It will offer more controls. The photos it takes will provide more editing latitude. It will also, at a minimum, weigh and cost two to three times as much. For the casual or beginning photographer the disadvantages of cost, weight and complexity will often outweigh the technical advantages. For smaller or less fit individuals the weight alone can be the most important consideration.

Photography Intentions

That brings us to the question of intentions. If photography is the primary intent of for your birding outing then a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) offers more creative control and will give you better photos in poor light as well as more post processing options. Under average daytime lighting conditions the image quality advantage diminishes to minuscule for image printed around 11” X 17” or smaller. If you want to make posters, shoot in minimal very early morning or late evening light then get the DSLR camera.

If photography is a secondary goal to observation and identification then a point and shoot camera with a long zoom lens might be a better choice. These are classified as super zoom cameras and can take excellent images under adequate daytime lighting. The advantages of a super zoom are lighter weight, lower cost and lower complexity. Their single lens can can do the job of two or three DSLR lenses, meaning that you only need the camera not a whole bag or backpack full of equipment. Street prices run from $300 – $400 for models that offer manual zoom capability. They are a particularly good choice for people moving up from a pocket point and shoot camera. The provide enough manual controls to keep a dedicate learner busy for a couple of years and are not unreasonable to haul around along with a good pair of binoculars. Super zooms also include movie capture modes, which as of Jan 09, only two DSLR’s offer. While the movie mode isn’t a substitute for a good video camera, it is a nice bonus to grab an occasional movie clip.

A good super zoom camera can make a good bridge camera. If you think you want to get into photography but haven’t actually done a lot of it, then the lower cost is a big plus. If you later decide to upgrade to a DSLR you won’t have wasted your money. There will always be situations where the super-zoom’s lower weight and wide focal length capacity make it a good choice. It also makes a great camera to lend.

I you already have extensive photography experience then a DSLR would be the better choice. It is a more capable camera. It will give usable photos at a higher ISO setting (lower light). You won’t be intimidated by the extra controls and buttons. You may already own 35 mm camera lenses that will work with the camera. You’ll be used to dealing with multiple lenses. If you enjoy digital darkroom work then a DSLR shooting in raw mode will give you more information to work with. You will also be familiar with the high price tags that quality lenses carry and won’t suffer as much from sticker shock.

michael mckee
http://www.articlesbase.com/photography-articles/a-birders-first-camera-711189.html

Like …..
# 12x optical zoom lens with USM and UD lens element
# Optical Image Stabilizer
and great video recorder (very good quality)

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_s3is.asp?dontcount=1

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Technorati Tags: camera, digital camera, dsc w300, dsc w300 camera, dsc w300 review, dsc w300 sony, dsc w300 sony cybershot, dsc w300 sony cybershot camera, dsc w300 specifications

1. Types of cameras
Digital cameras can be grouped in: a. ultra compact – small, no flash mode; b. prosumer/ compact – generally used by hobbyists; c. digital SLRs – equipped with tripod, lenses and external flash unit, designed for professionals. If you look at photography as an art, it is advisable to go for the third category. Price varies upon a multitude of factors, including resolution.

2. Number of mega pixels
Based upon the number of mega pixels, cameras can be classified in three categories: a. 3 mega pixels – can take basic snapshots but that’s it; b. 3 to 5 mega pixels – the photos will have higher print quality; c. 5 to 7 mega pixels – can be printed in larger sizes.

3. Zooming
A camera generally has two types of zoom features: an optical zoom – magnifies the light entering through the main lens so that the image seems closer; digital zoom – magnifies the final result. Optical zoom provides higher quality.

4. Storage media
There are several types of storage formats, including: compact flash – for compact cameras and DSLRs; b. Sony memory stick – compatible only with Sony devices; c. Smart media storage – storage size is above 64kb and can store 3 dozen mega pixel files, while 1Gb can store about 500 images.

5. Carrying case
The camera and its accessories should be carried using a specific case to protect them from scratches, water or dirt.

6. Tripod
A tripod keeps the focus stable and is very useful when setting a timer.

7. Lenses and filters
Some cameras allow attaching additional lenses to the main lens while for others all lenses are interchangeable. Lenses are classified into the following categories: a. macro lens – enable close-ups of small subjects like flowers and insects; b. wide-angle lens – the opposite of macro lens, it is used to capture wide sceneries; c. telephoto lens – has a longer zoom feature that lets you take the photo from a distance when, for example, it is unsafe to get closer. Filters are used to soften the image, add light flares to increase emotional impact, blur edges for portraits, reduce glare to make pictures more vivid and saturated.

Here are also a few strategies to help you achieve better results right from the start:
1. Holding the camera
In order to take a good picture, the camera must be held as steadily as possible. You should also make sure your fingers don’t interfere with the lens. You will get it right after a little practice.

2. Focusing
Press the button only half way down until you lock the view on the focus, then press it completely to shoot. It is also best to use a tripod because it keeps the camera more steady.

3. Previewing
Everyone knows that after taking a picture he can preview it on the camera’s LCD screen. This offers you the opportunity to give it another try in case you didn’t like the result.

4. Archiving
Create an album of all the photos you’ve really liked so that you can refer to them later on. After you’ve mastered your simple compact camera and even digital SLRs, you can take better pictures using other cameras.

Alex Don
http://www.articlesbase.com/digital-photography-articles/how-to-become-an-expert-photographer-741875.html