Tag: DSLR

Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Systems Advantages and Disadvantages

A mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is one with usually the same sensor size as that of the DSLR but without the mirror that reflects the image frame into the pentaprism and further into the optical viewfinder. It’s much like what you see in compact point-and-shoot cameras and camera phones but with the added benefits of the capability to employ quality but expensive lenses you see in the photography world.

Digital Photographer Philippines (DPP) has the list of advantages and disadvantages to offer about the mirrorless interchangeable lens systems: Continue reading

DSLR Cameras: What’s the Take?

If you’ve been from vacation lately, or even in malls and parks, you’ll see a lot of Digital SLR’s (DSLR’s) around. They seem like the regular digital point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras of four years ago. Owning one don’t seem like a luxury any longer, although they are yet worth a fortune especially the accessories (financial crisis, my a**).

The good thing about it is you won’t attract much attention anymore as you would before – maybe around 2-3 years ago – while lagging that big black camera around.

DSLR manufacturers likely have succeeded in selling their products. DSLR’s of today are treated like P&S, the sad thing is more often than not, they are used like one. The weight and the bulk is the bonus.

But of course, there are serious hobbyists and amateurs. A lot of friends who got their own DSLR lately have been asking what and where to start. And my suggestion has always been:

  • Read the manual;
  • Read about techniques; and
  • Practice

A lot of things are available in the manual but not in the internet or in any other books, especially when it comes to the functions specific to your camera.

One can always refer to resources available from books to digital e-books and various articles all over the internet. To start with, I always suggest the article, “Beginner’s FAQ” from the Photonotes.org. Take a look also at these 21 Settings, Techniques and Rules All New Camera Owners Should Know.

Practice – ahh practice. I definitely myself lack thereof.

Canon New Releases

I call it hot releases! I can’t help myself from drooling over these new Canon products:

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III

1D Mark III

There are only two lines of products in the Canon EOS series that have a full frame sensor. That is the Canon EOS 5D and the 1Ds series. Now, Canon is introducing the latest in the 1Ds series, the Mark III, bragging a 21 megapixel image resolution. This 1Ds Mark III, though, is not as fast (5fps) as its counterpart in the 1.3x crop body, 1D Mark III (10fps). Nevertheless, this is a full frame body we’re talking about.

Read all the new features here.

Canon EOS 40D

EOS 40D

The EOS 40D is an upgrade from what I own, the EOS 30D. How much upgrades were? As far as I’m concerned:

  • 10.1 megapixels over 8.2 megapixels
  • 6.5 frames per second (fps) over 5fps
  • 3″ LCD preview screen
  • EOS integrated cleaning system, that which already exists in the 400D to remove dust particles from the sensor
  • LCD with live view mode, that which is like a compact digital camera that you may frame the image by looking at the LCD screen, not the viewfinder only

I said “as far as I’m concerned” because these are the new features I would have opted should I have the choice between the two (30D and 40D). There are more new features or upgrades from the previous system, which I find not that important to me. You can see all those features here.

The Live View Mode, although will more likely drain your battery faster, would be very helpful while shooting from awkward angles such as ground level macro or mounted tripod shots.

New Lenses

Canon also introduced lenses. I find these lenses not interesting, though, and I don’t intend to acquire one. Yet, for the sake of info, here they are:

  • EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
  • EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – an upgrade from the former packaged kit lens. I guess the IS at the longest 55mm would not be that effective
  • EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS – this will be the longest focal range in the EF-S series

Interestingness

Unfortunately, DSLR’s are not like mobile phones. You may be capable of getting the latest in the Nokia series at anytime, but I don’t think so for DSLR’s. They are not that cheap. So, this post is actually just for the sake of info (again! LOL).