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February 26, 2012

Academy to add Lightroom 4 and Profoto support

Nikonians-Academy-Update.jpgNikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen revealed plans (last week) to add the newest Nikon Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras to the workshop schedule. Mike's latest update adds Lightroom 4 and Profoto lighting products to the slate.

Mike tells us:
We are always developing new workshops at the Nikonians Academy while working hard to stay in front of the digital technology curve. Over the next few weeks, we'll be unveiling new workshops for the Nikon D800/D800E and the Nikon D4 camera systems. The Academy is already preparing new course content for these cameras scheduled to go live in April.

We have also begun our transition to Lightroom 4 training. adobe-vid_175.jpgCurrently, our workshop series on Lightroom 3 is extremely popular and our Lightroom 4 workshops will begin as soon as Adobe releases the final public version. You can get a peek at the latest version in a series of videos from Adobe featuring Lightroom 4 beta.

Profoto_275.jpgWe've also just signed a great partnership with Profoto to supply lighting equipment for a new studio lighting series that we'll run all around the USA.
This workshop will incorporate the use of Profoto's high-end D1 Air strobes and ProTungsten Air mono-lights.
We are excited to bring you these new workshops and we know they will be a valuable learning resource for you.

Our ambitious Master Your Gear workshop schedule for March and April begins next week with classes all around North America.
i-TTL_250.jpg
There are only a few seats remaining for my workshops next week in Los Angeles, so don't delay in signing up. Winston Hall is in Texas running workshops in Dallas (March 8-11) and Austin (March 15-18) while Steve Simon is in Canada, running workshops in Toronto (March 15-18) and Montreal (March 22-25). April brings Winston Hall to Denver, Colorado (April 4-7).

If you've ever wanted to explore the outdoor world with your camera, then come along with one of our Nikonians instructors to wild places around the world. Our nature and destination workshops are some of the best in the business. We always keep a low teacher-to-student ratio so we are able to maximize your experience.

Location, location, location
Making your photographic adventure a trip of a lifetime is our priority and we do everything possible to get you to the right locations at the right time.

Yellowstone_250.jpgJoin us to destinations such as Moab UT (May 7-10), Yosemite CA (May 24-27), Yellowstone WY (June 2-4), Grand Teton (June 6-9), Giant Redwoods (June 21-24), Alaska Wildlife (July 22-28), Eastern Sierra (August 9-11), Monument Valley (September 10-13), Moab UT (September 18-21), Yellowstone Wildlife (September 29-October 2), Grand Teton Wildlife (October 3-6), Albuquerque Balloon Festival (October 8-12), Acadia NP (October 18-21), and Tanzania African Safari (November 4-15).


Master the art of architectural and urban photography
Urban_175.jpgOne of our newest workshops called Urban Photography is hosted by Nikonians Photo Professor podcaster Rick Hulbert.

Rick is a professional architect and master photographer who has combined his two passions into a four-day workshop that aims to teach attendees how to become expert urban photographers.

Rick covers everything you need to know to create jaw-dropping urban images. Our first two Urban Photography workshops are scheduled for Seattle, WA (April 12-15) and Toronto, ON (May 3-6).

Posted by flashdeadline at 5:08 PM

February 24, 2012

15% off on special photobooks

We are pleased to announce that we can give you a special 15% on selected books posted in our bookshow. Just use "BOOKSCHOW15OFF" when purchasing one of the selected books. Don´t forgett to stop by randomly as the books will change until 03/30/12






Posted by hendric at 3:26 PM

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera mega bundle!

Adoramadeal.jpgNikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm NIKKOR VR Lens - Refurbished by Nikon U.S.A. Bundle - with - 4GB SD Memory Card, Spare Nikon EN-EL14 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery, Slinger Camera Bag, Camera Grip Hand Strap - FREE: Red Giant Magic Bullet PhotoLooks V1.5 Software,a $199.00 Retail Value


$599.00 Total Retail Value for just $434,95

Posted by hendric at 9:37 AM

February 23, 2012

D4, D800 & D800E hands-on report

Being a Nikon Professional has its advantages, besides shooting with great equipment (Nikon), you sometimes get to see products before they are available on the market.

Today I was at Nikon NL to preview the new Nikon flagships, the D4, D800, and D800E. Together with a presentation listing the highlights of these new cameras and their underlying technique, I was able to actually play with them. Very exiting and quite unique as these previews are only available to a select group of Nikon professionals. What makes the event even more unique is the fact that I was holding the only D4, D800 and D800E cameras in the Netherlands!

The rest of the report can be found on my own blog page.

Feel free to comment/ask questions. And yes, you'll want to start saving to be able to buy one of these cameras, they're really that good :-)

Posted by hrbaan at 9:48 PM

February 19, 2012

Nikonians Academy adding Nikon D4 & D800 workshops, preps for Spring/Summer

Nikonians-Academy-Update.jpgNikonians Academy Director Mike Hagen tells us the staff is adding newest Nikon DSLR’s to their workshop schedule.

Mike’s report follows:
D4-D800.jpgNikon D4 and D800 owners - we've totally revamped our Master the D700/D3 workshops to include the Nikon D4 and D800/D800E cameras.

We'll be running D800 and D4 workshops as soon as the cameras are released to the public, probably in April, 2012.

Looking Ahead...
We're getting down to the last chance to purchase workshops in Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, Toronto, Montreal and Denver. Winston Hall, Steve Simon and Mike Hagen are running workshops on the D7000, D90, D80, D700, D3, D3s, D3x, Adobe Lightroom, Nikon CLS and the Passionate Photographer throughout North America in March and April.

Warmer weather brings hot trips
Rick_H_Death_Valley_175.jpgMarch, April and May kick off our destination workshop series that includes trips such as Death Valley in the Spring, Urban Photography in Seattle and Toronto, Big Sur: From the Coast to the Canyons, Moab Utah Photo Adventure and Yosemite: Spring Waterfalls and Spring Blooms. Join us to learn nature photography and urban photography from our instructors Winston Hall, Rick Hulbert and Michael Mariant.

Redwoods_175.jpg
Our spring and summer workshop series is also full of outdoor adventures including our top-notch wildlife adventure trips to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with Jim Stamates.

If you are interested in photographing the Giant Redwoods of California, then join expert Michael Mariant in June for this amazing trip through a primeval landscape. Our Alaska wildlife photo adventure begins on July 22nd and is an incredible trip for photographing whales, bears and ice fields.

Posted by flashdeadline at 4:41 PM

February 15, 2012

Last day for free photo magazine

Get your digital photography magazine for free - valid for new Gold & Platinum members.
Last day to sign up is today, 15th of February 2012. More info here

Posted by bgs at 12:52 PM

February 13, 2012

Only one day save 50% Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements (bundle)

Logo_Adobe-kl.jpgThe European "One day deal" is back.

Save 50% Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 10 (Bundle)_ONE_DAY_DEAL

Available in the following Country Stores: UK, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. 

This offer ends on February 14th at 11:59pm

Posted by hendric at 10:45 AM

February 12, 2012

Death Valley reservations time-crunch, March preview

Nikonians-Academy-Update.jpgIf you are holding off your decision on attending the Nikonians Academy Death Valley workshop next month, then don't wait much longer. Our Death Valley workshop leader Michael Mariant tells us that the only hotel in the area is completely booked during that timeframe, except for our block of room reservations which expire on February 29th.

February is a popular time of year to photograph Death Valley and Michael knows how to get you to the right spots at the right times. Read more about the new cut-off date in our forums. Death-Valley-tour_275.jpg

Click Here to Watch the Death Valley Virtual Video Tour.

Michael tells us these Death Valley workshops carry unexpected surprises:
"One surprising aspect of these travel/landscape photography workshops for nearly all attendees is the level of education provided. There is a comprehensive photographic curriculum integrated into the workshop, with each location providing an exercise in technique and application. This workshop focuses not only on the 'where' to take the pictures, but also on the 'how' to take pictures, incorporating that photographic education at each location, building on the previous location?s techniques and lessons to culminate in a comprehensive class in composition, modified exposure, light controls, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography to name just a few."

hagen__200px.jpgOur Nikonians Academy instructor team has an incredibly busy March/April schedule. We are running workshops in Los Angeles, Dallas, Austin, Toronto, Montreal, Death Valley, Denver, Big Sur and Seattle. Our topics range from our one-day Master series workshops to landscape photography to urban photography.

Speaking of urban photography, our newest workshop posting is titled Urban Photography: How to photograph built environments including architecture and other places for people.

These workshops, run by architect and master photographer Rick Hulbert, are designed to show you how to create stunning works of art in urban environments.

Urban_175.jpgRick is well known for his humorous approach to teaching and his excellent photographic style.

We encourage you to sign up for either the Seattle, Washington dates (April 12 - 15) or the Toronto, Ontario dates (May 3 - 6).

You will discover how to better frame and crop architectural and urban images using the long established basic principles of portrait, wedding, and event photography.

By the way, if you are a wedding or event photographer, this workshop will take your photography up a notch as well.

There is no requirement for fancy equipment. Any and every brand of camera will work, so we strongly encourage participants with Canon, Pentax, Sony and other camera brands to attend. The principles taught will also apply to point and shoot cameras, new mirrorless cameras and even camera phones. We’re serious! Bring your iPhone or Android and see what you can create!

Our outdoor and travel workshops are actively booking and we have adventures to some of the best nature photography locations on the planet. Death Valley, Big Sur, Moab, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Giant Redwoods, Alaska, Eastern Sierra, Page, Albuquerque, Acadia and Tanzania. Join us on one of our destination workshops for an intense photo adventure organized by photographers for photographers. You'll enjoy these trips regardless of your photo experience or your photo gear. Bring what you have and you'll go home a far-better photographer.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:56 PM

Nikonians invited to photoact 2012 workshops and conference

PhotoAct2012_thu.jpgOur friends at Rocky Nook publishing have arranged a "back to basics" conference and workshops series coming to California, USA this summer.
The two-day photoact 2012 comes to Santa Barbara August 24-25 and it offers attendees the opportunity to select their areas of interest in the art, craft, and technology of photography.

Rocky Nook publisher Gerhard Rossbach is the chairman of the event and his invitation to friends and photographers describes the concept:

"After a decade of major advances in technology, I believe there is a need to shift the focus back to the artistic aspects of image creation, to the essence of seeing and personal expression, and to the fundamental precepts of photography as a craft."
PhotoAct2012_450.jpg

The photoact 2012 conference and workshop format is designed to offer your choice of three tracks (Art-Craft-Technology) featuring some of the world's leading photographers and educators.

You choose your areas of interest and time schedule to meet your creative and budget friendly goals. While you are checking out your reservation options, don't forget to compare savings offered in the early bird options (before June 1, 2012).

Photoact 2012 is hosted by Rocky Nook, c’t Digital Photography, and SeenBy.com.

Posted by flashdeadline at 6:55 PM

February 11, 2012

Photo Professors D800 News Flash

Photo Professors D800 News Flash

Download Nikonians Photo Professors #1 (NCP-PP-D800-2012-02-10.mp3; 18:00; MP3 format)

The Photo Professors with a brief news flash on the new Nikon D800/D800E! Rick Hulbert and Rick Paul discuss the features and possibilities of the new Nikon D800 and D800E cameras.

Posted by obrueck at 12:08 AM

February 10, 2012

7% savings on Nikon 85mm F/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro

85mmf35.jpgMPN: 2190 Our Price: $461.95 Savings: 7% Promotion Code: Loyalty15

Posted by hendric at 8:53 AM

February 9, 2012

$100 off on Perfect PhotoSuite6 from onOne Software

Posted by hendric at 11:24 AM

February 7, 2012

Nikon announces new 36.3 megapixel D800 & D800E

logo_nikon.gifNikon's long rumored megapixel abundant full frame DSLR has come out of hiding. Our members are going through the features and specs just released and weighing in with their reactions.

Here is the short list of features courtesy of Nikon USA's Press room:

-- 36.3-megapixel FX-format CMOS Sensor
-- 91,000 pixel 3D Matrix Metering system with Advanced Scene Recognition System

D800-D800E_300.jpg

-- 1080p HD video with manual control
-- Headphone jack, and uncompressed HDMI out
-- Enhanced 51 pt AF system
-- 4 fps full resolution, 6 fps DX-mode with MBD-12 battery pack
-- ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50 (Lo-1)-25,600 (Hi-2)
-- Magnesium alloy for maximum durability
-- Dual card slots / CF and SD
-- Nikon D800 will be available in late March for $2999.95, and the Nikon D800E will be available in mid-April for $3299.95

What do you think?Join the conversation on the new Nikon D800 and D800 E in our English Café


Update:Berger-Bros.jpg
Our friends at the Ask Berger Bros. Camera forum are taking preorders.

Posted by flashdeadline at 6:23 AM

February 6, 2012

Nikonians Photo Professors #2

Photo Professors Episode 2: The Photo Professors touch on a conference covering the business of photography and then they reinterpret a famous quote from Ansel Adams.

Download the Nikonians Photo Professors #2 (NCP-PP-2012-02-01.mp3 - length 52:54min)

* Learning from the annual Professional Photographers Association convention, ImagingUSA, in New Orleans
* Sharing thoughts with Landscape Photographer Eric Bowles
* Being Inspired by the words of Ansel Adams

Length of the podcast is 52:54.

Posted by hendric at 4:53 PM

Tamron unveils new full frame f/2.8 lightweight zoom

Logo_Tamron-Thumb.jpgTamron has announced a new standard zoom lens designed for full frame DSLR's combining high speed in a lighweight bundle (plus vibration reduction).

Tamron's Press Release did not include a price or details on when it will be available but it did include some interesting specs:

TamronSP-24-70mm.jpg
February 6th, 2012, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the development of the SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007), a full-size high-speed standard zoom lens equipped with VC ( Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive), with resolution at the top of its class.

The price and availability of the SP 24-70mm will be announced at a later date.

Product Features
1. A full-size, high-speed standard zoom with built-in VC ( Vibration Compensation). Even when shooting in low-light conditions with a slow shutter speed to render sharpness, Tamron’s acclaimed VC allows for stable handheld camera work, to more fully enjoy the benefits of this high-speed zoom lens.

2. Uses special high-grade glass in the three LD elements, three glass molded aspherical lenses, one hybrid aspherical lens and two XR (Extra Refractive Index) glasses, delivering top-of-the-class quality images suited to this high-grade lens. Using a rounded diaphragm, the lens achieves gorgeous blur effects. This rounded diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even when taken two stops down from its fully open state.

3. Features Tamron proprietary USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive) to power a speedy AF drive together with a continuous manual mechanism.

4. This high-speed standard zoom lens has a wide-end focal length of 24mm that expands the photographic area.

5. The lens adopts the new technology including the latest optical design, VC ( Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive), all in a lighter and more compact package.

6. Moisture-resistant construction helps prevent water from penetrating the lens.

Specifications:
• Model: A007
• Focal length: 24-70mm
• Maximum aperture: F/2.8
• Angle of view (diagonal): 84°04’ -34°21’ (for full frame 35mm format cameras)
• 60°20’ -22°33’ (for APS-C format cameras)
• Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
• Minimum focus distance: 0.38m (15.0 in)
• Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5 (at f=70mm: MFD 0.38m)
• Filter size: φ82mm
• Length: 108.5mm*
• Entire Length: 116.9mm*
• Diameter: φ88.2mm
• Weight: 825g*
• No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm)
• Minimum aperture: F/22
• Standard accessories: Flower-shaped lens hood
• Compatible mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony

* Length, entire length and weight values given are for the Nikon mount.
* Entire length is the distance between the tip of the lens and the tip of the protrusion.
* The Sony mount does not include VC, because the body of Sony digital SLR cameras includes image stabilization functionality. The product name for Sony cameras is “SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di USD” without the VC designation.

VC ( Vibration Compensation)
VC ( Vibration Compensation) is Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization system. Tamron’s VC is a three-coil system, whereby three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking performance. And as the VC lens may be moved in parallel using only the motorized control, the mechanical structure has been simplified, enabling the creation of a more compact lens.

New VC system (moving coil method)
Tamron’s original VC image stabilization mechanism utilized a moving magnet system whereby a heavy magnet was positioned near the moving VC lens element. In the new VC unit the positions of the magnet and the coil are reversed, because of this the VC optical lens element is attached to the coil. The new VC mechanism employs a moving coil mechanism with a lightweight coil, and the lighter coil reduces the load on the drive system. Thus, the lighter, more compact new VC unit contributes to the lens’s overall light weight and compact size.

Because the 24-70 mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is a high-speed zoom lens with maximum aperture of F/2.8, its VC system must drive a lens that is larger and heavier than other zooms. Therefore, the shape, size and layout of the drive coils are all designed to obtain sufficient thrust. The result is a full-size, high-speed zoom that provides the same high level of compensation effect.

About the ultrasonic motor
In the ultrasonic motor, a piezoelectric element arranged in a ring formation generates ultrasonic vibrations in a metallic ring stator, and the vibration energy is used to rotate a metallic ring rotor that is attached to the stator. The rotation energy is in turn transferred from the metallic ring rotor to operate the focus lens.

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:16 PM

Free Digital Photo Magazine for Nikonians

The excellent magazine c't Digital Photography is available for one year for free for Nikonians signing up for Gold Membership. The offer is valid until February 15th. More info

Posted by bgs at 2:22 PM

February 4, 2012

Welcome Profoto

Profoto_120.jpgWe are pleased to announce the entry of our newest corporate partner, Profoto-- who proudly stand by their reputaion as the world's leading manufacturer of professional photography lighting and light shaping tools. They arrive just in time to offer our members the opportunity to a try a Profoto D1 monolight set before buying it. In addition to contributing to our community, they will also run several special discounts for our members in the coming months

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:55 PM

Welcome OMP -- OneModelPlace

OMP-welcome_125.jpg One Model Place is an online community for models, photographers and creative talents with almost 200,000 active members.

They have recently arranged to provide a 30% discount to our Nikonians members.
OMP provides models, photographers, casting agents, and clients access to the most diverse talent pool the world has ever seen.

OMP_450.jpg

One Model Place serves the modeling, photography, and associated industries by offering the opportunity to create and maintain a powerful online presence regardless of a user's technical skills, geographic location or experience. They provide models, photographers, casting agents, and clients access to the most diverse talent pool that the world has ever seen.

If you are searching for a valuable resource to advance your career, our current 30% Nikonians discount with OMP will benefit you!

Posted by flashdeadline at 9:02 PM

Super Bowl prediction challenge with Think Tank prize

Football_thu.jpgOur friends at Think Tank Photo have supplied us with a Speed Racer V2.0 hybrid shoulder bag/belt pack as a prize for the psychic Nikonian who already knows the winning team and score of the 2012 Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Surprise Challenge/Contest details are available in our English Cafe, and all Nikonians -- worldwide -- (except one) are eligible to enter.

Posted by flashdeadline at 8:27 PM

Assignment: show Nikon how you would sell their gear

NIKON-LOGO_125.jpgNikonians online photo assignments leader Rob Migliaccio (rmigliaccio) of Rhode Island, USA has posted one of his most challenging assignments to date.
Can you come up with a Nikon product image good enough to gain the attention of their advertising team?

"You've been hired by Nikon to come up with a unique, never-before-seen photo for use in an advertisement for any Nikon product on the market. The image must have the product in it - whether it be a camera, lens, flash or otherwise. This assignment is intended to be fun, while at the same time, having a serious component to it. You need to stoke your ingenuity. Be imaginative. Who knows, maybe the folks at Nikon will take notice."

There are no other restrictions except that your image(s) must have a Nikon product as its subject and be taken during the month of February, 2012.

Full details are available in Rob's assignment post.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:47 PM

Nikonians Academy March highlights

Nikonians-Academy-News-Bog.jpgMarch is a big month for the Nikonians Academy with photo workshops all around North America.
Academy Director Mike Hagen kicks the month off with workshops in Los Angeles at Samy's Camera near Hollywood March 1-4.

Posted by flashdeadline at 7:03 PM

February 3, 2012

Nikkor 55-300mmm refurbished for just $249,95

Nikorr55-300.jpg

Nikon Nikkor 55 - 300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR II (Vibration Reduction) Lens - Refurbished by Nikon U.S.A. for just $ 249,95

Take advantage by clicking here: Nikon 55 - 300mm  

Posted by hendric at 3:46 PM

Lion OS-X Update Now Supports Nikon Series 1

Apple has released an update to the Lion Operating System that reads the new Nikon Series 1 camera RAW files.

Posted by covey22 at 2:43 PM

Nikonians Academy Workshops coming up in March

Mike Hagen in Los Angeles, Winston C. Hall in Dallas and Austin, and Steve Simon in Toronto, will be presenting the workshops you have been waiting for ...

In North America, in March:

By Mike Hagen - Los Angeles, CA
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x In Depth 01-MAR-2012
Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS 02-MAR-2012
Master Adobe Lightroom 3 03-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D300/D300s - In Depth 04-MAR-2012

By Winston C Hall - Dallas, TX
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x In Depth 08-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x - Advanced 09-MAR-2012
Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS 10-MAR-2012

By Winston C Hall - Austin, TX
Master the Nikon D7000 D90 and D80 14-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x In Depth 15-MAR-2012
Master Nikon i-TTL Wireless Flash, CLS 16-MAR-2012
Master Adobe Lightroom 3 18-MAR-2012

By Steve Simon - Toronto ON
Master the Nikon D300/D300s - In Depth 15-MAR-2012
The Passionate Photographer 16-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x In Depth 17-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D7000 D90 and D80 18-MAR-2012

By Michael Mariant
Death Valley in the Spring 22-MAR-2012

By Steve Simon - Montreal, QC
Master the Nikon D300/D300s - In Depth 22-MAR-2012
The Passionate Photographer 23-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D700 & D3/D3s/D3x In Depth 24-MAR-2012
Master the Nikon D7000 D90 and D80 25-MAR-2012

Don't wait until the last minute to sign up

Posted by jrp at 8:03 AM

February 2, 2012

Is technology better than technique?

Nikon-D3s_Back-250.jpg
"Having a camera makes you no more a photographer than having a hammer and some nails makes you a carpenter" - this quote from Claude Adams, who is except some other things a freelancer, journalist and documentary film maker, so he apparently knows what he is talking about, could change your approach to the photography. Let's be honest here, photography is quite expensive hobby to have and probably nobody except your wife would believe you that buying an already quite expensive DSLR body, let's not mention the lens, will be your final photography related expense. Of course not, and for those of you who still believe it will, I have to tell you something. No, it won't... But if you gonna spend your hard earn cash, you had better think twice where you gonna spend it. What will make you a better photographer? Or shall we say for the start, what will make you a photographer?

MasteringTheNikonD3000_350px.jpg
You can choose from two ways to start "improving" your skills. Firstly, you can blame everything on "it's only an entry level camera", or "my lens is way to crappy for that", but "if I'd have a proper gear" your pictures would be hanged in Tate Modern at least. OK, so if you'd spend another £3.000 for pro body and some decent glass your pictures will improve rapidly. Yes they will and no they won't. Or secondly, you can blame the poor quality of your pictures on that piece between the viewfinder and the ground. Yes, you can invest into something more worthy and you don't even need to worry about depreciation. You can invest it into yourself by taking the course where someone more experienced will explain you that "entry level" can do pretty amazing things.

It'll be probably cheaper than upgrade and if you take a photography only as a hobby, you'll appreciate that and enjoy it even more. And if you'd like to turn pro, thanks to this your photography will make you the money required for an upgrade. I'll take myself as an example. I had an entry level camera with set lens and my pictures were crap. Yes, I blamed the camera first. But than I realised it might not be the issue. I took a course and surprise surprise, my pictures started to be better. Definitely not good, but I could see the improvement myself even though I am quite critical to my work.

It had cost me quite close the budget above, but I wouldn't be as far as I'm now, even if I would spend it on the best ever camera. It didn't show me what to do, but it showed me what can be done and that made me think. And it made me work. The enthusiasm of the classmates pushed me even further. So my "only entry level" camera won me a landscape competition in UK and got me into the gallery. I didn't think that is possible before, definitely not without pro gear. Shooting pictures for the magazine with entry level? Why not! Everything is possible. Let's not forget the evolution of the digital cameras. Only 10 years old pro camera Nikon D2X has 12.1 MP cropped sensor, what is not even in entry level field nowdays. So pretty much everybody has got the tool which pros had sometime ago. So next time if you'll think about spending money to make your photography better, mark the workshop at the top of your list.

Posted by pkuzmin at 7:45 PM

February 1, 2012

Nikon Refreshes Coolpix Line for 2012

Nikon has refreshed the Coolpix digital compact camera line for 2012. Many of imager sensors got a boost to 16MP and Nikon has continued down a safe but predictable route by reiterating the best features of previous models. Notable entries include:

P510 - the updated flagship superzoom features an enormous 24-1000mm zoom (42x), a 5 frames per second burst shooting rate and integrated GPS to keep track of where your photos were taken.

P310 - heavily based upon the previous P300, the new model retains the fast f1.8 (at wide) 24-100mm zoom range, a new 16MP CCD sensor and full 1080 video with stereo support.

S9300 - the upper end travel camera has a 25-450mm zoom range and a collapsible lens design for convenient pocketability.

Other models in the refresh include the S4300, S3300, S30, L810 and the L26. More details can be found at Nikon USA's Coolpix site.

Posted by covey22 at 2:36 PM