Canon Offers Refunds

Canon launches a campaign of promotional offers on its products during the World Cup football in South Africa. The drawback to 100 €.

The offers on products, photo, video and some brand printers. For any machine included in the following list, purchased between June 1 and July 15, Canon reimburse up to 100 € for the purchase of one of the two reflex in the list. The products concerned:

- PowerShot A3000IS: refund of 10 €
- PowerShot A3100IS: refund of 15 €
- PowerShot SX 210IS: refund of 30 €

- Ixus 105: refund of 20 €
- Ixus 130: refund of 20 €
- Ixus 210: refund of 30 €

- Legria FS306: refund of 20 €
- Legria HFR 16: refund of 30 €
- Legria HFR 17: refund of 30 €
- HF Legria M306: reimbursement of 50 €

- Pixma MP490: refund of 10 €
- Pixma MP560: refund of 15 €

- EOS 50D: refund of 100 €
- EOS 7D: refund of 100 €

Is it necessary to recall that this operation "Live a football history" echoes the football World Cup to be held in South Africa, from June 11 to July 12? To receive this offer, you must first register on the dedicated website once the product purchased. In addition, Canon announced a tour in seven French cities throughout the months of June, to a promotion of its products, with the key events around the ball, of course. Dates:

- Paris: 1 June 2 June 17 June 28 June 19 June
- Lyon: from June 3 to 5
- Marseille: 8 and 9 June
- Toulouse: from 10 to 12 June
- Bordeaux: 15 June 16
- Rennes: 22 and 23 June
- Lille: from June 24 to 26

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The DMC-FX70 from Panasonic is the Cheek Touch

Here is the first compact summer campaign for Panasonic. Advanced processor, touch screen, 5x zoom wide angle iA mode even more advanced. That bodes well for the characteristics of the models coming this summer.


With this high-end compact, we can not fail to note that the 5x zoom (24-120 mm eq. 24 x 36) is brighter than usual, F2, 2 cons F2, 8 usually. But in the end of the race, there is no room for complacency: F5, 9. We know that Panasonic is an injector of software technologies to facilitate shooting and enhance images on all criteria: exposure, focus, optical corrections. It is also the case with the Venus Engine II, which pushes the HD mode in iA further blur avoidance, and saves precious tenths in development. And it supports the Intelligent Zoom which offers via interpolation very friendly, the equivalent of a 156mm zoom. If there is still no means Priorities technically challenging this model, the settings go through an LCD touch screen.

The output will occur in August at a price of 299 €.

Key Features :

- Sensor: CCD 1 / 2, 3 inch, 14.1 Mpxl staff
- Housing: no special protection
- Image Format: 4 / 3, 3 / 2, 16 / 9 and 1 / 1
- File Format: Jpeg, Mov (AVCHD Lite)
- Definition max: [4 / 3] 4320 x 3240, [3 / 2] 4320 x 2880, [16 / 9] 4320 x 2432 and [1 / 1] 3232 x 232pixels 3
- Max Video: 720p (30 fps)
- Zoom: 0.2 to 5 F2, 9/24-120 mm (equiv. 24 x 36)
- Macro mode: 3cm (GA) 50 cm (tele)
- Development: Multizone (11), Central, face detection, tracking AF
- Stabilization: Optical
- Viewfinder: -
- Display: LCD touch 3 pouces/230 kpts
- Exposure Modes: iA, Scenes
- Sensitivities: 80 - 1600 ISO (> ISO 6400 high sensitivity)
- Speed: 60 sec - 1 / 2000 s
- Burst: NC
- Flash: 0.6 - 7.4m (W), 1 - 2.8 m (tele) at ISO Auto
- Special features:
- Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC, 40 MB internal memory
- Outputs: Hi-Speed USB, AV, HDMI
- Power: 1 rechargeable Li-Ion

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All about Light Painting Technique

Light Painting is a photographic technique that consists in photographing moving light sources with a low shutter speed and a long exposure time. Thus, the movement of light is perfectly reflected in the image. For this technique, what is done is to draw with light to create different shapes, words, etc. Surely by now you have seen many ads that apply what I'm telling you.

At Abduzeedo have posted a tutorial in which the French photographer Christopher Hibbert offers some tips on how to take pictures of this type in different situations and how to achieve the desired effect. This is a technique that does not require very high expenditure for equipment, so maybe you want to take a look around and make some tests. The photo below, incidentally, is the very Hibbert.

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Olympus Launches New E-PL1

Olympus has unveiled the hidden camera last week. Finally the rumors have been confirmed and the new E-PL1, so this model is called, is part of the same line of micro four thirds cameras, the E-E-P1 and P2.

In particular it is a compact camera (114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm and 344 grams), interchangeable lens, 12.3 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch screen and integrated flash (although it is compatible with external flash).

The E-PL1 records video in high definition (720p) and 30 fps and has a button to automatically change the video recording to capture. It also has an HDMI output to connect the camera to HD monitors and televisions.


This new Olympus model also features 19 scene modes and artistic filters photo and video, image stabilization, autofocus, face detection technology and automatic adjustment of shadows.

The Olympus E-PL1, and can be booked through Amazon for a price of $ 599.99, but still do not know at what point will go on sale.

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Hewlett Packard

Hewlett Packard has introduced three new cameras at PMA. This is the Photosmart R837 and M437 and M537. The Photosmart R837 has the curious (and useless "?) Feature to include pet-eye reduction technology so that our pets go better in the photo. Kodak has already announced a similar system for some time. Apart from that it has 7.2 megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, 3 inch LCD screen, digital image stabilization, and 32 MB of internal memory. It uses SD and SDHC cards, records video with sound at 640 x 480 and runs on a rechargeable lithium battery. It goes on sale in April for $ 230.


The other two updates to HP, the Photosmart M437 and M537 (pictured) are very similar. The only difference between them is the larger screen of the second and the different resolutions: 5 MP vs. 6. Apart from that, the two have 3X optical zoom, red eye reduction, 16MB internal memory expandable with SD cards, record video with sound at 320 x 240 and uses two AA batteries. It sold in April to $ 110 and $ 130 respectively.

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Pentax 645D

New Medium Format Camera

Pentax today introduced its new 645D, a medium format camera exclusively for the Japanese market (at least for now), which incorporates a 40 megapixel CCD sensor with ultrasonic cleaning, image processor PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) II, 3-inch LCD screen and 11-point AF with 9 cross type.

Apart from that, the camera is capable of operating at temperatures of -10 º C due to its magnesium body sealing, has a focal plane shutter with a maximum speed of 1 / 4000 seconds, viewer reaching 98%, exposure modes programmed, HDR modes, and HDMI output.

The Pentax 645D is powered by a lithium battery that allows up to 800 shots with one charge and has a double slot for SD memory cards and SDHC.

The Pentax 645D will launch with a suggested retail price of 850,000 yen to change are about 7,000 Euros. While the camera, lens Pentax has launched a 645-D FA 55mm f: 2.8 which will cost 100,000 yen (820 €).

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FT2 Lumix, Panasonic resistant compact

If a few days ago I spoke of the new terrain of Olympus cameras, today it is the turn of the new Panasonic Lumix FT2, which could encompass within the same type of cameras. This is a camera with a 14 megapixel sensor, wide angle Leica DC lens 28mm optical zoom of 4.6 increases.

The Lumix FT2 has a silicone coating is waterproof to 10m, can withstand temperatures down to -10 º C and can withstand drops of up to 2m and dust. The camera-Surf Beach modes, Intelligent Auto mode, optical image stabilization and LED lighting.


If a few days ago I spoke of the new terrain of Olympus cameras, today it is the turn of the new Panasonic Lumix FT2, which could encompass within the same type of cameras. This is a camera with a 14 megapixel sensor, wide angle Leica DC lens 28mm optical zoom of 4.6 increases.

The Lumix FT2 has a silicone coating is waterproof to 10m, can withstand temperatures down to -10 º C and can withstand drops of up to 2m and dust. The camera-Surf Beach modes, Intelligent Auto mode, optical image stabilization and LED lighting.

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Fujifilm F70EXR

Fujifilm F70EXR, a 10x zoom compact

Fujifilm has presentadouna new compact camera that stands out for its 10x zoom. This is the F70EXR, which also offers a 10 megapixel sensor, a range of 100 to 12800 ISO, 47Mb internal memory and a 2.7-inch LCD screen. All this in a metal casing only 22.7 mm thick.

The F70EXR is heir to the F60 offers automatic controls that detect the most likely scene for the kind of picture options and optimize focus, color balance, exposure, flash use, etc. The camera promises a picture quality that rivals the D-SLR (another thing that really meets), dual stabilization, intelligent flash, face detection 3.0 and auto red eye removal.

The new Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR will be available from August 2009 for a price of $ 279.95.

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Fujifilm S200EXR, almost a DSLR

The Fujifilm Finepix S200EXR is one of those cameras that do not become a DSLR but offer more of what you can give a compact. It is a 12 megapixel camera with Super CCD EXR sensor and Fujinon increases 14.3 (30.5 to 436 mm equivalent).

It has a high contrast LCD screen of 2.7 inches, new intelligent flash EXR Priority mode, which automatically adjusts the camera settings. EXR also offers Auto mode that recognizes and selects one of six scene modes available. It allows to manually configuring the main settings of the camera.

The S200EXR also offers dual image stabilization to reduce blur and vibration, capture images in RAW and JPEG simultaneously and can record video at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps. It will go on sale next month for $ 599.95.

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Sony Introduced the Cyber-shot TX5

Water Resistant and Shock
Although its appearance does not look it, the last camera that Sony has been submitted for inclusion in the sub-compact SUV. This is the new Cyber-shot TX5, a camera with a thickness of only 17.7 mm that is resistant to water, dust, shock and low temperatures.

The TX5 is a new Exmor CMOS sensor A 10.2 megapixel, 4x optical zoom and touch screen 3-inch LCD. This new compact will go on sale in April in black, silver, pink, green and red for an MSRP of $ 350.

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New Kodak Touch Screen Slice

In addition to the four new models in the series M, Kodak also introduced at CES its new and attractive Kodak Slice. With modern design and a limited size, the Slice Kodak stands out for its 3.5-inch touch screen and 16:9 aspect ratios.

Other than that, has a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, optical zoom Schneider Kreuznach 5x and optical image stabilizer. Offers video recording in HD at 720p and 30 fps, face detection and an internal memory but not yet specified, according to Kodak, could house up to 5,000 photos.

The Slice Kodak hit the stores during the month of April at a price of $ 350.

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Samsung NX10 Special Edition White

If the other day we caught the new colors of the Pentax Kx, now we see that Samsung has opted for something very similar. The Korean company has announced it will market a special edition of the Samsung NX10 white which will also include a goal of 30mm and a leather case.

This edition will be sold to a limited extent in South Korea, China, United States, Taiwan and the Netherlands to celebrate the good sales of the NX10. According to Samsung, the NX10 in two months sold 10,000 units in Korea and only three weeks after giving that number, say has already reached 20,000.

In addition to this new edition in white, Samsung has announced various packages for the Korean market include the camera and different objectives. At the moment we do not know if any of these editions of the camera will be sold outside the countries mentioned, but seems unlikely to be a limited edition.

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Nikon Announces New D3S

Nikon Corporation has officially launched its latest digital SLR, the Nikon D3S, successor to the Nikon D3. This new model features a 12.1 CMOS sensor megapixels effective range of up to ISO 12800, 3 inch LCD screen, video recording function improved D-Movie mode with high sensitivity and a dust reduction system and cleaning sensor.


The D3S works thanks to the EXPEED image processor from Nikon and boasts its speed: it takes only 0.12 seconds to boot and is able to capture up to 9 frames per second in FX format and 11 in DX. The camera system includes Nikon's Scene Recognition and up to 51 AF points.

This new model includes an energy-efficient system that lets you capture up to 4,200 images per charge. I leave you with some images.

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Jackie Chan Special Edition of the Canon EOS 550D

Like almost all consumer electronics products, cameras have also joined the fashion of the special editions. However, there are some special editions more curious than others and I bring you today is the most shocking I've seen.

This is the Canon EOS 550D Jackie Chan Eye of the Dragon. The popular Asian actor has lent his name to that DSLR that is marketed only 2010 units and only in China.

The camera has an identifying logo in gold letters Jackie Chan and sold with Canon EF-S 180145MM, a leather case for the camera, a strap and a small album, all in the name of the actor.

The full pack will sell for 10,000 Yuan, which change is $ 1,465 or just over 1,100 Euros. Personally I do not know what Jackie Chan has to do with photography or if you have so many fans to justify this special edition, but they know.

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Secret of Digital Processing

Printing

One of the great questions that assail some users of digital cameras is: "I can show my digital photos?" I can only see the photos on the computer or TV? ". The answer is: "Yes, we can." It can show digital photos, or better expressed, print digital photos, as revealed similar process is already produced in the same chamber, and there are several options, ranging from home printing with a wide range of printers ranging from the most basic color inkjet with the latest models of digital photo printers designed specifically for the domestic market, to the professional impression centers revealed.

What Size I have to take my shots?

Although the article focuses on the latter type of development, the concepts explained here will work for all kinds of printing or revealed. The first question that assaults the photographer is, "that I have to size my photos?” Because until now we were driving a reel type, the 35 mm (Is there more?), But now our camera lets you select different photo sizes, which would equate in some way to get other types of reels in our old camera .

In order to decide properly, we need to manage three concepts.

Image Size

Size is measured in number of dots (pixels): width x height

Depending on the camera, we have different sizes such as 1024x760, 1600x1200, 2272x1704, ...

Image resolution

Measured in points per inch (dpi; in English, dots per inch (dpi))

Equivalence between inch and centimeter

1 inch equals 2.54 cm.

The concept of pixels of resolution we have all more or less clear, since comntinuamente we apply it in the screen of your computer. However, how this happened to paper? Will it be good? How I can print size? To resolve these doubts did simple mathematical exercises.

At the time of our photo printing paper, the final sizes that will occupy our picture depend on the print resolution. Thus, the less resolution applied to the print paper will get larger. But the key question is: what is the normal resolution to print centers that professional development and what is the minimum applicable to the result is good? In principle, the current development processes tend to get a maximum resolution of 300 dpi, although 150 dpi from the results can be more than acceptable.

From the three elements, we generate a formula that can be applied to solve the question: What measure in centimeters will have a photograph printed by size in pixels and the resolution in dpi?

Paper size (cm) = (size photograph (pixels) * 2.54 cm / inch) / resolution (dots per inch)

Application examples:

Exercise 1. What pixel size should have a picture to be printed in 10x15 to 250ppp?

Applying the above formula, we know that

size (pixels) = (15 * 250) / 2.54

Applying the calculation, we obtain 1476.35 pixels, which means that choosing the most similar resolution, 1600 x 1200, would cover this size.

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10 Tips for Digital Photographers

Below I offer 10 Tips for Digital Photographers everyone should know:

1. No more shutter delays. If your camera has a shutter lag problem, you'd better try the trick of pre-focusing. Another option: many cameras offer a continuous-focus, which consumes more battery, but also reduces shutter lag by focusing constantly as you go frame (or while the subject moves).

The newer, more expensive cameras tend to suffer less shutter lag, and digital SLR models do not have any delay.

2. Do not believe the megapixel myth. A greater number of megapixels a camera does better.

Megapixels measure the maximum size of each photo. For instance, a four-megapixel camera captures pictures made up of four million tiny dots. The problem is that camera manufacturers boast of their number of megapixels as if they are a measure of photo quality, and many consumers are falling.

In fact, the number of megapixels is a measure of size, not quality. There are terrible seven-megapixel photos, as there are spectacular three-megapixel shots. The quality of the lens and sensor are better determinants of your photographic results; is a pity that there are no easily comparable statistics on these attributes.

Meanwhile, more megapixels means to buy a bigger memory card and to save face. And also a lot more was waiting: between shots, during transfer to your computer, and opening and editing.

There are only two situations where you should take into account the megapixels: When you want to make giant prints (eg, posters, 50 x 75 cm) and when you want the freedom to cut much of a photo to preserve the really good stuff, while still leaving enough pixels to make reasonably sized prints.

But if you do not edit photos or need larger than life, do not be fooled by the trend towards megapixels. A fine balance is in the 4 or 5 megapixels.

(Another tip, this gift: the photos will look on a screen, either the Web, e-mail or a slide show) do not need many pixels at all. Probably two megapixels are more than enough to fill a computer screen, without having to open the zoom. The large megapixel counts are primarily to do with printing, which requires much higher dot density).

3. Ignore the digital zoom. Another argument used by camera manufacturers to reach the companies also touts two different zoom factors: the optical (usually 3X) and digital (10X, 20X, 30 increases!).

The digital zoom is merely an extension of the photo. Do not you closer to the action or capture more detail, in fact, higher values can come to spoil the pictures. For best results, leave off the digital zoom. What matters is the number of optical zoom, which is the target that approaches the subject.

4. Pull the card included. Unfortunately, it is common practice to include with the camera memory card very little capacity: bait with which you can shoot a few photos while still on the Christmas tree, but that is populated with only four or five photos.

Therefore, when selecting camera, you have to have the cost of a memory card reasonable capacity, say 512 MB.

5. Service format. There are a huge variety of shapes and sizes of memory cards. Cheaper formats are Compact Flash (big and strong, the 1GB card costs about 90 €, but there are up to 8 GB capacity) and SD (about 100 € for the 1GB card, the maximum is 2 GB).

Most of the Olympus and Fuji xD cards needed (about 120 € 1 GB card, the more capacity), while most models use Sony Memory Stick Pro (about 160 € 1 GB card, up to 4 GB) or the Memory Stick Duo, which is smaller (about 200 € the 1 GB, the maximum is 2 GB).

Note that there are laptops, pocket, mobile phones, gaming consoles, printers, photo printing kiosks and other equipment with memory card slots. Most often that support Compact Flash or SD cards. Compatible slots are less common Memory Stick, and XD slots a rarity.

6. Investigate. Fortunately for potential buyers of cameras, the web is full of sites such as preview dcresource and that thoroughly tested and analyzed all the models put them within range. Consult them before buying, if in a hurry, at least read the introduction and conclusions, and look at the sample photos.

7. Identify. Do not even think to ask, "What digital camera should I buy?" a technology columnist. It would be the same as asking "What car should I buy?" or "Who do I have to marry?" There is no single correct answer.

Now there are cameras in various categories, each with its advantages and disadvantages. There target cameras as small as a Visa and only two centimeters thick (striking and very comfortable, but with few manual controls and short battery life); cameras that fit in your coat pocket (higher than the previous ones, but still compact with built-in lens cover, longer battery life and more features) zoom semipro models (no longer fit in the pocket, but targets are super-zoom) and SLR models (long battery life, no shutter lag and some extraordinary photos.)

8. Turn off the flash. The flash of a typical digital camera has a range of less than three meters. In other words, all you get with him in the play of course is to distract the actors.

9. Turn on the flash. On the other hand, there is a good trick for when someone's face is in shadow: the flash on manually. Forced flash or fill rescued from the shadows the subject's face and save more of a portrait that would otherwise be reduced to silhouette. (In most cameras, the flash on and off by pressing the lightning).

10. Turn off the screen. The rear display is undoubtedly one of the joys of digital photography, but also the main consumer of battery power. If you do not mind holding the camera in front of your eyes and look through the viewfinder, turn off the screen when you take pictures and double the length of each battery charge.

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10 Tips for Taking Good Pictures

Here 10 small and humble advice that I can help you to take good pictures. They are grown, or whether they are a remix from advice I was given to me and things I have learned to far wrong, retry, err, retry ... The tips are for people with digital camera, I say this because I imagine there will be some nostalgic still use analog camera.

1. Be inspired by the works of others: I'm not saying you try to do the same exact picture but another photographer will always take good ideas from others who already have had to form your photographic imagination. In deviant art find lots of inspiration.

2. When in doubt, shoot: Believe me, I'll never forgive not having done the photo of that child by jumping in front of the setting sun with the waves in the background because he was not sure if it was worth or have been fiddling with the settings photometric the camera. There are situations that will not repeat and do not cost anything to the photo and then if you delete a trash. If you're not sure the photo is because she has to play the speed or aperture (or whatever) but you see I do not have time, make the photo also and then we try to improve the computer, better this we do not do it.

3. Do not skimp on quality: And I mean the compression quality to the resolution (megapixels). It is clear that such a photograph has more megapixels the better. So far we all agree, but a picture of 7 MP, but in. Jpg compressed to 50% do not have as many MP who has, at the minimum you want to do an extension or a poster for your room or anything that requires a minimum notice the quality of compression artifacts. It's like the music on the radio or CD, to the naked eye the difference is not noticeable but when you look, these are abysmal. I almost always use uncompressed RAW format, which apart from giving you the highest quality (data are not compressed), lets you edit settings like white balance, exposure, etc. without the slightest loss of quality.

4. Do not skimp on quantity (if you can, of course): If you're not sure what frame looks best, or from what perspective to photograph this building, do not risk and make all possible photos then when you see on your computer and choose the good. Better spend a few more Mb (or Gb) card then realize that you fucked up choosing the wrong frame.

5. Burn better than Dodge: In digital photography is much easier to recover or improve (later on the computer) underexposed photographs (which have remained obscure) that overexposed (which have been too bright). This is not to say that miracles can be made (and a lot of noise that appears when you try to retrieve a digital photo underexposed, but when a pixel gets the color # ffffff (white), there is no god who can fix ( almost).

6. Use the shooting: If you try shooting a fast moving object, you will do very well shooting (several pictures in a row). Not all cameras have this ability but if yours has it do not miss, many people think that the important thing is the Megapixel camera but also details like this are really important depending on who you want to use the camera.

7. The camera is not always right: The light meter (light meter) of the camera can be wrong depending on many factors and the metering mode (center weighted, matrix, etc). If you find the photo you've done has been too dark or too light, you can correct the measurement of the camera manually raising or lowering the EV (Exposure Value) and repeat photography.

8. Know the rules: There are some rules that some photographers considered essential, like the famous (and tiresome) Rule of thirds - that is to put the subject in one of the intersections of the lines dividing the frame into 3 thirds and 3 thirds vertical horizontal -. Following these rules, you ensure a good compassion.

9. Break the rules: As everyone knows, the rules are for breaking. That does not mean there are rules you have to follow but it is good to know that there so you know that you're breaking. Not because a photograph does not follow the rules is bad, far from it. Any composition that you enter through the view is viable. Just look at my pictures to see that many have broken the rule of thirds by dividing the picture into 2 equal, some say it's an aberration but I'm staying as wide.

10. Improve your photos with Photoshop: Today, this is a must. If you think that those photos so cool that come in magazines are not improved (not retouched) in Photoshop (or similar), forget it. A good photograph can become a great picture thanks to computer editing. Everyone - except Puree still goes with a Nikon F4 and reels 6 photos - improving digital photos with editing software. When I say playing I mean improve the contrast, levels, white balance, curves ... in short the basic settings, I do not mean to cut Bush's face and put it on a donkey, that's retouching.

As I said, these rules are a homegrown amateur photographer, I am not an expert. If you detect an error or misinformation on my part do not hesitate to tell me. ^^

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The Photo Shoot and the Photographer

One of the most used options when you start making a book is to appeal to novice photographers with which they may agree to non-paid contributions on both sides (photographer and model) gain experience and to enlarge their photo books. We talk about these collaborations in the following section.

In another case, the model will use the services of an experienced photographer for conducting a photo shoot. There are plenty of photographers with more or less experience they offer very different rates may well vary between 300 Euros and 3,000 Euros. It is necessary to consider not only the photographer who will participate in the production of the shoot, so you have to know also assess the ability of the staff to have professional makeup, hair, styling and more.

A simple photo shoot is one that takes place in study and for which there is no staging or props, and in which the actual costumes used in the model to the photographs. The professional makeup, especially for female models, it is almost always a crucial factor. A session of this type can last a whole 4 hours at least, and they should at least be able to make several costume changes for picture quite different from the same session.

From this simple configuration, you can consider other options that the photographer will provide the model if required:

* Style: A specialized professional conceive the appearance of the pictures as best as possible, and make available to model the clothes and accessories, in addition to assuming responsibility for creative team makeup and hair.

* Session outdoors: The making of a professional photo shoot on location is always more expensive because it involves more than production costs. Some photographers used in these cases special equipment for outdoor lighting in certain cases must be rented. Generally, the pictures outdoors require a higher professional level, but also offer a very different quality and better appreciated by many.

* Sessions for a full book: You hired a photographer to carry out a comprehensive book that includes several sessions over several days, which eventually may mix different types of photography, indoors and outdoors, and get the photographs for the preparation of a book sufficiently varied.

* Photo Retouching: The current digital retouching can hide defects in the model, or simply enhance the visual impact of a photograph to make it more appealing. Generally, it is not advisable to resort to excessive retouching, because it may confuse the client or the agency after an audition in person. The minor tweaks and those who are limited to improving the quality of color, composition or technique of photography itself are welcome.

* Delivery of the photographs: most photographers now deliver their work in digital format (often they do so even when using professional equipment analog). On the CD delivered, it should include high-resolution photographs to the model to obtain hard copies of very good quality for your book. The images delivered on CD by a professional photographer produce prints on photographic paper of excellent quality, the copies can be obtained by delivering the CD in any common digital development lab, or perhaps the same photographer also provided copies of the CD as well.

When deciding on a photographer, it is vital information on their experience and work performed. The best choices are those photographers who specialize in the fields of fashion and advertising with sufficient proven experience. Any good fashion photographer and advertising itself will have a book or website which will display their works, from books made in other models, to commercial photo shoots as advertisements, publication of photographs in magazines, fashion catalogs, and so on.

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Top Tips for Amateur Photographers

It is essential to carefully read the manual of the camera, use it often the domain of the camera only comes with practice, and be careful with beaches, water and sand are rather harmful for the camera.

When the issue is worth feel free to make several shots from different angles.

If you use an SLR camera, the frame makes sure that no important details near the edges. Remember that these cameras the viewfinder is different than the goal.

Try to hold the camera straight, otherwise the photo will come out crooked. Be careful to keep their shadows in the photo. Photos of people, must be taken in close to show all the details of facial expression.

Keep the ground occupied. People appear natural and peaceful when you are doing something. The reasons include landscapes in the foreground to frame the landscape and give the impression of perspective. The panoramic shots include people are a reference and make the viewer feel part of the scene.

Before shooting, look at the bottom. A variegated background can ruin a photo. If you are shooting outside a building, a person or any other subject and the background is very complicated, drop serves for the sky background.

But if a person's photograph silhouetted against the sky, your face may come out underexposed (dark and without detail) to help take the picture more closely so as to see unless the sky. The camera automatically provides "additional exposure."

The focus should concentrate on the main theme to come out sharp, and if you focus on something that is in the foreground, usually distant things out of focus. If you focus into the distance (a landscape for example) most of the picture comes out sharp, but things very close to the camera.

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Tamron 70-300 mm Ultrasonic Motorization

It is an event. With this objective, Tamron opens its drive system ultrasound (USD): Ultrasonic Silent Drive.

The SP AF 70-300 mm F4-5, 6 Di VC USD enriches catalog Tamron. But what is striking about the statement, it is the last three initials: USD for Ultrasonic Silent Drive. The ultrasonic engine finally arrives at Tamron. And it is a very good thing. This 70-300 mm stuff the manufacturer's catalog Nippon, with a complete data sheet: in addition to this new technology, this telephoto lens provides stabilization VC (Vibrating Compensation). The symbol means that Di is compatible with full frame SLR and APS-C. A glass dispersion (XLD) also appeared to improve the sharpness throughout the zoom range. This lens will be released next spring, to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the company Tamron. Its price is currently unknown. It will be first available in Nikon mount. The Canon and Sony versions will follow in the wake. Note, this last reference disappears from VC statement. The Reflex brand is indeed stabilized.

Key Features:

- Mounts: Canon, Nikon, Sony
- Form of View: 17 elements, 12 groups
- Lens hood: yes, tulip
- Tropicalization: NC
- Engine: Yes, ultrasonic
- Stabilization: Yes
- Minimum Aperture: F32-45
- Diaphragm: 9
- Filter Diameter: 62 mm
- Minimum Distance Focus: 1,5 m
- Dimensions (L x ø): 142.7 x 81.5 mm
- Weight: 765 g

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10 Tips to Start Learn about Panoramic Photography

All orders to make panoramic images. Techniques, equipment, editing, assembling ... a complete record made by the editor of MDLP!

The largest French specialist provides ways to learn about panoramic photography. Or how to extend his point of view!

1. Select the widescreen format

Those who knew the silver panoramic photography know that there are two main types of format. A moderately elongated format, usually in a ratio of height to width of 1 / 3, which is now very well known since the hypermarket chain stores sell frames format 33 × 90 cm. In this image format, there were fans of the famous Xpan - photos rectilinear without rotation of the target - or the famous Noble 135 - Photos curves due to rotation of its goal. The second format was much more stretched as it was a 1 / 6 where we photographed a 360 ° full rotation of the turret which supports the objective. The widescreen format was imposed by the choice of the panoramic camera that we chose. With the advent of digital technology and image stitching, the format will depend on the number of pictures that we stick together and the choice becomes almost infinite. No format is imposed. While many photographers are willing to say that the widescreen format begins at ratio 1 / 2 it may be wise to choose a format that fits you well and try to make rounds in the same format. Since freedom of the format is complete, the decision power of the photographer becomes very important if we consider, like me, a series of panoramic photos of the same size is more pleasant to watch a succession of different formats.

2. Angle of

There are two schools: those who think that the picture begins with a panoramic view angle really panoramic and those who think that the panoramic photograph is a matter of format. From the moment the picture is presented in a format long, they think being in the presence of a panoramic photograph. And actually, a picture made with a telephoto lens but cropped top and bottom to give it a widescreen format can hardly be considered anything but a panoramic photo. Everyone will be its own religion, even if a photo elongated encompassing a wide angle of view everyone will agree!

3. Choose of Optics and Lens
It is important to distinguish two different things: choosing the target for its quality and choice of focal length for the final rendering. Panoramic photography by blending, since we glue together several photographs image quality on the edges of each photo can be crucial if we try to make panoramas that are greatly expanded. It is obvious that on small pictures visible only on the Internet, these defects are not visible or embarrassing. Today, with incipient democratization of reflex more than 20 Mpxl, these defects become worrisome as the best software assembly does not always correct. It should indeed never forget when selecting his goal - when was the choice because they often use his or her zooms - we'll stick together the most fragile part of each photo, the edges. Here focuses vignetting, chromaticism, the progressive loss of sharpness and most important of them, distortions. With experience, I notice that the fixed focal lengths are preferred ... but without rules. Just a note on the focal length used: longer length is short and in a panoramic photo can show you things vertically ... but the less we will select from its framing! It is already impressive, what we can show with a focal length of 35 mm placed vertically. With shorter focal distortion curves become very - too? - Passed. And is what the photographer must show everything or choose to isolate a part: his worldview?

4. Point Ideal Rotation

To build a panoramic image by blending, one needs to turn his camera gradually being careful to keep about 20% to 30% overlap between two consecutive shots. It is in this area that will overlay details and color matching or differences of any light at the assembly. But when one turns his camera without noticing it gradually changes the perspective of a few tens of centimeters in most cases and, without being really aware. This change of viewpoint, also called change of perspective or parallax introduced gradually shift from a foreground against the background of the photo. The software assembly knows more then he must correctly assemble the same detail in the foreground or second in both images. This translates into a gray area on the final photo, the more visible as you work in high resolution. There is therefore an ideal pivot point where the camera can rotate without changing a millimeter point of view for a perfect fit for all levels: the entrance pupil of the objective, better known as name node. Therefore, ideally, the entrance pupil of the lens is placed just above the axis of rotation of the patella.

5. Rotule or not?

It appears from the preceding paragraph that the camera can not be placed directly on the classic ball because then the camera will not turn around this ideal point of rotation. Problems of fittings, especially on high resolution photos, are likely to occur and are unfortunately very difficult to correct. To do this, manufacturers of photo equipment you invent a special ball: a panoramic head. It often has a notched base, two sliding strips perpendicular and graduate and then a vertical arm to hold the camera vertically. Using two strips, it only remains to find the entrance pupil of his goal - a given focal if a zoom - and place it just above the axis of rotation. With the graduations of the strips will be very easy to place the camera in the ideal position without searching each time. This ball, but not essential so practice will be some productivity if the light is beautiful all by ensuring a superb result - at least from a technical point of view! - And repetitive.

6. Recovery Rate

To paste two pictures together, the most powerful software assembly now needs only 10 to 15% recovery. But in practice, it is preferable to choose a recovery of 30% in order to give the software enough flexibility not only to stick the whole details, but also to achieve a good alignment, particularly in the skies. With software like assembly professional Autopen Pro, which performs particularly well this melting step between consecutive shots, it will be possible as well paste pictures of the sky where light could have changed a little between two photos, including at dusk. This show without a "pretty" dark area in the middle of that zone recovery on the final panoramic image.

7. Parametres Shooting

Depending on the software assembly line that you will use and whether you work in Jpeg or RAW, we will have more or less vigilant about the parameters of shots. To summarize, we must avoid working in auto! First, it must disable the autofocus. Should there be a small difference in development between two consecutive shots, the software would see this as a very slight change in length - even on a fixed focus - and the build quality would suffer, especially for large format panoramas. I note in passing that even compact casing today have a lot of pixels! Secondly, he should expose his pictures in manual mode rather to avoid the possible large exposure differences between two photos, more complicated to correct with many software assembly. It's the same with the white balance unless you work in RAW. Some stitching programs are very well capable of catching small differences in brightness between two pictures and this can be very useful to slightly underexpose the party in full sun from your views and overexpose the most part in the shade but still respecting this rule: never more than one third aperture between two consecutive shots. I remember that all software are not equal, to be comfortable exposure.

8. Jpeg or Raw
As in traditional camera, the JPEG format can work faster because with photos immediately usable but with much less flexibility in post processing with RAW format. This is no longer just a cliché. The Raw format achieves a significantly higher level of quality in JPEG format. It is for example very easy and fast to work together with a series of pictures taken in RAW to correct vignetting, chromaticism or harmonize a white balance. Gains in productivity while seeking the highest quality are tangible.

9. Jpeg, Tiff or PSD?
During the final rendering, only TIFF or PSD can make panoramic photo final multi-layers to make it easier for any edits, whatever their origin elsewhere. In effect, each image having helped make the panorama will be found on its own layer and, using the mask that will be involved: it will be very easy to do local small alterations. It is also interesting to note that these image formats can also handle 16 bits which can be very useful if the original photos were also in 16 bits - thus excluding Jpeg - and that the expected to make important changes in color or exposure.

10. Choosing Software

Today, there are many assembly software or plug-ins like the famous Photoshop and Photo merge. Many solutions are often offered free with the camera. It is obvious that if these solutions can be of service in certain circumstances they can not replace a dedicated solution, even for the pro who really wants to venture into the strange panorama stitching. With experience, we notice that some software can safely be misled occasionally but find themselves completely helpless if we leave the beaten track. So if in your case, you're happy, do not change. But if you want to control your case, it is advisable to choose software pro. Autopen Pro makes clear consensus today. This is the best stitching software market and has the good taste not too expensive in terms of its capabilities. Indeed, it is particularly effective in automatic mode and can go hand in manual mode. Around 100 €, it is a challenge compared to other photo editing software. So what about the next version that arrives in April 2009 and we can already try!

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Keys to Select a Digital Camera

These tips have the ambition to address the many and be readable in minimum time. They are deliberately oversimplified, but still enough to choose a device commonly used.

Key criteria for selecting a digital camera:

The Type of Device

The range of digital cameras is now available in three main categories: the SLR-style appliances, equipment and bridge type devices compact or ultra compact.

The digital SLR cameras: the high end. The viewfinder shows the exact image that will be taken through a mirror system. The objectives are interchangeable. This type of device is more expensive.

The digital camera type bridge: They differ from SLR because they do not under direct (optical) but referred electronics (on screen). On the other hand, the optics (lenses) are generally not interchangeable, except on certain models.

The compact digital cameras, ultra compact: the aim is mainly via a screen that is most often the back of the camera. On some models, the screen is tilted. When a camera is present, it is similar to those fitted to the compact film cameras. The eye sees the scene through a device that passes through the device and does not capture the image as seen through the lens. A small gap between the image seen through the viewfinder and one that will be taken is therefore inevitable.

The choice between these types of aircraft depends on your budget, but also the type of use:

If you value quality and performance photographs, if you are a demanding lover, you tend to orient the reflex or bridges.

If you just want to capture your vacation, opt for a compact that will be much more easily transportable, while allowing image quality good enough in most cases.

Of course in all cases, other criteria detailed below must be taken into account, because within the same category you will find equipment of quality and performance varied. Better a good compact that poor bridge! See our tips page summaries of selected digital cameras of every kind.

The Sensor Resolution

This data indicates the sharpness of the image that you can get. When you take a digital photograph, an image sensor analysis. More sensor consists of points of analysis, the image will be. A point is called a pixel. The devices analyze available between one and ten (or more) million pixels.

That this resolution, the sharpness of image that will determine the maximum size print (hardcopy) of your photos. We believe the minimum is three million pixels to print a picture format 10 X 15. The aircraft exceeded all current devices blithely this minimum value.

We advise you not to fall below 5 million pixels. If you want to edit photos on your computer, then eventually the crop by removing unnecessary edges, you will appreciate having a comfortable resolution.

Our advice: choose one of 6 million pixels. If you want to perform editing or additions, choose a device with a sensor of 8 million pixels.

Note also that a very high resolution is not necessarily a guarantee of image quality. Moreover, the more resolution, the larger the memory of a photograph takes time. Therefore the device is designed accordingly, or risk losing speed.

The Sensor Size

Plus sensor, the more light it receives, and the image quality will be. Between two devices displaying the same resolution, choose one whose sensor is the greatest.

The Quality of Color Rendering

This is the fidelity which colors are restored. Performance tests of this benchmark are published regularly in the press. e Laboratory fnac has made such precise measurements and awarded marks out of 20 devices tested (see technical file available at the bottom of page). The colors are a key element of a photograph, you should be demanding and choose a device obtaining at least grade 15 tests.

Availability

With a traditional camera, the time of taking a picture in normal lighting conditions is negligible. Similarly, the device has made the decision, it is possible to take the next picture. This is not the case for a digital camera. It therefore takes a certain period of time between the taking of two photographs.

The term pest is particularly damaging in the sports photo. Unfortunately, it is impossible with a digital camera midrange to engage in the taking of such photographs. For example, a test fnac measure the distance traveled by a child trotting towards the goal at a speed of 5 km / hour between the start and the actual capture of the photo. Only high-end devices take the photo before the child has traveled a meter.

In more reasonable prices, we can choose a device that require a waiting period between two photos from two to three seconds. Higher values can not be accepted if you do pictures of landscapes or portraits!

The Quality of Optics

It is unnecessary to have a powerful device if the light is transmitted to the sensor is degraded through the optics. Pay special attention so optics.

The power zoom

It expresses the ability of the device to bring distant subjects, to swell. Only optical zoom approaching the subject without quality loss. The digital zoom perform processing software and image are in our opinion without any interest (you can always do this kind of magnification on your computer, by reworking the photo). Choose a camera with a 3X optical zoom at least.

Memory Available

Digital cameras store images in memory. The amount of memory available is not really a criterion for choosing the device, because it can always be expanded later by adding or replacing memory cards. To calculate the memory to provide, you must determine how many photos you want to be able to do without having to empty your memory card. Then multiply that number by the size occupied by a cliché. This size depends on the resolution-making, compression, etc. - to be determined by the portable.

We strongly advise you to acquire at least a 128MB card because a 16MB card will allow you to about 16 pictures in 3 million pixels. Very little when you're on vacation! If you do not have a laptop you should contact a local trader to burn a cd rom. In some countries, labor is not always good! We have had bitter experience in entrusting a photographer hotel a memory card which included photographs taken at 5 megapixels. We made a cd rom which included many photos, but in 640 * 480 pixels.

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Making your photos of fireworks

These beauties are ephemeral fireworks, but not so complicated to shoot. Must still follow a few simple rules.

Tips :

Stabilize

First board, not least, the shot of hands is avoided. So remember to bring a tripod, mini tripod or any other accessory you can stabilize the unit.

In fact, you should use a long pause on your handset. Thus, by setting your camera securely, you will not be disappointed to discover blurred images. Furthermore, the trails of fireworks are perfectly regular and more aesthetic.

Avoid the Flash

The flash will be of no use to photograph the fireworks. At best, it will illuminate what lies in the foreground, which has the effect of obscuring the background - the sky in this case - and therefore the main subject of your photo.

But your camera does not fail to fall into the trap of its sensors, alerted by a low brightness. Help him a bit and cut him any desire to make the slightest light. Set your flash with forced shutdown. This setting is generally identifiable by an icon representing a flash circled and crossed out.

Close the Diaphragm

First Set your camera to manual mode to be able to act on the shutter speed and aperture.

Contrary to what one might think, it is preferable to close the diaphragm, as if one was taking pictures in daylight. A prolonged opening time will bring enough light to properly expose the image.

Set on a diaphragm aperture value of f: 8 seems quite suitable. If the night is not quite fallen or if the lighting around buildings is not completely off, you can close the aperture to f: 11.

Choose a Slow Shutter Speed

How to get beautiful bright streaks? By leaving the shutter open long enough.

To find the right length, it is desirable to test, since the shutter speed will depend on the focus that made you want to get sky rather dark buildings around not too marked, multiple colors ...

In all cases it must not be less than one second exposure, which can get very pretty bright yarn. If you want to overexpose several explosions in your photo, choose an exposure time of very large (5 or 10 seconds).

Tip: To avoid overexposing your image with ambient light, place a black card in front of the target between each shot rocket. Remove it to capture bursts of color desired.

Reduce Sensitivity

It is night, a logical reaction would be to increase the sensitivity: 800, 1600, 3200 or 6400 ISO. Mistake.

Indeed, the higher the sensitivity, the higher the shutter speed will also be high to avoid over-exposure. This is exactly the reverse was trying to do!

To receive the shots as colored trails and you avoid overexposed shots, low sensitivity is preferable. Adjust your camera so on ISO 100 or ISO 64 if your camera allows. Especially if you want to keep the background image of a brightly lit building.

More sensitivity is reduced over the long shutter can remain open, you can create light effects ...

Make Development to Infinity

ur device will certainly make it difficult to focus automatically. This is normal: the light is missing. And without development, the camera does not photograph. So how?

This is where the manual focus. Even on the compact, there is generated the mode "Manual Focus" or "MF (manual focus in English). Select this mode and adjust the focus on infinity (represented by 8 layers).

Using the Timer

The exposure time is very high, the risk of image blur becomes important. The tripod is of course an essential accessory for that. But simply pressing the trigger can generate a small camera movement resulting in a blurred picture.

To avoid this, follow this simple advice: use the timer to trigger your camera. Two seconds of delay sufficient to ensure that the device is stable at the time of the shooting.

Find an Open Area

Last bit of advice: anticipating the event and just put you at a strategic location to maximize your shots.

No placement is ideal, but some are more conducive to good images. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to enjoy the full spectacle of electric cables, tree leaves invasive spectators to hair very developed ... These elements should be avoided so as not to spoil the show.

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5 Tips to improve its technical outdoor portraits

Here are 5 tips to get your portrait photos outdoors in improving your technique:

1. Avoid light "crushing" the subject's face

The bright lights and direct, like the sun at midday, led contrasts very intense.
The human eye is able to see a tonal range very wide, although this is not the case for the sensor of a camera: either the tones will "cram" or dark tones are pure black.
Facial expression is also affected: your model will not have to squint and take a more natural expression.
Outdoors, so select a rather cloudy day, and avoid the midday sun.

2. Put the model in the shadows

If you are outside and the weather is not cloudy, place your model in the shadows.
You will find a position that allows you to have a background that is also in the shade, or at least darker than what lies in the sun to avoid, once again, having to manage a contrast too strong.
The gray areas outside give a light similar to that one can have during a cloudy day: the contrasts are mild, and the appearance of the skin is enhanced.

3. Use a large focal

You can use a telephoto lens between 70mm and 110mm approx. There is no "miracle lens" to you to experiment.
The lenses change the perspective and give the face a more flat, while focusing on your model to make the background blur (using a large aperture).
Avoid wide angle lenses, which give the opposite effect: the view is great, and the nose becomes practically a mountain ... This can be a creative choice, but for a classic portrait, choose a long focal length to a wide angle.

Reminder: always the focus on the eyes of the model, especially if you have a depth of field.

4. Do not place your model against a background of interest

This advice may seem strange at first. But we often see portraits done in front of remarkable sites (eg landscapes, tourist sites ...).
The eye arises on the background and the model is seen as a "cosmetic accessories" just give dimension to the bottom.
In this case, the model is not at all developed. This may be a good choice for landscape photography, but in no case for the portrait.
Instead, choose a neutral, soft colors that will not disrupt attention.

5. Use burst mode

If your camera has a burst mode, which is the case for SLR, use it.
The expression of a face can change dramatically all over a few seconds. For expressions of interest, make your life style, ask them to act rather than asking, and shooter burst.
You can complete the series by more posed portraits, but that both have a burst mode, as used to capture the emotions on the spot.

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