DSLRs are not for everybody

You don't seem to be familiar with dSLRs. I suggest you do not get one. They are very heavy, large and bulky. They are extremely difficult to set-up and use. The worst part is they take exactly the same quality of pictures you can get with a point-and-shoot camera if you use it exclusively in Automatic mode. Don't get me wrong. You will be able to take pictures with a dSLR even if you don't know photography. It's just that the quality of pictures you will get won't be what you expected given the amount of money you paid for the camera. You also need to spend time and effort learning photography first to get the most out of a dSLR camera.

If you just bought your dSLR and it hasn't been a week yet since you got it, there is still hope. Rush to the store right now and return it. Replace it with a digital point-and-shoot camera and a digital video camera. Those will serve you better.

If you think you deserve to be a dSLR owner, work hard on this.

Now you know!

Keerok

Third-party lenses



You probably don't know the rule in buying lenses yet. As much as possible, get the same brand as your camera. If you can not afford the original brand, only then do you get the equivalent or approximate equivalent from another brand. If you do that, make sure that you are getting the lens with the same mount as your camera. Just don't complain about certain compatibility issues. If you didn't get the original brand, it won't be 100% compatible.


The most common third-party brands are Sigma and Tamron. Sigma is generally better than Tamron. Among the third-party brands, Tokina is undoubtedly the best.


There are many others like Vivitar, and Promaster. Most are cheaper versions of the original.


To a select few photographers, the original brand won't be enough. That would be the time to look at the higher quality lenses that have greater tradition and pride behind their names than the more popular brands. Some of these are from Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Schneider. Of course you can't blame those who realy know it for spending a fortune just to be able to adapt a Leica rangefinder lens to his dSLR.


Now you know!

Keerok

Pentax ist DS "No card in camera" error

On 1/16/11...


Note to self.


Pentax ist DS error saying "No card in camera" means the lens is not mounted properly.




Grrrr...

Keerok

Interchangeable Lens Mount System

5-25-11

I have learned today that at page 48 of the Pentax K-x User's Manual, it is imperative to turn the camera's power off before replacing or attaching the lens!




Now I know!

Keerok

Best camera for me?

There are basically two types of camera users - picture takers who only know about pressing the button and photographers who know the basic principles of photography.

Those who only know how to press the button will be comfortable with point-and-shoot (PNS) cameras. All you need to do is point the camera to your subject and click.

Those who want to appear they know more than just push the button will be happy with a bridge camera. These are feature-loaded PNS cameras that come in the shape of a miniaturized dSLR. The strongest feature of bridge cameras is their exceptional zoom range.

Then there are those who want the qualities of a dSLR camera but without the bulk. In comes the hybrid cameras that offer electronic viewfinders. The lens can be replaced as in a dSLR. The designs are so varied some look like flattened dSLRs while others look like PNS cameras with huge lenses jutting out of them. Among these clump of cameras are the EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens) cameras, MILC (mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras), SLT (or translucent mirror cameras), and most recent CSC (compact system camera).

For those who appreciate total control, there is the dSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. All controls on making a photograph are present, the lens can be replaced and the most important part, the viewfinder, sees through the lens optically. Using a dSLR does not automatically ensure you get fabulous pictures all the time. You have to absolutely know what you're doing.

For those who want more, there is the medium format (MF) dSLR. They have the largest digital sensors and have the most megapixels among the digital cameras in the market. These are the workhorses of fashion and architectural shoots.

But wait, there IS one more! Large format cameras can be fitted with a scanning back. It's the equivalent of slapping a flatbed scanner to the back of your camera. You can't get any action shot with this setup but whatever shot you make will be incredible!

If you hate lugging the Ferrari edition Hasselblad above, there is always the Leica to hang around your neck like this BMW version Leica X1. It's a point-and-shoot camera with a non-replaceable fixed focal lens. Heavenly!

Now you know!

Keerok