Latest Photography Articles

Photo Enhancer and Photo Enhancing Made Easy

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:19:25 -0500

For some novice photographers it can be quite frustrating when they think they've taken the perfect picture and then when it comes time to developing them they see all the flaws. Mind you, some experienced photographers run into the same problem as well. That's what makes great editing software for photography so important.

A great program is Adobe's Photoshop, which is good for not only the novelist but the experienced photographer as well. So all is not lost when a photo doesn't turn out just the way you wanted it. Perhaps there are some flaws in it such as little spots that may have come from being on the lens of the camera for example. This is where retouching your photo is valuable.

Then there's those times that something gets into your photo that you didn't really want in their Maybe there are a few soda cans sitting on the ground that are really distracting from the focal point of your picture.

This is where you can use a couple of the tools that you may find in the software that you're using such as the clone stamp or healing brush. With your clone stamp, you are able to actually paint over the areas that you don't want in your picture just as if you were using a paintbrush. If you are using this tool though you want to use it in the areas of your picture where there isn't that big of a difference in your color or the texture of the photo.

If that is not the criteria then you need to resort to the healing brush, which often is the better choice anyhow. Use it pretty well the same way but it will keep the color and texture around the spots that you're removing easier. These really are a couple of neat tools to use when you want to retouch.

It's always important that you inspect your photos carefully no matter what purpose are being used for you and you can do this make your checking very easy by creating an adjustment layer, then go to curves make a high contrast in the areas of your photo which you are more than likely going to see spots. This would be your sky or any open surface areas. This will make the spots stand out as if you were using a magnifier.

Now just click on the layer that's in the background to make sure that you're working on the right photo and then work with your clone stamp in the software. Then once you are done just take out the adjustment layer and you should have a perfect picture.

Two other great tools for working with for retouching is well are the burn tool and the Dodge tool. Burning is to make bright areas darker and the Dodge for making areas brighter. You also might want to consider the sponge tool as well.

Then when you want to remove noise, you can simply use plug-in filters like those that you find at no noise ninja. Many pieces of software are available to help you work and get the perfect photos.

Sage Christensen Photography

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:14:56 -0500

A photographer is an essential in your most special moments. You will want someone who fully grasps your style. Someone who can produce the most beautiful photographs the way you hope them to be. Someone you can work with and definitely, someone you trust. Choosing your photographer is not easy. A few guidelines will give you an informed choice. Your chosen person to do the job has the role to capture your momentous journey in the manner that you want it to be.

Know where to look Ask your friends for recommendations or ask professionals for their input. Try the Yellow Pages. Go online! You can even see samples of their work.

Decide what you want Would you prefer more candid shots, instead of posed subjects? Or would you opt for photos that are artfully set up? It is imperative to get somebody whose style is a fit to yours. Look at the portfolio. The photographer would say he/she can do your style but most of the results would be what the person is used to doing. If the samples in the portfolios are not what you have in mind, move on to your other choices.

Always ask to see proof Ensure you see a collection of all the shots the photographer took. This will give you an accurate idea of his/her work in its entirety and not just the best shots.

Find out their forte Photographers usually have different strong points. Special techniques, such as infrared, black-and-white, hand-coloring, and sepia-tone, are among a few you can look into. Choosing the right technique can set your album apart. Moreover, remember to check album choices to ensure you have a taste for the whole package. It could be in leather, a fabric you prefer, or in a color you like. Of course, inquire about digital photography as well. Its always easier and more efficient to simply upload a file when it comes to sharing the photos to family and friends. You may even set up your site online for everyone to visit.

Be acquainted with the photographer It would be a breeze to deal with somebody you have established rapport with. It would be easier to discuss ideas and even on the day itself. Nothing puts a bigger damper on the day than having to work with a photographer you dislike.

Watch out for the bait and switch Meet with the actual person who will take the pictures and you are seeing his/her actual work. In some studios, you face a marketing person and then get assigned to a photographer whose portfolio you have not seen. This can be a sure disaster and give undesirable results.

Strategize Give the photographer a clear notion of how to keep the day running smoothly. A photographer has to be organized to avoid missing out on important moments that you will want captured. Inquire how and when the formal photos will be shot.

Demand reinforcements Extra equipment and film are essentials. If something goes awry, there is a plan B. Otherwise, there is a risk in missing momentous moments! A backup photographer is even recommended for emergencies.

Hire extra help A photographers assistant is worth the extra cash for huge events. The added expense can organize the shoot, fix your hair and clothes, and carry extra equipment. This allows the photographer to take pictures more easily and swiftly. Events can be hectic, and one photographer cant be in all places to snap shots at all times. Two photographers provides you two unique perspectives. Two unique captured details.

Check references You may ask for a list of former clients. Acquire feedback to see satisfied they were.

Basics Payment plan, number of proofs, hours, and packages should be discussed and settled ahead. All the nitty-gritty should be in writing.

Visit eHubPensacola.com to get great discounts on Sage Christensen Photography. Also grab your own discount coupons online (or iQpons) and save more! Or take advantage of the free and printable thrift certificate (or gift certificate) that are currently on sale. Get all these cheap prices at www.ehubpensacola.com

Getting Started With Food Pictures|Food Pics|Food Photography For Beginners|Some interesting Tips About Food Photography|Food Pictures Tips|Making Fo

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:46:52 -0500

We are surrounded by food photography everyday but we stop seeing it after a while. But maybe that's why we love food - because we see it subconsciously everywhere!

When you see some of the pro pictures of food you may think that you may never be able to take such good pictures but you could surprise yourself. Much of food photography is about technique and tips and tricks.

As we all know - light is King in the world of photography. Getting the lighting right is always the number one concern. Take time to make sure your have plenty of light.

Natural light is great for food photos supported by flash bounced off a nearby wall to remove strong shadows can work wonders.

If you have to take a lot of food pics then invest in buying or making a light box or tent. This is simply an enclosed area that is lit externally through diffused walls in the tent/box.

Slow shutter speed is king for food photography to capture the depth of the image. Make sure your camera is well mounted on a strong tripod and of course you should be using a shutter release cable to stop any camera movement resulting in blurring.

Use the right props with your pictures and they will bring your photos alive. We eat food literally with our eyes first so feed the eyes with lots of variety and colour.

Do not skimp on your equipment if you want to do good food photography. Having a top quality SLR camera with a good lens will make all the difference. You must have full control over all the settings - shutter speed - aperture setting - zoom - to be able to create top shots. Using good quality lighting will also pay massive dividends.

Robertsons Photography Service

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:36:34 -0500

The process and art of creating pictures is called photography. Basically, film cameras, digital cameras, digital video cameras or camcorders are the equipment used to store the resulting information chemically or electronically. As a result, photography offers many profitable benefits including markets for business, science, and art.
Markedly, a historic camera, the Contax S, was the first pentaprism SLR; it was introduced in the year 1949. Additionally, the Nikon F was the first 35mm film system camera and was introduced in the year 1959. Furthermore, photography's products are called negatives and photographs are known as photos today. From its inception, photography has captured the interest of many artists, scientist and amateurs alike. Scientists have used photography to study and record movements. On the other hand, artists try to explore ways other than the photo-mechanical representation of reality. Moreover, the military, law enforcement officers, and security forces use photography for recognition, surveillance and data storage purposes. Photography is used by amateurs to preserve precious memories of special times and moments, to tell stories and for entertainment. Similarly, many mobile phones contain cameras now to practice these types of usage.

Subsequently, commercial advertising relies on photography, substantially. It has contributed significantly to its development. Thereupon, the first known photograph was taken by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1825. The image shows a man leading a horse. In essence, photography is the result of a combination of several technical discoveries. Thus, the book entitled Giphantie, published in 1760, by the French author Tiphaigne de la Roche, described what can be understood as photography.

Even more so, photography goes as far back as the 1820s with the development of chemical photography. Nevertheless, because this photograph took so long to expose, a new process was being pursued. In 1939, Louis Daguerre took the first ever photo of a person. Eventually, the country of France agreed to pay Daguerre a pension for his formula in exchange for his promise to announce his discovery to the whole world. He did so, as regconition for his country.
After reading about Louis Daguerre's invention, William Fox Talbot refined his process, making it readily available to consumers. By 1840, Talbot had invented the calotype process, which creates negative images. John Herschel invented the cyanotype process, now known as the blueprint. He was also the first to use the terms photography, negative and positive; he made the first glass negative in late 1839, as well. Many advancements in photographic glass plates and printing were made throughout the nineteenth century. Lastly, in 1884, George Eastman developed film techology to replace photographic plates, leading to the technology used by film cameras today.

Your Special Day - Getting The Photography Right

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:20:16 -0500

The wedding couple are the two most important people on a wedding day. To get some excellent portraits, the photographer should seclude the wedding couple from the celebration for a while to capture the intimate moments after the ceremony. This will give the wedding couple some time away from the wedding as well.

Ideally, the photographer would be required to spend a casual amount of quality time with the bride and the groom during the portrait session. On the wedding day it doesn't always happen because it is rare to have time on the actual day of the wedding. The time taken for pictures can well vary from an hour to no time at all. It can take up to an hour for the photographer to take the pictures.

The photographer will require some time with the bride and groom, but when is a good time?

Since the couple will still look fresh, most photographers believe that the window before the reception is suitable for the portraits.

Award winning photographer Bradley Hanson says that sometimes the bride and the groom would want to start the portrait session even before the ceremony. When the bride is getting ready is when he usually starts photographing.

Other photo journalists believe that the right time for a portrait session is just after the couple has exchanged their vows, and are still are evidently feeling the emotions of being newly-wed.

For the perfect actual day session to begin, the newly-weds should set aside some time to spend with the photographer. Finding a polite way to lose the relatives and guests is sometimes hard but is worth the beautiful moments they will cherish for a lifetime.

Too many people trying to take pictures of the newly-weds and crying for attention may very well ruin a good portrait session on the wedding day. As a result of this, most photographers choose to have the couple alone for the shoot so that it is not disturbed by anyone.

According to award winning photographer Shawna Herring, most newly-weds start feeling uncomfortable before the camera when the portrait session is about to start. To help the couple forget the camera is there, the experienced photographer will try talking to the couple about things other then the portrait shoot.

It is also recommended to choose a day before or after the wedding for the photo shoot and go with the photographer to a different location. To have a good relationship with the photographer this really seems to help loosen them up. In a short time, the couple may even forget the existence of the camera.

There are thousands of reasons why the photographer might not achieve time alone with the wedding couple. The bride and the groom should work together with the photographer to find some alone time so that a really creative portrait session is achieved.

Top Tips For Food Photography

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:30:19 -0500

Food photography is a very technical area of photography because you have two dimensions to master - film and food. Here are some useful tips to help you.

Let there be light

The first important technique food photographers should learn is about lighting. When photographing food you should treat it as you would any other kind of subject and make sure it is lit correctly. Many pictures can be improved by using adequate lighting. Natural light is the best light source to use, so by a window is an ideal location. Natural light cuts out the shadows, and gives the food a more natural look which all food photographers want.

Props

Food photographers setting up to take a picture not only arrange the food neatly but they also include a plate or table cloth to add the surrounding. The idea is not to clutter the picture but allow room for a few extra items you can add to it like a glass, napkin, or a fork. These items can be placed in the background in a secondary location of your picture area, giving it extra spice.

If you do a lot of food photography then shopping at second hand markets can be a great way to build your box of props. You can pick up expensive items like large pots and dishes and vases for a few dollars and a smile. If you do not do much then you may have to go shopping for what you need and bill the client!

Be Fast

If you are a slow-coach perfectionist then food photography may be hard for your to master. Like master chefs that throw masterpieces dishes together in minutes master food photographers capture the essence in minutes too. Be quick else it will be a mess is the thing to remember with food photography. As soon as food warms or cools it droops, melts, discolours and a whole range of other things. Be ready with all the lighting and use placeholder items such as places to get the lighting right. Once the food is there you should be shooting.

Way to improve your photographs in an instant

An excellent food photographer will want to learn this last but not least creative technique when it comes to taking photographs of food. And that is to use a small amount of vegetable oil that you have on hand and brush it on the food. This will make your dish glisten and stand out deliciously in your pictures.

Touch base with the chef

The last area to cover is working with you food professional. If you are unlucky you will have to do the presentation of the food yourself. If you are lucky and the client has a good budget you will have a chef to do the food display.

Take a few minutes before the shoot to talk with the chef and ask them how they like to work. Ask them if there is anything you need to know about the food that may not be obvious. If nothing else this will make them feel good so you will then be able to work closer and better together.

8 Cornish Landscape Photography Tips - Photo Editing

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:06:26 -0500

Cornwall is a special place for photographers. It has a special and unique identity, which is formed and shaped by natural forces such as rocks, the sea and the climate.

It creates a landscape of constant incident and splendor. In certain places, it is wild and battered by the extremes of the weather or barren and empty with harsh landscapes.

It has its softer side with exotic gardens, creeks and ancient oakwoods with wonderful mixture of colors and textures.

There are certain techniques and tricks to bring out the best in your Cornish landscape photo shots. Here are 8 insights and tips to successful Cornish photography:

Foreground Use objects of interest as foreground subjects in landscapes ? think about seaweed swirls, large boulders or boats.

Rules of Thirds Learn compositional rules and use them to compose more attractive photos.

Post-Process Images can work well in black and white, so have a play in your image editing application to get the best results on every shot you take.

Shooting Angle Try changing the angle you shoot from to find one that complements your subject. Take a bin bag with you to save your clothes from getting wet or dirty

Textures Use natural or man-made textures to add interest to your composition

Silhouette The best silhouettes have plenty of contrast between the subject and background, which is why bright days give the best results.

Sunset Experiment with bracketing your exposures, (eg, shoot both under and overexposed images either side of the correct metered images) and see your sunsets develop.

Movement If you have moving subjects you?ll need a fast shutter speed to freeze them, which isn't always possible at low lights.

If you're still finding it tough to take landscape shots, you must understand that the difference is the amount of detail that is able to be captured. Get more detail into your scenic shots and you will greatly improve your images.

The first trick to getting more detail has to do with the time of day the image was taken. Never shoot during the middle of the day if you can avoid it. Go for the Golden Hours as discussed before and take advantage of when Mother Nature looks her best. In landscape photography direct overhead sunlight kills landscape dimensions and makes them look flat and bleak.

Hope you've found these tips useful.

10 Hot Tips for Shooting Great Digital Photos

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:05:47 -0500

Often people will judge the camera by the picture it takes, failing to realize the camera operator plays a big part in this as well. Many novices feel that they just simply look and shoot. Any touch ups can be easily done with the photo editing software. While this is true, it still is not a great way to take photos. There are actually 10 simple basic steps that you can apply that will help you get a much better quality picture no matter what camera you are using.

Step #1. Do not be afraid to get close to your subject. All too often people stand back to take their shot instead of moving in. I think this is because they do not feel that they can get close up because it may blur the picture. If you cannot get close then use your zoom lens. Experiment with the macro mode as well. After a while, you will become comfortable with closer shots.

Step 2: Do not be afraid to use the white balance as well. All cameras come with a default setting and it is interesting to note that many people have not changed this since the camera came out of the box weeks ago. In fact try the cloudy position; you will be quite pleased with the overall look you get. What happens is it increases the red and yellow tones. These are classed as warm colors so it gives more warmth to your photos without distorting it.

Step #3: No one remains perfectly still when holding the camera. We all think we have a steady hand but there is always some slight movement. This is where the tripod comes in handy. It may seem like a nuisance to drag it with you everywhere you go, but once you compare the quality of your photos with and without the use of it you will want to keep using it.

Step #4: Your flash is an important part of your camera. Experiment with the fill flash or flash on mode when taking your outdoor portraits. Make the flash work when you want it to and not when the camera thinks it should. Do not be afraid to put your subject in shaded areas and use your flash to compensate for the lack of light.

Step #5: Let nature be your guide in the sense of using their horizontal likes such as the horizon or a section of land. This means you are holding the camera level.

Step #6 Try using some polarizing filters. This is ideal for outdoor shots and they reduce glare and reflections. The overall appearance of the colors is much more distinct.

Step #7. Many people will not use the self-timer feature simply because they do not know the best way to do so. Place the camera on a stable surface. Focus the sensor on an individual that is in the group picture and not on the background.

Step #8: Everyone would love to take a picture of a waterfall, but do not give themselves enough credit to be able to do so. First, use your tripod. Adjust the camera for greater field depth and slow the shutter down. The exposure should be at least one second longer. Then use the self-timer feature to take the shot.

Step #9: One of the biggest mistakes made by a novice photographer is not having a big enough media or memory card. It does not take long to fill a card and it is disappointing when you are halfway through your photography project and run out of memory.

Step #10 Use your camera to the max, in other words shoot at the maximum resolution. This is what gives you the quality of picture you need if you decide to have it enlarged.

Your Guide To Choosing a Digital Camera

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:12:41 -0500

A common question for anyone shopping for a digital camera is: 'Which digital camera should I choose?' The sheer number alone makes the process of choosing a digital camera challenging at best. There are 100s of digital cameras currently on the market hundreds being introduced each year. Choosing the best digital camera for you really depends on what you're looking for. Some buyers focus on the technical features, like resolution, and memory, while others focus on usability and design.

Here are some pointers for choosing the best digital camera for your camera needs:

1: Judge by the Results

One of the cheats ways to choosing the best digital camera is judge by the results. Organize a dinner party, and ask people to bring pictures from their summer holidays. At a glance, you'll be able to decide whether the quality is there or not. This of course, wont interfere with the story swapping. Later in the evening, ask ever so casually the person who took the photos what kind of camera they used, and whether they wouldn't mind showing you how to use their camera. The persons bound to take it as a compliment and say they'd be happy to.

2: Search on Youtube

Go to youtube.com and search for digital cameras or digital cameras best buys. You'll have plenty of short consumer-oriented videos to choose from. You do want of course, to do a serious study of the features. For example, choose a 100% glass lens instead of a plastic lens. Compare zoom and flash modes. Ask about batteries and chargers. You can also use a camera price comparison website.

3: Think RAM and Resolution

You want maximum RAM because this determines how many pictures can be stored. And you want maximum high resolution, at least 2-3 megapixels, as this determines the quality of your pictures.

4: Buy Local

My brother-in-law attended a computer fair in China, and I asked him to buy me a digital camera because I knew that it would be advantageous price-wise. I was delighted with my new acquisition, until one day the shutter wouldn't open. Nothing happened when I tried to pry the shutter open. And nothing happened when I changed the batteries. If you don't speak Chinese, good luck problem-shooting.

Don't forget to check the refund policy because its really only when you start using a technical gadget that you're able to see if you've chosen well.

Capturing Children on Film

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:30:47 -0500

The field of child photography is challenging but also both enjoyable and profitable - if you like children. Don't bother pretending, if you really don't. You may fool a parent - but not the little one.

Some of the most common techniques used in photography will not necessarily work when taking pictures of children. Telling a child to "freeze or "hold it will not make much sense to them. Children will often do as they please so it is the job of the photographer to anticipate what a child is about to do and be ready to capture it.

As children will not always cooperate with what you want, you need to use your imagination to get them to be at their best. Use their behavior to your advantage. If a child is being uncooperative, try telling him to do the opposite of what you want, expecting him to try to thwart your plans. There is nothing wrong with tricking a child as long as you get the shots you need.

Before booking photography sessions with children, you need to know both your camera equipment inside and out and what your own capabilities are in being able to get the best possible pictures. When photographing children, 100% of your focus is needed; there is no time to figure out the best lighting or what your camera can and can't do. Children's level of focus in a photography session can be limited at best thus you need to take complete advantage of the time you have to get their undivided attention to get the pictures you need. Rushing a child into what you want is also not the best approach. Getting their cooperation is key and that is best achieved when all attention is directed towards them.

Know your subjects - With children, you must expect the unexpected. At different ages children are capable of doing different things. The more you know what they typically do during some of these stages, the better images you are going to capture. And the happier you make your clients - which, in turn, makes you financially happy.

Unlike most other fields in photography, when taking pictures of children, you can expect to obtain a wide variety of poses, expressions, and behaviour during the session. Be aware of different age groups: a 4-month-old baby will act differently that a 14-month-old one will. Learn how children of different ages respond. The more equipped you are to handle children of varying ages, the better pictures you will get.

Keep in mind that parents can play a key role when photographing children. They will be able to tell you certain things about their child that can go a long way to helping you through the picture session ultimately ensuring you obtain the best possible shots. Given most children have difficulty sitting through a photography session, you will not have time to win them over; knowing their likes and dislikes, their fears, their favorite things, to name a few, can be extremely helpful.

Make sure your camera is at the ready at all times- with children, you likely won't get a second chance to capture something they did unexpectedly.

In most areas of photography a tripod is great for sharp photos. However with child photography you do not always have such a luxury. Once they reach the moving around stage, a tripod limits your ability to capture expressions and poses. Be mindful of your camera settings - keep that shutter speed fast enough to prevent blurring - and be ready to move quickly!

There is no limit to what you can capture in a shot when photographing children; it can be anything from climbing on or out of something, to taking their shoes and socks off. The more experience you gain photographing children, the more you will know what works for different age groups.

Child photography is a challenge - but don't worry sometime it turns into children photography. Mom has twins - big brother / little sister - maybe three little cousins. The list goes on! Imagine two sister and they both have triplets! Other than the obvious difficulty of getting multiple little subjects in any semblance of position, conducive to a memorable photo you need to bring everyone?s eyes to a central focal point. Tricky, but not impossible. Adding something NEW to catch their attention, at the moment you press the shutter, can work. Use this sparingly, because when child photography turns into children photography getting all their attention on the same thing is quite a feat. The beauty of digital is no limits to the exposures you take and you can take a quick peek on the spot.

If you are not using a digital camera to capture a child on film, you may be in trouble. You need the simplicity and speed of the digital camera to be able to both look at the photos as you go and to also capture children's attention. Keep in mind their attention span comes and goes very quickly and there are no second chances in getting that "perfect photo a second time. Sometimes it helps to use something they haven't seen to capture their attention. Don't overuse this trick because children will tire of it quickly.

Parents and older brothers and sisters can can be of great assistance in a photo session with children. Children more often than not feel more comfortable when a parent and/or sibling is nearby. Siblings can often entice a child to laugh or make a face, enabling you to capture a better picture. In addition, parents may decide they want to include the sibling (or siblings) in the pictures ultimately allowing you to increase the photo package for the client. Tips for capturing children on film:

Lighting and backdrops can be particularly useful when photographing children. The more experienced you become, the more comfortable you will feel in introducing these elements into the photography session with a child. Even is not using these tools, you can still take quality photographs nonetheless. You can always experiment, though a three-light set-up (consisting of a main light and back light) are ideal.

Be creative when photographing children: go to the beach, the park, or the backyard. There is no rule that says you are required to stay in the studio. Taking photographs outside eliminates the need for lighting; as long as you choose open shade, nature will do the work for you. Finally, keep a variety of items on hand to further capture the interest of the child or children you are photographing. Depending on the age of the child, toys, stuffed animals, snacks, hats, mirrors and dolls are just a few of the items that can a go a very long way in keeping the child's interest. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless.

Exclusive Baby Photos And Photo Checks

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:16:37 -0500

You've been taking pictures of your baby since the day you brought her home from the hospital, but you're having a hard time finding a place to store all of your candid photos. You should be looking for a baby photo book to store those soon to be memories in.

First, you'll need to decide which types of professional baby photos you want to take. Do you want 'serious' photos of your baby's in a standard pose? It's nice to intermingle professional shots with candid family photos in your album.

There are a lot of baby photo book selections available from various commercial department stores. If you can't find what your looking for in you local store, you can also check out walmart.com or target.com for online deals that you may not be able to find at a live location.

First, you should know just what you're expecting from this photo session. Keep in mind that your little one is probably going to be quite irritated during the process, so you'll need to do all you can to keep him entertained. You should also know that the poses you can choose for your little one will be largely based on their size, age, and motor skills.

There are a few things you should take with you when you are on your way to your professional baby photos--be sure to bring a change of clothes and snacks, as well as a bottle to feed your baby while in the studio.

Of course, you can create your own baby photo book by purchasing hard backs for your book and photo sheets. You can buy what you need at your local craft store, or you can visit sites like amazon.com for special deals. Happy shopping!

Why not use your baby photo on your personal checks. You can add a uniqueness to your approach and leaves a distinct personalize first impression. And, it's simple and easy to get started. You could even advertise a business using a any combination of business related themes.

Review of Minolta X-300 35mm SLR camera

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:33:09 -0500

I bought my Minolta X-300 (the older one with metal body) sometime in 1995. I sold it for SGD$250 and bought a X-700 (big mistake!). Several cameras and many years later, I bought back the same X-300 for SGD$125. The difference is that this time, I recognize the quality of the lens and camera body.

The Minolta X-300 is a metal body, manual focus camera with Aperture Priority (AUTO) mode. It does not have DOF preview and does rely on batteries (no battery-no click). It has a shutter speed range of B, 1 s to 1/1000s. Full information (full range of shutter speed with LED indication) is displayed in the viewfinder. I feel this is superior to the +/- exposure readings that can be found in some Nikon bodies. The X-370 is a current production camera with a plastic body. I have not used it but the features are the same.

My camera comes with the standard 35-70mm zoom. And for a zoom lens, it is very sharp. I hear that original Minolta lenses are mostly really sharp. Metering is spot on. The controls are simple and intuitive. It feels as solid as my FM3a (and more so than my 500N). I have not seen the need to send it for repairs as yet.

It loses out somewhat due to the (slow) top shutter speed of 1/1000s, no DOF preview and it depends on battery. But on the battery point, I must add that it has the same battery now as when I bought it in 1995.

My 2-cents:
If you are looking for a learning camera that doubles as a quick point and shoot, the Minolta is a great choice. The second hand lenses can be had for a song and the quality is fantastic.

Did I mention I got mine for SGD$125 (or USD$70)?

Good Points:
Easy to use.
Long serving.
Good build.
Extremely sharp lenses.

Bad Points:
Only up to 1/1000s shutter speed.
Relies on battery.