TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo & Imaging Products of the Year

When it comes to purchasing the best photo equipment out there, the immense number of camera, lens, and other photo accessories reviews can overwhelm the casual and even the more experienced photographer. Year after year, renowned photo equipment manufacturers compete in providing professionals with advanced technology and cutting edge performance. But how can you spot the best photo devices introduced on the market every year? This is where our contribution comes in. All you need to do is grab a cup of coffee and get ready to check out TIPA Awards 2015 for the best photo, video, and imaging products.

TIPA Awards: The Best Photo & Imaging Products in 2015

Have you ever considered looking at the winners of some of the most prestigious and influential imaging awards in the photography industry before renewing your photo equipment? Well, now you can take into account what TIPA’s (The Technical Image Press Association) technical committee has endorsed as best photo devices launched in the last 12 months in over 40 product categories.

tipa awards 2015

Note: TIPA gathers members from 28 photo magazines on five continents. There are 18 countries represented within the association. TIPA has a partnership with Camera Journal Press Club too, comprising 11 top Japanese photo magazines. A TIPA Award is considered one of the highest distinction for photo, video, and imaging products.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Expert DSLR Zoom Lens Category

Winner: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM comes first as the best expert zoom lens of the year.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Professional DSLR Lens Category

Winner: Canon takes first place in this category too with its EF 11-24mm f/4L UtraSonic Motor lens.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Digital SLR Expert Category

Winner: TIPA editors endorsed Canon EOS-7D Mark II as the best digital camera in 2015. It came as no surprise to us, although it is quite a pricey option for enthusiasts. We’d say, though, that its 20.2 MP, solidly built body, DIGIC 6 processor, and 10 frames-per-second shooting rate, among other features, are worth the money.

tipa awards 2015 for best dslr camera Canon EOS 7d mark ii

Best Digital SLR Expert Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Easy Compact Camera Category

Winner: It appears that Canon rules the category of compact digital cameras too, with its affordable and well-performing point-and-shoot devices. If you are looking to purchase a slim camera with a long range optical zoom and adaptive optical image stabilizer, Canon IXUS (ELPH) 160/165/170 will surely satisfy your needs.  

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Inkjet Photo Paper Category

Winner: Canson Infinity Photo Lustre Premium RC 310 gsm

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Projector Category

Winner: The Epson EH-LS10000 Projector is prized for its increased sharpness, easy setup configuration, and advanced technology.  Also, it meets the needs of professionals filming not only in Full HD but also in 4K.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Scanner Category

Winner: The TIPA editors brought back this category based on the introduction of Epson Perfection V850 Pro on the market. If you are looking for a sturdy device, and for enhanced image quality at the same time, this is your best deal.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Printer

Winner: Glossy and matte prints, CD and DVD printing ability, USB, Ethernet and WiFi options, touchscreen panel –  Epson SureColor P600 has it all.

leica t mirrorless camera tipa awards 2015 for best design

Leica-T: Mirrorless Camera with Leica M Lens

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Design Category

Winner: We don’t know what to say about you, but this CSC camera has awed us. Leica T (type 701) is not only pleasing to the eye, as the TIPA editors put it, but also a pleasure to use. To bring into view just a few of its key features, the camera has a 3.7-inch touchscreen LCD, an APS-C 16.5 MP sensor, built-in GPS, and free app for remote shooting.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Storage Media Category

Winner: Eyefi Mobi Pro

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Premium Camera Category

Winner:  The Fujifilm X100T has a few impressive features. While its integral lens is almost 35mm equivalent, it boasts a high-resolution viewfinder, advanced autofocus, and an amazing shutter speed of 1/32,000 second. Its built-in WiFi, customizable buttons, and Full HD filming capability are another three of the reasons why it occupies the first place in its category.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Expert Compact Camera Category

Winner:  Fujifilm is also the winner of the best expert compact camera category with its X30 model. This is the ideal device to use for casual photography or for day trips. Apart from top capabilities for a compact camera such as a 12 MP 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor, 1/4000 second shutter speed, and high ISO performance, the Fujifilm X30 weights only 423 g.

Fujinon expert zoom lens

Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8-R-LM-WR Expert Zoom Lens

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Expert Zoom Lens Category

Winner: Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR deserves its top position for the following outstanding capabilities: a 24-84mm equivalent range, minimum focus distance of 30 cm (approximately 12 inches), weather resistant design, plus a quiet and fast autofocus.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Monitor Category

Winner: LG Digital Cinema 4K Monitor (Model 31MU97Z) was voted as the best photo monitor for its impressive color depths and management controls, as well as for its ultra high definition video editing capabilities and Adobe RGB support, among others.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Imaging Innovation Category

Winner: Lytro Illum is an exciting imaging platform that allows you to play with exposure and diverse focusing effects in an image, to share photos as animations or export them in various formats like JPEG, 3D or MP4, or to explore other innovative video applications.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Tripod Category

Winner: The Manfrotto BeFree Carbon series comprise in portable, compact tripods made of aluminium or carbon. Both versions of the model are light and easy to set up (they have lock/release leg extensions), and come in handy when shooting in low light conditions.

Nikon Cool Pix P610

Best Bridge Camera of 2015: Nikon Cool Pix P610

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Superzoom Camera Category

Winner: Nikon COOLPIX P610 is unbeatable by other bridge cameras on the market. With its remarkable ultra-zoom lens and high-resolution video capabilities (time-lapse video recording too), accompanied by special filter effects and built-in WiFi and GPS, this superzoom camera is definitely a winner.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Digital SLR Entry Level Category

Winner: Nikon D5500 is perfect for hobbyists looking to get familiar with DSLR photography. The camera is lightweight and comes in a compact format. It has many remarkable features for an entry level SLR, as well as creative modes that allow you to add a special touch to your photos. Plus, its Vari-angle touchscreen LSD makes is ideal for shooting from difficult angles.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Digital SLR Professional Category

Winner: Nikon D810 takes your photo experience to the next level. This full-frame format and full manual control camera has a remarkable resolution of 36.3 Megapixels, a CMOS sensor and an ISO range extendable to 51,200.  

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Portable Flash Category

Winner: A portable flash is a must-have tool for any pro in the industry. TIPA editors have endorsed Nissin Air System as your best choice this year.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Expert Category

Winner: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ll sports a wide array of features such as an electronic viewfinder, touchscreen LCD monitor, and fast AF. It has an excellent performance in low light conditions and the world’s best technology when in comes to image stabilization. Plus, this mirrorless expert camera has a special option called “High-Res Shot” that combines 8 shots in a JPEG to a 40 MP resolution.

best csc expert camera tipa awards 2015

Best Mirrorless Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo/Video Camera Expert Category

Winner: For a camera to be very good at both still image shooting and video recording, it should resemble Panasonic LUMIX DMC LX100. If you are looking at a camera for its video-related capabilities, then this is your best choice.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Rugged Camera Category

Winner: It seems that Panasonic rules the rugged camera category too with its LUMIX DMC-FT6 (TS6) shockproof model. This compact camera is specially designed for adventurous photographers. It handles temperatures as low as -10 C/ 14 F, underwater depths of 13 metres (43 feet) and drops from 2 metres (6.6 feet).

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Advanced Category

Winner: With an incredible shutter speed range between 1/16,000 and 60 seconds, a Digital Live View MOS Sensor capable of 16 Megapixels and high ISO support up to 25,600, Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GM5 has conquered the admiration of TIPA editors and got a well-deserved first place in the CSC advanced category.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Medium Format Category

Winner: A dream for wedding and portrait photographers, Pentax 645Z sports a large sensor delivering 51.4 MP, a 1.037 million RGB dots LCD monitor, an anti-reflection coating reducing reflection, a large optical finder and an ISO support that can be expanded to 204,800. Has it convinced you? Well, it costs around 8 grand.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Digital SLR Advanced Category

Winner: Pentax seems to make its mark in the best digital SLR advanced category too with the K-S2  model. TIPA editors recommend it to first-timers for its broad set of features. The camera is pretty tech packed too and comes with an app and built-in WiFi to help you transfer and organize pics.

pentax-ks2 advanced digital slr camera

Best Advanced DSLR: Pentax KS2

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Imaging Software Category

Winner: In 2014 Photoshop has lost in favor of DxO ViewPoiny 2. This year, the PhaseOne Capture One Pro 8 was voted as the best photo software for the way it handles RAW conversion. Images can be imported either from cards and drives or by means of remote operation. There’s an option for clients too, who can watch the shoot remotely through Capture Pilot. Photo sharing and web galleries creation are also available.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Professional Lighting System Category

Winner: Profoto B2 – the Off-Camera Flash that distinguishes as the best lighting systems for professional shooting.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best ActionCam Category

Winner: Ricoh WG-M1 – the waterproof, shock resistant camcorder any active professional would enjoy using.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Professional Category

Winner: Samsung NX1 has an impressive ISO range extendable at 51,200, a 4k video recording capability, and a hybrid, versatile AF system. Also, this  compact system camera gets a high mark for its ability to capture 120 fps at full resolution.

Sigma 150-600mm DG OS HSM advanced Lens

Best CSC Pro Lens: Sigma 150-600mm DG OS HSM

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Entry Level DSLR Lens Category

Winner: SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary is a portable, long range zoom lens suitable for a wide range of shooting situations. Its optical stabilization system improves on image quality while its size makes it perfect for those new to DSLR photography.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Expert DSLR Prime Lens Category

WinnerSIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art is a lens specially designed to enhance aperture performance and brightness.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Mobile Imaging Device Category

Winner: Sony ILCE-QX1 offers quite a unique experience to smartphone photographers. This is a mirrorless lens-style camera that can be attached to your smartphone by using an adapter or used independently. In such case, your mobile acts as a viewfinder through a WiFi or NFC connection. As it is a lens-camera it can store the images it takes, bit these can also be stored on the smartphone.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Entry Level

Winner: Sony ?5100 is super compact even for a compact system camera. It has a wide array of powerful features, and it is very easy to handle. It is also our recommendation for casual photographers looking for well performing yet small sized cameras.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo/ Video Camera Professional Category

Winner: Sony a7 S is a professional video camera valued for its high dynamic range and low light capabilities. Its high ISO support extends incredibly up to 409,600.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Entry Level Lens Category

Winner: Tamron 14-150mm F/3.5 – 5.8 Di III – Mirrorless cameras come with the promise of a more portable photo experience, and so does the CSC entry level Tamron 14-150 mm lens. Lightweight and measuring only 80.4 mm in length, the lens comprises 17 elements in 13 groups, and it is perfect for close up for its minimum focusing distance of 0.5 m (1.64 feet).

Tamron 14-150 mm entry level Lens

Best CSC Entry Level Lens: Tamron 14-150 mm f/3.5 – 5.8 Di III

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Bag Category

Winner: Think Thank Photo Airport International LE Classic was designed with one thought in mind: to make photographers’ travels more enjoyable, at least when it comes to carrying photo equipment. TIPA editors believe the product serve its purpose. For the record, the waterproof roller bag accommodates everything a photographer needs: two DSLR bodies, up to a 500mm lens plus additional smaller lenses, flash and accessories, and, of course, a laptop (a 15- or 17-inch device).

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Accessory Category

Winner: Nature photographers, you will love this accessorise! The UniqBall Ball Head comes in handy in diverse photo shooting situations. The heads come with a quick release plate and case.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best CSC Prime Lens Category

Winner: Voted as the best CSC prime lens on the market in 2015, Zeiss Loxia Line consists of manual focus lenses made for Sony full-frame cameras. The line targets photographers passionate about the image-making process.

TIPA Awards 2015: Best Photo Service

Winner: Zenfolio delivers best photo services in 2015 both off- and online, from marketing tools (customized blog templates, portfolios) and transactional services to photo books, stamps, and personalized items.

How do TIPA representatives assess and endorse each photo, video, and imaging product? Let’s take a look at the criteria these professionals take into account before giving their vote of quality and trust to the very best product in its category.

It is important to mention that TIPA members test and evaluate the devices considering aspects such as design, ergonomics, innovation, ease-of-use, as well as the value for money (price/performance ratio). For their opinion on the products to be as informed as possible, editors invite manufacturers who wish to enter the quest for a TIPA award to send them a sample of their product.

For more information on TIPA Awards 2015 or previous top photo equipment selections, you can visit TIPA’s official website. Endorsed products can be searched by category, manufacturer, and year.

Is there a product in the list you have tried out or consider purchasing it? If you have any thoughts you’d like to share with us, you are welcome to leave a message in the comment section below. Cheers!

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Top 10 Best Bridge Cameras in 2015

Although digital technology progressed so much that it offered us DSLR and compact digital cameras, bridge cameras still remain on the market due to their exquisite market value. In other words they offer immense optical zoom while having advanced features at much more affordable prices than DSLRs. That is why we wanted to make an article on “Top 10 Best Bridge Camera in 2015″.

Modern bridge cameras can offer levels of control and speed similar to DSLRs. Other features such as wide aperture lenses, raw shooting and even Wi-Fi are also becoming more and more popular in bridge cameras. In terms of picture quality, many bridge cameras nowadays come equiped with designs bigger than 1 inch that rival even compact cameras.

Bridge Camera

1. Canon G3 X

Price: $999

The Canon G3 X packs quite a punch due to its 25x optic zoom and Canon’s very own Digic 6 image processor. This bridge camera came as a response to Panasonic’s FZ1000, yet it has its own shortcomings. Mainly the fact that the aperture drops to f/5.6 while in full zoom and also the fact fact that the camera does not support 4K. However, the camera can shoot full HD, has a large 1 inch sensor, support raw capture and an image quality with a high level of detail.

Bridge Camera

2. Sony RX10 II

Price: $1.298

This is a bridge camera that supports 4k video and that can sustain 14fps continuous shooting. The Sony RX10 II camera is a massive improvement from the RX10. It also has a 1 inch sensor and a 3 inch monitor. However, the 4K technology makes it very expensive. Another possible shortcoming might be the fact that it sacrifices zoom range for quality. In the end the Sony RX10 II is one of the best bridge cameras on the market.

Bridge Camera

3. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ1000

Price: $769

The Panasonic Lumic DMC FZ1000 makes use of a Leica optical lense that helps users shoot in low light situations. However, this impacts the zoom capabilities of this bridge camera. It also has 4K video recording capabilities, a 1 inch sensor, 3 inch monitor, with an advanced autofocus and raw shooting. In the end you get a capable bridge camera, with 4K video recording features at a lower price than some of its competitors.

Bridge Camera

4. Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

Price: $442

This bridge camera has an incredible 65x zoom range due to its smaller senzor size of just 1/2.3 inches. It also comes packed with raw shooting capabilities and Wi-FI, altough it has to be set manually just like the eye sensor on the viewfinder. Full manual control but with lower quality pictures in dark conditions, this bridge camera is still one of the best, especially since it costs just $442.

Bridge Camera

5. Nikon Coolpix P610

Price: $367

A contender to the Canon SX60 HS, the P610 unfortunately lacks the ability to shoot raw. However, it offers Wi-Fi with NFC, but it lacks eye sensor for the viewfinder. On the other hand it has an articulating screen, 60x optical zoom a 1/2.3 inch sensor and a 3 inch screen.

Bridge Camera

6. Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ72

Price: $309

Another entry from Panasonic that has managed to remain on the marget due to its versatility and amazingly low price is the Lumix DMC FZ72. It features a higher zoom capability than that of other more expensive bridge cameras. Its 60x zoom, wide 20 mm focal length, and raw format shooting makes it a worthy competitor. However, it lacks Wi-Fi and has generally small resolution.

Bridge Camera

7. Sony Cyber Shot DSC HX400V

Price: $463

This is a bridge camera that benefits from a smaller zoom range of just 50x, Wi-Fi and even a tilting screen. Its ergonomic design makes it a pleasure to use, however it does not support raw shooting. JPEG images are supported and offer quite plenty of details and colours. Another obvious shortcoming is its low resolution electronic viewfinder.

Bridge Camera

8. Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR

Price: $364

This next entry comes from Fujifilm and is an overall good bridge camera. It has a shorter, 42x zoom range but benefits from shooting in raw format, a good autofocus and good image quality. Other great features are represented by its articulating screen and eye sensor for the electronic viewfinder. On the down side, it lacks Wi-Fi and the detail smoothing becomes very visible when photos are set at full size. However, for the price of just $364 it is an overall decent bridge camera, which has the feeling of a SLR due to its size.

Bridge Camera

9. Sony Cyber Shot HX300

Price: $321

The younger brother of HX400V, the HX300, borrows many features from its larger counterpart. It boosts the same 50x zoom range, 20.4 megapixel Exmor R sensor, full HD video recording and HD image quality. However it lacks some of the features that his older brother has, such as Wi-Fi and GPS location. Nevertheless, if you are content with shooting JPEG only, alongside perfect image stabilisation and a lens barrel zoom ring, this bridge camera is certainly for you.

Bridge Camera

10. Nikon Coolpix P900

Price: $610

The last entry in our list is the Nikon Coolpix P900. It sets itself apart from its competitors due to its massive 83x zoom range. It also benefits from inbuilt Wi-Fi and NFC pairing as well as an articulating screen. On the other hand, it does not offer raw formating, it is 60% heavier than most of its competitors and it also costs more. It has a standard sensor size of 1/2.3 inch, a 3 inch screen and a maximum continuos shooting rate of 7 fps. The major shortcoming that this bridge camera has is its high price. Smaller, cheaper bridge cameras with many more amazing features cost much less than this mammoth.

So there you have it, our “Top 10 Best Bridge Cameras in 2015“. Although bridge cameras face fierce competition from DSLR cameras and compact system cameras, they still manage to hold their own. Due to their balance between zoom capabilities, image quality and interesting features, bridge cameras offer high quality at more affordable prices. If you feel we have omitted one or more good bridge cameras, feel free to let us know, in the comment section below.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

10 Photography Tips for Mirorrless Cameras

More and more people are choosing mirrorless cameras over digital single reflex lens cameras (DSLRs). Some do it because they are transitioning from a compact camera, others because they are too intimidated by the size and feature set of a DSLR.

Understanding your Mirrorless

y1First, in order to work your camera, you need to understand it. Mirrorless are in the Digital Compact Cameras category, which means they have tiny sensors and exchanging lenses is impossible. Being compact is one of the best attributes you can find in a MILC (mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera).

So, a MILC is like a digital SLR, only without the mirrors and all the extra features. It is also much, much smaller and lighter than a digital SLR, which means it is more versatile and chances are that you will be using it more on a daily basis, because it can easily fit in your bag. A MILC menu of controls and operation is very similar to a compact camera. But the best thing about mirrorless is that it has large sensors that help improve the image quality, giving you more accurate results.

Some people use a MILC as their only camera, other use it as an extension, while some photographers have a MILC that they take out on a daily basis, taking quick, beautiful snapshots. Either way, here are some tricks for you to make the best use of your mirrorless camera.

Mirorrless Camera Photography Tips

#1 The first tip is to invest in extra lenses. If you’ve purchased a camera with interchangeable lenses, take advantage of them. Most cameras come with the 18-35 mm zoom lens which is okay – until it isn’t. These lenses are versatile and functional, but they get in the way of achieving amazing results. For starters, you should use a wide-angle prime lens, which will help you take the most advantage of your tiny camera body. Look into the 35 mm or 50 mm prime with a maximum aperture of f/2.0 or faster. The point is, the lower the number, the better for you.

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#2 In a mirrorless camera, the light gets through the lens, without a mirror, right onto the image sensor. This means that the more light that comes through the lens, the higher the sensor and the better the picture.

#3 High-end MILC use contrast detection to adjust their autofocus, while others only have contrast-detection AF. When looking to buy a MILC, the best advice is to go for one that has focusing settings similar to DSLRs. Nobody wants their pictures to be out-of-focus.

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#4 Ideally, all MILCs have full Manual mode, Aperture and Shutter Speed. If you are a novice, you can try Program mode. The exposure will be correct, and this mode will also let you play around with Iso light sensitivity which is great for low light conditions.

#5 Canon mirrorless cameras have modes that some DSLRs don’t. Some of the features give you control over the level of background blur or adjusting the depth of fields and color richness.

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#6 For moving photos, you should place your camera on a tripod and put it on Shutter Priority mode. Set the shutter speed to 1/250 seconds. This way, you will capture most of the movement. If what you’re capturing is a really fast movement, adjust the shutter speed to 1/1250. This should be enough to freeze the moment.

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#7 When taking portraits with your MILC keep in mind that you have full control over the depth of field, so use the Aperture Priority mode as much as you can. 35mm prime (no zooming) lens or even a 50mm on a full frame camera will allow you to get the best results in photographing people. The aperture should be at around f/8, and if the distance between you and the subject is less than 6 meters, go for an aperture of f/5.6 or larger.

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#8 Almost the same tricks apply when taking a landscape photograph, only now you aperture should be of f/9 or higher to keep things in the distance in focus. If you look to have everything in the picture as sharp as possible, set your aperture to 20 or even higher, and consider using wide-angle lens.

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#9 Shooting in low light is tricky with any sort of camera, but once you get the hang of it, you will take amazing pictures. For example, using a tripod is advisable, but if you don’t have one, you needn’t worry. Turn your camera to Shutter Priority and set the shutter speed to 1/60 a second. If you don’t own a tripod, you could use something else, such as a table, or a pile of books on a chair on which to rest the camera.

#10 Even when shooting with a MILC, you should never neglect the ISO function. This allows you to get more detail in dark rooms or during the night. Of course, you could set it on Auto Mode and let the camera choose the right ISO, but you would get better results if you did it yourself.

After all, you know best. The general rule is that the higher the ISO, the more grained the image will be. Usually, during daytime, a low ISO of 100 or 200 is advisable. In low light conditions, use an ISO of 3200, especially with a mirror lens. Some MILCs offer features that help you with the noise reduction. Read the manual first and then experiment.

Conclusion

The obvious advantage of having a mirrorless camera is that your back will never suffer again from carrying your heavy DSLR. The results are similar to professional digital SLRs which is a big plus for a mirrorless. Plus, a MILC is better for a casual photographer who wants to take pictures all day.

A serious shooter is always going to go for a DSLR, especially in a studio or out in the wild. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which one you have, because there is absolutely no difference in image quality.

They both take excellent photos, but of course, they need you to make that happen.

How to Take Care of DSLR Camera Lenses

You should regularly clean the lenses on your DSLR camera. Even though you should be careful when cleaning them, this process is nothing to be afraid of. It is very important to clean the lenses only when it is needed, when they are dirty, don’t develop a habit of doing it every day because this can cause damage to the lenses. Here are some simple advices on how to clean your DSLR camera lenses when you need to.

But before we go into any detail on how to clean the lenses on your camera we advise you to purchase a UV or skylight filter and keep it attached on all times on your camera. Other than cutting unnecessary UV light from getting into the camera, the filter also protects the lenses from dirt and even breakage. Remember that filters, such as lenses, come in different qualities so if you use quality lenses, consider investing in a high quality filter also.

Also, remember to always use lens hoods on your lenses – Always!

Cleaning FluidDSLR_tips_how_to_clean_your_camera_DCM128.shoot_gearcraft.step4_

You will find in most stores that have camera equipment a cleaning fluid based on alcohol. This item is a must for everyone who is interested in photography and has a camera. The fluid will clean any smudges or fingerprints on the lenses and do so without causing any damage to them. Never use too much liquid, however, and always apply it on a cleaning cloth and not directly on the lens.

Cleaning Tissues

These are very thin sheets of paper used to clean any smudges on the lenses without damaging them. Always throw the tissue after using it as it is intended for one use only. Don’t be cheap or you will end up regretting it. Also, you should never ever use facial tissues as they may harm the lenses because they are too harsh.DCM108.shoot_gearcraft.step3 5653030262b848e9b609bedacad5d1a7

Cleaning Cloth

These washable cloths are a great alternative for single use cleaning tissues. They are able to remove any dust or oils found on your lenses. Always remember to keep the cloths clean, however, by regularly washing them. If you don’t wish to do so, you can always buy a new one as they are very cheap and will definitely come in handy for any camera enthusiast.

Always check your lenses before you clean them with a cloth as you don’t want to scratch the lenses if you have bigger dirt pieces on the lenses. Blow away larger dust pieces before wiping the lenses with a cloth.

Brushes

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This is a great tool if you have a lot of dust on your DSLR camera. Buy a brush that is very soft (usually the ones with camel hair) to avoid any scratches on your lenses. You might also want to consider a cleaning pen. This kind of item has a brush on one end and on the other a cleaning pad.

Silica Gel

These don’t help you clean dirt off your lenses per se but are great to throw in your camera bag to attract any moisture in it. Change them frequently or the silica gel sachets will attract far too much moisture and become utterly useless.

Pretty much all of these cleaning supplies are cheap and can be found in any camera store. However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t buy the cheapest kinds as those expensive cameras are far more important on the long run than saving a few bucks on cleaning supplies.

And of course, the best cleaning solution is prevention. Take care when changing lenses on your DSLR camera and you will be good to go every time. We hope our list helped you and we wish you (and your DSLR camera) the best.

Image Sources: Source 1, Source 2, Source 3

Best Finds for Photography Equipment in 2014

photography equipment

Putting together photography equipment can be hard to do and quite expensive. For beginners, it can be downright impossible to gather some essential devices for the home or studio without any external help or advice. That’s why we’re giving you some professional advice on where to find great photography equipment in 2014 to buy, to rent or to sell, new or used for indoor or outdoor photography. Whether your passion is for newborn photography, aerial (an RC camera can be quite expensive), wedding photography, for 360 degree photography or even the more obscure and electric Kirilian photography, we know the places to go! The following are our favorite stores for buying great photography equipment.

B&H

B&H is a great online store. Their catalog/categories are easy to browse through and its used equipment department is awesome. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on photography equipment, we suggest you browse through the used equipment section and see if anything appeals to you. All the cameras and lenses are rated for condition, which is a huge help for when you’re buying used photography equipment online. B&H will even offer you the possibility of returning the product within 30 days of purchase. You really can’t beat that!

Adorama

Adorama is, as they say, more than a camera store. Although the website doesn’t allow you to only search the used option, but they have a used/open box page where you can find a lot of useful information that will help you narrow down your search. They offer a 90-day warranty on all of their used equipment.

KEH

KEN is simply awesome and we love that site dearly. It’s THE place to go to for finding old cameras, such as film ones. It’s also the best place to buy last year’s best point-and-shoot cameras, if that’s what you’re into. One of the best things about KEH is their unbeatable rating system. They also have a blog we recommend you follow if you want to learn about the latest in the photography business. They have a 14-day return policy and also offer 6-month warranty on all of their used gear.

Virtual Photography Studio Tips for Buying Photography Equipment:

  • When it comes to putting together photography equipment, used is definitely the way to go! Used doesn’t have to mean old or antique; many photographers will sell their camera when something new comes out. Why not benefit from the desire of others to have the newest and most high end devices?
  • Make a checklist when planning to buy photography equipment. It’s great to know beforehand what you want, because it will help you not to get distracted.
  • If you’re buying a new and expensive camera get insurance for it against theft. If it gets stolen, it will impact your business, state of mind and finances and you should do something to avoid that.

If you don’t want to spend too much money on fancy photography equipment, consider making your own. A DYI reflective lighting umbrella isn’t too hard to make, all you need is a pole, a sturdy umbrella and some reflective spray paint and you’re done. Look for more ideas online on how to make your own photography equipment with no more than a couple of basic tools, a list and a guide you can find online.

If you live in big cities, such as Dallas, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles or NYC, then you can simply go to a photography studio and ask them if they have any equipment or kits for sale or rentals. Speed up the whole process by making a list of all the photography studios in your city and calling them. Remember, a rental piece of equipment should help you out for special occasions, don’t rely on renting alone and don’t forget that a good product can be cheap!

Make the Most from Your Camera Exposure (ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture)

The basic key to taking good pictures is learning to make the most out of your camera exposure features, which unfortunately is something most beginners don’t look into. Most DLSR cameras now have “auto” modes that adapt the camera to the lighting conditions, enabling their users to not look into those settings themselves, but the results obtained using the camera’s auto mode are far from satisfactory. Also, no matter how much you play with your pictures afterwards in a photo editor like Picassa or even Photoshop, even if you use the most sophisticated auto-contrast and auto-lighting tools, you pictures still won’t be that great.

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The only thing that can make them truly spectacular and vouch for your truly professional photography skills is using the right camera settings in the first place instead of resorting to post-editing. Those camera exposure settings you should learn more about are sometimes called the camera exposure triangle: we’re talking about ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Here’s a short introduction on what you can do with each of those.

Camera Exposure Feature No 1: ISO

We’ve already talked to you about the importance of adjusting your ISO when we discussed a few tips on taking better family portraits. The ISO is a number reflecting your camera’s sensitivity to the available light. A lower number reflects a lower sensitivity (and must thus be used when there’s plenty of good light), while a higher number reflects a higher camera sensitivity. ISO 100 and 200 are considered low in most circumstances, 400 would be a medium, while every number bigger than that would be a high value. Greater ISO also comes with a cost: the higher the camera’s sensitivity, the more “grain” or noise in the photo’s quality. Still, when the lighting is poor or you’re trying to photograph a moving target, the payoff may be worth it. Experiment with this setting, get to know your camera and decide for yourself.

Camera Exposure Feature No 2: Shutter Speed

The second setting from the so-called camera exposure triangle which you should learn about is the shutter speed. This is a number reflecting the length of time for which a camera shutter is open for exposing light inside the camera sensor. Since we’re talking about advanced cameras here and not hundreds of years models, this number will obviously be a measure of fractions of a second. Really fast shutter speed settings (like 1/115) can successfully be used to freeze motion, while deliberately low speeds (like 1/15 or 1/20) can allow more light into the camera, making this a perfect setting for nighttime photography.

Camera Exposure Feature No 3: Aperture

Last, but not least, we should talk about the aperture feature. This is more like a technical built-in characteristic of the camera itself, referring to the hole with a lens through which light passes into the camera body. The larger this hole is, the more light can pass, making the camera more apt for certain types of photography. The depth of field (usually expressed through the letter f and is sometimes called the focal ratio) also depends on the camera’s aperture, and this refers to the portion of a scene which appears to be sharp. The larger the aperture, the smaller the depth of field will be and vice-versa.

Now remember: the important thing, besides learning how to use each of these better, is learning how to use them together. That means that if you increase one, maybe one of the others needs to be slightly decreased to compensate, and so on. For example, a large aperture usually calls for a high shutter speed, to prevent overexposure and so on. We can’t provide you with exact formulas here, because all this adjusting would depend not only on what your current camera settings are, but also on what exactly you’re trying to photograph, if it’s indoors or outdoors, in what kind of lighting conditions and so on. You need to research these things yourself, starting with your camera’s manual. Once you’ve managed to get those camera exposure features to work for you, the most important technical requirements for great pictures have been met.

The Best Small Investment Tips to Become a Pro Photographer

A lot of young photographers to be are trying to make the transition between being just a passionate amateur to being a fully legitimate professional photographer. What separates the first from the latter isn’t necessarily the skill or talent and or even the experience; but more like an arbitrary convention that differentiates between a hobby and a business. In other words, if you get paid for it, or if you open some kind of official start-up, it means you’re a pro. If you just do it for pleasure, you’re an amateur. In a way, it’s completely unfair, because if you’re striving to become a pro photographer, the term “amateur” stuck to your current identity somehow implies that you’re not doing a really awesome job, but the truth is that you may be very skilled and talented, but you just didn’t get a paid gig so far.

Still, if you want to make that transition once and for all, either by founding a small photography start-up or simply by charging fees for your services, you need to do a couple of things first. The most important thing is to be really good at photography and to keep getting better, but we’re sure you’ve already got that covered. As a young photographer striving to prove yourself, it’s probably the main thing you’re working on when it comes to improving your odds of making it to the pro league. But the other thing you should pay attention to, in addition to simply improving your skills, is investing a bit in some essentials that would help you become a pro photographer faster. Here are our tips on what small investment you should consider, the matter is of course debatable, but our suggestions do make a fine starting point.

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A tripod: We will not start this list with a good or professional camera, because it’s the first thing photography aficionados think about by themselves. Chances are, if you’re trying to become a pro photographer, you already though about it and invested in your camera by now. But our experience with aspiring photographers tells us not all think about getting a tripod as well, many preferring to just point and shoot. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider this approach.

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A cheap old film camera: Nowadays everything has of course gone digital and that has become the standard for quality and everything. Vintage film cameras are, in consequence, very cheap now, and somehow regarded as being not so good. While it’s true that digital photography opens up a world of processing possibilities and filtering options and so on, film photography should not be despised by an aspiring pro. Not only would it help your overall skills and understanding of photography if you experiment with such a camera for a while, but it would also allow you to produce some wonderful pictures which current cameras couldn’t really achieve in the same way. Just look at the wonderful work people like Oleg Oprisco are doing and you’ll understand. Also, a vintage film camera looks really cool and makes you seem the master of all equipment. If you can create amazing images with that, you can do it with any kind of gear.

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A high-power Monolight:  Professional lighting can make the difference between an amateur photo and a truly stunning and impeccably done photo. It would be a shame not to highlight your good camera and good skills with the proper accessory, and this one should be the first on your list. Why a Monolight, in particular? Because one of these can be also used indoors to create a studio-like setting, but it’s also portable enough to take with you outdoors as well (or to other locations). Until you can afford an actual photo studio, it will give you the best chance of shooting like a professional photographer and of impressing the people you work with as one. If you’re on your way to become a pro photographer, these three are the magic tricks you should have up your sleeve.

8 State-of-the-art Cameras that will Surely Drive Photographers Crazy

Guest Post by Jessica Simmons

For a photographer, choosing the best camera for them is like finding a pageant winner. They primarily set a checklist of criteria. When one candidate fails to deliver, it is automatically out of the game.

Basically, a photographer assesses the screen size, resolution, zooming capabilities, video options, weight, and battery life. Among the hordes of cameras in the market, eight made it on the list as the best ones so far:

1.    Nikon D800

Most Nikon D800 users reviewed it to be a bit expensive but definitely worth every penny. It is a full-frame model perfect for professional photographers of wedding scenes or panoramic views. It also has stellar video options that offer minimal to no noise at all.

2.    Canon EOS 5D MarkIII

For sports photographers, Canon EOS 5D has been rated as one of the best. It has improved configurability and performance, which makes it useful for shooting objects in motion. It captures good details. However, it is not that efficient in reducing noise for dark settings, which is typical of cameras nevertheless.

[Read more…]

10 Questions To Ask Before You Buy Camera Equipment

Do you ever fall for the “shiny object syndrome”? In other words, do you buy camera equipment on a whim because you fall in love with it based on a recommendation?

As a photographer, I think we can all agree we’ve fallen into that trap a time or two. I remember one time we were at a photographic convention, and the speaker talked up a new line of lighting equipment. We headed into the tradeshow area, and proceeded to purchase the entire system. Then most of it sat in our studio, unused at the back of the room.

Before you head out and spend this month’s profits on that new lens you’ve been eyeing, ask yourself these questions first.

1. Why do I need this new piece of equipment?

Is this truly a need, or is it a want? If you truly need something, it will ultimately benefit your business, and hurt your business if you don’t have it. A second camera body, for example, is a necessity.

2. How will this change my photography?

Some equipment will instantly change your photography, and allow you to be more creative. Moving from camera flash to a studio lighting setup will allow you to create depth, and give you a more natural lighting source whether you are in the studio or out.

3. How often will I use it?

Is this piece of equipment going to be sitting on a shelf, or in the front pocket of your camera bag? If you need it for the occasional client, there may be other options. But if you can use it again and again, every week of the year, it may be worth the investment.

4. Will I still want this item tomorrow?

Tradeshows are easy to catch you up in the excitement of wanting something new. Step back and sleep on it if you can. Evaluate the true purpose of this piece of equipment, and see if you still feel the same way in the morning.

5. Is there something else available that does the same thing at a lower cost?

Before you buy an expensive lens, can you find one that’s almost as good for half the cost? I was reading on Art Wolfe’s blog that he travels with just a few lenses, and he prefers his Canon 70-200 f4 over the 2.8 version because its just as sharp and much lighter – and less than half the cost.

Dig Deeper: The Best Photographic Equipment To Bring With You [Read more…]

Worlds Fastest Compact Flash Storage

Memory cards have come a long way in the past decade. My first cards were 256 MB and ran at 4X speed and cost $250 per card. Yes, that is correct! Not Gigabyte but Megabyte. And the speed was 4X not 400X. And the cost? Well we just knew that we were on the cusp of a learning curve, so we bit the bullet and ordered enough to cover our first event.

Back in 2001, our first digital cameras had 3.1MP sensors, so the file size was tiny at best. And since we were used to shooting film, exposure was not an issue, so we shot in jpeg. Computer hard drives averaged 20-40GB, so we always backed up the image files onto CD-ROMs that cost $1.50 – $3 each instead of leaving the files on the computer. Ah the early days of digital…

Fast-forward to today where everyone has 30GB of flash storage, RAW format is the norm, and our computers have enough storage to handle anything. If you still need more storage or want to move the file outside your location, cloud hosting may be the answer.

Video has also moved into the digital realm with most SLR cameras offering assorted video recording functions. Video put huge demands on memory and must move huge amounts of data into a storage area quickly. Compact flash cards have been the leaders in storage capacity and transfer speed for most professional grade cameras, and are now changing once again.

SanDisk brings the latest advancements to the forefront offering 128GB cards with the speed to match at 100MB per second. This will allow a capture of full HD video storage with today’s pro DSLR cameras. Advance features such as these do come at a price. SanDisk will be retailing the newest cards for $1499 so get your credit card ready.

Read the full press release at SanDisk