The Open Camera Controller allows you to control the basic functions of your DSLR as well as give you some of the more nifty features like the ability to capture timelapse shots with a built-in alarm and triggering the shutter by clapping your hands instead of pressing a button.

According to the HDRLabs team:

The OCC project arose from our need to shoot HDR images for film production using Canon cameras. Canon has stubbornly chosen to stick to its standard 3-shot method for bracketing shots – one metered shot and two additional shots one or two stops above and below the metered shot. For texture shooting, it is sometimes necessary to shoot 5,7,9 or even 11 or more stops of bracketing around the metered exposure

If you’re looking to procure an OCC-based controller for your camera, sadly, HDRLabs does not sell it’s units. In return, they have graciously provided complete and comprehensive instructions on how other people can build their own (so no, unfortunately it’s not for everybody, just those who can handle soldering stuff on their own). Once you’ve managed to build your interface, you can download and install HDRLabs’s open source collection of applications to your DS and play with your camera (relatively speaking of course).

HDRLabs provides the following apps for free:

• Bracket – Original prime application for extending Auto Exposure Bracketing. Can also remote control automatic panoheads. Super-customizable to fit many different cameras. Full documentation available.
• Intervalometer – Timelapse shooting with built-in alarm clock. No need to get up yourself an hour before sunrise, your DSLR will start shooting by itself.
• Astro Script – The ultimate sequencer. A scriptable tasklist to create advanced shooting programs, right on the touchscreen of your DS. Dark-red interface for all-night astro photography.
• Sound Trigger – Puts a new meaning to the word “snapshot”. Just clap to snap a picture. Or yell across the room. Or use your DSLR as a security camera.
• eManuals – Cheat sheets with quick reference documentation to popular photo gear. Canon 5D, AstroTrac, SpyderCube and more. Source code includes converter to make your own from image files.

The OCC was tested with the Canon 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D and 5D Mark II, with Sigma DSLRs, the Casio EX-FX1, and the Olympus E-P1. Too bad it doesn’t work for Nikon SLRs, I would have jumped right in. Still it’s an interesting piece of technology don’t you think?

• Nintendo claims 3DS is pirate-proof!
• Turn your PSP to a PDF Reader
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• Play games that require OFW 5.55 and 6.00
• Hold+ v3.8 Plugin for Custom Firmware

What struck me first about Crumpler is that they name their bags in a very unique way I sorta like it. One Million Dollar Home, The Sinking Barge, Old Banger, Baby Pea, etc. Puts a smile on your face doesn’t it?

I went for the Six Million dollar home over it’s smaller models (Four Million Dollar Home, Five Million Dollar Home) because it provides ample space for my currently limited gear with room for expansion. The official crumpler site says you can fit one camera with lens attached (up to 6″/15cm long), one flash and one lenses in the Six Million Dollar Home. As I still don’t have an external flash and I’m saving up for a Nikkor 18-200mm VRII lens, my bag contains the following:

• Nikon D90 + kit lens (Nikkor 18-105mm VR) + Crumpler’s Industry Disgrace Neckstrap)
• PSP Phat
• Wallet

Here’s a snap shot of what’s inside my bag. Do note that not all the items listed above are visible (blame the flaps).

What I like about the Six Million Dollar Home

It’s roomy. I could have gone with a Seven Million or an Eight Million or even a Brazillion (yes, it’s a Brazillion) Dollar Home but they’re too big for my taste. Anything bigger and I’d prefer to go with my backpack rather than a messenger/shoulder bag. The Six Million Dollar Home simply fits my needs with room to spare . Even with a camera grip attached, my D90, will snugly fit into it.

The bag is water resistant so if you get caught in a drizzle, your gear will still remain snug and dry. If you plan to get wet (and I mean really wet) though, I suggest getting a rain cover for your bag. Better safe than sorry

There’s side pockets for your minute gadgets, gizmos and accessories like my ML-L3 Remote, extra SD cards etc. There’s one on the flap of the bag, two in the front (that’s one inside the other) and two more on both sides of the bag. Be mindful of what you put in there though, especially on the side flaps as they’re somewhat exposed to the elements unlike the two on the front and the one on the flap.

There’s silencers for the velcro on the main opening of the bag if you’re sick and tired of hearing it’s distinctive sound.

The bag has straps for accessories like a small tripod (you can attach a bigger tripod but you can imagine how awkward it is to move with that much weight on your side ). These are locate on the sides of the bag. Not to useful on the go but they’re quite handy if you don’t like having to fish inside your bag for stuff.

Ok I’m sold. What’s the con?

I guess my main qualm about the Six Million Dollar Home is it’s price. It cost me nearly as much as my Case Logic SLR backpack but with all it’s pros that I’ve listed above, it’s worth it

I’ll try to do a review on the Industry Disgrace Neckstrap this weekend

Anyone else using a crumpler bag and loving it? Post your comments below and spread your love of Crumpler

• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition
• Digital Photography, turning a new leaf

With those specs, it easily beats my Nikon D90 out of the ball park.

As with all cameras in the H4D line of medium-format DSLR, H4D-40 gets a True Focus AF system (which tracks camera movement to calculate and predict proper focus during recomposition) and Absolute Position Lock processor (APL).

The H4D-40 will also feature new low-noise color filters and an 80mm HC/HCD lens which will allow for an increased depth of field. The lens features digital lens correction (DAC) for any color aberration, vignetting, or distortion.

Interested yet? Be prepared to shell out some serious dough, $19,995 for the H4D-40 kit. The kit includes the camera body, viewfinder, and 80mm lens as is now available for purchase.

Anybody interested in getting one?

• Using a Nintendo DS to control a DSLR
• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition

Impossible Project has acquired (legally of course) the equipment necessary to produce the instant film and aim to start production this year in cooperation with Summit Global Group for distribution. But what about the cameras?

Instead of getting wheedled out of your money trying to buy that vintage camera, why not wait for Polaroid’s revival of instant camera line. Yep, Polaroid will be releasing a new range of film cameras that resemble the beloved Polaroids of the good old days starting with the PIC-1000, it’s latest (albeit very retro ) instant camera offering.

Oh and yes, Polaroid has also announced that they’re back in the film business so you may want to wait for film prices to go down before buying .

The PIC-1000 will come in either metallic plastic, or a ’70s wooden throw-back and will require the classic Polaroid Color 600 Instant film (those with iconic, white border prints). The film will be available in packs of 10 shots and can be used in the PIC-1000 as well as the older models.

As for the camera itself? It features a self-timer, flash and even red-eye reduction. None too shabby eh?

Now for the all important price. Polaroid said that their target price is at $100 but let’s not get our hopes up just yet on that. No final word on availability although the company says to expect the Polaroid PIC-1000 cameras to debut sometime this year.

Nostalgia anyone?

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition
• Digital Photography, turning a new leaf

In any case, I bought it last year, on December 31 via kimstore (order placed December 30 and item received December 31). That should give you an idea of how fast kimstore is with transactions Ok enough of the shameless plug. The moment I got my hands on the new cam, the very first thing I did (you should too, especially when you’re getting a new cam in the near future) was to read the manual to make sure I’m doing things right and that I won’t do anything to harm my new cam. To further sate my appetite for what-to-know, I also printed out a copy of Ken Rockwell’s D90 review and PDF guide. If you’re new to digital SLR cams, looking for equipment reviews and recommendations, I recommend paying a visit to his site. Photography is his bread and butter so that should indicate how important (or relevant) his opinions are.

Coming from the very simple and lightweight D40, the very first thing I noted and loved about the D90 was it’s sheer number of buttons and nubs. You can see a comparison of the physical differences of both cameras from the table below:

Nikon D40	Nikon D90

Notice anything? Yep. Compared to the D40, there’s quite a lot of buttons for the D90. They’re not just for display though, they actually quite useful once you know how to use them You see, with the D40, if you need to set something for a shot… say, change your Image Size, you need to navigate through your menu and change it. With the D90, just press the proper button and rotate the secondary nub. That’s just a simple example but lets go on What if you wanted to switch your ISO setting? Your shooting mode? During normal circumstances, you don’t need to change these on the fly but it’s handy especially when shooting in the field where lighting change over time.

As for the all important specification head to head?

If you’re a numbers guy/girl, the D90 is a cut above the D40.  Sure, the D90 can capture more pixels but what’s important is it’s sensor.  The CMOS sensor brings the D90′s performance at par with Nikon’s more professional offering, the D300 .  It’s like getting a D300 for cheap.  The D90 has video but unlike Canon’s latest offering, the 500D, it seems like a feature added at the last minute .  Autofocus doesn’t work and sound is jittery at best.  I understand the decisions that Nikon made that put the HD video feature on the D90 but I would’ve liked it better they really didn’t add such a crippled feature.  Maybe they’ll fix most of the D90′s quirks with a firmware update but still, I would prefer to disable it entirely.  I have a Flip HD for HD video purposes .

Now, what I like about the D90.  First would be it’s size.  My fingers are quite long which makes holding my D40 quite cumbersome because it’s quite small, small enough to fit in one hand.  Optimally, we should should with both hands right?  The left hand cradles the lens for stability and the right holds the cam and the shutter button.  This is problematic with the D40 since it’s light and small enough to be held with one hand, I usually end up holding the cam with ackward position for my fingers >_>.  The obvious solution would be to get a camera grip but since my budget permitted it, I got a D90 instead.    The sheer size of the D90 makes it comfortable to hold and shoot with and it’s weight makes it easier to stabilize the camera (for me at least since I feel like I’m fighting against the weight of the camera, not the weight of my own arm >_>).

The D90′s advanced feature set are quite helpful as well. D-lighting in particular has been very useful in composing lowlight shots or shots with very high lighting contrasts (i.e. the subject is bathed with background light). Without D-lighting, finding the right exposure would’ve been a nightmare in those situations .

Now, the part that you’ve been waiting for, the pictures .  I was only able to process a few pics so please bear with me.  These shots were taken during one of our frequent visits to pizza hut.  The manager was kind enough to give us a discount card taking 10% the usual price   Imagine that.  If you want to see more of my pics, you can just follow updates on my flickr account.

I’m still working on the pictures from the photoshoot with Genre productions but even if I do finish processing them, I’ll still waiting for the go signal to post them . Now, I did promise a post on Canon vs Nikon (specifically the 500D vs the D90). I’m still working on it but it’ll probably be put on hold while I process more pics. *sigh*

So what happens with my D40 now that I’ve switch to my D90 full time? Well it’s relegated to the status of secondary body. I’m still saving up to get a Nikkor 35mm f/2.0 AF-D lens to replace it’s current 50mm lens. The 50 mm is a good lens but I feel that at 35 mm, I’d get better use out of it. Will post an update on my current camera gear in a few so please look forward to it

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Happy New Year from Atma Xplorer
• Your Christmas gadget wishlist
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D

The D3000 is basically a simplified D5000 without the articulated display, the AF motor and HD video recording.  It boasts a 10.2MP sensor, a new ‘Guide Mode’, an extensive Retouch Menu, an 11-point autofocus system and the company’s EXPEED image processing system. There’s also an Active D-Lighting system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, not to mention 3D Subject Tracking and support for RAW images

The D300s seems like a souped-up D90 in most respects.  Basic specs of this pro-level dSLR include a 12.3MP CMOS sensor, a 51-point autofocus system, SD and CompactFlash memory card slots, one-button LiveView, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode,  Active D-Lighting bracketing, faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting and a new HD movie mode that’s been lacking so far: autofocus. I’m hoping this will be incorporated into the D90 with a firmware upgrade sometime soon but that’s wishful thinking .

To complement the D3000 and D300s, Nikon also unveiled two telephoto-ranged lenses:

• DX 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR II
• 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II

The new 18-200mm VR II lens is an update to Nikon’s most loved 18-200mm VR lens.   If you’ve spent anytime looking at popular Nikon lenses, the 18-200mm VR comes on top of a lot of people’s list when it comes to an all-around lens. The new lens adds Nikon’s second generation image stabilization that improves the anti-blur effect to the equivalent of shooting four shutter speeds slower than intended, an improvement particularly important at the telephoto distances of the new optics. The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass has also been improved to minimize both glare and ghosting.Full-frame FX mount cameras have the new 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II. It too adds the better image stabilization for its exclusively telephoto shooting and improves the glass not just to reduce artifacts but to improve color reproduction as well. Three different focusing modes (including manual) also vary the degree of control over autofocus. As with the previous 70-200mm lens, its aperture is a continuous f2.8 across the entire length and is particularly useful for low-light and action shots.

Prices for these Nikon goodies are as follows

D3000 (kit, includes AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR)  – $600
D300s  (body) – $1,800
DX 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR II – $850
70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II – $2,400

[via Nikon D3000, Nikon D300s from Pinoy Tech Guy]

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Your Christmas gadget wishlist
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition

The photographs you see in this gallery of free six pictures were taken with my Nikon D40.  I’ve had my SLR for just about a year now and I’m still turning over a new leaf with each shot I take.  I’ve learned quite a lot from taking these shots but I still don’t feel worthy of my current goal, the Nikon D90.

Without further ado, here’s the free six pictures as promised.

A shot of a friend cosplaying Kanda from D-Grayman

Our cuddly and certainly furry dog- Snowball

A shot from a Bleach Photoshoot

The green monster from.. uhh… I’m not sure I want to know x.x

A goofy shot of a Mcdonald’s takeout counter

And last but certainly not the least, something from the Monster Hunter Series.

Once you’re done, you can also view six free pictures from these friendly people.

1. Sir Marhgil – Free Six Videos and Six Pictures
2. Sir Jehzlau – Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Photos Online
3. Sir Dexter – Free Six Videos and Free Six Pictures

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• The Hardest Mario Level ever!
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition

The new D5000 incorporates a 12.3 megapixel with 720p HD video recording and a large part of the D90‘s feature set in a simpler, smaller and lighter body.  It’s also equipped with an articulated LCD 2.7″ 230,000 pixel LCD display commonly found in high-end digicams.  The D5000 also supports for Nikon’s GP-1 GPS unit for automatically geotagging images.

Combining most of the features of the prosumer-level D90 with a simpler, smaller and lighter weight body, the D5000 sits nicely between the D60 and D90.  As the lowest of the Nikon dSLR bracket however, I can honestly say I’m impressed with it.  Below is the spec list.

Nikon D5000 Specifications

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
• 2.7-inch 230,000 pixel TFT-LCD
• Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
• Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
• Illuminated focus points
• Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
• IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
• 4 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
• Expeed image processing engine
• 3D tracking AF (11 point)
• 95% frame coverage viewfinder
• Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening

Since it’s meant for non-pro users the D5000 has automatic features from some of Nikon’s high-end point-and-shoot cameras such as scene recognition and presets for monochrome or other shooting modes. It also has big brother’s Active D-Lighting to helps restore details to shadows as well as reduce the likelihood of blown-out highlights.

As with the D90 launch, the D5000 is getting a new lens built for it.  That’s the 10-24mm f/3.4-4.5 Nikkor AF-Slens. It’s built for very wide angle shots like macros.

Interested yet?

The D5000 is priced as follows:

• D5000 body-only:  $730
• D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens: $850
• D5000 with AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens: $900

The Nikon boat has swooned me back (I’m currently writing why) with superior quality on it’s products.  If you’re looking for an entry level DSLR, the D5000 is a great value.  Here’s a few shots of the D5000 and the new 10-24 lens.

The D5000 will be out for sale on April 27th and probably later for the Philippines.  The $730 price tag places the D5000 at around Php 35,000.

via {dpreview}

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Your Christmas gadget wishlist
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition

Oh, and no, this is not an April Fool’s Joke.  It’s just one of those things that really, really strikes me interesting XD.

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition
• Digital Photography, turning a new leaf

The Canon Rebel T1i enters the dSLR slugfest right below the 50D and in essence, the direct competitor to Nikon’s D90. Want to see if it’s worth it? Check out the specs

EOS Rebel 500D Specifications | EOS Rebel T1i Specifications

• 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
• 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
• Live Face Detect mode
• Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
• 3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
• 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
• High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 270EX, TS-E 17mm f/4L and the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II.

Compare that to the D90 feature set.

(Note that the 500D/T1i specification is still not complete, I’ll update once dpreview has posted their review of the unit.)

The biggest draw for the Canon Rebel T1i is that it has the exact sensor for the 50D with the bonus of the ability to shoot full HD video. Canon’s sensor features impressive high-sensitivity numbers. And if you’re still the megapixel buff, the Canon T1i sports 15.1 MP over D90′s 12.1 MP.  (But really, you shouldn’t rely on MegaPixel count for your camera)

Video can be shot in 3 modes:

• 16:9 720p HD at 30 fps
• 1080p Full HD at 20 fps,
• 4:3 standard TV quality (SD) at 640 x 480 pixels and 30 fps

And yes, like the D90, AF will work with the video mode.

Off the bat, the Canon Rebel T1i wins at it’s very attractive price point. The D90 body will go for about $999 and the kit with the new 18-105mm f3.5/5.6 VR zoom lens will go for $1299. The Rebel body will sell for $799 while the kit with with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at $899.

How does it stack up against the D90?  Well that’s for a future post.

The Canon Rebel T1i is bound for the Philippines this May 2009. The expected price point is in the vicinity of Php45,000.

{via DPReview and price via YugaTech}

A little update:  I’m going back to Nikon.  I’ll do an explainatory post a bit later.

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• The 4th Microsoft Future Pro Photographer Competition
• Digital Photography, turning a new leaf

Students (read the PS) from around the world can submit their three best photos (without an entry fee) in one of three categories:

• Nature & Landscape
• People & Portraits
• Sports & Photojournalism.

All rights remain with the photographer.

Each entry must adhere to the following limitations: maximum longest dimension of 1024 pixels, maximum file size of 2MB, and a JPEG file format. Judging will be based on originality, technical execution (focus, exposure), visual impact (composition, impact, lighting), and relevance to category.

What’s in for you?  Well it’s Microsoft doesn’t refer to it as the most lucrative and influential international student photo contest in the world for nothing.  Here are the prizes:

• One Grand Prize of $20,000 and a digital prize package worth approximately $2,000 (Epson printer, Lenovo PC mobile workstation, and a five year membership in the Professional Photographers of America)
• Three First Prizes of $3,000 and a digital prize package worth approximately $2,000 (Epson printer, Lenovo PC mobile workstation, and a five year membership in the Professional Photographers of America)

All four winners will be invited (with all expenses paid)  to the annual Microsoft Pro Photo Summit.

The only catch?  This small line here:

As a condition of accepting a prize, you agree to grant Microsoft an irrevocable royalty-free worldwide license for a period of three (3) years after the contests conclusion to reproduce and display the image, credited with your first and last name, in print and on the web for the sole purpose of only promoting this contest.

So yeah, it’s royalty free BUT think of how good this will look on your portfolio. XD  If you’re fine with that (I’m fine with it), the contest ends at 11:59 PM PT April 30, 2009, so go out and start snapping!

PS: Do note that while the contest says it’s open to ALL students, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and the Province of Quebec are included in the exception.  If you live or are enrolled in any of these countries then tough luck.

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
• Make your dSLR a spy camera
• Canon Rebel T1i | EOS 500D
• Digital Photography, turning a new leaf

From a Photoshoot

So why Digital Photography? It’s expensive, it’s time consuming, it’s bound by thousands of rules and conventions. Why hold an get an SLR instead of an easier point and shoot? Why take such an investment for a hobby?

Simple. It’s FUN!

Unlike the hobbies that I’ve tried in the past —model building, novel writing, traditional art— Digital photography was the only thing that provided me with a sense of satisfaction with my work and it’s results.  It’s like the best of both worlds. Art and  science.

So where am I now?  What have I learned so far?  Here’s  the 10 things I learned in my short time with my Nikon D40.

1. Shoot for fun! The moment you do something that you don’t really want to do then your hobby stops becoming a hobby
2. Always start with the basics. While a lot of us would like to start off on the intermediate level, it’s always best to eat your pride and start from scratch.  Even if it takes time, it’ll be more than worth it.


My first attempt at a Wedding, a cosplay one ^_^

3. Always always check your gear. Not for cracks or defects but make sure, when you’re going somewhere to shoot, everything’s in your bag.  My first blunder?  I left my D40′s battery at home on my very first Photoshoot experience   Lesson learned.
4. Shoot how you want not how others are shooting. Everyone has an eye for beauty, it’s just a matter of capturing how you see it.


A Farewell? The extras didn't know I was shooting.

5. Read.  Read.  Read! Books on photography are expensive, luckily the internet provides us with tons of useful resources like the Digital Photography School.
6. Shoot!  Shoot!  Shoot! Yep.  Reading can only take you so far, it’s always best to apply what you’ve read and learned and see what works for you and what doesn’t.
7. Learn to take criticism. Positive or negative.  There will always be people who will not like what you are doing and there will always be people who do.
8. Earn your next set of gear. Yes, there’s always something better, something nicer, something you simply must have but don’t.  While you still don’t have the cash to get it, try to do the best of what you can with your current gear.  At least when you’ve said to yourself that you’re current gear is already worn, you’ve already saved up for the next one.
9. Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. Although usually it’s your own mistakes that help you get better.
10. Think out of the box. Pretty self explainatory but it works.

Phew, another wordy post huh?  I feel that I could go on with ALL the things I’ve learned but these are the ones that came up at the top of my head.  I’ll be posting more on my experiences with Digital Photography soon ^_^.

• Six Million Dollar Home Crumpler Bag review
• Hasselblad 40 MP “entry-level” camera
• Polaroid makes an instant camera comeback with PIC-1000!
• Enjoying my Nikon D90
• Your Christmas gadget wishlist
• Nikon unveils two new dSLRs: D3000 and D300s
• Free Hardcore Six Videos and Six Pictures
• Nikon’s new entry level dSLR: Nikon D5000
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The D90 unit touts an all new 12.3-megapixel image sensor developed in-house (much like the D3 and D700′s) equipped with a max ISO of up to 6400.  As Nikon’s new unit in the prosumer DSLR market, it’s equipped with features from the higher-end cameras as well as the easy-to-use features from the point-and-shoots ones.

Features:

• Scene recognition system with a 420-pixel RGB sensor
• Playback will automatically zoom on a face
• Active D-lighting (auto-adjusts highlights and shadows)
• Advanced scene mode can do things like detect a VR lens to apply image stabilization and use a slower shutter speed, rather than crank up the ISO
• Live View has face priority (like point-and-shoots) and
• Nikon’s fastest Live View autofocus yet

D90 Specification:

• 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
• 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
• Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
• Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
• Illuminated focus points
• Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
• IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
• 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
• Expeed image processing engine
• 3D tracking AF (11 point)
• Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
• Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
• Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
• Improved user interface
• New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
• Same battery and vertical grip as D80
• Vignetting control in-camera
• 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback

As for the HD video capability, well the D90 can shoot 1280 x 720 (720p) video at 24fps with a 16:9 aspect ratio with five minutes of video on a 600MB file.  It’s not going to take away any of the market from dedicated HD video recorders but you can bet that this can lead to the D90 can lead to some interesting shots.  Think a super close up interview with a Macro Lens or a wacky shot with fisheye lenses XD.

The D90 will sell both in body only and kit sets.

The body will go for about $999 and the kit with the new 18-105mm f3.5/5.6 VR lens will go for $1299.  The lens solo will go for $485.

If you need more info or want to see the press release, here’s some further reading:

• Nikon D90 Official: First DSLR Ever With HD Video Recording

Nope, I’m not starting a digital photography section although it’s become one of my fave past times/hobby (an expensive one at that) ever since I’ve got my hands on my D40 about 3 months ago.  I just wanted to blog about the D90 as a record of the specs and as part of my to buy list next year. XD  Wish me luck!

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