Eastmon Digital Photography Tips

Sigma 150-500mm APO DG OS HSM Lens

Eastmon Admin — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:05:19 +0000

By contributor Tom Lacey.

I have always enjoyed the beauty of nature, so taking photos of birds and sea life is one of my favourite pastimes. I needed something to compliment my existing set-up and the answer came in the form of a Sigma zoom lens. Sigma’s APO 150-500mm telephoto lens boasts huge zoom at an affordable price. For what the lens lacks on paper in the way of aperture it more than compensates for with affordability and portability and all round ease of use.

Features and Design

This lens was designed for use on both APS-C and full frame type digital cameras. Sigma’s 150-500mm lens incorporates many features which help create that perfect photo. One such feature is Sigma’s HSM drive which delivers smooth and quick movements, especially when auto focusing. This is a similar technology to Canon’s UltraSonic.

The Sigma 150-500mm is made up of 21 lens elements in 15 groups. Sigma has incorporated a top notch optical stabiliser into this lens which is designed to give an increase in speed of approximately 4 f-stops. This stabiliser came in handy and you see a clear difference between stabilised and non-stabilised photography.

The lens is with Pentax, Nikon, Canon and Sony camera mounts. I coupled this camera up with the Nikon D90 and D70s to get thorough results. Overall the lens was a great match for the D90 but I felt the D70s was out-shined by the Sigma 150-500mm and did not pair up as nicely.

The build quality is exactly to the standard we have come to expect from Sigma. Its metal mounting plate and smart black finish ensure the lens feels solid but not heavy and clunky which can happen with large zoom lenses. The rubberised zoom and focus rings guarantee a sure grip for the user.

Using the lens.

As I enjoy taking photos of nature and sea life I took the lens for a run around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. The lens was easy to get used to and performed well during day lit shots, even when hand held and at full zoom. At night I would recommend a tripod to ensure crystal clear photographs when the lens is extended fully. There is a tripod mount that comes with the lens which really does come in handy. Weighing in at just under 2kg, I can tell you that your shoulder will get sore if you hand hold this an extended period of time – as is expected with any large zoom lens.

Because of the use of coated elements inside the lens, blemishes such as flares and ghosting are kept to a minimum. Aberration was also well controlled and the edges were very sharp at full crop. Very impressive for a lens at this price point. Vignetting did show itself in a few frames and tended to be more prominent in photos of the sky at lower focal lengths.

The HSM helped with smooth and quick auto focusing. A very small amount of photographs showed a tendency to miss the mark as far as the auto-focus was concerned resulting with the subject of the image coming out-of-focus. This happened mostly when taking a photo of a finch amongst the reeds of a pond in poor light – not exactly an easy focusing situation. In the end I switched the camera to manual mode and got the photo I was after straight up.

Who would it suit

The sports enthusiast would love this lens. Getting right in close to the subject is what this lens was made for. Whether you want it for sports action, nature or even portrait photos the lens will be a welcome addition to your existing kit. I have used this lens in a church for holy communion photos and it performed beautifully. It would really suit a wedding photographer who is not quite ready to spend the big dollars on an F2.8 lens.

People who are into wildlife photography or bird watching will also love this lens. Set it on a monopod or tripod and you have the perfect kit to take clear, colourful images of everything nature has to offer. The Newcastle beaches were the perfect opportunity for me to test the lens out to try and get the fast moving gulls diving for my hot chips. The lens performed well with all the challenges I threw at it and the results were great. For $1399 you really cant go wrong with the Sigma 150-500mm lens.

Tom is the Store Manager of the Eastmon Glen Innes store and a photography enthusiast.

12 Things to do with your Digital Camera

Eastmon Admin — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:43:59 +0000

As digital cameras get smaller and travel with us everywhere there are a myriad of different uses and photographs we can take to make life easier for us. These are just some of the tips we have used our cameras for.

1. ‘Return this camera or memory card to…’

Small digital cameras are easily lost or fall out of pockets and handbags. Often the loss of a camera can be overcome as long as you don’t lose your precious pictures. While the amateur detective may take great joy in trying to identify the people and landmarks so they can return the camera, often the camera and images are lost forever. This little trick offers you a greater chance of at least getting your images back, even if the camera does not come with it.

Many cameras allow you to lock a photo on the memory card usually when reviewing your images and opening your menu . Take a photo of your name and phone number on a piece of paper. I recommend locking this photo so that it is always your #1 photo to appear and regardless of whether you delete all photos this one doesn’t get cleared like the rest of the images because you have cleverly locked it.

2.Maps

Unless you carry around a portable GPS or one of the new iPhone style phones you can get a very good substitute with your camera. Modern high megapixel digital cameras pack a lot of information and detail in a single photo. Most cameras allow you to zoom up on your image for greater detail.

Often new airports, underground railway systems can be very confusing, so grab a quick shot of their floor plan in case you have to find gate K23 in a hurry.

You may also like to try snapping a shot of Google maps of your address, particularly if your traveling so you can show people where you live. This may also be useful when trying to explain where Australia is on the planet.

3. Parking Lot

Have you ever been completely disorientated when returning to the car park. It becomes particularly unnerving when you are in a strange city and as you wander aimlessly looking for your car, others are convinced you’re either a stalker or car thief.

If you have ever lost your car and landmarks like B12 and L51 don’t stick in your memory, take a photo of the parking lot signs near your car, you may be able to include your car in the photo. You could even possibly shoot a wider angle shot with identifiable landmarks to help orientate you.

4. Mechanisms you are repairing

This is a great tool and insurance policy when you are about to pull apart the Lawnmower throttle linkage, Clothes dryer with the lost socks, or replace the headlight in your car. Take a photo of what it used to look like, just in case you need it.Often if you get interrupted for a few days before completing the task a quick visual refresh will let you see what it was like when it was only a little bit broken.

I used this method once when repairing a part on a car I was unfamiliar with and was very grateful to look at the images as I reassembled it.

5. Number Plates

If you have ever been tailgated and have another person in the car shooting off a snap of the vehicles number plate allows you to report it later.

What about the carpark when you are sure your car will not escape unscathed because of close parking, baby capsules or bull bars. For your peace of mind and the possibility of door dings grab a shot of your new neighbours.

6. Yellow Pages

Need to take a little bit of info on the road? Rather than destroying your directory and tearing out a page snap a photo of the landscape and nursery supplies or the home brewing shops, not the pubs… you must drive home!

7. Evidence for your defence

Have you ever pulled up in the only carpark only to find the parking meter broken. Occasionally you will end up in situations which may require you to explain your action or presence and a carefully captured photo may come to your defense.

Some other situations may be;

Ticket machine broken
Taxi driver taking you on circuitous route
Impediments left on paths and access routes
Damage by tradesmen

Certain cameras with date stamping ability help your defense even further. Still, might be best to consult your lawyer first before relying too heavily on your photograph.

7. The old Chinese menu

You know you bought one home and now you can’t find it. You could just ring up and order number 7, 28 and 63 but you have forgotten the phone number as well.

This is a great idea for all those written menus you can never find or even the boutique blackboard pizza shops and other takeaway menus.

8. Recipes

If you have got to take a special trip to the markets or deli for ingredients for a recipe, don’t write down the recipe. A quick snapshot and you can refer to it any time if the odd or different ingredient slips from your mind.

9. Rental Dings

Part of your process before you hop in any rental is to check it for dings. if you are worried about getting charged for something you didn’t do then you should do a thorough examination of the car and take photos of any damage. If you are concerned you should go back and show the rental clerk before driving off.

This is also good practice if renting a holiday apartment or unit and you find mould growing in the bathroom or marks on walls.

10. A Mirror?

Yes a mirror! No need to worry about the parsley between your teeth or leftover soup in your moustache, take a picture.

What about those new sunglasses, hat or outfit, remember the camera doesn’t lie, well maybe it doesn’t know you well enough.

So if you want to check your lippy or perform a mole check, the camera makes a convenient mirror.

11. What plant is that?

Do all leaves look the same to you when you go to the nursery or latin wasn’t your strong point at school, then a quick snap of your favourite plant will help at the nursery. You can almost here the nurserymen say ‘Oh that’s a Latinigula Guessagain leaving you none the wiser but with the correct plant.

You may want to take a picture of the landscape or garden bed you will be planting it in to see it it is suitable for that position.

12. What part is that?

You know your not a mechanic that knows every make and model of car, so before you go into get that part grab a quick shot of the model plate and the part if it’s too big or awkward to carry. That way when you are asked is it the TF G series or the L you can show them you camera and let them work it out.

The same rule can be applied when reordering a paint mix from the code placed on the tin or other bits and pieces you may not be familiar with.

Composing your photo – Odds or Evens?

Eastmon Admin — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:16:57 +0000

Composing your photo – Odds or Evens?

I ran across this fascinating quick article from Jeff Wignall that got me thinking about the photos that make me stop and take a second look. There can be many factors that contribute to the success or failure of your image, however this little observation may make or break your photographs. Armed with our Digital SLR and array of lenses we shoot a volume of images, many of them unsatisfying looking for that elusive gem. But maybe if we had thought more about the numbers when taking our photographs we may have had to shoot less and edit less. Would three salt and pepper shakers on a table look more interesting than two? Possibly, in fact most likely!

Not only does the effect of odds stand out in the composition of your photographs, think about next time you are creating a photo collage poster print or a collage on photo canvas art. Experiment with odds and evens on your photo gift and see what looks best and let us know what works best for you.

Armed with your trusty Big Zoom digital camera or DSLR it’s time to experiment with an empty memory card and see if the numbers have it.

Don’t be put off experimenting with this because you don’t have the top of the range Canon or Nikon, as I have seen some amazing photography by people with some of the least expensive digital cameras on the market. Experiment with the numbers and get shooting.

Digital Camera or Video Camera?

Eastmon Admin — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:05:12 +0000

Often the most asked question before plunging in and buying a new digital camera is what is important to me? Do I want to capture high quality stills or a lot of movie action? Following on from that is the question ” why can’t I get a camera that does both?”

This vexed question is tackled well in the article from DP Review, titled ‘Beginners Guide to HD video’. As the article states compact digital cameras have been capturing video for many years, albeit with mixed results. As technology moved along we started to see a blurring of the lines with cameras like the Panasonic TZ7 offering quick start HD video with zoom on a high end compact digital camera.

HD video recording is fast becoming a standard in many compact cameras, starting from the waterproof Pentax W60 and W80 series cameras, and many other compact cameras wanting to capitalise on the growing HD market.

The real interest though is in the DSLR market with its larger sensor, interchangeable lenses and manual controls. Cameras such as the Nikon D90 set the ball rolling capturing HD video, however the progression since then has been amazing with every manufacturer hopping on board.

Cameras such as the Nikon D5000 and D300s and Canon EOS 500D and the EOS 7D have really set the pace as everyone finds new ways to use these hybrid DSLR/Camcorder.

So the question has changed. Should you now consider one of the new breed digital compact cameras or Digital SLR with HD video and are they as good as they are made out to be?

Photography… It’s all about light

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:24:52 +0000

Photography… It’s all about light

It doesn’t matter how many time we hear it, the truth is It’s all about light! When I ran across this article it sprang to mind immediately the images that capture everyone’s attention are the images that have amazing lighting. You may well be using a top of the range Nikon Digital SLR or the most expensive lens you can put on your Canon DSLR, the bottom line is that a well lit shot from a compact digital camera can often look more appealing simply because of the lighting.

This simple article by Brenda Tharp is proof that a compact digital camera like a Canon G9 is capable of taking great images with the right lighting. Unusual lighting effects aren’t limited by the light of the day though. Try experimenting with an off camera flash also to create dramatic shadows and effects. You may have to use a tripod though if you are going to be holding the flash with one hand and shooting with the other.

When you capture those amazing images they are worthy of a giant canvas print placed in a very prominent position in your office or home or even turned into a photo gift for a friend or family member.

Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography

Challenge your photography

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:23:12 +0000

Challenge your photography

I ran across this great article from Jeff Wignall that really challenged the way I take photographs. In the article ‘Need a challenge? Illustrate a concept‘ it struck a chord with me about the shoot anything method with a digital camera.

I know when I pull out my DSLR, regardless of whether I am shooting with Nikon, Canon or whatever I have tended to just shoot so much and eventually be disappointed with my results. I have also noticed many people using compact digital cameras doing the same.

I remember my early days in the camera club being surprised by how many of the members used tripods. This generally slowed them down and made them more considered in their approach to what they were shooting. It was when I took this on board and tried to capture a image that provoked a certain emotion that my photography improved and I took less, but better photographs.

Time and patience is also another consideration to capture great images that evoke a response in the audience you are targeting with your images. I have watched many of our customers who create and sell their own greeting cards develop a sense of emotion from the photographs they take, because they are selling to a public that wants to convey a particular thought.

My goal one day is to put my own coffee table photo book together with a theme of images that convey a particular theme, emotion or colour. In the past I have had a number of frames which hang in different places throughout the house where I have made different size digital images to create a theme for that area. With the price of digital photo prints and enlargements now it is possible to regularly change them and surprise your friends and family each time.

Winning Digital Photo Contests (A Lark Photography Book)

Asterisk in the sky

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:33:36 +0000

Asterisk in the sky

An asterisk is a symbol that looks like this * . So how do you turn an asterisk into a photograph?
Zack Sheppard has been combing the files of Flickr and found an amazing array of images, many of them taken with a Digital SLR camera and I suspect a polarising filter. You will see from viewing some of the images the way the polarising filter deepens the blue sky and accentuates the clouds against sky.
To get the greatest colour saturation in a natural looking colour when thinking about a poster print or canvas print a polarising filter would be the one accessory I would not be without.
As you view the images and look at the photographs take note of the angle as many of them are shot using wideangle lens and some of the are shot using a compact digital camera.
If you are already a member of flickr don’t forget to join myEastmon group so we can see the great photographs you take.

Sams Teach Yourself Flickr in 10 Minutes

The Magic of a Polarising Filter

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:24:49 +0000

The Magic of a Polarising Filter

The polarising filter would have to be the one must have accessory that I would take with me everywhere!

In a really informative article Jeff Wignall explains the many and varied uses of a polarising filter in your photography. Many people are amazed that a polariser can darken a blue sky, saturate colour and eliminate reflection and whats more no amount of photoshoping can give the same result.

Whenever I have been looking for that great photograph to make a greeting card or compiling my images for a photo book, the photographs I have taken using a polarising filter on my DSLR have always been the standout images.

If you are reading Jeff Wignall’s article you are even more curious I would recommend you google some of the interesting and amazing things you can do with different lenses and polarising filters.

Your digital prints will really jump out at you and your friends will be amazed at the great results you get. Don’t forget to add your images to myEastmon group at flickr.

The Joy of Digital Photography

Getting started making photo gifts online

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:06:37 +0000

Getting started making photo gifts online

Getting started making photo gifts, digital prints, photo books, greeting cards, collage prints and a myriad of other items is as simple as registering for free if your a first time user, or logging in using your existing log in details if you have previously used it before.

Once you have logged in you will have access to all your existing albums including all your uploaded photos. You can then choose from any of the products to create a new product personalised by your own photographs or artwork.

Below is a simple guide through the navigation buttons and a guide for each feature.

My Photos

This is where you will find all your saved photo albums. You can create new albums, upload photos and edit photos from this screen.

Photo Gifts

The latest range of photo gift products are available here. Choose from Photo Mugs, Woven rugs, Photos on T Shirts and Polos, Teddy bears, Keyrings, Photo Stationary, Notepads, Business Cards, Stubby coolers and Bar accessories as well as a huge range of new products and old favourites.

Digital Prints

Order your digital photo prints on genuine genuine high quality Crystal Archive Fujifilm photo paper. Sizes available start 4×6″, 5×7″, 6×8″, 8×10″, 8×12″, 10×15″, 11×14″, 11×15″, 12×16″, 12×18″, 16×20″, 20×24″, 20×30″ and are available in matte or gloss.

Photo Books

Photo Books are the ideal way to capture and present those special moments and events in a personalised coffee table photo book. The perfect way to present your wedding, baby, birthday and other special photographs. Create a library of travel photo books, scan in your children’s art and mix it with photographs of your child. You can choose from a variety of sizes, textures and themes.

Canvas Prints

Your image onto a Photo Canvas Print creates your own personalised work of art. Choose from a huge array of sizes and shapes in either landscape or portrait, all printed on high quality artist stock, stretched and ready to hang.

Calendars

Create a personalised Photo Calendar where you can add images, text and embellishments to each page. Personalise special dates by adding your own photo and text or embellishments. You can even start your calendar on any month or year of your choice.

Cards

Photo Greeting Cards with your favourite picture and words will always mean you have the appropriate card for the right occasion. Choose from a variety of sizes, themes and embellishments to create a unique photo card for birthdays, Christmas, Weddings, Invitations and valentines.

Posters

Decorative Collage Photo Posters themed with your photos, text, background and embellishments are a unique poster to hang on the wall. Photo collages offer an special way to show off your wedding, birthday or holiday photos for everyone to see. Choose from a variety of sizes in either landscape or portrait.

Create Now

Once you have selected a category from the home screen you will see an overview of products available for you to choose. Select Create Now to make your product selection.

Back to Menu

Select Back to Menu to return to the previous screen.

Category Carousel

Scroll through the category carousel to find what product you would like to create.

Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD Digital Camera Review

Eastmon Admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:36:07 +0000

Fujifilm Finepix S2000HD Digital Camera Review

By guest contributor Geoff Porter
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to see a couple of games of Tennis at the Australian Open in Melbourne with some work friends. Knowing that I’d need a pretty powerful zoom to get in close to the action I chose to take the Fuji S2000HD. This series of cameras have always given me good results in the past and the S2000 was no exception.

The zoom range of the S2000HD is 15x or the equivalent of 27.6mm to 414mm in the old 35mm terms. I remember having to carry around three lenses to give me less than this range when I was starting out in photography.

The seats we had were very good, about 15 to 20 rows back and as you can see from the images I took of Jelene Jankovic, Ai Sugiyama, Amer Delic and Novak Djokovic that the 15 times zoom was quite powerful enough for this type of event. I imagine that if you were on the sidelines of a football game or a polo field that you could get some great shots with this camera.

One of the great features that help’s you take better action photos with this camera is image stabilising shooting mode. The S2000 Fuji has a dual image stabilisation system, that is two different types of stabiliser working together. The first is CCD shift were the camera senses camera movement and moves the CCD sensor to minimize the effect. The second is a high sensitivity stabiliser that increases the sensitivity of the sensor in low light so the camera can shoot at higher shutter speeds. It’s a bit like loading high ISO film in your camera in the film days. So even when taking fast action with a powerful telephoto lens like the S2000s you can still get very sharp images.

Another one of the features that’s really great to use especially with sport photos is the continuous high speed shooting option. The Fuji S2000 can shoot at 6.8 frames a second at 5mp resolution and 13.5 frames a second at about 3mp resolution. Even the 3mp images look quite OK as a postcard size print.

The Fuji S2000HD will also shoot High Definition movies in 16:9 format so now not only can you capture some great action photos but you can also film the action and play it in HD when you get home.

I really enjoyed using the Fuji S2000HD and would highly recommend it.

Geoff Porter is the product manager for the Eastmon group and is an associate of the Tamworth store

If you are interested in taking better sports and action shots, you may like to view Sports & Action from our affiliate.
Sport and Action (World’s Top Photographers Workshops)