Taking portrait picture

Portrait pictures (People photography) is probably of the most important in learning photography. Many people takes portrait pictures but only a few produce a good results.

Several tips for better portrait photography using digital SLR or digital camera:

• Set camera to portrait mode or set aperture to be the biggest as possible (for example f/2.8)
• Choose a simple background such as texture, pattern or interesting color
• Follow Rule of Thirds composition
• Move the background back to allow space between object and background. This will make your background blurry.
• Use fill-in flash (force your flash to fire) if your subject is back-lit.
• Use telephoto lens or zoom lens to create a smoother and pleasing blur
• Use props to enhance and make your object more interesting
• Don't leave too much space above the head, frame the shoot as tight as you could.
• Tilt your camera to get a different effect
• Focus on the eyes, make sure the eyes sharp no matter what.
• Wide angle lens will distort the subject, but sometime it is fun to use to exaggerate some part of the face or body such as hand and head, While telephoto 85mm or longer is undistorted portraits.
• Align your camera to: nose if you take a close up head shot, midway around waist and neck for waist up shot and waist for full body shot
• Experimenting with poses. Use pose to hide problem area
• Use the window light to create side light
• Use the reflector to help reflect sunlight to fill in shadow from direct light

Recommended portrait lens:
Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM or Canon 85mm f/1.2 USM

Related portrait posts:

• Choosing lens focal length for portrait

Tamron 17-50mm compare to Canon 17-55mm IS USM

After several months using kit lens Canon 28-135mm IS USM which I got from buying Canon 40D digital camera, I decided it is the time to buy a higher quality lens. I like lens that can perform well in low light and I am budget conscious, so I pick Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.

My impression about Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8
It is a solid built lens, the body is sturdy and short, the zoom bar are pretty big (look at the picture) and lens hood is included.

Despite the glowing reviews about this lens, I find the image quality especially in f/2.8 is not that sharp. The auto focus mechanism is quiet noisy and slightly slower compare to Canon's USM lenses, but it is acceptable.

The image quality in higher ISO (800 and up) is not good either. I notices that it produces higher amount of noises than Canon 28-135mm IS USM. Furthermore, the object edge/corner in the image is quiet soft at 50mm.

I might get a bad copy, but that is my impression about the lens.

Later, I sold both Canon 28-135mm and Tamron 17-50mm and add extra bucks to buy Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.

My Impression of Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Many users in internet complaint about the price and comparing this lens to Tamron, it is understandable. This lens is not perfect. it is not L quality means that the construction is not the highest possible quality. The zoom bar is not smooth at 17-35mm. Some people argued that it is purposely done so to prevent lens creep. But I prefer smooth zoom better. Overall The lens build quality is above average. At a glance it looks like 17-85mm or 28-135mm kit lens. But it is slightly better of the popular 40D kit lens. The difference is, the lens is surprisingly longer and heavier. It also has texture on the body.

Quality of image is top notch, very sharp at most focal length, especially f/4. The IS works miraculously. This lens is one of the best in low light. However, it is a slightly soft wide open at f/2.8, and at wide open, the AF won't be accurate all the time.

Although the lens hood is not included (it is $44 sold separately) I will say it is a good investment due to the image quality (sharp on edge, nice 'bokeh' or depth of field blur).

Pro compare to Tamron 17-50mm

• Superb image quality in any focal length and ISO
• Image Stabilization up to 3.5 stops
• Auto focus is quieter and faster

Cons compare to Tamron 17-50mm

• Two times more expensive and lens hood + lens pouch are not included
• Built quality is about the same as 40D's kit lenses
  
• Zoom bar is not smooth at 17-35mm
• EF-S lens means that you can't use this lens in Full Frame camera such as 5D or Mark Series

Rating for Tamron 17-50mm
Image Quality : Excellent 3/5
Build Quality : Very Good 4/5
Price value: 3/5

Rating for Canon 17-55mm
Image Quality : Excellent 4 1/2/5
Build Quality : Very Good 3/5
Price value: 4/5

General Purpose Lens Comparison

General Purpose lens for cropped body camera (Most of digital SLR camera on the market) have focal range around 16 to 80mm. Almost kit lens (lens that come with the camera) have this focal length. But how about if we want something better than kit lens?

Characteristic of kit lens such as bad performance in low light (due to big minimum aperture) and not so good image quality has drive users try to find a better lenses.

What are the alternatives?
For Canon, the alternatives are Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (Aprox. US$500) and Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ($1000), Canon 18-200mm IS

For Nikon, the alternatives are Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ($600), Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ($650) or Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 ($1200)

For Pentax, the alternatives are Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM ($750)
For Olympus, the alternative is Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD ($850)
For Sony, the alternative are Sony-Zeiss 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6 ($1000) and 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 ($550)

Other popular alternative is third party lens: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ($425)

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 with lens cap and lens hood provided (Fully Extended)

What is the best choice? Well, the general rule of thumb is if you can afford the highest quality lens from particular brand, go for it. Long zoom lens' quality usually less than shorter one, and constant rate accross focal length is usually better.

Sony vs Pentax vs Olympus Lenses

Check out Canon vs Pentax lenses article with new updated lens collection.

This post will analyze Olympus, Sony and Pentax lenses


It is not fair to compare Pentax, Oly and Sony collection
to the giant Nikon and Canon, so I will just compare three of them here.
But I will mention Canon/Nikon occasionally.

As we can see in the table, Olympus doesn't have much to offer in
wide angle prime, in fact Oly only has a fish eye.
Sony and Pentax does not have many to offers either, quality nor quantity.
In this category, SONY has more lens and variety including fish eye,
and its lenses has better IQ than Pentax so
Winner: SONY

For the Telephoto Prime categories
Pentax has two pancakes: 70mm and 77mm, while they are nice lenses, but
you can't make a collection out of only two almost identical lenses.

Olympus has interesting lenses, 150mm = 300mm and 300mm
= 600mm very nice for wild nature environment or even sporting
events.

Sony has more variety in its collection, from 85 to 500mm, so
SONY wins this category.

Next..


Again, Olympus does not offer many, in fact if Oly does not
launch E-420 with 25mm pancake lens, Oly does not have any
Standard Prime. Oly users has to get from Sigma (30mm) or other places.

SONY has 2 lenses, the regular 50mm 1/4 and hi quality 35mm f/1.4.
PENTAX has several set of primes, the pancakes 40, 43mm and
also 35 and 50mm that perform very well.

Winner: PENTAX

In Zoom lens category (Interesting because most of photographers beginners/pro use these lenses a lot).

SONY has the most lenses, but I don't feel the collection
is outstanding. The only lens that stand out is Sony-Zeiss 24-70mm
It has outstanding Image Quality. Compare to the Canon and Nikon,
the price is between Canon's and Nikon 24-70mm.

Pentax has interesting lenses. 16-50mm DA which has SDM that
make focusing smoother than other Pentax lenses. (Pentax camera
is very slow especially in low light) so this SDM hopefully will help.
It is also very affordable. $760 comparing to Canon 17-55mm = $1000
and Nikon's $1200. Plus free hood and weather sealing.
Other interesting lenses are 11-17mm, and 12-24mm

Olympus lenses are also interesting, Oly does not have many in
its arsenal, but most of them are high quality.

Oly boasts in the ads that 12-60mm SWD is the fastest AF in the world
with E-3. It also has 14-35mm SWD, 7-14, and 11-22mm which all
of them are produce very high quality images with solid built.

So, Olympus has better collection (range, quality and AF speed)
It is very close with Pentax, but OLYMPUS takes this category.


In telephoto Zoom category, we have a clear winner, It is OLYMPUS
again. Olympus has successfully exploited the crop factor of 2 and
small sensor to make lenses that can reach far away.

90-250mm f2.8 for example, equal to 180-500mm
or approx. 100-400mm in Canon/Nikon. Compare to Canon & Nikons Lens,
This lens has fixed aperture and advantage of 2 stops, plus
built in body image stabilization. the short lens of 250mm, make
this lens light gathering power a lot better than Canon and Nikon's.

Pentax and Sony is no match for Oly in this category.

Finally, the macro category. each of the brands has 2 lenses.
And after examination, I will say Olympus win again in this category
Oly lenses are not only very good in term of Image Quality, focal length,
but also the pricing are lower than the other brands.

Winner: OLYMPUS

In Conclusions:
PENTAX wins Standard Prime Lens categories
SONY wins Wide Angle Prime and Telephoto Prime category
OLYMPUS wins Telephoto Zoom, Wide-Tele (Standard) Zoom, and Macro

The Winner: OLYMPUS

Special Note: After researching these three brands, I found out
Olympus collection is very interesting, because of the small sensor
and big crop factor and built in body stabilization, Oly get
an advantage especially in tele end. In addition, the lenses and
camera are lighter than others make it easier to move around
and great for travelling.

That's explain many Olympus' ads has safari theme.

I feel SONY want to catch up real fast to NIKON and CANON, I heard
rumor that they are developing their full frame pro flagship camera
soon, so we can expect many quality lenses joining the current collection.

SONY trying to push long zoom lenses, like 18-70 for their kit lenses,
and also 18-200mm, 18-250mm, while other brands have shorter kit lens
(18-55mm). The image quality for this long zoom lenses are just not
good enough.

I like PENTAX because its pancakes lenses. PENTAX is a pretty
innovative company, unfortunately PENTAX doesn't read the customers
well. Pentax pushing heavily in weather seal even for their entry level
camera, but its AF and image processing+metering is still behind
from the competitor.

Of course everyone here will have different opinion, it is fine
because this assessment is subjective, it is an opinion + fact.
The nice thing about this photography there is no exact science,
because image involve arts, feeling etc.

But let me know your opinion on these results

Thank you

Check out Canon vs Pentax lenses article with new updated lens collection.

Music Concert - Photography Third Eye Blind

Music Concert is one of the most challenging situation that you could face as a beginner or enthusiast photographer. The lighting condition will likely to be very low with ambient and spot light changing in every seconds.

Fast, responsive camera and lenses are needed. External flash/built-in flash would not likely help in this situation and might not be permitted. Technology such as Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction will not help a lot since they only help to combat camera shake not to freeze motion.

For camera setting, I suggest to set your camera to TV (shutter priority) 1/100 seconds or faster. ISO setting 1600. I do not recommend to go to ISO 3200 unless it is very dark because of excessive noises you might get.

To get a sense of motion, setting slower shutter of 1/30 or 1/15 is enough to get a motion blur.

In a very dark condition, we can set the camera to AV (Aperture Priority) and go for the biggest aperture (lowest f number) you can get.

Horizontal or vertical?
Variety of horizontal and vertical will be great, do not confine yourself on shooting all horizontal shoots. Some scenes are better in horizontal format and vice versa.

Other Tips

• Getting step ladder with you to the concert is pretty nice idea to help you rise above the crowd and get a better angle.
• Move around, do not stay in the same spot, you might get a better angle else where.
• Always shoot in RAW mode, so you can post process it to increase your exposure. RAW process could save underexposed image up to 2 exposure compensation.
• Apply noise reduction with care. On camera noise reduction is nice, but it will reduce details. Apply it as needed.
• Get a press pass, that way you will able to get close to the stage.
  
• Shoot audience reaction, you will never regret it!
• Try various kind of photography tricks such as slow shutter speed, zoom in, etc.
• Use 2 cameras if you have it, one with long telephoto lens, the other one with wide angle lens. I saw photographer with 3 cameras, but I feel it is too heavy to carry those cameras and limit your mobility.

Equipment I use to the picture
Camera: Canon 40D with kit lens 28-135mm IS USM

Suggested Equipments
Canon EOS: Canon Rebel XSi, Canon 40D, Canon 1ds Mark III
Canon Lenses: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 or f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

Nikon EOS system: Nikon D200/300, Nikon D80, Nikon D3
Nikon Lenses: 17-55mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4

Canon versus Nikon lenses

There are many debates about who has the better lens collection, Canon EOS or Nikon? I did full research on lenses available in the market 2008, and find out that overall, Canon EOS lenses are cheaper toe to toe compare to Nikon.

Nikon has several lenses that unique such as general purpose 18-200mm, 105mm macro lens with VR (vibration reduction). Canon has legendary "L" uxury lenses such as 70-200mm series and also has many telephoto primes for sports and wildlife.

Before buying a camera, Lens collection is one of the important consideration and for that, I try to answer that nagging question. Before I get started, keep in mind that I am not owning or testing all the lenses by myself, I gathered this info from many review sites on the web.

Legend: IQ = Image Quality, BC = Built Construction, DIF = difference in price (Canon minus Nikon). $ is USD 5 is Excellent, 4 is Very Good, 3 is Average, 2 is bad, 1 is crap, 0 is junk.

Let's get started:

Wide Angle Prime Lens and Standard Prime Lens
Click the image to view the full picture

For wide angle prime, we can see Nikon has a slight advantage over Canon,
Nikon has 10.5mm, Nikon 14mm is $550 cheaper, but the IQ is
lower than Canon's.

For HQ users, Nikon has 28mm f/1.4, and Canon has 24 f/1.4

Because of the 10.5mm lens and quality of Nikon's lens construction
are generally better than Canon's, NIKON wins this category.

In standard prime category of 50mm and 35mm, Nikon has better
50mm f1.4. Nikon's f1.8 is $25 more expensive than Canon's
50mm f1.8, but Nikon's built is better than Canon.

Canon has 2 HQ lenses, 50mm f1.2 and 35mm f1.4 and Nikon has
no answer for that. Interestingly, Canon 50mm f1.2 quality and
AF is not as good as expected, and Nikon has 35mm lens that performs
well with good built construction and has a good price.

So in this category: TIE!

Telephoto Prime Lenses
Click the image to view the full picture

In telephoto prime category, Canon has extensive collection that
is generally cheaper than Nikon counterpart. Canon has 800mm lens
and even 1200 lens for $75000. It is definitely a win for CANON in this category.

Now we enter a very interesting category and also most important
especially for new photographers: standard zoom lens category.

General Purpose Zoom Lenses
Click the image to view the full picture

In this category, Nikon has a unique zooms that Canon can't answer
yet, it is wide to telephoto lens that many newbie and "lazy to change lens
photographer" love: 18-105mm VR, 18-135mm and 18-200mm VR. Both lenses
perform very well and have reasonable build quality plus does not
drain out of your pocket since they are below $600.

Update: In Fall 2008, Canon respond with releasing new lens, 18-200mm IS lens to
respond to Nikon 18-200mm. However, Nikon also release new affordable kit lens 18-105mm which regarded as one of the best and most versatile kit lens in the market.

Nikon's also has 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, is a lens with amazing
built and image quality and also versatility at its price.
This amazing lens is priced around $600 which is a great deal

In contrast, Canon strength is in its "L" lenses, especially medium zoom,
EF 24-70mm L USM is $600 cheaper than Nikon's counterpart.
Canon L 17-40mm is whopping $825 cheaper than Nikon 17-35.
Nikon 17-35mm has advantage of one stop.

Nikon also does not have answer on Canon's all around 24-105mm IS
USM.

Pro might love Canon's line more but, NIKON wins my vote in this
category simply because It has lenses that are versatile, good built, image
quality and price that most of enthusiasts can afford or willing to buy.

Next stop..

We have Telephoto Zooms.

Telephoto Zoom Macro lenses
Click the image to view the full picture

In this category, Canon has formidable 70-200mm quartets that
are so powerful, beside that, Canon has a huge choices from EF-S
lens to DO lenses, and variety of lenses and price according your budget
and needs.

On the other side, Nikon has affordable 55-200 VR lens that
performs well. But sorry Nikon, this category is CANON.

The last one is Macro Lenses.

It is a hard one to decide but I will give it a DRAW.

Canon has new EF-S 60mm lens, this macro lens is amazing
(check out in lens gallery forum if you mind but
unfortunately, this lens is EF-S means full frame camera can't use it.

Nikon also has new 105mm with VR. Probably the only macro lens with VR.
It will be helpful for people that lazy to put tripod on, or setting tripod
is impossible. But the VR increase the lens price to a whopping $800.

Anyway, I will call this category as a DRAW.

In Conclusion
Nikon wins in these categories: Wide Angle Prime, Standard Zoom Lenses
Canon wins in these categories: Telephoto Prime and Telephoto Zoom
and the rest is DRAW.

Price and Value
Canon consistently shows that their lenses are cheaper than Nikon toe to toe. Budget minded enthusiasts who is interested to build a collection of lenses should consider this.

So If someone ask me or you about who is better and in what sector,
at least we can come up with specific answers.

OVERALL RESULT: CANON VS NIKON Lenses = DRAW

What is important for aspiring professional

Bryan Peterson through his books "Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography" (A very important book for beginner and intermediate photographers) gives some advice to photographers that want to be professional someday.

He said:

1. Constantly striving to look at the world from new vantage points
2. Consistently employing fresh points of view with all of your lenses
3. Always, always thinking of ideas that, when put on film/digital camera, demonstrate your skills at visual problem solving (Unlike video, you need to tell story in only 1 image).

Some advices:

1. Do what you do-and do it well- and you'll have plenty of competition
2. Do what you do-and do it better than most-and you'll command an audience
3. Do what you do-and do it better than anyone else-and you'll have the world at your doorstep

About Photojournalism

What is photojournalism and what it the difference with other kind of photography?

Photojournalism is a type of photography that has purpose to report an event or moment. Photojournalism focus on telling the story truthfully and the content of the photography can not staged, altered or directed by the photographer.

They are several kind of photojournalism: News and events, features and portraits and sports.

Several characteristic of photojournalism are:
1. The photo would elicit emotional responses from the viewers.
2. It tells the story.
3. It draws attention and curiosity of viewers to read more.
4. It is not post processed in anyway except cropping, resizing and minor color correction.

Visual check list for photojournalism by Larry Nighswander (director of Ohio University School of Visual Communication)

Does the photograph have technical excellence?
- Sharp focus - Good Contrast - Correct color balance

Does the photograph have compositional creativity? (any of below)

• Dominant foreground, contributing background
• Introducing disorder to ordered situation
• Introducing color into a monochromatic scene
• Rule of thirds composition
• Framing
• Selective focus
• Reflection
• Panning
• Juxtaposition
• Decisive moment
• Linear perspective
• Silhouette

Does the photograph have any editorial relevance or merit?

1. Is the photo active or passive?
2. Is the photograph of something no one has ever seen before or unique?
3. Is the photo style and the writing style consistent?
4. Does the photo communicate quicker, stronger, better or more eloquently than a simple sentence could describe?
5. Does the photo have visual content, or stop short at story elevation?
6. Does the photo go beyond the trite and the obvious?
7. Does the photo contain essential information to help the reader understand the story?
8. Does the photo have enough impact to move the reader?
9. Is the photo clean, interesting, and well-composed enough to stand on its own?
10. Does the caption information answer who, what, when, where and why along with other required information (e.g. age and hometown)?
11. Are both the photo and the caption information objective and accurate accounts of what happened?
12. Is the photo mindless documentation?
13. Does the photo communicate effectively? Photos should either move, excite, entertain, inform or help the reader understand a story.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS USM First Impression

The Canon 70-200mm f/4 IS USM is very suprising lens. It is lighter and shorter than I thought. The color is close to tan rather than white like we saw in the product shots scattered around the web.

The zoom dan manual focus bar are very smooth, and there are 4 settings on the lens, 2 Image Stabilization modes (general and horizontal I believe), Auto Focus - Manual Focus, and focus range.

Included in the package are high quality bayonet lens hood and lens pouch to protect the lens from harm.

I took the lens to the garden and take a couple shots, and it performs brilliantly sharp wide open at f/4. The IS gives you 4 stops advantage and you can see the IS on action straight from camera viewfinder (not like built in camera stabilization).

Although it is longer than most of the Canon lens, it is slim and light enough to carry around.

This lens is also quite versatile. You can use it for Portrait, Nature (include flowers), Outdoor sports, candid photography and art show performance.

Highly recommended for photographer that demand a light weight, high quality telephoto lens.

This lens definitely worth every penny.

Image Quality : Excellent 5/5
Build Quality : Very Good 4 /5
Price value: 5/5

Top: 100% Crop, Above: The resized photo without any prost processing
Shoot with Canon 40D and 70-200mm F/4 IS USM: 135mm, ISO 200, F/4 AWB, Large

Which DSLR Cameras should I buy?

Student on a budget: Sony A500 or Pentax k200d
(Aprox $550-550 due to Pentax rebates)

Sony A200 is one of the cheapest dSLR which sports modern features such as built-in stabilization and dust removal. The kit lens, Sony 18-70mm has a longer length than competitors' kit lens.

Pentax k200d is other good choice. Due to Pentax mail-in rebate, this camera is now one of the cheapest but sports many important features such as built-in stabilization, dust removal, dual lcd screen, and weather sealing body. Pentax also has discount for students.

Ultraportable dSLR
(Olympus E-420 with 25mm pancake lens aprox. $650)

Most DSLR camera are big, especially when attached to the lens. It is not comfortable to carry around. But some of users might one a camera that ultra portable and yet has the power and quality of a DSLR.

Olympus E-420 with 25mm kit lens is the answer (aprox $650). This 2008 camera is so small that users can put it into a jacket coat or small handbag. Never miss a shot again. This camera is also user friendly with many presets and features like compact camera, for example, face detection.

Photojournalists or Reportage
Budget: Canon XSi
Medium: Canon 40D
Pro: Nikon D300, Nikon D3, Canon Mark Series

Photojournalists style require a fast-responsive camera. Both Nikon and Canon brands are renown on that feature.

Travel and Wildlife
Budget: Olympus E-510 ($600 with 2 lenses)
Pro: Olympus E3 ($1500)

Olympus system is famous for their lightweight and crop factor multiplier of 2. That means all of Olympus lens focal length will be multiply by 2, for example 18-150mm becomes 36-300mm.

Because of that, Olympus camera is ideal for travel and wildlife photography and other general photography as well.

Rule of Thirds

Perhaps the most important photography composition is understanding the rule of third.

This rule states that
"image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Proponents of this technique claim that aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would."

With locating the interest on one of the intersections will create a balance and interesting look on viewer eyes. If we put the object(s) in the center, it is usually create a monotonous and static feels.

Putting the face in above left intersection create a balance, dynamic look
The model is Kimberly Kane '08, Bucknell University

Example of Rule of Third applied in portrait orientation
The model is Jason Burrsma '08, Bucknell University

Lens Focal length

For general purpose lens, anywhere 18mm to 250mm is an ideal range.

It is wide enough to take picture in tight space or to create dramatic effect, and also long enough to take picture in a soccer game.

Some of them are
Sony 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DT, Nikon 18-200mm VR, Sigma 18-200mm and
Tamron 18-250mm, and Pentax 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3.

Sigma and Tamron is considered as a third party lenses which use to optimize their lens based on portability (lightweight) and price. As a result, the image quality produces is not that good.

The other bad news is the long zoom lens like that is not cheap. It is more than some entry-level dSLR cameras (aprox. $500 - $650).

For another brand, like Canon, we could use 2 lenses to achieve the length.
1. Canon 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS (aproximately $440 for both) or
2. Canon 17-55mm IS USM and 70-200mm F4 IS (aproximately $2075) for pro user.

Pentax alternatives include:
1. Pentax 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II and Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED (aprox. $350)
2. Pentax 16-50mm SDM, Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM SMC DA (aprox. $1500) (Pro Grade).
3. Pentax 18-250mm (aprox. $700)

Unfortunately, Olympus system does not have cheap alternative on wide angles but has many longer length lenses due to the camera crop factor multiplier of 2.
1. Olympus 14-42mm and Olympus 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5 (aprox. $350)
2. Olympus 7-14mm, Olympus Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 (aprox. $2100)
3. Olympus 12-60mm SWD (fast general purpose lens) aprox. $800

Four Third Systems - Olympus, Sigma, Panasonic, Leica

Olympus, Sigma, Panasonic and Leica belong to four third systems. This system employs smaller sensor size and produces image size ratio of 4X3 instead of 3X2.

The smaller sensor size enables the manufacturer to produce a lighter camera than competitors such as Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax, but the drawback is poorer noise handling and bigger crop factor. For example, Olympus has a crop factor of 2, which means the focal length of the lens is equivalent to two times the number stated in the lens.

The massive focal length multiplier and light weigth make this system favorite amongst travel, wildlife, photo journalists and nature photographers.

The image size ratio of 4X3 is squarer, make it more ideal for portrait rather than landscape shots.

Olympus E-System

List of Four Third Camera Systems 2008

Olympus
1. Olympus E-410
2. Olympus E-420
3. Olympus E-510
4. Olympus E-520
5. Olympus E-3

Panasonic and Leica
1. Panasonic DMC L1
2. Panasonic DMC L10
3. Leica Digilux 3

For complete lens and cameras description check out Four Third system site

Olympus Terms
"ED" is extra-low dispersion glass.

"Super ED" is, presumably, a newer more effective version of "ED", glass that reduces chromatic aberration or color fringing.

"SWD" is Supersonic Wave Drive, for quiet and fast auto focus.

Suggestion for Beginner
Camera: Olympus E420
Lenses: Wide Angle: Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-4.6, Telephoto: 40-150mm f/4-5.6
Standard: Olympus 25mm f.2,8

Suggestion for Enthusiasts
Camera: Olympus E-510
Lenses: General Purpose Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED, SWD

Suggestion for Semi Pro and Professional
Camera: Olympus E-3
General Purpose: 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED, SWD
Wide Angle: Olympus 7-14 mm f/4.0 ED
Telephoto: Olympus 35-100mm f/2.0 ED
Macro: Sigma 105 f/2.8
Flash: Olympus FL-36R Electronic Flash

Pentax k200D Rebates make it competitive vs Sony A200

The recent Pentax rebates program has caused Pentax k200d close to price point of one of the cheapest entry level DSLR Sony A200.

Pentax k200d is on sale around $600 body only and $650 with lens with $100 mail-in rebates.
That make the price becomes $500 and $550. The new pricing put Pentax k200d toe to toe with
Sony A200 ($500 with Sony 18-70mm kit lens)

Both camera has almost the same features such as built-in stabilization, no live view, and dust management. But Pentax K200d trumps Sony A200 on weather sealing and better camera body. Sony kit lens however, 15mm longer but Pentax kit lens is slightly better.

Pentax has has 2 extra auto focus points, but Sony's auto focus is more responsive especially in dim light condition.

So both camera is in dead heat right now.

• If you value better body construction and weather/moist resistance, pick Pentax
  
• If you value faster auto focus speed and 15mm longer kit lens, pick Sony A200
  

To purchase or see more detailed information and users opinion click links below:
for Pentax k200D, for Sony A200

There are other Camera that has similar price point which is the ultra portable Olympus E-420

25mm, 30mm or 35mm or 50mm or 85mm lens?

What prime lens which is the closest to classic standard lens or 50mm?

• For Camera that has crop body factor of 1.5 (Nikon D40 to D300, Sony and Pentax) the closest is 35mm lens.
• For Camera that has crop body factor of 1.6 (Canon Rebels and X0D), the closest is 30mm lens.
• For Camera that has crop body factor of 2 (Olympus, the closest is 25mm (exactly equivalent to 50mm).

If we equip 50mm, 85mm or longer lenses, It will act like short telephoto lens.
It is good for close up portrait, but not suitable to take a group pictures, especially in tight space.

Telephoto lenses create a more diffused blur in background and / or foreground.

Portrayed above is Canon400D (XTi) with Sigma 30mm HSM
Canon has 28mm and 35mm lenses but surprisingly does not has 30mm.
This fast, quiet auto focus 30mm lens is supplied by Sigma

Pentax DSLR System

Pentax System is famous for their high quality pancake lenses and the weather resistant body of their cameras. While the camera and lenses produce great image quality and has most of modern camera features such as dust reduction, built in stabilization, weather sealing, Pentax system has limited camera and lens selection, slow auto focus in low light and average in noise handling.

Pentax DSLR DA System 2008

Pentax has partnership with Samsung who produces Pentax sensor and now they are working to build full frame professional camera.

All Pentax Cameras right now are cropped body cameras. They have 1.5 crop body factor. Pentax Cameras are famous for their solid body with weather seal, built in 360 degree shake reduction technology and dual LCD screens even in their beginner camera. (Canon, Nikon and Sony entry level camera only has one LCD screen).

Looking at the lens and the cameras, Pentax is a system that affordable for entry level to professionals. It has virtually every lenses for any occasions.

• For landscape, Pentax suggests DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM, DA 12-24mm f/4.0 ED AL(IF) for ultra wide, smc DA 14mm f/2.8 ED (IF) for image quality, and DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED (IF) Fisheye zoom for fun perspective.
• For travel, Pentax suggests flexible high power zoom such as 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 and mc DA 17-70mm f/4.0 AL (IF) SDM. Personally, I feel the later lens has significantly better optic.
• Por portraiture, prime telephoto such as 70mm f/2.4, 77mm f/1.9 and if you need more flexibility, Pentax has new DA* 55-135mm f/2.8 SDM that can do the job well done.
• For architecture, Pentax strongly suggests The DA 14mm f/2.8. "Its super wide and distortion free elements mean the building will be sharp edge-to-edge. "
• For social events such as parade, Pentax suggests DA 18-250mm and DA 55-300mm f/4.0-5.8 telephoto zoom.
• Pentax also suggests the same lens for wildlife along with DA* 200mm prime lens and DA* 65-250mm. The later is good for sport or action.
• For macro photography (close-up), Pentax has three lenses: DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro, DFA 50mm f/2.8 Macro and DFA 100mm f/2.8 Macro.
• For wedding group picture, Pentax suggests 21mm f/3.2 pancake limited lens, DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM for portrait and low light, and 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) DA* SDM for general use.

Conclusion
Overall, Pentax system is a solid system, and Pentax is very serious in lenses development. Compared to bigger brand such as Canon or Nikon, Pentax has all kind of lenses from wide to telephoto. But for telephoto zoom, there are only one currently that is pro grade which is DA* 65-250mm f4. But for most of the pro, f4 is not big enough. So Pentax users might need to look for third party lens maker such as Sigma for that range.

Pentax cameras also has built-in image stabilization called shake reduction that is working with all the compatible lenses Pentax made since 6 decades ago. This technology is not the best since it will help only 1-2 stops and vary depending on the lens, but it is definitely money saver because Canon and Nikon charge a lot extra for lens-based stabilization.

Overall, I find Pentax lens price is also cheaper than Canon or Nikon. The other difference is Pentax has pancake lenses. This is lens is very thin but does not sacrifice built-quality. For photographer who like to travel light, Pentax system is a great choice.

Pentax Cameras from the cheapest
1. Pentax K100D $500
2. Pentax K200D $560
3. Pentax k2000 / k-m with kit lens and flash $600
4. Pentax K10D $700
5. Pentax K20D $700

Pentax Terms
FA - Engineered for 35mm film camera, but can be used in digital slr camera as well.
DA – Engineered exclusively for Digital SLR Camera.
DA* - Highest quality Pentax lens up to date with weather sealing and usually SDM (motor drive for fast, quiet auto focus.
SDM – Supersonic Drive Motor

Suggestion for Beginners
Camera: Pentax K200D
Lens: Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II, Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED SMC P-DA or all around Pentax DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 SMC DA

Suggestion for Enthusiasts
Camera: Pentax k10D
Lens: Pentax 16-45mm f/4 ED AL SMC P-DA
Telephoto: Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM SMC DA
Portrait: Pentax 70mm f/2.4 Ltd. SMC DA
Standard lens: Pentax 40mm f/2.8 Ltd. SMC P-DA
Flash: Pentax AF 360 FGZ

Suggestion for Semi Pro or Professional
Camera: Pentax k20D
General Purpose Lens: Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 SDM SMC DA*
Telephoto: Pentax 50-135mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM SMC DA*
Portrait: 77mm f/1.8 Ltd. SMC P-FA
Standard Lens: Pentax 31mm f/1.8
Flash: Pentax AF540FGZ

Further Reading
Pentax Imaging - Pentax Official Website
Pentax SLR - Pentax DSLR Official Website
Complete Guide for Pentax Lenses

Updated 12/22/2008

Nikon DSLR System

Nikon system is competing very close with Canon EOS system in market share. The Nikon system has complete range of cameras from beginners to professional and has more than fifty lenses plus accessories in the marketplace.

Like Canon, Nikon do not build camera that has built-in stabilization, instead, Nikon develop image stabilization in the lens, which they call “VR” or Vibration Reduction.

In the last couple years, Nikon has launched many VR lenses ranging from affordable to ultra-expensive ones.

Cameras
Nikon has launched two type of DSLR camera. First one is cropped body camera which employs small sensors, the other one is full frame camera.

In cropped body camera category, there are cameras designed for beginner that does not have built-in Auto Focus mechanism, so the compatibility lenses are restricted to lenses which have Auto Focus motor built in, or AF-S lenses. Note that users can still use lenses without AF-S but users can not use the Auto Focus function.

These beginner camera (Nikon D40, D40X, D60) is small, user friendly and designed for first time DSLR users or enthusiasts. Many users compliment this entry level camera on the ergonomic grip and solid built.

Nikon has also developed a higher end camera for more serious users such as Nikon D80, Nikon D200 and D300. The last one is considered the best small sensor camera, especially in feature, auto focus system and noise handling.

Nikon has also released several full frame cameras for professional photographers (Nikon D3, and Nikon D700). The released of D3 and D700 is a little bit late considering Canon has launched its affordable full frame cameras (Canon 5D and Mark series) several years before.

Example of Nikon System for Professional

Nikon’s Camera Line up 2008
1. Nikon D40 $475 (with 18-55mm lens)
2. Nikon D60 $615 (with 18-55mm VR lens)
3. Nikon D80 $750
4. Nikon D90 $1000
5. Nikon D200 $1000
6. Nikon D300 $1650

Full frame cameras
1. Nikon D700 $3000
2. Nikon D3 $4500
3. Nikon D3X approx. $8000

Nikon lens terms
VR = Vibration Reduction

For complete Nikon glossary click here

Suggested Nikon system for beginner
Camera: Nikon D60 with 18-55mm VR lens) Telephoto: 55-200mm VR
Standard lens: Nikkor 50 f/1.8mm

Suggested Nikon system for enthusiast
Camera: Nikon D80, D90
General purpose lens: 18-200mm VR or 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G
Standard Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4

Suggested Nikon system for semi-pro
Camera: Nikon D300
General purpose lens: 17-55 mm f/2.8
Telephoto: 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Macro: 105mm f/2.8 VR
Flash SB600

Nikon for Professionals
Camera: D3, D700, D3X
Lenses: Wide: 12-24 mm
General purpose lens: 24-70 mm
Telephoto: 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
Macro: 105mm f/2.8 VR
Flash SB900

Updated: 12/17/2009

Canon EOS System

Canon EOS (Electro-Optical System) are best selling system for a couple decades now. The EOS system started with the famous Rebels Cameras, lenses and accessories for enthusiasts and professional. Canon system is known for their fast, accurate auto focus system and noise handling in high ISO setting (in low light situation).

While other competitors such as Olympus, Sony and Pentax develop camera body that has built-in stabilization. Canon and its arch rival Nikon decided to build the stabilization in the lens instead. The argument is by building stablization in the lens, it will be has a better stabilization because it is optimized on each lens.

Since image stabilization technology is very useful especially in low light condition, many buyers concern that lens-based stabilization will cost a lot of money, but now, many affordable IS lens has been released, including the new Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS, EF-S 55-250mm IS and Canon EF 28-135mm IS USM kit lens.

Example of Canon EOS System for Professional

EOS Cameras
In term of camera, EOS divided into two types. Full frame camera and cropped body camera. The first are type is significantly more expensive and usually used by proffesionals. The later one is common in marketplaces and tailored for beginner and semi-pro users.

While both camera types can use almost all kind of lenses Canon has produced, the cropped body camera will have longer length than the full frame because of the 1.6 crop factor. For example: 50mm lens in crop factor camera will equivalent to 50mm X 1.6 = 80mm. This also applies to zoom lenses. 17-40mm in cropped body camera is equivalent to 27mm X 64mm.

This is good for someone that needs a longer reach, but it is not good for photographers who need a wider angle. It is arguable that full frame cameras produce a higher quality image comparing to crop factor camera.

Canon cropped body camera from the cheapest:
1. Canon Rebel XTi $575
2. Canon Rebel XS / 1000D $???
3. Canon Rebel XSi / 450D $750
4. Canon 40D $1000
5. Canon 50D $1400
6. Canon EOS 1D Mark III $4000

Note: Canon 1D Mark III has crop body of 1.3 while the other has 1.6

Some Canon lens terms
IS = Image Stablization
USM = Ultra-Sonic Motor
EF = Compatible with any camera
EF-S = Compatible with only cropped body camera
L = Luxury, Lenses which are built with highest material and optical performance
Kit Lens = Lens that can be purchased at discount when buying a new camera.

Suggestion system for beginner and budget concious buyers 2008
Camera: Canon Rebel XTi or XS

Lenses:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS for wide angle, Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS for telephoto. Canon EF Canon 50mm f/1.8 for portrait and low light photography.
Total cost: Aprox. $1,100

Suggestion system for enthusiasts 2008
Camera: Canon Rebel XSi

Lenses:
Canon EF 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM general purposes lens.
Canon EF 85mm USM for portraits
Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM or Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM for Macro photography
Total cost: Aprox. $2,000

Typical system for semi profesional 2008
Camera: Canon 40D or 50D

Lenses:
Wide Angle: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
General Purposes: Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM or Canon EF 17-40mm L USM
Telephoto: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS USM
Flash: Canon Speedlite 430EX or 430EX II
Total Cost: Aprox. $3,800

Typical system for profesionals 2008
Camera: Any one of: Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 1ds Mark III, Canon 1ds Mark II, Canon 1d Mark III

Lenses:
Wide Angle: Canon 16-35mm L f/2.8 USM
General Purpose: Canon EF 24-105mm L IS USM or Canon EF 24-70mm USM
Telephoto: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM
Primes: Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 USM, Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 USM
Macro: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM
Flash: Canon Speedlite 580EX
Total Cost: Aprox: $10,000 to $15,000

Further reading
Canon EOS Beginner's FAQ - Excellent resource for EOS System
Canon EOS Official Site USA - List of EOS System products and specification
Canon Lens Review - Complete review for all Canon EOS lenses
Photo.net - Comprehensive review of Canon EOS System

Differences between compact and digital slr cameras

Many beginner and enthusiast photographers ask what cameras that suitable for them. This post attempts to answer this question.

First of all, I will discuss about two kind of popular digital camera. The first is compact camera and the second one is digital SLR camera. The later is relatively more expensive.

Left: Digital SLR camera: Sony Alpha 200 (aprox. $500 with kit lens)
Right: Canon Powershot SD850 IS (aprox. US$225)

Compact camera advantages compared to digital SLR camera

• Relatively cheaper
• Small size, very portable.
• Easy to use and learn
• Many have ability to record audio and video.
• Do not need to clean the sensor or interal camera
• Almost all compact camera has live view in LCD Screen, although new Digital SLR camera has catching up.

Advantages of DSLR camera relative to Compact camera

• Speed is significantly faster and shutter lag is minimal (very valuable to take action / candid pictures)
• Ability to use external flash unit that are more powerful and useful in low light.
• Ability to use specific high quality lenses
• Macro lens for small objects or portraits
• Wide angle lens for landscape or group picture
• Telephoto lens to take pictures from far distance
• Zoom lens to take pictures of object in close, far or medium length (depends on the lens focal length.
• Ability to control aperture manually (depth of field)
• Ability to take many continuous shoot (three to ten per second)
• Many DSLR cameras use Lithium batteries that last longer than regular AA batteries.
• Build construction of the camera is stronger and some of them has weather and dust sealing.
• Ability to determine focus manually and sophisticated auto focus system.
• Ability to use and adjust RAW image, the highest image quality format and make digital processing easier.
• Advanced exposure mettering including spot metering which take account on specific point on the frame.
  

Because DSLR cameras has many features and better than compact camera, many of the DSLR cameras are more expensive.

Disadvantages of digital SLR cameras

• Relatively expensive
• All of digital SLR has bigger size and heavier than compact cameras.

What pictures and condition that could be taken by compact camera?

• Landscape image, especially for travelling
• Outdoor pictures in bright and sunny day
• Indoor with bright light and sun light
• Low light condition with flash or tripod. (The results are not as good as DSLR)
• Macro photography for close objects.

Compact camera is not suitable for these conditions

• Action or sport photography, including performance, lecture, concerts.
• Low light condition such as indoor, night

Compact camera can use flash to help the lighting condition, but unfortunately, flash does not help to illuminate the background, as a result the background will not be visible because it is too dark.

There are also superzoom camera and advanced compact camera to bridge the gap.

Superzoom Camera
Superzoom camera usually has a very long focal length. Like DSLR camera, the owner can adjust the shutter speed, aperture and other setting manually. Superzoom camera also able to take RAW picture, and has faster response rate than compact camera. Most of the superzoom camera also have hot shoe for external flash

The main differences between superzoom cameras and DSLR camera is superzoom camera ca not change lens and superzoom cameras are relatively cheaper and smaller than DSLR.

Even though superzoom and advance compact cameras are better than compact camera in low light situation, but the image quality is still lacking. The main reason is because superzoom cameras using a smaller sensor than DSLR cameras, and as a result the image in hi ISO sensitivity (in low light) will be noiser/grainier than regular DSLR.

I hope this article can help you to understand the differences amongst camera types.