Photo DIY Ideas

A huge list of links to cool ideas for photo equipment and processes.

Be sure to look at the links in the comments section, too.

If you have any ideas of your own, please leave a comment here.

A Blog I found all about cinematography on a budget

 

The Frugal Filmmaker

NEW! Tiny Canon DSLR

Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, 18 Megapixel, 9-Point AF System, Full HD Movie, Wide 3.0" Touch Screen - $799.00

Here's the scoop:

Comparable in size to some interchangeable-lens compacts, the Canon Rebel SL1 ushers in a new category: The Ultracompact DSLR.

Despite its MILC-sized dimensions, the Canon Rebel SL1 is a full-featured starter DSLR with a full, newly-designed APS-C sensor and is compatible with Canon's extensive line of EF and EF-S lenses. Based on a comparison with other currently available DSLRs, I have concluded that the Canon Rebel SL1 is the world's smallest DSLR. It is 25 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the Canon Rebel T5i, which was introduced today, simultaneously with the SL1. Surprisingly, it is approximately the same size and exactly the same weight as the Olympus OM-D EM-5 MILC! 

The Canon Rebel SL1 has a reflex mirror and an optical eye-level viewfinder—both of which are deal-breakers for a wide swath of photo enthusiasts; the camera has the potential to be popular among travel photographers.

How did Canon's engineers do it?

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Side by Side Comparison: Canon's two new DSLRs, the T5i, left, and SL1, right. Same size sensor, but the ultracompact SL1 DSLR is smaller.

In addition to the SL1 and Rebel T5i, Canon also introduced the PowerShot SX-280, a compact digital camera with built-in Wi-Fi technology; scroll down for details about that camera.

Canon Rebel SL1 Key Features:

• New 18MP CMOS APS-C Sensor
• ISO range 100-12800, expandable to 25,600
• Up to 4fps burst rate
• Full 1080p HD video at up to 30p
• 3-inch, 1,040k dot touchscreen LCD
• Optical mirror-prism viewfinder, 0.87x magnification
• 9-point hybrid CMOS phase and contrast detection AF
• Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
• Advanced imaging Features
• New Special Scene Modes
• Compatible with EF/EF-S lens, Canon Speedlite flash
• 4.6x3.6x2.7 inches, 13 ounces

First, a bit of recent history: Canon, the last camera maker to join the MILC revolution, introduced the EOS M, which is compatible with EOS-mount lenses and uses an APS-C sensor, not too long ago, but with no eye-level viewfinder and virtually no surface controls (but an excellent on-screen menu system) its appeal may have been too limited, and the tiny SL1 may be their way of addressing those who didn't flock to the M.

The Canon Rebel SL1 is built on a new chassis, designated the Canon EOS-b body. The designation "SL1" and "EOS-b" seem to be used interchangeably by Canon. A newly designed 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S kit lens features STM, a super quiet AF motor that is supposed to reduce or even eliminate AF noise that might be picked up by the camera's internal microphone and a welcome feature for videographers.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, the Canon Rebel SL1 is a full-featured DSLR. Its command center is a 3-inch, high-resolution touchscreen LCD monitor, which dominates the limited space in the camera's back. Gone are all of the buttons normally found on the left side of a typical Canon DSLR's LCD, and the camera's physical controls are streamlined. A handful of controls include a mode dial and flywheel atop the camera, and a 4-way toggle switch for menu navigation in back. Info, live view, meter pattern, AV controls, preview and delete buttons are the only buttons you'll find on the back. The monitor offers multi-touch operation with direct access to the camera's key functions, and Touch AF: touch the screen and focus will snap to what you're pointing at.

Key features include Effect Shot Mode, Background Simulation and various advanced Creative Filters, which you can apply in real time using Live View. New scene modes include Kids, Food, and Candlelight, each offering its own presets ideally suited to the selected shooting situation and perfect for the technically uninitiated.

The camera's newly-developed 18MP CMOS APS-C sensor has a native ISO range of 100-12,800 for still photos and 100-6400 for video, expandable to 25,600 and 12,800, respectively. Burst rate, 4fps, is standard for a starter DSLR.

Despite its size, the Canon Rebel SL1 is no slouch in the AF department, offering a 9-point AF system—standard fare for an entry-level DSLR—including a dual-cross f/2.8 center point. When using Live View, the camera switches to a Hybrid CMOS AF focus area, which Canon says boosts AF speed and accuracy for both stills and movies.

Speaking of movies, the Canon Rebel SL1 offers choices: at 1080p, you can shoot at 30, 25, or 24p frame rates, and double those rates for 720p videos. The camera has a built-in mono microphone, manual audio level adjustment, and a Video Snapshot mode with editing in camera.

Weight and Size Comparisons

Compared to other small DSLRs currently on the market, the Canon Rebel SL1 is indeed smaller and lighter. The Nikon D3200, for instance, weighs in at a pound and is comparable in size to the Canon T5i. The Sony SLT-A37 is a tad smaller than the D3200 and T5i but still larger than the SL1 and besides, some discount it due to its EVF instead of optical finder. The smallest Pentax DSLR, the K30, is almost as slim  but larger in its other dimensions and heavier. Only MILCs are smaller, and in the case of the Olympus OM-D EM-5, not by much (the two cameras weigh the same). Among higher-end MILCs with eye-level viewfinders, the loaded Sony Alpha NEX-7 is smaller and lighter.

Conclusion and Recommendation

With the Canon Rebel SL1, Canon has introduced a new DSLR subcategory: The Ultracompact DSLR. It promises DSLR performance in a camera the size of a larger mirrorless compact with a DSLR-sized sensor. It has an eye-level viewfinder, something many MILCs lack, and a reflex mirror through-the-lens optical view, something all MILCs lack but which many photographers prefer.

Canon was clearly hesitant to get into the MILC market—after all, Canon was the last company to enter this growing field. Canon needed to prove that DSLRs were still viable and clearly, the Canon Rebel SL1 offers a compelling reason to stick with the DSLR format. If you are a traveler who needs to pack light but demands DSLR performance, the Canon Rebel SL1 is well worth considering.

Back in OKC

We are leaving New Mexico in two days to go back to OKC, OK.

We'll be attending and hosting some shows, as well as being available for events, portraits, and product shoots in the Oklahoma City area. Price lists coming soon.

We are looking forward to what should be a pretty Spring, after several years in a row of drought holding back the scenery.

More New Nikon Stuff

Two new and awesome products from Nikon available now. One is a super high image quality P&S camera, the other is a lens so cool, it could freeze the Sun.

 

Nikon Coolpix S3500 Digital Camera, 20.1 Megapixel, 7x Optical Zoom, 2.7" LCD, Red $139.95 with FREE shipping

 

Be ready for success at every photo op with the stylish, easy to use COOLPIX S3500. Whether you're shooting a close-up portrait of your favorite pet or a wide group shot of your closest friends, the COOLPIX S3500's 7x optical zoom NIKKOR glass lens will capture beautiful, clearer 20.1-megapixel photos and 720p HD videos. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction helps minimize the blur caused by camera shake, while Subject Tracking locks on to moving subjects and keeps focus right where you want it. When you don't want to fuss with camera settings, Scene Auto Selector automatically picks the best settings for your shot. Let your camera do the work while you enjoy living in the moment.

Have you ever caught a great moment with your camera but then discovered your shot is blurry because of camera shake? The COOLPIX S3500's lens-shift Vibration Reduction helps keep the shot steady, even if your hands are not. Say goodbye to blurry photos, shaky videos and tripods.

When a photo alone won't do, press the dedicated movie button and instantly start recording 720p HD video in widescreen format while the built-in microphone captures the sounds of the moment in high fidelity. When you're ready to share your creations, use an optional audio video cable (EG-CP14) to connect to your compatible TV. Your friends and family will see your movies come to life on the big screen. Create beautiful high-resolution photos and videos with ease. The COOLPIX S3500's high-performance NIKKOR glass lens is paired with a 20.1-megapixel CCD image sensor that captures bright, vibrant images you'll love sharing.

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Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR Nikkor ED Lens $2696.95 with FREE shipping

 

AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR 

The ultimate medium to super-telephoto zoom lens.
If you're looking for a compact, versatile telephoto zoom lens that handles portraiture as well as it handles long-distance wildlife and action photography, look no further than the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. With the broadest focal length range in our super-telephoto zoom lineup, it reduces the number of lenses you need to carry into the field and expands your handheld shooting capabilities, thanks to Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. Create spectacular photos and HD videos in any light, from any distance.

Sharp, beautiful images in any light
Nikon's VR image stabilization with Tripod Auto Detect
At super-telephoto focal lengths, even the slightest camera movement can cause image blur. Fortunately, the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR features Nikon's second-generation Vibration Reduction technology to ensure every handheld photo and HD video is razor-sharp. It also lets you shoot at shutter speeds 4-times slower than otherwise possible, a major advantage in low-light situations where a slower shutter speed means brighter, richer images. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR even detects when you're using a tripod and automatically delivers specialized VR correction.

Any subject. Any distance.
Remarkable versatility and performance
Travel light. Shoot with confidence. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR covers the broadest focal length range of any NIKKOR super-telephoto zoom lens. At 80mm, its an ideal medium-telephoto portrait lens. Create stunning portraits with a medium telephoto perspective and softly blurred backgrounds. At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. For dazzling close-ups with macro detail, get as close as 5.7 ft. from your subject and zoom in to 400mm you'll be amazed by the results!

A lifetime of brilliant performances
Nikon innovations for consistently stunning images
Nikon's innovations in optical design and lens technology have given way to a remarkable new class of NIKKOR lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is among them. From its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing to its Extra-low DIspersion (ED) glass elements for maximum contrast and minimum lens flare and ghosting, you can expect a lifetime of consistent brilliant performances. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is equally at home on DX- or FX-format Nikon cameras

Picture Storage

Portable 1TB hard drive, on sale today only $59.99

An essential part of today's photography equipment. 

My Review

Originally submitted at Adorama

Excellent Little Camera

By Steve's Fine Finish from Artesia, NM on 2/28/2013

5out of 5

Pros: Waterproof, High Quality, Dropproof

Excellent camera for blogging and e-mail use. Needing a camera i could just throw in the car as needed and always ready to illustrate something I'm blogging. High quality pics and very easy to use as well. Also, being in the VIP program, I get an extra year warranty on this refurbished model. What's not to love?

(legalese)