http://www.adorama.com/alc/expert/218 Mason is editor of the Adorama Learning Center <p>Which portable multimedia player is right for you?</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12074 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Which MP3 player is best for you? Read these mini-reviews of ten of the most popular models currently available. You don&rsquo;t need to break the bank to put hundreds or even thousands of songs and hundreds of videos in the palm of your hand.</em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12075 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Every photographer has different needs, and so every camera bag will have different stuff to suit those needs. Here are twelve useful and innovative items that you will probably be taking out of your bag and using.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12059 http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11193 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">The size of a camera&rsquo;s sensor can directly affect image quality, especially when you&rsquo;re shooting above ISO 100. Here&rsquo;s what you should know when you&rsquo;re shopping for a new digital camera</span></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12046 Tamrac's ZipShot, which hits the streets today, is nothing like a traditional tripod. That may be a good thing. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12054 Eye-Fi does it again! An incremental, but important, new feature is added for photographers who need to upload their pictures but don't want the cookie-cutter presentation of photo sharing sites. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12051 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">It has a desirable focal range and a very tempting price tag, but can the Sony 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 Macro deliver good enough quality?</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12018 When switching lenses, why not swap out the sensor as well? Ricoh’s unique GXR digital camera system, unveiled this morning, may change the rules of camera design. And that's good. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12036 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Made exclusively for Sony DSLRs with APS sensors, the Sony 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 has the Minolta DNA. Does it deliver what digital shooters need?</em></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!--EndFragment--> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12017 As new digital cameras are built for speed, low-light photography may become much more than a shot in the dark. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12029 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Minolta&rsquo;s demise as a camera maker brought Sony into the serious digital camera fold. Nearly five years have passed. Let&rsquo;s see how Sony&rsquo;s doing by looking at their current entry-level DSLR, the A230.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12016 I have just joined the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). Here’s why you may want to if you haven’t already done so…and an important announcement. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12023 The first generation of this revolutionary camera created buzz, then complaints. Now Olympus quickly introduced the second generation E-P2. Have they been listening? http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/12022 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you're a pro shooter looking at lower-cost options or a hobbyist with ambitions to go pro, these cameras straddle the fence and offer durability, fine image quality and cutting-edge new tech. Here are the most significant ones currently on the market.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8622 <p><span style="font-size: small;">With high-end DSLRs producing 15-25MP images and HD videos, those 16GB memory cards that seemed like overkill are filling up fast. What to do? Get portable storage! (Updated for 2009 Holiday Buying Season)<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11757 <p><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Can you find photographic happiness for <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$200</span> <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">$150</span> <em>$130</em> or less? These compacts offer great features and won't break the bank.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8052 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Picture-taking tools for serious photographers who have outgrown their starter DSLRs...or want a capable back-up for their pro rig.</span><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8400 Actually, if I were to do a headcount, there probably were around 140 people in the PhotoPlus press room yesterday by about 5PM. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11987 <p><span style="font-size: small;">These small cameras have big camera ambitions...and some even deliver DSLR quality images! All take away any excuse to leave your camera home.</span><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8637 On the surface, the Canon EOS-1 Mark IV, introduced today, and the Nikon D3s, unveiled last week, seem to be cut from the same cloth. But a closer look reveals striking differences. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11984 Photo Plus returns to New York this week. In addition to its many workshops for professional photographers, assistants and aspring hobbyists, you can stroll the trade show floor and get to fondle the http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11975 http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11946 http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11929 <p><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting bored with your point-and-shoot? Ready to grow as a photographer but afraid of all the technology? Here are some great low-cost DSLRs that will get you pro results easily.</span><em></em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8102 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Do you need a camera that matches your wardrobe? Do you like to shoot in style...but still bring back stunning shots? Here are very capable cameras that also happen to be real lookers.</span><br /></em></p> <p><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8095 <p>With digital cameras of all varieties dominating the market, now is a great time to buy a film camera. Yes...a <em>film</em> camera! Updated for the 2009 holiday season.</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8092 Like autofocus technology, one of the most important developments in photography did not come from the camera industry. Nor will the next one. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11944 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Will photographers pony up more than a grand for this jewel of a lens? We put it through its paces.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11922 OK, so I knew Nikon's claim that the D3s's sensor's top ISO of 102,400 was just to get our attention. But how did it do at ISO 12,000? http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11960 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you&rsquo;re buying your first Micro Four Thirds camera, this may be the first lens you&rsquo;ll use. Can it deliver quality images throughout its full 10x range?</span><!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11921 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Panasonic&rsquo;s second Micro Four Thirds claims to be responsive on the street. Let&rsquo;s find out.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11920 While scouring the web for news and information, I often find stuff that doesn't neatly fall into any particular category, but may be of general interest to photographers. Are are a handful of recent http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11947 <p><span style="font-size: small;">How did the world&rsquo;s first Micro Four Thirds camera with HD Video do in the field, on the street, and in the test lab?&nbsp; Let&rsquo;s find out&hellip;</span><!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11918 http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11206 <p><span style="font-size: small;">It&rsquo;s an almost-ultracompact camera that uses new optical tech to keep the 8x zoom lens small, but you should see it go when you need to take a quick shot. </span><!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11880 A couple of Stanford scientists have developed a prototype of an Open Source camera. Nikon, Canon and friends have nothing to fear…and a lot to learn…from this invention. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11910 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Are your pictures coming out too blue or orange? It's time to learn how to set your White Balance.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11867 <p><span style="font-size: small;">At the longest focal length, zoom lenses on compact cameras produce darker images, especially when shooting with your flash. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11866 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever shot pictures of a ballgame or a concert at a stadium or arena&mdash;or just across a room&mdash;and were disappointed to see...not much of anything?</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11865 <p><span style="font-size: small;">What to do when a mode designed to save people pictures in low light ruins them instead.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11864 <p>Avoid on-camera flash as much as possible. But when there's insufficient light to get a decent shot without it, here's a simple way to get more flattering people pictures with it.</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11862 <p><span style="font-size: small;">While taking pictures in open shade is generally a good thing, there&rsquo;s an exception to this rule when you&rsquo;re under the shade of a big, leafy tree and the sun light peaks through here and there.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11855 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>You've followed my advice and are shooting frame-filling portraits with your compact digital camera. But did you remember to zoom, or did you leave your lens at its widest setting?&nbsp; Here's the one time you shouldn't zoom with your feet!</em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11854 <p><span style="font-size: small;">The trouble with people pictures is most photographers don't get close enough. Look at the difference a more intimate approach can make!</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11853 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">When taking photos of your friends and loved ones with your digital camera, pay attention to what&rsquo;s going on behind them. Otherwise, unintentional hilarity might ensue.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11852 <p><span style="font-size: small;">When photographing people, don't waste half the frame with stuff that isn't important. If you can fold the picture in half and not lose anything you won't miss, it's time to change your shooting habits.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11851 New product announcements represent a bright digital future for still photography enthusiasts and professionals. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11877 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Your subject is sitting by the window and you can see her face perfectly, but your digital camera can't. Here's why, and how to fix the problem.</span> <!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11844 <p><span style="font-size: small;">One of the most common picture-taking mistakes is camera shake. But it's easier than ever to avoid.</span><!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11863 <p><span style="font-size: small;">This camera requires a financial commitment that is as serious as one&rsquo;s deep commitment to great photojournalism. Here are some initial thoughts after taking some pictures with the world&rsquo;s smallest 35mm-sensor digital camera.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11874 18 megapixel, 35mm-format CCD sensor was specially designed by Kodak for Leica; Redesigned shutter is noticeably quieter. Existing M-mount lenses can be used with no crop factor http://www.adorama.com/alc/news/11869 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If are using an older autofocus camera, there may be times when focus "misses" your subject's face, and instead the background is in sharp focus while the person or people you're photographing are blurred. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11841 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">When part of a face is thrown into deep shadow by bright overhead sunlight, the results are not flattering. Here's how to get better photos with your digital camera in the mid-day sun.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11840 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Turning faulty snapshots into great photographs, believe it or not, doesn't take much. Mostly, it's about being aware of what your photographing, framing and exposing it right, and using the right lens. With today's compact digital cameras, that's easier than ever to accomplish.</em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11896 http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11166 Yesterday, as I pulled into the driveway, my daughter pointed to the roof of the garage. “Look!” she said. “A squirrel!” I looked up and there was a squirrel, sitting absolutely still on the peak of t http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11857 How come a $400 compact digital camera can’t take pictures as fast as my old $40 35mm point-and-shoot camera, but a $4,000 digital camera can? Let’s fix this. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11838 Sony didn't have to compromise much in order to produce a full-frame DSLR for nearly $1,000 less than the original price of the Alpha 900. http://www.adorama.com/alc/news/11836 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Do you sell stuff via Internet auction web sites such as eBay? Studies show that products get more bids and sell for higher closing prices when they&rsquo;re photographed well.</span><!--EndFragment--></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11825 This summer’s new crop features compact digital cameras that tout new features and better low-light results, while pixel counts are holding steady. In some cases, they’re even being reduced. Have came http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11835 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you&rsquo;re getting serious about portrait photography, consider investing in a moderate telephoto lens. Here&rsquo;s a round-up of the best.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11812 When we buy a digital camera, why do we pay so much for so little, but so little for so much? http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11819 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Do you bring your printer everywhere and share your photos, or do you need a reliable workhorse for your studio or home? Here&rsquo;s an overview of the five key printer printer categories, and one or two representative models.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11800 The latest financial reports are in, and almost all camera manufacturers are affected by the recession. What does this mean for consumers and professional photographers? http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11806 Current Olympus digital cameras echo Maitani's innovations... http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11596 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">A superwide zoom lens joins a very small club with its constant f/3.5 aperture. Can it deliver the kind of sharp images that justify the cost and extra weight?<br /></span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11755 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We rarely see the kind of buzz that led up to the launch of the Olympus E-P1.</span> <br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11770 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">The fast-paced, chaotic streets of New York City are the ideal place to quickly find out if a camera is up to street photography...and therefore, just about anything.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11756 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Quaint imperfection? Fuzzy focus? Funky blur? It's in there! Learn how to enhance your creativity and increase the fun factor in your photography with these innovative, unique lenses.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11733 <p><span style="font-size: small;">A feature-by-feature look at Canon's first consumer-level DSLR to offer HD Video.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11705 Less than ten years ago, I compiled a list of favorite songs I listened to in the darkroom; now I listen to them while working on images from my digital camera in Photoshop. There’s something special http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11777 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Shoot on the sly with this sneaky 180-degree mirror finder; all you need is a camera with a 3-inch LCD</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11715 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Protect your high-end DSLR&rsquo;s LCD screen with a pop-up shade and clear cover.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11714 <p><span style="font-size: small;">This shield saves you from eyestrain and lets you see the picture more clearly when trying to view live or preview images on your digital camera LCD monitor in bright sunlight.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11712 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Check your focus and composition without eyestrain&mdash;direct sunlight be damned!</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11711 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Which key System Compact digital cameras are game changer that might influence features on future models&mdash;or help you make your next buying decision?</em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8624 Justice Sonya Sotomayor’s recent ruling in Usher v Corbis-Sigma doesn’t bode well for photographers. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11754 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Meet the flexible, souped-up image storage unit that boldly goes where no portable hard drive has gone before.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11729 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">The 4-inch LCD displays 16.7 million colors, but is that enough to convince you to part with some big bucks?</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11728 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">It&rsquo;s a photo storage unit! It&rsquo;s a audio/video recorder and playback unit! It&rsquo;s a radio! Yes, all this and more! </span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11727 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">At under $160, this 250GB portable hard drive unit is a great bargain. Is it a good, inexpensive way to back up your photos and videos on the road? </span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11726 Latest memory holder for Sony digital cameras and camcorders, which holds 225 minutes of HD Video and thousands of photos, is quite a card. http://www.adorama.com/alc/news/11742 <p>Designed with the pro photographer in mind, the Jobo Giga Vu Pro Evolution has earned a well-deserved reputation as a durable location storage device. Here&rsquo;s why.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11724 Late-breaking news from the UK: Due to low sales volume, Fujifilm in the UK has announced that it is discontinuing Fujicolor 800Z in all formats. http://www.adorama.com/alc/news/11741 Weekend Wrap: Twitter has grown up a lot since we first wrote about it in March. Here are some more reasons to join the revolution. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11740 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes, you need to finish your video by adding sounds in the studio. These mics put &lsquo;em right in your computer</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11684 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Got a big enough budget to equip a crew? We lower the boom on microphones that your audio engineer aims at your subject. <br /></em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11683 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Turn your camera into a self-contained HD sound machine by attaching a mic to the hot shoe. Which type is best?</span></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11682 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Record your voice from a lapel attachment for better quality using an itty-bitty mic.</span></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11681 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Invest in a good microphone (or two) so your sound quality does justice to your DSLR&rsquo;s HD video</span>. </em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11679 <p>15MP sensor, HD video, more: Is the Canon T1i a serious enthusiast-level DSLR in a budget-busting starter DSLR body?</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11693 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Protect you camera&rsquo;s LCD monitor. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It&rsquo;s amazing how such a small thing can make such a big difference!</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11716 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Fujifilm brings its instant camera to the US to fill the void left by Polaroid&rsquo;s disappearing act. Should you care?</em></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11656 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Invest in a good microphone (or two) so your sound quality does justice to your DSLR&rsquo;s HD video. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11758 <p><em><span style="font-size: small;">Dive under the hood of the world's first interchangeable-lens Micro Four Thirds EVF camera and gain expert knowledge of this small wonder.</span></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11669 The new generation of all-terrain cameras means you can shoot anywhere, anytime, and bring back great pictures. What are you waiting for? http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11707 <p>Here are three photo-quality inkjet paper surfaces that you can only print for your photo book at home.</p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11646 Despite objections about quality, perhaps this week proved there is something to be said for camera phones—on a personal and global level. http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11692 Will 2009 be remembered as the Year of the Short Flangeback camera? I certainly hope so! http://www.adorama.com/alc/blogarticle/11673