Ready to move on from your point-and-shoot but not sure you’re ready to move to the realm of the DSLR just yet?

The folks at Gizmodo might be able to help you out. They’ve run down their four favourite pro compacts to help simplify your next move. Not only are these tremendous cameras, but they’re affordable and easy to keep on you for those spur-of-the-moment captures.

Check out how the Nikon J1, Olympus E-PM1, Panasonic Lumix GF3 and Sony NEX-C3 fare against one another – read the full article HERE.

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Have you invested in a new digital SLR but you’re not quite sure how to use all of its features? Are you an avid shutterbug who’s just made the upgrade from point-and-shoot to a DSLR? Then you do NOT want to miss out on this great seminar opportunity!

Taking place at Vistek Toronto this coming Saturday, September 17 at 10am and 2pm, Digital SLR Basics will ensure you’re familiar with all your DSLR’s features. And this three hour seminar features lots of hands-on learning (no boring power point presentations here!) so make sure you bring along your camera and a spare battery or two!

You’ll learn:

• Simple but thorough explanations describing the features on your camera in a low pressure, fun environment
• How to select and use Autofocus, Program modes, White Balance, and Resolution Settings like the pros
• Basic Principles and proven techniques for high quality images with your DSLR

Take advantage of this great seminar just in time to capture all the brilliant fall colours & upcoming holiday festivities!

But seating is limited, so make sure you don’t miss out — sign up TODAY!
 
WHAT: Digital SLR Basics
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17 | 10am
WHERE: Vistek Toronto | 496 Queen Street E.
FEE: $79

REGISTER

WHAT: Digital SLR Basics
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17 | 2pm
WHERE: Vistek Toronto | 496 Queen Street E.
FEE: $79

REGISTER

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The last long weekend of summer is now behind us and Fall has certainly announced its arrival. With it, however, comes the changing colours of leaves and what is arguably the best light of the year during the golden hour.

Photo Fabulousness ——

Toronto Sunrise By RNexposures from the Vistek Photo and Video Pool on Flickr

Bloggy Goodness ——

One of the best photography tips ever given to me was: If you’re out shooting a beautiful golden sunrise or sunset take a few shots; then turn around, and what you’ll see is everything around you bathed in that same beautiful golden light and it just seems to make everything pop.

Check out even more tips and tricks at Photography Concentrate, a fab blog run by husband & wife team, Rob & Lauren Lim – two professional photographers who’ve made it their goal to help you become the photographer you’ve always wanted to be. Aimed at pros, hobbyists and everyone in-between, this informative site features a slew of articles and video tutorials as well as some handy freebies (templates, Lightroom preset samples, informative eBooks.) Go. Check it out.

Video Virtuosity ——

This music video featuring Daniel Kamas and his original song Golden Hour from the EP Santa Elena was shot on DSLRs by Session 7 Media, a very talented young crew in Seattle, Washington. Check out this beautiful music and amazing collection of visuals.

Daniel Kamas – Golden Hour from Session 7 Media on Vimeo.

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Zacuto’s Optical Viewfinders are large loupes that mount to the back of your HDSLR’s LCD, effectively letting you use your LCD as a viewfinder – a handy tool, indeed! And, with 3 versions available giving you correct form factor for video (the Pro 3x, Pro 2.5x and Jr.), you’ll have no problem finding the right one to suit.

Check out Philip Bloom’s review of the Z-Finder: Zacuto’s new DSLR Optical Viewfinder which allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video. “At the moment,” Bloom says, “there is nothing that comes close to this, it is absolutely essential for video on the 5dmkll. I couldn’t shoot handheld without it that’s for sure.” [source]

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The Nikon D7000 has been made official – complete with: 39-point autofocus system, 100 percent viewfinder coverage, 1080/24p and 720/30p video options, dual SD card slots & 6fps burst mode for up to 100 shots.

The new new mid-class DX-format camera features a compact body along with top & rear covers made of a magnesium alloy — adding that extra bit of increased durability.

Other functions & features of the D7000 include:

• A glass pentaprism for viewfinder frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.94×
• High-speed continuous shooting of up to 100 shots at approximately 6 fps, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles
• New U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial allow users to assign frequently used settings, including ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation, to these positions for instant recall of the registered settings by simply rotating the mode dial
• Live view function that can be smoothly enabled with the dedicated live view switch
• Double SD memory card slot that enable use of two SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC also supported)
• The Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15, which enables capture about 1,050 shots when fully charged
• Support for the new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries
• Nikon’s image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, supplied with purchase

With an estimated release date of mid-October, the D7000 is available now for pre-purchase, either on its own or as part of a kit that includes the AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens.

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Vistek’s Michael Beckley does a walk-through of Canon’s new 60D.  Check it out!

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Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR certainly packs a punch… have a look!

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New EOS 60D Offers a Vari-Angle LCD Screen, EOS Full HD Video Recording, In-Camera RAW Processing and Creative Filters and 18-Megapixel Resolution Among Class-Leading Specs

High-quality digital capture and skillful post-processing go hand-in-hand for superior end results, and more control over in-camera image processing means less time editing and more time shooting. At the same time, the overwhelming popularity of Full HD video recording with other current EOS Digital SLRs has led to customer requests for more advanced features such as manual audio level control and flexible LCD screens. Canon Canada Inc., a leader in digital imaging, delivers all of these features and more with the new EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera. For the first time on an EOS camera, the EOS 60D DSLR boasts a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen, EOS Full HD video recording with manual overrides including audio level control, and in-camera functionality for RAW image processing plus Creative Filters to manipulate images after taking them. Designed primarily for advanced amateurs, the EOS 60D replaces the EOS 50D and boasts a broad array of new features that make it easier for photographers to add personal creativity to their images. Whether it’s capturing an overhead shot on the Vari-Angle screen at a graduation ceremony, or converting a colour image to black and white for a nostalgic look, Canon is delivering in-camera features and functions that empower advanced photographers to capture, display and print the images they want.

“The EOS 60D has been designed to offer the image-capture and the Full HD video features customers are looking for as they continue to expand their photographic skills. The exciting new features of the EOS 60D make using a DSLR camera more attractive and easier than ever before. We want everyone to experience the great image quality a Canon DSLR can offer with features and functions that they will appreciate and use,” stated Ian Macfarlane, Vice President of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc.

To find out more, click on Canon’s official Press Release here.

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After months of rumours, Nikon officially announced the release of it’s D3100:  an entry level digital-SLR camera with a new DX-format CMOS image sensor, EXPEED 2 (Nikon’s newest image-processing engine) and a helpful Guide mode that makes capturing beautiful images easy for even the beginner shutterbug.

With a 14 megapixel sensor, up to ISO 12800 sensitivity and a new 1080p/24 H.264 AVCHD movie mode with continuous contrast-detect autofocus, complete with face detection and subject tracking, the D3100 is quite a find with it’s price tag of only $569.95.

Have a gander at some of these features:

• DX-format, 14.2 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor
  - Softly defocused backgrounds that only a D-SLR can produce
• EXPEED 2 – Nikon’s new image processing engine
  - Faithful color reproduction and smooth, beautiful gradations
• ISO sensitivity 100-3200 (expandable to ISO 12800 equivalent)
  - Great performance and less blur in dimly lit settings
• Active D-Lighting – Beautiful balancing of light and shade
• Picture Control – Customizing images before the shot
• Guide Mode – The sure way to obtain desired results
• Scene Modes – Your short cut to expected results
• Scene Auto Selector – Letting D3100 decide the best mode to match the scene
• Help function – One-touch access to in-camera assistance
• Info display format – Choose the view that’s right for you
• D-Movie – Breathtaking full HD 1080p movies
• Live View – Live View with new AF modes and large 7.5-cm (3-in.) monitor
• AF Mode for Live View and Movie Shooting – New autofocus (AF) modes help capture moving subjects
• AF-area modes for live view and movies – Four modes to capture subject
• 11-point AF system – Quick, accurate autofocus ready for the decisive moment
• Advanced white balance control – More natural whites
• Built-in pop-up flash – Additional light whenever needed
• Scene Recognition System – Intelligent operation in any setting
• Ample image and movie editing functions – In-camera image and movie editing
• High-performance NIKKOR lenses – The right choice for amazing photos and full HD movies
• Nikon’s original VR system – Less camera-shake blur in images and viewfinder
• Compact and lightweight – Easy operation and take-anywhere portability
• Continuous 3 fps shooting – Catch the decisive moment
• Eye-Fi support – Transfer photos and movies wirelessly
• Easy-to-view finder – New superimposed indicators for a better view
• New shutter mechanism – Quiet shooting, even with Live View
• Rangefinder – Quick and easy focusing
• Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System – Prevent dust from ruining photos
• Image playback with transitions  – View photos with striking special effects …more
• Convenient playback – Find images instantly by date
• Date imprint – Stamp photos with shooting date
• Long-lasting lithium-ion battery  – Plenty of stamina for plenty of photos
• ViewNX 2 software  – Your imaging toolbox (bundled) – Smart image management with a PC
• my Picturetown – Free image sharing and storage – Share photos and movies on the web

The D3100 body can be purchased alone or with the kit AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens.

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This entire experience of shopping for a new camera has not played out as I had expected. I went from looking for an upgrade over my Sony R1 to wanting a full-frame, 24MP, movie making machine.. the Canon 5D Mark II, it’s kick-ass and everybody loves it !

Of course I had completely lost sight of all the important factors that should’ve helped me choose the right camera for my needs…

1. I’m an adventure videographer, not a professional photographer. I’m out there primarily to shoot movies and taking stills is just an added bonus, so the need of a high-end full-frame body would be overkill.

2. I have access to several professional video cameras so the priority of a DSLR that shoots video is not a prerequisite.

3. I wanted a fast camera with 7fps and I didn’t want to have to buy an extra grip to get it.
But the most important factor for me is that I abuse my gear ! I admit it…I have no respect for my cameras. I have friends who handle their cameras like a new mother holding a baby… not me, I toss it around, leave it laying in the dirt and hang it perilously from a cliff ( see pic below ). If I actually bought myself a 5D Mark II and a Redrock Micro rig there is no way in hell I could see myself dragging it up a cliff…come on, what was I thinking ! So for me, it’s really down to two cameras. The Canon EOS 7D or the Nikon D300s and since I won’t be getting a full-frame body, I’m leaning more towards the 7D because I want the 17.9MP.

In closing, if you’re looking to upgrade your camera, your actual priorities and needs may be very different than the people who are giving you their advice and opinions… so figure out what YOU need and grab it !

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