Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Photo Joel Lucks

Above the Timberline by Joel Lucks
I was sipping water from my hydration pack every fifteen minutes but there was no accounting for the body fluid I was losing on my ascent into Rocky Mountain National Park this past June. The back of my throat became drier and raspier as my altitude increased but with every switchback came the promise of another great vista and photo op.

Our climbing group was warned of some snow on the trails but it did not prepare me for the deep snowfields at those higher altitudes. At times I would sink up to my knees or slide on my butt into, gratefully, soft snow. Finally, after climbing for five hours, We reached Ouzel Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and experienced the thrill that comes from a successful climb and the magnificent view at 10,000 feet.

Hiking the peaks of any mountain system is not a solo sport. There is something to be said for the camaraderie, of course, more importantly there is the safety factor. My training emphasizes minimum groups of 3 people; one to stay behind with a downed hiker, the other to go for help.

And physical training cannot be taken for granted. Include in your preparation a weekly workout schedule that includes a rigorous aerobic exercise, weight lifting, and proper nutrition. As a New York State Department of Environmental Hiking Guide and a Leukemia/Lymphoma Nationally trained hiking coach, I can honestly tell you that you cannot over train for tough, altitude hiking.

Likewise, having the right equipment for a mountain ascent is critical and includes a hydration bladder, daypack or a backpack, trekking poles, proper hiking boots (no sneakers, please), and proper layering, to include rain gear. And this says nothing about selecting survival equipment such as matches, lighters, signaling devices, a knife, sunscreen, water filters, and more.

When you are already carrying 25 pounds or so, adding additional weight in camera equipment becomes an exercise in keeping it real. I use a ThinkTank holster that is readily available at my waist. It keeps my camera, filters, extra cards and batteries dry and cushioned.

If you have any comments or questions about hiking and photography join our forum. I monitor the forum and would like to hear from you. To see some of my photos and to learn more about me, visit my website at www.joellucks.com.
In-Home Lessons

In addition to our many in-store classes, Yvonne Berger offers an in-home course on your own computer.
Whether you need help with basic computer operations, getting photos organized or specific lessons on the use of any camera as well as expert instructions using Photoshop CS3 or Elements, Lightroom, printing and color management Yvonne can get you up to speed - $85 per hour.

Also noteworthy is the free 1/2 hour in-home class (minimum 1 hour) offered by Berger Bros. with the purchase of any digital camera.

You can email Yvonne at yvonne@ybdigitalstudios.com or call her - 516 233 0749

Wow! A dream come true. Nikon has just introduced the Nikon D700 which incorporates many of the features of the incredible Nikon D3 in a body similar in size to the D300. Add a pop-up flash and shave off a couple of thousand dollars and you have one hell of a camera.

The D700 has a full frame, 12.1 MP, CMOS Image Sensor and fast continuous shooting capability of up to 5 frames per second (up to 8 fps with the optional MB-D10 Multi-power Battery Pack and EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or eight AA-size batteries).

The start-up time is 0.12 seconds with a shutter release lag time of just 40ms - that is fast! Other assets are Nikon's 51-point AF system with 3D focus tracking, two Live View modes and a normal ISO sensitivity range of 200 to 6400 but can be boosted to an incredible ISO 25,600 or set down to ISO 100.

The shutter on the D700 is reported to be good for 150,000 exposures rather than 300,000 on the D3. The viewfinder has 95% coverage. And, although the D700 has a full frame sensor, DX lenses can be used and the viewfinder will be automatically masked to reflect the reduced 5.1 MP capture.

Also notable and an improvement not available to the wonderful Nikon D3 is Image Sensor Cleaning, which is activated when the camera is turned on or off and can also be activated on-demand by the photographer.

The D700 has a rugged magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture. The camera even has a virtual horizon feature that indicates if the camera is level. Bravo Nikon!

Nikon D700 FX-Format 12.1 MP Body Only - $2,999.99
Nikon D700 FX-Format 12.1 MP with AF-S VR Zoom-Nikor 24-120mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED - $3,599.99
Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight

Nikon has just announced it's new flagship Speedlight - SB-900. The SB-900 operates as a stand-alone Speedlight, a wireless Speedlight Commander or wireless remote Speedlight.

The Auto Power Zoom Coverage has been expanded to 17-200mm and the flash can identify which format lens is in use - FX or DX and optimizes the light distribution angle.

The SB-900 can control up to 3 remote Speedlight groups and an unlimited number of compatible Speedlights.

Hallelujah! Nikon has streamlined the controls and menus with a Rotary Select Dial which lets you set key flash functions quickly while a prominent Master and Remote control switch simplifies wireless operations.

You can now choose from 3 light distribution patterns to improve light quality by selecting Standard for general illumination, Center-weighted for portraits or Even for groups or interiors.

NIKON SB-900 SPEEDLIGHT - $479.99 (reg $499)

Canon EOS Rebel XS with EF S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Just announced, this new Rebel replaces the XTi as Canon's entry level D-SLR. It retains the 10 MP CMOS sensor and 2.5 inch LCD of the XTi but uses an XSi body and a newer Digic III processing chip. The XS has a Live View mode and Canon reports that the battery life has been improved.

Among the many outstanding features included in the
Rebel XS are a High-Speed, Wide-Area 7-Point Auto Focus System, 3.0 frames per second continuous shooting and an EOS Integrated Cleaning System.

The Rebel XS uses SD and SDHC memory cards and is compatible with over 60 Canon lenses and most EOS accessories. The Rebel XS is also the lightest and most compact EOS Digital SLR to date.

Available in Silver or Black.

Canon EOS Rebel XS
with EF S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS Lens - $669.99*

*A low, low price for Berger Bros. Camera Newsletter readers!
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash

Canon's new 430X II flash combines compact size and affordability with significantly greater user control via new LCD panel on rear of flash. Improvements in circuitry make recycle time 40% faster than the previous model.

It is compatible with Canon's wireless E-TTL and can be used as an affordable slave unit. White balance info is communicated instantly to compatible D-SLR's like the Rebel XS. Six flash custom functions can be set on rear LCD panel.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash - $319.99

Labels: Hiking, newsletter

• More flexible "hard button" programming
• Live View w/ virtual horizon line
• ISO 200 - 6400
  
• Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
  
• HDMI HD video output
  
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
  
• UDMA compatible single CF card slot
  

More info on our product pages or simply call our 800# at 1-800-262-4160

---

Here are the available models to order:

• Nikon D700 (12MP) SLR Body
• Nikon D700 (12MP) Outfit w/24-120mm VR Lens

---

Also check out Nikon's Brand New accessories that go with the D700 and other Nikon cameras:

• Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight
  
• Nikon PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED
  
• Nikon PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED
  

Labels: D700, Nikon, SLR

JOBY GORILLAPOD SLR-ZOOM

This is a uniquely usefull tripod to take along on any trip. The SLR-ZOOM model is the largest of three models and can support up to 6.6 pounds of camera and lens yet it is small and surprisingly light - just 8.5 ounces and less than 10 inches long.

It has sturdy legs with flexible joints that can bend and rotate 360 degrees so you can fasten it to a steering wheel, fence or pole for a rock steady shot. Also accepts professional tripod heads which I would recommend to make it fully functional - $49.99

Lensbaby

A Lensbaby is a cleverly designed 50mm coated lens in a flexible barrel that can be moved to selectively pin point an area in the image to be in sharp focus while leaving everything else blurry.

For those who enjoy building an image in the viewfinder, this lens can be a lot of fun. While it might be possible to imitate this selectively sharp and blurry effect in Photoshop, it would not be easy. The lens must be used manually and the aperture is set using magnetic rings with different diameter openings that stick to the front of the lens. Whether you take pictures of flowers, portraits or landscapes, the Lensbaby will add a creative new look to your imagery. The Lensbaby 2.0 is $149.99
The Lensbaby 3.0 works the same way as the 2.0 but the desired effect can be locked in place mechanically for more precise control. The Lensbaby 3.0 is $269.99

Olympus E510 D-SLR with 14-42mm & 40-150mm Zoom Lenses
Considering this camera's very high rating in a recent Consumer Report issue, I felt it was worth mentioning again. The E510 is a 10MP digital SLR with Live View, an effective Dust Reduction System and a 2.5 inch HyperCrystal LCD that lets you see the screen with amazing clarity in bright sunlight and from angles up to 176 degrees.

Another clever design feature is the use of two memory slots - one for a compact flash card and one for an xD card. You can even transfer images in camera from one card to the other. This is an excellent all-around, travel, children, sports camera.

There is real value here. The E510 D-SLR two lens kit 14-42mm & 40-150mm is just $649.99

Labels: newsletter, Travel Photography

Great Cameras for Mom

Choosing a camera for mom on Mother's Day can be a confusing exercise - there are so many choices.

To make your life a bit easier, I asked some of the very experienced sales people here which camera they would give to their own mothers. Here are the
results:

Point-and-Shoots

Olympus Evolt 420 w/Oly 14-42mm Lens

Nikon D60 w/Nikon 18-55mm VR Lens

• 10.2 MP, Nikon's
• Smallest D-SLR Ever
• Advanced Help Menu
• Easy Operation with
• Intuitive Controls.

Sony DCR-DVD 710

• 30 GB Handycam
• Captures up to 20 hours of video on built-in hard drive,
• 40x zoom w/free case & UV filter

Important Announcements

Portrait and Profoto Lighting Seminar with John Woodward - 1 day Tuesday May 13th, 6-10pm John Woodward was named 2007 Photographer of the year by the Professional Photographers of America. Don't miss this myth busting presentation about lighting and portrait photography The cost is only $19.95 but will be free to camera club members and students. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Ed@berger-bros.com [mailto:Ed@berger-bros.com]or call 631-264-4160 ASAP as seating is limited.

Berger Bros. and Canon Explorers of Light are pleased to present a seminar by Pulitzer Prize winning photographerVincent Laforet [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=bxmyumcab.0.0.o9absjcab.0&ts=S0342&p=http%3A%2F%2Fw
ww.vincentlaforet.com%2F&id=preview]on
Wednesday, May 21 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Huntington Hilton. The cost is only
$19.95 but will be free to camera club members and students. Anyone wishing to attend should contact ken@berger-bros.com [mailto:ken@berger-bros.com]ASAP as seating is limited.

Join Our Mailing List

Visit KenNadle.com

Labels: digital news

• Cutting Edge Device
• Important Announcements
• Macro Photography
• Canon 450D Rebel XSi D-SLR
• Pentax K20 D D-SLR
• Hot Deals at Berger Bros.

CUTTING EDGE I wanted you to know about this accessory because it is just so good at determining the correct white balance for any picture. Leave your meter, gray cards and color charts at home. The ExpoDisc is a custom white balance filter that allows digital photographers to quickly and easily set an accurate custom white balance. Using ExpoDisc will greatly reduce the need for RAW or JPEG (see March 2008) post-capture color adjustments. Simply place the ExpoDisc in front of your lens and capture the incident light (the light illuminating the subject) while setting your camera's custom white balance.

The Expo Disk comes in neutral or portrait versions in sizes from 58mm to 82mm.
You don't need one for each lens. Just get a size big enough to cover your biggest diameter lens and it will work fine with any smaller diameter lenses as well. Prices range from $89.99 to $109.99.

Important Announcements
Berger Bros. Camera will be open during the Passover Holiday.

Berger Bros. and Canon "Explorers of Light" are pleased to present a seminar by Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Vincent Laforet on Wednesday, May 21 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Huntington Hilton. The cost is only $19.95 but will be FREE to camera club members and students. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Ken@berger-bros.com ASAP as seating is limited.

Macro Photography

Janis Dorfeld, Instructor Berger-Bros School of Digital Photography
Tiger swallow tail on purple cone flower Photo Janis Dorfeld Hurray! Spring is here. As this photo attests, Janis Dorfeld is another talented photographer teaching at Berger Bros. Camera. Don't miss our tips for taking beautiful macro pictures such as this. See below. Ansel Adams, one of the best known photographers in the world, has inspired millions of people with his wonderful photographs of natural scenes. Two favorite Ansel Adams quotes to take with you as you set out this spring, camera in hand - "A good photograph is knowing were to stand." And, "Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." So, take a lot of pictures and edit, edit, edit!

Buzzy bee -Macro Photography

Many photographers find nothing more rewarding than a walk through a garden with an eye for capturing the beauty of flowers and/or the fascinating world of insects. Following are some tips on how to get stunning Macro (close-up) pictures of flowers, insects, stamps, coins or anything else that upon closer inspection reveal unseen and very often magnificent details. The very simplest approach is to just back up a bit and then zoom in. This is the approach used on these shots by Janis. She handheld a Canon 20 D with a 28-135 mm lens and mentioned, "you REALLY want to use a telephoto lens when photographing stinging insects!". For tamer subjects, another simple approach is to set your camera to Macro - this is often depicted as a flower on your camera's mode dial - and move in close. Because the depth of field in Macro mode is often shallow, it is important to carefully focus on what part of the flower you, 'the artist' want to have in sharpest focus, e.g., the stamen or maybe a tiny red lady bug on a yellow petal. This is where a tripod is very useful.

A clever accessory to use with a tripod is a Plamp- - it hooks onto your tripod and has a clamp at the other end to grab flowers and position them where you need them to be.

Investing in a macro lens for your DSLR or a close-up filter set can increase just how close you can get to your subject. Close up lens attachments are also available for some point and shoot cameras.

As you compose your shot, try reducing the elements that will appear in the image to increase the visual impact. And, using a wide open aperture will also add to the picture by throwing the background out of focus. In a sense, you are not only painting with light but with focus.

You can take close-up photography to the next level by learning different lighting techniques for macro photography including the use of macro ring lights and reflectors. Yvonne Berger will be giving a class on this very subject on Saturday, June 7th from 9am to noon at a private residence in Northport. An array of macro lenses, flashes, reflectors and ring lights will be available for use during the class. Please call Yvonne at 516 233-0479 or email her at YBassettstudios@aol.com if you wish to attend.

Incidentally, the newest crop of D-SLRs have incorporated live view in their arsenal of features. This can be very useful when shooting at awkward angles as it is not necessary to look through the view finder. You can compose that masterpiece by glancing at the viewing screen.
Have a happy spring!

Canon 450D Rebel XSi D-SLR This latest offering from Canon features a 12.2 MP CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) sensor, EOS integrated Cleaning System, 3.0" LCD with live view and a new 9-point AF system - all in a compact and light weight body. It is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series speed lights.

Pre order - Canon 450D body - $769.99 OR Canon 450 D with 18-55 mm IS lens $869.99

Pentax K20 D D-SLR Pentax is definitely keeping up with the other leading camera manufacturers. In fact they may have just upped the anti with the new Pentax K20 D. It offers a 14.6 MP CMOS sensor, shake reduction, live view, dust removal system and has a dust proof, water resistant construction.
Pentax K20 D body - $1279.99
Pentax K20 D with 18-55 mm II lens - $1379.99
Pentax K20 D with 16-45 mm lens - $1679.99
Pentax K20 D with 18-55 mm & 50-200 mm zoom lenses - $1479.99

Hot Deals at Berger Bros. Camera
Rebate - Purchase a Qflash T5d-R - and receive a $75 rebate from Quantum. Add any model Turbo to your Qflash order and double your rebate to $150. You must make your purchase April 1 through June 30, 2008
Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED AF-S lens Nikon D40, D40x and D60 - $549.99
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 - $699.99

SAVE $300 INSTANTLY on the purchase of a Nikon 18-200mm VR - $399.99 (reg. $699.99) when you buy it with a Nikon D300 body. The incredible AF-S DX VR zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF ED lens has an 11x high-ratio zoom versatility and Nikon VR image stabilization. Also included with purchase - a free Nikon D300 class - a $50 value. Effective April 6 through May 11, 2008.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

• New Olympus E420 - The smallest and lightest D-SLR yet and packed with features
• Landscape Photography - Breaking News, Alerts, Firmware Updates, and other things you should know Comments and suggestions about this and future newsletters are welcome.

Labels: digital news

Labels: digital news

DIGITAL NEWS - February 2008

In This Issue -

• Welcome All
  
• Cutting Edge Cameras
  
• Battery Alert!
  
• Why shop at Berger Bros. Camera?
  
• Why you should switch to digital if you haven't already

WELCOME ALL to the first email newsletter in a new series about cutting edge digital cameras and accessories, image capture advice, and important things we think you should know to make you a better photographer. We will also alert you to some great deals and remind you of our coming events.

CUTTING EDGE CAMERAS

Any of the digital cameras manufactured in the past few years, be they point and shoot or DSLR, will not disappoint you. The level of sophistication, the speed and accuracy they offer is astounding. That being said, each camera has its own unique layout, its own ergonomics and features. That is why it is essential that you, the user, get the camera in your hands and see how it feels - if it makes sense. Add to this, the seemingly, never ending improvements to these cameras and this too becomes a factor in analyzing which camera will be best for you. For Elph lovers, Canon has just unveiled its Powershot SD 1100 IS and this camera certainly qualifies as cutting edge in the point and shoot world. Canon Powershot SD 1100 IS This Elph has an 8.0Mp sensor and a 3x zoom (38-114 equiv) with a 2.8 - 4.9 lens. The shutter speed range is 15-seconds to 1/1500-seconds. With an ISO range of 80 - 1600 and image stabilization, the SD 1100 IS will handle just about any shooting situation. It can take 1.3fps and has more than 30 shooting modes including video and audio. It is SD/SDHC compatible and comes in six different colors.

BATTERY ALERT

Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation has prohibited loose lithium batteries in checked baggage. The following rules apply to the spare batteries you carry with you:
Spare batteries are the batteries you carry separately from the device they power. When batteries are installed in a device they are not considered spare batteries.
You may not pack a spare lithium battery in your checked luggage
You may bring spare lithium batteries with you in carry-on baggage

WHY SHOP AT BERGER-BROS CAMERA?

If you have been to either of our stores recently, you may have seen fliers citing all the free stuff you get when you purchase a digital camera from Berger Bros. Camera. This is no small thing. In fact, we know it is the best deal in the industry. For as long as you own your new camera purchase, Berger Bros. offers the following: FREE SERVICES & SUPPORT
Digital 101 beginner camera class to bring you up to speed
Sensor & camera cleaning - especially good for DSLR's
Memory card recovery of lost or accidentally deleted images
Firmware updates that improve camera functions
Repair loaners (limited time period)
30 minute at-home, private lesson on your computer in photoshop (min 1hr)
15 minute phone support with Yvonne Berger at 516 233-0479A recent email to Brad Berger, president of Berger Bros. from satisfied customer JS, speaks well of what has been the philosophy of the store for the past 55 years, "I am originally from a small town on Cape Cod as well as being old enough to remember how nice it used to be doing business with people on a personal level and I find it extraordinary to experience this level of personal service in 2008 and 3,000 miles away." Many more testimonials can be found at Berger-Bros.com.
And for added peace of mind, remember that Berger Bros. is an authorized dealer for everything we sell. All equipment carries USA warrantees and we never sell gray market items.

WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO DIGITAL IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY?

If you think film is better you are on a sinking ship. Choices in film stock have narrowed considerably and the major camera manufacturers have all but stopped making film cameras. Why? Because even die-hard film enthusiasts are awe struck by the advantages of digital. No more risk of having your film fogged by airport security. Less worry about running out of film - you might run out of memory cards but then you can always start deleting "so-so" images to make room for new ones. You can shoot pictures at any ISO (light sensitivity) on the same memory card. You can take a picture without flash at ISO 1600, then go outside and take your next shot at ISO 100. You can even send the images via satellite the instant you take them. And consider that you never have to buy another roll of film or wait to have the photos developed. The memory card has no moving parts, is virtually indestructible and can be used time and again - reportedly, millions of times. Add to this the ability to check in the shooting moment if you got the shot and it is no surprise that virtually all of the working photojournalists today have switched to digital.
If you are thinking of making the switch or have already, take the Digital 101 Beginner Course - free with a digital camera purchase - but well worth the $50 if you bought your camera somewhere else. The course introduces you to digital fundamentals and gets you off on the right foot. Digital 102 is an intermediate level course, which recaps the fundamentals and then exposes you to the neat and often extraordinary possibilities this latest crop of digital cameras provide. The course covers the ins and outs of white balance, histograms, color space and much more. But the great photographers of the past didn't need all this fancy equipment to take great pictures
True. But it was no walk in the park either. Consider Brassai, the French photographer, famous for his book Paris de Nuit (Paris at Night). In the early 1930's, he lugged around a 6 x 9 Voigtlander camera and a box of 24 glass plates (the film of the day). He would have to leave the aperture open for five minutes or more to take a picture and timed it by smoking a cigarette. Would he appreciate one of today's digital cameras with 3200 or 6400 ISO, vibration stabilization and a tiny memory card capable of storing hundreds of pictures? You bet he would.

In the next issue

• Nikon D60
• Jpeg vs Raw
• Berger Bros. School of Digital Photography and Imaging
• Why Henri Cartier-Bresson wore a paper bag over his head when he went on stage to accept a Pulitzer Prize for photography
• Breaking news about Alerts, Firmware Updates, and other things you should know
  

Labels: digital news