*Prices and stock availability posted in this blog are subject to change. Any rebates mentioned may no longer be in effect*
Nikon D3S DSLR & New Nikon AF-S DX 85mm Lens
Just announced a few days back from Nikon was the future release of the new Nikon D3S 12.1 MP DSLR camera as well as the new Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Lens. Berger-Bros is proud to announce that we are currently taking in pre-orders for these products and their expected arrival will be some time in December. Here's a quick rundown on each of these new Nikon items: Nikon D3S 12.1 MP DSLR 
- Perfect for the photographer looking to make use of both great quality photos as well as professional video recording
- 3-inch Super-density 921,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor - D3S monitors are individually calibrated during assembly to assure accuracy.
- Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System - Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust on the optical low pass filter, safeguarding image quality.
- One-button Live View with Two Shooting Modes - Two modes for studio or remote shooting-Tripod Mode offers 27x magnification for precise focus confirmation.
- Fast, Accurate 51-Point AF System - 4 Dynamic modes and 15 cross-type sensors deliver AF precision and razor sharpness.
- 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II - Nikon-pioneered RGB metering includes color information to intelligently determine more accurate exposures
 - DX-format telephoto Micro lens is ideal for extreme close-up and portrait photography
- Extends versatility with focusing from infinity to life size (1:1 reproduction ratio)
- VR II image stabilization
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED)
- Superior sharpness and color correction
Be sure to click the images and product name text to view pricing, availability and for more details on the products.
Pre-orders can be made by either calling our 800 number at 800-542-8811 or by creating your order with our store's shopping cart.
Make sure to reserve yours before our first batch of shipments get sold out! Most items expect to arrive roughly around the end of August, some in late September or so.
Pricing and availability subject to change.Labels: new products, Nikon, Nikon D3S
 
Nikon Coolpix Cameras
The ever so popular Nikon Coolpix Digital Point and Shoot line has gotten a bunch of new models, one of which has a brand new feature not seen on ANY other camera currently in the market! Berger-Bros Camera is proud to announce the newest line is available for pre-order.
The COOLPIX S570 combines 12.0 megapixels as well as an amazing 5x optical Wide Angle Zoom NIKKOR lens in a tiny package. The COOLPIX S570 has that familiar COOLPIX all-metal design as well as a very bright and large 2.7 inch LCD screen so you have a better idea what your shots look like right on the spot. As far as image stabilization goes, the S570 has of course Nikon’s 4 Way VR Image Stabilization system so you don't have to worry about a shaky hand or a moving subject being a blur. One of it's best feature includes Nikon’s Smart Portrait System that finds faces, removes red-eye, softens skin lines, fires the shutter when the subject smiles and even warns you when they blink so you can retake the photo if need be. Available in Blue, Black, Red and Pink. 
Nikon Coolpix S640 (12.2 MP) The Coolpix S640, like the COOLPIX S570 combines about 12.0 megapixels as well as an amazing 5x optical Wide Angle Zoom, allowing you to print photos up to 16x20 inches! Nikon’s 4 Way VR Image Stabilization system as well as the Nikon EXPEED image processing system is part of this camera's line of features. A high ISO of 6400 allows for great photos even in low light and combined with EXPEED, a moving subject in a decent range of lighting will be auto-adjust the correct ISO as well as minimize shutter lag. Available in Light Grey, Pink, Red, and Black. 
Nikon Coolpix S70 (12.1 MP) The new Nikon Coolpix S70 has that sleek portable design that you'd expect from Nikon. Like the S570 and S640, the S70 has a powerful 12.1 MP resolution giving you crisp, clean and detailed photos. Like the other new Coolpix cameras, the S70 has 5x Zoom, Nikon's Smart Portrait System as well as sporting Optical VR Image Stabilization. What really sets this camera apart is that it has an Organic LED (OLED) Touch Panel. OLED is the newest form of LED technology that creates brighter, more realistic colors as well as reduced battery usage than older LED & LCD screens. The S70 even includes an HD (720p) Movie Mode so you can create great movies to share. Available in Light Grey, Tan, Red, and Black.
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj (12.1 MP) Last but not least is the brand new, soon to be released Nikon Coolpix S1000pj. Like the others in the new line, this camera includes 12mp resolution, 2.7in LCD, 5X Nikkor Zoom and Smart Portrait system. Unique to this camera is that it has a 5 way VR image stabilization as well as the ability to record movies at 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps, but even those aren't it's most stunning feature. Unlike any camera in the market, the S100opj is the world's first camera with an, ultra-small, built-in projector! That's correct, with this camera, you can project your pictures and movies out on a wall or flat surface for others to see. Be sure to click the images and product name text to view pricing, availability and for more details on the products.
Pre-orders can be made by either calling our 800 number at 800-542-8811 or by creating your order with our store's shopping cart.
Make sure to reserve yours before our first batch of shipments get sold out! Most items expect to arrive roughly around the end of August, some in late September or so.
Pricing and availability subject to change.
Labels: coolpix, new products, Nikon
New Nikons Announced, Now taking Orders
Berger-Bros Camera is proud to announce that pre-orders for these highly anticipated Nikon cameras and lenses are now in place.
Here's some detail on these great new products soon to arrive from Nikon:
This new DX-format wonder creates images at a high 12.3 megapixel resolution. The D300s includes 7 fps EXPEED image processing with low noise for great sports and activity shots. Want to record in HD video? The D300s has the ability to capture cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips in D-Movie mode. This D-SLR also includes a One Button Live View function. Live view can be done in both Handheld or Tripod Live View modes to ad n many different shots. Also the D300s includes a dual memory card slot so you can save your photos and video on either CF or SD card formats. Nikon D3000 Digital SLR (10.2 MP) w/ 18-55mm VR Lens 
Looking for a new, high quality D-SLR that offers both professional grade 10+ megapixel shots and is also easy to use and affordable? Then the $599.99 D3000 with the 18-55mm VR Lens is for you. Known as the "user-friendly" D-SLR, the D3000 is compact and works with many of the Nikon Nikkor lenses like Zoom, 3x and VR lenses. It also shoots at 3 fps and has Nikon's renowned shutter speed and reliability so you can always capture those important moments. The D3000's retouching functions and Guide Mode will make this the D-SLR you should buy even if you have never used an SLR before. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens 
The 70-200mm f/2.8 has been on the wish list of many photo professionals for some time. Nikon put extra research and development on this lens to create seven extra low dispersion (ED) glass elements. These elements aid in the the optimal settings for rendering, resolution and contrast. Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat takes the image quality another step further by reducing lens glare and ghosting; as well as making sure optical performance is at it's peak no matter what type of shots you are trying to take. This lens is perfect for sports and stage photographers. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens 
The latest upgrade to Nikon's best selling premium lens line, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens improves on what already works well. The lens i a mix of 11X zoom and VRII capability of make it the perfect lens for any Nikon DX-format D-SLRs. Hate having your lens settings change while transporting it? The lens also includes a zoom lock switch to secure the lens barrel at it's minimum length. It also has Nikon's exclusive Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to reduce lens flare and ghosting; also with a weight of only 19.9 ounces, this lens is a must have for your arsenal of D-SLR accessories. Special Restocked item: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens 
The Nikon 70-300mm lens has been sold out but as of this post date, is back on the shelves. The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens has 4.3x zoom and a great list of Nikon advanced features like Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II). A perfect lens for sports, wildlife and action photos, the 70-300mm VR also works with both D-SLRs an 35m film SLR cameras which makes it such a desirable product. Also, until 8/29/09, if this is bought with a D40, 60, D90 or D5000 Body or kit, you get a $100 Instant Rebate! Grab one before it's sold out again! Be sure to click the images and product name text to view pricing, availability and for more details on the products. Pre-orders can be made by either calling our 800 number at 800-542-8811 or by creating your order with our store's shopping cart. Make sure to reserve yours before our first batch of shipments get sold out! Most items expect to arrive roughly around the end of August. Pricing and availability subject to change. Labels: cameras, new products, Nikon
Take better travel photos
Travel Photography
 People tend to take a lot of pictures when they travel or go on vacation. People explore new place, see new things and they want to have a visual reminder of their travels. The problem is that most of the time the photographs people take while traveling suffer from several problems, they can be boring, look like everyone elses photos of the same place and don't capture the real feel of the subject. There are a few simple things you can do to improve your photos on your next trip. Lets first start with equipment. A lot of the time people will take small point and shoot cameras with them when they travel. This is not a bad choice, point and shoot cameras tend to be compact, light weight, easy to carry (all important considerations when traveling) and most of the point and shoot cameras on the market today take good quality photos. There are also small compact cameras on the market today that allow for more creative control than the basic point and shoot, while remaining compact, light weight and easy to carry. The Canon G10 and the Panasonic LX3 are just two examples of these advanced compact cameras. Many advanced compact cameras can yield great results that can give the best DSLR's a run for their money. More serious photographers may still opt to travel with a DSLR camera. Traveling with a DSLR may add some extra weight and baggage but for a serious travel photographer it can be worth it. However, most people can get by just as well with a good quality advanced compact camera.   It is important to consider the zoom range of an advanced compact camera when choosing a camera for travel photography. You want a good range of zoom, wide angles for sceneic shots, but also a good normal to telephoto range for taking more intimate photos and portraits. Using a compact camera can also allow you to take street photos without being too conspicuious. Regardless of what camera you are using, there are a few simple things you can do to improve your travel photography. The first and most important is to be famillar and comfortable with your camera and its functions. If you are using a new camera on your trip, get to know it first. It may pay to take a class to familiarize yourself with your new camera. Get to know the ins and out of your camera so you don't bumble around trying to learn how to use your camera when you are on your trip. Take practice photos at home and know what functions you like and how to use them. Read the camera manual and remember to take it with you on your trip for reference. Nothing worse than getting the opportunity for that perfect shot and missing it because you can't work your camera! Remember to bring enough memory card space with you, as people tend to take a lot of photographs while traveling. Also, don't forget extra batteries and your battery charger, keep in mind you may need a power converter when traveling abroad.  Once you are familiar with your camera and ready to shoot there are a few things you can do to improve your travel photos. One thing that happens with the photos people tend to take of certain things like landmarks and popular locations is that they tend to look like a lot of other peoples photographs of the same places. There is little to set them apart and make them more interesting. For example, see the three photos of the Eiffel Tower in Paris below, they are shot by three different people, on different days, however, they all look almost identical.    The key is to avoid taking the same identical photographs that everyone else takes and make your photographs more interesting and unique. The most basic thing you can do it to change your vantage point, don't shoot from the same location that everyone else is shooting from. Move closer to the subject and shoot from a different angel as in the photo below.  It is ok to not include the entire structure, the subject is still recognizable as the Eiffel Tower even though you can't see the entire thing. The shot is more interesting because it shows the Eiffel Tower in a different and more creative way than we usually see it. Showing even less of the structure with a subject like the Eiffel Tower can be more visually attractive as seen below.  The photo is still recognizable as the Eiffel Tower, but is more visually appealing and unique than the above examples. So simply by changing your location to a subject you can set your photographs far apart from typical travel photos. The next thing you can do to set your travel photos apart from the rest is to shoot at different times of the day. Most people visit landmarks during the middle of the day, therefore their photographs will be of daytime scenes. By visiting a landmark at a different time of day or night you have the opportunity to shoot more interesting photographs. For example see the photo below of the Eiffel Tower in the evening, notice how even the typical view of the Tower is made more interesting simply because of the time of day it is shot at.  In addition to shooting well recognizable landmarks when traveling, it can be interesting to shoot street scenes when traveling. Shooting interesting street scenes especially when traveling in other countries and cultures can yield excellent photographs that are not typical vacation snap shots. Using an advanced compact camera comes in handy for street photography. The small camera allows you to shoot without disturbing the natural flow of a scene and in some cases without disturbing the subject at all by making them aware you are photographing them. Look for scenes with interesting colors, or interesting people doing things that you may not be used to seeing at home. Make the photograph tell a story of another culture or way of life. See the photos below for examples.
All About Macro Photography
Macro Photography  Taking close-up photographs of a subject is called 'Macro Photography.' Technically macro photography is when the image projected on the film plane of a camera is the same size as the object in real life. This is referred to as a 1:1 ratio. More recently 'macro photography' has been expanded to describe ratios of 1:2 as well as general close up photography. (A 1:2 ratio means that the image projected on the film plane is half of its actual life size.) Many new point and shoot cameras can produce great macro photography results. However, to achieve a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio you generally need a macro lens on an SLR camera. A basic setup for macro photography could be a Canon T1i with a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 compact macro lens. A lens with macro capabilities allows the camera to focus on a subject that is much closer to the lens than a normal lens would allow. Therefore a lens with macro capabilities allows a photographer to focus on and photograph a tiny subject with fine details and achieve the 1:1 ratio. This can allow a large, high quality print of the small subject to be produced. Macro lenses come in a wide variety of focal lengths. Each macro lens can be used to photograph a variety of different subjects depending on the focal length: - 35-60mm range is typically used to photograph products and other small objects.
- 75-125mm range is the focal length range typically used for flowers and insects.
- 150-200mm+ range is generally used for insects and small animals.
Another tool for macro photography is an extension tube. An extension tube is basically a tube with a lens mount on one end and a camera mount on the other. This allows the extension tube to fit between the camera and the lens. An extension tube has no optics in it and is used to extend the distance between the lens and the film plane in the camera. An extension tube works in the same way bellows on a camera do, they simply extend the distance of the lens from the film plane. The further the lens is away from the film plane, the closer the lens can focus on the subject and therefore the larger the subject will appear when projected on the film plane. However, there is a trade off, the longer the extension tube, the more light loss there is, requiring a longer exposure. Some extension tubes do not have electronic contacts and therefore will not allow for auto focus or electronic aperture functions to be used. Keep this in mind when shopping for an extension tube.  Another option for macro photography is a close-up lens, (sometimes referred to as a close-up filter.) A close-up lens works in the same way a magnifying lens does. The close-up lens allows any lens to focus closer to a subject. The close-up lens simply screws onto the front of a lens in the same place a filter would attach to the lens. This allows any lens to be used for macro photography.  A telephoto extender can also produce macro capabilities. A telephoto extender (sometimes referred to as a teleconverter) is simply a secondary lens, placed between the camera and the lens that enlarges the image produced by the lens and projects it onto the film plane. A telephoto extender effectively extends the focal length of a lens. For example a 2x telephoto extender when mounted with a 150mm lens will produce the effect of a lens with a focal length of a 300mm. Telephoto extenders generally come in 1.4x, 1.7x, 2x and 3x models. The downside to a telephoto extender is that like an extension tube, a telephoto extender decreases the amount of light that reaches the film plane, requiring a longer exposure time. While a telephoto extender allows the photographer to zoom in closer to a subject, the focusing distance remains the same.  Reversing the lens is another technique for macro photography. Reversing the lens is exactly what it sounds like, using a reversing ring to mount the lens backwards on the camera body. A reversing ring is an adapter that screws onto the filter threads on the front of a lens and allows the lens to be mounted in reverse to the camera body. This can be a good quality, low cost way to use lenses you may already have to take macro photographs. This technique can be combined with extension tubes or bellows to achieve even closer focus.  It is even possible to mount a reversed lens in front of a normally mounted lens for use in macro photography. To do this, the reverse mounted lens must be of lesser focal length than the normally mounted lens. The normal lens is attached to the camera in the standard way, and then the other lens is reverse mounted to the front of the normally mounted lens by using a macro coupler. The macro coupler screws into the filter threads on both of the lenses and allows the lenses to be joined together. Using this technique also allows most cameras to maintain full function of electronic features on the normally mounted lens. The magnification ratio can be calculated by dividing the focal length of the normally mounted lens by the focal length of the reverse mounted lens. For example, when a 15mm lens is reverse mounted on a 300mm lens the resulting magnification ratio will be 20:1.  Other things to consider in macro photography:Depth of field is an important consideration in macro photography. In macro photography depth of field becomes very shallow. Limited depth of field in macro photography makes it essential to focus on the most important part of the subject being photographed. Even parts of a subject slightly in front or behind the focal plane can be noticeably out of focus. It may be necessary to use a small aperture at achieve an acceptable depth of field. Lighting is another important element to consider in macro photography. Lighting can be especially important because of the need to use a small aperture. However, achieving a bright, well lit subject may be difficult in macro photography simply because of the close proximity of the lens to the subject. A tool known as a ring flash, such as the Canon Macro Ring Light MR-14EX can be used to light a subject that is very close to the lens. A ring flash is a circular flash that is mounted around the front of a lens.  Labels: close-up, flower, flowers, insect, macro, macro photography, nature, photographer, Photography
New Canon EOS Rebel T1I / 500d in stock!!!
The BRAND NEW Canon Rebel T1I / 500D will be in stock tomorrow, Friday 4/24!!!
 That's right! The brand new addition to Canons successful digital EOS Rebel series will be in stock at Berger Brothers Camera this Friday April 24!
The Canon EOS Rebel T1i (500d) is Canons newest digital SLR camera in the popular Rebel series of entry-level DSLR cameras. The Rebel T1i is the fifth generation of digital Rebels from Canon and is being released just over a year after its predecessor, the EOS Rebel XSi (450d).
The new Rebel T1i has some great new features that make it a great entry-level DSLR camera and a nice upgrade from the Rebel XSi. First and foremost, the Rebel T1i features a newly designed APS size 15.1 MP Canon CMOS sensor similar to the one that appears in the Canon 50d, but specially designed for the Rebel T1i. This makes the Rebel T1i a great camera for making large prints or allowing for tremendous cropping ability while still maintaining great print quality.
The Rebel T1i is first DSLR camera to feature video. In fact the Rebel T1i features 1080p HD video! An HDMI port allows the Rebel T1i to be connected to HDTVs and monitors for easy viewing of video and still images.
Also new to the Rebel series is the 3" Clear View LCD screen that features a 920,000 dot VGA monitor. This is the same screen that is used on Canons more expensive 5D MarkII DSLR. This allows users to have a large preview of their images to check focus, composition and exposure. The Rebel T1i also features a 'live view' mode that allows real time images to be displayed on the rear LCD, allowing for compact camera style shooting with DSLR quality images.
The Canon DIGIC 4 processor allows for continuous shooting at speeds up to 3.4 frames per second up to 170 jpgs, making the Rebel T1i a great choice for parents wishing to shoot action shots of their young sports stars.
The Rebel T1i has many of the features found on the Canon 50d, packed into a lighter body similar to the Rebel XSi body.
Overview of the Rebel T1i features:
- 15.1 Canon APS size CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 100-3200 (expandable to 6400 and 12800)
- Full HD video recording at resolutions up to 1920x1080 (20fps at 1920x1080; 30fps at 1280x720 and 640x480)
- HDMI connection to allowing for viewing on HDTVs
- 3.4 Frames per second burst rate shooting for up to 170 jpgs or 9 RAW images
- Large 3" Clear View LCD screen with Live View mode
- 35 zone evaluative metering
- 9 Auto-focus points with cross type center point (AI focus, One Shot and AI Servo modes)
- EOS integrated sensor cleaning system
- Compatible with all Rebel XSi accessories
- Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-Speedlites
 Also new from Canon is the Speedlite 270EX Flash
The Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash replaces the 220EX Speedlite. The 270EX features a pivoting flash head that allows the flash head to pivot up for bounce flash photography.
Labels: 270ex, cameras, canon, d500, digital, dslr, eos, flash, lens, new, news, Photo, photographic, Photography, rebel, SLR, speedlite, t1i
Getting & Hanging a Show
Here are a few tips for those of you interested in having your photographs seen in a gallery.
You should have 20 to 30 very good images - properly exposed and focused with a consistent viewpoint or unique look. Recognize that there is tremendous competition to have work accepted by a gallery. Do not let this deter you but you must do your homework. Visit any gallery several times before approaching them to make sure that what you are doing fits with what they are showing. Other wise you are wasting your time.
Assuming your work is similar to what they have been showing; ask how they want to see submissions, e.g., prints, cd or website - give it to them the way they want it! If a gallery accepts your work, be prepared to give over half the profits to the gallery.
Another path is to approach so called "vanity galleries." These galleries usually charge you to hang a show and are more interested in your money then the quality of your work. They will give your work exposure but offer no feather for your cap.
If you do get a show put a lot of energy into promoting it. Advertising can be expensive but not making the effort is like not believing in your self. This is especially true if you manage to get into a major gallery. Give it your all.
Preparing to hang a show in a gallery presents many important decisions which you must make and some which the gallery makes for you.
The gallery will no doubt have specific rules for how your work should be signed. Typically, you will be signing photographic prints on the back and listing the title, date taken, media type, e.g., digital print or C print, etc. and width and height of image.
As to signing and putting a title on the mat, there are two schools of thought. Some think you shouldn't put anything on mat front that will detract from image. Others see no problem with this. The decision is yours.
Another big question is whether to cut your own mats. This ties in with whether to use custom or standard image sizes. If you are cropping your images to odd sizes and must custom cut mats it will really escalate costs. Using standard image sizes will let you buy pre-cut mats and find better deals on frames.
If you do cut your own mats, make sure the cuts are clean and crisp. Nothing will detract from your image more then a sloppy mat. You can make matting easier by printing all your work at a standard canvas size but using a smaller image size. For instance, printing a 7.5 x 11.5 image on a standard size 8 x 12 paper.
As for frames...simple black frames are usually the best presentation vehicles. Glass is cheaper but not suitable for larger size frames. Plexiglas can scratch easily. It comes in different types: non glare is the best but costs more.
Good luck, Ken Nadle
Comments and suggestions about this and future newsletters are welcome: Email me at Ken@berger-bros.com.
KEN NADLE - editor
www.Berger-Bros.com
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