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

-8.0 MP, 3x zoom,Vibration Reduction,2.5" LCD, ISO 2000Nikon Leather Case, 2 Yr Extended
Service Coverage
-Available in plum, graphite black, brushed bronze and cool blue at a $30 instant savings from May 1st until May 10th




D-SLR's

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

Video Cameras

• 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.

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Labels: digital news

 

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DIGITAL NEWS - APRIL 2008

In This Issue

• 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

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

 

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DIGITAL NEWS - March 2008

In This Issue Who was Henri Cartier-Bresson A Cutting Edge Device Nikon D300 Firmware Update Berger Bros. School of Photography & Digital Imaging JPEG vs RAW Nikon D60 D-SLR

Henri Cartier-Bresson was, arguably, one of the greatest "Street" photographers of the 20th century. He was so dedicated to his art that he wore a paper bag over his head when on stage to receive a Pulitzer prize so that his ability to work surreptitiously would not be jeopardized. Berger Bros. Camera can't help you remain incognito but we do like helping customers with a passion for photography. This is a terrific device! The Promaster Xtra Power GO! Digital Charger & Power Supply lets you charge your digital point and shoot or D-SLR camera battery or power your USB device ANYWHERE - ANYTIME. The GO! internal power supply lets you recharge your digital camera battery up to 5 times before it needs to be refreshed. To refresh, just plug the device in to any A/C or D/C power source and you can count on five more charges when you are in the middle of nowhere. There are five models ranging in price from $79.99 to $99.99 Nikon D300 Firmware Update Nikon has released Firmware v.102 for its D300 digital SLR. The update resolves an issue with vertical banding which can appear in images that have been taken at shutter speeds slower than 8 seconds. If you purchased your D300 at Berger Bros. Camera, just bring it to our Amityville store for a free update (a $29.99 value) BERGER BROS. SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL IMAGING Do not miss out on a terrific opportunity to advance your knowledge of photography. The teachers at Berger Bros. School of Photography & Digital Imaging are experts in what they teach and the subjects covered are varied enough so as to appeal to just about any interest and level of expertise. One such class, is Sports Photography - Designed for the intermediate to advanced photographer who wants to learn the tricks of the trade to photograph sports like a true professional. The instructor is Dan Neri, our employee, a freelance sports photographer specializing in sports and motor sports photography, Dan has been shooting professionally for over 15 years. Dan's portfolio contains striking images ranging from Professional and youth sports to Top Fuel Dragsters and military fighter jets. His passion for action and sport is evident in the way he shoots. He wants the viewer to feel the speed, power, and intensity of the moment. Wildlife and underwater photography are also specialties, and the serenity of the outdoors is always a welcome change. Dan frequently covers the NY Yankees & Mets, NY Giants, NY Islanders & Rangers, and the NJ Devils for various publications. Check out his site and work at DanNeri.com This class is $69.95 and will be given at the Syosset store on Saturday, March 29th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. And, if you want to learn post processing, Yvonne Berger, who is a professional photographer and Photoshop expert teaches several courses including Photoshop Elements for Beginners, Photoshop Elements Intermediate, Photoshop CS3, Photoshop Lightroom, Secrets to Retouching, Collaging, and Macro (close-up) Photography. Yvonne specializes in product, food and interior photography. She currently has a photo restoration and retouching business, which has her working in Photoshop everyday. She is a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Her stock photography is represented by Omni-Photo in New York City. Yvonne also takes groups of people out shooting for the day. The next issue will give details of her nature photo safari and her city streets photo shoot. Please checkout our Calendar for dates, times and details. Nikon Speedlite owners - if you have been scratching your head, trying to figure out how to use that Nikon SB 800, 600 or 400 help is on the way! Yvonne Berger will make it easy on Monday, May 19th at 6:30pm in the Syosset store - $49.95. JPEG vs. RAW Today, practically all digital SLR's offer the ability to capture photos in either JPEG or RAW or both simultaneously. Briefly stated, images captured in the RAW format are not modified or compressed in the camera and must be post processed in the computer. JPEG images are compressed in the camera and all settings (exposure, white balance, color space, noise reduction, sharpness and contrast) are applied before being posted to the memory card. Shooting in JPEG gives you ready to print images right out of the camera. Normally, no post processing is required. however, if the file is post processed, because it is a compressed file, sometimes referred to as 'lossy', each time it is opened, worked on and saved, some data is lost. You can get around this shortcoming by renaming the file using the "Save As" option. Because JPEG's are smaller, more manageable files, faster burst speeds are possible when shooting in continuous mode and many more images can fit on the memory card. Also, because JPEG's are written in a universally recognized format, they are readable by all imaging programs and easily transmitted wirelessly or via e-mail. Shooting in RAW means having to post process every shot but gaining much more control (your computer has more processing power than your camera) and you can overcome any mistakes you made when choosing camera settings, e.g., incorrect exposure or white balance settings. A big plus for RAW is that when post processing the format is non-destructive or 'non-lossy.' No matter how many changes you make, the original RAW file is untouched. Further, RAW captures 12 bits of brightness data while JPEG's capture 8. What this means is that an image shot in RAW has 4,096 discrete levels of brightness and a JPEG has only 256. It should be noted that after enjoying the advantages of post processing in the RAW format, the final image can be easily converted to JPEG (you can not convert a JPEG to RAW). The newer DSLR's let you shoot in RAW and JPEG fine at the same time so you get the best of both worlds albeit much larger files. If you are fascinated by digital photography, I predict, you will not be able to resist the tug of shooting RAW. Yes, there is a lot to learn but if having more control over image quality is important to you; if you are shooting a once in a lifetime event - RAW is the way to go. The Nikon D60 DSLR If you are looking for a D-SLR that is easy to carry, easy to use with intuitive controls and can take 500 images per battery charge, then the D60 is a great choice. The D60 is a 10.2 MP DSLR capable of shooting 3 frames per second, with fast start up and split-second shutter response. The D60 shares the same body as the D40x but internally adds an active dust control system, improved noise reduction and cleaner image processing. With a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 1600 and Nikon's new 18-55 vibration reduction image stabilization lens, the D60 is capable of use in a wide range of lighting conditions. It has eight shooting modes: Auto, Auto Flash-off, Portraits, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up and Night Portrait. IN THE NEXT ISSUE New Pentax K20 D New Canon 450D XSi DSLR Macro Photography of flowers, bugs, coins & stamps What Ansel Adams said about photography Breaking News, Alerts, Firmware Updates, and other things you should know

Labels: digital news

 

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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

 

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