Where to Put Those Endless Picture Files
Once you have a digital camera, you eliminate the pesky need to keep track of endless prints and negative sheets. While it might be tidier to store digital images, you aren't done with organizing and storing images. There are various options for data storage, and no one answer is right for everyone. In fact, there may be more than one right answer for you.
However you store your images, be sure to file them so they are easy to organize and find. Choose one system (by date, by theme, and so on) and stick to it. Create named folders on your hard drive or name compact discs, for instance, to store them. ALWAYS make copies of your images, leaving the originals intact, before you edit, alter or crop them.
The major storage methods are:
* Memory card, which is the method used to store it as you shoot.
* Memory cards are inserted into your digital camera, and will have a set capacity (say, for instance, 256 MB). If you rarely shoot and if you shoot images at a low setting (say 1 or 2 megapixels), you may actually be able to keep your pictures on the card until you run out. For most people, this method will be used for what it was intended: temporary storage. After you are ready to shift the images over to your computer, they will then be located on your hard drive.
* The hard drive is where most people store the bulk of their images. This is a good option, but isn't without problems. For instance, if you have all of your images on your hard drive and it crashes or becomes infected with a virus, you've lost all your precious images. A horrible thought, of course! Do use the hard drive, but also back up all images right as you transfer them to the hard drive by any secondary method (there are some listed below).
* Printing images is, I suppose, another way of storing them. Never use this as the only method, however, because a scanned photo print will always have far less quality than the original image file. It is one way to create a backup, and is an easy way to quickly see what the images look like. Additionally, prints are prone to all sorts of potential damage from water, heat, light, etc.
* The compact disc is a wonderful way to store images, it can be rather efficient and it is relatively easy to set up. The downside is you need a CD-burner to use this method. If you do have one, simply keep a running backup of all your images. Be sure to pay special attention to organization so you don't wind up popping ten CDs in just to hunt down one photo. When you burn a new CD of images, write down the dates and descriptions of the photos on the CD. Or name the CDs and keep a notebook that lists what is on each CD. Better yet, make an index print of images on each CD and write the CD name on top of the print.
* The DVD is even better, as it can probably store all your images on one disc. If you have a DVD burner, buy a rewritable DVD and just keep adding your image files (preferably organized in folders) to the DVD.
* Online storage is also great, although there are sometimes limits to image file size. This is also a great way to share images with friends and family, and avoids the need to e-mail large files. For a comprehensive list of sites that offer this service, see Share Your Photos Online.
Whatever you do, don't neglect this issue and take a relaxed attitude towards photo storage. I would select two of the above images at the least, and consistently store your images with those methods.
http://cameras.about.com/cs/printing/a/storage.htm
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Nikon D50 Digital SLR Camera Review
User Submitted Digital Camera Reviews, Opinions and Ratings
COMPARE PRICES
Submit your own review of this or another digital camera or accessory
When color is key, the Nikon D50 delivers.
Color photos taken with the D50 turn out vibrant and bold, and the camera is especially good when it comes to skin tones. This makes the Nikon D50 the ideal camera for anyone who enjoys color portrait photography. If you don't want to draw attention to yourself when you're taking candid portraits, the D50's quiet shutter is going to suit you well.
KEY FEATURES
The 6.0 megapixel sensor inside the camera will let you print your digital photographs clearly up to a size of 12x16 inches. The camera features a large two-inch LCD that displays bright colorful images.
The D50 stores photos on SD memory cards, which are not much larger than the common postage stamp.
DRAWBACKS
The Nikon D50 is a great all-around camera but is plagued by a variety of minor inconveniences. All of these put together make the camera less intuitive than the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, which is exceptionally easy to use.
First, common camera feature are backwards on the D50. For example, most digital SLR lenses attach to the camera body with a clockwise twist. With the Nikon, it is counterclockwise.
Every digital SLR I have ever used showed an exposure scale with minus (or under-exposure) on the left and plus (or over-exposure) on the right. On the D50, it's the other way around.
If you want to change a camera setting like ISO on most digital SLRs, you just push the ISO button once, let go, and then set the ISO to the value you want. With the Nikon, you have to hold down the ISO button continuously as you are spinning a dial to ensure that you get the proper setting.
Like I said, each one of these on its own is fairly minor.
Photographers who enjoy using manual settings on their cameras will have some difficulty getting used to the way the Nikon operates. Photographers who leave their cameras on automatic all the time won't have any issues at all.
LOOK AND FEEL
My first impression of the Nikon D50 was that it felt cheap, but I am biased. I am used to digital SLR cameras that can double as weights when I'm not taking photos. Since the Nikon D50 camera body is made of a composite and not metal, this greatly reduces the weight of the camera but should not affect its durability.
Once I got used to it, I found that it was much easier to carry the Nikon D50 around with me everywhere I went without getting a neck cramp from the camera strap.
The camera grip is large and should feel pretty comfortable, even for people with larger hands. Most camera controls can be changed with a dial on the back of the camera, but advanced settings require holding down different buttons on the camera body and turning the dial. The camera's menus are clear and let you change more advanced camera settings with the push of a button.
IN USE
The Nikon D50 is geared toward photographers who like program modes. Program modes let you choose the type of photo you are taking (landscape, portrait, night shot) and they adjust the camera settings accordingly.
The Nikon features a program mode I have not seen on other digital SLRs: children. I did take a lot of photos of my son in this mode and most of the photos turned out remarkably well.
I was consistently impressed with how the Nikon D50 captures color. I put the camera though its paces, and photographed in a variety of conditions including shade, bright sun and sunset. The fall colors of leaves (vibrant reds and yellows) turned out as bright as they had seemed when I took the photo.
Skin color in portraits was warm and made the subjects glow. Of special interest to portrait photographers is the Nikon's ability to capture eye color. Time and again I was surprised by the intense eye color in both human and animal subjects, something I rarely notice with other digital SLRs.
I was also surprised about how quiet the Nikon D50 is. I am used to digital SLR cameras that make a lot of noise. It's hard to be discreet or take photos in quiet locations when there's a loud snap every time you take a photo.
SUMMARY
I like this camera, but would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys using manual controls due to the difficulties adjusting camera settings while taking photos. For these photographers, there are other cameras that are easier to use.
For photographers who are looking for the advantage of digital SLR but don't want to use all the manual settings, this is a fantastic camera.
It is ideal for hikers, travelers and anyone who wants a camera they can carry with them. Its color accuracy works well for both landscape photographers and portrait enthusiasts alike.
http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalcamerareviews/a/nikond50.htm
COMPARE PRICES
Submit your own review of this or another digital camera or accessory
When color is key, the Nikon D50 delivers.
Color photos taken with the D50 turn out vibrant and bold, and the camera is especially good when it comes to skin tones. This makes the Nikon D50 the ideal camera for anyone who enjoys color portrait photography. If you don't want to draw attention to yourself when you're taking candid portraits, the D50's quiet shutter is going to suit you well.
KEY FEATURES
The 6.0 megapixel sensor inside the camera will let you print your digital photographs clearly up to a size of 12x16 inches. The camera features a large two-inch LCD that displays bright colorful images.
The D50 stores photos on SD memory cards, which are not much larger than the common postage stamp.
DRAWBACKS
The Nikon D50 is a great all-around camera but is plagued by a variety of minor inconveniences. All of these put together make the camera less intuitive than the Konica Minolta Maxxum 5D, which is exceptionally easy to use.
First, common camera feature are backwards on the D50. For example, most digital SLR lenses attach to the camera body with a clockwise twist. With the Nikon, it is counterclockwise.
Every digital SLR I have ever used showed an exposure scale with minus (or under-exposure) on the left and plus (or over-exposure) on the right. On the D50, it's the other way around.
If you want to change a camera setting like ISO on most digital SLRs, you just push the ISO button once, let go, and then set the ISO to the value you want. With the Nikon, you have to hold down the ISO button continuously as you are spinning a dial to ensure that you get the proper setting.
Like I said, each one of these on its own is fairly minor.
Photographers who enjoy using manual settings on their cameras will have some difficulty getting used to the way the Nikon operates. Photographers who leave their cameras on automatic all the time won't have any issues at all.
LOOK AND FEEL
My first impression of the Nikon D50 was that it felt cheap, but I am biased. I am used to digital SLR cameras that can double as weights when I'm not taking photos. Since the Nikon D50 camera body is made of a composite and not metal, this greatly reduces the weight of the camera but should not affect its durability.
Once I got used to it, I found that it was much easier to carry the Nikon D50 around with me everywhere I went without getting a neck cramp from the camera strap.
The camera grip is large and should feel pretty comfortable, even for people with larger hands. Most camera controls can be changed with a dial on the back of the camera, but advanced settings require holding down different buttons on the camera body and turning the dial. The camera's menus are clear and let you change more advanced camera settings with the push of a button.
IN USE
The Nikon D50 is geared toward photographers who like program modes. Program modes let you choose the type of photo you are taking (landscape, portrait, night shot) and they adjust the camera settings accordingly.
The Nikon features a program mode I have not seen on other digital SLRs: children. I did take a lot of photos of my son in this mode and most of the photos turned out remarkably well.
I was consistently impressed with how the Nikon D50 captures color. I put the camera though its paces, and photographed in a variety of conditions including shade, bright sun and sunset. The fall colors of leaves (vibrant reds and yellows) turned out as bright as they had seemed when I took the photo.
Skin color in portraits was warm and made the subjects glow. Of special interest to portrait photographers is the Nikon's ability to capture eye color. Time and again I was surprised by the intense eye color in both human and animal subjects, something I rarely notice with other digital SLRs.
I was also surprised about how quiet the Nikon D50 is. I am used to digital SLR cameras that make a lot of noise. It's hard to be discreet or take photos in quiet locations when there's a loud snap every time you take a photo.
SUMMARY
I like this camera, but would not recommend it to anyone who enjoys using manual controls due to the difficulties adjusting camera settings while taking photos. For these photographers, there are other cameras that are easier to use.
For photographers who are looking for the advantage of digital SLR but don't want to use all the manual settings, this is a fantastic camera.
It is ideal for hikers, travelers and anyone who wants a camera they can carry with them. Its color accuracy works well for both landscape photographers and portrait enthusiasts alike.
http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalcamerareviews/a/nikond50.htm
Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera Review
User Submitted Digital Camera Reviews, Opinions and Ratings
COMPARE PRICES
Submit your own review of this or another digital camera or accessory
Nikon D70, in my opinion, is one of my best ever purchases. In a nutshell, this camera is cheap, even more so now that the D70s has been released.
This camera is sharp and very quick in most terms (i.e. shutter speed and buffer). I got it with the 18-70mm DX lens, and I have purchased another lens from eBay, a Sigma 70-210mm f4-f5.6 and a set of close up filters, a circular polorising filter and a couple of 1GB cards. I consider this to be for me an almost complete kit.
The camera itself is very robust and feels solid to hold and use.In all, I am very impressed with every aspect of this camera and I believe it will be my main camera for a long time to come.
I give this camera a 5 out of 5 rating because, as a budget SLR camera user, I cannot fault this.
My only small gripe is that images can be a little flat and unsaturated, but with a little computer know-how these can easily be brought back. If you read up on the camera's instructions and take control, you can up the contrast and saturation in the settings to your liking. I'll add that this may just be a question of prefference, as I tend to like well saturated images.
Lee has been taking pictures for as long as he can remember, but started to get more serious about photography about 5 years ago when he bought a Canon S50. Last year, he decided to move into the D-slr side of taking photo's and bought a Nikon D70 SLR. He also hosts a Web site, http://www.lenphotografix.co.uk.
http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalcamerareviews/a/nikond70.htm
COMPARE PRICES
Submit your own review of this or another digital camera or accessory
Nikon D70, in my opinion, is one of my best ever purchases. In a nutshell, this camera is cheap, even more so now that the D70s has been released.
This camera is sharp and very quick in most terms (i.e. shutter speed and buffer). I got it with the 18-70mm DX lens, and I have purchased another lens from eBay, a Sigma 70-210mm f4-f5.6 and a set of close up filters, a circular polorising filter and a couple of 1GB cards. I consider this to be for me an almost complete kit.
The camera itself is very robust and feels solid to hold and use.In all, I am very impressed with every aspect of this camera and I believe it will be my main camera for a long time to come.
I give this camera a 5 out of 5 rating because, as a budget SLR camera user, I cannot fault this.
My only small gripe is that images can be a little flat and unsaturated, but with a little computer know-how these can easily be brought back. If you read up on the camera's instructions and take control, you can up the contrast and saturation in the settings to your liking. I'll add that this may just be a question of prefference, as I tend to like well saturated images.
Lee has been taking pictures for as long as he can remember, but started to get more serious about photography about 5 years ago when he bought a Canon S50. Last year, he decided to move into the D-slr side of taking photo's and bought a Nikon D70 SLR. He also hosts a Web site, http://www.lenphotografix.co.uk.
http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalcamerareviews/a/nikond70.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)