Friday, June 8, 2007

Top 9 Digital Camera and Photography Magazines

As digital cameras and photography have grown in popularity in recent years, the number and quality of magazines devoted to pros and hobbyists has grown. There are magazines geared more towards computer users, and those targeting outdoor photographers. Whatever your focus, this list is sure to include the perfect digital camera and photography magazine for you.

1) Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine

This is a great photography magazine and probably the most popular one out there. The nice thing about this magazine is there's something for everyone: how to articles for beginners, reviews of cameras, accessories and software, as well as buying advice.
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2) Shutterbug Magazine

This large-format magazine is packed with tips (better suited for intermediate and advanced photographers, although beginners will learn a lot from each issue). There are lots of photos. The best aspect of this magazine is that you can find tons of advice on specific photography categories, like portraits and travel.
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3) PC Photo Magazine

If you are all digital all the way, this is the camera and photography magazine for you. The entire magazine approaches cameras and photography from the digital and computer perspective. There are great articles about digital printing, the hottest new digital camera models and how to use your digital camera and accessories.
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4) Outdoor Photography Magazine

If photographing the outdoors, be it scenics, sports, wildlife or nature, then this magazine is perfect. There are many photos to provide inspiration, as well as tips on outdoor photography. The magazine isn't limited to these subjects, however, and there are also great digital camera and photography articles.
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5) American Photo Magazine

Geared more for advanced amateurs and professionals, this magazine takes in-depth looks at the works of some of the world's best photographers. While it features standard fare like buying advice, the best part is the articles geared at the interests and imagination of photographers.
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6) Photo District News

For the professional photography, this is the ultimate industry news magazine. Pros share their secrets and tips. There is advice on the business side of photography. There are reviews of pro gear.
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7) Picture Magazine

Whether you are already a pro or just hope to be, this advanced level photography magazine is a great choice. The magazine provides practical advice, reviews of photo gear and various methods of selling and displaying photographs.
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8) Aperture Magazine

This magazine may only come out quarterly, but the high quality of the pages and printing make it worth the wait. This is an essential subscription for the serious photographer.
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9) Blind Spot Magazine

This magazine is best suited for the fine arts or gallery photographer. The magazine is more than an information source, but is of coffee-table caliber.
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http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalcamera101/tp/photomagazines.htm

iPhone Camera

The Apple iPhone's 3.5-inch screen makes it easy to view photos

Analysis of the Photo Capabilities and Features of the Apple iPhone

The Apple iPhone camera features are impressive for a camera phone, including 2 megapixels, fabulous image image management software, the ability to sync with images on your computer and the ability to email images. Here is a breakdown of the Apple iPhone's camera.

iPhone image quality

The Apple iPhone's camera features 2 megapixels. This isn't exactly hot, but it's better than most camera phones on the market (many of which have 1.3 megapixels at best, and even more have less than a megapixel). Don't expect to make great prints, but these pictures are fine for email and Web sharing.

iPhone Image Management

Most camera phones have only the most basic of image management software, usually just featuring the ability to review, delete, save and send images. The iPhone goes much further.

The software features playlist-like galleries of images by subject, and you can crop and send phones right on-screen.

You can use photos as wallpaper, email them to friends or assign them to a phonebook contact. The 3.5-inch display screen allows you to actually see your photos on-screen, instead of squinting at tiny images.

Sharing pictures with iPhone

A key feature of the iPhone is the ability to sync it with your computer to move images onto the iPhone. The iPhone, with a choice between 4GB and 8GB, can hold a decent number of images, especially if they are not from high-megapixel cameras or have been resized.

There are also many ways to share images, not just by SMS or MMS text messaging but through several email options. You also get an on-screen keyboard for typing messages.

The iPhone works with POP email accounts, and with the following email services:

  • Yahoo! Mail
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Apple .Mac Mail
  • AOL Mail
  • Google Gmail

More on the Apple iPhone

Here is more information on the Apple iPhone:
  • Apple Announced iPhone at Macworld
  • Whose iPhone - Cisco or Apple?
  • Official Apple iPhone site
  • iPhone Countdown Clock for Mac OS X dashboard
More on Camera Phones

Top Camera PhonesCell Phones with 7 Megapixels50 Emergency Uses for Your Camera Phone

Camera Phones PDAs

Mach Speed Trio TV5 Combo CameraTop 50 Emergency Uses for Your Camera PhoneMiniature Digital Cameras: Convenience or Invasion of P...Top Cellphone/PDA Combo Cameras

http://cameras.about.com/od/cameraphonespdas/a/iPhonecamera.htm


Canon PowerShot SD900 Digital Camera

The Bottom Line

The Canon PowerShot SD900 digital ELPH camera is an advanced digicam that produces amazing pictures. This is the perfect camera for someone seeking a step up from the typical point-and-shoot, featuring an impressive 10-megapixel CCD, pure titanium body and face detection technology.

Pros
  • 10 megapixels
  • Face-detection technology
  • Made of pure titanium
Cons
  • Optical zoom is just 3x
  • Manual controls are limited
  • More expensive than your typical point-and-shoot

Description

  • Large 2.5-inch LCD display screen
  • Shutter speed as fast as 1/2000th of a second.
  • Continuous shooting up to 2.1 frames per second.
  • Shooting modes include Portrait, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, Kids & Pets, Macro and Stitch Assist.

Guide Review - Canon PowerShot SD900 Digital Camera

There is very little bad to say about the Canon PowerShot SD900 digital camera. This 10-megapixel compact camera is a hard worker, and yet is still comfortable to handle and easy to use. The design is well thought-out, and the features are impressive.

Canon PowerShot SD900 and Portraits

One of the best reasons to get this camera is the ability to take dazzling pictures. The camera features the amazing face detection technology. This means that by simply depressing the button halfway, the camera will automatically focus on the nearest face.

It also performs well in low-light situations, even boasting a potential ISO 3200 if you sacrifice image size. This can be a tremendous benefit to allow shooters to avoid capturing dreaded red-eye caused by a flash. With image stabilization and a fast shutter speed, this is a great camera for capturing people in images.

The Powershot SD900 Build

This camera's titanium body not only looks slick, but is durable. You can also purchase an optional waterproof case to convert the SD900 into an underwater camera (another great application of the low-light and image stabilization capabilities).

What You Don't Get with the PowerShot SD900

While this is a wonderful and feature-rich point-and-shoot, there are certain things that must be sacrificed. Since it's compact, the optical zoom is a minimum acceptible level of 3x. While there are manual controls, they are limited and will be insufficient for the most advanced users (but they should consider getting an SLR anyway). This is also not the camera if compact and cute is your only goal, as there are others that are smaller.

Canon PowerShot SD900 in Summary

This is the highest megapixel level of a digital ELPH, and it's got some impressive features. This is the right camera for the photographer who wants to take pictures to the next level.

http://cameras.about.com/od/advancedcamerareviews/gr/canonsd900.htm

Top 5 Portable Digital Photo Storage Devices

Archos AV 700 40 GB Mobile Digital Video RecorderPortable digital photo storage devices are a wonderful way to back up and save images, especially if you're shooting pictures while traveling. Some of the devices can hold as many photos (maybe even more) as your home computer, and many double as DVRs, mp3 players, video players and more. They also allow you to easily show off your favorite pictures. Here is a list of top portable digital photo storage devices.

1) Archos AV 700 40 GB Mobile Digital Video Recorder
What doesn't this amazing little device do? Packed in this tiny 20-ounce dynamo, you get a digital video recorder, mp3 player, video recorder and player, portable hard drive and, oh yeah, a photo storage device that holds up to 40,000 pictures. The 7-inch screen makes it actually pleasant to watch shows or view picture slide shows. You can transfer photos directly to this device via a USB port, perfect for road warriors.

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2) Apple iPod Video 5th Generation 60GB Media Player
The 5th generation iPod adds video capability, and the choice of several cool TV shows to download at iTunes. Photogs will appreciate the amazing 60 GB storage capacity, which holds tens of thousands of pictures. It is nicely portable, is slender and weighs a measly 5.5 ounces. On the downside, if you want to transfer photos directly to your iPod, you will need an iPod camera link connector.

3) Epson P-2000 40GB Multimedia Storage Viewer
What I like about this portable digital photo storage device is the option of inserting a Compact Flash or Secure Digital memory card to transfer photos on the go. It features a 3.8-inch screen, and also plays video and mp3 files. It supports JPEG and select RAW files.

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4) Kodak Easyshare Picture Viewer
What this storage device lacks in capacity and features, it makes up for with a rock-bottom pricetag about one-tenth the cost of its competitors. It won't hold a lot of photos (150 in internal storage, compared to 40,000 with some others). It also holds Secure Digital cards for additional pictures. If you are simply looking for a cheap way to carry photos around to show off, though, this is a true bargain.

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5) SmartDisk FlashTrax XT 80GB Portable Multimedia Player/Recorder
If major storage is what you need, this is the prime choice. It's especially handy for travelers, avid photographers and even professional photographers. It accepts photos via Compact Flash memory cards, or you can buy the optional memory card adaptor for other card types. You'll love the flip-up screen and remote control for reviewing photos after a long day of shooting, or for simply watching videos or listening to mp3 files.
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http://cameras.about.com/od/printing/tp/photostorage.htm

Before You Buy a Photo Printer

Photo printer buying can be challenging. You need to look at speed, paper printing size, ink cartridge types and features. You need to decide if you want a compact photo printer, printer dock, combo printer or standard full-sized printer. Here are tips before you buy a photo printer.

Pick the Type of Photo Printer

You need to consider how you will use your photo printer. If you want to also be able to send faxes and scan pictures and documents, a combo unit is probably best.

If you simply want to print nice 4"x6" images easily and even while traveling, a compact photo printer is the best choice. If you do most of your printing in one place and want the option of 8"x10" prints, go with a standard full-sized printer. If you are a pro or want impressive prints in large sizes, go with a large-paper printer.

Decide on the Quality of Your Photo Prints

The dpi of a printer is a crucial aspect. If you will simply make lots of smaller 4"x6" prints, this isn't as important. But if you plan to do enlargments, particularly above 8"x10", you will want to examine and compare the print resolution. Look for at least 4800 dpi for larger photo prints.

Connecting to Your Camera, Computer and Images

Most printers now come with PictBridge to ease connection directly from camera to printer, and most connect to your computer with a USB cable. You should also consider other options that may be important. Memory card slots built right onto the printer are a handy option, but just be sure the printer accepts

Ink Cartridges for Photo Printers

The more ink cartridges your photo printer uses, the better quality the prints will be. This also means that when you run out of just one color, you won't be paying to replace all colors. On the downside, you will need to buy catridges more often because there are more that can run out.

http://cameras.about.com/od/digitalphotoreviews/bb/buyaprinter.htm