Penn Camera

We have moved!!!

2011-09-01T04:05:00.000-04:00

Join us at:

www.penncamera.com/blog.asp

Gallery Opening for Photographer Gene Stevens

2011-01-18T11:45:00.001-05:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Gene Stevens
Penn Camera Rockville
Friday, January 21st
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Mr. Stevens has been working in the computer field for more than 40 years. During this time he has always been involved with photography. His first darkroom experience was in the early 1970’s in Germany and continued thru the early 1980s with a darkroom in his houses. After a hiatus brought on by daughter’s aversion to photography, the photographic juices got flowing with his documenting his son’s sports activities. Pro Photo was utilized to develop those prints and they suggested that he develop a portfolio and present those photos to Blanton Studio for possible employment as a sports freelance photographer. In that capacity, Mr. Stevens was the first photographer at Blanton to utilize digital images for high school sports using his 6 meg Fuji S2. At this point Mr. Stevens was able to see the results of his images and they began to improve dramatically. The computer replaced his darkroom.

After honing his skills with Blanton, Mr. Stevens was offered a unique opportunity to continue yearbook freelance sports photography with LifeTouch Studios but with a guaranteed minimum yearly stipend. Freelance frees have permitted Mr. Stevens to upgrade his camera from a Nikon F90 (90s, F100, Fuji S2, S3, S5) to the Nikon D700 to produce over 1.4 million digital images. Lenses were upgraded to the 2.8 series of Nikkor lenses as well as a couple of 1.4 lenses. Mr. Stevens has continued his development via schooling offered by Penn Camera. He got introduced to Adobe Lightroom and High Dynamic Range Photography by Chris Alvanas. Later Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS instruction, by Eilot Cohen of Penn Camera, permitted Mr. Stevens to take his photography to the next level. Using Trey Ratclift’s tutorials (Stuckincustoms.com), Mr. Stevens is preparing for his retirement from computer security positions when he will transition to photography full time. To that end, he has underwater images for sale at Atlantic Edge in Gaithersburg and has created a commercial web site http://clarityphoto.smugmug.com/ to complement his personal web site http://www.clarityphotos.com/ . Mr. Stevens hopes to expand his event photography (weddings and sports) to include travel, underwater, and commercial assignments.

CES 2011 Roundup

2011-01-18T08:21:00.000-05:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

The annual Consumer Electronics Show, or CES, wrapped up this past week in Las Vegas. The great thing about CES is that no matter what type of gadget you prefer, there is something for you. It is the Mecca of modern electronics, from 3DTV’s and GPS, to computers and software, new car technology, and everything in-between. Including of course, digital photography and video. Past years CES have always had something to delight fans of photography and this year was no exception. New models in everything from point and shoots, to high definition video, to interchangeable lens cameras. Here is a taste of some of the best new photographic products CES had to offer.

Let's start out with the point and shoot cameras, because there were some interesting new entries both at the entry level, and in the high end compacts as well. Canon debuted four new models in their venerable Powershot series, ranging from a model under $100, to a very nice looking higher-end model, the A3300IS, a 16 megapixel camera that also boasts a 5x optical zoom (with image stabilization), HD video recording, and a large 3" LCD screen. Believe it or not, the "A" series cameras are actually Canon's entry level line of Powershots, and even the A3300IS will sell for under $200 ($179 street). The next camera in the series is the A2200, which has a slightly smaller LCD screen, a 4x optical zoom, and steps down the resolution to 14 megapixels. It does retain the HD video recording, however.

Below that is the Canon A1200, essentially a 12 megapixel version of the A2200. The bargain of the bunch may just be the A800. At under $100 ($89 street) it still has 10 megapixels, though the video quality goes down to standard VGA resolution and it has the smallest screen of the group, albeit still somewhat large at 2.5". At the high end the most exciting compact was easily the Olympus XZ-1.It is aimed directly at the high performance compacts currently on the market, like the Panasonic LX-5, or the Canon S95. It boasts a high quality image sensor, along with HD video recording in a small frame. But that only scratches the surface. This camera has an impressive f1.8 lens, besting its closest competition, which have f/2 lenses. It can also take advantage of accessories via the accessory shoe, giving users the option of electronic viewfinders, flashes, and more. It has a dedicated low light mode, and combined with its fast lens and high-sensitivity sensor, this one could be a serious contender for best compact point and shoot. It will be priced to match, at $499.

Canon also unleashed a slew of new consumer camcorders, further extending their Vixia line of compact, high-performance compact video cameras. I lost count around the sixth model, I think there were eight new models total. Canon has completely redesigned the image sensor in their new HD camcorders, debuting the new “Canon HD CMOS Pro Chip”. Simply put, the company promises the sensor will deliver better image quality, as well as greatly increased low light performance. Sign me up. There is really a model available at almost every price point, and if you want features like full surround recording coupled with high resolution stills there is a model for you. Most of the models are upgradeable with accessories such as video lights, external microphones, everything you would need to get the most out of a small video camera. It would take too long to cover every model here, but as these models become available for purchase, we will have all the specs and pricing information on our website.

There were a few other notable photographic announcements, Olympus has announced a successor to their wildly popular mirror-less interchangeable lens camera, the EPL-1. Incredibly well received by enthusiasts, the company has not changed too much (if it’s not broke...), but have improved the auto-focus, which I can tell you, was already pretty good to begin with. Fuji debuted their anticipated X100, a 12 megapixel camera, with an APS-C sized sensor, which will certainly have some people eagerly awaiting a chance to see this very individually styled camera in action. Lady Gaga launched a line with Polaroid, I suppose to help add some of her pop star cred to a troubled company. Let’s hope it works. Every photographer I know has a soft spot for something Polaroid, whether they’ll admit it or not.

So we’ll end it there, the wrap up of this year’s CES is complete. These new models will be coming into stores soon, and if you want to know all the ins and outs of these models and others, you’ll need to stop by and visit our experts at your local Penn Camera. Trust me, we get even more excited than our customers, and that’s how you know you’ll get the best advice. So come see us soon. Until then, keep shooting!

December Photo Contest WINNERS

2011-01-07T11:45:00.003-05:00

December's contest theme was "Holidays" - Congratulations to the winners, and our thanks to everyone who submitted their photographs!

1st Place
Winner of an Olympus E-PL1
Bill Clayton - "Amid the Glitter"

2nd Place
Winner of the Olympus Tough-3000
Andrew Carbone - "Santa's Workshop"

3rd Place
Winner of a $25 Penn Camera Gift Card
Kristie Baxter - "Caesar"

The Memory of Christmas Past?

2010-12-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

By Tom Sullivan, Video Guru and Penn Camera Partner

Its Christmas morning before all the kids are up, and you’ve set-up the camcorder and adjusted the lights. You get your second cup of coffee and wake-up the kids to start the magic of the day. The kids squeal with glee and immediate attached the presents that at one time where so strategically arranged under the tree. They perform present opening acrobatics that defy gravity. You’re about to record the best surprise face you have ever seen. You zoom in, adjust your focus and hit the record button. The viewfinder screams “Memory Full” and your camcorder will not record. The moment is over and you hit replay to see why your card is full, and there sits your daughter’s spring dance recital still on the memory card. You forgot to clear it, or worse, you forgot to upload your last great moviemaking adventure into the computer.

I hope my little drama has not happen to you, and if it has, here is a simple little trick to make the day of moments live on in family history. Have more then one memory card, and format your old memory cards after uploading your old footage to your computer. For you persons that have not reached geek level status; formatting is when you erase all the information on your memory card permanently; on purpose. I know it’s hard to remember to erase your memory cards after you transfer the video. You get mesmerize in your latest cinematic masterpiece and just plain forget. Even the pros forget, but the difference is they have extra cards ready to go, and they make it a habit of checking the camera to see if they have a clean card ready as part of their camera set-up regiment. Memory cards are cheap and the best part is you get to keep using them over and over again. Remember the film days when you had to wait to see your results and the cost of film, processing and prints were prohibitive? Now you can see your results in real-time, and guess what, there’s no cost beyond the price of the present days cheap memory cards. You got to love technology.

Not all memory cards are equal and the one the majority of pros use is SanDisk. I personally use only SanDisk, because I know they won’t fail, and they have a great mix of different sizes and speeds; yes, speeds. For you videographers that are using the new DSLR’s camera’s to shoot video; speed can be a critical factor. So pull out your manuals or check with your favorite Penn Camera associate. They can help you with the right cards for your type camera, speed and shooting style. If you need help in getting your video into your computer or other devices look for one of Penn’s video class in January and February. These classes will cover this element of video and other aspects of the complete video production workflow for amateurs and professional.

Remember, memory cards are cheap, but family memories are forever, so get that extra card.

Happy Holidays
Tom Sullivan

--

Tom Sullivan is a photography and videography professional with 25-plus years of experience in all aspects of video production on a local, regional and national level. His work includes video production for such clients as the Moscow Ballet, the National Parks Service, ESPN Sports, and PBS. Tom’s background in both still and video photography makes him an ideal instructor for bridging the knowledge gap between the still and motion fields. Visit his website for more information: http://gravitymediapro.com/

Gallery: Gallery at Pikesville

2010-12-17T00:18:00.000-05:00

Gallery: Gallery at Pikesville

Members of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Photographic Society of America
Friday, December 17, 2010

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Reflections from the photographers: The photographic image is a direct representation of the exposed eye and mind of the photographer. A photograph serves as the means of introduction between the photographer and the viewer. A photograph can illuminate the determination and intensity by the artist both in front of and behind the camera's lens. When a photographer exposes the finer detail within the subject they share a greater intimacy with that subject.

Visit the Store >

Photographing Holiday Lights

2010-12-13T09:03:00.003-05:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Every year around this time, people are rushing around, busily preparing for the holidays. Traveling, shopping, and decorating all in preparation. For a photographer, the decoration offers a unique yearly opportunity to capture the spirit of the season; from a home Christmas tree, a large light display, like brightly-lit houses and more. These are the kind of pictures that can really evoke that once a year feeling, and take you back to that special time of year, at any time of year. Luckily, it is easy to get great photographs of holiday lights, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Photographing holiday lights is no different than most low light photography. This means your best friend will be a tripod. You don't need anything large, just something that will keep the camera steady. This is especially important because for most outdoor photographs you will be shooting without a flash, and the camera will need a slow shutter speed to expose properly. This makes keeping the camera stationary critical. Another way to improve low light performance is to raise the ISO on your camera, though be careful, go too high and your pictures will get noisy(grainy), and lose quality. It is something you can fix with software later, but the lower the ISO, the better the quality. Aim for a slow shutter speed instead. If you have a camera that allows you to use faster lenses, or a point and shoot with a fast lens, like f1.8, you should try to shoot with the aperture wide open as well to help expose properly. If you are feeling really creative, you can try to move the camera slightly during the exposure, to purposely create a light blurring effect. Sometimes blur is a good thing, and done correctly you can create a colorful, abstract masterpiece.

You don't need a DSLR to make the necessary adjustments, most current point and shoot cameras have a dedicated low light mode, and it is easy to disable the flash, and even adjust the ISO if necessary. The important thing is observing the low light rules, not what kind of camera you are using. What about using flash? When should it be used? Usually flash use should be reserved for shooting indoors. For example, a Christmas tree. If you shoot the tree with the proper mix of flash and ambient light the result will be a clear photo of the decorations. Shoot without flash, and you risk getting lots of shadows, and a much lower level of detail. Detail is the key with smaller displays. Unless it is already lit almost perfectly, your best bet in this situation is to use a flash.

As far as composition goes, obviously that can be subjective. I like to use as wide an angle as I can get when shooting outdoor displays, even a little distortion can be so worth it for a single shot of a huge display. For shooting indoors, just use the space around you as best you can. That great "star" effect around lights can also be achieved by using a smaller f-stop. This is nice if you want to create that effect without a filter, but remember, you'll need a tripod and a long exposure outdoors, and a fill flash at least indoors. I also like to try to get my photographs scouted out before sunset, and I like to shoot during twilight, when the light is soft in the sky, and it is not completely dark yet. This will let you experiment more with exposures, and you can still create a nighttime look, without losing all the sky light.

Like everything in photography, practice makes perfect, and if you aren't very familiar with low light photography don't let a few blurry pictures discourage you. Keep shooting, and remember the simple rules I mentioned above. You'll end up with wonderful holiday pictures you can enjoy year round. Visit our Classes website for information about the upcoming holiday classes and special holiday photo safaris. Happy Holidays!

Three Tips to Shoot Better Holiday Video’s

2010-12-10T14:42:00.001-05:00

By Tom Sullivan, Video Guru and Penn Camera Partner

Well it’s that time of year when our camcorders get a workout during the holiday season, but the reviews from the last year’s video still have the family critics judging your expertise. So, how can we improve our videos and turn them into award winning family moments. Easiest and quickest way is to add a few accessories to the old camcorder or add these accessories as stocking stuffers for the new camcorder being delivered by Santa this year. We have 3 accessories that are a most for all professional and should be a most for your video efforts. These items will help you get that professional look.

Item 1: One of the most important items you can add to make your videos look more professional is to use a tripod. Having steady video is the key to capture the attention of your viewer. The brain can only process so much information and when that information comes in small bites viewers can only concentrate on a few stimuli at a time. It’s a lot for a viewer to listen to the audio and try to relate it to the visuals on the screen. If the visual has the added issue of constantly moving, it disorients and confuses the viewer. There is a reason all movies and television show always use tripods or some type of stabilizing support. There are a few exceptions, but that for the pro’s to use in a specialized storytelling techniques. So get a tripod.

Item 2: The type of tripod head you use is critical to producing great video. There are two main types of tripod heads; still photography which is a mechanical action that is always locked into position. With video things move and you have to move with them. You can only do that with the second type on tripod head which is called a “Fluid Head”. As its name indicates this tripod head has a constant fluid motion making it easy to follow the action. If needed you can lockdown these tripod heads for non-movement situations. Again, all movies and television show use this type of tripod head to give you the best viewing experience. Penn carries combo tripod and fluid head for video.

Item 3: Audio is the element that pulls everything together. It is a documented fact that if people are watching the greatest looking visual video in the world, but the audio is indistinguishable they will turn off the video. If the video is visually terrible, but the audio is great, they will continue to watch. The built-in audio mic’s in today’s cameras are better then ever, but they pick-up to much ambient noise which can be very irritating. There are some great mic out that are excellent and very affordable. There are many different types of mic’s, and you need to select a mic that compliments the type of video you like to shoot. One of the best all around mic is called a “Shotgun Mic”; it captures a pinpoint area of sound based on where you point the mic. It still will pick-up a little ambient noise, but far less then the on-board mic’s in your camera. One of the best out there is called the “Rodie”, it has some great additional features. If you plan on recording the family history by interviewing your senior family members then you need a Lavaliere mic or Lapel mic. These can come in either a hard wired or a wireless configuration. I recommend using wireless. It is so cheap for wireless unites and they are easy to use and more importantly they are not tied to the camera allowing you to move freely with the camera.

Give these items a try to help improve your videos, and remember you can purchase all these items at Penn Camera. At Penn Camera not only get great pricing; you get great expertise after the sale.

Don’t forget that starting in January Penn camera will be providing several classes on video production, editing and more. Spielberg Lookout.

--

Tom Sullivan is a photography and videography professional with 25-plus years of experience in all aspects of video production on a local, regional and national level. His work includes video production for such clients as the Moscow Ballet, the National Parks Service, ESPN Sports, and PBS. Tom’s background in both still and video photography makes him an ideal instructor for bridging the knowledge gap between the still and motion fields. Visit his website for more information: http://gravitymediapro.com/

Gallery at Fair Lakes: Employee Show!

2010-11-29T14:45:00.003-05:00

Employee Gallery at Penn Fair Lakes
Penn Camera Fair Lakes

Now on display thru January! A very special showing of employee images in Penn Camera Fair Lakes.

Join us for a highly diverse showing of employee images in the Fair Lakes store. One of the things that separates Penn Camera Employees from our rivals in other stores is that many of us are real photographers.

Gaze with wonder upon a country road that leads to points left only to the imagination, look with nostalgia upon a venerable Stearman Biplane as it taxis by, see a classic example of why a Holga in the hands of an artist is not just a toy camera, and feel the emotional power as a WWII veteran looks upon the Vietnam wall. These are just some of images on display in Penn Camera Fair Lakes right now.


By Bill Moravek

By Joe Martin

DC's Hidden Gems - Part 1

2010-11-13T09:09:00.003-05:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

It is really great living and working here in the DC area. So much to do in just a few hours drive - North, South, East or West. Yet some of the best things are closer by as gas prices inch ever upwards. One of those gems is the United States Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001); right next door to the National Museum of the American Indian.

This place is a macro photographer/plant lover's paradise. It had been a number of years since I was last the the USBG. It had closed a few years back for a much needed renovation. In the process of the renovation, they added an outdoor garden.

On my recent visit there, I was treated to an upcoming exhibit of DC and international landmarks made out of botanical elements. It officially opens at or around Thanksgiving Day and runs thru January 2nd, 2011. A wonderful Holiday treat for young and old alike.

A few tips based on my recent visit... BIG thing... dress in layers. Botanical gardens are basically lavish greenhouses. So being able to shed layers of clothing and have a spot for them is a good thing. Next is that tripods and monopods are not allowed - unless you get a permit. Plan on going back at different times of year, and different times of day - DUH! As any macro photographer will tell you. The other tip is to allow your gear to get used to the temperature differences. Sometimes a simple micro-fiber cloth across the filter will be enough - unless you are coming in from the cruel November temps we have been having of late.

Otherwise take lots of pictures...

Tamrac Rally 5 Camera Bag - iPad Users Take Note!

2010-11-12T09:07:00.000-05:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

When our local Tamrac rep showed me the Tamrac Rally 5, and mentioned that it could handle an Apple iPad or a netbook - I immediately got my iPad in the Apple case out to try if for fit. And it was perfect!

I have tried to find the perfect camera bag for lugging my Olympus E-PL1 kit around with my iPad in tow. Yet most bags I came across were for 13" laptops and much too big for my E-PL1 gear.

My list of everyday gear is below, and I can fit all of it (relatively comfortably) in the Rally 5.

E-PL1 with the Olympus Zuiko m43 14-150 (hood reversed) and the VF-2 EVF finder attached with a couple spare batteries
Olympus Zuiko m43 9-18 (hood attached)
Olympus Zuiko 43 50mm/2.0 Macro with the MMF-1 adapter attached and the hood reversed (on loan for testing - thinking I want to add this as my macro and fast portrait lens as well as macro work)
Panasonic 20mm/1.7 (my low light "normal" lens)
Lensbaby Composer in Nikon mount (hold over from my Nikon kit) with the Promaster m43 to Nikon adapter in a Lensbaby Composer case
Lensbaby pouch containing the Lensbaby .6 wide angle/macro converter with the Lensbaby apertures and aperture installer
Olympus FL-36R flash with spare batteries with a Stofen Dome attached (sometimes I like to have a less harsh flash than the pop-up gives - and the EP-L1 allows for the pop-up to be used as a wireless flash as well)
Circular Polarizing filters for the 14-150 and 9-18 lens
Apple iPad with the camera connection kit

All the above fits well with space to spare for small things like my iPhone earbuds, cleaning cloth, and such. And it all comes in at just over 6 pounds! Add my favorite travel tripod - Tamrac Zipshot - to the handle at the top of the bag; and I am still under 7 pounds. So as one can see the Rally 5 has space to spare.

Overall, this is a good-looking bag, and is a messenger bag style - it doesn't scream camera bag. And at its price point, it is very well built. The wide strap is comfortable on long days out. Side expandable pockets work well for the small things that you might need ready access to instead of opening the main bag. Sometimes camera bags offer too many pockets and pouches. In the end this one had just the right amount.

Some may read the above gear and wonder how it all works in the end... sounds kinda of cramped for the above gear. And yes it can be for my regular kit; but not for the way I work. I want a bag that I can travel with (read: get on an airplane) in minimal space, yet offer me the ability to have what I think I might need once I get there.

The way I work is that once I get to where I am going, the camera and my lens choice of the moment is around my neck. That is when the camera bag becomes my staging area. And that is where the Rally 5 bag stood out on a recent outing. It was small enough to handle what I wanted to use; but big enough once I got the E-PL1 out of the way to get access to my lenses and gear that I needed. It also had the pockets I needed to stuff things away when going in and out of museums here in DC.

Others may wonder why carry an iPad along. With the Apple Camera Connection Kit I am able to download my images on the go. With some of the apps I can do some basic edits (and more) and share them instantly. A few months back, I did a day trip to the National Arboretum in the morning; and later in the day over brunch with friends I was able to share pics from that day over brunch! There are times also that I do solo travel.

About 4 years ago or so - did a trip to SF by myself. Five days on my own. A total photography trip! Wish I had the iPad back then. The ability to stop and have a meal and review my images would have been nice. As well as being able to do searches that can be painful even on the likes of an iPhone. Sometimes it is nice to break out from the photographer mode and just catch up on news or a good book as well.

Things that I would have liked to have seen are maybe are a small zipper pocket on the main flap. Would be a great place to stow a P&S camera. And would have been nice to have seen an attachment loop at the base or side of the bag for ZipShot tripod or a water bottle with a hook.

In the end the Rally 5 and the rest of the Tamrac Rally series bags are well worth a look. Do want folks to know that (sort of required under new laws about blogging and such), that I bought this bag for review. And it is a keeper for me.... may end up replacing my other favorite bags - the Crumpler Million Dollar Home bags....

Camera Review: The Nikon Coolpix S8100

2010-11-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Nikon has developed a reputation for having well-made, and most importantly, easy-to-use point and shoot cameras. In fact, a model from earlier this year took Consumer Reports top spot for sub-ompact cameras, the Coolpix S8000. So it was only natural that Nikon would build on a product that was very well received, and they have answered the call with the Coolpix S8100. A follow up to the top-rated S8000, the S8100 makes some important advances in technology.

The video mode has been upgraded to full 1080 HD video, versus 720 HD on the S8000. That goes for still photos as well, so you can shoot HD stills, and display them in full high definition by connecting to an HDTV. The camera is 12 megapixels, enough for printing enlargements up to 16x20, or for a good amount of cropping. Nikon also added a mode dial to help the user access the different camera modes quickly and easily and it's placement on top of the camera is convenient. The most significant change is something you won't see, but will make a world of difference in the pictures. That would be the image sensor itself.

The image sensor is the eye of the camera and collects all the information for the picture. In the new S8100, Nikon put in a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, a far superior image sensor than the standard CCD sensors in most point and shoot digital cameras. The advanced CMOS sensor offers everything from better color reproduction, to better low light performance, even better power management that leads to longer battery life. The S8100 also has a better, brighter LCD screen, and the 3" size is more than enough to not only see your pictures clearly before you take them, but afterwards as well.

This camera also packs a big 10x optical zoom into its fairly compact frame, plus a lot more. You won’t miss a shot either, since it offers high speed shooting of ten frames per second in continuous mode (and at full resolution), as well as fast startup time, and very little shutter lag. With fast start up time, fast auto focus, and a very quick shutter, you can be ready at a moments notice to get those great shots other cameras might miss. It also has Nikon’s VR image stabilization, which will definitely come in handy, since this camera has a 300mm equivalent telephoto lens.

No Coolpix camera would be complete without Nikon's scene modes, for easy automatic use in tricky situations. Backlit subject, low light, can't use a flash? No problem. Just access the scene modes and set the camera for the type of photo you are taking. The camera will do the rest. Everything from portraits and sports, to sunsets, night shots and fireworks displays have a convenient, easy to access scene mode.

So Nikon answered the question, how do you make the best, better? You take a model with a proven track record and critical acclaim, and you pair it with the most cutting edge technologies available on point and shoot cameras. Make no mistake, the addition of a CMOS sensor is no small upgrade to the top rated compact digital camera of 2010. It further enhances an already great camera, and allows for anyone to get those great shots.

Viewfinders: Electronic vs. Optical

2010-11-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Depending on the kind of camera you own, or are thinking of buying, the type of viewfinder it uses can vary pretty significantly. While many point and shoot cameras have done away with viewfinders altogether in favor of ever larger LCD displays, many people find that having a viewfinder can be very important, and some people won't buy a camera without one.

So why are viewfinders so important if cameras come with nice big screens? Just take a typical point and shoot camera out in bright sunlight. Good luck accurately framing or focusing your shot. On higher end cameras, viewfinders offer the ability to fine tune shots with manual focus, and provide shooting information. There are some important differences between optical and electronic viewfinders, and knowing the pros and cons of each type may help in a decision of what type of camera to purchase, especially if you are considering an interchangeable lens camera.

Optical Viewfinders:

On some higher end point and shoot cameras, like the Nikon P7000 or the Canon G12, there is an optical viewfinder in addition to the LCD screen. This type of viewfinder is essentially a small window near the lens that you can use for framing. Unfortunately, since it is near the lens, but not the lens, what you see is not exactly what you get. It is an approximation meant to help compose photos, but be careful to review the images to make sure you got the shot you were hoping for.

DSLR cameras offer a far better type of optical viewfinder, called a pentaprism, which uses a mirror to allow the user to essentially see through the lens. This is especially useful since you are able to clearly see everything the lens sees, and it makes things like manual focus, and small depth of field changes easy to see. In addition, the viewfinder will display shooting data such as f-stop and shutter speed, and give some other exposure related information. The coverage on this type of viewfinder is usually close to 100%, so framing and composing shots is far more accurate than with the type of viewfinder found on point and shoot cameras. Using optical viewfinders also makes the camera more energy efficient, so battery life is extended.

Electronic Viewfinders:

There are different types of electronic viewfinders as well. Many non-interchangeable lens cameras with a lot of zoom (sometimes called "superzooms"), like the Nikon P100, the Canon SX30IS, or the Panasonic FZ100, use electronic viewfinders that are essentially small LCD displays inside the viewfinder. This type of viewfinder is nice because it can display lots of information, and does provide an exact view of what the image will be, as opposed to some optical viewfinders. Not all electronic viewfinders are created equal however, and resolutions can vary significantly. If finding a camera with a built in electronic viewfinder is important, you should definitely try out different models to see firsthand. Some are remarkably sharp, while others can look very pixilated.

On interchangeable lens cameras using the micro four-thirds system like the Olympus E-PL1 or the Panasonic GF1, the electronic viewfinders attach on top of the camera, since the cameras themselves are so compact they can't house an in-camera viewfinder. These viewfinders also vary in resolution, so again make sure you check out each model if the viewfinder is something you think you will need or want to use. These type of viewfinders can be great for displaying lots of shooting information, and often beat optical viewfinders in low light. The resolution is limited however, and remember, more power consumption means shorter battery life.

The important thing to remember is that each type has it's strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the type of camera you are looking into, the size you want, and your shooting style, one may be much better suited for your use than the other. It really will depend on the user. So it is important to understand what you are getting if you are looking for a camera with a viewfinder. The easiest way to do this of course, is to come into your nearest Penn Camera and see the differences for yourself. Until you see for yourself, don't make any decisions. For some people the viewfinder can truly make or break the camera.

Fotoweek DC is BACK

2010-11-01T12:05:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

If you are even a casual photographer in the D.C. area, and you aren't really excited, than you must not have heard. Fotoweek DC is back! Kicking off on November 5th with a launch party highlighting the winners of this year‘s international photography contest at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Fotoweek DC then runs almost nonstop, with events lasting all week from November 6th through the 13th. Fotoweek DC D.C. is the area's largest photographic event, and regardless of skill level, or field of photography, Fotoweek DC offers something for EVERYONE!

There will be photo galleries and exhibitions naturally, all around the area, including at the National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art and Design, the National Geographic Museum, and many other locations around town. The list is truly extensive, with multiple events on any given day. There will also be conferences and lectures from some of the biggest names in international photography and photojournalism, as well as instructors in photography, even Pulitzer Prize winning photographers will be in attendance. This is truly a huge event for the photographic community in the area, stretching across D.C., Maryland and Virginia and bringing together people from all over the world.

If you can't take the entire week off of work and just experience it all (my recommendation), there are some highlights that shouldn't be missed. One of the most popular from years past has been the NightGallery, consisting of nighttime photo projections done around the city. At night, the city lights up with huge images projected across some of the most beautiful, stunning architecture that DC has to offer. The effect is truly awe-inspiring, and should be a must see for everyone. Sites include the Corcoran Gallery and the American Red Cross on 17th street, as well as DuPont Circle, the Satellite Central in Georgetown, as well as several museums in the area; including the Holocaust museum, and the Newseum. More information can be found on the official website, Fotoweek DCdc.org. If the Georgetown area is convenient for you, then check out Satellite Central on M street. It will feature photographic presentations, as well as music on Thursday, November 11th, and a “slideluck potshow” on Friday the 12th that will be half great home cooked dining, half riveting slideshow. With everything going on this Fotoweek DC, you have no excuse not to be there.

There are plenty of events to keep everyone interested, so make it a family day and go see what Fotoweek DC has to offer. If you have any interest in photography whatsoever, Fotoweek DC has at least five things for you. This festival is only in its third year, but it is quickly becoming one of the most popular photographic events in the country. Just check out the website, it has all the information on the galleries, night events, contests, the event calendar, etc.

Penn Camera is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of Fotoweek DC, joining other such names in photography as Epson, Getty images, Nikon, and many more. This is the type of annual event that is certain to draw thousands of photographers, both from right here at home, and around the globe. If you already live here, you really have no reason to miss out on this huge, educational, and just plain fun event. It only comes once a year, so let’s all help make this year’s Fotoweek DC the best ever!

Gallery at 18th Street: Photographer Milton Shinberg

2010-10-27T17:37:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Milton Shinberg
Penn Camera 18th Street
Friday, November 5th
4:00pm - 6:00pm

Milton Shinberg is a life-long Washingtonian and proud DCPS graduate. He is has been a registered architect since 1975, and founded Shinberg.Levinas Architects with Salo Levinas in 1997. Their practice centers on institutional design, primarily schools and religious buildings, as well as high-end residential work.

He has been involved with both black and white and color photography since the 1970’s. His photographs of the firm’s architectural projects have been featured in local and national publications. He is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, afterwards interning with Arthur Cotton Moore before starting his independent practice in 1975. Shinberg has continued in the academic world as adjunct professor at Catholic University, currently teaching the cognitive and evolutionary basis of aesthetics to architects as a framework for design.

He has traveled extensively in the US, and to over a dozen countries, taking advantage of wonderful opportunities to harvest images of people and places along the way, as well as drawings in pencil and ink. Recent trips to Egypt and India were very fruitful personally and photographically, with images from the latter providing the material for this show.

Shinberg shoots with a Nikon D90, equipped with a Tamron 18mm-270mm lens (purchased from Penn Camera, of course). The lens has been indispensable for shifting back and forth between architectural scenes as well as faces without changing the lens. Images were imported into Adobe Photoshop Lightroom2 in preparation for this exhibit.

He is married to Judith Ross, and has two beautiful daughters, Kate and Samantha.

Gallery at Tysons: Photographer Duncan Whitaker

2010-10-27T17:31:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Duncan Whitaker
Penn Camera Tysons Corner
Wednesday, November 10th
7pm-8pm

Duncan Whitaker is a fine art photographer working primarily with intimate landscapes and cityscapes, as well as close-up images. Working in a world which is complex and often chaotic, he seeks to discern the essence of a scene or subject and, through simplification and composition, create a visually interesting and perhaps at times compelling image.

Most often, Whitaker photographs out-of-doors with natural light, using a 35mm camera and color transparency film. The resulting slide film is scanned to create a digital file from which a print is made using archival quality inks and fine art papers and without digital alteration.

Whitaker has had numerous solo exhibits and his works are in private collections throughout the United States. He is a member of the Waverly Street Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland, where his work is regularly exhibited. His photographs are also on display at the Whitehall Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland.

To view a sampling of his work, please visit his website at http://www.whitakerphotography.com/.

Get Creative and You Could Be a Winner! The Monthly Photo Contest

2010-10-19T10:05:00.001-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Did you know that Penn Camera and Olympus sponsor a monthly photo contest that is open to everyone? Every month we provide photographers with a different theme and every month three winners are selected. First place wins an Olympus E-PL1 digital camera! Second place receives an Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 digital point and shoot camera, and third place receives a $25 Penn gift card. The contest is open to everyone, and you may submit up to three entries per day.

This month’s theme is pet portraits, so it's time to get out your camera, get fluffy ready, and get creative. When you have submitted your own photos, the next step is to help us narrow down the contenders. This is done by voting on Penncamera.com. Click on the monthly photo contest link at the top of the page to get started or just go to http://www.penncamera.com/photocontest.html. You will be able to see all the photos submitted, as well as the current front runners based on voting up to that point. To vote you simply choose between one of the two images displayed. The photos that win the most of these random "battles" are the top contenders to win the contest. Once the submission deadline has passed, and the votes have all been tallied, the top three photos are selected by our Penn Camera photographic experts and the first, second, and third place winners are decided. Then of course, the prizes are awarded. For more information on the specifics of voting and how the winning images are chosen, visit the photo contest section of the website and click on "guidelines". The important thing to remember is that this contest is open to everyone. You don't have to be a "professional" photographer to win the contest. If you don't have a cute pet, wait until next month, and we'll announce the new theme.

There are only a couple of days left to submit your photos (10/22 is the deadline), but you can still vote on others until 10/29. At Penn Camera we want to encourage people to take more pictures, get creative, and just advance their photography to the next level, wherever that may be. What better way than offering the aspiring photographer free cameras! The top prize E-PL1 is an interchangeable lens camera that will allow you to get more and more out of every photo, all in a surprisingly small package. The Stylus 3000 is a shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof point and shoot camera that boasts high image quality in addition to its super rugged design. It's a perfect camera for anyone who can be a little rough on their equipment, or just want to try out things like underwater photography. And of course, the $25 gift card will get you that much closer to whatever camera, lens, or accessory you have your eye on.

So now that you know the basics, it's time to get out and start shooting! Submit your best photos to us (remember, limit 3 images per day), start voting, and most importantly, have fun. It's a great feeling the first time you see your work up on a website, and knowing that lots of people are viewing it and voting on it makes it that much more exciting. So join us! Each month brings a new challenge and another chance to win! So what are you waiting for? Sign up for our e-mail newsletter if you haven't already, and Like us on Facebook to keep up on all the special deals we'll be offering throughout the upcoming holiday season. Good luck, and keep shooting!

Great functionality in a sweet little package: The Nikon Coolpix S80

2010-10-19T09:38:00.002-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

When it comes time to buy a good point and shoot camera, most people look for something that is easy to use, but still produces good images; and hopefully manages to be a good-looking and nice to handle in the process. If you want ease of use, coupled with unparalleled style and functionality in a sweet little package, look no further than the new offering from Nikon, the Coolpix S80.

The S80 is considered a sub-compact, or ultra-compact camera, meaning it can be easily carried in a pocket or purse. About the size of a thin cell phone, the S80 offers an impressive set of features for such a slim little camera. One of the great standout features on this camera is its large, 3.5" OLED screen. This touch screen not only offers full control over all camera function (menus, zoom, you can even take a picture simply by pressing the screen!), but also offers one of the most high resolution screens available on a point and shoot camera. The OLED technology offers incredible detail, a wide viewing angle, as well as vivid colors that just can't be reproduced on a standard LCD screen. You can even use the camera's editing features to get really creative with your images after you have taken them, without ever having to connect to a computer.

As nice as the screen is, it is just the start of the features on this powerful little point and shoot. It is a 14 megapixel camera, for high image quality and detail, even when cropping and enlarging. It manages to pack a 5X optical zoom into it's tiny frame (35-175mm equivalent). It has the standard set of Nikon features to help you get the most out of every picture, like Nikon's scene mode technology, and Nikon's VR image stabilization system. The VR allows for shooting at much slower shutter speeds, and will drastically improve pictures taken in low light, something that many point and shoot cameras struggle with. It also offers HD video recording with stereo sound, so when it comes time to capture a video in high quality, you know that you will be prepared, and playback is made easy by directly connecting the camera to an HDTV. Given the feature set, this camera is really something.

Of course, this camera is not for everyone. Some people like to be able to adjust shutter speed and aperture on the fly, or use manual focus when the need arises. This camera is not for those people. This is the perfect camera for someone who loves to own the most cutting edge technology available, and wants a device that will not only be simple to use, but will take great quality photos and video. Luckily with the Coolpix S80 that is exactly what Nikon has provided. A truly stylish point and shoot that will make all your friends ooh and aah (and possibly get a little jealous), but will come through when you need it to get the most important pictures.

If you are looking for great quality, fun features, and ease of use all in a stylish little package that can go wherever you go, The Coolpix S80 may be just the camera for you. It is certain to be a big seller this holiday season as touch screen point and shoots that perform well continue to become more and more popular. Stop by your local Penn camera today to try out the Nikon Coolpix S80 for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

The Nikon D90...

2010-10-13T14:25:00.010-04:00

By Penn Camera Customer Bob Blanken

The Nikon D90 w/18-105 VRII DX Lens

The Nikon D90 was introduced in 2008 as the replacement for the D80 and the camera for which a D5000 or a Rebel owner might wish to upgrade. With a full feature set, the camera offers the passionate photographer wanting to upgrade from a point & shoot to a D/SLR the versatility for complete control and access to all Nikon lenses accessories. The camera offers some elements of a camera a professional might use, including a fast shutter and heavier duty body plus the Expeed sensor, but without requiring the expense and weight of a true pro camera. While it will shortly be superseded by the D7000, already announced, this camera offers a great deal for the serious pro-sumer or as a backup for a pro, at a very attractive price point relative to its replacement. But first, let me delve into the camera. The D90 body is available with or without a 18-105mm Nikkor AF-S VR II zoom lens. The Nikon EXPEED image processor produces a superb rendition of the sensor’s data.

The main features are:

• Newly designed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.3 effective mega pixels and Integrated Dust Reduction System.

• Incredibly low-noise performance throughout a wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200; can be set to ISO 6400 equivalent.

• Incorporates Nikon's comprehensive digital image-processing EXPEED concept

• Revolutionary at the time, The world's first D-SLR movie function: D-Movie, selectable from 320x216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or 1,280 x 720 pixels in AVI format.

•Scene Recognition System, utilizing 420-pixel RGB sensor, improves auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance; which is also integrated with the new Face Detection System.

•Live View enables face priority AF with the 3-in., approx. 920k-dot, high-density color LCD featuring 170° ultra-wide viewing angle.

•Picture Control System offers new Portrait and Landscape options for more vibrant customized colors.

•Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting.

•Multi-CAM 1000 auto focus sensor module featuring 11 AF points offers fast and precise auto focus coverage across the frame.

•Viewfinder with approx. 96% frame coverage and an easy-to-view 19.5 mm eyepoint (at -1.0 m-1).

•Advanced Scene Modes that automatically adjust exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting and Picture Control settings for superior image quality.

•Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus including several new retouch options such as Distortion Control, Straighten and Fish-eye.

•4.5 fps continuous shooting and quick response of 0.15-second start-up and 65-ms shutter release time lag.

•Built-in flash with 18mm lens coverage and Nikon's original i-TTL flash control that commands Advanced Wireless Lighting.

•Highly efficient energy-saving design that allows approx. 850 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, with 50% of pictures taken with flash).

•Versatile Pict motion menu that creates sideshows combining five choices of both background music and image effects.

•Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output.

•Optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 extends shooting capability and enables use of 6 x AA-size batteries.

•Included Nikon ViewNX software makes browsing and organizing your images easy.

•Optional photo-editing software, Capture NX 2 allows users quick and easy photo editing.

•Lightweight compact body weighing 1 lb 6 oz with battery.

•Numerous Custom Functions.

In the field the camera performed very well. Foremost, the camera, ergonomically, feels good is your hands. The controls are easily manipulated and adjusted. The menus rely more on type than icons so it is a simple to master, especially if you read the manual…sadly, often the least used accessory. While the view finder provides 96% coverage of the actual image, the 3” TFT-LCD with 920,000 pixels offer a 100% image. The screen is critical for aiding composition and sharpness review.

The D90 offers 720p HD-Movie at various capture settings. The camera, though should be tripod bound to get the best video for smooth pans and tilts. Hardware to support the camera hand-held is now readily available, and can be rented to test before you purchase. All that being said, the camera produces vivid videos that you will be pleased to show.

While I am used to shooting at ISO 100-800 and rarely higher, the D90 produces smooth images at ISO 1600 and 3200, so hand held photos in subdued light can be easily accomplished without sacrificing image quality.

Excessive noise that results at extended ISO settings can be tamed with software.

As in all cameras the built-in flash is most inefficient for the task at hand. I always recommend the first accessory to buy is the best flash you can afford. The good news is the on camera the flash can control off camera flashes such as the Nikon SB400, SB600, SB900 or even the Nikon R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System.

The major features that I consider essential:

•Bracketing for exposure and white balance.

•White balance control.

•Focus options.

•Picture control for jpgs.

•Image Quality.

•Metering choices.

•Flash Exposure lock.

•Scene Modes (for those still mastering the craft).

Conclusions:

As an instructor, I would suggest renting it for a weekend, using it in all the ways you are likely to encounter and see for yourself the results it can produce. If you’re thinking about upgrading your D5000 or Rebel, or finally giving up your old film SLR, this would be an excellent choice. For current D/SLR users it is a significant upgrade over the entry level models, adding the HD video and giving you access to the full range of the lenses that Nikon offers.

Now, if you’re really serious and want a more substantial body with a faster response time, better auto focus, auto focus calibration, moisture sealed buttons, and more control. Then the D300s or the D700 would be the direction to take. A lot of pros favor the lighter weight of the D300s and the D700, over their big brother the D3x, which is also a heavier hit on your wallet.

The only other camera to compare to the D90 is the newly introduced Canon 60D, which offers several upgrades over the D90 but also comes at a substantially higher cost, or the Nikon D7000 which has been announced, and should be available in October/November of 2010. The D5000, or Canon Rebels are excellent cameras, but do not match the capabilities or durability of the D90, a hugely successful model which should still give any purchaser years of great service.

About the author:

Bob Blanken has been a professional photographer for over 40 years. Corporate clients have included Anheuser-Busch, L’Oreal, Toyota, AT&T, Disney, USPS, ALTA, AGA, Royal Ahold, and many others. He has photographed hundreds of weddings since 1967.

Gallery at Laurel - Photographers Joseph Mancino and Marlene Leffson

2010-10-05T08:43:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographers Joseph Mancino and Marlene Leffson
Penn Camera Laurel
Friday, October 15th
5pm-7pm

Joseph "Joe" Mancino was born in New York City July 16, 1954. While growing up on Long Island, Joe became an avid Yankees and Giants,collecting baseball and football cards of all his heroes. This is where Joe developed his love for sports photography. Joe's interest is not limited to sports, as he has always loved wildlife. This love of animals led Joe to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. Joe received a B.S in biology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, then attended veterinary school at the University of Parma in Parma,Italy. Upon his return from Italy, Joe completed is training at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 1999, Joe became the sideline photographer for the publication "Inside Football for the Informed Giants Fan", covering the New York Giants. This continued through the 2004 season. In 2005, he began working for "Inside Action Sports" located in New Jersey, covering the New York Jets. Along the way, Joe has done some free lance work for Wire Image and Prolook which lead to some of his images being used in Sports Illustrated and for Upper Deck football cards. He also did some free lance work for the now defunct Baltimore Examiner.

Wherever he goes, Joe always makes sure his cameras are by his side.

Marlene Leffson became interested in photography in the early 1970’s as a hobby but put it aside for many years to raise five daughters and pursue a career as a Labor & Delivery nurse. Her own children’s interest in photography helped rekindle her passion for the art form, sparking a pursuit on a serious level. Her subject matter spans a wide range including wildlife, nature, sporting events, weddings, maternity and newborn photography. She has said, “My experience as a mother and as a Labor & Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care nurse has been invaluable working with expectant couples, newborns and children.” She and her daughter work as a team to create maternity and newborn portraits. As for her love of wildlife, “I was raised on a farm and animals have always been a big part of my life. My favorite wildlife subjects are the Big Cats. I am in such awe of their immense power and grace.” Being a Washington Redskins and Baltimore Orioles fan, she carries her camera with her to every game she attends. Her photography appears on the Schmap Las Vegas, 6th Edition, Flamingo Hilton Hotel Wildlife Habitat website, and the Smithsonian National Zoo’s FONZ website. She has had her photography featured in the monthly magazine, "All Animals," Assateague Island Wild Ponies in Maryland (July 2009), published by the Humane Society of the United States, and photographs of the Washington Redskins (November 2008) and the Baltimore Orioles (January 2009) were published on NowPublic. She uses a Canon 7D, a Canon XTi and multiple Canon lenses to create her photographs. You can see more of her work on Facebook: Leffson Photography, and online at www.flickr.com/photos/thrumarleneseyes/ or www.flickriver.com/photos/thrumarleneseyes/.

Gallery at 18th Street: Photographer Allison Bailey

2010-09-23T15:29:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Allison Bailey
Penn Camera 18th Street
Thursday, September 30th
4pm-6pm

Allison brings a variety of experience to photography: she has a Ph.D. in political science, is a business owner, and has worked extensively in community service positions. As a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University, Allison lived overseas while researching ways to bring permanent ends to civil wars, a dissertation that was motivated largely by the human costs of war. After graduation, Allison became a specialist in African affairs, and has spent a great deal of time on the continent, from rural villages in Ghana, to the magnificent Okavango Delta. Her work involved working with African, French, and American officials to facilitate development and security in Africa.

As a result of her work and personal experiences, Allison’s photography often captures images of everyday life, and aims to evoke an emotional response. This may be a new look at the experience of riding the Paris Metro, modern life in a medieval village, or a unique view of a well-known landscape. Motion and emotion drive her selection of subjects, and she focuses on the intangible in each of her photographs.

You can view more of Allison's work at http://www.allisonbaileyphotography.com/.

Just Announced: New Nikon Coolpix Cameras

2010-09-23T09:46:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

It's a great time of year for the photographic industry. Every other year, the Photokina trade show is held in Germany, and since it is a bi-annual event, most manufacturers make big product announcements and we learn what kind of toys we'll have to play with in the months to come. While Nikon is sure to be no exception, they have already announced a few new compact cameras ahead of the big show that are currently getting a lot of attention. With good reason. Their recently announced models offer an ultra stylish compact, a super versatile compact with a long zoom lens, and a high performance model offering quality and precision good enough for serious photography.

If you like a camera that is pocket sized, but offers style and a good range of features, the recently introduced Coolpix S80 may be just what you are looking for. An ultra thin compact, this 14 megapixel camera still packs in a 5x wide angle optical zoom lens to give the user a good range even in such a slim and sleek camera. It also boasts a high resolution huge 3.5" OLED touch screen, for outstanding ease of use, as well as amazing image clarity and color. It also comes with 720p HD video, Nikon's VR image stabilization, and is available in a variety of colors. This may well be the hottest new compact come the holiday season.

If you are looking for a camera that offers even more versatility, but without having to carry around multiple lenses and big bodies, the new Coolpix S8100 is perfect. This camera packs a big 10x optical zoom into its fairly compact frame, plus a lot more. It has an advanced high performance CMOS image sensor for outstanding image quality, and can shoot full 1080 HD resolution stills and video. And you won’t miss a shot either, since it offers high speed shooting of five frames per second in continuous mode! With fast start up time, fast auto focus, and a very quick shutter, you can be ready at a moments notice to get those great shots other cameras might miss. It also has a large, high resolution 3” LCD screen, as well as Nikon’s VR image stabilization, which will definitely come in handy, since this camera has a 300mm equivalent telephoto lens. Looking for big range and performance without the big camera? Look no further than the Coolpix S8100.

Which brings us to their last recently announced model, the P7000. This camera is the highest end Coolpix camera to date, and is aimed at serious amateurs, even professionals who like to have high performance cameras that are more portable than some of their other gear, but offer precise control over all aspects of shooting. From low light, to fast action, to wide angles and close ups, this camera can do it all. It even offers compatibility with Nikon Speedlights, and offers lens attachments for even more range and control. If a more run of the mill point and shoot just won’t do, and you’re looking for the highest level of quality in a nice portable package, than the P7000 is perfect. Precise image control, and versatile features allow more advanced photographers to unleash their creativity, without a whole backpack full of gear.

So if this is what they announce before the show, what will Nikon have waiting to debut at Photokina? We’ll be here to bring you all the best new cameras as soon as we hear about them. Until then to learn more, visit our website, or stop by one of our stores to learn more about all the newest gear and equipment that is coming soon.

Gallery at Fair Lakes: Photographer Allen Pearson

2010-09-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Allen Pearson
Penn Camera Fair Lakes
Friday, October 8th
7pm-8:30pm

Allen’s art has been described as “unique, beautiful, and natural”. Allen captures the unique beauty of nature missed by most people during their hectic schedules. Although digital photography is used for his art, no image is ever touched up or edited to get that perfect photo. “Nature’s beauty doesn’t need help from me,” Allen says. Having a passion for nature and an eye to capture its beauty, the natural world is his studio.

He has photographed at National Parks, however, most of his work has been done in Northern Virginia parks, including Green Springs, Mason Neck, River Bend, Runnymeade, and Walney Nature Center. Allen’s passion for nature photography began when creating a wildlife garden. Creation of the wildlife garden attracted butterflies, birds, and rabbits allowing photo opportunities of various species.

Allen has coupled his passion for dogs and cats with his photography skills too. “Dogs and cats are a part of nature so I focus on creating fine art of these furry friends to portray their natural beauty” Allen says.

Allen participates in arts festivals throughout the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia and with the Loudoun Arts Council, Manassas Arts Guild and Vienna Arts Society.

Exhibitions:

“Creation Sings”, Loudoun Arts Council’s “Leesburg’s First Friday”, Leesburg, VA, 20176, (July 1-31, 2010).
“Creation Sings”, Vienna Arts Center, Vienna, VA 22180, (March 23-May 1, 2010).
“Creation Sings”, an audiovisual presentation featuring images of nature and music by pianist, Mary Dart, Convergence: A Creative Community of Faith, Alexandria, VA (September 1-30, 2009).
39th Annual Treasures of Arts Show; Juror Ann Gordon, (November 2008).
Ballston Arts + Crafts Market, (May-September 2008, June-July 2009, September 2010).
Vienna Arts Society Photography Exhibition, (July 2008, 2009, 2010).
38th Annual Treasures of Arts Show; Juror Marian Van Landingham, Founder of the Torpedo Factory, (November 2007).
Annual Fine Arts Festival, Manassas, VA, (October 2007, 2008, 2009, April 2010).

Memberships:

http://www.photomission.com/, an International Community of Christian Photographers
Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
http://www.naturephotographers.net/
Fairfax Art League
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
Loudoun Arts Council
Manassas Art Guild
Ox Hill Baptist Church, Chantilly, VA
Vienna Arts Society

Website: http://www.allenpearsonsphotos.com/

Email: allen@allenpearsonsphotos.com
Blog: blog.allenpearsonsphotos.com
http://www.facebook.com/ Allen Pearson’s Photos
www.Twitter.com/AllensPhotos

Special Event at Penn Pikesville THIS WEEKEND

2010-09-09T10:30:00.017-04:00

Special Event this Weekend
Join us for Picture It!
at Penn Camera Pikesville
Create better images
Saturday, September 11th from 10am -5pm

- Great Deals for Back to School (savings valid in all stores)
- Canon T1i Kit PALLET SALE: Major savings on this popular digital SLR!
- Meet representatives from top brands
- Free Clean & Check (limit 2 items)
- $50 On-the-Spot Sensor Cleaning: A $25 savings
- Free Mini-Seminars (space is very limited)
- Free Camera Appraisal by our Collectible Camera Expert - let us make you an offer.
- Enter to Win Prizes!

Festival at Woodholme (Next to Trader Joe's)
1809 Reisterstown Road, Pikesvile, MD 21208
401-486-9810

Meet with representatives from:
Canon Video
Tamron
Manfrotto
MAC Group
Inkpress
Lowepro
Tamrac
Sandisk
Think Tank
Black Rapid

Your personal theater on the go – The Nikon Coolpix S1000pj

2010-09-08T09:09:00.003-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

In the world of point and shoot cameras, consumers might perceive that most look the same, and usually offer like or near identical features, and controls. All too often, companies don't take chances, but go with what has worked in the past, adding a mega pixel or two, and giving last years model new colors and a bigger LCD screen. So how do you really set one or two apart from the bunch? Luckily, Nikon has always managed to find an answer to that question. They had one of the very first Wi-Fi cameras a few years back, a couple years ago they debuted the first point and shoot with built in GPS, and they continue their tradition of design innovation with their latest unique entry, the Coolpix S1000pj; the first camera with a built-in projector.

Of course any camera with a new, unique feature has to prove it is, first and foremost, a good camera. So let’s put the S1000pj through its paces. On the surface it looks and feels much like any other good compact point and shoot. Not too small, and ergonomically comfortable to hold and control. Resolution is 12 megapixels, considered fairly high with current comparable models ranging typically from 10-14 megapixels. The picture detail is certainly sufficient for most people, with image quality remaining high even when the image is cropped or enlarged for bigger prints. Colors are accurate on automatic under varying types of light (a must for those looking for a true point and shoot), and lighting is well controlled, though in low light using one of the dedicated scene modes can make a difference and give a better exposure. Only in those really tricky times though. The flash range is average for this size camera, meaning about 10-12 feet. Overall, it stacks up solidly against even the newest point and shoot cameras on the market.

Nikon doesn’t skimp on the features with this small camera either. It comes equipped with a wide angle 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent) lens for a good range, with Nikon’s VR, or vibration reduction technology, to help counter camera shake. It has Nikon’s now standard set of over a dozen specialized scene modes, for those hard to get pictures. It has a few other new features as well, such as smile shutter, which will actually set the camera to go off when your subject smiles. It can come in handy with kids who are all smiles until you ask for one, and just trying it out usually makes people laugh. It also has a blur warning, which will tell you if the picture is not sharp after it have been taken, giving you the chance to take the picture again. It has one other thing many point and shoot cameras don’t have, which is support for a wireless remote. This can come in handy while taking photos, as well as in the projector mode.

Which brings us to the one truly standout feature on this camera, its projector. The first of its kind, it is deceivingly well-integrated into the camera design. It appears to be just another window or lens on the front of the camera, and when activated, focus can be controlled by using a slider on top of the camera. The projected image is 640x480, or standard VGA resolution, with a brightness of 10 lumens. This is not particularly bright as projectors go, which makes sense - it is built into a small camera. What this means is that it is best suited to use in a dark room, at a range of about 6-8 feet max. This will produce a decent sized image on the wall, and trust me, watching the video you just shot move across the wall (or the ceiling!) is never disappointing. Don’t expect home theater quality, we are talking about a camera here. It makes for a great slideshow in a small room. Want to show off those vacation photos? Now you can just dim the lights.

All things considered, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj would hold its own against similarly priced cameras with similar specs. Of course, the Nikon has one thing those cameras don’t. If you just love to have something fun, and functional, something you can use all the time, and show off when the time is right, the S1000pj might be just the camera for you. If you never turned on the projector, it would only take good pictures. When you do turn it on, it becomes the center of attention. Nikon may not always do things by the book, but they know cameras and imaging, and they have another winner on their hands.

Photographing Autumn Leaves

2010-09-06T14:20:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

One of the most exciting times of year is coming for photographers. Few times of year offer such a unique opportunity to capture wonderful landscapes and scenic shots as in the fall. Particularly in this area, the change in foliage is a truly beautiful event that many photographers want to capture. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your shots when photographing the leaves in autumn.

When shooting large vistas, or panoramas, make sure to use a small aperture (high f-stop), to capture as much detail as possible. A wide angle lens is a must have if you want those expansive shots, full of ranging colors. Another great tip is to shoot from a lower angle. This can give a more unique effect than some shots when held at normal height. This is a lot easier with the use of a tripod, which will also come in handy when using available light since you can shoot slower shutter speeds. A long enough exposure can even help you capture the leaves falling, not just the wide variety of colors in the trees.

Close up photography of leaves on the ground, or floating in a puddle can also capture the essence of fall. This is a great time of year to get out into nature and experiment with macro. A brightly colored leaf or two, floating in a puddle that is catching the sun just right can be a beautiful sight, and photograph. If you can't find it in nature, you can always fake it. Spraying leaves with water can give that beads of morning dew effect at any time of day, in any lighting; and if you can't find a puddle, a dark bucket will suffice, provided you crop the frame tightly enough.

Sometimes the sharpest pictures aren't always the best. A winding forest path, with the sun shining through the leaves can be given a dreamy effect with the correct use of soft focus. A special effects lens, a soft filter, even a little breath on the lens can produce this effect. Obviously using a special effects lens like a Lensbaby or a filter is preferable to breathing on your lens or filter, but it's a trick that can work. The effect of selective soft focus that a Lensbaby can give will let you control sharpness very precisely, for some stunning results.

The lighting will change throughout the day, so there will always be ample opportunities if you use the light to your advantage. Experiment with your images, delete what doesn't work, and try to improve on what does. As with everything in photography, practice makes perfect, so try as many different things as possible. Just imagine the possibilities. From a shot up high of an entire valley of vibrant colors, to a single tree on a hillside slowly dropping its leaves for the winter, down to the intricate detail of a single leaf itself, fall provides photographers of all levels the chance to get out, and just have fun with your photographs. For photographers, this is one of the best times of the year to get out and shoot.

To learn more and continue to build your skills, visit our Classes section on PennCamera.com for information on upcoming seminars and classes covering a wide variety of areas.

Ready for Back to School? Essential for Learning the Traditional Art of Photography

2010-08-31T11:45:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Well it's that time of year. The kids, and many college students are getting back to school. While this may be bad news for many students, luckily some subjects are always entertaining for students at almost every level. Of course, photography is very popular, and many students study photography in place of traditional "paint and clay" art classes.

Even with digital photography dominating the future of photography, film is still hanging on strongly (and serving as a great way for students to learn the fundamentals of exposure and camera settings, not to mention printing and composition). Many people study photography at every level every year, and they all need one thing: good prices on the specialty photography goods they will need to complete their assignments. Luckily there is one place you can get all your photography supplies, at discounted prices. That place of course, is Penn Camera.

Whether you are in a beginning class, using manual film cameras and learning to do your own developing in the darkroom, or taking a college level photography or graphic arts class, Penn carries all of the supplies you will need this coming semester. Let's examine what you will need for a beginning photo class, like a high school photography class, from camera, to film and paper, and some other essentials along the way.

For these classes students will need the essentials, since they will be learning the basics. A good film camera, with full manual control will be needed. A 50mm lens is usually all you will need to start. Students may choose to experiment, but in class most photography will be black and white, developed in the darkroom. So of course, you will need plenty of black and white film, as well as paper. Get enough because trust me, at first, there will be a lot of bad exposures. These are all valuable lessons in the long run, but make sure you are fully stocked. Don't wait until the last minute when an assignment is almost due to run to the nearest Penn Camera. You'll need paper and film, as well as developing reels and tanks, negative sleeves, gloves and tongs for use working in the darkroom, and many other things. Your school will probably provide you a grocery list of supplies to pick up, luckily, they are all available at Penn Camera. We are happy to offer student discounts on almost all of these items. Click here for a complete list of student equipment and prices.

Of course we carry all the essentials for college photography too. High end image editing programs, professional grade inkjet printers, papers and inks, and a wide selection of digital cameras, video cameras, and other imaging equipment. This year, make your one stop for back to school Penn Camera. We offer many discounts for students, carry a full selection of basic to advanced photographic and imaging needs, and we will match any local retailers prices on the same item. Good luck this semester, we'll see you soon!

Keeping Your Equipment in Great Shape – Camera Care

2010-08-26T17:00:00.005-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

While it is all too easy to overlook the importance of proper camera care, it is equally simple to make sure that your camera equipment is being properly cared for. With correct storage and maintenance you can ensure you will be using your digital camera at peak performance for years to come. All you have to do is follow a few simple rules; including using good protective gear, observing proper storage, and performing routine cleaning.

Protection: Your first line of defense in caring for your camera is obviously protecting the camera and each important part, whether it is a lens, the memory card, or even a battery. The two most common things that can damage cameras and equipment are shock or impact damage, and moisture. Shock can be prevented many ways. The easiest is simply to get a good protective case, and properly package all the equipment so that it is padded and well protected. A good strap can keep your camera from falling while you shoot. You should always use protective filters and cases for all lenses as well. If traveling, make your camera bag your carry-on if at all possible. Take proper care when using the camera too. Keep in mind the environments you are shooting in. If the environment is very dusty, for example, or especially humid. Smoke, steam, mist, all of these things can impact your equipment. Any extreme of temperature can affect your equipment as well. If your glasses fog up from changing temperatures quickly, you can bet your exposed lens just did too. Keep your equipment well protected whether you have your camera in hand or not.

Damage Protection Plans: There are as many different things that can go wrong as you can come up with, trust me I've heard every story (and keep hearing new ones), and I have seen the results. One of the best things you can have to protect your equipment is an actual Damage Protection Plan. Manufacturers warranties are very limited, and none will cover damage caused by external forces, such as impact, moisture damage, dog attack, etc. Yes, I've seen cameras that suffered dog attacks. Luckily there are contracts you can purchase to cover just such damage. Penn Camera offers up to three year damage protection plans that are available for everything from a point and shoot or video camera, to a DSLR or other interchangeable lens camera, as well as any lenses, flashes, and some other equipment. In addition to protecting your equipment from accidental damage, they vastly expand the manufacturers coverage of malfunctions and defects as well. For the cost of a few dollars a month, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that if you do damage your camera, you're covered. Some people won't even take a camera places like the beach for fear of sand, and water, but no one wants to miss a great shot because they're worried about their equipment.

Cleaning: If protection is your first line of defense, maintenance is certainly the next. It isn't enough to just keep your equipment clean; dust can creep onto your image sensor, or into your lens, and will worsen over time, affecting the quality of your images. It is important to have sensor cleanings done on interchangeable lens cameras at least once a year, more often depending on the type of environments that you frequently shoot in. Yes this is true even for the cameras that do automatic in-camera "sensor cleaning"; believe me, that is no substitute for a true cleaning. The best option is to have your equipment professionally serviced, but if you are feeling confident, you can at least tackle sensor cleaning on your own. Penn Camera carries multiple options for home sensor cleaning, and instructions can usually be found in your camera's instruction manual (yes you need to keep that). Keeping the lens clean is just as important, so always make sure there is no dust, or fingerprints, or especially any kind of residual buildup. When you are cleaning a lens, don't use compressed air. Use a soft blower or brush for dust and dirt particles, and a microfiber cleaning cloth or a lens pen on things like fingerprints. When it comes to cleaning, remember the old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Storage: This is where most people are a little more lax caring for their equipment. Many people tuck away their gear in a closet or somewhere convenient and out of the way, and it may sit there for weeks, or months. Where you decide to leave your equipment is important though. Cameras should never be stored anywhere humid or dusty. Temperatures should be neutral, and the environment should be clean. It can be a good idea to leave the desiccant packages that come in your camera bag in, to prevent condensation. You should also not store your digital camera near magnets, or leave the battery in the camera while it is being stored.

With the right protective equipment, and proper camera maintenance and storage, you can keep you camera in great shape for years, and ensure that each picture you take is as good, or hopefully even better than the last one.

Gallery at Springfield: Photographer Bill Hamm

2010-08-25T15:32:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Bill Hamm
Penn Camera Springfield
Thursday, September 9th
7pm-8:30pm

Bill Hamm spent his early childhood in a small, rural town in Michigan. He enjoyed the river that flowed through his town, and all that the river had to offer him. Walking home from school he would always find a way to take a detour so that he could walk along the riverbanks and see what he could find. Frogs, fish, birds, baby raccoons, you name it and Bill would find it and bring it home. His back porch on his house was more like a zoo than a back porch. Thus his love of nature was born. On his 8th birthday he received a Kodak Brownie camera. Put the two together and what do you have - a nature photographer.

His father was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a short time, this gave Bill a chance to fall in love with the Rocky Mountains. Again his father was transferred, this time to Washington DC. This is where Bill finished high school, fell in love, got married, raised his family, and started his automotive repair shop in the Maryland suburbs.

During this time, his high school years, raising his family and starting his business he had no time for hobbies such as nature photography.

Fifteen years ago when his children started graduating from college, getting married and raising their own families, Bill found the time to get out the old Kodak Brownie, dust it off and then realize photography had changed a little since the fifties. He purchased his first Nikon FE from Penn Camera and started snapping away. He joined the Gaithersburg Camera Club and that brought his photography to a higher level.
Bill now shoots with a Nikon D300S and his favorite lens is his Nikon 200 / 400 Zoom and his 600mm for those long shots.

He and his wife love to travel to their “wild” spots. They love Alaska, Denali and Katmai National Parks and Kenai Fjords National Park in the summer. In the fall it is Yellowstone for the elk rut. Late fall it is north to polar bear country, Churchill, Manitoba or if they stay locally they travel to Chincoteague for the snow geese in November. February is time for Florida birds. Springtime is spent in Shenandoah National Park photographing fawns and black bears.

Bill is a past-president and an active board member of the Gaithersburg Camera Club. He organizes and leads photo trips to Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Canaan Valley in West Virginia and Chincoteague.

Bill is working on a wildlife photography website. Hopefully it will be on-line by Thanksgiving.

Gallery at Tysons: Gallery Opening for Photographer Kevin Maxson

2010-08-23T13:10:00.002-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Kevin Maxson
Penn Camera Tysons
Wednesday, August 25th
7pm-8pm

Kevin Maxson is a Virginia-based photographer who began his journey with the Canon Snappy 20, a compact 35mm film camera, in 1982. Undaunted by his little sister breaking its lens cover, he continued to take photographs with it. Today, he is a loyal Nikon owner and has his camera with him wherever he goes. It has accompanied him to places as far off as Italy and as near as Great Falls. He has explored genres from glamour and beauty portraiture to scene and landscape photography. Among his photographic acheivements, Kevin has had his photographs published in the book Carving Classical Styles in Wood by Frederick Wilbur.

Always striving to improve, Kevin has taken instruction from James Harrington, Stan Goldstein and renowned glamour photographer Rolando Gomez. Currently, he is enrolled at the Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, Maryland in order to receive a certificate in professional photography.

Send e-mail to kevin@km-photo.net for more information.

Tamron’s 18-270VC Di II

2010-08-16T03:41:00.009-04:00

Tamron 18-270 VC Di II Lens…

All in One Versatility and a Superb Value!

By Andrew Shippin

How many lenses will let you switch between taking pictures of a delicate flower and then without swapping lenses, let you take great wide angle shots of your family standing in front of a historic site, and finally zoom in on that distant wild animal? Not many, which is where the “all in one versatility” of the Tamron 18-270 VC Di II lens comes into its own.

Since its debut in 2008 Tamron’s 18-270VC Di II has been one of the top sellers for both Tamron and Penn Camera. It has won numerous awards from such notable publications as Outdoor Photographer, Digital Photo, Popular Photographer and many others.

Designed for Digital SLRs with APS-C size sensors it features an amazing 15x optical zoom (approx. 28-420mm in 35mm terms) and a very useable macro that lets you close focus as tight as 19 inches. The Vibration Control (VC), which is arguably one of this lenses most redeeming features lets you shoot under an amazingly wide variety of lighting conditions. Even if it’s a moderately cloudy day most people can still hand hold the lens because of its very effective Vibration Control, as can shooters who are looking to take candids without having to worry about using a flash.

This unique balance of value, sharpness, reliability, and over all versatility is why many professional travel photographers have picked one of these lens. As well as other photographers who are just looking for that “one good lens” to take on vacation. Another popular use for this lens is with amateur outdoor sports photographers, who need to be able to zoom out across the field, and then at a moment’s notice drop back for close in action.

Additionally, because it has a built in motor, it will work very nicely on the newest generation of Digital SLR cameras. Available in both Canon and Nikon mounts it works very well with both brands. Another cool thing about this lens is that it comes with Tamron’s SIX year warranty at no extra cost!

Conclusion:

If you are looking for good value in an all-around lens with above average performance the Tamron 18-270VC is a hard one to beat.

Suggested Penn Camera accessories for the Tamron 18-270VC:
Promaster Digital UV filter,
Promaster Digital Polarizing filter,
Lens Pouch,
This lens also qualifies for the Mack USA NO FAULT Damage Protection Plan.

Suggested sites for learning more about the Tamron 18-270 VC Di II:

www.tamron.com/B003special/index.html
www.flickr.com/photos/penncamera/
http://bit.ly/d3fux6

Tech specs:Complements of Tamron’s website

Lens Construction (Groups/Elements): 13/18

Angle of View (APS-C size equivalent):
Diagonal: 75°33'-5°55' Horizontal: 65°36' - 4°55' Vertical: 46°21' - 3°10

Diaphragm Blade Number: 7

Minimum Aperture: F/22 ~ F/40 18mm-270mm)

Minimum Focus Distance: 19.3in.(0.49m) (entire zoom range)

Macro Magnification Ratio: 1:3.5 (at f=270mm, MFD=0.49m)

Filter Size: ø72

Weight: 550g (19.5oz)*

Diameter x Length: ø3.1 x 3.9in. (ø79.6 x 101.0mm)

Included Accessories are the petal shaped lens hood, front and rear lens caps.

Promaster: High Grade Photographic Accessories

2010-08-12T12:18:00.002-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Perhaps you are like most people, and photography began as a hobby, or something you studied in school. As you grew as a photographer, so did your gear. New lenses, cases, filters - the works. Then you realized that photography can be a very expensive hobby, especially for photographers who begin to earn money with their photography; and may do weddings on the weekend, or shoot sports or events and require more and more sophisticated (and expensive) gear. As you grow as a photographer, so do your needs for accessories and equipment. Of course so does the price tag. Luckily, there are some great alternatives to your sometimes pricey accessories.

Whether you need a beginning film camera, along with the filters and black and white paper to do your own darkroom developing and really learn photography from scratch, or you are looking for a high quality studio setup complete with lighting, backgrounds, and stands, you can look one place for price, performance, and quality. Promaster. Penn Camera is proud to be the biggest local supplier of Promaster photographic equipment.

Promaster is a distributor that specializes in high end photographic accessories that are sold at a much lower cost than name brand accessories. From the most basic digital equipment like Promaster brand SDHC and CF cards, available in high speed and professional lines, to filters ranging from basic film filters to the higher-end Promaster Pro Digital series of filters (available in Protection, UV, and Circular Polarizing). Need a replacement or a backup battery? Promaster makes replacement batteries for nearly every current and popular point and shoot and DSLR camera on the market. Have the battery, lost the charger? No problem. Promaster also carries travel chargers that will work worldwide, and charge almost all current and even many older model digital camera batteries. They'll even charge your USB devices, like an iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 player, etc.

No matter what your photographic need, Promaster has an accessory that is right for you. Let's say you are just getting into low light photography. You'll need a tripod, as well as an off-camera shutter release, whether it is a wireless remote or a shutter release cable. Promaster has you covered. Their line of tripods range from inexpensive models to high end carbon fiber tripods for reduced weight, and increased load. Oh, and they make cases to carry your tripod in as well. Maybe you need the perfect background for your portraits, as well as some additional lighting and stands, reflectors, supplemental flash units, basically an entire studio setup. Promaster has kits for complete lighting setups, backgrounds and background supports, and also offers units separately, so you can add just the equipment you need. No matter what your photographic needs are, there is a good chance you can save some money with Promaster equipment.

Stop by your neighborhood Penn Camera today to speak to our staff about the full line of Promaster products, and see for yourself how much you could save! Plus, we know our customers expect quality, so we can assure you that you’re still getting a great product. Our stores offer a full line of Promaster photographic accessories and our knowledgeable staff can explain the benefits, as well as making sure you get the right product for your particular point and shoot, video camera, or DSLR. You can also view our full line of Promaster products in all categories on our website, penncamera.com. Remember whatever you need, you can be pretty sure Promaster has it.

Gallery at Laurel: Photographers Tom Fretz and Renee Montes

2010-08-05T11:56:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographers Tom Fretz and Renee Montes
Penn Camera Laurel
Friday, August 6th
5pm-7pm

Tom’s interest in photography began in the late 50’s on a trip to Europe to attend the Boy Scout World Jamboree. Over the years, his photographic interest has had peaks and valleys due to professional responsibilities. For several years in the 70’s, he I was intrigued with Black and White photography and the challenge of the darkroom. From the late 70’s through the mid-90’s his professional activities curtailed his photographic interests to little more than a point and shoot approach, but in the late 90’s with an increasing commitment to international travel related to his academic career, his photographic interest was rekindled.

In the spring of 2001, Tom was encouraged by a colleague to learn to scuba dive. Not only was he fascinated with the underwater environment, but after no more than a few dozen dives, he knew that if he continued to scuba dive, he could not do so without taking a camera below the surface. Initially he began with a Nikonos V system but rapidly graduated to a Nikon D-200 in a Subal housing with dual Nikonos SB-105 strobes and either a 105 macro or 20mm wide-angle lens with the accompanying lens port. In his pursuit of underwater photography, Tom is committed to capturing images from these unique and beautiful environments that few have the opportunity to see and enjoy first hand. “It is critical that images from the world’s diminishing reef systems are captured before witnessing further environmental damage to these unique and irreplaceable treasures,” says Tom. “As much as I enjoy creating these and other images, my greatest joy comes in knowing that others enjoy viewing them.“

In addition to his interest in underwater photography, Tom has a continuing interest in floral, garden, travel and architectural photography. For more information about the images on display or to see additional images please contact tfretz@umd.edu or go to http://www.tomfretzphotos.com./

Renee Montes is an amateur photographer in the Baltimore area. She studied photography in college and I have a Master's degree in IT. "I love working in Adobe Photoshop to create art out of images!" says Renee. She currently shoots with a Canon 5D Mark II with a range of Canon lenses, and enjoys photographing infants, children, and animals. "My previous experience as a veterinary technician makes it easy for me to work with animals, and I have a 2 year daughter that has given me priceless experience working with infants, and children."

The Battle Continues...Choosing Olympus Vs. Panasonic Micro 4/3's Cameras

2010-08-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

As to the Panasonic GF1 verses the Olympus E-PL1...the lens choices may drive the decision for Panasonic users by the need for lenses to have image stabilization built-in to the lens. This is opposed to choosing Olympus for it's in-body stabilization.

This blog post is not so much a review of the two cameras; but more of my own take after taking the plunge with the Olympus E-P1 a year ago. Some of you that have followed my blog posts so far know that I am in the Olympus m4/3's camp. Yet I see that the Panasonic m4/3's cameras fitting the needs of photographers out there as well. Any comments I make are based on my own use of the Olympus PEN Series and spending way too much time in reading various web forums and blogs out there - as well as talking with customers that have come to me as sort of the m4/3's guru at Penn Camera Tyson.

- The GF1 has a metal body verses the E-PL1's polycarbonate body. I don't care either way. I prefer lighter weight bodies over all.

- HD video seems to be the buzz word between the competing systems. Both can shoot 720P HD. Olympus uses MPEG for video which limits capture time to about 7 minutes per a clip; while the AVCHDlite allows you to record as long have memory on your SDHC card. The buzz is that MPEG is easier to edit with many more programs out there as of right now.

- Built-in flash performance based off the specs posted on DPReview... Olympus was listed as 32 feet verses 19 feet for the GF1. But that is half of the story as far I can tell. One reason I bought the E-PL1 was the ability to use the pop-up flash as a remote trigger for the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flashes - something I had enjoyed with the Nikon CLS system on some of their DSLR's. (And have had the chance to talk about a few times of the past couple of years in the Penn Camera free seminars held every couple of weeks. Just click on the Upcoming Classes link at PennCamera.com to find out about these short seminars that are FREE!).

- Top shutter speed: for most shooters out there it does not make a difference between the E-PL1's 1/2000 shutter speed and the GF1's 1/4000 shutter speed. I guess I am power shooter that loves the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens and loves to play with the depth of field that lens can give - if I can shoot at f/1.7 verses f/2.8.

- The NMOS sensor on the Olympus verses the CMOS sensor on the Panasonic. This really ends up as a Red State vs. Blue State argument. All I can say there on the topic is that like many reviews and blogs out there - I like what the PEN Series cameras give me from the JPEG. I did have the chance today to talk with a customer of mine that bought and E-P1 early on, and just got a G-2 from Panasonic.... Asked him what he thought of the IQ (image quality) between the two cameras... He admitted that he has to work at getting the same IQ from the G-2 over the EP-1... but for now the G-2 fitted his needs better...

- ISO tops out at 3200 on the Panasonic verses the Olympus at 6400...While some may feel that the noise at 6400 is excessive - there are times that an extra stop is worth the costs. I like the film-like quality of the noise/grain that 3200 has with the m4/3's format. I came about in photography that ISO was grainy as all heck. I have some ISO 800 and 1600 images done as 13x19 prints that hold up well here from the likes of the Panasonic LX-2 point and shoot camera....

So there you have it... my take on Olympus verses Panasonic and the m4/3's system as it stands as of right now...

Part I: Choosing Olympus Vs. Panasonic Micro 4/3's Cameras

2010-07-27T15:13:00.000-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Part I

Why choose Olympus over the Panasonic? Or the Panasonic over the Olympus? In the end it is what I tell my customers that are torn between a Nikon, Canon, or Sony DSLR - how does it feel in your hands? I learned that lesson when I upgraded to the Nikon D200 from my Nikon D80 - before moving to the Olympus Pen series cameras. I kept going back to my D80 vs the D200.

A lot of the difference for me is making the choice has to do with the lenses available. Being an eager beaver on photo gear I jumped at getting the Panasonic 7-14 and 14-140 lenses for PEN cameras I have. This was after buying the Olympus 4/3's 9-18 and 40-150 lenses for use with MMF-1 (now the MMF-2 adapter, by the way the change between the two seems to be only the color - the MMF-1 is Silver and the MMF-2 is black). At the time I thought I would be adding an Olympus 4/3's DSLR body for the few paid shoots that I do. But made the decision after getting the EP-L1 that I was going to stay the course with the m4/3's format.

Just wish I had waited, the slight additional weight of the Panasonic lenses does add up. Not to mention the size differences between the Panasonic 7-14 and 14-140 m4/3's lenses over the the Olympus 9-18 and 14-150 m4/3's lenses. Add to that the the Olympus m4/3's 9-18 is not much larger than the m4/3's 14-42 lens when retracted! And it takes a filter that the Panasonic 7-14 m4/3 lens does not!

Specs between the two series of m4/3's lenses:

- 7-14/4 Panasonic and the 9-18/4-5.6 Olympus; 10.6oz vs. 5.5oz, 3.3"L x 2.9"W vs. 1.9" collapsed x 2.3"W, bug-eye lens vs. being able to use a 52mm filter, image stabilization is not built-in to either lens

- 14-140/4-5.8 Panasonic and the 14-150/4-5.6 Olympus; 16.2oz vs. 9.9oz, 3.3"L x 2.8"w vs. 3.3"L x 2.5"W, image stabilization built-in to the lens vs none (relying on the body)

I went with the Panasonic m4/3 7-14 over waiting for the the Olympus m4/3 9-18 because I wanted the extra FOV (field of view) that the 7mm gave over the 9mm FOV. Or so I thought. In the end I would like less FOV and a smaller and lighter weight lens. And one that can take filters. To that end I am leaning towards the Olympus 9-18 to replace my Panasonic 7-14 m4/3's lens. And as to replacing the 14-140 from Panasonic over the 14-150 from Olympus is about the weight.

One of the reasons I went to the Olympus m4/3's camp was a smaller and lighter weight kit. And these two new lenses from Olympus may fit the bill better than my two Panasonic choices so far. Don't get me wrong here... the Panasonic lenses have been great. But compared to their Olympus cousins... I am more willing to take the the weight and size savings of the Olympus lenses over the Panasonic lenses.

Some may be puzzled a bit about my comments about the size and weight differences between the Panasonic and Olympus lenses that I have talked about. The m4/3's 7-14 is a great lens but on the larger size compared to the m4/3's 9-18. But when you combine the weights of those two lenses series in a camera bag the Olympus lenses save about 11.4oz or nearly 3/4 of a pound. May not sound like much - but learned back in the day of backpacking an ounce saved here and there adds up. As does the choice of the camera bag that you want to carry.

More to come in Part II next week!

Gallery at Fair Lakes - Photographer Shana Harris

2010-07-22T14:25:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Shana Harris
Penn Camera Fair Lakes
Friday, August 6th
7pm-9pm

Shana's goal is to capture the unique spirit of her subjects in a creative way. She has photographed weddings, special events, small business owners, headshots, and performers. Shana's photography is primarily done on-location and she works with studio and natural lights. Shana has been actively studying photography since 2006, and has primarily learned from photography books, networking with other photographers, and most importantly, getting out there and photographing as much as possible. Shana has been amazed at how photography has changed the way that she looks at life and people. Shana grew up near Smith Mountain Lake in Southwestern Virginia and currently resides in Fairfax County. She enjoys listening to her husband play music and dancing.

View more of Shana's work online at http://www.taylorharrisphotography.com/. Hope to see you on the 6th!

Image Recovery: I Didn’t Mean to Delete Those Photos!

2010-07-19T19:55:00.002-04:00

If you’ve found yourself the victim of an itchy trigger finger which caused you to delete all the latest photos off your memory card, don’t fret just yet. We have a few tips that may help you recover those images. And if it makes you feel better, plenty of people who are considered ‘computer experts,’ have made the same blunder, so don’t berate yourself too much! You may also lose images due to your media card becoming corrupted through no fault of your own; technology doesn’t always behave as it should. These things sometimes happen; here’s what to do if it does:

• Stop Everything! As soon as you realize what happened, DO NOT attempt to do anything further to the camera card. If you continue to take pictures, it will begin overwriting the files on the card. Deleted images may still be on the card (although you won’t see them listed) but taking more pictures will write the new images over that older data.

• Get to the Computer: There are many companies that offer inexpensive ‘digital photo recovery’ software and you can use this phrase as a search term online to identify the best solution.

• Choose Wisely: Before choosing a software recovery program, check to make sure that the company’s website is current and that they have positive reviews from industry magazines or associations. Make sure that the software program doesn’t write any data to the memory card as this altering can hinder recovering your photos. Most companies explain (on their website) how their product works to retrieve digital photos.

Stop by the Store: Come by one of our stores and bring your digital camera with you. We’d be happy to take a look at the memory card to see if we can get those precious photos back for you. As one of our digital services, we offer image recovery and can save you the hassle of having to figure it out on your own.

Gallery at Springfield - Photographer Robert Blanken

2010-07-13T11:03:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Robert Blanken
Penn Camera Springfield
Monday, August 2nd
7pm-8:30pm

Bob is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and its local affiliates. He is also a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). He has been certified as a Professional Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America and has received their esteemed Craftsman degree. He served on their National Council for nine years.

His peers have honored his work with 19 nominations as Best Photographer of the Year and he has won:
2006 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer
2003 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Corporate Photographer
2002 ISES Capital Award Winner for Best Social Photographer
He has been honored with two nominations as an International Esprit Nominee for Best Event Photographer in 2003 and 2005.

Blanken Photography Studio, Ltd was incorporated in 1991 after existing as Bob Blanken Photographer, a sole proprietorship since 1981. Prior to 1981, his photography work was directed toward architectural and advertising photography. Since the early 90’s, his work has been targeted to special events and portraiture. You can see more of Bob's work online at www.blankenphoto.com.

Quick Tips for Shooting Sports

2010-07-12T16:57:00.000-04:00

It's a busy time of year for sports photography, with an exciting World Cup win by Spain (unless you’re a Netherlands fan!) just wrapped up, and the All –Star game taking place on Tuesday. Even if you’re not shooting professional sports, you can still get great looking images of your kids on the field or your favorite AAA team scoring the winning run. Here are a few quick tips on getting better sports photographs.

Scout Your Spot Early: Figuring out where to stand is critical to getting the best shots because success means being in the right place at the right time. Try to get to the field a bit early to gauge which places are best for shooting the action as it unfolds. Is it possible to get a spot close to first base? Are there items that could obstruct your view? As you start shooting in this environment, you’ll get a feel for the best places to stand, and once you’ve got that down, you should be set for the entire season.

Getting Around the Fence: How many times has the fence proved a formidable opponent to your getting that perfect shot of your child sliding into home plate? Again, a little bit of planning can make all the difference. Play with various locations close to the fence to see if there is a particular angle that will allow you to shoot in the clear. You may also want to consider a monopod for these events as they can be a great asset in helping you shoot from a higher angle, which will not only allow you to secure the shot but also to create images from a new and interesting perspective.

Candid Camaraderie: Sometimes we’re so focused on the action that we forget about those wonderful moments of playful connection and camaraderie between teammates. Keep your eyes open for those high-fives and pats-on-the-back. These moments represent the heart of team sports and lend another dimension to our sports photography library.

Choosing the Right Lens: You are inevitably shooting from the sidelines during a game, and you’re also probably a good deal away from the action. You need a long lens. That’s right - the longer the better usually. If you are a digital SLR user, you should opt for a focal length 100mm or longer, with 300 being your best bet. Choose a zoom lens for even more flexibility. You also want to choose a fast lens – meaning one that has a wide maximum aperture, f/2.8 or greater. This will give your more ability to capture the action at dusk or in other low light scenarios. A new post of the Complete Lens Buyer Guide is being worked on as I write this, I’ll post more information once it’s ready.

It’s all About Timing: Getting the great shot at a sporting event has a lot to do with timing. It helps to be familiar with the sport, with the plays, and the general rhythm of the game so you can be prepared when something exciting happens. Think about following the players with your camera to your eye, ready to fire, so when that split-second play happens you are ready and waiting to capture it. Choose a camera that allows you to shoot multiple frames per second – that way you can choose from a bunch of images of that definitive moment.

What are your ideas for better sports photographs? There are certainly a lot of you out there who have probably been doing this for awhile. Leave your comments below!

Gallery at Rockville - Russell Willard

2010-07-08T16:24:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Russell Willard
Penn Camera Rockville
Friday, July 16th
7pm-9pm

Russell Willard is a serious travel and documentary photographer based in Bethesda, MD. While not shooting on assignment, Russell conducts photography workshops and photo tours to some of the most exotic locations where architecture and nature come together.

Russell started his formal education in photography over a decade ago when he joined the photography club at his university. Having soon learned - among other things - how to research and photograph buildings in nature, he set up a clandestine darkroom in the closet of the family home in order to further his future phtoography career in architecture and in nature.

Thinking that he was going to live the Brady Bunch life as an architect, he was in for a rude awakening upon his first professional job, which paid him $5 an hour. In order to supplement his salary as a licensed architect, he began to photograph historical homes for private owners who wanted their home on the national registry.

Taking to photography, Russell has traveled extensively throughout the world. While continuing his architectural design work, he has been refocusing his energies on professional travel and documentary photography, specializing in the area of blending the buildt environment with nature. He has had the opporutunity to train with Bob Krist and Ralph Lee Hopkins of the National Geographic Society, and he is active in the Gaithersburg Camera Club, which is leading him to several opportunities to showcase his work.

When not in the office as lead designer, Russell leads photography workshops and photo tours. Needless to say, Russell is intimately familiar with on-location photography and how to select the most vitalizing sections fo building for visual impact. With a flair for simplifying the most complex subjects, Russell loves sharing the wealth of photo-ops that abound all around us with participants in his photo workshops and tours.

On display at Penn Camera Rockville are works that illustrate the blending of the built environment with the natural world. These phtoographs were created in a location with the finest examples in the Western world where the human race has successfully blended with nature; that location is Italy. Enjoy!

Shooting in Low Light

2010-07-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Shooting in low light can be one of the most challenging things in photography to do well. It takes practice to know which combination of f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO will be sufficient in any given low light situation. There are of course a few rules and guidelines that will help you take much better photographs in low light.

Equipment

First there is the issue of using the right equipment. Let's start with lenses. Lenses are of course a very important aspect of any part of photograph. For low light photography, you will want a fast lens, meaning a lens with a wide maximum aperture, like f/2.8 or f/1.8. Faster lenses allow for faster shutter speeds, since more light is gathered during the exposure. This can be important in digital photography because it can allow you to hand-hold in low light conditions, and exposures lasting too long can sometimes introduce noise into the photograph. Image stabilized lenses can also help with by allowing hand-held shots at slower shutter speeds than a non-stabilized lens.

Of course in many cases, a tripod will be your best tool. Even a portable mini tripod can give you the stability you need when shooting on the go. A tripod is a necessity for very long exposures. It is also a good idea to use a shutter release cable to further reduce camera shake. A flash is obviously a good option for adding light to a scene, but can be tricky to use properly. Direct flash will often illuminate too much, causing overexposure and blowing out details in the scene. On camera flashes can work, but your best bet is an on or off camera flash that can be angled to reflect or bounce off of a ceiling or wall. This will help to get even, diffuse light without overexposing or losing any detail.

Tips

- If shooting handheld, use the inverse rule between focal length and shutter speed. If your lens is 100mm for example, you will need a shutter speed no slower than 1/100th of a second. Any slower and you will need a tripod.

- If you have a point and shoot camera, most have special scene mode settings that automatically adjust for low light situations, like night portrait and night landscape. Typically these setting need a tripod to work well.

- If you can, start by avoiding "late night" photography, and limit your low light shooting to the times just before dawn, or just after sunset. This will let you get the hang of things before you try really low light photography.

- Get creative. Use long exposures to capture the trails of light created by cars moving through the city. Flashlights and glow sticks can also be used to create artistic effects during long exposures.

- Most importantly, practice. Take multiple shots of the same scene, with varying exposures and continue to check your progress. Stick with it, and you'll be a low light expert in no time.

For more information on exposure, and tips for using flash effectively, check out our Exposure Control and Off-Camera Flash blogs for more hints on getting good exposures in tricky lighting, and tips on using flashes to improve your photos. Stay tuned for our lens buyers guide if you’re thinking of picking up a new toy. Until then, keep shooting!

Beach-proof Cameras - my take....

2010-07-03T08:32:00.001-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

I was happy to see mention of the beach-proof cameras in our weekly email newsletter on Tuesday. I guess that many of you that view this blog already are getting our weekly newsletters - if not you can sign up here on the right column of this blog.

I have been a big fan of these cameras, in particular those that are drop-proof from at least five feet. But I wanted to share a lesson learned from one of the first beach-proof cameras - an older Pentax Optio. An expensive lesson for me... never borrow a camera from a friend. My tale begins with a cruise I was taking. I was going to to hang poolside and do some snorkeling - that is where it got expensive.

I took my friends camera with me thinking of pools and beaches. And some simple snorkeling. So for snorkeling I never thought I would meet the 10 foot depth of this Pentax Optio. I thought that in snorkeling I never get deeper than the 10 foot depth that camera was rated for. Boy was I wrong!In the end I flooded the camera and had to replace it. This is one of the reasons I suggest underwater cameras for snorkeling that go to 30 feet.

So my advice is that if these cameras are more about the beach, pool, and sand - then cameras that are between 10-15 feet are great- otherwise opt for one that is more robust.

Confessions of an Olympus m4/3's Fan

2010-07-01T08:20:00.001-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

My path to the Olympus PEN m4/3's digital cameras started just about a year ago. But that journey started about a year earlier when Panasonic announced the first m4/3's camera in September of '08 - the G1.
Then about a year later Olympus changed the m4/3's game with the the E-P1. I think it is fair to say that all of us that work at Penn Camera were taken in some way by the E-P1. It may have won a few of my co-workers at the Tysons shop over.

One thing about Penn Camera is lots of us that have been into photography for a very long time. Even with my being with Penn Camera for just 10 years, I am the middle child in the family of Penn staff members. Though my experience goes way back to the 1970's.

But I digress... back to the E-P1. It was what lots of us old timers remembered what cameras used to be. Metal bodies and the like. And the look and feel was very much like the original Olympus PEN half frame film cameras; a camera that in my youth I lusted over. With July being my birthday month, and always treating myself to a new toy for my birthday, I bought an E-P1 with it just being in the shop just three days. I rationalized the purchase by saying that it would be a nicer fit in my sling bag.

A few days after getting the E-P1 I went to a pool party at a friends place. First, it was nice not lug around a big DSLR. I used a Tenba 10x10 camera wrap to protect in my sling bag. Second, NOT carrying a DSLR led to better pictures of my friends. More on that in my follow up posts. When I got home and looked at my shots, I was wowed by the colors from the pics I took. I had the pleasure to be the host for classes that we offer for free from some of our vendors this past winter. During a break, I was asked by someone why I made the switch...and I said it was the colors of the images. Soon 6-8 others chimed in saying the same thing!

In fact, that are a number of more serious photographers than me are touting the camera's jpeg images. More to come on this in my post next week.

You still have time to enter to win your own Olympus E-PL1 to see for yourself as to what makes this camera so special for many of us photographers. Just go to our website and upload your best great outdoor picture!

How to Photograph Fireworks

2010-06-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, one of the best opportunities to start shooting low light photographs is almost upon us. Fireworks are an American tradition that capture a patriotic spirit, and delight people of all ages, young and old. With a little knowledge, and the right tools and equipment you can get fantastic photographs of fireworks displays.

- Use a tripod. This is the most important piece of equipment that you can have for any type of low light photography, including fireworks displays. Because you will be shooting at slow shutter speeds, a tripod is essential to reduce camera blur. Hand holding a camera simply will not work if you want truly excellent fireworks photos. There are some great inexpensive models available from Promaster and Slik, and if you are looking for a higher end product, check out the Manfrotto or Gitzo line for top quality tripods.

- Use an off camera shutter release. By using a wireless or a tethered cable to control your camera, you can further reduce the element of camera shake by simply taking your hands off of the camera when you shoot. Even minor vibrations can cause blurring at slow shutter speeds, so use a wireless remote, or a cable release to get the best shots. Some remotes, called timer remotes, will even allow you to set duration of shutter speed from the remote, without having to touch the camera.

- Composition is key. Use your surroundings to enhance your fireworks shots. If shooting at the beach, try to include the water, for good reflections. If you are shooting in the city, like locally in D.C., use the monuments and other historical buildings to bring that all-American feel to your fireworks photos. This brings us to our next tip.

- Scout out your location early. Find a good place that will allow you to incorporate those elements of the location around you into your photographs. Show up early, try different locations, then pick your spot. Composition is one of the hardest parts of shooting fireworks. Once properly set up, experiment with different focal lengths and exposures to get the proper composition and adjustment.

- Anticipate your shots. This is probably the hardest part of shooting a fireworks display. You don't want a shot of the firework shooting into the air, you want the colorful explosion that follows to really make the shot. One thing that will really help with anticipation and composition as well as timing the shots is using a wider focal length. You can always crop later on with an editing program; since trying for tight shots, while not impossible, is not an easy thing to do well. Go wide, crop later. This will allow you to capture a good deal of sky, allowing for some leeway later on when it comes time to edit, but still giving you the opportunity to capture multiple bursts in one exposure.

- Experiment with exposure. Find the right shutter speed that will give you those shots you want, the long trails, the brilliant explosions of color. It should be long, at least a couple seconds (depending on how well you can anticipate), which is far too long for a hand held shot. Did I mention you will need a tripod? In addition, experiment with different ISO values. This can be tricky, since too high an ISO will introduce noise, but too low an ISO could cause underexposure, which is just as bad. Both will detract from the quality of the picture. So experiment, and find a happy medium. Try for good exposures in-between that range for the best results. Typically an ISO of 100 or 200 will give you very clean shots. Again, shutter speed will play a factor here, as will aperture. Shutter speeds can vary somewhat but a good f-stop is around f8 or f16. For more info on using manual exposure controls, check out our Exposure Control blog.

- Always check the horizons. It should sound simple enough but making sure your camera is not tilted when you are framing the shot can make a big difference in your pictures, especially at wider focal lengths.

- Keep your eyes on the sky. This is the best way to anticipate and time your shots. Don’t shoot through a viewfinder only showing you a portion of the sky. Look up first, shoot second.

- Turn off the flash. The flash will make no difference in your pictures, except maybe to illuminate distracting foreground clutter. Turn it off.

- Check your results as you go. Good photography requires making changes on the fly. If you are not getting what you want, try adjusting your camera settings. Practice makes perfect.

These tips mostly apply to digital SLR cameras, or other interchangeable lens cameras like the Olympus or Panasonic Micro 4/3 cameras. Many point and shoots do offer a fireworks scene mode setting that will automatically set ideal exposure for that camera, but you will still need a tripod. Exposures will be long and hand held shots are almost always very blurry and unappealing.

So remember, concentrate on your exposure, your composition, and bring a tripod. Include elements in your surroundings to make it a truly memorable photograph. Go for the shot with the explosion reflected in the water. Get a great shot with a monument in the foreground. Now you’re ready to go shoot. Scout your location, setup in good spot with a wide view of the sky, arm yourself with a tripod and a shutter release, and have fun experimenting, anticipating and enjoying the fireworks display. Happy Fourth of July everybody, and keep shooting!

Stay tuned for my next blog, which will go more in-depth on all aspects of low-light photography. Until then, enjoy the holiday!

Gallery at Laurel - Larry Jackson & Ruth Weston

2010-06-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographers Larry Jackson & Ruth Weston
Penn Camera Laurel
Friday, July 2nd
5pm-7pm

Lawrence Jackson, Jr., also known as Larry Jackson, is a Maryland-based photographer with over 20 years experience recording life’s moments on film and digital media. He has served as photo editor for the Southern Maryland Newspapers, providing editing and pre-press image processing and news coverage. He has worked as a staff photographer for Post Newsweek Media at the Gazette Newspapers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. He has also served as photo editor and staff photographer at Prince George’s Sentinel, the Montgomery County Sentinel and the Washington Afro American newspapers.

As a freelance photographer, Larry has provided images to national and local trade associations, foundations, government agencies, and media entities such as Washingtonpost.com, The Baltimore Examiner, Insight on The News, Black Enterprise, The Voice (UK), Washington Post, the Prince George’s Journal, the Tribune Chronicle (OH), Washington Internationale, Potomac Tech Journal, Crisis magazine, District Cable TV, WRC, FM Radio 980, WTMW-TV 14, U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, and the March of Dimes foundation. Moving into another stage of his photo career, Larry is working on several book projects and serves as photo editor for Joshua's Journal a quarterly magazine.

Email info@larryjacksonphoto.us for more information.

Ruth Weston has been strongly influenced by traveling to some of the most beautiful national parks this country has to offer. She recalls one particular opportunity, she describes as “blissful”, to visit Bryce and Zion National Parks in Utah. “The scenery was truly spectacular, and set me on a course toward improving my photography as an art.”

With that one visit in July of 1999, Ruth became a lover of landscape and nature scenes. “I was bitten by the ‘love bug’ of traveling to National Parks,” she explains. “Shenandoah National Park, located in Luray, Virginia, is a favorite of mine.”

The first camera that Ruth experimented with was a Minolta film camera. She later transitioned to the Canon 5D and has since been happily creating her images in the digital medium.

The Rise of the EVIL Camera

2010-06-25T08:00:00.014-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

This sort of sounds like a bad Summer B movie; but this really is something that we in the photographic industry are struggling with as we see a new market developing for a class of camera that is not point and shoot (P&S) or Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR). For years the digital P&S camera has given us portability and good results. But the DSLR with it larger sensor size over it smaller siblings, gave better results and offers more lens options over the P&S. But it comes at a price of larger size and increased weight because of the size of the mirror chamber and prism housing needed to view what you are taking a picture of through a single lens.

So what happens when we remove the mirror chamber and prism housing and rely on the LCD screen or an electronic viewfinder? We end up with a smaller camera, while still having a larger sized sensor for better picture quality. That is what Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung, and Sony (in that order) did. Panasonic and Olympus calls theirs the Micro 4/3's (m4/3) system. Samsung calls theirs a hybrid camera. And Sony calls theirs a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

So what do we call this new class of camera? My teaser of a title for this blog post came from what some on the internet are calling this new class of camera. EVIL=Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens camera. Because of Olympus and Panasonic's big success in this new format, I have had customers coming in asking about the new Sony m4/3's camera or when Canon or Nikon will come out with a m4/3's camera. On the technical side of things, no other companies at this point are in the m4/3's camp other than Olympus and Panasonic. I’ll explain that in another post. The other choice is what Sony has gone to - the MILC=Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Compact camera.

I personally like the sound of that. Need to trademark "Got MILC?". Some photographic industry analysts are projecting that by 2016 that MILC sales will be about half of the interchangeable lens market. Whatever we end up calling this new breed of camera, I am excited by it. It offers the responsiveness of the DSLR, the lens options of a DSLR, but in a small, lightweight package.

Hoping that I won't bore you all as I bring folks up to speed on the MILC systems; in particular the m4/3's. Full disclosure is that I wear a couple of fanboy badges at work here in the Tyson's shop. The first is as Apple fanboy. I have an iPod, an iPhone 1, an iMac, MBP, and an iPad. And no I did not take 6/24 off to stand in line to get the iPhone 4. The other fanboy badge I wear is that as the #1 Olympus m4/3's fanboy. More on why later.

But tickles me pink to share that on July 1st Penn Camera and Olympus are having a photo contest for July. And the prize will be the new Olympus E-PL1 m4/3's camera! (More info on this is coming soon!)

Gallery at Springfield - Frank Greenwell

2010-06-24T16:53:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Frank Greenwell
Penn Camera Springfield
Monday, July 12th
7pm-8:30pm

Frank Greenwell has been observing and photographing wildlife and landscapes in the United States and around the world for the past 50 years. As a very young boy, he had a keen interest and appreciation of all the wonder that nature has to offer.

Although many people take an interest in wildflowers, birds, and mammals, few have ever observed them from the vantage point of Frank’s close-up lenses. His work underscores his belief that the first step toward saving our environment lies in understanding nature and inter-relationships among different forms of life. By using close-up lenses, sometimes even attaching a portable microscopic lens to his camera, he reveals to the viewer seldom observed and little known details of nature. “The camera is a way of seeing things in a more dynamic perspective,” Frank says. “It is not just a tool but an instrument whereby one can extend their visual images.”

Much of Frank’s work has been exhibited in local galleries and in the rotunda of the National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, as well other areas of the United States. His photographs have appeared in books and journals, nationally and internationally.

A sampling of the images you will see at Frank's gallery:

Frank recently retired from the Smithsonian Institution where he served as Chief Taxidermist/Conservator. At the beginning of his career at the Smithsonian, he was part of the team that mounted the African elephant still on exhibit in the Rotunda of the Natural History Building. In 1981 he completely restored that elephant and the World’s record Bengal Tiger in 1985. Over the years, Frank has conducted many scientific expeditions in select remote areas around the world for the Smithsonian and refurbished many animals that President Theodore Roosevelt collected in the early 1900s. In the 1980s he traveled extensively for the Smithsonian National Associates giving lecture/slide presentations.

After nearly 50 years, Frank recently returned to Leonardtown, MD where he was born and raised. He now resides with his wife Pat, in Singletree.

Get Up-Close: Macro Photography Basics

2010-06-21T11:34:00.016-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

In photography, there are always some photographs that capture our imagination, that unleash our creative instinct and make us want to create works of art ourselves. The greatest thing about macro photography is that for a close-up photographer, everything around them is full of hidden detail, intricate angles, and fascinating features that go mostly unobserved by the naked eye. The test of the close-up photographer is to bring out the details in these small things; because whether it is leaves or flowers, antiques or insects, macro photography will bring out the tiny elements and wonder in the world around you.

Equipment

There are actually quite a few options available for people who want to get into close up photography, but don't know where to start, or what equipment they will need. This guide will focus on rules that apply mainly for SLR photography, but it should be noted that quite a few models of compact point-and-shoot cameras offer outstanding close focusing. Check our product reviews on current cameras like the Nikon Coolpix S8000 or the Canon Powershot SD1400IS for info on two models with great macro modes. For the best results however, you will want an SLR camera. This will allow you to use specialized macro lenses, or even try alternative methods of close focusing using existing lenses.

The least expensive option is to use close-up filters (also called close-up lenses or diopters) that will allow for closer than normal focusing. The benefits of these are their size and ease of use - just thread onto any lens you currently own and it will let you focus slightly closer. Usually sold in sets, these will offer different levels of magnification, and can even be stacked to further increase close focus. The downside is that these are typically lower quality, and adding too much extra glass can cause problems in the photo like glare or distortion. On the upside, you don't lose any light by added them to your lens.

Another option is using extension tubes. These are usually fairly inexpensive since they have no glass inside them. By increasing the distance between the lens and camera, extension tubes allow for closer focusing. This can be especially useful if you have a fixed lens like a 50mm that takes great photos, but isn’t a macro lens. By proper use of extension tubes, you can achieve macro focusing, making your tiny subjects life size, or a 1:1 ratio. Basically what that means is that your small subject, when filling your frame, is represented life size, or in other words, the same size on your image sensor. It is possible to get even closer magnification, to make your subject appear “larger than life”, though it is usually easier just to make an enlargement of the photo. Even a 5x7 size print of a tiny object taken at “life size” or 1:1, can make the smallest detail jump out, and create quite an effect. The best way to do this though is to use a true macro lens, and maybe even some off camera lighting. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you will experience light loss by one or two stops depending on how long the extension tubes are.

There are some great options available out there if you are ready for a true macro lens. Lenses like the Nikon 105mm f2.8 Micro or the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro are the perfect compliment to any body, like the Nikon D700 or the Canon 5D Mark II. If you use a crop size sensor camera like the Nikon D90 or a Canon Rebel, a better choice might be a lens like the Tamron 60mm f2.8 or the Tamron 90mm f2.8. If you want the very best quality close up shots, this is the way to go. These lenses will allow you to get close, but still keep some distance from your subject. Now you just need to use the proper camera settings.

Tips

Your best friends will be manual controls. Be sure to choose a camera that allows you to control the aperture and shutter speed.
Make sure to use an appropriate depth of field to bring out the proper amount of detail.
Manually focusing will also usually be your best bet, since auto-focus often struggles at close distances. Of course, if you have a flower or object that is blowing in the wind, continous auto-focus could be a big helpful if the camera can be set to fire only when in focus.
Using an off-camera lighting source, like a supplemental flash, and a reflector can allow you to control the light, eliminating shadows and casting a pleasant, even light. For more information on using flashes for better macro photographs check out our Off-Camera Flash blog.
Use dark cardboard or background material to eliminate distractions if you like close up photographs of flowers. Oh and don’t forget the spray bottle, just a couple sprays of water can give you that early morning dew effect at anytime during the day.
As with most types of photography, a tripod can be your best friend. To eliminate camera shake, and help you get those low angles, a tripod is a must.

With the right equipment, a little bit of knowledge, and a willingness to just experiment and have fun, anyone can learn to take great macro photographs. If you want to learn more, visit the classes sections on our website for information and dates on classes and mini-seminars. Have fun, learn, and keep shooting!

Digital Camera Buyer's Guide: Part 2

2010-06-18T09:00:00.026-04:00

We left off a few weeks ago from Part 1 of our Digital Camera Guide discussing the different format cameras to choose from. Next area you should look at are the key features to ask about.

Megapixels
The first thing most people check is the number of mega-pixels a camera has. Mega just means million, and a pixel is a picture element, basically a small dot of detail in a photo. The more mega-pixels, the more detailed the photo. Ten megapixels may be enough for many photographers, but a higher resolution camera will allow you to enlarge your photos to poster size, or crop your pictures and not wind up with a fuzzy picture. Choose a higher mega-pixel camera if you can foresee wanting to print big. You should be aware though that the additional picture clarity means you are capturing more ‘data’ or picture elements, so you will need more memory per picture.

Optical Zoom
Optical zoom refers to the length of travel of the zoom; 18-270mm is a 15x optical zoom (270 divided by 18 equals 15). Same idea, if you have a 25-75mm zoom it is a 3x optical zoom (75/25=3). Where this gets a bit tricky is figuring out the magnification - a 3x zoom doesn't necessarily mean 3x magnification. You need to use 50mm (35mm format) as a baseline - 50mm is what you would normally see with your own eye. If you go from a 50mm lens to a 100mm lens, you would increase the magnification of your subject 100%. So if that's true, let's look at the 25-75mm example we mentioned before. Going from a baseline of 50mm, to 75mm, you would only be increasing your magnification 50% (50 to 100 is 100%, so 50 to 75 is 50%). So even though the 25-75mm zoom has a 3x optical zoom, the magnification is only 50%.

You really don't need to get into all the nitty gritty about magnification to choose the right optical zoom camera though. All you need to ask yourself is, how far away from my subjects do I plan to be? Should you want to take pictures of subjects further away than about 10 yards, you definitely need some zoom. This is a feature for which you can get a lot more capability for a relatively small investment, and more is better.

Wide Angle Lens
Some point and shoots come with a wide angle lens. This is a great feature if you want to take pictures of a large group of family and friends; (you can get more people in the picture!) or a broad landscape. Many cameras now come with this excellent feature, we highly recommend you consider getting it.

Video Modes
All point and shoot and many detachable lens cameras come with video capability. This is another feature that you can get at a very reasonable price, and the ability to capture a short video clip without carrying a separate camcorder makes this an obvious feature to require in your next camera. Many cameras now have HD video mode available. Whether to insist on HD, well here the answer depends on the user. If you are sure you are uploading your video only to YouTube or Facebook, the HD capability is of no use since these websites do not accommodate HD formats. However, if you are taking video to share using a TV with a high definition screen, the detail you can get is breathtaking and well worth the extra cost. Be forewarned though, you will need A LOT of memory and a high transfer speed in your memory cards to take advantage of HD video.

Battery Type
Some point and shoots still take disposable batteries, usually AA. These are great if you are worried about your rechargeable running out at a key moment. However, the extended cost in batteries, impact to environment, and slow shutter response(you will wait up to 3 seconds between shots with a AA battery camera) inherent in disposable battery cameras are all distinct negatives to consider. Many people get frustrated having to wait for AA cameras to be ready to take the next picture, you can miss a lot of great shots this way.

Touch Screen
Many people like the ease of use presented by a touch screen, and quite a few point and shoots come with this feature for a few extra bucks. If you like using touch screens, definitely buy a camera with this feature. You will use and enjoy your camera more.

Software Enhancements
Most cameras available today have software enhancements which enable you to get even better pictures with little to no effort required on your part. Red-eye reduction, automatic smile detection, and quick retouch are all examples of these. If you are looking at a very low end camera, however, these may not be present.

Making a decision
The basic decision is over your preference for smaller size and generally lower expense, in which case you are in the market for a point and shoot camera, or the desire to take better pictures combined with a willingness to carry a larger camera and spend some extra dough, making you a candidate for a detachable lens camera. Choose a long zoom if you are likely to take pictures from a distance and want the smaller size and cost of a P&S. Consider a micro four thirds DL camera if you want better pictures or the improved control over your pictures that DSLR’s provide, but want a smaller size. Choose a full frame DSLR if you are a pro on an advanced amateur photographer.

Gallery Penn Pikesville - Robert & Linda King

2010-06-14T12:56:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Robert & Linda King
Penn Camera Pikesville
Friday, June 18th
5pm to 8pm

The Gallery at Penn Camera is an ongoing exhibition of photographs by artists who seek to explore and cultivate their visual expression.

Robert and Linda White King were married in June 1974. This exhibition celebrates 36 years of marriage as well as 36 years of artistic collaboration and mutual inspiration. As a married couple, each is very different from the other in personality and interests. And, while their works are also very different in content and technique, each has mutually benefitted from the other’s artistic style, point-of-view, and technical expertise. It is fitting that this conjunction of photographs and digital Photoshop illustrations should come to be exhibited together on the 36th anniversary of their wedding. As Merriam-Webster online states that “conjunction” refers to “a configuration in which two celestial bodies have their least apparent separation,” it is amusing, that in artistic and photographic expression, each of these two individuals have also found their own personal point of “least apparent separation.”

A sampling of the images you will see Linda & Robert's gallery:

Robert King is currently a salesman with Penn Camera Pikesville. Robert’s love for photography was a natural outgrowth of his love of trains and model railroading. As he sought to capture the beauty and romance of trains, he also desired to make an accurate and detailed photographic record of the magnificent machines, their stations, outbuildings, equipment, and surroundings, so that he could accurately create life-like models, layouts and dioramas. His love for photography gradually took on a life of its own, and he broadened his subject matter to include much more than just trains. While trains and train stations are still a favorite subject with Robert, he is not above capturing the haunting beauty of a nearby skeletal warehouse, a captivating sunset, a fleeting heron, or a wildflower.

Linda White King, originally from the Washington, DC area, moved to Baltimore to attend Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she earned her BFA in 1974. She fell in love with Baltimore and with Robert, and after their wedding, settled in Baltimore City where they raised two children. Linda has always enjoyed drawing and oil painting, but the demands of life required that she earn a living by using the computer. While completely intimidated at first, she has grown to consider Photoshop, in particular, her favorite artistic tool. Originally, Linda used photography as a means of recording her artworks done in other media and also as a way to capture fleeting images which could be used later in studio paintings. Soon, the line between art and photography became happily blurred. Now, she creates her art directly in Photoshop, where she occasionally incorporates typographical design and her own original poetry. She sometimes uses photographs in the same way that a painter would use a “still life model,” and sometimes she manipulates the photographic images themselves. For ten years, Linda has owned her own art and photography business - Linda M. King Studio. She also serves as Senior Graphic Designer for CAM Publishing Group, Inc.— publisher of Science Weekly, a national award-winning elementary school publication, for which she does layout production and digital illustrations. Visit her web site at: www.LindaMKingStudio.com.

Please join us on the evening of Friday, June 18, 2010 for the opening of “con•junc•tion,” with Robert and Linda King.

Portrait Basics: Tips and Techniques

2010-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

There is a reason that people are by far the number one subject of photographs. Whether it is parents taking photos of their children, or party snapshots, or even fashion photography, pictures of people are being taken by millions of photographers both professional and amateur, daily. There are just a few things to focus on when trying to get the most out of your portraits. With a little understanding of the essentials, and the right equipment, anyone can take a great portrait.

First, it is important to know what makes a good portrait, and it isn't all technical. The best thing to remember, and the basis of good portrait photography, is that you must "capture" your subject. We've all heard this term, and we know it when we see it. This is the first rule of good portrait photography. The character of the subject should be evident in the photograph, and the photograph should set a mood. This can be as easy as capturing a child's smile or laughter. It can also be more difficult. Some of the best portraits can be very serious, and capturing a solemn moment of thought makes for a powerful photograph. In the beginning just try to include one aspect of your subject's personality in the photo. With practice you will learn to capture and enhance what makes your subjects special, and any unique traits or features, even quirky mannerisms and attitudes can make the difference between a photo of a person, and a true portrait. A portrait is a representation of someone's likeness, and we all know that there is more to everyone than what we see on the surface. Look below the surface and photograph that. It sounds tricky, and it can be, but it is the foundation of any really good portrait. Of course, it isn't as simple as that. You will need to get the hang of the technical end of things as well.

The second thing to focus on when you start to shoot portraits is obviously using the right camera settings. This is important to achieve proper exposure, and control depth of field. Traditionally, a portrait should only focus on the subject, removing any distracting background clutter. This can be accomplished by always using a wide aperture, like f2.8 of f4 to achieve a shallow depth of field and emphasize your subject. The next important exposure element to remember in portrait photography is your ISO setting. It is always good practice to use as low an ISO as possible to achieve the best picture quality. Experiment with some different settings, but try to adhere to these rules for the best results when starting out. For more information on exposure, check out our blog post on Exposure Control. Of that is also where controlling light comes into play, so let’s move on to lighting.

Lighting in portrait photography can actually be done a scale from very simple, to very complex. For total control, professional photographer's use studios, but don't worry, you can still get great portraits with some more basic setups to start out. One simple setup requires no real special equipment, and can be accomplished using only available light. Find a place indoors with a window that is letting a good amount of light into the room. With your subject placed off to the side of the window (so that the light is shining on your subject, have them face you. Now, use something to reflect the light from the other side of your subject, just out of the frame. Obviously a reflector would be the best option, but I said no special equipment and I meant it. You can achieve a reflective result with something as basic as white cardboard or poster board, even aluminum foil can be used as a reflective surface. This basic setup will achieve flattering lighting for your subject. That being said, the use of light modifiers like umbrellas and reflectors can be an inexpensive way of controlling light and obtaining more precise results. The better your tools, the less work you have to do. To obtain even better results, simply using off-camera flashes can give you the right amount of light, where you need it and when you need it. Check out our blog on Off-Camera Flash to learn more about the basics of off-camera lighting.

Last but not least digital photographers have the powerful tool of editing. With even some of the more inexpensive image editing software programs you can out the finishing touches on your photograph. By adjusting color, contrast and saturation levels, and cropping or straightening your photograph, you can quickly iron out any “wrinkles” you may have had in your original photograph. Even a small thing like slightly overexposing a portrait can have beneficial effects. Overexposing will reduce the appearance of blemishes, and make for a more uniform appearance in skin tones(this is one of the very few times I would recommend overexposure). Most programs make it easy to quickly fix things like red-eye, or crop out distracting elements that draw attention from the subject. It is after all, about the subject. To learn more about some of the better programs out there check out our blog Image Editing on a Budget, which discusses a few good options for people getting more serious about their digital photography.

So focus on the big three rules I’ve laid out for basic portrait photography. Always try to “capture” your subject, and inject that mood, or that characteristic into the photograph. Second, make sure to use proper camera settings, like a wide aperture and low ISO. Third, remember that image editing is your friend. It gives you that final degree of control you need between the time the shutter snaps, and the time the print dries. Start with the basics, and you’ll be a pro in no time.

CORRECTION - Friday Canon Demo at Penn Rockville

2010-06-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

For those of you who are loyal email newsletter subscribers, please note - the Canon Demo Day on this Friday (tomorrow) is at Penn ROCKVILLE, not Penn Fair Lakes as stated. We apologize for any confusion - we hope to see you there!

Be the first to learn about new gear

2010-06-10T08:34:00.003-04:00

By Chip Lenkiewicz, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

In the age of the internet, rumors abound. I am a Mac geek here. And to be honest I know more about what Apple has up their sleeves (as most of us Apple/Mac geeks do with web sites like macrumors.com). For the Apple geeks out there - no, there been any employee that left the next Nikon D400 or Canon 60D on a bar stool.

Sure there are rumor websites out there that post threads that tantalize us with what might be coming out in terms of new cameras or lenses. Some come true, but many are false hopes.

The truth is that we at Penn Camera only learn about new cameras the same day that you do when looking at any number of digital camera websites. For myself, each day as I check my emails and the latest news before heading off to work, I also look at sites like DPReview to see if there is anything new before I get to work.

But I will share a little "secret" with you - just promise not to share it. :)

There are two times a year that new product is generally announced.
That is in the Spring and the beginning of Fall. There is a reason that CES and PMA are held around February, and why Photokina is held in September - this is perfect timing for announcing new products.

In the end, you probably know as much as we do on new models. But, given what I just shared with you, you should keep an ear to the ground toward the beginning of Fall for new gear announcements!

Digital Camera Buyer's Guide: Part 1

2010-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

In the world of digital photography, there are a huge number of choices. For someone new to digital photography, or coming from film, they can seem overwhelming. However with a little knowledge of the basics of digital photography, and the choices available, you can be comfortable in your ability to select the right digital camera. So whether you have shot film for years, are completely new to digital, or are just looking for your next upgrade, this guide will cover the basics of all the options available, and help anyone to determine what type of camera they need.

Formats
The first choice you have to make is on the size and capability that you want. There are now several formats to consider:
1. Point and Shoot, Compacts
• Regular Zoom
• Long Zoom
2. Detachable Lens
• DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex)
• Micro Four Thirds DL

Point & Shoot
Point and Shoot, Regular Zoom
If you are on a limited budget, require a compact camera, or just want something inexpensive and easy to use, buying a point and shoot model is definitely the way to go. The good news is you can get excellent pictures, even take HD videos in many models. There are several major brands to choose from, and any combination of picture resolution (megapixels), optical zoom, video formats, and cool software features at price points from $89-$499 available. Note that a micro four thirds detachable lens model gives you most of the quality available in an entry level DSLR camera, at only a small sacrifice in added size (more about this below). Point & Shoot Regular Zoom Cameras .

Point and Shoot, Long Zoom
If you need to get a picture from a distance, such as catching a kid from across the playing field, or say, getting a good view of the far side of the Grand Canyon, you should consider a long zoom camera, (more than 7x optical zoom). If your budget can swing it, and you can see yourself using the feature at any time, the longer zoom is definitely worth the modest additional investment. If you are thinking of using one of these cameras to take a lot of action or sports photos, choose one with a high frames per second capability or step up to a detachable lens (DL) camera with fast shutter response to make sure you get every picture. Point & Shoot Long Zoom Cameras.

Detachable Lens (DL)
There are now more choices available for the customer wanting a major step up in quality from a P&S camera. And make no mistake, whatever your abilities as a photographer you will take better pictures with a detachable lens camera. This is because of the larger size of the sensor used vs. P&S (the sensor is the key piece of technology which captures the image), and the improved size and quality of the lenses that come with these cameras. DL cameras also generally allow you to take more pictures per second. This give you higher odds of catching that one, unique picture if your subject is moving. With the recent introduction of the four thirds and micro four thirds format DL cameras, the selection process gets a little more complicated, but also makes the world of better pictures attractive to a wider range of customers, for reasons we will explore below.

Digital SLR Cameras (DSLR)
Most DL cameras in use and available today are DSLR’s, and they come in a wide range of costs and capabilities. The entry level cameras produce pictures superior to point and shoots, with the same potential for ease of use (when in auto mode). On top of the improved quality of pictures the DSLR produces, the user has the flexibility of adding lenses (for longer zoom, specialty effects, portraits, etc.) and improved flashes, or learning how to use the manual modes, to shoot like a pro. Among DSLR’s, there are APS-C and full frame cameras. The lower priced cameras are APS-C format models, with a somewhat smaller sensor than the full frame models. All Digital SLRS's.

APS-C DLSR Cameras
The APS-C format DSLR’s are attractively priced and offer the user virtually all of the capabilities and flexibility of use that the more expensive, pro-level full frame models have. Even the entry level models can take fantastic pictures, in full automatic mode (for those who aren’t interested in mastering the manual modes) or the ability to tailor the shot to one’s exact tastes using the manual settings. Many models come with HD video capability and live view (older DSLR’s required a viewfinder). Users tend to step up to a pro level camera when they want the added optical quality, durability, and lightning fast shutter releases those cameras have. All of these are great, but come at a price, and are not the best option for everyone.

Full Frame DSLR cameras
These are the kinds of cameras that you see on the sidelines at pro sporting events, or being used by your local school photographers. They offer superior durability, better quality sensors and components, fast shutter speeds, all of which allow the pro to take even higher quality images and capture just the one they want. There is no reason for the enthusiast not to covet the results available to them from these cameras, and many choose to buy them so they have all the technology available to them that the true pros use. If that appeals to you, take a look at these technological marvels.

Micro Four Thirds DL Cameras
Olympus and Panasonic have recently introduced a series of cameras called micro four-thirds cameras. The name refers to the size of the image sensor, which, while smaller than full frame or two thirds sensor SLR’s they are larger than that of a point and shoot. The size of the image sensor is directly related to how fine the detail is in the photo, how accurate exposure and color are, and how well the camera performs in low light. The micro four thirds system offers a great combination of compact size, and lens selection. The bodies of the cameras are much smaller than DSLR bodies, and some lenses are so small that the size and weight is less than that of the larger superzooms. This is accomplished by removing the mirror and prism (such is used in a DSLR). The micro four thirds cameras offer a great compromise between the versatility of the SLR cameras, and the smaller size of the compacts and superzooms. With the right lens adapters, they also offer many options and combinations of optics to give you exactly the range you need, in a smaller package than a traditional SLR. Micro 4/3 cameras.

All this really just scratches the surface, but its a good starting point for anyone looking for a new camera. Next week, we'll delve into some of the key features to ask about and explain more about what each of them means.

Gallery at 18th Street - Tony Gallo

2010-06-04T15:14:00.002-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Tony Gallo
Penn Camera 18th Street
Saturday, June 19th
2pm-4pm

Tony began his photography instruction with teacher Bea Card Kettlewood, who primarily taught her students “how to see”. Tony was encouraged to pay attention to and appreciate the color, form, and composition of everything in nature, even the most mundane object. His philosophy is that photographs are like paintings on canvas that have been created using a camera. "The object of photographs is to capture color, shape and form," says Tony.

A sampling of the images you will see at Tony's gallery:

You can see more of Tony's work at www.tonygalloimages.com.

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn Camera? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. For more information, email us.

Battery Charger Solutions - Carry Less Gear when You Travel

2010-06-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

By Chip L., Penn Camera Tysons Corner

We are so tied to our digital cameras and other stuff like our cell phones, iPods, BT headsets, and the such. So many of the devices today charge via a USB connection for things like the iPod or cell phones. Then you have some of us that travel with our digital SLR's that might use different batteries. And so many "charger bricks" for those items that charge from a USB type of connection.

I found a solution with the ProMaster battery chargers. Right now I am shooting with both Nikon and Olympus DSLR-type cameras. With three different battery types. Which would require me to carry three different battery chargers. But with the ProMaster DSLR battery charger I only have to carry one charger in my travels. For point and shoot users we also have the same chargers available for your camera as well (call us for availability).

Yet with any of these battery chargers - there are added bonuses that I like. First of which is that any device that charges via a USB cord can be be charged with these chargers. The other bonus is that that ProMaster offers a travel kit. This is great place to store the charger and extra batteries. But also included a car charger adapter as well.

Not sure about you, but I am so over needing to carry so many charging "bricks" with me. And as I fly less these days (another post maybe
LOL) keeping my batteries and other devices charged is a good thing in my car as I drive to my next stop.

Taking Your Camera Off “Auto” – Exposure Control

2010-05-25T12:01:00.002-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Digital cameras have made things easy. All new cameras offer automatic settings, which control exposure, usually doing an accurate job. In the days of film, exposure was something you had to be concerned about, you didn't have the instant feedback of digital, and film was not reusable. Digital has certainly made exposure simpler (and less expensive). For many people, “auto” is all they want. If you have the ability on your camera however, taking it off auto and taking control of your exposure can add a new dimension of creativity, and dramatically improve your pictures.

ISO
There are three parts to controlling exposure, and three elements which affect exposure. The first is the ISO value. In traditional photography, this referred to the film "speed", or its sensitivity to light. In digital photography it refers to the sensitivity of the sensor. A higher ISO will be more sensitive to light, good for fast shutter speeds, or shooting in low light. The downside to high ISO's is the increased likelihood of noise in the photograph. Noise is the digital equivalent of graininess in film. There are times when you may need a high ISO. In low light, with the help of a tripod, high ISO's will allow you to capture good exposures with the little light available. The lower ISO speeds offer less sensitivity to light, but produce the highest quality images. ISO is just one aspect of exposure. Combining ISO with a selected shutter speed, aperture, or both is the way to take real control over the exposure.

Aperture
The aperture is the second component of exposure. The aperture is the part of the lens that opens or closes to let in light. The f-stop refers to the size of the aperture currently set in the lens. A low f-stop like f2.8 or lower will gather a lot of light. A large f-stop like f16 or f22 will be a much smaller opening in the lens, letting in far less light. Controlling the amount of light entering the lens is critical to the exposure, and when combined with an appropriate shutter speed and ISO will give you a good exposure. This isn't all there is to aperture control though. Just as important, and possibly more so, is the aperture's effect on depth of field. Depth of field refers to the area in front of, and behind your subject. This can be very important to the photograph. For example, in a portrait you would probably want just your subject in focus, with the background a pleasant blur. To accomplish this you would need a low f-stop, meaning the aperture is open wider. In a landscape though you would want everything from the trees in the foreground, to the mountains in the distance to have detail in the photo, and would want to use a small aperture, like f22. Depth of field can have just as much of an effect on a photo as accurate exposure. This is a great way to get creative with photos as well, and take more control. The other way to gain control over exposure and get creative is by controlling shutter speed.

Shutter Speed
Shutter speed is the amount of time the camera exposes the photograph. The longer the shutter stays open, the more light is let in. This is the third element of exposure. In combination with the aperture and the ISO setting, shutter speed makes for correct exposure. But just like the f-stop, the shutter speed does a lot more than just aid in exposure. It can help you take control of photographs in a way that the automatic settings on your camera just can't do. By using high shutter speeds you can take much better action shots. High shutter speeds will let you freeze objects in motion, even in mid-air, for those dramatic sports shots. Slowing down the shutter can help to make creative effects, like the controlled blur of moving objects like people, cars, or water. By controlling blur with slow shutter speeds you can get very creative effects, or just help with exposure in low light. Just remember the tripod.

These are just some of the things that you can do by taking control over exposure. The best way to learn about and improve your skills with both aperture and shutter controls is to experiment. You'll see how ISO plays a role as well. Just take a few pictures that are exactly the same, but keep changing the aperture, or the ISO. You'll see how much of a difference it can make. Shutter control is often the only way to get what you want out of an action shot. Learn to control exposure, and you'll open up a whole new level of photography, and really learn to get creative.

If you want to take your photography to the next level, check out the classes section of penncamera.com to see the many classes we offer to help you take the next step and get the most out of every photograph!

Gallery at Laurel - Photographer Ray Lemar

2010-05-24T10:04:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Ray Lemar
Penn Camera Laurel
Friday, May 28th
5pm-7pm

Ray Lemar is a retired detonation physicist who has had a 47 year obsession with photography. Although he dabbled in photography in his teen years, he first became seriously interested during his sophomore year at the University of Illinois when he joined the photo staff of the Daily Illini, the university’s student newspaper.

Working on the Daily Illini was a great experience for a beginning photographer since photo staff members had to not only shoot the photographs for the paper, but also to process film, make prints and even produce the plates that were used on the newspaper’s printing press. Ray continued working on the newspaper throughout the rest of his undergraduate years, becoming a night photo editor during his senior year.

A sampling of the images you will see at Ray's gallery:

When Ray entered graduate school, he set up a temporary darkroom where he processed black and white and color slide film, and produced black and white prints. After Ray married his wife Linda, they moved into a larger apartment and he started also processing color negative film and making his own color prints.

After Ray finished graduate school, he and his wife moved to Pullman, WA, where he taught and did research in the Washington State University Physics Department for eight years. Throughout those years he continued to expand his photographic skills.

In 1980 Ray moved to Laurel, MD, and took a job at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, first at White Oak, MD, and then at Indian Head, MD. He retired in May 2009, but still does some consulting work through the Energetics Technology Center in La Plata, MD.

Over the years he has used mainly 35mm and medium format cameras, but has also shot with cameras ranging from a Minox B subminiature camera up to a 5X7 view camera. In 2001, Ray bought my first digital camera, a Nikon CoolPix 990, and followed that with a Nikon D100, a Nikon D200, and finally a Nikon D700 and a Canon G11. The Nikon D700 and the Canon G11 are now his primary cameras.

While Ray enjoys taking many types of pictures, his favorites are macro shots of small wildflowers and insects.

Penn 18th Now OPEN on Saturdays!

2010-05-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note - for all of you weekend warriors looking for gear and supplies, Penn 18th Street in DC is now going to be OPEN on Saturdays from 10am - 4pm. Come by and visit us!

Using Off-Camera Flash

2010-05-14T15:51:00.010-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

When it comes to good photography, it is all about the light. Light is what makes a photo after all. Controlling light can mean the difference between a snapshot, and a great photograph. Yet many people, even digital SLR users, are only using the light around them, or the light that comes from their camera. To take control, the best thing to do is to take the light source off the camera. Through proper use of simple off-camera flashes, any photographer can take greater control over light, and get much better photographs.

Though it varies from camera to camera and flash to flash (check your manual), the basics are the same. Even a simple two flash setup can illustrate how off-camera flash works. One flash serves as the master, or commander flash. The second flash is the slave unit. The slave unit uses a sensor, sometimes optical, sometimes infrared, that faces the camera to allow it to fire when the master flash or camera sends the signal. In a multiple flash set-up, always make sure each sensor is facing the master camera or flash. Most speedlights from manufacturers like Nikon or Canon will swivel around so that you can always orient the sensor toward the master flash, which can be the camera's pop-up flash. In many cases, the best way to set up the off-camera unit(s) is to use light stands, or even tripods or monopods. This is because depending on what you are photographing, lighting placement may be very different. So when should off-camera flash be used to achieve the best results? For anything from photographing small objects for eBay, to portrait or even event photography.

Let's start with portrait photography. Taking the main light source away from the camera, or using multiple off camera flashes can create much more flattering effects. The best way to maximize control in this case (besides using light stands or tripods) is to use lighting modifiers. Lighting modifiers will help to control the light from the flash units. Using either something near the flash like an umbrella to shoot off or through, or an accessory like a Gary Fong Lightsphere or a Honl light modifier that attaches directly to the flash, you can control how soft or harsh, direct or indirect light is, and create the effect you are looking for. Remember, it's all about controlling the light. This is mostly the same for event photography. For lighting larger areas or groups, you may have to use multiple flashes and stands, umbrellas, or reflectors, or get really creative and use your surroundings. You can experiment with things like bouncing strong light off the ceiling, to control light in larger spaces.

Another great use for off-camera flash is when shooting macro photography. Whether it is photographing flowers, or even smaller items like coins for eBay, off-camera flash can create dramatic results, and show the detail that close-up photography demands. One good reason is that you can place the flash very close to your subjects. By using light from only inches from a subject, your lens can use very small f-stops, like f16 or f22, to create a large depth of field, something that is often hard to attain in macro photography. To increase the detail on small objects, it is often helpful to use the off-camera flash to light the subject from the side, which helps to bring out detail in very small subjects. The best way to create even lighting and eliminate shadows when taking pictures of items for eBay is the use of lighting modifiers, the easiest being a small light box, or light tent. With a light box, you can place the object inside the box, shooting through an opening, while lighting the subject from the sides or even above, through the tent. This will create an even, diffuse lighting that is perfect for product photography.

These are just the basics of off-camera lighting. But even simply using one off-camera flash unit can really change your photos. By adding multiple lights, stands, and simple light modifiers, it can be surprisingly easy to take your photography to the next level. Through gaining greater control over light, any photograph can be improved. It is amazingly quick and simple to do these basic setups described above, but it's the improvement in your photographs that will be truly amazing.

If you’re looking for a demonstration of the techniques discussed here, be sure to attend one of our free in-store mini-seminars or one of our more in-depth classes with professional instructors. Keep checking back! New classes are added all the time.

Gallery at Fair Lakes - Photographer Katie Reeg

2010-05-14T13:08:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Katie Reeg
Penn Camera Fair Lakes
Friday, June 11th
7pm-9pm

Camping and hiking with her family since she was very young, Katie Reeg has enjoyed taking photographs at any opportunity. As she matured, her interest in this hobby grew into a passion. Since her interest in photography began, her works has primarily involved landscapes. Coming from a military family they moved often and she was exposed to varied National Parks. Her admiration of famous landscape artists such as Ansel Adams made her want to capture the interesting places she had seen and make them as stunning as she could. She is continually awed by the vastness of our country and the varied landscape that she finds on her hikes. She enjoy searching out the hidden locations to achieve the composition she desire. Katie tries to capture her photos as representational utilizing sunlight, water, and reflections as the key elements. "The lighting gives the photo energy, drawing the viewer to the photo, while the water and the use of refection give life to the photo," says Katie.

A sampling of the images you will see at her gallery:

Katie likes the challenge of working the scene from different angles and settings to get the best composition she can. One of her latest pieces of photography focuses on landscapes from the local region. It is titled “Dark Hollow Falls” and was shot in the evening as the light reflected on the flowing water. When taking her photographs she tends to take them in the early morning or evening to give the photos a richer texture. Her idea was to capture the moment where the viewer can envision themselves watching the water actually flowing down the rocks. In this photograph, she focused on movement to bring out the best composition while at other times she accentuate absolute stillness using reflection or lighting to bring out the effect she desires to show the experience of the place.

Her goal is always the same though and that is to present the viewer a photo that will draw them into the image as if they were there. Please visit www.kmreegphotography.com to view more of Katie's work.

The Nikon D90: a DSLR Video Revolution.

2010-05-07T12:28:00.005-04:00

DSLR filmmaking is beginning to come into focus (pun unintended), with major names like Saturday Night Live and House using readily available semi-pro DSLRs to shoot scenes and entire episodes. Professional and amateur directors alike have begun to tout the improved maneuverability and versatility the same cameras used by still photographers. Today we’ll take a look at the first DSLR to offer HD video recording: the Nikon D90.

The D90 boasts the ability to record 720p HD video as well as VGA and QVGA resolutions with audio capture supported in all modes. When the camera was originally released in 2008, these video recording modes made the D90 one of a kind as it was the only DSLR on the market with the ability to capture HD video as well as still pictures. Not only is the D90’s video recorded in crisp 720p HD, its shot at 24 frames per second - the same frame rate as most cinema film cameras. Though it’s certainly debatable, many sources argue that 24p footage looks more cinematic than the 30p footage produced by other DSLRs and camcorders. You should be aware however that like most DSLR's with video capture capability, you are limited to 5 minutes at a time. I think most will find this sufficient for many of their intended uses.

The D90’s excellent performance doesn’t stop at video capture - its 12.3 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor produces stunning results. With an ISO range of 100 (low 1 mode) to 6400 (high 2 mode) and 4.5 frames per second burst mode, the D90 will lend itself well to a wide variety of shooting conditions. An 11-point autofocus system ensures rapid and intuitive acquisition and tracking of subjects. I find that the picture quality rivals that of DSLR’s costing significantly more.

To take full advantage of these video and still photography capabilities, the D90 is compatible with all Nikon AF and AF-S lenses and current external flashes. Because of this interchangeability, it’s easy to creatively use the D90 to its full capabilities. If you’ve already got Nikon gear, there is probably no need to replace it should you wish to purchase a D90 as an upgrade to your current camera body.

In my testing of the D90, I was impressed by its build quality, its beautiful 3-inch main LCD and top LCD displays allowed me to easily access important shooting information and photo previews. The 24p HD video comes out wonderfully, though I wish a line-in jack was provided for the use of an external microphone.

The D90 is an outstanding camera. A hobbyist looking to take great pictures, an advanced level amateur will love it. Overall, it’s an excellent camera and worth your consideration.

Compare to: Nikon D700, Nikon D300s, Canon EOS 7D

Key Accessories:
Nikon Lens or Tamron Lens
3 year Extended Service Plan
Camera Bag
Promaster spare battery (camera comes with rechargeable battery)
Tripod
Sandisk 16 GB memory card

Digital Camera Review: Nikon Coolpix S8000

2010-05-04T09:23:00.002-04:00

The Nikon Coolpix S8000 is an outstanding new long zoom compact. Nikon has produced a feature rich digital camera line that is really priced right for the average user. While I’ve enjoyed other Coolpix cameras, the Coolpix S8000’s combination of high resolution, beautiful display, and 10x optical zoom in a small package really makes it stand out from the rest. The older displays have not been popular among some users, so the new display is a major upgrade.

The Coolpix S8000 has and impressive 14.2 megapixel resolution, equivalent to the Nikon Coolpix S6000 for the highest resolution offered by the Coolpix product line. 14.2 megapixels is pretty robust for a point & shoot, and you can create breathtaking photo-quality 20 X 30 inch prints, no problem.

The 10x wide-angle zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens isn’t the most powerful lens offered by the Coolpix product line, but provides great flexibility for the average photographer’s needs. The wide angle zoom lens is one of the more popular features my customers are asking for, and this makes the S8000 a great option. Get your whole extended family in the shot with the wide angle lens, or capture the action across the stadium with the 10x zoom. The combination of wide angle with a long zoom gives you the best of both worlds.

Next up, the Smart Portrait System – this offers a lot of features that I found my customers constantly ask me about. The In-Camera Red-Eye Fix technology works removes most red-eye problems that other some digital cameras just can’t compensate for. The smile timer and blink proof feature is amazing! It makes the camera take two pictures, and always saves the one where the photo’s subjects’ eyes are open. When I was testing it, I hardly even had to think before I grabbed a shot.

The camera also produces HD 720p video, you can get great clips for sharing with relatives or uploading to YouTube. Watch your movies on an HD TV, you will be impressed with the quality of the output.

One of my favorite features of the Coolpix S8000 is probably its 3.0 VGA Clear Color display. While the size of the display screen is the same as other Nikon Coolpix cameras, such as the P100 and L110, its 921K-dot wide-viewing angle is the highest of any Coolpix camera. Overall, the S8000 is a very easy to use, feature-rich camera.

Compare to: Canon SX 120, Sony DSC HX5V, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Key Accessories:
- 3 Year Penn Camera Damage and Defect Service Plan
- Promaster protective case
- Promaster 4 GB Memory Card

Annual Imaging Expo this Weekend!

2010-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again - time for the Imaging Expo! Just a heads up on what's going on this weekend at Penn Tysons:

Annual Imaging Expo
Penn Camera Tysons Corner
Saturday and Sunday May 1st and 2nd
10am-6pm

- Meet factory reps from over a TWO dozen major brands
- Tons of great prizes (more than $1000 worth!). This year we're also holding hourly drawing for some smaller, but still fun freebies
- Camera appraisals from our Collectible Camera Expert
- Free kids portraits (really great gift ideas for Mother's Day)
- Free hot dogs & soda from 12pm to 4pm both days

Aside from the big sales that are a big draw to this event, the mini-seminars are always a popular part of the day. Here's the schedule of what to expect:

Saturday May 1st
11am
Tools, Techniques and Tips for Creating your Best Digital Images
Victor Ha from Nik Software
12pm
Accurate Digital Capture from Concept to Print
George Fennell from Xrite Photo
1pm
The Art of Composition
Bill Folsom of Meadowlark Gardens
2pm
Shooting Video with your Digital SLR
Tom Sullivan from Gravity Media Pro
3pm
Choosing the Right Support
Lydia Thomas from Manfrotto Distribution

Sunday May 2nd
11am
Accurate Digital Capture from Concept to Print
George Fennell from Xrite Photo
12pm
Tools, Techniques and Tips for Creating your Best Digital Images
Victor Ha from Nik Software
1pm
HDR: Building Images with Incredible Range and Detail
Chris Alvanas from CDIA
2pm
10 Steps to Better Macro Photography
Wil Hershberger from Nature Images & Sounds
3pm
Shooting Video with your Digital SLR
Tom Sullivan from Gravity Media Pro

Hope to see you there! Get more details here >

Shooting RAW: The Basics

2010-04-26T15:22:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

If you are digital photographer with a very good camera, such as a digital SLR, or even a high end compact camera, you have probably heard of RAW. You may have seen it in the menu, but like a lot of other settings in the camera, you left it alone, because you weren't sure what it did. The default setting on a camera is for a JPG file, and many people never change it. But if you have RAW available and have not at least tried it, you could be missing out on a lot when it comes to improving your photography and gaining more control than ever over your images.

Differences Between JPG and RAW
To understand when and why a photographer would want to shoot in RAW, it is important to understand the differences between RAW files and JPG files. When you take a photograph as a JPG, the camera processes the image before it writes the data to the memory card. It takes the information from the image sensor, and applies all the camera settings, such as white balance and exposure information, as well as the image size and quality. (Quality in this case refers to the amount of compression in a JPG file.) This certainly has benefits for many casual shooters. More images will fit on a memory card, and the camera can be left on auto, making all the decisions for the photographer, and minimizing the need for post processing. But what if you want real control over your photographs? What if you don't want the camera making all the decisions, and compressing your files? This is where RAW comes in.

With RAW files, the information captured by the camera's image sensor is not compressed (or processed, if you will). Since no in-camera processing takes place, the result is the untouched file from the image sensor, an undeveloped "digital negative" that allows for much more flexibility when it comes to post processing. There is a downside to this, as well. RAW files take up a lot more space than JPG files on a memory card, and not every picture taken needs post processing. To get the most out of a RAW file, you need good editing software, a little bit of knowledge, and patience.

Why Shoot RAW?
So why shoot RAW? For the control it offers. RAW files will allow you to correct many mistakes, and salvage photographs that could have otherwise been made useless or unacceptable by things like inaccurate color or white balance. Need more sharpness, or contrast, or saturation? RAW files will allow you to manipulate all these things at will. This is not to say that when shooting a RAW file you cannot first make adjustments for color, or white balance and contrast in the camera. This information is simply stored along with the raw image data, and is used for display purposes, so that when you load the files into a program like Lightroom or Aperture, you can view, and begin to manipulate the RAW files.

Shooting in RAW does require more time working on the computer afterwards. The files have to be converted to a TIFF or a JPG file to be printed or simply viewed by many computers and programs. RAW is not for everyone. However if you are serious about your photography, and want to get even more out of your images, you might want to start shooting in RAW. Just like anything in photography, the more you practice, the more comfortable and natural it becomes. A RAW file is a powerful tool when it comes to digital photography, giving the photographer unparalleled control in image editing. This may be a bit too intimidating for a novice or enthusiast however. Luckily, many cameras give you the perfect solution. If your camera can shoot in RAW, chances are it offers a "RAW+JPG" setting. This allows photographers to now only worry about making the adjustments to the RAW files that need it, while making minor, if any, needed changes to the JPG files. This will of course take up more room on your memory card, but learning to use RAW can make a huge difference in your end results.

For the photographers who want that extra level of control, there is no substitute for the raw image data, and how much it can be manipulated. If you have always shot JPG, but are looking to take your photography to the next level, then RAW is it. Try out the RAW+JPG setting, and try manipulating a few photographs. You will be amazed by the level of control, and the increased quality of your end result. Whether you are looking to take the next step forwards in digital photography, or just crave more control over your photographs from capture to print, RAW may be just what you are looking for.

Gallery at Penn Camera 18th Street - Antoinette Charles

2010-04-21T11:21:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Antoinette Charles
Penn Camera 18th Street
Friday May 7th
3pm-6pm

A native of trinidad and Tobago, Antoinette is quick to tell you she is an Island Girl at heart. Antoinette has called the Washington DC area home for over 30 years growing up inthe Columbia Heights neighborhood and attending high school at Wilson Senior High, College at UDC and University of Maryland University College, graduating with a Business Degree. After spending many years in the financial industry and realizing her creative side was stiffled, she explored the sales profession plunging head first in a variety of industries. One thing that she maintained throughout was her personality and winning smile. So when it came time to turn what was a hobby into a business venture, she had all the pieces ready to complete the puzzle.

A sampling of the images you will see at her gallery:

Photography has always been a part of her life as far back as she can remember. As a teenager and young adult she was a model and was always in front of a camera, but her fascination grew and when the time came she was able to purchase her first camera on her own and the rest is history. Her interest and passion for photography, like most things took a back seat to family and work, but in 2006, she purchased her second digital SLR for a trip to the World CUP held in Germany. "I wanted the best since it was my first trip to Europe" so she purchased her Canon Rebel X and is now an avid Canon user with a bag full of impressive Canon bodies and lenses.

Needless to say, Antoinette has used her business skills to make her hobby into a viable enterprise. She is actively seeking out photography opportunities every day, continuining to educate herself in the Art of Photography, and volunteering her skills whenever possible.

Antoinette has had the opportunity to cover some interesting events and her most cherished was that of a recent session photographing two surviving Tuskgee Airdmen, Lt. Col (RET) Jefferson and Holloman. They are living legends and it was an honor for her to be able to photograph them.

Antoinette's work has been featured on-line at Schnapp and has also been used in a cookbook. She can be contacted at acharlesphotography@gmail.com, and more of her work can be found at www.acharlesphotography.com.

Facebook Photo Contest Winners for March!

2010-04-20T08:26:00.002-04:00

This month's contest had almost 200 people enter and, for the second month in a row, received more than 400 entries! The contest theme was "Black & White", and our judges were extremely impressed by the breadth of content and exceptional craftsmanship your entries exhibited this time around. Congratulations to the winners, and our thanks to everyone who submitted their photographs!

1st Place
Winner of $100 Penn Camera Gift Card
Linda Sue

2nd Place
Winner of a $50 Penn Camera Gift Card
Parim Vir Bedi

3rd Place
Winner of a $25 Penn Camera Gift Card
Steven Martin

The next contest theme is "Spring" - a pretty open ended topic, so we can't wait to see what you come up with! Enter the April Facebook Photo Contest.

Lensbaby: A Fun and Affordable DSLR Accessory

2010-04-19T12:18:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Many Digital SLR users have made the jump to SLR photography for the increased control, and to achieve ever sharper images with their selected lenses. But if this is the only way you use your DSLR, you’re missing out on some huge fun. The creativity offered by the Lensbaby line of selective focus lenses gives any DSLR user at any experience level the ability to get truly creative with their photography, to experiment, and to have more fun shooting photographs. And the best part is, the Lensbaby line offers a lens for every shooting style, all at very affordable prices.

So what do Lensbaby do that your typical lens won’t? The answer is in the design. Lensbaby are designed to allow you to tilt, or shift the lens to create desired effects. With the lenses being shifted and tilted, the sharpest area of focus, or the “sweet spot” can be moved freely around the image area, creating blurring or vignetting effects. Traditional tilt-shift lenses are designed to correct optical distortion, while Lensbabys are the exact opposite. They create selective focus areas, along with areas of increased blur and distortion, and can be used for some amazing effects.

There are three Lensbabys in the current line, each offering different levels of control, and suited for certain styles of photography. The least expensive lens in the line is the Muse. It allows photographers to shoot fast and loose, as control over focus is gained by using one hand to both position and focus the lens. The lens can be positioned by simply bending it, and focusing is achieved by squeezing the lens. This allows for quick changes to focus area and sharpness, great for the photographer who shoots a lot of photographs and wants to experiment.

On the other end of the line is the Control Freak, a lens that instead gives precise control by allowing the photographer to lock the lens into place using three rods around the lens. For close up work, and increased control over focus, this is the Lensbaby that gives the meticulous photographer total control over their images, even allowing for fine tuning after the lens has been locked into place. Last but not least is the lens that offers the best of both worlds, and is at the heart of the current line of Lensbabys, the Composer.

The Composer can be shifted into place to select the “sweet spot”, then after focusing the photographer can remove their hand from the lens, and the Composer will retain it’s position, unlike the Muse. Using the Composer becomes easier the more you get used to its peculiar design. By first shifting the lens into place to compose your image, the photographer then moves the front part of the lens independently to set the focus point, or the “sweet spot”. The composer is packaged with a set of removable aperture rings and a magnetic tool used for changing them. This too requires some practice to master, but offers photographers a great range from f2 to f22. All the Lensbabies have a 50mm equivalent with the close focus on the Composer at 18 inches (and all can be used on full frame as well as APS-C size sensors), so while there is no zoom effect, the creative effects are almost endless. Especially when you begin to explore all the specially designed optics you can use with the three Lensbabies models.

The optics kit allows for interchangeable optics to be switched in and out of the three Lensbaby “housings”. The main optics are the single glass, the double glass, and the plastic optic. The multi-coated double glass optic offers the sharpest images, with better contrast and the “sweet spot” of focus being the sharpest. The single glass optic has more distortion, and is noticeably softer. The plastic lens is obviously the least sharp, creating the most distinct blur and distortion of the three. On top of these choices, Lensbabies offer users special effects optics; everything from standard wide-angle and telephoto adapters, to even more creative sets of optics. There is a pinhole and zone plate combination that offers very different effects. The zone plate gives a very soft, hazy, almost dreamy effect, complete with haloing around highlights. The pinhole on the other hand gives a completely soft image. These looks can create the effect of older, plastic cameras (nostalgia alert!), while still giving photographers all the control of their DSLR. Add the new fisheye optic, and you can only imagine the creative possibilities. The beauty is, the only limit with Lensbabies is your imagination.

So who is the Lensbaby system for? The answer is any photographer who likes to get creative, experiment, and try new things. These lenses offer an inexpensive, and simple way to take your everyday photography to a new creative level. Instead of always aiming for the sharpest, clearest shot of everything, try a different approach. You might be surprised what happens when you take chances in your photography. The Lensbabies offer just that, chances. For the photographer who loves photography, and wants to try new things without spending a small fortune, your prayers have been answered. So go ahead, take a chance, and get creative.

Make the Jump to the World of SLR photography

2010-04-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

Nikon D3000 has Bang for your Buck

If you're looking to make the jump from simple point and shoot to the world of SLR photography, the Nikon D3000 might be just the camera for you. The D3000 is an affordable package that includes just about all you will need to start taking artistic and professional looking pictures. (You will need a memory card to operate any camera sold these days!) With a built in flash and a nifty lens, this is a great package for the entry-level hobbyist.

Many people are not aware that DSLR cameras can be used in exactly the same way as a point and shoot unit. You can simply set the camera to automatic mode, and not have to worry about the more complicated settings. The advantages of stepping up to a DSLR is a larger, more sophisticated sensor (that’s the key device which captures the image) and a better quality lens that together will guarantee that you will get better pictures than the typical point and shoot is capable of taking. Another key advantage is that these cameras are built to enable you to take pictures much faster than most point and shoots; this reduction in ‘shutter lag’ enables you to take 3 pictures per second, give you a much better chance of catching just the one you want. Lastly, as you get to love using your DSLR, you can add zoom lenses to ensure that you catch the action from a much greater distance (up to 300MM, or the equivalent of a 15X optical zoom) or a macro lens, enabling you to take art quality pictures of flowers or other subjects that you want to capture.

In case you are new to the world of DSLR cameras, this camera includes a feature called "Advanced Easy." In this mode, the camera will actually explain what all the different settings on your new camera do and tells you how changing them will affect your pictures. So if you're not familiar with things like shutter speed or aperture priority, the on screen menu will give you a brief overview of what the various settings do. This makes the D3000 perfect for people that want to experiment with their camera settings to get the exact shot they're looking for. This model also offers both auto and manual focus, though some replacement lenses you can get for the D3000 aren't compatible with the auto-focus feature.

The camera itself isn't as large as other DSLRs on the market and fits well in the hand. Even though the camera is very light, I find it still has a reassuring sturdiness to it The light weight does make it very easy to move around with the camera in hand and get into position for that perfect shot.

At 10.2 megapixels, the image quality is very good. The camera takes sharp pictures with accurate colors in normal light and even handles lowlight well. The built in flash is great for use by beginners, but you can purchase a more advanced flash unit if you find the need. The D3000 also has a long list of compatible lens, so as your needs as a photographer grow, you will be able to find to correct lens for the job.

Overall, the Nikon D3000 is a very affordable and accessible DSLR. It's cost, size and ease of use make it perfect for anyone looking to taking higher quality picture or are interested in getting into photography as a hobby. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade from point and shoot cameras.

Other models to consider:
•Nikon D5000 and Canon T1i and T2i, all add high definition video.
•Canon XS has similar prices and features.
•Olympus PEN E-PL1 has a different format and is smaller but offers the same advantages in a more compact package

Gallery at Penn Camera 18th Street - Julius S. Kassovic

2010-04-11T10:24:00.001-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Julius S. Kassovic
Penn Camera 18th Street
Thursday April 15th
3pm to 6pm

Julius Kassovic’s day-job is with the Peace Corps, which has taken him to exotic locales around the world and given him wonderful opportunities for photography. But over the past four years, and in all seasons, he has been concentrating on finding and photographing ephemeral beauty in the little urban stream that runs near his house in Takoma Park and Silver Spring. His series, Reflected Glories, are photos of the reflections of trees in the waters of Sligo Creek – not as simple mirrors or distortions, but as explorations of the interplay of light and the movement of water. These photos are three dimensional, showing the reflections of trees and leaves and sky on moving or frozen water, the action of moving waters themselves, of leaves moving through the water, and of the creek bottom. Complementing this is his series Footloose, which can best be described as micro-landscapes of the leaves reflected in and floating in and about the creek. As all photographers know, our art is all about light. These photos are all about finding nature’s own ephemeral light shows.

A sampling of the images you will see at his gallery this Thursday:

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. Email us for information.

Gallery Opening at Penn Camera Pikesville

2010-04-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Barbara Oremland
Penn Camera Pikesville
April 9th
5pm to 8pm

The Gallery at Penn Camera is an ongoing exhibition of photographs by artists who cultivate their visual expression. A photograph is a captured and shared memory. Barbara Oremland, a physical therapist and veteran of freelance writing, surrendered at a youthful age to the fate of an avid historian. Barbara is a Civil War lecturer and member of the Friends of Gettysburg. She is passionate about the legacy of Gettysburg through education and preservation.

Barbara has lovingly captured over four hundred images of Gettysburg. The painstaking process of selecting only twenty of her “children” proved extremely exhausting. The battle of Gettysburg gave birth to a multitude of profound moments, and Barbara is in awe of the complete human and natural experience that is Gettysburg. For anyone who has walked it’s hallow ground Gettysburg, possesses an immeasurable peace. Barbara shared with me, “It is a profoundly spiritual place.” Whether it occurs with her presence on the battlefield or when engaging in historical discussion Gettysburg, commands the ability to overcome Barbara in a gasping manner. The landscape of Gettysburg is likened to the canvas of a great painter. This landscape is a vivid canvas of life and death. Barbara is never surprised about the continual emotional pull she experiences to the landscape and to those who inhabited it even if only for a limited amount of heartbeats.

Each time she releases her camera’s shutter at Gettysburg two simple but powerful words are at the forefront of her thoughts. “Thank you” may be inaudible to others but is as loud as cannon fire within her head. Barbara has said, “Courage and the human spirit reached extraordinary levels. Compassion and suffering were at immeasurable levels. “Those who make the pilgrimage keep the spirit alive of those who fought here.”

Please join us on the evening of Friday, April 9, 2010 for the opening of “Visions of Gettysburg.”

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. Email us for information.

HD Video: The New Standard

2010-03-29T08:55:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

So, what is HD? To keep it simple, HD is just a designation for a higher resolution picture. Just as digital cameras offer higher mega pixel still images, video recording also offers a higher resolution format. It can get a little confusing when you hear about 720p, and 1080i, and 1080p. Which high definition is the high definition? To understand the differences, just remember two things: the number (720 or 1080), designates the lines of resolution in a frame, and the letter ( “i” or “p” ) specifies the type of frame. 1080p is the highest quality. It has 1080 horizontal lines of resolution, and the “p” designates a progressive frame rate. Progressive means that every frame you see, typically up to about 60 frames per second, is one solid frame. The “i” designation means each frame is interlaced, or a combination of two half-frames creating one frame. Progressive, or “p” is the best. Full HD video is almost 3 times more detailed than standard definition, which makes a huge difference in video quality.

So which cameras will give you good HD video? It is a feature now on many DSLR and point and shoot digital cameras, and has become the standard for today's camcorders. SLR cameras like the Nikon D90 and D5000, and the Canon Rebel T2i are mid-range models that offer HD recording. It is also becoming an almost standard feature on mid-range point and shoot cameras from almost every manufacturer. The differences are important. An SLR may offer interchangeable lenses, and more photographic control over things like exposure, and depth of field, but offer far shorter recording times, and a loss of auto-focus with most models. Point and shoot cameras with HD also offer shorter recording times, without much control over video settings, but can be the perfect all in one camera for the casual photographer who wants the option of video in something that will fit right in a pocket. Some shoot in full 1080p, while others may only record in 720p.

A camcorder will give you the best video quality, and longest recording time, and higher end models do offer lens options and advanced color, exposure, and focusing options. However even an entry level HD camcorder, like the popular Flip HD makes recording home videos in HD and transferring them to your computer simple and easy. Mid-range and high-end camcorders will offer longer recording times, most commonly to an internal hard drive or flash memory, as well as SD memory cards, which is what most DSLR's and point and shoot cameras will be using for storage. It is important that you use a high speed memory card for HD video, Class 6 speed is recommended for full HD (1080p) recording. Also be sure you have the correct cables for connecting to an HDTV for viewing your videos, since not all cameras that shoot video in HD come with an HDMI or a component video cable, which is required for playback.

The bottom line is, HD video is here to stay. If you love to record your family moments, your vacations, or if you just like to record everything in between, HD is a necessity. It doesn’t matter if you use a compact digital, an SLR, or a camcorder for your video, HD is available, and now is the time to take the plunge. Stay tuned for our HD buyer’s guide, which will go more in depth, covering the different models available, different HD formats, and software that will help you get the most out of your videos. Until then, get out there and start shooting!

Gallery Opening at Penn Camera Rockville - Al Teich

2010-03-25T10:38:00.000-04:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Al Teich
Penn Camera Rockville
March 26th
7pm until 9pm

In his day job, Al Teich is Director of Science & Policy Programs at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the largest multi-disciplinary scientific organization in the world and publisher of the journal, Science. Al regards himself as a serious amateur photographer and an enthusiastic convert to the digital mode. He has been taking pictures since winning a box camera in a jingle contest at the age of ten.
His series of black & white kaleidoscope photographs have been exhibited in one-man shows at the Black & White Gallery in Arlington, VA, in the fall of 2005 at the AAAS Art of Science & Technology Gallery in Washington, DC in the summer of 2006. They were also the subject of an article in The Washington Post in July 2006. Other photographs of his have been included in exhibits at the National Press Club in Washington and the American Folk Art Museum in New York City.

A sampling of the images you will see at his gallery this Friday:

His photos have been published in several books and magazines and may be seen on his web site at http://www.pbase.com/AL309.

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. Email us for information.

Canon Powershot SD1400IS: Product Review

2010-03-22T08:54:00.004-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Looking for a compact camera that looks good, and still takes great pictures and video? Look no further than the Canon Powershot SD1400IS. Small, sleek, and stylish, this camera is the perfect pocket-sized pixel powerhouse. When it comes to ease of use, this camera comes with some of the best automatic features around, and it follows in the Canon tradition of outstanding image quality. This little gem is one ultra compact that doesn’t skimp on performance, or features.

The SD1400IS incorporates many of the same great features. Available for $249.99, for a mid-range compact, the feature set is surprising. Even its main specs are great; 14 mega-pixels, 4x zoom (with a 28mm wide angle, ideal for those scenic or group shots), HD video, rechargeable Lithium battery, and a large 2.7” LCD screen.

But that barely scratches the surface of the features on this camera. Do you like things simple? Do you want great pictures, but also want a camera that does the work for you? This camera will get that job done. With its “smart auto” setting, the camera can recognize the type of picture you are trying to take, and automatically optimize the settings to get the best focus and exposure. With features like face detect, and smart auto, it doesn’t matter if you’re shooting a portrait, a landscape, or a close-up of a flower, the camera will know without you having to do a thing.

Though it lacks some controls like full manual control over aperture and shutter speed, it does features some new shooting modes like low-light, and fisheye, as well as a long shutter mode, to help you get creative and create dramatic images. There is the ability to adjust ISO and EV compensation, as well. It even uses automatic red-eye correction, and has a feature that automatically snaps the photo when it detects a smile! This is wonderful for getting pictures of kids, as soon as they look at the camera and smile, the camera does its thing. You just have to hold it. You don’t even have to hold it very steady, since it has the image stabilization found on all SD series Powershot cameras. Sound easy? It is.

If there is anything to find fault with on the SD1400 it might be that it is actually too small for some people. If you have large hands, the small buttons and zoom control could make operating the camera tricky. Some people may need more than the 4x optical zoom offers. It is the slimmest Powershot yet, so someone looking for a more substantial camera, or something with some heft to it should look elsewhere. The bottom line here is: Superb image quality, HD video, and the easiest automatic system around make this camera a perfect ultra compact for anyone looking for great quality in a tiny package.

Facebook Photo Contest Winners for February!

2010-03-19T08:43:00.001-04:00

This month's contest was an exciting one, with over 400 entries! The contest theme was "Snow", and we weren't suprised to see the number of submitted photography consider the HUGE amount of subject matter you had to work with. But as usual, we saw lots of amazing images! Congratulations to the winners, and our thanks to everyone who submitted their photographs!

1st Place
Winner of $100 Penn Camera Gift Card
Serena Sachko Hinkel

2nd Place
Winner of a $50 Penn Camera Gift Card
Kim Baker

3rd Place
Winner of a $25 Penn Camera Gift Card
Bob Sales

The next contest theme (selected by our loyal fans) is "Black & White". The broader theme should allow you to get create - can't wait to see what you come up with! Enter the March Facebook Photo Contest.

The Essential Travel Photography Checklist

2010-03-15T11:02:00.000-04:00

By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

Vacations and trips are what help us to relax, to enjoy a break from work, or school, a time to take it easy and just enjoy every day. But our journeys around the world also document where we have been, what we have seen, and serve as an important testament to our achievements. With the right equipment, the right preparation, and a little know-how, a trip can become a photographic adventure.

The first step is planning. Depending on the type of travel, some accessories could be more important than others. But some rules are universal. If you are traveling with an SLR, you need a wide angle zoom, and a telephoto lens. We will discuss why shortly. If you are a novice and only plan to use a point and shoot camera or a video camera, there are still many things you will need to know. First of all, where are you traveling? Is it somewhere tropical, or particularly scenic? Maybe your destination is more metropolitan, and cityscapes and landmarks are your subjects. Perhaps you are going somewhere especially exotic, or maybe even on safari? These situations all call for preparation, and specific equipment.

So what do you take with you? Do we plan for natural or man-made subjects? How do we capture the essence of the places we visit? With a combination of candid and well thought out photographs. We need shots that remind us where we are, and still tell a story. Let’s focus on travel photo tips, and we'll focus on equipment later.

Shoot people in shaded or indirect lighting, the effect of large pupils speaks to us, and makes us empathize and wonder at the thoughts behind the eyes. When shooting landscapes, or cityscapes, polarizing filters are crucial! Whether in the city or on the beach, a polarizing filter will add depth and contrast to any scenic shot, with the added benefit of giving glare and reflection reduction. The effects can be staggering. SLR users, be sure to pack a wide angle zoom. Nothing captures the views you see like a lens that encompasses an entire scene in one broad shot like a super wide angle lens. When traveling, sunrise and sunset can be used to create wonderful photographic memories. It is actually useful in many cases to use a telephoto lens, since a wide angle can shrink the sun down too small in the photo, making a telephoto ideal. By adjusting the f-stop, you can even create a sort of cross-screen filter effect, which can compliment a sunset perfectly. A tripod is your best friend for these shots.

Which brings us to gear. The equipment that you bring is as important as the memories you take away. I already mentioned a tripod, which is indispensable; if you don’t already have one, get one. It’s also important to consider power now. Do you have enough batteries? How often can you recharge? Can you recharge? When can you download your images? How many memory cards do you need? Does your charger work overseas? Address these issues before you go, and avoid unpleasant surprises later. Also bring cleaning supplies, for SLR users don't forget a sensor cleaner, for all others LCD protectors and lens cleaners are necessary. Trust me, you will need them, especially if you don't have them. So what kind of case do you carry? Well it depends on your equipment. Let’s say there is small, medium, and large, though there is every variation in between. A small case will work for the very casual, pocket point and shooter, even with a small camcorder. Medium will let you carry enough equipment to use different lenses, and make the most out of every photo. A large bag will give the aspiring photographer the ability to use multiple lenses, flashes, carry a tripod, a laptop, even serve a dual purpose as a day bag, carrying things like water, and lunch.

This is just a guideline. Your needs can, and will vary depending on the type of trip you are taking, the length of the trip, and other factors. But if you make sure to be prepared, and have the necessary equipment, you will get the most out of every vacation. You will return with more than just memories to last a lifetime, you will also return with a gorgeous photographic record that captures the essence and the uniqueness of the places you visit.

Have a great trip!

Gallery Opening at Penn Camera Laurel – Stuart Gaines & Norman Paratore

2010-03-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographers Stuart Gaines & Norman Paratore
Penn Camera Laurel
March 19th
5pm until 7pm

Two photographers will be joining Penn Camera for a gallery opening on Friday March 19th - Stuart Gaines and Norman Paratore. All are welcome at this casual event where you can view their collection of images and enjoy light refreshments!

Stuart Gaines - Gallery Narrative

"Most of us intentionally or unintentionally record specific events or points in time as images that are reflective of our visual perception. Images could be identified as a point in time as viewed and recorded thru the eyes of photographer A. This of course implies that the event may be recorded as a different image by photographer B. However before the shutter opened the visual aspects of the event was governed by natural physical laws, that under identical physical conditions would be expected to produce a point in time common to each photographer. With the exception of medical, criminal or photojournalism the event or point in time is often subjected to human bias as the event is captured in the camera. Since the image post shooting can in the digital age be easily altered, discipline is required in order to record it with a certain degree of accuracy. We as humans can with this thing called emotions or mental filtering become a small or large variable with regard to our reaction to or interpretation of our environment, But physical laws remain as central control points that are the framers of accuracy, and reality. We as photographers often capture and manipulate images with varying degrees of accuracy, but do we actually alter an event or specific point in time? Would the final image of a specific event from camera A change what was actually occurring or captured at the same time by camera B? Cameras like all instruments are dependent for accuracy on the photographer's sub conscious or conscious effort to combine what actually existed at a point in time with concepts/ideas from our subjective creativity. Photographers strive to produce images that are good - acceptable - different - something that meets an emotional requirement. The manipulation of reality will always be the tools of artist. As recording instruments and software makes it easier to alter the image of a specific point in time, a central question remains. How can a photographer recognize the importance of reality, accuracy, the salient event as presented by the universal law of nature while continuing to strive for that subjective characteristic that will cause the final image to be emotionally satisfying?"

Norman Paratore - Biography

"I was born in...well that goes back a little too far. Let's just say I’m retired and I am what I call a serious amateur photographer who spends way too much money to not be making it a profession. While I have made a few bucks on photography, I have never made my living as a photographer. I have used Nikon cameras from 1964, with the exception of a few years with a Minolta. Have owned Bronica and Rolleiflex 120/220 cameras but I always staying in love with the 35mm due its versatility.

My first camera, as a kid, was a Kodak box camera that used roll film. While in the Air Force and stationed in Germany I found myself getting more serious about photography. I bought a Nikon Photomic FtN, 50mm f1.4, 105mm f.25, and a 300mm f4.5. Since I was in a photo reconnaissance outfit I had access to the photo equipment and developed and mounted my slides, developed and printed Black and White shots, and even bought bulk film and rolled my own cassettes.

When I returned to the US I worked in a retail photo store, made manager within three months, and finally supervised seven stores. But, my photography was limited to family photos. And, I traded in my big Nikon for a smaller Minolta SLR with through-the-lens metering.
Then about a decade or so ago my interest in photography was again rekindled. Bought a used F4s on eBay and then a new F5. But, wouldn’t you know that right after I bought the F5, Nikon introduced the D1. While I had played around with the swing-lens digital models (900 – 950), I was never satisfied with the results. So, now I had the F5 and the D1 in my camera bag. Didn’t take me long to realize that I invariably picked out the D1 to shoot with. Sold the F5 and I’ve been digital ever since."

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. Email us for information.

Gallery Opening at Penn Camera Fair Lakes – Art Cole

2010-03-08T11:28:00.001-05:00

Join us!
Gallery Opening for Photographer Art Cole
Penn Camera Fair Lakes
Friday, March 12th
7pm until 9pm

Art Cole is a lifelong native Virginian, with degrees in Commercial and Studio Art from Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. In 2000, he purchased his first digital camera, an Olympus 2020z. Using this compact camera, he quickly developed a passion for digital photography. He loved the ease of capturing images on a compact flash card, having the immediate feedback of seeing if the image was a keeper, while you still having access to the photo subject, and finally having the ability to download these images to tweak or enhance them in the digital darkroom of the computer. Digital photography is a fantastic medium in which to learn the art of photography..

A sampling of his work from this exhibition:

In 2002 he was given an opportunity to join a group of digital photographers that lived in the US, Norway, Germany, and Australia to form a digital photography group called Digital Photography Internationale. They did this through an exhibit of their digital images that traveled throughout the United States from 2002-2003. The local exhibit of their work was held at the N.V.C.C. Woodbridge Campus Gallery in August 2003. In 2005, with the help of on-demand publisher Lulu, they worked together to create a table top book of our digital images called, Images to Brighten Our World. Proceeds from the sale of this book went to help the victims of the December 2004 Indonesian Tsunami.

Mr. Cole’s photographs have been the photos of the day on many online photo sites, and have been recognized in many local and national photo and art competitions. This includes a merit award at the First Regional Fine Art Exhibition organized by the Lorton Arts Foundation a few years back. In addition this Art has been published in the Wildlife Refuge Magazine and as well a Fish and Wildlife Calendar.

Currently Mr. Cole uses the Canon EOS 7D although in the past he has had the pleasure of owning and using Olympus and Minolta digital cameras. His choices in subject matter are very eclectic, but his passionate about the challenge of capturing birds in flight.

You can see more of Art’s work at his website, http://www.dynamicdigitalimages.net/.

Would you like to host your own Gallery at Penn? Highlight and exhibit your, or your student's finest artwork with a Gallery at a Penn Camera store. High School students, College students, Amateurs & Professionals welcomed. Email us for information.

Facebook Photo Contest Winners for January

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

Each month, Penn Camera hosts a photo contest on our Facebook page. We've had hundreds of entries during 2009 and hope to keep seeing your photographs again this year! For January, the contest theme was "Afternoon Light", and you sent in over 249 terrific submissions. Congratulations to the winners, and our thanks to everyone who submitted an image!

1st Place
Winner of $100 Penn Camera Gift Card
Steve Seamans

2nd Place
Winner of a $50 Penn Camera Gift Card
Chuck Dufor

3rd Place
Winner of a $25 Penn Camera Gift Card
Tom Barry

Keep the great photographs coming! We have some interesting contest themes planned for 2010. Keep checking our Facebook page for whats new. The latest photo contest theme is "SNOW" - seems appropriate given that the DC area has been blanketed this month. Enter the newest Photo Contest

Product Review: Canon Powershot SX120 Digital Camera

2010-02-23T11:06:00.002-05:00

If you are considering purchasing some new camera equipment, either for your professional photography or just to have some fun with friends, you should know that the Canon Powershot SX120 digital camera, which you can find at a camera store like Penn Camera, is one of the best digital cameras on the market today. What is it that makes the Powershot SX120 one of the best pieces of photo equipment in the camera store? Here are some things you definitely want to know about the SX120 before you decide to purchase:

1.) 10 Megapixels:
Just because the Canon Powershot SX120 can fit in your pocket doesn't mean it can't take great pictures! With a 10-megapixel resolution, you'll be able to see the smile on everyone's face as you snap your pictures. If you are the kind of person who wants to be able to shoot extreme detail shots (such as for nature or landscape photos) on the go, this is definitely the camera equipment for you.

2.) Plastic Encasing:
As anyone in professional photography knows, having a camera that will not break when dropped is very important, especially if you are taking photos in the field instead of in a photography studio. Luckily, the SX120 is encased in plastic and also features a handgrip on the right side, which is great for those who find that they drop their cameras frequently.

3.) Sharp Photos:
Need crisp, clean photos with a lot of detail? Then the Canon Powershot SX120 is your best bet it its price range. Photo quality is not a problem for the SX120, as the camera takes great pictures at a high resolution. If you like to print large photos or need your photos to be optimized for viewing on a digital television or computer screen, you will appreciate the great photo quality that this camera has to offer.

Interested? Head over to PennCamera.com or one of our 8 locations!

Image Editing On A Budget: Part II

2010-02-18T13:13:00.003-05:00

Powerful Photo Software Programs That Won’t Break The Bank
By Brendan Keenan, Penn Camera Tysons Corner

I'm continuing this topic from last week on choosing budget friendly image-editing programs.

Maybe you’re a Mac user and love to integrate your programs, and your life, simply and easily. Apple’s Aperture software delivers all the power and control you need over your pictures, with an easy incorporation to iLife, and iWork. This is a powerful program. It includes complete RAW file support, for brands ranging from Canon, to Nikon, Olympus, Sony, and many others. It also supports PSD (or Photoshop) files, so if you’re already an Adobe fan, you can still seamlessly integrate Aperture into your workflow. This program offers a great set of editing tools, from color retouching on only specified colors, to effective sharpening tools, to organizing and cataloguing metadata information (the digital info recorded on every picture you take with your digital camera). It offers custom printing setups, and may be the only program you ever need. Check out the free 30 day trial at the Apple website. Bottom line here: A little more money, but perfect for Mac users. Great RAW support, as well as support for plug-ins and PSD files, Aperture offers a complete, compatible, organize, edit, share and print system.

As a frequent Nikon user, I can proudly tout the powerful, affordable, and super-simple Nikon Capture NX2 software. Obviously for Nikon users, Capture NX2 offers a powerful, yet elegant and simplistic image editing program, which shouldn’t surprise users; as such traits have long been a trademark of Nikon. A personal favorite feature is the color control. Utilizing a point selection tool, it allows users to quickly adjust brightness and saturation by simply selecting a point in the image and adjusting the corresponding sliders. It’s easy to learn, and surprisingly easy to master. It also sports functions like Auto-Retouch, which can be used to remove dust, blemishes, or basically any unwanted elements in a photograph. In Raw mode, it has a terrific tool for adjusting shadow and highlight detail, which is recommended for use with Nikon’s RAW, or NEF format, but is applicable to both jpg and TIFF files. The adjustments are easy to learn, with no complicated layers, or multiple selections. It includes tools that handle noise reduction (noise is the digital equivalent of grain in film; anytime there isn’t enough light, it shows in the photo), distortion control, and a vignetting corrector. Distortion is caused by lenses that go very wide, or lenses that cover a large range, but this software corrects for both types of distortion easily. It also offers custom black and white, as well as colorize features.

Let’s say that after settling on a product, you find it doesn’t have a certain feature, or effect that you desperately want. Trust me, it happens. The answer? Nik Plug-ins. Compatible with all popular and professional imaging programs, Nik plug-ins offer enhanced control over specific areas, or types of photos. Need to handle light and color better? Nik Viveza. Love Black and White? Nik Silver EFEX Pro. Nik Color EFEX Pro offers 52 filters, for a total of over 250 effects. Blurry photos? Nik Sharpener. Like Low Light? Nik Dfine. These plug-ins are available in complete collections, or a la carte. Selling for around $150 for most, some plug-ins are under $100. The idea here is customization. With the ability to add plug-ins, you can customize your software to get the most out of every file, based on your personal needs, and based on your preferred type of photos. Whatever program you decide on, plug-ins can make it more powerful, and ultimately, give you more control.

So like I said, there is a little something for everybody. One thing is for certain, software bridges the gap between file and final, snapshot and work of art. No matter what you use or who you are: RAW or Jpg, Windows or Mac, Enthusiast or Serious photographer, only one thing is standing between you and your dream images. Your computer. So take control. Make every shot perfect, even if it takes every tool in the box.

Product Review: Nikon D3X Digital Camera

2010-02-15T08:00:00.004-05:00

If you walked in a Penn Camera store today, our sales reps would be able to tell you that, hands down, the Nikon D3x digital SLR camera is one of the best pieces of photo equipment on the market today, and anyone in the arena of professional photography who decides to purchase this camera is going to be a very happy customer. After reading something like that, you may wonder what it is that makes the Nikon D3x the best deal in the camera store. Let's take a look at some of the D3x's amazing features:

Megapixels:
Do you like to take extreme detail shots? Well, this is definitely the most important piece of camera equipment that you will ever own! It offers 24.5 megapixels for those who engage landscape or nature shooting (or any other type of extreme detail photography).

All-Weather Body:
Not only does the Nikon D3x DSLR feature plastic and rubber coating on the outer body, it also has a magnesium frame. This will give peace of mind to those who find that they often drop their camera equipment, as it makes it pretty resistant to shock.

Sensible Design:
You should know that the each of the buttons featured on the Nikon DX3 are large enough that you will have no problem pressing them while wearing gloves (which makes winter photography a snap!). Also, each button and dial features symbols that help you understand its function, and the information concerting shutter speed, ISO, and aperture is readily available on the D3x's top and rear screens. Should you have any trouble with understanding the functions your camera, you should know that PennCamera.com offers a "tips and tricks" blog that will help you get the most out of your purchase.

Although the Nikon D3x is a great piece of photo equipment, it should be noted that it is by no means perfect. For example, the D3x does not have the quick continuous shooting speeds of its predecessor, the Nikon D3. The D3x can only handle five frames per second, while the D3 was able to capture nine frames per second. This difference isn't so vast when you factor in the higher megapixel abilities of the Nikon D3x, but this may be a concern for photojournalists and sports photographers, who often need to snap pictures in rapid succession in order to get that perfect shot.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that the high ISO (a measure of the camera's sensitivity to light) settings are no longer present. Instead of the D3's 200 to 6400 ISO range, the ISO in the D3x only ranges from 100 to 1600. While this may make shooting in extremely low light a challenge for some, you can do without the extensive ISO setting if you are willing to shoot low-light pictures that are slightly more low-resolution.

With that said, the Nikon D3x is still a great camera, and definitely one of the absolute best on the market today. It obviously offers quite an advantage over other brands and models in its price range with the 24.5 megapixels that it offers. If you are in professional photography and need high-resolution shots on a consistent basis, it's a must that you visit your local Penn Camera (the best camera store for those of you who live in the Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia areas) or take a look at their website, PennCamera.com, to purchase this camera. Beginners will find the camera easy to use, while professionals will appreciate the ergonomic design and plethora of features that the Nikon D3x offers. Because you can control every aspect of the shots you take, this camera is perfect for those who are always looking for that "just-right" shot. No matter what your level or experience, it is almost a sure bet that you won't regret purchasing the Nikon D3x digital camera.

Call the Penn Camera location near you to check availability on this item!