Best Digital Camera

??Welcome to our weekly photography news section, with the stories that matter to serious photographers.

In a further sign of the ongoing (some would say surprising) resilience of the power compact market, Canon has announced two new 16Mp bridge cameras – bridge cameras being sophisticated compacts with long built-in lenses.

First up is the PowerShot SX520 HS, featuring a 42x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1,008mm) and a backlit sensor. The SX520IS will be onsale through a wide range of outlets and cost £299.

The less powerful PowerShot SX400 IS has the same sensor, but gets by with a 30x optical zoom lens and will sell exclusively through Argos stores for £259.

Even though the Nikon D810 SLR has only been out a couple of months, it’s already doing well in tests and reviews. DxO, a prominent maker of lens-testing and image editing software, recently announced that the full-frame, 36Mp behemoth has chalked up a class-leading DxOMark Sensor Score of 97.

This is higher than the original Nikon D800 (95) and subsequent D800E (96). “It’s an outstanding score with excellent colour depth and an extremely wide dynamic range at base ISO for the most subtle tonal gradations in highlights and shadows,” DxO Labs said.

“The low-light score of 2853 ISO is also excellent, however it’s somewhat behind the best in that category.” Click here for more information on the test, which saw the Nikon D810 proclaimed the “new leader” in the DxO database.

SEE MORE: Nikon D810 review

Apple’s MacBook Pros are popular laptops with photographers and the company recently announced it has upgraded the models with Retina displays. The entry level 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display will include dual-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 2.8 GHz and 8GB of memory.

Meanwhile, the 15-inch model will come with faster quad-core Intel Core i7 processors and 16GB of memory. Prices have been cut too. The flagship 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display will start from £1,999/$2,499. while the non-Retina 13-inch MacBook Pro will be £100 cheaper at £899/$1,099.

Entry is now open to the latest Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year competition, won last year by DPR Lao-based Tessa Bunney. New categories include Food for the Family (families eating together) and the self-explanatory Bring Home the Harvest. Judges include well-known TV food pundit Jay Rayner, and David Loftus, Jamie Oliver’s photographer.

Younger photographers are also being encouraged to enter the RSPCA Young Photographer of the Year award. “With school summer holidays stretching out ahead of us, the RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards is the perfect boredom-buster for children,” said well-known wildlife photographer and judge, Chris Packham.

As part of the ongoing quest to make on-camera flash more palatable and adjustable, a “revolutionary”  light modifier called BounceLite has been announced. It’s described as a mini-softbox/bounce-card combination and features various filters and gels.

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Posted on Sunday, August 3rd, 2014 at 11:00 am under News.

Tags: photography news

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Don’t want to break the bank on Photoshop? We’ve rounded up 11 of the best free photo editing software for you to try out, with links to download each app directly.

Even the most basic digital cameras will often produce very detailed photos with great colours. However, you might still find that there are issues with white balance, red-eye, lighting or perhaps the odd cropping problem which need to be corrected. It’s therefore a good idea to have photo editing software on your computer.

Those with very advanced needs (or those with lots of cash) will probably opt for Photoshop, and while there’s no doubt it’s a great program, there’s a lot of other great photo editing software out there, too – as well as a number of intriguing alternatives that won’t cost you a thing!

Below we’ve rounded up 11 of the best free photo editing software that you can use to make meaningful edits to your images.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for something with sophisticated editing power or something easy and quick, there should be something here among these free photo editing apps to meet your needs.

Just shy of 20 years old, GIMP (aka the GNU Image Manipulation Program), gets regular updates and is widely known as a great and fairly powerful free photo editor.

With this program you can make corrections to colours, enhance contrast, brightness and much more. You can also sharpen or blur images, fix perspective problems, remove red-eye, add special lighting photos and experiment with effects such as making a photo look like an oil painting.

Use the paint tools for lots of different effects, while there’s also support for layers and ways to extend the program.

It’s not a program that’s quick to get to grips with, but if you put in the effort to learn its nuances and quirks, then it’s a very useful program indeed.

If you’ve used an older version of Photoshop, but don’t want to pay to upgrade to the latest iteration, you’ll probably be familiar with GIMP pretty quickly.

Click here to download Gimp

If you’re looking for something a little more basic than GIMP, Paint.NET is a great alternative. You’ve got plenty of options for resizing and rotating photos, a good range of selection and paint tools, and there’s some great special effects too.

Luckily, there’s support for layers which means you can apply edits to only certain parts of an image. Plugins mean that you can extend and customise the program to suit your needs.

Perhaps most encouragingly, the basic interface of Paint.NET makes it easy to learn and get to grips with, even if you’ve never edited an image before.

Click here to download Paint.NET

A simple but effective editing program, PhoXo is a useful editor which has some great fun applications as well as more serious uses. You can customise images with cartoons and the likes, while the ability to add a custom watermark to a group of images can be useful for edits in a hurry. There’s also drawing and paint tools along with image transformations, effects and more.

Click here to download PhoXo

If it’s effects you’re after, Funny Photo Maker is a great option. While you won’t advanced tools such as layer support or smart selection tools, you can turn someone’s face into a movie poster or bank note, transform still images into animations or add weather effects. Interesting frames, collages and other options are also available.

Click here to download Funny Photo Maker

Probably one of the more dated looking options on the market, don’t dismiss Photo Pos Pro immediately. If you spend some time experimenting with what it has to offer you’ll find plenty of options including paint tools, colour corrections and selection tools.

There’s also a degree of support for layers and masks, configurable effects (and lots of them), and a tool which allows you to automate editing tasks.

Keep an eye out for some of the fun features too, like the “Magical” effects which allow you to add fireworks, stardust, bubbles and the like to your photographs.

Click here to download Photo Pos Pro

If all you want is something quick and easy to add a special effect to a photo, PhotoScape could be the tool for you. Those looking for layer support and the like should avoid it though.

Here you’ll find hundreds of clipart images, the ability to add custom speech bubbles, great special effects and even the chance to create animated GIFs.

You can even get a little bit creative with the options, with the ability to customise some of the artistic styles on offer.

Click here to download PhotoScape

Despite what the name suggests, there’s also editing possibilities with IrfanView. For instance, you can rotate and resize and image as well as tweaking colours, brightness and contrast, add text captions and watermarks, sharpen your photos, remove red-eye and even apply a range of special effects.

Click here to download IrfanView

If you’re looking for something to retouch your photos, then PhotoFiltre gives surprisingly impressive results. Bear in mind that it’s only free for personal use, though.

Use the PhotoMask tool to apply contour and transparency effects to your photos. There’s also paint tools, the ability to correct colours and add filters.

Click here to download PhotoFiltre

If you want something to make basic, but useful, edits, then PixBuilder Studio has a fair amount to offer.

You won’t find some of the fun and frivolous features here of other photo editing programs, but if you want to crop, resize, rotate or correct colours, then it’s a good option.

There’s also some sharpness and blur filters, along with some practical print tools.

Click here to download PixBuilder Studio

There’s lots of useful tools on offer with Chasys Draw IES. You’ll find quite an extensive set of painting and drawing tools, support for layers, smart special effects, the ability to adjust colour and lighting, Photoshop plugin support and more.

You can also use it if you need to create CD or DVD labels, icons and so on.

If you’re shooting in raw format, there’s also a processor, viewer and converter included for those files, making it a great and versatile program.

Click here to download Chasys Draw IES

From left to right: original image; image enhanced with Snapseed HDR Scape

Edit your photos directly from the web from any computer (installed with Chrome) or on your Android phone using Google+.

There’s a surprising array of options available here, simply upload your shot to Google+ and then you’ll find that you can click Edit to make changes.

For starters, there’s basic edits such as cropping, brightness and contrast. And when you want to get a bit more creative, you can add special effects to give it an HDR look, make it look vintage or add lighting effects.

There’s also frames to choose from and you can create a miniature scene using the tilt-shift simulator.

Best of all, edits are non-destructive so you can go back to your original image at any time.

Click here to get started with Google+

For more free downloads of everything from recovery software to antivirus and video editing programs, visit our sister site TechRadar’s Free Downloads page!

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Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2014 at 11:34 am under Reviews.

Tags: hot, photo editing

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What is image stabilisation and why should you use it? If you’re new to photography you might understandably have a few questions about some of the technology and equipment.

In our latest layman’s guide to fundamental gear we answer some of the most common questions photographers have about how to use image stabilisation.

Image stabilisation is a technology to help you take sharp handheld images at slower shutter speeds. Effectively, the technology enables the lens to compensate for any movement in the camera or lens that could result in an out-of-focus photo.

Different manufacturers refer to the technology by different names. For example, Canon uses Image Stabilisation (IS), while Nikon calls it Vibration Reduction (VR).

Some cameras come with image stabilisation built into the body itself, but it’s more commonly found in lenses, where a small movement has a disproportionately greater effect than in a camera body.

SEE MORE: A layman’s guide to depth of field – how to check and affect sharpness like a pro

You can use IS most of the time when hand-holding a camera, but it comes into its own when you are using longer lenses, which are difficult to hold steady.

Or whenever light levels are low, which results in slower shutter speeds and hence more time for vibration to occur. You will find an on/off button for your lens’ image stabilisation system on the lens barrel..

You shouldn’t need to use image stabilisation when your camera is on a tripod, so it is best to switch it off. (While some cameras sense that the camera is motionless and disable IS automatically, many don’t, so control IS manually. )

The ‘internal’ movement of an image stabilisation system can potentially cause camera shake during a long exposure. It is also best to switch IS off when panning the camera for an action shot.

Image stabilisation is very effective. Depending on the system and conditions, it can help you get sharp shots at up to four stops slower than would normally be expected.

But remember: image stabilisation is only helping you from preventing image blur caused by camera shake. You will still get a blurred image if your shutter speed is too slow.

Photoguard – specialist insurance provider
When will you think about insuring your camera and equipment? After you’ve read this? Or after you’ve dropped your beloved camera potentially smashing or damaging it? Photoguard – here for photographers before things go wrong. Receive an online insurance quote in seconds.

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Posted on Monday, August 4th, 2014 at 12:01 am under Photography Tips.

Tags: camera tips

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If you never use flash there are some great effects that you’re missing out on and a few important lessons that you’ll never learn about photography. In their latest guest blog post the photo management experts at Photoventure see if they can persuade you to give using flash a go.

If you don’t use flash for portrait images your subject’s eyes won’t sparkle or have controllable bright catchlights that bring them alive.

Once you start paying attention to the catchlights in your subject’s eyes you’ll discover that you can adjust their position and shape by moving the flash or changing its shape.

If you use a ring flash, for example, you can create circles of light in the eyes.

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Posted on Saturday, August 9th, 2014 at 12:01 am under Photography Tips.

Tags: flash photography tips, studio lighting

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The average back garden in bursting with wildlife. In this subject-by-subject guide, nature pro Mark Hamblin explains how to shoot an exciting range of nature photography subjects on your own doorstep. Discover the best techniques, camera settings, light and gear for capturing many popular subjects!

All images by Mark Hamblin

Birds are the most visible of all backyard wildlife, and given a little know-how will reward the patient photographer with some fantastic images

What’s the approach?
Most back gardens attract a good variety of birds, especially if you give them a helping hand by providing them with food, water and somewhere to breed.

One big advantage of shooting garden birds is that they are likely to be more easily approached than their secretive back-country cousins.

This means it’s often possible to capture frame-filling images by sitting quietly close to where they are feeding or nesting (How to photograph through a fence).

For more skittish species use a small portable hide (or blind) to conceal yourself, which will also ensure the birds behave naturally (see also How to use your car as a mobile hide for bird photography).

Attract birds into your back garden by providing a range of foodstuffs, as well as clean water in an accessible pool.

Nest boxes erected in suitable spots will also help encourage a greater number of species to spend the summer on your patch.

SEE MORE: Free bird photography cheat sheet

When’s the best time of day?
Birds tend to be active for most of the day, but often have a peak of activity early in the morning. The middle of the day can be a quiet period, especially in summer.

What gear do I need?
To capture a medium-size bird at a decent size in the frame you’ll need a telephoto lens of at least 300mm.

If this is coupled with a camera that has a cropped sensor then this effectively increases the magnification, which is very helpful when photographing birdlife.

A camera that is capable of shooting at 4-5 frames per second will increase your chances of capturing action shots.

SEE MORE: Wildlife pictures: 5 classic compositions and why they work

What’s the best lighting?
Timing your shoot to coincide with peak bird activity early in the day will also mean catching the attractive morning sunlight that will bring out any colours in the birds’ plumage.

Shooting with front-lighting often suits birds best, although some species work well when backlit, too. Avoid harsh, overhead sunlight though – soft overcast light is better for revealing plumage detail.

SEE MORE: Bird photography tips – how to shoot pin-sharp pictures of birds of prey

What settings should I use?
Typically, you’ll need a fairly fast shutter speed to prevent any blurring from subject movement. A shutter speed of around 1/250 sec or faster is advisable for most species, but when tackling faster moving action aim for at least 1/1000 sec (see also Best camera settings for garden birds).

Set a wide aperture, such as f/4 or f/5.6, in Aperture Priority mode, and increase the ISO setting if necessary to obtain the required shutter speed.

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Posted on Thursday, August 7th, 2014 at 12:01 am under Photography Tips, Wildlife.

Tags: nature photography, wildlife photography

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In this tutorial we share our best fashion photography tips to help you plan and carry out your own shoot without any hassle.

A fashion photography shoot is your chance to try out different techniques and get creative while working alongside models and stylists.

Fashion photography requires attention to detail, originality and technical expertise. From a creative point of view it’s fantastic because almost anything goes.

If you want to organise your own fashion shoot, one of the first things to do is find a model. You might know someone who is happy to model for you, but if you want to go one step further, consider booking a model.

You could go through model agencies or contact models and stylists direct through sites like Model Mayhem and PurplePort. Whichever option you go for, get them to sign a Model Release form. Search online for ‘model release form’ for downloadable examples.

Of course, with fashion photography it’s all about the clothes. We contacted the School of Art and Design at Bath Spa University, which teaches Fashion Design. They kindly let us borrow these wonderfully creative outfits by designer Rebecca Head.

01 Prepare the scene
Good lighting is vital. A home studio flash kit is ideal. You’ll need a space large enough to set up lights, and a backdrop. (We used a roll of blue paper.) Plan the lighting setup using a stand-in before the model arrives.

 SEE MORE: Off-camera flash – how to stop fearing your flashgun and take control of lighting

02 Mind the details
The clothes need to look perfect. Steam or iron them, and if they’re not a perfect fit, pin them into place. A stylist or any fashion-conscious friend with an eye for detail is invaluable. Robyn here was on hand during the shoot to adjust clothes and fix stray hairs and other details.

SEE MORE: Free portrait photography cropping guide

03 Light it right
Behind the model we positioned two flash heads, angled back and fitted with softboxes. Another flash was placed in front, above and to the left, fitted with a circular reflector. The softboxes created edge lighting on the model. The frontal flash lit the face and outfit with hard-edged light.

SEE MORE: Free portrait lighting cheat sheet

Quick Tip
Set your flashes to the lowest power where you still get the illumination you need, as this will speed up the recycling time.

How to set up your own fashion photography shoot: 1-3
How to set up your own fashion photography shoot: 4-6

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Posted on Wednesday, August 6th, 2014 at 12:01 am under Photography Tips, Portraits.

Tags: fashion photography, Portrait Photography

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In the second instalment of his new column, The Harris effect, Geoff Harris sounds off on five current trends in photography that he finds troubling.

Five things are spoiling an otherwise sun-kissed summer and I want to get them off my chest. Yes, I am a grumpy middle-aged man, and if you look up ‘curmudgeonly’ online you will soon find a picture of me. Still, I think some of my rants are justified. Let the rant begin!

Hello? HDR sucks. It sucks in colour and it sucks in black and white. “Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel,” opined Dr Johnson, and I fear that black and white has become the last refuge for scoundrels who still don’t understand how naff and synthetic-looking HDR really is.

If you want to get better looking black and white shots, play around with the colour sliders in Lightroom or get Silver Efex Pro but otherwise, your mono images need heavy HDR as much as the Sgt Pepper album needs 80s synth drums or slap bass. Desist!

Being a sociable chap I am interested in joining my local camera club. But a glance at the schedule when everyone gets back after the holidays reveals way too much use of the ‘C’ word – competitions.

Now, I am not averse to people entering photographic competitions, but camera clubs seems obsessed with competing against themselves and just about every other club in the region. What is this, darts?

I once heard somebody say their ambition was to be a “good club-level photographer” as if photography was some kind of sport.

It’s this kind of thinking that gets pictures disqualified from contests as they don’t exactly follow the rule of thirds, according to some duffer with a ruler. I’m not a marrow grower or a snooker player, I’m a photographer, goddammit!

SEE MORE: 32 things photographers say… and what they REALLY mean!

I’m also sick of seeing so-called pro portrait photographers ruin otherwise nice outdoor portraits with lots of off-camera flash. Yes, we can see you have worked out how to use your portable Elinchrom and softbox, but so what?

Your subject still looks like a nuke has gone off down the road or some nearby doggers are shining their car headlights in a provocative way. Henri Cartier Bresson referred to using flash as a “horrific massacre,” and in this case, he was right.

As if the remorseless rise of smartphones wasn’t bad enough, I can’t walk around the streets of London and other popular tourist destinations without bumping into people trying to take photos with tablets.

Apart from the fact that the titchy lenses and basic image processing means the images can never be used that big, the people themselves look ridiculous.

A visitor from the past would assume they are all holding the bible up to heaven in the hope of salvation, so rapt is their attention. If you want to take proper photos get a proper camera.

Foreground boulders and ND grad skies in landscapes, contrived and overcooked sunsets… Why can’t people think more creatively and avoid the bleeding obvious?

Too much of modern photography seems to be about encouraging people to emulate a particular look du jour, and magazines and websites in particular have been very guilty of this.

We should prize originality and creativity much more. I for one would be very happy if Adobe brought out a plug-in that flagged up cliches in people’s pictures before they inflicted them on the world!

READ MORE

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Posted on Saturday, August 2nd, 2014 at 12:00 pm under News.

Tags: photography news

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