Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Is the Leica M9 Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/is-the-leica-m9-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/is-the-leica-m9-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/03/is-the-leica-m9-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

HYPE CHECK
Leica M9 Digital Rangefinder Camera

What it is:

The cult of Leica originated in the '40s, when Henri Cartier-Bresson and the Magnum photographers first brought the so-called "decisive moment" into the cultural consciousness. Their startlingly immediate images of street life, war, and people are as fresh today as they were the day they were snapped. The weapon of choice for this school of photographers was the Leica rangefinder, a small, lightweight camera that offered photojournalists an easy way to capture high-quality pictures on the move. Though the film era may be waning, Leica is now producing rangefinders for the era of digital photography, and the M9 is its latest entry into the category. This $7,000 camera is for folks who are serious about their still photography; the M9 doesn't do video.

Rangefinders work in a way fundamentally different from what we've come to accept as standard camera functionality. A standard viewfinder displays only what is in the frame, meaning that elements outside of lens range aren't seen. Therefore, the shot you see in the viewfinder is the shot you get. With a rangefinder, however, you look through a viewfinder that is aligned with the lens but not connected; small marks on the glass delineate the area in frame, with space around the marks remaining visible, allowing you to look further afield when composing the shot. When you drop the shutter, there is no moment of blackness. This lets you focus on your next shot without that momentary disorientation.

Continue reading Is the Leica M9 Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the Leica M9 Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshgghypecheckleicaleica m9LeicaM9rangefinderrangefindersreviewtopThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Leica M9 Digital Rangefinder Camera]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-leica-m9-digital-rangefinder-camera/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-leica-m9-digital-rangefinder-camera/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-leica-m9-digital-rangefinder-camera/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Leica M9 Digital Rangefinder Camera (Gadget Head, Cost No Object)

The Leica brand has represented the ne plus ultra of photographic excellence for nearly a century, and continues to burnish its impeccable rep with its new M9 ($7,000). As beautiful a piece of gadgetry as any we've come across, the M9 is somewhat of an oddity in the digital realm: it's a rangefinder camera (meaning you don't see through the lens to focus), is essentially all manually controlled (including focus) and is the smallest camera around to pack a full 35mm CCD image sensor. That giant sensor also explains why the M9 can capture positively massive (and gorgeous) 18.5-megapixel images -- which, at about 36-megabytes (MBs) a snap, also means you might want to look into a new hard drive before you get snap happy. Nicely, the M9 can also accommodate any existing M-series lenses dating back to 1950s, a further enticement for any film Leica enthusiasts who are still sitting on the digital bench. Any devout shutterbug would kill or die to have one (and considering its $7,000 price tag, it'll surely cross some minds), though casual shooters who aren't comfortable messing with ISO, aperture and shutterspeed settings should likely opt for a DSLR with more automatic controls.

SwitchedGift Guide: Leica M9 Digital Rangefinder Camera originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What it is: The Olympus PEN E-P1 is the company's first Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera -- a miniaturized alternative to a digital SLR (DSLR) based on a tech standard developed in cooperation with Panasonic. The physical design and name are throwbacks to the half-frame film cameras Olympus produced from the '50s through the '80s. The E-P1, priced at $799, includes a 14-42-millimeter, f3.5-5.6 zoom lens (equivalent to 28-84 mm on a traditional film camera).

Why it's different: The E-P1's retro styling stands out among other DSLR and point-and-shoot cameras. The compact body is a result of the MFT system, which reduces bulk by forgoing an SLR's internal mirror and prism for through-the-lens viewing. The result is a camera significantly smaller and lighter than a DSLR, but with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses and the photo quality that comes from a large image sensor. The only other MFT cameras on the market are Panasonic's G1 and GH1, which boast similar size reductions, but have a traditional DSLR shape.

Continue reading The Olympus E-P1 Is Sexy, But Is It Worth the Hype?

SwitchedThe Olympus E-P1 Is Sexy, But Is It Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckmftmicro four thirdsMicroFourThirdsolympusolympus e-p1OlympusE-p1photographytopTue, 11 Aug 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/http://www.switched.com/2009/08/07/whats-the-best-digital-slr-camera-for-beginners/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Question: I see more and more people carrying digital SLRs these days. And when I look at the great photos, I understand why. I'd like to upgrade from my point-and-shoot, but the choices are overwhelming. What's a good beginner SLR that can also grow with me if I want to get more serious?

Advice: Our current favorite among beginner models is the Nikon D5000. It's not the cheapest -- even from Nikon -- but it has great room to grow. The D5000 is very similar to the company's pricier D90 camera and comes with one significant upgrade: An articulating, 2.7-inch LCD screen allows you to frame the photo while holding the camera above your head, down at your waist, or even facing towards you for a self-portrait. That gives it a leg up on Canon's Digital Rebel line of entry-level SLRs.

The LCD is especially handy when using the D5000's video-capture feature, since you don't have to hold the camera right up to your nose while shooting. The 720p HD movies it takes don't match the crisp images you can get with a dedicated high-def camcorder, but they make a fun supplement to the excellent 12-megapixel still photos.

Continue reading What's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Digital SLR Camera for Beginners? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d5000featuresjusttellmewhattogetnikonnikon d5000NikonD5000topFri, 07 Aug 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/28/whats-the-best-digital-camera-for-around-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Question: I need a new digital camera. But since money is tight these days, I can't spend much over $100. Is there a camera around that price that's worth any money at all?

Our Advice: Yes. These days, most camera makers sell surprisingly capable point-and-shoots for just over $100. At that price, you won't get the latest and greatest photo technology. But you will get an inexpensive camera that takes good pictures and offers a useful array of automatic features. Our current favorite is Fujifilm's 10-megapixel Finepix J20, which you can pick up for about $120.

The J20 has a more compact, sturdy, and stylish design than many of its budget-priced competitors. And its 2.7-inch LCD provides a clear view in a wide range of lighting situations, from bright sunlight to dim interiors. It also produces impressively sharp and colorful images at ISO (light sensitivity) settings as high as 1600. That allows you to shoot without the flash in low light and still capture photos with minimal graininess. All those qualities lend the J20 versatility and easy portability, making it a good all-purpose snapshot camera.

Continue reading What's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Digital Camera for Around $100? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsdigicamsfeaturesjusttellmewhattogetrecessionshoppingtopTue, 28 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/09/is-the-casio-ex-s12-camera-with-dynamic-photo-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Most point-and-shoot camera makers are marching in lock step -- all introducing features such as fancier face detection, higher light sensitivity, and larger LCD screens. Casio is playing along, but it's also adding more-powerful image processing -- allowing its cameras to capture photos in high-speed bursts, shoot slow-motion video, or track fast-moving subjects.

What it is: Casio's EX-S12 (and a sister models, the EX-Z400 and EX-Z270) use this extra processing power for a new function called Dynamic Photo that lets you cut a still subject, or even a stop-motion video clip, from one shot and insert it into another.

Why it's different: Cameras have been adding editing capabilities, such as removing red-eye but Casio is the first to put compositing -- making a new image with portions of other photos -- into a point-and-shoot.

Does it live up to the hype? Absolutely not. The prescribed process for creating these images with the EX-S12 is arduous, with a low success rate. And even when the tech works, the results are laughable.

Continue reading Is the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs the Casio EX-S12 Camera With 'Dynamic Photo' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a pro photography world virtually owned by Canon and Nikon, Pentax's scrappy determination is admirable. Although it rarely grabs the headlines, this company consistently turns out well-built cameras at good prices.

We're hoping that applies to the company's latest SLR, the Pentax K-7, which we got a hands-on look at earlier this month. Priced at $1300, it's priced against semi-pro cameras such as the Canon 50D, but has many professional features that match far-pricier models. For one, the magnesium-alloy case is completely sealed against dust and water and certified to keep the camera working all the way down to a frigid 14 degrees Fahrenheit. You don't get that kind of battle-ready performance from the big boys until you step up to pro models like Nikon's $5000 D3 camera. Just like its price, the K-7's weight is also way lower: at 27 ounces, it's about two-thirds the weight of Nikon's D3.

Continue reading Pentax K-7 -- a Pro SLR, at a Semi-Pro Price

SwitchedPentax K-7 -- a Pro SLR, at a Semi-Pro Price originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 20 May 2009 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>newproductspentaxphotographyslrslrstoptraveltreknologyupcomingWed, 20 May 2009 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Which Rugged Camera Should You Get?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/http://www.switched.com/2009/05/15/which-rugged-camera-should-you-get/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

just tell me what to get panasonic ts1

Question: I'm planning a vacation with my wife and kids this summer, and I want one camera to cover it all. Something small enough to take around with us wherever we go, and most importantly, super durable and waterproof so we can take it to the beach without giving daddy a heart attack. Any suggestions?

Hey reader: "Tough" cameras have definitely been the rage lately, with several of the big manufacturers recently unleashing new models into the wild. Over the past few years, Olympus has definitely led the way in this category with its Stylus Tough series of nearly unbreakable cams.

But we aren't in love with the Olympus photo quality. So we were excited when Panasonic brought out the ultradurable DMC-TS1 earlier this year.

Continue reading Which Rugged Camera Should You Get?

SwitchedWhich Rugged Camera Should You Get? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 15 May 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digicamsfeaturesjusttellmewhattogetlumixpanasonicpanasonic dsc-tsipanasonic ts1PanasonicDsc-tsiPanasonicTs1pointandshootsroughntumbleruggedruggedcamerastoptoughcamsts1Fri, 15 May 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[13 Twitter No-No's]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The micro-blogging site Twitter, along with its 140-character-or-less messages known as "tweets," is continuing to earn daily references from media outlets, but to the uninitiated it can seem confusing, narcissistic and creepily voyeuristic. In reality, it serves as an instant and simple method of keeping in contact with family and friends, or for reading the latest news from favored writers, musicians and comedians.

PC mag, this week, released a list of "13 Twitter Dont's" to help inform newcomers and wary observers. They also offer tips to the annoying members who unceasingly tweet without concern for those of their followers who don't care what they may happen to be eating at that particular moment. Some of the tips seem self-explanatory ("Don't say anything that can get you fired," for instance), but, then again, many people need a constant reminder of that warning, too. Other tips provide insight into the language and abbreviations common on Twitter, and others demonstrate proper Twitter protocol ("Don't tweet more than 10 times a day"). So, read on. And when you're finished, and properly informed, you can follow our own Switched tweets right here. [From: PCMag.com]

Continue reading 13 Twitter No-No's

Switched13 Twitter No-No's originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microbloggingpc magazinepcmagPcMagazinesocial networkingSocialNetworkingtech etiquetteTechEtiquettetoptwittertwitterholicFri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Students Take Space Photos With Simple Latex Balloon and Digi-Cam]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/students-take-space-photos-with-simple-latex-balloon-and-digi-ca/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/students-take-space-photos-with-simple-latex-balloon-and-digi-ca/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/18/students-take-space-photos-with-simple-latex-balloon-and-digi-ca/#commentsFiled under: ,

Spanish Students Take Photos of Space With Balloon and Digi-Cam
Who needs the Hubble? Not Gerard Marull Paretas, Sergi Saballs Vila, Marta­ Gasull Morcillo and Jaume Puigmiquel Casamort, that's for sure.

The four Spanish teenagers, working with their teacher Jordi Fanals Oriol as the Meteotek team at the IES La Bisbal school in Catalonia, started with a fairly lofty goal: They wanted to launch a balloon with a digital camera and some custom-built electronic sensors to 30,000 feet. Much to their surprise, they ended up considerably exceeding their expectations. Their $60 heavy duty latex balloon and $80 Nikon digital camera soared to 100,000 feet, right to the edge of space. Describing the team's homegrown approach, Gerard Marull Paretas told the Telegraph, "We took readings as the balloon rose and mapped its progress using Google Earth and the onboard radio receiver."

Like something out of a Roald Dahl book or upcoming Pixar film, these four students were able to accomplish something unexpected, and quite impressive, with meager resources. This is recession astronomy -- for less than the cost of some people's electric bills, the group was able to capture some stunning images from the very limits of the Earth's atmosphere. Check out the gallery below for some images from the team's Flickr feed. [From: Telegraph]

Gallery: Meteotek08

The The Team and the BalloonNo That Isn't Google EarthThe Sun and the Edge of SpaceThe Very Edge of the Atmosphere


Related Links:

SwitchedStudents Take Space Photos With Simple Latex Balloon and Digi-Cam originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balloonballoonskidsphotographysciencespacespainstudentsWed, 18 Mar 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile to Release 8-Megapixel Memoir Cameraphone on February 24]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/t-mobile-to-release-8-megapixel-memoir-cameraphone-on-february-2/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/t-mobile-to-release-8-megapixel-memoir-cameraphone-on-february-2/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/t-mobile-to-release-8-megapixel-memoir-cameraphone-on-february-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



At this point, it's tough to say the Memoir wasn't official with a straight face, but Samsung and T-Mobile have jointly disclosed all (er, most) of the remaining details that were so sorely missing here at Mobile World Congress. The 8 megapixel handset will boast a Xenon flash, CMOS auto focus and 16x digital zoom, not to mention a full touchscreen and a sophisticated camera menu that enables users to adjust the brightness and flash, change the default destination of images, select a timer and zoom in or out. Moreover, the video recording and TV-out features should provide even more joy in the lives of multimedia lovers, and the blink detection, face detection, anti-shake and geotagging inclusions should shake off any remaining pundits who say there's not a "real camera" in here. As anticipated, the phone will launch exclusively on T-Mobile USA in just ten days (February 25, if you're too excited for math), though there's still no mention of a price. Procrastinate much?

Update: Boom, pricing -- $249.99 on a two-year contract with a $50 mail-in rebate. Not the cheapest thing we've ever seen, but you get what you pay for, yeah?

Gallery: Samsung Memoir hitting T-Mobile USA on February 25

SwitchedT-Mobile to Release 8-Megapixel Memoir Cameraphone on February 24 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-megapixelcameraphonesmobileworldcongress2009new productsNewProductssamsungsamsung memoirSamsungMemoirt-mobileupcomingMon, 16 Feb 2009 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nikon Announces 8 New COOLPIX Digicams for the Spring]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/02/nikon-announces-8-new-coolpix-digicams-for-the-spring/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/02/nikon-announces-8-new-coolpix-digicams-for-the-spring/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/02/nikon-announces-8-new-coolpix-digicams-for-the-spring/#commentsFiled under: ,



Lots of compact camera news today. Nikon announced eight new COOLPIX digicams, ranging from several pocket-friendly compact point-and-shoot cams to larger shooters featuring optical zooms up to 24x. We've got 4 new ones from the S-series, 3 from the L-series, and one P-series.

Highlights? Colors are big this year, and you'll see many of the models available in multiple colors, ranging from Royal Purple to Titanium Silver. The extreme-budget-priced L19 retails for only $109.95, and we liked the curved, hand-friendly case design of the S630. Lots of models, specs, and images, so check out our rundown after the break:


Continue reading Nikon Announces 8 New COOLPIX Digicams for the Spring

SwitchedNikon Announces 8 New COOLPIX Digicams for the Spring originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsnew productsNewProductsnikonupcomingMon, 02 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Congressman Wants Cell Phone Cameras to Make Clicking Sound]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/27/congressman-wants-cell-phone-cameras-to-make-clicking-sound/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/27/congressman-wants-cell-phone-cameras-to-make-clicking-sound/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/27/congressman-wants-cell-phone-cameras-to-make-clicking-sound/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the economy in free-fall and Congress struggling to keep their own house in order, you would think that cell phone security would be the last thing on a Representative's mind.

New York Republican Rep. Peter King sees it differently. King has introduced a bill that would require cell phone cameras to make some sort of sound when taking a picture. It is called the Camera Phone Predator Alert Act. According to the bill itself, "Congress finds that children and adolescents have been exploited by photographs taken in dressing rooms and public places with the use of a camera phone." The bill calls for every cell phone in the country to make a sound "audible within a reasonable radius of the phone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera in such phone."

Other countries already have laws like this, but this bill apparently has no co-sponsors and is unlikely to pass. Too bad, it sounds like a pretty good idea to us.

Shower safely, America. [From: Wired]


Relevant Links

SwitchedCongressman Wants Cell Phone Cameras to Make Clicking Sound originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic refreshed its Lumix line of digital cameras today with six brand new models and a range of colors. For the most part, you'll see 5x optical zooms and 12.1 megapixel sensors, but specs vary by model. We were hoping for some announcements along the lines of a sexy new micro four thirds camera like the DMC-G1, but it's nice to see a move away from 3x optical zooms, which have been standard on most point-and-shoot cameras for years. Except for the DMC-FS25, all of Panasonic's new digital cameras shoot high-definition video. Panasonic is using AVCHD Lite, a new format that promises to double recording time over current formats -- we'll be getting some hands-on with the cameras later today to see how the HD video really fares. Click on the link below to get a feature breakdown of each model.

Continue reading Panasonic Refreshes Lumix Line of Digital Cameras

SwitchedPanasonic Refreshes Lumix Line of Digital Cameras originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewslumixnew productsNewProductspanasonicupcomingTue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama's Official Portrait Is the First Taken With a Digital Camera]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/15/obamas-official-portrait-is-the-first-taken-with-a-digital-came/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/15/obamas-official-portrait-is-the-first-taken-with-a-digital-came/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/15/obamas-official-portrait-is-the-first-taken-with-a-digital-came/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You're now gazing at President Barack Obama's just-released official portrait -- the first of a U.S. president ever taken with a digital camera. That means we can peek at the EXIF data -- this fine specimen of portraiture was snapped with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II on January 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm with no flash, using a 105mm lens stopped to f/10 at a 1/125 exposure, with an ISO of 100 by newly crowned official White House photographer Pete Souza. Nice work, Souza -- but we think it could use a few lens flares.

[Thanks, Penny]

SwitchedObama's Official Portrait Is the First Taken With a Digital Camera originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barack obamaBarackObamacanon eos 5d mark iiCanonEos5dMarkIiobamaphotographypoliticspresident obamaPresidentObamaThu, 15 Jan 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Slimmed Shooting Bag Stylishly Holds Your Camera]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/slimmed-shooting-bag-stylishly-holds-your-camera/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/slimmed-shooting-bag-stylishly-holds-your-camera/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/06/slimmed-shooting-bag-stylishly-holds-your-camera/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Does your camera bag leave something to be desired in the style department? If you find yourself looking for something a bit more discrete when toting around your DSLR, take a look at the Shootsac. This neoprene shoulder bag ditches the zippers and bulky design factor for a slimmed-down ergonomic design that accommodates 3-6 lenses and other accessories. It's designed to be worn while shooting, giving you easy and quick access to your essentials.

If the basic black bag ($179) is a bit too blasé, the company offers a number of different covers ($39) for the bags, so go right ahead and personalize it to your heart's (or your wallet's) consent.

You can check out the company's Web site here. [From: ChipChick, Via: ShinyShiny]

SwitchedSlimmed Shooting Bag Stylishly Holds Your Camera originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dslrphotographystorageTue, 06 Jan 2009 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Tip: Super-Secret Spy Lens]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/22/gift-guide-super-secret-spy-lens/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/22/gift-guide-super-secret-spy-lens/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/22/gift-guide-super-secret-spy-lens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Super-Secret Spy Lens (Video Junkie, under $50)

So often ethics, morality, and general anxiety disorder get in the way of a great photo. Not so with the Super-Secret Spy Lens, which attaches to the lens on the end of your DSLR camera and allows you to shoot left, right, up, or down (it swivels 360 degrees), all while looking like you're shooting straight ahead. It doesn't affect the quality of the end photo, which makes it as great for paparazzi as it is for kids. For $50 it comes with an adapter for your go-to lens, and each one thereafter is an extra five bucks.

SwitchedGift Tip: Super-Secret Spy Lens originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camera accessoriesCameraAccessorieshgg-50hgg50hggvideophilelensesMon, 22 Dec 2008 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Turn Your Scanner Into a Grainy Camera]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/how-to-turn-your-scanner-into-a-grainy-camera/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/how-to-turn-your-scanner-into-a-grainy-camera/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/24/how-to-turn-your-scanner-into-a-grainy-camera/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Here's a DIY project not for the weak-of-heart (or impatient). MAKE, a magazine completely dedicated to the art of DIY, has intriguing directions on how to turn your flat-bed scanner into a nifty camera capable of taking grainy black and white photos.

You probably have a scanner sitting around somewhere (likely untouched and collecting dust since 1999) and the magnifying glass can be had for $.99 from a local store, but we're pretty sure most of you don't have foam core on hand. Unless you're an arts and crafts fanatic ordering the foam core to create the focusing mechanism for this scanner-camera probably isn't worth while.

It's a neat project, but seeing as how you could probably create a similar effect with a digital camera and 'Photoshop' we cant imagine wasting the time and man hours to build this one-trick-pony. Check out the video above for step by step instructions. [From: MAKE, Via: GeekSugar]

SwitchedHow to Turn Your Scanner Into a Grainy Camera originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diyhow-toscannerMon, 24 Nov 2008 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Take Better Night Photos]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/11/01/how-to-take-better-night-photos/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/01/how-to-take-better-night-photos/http://www.switched.com/2008/11/01/how-to-take-better-night-photos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



DIY photography Web site Photojojo has compiled a series of tips for aspiring night shooters. It might take a little bit of work and planning, but you can shoot great photos at night. The article goes through various approaches you can take -- using your camera's Night-Portrait Mode, being the most obvious -- and helps you sort through what might be most appropriate for your particular situation. It covers (in minimal detail) high ISO settings (the digital equivalent of using different-speed film on analog cameras), as well as motion and color tips.
Our favorite tip, however, is the last one.

"Bokeh" means the parts of your photo that aren't in focus. We like those parts.
A quirk of physics dictates that unfocused points of light in a photograph take on the shape of the aperture. You can make a lens hood with a specially-shaped aperture (a heart, for example) and turn all the points of light into that shape.

It's really easy, super cheap, and lends an unexpected "how-did-you-do-that?" touch to night photos. Make any shape you want: stars, ghosts, butterflies. You can even buy specially-shaped hole punches at craft stores.
Now, young photographer: go forth, and bokeh. [From: Photojojo]

SwitchedHow to Take Better Night Photos originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicebokehphoto tipsphotographyPhotoTipsSat, 01 Nov 2008 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Emmy Paparazzi Using Eye-Fi Cards to Send Celeb Pics Home ]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/09/21/eye-fi-brings-paparazzi-home-at-emmys/http://www.switched.com/2008/09/21/eye-fi-brings-paparazzi-home-at-emmys/http://www.switched.com/2008/09/21/eye-fi-brings-paparazzi-home-at-emmys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just when you think the media train (or perhaps clown car?) couldn't get any faster, it does: coverage of the Emmys goes wireless this weekend, as Eye-Fi shows up for the festivities.

If the tech sounds unfamiliar, here's how it works: The special SD memory cards fit into your digital camera like any others, except they're able to wirelessly transmit your photos over WiFi, to your computer and/or the Web.

At this year's Emmys, five selected photographers will be immediately uploading their snapshots to emmys.com, where fans will be able to see photos of their favorite celebrities in near real-time.

"Eye-Fi is dedicated to helping people share their pictures effortlessly and while those memories are still fresh," said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi, in a release from Eye-Fi. "Whether that's photos you take of your friends uploaded to your SmugMug page, or instant uploads of your favorite actor sent to emmys.com, we make it as easy as simply turning on your camera."

He left out the part where all the celbs look like "mere mortals" because there's no time for photoshopping, but hey -- nobody said being famous was gonna be easy. Makeup artists, this is your time to shine (or not, as it were). [From: Eye-Fi]

SwitchedEmmy Paparazzi Using Eye-Fi Cards to Send Celeb Pics Home originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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