Review Digital Camera World 06-25-2013

Digital Camera World

Fuji X-M1 brings full-frame image quality to compact, lightweight body Jun 25th 2013, 01:00 The Fuji X-M1 becomes the latest new camera in the Fuji X camera range, incorporating the same APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor as the Fuji X-Pro1, which has out-performed full-frame DSLRs in our previous testing. The Fuji X-M1 brings the 16.3-megapixel sensor to a much smaller and compact body, weighing just 330g. What’s more, the sensor is designed to minimise distortion whilst increasing its power to resolve fine detail by removing the optical low pass filter. Among the new Fuji camera’s key specifications are an ISO range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be expanded to ISO 12,800 and 25,600. Fuji says the X-M1′s EXR Processor II offers start-up times of 0.5secs, shutter time lag of 0.05secs and a maximum burst speed of 5.6fps (max 30 frames). Also on-board the Fuji X-M1 is a tillable 920k-dot LCD monitor, built-in flash (rated at the equivalent of Guide Number 7, hotshot and Wi-Fi, which allows photographers to transfer their pictures immediately to their smartphone or tablet PC using a dedicated “FUJIFILM Camera App". Users can also view and import pictures and videos to the camera from a smartphone or tablet PC. The function can also retrieve location data from your smartphone to add the information to pictures you take. Finally, the camera also boasts a PC Autosave feature allowing you to back up your photos to your home PC. The Fuji X-M1 is capable of recording full HD video at 30 frames per second, and users can apply creative effects to their movies using its range of Film Simulation options. Other key features of the Fuji X-M1 include in-camera raw processing, a 49-point AF system and 8 art filters, as well as a Q button for frequently used features. The Fuji X-M1 is available in black, silver and brown, and comes with the new Fujinon XC 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens. READ MORE 16 new cameras we’d like to see in 2013 15 common photography questions from beginners (and how to solve them) Famous Photographers: 100 things we wish we knew starting out How to see photos like famous photographers… every time you shoot First camera crash course: simple solutions for mastering your new DSLR Jun 24th 2013, 23:01 So you bought your first camera… now what do you do? If you’re struggling with your first steps in DSLR photography, rest assured you’re not alone. And we’re here to help. Whether you’ve just bought your first camera or just need to brush up on your shooting skills, we've got an all-in-one guide to getting to grips with your new DSLR. We'll start off this photographic crash course by explaining – in simple terms – how exposure works, so you can capture perfectly exposed shots every time with your first camera. We'll show you the importance of choosing the best aperture and depth of field for different subjects. We'll also reveal all you need to know about shutter speed, for freezing subjects or capturing a sense of movement in your scene. And we'll pass on expert advice for getting the best possible results with your first camera when the light is getting low. Then we build up to focusing, to help you get sharp shots whatever you're shooting, and how to avoid common autofocus pitfalls. We'll round things off with a photo composition masterclass, explaining the best ways to approach and compose your shots. First Camera Crash Course Lesson 1: Aperture explained The two main elements you use to take an exposure are aperture and shutter speed. The aperture of a lens ranges from wide to narrow, and is measured in f/stops, such as f/4 (wide aperture) to f/22 (narrow aperture). The wider the aperture, the more light is let in to reach your DSLR's sensor – brightening your shots. The narrower the aperture, the less light is let in – darkening your shots. Shutter speed, on the other hand, dictates the how long your DSLR's shutter stays open for, and so also controls how much light reaches the sensor. Aperture and shutter speed act in unison to determine your exposure, so a wide f/4 aperture and fast 1/500 sec shutter speed lets in the same amount of light as a narrow f/16 aperture and slow 1/30 sec shutter speed, giving an identical exposure. However, you may still end up with two very different shots… Wide aperture When taking portraits, always make sure you focus on the eyes to draw people into the shot A mid-range focal length of 55mm decreases the angle of view, as well as helping to further decrease depth of field (see top right) Using a wide aperture of f/3.5 ensures your subject is sharp but the background is blurred, helping them stand out   Narrow aperture A wide-angle focal length of 18mm increases the angle of view and also increases DoF A narrow aperture of f/16 has made sure the scene is sharp, from the rocks in the foreground to skyscrapers in the background Use leading lines to draw the eye into your photos What is depth of field? When you change your lens's aperture setting, you affect depth of field (DoF). The depth of field refers to the amount of your scene that's acceptably sharp. Using a wide aperture (such as f/5.6) will result in a 'shallow' depth of field. This is why wide apertures are ideal for shooting portraits and wildlife, as you can blur the backgrounds behind your subjects to really make them stand out in the scene. Using a narrow aperture (such as f/16) results in a greater depth of field. This is why narrow apertures are perfect when shooting landscapes and cityscapes, as you want to ensure your scene is acceptably sharp from the foreground through to the background area. Final tip Use Aperture Priority mode to control your apertures. In this semi-auto mode, your DSLR will then set the shutter speed for a standard exposure. First Camera Crash Course Lesson 1: Aperture explained First Camera Crash Course Lesson 2: using exposure compensation First Camera Crash Course Lesson 3: How shutter speeds work First Camera Crash Course Lesson 4: Fast vs Slow shutter speeds First Camera Crash Course Lesson 5: How to focus and stay sharp First Camera Crash Course Lesson 6: Choosing your AF points First Camera Crash Course Lesson 7: How to get your subjects sharp First Camera Crash Course Lesson 8: Avoid the common composition mistakes First Camera Crash Course Lesson 9: Using the Rule of Thirds First Camera Crash Course Lesson 10: Anatomy of your viewfinder READ MORE 10 common camera mistakes every photographer makes How to use a camera: exposure modes made simple 99 common photography problems (and how to solve them) 15 common photography questions from beginners (and how to solve them) Tasteful nude photography: how to shoot the human form in subtle, classic ways Jun 24th 2013, 11:15 Nude photography is one of the most enduring fine art photography ideas, but it’s a fine line between salaciousness and subtlety. In this tutorial we offer our best tips for shooting tasteful nude photography using natural light and a classic black and white treatment. All images by Ben Brain Photographers have always  been fascinated by the human form and it's easy to see why – there's a wonderfully diverse range of shapes, curves and forms to fascinate the eye. The way in which nudes are photographed can provoke controversy, however, from the sublime studies by Edward Weston, and the erotically charged shots by Bob Carlos Clarke, to the less tasteful alternatives seen in glamour photography. In this tutorial, we look at how to shoot a tasteful nude photography. There are a few key decisions to consider that can help you set the right mood for your pictures. Think in black and white as a starting point; it's a great way to add a fine art edge to your images. We're also using natural light for more atmosphere. Strike a pose How you pose your subject is perhaps the biggest challenge. Start by looking at images from the history of art and photography for inspiration. The idea of an 'implied' nude that isn't too revealing can often look best. And remember that generally direct eye contact can make a nude look more like a glamour shot. Every subject is different so start shooting and see how the session and your style evolve. Here's a few useful tips… How to shoot tasteful nude photography Find a model If you can't find a willing friend or partner to pose, try an online site such as purpleport.com or modelmayhem.com. You should find willing models to pose in exchange for copies of the images (TFP). Be upfront about your project, check ID, manage expectations and ensure your model is relaxed.   Use natural light You don't have to use expensive studio lights – window light can create beautiful and atmospheric shots. Use a reflector to help control the light by 'bouncing' it into shadow areas. However, don't be afraid to let shadows go black or highlights burn out. It can add to the atmosphere.   Pre-visualise your shot Most DSLRs will let you set the LCD display to monochrome which is a great way to see how your image will look in black and white. Then you can concentrate on the light, form and tones of your subject. If you shoot in raw your original file will still be colour should you change your mind at a later date. READ MORE Fine art nude photography: tips, techniques and free pdf guide 44 essential digital camera tips and tricks Food photography made easy: professional tips you can easily digest Full frame sensor size expalained: how to exploit its advantages and cool effects

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