Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Review Digital Camera World 01-15-2014

Digital Camera World
 
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Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: which camera should you choose?
Jan 15th 2014, 00:01, by jmeyer

How do you choose between Nikon’s high-spec, affordable entry-level DSLRs? Find out in our Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100 comparison.

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: which camera should you choose?

Nikon has used the CES show in Las Vegas to launch its latest DSLR, the Nikon D3300. This is an entry-level camera designed for beginners, but boasts some important developments and additions.

But Nikon's existing D3000-series beginners models will also continue for now. So how does the new Nikon D3300 compare vs the D3200 and D3100? In our Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100 comparison we examine 15 key specifications to see how they differ and how significant these differences are likely to be.

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 01 Sensor

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 01 Sensor

Nikon's D3000-series cameras all use a DX format (APS-C size) sensor, but the resolution varies from one model to the next. The Nikon D3100 has an older 14.2-megapixel sensor which performs well enough, but is outshone by the 24.2-megapixel sensors in the D3200 and D3300.

If your technique is good and you print your pictures large, you will see the difference in the definition. 24 megapixels, incidentally, is the joint-highest resolution of any non full frame DSLR – at any price.

The Nikon D3300 adds another twist, though – Nikon has dropped the OLPF (Optical Low Pass Filter) in this model, which should mean that it reproduces ultra-fine detail and textures a little better than the D3200.

Optical Low Pass Filters are used to prevent interference (moire) effects when you're photographing fine patterns, but Nikon has found that this is no longer a serious issue with its high-megapixel DSLR sensors.

Click here to buy the Nikon D3200

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 02 Processor

All digital SLRs use an internal image processing engine, and Nikon's is called 'Expeed'. The D3100 is the oldest model here and uses an older Expeed 2 processor, the Nikon D3200 uses Expeed 3 and the D3300 features Expeed 4. The processor has an impact on both high ISO noise reduction and continuous shooting capability.

SEE MORE: What camera should I buy? Pros and cons of each camera type

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 03 Continuous shooting

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: 03 Continuous shooting

The Nikon D3100 has a typical continuous shooting speed for a beginners camera of 3fps, but the D3200 offers 4fps – a useful gain.

But the Nikon D3300 is best of all, and able to shoot continuously at 5 frames per second. This is unusually fast for an entry-level camera and will make the Nikon D3300 better than the others for sports and action photography.

Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Sensor, Processor, Continuous shooting
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: ISO, Kit lens, Autofocus
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Shooting modes, Movies, LCD
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Memory, Wi-Fi, Battery
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Dimensions, Weight, Price
Nikon D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100: Our conclusion

READ MORE

100 Nikon DSLR tips you need to know right now
Best camera 2013: the top DSLRs and CSCs of the past year
First camera crash course: simple solutions for mastering your new DSLR
99 common photography problems (and how to solve them)
32 things photographers say… and what they really mean

How to set up studio lighting: 3 classic setups for dramatically different effects
Jan 14th 2014, 11:33, by jmeyer

In our latest photography cheat sheet we’ll show you how to set up studio lighting, introducing you to three classic arrangements that photographers have been using for decades. We’ll show you how placing your studio lights in slightly different ways can dramatically change the tone of your images.

How to set up studio lighting: 3 classic solutions

You don't need a massive pile of sophisticated (and costly!) lighting equipment to get started with creative studio portraiture. A simple two-head home photo studio kit is more than enough.

SEE MORE: Best studio flash kits: 6 models tested and rated

Here we've focused on three basic setups which will be more than enough to get you going, but the sky's the limit even with just two heads.

It's always a good idea to 'build' your lighting. Start with your main light and once that's in the right position introduce the next light and then position your reflectors.

The height, angle, power and distance of your lights will have a dramatic impact on the shape of your subject's face, not to mention whether you use a naked flashbulb, a softbox, a snoot or an umbrella.

SEE MORE: 6 simple lighting setups for shooting portraits at home

Nearly all studio kits come with modelling lights and it's vital that you keep these on so you can see how the light is falling on your subject.

Use your camera’s LCD screen too; sometimes switching to monochromatic preview mode can help you concentrate on shape, tones and shadows falling on the face and pre-visualise the end result.

How to set up studio lighting: 3 classic solutions

How to set up studio lighting: 3 classic setups for dramatically different effects

Click on the infographic to see the larger version, or drag and drop to your desktop.

How to set up studio lighting: 01 High
In most cases you'll want to have your main light positioned above the model. Notice how the shadow from the nose falls down the face, elongating the features. Ideally you want the shadow of the nose to point towards the end of the lips. The triangle of light on the cheek on the shadow side is often referred to as 'Rembrandt' lighting; get your model to move their head slightly to achieve this.

How to set up studio lighting: 02 Eye level
With the flashlight to the side and at the same height as the model the light falls across the face, causing a shadow that widens the facial features. If this light is balanced with one of equal strength on the other side it can be quite effective, but as a sculpting technique height would be better. Keep your flashlight's modelling lights switched on so you can see how the shadows will lie.

SEE MORE: Studio lighting – 4 seriously simple lighting techniques to try at home

How to set up studio lighting: 03 Low
There are unlikely to be too many situations when a low light is going to work well as your primary light source. It gives a spooky look, so Halloween is probably the only time you're even going to think about using this technique. As you can see from our example, underlighting is not very flattering even on a young model. With underlighting the nose shadow is clumpy and any bags under the eyes will be amplified.

READ MORE

Photography lighting: take control of everything from natural light to off-camera flash
3 advanced studio lighting techniques every portrait photographer should try
Studio lighting setups made easy: a simple arrangement for maximum results
10 portrait photography mistakes every photographer makes (and how to fix them)

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