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Don’t Hate the Popup Flash

Pop-Up Flash on the E-3 I feel sorry for the pop-up flash. This appears to easily be the most hated of all camera features, and I just don’t know why.

For those not in the know, the pop-up flash is generally not considered a ‘pro’ feature, and therefore finds its inclusion on high-end cameras such as the D700 Nikon digital SLR camera highly criticized. I’ve also seen countless forum threads begging manufacturer X not to “mess the camera up” by including a pop-up flash.

But, no matter how you approach this, it just seems irrational to hate the pop-up flash.

Let’s start with the most common critcism: it’s not “pro.” IE, the highest end Canon digital SLR cameras and Nikon digital SLR cameras (like the EOS 1Ds Mk III and the D3) don’t have pop-up flashes. But, who’s to say that the no pop-up flash, integrated grip design is what makes the camera pro? Shutter life and body construction seem like better markers, and companies like Sony and Olympus and now Nikon (with the D700) are releasing pro models without integrated grips. So, it seems kind of picky to not like them just because they’re not pro.

Cost: Given that a $400 E-410 Olympus digital camera has a pop-up flash and the $5,000 D3 does not, I think we can safely say including a pop-up flash isn’t increasing cost.

Durability: Another popuar complaint is that they’re a weak point for durability, but I’ve ad a 17″ CRT monitor call over onto my E-3′s pop-up flash without it taking any damage (and, the E-3 also manahes to be water-sealed with the flash up, ruining the argument that it affects weather-sealing.)

So, where’s the harm in the pop-up flash? If you prefer a more powerful, less harsh light, using something like the SB-900 (in Nikon flashes) or 580EX II (for Canon flashes) is always an option and will over-ride the pop-up, but for users who don’t want the weight of a flashgun for some quick fill light or snapshots, the pop-up is useful to have around.

There’s so much in photography we could be focusing on, how about we stop complaining about the pop-up flash and see it for the value-added feature it is?



The Photorazzi

Click to View Full-SizeSo, as Phil mentioned, our Olympus (Oly, as I fondly call them) reps are in town right now, and one of them recently deposited one of their top pro lenses on my desk for me to play with for a little bit today. It’s the very massive Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm F2.8, a very, very nice piece of glass. He brought me our demo E-3 Olympus digital camera up with it so I could give it a spin.

It is, without a doubt, a monster of a lens. Weighing in at 7.2 pounds and almost 11 inches long with a 105mm diameter thread up front for filters. But, while not leaps and bounds better, it’s 4 inches shorter than the fixed length 500mm equivalents in Nikon lenses and Canon lenses, and almost a pound lighter than the Canon. And, it’s a zoom with a constant wider aperture than either of those.

When I took it downstairs to get a shot of it one of our sales guys gave it a spin and was getting sharp pictures in our not-so-great lighting between the lens and the E-3′s IS, and this was all hand-held at 500mm equivalent. I grabbed a shot with one of our E-410s (on special still). Click on it to see it full-rez, HQ jpeg from camera. OK, I cropped it a bit, but otherwise…

Oh? The 90-250mm? You bet we can get you one. It’s special order, though, so drop us a line at [email protected] to get that particular ball rolling.



Wooo Micro Four Thirds!

I was downstairs shooting the pictures of the nifty Canon CA mode, and the guys told me we got those G1′s I’ve been excited about in, so I went back down, grabbed the demo, and took some quick and dirty shots to share:

Panasonic G1 vs Olympus E-410

There’s the blue Panasonic G1 side-by-side with it’s competitor for tiniest SLR (or, at least SLR styled) camera around, the Olympus E-410 (which we have a killer special on right now). My thoughts on the Panasonic digital camera, coming from a history of owning their techno-buddy Olympus digital cameras? Very positive.

The G1′s viewfinder is a tiny LCD, which is awesome because you can view your menu settings, face detection, and review your photos all right there without taking your eye from the camera. If you like the back LCD, you’re in luck, it uses the swing-and-tilt style LCD my E-3 does (see more shots below).

Is it as tiny as m4/3s has promised? Maybe not, I didn’t find it much smaller than the 410. But, it feels very nice in hand, and that grip is really comfortable. It’s really light, too. The lenses, though, are definitely smaller, which is truly impressive. Panasonic’s 14-45 is smaller than the already tiny Olympus 14-42, and it gives you 3mm more reach. Nice.

Some more pictures below, straight from camera except for some auto WB to correct for our crazy lighting downstairs (I didn’t have time to set the camera as thoroughly as I would’ve liked, it was running on full auto).

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Panasonic G1

Panasonic G1

These are getting ready to go up on our website,and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s the new Panasonic digital camera, called the G1, and it’s going to be awesome for everyone looking for something between a pro DSLR and a point and shoot. It’s small, smaller than my old E-410 Olympus digital camera and smaller than a Nikon D60, it can use the LCD for everything, just like a point and shoot (but still has a viewfinder, supposedly the best electronic one ever, for you SLR users), and it has very compact, light swappable lenses.

Oh yeah, and it has a 12 megapixel DSLR sensor. Ooh, and colors. Take better pictures and look better doing it. Win-win.



Your Vote Counts

This year we are in a very heated race, with many worthy candidates. If you are looking for change it is here now. You have a chance for a better system, more efficient use of available resources and still place less demand on your pocketbook.

The two major candidates are both offering change, breaking with the past and the old ways is inevitable. Even though the goals of the the major parties are similar, there are differences and you have to decide which direction you want to go. Nobody can anticipate everyone needs, there may be sacrifices required to get an overall system that best suits you best and incorporates your plans for the future.

It is important to remember that there are more than two parties in this race, that you still have many choices to consider. With the economy being a major factor as well, it is incumbent upon you to make the right choices for your needs. In the next few weeks and months remaining there will be many deals to stimulate the economy and to bail you out of your usual last minute crazy holiday race.

We all know who the two main candidates are for your SLR dollars. Canon and Nikon are perennially favorites and are once again neck and neck. Between them they have brought out (or are soon bringing out) no less that 7 new platforms in the past three or four months. Recent Nikon Digital SLR offerings include the D90 with video worthy of a High Definition Camcorder, the high mega-pixel high end Nikon Digital Camera for more performance the D300, and the two new full size sensors models in the Executive branch, the D3 and the D700.
Canon digital SLR cameras you ask? They too have been bolstering their ranks. The Canon Digital Rebel camera lined has two recent additions the Rebel XS, and the higer mega-pixel Rebel XSi, but the most anticipated Canon Digital SLR camera news is the Canon 5D Mark II!  We are takin advanced orders for the new Canon. Like the new Nikon D90 the Mark II will also have High definition Camcorder quality video recording capabilities, a massive 21.1 mega-pixel image sensor and the new digic 4 processor.

Inspirational Poster ala Chuck

The true independent in this race is Sony. Sony manufactures every component of their DSLR cameras and lenses, so they control their own means of production. The new Sony Digital SLR that is getting rave reviews has the largest resolution full frame sensor to date in a “35mm” style camera body at 24.6 mega-pixels. The Alpha 900 is here now and is remarkable, add a comfortable grip and it is the equal of most any camera on the market, and at a price that is sure to put pressure on the other contenders.

Remember that Pentax and Olympus are also in the DSLR business, and there are many worthy offers and offerings to consider before you veto them from your agenda. This season we have killer Olympus Digital Camera deals. You be can walk out with a 10 mega-pixel E-410 with a 14-42 lens for under $400.00. The same Olympus digital camera with an additional 40-150 zoom, case with 3 year extended warranty, spare battery and 2 gb compact flash card, can be yours for 549.94. Talk about your stimulus package! Can we beat the competition for deals this season! Yes We Can!




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