Search Results for: blog the power of super zoom

Buying a Super-Zoom Camera

To Super-Zoom or not to Super-Zoom? That is the question. In a previous blog I discussed the newest category of high performance digital cameras—-the Super-Zoom. The Super-Zoom or Ultra-Zoom has been hailed by pros as the “new digital product of the year.” Camera experts claim the Super-Zoom combines the best features of point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLRs and it is sold at a price that won’t break the bank. So where can you get your hands on one and how much will it set you back? I looked online and found two Super-Zooms that consistently got rave reviews and both … Continue reading →

The Power of Super-Zoom

Faster than a point-and-shoot camera… more powerful than a telescope… and able to take pictures of subjects far, far away… all hail the Super-Zoom. Remember the list of digital cameras I provided in my last blog? Well, I forgot to add this brand-new category of digital photo devices that is causing quite a buzz in camera circles. It’s called the Super-Zoom or Ultra-Zoom category and camera manufacturers claim it will change the way you take pictures. One photo magazine editor went as far as calling the Super-Zoom the “new digital product of the year.” So what’s all the excitement about? … Continue reading →

Super Why – PBS show for preschoolers

Super Why is a new show for preschoolers on PBS that encourages early reading skills. The show is also available to view online or download as a podcast. One of the Super Why show goals is to make reading adventurous and fun. Super Why does that, and more. The characters go on reading adventures, discover the alphabet, practice the magic of spelling, and use the “power to read” to change the story. Each show starts with a social or manners problem preschoolers can relate to, like being considerate, asking before taking something, or how to be a good friend. The … Continue reading →

Inspiring Young Shutterbugs

My 6-year-old has more cameras than I do; real, digital cameras that take superior shots. In addition to the Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera Santa brought her a couple of years ago, grandma and grandpa recently gifted my young shutterbug with a VTech KidiZoom Plus Digital Camera. The latter comes equipped with built-in video games and a plethora of other special effects. Needless to say, my daughter has been putting her photo equipment to good use. She took the VTech camera on our recent trip to Hawaii and captured some incredible images. Seriously, the kid has an amazing eye. Her photo … Continue reading →

Great Toys for Toddlers

Toddlers can be a difficult bunch to shop for when it comes to toys. Some of them still put a lot of things into their mouths, they are very mobile, they are past the baby stage, but still not ready for complicated toys, their attention spans can be short, and they have a tendency to fall down. Keeping all of these things in mind, here are some great toys for toddlers. Wagons and wheels Toys that have wheels are pretty good at keeping up with a toddler. Things they can push, things they can ride and things that zoom across … Continue reading →

Pictures and Color Temperature

When avid photographers hear the term “color temperature” most think of White Balance. When I was working in TV, white balance was a critical factor in daily shooting and is the reason you see some interview subjects holding up a white piece of paper in front of TV cameras prior to the start of a press conference or other major media event. White Balance essentially measures the color temperature of a photo and on most digital cameras there is some function that allows you to control the White Balance in your shot. While most people simply employ the Auto White … Continue reading →

Shooting Fourth of July Fireworks—Lenses and Settings

Now that you know where to shoot and what to bring along, let’s discuss some other factors that you should keep in mind while documenting your local Fourth of July fireworks display. LENSES Simply put, wider is better. Without a doubt a wide-angle lens works better for fireworks photography. If you can get your hands on a 20mm to 35mm lens, for example, you will increase your field of view and have better luck capturing the full effect of the entire explosion. Conversely, a lens that’s too long (80mm to 200mm) will almost certainly limit how much you capture in … Continue reading →

Cool Photo Items for the Summer

Are you struggling to snap a good picture of your little pitcher? Or does uploading your prized images to photo-sharing sites give you a headache? These are just some of the top complaints lodged by amateur photographers, according to the folks at Consumer Reports. Which is why the publication decided to spotlight new products that claim to make taking frameworthy shots easier for snap happy parents and other avid photographers. Here’s a look at some of new additions to the market that received high marks by testers and camera experts: NEED MORE ZOOM If you are consistently forced to sit … Continue reading →

New Trends in Digital Photography

Are you looking to purchase a new digital camera in time for your Fourth of July BBQ? Or perhaps you want a new camera to shoot some frameworthy shots at your family reunion this summer. Whatever your reason now is a great time to snap up the latest and greatest digital cameras and accessories for a decent price. Most stores are trying to get their current stock off the shelves so they can make room for new models to be unveiled in time for the holiday season. The following digital cameras have been given the thumbs up by Consumer Reports: … Continue reading →

What Else the Digital Era has Eliminated

In a previous blog I detailed the single event that made me switch from my trusty and beloved traditional film camera to my new shiny and mighty digital one. (For the record I am still holding tightly to my film camera, though I rarely shoot with it anymore.) Up until a couple of years ago I was the type of person who reluctantly embraced change. These days though I have learned that positive things can happen when you venture out of your perceived comfort zone and take advantage of new and exciting opportunities. I’m willing to bet that many photographers … Continue reading →