Scientists say tripods won't prevent picture blur

This is mindboggling. We've always known that when taking long exposure pictures, we're suppose to use a tripod which will keep the camera steady and prevent blurry shots. But now, Japanese scientists at the Nishi Lab of the University of Electrocommunications have debunked that fact.

They developed a tool which measures camera shakes, and the results showed that when a SLR is mounted on a tripod, the setup actually contributes to the blurriness caused by the shooter's mirror and shutter movement. One consolation from this study is that they used a relatively light tripod for the tests.

So the gist of it is to invest in a sturdy (and maybe heavy) support device for your snapper. Check out companies like Manfrotto and Slik because these companies produce pretty good tripods that professional photographers trust.

Via Wired

Nikon unveils new ultra-wide-angle lens

Aside from the D5000 dSLR with an articulating LCD, Nikon today also introduced a new DX-format optics. The AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 lens gives an approximate 15-36mm focal length in 35mm format, and features the Japanese company's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for smooth, quiet focusing.

Nikon has incorporated two ED (extra-low dispersion) glasses and three aspherical lenses in this new model. According to the firm, this combination of optics delivers optimum image reproduction. With seven aperture blades, the lens will also blur the background in a more natural manner.

Nikon was not able to confirm the availability and price of the new lens at press time, but other Web sites have indicated that it will be retailing for US$1,128 in May.

What makes you click?

Whenever I talk to photographers, we always end up discussing what they saw that made them press the shutter. Most can never give me a proper answer, with majority telling me they went with the "feel". This "feel" is probably a combination of several factors and has become second nature to them. Therefore, when it hits these photographers, the only reaction they have is to bring the camera up and click the shutter. Dissecting this "feel" is not an easy task, but I gathered from our conversations that it has to do with the shutterbug's personality, experience and his current state of mind then. So what makes you take a picture? Does it have to make you think hard, or is it something that tugs at your heartstrings? Share with us here.

Study: Camera market slump to hit SLRs, too

Thus far, dSLR camera sales have been a bright spot in the camera market, but analyst firm IDC expects the recession will hit the higher-end models, too.

Worldwide camera shipments are expected to drop 6 percent to 129 million units in 2009. Digital single-lens reflex (SLR) shipments won't be hit as hard, but still will drop 5 percent to 9.2 million units, according to an IDC forecast released Monday.

"Countries will emerge from the global recession in mid-2010, starting with the US. However, unemployment will lag behind the recovery, dampening consumer spending for the next two years, particularly on big-ticket items like digital SLRs," analyst Christopher Chute said in a statement.
Read more »

Camera in a paint can

Pinhole photography has long been regarded as a quirky alternative to taking pictures, and shutterbugs can use almost any empty containers to take images.

The Paint Can Pinhole Camera goes back to the basics of photography. All you need is a roll of 35mm film or a piece of light-sensitive photo paper. Load either material into the can in a dark room then give the lid a good knock to seal it tight. When something catches your eye, simply remove the magnetic strip covering the pinhole to take the shot. Depending on the lighting situation and the type of media you are using, exposure can range from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Urbanoutfitters is retailing this "camera" for US$20, but if you have an empty paint can lying around at home, you could probably DIY it for less than a buck.

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