BOOK REVIEW: The Complete Photographer by Tom Ang

I was rummaging through a stack of new books at the local book store a couple of weeks ago when I came about this book by Tom Ang. For those of you who don’t know, Tom Ang is arguably one of the most respected photographer and photography book author in the world. This wasn’t the book that I was looking for but the words “a masterclass in every style and subject” caught my interest so I parted with my money and I got the book.

This is my review of the book.

Beginner’s DSLR 101: Tips for the (would be) First Time owner

I’ve a number of friends who know that I own a DSLR and think I’m good with using it, which I’m not.  Even so, I get a lot of questions from these friends (who are moving up from P & S cameras) for tips on how to purchase their first DSLR. Like my friend, David Tong, I find myself giving the same answers all the time so I thought that it might be good to put my one-and-a-half cent worth of knowledge inside this here blog of mine.

HEAD TO HEAD REVIEW: Canon Powershot A1200 & Sony Cybershot W510

Each year, camera manufacturers release a slew of relatively inexpensive point and shoot (P & S) digital cameras. Because of that, the consumer market for P&S cameras is now flooded with every conceivable option for the user – from the simple to the absurd.

Canon and Sony spear head the march and 2011 is no exception. At the beginning of the year, both Canon and Sony announced that they will release several new camera models to the market. March 2011 saw the release of the Canon Powershot A1200 while Sony released its Cybershot W510 to the market this month (May). This is my quick and dirty review of these two cameras.

DIY Softbox Diffuser

It’s been several months since I had made a quick and dirty DIY project so I was kind of looking forward to doing another one. I was cleaning out my daughter’s room today when I found some leftover school materials and the words “softbox diffuser” immediately came into mind. So, I decided to make one.

Tamron AF 60mm f/2 SP Di II LD [IF] Macro Review

I’ve been aching for a macro lens for the longest time and as if a joke was being played on me, every time I had the chance to get one, something else would come up that would require my attention. Well, I think my long wait is worth it as I pretty much got what I exactly needed.

Beginner’S DSLR 101: Accessorizing your New DSLR – What to (possibly) Buy Next

DSLRs are getting more common these days, thanks mainly to the release of affordable DSLR cameras in the market. Unlike 6 – 7  years ago (when a DSLR can cost an arm), the ever increasing competition to dominate the DSLR market by camera manufactures has led to a surge in new DSLR models. Entry-level DSLRs are particularly attractive I think for three reasons: affordability, performance and the “look” factor.

The Comprehensive Camera Flash Buying Guide

Aside from a nice set of glasses, a camera flash is perhaps one of the “must have” accessories/tools for the aspiring photography hobbyist who uses a D/SLR. Now, the challenge for most beginners is making an educated decision on what flash to buy. Well if you’re a newcomer to the hobby of photography and don’t know how to go about selecting the “proper” camera flash, then this article of a good friend of mine should answer all your questions.

The Comprehensive Camera Flash Buying Guide by David Tong

Happy reading!

Used/2nd Hand Camera Lenses

I read an article this morning that outlines the top 20 things one shouldn’t buy used or 2nd hand. I agree with a number of items on the list but what I kind of disagreed with is used/2nd hand camera lenses. That’s what prompted me to write this blog entry. I want to share my thoughts on that matter and share my limited knowledge on looking for then (possibly) buying used/2nd hand camera lenses.

DIY “Trash Diffuser”

Trash heaps can sometimes be an inspiration for someone to create something. It could be something artsy like a metal sculpture or something small like a strobe/flash diffuser.

Tripod: Don’t leave home without it…or shouldn’t you?

Generic tripod from China

“Hey Nic! I’ve got two questions for you: what do I look for in a tripod and, when I get one, should I always bring it?” I’ve been asked these two questions as of late (by some of my friends) so for today’s entry, I’ll try and answer the first question. As for bringing the tripod or not, it’s really up to the user.