Digital Camera World (January 2005)

140 Pages·2005·21.997 MB·English

140 PAGES PACKED WITH PRACTICAL PHOTO ADVICE!
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January 2005
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Digital Camera Magazine
Future Publishing, 30 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2BW
Editorial ☎ [phone] www.dcmag.co.uk
Customer services ☎ 0870 444 8475
YOUR TEAM
Adam EvansEditor– [email protected]
Andrea Thompson Deputy Editor – [email protected]
Rob Bowen Art Editor– [email protected]
Christy Walters Designer – [email protected]
Elizabeth Raderecht Operations – [email protected]
Your New Year’s resolution should have more to do with
SECTION EDITORS AND EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Steve Bavister, George Cairns, Mark Harris, Matt Henry, Rod Lawton,
Derek Lea, Pete Martin, Tim Shelbourne, Mark Sparrow, Karl Foster, Rob Hirsch, photos than megapixels
Geoff Harris, Matthew Richards, Tom Ang, Jonathan Chester, Mark Sparrow,
Dan Down, Tim Daly
W
elcome to Digital Camera Magazine and a very “Instead of
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS
(Where not credited inside) happy New Year to you. Chances are you’ll
Future Network Photo Studio, Photolibrary.com, Getty Images already have made and broken several New Year’s fretting about
ADVERTISING resolutions by now but I want you to sit down for a moment technology,
Chris Thomas Advertising Manager and think about your photography. Are you a casual snapper?
☎ 020 7317 2600 [email protected]
Jim Cohen Sales Executive A fanatical devotee? An enthusiast who never quite has quite we need to
☎ 0207 317 2635 [email protected] enough time? What is it about photography that enthrals you?
Advertisement typesetting J Jays Ltd start worrying
Digital cameras are now advanced enough to give us the
NEW MEDIA results we deserve. If you don’t think about the shot and hurry about what
Ali Jennings New Media Editor – [email protected]
Jennifer Wagner Online Editor – [email protected] your setup, you’ll be lucky to get anything half-decent. On the
Sarah Williams Software Copyright Co-Ordinator really
other hand, if you think about the image you want to capture
[email protected]
and keep your photographer’s eye alert for interesting scenes, matters: the
CIRCULATION AND MARKETING
Fiona Tully Marketing Manager you’ll be rewarded with great shots – at least some of the time.
Clare Tovey Production Manager It’s time, then, to hammer the fi nal nail in the coffi n of the photographs”
Katty Pigott Production Co-ordinator
Mike Thorne Team Buyer Digital Debate. ‘Is digital as good as fi lm?’ is a question that
INTERNATIONAL LICENSING simply isn’t worth asking any more. Instead of fretting about Tell us what you think of
Simon Wear International Licensing Director technology, we need to start worrying about what really this and other issues on our
matters: the photographs. Of course, this doesn’t mean that chat room at:
SENIOR MANAGEMENT www.dcmag.co.uk/forum
Nick Merritt Group Senior Editor cameras, lenses and accessories aren’t important – or that you
Steve Gotobed Senior Art Ed won’t need to check out reviews of the latest models when
Lynda Burgess Assistant Publisher
James Binns Publisher making a buying decision. It’s just that we can take as read their
fundamental ability to record the images we want.
SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES
If you have a query regarding a subscription or back issue, So this New Year, I want you, me and all digital camera
or would like to place an order, please contact our customer services team:
enthusiasts to make one resolution: to focus on taking
Telephone:(cid:8) [phone]
better photographs with the equipment we have, rather
than obsessing about the stuff we don’t have. We’ve
already shifted Digital Camera Magazine in this direction
with many more photographic techniques articles and we
Email: [email protected] can’t wait to see your shots. Email them to me directly at
[email protected]. And in the meantime, enjoy
Future Publishing Ltd is part of The Future Network plc.
The Future Network produces targeted specialist magazines for people who share a passion. the issue!
We aim to satisfy that passion by creating titles offering value for money, reliable
information, smart buying advice and which are a pleasure to read. We publish more than
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© Future Publishing Ltd 2004/5
Donis tchlaei mbaesri sA ollf cao nnotrnib-euxticolunssi vtoe wDoigrlidtawl iCdea mliceernac Me taog pauzibnlies ha roer aliccceenpstee odthers to do so, unless Adam Evans Editor
otherwise agreed in advance in writing. We reserve the right to edit letters. [email protected]
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OWeu wilrl sh opw yrouo homw to ciresatee be ttteor pi cytureos, guive… clear, Meet Ayndoreua rT heomxppsoenrts… Steve BavisterEMACLATIGID•TREPXE ENIZAGA
independent buying recommendations on the latest kit, and deliver
Deputy editor Photography writer
two CDs or one DVD packed with the top PC software.
Studied visual arts at university and is a keen Steve is an industry veteran, having previously
We use boxes, tips, quick fi xes, quality photography, walkthroughs
amateur photographer in her spare time. run all the top photography publications.
& diagrams to show you how to improve your skills.
We have a cast-iron policy of editorial independence. All our kit is Rod Lawton Mark Harris
reviewed as-sold. We discourage our journalists from accepting
Reviewer and writer Reviews editor and writer
gifts from advertisers.
Rod has been testing cameras since the very Mark once worked for Which? so what he
Get in touch… fi rst digital cameras came out. doesn’t know about kit isn’t worth knowing.
Articles/ideas for publication and general enquiries email: Tim Shelbourne Rob Hirsch
[email protected] Professional digital artist and writer Photography lecturer, curator, writer
Customer services/subscriptions departments email: Tim’s in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of Rob has published numerous books and
[email protected] image editing and Photoshop is second to none. currently lectures on photography in the US.
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Photo ideas
80 5 ways: trees
January 2005 #29 Follow our simple tips to C o v e r
take shots of woods. story
132 Your mission: challenge
This month, your mission is to take
shots on the theme of love.
74 Getup&go
Our must-see locations this month
are the atmospheric windmills
of the Norfolk Broads and the
stunning bird life to be found at
Martin Mere, Ormskirk.
79What’s on
Your monthly guide to the best
photo opportunities, exhibitions
Check out the best reader and events.
photos we’ve received – page 6
Contents
64 Background design
Technique
Learn how to create fantastic
backgrounds for your portraits and
48 Shooting modes still lifes.
Master your camera’s Cover
shooting modes. story 68 Printing techniques
The pros and cons of using a direct Don Mcphee – The View
52 Posing guide printer with your camera. From Manchester – p79
We show you how to take
the perfect portrait photo. Cover 70 Customise your PC
story
Personalise your PC using your Features
54 Using fi lters digital photos.
Use polarising, skylight and UV
fi lters to improve your shots. 72 Photo Q&A 40 Extreme air
Our experts tackle more of your Jonathan Chester meets up with
56 Create neon signs photographic problems. skydiving photographer Craig O’
Add neon signs to your photos Brien to discuss possibly the most
using Photoshop Elements. extreme form of photography.
Your pictures
42Duncan Soar
Karl Foster interviews specialist
6Hotshots photographer Duncan Soar, on
This month’s excellent reader taking great people pictures.
photos are displayed here for your
viewing pleasure. 136 Camera of 2008
What will the digital camera of
132 Your Mission: results four years time be like?
Two issues ago we challenged you
to shoot images on the theme of
“Age.” Check out the winners.
58 Fix colour casts
Get rid of those ugly colour C o v e r 12 Six of the best
casts with effects from story This month we’ve got a selection of
Photoshop Elements. the best weather shots.
59Vertical buildings
SUBSCRIBE & GET:
Converging verticals can be a
Free magazine delivery to your door Full
real problem – correct them with Save over 40% on the UK shop price details
Photoshop Elements. Special subscriber-only cover p28
It’s a perfect gift for you or a friend
60 A – Z of layers
Perfect your use of layers sC t oovreyr Call(cid:8)0870 444 8680 now! Look, no coverlines!
Lines open 24 hours a day. Please quote DCMP29
with Photoshop.
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Essentials
16 Eyewitness Latest photo news
26 Viewfi nder Best of your letters
138 Next month Preview of issue 30
28 Subscribe Save money
25 Back issues Phone and get one
111 Dealer ads Advertiser offers
Kit reviews
Cover
story
New cameras
84 ....................Nikon CoolPix 8400
88 ..................................Epson RD-1
90 .................Fujifi lm Finepix S5500
92 ................Samsung Digimax V70
95 ..................Casio Exilim EX-P700
Other kit
96 .................................MMV Player
96 ................................PhotoPerfect
96 ..........Lastolite E Photomaker Kit
96 ....................PhotoImpression 5.1
96 .......Acquapac for Stills Cameras
96 ........................B+W Outdoor Set
99 Processing labs on test
We take a look at six of the best
digital processing labs in our
exhaustive comparison test.
105 The A-List
Buyers’ Guide: the 60 best cameras
on sale – at their latest street prices.
WINTER LANDSCAPES
30Winter can produce some fabulous shots.
Cover
feature Steve Bavister explains why it’s the best time of
year to head off into the British countryside...
ON YOUR COVERDISC
Get started with the only discs that
containeverything you need – Photoshop
videos, tutorial fi les, free full software, test
shots and much more!
To use, load disc and follow instructions
Use the software – tutorials from p64
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Hotshots
First-rate reader photos
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Hotshots
SHOT OF THE MONTH
The King
Gavin Davies
“This photo was taken on a recent trip to
Chester Zoo. This particular lion looked
agitated and couldn’t settle. The reason
became apparent as the monorail passed,
obviously causing the lion some distress. The
lion roared until the monorail had fi nally rattled
by, let out a fi nal whimper and then fell fast
asleep. Until the next time at least...”
Camera used Canon EOS 300D
Settings 1/200 at f5.6
Tim wins a MemoryFrame wireless digital
photo frame worth £400, available now from
www.2techvisuals.co.uk. Turn to page 10 for
details on how you can win next month.
RDA•WWINWNE RPIAWNRANRIDZE•WERINNERAWWA•RD
A NI
RENNIW•DRAWA R EN
Gavin Davies
“My interest in photography
started when I bought my
first digital camera - a simple
2 megapixel. This turned into
more of an obsession when
I upgraded to a Canon EOS
300D a year ago.”
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Hotshots
James Quinn
Holy Island
“Taken on my fi rst visit to Lindisfarne. Luckily I
had some half decent light, although only
briefl y. I wanted to emphasise the rocks and
coupling ring in the foreground, leading to the
much photographed castle.”
About James“I’m a keen amateur with a
couple of years worth of photography
experience. Along with taking photos I also
enjoy using Photoshop in order to bring the
best out of the digital medium.”
Camera used Pentax *istD
Settings 1/125th sec at f/22
008
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Hotshots
Gary Holden
Adin, California
“I shot this photo this weekend looking for
something I might want to make my Christmas
cards out of. This is one of many I got from the
shoots to make my Christmas cards.”
About Gary“As a teenager I was drawn to
photography, it was the only class that I really wanted
to attend. And now 30 years later, a medical disability
forced my retirement. The search for things to lift my
spirits has rekindled my passion for photography.”
Camera used FujiFilm Finepix S7000
Settings 1/290 sec at f/8.0
Adrian Hollister
College Fjord
“This photo of College Fjord was taken as the
sun rose on the fi rst morning of our honeymoon
in Alaska”
About Adrian“I was a keen photographer at the
age of 16, and after a lapse of about 30 years, have
just taken up this hobby again. The advent of digital
cameras has of course made it cheaper, but it’s also
easier to spend more time snapping away and more
time processing photos at the computer screen.”
Camera used Canon PowerShot Pro 1
Settings 1/200 sec at f/4
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Hotshots
David Hickson
Gentu Penguins
“I framed this shot from a low
viewpoint and waited for a
breaking wave to introduce a
sense of movement.”
About David“I’m a
travelaholic and am only happy in
distant destinations shooting
wildlife. I enjoy the challenge and
skill involved in trying to shoot
that ever elusive perfect
photograph.”
Camera used Canon G5
Settings 1/400 sec at f/8.0
Sharkawi Che Din
Mother and Child
“This image was taken at the Semengoh
Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kuching,
Sarawak. I grabbed my EOS 300D (fi tted with
55–200mm EF lens) and started shooting.”
About Sharkawi“I’m a lecturer of
computer animation by profession but enjoy
photography, especially of nature and wildlife.”
Camera used Canon EOS 300D
Settings 1/80 sec at f/5.6
John Bridges
A Colourful Bunch
“Underexposed by around 3 stops the image
was dark to say the least. Some detail was
pulled back using PSP Levels and by reducing
the brightness, but at the same time raising the
contrast signifi cantly. I ended up with this.”
About John“During my teaching years I also
worked as a freelance photographer for local
newspapers, art and craft magazines and
weddings etc...”
Camera used Fuji S1
Settings 1/256 sec at f/11
WIN A MEMORYFRAME!
Send a 500K JPEG of your Hotshot to gallery.
[email protected] your name,
the photo's title and the camera used, 80 words
about you, and how and why you got the shot.
The best wins a MemoryFrame, the best way
to admire your favourite photos, kindly donated
by 2techvisuals. It's the UK’s fi rst wireless digital
photo frame and it's available to buy now from
2techvisuals. Phone (cid:8) 0870 7606676 or visit
www.2techvisuals.co.uk for more information.
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