Hacker Speak

If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only, then you obviously haven’t heard about SLR (Single Lens Reflex) digital cameras. SLR is a type of camera which has one lens for composing the frame and capturing the image. SLR cameras are also known as TTL (through-the-lens) cameras.

An SLR camera displays an image through the viewfinder that is exactly the same image as the camera sees and is exactly the same image that the camera is going to record when you release the shutter.

An SLR camera provides a much more accurate image through the viewfinder than a digital camera produces on its LCD because the LCD does not faithfully reproduce the colors and light intensity that is actually entering the camera.

The top of the line SLR digital cameras rival the best film-based SLR cameras and are designed for serious hobbyists and professional photographers. Digital SLR cameras are much larger, bulkier, and heavier than traditional digital
cameras.

The SLR uses a mirror that is located behind the lens as well as an optical device known as a pentaprism to channel the light that enters the camera’s lens to the optical finder. When you release the shutter the mirror moves out of the way and the image is captured in the same way as any digital camera.

The better digital SLR cameras let you mount different lenses just like their film-based counterparts do. Many of your existing 35mm lens may be compatible with a digital SLR. If you have a large lens collection then you should definitely look for a digital SLR that is compatible with them.

Because the digital SLR cameras are more professional, they come with a hefty price tag. A 6-megapixel Nikon D100 runs around $2,000 and the 11-megapixel Canon 1D runs near $8,000. This is for the camera body only and does not include a lens! This is why I mentioned earlier that you should look for a digital camera that will mount your existing lens collection. Just a good quality zoom lens can run you at least $3,000 and can climb as high as $10,000 depending upon the features!

Of course, there are also starter-priced digital SLR cameras available. The Olympus E-20N, a 5.0-megapixel SLR camera, which includes a non-replaceable lens that is capable of duplicating a 35 mm to 140 mm lens, runs around $3500.

These prices are not out of line if you make your living shooting pictures. You can actually create additional revenue streams when you shoot digital pictures, instead of film-based ones, by offering image enhancement options and all sorts of digital FX options for thee prospective bride and groom’s on their treasured wedding album.

If all of this sounds a bit too expensive for your blood, then you’ll probably find all of the digital camera that you’ll ever need way down in the $99 to $500 price range and you’ll never have to worry about buying extra lenses. Digital SLR cameras aren’t for everyone but, if they’re for you, then there are
plenty of models to look at. SOme of the best are made by Canon, Olympus and Nikon which are familiar names in the photography world.

Warren Lynch is a Professional Commercial Photographer located in Louisville, Ky. Sign up for “The Digital Dose” and receive Digital Photography tips every other week absolutely FREE! http://www.photopheed.com

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In the age of home phones and 8×10’s we all wondered how anyone could ever afford to get into the modeling industry. Even after you invest a small fortune in professional training and other peripheral services, you still have to purchase all of the marketing materials to send to anyone with a mailing address.

Times are changing, and if you haven’t noticed, the world of modeling is taking roots on the web. There are a number of powerful resources at your fingertips to help you find opportunities. The hard part is figuring out what service will help you get noticed or help you promote yourself professionally.

If you have been looking around the web you’ve noticed all of the standard agency websites promoting their models with a few static photos that the agency placed on their website — 3 years ago!

The problem with the standard method of going through an agency just to get your photos online is that you don’t have much control in the process. The alternative is to build your own portfolio website add photos and recent work experience. Unfortunately, it can be a daunting task to create portfolio website.

Fear not! There are tools out there to help you construct a personalized portfolio website that you can use to market yourself in a variety of ways through numerous channels. And what is this portfolio website tool?

VisionPortfolio.com provides an easy to use portfolio website builder that you can construct in minutes. With the ability to customize 3 galleries and a cover shot, you have the room to upload 28 images and/or audio and video clips. Tell you story in the accompanying text sections.

Your portfolio website will be accessible through your personalized domain name. You can use it in all of your communications, postings on any other websites, and inside the VisionPortfolio Talent Directory. No more mailing expensive portraits. All of your portfolio pictures are accessible anytime on your own website.

If you want to market yourself more effectively you need to learn about the world of porfolio websites. Check out the free trial offers on VisionPortfolio.com to experience it for yourself.

John Williamson is a spokesperson and talent scout for VisionPortfolio.com

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