Photojojo: The iPhone SLR Mount

Ever since the iPhone camera was invented, it's aspired to be what it simply never quite could be: a DSLR. Sure, apps have helped your camera phone inch forward with simulated focusing and faux filters.

 Faux no more. The iPhone SLR Mount gives you the real thing. It'll set your phone photos apart from everyone else's on Instagram in an unprecedented way!

 This case-adapter combo lets you mount your Canon EOS or Nikon SLR lenses to your iPhone 4 giving your phone powerful depth of field and manual focus. Telephoto, wide angle, macro, or your fixed-fifty lenses all attach to this mount giving you a full range of lenses at your iPhone lovin' fingertips.

 Plus, you'll be putting the SLR lenses you already have to use with the camera you always have with you -- your phone. Two loopholes on each end of the case let you tie on a camera strap, so you can hang it around your neck just like your real DSLR.

So what this mount can do for you?

• Turn your iPhone 4 into a DSLR!
• Uses Canon or Nikon SLR lenses iPhoneography with depth of field and manual focus,
• Case is made of sturdy aluminum Case has two strap loops and a tripod attachment

FAQ

Will this work with my [insert camera] lens?
We have two mount adapters, one for Nikon and one for Canon. The Nikon SLR Mount works with *all* Nikon lenses (it's an F-mount adapter). The Canon SLR Mount only works with EOS lenses (it is an EF-mount adapter). It is not compatible with Canon EF-S or FD lenses.

Can I use my OWLE iPhone Video Rig with the SLR Mount? 
Yup! Both use a 37mm thread, so you can put the mount adapter onto your OWLE.

Can I adjust the aperture of my SLR lens while I'm using the mount?
Depends on what lens you're using! Most old school film SLR lenses have an aperture ring on them. If you're using a newer digital lens then you're out of luck.

Hold up, why are the images upside down?
The SLR Mount doesn't have any mirrors inside. Usually there's a mirror inside your camera that flips the image right-side up. But iPhones are indeed mirror-less, so you'll have to rotate the images using an app. We recommend using TurtleHead while shooting. It's made by our pals who make this mount, and flips the image as well as any ol' mirror ever could. Plus, its silly name makes us giggle.

Why are my photos grainy/splotchy?
The Lens Mount uses a focusing screen just like your DSLR. It can get dirty easily since it is relatively unprotected (it's exposed each time you assemble the mount). Be sure to clean it using an air-duster or soft cloth each time you shoot. You may still see some particles, that's normal.

My images are coming out a tad darker than I'd like, what's the deal?
We've found that you'll lose about 1 to 2 f-stops when using the adapter. Using an older lens with a manual aperture ring helps control this. Otherwise you may need to brighten up the images in post.

Now that I've got my SLR Mount, how do I focus it?
Your iPhone will try and auto-focus on the focusing screen inside the mount. So you'll need to use manual focus on the lens itself to try and get things as sharp as possible. A few extra taps on your iPhone screen will also help it focus. You may have to keep making small adjustments again with the lens to get your phone and the lens in sync.

Sunset picture idea

In addition to photographing the sun itself, which is also another interesting thing is the silhouette image. To create attractive silhouette picture, there are rules (not actually default, but acceptable):

• Make sure the subject / object that you can take / is easily recognizable. 
• Position the subject directly in front of the sun, then focus on shooting the sky, you'll get a sharp silhouette images. 
• Make sure also, don't let too much light reveal the detail of your object, keep it dark.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

Specifications
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 17 – 40 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Canon EF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.0
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Optics
Elements 12
Groups 9
Special elements / coatings Super Spectra coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02")
Maximum magnification 0.24 x
Autofocus Yes
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale Yes
Physical
Weight 500 g (1.10 lb)
Diameter 84 mm (3.29")
Length 97 mm (3.81")
Materials Metal barrel, metal mount
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 77 mm
Filter notes Rear drop-in gelatin filter holder
Hood product code EW-83E
Tripod collar No
Optional accessories Soft Case LP1319

Review
dpreview: 3.38 of 5 (8 users)
Fredmiranda: 9 of 10 (505 users)

Tips for using a tripod

The following are some tips that are commonly used by the pros

• To be more stable, sometimes you do not need to pull the entire leg tripod. Sometimes you simply lengthen one stage of the tripod. Try to lengthen the upper (the part closer to the camera) because that section is thicker, will provide stability and better balance than the thinner sections.
• When using a tripod on the sloping field, pose two section tripod legs higher field, while one foot section of lower field (one tripod leg will be played as an anchor and prevent tripod to falls).

Have a nice photo hunting.

Pros and Cons: Teleconverter

The Pros of Tele-converters/Extenders
Focal Length – The obvious benefit of using a teleconverter on your camera is that it extends the effective focal length of whatever lens you use it with. A 1.4x converter will give you an extra 40% (extending my 200mm maximum to 280mm) and a 2x converter will give you a 100% boost (effectively give you a 140-400mm zoom). The benefits of this extra reach are obvious – it could turn the framing of a tennis player shot from court side from a full body shot to a tightly framed upper body shot which reveals rippling muscles, dripping sweat and the grimace of their face as they strike the ball.

Cost – In comparison to the cost of buying a 400mm lens a teleconverter is a much more economical way to go.
Weight – I don’t know if you’ve seen some of the longer lenses going around but they can be quite huge. Add a 2x extender to a smaller lens instead of getting one of the larger ones and you’ll save your back some hardship.
Minimum Focus Distance – using an extender means you can keep the minimum focus length of your lens. This can be handy when you don’t have a macro lens handy and want to get close in on a subject that isn’t far away. It won’t really compare to a dedicated macro lens – but can be handy.

The Cons of Tele-converters/Extenders
Lens Speed – The first thing to consider when using a teleconverter is the impact it has upon how much light gets into your camera. Using teleconverters means less light gets in which means your maximum aperture will be decreased. When using a 1.4x converter this means you’ll lose one stop and when using a 2x converter you’ll lose two stops.

Camera Shake - As you extend the focal length of a lens – any movement of your camera will become more noticeable. Using a teleconverter magnifies both your subject and any movement in your camera so you’ll want to think carefully about how to reduce it, either by increasing your shutter speed and/or using a tripod/monopod or some other technique to secure your camera.

Focusing Speed - Another consideration with tele-converters is that they slow down the speed at which your camera will focus. This will vary from lens to lens but is particularly an issue in lower light. Some lower end DSLRs will not be able to use Auto focusing at all with some teleconverters at certain aperture settings (or at all) – so do check your camera’s compatibility before buying. To get around slow focusing switch to manual focus mode and learn how to use it – you’ll be surprised how quickly you get the hang of doing it yourself – it’s a useful skill to have.

Image Degradation – Extenders multiply not only the focal length but also any aberrations of the lens you pair it with. As a result you’ll notice on many lenses that image quality suffers – I’m told this is particularly the case with longer extenders (x2) where sharpness and contrast suffer – particularly when shooting into light (where flare and ghosting can be a problem). Using the best quality lens possible will help keep such degradation to a minimum.

(source:http://digital-photography-school.com)

Wild Life Photography

When photographing wildlife, to get a good photo, you must take the subject as close as possible. That is why wildlife photographers use telephoto lenses like the 400mm or greater.

However, if the budget is limited, use a teleconverter technology (tele-extender). By using teleconverter, you can improve the performance of the lens. 1.4x and 2x teleconverter available. Prices range from $ 300 - $ 400. Much cheaper when compared with the price of the real telephoto lens.

see related article about pros and cons using teleconverter

The reason to use a lens hood

Hoods that come with good quality lenses are designed to reduce glare on the lens when shooting outdoors in daylight. But many photographers, including pro, keep using it in indoor, with reason, to protect the lens.

The glass lens, almost parallel to the end of the barrel. When the lens is in contact with something, and this object was not soft, your lens will be scratched, in worst case it could be broken, addition lens hood can also prevent stains fingers, because we accidentally touch the tip of the lens.

Advantages of RAW format

These the advantages photograph using RAW format:

1. RAW provides the highest picture quality (no compression)
2. In RAW format, exactly what the condition of the image captured by the camera. (JPEG format will do color correction, sharpening, and others.)

With RAW format, you can do your own processing of its own, such as white balance, exposure, shadows and more. You can use Photoshop or your camera manufacturer's software.

In addition to the advantages, RAW has a weakness, that is large in size, so spend your memory card, other than that, because of the large size of the RAW as well, the more time-consuming editing.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

Specifications


Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 24 – 70 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Canon EF


Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 8


Optics
Elements 16
Groups 13


Focus
Minimum focus 0.38 m (14.96")
Maximum magnification 0.29 x
Autofocus Yes
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale Yes


Physical
Weight 950 g (2.09 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.28")
Length 124 mm (4.86")
Materials Metal barrel, metal mount
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 77 mm
Hood product code EW-83F
Tripod collar No
Optional accessories Soft Case LP1219




Review Stat

• dpreview.com : 4 of 5 (5 users)
• fredmirand.com : 9.3 of 10 (520 users)
• lens-reviews.com:  4.4 of 5 (394 users)

source: dpreview.com

Photographing Fireworks

This is one of kind of a dizzying picture. And I always fail. Then I found these tips in the book Scott Kelby.

Here are the tips:

• Use a tripod, because we need a shutter speed slow enough to catch the fireworks light footprint.
• Use a cable release, because we need to see movement of fireworks before exploding. It would be difficult if we peek through the view finder.
• The selection of the lens, if you want to focus on fireworks, use a zoom lens (ideally 200mm or more). If you want to get the background as well, use a wide lens.
• Use the manual mode. Simply set the shutter speed to 4 seconds  and aperture at f/11. Do the first trial, see the results, if the excess of light, increase the shutter speed to 3 seconds, then check back the results.

Tip if your camera has a bulb mode (mode in which the shutter will stay open as long as you press the shutter release button). Hold down the shutter release button when the fireworks exploded, and then release when the light began to fade tracks.

Have a nice photo hunting.

Blinkies: Highlight alert

You might be surprised, on pictures that you take there is over exposure area or missing details.You can check this, when playback your shots, over exposure area will blinking. The pros often called blinkies.

Blinkies are not necessarily bad, for example, shooting in daylight situations, the sun will surely blinkies area, it should be OK. However, when the clouds become blinkies, this should not be. To prevent the image of blinkies, is the exposure compensation.




How to check blinkies

• Nikon, press the playback button, press the down arrow button to view the information data, and then press the arrow to the right until a word highlights show on the LCD.
• Canon, press the playback button, then press the info button to see the blinkies.

Pre-Focus for Sport Photography

Pre-focus, if you know the game. Example, the sport of snowboarding, you know roughly where the athletes will land. You just need to shoot at the point. Find the focus. Then turn off the automatic focus function. You can just watch the game and wait for the athlete to the point. You can instantly take a picture, when the athletes reach that point. No need to wait for autofocus looking for the focus.

Don't wait auto focus looking for the focus, or you'll loose the moment. Happy photo hunting.

Tips Panorama Picture

Want to create images as your eyes see? panorama photography is the answer, with the help of image editors like Photoshop and Photomerge, your task will be easier.

Tips panorama

• Use a tripod.
• Photos in portrait orientation (vertical).
• Set the white balance on cloudy mode.
• Press the shutter button halfway down to set the exposure, get  the f-stop number and shutter speed, take note. Turn the camera into manual mode and set the number f-stop and shutter speed that you writing down.
• After getting the focus on the first shot, turn off the auto focus, to prevent the camera to auto focus on the next shot.
• Mark the beginning of your panorama photos, one of the tricks, shooting your finger. Done before the first segment, also do this at the last shots.
• When taking each segment, overlap about 20-25%. So 1/4 the previous segment image should be segmented your next photo.
• Take the picture quickly, because any movement of clouds or weather changes, it can mess up your panoramic image..
• Use a shutter release or self timer, do not let any one segment of the image blurring, and your panorama photos into a mess.

have a nice hunting. ^^

The focus in portrait photography

Where is the optimum focus spot on portrait? For many years, has been debated. Some said cheeks, tip of nose, hairline, and so on. However, there is deal now, focus your shots directly at the subject's eyes.

With the opening of f/11 and focus the lens directed at the subject's eyes, you'll get a sharp photo portrait subject's face evenly. Most importantly, the subject's eyes will TACK Sharp, and this is the most important on portrait photography.

You can change aperture depend on your need. aperture on f/11 will make your picture TACK SHARP. If you need other effect of course you can change your aperture.

landscape photographer's secret weapon

Gradient (Graduated) neutral density filter, this filter can balance the exposure between the earth and the sky so that it can capture a variety of lighting that can not be obtained directly without the filter.

Example, on sunset scene, when you expose the sky, the ground will appear dark. On the other hand, when exposing the soil, the sky would look too bright.

By using this filter, you can get the right lighting for both sky and ground. This filter has a gradient from dark to light. So we can darken the sky that may be over-exposed, while the ground was untouched.

the composition of landscape photography

Landscape photos of famous photographers often amaze us. For example, David Muench, Moose Peterson, Stephen Johnson and John shaw. If we look more closely, landscape photo has three essential elements.

Here example the three essential elements on sunset scene
Foreground, picture does not start from the water, but the beach. the beach is the foreground.
The middle section, the middle field is the ocean that reflect sunlight.
Background, the background is the clouds and sky.

With these three elements compose this, you will make a charming picture. when photo hunting, make it a habit to ask yourself , "what the foreground?",  "what the background?",  "what the middle section?"  And you'll wondering, "hey man.. i shoot like a pro", happy hunting. ^_^

good composition for horizon

When shooting landscape, there will be a question about horizon position. The answer is easy, do not put the horizon in the middle of the photo. Because the photos will look dull and boring.

When the earth's surface would be best to display, put horizon upward, about 1/3 from the top of photo. When the sky more beautiful to be displayed, then put the horizon about 2/3 from the top of photo.

wedding photography in photojournalism style

In wedding photography, photojournalism style is becoming a trend now. One of the fundamental elements of photojournalism techniques is to take the details of the wedding, the following list of ideas that could become the object shooting

• The bride's shoe
• Hanged dress of the bride and dress details
• Tiara, necklace bride
• invitation card
• music list
• Guest book (after signing a few guests)
• Glasses of champagne
• Wedding ring
• Airline tickets honeymoon