Category Archives: Gear

Why lenses cost money

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Michael Willems

Why do expensive lenses cost so much? I was asked this several times in today’s courses. It’s simple. Expensive lenses are worth it – because they: Have better quality, clearer optical glass, for better resolving power and sharpness and less … Continue reading →

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The end of the DSLR?

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Michael Willems

Fellow blogger Trey Ratcliff has stirred up a hornet’s nest by saying (and I paraphrase) that “the end of the DSLR is coming.. compact cameras are the future“. A controversy – yummy! So to guide my readers though it, I … Continue reading →

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On/off?

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Michael Willems

Quick note about turning your camera on and off. Don’t, not all the itme. Just let it time out and go to sleep.. It uses almost no power that way. And you don’t wear out the switch. Touch the shutter … Continue reading →

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TTL Flash and Batteries

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Michael Willems

A couple of days ago, a reader asked me this: I did your flash course about a month ago and enjoyed it so much, I actually bought a flash   I got the 430EX II.  I do have a question … Continue reading →

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What does Exposure Compensation do?

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Michael Willems

I get the following question a lot: What exactly does exposure compensation do? Can I do the same myself in manual mode, or does it do some magic using amplification or something? Good question. Exposure Compensation (the “plus/minus button” on … Continue reading →

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Filters

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Michael Willems

Long-time reader Laura W. asks: Can you expand a bit more on ND filters.  I have never used any type of filter, and I know you are not a big advocate of them.  But I have read so much mixed … Continue reading →

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SB-900 update

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Michael Willems

Nikon has just announced the SB-910 flash. An update designed mainly, I imagine, to address the main problem that haunted both the SB-900 and SB-800 flashes: they readily overheated. The SB-800 would break; the SB-900 would shut down and beep. So … Continue reading →

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Slow flash – a misnomer

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Michael Willems

Nikon calls it “slow flash” when you use a slow shutter speed while using flash. You engage this in semi-automatic and automatic camera modes (P and A) by pressing the flash button an turning the wheel until you see the … Continue reading →

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Sensor sizes and DOF

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Michael Willems

One factor that affects depth of field is the sensor size. Simply put: the smaller the sensor, the more extended your depth of field in any given image. This is an approximation and simplification (it also depends on angle of … Continue reading →

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Alternative ways

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Michael Willems

On most modern cameras, there are many ways you can tune the camera to your own needs. One such way is how to focus. The standard, of course, is: “shutter button focuses (and meters) when held half way down”. I … Continue reading →

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