paullink

<p>If you notice the area around the moon you will notice that it's over-exposed. A central weight metering usually does this as the moon it's self covers a very small part of the frame.So, for a start, a spot metering, zooming on the moon as much your lens permit, will give you better results.Don't be astonished if you see up to 4-5 stops difference.Second.As i see you used a wide-angle lens which will illustrate a really small moon anyway, making the details of the surface not very visible.The most spectacular moon photos come from zoom lenses unquestionably.But if you want to do it with wide angles just follow this suggestion and under-expose your metering a lot.To keep decent details of the ground you will rather need 2-3 exposures with a tripod and then a combination of them in your software.Regards</p>

<p>It is a jewel indeed Ralf.Robust construction, reliable, simple, a great film SLR for someone to start with and learn about photography.I use four younger sisters of the XE-7, the X-700, 7xi, Dynax 7 and Dynax 7D.Sony now carries this Minolta tradition and i expect great things of them in future, in digital area of course as expected.With a wide angle or normal 1.4 - 2.8 Minolta lens it can create masterpieces.The samples that i saw prove it.Regards</p>

<p>Since we spontaneously choose the method of expression and the means of it , i believe it doesn't draw us in, but we keep stepping side by side with this forever.We love it.<br>

Our creations then surely are worthwhile at least for us.I don't say that after many years of passion some hints of habit are not obvious.The peril of this habit growing up constantly will bring boredom, repetition and lack of feeling.And then it's time to put down the means and admit...this is the end.But we can't blame the means for this.A hard decision, much more for the professionals.<br>

In our case, talking about photography, i consider the cameras an extension of our eyes which has an immediacy-due to the means- that poetry, painting or sculpturing haven't.I believe we MUST keep on taking photos since our physical end.Best wishes</p>

 

<p>I would prefer the Canon powershot G9(i think better than the new G10) or the Panasonic Lumix LX-3.The last one has the most perfect for a compact camera lens in the market.Not so much zoom though.Both are full manual of course.Regards</p>

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Minolta X-700, 35-80mm, pastl+orange Cokin filters<div></div>

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<p>Now that i see it actually there was nothing for you to see as the photo didn't upload.Anyway since you have visited my portfolio you have already saw it.It is the photo with the girl playing violin.For this shot I used all the suggestions i've made.Study it carefully if you like.Regards</p>

<p>Here is an example that i have in my portfolio.Taken with Minolta dynax 7D and sigma 135-400 tele with spot metering on face area at 1600 ISO</p>

<p>First of all take seriously in mind what Martijn says.The speed is crucial and indeed there such a rule(not to use slow speed but very close to focal length 1/300 for 300mm, 1/200 for a 200mm and so on).<br>

Second.Turn the metering method of your camera to spot or central weight.If you try this on your last example, you will see better results, as the exposure will be more accurate.<br>

Third.Shoot with high ISO set such as 800 or 1600, depending on the time, weather, etc.Don't worry about the noise.Most modern cameras are facing problems with noise, in 3200 iso and above. <br>

Last.Don't compare your photos with some pin-sharp portraits you may see here in photonet.Have you any idea how much a clear LD lens costs ? Find your own style and experiment on the suggestions you read here by the members of photonet.Regards</p>

<p>Very interesting test Mauro.The comparison of the dynamic range between digitals and analogs often is discussed among the photographers.I believe the best side-by-side test would be to see printed photos from the same professional printer but this cannot be done in the web.Dynamic range is one of the weakness of digital representation.Since the sensors even in the newest 24 Mp cameras just... try to immitate the analog 35mm negatives and slides is enough to add it to the cons in the pros/cons chart.Perhaps a medium or large format digital with the extra terrestial price is closer to REALITY.But it's a matter of technology to increase the sampling frequency of the analog signal and achive better results.If it is easy for you do the same test using the 35mm film of this specific test and one of the flagships of Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras up to 24Mp.The final verdict would be very very handy.Till then i don't think there is any consumer or prosumer camera that can compete films.Regards</p>

Excellent photos Craig.Great dynamic range like only 35mm negatives and slides can provide.These cameras are masterpieces.All-metallic bodies, chrome or steel, robust and simple construction that make them work for decades.I once used a Kiev and a Zenit cameras, i don't remember the exact models, but surely i will remember till my ages the quality of the photos, sometimes with the usage of a hand photometer.Astonished results.Use them as long they endure and then put them on a self in your room.They will remain the best ornament.Best wishes.

No, it doesn't bug me neither flatters me.To have a nice camera...well it depends who says this.Photographers will give this compliment for a REAL exquisite one that helps a lot for making great photos.Ignorant people will just be impressed by name, dimensions and big lenses.At some point they are right.So, if your photos are popular among your beloved persons share their joy and blink an eye to your camera.You both deserve it.Cheers

Too many controversial thoughts on this question.Art doesn't come just right out of the blue.Needs mind, sensitivity, ability, passion and patience and the will for expression.And you may add much more if you like.From it's simplier, but not minor form that is poetry(you need only a pen and paper) to the most sophisticated that is film making and photography(a lot of money for equipment) the common factor in all, human, is the most valuable.The rest are just technical achievements, the means.There are photographs that their impact is too strong in community and take their place beside other masterpieces of old and modern art.Among paintings, statues, constructions, poems, movies, music.In people's heart photography is an art, not separated from any other.I have no reason to doubt about it.With the aid of some elegant little machines, the cameras, that man also created, the world can be filled with new wonders.Coming from the Greek composite word phos+grafi(light+writing) it seems to be a flat two dimensions result.

But light is life and writing is the second stronger way of communication in Earth.Best wishes

Look for the Sony VRD-MC5 or MC3 or MC1 series or DigiMark DM220.Very reliable equipment in logical cost.I can't tell you where to purchase them as i live in another country, but if you put this data in a portal searching machine you will find many shops to compare the prices.Regards

So, welcome to digital photography Starvy.Your analog equipment is excellent and since you use it for years, you will handle easily the Sony A100.It's a decent camera to start with and if you acquire later some better lenses the camera's capabilities will be multiplied.Nothing of course is equivalent to a 100 ASA positive film but the unbeatable advantages of the digital are the possibility to change ISO at will and the live view or review.Unlimited chances for experimentation.Keep your camera away from dust and high humidity the sensors hate them, they are more vulnerable than the analogs.I use Minolta cameras, the digital one is the latest model Dynax 7D before the brand name and the experience in photo technology sold to Sony.So i'm watching me with a A700 or the forthcoming A900 in hands soon.Regards

I believe Paul that throughout the history of all kind of Arts many of the masterpieces had been created under state of grief, melancholy... or under suicidal tendencies.Thankfully these works had not been destroyed.The artists that made them had a strong reason.They derived strength from them and they had the illumination to let them be, for the next generations.So why many people try to eliminate bad memories tearing apart photos, deleting videos, smashing frames.Just because they can not erase their minds, because this is the easy thing to do and falsely believe it is a kind of punishment.To themselves, to others, to the facts that hurt them.I deeply understand these people, it�s in our nature to be more willing to participate in joy than sorrow.I�m a photographer for almost 30 years and i ensure you

i have never throw away any kind of bad memories.If you appreciate your purposes you can�t do it.But, on the other hand i ensure you that it�s really tough, if not impossible, to lift up the camera and focus on depression.I sympathise people around me and as about my depression...it just won�t let me.As a conclusion, i would say yes, people tend to avoid unpleasant situations in an effort to protect their private world.Behind these walls photography sometimes sneaks in to reveal, elusive weaknesses and emotions.But these are the means for a better comprehension of what life really is.Regards

Likely, the lights in operas do not change rapidly or unexpected like in concerts.So knowing the acts of the play is very important.Use a monopod not a tripod , you'll be quite flexible in your moves.The film should be ISO 800 or faster.I use the Kodak pro supra 800.About the scanning, if you use a flatbed scanner the quality rather will not satisfy you and the scanning speed usually is outrageous.Perhaps you must send your negatives to a pro-lab equipped with rotary drum scanners.This will cost extra though.

The crucious thing of all yet remains the photo metering.I suggest a central weight metering for a start of the whole scene to find out the possibilities of your equipment.Then try some spot meterings on the actors clothes or faces if possible.This is important, because usually there is a gasp between high and low light areas.And actors move always in the high areas under spotlights.Somewhere among these meterings you must take your shots.Regards

It's a question of any religion and a real challenge for photographers.To surpass the terrestial substance and go further.Well, what about Kirlian photography that captures the aura of living creatures.It's a reality that common eyes won't see, yet it exists and can be recorded.But that's just a cheap, i believe, example.There's no camera or camcoder that can capture the WHOLE picture.That's in us and it's up to us to carry all the feelings inside and pass them to friends and other people that a specific time look at our photos.Regards

Surely it's a phenomenon of our times Bruce.First.20-30 years ago you would meet smiling faces and some pretty poses, from children or adults, even with a disposable camera or full equiped with flagship cameras and tripods.Second.You will not face such problems if you do exactly the same thing, during holidays for instance where people usually are indolent and cheerful right ? So, time and place are very important and if you add law involment(depending on country) to all these, you must pay a lot of attention when you do street shooting.Why not to ask for permission at least from people that are in close range ? Ask a police officer that's near by, generally make it clear that you just make some photos and nothing more.In my country, Greece, things are simply only in restricted areas you will be monitored and checked.Only in cases that you persist excessively on a subject or person will be disturbed.You know, not all people adore photography like we do.Some actually are too suspicious.Regards