A lot of my friends buy cameras based on the number of megapixels and then expect higher quality images.  Image sensor size (actually sensor density) has a much higher correlation with image quality than the number of megapixels.  Larger sensors capture images with less noise and greater dynamic range than smaller sensors.  Wikipedia has a great graphic that illustrates the size of sensor found in most common cameras (click for original graphic size).  Sites like dpreview.com offer statistics on image density.  Consider sensor density when buying your next camera.

Image sensor format - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My Nikon D70 had been sitting around unused (because I’d bought the Nikon D300) so I decided to convert it to become an infrared camera using a kit from Lifepixel.  Feeling in an adventurous mood, I decided to do the conversion myself instead of having Lifepixed do it for me.  Much to my surprise I was successful.

One of the things Lifepixel will do for you is adjust the focus so that the camera focuses correctly for infrared.   I decided to investigate how hard it’d be to adjust the focus for infrared myself and I found Leon Goodman’s article on the internet.  It still intimidates me a bit (most particularly taping the mirror up with cellophane tape—what kind of residue will that leave?).  I’ll let you know if I get adventurous—meanwhile the link to the article is below.

Camera Focus Article

The BlackRapid strap features a large pad, attaches to your camera or lens’ tripod mount, and is slung diagonally across your body for maximum comfort. The camera hangs upside down by your hip or in the small of your back.   When you’re ready to shoot, just pull the camera to your eye, it glides up the strap into the shooting position quickly.  Click. Put it back.

I was skeptical about the BlackRapid camera strap but decided to try it.  It works.  I used it on a Canon S10IS (yeah they recommend using it with SLR’s with telephoto lenses but I was photographing the Fiesta Bowl (Go Longhorns!) and they don’t really allow big cameras and telephoto lenses).  In a crowded arena it let me easily and comfortably carry the camera and get it into shooting position quickly.  The model I bought even had a pocket intended for a cell phone (I used it for extra batteries).  I

http://www.blackrapid.com/

How do I change the shutter speed on my Nikon D300? How do I bracket exposure on the Canon G9? How do I set the mirror to lock on a Canon 5D? What is the minimum shutter speed for freezing a race car? How do I set the Nikon SD-800 flash to Slow Sync mode.

Modern cameras are just small computers and as such they have hundreds of settings. Some obvious, some buried deep in a custom function. It is impractical to drag a 400 page manual out into the field and just as silly to flip through it to find the correct setting. Photobert Photo Cheat Sheets solve the problem with a simple one page laminated cheat sheet with the most important functions of a camera. I stuff the cheat sheet in my camera bag and leave the manual at home. The newer cheat sheets are in color, the older ones are black and white. Read more »

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One of my favorite photography magazines is LensWork–the work of Brooks Jensen (the editor/publisher).  LensWork focuses on the creative and philosophical aspects of photography rather than the technical aspects.  I am a bit of an equipment junkie and this offers a big counterbalance to just buying more equipment to improve my photography.  LensWork makes me focus on the photo itself and the work required to get a great photo.

Also, LensWork is a gorgeously printed black and white magazine.  The high quality duotone printing process results in art quality prints of the photographs–the tones and details are just so rich and vibrant that they jump of the page.   It has helped me discover several photographers early like Nick Brandt and better yet to get insight into their though processes. 

The magazine has great interviews of photographers and essays on art and photography.   A typical issue of LensWork includes three to four portfolios, two or three articles or interviews, editor’s comments and End Notes by Bill Jay.  The first section I turn to is Bill Jay’s "End Notes"–vignettes on photography and photographers. 

This magazine makes the perfect gift for you or your favorite photographer or artist.  You can find more information about LensWork at www.lenswork.com. 

I recently joined the Leica Users Group (LUG) Print Exchange.  The LUG Print Exchange is a neat program that encourages folks worldwide to exchange prints–a great way to learn from others and to get some spectacular prints.  The LUG is filled with picky photographers who are truly focused on quality–I learned quickly that a standard print from the camera sent to a photo processor just wouldn’t do.  I needed to step up my game.  I bought a high quality photo printer–however it was impossible to get the color on the printer to match the color on the screen–I needed to calibrate my monitor and printer so that the colors would match. Read more »