=========================================================== THE NIKONIAN http://www.nikonians.org Regular Newsletter #24 03-AUG-2003 Thank you for your interest in our community, a home on the Internet for over 14.000 Nikon(R) users. =========================================================== 1. Editors Note 2. Close Up and Macro Photography 3. The Café 4. How Does a Digital Camera Work? 5. Books on Hand Coloring 6. The Manfrotto 393 / Bogen 3241 Long Lens Support 7. Rotating Filters and Hoods 8. Perspective From Two Lenses: 35mm and 85mm 9. Handholding Your Camera 10. Lens to Body Compatibility Chart 11. Nikonians 3rd Annual Photo Adventure Sep 23rd-28th 2003 12. The Ladies Forum 13. How to photograph Fireworks 14. Nikonians Battery Guide 15. The Nikkors Forum 16. Upcoming Events from our Calendar Coordinator 17. The Weddings & Social Events Forum 18. New Team Members 19. The Tamron Forum 20. The Peter J Crowley Weekly Guest Column 21. Bookshelves Update 22. Nikonians Polo Shirts 23. Nikonians Floppy Hats 24. The New SB-800 Speedlight 1. Editors Note =========================================================== Welcome to this summer edition of our community newsletter. Despite beach time and holidays in many areas where Nikonians live, we have had a very busy July in the forums with many new members and interesting discussions. Many of us are starting to shoot digital, and to support your own digital endeavor we have a new article on digital photography online. There is also a rich set of digital photography books in our bookshelves and a free ebook on selecting the right batteries for your Nikon camera is available. We are getting closer to this years annual photography adventure and even though we cannot promise you close encounters with Yogi or warm cuddles with Paddington, there is more than a fair chance of seeing a live specimen in the Mountain Riding National Park in Canada now in September. Read more about it in this edition. The much-awaited D2H has arrived, a major event no doubt, wetting our appetite for the D2X, raising expectations and heating the digital forums. Among the major innovations it introduces wireless communication technology for download and multi-flash capability. With 4.1Mpixels, it is a big upgrade from the D1H with its 2.7Mpixels, a camera that nevertheless brought us the images from the war in the desert and other inhospitable places. With a new LBCAST image sensor, it inherits the DX benefits, but shows commitment to the format. Dust reduction and reduced shutter lag are other major advances, but we suggest that you read all about it in the D1/D2/D100 forum and the wide mix of impressions it creates. http://www.nikonians.org/usergroups/d2.html Talking about new gear, the new 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens is now available. It has received enthusiastic feedback, amongst others from Nikonian Bjoern Roerslett. See his review: http://www.naturfotograf.com/AFS12-24DX_rev00.html Our sponsor ephotocraft.com should have this baby in stock throughout the next weeks. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/go-ephotocraft-ex.pl?id=nikonian-24&ic=018208021444&sid=3 Often requested, we will now provide our members with excellent printing capabilities. For more information about the beta testing and to give us feedback on this, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID52/315.html Enjoy your photography with others! Bo Stahlbrandt (bo@nikonians.org) / Germany José Ramón Palacios (jrp@nikonians.org) / Mexico 03-AUG-2003 -----------------------Advertisement----------------------- Visit our Sponsor: Nikonians support ePhotoCraft.com Excellent Service & Good Nikon Specials http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/go-ephotocraft.pl?id=nikonian-24-ephotocraft ----------------------------------------------------------- 2. Close Up and Macro Photography =========================================================== If you want to get a basic understanding of close-up and macro photography, this article is for you. It will focus on the basics, adding some detailed technical information in the hope you will find it useful. The contents are based on the authors personal experience in working with close-up and macro photography during the course of his professional work, using Nikon equipment of course. Read Szen's classy article right here: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/nikon_articles/other/close-up_macro/macro_0.html Fancy a completely different view of our world? Get really close into your subject and be amazed at what else is out there! Ever wondered about those various useful additions to your system like the close-up attachments, extension tubes, bellows... the list goes on! If you find yourself stumped with these little technicalities, why not pay a quick visit to our Macro Forum to pick the brains of our many macro enthusiasts. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID63&conf=DCConfID5 See also: Bookshelf 18 - Micro, Macro and Close-Up Photography bookshelf http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_18.html 3. The Café =========================================================== Do your daily obligations have you stressed or do you need to find a place to relax? Maybe you need to drop in at The Café. Kick off your shoes, put your feet on the table and just kick back for a while. Join in one of the lively conversations or just sit and watch what is going on. Remember, the door is always open - We are open 24 hours a day. http://www.nikonians.org/cafe.html 4. How Does a Digital Camera Work? =========================================================== The operation of a digital camera, from the standpoint of the user, is virtually the same as the operation of a 35mm camera. Most digital cameras imitate their older film cousins very well, so a new digital user has little to fear in the operation of the camera. If you are used to a point- and-shoot, or even an SLR (single lens reflex) 35mm camera, then you will be able to find a digital camera to meet your experience level. If you stay within the same brand of cameras as your current 35mm, you will find that the digital cameras of that manufacturer work about the same as their film cameras. For Darrel's full article, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/digital/how_does_it_work_1.html See also our recommended books on Software, Digital Imaging and Printing: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_14.html -----------------------Advertisement----------------------- Nikon Camera cheat-sheets for film and digital cameras "It's like having the manual on a card - A must-have for Nikon owners!" CheatSheets are durable laminated sheets that serve as a quick reference to your equipment. They're small enough to take with you and contain the essential information you need. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/go-bert.pl?id=nikonian-24-bert ----------------------------------------------------------- 5. Books on Hand Coloring =========================================================== Various recommended books to learn the how of handpainting, handcoloring, handtinting and toning photographs: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_21.html Every book sold in the bookshelves supports Nikonians! 6. The Manfrotto 393 / Bogen 3241 Long Lens Support =========================================================== Many of us dream of making wildlife images, as those at the Nikonians Wildlife Photography Forum and in well made nature books. To begin to learn how, the need for a truly long lens soon becomes apparent. Finally, I bought a 600mm f/4 AF-I Nikkor and was then confronted with how to gracefully support such a monster. My regular ballhead didn't seem to be the best of means. Read Luc's complete article: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html See also the wildlife forum: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID74&conf=DCConfID5 7. Rotating Filters and Hoods =========================================================== I often use a polarizer and neutral graduated filters. These filters rotate to different positions, depending on the effect desired. The recent trend to deep, scalloped lens hoods (tulip shaped) present a problem with these filters. Because the lens hood is so deep, it's almost impossible to reach the filter ring. As a practical matter, these filters must be used with the hood removed. You could attach the hood after adjusting the filter, but most photographers I have observed simply don't use the hood when using rotating filters. Read Don's full article: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/rotating_filters_and_hoods/lens_hood_modification.html 8. Perspective From Two Lenses: 35mm and 85mm =========================================================== Very often we're asked the question "which lens to get next?" One possible answer to this recurrent question is a lens pairing with lenses a bit wider and narrower than a 50mm lens. The 35mm and 85mm combination came up as a good pair to start with. For Al's full article, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/perspective_35_85/perspective_35_85_1.html See also this discussion: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=2468&forum=DCForumID6 9. Handholding Your Camera =========================================================== You may have wondered how come some of your images look "soft" or blurred. Quite often it is simply due to improper handholding technique. Check out this guide for less blurr: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/technique/handholding1.html 10. Lens to Body Compatibility Chart =========================================================== From time to time you find yourself reading great reviews on some lenses or see a bargain and the temptation of a potential purchase is there. But how to tell for sure if it will work and how on your current Nikon camera body? This chart should help you out for most bodies currently in use. http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/nikon_articles/other/compatibility.html 11. Nikonians 3rd Annual Photo Adventure Sep 23rd-28th 2003 =========================================================== Where: In and around Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada When: September 23rd - 28th, 2003 What: This wildlife-packed trip offers the possibility of photographing: Black bears, Moose, Beavers, Bison, Deer, Elk and many other species plus old log homesteads, rolling aspen-woodland and mixed boreal forest landscapes in fall color. If you want to be able to focus all of your attention on photography, if you want to exchange experience, advice, tips and tricks in one of the most beautiful spots there is, you should participate on this trip. The Nikonian pro Mark Golub knows the location very well. He says "Riding Mountain is like a second home to me. My family has been visiting every year for over 50 years. Photographing the landscape and skies are an extreme pleasure. There is an abundance of various terrain, clear dark skies and the sweetest fresh air one can breathe. I highly recommend Riding Mountain National Park to be a prime choice for beginning, amateur and professional photographers". The cost contribution is 800 Canadian Dollars per person. It covers transportation to/from Winnipeg International Airport/Smokey Hollow Resort, 5 nights accommodations, all meals, permits, local transportation during the trip and sundry items during the 3rd AN PAT. Your travel to and from your home/Winnipeg International Airport is your responsibility. If you have been shooting with your Nikon alone, use this opportunity to join others who share your passion. Life is really too short not to make new friends and to share your hobby with others. This vast area sports all sorts of animals and is far bigger than we can ever dream of covering in a few days time. Morning mists are frequent so dreamy pictures lurk in the horizon and with local knowledge readily at hand you can't ask for anything more than the good spirit of your fellow Nikonians. Tempted? To register for the trip today, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=4&forum=DCForumID83&viewmode=threaded Remember to bring the longest lens you got, but don't leave home without your wide angles as the stunning beauty of the park will ask for their extensive use. But you have to promise us that you won't mount them on your trusty cameras and trail the bears! Frame filling at 18mm is really too close for comfort! For more information on the trip, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID83/6.html Congratulation to Bob Johnson (bobj) winner of the TRIDENT Headlamp by Streamlight Inc. Bob can pick up is headlamp on arrival at the Adventure. The complete 3rd AN PAT discussion forum is here: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=4&forum=DCForumID83&viewmode=threaded 12. The Ladies Forum =========================================================== Meet other female photographers in the Ladies Nikonian Forum. Not only do we have access to all other community forums, but we have our own, special place. Please join me, Carolyn (cpatinjone) and the other female photographers to chat about issues relating to women photographers and any other items of interest in relation to photography. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID42&conf=DCConfID10 -----------------------Advertisement----------------------- Award-winning Grays of Westminster have established a formidable reputation as an exclusive Nikon dealer, selling new, used and classic models from the famous brand. Step inside the world famous Georgian fronted shop, with it's leather, brass and wood furnishings, and you enter a world of bespoke service unrivalled in the photo industry. A visit to this celebrated dealer is a must for all photographic enthusiasts. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/go-westminister.pl?id=nikonian-24-westminister ----------------------------------------------------------- 13. How to photograph Fireworks =========================================================== When the summer sets in, the heat wave usually comes accompanied by joyous celebrations all around the world, many enhanced by fireworks displays. See Lyle's guide on how to photograph them: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/fireworks/fireworks1.html 14. Nikonians Battery Guide =========================================================== One of the topics commonly discussed amongst Nikonians these days is about batteries. Digital cameras are revolutionizing the world of still images, and these cameras need lots of energy for their backlit color LC-Displays, CCD's and other electronics. Download your free copy of this ebook (PDF, 66 pages) today: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/go-batteryguide.pl?id=nikonian-24-ebook 15. The Nikkors Forum =========================================================== Fumbling with that "limit" switch? Wondering about adding one of the new range VR AFS into your arsenal? Can't decide to go with the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8? Require opinions about one of the older AI/AIS lenses? Well, we are all faced with these nagging questions, but with our high-traffic Nikkors Forum, it might well help answer some of these queries. So pay us a visit and let the Nikkor fact-finding quest begin! http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID6&conf=DCConfID3 16. Upcoming Events from our Calendar Coordinator =========================================================== EXHIBITS "The Front Page: The Photographs of Arthur Ellis" Exhibit showing the range of this famous photojournalist's work, and chronicling the cultural history of Washington, DC, where he worked for the Washington Post. Corcoran Gallery of Art Washington, DC July 2 to August 14, 2003 http://www.corcoran.org "Thomas Struth: Picturing the World" The most comprehensive exhibition to date showcasing the provocative works of German photographer Thomas Struth. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, IL June 28 to September 28, 2003 http://www.mcachicago.org WORKSHOPS Photoadventure France Renowned adventure photographer and Bonjour Paris' own Senior Photo Editor (and Nikonian) Wilf James is offering 3 photoworkshops in France: Paris, Normandy and Les Corbieres. Info, dates, and registration at http://www.photoadventurefrance.com The PhotoshopWorld Conference & Expo will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida, September 30 - October 2, 2003. Conference admission is $499 on or before August 25, 2003, $599 after August 25, 2003. NAPP members save $100 and discounts are also available for teachers and students. Visit http://www.photoshopworld.com for full conference details and to register. There is always more information in the calendar: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/calendar/calendar.pl If you have additional information on events that could be of interest to the community, you can reach Albert W. Coo, our Calendar Coordinator by email: calendar@nikonians.org 17. The Weddings & Social Events Forum =========================================================== Wedding photography has changed in countless ways over the last several years, and it is continuing. No longer are wedding photographers considered at the lower end of the "creative photography spectrum". Quite the opposite. Keep up with the changes and expand your artistic mind in our Wedding forum. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID50&conf=DCConfID5 18. New Team Members =========================================================== Nikonians team continue to grow at an amazing rate. We want to take this opportunity to welcome our new team members: Bernd W. Herrmann (benherrmann) Ben helps out as moderator in the Nikon Products / D1/D2/D100 Users Group and in the digital imaging and printing forums. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID71&conf=DCConfID3 Bob Tomerlin (drjimbob) Bob is moderator of: General / New Users Forum http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID10&conf=DCConfID2 Paul Fisher (Paul_Fisher) Paul is moderator of: Tamron Lenses Forum http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID18&conf=DCConfID4 Philippe Clément (Photophil) Philippe is moderator of: Shooting Issues / Wildlife Photography http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID74&conf=DCConfID5 Garry Reaney (grmedhat1) Garry is the Moderator of the Speedlights forum: http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID7&conf=DCConfID3 To get more information about the complete team behind the Nikonians success, check out: http://www.nikonians.org/html/about/nikonians_team.html 19. The Tamron Forum =========================================================== We all know that Nikkors are the best glass available, but sometimes we need something a little different. Did you know that Tamron invented the interchangeable mount SLR lens? Do you know how many "Lens of the year" awards they have won? Do you know that Tamron have a full range of manual focus lenses that can be used on just about any make of SLR, using their patented interchangeable mount? Come down to the Tamron forum and learn more about this fascinating company and its products. There may be a Tamron lens destined for your Nikon. http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=list&forum=DCForumID18&conf=DCConfID4 20. The Peter J Crowley Weekly Guest Column =========================================================== Join Nikonian Peter J. Crowley as he discusses traditional photography. This time around he discuss how to get inspired when you feel blocked. It is easy to create when the weather is brilliant, you have a pocket full of cash and life is good. The images flow like a warm and fuzzy movie. But things aren't always rosy. Does your creating reach highs and lows? Do you shoot when you are low? Who controls the emotional content of your images? Can you make sad images when you are happy? Lately my emotions are like a roller coaster. There are tops and bottoms, no levels, no medium, no middle class. There was and is a time when all that is needed is a Nikon and film. There is nothing else. No pain, depression, stress, poverty. Just me, a subject and my Nikon - a love triangle. TOPS nothing else exists! http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=1363&forum=DCForumID38&viewmode=threaded 21. Bookshelves Update =========================================================== There are over 320 Nikon and photography related books in our bookshelves, most of them enjoying a 30% discount. The latest additions have been in the following sections: Night and low light photography http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_20.html Hand painting, coloring, tinting & toning your photographs http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_21.html Architectural photography http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/bookshelves/bookshelves_22.html 22. Nikonians Polo Shirts =========================================================== There have been plenty of pre-orders for our Nikonians polo shirts and they will be available soon. If you didn't have the chance to secure your own, high quality shirt yet, go here: http://www.nikonians.org/html/shop/caps_n_hats1.html#polo-shirts 23. Nikonians Floppy Hats =========================================================== They were a smashing hit and now we are ordering more. The "floppies" should be available soon. Stay tuned! 24. The New SB-800 Speedlight =========================================================== The SB800 is designed primarily to be used with the new D2H body. While it is backward compatible, it essentially becomes an SB80DX on other bodies. The GN of the SB800 is the same as the SB80DX and it's expected to perform auto high speed sync, flash value lock, flash color information communication, advanced multi flashgun wireless flash set up and wide area pre-flash coverage. http://www.nikonusa.com/usa_product/product.jsp?cat=1&grp=4&productNr=SB-800 http://www.nikonians.org/dcforum/DCForumID7/1124.html =========================================================== If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, please send an email to editorial@nikonians.org If you want to advertise in THE NIKONIAN, please send an email to advertise@nikonians.org for more information. You receive THE NIKONIAN because you requested it. We hope you find it useful. However, if you'd like your name to be removed from the newsletter, you can do so at any time from the main page at our community: http://www.nikonians.org If you need to change your email subscription, you can also do that from the main page at our community: http://www.nikonians.org. Subscription change requests via email are not answered. nikonia.com, nikonia.net, nikonian.com, nikonian.net, nikonians.com, nikonians.net, nikonians.org, and THE NIKONIAN are not associated with Nikon Corporation nor with any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in any way. All registered trademarks mentioned in this newsletter are owned by their respective owners. Nikonians and its owners do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within this newsletter. Nikonians and its owners shall not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, which may result from the use of the information held in this newsletter. Copyright (c) Nikonians 2003 All Rights Reserved