Digital SLR Cameras | Photocrati

What kind of software should I use to edit the movies I make with my Digital SLR camera?

Question

What software is necessary for editing movies made with a Digital SLR camera? I own a Nikon D5000 and have shot over a dozen videos. Many of the movies look great but others need some work. I hope you can tell me which editing software I should buy. R.H.

Answer

Digital SLRs (including the D5000) with a Movie mode, record videos in Motion JPEG format and store it in a QuickTime MOV or an AVI file. This is a very common format that can be viewed on any computer with familiar software (some free) such as QuickTime, Windows Media player or Flash Player. A Motion JPEG file can also be uploaded to websites such as YouTube and Vimeo.com. No software is required to view the videos on an HD TV with HDMI connection, using an optional HDMI cable.

A Motion JPEG file can be uploaded as is to sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo.com. On the other hand, some other file types, such as AVCHD, must first be converted to a format that's supported by the site. ©2009 Peter K. Burian

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Q and A: How can I get rid of spots on my photos?

Question

Recently all the photos taken with my digital SLR have obvious spots at two fixed places. Can I get rid of them by cleaning the sensor? Also, I see a lot of colored spots in my night photos but I guess that’s a different problem; how do I solve that? M.K.

Answer

Yes, it’s quite likely that the two dots are caused by specks on the sensor. You can send the camera to a service, or consider cleaning the sensor yourself with one of the products from VisibleDust such as the Zeeion Blower (from B&H Photo; from Amazon). For more stubborn spots (such as water droplets) you would need to use the special swabs (from B&H Photo; from Amazon) plus the SensorClean liquid (from B&H Photo; from Amazon).

But take maximum care not to scratch the sensor; follow the accessory manufacturer’s instructions to the letter! (more…)

Olympus E-30 Review: Field Test Report

A high-end 12.3 megapixel camera with a vast range of features including some unique amenities for creative photographers

Featuring the highest resolution available in the Olympus E-series, the E-30 is more compact, lightweight and affordable than the 10.1 megapixel E-3. This newer model includes most of the same features as the professional camera, but benefits from several upgrades. These include some new technology, higher 12.3 MP resolution, a brighter/larger LCD (2.7 vs. 2.5-inches), more auto-focus options in Live View mode and some unique new features. While the E-3 is more rugged and well-sealed — and employs a slightly larger viewfinder — the E-30 will certainly meet the needs of serious photo enthusiasts. (more…)

NIKON D90 Review: Field Test Report

Similar in many respects to the 10.2 megapixel D80, the Nikon D90 is even more desirable since it benefits from technology developed for the semi-professional DSLRs. The primary improvements include a 12.3 megapixel CMOS (not CCD) sensor and upgraded processor, larger 3-inch LCD with ultra-high 920,000 point resolution and Live View with three distinct autofocus modes. Other benefits include faster 4.5fps continuous drive speed (vs. 3fps) an automatic sensor cleaner, plus some valuable new features in capture mode and in Playback mode (for image retouching.)

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Canon EOS 40D Review: Field Test Report

Canon’s enthusiast-level series has included the EOS 10D, 20D and 30D, each boasting some improvement over its predecessor. The most recent DSLR in this range — prior to the EOS 50D — the 10 megapixel EOS 40D definitely qualified as a substantial upgrade over the 8 megapixel EOS 30D. Aside from higher resolution, the EOS 40D benefits from a great deal of new technology, such as an improved CMOS sensor, a faster DIGIC III processor plus a huge buffer (temporary storage bank) that allows for taking numerous shots at a blazing 6.5 frames per second. Several other amenities also make the EOS 40D more desirable than the earlier EOS 30D, including an automatic sensor cleaner, an Auto ISO option, a larger/brighter viewfinder, a 3″ LCD screen, and Live View. (more…)