Q&A with Peter K. Burian | Photocrati

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…)

Q and A: Does the Fuji 3D system really work?

Question

I have read a lot about the Fuji 3D, a digital camera that’s supposed to make real 3D images. Does it really work as advertised? How much will it cost and when will it be available? R.S.

Answer

The FinePix Real 3D W1 (Fuji) camera is available now direct from Fujifilm in the US and from a few retail stores. Expect greater availability over the next month or two; yet, even then, it may be a special order item. The suggested list price is $600 for the camera and $500 for a special accessory, the 3D Viewer V1. Initially, only Fuji will be able to make 3D prints since the process requires entirely new-and expensive-equipment. Expect to pay about $7.00 for a 5×7″ print with a true 3D effect without the need for special glasses.

And yes, it really does work as I recently confirmed with a demo at Fuji’s office. (more…)

Q and A: What are the best, affordable LCD monitors for photographers?

Question

I appreciate your test reports on Photocrati.com and want to ask for a recommendation about a computer monitor. What are the best LCD monitors for photographers and what is available at a reasonable price? I don’t want to pay thousands of dollars. S.R.

Answer

Most reviewers agree that the Eizo Color Edge CG series is among the very best in LCD monitors for digital photographers and graphic arts professionals. Some of the CG models do cost thousands, but the 22-in CH222W (B&H: CH222W), (Amazon 22IN 1650X1050 Coloredge Blk Dig/alog) is more affordable and ships with a hood to block stray light. This model provides 1680 x 1050 resolution, a very wide color gamut (97% sRGB , and 92% Adobe RGB coverage) and other pro-grade features such as dual DVI interface and ColorNavigator calibration software. Brightness is 200 cd/m2 (more than adequate) and the contrast ratio is 800:1.

Many of us want to spend less, making two other monitors more popular. (more…)

Q and A: What filters should I get for my new DSLR?

Question

As a first time digital SLR camera buyer, I am wondering what filters I will need for my Nikon D5000 with the AF-S 18-55mm VR and 70-300mm GED VR lenses. When I had a 35mm SLR, I owned several types of filters, but sold all that long ago. Are filters still necessary in digital photography and do I need the expensive multi-layer coated filters? L.W.

Answer

The only filter that I use is the circular polarizer-an indispensable accessory for outdoor photography, with several benefits. This accessory can deepen the color of a blue sky, wipe glare from reflective surfaces (except unpainted metal) to allow the true colors to show through and reduce the effects of atmospheric haze so the subject will appear more sharply defined. Rotate the polarizer in its mount while viewing the scene through the viewfinder, or on the LCD screen in Live View. If it does not seem to have much effect, change your shooting position; you’ll get the greatest benefit when the sun is to your side. (more…)

Q and A: How does the Autofocus Adjustment function work–and should I use it?

Question

From reading reviews, I know that some recent DSLRs, like my Pentax K-7, include an Autofocus Adjustment function that allows for modifying the AF system for more accurate focus with certain lenses. Is this function necessary? If so, how does it work? R. Webber

Answer

Yes, an increasing number of high-end DSLRs of several brands include a feature of this type. It allows for instructing the camera to focus slightly more closely, or to a slightly greater distance, than it would do at default. This function would be useful for an older AF lens-especially one that has been banged around-if it is no longer focusing accurately. You may find that it focuses slightly ahead of the subject, or slightly behind it; these issues are called “front focus” and “back focus” and they call for AF Adjustment.

Before using this in-camera feature however, be absolutely certain of the lens’s exact focusing tendencies. (more…)

Q and A: What do you think about Infrared conversion for DSLRs?

Question

Can you comment on Infrared conversion for a DSLR camera? I am now using the Nikon D700 but I have an old Nikon D70 and I’m thinking of having it converted. I love to shoot nature and I am looking for something new in the look of my images. Do you have an opinion about converting cameras for this purpose? P. Babcock

Answer

I do know a couple of photo enthusiasts who had their old EOS Digital Rebels converted for Infrared photography but have not done so myself. Do note that the warranty of any DSLR-of any brand-will be void if it is modified. And once a camera has been converted to “IR Only”, it cannot be used for conventional photography unless you’re willing pay for a re-conversion.

Aside from those caveats, it’s a great idea if you really want to shoot Infrared photos for creative or scientific purposes with a rarely-used camera. (more…)

Q and A: What are the fastest memory cards?

Question

I want to get the fastest memory card for my Nikon D200 for sports photography. However, after doing some research on the Internet, I’m confused. Which one is really the fastest? Several companies claim that they have the “fastest” cards, but the UDMA cards are supposed to be the fastest. Which one should I buy? D.M.

Answer

That’s a valid question, D.M., for anyone who uses CompactFlash (CF) cards but also for DSLR owners who use SDHC cards. Before answering however, I need to emphasize one essential point. No matter which camera you use, it’s impossible to increase the maximum framing rate by switching to a faster memory card. i.e. If the specifications indicate a top speed of 5 frames per second, you will never be able to shoot at a greater speed (because of a mechanical limitation). (more…)

Q and A: What kind of scanner will fit my needs?

Question

I need to buy a high resolution scanner to digitize tons of slides and negatives when I retire in September. Can you compare film scanners and flatbeds with a transparency adapter for performance in creating digital files from 35mm film, suitable for making 13×19 inch prints with an Epson 2880? Which type would be the best bet? Philip Renaud

Answer

Thanks for your question, Philip. A full assessment would require a test of several brands/types of scanners, a major undertaking that’s not possible for the Q&A. But based on my research — and experience with scanners of both types — I’d say you should be satisfied with a top-of-the-line flatbed or a dedicated a film scanner. Frankly, such equipment is not inexpensive but either type should provide the level of quality you’ll want from the scans for making 13×19″ prints. (more…)

Q and A: What’s the deal with the new Micro Four Thirds format?

Question

Can you explain the new Micro Four Thirds format? What is the point of a camera like this compared to one that fits into a shirt pocket like my Lumix FS25 with 29-145mm lens? I see that both Panasonic and Olympus are making Micro cameras now, but they’re not very small and they are very expensive. Why would anyone want one of those? J. N.

Answer

JN, yes, Panasonic was the first to introduce a Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix DMC-G1 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Blue)($623, with 14-45mm zoom lens). Their more recent model, the brand new DMC-GH1 ($1500 with a 14-140mm lens that’s perfect for video capture), includes some upgrades and an HD Movie mode.

Olympus recently announced their new contender, the E-P1 Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens) ($800 with 14-42mm lens); this model also features an HD Movie mode. (more…)

Q and A: Can you make 59×37-inch prints from a 12 megapixel image?

Question

My wife gave me a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi camera recently and I wonder how large a print I can order. I always use the highest JPEG size and quality when taking photos. When I open them in Adobe Elements 7, and check the size, the information shows 59 x 37 inches. Is it really possible to get a print that large with JPEGs from this camera? J.R.

Answer

Well, J.R., the simple answer is no. A 12-megapixel image simply does not have enough pixels for such a massive print if you expect good quality. When checking the size data in Adobe Elements, you will also note that the software indicates Resolution: 72 dpi. (The term dpi means dots per inch; think of it as pixels per square inch of a print.) That’s a very low level of resolution suitable only for images viewed on a computer monitor. You need a resolution of at least 200 dpi — and preferably 240 dpi — for a true “photo-quality” print.

Try this. (more…)