This is it: our biggest photography contest of the year. For more than two decades, we have been seeking out the best images our talented readers have to offer and they have never let us down. We expect 2014 to be our greatest contest yet.
Be the first to hear about new stuff on PopPhoto.com by subscribing to our revamped RSS feed!
Did You Know?
Filters vs. Auto White Balance
Optical color-balancing filters, such as amber warming and cyan cooling filters from the film days, have become somewhat obsolete with digital cameras, which allow adjustments to color-balance via the white-balance settings. But DSLR shooters may still want to use color filters over the lens. But beware: Automatic white balance will counteract the color tone of these filters to restore a neutral color balance. Use a WB preset(sunny, cloudy, etc.), set a Kelvin color temperature appropriate to the lighting, or set a custom WB with the filter off the lens.
While there are a lot of powerful features found in the mirrorless interchangeable lens Fujifilm X-T1 camera, it's the look and feel of this camera that will command your attention before you begin looking at the list of specifications. The X-T1 will remind you of the old days of film cameras with a variety of buttons and dials that allow you to control the camera's settings. Film cameras didn't have display screens to allow you to adjust the camera's settings; dials and buttons were commonplace. With the X-T1 the dials and buttons provide a vastly different look versus other digital cameras. And you'll use those dials and buttons quite often when you're changing some of the camera's key settings, because you cannot change certain settings other than through the dials and buttons. While this is a great design feature, less experienced photographers likely will find it takes some practice before they can make these changes as quickly as they probably could using on-screen menus, as occurs with the majority of other digital cameras. Those used to working with advanced digital cameras and with older film SLR models likely will be able to work effectively with the X-T1 much more quickly... Continue Reading
Olympus SP-100 REVIEW
Olympus OM-D E-M10 REVIEW
Olympus TG-850 REVIEW
July 20th Winner: Sunset Chardonnay Reflection by Marianne Donahoe (Nikon D90)
"My husband set his wine glass down and I saw this!"
Steve's Digicams now has over 7,230 awesome fans around the world and we'd love for you to join our social network. It's a fun place to see high resolution Photo of the Day albums, interact with other shutterbugs, post your own photos, and read our latest articles or reviews!
Steve's Digicams Most Popular News Stories
Canon launches two new PowerShot Super-Zoom cameras: the SX520 HS and SX400 IS
Canon USA revealed two new PowerShot cameras to their popular SX-series of compact super-zoom models. The SX520 HS and SX400 IS represent two different categories in this lineup. The SX520 HS is an impressive bridge camera that is packed with Canon's top-of-the-line features. These include a 42x optical zoom lens that covers 24-1008mm, Canon's High Sensitivity (HS) System for reduced noise in photos and video, Optical Image Stabilization to keep things steady and blur free, along with their High Speed AF system, a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor, and their new Creative Shot mode. This one will retail for... Continue Reading
Ricoh releases new bridge camera: the Pentax XG-1
Ricoh has just unveiled their latest Pentax branded mega-zoom camera, the XG-1. Targeting those who are looking for an all-in-one type camera with easy to use controls and manual exposure options, the XG-1 gives you that and more with a DSLR-like look and feel with its large hand grip and lens bezel. At your fingertips is control over a 52x optical zoom lens, which covers an equivalent zoom range of 24mm - 1248mm; meaning you'll be able to cover just about any shooting situation you find yourself in. Pair that with a 16-megapixel image sensor, full 1080p HD video, sensor-shift Shake Reduction technology, 1cm Macro focus mode, and high-speed shooting at 4.7fps; and you've got one powerful package the entire family can enjoy. For more details about this new arrival... Continue Reading
Canon gear was the top choice amongst professional photogs at the World Cup "soccer tournament in Brazil"
Canon has just announced that during the recent soccer tournament in Brazil, their broadcast lenses and EOS DSLR bodies were the most widely used by professional photographers and videographers; with approx. 70% of industry professionals using Canon gear. Canon DSLRs were the most commonly used to capture all the action, from the "the riveting goals, ravenous fans, colorful scenery and nail-biting moments of the soccer matches". This was all made possible thanks to the Canon Professional Services (CPS) team, which supported professionals on location with... Continue Reading
This bi-monthly newsletter was sent to subscribers and forum members of Steve's Digicams. Steve's Digicams does not rent, sell or lease customer information. You can view our online privacy policy here.
A photo series that captures the essence of summer
Nothing says summer quite like shooting out of a water slide, taking a big deep breath and splashing into a chlorine-filled pool. Krista Long’s series “I Love Summer” captures Iowa swimmers in that moment of pure joy or fear before they hit they water.
Be the first to hear about new stuff on PopPhoto.com by subscribing to our revamped RSS feed!
Photo Glossary
Diffraction
When light travels through a lens, for example, a diffraction occurs as rays strike and move past a lens diaphragm. In a lens, diffraction results in a softer image, and can become a problem at smaller apertures, because a larger percentage of the entire image is composed of diffracted light. For this reason, several macro photographers won’t shoot at apertures smaller than f/11, despite the fact that smaller apertures promise greater depths-of-field and ostensibly sharper subjects. The greater the subject magnification, the more visible the effects of diffraction become.
