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Need a new pocket shooter? Check out this camera….

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t lug a lot of camera equipment around.  Not that I don’t want to, but casual camera work does not always require a DSLR and a bag or two of “must carry” equipment, like lights, backdrops, extra lenses, etc. etc.

My first pocket camera was a Nikon, and it was small (a big plus) but lacked resolution and zoom features.  It served me well until I gave it to my grandson, and he got a lot of use out of it.

Even though I have a great camera in my Google Pixel XL smartphone, I find the lenses and sensors on a small camera make for great pictures.  especially if you want to blow them up, or make extensive editing/cropping.

After the Nikon, I got a Canon SX600.  compact, fits in a shirt pocket, and decent battery life.  It did have wifi, but no bluetooth.  18x zoom, 3″ LCD screen, and 16MP resolution.  While it still is one of my favorites, I felt it was time for Bluetooth and more zoom.  (I love more Zoom)!

So I got myself a new SX730HS, like this:

The Canon SX 730 HS (specifications), Available on Amazon and eBay

The 40x optical zoom is awesome, especially for a camera of it’s size. With image stabilization (tip: use a tripod or rest it on a railing for steadying it at maximum zoom) it gets in really close.  With a 20.3 mega pixel image, Bluetooth, and wifi, you have a lot of bases covered.  It also has a feature called “image assist”, to keep your subject in focus as you zoom.  (Did I mention I like to zoom)?

The Unforgettable Photograph: 228 Ideas, Tips, and Secrets for Taking the Best Pictures of Your Life, from Amazon Books

The camera is a little bit larger than what I would have liked, it’s big for my pocket and I keep it in a LowePro Tahoe case from Amazon.  I also use a carabiner to clip it to my belt loop.  It fits nicely in a suit  jacket pocket or a coat.  I like to keep it handy, but don’t like it to be exposed to the elements or potential crooks.  The LowePro case has a pocket for spare batteries and an SD card or two.  This comes in real handy when your battery dies and you are taking some really promising shots.

I also strongly suggest you get a set of spare batteries and an extra charger so that you always have a fresh battery on hand, especially if you shoot movies.

SX730 batteries and chargers on Amazon

SX730 batteries and chargers on eBay

The Canon SX730 HS is a comfortable and efficient camera for all around snapshots, with the capability to wirelessly transmit your pictures to your smartphone, which will send them to the cloud.

I would feel very comfortable taking this camera on vacation, because of it’s size and features.  You can shoot on full automatic or use the shutter/aperture, and scene settings to your best advantage.  Not to mention movies.

Here is hoping you enjoy all the pictures you take!

I hope you found my point of view enlightening and informative.  Consider sharing it and take a peek at my other works:

All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his Starbucks coffee habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share .This Blog was Human-generated by the author, and not produced by a Russian blog Engine.
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Nikon B700 Bridge Camera Review

This is amazing Camera 

Nikon Coolpix B700 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera (Certified Refurbished)

WHY?

It’s a Nikon – Ultra High quality Nikkor Lens; exceptional clarity in almost all light conditions
Smaller than a DSLR – One Lens does it all (You never need to change lenses, or carry them around everywhere)
ZOOM – 60x Optical, + Digital equivalent to a 1440MM telescopic Lens!
Wide angle and close up modes, I shot a coin collection with great detail
Lots of shooting modes – from night scenes to Beach; I almost always used it on Auto
Built in adjustable diopter (for eyepiece, no need to put on eyeglasses)
Eyepiece allows you to focus in Bright lights and glare, like at the beach
More than a snapshot camera, without hassle of DSLR.
Wifi lets you commit photos to your smartphone, and upload to the cloud – available immediately!
Camera comes already setup, you just have to tweak it for your needs (just start shooting) in Automatic mode.

This camera is best for 
Someone who travels, and wants all the features in a compact package
Student who wants better than a “snapshot” camera for hundreds less than a basic DSLR
Anyone who wants to have a camera with features comparable to expensive DSLR’s in an easy-to-handle format.
Parent who goes to sporting events, and can zoom in on their active children (80x Zoom)

The pictures below were taken at wide angle and then full Zoom ACROSS A FOOTBALL FIELD at Virginia Tech, THE LONG WAY! I was able to pick out my GF and her son in the stands. It was tricky to keep the camera steady, and the lighting was not optimal, but it worked great! I had to steady the camera against a seat back, even with the anti-vibration mode on.

Nikon Coolpix B700 Digital Camera with 32GB Card + Case + Battery & Charger + Tripod Kit (Certified Refurbished)
I use this camera with the Nikon Snapbridge app on my android phone.  It works bluetooth or Wifi, and takes a 2MB image from the camera into the cloud (the full size image is on the SD card).  it also lets you control the camera (best with a tripod) so you can be in the action.  I prefer a Holster case, a leather handgrip vs.  the standard neck strap, and extra batteries.

If you are looking for a camera that will give you a lot of value and capability for almost every situation, this is an excellent choice.
  
Disclaimer:  I own one, and love it.  

Thanks for reading my review!  Please feel free to share!
Photographer's Guide to the Nikon Coolpix B700: Getting the Most from Nikon's Superzoom Camera
I hope you found my point of view enlightening and informative.  Consider sharing it and take a peek at my other works:

The Chenkin Report

The Good Shots (Photography)


All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his Starbucks coffee habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share .This Blog was Human-generated by the author, and not produced by a Russian blog Engine.  

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Do this one thing and you will have better pictures!

Burst mode in flight

It doesn’t matter whether you shoot with a smartphone or a fancy DSLR camera – there is one tip that will help you get better shots.

Are you ready?  Take more shots.

Everyone is smiling around the birthday cake?  take 4 or 5. or more.  Someone may blink, or move so much the picture is blurry, so you need a way to compensate!
you may not get a second chance for a “once in a lifetime” picture, so don’t be stingy with your pictures, take extra shots.  SD cards are cheap.  So is cloud storage.  You already have the basis for a good picture, even if it is a snapshot!

Many cameras (like my Nikon) have the ability to take pictures in “burst mode”,  where one click of the shutter takes multiple shots.  This is great for many situations where you want multiples and will get them without  effort or coaching your subjects.  I find this is great when shooting pictures of puppies, children, cars in motion, and other fast-moving objects!

No matter what, always think of your composition before clicking the shutter – multiples of a bad shot are just terrible, but multiples of a good shot are inspirational.

Sequence of continuous high-speed images of an eruption of The Great Geysir.

 

 

Burst sequence of a rocket being fired.

Burst mode, also called continuous  shooting mode, sports en in Burst mode.mode or continuous high speed mode, is a shooting mode in still cameras. In burst mode, several photographs are captured in quick succession by either pressing the shutter button or holding it down.[1] This is used mainly when the subject is in successive motion, such as sports photography. The photographer can then select the best image of the group or arrange them in a sequence to study the transitions in detail. (these pictures and description are from Wikipedia.

With all the options you have with a modern camera, or even settings on a smartphone camera, you may want to carry a “cheat sheet” with you, so you have a fast reference to the shooting modes that you would use in any situation.  Because they are like the “Cliff Notes” of your camera’s manual, cheat sheets are usually a small laminated card, or cards, that have quick reference to the available shooting modes and tips for your camera.  There are also general tip sheets relating to Depth of field, exposures, etc.

Sweet As Photos - Plastic Double-Sided Photography Quick Reference Cards / Cheat Sheets

Even if you shoot a lot of pictures, these guides will give you a refresher on composition, exposure, shooting modes, etc.  It is a good item to keep in your bag, and review when you take your camera on a trip or review prior to taking some shots on vacation.

PhotoBert Photo CheatSheet for Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R Digital SLR Camera

Tell your subjects to hold the pose, and click the shutter one more time!

I hope you found my point of view enlightening and informative.  Consider sharing it and take a peek at my other works:
 
 
All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his Starbucks coffee habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share .This Blog was Human-generated by the author, and not produced by a Russian blog Engine.  
 
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Is your camera strap doing more harm than good?

Camera straps come as standard equipment when you get a new camera.  but  they tend to add weight to the back of your neck, are hard to manage, and don’t help you make better shots.  A strap that gives you neck strain can ruin your mood, and that does not help you take better pictures. My factory Nikon strap was cool, but I knew there had to be a better way.

Image result for nikon strap
The good news is that many companies make upgrades to the conventional strap; they have better webbing and wide padding for your neck and shoulders.  While still not the best, in my opinion, it is a marked improvement in holding your camera.
An upgrade to this would be the “Sling” style strap, holding the camera at your side, with the strap on the opposing shoulder.
Altura Photo Rapid Fire Camera Neck Strap w/ Quick Release and Safety Tether
I like Sling straps, but have an issue – I am a big clumsy guy, and these straps hold the camera at waist level, which makes them prone (in my case) to being knocked around or bounced against any nearby wall or door.
An option is the Harness,  which holds one or two cameras at chest level – but can be awkward when you are not on a photo shoot, although they do keep your camera ready and poised to take pictures:
Micnova MQ-MSP01 Multi Camera Carrying Chest Harness System Vest with Side Holster & Cleaning Cloth for Canon 6D 600D 5D2 5D3 Nikon D90 Sony A7S A7R A7S2 Panasonic Olympus DSLR CamerasDSLR Chest Mount Harness for all Digital Cameras compatible with all major brands Sony Canon 60D 70D T3,4,5i series 100% universalFomito Multi Camera Carrying Chest Harness System Vest with Side Holster for Canon for Nikon for Panasonic for Olympus for Sony A7R A7S A7II A7RII A58 A99 A6000 A6300 DSLR
While I own and have used all of the above, I have several goals in mind.  First, keep the camera near and available, and SAFE from any accidental damage, and make it easy to carry when not shooting.  What I came up with is this:
AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case for DSLR Cameras - BlackUniversal Hand Grip Strap Professional Padded Camera Wrist Strap Adjustable with 1/4" Screw Mount for DSLR SLR Camera Canon Nikon Sony Fujifilm Pentax Minolta Panasonic Olympus Kodak (Black)
The camera is safe in the bag,which is slung low around my neck or neck and shoulders.  The camera strap makes it easy to pull out the camera, shoot, and replace it quickly.  If I am klutzy or running I don’t have to worry, and the camera is always right there for me.
If I need to take extra lenses, I carry everything in this Sling bag, by Tamrac, which holds everything close and keeps my camera in a ready to shoot position, just like the Holster bag.
Tamrac 5766 Velocity 6x Compact Sling Pack (Black)
This combination of wrist strap, and choice of bags makes it easy for me to carry my DSLR and keep it ready to shoot premium pictures.  Most of the time I just take the camera in the holster bag with the prime lens and some extra batteries.  My message here is that the traditional camera strap is a “one size fits all” solution that has been around for many years.  It may not be the best, so find what works for you!
I hope you found my point of view enlightening and informative.  Consider sharing it and take a peek at my other works:

The Chenkin Report

The Good Shots (Photography)


All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his Starbucks coffee habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share .This Blog was Human-generated by the author, and not produced by a Russian blog Engine.  

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Smartphone accessories that turn your phone into a super-camera!

Firstly – Do you need a stand-alone camera?

Camera Lens Kit by Zeso | Professional CPL, Macro & Wide Angle Lenses | Multi-use tripod & Selfie Remote Control | For iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, iPads, Tablets | Universal Phone Clip & Hard Storage CaseORNikon D3400 24.2 MP DSLR Camera + AF-P DX 18-55mm VR NIKKOR Lens Kit + Accessory Bundle 64GB SDXC Memory + SLR Photo Bag + Wide Angle Lens + 2x Telephoto Lens + Flash + Remote + Tripod+Filters (Red)

Smartphone lens kit  OR Digital SLR camera?                                        

For most of us, all we require is in a smartphone.  Selfies, snapshots, etc., don’t require high resolution, or need to be strikingly clear.  Adequate will do  – in those situations.  However, if you want more than just a snapshot, and like pictures that are clear, composed well, and give you control over the final product, than it may be time for you to consider getting a camera to add to your capabilities.  Let’s consider some options:

Smartphone lens kits

Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit, Vorida 5 In 1 HD Lens Kit 12X Telephoto Lens + 198° Fisheye Lens + 0.65X Wide Angle Lens + 15X Macro Lens, Clip-On for iphone 8 7 6s plus 5, Samsung & Most SmartphonePhone Camera Lens, 4 in 1 12x Telephoto Lens Kit + 0.65x Wide Angle Lens & 15x Macro Lens + 180°Fisheye Lens, Clip-On Cell Phone Lens for iphone x 8 7 plus 6s, Samsung Galaxy Note SmartphonesAFAITH Mobile Phones Lens 10-in-1 Lens Kit for Smartphone, 8x Telescope for telephoto / fisheye lens / 2 in 1 macro lens and remote control Selfie Stick Monopod + Bluetooth + Mini Tripod Monopod for iPhone 7 / iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s / 6s Plus, Samsung Galaxy S8 / S8 / S7 / S7 / S6, Huawei P10 / P9 / P8, Sony, HTC, Nokia und andere Smartphones PA051

These kits turn your Apple or Android phone into a multi-lens digital camera!  You can get tripods, zoom lenses, macro, close up, and special effects lense that just clip on to the phone.  No fancy technical twist on gimmicks, just a way to use your phone’s camera like an expensive DSLR.  Usually in the $15 to $75 price range, these adapters can up your game if you are traveling  or want more from your phone’s camera, without the added bulk of a big camera.

Pocket Cameras
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera w/ 1 Inch Sensor and 3inch LCD - Wi-Fi, NFC, & Bluetooth Enabled (Black)Sony DSCWX350 18 MP Digital Camera (Black)Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80 black, DMC-TZ80EG-K

These small cameras usually come loaded with features (Zoom, Close up, wide angle, Macro, etc.) and fit in purse or pocket, even with a small carry bag.  Three of my favorites are above. Personally, I carry a Canon SX 600 as my pocket shooter.  The good part is it’s not always out, like when you are swimming at the beach, so it can be tucked away for when photo opps appear!  (If you are at the beach, consider waterproof cameras, like these from EBay. Don’t forget a floating strap).  My daughter still has the waterproof Nikon I bought her 4 years ago.  with the big yellow floating strap, it’s hard to misplace, and easy to find -especially when snorkelling!

Now you have some options for upping your photo game.  You don’t have to carry all the fancy photo equipment like I have, but you can take shots that will look like they were taken on an expensive camera!  Make sure your lenses are clean (especially on the smartphone – they have small lenses), and take multiple shots – extra never hurts!

Have fun and take pictures!

Thanks for reading my Blog! feel free to share!
Thanks for reading my Blog! feel free to share!
All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his crypto habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share and send some bitcoin in appreciation to my Bitcoin Address:

15EzAW7wfyqHD8pj6hS1dUCaLeLxW8uMbn

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Getting a new Camera for a trip?

Congrats on the new camera!


    —Or the Decision to get a new Camera!

Collins Need to Know? Digital SLR Photography: Expert Advice on Getting the Best from Your Camera

Plan on taking time to get to know your camera, and the camera settings, so that you have a “feel” for what your camera can do, but let me add more:


SLR Camera Wrist Strap Hand Belt Wrist Band with 1/4 Qucick Release Plate for Canon for Canon Nikon Sony DSLR CameraCase Logic SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag (Black)Tamrac 5769 Velocity 9x Pro Photo Sling Pack Bag (Brown/Tan)

Get a “nose bag” or “sling bag” and either a sling or a hand strap. this keeps your camera near and ready to shoot. You don’t want to fumble for it, and you can keep a hand on it while walking around – so you can just pull it out of the bag, focus, shoot, and put it back. quick and easy, less fumbling, etc. Less strain than typical neck strap, in my opinion.

5x Genuine SanDisk Ultra 16GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card Up To 40MB/s- 266x SDSDUN-016G-G46 (Newest Version)


Bring extra SD SD cards, and change them daily, so you have a fresh card every day and (if your camera gets lost or stolen), you don’t lose a vacation worth of shots. Upload them to the cloud daily (if you have wifi).
Also get an extra battery or two, you don’t want to run out of power. (and an adapter/charger for european or local power).  You can get Spare Camera Batteries on EBay.
Also put a UV filter on the lens (if you have a screw mount), it will protect it from accidental scratching and any impact.  UV Filters on Amazon.

Take two or three exposures for your shots. It’s not like your “wasting film”, and you can always choose the “best of three”. Also shoot at 6MP or more (preferably more); you want to catch as much detail as possible for your awesome shots.

Keep your lens clean and have your camera ready to go. also consider a small tripod, to steady the camera for zoom shots and occasional filming, to keep the camera steady. Lens Cleaning kits on Amazon.

CamKix Professional Camera Cleaning Kit for DSLR Cameras (Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony) - Double Sided Lens Cleaning Pen / Alcohol Free Optical Lens Cleaning Fluid / 50 Sheets Cleaning Tissue / Brush / Blower


Don’t be afraid to shoot on automatic, or use the scene settings (like night scene or beach scene). TAKE THE SHOT, check your settings, then take MORE SHOTS. keep a small note pad handy, and record the settings your used, time, and thoughts. also pay attention to light, so if the sun is behind the subject, you can adjust the exposure (or use the flash) to brighten the subject in the foreground. 

Take lots of shots. share them. show them off. This is your story, own it, enjoy it, and let your pictures help you tell it!

Best of luck!


Thanks for reading my Blog! feel free to share!
All rights reserved by Alan Chenkin & Primrose Path LLC.  Remember to give credit to the author and any cited works. Some links are promoted so the author can maintain his crypto habit. If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share and send some bitcoin in appreciation to my Bitcoin Address:

15EzAW7wfyqHD8pj6hS1dUCaLeLxW8uMbn

If you need a Bitcoin wallet, try Coinbase.




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Welcome to Good Shots Photography!

WELCOME!

Cameras were once the domain of serious professionals with expensive lenses, exotic film and developing chemicals, and limited opportunities due to the cost and limitations of film photography. 

Today the camera built into our cell phones liberates us from the old days of film cameras and brings us into the new film and video age.  But cameras are not obsolete;  we all like to have a pictorial record of our lives and travels.  We also enjoy when the images are clear, sharp, and capable of being blown up to poster size or printable on a mug or Tshirt. 

For me, carrying  several cameras is fun and lets me take some amazing shots.

Here is the camera stock I carry:

Google Pixel XL, Verizon Wireless + GSM unlocked 128GB, Quite Black (Certified Refurbished)


Phone – Google Pixel XL with 12.3MP main camera and 8MP selfie camera.  I always have it on me, so I almost never miss a shot.

Canon PowerShot SX600 HS 16MP Compact Digital Camera - Wi-Fi Enabled (Red) (Certified Refurbished)


Pocket Shooter – Canon Powershot SX600 HS with 18x zoom, one button movie mode, wifi, and fits in a pocket (even with the small case).  

Nikon COOLPIX B700 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera, with Total of 48GB along with Deluxe Bundle and Xpix Cleaning Accessory Kit


Bridge camera – Nikon CoolPix B700 Long Zoom camera with 60x zoom, wifi, Bluetooth, eyepiece  and swing out LCD screen.  Usually set on full Automatic, in a case logic nosebag with a hand strap.  You never have to change the lens – it goes from Close-in Wide angle to the equivalent of a 1440mm DSLR lens. Great when you have limited carry space (international trip, picnic, beach) where you only are carrying a small bag but want the features of a bigger camera.

Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR AF-P Lens (Black) 1576 + Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens + Lithium Ion Battery + Charger + Sony 64GB SDXC Card + HDMI Cable + Remote + Card Reader Bundle


DSLR – Nikon D5600, with 18-55mm  and 70-300mm zoom lenses with Autofocus and Vibration reduction.  Kept in a Nosebag or a Tamrac sling bag, with a leather palm grip.  I also carry spare batteries, charger, sd cards, and filters (gradient, CPL, UV) in the Tamrac bag.  (My tripod is in the car).   when I want the benefit of the larger lens, more exposure control, and a kick ass DSLR, this is what I carry.  

Regardless of what camera you carry, I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from it and wonderful memories.

Please read my blog for camera tips, personal experiences, and ideas on how you can use your camera(s) to enhance and enrich your life.


-Alan

Consider looking at my other blogs as well: