Most digital SLRs are capable of shooting hd video and they’re revolutionizing the movie industry. Independent film-makers are now capable of producing more cinematic films because of them. You can take advantage of their capabilities too, whether for home movies or your own productions. But there’s one problem, focusing while recording is a nightmare. Read the rest of this entry »

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I see it all the time, people’s flashes going off for night-time scenic pictures or concerts. Guess what, those pictures won’t turn out. Or at least, the flash won’t help and might actually hurt. Don’t be afraid to turn your camera’s flash from auto to off sometimes. The flash has a purpose, but no camera is smart enough to know when to use it. All automatic flash knows is when there is too little light for the perfect picture. Read the rest of this entry »

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English: Two SD Cards, Left: 2 Gigabyte SD (Se...

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It used to be confusing buying a camera then the memory card. There were so many to choose from. Now the majority of cameras accept the sd card – and there are many to choose from. So how do you know you’re buying the right one? Read the rest of this entry »

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I haven’t forgotten about these tips, tricks and reviews. Writer’s block is an evil, evil creativity blocker. I promise to try to contribute a bit more here for all who read my tips.In the passing months, I have learned some new tricks, acquired a new and better job and have explored other fun technologies. This is just a taste of what I may be bringing in the near future while trying to keep the focus on photography and video.

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Comparison of the 5D Mark II and Rebel XT CMOS...

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So maybe you own a digital single lens reflex camera or DSLR and looking to upgrade or maybe you’re just graduating to a DSLR. What do you buy? Though there are many factors to consider, the sensor size deserves it’s own topic. Each manufacturer uses their own variant in sensor size, but they generally break down to Full-Frame sensors (about the size of 35mm film) and APS-C sensors (about the size of APS film). Read the rest of this entry »

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A Canon EOS 550D with an attached L-series lens

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When digital single lens reflex cameras, or DSLRs, started adding features to record HD video, there was an explosion in high quality, amateur productions. However, the better control over the image and depth of field at an affordable price had it’s challenges. That’s when an independent film-maker sought out to add in some missing features and enhancing others. The result is Magic Lantern, a free and open-platform “firmware” that sits on top of Canon’s. This incredible enhancement to Canon’s lineup was originally designed for the Canon 5D, has recently been adapted to the 550D (T2i), and now is being developed for the 60D.

I was reluctant to install it on my Canon 550D (or T2i) because I was afraid to risk damaging such an expensive piece of equipment. But I also needed some of these missing features and took the plunge. I followed the directions carefully and was surprised at how easy it was to install Magic Lantern. The best part is, it installs to your SD card, meaning that once the memory card is removed, so is Magic Lantern.

There are too many features to go through here and the firmware is always being improved upon, but I will go through the ones I use most often. Most of the features I am still learning as well, or haven’t tried out yet. Read the rest of this entry »

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Android robot logo.

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If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been at a little bit of a writer’s block and decided to expand to off-topic subjects. I still would like to focus on photography and video, but without my readers suggesting topics, it can be difficult to find new direction.

I am a proud owner of an Android phone. In fact, I am on my second one (and still trying to sell my Samsung Moment if anyone is interested). Google’s mobile operating system is powerful, but might not be for everyone. For those willing to take the steps to get even more out of it, continue reading. And for those of you nervous and uncomfortable with taking these steps, it really is easier and less painful than you may think. The beauty of open-source software such as Google’s Android OS is the legal ability to do what you please with it. The developer communities for the operating system has made incredible improvements to an already great software. And for those of you nervous and uncomfortable with taking these steps, it really is easier and less painful than you may think. Read the rest of this entry »

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The new, up and coming band Say It In Six is ready to launch into the Chicago area music world. The photos from their very entertaining photo shoot can be found here. I also filmed one of their practice sessions so the world could get a taste of what’s to come and I was blown away. Watch the video here.

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A gigabit HP-ProCurve network switch in a nest...

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Alright, perhaps I could have prevented some of my site’s downtime had I done more research on the topic. But neither my new nor old web host helped either. I don’t blame my old one being difficult, they don’t want to lose money. I didn’t think my new one was lacking in help either until I got everything in order, now I wonder if I made a good decision. Read the rest of this entry »

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I’ve been debating with myself on posting these photos or not for far too long now! In early October 2010, I took my first visit to the Morton Arboretum just outside of Chicago with the attempt to capture some beautiful Fall photos. Unfortunately, I went a little too soon for the leaves to have changed how I would have liked. I was still able to capture some amazing photos and you can see them here or just click the photos link on the top left of the page.

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