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For that timeless shot A good photograph is the result of a good camera and the person behind it Sadiq Shaban
I
t is said that a camera can photograph your thought. For a great photo, nothing is more important to a photographer than a camera and not surprisingly, the camera lens. While the camera processes and stabilises the image, it is the all-important lens that helps capture the essence of the moment. At its most basic, a camera lens contains one or more lens elements, all of which have a different function, but work together to form a sharp image on the imaging chip. For any professional camera, a good lens is a prerequisite. Just like the human eye, the camera lens sees an image and then focuses and transmits its colours, sharpness and brightness to the film. Lenses are usually made of optical glass or plastic and are engineered to focus light rays at a
converging point. For a camera to take a good photo, lens is therefore instrumental to capture the moment. Pertinently most of the modern day compact digital cameras come fitted with powerful processors, some of which do not have the option or flexibility of changing lens. However, several lenses have features, which can be used as auto-focus on cameras to get a good starting point. These can be manually adjusted afterward. However if you pick up a camera from a renowned brand like Nikon, chances are that you will be able to get excellent lenses along with it. Lenses like the “fisheye”, which are ultra-wide-angle and create dramatic images, are ideal for super-wide-angle special effects, interesting interiors and close-ups. Perspective control lenses allow you to control perspective, distortion, and focus with tilt
and shift. While Teleconverters sit between the camera body and select lenses to increase focal length, manual lenses are ideal for shooting HD since it has fast apertures and can focus easily besides being ultra quiet. With the advancement of digital camera technology, there are new developments in camera lenses too. The fact that many users look for great photos with minimal investment in cameras has led to the popularity of disposable cameras with simple but effective lenses. Needless to say lenses for professional photographers, such as high-performance binoculars or telescopes, have become all the more sensitive, advanced and sophisticated now. A lot of photo enthusiasts worry about zoom lenses on digital SLR and compact digital cameras. The range of aperture is important here. Interestingly, factors like the cost, size and weight of a lens also play a key role. Typically lenses with larger maximum apertures are
NIKON
Incorporating optical technologies NIKKOR lenses — creating lasting memories for eight decades
on the heavier side and usually more expensive. Such lenses are critical for wildlife, hiking and travel photography. A good photograph is the result of a good camera and the person behind the camera. It is equally important to have a proper lens in order to complete the ingredients required for that perfect shot. As Yousuf Karsh, a legendary Canadian photographer and journalist, best known for his portraits of history’s great personages like Winston Churchill, in the Life magazine, once noted, “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera.” –sadiq@khaleejtimes.com
SONY
Enhanced creative photography Sony hybrid NEX-5R camera boasts DSLRquality images in compact form
Serious picture performance, style and portability are blended beautifully in new NEX-5R compact system camera from Sony. Combining big-sensor image quality with the freedom of interchangeable lenses, the hybrid mirrorless camera offers all the benefits of DSLRstyle imaging with less to carry. A power-packed step-up from your point-and-shoot compact, it’s also a perfect second camera for photo enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise
on image quality or control when they’re travelling light. With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the DSLRsized sensor assures richly detailed still photos and crisp Full HD video. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ image processor that ensures flawless, low-noise images — even when you’re shooting dimly-lit interiors at sensitivity settings up to ISO 25600. In a first for interchangeable lens cameras by Sony, Fast Hybrid AF combines phase-
and contrast-detection autofocus methods to suit the demands of any shooting situation. First, phase-detection AF quickly detects subject distance; then contrast-detection activates to confirm
Choosing the right lens to suit your camera and your needs can be daunting but once you find your match, you will discover a whole new world of creativity. NIKKOR lenses come in all shapes and sizes including fisheye, ultra w i de - a n g le, su p e r telephoto, zoom and micro. Lens quality is important and a bad lens renders a good camera useless resulting in problems such as blurry edges, purple fringing and poor focus. NIKKOR lenses incorporate optical technologies that are always ahead of the times. For example the OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 fisheye lens for SLR cameras, released in 1968, was the world’s first lens to incorporate aspherical lens elements. From the initial extremely fine, precise focus. In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5R switches automatically to phase detection tracking AF. You’ll enjoy DSLR-like focusing responses when you’re capturing fast-moving action with highspeed burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second. Framing, adjusting, shooting and viewing images is a pleasure on the intuitive touch-screen LCD. It’s complemented by a fully-featured control dial and function button — a versatile combination for any photographer who’s accustomed to the flexibility of their DSLR camera. There’s also a new touch
design to final packaging, production and quality are controlled in accordance with Nikon’s strict standards. The highest quality designs and manufacturing, as well as strict final inspections ensure superior quality to satisfy users. This year Nikon Corporation celebrates the 80th anniversary of the launch of its NIKKOR photographic lenses, the lenses that have helped people all over the world capture lasting memories. NIKKOR’s
shutter function that makes it easier than ever to pick your perfect moment. The clear, bright touchscreen flips through 180 degrees for easy arm’s length self-portraits. Enthusiasts will also welcome the switchable on-screen digital level gauge that helps keep horizons level with landscapes and architectural shots. Full HD movie shooting has also been enhanced with a new Auto Slow Shutter feature that adds extra sparkle to lowlight clips. The camera detects dim interiors and night scenes, automatically switching to a slower shutter speed to brighten up your footage
D4 800mm for DA
AFS 70 200 ED VR history began in 1933 with the first shipment of the Aero-Nikkor lenses for aerial photography. Over that long history, Nikon has developed and sold an incredible variety of lenses under the NIKKOR name, including projection lenses for its IC steppers and scanners, as well as lenses for both film and digital cameras.
Nikkor lenses
The NEX-5R is the first interchangeable-lens digital cameras by Sony with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities for easy image sharing, saving and viewing. Photos and videos can be transferred wirelessly to a networked PC, simplifying image back-ups without having to fiddle with memory cards or connecting cables. Photos stored on the NEX-5R can also be enjoyed directly on any DLNA-compatible TV, with no HDMI cable needed. The NEX-5R is currently available across Jumbo Electronics showrooms and other leading electronics retailers in the UAE.
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