PhotoComment September 2009

Professional Professional Portfolio: Portfolio: Christine Christine Meintjes Meintjes Reader Reader Portfolio: Portfolio: Laetitia Laetitia Kenny Kenny 3 3 Basic Basic Mistakes Mistakes New New Sony Sony Alpha Alpha 550 550 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2009 2009

Sony’s

range nets three exciting new members.

380* 61622

14.2-Megapixel 14 2M i limaging i i with Quick AF Live View.

The new

330 10.2-Megapixel imaging with Quick AF Live View.

230

**

10.2-Megapixel imaging in the smallest, lightest body ever.

DSLRs with Quick AF Live View have arrived.

There’s no better way to capture the beautiful game than with the new user-friendly graphic displays, on-screen help guides and more streamlined bodies of the latest range.

With Quick AF Live View coupled with a 2.7-inch tiltable LCD in the 380 and 330, you’ll never miss those exciting shots. And at 450g, the 230 is the world’s lightest DSLR among APS-C and full-frame size DSLRs. What’s more, with Sony’s unique technologies such as SteadyShot ® INSIDE and D-Range Optimiser, great photography has never been easier.

• BIONZ ™ Image Processor • SteadyShot ® INSIDE • D-Range Optimiser • Eye-Start ® Activation • Anti-Dust Protection • 9-Point Centre-Cross AF • Up to ISO 3200 • HDMI Connectivity * 380 will only be available from September 2009. ** Not available with Quick AF Live View.

OFFICIAL FIFA PARTNER

330 &

230 available immediately.

www.sony.co.za | Sony Consumer Information Centre (011) 690-3555

SEPTEMBER 2009

Editor’s Comment

4

Readers Comments

4

We want to hear from you magazine@photocomment.net Cover Image:

Scoop

6

All about what is happening in the photographic world locally and internationally

Cover Image by: Christine Meintjes

Founder: Tristan Hall Editor: Wilhelmus Moller Design & Layout: Greg Wrench

Professional Portfolio 8 Christine Meintjes

Contact: magazine@photocomment.net Website: http://photocomment.net To advertise in PhotoComment please email us at magazine@photocoment.net

Technique

14

Are you making these 3 basic photography mistakes

Reader Portfolio

16

Laetitia Kenny

Review

18

Sony Alpha A550 DSLR

Final Comment

21

photocomment

Š 2009

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Editor’s Comment

T

his month we have another feature packed

It is with this in mind that we recently revamped

issue of PhotoComment. We get to see the

our website. We will keep the website updated

amazing work of Christine Meintjes, one of

regularly through the month so that you can get

South Africa’s most sought after wedding

your fix of Photo News at any time. There is a

photographers. We also meet Laetitia Kenny in

forum for you to discuss all your photographic

our Readers Portfolio and see the interesting

related topics, regular polls, and all the latest

things she does with her images. We review the

photographic news. We encourage your feedback

new range of Sony DSLR’s released in August.

and the website is there for you to make yourself

We also discuss 3 common mistakes made by

heard or seen (you will soon be able to submit

people starting out in photography and how to

your portfolio online.) The website links directly

correct these.

to the latest issue of PhotoComment Magazine making it easier to read PhotoComment than ever

PhotoComment is continually striving to improve

before.

and become a magazine that you, the readers, will

You can find us online at http://photocomment.net

eagerly await each month. We are discussing many improvements and changes that will make

Happy reading

PhotoComment South Africa’s photo publication

Greg

of choice. Watch this space!

Photocomment Designer

Quotes “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts”

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”

Sign hanging in Einstein’s office at Princeton

Albert Einstein

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one”

“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources”

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein

Win Stand a chance to win by contributing to our Readers Letters section.

Camera Stabilising Bag sponsored by Tandem Focus Distributors

Readers Comments TANDEM

We welcome feedback about what you think of PhotoComment Magazine. Your stories, experiences, questions, inspirations, are all welcome and can be sent to magazine@photocomment.net enter “Letters” as the subject. Each month we will publish some of your feedback.

?

The famous Gary Fong Lightsphere UNIVERSAL - fits almost ANY oncamera flash! ?

The grip is so strong that it can support the entire weight of a camera, drive and flash securely. ?

Attaches with patent pending grip system - WILL NOT FALL OFF! ?

Includes translucent white dome, and accepts full line of Lightsphere Accessory Domes - AmberDome & ChromeDome. ?

Available single diffuser with dome or in MONEY SAVING kits that contain everything you need to produce studio-quality lighting with your on-camera flash - without a bracket!

Odrinary Flash

With Gary Fong Lightsphere-II

Available Now From

“THE UNSEEN WORKS” EXHIBITION 17 September –1 December 2009 Rooke Gallery, Newtown, Johannesburg www.rookegallery.com

The first week of September saw the release of many new and exciting products to the photographic industry. We look briefly at the new line up from Leica, the new Sony Alpha A850, the new Canon EOS 7D, a new 100mm Macro Lens from Canon and Tamron’s new 17-50mm f2.8 lens. Plus PhotoComment’s new website! mergexhibition 26 August - 15 November 2009 Frieda’s Gallery, 15 Bree Street, Cape Town. www.mergexhibition.com Merge - an ongoing series of five collaborative exhibitions beginning with the theme of water and set to change every 3 months - five photographers examine five elements - each from their own unique perspective.

The participants of this group show Ruvan Boshoff, Greg English, David Gur, Trevor Samson & Dale Yudelman met in the 1980’s and worked for various news media during the most turbulent years of the apartheid era. Since those days their career paths have diverged although their personal friendships have endured.

The elements: water, fire, air, earth and aether are commonalities in the experience of our humanity; influencing: cultural and spiritual geographies, social climate and natural ecologies. In their exploration of these powerful themes, a portrait of the times and environments in which we experience these forces is set to evolve.

‘touchstone building’ - dale yudelman

A rare collection of unseen works by two respective iconic artists Mark kannemeyer : the berlin paintings Roger ballen : the vintage photographs More about mark kannemeyers berlin paintings: Whilst Mark was completing his Meisterschüler (Cum Laude) in Berlin (1986-1992) he produced a number of large-scale paintings. The works returned to South Africa upon Mark’s return from exile in 1996 and have been stored ever since. He has refused to paint any new works. Whilst Mark is renowned for his acclaimed illustration under the name of Lorcan White and his role in the legendary Bitterkomix series, his paintings have largely remained a secret. Rooke Gallery acquired the full collection of paintings and requested Mark’s permission to exhibit the works along with twelve unseen illustrations completed by Mark over the same period in Berlin.

More about roger ballen’s unseen and vintage photographs: Roger Ballen will present a collection of his vintage photographs that stretch back to the early 1970’s. This exclusive collection provides a rare glimpse into Roger’s world that to date has remained hidden. It further provides context to to the trajectory of Ballen’s career over the last 30 years.

Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro IS USM the first EF lens to feature Hybrid IS The 1st of September also saw the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod.

The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.

Sony brings full-frame quality to a new class of DSLR photo entusiasts Aimed at experienced shooters looking for value and sophisticated SLR performance, Sony introduced the full-frame α (alpha) DSLR-A850 camera.

The α850 model shares the same 24.6 megapixel sensor and most features of the flagship α900 camera, introduced last year, but will be available for just under $(body only).

“Sony is bringing the benefits of a full-frame digital SLR camera to a broader group of consumers,” said Kristen Elder, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “The α850 strengthens Sony’s alpha DSLR line, which now offers models in each step from high-end professional down to the amateur enthusiast.”

The α850 camera is designed to deliver ultra-fine picture quality with a high resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35-mm fullframe Exmor™ CMOS sensor and fast image processing with dual BIONZ™ processing engines. It also offers highspeed continuous shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at up to three frames per second.

At the same time Sony released the Alpha A550, see the review later in this issue.

CANON EOS 7D This month Canon unveiled the EOS 7D digital SLR camera. Incorporating a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon, the EOS 7D also features: Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second. During extensive development Canon went back to the drawing board, listening to photographers worldwide in order to design the EOS 7D to meet their specific needs.

Commenting on the creation of the EOS 7D, Mr Uchidoi, Group Executive of Photo Products Group, Canon Inc. Japan said “We consulted over 5,000 photographers worldwide and asked them what they most wanted to see from a camera. Matching this insight with cutting-edge technology, we were able to develop a camera that truly gives photographers the versatile tool they require to experiment with their images.”

Leica M9 On 09-09-09 Leica officially revealed the M9 - a full frame version of its M-mount rangefinder. The Leica M9, with its 24 x 36mm, 18 megapixel sensor is, according to the company: 'the world's smallest fullframe system camera.' The body is available in a new 'Steel Gray' finish and offers minor button re-arrangement over the M8 - all the major changes relate to the internals. The Kodak-developed CCD sensor features improved offset microlenses to optimize performance at the edges of the frame along with a sensor cover with improved filtering of infrared light so lens-mounted IR filters are no longer needed. Most importantly, the 35mm film-sized sensor means every Leica M-mount lens provides the originally intended field of view.

TAMRON SP AF17-50MM VC FOR NIKON DX-FORMAT DSLR On 1 September 2009, Tamron USA, Inc. released the SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II* VC LD Aspherical [IF], a high speed f/2.8 wide-to-moderate-telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for Nikon-mount digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors. The new SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC covers the very popular 17-50mm focal length range making it extremely versatile. The new lens delivers impressive sharpness and striking contrast over its entire focal-length and aperture range, and at its maximum aperture of f/2.8 it produces beautiful images enhanced by shallow depth offield, and smooth, natural transitions in out-of-focus areas of the image. The new lens is equipped with Tamron’s proprietary Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization mechanism, which controls the effects of camera shake in three planes. VC provides more opportunities for sharp hand-held photography at the slow shutter speeds needed when shooting in low-light conditions dramatically enhancing the user’s level of photographic freedom.

Tamron plans to introduce the lens in a Canon mount version shortly after the new Nikon mount version with built-in motor hits the market.

CHRISTINE MEINTJES

CHRISTINE MEINTJES

C

hristine Meintjes is a passionate, young wedding and portrait photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. Her passion for photography was born when she started out as an assistant for a local wedding photographer on weekends. In pursuing her passion for creativity she studied and completed a BA in Visual Communications, specialising in graphic design and photography, at the University of Stellenbosch. We were able to ask her a few questions about herself and her work.

PC: How did your interest in photography begin?

CM: I actually went for a photo shoot with a local wedding and portrait photographer when I was 14. On the shoot I did all my own styling (because I thought that was how it worked.) The photographer asked me whether I had done this before, I hadn't it was just instinct. I've always had an eye for detail and loved any thing creative! My mom took me to art classes ever since I can remember. After the shoot the photographer offered me the opportunity to help out on photo shoots and I soon became her assistant on weekends. I loved it! Which 14 year old hangs out at weddings every weekend? I saw beautiful things every weekend and I had lots of time to observe and learn. I basically just carried everything, changed lenses and film (yes we were still on film those days.) I soon realised that I love photography and since then I've taken every opportunity that came my way to learn, and improve my portfolio.

PC: Why wedding photography?

CM: Well apart from the fact that this is where my interest started, it's an opportunity to make ordinary people look extraordinary. I also love the fact that weddings are such a happy environment.

PC: The wedding photography market is by far the most competitive and some would venture to even say over populated genre. How do you set yourself apart from the rest of the pack?

CM: First of all I believe there is a place for each one under the sun. I had a similar question from another photographer the other day and I told her that it's important to build your business around your personality.

Photography for me is a very personal thing. I believe you photograph in the way you see things. I'm very aware of detail, I love clean lines, I'm a slave to quality and I'm a perfectionist by nature and thats (hopefully) reflected

CHRISTINE MEINTJES in my work. In that way I believe I'll always be different from other photographers. I shoot in the way I am.

My shots reflect me.

“...it's an opportunity to make ordinary people look extraordinary�

PC:What is the most challenging venue you've had to shoot a wedding at?

CM: I once did a wedding under a thatch roof in a wooden cabin-like venue. It was extremely challenging! I'm not a big fan of flash and I always try and make the photos look very natural.

During the reception I couldn't bounce my flash, because the thatch just absorbed everything. I used a Gary Fong dome that acts as a "white ceiling", but realized I'd need a few off camera flashes. Since then I've bought some pocket wizards and now I'm trying that out. I'm quite impressed with the outcome, but to be honest I'm still learning about off camera flash. I suppose you never stop learning in this industry which is probably a good thing.

CHRISTINE MEINTJES

PC: Have you had to deal with difficult family relationships at weddings? How do you work in these situations?

CM: Luckily I've never encountered a REALLY difficult situation. I have however had a few complicated situations, such as separated parents that don't talk to one another. To avoid any awkward moments, I always meet up with my clients the week before the wedding and in this session I always ask them about their family. If there are any issues, I take notes and make sure I work around these on the big day.

I always act professionally and by this I mean I respect my clients and all the other people at the wedding. I have however had a few nervous moms and brides, but that is why I always carry some Rescue Remedy (a natural calm aid) with me. I offer this to them to calm the nerves. It works like a bomb! I highly recommend it as an add on to any wedding photographers gear PC: Do you go for the posed or more photojournalistic look?

CM: I go for something in between. I do shoot in a photojournalistic style when the opportunity arises, but I do believe as a professional half of my job is to direct. This is probably the strongest during the couple shoot. I'm not bossy at all and I'm always in the background, but I do direct my

CHRISTINE MEINTJES client to create natural moments that can be captured. They are real moments, but most of the time I directed them.

I see things differently than the client sees them, so it's important to remove the chair in the back or to ask the bride to place her hand on his shoulder etc.

PC: What is your greatest asset on the big day?

CM: I do whatever I can to make my clients feel like movie stars on the day.

PC: What are your terms and what key points do you discuss in your first meeting with clients?

CM: I have a very strong policy that I don't reserve dates. I will only reserve a date on presentation of a 50% deposit.

Most of my clients are international, so we communicate over email and then I meet them the week before the wedding, but whether it's an email or a meeting I ask my client where the wedding is going to take place, what "theme" or feeling they want to create for their wedding. It's important to know what look or feel my clients want for their wedding, in order to create the best outcome.

I also explain to them how I normally work on a wedding day and then we discuss how many group shots they want with friends and family. I try and keep this to a small group of people, because I still need to do the bridal portraits after that and I don't want the guests to wait too long before the bride and groom enter the reception. I also then ask my client if they have any particular shots they want, I don't want to have any unhappy clients afterwards, so I make sure I know exactly what they expect.

PC: Can you describe your perfect wedding for us?

CM: Perfect light in every area (getting dressed, ceremony, couple shoot and the reception), a couple that are highly in love, beautiful dĂŠcor and lots of emotion.

PC: How do you prepare to shoot an individual wedding?

CM: I make sure I have the time table for the day sorted out beforehand. I make a detailed list of the time table, I even include traveling time between the venue and the reception.

It's very important to be on time! Apart from that I take the day as it comes, I use what I see around me and I always try and do something different.

PC: How much time do you spend editing your images after a wedding? Do you draw a fine line on what is allowed in

CHRISTINE MEINTJES photo editing or do you believe that pixels are free for your creative expression in and out of the camera?

CM: I spend a maximum of 2/3 days on a wedding. I have done it in a day, but that's if I'm very pushed for time. I do however have a longer waiting period for my clients, since editing is not the only activity I need to do. I don't use Photoshop, 99% of the time I use only Adobe Lightroom. I do very basic editing, such as white balance correction, brightness and contrast etc. Here and there I will do a few extra things, but mostly I try and get the shot as correct as possible when I shoot. I don't have a problem with over exaggerated Photoshop, but I don't think it suits my style. I have a very simplistic style.

PC: What is your favourite image and why?

CM: There is one image that I took about 2 years ago in Robertson. I asked the bride to twirl around in front of wine bottles outside a cellar. It was the first wedding where I had my 50mm f1.4. I shot the photo on f2 (I think) and since then it has become my favourite lens! I love a strong depth of field and this has become one of the "signature" things about my shots.

PC: Do you enjoy photographing other subjects or genres?

CM: Yes I do. I love photographing detail such as decor and food. I recently did a shoot in Botswana for a lodge and I really enjoyed it! I need variety to keep me creative.

PC: You have a strong social networking and online presence. How important has this been to your business?

CM: Very! I believe in word of mouth advertising. If you give someone something to talk about, you have created a consumer evangelist for your business. I also believe in building strong relationships and an online presence gives you the opportunity to do this on a totally different level.

The internet also gives me the opportunity to share my work internationally.

PC: I've seen that you have begun using the video function on your Canon EOS 5D MkII, is this a function that you see more demand for in your work?

CM: I did one video while shooting an engagement shoot. I loved the results and I would love to pursue this later on, but it's a totally different ball game and I think I need a bit more practice before I use it professionally. [o]

Are you making these 3 basic photography mistakes

Taking consistently good photographs is about eliminating the bad habits that lead to poor shots. The problem is that most people don't know what constitutes a bad photography habit, let alone fix one.

On the other hand, once you eliminate some of your

1.

more obvious existing bad habits (and all of us have them!), your photography will naturally improve.

So what are the most obvious bad photography habits?

Here's three of the ones that we think are the more common problems and could be easily fixed!

Not Holding Your Camera Properly

Supporting your camera properly will ensure you don't get the shakes and get unwanted motion in your shots.

The WRONG Way

The RIGHT Way

Ok, so a lot of us are photographers, but there is really no need to look like a complete amateur when we pick up and point our SLR or DSLR to get a shot. Holding your SLR properly, while not making it totally obvious that you are not a pro, also has a lot of advantages.

Here’s what you need to know.

For starters, holding a camera at both sides of the body like the picture below is usually a dead give away that you don’t know what you are doing.

The problem with this grip is that you haven’t really got maximum control of the movement of your equipment and so problems such as blurred photos due to shaking are going to crop up. The slower your shutter speed, the more pronounced these negative effects are going to be.

Secondly, you don’t have instant access to the capabilities of your SLR or DSLR because you have to remove your left hand to use the controls on your lens.

This is not a great state of affairs.

Now, while you will have a hard time eliminating camera shake altogether with solwer shots while you are hand-holding your camera, there are a few things you can do to minimise the problem and most of the time, it won’t be any problem whatsoever.

The widely-regarded best way to hold your SLR is to grip the lens with your left hand and use your right hand for the body controls (which are primarily positioned on most SLRs to be most accessible using this grip).

Adapted with permission from www.lightstalking.com

2.

Not Getting Close

Probably the most typical problem with amateur shots is that they don't fill the screen with their subject. Walk up to the subject and get as close as possible!

3.

Not Composing the Shot

A simple technique here is to simply point your camera in slightly different angles around the subject you want to take in order to see what looks better. Tilt it up and down, to the left and right.

Remember the rule of thirdsand then take the shot. Easy!

Now, as with any "rule" there are always going to be exceptions and times when the rule should be broken. Consider them guidelines rather than set in stone rules.

As always, practice makes perfect so get out there and start shooting! [o]

The Rule of Thirds is basically a compositional guide that recommends that any image should be (imaginarily) divided into nine sections by equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines (like a tic tac toe grid). Any major elements within the image should be placed along these lines and preferably at the points of intersection.

AFRIPIXEL NEWS Making photography fun!

Don't gasp - don't cry if you missed it!

We held our second event on Saturday 12 September 2009, at the Museum of Military History.

Our special"One-shot"competition was held - The Museum has plenty of different items to challenge our creative minds..... Everyone who attended had the opportunity to take one shot, and only one at the event. These were downloaded, and evaluated for the best image of the day.

A special two hour course was presented

by Robbie Aspeling, and was a really worthwhile investment! Processing your digital images for print and web display.

Those who attended were able to get their hands on the newly released Sony Alpha bodies - The A500 and the A850 were there to play with, as well as some

www.afripixel.com

of the more interesting Sony lenses.

We all enjoyed playing with those!

simply do this from the software, online with Adobe.

We also arranged for a Sony technician to be available to do a minor service on your Sony digital camera! He cleaned lots of sensors and check for minor problems before we got started with the lecture. Thank you Andrezj for sorting out so many dirty sensors! We really do appreciate your coming out and helping us!

The ONE SHOT Competition got everyone really thinking. The creative juices ran wild, and we had some very interesting interpretations... The winning entry to this competition was Gregg Murray. Gregg Murray won himself the full version of Adobe Photoshop Elements, which will be delivered to him in the next couple of days. Congratulations Gregg!

Since we were discussing post processing, the Big Chief arranged a demo version of Adobe CS4 Design Premium for everyone who attended.

Whilst this is only the demo on the disks, it does allow you to try it out and see what it can do. Those who wish to purchase the full version can

One Shot Winning Image by: Gregg Murray

READER PORTFOLIO

LAETITIA KENNY

O

ur readers portfolio this month features Laetitia Kenny. This is what she had to say about herself and taking photos.

My name is Laetitia Kenny and unlike many photographers I can’t claim that I received my first Box Brownie from my granddad when I turned 10. I only started photography in my thirties and am completely self taught.

When I matriculated I studied teaching, specialising in Fine Art, and spent too many years teaching Art both at primary and high school.

I am creative and have pursued a number of artistic hobbies and interests but photography really does it for me.

I started out doing mainly mono handprints in a chemical darkroom. My family certainly didn’t complain when I packed up the darkroom and tried to become computer literate!! Throwing the mouse at the wall in frustration sure beats the smell of photographic chemistry.

Although I try to be as versatile as possible I do favour working with people. I have always enjoyed painting and once I had discovered the joy of Photoshop I tried to "paint" with photographs, creating completely original compositions using my camera rather than my paintbrush. To create these surrealist type images I photograph all the elements that I need and then put them together in multi layered composites.

I was awarded my Associateship in Photography by the PSSA in January of this year and was awarded a gold medal at the Trierenberg Super Circuit 2009.

Well done Laetitia, we are very impressed with what you have accomplished. Keep it up!

We could be featuring your Portfolio here in the next issue, send your submission to magazine@photocomment.net

READER PORTFOLIO

LAETITIA KENNY

REVIEW

SONY ALPHA A550

Click For Video Clip

T

o many of you it may appear that PhotoComment is a largely Sony based if not possibly even biased publication. Before we kick off this review we need to explain that we are fortunate to have a good relationship with Sony South Africa which extends back to the very earliest days of our existence and hence have enjoyed the privilege of reviewing new products often within days of their release. This said, we pride ourselves on an unbiased approach to all our reviews and welcome such relationships with all brands.

Now with that formality out of the way, let's take a look at what is arguably the most exciting camera from the Sony stable since the Alpha A900 took centre stage.

Sony has long been considered an innovator in the electronics industry and for this reason many were expecting any announcement of new Alphas to set a benchmark and call the top two brands out to duel. Those who had expected such a glorious move were disappointed at the announcement made on August 27th when Sony unveiled the A850, A550, A500 mainly due to the lack of video.

This does seem odd from a manufacturer who produces arguably the best selling video camera in their Handycam range.

We've been fortunate to play with both the A850 and the A550 and while there aren't any huge differences between the A850 and the A900, the more time we spent with the A550 the more we realised the innovation offered by this new camera and it's marginally different sibling, the A500.

First thing you notice when you take hold of the A550 is a unique design that handles a lot better than the

REVIEW

SONY ALPHA A550

recently reviewed A380. The menu and graphical display of aperture and shutter in obtaining correct exposure are - if possible - even more interactive and unlike the A330/380 are also visible in live view mode. The only draw back I found in terms of handling is the absence of a control dial on the back of the camera by your thumb.

Sony's Exmor CMOS sensor with Bionz processor helps to reduce noise and speed up the new Alphas with the A500 offering 5 fps (frames per second) and the A550 we're reviewing offers an astounding 7fps in it's Speed Priority Setting. On the topic of noise levels, despite only being a pre-production sample, the noise levels seem to have undergone a strong improvement over the older A700..

There is however one key feature in these two cameras that bar one other camera on the market (Pentax's K7) makes the A550 and A500 unique, that is the new Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range). For those who are not all to familiar with the term, HDR photography is a techniques where you would take several pictures of the same subject bracketing your exposure. Then using a program like PhotoMatics or even Photoshop in order to combine the images you are able to have an image capable of giving - depending on the number of images and range of bracketing - surreal dynamic range.

What sets the Alpha apart from its competitors here, according to them, is the fact that their HDR mode does not require you to have your camera tripod mounted in order to properly overlap images. In our test this was certainly true within reason, with rapid moving subjects or even active three month old baby boys, you will notice a misaligned double image, other than that it seemed to work fine even hand held. The question may be asked, does it really make a difference to dynamic range? Yes it is noticeable though the in camera processing of the image does not likely render what a more experienced HDR photographer would like.

So what do we have to say about the A550 and its smaller A500 sibling in concluding this review?

Time will tell if the exclusion of video from Sony's lineup will hurt their brand but after using the A550 I'm inclined to believe that perhaps Sony opted to buck the trend in order to create a camera that would offer better image quality for what is at the heart of a DSLR's purpose, creating still images! Alpha is certainly enjoying great success in a very short period of time but there has been a sense among many that the image quality could still be lifted a little further and

with this camera one gets the sense that this is what they've done. We all know Sony can make great video cameras and when they add it to the mix I am sure it will be cutting edge but my primary reason for buying a DSLR is for high quality stills images and that is where Sony seem to have placed there focus.

The A500 and A550 offer low noise level, high frame rates, Auto HDR and Quick AF Live View - still the best Live View in the market - now with Face Detection and even their infamous Smile Shutter. Add to this some of the best lenses on the market and you have a superb camera. Would we at PhotoComment buy one? I could confidently say yes.

Readers Portfolio This is your chance to get your images published.

For each issue we (the editors assisted by a panel of industry leading photographers) will choose a reader's portfolio that inspires and celebrates the art and craft of photography best for that month.

You stand a chance to win a prize from SONY, one of our advertisers, should your portfolio be published. Include a self-portrait accompanied with a brief introduction of yourself, your style and your philosophy.

Send us no more than 10 of your best images with your contact details to magazine@photocomment.net enter “Readers Portfolio� as the subject. Make sure the images are in JPEG format and no larger than 640x480 (or closest too), we will contact you for larger files if needed. Needless to say that the standard will be high and uncompromising so please put your best foot forward.

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Keith Groenewald

Prize

1 x Laptop Sleeve 1 x SONY ALPHA Lens Book 1 x Memory Card Pouch 1 x Rain umbrella All branded SONY ALPHA

- You could be featured next month submit comments, images or portfolio to magazine@photocomment.net - We will have our usual mix of informative articles and more portfolios to inspire us to take better photos.

T

he continued onslaught of 'amatuer' photographers 'stealing' business from professionals has been a topic of debate - in just about any industry - for decades. It is a topic I regularly engage myself in and from different view points to gauge reactions and emotions.

Many professionals complain bitterly about the difficult market they find themselves in where it seems almost every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to rush out and buy an entry level DSLR, put it on auto and overnight become a weekend wedding photographer warrior. You will hear complaints of 'poor quality of work' and 'prices that undercut the market drastically'. One can understand the frustration and to a degree fear of professionals who have spent their life developing the skills in order to provide for themselves and their families.

As a teenager keen on entering the photographic industry I can recall talking to several professional photographers about the possibilty of assisting and learning the ropes. In most cases I found the reponse in the form of a lofty or high and almighty 'NO'. One got the sense that they did not welcome the slightest hint of fresh blood in the market.

Due to the fact that I was virtually un-aided in my effort to

enter the market I did my first job at a rediculously low rate - particularly considering we were still shooting on film and became guilty of the crime so many professionals are screaming about. It was not until I attended a course on wedding photography by some of the industry stalwarts of the day that I realised how much worked was envolved and what I should have been charging for such an event.

So what is my point? Had a professional offered a hand when I was willing to ask I would have saved the embarrasment and losses I sustained so early on. It is very difficult to double your price when you have already begun to work in the market. Perhaps it is just my experience but I get the feeling that many professionals cry till they are blue in the face but are not willing to do much to change it. While experience does count in this industry, digital without coaching will be the demise of the professional where requiring a pro is not the difference between life and death.

You cannot argue that you could not take just any body off the street to build your house or perform your heart transplant when you have an industry that does not require regulation. Perhaps here is the question to ask for your feedback on: how can the professional market change to thrive and not just survive?

Image by: Laetitia Kenny