Tips – Fotografi Kanak-Kanak

Mengambil gambar kanak-kanak adalah tugas yang amat menarik. Reaksi mereka selalunya tidak dapat dijangkakan. Jangan paksa mereka untuk beraksi. Biar mereka berlagak sebagai diri mereka yang sebenarnya, dan ambil gambar mereka dalam keadaan kandid. Tapi sebelum itu bawa mereka ke tempat yang mempunyai latar yang menarik seperti di taman, pantai, kolam renang dan sebagainya. Berikan juga sesuatu yang kelihatan menarik untuk mereka pegang, seperti permainan yang berwarna-warni. Pastikan juga mereka memakai pakaian cantik yang berwarna terang. Tugaskan seseorang (kalau boleh ibu kanak-kanak) untuk memanggil mereka supaya menoleh ke arah kamera dan cuba buat mereka ketawa.

Kebaikan kamera digital ialah kita boleh mengambil gambar sebanyak mungkin, dan kemudian pilih yang terbaik sahaja. Kalau boleh sesi dilakukan diwaktu pagi kerana mereka masih segar dan ceria. Tapi awas, kanak-kanak cepat merasa letih dan jemu. Pastikan anda merancang sesi itu supaya ia tidak terlalu lama.

Untuk jurugambar, pastikan anda turun ke bawah supaya separas dengan mata mereka, sekalipun ke tahap meniarap di atas lantai. Jika boleh ambil gambar mereka dengan kerap untuk membiasakan mereka dengan kamera. Oleh itu gaya mereka akan lebih natural dan spontan semasa diambil gambar. Di sebabkan kanak-kanak dewasa dengan cepat, adalah baik untuk dijadikan amalan mengambil gambar mereka dari bayi hingga dewasa. Kalau boleh lakukannya setiap tahun, di tarikh yang sama, contohnya semasa hari pertama persekolahan di setiap awal tahun. So, have fun!

Video Tutorial – Photoshop Black and Whites

Special Guest tipper Russell Brown from Adobe Systems, show us a bunch of different methods for converting a color image to black and white. Also he has supplied us with an action to use as well !!!
Russell is an Adobe legend and Photoshop Hall of Fame recipient. Using Photoshop CS2 what Dr. Brown make some magic happen.
Thanks Russell.

Canon EOS 1000D – RM1,999

Canon EOS 1000D

Review by CameraLabs.com

The EOS 1000D, or Digital Rebel XS as it’s known in North America, is Canon’s latest entry-level DSLR. It’s the true successor to the best-selling EOS 400D / Rebel XTi and positioned below the EOS 450D / Rebel XSi which was launched six months earlier.

The new EOS 1000D / XS shares several key specifications with its predecessor. It has the same 10.1 Megapixel resolution using a CMOS sensor, the same 3fps continuous shooting rate (for JPEGS anyway) and the same sized 2.5in 230k pixel screen round the back (although it’s now brighter and sports a wider viewing angle). So far so similar, but Canon has of course made a number of changes.

Physically speaking the new EOS 1000D / XS is a slightly different shape to its predecessor, and closer to the recent 450D / XSi; indeed it also shares the same battery pack as the 450D / XSi along with its optional grip and a swap from Compact Flash to SD memory cards. Canon’s additionally shed further weight from the new model and at 450g, it’s officially the company’s lightest DSLR to date – 25g lighter than the 450D / XSi and 60g lighter than the 400D / XTi.

Internally there are of course a variety of changes over the 400D / XTi, the most predictable being the presence of Live View. The new 1000D / XS shares the same Live View specification as the 450D / XSi, including the contrast-based AF option and supplied PC / Mac remote control software.

In an attempt to distance it from the 450D / XSi, Canon’s actually downgraded the AF system in the 1000D from its predecessor – at least in terms of AF points anyway. So rather than the 9-point system of the 400D / XTi and 450D / XSi, Canon has recycled the 7-point system of the earlier 350D / XT for use on the 1000D / XS. Canon does however note the AF algorithm behind it is the same as that on the 450D / XSi, and at least 7-points are still more than the 3-point systems of entry-level Nikon and Olympus DSLRs.

Interestingly the continuous shooting specification is also a downgrade in some respects. The 1000D / XS can shoot at the same 3fps speed as its predecessor, but only for JPEG images. Switch both models to RAW and the new 1000D / XS drops to 1.5fps with a mere five frame buffer compared to 10 RAW frames at 3fps on the 400D / XTi. On the upside though, the 1000D / XS can shoot JPEGs until the card is full, whereas its predecessor stopped at 27.

In terms of bundled optics, the 1000D / XS is available in a kit with the latest EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, providing a basic range with optical stabilisation. Canon traditionally launches at least one new accessory with every new DSLR, and joining the EOS 1000D / XS is the new Speedlite 430 EX II flashgun. This replaces the existing 430 EX model, offering fast and silent recycling, control from compatible EOS bodies and a quick release mounting system first seen on the 580 EX II.

While some enthusiasts and owners of older models will lament certain feature downgrades on the new 1000D / XS, the fact is it ticks two important boxes most new budget DSLR buyers are looking for: Image Stabilisation and Live View. Couple this with 10 Megapixel resolution and Canon’s reputation for creating best-selling models and the success of the 1000D / XS isn’t in any doubt. But is it actually any good?

In our full review of the EOS 1000D / Rebel XS we’ll closely compare it against its predecessor, the 400D / XTi and the next model up in the range, the 450D / XSi. You’ll find out how the features, image quality and prices compare, along with seeing how the latest Canon measures-up against key rivals from other manufacturers.