Posts Tagged ‘filters’

Olympus PEN E-PL2 Review

Olympus PEN E-PL2: Creative and Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera
Text and Images by Allison Gibson

I first got a hands-on look at the Olympus PEN E-PL2 when it was announced at CES Las Vegas earlier this year. Even at first glance, I was impressed by the fourth generation compact, interchangeable lens PEN camera. The new exaggerated rubber hand grip and slightly smaller body (than that of its predecessor–the PEN E-PL1) make the camera more efficient, and updates like the new Live Guide feature for still and video preview, take this travel-friendly camera to a more professional level.

Operating on the Micro Four Thirds standard (read about mirrorless technology, and how it differs from single lens reflex, here), the PEN E-PL2 boasts a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor—the same size sensor as the one inside the Olympus E-30 and E-620 DSLRs. The most obvious advantage to the Micro Four Thirds camera is that it packs that large image sensor—with its enhanced low-light performance and image quality—into a more svelte and manageable body, while still allowing for interchangeable lenses.

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How-To: Options for Close-Up & Macro Shooting

How-To: Options for Close-Up & Macro Shooting
Text and Photos by Lynne Eodice

There is a small, intimate world that most people overlook, but it can be a rewarding experience for the photographer who chooses to explore it with a good close-up or macro lens (like the above photo of lavender). All you need is patience, a good eye, and a special piece of equipment or two.

Options

There are several ways to shoot close-ups with your DSLR: with the close-up setting on your camera, a macro lens, extension tubes or bellows, or a close-up “lens” that attaches to the front of your lens like a filter. Although the close-up lens/filter is the least expensive option, it is inferior optically to a true macro lens or extension tubes or bellows.

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How To Retouch Photographs

by Joe Farace

Before you think about retouching any digital image file there are a few simple and basic steps you should consider before you snap the shutter that will minimize the amount of retouching your portraits might need. Good make-up artists are worth whatever they cost and make a big difference in the final portrait. With the right make-up artist and subject you may not need any retouching! Another way to minimize retouching is to slightly overexpose the portrait, making it just a little lighter and brighter than what your meter or camera says is “correct.” This will add a little radiant glow and minimize any minor facial imperfections.

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