For Those Still Shopping for a High-End Full-Frame Sensor Camera

DP Review has (finally) posted its 2014 High-end full frame roundup.

Frankly, this probably would have been better timed if it had been posted before Black Friday, but since I have no control over when DP Review posts articles  you're getting it on DP Review's schedule instead of mine.

The roundup covers 12 full-frame cameras with prices ranging from $1200 for the Sony a7 to $3400 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.  There are brief reviews for each camera along with a brief snippet on each cameras strengths and weaknesses.

The Amazon price is listed at the top of the article with a Price Grabber applet showing other prices at the bottom.

DP Review does make a couple of recommendations: best camera, best budget camera and best camera for video.


Check the comment section and forums for non-site opinions.

More Christmas Season Camera Recommendations

For those still shopping for cameras, DP Review has come out with it's lists of camera recommendations.

The lists are divided into different categories.


DPReview Recommends:

• Best Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts 
• Best Cameras for Beginners 
• Best Compact Cameras for Travel 
• Best Cameras for Social Photography 
• Best Waterproof Cameras 
• Best Interchangeable Lens Cameras for Under $1000

(The last category would be the one that I would be interested in, if I had the money to purchase a new camera.)

Don't pay too much attention to the "current as of" dates.  Some say 2014, others 2013.  I suspect the 2013 number is a mistake.  The Interchangeable Lens Cameras list is dated 2013, but includes a camera (the Sony a6000) that was introduced until 2014.

The lists also includes links to places where the cameras can be purchased. 

DP Review is an Amazon affiliate and following one of the links to Amazon and then purchasing from that site will help support the DP Review web site.


The lists are good starting points for those still deciding what camera to purchase.  They include links to specifications, sample images, and reviews (including reader reviews) for each camera.

More Camera Reviews For Holiday Shoppers

'Tis the season for Holiday shopping reviews.

Today it's DP Review's Consumer SLR Camera Roundup (2014).

(It's actually just a repost of an article from August.  The information is still relevant but doesn't cover any cameras introduced since September.)


DP Review also has an Enthusiast Compact Camera Roundup (again, dates back to August 25.)


Update: DP Review has added an Enthusiast mirrorless camera roundup (2014) a High-end pocketable compacts roundup (2014) an Enthusiast DSLR camera roundup (2014) and a Mid-range Mirrorless camera roundup (2014).

Flickr Extending Wall Art Service to Cover 50 Million Images

Hat Tip: PetaPixel

Flickr recently added a service allowing people to order their images as wall art.

They have now extended their wall art service to allow purchasing wall art uploaded by other users.  The catalog covers Creative Commons images as well as selected collections from licensed artists.  The catalog currently covers over 50 million images.

The Creative Commons images include offerings from museums and various government entities, including NASA. (Some of the NASA photos are spectacular.)


Flickr is currently offering 40% off on images ordered from their site.  Use promo code: GIFTS14 (expires 12/23).

Custom Adidas Sneakers Finally Available in US

Hat Tip: Pop Photo

The concept of customizing Adidas sneakers with a photograph was first introduced this spring.


The customized sneakers are now available in the US.  The app has been updated to allow purchases in the US, but the web site has not been updated to reflect that update yet.

You'll need to download a phone app, available for iOS and iPhone 6 and Android phones.  You'll need to use your phone to upload an image and order the sneakers.   All images must be approved by a legal team before the image is applied.  This prevents the use of any copyright protect images as well as anything obscene.

You will be able to see how the image looks on the sneakers before purchasing and the image can be manipulated for best results.


The current price for customized kicks is $110.


Christmas will be here before you know it.  How about a pair of customized sneakers as a gift?

More Holiday Gift Ideas: Pre-Black Friday Camera Deals

Check out Imaging Resource's Deals of the Day for the latest deals from B & H and Adorama.

The list includes deals from Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Nikon.


(I'm not going to list them here, that strikes me as being in bad form since they've done all the work involved in listing the deals.  You'll have to go to their site to see the deals.)

More Gift Ideas: New Products Featured at Photokina

For those not familiar with Photokina, it's a biennial imaging fair.  The major imaging companies (including those that produce digital cameras) use the fair to introduce new products, and to hype future products.

SLR Lounge has a list of some of the products introduced at this year's Photokina event that are now available for purchase.  The list covers products from Canon, Fuji and Sigma. 

Check the list if looking for some gift ideas for the photographer on your list.

Cameras for the Budding Photographer

It's time to start seriously  thinking about Christmas Gifts. 

For those looking for a camera suited as a gift for a budding photographer try ePhotozine's Top 10 Best DSLR ILC Cameras For Beginners 2014.

These are all interchangeable lens cameras.  This is a Biritish web site so prices are listed in pounds.  All the cameras are listed for under 500 pounds. (Roughly $750)  You can find the current price in the US (or elsewhere) with a quick Internet search.

The cameras listed are often designed with ease of use in mind, making them good choices for someone just getting into interchangeable lens cameras.  The list includes both DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

Some use the same lenses and mount system used in more advanced camera models from the same manufacturer.  This allows photographers to upgrade by purchasing just a more advanced camera body.  No need to by new lenses at the same time.


For additional savings, try purchasing a good used model.  Many reputable camera stores sell used cameras.  Reputable stores do their absolute best to ensure used cameras are in good working order before selling and will often offer a store warranty for the camera.

DIY Wood Project That Makes Use of Your Photographs

Hat Tip: PetaPixel

The original post for this comes from Wood Working for Mortals.  The author of that blog has a quick method for transferring photo prints onto wood (or other porous surfaces.)  All it requires is an inkjet printer and a non-porous surface to print on.

He uses a label sheet that has had the labels removed in this video.





Viewing the video on YouTube's site will bring up a list of related videos, including videos with alternative techniques for transferring images to wood.

This techniques seems to be the quickest method.


Transferring images like this seems ready made for DIY gifts and craft projects.  Those projects don't need to be limited to wood as the technique used in the video should work with other surfaces.

More Holiday Gift Ideas For the Photographer on Your List

PopPhoto has an article on What to Get The Serious Photographer In Your Life.

It's a little different from the previous list I mentioned in that it targets the professional/serious hobbyist instead of the mobile phone photographer.  The previous list was dedicated to Smartphone accessories.  The PopPhoto article is for photographers that use "actual" cameras.

The article also includes links to where the products can be purchased.  Many of the items can be purchased at local stores.  Local stores may also offer a suitable alternative.

Some of the items on the list:

Micro Gaffer's Tape
Similar to duct tape.  The difference is in the adhesive.  Gaffer's tape is designed not to leave adhesive residue when removed and won't melt under heat.  This makes it suitable for use under hot studio lights, unlike duct tape.

It can also be used in the field.

Gaffer's tape is a specialty product, unlike duct tape, and may need to be purchased online.  (An Internet search may show a local store that carries it.  Oddly, the local store near me that carries it is Guitar Center.)

Can be purchased directly from supplier's web site, PopPhoto article has link.


Memory Cards
Memory cards to occasionally fail and having multiple cards can be useful.  Personally, I find it takes some time to process a full memory card.  Having a second card allows me to continue taking pictures while processing the first, full card. 

I also like to carry a second card with me in case the card in the camera fails or full.

That's three total.

Check the card's speed rating if possible.  Higher speed translates to less time wasted between pictures.  Capacity is less of an issue.  8 to 16 GB cards provide ample storage for most photographers.

Most cameras use SD cards.  Some compact cameras use Micro SD and high-end DSLR cameras might use Compact Flash.  Make sure you grab the correct format.

Memory cards can be purchased at a local electronics store or the electronics department at WalMart or Target.


Color Management System
Color Management Systems ensure accurate color rendering when printing images.  The PopPhoto article mentions one listed at $89. 

For alternatives, try an Internet search for color management systems/software, colorimeter, color calibrator, or monitor calibrator.

Color management systems can be very expensive, especially those designed for professional level photographers.  A photographer working on a tight budget may not be able to afford one themselves, making this a good gift idea.

This idea probably requires a little more research than the other ones suggested in the article. 


Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries greatly reduce the cost associated with the batteries used by photographic equipment.  A serious photographer can never really have too many.

They're not just used for cameras.  Flash units and portable light sources also require batteries.

The PopPhoto article suggest Eneloop batteries.  Eneloop batteries may not be available at a local store.  It's not a commonly carried brand.  They can be purchased online (the article links to Amazon but they're available on other sites.)  Eneloop batteries tend to be more expensive than competing brands, but they are usually considered the best available.

Other brands will work.  Just make sure to pick a brand that lists capacity on its packaging.  Purchase 2000 mAh or better capacity batteries.  I've had results from Kodak rechargeable batteries.  It's a solid company with a good track record and they list capacity.

Avoid Rayovac.  They no longer list capacity on their packaging and appear to be offering lower capacity batteries than the competition while charging similar prices.


The article suggests other gifts.  These are just the ones I wanted to add my comments on.  Check the article for the rest of PopPhoto's suggestions.

More Holida Gift Ideas: Smartphone Accessories

I'm not the only one posting Holiday Gift Ideas.  Digital Photography Review recently posted an on smartphone accessories as gifts for the smartphone photography enthusiast.  It's worth reading if you have someone on your gift list that gets a great deal of usage out of their smartphone's camera.  (Especially if they already have several phone cases.)

My favorite is the Gizmon case that looks like a Leica camera.

A leather carrying case with straps is also available.  Combining the two might be a good gift for someone that is constantly losing their iPhone. 

The straps go around the neck or across the shoulder, allowing for hand-free carrying of the phone making losing it after putting it down somewhere far less likely.  It never gets set down.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Claendars

Here's another gift idea for those people on your list that are hard to shop for.  Try a calendar.  Calendars combine utilitarian design with an inexpensive source of wall art.

A calendar is a little less "special" than other gift ideas, making them more appropriate as a second gift or as a gift for a teacher, coworker or those Christmas parties where everyone is supposed to bring a gift without knowing who the ultimate recipient will be.  Options range from small pocket calendars, to desk calendars and large wall calendars.

Pocket and desk calendars work well as stocking stuffers for those mature enough to enjoy something other than candy in their stocking.

Calendars are readily available from multiple sources.  (Discount stores often offer very inexpensive, if limited, options.)


Custom options are available for those willing to support a starving artist.  CafePress, Zazzle and RedBubble all offer calendars from individual artists.

I do have a RedBubble account and currently have one calendar in my portfolio featuring my water related photography.  My only complaint is that calendar offerings aren't listed as a separate option when viewing an artist's RedBubble portfolio.  They are instead displayed under images with the word "calendar" across the image.  Not a good way to draw attention to a product.


For a truly customized calendar, try uploading your own artwork or photographs.  All it takes is creating a free account at one of the above sites (CafePress, Zazzle or RedBubble).

There are other sites that will print calendars using uploaded images.  The three sites listed offer the additional option of selling those calendars to other people.  If you want to use your own images Shutterfly, Snapfish and Walgreens offer calendar options.  (That's just after a brief Internet search.)

Christmas Gift Idea: Customized Kindle Covers

Hat tip to Engadget via PopPhoto.

Amazon now offers the option to personalize Kindel Accessories purchased from their website.  Kindel cases and skins can now be purchased decorated with images uploaded by the purchaser as well as images from Amazon's gallery.

The latter option includes images of the Peanuts gang. 

There are image sources for those non-photographers/non-artists that want to customize using something other than the somewhat limited images offered by Amazon.   Free sources are listed first.  (The images on this site should be free of any copyright limitations, but it doesn't hurt to double check before using an image from one of these sites.)

The Amazon orders are actually filled by CafePress.  You could go directly to that website for more image options.  I don't currently have a CafePress account, so I don't have anything to gain (yet) by linking to this site.

CafePress accounts are free to open.  Try one if you are an artist or photographer looking to make a little money. 

Determining How Your Photographs Will Look on a Phone Case

I recently wrote a post suggesting phone cases as Christmas gifts.  My Fine Art America account allows me to offer my photographs for use on phone cases.  One of the problems I have had is determining how those photos would actually look when used.

I recently created an account on RedBubble.  It offers a wider range of products than Fine Art America.  (I am planning on creating accounts on Zazzle and CafePress as well).  RedBubble offers a template for use with iPhone and iPad cases.

This template does give a better idea as to how the final product will look, but it still isn't perfect.  I decided to create a template that works better when trying to determine how an image will look on an iPhone case (based on the RedBubble template).

The white area is actually transparent.  This allows the underlying image to show through in that area.  The gray is set to 50% transparency.  This area corresponds to the sides of the case.  This portion of the image will be printed on the case, but not visible when only the front can be seen.

The black area represents an area not printed when using RedBubble.  It's there so that the image can still be used if the case design changes.

Here's how the template looks over an actual image:

The template was placed over the image for best results then cropped to the template size.  This looks like it should work well for a phone case.  The main subject is completely on the front of the case and fairly well located.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Phone Cases

The Christmas season is fast approaching.  Time to start thinking about those people on your list that are hard to shop for.

For those needing an idea, try a personalized phone case.  Mobile phones are common now days and phone cases are a fairly inexpensive way to personalize a phone.  (They run around $35.)  You will need to know enough about the person you are buying for to buy something they will like.  You will also need to know the make and model of the phone they use.

One good thing about phone cases, they can always be rotated if you have more than one case you like.  It's a good gift even if the person already has one.  (Keep in mind the saying "too much of a good thing," though.)

My Fine Art America account includes the options to sell phone cases on Pixels.com.  The product options are right on the front page, including iPhone and Galaxy phone cases.

For all iPhone cases, go here.  (Other cases are listed under Products.)

My cases are here.  Some of these images are horizontally oriented.  I try to limit offerings to those that work well on phone cases, but it is hard to determine how well horizontally oriented images translate when put on a phone case.  Images can be re-sized and moved to improve appearance.  Keep this in mind with horizontally oriented images.  The image can easily be moved left or right to reposition the subject.

If you see an image that would look better moved slightly, pixels gives you the option to do so.  Here's a shot I took of a rabbit in my backyard.

I had to move the rabbit slightly to the right on this.  The front of its face disappeared over the edge initially.