Before we start todays article, a quick share of a classic image from Henri Cartier-Bresson, famous for his concept of “the Decisive Moment”. For me, this image defines that concept.
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Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare, 1932

And now, on with it.

Well this years new crop of digital cameras have given us more megapixels and new technology that many of us may or may not use.

Do you love to take pictures but don’t need the expense of a DSLR? Maybe your old 2 megapixel camera now feels heavy and huge in comparison to the new point and shoot cameras out there.

OK, I would say now is a good time to upgrade.

Most of the new cameras have come around to the 7-10 megapixel range. You should be able to make as big a print as you could possible want from this size of an image. And the camera may fit in the palm of your hand. More importantly, the smaller prints will have a greater detail in the shadows and overall image than you are used to.

Please remember that the more megapixels, the bigger a media card you need, and yes, more storage on your computer.

If you are only uploading to the web, you don’t need a ton of MP, so you can relax.

Check out the new offerings from Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus and Panasonic.

And the feature de jour is “face recognition” software. I know,it sounds like a security type of software that recognizes specific faces.
Instead it is being touted as an on-board feature that will pick out faces, make sure they are in focus, and not give you that famous blurry shot of your family, while the building behind them is sharp. Check out the Nikon Coolpix S10 – they call it “Face Priority”
Pentax has the Optio A20 with 10 MP and they do call it face recognition.

What??? No reviews? What does this gear look like? Is it available now? How much?

Wait, wait, not all at once.

When PhotoPlus is in NYC, we’ll be there to check out the equipment and give some first person takes. And if the product is around before that we’ll tip it.

Some people have been asking me what I use.

Fairly eclectic mix. Overall, I’m a Nikon user and have been for years. All of the glass (lenses) I own sure helps. I do use a Canon camera for the one tilt/shift lens which I love.

In the point and shoot arena, its Canon and Panasonic. Why? Size and particular features.
The Canon is tiny and can fit in a suit pocket and takes sharp solid images. Forget the digital zoom.
The Panasonic has 16:9 and shoots TIFF and RAW in a compact body with a Leica lens.

And has just been upgraded. Yes, I’ve been hit also.

The point is: the right tool for the right job..that fits you and the way you work.

Visit your local photography dealer and handle the goods. Make sure the camera feels right in YOUR hands and you’ll use it. Too clunky and it’ll always stay in the case.
And remember..like all electronics…there will always be a better one down the road. Buy what you need now.
We are in the season of holiday pix.

What??? No reviews? What does this gear look like? Is it available now? How much?

Wait, wait, not all at once.

Once PhotoPlus is in NYC, I’ll handle the equipment and give some first person takes. And if the gear is around before that we’ll tip it.

A little housekeeping:

This week the giveaway is the second most requested item in the weekly giveaway:
Sandisk MobileMate Card Reader – this is something that travels with me everywhere. it lives in my point and shoot case and allows me to upload my pix from the media disk in an easy thumb drive unit. Also takes most of the new mobile phone media cards.
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If you have signed up for the mailing list, watch your inbox on Wednesday for a chance to get one for free. No strings attached. Just a thanks for your support.

Then we still have our contest for the signed Bruce Davidson book, ” East 100th Street”.
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Just tell us in 25 words or less why you like Photoinduced.com. Simple.

Contest ends Oct. 11th with the winner announced Oct.18th!

Email your entry to :damonw@photoinduced.com

Cheers!
Damon webster