Travel and Photography go hand in hand -- so, too, B&H and customer service.
Expert advice combined with the best deals sets B&H apart from all the rest.
B&H recommends that you "learn before you buy."
Below is the kind of "InDepth" articles that B&H provides to enhance your travel & photography experience.
Expert advice combined with the best deals sets B&H apart from all the rest.
B&H recommends that you "learn before you buy."
Below is the kind of "InDepth" articles that B&H provides to enhance your travel & photography experience.
Travel with the Right Camera Although most of our smart phones today have built-in cameras they can’t compete, quality-wise, with the sensors in even the most basic compact digital cameras. If you’re going to invest in a compact point-and-shoot, mirrorless, interchangeable-lens camera or DSLR, consider one of the choices below. One of the most popular DSLR cameras is Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III, which is also available with a Canon 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens. The Canon EOS 5D DSLRs have continually revolutionized the camera industry. The 5D Mark II was the first DSLR with Full HD 1080p video capture and the 5D Mark III continues that legacy of cutting-edge technology and functional improvements.
The EOS 5D Mark III features a self-cleaning, 22.3 megapixel, high sensitivity full-frame CMOS sensor and a Canon DIGIC 5+ image processor. It also features Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 fps. The 5D Mark III Supports an ISO range of 50–102800 and a maximum shooting rate of 6 fps. The viewfinder supports 100% field of view and there’s also a 3.2-inch LCD monitor for shot preview and playback. The camera has a new 61-point High Density Reticular AF, and also offers improved handling thanks to the addition of new customizable controls. It also has both CF and SD card slots.
The EOS 5D Mark III features a self-cleaning, 22.3 megapixel, high sensitivity full-frame CMOS sensor and a Canon DIGIC 5+ image processor. It also features Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 fps. The 5D Mark III Supports an ISO range of 50–102800 and a maximum shooting rate of 6 fps. The viewfinder supports 100% field of view and there’s also a 3.2-inch LCD monitor for shot preview and playback. The camera has a new 61-point High Density Reticular AF, and also offers improved handling thanks to the addition of new customizable controls. It also has both CF and SD card slots.
If you’re a fan of Canon, but prefer a more compact and affordable camera to travel with this holiday season, then the PowerShot G15 or PowerShot S110 might be more your style. The PowerShot G15 is part of Canon’s iconic G series, which has been a standard in the photo industry for more than a decade. The PowerShot G15 takes the place of 2011’s G12. The G15 is equipped with a 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and an upgraded lens with a 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) focal length and f/1.8-2.8 aperture range. It features an optical viewfinder, as well as a 3-inch TFT color LCD monitor and Full HD 1080p video capture at 24 fps.
The PowerShot S110 is another compact choice from Canon. It has a 12.1-megapxiel CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor. The 5x optical zoom lens features a 24-120mm (35mm equivalent) focal length and f/2.0-5.9 aperture range. It’s capable of Full HD 1080p video capture with stereo sound. Plus, it also features a 3-inch touch screen LCD, as well as high-speed burst HD function and a manual control ring for more advanced users.
It’s no secret that the classic looking digital cameras are widely popular, both for their vintage aesthetic and enhanced shooting performance. The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 mirrorless interchangeable lens digital camera combines retro-rangefinder styling and professional handling with a modern, 16-megaixel APS-C sensor. The sensor features a new color filter array that eliminates the need for an anti-aliasing filter. This promotes sharper images than most 16-megapxiel digital cameras would be capable of capturing. The camera supports Fujifilm’s interchangeable X mount lenses. It also features Full HD 1080p video capture, a hybrid multi-viewfinder and a TTL flash compatible hot shoe. One lens that can be paired with the X-Pro 1 is the Fujifilm 18mm f/2.0 XF R Lens. It features a very fast f/2.0 maximum aperture and a maximum magnification of 0.14x. This equivalent 27mm wide-angle lens allows you to get the whole subject in your shot—even from up close. It’s great for shooting the family around a holiday dinner. The lens also has a Super EBC lens coating, as well as aspherical and ED lens elements.
Nikon enthusiasts looking for a new camera this holiday season have several choices, including DSLRs, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras and compact point-and-shoot cameras. The DSLR best suited for a wide variety of shooters is the Nikon D600. It’s more affordable than its big brother, the D800. Plus, it offers a wide range of features that are all built around the 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and Nikon F bayonet lens mount system. It features dual SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots and compatibility with D600. The camera supports Full HD 1080p video capture, 5.5 fps continuous shooting and 39 wide-area AF focus points. It also features both mic and headphone jacks, as well as an iTTL flash and Wi-Fi connectivity through an optional adapter.
If you’re a photo enthusiast these days, it’s hard to ignore the hype around mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. These cameras are compact enough to slip into your pocket or purse. Plus, you have the ability to add a variety of lenses to the camera. It’s a fine choice if you’re looking for the performance of a DSLR and the compactness of a point-and-shoot camera. The Nikon 1 V2 is available with a variety of lenses, including the basic 10-30mm lens. With this setup, you get the benefit of a 10.1-megapixel CMOS CX sensor and EXPEED 3 image processor, as well as a 10-30mm general use NIKKOR VR lens with an f/3.5-16 aperture range and optical image stabilization. The camera also supports Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 fps and 1080i video at 60 fps. It features a 3-inch LCD monitor, an electronic viewfinder and an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot as well.
Anyone planning on traveling light this holiday season, but would still like to capture high-resolution images, should consider the compact Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100. The RX100 is built around a 20.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with a 29-105mm (35mm equivalent) focal length and an f/1.8-4.9 aperture range. The camera features Full HD 1080p video capture at an impressive 60 fps, as well as an ultra-fast 0.13-second, high-speed AF. You can record images using JPEG, RAW or both file formats simultaneously. Plus, the camera has an additional 7.2x digital zoom and Xtra Fine 3-inch LCD monitor with WhiteMagic technology. For beginners, the RX100 also features optical and electronic stabilization, as well as Face Detection and several user-friendly shooting modes. It’s all housed in an aluminum body with a pop-up flash.
Travel zoom compact cameras are another popular choice and the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS20 has the large zoom and user-friendly features to turn heads. It’s part of Panasonic’s ZS-series, and it stands out thanks to its 20x LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR zoom lens with a 24-480mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and f/3.3-8.0 aperture range. It has a 40x Intelligent zoom, Nano Surface Coating and Power O.I.S. with Active Mode. The other two standout features on this model are its 14.1MP MOS image sensor and integrated GPS with World Map info. It also features Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor, a 3-inch Smart Touch LCD screen and 1920 x 1080 Full HD video capture with Dolby Digital Stereo Creator.
Camera Accessories Once you’ve picked your new camera to travel with this holiday season, it’s always nice to accessorize it a little bit. You might consider an extra battery or additional lenses. Plus, memory cards are necessary with most cameras if you want to shoot a lot of stills and videos over the holidays. You might also consider a camera bag or case, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of traveling with your new camera. A few bags that stand out are the Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag, with room for a DSLR and accessories, or the Tenba Messenger: Large Photo/Laptop Bag with room for a DSLR, three lenses and up to a 17-inch laptop.
Samsonite also offers several camera/laptop bags with removable inserts, which are perfect for traveling. They allow you to customize the compartments specifically for whatever you’re carrying with you on that trip. The Samsonite Xenon 2 Spinner Mobile Office bag features room for clothes, a DSLR, accessories and a 15.6-inch laptop. The Xenon Spinner Mobile Office bag is similar to the Xenon 2. It’s just a little bit smaller. Both feature convenient rolling wheels and an extendable handle for wheeling your luggage around the airport with ease. For more suggestions and information on transporting your camera gear, see the B&H InDepth review, Holiday 2012: Camera Bags.
If you’re interested in a tripod that’s durable and travel-ready for the holidays, there a few models that are just right. The compact Joby Gorillapod is a flexible mini-tripod for your DSLR, camcorder or compact point-and-shoot. It features flexible joints for easy camera positioning and a ball head with a quick-release system. There’s an integrated bubble level as well. The maximum load capacity is 6.6 pounds. Another unique tripod is Tamrac’s lightweight and foldable TR406 ZipShot. The ZipShot has a 3 pound load capacity and folds up to a compact 15-inch length that can easily slip into your carry-on bag. It extends to 44-inches and includes a ball head for fast camera mounting.
Finally, more traditional tripod fans should check out Oben’s AT-3400 tripod. The four-section folding tripo with comparable maximum heights around five feet. The AT-3400 is an aluminum tripod with a 6.6 pound load capacity.
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