Aquatica D90 - Nikon D90 Digital Camera Housing For Underwater!

Here's a Christmas gift i'd love to get! But for $1799.00 bucks i'm dreaming, no one love's me that much, lol

Aquatica Underwater Housing for Nikon D90 , this camera/housing combination will push the boundaries of underwater photography to another level. Machined from solid aluminum, treated and anodized to military specification, then painted with a highly resistant powder coating, this addition to our already wide selection of housings will benefit from the same 300 ft. depth rating that set us apart from our competitors.

Check out more Photos and Reviews Here!

Getting the most out of your money?

So as a college student, I am constantly facing the challenge of juggling multiple to-do lists. The big question always arises: How do I insure that I use my camera on a regular basis, and make sure dust doesn't accumulate on it?

The simplest solution? Carry the camera around with you. Buy a bag or something to throw all your junk in, and just carry it everywhere you go. I've got a Tamrac bag, one strap, and it works amazingly well! It's large enough for me to put both my cameras in, along with my additional lenses, flash, filters, and random other accessories. It slings over my back, and I have gone on runs before with it on my back...

Second idea: Make it easy to upload. Seriously. It's as easy as that. If you just make the process to upload pictures really easy, it will make you much more likely to take pictures in the first place. I got a new computer, and it now takes about a tenth of the time it usually takes to upload. Since then, I've taken many more pictures, and I've found myself more likely to pick up my camera in the first place.

Third idea: Find things to focus on. Every time you pick up your camera, try to focus on a new aspect of using it that you don't normally try. For instance, if you normally take on say, Aperture mode, try switching to Shutter or Manual Mode. You'll be amazed how much more you appreciate your camera, and all the wonderful things you can do...

So until next time, I'll leave you with one of my new favorite pictures, of my youngest nephew.

~unclejoe

Compact Field Guide for the Nikon D90 by David Busch!

Are you tired of squinting at the tiny color-coded tables and difficult-to-read text you find on the typical laminated reference card or cheat sheet that you keep with you when you're in the field or on location? DAVID BUSCH'S COMPACT GUIDE FOR THE NIKON D90 is your solution! This new, lay-flat, spiral bound, reference guide condenses all the must-have information you need while shooting into a portable book you'll want to permanently tuck into your camera bag. You'll find every settings option for your Nikon D90 listed, along with advice on why you should use?or not use?each adjustment. Useful tables provide recommended settings for a wide variety of shooting situations, including landscapes, portraits, sports, close-ups, and travel. With this guide on hand you have all the information you need at your fingertips so you can confidently use your camera on-the-go.

Check it out Here!

Nikon D90 DxOMark Test Results and Review!

DxOMark provides objective, independent, RAW-based image quality performance data for lenses and digital cameras to help you select the best equipment to meet your photographic needs.

Here are the DxOMark test results and reviews on the Nikon D90! with an overall score of 73 I'd say they are pretty darn good!

Check it out Here!

Nikon D90 Tips and Tricks!

So now that the D90 has been out for a couple of years I’m sure some of you have some great tips and tricks up your sleeve! I thought it might be a good time for you all to add some helpful tips and tricks for others to try with their D90.

Just post them in the comments and let’s see what we end up with.

A couple of my favorites that I use a lot are:

Reformatting the disk: Holding down the two buttons at the same time for a couple of seconds then hitting them again and your scan card is all formatted back to blank. I do this every time I’m done downloading my photos to my computer.

Auto-FP High Speed Sync is another feature I use a lot….This allows you to use faster shutter speeds with flash….No longer stuck using the limited 1/200 shutter speed with flash. Now you can use whatever shutter speed you want with your speed flash.

So come on share your tips and tricks….

New SB-700 Speedlight Flash for the Nikon D90!

Nikon SB-700

The next great speedlight from Nikon is here, introducing the Nikon SB-700, a high-performance portable flash with a host of new features designed to make flash photography simple, accurate and creative. The SB-700 is for photographers looking for an on-camera Speedlight offering more power for greater depth-of-field control than the built-in flash or for users looking for a compact Speedlight that can be set up as a Commander or a Remote in wireless flash set-ups as well as those who want to upgrade from their existing or older Nikon Speedlight.

Portable, Versatile Speedlight Unit

i-TTL Speedlight optimized for use with Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS).

Nikon’s Precision i-TTL Flash Control
Delivers precise flash exposures and seamless fill-flash performance—even in challenging lighting situations.

Complete Flash Head Positioning Freedom
Bounce 90°up and 7°down with 360° rotation elevates creative lighting freedom.

Hot Shoe and Wireless Operation
Use on-camera, as a wireless master, commander or remote light source.

Wireless Flash Control
Wireless Commander Mode controls up to 2 remote Speedlight groups and an unlimited number of compatible Speedlights. When used as a remote speedlight up to 3 Groups can be selected. Four wireless channel options help manage wireless conflicts in multi-photographer environments.

Versatile Auto Power Zoom Coverage
Smoothly covers lenses as wide as 24mm and up to 120mm in FX-format.

Choose From 3 Light Distribution Patterns
Using the simple slider switch on the back of the SB-700, you can optimize light quality by selecting Standard for general illumination, Center-weighted for portraits or Even, for groups or interiors.

Streamlined Controls and Menus
Convenient Rotary Select Dial sets key functions quickly and a prominent Master and Remote control switch simplifies wireless operation.

Color Filter Identification
Automatically identifies mounted hard type color filters and adjusts camera white-balance.* *With select Nikon digital SLRs

Flash Tube Overheat Protection
To prevent overheating, flash recycle time increases when SB-700 detects heat build-up.

Automatic Format Identification
Automatically senses the FX or DX-format camera in use and optimizes light distribution.

Flash Value (FV) Lock
Locks in a specific flash output on the main subject, regardless of aperture, composition or the lens’ zoom position.*

*With select Nikon digital SLRs

Firmware Updating
Allows uploading of performance enhancement developments.*

*With select Nikon digital SLRs

Drip-Proof Mounting Foot Cover (Water Guard)*
Provides enhanced moisture protection.
*Optional

Check it all the Reviews Here!

The Nikon D90 Replacement has been Announced! The New Nikon D7000!

Well the new highly anticipated Nikon D7000 has been released by Nikon...I'm not all that sure it replaces the great D90 so no worries there. The D7000 sits somewhere in between the D90 and D300.

Introducing a new line of mid-class, high-spec Nikon DX-format cameras. A compact, elegant body equipped with a new CMOS image sensor and a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D7000, a model that introduces a new line of mid-class Nikon DX-format digital-SLR cameras. The camera is equipped with a new CMOS image sensor and a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, that enable capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality. It also offers a number of advanced high-performance features packed into a compact, elegant body.

The D7000 is a new mid-class DX-format camera with a compact body loaded with a number of advanced functions. As the D-SLR market expands, D-SLR users are becoming more diverse to include those who demand the ability to capture images with greater definition and image quality, those looking for more advanced shooting functions, and those looking for the ability to record movies with the rich power of expression that is only possible with SLR cameras. The D7000 is a high-quality mid-class D-SLR that responds to user demands with a variety of the latest camera technologies and functions for high-quality, high-definition shooting, all in a durable, high-performance, yet compact body. Among its features are a new DX-format CMOS image sensor, Nikon's latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 2, a new 2,016-pixel metering sensor, a new AF system that utilizes 39 focus points, and the D-Movie function that enables recording of full HD movies.

D7000 primary features

1. A new DX-format CMOS image sensor and new image-processing engine,
EXPEED 2, both developed by Nikon enable capture of high-definition images with superior image quality

The D7000 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor and a new image-processing engine, EXPEED 2. The camera offers an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels and enables capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality with extremely detailed rendering and rich tones with smooth gradations. With standard sensitivity range of ISO100 - 6400 and additional increases up to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent), the camera offers improved capability with shooting under dim lighting, such as in the evening or indoors, and also expands possibilities for expression with rapidly moving subjects.
EXPEED 2 is Nikon's latest image-processing engine developed with the ideas, know-how and technologies regarding digital images that Nikon has cultivated over the years. EXPEED 2 enables faster image processing, a high level of noise reduction, better color reproduction characteristics, and reduced power consumption.

2. A compact, elegant body that offers both authenticity and flexibility

A magnesium alloy has been adopted for the top and rear covers for increased durability in a size equivalent to that of the D90. All joints on the camera body have also been sealed to ensure a greater level of water and dust resistance.

3. A new 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor

With 2,016 pixels, the new metering sensor developed for the D7000 offers twice the metering pixels as our previous high-end metering sensor. Prior to shooting, the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor acquires accurate information regarding the scene. That information is then reflected in autofocusing, automatic exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white balance control for extremely faithful images.

4. A new 39-point AF system An AF sensor module with 39 effective focus points

Adoption of the new Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Nine cross-type sensors at the most frequently used center of the frame allow for certain acquisition of the intended subject. In addition, the number of active focus points can also be limited to 11.

5. D-Movie for recording and editing of full HD movies

The D7000 is equipped with the D-Movie function that enables recording of high-definition movies (1920 × 1080p, 24 fps) exhibiting superior video quality. Autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to Full time-servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame in three dimensions. The D7000 also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still JPEG image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning or end of movie files.
Recording of stereo sound via an external microphone is also supported.

Other functions and features new to the D7000
A glass pentaprism for viewfinder frame coverage of approximately 100% and magnification of approximately 0.94×
High-speed continuous shooting of up to 100 shots at approximately 6 fps, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles
New U1 and U2 settings on the mode dial allow users to assign frequently used settings, including ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation, to these positions for instant recall of the registered settings by simply rotating the mode dial
Live view function that can be smoothly enabled with the dedicated live view switch
Double SD memory card slot that enable use of two SD memory cards (SDHC, SDXC also supported)
The Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15, which enables capture about 1,050 shots when fully charged
Support for the new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D11 (sold separately), which holds not only Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL15, but also AA batteries
Nikon's image browsing and editing software, ViewNX 2, supplied with purchase

Hands on Review from DPreview.

Amazons Reviews

Nikon D90 Laminated Reference Card!

Here's a little quick reference card for your D90 settings! Sounds like a lot of D90 owners really like having this in their camera bag!

Your new Nikon D90 has many controls and settings designed to allow you to make a perfect exposure. But remembering where they are and how the features work together can be daunting.


If you decide to carry the user manual in your bag but finding the answer to your question can be a frustrating experience. That is why Blue Crane Digital developed an abbreviated field reference guide to your digital SLR.

The inBrief reference card is a laminated, foldable guide that answers most camera operation questions quickly and easily. The information is arranged logically for ease of use.

The cover panel of each inBrief displays a labeled line drawing of the camera, and a color-coded index to the rest of the panels. For instance, if you have a question about white balance, just check the index, then turn to the purple panel. An overview of the information on each of the twelve panels is listed below:

Cover: Annotated line drawing, General index

Blue: Viewfinder, Control panel, and Monitor displays
Red: Camera functions by exposure mode; Flash information
Lime: Focus; Drive Modes; Self-timer
Yellow: Exposure; Metering; Bracketing
Purple: White balance; ISO; Image size/quality
Orange: Displaying images; Resetting the camera
Green: Custom settings

The inBrief reference card is professionally printed on 10 point card stock, and is laminated on each side for long wear and protection from the elements. When folded, the dimensions are 5.5 by 4.25 inches. It fits neatly into the outside pocket of your camera bag for instant access. Once you have an inBrief, you can leave your manual at home.

Check it out Here!

So What Does The New D3100 Do To The D90?

Well folks, you've been hearing about upcoming releases from Nikon for the past few months, but they are finally meeting the expectations... With the release of some amazing point & shoots on Tuesday, the D3100 has been confirmed and released to the public. If you are like me, you are always asking how the latest events apply to the D90... So what does the D3100 do to the D90? Think the meteor that killed the dinosaur. That's what it does. The D90 is now behind the curve, and unless you really really want that drive motor, get the D3100.

So what's better about the D3100? Seriously? Just about everything. Starting with a 14.2 MP sensor, then introducing the first Nikon with 1080p video, auto-focus in Live View, boosted ISO, (to 12800!) and then to finish it off with a fancy new processor, the EXPEED2, and even more editing capabilities, including movie editing.

If you're like me, you are probably thinking to yourself, "man, I should have waited for this guy to come out..." So what is the point of even having a D90 anymore, other than the fact that you don't have enough money to upgrade? Well, personally, I like several features which kinda even out the playing field. 1) That nice info screen on top... Sure, it takes some getting used too if you came from a D40, 60, 3000, or 5000, but we all love that screen. It is immensely useful. 2) The little drive motor on the front. Seriously, this opens up auto-focus on how many more lenses? Life for me would be miserable if I didn't have auto-focus on my 50mm... and 3) the D90 isn't targeted for new parents looking for a vacation toy. Remember, you own perhaps the defining camera in photography history, the first SLR to have video, not to mention perhaps the best collection of camera components for under a thousand dollars.

So don't feel too bad about it... If one of your friends starts bragging about his/her new D3100, and how it is so much better than your dinky D90, just remind them about that second screen, the battery grip, those couple hundred lenses that you have auto-focus on, all those little features that separate a professional from the amateur. You don't have to worry about going extinct for another month... (The Photokina event coming up... Rumor says the D95, the replacement for the D90 is supposed to be replaced... Don't worry though, you still own one of the best cameras in town, regardless of price.)

So while all the action and coverage has been going to the cameras, with some amazing compact replacements, (check out the projector camera replacement... the S1100pj - http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10081709nikons1100pjs5100.asp) many people have been overlooking some of the new lenses Nikon released... Here they are, in a real quick list:

- 85mm f/1.4G prime lens

- 24-120mm F4G ED VR zoom lens

- 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 G ED VR telephoto zoom

- 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR ultra-zoom

(all of these except the 55-300 are full-frame for those of you with anything D700 and above)

The lens y'all can get excited about is that 55-300 VR... If you are like me, you might have skipped the predecessor to this lens, the 70-300, and gotten the 55-200 instead, so you wouldn't lose the 55-70 range... Well, now you can have just two lenses, the 18-55 and 55-300. With all the latest technology, SWM, ED, VR II, all that, Nikon was able to top everything, and include a little something they call HRI, or High Refractive Index. This helps in harsh lighting environments, and I am sure it is well worth the money. Speaking of money, does anyone know what the price is for this one? Probably around $450. That's cheaper than the old 70-300!

So that's a little update on how the latest Nikon releases affect the D90... I'll most likely do a post on how the D95 is better, worse and the same as the D90... As much as it seems you are behind the curve, and you feel like the D90 is outdated, don't feel that way. It still produces excellent pictures, it has everything any photographer could ask for, and you shouldn't even begin to think about replacing it until you hit at least 75,000 shots... :P

New Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD for the Nikon D90!

Looks like a nice new super zoom lens is coming out for from Tamron...And the price is great. I'm curious to see how it performs compared to the Nikon 70-300mm VR which is one lens I love and will always keep in my bag. Tamron is boasting sharper contrast and greater descriptive performance than all others in its class. Humm.

Update: Winner EISA Best Product 2010-2011 Zoom Lens

Best-in-Class Optical Performance

High resolution thru use of XLD glass

New USD (Ultra Silent Drive) motor for fast and quiet AF

VC anti-shake mechanism for steady shooting

Dual format Di design for use on fullframe and smaller sensor cameras

In the pursuit to achieve the most outstanding image resolution in the 70-300mm class, Tamron’s Anniversary lens - the SP AF70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD - utilizes an advanced optical design that features an LD (Low Dispersion) and an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens element made from specialized materials that prevent chromatic aberration. As a result, the SP AF70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) boasts sharper contrast and greater descriptive performance than all others in its class.


In addition, it is the first Tamron lens sporting a USD (Ultra Silent Drive), Tamron’s very own auto-focus drive mechanism This USD mechanism delivers fast, making it a perfect telephoto zoom choice for photographing sports, racing, or other fast-moving subjects. The lens also boasts Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization to assist in handheld photography, not only at long focal length ranges where blurring is common, but also under low-lit conditions, dramatically enhancing photographic freedom. This combination of best in class image resolution, Ultra Silent Drive and Vibration Compensation is a new achievement of Tamron technology culminating in the production of a premium 70-300mm lens.

Only $399 after Rebate, Plus free shipping!

Check out the Reviews Here!

Nikon D90 Everything Summer Vacation Photo Contest!

ML- L3

Thanks to everyone that entered our little photo contest.......

The winner is FUNKYMACGIRL......... Congratulations!

FunkyMacGirl

As promised. It’s contest time! Here’s a chance for you to win a new ML-L3 Nikon Wireless Remote Control for your D90. The Theme of this photo contest is Summer Vacation. Example, summer travels, camping, exotic beaches, baseball, just plain old summer fun.
 

The first place winner will get the ML-L3 Remote Control.

ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter Triggers the shutter remotely when using slower shutter speeds to prevent camera movement. Offers immediate release mode and two second delay mode. Range approximately 16 feet in front of camera.

This is how it will work.

1. Theme is Summer Vacation

2. Photo must be from a Nikon D90 only

3. Please include exit data. Just the basics, Lens, Exposure, Aperture, Focal Length, ISO

4. Include Title and Description

5. Link (url) to your submitted photo in the comments.

6. Only 1 picture may be entered

7. Ends Sept 8^th 2010

Add all the info above into the comments below along with a link directly to your photo so we can see it. The winner will be picked following the end of the contest and I will ship your prize direct to you from amazon.

Good Luck!

*Sorry but I can only ship in the USA.

Whats up with the new D90?

Well folks, we've been talking about it, you've heard the rumors, but now it is really going to happen!

The word on the street is that Nikon is holding multiple press conferences in Europe on August 19th. Now don't get this confused with the point&shoot event that is scheduled for the 17th. That is to release some new P&S cameras that they have been working on, which could be interesting if you are looking for something to fit in your pocket, instead of the D90... Usually Nikon will release products within a week of each other, but they seem to be straying from their past by scheduling two sets of press releases only two days apart.

You saw before how Nikon has begun to call back it's dummy D90's, the stocks in many different stores has been decreasing, and there has been a lot of smoke about a replacement. Currently, the favored name is the D95. I have heard both that, and the D8000. Personally, I like D95 better, because it still holds the double-digit number, which raises it to more of the prosumer level, instead of the four-digit number, which is meant to be entry-level. There still isn't total confirmation that Nikon will be releasing the D95 (or D8000) on August 19, but it has been two years (almost to the day) since they released the D90, so I would say it is definitely time for an upgrade.

Currently, the bets are all on a camera that has been called the D3100. Everyone is saying that it is most likely to be announced, as there has been a large market surge in this area... Also, Nikon has been shooting promotional and advertising videos in Page, Arizona. (Don't worry if you don't know where it is... I didn't either...) People are saying they probably plan on using Antelope Canyon to help highlight some of the features of the camera.

So what is all the hubbub about? What's so special? It's just another camera(s), right? What exactly is the effect it will have on the D90? Well, name the few things you don't like about your D90. For me, they are as follows: Video quality isn't the greatest, slow auto-focus in live mode, no auto-focus in video, and no way to capture external sound. True, most of those deal with the video mode... Well, the D3100 is being built up to fix all of those problems, which means if they are releasing the D95 as well, it will be even more amazing!

Regardless of whether they do release the D95, both press conferences should be exciting. It sounds like they have some amazing point&shoots scheduled to take off, and I wouldn't be surprised if Nikon once again sets the trend in the DSLR world...

How to Photograph Children with the Nikon D90

So one of the specialties I focus in is photographing children. My favorite subjects are my nephews, hence the 'uncle joe' moniker. The main problem with kids is they move. With fireworks, you usually know where they will be. A wedding, you know where the bride and groom will be, and it is usually planned out well in advance. With most engagements where you might be called to photograph, they are usually planned well in advance, and you can usually position yourself in the right place to capture the right picture.

So how can you capture those pictures you find when you buy a picture frame? I don't know about you, but my nephews are constantly moving, running around, jumping, and if you aren't in the right place, at the right time, with that split-second reaction, you won't capture the picture. So how do you do it?

There are really two elements to it. The first is lighting. Kids move around so much, and I know in my house, while the main two rooms are lit very well, my nephews wander around so much, and one of them in particular, prefers the darker rooms. So you need to make sure you have good lighting. I personally like my SB-600 for this. I usually leave it in portrait orientation, (one of the advantages it has over the SB-400) pointed at the ceiling. This allows for the more natural lighting look, and if you are photographing after dark, it can completely black out the background, while making it look well-lit. So while it might seem pointless, even in a well-lit room, you should still use the flash. The eye has a way of deceiving the brain, and making it look like there is more light than there really is.

The second aspect, and while it may seem slightly more of a no-brainer, is to not worry about the equipment too much. Don't bother switching lenses to get the optimal shot, putting filters on, etc. This will only cause you miss the one shot you need to get. Also, you will want to use a zoom lens. Unless you are willing to keep trying to get that one shot out of a hundred, use a slower zoom lens so you can keep up with their movements. And this part really depends on what type of photographer you are. I prefer to stand back, and not be at the center of everything, snapping pictures. As such, this means I use my 55-200mm VR primarily, because it has such a wide range, but it also can be used in darker situations.

You also will want to make sure you have batteries. Most of the time, you will most likely be waiting. This means you will be watching the kid, usually through the camera, constantly repositioning yourself and readjustin g your camera settings, primarily the zoom, to match the surroundings. This wears your battery down, so you will want to watch the level as the day or event goes on.

I would recommend setting your camera on AF-C, or autofocus-continuous. This means the

camera will constantly be readjusting the focus as the subject comes closer or further. You can change this by pushing the closest button the top of your D90, that has the letters 'AF' printed on it. You'll have to hold that button, while spinning the back scroll-wheel. (Note: Most people usually already have the camera set to AF-A; The reason for switching to AF-C is because kids can stand still, your D90 isn't as smart as you, and might assume they are standing still. Trust me, I have had blurry pictures of kids come out because they started moving, doing something worthwhile capturing, and the camera refused to change fast enough.)

So now, just a quick recap:

1) Lighting: Usually your own, but watch for the ambient light.

2) Lenses: Use a zoom lens. This way you can capture within a wider area.

3) Camera settings: Set everything to move fast. Most importantly, AF-C

4th of July Fireworks with the Nikon D90!

This last 4^th of July I had a chance to watch the fireworks in a small town way up in the Cascade Mountains. The town’s fireworks are fired off right next to the river which was a great opportunity for me to capture the reflections of the fireworks on the water. A rushing river isn’t as good as a perfectly flat and calm lake for this type of shot but it will work ok. So I found the only advantage spot the shot would work and planned to get there early to set up. These are two of my favorites from a lot of shots taken and here’s the D90 Settings I used and how I did it.

First you’re going to need a Tripod and a Remote. I used my Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 lens for these shots at 17mm. First set your camera to remote and in settings :C5 set your Remote on Duration to 10 or 15 minutes if it’s not already set. ISO should be set to 200 to reduce noise. Next set you camera to Manual Exposure and rotate the rear Shutter Speed dial to the left until you get to the word BULB. Bulb setting lets you determine with the remote how long you want to leave the shutter open, 1^st click the shutter opens 2^nd click the shutter closes. This is how you get long exposures. The next D90 setting is your aperture. Rotate the Aperture dial on the front of your D90 to set this setting. These photos were taken with the aperture set at F/8 but you can play with this setting. I’ve taken fireworks pictures with the aperture set up to as far as f/18. The last camera set up is to set the D90 to manual focus and focus out to infinity. To focus to Infinity means to turn your focus ring all the way to the left or right where everything in the distance is in focus. I think their is a infinity symbol also on your lens. After the fireworks start you can play with the manual focus but infinity seems best. That’s it for the D90 setup.

Now it’s time to fire off some test shots of the beginning fireworks to get the framing you like. Now for the timing, as soon as you hear the fireworks shoot off into the sky click the remote one time (opening the shutter). Wait until the big explosion in the sky happens and click again (closing the shutter) Check you framing and adjust. Now you’re set to capture away….play with different exposure times and see what you get. That’s it, and that’s how I got my shots. My exposure times for these two shots were 5.1 and 7.6 seconds.

Quick Recap:
Tripod - Camera set to Remote – Remote on Duration set to 10min. – ISO 200 - Manual Exposure Set – Rotate Shutter Dial to BULB – Rotate Aperture Dial to F/8 – Set Focus to Manual – Focus out to Infinity.

Have Fun!

New Team Member for D90 Blog

Many of you don't know me, in fact, most likely all of you don't know me. On a whim, I approached the owner of this blog, and asked if he would be interested in adding a team member to the blog. To my surprise, he responded in the affirmative, so from now on, all of the loyal readers will be receiving updates from both of us.

My first official action on this blog is to inform y'all to what gear I have, what I like, and what I don't like. I have listed them below in chronological order of buying them.

- D40 - What I started with. If you can find one, get it! It is cheaper than the D3000, and virtually identical in almost all respects.

- 18-55mm - This is the kit lens that comes with the D40. It is a great first lens, and is very versatile, not to mention cheap.

- 55-200mm VR - This stayed on my camera most of the time until I got my latest lens. It is with every bit of $50 to get the VR.

- SB-600 - This flash will do everything you need and more. I wouldn't get the SB-400, because you can't bounce it in portrait mode, and the SB-900 still has problems, not to mention the larger price.

- D90 - My current flagship. I use this 95% of the time, and I don't have any complaints with it.

- MB-D80 - If you don't have one of these, but you do a lot of shooting, it is well worth it! It works seamlessly with the D90, (although I did have to bend the contacts a bit...) and it allows for days, sometimes even weeks of continuous shooting.

- 50mm f/1.8 - Perhaps the greatest budget lens ever. If you don't have one, get one! They are cheap, they have a great construction, amazing bokeh, and some of the best focusing ever!

- Tamrac 8x Velocity - If you like moving, and don't like sitting down to change equipment, get one of these! They have every size you need, and when you pull the strap tight, your movements aren't hampered at all!

- Sandisk Extreme III 8GB - This is extremely fast, plus it is practically built for the D90. I have heard that it supports over-clocking for up to 30MB/s, and as far as I know, the D90 is one of the few, if not the only camera that offers over-clocking features.

- Gary Fong Puffer - If you can't afford a flash to bounce the light, this is the next best thing. It attaches to the hotshoe, and diffuses the built-in flash very well!

- Zeikos Close-up Filters - I got these because I wanted to get into macro photography without the cost. The only downside is it shortens the depth of field quite a bit, and you have to get right up on your subject. Overall, worth the $20 I had to pay for a set of 4.

That's a quick rundown of all my equipment. I am a Nikon junkie, and really try not to buy anything non-Nikon if I can help it. Obviously, some things you need to stray from the golden path, but for all the main camera equipment, stick with Nikon, and you can't go wrong. They engineer their products so well, and they will last you possibly for the rest of your life.

Another recommendation I have if you are a risk-taker like me, is buy the expensive stuff from Ritz Camera. By doing this, you can buy their insurance, which covers everything except theft and fire. Take it from me, if you are about to get a flash, get insurance on it! The idea of charging something up, and letting it go repeatedly is a bad bet, and I am about to take my flash in for the second time this year to get repaired/replaced. Not a bad bet, as the price of another flash is just about the same as every bit of insurance I have bought within the past two years. So while some people take care of equipment, and might not need to worry about insurance, I think it is better to err on the side of caution, plus it allows me to let my friends use my equipment without having to worry about it constantly.

So now you know a little bit more about me. I am looking forward to keeping y'all updated on the latest goings-on in the Nikon world, and specifically with anything related to the D90.

~unclejoe

Is the Nikon D90 Being Replaced, Really?

Well I hate to say it but each day now I’m see more and more reports that the d90 is about to be replaced. Nikon Rumors is reporting that stores are already removing the d90 stock for the new replacement! They say it might now be called the D8000?. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later but this seems a little too soon for me, especially since the d90 is probably one of their best sellers….. I don’t think I’ll be getting read of my D90 for quite some time. Regardless of how much they pressure me to upgrade to the replacement model. The announcement is rumored to be the middle of august. Stay Tuned for more information.

Update: Turned out to be called the D7000

Update: Rumored to be called the Nikon D95 - 8/2/2010

So what do you all think about this whole D90 Replacement already?

Nikon D90 Blog - D90 Everything - Were Back.....Finally!

I can't tell you all what a big relief it was today to get my blog back! I really didn't think I'd ever see it again after 2 years online.

Here's the short of a long stressful and successful story......

July 21, 2010 I went to log into my blog and I cant. It says its disabled due to it being a spam blog and sometimes their robots get what they call a false positive which I got? So I'm freaking out after reading this feeling like i just got punched in the stomach for something i don't even know what it was! and the only option i had was to click a button that said restore my blog and here's what i get.“

Blogger’s spam-prevention robots have detected that your blog has characteristics of a spam blog. (What’s a spam blog?) Since you’re an actual person reading this, your blog is probably not a spam blog. Automated spam detection is inherently fuzzy, and we sincerely apologize for this false positive. We received your unlock request on July 21, 2010. On behalf of the robots, we apologize for locking your non-spam blog. Please be patient while we take a look at your blog and verify that it is not spam.

So I start looking for help and find this whole four step process I have to follow to the T, which I quickly do.....As the days are passing I'm kind of depressed as each morning I wake up I look to see if my blog is back on. 6 days have passed and nothing. Then on the 7th day, today I get an email after work that says "your blog has been restored! Thank you for your patience.....Yeah! Those darn robots........

So were back and looking good....I hope i haven't lost many followers and if i have i hope you come back soon...

Starting around the 1st of next month I'm going to have our 2nd photo contest to celebrate getting the blog back and it's new look! I'm thinking the winner will get a new Wireless Remote Control, the Nikon ML-L3! Not sure of the theme yet but if you have some ideas let me know!

Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens for the Nikon D90!

Sigma has a new 17-50mm lens with Optical Stabilization made for APS-C camera's like our Nikon D90! Now available!

Update: Winner EISA Best Product 2010-2011 Lens

Ultra compact, large-aperture, standard zoom packs OS functionality and new, FLD glass

This large-aperture, standard-zoom lens, which was first introduced in February at Photo Marketing Association International, is designed for small chip, APS-C digital cameras and incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization (OS) functionality and new, FLD glass. The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an ultra compact lens with an overall length of just 3.6 inches.

The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM covers a focal length from a 17mm wide angle, has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens is currently available in Canon mounts at all authorized Sigma dealers for the MSRP of $980, and it will be available in Nikon, Sigma, Sony and Pentax mounts in the coming weeks.

The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Only Sigma has made it possible for Pentax and Sony shooters to utilize an anti-shake system in either the lens or the camera body. The compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder for all mounts, which makes accurate focusing fast and easy.

“This lens is a must-have for any photo opportunity,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “The fast aperture allows for shooting in low, existing light or at maximum range with a flash. This is an ideal, all-purpose lens for everyday shooting.”

Sigma’s FLD glass, which is used in the new lens, has an extremely high light transmission and anomalous dispersion, making it the top level of low dispersion glass available. With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. These characteristics offer excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum), which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high-definition and high-contrast images.

In addition, the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM also offers one hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements for excellent correction of distortion and astigmatism. It has Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting with superior peripheral brightness and Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) to provide quiet and high-speed auto focus. The lens’ rounded, seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to out-of-focus areas and its inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.

Check it out and read customer reviews here

Nikon D90 and the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 Ultra Wide Lens!

Tokina 11-16 2.8 @12mm

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a great 4th of July and got some nice pictures.

Update: Newer Version Just Released 7/27/2012 Check it out Here

I’m going to talk a little about the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 Ultra Wide lens today and my personal thoughts about it. As I said in a previous blog here that I really wanted to get this lens for landscape photography. Well it turns out I was just recently hired by a Build and Design Company to take some photos of their finished interiors……Yep, A paying photography job, Sweet. Anyway this was the perfect reason to finally get the Tokina 11-16mm lens. Plus I was getting ready for vacation where I really wanted to use this lens. I found a good deal on eBay from cameraland with MSN cashback which after the rebate cost me around $520.

First off this lens on the D90 is very cool, looks great and is built like a hand grenade. It worked great for the building interior work I was shooting. It made all the difference in the world compared to my other widest lens the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. I found out quickly the tammy is just is not wide enough for interiors in my opinion after trying both lens. The Tokina is sharp and fun to use but takes some basic practice to get use to. I used this lens on my D90 set to aperture priority F/8 & F11, tripod, and used the natural lighting of the interiors and the photos came out very nice. See low-res samples below.

So now it was time to take this Tokina on the road for vacation up the California and Oregon coast into Seattle Washington for a family visit and lots of pictures. I was exited to start shooting landscapes and such with the Tokina until I started framing shots at 11mm and they seemed to be a mile away in the viewfinder and just too much at times it seemed. This seemed to be fine on a few shots but not all. I found myself putting on the Tamron 17-50mm more often then not for landscape photos. Don’t get me wrong here the Tokina was sharp and great at 11mm but for most landscape shots I found framing the scene and some zoom ability was needed from the Tammy. The Tokina zoom range is very minimal thus I’d say this lens will always only be used at 11mm which is why I got it anyway. This brings me to an early conclusion that this is definitely like others have said a “Specialty Lens” especially great at building interiors and exteriors and some special landscape photos. I also loved this lens for any really close up shots of big things like cars. I swear it seems like you can get a foot away from a car and fit it all in the frame at different angles, very cool. After my trip I’d say that 80 % of my landscape keepers came from the Tamron 17-50mm but one of my very favorites did come from the Tokina 11-16mm taken at 12mm.

I can’t compare the Tokina Ultra Wide against others like it because this is the first and only true ultra wide I’ve ever used. I do love this lens the more I use it for it's specialties and would definitely recommend it for interiors and exterior building photos and some landscape specialty shots but not as just a landscape lens. I will continue to play with this lens and become more familiar with it as time passes. Below are a few sample photos from the Tokina 11-16mm on my Nikon D90.

Tokina 11-16 @ 16mm

Tokina 11-16 @ 11mm

Check out more Reviews Here!

The Best Place to Buy a Nikon D90?

So were did you all buy your Nikon D90? Their seems to be a lot of choices online to purchase a D90 but finding a good reputable dealer is the key to me. I'd like to buy from our local camera chain store but the prices compared to buying online is just  to big of a gap,even with shipping. For online customer service and no hassle returns I’d have to say Amazon is one of the best. They also have the D90 available in all sorts of configurations. B&H is another good choice for online sales of the D90. Ebay is where I bought mine but make sure the seller has a good track record (feedback) before you bid. Another reputable online store is Adorama which has a nice selection of gear and is also a great place to order your prints. Ritz camera is another but they seem to have higher prices….For first time online purchasers I’d really suggest Amazon since you won’t have any problems and if you do they will take care of you!

Amazon

B&H

Adorama

Ebay

Ritz

New ThickSkin Armor for the Nikon D90

Some new protection for your Nikon D90!

ThickSKIN, Form-Fitting Armor for Nikon D90 Digital SLR Cameras

Guard your dSLR from damage

The ThickSKIN, Form-Fitting Armor for Nikon D90 Digital SLR Cameras will protect your camera from bumps, drops, scrapes, and certain weather elements. The tough, rubberized silicone is form-fitting to your camera and provides it with the utmost protection. Your grip is more firm and secure with the system in place as well. Don't let your camera take abuse, protect it with the Reinforced Camera Guard Protection System today.

Maximum protection for your Nikon D90 dSLR Camera
ThickSKIN, Form-Fitting Armor preserves your Digital SLR Camera from scratches, dust and normal wear-and-tear
Tailored design provides a custom fit for your Nikon D90
Rubberized finish offers a better, more secure grip
Lens guard will fit most lenses up to 85mm

Check it out Here

New Sigma 8-16mm Ultra Wide Angle Lens for the D90!

The NEW Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the only one of its kind. This is the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. It has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital camera with an APS-C size image sensor.

Sigma’s new FLD glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for color aberration. One hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism. An inner focusing system produces high definition images throughout the entire zoom range and the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting while superior peripheral brightness ensures high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range. HSM ensures quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus capability. It has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches throughout the entire zoom range which allows photographers to emphasize the subject by creating exaggerated perspectives.

This lens has a compact construction with an overall length of 4.2 inches and a maximum diameter of 2.9 inches and is perfect for shooting landscape photography, architecture, building interiors, photojournalism, wedding photography, group pictures and more. New from Sigma, the pioneer of ultra wide-angle lenses.

Check out the Reviews Here!

Mastering HD Video with Your DSLR D90!

Here's a new book geared toward mastering videoing with your DSLR. As far as i know this is the first book on videoing with our D90....

Many of the newest DSLRs include HD video capability, and while the interest from the photography community was initially cool, we have seen a recent shift. Photographers are beginning to explore the video capabilities of their cameras and want to learn about the art and craft of creating high quality video.

In this book learn how to capture and edit video footage, how to achieve the unique "motion picture look " and the effects which have not been possible with standard digital video equipment. The book takes the reader all the way from mastering video concepts, specific video features of their DSLRs, and equipment needed to shoot video, to understanding the restrictions, problems, and pitfalls of shooting video with a DSLR. Using an easy to follow approach of introducing concepts, thoroughly explaining the process of shooting video, and finally presenting step-by-step projects that take the reader from capture to editing. Examples and other useful materials and video clips can be found on the DVD that comes with the book.

Photographers who are ready to give HD video a serious try, as well as videographers interested in exploring the possibilities of DSLRs for their work, will find this book an indispensable source of technical know-how and inspiration.

Check it out Here!

Kindle Addition Here!

Nikon D90 Everything Spring Photo Contest!

Hey everyone happy April Fools Day! I wanted to give this a try! Everyone has been so nice on my blog over the last year and a half I want to giveaway a free copy of David Busch's Nikon D90 book! So let's have a D90 only photo contest with spring as our theme!

UPDATE 5/4/2010

Here are the top 5 photos and winner submitted for our first contest!

1. Winner! Wafwot


2. Vincent



3. D


4. Nancy


5. Tmup

Congratulations To Wafwot, You win the Nikon D90 Book!

With some help from my friends Wafwot got the votes to win first place. I'll be having another contest soon for another nice d90 gift...please stay tuned!

Thank You to everyone that entered my first contest!

This is how it will work.

1.Theme is Spring Time

2.Photo must be from a D90

3.Must include exit data.(just the basics, Lens, Exposure, Aperture, Focal Length, ISO)

4.Photo Title and Description

5.Dead Line to enter is April 30th

So add this info below in the comments field along with a link directly to your photo so i can see it. I'll post the top 5 photos at the end of April and pick a winner!

Have Fun and thanks again to all my followers and anyone that has visited this blog!

Photography Books to Better your Nikon D90 Skills!

I've basically listed every Nikon D90 "how to Book" ever made on this blog over the last year and a half. So now I wanted to list some general Photography books for you that will help us all be better photographer's. So here's the short list of the best photography books available.....

1. : How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (3rd Edition) by Bryan Peterson - For serious amateur photographers who already shoot perfectly focused, accurately exposed images but want to be more creative with a camera. More Info.


2. Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition) by Bryan Peterson - Almost everyone can "see" in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light. More Info.

3. Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography by Bryan Peterson - Take great pictures of people--beyond portraits, photos that capture a moment. More Info.

4. Capturing the Light: An Inspirational and Instructional Guide to Landscape Photography by Peter Watson - This outstanding book showcases 90 of Peter Watson's stunning photographs, all capturing the light to perfection. Each photograph is allocated a page for display. More Info.

5. Photographic Composition By Tom Grill - Effective image design, a key ingredient in successful photographs, is a skill that any serious photographer must learn and master. More Info.


6. Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography by Brenda Tharp - Professional and amateur photographers alike will find an array of surefire strategies in Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography, an indispensable guide that demonstrates how to use classic visual design principles to create strong, compelling, nature photos. More Info.  Kindle Addition

7. Photography by Barbara London - A picture tells a thousand stories, but the one it doesn't tell is how the shot was made. Barbara London and John Upton's Photography is an all-inclusive look at the craft of photography. More Info.

8. John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide by John Shaw - An updated bestseller, this book of extraordinarily beautiful photographs of nature contains state-of-the-art instruction on how any photographer can aim for equally impressive results every time a camera is focused on the great outdoors. More Info.

9. The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby - "Kelby's laid-back writing style is perfect for those looking for fascinating insights without getting caught up in technical detail. More Info.


10. The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series) by Jim Miotke - This practical, lesson-based workbook gives readers a step-by-step tutorial in getting bright, crisp, beautiful pictures from their digital cameras every time. More Info.


11. The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes - After spending more than thirty years behind the lens—working for National Geographic, Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated—Joe McNally knows about light. He knows how to talk about it, shape it, color it, control it, and direct it. Most importantly, he knows how to create it...using small hot shoe flashes. More Info.


12. The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters - THE FIRST BOOK WITH ONE FOOT ON THE COFFEE TABLE, AND ONE FOOT IN THE
CLASSROOM  More Info

13. LIFE Guide to Digital Photography: Everything You Need to Shoot Like the Pros -Photography has been the business and the passion of LIFE since the original weekly magazine's inception in 1936, and it continues to be the business and passion of LIFE Books and LIFE.com in the new millennium. More Info

I personally learned a lot from reading "Understanding Exposure" What photography books have you read lately? Do you recommend any good books?