Cheerful Lake @ Mountain Park, GA

A quaint little place, Mountain Park is hidden in the midst of the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is about 30 minutes north of Atlanta, just next to Roswell.
We go there occasionally just to take pictures of the lake, the flowers, and the water fowl.
Today was a perfect day to shoot a few images. Well, any day is a perfect day for shooting, but here are a few from my most recent photo shoot there.

Canon Rebel T3i VS T3 - Canon's Newest Entry-level DSLR Comparison

Canon has two new beginner's Digital SLR cameras, and shoppers need to be aware that they are quite different in spite of the similarities in name. Differences between the Canon Rebel T3i and the Canon Rebel T3 are very obvious, even to the newest photographer.

In this report, we will look at the Canon Rebel T3i vs T3.

To start with a bit from the past, several years ago, there was a similar release when Canon produced the Rebel XSi along side the XS. Back then, as today, the only deviation was an itty-bitty "i". Entry-level Digital SLR camera buyers have been buying the Rebel XS in record numbers.

This is the reason the Rebel T3 isn't truly a rival of the T3i, rather it is an upgrade to the older XS, and it should be thought of as the most basic of Digital SLRs. It will unquestionably give the inexperienced entry-level camera buyer years of digital image gratification without all the extras of more sophisticated models.

Canon Rebel T3

Inside the T3, the hardware is just what you need to make those amazing images you've always dreamed of, despite the fact that this is not a feature-packed model. The missing bells and whistles won't be much of a concern to most first-time camera buyers anyway.

Here are just a few of the "included" features of the T3 that will make this a great camera choice:

1. The new and improved image sensor is plenty large enough at 12.2 megapixels. This is a major improvement over the Rebel XS in terms of size and quality.

2. Video ability has now been included which was not available in the XS. While it doesn't quite match up to the T3i, it is still a robust component of the T3 at HD 720p.

3. Creative options that allow for in-camera image enhancements such as "soft-focus" or "grainy black and white" plus a few more.

4. The new Feature Guide is yet another great new feature. The Feature Guide shows a short description of the selected feature, making it much easier to navigate to the setting you want.

Canon Rebel T3i w/ swivel LCD

Some of the features in the T3i that are not included in the T3:

1. An 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor (the same one as in the more expensive 60D and 7D).

2. A 3" swivel LCD panel with better resolution, which is very handy for taking video and still shots from difficult angles.

3. If you are one who is looking for video, the T3i has a full 1080p video package with stereo sound and the capability of off-camera mic.

4. Continuous shooting for sports and action is much better at 3.7 fps, and it can store many more shots.

In general, the build quality is the same for both cameras. With respect to the difference between the T3 and the T3i sensor, you can get really large images from both with the same quality. In the end, your personal expectations for your DSLR will be the determining factor, along with your budget.

The Canon Rebel T3 is already becoming a favorite of new photographers in the Cheap Digital SLR category.
You will want see a much better side-by-side comparison of the Canon Rebel T3i VS T3 before you make your final choice. It is available at http://canonrebelt3i600d.com/.

Canon Rebel T3 - Top Value In A Cheap DSLR

Cheap Digital SLR? The Canon Rebel T3 fits the description (and nearly everybody will agree). However, you still get high great value for your money, even though a second mortgage is not required to get one of these nifty little cameras.

The Rebel T3 (not to be confused with the Rebel T3i is an upgrade of the fiercely popular Canon XS. When buyers started getting the word out about the XS model, it started flying off the shelves in huge numbers. In fact, it is still number one on Amazon's best seller list!

This image of a flower taken by Jade with a Canon Rebel T3



Leon posted this photo of his beautiful dog.

Is Inexpensive An Indication Of Caliber?

Part of the reason for popularity was that a new camera owner could get outstanding quality at a low cost, and that without a large investment of time to learn about the camera. In this writer's judgment, if you take the exact same inexperienced photographer, someone who is just getting into digital SLR photography, and put a $600 (Canon T3) camera in their mits, then set a $2700 (Canon 7D) camera in their hands, the images will be alike in quality.

Different Digital SLR strokes for different folks.

It seems we have entered a new era - the era of digital photography. Nowadays, there are many more who are passionate about photography. Nature, concerts, family interests, sports, street journalism, and just about any interest you can think of are reasons for people to upgrade to digital slr cameras.

They want the best photos possible, therefore they are turning to digital SLRs. The most obvious choice for new photographers is an entry-level digital slr camera. Quality without complications (the complication of learning a new, high-powered camera system) is what they want.

The Canon T3 is maintaining the custom of the XS in that a raw camera user can begin shooting with this camera right out of the box and get the splendid pictures they wished for.


How is this camera better in terms of upgrades?

The Rebel T3 has better "stuff" than its older sibling. The key technology of digital SLRs is better by leaps and bounds. The new 12-megapixel CMOS (vs 10-megapixels) sensor has better quality, plain and simple. Another item is video. Everyone expects it and uses it in their camera. Add to that the oodles of creative additions to the camera software, and you have a much better camera for all aspects of camera use.

What about price?

Are you aware that there are many digital SLR cameras for less than $600? Cheap digital SLR cameras are produced by every major manufacturer. The satisfaction this Rebel T3 will bring can make many people content for lots of years. Yet, for others, their 1st cheap DSLR is just a starting point. If that is you, make certain you study the options for expansion, including lenses and equipment add-ons.

The Canon T3 is already becoming a favorite of new photographers in the Cheap Digital SLR category. It's definitely worth a look here: http://canonrebelt3i600d.com/compare-canon-rebel-t3i-vs-t3/.

Canon Rebel T3i (EOS 600D) - This Digital SLR Makes Creative Photography Easy

Canon Rebel T3i/600D

The new Canon Rebel T3i (aka 600D) digital camera has arrived on your dealer's shelves, and quite honestly, it is a camera for beginners who want creativity as a component in their photographic experience.

What's New In The Canon Rebel T3i

Looking out for the new photographer who is just getting into the digital SLR community, Canon has added some benefits to an already mighty package so that the Rebel T3i is very alluring, particularly if you have never handled a digital SLR camera.

There are a couple of really excellent reasons that a majority of people give for purchasing their first digital SLR camera. First of all, everybody is aware that the image quality of a DSLR camera is superior to a compact digital camera. However, the ability to switch lenses is also an excellent motivation for buying a digital SLR camera.

In the T3i you get most of the matching technology available in the older T2i, which includes the basic stuff like image sensor and processor. As a matter of fact, the only thing that "appears" different is the LCD screen. The T3i has added an articulating LCD screen similar to the one on the higher quality Canon 60D. For many, this enhancement alone is reason to buy the T3i.

==>For a side-by-side look at the T2i and T3i, Click Here<==

Creative Difference - Welcome Addition To The Rebel T3i

The actual differences come in the camera software which has been tremendously enhanced with the addition of some very creative possibilities that are not available on any of the previous Rebel models. One of those new features is the "Green Square." On the top mode dial, there is a new button that is green, hence the name Green Square. When you set the camera on the Green Square, you basically give the camera Carte Blanche for control. The camera will make some very important decisions about light and sharpness to give you the very best picture possible. And you don't have to do anything except aim and shoot. Canon actually calls this new setting "Scene Intelligent Auto," which is the same as "Intelligent Auto" on some compact digital models.

When set to Scene Intelligent Auto, the camera takes the guess work out of camera settings. You, the new camera owner, can take some awesome shots right from the start.

Sounds great, right? But wait, there's more! There is now a Basic+ selection in the Quick Control screen when the mode dial is set to Basic Zone modes. There are two different options to choose from once you access the Basic+ screen. You can choose Ambiance settings or the Lighting/Scene Type settings. Once more, the camera softrware does all the thinking for you and makes you look like you know what you are doing.

Knowing that this camera has all the same features as the more professional cameras should make the T3i very interesting to those who are considering their 1st digital SLR, especially if the hope of moving up to a more professional camera is the final goal.

And because of the new creative features, you, the new DSLR photographer, will be able to learn the ins and outs of your new camera with comfort because you can experiment with the "pro settings" when you have the time and not when an excellent shot is essential.

Canon has taken the pressure off by giving new photographers professional features and convenience.

The Canon EOS 600D, aka Rebel T3i, gives you a great choice when it comes to beginning digital SLR photography. For further product review, go to www.canonrebelt3i600d.com.

Beginner's Digital SLR Camera - Canon T3i Or T2i

T3i Or T2i, That Is The Question

Search Amazon.com for Canon Rebel T3i
Canon has just added a twist to the determination to buy a Canon Rebel digital SLR camera. The question now is Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i.

Is the Canon Rebel T3i genuinely an upgrade? That is the inquiry under consideration right now, and many reviewers are adding their opinion on the subject. Make sure you stick with this discussion in its entirety, because you will find that there are some subtle changes here that may sway your buying decision.

Let's start with the main features. A couple of things that everybody looks at first are the image sensor and the processor, and these are the exact same in both digital SLRs. That implies that there will be no advantage for either when it comes to image quality.

To go along with that, some of the other features for camera comparing are also identical. Two more features that have not changed are the video and ISO settings. The ability to capture 3.7 still frames per second has not changed either.

The LCD panel is the one key difference that virtually all reviewers focus on. The new tilt-panel LCD screen is the one feature that everyone draws attention to first. It has been very popular on the Canon 60D, and it may just be what brings out your wallet, too, when it comes to the T3i.

So a vari-angle LCD panel is indeed a big plus for the Canon Rebel T3i.

Another improvement for the new model is the capability to fire multiple flashes remotely when taking a photo. Not every buyer of an entry-level DSLR is looking for the ability to use remote flashes, but with the T3i you have it (not with the T2i).

Next, a word about video. For the first time, Canon has added "Movie Digital Zoom." With this feature, you can zoom in 3-10x and still get first-class quality video. Plus there is now full manual control of focus while capturing video.

What About Creativity in the Canon Rebel T3i VS T2i Debate

Those are some of the subtle differences, but maybe the biggest changes when comparing the Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i are in the camera software. The T3i has some very creative features for the new digital SLR photographer.

First, there is a new video component that allows you to take short video clips and have them stitched together inside the camera. You take 2, 4, or 8 second clips, as many as you want, and the camera does the rest.

Then there is Basic+. When you set your camera in this Basic+ mode, there are two choices for your creative output. They are "shooting by lighting or scene type, and shooting for "ambience."

With the ambience setting, you set a kind of mood for your photo as the camera adjusts the sharpness, contrast, color and saturation for effect.

If you choose the lighting or scene setting, there will be changes applied that are called Creative Filters that can result in 5 separate types of effects. These are Fish-eye, Miniature, Soft focus, Grainy Black and White, and Toy Camera.

Saving the most helpful characteristic for last, many who are just getting started with digital SLR photography will value the Feature Guide that is now included in the Rebel T3i software. When you change the camera settings, the new choice is shown in the LCD window with a description of what that choice will do.

The Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i debate boils down to some rather subtle differences in the feature set and one major upgrade in the hardware.

See the two cameras side-by-side here ==> www.digital-photographic-resources.com/cameras/rebelT3iReview.html.

The Making Of A Photographer - Gear vs Creativity

The "look" is photographer, but you must
see the results before it's official.

Trust me, I am not against photographers or photography classes. In truth, I am totally in favor of educating yourself as much as possible, particularly as it applies to photography. However, due to a recent change in attitude on my part, I must say this.

Camera equipment does not a photographer make!

That's it. I said it, and I'm sticking with it. Not too long ago, I was also a adherent to the concept that to be a photographer you had to own all the best gear. He must have a well equipped studio with all the special lights and backdrops, the underwater gear, access to an airplane to take the aerial shots.

Wrong.

Photography is not about gear. It's not about a degree from a university. Finally, photography is not some special gift.

Photography is quite simply about capturing the light. It's about being able to snap the shutter at just the perfect time and from the correct place. Photography is about life.

Right now, just consider the terrific photographs that moved you somehow, whether emotionally or spiritually. Those are the ones with life. Even the photographs of still objects that attract you do it by stirring you emotionally. They stir up the life inside of you.

These kinds of pictures are the product of photographers. Photographers take the pictures with the best gear, or, if need be, with the least of gear. They just have a passion to make great pictures. They simply follow their calling.

photography studio equipment
image from olx.com

Some of the ways you can describe a photographer:

    •    A photographer views the world artistically and notices things like light and shadows, color and design.

    •    He values nature and can photograph it so that everyone else can too.

    •    A photographer is extremely observant of his surroundings and takes lots of images of it.

    •    A photographer loves sharing his pictures so that others can experience the emotions that they bring out.

But there are also some common misconceptions about photographers that you need to get rid of:

    •    He is not just lucky. Being at the right place at the right time does play a part in the game, but it is not because of luck. It is because she is dedicated to her passion.

    •    A photographer is good because she has the newest and bestest of gear. Many folks think that if they don't have that new digital SLR that just came out with the super-duper prime lens, they will not get the best shots. Although having good gear is important for a pro, it does not define a photographer.

    •    A photographer does not need to be a born artist. It is true that some people have a better eye for picture making, but it is also true that the eye can be trained to see the creative images.

    •    He has a natural knack for things that are technical and difficult. One of the myths about photography is that it is really technical, which inevitably makes it too hard to grasp. Sorry, but this is just not the case. A photographer can take good pictures with any equipment. It's true that some types of photo gear are quite technical, but, once again, they do not determine a photographer.

Great photography is really extremely easy. Be prepared to take a photograph when the opportunity presents itself (hence the term "photo opportunity"). "View" your surroundings in a different light. Become familiar with some primary guidelines about shooting technique. Shoot.

OK, so maybe it is not as easy as that, because it does take training. So learning about photography is part of the equation. That's where PhotographyClassesAtlanta.org comes in. Check us out.

Do You Really Have To "Learn Photography" To Be A Photographer

Learn Photography? Really?

Photography is awesome! There are so many kinds of images that it can satisfy nearly everyone in some way. That's why I have been spending so much time trying to learn photography, every facet of it. But I get too focused on the technological aspects rather than on the creativity involved in photography.

Is a photographer an artist? An even more pressing question: Does simply owning a digital SLR camera make an individual a photographer?

I must admit that I have been thinking about these things with regard to my own work quite a bit lately I do own a digital SLR camera. And, I do take lots of pictures with my digital SLR camera. So, taking photos is not the problem, but I still have difficulty classifying myself as a photographer.

The cause of this difficulty is that I invariably compare my photos with those of others whom I respect. I spend far too much time viewing the pictures of photographers who I consider as very talented in the sphere of photography, and, quite honestly, I regard my photos fairly stinky after looking at theirs. Yet, someone else sees my images and is amazed at how good they are. My problem, I think, is personal expectation.

My goal is to take pictures that compare to photographers like Rick Sammons and Moose Peterson, two of photographers and teachers that I admire greatly. My opinion... I just don't compare as a photographer to those guys.

When it comes to my own images, I admit that I am quite critical. Yet at times, I tend to be even more critical about those who think of themselves photographers yet they know naught about the technical part of picture taking. Why does someone call himself a photographer when he doesn't know an aperture from an exposure setting?

However, after some soul searching, I realize that I am being rather cynical. After all, one man's trash is another man's treasure, right? I have come to realize, I spend too much time evaluating the technical aspects of photos instead of the more important emotional affect of the photo.

An image becomes art when it can inspire or draw out the emotion of a viewer.

A person's ability to manipulate the camera settings, while important, is not art. Likewise, if the camera is left on "auto" all the time, why should that be important? The key is that they are taking pictures that bring joy, or sadness, or wonder to others.

Something else I realized as I thought through this issue is that the goal of all photographers is not to have their photos published by Better Homes and Gardens . They only want to have a record or journal of family memories, and that is good enough to qualify them as photographers and artists.

My desire for this article is simply to encourage "photographers" to keep on shooting. Don't be afraid to let your imagination lead you into your next shot. Maybe it will bring a smile to a friend's face, or it may end up in National Geographic in spite of us Pixel Peepers.

Learn Photography? Go to http://www.photographyclassesatlanta.org and have a peek.