The Best Video Camera For Indoor Shots

Some cameras offer more benefits for indoor shooting.

There is no single camera available on the market that is best for indoor shoots. Every camera offers advantages and disadvantages, and much depends on the subject and setup. For low-light shooting, some cameras are better. When the shoot is well lit, most cameras will be sufficient. The key to picking a camera is understanding the situation at hand.

Controlled Lighting: Light Everything

When shooting outdoors during the day, the sun provides all the light anyone would need. Once inside, lighting becomes a problem, and choices are key. For a simple shoot of a birthday party or a funny video to post on the Internet, just about any consumer grade camera will be fine, as long as you have as much light as possible. Turning on all the available lights in a room should be sufficient.

Controlled Lighting: Mood Lighting

An alternative to lighting everything is lighting to set a mood. Not just any video camera will do for these conditions. With lighting for the mood, say for a scary or romantic scene, the lighting needs to be focused on important subjects of the shoot, with everything else dark. Cameras with a good lens and large video sensor that can absorb a lot of available light are ideal. These tend to be higher-end cameras and D-SLRs (digital single-lens reflex).

Uncontrolled Lighting

In uncontrolled indoor lighting, the best option is to go with cameras with the best lenses and largest video sensors available. The camera must be flexible. Just as with mood lighting, a high-end consumer or professional grade camera or a D-SLR is the best option. Among these expensive options, there are subtle differences of quality, but largely they all have something to offer.

Sensor Sizes

The key to how well a camera will perform in low or uncontrolled light is the video sensor size. Generally there are two popular types of sensors in consumer video cameras: 3CCD sensors and CMOS sensors. The differences between these sensors are subtle, and both can perform well in low light. The larger the sensor, the better it will do because it can absorb more light. For best performance, a full frame sensor is ideal. Full frame is equivalent in size to 35 mm film. It is available in the highest-end video cameras and D-SLRs.

Fine Controls

Another key feature to look at on video cameras is the control the camera offers over the picture. Control over the shutter speed and gain will be best for low and uncontrolled light.

An Alternative: Put a Light on The Camera

One alternative to provide sufficient lighting is to attach a light to the camera. A small LED light bank attached to the top of the camera will light subjects up to a few feet away for indoor shooting. For this option, it is best to have a camera that offers a shoe for attaching accessories. Many consumer cameras do.

Tags: camera will, video cameras, best option, camera offers, cameras D-SLRs, Controlled Lighting, grade camera

Film Your Own Deer Hunt

Setting up near open areas can make filming easier.

Hunters have pursued deer for centuries. With the advancement of technology in video cameras and the growing popularity of hunting television shows, hunters are starting to film their own deer hunts. Deer hunting is challenging by itself, but the trophy can only tell half the story. Adding the element of video can be a rewarding way to relive the hunting memories for a lifetime.

Instructions

1. Clean the camera. Having a clean camera is not only the first step to filming your deer hunt, it's one of the most important. Dirty cameras can result in a lost opportunity at capturing the once-in-a-lifetime hunt for a trophy deer. Time spent outside in the elements, wind and dust can be hard on the camera, and will eventually lead to damage. Use a cleaning kit with a lens cloth or lens wipes to clean the lens of the camera to remove dust.

2. Clear shooting lanes. If you have brush or limbs in front of the camera, it's impossible to film the deer. Predict the movement and travel routes of the deer as they approach your position. Use a tree saw or pruners to remove brush, limbs and twigs. Give yourself room to film the buck as he approaches and then have a clear view of the deer for the shot.

3. Set up the camera. Use a tripod if you are hunting from a ground blind and a tree arm if you are hunting from a tree stand. Adam Hays, a professional outdoor videographer, suggests setting the tree arm at waist height. If you are right-handed shooter, set the camera on your right as you are facing for the shot. This allows your left hand to stay on the bow or gun while you adjust the camera with your right hand. Use the LCD viewfinder screen to see what you are filming. Finish setting up the camera by concealing the tripod or tree arm by wrapping it in burlap or covering it with natural vegetation.

4. Capture the shot. When you see a deer approaching your position, focus the camera and capture the movement with a smooth panning motion. Avoid jerky movements and track the deer as he moves through the timber. Avoid excessive zooming in or out. Ideally, you will split the viewfinder into thirds and the deer will take up one of the outside thirds. Give the deer room in front of the viewfinder. For example, if the deer is walking from left to right, position the deer in the left-side of the viewfinder so the deer has room to walk into the picture if you stop panning. This also sets you up for the shot as the deer is most likely going to run straight ahead after the shot. Anticipate the deer's movement and prepare for the shot.

5. Add extra footage to create the story. Capture shots--referred to as "static" shots--such as the weather, time of day or local scenery. If you are hunting deer in Illinois, for example, capture some shots of corn fields, tractors or combines. Sunsets and sunrises also provide excellent transitions between scenes that help tell the story of the deer hunt.

6. Be prepared for the unexpected. Hunting in the outdoors can expose you and the camera to extreme elements. Electronics and moisture don't mix so carry a rain cover in your backpack. Carry extra batteries and tapes. You can't film the deer hunt if your batteries are dead or the tape runs out.

Tags: brush limbs, deer hunt, deer room, film deer, hunting from

Sprint Nextel Key Problems

A Sprint Nextel two-way phone allows the caller to make wireless and Nextel Direct Connect calls. After the phone is obtained, you might have problems with non-functional buttons.

Frozen Screen

Keys can become non-responsive when a phone is frozen. To fix this, hold down the "End Call" button for a few seconds until the phone powers down. Wait a few seconds, and then hold the "End Call" button until the phone turns on. To reset the power connection, open the USB and audio connector door and remove the battery compartment cover. Pull the battery out, wait a moment and reinsert the battery. Replace the battery cover and shut the USB and audio door.

Key Lock

If buttons are pushed but no screen activity occurs, the keys might be locked. A key lock prevents buttons from accidentally being pushed. The phone settings can be adjusted to automatically activate the button lock after a designated time of non-use passes, or the phone is locked manually. To unlock the keys, enter the unlock password.

Text Entry

If you're trying to enter text using the predictive text feature but the wrong letters appear, the text input program might be set to Alpha mode. Change the setting to Word mode to allow text entry using predictive text or T9.

Tags: Call button, predictive text, Sprint Nextel, until phone, using predictive, using predictive text

Feed A Photo Scanner

Feed photo scanners let you scan a stack of photographs without changing between pictures manually. A special direct-feed tray on the scanner holds your stack of photographs and feeds them through on its own. Photographers and picture enthusiasts with unending stacks of photos will find that direct-feed scanners save them time when processing large groups of photos. Check the instruction manual for any special instructions that pertain only to your specific scanner.

Instructions

1. Examine the photographs you plan to scan and ensure they are flat. If you printed the photos, wait for the ink to dry completely to keep the photos from sticking together and to avoid damaging the scanner.

2. Slide out the tray for loading your documents, found on top of the scanner. It should slide up at an angle. Larger scanners may have a flat tray that does not need to be adjusted.

3. Turn the stack of photographs face down and insert them into the tray. Push downward until the photographs will slide in no farther. Check that the sides slide into the grooves on either side of the loading tray.

4. Press the "Scan" button and wait for scanning to complete. Remove your photographs from the bottom tray.

Tags: stack photographs

Connect A Xbox Live Communicator Headset

Xbox Live is a online gaming system that allows players to connect with each other through their Xbox game consoles. Players can chat, message, team up with other players, and communicate with opponents while playing the same game. Using a communicator headset leaves your hands free to use the remote controller. These days, a headset is practically standard issue, and some Xbox game kits even come equipped with a headset.

Instructions

Connect a Communicator Headset to an Xbox Console

1. Connect a wired remote controller to the Xbox game console by inserting the connector into one of the ports on the front of the unit. Controller ports are always on the front of the console for easy installation and removal.

2. Connect a wireless remote controller by turning both the console and the controller on and pressing and releasing the Connect buttons on both devices. Press the Connect button on the console first.

3. Plug the 2.5-mm headset connector on the Communicator Headset into the controller expansion port located in the center of both wired and wireless remote controllers.

Connect an Xbox 360 Wireless Headset

4. Purchase a wireless headset as an alternative to the Communicator Headset for greater freedom of movement. The Xbox 360 console is compatible with wireless headsets.

5. Turn on both the console and the headset using the power buttons on both units.

6. Press and release the Connect button on the game console located directly next to the power button.

7. Press and hold the Connect button the wireless headset for a few seconds.

8. Wait until the spinning ring of light settles in on a quadrant. Each quadrant indicates a player, a controller and a headset. If no other players are connected to the console, only the first quadrant should be lit up.

9. Press the Connect button on the console again to switch the quadrant the headset is associated with. Each time you press the Connect button it will move to the next quadrant.

Tags: Connect button, Communicator Headset, remote controller, Xbox game, both console, button console

Transfer Music Files To Creative Zen Mp3 Players

Although Creative Zen MP3 Players can be used for a variety of tasks, the most common task (and the one to which they are best suited) is playing music files. Here are some steps to help you to transfer music files to your Creative Zen MP3 Player.

Instructions

1. Install the software included with your Creative Zen MP3 Player on your home computer (or whichever computer you'll be transferring music files from).

2. Use the USB cable included with your MP3 player. Plug one end into your player and the other into the computer.

3. Turn on your MP3 player. Your computer should automatically recognize the device, but if it doesn't, double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and then locate and double-click the Creative Media Explorer icon.

4. Double-click the "Import Media" button. This will bring up a wizard that will help you locate and select music files on your computer.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions of the Import Media Wizard to complete the transfer of music files to your MP3 player.

Tags: your player, files your, music files, music files your, Creative Player, Creative Players, Import Media

Make Skins For Your Phone At Home

Phone skins are removable sticker designs that are placed over your cell phone. They are often made of vinyl material, rubber or plastic and can have a variety of designs on them. If you want to make your own customized cell phone skins and have them shipped to your house, here is one way that you can do it from your computer. There is a free website called Skinit.com that helps you create your own skin design. You can upload almost any type of image, from a photograph to a scanned piece of artwork or you can use their image directory.

Instructions

1. Go to the website Skinit.com and click the button that says "Get Started."

2. Choose "Create your own" after you select "Cell Phone." This will allow you to upload your own image or choose one of their photos to use as a skin.

3. Choose the tab "images" to upload your photo if you have one, or you can choose to use one of their designs for your skin. Drag and drop the photo to the picture of the phone to preview it.

4. Add text to your skin if you want to make a statement. You can put your name, a phrase, or funny saying.

5. Click on "Preview" to see your finished design. Once you are satisfied with your design, add it to your electronic cart and pay for your phone skin using a credit card. The cost is about $20.00 for one cell phone skin and they will ship it to your house within 10 days.

Tags: cell phone, your skin, choose their, phone skin, upload your, want make

Differences Between Xd & Sd Memory Cards For Digital Cameras

Memory cards are the new substitute for film.

Memory cards are necessary for nearly all digital cameras. They allow you to save your pictures directly to the card instead of the internal hard drive of the camera (if it even has one). This allows more storage space, greater flexibility and easier transfer to your computer. There are several different types of cards, including SD, SDHC and XD.

A standard SD (Secure-Digital) memory card, used in most new digital cameras, is about the size of a stamp. It can store up to 2 GB of information, and has a write-protect switch located on its side to prevent accidental deletions.

The SDHC (Secure-Digital High Capacity) memory card, much like its predecessor, is commonly used in most new digital cameras. It is the same size and shape, has the same features and works in a manner similar to the SD card, but it can store up to 32 GB of information as opposed to the SD's maximum of 2 GB.

The xD memory card, primarily used and manufactured by the camera company Olympus, is very similar to the SD card in that it can also hold a maximum of 2 GB of information. Its size is slightly different, as it is about half the length of an SD card. It also comes in two styles, M and M+, the latter of which operates at 1.5 times the speed of the former.

Tags: digital cameras, memory card, Memory cards, most digital, most digital cameras

Explain A Bad Grade On A College Essay

Take responsibility for a bad grade, but also show how it is anomalous.

Bad grades happen to everybody. Even top students get their share of Cs and Ds every so often. Whether you are explaining this grade to a parent or to a graduate school admissions committee, remember that blaming others will only make it look like you are making excuses. The key to explaining a bad grade is not only to take responsibility for it, but to show how it is anomalous and not part of a larger pattern.

Instructions

1. Start by describing the course, whether you are explaining a bad grade orally to a parent or in writing to a committee. Is it a particularly challenging course? Did the professor mention that students should expect their grades to drop, or that marks will improve by the end of the year? Is grading for the course done on a curve? Most importantly, is this a course in your field of study, or an elective that leaves you at a disadvantage to other students? Emphasize the fact that you like the course and you're glad you took it, but that you find it more challenging than you thought it would be.

2. Contextualize the essay grade in terms of your academic record. If you are a straight-A student, mention the fact that you've never received a grade like this before. Mention any past instances when you got a lower grade than you thought you deserved, and how you improved your overall grade by the end of the term. Try to minimize the effect of your low grade by demonstrating a consistent pattern of excellence or high achievement, and a willingness to improve when asked.

3. Avoid blaming your professor for marking too hard or not explaining the assignment properly. Don't make up excuses such as illness or fatigue; unless they are genuine, they will make you seem petty. Spin your excuse as a positive, instead. Maybe you took on a topic that was too ambitious, and while you challenged yourself and learned a lot, a low grade is the price you had to pay. Or, perhaps you focused too much on one aspect of the subject that really interested you.

4. Explain what you learned from the experience, and how you will work to improve your course grade to make it consistent with your academic history. You might mention that you've set up a meeting with your instructor to discuss what you can do to succeed on your next assignment.

Tags: explaining grade, fact that, mention that, show anomalous, than thought

Use Gps On Vacation

GPS, or Global Positioning System, allows you to see a real-time projection of your present coordinates onto an accurate map of an area. Taking a GPS unit on vacation can save you lots of time and hassle, especially in places where you have trouble speaking the language. Follow these steps to use GPS on vacation.

Instructions

1. Load new maps. Unfortunately, GPS does not automatically download current maps of the area you're in. This means that you need to plan in advance where you will be so you can find and load maps of those areas. Your GPS device manufacturer will direct you to outlets for compatible maps. So, get ready by buying and uploading the correct maps for your vacation.

2. Do some itinerary planning and prepping. Locate the names and addresses of important places on your vacation, such as your hotel, the bank, post office and airport. Add these locations to your GPS as waypoints so that you can easily refer to them or get directions on the fly. Also, use the GPS to plan days of sightseeing by plugging in one stop after another so you can seamlessly make your way through the day with the help of GPS.

3. Use GPS to track vacation photos. One of the niftiest uses of GPS on your vacation is to keep track of the date, time and location of your photos. Use a program such as GPS Photo Linker to accurately tag each of your photos with the coordinates at which the photos were taken. If you want something more manual, take a photo of your GPS display after you take your vacation photo and enter the data into your online photo sharing program.

4. Make sure you GPS unit is suitable. There are many different kinds of GPS units, each designed for a different use and purpose. If you're relying on GPS to keep track of your location in critical situations, such as hiking or sailing, make sure the unit is rugged and waterproof. If you're always going to be in a car, on the other hand, consider using a SAT-NAV in-dash unit that is more convenient for navigating as you drive.

Tags: your vacation, keep track, sure unit, your photos

Erase Cdrs

By using functions already built into the Windows Operating System, it's possible to erase outdated, confidential or unneeded files from a CD-R--provided that you used the corrected rewritable format in the first place. CD-R rewritable discs, sometimes called CD-RWs, are the only type of self-created disc that can be erased for re-use. If the following steps don't work with your disc, the CD is probably not rewritable and you should just shred the CD if you want the files to disappear.

Instructions

1. Insert the disc into your computer's CD-RW drive. DVD-RW drives are usually back-compatible and can also be used to erase CD files. If any Auto-play options begin, immediately click "Stop" or "Cancel" to return to your Windows Desktop.

2. Click on the Windows Start Menu, then click on "Computer."

3. Double-click on the CD-RW or DVD-RW drive containing the CD you want to erase. This will bring up a listing of all files and folders on the CD-R.

4. Select files you want to erase by clicking on them. You can select more than one file at a time by holding the "Ctrl" button. Once you select all of the files you want to erase, press the "Delete" key on your keyboard. You'll be asked to confirm the Delete operation; click "Yes."

5. Close the current window to return to the Windows Desktop.

6. Empty your recycling bin by right-clicking on the recycling bin desktop icon and selecting the "Empty" option. Again, remember that if the CD-R produces an error message when you press the "Delete" key, the CD isn't rewritable and there's no way to remove the files. In this case, destroy the CD.

Tags: want erase, files want, files want erase, press Delete, Windows Desktop

Equalize Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle batteries should be equalized every month or so, along with their regular charging. Equalizing refers to a steady, controlled overcharge of the battery that causes the electrolyte inside to bubble and remove the lead sulfate that builds up on the plates. The buildup occurs gradually with each charge and reduces the battery's ability to store a full charge. Equalizing your deep cycle batteries will keep them operation longer.

Instructions

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged, testing it with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully charged 12-volt battery reads at around 12.7 volts or greater. The charge current will slowly decrease after the battery reaches its bulk voltage.

2. Set the charger's voltage to 7.8 volts for each cell the battery has (a cell containing 6 volts). In other words, set the voltage to15.6 volts if working with a 12-volt battery. Charge the battery at this level for at least 2 hours.

3. Top off the battery's electrolyte during the second hour, using clean distilled water and a clean funnel in one of the fill holes under the caps. Make sure no debris gets into the battery while filling.

4. Wipe away any mist on the battery tops after equalizing, using a disposable cloth. Keep the cloth away from any clothes or other objects that can be ruined by battery acid. Dispose of the cloth.

5. Continue equalizing each day until you get a full equalization charge. An equalized 12-volt battery can give a temporary charge of up to 14.4 volts.

Tags: 12-volt battery, cycle batteries, fully charged, Make sure

Homemade Microscope Cameras

A homemade microscope camera can record the specimen's image as you see it from the microscope's eyepiece.

Homemade microscope cameras provide interesting, out-of-this-world-looking photos for hobbyists. While scientists use professional equipment, amateurs and enthusiasts can definitely settle for more affordable options and still enjoy microphotography subjects. Even students who utilize homemade equipment to practice on can come up with DIY projects with cheaper used microscopes (mostly old ones sold in auctions, thrift stores, schools, laboratories and the Internet), a microscope viewfinder-camera lens adapter and either a consumer digital camera or a digital SLR.

Preparing Your Microscope

Prepare the slide and specimen on the microscope so you can readily take a shot after your camera is attached. Also check your settings early on so that you need only a few adjustments later.

Remove the eyepiece lens of your microscope, as you need to put an adapter to fit the camera onto it.

Choosing Your Camera

Decide which camera to use with your microscope. It's not a requirement to have a digital SLR for this kind of project--unless you really need high-quality photos with the resolution and other features available only from professional still cameras. But take note that you won't actually use the camera lens, as you need to replace it with a T-mount--simply an eyepiece adapter--so you can attach your D-SLR to the microscope. And just as when buying lenses, the T-mount's price is directly proportional to its quality. Moreover, being a special kind of lens, the price range of T-mounts is comparable to that of any D-SLR's specialized lenses.

Or you can use any consumer digital camera for this project. Apart from being less expensive, the advantage of a consumer camera is that it's lighter. And since your camera will be frequently placed upside down to replace the microscope's eyepiece, a smaller and lighter camera is more ideal than a heavy D-SLR. There's less risk, too, of the sensitive internal parts of the camera acquiring dirt, dust and any other physical problems.

Choosing Your Adapter

Choose a T-mount adapter that fits both the camera and the microscope well. Whether you're using a D-SLR or consumer digital camera, this adapter is crucial in making a fully functional homemade microscope camera: it should fit well and be locked well so it doesn't move from the microscope's eyepiece location and to avoid accidents like the camera falling from the microscope.

For those who are good at assembling various gadget parts, you can make a homemade T-mount-style adapter by using a PVC pipe, which you can readily buy from the hardware store. This PVC pipe can be used for either a consumer digital or a D-SLR camera. Take note that you also need to have enough knowledge in camera parts and functions to be able to open the lens part of a consumer camera when doing this process. Unlike a D-SLR that lets you readily remove the lens from the camera's body, a consumer camera's lens is fixed. Depending on the physical features of your camera, you might need to open up that circular part or even access the specific modifications from the inside of the camera--revealing its internal parts.

Attaching Adapter to Camera and Microscope

Remove the camera lens and affix the adapter to it. Make sure it fits tightly. Then attach your camera to your microscope in place of the removed eyepiece part. The camera should sit securely on the microscope.

With your equipment turned on, you should be able to see through your camera what you would see from the microscope eyepiece. Adjust any settings accordingly. Start taking your photos.

Tags: your camera, consumer digital, from microscope, microscope eyepiece, camera lens, consumer camera

Tell Which Part Of The Contact Lens Goes Next To The Eye

Soft contact lenses are convenient, but it may take a little time to get used to inserting them. It is uncomfortable to put in your contact lens inside out, but doing so poses no harm to your eye or to the lens. Take steps to observe the proper orientation for your contact lenses. With time, you will be able to easily distinguish which direction is appropriate.

Instructions

1. Place the contact lens on the tip of your finger with its edges pointing up. Make sure the contact lens is well moisturized with contact lens solution and is holding its curved shape.

2. Hold your finger at eye level and observe the profile that the contact lens forms. If the edges flare out, the lens is inverted or inside out. If the lens forms a U-shaped cup, it is in the right direction.

3. Pop the lens the other way and observe its profile again if you are unsure.

4. Inspect the edges of tinted contact lenses. Look down straight at the lens when it is placed on your finger. If you cannot see the tinting around the edges, your lens is in the wrong direction.

5. Insert your cleansed and moisturized contact lens. If you were mistaken about the lens orientation and feel some discomfort, take the lens out and start again.

Tags: contact lens, contact lens, contact lenses, your finger, lens forms

Open The Back Of A Magnavox Boombox

If you have a tape stuck in your Magnavox boombox or the heads need cleaning, you will need to take it apart. The first step in disassembling the boombox is opening the back. Some boomboxes have plastic back panels, others are metal. Both are held in place by Phillips screws. Once you remove the screws, the back simply lifts off, allowing you to access the components inside.

Instructions

1. Turn off the boombox and lay it down on the front panel.

2. Remove the battery door panel and take out the batteries. Set the panel and batteries aside.

3. Remove the detachable speakers if your boombox has this feature.

4. Locate the screws on the back panel of the boombox. Most boomboxes at least four screws, but many have more. The corners and inside the battery compartment are the most likely places.

5. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws in a small container so they don't get lost.

6. Lift the back panel carefully. If it won't come off, it's likely you missed a screw somewhere.

Tags: back panel, screws back

Repair A Toshiba Tv

Your Toshiba TV produces high-quality audio and video so you can enjoy your favorite sporting events, movies, comedies and gaming. However, like every television, there are times when you need to fix some quirks that might appear. As you learn repair a Toshiba TV, you can take care of minor problems on your own instead of calling in a pricey service person to fix it for you.

Instructions

Poor Picture Quality

1. Determine the problem's source. Change the channel on your television to make sure the problem isn't only with that channel. If the problem persists on all TV channels and on all sources, like a DVD player, you know there's something wrong with your Toshiba TV.

2. Press "menu" on your Toshiba remote control.

3. Use the "up" and "down" arrow buttons to highlight "picture." Press "enter."

4. Adjust the brightness, contrast, color, tint, backlight, contrast and sharpness of the picture by using the "right" and "left" arrow buttons on your remote. Exit the menu and see if the problem is fixed.

Low or No Audio

5. Press "volume" on your Toshiba remote control to make sure the television isn't on mute. Turning the volume up takes the television automatically off of mute and sound will resume, if that's the issue.

6. Access the main menu by pressing "menu" on your Toshiba remote control.

7. Use the "up" and "down" arrow buttons to highlight "sound." Press "enter."

8. Highlight "MTS." Press "enter." Arrow right or left to select "stereo." Press "exit."

Reset Your Television

9. Press the power button on your Toshiba TV control panel.

10. Wait while the TV reboots.

11. See if the problem is fixed.

Tags: your Toshiba, your Toshiba remote, arrow buttons, Press enter, remote control, Toshiba remote

Create A Scrim On A Budget

A scrim is a very easy way to diffuse light for a wide range of photographic applications. Scrims both provide smooth, even light for portraits and are an excellent way to control highlight flares for reflective or metallic still life photographs. Making a scrim doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.

Instructions

Loose Assemble the Frame

1. Decide on the overall size of the scrim.

2. Cut two pieces of PVC pipe to the width of the desired scrim; these will be the top and bottom of the scrim frame.

3. Cut two pieces of PVC pipe to the height of the desired scrim. These will be the two sides of the scrim frame.

4. Assemble the scrim by slipping the pipes into the 90 degree elbow joints.

5. Cut your translucent cloth to the size of the scrim frame. Make sure that it isn't too big--tension on the cloth is what keeps the top, bottom and sides of the frame from coming apart during use.

6. Hem the scrim cloth.

7. Sew pockets to slip over the scrim frame on each corner of the scrim cloth.

8. Slip the scrim cloth's pockets over the four corners of the scrim frame.

Tags: scrim frame, scrim cloth, cloth pockets, desired scrim, pieces pipe

Why Is My Nikon Slr Viewfinder Fuzzy

A fuzzy or blurry viewfinder can affect the quality of photos.

The image that shows through a single lens reflex (SLR) camera's viewfinder is a direct representation of the resulting photograph. A subject or scene is reflected by a retractable mirror, which moves during shutter fire, into a smaller stationary mirror that is then shown in the viewfinder.

Diopter Adjustment

Some Nikon SLR cameras are equipped with a diopter adjustment lever or knob near the viewfinder window. According to a Nikon support page, this lever or knob adjusts the focus of the viewfinder image to better suit the vision of an individual photographer. If your camera has diopter adjustment, moving the lever up or down or moving the knob from side to side until the viewfinder image is in proper focus is recommended.

Dirty Mirror or Focus Screen

Since the retractable mirror relays the subject image into the viewfinder, collected dirt, dust or other smudging may cause a fuzzy image. The mirror should be cleaned gently by using a cottom swab dampened with glass cleaner and then wrapped in lens cleaning paper. A dirty focus screen, located directly above the mirror, can also affect the viewfinder image. This screen is covered with a highly sensitive coating and should be cleaned professionally.

Lens Issues

A lens that is dirty, mounted improperly or internally damaged will result in a fuzzy or blurred viewfinder image. Troubleshoot the lens by attaching it to another SLR camera and looking through the viewfinder. If the image is similarly blurred, the issue likely is a result of damage to the focusing mechanism or inner optics.

Tags: viewfinder image, lever knob, retractable mirror, should cleaned

Dye A Photography Backdrop

Dyed fabric can be used as a backdrop for a portrait.

The backdrop of a portrait sets the setting and mood. The backdrop can be as simple as a tie-dye design or as complex as an ocean scene. Making your own backdrops will help save you money if you are starting a new photography business.

Instructions

1. Select your sheet color. You can use just about any light-colored, king-size flat sheet for your portrait backdrop. Suggested colors include white, ivory, pink, pale blue or gray.

2. Prepare the sheet. Before you can dye the sheet, you must clean it by washing it in the washer or in the sink with a small amount of soap. You can use laundry soap for the washer or dish soap for the sink, but you do not want to use anything with a fabric softener or conditioner in it.

3. Mix the dye as instructed. Follow the directions on the box of dye you have chosen to use and place it in a large bin or oversized sink.

4. Tie up the sheet. There are two different ways you can tie up the sheet before dying it. One is to ball it up tightly, wrapping twine around it several times, and tightly. The second method is to pinch areas of the sheet and secure it with a rubber band, similar to making a tie-dye design.

5. Place the sheet in the dye. Soak the sheet in the dye until the desired shade of color has been reached. Remove it from the dye and rinse until the water runs clear in the sink.

6. Let your new backdrop dry completely. Hang up the backdrop on a laundry drying line or somewhere so that it can dry smooth and thoroughly.

7. Hang up the backdrop in your studio. You can glue the sheet by wrapping it around a wood rod and securing it with wood glue and a staple gun. You can also attach hooks to the backdrop and hang it from a wall.

Tags: backdrop portrait, Hang backdrop, portrait backdrop, tie-dye design

Do Your Own Glamour Shot Photo Shoot

Do your makeup, hair and wardrobe, then smile.

Lights, camera, action. If you've always wanted to look like a movie star or high fashion model but never had enough courage to give it a shot, you can always take glamour shots of your own to amaze your friends and family with some sexy poses. Glamour shots are meant to be flirty, not dirty. Though there are companies that specialize in producing professional glamour shots, you can also do your own photo shoot at home or outdoors for just the cost of developing the photos. But you'll need to glam up your hair, makeup and clothing before you say cheese.

Instructions

1. Arrange to have a friend with a good camera take the photos. You can also do your own shots if you have a delayed timer option.

2. Apply makeup to achieve a sultry look.

Pick the location for the shoot. If it's indoors, you may need to set up extra lighting to get the best possible shots. Find a backdrop consisting of a bed sheet or other interesting pattern so the focus is on you, not your living room.

3. Look at fashion magazines to find the look you want to recreate. Practice posing in front of a mirror until you are comfortable with smiling on command.

4. Strike a pose that says fun and flirty.

Wear a sexy top with sequins, rhinestones or feathers. Anything goes, but make sure the tones are flattering with your coloring.

5. Apply makeup to match the magazine photo you selected. Use eye makeup, foundation, blush and lipstick, but don't go overboard. If you can afford it, get your makeup done by a professional or ask at the makeup department in your local department store if someone can do a makeover.

6. Fix your hair so it looks like you just got out of bed. Curl it, fluff it and tousle it until you get the look you want. Spray with hairspray. You can also go to a salon.

7. Think flirty thoughts and give a welcoming smile to the camera.

Tags: also your, Apply makeup, glamour shots, look want, your hair, your makeup

Chemicals In Black & White Photography

You can be in a darkroom developing your black and white photos with the right chemicals.

Black and white photography may seem like a blast from the past but it is an art that should still be taken seriously. After you have taken pictures on black and white film, start the development process. Developing black and white film consists of using certain chemicals to get the image from the negative onto the photo paper. It is recommended that you use protective gear, such as gloves, when handling the chemicals.

Developer

Developer is the first chemical used to develop photographs. When photo paper is dipped into developer, the picture instantly appears. True Art states that developer contains hydroquinone, phenidone and monomethyl para-aminophenol sulfate, which develop the photograph. Read the instructions on the bottle of developer to pour the appropriate amount into the tray. You will use a set of trays to develop your photograph.

Stop Bath

Stop Bath stops the developing process on your photographs. This chemical seals the image on the photo paper. Stop bath contains acetic acid. Exercise great caution when using this chemical. It is best to use gloves and tongs when handling the photograph and the stop bath chemical. The stop bath should also be placed in a tray next to the developer, since it is the next step.

Fixer

Fixer is the third step in processing your photograph. This chemical protects the photograph and also removes the stop bath. Photogs states that the fixing process takes approximately five to 10 minutes. After dipping the photograph into the fixer, place it into water for four or five minutes. At this point you may check your photograph to make sure the image is perfect.

Hypo Eliminator

Hypo eliminator is another chemical that is used to process the photograph. This chemical makes sure that all of the fixer is removed from your photographs. Hypo eliminator is not a requirement, but is commonly used to ensure there is no fixer left on the photographs. Use the hypo eliminator on photographs for two minutes.

Tags: black white, photo paper, This chemical, your photograph, black white film, five minutes

Shoot Photos At Night

Shoot Photos at Night

Taking photos at night requires a patient photographer and working under low-light conditions with long shutter speed, requires time, experimentation and will power. However, night photography can result in beautiful and surreal images, even when shooting the most mundane objects. Here's approach night photography.

Instructions

1. Choose the right camera. Night photo shoots are best performed with a manual SLR 35 mm camera. If you decide to work digitally, be sure that you have the ability to hold your shutter open, attach a shutter trigger and control aperture and shutter speed.

2. Carry the proper tools, which include a tripod and a shutter trigger, so that you do not shake the camera while tripping the shutter during long exposures. It is also important to carry and hand held timer to track exposure time.

3. Use medium or slow speed film to produce quality images. Even fast films will require long exposure times, however medium and slow films, with a bit of patience, will create the most perfect grain quality.

4. Bracket your shots to insure the perfect image. This means that you should guesstimate the exposure time for your shot, and then shoot at least two more photos, adding and subtracting time. For example, if you believe you can take a nice photo with one minute exposure time, shoot another at 30 seconds and another at two minutes.

5. Capture motion by taking advantage of your long exposure times. Catch light trails of cars zooming down a freeway, or track the movement of stars in the night sky.

6. Play around with the aperture setting. You have bracketed your photo, now try it again with a different aperture setting. A smaller aperture can help prevent stationary lights from overexposing the film, while a larger aperture can help prevent the presence of motion on the final image.

7. Trigger a flash during exposure to create a surreal glow to your subject matter. This will make the background more obscure, while illuminating the subject you are shooting.

Tags: exposure time, aperture help, aperture help prevent, aperture setting, exposure times, help prevent, long exposure

Get Video From A Camera With No Memory Card

You can upload video content to a computer with the provided USB data cable.

Video cameras have moved away from recording onto digital tapes and memory cards to saving the information on a built-in hard drive. This allows you to use the camera without constantly changing cards and tapes when the storage space is full. In order to upload the footage from the camera to your computer, you just need to use the provided USB data cable.

Instructions

1. Plug the provided USB data cable into the USB port on the digital video camera.

2. Insert the opposite end of the USB cable into one of the USB ports on the computer.

3. Power on the video camera, then close the auto play window that loads onto the screen.

4. Click "Start," click "Computer" and double-click the video camera icon. This loads a window with all the video files stored on the camera.

5. Click-and-drag the stored video files from the open window onto the desktop or any other location you want to upload the files to. Repeat the process with any other video file you want to upload to the computer.

Tags: data cable, provided data, provided data cable, video camera, cable into, video files, want upload

Instructions For Sony Nvu73t

The NV-U73T Nav-U is a portable navigation device from Sony. The device comes preloaded with comprehensive maps for the Unite States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With Gesture Command and text to speech, it provides quick and efficient operation and verbal directions, including street names, to ensure you never get lost.

Instructions

1. Connect the Nav-U unit to your car's cigarette lighter with the DC power supply cord.

2. Connect the traffic antenna to the antenna port on the left side of the device.

3. Press the "On/Standby" button on the top of the device to turn it on. Move to an open area where you have a clear view of the sky, so the device can access the GPS satellites.

4. Touch the "Menu" icon and touch "Enter Address" to enter an address for route guidance.

5. Enter the city, house number and street of your destination.

6. Touch "Calculate Route" to begin route guidance. The system will calculate the best route to your destination and provide instructions on get there from your current location.

Tags: route guidance, your destination

Do A Photobooth Cheaply At Your Wedding

Use a standard digital camera to create your photo booth.

Photobooths at weddings are becoming a popular trend. It is a fun activity for your guests and it ensures you get pictures of guests your photographer might miss. While photobooths are available for rent, you can set up your own photobooth in the corner of a room or in a convenient outside space. Booth rentals can run as high as $795 a day or $300 per hour. Setting up your own photobooth area is cheap way to do a photobooth for a wedding.

Instructions

1. Gather old sheets and quilts to use as backdrops for your photobooth. Solid colors can be used to get a more uniformed look on your pictures. Use a divider or rolling blackboard to drape your fabric over. Check with your venue to see if they have these items for use. Dividers can be purchased at craft shops.

2. Section off an area near your wedding reception using the dividers. Utilize a corner so you will only need to block off one side. The location will make it easy for your guests to go through and is out of the way of floor traffic (see Reference 2). Drape the fabric over your divider and use that as your backdrop.

3. Hire an attendant specifically for your photobooth. Sometimes your wedding photographer has a package for wedding booths and can provide an additional photographer. Consider having a friend or family member take pictures to save more money. (See Resource 1)

4. Purchase an erasable board for your guests to use to put their names or fun remarks for the wedding couple to remember (see Reference 1). Set up a table for your guests to sign a guest book as they enter the photobooth area. Use a Polaroid camera to take instant pictures or set up a digital camera and digital printer to get instant pictures for your guests. Instruct your attendant to keep one and give your guests one.

5. Collect props for your guests to use to create funny and memorable pictures. You can find props at novelty stores, thrift shops and any dollar store. Hats, wigs, gloves, glasses and masks can be fun props for your guests to use to create a fun photobooth photo (see Reference 3). Set the box of props on a table outside of your photobooth.

Tags: your guests, your photobooth, digital camera, fabric over, guests create, instant pictures

Buy A Video Camera

When you pick out a video camera you want to select something that is dependable and gives you what you want for the price you're paying. Most people are advised to shop for a few months before deciding on buying a video camera. In this article, you will learn buy a video camera.

Instructions

Buying a Video Camera

1. Picking a video camera takes precision and time. You need to really get an idea of what you're looking for in a video camera. You don't just go with the first thing you do some shopping and really look at what you're about to buy. The mistake many make is relying on what an internet site tells you instead of actually going and picking up the item and looking at it.

2. Decide on a budget to what you would spend on a video camera because cameras can go for several hundreds to a few thousand dollars. What you're paying for is dependability and generally something that won't go out on you a year from now.

3. Do a final look around on a video camera and pick at least three good ones and decide on the one you want and decide when you want to purchase the camera. The best time to purchase is when most stores have clearance and markdown sales to where you can get your top of the line camera for a discount.

4. Make sure when you purchase the video camera that you get a warranty with it because at any given time, if something is wrong with the camera, you can get a replacement at little to no cost. Most make a mistake by not getting a warranty for their product and end up coming out of pocket to pay for replacement or otherwise.

5. Enjoy your new camera because what you want is a reliable product to capture your most precious and memorable moments. A good camera is worth good money when you shop and buy well.

Tags: video camera, video camera, camera because, something that, what want

Make Flashing Led Circuit Board

Design your own LED circuit board.

A fun hobby for electronic enthusiasts is making a flashing LED circuit board. You can use a flashing LED circuit board with other projects such as making flashing signs or billboards or building toys, robots, or Christmas decorations. Electronics manufacturers use LED indicators, such as those you see in servers, computers and network hardware. There are flashing LED kits available in the market, but you can also make your own so that you can create the pattern as elaborate as you want it to be.

Instructions

1. Design a schematic diagram of your LED circuit board on your computer. You can use Adobe Photoshop or MS Paint to create your diagram. It should show the locations for the LED output, LED lights, ohm resistors, 9-volt battery and clip as well as the 555 timer. For a sample of LED flashing circuit design, see Resources below.

2. Print your design using a laserjet printer. Use a photo basic gloss paper to print your diagram. Cut it to the actual size of the schematic diagram.

3. Tape the printed photo paper on the perfboard. Cut the perfboad to size using the photo paper as your guide.

4. Remove the photo paper and then rough up the surface of the perfboard using steel wool. Use the steel wool to even out the edges of the perfboard. Wear a respiratory mask to prevent inhaling the toxic dust from copper.

5. Use a hot iron to transfer the printed design from the basic photo gloss paper to the perfboard. The plastic of the printer toner should stick onto the perfboard.

6. Remove the paper by soaking under water for a few minutes and then peeling it off to reveal the transferred design.

7. Etch the print on the perfboard. Dip the perfboard in a container filled with ferric chlorine purchased from the electronic store. Wear rubber gloves to prevent the stain from sticking to your hands. Agitate the container to submerge the perfboard inside the container. Ensure that the solution covers the perfboard completely. Leave it there for about 20 minutes. Constantly check and dip in a container with water to see if the copper is gone. Dip in solution again if the perfboard still has copper.

8. Use acetone to wipe clean the surface of the perfboard and remove any remaining ferric chlorine.

9. Drill holes into the perfboard based on the design where your LED lights will go. Use a drill press and 0.0350 etch carbide drill bit to make the right size holes.

10. Solder the parts using your diagram as your guide. Connect the positive to a negative of the LED wire connectors. Connect the UF capacitor, which will determine the speed of the blinking LED. You can choose from 10 to 1000 UF capacitor. Choose the one that would work well for your project. Connect the 9V battery to the battery clip then you are done.

Tags: circuit board, flashing circuit, photo paper, your diagram, battery clip, diagram your, ferric chlorine

Uhf Vs Vhf Radios

When you are considering which of the multiple types of two-way radios to buy, you may have heard of UHF and VHF radios. But you may not know what these acronyms tand for. The concept of UHF and VHF radios are quite simple, and choosing between the two doesn't have to be a difficult decision.

Function

UHF and VHF radios are two-way radios. UHF stands for Ultra High Frequency, and VHF stands for Very High Frequency. A two-way radio is something like walkie talkies, though there are several differences between a simple set of walkie talkies and UHF or VHF radios. The biggest of these is the range and frequencies of the three.

UHF

From 300 to 3000 Mhz (mega hertz) frequencies represent the range of UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radios. It has now become possible and easy to create and build a two-way radio with this frequency capability. Due to this, UHF radios have become more economical to buy and have come into direct competition with VHF radios. UHF are, in fact, considered to be more popular than VHF radios. UHF radios are most commonly used indoors or in areas where a lot of interference may be found, such as buildings and hills. They are known to have a smaller outdoor distance range, but are known to be able to get through steel, woodand other building materials.

VHF

VHF radios use frequencies from 30 to 300 Mhz. Remember, VHF stands for Very High Frequency. These radios work best in environments that are outdoors and with little to obstruct the signal. For these reasons, VHF radios are often used in public safety settings, such as with outdoor security and line-of-sight situations. VHF signals travel farther than UHF, but again, cannot penetrate obstructions the way UHF radios can.

Insights From Experts

If you are completely lost, or think you have the gist and want to find the two-way radio that best fits you, be sure to still talk with the professional in the equipment store before you purchase. Depending on your usage and your plans for it, the expert in the store may be able to suggest a certain brand name or additional equipment to get the optimal benefits of it.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that which product you buy, UHF or VHF, depends greatly on your needs and plans for it. Both of these radios are great for certain purposes. It is clear that the decision cannot be made without knowing the specifics of the radios and the specifics for your plans for them. If you are going to be using it in an area with a lot of interference, a UHF radio may be best. However, if you are using these radios over a long range with little interference, a UHF is for you. The choice is up to you.

Tags: High Frequency, two-way radio, radios have, stands Very, stands Very High, these radios

Download The Sportscenter Ringtone

The catchy riff that has come to define a generation of sports and sports fans, the Sportscenter theme is a popular ringtone sound for many across the country. Some services allow downloadable copies for purchase, but with a file sharing program and a USB cable you can add the theme to your cell phone for free.

Instructions

Download the Sportscenter Ringtone

1. Download a file sharing program such as Limewire or Napster. Follow the easy instructions on these sites to download music and enter "Sportscenter theme" into their search fields. Download the song and save it to your computer's music library.

2. Find the song in your library once it has finished downloading and open it with your media player.

3. Select the song in your media player and right-click on it. Select the "Get Into" on the right-click menu and select "Options."

4. Change the starting and ending time in the "Options" menu to a clip of less than 30 seconds, as this is the maximum time allowed for a ringtone on most cell phones.

5. Connect your computer to your cell phone using a USB cable. An icon will appear on your desktop within seconds for your cell phone.

6. Drag and drop the song from your media library onto your new desktop icon, and allow a few seconds for the song to load to your phone.

7. Disconnect your phone and your computer and open the music or ringtones folder on your cell phone. Find your new song and assign it as a ringtone.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, your computer, your media, Download Sportscenter

Hook Up Multiple Direct Tv Dvrs

Record satellite programming whenever you choose.

The satellite provider DirecTV offers DVR service to all of its subscribers. With DVR you may record programming whenever you choose and watch the content at a later date. If you install multiple DVRs throughout your home, you may record a live program on one television and watch it on a different DVR. This is a useful feature when it isn't possible for you to be in the room you recorded the content in.

Instructions

1. Contact your DirecTV provider (1-888-777-2454) and request to upgrade your package to include DVRs. You do not need to use a DVR with all of your receivers. If you are setting up your satellite service for the first time, you may decide how many rooms you wish to have DVRs installed in (up to a maximum of four). When the installation technician arrives, direct him to the rooms you wish to install the DVRs in.

2. Connect the coaxial cable connecting the satellite dish to the wall into the "In" port on the back of the first DVR. The DVR is built into the receiver, so you do not need two separate devices to obtain and view your programming.

3. Plug the red, white and yellow RCA audio/video cables into the "Video Out" ports on the back of your DVR. Insert the opposite ends of the cables into the "Video In" ports on your television. Power on your television and DVR and push "Video" on the TV's remote control to begin watching satellite programming.

4. Repeat the hookup process for all of the other DVRs that you have.

Tags: cables into, cables into Video, into Video, into Video ports, programming whenever

The History Of The 110 Film

The History of the 110 Film

If you are over the age of 30, your first camera most likely used 110 film. Fun, versatile and inexpensive, the film allowed many people to invest in cameras when they were not able to do so before. The photo quality of 110 film is mediocre at best, but its introduction revolutionized the way people take photographs the world over.

Kodak Introduces a New Film

In April of 1972, Kodak introduced the 16mm 110 film format along with its Kodak Instamatic camera. Kodak also replaced its Kodacolor-X with Kodacolor II using the new C-41 processing chemistry. Other than some minor changes, the C-41 process is still the industry standard for Kodak films on the market today. The 110 film was intended to make photography accessible and affordable to a wide variety of people with the new automatic point-and-shoot technology.

Reality vs. Hype

After the initial marketing hype, the film failed to live up to its lofty expectations. Due to the negatives' small size, labs were unable to provide crisp and clear pictures as Kodak had promised. Despite the fact that the photo quality was markedly worse than the older 35mm 126 film, 110 film and the cameras that used it became very popular worldwide.

Popularity

The 110 film format and the point-and-shoot cameras that used it became popular due to format's portability and ease of use. It became so popular that Kodak's Pocket Instamatic 110 cameras took over the sub-miniature market previously ruled by the Minolta 16 series. In 1977, Fujifilm began producing 110 in order to ride the wave of popularity perpetuated by cheap camera technology and convenience.

Marketing to Camera Enthusiasts

Rather than focus exclusively on the low-end camera market, Kodak attempted to woo more professional and skilled photographers with its 110 film format. Each roll of film had a plastic tab on one end which enabled more sophisticated cameras to shift between high speed film and low speed film. A short tab indicated a high speed film while a longer tab indicated a low speed. Most 110 camera manufacturers, however, made the low-end version and only a few manufactured the more expensive models. Kodak's attempt to create a photo slide and projector market ultimately failed. The small size of the negatives resulted in very small projector slides. These slides could only be used in the Kodak Pocket Projector Carousel. Camera enthusiasts never warmed up to it, even when a 35mm slide adapter was introduced.

High-End 110 Film Cameras

In 1978 Pentax introduced its only camera to use the 110 film format. This was a high-end, professional model with more than 20 accessories. It was called the Pentax Auto 110 system. The camera took full advantage of the 110 film format by using interchangeable lenses, motor drives, flash unit, close-up lenses, and filters. Camera enthusiasts consider the Pentax Auto 110 system the top 110 camera ever made. Minolta also came out with a line of110 film format cameras. This was a natural transition from its older 16 mm cameras and the line enjoyed widespread use.

Decline

The mid-1980's saw the introduction to better and more convenient 35mm film and cameras. Thus began the decline of 110 film's popularity. By the year 2009, the film had become so obsolete that Fujifilm announced it would no longer produce it. Kodak continues to manufacture 110 film in a 400 ISO format alone and installed in some single-use cameras.

Tags: film format, speed film, 35mm film, Auto system, Auto system camera, became popular

Download Ringtones For A G1

T-Mobile has recently released the G1, a popular mobile phone made available through Google. It uses the Android operating system and falls into the smartphone category. You will have the ability to download applications as well as ringtones onto your G1 phone. You can either download ringtones directly onto the G1 from the smartphone menu or use the T-Mobile website.

Instructions

Get the Ringtones

1. Log on the T-Mobile website. You will need to provide your username and password in order to access the different ringtone selections available for your G1 phone. Once you are logged in, select "Music and Sounds" from the main menu.

2. Choose the type of ringtone category you wish to browse. Available categories include MegaTones and HiFi Ringers. MegaTones are instrumental versions of your favorite songs while HiFi Ringers are actual samplings from the song.

3. Listen to a sample of each tone through the website. If you like a particular G1 ringtone, select "Buy" in order to download the song. A text message will be sent to your G1 as a way to load the song onto the smartphone. Open the text and choose the save the ringtone option. Your T-Mobile account will be billed and you'll see the charge on your next T-Mobile statement.

4. Go to the "Music Library" on your G1 phone in order to download a new ringtone. You can shop the Android Marketplace for a new selection or use one of the existing songs you have stored on the phone. Once you have a song that you want to use, hold down on the title until a menu pops up. Select "Use as Ringtone" to set the song.

Tags: your phone, HiFi Ringers, order download, phone Once, T-Mobile website

Operate A Manual Camera

Manual cameras make a useful addition to any collection.

Learning use a manual camera can be difficult and time-consuming, but the results are often rewarding. Be patient and work on a trial-and-error basis. Not every photograph or even every roll of film will come out as exactly the way you intend. Take your time selecting a camera that suits your needs, learn the basics of photography, such as choose the best subject, and develop the images as carefully as possible.

Instructions

1. Work in a dim or dark space. Press the latch on the side of the camera. Open the back panel. Load the film. Hook the exposed slip of film to the mechanism using the small holes; it should fit neatly if you bought suitable film. Wait for the number 1 to appear on the film counter in the small clear plastic window.

2. Set the aperture size by clicking on the aperture "upper" and "lower" buttons. Watch as the blades of the diaphragm shift and the gap between them grows larger or smaller. Make the aperture size large if you need to take a photograph of a subject in shadow. Make the aperture size small if the subject is well-lit. Look at the f-number on the dial that surrounds the lens barrel of the camera: The larger the f-number, the smaller the aperture.

3. Decide on the shutter speed. Click the clock buttons up or down to increase or decrease the shutter speed. Watch the second hand move clockwise for slow shutter speeds and counter-clockwise for fast shutter speeds. Remember that the shutter speed exposes the camera film to the amount of light you allow through the aperture. Set the speed higher for larger aperture sizes, or the image will be overexposed.

4. Calibrate the center-weighted light meter. Consider only what lies in the central circular field of view. Set the red exposure needle to the center for subjects of equal lightness and darkness. Override the problem of a white or very bright object in the central viewfinder by increasing the overall exposure (increasing the combined aperture size and shutter speed settings by one or two settings). For example, if your shutter speed was previously 125 (1/125), change it to a longer exposure time, such as 60 (1/60).

5. Turn the focus dial like you would a binocular. Look through the lens and try to focus the camera on your subject. Consider the foreground to be within about 4 feet of the camera and the background to be everything beyond that and to the edges. Zoom to focus in on a particular object. According to Digital Photography School, low-light images are best taken with a camera that can perform accurate manual focusing.

6. Compose the picture carefully to get the best results, which is particularly important with a film camera because you cannot use computer software to trim or recompose poorly constructed images. Use the rule of thirds to get the right landscape compositions. The human eye is naturally drawn about two-thirds up from the bottom of the subject, according to Color Pilot.

7. Try a shot. Hold the camera steady. Press down the button on the top right of the camera firmly, but without moving the whole device. Listen for the click and release the button. You can now move the camera. Practice again. Take another shot using slightly different aperture sizings and shutter speeds. Record the different settings you used for each photograph. You can use this information to find out which photographs were under- or overexposed later, when the film is developed.

8. Take out the film. Develop it in a home-developing suite or take it to a professional developing firm. Store the camera in a safe place, preferably in a damage-proof container. Clean the lens regularly using lens cleaner and a lint-free cloth.

Tags: shutter speed, aperture size, shutter speeds, camera that, Make aperture

Download Pictures To The Sharper Image Photo Keychain

Download Pictures to the Sharper Image Photo Keychain

The Sharper Image is known for its innovative gadgets and electronics, such as the digital photo keychain. This small device can hold up to 60 digital images and connects to your keys like any normal keychain. Of course, you must first download digital images to the device before you can enjoy it for its intended use. Each keychain comes with a USB cord and computer software which makes for a user-friendly experience.

Instructions

1. Insert the software installation CD in your computer's disc drive to install the Photo Viewer software for the keychain. A set of directions will pop up on the screen to guide you through the installation process. Restart your computer when prompted to do so.

2. Connect the keychain to the computer with the keychain's USB cord. The small end of the cord goes into the port on the keychain, while the larger end of the cord plugs into a USB outlet on the computer. The display on the keychain should say "Updating."

3. Open the Photo Viewer software. By default, an icon for Photo Viewer should be on the desktop. Once opened, the photos on the keychain can be seen on the right side of the window while the directory for your computer files can be seen on the left side.

4. Navigate the directory on the left side of the window to find the folder which contains your photos. The location of photos differs depending on how the computer is set up.

5. Click on the photo you wish to transfer to the keychain. The photo will appear in a box in the bottom left corner of the window where you can make minor edits. Make any desired adjustments and click the large blue arrow located next to the photo. Repeat the process for all additional photos you wish to add to the keychain.

6. Click the "Synchronize" button in the top right corner of the window.

7. Click "OK" once the photos are transferred to the keychain. The keychain can be disconnected from the computer once complete.

Tags: Photo Viewer, Sharper Image, your computer, corner window, digital images

Download Pictures From A Sanyo Digital Camera

A Sanyo digital camera makes downloading pictures to your computer a relatively easy process. You'll never again have to rush out and have film developed. You can simply download the pictures to your computer and create your prints at home, or you can upload the prints to a online picture developer and pick them up or have them delivered.

Instructions

1. Insert the memory card into the computer slot. The Sanyo digital camera has a memory card slot near the battery compartment. Retrieve the card and insert it into the card slot on your computer. Most up-to-date computers have a card slot on the front of the tower. If you do not have a card slot on your computer, you can connect them with a cable that can be purchased at any electronics store.

2. Select from the Windows "to do" options list. When you insert the memory card, a window will pop up asking you what you would like to do. You can choose to copy pictures to a folder on the computer; view pictures in Media Center; view a slideshow of the images; print the pictures; create a disc or edit the image; or open the folder to view the files. Choose the “Copy Pictures to a Folder on the Computer” option and click on the “OK” button.

3. Select the pictures. The Windows Scanner and Camera Wizard will then open. It is designed to help you copy pictures from your camera to your computer, your network or the web. Click the “Next” button and select all of the pictures you would like to transfer from the device. You can use the “Select All” option if you want to download all of the pictures, or you can choose “Clear All” and select only the pictures you desire. When all of your pictures are chosen, click the “Next” button.

4. Name the file in which all of your downloaded pictures will be stored. Enter a title in the “Type a Name for This Group of Pictures” field. You can also use the arrow to select other titles you have previously used. Choose where on your computer system you would like to save the pictures by clicking on the “Browse” button. If you want to delete the pictures you are downloading from the memory card, select the “Delete Pictures from My Device after Copying” option and click on the “Next” button.

5. Download and print. Once you click on the “Next” button, the wizard will begin downloading from your device. When the download is complete, you can choose to publish the pictures to a website or order prints of the pictures from a photo printing website--or you can choose to do nothing and be finished with the pictures. Click on the “Next” button, then click “Finish” to complete the wizard. A window will open showing the pictures you have downloaded. From there, you can perform various tasks with your pictures, including sending them in an email or printing them.

Tags: your computer, Next button, card slot, memory card, click Next, click Next button

Set Up Lighting For Portraits

Portrait photography can be done outdoors or in a studio with lighting equipment

Lighting is perhaps the most important component of portrait photography. Proper lighting can be the difference between a professional looking portrait and an amateur looking one. Outdoor portrait photography provides the simplest option for photographers, as minimal equipment is required. Studio portrait photography is more complex, but provides greater control over the image. In either case, it is important to remember to take the time to ensure the lighting is sufficient and interesting enough to create a pleasing image.

Instructions

Outdoor Portrait Lighting

1. Plan to shoot the portrait in the early morning or late afternoon hours. These are the times when the light from the sun is softest and least direct. Shooting in midday can create harsh, flat lighting on the subject.

2. Position the subject to show a two-thirds or three-quarters view of the face. The sun should be facing the side of the subject's face that is closest to the camera, or about 45 degrees to the right or left of the camera. Although you can position the subject differently to achieve different effects, this is the most common and easiest positioning.

3. Set up a reflector on the opposite side of the subject to fill in some of the shadows created by the sun. This should create a soft, pleasing light to warm your subject's face.

4. Use additional lighting as necessary to brighten the subject or to achieve various effects. If shooting outside with artificial lighting, make sure the bulbs are balanced for daylight, otherwise the color of the image will be incorrect, as daylight is more blue, and indoor lighting is more orange.

Studio Portrait Lighting

5. Position the subject several feet away from the background, if possible. This will minimize any shadows on the background. As with outdoor portraits, a two-thirds or three-quarters view of the subject's face is the most common.

6. Set up the key, or primary light, about 45 degrees to the right or left of the camera so it is facing the broad, or most exposed, side of the subject's face. The light should be at least several feet away from the subject.

7. Soften the light, if desired, with the use of an umbrella or reflector. This creates a softer, less direct lighting effect that is very desirable in traditional portrait photography.

8. Set up a fill light on the opposite side of the subject to fill in some shadows. The fill light should be of a lesser intensity than the key light, and can also be reflected or diffused to produce a softer effect.

9. Set up a back light behind the subject on the side of the key light, but out of frame, that is focused on the subjects hair and shoulders. This will highlight the subject and cause them to "pop" out from the background. Additional lighting can be used as desired to achieve certain effects or styles.

Tags: side subject, subject face, about degrees, about degrees right, away from, degrees right

Canon 70300 Is Lens Specs

The appropriate lens can make the difference between a stunning photo and a mediocre one.

Canon makes three telephoto lenses with a focal length of 70-300 millimeters (mm): the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM and the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM. Each lens is designed for professional photographers who need the tools to take high-resolution pictures in a wide variety of locations.

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM camera lens is the lowest priced of Canon's three 70-300mm telephoto zoom lenses. While all three of the lenses in this line have a focal length of 70-300mm, they all have different apertures. The aperture, which relates to shutter speed, has a maximum of 4 to 5.6 on this model. This model is not ideal for close up images, as its closest focusing distance is 4.9 feet. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM measures 3 inches wide by 5.6 inches tall. At 22 ounces, it is the lightest of the three lenses.

EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

The EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens is more expensive than the base model described in Section 1. This model has a smaller maximum aperture range of 4.5 to 5.6. Like the model in Section 1, the EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is also less than ideal for close-up images; its closest focusing distance is 4.6 feet. This lens measures 3.2 inches wide by 3.9 inches tall, making it the most compact of the three models. It weighs in at 24 ounces. This model also utilizes Diffractive Optics (DO), which reduces the size of the image and increases its image quality and clarity.

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is the highest price of Canon's 70-300mm line. Like the base lens from Section 1, the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM also has a maximum aperture of 4 to 5.6. Of the three models, this lens is best equipped to take close up images, with a closest focusing distance of 3.9 feet. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM measures 3.5 inches wide and 5.9 inches tall, making it the largest of the group. At just under 37 ounces, it is also the heaviest of the three lenses.

Features Shared By All Three

Despite their differences in aperture, focusing distance and size, these three telephoto zoom lenses also share many similar features. All lenses feature the ability to lock at the 70mm focal length; this keeps the lens as compact as possible for easy transport. The lenses also include Canon's Image Stabilization (this is what "IS" stands for), which includes shake correction and panning stability for clear, crisp images even if the photographer can't hold still. The EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM models use a USM -- short for ultrasonic motor -- which allows for fast, silent autofocusing in the lens.

Tags: 70-300mm 70-300mm, focusing distance, closest focusing, closest focusing distance, distance feet, focal length, focusing distance feet

What Is A Mini Jack Converter For A Microphone

Mini jack converters for microphones are available in many configurations and types. Technically adapters, they are used to connect microphone cables with XLR or 1/4-inch plugs to camcorders, computers, portable recorders and other devices with a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) microphone input. Mini jack converters allow connection flexibility and equipment compatibility, but the correct type must be employed for devices to function properly.

Microphone Adapter Anatomy and Configuration

Common mini jack converters for microphones include a female XLR or 1/4-inch jack (also called "TS" for tip-and-sleeve) to male mini plug. In their simplest form, these connectors passively route the wiring of the microphone cable's larger plug to 3.5mm mini plug format. The difference between a jack and a plug is in the converter's physical design; a plug is a male connector that fits into a female jack. For typical microphone-to-computer use, a microphone cord with a male XLR or 1/4-inch plug is inserted into the connector's female jack terminating into a 3.5mm plug. This plug is then inserted into the computer's 3.5mm jack.

Impedance Matching

While wire configuration and plug-matching may seem a straightforward concept, simple adapters will not work on all equipment due to differing output impedance levels of microphones and input devices. Professional microphones with XLR connectors are of the low-impedance variety, and are not directly compatible with most 3.5mm input devices -- which are almost always high-impedance. Connecting a low-impedance microphone to a high-impedance device results in low audio levels, which can be solved by using an adapter with a built-in impedance-matching transformer. Connecting 1/4-inch high-impedance microphones is generally not a problem.

Stereo and Mono Mini Jack Adapters

Another common issue involves stereo-to-mono connections. Many 3.5mm input jacks are wired in stereo and require a female mono XLR or 1/4-inch adapter, terminating to a stereo 3.5mm plug. This mono-to-stereo wiring is handled inside the adapter and allows a mono microphone to be heard on both the right and left sides of a stereo input machine. If a mono-to-mono adapter is used, the microphone signal will only appear on one side of the audio output. Stereo "Y" adapters terminating to a single 3.5mm stereo plug are available for dual microphone use and a true stereo input result.

Other Considerations

Adapters with attached cables perform the same function as standard adapters, but offer numerous advantages. Large plugs coupled with adapters can put strain on the input jack and risk breaking or loosening over time. Cables lessen the strain on the jack by virtue of having the weighty microphone connector suspended by the cable, which may then be secured or placed on a flat surface. Adapters with female connectors on both ends allow matching male cables to be used when longer wire lengths are desired.

Decide

By consulting your microphone and input device specification sheet or user manual, you can determine the correct jack and plug configuration and output and input impedance requirements. Defining the intended use for the microphone cable length and addressing jack safety concerns will help you determine whether a cable and adapter setup will meet your needs. When shopping, keep current and future use and expandability in mind.

Tags: jack converters, Adapters with, converters microphones, female jack, input devices

Use An Om Lens With An E Series Camera

The E-series mount was designed so that lenses could be used on cameras from different manufacturers and vice versa.

The Olympus OM lens mount was the standard mount used for Olympus SLR (single-lens-reflex) cameras and lenses until 2002, when Olympus switched exclusively to the newer E-mount, or "four-thirds" mount. Since the Olympus OM lenses were known for their quality, many loyal Olympus users, especially advanced amateurs and professionals, retained their collections of OM lenses even when they purchased new E-mount digital SLRs. Therefore, Olympus designed a simple ring adapter (model MF-1 OM) that allows use of the older lenses on the newer cameras. The inner mount matches the E-series camera mount, and the outer mount matches the OM lens mount.

Instructions

1. Remove any lens or cap that is attached to your Olympus E-series camera body.

2. Align the MF-1 OM adapter with the lens attachment marks in your camera's mount and turn it clockwise until it locks in.

3. Align the mount of your Olympus OM "Zuiko" lens with the inside grooves of the adapter and turn the lens to the right until it clicks into place.

4. Use your camera in the "A" (aperture) or "M" (manual) mode and focus the lens manually using the viewfinder rather than the distance ring to determine proper focus.

5. Press the release button at the lower left of the lens mount of your camera and turn the lens counterclockwise to remove it and the adapter.

6. Remove the lens from the adapter mount by pressing the release button on your lens and turning the lens counterclockwise while holding the adapter mount.

7. Mount your usual E-series lens or your body protector cap onto your camera body.

Tags: your camera, lens mount, adapter mount, camera body, camera mount