What is DSLR?

Digital Single Lens Reflex. That is what DSLR stands for. You may have always known that, but I didn't. I recently figured that out and then I wondered why the "big" cameras were called that. With everyone buying a DSLR these days I figured I would share my new found knowledge. Here is what I have learned. The name comes from the fact that there is a mirror in the camera that reflects the image coming from the camera lens to the view finder. You can see the mirror when you take the lens off (be careful to not let ANYTHING fall into that space, because I have been told it is very hard to clean). This is why on most DSLRs you have to look through the viewfinder to see what you are taking a picture of. Most point-and-shoot cameras don't even have a viewfinder and you just look at the lcd to frame your shot. When you take a picture with a DSLR you will notice that the viewfinder goes dark for a fraction of a second (or longer depending on your shutter speed). This is because the mirror that is reflecting the image to the viewfinder drops down to expose the sensor. The sensor is the key element to any camera. The sensor is what determines the image quality (i.e. pixels, how much light is captured, video framerate) and that is what mostly determines the price. Crop factor is also determined by the sensor. Crop factor is just how much of the frame cropped. The larger the crop factor the less you will be able to fit into the frame. The Canon T2i has a 1.6x crop factor. The Canon 5D Mark II has a full frame sensor. Instead of me rambling on some more listen to the folks from Vimeo explain all this.

Let's Build Something

So, I have had the itch to build something lately. This all started with the purchase of a new camera, as I have already mentioned. I recently learned about the company Glidecam and I think they have pretty really cool products. My curiosity got the best of me when I watched this video

I wondered how did they get those amazingly smooth shots? There are no tracks on the ground and the camera moves almost 360 degrees around the dancer without shaking. Well, after a little research I learned that this little device is the key

The beginning of my obsession. Just watch some more of Devin's videos and see how he has perfected the Glidecam Art (yes, it is an art).  I started watching lots of videos on the glidecam to learn more about how it worked and what situations where best to use it in (pretty much any situation). I have become enthralled with Devin Graham's videos (producer of the video above). I know that Devin is in and out of Utah and I would LOVE to join him on a shoot sometime (maybe he will read this...). This led me to wanting to learn more about dslr video. I watched way to many videos on Vimeo about dlsr video tips and tricks, which led me to a whole bunch of DIY videos. These videos all had to do with accessories and equipment to help you get better (smoother) video shots.

Being near the end of a master's program and in a mad rush to get everything done before graduation is not the right time to pick up a new hobby or take on new projects, but I have. I hope someday to find enough time to get the amount of footage necessary to produce a good 2 minute video.  So, to distract myself until that day, I decided to try and copy one of Glidecam's simpler designs and build this

Sure, I don't know if I will ever use it, but it will be fun to build and hopefully it does get some use. I have already drawn up all the plans and completed the base part that allows the whole thing to swivel. The next step is getting the tubing and having some welding done. I have to get this done before I graduate; while I still have access to the machine shop at school. I figure I can build this for much much cheaper than what Glidecam wants and have fairly similar performance. Stay tuned for the completion.

First "Photo-shoot"

This weekend I had the flattering opportunity to have my first photo experiment. It was definitely an experiment, but I feel it turned out well. After watching some youtube tutorials on lighting I borrowed a reflector from my friend and set out on the streets of Provo to take some maternity photos of my wife's best friend.

With a little bit of photoshop tweaks (mostly just lighting adjustment) here is what I came out with (my wife definitely deserves some credit for composition on most of these along with editing):

Canon T2i w/ 50mm f/1.8 Lens

Settings for all photos: WB-Shade; Style-Normal (3,0,0,0); ISO-400

New Hobby

So, I recently decided that I wanted to get more into dslr photo/video. Yes, in the digital age everyone is becoming a "photographer." So, I am only claiming to be an amateur, if anything more than a novice. We have owned a Nikon D60 for a couple of years, but I wanted something that would do video also. So, I sold the Nikon and upgraded to the Canon Rebel T2i and it is definitely an upgrade. I enjoy the video, but have yet to do anything more than record my son running around. I feel that I'm getting decent on the photo side. Along with the new camera I got an external flash and a 50mm lens. The external flash is a must have for almost anyone (IMO). It gives you so much flexibility indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the shots I have taken so far. (Post processing is limited to minor lighting adjustments and a little bit of edge burn on a couple)

My favorite pancakes.

Getting some time outside at The Gateway

Looking across Utah Lake at Lone Peak

Mystic morning outside my front door