Digital Photography: Hints and Tips
David Bailey"Whatever level you are at, if you have a standard compact and you move to an SLR you will take better photographs right from the start - fact. SLRs have better lenses and everything is faster and more precise. Need convincing? I shot an 8 page article in a major glossy magazine on the E-400 recently and the results were amazing."
If you've never considered a digital SLR then maybe now's the time to think about it! D-SLRs have never been more affordable or - with the arrival of the Olympus E-400 - more portable, and they open up a whole world of photographic opportunities. D-SLRs use much larger image sensors than compact cameras, and this means better quality (especially in low light) from the start. They also offer much faster performance - essential for challenging subjects like active children or wildlife. The other big advantage is expandability; interchangeable lenses and system accessories such as flashguns and filters allow a D-SLR to grow with you as your photographic experience develops.
Travels with my Olympus E-410
The Olympus E-410 has recently launched to great critical acclaim. For a real insight into this groundbreaking new digital SLR we sent out a small team of photographers with skills ranging from beginner to expert, to get their experiences of travelling with the Olympus E-410 - the world's smallest and lightest digital SLR...click here for reviews
Blurred Backgrounds
One of the biggest advantages of a D-SLR over a compact is that you have much more control over depth of field. Using Portrait mode and the long end of the zoom produces this flattering soft focus background.
Catch the Action
D-SLRs offer fast focus, instant response and continuous-shooting capabilities. The E-400's special Sports mode makes capturing action like this easy - even for the complete novice.
Beautiful Night Shots
The large, sensitive sensor inside a D-SLR allows high quality photographs without the need for a tripod and without the noise (graininess) and blurring that so often ruins night shots. The E-400's Night Scene and Image Stabilisation modes take the guesswork out of perfect low-light photographs.
Evening Colour
It can be difficult to capture the warm tones of evening light using fully automatic settings. Use the E-400's onetouch white balance to capture the scene exactly as you remember it.
Fill Flash
Photographing anyone with the sun behind them is a recipe for disaster. Use the built-in flash to 'fill in' the shadows and balance out the brightness for a perfect result.
Better night-time portraits
Using flash outdoors at night usually means a black background (because the flash simply can't reach far enough). Using the � [mju:] 760's Night Scene with Portrait mode brings the background back. Olympus' unique Bright Capture technology and the camera's Dual Image Stabilization ensure the photo doesn't suffer from the blur that often ruins photos taken in such situations.
Get Creative!
The E-400's unique compact design gives you a perfect excuse to carry it with you wherever you go, so you'll never miss an opportunity to stretch your creative muscles. The bright colours of spring, combined with an usual shooting angle and the E-400's 'Vivid' setting produce stunning results you'll be proud to hang on the wall. The 10.0 MP quality means even large prints will be rich with sharp detail.