Make Digital Photography more fun! click here = Enjoy! Digital SLR camera =
About Me
- Norm Rutkowske
- Photography isn't a hobby- it's a lifestyle. Bought my first 35mm Camera at the age of 15, and haven't put in down since. Have shot over 200 weddings. http://normthephotoguy.com
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Friday, July 22, 2005
GRAY MARKET WARNING! You’ll pay for that “great” deal… eventually
You’ll pay for that “great” deal… eventually: "READ THIS- before buying any camera on the internet!
You’ll pay for that “great” deal… eventually.
Almost all of the “amazing deals” found on the internet are gray market products. These are products that are made by a popular, reputable manufacturer, and intended for and shipped to a foreign market. They are purchased by a dealer that accepts gray market products, and then resold in the US, usually at a discount. While it may seem like a bargain to buy the “same” name brand at a lower cost, the risks and headaches that come with it usually far outweigh the few dollars saved, and you could end up with a camera you can’t even use.
Warranty? What warranty?
Aside from manuals and menus that may not be in a language you even recognize, and cords that won’t plug in to American systems without some adapter, these purchases maintain one overriding risk. They do not come with a US warranty from the manufacturer. This means that if something, anything, goes wrong with that camera, you may be completely out of luck. In fact, some manufacturers will not service gray market cameras in the US at all, even if you are willing to pay for it yourself. So if you want to get that camera fixed, it may require shipping it to a foreign country and hoping for the best. To learn more about the problems of gray market products click here for FAQ’s.
How can I spot Gray Market deals?
* US Manufacturer’s Warranty- This is the first tip off. If the product advertised does not come with its manufacturer’s US warranty (make sure it actually says it’s both a US warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty), chances are you are getting gray market.
* Authorized Dealer- If the site is not an authorized dealer for that brand, you don’t know what you are getting. Authorized dealers usually stay away from gray market products, as this tends to hurt the manufacturer, jeopardize the camera retailer’s dealership, and most importantly, hurts the consumer.
* Fine print- Many websites will attempt to cover themselves by burying details about the nature of their products in the fine print descriptions. Any site that mentions “May be missing original packaging, cables, manuals etc.” should be avoided, unless you want to risk buying an incomplete camera.
* Ask- Not many people bother to ask about gray market products. If you see a deal that seems “too good to be true” take the time to call them and ask. Most sites will be up front about it, if asked directly, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
MyCamera.com’s gray market policy."
You’ll pay for that “great” deal… eventually.
Almost all of the “amazing deals” found on the internet are gray market products. These are products that are made by a popular, reputable manufacturer, and intended for and shipped to a foreign market. They are purchased by a dealer that accepts gray market products, and then resold in the US, usually at a discount. While it may seem like a bargain to buy the “same” name brand at a lower cost, the risks and headaches that come with it usually far outweigh the few dollars saved, and you could end up with a camera you can’t even use.
Warranty? What warranty?
Aside from manuals and menus that may not be in a language you even recognize, and cords that won’t plug in to American systems without some adapter, these purchases maintain one overriding risk. They do not come with a US warranty from the manufacturer. This means that if something, anything, goes wrong with that camera, you may be completely out of luck. In fact, some manufacturers will not service gray market cameras in the US at all, even if you are willing to pay for it yourself. So if you want to get that camera fixed, it may require shipping it to a foreign country and hoping for the best. To learn more about the problems of gray market products click here for FAQ’s.
How can I spot Gray Market deals?
* US Manufacturer’s Warranty- This is the first tip off. If the product advertised does not come with its manufacturer’s US warranty (make sure it actually says it’s both a US warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty), chances are you are getting gray market.
* Authorized Dealer- If the site is not an authorized dealer for that brand, you don’t know what you are getting. Authorized dealers usually stay away from gray market products, as this tends to hurt the manufacturer, jeopardize the camera retailer’s dealership, and most importantly, hurts the consumer.
* Fine print- Many websites will attempt to cover themselves by burying details about the nature of their products in the fine print descriptions. Any site that mentions “May be missing original packaging, cables, manuals etc.” should be avoided, unless you want to risk buying an incomplete camera.
* Ask- Not many people bother to ask about gray market products. If you see a deal that seems “too good to be true” take the time to call them and ask. Most sites will be up front about it, if asked directly, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
MyCamera.com’s gray market policy."
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Norman Koren photography: images and tutorials
Norman Koren photography: images and tutorials: "Making fine prints in your digital darkroom
Light & color | Pixels, images, & files | Getting started | Scanners | Digital cameras | Printers | Papers and inks | Monitor calibration and gamma | Printer calibration | Scanning | Image editing | B&W printing | Matting and framing | Tonal quality and dynamic range in digital cameras
Image editing with Picture Window Pro
Introduction | Making and using masks | Contrast masking | Tinting and hand coloring B&W images | Example: Sunset, Providence
Understanding image sharpness and MTF
Introduction | Film and lenses | Scanners and sharpening | Printers | Lens testing | Depth of Field | Digital cameras vs. film | Grain
Color management
Introduction to Color science and Color management | Implemention part 1: Setup, working color space, profile anatomy | Implemention part 2: Monitor profiling, workflow details | Obtaining ICC profiles and using MonacoEZcolor | Evaluating color in printers and ICC profiles
Digital cameras vs. film | Part 2 | Canon EOS 10D Digital SLR | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Workshops Pt. Lobos/Big Sur Jan. 2004 | Monument Valley/Hunt's Mesa April 2004 | Part 2
A simplified zone system for making good exposures
Photographic technique Part 1: equipment, mostly | Part 2: vision, panoramic, travel
Canon FS4000US 4000 dpi scanner | Epson 2450/3200 Flatbed scanners
Eliminating color fringing (lateral chromatic aberration)"
Light & color | Pixels, images, & files | Getting started | Scanners | Digital cameras | Printers | Papers and inks | Monitor calibration and gamma | Printer calibration | Scanning | Image editing | B&W printing | Matting and framing | Tonal quality and dynamic range in digital cameras
Image editing with Picture Window Pro
Introduction | Making and using masks | Contrast masking | Tinting and hand coloring B&W images | Example: Sunset, Providence
Understanding image sharpness and MTF
Introduction | Film and lenses | Scanners and sharpening | Printers | Lens testing | Depth of Field | Digital cameras vs. film | Grain
Color management
Introduction to Color science and Color management | Implemention part 1: Setup, working color space, profile anatomy | Implemention part 2: Monitor profiling, workflow details | Obtaining ICC profiles and using MonacoEZcolor | Evaluating color in printers and ICC profiles
Digital cameras vs. film | Part 2 | Canon EOS 10D Digital SLR | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Workshops Pt. Lobos/Big Sur Jan. 2004 | Monument Valley/Hunt's Mesa April 2004 | Part 2
A simplified zone system for making good exposures
Photographic technique Part 1: equipment, mostly | Part 2: vision, panoramic, travel
Canon FS4000US 4000 dpi scanner | Epson 2450/3200 Flatbed scanners
Eliminating color fringing (lateral chromatic aberration)"
Norman Koren photography: images and tutorials
Great web site check it out! Norman Koren photography: images and tutorials
Sunday, July 10, 2005
The Bush 1/2 penny
The Bush 1/2 penny
Originally uploaded by Normthephotoguy.
Coin Collectors Divided over New Bush Half-Penny
Enthusiasm for the Thomas Jefferson buffalo tail nickel has not carried over to the George W. Bush horse's ass half-cent.
The majority of numismatists quickly gave a big thumbs up to the new five-cent piece. But the half-penny, dubbed simply "The Bush" by hobbyists, has sparked a bitter debate.
"Each half-cent will cost about 0.81 of a cent to mint, creating an unnecessary deficit every year, detractors of The Bush complain. And it looks so much like a penny, The Bush will facilitate widespread dishonesty. The Bush is doomed to be a miserable failure.
These will come in very handy when the President's Social Security reforms pass," insist supporters of The Bush. "Once the program is forced into bankruptcy, each retiree will get one in the mail every month. Or they can just feel around under the sofa cushion.
The traditional slogan "In God We Trust" is replaced by "Trust Me" on The Bush, which will make it highly sought after by collectors of U.S. coins with oxymorons.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
The top ten lists
The top ten lists are determined by review page visits. They're updated daily and posted on the Home pages of PCPhotoREVIEW.com and PhotographyREVIEW.com.
Top Ten Digital Camera Review Pages
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Top Ten PhotographyREVIEW.com Review Pages
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Sunday, June 26, 2005
ZigView Turns SLR Viewfinders Into Live Feed LCD Screens
Zigview-1
Originally uploaded by Normthephotoguy.
June 7, 2005 - South Korea’s Seculine Corp. has unveiled the ZigView Digital Angle viewfinder which mates a 1.9-inch LCD and CMOS sensor to the optical viewfinder of digital and analog SLRs. The small wedged shaped ZigView connects to the optical viewfinders of SLRs and allows a live view of the image from above or below the camera. The ZigView was introduced in South Korea in late March and is already on sale in Europe, with North America expected to follow in short order.
Seculine has designed this accessory because SLR users have to deal with certain low or high angles, which make composition through the traditional optical viewfinder tough. When mounted with the screen facing upwards, the ZigView allows users to look straight down at the image taken at a lower angle. The ZigView can also be rotated to face down, to allow a photographer to raise the camera at a high angle while still being able to compose the shot.
According to the manufacturer, the ZigView will work with most digital and film SLR cameras. The ZigView ships with an eyepiece adapter for Nikon, Fuji, and Canon cameras. Adapters for Konica-Minolta and Pentax cameras are only available as accessories.
The ZigView is retailing in Europe and Korea in the $220 range. The accessory adapter sells for around $13.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Five Master Photographers!
Five Master Photographera!
Originally uploaded by Normthephotoguy.
The DWF is proud to offer members a special discount on The Masters of Wedding Photography. A 2 hour DVD documentary produced for the BBC, featuring five of the best wedding shooters in the world at work: Yervant, Denis Reggie, Joe Buissink, Martin Schembri, and Jeff Ascough.
Details inside!
We're proud that the best wedding photographers in the world are members of the DWF. Join us!
http://www.mastersofweddingphotography.com/
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Canon EOS 20Da Announced
Canon EOS 20Da Announced
Originally uploaded by Normthephotoguy.
http://www.photographyblog.com/index.php/weblog/comments/canon_eos_20da_announced/
Canon EOS 20Da Announced
Canon EOS 20DaCanon EOS 20Da is announced. The Canon EOS 20Da is a new version of the 20D that is optimised for astrophotography. The Canon EOS 20Da was first announced in Japan a few months ago. The 20Da features live preview on the LCD screen, a modified low-pass filter and enhanced noise reduction for long exposures. The EOS 20Da is only available to order from selected European dealers; no news yet on availability outside of Europe and Japan.
Canon Europe Press Release
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
The 2006 Dodge Charger, Dodge Charger Daytona R/T, and Dodge Charger SRT8
daytonas
Originally uploaded by Normthephotoguy.
0-60 in six seconds flat. Stability control. Four doors. Five speeds.
If that's not enough, try the SRT-8: 0-60 in five seconds...
http://www.allpar.com/cars/lx/dodge-charger.html
Adobe Photoshop vs. Photoshop Elements - A Comparison
Adobe Photoshop vs. Photoshop Elements - A Comparison: "Graphics Software"Is Photoshop worth the extra $500 compared to Photoshop Elements?
Sunday, May 15, 2005
magazine's Photo Galleries at pbase.com
Pbase now has a free magazine you can download for free!! magazine's Photo Galleries at pbase.com
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Good-Tutorials.com - Photo Effects
Good-Tutorials.com - Photo Effects: "Photo Effects
Most Viewed | Least Viewed | Oldest | Newest
10 | 25 | 50
Thumbnail
Out of Frame - 13dots.com - Report Tutorial
Watch the step-by-step video and learn how to create this 3D effect for your images.
May 12, 2005 | 765 total clicks | 765 clicks this month
Thumbnail
Painting Effect - Design Tutorials - Report Tutorial
Simulate a painting based on an image using Adobe Photoshop CS2.
May 12, 2005 | 347 total clicks | 347 clicks this month"
Most Viewed | Least Viewed | Oldest | Newest
10 | 25 | 50
Thumbnail
Out of Frame - 13dots.com - Report Tutorial
Watch the step-by-step video and learn how to create this 3D effect for your images.
May 12, 2005 | 765 total clicks | 765 clicks this month
Thumbnail
Painting Effect - Design Tutorials - Report Tutorial
Simulate a painting based on an image using Adobe Photoshop CS2.
May 12, 2005 | 347 total clicks | 347 clicks this month"
Saturday, May 07, 2005
PC Pitstop: Free PC Diagnostics and Tuneups
PC Pitstop: Free PC Diagnostics and Tuneups: "Welcome to PC Pitstop!
Start
Is your PC acting sluggish? Are strange windows inexplicably popping up on your screen? Do you have to reboot your computer because of errors and lockups? Our free computer checkup and diagnostics can help you detect and fix many common PC problems! Our full PC tune-up should be your first stop."
Start
Is your PC acting sluggish? Are strange windows inexplicably popping up on your screen? Do you have to reboot your computer because of errors and lockups? Our free computer checkup and diagnostics can help you detect and fix many common PC problems! Our full PC tune-up should be your first stop."
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
PhotoAttorney Know Your Rights and Limitations When You Fly
PhotoAttorney: "Know Your Rights and Limitations When You Fly
The Transportation Security Administration’s (“TSA”) mission is to “protect [ ] the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” The TSA, not the airlines, determines what can pass through the secured area of an airport.
So it’s great that the TSA allows photographers an extra bag of “photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier’s carry-on restrictions for size and weight.” The guideline can be found here: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198006b11c
The catch is that your airline, not the TSA, has the right to disallow the third bag. While you can get it through security, you may be forced to check it at the gate. Since many photographers need two bags for photography equipment plus a briefcase for their laptops, you may not want to have to choose which bag is thrown below when the third bag is disallowed.
E-mail messages to Delta, Northwest, Alaska, United and American Airlines asking whether they allow the extra photography bag either were not returned or the responses quoted/referred to baggage guidelines from their websites that allow only two pieces of carry-on luggage. Even if any of the replies had been positive, the rules may be applied differently at the gate.
The safest plan is to go with two carry-on bags, at least for now.
Take my advice; get professional help.
PhotoAttorney"
The Transportation Security Administration’s (“TSA”) mission is to “protect [ ] the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” The TSA, not the airlines, determines what can pass through the secured area of an airport.
So it’s great that the TSA allows photographers an extra bag of “photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier’s carry-on restrictions for size and weight.” The guideline can be found here: http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?content=090005198006b11c
The catch is that your airline, not the TSA, has the right to disallow the third bag. While you can get it through security, you may be forced to check it at the gate. Since many photographers need two bags for photography equipment plus a briefcase for their laptops, you may not want to have to choose which bag is thrown below when the third bag is disallowed.
E-mail messages to Delta, Northwest, Alaska, United and American Airlines asking whether they allow the extra photography bag either were not returned or the responses quoted/referred to baggage guidelines from their websites that allow only two pieces of carry-on luggage. Even if any of the replies had been positive, the rules may be applied differently at the gate.
The safest plan is to go with two carry-on bags, at least for now.
Take my advice; get professional help.
PhotoAttorney"
Thursday, April 21, 2005
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