This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Top 10 Photo products of 2013; Nimbleosity Report - Hands on with the Olympus FL-300R electronic flash; Photo Help Desk: Exposure tips for mini studio product shots - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Favorite products of 2013. It's been a great year for photo related tools. Certainly, however, a few standout as the best. Here are my personal award winners.

• Sony a7R full-frame 36.3 MP Interchangeable digital camera
• Canon EOS 70D 20.2 MP DSLR camera
• Apple iPad mini with Retina display
• Olympus M.ZUIKO 75mm f1.8 (Black) Lens
• Lowepro Urban Reporter 150 camera bag
• Fujifilm X20 12 MP digital camera
• Apple iPhone 5S
• Pentax K-3 DSLR 24MP camera
• Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM zoom lens for APS-C DSLRs
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GM1 Compact System Camera with 12-32mm silver lens

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report (www.thenimblephotographer.com): Hands on with the Olympus FL-300R compact flash. I used flash for the first time to cover my parents 60th wedding anniversary event at my sister's house in Huntington Beach California. Over the course of the day, I did both the bounce flash and direct flash with this little unit. I cover how it performed in the second segment of today show.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk (www.photohelpdesk.com): Exposure tips for mini studio product shots. Collapsible many studios are great for small product shots. But sometimes those bright white backgrounds fool your camera's exposure meter, creating the old gray backgrounds instead of white ones. Here's how to clean things up in the third segment of today show.

Photo Assignment News

Photo Assignment for January 2014 is White.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: 5 holiday photo tips; on the Nimbleosity Report - Testing the new version of Camera+ for the iPhone; from the Photo Help Desk: long exposures - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - 5 Holiday Photo Tips - If you're lucky enough to be able to spend time with family and friends during the holidays, here are a few photo tips to keep in mind.

• Think portraits as well as activities. Yes, it's fun to photograph Uncle Bill opening his present, but get a portrait too. In the coming years, those informal, environmental candids will become more valuable.
• Reduce flash exposure. Most cameras emit too much flash indoors. Go to Flash Exposure Compensation and set it to -2/3 or even -1. Then increase your ISO to 400 or 800 to reduce dependency on the flash.
• Get a group shot. Yes, everyone will moan and groan. But group shots tell a big story in just a single frame.It's worth your while to set one up.
• Photograph food and decorations. Be sure to capture the food table before everyone digs in. Keep an eye out for decorations and place settings.
• Share your images. The more people in the family that you share pictures with, the better the chances they will survive the decades. Believe it or not, sending email attachments are often the most effective because the recipients don't have to do anything to receive them.

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report (www.thenimblephotographer.com): Camera+ for iPhone - There are many good camera apps for the iPhone. And the latest version of Camera+ should be counted among the best of them. Here's why it's one of my favorites.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk (www.photohelpdesk.com): Holidays are a great time of year for long exposures. Be sure to pack a micro tripod in your kit. If your camera has built-in WiFi, you may be able to trip the shutter using a companion app on your iOS or Android device. If not, remember that the self-timer can serve as safe way to initiate the exposure without jarring the camera. And don't forget to keep the ISO low for long exposures...

Photo Assignment for December is High ISO.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (35 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Lightroom 5.3 Goodies, especially for those with new cameras; Nimbleosity Report - Automated Backup of Your Mobile Photos with Loom; Photo Help Desk: Car Windshield Shade Portrait Reflector - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Photographers who have upgraded to the Olympus OM-D E-M1, Olympus Stylus 1, Nikon Df, or Pentax K-3 should be interested in the latest Lightroom update, version 5.3. Not only is there Raw support for these cameras, Adobe has also added:

• Tethered capture for Canon EOS Rebel T4i / EOS 650D / EOS Kiss X6i
• New Lens Profile Support for 19 new lenses, including a boatload of Sony glass
• Added Camera Matching color profiles (Natural, Muted, Portrait, Vivid) for Olympus cameras

Plus lots and lots of bug fixes. I talk about this substantial update in today's top story. (More information about the Lightroom 5.3 release is here).

Story #2 - On the Nimbleosity Report - Automated Backup of Your Mobile Photos with Loom. Now that Everpix is just a fond memory, I needed to find a robust backup solution for my iPhone and iPad pictures. I've been testing Loom, and I think it has potential.

One of Loom's most appealing features is the ability to create albums and move pictures into them. This really helps with organization. You can even create nested albums, but the procedure gets a bit more tricky doing this.

The Mac and iOS apps seem solid, you get 5GBs of storage for free, and you can increase your allotment to 50GBs for $3.99 a month or 250GBs for $9.99 a month. If you pay yearly, you can save: $39.99 and $99.99 respectively.

I think it's important to begin 2014 with a solid mobile backup solution, and I discuss the potential with Loom in the second segment.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk: Car Windshield Shade Portrait Reflector. We might not always have our disc reflectors on us, but chances are you have a windshield shade in your car. Here's how it can save the day for a portrait shoot.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Organizing your 2013 photo library (and preparing for 2014); Nimbleosity Report - Canon PowerShot S110 (great deal on a super camera); Photo Help Desk: the Ziploc bag trick - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Over the course of the year, it's very easy to let your photo library become a bit messy. Now that we're nearing the end of 2013, this is a great time to tidy up your image collection and prepare for the coming year.

Story #2 - The Canon PowerShot S110 Digital Camera is currently available for $219. Check out these features:

• 12.1MP Resolution 1/1.7" CMOS Sensor
• 24-120mm UA Lens (f/2.0 at wide angle)
• 3.0" PureColor Touch Screen LCD Display
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor, Intelligent IS, High Speed AF
• Full HD 1080p Video with Stereo Sound
• ISO 12800, ND filter, and Multi-Aspect Ratio RAW
• Smart AUTO, Movie Digest and WiFi
• HDR, electronic level HDMI out, and copyright imprinting
• Weighs 6.1 ounces and is less than 4" wide

I talk about why I think this is a can't-miss deal for nimble photographers looking for a super compact camera.

Story #3 - It's that time of year to put a Ziploc bag in your camera kit. I explain why in the third segment of the show.

Photo Assignment News

Photo Assignment for November is High ISO.

And we have three new winners for the SizzlPix Pick of the Month: August 2013 - Street Scene - Dominick Chiuchiolo; September 2013 - Grab Shot - Michael Fairbanks; and October 2013 - My House is My Castle - Keith Hartman.

For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... if you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or SizzlPix! of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix! to be shipped together, and we'll give you 25% off on the second one! Order any size up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72" Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. Just put "TDS " in the comments space on the sizzlpix.com order page. Of course, you may apply the discount to any number of pairs. And free shipping to any US mainland address.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Hands on with the Olympus OM-D E-M1; on the Nimbleosity Report - the super handy Lowepro Dashpoint 30; from the Photo Help Desk: the world's simplest, but highly effective flash bounce card - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Hands on with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Micro Four Thirds Mirrorless Camera - This $1,400 body includes everything you'd expect, then adds some delightful surprises. A few of the niceties include:

• Outstanding WiFi, for both downloading and camera control
• Built-in microphone port (finally!) with modest audio controls
• Four Thirds lens capability with adapter
• Twin dial control wheels with function lever
• Built-in HDR
• Template mode to build multi-shot compositions
• Timelapse function with movie assembly
• Lens IS Priority for optically stabilized Panasonic glass
• PC socket for traditional flash cords

So, how does this all add up for the E-M1? I render my verdict in the first segment of today's show.

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report: The Lowepro Dashpoint 30 versatile camera case that protects cameras up to an OM-D E-M5 with 14-42mm zoom. Highlight features include horizontally/vertical attachment option, removable shoulder strap with snap hooks, and #5 YKK zippers with pull tabs. I cover how I use this nifty case in today's second segment.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk: the world's simplest, yet effective flash bounce card. I make sure I always have business cards and rubber bands in my camera case. Why? I explain in the third segment of today's show.

Photo Assignment News

Photo Assignment for November is High ISO.

And we have three new winners for the SizzlPix Pick of the Month: August 2013 - Street Scene - Dominick Chiuchiolo; September 2013 - Grab Shot - Michael Fairbanks; and October 2013 - My House is My Castle - Keith Hartman.

For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... if you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or SizzlPix! of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix! to be shipped together, and we'll give you 25% off on the second one! Order any size up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72" Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. Just put "TDS " in the comments space on the sizzlpix.com order page. Of course, you may apply the discount to any number of pairs. And free shipping to any US mainland address.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Special Edition Nimble Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers. I'll discuss 10 affordable items that are sure to please the photo hound in your life. All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

The Eye-Fi Mobi 16GB SDHC Wireless Memory Card ($67) - Even though we wish every one of our cameras had built-in WiFi, the fact is many don't. The Mobi is the best accessory solution I've used so far.

Purchase: Eye-Fi Mobi 16GB SDHC Wireless Memory Card

Background article: Eye-Fi Mobi Review.

Lowepro S&F Lens Exchange Case 100 AW $35

The nifty lens case is designed for rapid exchange so you can take out your lens with one hand, replace it on your camera, and store the removed lens. The interior of the case has a dual compartment design that holds two lenses while the case is open but will not close with both lenses inside. Comes with belt attachment and a very nice strap.

Purchase: Lowepro S&F Lens Exchange Case 100 AW.

Background article: Need a Spare Hand? Lowepro Lens Exchange Case 100 AW.

The Lollipod Multipurpose Ultralight Accessory Stand $55

I was skeptical until I actually started carrying one around. I've used the Lollipod as a light stand, microphone holder, and camera support. It looks cute, packs light, and would delight just about any light-footed photographer.

Purchase: Lollipod from its creators in the UK.

Background article: Is the Lollipod Really Useful?

The Nimble Photographer Gift Set $39

This will make your life easy. This Nimble Gift Set includes the black Walking Man Shoulder Bag with embroidered Nimble Photographer, a stainless steel Wenger 26-ounce water bottle (that fits in the bag), two artisan gift cards, and a holiday gift bag. All you have to do is sign the card and hand over the gift. Appreciated by travelers and photographers alike.

Purchase: The Nimble Photographer Gift Set

Background article: The Bag Within a Bag Concept

Joby Gorillapod Micro 800 Tripod $20

This little gem features a stainless steel micro positioning ball that allows for 36° of movement in any direction for precise control in photo or video composition for cameras weighing up to 1.76 lbs. I keep one with me at all times, and just love it.

Purchase: Joby Gorillapod Micro 800 Tripod

Background article: The Clever Joby Micro 800 GorillaPod

Flashpoint 24" One Handed Reflector and Calibration Target $19.95

I love working with disc reflectors, but I don't always have an assistant to hold them for me. I found the Flashpoint 24" Triangular Collapsible Disc that has a rigid design and can be held by one hand. It's silver on one side, providing lots of fill light. And on the other side it has black, white, and gray segments that can be used for establishing exposure and for color balance in post.

Purchase: Flashpoint 24" One Handed Reflector

Background article on Flashpoint reflector.

Olympus 15mm f/8 Body Lens Cap for M4/3 $59

If you like pancake lenses, you're going to love this. The just-announced Olympus BCL-15mm f8.0 Body Cap Lens is literally the size of a body cap, yet transforms to become a fixed focus snapshot lens that's a blast to shoot with. The lens is just 9mm thick, and when the cover is in place (to protect the glass), it looks like a body cap for your micro four thirds camera.

Purchase: Olympus BCL-15mm f8.0 Body Lens Cap for Olympus/Panasonic Micro 4/3 Cameras

Background article on Olympus 15mm f/8 Body Lens Cap

ExpoImaging Rogue FlashBender Small Positionable Reflector $35

Anyone who uses an external flash will appreciate this nifty diffusing accessory (that really works). I like that it fits just about anywhere in my camera bag. And it really improves portraits captured with flash.

Purchase: ExpoImaging Rogue FlashBender Small Positionable Reflector

Background article: Rogue FlashBender Large Positionable Light Modifier for Portraits

Canon 40mm Pancake Lens $149

After a year of shooting with the Canon 40mm EF f/2.8 STM lens,I have to say this is one enjoyable little prime. At half the size of the 50mm f/1.8, it focuses quieter, is built sturdier, and is ever bit as sharp. Plus it hardly takes up any room!

Purchase: Canon 40mm EF f/2.8 STM Lens

Background article on Canon 40mm pancake lens.

Photographer Parking Only Sign $8

This will bring a smile to any photographer's face: Their own "Parking Only" sign complete with Violators Will Be Shot warning.

Purchase: Photographer Parking Only Sign

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (28 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Photo Assignment for November is Critters.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

SizzlPix! - For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... if you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or SizzlPix! of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix! to be shipped together, and we'll give you 25% off on the second one! Order any size up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72" Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. Just put "TDS " in the comments space on the sizzlpix.com order page. Of course, you may apply the discount to any number of pairs. And free shipping to any US mainland address.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Is the iPad mini Retina worthy for photographers? On the Nimbleosity Report - A week with the Lollipod ultralight accessory stand.; From the Photo Help Desk - Are soft backgrounds possible with micro four thirds cameras? All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Is the new iPad mini worthy for photographers? The much anticipated Retina display mini is now available. It sports a brand new display weighing in at 2048x1536 resolution at 326ppi. But it seems to generating its share doubts from the photography community. Starting with reports of possible burn-in on some models, to criticism about its more narrow color gamut.

I've tested a brand new iPad mini with Retina display against the original iPad mini, an iPad 3, and iPhone 5S. Here's the way things stack up.

• The new iPad mini screen is brighter, sharper, and has better contrast than the original iPad mini.
• Compared to the iPad 3 and the iPhone 5S, the new mini has less saturated colors, especially the reds and purples.
• The color temperature for the new iPad mini is more pleasing to my eye than the original iPad mini, and to a small degree, the iPad 3.

I haven't been able to test the new iPad mini against the iPad Air. Reports are that the color gamut displayed by the Air is better than the new iPad mini. I would tend to believe this because the iPad 3 has a broader gamut too.

Upper Left: iPad mini with Retina Display; Upper Right: iPad mini; Lower Left: iPad 3 with Retina Display; Lower Right: iPhone 5S with Retina Display.

So, is the iPad mini with Retina Display a worthwhile investment for photographers? I delve into the details in the first segment of today's show.

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report: A week with the Lollipod ultralight accessory stand. In short, I really like this little guy. I've used it for a variety of tasks including camera stabilization, wireless flash, and even as a microphone stand. And, it only weighs 320 grams total weight and is 320 mm long when folded (12.5")

Story #3 - Are soft backgrounds possible with micro four thirds cameras? In short, yes . And I explain how in the third segment of today's show.

Photo Assignment for November is Critters.

SizzlPix! Holiday Special!

For The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club members ... If you'd like additional copies of for gifts, or SizzlPix! of any other of your images to make spectacular, amazing holiday gifts, order any two SizzlPix! to be shipped together, and we'll give you 25 percent off on the second one! Order any size up to a mind-boggling 48 by 72" Imagine -- six feet! and no sacrifice in resolution, luminance, and impact. Just put "TDS" in the comments space on the sizzlpix.com order page. Of course, you may apply the discount to any number of pairs. And free shipping to any US mainland address.

BTW: If you're ordering through B&H or Amazon, please click on the respective ad tile under the Products header in the box half way down the 2nd column on thedigitalstory.com. That helps support the site.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (31 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The November 2013 photo assignment is "Critters."

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Camera battle: iPad Air vs. iPhone 5S; On the Nimbleosity Report - New Goodies to delight you; From the Photo Help Desk - Taking control of exposure. All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Camera Battle: The iPad Air vs iPhone 5S - Apple's latest full sized tablet is a technological marvel. Among its many features, it includes a built-in iSight camera. How does it compare to the iPhone 5S? Before answering that, let's take a look at its feature highlights:

• Weighs in at just one pound (28 percent lighter)
• Super thin - Can apparently hide behind a pencil
• 9.7 inch display with 2048-by-1536 resolution and over 3.1 million pixels
• A7 chip featuring 64-bit architecture with an M7 coprocessor (M standing for motion)
• 10-hour battery life
• Improved WiFi with two antennas and MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) technology
• Dual microphones
• 5-megapixel iSight camera

So, now, what about that 5 MP camera? How does it compare to the 8 MP version in the iPhone 5S. I cover that in the first story. (Thanks to Allyson Kazmucha at iMore for publishing the article, iPad Air vs iPhone 5s: iSight and FaceTime camera shootout!. It helped me with my research for this post.)

Story #2 - The Nimbleosity Report: Have you been enjoying the daily Journal entries?

Plus, I've added a new hat to the store featuring beautiful Port and Beigh colors. But the real gems are the new Gift Sets: The Gift Set in Port features the new cap, Walking Man Shoulder Bag, two fine art Holiday greeting cards, and gift bag. All you have to do is sign one of the holiday cards, and you have an excellent gift for the Nimble Photographer or traveler in your life. And the best part is... the price is only $49.95. (We also have a Navy Gift Set with the original Walking Man cap.)

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk: what tips to you have to help me take more control over exposure?

• Exposure lock
• Exposure compensation
• Manual exposure

I cover all three in today's third story.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (33 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The November 2013 photo assignment is "Critters."

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Nikon Df mechanical/digital DSLR; on The Nimbleosity Report - Olympus Stylus 1; From the Photo Help Desk - Do I need expensive filters? All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Nikon Df DSLR - What started in the Scottish Highlands with an excellent teaser video has now become a reality. And it has a lot of photographers excited.

Basic features include:

• Full frame 16MP sensor
• Dedicated mechanical dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, exposure mode, and release mode
• Mechanical cable release compatible
• 39-point AF with 9 cross sensors
• Compatible with AF-S, AF-D, and AD Nikkor lenses

The Df will be available in silver and black, probably around the end of this month. It looks awesome. The Df has that throwback styling that made the original OM-D so alluring. It even has the "slide over" eyecup shade for long exposures. If you want one for yourself, it will cost you $2,996.95 with 50mm lens. I talk about the possible impact of this camera in today's top story.

Story #2 - In today's Nimbleosity Report, I take a closer look at the Olympus Stylus 1 . It looks like a baby OM-D E-M5, but with a powerful and bright zoom lens. Here are the highlight features:

• 12MP 1/1.7" sensor (similar in size to the XZ-2)
• 1.44M dot electronic viewfinder
• 1 million dot 3" tilting touchscreen LCD
• 28-300mm equivalent (10.7x) optically-stabilized f/2.8 lens (constant aperture through entire zooming range)
• Built-in Wi-Fi with smartphone control
• RAW capture as well as Jpeg
• Magnesium alloy body structure
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Same battery as the Olympus OM-D
• Should sell for around $699

This looks like a heck of an all-in-one camera to me. Love the constant aperture and zooming range. Lots of enthusiast features in a very nimble package (14 ounces). This little gem will set you back $699 US. Is it worth it? I'll talk about that.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk - Should you pay the extra dollars for high-end multi-coated filters when others are available at a fraction of the price?

Now is the time to order your SizzlPix for the holidays!

New Ad tiles on TDS. If you're going to purchase from Amazon of B%H Photo, please click on the respective ad tile for those suppliers, located in the second column on every page of TheDigitalStory.com.

And don't forget, I have an Aperture Workshop coming up on Nov. 16 and 17. Write me at derrick@thedigitalstory.com for more details.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The November 2013 photo assignment is "Critters."

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to save 20% at check out.

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This week on The Digital Story podcast: New Photography Workshops for 2014; The Nimbleosity Report -- Has the Canon G-Series run its course? From the Photo Help Desk -- Which New MacBook Pro Laptop is Best for Photographers? All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - New Workshops for the Coming Year - I've been working on the 2014 workshop season for a while now, and I think I have a very tempting line up.

• High School Senior Portraits, Inside and Out - Feb.
• Fine Art Photography - HDR and B&W - March
• San Francisco Street Photography - May
• Sonoma Coast Workshop - August
• Fall Color with Safari West - Oct.

I talk about these events in the first segment of today's podcast.

Story #2 - Nimbleosity report on the Canon PowerShot G16 - Has the G Series run its course? I cut my teeth on digital photography with the Canon G1 and G2 cameras. I still have them. But as I've compared the latest member of this family to the competition, I'm wondering if the G Series has finally run out of gas. I go into detail in today's Nimbleosity Report.

I compared the G16 to a direct competitor, the Fujifilm X20. The results were interesting.

They both weigh about the same. The X20 has the edge in image sharpness, sensor size, AF speed, and burst mode. The G16 has better spec for the LCD monitor, 240 fps video recording, and longer battery life. Plus the G16 includes built-in WiFi costs $50 less.

So is the G16 a worthy competitor? I answer in today's show. And don't forget to visit the official Nimble Photographer web site.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk: Which of the new MacBook Pros are best for photographers? Now that Apple offers Retina Displays for both the 13" and 15" models, which is best for photographers?

Three considerations: 1) Budget: 13" runs from #1,299 to $1,799 while the 15" runs from $1,999 to $2,599. 2) Portability: which laptop fits in your ideal carrying solution? 3) Applications you use: the $2,599 MBP has both Intel Iris Pro Graphics and NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M graphics card. The 13" has Intel Iris Graphics. Photoshop and Aperture can take advantage of GPU acceleration. Lightroom does not. I sort this out in the third segment of today's show.

If you have a question for the Photo Help Desk team, visit PhotoHelpDesk.com.

Chuck Jones is the winner of the Nimble Photographer T-Shirt giveaway. He wrote, "I think my favorite item in the store is the cap. All of the items look great, but I wear caps all the time and this one has a classic look to it." Thanks Chuck for your feedback, and I hope you enjoy the T-Shirt.

New Ad tiles on TDS. If you're going to purchase from Amazon of B%H Photo, please click on the respective ad tile for those suppliers, located in the second column on every page of TheDigitalStory.com.

And don't forget, I have an Aperture Workshop coming up on Nov. 16 and 17. Write me at derrick@thedigitalstory.com for more details.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (34 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The October 2013 photo assignment is "My House is My Castle."

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to save 20% at check out.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.