This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Sony drops the full frame bomb with the a7; The Nimbleosity Report - Panasonic's diminutive GM-1; From the Photo Help Desk - How can I repair a scratch on my camera's LCD screen? All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Sony's full frame a7 - Now you can have your compact system camera and full frame sensor too. As early as November, well-heeled shooters will be able to order the Sony Alpha a7 Mirrorless Digital Camera with FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens for $1,998. More lenses are promised, although they will not be cheap.

Highlights from this remarkable camera include:

• 24.3MP full frame Exmor CMOS sensor
• 3" tiltable TFT LCD with 1,229K dots
• 2.4M-Dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• Fast hybrid AF; 5 fps burst rate
• Wi-Fi and NFC
• 1080/60p video with uncompressed output
• 14-bit RAW output

A few drawbacks to consider. Oddly enough the a7 does not ship with a battery charger. You have to recharge in-camera. The new FE lenses would be available for months, and when they are, they will be pricy: (FE 35mm F2.8 ZA $799.99, FE 55mm F1.8 ZA $999.99, FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS $1,199.99 (coming in early February), FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 ZA OSS $499.99, FE 70-200mm F4 OSS G (Pricing and release date TBA). And even though you can you existing E-mount lenses, they will only work in a crop mode on the A7/A7r, since they were not designed to cover a full-frame sensor.

Story #2 - Nimbleosity report on the tiny Panasonic GM1 mirrorless M 4/3 camera with 12-32mm Lens ($749). Amazing, roughly the size of the Sony RX100 compact camera, this little guy is the smallest micro four thirds camera to date.

But there are tradeoffs for this pint-sized wonder. Top shutter speed is 1/500th, no in-body image stabilization, no 1080p video, so-so battery life, no option for electronic viewfinder, and no hot shoe.

Personally, I'd much rather have the Panasonic GX7, even though it costs $250 more, the feature set is much more appealing.

Story #3 - From the Photo Help Desk: How do I mitigate a scratched LCD on my camera. I have a home brew recipe to help.

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 (32 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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Pentax's crazy K-3 DSLR, The Nimble Photographer lives, Easy hair light for portraits - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Impressive Pentax K-3 DSLR ($1,295) brings new innovation to the DSLR world. At the top of the feature list is the anti-aliasing simulator that applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. And it's adjustable. Plus you get:

• Brand-new sensor with approximately 24 effective megapixels and a new imaging engine
• AF module with 27 auto focus points
• High-speed continuous shooting with a maximum speed of approximately 8.3 images per second
• In-body image stabilization
• 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots
• Dustproof, weather-resistant body construction perfect for outdoor shooting
• Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility
• USB 3.0 interface

What don't you get? There's no built-in WiFi and the LCD does not have touchscreen capability.

Story #2 - The Nimble Photographer Lives! What started as a fun idea into 2010 has now become a full-blown website and community. Today is the debut of thenimblephotographer.com.

The site features a Journal with comments, a store for Nimble photographer gear, Walkabout for photo sharing, Fit Kits to take you inside the nimble photographer camera bag configurations, and believe it or not, more. I tell you all about it in the second segment of today's show.

Story #3 - Easy Hair Light for Portraits - Adding a highlight to the hair gives that professional touch to portraits. But controlling the amount of light is not always easy. After lots of experimentation with just about every technique available, I have settled on a handy variable controlled LED light for hair lights. You can see an example of this technique here. I explain in the third segment of today's show.

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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Adobe hacked, Cloud services for your photos, and How to Brighten Teeth - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Adobe Hacked - Recently, attackers removed from Adobe servers certain information relating to 2.9 million Adobe customers, including customer names, encrypted credit or debit card numbers, expiration dates, and other information relating to customer orders. What does this mean for Adobe customers and Cloud-based services in general?

Story #2 - Cloud Services for Your Photos - Interesting topic in light the Adobe hacked story. After lots of testing, I'm still of the belief that the best backup system is the one you set-up and forget about.

I share my experiences with Apple's Photo Stream, EverPix, and Dropbox's latest feature, automated backup of your iPhoto library.

Story #3 - Tooth Brightening in Post Production - Brightening someone's smile is one of the nice things that you can do for your subjects during image editing. For best results, a light touch is required. In the third story I share my tips for an attractive, natural smile.

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 (37 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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: The new Lowepro Urban Reporter photo bag, Does the iPhone 5S camera live up to its hype?,and Ziploc bags - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Lowepro Urban Reporter 150 camera bag is my current favorite compact system camera bag, and I love the Urban Reporter 250 for my DSLR kit. Both bags have soft texture fabric exteriors, leather touch points, and metal hardware. They are light, comfortable, and wonderfully designed for the Nimble Photographer. I go into detail in today's second segment.

Story #2 - Is the iPhone 5S camera worth getting excited about? After a week of shooting, my opinion is that the iPhone 5S camera lives up to the hype. Here's what's impressed me.

• User interface - The powerful hardware combined with the new Camera app in iOS 7 is a winning combination. The camera is just so easy to use.
• Slow Motion Video that really works. Not only on the iPhone itself, but you can publish it to YouTube or incorporate in iMovie projects.
• Amazing Panoramas - The dynamic exposure panorama capability automatically calculates and adjusts exposure variations across the scene as you capture the panorama. This leads to stunning images right out of the camera.
• True Tone Flash - the iPhone 5S sports two LEDs, one white and one amber, and they are used in varying degrees to create natural coloration under a variety of conditions. And it works.
• Fast performance - Press the home button, swipe upward and tap the camera icon: you're ready to shoot in about a second. Focusing is fast, and burst mode is blazing. Everything happens quickly with this camera.
• It's Fun - I know this sounds like a weird feature, but the iPhone 5S is flat out fun to shoot with. Great performance, fun features such as filters and slo mo video, and instant results.

Slow motion video capture with iPhone 5S.

No wonder compact cameras are struggling.

Story #3 - Why you should carry a Ziploc bag in your camera kit. It's probably one of your least expensive photo accessories, but it can save you in so many ways. I explain why in the third segment.

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 (37 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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: iOS 7 for Photographers, Photo Help Desk: MacBook Pro or Mac Pro?, and a helpful focusing tip - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - iOS 7 for Photographers. Even if you're not investing in a new iPhone 5S, you can enjoy an improved photography experience on your mobile device with iOS 7. Here are some of my favorite new features:

• Photos app: Panoramas Album. My iPad culled all the available panoramas I had captured and placed them in a new Album titled, Panoramas.



• Photos app: Fast sharing of images from inside the Photos app. Tap on the blue arrow icon in the lower left corner to reveal a plethora of sharing options. I've been tweeting images from inside the app.
• Photos app: Years, Collections, Moments. The Photos app brings much improved organization by creating collections that can be viewed by year all the way down to "moments" that are photos taken within a day. And of course, those "moments" can be shared. Very helpful!
• Photos app: Filters.In the Edit mode, you now have filters to play with. And what I like about them, is that they include B&W and faded conversions. So you can shoot in color, but make gorgeous B&Ws right in the Photos app. Plus the effects are nondestructive. So you can always revert to the original.
• Camera app: Continuous Shooting Mode. This even works on my iPad 3. Hold down the shutter button and the app will capture in burst mode.

• Camera app: Square format. For those of us who like to share on Instagram, having square format at capture really helps to compose the shot properly.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk: MacBook Pro or Mac Pro for my next computer for photography?

Story #3 - Shooting Tip: Manual focus mode is helpful for a variety of shots, especially when you want one particular thing in focus, and you don't want your camera to refocus when you press the shutter button. One trick that I use is to focus on the element I want sharp, then carefully switch to manual focus so the camera doesn't refocus when I take the shot.

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 September 2013 photo assignment is Grab Shot.

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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Samsung's impressive NX300 compact system camera, Photo Help Desk: how to test for image stabilization, and retouching portraits in Aperture - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Samsung NX300 camera with 18-55mm zoom lens ($649) features a 20.3 megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor. The hybrid autofocusing system uses both contrast and phase detection systems. And its burst mode records at 8.6 fps.

Built-in WiFi makes it easy to connect to a variety of services and devices, including your iOS or Android smart phone.

Cons: LCD-only composition, No accessory viewfinder option, Lack of built-in flash, in-camera battery charging unless you buy accessory charger.

Bottom line - Excellent WiFi, outstanding image quality, well-implemented Smart Mode (with Beauty Face and Light Trace), large APS-C sensor and excellent high ISO performance make this camera a true competitor in the mirror less category.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk: Larry wants to know how to test for image stabilization.

To test image stabilization, start with a lens that you know is working properly. Turn on IS and use 1/8 of a second shutter speed (Shutter Priority mode is an easy way to do this). Hold the camera with one hand and take a picture. Then turn off IS and repeat the procedure. Compare both shots at 100 percent on your computer.

The image captured with IS on should be noticeable sharper. Once you have your testing system down with a good lens, then apply that procedure to the lens in question. You should be able to tell if its image stabilization is working.

Story #3 -Portrait Retouching with Aperture 3 is a new title on lynda.com that helps you master Aperture's image editing tools.

Some of the techniques I cover include: Retouching blemishes, enhancing skin texture, adding highlights to the hair, adjusting clothing and backdrop color, brightening and sharpening eyes, and converting to black and white.

I really had fun recording this title, and I think you're going to have a blast watching it.

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 September 2013 photo assignment is Grab Shot.

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.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Sale ends Sept. 21. Take advantage now.

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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: The new Olympus OM-D E-M1 Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds CSC body, my next camera purchase will be an iPhone, and Soft Filters for Portraits - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - Olympus OM-D E-M1. What happens when you have two distinct lines of lenses, and you only want one? You create a camera that accepts both. That's what Olympus has done with the new OM-D E-M1. They created a camera body that accepts both Micro Four Thirds lenses and Four Thirds. And it's the top story for today's show.

Story #2 - My next camera will be an iPhone. Ahhhh, the photographer's perspective on technology. Apple's new iPhone will be a mix of surprises and anticipated updates. And along with iOS 7, I'm going to enjoy exploring them all. But what's most important to me is the camera. Yes, I want an improvement over my already excellent iPhone 4S.

Story #3 - Soft filtering for portraits. Over the years, I've attached everything from expensive softening filters to pantyhose over the front of my lens. But now we have digital filters that do a better job. I discuss the Soft Focus Art Filter on the OM-D compared to the Beauty Face filter on Samsung Galaxy cameras (NX 300, etc.). And just for fun, I try the Soft Focus creative filter on the Canon 70D. How do they stack up?

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 September 2013 photo assignment is Grab Shot.

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.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Sale ends Sept. 21. Take advantage now.

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.

This week on The Digital Story photography podcast: Canon EOS 70D Review, a new podcast player, and Know Your Lens! - All of this and more on today's show with Derrick Story.

Story #1 - The Canon EOS 70D improves on one of my favorite DSLRs of all time (60D) in a fascinating number of ways. The headliner is the Dual Pixel CMOS AF that finally brings real autofocus to live view on a DSLR.

Speaking of AF, the entire system is improved. I'm enjoying taking any type of picture with this camera. The 19-point all cross-type AF system (including a high-precision f/2.8 dual cross-type AF center point) is a blast. There are not too many AF points, but plenty to handle just about any situation. The AF selection button next to the shutter button makes choosing the right pattern a snap.

I also cover the built in WiFi, HDR, multiple exposure, video snapshot, and more in this hands-on review.

Story #2 - A New (and very cool) Podcast Player for our weekly podcasts. I've been searching for a podcast player that will let us listen to the weekly shows on mobile devices and computers alike. We found a great solution and worked hard to implement it. You can now play the weekly shows right off the web page regardless of the device you're using at the moment. I explain in the second segment of the show.

Story #3 - Know Your Lens. Reading test reports are good, but do you really know how your favorite lenses perform on your camera and the way you shoot? It's easy to find out, and in my opinion, well worth the time investment.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast file here (36 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 September 2013 photo assignment is Grab Shot.

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.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Sale ends Sept. 21. Take advantage now.

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.

This week on The Digital Story show: Robotic iPhone camera, cheap labor, September will be heaven for tech lovers - All of this and more on today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Robotic iPhone camera: The Galileo robotic dock for iPhone opens up a new world of photography possibilities. I've been using the device for 24-hour home surveillance and to make killer 360 degree panoramas.

I secured a Galileo early through their Kickstarter fund raising. I've been testing two apps with it: AirBeam - Live HD video surveillance and motion detection ($3.99) and with DMD Panorama ($1.99). You can watch this short video of Galileo in action that I recorded at the TDS Studio. I explain what's going on here in the first segment of the show.

Story #2 - Cheap Labor: In my recent post, How to Capture Flattering Portraits in Harsh Light, I discuss the value of reflectors and diffusers for outdoor photography.

Can you spot the cheap labor in this shot? Photo by photographer Dennis Adams.

One TDS member commented that you need an extra set of hands to employ these techniques. It's true, you do. I had one such shoot this past weekend, a family portrait that I shot by myself. How did I use a reflector in these circumstances? Well, cheap labor is the answer. I explain in the second segment.

Story #3 - September Will Be Heaven for Tech Lovers: If you're a tech-loving, nimble photographer, then you may want to pay down your credit card balance this month. Because September is shaping up to be heaven (or hell, depending on your POV) for photography and technology.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (27 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 August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

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.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Sale ends Sept. 21. Take advantage now.

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.

This week on The Digital Story show: An f/1.8 zoom, bad form! and a recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM zoom for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony Alpha, and Sigma features a constant super fast aperture through the entire zooming range. I've been testing this fascinating optic, and report on its performance.

Technical highlights include equivalent focal length: 28.8-56mm (Canon APS-C), internal focusing, fast AF, well-damped zooming and focusing rings, and compatible with the Sigma USB dock. Retail is $799 US, which is an excellent value for this lens.

Image captured with the Sigma 18-35mm zoom on a Canon 60D during the Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop, August 2013. Photo by Derrick Story.

Story #2 - Bad Form! I've just learned, thanks to an email from Diane, that the Send Me Info form on the TDS Workshops page has been broken. That means those of you who have tried to get on the reserve list for the upcoming TDS Fall Color and Safari West workshop in October, or the Aperture Intensive in November, have not been acknowledged. This is terrible! I discuss where to go from here in the second story of today's show.

Story #3 - A recap of the TDS Sonoma Coast Photography Workshop that just concluded. Oh my gosh, talk about some beautiful photography and a group of wonder people. Here why.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (30 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 August 2013 photo assignment is Street Scene.

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.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

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.