The advantage of the rangefinder was its compact size over its main rival the SLR. Some also had interchangeable lenses. The biggest advantage of this camera in pre-autofocus times was the photographer could focus the lens through the viewfinder.

You could say this latest system camera; the Olympus Pen E-PM1 is related to the rangefinder design. Olympus has always strived to make their cameras as small and compact as possible, producing a range of half-frame 35mm film cameras some years ago. The Pen has most features found in a DSLR in a very small and compact camera, which allows for various accessories to be added to it.

The biggest advantage is different lenses can be acquired and attached to it. Though the 14-42mm zoom lens that comes with it really covers most eventualities. But for compactness, the lens can be taken off when stored in a small bag or even pocket. There is a range of lenses available for the Pen to make the camera even more versatile.

Anyone looking at a photo of this camera will note there is no built-in flash. However there is a flash hotshoe and a flash is bundled with the camera. The advantage of this is the flash is further from the lens resulting in a reduced chance of red eye. The disadvantage is this is one more piece of equipment to carry with the camera. But with more powerful flashes available for the camera, this increases its flexibility.

Further system accessories include a number of different viewfinders available, both electronic and optical. These are of great benefit as the view can be seen in very bright conditions (always a problem for viewscreens) also holding the camera to your eye keeps it that little bit steadier. A viewfinder is also a much more comfortable proposition for photographers who have been around for a while.

There are many other functions in this camera, most of which are found in other models of camera. Movie modes are now becoming standard, even in DSLRs and this camera is no different. Even there is an attachable microphone available to improve sound quality.

In all a lot of camera in a very neat size. Though one would wonder about having to carry around a compact camera and all the bits and pieces to go with it. On its own it is a compact, though not pocket sized with the lens attached. But with a suitable and very tidy bag, all the accessories you should need for it will fit comfortably.

There is a range of Pen cameras all with varying degrees of features, some with built-in lenses. So make sure when you are choosing, it is the right Pen that you are looking for.

Main Specifications:

Effective Pixels: 12.3 megapixels
Memory Card: SD
Image Recording: RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still)
Movie Recording: AVCHDAVI, Motion JPEG. Records in HD at various sizes.
Viewscreen Size: 3 inches. Approx. 460,000 dots
Shutter: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec
ISO: Standard 200 – 1600
Exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and other scene modes

This camera will suit perfectly when taking our Creative Photography Course

Nikon D5100

The camera is smaller and neater then the D5000 but this doesn’t mean it has taken anything away. In fact some features have naturally been added and improved. One feature is the 1080p HD video and another is the 921k dot LCD screen, which can be used as a viewfinder for both stills and video. The screen is also hinged so it can be positioned in all sorts of different angles, enabling viewing from most positions.

The D5100 has a 16.2mp Nikon DX CMOS sensor, very similar to what is in the D7000, which is the next step up in Nikons range. Understandably the D5100 wouldn’t have other features the D7000 has but the final image quality would be very similar.

The D5100 has all you would expect from a DSLR. The standard exposure modes including Manual plus the usual scene modes. A maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec is adequate for practically all situations and an ISO range of 100 to 6400 will also suffice. However the ISO can be extended up to 25600 ISO.

A new set of features included with the D5100 is the Effects modes. On the exposure setting dial is “Effects” and these are a set of preset effects that can be added to an image when shooting it. One such effect is selective color where a color is keyed in and preserved in the image while all other colors are converted to black & white. Some may see this as an added gimmick but as this particular effect is commonly used in photography, it may be a nice attraction for some.

In the School of Photography we would recommend this camera as perfect for use in our courses.

The Manual Mode setting.

Normally when you are about to take a few photos, you have a subject in mind. Therefore you can initially decide whether you need a fast shutter speed or maximum depth of field, etc. For example if it is a few sports photos, most likely there is action involved requiring a fast shutter speed. Simply adjust the Aperture to the smallest f-number, take a meter reading and then adjust the Shutter Speed until the meter reads correctly. If you feel the shutter speed is still not fast enough, then increase the ISO.

Likewise if depth of field is an issue, adjust the shutter speed to a minimum handheld shutter speed or slower if using a tripod. Then adjust the Aperture to higher f-numbers until the meter reads correctly. Again ISO can be adjusted if the Aperture value is insufficient.

Manual Mode is not one to be used all the time as it is slow to use. But it does have its advantages when there is time allowed to take good quality images. Also when used regularly, the photographer, especially beginners, gain a much better understanding of their camera and how a particular camera reacts in certain lighting situations.

So next time your out with the camera, get a bit of fun out of it in just trying to perfect that exposure using your own knowledge and initiative, you will find the reward in bagging a good image even better.

To learn all there is to know about exposure and the Manual Exposure Mode, enroll in our Basic Photography Course.

To create this effect, follow these steps:

1 – USE A TRIPOD! Without some way of keeping the camera rigid you are going to get blur from camera shake at shutter speeds below 1/60 of a second with a standard lens. Also, either use a cable release or the self timer on your camera to trip the shutter, this eliminates camera shake when the shutter button is pressed.

2 – Carefully focus on the area in the image that you want sharp with manual focus. Remember that what will remain sharp is anything that doesn’t move.

3 – Use as slow a shutter speed as light conditions will allow. 1/2 a second or slower will give the best results. The easiest way to determine the exposure necessary is by taking a meter reading using the highest f-number on your lens (usually between f16 and f32). Always use manual exposure mode (M) for this type of work for assured results.

4 – Choose a time of day (early morning or late evening) when light levels are low in order to acheive slow shutter speeds. Use slow ISO rating of 100 or lower. For a good effect don’t use flash, this only helps to freeze movement. Having said this, sometimes using flash and slow shutter speeds creates a nice affect.

A useful aid for getting shutter speeds even slower would be a neutral density filter.

If you would like to know all there is to know about using your camera, enroll in our Basic Photography Course today!