The Art of Digiscoping with Photographer Kevin Bolton

by Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist

Last summer I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Kevin Bolton, an avid birder and photographer.  (Check out his blog here)  Like many birding enthusiasts, Kevin has always had the desire to capture great images of the birds he encounters on his trips.  However the age old problem of needing to spend upwards of $12,000 for a professional camera and lens setup presents itself as a roadblock.  Undeterred Kevin started to experiment with a technique called "Digiscoping" that has become a hit in the UK and in Asia.  According to Kevin it's starting to catch on here in the US as well.  Kevin's method of Digiscoping is essentially taking a pocket camera like the Canon S90/95 and attaching it to a spotting scope that acts as a massive teleconverter.  I found this to be fascinating right away so I met up with Kevin at 7AM on a Sunday morning in the Meadowlands.  It was truly inspiring to see Kevin capture stunning bird photographs with his digiscoping setup.  The video and some of Kevin's great images are after the jump/break.

Free Event for Photography Students and Educators at Unique Photo

by Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
Believe it or not I just graduated from Montclair State University last May!  Since then I've been busy here at Unique Photo, but my friends and professors back at school are still really important to me.  If I did not have such wonderful and enriching experiences in my photography classes, I probably wouldn't be here today teaching my own classes and writing reviews for the Unique Photo blog.  So next Monday October 18th I have organized a FREE event for students and educators.  You don't need to sign up in advance.  Just show up here at Unique Photo with your student ID and you will be allowed in.  There will be some great prizes raffled away and free pizza.  The event runs from 12:30PM until 7:00PM.  Don't worry you don't need to be here the whole time either.  We will notify all raffle winners via e-mail.  Reps from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Sigma, Manfrotto, Dynalite Tamron, NIK Software, MAC Group, Hoodman, Lensbaby and Inkpress will be here to answer your questions about products and let you try them out!  Here is the link to our official landing page for the event.  I hope to see you there. -MZ

University Classes 9/22/10 - 9/26/10

September 22, 2010 (Wednesday)

11:00am - 1:00pm: Pet Photography

September 23, 2010 (Thursday)

11:00am - 1:00pm: Understanding Your DSLR I: Basics

6:00pm - 8:00pm: Working with Canon Speedlites with Rick Berk

September 24, 2010 (Friday)

6:00pm - 10:00pm: Advanced Landscape Techniques with Rick Berk

September 25, 2010 (Saturday)

2:00pm - 4:00pm: Photojournalism: Up Close and Personal with Chris Usher
September 26, 2010 (Sunday)

11:00am - 1:00pm: Nik Software: HDR Photography with HDR Efex Pro and Victor Ha
2:00pm - 4:00pm: Nik Software: Tools, Techniques, and Tips with Victor Ha

Canon Introduces Powershot G12 and SX30 IS

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
Canon has unveiled a bunch of great new Powershots over the past month or so including the S95, SD4500, and the SX130.  Now Canon has introduced the G12 and SX30 IS cameras.  The G12 is Canon's flagship compact which features stunning image quality, a hot-shoe for using accessories, and a bevy of control dials for professionals who demand quick setting adjustments.  The SX30 is Canon's newest and best "mega" zoom camera.  It boasts a 35x optical zoom and 720p HD video recording.  Both cameras can be pre-ordered on our store website (click the links of each camera name bellow). Here is the official press release for both cameras from Canon USA.  Some pictures, important specs, and my thoughts are after the break.

Canon Expo Recap, 60D samples, new technology, and more

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
Yesterday I (along with Unique Photo super tech rep Robert Huber) attended Canon Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in New York.  Apparently this gathering of Canonites only happens every five years so I would like to thank Matt Thompson, Rick Berk, and all of the great people at Canon for inviting me and showing us a fabulous time.


We were lucky enough to get there early so we could take a look at some of the new products before the rush of people showed up.  


Full report is after the break!

Now in Stock: Canon Powershot S95 and SX130 IS

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist 

Hey everyone, I am signing out for the weekend.  I will be busy testing out the Sony NEX-5 and putting it through it's paces.  However I have some exciting news before I leave.  We just got a shipment in from Canon and the Powershot S95 and SX130 IS are now in stock!  Outside of un-boxing the camera and firing off a couple test snaps, I haven't gotten to shoot with either one yet.  Both look sleek with a newer more textured finish.  These cameras are brand new so I can't promise that we'll even be able to keep them in stock for more than a few days at a time after receiving a shipment.  Have a good weekend! -MZ

Canon Lens Mug Giveaway on Facebook

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
With all of the Canon announcements today I thought it would be a good time for Unique Photo to make it's own announcement.  We recently started carrying two different Canon Lens (imitation) Mugs!  There is a 24-105 f/4 IS version and a 70-200 f/4 IS travel mug.  If you want one and can't wait click either of those links to purchase one from our store.  However we'd like to give a couple of these mugs away too.  


To enter our raffle, all you have to do is "like" our page on facebook.  After our group reaches 1,500 "likes/fans" we will randomly pick two people who have "liked" our facebook page.  One winner will receive the 24-105 f/4 IS mug and the other will receive a 70-200 f/4 IS travel mug.  There is no calender deadline.  The more fans we get, the sooner the contest will end!  Complete rules and legal information are after the break!

Four New Canon 'L' Lenses and more!

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist 
Ok! If the 60D announcement wasn't enough for you already, Canon also released four new lenses this morning along with two new teleconverters. Lots to cover and the lenses were interesting enough that I decided they needed their own post. The new lenses are an EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS, EF 8-15mm f/4L fisheye zoom, EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II, and 400mm f/2.8L IS II. The two new teleconverters are Canon Extender 1.4x III and Canon Extender 2x III.  While Canon has annoucned MSRP for the lenses, the retail price is always much lower, so we are waiting for that pricing before taking pre-orders.  I will let everyone know when these lenses are available for pre-order. All six of these products use a brand new fluorine coating that improves  optical quality.  The fluorine coating also makes the optical surfaces more water/oil resistant, and in turn easier to clean. More pictures, thoughts, and official press release after the break.

Canon 60D Official and Available for Pre-Order!

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist
Well we've all been waiting for this for quite some time now and it's finally official.  This morning Canon USA introduced the highly anticipated EOS 60D DSLR.  Over the past few weeks I have speculated and mulled over the possible features on this camera.  There were even some leaked photos that showed us the new direction Canon took with this camera.  Compared to the now discontinued 50D, the 60D offers a completely redesigned body to be lighter and more ergonomic, full 1080HD video with manual controls, use of SDHC media, and an articulating 3" high resolution screen.  The 60D is already available for pre-order on our store website!  The EOS 60D body-only has a price tag of $1,099 and is also offered with the EF-S 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS lens for $1,399.  More pictures, the official press release, and my thoughts after the break.

Lens Review: Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS DG HSM

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist

There have been a lot of product announcements over the past several days.  Nikon and Canon always steal the show because they command so much of the market.  Even Sony jumped in with four new exciting cameras and three new lenses.  I am excited about all of this news too, but I also got the chance to be one of the first people to test out the new Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS DG HSM.  


So is an added stabilizer worth double the price of the current Sigma 70-200?  Well I hope this post will help you answer that question.  In addition to adding stabilization, Sigma also used a different optical design from their original 70-200mm f/2.8 HSM lens.

Lots of Canon News and Rumors, Canon Expo on 9/2

The New Canon Powershot S95

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist

While Nikon anounced a new DSLR and four new lenses last night, Canon managed to make their presence known as well by revealing three new Powershot cameras, the S95, SD4500 IS, and SX130 IS.  All look like interesting products, especially the SD4500 IS which will include a 10x zoom in an incredibly compact size and 1080HD video recording.  The Powershot S90 has been one of the most popular compact cameras over the last year along with it's big brother, the Powershot G11.  The new S95 will have 720p HD video recording, hybrid Image Stablization, and a new in-camera HDR shooting mode.  More news on the G12, 60D, and lenses after the break!

Canon Strikes Back! Three New Powershots

 By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Consultant

Wow that was fast!  I could barely keep up with all the news coming from the Nikon Announcements, that right before our eyes, Canon announced three new Powershot Digital Cameras. 

Here are pictures. Click the camera's name for Canon USA's official page for each product. The full Press Release is after the pictures.

PDN PhotoPlus Registration Now Open! Join us at booth 713!

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Consultant

Hey everyone. Happy Monday! It's that time of year again...  Photo products being announced, people are getting their last beach/vacation trips in, and the kids are getting ready to go back to school.  It's also time to register for the PDN PhotoPlus Expo in New York City.  PDN PhotoPlus is the biggest Photography conference/exhibition of the year.  If you have any interest in photography or the photo industry, you have to be there. So of  course we will be there as well at booth 713, right by Canon, Sony, Epson, and Olympus.  Please come by and say hello.

Canon 60D Spyshots Leaked!?

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Consultant

my rendering of a 60D, not a spyshot!

If you read my post on potential upcoming Canon products last week, you noticed I explicitly mentioned that all photos I posted were simple photoshop renderings and NOT spyshots.

Well it looks like Canonrumors has obtained two very authentic looking shots of the soon to be released Canon EOS 60D.  Let's take a look at what we can gather from these grainy, blurry spyshots!

Rumor Round-Up: Canon Edition

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Consultant

I haven’t posted rumors on our blog before, but with Canon Expo, Photokina, PhotoPlus, and the holiday shopping season on the ever nearing horizon, I decided it would be good to give a short wrap up of the vast amount of photography related rumors flying around on the Internet.

Major manufacturers are going to make a splash this fall, that is certain, but what exactly are their plans?  Please remember the things listed here are only rumors. Enjoy.

Please note any image of a product that hasn't been released yet is a simple Photoshop job done by me just for the article.  They are for visual and entertainment purposes only and ARE NOT spy shots or claiming to be.

HDR Photography with Rick Sammon at Kip's Castle

This past Sunday, July 18th 2010, Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon made his return to Unique Photo for his second Unique University class, "Exploring High Dynamic Range Photography"!

After class ended, the first 20 registrants of the class were taken on a special excursion to Kip's Castle in Verona, NJ with Rick and Unique's own Michael Downey and Mike Zawadzki.

There, everyone was able to take the HDR techniques and processes learned during class and apply them towards creating unique HDR images both inside and outside of Kip's Castle.

Full crowd for "Between Heaven and Earth" with renowned photographer Art Wolfe this past Tuesday!

Thank you to everyone for attending this past Tuesday's presentation with renowned photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Art Wolfe at the Parsippany Hilton!

The turnout greatly exceeded expectations and we're extremely grateful to everyone for braving the weather!

Entitled "Between Heaven and Earth", the presentation centered on the Himalaya region and reflected Art Wolfe’s most personal statement to date.  The line of attendees outside of the ballroom began forming as early as an hour prior to the event and the room was quickly filled with over 500 attendees!

Those who registered early enough for the "VIP admission" also had the amazing opportunity to meet Art himself earlier that evening as autographed copies of one of Art's books were distributed.

A few photos of Art and the presentation can be viewed at the Unique Photo Flickr.

We'd also love to hear your thoughts about the event, and if you have your own photos, please share them with us at the Unique Photo Flickr Group!  Again, thanks to everyone for attending!

University Classes 5/17 - 5/22: HDR, Art Wolfe, DSLR, Photoshop Elements, Canon EOS Discovery Days

INTRO TO HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR) PHOTOGRAPHY
Class Date: May 17th (Monday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography is a set of techniques that allows a greater range between the light and dark areas of a scene that is different from standard digital manipulation. The intention of HDR is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to shadows.  Using multiple images with varying exposures, students will use photo-manipulating software to apply exposure blending and tone mapping and turn "the real" into the surreal.

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH WITH ART WOLFE
Class Date: May 18th (Tuesday), 7:00pm - 9:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

This multi-media presentation centers on the Himalaya region and reflects Art Wolfe’s most personal statement to date.  Between Heaven and Earth is a 90-minute grand adventure tracing Wolfe’s formative years and development as an artist. Following a life-changing experience in Asia, Art Wolfe’s program centers on the Himalaya region of India, China, Nepal and Bhutan – locations that triggered his imagination and wonder towards a path of blending his creativity and art with photography while documenting the wild world.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DSLR III: COMPOSITION 

Class Date: May 19th (6-8pm), May 20th (11-1pm)

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Knowing all the science and mathematics behind photography can only take you so far.  The art of photography is 90 percent seeing and 10 percent photographing.  Students will learn the vital aspects and rules of image composition and graphic design as they apply to taking photographs. Our professional staff will go over basics such as the rule of thirds, perspective, horizontal vs. vertical orientation, and designing a photograph to assist you in developing your own personal style and vision.

INTRO TO PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS WITH ROBERT CARLSEN

2nd Session of 5: May 20th (Thursday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

This introductory course with Robert Carlsen includes both PowerPoint presentations and hands-on Photoshop Elements 7 and 8 demonstrations to teach you how to correct and enhance your photographic images. You will learn how to Crop images, remove spots and other imperfections, lighten areas, darken areas, clone, copy and paste selections, straighten crooked images and combine copies of an image.

CANON EOS DISCOVERY DAY: BASIC
Class Date: May 21st (Friday), 6:00pm - 9:00pm
For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Enter the world of the digital SLR and learn about your camera with Canon's Rick Berk. We’ll take you out of “automatic”, but we won’t overload you with too much detail. You’ll see many examples of great photography, and learn techniques to use exposure, composition, flash, and a variety of lenses to get the same types of results.  Our Basic Discovery Day class is a three-hour investment in your EOS digital SLR that will pay dividends over and over as you grow with your camera system.

CANON EOS DISCOVERY DAY: INTERMEDIATE
Class Date: May 22nd (Saturday), 12:00pm - 3:00pm
For more information or to sign up, Click Here

If you’re a more experienced SLR user, this three-hour session is your ticket to learning about the more sophisticated features of your EOS camera. We’ll take you to the next step in crafting great photographs, with details about the advanced controls in your camera and how to use them in real-life situations.  Many examples of great images bring the camera’s features to life in this event. We’ll demystify your camera’s histogram, give details about lighting and exposure control, and show the power that the right lenses and EOS Speedlites can bring to your photography.

University Classes 5/11 - 5/15: Capturing Great Travel Images, DSLR, Photoshop Elements, Canon Speedlites

UNDERSTANDING YOUR POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA 
Class Date: May 11th (Tuesday), 11:00am - 1:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

This course will be instructed by Unique University Head Instructor Michael Downey.  Students will learn how to take advantage of today’s features and controls such as scene modes, white balance, video, in-camera image manipulation, image transfer, as well as how to view and understand the histogram and other features of the LCD screen.

WORKING WITH CANON SPEEDLITES

Class Date: May 11th (Tuesday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Instructed by Unique University Head Instructor Michael Downey, this course teaches you how to use your EOS camera with the Canon Speedlite 430EX and above.  You will learn how to modify light with on-camera flash, off-camera flash, as well as the setup and use of wireless IR transmission system.

 


UNDERSTANDING YOUR DSLR II: EXPOSURE & METERING 

Class Dates: May 12th, 11am - 1pm & May 13th, 11am - 1pm 

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Understanding the basics of exposure and metering are the building blocks to becoming a good photographer.  Unique University Head Instructor Michael Downey will teach you these fundamental basics of photography, such as the relationship between f-stops and shutter speeds, as well as understanding the positives and negatives of ISO/ASA sensitivity with your image sensor and more!

INTRO TO PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS WITH ROBERT CARLSEN

1st Session of 5: May 13th (Thursday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

This introductory course with Robert Carlsen includes both PowerPoint presentations and hands-on Photoshop Elements 7 and 8 demonstrations to teach you how to correct and enhance your photographic images. You will learn how to Crop images, remove spots and other imperfections, lighten areas, darken areas, clone, copy and paste selections, straighten crooked images and combine copies of an image.

CAPTURING GREAT TRAVEL IMAGES WITH MIKE AND MIKE
Class Date: May 15th (Saturday), 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Join award-winning photographers Mike & Mike of M&M Photo Tours, Inc., as they provide insight into capturing great travel images.  As veteran travelers and active teaching photographers, Mike & Mike will focus on numerous travel photography components including preparation, equipment, location and creative vision.  Mike & Mike will also provide their favorite images from locations around the world and their favorite locations to shoot.  The presentation will include an engaging slideshow and commentary on how to capture great travel images.

University Classes 4/26 - 5/1: Jamie Hayes, ASMP-NJ, Will Crockett, Parish Kohanim

LIGHTING AND POSING MADE SIMPLE with JAMIE HAYES 

Class Date: April 26th (Monday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Jamie Hayes, a master of lighting, will share with you all aspects of lighting and posing for children, families, brides, weddings, and seniors.  Even the most experienced photographer will gain a better understanding of working in any lighting condition with confidence, ease and repeatability. This is one of the most informational programs on lighting and posing offered anywhere. Don't miss it!

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DSLR III: COMPOSITION 

Class Date: April 27th (Tuesday), 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information or to sign up, Click Here

Knowing all the science and mathematics behind photography can only take you so far. The art of photography is 90 percent seeing and 10 percent photographing.  Students will learn the vital aspects and rules of image composition and graphic design as they apply them to taking photographs.

ASMP-NJ ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION DROP-OFF 

Class Date: April 29th (Thursday), 3:00pm - 9:00pm

For more information, Click Here

The ASMP-NJ Annual Photography Competition and Exhibition is open to all photographers, including non-members, amateurs, and professionals. All entries must be framed and ready for hanging (with wire running across the back of the frame for hanging) or they will not be accepted.

MANFROTTO: LIMITLESS LIGHTING with WILL CROCKETT

Class Date: April 30th (Friday), 1:00pm - 4:00pm

For more information, Click Here  |  *FREE WITH REGISTRATION*

Start with a digital camera and a shoe mounted flash – then get the flash off the camera for some easy and gorgeous portrait lighting!  World-renowned photographer Will Crockett from ShootSmarter.com shows you his own style of creating light using the simplest of tools.  No matter if you are new to flash, looking to get your first flash, or an experienced flash enthusiast, Will has plenty of tips for you.

ASMP-NJ ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION DROP-OFF 

Class Date: May 1st (Saturday), 12:00pm

For more information, Click Here  |  *FREE TO EVERYONE*

The winning photographs will be selected by a panel of jurors and the exhibition will run for the entire month of May. The exhibition's opening reception will be held in the Unique Gallery on Saturday, May 1st (12 - 2PM). Refreshments, wine, and cheese will be served.  Following the reception at 2:30PM, guest speaker Canon Explorer of Light Parish Kohanim will be speaking!