2012 Korean Summer Fashion - Cameras

Summer always proves a perfect time and opportunity to snap up amazing photographs under beautiful sunlight. How well those beautiful photographs have been taken depends on the photographer and the camera. Most people, these days, opt for the now-affordable DSLR camera. They carry all the advantages of taking the best photograph for even the amateur photographer, ability to edit photographs because of the RAW file image setting. For others, they might just opt of the more portable and amateur-friendly point-and-shoot camera. These days, there are these new small, lens-interchangeable cameras, such as the Nikon 1 range. These new Nikon cameras are an eye-candy but at a pocket-tearing price.

While everyone has got their eyes on these new gadgets, some others still keep to the rather tradition way of photography - using film. My interest in polaroid films have been rekindled, more as a result of my want in finding a different way to capture the good times of my upcoming trip to Korea. Rather than the now-considered traditional way of keeping memories using digital cameras, I want to be able to take instant photos and enjoy them at the very spot of where we took those photos. Many photography aficionados will agree with me in that they enjoy the unpredictable results that film cameras offer and the challenge of choosing your subject and timing well. With polaroid cameras, I've never bought one nor owned one more because they were quite expensive then and even now. However, Fujifilm released their own versions of polaroid cameras a couple of years ago to achieve success in rekindling at least some people's wants of taking instant photos. To date, Fujifilm released three kinds of instant photo cameras. Their range is called the Fujifilm Instax mini cameras. The downset to these cameras is not their cost, but the cost of the film. For a pack of 10 packs of the cartilage ink, it already costs $10. So, it's $1 per shot. You could pretty much start a little business and charge $1.50 per photo. 

Fujifilm Instax Mini 25

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S

Fujfilm Instax Mini 50S

The differences between the three don't differ that much. The first one to come out was the Instax Mini 7S. So, it seems natural the the Mini 25, which followed suit, contained improvements and new features that the previous model did not have. However, accessories are available with these models. For example, the Mini 25 has a fronting mirror to make those selcas a lot easier, whereas the Mini 7S does not have one. However, a click-on fronting mirror accessory is available for purchase. The most expensive and latest to come out from Fujfilm is the Mini 50S. It's a lot smaller, has a lot more settings, and few more improvements. It is also currently available in piano black, which looks very attractive. Choosing on which model suits you best isn't at all hard. It's all a matter of looking closely at the specs, such as light settings and ISO settings. Whichever caters to you best will bring you the results you desire. These cameras can fetch from around AU$100 to $150 for the camera alone, depending on where the seller is coming from. Amazon ad eBay have various supplies of these beauties.

As for me, I'm opting for the Mini 25 because it's smaller and flatter than the 7S, it's less expensive than the Mini 50S, and the shape is adorable and looks friendly to carry around on a daily basis.

Check out the link to the Fujifil Instax Mini 25 Korean commercial. It's quite adorable!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x31WUh-wKA8

Camera Frenzy

Portability packed with all the accessories that a DSLR has, the trend with camera nowadays is to be as small as possible but with just as much juice as that of its heavier brother, the DSLR's. Indeed, I really enjoy this new concept of cameras. Being a frequent traveller and having all these other things to carry, a heavy DSLR would certainly not be a big help. When I had the chance to upgrade my camera, I opted for my Canon Powershot SX210 IS. At that time (and to an extent, it still is) as powerful as the newer cameras being released today. My camera can take pictures up to 14 megapixels, has a 14 zoom lens (although not interchangeable), and has extremely useful manual controls for when you want to take control of the camera. I really love how this compact camera gives you the ability to manipulate images to your liking via its manual controls. As I gradually became familiar with my camera and was able to travel frequently, I did find some downsides to it. First, some of the functions were slow, such as when flipping from viewing mode to shooting mode. It took several long seconds to switch to each function. It's especially frustrating when you are in those situations where timing is crucial. Another thing is the fact that this camera does not have the option of shooting RAW images. But I think this latter issue is understandable, because the latest superzoom/interchangeable-lens compact cameras have only just started coming out with RAW image-processing capabilities. The good thing with RAW images, as most may know, is the ability to process and edit your images after shooting. And, it captures images in its most highest, clearest, and best format.

There are lot of new cameras coming out, each one an upgrade of its previous models. Some may have much better functions that address the flaws of the previous models. That said, investing in the right one is important as buying a new camera means that you should stick to it for some time. Upgrading cameras frequently can be very costly, despite the aims of camera manufacturers making cameras as powerful and small but also easy on the wallets.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Nikon 1 V1