Things I've Figured Out

Camera Support

2007-10-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

As with most things in photography, finding the best support for your camera to provide steady blur-free images involves compromise. There is no such thing as a support that is rock-solid, light weight, and reasonably priced. Even if price were no object, light-weight still means less stable.

Just like we need (yes, it is a Need) multiple lenses, we also need multiple tripods.

I found one article, by Thom Hogan that sums up the bottom line very nicely, and explains how you can even save money buying the good stuff.

Thom's Maxim #1: You're wasting money on expensive AF-S and other Nikkor optics if you fail to give your camera and lens a stable platform.

Thom's Maxim #2: You can spend US$1700 to buy a good tripod and head, or you can spend US$1000 and do the same thing. (Corollary: eventually you'll do one or the other.)

Simply put, no matter how much you spend on camera bodies and lenses, if it shakes you will not get the best images your gear is capable of. That shaking can be very minimal, and still impact the images you capture. From what I can tell, if the lens moves even a fraction of a millimeter, there will be noticeable blur in your images. Check out this interesting test.

To paraphrase a frequently cited photo website, the priorities in photo equipment, in order of importance, are:

1. A tripod and head combination best suited for your type of shooting
2. High quality lenses
3. A camera with mirror lock-up and a cable
release
4. Slow, high-resolution film (or the digital equivalent).

It is a lot to absorb.

Based on all of this, here is what I decided:

My last tripod purchase was in 1994. Luckily I bought Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 legs, which many still seem to consider excellent (though not quite Gitzo). The head I got at that time was a pan-tilt model that seems better suited to video than photo, and I can't remember why I bought it back then. Though, for many years of use, it did serve me well.

But, the need for a lighter-weight alternative spurred me to look for something new. The plan was to get a new travel-tripod, and a new head to go with it. I soon realized that the new head would require a new plate and that my old pan-tilt head would no longer be compatible. So, I'd also need a new head for the 3021's.

What I settled on after extensive research is:

The Travel Set-Up: Gitzo 1540 legs with Acratech Ultimate Ballhead.

This combination is very light weight, and very mobile. Some considerations were:

Leg Sections: The tripod is a 4-section unit, and while many will argue that a 3-section unit so much more stable that you should never buy a 4-section unit, the collapsed height savings makes this a viable trade-off. It seemed crucial that the tripod be able to fit into carry-on luggage which is often limited to 20".

1540 v. 2540: The Gitzo 25xx legs are substantially sturdier than the 15xx legs, and have very similar weights and collapsed sizes. So, why go with the 15xx? Circumference. The 25xx series uses wider tubes on the legs, and correspondingly wider pivot points and base. Even though the overall weight is only slightly increased, the overall size is larger. The ultimate rule with tripods is that the best tripod to use is the one you take with you. So, anything that makes you more likely to carry the thing out the door is worthwhile. Plus, in this 2 tripod set-up, travel means travel. For more support, we will use a bigger tripod.

Acratech v. RRS/Markins/Arca-Swiss: This head has got to be one of the coolest looking pieces of gear I have seen, for any hobby, anywhere. Still, that is not the only factor. Every review I read (and I read a lot) agree that this head offers solid lock-up, light weight, and quality construction. The deciding factor over the more traditional ball-heads was that the exposed ball (rather than captive style like most others) is less subject to wear or problems caused by dirt getting between the ball and the locking mechanism. The exposed ball can be easily cleaned, making is the best choice for me to carry out'n'about.

I ordered the Ultimate Ballhead without a clamp, and added a Really Right Stuff lever clamp to fit my camera-plate.

The one downside to this set-up that I can see is that the head stands fairly tall off the tripod. A further weight and space saving set-up which I may try sometime would be to replace the ballhead with a leveling base, keeping the camera body within an inch or so of the top of the tripod.

The Home Set-Up: Bogen 3021 legs with Really right Stuff BH-55 Ballhead

The Bogen legs will do fine for now. The ultimate upgrade to studio quality Gitzo legs may come eventually if my use increases. For now, I do more photography on the go than at home, so that was the priority.

The RRS BH-55 is impressive, and was really a no-brainer. Of the leading ball-heads, I found the design and aesthetics of the RRS more compelling than the Arca-Swiss or Markins, and based on all the reviews, the RRS is at least as good if not better than any ballhead made today.

It is very solid feeling, very heavy, and surprisingly short for its size, keeping the camera close to the tripod's top.

Many reviewers and professional photographers have raved about it, including Moose Peterson who said "Simply put, the finest ballhead I've ever shot with in nearly three decades!" and Michael Reichmann who said that it "may well be the finest ballhead ever made."

To this I added the RRS camera plate for my Canon 30D. I did not opt for the L-plate at this time, though it is a possibility for the future if I find that I shoot more often in the vertical plane with the tripod. Compare the two here.

How to Pick a Compact Digital Camera

2007-10-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

If you ever walk around with an SLR (read: big camera) on your neck, then people will eventually assume you know something about cameras, and will ask you for advice.

If you are like me, this is a good thing. I love talking about camera gear (or about any of my hobbies really) and a new audience genuinely interested in the topic is a treat. Someone coming to you for advice about which Compact Digital Camera to buy is a relatively easy one, and can usually be answered quickly. If they ask follow up questions, there is even more to talk about.

The Simple Answer

Buy a Canon.

No, really, that's the answer. For several consumer electronic products, there is one dominant reliable manufacturer that will provide a safe solution for anyone not inclined to research. For televisions, the answer is "buy the top of the line Sony." It may not be the best model possible, and may not be the cheapest, but it is guaranteed to be a great TV, and a decent value, and - most important - it is a decision that requires no research. For Compact Digital Cameras (or Point and Shoot (PnS) cameras) the answer is "buy a Canon."

But Why ...

So, they press you a bit. Maybe they did come to you for advice, but they really are not ready to take your word as gospel. You're going to need to convince them that you've really done the research and know the market, and the pro's and con's of each model. This is the fun part.

To expand the simple answer of "buy a Canon" first they might ask, "which Canon?" That makes sense. The problem is that new models come out so quickly, and no one - even if you keep up with all the Gizmodo posts on your Google Reader (which we know isn't possible) - can be sure to know the name of the newest model.

Easy answer right now is ... any one whose name ends in "IS". Image Stabilization is a great thing for PnS cameras (or any camera really) and narrows the field to a manageable size. The longer version of the answer becomes:

"Buy a Canon. Whichever one feels/looks best to you, and has "IS" in the name."

Size Matters

Wait, we didn't talk about feel or looks yet.

Well, most people want a camera to fit one niche or another. Usually, its
* I want it to be really small.
* I want a lot of zoom.
* I want top quality pictures without a big bulky thing that needs a dozen different lenses like you carry around.

The big-box electronic stores generally have a good selection, though they get new models a couple months after the big online retailers (or sell out so quickly they effectively get the stock late.) Best advice - go pick the one you like.

Canon PnS cameras come in three flavors.

The "A" series is their entry level. Mid-size, lower-price. These are a good all around choice, an introduction to digital photography, and a great value for the money.

The "SD" series is their pocket-size line. The smallest size they make, and good quality. These are the only choice is size is a factor. The variety in this line comes from different models balancing features between zoom, screen-size, and overall size. Apparently you can not get maximum zoom, biggest screen, and smallest size all in the same camera. I'd generally opt for something in the middle. You will appreciate some zoom, but the trade off to get max zoom isn't worth it. A big screen is really nice, since half the fun of snap-shots is sharing them. Don't forget the "IS".

The "S" series enters their advanced-amature realm. It is mid-size, and high-quality. These offer some of the advanced features available in the G series for a lower price.

The "G" series is their top-of-the-line. These cameras are mid-size, and very-high quality. These cameras offer the technical options a real enthusiast will appreciate.

Mega-Pixels

People will ask about this.

There is no need for a PnS camera to have more than 6-7 mega-pixels (mp). For the most part, the whole mega-pixel thing is a marketing strategy. The camera's image sensor (the little chip inside that replaced film) has a much bigger impact of image quality.

Essentially, more mega-pixels means that you can blow-up the picture even bigger (or crop out an even smaller segment) without being able to see a loss of resolution. The thing is, a good camera with 6 mega-pixels resolution will yield a great 16"-20" print. Realistically, most people never print bigger than 8x10, so 6mp is plenty.

David Pogue, the New York Times technology writer, did a great series on the subject.
Pogue, Breaking the Myth of Megapixels, NY Times, Feb. 8, 2007
Pogue, Deconstructing the Megapixel Myth, NY Times, Feb 14, 2007

What about ... this one, or that one?

Some people might have a brand in mind (::cough:: Nikon) that is probably fine too. Some manufacturers of truly fine SLR cameras have not done as well with their PnS cameras. Other PnS manufacturers are not really camera makers at all, but rather are consumer electronics manufacturers that make cameras as well as TVs, toasters, or turntables.

We already discussed how the Image Sensor makes more of an impact on image quality than the number of mega-pixels does. Well, the lens makes a pretty huge difference too (but that is another topic.)

Sony has notably partnered with Zeiss, a fine optics (lens) manufacturer, for their PnS cameras with good success.

Casio has built their camera brand on size ... or the their lack of size. Their line-up is truly tiny.

Other manufacturers have carved out one niche or another, and the effort to really differentiate the quality of one over another is daunting. You could read every review available (DP Review has a great collection) and all that knowledge will be valuable for about a week. Each generation of cameras seems to leap-frog one manufacturer over another, vying for second place. In the late 1990's the Nikons and Canons were neck-n-neck. Also, the other players were way behind. That gap has narrowed, and today the cameras made by any reputable electronics manufacturer are likely to give you decent results.

The Bottom Line

Buy a Canon. Whichever one you like the looks and feel of best that has Image Stabilization. If you don't like Canon, then just buy whichever looks and feels the best TO YOU.

The bottom line is that the more someone likes their camera, the more they will use it, and the more fun they will have with it. That's the goal.

Just Married: How to Change Your Name

2007-10-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Just Married: How to Change Your name

If you live in California, this is all the info you need.

Here are the basics -you need to go to Social Security and DMV.

First step ... make a DMV appointment (https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt2/welcome.do)
Second Step ... go on errands to get the things you will need to bring to DMV.

When you go to DMV you will need to bring:
1) a Certified Copy of your marriage license (see below)
2) Passport or driver's license
3) DMV form DL 44 (don't sign it yet!)
4) Social Security form

On the errand day,

First, goto Social Security. They do not give appointments. They will,
1) copy your papers, and send you a new social security card in 7-10 days.
2) give you (if you ask) a proof of name change receipt to take to DMV (you should ask, though you probably don't need it)
3) don't let them keep your Certified Marriage License (the website says they will give them back to you)

Then goto DMV
1) give them your DL 44 form (sign it in front of them when they ask)
2) show them your certified marriage license
3) thumb print & photo & fee
All done!

more details below.

Basic considerations/alternatives:

You do need to go to SS before DMV because DMV will check with SS to verify your name and SS#.
SS confirmed by phone that you can do both in the same day.
SS believes you don't need anything from them to goto DMV, but the receipt/proof of name change should be enough in case you do need something.
An alternative is to Mail in the SS forms, wait a couple weeks (it took me 8 weeks) to get them back, and then take them into DMV. That would guarantee that your SS# was changed before you went to DMV.
It depends on whether the day you have available for the DMV appointment is within the next few weeks or if it's later.

All the Details You Need ... and links to the sources

SF Gov.info

Q. How do I get my personal name changed?
A. If the change is on the last name due to a marriage, you will need to present a certified copy of your marriage license to DMV and the Social Security office. Any other type of name change is handled through the Superior Court at 400 McAllister St.

Q. How do I go about changing my name after marriage?
A. Your name does not automatically change to take on your spouse’s last name once the ceremony is performed. You would need to obtain a certified copy of the marriage license and then go to Social Security Office and DMV to request for a name change due to marriage. They will require you to present the certified copy of the marriage license at that time. Once you have changed it with those two agencies, you may change it with everyone else (i.e. passport agency, employer, banks, credit cards). It is important to note that the marriage record will not change as it must always remain with the name of the applicants at the time of the marriage license application.(http://www.sfgov.org/site/countyclerk_index.asp?id=4472)

Q. How can I get a copy of my marriage certificate?
A. There are several ways you can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate. Y ou can request it in person at our City Hall office, by mail, by telephone request or via the internet. In person you may fill out a request between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. By mail, please send your request and a check in the amount of $13.00 for each certificate requested, payable to the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, City Hall, Room 190, San Francisco, CA 94102. Your request must include the groom's first and last name, the bride's first name and maiden last name and date of marriage. Also, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. By telephone, please call (415) 554-4580 and have your credit card ready (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Please note there is a $5.00 convenience fee for any requests taken over the phone. Via the internet, you may go to http://www.vitalcheck.com/cainfo.asp and request a copy online with a $5.00 service fee to Vital Check.

Q. How soon after I am married can I obtain a copy of my marriage certificate?
A. You may order copies of your marriage license 10 days after the marriage license has been received in the Assessor-Recorder's office.

Q. How long will it take to receive the copy of my marriage certificate, after my request?
A. Please allow 4-6 weeks after receipt of your request. The exceptions for this time period is when you can provide proof that you need the marriage certificate on an expedited basis. These exceptions are: immigration issues, travel outside of the U.S., or other issues that will create an undue hardship if the marriage certificate is not received on an expedited basis. The desire to have your name changed is not considered an undue hardship.

http://www.sfgov.org/site/assessor_index.asp?id=15241#HCIGACOMMC

Social Security Info

find your local office at (https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp)

in San Francisco, goto
SOCIAL SECURITY
90 7th St,
ANNEX 1ST FL
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
(near 7th & Mission)
800-772-1213
hours - MONDAY - FRIDAY:09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/Controller

To change (or correct) your name on your Social Security card:
Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);Show us proof of your:
U.S. citizenship (if you have not previously established your citizenship with us) or immigration status;
Legal name change; and
Identity.

Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office. All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Documents for a name change: If you need to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a recently issued document as proof of your legal name change. Documents Social Security may accept to prove a legal name change include:
Marriage document; Divorce decree; Certificate of Naturalization showing a new name; or Court order for a name change.
If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records or if you legally changed your name more than two years ago, you must provide Social Security with additional documentation. Marriage, divorce or annulment: In addition to showing us a legal document proving your marriage, divorce or annulment, you must provide an identity document. That document must show your old name, as well as other identifying information or a recent photograph. (We can accept an expired document as evidence of your old name.)

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/
(on right, at "Frequently Asked Questions" select topic "Social Security Number & Card" and hit "GO". On the next page, use the pull down menu again to select the same topic, and then use the lower pull-down menu to select "Marriage/Divorce". Select "I need to change or correct the name on my social security card ..."

Finally, take or mail the SS-5 to the nearest Social Security office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the form. We will return your original documents right away.
(http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html)

DMV Info

appointments (https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/foAppt2/welcome.do)

How to change your name on your driver license and/or identification (ID) card

To apply for a name change you will need to:
Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
Complete application form DL 44 with your new information. (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
Give a thumb print
Have your picture taken
Pay the application fee (No fee for a senior citizen ID card)

Acceptable evidence of your new name may be provided by showing an original or certified copy of a Birth Date/Legal Presence document or a true full name document. (see below)
Please contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to change your name on SSA records, if you have not already done so. DMV electronically verifies your name, birth date and social security number with the SSA. If your information does not verify, you will not receive your new California driver license or identification card. You will receive a Request for Verification of Information letter from DMV informing you that the information you provided (name, birth date, and/or SSN) does not match SSA's records.
You will be issued an interim license valid for 60 days and/or a receipt for your ID card until you receive your new photo license and/or photo ID card in the mail. Check your address before you leave DMV and tell the DMV representative if your address is incorrect. Your new license and/or ID card will be mailed to you within 60 days. If you do not receive your license and/or ID card after 60 days, call 1 (800) 777-0133 to check on the status. Have your interim license and/or ID card receipt with you to provide information when requested.
Note: A name change on your driver license or identification card will not change your vehicle registration information.
Follow this link to find out how to change or correct the name on your vehicle/vessel's DMV record. (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#two504)

True Full Name

Your true full name appears on your BD/LP document. If you change your name, then you must provide one of the following documents to verify your name change:
Adoption documents that contain the legal name as a result of the adoption.
A name change document that contains the legal name both before and after the name change.
Marriage certificate (issued from a local or state Office of Vital Statistics).
A certificate, declaration, or registration document verifying the formation of a domestic partnership.
Dissolution of marriage document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action.
A completed Medical Information Authorization form (DL 328) in conjunction with a gender change.
This document must be issued by a government agency within the United States or a foreign jurisdiction that is authorized to issue such documents. The document must be a legible and unaltered original or certified copy with a government seal, stamp or other official imprint. You will need to surrender your current driver license and/or ID card.
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/dl/dl_info.htm#truename)

Introduction

2007-10-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

... placeholder ...

You know the questions you ask yourself, and actually bother to track down the answer? Well, this is a place for me to collect those answers so I don't have to track them down again.