One of the most underrated wild birds is the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura). I took the image (see below) while on a hike through Grindstone Marsh in Hendrie Valley, Burlington, Ontario, Canada on a clowdy Tuesday morning. The males and females are very similar, but I believe this one is a male—a bit larger and more pink in the chest.
Dozens of these beauties visit my backyard every day, but this is one of the loveliest I’ve seen. Their mournful call and the whistling of their wings as they fly away are sounds of which I never tire.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED at 340mm, ISO 200
1/500 sec at f/6.7 – handheld
July 24th, 2008
O ur rabbit population in Burlington seems to have exploded in the past five or so years. I seldom saw a rabbit, but starting about five years ago they became a common sight. They are cute little animals, but they can damage a garden in short order. We had severe damage to several plants over the past two winters.
The following photo, is of an eastern cottontail rabbit in Hendrie Valley below Plains Road—on the trail leading from Valley Inn Road to the Grindstone Marsh boardwalks.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED at 220mm, ISO 200
1/20 sec at f/6.7
Eastern cottontail rabbits are native to Canada and are one of the few wild animals that are known to “play” with each other. Rabbits are incredibly fast—able to reach speeds of 60 to 75 kilometers per hour—a necessity since they have numerous predators and few defence mechanisms.
They are usually found in or near wooded areas and meadows. They have also adapted to increasing urbanization and frequently live in city parks, golf courses and in residential yards.
Their diet consists mainly of leafy plants, buds, twigs, and bark. They will also feed on garden vegetables and fruit when available.
July 23rd, 2008
Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are a familiar sight in Hendrie Valley on the border between Burlington and Hamilton. Here are typical examples of a juvenile bird and an adult male. These are not tame by any means, but they are quite used to seeing humans on the trails and boardwalks, and so you’re pretty well guaranteed of a decent shot with a medium to long lens.
This juvenile was a brave little fellow taking seed nearby on the boardwalk.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED at 360mm, ISO 200
1/750 sec at f/6.7
This male was high in a tree on the trail—I could hear several of his pals in the woods.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED at 400mm, ISO 200
1/1500 sec at f/6.7
July 22nd, 2008
The flamingo—in this case the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)—is surely one of nature’s wonders. Also known as the Caribbean Flamingo, this large bird lives along the Atlantic coast of subtropical and tropical America, and is frequently seen in the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Yucatan and Guiana.
Nesting colonies, which may contain thousands of pairs, are usually found near the brackish water of salt lakes and lagoons. The birds feed chiefly on blue-green algae and diatoms.
Flamingos extract their food from the water by a filtering mechanism, very much like that used by the Blue Whale. They wade through the water with necks lowered and heads turned upside down, sweeping from side to side. The upper and lower portions of the bill are fringed with bristles which trap particles as the flamingo sucks and expells water with the powerful tongue acting as a pump. The outer layer of coarse bristles keeps out large particles, while minute algae such as the diatoms are collected on an array of bristles inside the bill.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED at 185mm, ISO 200
1/180 sec at f/6.7
July 20th, 2008
Denisé and I spent the afternoon with friends at Washburn Island, which is directly across Lake Scugog from Port Perry in Ontario, Canada. Our hostess scattered peanuts about and, while we chatted, I took several shots of Blue Jays that inhabited their garden.
According to Wikipedia.org:
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird, and a member of the family Corvidae native to North America. It belongs to the "blue" or American jays, which are, among the Corvidae, not closely related to other jays. It is adaptable, aggressive and omnivorous, and has been colonizing new habitat for many decades.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED at 200mm, ISO 200
1/500 sec at f/6.7 – handheld
I also got this shot of one of the several Morning doves that visit their bird feeders regularly.
Wikipedia.org states:
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a member of the dove family Columbidae. The bird is also called the American Mourning Dove or Rain Dove, and formerly was known as the Carolina Pigeon or Carolina Turtledove. It ranges from Central America to southern Canada, including offshore islands. Many individuals in northern areas migrate south to spend winter within the breeding range where January temperatures are above −12° Celsius (10°F)… The species is a strong flier, capable of speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph).
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED at 200mm, ISO 200
1/750 sec at f/6.7 – handheld
July 18th, 2008
I spent yesterday with my son, Anthony, and his daughters, Melissa and Sarah, at the Toronto Zoo. Both Anthony and I took lots of pictures. I hope he had better luck; I was disappointed in mine.
I really did not see many of the animals I know are kept in the zoo. The must often repeated phrases I heard yesterday were: “Where is it?” or “I don’t see anything…” and “I guess they’re inside.” or “There it is way up in that corner.” and “If you stand here, you can just see its head.”
Going through the zoo, I was struck by just how much zoos have changed since my childhood. Back then, all the animals were kept in relatively confining cages. The emphasis was on “exhibition” and far less on the comfort of the animals. Now the emphasis is on providing the animals a familiar and comfortable environment.
I cannot really argue with the modern notion that the animals should be treated as humanely as possible, but I go the zoo to see the animals. That’s what zoos were intended to be. Zoos have become more like animal sanctuaries than places where live wild animals are kept for people to come and see them.
Maybe zoos have to evolve even further so that they fully become sanctuaries, but with small enclosures in which a selection of animals can be on display for close up viewing.
Anyway, here’s a couple of the pictures I did take—a Grizzly Bear and beautiful Flamingos:
July 16th, 2008
Testing, testing…
July 3rd, 2008
Scott Bourne, Host of This Week In Photography (TWIP), after 17 years as a Canon shooter is switching to Nikon gear.
Nikon seems to have gotten the bit between its teeth and is pulling ahead in the Digital SLR market—at least, with camera bodies. Canon is still, obviously, an excellent camera company, but I say Nikon currently has the edge with its D3, D300 and its new D700 models.
July 2nd, 2008
Digital Photography Review reports that Nikon has released new firmware for their high-end D3 and D300 digital SLRs.
The latest D3 firmware adds new function button customization options though not the ones featured on the D700. In addition to these and a virtual horizon in live view mode, Nikon has also addressed the problem that some users experienced in which the battery indicator would incorrectly register an empty battery. This problem, which has come to be known as ‘Dead Battery Syndrome,’ has also been addressed in new firmware for the D300.
For details about the D3 changes, here’s a PDF from Nikon.
Firmware updates are available for Mac and PC here from Nikon (Canada).
July 2nd, 2008
N
ikon today announced its highly anticipated D700 full-frame D-SLR camera, featuring a 12.1 megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. There has been so much on-line chatter about this anticipated camera in recent days, this announcement is almost an anticlimax.
From the outside the D700 looks like a slightly larger D300; from the inside it’s almost identical to Nikon’s flagship D3. The D700 differs from D3 in some areas, such as five frames per second (FPS) instead of eight, although with a battery grip the rate increases to eight FPS, just as with the D3.
An improvement over the D3 is the inclusion of automatic dust removal, the same system as found in the D300. Nikon’s top-of-the-line 51 point metering and 15 cross sensor AF is also found, as is a top ISO capability of ISO 25,000.
The new camera will compete head-on with Canon’s EOS 5D, which will surely be updated very soon. According to Nikon, the D700 camera will be available in late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of (USD) $2,999.95 (body only).
Nikon has also announced a (USD) $500 SB-900 flash, featuring faster recycle time, more powerful, better software, larger LCD window and a switch on the back for Master and Remote wireless use. It automatically senses whether you’re using a DX or FX format camera and adjusts accordingly. SB-900 flash’s extended zoom range auto-zooms from 18-200mm, and it features the ability to have its firmware updated via user uploads. See Nikon’s brochure here.
As one might expect, dozens of blogs and news services are reporting on this story. See here for Scott Kelby’s take on the announcement, and here to download Nikon’s PDF brochure on the D700.
The following is the Nikon press release in full as published at Nikon USA’s Press Center:
Nikon’s Second FX-Format Camera Delivers Peak Pro Performance in a Versatile Form-Factor
MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 1, 2008) – Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new D700 digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1-effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor that measures 23.9 x 36mm, which is nearly identical to the size of 35mm film. Benefiting from Nikon’s legacy of imaging technology innovation, the D700 offers both advanced and professional photographers stunning image quality, accurate color reproduction and revolutionary low light performance.
Building on the immense success of the Nikon D3 professional D-SLR camera, the D700 offers pro-level performance and an extensive array of features and innovations in a comfortably nimble platform. In addition to the Nikon-original FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, Nikon’s renowned 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that allow photographers to frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor. The D700 also features Nikon’s sophisticated Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.
Nikon’s flagship FX and DX-format cameras, the D3 and D300 respectively, established new benchmarks for digital image quality, speed, and unmatched ISO performance. The D700 maintains this new measure with exceptional overall image quality, broad tonal range and depth, and extremely low noise throughout its native ISO range of 200 to 6400.
“Nikon FX-format cameras have teamed with our strong lineup of DX-format models to offer photographers unprecedented advancements in performance and versatility along with the freedom to choose the format that best serves their needs. Today’s introduction of the D700 offers an important new option to photographers who need the overall performance and imaging perspective Nikon FX-format cameras offer,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “Nikon has developed a host of innovative technologies such as the Scene Recognition System and Picture Control, incorporating them into both FX and DX-format digital SLRs to ensure that photographers can leverage the advantages of both formats seamlessly, and achieve the end-results that best fulfill their photographic vision.”
The legendary Nikon FX-Format CMOS sensor
The D700’s 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS image sensor provides exceptional image quality throughout its remarkable ISO sensitivity range. A large pixel size of 8.45 µm allows for an extremely low signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. The 12-channel readout enables accelerated information transfer, allowing the D700 to shoot at speeds of up to eight frames per second at full resolution (using the optional MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack) and quickly write image data onto the CompactFlash™ card.
The D700 offers a versatile base ISO range from 200-6400 but can be expanded to range from ISO 100 (Lo-1) to 25,600 (Hi-2) affording photographers the new-found confidence to shoot in the widest variety of lighting conditions from the brightest midday sun to dim interiors. Images previously thought to be impossible to create without complex lighting set-ups or lengthy post-processing are now captured easily and faithfully with the D700, unleashing new and diverse shooting possibilities.
Also new to the D700 is Nikon’s first self-cleaning system designed for the FX-format sensor. Utilizing four distinct vibration frequencies, the D700 frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at start-up, shut-down or on demand. As an added benefit, the mirror box and entire shutter mechanism are constructed of materials that resist creating debris that can affect image purity.
Fastest speed and autofocus in its class
The D700 starts up in a mere 0.12 seconds and has a nearly imperceptible shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds, making this an extraordinarily responsive tool for the demanding photographer. The D700 can record full-resolution JPEG images at an astounding five frames per second (fps), or eight fps with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images, or up to 17 lossless 14-bit Nikon NEF (RAW) files. To write images efficiently, the Nikon D700 is also compliant with the next-generation of high-speed UDMA CompactFlash™ cards that will enable recording speeds up to 35 megabytes/second.
The D700 offers one of the fastest and most accurate advanced AF systems on the market today. Nikon’s Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module features 51 AF points and the ability to use 3D tracking to focus and lock-on a moving subject. The 15 cross-type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors can be used individually or in groups, with the option for Single Area AF mode and Dynamic AF modes using groups of either 9, 21 or all 51 focus points. The system also features 3D Focus Tracking with automatic focus point switching that takes advantage of all 51 AF points as it uses scene color content and light information to accurately track the subject.
Intelligent features for sophisticated performance
The D700 relies on a wealth of innovative Nikon technologies to help photographers create superb images. Nikon’s Scene Recognition System analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. The Scene Recognition System also assists autofocus by tracking subject position and automatically shifts the AF points used to match the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to higher accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance detection, resulting in sharp landscapes, flattering portraits and engaging action shots.
Photographers also have the option to enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting. Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. D-Lighting uses localized tone control technology to further optimize highlight and shadow detail while also maintaining natural contrast, giving photographers the ability to capture more perfectly exposed images, even in unusual lighting conditions. Active D-Lighting lets photographers choose from various intensities during capture, while a new Automatic mode also applies varying levels of D-Lighting as, and when needed, to enhance photos while shooting.
Enhanced Live View modes and viewfinder
Ideal for studio, remote applications and more, Nikon’s Live View allows the photographer to compose the subject on the bright three-inch, TFT LCD monitor. In Handheld mode, the user is able to recompose the frame prior to actual shooting; familiar TTL phase-detection AF is activated, using all 51 AF points. Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. It enables focal-plane contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a specific area. Remote view, focusing and shooting can also be controlled from a PC (via connection or wireless) using the optional Nikon Camera Control Pro 2 software. Additionally, the Virtual Horizon feature on the D700 can now be superimposed over the Live View monitor image to aid composition.
While using Live View to compose or review images and settings, users will appreciate the ultra-high resolution 920,000-dot VGA, three-inch TFT LCD monitor with tempered glass that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle. The large monitor is remarkably effective when confirming the focus with enlarged playback images. The camera also outputs a video signal to an HD television using the new smaller HDMI-C standard, which is an excellent solution for workshop demonstrations or shooting tethered for clients.
Photographers will also be able to compose images easily using the wide and bright viewfinder that features an eye-level pentaprism with high refraction index and provides a 95 percent frame coverage with 0.72x magnification. Each of the 51 AF points, as well as a framing grid, can also be superimposed on the finder screen to suit the photographer’s personal preferences.
Rugged construction and durability
High-strength magnesium alloy is used for the construction of the camera body, rear body and mirror box to create a precision platform, reduce weight and provide rugged durability. The camera is tested to stand up to the rigors of the globetrotting photographer and is weather sealed using precision O-rings where connections are made to effectively combat dust and moisture.
The shutter unit employs an assembly made of a new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material. Tested on fully assembled cameras, the D700’s shutter unit has been proven through 150,000 cycles under demanding conditions. The self-diagnostic shutter constantly monitors and maintains shutter precision to ensure peak performance.
Price and availability
The new FX-format Nikon D700 D-SLR camera will be available late July 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $2,999.95 (body only).*
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com
* Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
July 1st, 2008
I’m reading the latest James Bond novel, Devil May Care, by Sebastian Faulks.
Devil May Care is set in the late sixties and is more than vaguely similar to the Ian Fleming originals. It was published to celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth. This new instalment in the adventures of the world’s most iconic spy has been written by one of Britain’s most admired novelists, Sebastian Faulks.
Faulks, who—like Ian Fleming—was a journalist before becoming a full-time novelist, is the author of about a dozen books, including the best-selling Birdsong (1993). He also wrote and presented the United Kingdom’s Channel 4 Television series, Churchill’s Secret Army, screened in 1999. He is a Fellow of the UK’s Royal Society of Literature.
This book is pure “Bond, James Bond” right down to the hand-made cigarettes, expensive tastes and the arch-villain who likes to cheat at sports. And as Times on Line notes:
M here is still male, curmudgeonly and pipe-puffing; Bond is the battle-scarred, reluctantly ageing veteran of a tragically curtailed marriage, brainwashing and a resultant spell as an amnesiac Japanese fisherman.
In Faulks’s own words:
My novel is meant to stand in the line of Fleming’s own books, where the story is everything. In his house in Jamaica, Ian Fleming used to write a thousand words in the morning, then go snorkelling, have a cocktail, lunch on the terrace, more diving, another thousand words in late afternoon, then more Martinis and glamorous women. In my house in London, I followed this routine exactly, apart from the cocktails, the lunch and the snorkelling.
Does Faulks pull it off? I think so: it’s a cracking good yarn and a must-read for those who miss the “real” 007. Try it for yourself.
June 29th, 2008
I saw these Clematis vines while shooting roses the other day. We used to have one in our backyard, but it has been replaced by a rose vine—can’t remember why. The saucer-sized blooms are lovely and come in a variety of colours. (It was a windy so these are not quite as sharp as I’d have liked.)
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED at 75mm, ISO 200
1/60 sec at f/6.7 – handheld
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED at 90mm, ISO 200
1/125 sec at f/5.3 – handheld
June 26th, 2008
I saw this beauty yesterday at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) at Burlington. Ontario, Canada. (Hey, this flower photography is fun.)
Hibiscus (rosa-sinensis)
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D300 DSLR
AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED at 200mm, ISO 200
1/60 sec at f/5.6
– handheld
June 25th, 2008
For Fathers’ Day, Denisé gave me a bouquet of red roses—my favourite colour rose. These were especially eye-catching since the underneath of their petals were a pale colour. (When it comes to beauty, you can’t really improve on nature, can you?)They’ve all gone now, but their memory lingers.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D50 DSLR
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED at 30mm, ISO 200
1/60 sec at f/16
Taken hand-held indoors with natural light from window.
June 24th, 2008
I posted about the versatility of Nikon’s AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED a few days ago, and so it was interesting to see Scott Kelby’s blog today, where he has posted several 
images taken with the 18-200mm.
Like many of us, Scott seems to like to travel light and this lens fits just about any situation. When I’m not sure what I’m likely to encounter—such as when on vacation—this is the lens I take with me.
Scott’s images are of a variety of subjects and, I suppose, lighting conditions—very typical of what one sees when on vacation—especially in as exotic a location as Northern Italy. Scott Kelby is no ordinary photographer, and I’m sure we would be just as impressed with his images if he had used an old Kodak Brownie. But the focal range of this lens is truly impressive. Here’s a quote from Scott’s post:
True to what I learned from carrying all my gear to Dubai on that trip (and still never having the right lens when I needed it), I essentially took one camera, and one lens; My Nikon D300, and the 18-200mm f/3.5 to 5.6 VR lens. It’s not the sharpest lens ever made, and it does sometimes vignette the edges a bit, and it’s not the fastest lens either, but I LOVED IT!!!!
Instead of constantly changing lenses, and wondering if I had the right lens on, I could just sit back, relax, and shoot. I ALWAYS had the right lens with me with that lens, and in fact, I only used the 2nd lens I brought (a small 12mm-24mm Nikon) one single time, for about 8 shots. That’s it.
When Denisé is with me, we usually take two camera’s with two or three lenses between us, and the 18-200mm is almost always one of those lenses. But on solo walkabouts it’s the 18-200mm on my D300—that’s all I will generally need.
June 24th, 2008
I spent the morning photographing Denisé’s garden in our backyard. Her garden seems especially beautiful this year. This is about the fourth evolution of the garden, with major changes coming when we first installed our pool and another complete make-over when we re-did the pool nearly 20 years later.
Today I used the D50 body with it’s kit lens, a versatile little beauty that’s very light, sharp and relatively fast. (One of these days I’ll get a real macro lens of a high-quality close-up lens to take true macro shots.) Roses are a particular favourite of mine so I concentrated on these.
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D50 DSLR
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED at 42mm, ISO 200
1/180 sec at f/6.7
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D50 DSLR
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED at 42mm, ISO 200
1/125 sec at f/5.6
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D50 DSLR
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED at 52mm, ISO 200
1/180 sec at f/6.7
Image © 2008 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D50 DSLR
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED at 50mm, ISO 200
1/180 sec at f/6.7
June 21st, 2008
Let me start by admitting my bias towards Nikon cameras. Undoubtedly, other manufacturers—especially Canon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony—make fine products; however, I have made my choice and, given the level of my investment in Nikon gear, I’m not likely to make a change unless Nikon goes out of business.
In the days and weeks to come, we’ll go through my camera bag together and I’ll let you know what I use and why I chose each specific piece of gear. Our emphasis here is on digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and lenses—these are the most effective for wildlife photography, and especially bird photography, which is our focus.
The very first and most important choice to make is the system (manufacturer). Since lenses generally are not interchangeable between systems, once we choose a manufacturer, we’re pretty well stuck with it, if we want to protect the investment in lenses we are likely to make over the lifetime of our interest in photography.
Canon is the leader in the overall digital camera business and certainly one of the very best. Nikon is in second place, however, they are in or near the lead in the digital SLRs segment. Runners up are Sony, Pentax and Olympus, in I’m not sure what order.
Conventional wisdom suggests that most experienced photographers recommend either Canon or Nikon to anyone who is serious about the craft. And these two companies together have such a commanding position in the marketplace, it’s hard to argue with this advise.
As I stated above, I have chosen Nikon. I am now using my third digital SLR (with a fourth as my backup), and I am extremely satisfied with that decision.
June 20th, 2008
This blog is usually about photography or technology of some sort. Every once in a while, however, I use it as a forum to get something off my chest. This is one of those posts.
Here is a link to The Hamilton Spectator’s website C.difficile community shares stories where readers can find more about this issue.
The following letter to the editor was published by the Burlington Post on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. I had sent the letter originally as an e-mail to our local MPP, Ms. Joyce Savoline with a copy to the Post.
***
BURLINGTON POST, Wednesday June 18, 2008
Letters to the Editor
‘Chilling reports’ leave resident fearing hospital
I am sending this message to express my increasing concern regarding patient safety at our local hospital, Joseph Brant Memorial.
My wife, Denisé, and I have been residents of Burlington for more than 30 years. During that period, we have become increasingly alarmed about the number of negative reports we regularly receive regarding patient care at Joseph Brant Memorial.
Now, the recent outbreak of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) bacteria has heightened our concern to the point that we dread the thought of being hospitalized in Burlington. We now ask ourselves: is being sent to Joseph Brant Memorial synonymous with a death sentence? We are that disturbed about our local facility.
Although our concern is based on anecdotal evidence and recent media reports and not on first-hand experience, the reports we hear (about) are so persistent and generally consistent that we cannot ignore them. For the most part, the reports come firsthand from former patients.
Recently, we have heard of unemptied bedpans, unchanged bed linens and inattentive patient-care staff. One patient we heard about checked out of the hospital because of a fear of dying there. One recently-discharged patient has an infection that is expected to take a year to cure. Chilling reports indeed. We have also heard that when a patient’s family member complained about the situation, that person was shunned by hospital staff members on future visits — apparently a petulant attempt to punish the complainant.
Denisé and I visited the fracture clinic at Joseph Brant Memorial last April with one of our granddaughters and noticed that several hand wash dispensers were empty and a dispenser at the main door was empty. We had to hunt around to find one that was not. This, despite the hospital’s website assurance that: "Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital supports handwashing as the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection."
I have not copied the hospital on this e-mail message because, quite frankly, I do not believe it will do any good. I believe an independent review or full public investigation is called for, and not just into the recent C. difficile outbreak.
Perhaps an outside firm could be hired to do a community-wide survey of those who have used the hospital in the past five years, coupled with independent surprise audits into the hospital’s personal care and cleanliness.
The City of Burlington seems to have money for a performing arts centre, a business school, library expansions, lakefront promenades, sports parks and skating rinks, etc. Perhaps, in the name of taking the basic health care of our community seriously, the City of Burlington can fund surveys and audits — although I would think this is the financial responsibility of our provincial government.
Certainly basic health care is a human right and trumps any other projects regardless of how worthwhile they may otherwise be.
We are, after all, dealing with an issue of life and death. Armed with the results of surveys and audits, we may be able to find a champion in our community who will fund a class-action suit against the responsible parties.
Please take note of the deficiencies identified by the hospital itself in its Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital Annual Performance Report 2007-2008, which states:
"The (Ontario) minister of health provided us with funds to do a study last year on the suitability of the hospital’s physical structure. The study resulted in a number of disturbing findings, key among them:
- The operating rooms were built in the 1960s and are not at the standard expected for the delivery of care in 2008 and beyond.
- There are not enough beds for the population size and the age demographics of our community.
- There are not sufficient facilities for infection control and isolation.
- Our hospital is crowded. We don’t have proper facilities for hygiene in each room and we don’t have storage for stretchers and equipment. This makes for overcrowded hallways and challenges us to meet fire codes."
I call your attention to the points about there not being sufficient facilities for infection control and isolation or proper facilities for hygiene in each room. This, I submit, is a total disgrace and should be considered unacceptable by every elected official in our community and at Queen’s Park.
Need I remind anyone that this is a hospital that has had about 90 deaths in which infection has played some role. Outrageous!
I ask you how, in good conscience, can we spend money on any other capital project in Burlington, Halton or Ontario while we have funding issues which reportedly are leading to those most vulnerable among us dying in the very place that is supposed to care for their health?
We are an affluent community in an affluent region in an affluent province in a super rich country. How then can we have such a deplorable situation? Where is the call to action? Where is the leadership? Where are the necessary funds?
Expressions of sympathy to those whose loved ones have died unnecessarily sound hollow in the face of such inaction. With much sadness, I say again, outrageous!
To those responsible for the inaction and under funding that has led to this distressing situation I say shame on you all.
Russell Campbell, Burlington
June 19th, 2008
I just read the latest post at Scott Kelby’s Adobe Photoshop Insider Blog—a guest post by David Ziser. While wedding photography is not really my thing, the post got me thinking about the wealth of expert knowledge that is freely available on the Internet. There are hundreds—probably thousands—of Web sites offering information about photography and several dozen of these are published by professionals.
Among the top of those professionals is Scott Kelby. His blog describes his as:
Scott Kelby is the editor and publisher of Photoshop User Magazine, Layers magazine (the how-to magazine for everything Adobe®) and President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP).
Scott is also the author of several books and is a regular participant in audio and video podcasts, many of which are available for free.
His books, though not free, are reasonably priced, easy to read, and can be of benefit to the beginner to professional. I have learned Photoshop and Lightroom primarily by reading his books—and a few others, of course. Here are a few of the titles I have read:
If one is serious about becoming a professional in some field, I’d always recommend going to a reputable university to study in that field. However, for many of us, that just is not in the cards. Fortunately for those of us interested in digital photography, the route to becoming competent photographers can be eased significantly by the resources on the Web. And we have experts like Scott Kelby to thank for this.
June 18th, 2008
Wondering through the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, I saw this dragonfly. I’ve done very little macro photography in the past, but have become more interested recently.
Image © 2007 by Russell G. Campbell, all rights reserved.
Nikon D70s DSLR
Nikkor AF VR Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6D ED at 300mm, ISO 400
1/500 sec at f/9
Question is: what gear would be best for me? I’ve sold both the camera body and lens this dragonfly image was taken with, so they are no longer a factor. My current Nikon camera bodies are a D300 and a D50, both DSLRs that are well capable of excellent macro work. Boils down to the glass then doesn’t it.
The way I see it, the choice is to buy something like a 60mm (or 105mm) macro prime lens or a conversion filter like the Canon 500D Close-up Lens. Nikon’s versions of the macro lenses both have maximum apertures of f/2.8, which is terrific for this sort of work. Downside is price—$650 and $940 (Canadian) respectively, which is steep if I end up not doing much macro work. At the 77mm size, the Canon 500D Close-up Lens has a Canadian retail of about $250, which, although not trivial, is much less than a macro lens.
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is a double-element lens that screws onto the filter threads of a non-macro lens, allowing that lens to be focused at a much closer distance and resulting in higher magnification of the subject. The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is intended to be used on lenses with a focal length of from 70mm to 300mm. Apparently, the quality is very good, but probably would not be quite as good as a dedicated macro lens.
Mounted on my Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/4 telephoto lens—normal minimum focus distance of about 5 feet— the The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is said to reduce focus distance to less than three feet and to provide a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1.1 (true macro is 1:1). This sounds like the way for me to go. I’ll save space and weight in my camera bag and some money, with only a minor sacrifice in image quality.
June 17th, 2008
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