My Equipment

This page provides information on my current picture taking equipment and accessories and a "Wish List" of future purchases.

Camera: I recently upgraded my everyday carry around camera to the black Lumix DMC-ZS30 Digital Camera from Panasonic. Measuring only 4.3” wide x 2.3 high x 1.1" deep and weighing only 6.07 oz, this versatile, high-quality compact digital travel camera has a 18.1MP MOS sensor and new Venus Engine image processor that provides low-noise images, accurate colors and fast performance and comes with a powerful Leica DC Vario-Elmar 20x optical (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm) zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.3 at the wide-angle end. This aperture is wide enough to capture low light action while the camera's Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization will compensate for camera shake to provide clear photos and videos when shooting at the telephoto lengths that this lens offers. If you need to reach a bit further, a 40x Intelligent Digital Zoom feature is also available. Aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion lens elements and Nano Surface Coating minimize aberrations and flaring for sharply rendered images. A 3.0" 920,000 pixel Touch-control LCD screen is provided for composition and playback. You can control autofocus, zoom, shutter and playback with simple gestures on the touch-screen. It also features an auto level gauge to keep your images straight. Full HD 1080p/60p video recording with built-in stereo sound is supported with a dedicated one-touch button that will take you instantly from photo mode to video. Also, while shooting HD video you can simply push the shutter button to create a still image without cutting the video. Slow- and fast-motion video and multiple lower resolution recording is also possible and 5-Axis Correction minimizes blurring across the entire shooting range. With super-fast autofocus, it offers full resolution burst shooting of 10 frames/second continuous shooting, and its iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, one of the best point-and-shoot modes in the business, allows the camera to set the optimal adjustments while you compose and shoot. Though it lacks RAW support, white balance bracketing, and manual focus, it provides 18 individual photo Scene Modes, such as Panorama, Sunset or Night Portrait, offering predefined settings that correspond to the scene you are shooting. A HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode is included to capture balanced shots of scenes that contain both dark shadows and bright areas. Four photo aspect ratios in multiple resolutions are available (4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and square-shaped 1:1) and manual exposure control is supported so you can adjust aperture and shutter speed to create images exactly the way you envision. For expressive imaging, Creative Control and Creative Retouch allow you to add 14 artistic effects before or after you shoot, for example Retro Look, Toy Effect or One Point Color. Creative Panorama offers the same effects on panorama images and Creative Control is also supported in video mode.   The DMC-ZS30 also has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. By downloading the Panasonic Image App to your iOS or Android smart phone or tablet, you can wirelessly send your shots to your device for instant sharing and storage. The App also allows you to use your device as a remote control for shooting and viewing photos and HD video. NFC (Near Field Communication) allows you to connect camera to phone with just a touch and sharing images with a friend's phone is just as easy. Direct upload to social networking sites, auto transfer and wireless TV playback are all possible with the Image App. The GPS in the DMC-ZS30 complies with GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to further enhance its detection accuracy for pinpoint geo-tagging of your images. The camera's GPS function also provides mapping, compass and landmark information on your camera's LCD. It has 12MB of internal memory and supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

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Camera: My main camera is the 12.1 million pixel 4/3 LiveMOS sensor Panasonic Lumix DMC G2. Though its outward appearance is pure DSLR, it is not a single lens reflex camera. It is an all-digital, mirror-less camera with a 1.4 million dot Electronic Viewfinder (EV) and a 3 inch multi-angle 460,000 dot touchscreen LCD display. It sports a Venus Engine HD II, intelligent auto (iA) and Intelligent Resolution (IR), multiple fixed shooting modes and (720p) Movie capture in AVCHD Lite or M-JPEG formats, and just about every feature found in a full-sized DSLR camera. See detailed specs below. Click here for a full review ... DMC G2 Review.

Just in case you own the same camera, here is a great user guide written by two professional photographers ...  The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, The Unofficial Quintessential Guide. This book povides a wealth of information and professional insights for owners of this powerful HD camera. Authors Brian Matsumoto and Carol Roullard explore and explain the features and capabilities of the G2 camera in detail, as they cover everything from the basic features of the camera to numerous advanced photographic applications. This informative text is illustrated with example images throughout. You will learn how to: Control the most basic camera functions - focus and exposure, navigate the camera's extensive menu system, achieve a range of artistic effects using various camera settings, use the camera's automated controls, and how to override those controls to obtain better exposure, use the G2 in its video mode to obtain HD videos, post-process images and videos on a computer, expand the camera's use by mounting it on a telescope or microscope and much more... This book is a "must have" for anyone who owns this camera. Check out photo tip ... Learn Your Camera's Functions.

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LUMIX DMC-G2 Accessories:

14-42mm OIS

45-200mm OIS

Lenses: I currently own two lenses; the first one being the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 O.I.S Micro Four Thirds Lens [See review]. This lens comes standard with the camera.

My second purchase was the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6  MEGA OIS Zoom Micro Four Thirds Lens [See review]. This lens has a field-of-view equivalent to a conventional "90-400mm" lens here - that's quite a bit relative to the small size of this lens.



Camera Accessories: Unlike in the past, I decided that if I was going to make a camera investment of this proportion, that I needed to begin taking my picture taking sessions more seriously. As I began to think about this I realized right away that some additional accessories were needed to help insure the success of my picture taking experiences and immediately purchased the following items.

Remote Shutter Release: I purchased the Panasonic DMW-RSL1 Remote Shutter Release to make it easier to use the camera when placed on a tripod and to thereby minimize any camera shake and produce sharper telephoto and macro images. Its long cable (1.5m) allows me to stand several feet away or place the camera in awkward positions where using the on-camera release would be difficult. However, though not available when I purchased the camera, you can now buy a Wireless RF Remote for half the price I paid. See my Wish List below.

Cactus Wireless Shutter Release for Panasonic Cameras: With this wireless shutter release, you can control the shutter of your camera from as far as 15 meters away. The package comes with a handheld wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver to be plugged into the the shutter release port of the camera. Different from a infrared remote control, the radio-triggered wireless shutter release can work as half-pressed button. In other words, you may let the camera auto-focucs before finally taking a shot. Another improvement over the infrared remote would be the support of the bulb mode. You can obtain an exposure for as long as you wish. This wireless shutter release has strong anti-interference function and has 16 channels for you to choose. It is extremely useful if there are several photographers working nearby. Each photographer could choose their own channel to trigger off the shutter release of the camera they are going to use without triggering others’ because of overlapping signals. This unit can be triggered continuously for 20,000 times. The energy-saving design allows you to use the unit for a year without having to change the battery inside. I purchased this item from Gadget Infinity for $19.95 plus $5 shipping.
www.gadgetinfinity.com

Battery

Battery Charger

Spare Battery:  I learned long ago that no good photographer should ever be caught without spare batteries. So my second purchase was a Panasonic DE-A49 Lithium-Ion Battery and a battery charger. Having a back-up battery is always a smart idea when you're traveling.

Zeikos 52mm 4 piece high definition Close-Up filter set (+1, +2, +4 and +10 Diopters) Magnification Kit - Metal Rim, includes deluxe case-piece: This kit includes a set of four  +1, +2, +4 and +10 High-Quality lens diopters for close up photography. (Approx $15 at Amazon) They shorten the close focusing distance of the lens; this allows the lens to go closer to the subject and achieve a larger image scale. These filters simply screw onto the lens, and will maintain resolution and picture clarity while magnifying image size. Plus, these filters are double-threaded, which means you can combine them to achieve increased magnification, or you can attach additional optics such as polarizers or skylight filters. These macro filters are ideal for photographing small items and focusing in on details of coins, flowers, jewelry and insects, as well as industrial photos of miniaturized components, medical and dental laboratory work and other scientific photography.

Lens Filter Kit

3-Piece Lens Filter Kit: Next, I purchased the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 High Grade Multi-Coated, Multi-Threaded, 3 Piece Lens Filter Kit (52mm). This kit included (1) a UV filter (ultraviolet) for protection against dust, dirt, scratches, fingerprints and the sun's ultraviolet rays; (2) a Circular Polarizing Filter used to increase color saturation, like darkening blue skies so that white clouds stand out; and (3) a FL-D filter (fluorescent) for taking pictures indoors under fluorescent lights. This filter removes the greenish tint given off by fluorescent lighting. Included was a compact protective carrying case for transporting and storage.

Extension Tube Set

Fotodiox Macro Extension Tube Set Kit: This kit is designed for Micro 4/3, MFT Cameras. You can use the camera mount coupling adapter and lens mount coupling adapter alone or with combination of any or all three extension tubes to achieve some extreme Macro photography. Since there are no other optical components being added, the quality of the image is the same as that provided by the original optical property of the lens, making it a much desired way to turn your existing lens into a MACRO LENS. This all metal construction extension tube consists of 5 parts: Camera Body Mount Coupling Adapter, Lens Mount Coupling Adapter, 9mm tube (Tube 1), 16mm tube (Tube 2), 30mm tube (Tube 3), that can be used in any combination for various macro effect.

Lens Cleaning Kit: Lastly, I purchased a couple of lens cleaning kits, one to take into the field and one for home, that included the following items: a Microfiber Cloth, a Lens Pen and an Air Blower

Camera Bag & Hiking Vest: Because I do a lot of hiking involving a lot of outdoor shooting, I have invested in a number of items for carrying around my equipment, camera, lenses and various accessories. Because I decided that I wanted a camera bag that I could take on a hike if need be, I decided to purchase something relatively small rather than get a bag that could carry everything. Next, I started looking for a camera vest. After an extensive search, everything I found was either way too expensive or didn't meet my needs - something light weight with lots of storage pockets. I finally ended up buying a fishing vest at Bass Pro Shops. With 6 Velcro tabbed pockets and 10 zippered pockets, it was perfect. Click here to see what I carry in my vest. Equipment Checklist

Spare Lens Pouch & Camera Belt Holster: Next, I needed a belt pouch holder for my 45-200mm telephoto lens, so I wouldn't have to carry the camera bag when hiking. I ended up with a 9x13cm padded bag from Lowepro. You can check out their products here ... Lowepro.com. After a few hikes I purchased  a Opteka QuickShot PRO Belt Holster system with quick release for a digital SLR camera. With the camera holder, my camera is always at my fingertips, yet at the same time frees up both hands for hiking. Of course added to this I always carry along a tripod, which often doubles as a walking stick when hiking. After all this, I finally felt that I was ready to get out into the field and begin taking some pictures.

Fotodiox inner pinch camera lens cap with string, 55mm:

Recently I purchased a Fotodiox inner pinch camera lens cap with string, 55mm. After loosing two Panasonic caps that came with the lens' and two name-brand manufacturer replacement caps, all of which either fell off or got misplaced; I'm delighted to have a better made cap with a permanently attached tie-strap.



Hoodman H-LPP3 HoodLoupe 3.0 Professional 3-Inch Screen Loupe: Hoodloupe Professional is worn around your neck just like a normal loupe. When it is time to review your shot; bring Hoodloupe up to your image and place your eye up to the eye cup for complete glare free viewing. Hoodloupe has a +-3 diopter adjustment to accommodate those with less than perfect vision. Hoodloupe adjusts focus just like a binocular eye piece... you turn the eye piece in or out to set it for your vision. Without magnification. It is encased in a user friendly rubber for comfort and protection and fits up to 3-inch screens.  A comfortable lanyardand and compact protective storage case are included. 

3x Magnifying Cup and HoodCrane: Because I found using the HoodLoupe somewhat awkward I recently purchased 3x Magnifying Eyecup and Hoodcrane. The hypoallergenic silicon rubber 3x Magnifying Eyecup slides over the HoodLoupe, further sealing out ambient light. It can rotate to accommodate either right or left eyed shooters. The HoodCrane attaches to the universal hot shoe mount and is designed to hold the HoodLoupe in place, yet swing up and pivot out of the way for shared LCD viewing or still shooting.

RAINSLEEVE-Flash: The Rainsleeve Flash from OP/TECH USA is a must-have accessory for avid outdoorphotographers, offering a shield from the elements that fits easily in the pocket or camera bag. It can be used either handheld or on a tripod. If shooting with a long lens, the tripod mount can be attached directly through the pliable plastic. If shooting using an OP/TECH USA neck strap, simply attach the quick disconnects directly through the pliable plastic. The drawstring enclosure will fit any lens up to seven inches (17.8 cm) in diameter and up to 14 inches (35.6 cm) long. It also features a unique eyepiece opening that adapts to most camera viewfinders, allowing composition of shots through the camera's lens, not through the plastic. All camera, lens and flash controls are easily seen and operated through the RAINSLEEVE-FLASH. Conveniently packaged with two per pack, RAINSLEEVE-FLASH is a great way to make sure camera and flash unit gear is protected in any kind of unexpected weather.

Velbon Sherpa 600RF Tripod: This is a stylish, sturdy full-size tripod that reaches a maximum height of 62.7 inches, making it ideal for everything from nature to sports photography. The unit offers such features as a three-way pan/tilt head with all die-case-metal construction, a quick-release mechanism for speedy camera changes, and a large single pan handle that controls the operation. Users will also appreciate the splittable center column and trio of leg angles, which lets the tripod dip all the way to 11.4 inches for low-angle photography. And thanks to the flip-lever leg locks, it couldn't be easier to adjust the height in a pinch. Other details include a 1/4 x 20 thread mount, a load capacity of 8.8 pounds (enough for any SLR camera system with a medium- telephoto lens attached), and a length of only 24.8 inches when folded. The Sherpa 600RF, which weighs a mere 3.8 pounds, is backed by a two-year warranty.

Tripod accessory Bundle Kit For Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS19/20: This kit includes a Digital Camera Flexible Tripod, fleible to any angle with rubber rings and foot grips that holds camera to virtually any surface and a quick release plate/safety plate lock;  a 67 Inch Vivitar Monopod with a case/shoulder strap; and a 50-Inch photo and video tripod featuring professional foam grips, self leveling rubber leg tips as well as a built-in bubble level. It has a 3-way fluid pan head, rapid action leg locks and 3 section legs; plus a ButterflyPhoto Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth that safely cleans and removes fingerprints and dust without chemicals.

Tripod Monopod Metal BALL HEAD Quick Release Plate By Fancier 002H: This action ball head offers smooth and stable control of any medium size camera. The locking system will securely hold a camera steady at all times. The large quick release plate will hold up to a medium format camera safe and secure. With optional extra quick release plates, changing cameras is quick & simple. This head is suited for both tripods and monopods. This unit features a sturdy, light weight, 360° ball head, a bubble level, and a quick release plate. It has a maximum load of 8.8 lbs. All Metal construction Socket mount thread size: 3/8"

Flipbac Angle Viewfinder: The Flipbac Angle Viewfinder is specifically designed for the LCD screen on digital cameras. It fits most digital point-and-shoot and digital SLR cameras with 3-inch or 2.5-inch live view LCD screens and opens to more than 180 degrees in both landscape and portrait positions. This camera accessory will provide you with the ability to capture low angle or ground level shooting without kneeling or to take candid portraits without hiding your face behind a camera. When not in use, it also acts as an excellent LCD screen protector.

Field Macro Support and Clamp System: The FMS (Field Macro Support) and Clamp System holds reflectors, diffusers and subjects for macro and close-up photography no matter what the distance from your shooting tripod. The unique, non-twist stake firmly anchors the FMS in the ground near your subject, and frees you to move, frame and shoot from any position. The FMS System comes with a non-twist ground stake, 24" of flexible armature and a sturdy clip. The ground spike provides solid support on grassy or sandy surfaces; of course it obviously will not work on a rock or other hard surfaces.

Joby JM1-01WW GripTight Mount (Black): The perfect holder for any smartphone, any tripod, anywhere! This is the only tripod mount that supports all the best-selling smartphones, with or without a protective case. It is compatible with GorillaPods™ and other tripods via a universal stainless steel ¼"-20 thread. The GripTight Mount stabilizes and positions your smartphone to give you steady video and crisp photos from new perspectives. It is designed with a durable steel inner frame and rubber grip pads that holds your phone in place, even when rotated sideways or upside down. Furthermore, it is fold-able and portable. The legs fold in making it easy to fit it in your pocket or bag. you can also attach a lanyard to it and add it to your key chain so it's always with you.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Specifications

Image Sensor: 12.1 million effective pixels. 
Metering: Multiple, centre-weighted and spot. 
Effective Sensor Size: 17.3×13.0mm Live MOS. 
Lens Factor: 2x. Compatible lenses: Micro Four Thirds. 
Exposure Modes: Auto, Program AE, shutter and aperture priority, manual. 
Shutter Speed: Bulb, 60 to 1/4000 second. 
Flash sync: 1/160 sec. Burst Speed: 2, 2.6 (both with Live View), 3.2 fps. 
Memory: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (Class 6 for movie shooting) Image Sizes (pixels): 4000×3000 to 1504×1504. 
Movies: 1280×720 (AVCHD Lite), 848×480, 640×480, 320×240 (all Motion JPEG) at 30fps. Viewfinders: Turret (1,440,000) 7.5cm LCD screen (460,000 pixels). 
File Formats: JPEG, RAW, AVCHD Lite/QuickTime Motion JPEG. 
Colour Space: Adobe RGB, sRGB. 
ISO Sensitivity: Auto, 1600 to 6400. 
Interface: USB 2.0, AV, HDMI mini, stereo mic input, DC input. 
Power: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, AC adaptor. 
Dimensions: 124×83.6×74 WHDmm. 
Weight: Approx. 593 (inc body, 14-42mm lens, card and battery).