The Digital Photography Show #28: Interview with Phillip Andrews and Advice on Buying a DSRL
The Digital Photography Show #28: Interview with Phillip Andrews and Advice on Buying a DSRL (18MB, 52mins)
November 26, 2006: Welcome to the Transatlantic twenty eighth episode of The Digital Photography Show. Transatlantic why? Because we have an interview with the uber-accomplished Australian photographer, author and Adobe representative Phillip Andrews.
Phillip was a lot of fun to talk to, and his Australian accent is the bomb. (Unless you live in Australia, in which case it’s Michael and I who talk funny.)
We’re going to have a contest where you can win one of Phillip’s books, but I haven’t been able to set it up with his publishing company yet. But rest assured that it’s coming – check this page out in the next few days for an update.
As we mention on the show, Popular Photography gave its Camera of the Year Award to the Sony Alpha A100. The camera sounds awesome, but should you buy one? You heard our opinion on the show, sound off below if you want to agree or dissent.
Also, would you do us a favor? If you’ve won a prize from the show, could you add a note to the thread below? Your fellow listeners would love to know that the prizes are being received and enjoyed.
If you want to see Michael’s moldy cheese magic (and who wouldn’t) check out our Phanfare album here. It took Michael about 30 seconds to use the textures in Alien Skin’s Eye Candy to ensure that this cheese stands alone. (He actually did it while we were taping the commercial!)
Thanks as always for visiting with us. We’ve gotten some great and detailed reviews on iTunes – feel free to keep those stars coming.
And a special thank you to our sponsor, Alien Skin, and our advertiser, Phanfare. These are companies we are incredibly proud to feature on the show. We loved them even before they paid us (although we love them more now!).
By the way, I refer throughout the show to it as the “26th episode.” Michael corrects me at the very end.
Thanks a lot, Michael.
Scott
November 28th, 2006 at 11:08 am
Another great show, guys.
I was the lucky winner of the Lensbaby 2.0 with macro attachment. It is an awesome piece of equipment and I’ve had a lot of fun playing with it.
Has anyone heard of the E18 problem with Canon point and shoots? Unfortunately, my Canon SD550 just developed this problem…it’s a situation where the lens fails to retract and gets stuck in the extended position. In addition to focusing problems, the camera eventually malfunctions completely. Canon claims the problem is rare, but several digital camera blogs claim it’s pretty widespread among the A and S series Canon cameras. I purchased this camera in March of 2006 and fortunately it is still under warranty. Several bloggers, however, have claimed that Canon has been spotty in honoring their warranty. If you have an A or S series Canon point and shoot, you can research this problem by googleing “Canon E18″. There have been several class action suits already initiated against Canon.
November 28th, 2006 at 12:17 pm
And I’m the lucky winner of Ricks Sammon’s “Idea to Image in Photoshop CS2″ book! I just got it a day or so before Thanksgiving, so I haven’t read it in its entirety yet, but I like what I have read so far. I’ll post back with more coments after I read it cover to cover.
November 28th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Thanks for another great show. Speaking of Sonys, a family member is receiving a free DSC-H5. Is this considered a DSLR or just an expensive point and shoot? I guess it is hard to argue with free.
I understood that Sony was taking over the Konica/Minolta line so the Minolta lens would be compatible with the Sony bodies. Is that correct?
Keep up the good work.
November 28th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
“Trans-Atlantic”?? From where you are in North America, Australia is Trans-PACIFIC. We’re not in Europe or Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean doesn’t get anywhere near us…
November 29th, 2006 at 1:16 am
Guys, really loving the show. Only recently caught on and currently ploughing through all the shows from number 1 (so not listened to this show yet).
As a bona fide transatlantic listener (UK), I was wondering if you realise that Australia is *not* in Europe? However Scotland is in Europe, perhaps that’s where the confusion comes from ;o)
Do you use the term trans-pacific?
Anyhow, thanks for the podcasts, they make my time on the treadmill fly.
ps Canon rules.
November 29th, 2006 at 2:35 am
Great hosts and fun show I look forward to every week.
DO NOT DOUBT THE HOSTS!!!! (Haven’t they earned some street cred after 28 episodes?)
I won the Exposure filter set. Woohoo! I received it and there’s so much depth what it can do. Its completely different from other filters out there and Alien Skin has been posting additional exposure settings for download (Check out their forums). Anyone considering this product should know that they will get more than what’s in the box.
The entire series of interviews from the photography show has been terrific and entertaining. Thanks for bringing us this variety of perspectives. I’m surprised and impressed by the genuine enthusiasm of the vendors — who sound just like photography buffs and not cynical industry insiders.
November 29th, 2006 at 2:56 am
David and Carl, honestly, I caught onto this, but I didn’t have the heart to call him on it (I need to be a little meaner, or was I for not correcting him?). I gave him the benefit of the doubt and presumed Scott meant taking the really long way over to Australia, for dramatic effect.
–Michael
November 29th, 2006 at 4:40 am
Thanks to all who responded so far. I really appreciate you prize-winners writing in. I was afraid I was going to make the request, that no one would respond, and then no one would ever, as Vern says, give us “cred” again.
I DO know that Australia is not in Europe. I DID NOT know the difference between transatlantic and transpacific.
However, I do know the difference between a transvestite and a transexual, so I am not entirely without knowledge in this world.
November 29th, 2006 at 6:58 am
You could use a combination of filters and labels in GMail to help you sort through the contest entries.
You can have a label for each contest and add that label to the email address used for each week. Create a filter in GMail to add a label to emails received at that address and they will be automatically tagged when they come in.
Example: Create a label in GMail called “contest1″. Create a filter that adds the label “contest1″ to all emails addressed to “thedigitalphotographyshow+contest1@gmail.com”
When you are ready to pick a winner, just click the “contest1″ label on the left hand menu and GMail will show you only the contest entries. Create a new label and filter for each contest and you are set.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
James
November 29th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
yes, another great show! I so look forward to your shows and can’t wait to hear more stories about Cheddar Cheese.. er, I mean Digital Photography of course!
I’m not a winner — yet! :) anyhow, if you are having to decide which book or books of Phillip’s that you want to give away, here’s my choice: Raw Workflow from Capture to Archives and his Photoshop CS2 essentials book. I know the Raw Workflow book will be finding its way to my library soon.
November 29th, 2006 at 5:16 pm
I was the winner of Scott Kelby’s “Photoshop Channels” Book and it was a great read. I always enjoy when the hosts interview Mr. Kelby and look forward to his next visit to the podcast.
November 29th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
The prizes are REAL!!!! I won the BlowUp competition and received my prize directly from AlienSkin and it is superb - so much better than anything else I have tried (Genuine Fractals etc).
Michael - thought you might find this of interest following our “discussion” - http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Fujis_popular_Velvia_50_stages_comeback_news_99810.html
Keep up the good work lads.
Julian
November 29th, 2006 at 11:32 pm
Hey guys…loved episode 28…the interview with Phillip was fantastic.
However, I have to admit - his philosophy about shooting “right” of the histogram had me confused. Why would you shoot slightly overexposed? I have always been under the assumption that, when shooting digital RAW, it’s EASIER to correct an UNDEREXPOSED image than it is to correct an overexposed image.
Granted, Phillip wasn’t asking us to OVEREXPOSE the image, but he did recommend bumping the exposure?!?!
I believe this would be a great topic to explore in a future episode.
I just recently bought an iPod and stumbled upon your show. You will be happy to know - I searched the podcast library for “photography”, came across SEVERAL shows, and found yours to be the most informative - hands down.
I am a semi-pro photographer whose day job is a news anchor in Louisiana. Thanks for taking the time to read this note.
Nikon for life!
Todd Rossnagel
November 30th, 2006 at 3:02 am
“Shoot to the right” is an interesting concept. I’ve heard this advice from several sources.
As it was explained to me, the issue is that the digital sensor detects more colors (colours for our trans-atlantic/pacific friends) in the top half of the luminosity spectrum that in the bottom half. So while you don’t want to blow the highlights, you are better off if you *almost* blow the highlights.
In my experience there is also more noise in the dark side. I’ll let someone else make the required Star Wars jokes.
This would indeed make an interesting show topic.
November 30th, 2006 at 11:04 am
I did not win a contest (yet) but I did save 7 bucks off my Phanfare subscription…and got my name on a podcast too…Thanks for another great show Scott and Micheal.
November 30th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Hi. I have won nothing.
November 30th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
Landya, you have won our undying affection!
November 30th, 2006 at 10:25 pm
Very funny! I am a huge, huge fan of the show! I think the contest thing is a fun aspect of the show, but the actual substance of the show is, of course, the draw for everyone. I end up buying each of the darn prizes anyway. You guys are making me go broke!
I have told every friend about the show, and I have even talked one friend into buying an Ipod so she can hear it in her car on her commute. She loves it now too!
You guys are the best.
December 1st, 2006 at 5:02 am
hey guys,
I just have to chime in on the dslr debate. When I was making the change from my minolta x700 to Digital I looked at the canon 20D and on the advice of my friend at a local camera store I tryed the Olympus E-300 and fell in love with little known treasure. one touch white balance and the dust removal system makes this a real contender to the big two. Now I know the argument about lenses is a concern but the glass is some of the best out there and really how many lenses do you need. I currently have two E-300’s in my bag.
Keep up the good work
Richard
Calgary, Ab.
December 1st, 2006 at 12:04 pm
You make a good case for the Olympus, Richard. And like we say, there are a lot of good DSLRs out there. I’m glad you like your camera. ANd since you have two, I see no reason why you wouldn’t send one to me…maybe you’ll convert me to your cause!
December 2nd, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Well Scott I would be happy to share a camera with you but not until Olympus releases the new flagship body. Olympus has released a new Evolt E-400 10mega pixal body in europe however they are not saying what is going to relace the E-1 in North America.
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:53 am
Hello, just listened to show 28 yesterday. I was also a winner of Ricks Sammon’s “Idea to Image in Photoshop CS2 and received it a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoy it so far. Great show, guys. Keep it up. Thanks for all the good information.
December 3rd, 2006 at 11:18 am
Another great show. Look forward to the next one.
December 3rd, 2006 at 4:52 pm
I was just informed today that I won the GorillaPod.
It’s about f*&^%ng time I won something… I’ve been listening since episode #1 and I’ve even been on the podcast a few times. :) … totally kidding.
Thanks a lot guys, I can’t want to get it.
December 3rd, 2006 at 9:37 pm
Very funny Allen! Maybe you can do a podcast review of that funky gadget! If I am not mistaken, you did the one on the latest Scott Kelby book — which I then promptly went out and purchased!
December 4th, 2006 at 11:24 am
After listening to this episode, I went to my local library to look for Phillip Andrews’ books. I started reading the complete digital photography and video manual. Its basic approach is educational for an old film buff. I think I add it to my library. Soon, I’ll try his book on Elements.
Also, I just found out I won one of the gorillapods. Thanks for your efforts and keep up the good work.
December 6th, 2006 at 11:33 am
Hi Cameron here, Canon 300D user, long time listener, first time commenter. I love the show too and, as the CEO of TPN and an Aussie, I will beat the fact that Australia isn’t in Europe into Scott and Michael’s minds. Rest assured!
December 6th, 2006 at 9:02 pm
I won the first competition. The book was great, but has since been buried underneath layers of stuff in my house. I hope to find it again one day.
January 6th, 2007 at 12:34 am
Guys,
I could not agree more with your views on Sony vs. Nikon/Canon - which in my opinion goes for Pentax vs. the two, Olympus vs. the two etc.
I myself recently changed to Nikon from Minolta. Having been a semi-pro for many years I have had no problems with the Minolta and I have upgraded and invested in tonnes of Minolta equipment and been very happy. But… during the last few years I have had severe problems getting the stuff I wanted - both regarding bodies, lenses and accessories.
I finally drew a line and bought a D200 - and I never looked back! I have many friends asking for advice on DSLR cameras, and many are tempted by Pentax, Olympus and Sony, but I always tell my story and recommend Nikon or Canon.
No anti-shake, couple of extra magapixels, low price, fancy menu system or the like can justify the trouble of finding equipment for these bodies - even the bodies themselves.
I covered my change in depth on my web site and http://500th.net/the-day-minolta-died could be a good starting point.
- Martin