Very interesting that you had some comments on HDR. I have been doing some occasional experimenting with HDR since last fall. As you said, Michael, the tonemapping is the major challenge ´and it takes quite some practice to get it right. Also, the post-processing (in Photoshop/elements) is the CRITICAL BIT. I usually set my D200 to do 5 exposures (preferably on tripod, but handheld sometimes works) at -2,-1, 0, +1, +2: this is where exposure bracketing on aperture priority works a treat on the D200. Some folks prefer the artsy shots, some prefer to enhance the clarity of a shot through extended dynamic range. There is a lot of discussion on the forums as to ‘what is real HDR?’. My take: HDR is whatever works for YOU. And never forget that HDR will not make a good shot out of a bad shot! I can recommend a couple of links on how to do it: Stuck in Customs has the best HDR tutorial and also includes a link for a photomatix discount coupon. http://stuckincustoms.com/2006/06/06/548/. Flickr also has a lot of HDR ideas in its HDR group (Joerg Dickmann, James Neeley, are among the best contributors. Pete Carr does some amazing stuff and has a good tutorial in http://www.vanilladays.com/hdr-guide/. Finally, take a look at some of mine – to see what a novice like me can get up to: it’s a lot of fun and has added a brand new dimension to my enjoyment and appreciation of photography – so that has to be a good thing – right? Most, but not all, are HDR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldubyer/

Very much looking forward to hearing your comments and insights as you get into this cool field of digital photography.

Best,

Larry

I agree that Michael sounded much better when you are both recording together. I’ve heard other podcasters who do team, remote podcasts mention the 2 track audio thing too. That being said, I think the biggest thing wasn’t the technical quality, but just the obvious friendly interaction the 2 of you had. Its just easier to have a good time when you’re together, not separated by a phone line and 400 miles!!!

Second thing: Scott (and Michael, too), I’d be interested in hearing your comments on your time with the new Canon Rebel XSI. Scott, your comments would be particularly enlightening since you bought the 40D last summer. How do they stack up? From what I’ve read (and Rudy Winston’s comments), it sounds as if a lot of features in the 40D made it into the new Rebel. If you had it do again, would you still buy the more expensive camera? Or does the XSI bring down enough features (in your limited experience with it, that is), that you regret your purchase?

Thanks for all the hard work on the show! It truly shows because each week is another great episode.

One suggestion I have for a guest is Vincent Versace. If you have not read his book, Welcome To Oz, and you have any interest in photography/Photoshop, then it is a must read! The best photoshop book I have ever read, I can’t put it down. Very detailed, but he really breaks down the photos into an artistic component, not just ‘put this effect here and that one there…’ You really learn about the art of photography and the true digital darkroom.

Also, does anyone else have troubles downloading episode #2 with Brian Peterson? He is another favorite author and I would love to listen to that episode, but it does not show up in my Itunes.

Have a great weekend.
Matt

Thanks for covering PMA. Looking forward to listening to the interviews!

I bought the Canon G9 to take to Cancun this last weekend. I didn’t want to bring my Nikon D80 because I was planning to be in the water or on the beach everyday. I decided on the G9 because of the waterproof housing that was available. The pictures came out very nice in auto mode and the video was also decent. The only think I don’t like about the G9 is the size. It is not that much smaller then my D80, except for the 18-200mm lens I usually have on the D80. While in the housing they are basically the same size, but the G9 is element proof. If you shoot in RAW or want to shoot time-lapse video, get the G9. If you want something to carry in a pocket or purse, go fo something much smaller.

I saw the link at the Daring Fireball site; TOP?

Great show – always fun to hear from Rudy – I swear he could be a DJ, he’s got that kind of voice about him. Easy to understand and listen to – I can see why Canon picked him as a pitch man for PMA and the rest. Makes you want to go out and buy the entire lineup! Thanks again for all that you guys do.

Hey Paul, looks like you read TOP too. I saw the B&H link referenced on there, so figured you saw that too! :)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/find/newsLetter/Mother-of-All-L-Lenses.jsp

If you had a meetup in Vermont. I would definately be interested. Vermont is a great place to take photos.

JPO

But, I am posting this fabulous video tutorial on flash basics for those of us who listen to photographers talk about flash and still wonder what a “snoot” is and how a remote flash trigger works.
http://www.pduncan.com/strobiststart/index.html

One of the better options is Skype end-to-end, tweaking for good behaviour. Doug Kaye and Michael Figgiani have a brilliant presentation on this:

http://www.slideshare.net/dkaye/skype-for-interviews

If you can’t use Skype end-to-end, use the “double-ender” technique: record on both ends of the phone call, then merge the two high quality recordings.

(Scott, record your voice to the left channel and Mike’s voice to the right channel. When Mike’s audio arrives, insert and cut out short delays to line it up with your phone-quality version. Then throw away the phone audio, flatten, and run The Levelator. Easy!)