Jon Sienkiewicz
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A Primer On Memory Cards; Sometimes You Need A Memory Card Scorecard Before You Buy
Accessories
Jon Sienkiewicz • Nov 01, 2008 • 0 comments

The man at the discount store carefully examined every item on the rack, pulling each forward while scrutinizing it with squinted eyes. “It’s harder than finding the right watch battery,” he said under his breath. “There are plenty to choose between, but which is the right one?”

I found out later he was looking for a high-capacity SDHC card for his...
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Adobe’s Photoshop Express For Advanced Photographers; Serious Medicine For An Underexposed Portfolio
Software & Computers
Jon Sienkiewicz • Apr 01, 2009 • 0 comments

Upon first inspection, Adobe’s Photoshop Express could be mistaken for an attempt to popularize a diluted version of the image-editing software we all love and can’t live without.
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After The Kit Lens; Tips On Expanding Your Optical Options
Lenses
Jon Sienkiewicz • Apr 01, 2008 • 0 comments

Now that you've mastered the standard zoom lens that came with your D-SLR, you have to be asking yourself "what's next?" You bought a D-SLR instead of a compact camera so that you could change lenses. The question is: which lens to buy first? The answer is easy, but it all depends on what kind of pictures you like to take.

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Buying Smart: New Life For Favorite Old Lenses: Micro Four Thirds Cameras Open The Door
Lens Tips
Jon Sienkiewicz • Feb 17, 2012 • Published: Jan 01, 2012 • 1 comments
When Olympus and Panasonic launched the Micro Four Thirds system they offered adapters that enabled the use of regular Four Thirds lenses. Smart move, because it immediately expanded the library of available glass. The goal of Micro Four Thirds is smaller and lighter SLR cameras. The unanticipated benefit is compatibility with tons of lenses we all thought we’d never use again.
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Buying Smart; Lenses; Camera Brand Vs. After-Market
Lenses
Jon Sienkiewicz • Aug 01, 2009 • 1 comments

“Some OEM lens makers sell exactly the same item in the same configuration to more than one camera manufacturer.”...
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Buying Smart; Scanning Options For Negatives And Slides; Bring Out Your Shoeboxes!
Pro Techniques
Jon Sienkiewicz • Feb 01, 2010 • 0 comments

For all practical purposes, you can narrow your film scanning options down to four choices. There are three types of scanners: drum, flat-bed, and dedicated film scanner. The fourth alternative is to have your film scanned by a professional lab.
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Buying Smart; Tele-Converters; TC? Or Not TC? That Is The Question
Accessories
Jon Sienkiewicz • Aug 01, 2010 • 0 comments

Back in the day when prime lenses ruled supreme and snooty purists decried zooms for lack of absolute sharpness, Tele-Converters (TCs) were popular accessories. Photographers wanted to bring distant subjects closer, and TCs provided a means to that end. Also known as tele-extenders, these thick slabs of metal and glass increase the focal length of a given lens while also decreasing the f/stop.
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Buying Smart; UV Haze And Skylight Filters; Do You Really Need One?
Pro Techniques
Jon Sienkiewicz • Dec 01, 2009 • 0 comments

The guy at the camera store told you that a filter is “cheap insurance against fingerprints and expensive repairs” but was he really looking out for your best interests?
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Buying Smart; WARNING: Read This If You Use SD Cards!; The SD Compatibility Game
Pro Techniques
Jon Sienkiewicz • May 01, 2010 • 0 comments

Many of the cameras used by Shutterbug readers use SD memory cards. SD stands for Secure Digital, and it’s the most popular type of media for digital imaging. SD has been around for so long that people use this identifier generically, and refer to all variations simply as “SD.” This practice can lead to problems. There are a couple of new kids on the block, and you should know...
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Choosing A Notebook Computer; Indispensable Tools For Photographers
Software & Computers
Jon Sienkiewicz • Mar 01, 2007 • 1 comments

If you think a notebook computer is a scaled-down compromise with a cramped keyboard and tiny screen, think again. Notebooks have become an indispensable tool for photographers. Choosing the right one is easy--there are a few core components that determine how well a computer will perform over the long haul. Here is what you need to know:

Size...
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