9.01.2002 Press photography
Before You Buy a Used Camera
Janusz Wójtowicz
A guide for beginner photojournalists on how to choose the right equipment at the right price so that you don't regret it later.
- Check the mount: ensure it is in good condition and that the lens does not move once attached;
- Check the camera functions, especially manual mode and how the shutter behaves at various speeds, particularly the so-called long exposures below 1/30s;
- Check the B mode with the back door open; this allows for a thorough inspection of the area behind the shutter;
- Check the LCD panel: ensure the information displayed is clear and does not fade or change without altering the camera settings;
- Check the battery compartment for corrosion; battery leakage can cause short circuits or malfunctioning of electronic components;
- Check the autofocus operation (if the camera is AF);
- Inspect the lens you are buying for scratches on both sides of the glass or fingerprints from all previous owners, as well as any signs of attempts to disassemble the lens;
- Remember, lenses should not be disassembled!!!
- Check if the dials (if any) operate smoothly and do not stick;
- Check if the focal length or aperture adjustment on the lens in manual mode is smooth across the entire range and does not resist;
- Inspect the camera body or lens for cracks or significant scratches indicating a fall from a considerable height;
- Check if the data from the external LCD panel matches the information displayed in the camera viewfinder;
- Finally, hope that the camera does not fall apart immediately after changing hands...
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New articles in section Press photography
How to Choose a Drone. What to Consider When Buying a Flying Camera
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Photography and filmmaking are industries where civilian drones are now most commonly used. The global market for flying cameras was worth $10.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow annually by 15.6%. How do you choose the right drone for yourself from this rapidly expanding market? Here are some tips.
How to Choose a Gimbal. Things to Consider Before Buying [GUIDE]
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A gimbal is a device that helps stabilize footage while recording video. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to capture smooth and steady shots. There are many types of gimbals on the market, so choosing the right one can be challenging.
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A team of experts, with the help of AI, analyzed photos and videos submitted to the latest edition of the HUAWEI NEXT IMAGE Awards mobile photography competition. The result is the HUAWEI XMAGE Trend Report 2023, a publication identifying key trends and themes in images generated by smartphone users.
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The Profile of Henri Cartier-Bresson
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Henri Cartier-Bresson was born in France in 1908. In his youth, he was initially interested in painting and documentary filmmaking. A breakthrough came in 1932 when the twenty-four-year-old Cartier-Bresson purchased a small-format Leica camera, which he never parted with.
Photographing Official Ceremonies
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Photographing official events is closely tied to the "decisive moment." A photojournalist must be able to intuitively anticipate events so that at that very moment (and not a fraction of a second before or after), they can capture it in the frame.
Press Photography - What Does It Mean?
Janusz Wójtowicz
According to Professor Władysław Tatarkiewicz, ART is a conscious activity that reproduces reality, shapes forms, or expresses experiences, and at the same time, its product - the work of art - is capable of delighting, moving, or shocking.
Before You Buy a Used Camera
Janusz Wójtowicz
A guide for beginner photojournalists on how to choose the right equipment at the right price so that you don't regret it later.
