First question, should you or shouldn't you be using manual mode? Answer, you

In the world of photography, photographers are constantly looking for ways to steady their camera. There are a

Use your monopod as a coffee table... sort of. One of the great benefits of carrying a monopod is that it can reduce the strain on your body. It is certainly true that any additional

"What is your photography religion?"

When engaging in polite conversation you should never discuss matters of religion, politics or ask this question, "Nikon or Canon?" There are certainly devotees in each camp and they generally fall under the category of "religious fanatic".

And everyone knows that you can never trust a fanatic. Their feelings are based on emotions rather than hard facts.

So if you can't trust the devoted, who can you trust and what IS better? You have to look at the equipment objectively and ask yourself which camera delivers the features you value most best. And no one but you can decide what features you need. This is purely based on the kind of photography you enjoy doing most.

Photographers are notorious for being anal retentive. We like to control everything, especially our photography; we know exactly what time the sun is rising and setting, we know every specification of every lens, etc. And while that is fine, sometimes

Have you ever turned on your camera to find the following message: "Card Error"? And all of your photographs have disappeared? You are not alone. Your memory card has failed. All media will fail at some point, we don't know when it will happen only that it will. If you find that your card has failed. STOP using your card. DO NOT reformat it. Leave it alone until you get home. You may be able to recover the information with some simple software. Here are a few sources for data recovery software

http://www.cgsecurity.org(free)
http://www.cardrescue.com/ ($)
http://www.lexar.com ($)