The Photography Thread

[DaiSuki]

Don't think it can be done on PS Elements which is what I use.

I guess it could be done with careful use of select + varying levels of gaussian blur. Longwinded, but I suppose it'd work if you divided the screen into horizontal rows and blurred them something like:

8 pixel blur on top 10% of image
8 pixel on next 10% of image
6 pixel on next 10% of image
4 pixel...
2 pixel...
1 pixel...
no blur...
no blur...
1 pixel...
2 pixel on bottom 10% of image

...or something. I imagine the lens blur works just like that, but it's easier to use because you can set a graded depth map to start with.

[Ish]

Agent L - thats a really nice shot. I like that. Just a pity you couldn't have gone for a more manly colour - grrr.

[Alastair]

I bought the can for my GF though and last time I checked she wasn't a man

Thanks though glad you like it.

[Alastair]

...
8 pixel blur on top 10% of image
8 pixel on next 10% of image
6 pixel on next 10% of image
4 pixel...
2 pixel...
1 pixel...
no blur...
no blur...
1 pixel...
2 pixel on bottom 10% of image
...

Somehow I don't think I'll be trying that. I like looking at those shots but I've never felt the need to try and make one, especially as it sounds like it'd take about 10 hours!

Can anyone explain ND filters to me? Specifically what the different numbers mean? I fancy picking one up but have been confused by ND8 / ND4 etc. Just wanted to play around with moving water shots really.

[Richard.John]

Has anyone here used the Nikon D70s? I ask as I am thinking of pulling the trigger on one but the luscious D200 is tempting me. I can get a D70s with kit lens, a photo printer, memory card, case and a modern P&S for snapshots for the same price as the D200 with just the lens so my head says 70, but my heart says 200. Choices, choices!

[MartyG]

ND filters are used to reduce the amount of light entering the lens. The numbers show how much the filter stops down the light.

1-stop ND.3
2-stops ND.6
3-stops ND.9

[Alastair]

How does it do it differently to a polarizing filter that isn't angled correctly then? They just cut down the light getting in too don't they if not angled the right way?

[MartyG]

It doesn't do the same job as a polariser - a polariser will stop down by around 2 stops, but it also darkens blues and eliminates glare. The ND filter's specific purpose is to cut down on the amount of light, to compensate for overly contrasty scenes.

[Alastair]

OK - thanks. I'll try and pick one up soon then.

[MartyG]

Found a web page on ND filters that seems to be useful: http://members.aol.com/kevinoneil/nd.html

[Paleface]

Peanuts: what are you currently using?

I've used the D50 and the D70, and can certainly answer your question, but it's dependent on what you say to that one

In other news: I ordered a 50mm f1.8 for my Nikon today, from Hong Kong. Looking forward to it *lots*.

[Richard.John]

Paleface,

It would be my first DSLR but I have used SLRs in the past but I don't currently own any lenses so would be buying into Nikon. In fact the more I think about it the more I am leaning towards the D70. I prefer it over the D50, it just seems more substantial which is no bad thing and I prefer the twin dials. The D200 is just a pipe dream really, me being silly and lusting after the latest tech.

I wouldn't mind a Nikkor 18-200mm VR to go with it, but even we in Japan have delays on that lens. It seems as though Nikon cannot produce enough to satisfy demand.

[Ginger Tosser]

Peanuts - you might want to have a look at the Amateur Photographer Forums They have a dedicated Nikon thread which answer some of your questions.

[Richard.John]

Ginger Tosser,

Thanks for that. I will certainly have a peek.

[bangaio]

ND are normally graduated in some way so say you are shooting a sunset and the sky is 3stops brighter than a mid tone of the ground as it's still bright. You'll either get a very dark ground or a blown out sky so you put your ND grad on and the filtered bit is the sky and the non filtered bit is the ground so when you expose now, your sky and ground are a similar ev. They come in hard and soft graduations.

You can also use them to slow down shutter speeds if you can't get slow enough.