While I'm on the road to Oahu, I'll be testing a new photo sharing app called EyeEm. It shares some DNA with Instagram in how you upload, filter, and share images.

The interface is attractive, organization is easy, and they plan "to create a marketplace where EyeEm members can opt to put photos up for sale and potential buyers can add a request or search for the type(s) of images they need." according to article on DP Connect.

We'll see how all of that shakes out. In the meantime, I plan on browsing the pretty pictures that are there, and hopefully contributing a few of my own.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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This week on The Digital Story show: the Ricoh GR compact camera with APS-C sensor, Photo Help Desk question of the week, and packing for Oahu -- All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - I've just started testing the Ricoh GR compact camera that features a 16.2MP APS-C format CMOS sensor, no optical low-pass filter, 3" 1,230k-dot White Magic LCD screen, fixed 28mm f/2.8 lens, 1080p video, Magnesium alloy body, and plenty of bells and whistles.

The LCD screen works great, even in bright light. But I've added my Olympus VF-1 optical viewfinder (as shown in the illustration) that allows me to shoot with the LCD turned off.

Image quality is outstanding. And the entire package weighs less than 9 ounces. I talk about my first trip with the Ricoh GR, and why I'll be packing it on my next.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk Question of the Week: Do I Need to Understand Elements and Groups to Buy a Lens? Answer: You don't. Key lens features that are important include maximum aperture, image stabilization (yes or now), physical qualities, distortion, chromatic aberration, and sharpness - all of which you can get from a good review.

Story #3 - Packing for Oahu. I'm going to try the new Lowepro Photo Sport Shoulder 18L that has a removable camera insert, room for a 10" iPad, lots of pockets, and a sporty, stylish look.

Inside the bag I'll pack the Olympus TG-1, Ricoh GR, and FujiFilm X20. I'll also include the iPad mini.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (29 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

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Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to save 20% at check out.

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In my recent review of the Canon PowerShot N on TechHive, I conclude with:

"So who is this camera for? I think it's for creative photographers who want a device that helps them produce uninhibited (and sometimes unpredictable) images that they can easily transfer to their mobile devices. Clearly, this isn't a camera for everyone. In the right hands, though, it can breathe new life into everyday imagery. And for that reason alone, it's worth keeping an eye on."

But that doesn't mean the PowerShot N doesn't have its Cons as well as Pros. Here's how it stacks up for me.

PowerShot N Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Typical Comments About the PowerShot N

The most common remark that always surfaces when I write about this camera is that it's too expensive for its specification. I agree that $300 is a lot to spend for a compact camera. But it is a good camera with an excellent lens and WiFi. Maybe the price will come down later this year.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

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When you first connect a Samsung Android device to your Mac for photo import, you might be disappointed to see that Aperture and iPhoto are not recognizing the device as a camera. I encountered this problem while working with a Samsung GC110 Galaxy digital camera that uses Android Jellybean for its operating system.

You can easily fix the problem by switching its USB protocol from a Media Device (MTP) to a Camera (PTP). Here are the steps.

1. Connect the Samsung Android device to a Mac via its USB cable.
2. Power up the camera and go to its Home screen.
3. Swipe downward on the screen from top to bottom to reveal the Notifications display.
4. Under "Ongoing" it will probably read "Connected as a Media Device." Tap on that to reveal an options screen.
5. In the following screen, check the box next to "Camera (PTP).
6. Tap the Home button.
7. Open Aperture or iPhoto, and the Samsung should appear as a camera in the import window.

If you don't see the "Ongoing" screen in Step 3 when you swipe downward, don't despair. I didn't see it either at first. I downloaded the Samsung Kies software, installed it, then connected my camera with the Kies software running. Then the "Ongoing" option appeared in the Notifications screen on the camera.

As a side note, the Kies software is handy for managing your Samsung device on either a Mac or Windows computer.

Aperture Tips and Techniques

To learn more about Aperture, check out my Aperture 3.3 Essential Training (2012) on lynda.com. Also, take a look at our Aperture 3 Learning Center. Tons of free content about how to get the most out of Aperture.

PhotoHelpDesk.com is a down-to-earth resource for curious minded photographers. Submit your questions, and we'll post an answer.

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I'm camping in beautiful Sugar Loaf Ridge State Park for a couple days to test the new Ricoh GR APS-C compact camera. At first I didn't think I'd like a fixed focal length lens, but as it turns out, I'm having a blast with it.

Here's home sweet home for the next couple days. I'll post more when I return on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Manfrotto announced that its Top Lock Quick Release System is "compatible with Arca-style quick release plates and systems." This is big news in the world of tripods. And it seems like the only remaining question is (when it comes to tripod plates): do you put the hyphen in Arca-Swiss or not?

This isn't to belittle any of the other excellent products on the market. But the fact that accessory giant Manfrotto chose Arca-Swiss for its new Top Lock product is noteworthy. I switched to Arca-Swiss a while back when I fell in love with Joby Ballhead X, and now have standardized on Arca-Swiss.

Personally, I'm thrilled to see Manfrotto go this direction. Using one style quick release plate and having many different compatible options is exactly the scenario I like.

PhotoHelpDesk.com is a down-to-earth resource for curious minded photographers. Submit your questions, and we'll post an answer.

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If you're maintaining a Google+, Facebook, or Flickr page, you have a cover photo that spans from one side to the other. It's an opportunity to make a positive first impression when someone visits your site.

When's the last time you refreshed this image? Or have you ever and are using the default picture that was provided for you?

Flickr was the latest to switch to this look for users' home pages. And there are still a lot of default covers out there. You might want to take a moment and refresh yours. Actually, I think it's a good idea to spruce up the page every month or so.

Here's a short video on how to update your cover photo for flickr.

While you're at it, you might want to take a look at your other pages too. Maybe you've shot something recently that would make a great cover image. It only takes a few seconds to refresh your home page. And it feels so good!

Flickr Essential Training 2013 - I explore the entire Flickr universe, mobile and computer, in my lynda.com title, Flickr Essential Training. Stop by and take a look.

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This week on The Digital Story: 5 surefire flash tips, Photo Help Desk question of the week, more on new Aperture courses - All of this and more in today's photography podcast.

Story #1 - Five Surefire Flash Tips - I've been shooting in all kinds of lighting conditions lately, and I thought I'd share my favorite flash tips:

1. People shots in bright, contrasty light fare better with fill flash.
2. In Program mode, flash exposure compensation controls the light on the subject, and exposure compensation affects the background.
3. Carry a white business card and rubber band to create an emergency kick light for bounce flash.
4. Indoors, try manual mode with these settings: ISO 400, 1/15th, f/5.6. Adjust as needed.
5. Hold the flash up with your left hand, the camera in your right, and use TTL wireless for communication.

Story #2 - Photo Help Desk Question of the Week: "Why move from a cropped sensor to a full frame DSLR?" I add more detail to the answer.

Story #3 - New Aperture Training coming your way. I've just completed "Portrait Retouching with Aperture" and "Enhancing Product Photography with Aperture," and they are fun! I explain why in the third story.

Listen to the Podcast

In addition to subscribing in iTunes, you can also download the podcast here (28 minutes). You can support this podcast by purchasing the TDS iPhone App for only $2.99 from the Apple App Store.

Monthly Photo Assignment

The July 2013 photo assignment is Duality.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. And from those images, I choose the TDS Member Photo of the Day.

iPad for Digital Photographers

If you love mobile photography like I do, then you'll enjoy iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks versions.

Podcast Sponsors

Red River Paper -- Keep up with the world of inkjet printing, and win free paper, by liking Red River Paper on Facebook.

Make Your Photos Sizzle with Color! -- SizzlPix is like High Definition TV for your photography.Special Summer Sale! Just add "TDS: in the comments space of your SizzlPix! order, and you will get 20 percent off the entire order. Limited time offer. Take advantage now.

Need a New Photo Bag? Check out the Lowepro Specialty Store on The Digital Story and use discount code LP20 to save 20% at check out.

Want to Comment on this Post?

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

SanDisk has announced two new wireless drives aimed at tablet-toting photographers and travelers. The SanDisk Wireless Flash Drive is of particular interest. It will ship in 16 and 32GB capacities and features:

• Store, share, and stream files across multiple mobile devices
• 8 simultaneous device connections, 3 media streams
• Works with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Kindle Fire and Androidâ„¢ devices
• No cables, router, or Internet connection needed
• Provides up to 4 hours of wireless streaming per charge
• Wi-Fi Password Protection (WPA2)
• Download the SanDisk Wireless Flash Drive app for easy access

Looks fantastic, especially for iPad photographers who need additional storage. I plan on testing one myself. And the first thing I'll be examining is speed. My experience with wireless transfer in general with an iPad is pedestrian read/write rates (that is, assuming as @MyDarkroom pointed out on Twitter, that you can even write to these devices from a tablet). Those slower speeds are tolerable in a Jpeg workflow with a handful of pictures.

But if you have 600 shots from a full day of shooting, and if those are Raw files, then you're probably going to reach for the laptop instead of the tablet. We'll see after some real world use. It's promising news indeed, but don't get too excited quite yet.

iPad for Digital Photographers

This is the kind of stuff I write about in iPad for Digital Photographers-- now available in print, Kindle, and iBooks format.

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You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

Five years ago when writing Digital Photography Companion, I recommended staying away from the digital zoom setting on a compact camera. My feeling was that it's better to rely on the optics of your lens, then crop as needed. So if you have a 28-105mm optical zoom, use 105mm, and stay away from adding on focal length by turning on the digital zoom function for that camera.

Sea birds in Santa Barbara with a Canon PowerShot N and digital zoom.

But with today's cameras, should you really avoid the digital zoom? Every now and then I like to revisit my opinions to see if they still apply in the face of changing technology.

To test my digital zoom opinion, I photographed sea birds in Santa Barbara with a Canon PowerShot N that has an 8X optical lens plus a 32X digital zoom. I normally stay away from anything over 8X. But this evening, I shot with wild abandon using 12X, 24X, and sometimes even more.

I worked with these 12 MP Jpegs just as I would normally edit any other picture in Aperture. I cropped as needed, adjusted color, tweaked exposure, etc. I didn't add any sharpening, however, because I didn't want the image to fall apart.

Birds and Boats with a Canon PowerShot N using the digital zoom.

So after reviewing these images on my MacBook Pro Retina display, have I changed my opinion about the digital zoom function? Not entirely.

But I'm certainly softening my stance about using digital zoom. For highest quality, I still shy away from letting the camera play with my image. But in certain situations, I'll consider it, especially if the images are being captured for web publishing.

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