Sometimes you need to go long, and sometimes you need to go wide!

In this week's installment of our wedding photography series, Vancouver photographer Justin Morrison takes a look at some of the lens options for the budding wedding photographer. 

The JVC HD Everio GZ-EX355 was unveiled at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and is the latest in JVC’s popular line of compact camcorders. The HD Everio GZ-EX355 is the midrange model in the lineup and includes advanced features like a 2 million pixel backlit CMOS sensor that captures full 1080p video. It also offers 60x dynamic zoom, a high quality Konica-Minolta HD lens (with image stabilization), improved low light performance, a 3-inch touchscreen display, built-in WiFi and streaming capabilities.

In part 2 of our wedding photography primer, Justin looks at the equipment you need to photograph a wedding like a professional. It might surprise you just how little equipment you need to take amazing wedding photographs!

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a professional sports photographer?

Our Social Media team sat down with Dave Sandford, professional photographer for the NHL, earlier this month for an exclusive interview. Dave has captured some of the most iconic shots from our national sport including Wayne Gretzky’s final game, and Sid the Kids’ famous game winning goal at the Winter Classic!

The first in a series of articles by wedding photographer Justin Morrison looking at the techniques and equipment required to successfully photograph a wedding.

Do you love trying out new tech products, and telling your friends all about them? Then you could be the perfect candidate for the Samsung Galaxy Camera Snapshot contest.  4 Plug-In community members will get their hands on the Samsung Galaxy Camera weeks before its available at Best Buy and will be official reviewers of the camera for our Plug-In community - Oh, and you get to keep the camera valued at $600!

Camera technology has come a very long way in a short space of time. Let's take a look at the latest developments and the newest technologies in consumer cameras.

When we buy a new camera, most of us will take it home, tear it from the packaging and immediately try to take some photos. Yes, it comes with a manual, but experience tells us that this booklet is so drily written that it's a fire hazard, and should never be read near a naked flame.

Where would be without our moms to keep us organized? This Mother's Day give high-tech gifts to help Mom capture more special moments, stay in touch with loved ones but also have some fun.

The invention of the camera sensor is an historic moment rarely commented on, but one that has had an incredible effect on our society and the way we document our lives. It is an astonishing fact that 10% of all photographs made in the history of photography (more than 170 years) were made last year, and for this we can thank Kodak engineer Steven Sasson who built the first digital camera in 1975.

Whether you’re thinking about TVs, tablets, laptops, or digital and DSLR cameras, the name Sony will always bring to mind the brightest images, the boldest colours, and the best video available. So it’s no surprise the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200, a 20.1MP Digital Camera, is out-of-the-box amazing.

Following last week's introduction of the new EOS Rebel T5i, Canon is also launching the new EOS Rebel SL1 DSLR —the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR. With this new digital camera, Canon offers the capabilities of its famous Rebel DSLR line in a compact package that doesn’t compromise on performance. Featuring the same 18MP CMOS image sensor as its EOS Rebel T5i and compatible with EF and EFS-mount lenses, the Rebel SL1 is dwarfed by full-sized cameras (weighing in at just 407g), yet offers all the performance expected of a full-sized DSLR.

Sony is about to release their newest Compact System Camera (CSC), the Sony NEX-3N, which is aimed at compact camera users that would like better image quality without the bulk and complexity of a DSLR. Sony has kept the high quality of its' predecessor, the NEX-F3, and made some excellent improvements like a retractable power zoom lens with an easy-to-use zoom lever on the camera body. They have also managed to make it even smaller so it is now the smallest CSC in the market. So if you are thinking of getting a compact point-and-shoot camera, but you want better picture quality and flexibility, this camera is a great choice.

Canon is a leader in the digital photography industry and it’s always big news when the company releases new gear. However, nothing gets the attention of photographers the way the announcement of a new EOS Rebel DSLR does. The Rebel has been the go-to DSLR for “prosumers” since 1990, providing the ideal balance of high end capabilities, ease of use, power and accessories that have made it the focal point of millions of digital photography kits. Canon Canada has just introduced the new Canon EOS Rebel T5i, the new flagship of the Rebel series, packing upgrades like an 18MP CMOS sensor, Creative Filters and a 3.0-inch Vari-Angle touchscreen display. 

When you pick up a Nikon camera, you just know you’re going to get the best picture every time. That’s because Nikon cameras are designed with speed, image quality, and the best creative features to let you play with and enhance every photo you take. The 14.2 megapixel Nikon 1 J3 is no exception to this rule, and it’s so simple and easy to use, you’ll never leave home without it.

Late last year Nikon brought out the first Android powered camera, and now Samsung is entering this market with its new Galaxy Camera. Most smartphones are cameras as well, but can cameras also be smartphones?  It seems that they now almost are. I say almost, because this Samsung camera does everything a smartphone can do except ironically make a phone call, and I guess you could even do that by using any one of a number of VOIP apps. The Samsung smart camera is the first camera that has 4G or LTE capabilities, so you don’t need to wait until you have WiFi to connect to the Internet. Instead of having a smartphone with a mediocre camera, this is a very good camera with almost all of the advantages of a smartphone. It comes pre-loaded with wonderful editing and sharing features for your pictures, and even voice controls for the camera.

If your Nikon camera is your go-to camera for every picture you take, but you’ve been keeping your eye on the latest and greatest camera offerings this year, you’re going to love this announcement detailing the newest of Nikon cameras.

The new flagship of Nikon cameras is the Nikon DX-format HD-SLR D7100. A much-anticipated upgrade to the Nikon D7000, if you’re in the market for a camera to unleash your creativity, this Nikon digital camera has a lot to offer.

Moving from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR is a big step. Not only is the camera itself physically larger, but there are so many different controls! All those dials and menus may seem intimidating at first, but once you’re familiar with a few key photography terms you’ll be well on the way to mastering your camera and taking better pictures.

Over the past year, Fujifilm has offered a vast array of retro-style hybrid lens cameras: X-100, X-Pro1, X-10...

The Fujifilm X-E1 is no exception and it is a camera that provides excellent image quality.

The camera is equipped with a 16 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor that takes superb images.

It also shoots full HD movies (1080p) at 24 frames per second and its 2.8-inch 461k-dot LCD screen displays all the information you need when taking snapshots or filming video.

It's safe to say that whatever is popular at CES is a good indication of what will be filtering down to consumers.

This year’s CES had more than 3,200 exhibitors showcasing more than 20,000 new products. Some were winners, some were losers.

Here are the top five tech trends to watch that will be hitting the shelves in 2013.

If you have a point-and-shoot digital camera chances are you take almost all of your photographs in automatic mode. However, by making a few simple changes to your camera settings you can dramatically improve your photos. Your camera was designed to take great photos in different conditions, and it really is simple to learn and use.  So invest a few minutes and learn how to change some of your cameras settings. I will describe several here that you should know and are included in most digital cameras.

They say that the best camera is the one that’s with you. If you’re the kind of person who leaves your camera at home because you find it too bulky, take a moment to read the article below about the SONY NEX-5R...

The Sony Nex-5R (or to call it by its proper name, Alpha NEXF5RKB) is an upgraded version of the NEX-5, which came out in 2010.

This camera has undergone many changes, and although it’s considered to be a compact system camera, it features a 16.1 megapixel APS sensor that’s just as big as on many reflex cameras!

It’s the best of both worlds: a camera that, with its interchangeable lenses, is much easier to carry and handle, and which offers image quality and versatility that at one time could only be found in larger camera bodies.

For camera enthusiasts, taking photos with an SLR has been the only option for their photography. That’s because they have the most amount of flexibility in terms of shooting RAW images and offer the convenience of full manual control. But when you need to haul your camera around during family vacations or for a quick day trip, the bulk of an SLR can get in the way of a quick, spontaneous photo opportunity.

For the past few years, camera manufacturers have begun to address this problem by designing cameras that can fit in your pocket, but still give you all of the cool features and flexibility you need to take complete control over your images. In this category is where you’ll find the FUJIFILM XF1, but this sharp little camera stands out for a number of reasons.

For me, stockings are one of the best parts of Christmas. In addition to buying the typical practical items, I try to make a point of getting unique gifts that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves.  Fortunately Best Buy has lots of items that meet both of these criteria. I am going to give you 15 suggestions but I bet you can find a bunch more if you cruise their online shopping site.  Stuffers shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg so all are under $15.

Video chatting is quickly getting traction and becoming the ideal way to communicate amongst the tech-savvy. Whether it is with friends and family from overseas, or right at home, applications like Skype and FaceTime are fun ways to stay in touch. I even saw a kid the other day at the grocery store FaceTiming with his mother to make sure he was buying the right kind of lettuce. If you’re a regular video chatter, it might be worthwhile to invest in a better webcam.

The Logitech Broadcaster is a wireless webcam with many cool features, which makes it more than just your average webcam. You get sharper precession and colour through the Broadcaster’s HD 720p video. Whether you are streaming or recording, your videos will be more vibrant and smooth, without the dreaded blurriness. There’s also an illumination lamp for when you’re trying to record small details. You can easily stream video to a live audience; with the touch of a button, you can instantly connect to Ustream, which is a free video streaming service. Also, you have the ability to work with the Broadcast apps on your Mac, iPad or iPhone to control your broadcast. The Broadcaster is more than just a webcam, it’s great for recording video too. Since it’s wireless, you have no restrictions. With the HD video, your footage will be crystal clear. The Broadcaster also works cohesively with all the essential picture and video apps on your Mac. This includes QuickTime, Photo Booth, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, FaceTime, iChat and Skype. Whether you want to connect with out-of-towners, or bring out your inner Steven Spielberg, the Broadcaster is equipped to meet all your needs.

This coming Sunday, November 25, marks a very exciting day in Canadian sporting history – the 100^th Grey Cup Game! While we Canadians have often been criticized for our fickle ways when it comes to supporting our local sports teams through thick and thin, this weekend is sure to bring both sides of the continent together in patriotic unity – complete with chili, touques, and beer – when the Calgary Stampeders take on the host Toronto Argonauts; the third meeting between the two teams for the Grey Cup championship, and the first since the 79^th Grey Cup in 1991. 

When traveling it is nice to take some great looking pictures without having to lug around the bigger DSLR type of camera. Fortunately, there are some excellent compact cameras that will fit into your pocket and take high quality point-and-shoot pictures.

When I researched higher-end compact travel cameras I had some minimum requirements.  They needed to be over 10 megapixels, have great zoom capabilities (15X or more), a re-chargeable lithium ion battery so they would last on the road, a variety of scene modes like panorama, image stabilization, HD video capabilities, and low-light capabilities for taking pictures at night. I found at least 5 brand-name cameras that fit these criteria, and then I took a few steps further in comparing their detailed features.

Early this year Fuji launched the X-Pro1, which is a very high-end camera that was targeted at professionals and very keen enthusiasts – and the X-Pro1 was very well received! Fuji recently launched the X-E1, which now appeals to a much wider audience since it has adopted the best features of the X-Pro1 in a smaller and more affordable compact camera system. The X-E1 is easier to use, easier to carry around, and will produce pictures of very similar quality as the X-Pro1 - but at a much lower price.

It’s the beginning of November. The leaves have begun to fall and the rain has decided to rear its ugly head. As a west coast girl, the shift from sunny skies to endless rainfall can only mean one thing – Christmas is right around the corner. For those of you who feel like (a) we just got through Halloween, or (b) we just got through Christmas, here’s the deal … I feel your pain. These days it seems as though one holiday overlaps another. Soon we’ll be prepping for Easter while we are cooking our Thanksgiving turkey!

That said, as someone who loves Christmas more than any other holiday, it pays to be prepared. No one wants to be waiting in line for gifts on Christmas Eve. Do yourself a favour and shop WELL in advance, bust out the shiny wrapping paper and pretty bows, and be that person who has all their gifts wrapped and under the tree one month in advance. But when money is tight, how can you be that person? I’d like to be able to say I have the answer, but I really don’t, so instead, here is a list of the top 10 gifts you can get for those people on your list when you are sticking to a budget. 

Starting your shopping early this year? Here's our guide to the most popular gifts this Holiday season.