DP Review just posted their review of the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, giving it a Silver Award.

They commented, "Its combination of extended focal length range and faster aperture offers useful extra compositional flexibility compared to an 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, and the optics are overall better too."

I'm still putting this zoom through its paces, but I've published two reports myself: Natural Light Portraits with the Sigma 17-70mm "C" Lens and Macro Mode on Sigma's 17-70mm Enthusiast Zoom. In my shooting, I liked the macro mode a bit more than DP Review, who felt, "...in practice this equates to a very short working distance between the lens and the subject. This means you'll often find yourself blocking out your own light, or casting a visible shadow on your subject." I guess it depends on which direction the light is coming from.

Overall, however, I think we both agree that the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM zoom lens is a good investment at $499 and a sweet upgrade to your existing kit lens.

Join me on my Instagram site as I explore the world of mobile photography. And now Instagram features 15-second movies too.

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Everyone knows that the Hawaiian Islands are a feast for a photographer's eyes. But if you really want to capture the essence of paradise, get up early, grab your camera, and go for a walk.

Morning on Oahu by Derrick Story

Usually, I'm up early anyway, because that's the best time for snorkeling. So I pack my Lowepro Photo Sport Shoulder 18L with my mask, snorkel, a towel, and the Olympus Tough compact camera.

The cool think about having a tough camera, is that I don't have to leave it on the beach while I'm in the water. Plus, I love getting all those fish and turtle shots.

The bottom line is, what ever your excuse to get up early once or twice on a vacation, the benefits remain the same. You'll be rewarded with images that others miss. (You can imagine what this beach looks like only an hour later.)

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The Panasonic Lumix GX7 is the first Panasonic micro four thirds to offer sensor based image stabilization. This is great news for photographers with Olympus M 4/3 lenses that don't have optical stabilization.

According the the Photography Blog, "The 16 megapixel Panasonic GX7 also offers a 1040K-dot tiltable touch-screen LCD monitor, Full HD 1920 x 1080 50p movie recording, 1/8000 sec shutter speed, 5fps burst shooting, low-light focusing down to -4 EV, focus peaking, ISO range of 125-25600, silent Mode for street photography, wi-fi and NFC connectivity, all housed in a classically styled magnesium alloy frame."

Plus, I think the body design looks great. This is definitely one to keep an eye on.

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.

I just read an interesting post on DP Review titled, 5 Reasons why I haven't used my DSLR for months. It's food for thought, especially if you feel like you can't be a "serious" photographer without a big camera.

Personally, I think cameras are like any other tool - you want the right one for the job. I'm on the road to Oahu. So the right tool this week isn't a DSLR, at least not for me.

Stay tuned for more on this topic. In the meantime, the DP Review article is worth a look.

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.

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.

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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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