Technological advances have changed the way we take pictures today, with camera brands manufacturing products across basic and advanced camera and photo kits. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or have been taking pictures all your life, you will still want to work with the best camera and photo essentials available in the market.
Here is a comprehensive guide to buying from the six different categories of camera’s available across major brands in the market:
Basic Camera and photo kits:
Also known as your consumer grade camera, the functioning of these cameras is pretty similar to that of any high-end smartphone that offers professional camera modes inbuilt. The only difference being, these cameras can only take pictures and shoot videos, unlike your smartphone which is capable of doing other stuff as well.
Basic modes of any consumer grade camera include limited control over the exposure settings and unlike DSLR professional grade cameras, you cannot use interchangeable lenses for the desired composition within the frame.
Basic camera and photo kits are also categorized according to their price and utility into the following:
Portable basic cameras: Simple and portable, with some that are even designed to fit in your back pocket. Some of the features include optical and digital zoom, depending on the brand and variants within. These portable cameras are suitable for taking small group shots and pictures from a close distance. Basic portable cameras are priced in the range of $100 to $450. Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Sony are some of the popular brands manufacturing portable cameras.
Zoom portable cameras: Zoom cameras also being portable are recommended when you want to take pictures from a distance, but still, maintain picture quality without pixelating the image. These cameras have optical zoom over digital zoom which means actual lenses elements are used to magnify the image. Ideal for people who love to go to sporting events and music concerts.
Waterproof camera and photo kits: Many popular brands have taken it a step ahead by introducing waterproof cameras which will enable you to take some candid shots underwater, up to a certain depth for adventure enthusiasts. There are cameras which can be used up to a depth of 50 feet also.
Advanced camera and photo kits: Advanced and professional grade cameras give you immense control over every element and settings available inbuilt, which is why professional grade cameras also give you the best photos. These can also be divided into a number of categories, depending on their make and model.
Advanced point and shoots: These are professional grade cameras with manual controls available for adjusting just about every aspect of your picture, but the only drawback is the camera does not support interchangeable lenses unlike your DSLR camera and photo kits. Even though these cameras fall under the category of professional grade, without interchangeable lenses suited for different purposes, it just doesn’t appeal to the more specific crowd of professional photographers.
Mirrorless cameras: Mirrorless cameras offer both manual control and interchangeable lenses, but with the exception of a mirror inbuilt that snaps up and down to click the image controlled by shutter speed. The only disadvantage of a mirrorless camera is that there is no viewfinder for you to as you will have to look through and focus on the picture manually. This is where DSLR’s come in handy since they offer the best of both worlds for almost the same price. Mirrorless camera’s cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.
DSLR professional grade camera and photo kits: Every professional photographer’s ultimate dream is to own his very own ultimate DSLR kit which will include the best camera body, an array of interchangeable lenses, additional accessories like Speedlights, UV filters, tripods and high-end camera bags to carry it all. DSLR’s cost anywhere from $500 to $3000.
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Tips on choosing the right ceiling fan for you
Read moreBuying a ceiling fan is no easy proposition with the number of choices available in the market. However, making a decision would be easier if you keep a few things in mind. Here’s a list of features to look for, to determine the right ceiling fan for you.
Design: You would want your ceiling fan to complement your home décor. Ensure that the ceiling fan complements your interiors. Antique ceiling fan designs go with traditional and vintage home decor whereas contemporary ceiling fans are more suitable for a modern and transitional space. They feature clean lines, smooth metallic finishes, and are minimalistic. If your interiors are more country, you could opt for straight lines and dark wood finishes of rustic ceiling fans. You can also go for bamboo, natural palm leaf, and rattan blades with distressed wood finishes to complement your bright, tropical interiors. Whatever style or finish you choose, ensure that the rod matches the rest of the fan.
Ceiling fan motors: The motor determines the airflow and efficiency of your ceiling fan. DC fan motors are smaller and lighter than standard an AC motor, which allows them to generate higher torque and consume 70 percent less energy. These motors also produce less heat and are virtually silent.
Energy Star-rated ceiling fans: Energy Star fans use 15 to 20 percent less energy than standard fans. They come with a minimum 30-year motor warranty and a 1-year component(s) warranty. Energy star fans with lights use 60 percent less energy than standard fans with lights.
Airflow: A high airflow operates that your ceiling fan will circulate more air and consumes less energy. These fans are ideal for garages, warehouses, and outdoor spaces.
Controls: There are three types of fan controls to choose from. Ceiling Fans with Remote Control can be operated within a 30 to 50-foot range, Handheld remote control ceiling fans are ideal for bedrooms and personal spaces. Wall Control has a range up to 40 feet. It is more suitable for kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Pull Chains offers basic fan control. They add a touch of style to your room; however, they are more practical for spaces with low traffic. -
A few treatment options for asthma and coughing
Read moreChronic asthma management involves identifying the triggers, avoiding them and using rapid action medicines for relief. The use of long-term medication depends on the patient’s age, the symptoms, the triggers and what works best for them to keep asthma under control. The long-term medication generally is a drug taken daily. These help in keeping asthma under control on a day to day basis which reduces the risks of periodic flare-ups. Inhaled corticosteroids that are based on fluticasone, mometasone or beclomethasone are anti-inflammatory drugs. Their use has to be for several days to weeks. The advantage of these is lesser side effects in the long-term use. Combination inhalers are combinations of corticosteroids and a long-acting beta agonist. The beta agonist may increase the risk of severe attacks. Always consult your doctor before starting any medication.
In addition to doctor-prescribed medicines, you can always follow certain home-based natural treatments on the sideline. Cloves have been known to provide relief from chronic coughing. Boil 4-5 cloves in one glass of water. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink this solution twice daily. Ginger is another natural remedy that acts against ailments of the lungs. Soak two tablespoons of dried fenugreek seeds overnight. Take a spoonful of this the water residue and mix in one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey. Have this solution every morning to get relief from asthma. Or you can make a juice with equal quantities of pomegranate and ginger. Add honey and have the juice daily.
Caffeine has been known to help alleviating asthma. It clears the air passage. have a cup of black tea or coffee. Make sure that you do not consume too much as it may lead to acidity in the stomach. You can also add ginger and honey to your black tea for added benefits and some flavor.
Beyond these, asthma cough treatment also includes quick acting short-term medicines. These are short-acting beta agonists. These inhaled medicines are long and rapid-acting bronchodilators and ease the symptoms in minutes. If one has asthma flare-up, a quick-relief inhaler can be handy and very useful. This should be rare if your daily control drugs are working well. Therefore, it is important to maintain a record of the frequency and the number of puffs of the inhaler one takes in a week. If the use of inhalers is more than what your doctor has recommended, then he should be informed. A flexible treatment plan based on symptom severity will help attain an active lifestyle.