Buy Photo Gear

Do you like my web site www.photoseek.com? If so, please support my photography by buying gear from the special Amazon and B&H links on this page.

Amazon.com: sells books, cameras, electronics, computers, software, tools and many household consumer items.
B&H Photo Video of New York (no sales tax for residents outside of NY): sells cameras (still and video), software and electronics.

Related pages on Photoseek.com: Buy or license Tom's photographs | The Best Travel Cameras | Tom's Photo Equipment

Photoseek index: Tom's Portfolio of Published Images | My Fine Art Gallery | How to Take Better Pictures | What's New Blog | About Tom | Back to Home
Request images and photography workshops from Tom Dempsey at: tom@photoseek.com
I last updated this page on March 6, 2010.

Image above: Who are these people protected by big sun hats? I am on the right (Tom Dempsey, photographer & webmaster of Photoseek.com) with my wife Carol Dempsey, exploring the beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary, Nepal (photographed by our friend Leslie Sinsheimer).

Image on far right: A ray of light pierces Upper Antelope Canyon. See more on Page 1 of Arizona.

B&H Photo - Video - Pro Audio

Tom nominates the following cameras as the 2009 Top Four for on-the-go photography (click any image or link to shop and support my photography):

1. Above and right: Best all-around lightweight travel camera, only 30 ounces with lens:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 Digital Camera (Black) with 14-140mm Lens (28-280mm equivalent in terms of 35mm film cameras) and Mega O.I.S. Image Stabilization.

3" Free-Angle (articulated) LCD Display. Unusually responsive Live Viewfinder/EVF.
HD Video Recording with autofocus and Dolby Stereo sound
Micro Four-Thirds Syste. The GH1's contrast-detect autofocus has been improved to match the speed of the phase-detect predictive autofocus found on DSLR cameras in the same price range.
Photographers who need wide dynamic rnage or ISO 1600+ may prefer a DSLR such as the Nikon D5000 (or Canon 500D/T1i).

2. Pound for pound, the Nikon D5000 DSLR mounted with a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Aspherical Macro Lens (27-405mm equivalent in terms of 35mm film cameras) makes the most powerful travel camera of 2009 (41 ounces body+lens). When compared to the Panasonic GH1, the Nikon D5000 has 2-3 stops less noise at ISO 1600+, 2 stops better RAW dynamic range, and about 1 stop better image stabilization in terms of slower shutter speed (but its movies only use fixed/manual focus and record mono sound). To optimize lens sharpness, shoot the Tamron 18-270mm with an aperture of about f/8.

3. Left: The Canon PowerShot G11captures the best quality images from a 13-ounce camera, great as a backup or main camera to carry everywhere. Handy 28mm wide angle to 140mm moderate telephoto 5x zoom lens. You will appreciate the articulated LCD and two stops of lower noise at ISO 800+ compared to the PowerShot G9 and G10. The PowerShot G9 makes a good alternative if you prefer a 6x zoom 35-200mm equivalent lens.

4. Below: For sharpest images in an 7-ounce subcompact camera (which fits in any pocket or purse), try the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR Digital Camera (Amazon.com link), which doesn't shoot RAW, but equals JPEG image quality of the Canon PowerShot G9 and G10. The high quality 5x zoom 28-140mm lens and superb 1/1.6 " Super CCD EXR sensor are unusual for a subcompact camera.

I recommend the following table of high quality photo equipment available at Amazon or B&H:

The larger DSLR cameras are best for shooting action with no shutter lag, capturing less noise in low light, and making superior poster-sized prints.
The smaller cameras are more fun and compact for travel, yet can make surprisingly large prints, if shot within each camera's limitations. Put your small camera into a waterproof case, and you have an inexpensive, yet high quality underwater camera!
See my Best Travel Cameras page to compare camera details.

Tom Dempsey commends the quality of the following gear: Click PURCHASE to see the item's latest price & detailed description at B&H. Click item's image to enlarge the picture or start a promotional video.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

Want to host your own web site, blog, and domain name at a low monthly cost? I recommend my provider, Lunarpages.com: http://www.lunarpages.com/id/tomdancer2/secure/order:basic
Signing up through this link directly supports my photography.

Buy Photo Gear

See Tom's separate Buy page for: How to Purchase Tom's Images , Print Pricelist , File License Quote , Photo Workshops

For reliable service and good prices, Tom recommends buying photo equipment from B&H of New York (external link, exits Photoseek):