Published November 2, 2002 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0I want to get a digital camera, but I want one like my friend’s old Canon F-1 where you look through the lens and adjust everything yourself. \u00a0 Do they make them like that?
\n-Mitch Bell<\/p>\n
A: \u00a0What you are referring to is a single lens reflex (SLR) camera. \u00a0 SLRs have a single lens used for both composing the picture and taking it. \u00a0 You look the the lens with a mirror that flips out of the way through reflex action. \u00a0 Hence the SLR appellation.<\/p>\n
Digital SLRs with interchangeable lenses are available, but are quite expensive for most casual users. \u00a0 The camera bodies cost between $1,999 for the 6 megapixel Nikon D100 to $7,999 for the new 11 megapixel Canon 1Ds. (CQ-small s is correct) These prices do not include a lens. \u00a0 Once you include the professional quality zoom lens that these camera deserve, you are at $3,000 and climbing fast. \u00a0 Generally only a serious amateur or professional are willing to spend that kind of money on these expensive, though excellent tools.<\/p>\n
Before you roll your eyes and think, “well, forget about that!” there is a camera that will fit your needs at a much lower price. \u00a0 The Olympus
\nE-20N is a 5.0 megapixel SLR camera with a professional quality lens that corresponds to a 35mm-140mm on a 35mm camera. \u00a0 You cannot change the lens, but this range will take you from a moderate wide angle for small groups and landscapes to an appreciable telephoto for portraiture and far-away subjects. \u00a0 It has a full range of manual controls, the autofocus is extremely fast, and image quality is excellent up to 11″x14″ and even beyond. \u00a0 (Many wedding photographers use the E-20N to supplement their film cameras.) \u00a0 It’s not inexpensive at around $1,300, but it could be the last camera you purchase for a very long time. \u00a0 You will also save a lot on film, and you may find yourself using the camera much more often than you would if you had to buy film and process it. \u00a0 A more detailed review of the Olympus E-20N will appear on my upcoming multimediaanswers.com website. \u00a0 You may want to check it in a month or so.<\/p>\n
Q: \u00a0I recently moved to Findlay Township (near Pgh. airport) and I now have AT&T as my cable TV provider. \u00a0 QUESTION: Do I need to subscribe to their AT&T Broadband Digital to obtain HDTV broadcasts via cable or will the “regular” cable work too? \u00a0 I just ordered a new 65″ Sony XBR integrated HDTV (never had one before) and was wondering which of AT&T’s cable choices I needed to get to utilize the HDTV technology.
\n-Scott McCracken<\/p>\n
A: HDTV programming is unavailable from either of AT&T’s cable offerings in Pittsburgh. \u00a0 Fortunately, with your integrated TV, you can receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts from the networks with an antenna. \u00a0 In Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain, I would strongly recommend you bypass the rabbit ears and amplified $99 antennas and go straight for a professionally installed UHF antenna with a rotor. \u00a0 This will cost around $300 from a good installer. \u00a0 Fortunately, most HDTV programming is free through local broadcast. \u00a0 If you are interested in other HDTV offerings beyond the five networks, you will have to use a satellite service, which offer HDNet, Discovery HD Theater, ShowtimeHD, HBO HD, and HDTV pay-per-view.<\/p>\n
Great choice of television in that 65″ Sony XBR, Scott\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 it’s one of the best televisions on the market. \u00a0 You are in for a treat when you see HDTV at home for the first time! \u00a0 Be sure to visit www.titantv.com<\/a> for a daily HDTV programming schedule. \u00a0<\/p>\n