Page 147 - Ben Noori

This is one in a series of 'Tech Tip' articles intended as a guide to digital camera technology and terminology. Its aim is to demystify some of the language used on this site to allow you to make more informed decisions when considering purchasing a new digital camera.

OPTICAL FILTERS
One of the most common accessories sold with our digital SLR cameras are optical filters. We supply a number of different types of filter, and there uses often vary. This guide is designed to explain what the different types of filters offer and what they might cost.

UV Filters
As you'd expect, UV filters prevent UV or ultra-violet light from entering the lens. When excessive UV light is present it can appear as a blue-ish tinge to your shots. Whilst this is rarely a serious problem, the effect increases with altitude, so if you're planning a trip to the mountains (big mountains > 3000m or so), you'd be well advised to pack a UV filter, just in case.

Polarizing Filters (aka Circular Polarizers)
Polarizing

We're often asked if we sell our cameras 'duty free'. There are two schemes within Australia that allow tourists and temporary visitors to this country to purchase their goods duty or GST free.

The first is by shopping at dedicated duty free outlets. These are licensed to sell goods without the GST component, but are subject to limitations. The goods are provided sealed and cannot be used or even opened until you have passed through customs at the airport or sea port that you're travelling from.

The second and much more popular option is with the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), applicable to purchases totalling more than $300, which can be derived from more than one item. Using this service, you pay full price at the time of purchase and claim the GST component back at a special desk at the airport/seaport. In order to receive the GST paid back you must present the goods and the invoice at the desk within 30 days of purchase, which means you MUST take the goods in your hand luggage - the

It has come to our attention that some of the Pentax K10D we've shipped have not included a warranty card. A warranty card is not strictly necessary as you can now register your purchase online with CR Kennedy.

In order to receive any warranty service in the future, however, you will need to provide your tax invoice, shipped with the goods (we can provide a copy on request).

Whilst it's not strictly necessary, we do now have spare warranty cards so, if you'd like one, you can request one by email (please include your order number).

We apologize for any concern this may have caused and assure you that this will not affect your ability to claim warranty support from us or CR Kennedy should that be necessary.

Other dSLR specials include:

• D200 90th Anniversary kit
  Nikon D200 body with MB-D200 battery grip, EN-EL3e battery, and access to EN-EL33 redemption offer (see below)
• D300 EN-EL3e battery redemption
  Only just released and there's already a special on the new D300 digital SLR! See below for details of the EN-EL3e battery redemption offer
• D80 bundle
  Nikon D80 body or lens kit with Nikon dSLR bag, 2GB SD memory card and EN-EL3e redemption offer (see below)
• D40x bundle
  Nikon D40X body or lens kit with Nikon dSLR bag and 2GB SD memory card
• EN-EL3e redemption offer
  Purchase a D300, D200 or D80 digital SLR and spend over $250 on accessories and you'll get a free EN-EL3e battery, via redemption, free from Nikon - isn't that nice?! (Note: choice of applicable

What I can tell you is that the D300 will be available initially as body only and with the excellent 18-200mm DX VR lens.