[Fullmetal_C]

Hi everyone!

So i'm saving up to get my first DLSR for this coming ACen! But i'm really nervous about finding the right one. I wanna stick to either a Nikon or Canon, and i would like the camera to have a higher pixel ratio for any cropping or blowing up the picture for prints. So here are my questions...

1) What have you guys had in the past? What would you recommend? I'm currently looking into the Canon T2i but i would really like to learn more about whats out there and whats worked for other people.

2) Has anyone ever bought off of getitdigital.com? I found a Canon bundle that i'm interested in getting but i don't know the site. So i would love to find out if anyone has had any luck from this site!

3) Where do you purchase your DSLR's from?

Thank you for your help!!!!

[Scott]

Sounds like you already made up your mind.

That getitdigital.com website doesn't show up on resellerratings.com, but it does appear to be a ebay seller.
http://feedback.ebay...tab=AllFeedback

If you do buy something from them I'd suggest using ebay as there would be some level of protection.

I use adorama.com and bhphotovideo.com for most of my camera gear. I also buy some things from my local camera store (Camera Craft in Rockford, IL).

You can find a lot of information about photography on my blog.

[Rini]

Nikon <3 <3 <3

I've shot with Nikon since I was five.

<3 <3 <3 <3 I'd roll around in a field of daisies with my nikon.

Take it out to a nice dinner, maybe a movie.

And then we'd go make sweet sweet photographic love and produce little film canister babies

[Fullmetal_C]

Awesome Thank you!

I love Nikon too, but my last one (and maybe its because i kept it in my purse) didn't really last long. My dad sent me his Canon last year and i absolutely LOVE it. So now i'm on the fence on which to go with >.<

[Scott]

Fullmetal_C, on 04 February 2011 - 02:43 PM, said:

My dad sent me his Canon last year and i absolutely LOVE it. So now i'm on the fence on which to go with >.<

I personally use one of the other brands, but my sister seems pretty happy with her T2i she bought around Christmas time. She was pretty adamant about getting Canon and had a certain price range she could justify.

What are your plans in general and how much do you want to spend?

In my mind, one of the reasons to get a SLR is to have the ability to change lenses. If you have a general understanding of what each lens could do for you, it would be a good idea to skim through what each company offers. Websites like dpreview.com, luminous-landscape.com, and photozone.de are good for learning about camera gear and the technical side of photography in general. Brand specific camera forums are also good to see the positives and negatives of each camera body and lens.

[Seph]

well.. all i would recommend......

choose your budget.. then find a camera that fits that budget... canon, nikon.. same difference.....

and If you have ANY doubt about ordering from any website.. DONT....

B&H photo has really great prices, customer service, and shipping..

[Goldeneyeuro]

Strange, I'm actually thinking of purchasing a dSLR as well in the next few months for con. Still on the fence on either as well, but the approach I'm using is to go to the store and just try out the cameras. Read up on them (I use dcresource.com for the camera bodies themselves and photozone.de for lens reviews mostly), but be sure to try out the cameras. Gripholds, controls, menu systems, weight, it all matters since a dSLR isn't a camera you just use for a few years and then toss away (at least for casual photographers) like a point-n-shoot. Also check out the lenses as for quality and what each manufacturer offers (range) since these will be the main cost of the camera- a good quality lens might give you much nicer pictures but you'll pay dearly (several hundred or even thousand dollars more) just for that extra quality and versatility. I'm still on the fence about if I need video or not, since I've been told that for video to work, you constantly have to keep refocusing by tapping your finger on the shutter button.

Canon and Nikon make good dSLRs, and for the best in lens selection, you can't go wrong with either body- it's the lens and photographer skill that makes the picture the picture. Does it feel good in your hands? Easy to reach the controls, easy to make adjustments, how quickly does it take pictures, how good are the pictures that turn out, how easy is it to learn, what accessories and lenses can you get?

I've got my eye on the Nikon D3100, but since it's the newest model, it's not going to get discounted much. The D3000 is cheaper, but I find the body less comfortable to hold. Also looking at the Canon Rebel XS. As for new/used, I'm thinking of getting used, but I'm still rather hesitant and will have to do a little more shopping. I will say this, though- if you're thinking of getting a Sony dSLR, make sure it's comfortable in your hands since I found them extremely uncomfortable.

As for going to the con with a dSLR, I'll lug it around, but I'll probably also take my little Fuji point-n-shoot. And don't judge a camera manufacturer on their dSLRs via their point-n-shoots, IMO- Canon A-series and basic Nikons I find absolutely horrid (a former A-series owner myself), but Canon SD-series earns my recommendation.

Hope that helps!

[Scott]

Goldeneyeuro, Excellent response.

Video... I'd say if you have the money, get it. I've found it useful for my website, and I'm sure you would eventually find a few uses for it too. It's not a must-have for photographers, but it is fun to play around with.

Some DSLRs can auto-focus in video mode, some can't. The negative you will probably find with doing auto-focus in video mode is that you will hear the AF motor in the video. With the newest camera that I have (a Pentax K-7) it doesn't do auto-focus in video mode, but I just turn the focus ring by hand.




Another aspect of convention photography that doesn't get much discussion: External camera flash and flash brackets are useful.
Many people take cosplayer photos with the camera vertical, that means the on-camera flash will be shooting light lower than normal. That can lead to odd looking shadows and lighting on the subject itself. Good flash brackets allow the flash to be above the camera for more natural lighting. I personally try to avoid using a flash, but recently I've found good results with a dedicated flash and diffuser attached to a bracket. The negative about flash brackets is that they look...serious. I've tried to limit by using the smallest one I could find. I just enjoy this stuff to much to be too self-conscious about the size of my camera though.

For budget considerations, buying a diffuser for the built-in camera flash can help. There are some universal ones available for cheap online.

[Fullmetal_C]

Scott, on 05 February 2011 - 12:40 AM, said:

Goldeneyeuro, Excellent response.

Video... I'd say if you have the money, get it. I've found it useful for my website, and I'm sure you would eventually find a few uses for it too. It's not a must-have for photographers, but it is fun to play around with.

Some DSLRs can auto-focus in video mode, some can't. The negative you will probably find with doing auto-focus in video mode is that you will hear the AF motor in the video. With the newest camera that I have (a Pentax K-7) it doesn't do auto-focus in video mode, but I just turn the focus ring by hand.




Another aspect of convention photography that doesn't get much discussion: External camera flash and flash brackets are useful.
Many people take cosplayer photos with the camera vertical, that means the on-camera flash will be shooting light lower than normal. That can lead to odd looking shadows and lighting on the subject itself. Good flash brackets allow the flash to be above the camera for more natural lighting. I personally try to avoid using a flash, but recently I've found good results with a dedicated flash and diffuser attached to a bracket. The negative about flash brackets is that they look...serious. I've tried to limit by using the smallest one I could find. I just enjoy this stuff to much to be too self-conscious about the size of my camera though.

For budget considerations, buying a diffuser for the built-in camera flash can help. There are some universal ones available for cheap online.

What i'm looking for in a camera, overall just to find something that i can take more professional pictures with. I would like to get more serious about photography and my little digital just isn't cutting it for me anymore lol! I would love a camera with a high iso that would be able to take pictures of something in movement without having it blur. But overall i would like a camera that is a good beginners camera too since this is my first DSLR. i heard the Nikon D90 is good but i would like something with a bit higher pixel ratio, and a co-worker of mine who happens to be looking to buy her first dlsr too has decided on the Canon t2i which has 18 (and really good reviews on amazon ^^). i haven't really had the chance to go try out cameras yet but i do plan on doing that once i get the chance but i figure in the mean time it would be great to have an idea to learn more from other photographers on what they recommend ^.^

And it would be great to get a camera with good video too, i love taking video when there's opportunity so having the option would definitely be beneficial.

[Seph]

Goldeneyeuro, on 04 February 2011 - 11:35 PM, said:

menu systems

I respectfully disagree.... but thats just me though....
I dont use advanced camera features..
In the past 100 years of photography, the function of Shutter speed, aperture, and "sensitivity" has not changed..
Its all I ever use..
give me ANY camera with these basic functions, two flash lights and Ill create art... and scott.. this is not an invitation for an other challenge

This post has been edited by Seph: 05 February 2011 - 09:16 AM

[Goldeneyeuro]

Fullmetal_C, on 05 February 2011 - 06:31 AM, said:

What i'm looking for in a camera, overall just to find something that i can take more professional pictures with. I would like to get more serious about photography and my little digital just isn't cutting it for me anymore lol! I would love a camera with a high iso that would be able to take pictures of something in movement without having it blur. But overall i would like a camera that is a good beginners camera too since this is my first DSLR. i heard the Nikon D90 is good but i would like something with a bit higher pixel ratio, and a co-worker of mine who happens to be looking to buy her first dlsr too has decided on the Canon t2i which has 18 (and really good reviews on amazon ^^). i haven't really had the chance to go try out cameras yet but i do plan on doing that once i get the chance but i figure in the mean time it would be great to have an idea to learn more from other photographers on what they recommend ^.^

And it would be great to get a camera with good video too, i love taking video when there's opportunity so having the option would definitely be beneficial.

While you can get high ISOs in cameras these days (even many point-n-shoots give you up to 6400 or 12800 ISO), anything above 3200 is just a marketing ploy for most situations, just to say "My camera has a higher ISO than your camera" without a lot of consideration for picture quality. And don't try anything higher than ISO 1600 in a point-n-shoot otherwise you'll have photos awash in grain and noise. If you're wanting to capture motion, I've heard it's just a matter of shutter lag and speed and being able to keep up with the subject in frame. I haven't taken much in terms of motion shots, but for the regular point-n-shoot, it's a matter of putting it into the "action" mode which boosts the ISO and gives you as less shutter lag as possible. I'm sure it's a similar philosophy for dSLRs but you can also pull it off with some manual controls or full manual control with them.

As for megapixel counts, I cannot emphasize this enough, especially for point-n-shoots but my dislike is starting to creep into the dSLR realm: More is not always better. More megapixels may mean you can blow up the picture bigger and bigger and get more detail, but there are serious drawbacks. I'm not sure about the details, but you get this sensor (on dSLRs and on point-n-shoots as well, dSLRs have bigger ones) where all the megapixels have to be shoved into. The more megapixels you shove into it, the more detail you can capture. Which includes unwanted noise (just pixelated flecks of blurriness) in low-light situations. More megapixels usually means more noise. More megapixels mean that the camera has more information to process and thus slowing the camera down (not as big an issue with dSLRs but a serious issue with point-n-shoots). More megapixels mean you can fit fewer pictures on a memory card. More megapixels mean that it takes up more space on your hard drive and it takes more time to upload on websites. I may sound nitpicky, and I do apologize if that's the case, but coming from a business background, I see it for mostly what it is: another marketing ploy designed to let people to believe that more=better. Which is why I'm hesitant to purchase the Nikon D3100 with its 14.2 megapixels and looking at the 10.2 megapixel Canon XS just to get a camera with fewer megapixels. I'm upgrading from an 8.3 megapixel Fujifilm F40fd, which its successor was the 12-megapixel Fujifilm F50fd and was labeled as only okay due to its significantly worse low-light performance. I'd say look into a Nikon D3100 if you want the best combination of usability, quality, and price, a Canon XS/XSI if you don't need video, and a Nikon D3000 if you're concerned about price. Not very familiar with the T2I, but IMO 18.2 Megapixels is extreme overkill unless you're making huge banners and posters. The D90... it's a good camera I've heard, but its builkier and more expensive... more like another step up from your D3100/XSI/T2I brethren.

Scott: Any solution to a diffuser for a point-n-shoot? Because those pictures' lighting looks a lot more balanced and brighter than mine (though I'm the anti-flash Nazi and using a 4-yr old point-n-shoot vs your dSLR) and I just tell people to not stand in front of a window when taking their pictures. Otherwise I'll just look into one for my new dSLR. And for flash brackets... the last time I saw someone with a flash bracket was the photographer at my cousin's wedding... charging several hundred dollars per hour.

Seph: For me, it was just an experience when my cousin had an EOS 20D and asked me to try it out... and I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Couldn't find the menu to make any of the adjustments and every time I turn the wheel or push a button the camera vomited an error message at me and would refuse to change anything, so usability is something I value. With my cousin's EOS (which he sold and got a Canon S90 later on), it was like the camera was taunting me with "Go away, you noob, get back on your point-n-shoot!"

This post has been edited by Goldeneyeuro: 05 February 2011 - 11:01 AM

[Scott]

Goldeneyeuro, on 05 February 2011 - 10:51 AM, said:

Scott: Any solution to a diffuser for a point-n-shoot? Because those pictures' lighting looks a lot more balanced and brighter than mine (though I'm the anti-flash Nazi and using a 4-yr old point-n-shoot vs your dSLR) and I just tell people to not stand in front of a window when taking their pictures. Otherwise I'll just look into one for my new dSLR. And for flash brackets... the last time I saw someone with a flash bracket was the photographer at my cousin's wedding... charging several hundred dollars per hour.

You could try making something. Basically it's just a box (with one side open) of white plastic or similar material. The issue with P&S is it is probably already lacking in the ability to fill a scene, when an opaque material is put in front of it it might make matters worse. It would be fun to experiment though.

[Fullmetal_C]

Goldeneyeuro, on 05 February 2011 - 10:51 AM, said:

While you can get high ISOs in cameras these days (even many point-n-shoots give you up to 6400 or 12800 ISO), anything above 3200 is just a marketing ploy for most situations, just to say "My camera has a higher ISO than your camera" without a lot of consideration for picture quality. And don't try anything higher than ISO 1600 in a point-n-shoot otherwise you'll have photos awash in grain and noise. If you're wanting to capture motion, I've heard it's just a matter of shutter lag and speed and being able to keep up with the subject in frame. I haven't taken much in terms of motion shots, but for the regular point-n-shoot, it's a matter of putting it into the "action" mode which boosts the ISO and gives you as less shutter lag as possible. I'm sure it's a similar philosophy for dSLRs but you can also pull it off with some manual controls or full manual control with them.

As for megapixel counts, I cannot emphasize this enough, especially for point-n-shoots but my dislike is starting to creep into the dSLR realm: More is not always better. More megapixels may mean you can blow up the picture bigger and bigger and get more detail, but there are serious drawbacks. I'm not sure about the details, but you get this sensor (on dSLRs and on point-n-shoots as well, dSLRs have bigger ones) where all the megapixels have to be shoved into. The more megapixels you shove into it, the more detail you can capture. Which includes unwanted noise (just pixelated flecks of blurriness) in low-light situations. More megapixels usually means more noise. More megapixels mean that the camera has more information to process and thus slowing the camera down (not as big an issue with dSLRs but a serious issue with point-n-shoots). More megapixels mean you can fit fewer pictures on a memory card. More megapixels mean that it takes up more space on your hard drive and it takes more time to upload on websites. I may sound nitpicky, and I do apologize if that's the case, but coming from a business background, I see it for mostly what it is: another marketing ploy designed to let people to believe that more=better. Which is why I'm hesitant to purchase the Nikon D3100 with its 14.2 megapixels and looking at the 10.2 megapixel Canon XS just to get a camera with fewer megapixels. I'm upgrading from an 8.3 megapixel Fujifilm F40fd, which its successor was the 12-megapixel Fujifilm F50fd and was labeled as only okay due to its significantly worse low-light performance. I'd say look into a Nikon D3100 if you want the best combination of usability, quality, and price, a Canon XS/XSI if you don't need video, and a Nikon D3000 if you're concerned about price. Not very familiar with the T2I, but IMO 18.2 Megapixels is extreme overkill unless you're making huge banners and posters. The D90... it's a good camera I've heard, but its builkier and more expensive... more like another step up from your D3100/XSI/T2I brethren.

Scott: Any solution to a diffuser for a point-n-shoot? Because those pictures' lighting looks a lot more balanced and brighter than mine (though I'm the anti-flash Nazi and using a 4-yr old point-n-shoot vs your dSLR) and I just tell people to not stand in front of a window when taking their pictures. Otherwise I'll just look into one for my new dSLR. And for flash brackets... the last time I saw someone with a flash bracket was the photographer at my cousin's wedding... charging several hundred dollars per hour.

Seph: For me, it was just an experience when my cousin had an EOS 20D and asked me to try it out... and I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Couldn't find the menu to make any of the adjustments and every time I turn the wheel or push a button the camera vomited an error message at me and would refuse to change anything, so usability is something I value. With my cousin's EOS (which he sold and got a Canon S90 later on), it was like the camera was taunting me with "Go away, you noob, get back on your point-n-shoot!"

That's true, i've heard that about higher mega pixels too. What would be a good balance do guys think? Right now i have a point and shoot Nikon L20 with 10mp and even though pictures look good on the view finder, i hate the graininess of the image after importing onto my computer. I was also originally looking into investing in the Nikon D3100 too lol! (But then was recommended the D90 instead, and now looking at the canon t2i.)

[Scott]

Fullmetal_C, on 05 February 2011 - 03:41 PM, said:

That's true, i've heard that about higher mega pixels too. What would be a good balance do guys think? Right now i have a point and shoot Nikon L20 with 10mp and even though pictures look good on the view finder, i hate the graininess of the image after importing onto my computer. I was also originally looking into investing in the Nikon D3100 too lol! (But then was recommended the D90 instead, and now looking at the canon t2i.)

I think any DSLR would be quite a bit better. The sensor size in DSLRs is much larger than digicams. That means more light can be recorded.

Sensor sizes in cm^2 (squared):
Nikon L20: 0.27 cm^2
Canon T2i: 3.32 cm^2
As you can see the T2i sensor is a lot larger.

Honestly, any of the entry level models would be sufficient. I think the more important aspects are which system you think will fit your needs (eg. lenses/various accessories) and how the camera ergonomics feel to you. When it comes down to it, sensors between DSLRs might be a stop or two better or worse, but it's not something you can't get around with a good lens, camera flash, practice, and/or just knowing how your camera works. If you really want the "best" APS-C sized sensor DSLR that would currently be the Nikon D7000 and Pentax K-5, but those two cost $1200 and $1470 respectively just for the camera body.

[LeenStar]

I was having the same debate last year around November, when I was trying to decide which camera to buy for Christmas. I ended up getting the Canon T2i after reading 24942 reviews, talking to my "savvy photography" friends, and talking to a lot of Best Buy folks. I was really debating between Nikon or Canon, but Canon just seems more "beginner" friendly from what I have read. In all honesty, I know my response won't help much, but coming from someone who was lost just a few months ago, I am really happy with my purchase. The camera/kit comes up helpful DVD lessons/instructions that are really easy to follow, along with a huge manual book that pretty much explains a lot. Because of college I haven't been able to learn a lot yet, but even using the "Auto" mode makes the pictures look beautiful- so I'm sure with more setting skills you can get amazing photos. I hope this helps! This is my very honest opinion coming from someone who is barely getting into photography and such

[Fullmetal_C]

LeenStar, on 06 February 2011 - 03:00 AM, said:

I was having the same debate last year around November, when I was trying to decide which camera to buy for Christmas. I ended up getting the Canon T2i after reading 24942 reviews, talking to my "savvy photography" friends, and talking to a lot of Best Buy folks. I was really debating between Nikon or Canon, but Canon just seems more "beginner" friendly from what I have read. In all honesty, I know my response won't help much, but coming from someone who was lost just a few months ago, I am really happy with my purchase. The camera/kit comes up helpful DVD lessons/instructions that are really easy to follow, along with a huge manual book that pretty much explains a lot. Because of college I haven't been able to learn a lot yet, but even using the "Auto" mode makes the pictures look beautiful- so I'm sure with more setting skills you can get amazing photos. I hope this helps! This is my very honest opinion coming from someone who is barely getting into photography and such

LOL it does really! its good to hear that this camera is beginner friendly! I played with it at Best Buy and the pictures looked gorgeous! It'll definitely be a learning experience! ^o^

[keiichi969]

That deal looks too good to be true.


And here's why:

The body is a KISS X4. That's a Japanese model. North America labels them as T2i, the rest of the world calls them the 550D. I doubt it will have any warranty, as its an import, and therefor outside its warranty region. Also, the entire kit is going for just a couple hundred more than the body itself? I doubt it.

Tamron can make some decent glass. that lens with the kit is not. Nor is the wide angle or telephoto anything special.

The UV filter is meh. I prefer my 3 pack I got from Zeikos, its got UV, FLD and CPL. (UltraViolet, Flurescent Light Diffusion, and Circle Polarization.) UV filters are ok, but the CPL is by far my most used filter.

Tripods are both pretty cheap. I've got that same mini-tripod, its actually better than expected. Its stronger than my Gorillapod(non-DSL version) and holds the camera with lens, but just barely.

The rest of the accessories are likewise pretty cheap stuff.



I love my T1i. It takes fantastic photos when you know how to use it properly. I came from an Olympus OM-2, so I know how to use an SLR. That being said, SLR's are not point and shoot. Yes, the auto mode makes them pretty friendly, but to get the most out of them, you sometimes need to play with them. I shot my way all over London with it, and had a blast.

The other thing to consider. Canon lenses are interchangable. An EOS system like the T series, can mount any of the EF or EF-S series lenses. So you can always spend less on the body, and get a T1i or even a Rebel, and get better glass, then if you find you really like it, trade the body in on the T2i, or even higher end bodies later.

Canon has a nice bundle called the NFL Sidelines kit, that comes with an 18-55mm and 50-250mm lens.

[Scott]

Looks like Canon just released the T3i (and T3?)........

The T2i will probably get cheaper soon, so it might be a good idea to wait a bit.

[Fullmetal_C]

Scott, on 07 February 2011 - 01:39 PM, said:

Looks like Canon just released the T3i (and T3?)........

The T2i will probably get cheaper soon, so it might be a good idea to wait a bit.

OOH! I wonder what the reviews will be on that one, it sounds really nice!

[fotaku07]

The T3 is meant for total beginners. Like a DSLR with training wheels. So it might be great if you're just stepping into the DSLR realm. If you have any concept of aperture and shutter speed I'd say go for the T3i over the T3.

If you want good video stick with Canon. Most of their DSLRs do 60 frames per second which allows you to slow down the video to get that "epic slow-mo" look that acksonl is known for in his convention videos http://www.youtube.com/user/acksonl

Keep on eye on instant rebates. Both Nikon and Canon have instant rebates that change each month. Sometimes they go up, sometimes they go down. Nikon has a nice system in which if you buy camera Y and lens X you get an additional instant rebate. They probably won't have instant rebates on the really new stuff but the older models sometimes they offer nice rebates on. For example the D90 w/ 18-105mm lens has a $150 instant rebate going through the 26th.

Also, if you order from Amazon or B&H they tend to have free shipping on top of no tax. If you live outside of Illinois you might want to try Calumet Photo.. any orders from outside of Illinois on their site is no tax as well and they have a special on free shipping for lenses and bodies.

Stay away from sites that sell for less than what B&H, Adorama, Amazon, and Calumet sell. These sites tend to sell "gray market" models which they import from other countries. There's two hazards with buying from them either A) they sell just the body and want to charge you extra for everything else (want the battery that should come standard with the camera? that'll be an extra $80) and since the camera was meant for a foreign country it won't come with a US warranty... so if it breaks you have to pay the repair bill.

Happy Shopping!

[tfcreate]

You already have a good idea of the specifications that you seek.

2 things I recommend:

1. Don't fall for the megapixel trap. Once you get above 6 or 8, you're just making the physical picture bigger. If you look at most of the posted photos, they are seldom more than 6. You will benefit from higher megapixel cameras if you plan to print the photos.

2. Go to a camera shop and try out the cameras you are considering. Ergonomics are important. You may not like the feel of certain models and may opt for another once you've handled it. It may not seem important, but hours of using a camera can wear you down if you're not comfortable holding it.

Personally, I feel that if you're both cosplaying and taking pictures, a DSLR is is a poor choice. It's too much bulk and can prove to be a headache to keep track of if you're stopping every few minutes to pose, as well as a tempting target if you put it aside to pose for photos.

Good luck in whatever choice you make.

[keiichi969]

Quote

1. Don't fall for the megapixel trap. Once you get above 6 or 8, you're just making the physical picture bigger. If you look at most of the posted photos, they are seldom more than 6. You will benefit from higher megapixel cameras if you plan to print the photos.

Indeed. You couldn't tell the difference between my T1i and a 1DmkIII from web or normal prints. Now if you wanted photographic quality wallpaper....

Quote

Personally, I feel that if you're both cosplaying and taking pictures, a DSLR is is a poor choice. It's too much bulk and can prove to be a headache to keep track of if you're stopping every few minutes to pose, as well as a tempting target if you put it aside to pose for photos.

That can be true. Although of of my favorite cosplays, was doing Kouhei Morioka, since he's a photographer. I was using an old Film SLR at the time.

I'm thinking at some point I'll have to do Konata's father. Then I could be as creepy-otaku as I want and still be in character!

This post has been edited by keiichi969: 08 February 2011 - 05:51 PM

[tfcreate]

Seph, on 05 February 2011 - 09:15 AM, said:

I respectfully disagree.... but thats just me though....
I dont use advanced camera features..
In the past 100 years of photography, the function of Shutter speed, aperture, and "sensitivity" has not changed..
Its all I ever use..
give me ANY camera with these basic functions, two flash lights and Ill create art... and scott.. this is not an invitation for an other challenge

OOOO! You had to say that!
Few of us use MANUAL settings.... there ... I said it.... I know how much it hurts.
But you can tell who does and who doesn't. The ability to use manual mode is vital to get great photos as opposed to OK or good ones. Control is the key.

[keiichi969]

If you need help deciding on a camera, Adorama's learning center is a pretty nice place for info.

http://www.adorama.c...DSLRs-right-now

Personally I suggest going with a starter DSLR right now, Most people thing they really need a big mid range DSLR camera to take photos, but unless you're a talented amateur, or prosumer, most of the starter DSLRs are more than powerful enough.

Lots of people buy SLRs and expect that they will be able to use them like their old point-and-shoot. for example, using the LCD to take photos. DSLR's for the most part can't. You can do so with video, but not for taking snapshots. Thats part of the whole SLR thing.
The other thing is that while the new Autofocus are wonderful, if you want to get creative with your photos, nothing beats playing around with the manual settings.


My next warning will be more practical.
Photography is not a cheap hobby. Accessories get expensive fast. And its addicting. Next thing you know, you'll be surfing the web on how to build your own stedi-cams, for a second charger for your battery grip, what lenses to buy, shopping for Lowepro or Kata bags for your gear...




now if you'll excuse me, I have to go look at tripods...

[Scott]

An interesting alternative to a DSLR would be something like that new Fuji X100 camera. It's so classy looking!

[Fullmetal_C]

Scott, on 09 February 2011 - 03:01 PM, said:

An interesting alternative to a DSLR would be something like that new Fuji X100 camera. It's so classy looking!

Just curious but are Fuji's any good? i've heard mixed reviews on them >.O

[Scott]

Fullmetal_C, on 09 February 2011 - 07:48 PM, said:

Just curious but are Fuji's any good? i've heard mixed reviews on them >.O

Here is the camera I'm talking about:
http://www.finepix-x100.com/

It's currently available for pre-order, but quite a bit more expensive than a T2i (preorder is $1199). This type of camera is a completely different philosophy compared to SLR cameras. It's more like a range-finder, but with a fixed 23mm F2 lens. So to consider something like this, you really need to know what you want.

If their site is any indication, this camera will be extremely high quality.
http://www.finepix-x...y/craftsmanship
http://www.finepix-x...tory/mechanical

http://dpreview.com/...x100updated.asp

The only experience I've had with Fuji was in around 2003 when I owned a prosumer camera from them. Never had any issues with it, but it used an odd memory card (xD I believe). They use to sell professional level DSLR cameras, but those days are long gone.

[fotaku07]

Last week Nikon just announced the Coolpix P300. It looks like it might be a good alternative to a DSLR. The first Coolpix to have an f/1.8 aperture. It also has a backlit sensor, both of which make it great for dimly lit convention halls. It has manual control over aperture and shutter speed as well as it does exposure bracketing. Only downfall is that it doesn't do RAW, but if RAW isn't your thing it sounds like a great camera.

[Scott]

Thanks to the government returning my money (aka. tax refund), I bought some more gear.

http://www.flickr.co...782642/sizes/l/

I'm thinking about this setup for Anime Milwaukee:
K-5 with a 14mm f2.8 lens for full body shots.
K-7 with a 55mm f1.4 lens for face/shoulder shots.

What I've done in the past is have one camera in a small bag and pull it out after I take a few photos with the primary camera. Just got a bag that should facilitate this as it is nicely setup to open from the top (Promaster Adventure 16), and it's large enough to prevent the camera from falling out accidentally.

This post has been edited by Scott: 16 February 2011 - 02:21 PM

[chibiskuld]

In my Photography class we used Nikon D-3000's, which were really nice. At the time they were $1600 cameras, and recently they've dropped to $500. Good entry level camera if you don't want to spend too much on one right now.