Input on DSLR cameras...

[mongoose]

i need to dig up a picture... gimmie a minute.

edit... http://static.flickr.com/45/152386454_fa67e5da89.jpg




but above all this mumbo jumbo about what make is superior.... you're still controlling the camera... and thus what the end result will do.. i do pretty good with the cheapest body and cheapest glass available. http://www.flickr.com/photos/diabolusparvulusphoto/

[bwhinnen]

[content removed due to being potential argumentative and not relevant to the thread in general]

When it comes to the crunch my advise to any potential photographer (and not just the professional) is to go out and get the camera that;
a) feels the best ergonomically
b) produces the best results for you straight from camera
c) fits within the budget

Once you put PP into the equation, b) will generally become a moot point in most cases.

Then go out and take photos! Enjoy it for what it is, not what it potentially can get you years down the track.

[BLWN1]

Im looking into the Xsi.... how is it? More than I need to spend, but its probably more camera than I will need for the rest of my life....

[andrewb70]

Talking about the latest camera gear is like comparing the latest greatest ideas in suspension. The truth of the matter is that the camera gear is secondary to the skill and talent of the operator. Just like a skilled driver will post faster lap times in a stock car against a novice in a car with all of the latest greatest suspension gear. So will a seasoned photographer take a great picture even with mediocre gear.

So instead of spending $1500 on a new lens a beginner will do better to take a class.

Just my 2 cents, without getting into all the nuts and bolts...blah..blah..

Andrew

[mongoose]

xsi is like noob proof... if there's a camera to get that would be the one..



but... as you said.. it might be more camera than you need... so you might be able to get away with a high end P&S.. like a G9 or something similar.

[trapin]

I'm glad this thread was posted. I wonder what everyone thinks of this package that is being offered by Costco.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product...se=&lang=en-US

It seems like it will be more camara then I will ever need since I am not a pro and don't intend to become one. But I do want to step up to a DSLR because I've had Point-And-Shoots long enough.

Interested to hear what everyone's opinions are on this one. I am looking to make a purchase here real soon because the baby is coming in 3 weeks and I want to be prepared.

[oestek]

Tony,

I own a D40 and love it. Great low-light sensitivity, and from a practical standpoint, I've shot over 500 photos on 1/3 of a battery, (flash and no flash), and you can fit 3500+ general medium sized images on a 4g card. You can shoot all day and capture all your baby's expressions without braking the bank.

[TonyHuntimer]

I have a Canon 5D. It's my first SLR. I'm very happy with it, but walking around with it for a few hours kills the wrist. After shooting SEMA for two days it will take a day to recover. If you are going to buy a camera for shooting weddings you should make sure it's something with built in image stabilization. IMHO the 5D gets an A+ as a tri-pod camera. With the right lens the 5D gets an A- as handheld camera.

I'd say that you should find out what wedding photographers are using, so you get a camera that works best for the right environment.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[cmraman]

I have a Canon 5D. It's my first SLR. I'm very happy with it, but walking around with it for a few hours kills the wrist. After shooting SEMA for two days it will take a day to recover. If you are going to buy a camera for shooting weddings you should make sure it's something with built in image stabilization. IMHO the 5D gets an A+ as a tri-pod camera. With the right lens the 5D gets an A- as handheld camera.

I'd say that you should find out what wedding photographers are using, so you get a camera that works best for the right environment.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

Many of the wedding guys are using 5D's . I know at least 3.

[Roger M]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?

[BretB]

I've been doing some research on dslr's and have decided to go with the Olympus E-520. It just came out and has a lot of features and a great price too. Check it out. The older E-510 looks like a good one too. I've seen some places selling the E-520 kit with lens for under $600.00. Do a search.

[bwhinnen]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?

To be honest... Get out there and take photos, and play with the settings taking note of what you change to get the effect you want.

Learn how metering works and the differences each of them does with over all exposure, learn how the focal length and aperture can change the depth of field. See how different occasions call for different shutter speeds. Those are the best areas to start with. If you are into landscapes or similar get a hyperfocal distance calculator (you can download them to be able to print out).

But in reality take photos and see what you like, become a member of a photography forum and post photos up for critique.

And above all work with what you have and lust after what you don't (pretty much the rule we all live by).

[mongoose]

I dont mean to hijack the thread, but what would be the best advice/tip for someone to improve their picture taking skills (other than taking a photography class)?

yeah i agree with abouve.. just take the photos... and get input from other photogs but keep it your own.....

to keep your style... different from the herd...