SLR Digital Cameras, which one?!

[Cruella]

OK, I've got the Mac and now I want to start a new hobby, photography! I also have Photoshop Elements and now I want to buy a second hand digital SLR, but everyone I speak to has a different view on the 'best' make/model to buy within my budget.
I don't really want to go above £300-£400 for a body and one lens. Just the basic starter camera but I also don't want to end up thinking in 6 months time, I need to upgrade!
Help from any 'David Bailey' types would be appreciated.
I've been looking at some second hand Canon EOS 400D (I can't afford the 500D unfortunately) any thoughts?

[Gav]

Well, I have half hour to kill at work before I can leave so why not. :D

The "body & lens" setup isn't the only option, there's also the fixed lens + add-ons option; but there are 2 schools of thought regarding that and beginners gear.

The purists will poo-poo the fixed lens option, however, the advent of digital cameras should have killed that off (but it hasn't).

The point is, getting dirt, dust and grit in the body.
In the days of film, a bit of grit would ruin the current exposure, then move off with the film; However, a bit of grit on your sensor means all of your snaps from then on are ruined. Also, cleaning grit off a sensor isn't simple and could result in permanent damage if you're not careful.

A fixed lens DSLR can't get anything in the body, therefore it isn't an issue.

The downside, is that they are slightly less flexible WRT lens option, however, I think for a beginner that doesn't matter so much.

Probably less model-specific advice than you wanted, but I hope it helps (FWIW, I have an old Olympus E-10 which I got a few years ago from ebay for about £150. Old but I still use it).

[straycat]

I've been looking at some second hand Canon EOS 400D (I can't afford the 500D unfortunately) any thoughts?

Well - I have the 350D, and quite simply, I love it. It's a wonderful little camera. OK - so it's not that little, but it's still wonderful. I'm not going to do a full-blown review - there's enough of those online from far more knowledgable folk than me, but I'm happy to answer any specific questions about it.

[Bubble]

My opinion is that you pay for the name a bit with some brands, Canon, for example.

When I've got a bit of spare cash my money will be spent on a Pentax. They're much better value for money than some of the 'expensive' brands.

I also happen to have three 'manual' lenses that will fit from my P30 film camera so it's a no-brainer for me.

I already have a fairly standard zoom lens, a telescopic zoom, and an extreme-wide-angle lens (not quite fish-eye, but almost). I've taken some great pictures with the extreme-wide-angle lens. The telescopic zoom is my least useful lens of the three.

I don't think dust on the sensor needs to be an issue when changing lenses. The Pentax I want vibrates the sensor to make any dust fall onto a sticky pad underneath. The ability to move the sensor is also what allows for the image-stabilisation (anti-shake) feature.

Let us know which one you choose (and if it's any good!)

This website has loads of digital camera reviews, check prices elsewhere though as some of them look out of date.

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/reviews/1/digitalslr.html

[philsmove]

Decide if you want Nikon or Canon ( or what ever ) by looking at accessories and lenses you might want to buy at a later date

i just love the Nikon CLS flash set up and the fact, even the very latest Nikon cameras, can still use most lenses made 40 years ago ( great if you want to buy a S/H specialist macro lens on e bay)

See if you like the "feel" of the camera (I have been a Nikon fan for over 40 years)

I would recommend looking at a Nikon D70s
They still sell well on e bay, so if you do want to upgrade later to say a D90
you should get a similar price to what you paid

[foxylady]

I've got a Canon 400D and it is certainly good enough for an amateur.
Have just done a photography course (photos are on facebook Di) and the guy teaching us said that in his opinion Canon or Nikon are the brands to choose - Canon leaning more towards the amateur market (in terms of lens quality, pixels, and various other techno jargon) and Nikon more towards the professional...

The 400 D was recommended by ESG - that might put you off... :lol:

[Cruella]

OK, I've managed to get a used Canon EOS 400D for £255! Bargain! (I hope it's all in working order when it arrives:sick:)
I'll be back for some help with technical stuff I expect. :wink:

[Lynn]

I would like a new camera but not sure where to start... not sure if I want something as big as an SLR...

I saw the Panasonic Lumix G1 on a TV ad last night - as a 'smaller' SLR type camera with lighter lenses.

Anyone any experience with this camera, or know of other similar 'smaller' cameras?

[philsmove]

I would like a new camera ......?

The good news, it's pretty difficult to buy a "bad" digital camera

As you say a full size DSLR is a very big, but will the G1 go in your pocket or hand bag?

IMHO For personal photos, a camera that is quick and easy to use and will fit in a pocket, is more important than all the other, must have features and mega whatnot's

Before you buy any camera, do try using it.

Remember, it's no use when that fantastic photo opportunity arises and you miss it, because you left your camera at home

[Lynn]

As you say a full size DSLR is a very big, but will the G1 go in your pocket or hand bag?

IMHO For personal photos, a camera that is quick and easy to use and will fit in a pocket, is more important than all the other, must have features and mega whatnot's

Before you buy any camera, do try using it.

Remember, it's no use when that fantastic photo opportunity arises and you miss it, because you left your camera at homeThis is exactly the point - I keep taking pics with my mobile phone and while its better than nothing, its not great.

I also have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to using a camera - I think I also need to go on a photography course.

Anyone got any recommendations about a good 'small' camera then? If I decide to opt for that - for now anyway?

[philsmove]

Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/verdict.shtml)
I have not used one, but if I was buying a compact, it would be on my list of cameras to try

[Lynn]

Thanks, will add that to the list to consider. :D

[DavidB]

Panasonic Lumix TZ7 (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_TZ7_ZS3/verdict.shtml)
I have one, and really like it. The still photos are good, despite there being very limited manual controls. It is very good for videos of dance classes and cabarets. You can zoom whilst videoing, which most digital cameras don't seem to let you do.

It is not as good as an SLR at taking photos, nor as good as a proper video camera at doing videos. But SLRs and video cameras are useless if you end up leaving them at home because they are too big and heavy.

[Lynn]

But SLRs and video cameras are useless if you end up leaving them at home because they are too big and heavy.This is a key point for me - I tend to see things I want to take a photo of when I'm out and about doing other things, its not that I tend to go out specifically to take photos - its more if I'm out walking, or travelling somewhere and see something that I want to stop and capture... so ideally something small enough to just always have with me in bag or pocket. I'm not going to carry an SLR about everywhere with me, so probably no point in getting one, at the moment anyway.

[straycat]

It is not as good as an SLR at taking photos, nor as good as a proper video camera at doing videos. But SLRs and video cameras are useless if you end up leaving them at home because they are too big and heavy.

They are, and from time to time I've left my current one (Canon EOS 20D - a far better camera than I need, but I was offered a too-hard-to-resist second-hand deal) at home for that exact reason. I usually regret it. To me, it's worth carrying around - if you put the photos side-by-side with pictures from a compact (even a good one), there's just no-comparison.

[philsmove]

- I think I also need to go on a photography course.



The great thing about modern fully automatic cameras is, you don't need to understand about white balance and ISO values etc, the camera does it all for you, even if it's too dark, the flash will automatically switch its self on,
but best all, you do not have to wait to see if you photos have come out, you get the results immediately

3 tips
take lots of photographs
delete (cull) the rubbish ones
back up you favorite photos

[Lory]

I've tried to stay out of giving my opinion on this thread, as its difficult for me to be objective



I have one, and really like it. The still photos are good, despite there being very limited manual controls.

It is not as good as an SLR at taking photos,

The great thing about modern fully automatic cameras is, you don't need to understand about white balance and ISO values etc, the camera does it all for you, even if it's too dark, the flash will automatically switch its self on,
I agree.......... But the problem comes, when you DO know a little bit about photography, having such little control, is somewhat frustrating..

You'll always get an okay result but it'll be rare to get an absolutely brilliant one or one that's 'artistically different'!

But then again, an SLR in the hands of someone with no knowledge whatsoever, won't get better results, in fact, they're likely to get worse results!

Unless they use it in Auto-mode, which kind of defeats the object :rolleyes:


3 tips
take lots of photographs
delete (cull) the rubbish ones
back up you favorite photosGreat advice. :respect:

[Ronde!]

The great thing about modern fully automatic cameras is, you don't need to understand about white balance and ISO values etc, the camera does it all for you, even if it's too dark, the flash will automatically switch its self on, but best all, you do not have to wait to see if you photos have come out, you get the results immediately



I also have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to using a camera - I think I also need to go on a photography course.

My photography teacher told us on the first day that if you use a modern digital camera on auto mode, 90% of the shots we took would be okay... "but this course is about the last 10% - ensuring you can get a good shot every time; and making your shots better than just okay."

If you're interested in photography, learn how to use your basic tools properly. Learn about cameras, lenses, and lighting. It doesn't have to be a formal course; there are lots of good books and lots of information on the internet about every aspect of photography. But if you make the effort to understand your camera, you'll love and treasure it all the more, you'll take better photos, and you'll gain a whole new appreciation for the photographic work of others.

Creating okay photos, 90% of the time may be okay for some people, but if you're interested in photography enough to invest in decent gear, then you should be willing to invest in the effort to know how to use it.

You can also learn a lot by posting your photos on Flickr - there are many interest groups where enthusiast and professional photographers are happy to provide feedback. :) I post my own photos here: http://flickr.com/photos/leonardlow.

[Cruella]

My first edited pic with the new camera. :nice:

[Ronde!]

My first edited pic with the new camera. :nice:

All in all, exposure settings look pretty good. :)

Depth of field @ f/5 looks good with focus on eyes and no blurred-out facial features, but with some nice artistic blurring of the subject's fur receding into the background.

Decent balance between ISO (400) and shutter speed (1/60s). If the flash was capable of more power, you might have been able to get away with a lower ISO, but as it's a built-in flash that may not be possible, in which case ISO is good, to prevent a longer shutter speed (which might have resulted in blurring from the subject moving).

Exposure setting appears to have been "Normal". Did you shoot this in the camera's Auto mode, or were you working in any of the exposure control modes (Av, Tv, or Manual)?

[Cruella]

All in all, exposure settings look pretty good. :)

Depth of field @ f/5 looks good with focus on eyes and no blurred-out facial features, but with some nice artistic blurring of the subject's fur receding into the background.

Decent balance between ISO (400) and shutter speed (1/60s). If the flash was capable of more power, you might have been able to get away with a lower ISO, but as it's a built-in flash that may not be possible, in which case ISO is good, to prevent a longer shutter speed (which might have resulted in blurring from the subject moving).

Exposure setting appears to have been "Normal". Did you shoot this in the camera's Auto mode, or were you working in any of the exposure control modes (Av, Tv, or Manual)?
As a complete beginner and having the camera for just 2 days I used it on auto for the exposure and manual for the focusing. One step at a time, I'm still working out what all the buttons and settings mean, so it'll be a bit longer before I can start playing with the ISO/Shutter speed etc. :sick:
I'm also trying to find my way around Photoshop Elements and using a Mac, a lot of brain ache! (I like a challenge :rolleyes:) Any explanations and tips about basics are greatly appreciated though. :flower:

[philsmove]

I'm also trying to find my way around Photoshop Elements

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photoshop-Elements-Digital-Photographers-Voices/dp/0321565959/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259836405&sr=8-1

Do learn the diffeance between RAW files and jpeg, then consider shooting RAW

[philsmove]

before I can start playing with the ISO:

Go in to the park and take several shots of the same subject, at different ISO values, then do the same indoors and see if you can see any difference

Picture quality will deteriorate at higher ISO values, but only you can tell if the deterioration is acceptable

Higher ISO values will allow higher shutter speeds (less camera shake ) and smaller apertures, greater depth of field, and allow you to shoot indoors with out flash

Golden rule: take lots and lots of photogaphs, you no longer have to worry about the cost of film ,

[Ronde!]

As a complete beginner and having the camera for just 2 days I used it on auto for the exposure and manual for the focusing. One step at a time, I'm still working out what all the buttons and settings mean, so it'll be a bit longer before I can start playing with the ISO/Shutter speed etc. :sick:
I'm also trying to find my way around Photoshop Elements and using a Mac, a lot of brain ache! (I like a challenge :rolleyes:) Any explanations and tips about basics are greatly appreciated though. :flower:

Some simple exposure tips:

ISO makes the sensor more or less sensitive to light. Higher ISO = more sensitive, but also more "noisy" with a haze of artifacts over the image. Each time ISO doubles, sensitivity to light also doubles - this equates to one "stop" of light.

Aperture (f-stop) is how much light comes through the lens. f/4 is a larger aperture that lets in more light than f/16. Each "stop" represents twice (or half) the amount of light, e.g. going from f/1.4 to f/2.0 is one "stop" with the amount of light coming through the lens halving. As the aperture grows larger, the depth of field decreases.

Shutter Speed is how long light is allowed to come through the lens. Each time the shutter speed halves, (e.g. 1/15 of a sec -> 1/30 of a sec), half has much light comes in because the exposure time is halved. This equates to one "stop" of light.

The balance between these three exposure settings are the basic tools in your artistic palette. :) As an "artist" you must decide what's most important in your image: image "cleanliness" or lack of noise (in which case, setting a low ISO will be important), how much of the image is in focus (in which case, aperture will need to be smaller to maximise depth of field), or how "frozen" or motion-blurred the subject must appear (a shorter shutter speed for freezing action, a longer shutter speed for blurring it).

In good light, you can pretty much pick and choose any combination of these artistic elements. In poor light, however, some elements must be sacrificed to preserve others, e.g. increasing the ISO so you can maintain a smaller aperture and fast shutter speed.

Hope this helps a little :)

[Lory]

Golden rule: take lots and lots of photogaphs, you no longer have to worry about the cost of film ,:yeah:

IMO one shouldn't get too hung up about the 'rules' of photography.

If you like the end result, that all that matters.

Yes, the WB, ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed are all very important but IMO there's no ultimately 'correct' way.

Sometimes by altering something like the WB (white balance) to an incorrect (by text book terms) setting, it can give the picture a completely different mood or feeling, which might not look completely 'real' but helps to produce a picture that maybe more dynamic or thought provoking, simply because it makes one see it 'differently'

I think you have to question yourself for each circumstance - do you want the photo to look 'real' or 'arty'? (I'm going though my arty phase at the moment :waycool:... its a great excuse to do everything wrong and get away with it :D)

Photography is a bit like dancing, there are some people who know absolutely everything there is to know about the subject, they're like walking text books of 'what to buy' and 'how to do it' but when it comes down to it.. do their end results appeal to us?

I'm not saying knowledge is not a good thing. As you know, I'm trying very hard to learn everything I can myself. But try not to let the technicalities bog you down, as it can take the fun out of it! And end up stifling your creativity, rather than enhancing it.

An example of the kind of photo I particularly hate, is the old 'school photo' :sick: Everything is 'correct' and the photographer obviously has the best camera and a whole studio set up but 99% of them are absolutely horrid! :devil:

[Ronde!]

:yeah:

IMO one shouldn't get too hung up about the 'rules' of photography.

If you like the end result, that all that matters.

Yes, the WB, ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed are all very important but IMO there's no ultimately 'correct' way.

Absolutely - there is no "correct" way to take a photograph; Some of my favourite work has been taken through blurry, dirty car windows, is over or under exposed, or blurred from camera or subject movement! "Artistic" photography tries to express a feeling rather than capture a pristine record.

However, understanding your camera's settings -particularly exposure basics - will allow you to purposefully set up many of these "artistic" effects, rather than just hoping for happy accidents.

Have fun! :)

[rtwwpad]

Try some of the following sites to open your eyes to the possibilities out there

www.zarias.com
www.scottkelby.com
strobist.blogspot.com
www.yervant.com

and do play with iso speeds aperture and shutter speeds so you understand
what is possible

[martingold]

there is a gadget on every camera that most amateurs never use

its called the viewfinder
if you look through this before pressing the button the shot will have a much better chance of being good :wink:

[DavidY]

there is a gadget on every camera that most amateurs never use

its called the viewfinder These days it's harder to find actual viewfinders on some types of digital cameras.

[straycat]

These days it's harder to find actual viewfinders on some types of digital cameras.

On the other hand, on the likes of Cruella's new camera, unless they've substantially changed the design from the previous version, one doesn't have much choice. The screen cannot show the view through the lens - hence use of the viewfinder is required, not optional. Personally, I prefer it that way.

[martingold]

hence use of the viewfinder is required, not optional. Personally, I prefer it that way.
me too stray although i think you will find even when a viewfinder is on the camera as the only source of seeing what you are taking most amateurs still dont use it

[straycat]

me too stray although i think you will find even when a viewfinder is on the camera as the only source of seeing what you are taking most amateurs still dont use it

What do you think they use? Divining rods? :confused:

[martingold]

What do you think they use? Divining rods? :confused:
nope tehy just take photos with things sticking out of peoples heads etc

[Lory]

nope tehy just take photos with things sticking out of peoples heads etc

i like those pictures! :rofl:

[straycat]

nope tehy just take photos with things sticking out of peoples heads etc
Like this? :wink:

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00675/china_needle404_675809c.jpg

[Lynn]

OK, I've managed to get a used Canon EOS 400D for £255! Bargain! (I hope it's all in working order when it arrives:sick:)

That's what our office camera is and I was playing about with it this afternoon - liked it - I currently have no idea what most of the functions do but I was able to play about with different focus and light settings (photographing tinsel and computers!)

As to the viewfinder - I prefer a viewfinder, even when there is a screen - it just feels a better way to see what you are taking a picture of.

[Cruella]

The light in my office was rubbish, so the backgrounds are too yellow for my liking but I'm still pretty pleased with the (non auto) experiment. :D (Especially as I had to eat the sweets first)

[robd]

there is a gadget on every camera that most amateurs never use

its called the viewfinder
if you look through this before pressing the button the shot will have a much better chance of being good :wink:

Does this help capture the perfect 'girl in swirly skirt flashing her knickers' picture? You seemed quite keen to get this at the last Daventry event :rolleyes:

[killingtime]

there is a gadget on every camera that most amateurs never use

its called the viewfinder
if you look through this before pressing the button the shot will have a much better chance of being good :wink:

For most digital P&S cameras that's not the case. The viewfinder is just a straight pass through and isn't showing what the lens is seeing (in terms of the zoom settings or what it is focused on). Looking through the screen gives you a much better view of what the camera is about to take a shot of.


On the other hand, on the likes of Cruella's new camera, unless they've substantially changed the design from the previous version, one doesn't have much choice. The screen cannot show the view through the lens - hence use of the viewfinder is required, not optional. Personally, I prefer it that way.

The newer Cannon models have Live View which lifts the mirror and sets the screen to display an image of what the lens shows (I'm certain that Nikon and others have the same thing in their DSLRs), it slows down the shutter though and becomes a much bigger drain on batteries. I don't use it myself though there have been a few times where I'm lining up a shot resting the camera against an object where I find looking into the viewfinder is a pain so then I could see it being helpful.

[DavidB]

When you use a viewfinder, you usually have the camera on contact with your face, and also tend to have your arms tucked in closer to your body. This gives a more stable platform, reducing camera shake. This is still important, even with image stabilisation.

When I use a viewfinder, I seem to concentrate more on the subject. However when I use a camera with a screen, I find that I worry more about the composition of the whole photo. I don't really know why.

[Lory]

The light in my office was rubbish, so the backgrounds are too yellow for my liking

Very nice!

What did you use as a light source?

As for the background colour..........its easy to change the background colour using Photoshop

Upload the photo

Select the Magic Wand tool, click on the background and it 'should select the whole area (if not, set the 'tolerance' to a higher number)

Then click on the 'Edit' menu and scroll down to select 'fill' - and select white (which will probably be your default 'background colour' )

and hey presto. a pure white background! :waycool: :)

[Lory]

When you use a viewfinder, you usually have the camera on contact with your face, and also tend to have your arms tucked in closer to your body. This gives a more stable platform, reducing camera shake. This is still important, even with image stabilisation.



:yeah: Also, amateurs tend to 'click' the shutter release button, instead of holding it tight and 'squeezing' it.

[Cruella]

Very nice!

What did you use as a light source?
None! I placed a white sheet of paper under and behind the wrappers. The only light source was the energy bulb in my ceiling light. I was just playing with the different settings to see what difference they made. I used a 10 second shutter speed I think on these!


As for the background colour..........its easy to change the background colour using Photoshop

Upload the photo

Select the Magic Wand tool, click on the background and it 'should select the whole area (if not, set the 'tolerance' to a higher number)

Then click on the 'Edit' menu and scroll down to select 'fill' - and select white (which will probably be your default 'background colour' )

and hey presto. a pure white background! :waycool: :) I tried this but the shadow then either disappeared completely or looked very odd as it had a hard line. :sick:

[martingold]

Does this help capture the perfect 'girl in swirly skirt flashing her knickers' picture? You seemed quite keen to get this at the last Daventry event :rolleyes:
as it happens rob perhaps you should ask hannah why i was taking that shot (she happend to ask me if i would) and it had nothing whatsover to do with her knickers which if you saw the shot that i used from that batch you would know

[Cruella]

Does this help capture the perfect 'girl in swirly skirt flashing her knickers' picture? You seemed quite keen to get this at the last Daventry event
Can we not let this thread turn into a back biting fest like most seem to please. Lets keep it as a useful one about cameras and photography!

[Lory]

None! I placed a white sheet of paper under and behind the wrappers. The only light source was the energy bulb in my ceiling light. I was just playing with the different settings to see what difference they made. I used a 10 second shutter speed I think on these! Nice one!


I tried this but the shadow then either disappeared completely or looked very odd as it had a hard line. :sick:
There are many ways you could reduce the hard line but I'm absolutely crap at explaining technical stuff in writing..

but you could try using the 'blur' tool to soften the edge, that would be the simplest solution

or if you wanted to get more advanced..

make a copy of the background layer
make a selection of the shadow area, using any of the lasso tools or pen tool, making sure that the edge is 'feathered'
Fill the selection with 'Gaussian blur' (you'll have to judge how much to blur)
Add a 'layer mask'
Then, making sure that your 'colour palette' is set to the default black and white
Select the 'gradient tool'
Then draw a line from top to bottom, through your selection, which should make the blurring effect run from nothing, to full blur.. smoothly.
Hit command D to deselect
Then hit Command E to merge the layers

Then have a cup of tea and admire your work! :na:

[straycat]

When I use a viewfinder, I seem to concentrate more on the subject. However when I use a camera with a screen, I find that I worry more about the composition of the whole photo. I don't really know why.

I wonder.... look through a viewfinder, the view you get is an extremely close, immediate one, which you're only seeing with one eye, and which actually takes a little practice to look at and use properly. Or - at least - it did for me.

When you're looking at the screen, what you're seeing and the way you're looking at it is far closer to an actual physical photo, and the way you'd look at that.

[Cruella]

make a copy of the background layer
make a selection of the shadow area, using any of the lasso tools or pen tool, making sure that the edge is 'feathered'
Fill the selection with 'Gaussian blur' (you'll have to judge how much to blur)
Add a 'layer mask'
Then, making sure that your 'colour palette' is set to the default black and white
Select the 'gradient tool'
Then draw a line from top to bottom, through your selection, which should make the blurring effect run from nothing, to full blur.. smoothly.
Hit command D to deselect
Then hit Command E to merge the layers
:sick::what:

[Lory]

:sick::what:
OK, one thing at a time ;)

You said to me on Sat, you wanted practical, easy to understand visual tips

Well here's one from me, picking up on what I said earlier in the thread, about changing the WB (white balance)

Following YOUR example, I've taken three pictures of the same subject, placed on my kitchen table, on a white sheet of paper. I've purposely used clear glass on the white background, to show the effect more

All 3 pics were taken in the same situation, under the same light conditions, using the same manual settings, the only thing I changed was the WB.

I hope this helps a little :flower:

[Cruella]

All 3 pics were taken in the same situation, under the same light conditions, using the same manual settings, the only thing I changed was the WB.


Excellent. :flower: What WB settings did you use for each picture?

[Lory]

Excellent. :flower: What WB settings did you use for each picture?
I've labelled each pic with the WB setting I used :waycool: Just run your mouse over each pic

[Cruella]

So you have! Smart arse! :wink:

[Lory]

Smart arse! :wink:

:really: and there was me, preparing your next lesson!

[Stuart M]

The newer Cannon models have Live View which lifts the mirror and sets the screen to display an image of what the lens shows (I'm certain that Nikon and others have the same thing in their DSLRs), it slows down the shutter though and becomes a much bigger drain on batteries. I don't use it myself though there have been a few times where I'm lining up a shot resting the camera against an object where I find looking into the viewfinder is a pain so then I could see it being helpful.
Most DSLRs have some form of Live View now, not just Canons. Mind you, I reckon Live View is pretty much a waste of time on most DSLRs if the screen is fixed. As you say, it chews up battery power whilst actually decreasing your ability to take a photograph - less stable grip and slower response.

My previous camera was a bridge camera (Nikon 8800) which had a viewfinder and a screen (which wasn't "Live" view, it not being a DSLR). Crucially however, the LCD screen was on a tilt-and-swivel mount, like you get with most hand-held video cameras. This meant the screen was actually useful for picture-taking, because then you were freed from being directly behind the camera. You could compose decent shots while holding the camera overhead in a crowd, down at ground level, or even from in front of the camera. It also made working with a tripod a lot easier.

As such, when I was upgrading to a DSLR, having a moveable screen was a significant factor (albeit not a dominating one). There are still surprisingly few out there: A couple of the Sony Alphas have a tiltable screen, but the only DSLRs with a fully articulated one are the Nikon D5000, and two Olympus models, the E620 and the high-end E3. I went for the E620 because it's also small, reasonably priced, and the lenses are good.

[Cruella]

:really: and there was me, preparing your next lesson!

Oh goody, what's next? :D

[Lory]

Oh goody, what's next? :D

Your next lesson is on 'Depth of Field'

In very basic language, the depth of field, is how much of the photo is in focus.

If you have a very small/shallow DOF, most of the picture will be out of focus (blurred) and only the subject you've decided to focus on, will be sharp.

The first 3 photo's (I took this afternoon, using 'your' formula) are showing a very shallow DOF, as the objects are only roughly 4 inches apart, and yet, only one of them is in sharp focus at a time.

The other photo (I took a few weeks ago) has a longer DOF, as most of the picture is in focus, including the tree that's very close to me, in the foreground.

These effects are mainly achieved using 'Aperture priority' ("A' on a Nikon) :nice:

I'm trying to keep it 'simple' :flower:

[Cruella]

Your next lesson is on 'Depth of Field'
These effects are mainly achieved using 'Aperture priority' ("A' on a Nikon) :nice:

I understand 'depth of field' and I understand how to focus on each separate object, like in the first 3 pics. The bit I don't know yet is how to get a long DOF, like you have in the tree picture.

I'm trying to keep it 'simple' :flower: You're doing a very good job and it's much appreciated. :flower: Can I call you Miss now? :wink:

[philsmove]

Cannon do a fantastic book "Canon EOS Lens Work"

You can download the entire Canon EOS Lens Work III book from Canon-Europe's web site. This download is comprised of 11 .PDF files totaling 32MB (http://www.canon-europe.com/Support/Documents/digital_slr_educational_tools/en/ef_lens_work_iii_en.asp).

Have a look at "Photo Techniques"

[Lory]

The bit I don't know yet is how to get a long DOF, like you have in the tree picture.
I always find this confusing and the only way I remember this, is to simplify it like this....

For aLARGE depth of field: you need to use a small aperture (but forget that bit, its just to confuse us:rolleyes: ), just remember it has a LARGE number :wink:

So, LARGE DOF =LARGE F/Stop/number,

Large number being something between F16 and F29 (and just to complicate matters more, this will depend on what lens your using, but I've only got one lens, so I'm no expert)

Secondly, to lengthen the DOF even more, move further away from your subject

And lastly, zooming 'out' will increase it further

Its the opposite for a Shallow (small) DOF

SMALL DOF, SMALL F/number (mine only goes down to F/4 )

Move closer

and Zoom right in!


You're doing a very good job and it's much appreciated. :flower: Can I call you Miss now? :wink::na:

[Cruella]

LARGE number :wink:

So, LARGE DOF =LARGE F/Stop/number,

Large number being something between F16 and F29 (and just to complicate matters more, this will depend on what lens your using, but I've only got one lens, so I'm no expert)

OK so, larger DOF = Smaller aperture, therefore a slower shutter speed and higher ISO is needed. Is that correct?

[martingold]

OK so, larger DOF = Smaller aperture, therefore a slower shutter speed and higher ISO is needed. Is that correct?

absolutely right di

the reason being the larger the aperture (the hole in the center of the lens) the larger the dots of light on the focus plane ( which is where the sensor is mounted in the camera) if you think about just one spot of light it is seen by the whole lens so that spot actually expands into a cone then is reduced the by the lens so it is an inverted cone the other side going to a point on the sensor. Some of these dots will be so small they will seem to be just points ( and be in very sharp focus) whereas other will be larger and called circles of confusion (which will seem blured)
look here (http://www.learnslr.com/slr-beginner-guide/depth-of-field-explained) there is a diagram of the light path which explains it far better than i can

[straycat]

Wow. I love the Canon EOS series, but I had no idea they were quite as tough as this (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/16/canon-eos-rebel-xt-spits-in-gravitys-face-survives-3-000-foot/) (OK - so you can still label it as unproven rumor, rather than fact, but that should never get in the way of a good story)...

[Cruella]

Wow. I love the Canon EOS series, but I had no idea they were quite as tough as this (http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/16/canon-eos-rebel-xt-spits-in-gravitys-face-survives-3-000-foot/) (OK - so you can still label it as unproven rumor, rather than fact, but that should never get in the way of a good story)...

The video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpy1c5xlTso&feature=player_embedded) has been added to the blog now.
Oh (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF-kZ0EBDCc&feature=related) in fact 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtQiWziDIgU&feature=related)!

[Bubble]

Your next lesson is on 'Depth of Field'

In very basic language, the depth of field, is how much of the photo is in focus.

If you have a very small/shallow DOF, most of the picture will be out of focus (blurred) and only the subject you've decided to focus on, will be sharp.

The first 3 photo's (I took this afternoon, using 'your' formula) are showing a very shallow DOF, as the objects are only roughly 4 inches apart, and yet, only one of them is in sharp focus at a time.

The other photo (I took a few weeks ago) has a longer DOF, as most of the picture is in focus, including the tree that's very close to me, in the foreground.

These effects are mainly achieved using 'Aperture priority' ("A' on a Nikon) :nice:

I'm trying to keep it 'simple' :flower:


I always find this confusing and the only way I remember this, is to simplify it like this....

For aLARGE depth of field: you need to use a small aperture (but forget that bit, its just to confuse us:rolleyes: ), just remember it has a LARGE number :wink:

So, LARGE DOF =LARGE F/Stop/number,

Large number being something between F16 and F29 (and just to complicate matters more, this will depend on what lens your using, but I've only got one lens, so I'm no expert)

Secondly, to lengthen the DOF even more, move further away from your subject

And lastly, zooming 'out' will increase it further

Its the opposite for a Shallow (small) DOF

SMALL DOF, SMALL F/number (mine only goes down to F/4 )

Move closer

and Zoom right in!




OK so, larger DOF = Smaller aperture, therefore a slower shutter speed and higher ISO is needed. Is that correct?

There's a handy website that lets you easily calculate the effect of the focal length of your lens (how much you zoom in or out), and the aperture setting you are using, on the depth of field you will get.

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

In case anyone is wondering, zooming in = increasing the length of the lens, and zooming out = decreasing the focal length of the lens. Of course, years ago no one zoomed anywhere with their camera, all the lenses were fixed and they had to change lenses to change the focal length.


absolutely right di

the reason being the larger the aperture (the hole in the center of the lens) the larger the dots of light on the focus plane ( which is where the sensor is mounted in the camera) if you think about just one spot of light it is seen by the whole lens so that spot actually expands into a cone then is reduced the by the lens so it is an inverted cone the other side going to a point on the sensor. Some of these dots will be so small they will seem to be just points ( and be in very sharp focus) whereas other will be larger and called circles of confusion (which will seem blured)
look here (http://www.learnslr.com/slr-beginner-guide/depth-of-field-explained) there is a diagram of the light path which explains it far better than i can

Martingold will be pleased to see that it also calculates circle of confusion. :waycool:


These effects are mainly achieved using 'Aperture priority' ("A' on a Nikon)

I can never remember what all the little letters mean on the settings dial; so I do the whole lot manually, everytime!

[martingold]

Martingold will be pleased to see that it also calculates circle of confusion. :waycool:

good website buble



I can never remember what all the little letters mean on the settings dial; so I do the whole lot manually, everytime!
i shoot in all modes usually leaving it in av ( aperture value on a canon)
usually only using tv (time value) when shooting sport, full manual if in a studio, or full auto when i want a quick shot

[philsmove]

If any one has a spare £15K

Hasselblad have just announced the H4D-40 DSLR (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/339-995A/?a=CM02&a=CM02)

I have decided against one, as its just a little too big, to fit in my camera bag

[Lory]

If any one has a spare £15K

Hasselblad have just announced the H4D-40 DSLR (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/339-995A/?a=CM02&a=CM02)

I have decided against one, as its just a little too big, to fit in my camera bag
I bet there's a few silly people out there, with more money than sense, who'll buy this camera, assuming that they have a good camera... they'll take a good pic! :rofl:

funnily enough, I was in 'Calumet' yesterday... OMG, what an intimidating place :sick: I was almost cringing, asking to try different lenses on my 9year year old D70 :blush:

[philsmove]

I was in 'Calumet' yesterday... OMG, what an intimidating place:

:yeah:

however they do run some very good workshops (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/p/events)

[Cruella]

Some of my latest attempts.

[Lory]

Some of my latest attempts.

These are fabulous Di!

I particularly love the the way the light catches the water, on the boating pics and you've got an amazing bokeh effect on the ducks! :worthy:

What lens were you using?

I'm feeling a bit :sad: after my visit to Calumet yesterday, having being told that, basically, its a waste of time for me to invest in new lenses and for what I want to achieve, I need to upgrade my camera and 'THEN' buy all the lenses!
When I asked the guy what sort of money he was talking about, he casually said, I reckon 5K should get you started........


its not the sort of place where you go.... WHAT!?! :really: :rofl:

[Bubble]

Some of my latest attempts.

I do like that squirrel picture. Did you have to bribe it with some nuts?


its not the sort of place where you go.... WHAT!?! :really: :rofl:

I think I would have said WHAT!?! rather than WHAT!?!


If you don't mind doing all the settings manually, check to see if your DSLR is backwards compatible with old 35mm lenses. If you can live without auto focus and auto everything else then there are some great bargains to be had as there are simply soooooo many old 35mm lenses on the market. Many of them are probably better quality than the latest fully compatible lenses which often feel 'plasticy' and poorly constructed compared to the older products. Make sure to try them in the shop first though as the difference between 35mm film and the DSLR sensor means that the focal length is different. When I've got some money I'll buy a Pentax or Samsung DSLR, that way all the k-mount lenses from my 35mm Pentax SLR will fit. You just can't beat Pentax in terms of backwards compatibility. :nice:

[Lory]

If you don't mind doing all the settings manually, check to see if your DSLR is backwards compatible with old 35mm lenses. My camera takes DX lenses, so auto focusing isn't an issue ;)

I'd kind of allowed myself a budget of around £300-400 but left the store realising that, even if I got the best lens in the world, my camera's sensors aren't good enough to be able to take full advantage

The young 'wizkid' behind the counter made it quite clear, that what I really needed to achieve the results I've been after, is a full frame camera, where by using the same lenses, you actually get more in the frame, at the same distance (complicated huh)

Even though I was feeling intimidated (with my ridiculously out of date equipment) the guy was really quite sweet and let me try out a selection of lenses on 'MY' camera......... but then he brought out the big boys toys for me to have a go with :yum:and it was at that point, my bottom lip dropped

I WANT A D300 :tears::tantrum::tears::tantrum:

[Cruella]

What lens were you using?


I only have the lens that came with the camera a basic Canon 18mm - 55mm.
I get frustrated by the lack of sharp focus though because it has no IS. I was warned that photography can be VERY expensive, I've only had the camera for 2 months and I already want to get another lens!
I don't think I'll be visiting Calumet just yet though, I'm not very good at resisting temptation! :sick:

[philsmove]

I WANT A D300 :tears::tantrum::tears::tantrum:

and I want a D3s :drool:

Lory, have you looked at a D90s, same sensor as the D300 but half the price, OK it has a "plastic" body and only an 11 point focus, limited high speed sync, no wireless connection to Camera control Pro and slower fps but if you need all of that, then you probably need a D700 which will take DX and FX lenses

For under £400 you can get a secondhand Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED* which would be fine on your D70. I have the 18-200mm on a D90s and am very pleased . For a fixed lens, I bough a second hand Nikon Micro Nikkor 55mm 55 mm f 2.8 3.5 AI Macro Lens for under £100

* beware this lens does suffer from "zoom creep" which is why i use the Macro lens sometimes

[Lory]

I've only had the camera for 2 months and I already want to get another lens!
The other night, a friend issued me with a warning. "don't get the 'lens buying bug', its a very slippery route with no return"
I had to laugh, as I've had the same lens that came with my camera for 9years!


and I want a D3s :drool: Don't we all! :wink:


then you probably need a D700 which will take DX and FX lensesI've just been looking at that. (although I don't know why I'm torturing myself really, as I've got much more important things to spend my money on at the moment.... but one likes to stay informed.. just incase a win fall should land on the doorstep! :D)


For under £400 you can get a secondhand Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED* which would be fine on your D70. I have the 18-200mm on a D90s and am very pleased . For a fixed lens, I bough a second hand Nikon Micro Nikkor 55mm 55 mm f 2.8 3.5 AI Macro Lens for under £100

Before visiting Calumet, I was almost convinced I wanted a 50mm f1.4 but after trying it out on my camera, I wasn't how I 'thought' it'd be. The 35mm 1.8 was nearer to what I was after but the sales guy made sense when he said, in the long term, I'd be wasting my money.

So, I'm going to hold off for a while and have a little re-think! ;)

[philsmove]

Before visiting Calumet, I was almost convinced I wanted a 50mm f1.4 but after trying it out on my camera, I wasn't how I 'thought' it'd be. The 35mm 1.8 was nearer to what I was after but the sales guy made sense when he said, in the long term, I'd be wasting my money.


To be honest,I think the sales man might be telling the truth, a 50mm f1.4 might be wasted on a D70
out of interest, what are you photographing that needs such a wide aperture lens

[Lory]

To be honest,I think the sales man might be telling the truth, a 50mm f1.4 might be wasted on a D70
out of interest, what are you photographing that needs such a wide aperture lens

I'm not a fan of using the flash, other than in direct sunlight (to eliminate dark shadows or to compensate against a strong backlight) Other than that, I hate the way it 'flattens' an image, shortens the DOF and looses all ambient atmosphere!
So the the wide aperture, was to maximise on the available light but after being used to an 18 - 70mm lens, I now realise how limiting having a fixed length of 50mm is (after my trials in the shop), I know i'd find having to adjust the distance I stand from the subject quite an issue and being that my camera isn't a 'full frame' it crop the image even more!

All the newer cameras, have better light sensors, so, the aperture wouldn't be such an issue!

Am I making any sense? :blush:

[philsmove]

Am I making any sense? :blush:

Yes Completely I used to use a D70 and upgrade to a D90 a year ago

the D90 is pretty good a low light, this was at ISO 3200 1/25 @ f 4.2 with 18- 200 zoom

at the risk of teaching granny to suck eggs if you are forced to use flash try bouncing it off something like a lastolite trigrip

[Lory]

Yes Completely Phew! :clap:


I used to use a D70 and upgrade to a D90 a year ago What's the reasons you upgraded and has the D90, met with your expectations?

I'm reticent to upgrade, unless the model is proven to be significantly better, in ALL ways (fussy?.... me? :innocent: )


the D90 is pretty good a low light, this was at ISO 3200 1/25 @ f 4.2 with 18- 200 zoom I like the the way none of the atmosphere is lost in this pic but as we know, having to use such a high ISO, we get a lot of graininess (personally having the option between a bit of grain and using the flash, I'd rather live with the grain ;) )

But, I would hope that the higher spec models would cut down on this?



at the risk of teaching granny to suck eggs if you are forced to use flash try bouncing it off something like a lastolite trigripGRANNY! :eek::wink:

Yes, I always try to use a light surface (wall/ceiling etc) if I HAVE to resort to flash and in fact, I do own an umbrella but its not exactly ideal, when you'd rather be capturing candid shots!

IMO reflectors and umbrellas etc, are more for a 'Studio' setup

[philsmove]

What's the reasons you upgraded and has the D90, met with your expectations?
Its was an impulse buy, at focus on imaging (http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/registration.htm) (£200 off retail) I loved the bigger LCD and the fact I can use live view with Camera Control. I recently borrowed my old D70 back, as a spare for a wedding and did not like it at all

The D90 has a lot more user friendly interfaces, if you want to use the custom options

nearly all my D70 shoots were in daylight ( ISO 200) and ended up on my previous company web site (http://www.bristolballoons.co.uk/flight/) so image quality was not a big issue


Personally having the option between a bit of grain and using the flash, I'd rather live with the grain But, I would hope that the higher spec models would cut down on this?
I also personally prefer the atmosphere with available light, but most clients seem to prefer the sharper pictures from flash



IMO reflectors and umbrellas etc, are more for a 'Studio' setup

:yeah:

the trigrip does need an assistant but it will allow you get an available light effect, when the available light isn't very available :waycool:

As to whether a D700 is going to much better than a D90 I think we need Feeling Pink to answer that

[Lory]

Its was an impulse buy
With no research? :really:

Ahh, you missed half the fun! :WetHaddock:

Well at least this is what I'm 'trying' to convince myself :wink:

[straycat]

I only have the lens that came with the camera a basic Canon 18mm - 55mm.
I get frustrated by the lack of sharp focus though because it has no IS. I was warned that photography can be VERY expensive, I've only had the camera for 2 months and I already want to get another lens!

At the risk of subjecting you to the lens bug - I ended up getting the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (http://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-ef-s-17-55-mm-f28-is-lens/). Which, iirc, cost me more than the camera, but is an utter joy to use. I was specifically after a good low-light lens, and I've not been disappointed.

Since then, I've had absolutely no desire to get another lens. Which is probably just as well....

[philsmove]

With no research? :really:
Ahh, you missed half the fun! :WetHaddock:



:rofl:
I had spent a lot of time on the Nikon stand playing with all their toys and chatting to there very knowledgeable guys first

[Cruella]

At the risk of subjecting you to the lens bug - I ended up getting the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (http://www.dphotojournal.com/canon-ef-s-17-55-mm-f28-is-lens/). Which, iirc, cost me more than the camera, but is an utter joy to use. I was specifically after a good low-light lens, and I've not been disappointed.

Since then, I've had absolutely no desire to get another lens. Which is probably just as well....
I have decided to not even start trying to do indoor photography, after the few dismal attempts with my current equipment. I too don't like flash, but I don't seem to be able to get enough light indoors without it to make a decent exposure. :sad:

[Feelingpink]

I have decided to not even start trying to do indoor photography, after the few dismal attempts with my current equipment. I too don't like flash, but I don't seem to be able to get enough light indoors without it to make a decent exposure. :sad:Do you like the idea of:
- being closer to window light?
- using a tripod, cable release and slower shutter speed?
- a video light or simply a desk lamp?
- new (shiny) equipment with stupidly high ISO (Canon's Mk IV or Nikon's D700 or D3s), athough realise it might not be within the average budget of Santa or the birthday fairy

There's also the option of off-camera flash with a portable softbox attached. It 'sounds' complicated, but with a bit of practice, gives lovely light for portraits and can be brilliant for lighting (or backlighting) dancing.

What are you trying to photograph?

[straycat]

I have decided to not even start trying to do indoor photography, after the few dismal attempts with my current equipment. I too don't like flash, but I don't seem to be able to get enough light indoors without it to make a decent exposure. :sad:

Which, with the wide maximum aperture & image stabilisation, is where a lens like this can be of quite some help...

[Gav]

I've had a DSLR for a few years and not done much with it (seemed like a good idea at the time :blush:).
I'm loving this thread so far, as I can dip in and out of it and you're mostly explaining it in ways that I've found easier to "get" than books or "expert" websites.
However, some of the earlier pictures seem to have disappeared. :confused:
Is there a reason they've gone and can we have them back please?

[rtwwpad]

Just switched from Canon to Nikon (expensive). D40 and D50 have both gone titsup when shooting clients. So it all turned up in shiny gold boxes after my shopping spree. Now the proud owner of a D3s and D700. Shocked that the 24-70 f2.8 isn't image stablised though. It was only released 3 years ago. Bit of a bummer, I'll have to remember how to handhold at focal length. :)

Have a look at getting items through Photolease.

Tried the new EOS IDmkIV at SWPP but it just felt too big in my hands and to be honest I prefer full frame.

Had a test run already but first new job with the Nikon is Saturday.

I have to admit the images are not as soft out of the camera and I shot a pic of my little girl at the top of the stairs when she woke up when I was checking it all out. Unbelievable at ISO6400. I couldn't see her to focus and its just incredible the amount of light this thing sees. As I couldn't see her properly I just let Autofocus do its job and it picked up one of the pictures behind her. So she was blurred but I could read the text on the image behind her, which is just ridicolous.

[philsmove]

. Now the proud owner of a D3s and D700. .

As someone about to buy a D3s or a D700 and is a bit reluctant to splash out on a D3s, apart from the very ISO values of the D3s, is there any difference the image quality of the the D3s v D700 at say ISO 3200 or 1600

for little girls at the top of stairs I wonder if set you the AF to single point it might do better ( so even with 51 point focus it still gets it wrong )

[Cruella]

Just switched from Canon to Nikon (expensive).
Got any old Canon lenses you want to give away? :whistle:

Now the proud owner of a D3s and D700. . That's about £5,000 on cameras! :what: (Where's the 'faint' smiley?) :wink:

[Lory]

However, some of the earlier pictures seem to have disappeared. :confused:
Is there a reason they've gone and can we have them back please?I don't know where they've gone :confused:


Now the proud owner of a D3s and D700.
Oooh, that's just greedy! :WetHaddock::wink:


Have a look at getting items through Photolease.Could you give some more details on this please :flower:


Unbelievable at ISO6400. I couldn't see her to focus and its just incredible the amount of light this thing sees. As I couldn't see her properly I just let Autofocus do its job and it picked up one of the pictures behind her. So she was blurred but I could read the text on the image behind her, which is just ridicolous.
How was the graininess?


As someone about to buy a D3s or a D700 and is a bit reluctant to splash out on a D3s, apart from the very ISO values of the D3s, is there any difference the image quality of the the D3s v D700 at say ISO 3200 or 1600


:yeah:

[philsmove]

Quite an interesting web site here
http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
covers everything form snappy happy's to the stuff most of us cant afford

[Cruella]

Quite an interesting web site here
http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm
covers everything form snappy happy's to the stuff most of us cant afford

I now know the benefit of stopping to FART first! :lol:

[rtwwpad]

Lory No real grain. Comparable to what you would see at ISO 800 on an EOS40D or EOS 50D.

Phil, I woudn't say there is much between them at 1600, 3200. Probably the D3s 3200 looks like 1600 or 1000 on the D700. It all depends what you want it for. However it really is incredible what can be achieved. I'm taking some sample shots over the weekend at a dance event (newbury) and will send them over if you pm me an email address.

Lory,

http://www.photolease.co.uk/pages/100/Home.htm

is the website. Its basically the same as leasing a car. I think they only deal with businesses which is how me and I think Phil_db make money. I run a ltd company and I simply pay on an agreed timescale. At the end of the time I pay one extra installment and the kit is mine. Free's up my cash as this big change just cost me 11K, and while I could afford for the company to pay that I would rather have cash reserves in the bank in case work dries up and a smallish outlay each month for the kit.

Crue, I will be selling the kit on ebay and using the average price on there as my target. If you want to make an offer on anything let me know beforehand. I'm a stickler for keeping my kit in top working condition. I'm also selling my printer (epson 7800) framing kit (morso, keencut excalibur, artist plus, cassesse underpinner and a couple of boxes of tools, mountboard and framing material). If you thought photogrpahy was expensive wait until you start framing. Moving into a different area of photography and need the space in my studio.

[Feelingpink]

As someone about to buy a D3s or a D700 and is a bit reluctant to splash out on a D3s, apart from the very ISO values of the D3s, is there any difference the image quality of the the D3s v D700 at say ISO 3200 or 1600

for little girls at the top of stairs I wonder if set you the AF to single point it might do better ( so even with 51 point focus it still gets it wrong )You might want to hang on a bit longer. There are rumours that Nikon will release a D700s in the next couple of weeks that will have dual card slots (good for card failure).

Something I also learned about focusing in workshops last week was focusing using the back button (Nikon & Canon), which separates the function of focusing from the shutter release. It means you can focus, recompose and then press the shutter. Takes about 60 shots before it's second nature and means much more accurate focus.

[philsmove]

. There are rumours that Nikon will release a D700s .
or a D700x which would meet my requirements (but probably not my pocket ), or may be a D800,
perhaps i should wait for the D4:whistle:

[Lory]

or a D700x which would meet my requirements (but probably not my pocket ), or may be a D800,
perhaps i should wait for the D4:whistle:

I got a Sony TX1 just before Xmas (a lovely little compact) and now they've just brought out a new one, which has annoying tweeked some of the area's that were on my 'could be better' list! :banghead::banghead::banghead:

Still, I console myself with the fact, I've got some pic/video's, that capture some great moments, that I wouldn't have, if I didn't have a camera at all! ;)

[Cruella]

Crue, I will be selling the kit on ebay and using the average price on there as my target. If you want to make an offer on anything let me know beforehand. .
I suspect your Canon kit is still way above my price limit and needs just yet. :wink:

I'm going for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS next. I want to do candid shots and this seems to suit my budget at present.

[Lory]

Now the proud owner of a D3s and D700. And I had the 'absolute' pleasure of playing with these big boys, when I met rtwwpad and he was kind enough to let me loose with them!

I'm now very very jealous but have decided that I'm not that greedy, the D700 on its own, will do just me fine :innocent: Oh, and the lens.. of course!

It was lovely to meet you Phil and thank once again! :cheers: :hug:

[rtwwpad]

That was the 12-24 f2.8 that you liked so much. Its a great lens. Will post you some pics when I get chance.

Lovely to meet and dance :drool: with you as well.

See you at Camber.

[rtwwpad]

Go here to see the D700 image from last night. Remember there is no flash and those who were there can testify as to the ambient light around.

http://forum.cerocscotland.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2865&ppuser=3943

Lory grabbed this great shot of Dave and a lady whose name escapes me.

http://forum.cerocscotland.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2866&ppuser=3943

[Cruella]

Go here to see the D700 image from last night. Remember there is no flash and those who were there can testify as to the ambient light around.


Wow, that's pretty impressive for handheld at 1/20th. If I tried that on my D400 with no flash, it would be a big black blob!

[Lory]

Go here to see the D700 image from last night. Remember there is no flash and those who were there can testify as to the ambient light around.

http://forum.cerocscotland.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2865&ppuser=3943

Lory grabbed this great shot of Dave and a lady whose name escapes me.

http://forum.cerocscotland.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2866&ppuser=3943
Fab photo's even if I say so myself :waycool: But sadly, was definitely more down to the camera than my expertise! ;)

And BTW, the lovely lady is Sharon. I don't think she's on the forum though!

[Lory]

OK, I've managed to get a used Canon EOS 400D for £255! Bargain!

I had my first experience of using a Canon yesterday. My Brother-in-law picked up a 350D going cheap and promptly handed it to me to give it a test run, as he's never used an SLR before.

Anyway, I was really impressed. Its very light and easy to use, although I confess, I didn't go into manual mode at all, as I couldn't be bothered to read the manual :blush:

Anyway, I took this pic as the sun was setting yesterday, which I absolutely love! :na:

[Whitebeard]

I had my first experience of using a Canon yesterday. My Brother-in-law picked up a 350D going cheap and promptly handed it to me to give it a test run, as he's never used an SLR before.

Anyway, I was really impressed. Its very light and easy to use, although I confess, I didn't go into manual mode at all, as I couldn't be bothered to read the manual :blush:

Anyway, I took this pic as the sun was setting yesterday, which I absolutely love! :na:

Great photo :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Lory]

Back to the subject of 'which SLR'..

ever since rtwwpad let me play with his Nikon D700, I've been suffering from green-eyed monster sydrome :sick:

And I just can't stop myself from keep looking for deals, anyway last night I came across this http://www.kuoeshop.com/goods.php?id=493

Only 800 Euros!! :what::clap:

Far to good to just let it pass.. so I read everything through carefully and thought, if I pay by credit card, I'll be covered by insurance etc BUT although it shows all the major credit cards, when it comes to paying, you're only offered two options, Paypal VIP or Bankers draft :eyebrow:

This raised my suspicions, so I dug a little further and found THIS (http://exposedscammers.wordpress.com/tag/kuoeshop/):tears::tears:

[foxylady]

This raised my suspicions, so I dug a little further and found THIS (http://exposedscammers.wordpress.com/tag/kuoeshop/):tears::tears:

Thank goodness you are tech savvy enough to 1. be suspicious and 2. dig further !!
These sites prey on the naivety of the average internet user..

[Lory]

Thank goodness you are tech savvy enough to 1. be suspicious and 2. dig further !!


I'm still gutted though! :tears:

[Lory]

Hmmm, interesting rumour....

http://nikonrumors.com/2009/08/29/which-one-is-it-going-to-be-nikon-d700s-vs-nikon-d700x.aspx

If this happens soon, the D700 is bound to come down in price :yum::clap:

But then again, I know I'll probably get the 'green eyed monster' again, when I see the new model! :doh:

[philsmove]

If this happens soon, the D700 is bound to come down in price :yum::clap:



I am not sure. I suspect the new D700 will be more expensive than the current one, and there will still be be a demand for the exising model, from those who do not want to pay extra for something they are not going to use

From the same web site


Basically it will be D700 with 12Mpix and HD video better then D3s and dual cards slots. It will be available first half of 2010


This ties up with what the manager of my local Calumet manager thinks, he says

By the end of 2010 all Nikons will have video and Nikon are content with 12 mega whatnots

A low use D700 went for under £1000 on e bay recently

[Lory]

I suspect the new D700 will be more expensive than the current one,
that goes without saying but, I was just hoping that there maybe some deals to be had, once the new one's been released

BTW.. changing the subject.. here's something you might be interested in http://www.forwardevents.co.uk/photovision/bristol.php
I'm hoping to go to the one at Hatfield house next month, tickets are FREE, you just have to register! :flower:

I don't know what it'll be like but its not too far from me and it'll be a day out! :)

[philsmove]

here's something you might be interested in
:cheers:

Thank you, despite the fact the venues is virtually next door. I was completely unaware of the event

[Cruella]

BTW.. changing the subject.. here's something you might be interested in http://www.forwardevents.co.uk/photovision/bristol.php
I'm hoping to go to the one at Hatfield house next month, tickets are FREE, you just have to register! :flower:

Ooh, there's one in Coventry too, I wonder if I can get the day off work? :grin:
Thanks Lory. X

[Feelingpink]

...I don't know what it'll be like but its not too far from me and it'll be a day out! :)I'll be very surprised if you don't see lots of men with Jessops camera bags and their latest camera and 70-200 lens slung around their necks, as well as more backpacks than you can poke a stick at. They will probably be wearing walking trousers and cagouls and many will have beards. You will find the heaviest concentration of them around a lighting stand with a demonstration of a scantily clad young female model, taking their own photographs, despite the fact the light isn't firing when they are shooting.

There could even be teams of three scrawny young men in tight blue bathing suits advertising an insurance company. :what:

Guy Gowan is doing some presenting: he knows his onions and has some great PS techniques (if you avoid him explaining how much you need to buy his actions). :sick:

[philsmove]

They will probably be wearing walking trousers and cagouls and many will have beards.:

:rofl:
I shaved my beard off years ago :blush:

[Lory]

I'll be very surprised if you don't see lots of men with Jessops camera bags and their latest camera and 70-200 lens slung around their necks, as well as more backpacks than you can poke a stick at. They will probably be wearing walking trousers and cagouls and many will have beards.

:rofl: I shall make it my mission to take undercover shots of them, to post here, for your amusement! :wink:

p.s. I've watched some video's of Guy Gowan HERE (http://vimeo.com/6098333) he comes across as a bit of a cocky git but in actual fact, I tend to have the same philosophy as him..

... like him, I'm not what you'd call a 'purist', as I tend to see taking photo's as only the first part, of making an appealing image.
But, I've since found out, (on another forum) that that opinion, is almost as bad as 'hand bouncing' is, on this forum! :rofl:

[Lory]

:rofl:
I shaved my beard off years ago :blush:
shhhh.....rtwwpad's got one! :whistle:

[philsmove]

I tend to see taking photo's as only the first part, of making an appealing image.


"The best art is not always the most realistic"

I see no problem in taking a high quality photograph , or more often a set of photographs, that you intend to modify later, in the darkroom or PS

But too many people are sloppy in creating the original image, intending to try and correct their errors later with with photo editing software

[Feelingpink]

:rofl: I shall make it my mission to take undercover shots of them, to post here, for your amusement! :wink:

p.s. I've watched some video's of Guy Gowan HERE (http://vimeo.com/6098333) he comes across as a bit of a cocky git but in actual fact, I tend to have the same philosophy as him..

... like him, I'm not what you'd call a 'purist', as I tend to see taking photo's as only the first part, of making an appealing image.
But, I've since found out, (on another forum) that that opinion, is almost as bad as 'hand bouncing' is, on this forum! :rofl:Awwww, I'd love to see some undercover shots ... unless those insurance chaps are there, in which case, definitely no. Agree that post-production work is great - and take the view that get it right in camera and anything else is enhancement. It's usually the attitude of lax basic photography because you 'can' fix it in photoshop, that is worthy of bad press. :blush:

[Lory]

It's usually the attitude of lax basic photography because you 'can' fix it in photoshop, that is worthy of bad press. :blush:
I can understand that but then again, for me, its all about capturing 'the moment' and there's absolutely no doubt whatsoever, if I were a more skilled photographer and quicker at setting up my camera, things would be a lot easier :yeah:
But sadly I'm not, so for now, I'll settle for a shot that's slightly inferior in quality, as long as I capture the moment. And I admit, I often look at the histogram on the back of the camera and think... that's OK, I'll sort that out in PS :blush:

[Lory]

I like this :waycool::D

http://laughingsquid.com/canon-ef-lens-travel-mug/

[philsmove]

... that's OK, I'll sort that out in PS :blush:
:naughty:

[Lory]

:naughty:
Bahhhh! :WetHaddock:

If you shoot in RAW and your white balance is a bit off and its slightly underexposed but you capture a fabulous moment (that you'd have missed, if you'd been fiddling about :banghead: ) then SO WHAT?

...the point is, I get there 'in the end! :wink:

[philsmove]

Bahhhh! :WetHaddock:

If you shoot in RAW and your white balance is a bit off and its slightly underexposed but you capture a fabulous moment (that you'd have missed, if you'd been fiddling about :banghead: ) then SO WHAT?

...the point is, I get there 'in the end! :wink:

Absolutely I never worry about WB in RAW

[Lory]

As most of us into photography will already know, Adobe are about to release CS5!! Which on one hand, makes me feel like :yum: :clap: but on the other hand :banghead: as I know I'll suffer CS5 envy, until the day I upgrade :blush:

But until then, you can join me tormenting myself by tuning in watching stuff like this http://www.photoshopuser.com/cs5 (I bet that rtwwpad, has pre-ordered his upgrade already :devil:)

BTW, is anyone a member of NAPP (mention in the above video), if so, is it worth it?

[philsmove]

Hmmm, interesting rumour....



here is another

http://nikonrumors.com/2010/04/15/rumors-started-flowing-3-new-nikon-dlsr-in-the-pipeline.aspx

[Lory]

here is another

http://nikonrumors.com/2010/04/15/rumors-started-flowing-3-new-nikon-dlsr-in-the-pipeline.aspx

I don't get the Nikon numbering system, can anyone shed any light on it, it seems to me that they just pluck random numbers out of the sky :rolleyes:

[DavidY]

I don't get the Nikon numbering system, can anyone shed any light on itI think it's explained fully here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK6pPw1pGEE).

[rtwwpad]

As most of us into photography will already know, Adobe are about to release CS5!! Which on one hand, makes me feel like :yum: :clap: but on the other hand :banghead: as I know I'll suffer CS5 envy, until the day I upgrade :blush:

But until then, you can join me tormenting myself by tuning in watching stuff like this http://www.photoshopuser.com/cs5 (I bet that rtwwpad, has pre-ordered his upgrade already :devil:)

BTW, is anyone a member of NAPP (mention in the above video), if so, is it worth it?

NAPP probably isn't worth it as they very rarely come to the UK, their deals are all for Americans not Europeans and their nice magazine has become a clunky Zinio e-publication.

I would recommend Kelby Training (still Scott and the boys) which has lots of videos on photoshop, lightroom and photography in general. Its a better spend of money.

Having said that if you can go to the 3 day photoshop world conference you will probably take your PS to a whole new level. I did a day with Ben Willmore when NAPP deigned to come over two years ago and it was mind blowingly good. Seriously, I don't go overboard when describing things, but he was such an incredible teacher.

No CS5 yet, going to wait for Lightroom 3 to come out and then buy in a bundle.

[philsmove]

.

I would recommend Kelby Training (still Scott and the boys) which has lots of videos on photoshop, lightroom and photography in general. Its a better spend of money.
.
:yeah:

http://www.kelbytraining.com/

[Lory]

I think it's explained fully here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK6pPw1pGEE).

Ahhhhhhhh of course! :doh:

[Lory]

ever since rtwwpad let me play with his Nikon D700, I've been suffering from green-eyed monster sydrome :sick:


Well, after some extensive research, a bit of soul searching and a reality check, I've realised that I don't really 'need' a camera with such a high spec (and price tag to match)

So, I'm currently looking at these two models

The Nikon D90 and the Canon 550d. Both have fantastic reviews and both come out tops, for different reasons.

I'm erring towards the Canon, as I like taking video's, as well as pics and this does well in both catagories, where as the Nikon, get 'slightly' better reviews on the pic but terrible reviews for vids

But, then again, I already have some Nikon gear and I'd have to start from scratch with the Canon.

But, then again, the Canon, is cheaper to start with...

I'm off to the photoshow at Hatfield tomorrow, and will hopefully be able to see them both up close and maybe even have a go with them.

Has anyone got any thoughts?

[rtwwpad]

how much have you spent on lens and accessories so far for Nikon?

What type of photography do you want to do?

If its stuff on tripods then camera in hand feel isn't so important. If its portraiture or child portraiture you want something that's comfortable in the hand and which you can use easily.

Canon has a better lens line-up. Nikon lenses are sharper to my mind but not such a great selection.

Accessories and lenses could be bought on ebay.

Pretty much most of the time you will end up in Ae, Tv or M modes. As long as you have that functionality then that's what's important.

Do you want video for home use or is it just for youtube?

Does the type of photography require high shutter bursts. Quick AF etc.

On paper the newer 550d looks better but it has a smaller buffer and cannot take photos as quickly as the Nikon. But it is 18 mp against 13 mpixels, so if you like cropping and printing big you have more to work with.

[Lory]

Good questions :)
how much have you spent on lens and accessories so far for Nikon? Very little, in the grand scheme of things.. I have an 18-70mm lens, a SB600 flash (which, for all I know, could be compatible with the Canon... which would be very handy) and a shed load of CompactFlash cards, none of which are compatible


What type of photography do you want to do?Hmmm a bit of everything really


If its stuff on tripods then camera in hand feel isn't so important.I've got a tripod and know I should use it more often but I'm far too spontaneous and I hardly ever use it!


If its portraiture or child portraiture you want something that's comfortable in the hand and which you can use easily.I agree.


Canon has a better lens line-up. Nikon lenses are sharper to my mind but not such a great selection.I've seen various deals on the Canon with twin lens bundles, like this deal HERE (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Digital%20SLRs/products/Canon/EOS%20550D%20Twin%20Lens%20Bundle-77207/Show.html?tduid=490ab6f22be74929ae523abc7bc2bb8a&url=http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/Digital%20SLRs/products/Canon/EOS%20550D%20Twin%20Lens%20Bundle-77207/Show.html)


Accessories and lenses could be bought on ebay.I'm always nervous buying expensive stuff on Ebay


Pretty much most of the time you will end up in Ae, Tv or M modes. As long as you have that functionality then that's what's important.You've just pointed out another thing.. I'm going to have to learn 'Canon speak' if I go for the 550d


Do you want video for home use or is it just for youtube?Both for sure.


Does the type of photography require high shutter bursts. Quick AF etc.Nothing like motor racing or fast sports, so both sound more than adequate


But it is 18 mp against 13 mpixels, so if you like cropping and printing big you have more to work with.This is a a big plus for me, as I often like to 're-think' the crop, in the post processing but seeing as I'm coming from a mere 6mpixels, I'm sure I'll be more than happy with 13 :nice:

[philsmove]

I have a D90 which i use most of the time with the Nikon VR 18-200 Zoom
This has the very big advantage of rarely having to change lenses. Admittedly at 200mm it’s a bit soft
For wide angle I have the sigma 10-20 zoom
Most of the comparison reviews, i have read, suggest there is not a big difference between Cannons 18 mp and Nikons 12 mp sensor. Cannon might be slightly better for resolution but Nikon has better colour depth This may be why a D3s has only 12 mp. With the 18-200 Zoom I rarely have to crop the image too much

The D90 is very well built with plenty of features. You will find it a very big improvement on your D70

The D90's big weakness, as you say is video, and I suspect their next camera will address this, so, if you can, try and hang on a bit

Not sure if your SB 600 will fit a Cannon but you would get about ~ £160 for it on eBay

I don’t know how Nikons brilliant i-TTL flash compares with Cannon

One difference you will notice comparing the D90 with the D700 is the view finder
Good luck

[rtwwpad]

Have a look here for deals. Don't go to Jessops.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/digital-slr-cameras-canon-eos-550d/b3065-m37-r2371#first

http://www.parkcameras.com/Search/EOS+550D/Category/Canon+EOS/

I would suggest going for Canon lenses rather than Tamron. Tamron are alright but the Canon one should be Image Stabalised, which will make a difference.

Sell your flash and get a new one - don't bother trying to make it work with wireless transmitters.

You'll find using a tripod will make you think about the shot more. If you go for a Canon. Make sure you buy the 50mm f1.4 lens. It will improve your photography no end. No zoom means you walk forward and back to get the cropping right and like a tripod it slows down the framing process. It also allows you to have fun with depth of field and again this will develop your skills. I found after about 2-3 weeks of using it, my photography went up leaps and bounds.

Its like going to Ceroc 1/ a week and then going for your first weekender :)

[philsmove]

. Tamron are alright

:yeah:

This was take with the Tameron 70-300 It would be shaprer with the Nikon 300mm f2.8 VR II but the Nikon lens cost ~£5000

but do NOT buy the Tameron 18 -200 its auto focus is very very slow compared to the Nikon 18 200

[clevedonboy]

Some Tamrons are good some are awful, so are some Canon Lenses & so are some from Sigma - research is the name of the game.

The 550 does look rather tempting - I've got a 30d & have resisted upgrading to the 50d but at under £600 the 550 does push a few button - the HD video would be good for nature stuff, especially when paired with the long lens I have & it's small size would be handy for times I don't want to take the big body (I think I'd keep the 30d for a lot of stuff though as it's still a cracking camera that will work better for hand holding with the heavier lenses I have). That said the 7d is edging down towards the £1000 mark ....

[philsmove]

Some Tamrons are good some are awful, so are some Canon Lenses & so are some from Sigma ....
So play safe and stick to Nikon :whistle:

[Lory]

I'm off to the photoshow at Hatfield tomorrow, and will hopefully be able to see them both up close and maybe even have a go with them.


OMG, what a joke.... a photoshow, with not one single camera, or lens, in sight :what:

It should really have been called 'the photobook' show, as 80% of the stands were on those, plus printing and paper etc.

We went to the seminar by Guy Gowan and FeelingPink, you were quite right, he's an arrogant son of a bitch.
He turned up 40mins late and with no apology, started showing his stuff, then about 20mins into his lecture (when people had already been sitting for well over an hour) he had the cheek to look around and say.. "I used to look like you lot when I lived in the UK.... tired all the time. Now, I get up at 4am and I'm full of energy :waycool: "
It took every ounce of self composure, to stop myself from saying out loud....BUT YOU STILL DIDN'T MAKE IT HERE ON TIME, DID YOU :angry:

Thankfully, after that we went for a coffee and I got chatting to this really lovely guy, who was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of camera's, lenses and photography and I managed to pick his brains to pieces. :innocent:
Anyway in the end, it turns out he teaches photography and we got on so well, that I might book a day with him, (he wasn't selling himself, he just happened to be there) so my day wasn't entirely wasted. ;)

We didn't hang about for any more seminars, as it was too crowded.

[clevedonboy]

If you're interested in the 550d then this article makes interesting reading - esentially, the conclussion is that if you don't want high burst rates then the 7d is not really worth the extra dosh ....

http://www.digitalrev.com/en/canon-eos-550d-vs-dot-7d-c-which-one-is-right-for-you-5244-article

And anyone looking for a Nikon d5000 with the kit lens might want to check out Jacobs stores who are selling it for £480 + £50 cashback, very nice price

[philsmove]

If this happens soon, the D700 is bound to come down in price :yum::clap:


http://www.nikon.co.uk/sites/D700Grip/default.html

[Lory]

If you're interested in the 550d
I've done it! :eek:

I've 'ORDERED' it! :devil:

I saw a good deal, where very bizarrely, the camera body 'with' the kit lens, is actually £120 'cheaper' than 'the body' alone.......work that one out :confused: HERE (http://electronics.simplyelectronics.net/search?w=canon+550d&asug=&currency=gbp)


Its definitely the cheapest I've seen it. (and I won't thank anyone who finds it cheaper :angry: ) and I'll have to save up for a/some better lenses at a later date! ;)

So that's it, let the waiting game commence! :yum:

[clevedonboy]

Sounds good - don't forget the £50 cashback from Canon as well http://www.canon.co.uk/eosspringcashback/?WT.ac=3378_EOS_500_550_50D_cashback_v1.swf

[Cruella]

I got chatting to this really lovely guy, .... we got on so well, that I might book a day with him, (he wasn't selling himself, he just happened to be there) so my day wasn't entirely wasted. ;) .
:whistle:

[Lory]

:whistle:

You're only jealous.....

...cos I might become a better photographer! :devil: :wink:

[Feelingpink]

...

Thankfully, after that we went for a coffee and I got chatting to this really lovely guy, who was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of camera's, lenses and photography and I managed to pick his brains to pieces. :innocent:
Anyway in the end, it turns out he teaches photography and we got on so well, that I might book a day with him, (he wasn't selling himself, he just happened to be there) so my day wasn't entirely wasted. ;) ... Can I ask who it was? :whistle:

[Lory]

Can I ask who it was? :whistle:

:naughty: :D

[Feelingpink]

:naughty: :DPut it this way ... there are at least 10 of my FB friends who offer photographic training. :grin:

[Lory]

I've 'ORDERED' it! :devil:

So that's it, let the waiting game commence!

And wait I did! :banghead::banghead:

But not anymore..... after numerous frustrating phonecalls and email exchanges, with a bunch of complete *uc£@%G @R$eHolz I've cancelled my order

So I'm making a trip to the most intimidating shop in London (Camulet :sick: ) to buy one this afternoon! :blush:

Take my advise and do yourselves a favour my friends! NEVER buy anything from SimplyElectronics! :angry:

[Lory]

Its no good, just rang them and they're out of stock, with an estimated 2-5 weeks before they get anymore! :tears::tears::tears:

[rtwwpad]

Its no good, just rang them and they're out of stock, with an estimated 2-5 weeks before they get anymore! :tears::tears::tears:

I didnt want to upset you but SimplyElectronics are crap and if you get it it will be a grey import. No English manuals ever supplied. As I said try Warehouse Express or Park Cameras. Lovely, quick and usually in stock.

Phil

[Barry]

I didnt want to upset you but SimplyElectronics are crap and if you get it it will be a grey import. No English manuals ever supplied. As I said try Warehouse Express or Park Cameras. Lovely, quick and usually in stock.

Phil

I am very concerned having read your comment Phil.

I recently ordered a Sony A230 which i received promptly yesterday. The packaging is Sony and has a sony seal on it too - but i'm concerned that you say they supply "grey imports" as it is a gift i need to be sure is legit, but now i'm thinking i should just send it back within its 14 day money back guarantee and buy it from Argos (which is only £3 more). I would be grateful if you could quantify as to why you have made this remark. I am grateful that you have posted it as it now makes me question what have bought & whether it is a legit Sony product.

[Lory]

I am very concerned having read your comment Phil.

I recently ordered a Sony A230 which i received promptly yesterday. The packaging is Sony and has a sony seal on it too - but i'm concerned that you say they supply "grey imports" as it is a gift i need to be sure is legit, but now i'm thinking i should just send it back within its 14 day money back guarantee and buy it from Argos (which is only £3 more). I would be grateful if you could quantify as to why you have made this remark. I am grateful that you have posted it as it now makes me question what have bought & whether it is a legit Sony product.
I'm sorry to butt in Barry, I know the question wasn't aimed at me but believe me, if you have any issues with the product and need to contact customers services in the future, I just hope you don't have the experience that I've had with them

As I explained in the 'what made you frown today' thread, the team of helpers are next to useless!

[philsmove]

..... whether it is a legit Sony product.


Almost certainly a genuine Sony Product but it might not have the full manufacturers warranty

here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market) is a good summery of grey imports

You can check if Nikon stuff is warranted by trying to register it with them

[rtwwpad]

Almost certainly a genuine Sony Product but it might not have the full manufacturers warranty

here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_market) is a good summery of grey imports

You can check if Nikon stuff is warranted by trying to register it with them

Sorry Barry, on a secure site today so no access. Phil's pretty much covered it. I fell foul after buying a Panasonic video camera off them a couple of years ago. Instructions in some language I didn't recognise. Panasonic would recognise the guarantee as it was worldwide but it was £35 to get an English manual. It went back and I got it elsewhere.

The goods are legit, just the warranty or manuals which may not be suitable for the UK.

[Barry]

I contacted Simply Electronics and got this feedback

"Thank you for your email.

With regards to your concern, we would like to inform you that we don't offer a price match for our items as all of our products are already at its most competitive value.

As a gesture of goodwill, we would like to offer you a free ng SanDisk 4GB microSDHC Memory Card. We hope that this is acceptable.

On the other hand, although our products are UK specification they may be sourced from overseas. Therefore the manufacturers warranty and registration is no longer valid. Hence the reason why all products sold from us is inclusive of 12 month in house warranty. We would like to assure you however, that the goods you have purchased are covered from receipt of the order. In the event of a manufacturing defect with your purchase, you will still enjoy the benefits of a dedicated after sales, and repair service.


Meanwhile, should you have further queries, please feel free to email us again.


Best Regards,
Elyce
Customer Service Executive"

Suffice to say i am not at all happy that it does not have a manufacturers warranty i have now returned the goods and await the credit!

So a big thank you to guys :respect:
and thank god i looked on this thread! :wink:

[martingold]

I didnt want to upset you but SimplyElectronics are crap and if you get it it will be a grey import. No English manuals ever supplied. As I said try Warehouse Express or Park Cameras. Lovely, quick and usually in stock.

Phil

Or The camera world (http://www.cameraworld.co.uk/) they might not be the cheapest but their customer service will be second to none

[Lory]

Just another word of warning, my friend ordered a camera from 'CameraBox', paying extra for next day delivery.
when it didn't turn up the next day, or the next, she rang and thankfully spoke to someone far more helpful than mine with Simply Electronics but after trying to waffle on with excuses for a while, my friend managed to get him to tell her straight, that they didn't even have any in stock.
Then she googled CameraBox reviews and complaints and was shocked to see literally thousands of posts of complaint!
She immediately cancelled and ordered from someone else

Back to my camera. I got it in the end at the airport, in Dixons, where I have to say, I cannot fault the service.
The girl who served me, even took the trouble to extremely carefully dismantle
the box, to fit flat in my case, cos I'm a fussy moo and wanted to keep it. At the same time, someone else put the fiddley strap on for me and attached the lens..... all this done with nice smiles! :respect:


First thoughts on the camera... I love it and I'm getting real pleasure from some of the pics I've taken so far!

There's just a couple niggles...

..on video mode, the auto-focus is next to useless if you are filming any sort of action or panning round, as for example, if someone walks infront of the camera, there's a great clunking tzzz tzzzzz, as the camera re focuses in and out.

So, to get the best results, you have to manually focus and this is proving to be a skill that requires a certain level of practice and PATIENTS! :cool: Its probably something that'll become instinctive 'in time' but at the moment, its taking all my powers of concentration and the serious need for 'glasses'! :banghead:
(its definitely not suitable for someone with a 'point and shoot' mentality )
Also, you can't look through the viewfinder in video mode, you have to look at the screen, which isn't very easy, when its bright sun!
I had instant 'gadget envy' when I saw Mas parading around with his closed cup magnifier attached to his :devil:

Also, due to the sheer size of files, it ate a 16mb card, in less than a single day :eek: (a huge thank you to Mr Darcy, for allowing me to come around and dump :rofl: )

Still, nobody every said photography was a cheap hobby!

[Barry]

I ended up getting a Sony A230 from Argos! £269.00 + free Bag worth £49.99 - damn sight better than the Simplyelectronics one!!

thanks again!:respect:

[Barry]

i do find it ironic that Simplyelectronics are advertised on the forum! :wink:

[Lory]

I'm off to the London CS5 roadshow event tomorrow, which has morning and afternoon session held in a cinema (2 different sessions I believe)

I haven't got a clue what it'll be like..

if I'll learn anything?

be bombarded by one long advert?

if I'll understand any of it?

or be bored and fall asleep, with the lack of real content?

Anyway, its free and I've got a ticket, so nothing ventured, nothing gained ;) and I'm going on my own, so I can always leave if its a load of rubbish :D

[Lory]

I'm off to the London CS5 roadshow event tomorrow, which has morning and afternoon session held in a cinema (2 different sessions I believe) Not sure anyone else actually reads this thread anymore but anyway, I went and to answer my own questions

I wonder if.............


if I'll learn anything?Well, I learnt about CS5's new 'puppet warp' which is amazing but not something I desire that much


I'll be bombarded by one long advert?I was, but by way of a tutorial/demo, to showcase the new features, which was fine


I'll understand any of it?I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing but apart from the puppet warp, I already knew about everything the guy spoke about and the annoying thing was, the presenter, is one of the top guys in Adobe and has already published some of the exact demonstrations, using the same images on Youtube :rolleyes:
But I could tell by the gasps, oohs, arghs and enthusiastic clapping, that for a large percentage of the 'packed' cinema, it was their first time


or be bored and fall asleep, with the lack of real content?A little bit.


Anyway, its free and I've got a ticket, so nothing ventured, nothing gained ;) and I'm going on my own, so I can always leave if its a load of rubbish :D
I'm glad I went, as in a way, its boosted my confidence.. I really do know quite a bit now! :waycool: :innocent:
And. p.s. as a bonus, I got a free, coffee, badge, lollypop and a 'BALL' :confused:

[philsmove]

Not sure anyone else actually reads this thread anymore


O yes we do

but did you find any special offers
I currently using Lightroom + Elements

£600 is a lot of dosh, when I know i will only use about 10% of its capability

[Lory]

O yes we doOh good, as there was this weird echoing in here and it felt very lonely :tears:


but did you find any special offers No, nothing much, there were only a few stands outside and they were mainly selling training. One for for Mac workstations with double screens etc.. very nice :waycool: but way out of my league!
There were a couple of printing company's too. The funny thing was, a guy on one of the stands asked me, "so what do you do"? and to save the embarrassment of saying, I'm a hairdresser and him talking to me like I'm an idiot. I said, I'm a photographer and he replied, Oh, we've had quite a few photographers here today........
Well, ya don't say! :lol:



£600 is a lot of dosh, when I know i will only use about 10% of its capabilityVery true! Most of the stuff they showed, 'can' be done in CS4, it would simply take a little longer that's all!

Anyway, changing the subject completely, I'm really pleased, I've just found exactly what I've been looking for and this one won't break the bank! :clap:
http://www.cameraclean.co.uk/products.php?cat=LCD+Hoods

[clevedonboy]

Beware of the lcd hoods - I had one for my eos 30d & frankly it was a waste of time - I ditched it almost as soon as I got it, you may have a better experience but remember that under sistance seeling regs you should be able to return it if it doesn't work as well as you hope.

re PS Cs5 I can't see the point of it anymore for the sort of work I do Lightroom does just about everything I need. Obviously if you want to do more creative post production work PS is a great tool

[philsmove]

Lightroom does just about everything I need.

Agreed. nearly everything

But its no good for

Removing all the Heath and safety warning signs and other politically correct notices, that seem to clutter up a lot of my shots

It certainly is no good for removing Uncle Fred , who is now persona no gratis from the wedding group

Elements is OK but it does not seem to have been designed to integrate with Lightroom very well

[Lory]

Beware of the lcd hoods - I had one for my eos 30d & frankly it was a waste of time - I ditched it almost as soon as I got it, I only want it for one specific use.. filming in bright situations, where one can't use the normal viewfinder, as in video mode, the mirror is in the up position, so you have to use the LCD display, that together with the fact, if you want anything more than a very amateurish end result, you have to manual focus, which is proving to be very difficult, when the LCD display is hard to see.
I wouldn't wish to use it for anything else, as I don't particularly like the 'live view' mode anyway




re PS Cs5 I can't see the point of it anymore for the sort of work I do Lightroom does just about everything I need.


Agreed. nearly everything

But its no good for

Removing all the Heath and safety warning signs and other politically correct notices, that seem to clutter up a lot of my shots

It certainly is no good for removing Uncle Fred , who is now persona no gratis from the wedding group

Maybe you really do need it then :wink:

Look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH0aEp1oDOI (Uncle Fred, watch out! :devil: )

[Tiggerbabe]

Wow! Bye, bye, Uncle Fred :waycool:

[clevedonboy]

I only want it for one specific use.. filming in bright situations, where one can't use the normal viewfinder, as in video mode, the mirror is in the up position, so you have to use the LCD display, that together with the fact, if you want anything more than a very amateurish end result, you have to manual focus, which is proving to be very difficult, when the LCD display is hard to see.

I'd speculate that a tripod with a fluid head is what you need in that case (unless you like the work of Paul Greengrass). The hood over the LCD will be of little use to you when the sun is behind you & it's amazing how often it is. Mount on a tripod & you can usually arrange matters so that there is a shadow over the lcd (a bit of card can be very useful & doubles to reduce lens flare as well)

[philsmove]

I'd speculate that a tripod with a fluid head is what you need

No NO
what she want is one of these (http://blog.digitalcontentproducer.com/nab/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/steadicam-pilot.jpg)

they only cost £4,000

that's just for the steadicam the Camera is extra

[clevedonboy]

No NO
what she want is one of these (http://blog.digitalcontentproducer.com/nab/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/steadicam-pilot.jpg)

they only cost £4,000

that's just for the steadicam the Camera is extra

I think you'd look a bit of a tit using one of those with a 550d at Alton Towers :wink:

[philsmove]

I think you'd look a bit of a tit using one of those with a 550d at Alton Towers :wink:
Have you tried a tripod on the Ripsaw

(Sorry Lory, you can delete these)

[Lory]

I'd speculate that a tripod with a fluid head is what you need I've got one.

But putting the camera on a tripod, has no effect whatsoever on making the LCD screen clearer to see on a sunny day :rolleyes:... but I agree, if the situation allows for the use of a tripod whilst filming, the results will always be better ;)

[Lory]

Have you tried a tripod on Ripsaw

(Sorry Lory, you can delete these)

I've tried a tripod but I do rather fancy a steady-cam :waycool: (just another thing to add to my ever growing 'wish list' :na: )

[Lory]

OK, I confess I'm not showing you this video for any other reason than to ask you all....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvnfwPhK34Y&feature=player_embedded#!




WHAT THE HELL HAS HE GOT ON HIS HEAD? :what:
IS IT A SHAGPILE CARPET?:lol::lol:

[Beowulf]

WHAT THE HELL HAS HE GOT ON HIS HEAD? :what:
IS IT A SHAGPILE CARPET?:lol::lol:

kinda !

http://www.nalal.com/Mens-Accessories/Hair-Visor/

[philsmove]

Maybe you really do need it then :wink:

Look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH0aEp1oDOI (Uncle Fred, watch out! :devil: )

:drool:

Bye Bye six hundred quid

[Lory]

This looks like fun, I've registered for the one in Richmond, if anyone cares to join me? :)

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

[Beowulf]

This looks like fun, I've registered for the one in Richmond, if anyone cares to join me? :)

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

it does look pretty good fun.. but I'm not that good. Not keen on the idea of all my cr*ppy photos being scrutinised by people afterwards. :blush:

[philsmove]

Here is a chance to win a D700

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/competitions/6365

The catch, To claim the prize you must spend 3 days in a hotel with a load of anoraks with 70 -200 zooms

[Lory]

it does look pretty good fun.. but I'm not that good. Not keen on the idea of all my cr*ppy photos being scrutinised by people afterwards. :blush:

Bahh.. someone else might not think they're crappy :naughty:

Personally, I'm looking at it as a day to 'watch and learn' from the experts and I'd be quite flattered if anyone took the time to scrutinise my pics and give some sort of feedback.. positive OR negative.

I'm not going along with any expectations that I'm going to produce anything 'prize-worthy' :lol: I'd just like to come away with something that 'I' like and to see what 'others' come up with too! ;)

[Beowulf]

Personally, I'm looking at it as a day to 'watch and learn' from the experts and I'd be quite flattered if anyone took the time to scrutinise my pics and give some sort of feedback.. positive OR negative.

I used to be a member of the Bon Accord Camera Club (http://www.bonaccordcameraclub.co.uk/Bon_Accord_Camera_Club/Home.html) in Aberdeen. They had weekly competitions that you were "encouraged" to enter but really it was just the same two or three professional photographers who won every time and an excuse for everyone else just to poo poo your pictures. I also find, perhaps it's just me, that when you get a collection of eager photographers in a room there a lot of this "What? you're using THAT lens? Why aren't you using this £5000 lens.. like Me?? <smug> <smug>" There's a lot of this My kit is better than your kit stuff going on , People with the very best lenses and about a dozen of them.. whereas there's me and my anorak and 70 -200 zoom.

I'm actually off out on a photography walk today.. just me, and my cameras .. probably around the south bank area of London. Don't expect to take anything worthy of anything other than storing in my voluminous hard drive though :lol:

[Lory]

70 -200 zoom Like THAT'S not showing-off! :whistle:


I'm actually off out on a photography walk today.. just me, and my cameras .. probably around the south bank area of London. I went on one yesterday, with my 18-55mm kits lens! :blush:

Out of 86 pics, I got 4 I like! Not bad I say :na:

[Beowulf]

actually I was incorrect.. it's a 70-300 zoom !

but it's the cr*ppy non digital lens I got when I bought my EOS 300 (note the lack of the final D)

I rarely use it.. just carry it around with me on the off chance I see something distant I want to photograph out of focus and and plenty of motion blur ;)

I took... about a dozen pics yesterday :( wasn't really in the mood. Haven't looked at them yet.

[Lory]

I rarely use it.. just carry it around with me on the off chance I see something distant I want to photograph out of focus and and plenty of motion blur ;)


:lol: Bless!
I came across I guy yesterday, with one of the biggest lenses I've ever seen in the flesh. He was all set up at the edge of the lake and I couldn't help remarking "wow, that's a big one you have there" :D

Anyway, we got chatting and he explained he was actually a motor sport photographer but he fancied a bit of peace and tranquility for a change but he went on to explain, he wasn't having much success at focussing, with such small targets, that move very unpredictably

So there you go, you're not alone! :hug:

[philsmove]

I know this should be on a different thread but though only you guys might appreciate it


A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three
thousand times the memory.

Sorry if its an old one

[Cruella]

It was my 25th wedding anniversary a couple of weeks back and I was bought a great surprise anniversary pressie! A new lens! Canon EF-S60mm f/2.8 Macro. Ok so it isn't silver but it's pretty impressive, I tried it out quickly yesterday and got this pic. You can see my husband in the background too!

[Cruella]

This was the one I meant to upload! LOL

[philsmove]

Something I also learned about focusing in workshops .

Finally got round to buying a D700 (and yes I also got the 50mm f1.4) but I am struggeling with all the differnt focussing options


Laurie Excell on line video http://www.kelbytraining.com/ is useful but does not go into it in depth. Any other source's of information

[Lynn]

My new camera is a compact P&S (I wanted something I could carry easily in my pocket), not a DSLR, but it has some manual settings so I'm trying to learn about settings for ISO, shutter speed etc. Can anyone recommend a good book or resource for complete beginners?

[philsmove]

. Can anyone recommend a good book or resource for complete beginners?
Most books seem to assume you have DSLR
But have you looked at the CD that should have come with the Camera

[Beowulf]

My new camera is a compact P&S (I wanted something I could carry easily in my pocket), not a DSLR, but it has some manual settings so I'm trying to learn about settings for ISO, shutter speed etc. Can anyone recommend a good book or resource for complete beginners?

I had this one a while back.. it was pretty good. I think if you search for this author you may find a more up to date version

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Basic-Photography-Michael-Langford/dp/0240515927/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1278505907&sr=1-4

[Lynn]

Most books seem to assume you have DSLR
But have you looked at the CD that should have come with the CameraThanks, I should do that.

Up until last Sat I was taking pics with my mobile phone - holiday, scenes, everything. So having any sort of a camera is a big learning curve. I've been having fun so far!

[philsmove]

Unpack camera
Day one - take photos
Day two -try to work out why some photos are out of focus
Day three- try to find instruction book
Day four- find varies excuses for not reading book (go to Tango workshop)
Day five- read book
Day six- try out all the various settings
Day 7- re read manual to find out how to re set factory default setting

Hint Before you play with all the menus, find out how to set the settings back to default

The good news, most cameras return to default when set to AUTO. the tweaks only work when the camera is set to P

P stands for Program, not Professional mode

[Lynn]

Unpack camera
Day one - take photos
Day two -try to work out why some photos are out of focus
Yep! But in my case...
Day three - spend the day with friend who has lots of fancy DSLR equipment and who explains basics about ISO, shutter speed, light etc... - but there was so much to take in and I wasn't writing any of it down...!


The good news, most cameras return to default when set to AUTO. the tweaks only work when the camera is set to P

P stands for Program, not Professional modeI have a P and an M mode (Manual). I've been playing mostly with the manual mode as that seems to have most settings to vary.... There is also IA - Intelligent Auto which works out and changes settings (handy for really quick shots). When I upload the pics to computer the software allows me to see the ISO, shutter speed and aperture of each photo, including the ones the camera has set in IA, which is useful and is helping me learn.

[Lynn]

This is a key point for me - I tend to see things I want to take a photo of when I'm out and about doing other things, its not that I tend to go out specifically to take photos - its more if I'm out walking, or travelling somewhere and see something that I want to stop and capture... so ideally something small enough to just always have with me in bag or pocket. I'm not going to carry an SLR about everywhere with me, so probably no point in getting one, at the moment anyway.It took me a while to get round to getting a camera, but I'm really enjoying it! Got a Sony HX5 as I wanted a bit more than a basic P&S and I liked the idea of having video.

I've had it 10 days and so far have tried outdoor shots in bright sunlight - from coastal scenes to close ups of flowers in the garden, and indoor shots of people. Also taken some video clips at freestyle in really low light and was pleasantly surprised with the results.

It has a x10 zoom and my latest attempts were portraits of friends round a table at a meal last night. After a while they got used to me pointing it and I got some nice natural shots and expressions. I had the ISO quite high, and it seemed to be not too bad. I'm not keen on using flash, partly because I prefer the more realistic colours and light without it and partly because flash is intrusive and so harder to get those natural shots of people.

I'm still just starting to learn about stuff - like ISO, shutter speed etc, and I've limited control over settings (esp for aperture), and am totally clueless about WB (I was playing about with it last night but am not sure what I did...)

I might move up to a DSLR at some point - but not til I've learnt more about photography. At the moment I have a small, light camera I can carry everywhere, I can play about with some settings and I'm really having fun!

[Lory]

Firstly, having had my 550D for a few weeks now and the time to get to get used to handling it, I'm pleased to report that overall, I'm absolutely thrilled with it :clap: and not to blow my own trumpet 'too loudly' :innocent: I've taken some awesome shots! :wink:

But, I do have a few little niggles... mainly I have to say, with the video mode -

Low light = Fab

Quality of HD = Fab

Quick response time = fab

Auto focus = Hmmm

Manual Focus = Brilliant, 'IF' you have 'time' and the expertise!!!!

To elaborate...... something you simply can't do with a 'normal' compact on video-mode, is change lenses.

And with this, comes the ability to be able to sharp focus on just one subject, leaving the rest slightly out of focus (it happens ALL the time on TV, drawing your attention to what they want you to look at .. most of the time we're simply are unaware of it. Next time you watch a programme where two people are talking, pay attention to how the focus shifts)
But its HARD! :tears: Especially when under pressure and things are happening fast!

And what makes it even harder, is the fact you can't use the 'eyepiece' in video -mode
And what makes that even harder, is when its bright and sunny and you can't see the LCD properly ARGH! but I am getting better and more used to how subtle you have to be with the focus ring. And when I get it right... WOO HOOOO!

SD cards = They're not cheap and it was ridiculous of me to think I could get away with just one.. The HD video-mode just eats them

The next thing is.. The built in Mic..

Indoors = great!
Outdoors, no wind - fine!
Outdoors, with wind = TERRIBLE!

Which brings me to a question.. can anyone recommend a mic that doesn't cost the earth, the would fit onto the hotshoe, with the ability to be covered with a wind sleeve? and possibly a cable for occasional off camera use?

[philsmove]

OMG, what a joke.... a photoshow, with not one single camera, or lens, in sight :what:

It should really have been called 'the photo book' show, as 80% of the stands were on those, plus printing and paper etc.


Just back from the Bristol one

Colin Buck gave an amazingly boring presentation on the Benefits of joining the MPA

Bought a neat camera sling thing, that allows you have two cameras round your neck, with out getting strangled

and fell in love with wedding albums from Graphite Studio


I'll be very surprised if you don't see lots of men with Jessops camera bags and their latest camera and 70-200 lens slung around their necks,:
none in sight



There could even be teams of three scrawny young men in tight blue bathing suits advertising an insurance company. :what:

just one, looking very sad and unhappy


scantily clad young female model,

Sadly not :whistle:

[Lory]

I saw this on another forum and it made me laugh...

How (not) to take a self timer portrait

1. find a nice background
2. press the timer
3. run to selected spot, pose and smile
4. OOOPS!

[philsmove]

I have just orderd a brand new Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 ED (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=180534301048&view=all&tid=533482051008[/URL]) just £16.29



[

[Lory]

I have just orderd a brand new Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 ED (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemVersion&item=180534301048&view=all&tid=533482051008[/URL]) just £16.29



[
I couldn't see the info, as its now no longer available but did you 'really' get one for that price? :really:

And if you did, what's the verdict? :yum:

[philsmove]

I couldn't see the info,

not sure why, link works for me
its on its way from Hong Kong

[Lory]

not sure why, link works for me
its on its way from Hong Kong
Ah ha, nice one! :D

although, not quite as nice as the real thing :wink:

[Lynn]

Just looked through this yet thread again and a lot of things making more sense now! Thanks to all who have been sharing tips.

I'm enjoying my Sony HX5, though aware of its limitations and planning on 'moving up' to a bigger camera next year - when I can afford it and have learnt more about photography. (And when I've decided on whether I'm going to go the Nikon or Canon route...!)

Meanwhile I am going to learn as much as I can with what I have - and one of the next things I want to try working on is post processing. Someone very kindly spent 3 hours taking me through basics of Photoshop yesterday, showing me how he created some of his images, and working on some of mine.

I'm thinking of getting Photoshop Elements, as its a lot cheaper - (I think I could get Photoshop CS5 student and teacher edition but budget is tight at the minute). Would PSE be adequate for my needs? And can I use a plug in like Topaz Adjust with it?

[philsmove]

I'm thinking of getting Photoshop Elements, as its a lot cheaper - (I think I could get Photoshop CS5 student and teacher edition but budget is tight at the minute). Would PSE be adequate for my needs? And can I use a plug in like Topaz Adjust with it?

Elements is very good all in one program
According to the Topaz web site (http://www.topazlabs.com/adjust/#6) its is compatible with Elements

Adobe and Topaz products can be download for a free trail (https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=pepe&loc=en%5Fgb), so you can try before you buy

[Lynn]

Elements is very good all in one program
According to the Topaz web site (http://www.topazlabs.com/adjust/#6) its is compatible with Elements

Adobe and Topaz products can be download for a free trail (https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=pepe&loc=en%5Fgb), so you can try before you buyThanks, I think I'll get Elements - it should have enough for me to learn how to do basic PP.

[Lynn]

Got a book on 'Understanding Exposure' and started reading it yesterday. Now trying shooting in M. So I set ISO (at lowest yesterday as bright) then aperture, then adjust shutter speed til EV reads 0? Is that right?

If a high contrast shot I can light meter on the bright areas to avoid blown highlights?

Was doing that, then shooting some flowers with wider aperture - lower f/., to get narrower DOF. Only have two aperture settings, so limited on all that with this camera, but still lots to learn before I get something bigger.

So I can stop down aperture (higher f/.) in bright sunshine, or I can open it up and increase shutter speed - gives same exposure but shift in DOF? Is that right?

I know once I get my head round this it will become second nature, just a bit confusing at the moment.

[philsmove]

. Only have two aperture settings,.

Hi Lynn, can you expain ???

[Lynn]

Hi Lynn, can you expain ???I only have a choice of wide or narrow - f/3.5 or f/8 - both lower and higher increase as I zoom - so at full zoom f/5.5 or f/13. Does that make sense? Still struggling to understand it all.

And that means I can't get very wide, is that right?

I know I need to get to grips with all this before I get a DSLR and even begin to understand about lenses...

[philsmove]

I only have a choice of wide or narrow - f/3.5 or f/8 - both lower and higher increase as I zoom - so at full zoom f/5.5 or f/13. Does that make sense? Still struggling to understand it all.

And that means I can't get very wide, is that right?

I know I need to get to grips with all this before I get a DSLR and even begin to understand about lenses...

yes

f5.5 at full zoom will give you least DOF
F8 at wide angel will give you the greatest DOF

depending on which lens(s) you buy , you will have a much greater range of options with a DSLR

f2.8 on a 200mm telephone lens ( often you for portraiture) will give you very little DOF, maybe only a few inches

f 22 with 10mm wide angel ( often used in landscapes )will give you a DOF from a few inches to infinity

[philsmove]

I know once I get my head round this it will become second nature, just a bit confusing at the moment.

With a DSLR I tend to work with aperture priority (A) this means I can control the DOF and the camera will select the shutter speed , if the shutter speed is too low and there is a risk of camera shake, I increase the ISO

With my snappy happy compact camera I set it to fully automatic

That said, the pictures on face book, of the red arrows, were with P shutter priority ( 1/8000)

[Lynn]

yes f5.5 at full zoom will give you least DOF
F8 at wide angel will give you the greatest DOFYes I was aiming for shallow DOF at zoom for a flower photograph. I'm just starting learn how to get different DOF.

With a DSLR I tend to work with aperture priority (A) this means I can control the DOF and the camera will select the shutter speed , if the shutter speed is too low and there is a risk of camera shake, I increase the ISO

With my snappy happy compact camera I set it to fully automatic

That said, the pictures on face book, of the red arrows, were with P shutter priority ( 1/8000)No A mode on my P&S - but I do have P and M, and am trying to use them more often so I learn. I've been using P a fair bit, yesterday I started trying M.

Your Red Arrows shot is (unsurprisingly) far superior to my recent attempts!

[Lory]

Got a book on 'Understanding Exposure' and started reading it yesterday. Now trying shooting in M. So I set ISO (at lowest yesterday as bright) then aperture, then adjust shutter speed til EV reads 0? Is that right?Hi Lynn, do you have a 'histogram' on your camera?
This is a visual representation, in a graph form, of the 'shadows and highlights'.

If you do, it can be a useful aid when learning.

Generally speaking, the perfect graph will have a peak in the middle and no gaps at the edges. If there's a flat area on the right, this means your picture will have blown highlights and if there's a flat area on the left, your picture is under exposed. (although you might 'choose' to do either of the above, for effect)

If you have what's called a 'live histogram' you'll be able to see how each change you make effects the exposure. I personally learnt a lot from this.



So I can stop down aperture (higher f/.) in bright sunshine, or I can open it up and increase shutter speed - gives same exposure but shift in DOF? Is that right?Correct! Although, the difficulty comes, when you want to take a picture with a longer exposure and a shallow DOF. This is when an ND filter (Neutral Density) comes in handy. Its a bit like putting a pair of sunglasses on the camera... cutting out the light, allowing you to keep the aperture wide open, and a lower shutter speed, without the photo being over exposed ;)


I know once I get my head round this it will become second nature,
:yeah:I'm still waiting for the moment I don't have to think :blush: BUT I can usually work out what I need to do, IF I get the time. But I pften end up like this :banghead::doh:

[Lynn]

Hi Lynn, do you have a 'histogram' on your camera?
This is a visual representation, in a graph form, of the 'shadows and highlights'.

If you do, it can be a useful aid when learning.

Generally speaking, the perfect graph will have a peak in the middle and no gaps at the edges. If there's a flat area on the right, this means your picture will have blown highlights and if there's a flat area on the left, your picture is under exposed. (although you might 'choose' to do either of the above, for effect)

If you have what's called a 'live histogram' you'll be able to see how each change you make effects the exposure. I personally learnt a lot from this.I do yes, and am just starting to learn how to use it - spent some time on Sunday changing settings and watching the histogram change. I've looked it but not really been using it, so will start to do that!


Correct! Although, the difficulty comes, when you want to take a picture with a longer exposure and a shallow DOF. This is when an ND filter (Neutral Density) comes in handy. Its a bit like putting a pair of sunglasses on the camera... cutting out the light, allowing you to keep the aperture wide open, and a lower shutter speed, without the photo being over exposed ;) Thanks! I'm still just working with my P&S, so I'm limited in being able to do stuff like that - but I intend to stretch this little cam as much as I can because despite limited control, I'm still learning a lot.


I'm still waiting for the moment I don't have to think :blush: BUT I can usually work out what I need to do, IF I get the time. But I pften end up like this :banghead::doh:I know that feeling! But its utterly fascinating and I'm absolutely loving it!

Thanks for the advice and your earlier posts on this thread - helpful stuff.

[philsmove]

:yeah:I'm still waiting for the moment I don't have to think :blush: BUT I can usually work out what I need to do, IF I get the time. But I pften end up like this :banghead::doh:

I think of this way. The MORE you pay for a lens (~£7,000 for f2.8 : 400mm) the LESS DOF you get, no dont have one

[philsmove]

New DSLR and 3 New Lenses from Nikon

Nikon D3100 and Nikkor 85mm, 24-120mm, 28-300mm, 55-300mm lenses

Still no sign of a replacement for D90 or the D700

[philsmove]

You might want to hang on a bit longer. There are rumours that Nikon will release a D700s in the next couple of weeks that will have dual card slots (good for card failure).


Looks like the replacement is coming soon and will be called the D7000

[Lory]

Canon's about to release a new one too, the 60D.

No official release date yet, as far as I can see

But, I hope it gets crap reviews and its so expensive that it wouldn't have been an option for me anyway! :devil:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eUedGP4vrE

[philsmove]

Canon's about to release a new one too, the 60D.



Yerr tis (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10082620canoneos60d.asp)

[Lynn]

OK - so now I'm starting to think DSLR - not buying yet as need to save up, but starting to think about what I want to look at. So I can get an idea of what suits me and what to start saving for!

I need to decide - Canon or Nikon...?

And - entry level, basic body (will probably start with kit lens - lenses are still something I'm trying to get my head around!) and upgrade in a few years, or higher spec body that I can 'grow into'?

Any suggestions on models I could look at either Canon or Nikon?

[philsmove]

.......and upgrade in a few years, or higher spec body that I can 'grow into'?
......Canon or Nikon?

I would wait for the Nikon D3100 (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3100.htm) to come out, then in a few years upgrade to what ever replaces the D3s (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3s.htm)
If you want zoom lens. that does just about everything ( except work in very low light levels) look at the 18-200mm (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm#18200). A word of warning, this lens does not work with the built in flash. For low light, look at the 35mm f/1.8

To be honest, unless you off to Whatnotistan, you won't need a D3s, just wait for what ever replaces the D90 ( probaly the D7000) Who knows , may be Nikon's EVIL camera will be out by then

[Lynn]

Have got my hands on a DSLR to try out for a week or so - just to get a feel for DSLRs and get more of an idea of what I might want to get.

I realise that before I decide on body and which system to invest in, I need to think about lenses a bit - anyone know of a website that is a good summary of Nikon and Canon lenses?

The camera I have on loan from a friend is a D90 with the 18-105mm kit lens and a 50mm f/1.4. Have no idea what I'm doing with it yet, and its too late and I need to go to bed now - but have taken a few shots - amazing the amount of light a DSLR can get compared to my compact - especially with that prime lens.

[philsmove]

The D90 is an excellent camera. I have had one for 18 months . Unfortunately Nikon Instruction books are written by Lawyers so try and get hold of Simon Stafford's Magic Lantern Guide for the Nikon D90 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Lantern-Guides-Nikon-D90/dp/1600595243/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283756515&sr=1-4) the photography in the book is rubbish but the text is excellent
you have been lent two good lens but for more information on Nikon lens go here (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm) Ken also has a page on ******* (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm)
Unlike Cannon, you can use "old" cheap Nikon manual lens on a modern Nikon DSLR, these come up quite cheap on e bay again more from Ken (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/cheapskate-lenses.htm)

The D90 is likly to be replaced soon, so expect some bargains on e bay. I shall be selling mine if /when the D700 replacement comes out
If you have a friend who will lend you Nikon lenses, that is definitely a strong case to buy a Nikon

[philsmove]

. Have no idea what I'm doing with it yet,.



Try the following
Set camera to A (aperture priority) and ISO 200
And if possible using a tripod/ stand / gorilla grip
With the f1.4 50mm take a view, with plenty of depth, at different f numbers
Take the same photo at different ISO values
With the zoom set at 18mm, take a picture of a friend so their whole body fills the frame
Then, moving closer and still at 18mm, take a head and shoulders
Set to 105 mm, move further away, and take them same two photos again
Load photos on computer and look for differences
If you are hand holding the zoom lens at, 105mm you will probably need to shoot at 1/125th or higher, but at 18mm you will be able to get away with 1/30th or slower
If you have Adobe elements try shooting in RAW
TOP TIP if you shooting something important and you forget how to use all the settings, just set it to AUTO
If you “play” with menus and want to get back to the default settings, press the two green buttons for 2 seconds ( beware if you have been shooting RAW it is set it back to jpeg

[Lynn]

Thanks Phil, will try that.



If you have Adobe elements try shooting in RAW
TOP TIP if you shooting something important and you forget how to use all the settings, just set it to AUTO
If you “play” with menus and want to get back to the default settings, press the two green buttons for 2 seconds ( beware if you have been shooting RAW it is set it back to jpegI'm shooting in RAW but am not sure what to do with the RAW files (.nef) when I get them on my laptop. :confused: So far I just converted one to jpeg and then played with it in PS (I have a very old version) - but then I have no idea what I'm doing in PS anyway!

[Lynn]

The D90 is an excellent camera. I have had one for 18 months . Unfortunately Nikon Instruction books are written by Lawyers so try and get hold of Simon Stafford's Magic Lantern Guide for the Nikon D90 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Magic-Lantern-Guides-Nikon-D90/dp/1600595243/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283756515&sr=1-4) the photography in the book is rubbish but the text is excellent
you have been lent two good lens but for more information on Nikon lens go here (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm) Ken also has a page on ******* (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/dx-dream-team.htm)
Unlike Cannon, you can use "old" cheap Nikon manual lens on a modern Nikon DSLR, these come up quite cheap on e bay again more from Ken (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/cheapskate-lenses.htm)

The D90 is likly to be replaced soon, so expect some bargains on e bay. I shall be selling mine if /when the D700 replacement comes out
If you have a friend who will lend you Nikon lenses, that is definitely a strong case to buy a NikonI've only got the loan of camera and lenses for two weeks as its his back up camera and he's no plans to sell it (his main camera is a D700). I'd been asking his advice about some stuff and he offered to lend me this which is a great way for getting a feel for DSLRs and an idea of what I want to buy - at the moment I'm not ruling anything out - but I'm aware that I might want my own D90 after two weeks with one!

[philsmove]

: So far I just converted one to jpeg!

Nothing wrong in that

At the end of the work-flow most photographer covert to jpeg, as that is what most people want. The big advantage of RAW is that , if you get the exposure or other settings "wrong" in the original, the "mistakes" are easier to correct in the post production. RAW maintains more of the original data from the Camera . If you shoot in jpeg, the camera coverts its RAW data into a jpeg but in doing so some of the original information is lost

All my facebook sunsets (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5521557&fbid=426098125765&id=616245765#!/album.php?aid=200061&id=616245765) were shot in RAW , then corrected in Lightroom and converted to jpeg for uploading to face book. Had I shot the originals in jpeg I would have been limited in the amount of correct I could do in Lightroom

[clevedonboy]

A good cheap (free!!) program for manipulating images (including RAW files) is Picasa from Google http://picasa.google.com/

[Lory]

I feel like giving up when I see pics like this!

http://www.johnwrightphoto.com/ :worthy::worthy::worthy:

[Lory]

If anyone's interested

http://www.thamesfestival.org/weekend/detail/photography_masterclasses/

I think its free

[Lory]

EEEK, I've just heard something very exciting and VERY nerve wracking:cool:....

I'm doing a photoshoot next week, in a studio at KODAK's head office :eek:

Little old me, all alone, in a big scary studio, with all those lights and buttons and things to brea..... I mean, play with! :eek: :D

[David Bailey]

Little old me, all alone
Well not quite alone :D

[Bells]

T
Anyone got any recommendations about a good 'small' camera then? If I decide to opt for that - for now anyway?

The Canon IXUS is great - I am on the 3rd version of this, model 200 IS. Straightforward to use and comapct, even takes good piccies while on the move.:nice:

[Lory]

OMG, I'm not quite sure what's going on here but it looks like an 'expensive' fight! :eek:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVY0mjNZuWg&feature=player_embedded

[philsmove]

Here (http://www.silberstudios.tv/episodes)
courtesy of Scan-disk are a series of excellent free Video's

[Lory]

New series


Hosted by The Gadget Show's Suzi Perry, How to Take Stunning Pictures does exactly what it says on the tin. And it isn't all techno-speak; it's about the fun of taking exciting photos that your mates actually want to see.
Starts Tuesday 14 September, 7.30pm on Channel Five

http://www3.five.tv/stunning_pictures/

I'm definitely going to give it a go :nice:

[Lynn]

The Canon IXUS is great - I am on the 3rd version of this, model 200 IS. Straightforward to use and comapct, even takes good piccies while on the move.:nice:Thanks, I got a Sony HX5, quite a capable compact. Now looking into DSLRs...

New series
http://www3.five.tv/stunning_pictures/

I'm definitely going to give it a go :nice:Also going to check this out tonight.

I went along to a camera club last week. Thought it might be a bit intimidating, but being the first night of a new season there were a lot of newbies along and lots of 'its ok if you are a beginner' comments. There was a display of photographs taken by club members over the summer and time to view, mix and chat, a short explanation of photo mounts and good places to buy materials (as they have competitions and encourage people to enter), and a presention on using Flickr and pbase. The programme looks good with talks, workshops and outings. And there was a cup of tea with chocolate biscuits... always good. :D

[Lory]

New series


Groan.. well that was a load of rubbish, wasn't it? :doh:

[Lynn]

Groan.. well that was a load of rubbish, wasn't it? :doh:Was it? Haven't seen it yet - had to go out dancing last night.

[philsmove]

The D90 is likely to be replaced soon,

'ere 'ts

Nikon D7000 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091515nikond7000.asp) Body with 18-200mm VR Lens Kit £1,638.00 should be available October
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/355-875C/

I would guess there will a few of second hand D90's on e bay and may be a few D300s

No sign of a replacement for the D700 ( apart from adding Video, not sure how it can be "improved"

[Lynn]

'ere 'tis

Nikon D7000 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091515nikond7000.asp) Body with 18-200mm VR Lens Kit £1,638.00 should be availabel October
http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/355-875C/

I would guess there will a few of second hand D90's on e bay and may be a few D300s

No sign of a replacement for the D700I was just about to ask what you think of the D7000...

But its sitting more in between D90 and D300 rather than a direct D90 replacement - I'd been hoping the D90 price might drop, but I'm not sure - I think it will stick around for a while yet. Otherwise a gap between D3100/D5000 and D7000? (Or do you think there will be a D5100 soonish?)

I'm totally confused about what to get - Canon are lighter and that is a factor. But I've been using the D90 for a week now and its a really excellent camera (and I like the 18-105VR kit lens). Have to give it back on Sunday night and I'm going to miss it!

[philsmove]

I was just about to ask what you think of the D7000

It certainly looks good on paper
I have no experience of Canon or the other Nikon's you mention
I bought my D90 as factory reconditioned at about £500 and there is one here (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091515nikond7000.asp)at a similar price. As you have discovered it's a brilliant camera

The big advantage of the D7000 over the D90 will be better performance at higher ISO values, but if you are shooting landscapes, similar to the photos you have put on facebook, this will not make a big difference to you

The D7000 39 point AF system will make a difference if you shooting action in poor light, but again little difference to landscape photography.
I did borrow a Cannon 500D, as you say much lighter than the D90 but very limited settings, as far as I can remember no single point focusing

[Lynn]

It certainly looks good on paper
I have no experience of Canon or the other Nikon's you mention
I bought my D90 as factory reconditioned at about £500 and there is one here (http://www.dpreview.com/news/1009/10091515nikond7000.asp)at a similar price. As you have discovered it's a brilliant camera I'm really impressed with the D90, its sort of spoiling me a bit though!


The big advantage of the D7000 over the D90 will be better performance at higher ISO values, but if you are shooting landscapes, similar to the photos you have put on facebook, this will not make a big difference to you

The D7000 39 point AF system will make a difference if you shooting action in poor light, but again little difference to landscape photography. Yes a lot of newer models will be better in low light, both Canon and Nikon models. I may still be deciding between Canon/Nikon and new/used but I know my limits in terms of budget and its not going to stretch to a D7000!


I did borrow a Cannon 500D, as you say much lighter than the D90 but very limited settings, as far as I can remember no single point focusingI'd say a 550D would have similar controls to a D90 but you have to use the menus more to access them? I like the fact I can change so many things with buttons, dials and using top LCD on D90 - makes changing settings very quick and easy.

[philsmove]

I'd say a 550D would have similar controls to a D90 but you have to use the menus more to access them? I like the fact I can change so many things with buttons, dials and using top LCD on D90 - makes changing settings very quick and easy.

Here is a comparision of the D90 v 550D (http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T2i-EOS-550D-Compared-to-Nikon-D90.shtml)

[philsmove]

Groan.. well that was a load of rubbish, wasn't it? :doh:

Umm, well, not completely

They did cover many of the essentials of portraiture

The choice of location is critical
Don't use the on camera flash
Compose in the camera , not post production
Look for something different
Connect with the subject
Put the subject at ease
Keep taking pictures until you are happy,
KISS
Look carefully at all the elements in the frame

Nothing technical, but most people will use one of the automatic setting found on most consumer DSLRs. and unless you are really familiar with all the menus and buttons on your camera, this is not a bad idea

[Lory]

Nothing technical, but most people will use one of the automatic setting found on most consumer DSLRs. and unless you are really familiar with all the menus and buttons on your camera, this is not a bad idea

Weeeell personally, I like a bit of the old techy stuff and the rest is just common sense!

Maybe they're not aim the programme at 'enthusiasts' like us? :sad:

[Lynn]

Weeeell personally, I like a bit of the old techy stuff and the rest is just common sense!

Maybe they're not aim the programme at 'enthusiasts' like us? :sad:I'm with Lory. I like the technical stuff. But I understand that might be a bit much for some people, basic principles are a good place to start.

OK at the moment I'm mainly using P or A modes, but I've only had a DSLR for 10 days and the talk tomorrow at camera club is 'getting out of P mode'... so hopefully I'll learn more - sadly have to give the camera back to its owner on Sunday night. :tears:

[Lory]

EEEK, I've just heard something very exciting and VERY nerve wracking:cool:....

Little old me, all alone, in a big scary studio, with all those lights and buttons and things to brea..... I mean, play with! :eek: :D


Well not quite alone :DHa ha, the studio wasn't 'quite' so big as I'd imagined :eyebrow: and yes, I wasn't all alone
Here's a few sample pics from yesterday. Starring DJB and a couple of his Tango partners :)

[Tiggerbabe]

I think the first one's my fav, with the second one a close second :D

[Lory]

I think the first one's my fav, with the second one a close second :D

Mine too! I much preferred being outside, although it was a bit cold AND the security guards were hot on our heals :eek: and we soon got a told off! :blush:

Great location though!

[Lynn]

I think the first one's my fav, with the second one a close second :D:yeah: Me too. :D

[David Bailey]

Mine too! I much preferred being outside, although it was a bit cold AND the security guards were hot on our heals :eek: and we soon got a told off! :blush:
Fortunately we had three blondes in the group, so we could pretend we were dumb :D

Yes, it was funny how the urban setting worked so well, impact-wise. Just goes to show, if you have an eye for a location, it pays off.

Nice job, Lory. :kiss:

[Lynn]

Back from camera club and another enjoyable evening - really encouraging us beginners.

Came home pondering the difference between going dancing with a nice pair of shoes and having women come over to talk to you about your shoes... and going to camera club with a nice camera and having enthusiastic young men come over to talk about the camera! :D

[Beowulf]

Back from camera club and another enjoyable evening - really encouraging us beginners.

Really glad you are getting a lot out of camera club. I had a completely opposite effect from the camera club I joined in Aberdeen (Bon Accord Camera Club)

I found them cliquey and rude. There was a weekly competition you pretty much Had to do (oh they SAID it was optional but it pretty much wasn't unless you wanted to be an outsider) every print (YES prints.. they wouldn't accept digital images) HAD to be MOUNTED and they would judge you on mounting neatness etc etc

Then they would take the first part of each meeting to rip your work to shreds under the guise of "constructive criticism" And as they had professional photographers as club members invariably they were the same handful of people who won each week. I mean when photographing animals for a project.. my pigeon in Union Street hardly compares with Lions in the Serengeti, I was competing against people who went off on month long photojournalist shoots to Africa, Egypt, Malaysia etc 2 to 3 times a year.

in the end I told them where to shove it. Put me off Photography clubs for life that has.

Pleased to hear you've found a good one though that actually encourages beginners.

[Lynn]

Really glad you are getting a lot out of camera club. I had a completely opposite effect from the camera club I joined in Aberdeen (Bon Accord Camera Club)

I found them cliquey and rude. There was a weekly competition you pretty much Had to do (oh they SAID it was optional but it pretty much wasn't unless you wanted to be an outsider) every print (YES prints.. they wouldn't accept digital images) HAD to be MOUNTED and they would judge you on mounting neatness etc etc
Sounds rather unpleasant - more interested in showing off than helping one another. I was nervous enough going along to a camera club for the first time, I don't think I'd have stuck long with one like that!

The one I go to does have competitions, not every week though - and they encourage anyone to enter - prints do have to be mounted but you can enter the digital category if you want. I think I'll hold off on entering anything for a while yet though.

There are experienced guys there, and looking at their club images on Flickr shows just how good, but they seem to be welcoming to newbies too.


Pleased to hear you've found a good one though that actually encourages beginners.Last week the talk was on the basics of PASM modes, explaining ISO, shutter speed and aperture - very much at beginner level.

I sent an email last night to a member expressing an interest in attending a landscape outing they have in a couple of weeks, as I have a friend's D90 (which I brought last night all boxed up to return as my two weeks loan were up and he said I could borrow it for a while longer :D ).

I got a prompt email back which said even if I didn't have it I could come with my compact, asked if I had a tripod and if I couldn't get a lend of one he'd try to get one for me to use that afternoon, and said that club nights could be busy and hard to ask questions so email him any time with questions.

I love helping beginners at Ceroc, so it seems like there are folk in this camera club who have the same attitude to newbies at photography. :D

[philsmove]

New series



http://www3.five.tv/stunning_pictures/

I'm definitely going to give it a go :nice:

Well this week was excellent. They covered weddings

The message was loud and clear

If you are getting married, hire a professional photographer

The trainee photographers, despite getting lost and completely missing the ceremony :doh: were "very pleased" and had a great time :what:

[Lory]

Well this week was excellent. They covered weddings

The message was loud and clear

If you are getting married, hire a professional photographer

The trainee photographers, despite getting lost and completely missing the ceremony :doh: were "very pleased" and had a great time :what:

:lol: I've just caught up and watched the last 2 back to back..

this week's was just as good as last! The professional looks at one of the pics the trainee's just taken and said.. its good but its 'over-exposed', then he goes straight on to talking about filters :doh:
There's also a big written caption that flashes up that says "Controlling the light"!!
Is there ANY mention of ISO, Speed, exposure compensation or Apperture??

NO!

So, as an amateur watching this programme, what do you learn... if your pics are over exposed (they don't even do a very good explanation of what that actually means) is that you rush out and buy a filter.. or put your sunglasses over the lens! :rolleyes:

Actually, I quite liked that idea but that's besides the point! :wink:

[philsmove]

The professional looks at one of the pics the trainee's just taken and said.. its good but its 'over-exposed', then he goes straight on to talking about filters :doh:


I think he meant "Use a Graduated Neutral Density filter"

With photoshop and Lightroom, do people still use these ?

He goes on. When taking high contrast scenes, take several shots at different exposures, then does even mention HDR

However hidden in there were one or two very good landscape tips

e.g. look for CHANGES in the weather and be ready to capture that critical moment

[Lory]

I think he meant "Use a Graduated Neutral Density filter"

With photoshop and Lightroom, do people still use these ?

He goes on. When taking high contrast scenes, take several shots at different exposures, then does even mention HDR

However hidden in there were one or two very good landscape tips

e.g. look for CHANGES in the weather and be ready to capture that critical moment

One has to ask the question.. who is this programme aimed at?

The 'point and shoot' amatuer? I don't think so, as we're mainly dealing with DSLR's (although I think the prof this week was using film but they never mentioned that)
The newby DSLR user? I wouldn't have thought so, as the first thing a DLSR user wants to find out about, is how to make best use of the features that he 'doesn't have' on his old point and shoot? And yet, as I said before, there's no mention of the PSMA modes
The more advanced amateur? (the category I'd place myself in) Well, apart from giving me the novel idea of putting sunglasses over my lens. Its taught me diddlysquat.
So, I'm damn sure it won't be aimed at the professionals?

[philsmove]

For those of you into Photographing
Sunrises and sunsets

this brilliant application will show among other things exactly were the sun will set at any location on any given day

http://stephentrainor.com/tools

[Lynn]

Had a quick play with a D7000 on Tues - Nikon happened to be in Calumet doing a seminar which had just ended and everyone milling about in seminar room (all with their pro Nikons) - shop manager told me to go on up and have a look. Was able to compare side by side with D90, though not weight as D90 had a much lighter lens so not a proper comparison. Looks very nice, but the D90 has enough features for me, I keep hearing what a great camera it is, and I've loved using one the past month. So its looking likely to be a D90 for me - with the 18-105 kit lens... and I'll need a memory card, bag, UV filter, tripod, cleaning kit...

[Lory]

So its looking likely to be a D90 for me - with the 18-105 kit lens... and I'll need a memory card, bag, UV filter, tripod, cleaning kit...

I've seen some of your pics Lynn and I can see you've put your trial period to very good use and produced some wonderful shots.

At the end of the day, one can get so hung up on which other peoples opinions it hard to decide what's 'best for YOU'

Have confidence! If it feels right, then it probably 'is' right! :hug:

[Lynn]

I've seen some of your pics Lynn and I can see you've put your trial period to very good use and produced some wonderful shots.

At the end of the day, one can get so hung up on which other peoples opinions it hard to decide what's 'best for YOU'

Have confidence! If it feels right, then it probably 'is' right! :hug:Thanks Lory.

The problem was I narrowed it down to D5000, 550D and D90 - and I liked them all! All great cameras. But I enjoyed using the D90 and it feels like the right camera for 'me' so I'm going to go with it. :D

[philsmove]

I'll need a memory card, bag, UV filter, tripod, cleaning kit...

The D90 is an excellent choice having most of the features of Nikon's Pro range

Calumet are very competitive for Nikon

but apart from their own brand accessorise, Amazon is usually cheaper for other things

Sandisk Ultra 15MB/s SDHC Card 8GB (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandisk-Ultra-15MB-SDHC-Card/dp/B000QUUFRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287080142&sr=8-1)

Hoya 67mm Pro-1 Digital UV Screw in Filter (http:/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-Pro-1-Digital-Screw-Filter/dp/B000KZ5YWE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=A3GI79VBNSVFZI&s=generic&qid=1287084220&sr=1-3/)

Bags are bit like shoes, you tend to collect a lot of them. Do look at the Lowepro Slingshots (http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-bags,4.htm), they allow you to get at your stuff, with out taking the bag off but beware they can be uncomfortable on a very long hike, when a proper back pack is going to be more comfortable and better if you need to carry a tripod. Get a bag big enough for your sandwiches etc

Tripods are tricky, my personal preference is for something big and heavy
have a look at Calumet 7300 Tripod with Three-way Quick-Release Head (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CK7316/)

Do you need a sensor cleaning kit? I have one but have never used it, its probably cheaper to have it done for you

[Lynn]

The D90 is an excellent choice having most of the features of Nikon's Pro range

Calumet are very competitive for Nikon

but apart from their own brand accessorise, Amazon is usually cheaper for other things

Sandisk Ultra 15MB/s SDHC Card 8GB (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandisk-Ultra-15MB-SDHC-Card/dp/B000QUUFRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287080142&sr=8-1)

Hoya 67mm Pro-1 Digital UV Screw in Filter (http:/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-Pro-1-Digital-Screw-Filter/dp/B000KZ5YWE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=A3GI79VBNSVFZI&s=generic&qid=1287084220&sr=1-3/)

I've been checking prices via Camera Price Buster and Dixons/Currys seem to be the best at the moment. I've also briefly talked to someone at Harvey Normans where I bought my Sony compact - they don't normally stock the D90, just the D3000/D5000 as its just a small camera section, but he said he could probably order one in and I think get me a good price. Going to look into it more next week, when I get back from Southport.


Bags are bit like shoes, you tend to collect a lot of them. Do look at the Lowepro Slingshots (http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-bags,4.htm), they allow you to get at your stuff, with out taking the bag off but beware they can be uncomfortable on a very long hike, when a proper back pack is going to be more comfortable and better if you need to carry a tripod. Get a bag big enough for your sandwiches etc
I like the shoe comparison! I want a rucksack type one, but yes I want one to do as an 'all day' bag, so to carry camera, spare lens etc, tripod, and my lunch, water, etc.

I also want one that looks like a regular bag, ie looks like a handbag, not a camera bag. Good for times when I don't want it to be immediately obvious that I have a camera. So I already want two different types of bags and I haven't even got my camera yet!



Tripods are tricky, my personal preference is for something big and heavy
have a look at Calumet 7300 Tripod with Three-way Quick-Release Head (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CK7316/)Not sure what to do re tripod. I borrowed one for landscape outing last Saturday, small, light and cheap. But I was getting blurred shots in some of my long exposures. I had it set up on a sandy bank which probably contributed, there may have been some movement in the sand, but I think it was the lightness of the tripod as well. But then again I want one light enough to take for forest walks etc to get to the places I'm going to want to use a tripod.



Do you need a sensor cleaning kit? I have one but have never used it, its probably cheaper to have it done for youI'll get a lens cleaning kit, but I won't worry about cleaning the sensor just yet - I'm buying new, not second hand, so hopefully it won't need cleaned for a while, and I'd probably rather ask someone else to do it.

Studio night at camera club tonight, various set ups with flashes, umbrellas etc, and other camera club members as models - a really fun night and we split into Nikon and Canon so was getting some useful tips. I really enjoyed it. I should be packing for Southport, and instead I'm downloading my shots from tonight....

[philsmove]

Not sure what to do re tripod. ..

Again do you really need one. I only use a tripod a night or in the studio. Have you looked at the Gorillapod. I don't have one myself but they very popular

[Lynn]

Again do you really need one. I only use a tripod a night or in the studio. Have you looked at the Gorillapod. I don't have one myself but they very popularI'd want one for when I want to slow shutter speed - but I think a reasonably basic one will do. No rush to get one though.

I gave back the D90 last night.:( Incredibly good of my friend to let me use it for the past two months and if he didn't have a shoot to do in England next week (and needs it as a backup camera) I would still have it. I know if I asked for it when he got back he'd let me use it again, but I think its time I got my own anyway.

Any suggestions on a nice thank you gift to give him? I was thinking of one of those lens mugs maybe?

[Lory]

Just thought I'd share this with the other enthusiasts, as 'I've' only just discovered this

I was experimenting with off camera flash, to try and work out a reliable formula, for taking Ghoulish looking pics, in preparation for a fancy dress party tomorrow.

I need a very fast shutter speed, to cut out any ambient light, so the only thing showing, is what the flash illuminates

But something weird happened (demonstrated below) At 1/400th of a sec, half the pic is black, at 1/320 a quarter is black :confused: At first I thought it might be the way I was holding the flash, something in the way :confused: but I've since found out, its to do with 'Flash Sync speeds'

The max flash sync speed for my camera is 1/250 (the only Canon which can go faster is the 7D)
So what's happening, the shutter speed is so fast, that the flash is going off, as the shutter is closing

Well, you learn something every day ! ;)

p.s. My model's fab, he may look horrible but he's very patient! He doesn't even mind having a Vacuum cleaner handle propping him up :D

[Lory]

Hmm, I've just discovered I have a setting on the camera called 'highspeed synch' but I can't figure out if it'll work with an off camera flash?:confused:

[Lynn]

But something weird happened (demonstrated below) At 1/400th of a sec, half the pic is black, at 1/320 a quarter is black :confused: At first I thought it might be the way I was holding the flash, something in the way :confused: but I've since found out, its to do with 'Flash Sync speeds'

The max flash sync speed for my camera is 1/250 (the only Canon which can go faster is the 7D)
So what's happening, the shutter speed is so fast, that the flash is going off, as the shutter is closing Would your D70 have a higher flash speed sync? I think maybe its 1/500?

[philsmove]

Hi speed sync should work on off camera flash, it usually works by making the flash emit a series of short flashes, NB this reduces the power of the flash
The other method is to switch the sensor on and off rather than rely on focal plane shutter

If the flash is not on full power, a smaller f number (f16 or f22) will reduce the ambient light, you can compensate by increase the power of the flash or by putting the flash closer to the subject


http://nikonclspracticalguide.blogspot.com/2008/03/10-auto-fp-high-speed-sync-explained.html

[Lory]

Hi speed sync should work on off camera flash, it usually works by making the flash emit a series of short flashes, NB this reduces the power of the flash


The trouble is (apart from not really knowing what I'm doing) I'm using Flashes that aren't Canon.
The nikon SB600 is being fired by a wireless controller gismo and the other flash (yongnuo468) is working as a slave.
So I'm not sure if its entirely down to the camera?

Are well, its all good fun!

I'm busy carving pumpkins at the mo, giving my brain a break! :na:

[Lynn]

I got my D90 today! :clap::D:clap:

[philsmove]

I got my D90 today! :clap::D:clap:

:clap::clap::clap:
which lens?

[Lory]

I got my D90 today! :clap::D:clap:

:clap::hug:

[Lynn]

:clap::clap::clap:
which lens?Got the 18-105VR kit lens. As kit lenses go it seems reasonably decent. Next lens will be either a 50mm or 35mm 1.8 - leaning towards the 50mm at the mo.

And will need a flash as well, but think the fast prime will be next on the list of things to get and flash after that.

Only had it a few hours, and I know I have been using one the past while, but it was only borrowed, I didn't want to use it too much, its just soooo nice to have my own! Haven't got playing with it much as out for dinner with family and then had a friend round for post SP tango practice.

Hoping its dry tomorrow to get out and about with it a bit.

[Lory]

A couple of weeks ago, I went mad and ordered a 'time-lapse' remote control off of Ebay, for the bargain price of £8 + 7-99 p&p (usually retail at about £139)
anyway, I wasn't holding out much hope for quality. Then, when I opened the packet and I studied the bottons, one said Start/Syop :sick: Hmm, not a good sign :rolleyes:

But I plugged it in, pressed the shutter release, and that worked! :yum: But then I realised I couldn't see the thumbnail pic, unless I unplugged it.

So, working my way through the (dodgy) instructions.. my heart started to sink. According to the LCD, it LOOKED like it was working but the camera never went off. I tried the camera independently and that was definitely working... :banghead:

Then the phone rang and as I stood up to answer it, I realised the cable was dangling, as I hadn't plugged it back in :doh::blush:

[jiveclone]

Now that Kuwait have followed Ceroc's example and banned DSLR cameras, are DSLR owners becoming worried about the lack of opportunities to play with their expensive toy? :stirring:

Ceroc: http://forum.cerocscotland.com/showthread.php?p=580432#post580432

Kuwait: http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzAwMTg4ODg1

[Lynn]

Next lens will be either a 50mm or 35mm 1.8 - leaning towards the 50mm at the mo.Currently having a play with a 50mm 1.8 belonging to someone at camera club. She's selling it (as it doesn't AF on her D5000), so I've agreed to buy it. So that's the kit lens and a prime, enough to get me started. :D

[Lory]

enough to get me started. :D

At least I'm not alone :wink:

I wonder if there's a support group for lens addicts? :whistle:

[Lory]

There should be! Until I bought my body I was interested in what camera people were using, now I'm more interested in what lens they're using.

And then there's ....

-filters - Flashes - reflectors - umbrella's - extra batteries - sim cards - bags - tripods - monopods - gorillapods - time lapse gizmos

there's an endless supply of gadgets I've never even heard of but then 5 minutes after finding about them, I have a sudden urgent NEED for one! :devil::rofl:

I'd love to have a pool of friends who swapped and lent stuff etc

[Lynn]

At least I'm not alone :wink:

I wonder if there's a support group for lens addicts? :whistle:There should be! Until I bought my body I was interested in what camera people were using, now I'm more interested in what lens they're using. I'd love a nice fast all rounder next... I think!

[philsmove]

I wonder if there's a support group for lens addicts? :whistle:

I think its called e bay

even the Professions at Nikon use it for rare an unusual lenes

[Lynn]

And then there's ....

-filters - Flashes - reflectors - umbrella's - extra batteries - sim cards - bags - tripods - monopods - gorillapods - time lapse gizmos
I know! Got a wireless remote, extra SD card, basic bag, SD card reader... but all of those were cheap - about £35 in total. Have a borrowed tripod for now, but will need to get my own.

Then got my 50mm 1.8 (paid for last night :D) and have just ordered a flash.

That will do for now...


I'd love to have a pool of friends who swapped and lent stuff etcThat's what I like about camera club. Eg at a studio night last night I was able to borrow someone's spare flash all evening. Gives me a chance to try out equipment too - and learn (was watching and help set up backdrops and studio lights).

[philsmove]

And then there's ....

-filters - Flashes - reflectors - umbrella's - extra batteries - sim cards - bags - tripods - monopods - gorillapods - time lapse gizmos


my latest toy :waycool:

http://www.spiderholster.com/

[Lynn]

The flash I ordered on Fri afternoon arrived on Sat morning! I hadn't expected to get it so soon, and was able to take it to the freestyle.

I mainly wanted to dance and have fun, and just pick up the camera to take some shots in between dancing rather than spend time playing about with settings, so just put the 50mm lens on, put the camera in P and let it and the flash just sort themselves out. :D

Bounced the flash off the ceiling and was really pleased with the results (lowish, white ceiling, which probably helped).

I need to learn how to use the flash properly of course, and play about with it, but for a first use, the difference between bouncing it and using the pop up flash was amazing.

[philsmove]

which flash gun have you got

[Lynn]

which flash gun have you gotI decided to keep it simple and went for the SB600.

I'm going to get a stand for it, as I can use it off camera with the D90, and a umbrella and reflector.

[philsmove]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1579905889/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=095BZN79X728MDV4CQR2&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=219600407&pf_rd_i=468294 an excellent text book on the Nikon Flash system, although the illustrations are very poor. It covers the SB 600 and SB 800 but not the latest guns (SB 900:worthy: and SB 700)

This (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/AU3046/) is an excellent umbrella for studio use. remember the bigger the umbrella, the softer the light
if you are getting a tripod, this can be used as lighting stand

this (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/RM7232/) plus this (http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/RM7375/) is an very good reflector

You are usually better off using bounce flash, plus the diffuser, unless you are a big big hall with a high dark ceilings.
Set the gun at about 70 degrees, so some light spills directly on the subject and produces a high light in the eyes.
Try experimenting with higher ISO values 400 or 800 and Aperture priority, use a fairy large aperture ( say between f 4 and f1.8)This should help give a more natural look by including more of the ambient light . Read the book about synchronization and shutter speeds, rear curtain sync, high speed sync ,

[Lynn]

Thanks Phil, some helpful points there to get me started. I like the dual purpose umbrella, to use as reflector or shoot through. There's a Calumet 10 mins away from me, so can pop down and take a look at what they have.

Last night was mainly about dancing and just having a go at using a flash for the first time. I had the 50mm prime lens, aperture at f4 and ISO at 200. I bounced the flash off the ceiling, (though once tried bouncing it off the window behind me!).

So much to learn about using flash, but as I'm discovering I really enjoy shooting people, I'll have to learn it all!

[Lynn]

I'm definitely addicted - I keep seeing the 'To bounce or not to bounce?' thread coming up in new posts and instantly thinking 'Flash'.... :blush: :lol:

[Lory]

Yeah and bouncing is definitely GOOD! :D

[Lynn]

Of course now I want a stand, and umbrella and a reflector might be good too...

[philsmove]

Of course now I want a stand, and umbrella and a reflector might be good too...
save the money and buy a ticket to Tenerife instead:whistle:

[Lynn]

save the money and buy a ticket to Tenerife instead:whistle::D:waycool:

[Lory]

Of course now I want a stand, and umbrella and a reflector might be good too...

Don't make the same mistake as me, I brought a 'small' (20") pop up reflector but in all honesty, its way too small to be of any real use, in all but the most specific circumstances :rolleyes:

But, I bought a VERY cheap stand and umbrella off Ebay, I think I paid less than a tenner for both together and I'm very happy with them, so you win some, you loose some!

BTW, talking of winning and loosing, my £8 timelapse is working well but my editing software is letting it down badly! :banghead:

[Lynn]

Don't make the same mistake as me, I brought a 'small' (20") pop up reflector but in all honesty, its way too small to be of any real use, in all but the most specific circumstances :rolleyes:Someone at camera club has a Lastolite Trigrip and it looks great - has a handle and decent size - but not cheap.


But, I bought a VERY cheap stand and umbrella off Ebay, I think I paid less than a tenner for both together and I'm very happy with them, so you win some, you loose some!
Great price! Must shop around and see what there is.

I've got the flash to work off camera no problem, but want to see if I can 'turn down' the pop up flash without it affecting the strength of the off camera flash. Still a lot to learn!


BTW, talking of winning and loosing, my £8 timelapse is working well but my editing software is letting it down badly! :banghead:Not heard of that, what does it do?

[clevedonboy]

I concur with Lory about ebay - I got all of my lighting stuff off of there many moons ago at knock down prices and i'm very happy with it all. The good thing is that it doesn't feel like it needs to be upgraded all the time

[philsmove]

I've got the flash to work off camera no problem, but want to see if I can 'turn down' the pop up flash without it affecting the strength of the off camera flash. Still a lot to learn!

?

Custom setting menu > Flash control for built in Flash > e2> Commander Mode>
Highlight TTL to right of "Built in Flash" - under "Mode" then use the updown wheel to set it to -- hit OK
Then add "Commander Mode" to MY Menu
Tip, also add, a1, AF area Mode, to My Menu

[philsmove]

Someone at camera club has a Lastolite Trigrip and it looks great - has a handle and decent size - but not cheap.

?

they come in 3 sizes, I have the medium one, which is really too small

[Lynn]

they come in 3 sizes, I have the medium one, which is really too smallI think he has the larger one - he had it along at a studio night the other week and it was good.

I used it camera right in this shot (had it propped against a chair)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5209364968_5e6e3c84bd.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5209364968/)
Luke (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5209364968/) by Lynn Stanfield (http://www.flickr.com/people/lstanfield/), on Flickr

[philsmove]

just add this (http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/flextt5-nikon/)
and this (http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/minitt1-nikon/)

to my Christmas prezzie list

[Lynn]

Yeah, they would be nice!

I'll have to add them to my Christmas list for next year though - Santa's already been good to me this year - even bringing me my D90 a couple of months early. :D

Was out for a walk today with my camera, stopped to chat to another photographer (with a D80) - nice how both of us having cameras was enough for two strangers to stop and chat for a few mins. :D And I've found since getting into photographing people (sounds better than 'shooting people'!) - a camera connects you with people.

[Lory]

a camera connects you with people.

This is very true.

Once you have a camera, you can't help noticing other people with cameras but this can also be quite dangerous, as several times I've tripped over or bumped into things, whilst being (too) nosey and trying to see what the other person is looking at through their view finder! :blush:

[Lynn]

This is very true.

Once you have a camera, you can't help noticing other people with cameras but this can also be quite dangerous, as several times I've tripped over or bumped into things, whilst being (too) nosey and trying to see what the other person is looking at through their view finder! :blush:Yeah - I was at a blues club a few weeks ago, was up dancing and saw someone taking shots of the band, I was totally distracted!

My camera club has an outing to the Christmas Continental Market in Belfast tomorrow evening. Though I might end up distracted by shopping, hot chocolate and mulled wine..:blush:

[Cruella]

Has anyone used Photomatix (http://www.hdrsoft.com/)? I have downloaded the trial version, which is the same as the full version, but leaves water marks. I really like the look of HDR photos and this software seems to make it much easier to achieve than my Photoshop Elements. I know HDR is an acquired taste as it can be a very unnatural look, but I like that. Any feedback from other users of the software would be greatly welcome before I decide whether to purchase it or not. :flower:

[Cruella]

There are a couple of photos in this album (https://cid-82848e71f5370a96.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=82848E71F5370A96!225&authkey=0!cUkgUYaYA%24) that I have tried the Photomatix on.

[Lory]

There are a couple of photos in this album (https://cid-82848e71f5370a96.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=82848E71F5370A96!225&authkey=0!cUkgUYaYA%24) that I have tried the Photomatix on.
Aw bums, I couldn't look at the album cos I had a pop-up that appeared, stating that an 'expired trial version' of photomatix is on my computer and I'd have to pay to download the package, if I wanted to see it!

Anyway, from what I remember it was very good but I can create similar effects in PS CS4 so I decided not to buy it!

P.s., I like the HDR look too but I do accept, its not to everyones taste!

[Lynn]

Try Oloneo - I'd downloaded a trial version which expired on 1st Dec, but got an email saying...

A new version of Oloneo PhotoEngine with new features and an expiry date set to February 1, 2011 is now available for download at: http://www.oloneo.com/en/lite/update.html?sid=b3dc9b42I'm guessing its free til 1st Feb as the last one was - and it doesn't leave watermarks on your images. Very easy to use HDR.

Sample image (I'm a complete beginner at HDR and still playing with it...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5217178989_fb1aa40cb3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5217178989/)
River from bridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5217178989/) by Lynn Stanfield (http://www.flickr.com/people/lstanfield/), on Flickr

Di and Lory - loved your latest winter albums on FB. :D

[philsmove]

I also want one that looks like a regular bag, ie looks like a handbag, not a camera bag. Good for times when I don't want it to be immediately obvious that I have a camera. So I already want two different types of bags and I haven't even got my camera yet!

....

http://www.capturingcouture.com/Fashion_%26_Trendy_Styles_of_Camera_Straps_by_Capt uring_Couture/Fashion_Camera_Bags_from_Capturing_Couture_Camera_ Straps.html

[clevedonboy]

Whilst not strictly a Digital SLR I'm very interested in getting a Panasonic GF1 (I hope santa might bring me one). Whilst not in the same class as "big boy" DSLRs it seems to be just the job for me for those occasions where carrying all the gear is just too much trouble. Strictly speaking it's not "pocketable" but it's very small (the body will fit in a jacket pocket & the lens in another). The 14 -45 mm lens is equivalent to 28 - 90 in 35 mm speak so is a nice range for everyday use & it can accept any micro 4 thirds lens (sigma Olympus & Panasonic make them). It can also accept many other lenses with the purchase of a suitable adapter (must investigate this as there are probably many great 2nd hand lenses on Ebay that would produce stunning results)

When it was launched it cost £800 but is now down to under £400 including the lens

review http://www.davidclapp.co.uk/blog/reviews/43-panasonic-gf-1-in-the-landscape.html

[philsmove]

I'm very interested in getting a Panasonic GF1 ]
it does look very nice :drool:but like all compacts quite a bit of shutter lag ( nearly 1/2 sec on full auto focus ) admittedly is not an issue for the landscapes David Clapp used it for

Any one know why Compact are so slow

[Lory]

it does look very nice :drool:but like all compacts quite a bit of shutter lag ( nearly 1/2 sec on full auto focus ) admittedly is not an issue for the landscapes David Clapp used it for

Any one know why Compact are so slow:yeah: I agree with all the above, it sounds great. And will be good for general holiday, landscapes, pets and portraits and stuff. :waycool:
But with shutter lag that slow, getting any decent shots of dancing in low light situations, will probably be more down to luck!

Just as a matter of interest, whats the ISO range and F stop of that lens

[philsmove]

[QUOTE=Lory;582821Just as a matter of interest, whats the ISO range and F stop of that lens[/QUOTE]

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicgf1/page4.asp

[clevedonboy]

Panasonic 14-45 F3.5 - 5.6 but it is an IS lens

max ISO is 3200. It's not going to compete with the high ISO performance of your Canon though , reviewers seem to agree that it's good up to ISO 800 but that's about it for quality work. Used at say 30 mm would mean a hand hold of about probably equate to 1/15 sec before blur with the IS system at work so it would probably be quite useable in social settings.

BTW it's not the only one out there - the Olympus pen E-PL1 is basically the same sensor & system & retails for about £380 with the lens (which folds up even smaller than the Panasonic) & has the advantage of IS in the body.

Sony has also brought it's NEX range to market this year & those are tiny without any lens attached.

The Panny just has the IT factor for me over the other two - it also comes with an offer at the moment for a free copy of Adobe Elements - Photoshop & Premiere so it just strikes me as a bit of a bargain (The GF2 is coming I believe)

[Lynn]

Just wanted to say....


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5288201896_d7d1dd4f58.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5288201896/)
Merry Christmas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lstanfield/5288201896/) by Lynn Stanfield (http://www.flickr.com/people/lstanfield/), on Flickr

[Lory]

my £8 timelapse is working well but my editing software is letting it down badly! :banghead:


Not heard of that, what does it do?Sorry I missed this question. Its a programmable shutter release trigger. You can simply use it to fire the shutter or you can programme it to keep taking photo's at regular intervals etc

And since writing the above, I've now concluded that 'Quicktime Pro' works really well as editing software


I concur with Lory about ebay - I got all of my lighting stuff off of there many moons ago at knock down prices and i'm very happy with it all.
Talking of using budget gear, I had an idea :waycool:, how about using one of THESE (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/80130663) as a cheap backdrop? Wouldn't it be great if the grey happened to be 18% grey.

Has anyone else got any good idea? :flower:

[Cruella]

Has anyone else got any good idea? :flower:
I made a lightbox after seeing this (http://www.studiolighting.net/homemade-light-box-for-product-photography/)
Although I am yet to use it as I can't find suitable lights for it! I bought these (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90152447) clip on ones from Ikea but they are too heavy.
Any suggestions for lighting would be greatly received. :flower:

[Lory]

I made a lightbox after seeing this (http://www.studiolighting.net/homemade-light-box-for-product-photography/)
Although I am yet to use it as I can't find suitable lights for it! I bought these (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90152447) clip on ones from Ikea but they are too heavy.
Any suggestions for lighting would be greatly received. :flower:

That looks good but sadly, I can't think of what lights I'd use either :confused:

I have another idea though, to diffuse the light from a window, on a very sunny day, use tracing paper or greaseproof paper cellotaped to the frame :na:

[Lory]

Any suggestions for lighting would be greatly received. :flower:

I have no idea if THESE (http://www1.conrad-uk.com/scripts/wgate/zcop_uk/~flN0YXRlPTc2MTMxMzE2Mw==?~template=PCAT_AREA_S_BR OWSE&glb_user_js=Y&shop=UK&zhmmh_lfo=&zhmmh_area_kz=&product_show_id=247181&gvlon=&p_init_ipc=X&p_page_to_display=fromoutside&~cookies=1&cookie_n[1]=uk_insert&cookie_v[1]=89&cookie_d[1]=&cookie_p[1]=/&cookie_e[1]=Thu,+10-Feb-2011+21:49:15+GMT&scrwidth=1680) are any good but they're cheap and seem to be a bit like the 'LED video light' you saw on my camera last night. A couple of them might do the job? :waycool:

[Cruella]

Try Oloneo - I'd downloaded a trial version which expired on 1st Dec, but got an email saying...
I'm guessing its free til 1st Feb as the last one was - and it doesn't leave watermarks on your images. Very easy to use HDR.


Unfortunately that isn't compatible with Mac. :sad:

[philsmove]

Any suggestions for lighting would be greatly received. :flower:


A friend who does a lot of product photography uses several lights something like this (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/70128793)
the light box sits on its own tabel, so he can get all round it
I will try and have closer look next time I visit his studio

[Lory]

Any suggestions for lighting would be greatly received. :flower:

I just came across these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Professional-Continuous-photography-daylight/dp/B002SK8ETE/ref=sr_1_55?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1295740569&sr=1-55

[philsmove]

Just been reading
http://www.advancedphotographer.co.uk/subscribe.html
its a remarkable good read
it includes an explanation of mega whatnot's and why the D3s is such an outstanding camera, despite having half the pixels of its direct competitor
some useful stuff on HDR and "Big Stoppers"
and if you have a spare £5000 a review on the Leica M9

[philsmove]

Focus on Imaging opens this Sunday at the NEC
but don't wast time looking for the Cannon Stand its been taken over by NIKON
This the UK s biggest trade photo exhibition and apart from Cannon, all the big photo manufactures will be there

[Lory]

Focus on Imaging opens this Sunday at the NEC
but don't wast time looking for the Cannon Stand its been taken over by NIKON
This the UK s biggest trade photo exhibition and apart from Cannon, all the big photo manufactures will be there
http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/

Looks like my idea of a hellish day out! :sick:

and p.s. why are you spelling Canon, Cannon?... am I missing a joke somewhere :confused:

[philsmove]

http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/

and p.s. why are you spelling Canon, Cannon?... am I missing a joke somewhere :confused:
Sorry as may have noticed , spelling and grammar are not my strong points :blush:

[philsmove]

deleted no attachment

[philsmove]

http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/

Looks like my idea of a hellish day out! :sick:

It turned out to a great chance to get, my grubby hands on some of the "toys" from my wish list

including the Nikon 600mm f4:drool:

And a chance to say hello to Feeling Pink

[Lynn]

It turned out to a great chance to get, my grubby hands on some of the "toys" from my wish list

including the Nikon 600mm f4:drool:

And a chance to say hello to Feeling PinkSomeone from my camera club has been at it and just bought a nice new Canon macro lens. :D

[philsmove]

Nikon to introduce new NIKKORNER product line


To gether with the D5100, Nikon will soon introduce a revolutionary new brand called NIKKORNER which will include products from the Imaging and Sports Optics divisions. In the Imaging division, Nikon will be announcing a new lens that can take pictures around corners and protect photojournalists when working in dangerous areas. The lens will be available also in camouflage pattern/colors.

[Lory]

Nikon to introduce new NIKKORNER product line


To gether with the D5100, Nikon will soon introduce a revolutionary new brand called NIKKORNER which will include products from the Imaging and Sports Optics divisions. In the Imaging division, Nikon will be announcing a new lens that can take pictures around corners and protect photojournalists when working in dangerous areas. The lens will be available also in camouflage pattern/colors.
Hmm, are you sure that's not an April fool?:wink:

[foxylady]

Nikon to introduce new NIKKORNER product line


To gether with the D5100, Nikon will soon introduce a revolutionary new brand called NIKKORNER which will include products from the Imaging and Sports Optics divisions. In the Imaging division, Nikon will be announcing a new lens that can take pictures around corners and protect photojournalists when working in dangerous areas. The lens will be available also in camouflage pattern/colors.

:worthy:

You have to ask, Lory ???
Good job phil

[philsmove]

The D5100 (http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/slr/consumer/d5100) has been released

Still no sign of the D800 or the D400

[cederic]

Just found my perfect camera:
http://uk.leica-camera.com/photography/special_editions/m9_titan/

Trying desperately to tell myself it's not worth the cost of remortgaging..

[philsmove]

Just found my perfect camera:
..

:drool:

[philsmove]

Nikon V Canon

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV#p/a/u/0/awq90APEVgw

How do I embed a Video

[Lory]

This looks rather amazing, if it's to be believed..



http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/lytro-the-camera-that-could-change-photography-forever/

[philsmove]

This looks rather amazing, if it's to be believed..



http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/lytro-the-camera-that-could-change-photography-forever/

Needless to say, our friend Ken Rockwell, has somthing to say

and for once I think he could be right


http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/00-new-today.htm



Who Cares: Lytro

Lytro's PR engine is working overtime getting the innocent excited about another technically interesting, but irrelevant, technology.

Lytro claims to have a camera sensor technology coming that captures not just intensity at each point on the sensor, but also direction. This, and only after using a whole lot of computer power to process all the vector data, lets one choose focus after the fact. It's like a raw file that still hasn't been focused.

So?

Compact and cell-phone cameras already get everything in focus, and every other camera focuses just fine, all without needing all the computational overhead of the Lytro system.

Just like the Foveon sensor whose inventors told us it would change the world, but forgot that it has a basic problem with light sensitivity, the many pitfalls of the Lytro system are yet to be seen. Most likely, it will also have a problem with quantum efficiency (high ISOs) because it is critical for it to resolve direction in addition to simply intensity at each point.

I see these things all the time. We can forget about it until someone actually has a product to sell, and then we can evaluate it on its own merit. The best and only thing Lytro has to pitch as an advantage is the ability to set focus after the picture is taken, but for that one minor advantage, there are a huge number of yet unknown disadvantages.

Considering that the people who most need this, casual cell-phone snappers, need it least because those cameras have huge depths-of-field, I wouldn't invest in this.

The theory is here, but we need real cameras, not hypotheses.

[meghann]

I feel compelled to post this link (http://damnyouautocorrect.com/6149/camera-discussion/)

[Lory]

I feel compelled to post this link (http://damnyouautocorrect.com/6149/camera-discussion/)And I feel compelled to post THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxq9yj2pVWk) :D

[gamebird]

I feel compelled to post this link (http://damnyouautocorrect.com/6149/camera-discussion/)

Ooh I'm intrigued...I can't watch it at work because
"Tru-View has categorised this page as Offensive & Tasteless"

Mind you it does classify chainsaw sales pages as containing "offensive weapons" so maybe it won't be that intriguing after all!

[meghann]

Ooh I'm intrigued...I can't watch it at work because
"Tru-View has categorised this page as Offensive & Tasteless"

Mind you it does classify chainsaw sales pages as containing "offensive weapons" so maybe it won't be that intriguing after all!

:lol:

Haha, yes there are offensive and tasteless things at damnyouautocorrect.com but this particular page is really either. Are you familiar with the iPhone's autocorrect function? Basically it seems to decide that you meant something other than what you typed (in chat/text messages etc.) and changes it for you. Which leads to conversations such as the following (censored to be SFW):

Person 1: "His website is great. One of his favourite cameras of all time is the Nikon that Jenn has. It's only 5 megalosaurus"
Person 1: "Megalosaurus? LOL"
Person 1: "Megalosaurus"
Person 2: "Hahahaaa"
Person 1: "It did it again!"
Person 1: "Mega****ingpixels"
Person 1: "There"

[meghann]

Clearly, I meant "isn't really", not "is really" :doh:

[philsmove]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKpxd8hzOcQ&feature=player_embedded

[philsmove]

You might want to hang on a bit longer. There are rumours that Nikon will release a D700s in the next couple of weeks that will have dual card slots (good for card failure).

.


Well it does look something new will come out on August 24 2011
may be a D4, maybe a D800, possibly both

[philsmove]

Well it does look something new will come out on August 24 2011
may be a D4, maybe a D800, possibly both

Here is the latest D800 Rumor


•What number of pixels is 3630 megapixels.
•4 frames per second continuous shooting in body only, about 6 frames per second will be used to DX mode with the optional battery pack.
•A little late to be released by the model resolution sought to eliminate the low-pass filter.
•Full HD video in 1920 × 1080/30p.
•Headphone jacks, can be input from an external device such as a PCM sound recorder. Corresponding to USB3.0. Be available in new small wireless transmitter.
•86K pixel split control, AF, exposure, white balance, etc. compatible. Face Recognition AF features.
•Larger LCD monitor, automatic brightness adjustment, the structure is not cloudy.
•Two media CF card and SD card slot.
•Shutter durability of 200,000 cycles.
•Market price is about 300,000 yen. The announcement on October 26, released on November 24.


Read more on NikonRumors.com: http://nikonrumors.com/#ixzz1Zjg93xd6

[Lory]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=89hej8N1Me0I can't decide if I love this, or hate it?

On the one hand its neat, basic and simple to use

But on the other hand, no professional would want to use this with the stupidly limited file size and the stylus looks so clumsy. Its a no wonder he chose that image to extract from its background. I'd like to see him try something a bit more complicated lol Also, The tools palette is soooo basic, it would drive anyone who's worked on photoshop 2 and up insane

So, who's it aimed at?

Is someone who's not that into photography going to spend out on a tablet that has one purpose only? If it was an app for the iPad, i'd understand.

Oh and Whoopy doo, you can upload to FB from it! :rofl:

[philsmove]

So, who's it aimed at?


People who do not have £587.97 for CS5 because they spent all their money on an iPad:whistle:

[clevedonboy]

coming to ipad in 2012 it seems & at a cost of $10 it seems to be a bit of a no brainer for those of us with ipads. If it integrates with the iCloud it could be quite a fun product for hobby photographers on holiday

[Lory]

coming to ipad in 2012 it seems & at a cost of $10 it seems to be a bit of a no brainer for those of us with ipads. If it integrates with the iCloud it could be quite a fun product for hobby photographers on holidayAhhhh, I get it now!

I stupidly thought they were bring out an Adobe Tablet, as a standalone product :doh::blush:

Then, in that case.. I like it! :na:

[philsmove]

Canon are replacing the 1Ds Mark III and the 1D Mark IV with the Canon EOS 1D X. A bargin at over £4,000 body only


Come on Nikon were is the D800

[Lory]

Canon are replacing the 1Ds Mark III and the 1D Mark IV with the Canon EOS 1D X. A bargin at over £4,000 body only
And here it is!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xLE3i2FLWEY BTW, I want the monopod he uses at the end! I bet it cost an arm and a leg though :sick:

[Lynn]

Come on Nikon were is the D800Not that I can afford one... but I want to see where Nikon is headed, as at some point I will want to upgrade.

(I wonder if the D800 would reduce the D700 s/h price...)

[philsmove]

(I wonder if the D800 would reduce the D700 s/h price...)

Unlikely, the D800 will probably be over £2600

Secondhand D700's are likely to be well used. Many D700 owners ,including me, I will be keeping theirs as a spare

what about a D7000 or may be D400 if they make one

no need to buy FX lenses

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=3732

[Lynn]

Unlikely, the D800 will probably be over £2600

Secondhand D700's are likely to be well used. Many D700 owners ,including me, I will be keeping theirs as a spare

what about a D7000 or may be D400 if they make one

no need to buy FX lenses

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=3732Yeah I wonder if I should have got a D7000 last year, but at the time I needed to see how interested I was going to get in it all and a D90 was more than enough. But I'm finding limitations with it (mainly high ISO, I don't like pushing it much above 800-1000). A D300 wouldn't give me any improvement in that, and I'm not sure when the D400 will be out - though I think it would be the best DX option.

A D700/800 is going to mean not just a dearer body but a lot of extra investment in FX lenses. But then again a D700 and a 24-70 f2.8 would be really nice...!

Was at an event tonight and realised two things.

1. My D90 and SB600 looked like a toy compared to the big Canon fitted with two flashes the pro who was there to take publicity shots was using. :tears:

2. I don't particularly like shooting events. I didn't realise this before tonight. A dancing event, where I know lots of people, that's quite fun - but at a general event you really don't have very long to interact with people. A quick query to see if they want a photo, everyone lining up, get the light roughly right, as long as its properly exposed and not looking awful with direct flash etc - take a few shots and move on to the next person/group. Totally different to portrait work, which I love, where I can get the light right to suit that person and the location, get good catchlights in the eyes, try different poses to get the most flattering for the subject etc.

[philsmove]

....But I'm finding limitations with it (mainly high ISO,....... But then again a D700 and a 24-70 f2.8 would be really nice...!

....... My D90 and SB600 looked like a toy compared to the big Canon......2. I don't particularly like shooting events..

A big advantage of a D7000 or a D700 will be less noise at higher ISOs

The 24-70 f2.8 has no VR so do consider the 24-120 f 4

You can make your D90 look more impressive, with a £95 Battery pack, also get a very big camera bag ( dont buy a SB900 yet, they are about be replaced)

Events are horrible, I end up doing up doing one last night, when the official photographer cancelled at the last minute. I could not pretend I was not available as I had already accepted an invitation to the party:sick:

The strength of the yen, inflation, floods at the Nikon Factory in Thailand, are all likely to push Nikon prices up

If you dont need Video I would go for the D700 over the D7000 ( if money allows )

[Lynn]

Thaanks Phil. I've got a £25 battery grip (a Meike one) which I'd heard good reviews of and seems to be just as good as the Nikon one. It doesn't fit in my current camera bag very well with the grip so I wasn't using it gripped last night - I do need to get a bigger bag!

Glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like events. Small events run by friends, or dance events - great fun. The wedding I did - loved it! But big corporate events - just not my thing. It was a good learning experience though, and I played with a slow shutter technique Mac showed me at SP.

[Lory]

1. My D90 and SB600 looked like a toy compared to the big Canon fitted with two flashes the pro who was there to take publicity shots was using. :tears:I know what you mean but it doesn't necessarily make them a better photographer, with their end result being any better. Plus, have you tried spending a whole day with a heavy lens and a large flash gun? I honestly don't think I could handle any more weight.


2. I don't particularly like shooting events. I didn't realise this before tonight. A dancing event, where I know lots of people, that's quite fun - but at a general event you really don't have very long to interact with people. A quick query to see if they want a photo, everyone lining up, get the light roughly right, as long as its properly exposed and not looking awful with direct flash etc - take a few shots and move on to the next person/group. Totally different to portrait work, which I love, where I can get the light right to suit that person and the location, get good catchlights in the eyes, try different poses to get the most flattering for the subject etc.It is very different and it totally depends on the brief. I don't like posed pictures but I do like candid shots that capture 'feeling' of the event.
I agree, I don't think I could stand having to ask people if they minded posing for a shot :sick: that would be my worst nightmare.




The 24-70 f2.8 has no VR so do consider the 24-120 f 4 I took a long time to decide between these models but for me, it all came down to the ability of the 2.8 to shoot, action in low light, and for that, you don't really benefit from VR but if you primarily shoot outside/in daylight/ or landscapes, then thens no question, its the F4 with VR


[QUOTE]The strength of the yen, inflation, floods at the Nikon Factory in Thailand, are all likely to push Nikon prices upAll Canon lenses have gone up too :sad: You can't get a secondhand lens for the price they were selling them for new last year.

[Lynn]

I know what you mean but it doesn't necessarily make them a better photographer, with their end result being any better. Plus, have you tried spending a whole day with a heavy lens and a large flash gun? I honestly don't think I could handle any more weight.Not done that and its one of the things putting me off a D700... though at first I thought the D90 was heavy and now it feels quite small and light.

I need to get better at using flash. My main problem in the drinks reception (the part I was covering) was that there were 3 different heights/colours of ceiling in the foyer area, so had to keep readjusting - and it was very crowded and busy, so it was hard to get a decent setting for the posed shots. All good experience though!


It is very different and it totally depends on the brief. I don't like posed pictures but I do like candid shots that capture 'feeling' of the event.
I agree, I don't think I could stand having to ask people if they minded posing for a shot :sick: that would be my worst nightmare.I like candids too, they're fun and I did take some (trying to get some of the 'important' people in - hard when you've just had them pointed out to you a few mins before and there's over 200 people milling about!) And then I played about with the slow shutter speed thing Mac was doing at SP for some fun dance shots later (not in the brief so just experimenting for me and to give the feel of people having fun dancing.) As there was an 'official' photographer coming I didn't take too many, but when I spoke to him he didn't mind me taking shots and putting them on a website as he wasn't selling any from the night, just doing PR shots, so I could have, and should have, taken more. Gallery is here (http://lynnstanfieldphotography.zenfolio.com/p960500586)

I was expected to take some posed shots... No-one I asked refused or hestitated, so maybe I just need more practice at it.


I took a long time to decide between these models but for me, it all came down to the ability of the 2.8 to shoot, action in low light, and for that, you don't really benefit from VR but if you primarily shoot outside/in daylight/ or landscapes, then thens no question, its the F4 with VRA friend was round last night and he has the 24-105 f4 L - nice lens! But he's into outdoor photography, wildlife and landscapes. I'm with you Lory, I'd want the 24-70.

[Lory]

All filmed on the Canon 300

I LIKE! :waycool:

http://vimeo.com/30215350

[philsmove]

11fps
ISO 100–12800
And yes its a Canon slayer


http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/slr/professional/d4

going to be about £6,000 body only

[cederic]

It's starting to get interesting on the 'interchangeable lens' camera front:
http://www.stuckincustoms.com/2012/01/04/dslrs-are-a-dying-breed-3rd-gen-cameras-are-the-future/

If you're already bought into a lens system, no reason to change, but if you're just starting out then it's a bad time to make a lifelong commitment.

I'm too lazy to carry spare lenses around and I want a camera that fits in a (coat) pocket so it's a non-issue for me - unless Leica announce and release the M10 for 20% of the cost of the M9, in which case I'm going to buy it on principle :)

[philsmove]

If you're already bought into a lens system, no reason to change,

I "bought into" Nikon over 40 years ago and the lens from my old F would still fit my D700 and will also fit the D4,
they will also ( with an adaptor) fit the New Nikon 1

The same would not be true, had i bought a Canon

If you are not into changing lanes then the D4 is unlikely to be your choice of camera

[Lynn]

I don't think I'll be getting a D4 ever... I could be tempted to a D700! At the moment though, want I'd really like is a 24-70 f2.8. I got to try one on my D90 last week and it was fab, like having a prime on the camera. Loved it and think I'd be inclined to invest in that next - if I can find funds for it that is!

Started trying studio stuff and really enjoying that. Going on a studio lighting training day this weekend, which hopefully should help.

[philsmove]

- unless Leica announce and release the M10 for 20% of the cost of the M9, in which case I'm going to buy it on principle :)

here is a chance to win an M9

http://www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com/

[cederic]

I'm too old and/or too amateur to enter. Probably for the best; humiliating defeat can cause distress.

[philsmove]

I'm too old and/or too amateur to enter. Probably for the best; humiliating defeat can cause distress.
Rubbish

[cederic]

No, seriously - it's only open to professional photographers, or under 25s. I qualify on neither front.

[philsmove]

No, seriously - it's only open to professional photographers, or under 25s. I qualify on neither front.

Sorry I had not read the rules

[philsmove]

Not that I can afford one... but I want to see where Nikon is headed, as at some point I will want to upgrade.

(I wonder if the D800 would reduce the D700 s/h price...)

We will know very soon
the D800 was released today but no No UK price yet
For me , the improved face recognition focusing is going to be a must have feature
My D700 will probably be for sale

[philsmove]

The D800 is nearly £1000 more than a D700 so I would not expect a big price drop in the D700 S/H market

[Lory]

Look at this price... that is CHEAP man http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q79BIA?ie=UTF8&tag=fbaltislasa-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004Q79BIA :what:

[Lynn]

The D800 is nearly £1000 more than a D700 so I would not expect a big price drop in the D700 S/H marketMore like £650.. I think the D700 is about £1750 and D800 pre-order price is £2399. And that will probably come down after a while...

Someone in camera club got a new D700 this week - had it along at a studio night last night... definitely so much better than my D90!!

[philsmove]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfA2mTMt0u8&feature=player_embedded

[cederic]

That was good :) Not sure many people would use the video capture as the primary differentiator between them though.

They're both rather nice cameras.

[philsmove]

I know its a bit out of date


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnwf2RShNV0&feature=player_embedded

[Lynn]

Lol! :nice:

[cederic]

Rather than start a new thread, I'll resurrect this one in the hopes some of you more experienced and capable photographers can help me avoid an expensive mistake.

As someone too lazy (and weak) to carry a DSLR around, I've decided to buy a Micro Four-Thirds camera. I'll go for the Olympus PL5 or the Panasonic GX2, depending what the GX2 is like when they announce it next month. (I'm not rushing into this).

Half the fun of buying a camera is the research and options. So I've picked out a fine lens selection, but I'm not sure what'll be best for indoor dance photography. Something fast, obviously, and ultimately the body will limit my options far more than the lens, but something I don't know:

What's the best focal length for dance photography?

Fast autofocus MFT lens options (with the 35mm full frame equivalent focal length in brackets) are:
- 20mm pancake f1.7 (40mm equiv)
- 25mm f1.4 (50mm equiv)
- 45mm f1.8 (90mm equiv)
- 75mm f1.8 (150mm equiv)

I'm planning to pick up the 35-100 f2.8 too (70-200 equiv) and a 14mm f2.5 pancake (as most of my street photography is at 28mm equiv already, and the lens+body will fit into a coat pocket, which matters to me) so the 25mm f1.4 hits the sweet spot. But is that a good length for photographing modern jive?

[philsmove]

As someone too lazy (and weak) to carry a DSLR around, I've decided to buy a Micro Four-Thirds camera.
What's the best focal length for dance photography?



The big advantage of the DSLRs is the speed at which they focus
this is critical if the subject is moving and you are working indoors in poor light
with a DSLR the wider the aperture the faster The camera will focus
and this may be the same with a compact but as far as i can make out, non are as fast as a modern DSLR particularly if you are using continuous focus

I would recommend getting close and going with a 24mm equivalent; you can always crop

My experience of a Four Thirds sensor ( Nikon P7100) is it fine at native ISO, in bright daylight, but hopeless, if you crack up the ISO and try working using unavailable light

[cederic]

With dancing I can zone focus - the MFT multiple means greater depth of field to play with at any given aperture - so autofocus speed is far less of a concern.

I concur however that even the best MFT sensor isn't going to get close to a top-end DSLR, and especially the full frame ones. It's a trade-off I'm willing to make in order to achieve "camera in my coat pocket". The focus speed on a DSLR for me is around 7 hours as I'd have to drive home to get it first.

I'll have a 28mm equiv at around f2.5, which I'll use for street photography. For dancing I want to be further away; I don't want to get in the way, I'd prefer the dancers don't realise I'm there, and even with MFT I want some background bokeh.

In other news today, I found a new shop in Manchester selling nothing but Leica. I didn't dare go in :)

[cederic]

My experience of a Four Thirds sensor ( Nikon P7100)

Hmm. Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a 1/1.7" sensor, so substantially smaller than 4/3. The current top-end 4/3 sensor has better dynamic range and low light performance than the (admittedly not great) Canon D650 sensor. Still nowhere near the top end DSLRs, but significantly better than most compact cameras.

That sensor is in the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which is too big for a coat pocket, but will also be in the Olympus E-PL5. Add on a pancake prime or zoom and it's ideal for carrying around town, but can take a spankingly big zoom when needed or something in the middle for landscapes. I'm also waiting to see what the Panasonic GX2 looks like when they announce it in November; if it's the same size as the GX1 and the sensor isn't dire then I'd prefer it to the Olympus; if they add in-body stabilisation too then it'll go on pre-order :)

[philsmove]

Hmm. Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a 1/1.7" sensor, so substantially smaller than 4/3. The current top-end 4/3 sensor has better

and for those of you, like me, get confused by sensor size

here a link to put in your pocket

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside_-_updated.svg&page=1

i have given up try to understand them and just shoot full frame, which is not, incidentally, three thirds

and MFT does not stand for Managed File Transfer

it means micro four thirds

which despite its name is not a mico version of Four thirds , its is. I think, the same thing

Photography is, of course, nothing to do with taking photographs it all about understand the secret language

[Lynn]

No idea about MFT I'm afraid but if its any help I find using a zoom lens is good for dancing shots as sometimes I want to be in a bit closer and sometimes not so close - I use a 24-70 (on full frame).

Are you planning on using flash? I'm not a huge fan of flash but even with a good low light camera (D700) and fast glass I can't always get fast enough shutter speed. I did do a whole series of tango shots though with no flash. http://www.lynnstanfield.com/titango - but for the performance shots there was overhead lights on (and I was at f2.8 and about ISO2000 I think). At a lot of dancing events there just isn't enough light to get away with not using flash. And using flash means you can't get too far away from your subject (unless you have a really powerful flash, I only have SB600s). If using flash I prefer to bounce rather than use flash directly at dancers so you've also got to think about where you are bouncing it off etc.

[cederic]

I'm really not a fan of using a flash, so I'll see how I get on without one for a bit. I really don't want to disturb the dancers, or intrude on their dance.

I accept that this may prevent me getting any decent pictures at all :)

[philsmove]

I don't like flash and try to avoid it for l photos that are for my own amusment

but if I am working; its is virtually essentala most clents don't want art farty photos, they want them pin sharpe and thant often means flash

to be honest I don't think flash distracts MJ dances any more than a mirror ball

some pics taken in the pub at Breeze most taken ISO 64000 1/125 @f4 24mm-120

https://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/media/set/?set=a.10151060566160766.427186.616245765&type=1

[philsmove]

I don't like flash and try to avoid it for l photos that are for my own amusement

but if I am working; its is virtually essential most clients don't want art farty photos, they want them pin sharpe and Thant often means flash


that should read

I don't like flash and try to avoid it, with photos for my own amusement

but if I am working; it is often essential, as most clients don't want art farty photos, they want them pin sharp and in low light ,that means flash

[Lynn]

I'm really not a fan of using a flash, so I'll see how I get on without one for a bit. I really don't want to disturb the dancers, or intrude on their dance.

I accept that this may prevent me getting any decent pictures at all :)Yes, unfortunately it probably will. Unless you want arty, blurry photos.

I'm not a fan of flash either - one of the reasons why I got a D700 was to be able to push the ISO up and still get good images without flash indoors in a lot of situations. But I still need flash for most dance venues.

If you're shooting in the daytime (as Phil's set above) or when overhead lights are on (as in my tango set) and you can push the ISO up high and have fast glass, then you can get away without it and you do capture the atmosphere better.

If its a typical freestyle with little or no overhead lights and low, coloured, flashing lights, then its much harder to get a fast enough shutter speed.

[cederic]

I did do a whole series of tango shots though with no flash. http://www.lynnstanfield.com/titango - but for the performance shots there was overhead lights on (and I was at f2.8 and about ISO2000 I think).

The half-shadow black and white shots midway down are superb - some of the nicest dance photographs I've seen.

[Lynn]

The half-shadow black and white shots midway down are superb - some of the nicest dance photographs I've seen.Thanks! I made them b&w mainly because the overhead spots were multicoloured, so one couple was greenish, another pinkish etc in the same photos. But I also think it suits the milonga. I think this (http://www.lynnstanfield.com/titango/h26a49944#h26a49944) is one of my favs as I like the lighting in it.

[DavidB]

You can now get the Full version of PhotoShop CS2 for free. http://www.neowin.net/news/adobe-releases-creative-suite-2-for-free

[philsmove]

You can now get the Full version of PhotoShop CS2 for free. http://www.neowin.net/news/adobe-releases-creative-suite-2-for-free

UPDATE: It looks like the link is currently not functioning,

( the latest all singing all dancing version is CS6)

any one wanting a good professional photo software program , I would recommend Lightroom 4
you can get a 30day trail for free

[cederic]

I'm not a professional but Lightroom is mine and you can't have it. It's wonderful. Get your own copy.

On the camera front, I bought the Olympus E-PL5. It's nowhere near the focus speed or low-light performance of a full frame SLR (e.g. Lynn's D700) but it's tiny and does focus very quickly in decent light conditions.

It's also very good quality images for a 'consumer' grade camera:
http://photos.stua.rts.co.tt/Other/Photo-Stream/i-DrzjZ9q/0/Th/Boats%20needed-Th.jpg
Click here for bigger version (http://photos.stua.rts.co.tt/Other/Photo-Stream/20495750_7jnFvX#!i=2292809012&k=DrzjZ9q&lb=1&s=A)