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Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 5:27:06 PM   
Action


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From: Cali
Status: offline 		As it says in my Journal;

Had a talk with the husband, as it stands in the next month I'll be buying my first professional camera, bottom rung of the ladder of course. He worries someone will mug me for anything too pricey.

So comes the question, any of you experinced photographers out there, whats THE best word in a camera for a young ambitious photography student like me. Something that can handle taking lighting as is becuase I am notoriously dismissive of using a flash and love "as is" lighting. And of course is versitile enough for someone very experinmental in phase.

Slr?

Feel free to write me if you have a word on the matter.

Youngwarholout




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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 5:49:04 PM   
Muttling


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Status: offline 		Nikon, Nikon, and Nikon.


Cannon makes some good stuff too, but the range and quality of lenses available for the Nikon are tremendous.  You can also pick up a lot of good used Nikon equipment since they are the hands down favorite in the top end equipment line.

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 5:57:44 PM   
Action


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Muttling

Nikon, Nikon, and Nikon.


Cannon makes some good stuff too, but the range and quality of lenses available for the Nikon are tremendous.  You can also pick up a lot of good used Nikon equipment since they are the hands down favorite in the top end equipment line.


I have really always heard Nikon = good
Any particular models you'd recomend for beginner?


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The only ones for me are the mad ones....who burn burn burn like fabulous roman candles. -Jack Kerouac

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:12:22 PM   
LaTigresse


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Status: offline 		I have a Canon EOS 20D and like it very much.

< Message edited by LaTigresse -- 3/8/2008 6:14:16 PM >

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:21:48 PM   
Muttling


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Action

quote:

ORIGINAL: Muttling

Nikon, Nikon, and Nikon.


Cannon makes some good stuff too, but the range and quality of lenses available for the Nikon are tremendous.  You can also pick up a lot of good used Nikon equipment since they are the hands down favorite in the top end equipment line.


I have really always heard Nikon = good
Any particular models you'd recomend for beginner?



It really depends on how much you want to spend.  For a professional grade camera, the F4 frame cameras are the bare minimum in my opinion.   The F5's are more pricey but a serious step up (especially if you want to do any action pictures.)

The F5's are faster responding with the light meter and autofocus.  It also has a number of upgrades to the computer that makes it better at outdoor photos where you have a lot of variations in lighting levels within the frame of the picture.  Finally, they can also shoot 8 frames per second in automatic mode.   If you're going to do mostly stills, macro shots, and things of that nature it may or may not be worth the investment.

As for lenses to with the frame, it really depends on what you're going to be shooting.   They have a wide variety of very good quality lenses.  For action photos, I would suggest one of the auto stabalized lenses.  They are very expensive, but incredibly good.  (I also have shakey hands so it's a tremendous improvement for me.)

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:24:47 PM   
Hiding


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Status: offline 		Your ask for help all depends on your budget.......I shoot with a Nikon D2X.........you can pick up a D1X  ...... very reasonably now.......I like to shoot "natural light as well............In fact the Nikon D3X is out now........so the D2X might be within your reach...........

The Nikon D70   is ALSO very good.....and less Pricey than the DX "line".....but the DX line of Nikon is the "TOP"  of Nikon........check ebay.....but do NOT.....buy from a "grey market source".......ALWAYS get a warranty with WHATEVER you choose.  Nice thing about Nikon is.....you can get a D70.....then trade UP as you go.....and keep your "glass" (lens).

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:26:23 PM   
Muttling


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quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

I have a Canon EOS 20D and like it very much.



I bought my ex a Cannon EOS Rebel, film camera a couple of years ago.  (She hates computers.)  It's not as high end as your 20D, but it's been a terrific camera for about $275 fully set up.

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:39:33 PM   
LaTigresse


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Status: offline 		I have one of the auto stabilization lenses and it is my most used lense. Well worth every cent spent.

I also have a Rebel and enjoy it. The EOS 20D with three lenses, was a splurge.

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My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:45:30 PM   
Action


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Status: offline 		I've been looking at this Nikon D40 any words on those? Saw the D300 but its going to be a few months saving still to get something in the Grand aread.

Right now Im looking to spend 200-300 pounds so about 400-600 dollars for my first camera fully set up.


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The only ones for me are the mad ones....who burn burn burn like fabulous roman candles. -Jack Kerouac

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:51:44 PM   
LaTigresse


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Status: offline 		I'm sorry, I've never had a Nikon. I generally stick to Canon products so that I can interchange lenses.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 6:56:47 PM   
Muttling


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Action

I've been looking at this Nikon D40 any words on those? Saw the D300 but its going to be a few months saving still to get something in the Grand aread.

Right now Im looking to spend 200-300 pounds so about 400-600 dollars for my first camera fully set up.



In that case, I would suggest going to your local camera store and asking them for advice on what they have used.   You're going to get a LOT more bang for your buck on a used camera (especially in the $400 to $600 price range.)

I would buy with the anticipation of upgrading the camera frame in years to come but make good investments on your lenses.  A very good flash would be a good investment as well, but I would put that further down the road.

The stabalized lenses we mentioned start in the $400 range so that is out for the moment.  I would suggest a good all around lense with some adjustable zoom on it.  Other lenses will really depend on what you intend to shoot.

You DEFINITELY want to invest in a UV filter for each of your lenses.  This screws onto the end of the lense.  It's cheap and really doesn't do much for your pictures but it protects the lense from UV damage and from scratches.  Other filters can be a fun option that screws on top of your UV filter but that pretty much depends on you and what you're shooting.   If you're shooting people, a softening filter is nice as you don't get to many imperfection (e.g. wrinkles or uneven makeup) coming through.   If you're shooting flowers or close ups of wildlife, you may or may not want to soften the photo.


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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:01:56 PM   
Action


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Muttling

quote:

ORIGINAL: Action

I've been looking at this Nikon D40 any words on those? Saw the D300 but its going to be a few months saving still to get something in the Grand aread.

Right now Im looking to spend 200-300 pounds so about 400-600 dollars for my first camera fully set up.



In that case, I would suggest going to your local camera store and asking them for advice on what they have used.   You're going to get a LOT more bang for your buck on a used camera (especially in the $400 to $600 price range.)

I would buy with the anticipation of upgrading the camera frame in years to come but make good investments on your lenses.  A very good flash would be a good investment as well, but I would put that further down the road.

The stabalized lenses we mentioned start in the $400 range so that is out for the moment.  I would suggest a good all around lense with some adjustable zoom on it.  Other lenses will really depend on what you intend to shoot.

You DEFINITELY want to invest in a UV filter for each of your lenses.  This screws onto the end of the lense.  It's cheap and really doesn't do much for your pictures but it protects the lense from UV damage and from scratches.  Other filters can be a fun option that screws on top of your UV filter but that pretty much depends on you and what you're shooting.   If you're shooting people, a softening filter is nice as you don't get to many imperfection (e.g. wrinkles or uneven makeup) coming through.   If you're shooting flowers or close ups of wildlife, you may or may not want to soften the photo.



Thanks alot, and yah Im putting all my part time money into it so I can look into spending and investing a grand or two into a fully set up camera in a few months but for right now something just to get back into clicking pictures is what I need. School dosn't start till september.

Thanks for all the great advice, I'll look into local camera shops intown. <3


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The only ones for me are the mad ones....who burn burn burn like fabulous roman candles. -Jack Kerouac

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:03:51 PM   
Griswold


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Action

Whats THE best word in a camera.....

"Better"
 
(By the way...just a thought....the shirt...a little lower please?)
 
(I speak for all men).


< Message edited by Griswold -- 3/8/2008 7:08:15 PM >

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:07:54 PM   
BlueEyedSubinDE


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Status: offline 		What camera is best depends on what you want to do with the camera.  Yeah I know, not much of an answer.  I have a bunch of websites that I found to be really helpful when I was looking for my camera.  I have an Olympus EVolt 500 that still makes me borderline orgasmic when I use it.  Anyway, as I think it's against the rules to post websites here, I've emailed them to you.

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:12:11 PM   
Action


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From: Cali
Status: offline 		Well thats just it, personaly I do alot of people peices with my cameras, but since its something Im going to be using to start out my studies with I need it to be pretty versitile. I don't like very light exposed peices but rather have a thing for colors in natural light. I am known sort of grity more "real" pictures flaws included

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:16:41 PM   
Muttling


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Status: offline 		You should research flash diffusers.   There are lots of ways to diffuse a flash, the simplest is to tape a piece of thin white paper in front of the flash.   I don't shoot much in doors so this really isn't something I know much about, but I do know that it is a widely discussed topic on the internet with lots of ideas out there.


The GREAT thing about digital is you can do all the trial and error you want.   Play around with no flash, diffused flash, and flash timing to see what produces the desired effects.

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 7:40:10 PM   
BlueEyedSubinDE


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Status: offline 		I understand what you are saying.  Remember especially with digital, you have alot more tools to help you besides the camera.  In my opinion, I would look for a good SLR digital, all the companies people have mentioned in previous postings here have a decent selection that you can start out with and then build as your experience and needs grow.  The extra effects that make the picture pop, at least for me are things like the ambiant lighting, the time of day, the weather etc.  I'm outdoors oriented so my specifics will be different.  But a simple example, I was shooting a creek the other day, there was a chain link fence, by putting my camera up close, it gave me an almost foggy effect.  For you and shooting people, the angle of the light as it hits their face is going to give you one effect, having them move their head or changing the direction of the light or the type of light is going to change the picture.  You are the artist, not the camera. 

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 8:08:46 PM   
kdsub


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Status: offline 		Just be aware... your lenses will cost much more than your camera... and you will want a quality lens or why even take pictures.

If it were me I would go in the $1000 to $1500 range with a kit lens...either Canon or Nikon... then pick up the best little lens on the market...a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4.. it is a prime lens dirt cheap at between $85 and $300 and it will allow you to shoot in low light situations... They say the quality of this little lens is almost as sharp as a "L" lens

Butch

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/8/2008 11:44:34 PM   
DominorSomnium


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Status: offline 		The d40 is hands down the best dslr on the market. it can use pretty much any nikon lense made since the late 50's (you will have to manual focus, but thats fun), its light weight, is enough mega pixels for pretty much anyone, and is in your price range (at least here in the states). I have seen them for $450 with a great intro lense, so hope that helps.

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RE: Know much about Cameras? - 3/9/2008 1:48:46 AM   
Aneirin


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From: Tamaris
Status: offline 		I would advise SLR, make well if you intend going on to perhaps become professional then you do not want to be limited in lens or accessory range, so stick with the big makes. The names, Canon and Nikon are pretty much it for that. Competitors they are, both making a camera to suit every market, each make has it's pluses and minuses, which make you choose comes down to personal taste as really there is not that much difference.

I run a Nikon D70, the make was not an issue when I sought my camera, Nikon came up at the time, so now I am a Nikon user and it was preowned, the owner having passed it on for a D80. Nikon lenses, those I cannot afford, so use Sigma and Tamron, very good lenses from manufacturers who just make lenses, although Sigma has a name on a camera I believe.I am not a name snob, I get what does the job and there is nothing wrong with either Sigma or Tamron.

D70 also has a peculiar feature that not many DSLR's have, it is a true infra red camera, a design fault which became a massive plus. The D70s corrected this fault, but infra red is strange in digital, it picks up heat and can 'see' in much darker situations, a plus for me as I am a natural and available light photographer, I hate flash. Of course a filter is available to stop the infra red capabilities, ok for normal photography, but unscrew it for experimental.

As to features, the internal computer programming, another item I rarely use, I was tutored in zone system photography and still use a system learned on a fully manual film SLR on a machine capable in itself, but I am in total control of the taking process, what I want I get through previsualisation and mental calculation.

D70 is a big camera, Canons and newer Nikons are smaller, a better size for female hands, my advice is go and hold the cameras of interest and see what feels right, as to be effective as a photographer, the camera hold should be natural and comfortable, second nature. Something which feels yukky is not going to be the best tool to use. Definately try before you buy, don't get locked into a system you don't like as it can be an expensive mistake.

A useful site, try;
                              http://www.dpreview.com/

Aneirin


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