Photography

[REDVAN]

I am interested in taking an introductory photography course... so I need help because I don't know where to find who offers them!

Also, I have a Fuji Finepix E510... a couple years old but meh. The pictures always seem to turn out fuzzy, and that is why I think I should take lessons. But maybe I should buy a new camera as well. What can I get that is worth it, but not ridiculous for an amatuer?

I know there are some very knowledgeable people here with regards to photography, so please let me know what you suggest.

[BlackEleven]

Couple questions

1) Do you care about the size of the camera? Does it have to be able to fit in your pocket?

2) How much do you want to spend?

3) What feature is most important? Optical zoom? Manual controls?

A good site for camera review is www.dpreview.com

[GrrlGoalie33]

SAIT has some good courses. My parents just finished the diploma course. Before they started my mom had taken like 3 rolls of film in her life and had never touched a digital camera...now she LOVES photography.

As far as new cameras go, look at the Nikon D40 and D40x, they won't break the bank for an DSLR camera, but are still pretty good quality. Go see the guys at the Camera Store on 11th. They won't steer you wrong.

[REDVAN]

1) Don't really care about size, I am not a fan of the small cameras because I don't know if they can produce the image quality I want.

2) I want to spend as little as possible, but I guess under 1000 if possible. Depends what I can get if I spend more. What is the difference between a basic digital camera for $5-600 vs the SLRs that are all over $1000??

3) I don't really know what is more important for me, sorry. I really am a beginner. All I know is that I am not happy with the image quality I currently get and am looking to get into hobby photography. I would like to take pictures with excellent resolution and definition, etc. Again, I am just starting out so I don't know all the features and functions I might want.

Thanks for the help so far :-)

[BlackEleven]

Cool, so it sounds like you want to get pretty good quality images and are interested in more than just having a nice camera to take to a party and photographs of partying/friends/family sort of thing.

You don't necessairly have to buy an dSLR to do this. If you want to get seriously into photography, a dSLR is the way to go. However, keep in mind it can get insanely expensive. You'll probably pay around ~$800 for the entry-level Canon and Nikon (the two big players in dSLR market) for the body only. Then you have to buy lenses, which depending on the quality of the lens can be anywhere from $200 up to several thousand. And you'll probably want to have at least two lenses to get started, where you can get more specialized lenses as you go.

If you're looking for a starting good starting point you may want to consider the Panasonic Lumix series or the Canon Powershots (S series, I believe). These are not dSLRs but do come with a wide-range of manual controls and good quality lenses (the Panasonic in particular). These cameras are usually in the $600 range and are capable of taking very good pictures. If you really want to get into photography, you may find you outgrow the camera to quickly, in which case I would recommend either the Canon or Nikon SLR (I prefer Canon, but people argue passionately both ways). If you're still not sure its for you or don't want to spend the money requried to get into the SLR world right away, I would recommend either the Canon Powershot S series or Panasonic Lumix FZ series (I perfer the Panasonic, but again, arguements can be made both ways).

Hope this helps.

[BlackEleven]

Here's some reviews about the cameras I was talking about

Panasonic FZ8
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz8/

Panasonic FZ50 (bigger, more feature rich version of FZ8)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/

Canon Powershot S3 (competior of the Panny FZ8 but I believe the current model is the S5)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

Canon Rebel XT (dSLR, current model is Rebel XTi)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/

Nikon D80 (dSLR)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond80/

[Table 5]

The Nikon d40 sounds perfect for you....its got almost all the features of the d80, but smaller and cheaper. It's the perfect camera for someone who wants a really great SLR, but at a reasonable price.

I don't want to call myself an expert, but my position has me working on photoshoots all the time, so I'm around this stuff. The d40 is a GREAT camera for a weekend photog. I'd get that, and spend the money you save on some nicer lenses.

Don't get a Panasonic, stick to Canon or Nikon for digital SLR's.

[REDVAN]

Thanks for the advice- and looking at those reviews BlackEleven has provided gives me a good idea. I had seen that site before but never really clicked around, pretty decent stuff!!

Once I get the money saved up I now have a few choices to consider, depending on what I decide I want out of it. Great help. I also will need all the accessories... hint hint to any lurkers that are viewing this and might work at a camera shop and get commissions, you should PM me.

I am also concerned about taking classes or not? I don't know what they offer. I can read the manual, read online for usage tips and specifics (I am not a dummy), but is there anything in particular I would be best served with a course from SAIT or something? Frankster your family has taken courses, what exactly did they learn besides basic operation of the camera? I mean things such as angles, distance, things that can optimize the quality, and artistic factor of the photos, or do they just teach you the basic camera operations?

[BlackEleven]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Don't get a Panasonic, stick to Canon or Nikon for digital SLR's.

If you read my post, you'd see that the Panasonic is not an SLR, and I also said to stick to Canon and Nikon for dSLRs.

And I wouldn't flat out tell him not to get Panasonic without even knowing fully what he's looking for. I know everyone like to recommend what they own themsleves, but an SLR is not for everyone, especially for people just starting out. For people that don't want an SLR, a Panasonic is one of the best alternatives out there. If you don't believe me, read one of the links I posted.

[Cowperson]

While the quality of the camera is important, your eye for an image, composition, etc is actually far more important and can make an inferior camera work miracles.

Just as an inferior eye for an image can make a quality camera look terrible.

Never forget that.

Cowperson

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by BlackEleven

And I wouldn't flat out tell him not to get Panasonic without even knowing fully what he's looking for. I know everyone like to recommend what they own themsleves, but an SLR is not for everyone, especially for people just starting out. For people that don't want an SLR, a Panasonic is one of the best alternatives out there. If you don't believe me, read one of the links I posted.

If someone wants to take a photography class, doing it with anything but an SLR is somewhat stupid. Only on an SLR (or medium format etc.) will you learn many of the fundamentals...shutter speeds, f-stops, focusing etc. You can waltz in there with a point and shoot, but that would sort of defeat the purpose of education.

As Cowperson said, your eye is the most important instrument. But might as well have a tool that will give you a good baseline. Then again, If I were someone who really wanted to learn about photography, I'd get an old $100 manual camera like a Nikon FE. that is the best learning tool.... it cuts out all the fluff.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I am also concerned about taking classes or not? I don't know what they offer. I can read the manual, read online for usage tips and specifics (I am not a dummy), but is there anything in particular I would be best served with a course from SAIT or something? Frankster your family has taken courses, what exactly did they learn besides basic operation of the camera? I mean things such as angles, distance, things that can optimize the quality, and artistic factor of the photos, or do they just teach you the basic camera operations?

The intro to photography course covers a bit of everything. Here is a description:

"Photography - Basic Film and Digital is a core photography course. Students will develop a working knowledge of their adjustable (SLR) film or digital camera including: exposure control, composition, lenses, flash photography, filters, camera care and night photography. Students must supply their own Digital or Film SLR camera. "

http://obyrne.sait.ca/saitApp/calend...artTerm=000000

Cost is $185 for a 6 week, 18 hour course. If you're new to photography and seriously considering a dSLR, it will be well worth your money.

[BlackEleven]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I am also concerned about taking classes or not? I don't know what they offer. I can read the manual, read online for usage tips and specifics (I am not a dummy), but is there anything in particular I would be best served with a course from SAIT or something?

Taking a course is likely a more fun way to learn, but there are literally thousands of articles on the internet you can read. What I would recommend is to read a lot on the net, and get involved with an online community like flickr, where people can give you advise, tips and feedback on your photos, and just take a lot of shots on your own. If you don't feel it helps, your not learning fast enough, or you just don't like learning that way, then you can enroll in a course. It always helps learning a bit on your own before enrolling in a course anyway, I find.

I'm not sure about the SAIT courses, but most will teach you the basics of composition, lighting, etc and post-processing (photoshop, etc).

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I am also concerned about taking classes or not?

I'd recommend the SAIT classes. They used to be taught by the SAIT photo journalism instructors. I'm not sure if they still are, but if so you'll get some excellent lessons from them. Being journalism isntructors they have a bit of a different slant on things. They tend to be really good with people pictures, and especially good with action photos and extreme lighting situations (like in a theatre where you're not allowed to use a flash). If you have the time, I'd say they're worth it.

[Neeper]

The classes at SAIT are pretty good. I even took a few there. They will teach you a lot especially if you are a complete newbie. You can also learn a lot just reading stuff on the net as well and teach yourself if you want to go that route. If you really want to get into photography, get an SLR. You will want one later down the road guaranteed. Different lenses will give tons of options for creativity.

[GrrlGoalie33]

I just remembered that there is a Nikon D40 body available on Buy & Sell right now. http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=43468

You'll have to get yourself some lenses though.

[300spartans]

I'll echoe Cowperson's comment,

The most important thing to know is that you are responsible for making great pictures, not your camera! Given that, if you need excellent resolution and detail then an dSLR is the way to go. The bigger sensor just gives you a far cleaner image, especially in low light.

It's also important to remember that you're not just buying a camera, you're really buying a system that will include lenses, flashes, etc... If you have a friend who shoots with a particular system, it may be a good idea to buy that brand too so you can borrow their equipment. I shoot Nikon because my friend shoots with it so we exchange equipment all the time, I don't need to buy that wide angle lens or macro lens because he already has them. The good thing is that both Nikon and Canon have an excellent range of lenses to choose from, you really can't go wrong with either one.

I don't know your personality but if you are one to get frustrated easily you may want to take the classes. I know a lot of people who buy dSLRs and then get frustrated because they can't figure out the controls, and then they lose interest. Take the class and your learning curve will be much shorter and quicker. On the other hand, there is so much information available online if you want to learn on your own. The already mentioned dpreview.com has a decent community if you ever need help.

And finally, the D40 for sale in the Buy/Sell Forum is mine, let me know if you are interested. It's a great camera and the image quality is fantastic. Unfortunately I used to have a D50 that was stolen, it was just perfect for my hands and I want to get back to that, or possibly upgrade to the D80.

300S

[shane_c]

You can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon. You can take a course from www.conted.ucalgary.ca as well. The other thing to remember is that if you're shooting digital a course in Photoshop is also a good idea. Do a lot of reading, learn some techniques, hang out on some photo messageboards, learn some rules and break them, but most importantly get out there and have fun.

[Burninator]

I believe you can also take classes at ACAD. They are an art school so I would assume it would be a good course to take in terms of learning to take interesting photographs.

[Jagger]

My wife is a professional photograher in Red Deer and she would certainly echo Cowperson's comments that it really isn't all about the equipment. If you don't have an eye for the shot you really are not going to get a quality image. In this digital age you can do a lot to a photograph after shooting via photoshop etc. but if you get it right upon firing the shutter then you will save yourself a lot of time and trouble.

We shoot Canon dSLR's. (10d, 20d, 30d) and they really are an excellent range.

As for a photography course, I'm not sure. She took a two year course in Photo Technology at NAIT, which was well worth it, for the technical aspect. She also took a two year course in Fine Arts and Design which helps with the artistic side. I don't think that thats what you're looking for though. 4 years might be a tad too long for what you're thinking!

Good luck.