Photography

[REDVAN]

Yeah I am purely looking for this as a hobby type thing. I realized that I needed to pick up a hobby other than watching the Flames. I figured photography is something I can have some fun with, and get an end-product to show off to everyone too!

I am leaning towards an entry level dSLR camera (the Nikon or Cannon seem like the best), and also towards taking a course at either u of c or sait, or acad, the place doesn't matter since all the intro SLR courses are probably the same.

[BlackEleven]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Yeah I am purely looking for this as a hobby type thing. I realized that I needed to pick up a hobby other than watching the Flames. I figured photography is something I can have some fun with, and get an end-product to show off to everyone too!

I am leaning towards an entry level dSLR camera (the Nikon or Cannon seem like the best), and also towards taking a course at either u of c or sait, or acad, the place doesn't matter since all the intro SLR courses are probably the same.

That's a good choice. Good luck, and have fun.

[PowerPlayoffs06]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Yeah I am purely looking for this as a hobby type thing. I realized that I needed to pick up a hobby other than watching the Flames. I figured photography is something I can have some fun with, and get an end-product to show off to everyone too!

I am leaning towards an entry level dSLR camera (the Nikon or Cannon seem like the best), and also towards taking a course at either u of c or sait, or acad, the place doesn't matter since all the intro SLR courses are probably the same.

I just picked myself up a nice camera about a month ago and was also wanting to take some classes to learn some basics and improve my skills. I was expecting to have to go to a photography studio that hosts workshops, but having seen that SAIT and other places offer night class photography courses, if you're interested in a study buddy to take a course with, shoot me a PM.

[Phaneuf3]

i wouldn't mind getting some advice on this topic myself. i'm looking into investing in a dSLR and wouldn't mind hearing your guys' opinions. i'm looking for something that will perform well for nature shots/landscapes mostly. my girlfriend will also be wanting to use it to build a portfolio for her fashion work. i've been looking at d40x, rebel xt and rebel xti mostly - any others i should be looking at? any one that is clearly better than the others?

also: my dad has an old film slr that he doesn't use anymore and said i'm welcome to the lenses (3 canon lenses, flash and canon AE-1 body) and my girlfriend as some old olympus lenses (don't know anything more about those). are these usable with the new dSLR's?

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Phaneuf3

also: my dad has an old film slr that he doesn't use anymore and said i'm welcome to the lenses (3 canon lenses, flash and canon AE-1 body) and my girlfriend as some old olympus lenses (don't know anything more about those). are these usable with the new dSLR's?

It's unlikely old SLR lenses will work with the new digital cameras . . . . I wouldn't rely on that. But you can ask a camera rep or use a photo bulletin board to question specific lenses.

Also, general comment, take it as a challenge to try and generate quality photos with those smaller, inexpensive camera's . . . . and that in turn will pay off when you finally lay your hands on the more expensive and well-rounded camera.

I left my Nikon D80 at home when I went to Italy in favour of a lighter Panasonic DMC FZ20 (which I expected to pooch any second after years of rampant abuse) and an inexpensive (about $350) 8.1 megapixel Sony Cybershot to carry around in a pocket.

In the end, as predicted, the Panasonic, a wonderful camera in spite of Table 5's comments, finally quit only a few days into the trip (about 50,000 images before it did though) . . . . . yet the Sony Cybershot was more than adequate for the most part (I missed the longer lense in Tuscany in particular) and I was very happy with the variety of shots I came back with.

And, of course, the Nikon D80 is a lot of fun too.

If you can't take a decent picture with the small camera you have now, that might not change with the bigger one. . . . . . practice, practice, practice.

Cowperson

[kermitology]

My Canon Powershot A75 died at the very end of my trip to Indonesia, so I took that as a sign that I should get a new camera. I've been debating for about a year getting a DSLR and I've finally decided I'm ready. I went down to the Camera Store the other day and tried out the Nikon D40 and the Canon Rebel XTi.

My impression of the D40 was that it's a great camera for an absolute beginner. It's very descriptive about what is going on inside the camera when you change some of the settings. However, I got the feeling that the more you used the camera, the less you'd pay attention to those descriptions, especially if you took a course.

The other thing to remember about the D40 is that you will need to use specific lenses. It doesn't have an auto-focus mechanism in the camera, so the lenses you get have to have the drive built-in. This reduces the number of lenses that you can use.

I highly recommend going down to The Camera Store and talking with one of the guys there. I found the experience extremely helpful. I'm actually thinking about going down there today and buying an XTi kit.

[Stumptown]

I bought a Cannon XTi a few months ago, and I can't say I'm totally pleased with it. I mostly got it for a trip I took to SE Asia and I had all sorts of power problems with it in the heat and humidity. After about 2 hours out it would start shutting down just as I was going to take a photo, and sometimes while the photo I just took was saving to the CF card, so I lost a lot of what I thought would have been good shots (I mostly shoot birds, so you're lucky if you get a second shot). I took it to a Cannon shop in Singapore, but it wasn't a problem that they knew about, and I haven't had a chance to take it in to the shop where I bought since I got back. My best guess is a problem with the battery or the contacts. Haven't had the same problems back home in the temperate zone, but still, it was annoying.

Otherwise, it's a pretty good camera, but after using my old all-manual (and film) Pentax K1000 for eons, I find the auto focus a little difficult. These new-fangled cameras that try to do everything for you can take some getting used to, but if you're coming into it new that won't be as much of a problem.

[sadora]

I would have to recommend ACAD. When I graduated from there they used to have an adult, credit free photography program, I'm not too sure about now.

[REDVAN]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know of an update.

My dad had an old Canon AE-1 lying around, and he has a longer lens as well, so I bought some film (old fashioned I know)... and have been playing around. The only thing I notice quickly is how great a digital would be for me, as a beginner- no changing the film, ability to take unlimmited pics, ability to take more than one pic per second, etc. But for those in the know about cameras... what is the advantage to film over digital? I assume there is at least one thing better about film.

Thanks in advance!

I am still hopinh to buy a new camera, but this will suffice me until I get a couple more paychecks!

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I assume there is at least one thing better about film.

Not now there isn't. You cannot manipulate film like you can a digital image. Negative retouching is extremely difficult. I guess if you can get a decent lab to print for you then it will save you some time as they will do the color correction etc. for you. Trouble is it is tough to find a decent film lab now. With digital you have way more control over the image than ever before. Our studio has literally $1000's of dollars of film equipment collecting dust now. Digital is the way to go for sure.

[ah123]

As a beginner - you're right, digital would ease the learning curve quite a bit...

As for advantages of film -- the only one I can think of is archival -- negatives can be stored for upto 100 years (if developed using the proper methods and stored in optimal conditions)...and while there are CD manufacturers out there who claim that their products will not deteriorate, you might have a hard time finding a (compatible) CD reader in a hundred years time

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know of an update.

My dad had an old Canon AE-1 lying around, and he has a longer lens as well, so I bought some film (old fashioned I know)... and have been playing around. The only thing I notice quickly is how great a digital would be for me, as a beginner- no changing the film, ability to take unlimmited pics, ability to take more than one pic per second, etc. But for those in the know about cameras... what is the advantage to film over digital? I assume there is at least one thing better about film.

Thanks in advance!

I am still hopinh to buy a new camera, but this will suffice me until I get a couple more paychecks!

[Bobblehead]

Good article on photography I ran across this morning.

The Ten Most Common Photographic Mistakes

Many of you already know these, but newbies or occassional photographers may not know.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I assume there is at least one thing better about film.

The quality in film just can't be beat by even the highest of the high end digital cameras still. Film pictures can still be manipulated on your computer, it just takes a bit longer. Pick yourself up a scanner that does negatives and you have a higher resolution scan than RAW on a dSLR.

We still shoot film actively in my house.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Good article on photography I ran across this morning.

The Ten Most Common Photographic Mistakes

Many of you already know these, but newbies or occassional photographers may not know.

Good tips . . . . however, since I'm in the mood, no mention in the article of the fine craft of taking close quarter stealth photo's, taking pictures without looking through the viewfinder or even looking in the general direction of the subject and at the risk of offending the subject.

Terry Cioni, once a photographer at the Herald, then an instructor in journalism at SAIT before returning to the Herald as their photo editor (not sure where he is now), liked to tell his students of an unfortunate Janis Joplin experience.

In 1970, Joplin was on a train passing in the Calgary area (a concert in the city) and Cioni had accompanied a reporter to get a between-stops interview.

However, it was made immediately clear that no photographs would be permitted, reinforced by some rather sizeable bodyguards hovering in the car to protect the chanteusse from exposure.

This ban, of course, should not deter anyone familiar with the craft of the stealth photo, particularly in a noisy, moving rail car.

Hanging on the sidelines, Cioni, while eyeing the ceilings and walls and pointing his camera in Joplin's direction, decided he had nothing to lose and elected to push the shutter button.

His next words are priceless:

"You know those pregnant pause moments, when the impossible happens and all the noise around you suddenly ceases . . . . . "

Yes, even on a noisy, moving train.

"CLICK!!"

He said he had the film ripped out of his camera and was then effectively frog-marched out of Joplin's presence . . .

But, the lesson was still there . . . . if you want people to look quite natural in their environment, shooting them unawares is the best tactic and, while a telephoto is usually good for that kind of thing, the real challenge is with a close-range wide angle.

Below, in Rome, I was walking along and spotted these guys (below) ahead of me. Out came the cheap Sony Cybershot from the pocket, a flip of the finger turned it on and, as I was walking by, I turned the camera sideways at my hip and hit the shutter button . . . only vaguely aware of the subject out of the corner of my eye. They were probably about 20 feet away, if that. The result was a fairly nice - although technically imperfect - candid street scene to add to the Rome collection. The three primary subjects appeared to be unaware.


Lesson: Become familiar and comfortable enough with your camera so you can use it without checking the screen or using the viewfinder.

This works fairly well with most subjects except for two . . . . little children and beautiful women.

With little kids, you should obviously get permission from their parents for obvious reasons. That's the way it is.

Beautiful women, whether of the highest IQ or the lowliest ditz, ALL have radar in the backs of their heads for any male in their vicinity and particularly those who might think of pointing a camera at them, particularly at close range.

Rather amazing really. Not sure why that is but it seems true. Rome, a city of beautiful women, and reduced to only a Cybershot to help, was particularly challenging. As a further hindrance, the common beautiful woman also has every male in the vicinity, particularly older males, acting as her protector. She might be unaware, but they're also watchful. Nevertheless, if you want a true representation of your trip, the challenge must be accepted.

Bottom line for these kinds of photo's . . . . . 1) Be aware, 2) Be ready, 3) Don't hesitate and, 4) Be prepared to be frog-marched or challenged.

Cowperson

[Stumptown]

Originally Posted by Frankster

The quality in film just can't be beat by even the highest of the high end digital cameras still. Film pictures can still be manipulated on your computer, it just takes a bit longer. Pick yourself up a scanner that does negatives and you have a higher resolution scan than RAW on a dSLR.

We still shoot film actively in my house.

I was pretty pleased with the digital prints I got from a good photo lab printer from my 10 MP Cannon, shooting in JPEG even. But yeah, there are still more crystals on the film than there are CCDs in a digital camera.

The main reason I still keep my film camera around is that it's 100% manual. It's what I learned on, and I still get frustrated not have precise control over exposure and focus without having to fumble through a bunch of menus. As former student of photography, I still see a lot of value in the fundamentals, and it's too easy to forget them when the camera does everything for you.

[300spartans]

kermitology - That Powershot 75 is a great little camera, I learnt a lot on it and it's still kicking around serving as the backup backup camera. Also, the lack of a built in motor on the D40 is definitely a hinderance if you let it become one. I have a 50mm prime on mine and I actually like manually focusing, takes a couple of seconds but also gives me more time to think about my composition. However, it's definitely a lot more challenging if you are going to use an older telezoom.

Cowperson - The mullet is well alive in Europe! I really like your take on candids. When I was in Europe I found myself leaving my dslr on the wide end, letting my arm drop naturally, and slightly angling the lens upwards while I just walked around and past people while firing away. And it's really important to turn off image review as you don't want your lcd turning on after every picture!

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by 300spartans

Cowperson - The mullet is well alive in Europe! I really like your take on candids. When I was in Europe I found myself leaving my dslr on the wide end, letting my arm drop naturally, and slightly angling the lens upwards while I just walked around and past people while firing away. And it's really important to turn off image review as you don't want your lcd turning on after every picture!

More important than that, if you're cruising, is to make sure your flash is deactivated!!!

Cowperson

[kermitology]

I bought the XTi on Saturday. With a 17-85mm lense kit, CF card and tax, everything came out to about $1500.

I spent most of Sunday playing with it and I'm so happy with my purchase so far.

[ohms]

Originally Posted by Stumptown

I bought a Cannon XTi a few months ago, and I can't say I'm totally pleased with it. I mostly got it for a trip I took to SE Asia and I had all sorts of power problems with it in the heat and humidity. After about 2 hours out it would start shutting down just as I was going to take a photo, and sometimes while the photo I just took was saving to the CF card, so I lost a lot of what I thought would have been good shots (I mostly shoot birds, so you're lucky if you get a second shot). Otherwise, it's a pretty good camera, but after using my old all-manual (and film) Pentax K1000 for eons, I find the auto focus a little difficult. These new-fangled cameras that try to do everything for you can take some getting used to, but if you're coming into it new that won't be as much of a problem.

I have an XT and have shot in extreme cold temperatures without a glitch, but a few of my friends have trouble with 10 below. The main issue isn't the camera in my experience, but the quality of the CF card.

I recommend Sandisk EXTREME III or IV (III is cheaper) in the 1-2GB varieties, just buy a few if you need more space. Better to have many 4x2GB than 2x4GB or 1x8GB because if the card fails, you lose LESS.
The EXTREME III work in high humidity and temperature as well as low temperature.

-ohms.

[PowerPlayoffs06]

Where are some good places to look for lenses and accessories? I'm seeing some decently priced packages on eBay but am wondering about the quality of the equipment when they're selling kits with 2 or 3 lenses, filters, tripod and camera bag all for $90-$130.

I've checked out the website for the Camera Store, but haven't seen anything that is compatable with my Powershot S3 IS, or maybe I just don't understand what to look for in terms of compatibility.

I'm looking for a wide angle and a x2 or x3 telephoto lens as well as some filters and, of course, an adapter tube. Which means that I'll be needing a case for all the new gear as well.