Guide?

[ballz0r]

Anyone want to paste one?
There are some great PC photographers here.

[RedRaider]

Smee... Looks like you've been commissioned...:D

[Ricey]

My wife is a semi-pro with semi-pro SLR equipment.

I'll try to see if she can share her skills.

[RedRaider]

Please recruit her....FTW

[smee]

Smee... Looks like you've been commissioned...:D

ROFL...

Well I use a DSLR myself, Canon 30D. My dad is also a photographer and uses a Canon 5D.

I'd be glad to try and share what I know... but what kind of info are you looking for?

Edit:
Awesome Ricy!!

[Xilikon]

Great, I will be asking advices on photography myself. First to do would be to get a nice digicam and I'm currently eyeing a Panasonic DMC-TZ50.

[smee]

Great, I will be asking advices on photography myself. First to do would be to get a nice digicam and I'm currently eyeing a Panasonic DMC-TZ50.

Ask away. :)

For the price of that panasonic, you could get a DSLR body and a lens.

Nikon D40 is a good starter, or if your willing to pay about $110 more, you can get a D60 which is even better than the D40 with 10.2mp vs. 6.1mp.
They each come with a 18-55mm lens, great starter lens, and when you start to get more into photography, you can buy more lenses. :)

D40
D60

Now if you've been doing some research on cam's, you'll probably be wondering what the Canon XTi is all about.
I don't really recommend it, I mean... by all means it's a great DSLR starter, but the body and feel to it is very cheap.
The body is quite smaller than a regular DSLR body, and it's MUCH lighter (which is very uncomfortable...for me at least).
It's also mostly made out of plastic (the body), so it's more liable to break if you were to drop it (for example). Whereas a Canon 20D (for example), the body is made out of steal and plastic, which makes it heavier, more durable and the feel to it is just much more pleasing.

[Dagger]

Cool now I can have two expensive hobbies!

[Xilikon]

Thanks smee, for the price difference, I guess I should be getting a dSLR instead. The only reason I'm still waiting is because I was feeling the Panasonic is a bit overpriced for a compact digicam (another good one but overpriced as well is a Canon G9).

The prices in Canada isn't the same but I guess it should be within my budget. As for the MP, I'm not the kind who look at the biggest MP number since it's just a small part (I never do poster-sized prints, only on great macro picture of computer parts and people pictures) of the whole picture taking experience. The D40 sure is a great choice and I already like Nikon myself.

Dagger, add me in the club :p

[Dagger]

Smee what about The D40x? you know between The D40 & the D60.

[smee]

Cool now I can have two expensive hobbies!

Totally man.... I bit the steak over the summer... $750 on the 30D + 28-135mm lense... YIKES...
But actually, that was an awesome deal, got it off of craigslist, the guy hardly used it. I should paid $900 for what I got.

BTW, Craigslist is a GREAT way to get DSLR stuff for cheap, just make sure it's in good condition. ;)

But boy... once you go DSLR, YOU NEVER GO BACK... :D:D

The body is the cheap part... the lenses are what kills you. My next lens I'm eyeing will cost me around $500-600. :p
But boy is it worth it. :fact:

[smee]

Thanks smee, for the price difference, I guess I should be getting a dSLR instead. The only reason I'm still waiting is because I was feeling the Panasonic is a bit overpriced for a compact digicam (another good one but overpriced as well is a Canon G9).

Yea I hear ya, but still... if your going to spend a couple hundred dollars on a digicam, it's much more profitable to go with a DSLR. :up:

BTW, Canon G9 is a great digi cam, but at that price... like i've said before, get a DSLR. :p

The prices in Canada isn't the same but I guess it should be within my budget. As for the MP, I'm not the kind who look at the biggest MP number since it's just a small part (I never do poster-sized prints, only on great macro picture of computer parts and people pictures) of the whole picture taking experience. The D40 sure is a great choice and I already like Nikon myself.

Dagger, add me in the club :p

Yea, the MP isn't the only thing to look at, of course there are settings/technology differences and other things to look at between camera's.
I'm not the expert in the Nikon area of DSLR photography, I'm more of a Canon guy myself, but I know a little bit of the nikon stuffs. ;)

Smee what about The D40x? you know between The D40 & the D60.

Oh right! I forgot about that, I haven't heard to much about it... but it's supposed to be better than the D40, but the D60 is still better. ;)

And hey, if you can afford it, the D80 is really nice. Price tag is a little higher though... around $700.. But this particular kit comes with the body AND 18-135mm. :up:

[smee]

Hey guys also, this site here:
http://www.dslrtips.com/

Is an AWESOME site for DSLR tips, tricks, hints, guides, video tutorials... everything.
I highly recommend you guys check it out, great place to learn. :up:

[RedRaider]

I want a Nikon D80...:slobber:

[smee]

I want a Nikon D80...:slobber:

Get it man!! You know you want it. ;)

It's a very nice camera.
Heres some reviews on it:
http://www.bythom.com/d80review.htm
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/d80-review/
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/nikon-d80/4505-6501_7-32004258.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D80/D80A.HTM

:fact:

[KaptCrunch]

Thanks smee, for the price difference, I guess I should be getting a dSLR instead. The only reason I'm still waiting is because I was feeling the Panasonic is a bit overpriced for a compact digicam (another good one but overpriced as well is a Canon G9).

The prices in Canada isn't the same but I guess it should be within my budget. As for the MP, I'm not the kind who look at the biggest MP number since it's just a small part (I never do poster-sized prints, only on great macro picture of computer parts and people pictures) of the whole picture taking experience. The D40 sure is a great choice and I already like Nikon myself.

Dagger, add me in the club :p

579cad at factorydirect canon rebel Xti
(http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=CA1010) if not in ontario i will help you

i aslo find with my canon Xti no need for flash , i use d30 firmware for more options

[ballz0r]

Do you need to go SLR to take decent pictures these days?

I prefer pocket sized cameras like the sony cyber shot (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod5440.htm)

Any tips to get the most out of these style cameras?

[RedRaider]

Do you need to go SLR to take decent pictures these days?

I prefer pocket sized cameras like the sony cyber shot (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod5440.htm)

Any tips to get the most out of these style cameras?


I use the Macro function and a tripod...:up:

I need to make a photobox...:hmm:

[ballz0r]

Yeah I use a tripod and "night" settings to get the exposure up... it would be nice to know what all the functions mean tho... I guess I should read the manual

[KaptCrunch]

Do you need to go SLR to take decent pictures these days?

I prefer pocket sized cameras like the sony cyber shot (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod5440.htm)

Any tips to get the most out of these style cameras?

what your looking at is thumbnails with them camera's your looking @

DSLR 8+ clear real no snow job(pexilelating) and no devopling cost, USB to screen or printer

good option is macro for close ups

oops i see 10meg its good semi-pro

[Ricey]

RRR needs a D3X.

[Xilikon]

smee, I just read a ad paper today and I saw a Nikon D40 for 395$ CDN with a 18-55mm lens. I think it's a great price, just 70$ more than the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 with the possibility to buy different lens for different purposes. I'm seriously tempted to buy this one so thank you for your recommendation :crazyclap:

[smee]

smee, I just read a ad paper today and I saw a Nikon D40 for 395$ CDN with a 18-55mm lens. I think it's a great price, just 70$ more than the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 with the possibility to buy different lens for different purposes. I'm seriously tempted to buy this one so thank you for your recommendation :crazyclap:

WOW!! That is a REALLY good price for a D40!

I say get it! A christmas present for yourself. :D
Believe me, once you go DSLR, you don't go back, it's whole new experience. You won't regret it. :up:

[KaptCrunch]

echo SMEE :up:

yip no more waiting blues for film to develop

[Snyxxx]

RRR needs a D3X.

Agreed. Not like RRR to settle for less than the D3X. I was going to say D700, but then you reminded me of this recent announcement.

[ZeniTH]

Agreed. Not like RRR to settle for less than the D3X. I was going to say D700, but then you reminded me of this recent announcement.

and a bad-ass "L" glass... RRR will be good to go...

[smee]

and a bad-ass "L" glass... RRR will be good to go...

I have two "L" lenses..... :king:
Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS USM
Canon 24-70mm F/2.8L USM

Beat that, RR. :fact:

[Snyxxx]

and a bad-ass "L" glass... RRR will be good to go...

Actually, the "L" lenses are for Canon. The D3X and D700 are Nikon cameras.

P.S. I have the 70-200 IS F4 L and love it. Could not stomach the huge 2.8 version that you have smee.

[smee]

Actually, the "L" lenses are for Canon. The D3X and D700 are Nikon cameras.

P.S. I have the 70-200 IS F4 L and love it. Could not stomach the huge 2.8 version that you have smee.

Oh good, point, for Canon only...

Well maybe RR should get a MarkIII. :D :fact:

Yea those L telephoto's are awesome....
My dad is the one who actually owns those L glass's I was talking about, but I have access to them 24/7. ;) Rofl, I couldn't afford to buy them even if I tried... xD

My next glass will be an ultra wide, like 10 or 12mm... but not a fisheye.
I love wide landscape pictures. :up:

@Xilikon, hey man did you pick up the D40?? :)

[Xilikon]

Oh good, point, for Canon only...

Well maybe RR should get a MarkIII. :D :fact:

Yea those L telephoto's are awesome....
My dad is the one who actually owns those L glass's I was talking about, but I have access to them 24/7. ;) Rofl, I couldn't afford to buy them even if I tried... xD

My next glass will be an ultra wide, like 10 or 12mm... but not a fisheye.
I love wide landscape pictures. :up:

@Xilikon, hey man did you pick up the D40?? :)

No yet, was OOS but the store will call me when more come in at the announced price (I have a coupon for it).

[smee]

W00t!!! great job Nate, you are the better man when it comes to photography. :up:

:youtheman:

I think that should be stickied. :)

@Xilikon, awesome! well when you get the cam, take some pics and post em here. :up:

[Elysium]

Thanks! I wrote it a few months ago and just added the section about sensor size recently.

[smee]

BTW, I can solve that rubik's cube for ya if you want. ;) :D

[Elysium]

BTW, I can solve that rubik's cube for ya if you want. ;) :D
LOL, I solved it ONCE with the help of a Youtube video, and never solved it again. Memorizing all those algorithms is impossible.

[smee]

LOL, I solved it ONCE with the help of a Youtube video, and never solved it again. Memorizing all those algorithms is impossible.

Nothings impossible. :p
Takes only a minute to solve... ;)

I'll go make a video... :king:

[Xilikon]

smee, a big thank you for your advice on entry-level DSLR. Me and my friend went to the store yesterday afternoon to take advantage of a deal (we both bought each the same set) :

Nikon D60 with 18-55mm VR lens.
Bag for this camera.
4GB SDHC card.

For a total price of 669$ with all taxes. The 4GB card is free of charge and the bag is 40$. The camera set itself cost 547$. With one year financing without interest, it's a great bang for the buck. I wanted the D40 at first but the lack of VR lens made it less interesting and just upgrading the lens made it just 40$ less than the D60 so it's a easy choice.

Expect me to ask lots of questions and advices about using the D60 ;)

[smee]

smee, a big thank you for your advice on entry-level DSLR. Me and my friend went to the store yesterday afternoon to take advantage of a deal (we both bought each the same set) :

Nikon D60 with 18-55mm VR lens.
Bag for this camera.
4GB SDHC card.

For a total price of 669$ with all taxes. The 4GB card is free of charge and the bag is 40$. The camera set itself cost 547$. With one year financing without interest, it's a great bang for the buck. I wanted the D40 at first but the lack of VR lens made it less interesting and just upgrading the lens made it just 40$ less than the D60 so it's a easy choice.

Expect me to ask lots of questions and advices about using the D60 ;)

WOW! Thats very cool Xilikon! :up:
Great deal, sounds like you did a bit of research too. ;)

Ask away! Although I'm not much of a Nikon guy, I can still help ya out. :up:

BTW, go ahead and read that guide that Elysium posted above, thats a LOT of good info, and a great way to get started. :2up:
(Elysium = Nate P. from XS)

[Xilikon]

Sure, I'll read the guide, read the D60 manual then I'll ask questions this week :)

I toyed with it today and it's truly superior to the P&S digicams I owned or used before. Just the focus control and VR make it worth every penny.

[smee]

Bump, this thread has lots of valuable info!

[ballz0r]

lol I thought this thread had died long ago...

a mod should pick the eyes out of it and make some stickies! some really great stuff here.



Nothings impossible. :p
Takes only a minute to solve... ;)

I'll go make a video... :king:

*pictures smee peeling off the stickers on his rubiks cube :D*

[Silverion77]

ROFL

u could also break it (pull out a corner piece) and then put it back together. Had to put my 4x4 back after my dog broke it...LOL

And it does take like a minute once u kno how to do it...

[RedRaider]

Sticky is done...;)