DSLR Camera Questions =)

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I know this is not a recent thread but I wanted to add my recent purchase. . I purchased a Nikon after talking to a professional photographer. He said the color with Nikon is better. I got the D3100 with additional lens. I was shocked at how expensive the lens can be! BUT I can sit in the stands and get face shots of my son on the football field. Haven't got to try it out on my girls yet. I will be testing them soon. Just wanted to say I love this camera. It was a hard decision for me after looking at all the different cameras. But I'm pleased with this Nikon.

[bonitalou]

I have the NIKON D5100. Love it!!! I also purchased the 55-300 lense to go with.

[YorkieDaddy1]

I have been a professional shooter for 20 years or so, (Detroit News Freelance Photojournalist, weddings, commercial etc) I have used them all I guess...
As far as DSLR's, I have always been a Canon shooter. They (in my own opinion) are much easier to learn, and use. Both brands give you Brilliant photos. Both have simple point and shoot modes you can use until you learn all the tricks.
I think Canon has a broader range of very high end glass (lenses) and other important things. I currently shoot with the Canon 6D (Full frame sensor) you can get the kit with a pro (L series) lens for around $1999.00 on sale.
I also use the 5D mark iii (about to upgrade to the 50 megapixle 5Ds) Close to $5000.00 with lens. and the 1Dx (closer to $5000.00 for just the camera body only)

My wife uses and LOVE the T5i (around $650 with a very nice 18-55mm lens) She shoots HD video, and takes awesome photos with it. I use it sometimes because it is lighter than the heaver, bulkier pro series.

**You should go to a local Camera PRO shop, and they will let you hold and shoot everything in the store!

If you choose canon, I will help you out anyway I can. There are three things that you should consider.

1- total cost to get started
2- what will you be shooting, and in what kind of weather.
3- Will you also use it for video

Don't buy online without holding the model you choose in your hands, and doing some research. Ask your salesperson tons of questions...
There is a site called photo.net and tons of others with great forums to help you.
You can get hung up on small things that you will find don't really matter in the end...

PM me if I can be of any personal assistance to you...

[capt_noonie]

I just saw a Nikon D3300 at Costco for $600 and it comes w two lenses, a bag and a 32g card. I've never had a dslr before. Should I get this? I mostly would be shooting food in low light, and would like to do action shots of the dogs. Also I would use it for my handmade stuff that I sell on etsy so better pics would always be a plus. I've never had luck w my point and shoots in low light. But I love the small size of them.

I've also seen the new sony mirror less cameras that are small like point and shoots but you can change out the lenses like a dslr.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I just saw a Nikon D3300 at Costco for $600 and it comes w two lenses, a bag and a 32g card. I've never had a dslr before. Should I get this? I mostly would be shooting food in low light, and would like to do action shots of the dogs. Also I would use it for my handmade stuff that I sell on etsy so better pics would always be a plus. I've never had luck w my point and shoots in low light. But I love the small size of them.

I've also seen the new sony mirror less cameras that are small like point and shoots but you can change out the lenses like a dslr.

I replied to your PM regarding this, but just wanted to mention/add since you said here you want to shoot food -- in that case, you may indeed want a micro/macro lens upfront. I used to write a food blog, and food shots are *tough* - the hardest thing by far that I've ever shot, to make it look good/decent. I'm assuming you want up-close shots and for that your best bet would be a nice macro, and you'll probably need a tripod for those shots bc you'd want natural light if at all possible w/ food (flash can be especially horrendous on food!). If you need extra lighting, I have some recommendations for that if you need it. I would buy some white styrofoam pieces that you could use to bounce back the natural light upon the subject...almost like creating a "light box" around the object. Hope that all made sense.

You may want lights like these at times: Amazon

Or a kit like this (or re-create your own by just buying the lights): Amazon

[capt_noonie]

I made my own light box before. I ditched it when we moved but I suppose I can make another one. I set up my studio/work room to be able to take photos, and used to have great light. Then they built the house behind us, and since these are three story houses and very small backyards, their house blocks a lot of the natural light that I used to get thru the window.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I made my own light box before. I ditched it when we moved but I suppose I can make another one. I set up my studio/work room to be able to take photos, and used to have great light. Then they built the house behind us, and since these are three story houses and very small backyards, their house blocks a lot of the natural light that I used to get thru the window.

Bummer on the light situation . In that case, I'd then either get those add'l lights and/or I'd get at attachable flash that you can bounce, like I mentioned in the PM. I do use my bounce flash all the time, and it can look very, very natural bc you're bouncing the light, rather than directing the harsh light directly at the subject. I'd get one that you can bounce both vertically and horizontally bc it'll depend on which way you're holding your camera, ya know what I mean?

[ironmike86]

Just a thought..I come here for Yokies if serious about Photography one of the best places is Digital Photography Review: Digital Photography Review

[capt_noonie]

Thanks Mike. I will check that out tomorrow in depth. I like to ask everything on YT related or not related to yorkies. Reason is I have been here so long, it's like I know these people and they know me, and I trust their opinions (well some of them! LOL) I've tried going to other forums; gardening, reefing, cruising, even cosplaying, it's a lot of hard work to get to know the new people. I always come back here. I feel at home.

[ironmike86]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Thanks Mike. I will check that out tomorrow in depth. I like to ask everything on YT related or not related to yorkies. Reason is I have been here so long, it's like I know these people and they know me, and I trust their opinions (well some of them! LOL) I've tried going to other forums; gardening, reefing, cruising, even cosplaying, it's a lot of hard work to get to know the new people. I always come back here. I feel at home.

Reefing as reef tank?? I was big time into that sps tank ect.. 200gal

[capt_noonie]

Yeah, reefing. The mini tanks. I can't even remember the name of what they called them. I was not successful. RIP Shrimpy, Crabby, Patrick, and the rest. I never even made it to the fish. Only the clean up crew.

On the plus side I finally figured out why Spongebob lives in a "pineapple" under the sea. We got a lot of pineapple sponges growing on our live rock.

[ironmike86]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

Yeah, reefing. The mini tanks. I can't even remember the name of what they called them. I was not successful. RIP Shrimpy, Crabby, Patrick, and the rest. I never even made it to the fish. Only the clean up crew.

On the plus side I finally figured out why Spongebob lives in a "pineapple" under the sea. We got a lot of pineapple sponges growing on our live rock.

I had a 200g sps, 55g sump with big skimmer. A 30g Caulepa refugium all on one system . With two 250w halides and 4_110vho. Lots of water flow.I also had a Rose anemone that propped all the time . The rose and sps I made a little $$. Enough to pay for my $100 month electric bill. I stopped because it started to bother my skin. I had a nice ro di system going. But here a good place to go if you start up. I was there when they started this but not so much now. Reef Central Online Community

[capt_noonie]

Wow. 250 is ginormous. When I was a kid my dad had (actually still has!) a 50 gal. He started off with the saltwater fish. He was tinkering with it all the time but still had plenty of fish die. I always hated seeing the bloated dead fish. I still have dreams about finding dead fish LOL and for so long was afraid of snorkeling bc of the thought of seeing a dead fish. I know right? Many decades ago he changed over to fresh water fish. Not as pretty but much easier and the fish live longer. Geez that tank must be like 40 yrs old now.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by capt_noonie

I just saw a Nikon D3300 at Costco for $600 and it comes w two lenses, a bag and a 32g card. I've never had a dslr before. Should I get this? I mostly would be shooting food in low light, and would like to do action shots of the dogs. Also I would use it for my handmade stuff that I sell on etsy so better pics would always be a plus. I've never had luck w my point and shoots in low light. But I love the small size of them.

I've also seen the new sony mirror less cameras that are small like point and shoots but you can change out the lenses like a dslr.

I purchased a used Nikon D3000 for $220 from a local fb xchange group. Came w/2 lenses, lens hood, sd card & bag. The person selling it hardly used it, said her MIL bought it for her hubby for photography class, then he got a nicer one. I almost got the D3300 from costco...I love my Nikon.

I took these, this morning:M&P.jpg M&C.jpg I'm a total novice photo-taker & gardener.

The only down side is, it's bulky & heavy...but it takes awesome pics & the furries don't mind me taking pics of them w/it, they don't look away...so I'm not complainin.

[capt_noonie]

Cute cute cute! I'm also a novice gardener. The garden is actually doing surprisingly well this year compared to last year. It's been very mild temp wise so far. We just barely had triple digit temps this past weekend and it's JUNE now! And barely turned on our ac this past weekend too.

Part of the reason why I never got a dslr is bc they are big and bulky compared to point and shoots. But I have been reading that the D3000 series are the lightest and smallest of the dslrs, plus the lower price point, so most likely I will be getting one.

I've been looking on Craigslist but what I've seen so far not so much cheaper than new that I would get one without warranty or return options.