Looking at getting into a DSLR but I'm totally clueless.

[Troy711]

As the title suggests, I'm thinking of getting a decent camera. it will mainly be used for landscape, cars, animals and some portrait stuff. Looking to spend up to 800-900 bucks. Brand/model suggestions and opinions welcome.

[minux]

Why an slr??

Buy yourself a fuji x pro 1. Perfect for what you are after

[Troy711]

Explain why? Like I said, I have no idea which is why I'm asking. What's the difference between an SLR and the one it said?

[lmoengnr]

Doesn't matter if you're clueless, the camera will look after that!!!

Go and shop around. Find all the cameras from the name brands within your budget, and have a play with them.......

Just get the one that feels best in your hands. They're all capable of brilliant results.

From a Nikon D7000 user.

[minux]

Doesn't matter if you're clueless, the camera will look after that!!!

From a Nikon D7000 user.

Wow, I find it amazing that all nikon users think this way. Explains the fauxtog problem



Troy, these little things are more compact and produce stunning images. The DSLR is coming to an end fast, no point getting on the band wagon.

If you want real fun, buy yourself a nice film setup. I am now going to be shooting weddings on MF film

[acarmody]

If you want real fun, buy yourself a nice film setup. I am now going to be shooting weddings on MF film

Interesting. Now I know absolutely nothing about cameras. But my father has a very old school film camera, so old it has a handle to wind to the next frame. Nothing electric about it.

But this thing with its very nice optics, can take photos way clearer than their new $300 digital camera. And yet everyone that sees this old camera scoffs at it and says it will take shit photos.

[VZequipe]

Well inputting my thoughts into the DSLR Side of things,

Im a student, and love film, dont get me wrong, its much more fun than DSLR but im to poor for the film itself so yeah :/ minor set back in that plan.

I own a EOS 550D with an 18 - 55mm lens and love it, its perfect for cars and relatively close shots. the major drawback is the zooming capabilities. you can however get the eos 550D Twin lens set for around what yours searching at ($800) and its fairly easy to use! Just make sure you have a bit of time at the start to get used to it, there are tons of settings, covers all bases and works well once you have the gist of it all!

Also I love that because i only just got into all this and having a DSLR i could easily take a few hundred pictures, put them on the computer, delete all the bad ones (thats was like, 198 of them ) And then just put the card back in. however with film i would have spent an arm and a leg learning alone, rather than taking pictures enjoying it.

I think if you want to go with film, but dont really know much (and provided you have the funds) get a DSLR like your thinking, learn, then once your good with that start a film setup and move into that slowly over time.

Just my opinion!

[Jezze]

i havent done car photography before but i have a 600d and i shoot great stuff with my bikes and landscapes there amazing little machines

[AaronsVL]

Ok a few things to say here
Firstly Imoengnr, it does matter if you are clueless or not, as no matter how good the camera, in the hands of someone who doesn't know what there doing its as good as a paperweight.

Secondly Minux "The DSLR is coming to an end fast, no point getting on the band wagon." Where is the evidence of this, considering more and more top Pros are making the switch to DSLR's and technology is advancing in leaps and bounds over film. And don't you think that the high end camera manufactures would be at the forefront of the market.

The DSLR is by far the most advanced camera on the market, yes compacts are good for what they are intended (point and shoot, family gatherings and outings, kids playing etc) but when it comes to portraits and weddings there is absolutely no compramise for a good high end DSLR. Especially with the interchangable lenses as the quality of glass matters, and no matter what people say "digital zoom" on compacts is rubbish compared to qulity zoom lenses.

I don't want to upset anyone here but I feel quite strongly about this subject as I run a photography business, and I care about my quality and my clients.

My advice to you troy711 is to do your research, look around at whats on offer and decide what you really want to take photos of and how far you want to take it. There are a whole lot of options out there and not one camera suits everyone, the best choice may be a compact ( and I don't hate them, there just not right for me).

However the biggest thing is to learn HOW to take photos. Composition, exposure and depth of field are just a few of the things to learn on your quest to take better photos.

[AaronsVL]

Hope I have helped you in some way tony711!!

[minux]

Secondly Minux "The DSLR is coming to an end fast, no point getting on the band wagon." Where is the evidence of this, considering more and more top Pros are making the switch to DSLR's and technology is advancing in leaps and bounds over film. And don't you think that the high end camera manufactures would be at the forefront of the market.

Please do tell what leaps and bounds advances digital is making over film? I could go on, but why bother.

The DSLR is by far the most advanced camera on the market, yes compacts are good for what they are intended (point and shoot, family gatherings and outings, kids playing etc) but when it comes to portraits and weddings there is absolutely no compramise for a good high end DSLR. Especially with the interchangable lenses as the quality of glass matters, and no matter what people say "digital zoom" on compacts is rubbish compared to qulity zoom lenses.

Err, a medium format film camera is the compromise. I just pray that with these thought processes you are not shooting peoples wedding especially if you are using quality

I don't want to upset anyone here but I feel quite strongly about this subject as I run a photography business, and I care about my quality and my clients.

Err, a business? I suggest you get yourself a domain and stop using a @yahoo.com email address. What person runs any business with an unbrabded email? Clients know to run when they see this (except those who dont really care what they get on a wedding day). The wix site though...really? Come on dude, a real website would be the best option.

I could go on and on about this, but again, there is no point. It has all been done to the death on the apf.

I too care about photography, however, I do not care so much as to create a post on facebook telling people digital is in full flight when still digital cannot get anywhere near the result of film.

My advice to you troy711 is to do your research, look around at whats on offer and decide what you really want to take photos of and how far you want to take it. There are a whole lot of options out there and not one camera suits everyone, the best choice may be a compact ( and I don't hate them, there just not right for me).

Troy, my advice still stands, the xp1 I linked you too is a brilliant piece of kit and will sit in the mag of many a professional for scouting etc etc.

However the biggest thing is to learn HOW to take photos. Composition, exposure and depth of field are just a few of the things to learn on your quest to take better photos.

Yes, you are right, based on your portfolio I would sit back, grab a few books and get reading. I would also grab a few books on posing and lighting. I am not having a go, I am serious and trying to help.

PS:

If a photographer has qualifications then they would more than likely be advertised on their pages,

Generally qualified photograpers are accreddited AIPP members

[Lumps of cheese]

I have a dslr nikon and I'm a novice and find it a very good camera for what I want. I basically use it for everyday use, pics of cars and my kids and stuff. It came with a 55 mm lense and a 200 mm lense.
Everyone will have a different opinion as I found out when I posted the very same thread when I was looking. In the end I bought what felt best in my hands and I'm happy with my purchase.

[Verynice]

Hope I have helped you in some way tony711!!

lmao, "tony"...

[ClairBear]

Hope I have helped you in some way tony711!!

Good attention to detail. A professional photographer must have this quality.

[TI3VOM]

Please do tell what leaps and bounds advances digital is making over film? I could go on, but why bother.

Can film cameras change an ISO setting at the flick of a switch? Can a film camera be turned into a camera capable of taking 1-3-5 or more photos per second with the flick of a switch? Can you view your results on film then and there, to improve on a shot? The answer is no!

I could also go on but why bother.

Digital photo quality is as good, if not better than film these days.

Troy get your self a canon 400D or something a bit newer for cheap and enjoy, they have guides to help understand how to make the camera do what you want it to do

[HoZy]

Ok a few things to say here
in the hands of someone who doesn't know what there doing its as good as a paperweight.

Well.. I'm not sure if you used a paper-weight or a potato, Your photos are... Well damn

I'd suggest you start using instagram on the iPhone, You might get nicer photos...


*PIXELATED FACES DUE TO PRIVACY*

I run a photography business, and I care about my quality and my clients.

Can film cameras change an ISO setting at the flick of a switch? Can a film camera be turned into a camera capable of taking 1-3-5 or more photos per second with the flick of a switch? Can you view your results on film then and there, to improve on a shot? The answer is no!

I could also go on but why bother.

Most of the worlds best photographers still use film... Digital is an ease of use type thing.

[minux]

Can film cameras change an ISO setting at the flick of a switch? Can a film camera be turned into a camera capable of taking 1-3-5 or more photos per second with the flick of a switch? Can you view your results on film then and there, to improve on a shot? The answer is no!

Nope they can't do that, but that is hardly "leaps and bounds" advances. I use medium format film for one reason, print quality and size, I have no need to change from ISO 100 film as the shots are during the day. Sadly I cannot afford to go spend 100k on a MF digital format nor do I have the need to.

As for chimpers...errr why do you need to review shots? Even with digital I use a light meter (in camera are rubbish and I prefer to not be reviewing every photo), if you are having to check results then you should study up on composition and what not, I aim to not review, I have watched guys who are chimping non stop and to me it shows they really do not have an idea on settings. I think many "photographers" who never use film miss understanding and nailing the basics of exposure, shutter speed and aperture and it shows so often.

Digital photo quality is as good, if not better than film these days.

Not denying it isn't as good, but the fact is, film for what it is still gives me the brilliant results I need that a dslr cannot. With the new mirrorless systems advancing quickly dslr's will fade away as per my original post.

[minux]

For the record, to give you an idea of the future...

CNET TV | Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video - CNET TV

Combine this with new technologies emerging and photography will be nothing like it has been in the past.

Anyway, back on topic.

Troy, I truly suggest you look into the fuji x 1 pro. It is a great piece of kit and will do pretty much anything you need it to.

[Stressball]

For the record, to give you an idea of the future...

CNET TV | Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video - CNET TV

Combine this with new technologies emerging and photography will be nothing like it has been in the past.

Anyway, back on topic.

I can see the use in that, but I doubt it will ever have the quality of a properly focused, properly exposed, good quality sensor and lens, used how they should be. Changing focus post-shot surely can't be as sharp or defined as a normal lens-sensor, because to begin with, it's taking light information from blurred points wherever it is not in focus, and then expanding on that information to change the focus afterward. Bokeh is caused by the light bleeding from out of focus points, how can you possibly get the combined light information back once it's blurred like that? The only alternative I can think of is having an effectivley infinite depth of field, and software-producing the in-focus/out-of-focus blur effect. Unless you can explain it better, since I haven't looked into those light field cameras too much really.

[minux]

Stress, my mentor (master photographer, int he game for 28 years now) was telling me the same thing when digital come out. Look where that is

[AaronsVL]

Well I can see this has opened up a can of worms. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions, well almost everybody. Sorry to troy for the typo, didn't think that was such a biggi.........ops sorry typo again had better check my english.

It seems everyone is keen to jump on the bandwagon but how about some of your photos Hozy and minux before you pick holes in my work, the photo of which for your information was before my business started. But im shore you will want to pick holes in this aswell.

I was just giving my opinion to TROY ( yes got that right this time), but as it has turned against me that is fine, I can handle it, im a big lad.

Would I like a "Real Website" yes I would but as this business (which you like to rag on) is not my main job I don't see the advantage yet but in the future yes I will have a real website.

My facebook coment has nothing to do with this thread or what anyone had written in this thread, it was actually in reference to an accredited AIPP member whos photos I wouldn't throw a stone at, but hay who am I to have my opinion, carry on and bring on the next round of abuse.

[minux]

Well I can see this has opened up a can of worms. I guess everyone is entitled to their opinions, well almost everybody. Sorry to troy for the typo, didn't think that was such a biggi.........ops sorry typo again had better check my english.

It seems everyone is keen to jump on the bandwagon but how about some of your photos Hozy and minux before you pick holes in my work, the photo of which for your information was before my business started. But im shore you will want to pick holes in this aswell.

I was just giving my opinion to TROY ( yes got that right this time), but as it has turned against me that is fine, I can handle it, im a big lad.

Would I like a "Real Website" yes I would but as this business (which you like to rag on) is not my main job I don't see the advantage yet but in the future yes I will have a real website.

My facebook coment has nothing to do with this thread or what anyone had written in this thread, it was actually in reference to an accredited AIPP member whos photos I wouldn't throw a stone at, but hay who am I to have my opinion, carry on and bring on the next round of abuse.

Seriously, where was the abuse? I was simply telling you what I see. Nothing I did or said was turned against you, just highlighted...If you are getting upset over this I strongly suggest you never enter the APPA's. In fact, I'd steer clear of any non community based awards! Wedding photographers should be tough, what will you do when you have 10 minutes to knock out location shots that normally take 60-90 minutes?

the photo of which for your information was before my business started. But im shore you will want to pick holes in this aswell.

Firstly it is "sure" sorry for the grammar nazi

Why have it there then? It is best to remove those sorts of images and have your best work in your portfolio.

Sorry to go off topic troy, I think its good to see this section moving though

[AaronsVL]

Don't worry about my grammar when you spelt "int he". And I'm in the process of updating my website content anyway so those photos will be removed and replaced with current ones. And I'm far from upset, I can more than handle what you had to say, most of it I found quite amusing, some irrelevant, like you all I was doing was voicing my opinion.

Would be happy to see some of your photos when you are ready.

[minux]

Don't worry about my grammar when you spelt "int he".

Are you comparing a typo to using a different word incorrectly? Fair enough...

Would be happy to see some of your photos when you are ready.

Sure, here a few out of my ipad folder, hasnt been updated in a while, but you get the idea. Only weddings, figured would leave landscapes and portraits out. Some are probably still in aRGB colour space so may look retarded to people with a non compliant browser.

[minux]

Ohh and one extra, just because it was one tough uterus!

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