Photography people: Questions for you.

[Blitanicle99]

Alright so I am okay with my basic Canon Powershot A510, I have had for years. I know how to mess with light settings in it and I have the normal pictures down to a science.

I kind of want to get into better pictures. Just something as a cool hobby.

What kind of money are we talking spend on a decent"er" camera?
For instance, the other day at best buy I was just browsing and picked up a 450 dollar Canon something, had a pushed out lens, like a non flat camera. Looked nice, I think it was like 6.0 mega pixels... Would that be sufficient?

How do you guys get these sick pictures? Do you just edit the hell out of the light settings and what not?


I have kind of gotten into art, the photography side of it and want to start with automtive stuff and outdoorys stuff...

Thanks answers to the dumb questions...

[YokotaS13]

i dont edit anythig. i just compose, and shoot.
you can start out with anything from a 400.00 DSLR to over 8k in equipment like i have

[Mr. Clean]

yeah my buddy has a d40 and it takes beautiful pictures. my camera is decent. all my pictures seem to be just a tad blurry (pretty sure i just need a better lens) and his d40 seems to pick up light a lot better than my sony.


plus they're only like $450-500 right now.

[Blitanicle99]

So would something like this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8757268&type=product&id=1202650703335

be acceptable?

[Blitanicle99]

Or do I need to go to this level? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8139169&type=product&id=1158323379076

500 bucks is really my max I'm willing to spend on a camera, honestly its just too damn much money for a electronic device in my opinion, but I am old school like that.

[Tarzanman]

Alright so I am okay with my basic Canon Powershot A510, I have had for years. I know how to mess with light settings in it and I have the normal pictures down to a science.

I kind of want to get into better pictures. Just something as a cool hobby.
What kind of money are we talking spend on a decent"er" camera?
For instance, the other day at best buy I was just browsing and picked up a 450 dollar Canon something, had a pushed out lens, like a non flat camera. Looked nice, I think it was like 6.0 mega pixels... Would that be sufficient?
How do you guys get these sick pictures? Do you just edit the hell out of the light settings and what not?
I have kind of gotten into art, the photography side of it and want to start with automtive stuff and outdoorys stuff...

Thanks answers to the dumb questions...

1. First off, if you know how to compose a picture then you're 1 step ahead of a rank-beginner... (but get ready to have ur mind blown!)

2. There is no 'right' answer to your question. as to what camera or gear to get. Even if you knew *exactly* what you were going to take pictures of and *exactly* what conditions/lighting/effects would be involved, there would probably still be 2-3 excellent choices to make.

There are a few steps up from the Canon Powershot A510 that you use, but from what you have said, I would reccomend making the jump to a dSLR camera. An SLR camera is the 'non-flat' type of camera. These are the types of cameras that enthusiasts and professionals use to take high quality photos which allow them to have more control over the settings and lenses used.

There are a ton of guides on dSLR cameras (the 'd' is for digital), but the most popular brands are Nikon and Canon, which come in three levels of price/performance. Consumer, Prosumer, Proffessional. However, it is important to understand that with an SLR, 90% of the quality from a photo comes from the lens you are shooting with, rather than the body of the camera.

Without getting into the specifics too much... as a beginner (with a lot to learn about lighting, lenses, aperture, shutter speed, exposure, etc) You should ignore the professional grade cameras unless you happen to be *stupid-rich*. Many of the SLR cameras of the SAME BRAND have the ability to swap lenses back and forth easily, so selecting a less expensive body over another won't necessarily limit the quality of your photos.

I own a Canon Xsi, but Nikons are slightly more prevalent (maybe 50-40?) among the consumer crowd. There are other very worthy brands like Pentax and Sony, but they aren't as common. I am not going to tell you which camera to buy... I am going to tell you to:

-Go to the nearest camera/electronics store and hold as many as you can, and try them out in the store if possible.
-Do your research! Try to identify the pluses and minuses between the different models... most of the cameras are 85% the same in terms of basic function. It is more the smaller features and extras that seperate them.

A word of warning: This is a potentially very expensive hobby. A used, entry level camera BODY (no lens) will cost between $350-$600 depending on what you get. Most half-way decent used zoom lenses will cost $200-$600. The top-of-the-line glass (lenses) cost $800-$1500 used. You can start off with just one lens, but you'll probably break down and get at least one or two more in your first year once you see what some are capable of. (I got my camera two weeks ago and have already bought two extra lenses!).... However, if you are a shutterbug then you'll enjoy the challenge of taking pictures that don't suck using the manual settings that you put into the camera.

As of right now, I am a much crappier photographer with my SLR than my ultra-compact point&shoot (Canon SD630) because I have been forcing myself to use the manual modes, and I still don't always choose the right ones... or haven't learned to use some crazy feature on my camera. At this point, I am still thinking too much about the mechanics of taking the photo and not composition, color, angle, etc. Sure, my camera has an 'auto' mode, but that defeats the purpose of having a nice SLR, imo.

As an aside (and no offense to the Nikon fans)... the very top end of professional grade lenses is generally considered to be the Canon 'L' line.... which are (nice, I admit), but super-overkill for mere mortals (and priced about 2-3x what they should probably cost). If I sold my motorcycle, then I could probably buy one or two of the nicer 'L' lenses. Maybe :-)

I'm sure this thread will get a ton of replies, so good luck!

[Tarzanman]

I dont' know Nikon pricing, but at $500 bucks I would look for a used Canon Xti that came with one or two lenses. Its their last-generation, 10MPixel DSLR with ISO from 100-1600.

[.blank cd]

If all you have to spend is 500 bucks on a camera, I would not reccomend getting a DSLR yet

[Blitanicle99]

I just want to be able to take some much better pictures, for my own hobby/documenting half the stuff I do and for business purposes. I list alot of machine equipment online and better pictures would be a big help in sales.

[YokotaS13]

so just get a good pont and shoot. liek a canon G9. you will never need anything else

[.blank cd]

so just get a good pont and shoot. liek a canon G9. you will never need anything else
QFT. Get good with what you have. Canon G series cameras are great. Same with nikon coolpix cams. The thing about the DSLRs is you have to buy lenses and flashes and stuff. So really you're never done spending money on it. Kinda closely related to the whole car hobby

[Tarzanman]

Do your research. The G9 is a great camera. It can do somethings that an SLR can't (take video), and there are somethings that it can't do that an SLR can do (very sharp prime lens photos).

If you don't already know that you want an SLR, then don't get one, as they are expensive. If you aren't sure, then try to use one to see what you like.

As for work... there are some awesome 10 MPixel ultracompacts that will take pretty decent photos (provided you have enough light) and some nice macro modes.

[Tarzanman]

I've seen three Canon/Nikon SLR's with lenses on CL for less than $500 today:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pho/1037723236.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pho/1036736565.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pho/1037848095.html

[Tarzanman]

....and now this gem. Canon Xti DSLR with lens for $300. cheaper than many smaller cameras.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pho/1038176093.html

[YokotaS13]

the dude doenst need a DSLR

[Blitanicle99]

I am technology savvy and willing to learn things, but manually focusing every picture sounds like more work than I want to get into.

Basically what I am learning is get a non slim camera, with a big ass lens, lots of mega pixels and a cheap tripod and im set right?

[Tarzanman]

You don't' have to manually focus photos with an SLR (though the option is there if you want to). The lenses all have auto-focus just like the point & shoots do.

No offense, but if you were really 'technology savvy' then I'd think that you would already know that, lol.

No camera will have a bigger-ass lens than an SLR. Sounds like you just want a fancy point & shoot though. Just go get one.

[YokotaS13]

I am technology savvy and willing to learn things, but manually focusing every picture sounds like more work than I want to get into.

Basically what I am learning is get a non slim camera, with a big ass lens, lots of mega pixels and a cheap tripod and im set right?
totally wrong


just buy a canon G9
panasonic LX1
or equivalent. size of lens has nothing to do with quality.


please for gods sake listen to me

[Tarzanman]

or equivalent. size of lens has nothing to do with quality.


Thats not exactly true. If you've taken any physics (specifically, optics), then you'll know that the size of the objective lens determines the maximum possible resolution from a focused image.

There is a reason that SLR cameras have large diameter lenses (even old 6 MPixel ones like the XTi) compared to other cameras.

If what you said was true, then pros would all shoot with 10-12 MPixel ultracompact cameras

[YokotaS13]

dude, quit being an idiot.

you really need to shut the fuck up. You are trying to get this guy to buy something he has NO use for. not everyone needs a piece of shit entry level DSLR. a G9 or LX1 will produce OUTSTANDING images out of the camera for what he is wanting.

[Tarzanman]

dude, quit being an idiot.

Only one of us knows wtf they are talking about (hint: its not you)

[YokotaS13]

I beg to differ

[Tarzanman]

Keep begging, beggar!

[Donati03gt]

i just ordered a canon sx10is i cant wait till it gets here

[Andy_013]

If you are willing to wait a few months the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is coming to the US. Its a lot better that any entry level DSLR.

[YokotaS13]

Keep begging, beggar!
keep spreading dumbass information

[SlowsterCivy]

i just ordered a canon sx10is i cant wait till it gets here

Great Camera! I have the S5 IS (SX10is is the newer model)

[5thgcelica]

i just ordered a canon sx10is i cant wait till it gets here



thats what i have, and i love it.. and recommend.
great quality on all the auto settings (it has about 10 i think for different typs of environments) also has a custom mode to allow you to mess around with some stuff, and then also has a full 'manual' mode which really allows you to dig in if you wish to do so.

great camera for the price (320 or so i believe)

[Donati03gt]

^^ any of you with the same camera have any lenses for it liek the fish eye or 2x zoom ive seen a few on ebay wandering if they will fit

sx10is

and yeah my sis has the s3is she likes it but mine will be better

[Tarzanman]

If you are willing to wait a few months the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is coming to the US. Its a lot better that any entry level DSLR.

The entire reason that SLRs > point & shoot cameras is because you can swap lenses on them.

So while the SX10 might take better shots at certain conditions than an SLR-out-of-the-box with a kit lens (low light with a flash maybe, since the stock flash on SLRs aren't great).....

An entry level SLR with a ~24-70 (or something close) f/2.8 (or lower) will spank the SX10. Even in auto mode.

*This is to say nothing of the SX10's sensor size, which is 6.16 x 4.62mm, compared to the entry level Xsi's 22.2 x 14.8mm sensor.

**EDIT
Here's a shot by shot, ISO performance comparison of the SX10, SX1 IS and XSi (dSLR) in low light.
The dSLR wins
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_PowerShot_SX1_IS/noise.shtml

[YokotaS13]

not everyone wants, or needs to carry around a huger camera than a PnS.

my problem with guys like you, is you push and push and push for someone to get a DSLR. But, its not just a buy a camera kind of thing. you have to buy other stuff always. flash, lenses, blah blah. Instead of enjoying photography on a small budget, they are thinking, " i cant afford this lens to reach as far as i want". instead, if you just let them get a point and shoot, and not have to worry abotu any of that, for a trade in image quality in some cases, they might enjoy photography more, get out and shoot more. WANT to do better, and eventually when they are in a position to get a DSLR and realize why they need it, THEN get it. And be able to afford something other than the cheapest piece of shit plastic toy camera that you can change lenses on.

i started years ago after i had an interest in photography with a Canon S1 Is. back them it was the best PnS on the market. Now, not so much wiht teh S series, but i digress. Over the years i found that the PnS didnt meet my needs. not because i wanted something better, but because i didnt have the control i wanted. iso noise sucked, aperature sucked, etc etc etc. I bought a rebel. it sucked too. iso performance sucked, it was flimsy and plastic. a 70-200 f/4 made me cringe on it everytime i lifted the camera up you can see the plastic stress. after a while i started shooting more indoor, and sports stuff. AF wasnt fast enough, Iso wasnt good enough, so i got a 40d. that did me good for a LONGGGGGG time. did i NEED to upgrade to a 1dmk3...not really. But the faster AF and FPS help out a ton with sports, and high iso performance is fantastic so i dont really have to compromise as much.

Buy the best of what you can afford. cameras arent like cars where you can buy the cheapest BMW and get good quality. If you have 500 bucks, buy the 7 series Pns instead of hte 3 series dslr. you will be happier in the long run

EVERYONE knows a dslr 90% of the time is going to put out the best image. but 100% of the time it will suck dick if you have NO clue what you are doing, and arent on the green square.

But i emplore you not to get some of the larger PnS out there that "look" like a DSLR. they are big, bulky, and performance isnt really that great.

Instead look into equivalents of the Canon G9/G10 (g9 is still touted as better than hte g10) or hte Panasonic LX1, among a few. Their image quality is superb, and have all the manual modes you would need. Also hte G9/10 allows you to use DSLR flashes, so you wont be wasting money if you ever upgrade to a flash, and then a new camera. there are tons of camras out there. but id rather send 500 on a new g9 than a used rebel anyday. the g9 is going to put out better images a good number of the time and not be hinderance to the development of your photography passion.


im off my soapbox now.

[.blank cd]

^^^ Truth.

And BTW, 600 bucks for a fixed lens camera is really ridiculous. I cant believe they expect people to pay that

[YokotaS13]

the g9 is 499 or something still
so it the lx1. but the quality is unmatched in the PnS realm

[Tarzanman]

not everyone wants, or needs to carry around a huger camera than a PnS.

The camera you are suggesting that he get (Canon SX10 or SX1) is already the size of the XSi.

No one is saying that he HAS to buy huge lenses and carry them around. I am telling him that an SLR is better than a P&S because he said that he wanted to get into adjusting manual settings.

Also, as you neglect to mention... it is perfectly possible to use a dSLR just like a point&shoot camera. Turn the dial to full automatic and you'll never have to adjust a single setting

Its not like a motorcycle or something... he's not going to hurt himself, or be out some huge sum of money if he gets a used dSLR and decides in the end that he doesn't need to fiddle with manual settings. Hell, a used DSLR will cost him the same amount of money as those other cameras you are suggesting and give him better image quality (which is what he said he wanted).

Yes, the nicer P&S cameras do have manual modes where you can make alterations, but the results you get are limited.

Its like I am trying to tell him to get a stick shift car because I think he'll like learning how to use it and you are telling him that he'll be happier with an automatic because manuals are harder to operate.

[YokotaS13]

The camera you are suggesting that he get (Canon SX10 or SX1) is already the size of the XSi.


hey dumbass
read again

CANON G9
PANASONIC LX1

learn to read.

But i emplore you not to get some of the larger PnS out there that "look" like a DSLR. they are big, bulky, and performance isnt really that great.

Instead look into equivalents of the Canon G9/G10 (g9 is still touted as better than hte g10) or hte Panasonic LX1, among a few. Their image quality is superb, and have all the manual modes you would need. Also hte G9/10 allows you to use DSLR flashes, so you wont be wasting money if you ever upgrade to a flash, and then a new camera. there are tons of camras out there. but id rather send 500 on a new g9 than a used rebel anyday. the g9 is going to put out better images a good number of the time and not be hinderance to the development of your photography passion.


im off my soapbox now.
stick to your learning, and let me share knowledge.