camera help for beginners thread

lcrazyaznl · 06-29-2009, 10:36 PM

So i've been helping a few people with their dslr and some pointers and tips, figure we make a thread to share the info and show examples =)

Feel free to add your own input i'm not a super expert but just hoping to help others out there =)

Pacemaker_Guy · 06-29-2009, 11:00 PM

Tripods are really helpful...

Every meet I've been to I always take one. Reason mainly being is because I dont have the steadiest of hands. My next purchase will be a remote trigger so I get rid of all risk of slightly moving the camera when I take a picture.

From what I gathered, the more $$$ a tripod is, the lighter it's typically going to be. Also other feature like how you can move the camera around on the tripod itself.

Thats all I got now...

unlimited6986 · 06-29-2009, 11:59 PM

Biggest thing i can say is if your thinking about getting into photography. Think about if you wanna really get into it or just a hobby. I always get asked which camera to buy, and more then half the time im telling them not to get a dslr. There's no point for you to buy a expensive camera and have the kit lens the whole time that only goes to 55mm. Just get a nice P&S and i gaurantee you will be happy.

Also if you do have a dslr dont put it in auto mode. If you put it there you won't learn anything. Start in av/tv for now and learn the basic's. Then go to full manual once you learn SS and F stops.

Also read the manual. You learn allot about your camera and what everything means.

626tsx · 06-30-2009, 12:18 AM

since the 4th of july is coming up soon, might as well ask. how do you guys shoot fireworks?

evan42781 · 06-30-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 626tsx

since the 4th of july is coming up soon, might as well ask. how do you guys shoot fireworks?

well timed long exposures. fireworks are very difficult. if the shutter is too short the image will either be to dark or you will miss the firework. if its too long you get a ton of mixed in fireworks (which just looks messy) or it will be over exposed.

evan42781 · 06-30-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacemaker_Guy

Tripods are really helpful...

Every meet I've been to I always take one. Reason mainly being is because I dont have the steadiest of hands. My next purchase will be a remote trigger so I get rid of all risk of slightly moving the camera when I take a picture.

From what I gathered, the more $$$ a tripod is, the lighter it's typically going to be. Also other feature like how you can move the camera around on the tripod itself.

Thats all I got now...

just curious but is it dark when your using ur tripod? if your shutter speed is fast enough (like on a sunny day) it wont matter how unsteady you are. your shutter will prob at least be at 1/1000 and you wont get hand motion with that.

Pacemaker_Guy · 06-30-2009, 09:44 AM

I use my tripod every chance I get. But mostly in dim lit areas yes, thats how I only take my pics...my flash doesnt do a good job.

unlimited6986 · 06-30-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan42781

just curious but is it dark when your using ur tripod? if your shutter speed is fast enough (like on a sunny day) it wont matter how unsteady you are. your shutter will prob at least be at 1/1000 and you wont get hand motion with that.

Yup you really dont need a tripod in the sun. I always laughed when i saw it.

Luwin1026 · 06-30-2009, 05:05 PM

External flash is one of the first things you should consider - onboard flash is not ideal, and especially if you are doing faces/people/portraits/etc., bouncing the flash is ideal. Add a diffuser on it while you're at it.

+1 on the tripod to use in low light. I have a mini one I carry in my bag that has a velcro strap to allow for it to be strapped around a pole (for those upskirt strip club shots - just kidding), or a tree, etc. if there isn't anything for the tripod to sit on and you want it higher than on the ground. I have lightweight Hakuba that does the trick nicely (light enough to easily carry, not too light that it'll blow with the wind) - I'll bring it when I know ahead of time I'll be taking a lot of pics where a full-size tripod is needed - otherwise, the mini will do. I'll save the carry-the-full-size-tripod-everywhere deal for the fobby tourists.

For me, I can't say much about camera help as I don't have a DSLR - but I can point out that remember that the camera is just a part of the equation (although an important one). But having an "eye" and how you frame the shot is far more important than equipment, IMHO. Other than that - shoot, shoot, shoot, practice, try diferent things, styles, and have fun. When I finally take the plunge and get my own DSLR (my friend will be happy that I've stopped borrowing his!), then I'll get more into the technical stuff about glass, etc.

evan42781 · 06-30-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luwin1026

When I finally take the plunge and get my own DSLR (my friend will be happy that I've stopped borrowing his!), then I'll get more into the technical stuff about glass, etc.

I am selling my D40 with 18-55 VR lens if you are interested. Im upgrading so i dont need this one.

ryan07md · 06-30-2009, 06:12 PM

I used my girlfriend's sisters d40 and I loved it(first time using a dslr). Best Buy had a good sale so I picked up the Rebel XSI with your basic lens and 55-250. I read the manual and just play around with it in different modes to learn whats best. Is there any books/dvds you guys recommend because the Canon manual that came with it isn't all that great.

Luwin1026 · 06-30-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evan42781

I am selling my D40 with 18-55 VR lens if you are interested. Im upgrading so i dont need this one.

Thanks for the offer, but I'm more of a Canon guy myself. Been eyeing that 5D for quite some time now - and it just makes things easier as I have some stuff like my external flash that I've been using for my G5, and I had picked up a 24-105 IS lens for it awhile back (talk about stockpiling parts before even getting the body!)

Pacemaker_Guy · 06-30-2009, 10:43 PM

dSLRs for dummies....i picked it up, really nice stuff

evan42781 · 06-30-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacemaker_Guy

dSLRs for dummies....i picked it up, really nice stuff

i tell you what is the best thing is just shoot the exact same thing over and over changing the settings (aperture, SS, ISO) and see the differences in the photos. then you get to see when you do something what the result will be. and if you are trying to accomplish something. (like the firework question above) just ask us and we can help you.

lcrazyaznl · 06-30-2009, 11:19 PM

Shooting fireworks, some may say use infinity on the lens and shut off auto focus.

Since you really won't need it to try to search something in the air.

Past experience is I used a tripod used shutter speeds of 1-8 seconds. Higher apeture to get those shutter speeds.

Some times i use a fast shutter speed since theres enough light that it would come into the shot, but i like the longer streaks.

I use tripods for hdrs and portraits in the day it might sound silly but sometimes that extra saves alot of time in post processing.

ps. i keep my tripod in my car so its almost everywhere with me.