***DSLR/Photography MegaThread***

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Just took this is the back yard
 
I have a funky old telescope and hooked the camera to it to snap that one. It was hard as hell to keep still with my rickety tripod.
 
I bought a replacement to my lost G9. I can't stand being without some kinds of half-assed decent camera while I'm on the road. I wish I had the space for the big stuff all the time, but I just don't. So I picked up a G11 from Buydig.com. I managed to get it for about $60 less there than locally, and I didn't have to pay sales tax or shipping.

It'll be here tomorrow, I think. I hope, really. I have to leave for a week on Sunday, and I'd like to have it when I go.
 
Got the G11. The battery is charging as I type this. I am decidedly unimpressed with it's construction. Flimsy, to say the least. The G9 was a freakin' tank. The G11's body is still metal, but it has a hollow feeling to it that really makes it feel almost cheap compared to the G9. I think this is partly due to the fold-out screen (the G9's screen was fixed).

The one big improvement that the G11 does have over the G9 is exposure lock feature, which was sadly missing from the G9. That will come in handy, for sure. It also has a dial-based exposure/flash compensation (rather than having to do it through menus...though you still can do it that way if you like). Higher ISO sensitivities with lower noise levels over the G9 will be nice as well.

Oh well. I've still got some playtesting to do once the battery is charged.
 
Newbie getting going here w/ my new toy.

Does anyone know the color temp for Toyota Sports Center?

How much post do you all do as far as adjusting contrast, saturation, tint exposure ect?
 
I would suggest doing a custom white balance on location, shoot RAW, and adjust contrast, tint, etc. in post. You'll get the maximum opportunity to get it right and the most flexibility.
 
At Toyota I just put the setting on Flourescent and it is nearly perfect since they switched to 100% flouro lighting a year or so ago. If you can get your color temp close and your exposure right on (by looking at your screen and histogram) then you won't need much correction on the back end.

Use the "M" manual settings. Shoot RAW at 1600 ISO and a wide open aperture (lowest number). Adjust the shutter speed to the correct exposure.

The good thing about doing it this way is that once you get into post, every picture will require the exact same adjustments (if any) since the camera settings were the same for the duration of the shoot. If you set at AUTO then every pic is set differently by the camera and will require different adjustments and all look a little different.
 
Taken at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve near the Grapevine. We took a road trip there yesterday.

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I hope this is ok to post in here..I didn't want to start a whole new thread.

I am going to dive into the world of DSLR and I need some help please. I only have experience with point and shoot cameras so I am very green. I don't plan on making a career out of this, so I am not looking to buy a top of the line camera.

I will be using this camera for family use, weekend trips, pictures of the kids...
Some of my objectives are to blow up pictures for framing, photo albums, slide shows and such.

I am leaning towards getting a Canon because we have hade good luck with our last few cameras. If someone could point out a specific model # or even another brand, it would realy help me out.

Also any tips on "bundle packages" (lenses), flash, warranty (if needed), cases, memory...I am trying to keep the total price below $800.00. (is that even realistic)

Thanks in advance.

Tony
 
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I hope this is ok to post in here..I didn't want to start a whole new thread.
No, it is not OK. **** YOU!!!!!!:ggrin:

First off - be sure you actually want a DSLR. There are many point and shoot cameras these days that will take very nice pictures of family and vacations, enable you to blow them up, and be considerably smaller than a DSLR. No camera is any good if you don't have it with you, and if the DSLR's bulk will prevent you from using it much, it would be pointless to buy one.

IF you definitely want one, I would suggest that you do some reading online regarding the various models. dpreview.com is not a bad place to start to get you familiar with some of the basics and what the different models offer.

Then I would suggest going to a camera store and trying out a number of DSLR's. There's really no such thing as a "bad" DSLR these days, so one important consideration is how well it fits in YOUR hands, not some reviewer's.

I think $800 is quite reasonable for an entry-level camera and decent lens. Not sure if you can also get a decent flash for that. You should be able to get a good bag and memory cards are dirt cheap these days. It is my experience that most "all inclusive" packages are no bargain.

Last, but not least - it's Canon, not Cannon.
 
Definitely go to a real brick-and-mortar camera shop to get some hands-on time and a knowledgeable salesperson to help you with your purchase.

Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony...all can be found in nice starter bundles with lenses at prices at $1000 and less. Any of those brands can help you do great work. It'll come down to what you like, since most camera packages in that price range have similar features. Keep in mind that most won't come with very large memory cards (if any at all) and that you'll also more than likely need to spend some money on some cleaning supplies. If you can afford to add it to your budget, be sure to also grab a good-quality tripod. That's a tool you'll never be sorry you bought.

The one downside to buying a bundle is that the lenses aren't great...usually the very low-end stuff from that manufacturer. Surely, they're capable of taking excellent pics, but as you gain some experience with your camera body and gain an appreciation for the craft, you'll want to retire those kit lenses to be used as paperweights and doorstops in favor of some higher-end glass.

Take the time to read through this thread. There's been a TON of information posted here as well as techniques and tips and tricks. Above all, let us know what you decide and show us what you capture!
 
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