Photography Thread II

[greenslime89]

Just a little information on the D40 or D40x: these cameras don't have an AF motor so you need to get lenses with an AF motor built in. For Sigma, that means HSM, I'm not sure about what Nikon lenses have to denote an AF motor though, sorry. Look into this before splashing out on a lens that might not be able to focus automatically.

[navyplaya]

Just a little information on the D40 or D40x: these cameras don't have an AF motor so you need to get lenses with an AF motor built in. For Sigma, that means HSM, I'm not sure about what Nikon lenses have to denote an AF motor though, sorry. Look into this before splashing out on a lens that might not be able to focus automatically.

 

 

 

Whew good thing you pointed that out, was actually about to buy a lens.

 

 

 

To anybody else that needs to know, Nikon denotes a silent motor wave by placing an S after AF. So when browsing for a lens, look for AF-S.

[remoteman]

And we all shed a tear for the roll backs :'(

 

 

 

Just curious if the old Photo of the month competition will be starting up again, who will run it etc etc. I'm willing to put my hand up to help organise it, if anyone wants any help. Yesh.

 

On a side note, i will hopefully be buying a Pentax K20D within the next month, maybe two. Has anyone had any experience with this camera? It looks great from reviews and the specs, i'm really looking forward to 14.6mp instead of my measly 6, as well as all of the other goodies, of course.

[Zargo_VI]

Just curious if the old Photo of the month competition will be starting up again, who will run it etc etc. I'm willing to put my hand up to help organise it, if anyone wants any help. Yesh.

 

I'm willing to start it again as I saved the scores from April month and the most recent scores as well, though I'm not sure if it's any idea to have a competition this month due to the unfortunate situation.

 

What says the rest?

[Shiny]

Would it be worth my while to get a cheap Digital SLR?

 

 

 

I was thinking of asking for one in Christmas, and although there expensive, helping pay for it.

 

 

 

And Suggestions???

 

 

 

Right now i photograph as a hobbie, using a Sony Cybershot W17 of something like that.

 

 

 

But i need help on the best beginner SLR and the price in American dollars. (Or if you want to go out of your way, New Zealand ;) )

 

 

 

And i'd like to add filters and such to it...Something compatable with second-hand filters maybe....

[Latinoking]

Forum Name: Latinoking

 

Age: 17

 

Location: Michigan, United States of America

 

 

 

Favorite subject: Anything Mostly

 

Equipment (Camera): Fujifilm FINEPIX J10

 

Equipment (Lenses): Fujinon Zoom Lens

 

Other equipment: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended, Adobe Illustrator CS3, Camera Case, and 2 - 2GB SD Memory Cards

 

Website/Gallery: My deviantArt!

 

 

 

Date you started photographing: Since I was 15

 

Best photo (Thumbnail Please!):

 

 

 

 

 

Your Idol (best photographer): Nigel Barker

 

 

 

Quotes:

 

The most important attribute a photographer can have is enthusiasm.

 

- Arnold Drapkin

 

 

 

Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase.

 

- Percy W. Harris

 

Other: Photography Rocks!

[dragoonson]

Forum Name:Dragoonson.

 

Age:17...but you know,it varies...

 

Location:Singapore

 

 

 

Favorite subject:Nature,normally.Things that are spontaneously funny work too

 

Equipment (Camera):Nikon D...something,or the Canon video cam-it takes brilliant photos too

 

Equipment (Lenses):I don't have special lenses yet...

 

Other equipment:Camera stand?

 

Website/Gallery:http://dragoonson.deviantart.com/ DevArt!

 

 

 

Date you started photographing:I'm guessing early '07,for lack of a specific date.

 

Best photo (Thumbnail Please!):Sorry,linking,much easier for me =P

 

http://dragoonson.deviantart.com/art/Te ... 4-90109261

 

Full view entails best detail

 

 

 

Your Idol (best photographer):Dad

 

Quote:n/a

 

 

 

Other:Relatively new,so some advice would be well welcomed.Regardless of how awkward I made that sound.

[Bini]

Forum Name: Bini

 

Age: 20

 

Location: Sweden

 

 

 

Favorite subject: Nature, Historical stuff (buildings and other).

 

Equipment (Camera): Nikon D40

 

Equipment (Lenses): Nikkor 18-55mm

 

Other equipment: -

 

Website/Gallery: -

 

 

 

Date you started photographing: 26 June 08 (bought Nikon D40) also rarely photographed with an old Digital camera since Summer 06.

 

Best photo (Thumbnail Please!):

 

Sepiad and cut out some black background.

 

 

 

Your Idol (best photographer): -

 

Quote: -

 

 

 

Other: Runescape < Photographing. :P

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be gone from the 3rd July till August. (Going on a vacation \ )

[dsavi]

Favorite subject: French

 

 

 

I think that means favorite camera subject (Like macros or landscapes) ;)

 

 

 

I just got back from Ireland (Have been in Finland for a week, but I wasn't at home so no Photoshop, all my shots were in raw) so expect to see another thread by me soon. 8-)

[woopidoo2]

Favorite subject: French

 

 

 

I think that means favorite camera subject (Like macros or landscapes) ;)

 

 

 

I just got back from Ireland (Have been in Finland for a week, but I wasn't at home so no Photoshop, all my shots were in raw) so expect to see another thread by me soon. 8-)

 

 

 

All your shots in RAW? :shock:

 

 

 

How many photos did you take then :)

[Latinoking]

Favorite subject: French

 

 

 

I think that means favorite camera subject (Like macros or landscapes) ;)

 

 

 

Opps, Lemme edit that. \

[dsavi]

Favorite subject: French

 

 

 

I think that means favorite camera subject (Like macros or landscapes) ;)

 

 

 

I just got back from Ireland (Have been in Finland for a week, but I wasn't at home so no Photoshop, all my shots were in raw) so expect to see another thread by me soon. 8-)

 

 

 

All your shots in RAW? :shock:

 

 

 

How many photos did you take then :)

 

About 400-500, I had 2 2gb cards with me. :)

[dsavi]

Sorry for double post but I wanted to bump it. :oops:

 

 

 

I'm thinking of upgrading my stuff, for something like 600-700, I don't have any lenses by Nikon other than the 18-55mm stock lens, so switching brands is no problem. I'm looking for something at least 10, prefferably 12 mp, that can shoot in raw. A camera like the Canon 450d. Any help? Thanks.

[woopidoo2]

Sorry for double post but I wanted to bump it. :oops:

 

 

 

I'm thinking of upgrading my stuff, for something like 600-700, I don't have any lenses by Nikon other than the 18-55mm stock lens, so switching brands is no problem. I'm looking for something at least 10, prefferably 12 mp, that can shoot in raw. A camera like the Canon 450d. Any help? Thanks.

 

 

 

Are you sure you want to upgrade including the body?

 

Ive read that there are some pretty good lenses made for Nikon cameras by Nikkor, check them out ;)

 

 

 

Why exactly do you want to upgrade?

 

And what kind of subjects do you want to shoot with your upgraded gear?

[dsavi]

Well, 6 mp just doesn't do it for one. (I have a d40) I want a camera that can shoot all kinds of things, I'm a big fan of both panoramas and macros. Also, the camera isn't actually mine, it's actually my dad's, but I'm the only one who really uses it. Which doesn't mean that it's available all the time like a camera of my own would be.

[dragoonson]

I like D40!Its the only one that doesn't screw up every shot I take zoomed in.Plus I like that speedy shutter thing.Really good for the monkies ^.^

[woopidoo2]

Well, 6 mp just doesn't do it for one. (I have a d40) I want a camera that can shoot all kinds of things, I'm a big fan of both panoramas and macros. Also, the camera isn't actually mine, it's actually my dad's, but I'm the only one who really uses it. Which doesn't mean that it's available all the time like a camera of my own would be.

 

 

 

Hmm.. in that case, it would be a wise decision to upgrade to something that is truly yours :)

 

 

 

If you dont really care about brands, I would suggest the Canon 350D. Its the best selling camera in history, and I can tell you its a great camera because I have got one too.

 

 

 

If you really like the 'Nikon' interface and you want to use your previous lenses, take a look at the Nikon D80. Its a bit pricy, but it should be a great upgrade from the D40.

 

 

 

I would also suggest to try a Canon camera in a camera shop, so you can feel it in real-life and you will see the differences. Nikon users will mostly stick to Nikon, same as Canon users.

[greenslime89]

Well, 6 mp just doesn't do it for one. (I have a d40) I want a camera that can shoot all kinds of things, I'm a big fan of both panoramas and macros. Also, the camera isn't actually mine, it's actually my dad's, but I'm the only one who really uses it. Which doesn't mean that it's available all the time like a camera of my own would be.

 

 

 

I'm gonna assume that your dad will have a few lenses for his camera. If that's the case I would get a Nikon - a D80 is probably your best bet for the price. However, if you've got the cash you might fancy the D200. However I've heard the battery is poor on the D200. Definitely get a different kit lens than the one your dad has so you can mix and match. If you don't want to go down the Nikon line I'd highly recommend the Canon EOS 40D. Although I don't have that one I have the 20D - which is basically the same with a lower resolution, different processor and no live view. Canon L lenses are to die for.

 

 

 

EDIT: As for shooting panoramas none of the above will take a panorama without you having to crop or stitch photos together. And the Nikon has a great 105mm F/2.8 VR macro lens. Presumably you'll want a wide angle lens, which might sway you more to the Nikon line as they have a slightly larger sensor (thus a lower crop factor). Though this will affect the effective focal length minimally and Canon have a great wide angle lens. Good luck.

 

 

 

EDIT 2: Just read that you only have one lens for the D40 - though if you get lenses with an AF motor you should be fine for the Nikon D40 and you and your dad could share lenses. Just something for you to consider.

[Chazimcgee]

I use a nikon D60 with a 18-55 mil VR lense, my dad has a 55-200 which i borrow from time to time so i have a wide variety of situations to adapt to. Any ideas on what other lenses i should buy?

[woopidoo2]

I use a nikon D60 with a 18-55 mil VR lense, my dad has a 55-200 which i borrow from time to time so i have a wide variety of situations to adapt to. Any ideas on what other lenses i should buy?

 

 

 

Maybe you should invest in a nice camera bag/tripod/filters. A good circular polarizer can cost quite some money, but its a must have if you like Landscape photography.

 

 

 

The lenses you have right now seem fine to begin with ;)

[Shiny]

I'm thinking of getting a second hand Sony a100. Does anyone know how they stack up against the Canon 350d/400d and the Nikon D40 and D70? I have heard lots of positive things aobu8t them, the looks nice, feel nicer in my hands than Canon and Nikon, and I'd like the opinions of Tif.

[Chazimcgee]

I use a nikon D60 with a 18-55 mil VR lense, my dad has a 55-200 which i borrow from time to time so i have a wide variety of situations to adapt to. Any ideas on what other lenses i should buy?

 

 

 

Maybe you should invest in a nice camera bag/tripod/filters. A good circular polarizer can cost quite some money, but its a must have if you like Landscape photography.

 

 

 

The lenses you have right now seem fine to begin with ;)

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks woopi. I was going to save for a nice triopod now :) I have a smart camera bag already and bought a cover filter for my lense as well :D I'll see what else my local shops have to offer

[greenslime89]

I'm thinking of getting a second hand Sony a100. Does anyone know how they stack up against the Canon 350d/400d and the Nikon D40 and D70? I have heard lots of positive things aobu8t them, the looks nice, feel nicer in my hands than Canon and Nikon, and I'd like the opinions of Tif.

 

 

 

I'd say the Sony is on par with the Canon and Nikon equivalents. Also, you might be able to pick up a few second hand lenses too, I know that the alpha mount is the same as the old Konica Minolta mount. I'm not really up to speed on prices or quality of those (or for that matter, Nikon) lenses. However, I can tell you that I picked up a used 20D and I've never had a problem with it and there are a great number of good lenses for it.

 

 

 

There are risks buying second hand - always ask how it was used (professionally etc.) If it was used by a professional it will have been used very heavily and the shutter will have had more actuations. So the life of the camera will be shortened. Always check for sensor dust and other things that might help knock some money off the price that you might be able to fix yourself. To check for dust ask the owner to take a photo of a piece of paper at the lenses smallest aperture and check the image for black blobs or specks on the image (you may have to zoom in). Before you buy the camera - check that you can get affordable, but decent, lenses for it. Online reviews and magazines are invaluable here.

 

 

 

Good luck!

[Johannas]

I just purchased a Nikon D70, my A level course requires the cameras used to be able to take pictures in black and white - however i'm not sure how to do this. I have read the manual and messed about with the camera but still no luck?

 

 

 

Anyone help me out - thanks!

[dsavi]

I'll take a guess. There must be a retouch menu on it, right?

 

 

 

If there is, go to monochrome->black and white.