35 MM count! It takes film, you can change settings- right?
Ok, for camera suggestions, you can get a great deal on a fantastic Canon Rebel G on Ebay. I just sold my 300.00 camera on there for 23.99. No one buys film anymore.
You can also look at the Canon Rebel 2000 which was the next model up and has more focus points.
What you want to look for is all the manual settings, you don't want a point and shoot if you really want to get into it.
You can also get the Nikon F100 Used. If you have a couple lens for your camera already buy that brand.
If you want digital, a good digital SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex) The Canon 10D and the Nikon D2H are good and are coming down and price.
I would get a cheap film camera, learn and then think about going digital. I don't shoot film so I am not a lot of help, but I got started with the Canon Rebel G, with one lens.
My BEST suggestion for learning and getting into photography is to ASSIST!
Find a photographer whose work you love, explain you really want to learn, but can't afford school etc.
There is so much more to learn about photography other than just the settings. You have to learn how to deal with people. The people end of it, is SO important, if you can't interact but take great pictures, you will only get so far.
You can take classes, but readding and assisting will be so much more beneficial. Not to say school isn't helpful, but You can learn everything by sjust talking to other photographers and helping. I assist a couple photographers and belong to great message boards. I have learned so much just chatting and with people. I also attended WPPI in Vegas last april and learned so much that way.
I definitely want to use digital, not film. Our camera was very high-end when we bought it about five years ago. Now I want a new one, it doesn't meet my needs anymore.
My biggest complaint is reaction time. When I press the button, this camera takes several seconds to respond and actually take the *$@*$! picture. Often whatever I was aiming for is gone or over by then. I really like shooting wildlife and they just aren't going to pose no matter how much I plead.
I also want a camera that will work with lenses for zooming and fancy effects. My current one allows no attachments.
Are any of the models you listed specifically good with reaction time?
Writing: a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.
What type of camera do you currently have (brand, Make)
As for the shutter lag time, it sounds to me as though you have a P&S and not an SLR. Its a comman complaint from most P&S digital users - with regards to lag time.
When you buy a Point and shoot its not designed for multiple shutter releases that a pro would need. For multiple, fast shutter release - you would need a digital SLR. I am not all that firmilar with lower price models, but I know they exist. Canon Sells some in the 200-300 range, but if your going to spend money- spend it right. Make sure to get a camera that you are not going to outgrow in a year. That once you understand the basics, you won't need the next model up for resolution and speed. (card writing speed and shutter speed.)
I'll poke around and see what I can find. Check out ritz for a higher end, lower cost SLR digital. The Rebel Series is good. Great to start off with.
You should spend between 200-500 on a camera if you seriously want to get into it, with the knowlege that once you are better you are going to need a faster more expensive camera. You have to start some where. I started with the Rebel G. It was a 200 dollar camera.... I know own 2 Digital bodies, and a slew of lens.
Maybe Pooh girl can help with the film side of this. I am very much distanced from it.
I had to call DH and check...we have an Olympus C3000. I don't mind paying for a decent camera, this one was about $700 plus all the odds and ends. I have heard that once you get into better equipment you spend more on the accessories than anything else.
Writing: a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.
I have the first model of the Canon Digital Rebel (not the new one that came out this year). I have had it for a couple of years now and am still very happy with it. I think you could probably get the model that I have for a LOT cheaper now than when I bought it, too. I'd bet a lot of people are selling their old models to upgrade to the newer one (which I think is only slightly better).
Thank you for the starting tips! I have a P&S (as you call it). I prefer the look of film, but know that a good quality digital and processing will produce *almost* the same thing. I'll be lookin' on Ebay for deals. Any excuse to be on Ebay....
I know a friend who shoots for fun...and he's amazing. I'll have to find someone I can stalk to learn some basics. I learn faster IRL than text anyway.
Ok, Here's some q's. I have a Minolta Maxxum5 film camera with just the lense it came with and the attached flash.
1.) I'm shooting a wedding for a friend in September, the wedding it's self is in a church and the reception is at a country club. Assuming we'll be able to get some shots outside what kind of flash do I need?
2.)Any tips for shooting outside?
3.)How do I know which flashes are compatable with my camera.
Thanks, LittleAngel, for the ISO information. That should help!
"...human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but life obliges them over and over again to give birth to themselves."
mrsdrummer - outside portrait photography can be tricky. If it's really sunny, you'll get harsh shadows. You just have to place your subject (bride and groom) at an angle where they are not facing into the sun, or facing away from the sun. I usually will place them with the sun hitting them from the side and slightly behind, then I use fill flash to help lighten up the shadows.
I use the lowest possible ISO when shooting outdoors. If it's bright sunny, I use 160, if it's overcast, or getting late in the afternoon, where the sun is casting a golden glow, then I'll use 400. You'll probably want to use 800 in the church if flash is not allowed, and if it's not allowed, you'll definitely need a tripod.
As for flash compatible with your camera, I don't know. I use a Canon system, and I have the Vivitar 283 flash, which is a workhorse, and may be compatible with Minolta. You might want to ask at your local photo shop to see.
just want to say - don't get intimidated. if we want to become good photographers, we must learn to control the tool, and not let the tool control us
i still have much to learn, but i can be a very harsh critic... but only if you ask for it! so i guess if people want critique, state so when you post pictures, because sometimes some people just want to post pics to share, whereas others want to learn more from them... and i learn the most when people point things out that i don't often see... okay back on working on pics... will post some when i finish with them. i won't repost the ones i've already posted in the other thread...
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so i guess if people want critique, state so when you post pictures, because sometimes some people just want to post pics to share, whereas others want to learn more from them... and i learn the most when people point things out that i don't often see... okay back on working on pics... will post some when i finish with them. i won't repost the ones i've already posted in the other thread...
