Digital SLR Beginner Guide
Do you need a Digital SLR Beginner Guide?
Ever wanted to get into Digital SLR photography but didnt know where to start?
Ever wondered: “What first Digital SLR should I buy?” or “What’s the best starter Digital SLR?”
Here is the answer I just got from a friend of mine that told me to thank Ed T. for it… Thanks Ed!!!
Keep in mind, I think Ed is a Canon guy… so all you Nikon folks wont be happy!
ED’s GUIDE FOR STARTING TO BE A CANON DSLR PHOTOGRAPHER:
—
Ok buddy, here it is :) I’m sure you’ll get comments from the Canon-hating Nikon crowd, but it’s like comparing Honda vs. Toyota. Canon’s got over 65% of the DSLR marketplace and a great lens lineup, so that was enough for me when I was deciding. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the photographer regardless of equipment.
THE CAMERAS:
12.2 Megapixel
Live View Function
3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
ISO 1600
CANON EOS 50D: $1400
15.1 Megapixel
6.3 fps Continuous Shooting
Live View Mode
ISO 3200 - Expandable to 12800
Honestly, between the two above, the XSi is the better STARTER camera (not just because of price). Because it’s got fewer functions, you’ll learn a lot faster to be a better photographer vs. a digital camera user if that makes sense. For example, you’ll have to get creative when shooting in low-light situations because it’s got lower ISO capability than the 50D. Then when Aperture, Shutter and ISO become second nature, you can upgrade to the camera you want. Could be the new 5D, could be the 50D, could even be the Mark 1 (if you have money to burn). I used the Rebel XT for over a year before I upgraded to the 5D. If I started off with the 5D, I don’t think the experience would’ve been the same. But hey it’s up to you - I know what its like buying new toys, sometimes you’re just gonna want the pimp stuff right off the bat.
Alternatively, you can go for the 40D:
At the end of the day and I’ll say it again - it ultimately comes down to the photographer. If you don’t commit to learning how to use a DSLR the way it’s supposed to be used, then you might as well stick with a point-and-shoot. It’s not going to magically make all your pictures great - you gotta “know” the shot you want and command your camera to deliver it.
Here’s exactly what I’m talking about:
These 3 photos were shot with a Canon 40D:
Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
Then again, so were these photos:
Pic4
Pic5
PIc6
Lol… I’m not saying every one of your shots needs to be a work of art, but there are clearly better ways to shoot those last 3 pictures. For example on Pic6, I maybe would’ve gone with a lower aperture and shot it with the cake at eye-level to make an interesting foreground, maybe bounced my flash off the ceiling so you lose the white shine on people’s skin. Shit like that. The guy who shot that used the built-in flash and the free lens the camera came with (says so in “more properties”).
Anyway - enough of the lecture. On to the lenses!
LENSES:
Ok here’s a quick lesson on lenses (sorry if you already know this).
MM RANGE
First is the mm range. Most point and shoot cameras shoot at 35mm. The higher the mm number, the bigger the zoom. The lower the mm number, the wider the shot. Really low ones like 17mm pics are fish-eye shots. Basically a lens that says 70mm-300mm, it means you can zoom from between 70mm to 300mm by turning the lens left and right. Prime lenses like the Canon 85mm f1.8, means it’s a set lens that it’ll only shoot at 85mm and you can’t zoom in and out.
APERTURE
All lenses have an “f” associated with it. Generally the LOWER the number, the better (faster) the lens is. So a 50mm f1.4 lens is going to give you better pictures in low light than a 505mm f2.8. Put it this way: Canon makes a 50mm f/1.8 for $80. But they also make a 50mm f/1.4 for $400. Then, if you want to go just one f-stop lower, they make a 50mm f/1.2 for $1300. That’s how much a difference the f-stops make. Took me forever to figure all that shit out.
TAMRON 18-250mm f.3.5 - 6.3 $479
This is one of the best starter lenses out there imho because of its range and price, and it’s pretty new. It covers you for really wide landscape shots (at 18mm) and at extra long zoom shots (at 250mm). Plus it goes as low as f3.5 on the wide shots (but will go as high as f6.3 on the long shots).
TAMRON 17-50mm f.2.8 - $419
This would be a nice “around the house” lens that you can take to parties. It has a great aperture and you can zoom out for group shots and zoom in just enough for great portraits. Notice how it’s only $60 less than the 18-250mm, and you only get 17-50mm. It’s all about the aperture baby…
TAMRON 17-50mm f.2.8 - $419
This would be a nice “around the house” lens that you can take to parties. It has a great aperture and you can zoom out for group shots and zoom in just enough for great portraits. Notice how it’s only $60 less than the 18-250mm, and you only get 17-50mm. It’s all about the aperture baby…
CANON 50mm (Prime) f/1.8 - $89 **Must Have**
This is the one lens all Canon users have - don’t leave home without it. It’s f/1.8 so it shoots crazy good pictures without needing any light. This is will likely be your official lens for portraits shots.
CANON 24-70mm f/2.8L - $1190
This is the lens right herrrr! Big ass lens, heavy (weighs 2 pounds, twice as heavy as the Tamron 17-2
FLASH:
Word to the wise: NEVER use the built-in flash on your camera. It’s pure crap. It’ll amazingly make your photos look like they’ve been shot with a $100 point-and-shoot. This flash is excellent and will be the difference-maker on pics than require flash. There’s also a Canon 580-EX flash for $420, but you won’t need that unless you’re planning a lot of studio-type shots.
FLash Diffuser - $15
You’ll definitely want this for your flash. It diffuses the light so you don’t get harsh highlights on people’s faces.
—————————
My recommendation:
If I were you, I’d go with:
CANON EOS REBEL XSI: $620
TAMRON 18-250mm f.3.5 - 6.3 $479
CANON 50mm (Prime) f/1.8 - $89
The below can wait until later:
CANON 430-EX Flash - $250
Flash Diffuser - $15
—————————
That should be enough for you to absorb for now :) My only advice: keep shooting! Best way to learn is to take really bad pictures and figure out where you went wrong. Lots of forums online where you can share your shots and get feedback from other photographers.
Im planning on buying a flash, I own a rebel XSI already
the diffuser will help with the plastic glare?
sometimes I take pictures of things still in packages and the reflection can be real shiny in the photos
[Reply]
By what I was told the diffuser should help with that - or also pointing it towards the ceiling (and possibly doing both).
You want to avoid the flash directly bouncing off your target, I guess.
My advice, however, for boxed goods would be to have some lights setup and avoid using any sort of flash :)
[Reply]
I use a Nikon D40. Wouldn’t mind a Canon ^_^
It’s just that I already have lenses from my dad’s old Nikon, hehe. But either way, I’m happy with it ^_^
[Reply]
I handed my 40d to a family friend to take pic #6. It isn’t the best example of DSL shooting to be sure :) That being said, the lens isn’t that bad for outside shots with the built in image stabilization.
[Reply]