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Community => Watto's Junk Yard => Topic started by: JoshEEE on September 2, 2005, 01:59 AM

Title: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: JoshEEE on September 2, 2005, 01:59 AM
First, I'd like to point out that I searched for a thread on digital cameras instead of starting a new one.    I did find one existing thread, but the formatting was all ****** up on it by some huge images, and so I started this new one.

Does anyone here shoot with a DSLR camera?  I've never used one (other than taking a picture with a friend's camera here or there)....but I'm in the market for one.

My current leaning is the Digital Rebel XT.  I'm told this camera is fine for anything I'll do.  Of course, there's always something just a little better (and more expensive) and that's it's cousin, the Canon 20D.  I can't afford that damn camera, but I'm also thinking that if I buy it, I may not need a new one for years.


Does anyone have either of these?
Know anything about em?

I need recommendations.   I have two friends and between them, they have both of these.  They both recommend their baby to me.  I need impartial tiebreakers.  ;D

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on September 2, 2005, 11:00 AM
The only thing I would caution on for digital SLR's is that I'm told that the imaging sensors are EXTREMELY sensitive to dust.  This sensitivity makes one of the key benefits of an SLR - interchable lenses - almost not worthwhile.  You'll not want to change your lense in the middle of a shoot.

A lot of pros are just going with multiple bodies of the same camera to accomodate their range of lenses.  So instead of changing lenses and risking contamination, they just change cameras.  Clearly, this isn't an alternative for a consumer.

That said, I'd love a prosumer grade digital slr.  I haven't looked closely at what Cannon is offering in this model, but I'll take a look and give you my opinion when I have a chance.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: JoshEEE on September 2, 2005, 04:25 PM
That's the first time I've heard that complaint.  I'll have to keep that in mind, though I don't imagine I'll be buying more than one lens anyway.

I do have a couple for my SLR film camera, and it's a canon, so if they're interchangeable, that would be the only way I'd actually take advantage of the ability to switch. 

Right now I'm leaning towards the Rebel XT and a 17-85 lens, because that's what my friends are suggesting.  But it's too pricey....
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on September 2, 2005, 04:36 PM
I'd not heard the comment on the switching of lenses either.  It's fairly depressing.  I do a fair bit of macro work for my job but cannot afford a good DSLR at this point.  I could probably manage with a decent 80-200 lens so long as it has good macro capabilities but would still prefer a dedicated lens. 

Digital cameras frustrate the hell out of me, relative to SLRs.  The always on autofocus type that they seem to be makes good close ups difficult.  I've managed to get some spectacular shots with a 3 MP point and shoot beast, but it requires so many more photos (which are much easier to dispose of) just to get a good one.  The LCD displays are nice, but try determining if it's a good photo or not outside in bright sunshine.  Oy.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Jayson on September 2, 2005, 04:40 PM
How much are you looking to spend?
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on September 2, 2005, 04:48 PM
Right now I'm leaning towards the Rebel XT and a 17-85 lens, because that's what my friends are suggesting.  But it's too pricey....

I think that lense should give you plenty of versatility.  I was going to suggest a 28-80. . that would hit most of your everyday needs.  In fact that's what is almost always on my film slr.

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: JoshEEE on September 5, 2005, 03:37 AM
@jedijaybird ===I wanted to spend well under 1000 for the camera, lens (or lenses) and a CF card.   Somewhere between 500-750 is my ideal price. That's a lot to ask, but I was pretty sure I could do it.

@Morgbug===Honestly, your problem with digital cameras is the same reason I want this new camera. My little point and shoot elph takes great snapshots, but if I want to take a shot at night, in weird lighting or with any sort of movement, it requires a lot of trial and error before I find the perfect setting and get it right. That's why I like SLR for the stuff that counts.  And that's why I need a new digital one before I get married....because I'm only going to have this opportunity once.   And it's gotta be digital, because film just doesn't cut it for me anymore. Who wants to carry a heavy rig and 10 rolls around when you can have the same functionality with a DSLR camera and a CF card?  ;D


Anyway, I took my regular SLR (EOS Elan IIE) down to the camera store today and tried out the lenses I have for that on the Rebel XT 350D. I had done some research, and it sounded like many of the lenses for my film camera might work on the Rebel.

Even with the big lens, that camera is surprsingly much lighter than my film rig (and it's 20D counterpart). It doesn't weigh much for as big as it is.

Turns out all of my film lenses were indeed compatible, which ended up making this decision a no brainer for me.  I was able to find some internet coupons at Slickdeals that enabled me to buy the camera body on Dell.com for 659.  That's just a bit more than what I paid for my point and shooter...and this is a beast of a camera for someone like me that is a relative noob to this stuff.

I still want that 17-85 lens sometime...but I have a couple of good ones for the film camera that I can use until I have a few more bucks to rub together.   ;D
Title: Digital SLR Camera Thread
Post by: BrentS on October 7, 2008, 08:03 PM
I'm thinking of getting a Digital SLR camera for Christmas this year.  I'm curious if anyone else out there has a newer model Digi SLR?  I've always been fond of Canon Camera's in the Point and Click variety.  So I'm contemplating one of the Canon models.  As far as my "needs", I'd like to get one that can be used to take nice landscape photos (going to Alaska next year) and also compatable with zoom lens capable of capturing kids' sporting events (think Gymnastics, Baseball, and Basketball).

Any recommendations out there??  I'd like to stay under $1000, preferably with the zoom lens (not sure if that is feasible).
Title: Re: Digital SLR Camera Thread
Post by: Rob on October 7, 2008, 08:27 PM
I've got a Digital Rebel XT.  I know there is a newer XTi, and probably a newer one than that at this point.  My only suggestion, and it's the same one that I made to Deanpaul, is that if you're really looking for top notch quality and aren't worried about spending some extra coin, don't buy the kit.  Just get a body, and then buy a nicer lens.  I bought a Canon EF 24 - 70 mm F2.8 L USM lens (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0209/02092906canonef2470l.asp).  It set me back more than the camera, but it's phenomenal and is a really great all purpose lens. 

The only other thing to consider, if it's important to you, is that something like the Digital Rebel does not have a full frame sensor, so you won't be capturing everything that the lens is capable of capturing.  Something like the Canon 20d (more expensive) or the Canon 5d (much more expensive) do have this.

Check out that photography thread that I have (just underneath this thread...).  The New Zealand pictures were taken with the Rebel and the kit lens, the Italy pictures don't apply, they were on an old point and shoot, and the WWII aviation pictures were shot with the upgraded lens, but I took a lot of the color out of those pictures after the fact.

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on October 8, 2008, 02:27 PM
I guess I can comment now on DSLR's since not long after that post I picked up a Nikon D80.  Simply put it is amazing and can do more than any camera I've ever laid my hands on.  For me it is the subject of a freakish kind of love, it is that amazing.  I swear the camera is smarter than I am (I know, not much of a stretch). 

A newer model, the D90 (and the older D200) are both more expensive and do more than the D80, but for most of what anyone other than professional use you can get a D40 or D60 as well, probably for less than $500 for the body, if not a lot less now.  I'm an avowed Nikon fan from the days of owning an FM2 and an assortment of pricey lens that are now virtually useless (I still use a couple with my D80 though, only in manual mode). 

I'll echo Rob's sentiment on not getting a kit, unless the lens actually fits well with what you want to do.  Otherwise better off getting the lens(es) you want and being happier that way.  I seldom use the lens we got with the kit as most of my stuff is macro in nature.  I use a 100mm macro lens for most of my work.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on October 8, 2008, 04:59 PM
Thanks guys.

I'm going to start looking at the Nikon and Canon Digi SLRs.  The problem is that I figure I'll need three basic lens types.  I want a "standard" focal length lens (is that the right term?) for normal day to day use.  However, I think I'll seen some sort of telephoto zoom to get the kids sports activities and I definitely want to get a Macro lens for some close up pictures.  Maybe the standard lens will support the macro work?!?  Maybe the standard lens will have enough zoom (unlikely).  Oh, the decisions.

More input please!
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on October 8, 2008, 06:18 PM
The 24mm to 70mm that I have is very good for all purpose.  It gets you reasonably close, but is by no means a telephoto.  the 24mm setting is wider than most regular lenses go.

The only thing is that this lens is so big that if you push all the way wide to 24mm, the lens will cast a shadow on your image, so unless that doesn't bother you, you'll want to get a real flash that sits higher on the camera.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on October 8, 2008, 08:22 PM
I was pricing that lens and wow.  I'm not sure I'm ready to plunk down $1000 on just the lens.  I understand from my research that you get what you pay for but I'm not quite ready yet!  I'm still going to keep in doing some research and see what I can come up with.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on October 8, 2008, 09:18 PM
There's certainly no shame in that.  I didn't want to either... but at the same time I did. ;D  I started with the camera, had that for a while, then decided to upgrade the lens.  I plan on upgrading to a 20D body next time I feel like dropping a bunch of money on camera equipment.  I don't, however, foresee any reason to buy another lens in this zoom range.  Unless I break it, this one should be great for a long time.  I'll look at 200mm L-series glass down the line as a second lens.

The other thing about this L-series lens is that it's pretty heavy.  Picture quality is excellent (and I could do even better if I upgraded from the Digital Rebel body), but you've got to be committed to carrying a few extra pounds.  Maybe 2 pounds? 

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on October 8, 2008, 09:26 PM
There are (or were in the pre-digital era) a number of lens' with the Nikon mount that had a macro at the end of the telephoto focus, sort of a combined lens.  Around 135 mm if memory serves me correctly, but I can check once I get back to work on Friday because I have all of my old Nikon stuff there.  That might suit your needs for macro sufficiently and allow only a single lens plus the basic lens. 

The 100mm macro I use was about $700 and is pretty useless for anything other than macro stuff, because at more normal focal lengths, the width of the field is too narrow.  You can't do panoramic shots with it really at all, at least not of any scope. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on October 8, 2008, 10:54 PM
There's certainly no shame in that.  I didn't want to either... but at the same time I did. ;D  I started with the camera, had that for a while, then decided to upgrade the lens. 

I think that's probably what will happen with me too.  Looking at the prices, it seems like the the "kits" are less than $100 more than just the body.  I can't get any lenses for that price.  I'm going to have to take a couple baby steps.  Its too bad because I really want a nice camera and I know eventually I'm going to want both Macro and Telephoto lenses.  ::)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on October 8, 2008, 11:06 PM
In all seriousness, if you are interested, you can have my Canon kit lens for less than $100.  $50 would thrill me.  I just don't use it any more (and it's barely used).

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on November 6, 2008, 10:09 AM
Well, last night I took the plunge.  With clearance from my wife ("Dont' expect any christmas presents"), I bought a Canon 50D Kit (28-135 IS lens) which was bundled with an additional 70-300mm IS lens.  The whole set-up was twice as much as I ever intended to spend but after my research online and after holding the cameras, I just couldn't put the 50D down.  It felt so much more rugged than the Rebel cameras.

I'm really looking forward to getting out and using this camera.  I still want to get a Macro lens but I think I need to wait for a while on that one.

Thanks for all your input guys. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on November 6, 2008, 10:21 AM
Congrats on the camera.  Sounds like a really nice machine.  I think the ruggedness is a very appealing feature.  I never did mention that the D80 is a much heavier body.  I really don't like plastic-y cameras either, they need to be sturdy. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 6, 2008, 10:31 AM
Ooooh, the 50D is new and I hadn't even heard about it yet.  Checking out a review real quick it looks like a lot of camera for the price. 

I'll take a good look at that one when I upgrade.

Congrats.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 6, 2008, 03:31 PM
My wife has a nice HP digital camera which does a good job.  I would still like to get a nice digital SLR though.  I still have my Minolta 400si, which is a nice camera (I've had it nearly 10 years), but would really like a nice digital camera...it would be probably be easier than eventually trying to convert the downstairs bathroom into a darkroom.   :D

That camera you bought Brent looks awesome.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on November 6, 2008, 03:51 PM
Thanks guys.  The funny thing is around how technology changes.  I didn't buy a new CF card for this camera.  I was pretty sure it didn't come with one but I knew I had a couple extra from my old Nikon point and click (maybe 3 yrs old).  I dig those cards out and low and behold the largest one I had was 256MB!  I'm using a 2GB SD card on my point and click these days.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to get more than a very small handful of pictures on these CF cards that I have.  So I'm going to head off to Best Buy again soon and pick one up so I can really play with the camera  :-\

I was hoping to wait until the Thanksgiving day specials to get a dirt cheap memory card (or cards).

Regardless, I'm going to try an test it out on my sons floor hockey games tomorrow night and see what sort of zoom I can get with the action shots.  The weather here turned awfully grey today so I don't expect any decent outdoor shots anytime soon.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Matt_Fury on November 6, 2008, 07:43 PM
Just wait for the first snow....and take the pics before you let the dog out.   :D
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 6, 2008, 08:31 PM
On memory cards... I recommend not using enormous ones.  The last time I was shopping for one they sold up to 8 GB cards.  If you get into the habit of filling large cards up, you run the risk of losing more photos if one dies. 

I've got a 2 gig card and a 1 gig card.  2 gigs is probably the largest I'd ever use.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on November 6, 2008, 11:33 PM

I've got a 2 gig card and a 1 gig card.  2 gigs is probably the largest I'd ever use.

That's a good idea.  I'm real good at downloading photos off my cards onto my PC (not so good about backing up the PC  :-\).  The only reason I like bigger capacity cards is that it makes it easier to not change cards on long trips. 


Do you guys know much about "high speed" CF cards?
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 6, 2008, 11:45 PM
I'm not sure how much of it is gimmick or not, but if the speed factor is legit, it makes sense to me to get faster cards for digital SLR's.  The files are big (especially if you shoot RAW), and you can shoot faster if the camera can write faster.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on November 7, 2008, 01:01 PM
We normally run a 1 GB card in the Nikon and never had a problem with write speeds, even with RAW files.  Unexceptional SD card.  Scored a great deal on 4 x 2 GB SD cards a while back for $25.  I thought it was a great deal anyway. 

Oddly I normally use an Olympus at home and the cards they take are a pain in the ass to find.  xD.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 14, 2008, 02:48 AM
Well, last night I took the plunge.  With clearance from my wife ("Dont' expect any christmas presents"), I bought a Canon 50D Kit (28-135 IS lens) which was bundled with an additional 70-300mm IS lens.  The whole set-up was twice as much as I ever intended to spend but after my research online and after holding the cameras, I just couldn't put the 50D down.  It felt so much more rugged than the Rebel cameras.

I'm really looking forward to getting out and using this camera.  I still want to get a Macro lens but I think I need to wait for a while on that one.

Thanks for all your input guys. 


Have you gotten a chance to take it for a spin yet?

I just figured out that I could get between $350 and $400 for my existing Digital Rebel kit... so I'm considering selling it before it loses the rest of its value and upgrading to the 50D.

Also, can I ask where you got it and roughly how much you guys paid?  I'm seeing it listed on Calumet's website (body only) for $1198 after an instant rebate.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on November 14, 2008, 11:54 AM


Have you gotten a chance to take it for a spin yet?


Yes, I have played with a little bit.  When I hold it, I realize how much I forgot about camera settings.  However, here are a few sample images that I did take, mostly with automatic settings and the "kit" lens that is 28-135mm.

Around my neighborhood (on trash day no less  ;)).  We had some really nice sun that day.  Now we are entering the "gray" season.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/IMG_0008.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/IMG_0007.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/IMG_0009.jpg)

I also took it to the gym last week to shoot some of my son's floor hockey.  I was VERY pleased with the action settings and the lighting of the picture.  My point and shoot can't touch this sort of output:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/IMG_0057.jpg)

(EDIT: I had to lower the rez on this image so it looks a bit more pixelated here on Photobucket)

I absolutely love the burst mode.  6 frames per second is awesome!  I'm really looking forward to trying it out next spring for baseball.

I'm going to put the 70-300mm telephoto lens on it tonight for floor hockey. 



Also, can I ask where you got it and roughly how much you guys paid?  I'm seeing it listed on Calumet's website (body only) for $1198 after an instant rebate.

I got mine at Best Buy on-sale from $2100.  That was the body, the 28-135mm "kit" lens, and the 70-300mm lens.  Both of the lenses are image stabilized (not sure if that is "normal" for all lenses now or not).  Again, it was about twice as much as I wanted to spend but I'm real happy so far. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 19, 2008, 01:49 AM
Thanks for the updates.  I've been reading pretty good things about it and am seriously considering buying one this week and selling my Digital Rebel XT before it loses all of its resell value.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 20, 2008, 12:20 PM
So I went ahead and ordered a 50d body just now.  I'm excited about it.

If anyone is interested in buying a slightly used, but extremely well cared for and fully operational Digital Rebel XT with the (even less used) lens and an extra battery, PM me.

If not, it's going on eBay once the new camera gets here.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on November 20, 2008, 11:27 PM
So I went ahead and ordered a 50d body just now.  I'm excited about it.

If anyone is interested in buying a slightly used, but extremely well cared for and fully operational Digital Rebel XT with the (even less used) lens and an extra battery, PM me.

If not, it's going on eBay once the new camera gets here.

Congrats Rob.  Glad you pushed me and I then I pushed you.

Make sure you go get some CF cards as the new camera doesn't use the SD media.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 20, 2008, 11:34 PM
Thanks.    :)

I've got a pair of CF cards - the Canon I have no takes those too.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on November 27, 2008, 11:44 PM
New camera is here - and while I haven't really gotten to test drive it, I'm digging it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/nextseason/Dogs/POD_0045.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Jayson on January 2, 2009, 07:02 PM
We (the wife and I) received a Nikon D60 for Xmas this year that included a 18-55 AF-S VR lens and today I ordered from B&H a Nikon 55-200 AF-S VR telephoto lens.  8)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Morgbug on January 2, 2009, 08:06 PM
I think the D60 is about the same quality as the D80 was.  A bit confusing in terms of the numbering, but I'm pretty sure the D80 has few, if any features the D60 doesn't now have.  I'm still lovin' my D80 though. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on January 2, 2009, 11:40 PM
I absolutely love the Canon 50D that I got before Thanksgiving.  I'm still trying to work on using more "manual" modes.  I've got some good photos for sure.  I'm even thinking about taking a class at the local community college.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: I Am Sith on January 18, 2009, 08:59 PM
So my wife has been complaining about our point and shoot for a couple years now and has really wanted to get a digital SLR camera.  She got an award at work and finally decided she'd had enough.  She bought herself a Canon Digital Rebel XSi (12.2 MP).  It's definitely not the high end 50D that BrentS and Rob were able to get, but it's a lot better than the 4MP Nikon we have now.  It came with an EF-S 18-55mm, but I think I'm going to start saving up my money now to get her a 55-250mm lense for her birthday.  She used to really be into photography when she was in college and I'm hoping that she gets back into it.

She also wants to be able to print pictures at home.  Any of you guys have recommendations for good photo printers?  Do any of you guys print up your own pictures or do you take them somewhere to get developed?  If there really isn't a good home option for printing pictures, I'm hoping I can deter another big purchase and instead convince her to just bring them somewhere professional to get developed.  Any advice you can give is appreciated.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on January 18, 2009, 10:54 PM
Congrats on the purchase.  If you want to test out my 70-300mm lens you're more than welcome too.

As far as printing at home, everything I've read says Epson makes the best printers and make sure you get archival ink and paper.  I don't have a great photo printer at home these days, but in the past, the Epson printers I used never let me down.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on May 1, 2009, 10:36 PM
My wife surprised me by letting me get an early birthday present - a new lens for my camera.  Our daughter is going to make her first communion this May and my wife wanted me to take some nice portraits of her in her communion dress.  So I thought I could kill two birds with one stone and get a nice Macro lens for the 50D.  I know that Macro Lenses are very popular for portrait photography.  So I went online shopping and settled on the Canon 60mm f/2.8 USM lens.  It arrived today and I put it to use early this evening.

Here's a few test shots from an amateur that doesn't have any idea what he's doing:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Flower-sm.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/buds-sm.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/knot-sm.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Baseball-sm.jpg)

All of these are unedited - no corrections or cropping.  I'm quite pleased by the perfomance of this straight out of the box  ;D
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: JesseVader08 on May 2, 2009, 12:26 AM
Woah, looking good.  It looks like you are going to be very happy with that purchase.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Sprry75 on May 2, 2009, 11:06 AM
That's some sweet bokeh.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on May 31, 2009, 07:57 PM
So I'm pretty much the world's most careful person when it comes to handling my camera.  On Friday I was walking around the Intrepid in NYC and stepped through a bulk-head door (the kind you have to step over a 10" high metal plate of sorts and walk through the opening.  I had my camera in my hand and lifted my foot high enough that I managed to put it through the strap that was hanging low to the ground.  I basically yanked the camera out of my hand with my foot and it slammed into the metal floor (couldn't have done this in a carpeted room...).  The top of the lens is dented and the filter is shattered.  It still takes pictures (miraculously the camera body seems fine), but it's bent badly enough that unscrewing the filter is impossible.   :'(

So it's getting sent to Canon tomorrow for what I expect will be a few hundred dollars worth of repair.

So even if you're careful, be more careful.   :-\
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Sprry75 on May 31, 2009, 08:03 PM
Oh, man...bummer.

That sucks, brotha.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Jayson on May 31, 2009, 08:38 PM
Sorry to hear about that Rob. What type of lens did you damage? Was it the one the came with the camera? If so, you might be better off just getting a new (more versatile) lens versus repairing OEM equipment plus the added cost of shipping it in for service.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on May 31, 2009, 09:03 PM
That sucks Rob.  Good luck.  If I recall correctly, you had a pretty nice USM lens for that camera too.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on June 1, 2009, 01:20 AM
Thanks for the sympathies guys - I'll let you know what the damage is once I hear in case anyone needs more reminding to be careful with their gear.  :)

Sorry to hear about that Rob. What type of lens did you damage? Was it the one the came with the camera? If so, you might be better off just getting a new (more versatile) lens versus repairing OEM equipment plus the added cost of shipping it in for service.

No dice.  It was a canon f2.8 24:70 L-series.

(http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/images/canon_24-70mm_F2_8_L_usm1.JPG)

 :-[
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on June 1, 2009, 05:04 PM
The total so far:  $34.00

This is for UPS ground with $1200 worth of insurance just to the repair center.  More updates as they happen.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on June 5, 2009, 03:50 PM
I got the repair bill today.

$225, plus the $34 to ship, plus I'll need to buy a new filter.  It could have been worse, but it still sucks. :'(
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Matt_Fury on June 5, 2009, 07:46 PM
Shame so much for such a quick accident.

Still at least they could repair it.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on June 6, 2009, 01:07 AM
Yep.  Could have been worse.


If you have a neck strap, use it at all times.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on December 19, 2009, 01:29 PM
Not sure if this is exactly the right thread for this or not.  However, I wanted to update with some new Digi Photos that I took with my Canon 50D this summer - we took a trip to Alaska as a family vacation.  Talk about some breath-taking scenery!

Sorry for the photo-overload.  I can start a new thread if that is preferred.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska02.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska03.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska04.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska05.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska06.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska07.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Alaska08.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Sunset.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Eagle01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Grizzly.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/SeaLion.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/SeaLions.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Whale01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Whale02.jpg)

On that same trip we stopped at the Buchart Gardens in Victoria, BC
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Buchart01.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Buchart02.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Bee.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Butterfly01.jpg)

and finally... Seattle, WA:
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/cerius31/Alaska/Seattle.jpg)

Needless to say, I'm loving this digital camera.  Some of those pictures (especially the whales and sea lions on the buoy) were taken with a pro series "L" lens that a friend of mine let me borrow.  After that trip,  I'm stepping up my game this Christmas to - my wife has left me get a pro-series lens - the 70-200mm f4/L IS USM version.  My first foray into "white glass" for myself.

 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: IncomT65 on December 19, 2009, 02:13 PM
Brent, those are some pretty awesome shots, my man! I myself have an Olympus E410 with 14-42mm and 45-150mm kit lenses, of which I use the former 80% of the time. A couple of months ago I bought an Olympus FL-50 flash and let me tell ya, that's been a very, very useful investment. I also have a tri-pod on the way.

Back to your shots.... Alaska looks awesome! The waterfalls however, could've been more interesting had you used a slower shutter speed  ;)

Here´s some shots I made a while ago (clickable thumbs):

(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th__4180363.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=_4180363.jpg) (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th_nr_00980.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=nr_00980.jpg) (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th_nr_00787.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=nr_00787.jpg) (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th_nr_00021.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=nr_00021.jpg) (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th_nr_00591.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=nr_00591.jpg) (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/th_nr_00637.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a295/incomT65/?action=view&current=nr_00637.jpg)

Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Matt_Fury on December 19, 2009, 02:20 PM
Nice pics Brent!  Where in Alaska did you go?  I used to live up in North Pole, just outside of Fairbanks.  I loved my time there and would move back in a heartbeat!
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Darth Kenobi on March 13, 2010, 07:20 PM
Was wondering what you guys use to protect your camera from rains.  I'm planning on going on a cruise to Alaska this September and not sure what product is best to protect my D60 from the rain.  I have been looking at stuff on Amazon but not sure what actually is worth it or not to buy.  Thanks for any help.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Nicklab on March 13, 2010, 07:39 PM
Was wondering what you guys use to protect your camera from rains.  I'm planning on going on a cruise to Alaska this September and not sure what product is best to protect my D60 from the rain.  I have been looking at stuff on Amazon but not sure what actually is worth it or not to buy.  Thanks for any help.

You can protect the camera body with something as simple as a plastic bag.  This is something that the videographers in my company do as a matter of course when there's bad weather and they must shoot outside.  But if you need to change lenses, be sure to wipe everything down before hand and make the lens change somewhere that's under cover.

As for the lens, I'd recommend a few things.  First, get some filters for your lens.  I try not to expose the lens itself.  Hoya's filter kit (http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Digital-Filters-Circular-Polarizer/dp/B001MXGIA0) is a good starting point.  I like to keep a neutral density filter on the lens of my Nikon D-50 whenever I shoot outside.  And a lens hood (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Nikon+lens+hood&cid=16635048071332721047&sa=title#p) will help keep any water droplets from getting on the filter.  Last, keep a lens cleaning cloth with you.  You can try really hard to keep the lens dry.  But if you get some water on it you're going to want any appropriate cleaning cloth to dry it off.  And those are $10 or so.

Oh, and BrentS...AWESOME PICS!
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Nicklab on March 13, 2010, 07:59 PM
Here are some things that I shot this past fall....


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/4074674198_99c3157d4f_b.jpg)


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/4076381460_c79b99185a_b.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/4075632561_f195e50e7c_b.jpg)


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/4075629407_2ab2961b37_b.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/4076389506_ea09ae2047_b.jpg)


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4076498124_4aba2d23dc_o.jpg)


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2712/4076391550_21680f1f8c_b.jpg)


(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/4075636721_0be69c5a5b_b.jpg)


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/4074673106_791b5f79b2_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Darth Kenobi on March 29, 2010, 11:41 AM
Was wondering what you guys use to protect your camera from rains.  I'm planning on going on a cruise to Alaska this September and not sure what product is best to protect my D60 from the rain.  I have been looking at stuff on Amazon but not sure what actually is worth it or not to buy.  Thanks for any help.

You can protect the camera body with something as simple as a plastic bag.  This is something that the videographers in my company do as a matter of course when there's bad weather and they must shoot outside.  But if you need to change lenses, be sure to wipe everything down before hand and make the lens change somewhere that's under cover.

As for the lens, I'd recommend a few things.  First, get some filters for your lens.  I try not to expose the lens itself.  Hoya's filter kit (http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Digital-Filters-Circular-Polarizer/dp/B001MXGIA0) is a good starting point.  I like to keep a neutral density filter on the lens of my Nikon D-50 whenever I shoot outside.  And a lens hood (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Nikon+lens+hood&cid=16635048071332721047&sa=title#p) will help keep any water droplets from getting on the filter.  Last, keep a lens cleaning cloth with you.  You can try really hard to keep the lens dry.  But if you get some water on it you're going to want any appropriate cleaning cloth to dry it off.  And those are $10 or so.

Oh, and BrentS...AWESOME PICS!

Thanks Nicklab for you information. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on July 28, 2010, 12:04 PM
Finally found the right deal on the right camera and bought a Nikon D5000 a couple of weeks ago.  Took on the beach vacation to put it through the paces, and I'm pleased.  Here's a few samples from the trip.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0450bw.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0603.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0612.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0693.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0721.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0766chop2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/beachpics/_DSC0213bw.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on July 28, 2010, 12:08 PM
never mind....they fixed themselves.

....and then they flipped again.  dammit.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on July 28, 2010, 01:44 PM
That sunset shot at the beach is fabulous!
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on July 28, 2010, 01:46 PM
it's actually a sunrise....but thanks.

i got up too damned early to let it be mistaken for a sunset.  :)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: BrentS on July 28, 2010, 03:49 PM
it's actually a sunrise....but thanks.

i got up too damned early to let it be mistaken for a sunset.  :)

I stand corrected!  That sunrise looks fabulous!
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on September 25, 2010, 10:40 PM
had some fun with the nikon at the roller derby bout tonight.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/_DSC04802.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/_DSC0511bw.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Darth Kenobi on September 26, 2010, 08:00 PM
Some pictures of my Cruise that I took to Alaska. 

(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Skagway/DSC_0174.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Skagway/DSC_0124.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Skagway/DSC_0116.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Skagway/DSC_0112.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Skagway/DSC_0052.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Glacier%20Bay%20National%20Park/DSC_0250.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Glacier%20Bay%20National%20Park/DSC_0292.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Glacier%20Bay%20National%20Park/DSC_0314.jpg)
(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx263/DarthTEN2/Glacier%20Bay%20National%20Park/DSC_0336.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Matt_Fury on September 26, 2010, 08:10 PM
Nice photos...I have some that are very reminiscent in my album.  Where did you go besides the inside passage?
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Darth Kenobi on September 26, 2010, 10:07 PM
Nice photos...I have some that are very reminiscent in my album.  Where did you go besides the inside passage?

Thanks.  Ended up going to Juneau, Skagway (Side trip into the Yukon Territory), Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and Victoria BC. 
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on October 22, 2010, 01:50 PM
So I've been having so much fun with my DSLR that I decided to set up a little hobby business on the side.  Here's a couple from a shoot I did earlier this month:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/Nelsons_Cooper_20101210_0011.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/Lapellas_20101120_0017.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/Bunns_20101111_0006.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/Prestons_20101031_0015.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/Prestons_20101031_0002.jpg)

fixed broken image links.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Jayson on October 22, 2010, 01:57 PM
Excellent work. In fact, I've been toying with the same idea.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: ruiner on October 22, 2010, 03:36 PM
You should - your photography skills are top notch.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on January 19, 2011, 12:48 PM
my son playing this weekend...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/JWS_8743copy.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on January 19, 2011, 12:53 PM
don't know what happened to my photo links in the post from a few above, but i fixed them, and swapped some out.

Photo biz is taking off.  We 've done about a half dozen shoots now, and sold another half dozen gift cards before christmas.  Growing at exactly the pace I want...slow and fun.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on January 19, 2011, 02:22 PM
as long as I'm showing off my kids...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/DSC_0009copy4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v463/name7574/DSC_0225copy3.jpg)
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: name on January 10, 2012, 03:48 PM
Trying to win a Canon 5D.  You should too.  And if you use actions in photoshop at all, you should check out this shop.

http://myfourhensphotography.com/photographers/2012/01/10/win-a-canon-5d-mark-ii-a-fun-online-mentorship-to-go-with-it-storewide-sale-too/

might help if I pasted the full url.
Title: Re: Any pro digital photographers in the house?
Post by: Rob on January 10, 2012, 03:53 PM
I'd love to win a 5D - if that doesn't work though (and it's not...), I'm holding out for the 5D Mark III which should be hitting in the next few months.