Photo Advice Needed

[Java]

I need to get two things- a better tripod for me now, and a new camera for my wife's birthday in May. I need a tripod for video and there are SO MANY on amazon that I just don't know where to start. I'm just learning this stuff and don't need top of the line, just something that works. Anyone have a recommendation, or one to sell?

I want to move her up from a basic point and shoot; we have a cannon point and shoot that takes awesome photos, but it's not as good as she is and I'd like to get her something better. its also taken quite a bit of damage- sand in moab got onto the lense and it has trouble zooming without shutting off, and the view screen is cracked from a fall. something tough would be cool! again, i know squat about this stuff and there is so much out there... any recommendations?

thank you!!

[4Runninfun]

Tripods- When looking for which one to get what I do is start with the construction of it. extend the legs all the way and then raise the head all the way up, so that the tripod can't extend any more. then place your hand on the top and notice how much it wobbles. Better tripods will wobble less but are typically heavier so if you're going to be carrying it you'll want a balance between the two. This is the primary evaluation of any tripod that I get. Beyond this you'll want to check and see how smooth the adjustment knobs rotate and how securely they lock. Make sure the quick-release doesn't rattle around. when the legs are up are the locking knobs secure? One thing I've noticed lately don't worry too much about the add-on's, like levels. It's far easier to stick a level on a tripod than put more effort into the construction of the unit. These things can be handy but I wouldn't let it influence your decision too much.

As far as camera's go I'll let others chime in on that. It's been a few years since I've done any real amount of research.

[Tom]

First question about the camera. DSLR or P&S?

Tripod think Manfrotto or Gitzo. I've two manfrottos, a carbon fiber version I love as well as an alumninum one that is very solid be also very heavy for my uses. Look on http://www.bhphotovideo.com or http://www.adorama.com/. They are both very reliable companies.

[Java]

DSLR from what I've read so far...

thanks for the links!

[Tom]

Think Canon or Nikon. Don't buy any other brand. I use Canon. Others swear by Nikon. Next is budget. If you can afford it buy at least one model above the entry level model. I'll post more when I'm not on my tablet. Typing on my tablet sucks.

[Daskuppler]

Paul,

We purchased a Dynex tripod from Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+60%22+Universal+Tripod/8241048.p?id=1168044601803&skuId=8241048&st=tripod&cp=1&lp=1 It works great. I do double exposures on it. It's not the lightest but it does work. Generally your more expensive tripods are priced due to their weight and adjustments. I have found tot he Dynex to be more than suitable for our needs as photographers

As for a camera, I shoot with Canon and Brenda shoots with Nikon. There really isn't much difference between the brands. Nikon tends to do better in low light (D-lighting) however, with the D-lighting on your continuous shoot mode bogs down after about 6 shots. Nikons tend to get grainy quicker with a high ISO setting. their lenses tend to be slightly more expensive but seem to have manufacturer rebates more frequently. Nikon has kept their lens mount the same from the beginning, so an old 35MM film lens can be used on a brand new body.

Canon is a bigger name and if you go into stores, 9 out of 10 people will tell you Canon is better. However, I have seen the pictures side by side and you can't tell (it's sort of a "beat on your chest" type of thing). The main difference is ergonomics and menu set up, neither are poor, it's a personal preference. Canon does better with the ISO as far as grain goes, but does not do quite as well with low light detail with a low ISO. Canon has changed their lens mount over the years so old film lenses do not work on current bodies. The cheaper of the lenses do not work on the high end bodies as well.

As a general rule, wedding and portrait photographers use Canon while photo journalists use Nikon. Recommendations for a DSLR: Canon I would go with the 40D and for Nikon the 5200. i think they are the best bang for the buck. If you're talking about spending lots of money, we can talk other options lol. If you have any questions, let me know! We're a wealth of knowledge!

[Patrolman]

Lots of good advice from everyone. Keep in mind, there are also mini-tripods, but may not be great for video. They are used for backpacking as they are much lighter. Personally, I have a regular tripod for daily use, and then a couple different minis for camping. Also, there are mono-pods. If you plan on always tending to the camera, but just need something to steady it, it might be a good option. They are also lighter than tripods, so they are much more friendly to hiking while keeping a full size unit.

I haven't made the leap into the DSLR world yet, but Costco carries several brands, and they do go on sale from time to time.

[Daskuppler]

The mini tripods won't hold up a DSLR very well, we tried one for backpacking and found you were better off using a rock lol

[Tom]

The mini tripods won't hold up a DSLR very well, we tried one for backpacking and found you were better off using a rock lolAgree completely, I've a full size carbon fiber for that very reason.

[Java]

Thank you!!! I found thesame one on ebay for $15.00 obo, so I offered him $13.00 just to see and he took it right away, it's on it's way for $25.00. Awesome!! it has pretty good reviews, I'm sure it will be more than good enough. :thumb:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=271164755497&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:US:3160




Rick,

We purchased a Dynex tripod from Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex%26%23153%3B+-+60%22+Universal+Tripod/8241048.p?id=1168044601803&skuId=8241048&st=tripod&cp=1&lp=1 It works great. I do double exposures on it. It's not the lightest but it does work. Generally your more expensive tripods are priced due to their weight and adjustments. I have found tot he Dynex to be more than suitable for our needs as photographers

As for a camera, I shoot with Canon and Brenda shoots with Nikon. There really isn't much difference between the brands. Nikon tends to do better in low light (D-lighting) however, with the D-lighting on your continuous shoot mode bogs down after about 6 shots. Nikons tend to get grainy quicker with a high ISO setting. their lenses tend to be slightly more expensive but seem to have manufacturer rebates more frequently. Nikon has kept their lens mount the same from the beginning, so an old 35MM film lens can be used on a brand new body.

Canon is a bigger name and if you go into stores, 9 out of 10 people will tell you Canon is better. However, I have seen the pictures side by side and you can't tell (it's sort of a "beat on your chest" type of thing). The main difference is ergonomics and menu set up, neither are poor, it's a personal preference. Canon does better with the ISO as far as grain goes, but does not do quite as well with low light detail with a low ISO. Canon has changed their lens mount over the years so old film lenses do not work on current bodies. The cheaper of the lenses do not work on the high end bodies as well.

As a general rule, wedding and portrait photographers use Canon while photo journalists use Nikon. Recommendations for a DSLR: Canon I would go with the 40D and for Nikon the 5200. i think they are the best bang for the buck. If you're talking about spending lots of money, we can talk other options lol. If you have any questions, let me know! We're a wealth of knowledge!

[Java]

I'm going to read up on Canon, we like the one we have and I might as well just pick one. Thanks all! :thumb:

[Daskuppler]

That's a great tripod. We use it with our cameras and they're quite heavy. We've never had a problem with it and it's easy to attach and detach your canera

[Daskuppler]

I'm going to read up on Canon, we like the one we have and I might as well just pick one. Thanks all! :thumb:

Canon is known to have the best glass in the world! You can't go wrong, even with the cheaper lens options. No lens is really a cheap lens in the world of Canon though!

[Tom]

Canon is known to have the best glass in the world! You can't go wrong, even with the cheaper lens options. No lens is really a cheap lens in the world of Canon though!

I have to disagree. Canon does have some really bad cheap consumer grade glass. You get what you pay for. My cheapest lens goes for over 600 USD

[Daskuppler]

I have to disagree. Canon does have some really bad cheap consumer grade glass. You get what you pay for. My cheapest lens goes for over 600 USD

You always get what you pay for, however, in comparison, I believe Canon's glass is better than the equivalent in Tamron or Sigma. However, I have not spent much time with anything but L glass.

[Tom]

You always get what you pay for, however, in comparison, I believe Canon's glass is better than the equivalent in Tamron or Sigma. However, I have not spent much time with anything but L glass.L glass is terrific. Love mine. Their low end consumer lenses can really suck. Not all models. Just some.

[Chris]

I use an old Canon Digital Rebel XT and can vouch for the crappy quality of Tamron. I trashed a Canon lens in Antelope Canyon when sand filtered down and killed it. I replaced it with a Tamron, I should have just thrown the cash out the window. Anyone have any compatible used lenses sitting around?

[Tom]

I use an old Canon Digital Rebel XT and can vouch for the crappy quality of Tamron. I trashed a Canon lens in Antelope Canyon when sand filtered down and killed it. I replaced it with a Tamron, I should have just thrown the cash out the window. Anyone have any compatible used lenses sitting around?I've one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-28-75mm-Aspherical-Canon-Digital/dp/B0000A1G05

It's a great lens. I upgraded to L lens for my art photography.

[Daskuppler]

Chris,

You could check the camera trader. I just briefly browsed their page and it looks like they have a Canon lens. Most of his stuff is Quantaray and Tamron, but every now and then you see a Canon or Nikkor lens. Also: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6-Standard-Lens/dp/B001ET6QFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363140196&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+18-200 That's a pretty good lens and not too badly priced...

[Tom]

Chris,

You could check the camera trader. I just briefly browsed their page and it looks like they have a Canon lens. Most of his stuff is Quantaray and Tamron, but every now and then you see a Canon or Nikkor lens. Also: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6-Standard-Lens/dp/B001ET6QFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363140196&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+18-200 That's a pretty good lens and not too badly priced...agree that's not a bad all around lens.

[Java]

I'm guessing some ofyou guys already know all this stuff, but this kid put together all of the good tripod tips from youtube and it's all new to me:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-xebNdgVDA

[Tom]

So I said I'd write more when I wasn't on my tablet. So here goes.

Relating to budget as well as the kind of photography you intend to do.
1. Do you want a crop camera or a full frame. This refers to the size of the image sensor in the camera. Full frame means the sensor is the same size as 35mm camera film. Crop, though it varies, is a smaller sensor by approx 1/3. Pros use full frame. They are more expensive. Consumer grade cameras, semi pro cameras, and in the Canon line 1 model of pro cameras are crop. The pro model is the 7D. It's what I shoot. I love it but see the value of full frame mainly less image noise.

2. I'm assuming that you are not seeking a professional level camera so you'll be looking at a crop sensor. Nikon and Canon both have crop consumer grade cameras. The reason I said previously to not purchase the entry level camera models has to do with the construction of the camera itself. At least in the Canon brand the entry level cameras have plastic frames. The semi pro and pro cameras have metal frames. Why does this make a difference? It won't when you use short/ small lenses, but put a telephoto on it and the mount can warp making the sensor plan not at right angles to the lens. When you have that you can never achieve good focus accross the image.

3. In the Canon line the semi pro models have metal frames. The semi pro line model is currently the 60D. Previous versions were the 50D, 40D, and the 30D.

4. You want a camera with automatic sensor cleaning. Don't even consider one that doesn't have it. In canon it started after the 30D. I've a 30D as well as my 7D. Its my backup. When I shot with it I had to clean the sensor almost everytime I changed lenses. With the 7D I very seldom clean the sensor. I typically only do it prior to an important shoot. Wedding or commisioned art shoot.

5. Lenses. If you think you may sometime in the future upgrade to a full frame camera make your lens purchasing decisions based upon that fact. Full frame lenses, at least Canon mounts, fit their crop cameras, Crop lenses, their EFS line, will not fit full frame cameras. That's why I shoot a 7D rather than a full frame. I'd already invested in EFS lenses I couldn't afford to replace.

Hope the helps. OBTW the Canon 18-200 lens recommended to Chris is and EFS lens.

[Daskuppler]

So I said I'd write more when I wasn't on my tablet. So here goes.

Relating to budget as well as the kind of photography you intend to do.
1. Do you want a crop camera or a full frame. This refers to the size of the image sensor in the camera. Full frame means the sensor is the same size as 35mm camera film. Crop, though it varies, is a smaller sensor by approx 1/3. Pros use full frame. They are more expensive. Consumer grade cameras, semi pro cameras, and in the Canon line 1 model of pro cameras are crop. The pro model is the 7D. It's what I shoot. I love it but see the value of full frame mainly less image noise.

2. I'm assuming that you are not seeking a professional level camera so you'll be looking at a crop sensor. Nikon and Canon both have crop consumer grade cameras. The reason I said previously to not purchase the entry level camera models has to do with the construction of the camera itself. At least in the Canon brand the entry level cameras have plastic frames. The semi pro and pro cameras have metal frames. Why does this make a difference? It won't when you use short/ small lenses, but put a telephoto on it and the mount can warp making the sensor plan not at right angles to the lens. When you have that you can never achieve good focus accross the image.

3. In the Canon line the semi pro models have metal frames. The semi pro line model is currently the 60D. Previous versions were the 50D, 40D, and the 30D.

4. You want a camera with automatic sensor cleaning. Don't even consider one that doesn't have it. In canon it started after the 30D. I've a 30D as well as my 7D. Its my backup. When I shot with it I had to clean the sensor almost everytime I changed lenses. With the 7D I very seldom clean the sensor. I typically only do it prior to an important shoot. Wedding or commisioned art shoot.

5. Lenses. If you think you may sometime in the future upgrade to a full frame camera make your lens purchasing decisions based upon that fact. Full frame lenses, at least Canon mounts, fit their crop cameras, Crop lenses, their EFS line, will not fit full frame cameras. That's why I shoot a 7D rather than a full frame. I'd already invested in EFS lenses I couldn't afford to replace.

Hope the helps. OBTW the Canon 18-200 lens recommended to Chris is and EFS lens.

I believe the current canon line doesn't get a magnesium frame until the 7d. The 60D dropped it for 2012. I could be wrong though. The Nikon equivalent, D7000 comes with a water resistant body and a magnesium alloy frame.

[Chris]

Thanks guys but I shouldn't have asked about lenses when I have so much money going out for other, less fun, stuff. :frown:

I'm down do a Canon 75-300 and a Tamron 18-200 that I previously mentioned being unimpressed with. After seeing my most recent pics (yeah, I don't do photographs) I may change my mind. Tom, you mentioned sensor cleaning which I discovered not long ago exists on my old Rebel. It's not automatic but the press of a button. Kind of embarrassing to just discover but it sure made a difference.

[Tom]

Thanks guys but I shouldn't have asked about lenses when I have so much money going out for other, less fun, stuff. :frown:

I'm down do a Canon 75-300 and a Tamron 18-200 that I previously mentioned being unimpressed with. After seeing my most recent pics (yeah, I don't do photographs) I may change my mind. Tom, you mentioned sensor cleaning which I discovered not long ago exists on my old Rebel. It's not automatic but the press of a button. Kind of embarrassing to just discover but it sure made a difference.Actually Chris, that lifts the mirror so you can manually clean the sensor. My first dslr was a Rebel xt.

[Tom]

I believe the current canon line doesn't get a magnesium frame until the 7d. The 60D dropped it for 2012. I could be wrong though. The Nikon equivalent, D7000 comes with a water resistant body and a magnesium alloy frame.that sucks.

[Chris]

Actually Chris, that lifts the mirror so you can manually clean the sensor. My first dslr was a Rebel xt.

:oops: Thanks Tom, I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the gentle approach rather than RTFM!

But I guess I should!

[Tom]

:oops: Thanks Tom, I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the gentle approach rather than RTFM!

But I guess I should!OMG you mean dslrs come with manuals.

[Patrolman]

You are going to love that tripod. Basically identical to what I have. Just an all around good tripod to start with, especially for the price.

My mini-pod is actually pretty slick. It has rigid legs that fold, just like a regular tripod. The flexy mini-pods suck. Mine sits nicely on a rock and can easily hold my old Pentax SLR. It is good for taking group photos where you want to be in the photo, or for taking night sky pics where the camera needs to remain steady. It is far from the quality of a normal size, but the best feature is that it can strap to a pole or a tree. I love that part!