OS Photography Club

[Blzer]

• Are you focused more on photography or video?
• Are you trying to shoot fast action or more "portrait" stills?
• Do you need robust autofocus features?
• Is low light a concern?
• To 4K or not to 4K?
• Do you need 1080p @ 120 FPS? (if yes, then expect to get something much more expensive)
• How important is in-body image stabilization for you?
• Are you looking for it to interact with your computer through wireless means?
• Are you already partial to a brand-name such as Canon, Nikon or Sony?
• Specifically, what is your budget?

The last thing is that understand is that for the most part when two cameras have similar feature parity, even a $2000 difference in cost won't make as much of a difference as the lenses you get, the lighting you're working with, the settings that you use, your operating ability, and what you do in post. Two of my lenses were more expensive than my camera body itself. So just like I have shown in my post before this one, it's not a cheap endeavor no matter what you do.

Anyway, just on a whim I believe some of the better entry level cameras (under $500) would be the Nikon D3500, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, and Canon Rebel T100. I am currently rocking a Canon M50 that I got for $599, so you can tell I don't have the best thing either... but I know exactly what I am getting out of it with research and know that for what I am currently trying to shoot (also as a "beginner" of sorts myself) that it fits my current needs. The one thing I wish it could do was record for more than 30 minutes at a time, but apparently for the mirrorless body it will overheat the sensor if so which is why they have it as a safety precaution. Down the line I just may upgrade, but for now I'm okay with where I'm at.

The real problem with this line of work is that damn restocking fee. You better love and appreciate what you open, otherwise you may be spending hundreds of dollars just to return an item.

[Fresh Tendrils]

OS Photography Club

We have many threads for video-game captures, but I didn't see anything for actual photography and I know we have some talented photographers here.

Share pictures, equipment recommendations, tips, techniques, and tricks.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: OS Photography Club

Thanks, Blzer! Answers are in bold.

Are you focused more on photography or video? Photography
Are you trying to shoot fast action or more "portrait" stills? Typically stills, but would like the versatility for animals in motion (ie: birds).
Do you need robust autofocus features? That would help initially and in a quick pinch.
Is low light a concern? I do like night/twilight/dawn shots - particuarly if the moon is robust and I always go for sunrise pictures at the beach.
To 4K or not to 4K? Depending on price - higher quality is a good way to "future proof" I suppose
Do you need 1080p @ 120 FPS? (if yes, then expect to get something much more expensive) Since I don't plan on doing any videos I'm guessing this doesn't matter?
How important is in-body image stabilization for you? I tend to be a little shaky at times.
Are you looking for it to interact with your computer through wireless means? Not important. I'm fine with cables.
Are you already partial to a brand-name such as Canon, Nikon or Sony? I have used a Canon previously, but it is so old I've been using my phone for the past 5+ years so anything will be like starting from scratch.


Specifically, what is your budget?
I haven't priced dSLR's in several years, but I would love to stay within the $500-750 range if at all possible.

[Blzer]

Re: OS Photography Club

Thanks for doing this. I'll transfer over my post in the other thread to here for you, and I'll see about your answers in a moment (I was creating this post in the process).

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When I first got my Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera with the 15-45mm IS STM kit lens and I was simply testing out the image options (exposure, aperture, focal length, etc.), I filmed via handheld my 1.5-year-old baby nephew (my older sister's child) and whipped up a quick "music video" with no other such post-production edits. Here is that video, also included is my mom, younger sister and her boyfriend (stupid YouTube copyright-struck the song so I had to upload to Vimeo in 720p because of the original file size):


CAUTION: THIS BABY IS ADORABLE






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Only photo I'll post right now is this that I took of my car and the sunset after shopping at Best Buy:





My car's name is Iris (among several reasons, because of the Goo Goo Dolls song), and my caption for this image can be taken straight from its lyrics:

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight


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This might not be the place to ask, but Blzer (or anyone else) what would you recommend for a good, "entry/beginnger" DSLR?

If we don't have a camera thread, we should really start one up I think.

Anyway, it all depends on what company you want to go with and what you're trying to shoot, plus whether you want full frame vs. ASP-C sensor.

• Are you focused more on photography or video?
• Are you trying to shoot fast action or more "portrait" stills?
• Do you need robust autofocus features?
• Is low light a concern?
• To 4K or not to 4K?
• Do you need 1080p @ 120 FPS? (if yes, then expect to get something much more expensive)
• How important is in-body image stabilization for you?
• Are you looking for it to interact with your computer through wireless means?
• Are you already partial to a brand-name such as Canon, Nikon or Sony?
• Specifically, what is your budget?

The last thing is that understand is that for the most part when two cameras have similar feature parity, even a $2000 difference in cost won't make as much of a difference as the lenses you get, the lighting you're working with, the settings that you use, your operating ability, and what you do in post. Two of my lenses were more expensive than my camera body itself. So just like I have shown in my post before this one, it's not a cheap endeavor no matter what you do.

Anyway, just on a whim I believe some of the better entry level cameras (under $500) would be the Nikon D3500, Canon EOS Rebel SL2, and Canon Rebel T100. I am currently rocking a Canon M50 that I got for $599, so you can tell I don't have the best thing either... but I know exactly what I am getting out of it with research and know that for what I am currently trying to shoot (also as a "beginner" of sorts myself) that it fits my current needs. The one thing I wish it could do was record for more than 30 minutes at a time, but apparently for the mirrorless body it will overheat the sensor if so which is why they have it as a safety precaution. Down the line I just may upgrade, but for now I'm okay with where I'm at.

The real problem with this line of work is that damn restocking fee. You better love and appreciate what you open, otherwise you may be spending hundreds of dollars just to return an item.

[Blzer]

Re: OS Photography Club

I also forgot to ask whether or not you intend to do any vlogging. Basically, is it important that you can flip the screen and such?

I'll probably post suggestions one at a time and have you look it up for yourself. Don't completely sell yourself on any one camera before doing more research, but I'll get you an idea of a camera's limitations (anywhere you read will highlight its strengths so I'll leave that alone).

Thanks, Blzer! Answers are in bold.

Are you focused more on photography or video? Photography
Are you trying to shoot fast action or more "portrait" stills? Typically stills, but would like the versatility for animals in motion (ie: birds).
Do you need robust autofocus features? That would help initially and in a quick pinch.
Is low light a concern? I do like night/twilight/dawn shots - particuarly if the moon is robust and I always go for sunrise pictures at the beach.
To 4K or not to 4K? Depending on price - higher quality is a good way to "future proof" I suppose
Do you need 1080p @ 120 FPS? (if yes, then expect to get something much more expensive) Since I don't plan on doing any videos I'm guessing this doesn't matter?
How important is in-body image stabilization for you? I tend to be a little shaky at times.
Are you looking for it to interact with your computer through wireless means? Not important. I'm fine with cables.
Are you already partial to a brand-name such as Canon, Nikon or Sony? I have used a Canon previously, but it is so old I've been using my phone for the past 5+ years so anything will be like starting from scratch.


Specifically, what is your budget?
I haven't priced dSLR's in several years, but I would love to stay within the $500-750 range if at all possible.

Within your budget, the first one I would recommend is the Nikon D7200. It is an APS-C censor so note there will be cropping from whatever lenses you choose (and you're going to have to make sure they're compatible with your camera as well). There is no touchscreen so you won't be able to do touch AF, and the screen itself can't be moved for vlogging purposes either. It has been "replaced" by its older brother the D7500 (which has a tilt screen and 4K to boot, though the MP count on the photos is reduced), but make no mistake of this little nugget's value.

EDIT: To clarify, the main reason I'm going to show you one at a time is so that you actually start to dig into the nitty-gritty of all of the features and what they actually mean/represent. If you just see a bunch of products you are simply going to go by price, rating and word-of-mouth. This gets you to inspect things a bit more closely and get re-introduced to how DSLR's operate, and then it might lead you down your own path of research to see what exactly you need for yourself.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: OS Photography Club

My previous camera had a flippable screen. That was very helpful for "selfies," but considering the advances in cameras on phones I wouldn't say it's a necessity anymore.

[The Chef]

Re: OS Photography Club

I always found the following website to be really informative when checking out different cameras and comparing specs, https://www.dpreview.com/. I haven't looked there much recently but it was always a solid source of information.

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: OS Photography Club

I recommend all beginners to get a bridge camera first to see if you are REALLY going to be interested into photography before you start spending thousands on a camera and lenses. Photography is an expensive thing to get into, so I say make sure you really into it before you do it. Some bridge cameras to get your feet wet:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-powershot-sx60-hs-16-1-megapixel-digital-camera-black/8595011.p?skuId=8595011

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-coolpix-p1000-16-0-megapixel-digital-camera-black/6275507.p?skuId=6275507

One is about $500 and the other is $1,000. Practice with those until you feel you really want to do it. I had so many friends and relatives who said they want to get into photography. Spent a few grand on camera and lenses, just to take a few pictures and never use it again.

Oh before anyone ask, they call them bridge cameras because they are easy to use like a regular point and shoot camera, have very far zoom, but yet have some of the basic functions of DSLR camera. For majority of people, it handles the need for anything you can take picture of. But then again I have always been of the mindset, if you not going to use it a lot don't spend thousands on something you only going to use once or twice a month.

[PVarck31]

Re: OS Photography Club

I was given a Nikon D7500 by my dad since he got a newer camera.

I like taking pictures of the sky. I love cloud formations and the colors. I used to do YouTube videos and this camera would be great for them, but I quit doing them. Thinking about a way to get back into it.

I'm kinda in a bind right now because something happened to my wide angle lens and it had to be repaired. It's ready to be picked up but the Dodd Camera store is almost an hour from me and I haven't been able to get there. But I'm hoping I can get it on Thursday.

[BurghFan]

Re: OS Photography Club

Thanks for doing this. I'll transfer over my post in the other thread to here for you, and I'll see about your answers in a moment (I was creating this post in the process).

Took care of that for you, though now this becomes your thread since the Post from the "Most recent purchase" thread predated FT's. Don't think there's a way to edit the timestamp.
__________________

I am by no means a photographer, but I did once accidentally take a really cool (or at least I thought it was really cool) picture completely by accident.

Background: A few Easters ago I was at my mom's house and her cat kept going over to the side storm door and putting her front paws at the bottom of the glass pane where it meets the door and looking out. The patio actually wraps around from the front to the side of the house with doors at both ends, so one time when she was looking out I went out the front door and took her picture from outside.

Gia_Door_Crop.jpg

It was a sunny day and I guess the sun was at the right angle such that everything outside was perfectly reflected in the door when I took the picture so the only thing inside that is visible was the cat. This picture is actually cropped slightly as in the original you could see some of the metal part of the door on the bottom and side. I didn't even realize it had done that until I looked at it later. As you can see, the picture was taken with my cellphone.
___________

And another question since you brought up video cameras as well. I have an old Hi8 videocassette camera and would like to transfer the tapes to DVD. Problem is, I accidentally broke the camera once when the door jammed and I was trying to open it and the cameras is no longer usable and as far as I know there are no adapters that can take Hi8 tapes. I had bought something a while back to try and do it with my computer, but it didn't work at all. Is there any way I can transfer the tapes w/o being able to use the camera?

[Blzer]

Re: OS Photography Club

Took care of that for you, though now this becomes your thread since the Post from the "Most recent purchase" thread predated FT's. Don't think there's a way to edit the timestamp.

Thanks, but you may delete that one if possible (meaning assuming it doesn't delete the thread itself, because I can't seem to delete it). I brought it over in that post already, and I'd like to give FT the credit for starting the thread.

That's a cool picture, by the way.

And another question since you brought up video cameras as well. I have an old Hi8 videocassette camera and would like to transfer the tapes to DVD. Problem is, I accidentally broke the camera once when the door jammed and I was trying to open it and the cameras is no longer usable and as far as I know there are no adapters that can take Hi8 tapes. I had bought something a while back to try and do it with my computer, but it didn't work at all. Is there any way I can transfer the tapes w/o being able to use the camera?

I wouldn't know about older analog technology (also don't know if you were referring to me or PVarck), but could you borrow another Hi8 camera and do the same thing, no adapter needed? Or is the problem that the particular cassette you need is still in that one camera, and can't be taken out without being damaged?

I always found the following website to be really informative when checking out different cameras and comparing specs, https://www.dpreview.com/. I haven't looked there much recently but it was always a solid source of information.

Never been there before, but I like what I see so far. Not sure if I would have been able to learn from it, but now that I know a bit about what I'm looking for I think it works out as a great resource.

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: OS Photography Club

The bridge camera is a great recommendation and completely on point. For most people it is more than adequate for their needs and I have similar stories about pricey dSLRs rarely being used (my sister-in-law is on her second dSLR after receiving one for Christmas this year and I have seen her use a camera all of two times).

I actually had a bridge camera in highschool/college that I would still use if the MP count wasn't laughably low and used it fairly frequently. The only reason I never replaced it was due to cost.

A great piece of advise nonetheless.

[p_rushing]

Re: OS Photography Club

The bridge camera is a great recommendation and completely on point. For most people it is more than adequate for their needs and I have similar stories about pricey dSLRs rarely being used (my sister-in-law is on her second dSLR after receiving one for Christmas this year and I have seen her use a camera all of two times).

I actually had a bridge camera in highschool/college that I would still use if the MP count wasn't laughably low and used it fairly frequently. The only reason I never replaced it was due to cost.

A great piece of advise nonetheless.

I used the Canon that was recommended, may have been 40 model # then, for a few years. It was great, plus with the lens you could bring it in to sporting events. On a tripod, you could shot a long ways away. Great all around camera for anything a beginner wants to do.

For Canon, you can also download CDHK or something like that but can't remember the name. It runs software off the sd card and enables DSLR programming functions. That enables you to do a lot more manual stuff, bracketing, etc. So you can see if you are fine with the upgrade you would get.


I have a a6500. I usually only enjoy nature stuff, animals, landscapes, etc but do use it for family pictures. I take a lot of brackets to do HDR images and then stitch those together for big panoramic shots. Unfortunately it takes so much time to get stuff done so I'm a year or so behind editing no family images. The size is great, wanted something smaller since I don't want to carry something big plus 2 lens when hiking.



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[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: OS Photography Club

Time for some pictures

[Gotmadskillzson]

Re: OS Photography Club

Part 2 of Pictures